Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/22/24)
Scores will be settled!
Will this be the Final Chapter for Xavier Woods?
The Final Testament have tried to tear The New Day apart, but Xavier Woods is still standing. Otis & Akira Tozawa stand with him, but will they win?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ilja Dragunov VS Bron Breakker; Bron wins and will challenge Sami Zayn for the title.
- Lyra Valkyria w/ Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Sonya Deville w/ Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark; Sonya wins.
- Six Man Tag: Xavier Woods, Akira Tozawa & Otis w/ Maxxine Dupri VS The Final Testament; The Final Testament wins.
- Bronson Reed VS Pete Dunne; No Contest.
- Zelina Vega VS Zoey Stark w/ Sonya Deville & Shayna Baszler; Zelina wins.
- Sami Zayn & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Sami & Jey win.
PLAY BY PLAY
PROGRAMMING NOTE for Raw!
Because of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Raw moves over to SyFy for the next TWO weeks! Check your cable guides and DVRs to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
GUNTHER is here!
Green Bay is torn as Der Ring General walks to the ring. Gunther gets the mic, and as the fans boo, he says, “I know, I know. I know.” The fans boo more, but Gunther still says, “Let me explain myself real quick. I took some time to reflect on the things I said to Damian Priest last week. And I agree.” The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Gunther says we should just skip that. HE MEANT EVERY WORD HE SAID! Priest and everyone in this arena here are BUMS! Because what is at stake is what is nearest and dearest to Gunther, and that is the honor and prestige of this great sport, and the World Heavyweight Championship,
“Ask yourself why did they send me out here first and not Damian Priest? That is because everybody in this company, and every one of you know, he does not live up to it. And that cute little sob story about fighting from the streets and whatever, that does not cover up the fact that Damian Priest is a pretender and a wannabe.” There is a saying where Gunther comes from. He says it in German first, then says, “Show me your friends, and I show you who you are.” We know Priest’s friends, The Judgment Day. And today’s the day when The Judgment Day will be judged by Der Ring General. And he judges them all collectively as TRASH!
The fans boo more but Gunther tells Priest that we know he’s back there. So for the last time, here is a generous offer. Just come on out, lift that weight off his shoulders that he’s not up to carrying, and hand Gunther his championship. Come on, let’s get this over with so we can move past this. Priest can even go home to the trailer park. But here comes El Campeon, and he is storming to the ring! The fans fire up as The Punisher then DECKS Gunther! The fans fire up for the brawl, but then refs run in! Gunther BOOTS Priest but Priest fires back! The brawl continues, security runs out there, and Gunther kicks Priest again!
Producers get in this, too, and the two are separated. But the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Priest gets loose enough to SUPERKICK Gunther down! Gunther falls out of the ring, pushes guards aside, but then Priest fires off on guards, too! And he TOSSES one out onto the rest! Security falls but Gunther gets away! So Priest LEAPS out onto him! The brawl continues at the ramp, but the producers do everything they can to stop this! Gunther retreats, but Priest pursues! Priest CLOBBERS Gunther and Raw goes to break! Will this chaos continue through the commercials?
Raw returns and…
Jackie Redmond reports in that she’s about to get word from Gunther, but then Priest runs up outta nowhere! Priest CLOBBERS Gunther again, and fires off more hands! Gunther CLAWS Priest’s eyes, shoves him back, and security has to rush back in! Producers get in there, too, and Adam Pearce shouts for this to stop! It spills out into the backlot, and Gunther is sent into a road case! Priest still wants after Gunther but Gunther gets away, will either man even make it to SummerSlam?
WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ilja Dragunov VS Bron Breakker!
From one championship battle to another, The Mad Dragon wants some payback on this rabid dog called Bron Breakker. Dragunov was battling his heart out against Sami Zayn but Bron had to go and ruin that. Will Dragunov kill two birds with one Torpedo Moscow? Or will the Big Bad Booty Nephew prove he’s #MeanerThanEvil?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Bron avoids a boot to waistlock but Ilja throws elbows. Ilja then CHOPS and fans “WOO~!” Ilja eggs Bron on but Bron runs up to TACKLE Ilja! Bron HAMMERS Ilja, Ilja bails out, but Bron goes out to rain down forearms! Bron asks, “Anyone else wanna try to slap the crap?!” Bron SMACKS Ilja off the apron, hears the ring count, and pushes Ilja in at 6 of 10. Bron then storms up but Ilja fires off forearms and boxing elbows! Ilja ROCKS Bron, runs up, and KNEES Bron down! Ilja fires up and Green Bay is with him, and he stalks Bron to a corner. Ilja CHOPS Bron, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS again!
Ilja keeps Bron up but Bron fires forearms in return. Bron UPPERCUTS, Ilja rebounds to BOOT! Bron tumbles out to the apron and the fans fire up with Ilja again. Ilja goes out, CLUBS Bron, then CHOPS! Bron fires body shots and haymakers! Bron CLUBS Ilja, Ilja body shots back! Ilja fireman’s carries Bron, the fans fire up again, but Bron holds ropes! Ilja lets go to get around Bron, and CLUBS him in the back. Bron goes to the other side of the corner, Ilja stands him up, and Ilja fires forearms. Bron SMACKS Ilja off the buckle! The fans rally, Bron drags Ilja back up, and they go up the corner! The fans rally up and Ilja fights the suplex!
Ilja throws body shots, but now Bron fights the suplex! They go to the very top, and Bron GOURD BUSTERS Ilja on the post! Ilja falls to the floor, Bron laughs, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Ilja endures a bearhug! Bron squeezes but the fans rally for Ilja. Ilja CLUBS Bron, is free, and he SLAPS Bron! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Bron shakes his head, catches Ilja to a fireman’s carry, and a GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives but Bron grins. Ilja shakes his head, Bron drags him up, and the fans rally as Bron reels Ilja in. Bron lifts Ilja but Ilja punches free of the bomb to DDT! Both men are down again and the fans continue to rally. Both men rise, and Ilja CHOPS! Bron ROCKS Ilja, Ilja fires back! They go back and forth, but then Ilja CHOPS! SPIN CHOP! CHOP to the leg! Another CHOP high!
Bron staggers, Ilja ENZIGIRIS! Bron stumbles, but he gets moving! Ilja BOOTS him first! Ilja then runs up, dodges Bron, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Green Bay is thunderous as both men rise, and Ilja CHOPS Bron in a corner. Ilja bumps Bron off buckles, CHOPS again, then goes corner to corner and back again, for a JUMP KNEE! Bron stumbles, Ilja keeps moving, BOOT WASH in the corner! The fans fire up and Ilja drags Bron back up. Ilja reels Bron in, but Bron fights the lift! Ilja’s back bothers him but he still tries. Bron gets free, but Ilja SLAPOs, SLAPS and DISCUS SLAPS! Then he lifts Bron for a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Bron survives and Ilja is beside himself! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” and Ilja drags himself to a corner. Ilja rises up the ropes, but Bron rises. Bron anchors Ilja, Ilja CLUBS away on him. Ilja SLAPS Bron away, but Bron comes back and springs right up! SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Ilja survives and Bron is stunned! Bron hurries up a corner and he takes aim. Ilja rises, and he ENZIGIRIS a leg out! Bron is stuck on his Steiner, and Ilja goes up after him! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Ilja rises, to H-BOMB FOREARM!! But he can’t make the cover! Bron rolls away to the apron to save himself! Ilja crawls over and fans rally up.
Ilja snarls, drags Bron up to fireman’s carry, but Bron holds ropes! Ilja still hits an APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Bron flops to the floor and the fans are thunderous again! Ilja crawls along the apron, “This is Awesome!” as he takes aim. SUPER H- SPEAR!!! Ilja gets sandwiched between Bron and apron! Bron slides into the ring and waits. The ref checks Ilja, and then calls it!? Bron wins by default!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by referee stoppage (NEW #1 Contender to the Intercontinental Championship)
The fans boo but the ref calls for medical. The medics check Ilja, who still seems knocked for a loop. Bron gets his second shot at Sami Zayn, will he end up doing the exact same thing to the champ? Or will Sami be able to turn the tide just like he did at Money in the Bank?
Judgment Day hangs out in the clubhouse.
They’re still playing WWE 2K, but also arguing about some things. Rhea Ripley has them all snap out of it. They might’ve lost Priest for the night, since he’s focused on his world title. But they also have the World Tag Team Championships, and she is going to get back her Women’s World Championship. JD says not long now, and she says right. Not long now until The Judgment Day holds all the gold once again. Dominik says that’s great, but he wants to talk with her. She accepts and they step aside. Dom knows they had a good week reconnecting, but… Dom just worries about what he saw online with Jey Uso asking for her number and she said, “Yeet.”
Rhea tells Dom to calm down. She’s just messing around. Unlike what Dom was doing with Liv Morgan. Rhea was watching Dom’s socials, too, y’know. Finn Balor steps in. He thinks Dom needs to take care of Jey once and for all! The boys agree, but Rhea says no, Jey doesn’t matter at all. Oh, is Rhea defending Jey? No! She’s not defending anyone. But what’s the point of starting a war with Jey? Dom, use your brain. Carlito agrees, use your brain. JD asks whose side Carlito’s on, and Finn looks at Dom. “You know what you have to do.” Is peer pressure about to get in Dirty Dom’s head?
Adam Pearce talks backstage with Drew McIntyre.
It seems McIntyre finally does apologize to the refs, and he shakes hands with the Raw GM. McIntyre has been reinstated, but will he be able to keep his cool with CM Punk also in the building tonight?
Xavier Woods and the (former) Alpha Academy celebrate.
It’s Tozawa’s birthday, so he gets a cake! He blows out the candles, and the group digs in. Otis uses his bare hands and says “OH YEAH~!” Tozawa does his shuffle and Woods says that’s naaasty~! But will things get real nasty when they take on Karrion Kross & The Authors of Pain later tonight?
Lyra Valkyria w/ Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Sonya Deville w/ Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark!
The Morrigan and her new pals in the party gals have been beefing with this new trio of hunters, and we saw KC Squared get cheated just last week. Will Lyra humble Sonya so soon after her return? Or will Sonya go 2-0 real quick with help from her new friends?
Raw returns and Sonya makes her entrance, Shayna & Zoey by her side. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. They tie up, and Sonya powers Lyra back. Lyra turns things around, they end up on ropes, then a corner. The ref counts, Lyra and Sonya move from the corner, and Sonya fires knee after knee! Sonya throws Lyra down by her hair, then soaks up the heat. Sonya gets in Lyra’s face, but Lyra SLAPS her! Lyra RAMS Sonya into the corner, RAMS her again and again, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Lyra lets off, and she blocks a boot to ROCK Sonya! Lyra whips corner to corner but Sonya reverses.
Lyra goes up and over and handsprings, tot hen sweep the legs! Sonya flounders, into a SHOTGUN! Cover, ONE!! Sonya bails out to the apron then regroups with her team. Lyra rallies the fans and builds speed, but Shayna saves Sonya! Sonya then THROWS Lyra into barriers! The fans boo but Sonya soaks it up. Kayden & Katana check on Lyra while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Lyra ROCKS Sonya up top! Lyra climbs but Sonya CLUBS her over and over! Lyra hops down but then hops back up to fire more forearms! Lyra HAMMERS Sonya, brings her up, and the fans rally up for the SUPERPLEX! Both women are down and writhing from that rough landing, but the fans rally back up. Lyra rises, Sonya sits up, and Lyra fires a forearm! And another! Sonya hits back, then SOBATS! Sonya KICKS Lyra, KICKS her down, and Lyra sits up. Lyra avoid the sliding knee to kip up and ENZIGIRI! Lyra hurries to reel Sonya in, but Sonya wrenches out! Lyra steps over to SOBAT!
Lyra KICKS, HEADBUTTS, KICKS and HEEL KICKS! Sonya falls, Lyra brings her back around. Scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sonya escapes and the fans rally up. Shayna & Zoey are stressed for Sonya as Lyra brings her up. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Sonya slips free to dragon sleeper! But Lyra snapmares free! Sonya comes back, wants a leg, but Lyra steps over to gut wrench! Lyra holds Sonya upside-down, to then GUT WRENCH BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sonya survives but Lyra is not stopping! Lyra goes up a corner, but Shayna gets on the apron! The ref stops her but misses Zoey SHOVE Lyra down!
The fans boo but then Kayden & Katana YANK Shayna down! They TOSS Shayna, then DECK Zoey! But Sonya SHOVES Katana! Zoey SUPERKICKS Kayden! Sonya runs up, Lyra dodges to WRECK Shayna with a dropkick! But Sonya drags Lyra in for DEVILLE’S ADVOCATE! Cover, Sonya wins!
Winner: Sonya Deville, by pinfall
As the theme song says, Sonya’s a beast and a menace, but she’s also the winner. Shayna & Zoey raise her hands in victory, will these three do what they want to who they want until they are in control of the Women’s Division?
The Wyatt Sick6 have another video.
“Look at yourself. Look at yourself. Look at yourself!” Sister Abigail smiles. “They lied to you. Ignored you. Watched you suffer in solitude. I have been the answer all along.” Sister Abigail goes from laughing to crying to shrieking. Is that Nikki Cross? What darkness has consumed her sanity to make her into… this?
CM Punk is here!
Green Bay fires up for the Best in the World as he makes his way out, and he high-fives the fans by the stage area on his way to the ramp. Then Punk makes sure we know, “It’s CLOBBERIN’ Time~!” Punk continues down to ringside, high-fives some more fans, and even Samantha Irving before he steps inside the ring. The fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” as he gets the mic. Punk says, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk asks if Green Bay’s bay is really green. Maybe it is, and his shoes are pink, and it is time to stain them both with the blood of a Scottish Psychopath!
Because Punk saw his surgeon on Saturday night, and Punk is CLEARED! That means Punk will get his pound of flesh, so McIntyre, come get the beating you deserve! Punk wraps up his fists with tape, the fans fire up behind him, and here comes McIntyre! The Scottish Psychopath has a mic of his own as he glares at Punk from the stage. McIntyre can’t tell us how long he’s waited for this. With how Punk has screwed him over and over, there will be nothing to stop McIntyre from getting in that ring and tearing Punk apart! Except the fact he doesn’t want to. What? Well, Punk wants to! Punk goes out, but security and refs rush in!
The fans boo and McIntyre tells Punk to relax. Their match is too big for Green Bay. This is big money. Control your emotions, Punk. McIntyre is chill. When he’s emotional, he tends to turn to family. He shows off the bracelet! Punk is even angrier, but Adam Pearce tells McIntyre that this is enough. It’s been ten minutes, McIntyre can’t help himself. What McIntyre isn’t telling everyone is that there’s a reason they’re not fighting tonight. McIntyre is officially reinstated, Punk is officially medically cleared, so IT IS OFFICIAL: McIntyre VS Punk at SUMMERSLAM! The fans love that, but Punk still wants to fight now!
Pearce says another thing that’s not clear is that if either one lays a finger on the other, not only is the match off, the first person to swing gets suspended indefinitely! The chaos has to stop! Between these two, Gunther and Priest, Pearce has a big problem, but also a big referee problem. And here comes Seth Rollins!! The Visionary swaggers out in a frilly curtain of a coat, the fans sing along with “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins laughs as he passes McIntyre. Rollins promises they’ll all love this one. Rollins and Pearce shake hands, and Rollins heads into the ring. Rollins gets himself a mic, and says, “Oh yeah< Green Bay, we had ourselves a problem, didn’t we?”
See, Drew hates Punk, Punk hates Drew, and both these morons, all the chaos they’ve caused the past year has scared away everybody from getting in between them. But Rollins isn’t a problem guy, Green Bay. No, no, no. Rollins is a solutions guy! And he thinks he has a solution. Rollins knows a guy who thrives on chaos, and who would love nothing more than to put these two in their places! He is a Visionary… He is a Revolutionary…! And at SummerSlam, he is your SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE! HE is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!! The fans are thunderous but both Punk and Drew step up to the apron. Rollins swaggers now, but will he have to lay down the law in The Land?
Judgment Day searches backsatge.
Are they trying to find Jey? Carlito says divide and conquer. JD will check catering. Carlito says catering sounds good. They go that way, and then Finn says he’ll go over this way while Dom goes the other way, and they’ll double back. Dom says okay, and heads out. Only for Liv to find him first! Dom says stop it, Liv, you can’t keep doing this. Liv says she just wants to check on him. Rhea’s going off the deep end, how is Dom doing? Dom asks what she’s even doing. Liv hushes him and says it is okay. She knows how Rhea makes Dom feel. Don’t worry about it, everything will be okay.
Dom says everything IS okay, now! Rhea and Dom are perfect actually. That’s the spirit. What? Finn returns and Liv says that’s her cue. Bye, Daddy Dom. Finn says he left Dom alone for ten seconds, what happened? Dom asks back if Finn saw Jey. Maybe he went this way, aka the way Liv went. Finn stops Dom before he gets started, and they go the other way. Finn sighs, will Dom ever get his head on straight?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Intercontinental Champion and asks him about Bron Breakker being his challenger. Is he concerned seeing what happened to Ilja tonight? “Concerned” may not be the word for it, but we all saw what Bron did to Ilja. They went to war, they wanted this title, and Bron did earn his shot. “Concern” isn’t the word, but Sami is taking Bron very seriously. Sami tells Bron that Bron should be careful not to make the same mistake he did at MITB by taking Sami very seriously. Sami will do what he does every single time this title is on the line, and that is bring 100%.
Cathy says we have yet to get an update on Ilja’s exact injury, but- Wait, what is that noise? They look down the hall, and we see Judgment Day beatin up on Jey! Sami hits back! Sami fires off on JD, Jey hits Carlito, and the brawl is on! Sami SMACKS JD off the road case, but Carlito says bail out! Carlito gets JD outta there, Sami helps Jey to his feet. Will Sami & Jey have to make sure something is done about Judgment Day?
Six Man Tag: Xavier Woods, Akira Tozawa & Otis w/ Maxxine Dupri VS The Final Testament!
They blew out the candles, had the cake, and now this match will be the special birthday gift for the Stamina Monster! Can Woods, Tozawa & Otis be a new super trio that takes down Karrion Kross & The Authors of Pain? Or will this already be their Final Chapter?
Raw returns and The Final Testament makes their entrance. The trios sort out and Woods starts against Kross. The fans rally as the two circle, and “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” But Kross tags out to Rezar. Woods figured as much, and he dodges the Albanian Psycho to mule kick! Woods fires hands, but Rezar RAMS Woods into a corner! Rezar CHOKES Woods, lets off as the ref counts, then runs in. Woods dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Rezar just gets mad and TOSSES Woods to the Testament’s corner. Tag to Akam, and he stomps Woods down. Rezar CLUBS Woods, and Akam soaks up heat. The fans boo but Akam CLUBS Woods.
The “Punjabi Nightmare” whips Woods, but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges to then FLYIGN FOREARM! The fans fire up and Woods ROCKS Akam again! Woods stomps Akam, CHOPS him, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him again! Woods wrenches, Tozawa tags in, and Tozawa climbs to AX HANDLE! Tozawa runs to ROCK Akam! Akam grabs Tozawa by the neck! Akam scoops, Tozawa slips free and he DUMPS Akam out! The fans fire up as Tozawa then WRECKS Akam with a dropkick! TOZAWA TOPE and down goes Akam! The fans fire up, and Tozawa rips his shirt! The Stamina Monster is runnin’ wild while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Akam knocks Tozawa over. The fans boo but Akam drags Tozawa back up, only for Tozawa to throw hands! The fans fire up and Tozawa fires haymakers! Akam shoves Tozawa to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Maxxine and the fans rally but Kross tags in. Kross stomps Tozawa, stalks him to a corner, then hauls him up. Kross whips corner to corner but Tozawa goes up to CROSSBODY! Kross catches him for a fireman’s carry! F5 THOUSAND! Kross roars but the fans boo. Kross stomps Tozawa, the fans chant “We Want Otis!” Kross smirks, then sucker punches Woods! Kross runs upb ut Tozawa BOOTS him!
Kross returns but Tozawa SUPERKICKS! Tozawa then dodges Kross, hto tag to Otis! Wisconsin’s own starts rallying on The Final Testament! LARIAT after LARIAT and Green Bay is thunderous! Otis even rolls and comes back to LARIAT! The fans are electric as Otis SPLASHES Akam in a corner! Akam falls, and Otis takes off the vest! Otis wiggles those hips and hits the CATERPILLAR~ ELBOW! Akam bails out and the fans go wild! But Kross ROCKS Otis with a forearm! Kross runs up, Otis ELBOWS him, and Woods tags in. Rezar drags Otis out, Woods goes up, and Woods MISSILE DROPKICKS Kross!
Tozawa goes up to SUPER CROSSBODY Rezar! The fans fire up and Woods kips up to fire fast hands on Kross! The ref gets in there, Woods says get outta here! Woods fires more hands, then SUPERKICKS Akam! But Kross scoops Woods for a FINAL PRAYER!! Cover, Final Testament wins!
Winner: The Final Testament, by pinfall
Woods on fire, but he could not stop the apocalypse. Kross mockingly applauds Woods, but will he ever break Woods’ spirit? Wait, here comes the new Alpha Academy, Chad Gable & The Creed Brothers. The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” but what does Gable have to say? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and…
Gable & The Creeds are in the ring with Otis, Tozawa & Maxxine. The fans still chant “YOU SUCK!” but Gable ignores that. He says, “My old crew. Now, the reason I asked for you guys to stay out here tonight is because there is something in me that needs to just keep helping my former pupils, y’know? I can’t help myself. That’s just the type of guy I am, I guess.” Gable says Otis has assumed a leadership position in the group, that’s an interesting choice. But the first thing he does is team with Xavier Woods, and loses! Now, the coach in Gable would say Otis has to lead with his mind, but we all know using his brain isn’t Otis’ strong point.
The fans boo but Gable says using his brain IS his strong suit. That’s why he has Julius & Brutus Creed, a couple fine and professional freak athletes to stand by his side. And they’ll fill in where there were some weaknesses. But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Otis, do the right thing and come back to your coach to rejoin the Academy. The fans boo and say “NO! NO! NO!” Gable says whoa, hey, a little incentive first. The Wyatt Sick6 is after everyone, including them, so they can get extra protection. Otis asks, “Protection? Are you sure, Chad Gable? Like you protected the Creed Brothers last week?”
Otis says oh yeah, when things get juicy, get dangerous, Gable flees the scene, leaving the other two for dead in the ring. Otis says that is the kind of man Gable is. As for Otis’ answer, it is still “No.” The fans cheer and Gable says he’s an idiot! Maxxine, Tozawa, you’re not letting this clown speak for you, are you? But they stay by Otis’ side! Green Bay cheers Otis, and Gable says well then, this is unfortunate. Boys! The Creeds CLOBBER Otis & Tozawa! Brutus TOSSES Tozawa, then the brothers mug Otis 2v1! The fans boo, Maxxine hurries to Tozawa’s side, and Otis blasts free! Otis DOUBLE LARIATS The Creeds!
Otis is face to face with Gable and Gable panics! Otis grabs Gable by the neck, pops him up, but The Creeds save Gable from a powerslam! The Creeds & Gable stomp away 3v1 now, and they sit Otis up. They POST Otis, and Otis tumbles out to the apron and then floor. The fans boo as they haul Otis up again, throw more hands, and then RAM him into the apron side! Gable brings his new boys chairs! But then the lights start turning off! Gable panics all over again as the fireflies come out! The fans tell Gable he done messed up now! The fog rolls in, the piano plays, but Julius & Brutus are ready to fight!
The eerie light shines from the stage, and out step Abigail, Huskus, Mercy & Ramblin’ Rabbit! But then wait, UNCLE HOWDY is behind Gable!! “There you are!” Gable turns around, into the SISTER ABIGAIL!! Howdy hits Gable with that wicked sidewinder! The Wyatts are here, will they make Gable learn the error of his ways?
Bronson Reed VS Pete Dunne!
The Colossal Aussie beat the Bruiserweight, lost to the Celtic Warrior, but he still got the better of them both in the end. Will he demolish Dunne all over again? Or will the former NXT UK Champion show us he can #StandTall all on his own?
But then Sheamus KNEES Dunne down!! Bronson says okay, let’s go! He and Sheamus fire off forearms and haymakers and the fans fire up! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sheamus, fireman’s carries, but Sheamus slips free to KNEE Bronson! Dunne is back up but Sheamus tosses him out! Sheamus has Dunne on the ropes, for BEATS OF THE BODRHAIN! The fans count all the way to TEN! Dunne flops back in, Sheamus throws his shirt for a free souvenir! Sheamus aims from a corner, and he- NO, Dunne bails out to avoid the Brogue! So Sheamus just changes targets, BROGUE for Bronson!
Bronson bails out and The Fella stands tall! Will the 15 YEAR WWE icon just have to fight everybody to remind everybody who the hell he is?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
JD & Carlito are still sore and Rhea asks what the hell! They found Jey… Then Sami found them… It didn’t go well. JD says Carlito, c’mon, you don’t always have to tell the truth. Finn says he is tired of the disrespect! He talked with Pearce, so it is official! Finn & McDonagh will take down Jey & Sami! Then next week, if Gunther wants to call The Judgment Day a joke, then we’ll see who is laughing when he faces Finn 1v1! Rhea says okay, cool, but she told them not to mess with Jey! And now Sami is involved! Oh, and where were Dom & Finn when that scrap happened? Carlito chuckles and says ask Liv.
Rhea asks Dom what that means and Dom says he has no idea what was going on. Liv just- Rhea stops him there and says they’re going to the ring. The fans fire up as Rhea drags her Latino Heat out of the room. What is about to go down when Mami and Dommy go out there?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Jackie Redmond is with The Fella and brings up his attack on Bronson and former friend, Dunne. What exactly is going on here? Sheamus says he knows this business like the back of his hand. Bronson wanted to take Sheamus out of this business just so he could be the man that ended the Celtic Warrior. And as for his old brawling buddy, Pete, that’s still a head scratcher. Whatever issue Pete has with Sheamus, they can easily settle it. They can go to an ol’ Irish pub, have a pint, and settle this like proper fellas. Or they can take this to the ring and find out who the real bruiserweight is. Up for a banger? Sheamus heads out, what will be Dunne’s response?
Rhea & Dom go to the ring!
The fans cheer as Mami pushes Dirty Dom down the ramp and ushers him into the ring. Rhea then gets a mic to shout at Liv! If Liv wants him, then come get him! What?! Liv makes her entrance, but from the bleachers behind Rhea & Dom. Liv says hi, guys~! And Rhea, um, no, Liv’s not gonna be going to the ring, because unlike Rhea, Liv has some self control. Liv waited for Rhea all this time, she can wait until SummerSlam. And the reason Liv is here is obvious: It’s because she has feelings for Dom! Rhea glares at Dom but Liv says Dom surely has feelings for Liv, and no one can deny that.
But you know why that is? It’s because gorgeous men like Dom don’t go for girls that look like Rhea. No, gorgeous men like Dom go for girls that look like Liv. Liv shows off the shorts, and then Dom stops Rhea from storming out of the ring! Rhea pushes Dom, Dom grabs at Rhea, but Rhea glares at him! Rhea says let go, but Dom wants her to listen. What does Dom want?! Dom says he will take care of this. Liv says hold on, Green Bay, hold on, let Dom talk. The fans boo but Liv says please let Dom speak. Because she knows what he’s gonna say, and she feels the exact same way. So Dom, finally just say those three little words!
Dom asks Liv if she wants those three little words. Yes, please! Dom says “I HATE YOU!!” IS she stupid?! Deaf!? She has RUINED his life over and over again! Liv is about to cry as Dom insults her more! Dom cannot stand Liv, she’s ruined so much of his life! Liv backs away sobbing, and fans boo Dom more. Rhea smiles, proud of her Dommy. She whispers something to him and he smiles. Rhea then licks Dom on the cheek before kissing him on the cheek. How is it that Dom has these two fighting over him like he’s the championship? And speaking of the championship, will Liv’s broken heart cost her the title at SummerSlam?
On stage interview with Zelina Vega.
Cathy Kelley is there to ask Zelina about last week, the damaged suffered at the hands of Sonya Deville. Zelina’s arm is all wrapped up, so is she worried about having another match so soon? Zelina says she’s a Boricua, this is not going to stop her! She said it before and will say it again, no one can keep Zelina Vega down. She’s been underestimated her whole life, so it is time to prove people wrong and shutting people the hell up! Fans cheer that, and La Muneca continues to the ring. But will having a target on that arm only make it easy for The Hunter to hit the mark?
Zelina Vega VS Zoey Stark w/ Sonya Deville & Shayna Baszler!
Raw returns and Zoey makes her entrance, Sonya & Shayna by her side. The bell rings and the two circle. Zoey runs up, Zelina gets around and rolls her up, ONE! Zoey swings, Zelina ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, but Zoey powers Zelina around to head for a corner. Zelina slips free to send Zoey into buckles! Zelina kicks, kicks again, but Zoey blocks! Zoey grabs the bad arm, wrenches and WRINGS it! Zelina writhes but Zoey grabs the arm. Zoey stands on the arm, soaks up the heat, but Zelina avoids the knee drop! Zelina KICKS Zoey, runs, but is sent into ropes! Zelina sputters, and Zoey rains down fists!
The fans boo but Zoey paces around. Zoey drags Zelina up, but Zelina fires forearms. Zoey KNEES low, CLUBS her, then RAMS her into a corner. Zoey RAMS into Zelina again and again, then pulls on the bad arm! Zelina fires shots with her good arm, then BOOTS Zelina away! Zoey runs back in but is sent into buckles! Zelina runs in to METEORA! Zelina goes up and up, but Zoey CLUBS her! Zoey climbs up after Zelina, but Zelina elbows her away! Zelina goes to the very top, but Zoey is right up after her! Zoey grabs the bad arm, to HOTSHOT Zelina down! Zelina falls to the floor and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Zoey suplexes Zelina, but Zelina cradle counters! TWO!! Zoey gets free, runs up, but into a BOOT! Zelina then sends Zeoy out, but Zoey springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zoey is frustrated but she clamps onto the bad arm for a top wristlock. Zelina endures, even as Zoey leans on the hold. The fans rally, Zelina fights up, and Zelina fires body shots. Zelina arm-drags free, then KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS! Zelina fires off shots, but Zoey blocks one, so Zelina ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up more as Zelina runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS! Zoey tumbles around and the fans fire up with Zelina!
Zelina goes to a corner, goes up and up, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Zoey survives and Zelina is frustrated. Zelina watches Zoey rise, then hops on, but Zoey slips free. SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Zelina is tougher than that and Zoey is frustrated. Zoey storms up on Zelina, waistlocks, but Zelina victory rolls Zoey into ropes! The fans fire up but Sonya gets on the apron! The ref stops Sonya but Shayna trips Zelina! No 619 here and the fans boo. But the ref notices something has to be up. But then Lyra, Kayden & Katana run out here to CLOBBER Shayna & Sonya! Zoey sees that, still flits Zelina, but Zelina ROCKS Zoey!
Zelina realizes her arm brace packs a punch! So she ROCKS Zoey again! Then she hops on for CODE RED! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Lyra, Kayden & Katana celebrate with Zelina as she gets even with The Hunter! Will these four stand up against the new bullies on the block?
Woods finds Pearce backstage.
Woods knows the GM always has a lot on his plate, people complaining to him every single week, but Woods needs Kross 1v1. Pearce asks if he’s sure. Woods says yes, he can’t drag anyone else into this, he has to do this himself. Pearce says alright, consider it official. Woods thanks Pearce and heads out, but then in steps McIntyre. So Pearce didn’t think to mention Rollins as special guest referee was an important enough detail before McIntyre went out there? Hold on, McIntyre. If you have a problem with this, you shouldn’t have put hands on refs in the first place. But he wanted a match so here’s what Pearce has for him.
McIntyre points out this is Seth Rollins, though! He knows the history between them! And that Rollins and Punk are also “nasty” with each other just for stuff Punk said on the internet. But McIntyre took the world title from Rollins at WrestleMania, how is this fair? Oh, “fair?” Well, they’re all going to be in the ring together next week and we’ll see how fair Rollins is when he gives them his official referee instructions. Now if you’ll excuse Pearce, he needs a drink. Pearce leaves and McIntyre asks what he even means by that. Will The Architect’s plans for SummerSlam be fair to everyone involved? Or will he make some… special adjustments?
Backstage interview with Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and knows that later this week, they will appear on SmackDown to properly address the challenge thrown out by Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill. What can we expect this Friday? Oh, they’ll be there to meet the former champions, but they have everything right now. They run this division. Shayna asks if they’re serious right now. She, Sonya & Zoey walk in and say Alba & Isla have been visiting the other show so much that they’re not paying attention. Shayna, Sonya & Zoey have been running things week after week.
Oh, yeah? Even after Zelina just beat Zoey out there? Alba says everyone is running through these three right now. Sonya says Zelina made the biggest mistake of her career, and so did those other girls. Sonya’s trio will handle them later. But what Alba & Isla need to understand is that Bianca & Jade aren’t their biggest threat, Sonya’s trio is. And they’ll be the ones to take those titles off the champs. Isla says they’re more than welcome to try. Oh, they will. See you soon. Sonya leads her team away but the wicked witches don’t sweat them. Will Alba & Isla make all the other teams curse the day they came for the gold?
Gunther speaks.
“Respectable champions, impressive legacies, unmatched impact. All living out their dreams, but all weighed down by fragile egos. Fragile egos that have shattered the reputation of the World Heavyweight Championship. All simple men that will shrink in front of a titan. This is why WWE desperately needed me. And this is why the World Heavyweight Championship needs me: to create a new mountain top.” Gunther admits Rollins did a fantastic job elevating this title. But the burden of being the workhorse drove Rollins into the ground. Drew McIntyre was so concerned with an afterthought like CM Punk that he held onto the title for only five minutes!
And now, as Damian Priest honorably carries the weight on his shoulders, his foundation is starting to crack. All his work for this dream will slip away from him. It’s a shame. As Gunther looks around at the cast of challengers, it becomes truly… disgusting. He cannot respect entertainers more concerned with making the crowds sings, or hitting some clever line for the respect of the mindless. None of that means anything once you step into that sacred ring. Gunther is the only one who can redefine the prestige of the World Heavyweight Championship, and bring it to a level no title has seen before.
At SummerSlam, the future of this great sport is on the line. And just like everyone else that said they’d teach Gunther a lesson, Priest will fail. Gunther will showcase the power, dominance and prestige this sport still desperately needs! At SummerSlam, Der Ring General will become Der World Heavyweight Champion! Gunther makes that promise, but will he be able to keep it?
Sami Zayn & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio & Carlito!
Just as the WWE Intercontinental Champion was worrying about his plans, he came to the rescue of his friend, his “dawg,” Main Event Jey! And now they’re in the main event together, taking on the WWE World Tag Team Champions! Could we see Sami & Jey feeling ucey after tonight? Or will the Judgment Day prove they run Monday Night Raw?
Sami & Jey make their way through the crowded pavilion, and Jey says, “C’mon, Uce!” The fans ‘YEET! YEET! YEET!” as they follow this dynamic duo, and they even hand over some foam YEET hands! The secret handshake returns, and the fans cheer more! Jey says hit his music! “UUUSOOO~!” Jey & Sami then make their entrance down through the bleachers and fans bounce along with the song. Jey even high-fives Pat & Cole before getting in the ring. Will Jey & Sami YEET Judgment Day right outta the building? We’ll see, after the break.
Raw returns and The Judgment Day makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Finn starts against Jey. The fans “YEET!” already as Finn and Jey circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Finn headlocks. Jey endures the grind, powers up and out, but Finn runs him over! Cover, TWO! Finn ELBOWS Jey in the head, brings him around and bumps him off buckles. Finn fires body shots, RAMS into Jey, then tells the ref to back off. Finn whips JEy corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over! Jey UPERPCUTS Finn off his feet! Finn flounders to a corner, Jey says “YEET!” and runs up to ELBOW! And PELE! Finn falls, Jey covers, TWO!
Jey stays cool and he storms up on Finn. Jey brings Finn up, wrenches, and he tags Sami. The fans cheer as Sami goes up to AX HANDLE! Finn clutches his arm, but Sami brings him up and in. Finn RAMS Sami into the corner! Tag to JD and the tag champs mug Sami. The ref counts, the fans sing “OLE~! OLE OLE OLE~!” and JD lets off. JD CLUBS Sami, whips, but Sami goes up and over to LARIAT! The fans fire up, Sami drags JD up and bumps him off buckles. The ref has Sami back off, but then JD YANKS Sami into buckles! The ref reprimands but JD CLUBS Sami down. JD drags Sami up to snapmare and ELBOW him down.
JD soaks up the heat, runs and drops the leg, brother! Cover, ONE!! Sami is tougher than that, but JD sucker punches Jey! The fans boo, but Sami LARIATS JD up and out! Finn runs in but Sami TOSSES him! Sami then goes to the apron and mule kicks each of them, before the ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Direct hit on Finn & JD and Green Bay fires up! Sami stands tall and storms back over. Dom storms up but Sami backs him off! The ref stops Sami, and he tells Dom to back off. But Carlito POSTS Sami behind the ref’s back! The fans boo but Caribbean Cool gets away with that, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn stomps a mudhole into Sami at the corner. The ref counts, Finn lets off, but JD digs his boot in now! The fans boo, Finn storms back up to jump stomp Sami down! Tag to JD, he drags Sami up but keeps him from Jey. JD reels Sami in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Sami as he reaches out for Jey. JD stomps Sami, stays between him and Jey, then facelocks. Fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Sami fights up! Sami reaches out, Jey reaches out, and Sami back drops JD away! Finn hurries to tag in and CLOBBER Sami! Cover, TWO! Finn rains down fists on Sami while fans boo.
Finn stomps Sami, sits him up and ELBOWS him down! Cover, ONE!! Sami powers up but Finn RAMS him into the corner! Tag to JD and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Sami COHSP! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Then he CHOPS Finn! JD ROCKS Sami, kicks and whips, but Sami KICKS JD! JD wobbles, swings, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and JD crawl, hot tags to Finn and Jey! The fans are thunderous as Jey fires haymakers on Finn! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts some stank on that YEET! Finn staggers, Jey whips, but Finn reverses. Jey dodges to mule kick!
Jey takes off the shirt, and he UPPERCUTS Finn! Finn blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Finn goes to a corner, JD runs in! JD blocks a kick but takes a DRAGON WHIP, too! Jey sees Finn and JD in opposite corners, and the fans fire up with “UCE! SO!” HIP ATTACK for JD! HIP- NO, Finn TOSSES Jey out! But Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jey goes up and up and CROSSBODIES Finn! Cover, TWO! Finn is tougher than that but Jey stays cool. The fans rally up, Jey watches Finn flounder, and he runs in, into a KICK! But Jey stops the slingblade! Jey whips, fireman’s carries, but Finn CLAWS eyes to hit the SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!
Finn snarls and Dom coaches him. Finn calls to JD, then brings Jey up in the corner. JD stands up, Finn fires body shots then snapmares Jey. Tag to JD and he slingshots to ARABIAN PRESS! Cover, TWO! JD argues with the ref but the ref defends his count. JD stomps Jey’s fingers, then he tags back to Finn. JD throws down hands on Jey, then stands Jey up. Finn climbs, but Jey fights free! Finn leaps, into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Sami rises and the fans fire up more! Finn and Jey crawl, hot tags to JD and Sami! The Great Liberator catches the Irish Ace first, for a CORNER EXPLODER!
The fans fire up as Sami aims from across the way! But Carlito gets on the apron! And Dom anchors Sami! The fans boo, Sami gets loose, but JD runs up to hit a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Judgment Day can’t believe it! JD SLAPS Sami, fires more hands, then kicks low. “This is Awesome!” as JD brings Sami up. JD whips, Jey tags in! Sami BOOTS JD, Jey SUPERKICKS! JD sputters, Jey & Sami coordinate! Whip and ONE D!! The fans are thunderous, but Carlito throws Finn in to break the cover! Finn drags Sami up to TOSS him out, then drags JD over so he can tag in. Finn then storms up on Jey, but Jey UPPERCUTS!
Jey fires haymakers, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” JD is up but Jey UPPERCUTS! JD falls, SLINGBLADE from Finn! Finn fires up, aims at Jey from the corner, SHOT- SUPERKICK!! Carlito gets up, Jey DECKS him! Carlito’s apple spit goes flying! Jey DECKS Dom, then runs up on JD! JD HOTSHOTS Jey first! Jey sputters back to his feet, into a SHOTGUN from Finn! Tag to JD then Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE, followed by a MOONSAULT! Cover, SAMI BREAKS IT!! The fans are thunderous, but Finn TOSSES Sami again! Finn & JD hurry to stand Jey up and put him up top! But Sami gets back in! He goes after Finn & JD!
Sami Electric Chair Lifts but Finn fights free! Finn whips, Sami reverses and TOSESS Finn out! Jey HEADBUTTS JD, Sami HELLVUA KICKS JD down!! Then he FLIJES out onto Finn, Carlito & Dom! Jey USO SPLASHES JD!! Cover, Sami & Jey win!!
Winners: Sami Zayn & Jey Uso, by pinfall
Green Bay celebrates the big win for the dawgs! WAIT! BRON BREAKKER SPEARS SAMI!! Bron runs away, having ruined all the fun! Bron grins, is he going to take the Intercontinental Championship away just as quickly? Or is he just adding fuel to the fire inside of Sami?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, but it kinda dragged in the middle. I appreciate them pushing the story of Sheamus, Bronson and Dunne forward, but the No Contest seemed like they were just filling time. That needs to become a Triple Threat already, maybe for the Raw After SummerSlam to help establish a new contender to the Intercontinental Championship. Bron VS Ilja was a great match, but I hope Ilja getting knocked for a loop was kayfabe so that Bron would seem even more dangerous. Of course, Bron added to that with how he had the final say at the end of tonight with that spear on Sami.
Sami and Jey teaming up tonight was a logical move after all they’d been through, and I like that Jey is the new point of dysfunction between the group. Great match in the main event, and great win for Jey & Sami over the tag champs. I feel like Sami is going to lose the Intercontinental Championship to Bron this time, and then maybe Sami & Jey can go after Judgment Day for the tag titles. And as such, Bron VS Sheamus could be the Intercontinental Championship story, though I feel like that keeps Sheamus from finally getting that title because Bron is just nuts and on a powerful push.
Back to Judgment Day, Priest and Gunther had a great promo segment because it almost immediately became an awesome brawling segment that even stretched to the other side of a commercial break. This with Gunther’s promo video later on, there’s some real heat going into that match, and their title match could probably go any which way. With how things are going with Rhea, Dom and Liv, we could also see that Judgment Day split happen at SummerSlam. Sure, Dom finally got the guts to tell Liv off, but that could’ve been because Rhea was right there and he had no choice. And even if Dom is loyal to Mami, JD & Finn could still defect and be on Liv’s side so that they all have belts together.
The Women’s Tag Division story tonight was alright. I figured Sonya was winning again, but I like that Lyra & KC Squared helped Zelina get one over on Zoey. We got a decent promo from Sonya’s group with Alba & Isla, a lot of nothing really when Alba & Isla really are more focused on Bianca & Jade right now. If Sonya’s group got a fourth member (Natalya is still signed, right?), I could see an 8 Woman Tag of Sonya’s team VS Zelina, Lyra, Kayden & Katana. And if they really drag this out, Sonya, Shayna, Zoey and any other two they want (Chelsea & Piper?) could take on five opponents for a Women’s WarGames, or even just a traditional Survivor Series 5v5.
Very good Six Man Tag but I figured The Final Testament would win. Woods VS Kross next week will be a solid 1v1, so long as they make it where it’s only those two out there. You just know Scarlett will help Kross cheat if she’s present, but it’d be more dramatic if it was just Woods and Kross with Kross constantly talking trash on Woods. Meanwhile, great interaction from Gable’s new Alpha Academy with the old one, and of course the Wyatt Sick6 showed up to stop Gable. Great Sister Abigail sidewinder from Bo, and c’mon, there has to be some kind of match for the Raw After SummerSlam or something with this.
And of course, great promo stuff from Punk, McIntyre and Rollins. Rollins being special guest ref instead of a third participant may seem disappointing, but it makes a lot of sense in story because of how McIntyre hates refs, and now he really does have a reason to hate this one because it is Rollins. Rollins might even go out to the ring in the wildest looking referee outfit ever and that alone is something fun to look forward to. With this match and the Intercontinental Championship being added to SummerSlam, that is seven matches, just as I was hoping. If nothing else, the “Big 4” of WWE’s calendar should be the literally bigger events. Give us the major stories, the top titles, and even go over three hours for these events, keep it trim for the others (like MITB or Bad Blood).
My Score: 8.7/10
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The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!
Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.
Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!
Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)
And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?
Julia Hart speaks.
“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!
Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?
But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!
Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.
Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!
Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!
Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!
Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)
The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.
Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.
Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”
Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.
Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.
While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.
Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.
My Score: 8.8/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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