Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 34 Results & Report! (8/17/24)

G1 Climax: The Final Four!

Published

4 months ago

August 17, 2024

Steven Mitchell

We’re just one step away from history!

Zack Sabre Jr. or Shingo Takagi, David Finlay or Yota Tsuji, who will win here to head for the G1 Climax 34 Finals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mikey Nicholls & Robbie Eagles VS YOSHI-HASHI & Shoma Kato; Mikey & Robbie win.
Gabe Kidd & Jake Lee VS Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma; Gabe & Jake win.
Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Phantasmo & Jado VS Konosuke Takeshita, Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Konosuke, Cobb & Callum win.
10 Man Tag: The House of Torture VS Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi; The House of Torture wins.
Six Man Tag: Just5Guys VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
G1 Climax 34 Semifinal: David Finlay VS Yota Tsuji; Yota wins and advances to the finals.
G1 Climax 34 Semifinal: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shingo Takagi; ZSJ wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

G1 Climax 34 Semifinal: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Yota Tsuji!

The Rebel is riding high after getting a first round bye, for he is the top seed coming out of B Block. However, that’s only allowed Gene Blast to build momentum by facing Konosuke Takeshita in the Wild Card match! Will Yota get another win on the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion? Or will Finlay force NJPW to acknowledge him as he makes it to the finals?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “YO-TA! YO-TA!” Finlay says that doesn’t matter, and he steps to Yota. They get face to face, and Yota smiles. Finlay fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and they go back and forth, fast and furious already! Finlay gets the edge, backs Yota down, but Yota puts him in a corner to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Yota fires forearms, but Finlay turns it around! Finlay fires forearms, then HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! The ref reprimands, Finlay whips corner to corner, but Yota comes back to RUN Finlay over! The fans cheer while Yota paces. Finlay sits up, shoves Yota, but Yota ROCKS Finlay.

Yota brings Finlay around to ROCK him again, but Finlay throat chops! Finlay whips, Yota reverses and kitchen sink KNEES! Finlay flounders, Yota covers, ONE! Yota keeps Finlay down with a body scissor squeeze! Finlay endures, pries at the feet, but Yota goes to chinlock. Finlay fights that, but Yota puts on more pressure. Finlay reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go, the fans rally up, and Finlay stands. Finlay fires a body shot, but Yota fires a BODY BLOW! Finlay doubles over, but Yota stands him up in the corner. Yota CHOPS Finlay, then RAMS him into the corner again and again. The ref counts so Yota lets off.

Yota then stomps Finlay, whips, but Finlay holds ropes to block. Yota ROCKS Finlay, then gets space. Yota runs back in, but Finlay FLAPJACKS him off the corner! Then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Finlay grinds his forearm into Yota’s face! The ref reprimands, Finlay claims it was a cover. Finlay drags Yota up, whips him to a corner hard, and Yota bounces off buckles. Finlay has a cocky cover now, TWO! The fans rally for “YO~TA! YO~TA!” but Finlay talks smack. Finlay then scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO, but Finlay clamps on with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Yota endures, has an arm free, but Finlay pulls back!

Finlay has both arms and then gives clubbing crossface forearms! Yota still endures as the fans rally up, and Yota fights his way forward! Finlay pulls harder, but Yota still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Finlay lets off, but he flexes on Yota. Finlay then stands on Yota, and he throws up the Too Sweet. The fans boo but Finlay steps away. Finlay talks more trash, then he drags Yota up. Yota fires forearms on Finlay! Finlay ROCKS Yota back! Finlay whips, Yota reverses and scoops to BACKBREAKER! Finlay bails out, the fans rally up, and Yota smiles. Yota builds speed to DIVE into a forearm!

The fans boo but Finlay talks trash as he drags Yota out, and RAMS him into railing! Gedo cheers Finlay on as he RAMS Yota into more railing! The ref reprimands, but Finlay brings Yota up and around, to RAM into even more railing! Yota staggers, but Finlay refreshes the ring count so he can stalk Yota more. Finlay RAMS Yota into railing again, then leaves him behind. Yota slumps into No Man’s Land, so Finlay goes looking for plunder. The fans rally for Yota but Finlay smiles as he brings out a TABLE! And a second table! Finlay has those both set up at ringside while Gedo distracts the ref.

The fans rally for Yota but Finlay flips them off. The fans boo Finlay but he keeps arranging furniture. The tables are right by commentary, and Finlay goes after Yota. Finlay stomps Yota, drags him up and over, and reels him in! But Yota fights the bomb! Yota CLUBS Finlay, fires more forearms, but Finlay RAMS him into railing! The ref reprimands but Finlay goes up the corner. Finlay soaks up heat with the Too Sweet, then goes back to Yota. Finlay pushes Yota into the ring, but Yota stands to SUPERKICK!

The fans fire up as Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Finlay is sent up and over railing! The fans rally while Yota rests against railing. The ring count starts while Finlay stirs. Yota stands at 5 of 20, wags his finger, and fires back up! The fans cheer as Yota puts Finlay in at the ten minute mark. Finlay takes a swing but Yota dodges to fire forearms. Yota whips, Finlay reverses, but Yota RANAS! Finlay stands, Yota RUNS him over! Yota then half nelsons for a GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Finlay is tougher than that but the fans rally behind Yota. Yota grins as he brings Finlay up, fireman’s carries, but Finlay fights free!

Finlay rolls Yota up, TWO! BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Finlay smiles now as he crawls back to Yota. Finlay drags Yota up, clinches, but Yota slips free to BACKBREAKER, COMPLETE SHOT, and STOMP! The fans fire up for the Yota combo and Yota brings Finlay to a corner. Yota puts Finlay up top, then CHOPS! Yota goes up as the fans rally, and he goes to the very top! But Finlay shoves him down! Yota lands safe on the apron to ENZIGIRI! Finlay flops down, and now we’re near Finlay’s tables! Yota APRON STOMPS Finlay, then drags him closer! The fans fire up as Yota then BOOTS Finlay! Finlay dangles, and Yota grins!

Yota runs up, but Finlay avoids the flying stomp! Yota lands safe on the ground, but Finlay FLYING AX HANDLES! Direct hit, and then Finlay torture racks! Finlay POSTS Yota going backwards! The fans boo but both men are down on the outside! The fans rally for “YO~TA!” but Finlay says he’s the man, not Yota! Finlay drags Yota up, puts him in the ring, and then drags Yota up to clinch. IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Yota’s tougher than that and the fans rally again. Finlay gets annoyed, but he drags Yota back up and in. Canadian Rack, but Yota slips free to backslide! Finlay rolls through, and he blocks Yota’s knee!

Finlay spins Yota to BACKBREAKER, and then cover! TWO! The fans fire up but Finlay is annoyed again. We pass 15 minutes as Finlay tells everyone to quiet down. Finlay calls his shot, and he drags Yota up. Finlay reels Yota in to Canadian Rack, CANADIAN- NO, Yota slips free again! Finlay rushes up, Yota catches him and suplexes, but Finlay fights it! Finlay wrenches out. Yota dodges, Finlay SPEARS into the V-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and the fans fire up with Yota! Yota drags Finlay up, puts him on the top rope, then climbs! Yota goes to the very top, brings Finlay up to join him, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!

Finlay survives but Yota’s right on him! ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay stays in this but Yota keeps moving! CURB STOMP!! The fans are thunderous as Yota stands tall! Yota goes back for Finlay, drags him around, and then goes up, and up, and MAROON- NO, Finlay dodges! Yota comes back, into a ALLEY-OOP into the buckles! Finlay then reels Yota in, CANADIAN HAMMER!! But Finlay falls over, he can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous again while both men are down! The fans rally for “YO~TA! YO~TA!” as he and Finlay stir. Gedo coaches Finlay, and there are fans of the War Dogs making themselves known as Finlay rises.

Finlay storms his way over to Yota, and he aims for the tables! Finlay lifts Yota, but Yota sunset flips it! TWO!!! Finlay escapes, ROCKS Yota, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Yota grins, brings Yota up, and he POWERBOMB- NO, Yota RANAS Finlay and himself to the apron! A rough landing for both men but Finlay gets up to bring Yota back in! The fans go nuts as Yota fights the lift! Yota back drops Finlay onto the apron! Finlay staggers away while Yota catches his breath. Yota then storms over to Finlay as we reach 20 minutes. Yota drags Finlay up, brings him around, and then Alabama Lifts! But Finlay fights free!

Yota POSTS Finlay! Yota aims, and SUPERKICKS Finlay down! Finlay sputters, Yota grins, and Yota drags Finlay up. Yota points to the tables and the fans fire up! Yota Alabama Lifts, but Finlay fights again! Finlay lifts, POWERBOMB through the tables! Well, more like through one, and the other just kinda gets knocked over! Either way, the fans go nuts while Yota is down in the wreckage! The ref checks on Yota, the fans rally up again, and it seems Yota is okay to continue. Both men are down on the outside so a ring count starts. Finlay sits up at 6 of 20, drags himself with the apron, but Yota stirs at 10.

Finlay rolls into the ring, Yota crawls away from the wreckage. Yota stands at 15, but drops to his knees! He’s still down at 17! Finlay is celebrating at 18, but Yota springs to life at 19.5!! But Finlay is on him with INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Yota survives and Finlay is furious!! The fans are thunderous but Finlay rains down palm strikes from all sides! Yota does his best to guard but the ref notices Finlay switching to closed fists! The ref gets Finlay to stop, and the fans boo Finlay while he flips everyone off. Finlay stalks Yota to ropes, daring him to stand up. Yota grits his teeth and fires himself up, to swing! Finlay ducks, and Yota falls!

Finlay drags Yota back up, reels him in, and POWERBOMBS him down! Cover, TWO!! Yota is still in this and the fans fire back up! Finlay is frustrated now, and he asks Yota, “How long are you going to keep doing this?” Finlay hoists Yota up to BUCKLE BOMB! And then POWERBOMB at center!! Cover, TWO!!!! Yota is still in this and the fans fire up! Yota hits Finlay from below, but there’s not much there. Even so, the fans still cheer “YO~TA! YO~TA!” We hit 25 minutes as Finlay BUCKLE BOMBS Yota again! And then another BUCKLE BOMB! Yota slumps down, but Finlay drags him in, for another- RANA!! Cover, TWO!!!

Finlay escapes, runs up, into a GENE BLASTER!!! But Yota can’t make the cover! The fans are electric as he crawls over, TWO!!! Finlay survives because of the delay, and Gedo pounds the apron. The fans rally up harder, too, and Yota grits his teeth again. Yota drags himself up with ropes, and the fans are behind him as he takes aim again. Finlay rises, Yota CURB STOMPS him down! Yota roars and the fans fire up again! Yota drags Finlay up and around, to go up and up and MAROON CRUSH!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finlay survives but Yota just fires up more! The grin is back as Yota rises again!

Gedo shouts at Finlay but the fans rally behind Yota! Yota powers up, takes aim, and runs in, SNAP CRADLE!! TWO!!! Yota escapes but Finlay holds on! OVERKILL- BLOCKED!! The fans fire up as Finlay fires furious forearms to get free! Finlay winds up, but Yota catches the arm into a cording hold! Finlay fires more forearms, Yota HEADBUTTS him! And then cording holds that arm! DEADBOLT PLEX!!! A shoutout to Heat Storm before a GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advances to the G1 Climax 34 Finals)

An amazing victory, with a powerful tribute to his rival and friend, Yuya Uemura! And with this, Yota is one step away from not just the biggest match in his career, but the biggest moment in wrestling history! Will Yota soon pull off the historic double tournament championship?

G1 Climax 34 Semifinal: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Shingo Takagi!

And now, time to determine the other half of the finals! The Front Man could not make The Rampaging Dragon #JustTapOut during the round robin phase, will he find a way to do it here and now? Or will Takagi find a way to make this a Los Ingobernables de Japon Climax?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Takagi and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and and Takagi waistlocks. ZSJ switches, nelsons, but Takagi fights that to switch back. ZSJ wrenches to wristlock, but Takagi wrenches in return. ZSJ rolls free and the fans cheer. The two reset, feel things out again, and ZSJ headlocks. ZSJ wrenches, steps over, then cravats for a neck wrench. Takagi endures, throws a body shot, but ZSJ avoids the clubbing. ZSJ cravats again, but Takagi throws ZSJ away. ZSJ comes back, Takagi bypasses, then blocks a boot! ZSJ ducks the lariat, RAMS into Takagi, then whips, but Takagi reverses.

Takagi goes to hip toss but ZSJ makes it a COBRA TWIST! Takagi arm-drags free, then ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON- NO, ZSJ catches the lariat, but Takagi stops the Pele! ZSJ avoids the senton, snapmares Takagi, but Takagi UP KICKS before the neck twist! ZSJ avoids the sliding lariat, but Takagi avoids the Penalty Kick! The two back off and the fans fire up again! Takagi and ZSJ catch their breath and reset again. The fans rally, and now things are even between “TA-KA-GI!” and “ZAKU!” The two knuckle lock, but ZSJ puts pressure on a wrist. They complete the knuckle locks, and go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength.

Takagi powers up to put pressure on the hold, and ZSJ drops to his knees! The fans rally, ZSJ fights up, and ZSJ rolls back to reverse the pressure onto Takagi! Takagi drops to his knees, but he powers up. They spin, and ZSJ NORTHERN LIGHTS! Takagi gets up but ZSJ arm-drags! ZSJ STOMPS the arm, then fires up! The fans cheer and Takagi goes to ropes. ZSJ waits on Takagi, he goes to a corner, so ZSJ storms up to go after the arm. ZSJ brings Takagi out of the corner to bend the arm and twist the wrist. ZSJ isolates the arm to STOMP it again! The fans cheer while Takagi goes to the apron and shakes the arm out.

ZSJ waits again, and Takagi rolls back in. ZSJ storms up but Takagi fires body shots. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Takagi to a corner! And UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ wrenches the arm, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then wrenches again for another ELBOW BREAKER! We pass five minutes as ZSJ wrenches again, but Takagi blocks the elbow breaker with a SLEEPER! ZSJ slips out the back to SLEEPER, but Takagi powers up and out to whip ZSJ to a corner! ZSJ bounces back and into a backslide! TWO, but Takagi STOMPS ZSJ’s hands! And NECK TWISTS! The fans cheer as Takagi uses ZSJ’s tricks against him!

ZSJ sits up, Takagi storms over, and Takagi clamps on a chinbar. ZSJ endures the neck wrench, even as Takagi puts pressure. Takagi drags ZSJ up, ZSJ swings, but Takagi hooks and spins him! ZSJ fights the suplex so Takagi SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! ZSJ bails out of the ring but Takagi pursues. Red Shoes has TMDK stay back, and Takagi drags ZSJ up. Takagi whips ZSJ hard into railing! ZSJ drops to his knees, but Takagi clamps on with a chinlock. ZSJ endures, Takagi lets off, and Takagi stomps ZSJ. Red Shoes says to bring this into the ring, but Takagi SMACKS ZSJ off the apron. And SMACKS him off the apron again!

Takagi tries a third time but ZSJ blocks to body shot, and UPPERCUT! Takagi fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES off the apron! ZSJ falls and the fans fire up with Takagi! Takagi stomps ZSJ as the ring count starts. Takagi takes a moment to shake out the bad arm, and we hit 10 of 20. Takagi drags ZSJ up and in at 12, and the fans applaud. Takagi then slingshot KNEE DROPS! Takagi digs his knee in, but lets off as Red Shoes brings up being in the ropes. Takagi drags ZSJ up to facelock and he grinds the hold. ZSJ endures the not quite guillotine, so Takagi rolls him back, and has a headlock! ZSJ keeps his shoulders up but Takagi denies the headscissors.

Takagi traps an arm, ZSJ still goes to headscissor! Takagi shrugs that off again, so ZSJ kicks and kicks and scoots his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Takagi lets go. Takagi drags ZSJ up but ZSJ CHOPS! And CHOPS! Takagi JABS and ZSJ falls over! Red Shoes reprimands but Takagi defends it was a palm strike. Takagi puts ZSJ in a corner to LARIAT! The fans rally up as ZSJ sits down, and Takagi drags ZSJ up. Takagi reels ZSJ in to scoop and SLAM, then he drops a BIG elbow! And another! And then fakes the senton to KNEE DROP on ZSJ’s back! The fans cheer as Takagi stands back up.

We pass 10 minutes as Takagi drags ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the suplex and throws down elbows! Takagi CLUBS ZSJ, waistlocks, but ZSJ wheelbarrows then drops down, victory roll into NECK TWIST! And a basement dropkick! The fans rally up while both men are down again. ZSJ stands first, and he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! ZSJ whips, Takagi reverses but ZSJ UPPERCUTS on the run! The fans fire up again while ZSJ catches his breath. Takagi goes to a corner, ZSJ runs in to UPPERCUT again! And then HALF HATCH, with BRIDGE! TWO! Takagi is still in this and the fans rally up.

ZSJ drags Takagi up, but Takagi JABS, JABS and CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks! Takagi fights free of the takedown to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Takagi hurries to bring ZSJ back up, and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is tougher than that, but Takagi fires up! The fans rally, and Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up more now that the time has come! Takagi storms up on ZSJ, reels him in, but ZSJ fights the suplex! ZSJ reaches out for ropes, so Takagi pushes him forward and GERMAN SUPLEXES on the rebound! The fans fire up while ZSJ tumbles away! Takagi hears the fans rally more as he storms over.

Takagi whips ZSJ and KNEES him at ropes! Takagi then fires more knees down low! ZSJ coughs, Takagi whips, but ZSJ turns knee into roll-up, and roll-up into a KNEE SMASH ELBOW DROP COMBO! The fans fire up while both men are down again! ZSJ rises and grabs the leg to KICK it! And KICK it again! ZSJ wrenches the foot to then drop a knee on it! Takagi clutches his leg while ZSJ takes a breath. ZSJ then drags Takagi around again, turns Takagi over and steps through, to then hook up both legs! The fans rally as Takagi resists, but ZSJ still wants the arms. ZSJ can’t get them, so he just DOUBLE STOMPS the legs!

The fans rally and duel as we pass 15 minutes. Red Shoes checks the legs, but Takagi says he’s still in this. ZSJ eggs Takagi to get up then, but Takagi goes to ropes first. Takagi shakes out the legs, hobbles over, but ZSJ rolls to get the leg! ZSJ has the takedown, then a HEEL HOOK!! Takagi rolls fast and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets off quickly. ZSJ then watches Takagi crawl away. Takagi keeps his legs behind him but ZSJ still KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS Takagi ELBOWS! YUKON- NO, ZSJ blocks the lariat to PELE the arm! Takagi still ROLLING ELBOWS! ZSJ KICKS and UPPERCUTS!

Takagi falls, sits up, but into a PENALTY KICK! Takagi is right up to PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! ZSJ rolls to a corner, Takagi heads over, and Takagi brings ZSJ up to the top rope. Takagi fires ridge hands to CHOP ZSJ, then he climbs. Takagi brings ZSJ to the very top, to SUPERPLEX! And a roll through for a MAGIC SCREW! Shoutout to Cold Skull, and both men are down again! Takagi powers up and brings ZSJ around. Takagi pump handles but ZSJ slips free to O’Conner! Takagi bucks that, but ZSJ trips him up! Body scissors and JAPANESE- NO, Takagi blocks the clutch to REAR NAKED CHOKE!

The fans fire up as ZSJ endures and moves around! The body scissors are on and Takagi squeezes tight! ZSJ endures, so Takagi makes it a GROUND COBRA TWIST! ZSJ still fights, still reaches out, even as Takagi THRASHES! ZSJ kicks fere of the body scissors to have the ROPEBREAK! Takagi drags him up fast, pump handle and MADE IN JAPAN!! But Takagi can’t make the cover! The fans rally up more as Takagi rises. Takagi starts up the “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in! Takagi brings ZSJ up, pump handles again, but ZSJ fights the lift! So Takagi HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS and POINT-BLANK LARIATS!

ZSJ drops to his knees, Takagi stands him up to pump handle and- NO, ZSJ slips out to waistlock. Takagi fires elbows but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs, but Takagi LARIATS at ropes! Takagi keeps moving, ZSJ ducks under, and both men run, PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ sunset flips! TWO and Takagi prawn holds! TWO!! Both men stand, we hit 20 minutes, and ZSJ boots the lariat to scoop! ZACK DRIVER!! But ZSJ can’t make the cover, either!! The fans rally as hard as they can, “TA-KA-GI!” “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Takagi and ZSJ stir, and ZSJ sits up first. ZSJ takes off the wrist tape, then stands back up.

The fans rally as ZSJ KICKS Takagi, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Takagi blocks! DRAGON- NO, ZSJ steps through the screw to NECK TWIST! Takagi sits up, ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up! ZSJ stands Takagi to scoop, but Takagi slips free, GROUND COBRA CRADLE! TWO!! Toehold, into a HEEL HOOK!! Takagi flails, reaches out, but ZSJ pulls on the foot with his behind-the-back grip! ZSJ then drags Takagi away to center! HEEL HOOK!! Takagi endures, pulls at his hair, but ZSJ twists the foot! Takagi scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while ZSJ lets go in frustration!

ZSJ catches his breath while he waits on Takagi. Takagi sits up, and he eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ steps up to stand Takagi, but Takagi fires off more ridge hands! But ZSJ catches the lariat, wrangles Takagi to the mat, then STOMPS the arm! The fans rally more as ZSJ rests in a corner. Takagi rises, ZSJ steps up, but into a Gory Especial! But ZSJ reaches back to have a SLEEPER! And then IRON OCTOPUS! Takagi endures, powers out, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Takagi hobbles but he gets moving, to PUMPING BOMBER!! But he again cannot make the cover! The fans rally as hard as they can while Takagi sits up.

ZSJ is dazed but Takagi brings him around. Takagi roars, pump handles, and torture racks, but ZSJ slips into a SLEEPER! BACKPACK SENTON!! But ZSJ has a TRIANGLE HOLD!! Takagi endures as ZSJ squeezes tight! We pass 25 minutes, and Takagi deadlifts ZSJ! ZSJ shifts around but Takagi uses that for LAST OF THE DRAGONS!!! Cover, TWO!?!? ZSJ survives and the fans are thunderous! Takagi pounds the mat and roars, and the fans fire up with him! Takagi winds up to LARIAT! ZSJ stays up, so Takagi LARIATS again! ZSJ is still up, Takagi leans on the ropes, and Takagi comes back to LARIAT! ZSJ still stays up!

ZSJ storms over, Takagi fires boxing elbows! ZSJ SLAPS! And fires off fast hands! Takagi JABS! Takagi ducks the roundhouse, and he narrowly avoids kicks to the leg! ZSJ runs up but Takagi meets him, DOUBLE LARIATS! Takagi roars, but ZSJ ROUNDHOUSES and LARIATS!! Cover, ONE?!?! Scoop and ZACK DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! But into an ANKLE LOCK!! ZSJ has the grapevine and the fans are thunderous as Takagi endures!! But how much more does he have left!? ZSJ shifts, HEEL HOOK!!! Takagi bites his finger to ignore the pain, and he tells Red Shoes to wait! But then ZSJ THRASHES, and Takagi TAPS! ZSJ WINS!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (advances to the G1 Climax 34 Finals)

The Submission Master has just slain the Rampaging Dragon! No LIJ G1 Finals, what is Takagi to do for the Fall now?

As for ZSJ, it sinks in that he’s going to the finals. And speaking of those finals, Yota Tsuji returns to the ring so that he and ZSJ can meet face to face. The fans cheer both guys as they stand in the ring. ZSJ says in both English and Japanese that may the best man win, then offers a handshake. Yota smiles and accepts. The fans cheer, and Yota makes his return to the back. ZSJ then gets the mic, but goes into the crowd! ZSJ wants to be among the fans as he addresses them! In Japanese, ZSJ says, “Ryogoku… See ya tomorrow!” And that’s it! The fans cheer as ZSJ heads out, but will The Front Man make this a mighty G1 Climax?

My Thoughts:

Another awesome night for NJPW and the G1, though I really only had time for those G1 matches. I skimmed the tune-up tag matches, though, and the dysfunction of ELP and Jado is growing. That combined with this story building against House of Torture via the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles, that final straw is coming where ELP is no longer a “Guerilla of Destiny.” And with Evil pinning Yano in that big 10 Man Tag, that pretty much solidifies it, we’ll be seeing Evil and any two House of Torture guys facing Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg for the titles soon. War Dogs also win because Taiji Ishimori is going after Douki and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, that’ll be good stuff.

The United Empire’s Great-O-Khan, Henare & Akira winning was good stuff because Khan is clearly aiming for the world title during the Fall. He got the most recent singles win off Naito so I suppose he’d be up first when it comes to those “golden tickets” won during the round robin. Now, I don’t see Khan winning, but this is a great move to elevate Khan to be more than just KOPW Champion. And of course, two amazing matches in the semifinals. For just a moment, I thought Finlay was getting this, but it was so awesome for Yota to win in part thanks to Yuya’s finisher. And ZSJ winning the main event was the right call, ZSJ has been doing great work for so long, he deserves this moment.

For that matter, ZSJ deserves even the win in the finals. As great as Yota making history winning both tournaments in one year would be, that honor feels too big for a young guy like him, even if he is one of the “Reiwa Musketeers.” I don’t think any of the “golden tickets” takes the title from Naito, so it’s much better for ZSJ to have the Right to Challenge contract and go to WrestleKingdom 19.

My Score: 9/10

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Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (8/17/24)

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Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (8/16/24)

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/21/24)

Merry Collision!

Published

6 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; wins.
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

[Coverage will begin once NCAA College Football Playoff coverage ends]

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]

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/20/24)

Brody King is on a Rampage!

Published

22 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!

The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring!

Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!

Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!

Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!

And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?

Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!

The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.

Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.

Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!

Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!

The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.

Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.

Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!

The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!

Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!

Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!

Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!

Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall

The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?

Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.

Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?

Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!

The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?

The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!

Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!

Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall

Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?

Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.

Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…

Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?

Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!

Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!

Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.

Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?

Team Triple J speaks backstage.

Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!

While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!

Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!

Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!

Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.

Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!

Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!

Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!

Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!

Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!

Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!

Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)

If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.

Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.

And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.