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.
We look back on Douglas Williams vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles for the TNA Television Championship from Final Resolution 2010.
Gia Miller interviews JDC for Around the Ring. JDC apologizes for his behavior on his previous Around the Ring appearance, stating that he was in a dark period of his life. Topics discussed include the positive camaraderie of the TNA locker room as well as marriage and post-retirement plans.
We look back on JDC vs. Eric Young from last night's show.
Victoria Crawford and Tessa Blanchard beat Myla Grace and Harley Hudson.
The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul) is in the ring to start tonight's show. Heyman states that he has a vision of WarGames and that he will share this vision with everyone: The Vision, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar winning in the men's WarGames match. Logan Paul takes the microphone, but before he can say much, The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up, and Jey says nobody wants to hear what Logan has to say. Heyman reminds Jey that the numbers game always wins, and that The Usos are outnumbered. Jimmy tells Heyman that they did not come alone, and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' music hits. Cody fails to show, and Drew McIntyre is show walking out of Cody's tour bus, with Cody on his back beaten up and lacerated. The Usos runs to the back to catch up with Cody as he is about to receive medical assistance. After the commercial break, Drew McIntyre drives by and says "I warned ya, champ!" as numerous people check on Cody Rhodes.
Ilja Dragunov retains the WWE United States Championship against JD McDonagh.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss has Charlotte Flair speak with Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley. Iyo leaves after Rhea asks her to give her a minute.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis has no update on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. He then sees The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul) and confronts Heyman. He says that his hands are tied regarding Bronson, who has a match tonight, as well as Drew McIntyre, who he calls "persona non grata" on SmackDown. Heyman says that McIntyre is outside and that he has asked McIntyre to leave, then says Bronson needs more opponents as stupid as Carmelo Hayes.
Backstage, Ilja Dragunov is met by Tama Tonga, who wants his title, and Tommaso Ciampa, who also wants his title and who Dragunov still thinks is a jackass. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae meet up with Gargano for their upcoming tag team match later tonight.
Carmelo Hayes beats "Big" Bronson Reed by count-out after The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) keep Bronson Reed and Logan Paul from interfering in the match and after "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes hits Bronson with Cross Rhodes on the outside while Paul Heyman distracts the referee. After the match, Cody Rhodes says he is not done with Drew McIntyre yet, then makes it clear to The Vision, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar that he will beat them and that WarGames is his birthright.
Backstage, Chelsea Green successfully runs past Alba Fyre to get away from Kiana James and Giulia. Kiana and Giulia leave, and Chelsea says that she does not have a good feeling about tonight. She then runs into Jade Cargill, who says that she will show her what a real champion is like.
Sami Zayn meets with Rey Fenix, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Shinsuke Nakamura. Sami addresses The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) for targeting every one of them. Shelley says The Guns have known Sami for a long time, and Sabin says that no matter what, they battle together. Sami says The MFT's also lit a fire under Nakamura as well as Rey Fenix, then challenges the MFT's to a Traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series Elimination Match next week.
#DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beats Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) after Ciampa distracts the referee so that Candice LeRae can remove Axiom's mask before Axiom can hit Gargano with the Golden Ratio.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley speaks with Charlotte Flair. She says that whatever went down between them was to prove that they were the best, and while they will get back to that path at some point, she is willing to put things to the side for WarGames. She says that everything they have gone through, she has always respected Charlotte and has always wanted to go to war at WarGames with her. Charlotte says "Yes. Yes, you can." Rhea says "Great. Then you can trust me, too." Both women shake hands.
We see a snippet of an interview with John Cena about being authentic, talking about how he came up with rap lyrics out of the blue where he dissed everyone. This led to his being more authentic on WWE programming.
Penta beats Finn Balor to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
It is announced that Sheamus has suffered a shoulder injury earlier this week and will not face LA Knight in the Last Time is Now Tournament, and that talks are being had as to who will take his place.
We hear from The MFT's. (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) Solo Sikoa congratulates Penta, but tells Penta that his time is up and that his time is now. He says he will make an example out of Sami Zayn in next week's match, saying that he and his team does not stand a chance, with Tama Tonga agreeing. Solo says that when the smoke clears out and that it is just him and Sami, he will put Sami away for good.
Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley head to the ring. Rhea Ripley says that the four of them united was a real problem for The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), Nia Jax and Lash Legend, as people soon get to see who is real and who is fake. She says that she wants to make sure she is going to war with the right people. She knows that Iyo can be counted on to have her back and come out swinging immediately, and while she, Charlotte and Alexa may not be the best of friends, they can all trust each other. Rhea then says they are still just four people, and announces the fifth member of her team as AJ Lee. As she shows up, everyone in the ring is attacked from behind by The Kabuki Warriors, Nia and Lash. AJ Lee heads to the ring, but is attacked from out of nowhere by Becky Lynch, leading to an all-out brawl both in and out of the ring. AJ Lee heads to the ring, but is attacked from out of nowhere by Becky Lynch, leading to an all-out brawl both in and out of the ring. Nia hits Rhea with an A-Nia-Lator after Becky trips Rhea from the outside, then Becky gets in the ring and shakes hands with Asuka to close out the show.
Masha Slamovich retains the TNA Knockouts World Championship against Alisha Edwards in a no-disqualification match. After the match, Masha is attacked from behind by Tasha Steelz, but Jordynne Grace rushes into the ring, and Tasha retreats.
Backstage, The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) and KUSHIDA are hyped up for their match with The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and "Inevitable" Ace Austin at Turning Point. Zachary Wentz says they will be watching The Hardys' and Ace Austin's match tonight.
Ash By Elegance beats Jody Threat after Heather By Elegance distracts the referee so that personal concierge George Iceman can stop Jody Threat's Superplex.
Mike Santana heads to the ring. Santana says he has always been told that he is not good enough, will never make it out of the streets, and would end up a statistic, but he proved his doubters wrong. He then promises that he will sit at the top of the throne and become TNA World Champion. Suddenly, Frankie Kazarian shows up and says the only throne Santana will be sitting on is "a dirty toilet somewhere in The Bronx" and that if anyone will sit on the throne, it is him. He congratulates Santana on beating Moose, but it is not as impressive to him as winning the Call Your Shot Trophy. Santana says Kazarian and the trophy smell like "straight up douchebag" and that Kazarian has a shortcut while everyone else has had to scratch and claw their way to the top spot, then puts "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth on notice, saying there is a real contender in line, unlike "this scrub" Frankie Kazarian, and says he will have no problem cracking Kazarian over the head with his trophy. Kazarian says he would love to send Santana back to the streets that he came from right now, but he has prior obligations and will be facing Rhino tonight before stating he will keeping an eye on the World title match at Turning Point. Santana then says that he does not have a match for Turning Point yet, and Kazarian says he is taking that night off. Santana says he will make a match between the two of them official for Turning Point so he can whup his all over the building. This leads to a "Whup that ass!" chant from the fans before Santana wishes Kazarian luck against Rhino, tells Kazarian there is no more running, and throws his microphone into the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Trophy before Rhino heads to the ring to face Kazarian.
Frankie Kazarian beats Rhino after putting his feet on the bottom rope for leverage. After the match, Rhino hits Kazarian with a Gore.
Steve Maclin is drinking at a bar and speaking with the woman tending bar. Maclin leaves and leaves a tip before Eric Young shows up, and by the time Eric is at the bar, Maclin is in a hotel room. Maclin watches the news and is reminded of his past, and he sits on the bed briefly. As he takes a shower, he is reminded of his past again, and he looks at photos of his time in the military. Maclin then writes a letter before speeding a sleepless night on the bed. Images from his past pop up again, and he is suddenly in a recruiter's office. The recruiter places his badge on the desk before it is revealed that Eric is the recruiter. Another Eric Young sits to the right of Maclin, and the first Eric asks Maclin where he is before Maclin says "Sort of," and notices the second Eric is gone. The setting changes as Maclin says he is here because of loss, and when asked what he has lost, Maclin says "time." Eric says torture is time and that time is all we have, and Maclin also says that Eric reminds him of someone. Eric Young then wants to know if Maclin can really trust him, then tells Maclin to wake up. Maclin is back in the hotel room, where he is awoken by a knock on the door. Eric Young is at the other end when Maclin opens it.
Leon Slater and Laredo Kid beat The System (Moose and JDC) with a La Magistral Cradle from Slater to JDC. After the match, JDC attacks Leon Slater, as does Moose. Moose powerbombs Slater in the middle of the ring before JDC hits Down 'n Dirty. Suddenly, Laredo Kid hits JDC with a chair from behind, then hits Moose with it.
Joe Hendry heads to the ring. Hendry says Thanksgiving is around the corner and that there is a lot for him to be thankful for this year, due to the unprecedented journey and accomplishments that he and the fans have been on and the fans believing in him. Hendry then says that he cannot let it go, and that the goal is to become TNA World Champion. He says that at Turning Point, he will be in a Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl match, and while he should be standing as World Champion, he could be standing in a turkey costume. He says the World title is the richest title in the game and is worth the humiliation, and that he will get one step closer to becoming World Champion. Hendry says that when you have a dream, you go all the way and chase it in order to achieve it, as anything is possible when you believe.
Backstage, we hear from "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, who is focused on Eddie Edwards at Turning Point. He knows he will be facing all of The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose, JDC) in that match, but he is a fighting champion who will do what it takes to retain. He tells Eddie to enjoy his Thanksgiving dinner, as all he cares about is power that he will not be able to take away from him when he does what he does best: steal the show and stay World Champion.
Savannah evans beats Brittany Jade.
Backstage, Masha Slamovich is met by Jordynne Grace, who is not surprised that Masha would beat Alisha Edwards. Masha says she loves to take every opportunity to prove who the better woman is, and says they should leave no doubt with a two-out-of-three falls match at Turning Point. Jordynne loves the idea.
Trent Seven, Hammerstone and Jake Something beat The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and "Inevitable" Ace Austin in a six-man tag match after Trent Seven hits Ace Austin with a low blow. After the match, Hammerstone and Jake Something go on the attack, but KUSHIDA and The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) rush into the ring, causing them and Trent Seven to retreat.
Here are the must-see moments from tonight's show!
Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor and "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty) beat JD Drake and Beef. After the match, Shane Taylor Promotions and The Infantry ("The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo, Trish Adora) attack JD Drake, then Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) show up with metal folding chairs and chase them all away.
We hear from The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch). Vincent says everyone knows they are on the rightous path to become tag team champions, then Dutch talks about how he made "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes proud of him.
Kevin Knight beats Serpentico.
Tomohiri Ishii beats Mike Bennett.
We look back on The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) vs. Kensuke Sasaki and Katsuhiko Nakujima from Final Battle 2008.
Before the next match, "Smart" Mark Sterling promotes The Premiere Athletes' (Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari, Josh Woods) new shirt, then tries to get an "Athletes Rule" chant only to be told they suck.
Shingo Takagi beats Ariya Daivari.
Athena beats Leila Grey in a ROH World Women's Championship Proving Ground Match by submission with an arm tap choke.
"The Machine" Brian Cage retains the ROH World Television Championship against AR Fox.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Noam Dar retains the NXT Heritage Cup Championship against Chad Gable with one fall apiece (1-1). Noam Dar scores the first fall with :39 (thirty-nine seconds) left in Round 2 with a Nova Roller following a cheap shot by Oro Mensah. Chad Gable scores the second fall with 2:49 (two minutes, forty-nine seconds) left in Round 5 with a Chaos Theory suplex, but Noam Dar hits Chad Gable with a cheap shot after the bell. In Round 6, Noam Dar taps out to Chad Gable's ankle lock, but it is after the bell. After the match, Lash Legend shoves Maxxine Dupri, then Oro Mensah does the same thing to Otis only for Otis to not even budge. Otis then wiggles in front of Lash Legend, then Maxxine gets up. When Lash turns around, Maxxine slaps her, then Otis catches Lash, who then runs away.
JBL picks Carmelo Hayes vs. Josh Briggs for the men's Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier and Blair Davenport vs. Thea Hail for the women's qualifier.
At a restaurant, Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo agree that they are not done with Chase University, then D'Angelo says tonight is about them. D'Angelo and Stacks then meet with some old friends, including the family, whom they did not expect, and the family has a toast to another tag team title reign before having dinner.
Backstage, Trick Williams tells Carmelo Hayes that tonight is his night. Carmelo says he has to get into the Iron Survivor Challenge, and Trick says "[Josh] Briggs is a bad boy...but you 'Melo." Carmelo then says that he has to do this himself, and Trick reminds him to focus on tonight.
Xia Li attacks Lyra Valkyria from behind before the next match.
Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza beat Malik Blade and Edris Enofe.
Backstage, Fallon Henley and Brooks Jensen hope that Josh Briggs qualifies for the men's Iron Survivor Challenge. Briggs says he has waited his entire life for this opportunity, then heads to the ring.
Josh Briggs beats Carmelo Hayes to qualify for the men's Iron Survivor Challenge following the distraction by Lexis King.
Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Lyra Valkyria, who says that her match is still happening and that even if she was at 10%, she would not let Xia Li - who she owes a kick to the face - leave with her title tonight.
Von Wagner shows up to Mr. Stone's home for dinner with some brownies and meets Mr. Stone's wife and two sons. Von Wagner and the two kids rip through the spaghetti, then Wagner offers to help the kids with some bullies before brownies.
Wes Lee heads to the ring. Wes Lee says that him losing the North American Championship caused The Judgment Day to start holding all the gold, then says looking at Dominik Mysterio makes him see red. He says he felt like he belonged as a champion and that everybody respected him, and he wants that back. Wes Lee then says he wants one more shot at Dominik at Deadline, then Dominik shows up. Dominik says the one thing Wes Lee better than anyone is make the fans feel bad for him, because he was beaten by Ija Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes, took two months off, lost to Baron Corbin and thinks he deserves a title shot because the fans love him. He says that Wes Lee's opinion is worthless and that he made the North American title more relevant than he ever did, but Wes Lee says The Judgment Day saved his ass at every possible moment and is the only reason he is still champion. After Wes Lee says he will do anything to take his title back, Dominik Mysterio tells Wes Lee to prove himself by facing three other former North American Champions to get to him at Deadline. He also says that if Wes Lee does win, it will be his last shot at the North American Champion. Wes Lee accepts the challenge.
We see a video package regarding the Chase University scandal. Next week, Andre Chase will break his silence.
Backstage, Thea Hail waits for Andre Chase and Duke Hudson, but Jacy Jayne says there is a good reason they are not here tonight and tells Thea she can get the job done tonight and that she has her back.
Backstage, Josh Briggs is met by Tiffany Stratton, who says that she will she him at Deadline. Brooks Jensen and Fallon Henley congratulate Briggs, but Henley is surprised that Tiffany talked to Briggs.
Blair Davenport beats Thea Hail to qualify for the women's Iron Survivor Challenge after Davenport gets the knees up on a springboard senton.
We see a video package regarding the feud between Baron Corbin and Ilja Dragunov. In this video package, Baron Corbin makes Ilja Dragunov's life sound miserable compared to his own and how it was easy to get what he wanted out of Dragunov.
Eddy Thorpe beats Charlie Dempsey by pinning Dempsey's shoulders to the mat as Dempsey has him in a submission hold. After the match, Drew Gulak and Myles Borne attack Eddy Thorpe.
After the D'Angelo Family dinner, Tony D'Angelo and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo are jumped by Huberto Carrillo and Angel Garza.
We see a vignette for Arianna Grace, who says that real beauty queens fix each others' crowns. She says that she was the victim of an attack by Karmen Petrovic that has gone unnoticed and unpunished, and says she find it a struggle to find the beauty in Karmen. After telling the fans to get mental help and shower, she then says that Karmen Petrovic is "an incurable disease" and that she is the cure.
Lyra Valkyria retains the NXT Women's Championship against Xia Li.
Kevin Owens heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Owens talks about how he joined the men's WarGames Match as the fifth man against The Bloodline, and he did that not because of Sami Zayn, whom he still considers a brother, but because of Roman Reigns. He says it has been two long years since he has faced Roman and that he is going to remind Roman who he is: the guy who took him to the limit three limits and would have ended his Universal title run had it not been for The Bloodline. Owens says he also plans to take out The Bloodline so he can kick Roman's ass and take his title. He then says he was extended an invitation by Sheamus' team on SmackDown and could not turn it down, then says he has returned the favor and is not here alone before The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) head to the ring through the crowd. Drew McIntyre is right behind as they do so, and the four of them jump the barricade one by one and enter the ring. Sheamus says there is "a banger cookin' in the stove" as Saturday will be one of the biggest matches in WWE history in the men's WarGames Match. Drew McIntyre says he remembers a time before The Bloodline held the titles hostage, then says that everything will change on Saturday as their team is ready to tear The Bloodline apart. Suddenly, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) show up, and Rhea Ripley says the only thing people will be talking about after Saturday is how many women she destroys, then tells Sheamus' team that they are lost and are on the show that they run. Damian Priest says that tonight is not "play night" and to go back to SmackDown. Dominik Mysterio tells Sheamus' team to also say hello to his "deadbeat dad," then Finn Balor says he is here to collect and that he hopes The Bloodline wins. He also says that The Judgment Day will not be so nice if they show up on Raw again. Sheamus tells Finn Balor he does not respect as he is the sort of "plastic patty" that he has come to despite. Finn Balor says even salt looks like sugar and that he is "one salty Irish bastard." Sheamus says he has no problem facing Finn Balor one-on-one, but proposes The Judgment Day face The Brawling Brutes. The Judgment Day accepts. Both teams brawl in the ring, but The Brawling Brutes quickly come out on top.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio). During the match The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) and Mia Yim - now known officially as Michin, despite repeatedly being called "Mia Yim" by Corey Graves - show up to watch the match from the stage. After the match, Damian Priest and Finn Balor brawl with The Brawling Brutes, then Gallows kicks Priest in the head. Finn Balor is frozen in the middle of the ring when Kevin Owens appears behind him and hits him with the Stunner.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Johnny Gargano. Gargano says The Miz realized he could not beat him last week, so he has challenged him to a rematch tonight. As for Dexter Lumis, he wants The Miz to do the right thing and pay Dexter Lumis, but both men have agreed to handle their own business and Gargano wants The Miz one-on-one.
Before the next match, The Miz says he would love to have a rematch, but he injured his right hand while making a TikTok video by slicing his hand through a cactus. He then says the cactus did not survive, but he will and he will beat Dexter Lumis. He then says that since he could not compete and because Johnny Gargano wants to put on a show, he has found a suitable opponent: Omos.
Omos beats Johnny Gargano.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins is interviewed. Rollins says he has never felt better despite events from recent weeks, then reminds everyone that he asked for a Triple Threat Match for the United States title because he wanted to kill two birds with one stone. He says that one only survives a wild Bobby Lashley if one is prepared, and that while Austin Theory has lost everything and is more dangerous than ever, he is still the stupidest person on the face of the earth. He then goes on to say that Theory is stupid for jumping him from behind last week and trying to beat him at his own game, which he says does not work well for anyone. He then tells Theory to call Cody Rhodes and ask if picking a fight with him is a good idea, then says that the Triple Threat Match is going to be a war with three men who do not like each other going at it and ready to snap at any second. Rollins says he has dealt with brutes like Lashley and that he knows Theory because he was once like Theory, then asks what Theory and Lashley will do to prepare for him. He then says that regardless, he will walk out as United States Champion. Meanwhile, Theory is watching from backstage. Theory says nobody understands him and that hitting rock bottom is the best thing to happen to him, as he is not the kid he was once and is a new man who will be taken seriously, and after Saturday, the business will know what time it is. He says the disrespect ends here, and anyone who steps up gets sent home. Theory tells Lashley and Rollins to watch what he does to Mustafa Ali tonight, as it is a preview of what will happen at Survivor Series.
Austin Theory beats Mustafa Ali. After the match, Bobby Lashley shows up on the TitanTron and tells Austin Theory to stay in the ring so they can give the fans a preview of Survivor Series. After the commercial break, Bobby Lashley shows up and says he is surprised Austin Theory is still in the ring, then says that Theory will not stand in his way of the United States Championship even after he could not get the job done. Theory says he would be United States Championship if it were not for Lashley, then says he remembers Brock Lesnar kicking Lashley's ass before Seth Rollins beat Lashley for the title and Lashley lost to Lesnar again. He then says that Lashley is not getting in the ring with the same kid he faced and that he will walk into the ring Saturday and become United States Champion, and that there is nothing Lashley or Rollins can do about it. Lashley then says that there is no way Theory is walking out of the ring tonight before both men brawl. Theory hits Lashley with a chair, but it has no effect, and Theory runs through the crowd to the back while Lashley gives chase. Theory pushes a hurt Ali into Lashley, then Ali hits Lashley thinking Lashley attacked him before Lashley puts him in the Hurt Lock on the stage.
Elias and Matt Riddle beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis).
Backstage, JBL and Baron Corbin are playing poker and making fun of Albany, New York when Drew McIntyre shows up. JBL says that Corbin would have beaten McIntyre with him in his corner and that Roman Reigns will get his hands on McIntyre on Saturday. McIntyre then proposes they put that theory to the test and challenges Corbin to a match. Corbin says they can settle things right here, right now, and McIntyre says that he respects his elders, he does not respect Corbin, and hits Corbin with a cheap shot.
Drew McIntyre beats Baron Corbin after Akira Tozawa, now with blonde hair and his previous, non-ninja wrestling gear, shows up, steals JBL's hat and runs through the crowd.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) Styles says that emotions are running high as he and Finn Balor were close, but he has realized that The O.C. is his family and that this must come to an end. He says that he will give Finn Balor the beating he deserves and it will be phenomenal. Finn Balor then shows up and says that he is not the bad guy; he is worse and he is the devil, and when once dances with the devil, one never dances again. The rest of The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) attacks The O.C., starting a backstage brawl. Security shows up as the brawl escalates outside of the arena.
Before the next match, Bianca Belair says that her, Asuka and Alexa Bliss' war with Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) will come to an end at WarGames, and while she has won the battle, she has not won the war, and she cannot win it alone. She says that her team will win and that Asuka will give them the advantage. Alexa says she is ready for war and ready to throw Bayley in the trash where she belongs. Asuka says they are ready for war, but nobody is ready for them. Bianca says to wait and see who her team's fifth member is, and Asuka says Rhea Ripley is not ready for her. Bianca then says that when she makes her decision this Friday on SmackDown, nobody will be disappointed. Rhea Ripley shows up with Damage CTRL and Nikki Cross, and Bayley says that Bianca's team is either stalling or having a hard time finding somebody else who likes her, as nobody respects Bianca. Bayley brags about what has happened to Mia Yim as well as how Damage CTRL have gotten the upper hand, but Asuka tells her to shut up so that she and Rhea can fight. Rhea Ripley tells Asuka that she will eradicate her.
Rhea Ripley beats Asuka in a WarGames Advantage Match to give her team a one-person advantage in the women's WarGames Match. After the match, both WarGames teams brawl around the ring, then Mia Yim shows up and fights Rhea Ripley. After this, Asuka takes everybody out with a cross body from the top rope. Officials show up to check on everybody, then the show ends with a run-down of the Survivor Series card.
This week on Raw Talk: Austin Theory! Elias! Drew McIntyre!
The Butcher, The Blade and Rush beat Doug Love, Channing Thomas and Brett Gosselin is a Trios match.
Willow Nightingale and Hikaru Shida beat Leva Bates and Emi Sakura.
"The Machine" Brian Cage beats Brandon Cutler. During the match, Prince Nana tries to spray Cutler with with his own cold spray, but he hits Cage instead, and Cutler hits Prince Nana in the eyes with the spray. Nevertheless, Brian Cage is able to beat Cutler and win the match.
The Jericho Appreciation Society ("Cool Hand" Angelo Parker, "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard, Daniel Garcia) beats Leon Ruffin, "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams and Tony Deppen in a Trios match.
Mercedes Martinez beats JC with the Brass City Sleeper.
Wheeler Yuta beats "The Reality" Zack Clayton.
Before the next match, Ari Daivari announces that if Encore helps them win, Encore will be $50,000 richer. He also says it will be easy because Matt Hardy cannot use the Twist of Fate.
Matt Hardy and Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) beat The Trust Busters (Ari Daivari and Sonny Kiss) and Encore in a Trios match when Matt Hardy uses the Twist of Fate anyway.
Alex Reynolds beats Kip Sabian with a surprise schoolkid pin. After the match, Kip Sabian attacks Alex Reynolds.
Backstage, Lexi Nair interviews "All Ego" Ethan Page, who becomes infuriated when told that Matt Hardy used the Twist of Fate. Matt Hardy shows up and pays the $50,000 up front to Ethan Page, saying it was worth every penny. Isiah Kassidy whispers into Ethan Page's ear that it was "orgasmic."
Best Friends (Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta) beats The Factory (Aaron Solo, Lee Johnson, Cole Karter) in a Trios match.
We hear from Effy, who says that professional game is a game of contrast. He says he sees two different athletes in Alan "5" Angels, even though they started off in the same place only for their paths to diverge. We hear from Effy, who says that professional game is a game of contrast. He says he sees two different athletes in Alan "5" Angels, even though they started off in the same place only for their paths to diverge.
Alex Chamberlain beats "The Latin Sensation" Gustavo. During the match, it is announced that Darius Bengston is currenly injured after what Chamberlain did to him last week
Backstage, David Marquez interviews AC Mack talks about his victory against Ariya Daivari last week, then wants to know what is next before stating that he wants championship gold.
Before the next match, Brandon Tate states that he and his brother Brent Tate are supposed to tag team against "Rapture Blond" and "Rapture Uso," but Brent could not make it and he has no tag team partner. Brandon proposes that he faces The Rapture in a two-on-one handicap match, but before the match can begin, Manny Lemons shows up to replace Brent Tate.
The Rapture (Jay Sky and Richard King) beat Brandon Tate and Manny Lemons.
Backstage, Marti Belle is approached by Dani Jordyn, who asks Marti if she let herself go before saying she used to look up to her before she took her advice. "Outlandish" Zicky Dice shows up, bragging on the phone about bribing umpires in the recent Atlanta Braves game before telling Dani they are heading to the ring.
Before the next match, "Outlandish" Zicky Dice brags about how he issued an open challenge to anyone in the audience for $5,000 before Logan Creed ruined things. As he calls out Logan Creed, Pedro Pablo heads to the ring.
"Outlandish" Zicky Dice beats "The South American Conquerer" Pedro Pablo. During the match, Dani Jordyn heads to the ring and distracts Pedro Pablo, but Marti Belle - finally having had enough of Dani Jordyn - pulls her off the apron. Nevertheless, Zicky Dice is able to hit Pedro Pablo with a sit-out powerbomb for the win.
Backstage, David Marquez interviews Heather Monroe. Monroe says her match with Reka Tehaka is the main event because she is the queen of Championship Wrestling, and while Reka Tehaka may have a win against her, she has skill, she will win, and Reka will learn her lesson.
Backstage, David Marquez interviews Alan "5" Angels. He accepts Effy's challenge and says that while Effy wants to be in the main event, he is only in it because of him. He says Effy may have generated buzz, but next week, there is a different between self-made superstars and real superstars.
Backstage, Sasha Banks tells the rest of Team SmackDown (Toni Storm, Natalya, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, Shotzi) that they are one hell of a team and that they cannot lose in Brooklyn. As she props everyone else up, however, she puts Shotzi down, and the rest of the team has to keep them apart.
Fans predict who will win on tonight's show.
We look back on The Rock's debut 25 years ago at Survivor Series 1996.
Shinsuke Nakamura beats Damian Priest by disqualification. During the match, Damian Priest breaks Rick Boogs' guitar for playing it one time too many, despite being warned by Boogs not to. Boogs then hits Priest with the guitar before doing the same to Nakamura.
Kevin Owens shows up at the kick-off panel to say that he is a man of integrity, and that he hopes that he can prove he is what he says he is if he can leave it all in the ring tonight.
Vince McMahon shows up in his limo, then produces a golden egg (a reference to The Rock's new movie, Red Notice).
Becky Lynch beats Charlotte Flair after reversing Charlotte's roll-up with one of her own and uses the ropes for leverage, something that Charlotte Flair got caught doing by the referee seconds earlier.
Team Raw (Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, Austin Theory) beats Team SmackDown (Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, King Woods, Happy Corbin, Sheamus). Seth Rollins is the sole survivor after eliminating Jeff Hardy. Kevin Owens walks out on the match almost as soon as it begins, making him the first one eliminated. Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley are both simultaneously eliminated after they brawl outside of the ring for too long. Afterwards, McIntyre hits Lashley with a Claymore Kick, then hits Rollins with a Glasgow Kiss when Rollins makes fun of him. All the while, multiple referees and MVP have to hold Lashley back. When Austin Theory eliminates Sheamus by grabbing the tights on a schoolkid pin, Sheamus hits Theory before headbutting Jeff Hardy.
We look back on The Rock vs. Mankind for the vacant WWF Championship in the Deadly Games Tournament at Survivor Series 1998.
Backstage, Roman Reigns meets with Vince McMahon. Vince shows him the egg, which is Cleopatra's egg, which was given to him by The Rock. Vince talks about how The Rock started in WWE, then says the egg he has is the real thing. Vince tells Roman that the egg is worth $100 million, and Roman says "Almost as much as my next contract," before leaving.
Omos last eliminates Ricochet to win The Rock's 25th Anniversary 25-man battle royal with a total of twelve eliminations. After the match, Montez Ford hits "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles with an enzuigiri, then tosses Pizza Hut pizza into the crowd.
Day 1 is live on WWE Network and Peacock on January 1st!
RK-Bro (Matt Riddle and Randy Orton) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) after Randy Orton hits the RKO on an airborne Jimmy Uso.
We look back on The Rock vs. John Cena from WrestleMania 28.
Backstage, WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville meet with Vince McMahon. All of a sudden, they notice that Cleopatra's Egg is stolen and gets the police involved while telling Pearce to interview all the Superstars.
Team Raw (Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Carmella, Queen Zelina) beats Team SmackDown (Sasha Banks, Shayna Baszler, Shotzi, Natalya, Toni Storm) with Bianca Belair being the sole survivor after last eliminating Shotzi. Carmella is eliminated by Toni Storm with a schoolkid pin when she tries to get her protective mask at the start of the match. Sasha Banks is eliminated by count-out after Shotzi and Sasha refuse to get along, which causes the rest of SmackDown's women's team to confront Sasha and keep her out of the ring.
We look back on The Rock's return to SmackDown on its Fox network premiere.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman, who accuses the fans of stealing Cleopatra's Egg. When Kayla asks Brock Heyman how he feels about Brock Lesnar's suspension being no longer indefinite, he tells her to ask WWE official Adam Pearce.
We hear from Jay Briscoe, who says that his focus has been shifted as of late thanks to EC3. EC3 says it is an honor to fight him on his quest to see if honor is real, and that it is part of his plan. He says that he envies Jay Briscoefor staying true to ROH while he went from business to business, and says he has his respect as he says that honor and respect are synonymous. Jay tells EC3 he will honor him with an ass-whuppin', while EC3 asks if Jay will shake his hand if he offers it according to the Code of Honor. Jay says he will give EC3 a beatdown as he tells him to bring his A-game, while EC3 tells ay to control his emotions as well as his narrative to show him that honor is real.
EC3 beats Jay Briscoe by disqualification in less than two minutes when Briscoe refuses to let go of a choke in the corner by the count of five. After the match, EC3 attacks Briscoe as soon as he turns around, and security quickly shows up to attempt to break up the ensuing brawl, and EC3 dares Briscoe to hit him with the Jay Driller. When Briscoe goes for it, security immediately holds him back.
Backstage, Quinn McKay interviews Jay Briscoe. When asked why he did not uphold the Code of Honor and refused to let go of the choke on EC3, Briscoe simply says "Fuck him. That's why."
We hear from LSG, who talks about his love for professional wrestling even when he played baseball as akid and how he went to a Ring of Honor show at fifteen years old and was blown away. He says that Jay Lethal showing up as the only local guy from the event was what inspired him to become a professional wrestling. He says that baseball set a foundation for him when he entered professional wrestling, and after a few years, he entered the Ring of Honor Dojo and teamed with Shaheem Ali to form Coast 2 Coast. After last year did not do well, he has re-evalutated his career and he is on a different level, and if anyone wants to enter ROH, they have to prove themselves against guys like him. He admits that Coast 2 Coast's match against Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham did not go so well for him, this time is different, and he will take advantage of anything he can after having trained harder than before, as this match means everything to him and he will prove that he can hang as he goes from being the boy who wanted to be Lethal to the man who wants to beat Lethal. We then hear from Lethal, who says that while he did not win the ROH Pure Championship, he managed to find the purest of pure wrestlers in Jonathan Gresham. He also admits he lost to the better man in "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams, whom he considers a like-minded individual like Gresham. He says that the three of them want to clean up ROH and bring back prestige and honor as those who have put in the time and honed their craft should be rewarded. He says that he has requested a match with LSG, as he has proved that he has the talent and ability as well as the hunger, for he has been in his position, and LSG will get him one-on-one to prove he can hang with the best out there, then tells LSG that nothing is free and that he had better be ready to pay for it.
Jay Lethal beats LSG by judge's decision in a Pure Rules Match after the match reaches its 15-minute limit. Both men shake hands after the match.
John Walters will return to Ring of Honor.
Matt Taven beats Bateman with an O'Connor Roll. After the match, Bateman lays out Taven, then Vincent shows up and says Taven looks a litle too comfortable for his liking before Bateman hits Taven with a piledriver. He asks how one person can be so embarassing, as there is nobody in the arena and Taven still wants attention. Vincent then tells Taven that no matter how hard he tries, he will never get the approval he is looking for, then tells him that everything he has done - as well as his legacy - is nothing more than failure, then pulls out a dart. All of a sudden, Mike Bennett's music plays, and when the lights come back on, Mike Bennett is in the rin. He runs Vincent out of the ring and superkicks Bateman, who he also eventually chases out of the ring. Taven and Bennett then hug in the ring to close out the show.
EJ Sparks beats Patrick Fitzgerald with the Spark-Out.
The Bodega (Danny "Limelight" Rivera and "King FatBoy" Papo Esco) beat Max Caster and VSK, Wasted Youth (Adriel Noctis and Sketch) and 4 Minutes of Heat ("Rock God" Ricky Gibson and "Freak Nasty" Eddie Pearl) in a four-way elimination amatch to become #1 contenders to the United Tag Team Championships. During the match, it is announced that the winners of this match will become #1 contenders to the United Tag Team Championships. After the match, John Roberts interviews The Bodega. Limelight says he and Papo Esco will put gold around their waists and keep getting interviews. As Papo Esco speaks, SoCal Distancing (???, Andy Brown, Adrien Quest, Miguel) interrupts. Their masked leader says they are everywhere, and Miguel welcomes everyone to "the new normal."
Backstage, John Roberts interviews CWFH Minority Owner Nikko Marquez. He insists the United Women's Championship does not exist, and says that CWFH's 500th episode will be the best episode ever. Meanwhile, CeCe Chanel - who has been asked to take two steps back from Nikko - looks and feels absolutely miserable in her position as Nikko's assistant.
Levi Shapiro retains the United Television Championship against Dan Joseph in a heated match that sees Joseph beat up Shapiro on the outside for minutes on end and also strike at Howdy Price for grabbing his ankle from the outside after Howdy Price grabs Joseph's feet, stopping Joseph from slamming Shapiro, who falls on top of Shapiro and pins him to retain.
Before the next match, Kona Reeves says it is typical of the people not to know when they have real talent in their presence, and that is why he thought it would be beneficial if he hopped on a jet to compete in NXT UK. Reeves go on to say he knows a lot about Trent Seven, then say that the fans for idiots for cheering for him, as he is out of shape, out-of-date and not exemplary of what a Superstar is. He plans to show him that twisting his mustache does not make him a star and give him a taste of what it is like to be in the ring with "The Finest." After the match, Trent Seven is shocked by the sudden appearance of Eddie Dennis in the front row as he high-fives the crowd.
In footage from earlier today, Radzi interviews Ilya Dragunov, who says that Alexander Wolfe - who trained him - tried to trick him into joining Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel, Wolfe), but he always made decisions for him and disrespected him. He plans to prove that he is the only one in charge of his own future when he steps out of Wolfe's shadow.
NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II is live on the WWE Network on Sunday, January 12th, and is already sold out within two hours of tickets being available.
A-Kid beats Jack Starz by submission.
In footage from earlier today, Radzi interviews Jinny and Jazzy Gabert. Jinny gives the women's division credit for their talent, but says that they are "little girls." Jinny says that she is championship material, and that Piper Niven will have to overthrow her as queen, as she has never pinned her.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) show up. Gibson says they should be NXT UK Tag Team Champions, and that the only reason they are not is a stipulation to their match at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff that cost them the titles. He states that Grizzled Young Veterans is a great tag team capable of bouncing back, as they had Flash "Morgan" Webster and Mark Andrews beaten until Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) and Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel, Alexander Wolfe)showed up and got the match thrown out. Gibson then says that there have been no consequences for both teams' actions, and demands that the powers that be pay attention and listen to them, as they were on the way to making the NXT UK tag team titles the most venerable in WWE. He then says that the titles are depreciating in value as they do not have it, then talks about the Bill Shankly statue in front of Shankly Gates in Anfield, saying they want to make the people happy. Gibson demands that General Manager Johnny Saint make the people happy and give Grizzled Young Veterans the tag title shot they deserve, as NXT UK needs them in the match and the world will be talking about them.
We hear from Jordan Devlin, who places a highlight reel of himself before saying he is an "inspirational leader of men" in NXT UK before A-Kid will not succeed solely on Tyler Bate's endorsement when he beats him next week.
Ridge Holland beats Oliver Carter in his debut. Marty Jones is seen in the front row before the match. Ashton Smith checks on Oliver Carter after the match. (Holland is best known as former professional rugby player Luke Menzies.)
"The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks says that Joseph Conners is "out of order." Ligero says that Conners robbed him of the victory and the fans out of a fair fight. Conners says he is happy he was able to leave a good impression on everyone.
In footage from during the break, Ashton Smith talks with Oliver Carter, saying they need a win to go places. Suddenly, Noam Dar shows up and insults both of them, but Smith decides to play Dar's bluff and challenges him to a match. Noam says he doesn't need friends, and that he will face Ashton Smith on his time.
Next week: Jinny vs. Piper Niven!
Alexander Wolfe beats Ilya Dragunov following the involvement of the rest of Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel). After the match, Imperium attacks Dragunov, but Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) runs in and fends them off. When Gallus stands tall in the ring, and when Walter tries to retrieve the WWE United Kingdom Championship, Joe Coffey grabs it, saying the title will soon be his.
Keith Lee beats Fidel Bravo (who had just faced The Brian Kendrick and Akira Tozawa in a tag team match earlier on 205 Live on the WWE Network).
We see backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: War Games 2018 where "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler says she is the most dominant woman on the NXT roster and that there is no one who can stop her, Marina Shafir or Jessamyn Duke.
We see backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: War Games 2018 where "The King of Bros" Matt Riddle is speechless about his televised debut as well as his TakeOver debut, and cannot wait to see what happens next.
Lars Sullivan beats "All That" Keita Murray (who played Wayne Bryant last night on SmackDown Live). After the match, Sullivan calls Murray's defeat a warning and an example of what will keep happening until he gets an NXT Championship match. To ensure his point has been registered, he grabs Murray and punches him before hitting Freak Accident again. Before he can hit the Freak Accident a second time, however, Keith Lee runs in and fights Lars Sullivan, knocking him out of the ring.
We see backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: War Games 2018 where Aleister Black is confronted by Candice LeRae, who stares at him before walking away.
We see backstage footage from earlier where Keith Lee confronts Lars Sullivan as referees keep them apart. Sullivan tells Keith Lee he will see him next week. Meanwhile, the match has been made official for next week by General Manager William Regal.
Buddy Murphy shows up to start tonight's show. He asks the fans if they thought if Mustafa Ali was going to beat him at Survivor Series, then says their opinions mean nothing to him as he has proven to Mustafa and the world that you cannot stop the unstoppable.
"The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese beats Noam Dar following the distraction from Buddy Murphy. After the match, Buddy Murphy boots Noam Dar out of the ring.
We hear from Mustafa Ali, who says that he is hurt physically and mentally after coming up short at Survivor Series, but he does not want to forget the pain; instead, he wants to embrace and feel every single out of it so when he is down, he can rise back up. He says he should thank Buddy Murphy for the pain, as he will work harder and dig deeper, and turn the pain into power to become Cruiserweight Champion.
General Manager Drake Maverick asks the referee for TJP vs. Gran Metalik to make sure that nobody interferes in the match. Cedric Alexander shows up, and Maverick tells him that in next week's main event, he will team with Mustafa Ali to face Tony Nese and Buddy Murphy.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. Gallagher says he used to look up to The Brian Kendrick, but not anymore. Gulak says Kendrick and Akira Tozawa are not a well-oiled tag team like they are, and if they step to them again, they will tap out.
Akira Tozawa and The Brian Kendrick beat Fidel Bravo and an unnamed opponent. (Bravo is not mentioned by name here, but he does show up on NXT after this on WWE Network to face Keith Lee in a losing effort, despite both matches taking place and being recorded for television two days apart.)
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Buddy Murphy and Tony Nese. Murphy says he has beaten Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali individually, and that he and Tony Nese will hurt them as a team. Nese tells Dasha she's better than that.
Next week: Hideo Itami returns!
Before the next match, Maria Kanellis shows up and brings out Mike Kanellis and TJP, who are wearing Gran Metalik and Kalisto masks, respectively. This causes The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado) to advance towards them, and referees and General Manager Drake Maverick have to break it up. Drake Maverick uses his authority to ensure that the only people at the ring for this match are Gran Metalik and TJP.
Gran Metalik beats TJP with a roll-up after TJP tries to use a pinata as a weapon. After the match, a hysterical Maria Kanellis shows up with General Manager Drake Maverick trying to calm her down. Mike Kanellis comes out from behind and attacks The Lucha House Party with a steel chair, and Maverick has to direct referees to the ring to get Mike Kanellis and TJP out of the ring.
Rhea Ripley beats Dakota Kai to advance to the finals of the NXT UK Women's Championship Tournament.
Backstage, Radzi Chinyanganya interviews Sid Scala, who has just spoken to General Manager Johnny Saint. He will face Joe Coffey in two weeks when he is medically cleared to compete, and he will make the most of this opportunity.
Backstage, Radzi Chinyanganya interviews Jordan Devlin, who makes it clear that he called out Pete Dunne for the United Kingdom Championship, and says previous title challengers were unwilling to do what it took to get the job done. When he wins the title, there will be some work to do and that NXT UK will be known as "NXT Ireland featuring the UK."
"Flash" Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews beat Joseph Conners and Saxon Huxley after Huxley refuses to take Conners into the match. Conners takes his frustration out on Huxley and attacks him after the match is over.
"Bomber" Dave Mastiff beats Tyson T-Bone.
Next week: Jordan Devlin vs. Pete Dunne for the WWE United Kingdom Championship!
Toni Storm beats Jinny to advance to the finals of the NXT UK Women's Championship Tournament. After the match, Toni Storm and Rhea Ripley stare down on the stage as General Manager Johnny Saint watches. Rhea shoves Storm, and Johnny Saint has to hold Storm back.
Rhea Ripley beats Xia Brookside to advance to the semi-finals of the NXT UK Women's Championship Tournament.
Backstage, Radzi Chinyanganya interviews James Drake and Zack Gibson. Gibson says that he has known Drake for 13 years and last week was a friend helping a friend. He says that the NXT UK tag team titles are on the horizon, and there is no team that come close to them.
We see WWE.com exclusive footage from last week where The Coffey Brothers (Joe and Mark Coffey) and Wolfgang assault Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven and Tyler Bate) backstage and injure Trent Seven's knee by stomping on a box.
Eddie Dennis beats Jack Starz.
Mark Andrews beats "Wild Boar" Mike Hitchman.
Backstage, Radzi Chinyanganya interviews Eddie Dennis, who says that he has waited ten years for an opportunity like NXT UK. Suddenly, Ashton Smith shows up and says Eddie Dennis, but says he isn't anything he can't handle. Eddie Dennis snaps and says he will destroy anybody who gets in his way.
Toni Storm beats Isla Dawn to advance to the semi-finals of the NXT UK Women's Championship Tournament.
Next week: Rhea Ripley vs. Dakotai Kai and Toni Storm vs. Jinny in the semi-finals of the NXT Women's Championship Tournament!
Enzo Amore talks with Noam Dar, "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari at catering. He has gotten them all matches against the opposition from last night's match. He says last night did not look good, and if anybody looks good tonight, they might get a title shot. Enzo then asks where Drew Gulak is. Gulak shows up dressed as The Gobbledy Gooker.
Before the next match, Drew Gulak demands the chants stop. As he cleans the streets in his Street Fight, he will end Akira Tozawa's chanting. Tonight, he will also prove his loyalty to Enzo Amore that he is not afraid to cut off his sleeves and get his hands dirty. Before Drew Gulak can show the next slide on his PowerPoint presentation, however, Akira Tozawa shows up.
Akira Tozawa beats Drew Gulak in a Street Fight.
Hideo Itami is coming to 205 Live!
Enzo Amore, Noam Dar, "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari are at catering. Nese says he doesn't care about how smart Hideo Itami is; he will come around and join The 'Zo Train. Enzo says he should be worried about staying on the train and doing better than Drew Gulak. Suddenly, Cedric Alexander, Rich Swann and Mustafa Ali show up and mock the four of them. After an argument over who will win, Enzo demands that Tony Nese step up to the plate and deliver.
"The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese beats Mustafa Ali after ramming Ali's head into the ring post from the apron.
At catering, Enzo Amore is happy with Tony Nese's performance, and Ariya Daivari and Noam Dar are going to give their opponents a beating tonight. Enzo Amore wants them to prove they are not an embarassment like Drew Gulak, who is in time-out for dressing as The Gobbledy Gooker. Enzo also tells Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari that he will have a ringside seat for their match.
Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann beat Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari despite the distractions from Enzo Amore. After the match, Enzo, Daivari and Noam Dar go on the attack. Akira Tozawa and Mustafa Ali run in, but "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese and Drew Gulak catch up with them. "The 'Zo Train" then attacks Cedric Alexander amd Rich Swann all at once. Cedric eats a Hammerlock Lariat, while Swann eats a running enziguri. Enzo Amore goes up top as Cedric is placed on top of Swann, and hits both men with a top rope splash. Enzo gets on the microphone, and tells both Swann and Cedric "How you doin'?"
Commissioner Shane McMahon shows up to start tonight's show. Shane says that SmackDown Live came up close, but just fell short. He says Stephanie will spin this any way she will, but SmackDown Live proved on Sunday that even in defeat, is anything but the B-show. He is proud of the blue brand's roster, saying they brought it. He says he is not only proud of them at Survivor Series, but each and every week as they bleed blue and deliver for the fans...all of them, except for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, whom he calls out. Owens and Sami show up. Owens says it must be tiring for Shane to start the show every week with a different excuse for why he fails, Sami asks what is harder: to come up with excuses or to man up and apologize when wrong. Owens then tells Shane he made a fatal mistake leaving them off Survivor Series, saying they can beat any team, especially The Shield and Raw's men's team. He also says either of them could - and would - beat Brock Lesnar. Owens then asks for the pleasantries to be skipped and demands Shane says he is sorry. Shane reminds Owens he is speaking to the Commissioner tonight, and tells Owens to shut his mouth for once in his life, as he and Sami have no respect for anybody, whether it be anyone in the back, the crowd or even himself. Sami agrees, obviously not caring. Shane then says two words to them. Owens and Sami say they cannot be fired as they are too important for the show, and Shane would be dumb to fire two future Hall of Famers. Owens says there is nobody who does not think that he and Sami are the top two Superstars in WWE. Shane says they are delusional, tells them the blue brand locker room hates their guts, and calls them the most self-absorbed, crazy maniacs to step in a WWE ring. Shane tells Owens to step forward, while he has two words for Sami Zayn. He says "You're," but before he can say the second word, General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up. Daniel Bryan tells Shane to put his personal feelings aside. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn cheer-lead for Daniel Bryan, but Daniel tells them to shut up. He also says he had to send Randy Orton home because he won't be held responsible to what he does to them, and mentions that The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) is furious with what they did, then puts them in a match with The New Day. Sami says this is unfair, but once again, Daniel Bryan tells him to shut up. He reminds Sami and Owens that the whole blue brand locker room hates their guts, and will be lining the ring during their match with The New Day, making their match tonight a Lumberjack Match.
Shelton Benjamin beats Jey Uso.
Backstage, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are talking to someone backstage, telling them that the powers that be will come after them next. That person is Baron Corbin, and even he can't stand them. He tells them to find someone a little more weak-minded. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn then come across Bobby Roode, and try to get him to join their side, asking if he wants to be like the rest of the locker room or different like them. Roode asks if they are out of their minds, reminding them they ruined his first Survivor Series Match and that he owes both of them a receipt.
Naomi is bummed out that SmackDown Live did not win Survivor Series, but she is happy that Charlotte Flair beat Alexa Bliss. Suddenly, Ruby Riot shows up...and Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan are with her. They attack Naomi, and tell her she has no glow. Becky Lynch runs in, but she does not fare any better. Sarah Logan smashes a door into Becky Lynch's gut, then referees show up to restore order.
Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan meet backstage. Shane commends Daniel Bryan on his lumberjack match and bringing in Ruby Riot, Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan. He admits that Daniel Bryan's idea is better than his, and he expects Daniel to fire Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens before the night is over. He then heads to the hotel to kick his feet up before he does anything drastic.
The Bludgeon Brothers (Luke Harper and Erick Rowan) debut tonight!
Tonight's Great Moment In WWE History is from March 2008, when "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair retired from WWE.
The Bludgeon Brothers (Luke Harper and Erick Rowan) beat The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley).
Dasha Fuentes interviews Natalya. She says the only change that matters around here is the title change when she beats Charlotte Flair tonight. She says Charlotte is running wild, and gives her credit for beating her. She mocks "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair celebrating with Charlotte, then gives Charlotte credit for beating Alexa Bliss. She says that Charlotte thinks she is Wonder Woman, and she wonders which woman will knock her off her perch. After that, Ric will have something to cry about. Tonight, she plans to become SmackDown Women's Champion again...and forever.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles shows up. AJ Styles says he tried at Survivor Series, but Brock Lesnar is every bit the beast we all thought he was. He mentions the congratulations for him holding his own, as well as Paul Heyman respecting his efforts, but you don't get trophies for second place in the WWE. When the match was over, however, he was not the one limping to the back, and reminds us that in the sequel to Rocky, "he wins." He then focuses on tonight. Styles says he is a little salty because somebody said they would take the WWE Championship from him on SmackDown live. He then calls Jinder Mahal out, daring him to take the title. Jinder Mahal appears, but on the TitanTron. He says he will come down to the ring when he wants to, and he is watching his match with Brock Lesnar repeatedly. He says AJ Styles took advantage of him two weeks ago. Had he won, he would be hailed right now as "The Beast Master." Styles asks Jinder if he realizes how stupid he sounds, and mentions that Jinder is still fresh after having Survivor Series off. Jinder insists he will have his title rematch when he wants it, then calls Styles a disgrace to SmackDown Live before invoking his rematch clause at Clash of Champions. Styles is then attacked from behind by The Singh Brothers (Sunil and Samir Singh) as he laughs. Styles quickly gets the other hands, however, and one of the brothers gets the Styles Clash.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walk in on Aiden English singing about Rusev Day in front of Rusev. Sami says he and Owens would rather celebrate Rusev Day, and Owens says both parties get each other. Owens then says that the only people who do not get Rusev are The New Day, and Sami says to keep what they said in mind during their Lumberjack Match.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) advertise the Countdown To Black Friday on WWEShop.com.
Natalya beats Charlotte Flair by disqualification after Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan and Sarah Morgan come out from the crowd and attack Natalya. After the attack on Natalya, the threesome then focus on Charlotte Flair, surrounding the ring before going in for the kill. Charlotte Flair retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship.
Dasha Fuentes interviews General Manager Daniel Bryan. He has no comment when it comes to what happened during the SmackDown Women's Championship. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up and say the locker room is jealous of their success. When Sami Zayn says that firing him and Kevin Owens will be the biggest mistake he can make, Daniel Bryan simply says "Good luck, guys."
Next week: "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh) in a 2-on-1 handicap match! Fashion Files!
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) in a Lumberjack Match. During the match, Sami Zayn ducks a forearm by Baron Corbin, which nails Bobby Roode. This starts a brawl among the lumberjacks which heads to the back, and Sami Zayn slides into the ring to pin Kofi with a schoolboy pin. After the match, Kevin Owens escapes through the crowd after Big E confronts him only to be attacked by Rusev and Aiden English. Kofi takes out Rusev and English, but Owens escapes. Kofi hits English and Rusev from the top rope, but when Sami Zayn tries to escape, he gets nabbed by Xavier Woods, who drags him into the ring where he is ganged up on by The New Day before falling victim to a Midnight Hour. Backstage, Kevin Owens tells General Manager Daniel Bryan that he cannot fire him and Sami Zayn. He gets on his knees and begs not to be fired. Daniel says he was never going to fire them, as he recognizes his talent. Next week, Owens will face Randy Orton. Kevin Owens is ticked off about being in the match at first, but thanks Daniel Bryan.
Raw General Manager Mick Foley is interviewed via Skype on the pre-show. Despite the men's team losing at Survivor Series, he's not too disappointed about how last night turned out. He says that everyone has raised their game, including the team of Sheamus and Cesaro as well as The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) despite the latter being eliminated in their match early. He thanks Baron Corbin for letting Raw keep the Cruiserweight Division. Even though Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon eviscerated him weeks ago, he believes it inspired him to step his game up as well. He also calls the ending to Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar shocking, and says it got people talking as he congratulates Goldberg for doing his thing.
In a scene from earlier today, Cedric Alexander congratulates Alicia Fox on winning last night. We find out that Cedric Alexander has a match against Ariya Daivari, who shows up. Daviari says Cedric will need luck tonight, then says something to Cedric in Arabic. Alicia Fox kisses Cedric, then leaves.
During the pre-show, it is announced that James Ellsworth has signed to WWE full-time as a member of SmackDown Live.
Goldberg shows up to start tonight's show. It is announced that he beat Brock Lesnar in one minute and twenty-six seconds. Goldberg thanks the fans for letting him be himself again, and thanks his wife for being an inspiration to him during his training, and also thanks his son for giving him the ability and desire to be a superhero again. Goldberg says he did what he came back to do, and says that all good things must come to an end. In the back, Stephanie McMahon told him he was right about having one more everything left in him, then asked if he had one more title run left in him. Goldberg says "You bet your ass I got one more title run left in me!" He then says that the road to the title match lies in the Royal Rumble. Goldberg then says that everyone is next at the Royal Rumble, confirming that he is entering the Royal Rumble match.
Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) celebrate their Survivor Series victory, even if they were eliminated very early in their match. They then talk about Demolition Crush, Smash, Ax) and their record of 478 days as the WWE World Tag Team Champions, and announce that if they still have the Raw tag titles, they will shatter that record in 23 days. Despite the opposition they have faced, Big E says that they will not be denied.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships when Xavier Woods distracts the ref with his trombone as Kofi Kingston taps out to Cesaro's Sharpshooter. Kofi rolls up Cesaro, and Xavier Woods keeps Sheamus from getting back in the ring to save the match.
Backstage, Chris Jericho is interviewed by Charly Caruso. He says Team Raw fell apart when The List was used as a weapon and its pages were strewn about the ring. Tonight on The Highlight Reel, he will reveal exactly who is to blame.
Enzo Amore is locked out of the locker room without clothes on thanks to Big Cass. The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico) think this is funny, while Titus O'Neil tells Enzo to put some clothes on. Suddenly, he runs into Lana, who shows considerable restraint. Rusev, on the other hand, does not, and is offended that Enzo is naked in front of Lana. Big Cass appears and stands up for Enzo, and Rusev tells Enzo to put on some clothes so he can crush him in the ring.
Raw Commissioner and Raw General Manager Mick Foley talk about their Survivor Series success. Sami Zayn shows up, and Foley says there has to be ramifications for failture. Those ramifications are a match against Braun Strowman.
Before the next match, Ariya Daivari says that Canada is no better than America, now that he's here.
Cedric Alexander beats Ariya Daivari.
It's time for The Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho. He says that Team Raw's loss in the Men's Survivor Series match is a tragedy. As he is about to explain why, Kevin Owens shows up. Owens says he knows who is to blame, and takes to the Jeritron 6500. He tells Jericho he hit Styles with The List because he is his best friend, but when Chris Jericho asks him if he really is his best friend and if he knows how much The List means to him, Owens says "Are you serious? Who cares?" Jericho says he cares, and Owens tells him that he is his best friend, and that he sacrificed himself for Jericho. He then says that instead of taking advantage of that sacrifice, he wasted it and wasted their friendship. After some arguing, Jericho tells Owens he's through with him, then Owens tells him Roman Reigns is to blame...at the same time as Jericho. As they both apologize to each other, Owens talks about how much it is Seth Rollins' and Roman Reigns' fault, then Rollins shows up. He tells Owens that he was promised future opportunities, and since the future is now, he wants a one-on-one match for the WWE Universal Championship and that he wants it tonight. Jericho and Owens don't believe a word he is saying about future opportunities, but Rollins doesn't care, and since they're joined at the hip, he'll have to run through both of them. This starts a brawl between Rollins and Jeri-KO (Jericho and Owens), which Roman Reings jumps into in order to even the odds. Jericho and Owens both go down at the hands of Reigns, then Raw General Manager Mick Foley shows up. He confirms that Seth Rollins was indeed promised a future opportunity for being part of Team Raw, and the future is now. Rollins will face Owens in a no-disqualification match for the WWE Universal Championship, and Jericho and Reigns will both be banned from ringside for that match.
Rusev quickly beats Enzo Amore with the Accolade.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat The Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth) to face The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships next week.
Fans have already gotten their tickets for WrestleMania 33.
Braun Strowman beats Sami Zayn as per Raw General Manager Mick Foley when Foley shows up and ask that the match be stopped when Sami Zayn can no longer fight back.
Charlotte and Dana Brooke show up. Charlotte calls herself "The Wayne Gretzky of WWE," then says she's even better than Gretzky, and then calls her teammates from last night "peasants" as she is above them all. Sasha Banks shows up. Now that Survivor Series is over, she wants her Raw Women's title shot and she wants it now. Charlotte teases giving her the rematch...and gives it to her. But she says it's not happening tonight, and says that next week's Raw is at Charlotte, North Carolina, where "the Queen was born." Charlotte tells Sasha Banks that she wants to beat her in her own hometown. Suddenly, Nia Jax shows up, saying she's here for Sasha because Sasha didn't dominate and she did at Survivor Series, and calls Sasha an "overrated, purple-headed Barbie doll." Sasha says she's not afraid, and gets ready to throw down. Nia tells Sasha that when she stands next to her, she's not "The Boss." Dana gets closer to Nia and Sasha and waves her arms around only to get forearmed. Nia and Sasha brawl, and Nia holds Sasha down so Charlotte can slap her. Bayley arrives to make the save, but there is not much she can do after Nia Jax tosses Sasha out of the ring.
Sasha Banks and Bayley beat Nia Jax and Charlotte with a Banks Statment to Charlotte.
Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins. He's come up short twice, and he's not intending to do this a third time.
We look back at The Rock 'n Sock Connection (The Rock and Mankind) in a preview of Disney's Moana, coming to theaters November 23rd.
The Brian Kendrick guests on commentary for the next match.
Rich Swann beats TJ Perkins and Noam Dar to face Brian Kendrick for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship on the premiere episode of 205 Live on November 29th.
Charly Caruso interviews Kevin Owens. He calls Charly "Renee," then calls Seth Rollins "a failure." He says that Seth Rollins failed the team at Survivor Series, and that his title opportunity will be his punishment for failing the team. He then realizes that Charly Caruso is not Renee Young before saying that he will retain the Universal title tonight.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass plug the Countdown To Black Friday sale on WWEShop.com.
Kevin Owens retains the WWE Universal Championship against Seth Rollins in a no-disqualification match thanks to interference from Chris Jericho in a Sin Cara mask, despite Jericho being banned from ringside for the match.
