Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Destruction In Kobe Results & Report! (9/29/24)
Buenas noches, Kobe!
Will the United Empire conquer the ungovernable?
Takagi VS Henare for the NEVER Championship, Naito VS Khan for THE IWGP World Championship, can Los Ingobernables de Japon survive Destruction in Kobe?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Yuji Nagata, Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma VS Shota Umino, Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia; Shota, Taguchi & Dia win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
- Hirooki Goto VS Gabe Kidd; Goto wins.
- Six Man Tag: Just5Guys VS Zack Sabre Jr, Kosei Fujita & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ, Fujita & Oiwa win.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Douki wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: HENARE VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay VS YOSHI-HASHI; Finlay wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Great-O-Khan; Naito wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!
Don’t adjust your screens, we’re getting another battle of The Ace, The Joker & The Rook against The House of Torture. But this time, Evil & Yujiro Takahashi are bringing The Murder Machine, SHO! Will this change in line-up help The King of Darkness trump President Ace? Or will it be the same story as last time, where justice prevails?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who walks away with the pot!
The teams sort out, and after Tanahashi shows off the abs, The House attacks! The fans boo as Evil CLUBS Tanahashi, and Yujiro kicks Oleg out while Sho tosses Yano! The bell rings, The House stomps away on Tanahashi, and Evil even SMACKS Tanahashi with his own school uniform jacket! The House drags Tanahashi up, whips him corner to corner, and Sho runs in, but into BOOTS! Tanahashi BOOTS Yujiro, and he BOOTS Evil! Then Tanahashi goes up to TRIPLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up, and Tanahashi tags in Yano! Yano says here goes, and he unties a buckle pad! The fans cheer, and Yano storms up on Evil.
Yano whips, Evil reverses, but Yano stops from hitting bare buckles! Yano taunts Evil, then dodges him, so Evil hits buckles! Sho & Yujiro both kick Yano, then double whip, but Yano holds ropes. Yano sends Sho into Yujiro, then SLAPS them both! The fans cheer, Yano runs, but Sho distracts the ref so Dick can SMACK Yano with the buckle pad! The fans boo but The House BLASTS Tanahashi & Oleg off the corner. Evil TOSSES Yano out, and then Yujiro sends Oleg into railing! Evil RAMS Yano into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san, and Evil grabs a mic to talk trash on Yano! Evil stomps Yano, then he lets Sho talk trash on the mic.
Sho makes fun of Kobe and the fans boo. Sho stomps Tanahashi, Evil puts Yano in the ring, and Evil cocky covers. TWO! Yano stays in this but Evil tags Yujiro. Yujiro sends Yano into the bare buckles! Yujiro then brings Yano up, to RAM him into the bare buckles! Yujiro snapmares Yano, runs and basement BOOTS! Cover, TWO! Yano toughs it out and the fans rally up. Yujiro drags Yano up, brings him around, and he tags Sho in. The House mugs Yano, then Sho taunts Tanahashi & Oleg by holding out Yano’s hand. But then Sho bends the fingers, and he stomps Yano down! Sho drags Yano around to stomp him more!
Sho talks more trash on Kobe, and he kicks Yano around. The fans boo but Sho drags Yano up. Yano pulls Sho’s hair! Sho kicks, whips, but Yano reverses to THROW Sho down! The fans fire up while both men crawl! Hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as #BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Then he DECKS Yujiro! Evil mule kicks Oleg, Sho join in, and they DOUBLE- NO, Oleg fights the suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX back! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg scoops Sho to SLAM him! Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but Oleg deadlifts Sho into the gut wrench! Sho wrenches free to bend fingers!
Sho runs, to SPEAR- NO, he just bounces off Oleg’s bulk! An d then Oleg deadlifts Sho for the Shake, Rattle and THROW! Oleg rises again and the fans fire up! Sho rises, Oleg runs corner to corner, but Sho dodges! Oleg hits bare buckles! Sho grins, runs up, and he CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Oleg winds up to CHOP! Sho staggers back and the fans fire up. Tanahashi grabs Sho, tears his shirt away, and Oleg storms up to CHOP! Sho falls right over! Oleg then deadlifts Sho again, for a pop-up and fireman’s carry! But Sho bends fingers! Sho wrenches, but Oleg kicks low! Oleg runs, but Yujiro gets a cheap shot in!
Sho dropkicks Oleg’s legs, then tags Yujiro! Yujiro drags Oleg up, knees low, then CLAWS his eyes! The ref reprimands but he misses Evil anchoring Oleg! Yujiro BOOTS Oleg against ropes! Then Yujiro runs, but into a SHOTGUN! Yujiro sputters but he’s just as shocked that Oleg got up there! The fans rally, Oleg crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! President Ace is back in action as he rallies on Yujiro! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Yujiro into a drop zone, then goes up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yujiro survives a rather solid senton, but Tanahashi gets moving. SLING- NO, Yujiro ducks under!
Yujiro SHOVES Tanahashi into the bare buckles! Sho & Evil BLAST Yano & Oleg! Then they whip Tanahashi corner to corner! Sho forearm SMASH! Yujiro BOOT! Evil LARIAT! Then they set Tanahashi up, and Sho distracts the ref as Dick climbs! The fans boo, but Yano & Oleg make the save! Oleg tosses Yujiro aside, and Yano sends Sho into Evil, but it also knocks the ref down! Dick panics as Oleg kicks him and tosses him out! Yano calls the shots, and they set Yujiro up! Tanahashi climbs, the fans fire up for the ACE CROTCH CHOP!! Yujiro sputters while Oleg goes out after Sho. Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Tanahashi runs, to SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi covers, Sho YANKS the ref out!
The fans boo but Sho just shrugs. Tanahashi is frustrated, but Dick sneaks in! Tanahashi dodges Dick, blocks a kick, and hits a DRAGON SCREW! Dick tumbles away! Sho steps in, but Tanahashi has him for a DRAGON SCREW! Evil steps in, but Tanahashi give shim a DRAGON SCREW! Yujiro runs up, but Tanahashi dodges and spins him around, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up, Tanahashi gets moving, SLINGBLADE again! Tanahashi roars, the fans cheer, and Tanahashi goes up top! BUT WAIT! Ren Narita is here, and he CLOBBERS Tanahashi with that pushup bar! Ren CLOBBERS Oleg, and he CLOBBERS Yano!
The fans boo the Souled Out Son of Strong Style, but he and the House stomp away on Tanahashi! They drag Tanahashi up, but here comes El Phantasmo sporting a new haircut! ELP snatches Ren’s pushup bar, and CLOBBERS him with it! He then tosses the bar to Evil, and DICK PUNCHES him! Sho runs up, ELP dodges and SUDDEN DEATH! Yujiro kicks ELP, but ELP wrenches out to mule kick! ELP reels Yujiro in, tucks and C R 2!! ELP sets Yujiro in the drop zone, and Tanahashi climbs! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Team Ace wins!!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The Headbanga made sure justice was served, and he clearly cleared out that internal conflict! Will The House of Torture learn to give up on their life of wrestling crime? As for ELP, and Jado for that matter, they stand in the ring with Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg. The fans cheer ELP on, and ELP points to the lion mark. Then he offers a handshake. Tanahashi shakes hands with ELP and Jado, ELP & Jado are now Hontai/Main Unit! Will this mean big things for everyone in the near future?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Just as Japones Del Mal got past The Bone Soldier, an old friend turned enemy staked his claim! Kanemaru still doesn’t think Douki is good enough, will The Heel Master ruin Douki’s run? Or will Douki finally get some respect on his name?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Douki continues to prove the doubters wrong!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Douki and Kanemaru tie up, Kanemaru puts Douki on ropes, and the ref counts. Kanemaru lets off, to kick away on Douki’s leg! Kanemaru whips, Douki jumps the dropkick to whip. Kanemaru reverses, Douki ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up and Douki runs in to ELBOW Kanemaru at the corner. Douki keeps going, springboard BACK ELBOW! Kanemaru bails out, Douki builds speed, and he WRECKS Kanemaru with a dropkick! Kanemaru hits railing, but Douki goes out to whip him into more railing! The fans cheer for Douki, and he wrenches to whip Kanemaru into more railing!
Kanemaru crawls to the ramp, but Douki pursues. Douki drags Kanemaru up, whips, but Kanemaru stops from hitting the apron! Douki runs in, Kanemaru pops him up, but Kanemaru anticipates the handspring! Kanemaru catches Douki, ties up the legs, and hits a DOUBLE KNEE CRUSHER to the floor! Douki writhes but Kanemaru leaves him behind. The ref checks Douki, and he’s still okay to continue, so Kanemaru storms back over to SMASH the knees into the mat! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru leaves Douki behind again. The ring count starts, and Douki manages to stand at 9 to roll in at 10 of 20.
Kanemaru drags Douki back up, to SHIN BREAKER! Douki clutches his knee, but Kanemaru drags him up for another SHIN BREAKER! Kanemaru then grabs the leg for a standing toehold! Then he falls back to YANK the leg! Douki writhes but Kanemaru drags him right back up, for a third SHIN BREAKER! Douki writhes, clutching that left leg, but Kanemaru shows no mercy! A FOURTH SHIN BREAKER! So much damage just to that leg, and Kanemaru keeps going! A FIFTH SHIN BREAKER! Douki flounders out of the ring, and Kanemaru wants either a count or for the ref to call this. Douki writhes, so the count begins.
Douki is still down at 10 of 20, but Kanemaru goes out to drag him into the ring. Kanemaru then brings Douki to the corner! Kanemaru wraps the legs around the post to pull! Douki endures and the ref counts, but Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru then SLAMS the bad leg into the post! The fans rally for Douki, but Kanemaru SLAMS the leg into the post again! Kanemaru pushes Douki over, then rolls into the ring. Kanemaru watches Douki crawl from the corner, then kicks at him. Kanemaru taunts Douki, but Douki gets mad! Douki stands and fires forearms! Kanemaru just kicks the bad leg! Kanemaru then trips Douki and has hold of the legs!
The ref warns Kanemaru not to stomp low! Kanemaru says okay, but then hands the ref one leg so he can split the wishbone! Douki gets mad at the ref but the ref defends Kanemaru tricked him! Kanemaru grabs the bad leg, drops an elbow on the knee, and then puts on a toehold. Douki endures and grabs at Kanemaru to try a chinbar. Kanemaru just puts more pressure on the leg! Douki endures, keeps his shoulders up, and tries to use his other leg, but Kanemaru shakes that off. Douki drags Kanemaru with him as he reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Kanemaru kneels on the bad leg as he lets off!
Kanemaru has Douki’s leg in a leg scissors, and he leans on the ropes for leverage in this different kind of toehold! The ref reprimands and counts, Kanemaru lets go for real now, and he stays between Douki and ropes. Kanemaru stomps Douki, talks smack, then stomps Douki more. Douki slowly rises but Kanemaru gives mocking kicks. Douki CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Kanemaru kicks the bad leg! Kanemaru whips Douki to a corner, but runs into a BOOT! Douki storms up but Kanemaru mule kicks the bad leg! Kanemaru runs, but into a LEAPING HEADBUTT! Both men are down and the fans rally up for Douki!
Douki slaps his bad leg as he sits back up. Douki stalks after Kanemaru, drags him up and whips to ropes, but Kanemaru reverses. Douki holds ropes, BOOTS back, then baits Kanemaru in order to DUMP him out! Douki then PANCHAS! Down goes Kanemaru and the fans fire up! Douki drags himself back to the ring and the fans rally up. Douki then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Kanemaru again and the fans fire up more! Douki clutches his bad leg but he’s still got fight in him. Douki roars and the fans fire up again. Douki drags Kanemaru up and into the ring, hobbles over and brings Kanemaru up, to suplex! Cover, TWO!
The fans continue to rally behind Douki and he slaps his leg again. Douki drags Kanemaru up, hooks the arms, but Kanemaru fights the Gory Especial. Douki slips around, hooks again, but then spins Kanemaru to drop down! ITALIAN- NO, Kanemaru slips out to jackknife bridge! TWO!! Douki escapes, Kanemaru runs up, but Douki BOOTS him! Douki goes to the apron, RAMS into Kanemaru, and slingshots, DAY- Manhattan Drop! Kanemaru turns things around on Douki, then slides him into the POST! Douki’s arm hits the bottom part of the corner, and he crawls to the apron. Kanemaru is there to SUPER KNEE SMASH to the floor!!
The ref checks Douki as he clutches his leg, and Kanemaru sits back while the fans rally up. Douki’s knee is somehow not busted so he is still in this. Kanemaru leaves Douki behind to the ring count again, and Douki is still down at 10 of 20. Douki slowly sits up, but we’re at 15 already! Douki manages to stand, but he falls over at 17! Douki hurries to get up at 19, and he rolls in at 19.5! But Kanemaru is there to RUNNING KNEE BUSTER!! And then, FIGURE FOUR!! Kanemaru thrashes around as he puts as much pressure as he can on the legs! Douki endures, keeps his shoulders up, but Kanemaru pushes on the leg!
Douki flails, reaches out, and he drags Kanemaru along to have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds until the ref counts. Kanemaru slowly lets go of the Figure Four, then he goes up the corner. Douki crawls, manages to stand, into DEEP- NO!? Douki manages to catch Kanemaru! But Douki can’t hold on, the bad leg won’t support the extra weight! Kanemaru then kicks the leg, runs the ropes, and tilt-o-whirls, but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Douki bridges, but the leg gives up at TWO! Douki clutches the leg while Kanemaru crawls to a corner. The fans rally up, Douki rises, and Douki hobbles up.
Douki blocks Kanemaru’s boot, and pops him up and over! Douki has Kanemaru in the Gory Especial, and brings him around for DODON NO JUTSU! Backslide cover, TWO! Kanemaru escapes, but ends up in ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Kanemaru endures, fights his way around, and reaches out for a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Douki lets go, and the fans rally up again. Douki fires up and the fans are with him! Douki wheelbarrows Kanemaru, but Kanemaru mule kicks the bad leg! FIGURE- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO, but Douki ghost pins! TWO! Douki tries the ITALIAN STRETCH!! Kanemaru endures, fights up, and he drags Douki along!
Douki rolls Kanemaru away, ITALIAN CRADLE! TWO!! Kanemaru is up but he’s back in the ITALIAN STRETCH! Kanemaru fades and falls over! Douki pulls, but SHO rings the bell!! The fans boo as The Murder Machine is here! Douki storms over so Sho backs away. Sho acts like he did nothing wrong, but he just saved Kanemaru. Douki pursues Kanemaru outside the ring, pushes him back in, but Sho keeps talking to the ref. WHISKEY MIST!! Douki staggers around blindly, and Kanemaru LARIATS him in the corner! Scoop, SLAM, and MOONSAULT off the corner! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and the fans fire up!
Kanemaru is furious, but he hurries to bring Douki up. Kanemaru suplexes, but Douki slips free! Douki GERMAN SUPLEXES, bridges, but then rolls back for an O’Conner style cover! TWO, but now Douki has Kanemaru in the wheelbarrow! SUPLEX DE- NO, Kanemaru mule kicks the bad leg again! Kanemaru trips Douki, and has the FIGURE FOUR!! Douki endures and flails while the fans rally as hard as they can! Douki keeps his shoulders up but Kanemaru thrashes around! Douki reaches out and the fans cheer him on! Douki claws his way over, for the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go in frustration but the fans cheer.
The ref checks with Douki but Douki won’t let it end here. Kanemaru goes up top and waits. Douki stands, into DEEP IMPACT! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and the fans fire up! Kanemaru drags Douki up, suplexes, but Douki fights free! Kanemaru kicks the leg, and SHIN- NO, Douki KNEES free, then HELL STABS! Kanemaru keeps Douki from running, but Douki uses the British Escape to then ENZIGIRI! Douki runs, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Douki pushes the ref aside and LARIATS Kanemaru down! Sho gets on the apron, Douki DECKS him! Douki fires up and runs, to DIVE into Sho! Sho hits railing and the fans fire up!
Douki roars, the fans fire up more, and Douki heads back to the apron. Kanemaru runs up, Douki RAMS into him! Then DAYBREAK!! Douki drags Kanemaru to a cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives but the fans fire up behind Douki! Douki pounds the mat, fires up again, and he wheelbarrows Kanemaru! SUPLEX DE LA- NO, Kanemaru drops to somersault clutch! TWO, into a FIGURE- NO, Douki arm-drags free, then dodges to LARIAT!! Kanemaru staggers up, falls over, and Douki wheelbarrows again! SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!!! Bridging cover, DOUKI WINS!!
Winner: Douki, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
Even with all that damage to his leg, Douki finds a way! Douki stands tall with the title, only for Sho to snatch it away! The Murder Machine commits theft, and now HE says Douki doesn’t deserve to be champion! Sho says we’ve seen this pattern before, so now HE is going to take this title from Douki! Sho dares Douki to accept or he smashes the belt with his Torture Tool! Douki hobbles out of the ring, grabs a mic, and while fans tell Sho to go home, Douki tells Sho that he agrees, Sho should just leave. Sho has tarnished the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, but he also beat Douki twice before. So CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
Sho says okay, fine, here’s the belt back. Sho steps up, holds the belt out, and Douki takes it back. But then Sho CLOBBERS Douki with the Torture Tool! Fans boo, Young Lions run up, but Sho beats them all down! Sho tries to steal the belt this time, but here comes Taichi! The Holy Emperor runs Sho off, but Sho got what he wanted. Will Sho redeem his previous losses by ruining Douki’s reign? Or can Douki finally tear The Murder Machine apart?
NEVER Openweight Championship: HENARE VS Shingo Takagi!
The Face of Fury has been a powerful champion, but he wants to solidify his dominance by taking down the man he took this title from! Will Henare once again conquer this ungovernable icon? Or will the Rampaging Dragon once again have this title around his waist?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly NEVER gives in!
The bell rings and the two run up! They RAM shoulders, Takagi fires a forearm to run, and he RAMS Henare! Henare fires a forearm then runs, and they RAM shoulders again! They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! The fans fire up as the shots fly, and Henare gets the edge! Henare RAMS Takagi, Takagi rebounds to RAM Henare! Takagi ELBOWS Henare, runs, but Henare ducks ‘n’ dodges. DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but then Henare CLOBBERS Takagi! Takagi’s right up to CLOBBER Henare! The fans fire up as Takagi follows Henare outside. Takagi SMACKS Henare off the apron, but Henare returns the favor!
Henare growls, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi HEADBUTTS Henare, whips him, but Henare reverses, sending Takagi into railing! Henare storms up, fires body shots, then CLUBS Takagi. Henare HEADBUTTS again and again, then he RAMS Takagi into railing! The fans fire up and Henare brings Takagi around. Henare KICKS Takagi, puts him in the ring, but Takagi gets moving! Henare kitchen sink knees! Henare whips, but Takagi reverses, only for Henare to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up again and Henare stalks Takagi. Henare drags Takagi up, fireman’s carries, and WASTELAND SLAMS, to then SENTON! Cover, TWO!
The fans applaud as Takagi stays in this, and Henare stays close. Henare drags Takagi up into a half nelson, but Takagi fights the full! Takagi fires elbows, so Henare shifts to body scissors! Henare then has the GROUND COBRA! Takagi endures, pries at the hold, and moves around, to then kick and have the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Henare lets go. Henare kicks at Takagi, but Takagi stands to fire forearms! Henare fires back, so Takagi CHOPS! Henare KNEES low, snapmares, and KICKS! Takagi eggs him on! The fans fire up, and Henare KICKS again! That one stings, and Takagi writhes.
Henare drags Takagi up, runs, but Takagi blocks the Rugby Kick! Takagi CLUBS Henare, ELBOWS! JABS! And YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi leans on ropes. Takagi then SENTONS onto Henare! Henare sputters and hurries to ropes. Takagi looks to the camera, but says maybe not yet. Henare goes to a corner, Takagi runs up, but Takagi blocks the boot! Takagi LARIATS, then he fires the fans up. JAB, CHOP, JAB, CHOP, repeat! Then JAB, JAB, JAB, and CHOP! Henare just growls! Henare puts Takagi in the corner and fires hands from all sides! Henare HEADBUTTS, then he whips corner to corner.
Henare runs to LARIAT, and Takagi stumbles along ropes. Henare runs and RAMS Takagi. Takagi rebounds to CLOBBER Henare! The fans fire up and Takagi suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi tells Kobe, “TOKI GA KITA!” It’s time and the fans fire up! Takagi sits Henare up to run and SLIDING- NO! Henare blocks and clinches! But Takagi fights with elbows! Henare KNEES low, BODY BLOWS, then runs, into a LARIAT! Takagi runs but Henare scoops, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, ONE?!? Takagi is still in this but Henare stays focused. Henare paces, then he aims from a corner as Takagi rises.
The fans rally as Henare stomps and powers up. Henare runs in, but Takagi stuffs the Rampage! Takagi fires knees, then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint and DDT! But Henare rises?! Henare growls, and he RAMP- DDT!! Takagi turns things around on Henare and both men are down! The fans fire up, and Takagi rises. Takagi brings Henare up, puts him on the top rope, and then fires ridge hand chops! Takagi climbs, and goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down and writhing while the fans fire up! Takagi sits Henare up, runs, SLIDING LARIAT! But Henare’s right up to basement KNEE!!
Both men are down again and the fans are fired up! Takagi and Henare slowly sit up, and they give each other junkyard dog headbutts. They stand to HEADBUTT again and again, and then Takagi CHOPS! Takagi eggs Henare on, so Henare KICKS! Henare eggs Takagi on, so Takagi CHOPS! The fans rally and Henare KICKS! Takagi sputters, but he comes back to CHOP! Henare growls and KICKS! Takagi JABS, CHOPS, and then DOUBLE CHOPS! Henare just winds up to KICK! Takagi tries but that one really got him. Henare KICKS again! And KICKS again! Takagi goes to ropes to catch his breath, but he comes back, into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!
Both men are down as Henare clutches his shoulder. Henare still has damage from other brutal battles, but he grits his teeth to haul Takagi up. URENAGE!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up again! Henare frowns but he rises up. Henare storms over to Takagi, and then clamps on. But Takagi fights the nelson! Henare BODY BLOWS, then half nelsons! Full nelson! ULTIMA NELSON!! Takagi endures but Henare puts on the pressure! Takagi pries at the hold, powers up, but Henare is pushing on the neck! The ref checks, Takagi shakes his head, but Henare stands Takagi up to pull on the arms! Takagi is fading!
The ref checks, but Takagi finds a second wind! He switches with Henare, and MADE IN JAPAN!!! Both men are down from how out of nowhere the pump handle driver was! But then Takagi sits Henare up for “OI! OI! OI!” HAMMER ‘N’ ANVILS! But Henare hits back from below! So Takagi SLIDING FOREARMS from behind! The fans fire up, and join in on “OI! OI! OI!” again. Takagi runs, but Henare ELBOWS him! Then FLYING CHUCKS! But Takagi rebounds to PUMPING BOMBER!! Takagi hurries to pump handle and rack, but Henare slips free! STREETS- NO, Takagi slips free, to HEADBUTT! Henare HEADBUTTS back!!
The fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Henare reaches up but he dazed himself with that shot. The fans rally and duel, and Henare rises first. Henare drags Takagi up, vows to end this, but Takagi fights the fisherman! Henare still has the leg, but Takagi wrenches out! Henare HEADBUTTS! NATIVE KNEE! Then snapmare and RUGBY KICK!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Takagi shocks everyone, especially Henare! But Henare hits the RAMPAGE!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Takagi survives again but Henare powers up! Henare drags Takagi up, STREETS OF- NO, Takagi slips free! But then he falls over! Henare gloats a bit, feeling this is Takagi’s limit.
Henare drags Takagi up, but Takagi… Well, he tries throwing lariats, but there isn’t much behind those. Henare still catches him to half nelson! Takagi fights the full nelson, and he fires elbows! Henare ROCKS Takagi back! Takagi leans on Henare, but Henare ROCKS him again! Takagi again leans on Henare, so Henare ROCKS Takagi again! But now Takagi eggs Henare on?! Henare lets forearms fly, and then he winds up. Takagi SWATS the lariat, but Henare ELBOWS! Takagi SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF!? The fans fire up and duel again, and Takagi brings Henare up. Takagi fires boxing elbows, but then Henare bobs ‘n’ weaves to BODY BLOW!
Henare HEEL KICKS! Takagi DISCUS PUJMPING! But Henare’s up to LARIAT! Takagi’s up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Now both men lean on each other! They DOUBLE HEADBUTT, and DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Takagi JABS! Henare HEADBUTTS!! Takagi LARIATS!! Henare HEADBUTTS!! Takagi BLINDSIDE PUMPING BOMBERS!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Henare stirs, perhaps in another daze. The ref starts a standing count, and the fans rally up as hard as they can! Henare and Takagi both flounder, but then tell the ref to stop the count! They both stand, and they start throwing palm strikes!
Henare fires a flurry, but Takagi HEADBUTTS! And ELBOWS! Takagi swings, but Henare catches the arm! And he catches the other arm! They tug-o-war, but then Henare breaks the grip! Takagi JABS! HEADBUTTS! KNEES!! Henare runs up, but into PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, ONE!?!?!? HOW?!?!? But Takagi gets moving to PUMPING BOMBER!!! Henare flips inside out and Takagi covers!! TWO!?!??!! Henare shocks everyone but Takagi roars! Pump handle, torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGON!!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
These two pushed each other to limits perhaps even they didn’t know they had! But now, Takagi is once again atop the hardest hitting division in all of NJPW! Takagi shows Henare respect by bringing the ice pack, and Henare shows respect back by handing Takagi the title. Will Takagi bring this belt with him as he pursues Tetsuya Naito and the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS YOSHI-HASHI w/ Hirooki Goto!
The Rebel without a nation once again holds the belt he created using the former IWGP United States and IWGP United Kingdom Championships. However, the Headhunter of Japan wants to prove he still belongs. Will Hashi #GetBackUp and finally be a champion all on his own? Or will Finlay prove NJPW needs The Rebel more than it does Hashi?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly championship material!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. Finlay asks if Hashi is nervous. They circle, tie up, and Finlay smothers Hashi to the ropes! The ref reprimands and calls for the break. Finlay lets off, but then he sucker punches Hashi! Hashi swings but Finlay gets around to headlock. Hashi powers up and out, but Finlay runs him over! Cover, ONE, but Finlay clamps on with a headlock. Hashi slips out to hammerlock, then he headlocks in return. Finlay powers up and out, ducks the lariat, but Hashi runs him over! The fans applaud and Finlay goes to ropes. Hashi steps up, Finlay fires a body shot, but Hashi ROCKS Finlay with a forearm.
Hashi follows Finlay to ropes, CHOPS him, and Finlay grits his teeth. Hashi fires a forearm and Finlay goes to a corner. Hashi stands Finlay up to CHOP him! Finlay gets frustrated but Hashi whips him corner to corner. Hashi runs in, but Finlay pops Hashi up to fireman’s carry! Finlay hits SNAKE EYES on the ropes! Hashi sputters and falls, and Finlay rains down fists! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and then he shows he uses open palms as he rains down more shots! Finlay drags Hashi to a cocky cover, TWO! Gedo laughs and Finlay stands Hashi up, to UPPERCUT him! Hashi staggers but Finlay UPPERCUTS again!
Hashi goes to ropes, Finlay storms up and CHOKES Hashi! Finlay CLAWS Hashi’s face, lets off, and then whips Hashi to a corner hard! Hashi falls and writhes, and Gedo is impressed by Finlay’s strength. Finlay talks trash, Gedo tells Hashi to give up, but Hashi refuses. Finlay shows off by doing pushups and even a kip up. But he also flips off the fans, he doesn’t care about their cheering. Hashi fires body shots, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Finlay whips, Hashi holds ropes and BOOTS back! Finlay runs back up and LARIATS Hashi and himself up and out! The fans rally, Finlay drags Hashi up, and Finlay SMACKS Hashi off the apron!
Finlay talks trash, and he SMACKS Hashi off the apron again! Finlay hopes Hashi remembers that time he busted his face on the apron while running down to the ring. Finlay SMACKS Hashi off the apron again! Hashi falls back, and Finlay peels away the apron skirt! Finlay wants Hashi to remember that steel frame going into his face! Finlay brings Hashi up, but Hashi blocks the bump! Hashi fires hands, but Finlay throat chops! Finlay brings Hashi way up the ramp, reels him in, and POWER- NO, Hashi fights free! Finlay kicks low, but Hashi suplexes first! Finlay writhes from landing on the stage and the fans fire up!
Hashi and Finlay stir, and Hashi sits up first. Hashi then goes further up the ramp? The fans rally up as he aims at Finlay! Hashi runs down the ramp, to SHOTGUN Finlay! Finlay tumbles all the way back to ringside! Gedo freaks out but the fans fire up as Hashi storms back up. Hashi then whips Finlay face first into the apron! Now Finlay knows how it felt! Hashi leaves Finlay behind to go into the ring. The fans rally as Hashi pounds the mat. Hashi then builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Finlay! The fans fire up with Hashi as he flexes! Hashi then puts Finlay in, and goes up the corner, to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
Finlay stays in this but Hashi stays on him with the BUTTERFLY STRETCH! Finlay flails and has the ROPEBREAK! Hashi lets go quickly and Finlay scrambles out even faster! Finlay crawls around ringside, but Hashi keeps his eyes on him. Hashi storms out after Finlay, ROCKS him, then follows him around the way. Hashi DECKS Finlay, and the fans rally up. Gedo is upset, but Hashi CHOPS Finlay! Finlay staggers away, chest stinging from the sharpest chops in NJPW! But then Finlay fireman’s carries! LAWN DART, but Hashi lands out! Only for Finlay to POUNCE him into railing! Finlay grins while Hashi writhes.
Finlay drags Hashi back up, brings him out through the gate, and lifts him up! Hashi fights, but Finlay double clutches! POST BOMB!! Hashi falls in a heap and Finlay laughs at his own sadism! Finlay soaks up the cheers and jeers as he says he is the greatest! Finlay and Gedo Too Sweet, then Finlay goes into the ring. The ring count climbs, and Goto coaches Hashi up. We pass 10 of 20, but Finlay steps out. Finlay has Goto get back, then he drags Hashi into the ring. The fans applaud, and Finlay rolls in to cover, TWO! Hashi stays in this but Finlay drags him up. Finlay talks trash on Hashi, but Hashi fires body shots. Finlay CHOPS Hashi down!
Finlay drags Hashi up to suplex and TOSS! Hashi flounders and Finlay flexes while Gedo tells Hashi to just quit. The ref checks Hashi, and Finlay uses that to untie a buckle pad! Who does he think he is, Yano? Finlay tells Hashi he is going to destroy him in this ring, and make this the worst day of his life! Finlay drags Hashi up, whips, but Hashi reverses! Finlay hits POST, and then dangles in the ropes! Hashi fires up, reels Finlay in, atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Finlay stays in this and the fans fire up! Hashi rises, Finlay follows, and Finlay pie faces Hashi. Hashi fires a forearm! Finlay fires back!
Hashi fires another forearm, but so does Finlay! The fans rally, Goto and Gedo coach Hashi and Finlay, and the forearms keep going as they stand! Hashi ROCKS Finlay! Finlay staggers, comes back, and he ROCKS Hashi! Hashi staggers, comes back, and he ROCKS Finlay! The forearms fly fast and furious, back and forth, but Finlay gets the edge! ROLLING- SUPERKICK! Hashi runs up, ITA- NO, Finlay slips free! But Hashi fights the suplex! Hashi wrenches, half nelsons, pump handles, but Finlay rolls free! Finlay reels Hashi right in for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Finlay brings him right up!
Finlay Canadian Racks, for the CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives again and the fans fire up! Finlay snarls, drags Hashi up again and reels him back in. POWER- DDT!! Hashi turns things around, and then SUPERKICKS Finlay! Finlay staggers, Hashi runs, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Finlay grits his teeth, clutches his knee, but he drags Hashi up by an arm. Finlay reels Hashi in again, Gedo says to end this! Finlay hoists Hashi up, but Hashi RANAS Finlay into bare buckles! Finlay staggers back, into ITADAKI KARI! Cover, TWO!! Finlay is NOT Easy Pickings and the fans fire up!
Hashi rolls into the BUTTERFLY STRETCH!! Finlay endures, claws at Hashi, reaches out with a foot, but Hashi puts on the pressure! Finlay fights around but Hashi twists him away from ropes! Gedo distracts the ref, and Finlay grabs his shillelagh! Hashi stops that arm, and Goto grabs Gedo in a SLEEPER!! Hashi snatches the shillelagh, tosses it away, and back to the BUTTERFLY STRETCH!! Finlay fights around, reaches out, but Hashi twists him away again! Finlay kicks and flails, bites his finger to ignore the pain in his shoulders, but Hashi just TWISTS him more!! Finlay flails, but he seems to be fading!
Hashi grabs that arm, CHIMERA BUTTERFLY!!! Finlay fights with one last gasp, to the ROPEBREAK!! Hashi lets go in frustration but perhaps also exhaustion, and the fans rally up again. Hashi rises, the fans fire up, and Hashi has Finlay in a wristlock. Hashi hooks a leg, but Finlay fights free! Only to run into a DRAGON SUPLEX! But Finlay LARIATS! Hashi’s up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stagger, then run up! HASHI LARIAT flips Finlay inside-out! Hashi drags Finlay up, fisherman and KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO?!? Finlay survives, but Hashi just fires back up with the fans!
Hashi scoops Finlay, SLAMS him, then goes up! Hashi aims to SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finlay survives again and the fans are thunderous! Hashi storms back up on Finlay, reels him in to half nelson and pump handle, but Finlay fights Karma! Hashi KICKS Finlay’s hand, but Finlay fires elbows! Finlay CLUBS away on Hashi, but Hashi ROCKS Finlay! KARMA- PRIMA NOCTA?! And then OVER- CRADLE!! TWO!!! Finlay escpaes, hooks Hashi, backslide, but Hashi rolls through! But INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hashi survives and the fans are thunderous! Finlay is in disbelief, and he drags Hashi up!
Finlay BUCKLE BOMBS Hashi!! But Hashi ROCKS Finlay?!? ROLLING ELBOW from Finlay! Finlay hurries to POWERBOMB again! Cover, TWO!!! Hashi survives and Kobe is electric! Finlay shakes his head, and slashes his throat as he vows to end it now. Finlay drags Hashi up, suplexes, OVER- NO!! Hashi blocks, KARMA CRADLE! TWO!!! Finlay POP-UP POWERBOMBS!! And then he drags Hashi up, to suplex, OVERKILL!!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
Hashi wasn’t able to #GetBackUp after Finlay went that far, and Hashi is still without a title to call his own. But now Finlay eggs Goto on. Finlay holds up the title, will he take a bite out of the Fierce Warrior next? Or will Goto put this War Dog down himself?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Great-O-Khan!
The Uncontrollable Charisma has owed The Dominator this match from their 1v1 showdown in the G1 Climax. However, we all know that whoever wins here will face Zack Sabre Jr. at King of Pro-Wrestling in two weeks! Will Naito make it through Kobe to head for Ryogoku? Or will the KOPW Champion conquer all of NJPW?
Naito takes his time heading down the ramp, because he hopes it will annoy Khan. Khan stays calm, because he knows Naito wants him frustrated. The introductions are made, the top belt is raised, and we see who survives Destruction!
As usual, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. But Khan has a counter, in that he has his own elaborate attire to put aside. The fans duel already, “NA-I-TO!” “O-KHAN!” and that amuses Naito a bit. The bell finally rings, and the fans fire up as the two stare down. Red Shoes assesses a dead heat between the cheering, though it could be favoring Khan by just a bit. Naito and Khan slowly circle, feel things out, and Khan tests the waters. Khan shoots in, they clinch, and Khan shifts around to waistlock. Naito backs up into ropes, and Khan lets off cleanly. The fans applaud as the two reset.
Khan and Naito feel things out again, then Khan claps to fake Naito out! Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover, but Naito headscissors! Khan slips free and the two stand. Naito arm-drags, but Khan headscissors! Naito kips free, dodges, and while Naito tranquilos, Khan has his arms crossed behind his back. The fans cheer this pose-off where neither man is looking at the other. Khan and Naito reset and circle again. They feel things out, clinch, and Khan shoots around to waistlock. Khan goes for arms but Naito blocks, so Khan shifts to a facelock. Khan and Naito go around, Khan waistlocks and he drags Naito down to the mat.
Khan floats to a head ‘n’ arm, then floats to a lateral press. Naito resists as Khan tries to hook the far leg, so Khan settles for the near leg, cover, TWO! Khan floats around to keep on Naito, but Naito switches. They move around, Naito has the waistlock, but then Khan slips through to go for a leg. Naito counters with a headlock, but Khan rolls it to a cover, ONE! Khan headscissors, then slips to have the double wristlock. Naito endures, Khan shifts around for a different angle, but Naito has the leg! Khan rolls free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Khan and Naito circle again, feel things out, and Naito toys with Khan a bit.
Khan pushes forward to clinch, and he drags Naito down. Naito keeps his shoulders up but Khan tries to smother him. Naito pie faces Khan, Khan shifts and goes for an arm. Naito fights the top wristlock, rolls around, but Khan has the lateral press! Naito keeps a shoulder up, so Khan floats around to headlock. Khan grinds the hold but Naito fights up. Naito powers up and out of the headlock, then drops down, and atomic drops! Naito throws Khan down by his hair, then cocky covers. The fans cheer as Naito poses but Red Shoes doesn’t like that cover. Khan pushes Naito away, but Naito brings Khan up for a turn. But Khan elbows free!
Naito ELBOWS Khan down, but Khan avoids the basement dropkick to dropkick Naito’s leg! Naito clutches his knee, rolls to the apron, but Khan storms over. Khan wraps Naito’s leg around ropes! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito flails, but Khan lets go at 4. But Khan uses his legs to keep Naito stuck! Red Shoes reprimands again, so Khan stomps Naito as he lets off. The fans rally and duel as Naito stands up. Khan goes back to waistlock, and he drags Naito from ropes to wrangle him into a leg scissor. Naito fights but Khan still has the top mount, and shifts into a toehold! Naito endures, CLAWS Khan’s eyes, but Red Shoes reprimands.
Naito lets go but Khan puts on more pressure! Khan keeps Naito’s left hand down, but Naito reaches over with his right for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, and Khan lets go, to then YANK Naito’s leg! Naito clutches that knee, stands up, and he fires an ELBOW! Naito fires forearms, but Khan kicks the legs! Khan reels Naito in, rolls him, Khan uses a modified Figure Four grapevine on the bad leg! Khan taunts Naito by reclining back in this calf slicer! Naito endures, even as Khan grabs the other leg for a HEEL HOOK! Naito endures, pries at the calf slicer, but Khan focuses on it! But Naito uses that to move around and ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud as Khan lets go, and he watches Naito rise. Mongolian Chop! Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian feint to UPPERCUT! Naito ends up in a corner, and the fans cheer as Khan hops up. Khan sits on his throne! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands as Naito flails. But Khan grabs the arms to pull them back! Red Shoes counts, Khan lets off, and he brings Naito around to gut wrench! Khan carries Naito around, before he THROWS Naito away! Cover, TWO! Khan clamps onto Naito’s legs, ties them up, and then he slaps Naito around. Khan pushes on the modified Deathlock but Naito still endures!
Naito crawls but Khan shifts his grip on the hold! Khan pulls on the legs, but Naito still fights forward. Khan CLAWS Naito’s eyes, but Red Shoes reprimands and Naito keeps crawling. ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Khan holds until Red Shoes counts, and he lets go. Khan looms over Naito as he rises, and the fans duel. Khan kicks at Naito, taunts him, then hauls him up. But Naito fights the lift with elbows! Khan ROCKS Naito, has the leg, and SHIN- ARM-DRAG! Naito then blocks a kick, spins Khan, shoves him and dropkicks the leg out! The fans rally while both men are down, clutching knees.
Naito stands, and he storms over to drag Khan up. Naito fires forearms and kicks, then CLUBS and whips Khan to ropes. Another arm-drag, then another elbow! Basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Naito drags Khan up to whip him to a corner. Naito forearm SMASHES Khan, then puts him in the ropes! DRAPING NECKBREAKER! And then Naito stands Khan, turns him, and holds him… for the NECKBREAKER! Naito poses, the fans are torn, but then Naito covers, TWO! Naito clamps on with a cravat for the neck wrench! Khan endures, fights up, and reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Naito lets go at 4.
Naito looms over Khan now, drags him up, and puts him in the ropes at the corner. Naito has another DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Then he drags Khan up to turn and NECKBREAKER! No hesitation that time, and Naito covers, TWO! Khan stays in this but he writhes in pain. Naito stays cool as he stalks Khan and brings him up. Naito throws those heavy elbows, but Khan drop toeholds to get the HEEL HOOK! Naito fights up, slips free, but runs into a SAYANAGI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan rises, storms over to Naito, and drags him up. Khan hits a fireman’s carry, then a MONKEY FLIP!
Khan keeps hold of the wristlocks to reel Naito in. KNEE, facelock, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Khan clamps on with the KATAGATAME! Naito endures the Head ‘n’ Arm, but then Khan shifts to have the HEEL HOOK! Naito endures, reaches around, but Khan pulls on the leg! Naito fights his way over, but Khan grabs an arm! Naito fights with his free leg to have the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go and the fans applaud, and Khan watches Naito flounder. Naito rises, Khan KICKS the back of the leg! Then KICKS it again! Khan grabs that leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Naito hobbles and falls, Khan covers, TWO!
The fans cheer, and Khan clamps on with a SLEEPER! Naito endures, even as Khan leans on the hold. Naito fights up, reaches out, but Khan shifts into an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Then the Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack! But Naito slips free! Khan grins, runs up, but Naito wrenches and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up as Khan tumbles all the way out of the ring! Naito rests in the ring, and a count starts. Naito heads out after Khan, cancelling the count, and then he brings Khan up. Naito whips Khan hard into railing, and Khan tumbles over into No Man’s Land! Naito hurries out after Khan, drags him up, and brings him around to the ramp.
Naito brings Khan up the ramp, throws those heavy elbows again, and Khan staggers. Naito brings Khan further along, then turns him, but Khan resists! The two struggle, but Naito still turns Khan for a NECKBREAKER on the ramp! The fans fire up, Naito leaves Khan behind, and the ring count begins. The fans rally as Khan writhes, but he’s still down at 10 of 20! Khan slowly rises, but we hit 15! Khan tumbles down the ramp, then hurries to his feet! He’s in at 18! The fans cheer, but Naito drags Khan right up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again, and Khan falls! Naito clamps on for the PLUMA BLANCA!!
Khan endures, and he’s already turning red! Naito squeezes tight, but Khan fights around. Khan’s foaming at the mouth a bit, and he starts fading! Red Shoes checks on Khan, but Khan gets a second wind! Khan kicks and flails, but Naito puts on more pressure! Even so, Khan kicks to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Naito lets Khan go. Naito follows Khan to the corner, hops up, and then drags Khan up with the ponytail. ESPERANZA! Khan is sent tumbling, but Naito aims from the corner. The fans rally and duel, and Naito mocks the “O-KHAN!” chant. Khan rises, Naito runs in, but Khan slips around! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! FGO PLEX!!
Naito stands, but Khan hurries to TACKLE him, and then jackknife roll into a FIGURE FOUR HEEL HOOK! Naito endures so Khan shifts, drags him up, and has the leg again! SHIN- Sunset flip! But Khan slips through to KNEEBAR!! Naito endures, flails, but Khan drags him from ropes! The fans duel again as Naito endures! Naito fights, drags Khan along with him, but Khan drags him back to center! They roll, Khan has the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!! Naito endures even more as Khan twists the ankle! Red Shoes checks, Naito refuses to give up, but Khan drags him from ropes again! Naito fights around, but Khan is even BITING the ankle!
Naito works to roll around, but Khan anchors him at center! Naito flounders but Khan THRASHES him around! Red Shoes checks as Naito looks to be fading, but Naito gets a last gasp for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Khan lets go in frustration. Naito slowly sits up, clutching his leg. Khan watches closely, then runs up to BOOT Naito inside-out! Then a clinch for the- NO, Naito victory rolls! TWO, and Naito ELBOWS, ENZIGIRIS, but Khan IRON RIGHTS! Both men fall over and the fans fire up again! Red Shoes checks both men, and they’re both still in this. The fans rally and duel again as both men stir.
Khan rises first while Naito is still rather dazed. Khan lets the Monster Rage boil over! Khan stalks Naito to the corner, but then goes out to the apron. Khan climbs up the corner, and he brings Naito up with an IRON CLAW! Khan drags Naito up the corner, and to the very top! They both wobble up there, and Naito CLUBS Khan! Khan SHOVES Naito back down! Naito crashes into the drop zone, but he sits back up. Khan drags Naito back up the corner, and again has the IRON CLAW! The fans are worried, but Naito CLUBS away, and SUPER STEINERS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
Khan staggers to his feet, CORRIENDO SHIKI- NO, Khan stops Destino with a BACKBREAKER! And then HITSUJIGOROSHI! But Naito slips free to DESTINO!! Naito isn’t done, he drags Khan up to wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DEST- NO! Khan clinches for the FLATLINER! Khan drags Naito around, and he still has the IRON CLAW! We hit 30 minutes as Khan hits the ELIMI- DESTINO!!! Cover, TWO!!! Naito almost takes this one and the fans are thunderous! Naito mocks Khan’s pose, then drags Khan up. Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, and DESTINO!!!! Cover, Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Khan may be KOPW Champion, but the world still belongs to the ungovernable! What will it take for The United Empire to truly reign over all of NJPW?
As for Naito, after he gets some water for himself, he lets Khan have the rest. Then Naito has his hand raised in victory, and takes a moment to fix his wristbands and kneepads before accepting the belt from Red Shoes. Khan is still down in the ring so Naito teases him with the strap of the world title. Naito puts his baseball cap back on, sets the belt down, and watches Khan be helped away. But wait! Before Naito can get the mic, Zack Sabre Jr. makes his way out here, G1 Climax trophy in hand! The fans cheer ZSJ as he walks down the ramp and to the ring to be face to face with the world champion.
ZSJ sets the trophy down right next to the world title, and Naito makes sure the mic is on before he hands it to ZSJ. ZSJ gives congratulations in Japanese, and then says he is glad it was Naito who won tonight. Next up is King of Pro-Wrestling, and ZSJ cannot wait. ZSJ says sorry, but Ryoguku will be the end of Naito. ZSJ is the G1 winner, and he will soon be THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. The fans are a bit torn but ZSJ continues to say that ZSJ is the top of NJPW! ZSJ throws down the mic, but then in steps Shingo Takagi? He says, “Allow me to interrupt for a moment!”
Takagi also congratulates Naito on the win. ZSJ applauds that, and Takagi assures him and Naito that he’s not trying to get in the way. But see, Takagi took back the NEVER Openweight Championship. The fans applaud that, and Takagi says that while this is his 20th year in wrestling, and while this is The Year of the Dragon, he hasn’t “gone on enough of a rampage yet!” The fans cheer that! Takagi says whoever wins at Ryogoku, Takagi has next! The fans like the sound of that! Takagi asks if ZSJ understands Japanese. ZSJ says yes, he understands, “d*ckhead.” Takagi asks if Naito understands. Yes, Naito understands Japanese.
Alright then! It’ll be fun if- WAIT. Ryohei Oiwa shows up? He tells Takagi to allow him to interrupt! Oiwa introduces himself as “born in NJPW, raised in NOAH!” The fans cheer that, too! And Oiwa says as the newest member of TMDK, he wants to challenge for the NEVER Championship! The fans like the sound of that, and Takagi asks, “Did you say your name was Onita? No matter. I’ll face you on October 14th in Ryogoku!” But also, this may be Oiwa’s first day back, but you should know you can’t beat Takagi that easy. Careful, or he’ll k ick your ass back to NOAH! LIJ stands against TMDK, will we see a major sea change in NJPW?
TMDK heads out, leaving Naito and Takagi alone in the ring. Naito finally gets to say, “Buenas noches, Kobe~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says this is NJPW’s first time here this year. This is the building where Naito won his first singles match, all the way back in October of 2006. The fans cheer that distinction, and Naito says being able to defend the title here for them makes him very happy. So to all of you who came, gracias, amigos. Now, he defeated Great-O-Khan tonight, and next is the G1 Champion, ZSJ, on October 14th. After clearing that, Naito would like a “new challenge.” That is to say, he’ll choose his own challengers.
The fans like the idea of Naito taking the initiative. Naito asks, “Who will I pick?” He looks at Takagi, and says the answer is, of course… TRANQUILO! Assen na yo! Now, to end this the right way. The fans cheer that! “For the first time here since September of 2016, are you all ready?” The fans cheer that they are! Then the only right way to end this NJPW event in Kobe is of course…! “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” Gold streamers fly out, and the path is set! Will the Uncontrollable Charisma be unstoppable as NJPW enters Autumn?
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW in Kobe, especially as a finale to the full Road to Destruction in Kobe series. If I had more time today, I would’ve gotten Goto VS Gabe and the Six Man with TMDK introducing a new member. In skimming, I saw Goto VS Gabe was great stuff, and great win for Goto. Oiwa joining TMDK is definitely a great surprise and a great way to bring him back into NJPW. Great NEVER Openweight Six Man match, but I figured The House of Torture would lose again, but great return of ELP with the new bleach blonde haircut to help Tanahashi’s team retain. Main Unit grows stronger with “Guerrillas of Destiny” folding into them, and I’m sure we’ll get quite a bit more of ELP battling The House from this.
Great stuff from Douki VS Kanemaru, it had balanced action and storytelling. Kanemaru knew Douki’s offense well, and he really went after a leg in an attempt to thwart it all, but Douki grits it out for a great win. I was hoping for a different contender to step up to Douki but I suppose he and Sho have unfinished business. Plus, Douki’s reign seems to be about getting wins over the biggest names in the Junior Heavyweight Division these past few years, and even as a cheating Heel, Sho has made an impact. Here’s hoping after Sho, Douki can defend this title against guys like Clark Connors, Francesco Akira, and other names from this past BOSJ.
The NEVER Openweight Championship match of Takagi VS Henare might’ve been the actual best match of the card, because it was hard hitting and yet still had good story behind it given this was a long awaited rematch from an equally hard hitting match. I believe this match got the fans the most excited all night, as well, and that’s what the aim should be. Takagi winning was rather surprising, though, but it does feed the larger LIJ story. Finlay VS Hashi for the Global Championship was still great stuff, though, and did get fans fired up, too. Hashi felt so close to winning, but this was only Finlay’s second defense since getting this belt back, so he wasn’t going to lose it yet. Not sure Goto takes the title off him, either, but that’ll be a great match.
And the main event was great stuff, very technical for the majority of it, like Khan was sending a message to ZSJ that he could match him in that style. However, it was maybe a little too technical, too cerebral, as the fans could only get so fired up for it. But them turning up the energy as it reached 30 minutes was a good touch, and a great win for Naito. Great closing promo with ZSJ confronting Naito, but then Takagi confronting them both, and then Oiwa confronting Takagi. The King of Pro-Wrestling event is going to be awesome, and while I don’t see Oiwa winning over Takagi, I could see ZSJ taking that title from Naito. As I said before, ZSJ bringing the world title home for Royal Quest IV just works, and what a place for him to have his first defense.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!