offical wwe thread

[wataru330]

The way to do AEW shows in 2023 is to wait until the day of the show and look at bargain tickets. During the days up to the event they tend to slash prices to get butts in seats, and the day of they make them even cheaper and sometimes open up new sections. When I went to Collision a couple months back they opened up one of the hard cam side sections at around 2:00 the day of the event and I got the best seat in the house for $20, front row of the raised seating.

I already miss Punk Collision. It was a good show for a couple months. Now it's mostly just more Dynamite with a slightly higher chance of showing someone I actually want to see.

Thx for the word; I miss Punk era Collision too. That was the last gasp for me.

Shot well, opening blurbs to set the tone/catch people up, Kelly and McGuiness on the call (not feeling Riccaboni), and no bullshit.

It was a Studio Show (think 1986 WTBS) with monster production values, and bigger crowds. It was just what I wanted.

 

[GohanX]

The only thing with my strategy is that it seems like post-punk AEW shows' attendance is getting more and more dismal and they may not open up those extra sections now. But, for me if I wasn't willing to spend original price on the ticket then I wouldn't mind just not going if I couldn't find a cheap seat.

I've done the same with Raw a couple times when they came in town, but that might be harder to do now since WWE is actually selling out or coming close to it lately.

 

[Arcademan]

Now you'll never miss an episode of AEW now that they signed Ric Flair to a multi-year deal! WOOOOO!!!

 

[famicommander]

Remember when everyone shit all over TNA for signing Ric Flair 14 years ago? The only good thing Ric has done in the last 20 years was his woo-off against Jay Lethal.

Ric is an embarrassing fossil now and he needs to just fuck off.

 

[wataru330]

Ric had overstayed his welcome, and squandered his 3rd chance at health. Loosing a child could really scramble your brain, but he just needs to calm the fuck down at this point.

His whole steeze is cringe these days.

Acid trip Seth Rollins suits, weed strains, last ‘match’ that should’ve never happened, energy drank…just settle down man.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

Now you'll never miss an episode of AEW now that they signed Ric Flair to a multi-year deal! WOOOOO!!!

"Hey Juice Robinson your wife Toni wants to ride space mountain!"

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 11-4-23

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to LeClair's real-time report).

(1) SETH ROLLINS (c) vs. DREW McINTYRE – WWE World Heavyweight Championship match

Wade Barrett was quick to mention that the champion’s back issues seem to be worsening week by week. Seth Rollins approached Drew McIntyre in the center of the ring and the two locked up. The two stepped toward the corner and quickly released their grip. Rollins and McIntyre hit opposing ropes, ducking each other’s offense. Drew eventually caught Rollins with a shoulder tackle. The crowd cheered in delight, clearly supporting both men.

​

McIntyre and Rollins began trading chops. Cole talked about McIntyre’s journey to get here, noting that his downfall began at last year’s Clash at the Castle. Barrett said his bitterness has grown recently. Rollins tossed Drew to the outside and gave him a dropkick through the middle rope. He stepped out onto the apron and delivered a diving knee. Rollins slid back inside and coached the crowd. He got a running start, then dove through the middle rope, but Drew picked him out of thin air. He gave Seth an overhead belly-to-belly on the floor.

Michael Cole mentioned that Rhea Ripley wished luck to both men before the match began, noting her attempt to recruit both of them to Judgment Day. Back in the ring, McIntyre dropped Rollins with a Spinebuster for a the match’s first cover and two count at 4:25. The camera pulled back to show the well-lit, sold out arena. Cole mentioned (for the second time already) that Crown Jewel was the hottest ticket in the world and sold out in under two hours.

Seth and Drew traded chops before getting tied up in the ropes. McIntyre went for a modified Alabama Slam, but Rollins broke free and caught his challenger with a step-up Enziguri. McIntyre tried to charge the champion, but he side-stepped. Drew went crashing into the ring post. Rollins took advantage, hitting Drew with a number of kicks, then a knee to the face. He hit the challenger with a springboard Moonsault off the middle rope for a cover and two count just before 8:00. McIntyre pulled himself to his feet and went for a Suplex. Seth countered with a knee to the head. He delivered a Falcon Arrow for a near fall.

The camera pulled back again. Cole said this is the first of five Championship matches tonight. Rollins set McIntyre up for a Pedigree, but Drew blocked it with ease. He pulled Seth in for a Future Shock DDT, but Seth slipped out. McIntyre climbed to the top rope. Barrett said that’s a rarity. Rollins shot to his feet and leapt to the top rope to cut off Drew. He gave him a nice looking Superplex, then rolled through for a second. McIntyre blocked it and delivered one of his own for a cover and two count. The two men struggled to their feet. Drew hoisted Rollins onto his shoulders and began climbing the turnbuckles. Seth slid free on the top rope. He worked his body underneath McIntyre’s and pulled him away from the corner, looking for a Buckle Bomb. Seth’s back gave out on him and he set Drew down. McIntyre capitalized instantly, pulling the ailing Rollins in and delivering a Future Shock DDT for a near fall.

McIntyre retreated to the corner, calling Seth to his feet. The referee went to check on the champion, who was grabbing at his back. McIntyre stepped toward the champion and got caught by a surprise roll up for a two count. Rollins knocked McIntyre to the outside, then caught him with a dive through the middle rope. Seth grabbed at the small of his back again. Drew recovered quickly and tossed Seth, back first, into the ring steps. Rollins winced. Drew climbed the steps, picked Rollins up, and gave him a Sidewalk Slam onto the edge of the ring. Rollins screamed in agony. Drew just shook his head in frustration.

Back in the ring, Seth labored to his knees. McIntyre stood over him, willing him to the stand. He gave Seth a Glasgow Kiss. Seth staggered. Drew pulled him in for a short-arm lariat, but Seth flipped over his back and connected with a Pedigree. He covered for a near fall. Both men slowly rose to their feet as the match hit 14:45. Rollins threw a flurry of punches McIntyre’s way, then set up for a stomp. Drew moved out of the way. He immediately gave Rollins an overhead belly-to-belly, then hit another one. He called for the Claymore. The crowd counted down with him. Rollins cut him off with a Superkick. Seth stumbled to the corner, waiting for Drew to rise. He hit the Stomp. Rollins hooked the leg for a believable near fall.

“Very few people have kicked out of the Stomp,” Cole said. Barrett said McIntyre has barely moved. Seth climbed to the top turnbuckle. He went for the Phoenix Splash, but Drew moved. Both men shot to their feet instantly. McIntyre caught him with the Claymore for a cover and last moment kick out at 17:20. The camera zoomed in on the exasperated, angry face of the challenger. He slid to the corner and looked around the crowd, who began chanting “one more time.” Drew called for another Claymore. Seth caught him with another Superkick. He pulled Drew in and hit a second Pedigree, immediately followed by a Stomp. Rollins hooked the leg for a three count.

WINNER: Seth Rollins in 18:24 to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

​

Wade Barrett said Drew McIntyre must be wondering who he failed to win, and why he didn’t accept Judgment Day’s offer. Drew clutched his neck as he tried to collect his bearings against the ropes. Rollins sat exhausted on the opposite end of the ring. Drew left quietly, but then Judgment Day’s music hit. Damian Priest rushed to the ring, briefcase in hand and referee in tow. He was about to hand the briefcase over when he was attacked from behind by a man in a black hoodie. It was Sami Zayn. He grabbed Priest’s briefcase and escaped through the crowd, being swarmed by fans as he rushed to the back.

(Really good opening match with a hot crowd to bring it up a notch. Rollins and McIntyre very much worked the traditional WWE title main event style here, but having it at the start of the show with a crowd deeply invested in both characters helped it stand out. McIntyre, despite his recent struggles in booking, felt like a far more credible challenger to Rollins than Nakamura did at any point. The presentation lent itself to bringing some credibility to a title that I think has struggled since its onset. Rollins’ back continued to be a focal point, and I do wonder if they’ve got a payoff in mind here, or if it’s simply being used as a storytelling device to place him in regular peril. Really strong start.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 11-4-23

(2) RHEA RIPLEY (c) vs. NIA JAX vs. RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ vs. SHAYNA BASZLER vs. ZOEY STARK – Fatal 5 Way match for the WWE Women’s World Champinship

Nia Jax immediately slid to the outside to begin the match. She played with her hair in front Cole of Barrett. In the ring, the remaining women traded quick roll up attempts for one and two counts. Raquel Rodriguez got the most interesting of the bunch, managing to cover both Zoey Stark and Shana Baszler in a sunset flip. Jax reached in from the outside and pulled her legs out from underneath her to break it up. Raquel helped Zoey Stark take Nia down with a Suplex, sending her back to the outside.

The three remaining challengers, and Rhea Ripley, stood in opposing corners in the ring before mayhem broke out. Raquel looked to give Rhea a Taxana Bomb, but Ripley blocked it took her down. The champion cleared the ring, then challenged Nia Jax to return. Jax stepped to her and the two began trading punches. Ripley tired to lift Jax onto her shoulders, but Nia blocked her. She gave Rhea some elbows to the back of the neck, then slammed her. Jax delivered a leg drop to the champion for a cover and two count, broken up by Zoey Stark.

Stark took Jax down and flipped in the ring from the apron, missing her mark and coming up grabbing her neck. In the center of the ring, Shayna Baszler trapped both Ripley and Raquel in toe holds. She grabbed Jax in a clutch for good measure as the match crossed the 5:00 mark. Stark, the only women free, delivered a kick to Baszler’s head to break all three holds. She covered for a two count. Zoey gave Rodriguez a capture Suplex. She climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Ripley cut her off. The two teetered on the turnbuckles. Rhea delivered clubs to the back. Raquel joined the fray. She and Rhea tried to Superplex Stark, but Zoey blocked them. Shayna ran in underneath to complete the tower spot.

Nia Jax tried to pick the bones, covering the nearest body for a two count. She dragged Stark to the corner and set up for a splash, but Ripley kicked her legs out. Raquel and Rhea exchanged shoves, chops, and punches in the center at 7:30. They delivered simultaneous big boots, leaving them both writhing on the mat. The two rolled out to the apron, jawing at one another. Zoey Stark gave him both a dropkick to the floor. Stark leapt onto the top turnbuckle, then to the top rope, and dove onto both Baszler and Ripley. She tossed the champion back in the ring and gave her a dropkick off the top rope. She quickly pulled Ripley up and into the Z360 for a cover. Jax broke the pin up almost immediately.

The crowd booed as Jax pounded her chest. She dragged Stark into position again, but Raquel cut her off. She gave Jax a Texana Bomb off the middle rope. Ripley returned, but got caught in a clutch from Baszler. Raquel broke it up. Ripley tossed her aside. Rhea gave Shayna the Riptide and covered, but Zoey broke it up. Stark worked Ripley to the corner, and up onto the turnbuckle. The two struggled. Rhea eventually gained control and worked Stark into position for the Riptide. Below, Rodriguez slammed Baszler and covered her. Ripley delivered Riptide to Stark off the middle rope, onto the cover below. She covered for a three count.

WINNER: Rhea Ripley in 11:01

(This was fine. It was the kind of chaos you’d expect from this kind of match. What struck me most strongly was the disparity in star power between Ripley and her four challengers. I’m not sure the reaction for all four women combined would’ve equaled that of Rhea’s. With that said, this didn’t necessarily feel like much of a showcase for Ripley. Instead, it felt more like a collection of spots with an eye toward protecting Nia Jax for a one-on-one match in the near future. Shayna, Zoey, and Raquel all got cool moments to hit their signature moves, while Jax spent most of the match on the outside, or trying to set up her offense in the ring. There was a concerted effort to keep her interaction with Ripley to a minimum, and a clear effort to signal her status above the other three challengers. Ripley visually pinned everyone BUT Jax. I don’t sense there’s much interest in seeing Jax in this position, but we’ll see what they’re able to drum up.)

(3) SOLO SIKOA vs. JOHN CENA

Solo Sikoa and John Cena circled the ring. Cena looked timid. Solo looked poised. Sikoa held his thumb back in a striking position. Cena kept an eye on it. Solo went for a quick shot. Cena ducked it and gave Sikoa a side headlock takeover. Cena kept Solo on the mat, turning his arm over and applying pressure to the hand. Barrett said it was smart strategy, attempting to limit the use of Sikoa’s hand that he uses for the spike.

Cena tossed Sikoa to the outside and slammed his wrist and hand into the steps. Cena worked the arm against the edge of the ring. He tossed him inside and gave him no separation, rushing him to the corner and twisting the arm against the taut end of the rope. Solo broke the grasp with a headbutt. Cena fell to the mat and Solo began stomping away at the veteran. Solo gave Cena a number of headbutts. He began talking trash to Cena. He shook out of the hand, selling the damage Cena had already done. He gave John a spin kick. Cole wondered if this could be the last time we see John Cena in a WWE ring. “Father time is undefeated,” Wade concluded, “John Cena will be the first to know when it’s over.” Cole said it might be Sikoa who tells him.

Sikoa continued to methodically beat down Cena. With a flurry of energy, Cena hoisted Sikoa onto his shoulders for an Attitude Adjustment, but Solo easily slid down his back and dropped him with a Superkick. Sikoa downed Cena in the corner as the match crossed 6:00. He gave Cena a running hip check. Cole said it was homage to Umaga. Cena crawled out of the corner slowly. He grabbed onto Solo’s shorts to steady himself. Solo called for the spike. Cena ducked it. He pulled Solo down and into the STF. Solo screamed out. He reached desperately for the ropes, but was too far away. Instead, he used his body weight to roll Cena over and break the hold. He popped to his feet and gave John a big clothesline.

The enforcer of the Bloodline adjusted his jaw and went back to work. He hung Cena upside down in a tree of woe position and threw his body at him with a leaping headbutt. Sikoa covered for a two count just after the 8:00 mark. Solo delivered a belly-to-belly Suplex for another two count. He motioned toward Cena, looking around at the crowd mockingly. Cena dragged himself to the corner. Solo gave him another running hip check. Cena again used Sikoa’s shorts to steady himself. Sikoa went for the spike a second time. Cena ducked again. He hit a pair of shoulder tackles, then the spin-out Powerbomb. Cena delivered the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. He hoisted him up for the AA, but Solo slid free again. He hit him with a Samoan Drop for a near fall.

“Just as Cena was looking re-energized, it was immediately taken away by the Samoan,” Barrett said. He and Cole agreed that this may the most impressive Sikoa has ever looked. Solo gave John a third hip check in the corner. Cena collapsed in a heap, halfway out of the ring. Solo approached. Cena slid to the outside and caught him with a guillotine. Cena climbed to the top rope and delivered a cross body to Sikoa. He lifted Sikoa for an AA again. Solo slid free. He went for the Spike, Cena blocked it. John gave Solo a Chokeslam for a cover and two count.

Both men traded punches in the center of the ring. Cena went for another Attitude Adjustment, but Solo slid free again. He gave Cena the Spinning Solo for a near fall. He called for the spike again. Cena blocked it with both hands. He tripped Sikoa into the STF a second time. Sikoa crawled desperately toward the ropes, eventually reaching them. Cena gave no quarter. He charged at Sikoa as soon as he stood, looking for a shoulder tackle. Solo caught him in the air with a Samoan Spike. Cena collapsed, but Solo couldn’t take advantage. He clutched the injured hand, trying to shake it out. Cena dragged himself to his feet slowly. Sikoa gave him another spike.

Cena clutched at his neck and chest. He used the ropes to stand. Solo gave him a third spike, this time appearing to get all of it. He shook out of the hand. Cena stumbled against the ropes, trying desperately to recover. Sikoa grabbed Cena by the back of the neck and gave him another spike. He held Cena’s head in his hand and delivered countless spikes to the neck of Cena. John collapsed in a heap. Sikoa covered him for a three count.

WINNER: Solo Sikoa in 16:07

(This was an effective use of John Cena. It’s clear that he lacks the stamina he once had, and there’s still some considerable rust, but he’s still a master as willing a crowd to life and building sympathy during extended beat downs. It was more interesting seeing him in a one-on-one match as opposed to a tag, where he couldn’t just act as a damage sponge, and instead had to string together some sustained offense. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett did a fantastic job not only selling the dominance of Solo Sikoa, but the gravity of his performance and impact of his offense. Given how hard they’ve sold the spike as a finish, seeing it delivered multiple times felt especially violent and cruel. I liked, too, the fact that Cena never kicked out of the move. Solo just kept delivering it, aiming to punish Cena but knowing he had it won. I thought this did exactly what it needed to do.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 11-4-23

(4) REY MYSTERIO (c) vs. LOGAN PAUL – WWE United States Championship match

Michael Cole and Wade Barrett discussed what Logan Paul needs to do to win the title from Rey Mysterio. Barrett concluded that it’s going to come down the Paul’s deadly right hand. Logan backed Rey to the corner and patted him on the head to begin the match. “That’s not going to sit well,” Cole said. Mysterio joined Paul in the center of the ring and the two locked up. Paul’s size advantage allowed him to take quick control. He lifted Mysterio into the air, arm twisted. Rey screamed in pain, but managed to work himself back to the ground, releasing the pressure. He flipped over Paul’s back, then leapt onto his shoulders for a sunset roll through.

Paul rose to his feet quickly. He backed Rey into the corner, but again Mysterio wrestled out with ease. Rey dragged Logan to the mat, looking for a hold, but Paul slid to the outside to regroup. Paul returned to the ring slowly, grabbing a waist lock. Rey turned it into one of his own, so Paul gave him an elbow to the neck. Rey hit the ropes. Paul tried to leapfrog him, but Rey stopped himself. He clapped at Paul mockingly. Paul knocked Mysterio to the apron, but Rey caught him with a forearm. He leapt to the top rope and jumped. Paul caught him on his shoulders for a roll through. He gave Mysterio a springboard Moonsault off the middle rope for a two count at the 4:00 mark.

The challenger whipped Mysterio to the corner and caught him with a number of body shots. He whipped Rey to the opposing corner, but Mysterio just collapsed. Paul looked around at the crowd with a mix of bewilderment and arrogance. He took Rey down by the waist as the crowd tried to will the champion to life. Rey got his feet underneath him and returned to a vertical base. Paul ducked Mysterio’s back elbows, so Rey stomped on his foot. Off the ropes, Paul hit Mysterio with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a cover and two count just before 6:30. Paul pressed Mysterio above his head and dropped him. He gave him a running splash for a cover and two count.

Unsatisfied with the count, Paul tried again. Rey kicked out with more vigor this time. Logan slapped the mat in frustration. He sized Mysterio up for more. Paul grabbed the champion and applied a bear hug. He slung Mysterio around. Rey stayed on his feet, refusing to fall imp. Logan broke the hold and buried his knee into Mysterio’s stomach. Rey managed to give Paul an arm drag into the corner to create some separation. Paul was quick to recover, changing position and cornering Rey. He drove his shoulder into Rey’s mid-section, then challenged him to stand up. Paul continued to punch Rey. He went for a running shoulder, but Mysterio moved. Paul slammed into the ring post and fell to the outside. Mysterio dove through the middle rope onto Paul.

Mysterio returned his challenger to the ring after a four count. He climbed to the top rope and hit a Senton from the top, following by a spring board cross body for a two count. Mysterio flipped Paul into an inside cradle for two, then another roll up for the same. Rey kept tying up Paul’s limbs in various ways, unable to get more than a solid two count. The camera pulled back as Cole reset the scene. In the ring, Paul pulled Mysterio’s body against the ropes. He leapt to the apron and hit a Buckshot Lariat. Paul’s knee buckled just a bit, and Cole said he didn’t quite get all of the clothesline. Barrett said Paul suffered a serious knee injury during his match with Reigns at last year’s Crown Jewel.

“It’s been fun, Rey, but I’ve got to end it,” Paul said. He sized him up for the right hand. Rey ducked it. He tripped Paul up into a Crossface. Paul stretched out and eventually reached the bottom rope as the match crossed 12:45. Mysterio kicked at Paul’s legs. He went for a springboard Moonsault off the middle rope. Paul fell to his knees and caught Mysterio at the last moment, averting disaster. He popped to his feet and hit a Powerslam for a two count. The challenger hoisted Mysterio to the top turnbuckle, but Rey fought him off. The two jockeyed for position at the top. Logan managed to deliver a Moonsault Fallaway Slam off the top for a cover and near fall.

Logan climbed to the top rope. He gave a little Eddie Guerrero shake and dove. Mysterio moved. He tripped Paul into the ropes and went for the 619. Paul caught Rey’s legs. He swung him around, but Rey held onto the apron. He leapt to the top rope. Paul rose to meet him. The two teetered dangerously on the top. Mysterio hit a Sunset Bomb off the top. He followed up with a Code Red for a cover and near fall. One of Logan Paul’s friends showed up at ringside. He slipped Logan a pair of brass knuckles. Mysterio tripped Paul into the ring post. The knuckles went flying to the outside. Paul’s friend went to retrieve the weapon, but was cut off by Santos Escobar. The knuckles were left on the apron.

Mysterio tripped Paul into the ropes. He delivered a 619. He went for the splash, but Paul shot to his feet and caught Rey with the brass knuckles for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Logan Paul in 17:48 to win the WWE United States Championship

(Really fun match. I continue to be newly amazed by Paul every single him he wrestles. Despite being an incredibly unlikable guy, it’s impossible to deny how naturally gifted he is and how high of a level he’s working at. Mysterio was a great opponent for his style, and the two worked exceptionally well together. I thought the interference was unnecessary. Paul has proven himself enough at this point that I don’t think it would be a stretch for him to win matches without interference or weapons. I’m all for the idea of putting the U.S. title on Logan Paul at this point, though I do wonder how wise it is to essentially commit to two part-time guys with your two major Smackdown singles titles. This would’ve made a lot more sense if either he or Reigns were on Raw. Even still, though, I’m intrigued to see what kind of stories they can tell with Paul in this position.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 11-4-23

(5) IYO SKY (c) vs. BIANCA BELAIR – WWE Women’s Championship match

Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair went to work as soon as the bell rang, trading quick waist lock takeovers and shoulder take downs. Belair dumped Sky to the outside and slid underneath the bottom rope to meet her. She slammed Sky’s face off the ring apron and tossed her back in the ring after a four count. Bianca gave Iyo a great stalling Suplex before hitting her signature handstand Moonsault for a cover and two count just over a minute into the match. Belair slammed Sky into the southwest turnbuckle and mounted her for counting punches. Sky slipped out before ten and grabbed Belair’s ponytail. Bianca fought her off and flipped over her.

The challenger charged, but Sky moved and sent Belair crashing into the ring post. Sky gave Belair a dragon screw, immediately going to work on the previously injured knee. Cole and Barrett wondered if Bianca’s knee could possibly be at 100%. Sky worked Belair to the corner. Bianca tried to kick her away, but Sky grabbed her leg and slammed it into the mat. She covered Belair for a quick one count. Sky lifted Belair’s injured leg and drove her boot into the thigh. Bianca kicked the champion away and gave her a pair of Suplexes. Sky popped to her feet and took Belair down by the leg again. She went right back to work on the knee. Iyo covered for a two count at 4:30, then rolled Belair over into a leg lock.

Belair writhed in pain on the mat, trying to break the hold with forearms to the face. After a number of shots, Iyo finally let go of the hold. She tried to pounce again, but Belair fought her off. Sky climbed to the top rope. She dove, but Belair avoided her, not so much by ducking, but because her knee gave out. Belair used the ropes to steady herself. She gave Sky a back elbow, then avoided a charge in the corner. She followed up with a Fallaway Slam. Belair shook her leg out and kipped up, immediately grabbing at her leg. She gave Sky a trio of body slams. She went for a fourth, but Sky slid down her back. Belair still managed to catch her with a tilt-a-whirl slam onto her own injured knee. She came up limping.

Bianca worked Iyo to the northeast corner of the ring and hoisted her onto the top turnbuckle. She climbed up to meet her, looking for a Superplex. Sky slid between her legs and tripped the challenger into tree of woe position. She delivered a sliding dropkick to Belair’s upper body, then immediately applied a Stretch Muffler on the injured leg. Belair used her good leg to power herself up and over Sky, delivering a release German Suplex to buy herself some time.

Both women rose to their feet slowly, trading punches. Sky caught Belair with a shot to the knee. She went for a headscissor, but Belair lifted her into Powerbomb position and gave her a face-first bomb. The camera pulled back for a reset as the match crossed 10:45. In the ring, Belair and Sky tussled near the corner. Belair wound out on the apron. Sky tried to pull her in by the ponytail, but Belair slammed her. Bayley appeared at ringside, distracting Belair. Sky pulled her to the mat by the ponytail. She covered her for a two count. Sky seemed to question Bayley for coming out. Belair tried to hoist Sky up for the K.O.D., but Sky spilled onto the apron. She knocked Belair to the outside, then called for a Moonsault. She connected, dropping Belair on the floor and initiating a double count.

Sky answered the count first, returning Belair to the ring and then hitting her with a springboard Senton for a cover and two count. Sky hit the ropes, but Belair exploded with a Spinebuster for a cover and two count. Bayley looked on with vested interest. Belair and Sky traded waist locks. Sky slid through the bottom and middle ropes, pulling Belair into the ropes as she departed. Sky returned to the ring and got dropped by the challenger for a cover. Bayley immediately leapt onto the apron to distract the referee. Belair dove onto Bayley and beat her against the barrier. Sky flew into frame, but Belair ducked. Sky took out Bayley instead.

Belair slid Sky into the ring. Bayley grabbed Bianca’s leg. Belair kicked her away. She hoisted Bayley into position for the K.O.D., carrying her to the announcers desk. A woman attacked Bayley from behind. It was Kairi Sane. She delivered a jumping knee to Belair off the crowd barrier. The referee finally returned to position, distracted for far too long by Sky. She counted to nine before Belair returned to the ring. Sky immediately hit her with the Moonsault for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Iyo Sky in 16:33 to retain the WWE Women’s Championship

(I thought this started well enough, with a compelling story being told about Belair’s injured knee and Sky’s dominance by continuing to exploit it. What felt like a logically sound, well-paced match at the start quickly devolved into the usual Damage CTRL fodder, with Bayley getting involved despite being previously barred from ringside on last night’s Smackdown by general manager Nick Aldis. There was no mention made of this stipulation by Cole, nor Barret. It’s like they just conveniently forgot. The set up for the finish was equally disappointing. The referee was conveniently distracted by an “injured” Iyo Sky for what felt like 2-3 full minutes so that the Bayley/Kairi Sane spots could happen on the outside. It was just too long a sequence to not feel overbooked and unbelievable. I’m glad to see Kairi Sane back with the company, but I wish they’d have found a better way to execute this.)

(6) DAMIAN PRIEST vs. CODY RHODES

Cody Rhodes pounced as soon as the bell rang and the two picked up right where they’d left off seconds before the referee tried to gain some control. He and Priest traded some quick punches and Cody dropped Mr. Money in the Bank with a clothesline. Priest rolled to the outside to collect himself. Cody followed. Priest cut Rhodes off and slammed him against the ringside barrier. He tossed Cody back in the ring and began mocking the fans, who sprang to life with a “let’s go Cody” chant. Priest tossed Rhodes to the corner and charged. Cody moved out of the way, but immediately stepped with a limp, favoring his ankle.

Cole quickly brought up the attack to Rhodes’ ankle by Judgment Day a couple of weeks ago. Priest cut Rhodes down with a sliding shot to the ankle. He continued to play to the crowd, too long this time. Cody exploded out of the corner with a perfectly placed dropkick. He delivered his signature short jabs to Priest, then gave him a spinning Powerslam. Cody grabbed at the injured ankle again, then pounded his chest. He hit Priest with a Disaster Kick for a cover and two count at 3:30.

Priest rolled to the outside, shadowed by his opponent. Rhodes slammed Damian against the ringside steps, then went to clear the Arabic announcers table. He turned around and was met with a clothesline from Priest. Damian went for a Razor’s Edge onto the table, but Cody slid down his back and into the ring. Rhodes dove through the middle rope onto Priest, collapsing him onto the table. He climbed up to meet him. Cody set Priest up for the Cross Rhodes. Priest blocked it hit his own version, the Reckoning. The table didn’t break. Priest tossed Rhodes back in the ring. He called for the Reckoning in the ring. Rhodes blocked it and hit Cross Rhodes.

Both men were down in the ring. Cody began to stir first. Finn Balor jogged down the ring. Cody turned his focus to him. Finn tried to get in the ring, distracting the referee. J.D. McDonagh slid in the ring and attacked Cody from behind. Rhodes made short work of him, but it opened up Priest to hit South of Heaven. He covered Rhodes for a two count. Balor looked toward the stage, calling for more. Dominick Mysterio headed to the ring with a steel chair in hand. When he got to ringside, he was met with a Superkick from Jey Uso. Jey gave one to Finn, then to J.D. too. He took the steel chair, looking on toward Priest. He chased Judgment Day to the back.

In the ring, Rhodes hit Priest with the Cody Cutter. he hit more short jabs, then a bionic elbow for a near fall at 8:45. Cody set up for Cross Rhodes again. Priest caught him with a kick to break free. he gave Rhodes a Snapmare, then a kick of his own. Both men stood quickly. Cody leapt to the top rope and delivered another Cody Cutter for a near fall. Rhodes slumped against the ropes, willing the crowd to aid him. He threw his arms back, but Priest grabbed him and lifted him up for a Powerslam. Rhodes slid free, hooked Priest and delivered Cross Rhodes. He held on and delivered a second, then a third for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes in 11:02

(Solid enough match that didn’t overstay its welcome. I think going hot out of the gates with these two was the right call, and there’s no question that Rhodes needed a clean, decisive win here. Another match that featured significant interference, and more shenanigans to keep the referee distracted long enough for stuff to happen. Though the situation was less egregious than in the previous match, it’s grating to see it be such a significant piece of two back to back bouts.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 11-4-23

(7) ROMAN REIGNS (c, w/ Paul Heyman) vs. LA KNIGHT – WWE Undisputed Universal Championship match

LA Knight came out hot, immediately teeing off on Roman Reigns as the bell rang. Roman weathered the storm and quickly dropped his challenger with an uppercut. He mocked Knight’s crowd point with contempt. Knight dropped Roman with a shoulder tackle, but Reigns shot to his feet instantly. He tossed Knight to the outside. Knight landed on his feet and looked back at Reigns confidently. He turned to the apron and launched himself off the top rope, catching Reigns with a tackle. He covered for a one count at the 2:00 mark.

Roman Reigns hit the ropes. Knight scooped him out of the air and delivered a Powerslam for a cover and a two count. Feeling the pressure early, Paul Heyman called on Knight’s attention, allowing Reigns to roll to the outside and regroup. Heyman circled the ring to council him. Knight dove through the middle rope, dropping the champion. LA Knight cleared the announcers desk. Cole said that many of Roman’s past opponents have been intimidated out of the gates, unable to capitalize early in the match. He applauded Knight’s aggression. Reigns slammed Knight into the announcers desk, then tossed him into the ring steps.

“When Reigns weathers the early emotional storm, it’s very hard for his opponent to crawl back into the match,” Cole said. Barrett mentioned that you can beat Roman Reigns senselessly for five minutes, only to empty your tank and panic when he mounts an inevitable comeback. Reigns slid back in the ring. Knight beat the referee’s count at seven. Roman settled into his usual pace, stepping on Knight as he threw a finger up. He tossed Knight into the turnbuckles, then waved the fans off, telling them to quiet down. Reigns gave Knight a Suplex for a cover and one count. Roman smirked. He grabbed a side headlock. Knight struggled to a knee, but Reigns grounded him. The camera zoomed in on the champion’s face. “Not a chance. Not a chance, man,” he said arrogantly to the camera.

Knight fought to his feet. He backed Reigns toward the ropes and sent him across the ring. Roman toppled him with a leaping clothesline for a cover and two count just after 7:00. The camera pulled back as a frenzy grew amongst the crowd, trying to will LA Knight to life. Reigns down him in the corner again. Roman continued to soak in the jeers from the crowd, toying with them. He gave Knight a clothesline in the corner, then tossed him haphazardly across the ring. Reigns charged at Knight again, but Knight caught him with an elbow, then a boot to the face. Knight climbed to the middle rope and hit a DDT on the champion.

Neither man was quick to his feet. Knight tired to shake away the damage, but it was Reigns who rose first. They traded punches. Knight got the upper hand with combination rights and lefts. He ducked a clothesline from the champion and hit a Russian Leg Sweep, followed by a DDT for a cover and two count at 10:15. Reigns retreated to the corner. Knight didn’t let him, stomping him to a chorus of “Yeah!” from the crowd. Reigns powered to his feet and gave Knight a powerful Uranagi. He cocked his fist for the Superman Punch, but Knight ducked it. He scooped Reigns onto his shoulders and hit a spinning neckbreaker. Knight set up for the Mic Check Elbow. He hit the ropes, but Reigns shot his feet and hit the Superman Punch. He covered for a near fall.

The Head of the Table began talking trash again. He threw his arms back for the Spear, but Knight leapt over him. Reigns connected with the turnbuckle. Knight drove his shoulder into Roman’s ribs repeatedly. He hoisted him onto the top turnbuckle. Knight tried for the Superplex, but Reigns blocked it with body shots, knocking Knight back to the mat. Knight was undeterred, he leapt to the top rope and delivered the Superplex. LA connected with the leaping elbow for a cover and near fall just past 14:00.

The referee turned his focus toward the entrance way. Solo Sikoa was surrounded by officials, preventing him from coming to ringside. Back at the ring, Jimmy Uso was trying to interfere. Knight knocked him away, but the distraction allowed Reigns to hit a Superman Punch and Spear for a cover and near fall. Reigns shook his head in disbelief. Knight crawled desperately toward the corner, gasping for breath. Reigns began hurling rights at Knight, talking more trash. “You’re a flash in the pan,” he told the challenger. Knight used Roman’s pants to drag himself up. The champion applied the Guillotine. Knight fell to a knee. Reigns dropped to his knees to apply additional pressure. Knight flexed his hand, trying to stay alive. He kicked at the mat, willing on the crowd. He worked back to one knee, then two. Reigns shook is head in shock. Knight stood, firing off punches to Reigns’ ribs.

LA Knight forced the champion into the corner, but Roman didn’t let go. Knight began to fade again, but he got his foot on the bottom rope. He broke free and caught Reigns with Blunt Force Trauma. Knight covered. The referee counted to three, but Jimmy Uso placed Reigns’ foot on the bottom rope and the referee waved off the count. Knight slid to the outside and slammed Jimmy’s head into the announcers desk repeatedly. Reigns headed outside and received the same treatment. Uso tried to give Knight a Superkick, but he caught his leg, scooped him up and slammed him through the announcers desk. Knight turned around and ate a Spear through the timekeeper’s barricade.

Reigns tossed Knight back in the ring and gave him a Spear for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Roman Reings in 20:02 to retain the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship

Cole said it’s the “same old story” as Roman Reigns survives again.

(A fairly prototypical Roman Reigns match. It felt like they were going for a slightly different method at the start, with Knight getting a lot of offense in early. Reigns quickly snuffed the flame and settled in to his usual plodding, methodical style. Despite being a massive fan of this run, and some of the matches along the way, I have to admit that the formulaic title defense have grown a bit old. Knight had the crowd in the palm of his hand, and there was unquestionably devoted interest in his success, but I also got the sense that even the Saudi crowd didn’t really feel like Knight had a real chance here. Once again, the match was marred by significant interference at a key point in the match. Solo Sikoa stood on the apron long enough to distract the referee, which allowed Jimmy Uso to get involved. His involvement eventually cost Knight the match, and yet another Roman Reigns opponent gets a visual victory over the champion. Those spots were novel in the early days of this reign, but they’ve become too commonplace to mean much of anything now.)

 

[famicommander]

The CW approached Tony Khan asking if they could start broadcasting an ROH weekly TV show. Tony turned them down because he wants ROH to be free when AEW's TV deal comes up next year, because for some reason he thinks ROH will give him more leverage in the market when he negotiates for AEW. No idea why he thinks owning a much smaller promotion without a TV deal gives him leverage for a TV deal for his bigger promotion.

Then Billy Corgan claimed that he had a TV deal with the CW signed for NWA, but that turned out to be a lie. Billy claims his cocaine spot on PPV soured the TV deal, but what actually happened was that the CW gave Billy a deal for a reality TV show about his wedding and agreed to let him upload his NWA youtube episodes to the CW App in the meantime. Essentially the CW agreed to let him move his Youtube videos to a smaller video platform than Youtube, for zero money, and Billy was hyping this up as a broadcast TV deal for NWA. Now we don't even know if his reality show is happening, but it's for sure that there was never a TV deal for NWA.

And now the CW has announced that they're going to start showing NXT.

So Billy's a liar and a moron and Tony is so stupid that he let his primary competitor take a broadcast TV deal that was offered to his B promotion.

 

[Arcademan]

Tonight's AEW Full Gear PPV results will be posted sometime tomorrow since I'm heading to bed early to work a rare Sunday morning. For those who can't wait, go to your favorite wrestling site for the results. Apologies for any inconvenience.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Full Gear PPV Results: 11-18-23

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report)

[ZERO HOUR]

(A) EDDIE KINGSTON vs. JAY LETHAL (w/Karen Jarrett, Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt, Satnum Singh) – ROH World Hvt. Title match
WINNER: Kingston in 11:00 to retain the ROH World Hvt. Title. (**)
(It was fine. Nothing special. The usual dose of antics from Jarrett & Co.)

(B) CLAUDIO CASTANOLI vs. BUDDY MATTHEWS
WINNER: Claudio in 11:00.
( Good action, as you’d expect with these two. It wasn’t electric as it had a prelim vibe with the fans still arriving and Matthews not really seeming like a threat to win.)

(C) MJF & SAMOA JOE vs. COLTEN & AUSTIN GUNN – ROH Tag Team Title match
WINNERS: MJF & Joe in 9:00 to retain the ROH Tag Team Titles.
(So the final hard sell for the PPV was that the main event might not take place? I suppose it makes it seem more likely Jay White will beat MJF if he wrestles, but that angle and MJF’s words suggested he might be medically cleared to wrestle.)

[MAIN PPV CARD]

(1) CHRISTIAN CAGE & NICK WAYNE & LUCHASAURUS vs. STING & ADAM COPELAND & DARBY ALLIN (w/Ric Flair)

The heel trio came out first. Then Ric Flair made his way out. Schiavone said Flair vowed to be with Sting every step of the way. Copeland wore face paint. They showed Ken Jeong and later Steve O at ringside cheering during entrances. Christian and Wayne hugged before the match.

After Darby and Wayne battled, Darby tagged in Sting. He knocked Wayne down and then threw him into the ringside barricade. Christian tagged in. Sting tagged out to an eager Copeland. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Christian tagged out to Luchasaurus. Schiavone called Christian a coward. Copeland took Luchasaurus down with a Russian leg sweep and a neckbreaker. He tagged Darby in. Luchasaurus punched Darby. Christian took a cheap shot at Darby. Luchasaurus then lifted Darby and chokeslammed him over the top rope. Darby landed on the edge of the ring apron. Schiavone said Darby is planning to take a red eye after this match to climb Mt. Everest.

Wayne taunted Flair by strutting and stared at him. Darby whipped Wayne into the his corner and he knocked Christian to the floor. Schiavone said, “He actually took a bump to the floor!” Darby landed a top rope Code Red. Both were down and slow to get up. Christian crawled under the ring and came up and attacked Copeland. When Sting chased Christian at ringside, Luchasaurus knocked him down. That left just Darby for Christian to battle in the ring.

Darby crawled over to his corner and tagged in Copeland. Christian tried to dive out of the ring. Wayne helped pull Christian to the floor. Copeland turned to Luchasaurus and speared him off the ring apron. Copeland pressed Wayne above his head and tossed him into the arms of Luchasaurus. Darby then leaped over the ropes and crashed into Luchasaurus and Wayne. Sting then dove off the ring apron onto Wayne and Luchasaurus. They cut to a smiling Flair.

Back in the ring, Luchasaurus grabbed both Sting and Copeland. They fought back. Copeland landed a tandem Scorpion Death Drop. Darby threw Wayne back into the ring. Sting and Copeland suplexed Wayne as Darby leaped off the top rope with a crossbody block. As Luchasaurus and Copeland battled in the ring, Christian approached Flair. Flair chopped him, but Christian gave him a low-blow from behind. Flair went down.

Christian charged at Copeland with a title belt, but he hit Luchasaurus by mistake. Christian fled through the crowd. Darby hit Luchasaurus with a Coffin Drop and Copeland made the cover for the win. Flair took part in an in-ring celebration.

WINNERS: Sting & Copeland & Darby in 15:00. (***)

(Smart to have Christian avoid Copeland to build up to that moment later. The match went as you’d expect, with Wayne taking a lot of bumps and being an agitator, Christian cheating, and Luchasaurus tossing Darby around. Solid match.)

-Jay White walked out with the AEW World Title belt. He yelled at Schiavone because the Gunns music was playing instead. Schiavone said, “Settle the hell down, Jesus. I’ve got work to do here.” Schiavone announced that MJF is injured and he won’t be able to defend the title as scheduled. He said the match has been cancelled. Fans booed. He said, “By default, your new AEW World Champion…” Adam Cole’s music played and he walked out on crutches. Cole said there’s no way he’s leaving the Kia Forum with MJF’s title. He said he promised MJF he wouldn’t let that happen. He said he already talked to Tony Khan. He said he’ll defend the title for MJF tonight if MJF cannot go. He said the main event, even if he can only stand on one leg, will be him vs. White. White gloated that Cole has no chance and referred to Cole having memory issues. Excalibur asked how Cole can wrestle. Taz said MJF has no shot to retain the title.

(This is just weird. If MJF truly can wrestle, which he seemed fine doing in the ROH Tag Title match, then it’s strange if he doesn’t wrestle as advertised and also strange if they’re milking the idea he won’t but eventually he will. Then the storyline way this played out with White about to be given the belt and then Cole somehow being cleared to defend for him is just nonsense.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Full Gear PPV Results: 11-18-23

(2) ORANGE CASSIDY (w/Hook) vs. JON MOXLEY (w/Wheeler Yuta) – AEW International Title match

Early in the match they battled on the top rope in a corner, exchanging bites and headbutts. Cassidy rapid-fire headbutted Mox, who began bleeding heavily from the forehead. Cassidy landed a diving DDT on Mox off the top rope. Cassidy hit another DDT and scored a mere one count. Cassidy sent Mox to ringside and then dove through the ropes, knocking Mox into the announce desk. He followed up with a diving elbow into the side of Moxley’s head. Fans chanted, “Freshly squeezed.”

Back in the ring, Mox blocked a Cassidy top rope move and went for a Death Rider. Cassidy blocked it, but Mox took over and mounted Cassidy and pummeled him with a barrage of strikes. They fought back and forth. Cassidy put a Red Rum on Mox, which led to cheers from Hook at ringside. Mox escaped and yanked the turnbuckle pad off the top corner. Mox then hit a cutter followed by a piledriver for a near fall.

Mox mocked Cassidy with casual kicks. Cassidy shoved Mox into the exposed turnbuckle. Cassidy stood and landed an Orange Punch. It took three to take Mox down, although the third one looked weak. Cassidy then rolled up Mox for a near fall. He followed with a fourth and fifth Orange Punch. Cassidy then landed a Beach Break and scored a three count.

Yuta called for Claudio to join them in the ring to check on Mox who was groggy and bloody. Trent joined Hook in helping Cassidy stand and raise his belt above his head. As Yuta bumped into Hook, the director cut away to an “Orange Cassidy” sign in the crowd. The announcers had to convey what happened verbally.

WINNER: Cassidy in 12:00 to retain the AEW International Title. (***)

(The match was intense and brutal, but not particularly long. This was one of the matches that some thought had the backstory to actually headline this event. Two of the late Orange Punches were sloppy and showed light, unfortunately. The clean finish was good to see, even if you could argue Moxley should be booked a level above Cassidy. I’m curious what’s next for Mox, since it seemed Cassidy and Hook were going to be a tag team before Mox’s concussion, and now that he’s back, it seemed they’d pick up with him as champ so Cassidy & Hook would be a team without a singles title in the mix.)

(3) HIKARU SHIDA vs. TONI STORM (w/Luther the Butler) – AEW Women’s Title match

As Storm made her entrance in black and white, Taz said he had goosebumps. (Taz replaced Schiavone on the announce team for this match.) Luther brought a tray of stuff to the ring including shoes and jewelry. Storm pulled out a script and ten tore it in half. They showed Mariah May cheering at ringside. Luther put a shoe in the back of Storm’s trunks and then Storm held up the other shoe. The ref yanked the visible shoe away from her, so she then hit Shida with the other one and scored a near fall.

A couple minutes later Shida landed a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Shida’s knee buckled seconds later on a leap. She bodyslammed Storm, but her leg gave out. Storm applied an anklelock. Shida crawled to the bottom rope. Storm yanked off Shida’s shoe. Shida fought back and grabbed a kendo stick. Luther tried to take it, but Shida kicked him and then bashed him with the kendo stick several times. Storm put an object from the tray in her tights. Storm sunset flipped Shida, but Shida reversed it for a two count. Storm then German suplexed Shida. She adjusted the silver plate in her trunks and landed a hip attack to knock out Shida and scored the three count.

The screen went to the black and white old movie film effect as she lay on the mat and celebrated. Excalibur said, “This will be the headline in all the trades tomorrow morning.” Mariah May presented her with flowers. Storm welled up with tears as she stood mid-ring. Luther then lifted her into his arms and spun her around at ringside. Luther took the foreign object out of Storm’s trunks and then they returned to the back.

WINNER: Storm in 11:00 to capture the AEW Women’s Title. (**1/2)

-Renee interviewed Kingston backstage. She asked what’s next. He said he has his eyes on the tournament. He said he wants to make it more prestigious, so he wants to put his life’s work on the line. He said he would put the ROH Title and the NJPW Strong Title at stake in the tournament. He said the winner also gets the Continental Championship in addition to his belts.

-Excalibur and Taz said he just raised the stakes. Taz said it shows Kingston’s confidence level is high.

(That didn’t raise the stakes. It watered down the idea of title belts having value and being defended in a logical, structured way – a concept already badly at risk given this weird AEW World Title situation. So Kingston is either going to win the tournament, or give up the belts to a wrestler who wins the tournament who, in theory, he might beat in the round robin tournament? It’s just a mess. Adding two belts that people don’t care all that much about as a prize and saying there’s also a Continental Championship at stake, which hadn’t been previously announced, almost feels like a parody of AEW’s abundance of belts.)

(4) RICKY STARKS & BIG BILL vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) vs. HOUSE OF BLACK (Malakai Black & Brody King) vs. LFI (Rush & Dralistico) – Ladder match for the AEW Tag Team Titles

A few minutes in, Cash leaped onto a crowd at ringside. Dralistico did the same seconds later. Black koncked Starks off the top rope and then flipped onto a crowd below at ringside. After a parade of dives onto crowds, Bill and Brody squared off and then battered each other with forearms. Dralistico climbed the aldder, but Cash tipped the ladder over. Rush stomped away at Cash in the corner. Rush then played to the crowd who chanted his name. Cash came back with a powerslam. This was an extended stretch where the rest of the wrestlers were just kneeling or lying at ringside. When Cash climbed the ladder, Black attacked him. As Black set up a ladder in the corner, fans chanted, “This is awesome!”

Cash low-blowed Black. Fans booed. Cash then landed a leaping piledriver on the ladder leaning in the corner on the bottom rope. Fans chanted “Holy shit!” Brody dove through the ropes, but Bill lifted the ladder to Brody hit the ladder head-first. He went down in a heap. Starks entered teh ring and went on the attack including spearing Rush. He followed with a tornado DDT on Dox. He celebrated. THen he walked the top rope while holding Cash’s hand. He leaped off and then suplexed Cash.

Black went after Starks, but Starks knocked Black into the ladder. Brody threw Dax into the ladder. He then landed a cannonball on Dax in the corner, although he largely overshot him. Brody set up a ladder mid-ring and began to climb it. Big Bill tipped the ladder over and Black bumped onto a ladder leaning in the corner. Dralistico kicked away at Bill. Rush then wedged a ladder in the corner against Bill. Rush played to the crowd forever, leaving Bill to just lie in the corner and do nothing. He then kicked the ladder into Bill.

Rush set up a ladder mid-ring and climbed it. Starks climbed the other side. They met at the top. Dax set up a taller ladder. Cash and Dralistico got involved. Brody tipped over the ladder Dax was on. Brody suplexed Cash off the other ladder. Black put Dralistico on his shoulders, but Dralistico drove Black to the mat. Dralistico and Brody battled on the ring apron next. Brody stood on the ladder and walked on it and then piledriver Dralistico on it. The ladder bent. They cut to fans concerned for Dralistico.

Cash re-bridged the ladder and then put Brody on it. Cash climbed to the top rope. Bill intervened, but Dax knocked him off the ring apron with a ladder. Cash then leaped off the top rope with a splash onto Brody on the ladder at ringside. He always fell backwards before the leap, adding a little drama to the move. Fans chanted, “AEW! AEW!”

Starks and Cash stood on the top of the ladder. Starks knocked Cash off the ladder. Cash grabbed his ankle in pain as Starks pulled the belt down to win the match. They showed bodies strewn at ringside including a bloodied Brody and Dax. Taz said the match was super-dangerous.

WINNERS: Starks & Bill in 21:00 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles. (***1/2)

( I was cringing and fearful of wrestlers getting legitimately hurt multiple times, but everyone at least seemed to be okay at the end. This is what a modern-day ladder match has become, and when crowds react like they did here, there will be more. Credit to the wrestlers for putting their bodies on the line like that and being skilled enough to survive the big spots given all the variables that could have led to injuries.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Full Gear PPV Results: 11-18-23

-Excalibur hyped the Dec. 30 PPV, Worlds End. Excalibur said they’ll be crowning the “modern American” Triple Crown Champion.

(So the prize of the tournament is yet another singles title, which is the merging of two relatively low-level singles titles in the AEW/ROH/NJPW ecosystem, and then a made-up title? Can they give the wrestler a ribbon and a title shot at the AEW World Title instead? Is the Triple Crown Title going to be defended between tournaments?)

(5) KRIS STATLANDER vs. JULIA HART vs. SKYE BLUE – AEW TBS Title match

Early in the match, Blue and Hart kicked Statlander from opposite side. With Statlander down, Hart and Blue eyed each other and then approached each other. Skye offered a handshake with her left hand. Hart accepted it, but then they came to blows. Hart rammed Blue’s head into the mat over and over. Statlander rolled into the ring after Blue scored a two count. Hart broke up a cover by Statlander with a senton.

Statlander took over and knocked Hart out of the ring and went on sustained offense against Blue. When she climbed to the top rope, Hart shoved her to the mat. Hart climbed to the top rope and landed a moonsault for a two count. Statlander yanked Hart off of the cover. Statlander powerslammed a charging Hart at ringside. Skye landed a Code Blue on Statlander a minute later and scored a dramatic near fall. All three battled briefly. Hart then applied her submission on Blue. Statlander intervened and suplexed both of them. Statlander hit some suplexes on both opponents. Excalibur said one might caller her a human suplex machine. Taz said, “Easy there!” Statlander then landed Saturday Night Fever on Blue, but Hart clotheslined Statlander and stole the cover and got the three count on Blue.

WINNER: Julia Hart in 11:00 to capture the TBS Title. (**1/2)

(The crowd was quiet early in the match, but got more engaged in the closing minutes. Good to see Hart get a title as she’s really come along in the ring and as a character. Statlander didn’t seem to be clicking in a top role as one of AEW’s women champions.)

(6) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE vs. “SWERVE” STRICKLAND (w/Prince Nana) – Texas Death match

Swerve came out first. Nana danced and asked, “Who’s house?” Hangman came out without entrance music. He tackled Swerve and the ref, of course, immediately called for the bell. Hangman hit a Buckshot Lariat seconds into the match. Hangman whipped Swerve into the ringside barricade. Hangman taped Swerve’s wrists together and beat him up until he bled from his forehead.

A few minutes later, Hangman used a stapler to stick his kid’s art to each of Strickland’s cheeks. He bled from the staples in his cheeks. Hangman got under Strickland’s blood stream and opened his mouth as blood poured in. Excalibur said Hangman is “completely unhinged.” Taz was almost speechless. He said he’s seen a lot and he’s from ECW, but he doesn’t recall that. When Hangman wound up with a barbed wire chair, but Swerve kicked him between his legs. Hangman used the staple gun on Swerve’s chest, but Swerve no-sold them and looked like a zombie. His face was covered in blood. He then stapled Hangman’s face. Swerve stapled himself several times and smiled.

Swerve wedged the barbed wire chair in the corner of the ring. He raked a strand of barbed wire into Hangman’s forehead. Swerve retrieved another bunch of barbed wire and walked around ringside. He pulled a cinder block out from under the ring and placed it on the ring apron. Hangman fought back. They battled on the ring apron. Swerve ended up driving Hangman shoulder and head first onto the block with a Death Valley Driver. Swerve went back at him at ringside. Swerve piledrove Hangman on the ledge of the ringside barricade. The camera zoomed in on Swerve’s face, which was 85 percent covered in blood. Swerve poured water over his head. Excalibur said his eyes were probably stinging from the blood. The announcers went in-depth on the taste and consistency of blood.

They returned to the ring and exchanged wild swings. Fans chanted “Cowboy Shit!” Hangman gave Swerve a fallaway slam, but didn’t get up right away afterward. Hangman wrapped a long strand of barbed wire around Swerve’s mid-section and then gave him a fallaway slam. Swerve rolled to the floor. Hangman’s face was also covered in blood. Excalibur said it was the most intense Texas Death Match in pro wrestling history. Hangman leaped off the top rope with a moonsault onto a standing Swerve with a barbed wire wrapped chair in his grip. Swerve clutched his right shoulder in pain afterward.

Hangman threw Swerve back into the ring. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Hangman went for a Buckshot Lariat, but Swerve blocked it. When Hangman picked up the barbed wire wrapped chair, Swerve kicked it into him. Hangman gave Swerve a tombstone piledriver onto the barbed wire wrapped chair. Both were down and slow to get up.

Hangman continued the beating on Swerve. He sat him on the top rope and punched away at him. “Who can prepare for this?” Nigel asked. Swerve went for a sunset flip of Hangman out of the corner, btu Hangman held on. Swerve bashed the back of Hangman’s head with the barbed wire chair and then powerbombed him onto the barbed wire chair on the mat. Swerve followed with a double stomp on Hangman who was lying on the chair. Both were down and slow to get up. Fans began counting.

Swerve stood first, bashed Hangman’s back with the chair again, and then dropped to ringside where he pulled out a black bag. Swerve poured broken glass on Hangman’s back and then landed a 450 on him. The ref counted Hangman down and got to nine before Hangman pulled himself up. Fans chanted, “AEW! AEW!” Swerve charged at Hangman and clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor.

Nana pulled a barbed wire board out from under the ring and slid it into the ring. Swerve bridged the board over two chairs in the ring. Swerve still had staples stuck in his chest. Swerve then set up a move from behind Hangman on the top rope. Hangman elbowed out of it and turned around. He bit Swerve’s forehead, then climbed the top rope and overhead slammed Swerve through the board. He followed with a sudden powerbomb on the barbed wire and his signature Dead Eye on the board. A “Fight forever” chant broke out. Hangman wrapped barbed wire around Swerve’s head and neck. He hit the Buckshot Lariat next. The ref counted Swerve down and got to eight when Nana pulled Swerve to the floor. Swerve stood to break the count, but then fell.

Brian Cage ran out and powerbombed Hangman. Taz said it’s all legal in a Texas Death match. He gave Hangman his finisher and then pulled a table out from under the ring and set it up at ringside. Cage lifted Hangman for a powerbomb, but Hangman slipped free and wrapped his fist and punched Hangman. He followed with a lariat. Cage rolled out of the ring. Nana entered the ring and his Hangman with a chair across his back. Hangman no-sold it. Nana tried to leave, but Hangman caught him on the ring apron. Nana danced and smiled. Hangman gave him a Dead Eye off the ring apron through the table below. Swerve then broke the cinder block across Hangman’s back.

Swerve then wrapped a long chain around Hangman’s beck, then wrapped the other end around the top turnbuckle. He pulled on the chain and Hangman was, well, hanged. Swerve let go. Hangman collapsed to the ground. The ref began counting and got to ten. Swerve watched closely and then dropped next to Hangman in sheer exhaustion. “By the grace of god, this is over,” said Nigel. Taz said, “That was insane.” Excalibur said fans were eyewitness to one of the most violent and bloody matches in pro wrestling history. Taz said it’s hard to recall all of them, but this is at the tippy tippy top. Nigel said this will go down as the most brutal match in AEW history. Taz said they destroyed each other.

WINNER: Strickland in 30:00. (****1/2)

(The announcers weren’t exaggerating. That was as violent as a match gets. It just went on and on and on, which is either good or bad depending on each person’s desire for or tolerance for that level of gratuitous violence and blood. It does seem like it’s the kind of spectacle and performance that will elevate Swerve in the eyes of a lot of fans. Interesting choice for the finish. The stuff with Brian Cage and Prince Nana is supposed to be a reason for Hangman losing, I suppose, but it took away from the match.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Full Gear PPV Results: 11-18-23

(7) THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. THE GOLDEN JETS (Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho)

Don Callis joined the announcers on commentary. Callis said Jericho and Omega didn’t make the cut for the Callis Family. Omega landed a running dive onto Matt at ringside a few minutes in. Jericho knocked Nick off the ring apron and then slidekicked him. Matt threw Jericho into the ringside steps. Nick jammed Jericho’s arm between the steps and the ringpost and kicked the steps. Excalibur said that was the arm Jericho uses for the Judas Effect.

Back in the ring, Jericho clotheslined both Bucks. His right arm was bleeding and he favored it afterward. Nick stomped away at Jericho in the corner, then paraded around the ring and got booed. Taz said it’s wild the Bucks were getting booed in Los Angeles.

Jericho eventually applied a sharpshooter on Matt mid-ring. Nigel said he couldn’t hold on because of his damaged right arm. The Bucks scored a near fall on Jericho after a top rope moonsault onto Jericho. Omega was trying to make the save, but Matt stopped him, so Jericho had to kick out.

Matt gave a low kick to Jericho. Fans booed. Omega confronted Nick who backed away and denied it to the ref. Matt then kicked Omega between the legs as Nick had the ref occupied. Matt then hit Omega with a Judas Effect; Jericho broke up the cover with a shove. Callis said he was enjoying the match. The Bucks then delivered the BTE Trigger to Jericho’s head. Jericho kicked out. The Bucks set up a move, but Omega blocked it. Nick kicked both Omega and Matt, with Matt an unintended target. Jericho then gave Nick a low-blow.

Omega then teased giving a V-Trigger to Jericho, but ran past him and delivered it to Nick. Then he gave Nick a Snap Dragon. Matt gave Omega a One-Winged Angel. Nick made the cover and scored a two count. Jericho caught Matt mid-air with a Code Breaker. Omega suplexed Matt into a bridge for a near fall next. A minute later, Omega hit the One-Winged Angel on Matt for the win.

Callis lamented Omega choosing a narcissistic psychopath over lifelong friends. Nick threw a fit at ringside. Omega tried to have a word with the Bucks afterward, but they wanted no part of that conversation. Matt bashed the ringpost with a chair. Excalibur said Omega & Jericho get a tag title shot anytime they want one. Nigel said the Bucks were kind of acting like children. Excalibur said it was petulance.

WINNER: Omega & Jericho in 21:00 to earn a future AEW Tag Team Title match. (***1/2)

(It was hard to get reinvested in a match after the energy-draining and emotionally-exhausting prior match. They worked the match you’d expect from them, playing up the history of Omega and the Bucks, doing each other’s moves at times, and lot of near falls after big spots. The crowd got increasingly into the match and increasing anti-Bucks, who are really entertaining as heels. Do we see Omega & Jericho challenge Starks & Bill soon? In a way, it seems like separate worlds colliding a bit if that happens soon, but that’s not a bad thing.)

(8) MJF vs. “SWITCHBLADE” JAY WHITE – AEW World Title match

Cole walked out on crutches with the ROH Tag Team Title belt around his waist. He tried to get the crowd to react louder when he sat on the ring apron before entering the ring. When White made his entrance with the Gunns, all three limped to mock Cole. Justin Roberts did formal ring introductions. He said Cole was “representing the All Elite World Champion.” The crowd was quiet, trying to calibrate this situation compared to what was advertised and expected. Excalibur said it’s a farce. The ambulance siren sounded just before the bell. Cole smiled at the big screen as MJF drove an ambulance into the arena. MJF limped to the ring with his left thigh heavily taped up. MJF’s music played and came out to some cheers. Cole made sure MJF was okay. White smiled at the switch of one wrestler with an injured leg to another.

The bell rang 24 minutes into the fourth hour of the PPV and fifth hour counting the Zero Hour pre-show. MJF’s leg gave out early. White clipped it from behind to make it worse. “Pride comes before the fall,” said Nigel. The Gunns double-teamed MJF at ringside early as the ref was distracted. White scored a near fall. The ref caught them on the next attempt, so he booted them from ringside. Cole laughed. White approached Cole and had some words for him and then made him flinch with a tease of a strike.

Back in the ring, White yanked off MJF’s shirt and beat on him. MJF made a comeback and teased a Kangaroo Kick. He delivered and sent White rolling to ringside. MJF favored his leg afterward, but played to the hard cam and let out a celebration yell. Cole told MJF to do a dive. White, though, slid back into the ring and tripped up MJF. He followed with a DDT and got in sustained offense. MJF made a comeback, but again his leg gave out. White went back on offense and scored a quick near fall. Excalibur said he thinks the presence of Cole at ringside was distracting MJF.

White backdropped MJF over the top rope to the floor. MJF caught White with a sudden DDT on the floor. He sat on the ring apron and massaged his knee. MJF cleared the announce desk and put White on it. The desk just collapsed. Fans booed. MJF climbed to the top rope and leaped off of it with a flying elbow drop. Cole yelled out with concern, “Max!” Nigel said MJF would’ve rather had the table to help break his fall a little bit. Both were down and slow to get up.

Back in the ring, White gave a Dragon Screw to MJF’s leg as he was entering the ring. White hung MJF upside down in the corner. MJF tossed White off of him. White got up and clipped MJF’s leg again. White then gave MJF a uranage off the top rope for a near fall. MJF gave White a thumb to the eye. White fought back right away and suplexed MJF a couple of times. White then set up the Blade Runner, but MJF escaped and rolled up White with a yank of the trunks. White rolled through for a two count. MJF rolled through for another two count. MJF quickly landed a leaping piledriver on White. Taz said that’s how he broke his neck.

MJF charged toward White and leaped over the top rope and drove White to the mat with a cutter. Both were down and slow to get up. Excalibur said MJF was taking risks they hadn’t previously seen him take in his entire career. Some fans chanted “MJF” a few times. Cole gave MJF a pep talk. MJF rolled White into the ring and scored a two count. MJF lowered his knee pad and pounded on the knee. Taz explained he was trying to loosen it up and try to get the built up blood moved out of that area. MJF tried to stand, but dropped in pain and cried in agony. The ref called for the doctor to check on MJF. MJF yelled, “No! No!” He pounded the mat and Cole joined in to try to get the crowd clapping.

White gave MJF a wrenching Dragon Screw to MJF as he was on the mat. White then applied a figure-four and yelled at Cole. Cole pulled out a towel and considered throwing in the towel. The ref checked on Cole. MJF moved toward the bottom rope, but Cole pulled him back to mid-ring. MJF’s shoulders were down and the ref counted to two. MJF tried to reverse the hold. White resisted, but MJF finally flipped him over. White then reached for the bottom rope and finally grabbed it. Cole picked up the ROh Tag Title belt and was about to hit White with it. White blocked it and then grabbed the belt and nailed MJF with it. The ref didn’t see it and counted a dramatic near fall. Fans chanted “MJF” as they showed a wide shot of the crowd.

MJF kicked White off of him, but White collided with the ref, who went down. MJF sat up and saw Cole who presented him with the Dynamite Diamond Ring. When MJF reached for it, White pulled him away and delivered another Dragon Screw. White then put the ring on his pinky finger and then gave Cole the middle finger. White wound up and swung, but MJF gave him a low-blow. The Gunns ran back out, since the ref was out on the mat still. White went for a Blade Runner, but MJF blocked it and then punched White with the ring. The ref came to and counted three.

Cole entered the ring and celebrated MJF, who had his belt back. MJF collapsed to the mat and clutched his knee before rolling out of the ring. MJF got a nice ovation as he held up the belt at ringside.

WINNER: MJF to retain the AEW World Hvt. Title. (***3/4)

( A very different match than most signed up for, and distinctive from the rest of the show. I think it played out pretty well and they avoided any major missteps in telling the story they wanted to tell once the bell rang other than MJF managing to wrestle with a “serious knee injury.” The twists and turns during match began to feel like a Jeff Jarrett Special and started to feel overbooked, but a lot of it worked with the crowd. I’m eager to hear how this played in the arena because there were times the crowd didn’t seem super into the key emotional spots for MJF and other times they did. Now the question is what happens next with everyone else aiming at MJF including the revelation of who the devil is. The way Cole encouraged MJF throughout, and the way announcers second-guessed some of his advice, how Cole acted wasn’t entirely inconsistent with him still ultimately turning on MJF when it benefits him the most, which could be when he or perhaps Brit Baker reveal themselves to be the devil. It’s just tough to get past the idea that AEW was going to allow Cole, with his ankle in a cast, to defend the title for MJF or else they were just going to hand the belt to White. Oh, White ended up feeling like a generic heel being asked to play a role that was centered around an MJF-based story at his expense.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Survivor Series PLE Results: 11-25-23

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report)

(1) BIANCA BELAIR & CHARLOTTE FLAIR & BECKY LYNCH & SHOTZI vs. DAMAGE CTRL (Bayley & Iyo Sky & Asuka & Kairi Sane w/Dakota Kai) – WarGames

Cole noted how amazed he is that Charlotte has never been part of WarGames. Belair was introduced first, then Shotzi, then Charlotte. Becky got introduced last of her teammates.

Becky vs. Bayley started. After some early back and forth, Bayley suplexed Bayley on the steel strip that connects the two rings. Becky applied a Disarm Her near the cage wall. Dakata Kai jabbed Becky with the kendo stick through the cage. Cole noted that’s legal because there are no DQs. Bayley used the stick against Becky.

Shotzi entered third. Shotzi slammed the door into Bayley as Bayley tried to delay her entering. Shotzi then grabbed a trash can under the ring and threw it and four chairs into the ring. Fans chanted “Tables! Tables!” Shotzi beat up Bayley for a while. When she dove through the ropes, though, Bayley slammed her on her head. Becky recovered and had a tug-o-war with Bayley with the stick and won. Shotzi and Becky surrounded Bayley, so she tried to escape. Graves noted Bayley would be forfeiting the match for her entire team if she did that. (They should just say that a wrestler forfeits participation if they leave, but then if they interfered, it’d be legal because it’s no DQ, so that wouldn’t work. They’d have to raise the stakes and say they are suspended for, say, 90 days for interfering after forfeiting.)

Iyo Sky entered fourth. Cole noted this is her fourth WarGames match, which is more than anyone in WWE history.

Bayley entered fifth to give the numbers advantage back to her team. She whipped Sky and Bayley with her braid. Becky, Shotzi, and Belair dominated their two opponents. Cole said it shows the importance of having the advantage.

Kairi entered sixth. She marched to the ring. Graves noted she didn’t seem to be in a hurry to help her teammates. She pulled a trash can lid out from under the ring. Fans booed because they were obsessed with tables. The heels took control and placed several chairs on Shotzi. Sky then launched Kairi onto her with an elbow drop. Belair pressed Kair over her and threw her over the ropes where the ring meet onto her partners. The heel trio was slow to get up. The heels made a comeback with a barrage of chairshots.

Charlotte entered seventh, her first WarGames ever. Charlotte chopped Kairi, who fell backward to avoid more chops. Charlotte then fallaway slammed Kairi into the ropes. Charlotte powerbomb launched Sky over the top rope into the cage and she slid against the cage to the ring apron. Graves said that would feel like a cheese grater on her back. More “We Want Tables!” chants. Charlotte leaped off the top rope with a blockbuster to Kairi and Bayley. Graves said it was more like a Natural Selection. Charlotte and Becky stared at each other. The heels recovered and went on the attack. Sky climbed to the top of the cage and lowered a long chain to Kai. Kai attached the chain to a trash can. Kai then pulled it up and brought it into the match. Kai stood on the top of the cage with a trash can in hand. She put it over her head and then leaped onto everyone else below. (That the most deserved “Holy shit” chant in ages.)

Asuka entered last. She smiled and danced her way excitedly to the ring. She reached under the ring and pulled out kendo sticks. Fans booed, wanting tables. She pulled out more sticks. More boos. She then pulled out a table which got a huge pop. Asuka entered the ring. The door closed. That marked the official beginning of the match, as announced by the ring announcer.

Each heel had a kendo stick and used them to go on the attack. Fans chanted “This is awesome!” (This is the epitome of why that chant is so often annoying and disrespectful, because the heels were beating up Belair and Becky at this point, and fans cared more about saluting the action than being engrossed in the actual story being told in the ring with two favorites in jeopardy.)

Shotzi and Asuka stood on the top rope. Asuka sprayed mist at her and then leaped off the top rope and dropkicked Becky with a trash can over her head. Asuka scored a near fall. Cole said despite speculation they wouldn’t get along, Bayley was getting along remarkably well with her partners. Belair and Becky powerbombed Kai and Kairi. Charlotte then leaped off the top of the cage with a moonsault onto all four heels. She scored a near fall on Bayley.

Becky and Charlotte powerbombed Kair together, then stood face to face again. They moved in and hugged each other with enthusiasm. Fans popped. Charlotte put Kairi in a figure-four as Becky put Asuka in an armbra. Bayley landed an elbowdrop on Charlotte. Becky applied a Disarm Her on Kairi, but Auska broke it up. Shotzi dropkicked Asuka off the top rope out of Belair’s arms and scored a near fall. Bayley leaped over the ref Charles Robinson to break up the cover. Graves called Bayley the MVP of the match with one save after another.

Becky and Kairi battled. Bayley landed a Roseplant on Becky. Shotzi then attacked Bayley. Belair sprayed Asuka with a fire extinguisher. Shotzi gave Kair a Tiger Suplex and then bashed Shotzi with a trash can lid. Charlotte was about to spear Kairi, but Bayley saved Kairi but got speared instead. Belair gave Bayley a K.O.D.

Charlotte and Belair lifted Bayley into Becky’s arms. Becky then gave her the Manhandle Slam through a table for the win. The winners hugged after the match. Graves said they survived hell and will live to tell the tale. As Becky’s music played, they replayed key spots in the match. Cole said they were just getting started as the four winners sat on top of the cage and celebrated.

WINNERS: Belair & Charlotte & Becky & Shotzi in 34:00.

(That was really good. It got more exciting the further in the match they got, and there were some big and memorable and well-executed spots. The trash can dive off the top of the cage will be talked about for years. Bayley fought valiantly. If she get blamed by her teammates for losing even though she put herself in jeopardy to save her partner, it’s the start of her being seen in sympathetic light by fans for a babyface turn.)

(2) GUNTHER vs. THE MIZ – Intercontinental Title match

Cole noted that if Miz wins, he’ll tie Chris Jericho for most IC Title reigns. Cole noted all of Miz’s eight reigns as IC Champ only add up to 592 days, whereas Gunther’s single reign is 533 days. Great stat, and quite telling about the booking approach during Miz’s career. Graves said Gunther is a -5,000 heavy favorite in this match. The bell rang 56 minutes into the hour.

Miz went on an aggressive attack early including a slap. The slap made Gunther mad. Miz bailed out to ringside. Miz yanked Gunther’s leg and yanked it over the edge of the ring. Gunther then wrapped his leg around the ringpost. Cole credited “the veteran instincts” of the Miz. Graves said Gunther might’ve overlooked Miz. Miz then applied a figure-four wrapped around the ringpost. He had to break before the ref counted to five.

Gunther took over back inside the ring. Miz punched back, but Gunther brushed them off and landed a German suplex. Graves talked about how Miz wants to be a legendary WWE Superstar and this night would help cement that legacy. At 6:00 Miz headscissored out of a Gunther powerbomb attempt. Miz landed a roundkick to Gunther’s head. He threw some body kicks which had Gunther reeling in the corner. He followed with a knee and then a satellite DDT for a near fall at 8:00. Gunter came back with a sudden powerbomb for a near fall of his won. Both were slow to get up. Cole said he didn’t think Gunther was expecting this kind of match from Miz.

Gunther put Miz in a sleeper. Miz yanked the top turnbuckle pad. As the ref put it back, Miz mule kicked Gunther in the kneecap. He then hit a better mule kick to the crotch and followed with a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall as Cole yelled, “Miz is gonna do it!”

The crowd was cheering wildly for Miz. Gunther put a sleeper on Miz. Miz drove Gunther into the exposed turnbuckle and leveraged Gunther down for a near fall. Miz charged, but Gunther landed a lariat to take Miz down hard. Gunther then leaped off the top rope and landed an awkward splash. Gunther put Miz in a Boston Crab. Miz tapped when Gunther torqued it to focus on a knee. Cole touted Miz’s valiant effort.

WINNER: Gunther in 12:00 to retain the IC Title.

(That told really good story and the crowd ate it up. Gunther gave a lot to Miz, but I think by doing it the way he did it, it made his victory in the end feel like more of an accomplishment than if he had dominated and won quicker.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Survivor Series PLE Results: 11-25-23

(3) SANTOS ESCOBAR vs. DRAGON LEE

The bell rang 20 minutes into the second hour. Escobar stomped away at Lee in the corner early. Graves said they’re going to learn how ruthless Escobar can be. Escobar trapped Lee’s leg between the ring and the ringside steps. Lee battled back and headscissored Escobar off the ring apron. Then he landed a running flip dive onto Escobar. Dragon Lee controlled for an extended period including a double stomp in the corner. Escobar caught a charging Lee at 6:00 with a superkick. With both men down, they went to wide shot of the arena from a wide angle that looked impressive.

Lee landed a leaping sitout powerbomb at 7:00 for a near fall. Cole said WWE management loves Dragon Lee and thinks he has a great upside. Escobar landed a South of the Border Destroyer and Phantom Driver for the sudden win.

WINNER: Escobar in 8:00.

(Fine match that had its moments for sure, but the crowd wasn’t all that into it compared to the first two matches.)

(4) RHEA RIPLEY vs. ZOEY STARK – WWE Women’s Title match

Cole strongly touted Ripley as a star. The bell rang 40 minutes into the hour. Stark got in some early offense, but Ripley cut her off with a headbutt at 1:00. She rammed Stark into the ring apron and then threw her into the ringpost. Ripley grounded Stark in the ring. Stark fought back when they were both on the top rope. Ripley threw Stark but they had different things in mind as Stark flipped in a weird way. Graves gasped. Stark superkicked Ripley and scored a two count at 6:00.

Ripley rallied with a series of moves and then bridged Stark for a near fall. Graves said he just noticed that Ripley was wearing boots that match Dom’s. Ripley countered the Z360 and headbutted her and then landed a Rip Tide for the win.

WINNER: Ripley in 9:00 to retain the Women’s Title.

(This was fine, but I wouldn’t say it in any way overachieved expectations. The botched spot out of the corner off the ropes was awkward. Although Cole tried to tout this as an eye-opening performance for Stark, a heavy underdog, this was probably not a needle-mover for her in terms of her perception.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Survivor Series PLE Results: 11-25-23

(5) DREW MCINTYRE & THE JUDGMENT DAY (Damian Priest & J.D. McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio & Finn Balor) vs. SAMI ZAYN & CODY RHODES & JEY USO & RANDY ORTON & SETH ROLLINS – WarGames

Drew came out first. When The Judgment Day joined him on the stage, Drew stared down Balor and then stared down Priest. Cole said the alpha males need to get on the same page. When the babyface team came out, Orton wasn’t with them.

Seth and Balor began the match eight minutes into the third hour. Balor got in a stretch of offense early. Seth avoided a Coup de Grace at 2:00 and took over.

J.D. McDonagh entered third. As he began entering the cage, Seth kicked him. McDonagh hit Seth with a kendo stick. He then entered the ring and both Balor and McDonagh bashed Seth with kendo sticks.

Jey Uso entered fourth to even the teams. Fans chanted “Yeet! Yeet!” He punched away at McDonagh who took a wild bump. He turned to Balor and knocked him aside with an enzuigiri. He looked at the crowd and they cheered and chanted “Uso!” McDonaugh then took a charging Uso down with a flip slam. Seth and Uso stereo superkicked McDonagh and Balor.

Drew was about to enter next, but Priest blocked him and told him to stick to the plan. Priest marched to the ring, giving the heels the advantage. The heels dominated this stretch.

Sami Zayn entered sixth, but before he entered, he got a huge pop for pulling a table out from under the ring and sliding it into the ring. Sami clotheslined Priest over the top rope and Priest’s leg got the other top rope and he landed on his head, but it was a slow clunky fall, so no damage done. Sami gave Balor a Blue Thunder Bomb. Sami began to climb to the top of the cage, but McDonagh intervened. Sami knocked him crotch first over the top rope, then yanked a pipe off of the cage and bashed McDonagh with it. Sami hit Priest next.

McIntyre entered seventh to give the heels the advantage again. Drew tossed Sami around and then threw Seth onto Sami. Jey put up a fight, but Drew took over and threw him into the cage. He yelled for Jey to acknowledge what he did to him.

Cody entered eighth. Cole talked about Cody’s father, Dusty, inventing WarGames. Cole said, “Cody also invented a big event in this city, as well.” Cody tossed Priest around and then went after Balor and then McDonagh. Cody pulled a bullrope into the ring. Seth picked up the other hand. They clotheslined McDonagh with it and the hit Balor with the cow bell before snapping it between his legs for a low-blow.

Dom entered ninth. Cole quipped that tonight is the longest time he’s ever spent behind bars. Dom gave Cody a series of vertical suplexes. Sami, Seth, and Jey surrounded Dom, so he let go of Cody. All four attacked Dom. When they set up a group powerbomb of Dom, Dom’s partners recovered and saved him. Then they went on the attack and used their numbers advantage. Priest put Seth through a table with Razor’s Edge. The countdown clock reached zero and it was time for Randy Orton, but he hadn’t shown up yet. The camera showed the empty stage. Ripley then ran out with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Ripley was about to cash in when Orton’s music played.

Randy Orton entered tenth. He smiled ta the camera as he made his way to the ring. The match then “officially began.” Orton went after Dom at first wit his signature snap powerslam. He did the same to McDonagh. Cole said Orton was back a year and a half after double-fusion back surgery. He delivered a DDT to Balor. Then he turned and stared down Drew. The heels swarmed Orton briefly, but Orton’s partners made a quick save. They all gave Orton-style DDTs off the middle ropes to all five opponents.

Orton pounded the mat to signal an RKO. He looked over at Jey. Cole said, “Uh oh.” He noted that Jey and his brother put him out of action for a year and a half. Priest charged at Orton. Jey superkicked him to save Orton. Orton then gave Dom an RKO, Sami hit Drew with a Helluva kick. Uso then landed a frog splash. All the heels were down until McDonagh stood. He looked around at the odds, which weren’t good.

McDonaugh climbed to the top of the cage. Sami and Seth met him up there. Seth stood threw McDonagh off the top of the cage into an RKO by Orton. The ref immediately checked on him. “Holy shit!” chanted the crowd. Cody gave Crossroads to Priest for the three count.

WINNERS: Orton & Sami & Jey & Seth & Cody in 33:00.

(Orton’s return was really fun. The finish itself felt a little anticlimactic, which is strange considering how many cool key signature spots they put into the final minutes after Orton entered. It was just that I expected a few more minutes before the finish. The rest of the match wasn’t a classic, but it was very good.)

-Suddenly C.M. Punk’s music played and he walked out. He hugged fans and let out a yell as the show ended.

 

[famicommander]

What happens first
CM Punk's first injury
or
CM Punk's first bitchfit

place your bets

 

[Arcademan]

Former WWE Star Tammy Sytch Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison for Deadly Car Crash

Former WWE star Tammy Sytch has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison in connection with a 2022 crash that killed a 75-year-old man in Florida.

Sytch, 50, will also serve eight years of probation following her release for the deadly accident, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal and CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.

The former wrestler pleaded no contest on Aug. 26 to DUI manslaughter, four counts of DUI with damage to person and two counts of DUI with damage to property, per the newspaper.

She was arrested in May 2022, just four months after she was released from an eight-month stint in prison for a previous DUI.

Prosecutors sought the maximum penalty of 26 years in prison for Sytch, who they called a “danger to society” for her repeated offenses.

In 2019, Sytch was charged with her sixth DUI after being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. She allegedly drove down the wrong way of a one-way street with a suspended license, which led to her 8-month prison stay.

On Monday, Sytch received a credit of 566 days for her sentence, WKMG reported.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on March 25, 2022, Sytch was driving south on United States Highway 1 when she ran into a vehicle that was sitting at a traffic light. The car that Sytch struck then hit the car in front of it, which was also stopped at the light.

The driver of the second car, Julian Lafrancis Lasseter of Daytona Beach Shores, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The driver and passengers of the third car involved were also injured.

Sytch, who went by Sunny during her wrestling career, rose to fame as what many consider to be the very first WWE "Diva."

She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, after leaving the company in the late 1990s.

 

[jro]

re: Tammy - the default picture of her that comes up on Bing search (yes I am a slave to MS points) is appropriately not flattering.

Anyway, the devils pretty much have to be The Kingdom, right? I've seen articles online mentioning that when the four of them are together there's one that looks like he has a neck brace, and on tonight's show it looked pretty clear to me that Cole was on the floor, Strong was on the far right, then Bennett and Taven were on the left. I assume the original plan was for this to take place in a much condensed timeframe, heel Cole takes the title off Max. TK's inability to adapt has apparently made him just drag this shit out, I assume MJF beats Joe at World's End, Cole unmasks and challenges him for the next PPV, Cole wins the belt. Honestly, I don't mind it, but TK's insistence on not adapting is weird. Strickland is the hottest act in his company and having a Black champion would be a good media rub. I think it's highly likely that Swerve will get the title after the whole Cole/Max thing plays out, but, kinda like The Acclaimed, it'll be 6-12 months later than the heat would suggest.

Sidenote, gonna be kind of funny to watch two AEW refugees main event each night of Wrestlemania when Punk beats Rollins and Cody loses to Roman again.

 

[famicommander]

All the biggest promotions in Japan just announced a new joint venture called United Japan Pro-Wrestling. The promotions aren't merging, but they will promote certain events and festivals and sell merch under the joint brand name (splitting the proceeds evenly) and also use the group to lobby the Japanese government for the good of the entire industry.

The member groups:
Bushiroad (New Japan Pro Wrestling and STARDOM)
CyberFight (DDT, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Ganbare Pro Wrestling, and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling)
Dragongate
All Japan Pro Wrestling
Big Japan Pro Wrestling

NJPW is the promotion in charge of the new outfit. No word on when their first joint event will be or how often they'll do them.

Also, WWE ended up settling their antitrust lawsuit with MLW. This was from when WWE flexed their muscles at Fox to get them to cancel two MLW shows that were about to debut on Tubi, Fox's free ad supported streaming service. Word is the settlement came just in time as MLW was pretty much out of money. But right after the settlement all their contracted talent got bonuses and they announced a couple more sets of TV tapings. MLW still has some international TV deals but in the US the show just airs on the tiny BeIn Sports plus Youtube and Fite TV, so that brings in peanuts. Unless they can find a paying TV deal in the US soon you might see them bought by AEW, WWE, or TNA. They have a few decent guys on their roster and a video library with over 200 episodes of TV and dozens of PPVs from two different eras (the og 2002-2005 era with tons of ECW and ROH guys and 2017-present reboot era).

 

[Arcademan]

Kenny Omega announced via social media last week that he was hospitalized after enduring intense pain which became unbearable and a concern after Dynamite last week. Omega was diagnosed with a diverticular abscess, a complication of diverticulitis, which Brock Lesnar also experienced.

EverydayHealth.com details how it’s treated:

A small abscess might be able to be treated successfully with antibiotics. If it’s large or doesn’t respond to treatment, doctors will need to surgically drain the pus and may even need to remove some of the damaged bowel tissue.

Omega went to the emergency room. Doctors recommended he be admitted to the hospital where he was treated with antibiotics. Omega said he is lucky doctors diagnosed the situation when they did. An untreated abscess can lead to more serious complications. Omega has shared with AEW personnel that had he waited longer, he might have needed to have part of his colon removed. It’s not known how long Omega will be out of action or even if a return to the ring is in question.

Omega has been dealing with a number of physical ailments and has had surgeries and treatments during extended time periods away from the ring in recent years. He is 40 years old and has the title of AEW Executive Vice President.