Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Darby Allin beats Anthony Bowens. After the match, Andrade el Idolo and Jose show up, and The Acclaimed attack Sting from behind with a boombox. The Acclaimed then gang up on Darby, and Caster punches Darby with a fist with his chain wrapped around it.
We see a "Technique by Taz" segment regarding Hook's signature and finishing moves.
Anna Jay and Tay Conti beat Penelope Ford and The Bunny in a bloody Street Fight with a Queenslayer with barbed wire wrapped around the right arm from Anna Jay to The Bunny after The Bunny slips on some thumbtacks.
Mark Henry interviews Arn Anderoson, Cody Rhodes, The Men of the Year and Dan Lambert. Lambert says the Rhodes family made things personal by stealing opportunities from the locker room, and that The Men of the Year are the only ones with balls to do something about it. After Lambert says Ethan Page will do something about it, Arn Anderson says that while Lambert has a tight crew, he puts a stop to things before he starts and that Lambert made things personal, then says Cody will be strictly on the offense.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes retains the TNT Championship against "All Ego" Ethan Page.
Decay (Crazzy Steve and Black Taurus) beat VSK and "Outlandish" Zicky Dice in the BTI match.
This week's show is part two of a 2021 "best-of" retrospective hosted by Josh Mathews and Scott D'Amore. Matches and moments include:
Eddie Edwards vs. Moose in a Full Metal Mayhem Match for the Impact World Championship at Turning Point
Backstage, The Influence (Kaleb, Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood) does a photo shoot when The IInspiration (Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee) show up, saying that they are intruding on their photo shoot. When Kaleb mentions The IInspiration have no photographer, The IInspiration summon Jai White. After a brief back-and-forth between Kaleb with a K and Jai White, The Influence leave.
The IInspiration (Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee) vs. Decay (Rosemary and Havok) for the Knockouts Tag Team Championships at Bound For Glory
The Knockouts Tag Team of the Year is Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering. Jordynne and Rachael both thank the fans in separate short videos.
We hear from Eddie Kingston, Rhino, Heath, Rich Swann and Willie Mack. He says that he and his teammates are the type that should not be here, but they are hard to kill. Swann says Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner) and The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) think they may have it all figured out, but his team knows how to get extreme. Willie Mack says he will put his foot up their asses. Heath says Violent By Design and The Good Brothers will find out how hard it will be to kill them, and Rhino says he will rip them all in half with a Gore.
Sami Callihan vs. Kenny Omega in a no-disqualification match for the Impact World Championship from Slammiversary
The debut of Jonah at Turning Point and his debut match against Jai Vidal
The Ultimate X Match for the Impact X Division Championship at Slammiversary
We hear from W. Morrissey, who says that people know the face, but not the man, and says that one can see the agony in his eyes if they knew what to look for. He says that when he felt that agony, the fans turned on him, and so did everyone else in the industry, and he realized that everyone he knew was a fake. Morrissey says he has rebuilt himself on his own, and that everyone will feel the agony he once felt. Morrissey then says he deserves a match for the Impact World Championship.
The Men's Wrestler of the Year is "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander. Alexander says that the award has solidified everything he has done in the past year as he thanks the fans.
Moose vs. Rich Swann for the Impact World and TNA World Heavyweight Championships at Sacrifice
We see another vignette for Masha Slamovich, who debuts next week.
We hear from Mercedes Martinez, who says she heard Deonna Purrazzo mention her name and tells Deonna to put some respect on it, then says better women have tried to beat her and failed and that she and Deonna will go at it next week.
The Men's Match of the Year is "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander vs. TJP in an Iron Man Match for the Impact X Division Championship from June 3rd. Alexander says he would not be in the position he is in now without that match and that he and TJP put their heart and soul into the match. Alexander gives credit where credit is due and calls TJP one of the greatest opponents he ever had before the match is replayed.
We hear from Brandi Lauren and Kimber Lee. They say that if they do not provide Su Yung with souls, Su Yung will take what she needs. Su Yung shows up and says "Your time has come," then blasts them will magical energy. She then looks at her stomach, which shows signs of pregnancy, and says "Your time is near."
Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) host tonight's show, which is part two of a "best of 2021" retrospective. (During the show, the top of the chyrons refer to them as "Two Tasty Snacks," "Edge's Favorites," "Bedazzled Stallions," The Michelangelos of NXT UK," and "Dandy Highwaymen.") Matches and moments include:
Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) vs. Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships from February 25, 2021
We see a video package of Pretty Deadly's (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) 2021.
Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) winning the NXT UK Tag Team Championships
"Bomber" Dave Mastiff, Jack Starz, Ashton Smith, Saxon Huxley, Primate and A-Kid wish everyone a happy new year and mention their New Year's resolutions.
Next week: Blair Davenport vs. Meiko Satomura for the NXT UK Women's Championship! Symbiosis (Primate and T-Bone) vs. Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter to help decide #1 contenders for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships!
Ilja Dragunov, Oliver Carter, Rohan Raja, Sam Gradwell, Nathan Frazer and Amale, wish everyone a happy new year and mention their new year's resolutions.
Joe Coffey vs. Rampage Brown vs. Ilja Dragunov from June 24, 2021
Ilja Dragunov vs. Walter for the NXT UK Championship from NXT TakeOver 36, the championship matches of Dragunov's reign so far and the upcoming match for the title between Jordan Devlin and Ilja Dragunov
Kenny Williams, Sha Samuels, Xia Brookside, Wolfgang, Eddie Dennis and Nina Samuels wish everyone a happy new year and mention their new year's resolutions.
Jim Ross returns to commentary after beating skin cancer.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and The Hardy Family Office (Matt Hardy, Marq Quen, Isiah Kassidy) beat Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus), The Lucha Brothers (Penta el Zero Miedo) and Christian Cage after Christian Cage tags himself in, causing an ensuing argument between himself and Penta that leads to FTR hitting Christian with the Big Rig for the win.
2point0 (Jeff Parker and Matt Lee) and Daniel Garcia beat Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz) and Eddie Kingston after Matt Lee grabs Santana's tights. After the match, 2point0 continue to attack Santana while Garcia grabs the ring bell. Eddie tries to stop Garcia, but he gets stomped, and Garcia nails Santana with the ring bell. Suddenly, Chris Jericho shows up with Floyd the baseball bat and clears the ring. Suddenly, Eddie wants Jericho's entrance theme cut off and confronts Jericho for getting involved, saying this is his fight. Ortiz has to keep Jericho and Eddie from throwing down.
We hear from MJF, who says that he was thrown over the top rope with reckless abandon by Sting, and if he working for a more professional company, this would not be happening. He also says that CM Punk claims to want a piece of him but continues to stay away from him, and MJF says he considers Punk an obstacle towards championship gold. MJF then tells Wardlow to stop with the excessive powerbomb and to start qualifying for the gold before relinquishing it to him, and after having "Smart" Mark Sterling read Wardlow's contract, MJF says he will start racking up wins of his own.
Backstage, Christian Cage confronts The Lucha Bros. (Penta el Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) and challenges them to an AEW World Tag Team Title match against Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus). Penta says Christian is not a good tag partner, and that Jungle Boy should let go of the past.
Wardlow beats Colin Delaney with four powerbombs. After the match, Shawn Spears smacks Colin Delaney in the back with a chair.
We hear from The Superkliq (Adam Cole, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson), Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. Adam Cole says tonight will be a historic night as they go down in all of pro wrestling history, then allows Kyle O'Reilly to speak to him privately. The Young Bucks leave, as does Bobby Fish. Kyle tells Cole they may have heat towards each other, but this is a new company. He says he knows Bobby Fish has his back and will find out if Cole does, too.
We hear from Dan Lambert and The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and "All Ego" Ethan Page). He says he cannot see why "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is cool, and that while Arn Anderson is one of his favorites, it makes him sad to see him with Cody and that he's a whore and not a Horseman. He says that Brandi Rhodes is the only woman named Brandi who is currently not a stripper, then makes fun of Cody's neck tattoo and says Cody never really made it until he made it to AEW. After Lambert says that AEW is feeding the fans "a shit sandwich," Brandi Rhodes shows up and calls Lambert out for his comments and asks him when he last got beaten up by a woman and didn't pay for it, saying she will do it for free. Lambert says he is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and that there is no man who wants to does not want to beat the crap out her, to which Brandi replies "I'm a Black bitch; let's go." Dustin Rhodes shows up and holds Brandi back only to get jumped by The Men of the Year.
We see a video package for Bryan Danielson vs. "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship next week.
Jade Cargill beats Thunder Rosa to advance in the TBS title tournament after "Smart" Mark Sterling distracts the referee and a hooded, masked assailant nails Thunder Rosa from the outside. After the match, Thunder Rosa jumps Jade Cargill, but the mystery assailant returns and reveals themselves to be Mercedes Martinez before attacking Thunder Rosa along with Jade. Ruby Soho soon shows up with a pipe and chases them both away.
We see a video package for Riho vs. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. for the AEW Women's World Championship.
CM Punk heads to the ring. He says it is great to see Jim Ross back on commentary, saying he is the best to ever do it, then says he is about giving people their flowers when they deserve it. Punk says that despite never being in Daily's Place, it is a home for AEW, and it gets him thinking about Brodie Lee, saying that anyone who minimizes his impact has never met him, saying the Brodie Lee tribute made him want to come to AEW. He then addresses MJF, calling him "a Twitter troll in the flesh" who talks a big game but hides behind either a keyboard or someone else and laced up his running shoes despite saying the people want them to have a match. As for MJF's comments that he is done with him, Punk says he is fine with that as he got the win that he wanted, and says that if MJF is scared or afraid, that is alright, because he is looking to bigger and better things. Punk then says that with MJF wanting to be champion, he wants to be champion, then he calls MJF a waste of his time and a bigger waste of money than Tim Tebow. He says he never wanted to mess with MJF, but MJF found out the hard way that nobody can touch him, and if MJF wants to climb the ladder to championship gold, they will meet again, and that it would be a shame if someone interfered in his quest for the gold.
We hear from "Absolute" Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs. Starks welcomes Jim Ross back and thanks him for freeing up Taz's time before telling Dante Martin that by screwing him, he screwed Team Taz. He says that if he cannot win, neither will Dante, then says that he and Hobbs remember what happened last time Dante wrestle Hobbs. Hobbs asks Dante if he really wants to go another round with him.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events in the feud between Hikaru Shida and Serena Deeb where Shida tells Serena to stop whining about something that is her own fault and ask for the rematch.
Tony Schiavone interviews Brian Pillman Jr. He says he will not forget the bell ringing over and over again while Malakai Black tried to end Griff Garrison's career, and when he got in the ring, he ended up on the mat next to Garrison. Pillman says that he has busted his ass to get here, and he says that when he heads to the House of Black, he will not bust the door down and he will not give Malakai his life, because the world will soon see a new Brian Pillman Jr. The lights then go dark, and Malakai Black appears on the stage. He points at Brian Pillman Jr., then the lights go out and he disappears.
We hear from The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens). Max Caster says Sting and Darby Allin should are considered the "main event tag team" but are not even ranked, and Bowens tells Darby to get in the ring so he can beat his "My Chemical Romance lookin' ass" on Rampage We then hear from Sting and Darby Allin. Sting says he has always treated his matches like the main event, then Darby says people have tried to stop them but have only tried and tells Bowens that he is ready.
We see a video package for Anna Jay and Tay Conti vs. Penelope Ford and The Bunny in a Street Fight on Rampage.
Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly beat Best Friends (Trent Barretta, Chuck Taylor, Orange Cassidy). During the match, Brandon Cutler shows up only to get punched by Trent and Chuck, but when the ref is pre-occupied with Cutler, The Young Bucks attack Trent and Chuck. Fish and O'Reilly hit Chuck Taylor with Chasing The Dragon to get the win.
Grayson Waller shows up to start tonight's show. After calling himself the breakout star of the year and saying he could care less about anyone else's Christmas, then brags about "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles wanting a bit of his clout and wanting "the Grayson Waller rub" on Raw. Waller says he does not get why people like Styles after Styles threatened him, and says AJ's theme is "not a banger" like his is before mocking the fans for liking AJ, who said that he is not a star. He says that if it were not Apollo Crews or Commander Azeez, last night would have been the last night for Styles in a WWE ring. As for his original opponent tonight, Dexter Lumis, Waller says he is delusional, before calling Indi Hartwell "a Dexter Lumis 10 but a Grayson Waller 3." He then says that he has an appropriate replacement tonight, then Odyssey Jones shows up. Waller leaves the ring and walks away, and Odyssey says that Waller prances around like a big time Superstar before saying that Waller is "a big time bitch." Waller turns around and heads to the ring.
Grayson Waller beats Odyssey Jones after Jones runs into an exposed turnbuckle that Waller himself exposed trying to get away from a Jones powerbomb. After the match, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles shows up on the TitanTron and thanks him for stopping by during Raw. He then says Waller got the wrong kind of attention and that he will see him next week, saying it is time to "put up or shut up."
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Cora Jade and Raquel Gonzalez. Cora says she and Raquel can co-exist, and as Raquel says they agreed tonight is a good night to take out some Toxic trash, Io Shiraisays that whoever walks out as Women's Champion, she wants her rematch against them. Kay Lee Ray also shows up wanting a shot at the NXT Women's title, then Mandy Rose shows up on the nearby screen and says that she might as well let Tonic Attraction take the night off and let Shirai and Kay Lee Ray take their place tonight. She says that the team who wins tonight will face her in a Triple Threat Match for the NXT Women's Championship at New Year's Evil.
Backstage, Grayson Waller accepts "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles' challenge, then bumps into MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee).
Tiffany Stratton makes her NXT debut tonight!
We hear from Xyon Quinn, who says that it is time for Elektra Lopez to make a decision: him or Legado del Fantasma. He wants a decision tonight, and the choice is hers.
MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee) head to the ring. Nash Carter says it feels so good to be back, and Wes Lee agrees. Wes Lee says the last time they were here, they lost the NXT tag team titles, but Nash Carter said they went on a beautiful journey, met Matt Riddle, and are flying higher than ever. Riddle appears on the TitanTron from his home and apologizes for not being there, saying he will be there in spirit like a higher power and that it is their destiny to reclaim the NXT tag team titles from Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel). Wes Lee calls out Imperium, then Imperium shows up. Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel speak their native languages at first, then Barthel says MSK can do their thing all they want, as they will never be able to touch them. He says the tag team titles will stay with the very best team the tag team division has ever seen, and that they will stay where they belong: with Imperium. Nash Carter says that if Imperium are feeling spicy, they can put the tag team titles on the line right now. Suddenly, Walter shows up on the TitanTron and calls MSK "everything wrong" with wrestling and a disgrace to the mat. He says that Aichner and Barthel treat the tag team titles with dignity and respect and that all they deserve is a beating, but Riddle also appears on the TitanTron and ups the ante by making it a six-man tag team next week. Walter calls Riddle "a barefooted nerd" before accepting the challenge, saying he will end this once and for all and expose Riddle and MSK as the "bunch of showmen" that they really are.
We hear from Joe Gacy and Harland. Gacy tells Harland that The Brian Kendrick called him "a freak," and assures Harland that he is no freak.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Edris Enofe, who says that his first victory in NXT felt fantastic and a good way to close 2021 out. Von Wagner storms in and says he got lucky, but Malik Blade stands up to Von Wagner, saying a win is a win. Wagner shoves Malik, and referees have to step in to keep things from becoming physical.
Joe Gacy and Harland are in the ring. The Brian Kendrick's music hits, but Kendrick fails to show. Gacy says he knew this would happen, and says Kendrick talked a big game only to fail to show up when confronted with their mistakes. As he says that Kendrick failed to admit that he did wrong by Harland, Andre Chase shows up. Andre Chase says they have a teachable moment and that at Andre Chase University, one never quits and that one never gives up and always turns negatives into positives. Gacy says he appreciates Chase's services, saying that Harland once went to school until he was unjustly and unfairly expelled before congratulating Chase for becoming Kendrick's replacement tonight.
Harland beats Andre Chase by referee stoppage after ramming Andre Chase's head into the mat repeatedly, knocking Chase out. After the match, one of Andre Chase's students gets in the ring and checks on Chase, but Harland yanks him out of the ring and takes him to the back.
Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza) decline an interview, then Elektra Lopez shows up and denies she has a thing for Xyon Quinn. Solo Sikoa shows up and walks away, then Santos Escobar demands he apologizes for walking in on family business. Sikoa then challenges Escobar to a match.
Tiffany Stratton beats Fallon Henley in her NXT debut.
We hear from Tony D'Angelo, who says that he warned Pete Dunne that he meant business when he put his fingers in his mouth and that Dunne had to find out the hard way with the crowbar. D'Angelo brags about the excitement he got from breaking Dunne and seeing him writhe in pain before mentioning his grandfather's advice about dealing with bullies - smash them in the face and they will not come back - and telling Dunne that if he comes back, the beating he will give him will be a whole lot worse.
Wade Barrett is in the ring to oversee a contract signing for Carmelo Hayes vs. Roderick Strong at New Year's Evil, which will unify the North American and Cruiserweight Championships. Diamond Mine is introduced first, followed by Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams. As Malcolm Bivens says that Hayes and Trick could not make it, Hayes and Trick show up. Trick shuts Bivens up before saying that Strong will not be champion for much longer and that Hayes will stomp a mudhole in him. After Bivens translate for Strong, Strong tells Bivens to tell them he will beat Hayes' ass, and Biven translates for Trick. Trick gets mad at Bivens, then Barrett has to admit he has no idea what anyone is saying. After Barrett reigns things in, Hayes tells Strong that when he shoots and does not miss, it is a lifestyle and not a catchphrase, and warns Strong that he will put him on a T-shirt and that there is no different between Strong and all his other opponents. Hayes then says he will take the Cruiserweight Championship and unify it with the North American Championship by any means necessary because he is the most scintillating champion. Strong admits he is impressed by Hayes' words, but at New Year's Evil, it will be a great day for the both of them, saying he will be a two-time North American Champion while Hayes is carried out and known as "Humbled Hayes." Strong signs the contract, then Hayes does the same. Barrett then gets out of the ring with the contract after thanking both men, then Bivens says Lumis beating Trick's ass was "bout it bout it." Trick threatens to make an example out of Bivens, then turns around and gets slammed through the table by The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed).
We see a video package for the four-way tag war between Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake), The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed), Jacket Time (KUSHIDA and Ikemen Jiro) and the team of Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen.
Solo Sikoa beats Santos Escobar after Escobar attcks Xyon Quinn for being near Elektra Lopez.
Outside of the arena, Harland almost throws Chase Andre's student off the roof, but Joe Gacy stops him.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa is attacked by Boa, and referees have to force Boa to let go. Boa then strikes the cameraman, then his facepaint disappears and he suddenly has no idea what is going on.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading to Bron Breakker vs. Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Championship at New Year's Evil.
Von Wagner beats Malik Blade. After the match, Von Wagner almost attacks Malik Blade again, but Edris Enofe pulls Malik out of the ring to safety.
Raquel Gonzalez and Cora Jade beat Kay Lee Ray and Io Shirai after Cora Jade reverses a roll-up from Kay Lee Ray into one of her own after Raquel and Cora argue over who will get the pinfall. After the match, Mandy Rose shows up on the TitanTron and congratulates them before telling them that their selfish desires will be their downfall and that she made their match a Triple Threat Match because she plans to erase them both from the title picture in seconds.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Wardlow when Shawn Spears shows up and says that everyone will see total domination out of Wardlow as he says that Warlow has been impressive as of late. He also says MJF is super-impressed with Wardlow and likes what he says , but says Wardlow is being excessive with the powerbombs. Wardlow tells Spears he is being excessive with the chair shots, and after the "accountabilibuddy" partnership is brought up, Spears says he will stay in the back and give Wardlow an opportunity to go out there on his own. Spears leaves, then Wardlow tells Schiavone to expect multiple powerbombs.
The Blade beats Toa Liona after knocking him out with brass knuckles as Tio Liona chases The Bunny around the ring, pre-occupying the referee.
Wardlow beats Casanova following four powerbombs.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone inteviews Anthony Greene. Greene says this is the moment where he explains who he is, but he has already proven himself, calling Dark a proving ground for young professional wrestlers, and after going toe-to-toe with FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and nearly giving Adam Cole his first singles loss, he has "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese thinking he can walk all over him. Greene says that tonight, he will prove "The Premier Asswipe" wrong.
Diamante beats Shawna Reed.
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese beats Anthony Greene.
The Bunny beats KiLynn King.
The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) beat Bear Country (Bear Boulder and Bear Bronson) after targeting Bear Boulder's knee.
Skye Blue beats Ashley D'Amboise.
Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Wheeler Yuta) beat The Wingmen ("Pretty" Peter Avalon and Cezar Bononi) after Chuck Taylor stops Avalon from using the ropes for leverage during a pinfall attempt.
"The Bad Boy" Joey Janela beats Sonny Kiss in a match with no disqualifications and no count-outs.
RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Riddle produces a Christmas card before welcome everyone to tonight's show, then says that if the crowd loves what they did in 2021, they will love what they do in 2022. Riddle says that he did some self-reflecting as well as some "self-Vipering," and as he says that he was transforming into a snake, Orton tells him to go see a doctor before showing what happened last week. Riddle, not knowing what a production truck is, asks how Orton got footage to show up on the TitanTron before Riddle says Otis may be "un-RKO-able" due to his supposed lack of a neck. As Orton says that Otis can be a powerhouse, Chad Gable shows up with Otis and praises Otis' neck before asking how a "nitwit" like Orton got so far ahead of the curve. Gable says that everyone will learn that there is no more dangerous a man or a threat than Otis, as he has taught him everything he knows. He then talks about how he earned his Master's degree with a 4.0 GPA before mocking the crowd for "booing education." He then says he may be too advance for a talent like this, and that maybe even "the mindless morons" of Detroit, Michigan can comprehend the fact that Orton is no match for Otis. Gable then says that Otis will send Orton limping into Day 1 and that it will not be long before he and Otis are champions, but Riddle says that he and Orton are a product of "higher education," and asks what the curriculum of Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) is. Riddle also says that he may have some stuff to teach Randy when he takes Gable on tonight, and Gable says Riddle is what he likes to call "an ignoramus" for wanting to challenge an elite athlete like him days before a big match. Gable then says that if he wants to give him and Otis a chance to take out RK-Bro before their big day, he accepts, and Riddle says that he will have a surprise for Orton after they both win tonight.
Matt Riddle beats Chad Gable. After the match, Otis pounces on Riddle and knocks him out of the ring.
Randy Orton beats Otis after avoiding a Vader Bomb and hitting the RKO out of the corner. After the match, Riddle congratulates Orton for hitting the RKO on Otis, then announces that it is time for Randy's present. He says there is only one present big enough and good enough for Orton: a hug. Orton is reluctant, but he eventually gives Riddle a hug before teasing hitting Riddle with an RKO.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Kevin Owens. We see a video message from Big E, who says that he has spent the last few months talking about his opponents and their motivations, but in the end, it is all about him and making all of the sacrifices and tribulations he has lived through worth it. He says this is about him walking out of Day 1 still as WWE Champion. Owens says Big E is wrong, and that while his story is about him and overcoming the odds, it won't happen this week as he is saying it from his house. Owens says only his story matters, and that while he and Seth Rollins took out Bobby Lashley, it is about him becoming champion.
We see another vignette for Veer Mahaan, who is still coming soon to Raw.
Dana Brooke and Reggie beat Tamina and R-Truth. After the match, R-Truth tells Tamina she should be listening to him. Tamina punches at R-Truth, but R-Truth ducks, and Dana and Reggie get the better of Tamina.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Nikki A.S.H. Nikki says that Rhea Ripley was victorious without her help, as Rhea did not need. She says she has been inspirational to Rhea despite her being down on her luck, and while Queen Zelina and Carmella are trying to get in their heads, it only makes them stronger. She then tells Zelina and Carmella to put their money where their mouths are as she challenges them to a Women's Tag Team title rematch.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Rey and Dominik Mysterio to win the RK-Bro-Nament and a shot at the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, The Miz makes it clear to a backstage worker that he only wants the best roses for the renewal of his wedding vows, and also mentions that he has even called in Eric Bischoff to officiate the ceremony. Bischoff shows up and says that he could not turn down the opportunity, and says that the renewal of the vows will be must-see.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring. Styles talks about how Omos will have him in a match the next time he sees him, then says he is here in the ring and wants to know where Omos is. Styles thinks that Omos is not showing up because he is scared he will not reach his full potential, then says he was that way as well before saying he was not selfish and ungrateful. He says Omos will pay his dues and he will make sure he pays them. He then tells Omos that when they have their match, he will kick his teeth in, as he has over twenty years of experience over him and that while he has seen giants come and go, there is only one AJ Styles. Suddenly, Grayson Waller shows up and mocks Styles, and after Styles gives him attention, says he also has yet to pay his dues and calls him "not yet a Superstar," Styles lets him in the ring. Styles introduces Grayson Waller to the rest of the world, and Grayson says that since Styles came to his house, he says he might as well come to his. As for the subject of paying his dues, all he had to do with get under Styles' skin. He says that Monday nights feels right, and that they will feel better when Omos is done with Styles and he takes Styles' spot. Styles says this is where stars are made and that Grayson is not even close to one. Styles also offers to show Grayson around before showing him the lights on the way out, then Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez show up. Apollo says he and Styles are similar, yet Styles' giant has left him while he and Azeez are a united front, and while Omos is not here, Azeez is. Azeez says that if Styles is interested in slaying giants, he will face him right now. Styles accepts Azeez's challenge.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Carmella. Carmella says she and Queen Zelina have accepted Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley have accepted their tag team title rematch to put them back in their place, as nobody compares to her and Zelina despite her appreciation for Rhea Ripley's fashion sense. She says that since the challenge is for a tag team match, Nikki A.S.H. will eventually have to tag in, as Nikki A.S.H. is not even close to a superhero and "almost second-best," and "almost" doesn't count.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Apollo Crews. After the match, Styles gets away from Commander Azeez. As Azeez helps Apollo up, Styles hits him with the Phenomenal Forearm and successfully fends him off.
We hear from Seth Rollins, who says Kevin Owens is trying to take all the credit for what they did to Bobby Lashley before saying he is in the giving mood for the holidays and will give him all the credit before he takes what is rightfully his: the WWE Championship.
Kevin Owens heads to the ring. Owens says he is in a festive mood tonight after having a great Christmas with his family and main eventing in Madison Square Garden, and says the world will rejoice when he becomes WWE Champion at Day 1. He says being the only person in the WWE Championship match here tonight makes him smarter than everyone else in the match, and says that it is important to be in "a dump like Detroit, Michigan" as the fans will get a WWE Champion they can be proud of. He says the odds may be against him due to who he is up against, then mentions that Seth Rollins took out Bobby Lashley last week, how Lashley is dealing with "MVP's crap", and how he and Rollins are friends and how his plans will make him WWE Champion. MVP shows up and says Owens could not be more wrong about his Day 1 predictions before giving him credit for his month-long plan to get things to go his way before stating that Lashley has not forgotten about him. He says that according to Lashley, it takes more than The Stomp or a ring apron powerbomb to take Lashley, and that Lashley will wreak absolute havoc on Seth Rollins before, according to a text message, he rips Owens' "wet, noodle-like arms off his endomorphic body." Lashley also states in the text message that it does not matter who he beats, as everyone is back in "The Almighty Era." Kevin says he still feels good about his odds and his chances of winning, then The Hurt Business (Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin) show up. Cedric says Kevin Owens is right about how one man cannot beat three, and Shelton says even Lashley cannot take on the whole world. Cedric says Lashley was at his best in The Hurt Business, but MVP says Lashley needs no one. MVP then says that they can do business, however, and Owens cuts to the chase and says Cedric wants to face him in the ring and win in order to get The Hurt Business back together as a four-man faction. MVP agrees on this, and Cedric vs. Owens begins.
MVP guests on commentary for the next match.
Kevin Owens beats Cedric Alexander. After the match, Shelton Benjamin wants Kevin Owens in the ring, and as he goes for the microphone, Owens hits Shelton with the Stunner.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Priest says everyone has a darkness and that he keeps his at bay, but last week, his came out. He says that if he is disrespected, his darkness will take over and there is nothing anyone can do about it. He says that Dolph Ziggler may have won just about every title there is and can steal the show, if Ziggler triggers his rage, it will be a big mistake for him, and it will ensure that the United States title will stay with him where it belongs.
Dolph Ziggler beats Damian Priest by disqualification after Damian Priest refuses to listen to the referee's five count in the corner as he beats up Ziggler in a blind rage. Damian Priest retains the WWE United States Championship. After the match, Damian Priest throws Dolph Ziggler into the barricade before hitting the Reckoning on the outside.
Eric Bischoff heads to the ring to officiate the renewal of The Miz and Maryse's wedding vows. Bischoff says he is glad to be back in a WWE ring, especially for a cherished moment. He then introduces The Miz first, followed by Maryse. Miz trips on the steps on the way to the ring. Miz talks about the year that he has hard so far, and says that at Day 1, he will dominate against Edge. He then says that in honor of Day 1, he and Maryse will bring the fans something uplifting by renewing their wedding vows. After Miz mocks Detroit, Michigan and thanks Eric Bischoff, Maryse renews her vows first and gets viciously booed before saying that Miz will prove he is a better father, husband and Superstar than Edge at Day 1. Miz mocks Detroit, Michigan again, saying the fans' opinions don't matter because they root for the Detroit Lions. He then renews part of his vows in French before going into Spanish before going into English. Miz and Maryse renew their vows, then Bischoff asks if anyone has any objections before he says "Hell, we all know how this is gonna turn out!" and Edge shows up. Edge carefully walks up the steps to spite Miz, and says he is not here to wreck anything or insult Miz because he finally has a match against Miz and he is going to beat his ass. Miz says he and Maryse knew he would show up to ruin things and gave him a front row seat to what true love looks like, then Edge admits they embarrassed him for weeks before saying what goes around comes around. After Edge says he will embarrass them, Miz and Maryse frantically look around before saying he was messing with them. Edge then asks "You didn't want this to be a white wedding, did you?" before walking away. The arena lights glow red, Gangrel's music hits, then dark brown colored goop drops onto Miz and Maryse to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Eric Bischoff! MVP! The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)!
The Dark Order (John Silver, Alex Reynolds and Preston "10" Vance) beat Fodder, JR Miller and Brandon Scott.
Jade Cargill and "Smart" Mark Sterling guest on commentary for the next match.
Thunder Rosa beats Dani Mo. After the match, "Smart" Mark Sterling has to stop Jade Cargill from going at it with Thunder Rosa in the ring.
Anthony Ogogo beats Duncan Mitchell.
Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz) beat Movie Myk and Alexander Moss.
Shawn Spears beats Lee Moriarty.
The Gunn Club (Billy, Austin and Colten Gunn) beat The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alan "5" Angels) after Colten Gunn uses the ropes for leverage to pin Angels.
Tay Conti and Anna Jay beat Diamante and Emi Sakura with the Queenslayer from Anna Jay to Diamante.
Dalton Castle tells the fans that he has a treat for them after a very long year later in the show.
"The Technical Beast" Josh Woods opens gifts and draws his random partners for this year's Holiday 12-Man Tag Match. Woods likes his chances of winning in this week's main event, saying that his picks are all winners.
Brian Johnson says Ring of Honor has given him nothing but a headache and refuses to think highly of this week's Holiday 12-Man Tag Match before opens gifts and draws his random partners for the match. Johnson does not like any of the partners that he has gotten, but he says the world will find out it is Mecca vs. Everybody.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett guests on commentary for the next match.
Rok-C retains the ROH Women's World Championship against Holidead.
Dalton Castle says it has been his mission to give the fans what they deserve, and later on, he has a big surprise.
Dalton Castle presents his Classy Christmas Spectacular, where he, his boys and Dak Draper take part in a song and dance routine until one of the boys mess it up. Dak Draper takes it out on the boy at Dalton Castle's behest, saying that he wants this to be so fantastic that when it is not fantastic, he becomes furious. Draper then starts breaking things as the boys cower, then Dalton Castle blames the boys for ruining Christmas.
Before the next match, Brian Johnson says most of the fans are used to "eight crazy nights" or "twelve days of Christmas," but now they are about to see "eleven bozos and one Mecca."
Quinn McKay guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Technical Beast" Josh Woods, "The Last Real Man" Silas Young, Matt Taven, Bandido and The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) beat Brian Johnson, Rhett Titus, Kenny King, Rey Horus, Homicide and Flip Gordon in a Holiday 12-Man Tag Match. During the match, Flip Gordon invites everyone on commentary to a holiday party before wishing them a happy 2019. After the match, everyone in the ring celebrates.
Jungle Boy beats Isiah Kassidy with the Snare Trap after Christian Cage and Luchasaurus stop Matt Hardy and Marq Quen from interfering.
We hear from Miro, who says he has to begin to heal himself. He says that his god stands between himself and his wife, which he considers unacceptable. He says he will return with no flaws and prove that nobody can stop him. He says everyone will learn that redemption comes with a price, not a smile, and asks what they have done to deserve his cruelty.
Hook beats Bear Bronson by submission. During the match, "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese is seen watching from the audience.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Eddie Kingston and Daniel Garcia for next week's six-man tag between Daniel Garcia and 2point0 (Jeff Parker and Matt Lee) and the team of Eddie Kingston and Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz).
Kris Statlander beats "Legit" Leyla Hirsch by submission. After the match, Statlander extends her hand, but Leyla swats it away.
"The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry interviews Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara. Arn Anderson advises Sammy Guevara not to jump on a man and fight someone who is pissed off, and says that if Cody is not pissed now, he won't be. Sammy says this is a bigger match for Cody than for him, saying that this would have been a big match for himself two years ago. He says Cody started the company, but he will be the one carrying it just like he will carry Cody tonight.
Legendary pro wrestling announcer and executive David Crockett is seen in the crowd before the next match.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Sammy Guevara with two Cross Rhodes and a Tiger Driver '98. After the match, David Crockett awards Cody the TNT Championship as Cody celebrates with the Nightmare Family.
Gilbert Corsey hosts a special Christmas edition of Championship Wrestling From Hollywood and announces the Red Carpet Rumble. This year, it is a 30-man over the top battle royal with participants from Hollywood, Memphis, Atlanta, Arizona and all over the wrestling world. The final two participants will face each other in a standard one-on-one match, and the winner gets a shot against "The Dirty Daddy" Chris Dickinson and the United World Championship.
#18 "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater beats #1 Guy Tweakacetti - who spends most of the match passed out in the corner - to win the 2021 Red Carpet Rumble and earn a future shot at the United World Championship. During the match:
#2 Aron Stevens eliminates himself out of respect after #1 Guy Tweakacetti eliminates #3 Rob Spitz. Stevens leads a breaf "Tweak" chant on his way out.
#14 Richie Slade is eliminated as soon as he enters. #6 Flex McCallion, who has just been eliminated by #13 Jack Banning, tries to catch him, but fails with #4 "Sweet" Robin Shaw and Jack Banning toss #9 Slice Boogie into Richie Slade.
#19 Honest John eliminates #12 Robert Baines after drinking Baines' serum. The serum eventually wears off, and he is eventually eliminated by #25 Bad Dude Tito.
#30 Kevin Condron shows up taking out Jackson Calhoun and Cameron August, and he soon eliminates #4 "Sweet" Robin Shaw, but he is eliminated by #16 "Professional" Peter Avalon.
Uncle Mikey beats Van Viciouss (as Vanta Claus) in a Christmas Presents Match.
Diana Taylor wishes everyone a happy holidays.
Dustin Starr introduces Shalonce Royal and has her sing a Christmas carol, but before she can really get started, Heather Monroe shows up. She says she is here to give the fans on Christmas, and announces that next week, she will defend the title in Gauntlet For The Gold. Heather Monroe says that there are people who feel that she does not deserve the Women's Championship and that next week, she will prove them wrong.
Backstage, Amber Rodriguez tries to call Skyler again, telling her there is a Gauntlet For The Gold match next week while hoping she is in it.
"Big Swole" Justin Cole and Kid Wrestling beat Jay Smooth and Martin.
Backstage, Danny B. Good talks with Derrick King about their tag team title shot. Derrick King says that today, they can have a revolution and become champions, and Danny B. Good says they are going to have a gift today.
The Hollywood Horror Show ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Jacksyn Crowley, Otis Crowley) shows up. "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock announces "Christmas With The Crowleys," and announces that he has gifts for Jacksyn and Otis Crowley. Blaylock gifts Otis a baby doll, but Jacksyn takes the baby in his hands and Blaylock tells Otis he will have to breastfeed the baby. Blaylock lets Jacksyn have the baby, then gaves Otis a dead possum. Blaylock then says The Revenant of Walker Hayes will get nothing from him and that the fans will get nothing from him, either. Jacksyn and Otis then take the dead possum to the ring, then the two of them beat up on The Gunslinger before Blaylock hits The Gunslinger with the leather strap. Suddenly, Walker Hayes and Ivan Warsaw show up and chase The Hollywood Horror Show out of the ring.
Backstage, The Yung GOATs (Zay Washington and Aaron Roberts) talk about their families back home watching them in action tonight. Zay Washington says the best athletes perform on Christmas, and Aaron Roberts says that he hopes that Danny B. Good and Derrick King are ready, because the best never lose.
Dustin Starr interviews "The GunShow" Brett Michaels at the announce desk. Michaels says Santa Claus did some good for his daughters and left him something, then asks where Mike Anthony is. Mike Anthony shows up on the other side of the ring and stares at Brett Michaels' daughters, and Michaels stands between them as the two have a staredown. Soon, Mike Anthony slowly backs off.
The Yung GOATs (Zay Washington and Aaron Roberts) retain the Memphis Tag Team Championships against Danny B. Good and Derrick King. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews The Yung GOATs. Santa Claus shows up with presents, but suddenly, The Grinch shows up with Swoggle as a hostage. Suddenly, The Grinch and Santa attack The Yung GOATs. The Grinch and Santa are The Posse (Simon and Lil Chris), and Santa - who is really Simon - hits Aaron Roberts in the eye with the spike of a spiked shoulder pad.
After the show went off the air, Aaron Roberts is taken to a local medical facility while The Posse (Simon and Lil Chris) put the Memphis Tag Team Championships in a sack.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman. Heyman says he told the truth to Roman Reigns, but it was a truth that Roman did not want to hear, and because of that, he was fired, smashed, embarrassed and hamulated publicly. He says that he paid a price for telling that truth, but he does not regretting telling it, because his role as special counsel was to tell the uncomfortable truths, and not to protect Reigns as a personality, but as a champion. Heyman says he tried to explain this to Roman, but all of his belongings were tossed out into the hallway. He says that Roman is the greatest Universal Champion of all time, but he needs to be protected from Brock Lesnar. As for what is next for him, Heyman says he does not know, and says every bit of his heart, soul and spirit was spent for Roman Reigns because he believed in him, and without that, it may be time to acknowledge his career is most likely over.
Charlotte Flair retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Toni Storm after reversing an inside cradle with one of her own.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre meets with The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods). Drew says it is a special day when "Drew Day" gets back together, and King Woods says that he and Sir Kofi Kingston plan to ring in a new year with the SmackDown tag team titles, but tonight, they will beat Madcap Moss and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Drew McIntyre says he feels a little sad because he will beat Madcap Moss so badly he will not make it to Day 1, while Kofi says that tonight will be a "season's beating."
We hear from Xia Li. She says she has known women like Natalya all her life, and says that if she is a vulture, then she will fight her, not fear her, because she is the protector.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs watch the next match from ringside.
Sami Zayn beats Mansoor, Erik, Angel, Shanky, Ivar, Drew Gulak, Cesaro, Sheamus, Jinder Mahal and Ricochet in a Twelve Days of Christmas Gauntlet Match to become #1 contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Cesaro is eliminated thanks to the distraction by Ridge Holland, which allows Sheamus to hit the Brogue Kick to eliminate Cesaro. Sheamus is eliminated after Ridge Holland gets involved in the match only to be taken out by Cesaro, distracting Sheamus and allowing Ricochet to eliminate him. Sheamus hits Ricochet with a Brogue Kick on the way out, but despite that, Ricochet is able to eliminate Humberto after referee Jessica Carr keeps him from eliminating Ricochet early by checking on Ricochet.
We look back on the career of Paul Heyman.
Drew McIntyre and The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods) beat Madcap Moss and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in a six-man Miracle on 34th Street Fight after Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss get eggnog dumped all over them. After the match, The New and Drew McIntyre toss shirts and gifts into the crowd to end the show, while a box gets thrown at the back of Madcap Moss' head.
In a match from Impact Provincial Wrestling Federation after Winter War '84, DJ 2Large (Moose) beats Pelvis Wesley (Heath) in the BTI Match after Wesley inadvertently knocks Colonel E. Corn (John E. Bravo) off the ring apron after DJ 2Large ducks.
Scott D'Amore and Josh Mathews host a 2021 "best-of" episode. Matches and memories include:
Rich Swann, Moose and Chris Sabin vs. Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) from Hard To Kill
Backstage, Chris Sabin talks with Jordynne Grace about the Knockouts Ultimate X match, saying the secret to winning is upper body strength. After Sabin asks Jordynne how many pull-ups she can do, she does them for a straight hour. Sabin admits he lost count, but tells Jordynne "I think you're ready."
We look back on the debuts of 2021.
The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) vs. FinJuice (Juice Robinson and David Finlay) for the Impact World Tag Team Championships from Rebellion
The Tag Team of the Year is The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson). Gallows says the year ahead will bring the team titles and more awards.
Kenny Omega vs. Rich Swann for the AEW and Impact World Championships from Rebellion
We hear from Deonna Purrazzo and Matthew Rehwoldt. Purrazzo says that after last week, her title rematch against Mickie James is a Texas Death Match, but she can adapt, as she regained the Knockouts title in a no-disqualification match. As Deonna says she could adapt and retain the Knockouts title time and again, she asks if Mickie can also adapt before stating that she will become champion. She also says that when she gets her hands on Mickie at Hard To Kill, it will make ending Mickie's reign that much sweeter.
The Knockouts Match of the Year is Mickie James vs. Deonna Purrazzo for the Impact Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory.
Backstage, Trey Miguel tries to meet with Scott D'Amore. Gail Kim meets with him, and Trey tells her he wants a match with Steve Maclin to prove he can beat him and retain the X Division title. Gail Kim makes the match official for Hard To Kill.
We see another vignette for Masha Slamovich.
We hear from Matt Cardona, who says that he came to Impact for the Impact World Championship and that he needs this opportunity, and that nobody will stand in his way because this is his moment. He says that the Matt Cardona that will show up at Hard To Kill be the Matt Cardona that has waited eighteen years for his shot.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander vs. TJP vs. "Inevitable" Ace Austin for the Impact X Division Championship from Rebellion
We hear from The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) and Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner). Gallows says he and Anderson could not thing of a more violent trio to team with. Eric Young says this is only a temporary partnership, but they do not like their opponents even more and that at Hard to Kill, the violence they deal will be permanent.
The six-way match for the Impact Digital Media Championship from Bound For Glory
The Knockout of the Year is Deonna Purrazzo. Deonna talks about how she was champion for almost all of the year and waved the Impact banner around the world, and says that Knockouts Championship or not, she is the greatest and that we are in "The Age of the Virtuosa."
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander vs. Christian Cage for the Impact World Championship from Bound For Glory, and the aftermath where Moose calls his shot and wins the title
Nina Samuels introduces everyone to tonight's show, which is a 2021 "best-of" episode. Matches and memories include:
The 30-minute Iron Man Match between Jordan Devlin and A-Kid, August 4, 2021
Noam Dar winning the NXT UK Heritage Cup Championship
A-Kid, Amale, Oliver Carter, Ashton Smith, Kenny Williams, Jack Starz, Wolfgang, NXT UK refree Chip Danning, Rohan Raja, and "The Bomber" Dave Mastiff wish everyone a merry Christmas.
A special New Year's edition of NXT UK airs next week!
Meiko Satomura vs. Kay Lee Ray for the NXT UK Women's Championship, June 10, 2021
In two weeks: Blair Davenport vs. Meiko Satomura for the NXT UK Women's Championship!
Nathan Frazer, Saxon Huxley, Eddie Dennis, Xia Brookside, Sha Samuels, Sam Gradwell, and Ilja Dragunov wish everyone a merry Christmas.
Adam Cole beats Orange Casssidy. During the match, Brandon Cutler and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) show up, but Orange hits Cutler with a top rope cross body and Best Friends (Chuck Taylor, Trent Barretta, Wheeler Yuta) run in to take down the Bucks. Near the end of the match, Bobby Fish shows up and distracts the referee, and Kyle O'Reilly shows up from behind Orange Cassidy and attacks him. After the match, O'Reilly attacks Orange, then Adam Cole confronts O'Reilly. When Chuck Taylor and Trent Barretta show up, O'Reilly and Cole team up against him along with Bobby Fish. The three of them then stand tall together as The Young Bucks head to the ring. The Young Bucks want an explanation from Cole, then Cole, Fish and O'Reilly leave.
We see a video package for last week's match between Bryan Danielson and "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW World Championship. The rematch will be in two weeks' time.
Tony Schiavone interviews "Hangman" Adam Page in the ring. Page says that he was handed back the AEW World Championship after 60 minutes, and after the match, he thought it was funny that after three years, he had never felt less of a champion. He says the only feeling he has from last week was disappointment. Suddenly, Bryan Danielson shows up and calls Adam Page an "entitled millennial cowboy" and mocks him for being disappointed. Danielson says that he kicked Page's ass for 60 minutes and that if anyone should be AEW World Champion, it should be him. He then says that he will not cry about his feelings and that he will kick Page's ass again in the rematch, but this time, he won't have a bad leg from wrestling John Silver and he will not wrestle again until the rematch. Danielson then says that if he stalls for another 60 minutes, they will be in the same position they are now again. He then says he is not an entitled millennial like the fans and proposes that there are judges in the rematch, so if Page stalls again, Danielson will be the true champion. After Danielson says he had last week's match won, Page praises Danielson from taking him into deep waters and to his limit, then says he swam in the final seconds and that he would have drowned Danielson if he had three more seconds. Nevertheless, Page is okay with the time limit and the judges, and says he has come way too far, spilled too much blood and spent so much of himself for the AEW World Championship to be told he is "a B-plus player." He says that as far as whether or not he can beat Danielson goes, the answer is "yes."
We hear from The Pinnacle. MJF thanks Shawn Spears for being accountable for Wardlow, then says that CM Punk drives people insane and burns bridges, which is why he and FTR are not worried about tonight. He says they are family unlike CM Punk, Sting and Darby Allin, then says Punk has to make everything about himself and that the real CM Punk comes out to play when it isn't. He says that Punk is more rusty than the knife Darby uses to skin small animals and that Punk chose early retirement when he messed with him. Dax Harwood says that he has no problem with CM Punk, but Punk threatened him and that he, MJF and Cash Wheeler are the three kings of professional wrestling.
Wardlow beats "The Captain" Shawn Dean with four powerbombs, then Shawn Spears hits Shawn Dean with a chair.
We see a video package for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship for this week's Rampage.
We suddenly hear from Dan Lambert and The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and "All Ego" Ethan Page). Lambert says the fans are not leadership material, and says every decision he makes must be fair for his fighters so the most successful are the most deserving. He then says that Tony Khan uses the buddy system and says that whoever isn't his buddy ends up the opening act, then says that Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page will be sitting on the sidelines while Cody Rhodes gets another title shot. He also says that Tony Khan has set him up for failure because he does not like him, and says he cannot get people to cheer for Cody when Cody is a bigger dick than he is. Lambert then says he does not care who the fans cheer or boo, because his only concern is that Scorpio Sky or Ethan Page get the next title shot, as they will not need help from anyone in the back to bring the TNT Championship back to American Top Team.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., who says she is bigger and stronger than Riho - and also has Jamie Hayter by her side - before saying that 2021 cannot be brought up without bringing her up, as she built her own throne and the women's division from the ground up. She says that 2022 will not start with Riho taking the AEW Women's World Championship, and tells Riho she should have stayed underneath the bottom rope at All Out, then tells Riho she is out of her league before saying "You'll shoot your eye out, kid."
The superstars of AEW talk about their memories of Owen Hart before The Owen Hart Cup Tournament is announced.
Ruby Soho beats "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose after dragging Nyla off the top rope into No Future after hitting Vickie Guerrero with an enzuigiri to advance in the TBS Championship Tournament. (Before the match, a man in the front row is holding up a sign saying "Nyla Rose is this guy's dad" with a arrow pointing right. Not surprisingly, he gets flipped off by Nyla as Nyla enters the ring and the man gets kicked out.)
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Hikaru Shida and Serena Deeb.
Malakai Black beats Griff Garrison with a single leg crab. After the match, Brian Pillman Jr. pushes Black out of the hold, but Black hits him with Black Mass.
We hear from Matt Hardy and Private Party. Matt Hardy says he wants to see Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) as #1 contenders to the tag team titles and that Isiah Kassidy is going to "pound that ass" and injure Jungle Boy. We then hear from Luchasaurus, Christian Cage and Jungle Boy. Jungle Boy says that they will open some Christmas presents before shoving coal up Isiah Kassidy's ass and leave him coughing up diamonds. Christian Cage then plugs their limited edition Christmas shirt as he tells Matt Hardy to get his guys something nice.
CM Punk, Sting and Darby Allin beat The Pinnacle (MJF, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler) in a six-man tag match. After the match, MJF calls Punk a coward on a commentary headset.
Tommaso Ciampa is in the ring to start tonight's show. Ciampa says that as NXT Champion, he is the hunted and everyone is gunning for him, but as champion, he is different from those who held the title before him, as he does the hunting, and Bron Breakker was the hunted. He says that Bron Breakker may be wanting to interrupt him, but he invites him to the ring, as he has something he wants to say to him face-to-face. Not surprisingly, Bron Breakker shows up. Bron goes for a microphone, but Ciampa says he does not need it, as he knows what Bron is going to say. He says that Bron Breakker made a statement after what he did to him and that he has earned another shot at the NXT Championship on the big stage. Ciampa then says he agrees with Breakker, saying he deserves the NXT Championship. He then says that he hopes Breakker does not drown again like he did the first time, and that in two weeks, Breakker will get his second opportunity. Ciampa then tells Breakker to remember what he said about jumping into the deep end, as he exposed him for his inexperience both in the ring and in life, as there is no replacement for time and experience and he is not ready to be champion in his NXT. Ciampa says his contemporaries spent ten years getting to WWE and another ten perfecting their craft while Breakker has ten to twenty matches, and says that while he is doing great, he does not know if he is ready for superstardom. He says that just like at Halloween Havoc, just one slip-up on the rope could end it all, and while nothing could be better than Breakker winning the title on his own at New Years' Evil and showing it to his family, Ciampa is the reality that will stop that. As Ciampa is that reality, Ciampa slaps Breakker, and Breakker lifts him high into the air before placing him feet-first on the ground, taking the NXT Championship and telling Ciampa that blood is in the water and that the shark will eat him alive in two weeks.
We see an Instagram post from Grayson Waller, saying he used to love "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, but says that Styles feels like that other guy who held on for too long and tells Styles to get a haircut before calling himself "The Phenomenal" Grayson Waller.
Backstage, Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez brawl backstage, getting their Street Fight started early.
Raquel Gonzalez beats Dakota Kai in a Street Fight with a Chingona Bomb into a trash can. After the match, Raquel Gonzalez says she is sick and tired of waiting and demands Mandy Rose come to the ring so she can get her NXT Women's title rematch.
We hear from Tony D'Angelo, who says that if honesty is dangerous, then he is the most dangerous man in NXT. He says he has beaten everyone who has stood in his way and that he is not afraid of Pete Dunne. He then asks how bad Pete Dunne is after he did nothing when he pulled his mouthpiece out of his mouth, then says he will see Pete Dunne in the ring.
After the commercial break, Raquel Gonzalez continues to call out Mandy Rose, then Cora Jade shows up to congratulate Raquel before saying that as much as Raquel deserves another Women's title shot, she wants Mandy Rose to pay for what she did to her. She says that the only way to beat Toxic Attraction is to cut the head off the snake, and Raquel says as well as they beat Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, Jacy Jayne) together, the Women's title is every woman for herself and she will get through anyone to get the title back. Cora Jade says "Not if I get there first," then Mandy Rose shows up on the TitanTron in front of a pool and says that both Raquel and Cora are envious of what she has done for NXT before saying she will make it a Triple Threat Match for the NXT Women's Championship at New Year's Evil. Mandy says she will kill "two ugly birds" with one stone and that they will both get an ass-whipping in the same night, then Raquel and Cora are attacked from behind by Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne, and Gigi puts Raquel through a table.
We hear from Joe Gacy and Harland. Joe Gacy says it has been put upon Harland's heart to apologize for his actions last week, as he is a very sensitive man and too shaken up to speak on it, yet regret is written all over his face. He says that The Brian Kendrick triggered an emotion that took Harland back to a time when people did not like him as much as he does, and while they do not condone violence, Kendrick put his hands on Harland and called him a freak as they did as they were told. Gacy says that Kendrick may have nobody to blame but himself, but he is not here to make that argument and hope everyone grows from this experience.
Backstage, James Drake is watching a video of The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) working out. Zack Gibson says The Creed Brothers may be incredible athletes, but they will beat them with their minds.
Backstage, Persia Pirotta meets with Indi Hartwell about their match being postponed when Grayson Walter. Indi calls Grayson a douche, and Persia says Grayson should be more concerned about "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles coming for him. Grayson tells Indi she should move on after he kicked Johnny Gargano out of NXT, and that she should watch what he does tonight. Persia holds Indi back as she tells Grayson to get out.
The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) ends in a no-contest. During the match, it is announced that there is no timetable on LA Knight's recovery from his injuries from last week. Later on, Jacket Time (KUSHIDA and Ikemen Jiro) show up with their own commentary table and commentate on the match in Japanese. The match ends when both teams in the match collide with Jacket Time, and Brooks and Jensen jump in and get involved in the ensuing brawl while multiple referees rush in to break things up.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says Trick is a fearless man, and Trick says that if Dexter Lumis shows up with his thumb up, he will leave with is thumb up his ass. Suddenly, Lumis shows up on the monitor, scaring Carmelo and Trick.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Zoey Stark and Io Shirai are met by Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza. Io Shirai yells at Wilde and Mendoza when they try to jump in line at the trainer's room, and Elektra Lopez shows up and says she is not afraid of Shirai. Io Shira says something to her in Japanese, then Lopez, Wilde and Mendoza leave. Zoey Stark says she knew Io Shirai liked her and that she was sticking up for her, but Io Shirai insists she does not.
Dexter Lumis beats Trick Williams with Silence after avoiding a shoe from Trick. During the match, Roderick Strong is seen on the stage, and Malcolm Bivens and Ivy Nile are seen watching from the balcony. When Carmelo Hayes confronts Lumis on the outside, Hayes gets attacked by Strong. After the match, Lumis is attacked from behind with a chair by Grayson Waller, who says that he will take out the best in NXT one by one. Suddenly, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is seen heading into the building, and Grayson Waller sits in the chair and waits for him.
We hear from Pete Dunne, who says that nobody in NXT is like him. After listing off his NXT accomplishments, he says he is far from done. He says the new guys are young and hungry, but he is their age and more hungry and will not let anyone stand in his way. He says Tony D'Angelo thinks he had one up on him, but that was before last week, and he will prove to D'Angelo he is the baddest in NXT and that D'Angelo will never forget it.
After the commercial break, Grayson Waller mocks everyone who thanks everyone including the fans when they are inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame, then says that when he is inducted, he will say "I told you so." Before Waller can say much else, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles shows up. Waller says Styles coming to NXT is part of "The Grayson Waller Effect," then Styles tells him to shut up before calling him "the biggest jackass in NXT." Styles says he has heard what Grayson said on Instagram, and Grayson says he is so great he got Styles' attention before asking Styles why he is here before concluding that his meal ticket (Omos) left him last night and he needs a new one. Styles says Grayson called him out to get the rub, then says Grayson dresses so similarly to him that he does not know who he is watching. He admits that Grayson is cocky and has potential, but he does not see him as a potential Superstar. Styles says the jury is still out on Grayson and that Grayson's problem is that he would rather look good and lose than look bad and win. Grayson says he always look good before bragging about his win at WarGames. Styles says Grayson is more concerned about "swipes and likes," but Grayson says that he does not have Omos and says he could end Styles right now if he wanted to. Styles dares him to do it after having three good weeks, daring him to be phenomenal for more than twenty years in the process. Grayson teases fighting Styles, but leaves the ring and says he will let Omos get him first before he gets next.
We hear from Diamond Mine. Malcolm Bivens says that what happened to Carmelo Hayes earlier tonight is what happens when Diamond Mine is disrespected, and that it is all about respect and money. Bivens then proposes a champion vs. champion match between Roderick Strong and Carmelo Hayes at New Year's Evil, then Strong tells Carmelo he has two weeks to find his balls.
We see MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee) and Matt Riddle. Riddle says a scooter is like a journey to one's destination. Wes Lee admits he did not think this would pan out, but he is glad he stuck around. After Nash Carter says a scooter is like a tag team partner, Riddle says he cannot wait to share his knowledge with Randy, then MSK get some RK-Bro merchandise. Riddle then says that next week, he will be with MSK in NXT. The three of them then go on a scooter ride until they crash into a car. Nash Carter and Wes Lee then wake up, revealing this was a dream, but when they see their RK-Bro shirts, Riddle shows up with scooters and the three of them go scooter riding, this time watching out for traffic.
Edris Enofe gets an upset win on Von Wagner after reversing a powerbomb into a Sunset Flip. After the match, Von Wagner throws Enofe back into the ring and and takes his anger out on him while Robert Stone watches from the bottom of the entrance ramp.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel). Barthel says that MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee) is trying to pick up the pieces after their ramp, and Aichner says that while MSK may have Riddle, it was them who ran them out of town. Barthel says MSK may have found a shaman, but they have a general.
Backstage, Elektra Lopez says tonight is the biggest match of her career, but she is not worried, because tonight, she will destroy Io Shirai. Meanwhile, Xyon Quinn is watching Lopez from a distance.
We see NXT Superstars take part in WWE's community outreach programs with other organizations in the Orlando, Florida area for the holiday season.
Io Shirai beats Elektra Lopez after Xyon Quinn distracts Elektra Lopez with some mistletoe and fends off Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza).
We hear from Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams. He says that if Roderick Strong wants the smoke, he's got it, and he will be the one walking out with two titles.
We hear from The Brian Kendrick, who thanks Joe Gacy and Harland for their apology. He then says he has resigned as a coach and has signed a waiver as he removes his neck brace, and if Harland wants an apology, he will get it from him in the ring next week.
Pete Dunne beats Tony D'Angelo when D'Angelo goes for Dunne's mouthguard again. After the match, D'Angelo sneaks up on Dunne, but Dunne sees him coming and attacks him. D'Angelo has the last word, however, and hits a Fisherman's Neckbreaker on the outside. D'Angelo then grabs his crowbar and chokes Dunne with it before smacking it into Dunne's left hand.
