So Turning Point is truly a question mark to me. Perhaps TNA is palatable to the casual observer, but trying to watch it weekly, this has been a miserable build with story threads held together with chicken wire and prayer. At this point I can only really hope the matches are good quality because nothing has real weight on this card. Everything feels like a filler angle including Trey Miguel and PCO needing to be replaced because of “travel issues”.

My expectations are lower than a Chicago Bears fan, and I still may get disappointed…also…like a Bears fan. Okay I’m not gonna punch down on that fandom, at least you guys got good news with Eberflus getting his walking papers. Let’s find out which way I get surprised!

.@WeAreRosemary wants the TNA Knockouts Championship!

Watch #TNATurningPoint LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/0ovLf8f4ml

Use code TNAFREE for one month free of TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcuYSK pic.twitter.com/uUX1RnVwT4

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) November 30, 2024

Ratings:

• Mike Santana vs Frankie Kazarian: Santana wins via Spin the Block – * 1/2
• Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Match: Joe Hendry vs John Skyler vs Rhino vs Hammerstone vs Brian Myers vs Eric Young: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 1/4
• X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Laredo Kid: Moose retains via Lights Out – ** 1/2
• NoDQ Match: Steve Maclin vs Josh Alexander: Maclin wins via Avalanche K.I.A. into shell casings – *** 1/2
• The Hardyz & Ace Austin vs Kushida, Zachary Wentz & Riddle: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
• 2 out of 3 Falls Match TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Jordynne Grace: Masha retains 2-1 after Package Piledriver – *** 1/4
• TNA World Championship: Eddie Edwards vs Nic Nemeth (c): Nemeth retains via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

Results:

Mike Santana vs Frankie Kazarian

A simple Arm Drag starts things off and Kaz slows things down to complain to the referee…and then an Arm Wringer trade counter spot with a staredown. Aren’t opening matches supposed to hype the crowd with hot action or a big match? Why is this here? Oh my Christ, they go for the Arm Drag during a flurry at the same time and block each other and just keep up with half paced Cruiserweight stuff. I am not sports entertained.

We get typical slow burn moves of a Hip Attack into a pinfall, more weird Arm Drag fascinations which turns into locomotion cradles. This is just slow, boring and there’s no real story between the two, so its just two dudes in the ring doing moves. They try to go for an apron spot which turns into Kaz’s control but he tries the inside out Slingshot DDT and Santana’s head kinda misses the apron and they just crash. Back in Kaz hits his Springboard Leg Drop, but this is a bad match. I really can’t even bring myself to transcribe the action because its basic, lame and I stopped caring almost immediately.

Inane moves that don’t matter, near fall enrages Kaz, Fade to Black gets slipped, a few counters for position and Santana pulls off the Spin the Block to win. No one cares, completely useless match.

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Match: Joe Hendry vs John Skyler vs Rhino vs Hammerstone vs Brian Myers vs Eric Young

This is a gimmick bunch of stuff match, so even if its entertaining not a ton of play by play to be had until things eventually boil down to two or three in the ring. Oh look, Hendry and Skyler are the last two in the ring, Skyler lands a few shots until he tries to run the ropes, eats a Shoulder Tackle and then a Stalling Vertical Suplex into a pinfall but Myers slides in to break up the pinfall and throw both out, so Rhino is Myers’ new dancing partner. Bell clap, Irish Whip, Rhino looks for The Gore, but Hammer rips him out of the ring, EY takes Myers out and then EY and Hammer have some time together.

Hammer is either selling a leg injury really well or he pulled something. Hammer powders, Skyler and Myers team up to beat on EY and play defense of the ring to keep EY isolated. Tandem Suplex from Skyler and Myers but Hendry tries to get into the ring and is promptly dumped out. Hammer limps back in, tries to triple team EY, but is obviously favoring the leg. They try to set up a Tower of Doom, but Hendry connects with a few uppercuts, Rhino Gores Hammerstone and Rhino finishes the Tower of Doom spot. Hendry starts working on the three heels who are still comparatively ok, but Hendry goes for Locomotion Sack of Shits into Kip Ups, Skyler first, then Myers, and after a struggle spot…gets Hammerstone up and over! Myers stops the Standing Ovation, the Heels turn on each other, another Gore for Hammer, Gore for Skyler, Spear from Myers! Myers looks for the Roster Cut, Hendry moves Skyler out of the way and Standing Ovation on Myers! Hendry wins and Myers has to wear the Turkey Suit or get fired.

Tradition continues with Turkey @Myers_Wrestling!

Watch #TNATurningPoint LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/0ovLf8f4ml

Use code TNAFREE for one month free of TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcuYSK pic.twitter.com/cNoZsqbXKI

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) November 30, 2024

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Laredo Kid

Laredo starts with Low Round Kicks, Overhand Chops, tries to Old School walk the ropes, but Moose just shoves him to his demise and starts ragdolling him on the outside. This is the what your parents see when you “rough house” with younger siblings or cousins. Moose throws Laredo back in the ring and aims for the mask, the referee stops him, Jacknife Powerbomb attempt but Laredo slips it, two Enzuigiris, Laredo hits the ropes and a Big Boot stops Laredo from remembering Spanish for a minute. Moose perches him, claws at the mask again, Tree of Woe for some disrespectful stomps and Moose looks for a Spear, but Laredo manages to dodge. Tries to rally an Uno Mas chant for his Hip Attacks, but the crowd doesn’t care. Laredo keeps trying to counter Moose’s power moves with Back Slides, Sunset Cradles, Frankensteiners, but gets caught with a Uranage giving Moose a two count. Lish chokes Laredo on the ropes as Moose distracts the ref, Moose talks smack and then smacks Laredo across the face. Laredo tries to fire up, but he gets insta-dropped by a Moose chop.

Moose charges the corner a few times but Laredo has answers, Missile Dropkick sends Moose to the outside, Senton Atomico from the post to the outside! Laredo throws Moose back in, charges the corner, eats a boot, Moose perches, Laredo tries the Avalanche Frankensteiner but Moose holds on. Laredo gets back up, Laredo Fly! The small delay in making the cover allows Moose to kick out. Laredo goes to the top rope, 450 into Knees, Moose pops up, Lights Out, Kip Up and another! Moose retains as we all expected.

NoDQ Match: Steve Maclin vs Josh Alexander

Maclin comes out hot, lays Josh to the outside, SCUD, and stays on top of him with Chops and the usual “offense around the outside of the ring”. Like this is NoDQ 101. Maclin goes to find a table super early, first time we really hear the crowd all show. Maclin tries to go for a quick Spicolli Driver through the Table but Josh claws the eyes and slips the move, Josh tries to rock Maclin from the apron through the table, but a Slingshot Spear stops Josh’s offense and puts Maclin back in the driver’s seat. Beatings in the corner will continue until morale improves…or until Josh slips to the back and pulls off the German Suplexes that never end. After eating like 8, Maclin returns one back and is somehow up to his feet before Josh. Some corner spots and Josh dodges a charge and Release German sends Maclin neck first into a turnbuckle.

Both roll out of the ring, Josh finds another table, Steve tries to remember where he is. Josh wants to German Maclin into the table, but Maclin blocks, fires back, looks for a Powerbomb but eats a Back Body Drop onto the concrete. Josh wants the Power Bomb, but Maclin counters into the Spicolli Driver into Josh’s table! Maclin finds a trash can, a chair, a box of donuts, 4 hamsters in a shoe, a trash can lid…you know, the essentials. Josh goes for the Ankle Lock out of desperation, but Maclin has been using the Lid like spray bottle for a disobedient dog, and manages to make Josh powder. A Backbreaker gives Josh the advantage, he starts using the outside to further the advantage, throws the trash can on Maclin’s head…punches it and sells his hand hurting. Okay, a little funny, but a little stupid too. Canned Maclin gets sat on the apron so Josh can do his Low Crossbody through the ropes spot and then starts beating the hell out of Maclin with Trash Cans, Lids, burnt dinner rolls…oh and he finds a door. Why has the door become popular in the last few years? Because of GCW crap? Ugh.

Door backfires and Maclin Dropkicks it into Josh and then drops the Elbow in Josh through the Door. Then Maclin starts beating Josh with a tattered piece of door (a weird thing to write even in wrestling). Maclin tries to throw Josh back in, but Josh slips out, wraps Maclin’s leg into the post and then uses pieces of door to work over the leg further. Josh starts goading Maclin to do stuff knowing he’s worked over the leg, so that slows the pace even further…somehow. Josh sets up some chair art, peppers in a few more leg shots, Josh tries to set up the C4 Spike into the chairs, but Maclin counter and Alabama Slams Josh through the chairs. Some cripple fight moments, Josh grabs a chair, Maclin ducks it, kicks him in the gut to grab the chair, tosses the chair at him to hold and then Busaiku Knee into the chair. Maclin looks for Jar Headbutt, Josh Sabus the chair at Maclin. Puts Maclin up on his shoulders for a Torture Rack Bomb but throws Maclin out to into his table he set up in a very messy and dangerous way.

Josh brings Maclin back in, goes for the cover, Maclin kicks out, Ankle Lock but Maclin rolls forward to break the hold and sends Josh into a perched Trash Can. Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs connects! Maclin hits another! And a another! K.I.A…and that’s all…oh Maclin lifts up Josh’s head and says “My terms”. Maclin goes to find the bag of tacks…oh no, they’re shell casings! Maclin tries a KIA into shell casings but Josh kicks him in the dick and takes time to catch his breath. They trade shots in the corner, Josh wants an Avalanche C4 Spike into the Shells, but a Headbutt from the Marine proves deadly, Avalanche KIA into Shell Casings, Maclin wins!

It was slow, but the story it told over the last year or so does help a bit. But between the awful camera work, and generally bad card, its hard for me to get really excited. 

The Hardyz & Ace Austin vs Kushida, Zachary Wentz & Riddle

Ace and Wentz start off, nice quick counters, leg picks, cartwheels, headscissor grabs, just solid Junior stalemate work. After the stalemate, Wentz asks Ace to tag Jeff, the crowd pops and Wentz looks like a kid playing at school and Jeff seems amused also. They even trade Rascalz fingers before locking up, Wentz tries something, chases Jeff out, Matt makes the blind tag as Wentz doesn’t see it so Matt surprises Wentz and we get the double team Hardy Backbreaker/Polish Hammer. Matt hits a Shoulder Tackle but Wentz Kips Up, Arm Drag and Twist, Wentz chases Matt into the corner but Matt moves so Wentz hits the Twists Crossbody from the middle rope. Works Matt to his corner, Kushida tags in, works Matt down and locks in the Liger style Surf Board. Kushida tries to transition to something else, but Matt gets away from him, tags out to Jeff, some double team work allows Jeff to tag Ace and we see some cohesion with the Ace Hardyz. Kushida does manage some space with a Front Dropkick, points to Riddle, the crowd pops and Riddle comes in. Some nice Gutwrench Side Suplexes, FIgherman’s Suplex Hold for two. Wentz tags in, Riddle and Wentz go for a tandem move but Ace manages to fight through and get knees up during Riddle’s Senton. Ace tags in Jeff, and Wentz is getting rocked.

Wentz continues to eat Irish Whips, Dropkicks to the back, Jeff tags out to Matt and Matt eats the Delete Headsmashes, a Rocket Launcher into the middle rope, and now Matt tags out to Ace. Ace with the Front Facelock and Knee in Wentz’s back..tries to keep control but Wentz fights out of the enemy corner, Ricky to Robert to Riddle. Pele, Rip Chord Knee and starts beating on Matt and Ace. T-bone Suplex into a PK on Ace, Bro-Trigger for two! Kushida tries to work on the arm, Ace starts to fight back, Simultaneous High Kicks drop both men. Same time tags Wentz and Jeff are in, Jeff hits all of his classic jams for a two. Twist attempt, but a Jumping Knee from Wentz says no. Kushida tags in, they try to double Jeff but eat a Whisper in the Wind instead. Poetry in Motion takes Wentz out of the ring, Ace takes Riddle off the apron, but Riddle recovers enough to break up the pinfall. Signature spam, Side Effect, Tanaka Punch, Twist of Fate, Jeff and Riddle slowly get to their feet…fist bump and then throw fists. Flurry turns into Jeff hitting a Canadian Destroyer on Riddle! Kushida gets doubled by the Hardyz, Double Back Handspring Elbow levels them both, Plot Twist from the Hardy, Swanton from Jeff on Kushida wins the match!

2 out of 3 Falls Match TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Jordynne Grace

Since its a two out of three falls match, its of course gonna start slow, especially since Riddle and Hardyz popped the crowd pretty hard last match. So some simple tie ups and missed Spinning Backfists makes sense, a snap Spinebuster from Jordynne is an early pinfall attempt. Grace goes for a Powerbomb, Masha slips it, Hook Kick into a Gory Special that she drops into the ropes. Big Knee Lift into a Lariat gives Masha an near fall. Masha then goes to the hair use Snapmares, PK misses, Jordynne powders and Masha sees it so she just dives onto Jordynne in one fluid motion. Jordynne is rocked early, Masha looks for something on the apron, Grace throws Masha back into the ring so Jordynne can recover, but Masha hits the PK through the ropes. Struggling on the apron commences, Round Kicks to the chest and a Push Kick from Masha, but Jordynne hits a Spinning Back Fist and then a Package Piledriver onto the apron. Jordynne finally has some control in the match. Picks up Masha, rolls her back in, Jordynne follows but Masha rolls back out to buy some time.

Jordynne throws forearms, looks for Snake Eyes onto the apron, but Masha slips it and they brawl on the outside. Locomotion Piledriver counters, Masha finally gets the best of it, Package Piledriver from Masha to Jordynne on the floor! Masha breaks the count at 8 and decides their gonna make things definitive. She rolls Jordynne into the ring, goes for the pinfall, but Jordynne kicks out at two. Jordynne fires out of nowhere after a few Round Kicks with Body Slams, Slamovich hits the Back Fist followed by a Buzzsaw Kick, Grace counters a Masha kick into an Air Raid Crash for two. Kinikku Buster attempt but Masha slips it, they struggle, throw fists and then go into locomotion Cradles which Jordynne gets the best of, folds Masha up and scores the first fall. Jordynne 1-0

Masha hits the gas right after the break, two charging Front Kicks, Waterwheel Kick into a near fall. Masha looks for a suplex, Jordynne fights it off, but Masha gets the best of it, throws Jordynne into the corner and locks in some kind of Straight Jacket Double Chicken Wing, but Jordynne fights it off and they trade a few submission attempts before Jordynne pancakes Masha and gets a near fall. Short arm Lariat from Grace for only two. Kudome Valentine attempt from Jordynne but Masha slips it, Body Scissors Cradle from Masha into a Double Stomp and a near 2 count. Masha goes right into the Sleeper Hold, but Jordynne is fighting it off. Masha gets dumped, Kudome Valentine again but this one connects! 1-2-2.9! Juggernaut Driver attempt, but Masha keeps fighting, Enzuigiri from Masha, Tornado DDT into riding it down and locking in a Guillotine Choke! Jordynne refuses to stop, World’s Strongest Slam, Vader Bomb, Juggernaut Driver…countered by Masha with a Small Package and Masha ties it up! TIED 1-1

They both just start punching each other instead of going to the corner for the breather between falls. Referee forces the break, Masha throws kicks, Jordynne throws fists, Thrust Kick, Back Fist, but a Spinning Heel Kick rocks Jordynne so Masha goes for a Back Slide only 2. Running Knee from Masha, Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb into the Package Piledriver from Masha for the decisive fall! Masha wins 2-1

TNA World Championship: Eddie Edwards vs Nic Nemeth (c)

Yet another match that starts slow. Does it make sense, sure, but nothing really starting hot and staying hot makes a fairly lame show just drag further. Just Shoulder Tackles, Drop Toe Holds, Submissions or Amateur Wrestling pinfall attempts, very slow stuff until Eddie just fires across the ring with a Charging Polish Hammer. Eddie puts Nic in the corner, one big NOAH chop and Nic sells like he’s shot in the chest. Nic has been on the receiving end of high impact but simple offense and going for repeated pinfalls. Lish gets involved a little with a rope choke, but we’ve grown to expect that from our Queen of Boston. Another Chop to the chest kills Nemeth, Eddie Irish Whips Nic chest first across…but when Eddie goes for something else Nic slips it and starts stringing together a few moves, Straight to the Heart Elbow Drops, Eddie powders before the 10th elbow, and tries to dodge and play coy.

Eddie dodges a Superkick on the outside and Nic takes out the time keeper. Nic hits the Elbow from the Top Rope eventually, looks to connect with a Superkick in the ring, but Lish causes a distraction and Eddie manages a Knee Breaker and to take back control. Nic tries to fire back up, a few traded punches, they both hit the ropes and do the simultaneous Lariat lay out spot. They get up, trade punches again, Nic levels Eddie with a Headbutt, Lish grabs Nic’s ankle as he tries to continue but the referee sees it all clearly. Even though Eddie rocks Nic, the referee ejects Lish and Eddie is distraught. Nic hops on him and goes for the 10 Count Punches, into a Thesz Press and more punches FameASSer gets countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall! Backpack Stunner from Eddie after the Enzuigiri but only a two count. Eddie stops a Nic flurry, charges forward and eats a FameASSer!

Lish comes back down to the ring to talk shit after being ejected, she tries to hit Nic, but he ducks Eddie’s sneak attack, Eddie stops himself from hitting his wife, Lish grabs the belt, hits Nic with the belt, Eddie hits the Boston Knee Party…but Nic kicks out!? Die Hard Flowsion attempt but Nic slips it into a Danger Zone! Eddie kicks out of the Danger Zone! Fighting Spirit spot, into both spilling over to the outside after a Lariat. TURKEY MYERS COMES OUT! JBL comes out of the crowd! He charges to the ring, lays out Turkey Myers! Lish is beside herself. JBL looks over at Nic and walks away.

Both men pull each other up in the corner, Pop Up, counter, Headbutt, Danger Zone no, Boston Knee Party misses, Superkick into another Danger Zone and Nemeth retains.

Overall Score: 3/10

WrestleCade is a terrible production crew, the camera was bad, the lightning was bad, this reminded me more of the dark rinky dink 2015 era TNA. It also doesn’t help that the first few matches sucked, Xia Brookside looked like a snack and a half on the countdown pre-show, but she jobbed out to day old demon past her prime. Santana and Kaz was a waste of time, a bad match and a worse opener. Turkey Bowl was a mess and with Hammerstone pulling up lame 4 minutes into the match that just annoys me since I love Hammer, and if he’s legit hurt that really blows. Laredo Kid is really just a diversity hire and always has been, they give him no personality, no real momentum, he is just a generic luchador. He’s like Temu Suicide.

Jordynne and Masha was solid but the last fall felt really rushed and awkward, especially with all the slow start matches. The 6 man was more entertaining than it had any business being, but that’s also because Matt Riddle is awesome. Maclin and Josh was good storytelling, just wrapped in a bad show so hard to click into. Main event was fine, over booked, definitely silly, but okay. All in all, if this was a long episode of iMPACT! it would be fine, but this was a PLE/App Event whatever, and that really just gives me no hope for Final Resolution.

Genesis better be the start of new stories and a new booker. Because whoever it is (I think its Dreamer, but don’t know), is terrible and needs to be bumped down to an agent at best. This has been some of the worst story TNA has done these last 8 months. Just pissed away the hype that Scott D’Amore created.

What a deal for Black Friday!

Before Survivor Series: WarGames can begin, Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu will fight for advantage while Roman Reigns and CM Punk will speak on this new alliance. Will the OG Bloodline and Second City Saint be in synch before Saturday?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Shinsuke Nakamura VS Andrade; Nakamura wins.
• Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Piper Niven VS Mia Yim VS Lash Legend; Mia wins and advances to the next round.
• Men’s WarGames Advantage: Jey Uso VS Jacob Fatu; Jacob wins the advantage for his team at Survivor Series.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bianca Belair is here!

Salt Lake City fires up for The EST, but she isn’t alone, as Naomi makes her entrance, too! And then Iyo Sky is here! And then Bayley! And that of course leaves Rhea Ripley to make her entrance! The whole crew is here, as eclectic as it is, and they head to the ring together, ready for WarGames! The fans cheer on “MAMI! MAMI!” as she and the team all get mics, and Rhea starts by saying, “I know it’s obvious. Not everyone on this team are best friends. But honestly, none of that matters. Because tomorrow night, we all step into one of the most dangerous matches in the WWE: WarGames!” The fans cheer that!

Rhea says they all have someone that they wanna get their hands on. So tomorrow night, this all ends. When this team steps into the steel cage, no one is gonna be able to stop them from absolutely brutalizing their opponents. Think about it! Think about everything that side has done to them! Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Candice LeRae! Naomi says, “That’s right, big mama. Cuz Nia Jax and her little lapdogs are gonna get everything they deserve and then some. Because they have been nothing but a pain in me and Bayley’s sides. And I promise you, and I promise y’all, will the Glow be felt, oh it’s gonna be dealt!”

Bianca Belair says yep! They all know one of Nia’s took at Jade Cargill. Tomorrow night, all five of ’em can get it! Rhea tells Liv she’ll wish she never met Rhea. Iyo says they will DESTROY YOU! But speaking of, here comes Liv, Raquel, Nia, Tiffany & Candice! Liv has a mic to say it’s funny how confident Rhea’s team is that they’ll win tomorrow night. Nia says Bianca may have had a brain fart that Bayley & Iyo tortured her for years. Oh, and Bayley, Iyo backstabbed you before WrestleMania! What Nia’s team has done doesn’t even come close to the issues that team has. That team will implode even before getting in the ring, “Ya big losers!”

Nia’s side laughs, but Naomi tells Nia to shut up! Bayley says for real! Naomi says Nia has way bigger problems, like Naomi & Bayley! Bayley agrees again, and says Nia is one to talk. She’s been manipulating lil’ Tiffy since day one, but she’s too naive to notice. And watch out for Candice, she knows her way around the business, so she isn’t gonna fall for it. So maybe after WarGames, Nia will be out of friends. Oh, Bayley is an expert in having no friends. Big idiot! Liv says this is a united front, stop trying to manipulate them. Bayley lost her touch and is no longer good at it. However… Liv does think it is really interesting how Jade was attacked and now Bayley’s on the team.

The fans are torn there, but Rhea tells Liv to just shut up and stop wasting everyone’s time. Soon, Liv won’t be able to hide behind anyone. Because when you step into the cage, there is NOWHERE to run! And then she’ll have to face Rhea! Liv says y’know what? That’s true. But that’s why Liv will put her money where her mouth is, and finish the job she started when she breaks Rhea’s face on the steel cage tomorrow night! Rhea laughs at Liv and says “Sweet, naive Liv. I’m gonna cave your face in so bad that the ‘love of your life,’ Dominik Mysterio? He’s not gonna even wanna look at you!” Liv gets mad now, and the teams storm up!

But then Liv says nice try, Rhea, but see you tomorrow. Liv’s side is leaving, bye~! Bye bye~! Rhea says she hates waiting. Rhea leads her team up the ramp! The brawl is on, on the stage!! The fans fire up as Rhea has Raquel, Bayley has Candice, Naomi has Tiff, Bianca is after Nia and Iyo is after Liv! They’re all over the place, but then Liv puts Iyo in the ring! Bayley does the same to Candice! Iyo turns the tide to HAMMER Liv! Refs and producers hurry out here but it’s just chaos! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Liv’s team falls back to retreat while Rhea’s team has the ring! Rhea’s team also has WarGames advantage, will that help them destroy all their enemies?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Andrade!

The King of Strong Style returned as a ruthless ronin, and his blindside attacks got him a title match with LA Knight for Survivor Series! But will his edge be razor sharp going into that United States Championship match? Or will El Idolo prove he should be the one challenging The Mega Star?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up and duel even. The two tie up but Nakamura KNEES low, throws Andrade down, but Andrade avoids the stomp! They reset, tie up again, and Nakamura puts Andrade in the corner. The ref counts, Nakamura fires off shots, but whips corner to corner. Andrade goes up and out, then ROCKS Nakamura first! Andrade goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!! Andrade drags Nakamura up but Nakamura RAMS him into the corner again and again! Nakamura fires off more shots, then a KNEE! The ref reprimands, but Nakamura gives Andrade BAD VIBRATIONS!

Nakamura scuffs Andrade as he lets off, and then goes corner to corner. Andrade rolls Nakamura up! TWO, and Nakamura takes a swing! Andrade dodges to RANA! Nakamura bails out, but Andrade runs up! Nakamura GAMANGIRIS Andrade down! Nakamura stomps Andrade and the fans duel again. Nakamura goes up, Andrade springs up to triangle jump DROPKICK! Nakamura tumbles out to the floor! Andrade hurries up top, and to the very top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Nakamura but Andrade also has to rest on the floor, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Nakamura has Andrade in a chinlock. Andrade fights up, fires elbows, but Nakamura knees low! INVERTED EXPLODER, but Andrade lands out! Andrade CLOBBERS Nakamura! Nakamura gets up to kick but Andrade blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Andrade runs to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down, but then Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and Andrade has Nakamura in a corner. Fans join in with “SI! SI! SI!” and Andrade fires up, but then he goes up the corner. Nakamura CLUBS Andrade first! Nakamura climbs up and brings Andrade to the top! Andrade fights the back suplex by holding the ropes!

Andrade CLUBS away on Nakamura, then ELBOWS him down! The fans fire up and Andrade adjusts. MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura survives and shocks Andrade, but Andrade starts to grin. Andrade fires up as he rises, and the fans fire up with him! Andrade brings Nakamura around, underhooks, but Nakamura wrenches out! Andrade ducks a roundhouse, ducks a heel kick, but then Nakamura avoids both boot and elbow! Nakamura hits an OVERHEAD BACK ELBOW!! Andrade staggers, Nakamura goes to a corner! KINSH- NO, Andrade dodges! Boot feint and ELBOW!! Cover, TWO?!?

Nakamura survives and Salt Lake can’t believe it! Andrade is beside himself, as well, but the fans rally back up. Andrade brings Nakamura up as the fans duel again. Andrade suplexes, Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! The fans fire up for THREE- NO, Nakamura powers Andrade back! Andrade digs his heels in to THREE AMIGOS into the corner! Nakamura flounders and Andrade pounds the mat. The fans rally up again with “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade goes corner to corner and back again, but Nakamura ducks the knees, AND TOOK A BUCKLE AWAY!? Andrade hits bare steel and the fans are stunned!

Nakamura has a sinister smile that then turns into a scowl. BLINDSIDE KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

Andrade wanted this fight, and now he lost the fight! The darkness in Nakamura is on full display, will it shine with gold tomorrow? Wait, here comes LA Knight! Nakamura dodges Knight, and uses the BLACK MIST!! Knight flounders and flails blindside, and Nakamura leaves him behind. Is Nakamura right in saying Knight is desperate to keep the spotlight on him? Will Nakamura prey on that desperation to once again be champion?

Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline talks backstage.

Jacob Fatu is preparing to fight for WarGames advantage, and The Undisputed Tribal Chief tells his Enforcer, “You got this. Don’t even worry about that stupid dance that he does. Hey, I want you to take…” Solo stops as Nick Aldis steps in. The SmackDown General Manager wants to just say that tonight’s match of Jacob Fatu VS Jey Uso is critically important, as they all know. WarGames, whoever wins tonight, they have the numbers advantage. Therefore, Aldis does NOT want the numbers game to factor into tonight. What he’s trying to say is, everyone is banned from ringside. And he does mean everyone.

Solo says it’s alright, they’ll do that. So then they have an understanding? Of course. Aldis leaves, and Solo tells Jacob to destroy “Main Event Jey.” Will the Samoan Werewolf do just that? Or will Jey make sure the OGs are the ones with the advantage?

#DIY talks backstage.

Tommaso Ciampa just wants to know if he’s got this right, because he’s pretty sure Johnny Gargano said it. Gargano said “Whatever it takes,” but they got screwed out of their titles, that’s what Gargano also said. Yes, Gargano did say those things. Then did Gargano already forget Cleveland, Gargano’s hometown, and DIY being screwed out of the championships, in front of Gargano’s family and friends?! In front of Gargano’s own son!? Does he want his son to grow up thinking, “Yeah, my dad’s a loser.” Ciampa does NOT want his daughter growing up, “My dad’s a loser so I must be a loser!” THEY ARE NOT LOSERS!!

Gargano says no, they are not. But things have changed. Oh? What changed? Explain it to Ciampa. Because as he sees it, nothing has changed! What happened is Alex Shelley showed up. Ciampa mockingly says, “Oh, Shelley was my mentor when I was 18~!” Ciampa doesn’t care about the past! What Ciampa sees is, Gargano’s friendship with Shelley is more important than DIY taking the titles back! That is NOT what Ciampa is gonna do! So unless Gargano has a plan- Gargano says he’ll talk to Shelley. Ciampa says no, he is sick of talking! He doesn’t even wanna be doing this! Gargano has seen what Ciampa’s been doing, that is Ciampa’s plan.

So unless Gargano has some other plan Ciampa doesn’t know about, they do this Ciampa’s way. Gargano has one more week to figure this out, and if he can’t, then it’s Ciampa’s way. Ciampa storms off, what is Johnny Wrestling to do?

Kevin Owens speaks.

“There are people out there that are still on Cody Rhodes’ side. So let me explain to you why I am right. January 1st, 2021: Roman Reigns and his cousin assault me 2-on-1, and throw me off of a 15 foot high scaffolding through tables. But I got up. January 31st, 2021, at the Royal Rumble: Roman Reigns runs me over with a golf cart. But I go tup. January 28th, 2023, again at the Royal Rumble: Roman Reigns orders for me to get Superkicked over and over and over again! And for that one, Cody Rhodes was in the building! But he was nowhere to be found. But you know where he was at Bad Blood this year, when Roman Reigns needed somebody? Right there, by his side.

“And that’s just three of the dozens of examples I could’ve used to show you that Cody Rhodes deserves everything that’s coming to him at Saturday Night’s Main Event, when I turn the American Nightmare into the Canadian Dream.” The Prizefighter is ready to have a prize back around his waist, will he tear down Cody to have the greatest Christmas present possible?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

Speaking of The American Nightmare, Salt Lake City is fired up as the Undisputed WWE Champion is about to run it back with H1M! Will Cody be able to focus knowing he has Kevin Owens to prepare for? Or will Melo not miss his own chance to get one on the champ?

SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. But he also has a mic. “Hey, Cody. You know what? Kevin was right. You did turn your back on him. Because let’s be real. You not the guy to stab a guy in his back, we know that. You the guy to stab someone right in his heart. Because who needs enemies when you got friends like Cody Rhodes? So Cody, you wanna evaluate me? You wanna evaluate the first round draft pick!? Well, you’re gonna learn that this evaluation is only gonna find out one thing and that’s exactly why I’m freakin’ HIM.” Melo drops the mic as he steps in, Cody puts the belt aside, and the bell rings.

Cody and Melo circle, feel things out, and Melo avoids the leg pick. They tie up, go around, and the fans rally up for Cody. Cody has Melo on ropes, slowly lets off, but Melo shoves Cody back. The two reset and circle again. They tie up, Melo knees low, headlocks, but Cody lifts. Melo fights that, but Cody powers out. Melo hits an arm-drag and cover, TWO! Cody has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo avoids the Rhodes Uppercut! Melo brags that he’s too smart, but then Cody avoids the kick to roll Melo up! TWO, and the RHODES UPPERCUT hits this time! Melo checks his chin and Cody says if he’s H1M, then bring it.

Melo SLAPS Cody! The fans boo, Cody storms up, but Melo uses the ref as a shield! Melo then sneaks a headlock, but Cody puts Melo on ropes. The ref counts, Melo lets go but Cody whips. Melo reverses, Cody grabs ropes, then Cody dodges! Cody LARIATS Melo up and out! The fans fire up with Cody and he builds speed. Cody DIVES and he sends Melo into the desk! The fans fire up as Cody then SMACKS Melo off the desk! Melo rolls into the ring, Cody storms in, but Melo SHOTGUNS Cody at the ropes! Cody flounders, Melo brings him up, and Melo springboards, but Cody avoids the fade away! Cody springboards, DISASTER KICK!

The fans fire up with Cody as he stands over Melo, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Cody is in the drop zone! Melo climbs, but Cody is right up to ROCK him! Cody climbs, CLUBS Melo, then brings him up! Cody hits a stalling SUPERPLEX! Both men writhe but the fans fire up! Cody rises first and the fans rally behind him. Cody stands, he storms over to Melo, and he blocks haymakers to give haymakers! Melo kicks low, runs, but Cody follows! Cody CLOBBERS Melo, then baits him into a corner! But Melo avoids the powerslam! LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this but Melo catches his breath while checking his chin. Cody rises but Melo is on him.

Melo reels Cody in, CLUBS him, and powers Cody into a suplex! Cody fights free to shove Melo! Cody scoops Melo and RUNNING POWERSLAMS! Cody then grabs legs, steps through, for the FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up and “WOO~” while Melo flails! Melo crawls, ROPEBREAK! Cody lets Melo go free, but he rises up again. Cody drags Melo by the legs, but Melo BOOTS Cody! Cody staggers and Melo hurries to his feet. Melo fires hands, Cody fires back! They go back and forth, the fans cheering Cody. Cody ROCKS Melo, but Melo mule kicks! Melo thinks about it, springboards, but so does Cody! Melo hurries to trip Cody!

Cody is stuck in ropes, so Melo springboards to FLYING CALF KICK! Then Melo suplexes, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Melo grows frustrated but this is why Cody’s the champion! The fans rally up for Cody but Melo looks to the corner. Melo climbs, but Cody anchors his legs! Cody fires hands, Melo fires back! Melo shoves Cody away, finishes the climb, and says this is why he’s the best! The fans boo, but then Cody avoids the three pointer! Melo comes back, but no La Mystica! CROSS- NO, Melo powers out and shoves Cody away! But Cody blocks the superkick! Cody spins Melo, ducks an elbow, back suplex! Melo lands out!

Melo pushes Cody, Cody bucks the O’Conner! Melo misses the lariat, CODY CUTTER!! The fans fire up again and Cody roars! Melo stands, Cody dragon sleepers, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo was a first round draft pick for a reason, because even though he lost, he has a bright future ahead of him. But that’s the future, Cody is the present! But is Cody’s near future going to be very dark facing a vengeful Kevin Owens?

Paul Heyman sits down with Roman Reigns.

The Wise Man and OTC are waiting. Roman asks Heyman, “Where is he?” Heyman says, “I don’t know, My Tribal Chief.” Roman says CM Punk is keeping him waiting, and that doesn’t work for Roman. But just as Roman was about to get up, CM Punk walks in. Punk says he doesn’t have a lot of time. Roman says good thing he showed up late then. Punk didn’t show up for Roman, he’s here for Heyman. Well, that’s good. But let’s get one thing straight: Roman doesn’t need Punk’s help. Punk chuckles and says he knew Roman would feel that way. Punk doesn’t even want to give Roman the help. But again, he’s not here for Roman, he’s here for Paul.

Roman says he’s happy for them, he really is. But Roman doesn’t like Punk’s tone. Or his attitude. Or just Punk. And Roman damn sure doesn’t want to team with Punk at WarGames. Heyman tells Roman that Solo has had the OG Bloodline in check since WrestleMania. If they don’t accept Punk’s help… It’s game over. Now, in all fairness, if Punk doesn’t help, and Solo turns back Roman and puts an end to the OG Bloodline… Punk’s next. Solo will come after Punk, all five of them. And not even because of this. It is because Punk is the threat. So respectfully to both men, divided they fall. United, they at best can survive.

Punk says Roman doesn’t like Punk’s attitude, but Punk doesn’t care. Because he doesn’t like Roman. But that doesn’t matter. Punk is not here for Roman, he is here for Heyman. Roman wants his ula fala back, and Punk wants scalps. Punk wants revenge for what Solo did to Punk’s friend. So if they survive WarGames, and Roman wants to revisit this conversation 1v1, Punk is all ears. Roman says, “One time.” Punk says, “One time. One favor.” Roman owes Punk? No. Roman won’t owe Punk anything. Their Wise Man will. Punk heads out, and Roman asks Heyman, “What’s the favor?”

Heyman says let’s get through WarGames first, and then they’ll have all the time in the world to talk about that. Roman leaves it at that, but he isn’t exactly happy. Will the Best in the World be the wild card that helps the OTC win the war?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Piper Niven VS Mia Yim VS Lash Legend!

This match was meant to have Jade Cargill in it, but after someone took her out, things have been changed just a bit. “Lil’ Miss P” and Michin still have their beef to settle, but now the Bougie Bully from NXT gets in on a huge opportunity! Will Piper join the Hot Mess in the semifinals? Or will someone else be one step closer to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

The bell rings and the three step up. They feel things out, and Mia ROUNDHOUSES Piper! Lash swings, Mia dodges, the LARIAT hits Piper! Mia CHOPS Lash, fires forearms, then SOBATS! Lash falls back, Mia wheelbarrows Piper. Piper stops the victory roll! But then Mia BOOTS Lash! Piper sits Mia down, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, Lash SPLASHES it apart! The fans fire up as Lash and Piper stand. Piper HEADBUTTS, then scoops! Lash slips free, shoves Piper, then scoops! The fans fire up as Lash holds Piper up! But Mia SHOTGUNS them both down! Piper tumbles out and Mia clamps on a SLEEPER!

Lash fights with Mia as a backpack. Lash RAMS Mia into a corner, but then Mia BOOTS her away! Chelsea comforts Piper while Mia climbs up. FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Mia roars! Lash tumbles out so Mia goes to the apron. Mia PENALTY KCIKS Piper! The fans fire up as that kick is good! Mia then lines up a shot, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Mia takes out Piper AND Lash and Salt Lake is fired up! Mia brings Piper up and into the ring, but Chelsea creeps closer. Chelsea YANKS Mia down, then BOOTS her! The fans boo but Chelsea says this is what Mia gets for0 B-FAB TACKLES CHELSEA!

The fans fire up as B-Fab and Chelsea brawl up the ramp! Now things are fair, even for a Triple Threat. Piper is upset as B-Fab takes the fight to Chelsea, and Lash is lurking! BOOT!! Lash revels in the cheering while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Piper CANNONBALLS Mia! Piper then hauls Mia up to scoop and PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, LASH BREAKS IT! The fans rally as Lash hoists Piper up to a fireman’s carry! But Piper slips free, and BODY CHECKS Lash! The fans fire up and Piper rises. Piper stomps Lash, goes up the corner, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, MIA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while Piper grows frustrated. Mia ROCKS Lash, CHOPS her, then CHOPS again! Mia whips, Lash reverses and then scoops! SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Mia writhes, but Piper is up! Piper ROCKS Lash, whips her to a corner, then runs in, but Lash dodges!

Lash runs up to CHOP, and choke grip! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Piper survives but Lash KNEES her down! Cover, TWO! Piper is still in this and Lash argues the count. The ref defends it was fair, but Lash doesn’t see Mia run up! YAKUZA KICK! Mia runs side to side, RAN- NO! Lash blocks, and she brings Mia up! Mia fights but Lash still POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Mia survives and Lash is beside herself! The fans fire up again as the three stir. Piper is up to SENTON Mia AND Lash!! Cover on Lash, Mia breaks it! Piper is frustrated and she whips Mia to a corner. Mia BOOTS back, goes up, but Piper SLAPS her!

Mia sits back and Piper climbs up. Piper brings Lash onto her shoulders, but Mia fights it! Lash ROCKS Piper! Mia drops to the apron, Lash climbs up after Piper, but Piper HEADBUTTS Lash down! Piper snarls and SUPER SENTONS BUT FLOPS as Lash moves! Lash hauls Piper up, bow ‘n’ arrow rack! LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, MIA SUPER SENTONS!! Cover on Piper, MIA WINS!!

Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Head Baddie In Charge takes charge as she snatches this win from everyone! But now, the final Triple Threat of Tiffany Stratton, Naomi and Elektra Lopez determines who joins Mia in that second semifinal match. Will Mia be ready for whoever is coming at her in the next round?

Medics help LA Knight.

His eyes are still stinging but the worst part is behind him. Byron Saxton steps in to ask for a word. Nakamura of course got Knight with the mist, but what is his condition going into Survivor Series? Knight says of course they’re talking about this right now. Right now, Knight is getting worked on, he can barely see, but if Byron wants to talk Nakamura, then let’s talk Nakamura. Knight will have a seat and talk about the fact the man’s been gone for a bit, then returns and suddenly has a problem with Knight. This guy should have a problem with Knight! And at this point, he’s got a real big problem.

Knight’s been in survival mode, lived and breathed it. So surviving Survivor Series? No, no, no. He walks in and thrives! He’ll continue to be US Champion, because that’s what he is, it’s what he does. Knight will say this: Is he going to just not go? NAH NAH! He’ll be right there, looking Nakamura dead int he eyes, bloodshot or not. Knight will drop Nakamura on his head, get three the hard way because there’s no other way, and it’ll be everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT!” Yeah. Knight hopes that’s all Byron needs to know. Byron thanks Knight and heads out. The medics step back in with the eye drops, and Knight says he needs a shower to get the rest of this off him.

The King of Strong Style may have struck first and struck hard, but will it be Knight that strikes the King down?

Sami, Jey & Jimmy Uso are at gorilla.

Sami and Jimmy hype Jey up. They’ll have his back out there no matter what, but then Aldis steps in. He apologizes for interrupting, but he wants ot make it clear. He told Solo, and he’ll tell them: EVERYONE is banned from ringside. Oh, well, okay… Sami and Jimmy accept the terms, because Jey has this! YEET! The music hits, and Main Event Jey Uso is now in Salt Lake Citaaay~!

Men’s WarGames Advantage: Jey Uso VS Jacob Fatu!

We know CM Punk is the OG Bloodline’s fifth man, so now it is up to Main Event Jey Uso to YEET The Samoan Werewolf and earn his side that numbers advantage. But can Jey YEET Jacob? Or will Jacob win this one for HIS Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa?

SmackDown returns and Jacob makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Jey. Jey and Jacob circle, the fans rally up hotter and hotter, and then the two tie up! They go around, from ropes to a corner, then back into a corner. Jacob has Jey cornered, the ref counts, but Jacob lets off slowly. Jey talks some smack but Jacob shoves Jey! Jacob says Jey knows he’s with it! Solo is the chief! The hands start flying! Jey has the edge on Jacob, “YEET!” Jey headlocks but Jacob powers up and out! Jacob CLOBBERS Jey, and then stands with hands together. Jacob tells Jey to get up, and then he fires hands!

Jey is on ropes, Jacob CHOKES him, but stops as the ref counts. “I LOVE YOU, SOLO!” Jacob bumps Jey off buckles, then UPPERCUTS! Jey sputters and leans on the ropes, then slumps down. Jacob talks more trash, “This all you got?!” Jacob stomps Jey around, then stomps him over and over! The ref counts, Jacob stops, but the fans rally behind Jey. Jacob stands Jey up to HEADBUTT him down! Jacob whips Jey corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over! Jey ELBOWS Jacob, GAMANGIRIS, then runs up again, to LARIAT Jacob up and out! The fans fire up and Jacob staggers around. Jey builds speed to DIVE!

But Jacob catches Jey! And POSTS him! And TOSSES him over the desk! Jey flops onto the floor and Jacob stands tall. The fans boo the Samoan Werewolf while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Jacob has his claws in Jey’s shoulder. Jey fights up, the fans rally, and Jey fires body shots! Jey fires haymakers, then runs, but ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Jacob to CLOBBER him! The fans boo but Jacob says, “I do this! I do this!” Jacob stomps Jey, then snarls as he paces around. The fans boo more but Jacob drags Jey up to clamp those claws back into the shoulders! The fans rally for Jey as he endures, and Jey fights to his feet. Jacob HEADBUTTS Jey down! Jacob fireman’s carries Jey, but Jey fights free to POST Jacob! The fans fire up as Jacob flounders! Jey baits Jacob into the other corner, and POSTS him again!

The fans fire up as Jacob flops back! Jey is also down from having to catch his breath. The fans rally, Jey rises first but Jacob follows. Jey blocks a shot to ROCK Jacob! And then ROCKS Jacob again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey fires more hands, then pops, locks, and puts some stank on the YEET! Jacob blocks a kick, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jacob staggers around, Jey gets the fans to “YEET!” some more. HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Jacob survives but Jey keeps his cool. Jey and Jacob both roll and the fans rally again. Jacob runs up but Jey BOOTS him! Jey goes up to CROSSBODY, but Jacob catches him! SWINGING SIDE SLAM!

Jacob runs and handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jey survives Jacob busting out some unreal athleticism, but Jacob stays focused. Jey is in a corner now, Jacob runs in, HIP ATTACK! The fans boo but Jacob snarls. Jacob has wild eyes as he looms over Jey. “I LOVE YOU, SOLO!” Jacob drags Jey up, but Jey SUPERKICKS! Jacob stays up so Jey runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives again and Jacob is surprised! Jacob goes to a corner, that wild look in his eyes only getting wilder. Jacob says Jey’s done! Jacob goes up the corner, and he soaks up the heat as the fans rally for Jey.

Jacob SWANTON BOMBS, but onto knees! Jey saves himself, and he hurries to SPEAR Jacob down!! Jacob is in a drop zone and now Jey climbs up! USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey is beside himself but Jacob is just that tough! Salt Lake City says “This is Awesome!” as Jey and Jacob stir. Jacob crawls out to the apron, and Jey sits up in the ring. Jacob staggers his way around, and Jey DIVES! They both hit the desk!! The fans are thunderous as Jey rises again! Jey hurries to clear the desk! The fans love it! Jey refreshes the count, goes out the side, but then Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! Jacob now puts Jey on the desk!

The fans freak out as Jacob fireman’s carries Jey! SAMOAN DROP on the desk! The desk did NOT break, but maybe Jey just did! Jacob then drags Jey into the ring, for an IMPALER DDT! Jacob isn’t done, he just drags Jey to a drop zone! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Jacob wins!!

Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline has the advantage in WarGames)

Salt Lake City is salty, but there is nothing that can be done! Solo embraces his Enforcer and mockingly says, “YEET!” Will nothing stop Solo’s side from being THE Bloodline in WWE?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown as the go-home to Survivor Series, but it certainly laid out the go-home math for us. Good opening promo segment for the Women’s WarGames, though it maybe went a line or two of dialogue too long. But with the brawl that followed, and the Face team standing tall in the ring, it’s pretty much a given the Heel team wins. Nia hinted at it, and I am personally still hoping Bayley is revealed as the one who attacked Jade to both get in on WarGames and make things easier in the Women’s US Championship match.

Speaking of which, great Triple Threat, and Lash continues to make great impressions on the main roster. I would think after WarGames, given the Women’s Tag titles will certainly be vacated, Lash & Jakara can get right in whatever match crowns the new champs. But of the three tonight, Mia Yim made sense, though I should’ve expected B-Fab to help counter Chelsea’s presence. Naomi VS Tiffany VS Lopez will also be very good, and if the story goes how I’m thinking, Naomi moves on to the next round to give us Bayley VS Naomi in the finals as part of the “It was Bayley all along!” plot twist.

Great match of Andrade VS Nakamura, and good win for Nakamura. But given Knight ran out there and still got punked by Nakamura, that go-home math makes me think Nakamura loses. That is a real shame given this new persona for Nakamura, so maybe WWE will defy their own formula and have Nakamura cheating his way to a win. All I know is, Nakamura can’t keep losing in big time matches if we’re to still believe he is a threat. The same kinda goes for Kevin Owens. That was a very good promo, though Kevin kinda conflates “Cody not helping in 2023” with “Cody betraying Kevin.” But that aside, Kevin should be booked to stay strong, maybe get himself disqualified by going overboard on Cody, and then they can bring things to a third match to perhaps kick off 2025.

Very good promo from Ciampa and Gargano, with Ciampa venting and perhaps having a good point on Gargano being unable to get past his friendship with Shelley to go for what he and Ciampa need in their careers. Ciampa using the phrase of “my way” could very well be a reference back to The Way, which was originally “The Gargano Way.” Maybe “The Way” comes back with Ciampa bringing Gargano into being a Heel again. The Profits are already on that line, DIY could probably try that to stay fresh, and we’ll just have to see how it goes in HHH’s plans for the tag titles. Also, where have Waller & Theory been? Will they return just to have their breakup story?

And very good stuff in the Bloodline story. Well, there could’ve been something a bit better about the Roman-Punk meeting. Maybe it’s just Roman’s character that needs changing. He hasn’t actually been humbled by anything that’s happened, he’s just being nicer to the Usos and Sami, and something about that is going to come back to bite him eventually. And Punk’s favor is surely going to involve Heyman advocating for Punk to have a top title match, over doing that for Roman. Roman will not just have to humble himself but he’ll have to relearn how to earn a title match for himself, not Wise Man politicking for him.

As for the rest, good promo with Solo and his Bloodline, and good move on Aldis’ part to put on a ringside ban. Great match out of Jey VS Jacob, but of course Jacob won. As I said, the math is pretty clear: Women’s WarGames is clearly going to be won by the Heels, so the Men’s WarGames is going to be won by the Faces. Punk is in this story to help the OG Bloodline win and get his favor. Roman VS Solo for the ula fala can also happen because of the OG Bloodline winning, and we’ll have to see where the rest of the Bloodline members go from there.

My Score: 8.7/10