Memphis Thing - Memphis Wrestling recap for January 4, 2025

Dustin Starr interviews The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Ray Collins, Jay Smooth, Secret Service) at the announce desk. Jimmy Blaylock addresses being taunted with Twinkies by the fans by saying he has never had a Twinkie in his life, then says there have been a lot of tag teams in the past that have made it big and that he will have the best tag team in professional wrestling. He says that his team will take on anybody, including The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont), and that he wants the tag team titles right now.

The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamont) retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against The Hollywood Clique (Ray Collins and Jay Smooth) after they whip Ray Collins and Jay Smooth into each other. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews The L.A. Hustlers at the announce desk. Lamont tells Too Kool II (Tim Grind and Flex) to look who is still on the streets and who is now standing on the sidewalks, and Bradley says that the streets have love for on one and demands that Dustin Starr declare that they are "his boys."

We hear from The O'Neal Brothers (Devin and Steven O'Neal), who say that they have the longest win streak in Memphis Wrestling and plant to ride that wave into 2025. They say that "O'Neals rule" is a statement and that they prove why they do just that.

It is revealed that a limo has pulled up to the WrestleCenter. AJ Francis steps out of the limo, and re-introduces himself as "The King of Memphis," stating that he is back to win the Grind City Rumble, as it is time that he got more championship gold.

We see footage of Coach Pillar running for St. Jude.

Dustin Starr interviews AJ Francis at the announce desk. AJ Francis says that Memphis is a backwater town that he hates to go to because the fans hate him, then shows off his T-shirt, which makes fun of Joe Hendry, and says he is back to win the Grind City Rumble. He not only declares that he will enter the Rumble, but that he will win the Rumble and make sure Joe Hendry does not win it, as he deserves none of his accolades and has ridden coattails from beginning to end. He mocks the fans again, then says that like death and taxes, he is undeniable. As for the other participants in the Grind City Rumble, he is going to win the Rumble no matter who is in it before mocking the fans even more. He then addresses the "You suck" chants by proclaiming that the only thing that sucks in Memphis is the Memphis Grizzlies.

CJ Blaine is brought in by his mother, who demands that CJ Blaine be given more respect in Memphis Wrestling, and says she is not moving until she speaks to who is in charge. CJ Blaine is completely embarrassed.

We see footage of Big Dan asking the fans who will win the Grind City Rumble.

Gio Savage beats "The Walking Red Flag" Colton Cage after Colton Cage takes too long on the top rope.

Dustin Starr interviews Barnabas the Ringmaster at the announce desk. Barnabas says he has been away for a long time because he did not think anybody wanted him here, and he thought The Twins of Salem would be better off without him. He realized he was wrong and that he has failed The Twins. He blames Reverend Ash Taylor for The Righteous Path (Ash Taylor, Brother Bruce, Marrow, Sister Asa) getting into his head, and The Righteous Path soon shows up. After the commercial break, Reverend Ash Taylor calls Barnabas a cockroach, and when he tells the fans to shut up, Barnabas goes off on them. Taylor calls the fans freaks and says that his words are as empty as his future. He tells Barnabas that he will follow The Righteous Path or he will be buried six feet other. Barnabas says he has had enough of Ash Taylor and calls him a chicken. Brother Bruce sneaks up on Barnabas and grabs him from behind, and while Bruce fights back despite not being a wrestler, the numbers game takes over, and Reverend Ash Taylor hits Barnabas in the stomach with his red shinai. Ash Taylor then hooks Barnabas with the shinai with a Russian leg sweep, then The Righteous Path leaves.

We hear from Sycho Simon, who says that Ray Ray Sanders wants to run in like a knight in shining armor and save the day, then says that if he really was his friend, he would have been there at the retirement ceremony. He says Ray Ray Sanders is no friend of Derrick and just wants to be like him, and for that, he will put him through a table and into the back of a hearse.

Diana Taylor beats C-Rex, Nixi XS, Makkari Kandy, Xya Wolfe and Erica Torres in a Championship Scramble to win the Memphis Wrestling Women's Championship for a second time after everyone piles onto C-Rex for a pinfall attempt after Diana Taylor hits C-Rex with the DDT.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 3, 2025

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody announces that despite everything that is going on, he is not cleared to wrestle because of Kevin Owens. As he mentions the ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre enters the ring, then hugs Cody, who does not reciprocate. He then says is here to help Cody, not hurt him, as he is not on hist list. McIntyre tells Cody that he is about to ruin his own life's work, and says that WWE's best time is right now and that Cody is the best right now. Cody admits that he and McIntyre are kindred spirits, then tells McIntyre that he does not believe him and that he can feel that the situation will devolve. He then says that if McIntyre wants a shot at his title, he can come and get it. McIntyre tells Cody that he will see the truth right now and reiterates that he is here to help him, then tells Cody as he leaves that he needs to watch his back. As Cody confronts McIntyre, he is attacked from behind by Owens. McIntyre leaves as Cody and Owens brawl, and officials rush in to restore order.

Shinsuke Nakamura beats Andrade. After the match, LA Knight runs into the ring and attacks Nakamura. He goes for the BFT, but Nakamura shoves Knight away and escapes. Knight says that one way or another, he is coming to collect what is owed to him.

Backstage, Apollo Crews is met by Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto, Elektra Lopez) shows up as Apollo Crews says everyone knew Pretty Deadly was lying, and as Pretty Deadly deny lying to Legado del Fantasma, they get attacked by Angel and Berto, which has to be broken up by officials. General Manager Nick Aldis then has a chat with Pretty Deadly.

Backstage, as General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) shows up to defend Pretty Deadly. Aldis says he does not know what they are all up to, but they are all on thin ice. After Aldis leaves, #DIY says Pretty Deadly make good #1 contenders and that "#DIY makes the line," and also says it is important that #DIY leaves tag team champions tonight.

"Michin" Mia Yim beats Piper Niven.

We see a vignette for Naomi.

Paul Heyman is in the ring. Heyman says he is here to set the record straight and that everyone will find out who the real Tribal Chief is, and that while he and Roman Reigns prepared Solo Sikoa to become the future Tribal Chief, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes got the better of Roman at WrestleMania. He says that when that happened, Solo took the opportunity to steal the ula fala from Roman Reigns and rebuild The Bloodline in his image as the original Bloodline would not acknowledge him. He says that in Tribal Combat, there are no rules except that there must be a winner and a loser, and that Roman Reigns will be the winner. As Heyman leaves, Solo Sikoa shows up. Heyman says he is about ten seconds away from pissing his pants after Solo had him attacked last time, as he knows Solo will have it happen again if he even blinks at him wrong. Solo demands the microphone, which Heyman reluctantly hands over to him, then says he needs somebody trustworthy who loves his family to hold the ula fala. He then says that if Roman wins, Heyman will place the ula fala around his neck and that he will acknowledge Roman as Tribal Chief. He also says that if he beats Roman, Heyman will not only do him the honor, but he will be his wiseman forever as Roman acknowledges him. Heyman drops the microphone on the mat after Solo hands it back to him, then leaves.

We hear from The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Chris Sabin is angry at Johnny Gargano for throwing away their friendship for the WWE tag titles, and Alex Shelley says that Gargano taught them a lot, and says it will take one shot to get the titles back.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) for the WWE Tag Team Championships ends in a no-contest after Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) show up and distracts Chris Sabin only for Los Garza (Angel and Berto) to chase them into the crowd and then into the ring as The Machine Guns have #DIY in a double submission. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, Candice LeRae and Nia Jax wonder where Tiffany Stratton is. Candice says that she is here while Tiffany is gone after what happened last week, and Nia tells Candice to make sure Bianca Belair stays out of her way.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he had Sami beat until Braun Strowman showed up, but Sami says Carmelo was two seconds away from getting his head kicked in. Carmelo then challenges Sami and Braun to a match before The Usos (Jimmy Uso and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up, which causes Carmelo to walk away. Sami leaves, then The Usos run into Kevin Owens. Jey tells Owens to watch where he is going, but Owens tells them to watch their backs.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and tells him to put his hatred for Kevin Owens aside and think about his future. Cody says he respect Aldis for doing his job, but he is the champion and he has to call his shots. Cody says he welcomes a fight with Drew McIntyre, then says that he will drop Kevin Owens on sight.

Nia Jax retains the WWE Women's Championship against Naomi after Bianca Belair beats up Candice LeRae to keep her from interfering only for Tiffany Stratton to show, feign cashing in, and hitting Naomi with the briefcase to help Nia retain. After the match, Nia goes for the A-Nia-Lator on Naomi, but Tiffany hits Nia with the briefcase and throws Candice out of the ring. Bianca then picks Nia Jax up and hits her with the K.O.D., then Tiffany throws Bianca over the announce table, cashes in for real, and hits the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to become the WWE Women's Champion.

We see a video package for Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat next week on Raw.

We hear from The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu). Jacob Fatu talks about how he loves Solo Sikoa and that people are about to find out what happens when they do not acknowledge him, and that Solo will be acknowledged when he beats Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews LA Knight, who says that Shinsuke Nakamura has hell to pay and that next week, he has Nakamura for the United States Championship before setting his sights on the Royal Rumble.

The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu) beat The Usos (Jimmy Uso and "Main Event" Jey Uso) and Sami Zayn in a six-man tag match after tagging himself in to hit Jey Uso with the Samoan Spike after Jey hits Jacob with the Uso Splash.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Final iMPACT! - iMPACT! recap for January 2, 2025

In memory of Jeremy Laymon "Jax Dane", 1976 - 2024.

Joe Hendry heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Hendry says that becoming #1 contender is a promise to himself to become a World Champion, and that it will be the beginning of "The Joe Hendry Era" and leave everyone chanting "We believe." Suddenly, "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth shows up and says "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth will not be happy about this, as Hendry whines, complains and moans to the point that he tarnishes his brothers' reputation. He says Hendry thinks he is a hero and should be champion, but he is mid-carder, not a hero or a main eventer. Ryan also calls Hendry a snake and a backstabber who tries to get ahead in TNA and that he and Nic do not trust him, and that no one else should, either. Hendry says that since Ryan wants to make up stories, he will tell one of his own about how he could not get to sleep until his doctor told him about Ryan Nemeth's comedy special. He says that if he is a mid-carder, then Ryan is a janitor and he should mop the floor and get him a coffee. After Hendry tells Ryan to stop stealing TV time and glory, Ryan says he will get all the glory he needs when he faces and beats Rhino later, and gives Hendry a front row seat. Hendry then says that the match might as well happen right now, and it does.

"The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth beats Rhino by disqualification after Rhino stops him from using a metal folding chair as a weapon only for Rhino to hit Ryan in the back with it.

Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Jordynne Grace. Jordynne says that Tessa Blanchard took her ball and left, and now she is back and saying that TNA is hers despite all the hard work she put in to build it. She says she has represented TNA across oceans and companies and even during a pandemic. She says that she is not the same woman she was five years ago, and if Tessa wants to walk back in, she will be waiting to give her the welcome that she truly deserves.

Backstage, we hear from The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz). Wentz says that the tag team titles are being held by absolute legends, but they are making dreams come true and they are riding high. Trey says they want to face The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) for the tag team titles when The Hardys show up and say that The Rascalz remind them of themselves, and throws down the challenge for Genesis. He then says nothing will stop the Hardy train, but if The Rascalz win, they will have beaten the greatest. The Rascalz accept the challenge.

"Inevitable" Ace Austin beats KUSHIDA despite KUSHIDA hurting Austin's left arm during the match. After the match, Ace Austin thanks the fans for their continued support in Chris Bey's absence as well as for the love and support that everyone has shown to Chris. Ace talks about how he was with Chris before Chris went to surgery and how Chris told him he had to win the big one, then says that it is time to be the top guy with the top title and that he wants "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth and the World Championship. Moose shows up and says Ace Austin mentioned the top title but forgot to mention his name, and says the X Division title is the flagship title, as without it, TNA would not be what it is and without him, TNA would not be the hottest company on the planet right now. He says that he is the one holding on to the top title, then says Ace is scared of him and tells him to take the easy way out and go after Nic Nemeth. Moose then mentions Chris Bey, which causes Ace to tell Moose to keep Chris' name out of his mouth. He also says that he has held the X Division Champion three times and has represented the division for years, then says that he is willing to be a four-time champion right now. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and makes the match official for Genesis with the X Division title on the line.

Backstage, Eric Young and Steve Maclin have a conversation when Jonathan Gresham shows up. Eric Young asks what they are going to do when The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, JDC) show up. Maclin punches JDC, starting a brawl.

The TNA Moment of the Week is DCC (Bram and Eddie Kingston) vs. Decay (Abyss and Crazzy Steve) vs. The Broken Hardys ("Broken" Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) for the TNA World Tag Team Championships on the January 26, 2017 episode of Impact Wrestling.

Backstage, "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth mocks Rhino as he is checked on by the doctor. "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth shows up wanting to know what has happened, and Rhino shows up angry when his name is brought up. Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up and makes a tag team match, and Joe Hendry shows up to be Rhino's tag partner against Nic and Ryan.

Mike Santana heads to the ring with "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander's headgear in his hand. Santana admits he is disappointed after Final Resolution, but he is used to obstacles in his life and he has always beaten them. He then says it is time to get back to being the standard of TNA, then The Northern Armory ("The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, Judas Icarus, Travis Williams) shows up. Alexander says a lot of people say they want to be the guy, but only few obtain it. Alexander says that he respects Santana and that iron sharpens iron, and says that the wars between The Latin-American Xchange and The North made him into who he was. He also says that The North sent LAX packing. Alexander then says that Santana making a name for himself after leaving TNA went nowhere, then says that he fought week after week until he became the guy, lost the world title just as quickly, and worked his way back to the title to become the standard. He says that as long as he is in TNA, Santana will never be the guy. As Alexander is about to leave, Santana says Alexander is right, but asks if it is because he was kissing the booker's ass. When Alexander gets mad, Santana calls him out on it, and this also leads to a "bald ass head" chant. Santana says he knows who Alexander is and what he is capable is, then says he can beat The Northern Armory and stomp Alexander out and claims he can beat them all in one night to prove he is "the nastiest ever."

Backstage, Director of Authority Santino Marella tells Jordynne Grace that security will handle Tessa Blanchard if she shows up.

Backstage, we hear from Frankie Kazarian. He says he will be waiting and plotting for the perfect time to take his shot at the World Championship when Leon Slater shows up. Kazarian tells Leon Slater that he has "it" and that all he needs is some mentoring, and says that he is willing to help him out. He then has Slater work as his trophy bearer and watch him wrestle, but Slater says he is here to start his own legacy, not be a young boy. Kazarian tells Slater to stay on that road if he wants and to remember who paved that road, and Slater tells him that he just might pass him on that road before he leaves. JDC then shows up and hopes Slater's demons do not catch up with him and that Slater is missing something.

"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth shows up. He mentions Joe Hendry being #1 contender for the World title and credits the fans for being behind him every step of the way, then mentions their match at Bound For Glory and Hendry coming close to becoming World Champion. Nic says that he has been blown away by Joe Hendry's ascension and knows what he is capable of, then says that representing the TNA locker room as World Champion has been one of his greatest moments. He says that Genesis will be a special night as Hendry is bringing everything he has and that he will do what it takes to stay champion, then mentions next week's tag team match. Ryan Nemeth then shows up and tells Nic that Hendry is a snake and that will stab him in the back just like how Rhino hit him with a chair for no reason, then says they will show Hendry and Rhino that "Nemeth" is synonymous with greatness. Nic reminds Ryan that they are in a tag team match because of him, and while they will take care of business, he needs to calm down. Nic leaves, then Ryan says Nic is very upset right now because of the fans.

It is revealed that the security guard that Director of Authority Santino Marella stationed earlier has been attacked.

Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich and Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) beat Ash By Elegance, Heather By Elegance, Tasha Steelz and Rosemary in an eight-woman tag match. After the match, Tessa Blanchard gets in the ring and attacks Jordynne from behind. The losing team joins in, and Rosemary spits green mist into Masha Slamovich's eyes. Meanwhile, Tasha continues to attack Jordynne backstage, choking her with a backpack strap and dragging her down a ramp before telling her to stay out of TNA and shutting her out of the arena.

Fight For The Fallen - Dynamite recap for January 1, 2025

In backstage footage from Worlds End, Jon Moxley says everybody talks about what they are going to do, but when things get real, things get different. He says she has grabbed AEW by the strap during the pandemic and has dragged it to safety and has taken bullet after bullet for the company, and says he will destroy the AEW World Championship before anybody can take it from him. Moxley tells Adam Copeland that they are not rebels; instead, he is king who nobody has authority over while Copeland is the loudest guy in the room. We then hear from Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler). Dax and Cash are ready to fight, as is Copeland, who says he saw fear in Moxley's eyes because he knows he is sicker than him.

"Hangman" Adam Page beats Orange Cassidy with the Buckshot Lariat despite taking three Orange Punches. After the match, Hangman continues to attack Orange and hits him with the Deadeye not once, but twice. Officials rush into the ring, and Christopher Daniels confronts Hangman for his actions only to be struck by him.

We hear from "Switchblade" Jay White. He says 2025 is not starting as planned thanks to Wheeler Yuta costing him his moment, and that he will show Wheeler Yuta exactly how he feels. He says that next week in the Casino Gauntlet, he will make his way to Moxley, but first, he must go through Swerve Strickland and Roderick Strong, who he calls collateral on the way to the gold.

MVP guests on commentary for the next match.

The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) beats The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) after Anthony Bowens gets irritated and leaves the ring apron when Max Caster tags himself in.

Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Prince Nana and Swerve Strickland. Swerve says he can still hear the fans and apologizes to them due to being distracted the past few weeks, but tonight, he gets back to doing what he does: proving that AEW is his house. Swerve realizes he has never been in the Casino Gauntlet due to being World Champion, then Prince Nana wishes everyone a Happy New Year.

Julia Hart beats Jamie Hayter after spitting red mist into Hayter's eyes when the referee takes Julia's arrow away from her.

We see a video package for Kenny Omega, who returns next week.

We hear from "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, who says that he made 2024 his era and proved he is the best tournament wrestler alive in the Continental Classic. He says "nice try" to Will Ospreay and tells Kenny Omega to stay out of his business.

Mercedes Moné heads to the ring for a TBS Championship celebration. Mercedes plays a video package of herself, then says that Wrestle Dynasty at the Tokyo Dome is the first stop on the money train and that Mina Shirakawa has more gold that she wants.

AEW asks fans to help those affected by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. First responders from Asheville are seen in the crowd. AEW donates $20,000 each to Asheville Dream Canter and Be Loved Ashville.

Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong). Adam Cole says they are complete and that 2025 will be their year, and Kyle O'Reilly says that they will dominate in all matches. Roderick Strong says he will enter the Casino Gauntlet, and it will be every man for himself.

"Switchblade" Jay White beats Roderick Strong and Swerve Strickland to enter the Casino Gauntlet Match next week at #1. After the match, it is revealed that Swerve is badly busted open. When Prince Nana confronts Ricochet, Ricochet points the scissors at him to keep him at bay before stabbing at Swerve's forehead again. Ricochet grabs a metal folding chair, and when Prince Nana tries to take it away, Ricochet shoves him into the ring steps, then hits him with the chair before bringing it into the ring and seating Swerve on it. Ricochet then hits Swerve with the Spirit Gun before fleeing when Undisputed Kingdom gets in the ring.

Backstage, Jeff Jarrett shows up as Alex Marvez interviews Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh. Jarrett says tonight is a big night, Jay Lethal says they are behind whatever Jeff wants to do, and Sonjay wants Jeff to be sure about what he is going to do. Karen Jarrett shows up and says the business has affected them, which makes Jeff's decision hard. She then says that whatever he wants, she wants, because they are unbreakable. She then hands Jeff a pair of red wrestling boots.

Backstage, we hear from Mariah May, who says that she cannot say anything negative about the women's division. She then says that she had more matches than anyone else in the division, who could not even reach the top ten, because she is so good at her job. She then says it is time for the division to prove themselves to her, as she is the woman from hell and she would love to see the rest of the division touch her.

Jeff Jarrett heads to the ring, which has a red guitar in it, and places his red wrestling boots in the middle of the ring. Jeff thanks the fans and says that he has so much to be thankful for in his career, and says that while it is sad to think about things coming to an end, it caused him to think about how his family got started in the business in 1946 and changed his family's life. He talks about how his grandmother and his father made high-risk, high-reward decisions to get to where they are and how he had to make the high-risk, high-reward decision of dropping out of college and trading basketball for pro wrestling. Jeff also talks about how he launched TNA, which has produced some of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and says that all of this brings him to tonight. He says that as a twelve-time World Champion and two-time Hall of Famer, he has to ask himself if he should ride off into the sunset, and then says the answer is "hell no," and announces that he has signed his final contract and has re-signed with AEW. Jeff says he wants not just "one more ride," but championship gold. He then makes a New Year's resolution: to win the Casino Gauntlet Match and the AEW World Championship.

We hear from Hook, who tells Christian Cage to ask "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne what it is like to be in Redrum and tells him that he is going to choke him out.

Powerhouse Hobbs beats Jon Cruz and Rob Killjoy in a two-on-one handicap match.

Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews "The Redwood" Big Bill and "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith. Bill and Keith say that Asheville, North Carolina is alright, but "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho is not here. Big Bill then sees Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler). He then says he cannot tell who is more ashamed: Rated FTR for being fans of Asheville, North Carolina or Asheville being fans of FTR (Dax and Cash), and says the hometown heroes should be knocked down a peg. Adam Copeland calls Keith "a little tumbleweed" and that Big Bill's face is stupid, then challenges The Learning Tree (Jericho, Big Bill, Bryan Keith) to a trios match on Collision.

In memoriam: Sweet Daddy Siki, 1933 - 2024.

In backstage footage from Worlds End, MJF mocks Adam Cole for losing to him and saying that it took a whole army for Cole to beat him up. He then says that the "Better Than You Bay Bay" chapter has come to a close and that it is time for the next chapter. He says that it is time for retribution and that it is time to take the AEW World Championship back from Jon Moxley, and asks Moxley what a king is to a god, as nobody is on his level and Moxley knows better than anyone else. MJF says he has no problem with Moxley and that Moxley can burn AEW down for all he cares, as he just wants the World Championship, and says that regardless of who has it, he is getting his due and he is getting his title back.

Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler) beats The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta) in a trios match after "Switchblade" Jay White shows up and hits Wheeler Yuta with a Blade Runner as Jon Moxley is about to put Adam Copeland through the announce table. Before the match, it is now announced that Adam Copeland is now going solely by the name '"The Rated R Superstar" Cope.'

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Speed Demon - Speed recap for January 1, 2025

Natalya beats "Michin" Mia Yim with a schoolkid pin to advance to the finals of the second women's tournament to determine a #1 contender for Candice LeRae's WWE Women's Speed Championship.

Next week: Natalya vs. Candice LeRae for the WWE Women's Speed Championship!

TODAY on #WWESpeed!@NatbyNature and Michin go head-to-head in the Women's No. 1 Contender's Tournament! Who will advance to the #WWESpeed Championship Match and face @CandiceLeRae next week? 👀 pic.twitter.com/nh9eeAjTxM

— WWE (@WWE) January 1, 2025