Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/27/24)
The final Friday of 2024!

SmackDown says goodbye to the past and looks to the future!
Kevin Owens continues to claim he is the rightful WWE Champion, but he STOLE the Winged Eagle! Will he face the consequences before 2025 arrives?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Woman Tag: Bianca Belair, Naomi & Bayley VS Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Tiffany Stratton; Bianca, Naomi & Bayley win.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins.
- The Street Profits w/ B-Fab VS Los Garza w/ Elektra Lopez; The Profits win.
- Sami Zayn VS Carmelo Hayes; Sami wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nick Aldis speaks.
“Following what occurred at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Kevin Owens is making the claim of being a champion. Let me be clear: He is not. He was defeated by Cody Rhodes. Nonetheless, Kevin Owens is in the possession of the vaunted Winged Eagle championship belt, something that means a lot to a lot of people. It means a lot to me. It represents the legacy and tradition of the WWE. It represents history and greatness. It was presented to Cody Rhodes as a gesture of trust in our Undisputed WWE Champion. Kevin has no right and no claim to that championship belt. So the ultimatum is as follows.
“Kevin. You have until the end of the night to relinquish the Winged Eagle championship belt, or face immediate and severe consequences that will directly impact your future in the WWE. This is not a negotiation. You have one and one option to you only: To do the right thing.” Will this ultimatum from the SmackDown General Manager fall on deaf ears? Or will the Prizefighter give up his stolen prize if he knows what’s good for him?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and says going from being nearly forced to relinquish those titles to finally recapturing some gold, what did that win mean for them both? Naomi says for her, she has been wanting gold ever since she returned here. It didn’t happen the way she thought it would, but Naomi is just glad to have done it with the EST, her friend, especially after what happened with Jade Cargill. Bianca says Naomi showed up, had Bianca’s back, and made sure they’d keep these belts. Bianca knows they have to forward, but they won’t forget about what happened to Jade.
Bianca is sure it was someone among Nia, Candice, Tiffany, and so on. So they’ll keep on fighting ’til they find out whodunnit. Naomi says good thing, because they got a help from Naomi’s other friend! Bayley steps in and she says she’s got them! They good? Bianca says yeah, they’re good. Then will the “StrongEST Glow Models” be standing tall over the WWE Women’s Champion, WWE Women’s Speed Champion and Miss Money in the Bank? Or will there be some golden tickets owed for the New Year?
Six Woman Tag: Bianca Belair, Naomi & Bayley VS Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Tiffany Stratton!
But as Nia makes her entrance, she has a mic. She asks Bianca when she’s gonna give up. Nia did NOT touch Jade. None of them did! Tiffany couldn’t even help Nia & Candice win the tag titles, do you really think Tiff could orchestrate a backstage attack? Bianca is whining about her “friend,” but from Nia’s point of view, Bianca’s doing just fine without Jade. Jade is gone, Bianca is still champion, and yet there was zero time taken to replace Jade. Nia thinks Bianca is just trying to avoid suspicion on herself. The fans boo but Nia says Jade comes in and Bianca can’t stand to share the spotlight with her!
In fact, Jade is bigger, stronger, and better than Bianca. And Bianca just snapped! Nia gets it, though. Nia would do the same thing! But the thing is, let’s stop pointing fingers and just admit to the truth. Bianca, why don’t you own up to it, or Nia will make you! The fans boo more, Bayley & Naomi keep Bianca calm, and Nia’s team finally goes to the ring. The teams sort out and Bianca steps up. She wants Nia but she gets Tiff instead. Tiff and Bianca tie up, go around, and Bianca headlocks. Bianca hits a takeover, Tiff headscissors, but Bianca kips free. Tiff headlocks and hits a takeover, but Bianca headscissors.
Tiff kips free, runs up, but Bianca gets around to waistlock and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Bianca drags Tiff up to scoop and SLAM her! Bianca then runs, handsprings, but Tiff bails out! Nia, Tiff and Candice regroup, but Bayley and Naomi hop in. Bayley DIVES onto Candice, Naomi WRECKS Nia with a dropkick, then Bianca PLANCHAS onto Tiff! Tampa fires up with Bianca’s team while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bianca runs to DROPKICK Nia! Nia rebounds but Bianca fires forearms! Bianca RAMS Nia into the corner, RAMS into her again and again, then climbs up. Bianca rains down fists, the fans count all the way to TEN! Nia sits down,. Naomi tags in, and Naomi runs, says kiss this, and she basement DROPKICKS Nia in the corner! Then she gives Nia a twerking stink face! The fans cheer, but Nia shoves Naomi away! POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia snarls while she high stacks Naomi, TWO! Naomi survives but Nia drags her around. Tag to Candice and she stomps Naomi, then fires fists!
The fans rally for Naomi but Candice drags her up. But Naomi JAWBREAKERS free! Naomi then BULLDOGS Candice into the corner! Tag to Bianca and she brings Candice around. Naomi & Bianca DOUBLE stalling SUPLEX! And a double kip up, too! The fans fire up and Naomi secret handshakes with Bianca. SPLIT LEG DROP! Bianca adds the HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Candice scrambles away, but Bianca RAMS her in the corner! The fans rally as Bianca climbs, and she rains down fists on Candice! Tiff runs over to distract, and Candice YANKS Bianca down! Hot tag to Nia for a LEG DROP, brother! Cover, TWO!
Nia is furious with the ref but the count was fair. Nia picks Bianca up, tags Candice, and then Tiff sneaks a tag! MISSILE DROPKICK HART ATTACK! Cover, but then Tiff jumps! Candice moves so the FLYING SPLASH hits Bianca! The ref is confused, he might’ve missed Tiff’s tag! Tiff and Candice argue, but then Tiff hurries to BLAST Naomi! Bianca fights past Tiff but Tiff grabs the braid! The fans rally as Bianca reels Tiff in and DECKS her! Bianca hurries, so does Tiff, hot tags to Bayley and Candice! Bayley fires off forearms then whips, but Candice reverses! Bayley reverses back to roll Candice! Candice rolls through but Bayley KNEES her!
Bayley clinches to SAIDO! Candice tumbles out but Bayley pursues! DAREDEVIL DROPKICK- NO, Candice blocks the kick and SWINGS Bayley into the post! Candice scrambles in and HAMMERS away on Bayley! The fans boo but Candice stops to tag in Nia. Candice drags Bayley up for Nia and they mug Bayley. The fans rally, Nia puts Bayley on ropes and CHOKES her! The fans boo but Nia drags Bayley over. Tag back to Candice and she has Bayley on the apron. But Bayley fights back with forearms! Candice hits an APRON FACEBUSTER! Nia cheers but the fans boo, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Candice covers Bayley in the ring, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Candice puts her on the ropes. Candice CHOKES Bayley, then stomps her! Candice drags Bayley up and over, Nia tags in, and they mug Bayley. Bayley fights back, but Nia scoops to SLAM! Nia CHOKES Bayley, DRIBBLES her, then sits on Bayley for a cover, TWO! Nia is furious with the ref, but then she drags Bayley back up. Nia whips Bayley to a corner, runs up, and back body blocks! Nia gives Bayley a bit of stink face, then stands her up. Bayley fires body shots and forearms! Nia HEADBUTTS Bayley and down she goes!
Nia storms up on Bayley, tags in Candice, and Candice drags Bayley up to snapmare then NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives but Candice keeps her down with a chinlock. Candice then shifts to a straitjacket, but Bayley scrambles to the ropes! Candice puts Bayley in the corner, but Nia’s too busy taunting fans so Tiff tags in! Tiff stomps a mudhole into Bayley, then Nia tags in. Nia gives Bayley more stink face! Nia drags Bayley up and clamps on a SLEEPER! Bayley endures, fights around, but Nia offers a tag, to Candice! She leaves Tiff hanging but Candice wrangles Bayley into a facelock.
Candice grinds Bayley down but Bayley fights back up. Bayley fires body shots but Candice CLUBS her down! Candice whips Bayley to a corner, then BLASTS Bianca for the fun of it! Candice runs up, but Bayley escapes to the apron! Candice hits buckles, Bayley kicks Nia! Candice runs up, but Bayley catches her for a HOTSHOT! Bayley catches her breath, slumps down from the apron, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Bayley climbs back up. Bayley crawls for her corner, as does Candice. Nia is still on the outside, so Candice has no choice but to tag Tiff! Hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Tiff!
Naomi rallies with forearms, then a FLYING CHUCK! Naomi runs, slides under and MULE KICKS! Then she runs up to TORNADO BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Naomi is right on her. Naomi whips. Tiff reverses and DECKS her! Tag to Nia but Naomi BOOTS her! Tiff SPINEBUSTER for Naomi! BAYLEY2BELLY for Tiff! Candice has a CODE BREAKER for Bayley! Bianca scoops Candice to GUT BUSTER! But Nia scoops Bianca to SLAM her! Nia hurries up the corner, but Naomi SUPERKICKS first! Then goes up for some STRATUSFACTION! Naomi puts Nia in the drop zone, SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TIFF BREAKS IT!
The fans are thunderous as Tiff TOSSES Naomi! Then she PLANCHAS for good measure! But then she sees Nia is down… The fans fire up, they want Tiff to do it! It’s her time!! Tiff gets her briefcase, and she nods to the ref! But Candice SNATCHES the briefcase! They fight over it, they argue about being a champion, but Candice tags in. Tiff shouts at Candice, but then Naomi slides in to full nelson Candice! GLOW BOMB on Candice! Bianca & Bayley YANK Tiff down, and Naomi body scissor cradles Candice! StrongEST Glow Models win!!
Winners: Bianca Belair, Naomi & Bayley, by pinfall
A great win for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and The Role Model, but this speaks to the growing strife in Nia’s friend group. Will Tiff be able to time her cash-in better next time?
BREAKING NEWS for next Friday!
Raw moving to Netflix is big, but so is SmackDown growing to THREE HOURS! That’s right, both brands, three hours, truly a new era! Get ready to enhance your WWE week on January 3rd!
A-Town Down Under talk with Nick Aldis.
They complain about the cost of Grayson Waller’s new show set and who is taking care of it. Waller gives the invoice to Aldis but Aldis says he already told them: if they have issue with Braun Strowman, they should take it up with him. In fact, Austin Theory has a match with Braun, doesn’t he? He should get going. By the way, he’s waiting for someone. Oh, really? Who’s more important than ATDU here? Knock knock, it’s Sami Zayn! Waller can’t believe it! Aldis was waiting for “this homeless bloke?!” ATDU storm out, and the Honorary Uce tells Aldis that they should talk. Aldis agrees. Will Sami use the Transfer Window to be here on SmackDown?
SmackDown returns and…
Sami finishes his conversation with Aldis, simply saying that he isn’t trying to put Aldis in a tough spot or make it more chaotic than it already is. He’s just figuring, Sami is on Raw, Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline is supposed to be on SmackDown, and yet Solo’s Bloodline shows up. Sami is here to say it is only fair he gets a shot at payback. Aldis understands that. But then Carmelo Hayes barges in and says Aldis thought Braun was gonna humble H1M. But seeing as Melo won, he made Aldis a card. Merry Christmas. Melo hands those out but Sami speaks up. Sami knows Melo is new around here, but when you see two people talking, you usually wait.
Oh, right, his bad. Want a card? Sami chuckles and says maybe Melo didn’t hear him right. When two people are talking… You wait your turn. Sami crumples up the card, and throws it back at Melo. Melo says okay, he’ll let that slide. But why is Sami even here? The only time Sami’s on SmackDown these days is to get beat up by The Bloodline. So maybe Sami should stay out of Melo’s business, and off Melo’s show. Oh, Melo’s show? Yeah! Sami tells Aldis that how about this: Sami can wait for Bloodline, he’ll take Melo on instead. Aldis likes the idea. Consider it done. Melo says yeah, done for Sami!
Melo heads out, but he’s got quite the fight on his hands! Will Sami be the one to humble H1M? Or will Melo not miss his chance to take down another top superstar in the WWE?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Braun Strowman!
Speaking of having a big fight on our hands, the A-Town half of A-Town Down Under is about to fight #OneBigSOB! Will Theory be able to outmaneuver The Monster of All Monsters like Melo did? Or will he #GetTheseHands?
The bell rings and Theory says, “All Day!” Braun SHOVES Theory and Theory tumbles out of the ring! Waller fires Theory up, Theory runs back in, but Braun UPPERCUTS, then LARIATS! Braun then whips Theory corner to corner hard! Theory falls, but then stumbles back up. Braun runs in, but Theory dodges! Braun hits buckles, and Theory fireman’s carries! Theory can’t keep Braun up long, though, and Braun TOSSES Theory across the ring! The fans fire up while Theory flounders back out, and Waller says that was an illegal throw! Waller complains but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the fans rally for Braun while Theory sits him up. Braun throws body shots, but Theory fires haymakers in return! Then BASEMENT DDT! Theory talks smack, says fans came to see him, and then Theory storms up on Braun. Theory pie faces the monster, but Braun CHOPS him down! Even Waller is feeling that one! Braun storms back up, but Theory dodges to CHOP BLOCK! Braun falls to his knees, Theory winds up, and Theory DECKS Braun! Cover, ONE?!? And Theory is sent flying! Theory is shocked, Waller is worried, but Braun is up! Theory HOTSHOTS Braun, then hurries to somersault SHOTGUN!
Braun just rebounds to SHOTGUN in return! Theory is sent back out to the floor! The fans fire up for Braun as he rises up, and he storms over to Theory. Braun palms Theory’s head like a basketball in order to lift him up! They’re in the ropes so the ref counts. Braun lets go at 4, to run, but Waller trips him up! Braun stomps Waller’s hand! Theory runs up but Braun TOSSES him out onto Waller! Braun rips off his shirt and Tampa fires up! Braun goes outside, the Strowman Express CLOBBERS Theory! Waller runs away, but Braun drags Theory up. Braun goes up the steel steps, DUMPS Theory in, then he goes up the corner?!
The fans go wild as Braun climbs! But Waller returns! Braun SHOVES Waller down, but Theory manages to fireman’s carry!! But both men fall! Theory hurries up, but Braun scoops! MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Braun wins!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall
The Monster of All Monsters brings down A-Town Down Under, so no, it isn’t all day. Will Braun find his way back to the top of the mountain in the New Year?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“Nick, um… I heard what you said. I heard all of it. I heard you say I’m not the real WWE Champion, but I mean… I have this, I deserve to have this, I am the true, rightful WWE Champion, okay? And I also heard that ultimatum. You want me to give this back, you said I have to give this back, and I’m sure you’d love for me to agree to this right away, and go, ‘Yes, Milord, I shall give it back right away, Milord.’ But you know what, Nick? I think you and I need to have a little discussion. So I’ll come into this arena, but on my terms. That means just me and you alone in the ring, no one else. No security guards, no office cronies, just me, you, and then… Then we can talk.”
The Prizefighter has given his response, but can we really trust Kevin alone with the SmackDown GM?
Piper Niven is in the ring.
She is dressed up for the occasion, with the American flags and balloons and even a podium with… a seal that has Chelsea Green’s picture on it, and says, “Chelsea Green’s United States Championship Celebration.” Piper waves and says, “Ladies and gentlemen. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to your prettiest, tallest, sparkliest, most beautiful, most popular, first and longest reigning Women’s United States Champion, my bestie not yours, Chelsea~ Green~!” The Hot Mess makes her way out, dressed as Lady Liberty! Chelsea waves to the fans and steps inside the ring. She and Piper hug before Chelsea goes to the podium.
Chelsea thanks everyone, and the fans do cheer, “You Deserve It!” Chelsea says she wants to take this time to address the fine people of the WWE Universe. “We did it! We have officially turned the blue brand into the Green House! Now, Fergie once used the letters G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S to describe this very moment. The moment that the world would feast their eyes… on the most glamorous, richest, tannest, sparkliest, tallest, youngest, oldest, longest reigning, first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion!” The fans cheer that!
And now, Chelsea feels it is only necessary to give recognition to the woman who has been there through it all. The woman who has stood by Chelsea’s side, and if not for her, Chelsea wouldn’t be here. That woman… is Chelsea herself. Piper rolls her eyes as Chelsea say sit is her honor to bring pride and sexiness to this reign. Because if not for Chelsea, we’d be stuck with one of those “she trolls” in the locker room! WOOF. Chelsea says to her “trash loving opponent, Michin,” she has but two words: GOOD RIDDANCE~! HAHAHA! Chelsea would say Mia could be a champion like Chelsea, but Canadians don’t lie.
The fans boo and Chelsea says okay, okay, what she will say to Mia Yim is… that Chelsea is shocked Mia even made it that far. Lastly, folks, Chelsea challenges us to ask yourself not what Chelsea Green can do for you, but what you can do for Chelsea Green! Now is the time! 2025 is going to be the year of #RedWhiteAndGreen! Wait, here comes Michin! And she tells Chelsea that in case she forgot, it if wasn’t for Chelsea’s “goofy friend,” Piper, Mia would’ve won! And actually, Mia is gonna take a page out of Chelsea’s book and introduce her to Mia’s little friend: the kendo stick! They’ll give Chelsea the ass kicking she deserves!
Piper steps up as secret service and blocks the kendo stick! But Mia ROCKS Piper, then SMACKS away with the stick! The fans fire up, Chelsea wants Mia to hold on, but then Mia swings! Chelsea dodges but she’s in heels! She begs for mercy, but Piper drags Chelsea to safety! Mia says it is only a matter of time, there’s nowhere to run or hide! When and where will Mia truly be the Head Baddie in Charge?
DIY is backstage.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa imagine the parade they can have for their win, but then they come across Nick Aldis and The Street Profits. Aldis thanks DIY for joining them, and wants to ask them this once: Is there anything DIY wants to say about who attacked Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins three weeks ago? Uh, yeah. It was terrible what happened! Really sucks, they feel awful. Is that it? Final answer? Well, okay. Because here’s the thing. There are two eye witnesses to what happened that night. Pretty Deadly steps in? Aldis asks Kit Wilson & Elton Prince if they truly witnessed the attack.
Well, maybe, but Kit needs a refresher. Elton also does! Maybe if there was some funding on the table for a future Tony Award winning musical? Aldis says maybe they’ll have more time for their project when they’re unemployed. Right, right. Kit & Elton talk it over, and they say it was Gar… za! Garza! Los Garza! The Profits step up and B-Fab asks if that’s 100% what they saw. Yes, 100%. Oh, well, okay, they did see Legado here earlier. Then say less. The Profits believe what Pretty Deadly said!? Ford & Dawkins call out Angel & Berto, then go right at them! They brawl, Elektra Lopez is shocked, but now she and B-Fab get at it!
Aldis and producers jump in, and he says no, just go to the ring! NOW! Profits say bet! But will Legado pay for a crime they didn’t commit? Will accusing the wrong team come back to bite Kit & Elton?
The Street Profits w/ B-Fab VS Los Garza w/ Elektra Lopez!
SmackDown returns as this match is already going, and Ford has already knocked Berto down! Angel wants Ford to tranquilo, but Ford rushes him! They run around the outside, back inside, and Dawkins is there to CLOBBER Angel! Berto gets back up but Ford kicks him! Ford and Berto brawl inside while Dawkins and Angel brawl on the outside! Dawkins ROCKS Angel, but Angel BOOTS Dawkins! Berto BLASTS Dawkins and Ford BOOTS Angel! Then they both aim, and they STEREO PLANCHA! Berto and Ford then brawl on the outside! The ref reprimands, both men hurry inside and fire more hands.
Berto whips, Ford reverses then blows past him to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Ford rises. Ford storms up on Berto, tags Dawkins, and they double whip to DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Dawkins covers, TWO! Dawkins drags Berto to a corner and fires fast hands! Dawkins rains down those haymakers but he backs off as the ref counts. Berto YANKS Dawkins into buckles! Dawkins flounders, Berto KICKS him in the side! Berto CLUBS Dawkins, tags Angel, and Angel hold Dawkins up by his legs. Berto runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK! Then feed to Angel’s HAYMAKER! Cover, TWO! Angel rains down fists on Dawkins!
Angel smothers Dawkins, turns him over, and hooks him into a partial CAMEL CLUTCH! Dawkins endures, Angel talks trash, but the fans rally up. Angel fires crossface forearms, then he tags Berto. Los Garza mugs Dawkins, then Berto CLUBS Dawkins. Berto talks trash but Dawkins ROCKS him! And BLASTS Angel! Dawkins tags Ford then whips Berto. Ford CLOBBERS Berto, then the Profits hit the BACK SUPLEX SPLASH! Cover, Angel breaks it! Dawkins whips but Angel reverses to HEADBUTT! Ford JUMP KNEES Angel! Ford ducks one kick but not the ENZIGIRI from Berto! Los Garza regroups, Ford runs up!
Berto BOOTS Ford, then pops him to the apron. Angel SHOTGUNS Ford into a corner! The fans boo while Angel smothers Ford and CLUBS him down, then SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Angel kicks Ford around, then soaks up heat. Angel drags Ford up, puts him in the ring, then CLUBS away on Ford against the apron. Angel slides in, drags Ford around, and he tags Berto. They put Ford up top, then Berto climbs up behind him. Berto CLUBS Ford, rains down fists, and he counts for himself! Berto stops at 9, then he drags Ford into a Tree of Woe. Tag to Angel and Los Garza stomps away! The ref counts, Los Garza lets Ford fall out of the Tree, then Angel taunts Dawkins. Angel goes back to Ford to CHOKE him on ropes. The ref counts, Angel stops at 4, but Lopez SLAPS Ford! B-Fab is mad but Angel covers, TWO!
Angel is frustrated but he drags Ford up. Angel slips around to have a kneeling COBRA TWIST! Angel CLUBS away on Ford’s ribs, then cranks the twist! Ford endures, fights up, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally for Ford as he stands, and he fires elbows! Angel keeps Ford from Dawkins, then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Berto and he drags Ford to the apron. Angel runs while Berto sits ford up, KNEE ROUNDHOUSE COMBO! The fans boo but Lopez applauds, and Berto storms in. Berto drags Ford up, snapmares, and then runs to basement DROPKICK! Berto soaks up heat as he stalks Ford.
Berto stands Ford up to CHOP, then stomps away in the corner. Tag to Angel and Berto keeps stomping. Angel runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Angel says if this is what The Profits wanted, this is what they’ll get! Angel covers, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Angel clamps on. Angel reels Ford in, soaks up more heat, but Ford fights the lift. Angel kicks, Ford blocks and then SATELLITE DDTS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ford and Angel crawl, but Angel then grabs Ford’s foot! Ford fights and gets free! Hot tags to Dawkins and Berto! Dawkins rallies on Berto, then FLAPJACKS Angel! Berto kicks low!
Berto whips, Dawkins hurdles! FLYING UPPERCUT! The fans fire up with Dawkins and he gets Berto with the SILENCER! Cover, TWO!! Berto survives but Dawkins hauls him back up. Electric Chair Lift, and then tag to Ford! Ford climbs, but Angel makes the save! Berto shoves Dawkins into Ford! Angel SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Ford is stuck up top so Los Garza go after him! They both climb up, and they double gorilla press!! DOUBLE ROCKET LAUNCHER!! Then Angel ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Dawkins! Berto MOUNTAINTOP MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives and Berto cannot believe it!
The fans fire up and even Lopez is at a loss for words! Berto rains down fists, then he tags in Angel. Los Garza double whip Ford, then pop him up. But Dawkins POUNCES Angel! Ford lands out to ENZIGIRI Berto! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins gets Angel for a whip, but Lopez makes the save! La Madrina makes sure her amigos are okay, but B-Fab BOOTS Lopez down! The fans fire up and Ford FLIES! Down go Los Garza! Ford puts Angel in, Dawkins lifts Angel back up! Ford tags back in, climbs back up, and we get the DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
Whether or not Los Garza are really guilty of the backstage attack, they could not overcome the fast ‘n’ furious Ford & Dawkins! Will the Profits still be up in the New Year?
Andrade speaks.
“Nakamura wants to call himself, ‘The savior of the United States Championship.’ Talking about honor? Spare me. You want to talk about wrestling? Technique? There is no one better than Andrade. Your mind games, they don’t scare me. They show me the kind of man you really are. A man with no respect, who took my title opportunity. So now, I’m coming for you. And when we face off, I will expose you. And after I deliver The Message, everyone will remember one thing: Andrade is inevitable.” El Idolo calls out the King of Strong Style, and we will see this battle next week! Will Andrade come away with a big win over the NEW US Champion?
BREAKING NEWS for next week, again!
The three hours is being jam packed already as Naomi gets one more shot at the WWE Women’s Championship! Will Nia #FeelTheGlow once and for all? Or can the Irresistible Force turn back the challenge one more time?
DIY confronts Pretty Deadly.
Gargano asks what they’re up to, aka we all know Pretty Deadly totally lied. Kit says this is what the British call, “quid pro quo.” Elton says that if they scratch DIY’s backs, maybe DIY scratch theirs? Ciampa doesn’t scratch anyone’s backs but his. But hey, Pretty Deadly did look out for them, so they’ll look out for Pretty Deadly. Oh, okay! #YesBoy! Kit & Elton move on but then The Profits walk by. B-Fab thanks them for the heads up on Los Garza. Respect. Uh, yes, respect! Don’t mention it! Ever. Like, ever ever. Pretty Deadly hurries away, and B-Fab suggests talking with Aldis about the tag title situation.
As the Profits head for Aldis’ office, Motor City Machine Guns is there. Chris Sabin says that with all due respect, if anyone gets a title match, it is MCMG. Sorry, but Profits will have to go to the back of the line. Back of the line, huh? Did they really just say that? Apollo Crews steps in now and says they’re all getting played. It wasn’t Los Garza. It was DIY straight up. Trust him, he saw it. Oh… Well now that the cat’s out of the bag, will the Profits AND MCMG make sure DIY sleeps with the fishes?
Sami Zayn VS Carmelo Hayes!
The Honorary Uce came here to handle business with Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, so he didn’t appreciate being interrupted by H1M. Will this veteran and Raw locker room leader make sure Melo learns his manners? Or will no one from any brand be able to humble Melo?
The bell rings and Sami circles with Melo. They tie up, go around, and Melo puts Sami in a corner, but Sami turns it around. The fans rally for “Sami Uso!” as he lets off slowly, but Melo shoves Sami. The two reset and tie up, then Melo waistlocks. Sami wrenches free to wristlock, but Melo puts Sami back in a corner. Melo swings, Sami dodges and then CHOPS! CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sami wrenches Melo to then whip, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges, then rolls off Sami’s back! Melo DROPKICKS Sami down, then covers, ONE!! Melo clamps onto Sami with a chinlock but Sami fights up. Melo shifts to a headlock but Sami powers up and out.
Sami drops, then hurdles, then TOSSES Melo out to the floor! Melo turns around, Sami builds speed and fakes Melo out to Arabian Press! The fans cheer, Melo is annoyed, but he slides in, only to slide back out. Sami is upset but Melo trips him up! Melo drags Sami out, knees low, then whips Sami. Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Down goes Melo and the fans fire up! Sami is in control as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo is on the outside. Melo bumps Sami off buckles! Sami falls back, Melo soaks up heat, and then Melo brings Sami up for another buckle bump! Sami staggers, Melo brings him back up, but Sami blocks! Sami bumps Melo off buckles! Sami brings Melo up to suplex, only for Melo to block that and HOTSHOT! Sami flops back and Melo slingshots to then springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sami stays in this so Melo stomps away on him! The fans boo but Melo rains down fists! Melo soaks up some more heat, then he rains down even more fists! Melo flexes but the fans boo.
Melo drags Sami up with a facelock, then he fires hands. Melo talks trash, throws more hands, then talks more trash. Sami blocks a shot to fire hands! Sami whips, Melo reverses, but Sami goes up and over then LARIATS! The fans fire up as Sami goes to a corner and takes aim. Melo rises, runs in, but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up to AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Sami is feeling that energy! Sami storms up but ducks a shot! But Melo fights Blue Thunder! Melo fires elbows, then runs, but Sami reels him in! BLUE THUN- NO, Melo slips free and mule kicks! Melo runs, springboards, but Sami catches the Fade Away into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!
The fans are shocked but so is Sami! Melo reaches out in a daze but Sami goes to a corner. Tampa is thunderous but Melo jumps up to get Sami! Sami fires hands first and he HEADBUTTS Melo down! Sami adjusts, leaps, but has to roll through as Melo moves! Melo comes back with the FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives but Melo tries another cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Sami survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally up as Melo runs, FADE AWAY DDT! Sami is down, Melo goes up! Melo calls his shot, NOTHING BUT- LARIAT!! Shot blocked by Sami and the fans are thunderous again!
Sami roars and shakes the ropes! Sami climbs up on Melo to rain down fists! Sami goes way past TEN to get like TWENTY! Sami then lets off so he can storm back up. Sami blocks Melo’s kick, spins him around, and CORNER EXPLODERS! The fans are thunderous because this leads to Sami taking aim from the far side. HELLUVA- NO, Melo bails out! Melo says he’s good, he’ll head to the back. But BRAUN makes his way out here! The Monster scoops Melo but Melo slips free! Melo runs for the hills, the ring count climbs, and Sami shakes his head. Only to turn around into a TACKLE from Tama Tonga!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by disqualification
Of course The Bloodline knew Sami was looking for them, so they went after Sami! They mug Sami while fans boo, and Solo tells his men to finish him. Tama runs, but Sami BOOTS him! Jacob Fatu runs in but Sami POSTS him! Solo CLOBBERS Sami! The fans boo more but Tama rains down fists. Braun comes back, Melo on his shoulders, but then he realizes there’s bigger fish to fry! The Monster storms his way to the ring to help his ol’ pal Sami! Braun TOSSES Tama into barriers! Braun dares Solo to try something, so Solo fires hands! Braun and Solo brawl, but Solo throat chops! Solo runs but Braun CLOBBERS him!
The fans are thunderous as Solo tumbles out of the ring. But now the Samoan Werewolf steps to the Monster of All Monsters! The fans are going nuts seeing this stare down! Braun dares Jacob to try something, but then Tama CHOP BLOCKS! SUPERKICK from Fatu! SAMOAN SPIKE from Solo! And then another SAMOAN SPIKE!! The numbers keep working in Solo’s favor, but Sami TACKLES Solo! Tama CLOBBERS Sami, but now producers and referees rush out here! But Jacob still hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER on Sami!! And Solo makes sure the camera is on him! “Roman, I’m coming for you!” SAMOAN SPIKE for Sami!!
The fans boo as hard as they can, producers reprimand Solo, but Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala. And wait, NOW Kevin Owens makes his way out here? Well, he does hate The Bloodline, but he’s here to handle business with Aldis. Kevin holds up the Winged Eagle, then heads to the ring, but is he going to hand it over? We’ll find out after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Kevin has joined Aldis in the ring, and just as agreed, it is just the two of them. Aldis says he already said what he needs to say, so there’s just one thing left to do. Kevin simply has to do the right thing and hand over the Winged Eagle. The fans are torn, and Kevin asks if that’s really the right thing. That’s actually the worst thing Kevin could do. Why would Kevin give this back? This is the only bargaining chip he has! This is the only way he can make sure he gets what is fair and what he deserves! And do you know what that is, Aldis? That is a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship, where a referee cannot rob Kevin of his victory!
Because that is what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event. If Cody wants this back, then he has to come and take it, by giving Kevin his rematch! Kevin had Cody beat! Aldis knows it, Cody knows it, EVERYONE knows it! Aldis says he already said this is not a negotiation, and that there would be immediate and severe consequences if Kevin didn’t hand the belt over. Maybe Aldis needs to spell it out: Hand the belt over, or Kevin never sets foot in a WWE ring again! Fans boo that, they don’t want Kevin leaving. But wait! CODY RHODES IS HERE! Even after what Kevin did to his neck, Cody is back, his WWE Championship on his shoulder.
Aldis tells Cody to hold on. Aldis won’t say much more than this, but for Cody’s sake, Aldis’s sake, and all of the WWE’s sake, Cody needs to turn around and walk away so Aldis can handle this. The fans boo that, but Cody says, “Nick… I’m not gonna walk away.” The fans cheer that! Cody says he doesn’t want Kevin to hand the belt over. Aldis cannot make a martyr of a man who wants to be a martyr. Kevin has said so much that he has made this about what Kevin thinks it is about! Kevin has put up sheets of logic like walls, so allow Cody to punch through them. The real problem here stems from Cody teaming with a man who tried to end Kevin’s career.
Rewind to Saturday Night’s Main Event, that is exactly what Kevin tried to do to Cody! It isn’t about what Kevin says, but what he does. When Kevin first met Cody, Cody was young, hungry and angry. Cody wanted to climb the ladder like everyone else, and he was doing it for Cody and Cody alone. But Cody no longer does this for himself. He hasn’t for quite some time. Cody does this for his girls, for his fans, for that announcer who believed in Cody before Cody ever did! For the timekeeper who is Cody’s cousin! For his little buddy in the front row! For his mentor, Randy Orton, who Kevin put on the shelf, denying the fans the chance to see him!
And Cody does it for those who have put faith in him! The man who gave him the Winged Eagle and said, “One night only, so that we could give the fans something special.” So it is not Aldis’s responsibility but Cody’s to take that title belt back from Kevin. Kevin gets all mockingly emotional, says Cody’s just lying, but then Cody shouts, “SHUT THE HELL UP!!” Cody has had absolutely enough of Kevin! Let’s ask Kevin the simplest of questions: Were they friends before Cody became champion? YES! Are they friends? NO!! If Kevin wants a match where the ref can’t screw him, fine! Cody wants a match where the ref can’t stop what Cody’s gonna do to Kevin!!
Aldis tries to stop Cody even now, but Cody begs Aldis to let him do this. The fans chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Cody steps into the ring so that he can stare Kevin in the eyes. That’s what this is about, right? Climbing? They’ll take the Winged Eagle title, they’ll take the WWE Logo title, hang ’em high up, and it’ll be a LADDER MATCH! Kevin grins but Cody glares. Aldis says then at the Royal Rumble, it will be Cody VS Kevin for the Undisputed WWE Championship… in a LADDER MATCH! The fans fire up, the mics drop, except for Kevin’s. Kevin says sounds great to him. See you there.
Kevin offers a handshake, but Cody doesn’t even budge. Kevin says that’s also fine. So he SHOVES ALDIS INTO CODY! The fans boo as Kevin then stomps away on Cody’s neck! Aldis shields Cody now but Kevin still finds openings to take shots! Kevin holds up the Winged Eagle and shouts, “I’m the TRUE champ! I’m the TRUE champion!!” Kevin has to wait five weeks, but will he be THE Undisputed WWE Champion in the New Year?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, and I guess they’re back to live. The Tampa crowd was hard to get a good read on. I couldn’t be sure if they were just quiet or certain audio was piped in. But that aside, this being the last two-hour SmackDown for the foreseeable future managed to shove a lot of things in and get a lot of superstars involved in all the different stories. Good promos to lead into the Six Woman Tag, and it certainly adds to how Naomi might be the one whodunnit. Nia thinking Bianca did it could be a red herring in itself, it’s too easy to say a tag partner turned on another when that happens a lot.
Plus, we got another Tiff cash-in tease, but Candice of course defends Nia. With a title match happening next week, that is another opening for Tiff, but I feel like Candice will get in the way there, too. If nothing else, Naomi becomes a double champion to add more drama to the story of her attacking Jade. Speaking of titles, we got a good promo from Chelsea with Piper, and of course Chelsea thanked herself and no one else. Likewise, Mia Yim of course stormed out there to go after Chelsea, setting up the feud for a rematch, just as I’d guessed. We’ll get more great action out of Chelsea and Mia, and maybe, just maybe, Piper stands up for herself over not being thanked for anything she’s done for Chelsea.
Great stuff with the tag team whodunnit, where we all know it’s DIY that attacked The Profits, and clearly Pretty Deadly knew, but they pinned it on Los Garza in hopes of getting their own title shot. Great match out of Profits VS Garza, and great win for Profits, but a bit of a plot hole in how Apollo didn’t step up to say anything until now. I mean, I get it, he was busy with fighting Bloodline because they bullied him for no good reason, but he could’ve said something to Aldis real quick before that. It’s just small things that pro-wrestling is still guilty of, no matter the company, but it’d still be nice if they changed for realism’s sake.
Great blending of stories between Braun VS Melo and everything with the Bloodline. Braun gets a great win over Theory, Sami VS Melo is a great match, and naturally Braun wants after Melo the moment Melo tries to run away from Sami. But then likewise, Bloodline goes after Sami since he wants after them. Braun joining in on that brawl could also mean he stands in for Jimmy while Jimmy’s toe heals up. As I said for Raw and SmackDown before, the “Transfer Window” should be used to get all parts of The Bloodline onto one brand just for the ease of doing story. Granted, business type stuff might mess that up. Netflix might get Roman, but NBC will still want something, so Roman winning could put all the OGs on Raw and Solo’s side has to stay on SmackDown.
And very good stuff with the Cody VS Kevin story. Naturally, Aldis would try to settle this peacefully, and naturally it wouldn’t work out when Kevin doesn’t want peace but glory. Cody feels the same way, and so naturally, a ladder match is made. From the classic HBK VS Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship to various parallels since, the ladder match and both physical belts being the one championship is the way to go, and we’ll get an awesome match.
But waiting until Royal Rumble on February 1st was a touch of a surprise. Granted, the next Saturday Night’s Main Event is January 25th, the week right before… Maybe SNME is used to lighten the load of the Royal Rumble card. After all, the Rumble is mostly about, well, the Rumble, so two rumbles, all the top titles, meaning midcard titles and tag titles can be part of SNME and the go-home episodes to really build up this year’s Road to WrestleMania.
My Score: 8.8/10
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So close to the crowns, we can almost taste them!
Randy Orton and Asuka are waiting, who will join them in the King & Queen of the Ring finals set for Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez; Jade wins and advances to the finals.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley; Becky wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso; Cody wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
Columbus, Ohio is ready to #BurnItDown as they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” The Visionary leads the way for Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, The Wise Man handling the Money in the Bank briefcase. They’re all feeling good after devastating LA Knight to the point of indefinite leave of absence from the bruised ribs caused by multiple Spears and Tsunamis. Rollins revels in the singing in his best Michael Jackson’s Bad ensemble. Heyman hands Rollins the mic, and Rollins says, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!”
Rollins takes off the sunglasses while the fans bark for Bron, and Rollins says, “Columbus, you are sending me mixed signals here. So let me ask you a question: All of you, everyone in this building, what do you want?” There is barking but there also seems to be chants for CM Punk. Rollins says exactly! One minute, the fans chant for CM Punk, then the next minute is the OTC, and then they’re barking for “The Dog,” then they’re singing his song! Which they do again.
Rollins says it is painfully obvious that the fans have no damn idea what they want, so Rollins does not care what they want! They don’t know what is good for them, so they need people like Rollins, visionaries like Rollins, to tell them what IS good for them! Rollins wants to try an experiment. Wrap your tiny little brains around this: Even the things that you think you want are because of Rollins. Roman Reigns, the OTC? He exists because of Rollins! CM Punk came back to the WWE because the fans chanted his name? No, CM Punk is back in the WWE because this company wanted to cash in on how much Rollins HATES CM Punk!
Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare… There is no second coming of Cody unless Rollins is there to put Cody on the map! The World Heavyweight Championship? Rollins was the first! NXT Championship? Rollins was the first! Those things exists as they are because ROLLINS built them in HIS image! Rollins is the creator, the prime mover, the past, present, and FUTURE of this company! Rollins says between him and his “Oracle,” Paul Heyman, they know a thing or two about revolutions. And every revolution faces opposition. Rollins will deal with that opposition diplomatically until that opposition pushes Rollins and forces his hand.
That is exactly what happened to L A Knight, YEAH! Knight stuck his nose in Rollins’ business, and he got Tsunami after Tsunami after Tsunami for it! And… In a few minutes’ time, Rollins’ dog, Bron Breakker, has an opportunity to do the same thing to another person that has been a thorn in Rollins’ side: Penta. The fans cheer but Rollins will spell it out for us. There are a lot of people who think they’ve got what it takes to exist at the very top. Champions like John Cena and Gunther, or even their challengers like CM Punk and Goldberg, or even the King of the Ring entries, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Randy Orton!
But what they all fail to understand is they are all running a race for second place. “This (MITB briefcase) is the finish line. This is the endgame. It has and always will be Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” But wait, here comes Bron’s opponent! Will Penta’s #CeroMiedo be the key to ruining Rollins’ plans? We find out, after the break.
PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!
Raw returns and the match is already underway as Bron rains down fits in the corner. The ref counts, Bron drags Penta up and whips him to ropes. Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles around! Bron sputters to his feet in a corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up, Penta brings Bron out, but Bron fires body shots. Bron shoves Penta, Penta dodges again to springboard and CROSSBODY! Penta keeps going, GAMANGIRI in the corner again! Then a HEADSTAND DROPKICK! The fans cheer Penta on while Bron bails out. Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” and Columbus joins in.
Penta builds speed, but Bron is back in! BACKDROP! The fans bark while Bron seethes. Bron stomps Penta, digs his forearms into Penta’s face and throat, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Bron reels Penta in, suplexes, and paces. The fans rally as Bron circle Penta. Bron stands Penta up but Penta fires body shots. Penta CHOPS, the fans cheer, but Bron kicks low. Bron whips, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Penta survives but Bron is amused now. Heyman coaches Bron to keep on Penta, and Bron RAMS into Penta again and again. The fans rally for Penta and the ref counts. Bron stops at 4 to bring Penta around.
Bron headlocks, Penta powers up and out, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges now! Bron builds speed and LARIATS! The fans bark and Bron says, “Since his first day here, he’s been trying to keep up with me. You’re never gonna beat me, ever!” Bron stomps Penta at the ropes, the ref counts, but Bron stops at 4. Bron stares down the fans as they either cheer or bark. Bron stands Penta up and scrapes Penta’s face off ropes! Bron hoists Penta up top, climbs up to get him, but Penta fires hands! The fans rally for Penta, Bron staggers back, but then Bron UPPERCUTS! Penta flops to the apron! Bron climbs, he drags Penta up by his mask, but Penta CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Penta runs and jumps to RANA! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles away! Penta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Penta fires up, aims, and SUPERKICKS! But Bron just gets mad! Bron runs up, but Penta DUMPS him out! Penta then PLANCHAS, but Bron catches him to a fireman’s carry! But Penta slips free! Penta POSTS Bron, slides in the ring, and Penta KICKS Bron from the apron, Penta builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Bron at the ramp but Penta is also in bad shape. The ref hurries to check while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and now Bron and Penta are down behind the desk! It was first Bron hitting a GOURD BUSTER on the post, then Bron hitting his signature FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” as Bron and Penta rise. Bron brings Penta around the way to put him back in the ring. Bron stomps Penta, and stomps, and stomps, stomps, stomps! Bron then whips Penta to a corner, but Penta BOOTS back! Penta then ELBOWS Bron, runs up, but Bron grabs him by the neck! Gorilla press for the GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Bron grows frustrated, but Columbus cheers Penta on!
Bron looms over Penta, clamps on a headlock, and he grinds Penta down. Penta endures as Bron claims Penta wants to quit. Heyman says a smart person would quit! The fans rally, Penta fights up, and Penta fires body shots! Penta whips, Bron reverses, but Penta KICKS back! Penta dodges Bron, kicks the legs out, then runs to SLING-DOG! Bron flounders into a corner and the fans fire up with Penta! Penta winds up to CHOP! Penta whips corner to corner, Bron reverses, but Penta goes up and over! Bron holds onto ropes to stop the Backstabber, so Penta O’Conner Rolls, then rolls through, PANCAKE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Bron escapes but Penta rises up! The fans fire up as Penta calls his shot! Penta runs in, DEST- NO, Bron throws Penta back! Penta SUPERKICKS, goes up, but Bron somersaults?! Bron JUMP KNEES Penta! Bron then runs back up, goes right up, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up again! Heyman grows frustrated, but Bron brings down the straps. Bron builds speed while the fans bark, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta calls his shot, runs up, but Bron grabs Penta again! Another gorilla press, but Penta DDTS out of it! And now, RUNNING DESTROYER!!! Cover, TWO!!
Bron survives and shocks Penta! The fans can’t believe it either, but “This is Awesome!” Penta and Bron rise, and Penta brings Bron in. Penta pump handles but Bron switches! Bron back suplexes, Penta lands out and mule kicks the legs! Penta fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard into the SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Bron ends this one in the blink of an eye with a rather badass counterattack! Rollins returns to ringside to celebrate with Bron, and he tells Penta this is his final warning: Stay out of Rollins’ way! Will Penta listen? Or will Penta stay in the fight against Rollins’ “revolution?”
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
The Raw General Manager is discussing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with the SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, but has to end the call as someone walks in. AJ Styles is here and asks why Pearce wanted to see him. Pearce says that Liv Morgan is out with injury, but apparently Dominik Mysterio is, too. What? What’d Dom do, strain his mustache? Pearce says the paperwork is legitimate so now the match at Night of Champions is off. Styles says this is just Dom ducking him! He’s gonna go make sure Dom’s hurt. Pearce stops Styles there and says to trust him. When Dom is 100%, Styles is first in line to challenge him.
Styles says fine, he will be waiting. Styles exits, but is Dirty Dom just pulling some kind of charade to avoid a phenomenal title defense? That aside, The New Day walks in, along with Grayson Waller. Xavier Woods says go on, Styles, go on. Kofi Kingston says champions are dropping like flies. A shame, really. Woods is happy they have time to talk with Pearce, they have an idea for a photoshoot. New shirts, great abs, it makes sense. Pearce says he actually wants to talk with them about a match. A MATCH!? Yes. For the tag titles. Against Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. WHAT!? But also, guess what else? It. Don’t say it! Is… Don’t…!! Official! NO!!
Pearce thanks them for dropping by, and Kofi says he is so bad! Pearce knows. Waller hangs back and tells Pearce not to treat his new friends, the NEW~ DAY~, like that! Waller leaves, Pearce sighs, but will the Judgment Day have their day against the New Day next Monday Night Raw?
Exclusive interview with Bill Goldberg.
Michael Cole sat down with the living legend to talk about the revenge he wants against Gunther for the comments made last year. That revenge will be Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. What is it about Gunther that put Goldberg in this kind of mood? Goldberg answers with his own question: Did we expect anything less from Goldberg? Was there any way he was going to let those comments slide? Cole knows that’s a no. Goldberg takes his family to a WWE event as a fan. They try to relax and have a good night, no worries about opponents. And he steps into a verbal assault from Gunther.
The lack of respect from Gunther that Goldberg say that night was pretty unbelievable. Astonishing even. Did Gunther embarrass Goldberg in front of his wife? Yes. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his son? Absolutely. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his fans and adopted home of Atlanta? 100%. So there was no way Goldberg was going to let Gunther get away with it. Goldberg didn’t know where and he didn’t know when he would seek revenge, but he was going to introduce Gunther to the true Goldberg. And it didn’t matter if he was 58 or 28, Goldberg could have one foot in the grave, no one is going to talk to him like that.
So yeah, Gunther embarrassed Goldberg in front of his family. So as Goldberg is vying for a retirement match, wondering who his opponent would be, it was rather serendipitous that Gunther has put himself in that spot. This is the logical choice. As long as Goldberg can step foot into the ring, he will make Gunther pay. Goldberg vows to beat to F outta Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event! Goldberg is fired up for what will be his FINAL match, and it will be for the World Heavyweight Champion! Will Goldberg add one more reign to his legacy? Or will Der Ring General crush the seemingly unbreakable?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
With WWE 2K on autopilot in the background, the supposedly hurt Dominik says he misses Liv already. Raquel does, too, we all do. Even Finn. But they all know Liv, and they all know Liv wouldn’t want them sitting around and sulking. Dom is still Intercontinental Champion, and once he’s cleared to compete, he’ll show Styles exactly why he is “Dirty Dom.” And Roxie, she faces Jade Cargill tonight. When Roxie beats Jade, she’ll go on to become Queen of the Ring! And then he and JD have a tag title match next week, and they will bring those belts home! And Raquel, she IS the Women’s World Tag Team Championship, she’s got this!
Raquel brings up that Aldis and Pearce are working out a decision on these titles. Finn says they’ll cross that bridge when it comes. And well, maybe if Rhea shows up… WHAT WAS THAT?! See? That’s the fire Finn wants from Raquel! That’s the enforcer they know! Raquel can’t just let Rhea walk all over her. She needs to be the enforcer, and the enforcer they know would make Rhea pay. Raquel agrees with that! She’ll go take care of her! Raquel heads out and Dom still misses Liv. Roxie assures him, it’ll all be okay. Dom wishes Roxie luck tonight, and now Roxie heads out. The boys are a bit torn, but will Finn be right about everything?
Lyra Valkyria finds Bayley backstage.
The Morrigan asks if The Role Model has a second to chat. Lyra wishes Bayley luck tonight against Becky Lynch, and apologizes for being a bit salty last week. Nobody knows more than Lyra how much Bayley has earned her match with Becky. Speaking of, Becky was walking this way, but sees these two and turns around. Bayley says wow, she didn’t know she needed Lyra’s approval to get this title match. Lyra says that’s not what she means. Bayley cools off and apologizes. This match has been on her mind all week, but she promises that when she beats Becky, Lyra is first in line. Lyra says okay, so they’re cool? They’re cool.
Lyra wishes Bayley luck and heads out. Bayley finishes preparing, but will she be able to bring down The Man? Or will #FiveStarBecks stay golden?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez!
The Storm is in Columbus, and she wants to reign as the Queen of the Ring. But The Prodigy has a long list of accomplishments backing her up, will she just add QOTR finalist to it? Or is Jade about to step right over her to go against Asuka?
Raw returns as Roxie makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. Jade and Roxie approach, but then Roxie bails out. The fans boo but Roxie says we do this on her time. Jade dares Roxie to bring it, and Roxie takes her time stepping back inside. Roxie and Jade circle, feel things out, but Roxie smirks as she goes to the apron. The fans boo more but Roxie just smiles. Jade scowls but Roxie steps back in. They circle again, but Roxie dodges Jade to SLAP her! Then Roxie runs for it! Jade gives chase, they get back in the ring and Roxie headlocks. Jade blocks the takeover to THROW Roxie to a corner!
Jade runs in, blocks a boot, then ROCKS Roxie. Jade pops Roxie up and holds her up, but Roxie slips through to sunset flip! Jade YANKS Roxie back up, puts her back in the corner, and runs in again. Roxie dodges, then she ROCKS Jade! Roxie takes a bow, but Jade huffs ‘n’ puffs. Roxie gets worried, apologizes and then bails out again. Jade again gives chase, they go back in the ring, and Roxie runs up. Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the FLAPJACK still finds her! Roxie flounders around but Jade eggs her on. Jade stands Roxie up to SLAP her back! Roxie flops out of the ring and Jade goes after her. Roxie HOTSHOTS Jade in the ropes!
Roxie runs and tilt-o-whirls, but Jade stops that to hit a BACKBREAKER! Jade storms up on Roxie, TOSSES her across the way, and she fires Columbus up. Jade does push-ups because Roxie isn’t enough of a workout! The fans cheer while Roxie flops out of the ring. Jade storms after Roxie, the cat ‘n’ mouse continues, and Jade avoids hitting steps! Jade ELBOWS Roxie back, then fireman’s carries. Jade carries Roxie around, high-fives some fans, then goes up the steel steps! But Roxie slips free and CHOP BLOCKS! Jade sits down hard on the steps, then Roxie DROPKICKS one of the knees! Jade writhes and Roxie goes back for more!
Roxie stomps away on Jade’s leg while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Roxie UPPERCUTS Jade in the corner! Roxie rolls, comes back, and UPPERCUTS again! Roxie rolls again, runs back in again, but Jade catches her! Jade hits a back suplex but Roxie lands out! CHOP BLOCK! Jade is down and Roxie runs, UPPERCUT against the ropes! Jade falls back, Roxie goes up, up, and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Roxie shrieks in frustration! Roxie grabs a leg, steps over, and has the standing toehold! The fans rally while Jade endures. Jade keeps her shoulders up as she reaches for Roxie, and the fans rally up again. Jade kicks at Roxie with her free leg, then BOOTS her down!
Roxie flounders to a corner, runs up on Jade, but Jade scoops! Roxie slips around to have a SLEEPER! Roxie is a backpack and she brings Jade down to a knee! But Jade fights up and RAMS Roxie in to a corner! The fans fire up as Jade is free! Roxie goes up a corner while the fans duel, and Roxie CROSSBODIES! But Jade catches her! The fans fire up as Jade then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jade shakes her bad leg out, kips up, but the bad leg still bothers her. Jade runs, and she rallies on Roxie with ax handles! Then a BOOT! Roxie rebounds into a SPINEBUSTER! Jade fires up, slaps the leg into working, and the fans rally behind her.
Jade waits on Roxie, brings her up with a choke grip, and she gets a taste! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives the slam dunk and Jade is stunned! Jade hurries to grab at Roxie but Roxie grabs ropes. Jade throws Roxie, then SUPERKICKS! Roxie wobbles, Jade chicken wings, but Roxie victory rolls! And then a step over to an O’Conner BRIDGE! TWO!! Jade kicks, Roxie dodges, and Roxie SUPERKICKS! Roxie shrieks, runs, and tilt-o-whirls, LA MSYTICA! Then the handspring, DOUBLE KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Roxie is furious that Jade survives! Roxie shrieks as she flails and hammers away!
Roxie drags Jade up, tells her she’s messing with the wrong prodigy, but then Jade ROCKS Roxie! Roxie SOBATS, then hops on, but Jade slips free! BOOT! A glancing blow, but Jade hurries to get Roxie up! POWERBOMB! High stack, Roxie fights, so Jade spins her and chicken wings! JADED!!! Cover, Jade wins!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Roxie may be a prodigy, but Jade is proving to be a force of nature! And wait! Here comes Asuka! The Empress of Tomorrow struts her way out on stage, and she takes off her kabuki mask to look Jade in the eyes. Jade is the storm, but Asuka has the fire, will these two change the entire landscape of the WWE Women’s Division?
Sheamus talks with the Alpha Academy.
The Fella says he told them before, Natalya & Maxxine have a great chance at those Women’s Tag Team Championships. Natty thanks Sheamus, that is appreciated, but Sheamus did a great job in last week’s KOTR Fatal 4 Way. He shouldn’t lose sight of how great he is. Maxxine says sorry it didn’t work out. Sheamus says it’s fine, at least he got to put Rusev in his place. Akira Tozawa says next time… Oh, but here come Rusev. Rusev tells Tozawa to go, and Sheamus has The Alpha Academy move on. Rusev asks if Sheamus is still pretending to be everyone’s friend. This place is full of people like that. They smile to your face, but then stab you in the back.
Is Rusev trying to rile Sheamus up? Cuz Sheamus is used to beating his own drum. And that drum is ten beats o’ the Bodhrain, and he’d love to do it on Rusev’s chest. Rusev says he does his damage in the ring like a god, while Sheamus does his back here like a snake. Oh, Rusev’s a god now? Some god. Rusev was the most embarrassing and egotistical member in the League of Nations. That’s what Sheamus remembers. And he’s tired of talking. So no more BS. Put up or shut up! Rusev vows to make new memories. Rusev leaves, but when and where will Bulgarian Brute and Celtic Warrior have their grudge match?
GUNTHER is here!
The fans are a bit torn seeing the World Heavyweight Champion make his way to the ring, belt around his waist, and surprisingly no suit jacket. That must ironically mean Gunther is all business as he grabs himself a mic. The fans boo, but Gunther says, “Last week was supposed to be my celebration. Me, celebrating regaining what’s rightfully mine, the World Heavyweight Championship! But instead, none other than Bill Goldberg walked down here, looked me straight in the eye, and told me that I am next. So I did a lot of thinking. I thought a lot about what it means to be ‘next.’
“Usually being next means getting speared outta your boots, Jackhammer, 1-2-3, and waking up, looking at the lights. Bill Goldberg is the most destructive man of his generation. But it is not 1999 anymore! It is 2025, and right now, I’M THE GUY!” The fans are torn on that, surprisingly. Gunther says he is the best wrestler in this company, and the world title around his waist proves it! Gunther says he heard what Goldberg said. Intense as always. But nothing changes Gunther’s perception about him: That is a 58-year-old one trick pony that can’t lace Gunther’s boots! The fans are torn again, but Gunther wants to take this moment to apologize.
Gunther apologizes to Goldberg’s wife and son… for everything he is about to do to the man that used to be Goldberg! Gunther is unlike anyone Goldberg has ever faced! Gunther embarrassed him once, and he will embarrass Goldberg again at Saturday Night’s Main Event! It is Gunther’s personal responsibility to make sure that the myth that is Bill Goldberg DIES! Der Ring General storms back out and the fans are just as fired up! Will this be a human demolition derby in Atlanta?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man and apologizes for interrupting as Becky prepares for her match. But Jackie was hoping for her thoughts on- Becky interrupts and says her thoughts are on how she just saw Bayley and Lyra conspiring to work together! That is the only way they can get this title off her! Well, she’s said too much already. Becky hurries off, is paranoia getting to her? Meanwhile, Jackie spots Sami Zayn. Jackie asks Sami if he has a second. He is coming off a loss to Randy Orton, but we all know how much becoming world champion means to him. She has to ask, how is he processing the loss?
Sami starts with, “Um,” but then Karrion Kross joins. Kross mockingly asks what kind of response is, “Um.” But he isn’t trying to upset Sami. Sami must be really, really happy. Kross believed everything Sami said last week. “I’m good enough to become the world champion!” But what happened? What Kross said would happen: Sami wrestled The Viper, and got dropped. Kross wants Sami to get it through his thick skull: the way Sami is now, the way Sami wants to be, that Sami will never be world champion. Sami shakes his head, but then says, “Okay. Okay.” Then Sami DECKS Kross! Sami tells Kross he is done talking! Sami talked to Pearce. Their match is official! Tick-tock.
Sami leaves, Scarlett checks on Kross, but then she says, “Stop it.” They were both playing along and they’ve suckered Sami in! Will Sami’s time fade away as he goes up against Mr. Doomsday?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley!
Well, you can’t spell “megalomaniac” without “MAN,” and that’s what The Man has become. But will all the power and glory Becky has cheated to gain go away? Or will she foil the “conspiracy” between Role Model and Morrigan?
Raw returns as Becky makes her entrance in a very big fur coat. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see which horsewoman wears the gold!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Becky and Bayley slowly circle, talk a little trash, and then tie up. They go around collar ‘n’ elbow, and Becky pulls Bayley’s hair! Bayley puts Becky in the corner, grinds forearms in, but then Becky shoves Bayley. Bayley eggs Becky on, so Becky SLAPS Bayley! Bayley fires a flurry of forearms in the corner! The erf counts, Bayley whips Becky corner to corner and fires more forearms! The ref counts again, Bayley climbs up, but Becky slips free! Bayley runs to CLOBBER Becky! Bayley then runs to ELBOW Becky in the back! And then SLIDING- NO, Becky rolls through the lariat to have the arm!
Bayley fights, stands, and steps over, but Becky trips Bayley up! Becky goes for the arm again, they go around and around, and Bayley TOSSES Becky through ropes! Becky shoves Bayley away, then RAMS into her! Becky steps in, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her after all! Becky flops to the floor and the ring count starts. Bayley slides out, runs up the steps, and she FLYING ELBOWS Becky down! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Becky up. Bayley ROCKS Becky, Becky BODY SHOTS, but Bayley SMACKS Becky off barriers! Bayley puts Becky in at 7 of 10, then she goes up the corner. AX HAN- NO, Becky grabs the arm!
Bayley fights the takedown and shoves Becky away. Bayley runs up but Becky puts her on the apron. Bayley ROCKS Becky, climbs up, but Becky goes to the apron. Bayley drags Becky up by her hair, but Becky HOTSHOTS Bayley’s arm! Bayley falls to the floor and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the fans rally as Bayley rises back up. Becky flounders to ropes, Bayley runs up and LAIRATS! And LARIATS! And then dodges a haymaker to SAIDO! Becky stands, Bayley runs, and Bayley KNEES Becky down! Bayley then fireman’s carries, swings, and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Bayley grows frustrated. Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs as she stalks Becky. The fans rally, Bayley clinches, but Becky slips free! Becky dragon sleepers, Bayley snapmares and hooks Becky up! Becky fights to a SAIDO! Becky then clinches, MANHAND- NO, Bayley fights that to BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while both women are down! Bayley and Becky each stir, then they roll away to opposite corners. Becky drags herself up with the ropes, Bayley runs in, but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK blocked and Bayley THROWS Becky into buckles! Bayley runs in, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Bayley drags Becky into a cover, TWO! Becky survives but Bayley brushes that off to go up the corner. The fans rally, but Becky ROCKS Bayley first! Becky climbs up after Bayley, she and Bayley trade shots! Becky CLUBS away on Bayley’s back, the fans rally up, and Becky hits a SUPERPLEX! Then she grabs the arm, ARMBAR!!
The fans fire up, Bayley stacks Becky, TWO! Becky hast he arm again, but Bayley flips Becky over! O’Conner style cover, TWO! Bayley comes back, gets the legs again, but Becky kicks and kicks and kicks! Bayley still turns her for a HALF CRAB! Bayley can only hold onto the one leg with her one arm, and Becky crawls forward! ROPEBREAK! Bayley lets go at 4, then runs back up to ROCK Becky! Bayley runs up again but Becky BOOTS her! Becky runs up but Bayley ROCKS her back! They go forearm for forearm, the fans duel with every shot, but Bayley has the majority. This turns into a scrap and the fans all fire up!
Becky catches Bayley, but Bayley fights free! Bayley now catches Becky to steal the MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Becky flops all the way out of the ring! The fans fire up while Bayley grows frustrated. The ring count starts but Bayley pursues. Becky stands, and she THROWS Becky over the desk! Becky hurries over, and she shoves the chairs onto Bayley! Becky grabs other chairs and adds to the pile! Becky is literally burying Bayley then leaves her behind! The ring count continues, but wait! Lyra is here and she unburies Bayley! Becky runs up on Lyra to DECK her! Lyra is pissed but Becky gets away!
Lyra wants after Becky but she holds back because this would be a disqualification! Bayley pushes Lyra aside, but Becky DECKS her now! Then Becky runs, but Lyra takes the dropkick for Bayley! Bayley SMACKS Becky off the desk, TOSSES her over the desk, then drags her back up! Bayley POSTS Becky, but the ring count climbs as she THROWS Becky into barriers! Bayley puts Becky in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Bayley climbs up! But Lyra attacks Becky!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Lyra is pissed but so is Bayley! Lyra still WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! Bayley drags Lyra into the ring and asks what the hell! Bayley had this match won and Lyra had to go and lose her temper! Becky grins as she gets to scurry away with the title. Lyra realizes her mistake a little too late, but was it really a mistake? Or does she just want to be the one that dethrones The Man?
Chad Gable talks with Ivy Nile.
He tells her not to tell The Creed Brothers, but she has always been his favorite. Now, she should’ve won MITB, and she should still be in QOTR, but she has had Stephanie Vaquer in the way. Next time, do what Gable does like he did to Rey Mysterio, to Otis, and others: Wipe ’em out completely, regardless of the cost. Gable spots someone and says they’ll finish this lesson later. Gable walks over to Penta and says far be it for him to laugh at someone else’s misfortune. That is, unless they deserve it. But in this case, Penta, it was Gable’s pleasure watching Bron destroy him earlier. Maybe Gable will finish the job!
Penta tells Gable to shut up but Gable says maybe he’ll rip that mask right off Penta’s head to show his ugly face! Penta shoves Gable, Gable takes a swing, and Penta dodges! Penta SUPERKICKS Gable down! Penta says he warned Gable! SACRIFICE on the arm!! Refs and producers rush in, as do the Creeds, and Penta leaves for Gable to writhe in pain. Will this keep Gable and El Grande Americano out of action for awhile?
Raquel Rodriguez is in the ring.
Ricky Desperado has a mic, and she calls out Rhea! She insults her in Spanish, and then tells Rhea in English that she won’t screw Raquel outta QOTR and get away with it! Raquel tells Rhea that she could drag her out here by her nose ring, or Rhea can make it easy and walk out here to take the beating she deserves! Rhea makes her entrance and the fans fire up! Mami stares Big Mami Cool down the whole way, and then the fight is on! Rhea dodges to fire hands! Raquel shoves Rhea, runs up, but Rhea dodges, only for the AX HANDLES to find her! Rhea comes back to BOOT Raquel! Raquel bails out and Rhea is fired up!
Rhea steps outside but Raquel RAMS her into the apron! And then THROWS her over the barriers! Rhea lands in the timekeeper’s area, but Raquel says she’s not done! Raquel goes under the ring to bring out a TABLE! The fans fire up for that as Raquel puts the table in the ring. But Rhea stands on the desk! FLYING FOREARM! Down goes Raquel, and then Rhea RAMS her into steel steps! The fans fire up and Rhea grins. Rhea says if Raquel wants tables, then she’ll get tables! Rhea sets that table up in the ring, positions it near a corner, then fetches Raquel. Rhea pump handles Raquel, but here comes Roxie!
Roxie jumps on Rhea as a backpack, but Rhea pops her up onto the Electric Chair! SLAM off the top buckles! But Raquel gets up and under, TEXANA BOMB through the table!! The fans boo but Raquel and Roxie just took down the Eradicator! Will they actually end up amigas because of this?
Raw returns and…
Rhea storms into Pearce’s office! She demands a match with Raquel! Pearce says sure, how about a Street Fight? Even better! Then it’s official! Pearce says he couldn’t have said it better himself. Rhea got up after that table Texana Bomb, but will she make sure Raquel doesn’t get up after their grudge match?
PROGRAMMING NOTE for next week!
It will be a special early edition of Monday Night Raw that starts at 6PM Eastern, 3PM Pacific, live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso!
The American Nightmare and Main Event Jey Uso have a long and storied history, from battling Roman Reigns and The Bloodline together, to holding the tag team championships together, to holding the top championships in the WWE at the same time. But now, only one of them can go for the crown. Will there be adrenaline in the soul? Or will we all YEET on the way to the Night of Champions?
The fans want to YEET “One More Time!” so Jey says why not. The music starts and Columbus gets to YEET again! Then Cody makes his entrance, and the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, the bell rings, and the fans duel between “Cody! Cody Rhodes~!” and “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Cody and Jey soak in the moment, nod and shake hands, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. These two circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, and Cody powers Jey back, only for Jey to headlock. Cody powers up and out but Jey RUNS him over! Cover, ONE! Cody sweeps to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff!
Cody and Jey reset, the fans duel even harder, and the two feel things out. They tie up, Cody wrenches and wristlocks, then cranks on the arm. Cody puts Jey in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over. Jey arm-drags Cody, Cody arm-drags Jey, and the fans cheer the new standoff! Jey shakes out his arm and resets with Cody again. They tie up, Cody waistlocks, then headlocks. Jey endures the grind while fans sing for Cody some more. Jey wrenches at the hold, headlocks in return, but Cody powers up and out. Cody stays back of the up ‘n’ over, then dragon sleepers! Jey snapmares free, but Cody narrowly avoids the superkick!
Jey says it was that close, YEET! Cody nods and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Cody has Jey in a FIGURE FOUR! Jey endures, reaches out, and the fans rally! ROPEBREAK! Cody lets go quickly and he brings Jey back around. Cody spins Jey but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Jey then mule kicks, pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! But Cody kicks to then RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this but Jey stays focused. Cody crawls away, Jey backs up to the opposite corner, “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cody sputters, Jey goes up the corner, and USO SPLASH onto knees! Cody drags Jey into a KIMURA!! Cody uses what The Beast once used on him!
The fans rally, Jey endures, but Cody cranks on the arm! Jey fights up, whips Cody away, and then Jey has the SLEEPER! Jey uses what he used on Gunther! Cody fights and flails but he’s fading! Cody drops to a knee, and Jey becomes a backpack! Cody gets a second wind, but even that fades! Cody gets a third wind and he hoists Jey up! The fans fire up as Cody then runs and DUMPS Jey up and over the top rope! The fans rally while both men are down! The ref calls to Jey and starts a ring count. Jey stirs at 3 of 10 while Cody huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands back up. Cody builds speed, and Cody DVIES into an UPPERCUT!
The fans fire up and Jey hurries to the corner. Jey climbs, but Cody ROCKS Jey first! Cody climbs up to get Jey, “This is Awesome!” as the two brawl up top! Cody goes to the very top, but Jey HEADBUTTS him down! Jey adjusts, but Cody springs right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cody and Jey both writhe, and Cody goes to the apron while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Cody fires hands on Jey! Jey is down on his knees, Cody CLUBS and ROCKS him again! Jey shoves Cody, but Cody fires more shots! Jey counter punches! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Cody flips, flops, and- UPPERCUT from Jey! Jey pops, locks, puts some stank on it, but Cody ROCKS Jey! Jey ROCKS Cody, then runs, btu Cody follows and CLOBBERS Jey! Cody goes to a corner, Jey runs in, but Cody goes up and over! Only for Jey to fake Cody out on the snap powerslam! Cody staggers up, into Jey’s SNAP POWERSLAM! Jey uses a very Cody kind of move, and then he puts on a dragon sleeper!
Cody KNEES Jey away, then runs to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Cody is a bit surprised. “This is Awesome!” and Cody watches Jey stir. Jey rises, Cody brings him around, springboard and- NO, Jey ducks the Disaster Kick to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and Jey is the one surprised! The fans rally up as both men go to ropes. Jey aims from a corner, runs in, but into a KICK! Cody goes to the corner, goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey survives and Cody is shocked! But then Cody fires himself back up, the fans rally even harder, and Cody waits on Jey.
Jey rises, Cody dragon sleepers, but Jey spins it around?! CROSS RHODES from Jey!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives his own move and Jey is beside himself! Columbus is thunderous as Jey goes back to a corner. Jey watches Cody rise up now, and he SUPERKICKS Cody back down! Jey dares Cody to get back up, and Cody does rise back up. Jey SUPERKICKS again! Cody falls but Jey drags him around. Jey whips, runs, and SPEARS!! But that isn’t all as Jey puts Cody in a drop zone. Jey climbs up a corner, but Cody is right back up!! Jey and Cody go for a ride in the SUPER DUPER CODY CUTTER!!!
The fans are electric as Cody puts Jey in the dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
These two know each other so well, that’s how they were able to push each other this far! And while he is still Main Event Jey Uso, he loses out to The American Nightmare! Cody shows his friend great respect by kneeling down and looking him in the eye. The fans cheer as the friends stand up together and hug it out. But now this puts Cody on a collision course with his friend and mentor, Randy Orton! Will Cody or Orton be crowned King of the Ring?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw as the go-home to Night of Champions, which is still happening as of this moment. Great opening promo from Rollins to put everything in perspective, while also calling out the fans at the same time. Great segue into Bron VS Penta, and that was a great opening match. Bron winning makes sense, the henchmen need to stay strong if they’re also to be contenders in their own right, whether for tag titles or midcard titles. And great bit with Penta and Gable, this would be a great way to expose El Grande as Gable with the “bad arm.”
Good promo from Sheamus with Alpha Academy and then with Rusev. Sheamus VS Rusev 1v1 is going to be big, but I suddenly want there to be a “Best of” series, so they can go like four, five, six matches, or as Sheamus would put it, banger after banger. Then the winner is more than primed for a title shot, either Intercontinental or World Heavyweight, and they could make a very good case for winning. Speaking of which, not sure how real Dom needing time to heal up is, but Judgment Day said Dom needed it so I guess it isn’t them fooling everyone. Styles VS Dom might be set up for Saturday Night’s Main Event with this delay to help build that show up.
The New Day had a good promo with Adam Pearce, too, with them being so offended at the idea of defending the tag titles, and now Waller trying to be the new third man or something. But hey, I’ve been wanting to see someone somewhere book a Heel VS Heel thing, so here we are, and Waller can make a great counter to like, Dom being the cornerman for Finn & JD. Also, good stuff with Raquel, Rhea and Roxie. Roxie helping Raquel get one over on Rhea is a nice touch, and it probably leads to Roxie & Raquel defending the tag titles together. Whether or not Roxie screws Raquel over is still up in the air with Liv’s shoulder injury so much worse than expected.
Goldberg and Gunther had very good promos to hype their match, and I kinda liked Columbus, OH being on Gunther’s side there. And with it being a combination of retirement match yet also title match, that practically screams, “Rollins is going to cash-in.” Maybe, just maybe, Goldberg wins to have that last title reign and then Rollins cashes in, making it one of the shortest reigns ever. Or to get even more heat from Goldberg’s fans, Rollins cashes in during the match to parallel his Heist of the Century moment.
Good promo for Bayley and Lyra, and very good promo from Becky where she assumes the worst. Becky VS Bayley was great, but they could’ve done a lot better with Lyra messing up the finish for Bayley. Lyra running in there when Bayley was up top felt like Lyra was being far too foolish. Now granted, the other way would’ve been an “accidental” punch on Bayley where Lyra was aiming for Becky, so they were kinda stuck. But obviously, this helps them set up a Triple Threat for the title, and they should put it for Evolution.
Great promo from Sami and Kross, especially with Sami finally hitting Kross. Sami VS Kross being for Night of Champions is great stuff, because Sami finally gets to be part of a big PLE again. And since this is all working to Kross’ plans, maybe this brings Sami closer to turning Heel. Great tournament matches tonight, Jade beating Roxie made sense when Roxie has her Judgment Day story to fall back on, and Asuka VS Jade is certainly a big deal. I feel like either woman could win, but given the stories we’ve got going, I’m leaning towards Jade because of Naomi being Miss MITB, but we definitely need to see Asuka VS Iyo happen for the Women’s World title, too.
Cody VS Jey was awesome, practically a PLE match, but as I figured, we are now getting Cody VS Orton in the finals. That is because Cody will win, then face Cena at SummerSlam, and I would think Cody wins there, too. It makes me also think that we could get a wild double turn. Fans are loving what Cena is doing, he could go back to being Face while we finally get that Homelander Heel Cody fans have been curious about during his time in AEW.
My Score: 8.9/10
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May your New Japan Soul reach the Climax!
With spots left open in the G1 Climax, it’s win-and-you’re-in as NJPW pits Tomohiro Ishii against “Drilla” Moloney and Taichi against Callum Newman!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Zane Jay; Time Limit Draw.
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Yasuda wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Toru Yano, YOH, Master Wato, Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yuya Uemura & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Uemura & Taguchi win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Gabe Kidd & Taiji Ishimori; Gabe & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino VS TMDK; Goto, Oleg & Umino win.
- G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins and advances to the G1.
- G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and advances to the G1.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
It’s a dogfight in Korakuen Hall! But will the Stone Pitbull beat some respect into this whelp? Or will this War Dog take a big bite out of the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion?
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. The two tie up as the fans duel, and Drilla headlocks. Ishii powers up and out, Drilla RAMS him, but Ishii comes back. Drilla dodges, Ishii dodges, Drilla hurdles, but Ishii spins him for a suplex. Drilla fights that and lifts, but Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the enzigiri, but then Ishii avoids the Gore! The fans fire up for the standoff. Ishii and Drilla reset, and Ishii shoves Drilla. Drilla CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and repeat! The fans cheer as the CHOPS keep going back and forth! CHOP after CHOP, but Ishii starts to feel those! Drilla CHOPS and CHOPS, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks, Drilla switches, Ishii elbows free then runs, but into Drilla’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Ishii bails out. Drilla builds speed and he WRECKS Ishii with the dropkick! Ishii hits railing and the fans fire up! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes out to fetch Ishii. Drilla CHOPS Ishii again and the fans applaud. The ref wants this back inside so Drilla pushes Ishii in the ring. Drilla taunts the fans, “The F you say?” then he steps inside. Drilla CHOPS Ishii but Ishii eggs him on. Drilla CHOPS again, and CHOPS again, but Ishii SPITS at Drilla! Drilla BOOTS, CHOPS, then he SPITS at Ishii! Drilla snapmares Ishii to KICK him in the back!
Ishii snarls and the fans fire up. Ishii shakes his head and Drilla scuffs him. Drilla gives mocking kicks, eggs Ishii on, and the fans rally up. Ishii eggs Drilla on, so Drilla gives him more kicks. Ishii rises to fire forearms! Drilla ROCKS Ishii! And ROCKS him again! Ishii winds up but Drilla ROCKS him a third time! Drilla reels Ishii in, lifts, but Ishii fights the suplex! They fight for control, the fans duel, and it’s Ishii who suplexes Drilla up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises, he brings Drilla up, but Drilla CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Drilla fires up and CHOPS! Ishii scowls and CHOPS back!
Ishii reels Drilla in but Drilla fights with elbows. Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, and reels Drilla in for a SAIDO! The fans fire up and Ishii rises again! Ishii stalks Drilla to a corner, winds up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Ishii CHOPS and ROCKS Drilla again and again, Drilla sputters and the fans fire up. Ishii comes back to stand Drilla up. Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, and Drilla DROPKICKS! Ishii stays up!? And POUNCES Drilla in return! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Ishii drags Drilla up, puts him on the top rope, then climbs. The fans rally as Ishii brings Drilla to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!
The fans fire up again and Ishii hurries to cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans cheer. Ishii stands, and he looms over Drilla. Drilla sits up, Ishii brings him up, but Drilla SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS, and now it is a SLAP fight! The fans fire up as the SLAPS go fast ‘n’ furious! Ishii ROCKS Drilla with one, then kicks him! So Drilla SLAPS back! And then DECKS Ishii!! The fans fire up while Ishii is down! Ishii stirs, Drilla roars, and Drilla runs, but Ishii SWATS the lariat to fire boxing elbows! But Drilla spins, but Ishii ROCKS him first! Ishii runs, but into a wrench and short arm LARIAT! ROLLING ELBOW! Drilla runs to GORE, but Ishii stuffs it!
Ishii lifts, Drilla wrenches free, but Ishii ROCKS him! Ishii runs, but into Drilla’s SPINEBUSTER! Drilla runs and GORES!! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous. The fans rally up and duel between Ishii and Moloney. Drilla rises, staggers a bit, but he steadies himself. Drilla brings Ishii up and puts him on the top rope. Drilla ROCKS Ishii, fires the fans up more, and the fans bark along with Drilla. Drilla rises, but Ishii fires body shots! Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla, but Drilla GAMANGIRIS in return! Drilla climbs back up, drags Ishii onto his shoulders, and he fireman’s carries for a SUPER DUPER LANDSLIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Ishii survives, the fans are thunderous, and we’re only ten minutes in?! Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him back in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla still hits a PILEDRIVER!! But Ishii’s right up!?! He dodges a boot, blocks the next kick, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Both men are down and the fans rally even harder! Ishii crawls away to a corner, and he fires himself up as he rises. Drilla stands, Ishii runs up, but Drilla BOOTS the lariat! Ishii spins to LARIAT, but Drilla ENZIGIRIS! Ishii comes back, but into a pump handle! MADE IN JAPAN!?! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla tried to be a Rampaging Dragon but he couldn’t put Ishii down!
The fans are thunderous again as Drilla rises and Ishii stirs. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, Canadian Rack! Ishii slips free, Alabama Lifts, but Drilla fights that! They fight for control, and Ishii lifts for a BEACH BREAK!! A shoutout to Ishii’s Freshly Squeezed friend, and both men are down! Ishii crawls over, he sits Drilla up and runs, but Drilla avoids the Sliding Lariat! Drilla takes a swing, but into a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX! But Drilla is right up?!? Only for Ishii to LARIAT him back down! The fans are electric as Ishii sits Drilla up, for the SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives and the fans continue to rally!
Ishii huffs ‘n’ puffs and roars to his feet! Ishii brings Drilla up, suplexes, but Drilla slips free! STEP-UP KNEE! Ishii drops down but Drilla reloads! Drilla runs up, but Ishii RAMS him first! Ishii HEADBUTTS, Drilla UPPERCUTS, but Ishii DECKS Drilla!! Ishii roars, the fans are with him, and Ishii runs! LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives again and the fans are electric! Ishii brings Drilla back up, suplexes, BRAIN- NO, Drilla fights it off at the last second! Drilla suplexes to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!??! Ishii survives his own signature move, but Drilla vows to end this now! Drilla hauls Ishii up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks!
But Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the lariat to wrench and ripcord, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Ishii then SLIDING HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla survives again but Ishii just stands him up. DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide! ENZIGIRI from Ishii!! Drilla roars and GORES!!! But Ishii’s back up!??! So Drilla GORES again!!! And with some extra stank on it! Drilla hurries to get Ishii back up, Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!!! But he isn’t done?!? ANOTHER DRILLA KILLA!!!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, B Block)
A dogfight indeed, and both men brought everything they had and a little extra! But it is the young gun that wins his way into the G1! Will no one survive facing 44 Caliber?
G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi w/ Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman!
The Holy Emperor & Stone Pitbull won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships off The United Empire, but there’s always more to win. Will Taichi make up for missing out on the G1 last year? Or will the Prince of Pace run through Taichi to join the round robin?
The bell rings and both men run up! Taichi BOOTS first, but Callum BOOTS back! Callum eggs Taichi on and Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Callum comes back to fire a forearm! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, Callum fires a forearm, repeat! The fans fire up with Taichi and he fires another RIDGE HAND! Callum shakes that off to fire forearm after forearm! Callum runs, BOOTS Taichi, but Taichi BOOTS back! Callum BOOTS again, Taichi BOOTS, but Callum blocks! Callum then ducks ‘n’ dodges the haymakers to JUMP KICK! Taichi falls and goes outside while the fans fire up. Callum goes to the apron and he PENALTY KICKS!
The fans cheer as Taichi falls! The ref checks and Taichi is alright to continue, so Callum hops down. Callum drags Taichi up, then whips him at the railing! Taichi hits hard and slumps down! The fans rally while the ref reprimands, and Callum brings Taichi up. Callum CHOPS and Taichi sputters away! Callum pretends even his ears are ringing from that pop sound. Callum puts Taichi in, the fans applaud, and Callum covers, ONE! Taichi is tougher than that and the fans rally behind him. Callum stays cool as he sits Taichi up. Callum mockingly claps along, then KICKS Taichi in the back! Taichi eggs Callum on!
Callum KICKS, and Taichi stands right up! RIDGE HAND! BACKHAND! KICK! But then Callum BODY SHOTS! Callum runs up but Taichi BOOTS him! Taichi runs, dodges a shot to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum crawls to a corner, Taichi runs in, and Taichi BOOTS! Callum slumps down and the fans applaud. Taichi drags Callum up to snapmare and KICK! Callum writhes, the fans applaud, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS again! Now Callum stands up to KICK Taichi in the chest! Taichi snarls and KICKS Callum in the chest!
Callum SOBATS but Taichi ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi rises, the fans rally, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi takes aim from the corner. Callum slowly stands, TENSHO- Callum dodges and ENZIGIRIS! Then he SWEEPS the legs to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans rally while both men are down again. Callum stands, storms over to Taichi, and brings Taichi to his feet. Callum UPPERCUTS Taichi to a corner, but Callum needs a second to catch his breath. Callum then CHOPS Taichi and Taichi slumps down. Callum shakes out the stars, winds up again and CHOPS!
Taichi stands, Callum CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taichi eggs Callum on, so Callum ROCKS him with an elbow! Taichi RIDGEHANDS in return! Callum fires a flurry of forearms, sits Taichi down with them, and keeps raining forearms! The ref counts, then he backs Callum off at 4! Callum goes back to Taichi, scuffs him, then stands him up. Callum hoists Taichi up top, then ROCKS him with a right! The fans rally as Callum climbs, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi shoves Callum away, but Callum comes back to DROPKICK Taichi down! Taichi tumbles to the apron then the floor while the fans fire up!
Callum goes out to fetch Taichi again, and he RAMS Taichi into railing! The fans rally while Taichi slumps down. The ref wants this back inside so Callum puts Taichi in the ring. But then Callum drags Taichi to the apron and stands him up! Callum reels Taichi in, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi fires body shots, then RIDGE HANDS! DANGER- NO, Callum fights the saido with elbows! Callum then goes up the corner, APRON OSC- BOOT!! Taichi knocks Callum out of the sky and Callum falls to the floor! Taichi slumps down from the apron and the fans rally up. A ring count starts while both men are on the ground.
The fans rally as we pass 5 of 20, and Taichi sits up at 8. Callum stirs at 11, Taichi rises up to jump into the ring! Callum is still down at 15! The fans rally harder as Callum rises, and he staggers around at 18! Callum lunges in at 19! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and the fans fire up! Taichi stands over him, brings him up, and the fans rally. The ref has Taichi hold on, and he checks Callum. Callum stirs, sputters, and sits up. Taichi grabs at him, Callum pushes him away, but Taichi kicks him around. The fans rally more, and Taichi eggs Callum on. Callum tells Taichi to bring it, so Taichi KICKS him down!
The fans rally up, Callum sputters again, but Taichi sits him up for another KICK! Callum flops back over but Taichi eggs him on. Taichi kicks at Callum, Callum rises up, and Callum shoves the ref aside. Callum eggs Taichi on and the fans fire up. Taichi KICKS Callum down again! The fans cheer and Taichi eggs Callum on. Taichi scuffs Callum, Callum pushes him, and Callum puts his arms back?! The fans cheer Callum’s grit, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum goes right back down! Callum takes a moment, but he sits right back up! Taichi KICKS him right back down! Taichi eggs Callum on, and Callum sits up again.
Callum SPITS at Taichi, Taichi wipes that away, and KICKS, only for Callum to block! Callum then stands to CHOP! Taichi RIDGEHANDS! Callum ROUNDHOUSES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Callum goes to ropes, the fans rally up, and Callum drags himself up the corner. Callum reaches the top, steadies himself, then DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Direct hit but Callum can’t cover from the pain in his own ribs! The fans rally while both men writhe, and Callum manages to stand. Callum hobbles his way over, brings Taichi up, but his ribs won’t let him suplex so easily. Taichi wrenches out and RIDGE HANDS!
Callum snarls and ROCKS Taichi with a forearm! Then he hooks the leg, FIREBOLT!! The fans fire up, Callum covers, TWO!! Taichi survives and the fans fire up again! Callum sits Taichi up to fire Kawada Kicks, then he calls his shot. Callum runs, springboards, and OSC- NO, Taichi blocks and DANGEROUS SAIDOS!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi crawls to a corner and roars as he rises! Taichi takes aim again, and as Callum stands, TENSHOU- JUMP KNEE from Callum! And then a forearm! ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING- ELBOW from Taichi! Then a ROLLING ELBOW from Taichi!
Taichi roars and DANGEROUS- JUMP KNEE form Callum again! Taichi rebounds, AX- NO, Callum ducks and runs, but into the AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and Taichi fires up again! DANGEROUS SAIDO, with BRIDGE! TWO?!? Callum survives, the fans rally for Taichi, but there might be some cheers for Callum in there. Taichi vows to finish this, and he brings Callum up. Taichi Alabama Lifts, but Callum fights it down! Taichi tries again but Callum CLUBS away on Taichi’s back! Callum lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! AX- NO, Callum slips around to DRAGON SUPLEX! Taichi flounders to the ropes, Callum runs up to KNEE Taichi down!
Callum pushes Taichi to the drop zone, then climbs up the corner. The fans rally, Callum DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Taichi while he’s standing! Callum goes back up top, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives again and shocks Callum! The fans are thunderous as they duel. Callum rises, looks to the corner, and he calls his shot! Callum goes up, up, and- NO, Taichi CLUBS him on the top rope! Taichi then climbs up after Callum, CLUBS him again and again, then brings him up! SUPER DUPER SAIDO, but Callum lands out! Callum BOOTS Taichi! Callum runs in, Taichi dodges and Taichi GAMANGIRIS!
Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi runs, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Callum drags Taichi up again, but the ref has him wait. The ref checks Taichi, Taichi is okay to continue, and Callum brings him up. BLOODY- NO, Taichi fights the lift, wrenches out, but Callum avoids the lariat to DREAMCAST KICK! And then FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives and the fans are thunderous! Callum is beside himself but the fans rally up again! The fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” but Callum shakes his head. Callum brings Taichi up, reels him in, but Taichi fights free of the hold to JAWBREAKER and FIGURE FOUR JACKKNIFE! TWO!!!
Callum escapes, but Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! And GAMANGIRIS! Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi hurries to Alabama Lift! BLACK- NO, Callum slips free, jumps up, and POISON-RANAS!! Taichi staggers around, Callum runs up to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Callum roars, reels Taichi back in, PRINCE’S CURSE!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, A Block)
And once again, the younger generation triumphs! While Taichi might be champion, will he have to admit the times are changing?
As for Callum, he catches his breath to pick up the mic. “Oh my God… Chotto matte <Hold on a moment.> Taichi-san, honto tsuyoi ne. <Taichi, you’re really strong.>” The fans applaud, and Callum says he was rather surprised. Then he apologizes, that’s the limits of his Japanese. But he said once in an interview, that when he was 16 years old, he snuck backstage of a show, no ticket. The first person he saw was Taichi. The fans applaud that, and Callum says he won’t kiss up to Taichi, Taichi wouldn’t want it. But Callum says that honestly, Taichi is probably one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
The fans cheer that, and Callum continues with saying he is so sorry that they had to do it like this. It was either Callum or Taichi, and Callum was going to make it himself. But Taichi should honestly be in every G1 Climax he can make. Callum encourages Taichi to give us more anytime, and anywhere. The fans applaud in agreement there. Taichi seems rather emotional being praised like this. Taichi manages to stand, and he shakes Callum’s hand. The fans cheer as Taichi now encourages Callum, and even raises Callum’s hand in victory. Taichi goes to his corner before giving another bow of respect. The fans cheer Taichi on as he makes his exit.
Callum continues by calling to Yuya Uemura. “Now or later, your choice.” Yuya says that he looks forward to facing Callum in the G1. Callum says please do. Callum says to speed things along, he is in the G1, baby! The fans cheer that! Callum says he had no idea what he was going to say because he wasn’t sure he’d win. But he will say one thing: Everyone wants to talk about being a leader, whether that’s leading this generation, NJPW as a company, or their own faction. Callum DGAF! “No matter who you are, where you are, no matter how much money you earn elsewhere, NJPW is the place where everyone wants to be!”
The fans cheer and Callum says last year, well, he’s barely been in NJPW for about two years then. And already, he has been in two New Japan Cups, one World Tag League, is a TWO-TIME IWGP Tag Team Champion, is the YOUNGEST challenger to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and now he’s in his second G1! As long as there is a heart beating in this chest, as long as there is air in his lungs, he will be a NJPW wrestler! He will win the G1 as one of the best in the world, because this is CALLUM! EFFIN’! NEWMAN!! Mic drop and the fans fire up! Will The Prince of Pace soon make himself the King of the Climax?
My Thoughts:
Another great New Japan Soul here. The House of Torture winning both matches again comes with a hilarious disclaimer: The 10 Man Tag had a TRIPLE Eddie Guerrero “caught red-handed” moment, but Yano and his team figured if they were gonna lose cuz of cheating, they would do it themselves. Yano, Yoh & Wato got to clobber Narita, Sho & Douki with their signature weapons, and then declared they wanted not only the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles back, but even want to go after the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. Those will be great matches, and the factions probably split the difference.
The G1 Climax Play-In matches were great, but I figured the younger guys were both making it in. Taichi & Ishii just won the tag titles, they can worry more about that story than a G1 story. But I do appreciate Callum telling Taichi and the world that Taichi is sill so good and deserves much more. Ishii VS Drilla was much more high impact, but Taichi VS Callum was a bit grittier, a bit more story and psychology to it, so I see why it was the main event. And Callum is certainly rising up the ranks, NJPW sees what he’s got, and he could make a good run. I can’t be sure what singles title Callum gets, but he’s deserving of something between now and WrestleKingdom.
My Score: 8.8/10
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