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.
"The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher beats "Jungle" Jack Jerry via pinfall with less than one minute left in the match in the Gold League of the Continental Classic. "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher earns three points to end the league at nine points and move on to the semi-finals, while "Jungle" Jack Perry ends the league at six points.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Renee Paquette interviews Roderick Strong when Kyle O'Reilly shows up. O'Reilly says that he sees a shred of doubt in Roddy's eyes when he never doubted Roddy for a second. He says that he is the man he is because of Roddy and tells him that The Conglomeration are his friends and says that he came close to giving up in the matches with Jon Moxley that he won. He says that it will not take a Christmas miracle to beat Claudio Castagnoli, but it will be a Christmas miracle when he gets those three points, walks backstage with a smile on his face, looks in the mirror and sees the man that he sees.
"The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita beats Mascara Dorada via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita earns three points to end the league at thirteen points and move on to the semi-finals, while Mascara Dorada ends the league at six points and is mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic.
Roderick Strong beats Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic following a series of knee strikes, including one with the kneepad down. Roderick Strong earns three points, which end up being his only points in the Blue League as he is mathematically eliminated, while Claudio Castagnoli ends the Blue League with seven points. After the match, Roddy is attacked by Daniel Garcia and Wheeler Yuta while "The Problem" Marina Shafir chases the referee away, then Mark Briscoe shows up with a 2x4 and chases Garcia and Yuta out of the ring. Shafir distracts Briscoe only to be pulled off the apron and punched with a pearly necklace by "Timeless" Toni Storm, and Yuta and Garcia have to hold Shafir back. Briscoe and Toni shake hands before Briscoe kisses Toni's hand, then the two of them celebrate in the ring.
Backstage, we hear from Stokely Hathaway. He says that FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) accept The Bang Bang Gang's (Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn) challenge to a Chicago Street Fight at Worlds End, then asks how Austin can go to bed at night knowing that he is begging week after week for chance after chance when FTR would accept a loss like real men. He then says that FTR will not be held liable for what they do to The Bang Bang Gang.
We see a video package for Jamie Hayter vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's World Championship at Worlds End.
"The Jet" Kevin Knight vs. PAC in the Gold League of the Continental Classic ends in a draw. Both men score one point, and both men are tied for second with seven points each. As a result of this match, "Jungle" Jack Perry is mathematically eliminated in the Gold League.
Gabe Kidd suddenly shows up and talks about how he can picture what Darby Allin did to him as well as he is going to do to him, then says that the fans are not listening to him. He says that Darby is not indestructible and is stuck in the ICU, unable to move, and that prompts the question as to how Darby will answer his challenge. The lights go out, and when they come back on, Darby Allin is in the ring in fine condition. Gabe Kidd laughs before Darby pulls out Sting's black baseball bat, and Gabe escapes the ring when Darby swings. Darby says that this Saturday, it is Gabe's world's end.
We see a video package for Mercedes Moné and Athena vs. The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) for the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championships at Worlds End.
The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) beat Hyan and Maya World. After the match, Willow and Harley talk about how they (as "Hillow and Warley") made their way to New York City, saw all the landmarks (including Eddie Kingston's house) and even met Santa before the two of them declare that they will beat Mercedes Moné and Athena at Worlds End and stay AEW Women's World Tag Team Champions.
Jon Moxley beats Orange Cassidy via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic after countering a single leg crab with an inside cradle. Jon Moxley earns three points to move on to the semi-finals and mathematically eliminate Claudio Castagnoli (who has seven points), while Orange Cassidy ends the Blue League with six points and is mathematically eliminated.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey via pinfall in the Gold League of the Continental Classicwith a sit-down pin to counter a pinfall attempt by Speedball that is itself a counter of the Rainmaker. "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada to earn three points for a total of nine points, while "Speedball" Mike Bailey ends the league with six points and is mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic. As a result of this match, "The Jet" Kevin Knight and PAC are also mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic. After the match, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita shows up as Don Callis congratulates Okada, and Takeshita and Okada briefly have a staredown while raising their respective championships to end the show before looking towards the crowd.
This week's show is the TNA Year-End Awards. Backstage, Gia Miller announces tonight's ten-person Christmas Surprise Tag Team Match, and announces that two captains will pick presents at random to decide who will be on their team.
Male Tag Team of the Year: The Hardys
We look back on the four-waya tag team ladder match for the TNA World Tag Team Championships between The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy), The Nemeths ("The Wanted Man" Nic and "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth), The Rascalz (Myron Reed and Zachary Wentz) and Fir$t Cla$$ (AJ Francis and KC Navarro) from Slammiversary.
We hear from The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy). Matt says they are the greatest for a reason, and now, they are tag team of the year.
Crossover Moment of the Year: Joe Hendry vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41
Mara Sadé gets to pick the members of her team first. Mara opens four presents, and ends up feeling confident about her team.
Knockouts Tag Team of the Year: The Elegance Brand (Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance)
The Personal Concierge George Iceman provides the good news and the plaques, and The Elegance Brand (Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance) thanks their team.
Knockout of the Year: Ash by Elegance
Ash by Elegance is honored to have won not one, but two awards.
We look back on The Elegance Brand (Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, The Personal Concierge George Iceman) vs. Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championships from Sacrifice 2025.
X Division Star of the Year: Leon Slater
Leon Slater looks back on the year and says he cannot thank the fans enough for becoming X Division Star of the Year.
We look back on Leon Slater vs. Moose for the TNA X Division Championship from Slammiversary 2025.
2025 Moment of the Year: AJ Styles returns to TNA at Slammiversary 2025
Backstage, "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth is the captain for the other team. He opens four presents to pick the members of his team, but he does not seem to like the last pick.
2025 Match of the Year: Mike Santana vs. Mustafa Ali in a Falls Count Anywhere Match at Rebellion 2025
Mustafa Ali is honored to have this award, proud that Order 4 has been providing moments throughout the year.
We look back on Mike Santana vs. Mustafa Ali in a Falls Count Anywhere Match at Rebellion 2025.
We hear from Mike Santana, who says that last year was a wild ride as he accepts the award for Match of the Year, saying that his match with Mustafa Ali was one to remember after everything that had happened as he thanks the fans.
TNA Male Wrestler of the Year: Mike Santana
Santana talks about how he was a tag team wrestler for a decade before betting on and reinventing himself, then looks forward to 2026.
2025 Inspirational Wrestler of the Year: Chris Bey
2025 Faction of the Year: The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, JDC, Moose)
It is announced that JDC will face Eddie Edwards in his final match at Genesis.
Mara Sadé, Dezmond Xavier, BDE, Eric Young and Cassie Lee beat "The Hollywood Hunk" Ryan Nemeth, Mance Warner, Rosemary, Jake Something and Jessie McKay in a ten-person Christmas Surprise Match.
Will Ospreay beats Brody King via pinfall in the Gold League of the Continental Classic. Will Ospreay earns three points and has a total of nine points. Brody King still has six points, and is mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Bobby Lashley). MVP and Bobby Lashley find out they are banned from the building tonight, and Interim Executive Vice President Christopher Daniels and security guards are seen guarding the entrance. Shelton gets heated, but MVP cools things down by saying he and Lashley will honor this request before they both leave.
Darby Allin vs. Ricochet in the Gold League of the Continental Classic ends in a twenty-minute time limit draw. Both Darby Allin and Ricochet earn one point each. Ricochet has now ten points, and is able to advance to the semi-finals. Darby Allin now has seven points, and is mathematically eliminated from the tournament. During the match, more rolls of toilet paper are thrown at Ricochet. After the match, Komander heads to the ring for the next match. Darby whispers something in both Alex Abrahantes' and Kalisto's ears, then leaves.
We hear from "Switchblade" Jay White, who says that Jon Moxley knows that a match with him is the biggest threat to his World title match. He says he will find his way to Moxley and the World Championship no matter what.
Komander beats Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall in the Gold League of the Continental Classic. During the match, Komander looks underneath the ring and finds Darby Allin's jacket, and inside, he finds brass knuckles. Komander waits for Claudio on the outside and punches him in the with the knuckles, with the referee being unable to see it happening, and pins Claudio to play spoiler. Komander earns three points and is finally on the board, but is still mathematically eliminated. Claudio Castagnoli still has nine points, but due to Will Ospreay's head-to-head victory over him, he is also mathematically eliminated, which allows Will Ospreay advances to the semi-finals. After the match, The Death Riders (PAC, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir) run into the ring and attack Komander. Marina Shafir grabs a metal folding chair, but "Switchblade" Jay White shows up at the ramp while Orange Cassidy sneaks in from the crowd. Switchblade takes out PAC after Orange takes everyone else. Orange hits Wheeler with a Beach Break, then Orange checks on Komander only for Moxley to show up. Moxley hits Switchblade with a briefcase, then does the same to Orange. Moxley then grabs the microphone and says that as long as his heart is still beating, this is the closest that Orange and Switchblade will come to the World title. He also says they are delusional if they think they deserve to lay eyes on it before "Hangman" Adam Page shows up. Moxley is soon surrounded by Orange, Hangman and Switchblade, and despite his best efforts, Moxley is taken out by all three men. Switchblade goes for the briefcase, but Hangman steps on it. Orange backs both men away from the briefcase and puts on his sunglasses.
We see a short video package for Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Moné for the TBS Championship at Worlds End.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada beats Shelton Benjamin via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada earns three points and now has a total of ten points, which allows him to advance to the semi-finals. Shelton Benjamin still has six points, and is mathematically eliminated from the tournament. Shelton Benjamin and Kazuchika Okada shake hands after the match.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana. The fans chant "Swerve's House," and Swerve says that when you have a year as good as his, you get that kind of connection with the fans. He says he lost a lot in 2024, but it does not compared to what he will gain in 2025. Suddenly, Ricochet shows up and brags about his Continental Classic advancement and says that he will win, but Swerve tells Ricochet that he is not rooting against him. He also tells Ricochet not to blow it, because he will majorly embarrass him if he does. Ricochet says this is why Swerve does not have a house anymore.
We hear from The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, "The Redwood" Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) on 34th Street in Manhattan. Jericho says he is still feeling the Christmas spirit and has one more miracle to grant to Anthony Bowens, and tells Bowens that he will face him Friday night on Rampage. Jericho says he hopes that things get better for Bowens, as he does not seem to have many friends lately.
Toni Storm beats Taya Valkyrie with an inside cradle.
We see a video package for Adam Cole vs. MJF for the Dynamite Diamond Ring at Worlds End.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "Hangman" Adam Page, who says that Jon Moxley will walk into Worlds End one last time as World Champion. Interim Executive Vice President Christopher Daniels shows up and tells Hangman he was right and that he does not need someone talking at him, then says that if he needs help, he will be there. Hangman asks why he would want help from "an ineffective office stooge," and Daniels - taking that as a fair swipe - says that his opponents has friends and he doesn't, and while he also does not have any friends in the locker room, he knows Hangman better than he thinks, and if he needs a friend, he will be there.
"The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher beats Daniel Garcia via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher earns three points and now has a total of twelve points, allowing him to advance to the semi-finals. Daniel Garcia still has seven points, but is now mathematically eliminated alongside Mark Briscoe, who has nine points. The semi-finals are set at Worlds End, with Will Ospreay facing "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada facing Ricochet. After the match, Will Ospreay - who Kyle Fletcher will face in the semi-finals of the Continental Classic - shows up and confronts Fletcher.
Backstage, we hear from Jon Moxley and Marina Shafir. Moxley says it is three for the price of one and that things are going his way. He says the wheat will be separated from the chaff in triplicate, and that the work will continue in the crusade against ego and delusion. He says his opponents lack heart and that they do not really want extraordinary things and do not want to make extraordinary sacrifice. He says the tanks are rolling in, and he will sacrifice them. He says that the AEW World Championship is not a goal, but an identity, and he was born to be king and all the things that come with it, for he is the only king that has ever been.
This week's episode is the very best of 2023. Matches and moments include:
The Miz shows up to introduce this year's "best of" episode.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament finals, Night of Champions 2023
Jackie Redmond and Peter Rosenberg interview Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
Backstage, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) look back on 2023, and Maxxine Dupri plugs the current deals on WWEShop.com as she supplies some shirts while combating what she thinks is "holiday blues" from Chad Gable saying goodbye to the current year.
Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, WrestleMania 39
We hear from Rhea Ripley, who says that the women's division was eradicated in 2023 and that Ivy Nile will find out that she does not belong in her world.
Logan Paul vs. Ricochet, SummerSlam 2023
Damian Priest vs. Bad Bunny, Backlash 2023
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) talk about big meaty men slapping meat, the current state of the Raw women's division, the three hardest kicks to the head in WWE, the current state of the tag team division, and Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa).
Chad Gable vs. Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship; Raw, September 4, 2023
We hear from Paul Heyman, who calls 2023 "a three-peat" for Roman Reigns with 1,212 days as champion while listing a who's who of opponents that Roman Reigns has beaten throughout the year, then states that no one will unseat Roman in 2024. He also says that 2024 is a leap year and brings one extra day to acknowledge the Tribal Chief.
Jackie Redmond and Peter Rosenberg interview "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar, SummerSlam 2023
Becky Lynch vs. Tiffany Stratton for the NXT Women's Championship, NXT, September 12, 2023
Jackie Redmond and Peter Rosenberg interview Becky Lynch.
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus in a steel cage match, Payback 2023
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce is met by Chelsea Green, who is irritated from not being in a single highlight tonight. Pearce apologizes and says she has a present for her in the form of a video montage of her greatest moments which ends up making Chelsea look like a fool. Chelsea Green is outraged, and threatens to speak to management as she leaves. R-Truth shows up and says the whole ordeal was better than "It's a Wonderful Life."
Jackie Redmond and Peter Rosenberg interview "Main Event" Jey Uso.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) and Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in WarGames, Survivor Series 2023
We hear from Danny Limelight. He says he has been with UWN for seven years and has been bred and groomed here, and that he learned everything from those before him there after a long journey from New York to California. He talks about his career and especially the last couple of years where he, Papo Esco and Slice Boogie were claiming championships while he took on and defeated top talent to get to "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater. He says Clearwater was born to be successful while he did not get that same silver spoon, and while Clearwater has beaten top opponent after top opponent, he has not beaten him. Limelight says he is championship material and that it is his time, and when he is done with Clearwater, he will become United World Champion, and that he will have done it for his people and his family while giving Clearwater a reality check.
Backstage, Jack Farmer interviews "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater, who calls Danny Limelight's story "cute" and that he is a professional and not "a criminal in a jumpsuit," and that he signed the contract for today's main event because he is a fighting world champion. He says that Danny Limelight will be on his back looking up at the lights while he stays United World Champion.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Danny Limelight and "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater.
Before the next match, actor Angelo Pagan performs a musical number before introducing Danny Limelight. Jordan Clearwater also berates ring announcer Adnan Kureishy and the fans before demanding silence while he takes his robe off and shows what a champion looks like.
Danny Limelight beats "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater with the sleeper to become the United World Champion after "King Fatboy" Papo Esco and Slice Boogie take Talos out of the equation, the ref is taken down inadvertently by a Midas Touch and a frustrated Clearwater shoves Johnny Loquasto when Loquasto keeps him from using the United World Champion as a weapon. After the match, "King FatBoy" Papo Esco and Slice Boogie celebrate with Limelight. After the match, "King FatBoy" Papo Esco and Slice Boogie celebrate with Limelight. Limelight then addresses the crowd and says that seven years ago, when every other companies shut the doors on him, United Wrestling Network gave him a chance. He says he was a street rat kid with no future, but he had ambition and passion, and knew everyone else would look stupid one from. He then says that he is opening the doors to anyone who wants to face him, then announces that he will defend against Eddie Kingston at Red Carpet Rumble on January 14th.
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.
Chase Parker beats Samir Singh after Sunil Singh's distraction and Samir's attempted cheap shot from behind with a clapboard fails.
We hear from Curt Stallion, who says he did not think it would take until 2021 to get the Cruiserweight Championship match he earned. He congratulates Santos Escobar for ducking and dodging him this far, but he is taking time away from him. He says that he collects his debt, and that he will be repaid with the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
Mansoor beats Raul Mendoza after Mendoza's knee gives out upon landing on his feet on a Phoenix Splash attempt.
Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a steel cage match after Jey Uso handcuffs Owens to a cage wall, keeping Owens from escaping and allowing Reign to casually walk out of the cage to keep the title.
Asuka and Charlotte Flair show up. Before they can say much, Bayley shows up. Bayley says that while Asuka and Charlotte have been impressive, so has she, as she has held the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion. Suddenly, Sasha Banks shows up. As Sasha says she is impressive as the current SmackDown Women's Champion, Bianca Belair shows up and says she is "the EST of WWE." Then, Carmella shows up with Reginald. Carmella insults everyone else, which causes Sasha and Bianca to get angry with her.
Asuka and Charlotte Flair retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against the team of Bayley and Carmella and the team of Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair in a Triple Threat Elimination Tag Team Match after Bayley and Carmella take Sasha Banks out of the equation.
Backstage, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) run down what is in the rest of tonight's show when they overhear Sami Zayn chew out a member of the social media team for announcing tonight's lumberjack match. When The Street Profits mention that they have a gift for him, Sami Zayn eases off on them, then gets angry with them when the gift contains a black T-shirt saying "I was Intercontinental Champion."
Jey Uso attacks Daniel Bryan on the ramp before the next match. After the match, Daniel Bryan decides to continue on with the match.
Daniel Bryan beats Jey Uso with the running knee after Jey misses a superkick and lands on a leg that he hurt earlier in the match.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Daniel Bryan, who says that he is looking forward to new goals and pursuits and that he has never won a Royal Rumble. He then announces his entry into the 2021 Royal Rumble Match. Suddenly, Sami Zayn shows up and says Daniel Bryan has had it out for him and that everything is happening because Daniel Bryan stooged to management to make it happen. He says that while he will go out and successfully defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship successfully, karma will take care of Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble, and that when karma does catch up to Daniel, he will laugh in Daniel's face. After Sami leave,. Daniel chalks all that up to Sami not getting a PlayStation 5 for Christmas.
Big E beats Sami Zayn in a Lumberjack Match to become WWE Intercontinental Champion for a second time after Apollo Crews and other wrestlers catch up with Sami as he tries to leave the match and escape to the backstage area.
Talking Smack: Daniel Bryan promises to take down Roman Reigns.
Some matches have been pre-recorded at Full Sail University, while others have been pre-recorded at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Backstage at Full Sail University, Roderick Strong says that Christmas is here and that he is a giving man, and states that the North American Championship will be defended against a worthy competitor who will get a season's beating right now.
At Full Sail University, Roderick Strong retains the NXT North American Championship against Austin Theory in the latter's NXT debut with the Strong Hold.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher.
At Full Sail University, Candice LeRae beats Taynara.
We see a vignette for Arturo Ruas, who talks about how he grew up during a civil war in Brazil and became a black belt and master in multiple martial arts disciplines.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Dominik Dijakovic beats Bronson Reed.
Worlds Collide is January 25th on WWE Network!
We see a vignette for Bianca Belair, who is in action next.
At Full Sail University, Bianca Belair beats Shotzi Blackheart in the latter's NXT debut.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Lio Rush and Keith Lee beat Damian Priest and "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese.
R-Truth - dressed as "Truthy Claus" - and Carmella - or "Carm-elf-a" - show up to hand presents to the fans to start tonight's show. R-Truth welcomes everyone to tonight's show in Santa character, and says he and Carmella had to stop at SmackDown Live to rest the reindeer. As R-Truth names off all the reindeer - who are named after Jackson family members - Carmella stops everything for a seven-second Christmas carol break that is immediately spoiled by "The New" Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan accepts that he has to be away from family to be in "this cesspool," and refuses to legitimize "the farce that is Truthy Clause," who he says is not the real Santa before calling R-Truth and Carmella fickle. Daniel then says he will expose the real Santa Claus like he did "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, saying he is the origin of everyone's selfish desires that have cost the world half of the coral reefs on the planet and created "islands of misfit garbage" in the oceans. He also says that this gets the glaciers melting and the sea levels rising to the point that there will be no North Pole - or Santa - in twenty years. R-Truth calls Daniel "an angry little elf," and Daniel Bryan responds by calling R-Truth's career "a tired old joke." R-Truth warns Daniel Bryan that he is #30 in the Royal Rumble Match and that after he wins, he'll take the WWE Championship from him and become the last one laughing, assuming he is still champion at WrestleMania. Daniel asks R-Truth how he expects to win the Royal Rumble when he can't count to 30. R-Truth counts to seven and starts a seven-second dance break, which leads to an angry Daniel hitting R-Truth with the WWE Championship and going after his leg to lock in a heel hook. After the heel hook, Daniel stomps at R-Truth's head before locking the heel hook again until a referee tells him to stop.
Mustafa Ali beats Andrade "Cien" Almas.
In the locker room, Samoa Joe asks Jeff Hardy if he has enjoyed his Christmas, then says he is glad to see him in the ring, as he is concerned for Jeff and senses weakness, saying he has become Jeff's new addiction. He hopes to cure Jeff of his addiction and his fixation with him tonight, and tells him it is for his own good.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) perform guest commentary on their own commentary table for the next match.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) and SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain).
Backstage, The Brian Kendrick, Mustafa Ali and Cedric Alexander congratulate Mustafa Ali, who is then met by Shelton Benjamin, who welcomes him to the SmackDown Live roster. Suddenly, Mustafa Ali is attacked by "The New" Daniel Bryan, who tells Mustafa Ali that he does not deserve to be here. Mustafa's 205 Live contemporaries and some officials have to restore order.
It's time for Miz TV, and tonight's guest is Shane McMahon. Shane tells the fans that the McMahon family is now listening to the fans, and that this is now the company mandate. He promises new Superstars, new match-ups and new opportunities, but now the fans will shape the narrative and make it happen. The Miz proposes that Shane form a tag team with him, saying he proved he can tag team with anybody and be successful after last week, and explains he has begged Shane to be his tag team partner because he has never heard his own dad say he is proud of him during his career. He also explains that Miz's dad views Shane as a man without fear, and asks Shane to imagine being one-half of the best tag team in the world. With that in mind, he set out to make the tag team a reality. As he explains things, he feels that this tag team should be the fans' choice, not theirs, and asks the fans for their input. The fans almost universally agree, and Shane says that everything Miz said resonates with him. He tells Miz not to screw him, or else there will be major consequences, and decides to give the idea a shot.
We hear from Rusev and Lana. Rusev says today is a big day, not just because it is Christmas, but also because it is his birthday. He promises to beat Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship and make tonight the most complete Rusev Day ever.
Samoa Joe beats Jeff Hardy by disqualification when Jeff Hardy refuses to listen to the referee when the referee tells Jeff Hardy to back off as he stomps Samoa Joe repeatedly near the barricade. After the match, Jeff Hardy continues to go after Samoa Joe, but Joe puts him out with the Coaquina Clutch.
Shinsuke Nakamura says the "Total Diva" Rusev has been asking for gold, but Rusev has been naughty this year, and all that he is getting is a knee to the face.
Next week: The New Day's (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) New Year's Celebration! John Cena returns to SmackDown Live!
Backstage, Jimmy Uso is suddenly met by Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville underneath some mistletoe while looking for Naomi. Naomi chases them away after throwing a shoe at them before she and Jimmy share a kiss.
Rusev beats Shinsuke Nakamura to become the WWE United States Champion!
Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is met by Vince McMahon, who asks why Styles is not competing in the house that he built tonight before telling him he wants to see a different side of him and to harness the animal within him that is eating him alive due to "The New" Daniel Bryan. Vince slaps Styles, saying he wants to see that animal, then referees and officials rush in to get Styles away from Vince when Styles slaps Vince back. When asked if he is all right, Vince says "Yeah...I think I'm good."
John Cena returns to Raw to start tonight's show. It is announced that the entire first hour of Raw is commercial-free. (This announcement only applies to USA Network in America; commercials are awkwardly placed during the second and third matches of the night, especially in the UK.) John Cena gives a fan in orange Cena gear the hat and shirt off his back. He also thanks the Chicago, Illinois crowd for the "Merry Christmas" chant. Cena says WWE is his home, and the fans his family. He gives cheers for the good times, the bad times, and for a day like today when everybody in the crowd can be together. As he speaks, Elias shows up with his guitar. Elias tells Cena that WWE stands for "Walk with Elias," and asks who wants to walk with him. Cena says he will walk with him. Elias says he is tired of the constant interruptions, and says he might as well interrupt him as the crowd chants "CM Punk." Elias then says he is sure CM Punk will not interrupt him, either. Cena asks the crowd to let Elias have some fun for once. Elias says he will perform tonight as the crowd continues to chant "CM Punk," regardless of how often they chant "CM Punk." Cena tries to give Elias advice, but Elias won't let him. Cena then simply lays a stool in the ring, and Elias sits down on it as the lights are reduced to a single spotlight. The crowd chants "CM Punk" again, and Elias blames it on Cena. Elias begins to mock Chicago, and Cena immediately stops him. He says he was willing to give him a chance and wanted to warn him not to do this, and says Chicago isn't a bad place to spend the holidays. He then calls Elias out for playing okay, but calling the crowd jerks whenever he does. He then tells the crowd is not jerks; Elias is. Elias says he never thought of it that way, and says Cena is right and maybe he is a jerk. He says he would love to do that song again if the Chicago crowd is willing to give him a second chance. Cena warns him that Chicago is a tough city, but it is Christmas, and gives him the second chance. Elias plays the song again, much to the happiness of Cena. Cena picks up the singing where Elias left off, and Elias punches him in the face when he turns around. Elias then says he does not play for Cena, and that both Christmas and Chicago are overrated. As John Cena gets up, Elias takes the boots to him, then says Santa didn't visit him this morning and he is giving himself the gift of challenging Cena right now. He then asks for a referee. Referee John Cone shows up, and the match is official and it starts right now.
John Cena beats Elias.
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle is decorating a Christmas tree when Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins show up. Rollins wants Samoa Joe, but so does Jordan. Angle tells them that when they get close to Joe, Sheamus and Cesaro get in the way. Rollins doesn't like the idea, and Jordan calls this "a step back" as he wants to be a singles star. Angle tells them they had better find a way to work together, as they will be facing Sheamus and Cesaro for the Raw Tag Team Championships. Roman Reigns then shows up. Angle tells Roman that Joe is all his, and that the Intercontinental title is on the line.
Charly Caruso interviews The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. Kendrick says he and Gallagher want to find out firsthand if Hideo Itami belongs in the Cruiserweight Division.
Hideo Itami beats The Brian Kendrick.
Sasha Banks, Bayley and Mickie James meet Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel backstage as they spread some "Mizmas cheer" through "Mizmas carols." Sasha, Bayley and Mickie awkwardly leave.
It is announced that Dean Ambrose has suffered an army injury and that Ambrose may be out of action for up to nine months.
Renee Young interviews Samoa Joe. Joe has no remorse for what he did to Dean Ambrose last week, and says Dean can now spend time with his loved ones during the holidays. His actions have also given him an Intercontinental title shot. He says that Roman Reigns will not waltz into the ring thinking he will retain the Intercontinental Championship, as he will put Roman to sleep and take the title away from him.
The first hour of SmackDown Live will also be commercial-free.
We see a video package of the creation of the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Universal Championship between Kane, Braun Strowman, and Brock Lesnar from last week.
Kane beats Heath Slater in a match that is Rhyno's way of toughening Slater up. After the match, Rhyno checks on Slater, and nearly gets choke slammed. Rhyno fights back, however, but when he goes for the Gore, he gets choke slammed nonetheless.
Before the next match, Curt Hawkins says he would usually tell the fans to face the fact, but he needs to tell himself that as this year has not been kind to his win-loss record. But 2017 is not over yet, and he feels a Christmas miracle tonight. He issues an open challenge, hoping his 146-match losing streak will come to an end. That challenge is answered by Finn Balor.
Finn Balor beats Curt Hawkins, bringing Curt Hawkins' losing streak to 147 matches.
Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel deliver "Mizmas cheer" to Goldust with a Mizmas carol, and give him a copy of Santa's Little Helper. When Titus Worldwide (Titus O'Neil, Apollo Crews, Dana Brooke) shows up, Goldust hands the movie to Titus, then scares the crap out of him.
Bray Wyatt is on the TitanTron. He says Sister Abigail always hated Christmas and how it gave everyone something to believe in, and how it currently reminds her of Matt Hardy, who he says is using the people for his personal gain. He tells the "woken warriors" to look around and realize they are surrounded by fireflies and by Sister Abigail. He then announces that he is here. When Bray Wyatt gets in the ring and the lights come back on, Bray is suddenly attacked by Matt Hardy, and quickly gets out of there. Matt Hardy then laughs maniacally in the center of the ring.
Sheamus and Cesaro are backstage, unhappy about the fact that they have to defend the Raw tag titles tonight. Sheamus gives Cesaro, appreciating him for being his tag team partner, even if General Manager Kurt Angle does not appreciate what they have done for him all year. A card is attached. As for the package itself, a Dean Ambrose action figure with a missing arm is inside. Cesaro returns the favor by giving Sheamus a gift. Inside Sheamus' present is a Seth Rollins figure. Sheamus plans to break it like he will the real Rollins. Cesaro says that is not all, and inside is also a Jason Jordan figurine. Sheamus doesn't want it, but Cesaro says neither Seth or Angle want him, either.
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The ring is set up for a Miracle on 34th Street Fight featuring wrestlers from the Cruiserweight Division, coming up next.
Before the next match, Enzo Amore - dressed as Santa Claus - says he is here from the North Pole with his elves Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari to spread some Christmas cheer. He then says Cedric Alexander got coal instead of the Cruiserweight title this morning. Before the next match, Enzo Amore - dressed as Santa Claus - says he is here from the North Pole with his elves Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari to spread some Christmas cheer. He then says Cedric Alexander got coal instead of the Cruiserweight title this morning. It is then announced that Cedric Alexander will face Enzo Amore for the Cruiserweight Championship next week on Raw.
Cedric Alexander, Akira Tozawa and Musrafa Ali beat The 'Zo Train (Enzo Amore, Drew Gulak, Ariya Daivari) in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.
Backstage, Enzo Amore runs into Nia Jax. They wish each other a merry Christmas, then they notice they are under mistletoe. They zoom in for a kiss, then Alexa Bliss rushes in and says she needs to talk to Nia Jax about the Women's Royal Rumble Match. Nia hesitantly walks away. Enzo is annoyed.
Renee Young interviews Roman Reigns. He could care less about what Samoa Joe has to say, as he is Intercontinental Champion and he is walking away with the title. Tonight is about Dean Ambrose, and he will send a message to Joe: if he hurts one of his brothers, they will hurt him.
Samoa Joe beats Roman Reigns by disqualification after Roman Reigns shoves referee John Cone away as he takes the boots to Samoa Joe in the corner. After the match, Roman hits Joe with a Superman Punch, then fights him at ringside. Referees rush out as Roman is about to hit Joe with the steel steps, but Roman does it anyway. Roman then grabs a steel chair and aims for Joe's arm, but Joe runs away just in time.
Backstage, Seth Rollins is seen watching from backstage when Jason Jordan. He admits they have differences, but he does not care about them. He also tells Jason Jordan that everyone is top competition in the WWE. Jordan has no problems with tagging with Rollins, but when he says he makes a pretty good replacement for Dean Ambrose, Seth tells him he will never be Dean Ambrose. Jordan says that's okay, as he will be better.
Before the next match, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel announce that they have a Secret Santa match, and they will not know who their opponents are until they show up. Bo asks the crowd to join them in a Mizmas carol. The opponent ends up being Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman beats The Miztourage (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) in a Secret Santa Match. After the match, Curtis Axel falls victim to a running powerslam just like Bo Dallas did. Bo and Axel then both eat another running powerslam each.
We look back to The 1-2-3 Kid's surprise win against Razor Ramon from May 17, 1993.
Alexa Bliss is in the ring. She wishes everyone a "merry Blissmas," then says she is giving everyone a Christmas gift: the gift of a goddess. She then takes the time to reflect, and says 2017 has been her year. She started it as SmackDown Women's Champion and plans to end it as Raw Women's Champion, and she has triumphed against every obstacle in her path. She punched through the glass ceiling, and says last week's Women's Royal Rumble Match announcement was moment of the year. She then tells all the women in the locker room as well as the fans "You're welcome," as everything leading up to the match is because of her, as she is the gift that keeps on giving and she will be watching to see who will win. Suddenly, Asuka shows up. Asuka tells Alexa Bliss she is entering the Women's Royal Rumble Match, and that she will win because nobody is ready for her. She then kicks Alexa Bliss in the face after a brief staredown.
Brock Lesnar returns to Raw next week!
Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan beat Sheamus and Cesaro to become the WWE Raw Tag Team Champions!
Tonight's episode is a recap of the best of 2015 hosted by Kyle Edwards. Matches included are:
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Royal Rumble
John Cena vs. Kevin Owens at Elimination Chamber
Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio for #1 contendership for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series on Raw (October 26)
Corey Graves and Renee Young took a look back at the best of 2014.
We took a look back at NXT Arrival on the WWE Network.
Adrian Neville returning home to Newcastle, England for a WWE European tour.
Tyler Breeze wishes the NXT Universe a merry Christmas, and promises to bring home the gold in 2015.
We took a look back at Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: REvolution.
Curtis Axel tells William Regal he wants in on the action at NXT to recharge. Regal says he'll see what he can do, but tells him to make an appointment next time.
We took a look back at The Vaudevillians (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) vs. The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) for the WWE Tag Team Championships at NXT TakeOver: REvolution.
Hideo Itami and Finn Balor take on The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) next week! They were greeted by The Ascension on the way in, but Finn Balor and Hideo Itami are about to see them out.
We look back at the debuts of Baron Corbin, Bull Dempsey, Hideo Itami, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens.
Kevin Owens has put Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn in the hospital...and he plans to be the only one left standing.
We look back at the main roster debuts of Paige, Bo Dallas, Emma, Summer Rae, Adam Rose, Rusev and Lana.
Earlier this week, Rich Brennan interviewed Bayley. Bayley likened her comeback to Triple H's comeback from 2002.
Charlotte retains the NXT Women's Championship in a Christmas Day rematch against Sasha Banks with her father "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair in her corner, after locking in a Figure Four Leg Lock with a bridge.
