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Akira Tozawa Heading to Japan for Fight Club: Pro Event in January

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UK independent promotion Fight Club: Pro will be heading to Japan in January for their Project Tokyo event. The company announced earlier this year that they would be debuting in Korakuen Hall. The show takes place on January 7th with a huge card of international stars.

205 Live Superstar Akira Tozawa has now been announced for the event. Fight Club: Pro is owned by NXT UK Superstar Trent Seven. Seven was originally confirmed for this card but was recently pulled. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne were also pulled from the event.

There had been speculation that FCP was part of the ‘greenlit’ promotions for NXT UK talent. The cancellation of British Strong Style’s involvement seemed to change this but with Tozawa on board as a potential ‘make good’ for the Japanese fans who really knows at this point. NXT UK will be holding a taping within 7 days of this event, that is why British Strong Style were reportedly pulled.

WWE Mae Young Classic competitor and Japanese legend Meiko Satomura will also be on the card. Satomura is the current FCP Champion and will likely defend her title on the show. Jun Kasai, CIMA, Daisuke Sekimoto, Chris Brookes, Jimmy Havoc and NXT UK’s Millie McKenzie are also seen on the show’s official poster.

Hangman Page Comments On His Last ROH Match

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Adam “Hangman” Page wrestled his last match for Ring of Honor on Saturday. After losing an ROH TV title match to Jeff Cobb at Final Battle, Page’s last show with the promotion was Saturday’s TV tapings in Philadelphia.

“I had my last ROH match this weekend. Showed up to their training school for a tryout as a scrawny 18 year old. Made a lot of good friends and memories along the way. Thanks everyone. Full speed ahead.”

Adam “Hangman” Page’s ROH Run

https://twitter.com/theAdamPage/status/1074493431081328640

Page debuted with the company in 2011 after having been trained by Johnny Valiant. He is expected to be apart of the proposed All Elite Wrestling promotion next year.

Other members of the Elite have made similar comments regarding their last ROH matches recently.

Cody Tweeted out the following:

He has also made a point of mentioning he will not be at the Madison Square Garden show this spring, even as a member of the NJPW roster.

“After two ‘supercards’ and breaking my back essentially against Kenny last year, it still can’t change the fact that people are in town for WWE.,” Cody told SI.com last week.

“ROH and NJPW sold that building out and that is massive and special and I love that they did it, but had they did it on another weekend, I’d be more likely to be featured on it,” he continued. “After 10 years with WWE doing ’Mania weekend and two more with ROH, I am leaving that weekend for the boys and girls of the WWE.”

The Young Bucks sent out the following as well:

https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1074310767070101505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“Leaving the territory. See you on the other side.”

Members of the Elite are believed to have participated in a multi-person tag at the ROH TV Tapings in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Ring Of Honor In 2019: What Will The Promotion Look Like?

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Ring of Honor garnered attendance records, launched a streaming service, and broke new ground in 2018. Despite this, many fans are skeptical regarding ROH’s ability to build upon their most successful year ever as we enter 2019.

The reason some are pointing to in regards to skepticism the promotion can continue its string of success is that members of the Elite are departing the company. Cody, Hangman Page, and the Young Bucks won’t be on the ROH full-time roster next year. Marty Scurll’s contract with the promotion ends this spring as well.

Those who have followed ROH since the beginning are aware this is nothing new for the promotion, however. ROH has been built upon a foundation of wrestlers building up their names and then leaving. The only ones who never have are the Briscoes, and they seem to be just where they want to be.

ROH Roster In 2019

Out: The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes and Adam “Hangman” Page.

In: Jeff Cobb, PCO, Brody King, Bandito and Mark Haskins

Granted, the talent in the “Out group” is considerable, but so is the talent in the “In Group”. One notable difference between those leaving and those coming in, however, is that ROH has brought in 3 heavyweights who spent much of this year wrestling each other on the independents. I attended a triple threat match between Jeff Cobb, PCO, and Brody King which took place for Smash Wrestling this year. They were all signed by ROH just a few months later.

There are also rumors that Bandido’s tag-team partner, Flamita could be on his way to ROH. The pair team as “Mexa Blood” and have won tag belts in Progress and the Crash.

In terms of popularity, losing the Elite is significant. In terms of in-ring talent, you can make the argument those coming in have just as much to offer as those who have left, however.

NWA and Ring of Honor

Nick Aldis and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship made an appearance Friday at Final Battle. Aldis applauded for Jay Lethal from the entrance ramp, all but letting the champion know he wants a title match.

The Aldis/NWA/ROH relationship we see in 2019 could be interesting as well. How it plays into what Billy Corgan and the NWA have planned is anyone’s guess at this point. Clearly, the two sides have come to an agreement to work together, however.

NJPW In Ring of Honor Next Year

One of ROH’s biggest draws is their relationship with NJPW. Every year ROH parades around a group of NJPW stars for their Global Wars or War of the Worlds tours. As NJPW continues to grow in popularity, so too will their joint shows with ROH, including this spring inside Madison Square Garden.

Zack Sabre Jr and Juice Robinson are two names ROH is expected to feature more of in the next calendar year. Even the 2019 version of NJPW’s Bullet Club, featuring members of the Firing Squad who kicked the Elite out, are possible for ROH next year. As both NJPW and ROH gear up for the Garden show in the first-quarter of 2019, expect NJPW stars to be a regular occurrence for ROH.

Wrestlers ROH Has Lost In the Past

Since 2002, ROH has hired good wrestlers who, for whatever reason, weren’t getting a shot elsewhere. Tyler Black, El Generico, Kevin Steen, and Bryan Danielson have all come and gone from Ring of Honor in addition to numerous others. Not only did the company keep moving forward after those departures, but they also grew, evolved, and got better. There is no reason to believe anything other than that will happen in 2019 as well.

Ric Flair Praises Charlotte, Asuka & Becky Lynch Following WWE TLC

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Fans are still talking about the excellent match that served as the headliner of Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view event that saw Asuka beat Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in the first-ever Women’s Triple Threat TLC Match in order to win the SmackDown Women’s Title.

This match was an extremely memorable TLC match that saw the crowning of Asuka as the top talent in the SmackDown Women’s division. The fans wanted this match to be the main event and WWE officials gave into that demand which was a wise decision.

Although WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair wasn’t in attendance to see this match live, he was watching on WWE’s streaming service and took to social media in order to praise them for their stellar performances in San Jose, CA. He wrote the following:

“Congratulations To @MsCharlotteWWE, @WWEAsuka, And @BeckyLynchWWE On One Of The GREATEST Performances I Have Ever Seen While Making History Last Night In Your TLC Match.”

“Going On Last With Names Like Orton, Rollins, Mysterio, Rousey, Jax… Is Pressure That Only Few Are Ever Fortunate Enough To Understand. You Ladies Not Only Followed Some Tremendous Bouts, But You Stole The Show. This Morning, I Bow Down To All Three Of You. WOOOOO!”

Vince McMahon ‘Furious’ Over WWE TLC Match

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WWE’s final pay-per-view event of the year, TLC, is in the books and has been received well from their fans. However, there has been one match that has been a talking point among their fanbase which was the Intercontinental Title match between then-champion Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, which served as the co-headliner of this show San Jose, CA.

It was positioned as a buffer between the WWE Title match that saw Daniel Bryan successfully retain his title over AJ Styles and the main event that saw Asuka win the SmackDown Women’s Title over Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in the first-ever Women’s Triple Threat TLC Match.

Longtime pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated on Sunday’s Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon “was furious” with it. Thus, fans weren’t the only ones who were upset with this contest that went 24 minutes.

This was a bit of a surprise as the poor reaction to this contest wasn’t expected as it served as the top program of Monday Night RAW over the last few weeks. To the point where during the match, fans chanted “this is boring” and “Becky.”

It appears that WWE will keep this feud going for at least another month as Rollins is expected to get a rematch against Ambrose for the title. With the current plan reportedly being Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title at WrestleMania 35, it would make sense to wrap up this feud at the Royal Rumble. Also at this show, Lesnar will defend the WWE Universal Championship against Braun Strowman.

Mark Haskins Reportedly Signs With Ring of Honor

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Mark Haskins has been touted as the latest signee for Ring of Honor. The company are currently bringing in some top independent talent as a way to offset the departure of The Elite (Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes and Hangman Page).

Haskins is one of the top stars in the UK not currently signed to NXT UK or World of Sport. The former PROGRESS Champion has been performing on cards across the United Kingdom for a number of years and is regarded as one of the stalwarts of the scene.

PW Insider reported that Haskins had signed around the recent Final Battle event. The backstage talk had apparently revolved around the UK star and his impending debut. The actual date for Haskins’ debut has not yet been confirmed and ROH have not made his signing public at the time of writing.

Haskins made his ROH debut earlier this year during the Honor United tour. Mark actually won the ROH International Cup in August, defeating Hangman Page in the final. The win earned Haskins a shot against Jay Lethal for the Ring of Honor Championship. This match took place at the London date for Honor Re-United where he was unsuccessful.

We interviewed Mark earlier this year, you can check that full interview out here.

Ronda Rousey On Her Bad Reputation, Triple H Congratulates Asuka

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Ronda Rousey On Her Bad Reputation

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey had people talking as not only did she successfully retain her title over Nia Jax but also got involved in the headliner of Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network.

In the main event, she came down to the ring where she helped Asuka beat Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in the first-ever Women’s Triple Threat TLC Match to win the SmackDown Women’s Title when she pushed Lynch and Flair off a ladder.

Now, there is speculation that this sets up a feud involving Rousey, Flair, and Lynch during the road to WrestleMania 35. Rousey tweeted the following about her bad reputation:

Rousey wrote, “I don’t give a damn ‘bout my bad reputation #AndStill.”

Triple H Congratulates Asuka

Speaking of Asuka, Triple H took to his Twitter account where he sent the following to congratulate Asuka following her win.

Triple H wrote, “For her, it was never about a streak or a number, it was about proving she was the best of every division she was ever a part of. Tonight, after a brutal #WWETLC match, the Empress of Tomorrow is the Champion of Today. Congratulations @WWEAsuka. #WeAreNXT.”

Braun Strowman Sets Sights On Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley Reacts To TLC Loss

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Braun Strowman Sets Sights On Brock Lesnar

Braun Strowman has shifted his attention towards his next feud following his return at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network when he beat Baron Corbin in a TLC Match. This was after he had some help from Kurt Angle, Heath Slater, Finn Balor, Apollo Crews and RAW Tag Team Champions Bobby Roode & Chad Gable that resulted in the finish.

Now, he’ll challenge WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar for the strap at next month’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. After this show, WWE’s YouTube channel released this video with Strowman talking to Dasha Fuentes about TLC and his upcoming title match.

He later wrote the following on his official Twitter account, “and to think I beat you without lifting an arm. Next stop is #RoyalRumble … @BrockLesnar is gonna get these hands!!! #WWETLC #MonsterAmongSlings.”

https://twitter.com/BraunStrowman/status/1074472002214289408

Bobby Lashley Reacts To TLC Loss

Also at TLC, Elias scored a victory over Bobby Lashley in a Ladder Match. After this show, Lashley and Lio Rush were interviewed about the contest which featured Lashley stating that he won the war regarding back to the post-match attack where beat down Elias.

Reason Why The Rock Never Worked With Shawn Michaels

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The Rock and Shawn Michaels are one of the biggest names in the professional wrestling industry, both having a decorated and illustrious career. Even though they worked in the WWE together, we never got to see a match between them, and since Rock has moved on from wrestling and Michaels has retired, it is safe to say that it will never happen.

On this Sunday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer was asked a question from fan on this topic. Apparently, there were some problems in the dressing room between Rock and Michaels that started in the ’80s.

“There was a time when the Midnight Rockers were on a show in Hawaii and Rock’s grandmother was the promoter and I guess there were problems in the dressing room and Rock wanted to beat up Shawn. I think Shawn was acting like a d*ck,” said Meltzer.

Later in the WWF when Rock started gaining popularity Michaels was one of the people who didn’t want him to succeed, to protect Triple H. After The Rock started reaching heights in the company, he didn’t want to work with Shawn Michaels.

“Hunter and Rock were vying for the same spot. A lot of people saw that Rock had a lot of friends and he had a lot of potential. They wanted to make sure that he didn’t get there and he was smart enough to see that it happened. When he got to where he was a really big star, he didn’t want to work with him.”

Meltzer also revealed how Michaels was trying to get Mick Foley to take Rock’s place in the WrestleMania 15 match against Steve Austin. And it was not because they wanted Foley to succeed, it was pretty much only because they didn’t want The Rock in that match.

h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.

Asuka Claims She Is Now ‘The Man’

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The Empress of Tomorrow has finally done it. Asuka won her first championship in the main roster last night when she came out on top of the first-ever triple threat Tables, Ladders and Chairs match involving Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair at TLC pay-per-view event.

The newest SmackDown Women’s Champion had some words to say when she was interviewed backstage after her match. She claimed she is now “The Man” and that nobody is ready for Asuka.

“Becky says she is The Man, Charlotte says she is The Man, but now I am The Man! Nobody is ready for Asuka!,” she exclaimed in excitement over her victory.

As for how Asuka won it, it was because of Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey who interfered in the match and pushed Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair off a ladder, giving Asuka a chance to gain victory. The two losing women weren’t too happy with the outcome.

You can check out the video below:

Gauntlet Match Added To Wrestle Kingdom 13 Preshow

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New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that a 5-team gauntlet match will take place on the Wrestle Kingdom 13 preshow. The winners will earn a title match against the NEVER Openweight 6-Man tag-team championships.

The 5 teams NJPW has announced for the gauntlet match on the Wrestle Kingdom 13 preshow include:

  • Ryusuke Taguchi, Toru Yano, & Togi Makabe
  • Minoru Suzuki, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and Lance Archer
  • Jeff Cobb, Michal Elgin, & David Finlay
  • Chuckie T, Beretta, and Hirooki Goto
  • Marty Scurll, Hangman Page, and Yujiro Takahashi

Additionally, NJPW announced the following matches for the Fan Fest scheduled for January 3rd:

  • Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger vs Yuya Uemura & Ren Narita
  • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs Toa Henare & Tomoaki Honma
  • Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida

Wrestle Kingdom 13 Lineup

  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship
    Kenny Omega (c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • IWGP Intercontinental Championship
    Chris Jericho (c) vs Tetsuya Naito
  • Kazuchika Okada vs Jay White
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
    KUSHIDA (c) vs Taiji Ishimori
  • IWGP United States Championship
    Cody (c) vs Juice Robinson
  • RevPro British Heavyweight Championship
    Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs Zack Sabre Jr.
  • IWGP Tag Team Championships
    Guerrillas of Destiny (c) vs The Young Bucks vs. EVIL and SANADA
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
    Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado (c) vs Roppongi 3K vs BUSHI and Shingo Takagi
  • IWGP NEVER Openweight Championship
    Kota Ibushi (c) vs Will Ospreay

Watch What Happened After TLC Went Off The Air

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As noted before, Asuka walked out of the Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view event last night as the WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, in the main event match which also saw interference by Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

In a video released by WWE, we get a glimpse at what happened after the match when TLC went off the air:

As Charlotte Flair was making her way back to the ring, we see Becky Lynch angry over the interference by Ronda Rousey which cost both the competitors the title.

Charlotte Flair herself was not too happy with the outcome, and understandably so.

During the match, Ronda Rousey interfered by pushing Becky and Charlotte off a ladder which gave Asuka the chance to win the match.

“I will be back, I will be back, I will be back!” an emotional Becky Lynch proclaims on the ramp whilst making her way backstage.

While as of this writing there is no news on when Becky Lynch will get her rematch for the title, it seems like it could be coming soon. We could see a rematch this Tuesday on SmackDown Live or on the Royal Rumble, whenever it is, we’ll keep you updated.

Bandido Signs With Ring Of Honor

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Ring of Honor has signed popular luchador, Bandido. Bandido and ROH have reached an agreement and his debut is expected in early 2019. The news was first reported by Lucha Blog and has since been confirmed by f4wonline.com.

The 23-year-old has been making a name for himself recently in AAA and the Crash promotions in Mexico. He was also recently booked in the main event of the Elite’s All In as well. Bandido frequently teams with Flamita under the name “Mexa Blood”. The team is former tag champions in both the Crash and Progress.

ROH Free Agent Signings

Bandito is another strong signing for Ring of Honor as the company looks to regroup headed into 2019. The recent departures of Cody Rhodes, the Young Bucks and Adam “Hangman” Page could have been a devastating blow, but Ring of Honor has been aggressively rebuilding its talent

ROH COO Joe Koff recently addressed the promotion’s ability to replace leaving stars. He listed several names he feels will be the nucleus for the promotion in the coming months:

“Marty [Scurll] is up in there. Jay Lethal is up in there. Jeff Cobb is an extremely exciting performer, I love watching him. Flip Gordon. Matt Taven. I could probably go deeper than five,” he said.

In addition to Bandito, Ring of Honor has recently signed PCO, Brody King and we’re told a top UK star will be the next announcement.

DEFIANT Wrestling Announce New General Manager

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DEFIANT Wrestling has announced the identity of their new General Manager. Prince Ameen was revealed as the company’s new GM during their second episode of the rebooted Loaded programme on YouTube.

Loaded is a free-to-air programme on YouTube that features many of the top talent from the UK independent scene.The show has seen many iterations over the past few years. DEFIANT sent out the following press release for the return back in September:

Loaded previously ran for 33 episodes between July 2016 and October 2017, amassing over 25 MILLION views on YouTube. Loaded, at that time, ran under the WCPW (What Culture Pro Wrestling) banner, with WCPW since rebranded as Defiant Wrestling in late 2017 following a diversification from the What Culture brand.”

The company also recently announced that PAC will be making his debut for the company in 2019. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion is confirmed for the first two dates of 2019’s ‘Loaded’ tapings.

6 Takeaways From WWE TLC 2018

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WWE TLC 2018 aired live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. For the full PPV results, click here. Here are 6 takeaways from WWE TLC 2018:

The Bar Retained The SmackDown Tag Team Championships

The Bar retained TLC

The Bar defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against New Day and The Usos in a Triple Threat match at WWE TLC 2018.

The Usos took out everyone with a flurry of Superkicks and then planted Kingston with a Samoan Drop. Jey Uso hit Kofi with a Frog Splash but Cesaro got into the ring and launched Jey into the ring post. Cesaro went for the cover on Kofi but Kingston kicked out at two. Woods hit Sheamus with an Elbow Drop off the top rope but the pinfall was broken up at two. Sheamus wound up hitting Xavier Woods with the Brogue Kick to retain the titles for The Bar.

This match was decent, but we’ve all seen these teams put forth a much better effort. The crowd wasn’t all that into this match and it is hard to blame them. I have seen enough of these three teams at the top of the division. The Bar retained but there isn’t really an interesting feud for them to have right now on SmackDown.

Baron Corbin Is No Longer The RAW GM

Corbin WWE TLC 2018

RAW GM Baron Corbin squared off against Braun Strowman tonight at WWE TLC 2018. Heath Slater was the referee for the match. If Corbin lost the match, he would no longer be the GM of RAW. Braun Strowman had not been seen on RAW since Corbin, Lashley, and McIntyre brutally attacked him a few weeks back.

Strowman came down to the ring with his arm in a sling. Braun noted that Corbin forgot that there are no disqualifications in a TLC match and said that there was somebody that wanted to help him. Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, and Finn Balor surrounded the ring. Heath Slater took off his referee shirt and threw it at Corbin’s face.

Corbin tried to retreat up the entrance ramp but former RAW GM Kurt Angle showed up on the entrance ramp. Angle hit Corbin with a steel chair several times until Baron got back into the ring. Everyone took turns beating the hell out of Corbin before Kurt hit him with the Angle Slam. Balor followed it up with the Coup de Grace as Heath put his official’s shirt back on. Strowman placed his boot on Corbin for the pinfall victory. Braun Strowman now has a Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble PPV next month.

RAW was just as terrible with Kurt Angle as the GM in my opinion, so this was completely meaningless to me. I’m not sure how anyone could be excited about another Braun Strowman versus Lesnar match either. WWE could have put the belt on Strowman before, but instead, they decided to awkwardly turn him heel in a feud against Roman Reigns and The Shield. Now, I’m not nearly as invested in Braun Strowman as a character on RAW. I will say that this segment was entertaining. Everyone that Corbin had screwed over recently as the GM got some revenge tonight and it was a clever way to work around Braun Strowman’s injury.

Ronda Rousey Tapped Out Nia Jax In A Solid Match

Rousey TLC 1

Ronda Rousey defended her RAW Women’s Championship against Nia Jax tonight. Tamina was ringside for the match. Rousey started off the match by hopping around the ring and avoiding every strike Nia attempted. Jax finally caught her and hit a Powerbomb for a two count. Jax followed it up with an Elbow Drop and went for the cover but Ronda kicked out at two.

Rousey battled back and was able to lock in the Arm Bar but Nia quickly grabbed the bottom rope. Jax then dragged Ronda out of the ring and hurled her into the barricade as Tamina applauded ringside. Back in the ring, Nia charged at Ronda in the corner but Rousey got out of the way and Jax crashed into the ring post. Rousey made her way to the top rope and connected with a Crossbody on Nia outside the ring.

Rousey brought Nia back inside and went for the cover but Jax kicked out at two. Ronda went for another Crossbody but Nia caught her and hit the Samoan Drop for a near fall. Jax lifted Ronda onto her shoulders and climbed up to the middle rope. Ronda escaped and connected with a Powerbomb for a two count. Ronda then locked in the Arm Bar for the submission victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074485776027713541

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074486908242280449

After the match, Becky Lynch confronted Jax backstage and punched her in the face.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074487909816983553

The build-up to this match was not good at all, but to their credit, Jax and Rousey put on a solid match tonight. Rousey has improved a ton since joining WWE when it comes to her in-ring work. I honestly was expecting this match to be a disaster based on the build, but it wound up being fine. I have absolutely no idea where Nia Jax goes from here.

The New Daniel Bryan Is Still WWE Champion

Bryan WWE TLC 2018

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defended the title against AJ Styles tonight at WWE TLC 2018. Bryan spent the beginning of the match rolling out of the ring to try and avoid Styles. Daniel finally got inside the ring and dominated for several minutes. AJ finally battled back and turned Bryan inside out with a massive Clothesline out of the corner.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074492332337233922

Styles connected with a Dragon Screw and then went to work on Bryan’s knee. AJ locked in a Half Crab but Bryan countered into the LeBell Lock in the middle of the ring. AJ broke free and dropped Daniel with the Pele Kick. AJ followed it up with the springboard 450 Splash and went for the cover but Bryan kicked out at the last second.

AJ locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. Bryan screamed in agony but was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold. Daniel then rolled out of the ring and grabbed his left leg in pain as the crowd shouted: “this is awesome!”. AJ followed Bryan out there and connected with a Phenomenal Forearm off the barricade. Styles rolled Bryan back inside and went for another Phenomenal Forearm but Daniel avoided it. AJ went for a roll-up but Bryan countered into a roll-up of his own for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074496329202700288

AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan put on a terrific match tonight. Bryan has been excellent as a heel and I’m looking forward to seeing who his next opponent is. Styles will be hovering around the WWE Championship picture as long as he is on SmackDown and you won’t hear me complain if we see these two Superstars compete again for the belt down the line.

Dean Ambrose Captured The Intercontinental Championship In Boring Fashion

Dean Ambrose IC Title TLC

Seth Rollins put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against Dean Ambrose tonight at WWE TLC 2018. The match started off at a painfully slow pace with Ambrose in control. Ambrose hit a Neckbreaker and tried to pin Rollins three times but Rollins kicked out at two every time.

Ambrose targetted Rollins’ knee with a Dropkick and locked in a Cloverleaf submission in the center of the ring. Seth was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold and then rolled to the ring apron. Seth battled back and connected with a Slingblade and then a Blockbuster off the second rope.

Rollins battled through the pain in his injured knee and hit Ambrose with a Buckle Bomb for a near fall. Ambrose battled back with a Facebuster for a two count. Rollins hit the Superplex and then the Falcon Arrow for another near fall. Ambrose tried to do The Shield’s fist bump but Rollins declined. Seth knocked Ambrose to the outside and Powerbombed him into the barricade.

Seth brought Ambrose back inside the ring and said: “this is for Roman Reigns you piece of sh*t”. Rollins went for The Stomp but Ambrose countered into the Dirty Deeds for the pinfall victory. Dean Ambrose is the new Intercontinental Champion.

I could not believe how terrible this match was. Ambrose turning heel was an awesome moment on RAW several weeks back, but since then this feud has been complete garbage. I thought it would still at least lead to a fight tonight, instead, we got a match that was incredibly boring.

I did not anticipate watching Rollins sell a knee injury for twenty minutes tonight. Despite the atrocious build, I was still looking forward to a good match between these two Superstars. This match didn’t come close to being remotely entertaining and now Dean Ambrose is the Intercontinental Champion, despite being a complete bore on RAW since turning heel.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074505227578023936

Ronda Rousey Handed Asuka The SmackDown Women’s Championship

Asuka WWE TLC 2018

Becky Lynch defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair and Asuka in the first-ever women’s TLC Match. Asuka Powerbombed Charlotte through a table and made her way up the ladder. Becky connected with a Dropkick to Asuka off the top rope but Asuka responded with a Hip Attack that sent Lynch out of the ring.

Flair took out Asuka and Lynch with a Moonsault off the top rope and then set up a table. Lynch got up and started swinging a steel chair. Flair booted it out of her hands and slammed Becky into the barricade. Lynch battled back and set up Asuka and Charlotte on top of the announce table. Becky climbed up a gigantic ladder and went for a Leg Drop but Asuka got out of the way. Lynch landed directly on Charlotte’s ribs and then bounced to the floor.

Asuka got back into the ring and started making her way up the ladder. Becky climbed up on the opposite side and the two started trading shots. Flair got into the ring and bashed them both with a kendo stick several times.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1074511062219845633

Lynch hit Charlotte with an Exploder Suplex outside of the ring. Asuka beat the hell out of Lynch with the kendo stick and then posed against the barricade. Charlotte Flair came out of nowhere and hit Asuka with a Spear that sent her crashing through the barricade. Becky and Charlotte started trash talking in the ring before trading punches.

Flair brought Becky out of the ring and hit a bunch of chops to her midsection. Charlotte set Becky up on top of a table and then slapped her in the face before climbing up the turnbuckle. Charlotte hit Lynch with an epic Cannonball through the table from off the top turnbuckle.

Charlotte made her way back inside the ring and set up the ladder under the title. Asuka rushed back in and climbed up the opposite side of the ladder. Flair and Asuka traded shots on the top of the ladder as Lynch set up another ladder right next to them. Charlotte knocked Asuka to the canvas and then traded punches with Becky.

Ronda Rousey came down to the ring and shoved over the ladder with Becky and Charlotte on it. Lynch and Flair fell to the canvas as Asuka climbed her way up the ladder. Asuka grabbed the title to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.

This was a terrific main event. Vince McMahon will appear on tomorrow night’s episode of RAW in order to “shake things up”. I figured that Becky would drop the title tonight but I thought it would be to Charlotte Flair. However we wind up there, the main event of WrestleMania should be Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte. As for Asuka, she has been wasting away on SmackDown and it is great to see her as the champion again. Overall, WWE TLC 2018 was a mixed bag. The main event and Bryan vs. Styles were the only matches that were memorable.

Asuka Wins SmackDown Women’s Title At WWE TLC

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Asuka has captured her first championship on the main roster. The former NXT Women’s Champion is your new SmackDown Women’s Champion after defeating Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair in the first ever Women’s TLC match at Sunday night’s TLC pay-per-view from San Jose, California.

Lynch defeated Flair at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view in San Antonio, Texas on September 16, 2018 to win the title, which marked her second reign as champion. There have been 11 reigns between 7 champions and 1 vacancy in the history of the title. Asuka is also a former WWE NXT Women’s Champion but up to this point, had never won gold on the main roster.

As of this writing, WWE has yet to announce when Lynch will get her rematch for the title. It could come as soon as this Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live Fresno, CA at the Save Mart Center on the USA Network or WWE’s next PPV event, Royal Rumble. This show goes down on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field.

What are your thoughts on winning the title and this title change? Was it the right time to do this by WWE? Sound off in the comment section.

Dean Ambrose Wins Intercontinental Title At WWE TLC

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Dean Ambrose is a champion yet again. Ambrose beat his former Shield-brother, Seth Rollins, to win the Intercontinental Title at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network.

Rollins won the title by defeating Dolph Ziggler at the SummerSlam pay-per-view event on August 19, 2018, in Brooklyn, New York, which made him the 166th champion in the history of the title. There have been 80 different champions with Chris Jericho having the most reigns with nine.

Two months ago, Ambrose and Rollins beat Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler to win the RAW Tag Team Titles. However, after the match, Ambrose turned heel by attacking Rollins.

Now, with Roman Reigns being out of action, this feud between the RAW Tag Team Champions has been the top program on the flagship show of the company. Rollins would later lose the titles to Authors of Pain. WWE is already advertising Ambrose vs. Rollins for upcoming live events including the final episode of RAW before WrestleMania 35 that goes down on April 1st from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Thus, it appears that this feud will continue past TLC.

What are your thoughts on Ambrose winning the title and this title change? Was it the right time to do this by WWE? Sound off in the comment section.

Daniel Bryan Retains WWE Title At TLC

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Daniel Bryan retained the WWE Title in his latest defense. He beat AJ Styles at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network.

Bryan won the title on November 13, 2018, in St. Louis, Missouri, on an episode of SmackDown Live by defeating AJ Styles, which marked his fourth reign as champion. There have been 50 different official champions overall and 11 vacancies in the history of the title.

Bryan’s first reign as WWE Champion came back when he beat Randy Orton at the 2013 SummerSlam PPV event only to lose the title the same night and win it back the following month at Night of Champions. Prior to his current reign, his last reign stated when he won the title when he beat Randy Orton and Batista at WrestleMania 30 in 2014.

Time will tell whether WWE continues this feud or goes into a different direction heading into the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field.

What are your thoughts on Bryan retaining the title in this match? Was it the right call by the WWE? Sound off in the comment section.

Ronda Rousey Retains RAW Women’s Title At WWE TLC

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Ronda Rousey has retained the RAW Women’s Title. Rousey did just that when she beat Nia Jax at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network.

Jax won the battle royal at the WWE Evolution pay-per-view event in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on the WWE Network. As a result of this win, she had earned the right to challenge for the Women’s Title.

Rousey defeated Alexa Bliss for the title at the SummerSlam pay-per-view event in Brooklyn, New York on August 19, 2018, which marked her first reign as champion. There have been 14 reigns between 6 champions to hold the title with Charlotte Flair being the inaugural champion.

Rousey’s in-ring debut took place at WrestleMania 34 in a mixed tag team match with Kurt Angle as her partner, against Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Since then, she has been pushed as WWE top star in the RAW Women’s Division and one of the biggest talents that the company has under contract.

What are your thoughts on Rousey retaining the title in this match? Was it the right time to do this by WWE? Sound off in the comment section.

Braun Strowman Returns At WWE TLC, Earns Universal Title Match

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Braun Strowman was victorious at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network. He made his return to in-ring action after undergoing surgery in order to get bone chips removed from his elbow. This was also a TLC Match. It was a short match as Kurt Angle, Heath Slater, Finn Balor, Chad Gable, Bobby Roode, and Apollo Crews attacked Corbin by hitting their finishers only for Strowman to pin Corbin to win the match.

There were some stipulations that go along with this contest. If Corbin had, he’ll be the permanent GM of Raw, but if he lost, he’ll lose all authority. Since Strowman won, he’ll face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title at the Royal Rumble. Now, those situations have played out and Strowman is the #1 contender for the title.

This feud started at WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd International Stadium on the WWE Network once Corbin attacked Strowman before he faced off with  Lesnar for the Universal Title.

The Royal Rumble pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets.

What are your thoughts on Strowman going over on Corbin and now challenging Lesnar for the Universal Title at the next PPV event? Sound off in the comment section.

The Bar Retain SmackDown Tag Team Titles At WWE TLC

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The Bar retained the SmackDown Tag Team Titles Titles at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network. They beat The Usos and New Day in a Three Way Match at the show.

The Bar won the titles by defeating The New Day on October 16, 2018 in Washington, D.C. on the SmackDown 1000 episode. This marked their first reigns as champions as there have been 11 reigns between 7 teams, and 15 individual champions.

It will be interesting to see if the Usos or New Day get another crack the gold as it could come as soon as Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live in Fresno, CA at the Save Mart Center or the following week which will be taped this coming Tuesday.

It’s possible that WWE waits until the next time they are on pay-per-view as the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event goes down on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field. Time will tell how WWE handles the booking for the next feud involving The Bar.

What are your thoughts on winning the title and this title change? Was it the right time to do this by WWE? Sound off in the comment section.

Carmella & R-Truth Win WWE Mixed Match Challenge Season 2

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As seen at Sunday’s (December 16th, 2018) WWE TLC pay-per-view event in San Jose, California at the SAP Center on the WWE Network, Carmella and R-Truth won this year’s WWE Mixed Match Challenge tournament. Carmella and R-Truth beat Jinder Mahal Alicia Fox in the finals.

As a result of this victory, Carmella has earned the #30 entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match while Truth has earned the #30 entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match at the upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view event on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field that will air on the WWE Network.

The series featured 10 teams with female and male WWE Superstars going against each other in a tournament format. Fans were able to watch Superstars compete in a round robin-style Mixed Tag Team Elimination Tournament in which all teams will face each other. The show aired live on Facebook after SmackDown Live went off the air starting on September 18th at 10 PM ET/PT.

Last year’s tournament had the Superstars compete to win $100,000 to support the charity of their choice. The first season saw The Miz and Asuka defeat Charlotte Flair and Bobby Roode in the finals.

What are your thoughts on this team winning the tournament? Sound off in the comment section.

Becky Lynch Vows To Handle Business At TLC, AJ Styles Hypes WWE Title Match

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Becky Lynch Vows To Handle Business At TLC

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch is ready to settle business as she takes the ring to defend her title against Asuka and Charlotte Flair in the first-ever Women’s Triple Threat TLC Match at the WWE TLC PPV event.

Lynch wrote, “Every drop of who I am will be out there tonight. Every instinct I have will be clawing, surviving, fighting. Asuka you earned your way to a beating, Charlotte always gets hers for free. Tonight I come back to settle some business. Tonight The Man comes around. #WWETLC.”

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1074355042638094336

AJ Styles Hypes WWE Title Match

AJ Styles is hyped for his match at TLC and he decided to take to his official Twitter account to send this final message as he prepares to challenge WWE Champion Daniel Bryan.

“Styles wrote, Tonight I challenge the “NEW” Daniel Bryan at #WWETLC. You’ve still got the same face to me buddy… and a phenomenal forearm is long overdue. After tonight they’ll be saying #AndNew.”

The TLC pay-per-view event takes place tonight (Sunday, December 16th, 2018) in San Jose, California at the SAP Center that will air on the WWE Network. Be sure to join us for play-by-play action.

Possible Opening Match For Tonight’s WWE TLC

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It appears that WWE’s official website may have revealed the opening contest of the main card of the WWE TLC pay-per-view event.

In the preview article for the Finals of the Mixed Match Challenge Season 2 that will see R-Truth & Carmella vs. Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox, it was noted that the match will air live on Facebook Watch at 7pm ET, which is when the main TLC card kicks off.

“Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox will battle R-Truth & Carmella in Mixed Match Challenge Season 2 Finals at WWE TLC, presented globally on Facebook Watch and on the award-winning WWE Network, Sunday night at 7 ET / 4 PT.”

The winning team will receive the #30 spots in the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches come next year at this event. Also, they will receive an all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world.

If you recall, Mahal & Fox earned their place in the finals with a victory over Apollo Crews & Bayley. On the flip side, Mahal and Fox got their way into the finals by overcoming The Miz & Asuka.

The TLC pay-per-view event takes place tonight (Sunday, December 16th, 2018) in San Jose, California at the SAP Center that will air on the WWE Network. Be sure to join us for play-by-play action.

WWE TLC 2018 Results & Live Coverage (12/16)

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[livelist button-title=”You Have Updates Available” max-per-page=”10″][live id=”66wykw” data-sort-time=”1544999635637″]WWE’s TLC 2018 pay-per-view took place at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

TLC Kickoff Show:

– Jonathan Coachman welcomes us to the Kickoff Show, and he’s joined by Booker T, Sam Roberts, and Dave Otunga. Booker T criticizes Coach’s intro for not getting them over, so Booker does his own introduction. They run down the card for the show, then Coach introduces a video package looking at the split between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.

– Baron Corbin and Heath Slater are backstage with Jojo, and Jojo is practicing announcing Corbin as the permanent GM of RAW. Charlie Caruso walks in and asks Corbin what he thinks about the rumors about Braun Strowman showing up tonight at TLC to face Corbin. Corbin says Strowman isn’t showing up, and he’s above responding to rumors.

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Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Cedric Alexander: Buddy Murphy’s Cruiserweight Title is on the line in this one. Murphy and Alexander trade holds in the opening moments until Alexander hits a huricanrana that sends Murphy to the outside. Back in the ring, Murphy misses a shot and Cedric answers with a dropkick for a two count. Buddy fights up and comes back with a knee to the face, and Cedric falls out to ringside. Back in the ring, Cedric turns it around with a series of strikes and then a tornado DDT. Buddy falls outside and Cedric dropkicks him int othe fan barricade. Back in the ring, they exchange move attempts until Cedric connects with a Michinouku Driver for a two count. Cedric wastes some time, and Buddy fights back and they trade strikes. Cedric hits an elbow in the corner and he goes up top, but Murphy catches him and superkicks him in the corner. Murphy then powerbombs Cedric off the turnbuckle for a two count. They fight out to the apron, and Cedric hits a Death Valley Driver on the corner of the apron. Cedric pins Murphy for a two count, then Cedric hits the Lumbar check. Cedric pins, but Murphy gets his foot on the rope to break the hold. Cedric misses a shot in the corner, and Buddy connects with a running knee to the face. Murphy hits Murphy’s Law for the three count to retain the TItle.

Winner & still Cruiserweight Champion: Buddy Murphy

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– Back at the Kickoff Show panel, they discuss the Ronda Rousey vs. Nia Jax match tonight.

– Becky Lynch is backstage for an interview. She says Asuka brought the fight to her on Tuesday, because she knows Becky is going to rip her head off. She adds that she’s going to rip off Charlotte’s head too. Becky says the deck is stacked against her, but she’s still changing the industry.

– Coachman introduces a video package looking at Lars Sullivan, and it ends with a message that Lars “is lurking.”

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– Elias is in the ring with his guitar for a song. He leads the crowd in a Walk With Elias chant, and then he talks about his guitar match with Bobby Lashley tonight. A guitar is shown hanging over the ring above Elias. Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush interrupt, and Lio tells Lashley to hit everyone with their favorite pose, and Lashley bends over and shows his butt.

Bobby Lashley vs. Elias: This one is a ladder match, where the first person to grab the guitar hanging above the ring wins. The opening bell sounds and this one spills out to ringside early on, where Elias dropkicks a ladder into Lashley. Elias throws a ladder in the ring and starts climbing, but Lio Rush gets in the ring and distracts him. Lio escapes from Elias, and Lashley comes back in and starts brawling with Elias. Elias hits a knee to the face and Lashley is down. Elias sets up a ladder in one corner, then he pummels on Lashley in the opposite corner. Elias tries to whip Lashley into the ladder, but Lashley reverses and throws Elias into the ladder. Lashley continues the offense on Elias, then hits his stalling vertical suplex. Lashley picks up a ladder now and drops it onto Elias. Elias fights back and hits a mule kick in the corner, but Lashley shuts him down with a belly-to-belly overhead suplex onto a ladder. Lashley sets up a ladder and starts climbing, but Elias comes up from behind and powerbombs Lashley off of the ladder on to another ladder. Elias starts climbing, but Lio Rush runs in and distracts him. Elias pushes him away, then he reaches up and grabs the guitar for the win.

Winner: Elias

– After the match, Elias wants to his Lashley with the guitar, but Lio rush gets involved, which leads to Lashley hitting a spinebuster on Elias. Lio Rush hits a frogsplash off the top on Elias, then Lashley smashes the guitar over Elias’ back.

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– Back at the Kickoff Show panel, they show some replays from SmackDown and discuss the SmackDown Women’s Title match tonight. Coach wishes everyone Happy Holidays and sends us to TLC, starting now.

WWE TLC 2018:

– TLC opens up with a video package that starts off narrated by Becky Lynch. We see footage of the feuds leading up to Ambrose vs. Rollins; Rousey vs. Jax; Bryan vs. Styles; Corbin vs. Strowman; and the SmackDown Women’s Title match.

– Michael Cole welcomes us to the finale WWE pay-per-view of the year. Cole announces the attendance as 13,408.

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R-Truth & Carmella vs. Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal: Truth and Carmella perform a song and cut a brief promo before the match. The Singh Brothers are at ringside in Jinder’s corner. This one is the finals of the Mixed Match Challenge tournament. Truth and Jinder start this one off, and Jinder takes control early on after a hip toss. Truth comes back with a flying cross-body for a two count. Truth rolls up Jinder with a couple of pin-attempts, and then Alicia Fox and Carmella tag in. Truth and Carmella both hip toss Jinder and Alicia to clear the ring, then they have a dance break. The Singh Brothers come in and they try to out-dance Truth and Carmella, but Truth throws them both out of the ring. Fox attacks Carmella from behind, then hits a neckbreaker. Fox follows up with a Northern Lights suplex for a two count, then she applies a chin lock. Carmella fights out, and Truth and Jinder tag in. Truth hits a clothesline on Jinder, followed up by a spinning heel kick. Truth gets distracted by Sunil Singh on the apron, which leads to Jinder hitting a kick. Truth comes back with a spinning forearm shot, then Alicia tags herself in and starts yelling at Truth. Alicia kicks Truth and goes for an axe kick, but Truth dodges it and Carmella kicks Alicia in the face. Carmella pins but Jinder breaks up the pin. Truth dumps Jinder outside and hits a dropkick through the ropes. Back in the ring, Carmella puts Alicia in the Code of Silence for the win via submission.

Winners: R-Truth & Carmella

– Truth and Carmella celebrate on the turnbuckles after the match as we go to replays. Truth and Carmella do an in-ring interview after the match. Part of winning the tournament is they win a vacation to anywhere they want. R-Truth says he already picked where they’re going on vacation – to WWE Headquarters in Connecticut. Carmella doesn’t seem excited about Truth’s choice.

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The Bar (c) vs. The Usos vs. The New Day: Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods will represent The New Day in this one. Kofi and Sheamus start this one off, and Sheamus hits a running shoulder block to take control early on. Sheamus looks for a suplex, but Kofi fights out and hits a dropkick, then tags in Woods. The aprons clear as everyone hits the ring, and when the dust settles Sheamus hits the Irish Curse backbreaker on Woods. Cesaro tags in and they hit a double kick on Woods for a two count. Sheamus tags back in for a double clothesline on Woods. Sheamus pummels on Woods in the corner, but Woods fights him off and crotches Sheamus on the top rope. Woods then kicks Sheamus off the rope, then Kofi and Cesaro get the tags. Kofi hits the ring and hits a series of strikes on Cesaro. Kofi follows up with the boom drop. Kofi looks for the Trouble In Paradise, but Cesaro ducks, then Jimmy Uso tags himself in.This leads to Uso dropping both Cesaro and Kofi. Jey tags in and goes at it with Kofi now. Jey hits a superkick on Kofi, Woods, Sheamus, and then Cesaro. The Usos hit the pop-up Samoan Drop for a two count on Kofi. Cesaro tags himself in and throws Uso outside. Cesaro goes at it with Kofi on the mat now. Cesaro swings Kofi and then applies the Sharpshooter. Woods comes in and hits a DDT on Cesaro to break it up. Sheamus tags in and hits a big boot on Woods, then he knocks Uso off the apron. Sheamus looks for the big boot on Kofi, but Kofi ducks it and drops Sheamus. Kofi hits a double stomp on Sheamus, then Woods tags in. Kofi in the Trouble In Paradise on Sheamus, then Woods hits a flying elbow drop for a two count. Cesaro takes out Woods and both Usos, then Kofi drops Cesaro. Kofi hits a dive off the top down onto Cesaro and The Usos at ringside, while Woods and Sheamus go at it in the ring. A distraction from Cesaro leads to Sheamus hitting the big boot on Woods for the three count.

Winners & still Tag Team Champions: The Bar

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– We see a promo video about Vince McMahon coming back on RAW to “shake things up.” Cole says one of the reasons Vince is coming back is because of Baron Corbin’s performance as acting RAW GM. Cole shows us footage of Corbin, McIntyre and Lashley attacking Strowman last month.

– Heath Slater comes out to the ring to perform his duties as a WWE referee for this upcoming Tables, Ladders and Chairs match.

Baron Corbin vs. Braun Strowman: Before the match, Corbin cuts a brief promo and orders the ref to call for the opening bell. Corbin says when the ref’s count reaches 10, Corbin will become the permanent GM of RAW by default when Strowman doesn’t show up. Braun Strowman’s music hits, and Slater stops counting. Strowman walks out with a sling still over his right arm. Strowman gets on the apron, and he’s got a mic. Strowman points out that there are no disqualifications in this match, so if anyone in the back is sick and tired of dealing with a crappy GM, they can come out and help him and it’s perfectly legal. Apollo Crews shows up, and he’s got a steel chair. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable show up with steel chairs too, and Finn Balor shows up too. They all step up on the aprons and surround Corbin. Corbin starts yelling at Slater, and Slater rips off his referee shirt and punches Corbin. The other wrestlers get in the ring with the steel chairs and start hitting him one by one. Corbin falls out of the ring and starts to retreat up the ramp, but then Kurt Angle comes out on the stage and blocks off Corbin. Kurt picks up a steel chair and nails Corbin with it a few times and chases him back into the ring. Roode and Gable double team Corbin with a neckbreaker and moonsault, then Crews hits a frogsplash off the top rope on him. Kurt then hits the Olympic Slam on Corbin, and Balor hits the Coup De Grace. Slater puts his referee shirt back on, and then Strowman puts his foot on Corbin’s chest for the three count.

Winner: Braun Strowman

– Jojo announces that Corbin is no longer the General Manager of RAW. Strowman has earned a shot at Brock Lesnar’s Universal Title at Royal Rumble next month.

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– Michael Cole talks about the feud between Natalya and Ruby Riott, and introduces a video package looking at their history.

Natalya vs. Ruby Riott: This one is a tables match, and the Riott Squad is at ringside with a table with a sticker of Jim Neidhart on it. The opening bell sounds and Natalya starts off strong in this one. Natalya goes to spear Ruby off the apron, but Liv Morgan shoves Ruby and takes the spear, and Liv crashes through a table at ringside by herself. Ruby checks on Liv at ringside before getting back in the ring. Natalya hits a right hand, then a German suplex that sends Ruby rolling back out to ringside. Sarah Logan gets on the apron, but Natalya kicks her off. Natalya rolls outside and beats down Ruby on the floor. Natalya tries to powerbomb Ruby through a table at ringside, but Ruby fights out. Logan gets involved, so Natalya powerbombs Logan through the table instead. Ruby comes back and knocks Natalya into the ring apron face-first. Ruby puts Natalya on the table with the Jim Neidhart sticker on it, and Ruby says that Jim would be ashamed of Natalya. Ruby sets up the table in the corner of the ring, then tries to throw Natalya through it, but Natalya stops and drops Ruby. Natalya applies the Sharpshooter on Ruby, although there are no submissions in a tables match. Ruby pushes the table in the corner so it falls on the back of Natalya’s head to break the Sharpshooter. Ruby goes to set up the table on the mat, but Natalya picks her up and hits an electric chair drop. Natalya goes out to ringside to grab another table to put in the ring, and this one has a sticker of Ruby Riott on it. Natalya grabs what loks like Jim Neidhart’s old jacket from under the ring and puts it on. Back in the ring, Natalya kicks Ruby in the face and then sets up the other table in the ring. Natalya is slow to set up the table, and Ruby Riott hits her with a boot to the face. Ruby goes up top, but Natalya stops her and they fight on the turnbuckle now. Ruby looks for a Frankensteiner off the turnbuckle, but Natalya blocks it and powerbombs Ruby off the turnbuckle through the table for the win.

Winner: Natalya

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– Michael Cole and Corey Graves talk about RAW and SmackDown both trying to recruit Lars Sullivan, and they aren’t sure which brand he chose yet.

Drew McIntyre vs. Finn Balor: Balor starts off with a chop to the chest of Drew, but Drew no-sells it and throttles Balor into the corner then lays into him with strikes. Balor fights back and starts targeting Drew’s knee. Drew fights back and hits a series of kicks and chops to the chest of Balor in the corner. Drew wastes some time talking trash, and Balor starts kicking out his knee. McIntyre comes back with a belly to belly overhead suplex. Drew is selling his knee, but he continues the offense with a stalling vertical suplex. Balor starts to fight back and he hits a running forearm shot. Finn tackles Drew down then hits a double stomp to the chest. Balor follows up with chops to the chest and a tornado DDT. Balor clotheslines Drew to the outside, then Balor hits a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Back in the ring, Drew comes back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two count. Drew talks some trash and Balor fires back with a kick. Drew looks for the reverse Alabama Slam, but Balor fights out and rolls up Drew for a two count. Balor hits a kick to the face, then he goes up top. Drew gets up and pummels on Balor in the corner. Drew hits an inverted DDT off the middle rope for a two count. Drew tosses Finn out to ringside now. Drew steps out and Balor starts hitting series of kicks on him, but Drew shuts him down with a clothesline on the apron. Drew hits a headbutt, then throws Finn in the ring. While the ref is checking on Finn, Dolph Ziggler comes out of nowhere and hits a superkick on Drew at ringside. Ziggler grabs a steel chair, but Drew kicks the chair into Ziggler’s face. Drew throws Dolph into the ring, then he brings in a steel chair. Finn Balor ends up dropkicking the chair into Drew, then Balor hits the Coup De Grace for the three count.

Winner: Finn Balor

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Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton: This one is a chairs match. Orton starts off with boots to the midsection of Rey, then he throws him out to ringside. Randy grabs a steel chair, but Rey stops him with a kick and then he bashes Orton with a steel chair of his own. Orton rolls back in the ring, and Rey follows and continues hitting him with the steel chair. Rey brings another chair in the ring, and Orton is able to turn it around and he drops Rey in the corner. Orton looks for a suplex, but Rey fights out and dumps Orton out to ringside. Rey follows up with a splash with a steel chair onto Orton on the ringside floor, and that one looks like it hurt Rey too. Rey sits Orton down on a chair and pummels on him, then Rey climbs up to the apron. Rey looks for a seated senton, but Orton dodges it and Rey crashes into the chair by himself. Rey gets up and starts hitting Rey with a steel chair, then he clears off one of the announce tables. Orton lays a steel chair on the announce table, then he walks over and picks up Rey. Orton hits a Facebuster on Rey onto the chair on the table. Orton starts throwing a bunch of chairs into the ring. Orton takes Rey back in the ring and he tries to throw Rey into a chair in the corner, but Rey reverses into a hurricanrana into the chair instead. Rey looks to follow up with a shot off the ropes, but Orton catches him with a spinning powerslam for a two count. Rey fights away from Orton and then kicks him in the head. Rey goes flying off the top for a splash, but Orton throws a chair at him to knock him out of mid-air. Orton wastes some time and Rey fights back with a kick to the head, and then a chair shot. Rey hits the 619, then Rey goes up top. Orton meets Rey there and takes out his leg. Orton slams Rey’s head into a chair, and then Orton unfolds four chairs side by side in the ring. It looks like Orton wants to RKO him on the chairs, but Rey fights free and kicks him. Rey drops Orton into the chairs, then Rey takes Orton down with a headscissor into a small package pin for the three count.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

– Rey runs up the ramp to celebrate as Orton throws a tantrum in the ring.

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[live id=”db2ad” data-sort-time=”1545011757632″]- Finn Balor is backstage for an interview about his win over Drew, when Dolph Ziggler interrupts. Balor gets in Ziggler’s face, then Ziggler hits him with a cheap shot and throws Balor into some boxes. Ziggler walks off and Balor doesn’t look happy.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at the feud between Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax.

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Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Nia Jax: Tamina is at ringside in Nia’s corner. The opening bell sounds and Ronda starts off strong with strikes and an armbar attempt. Nia fights out and powerbombs Ronda down. Nia throws Ronda into the corner and hits a splash. Nia follows up with an elbow drop for a one count. Nia throws Ronda into the ring post, then slams her arm into the post. Nia hits a headbutt, and then she goes for a leg drop but Ronda rolls out of the way. Ronda goes for a front face lock, and then Ronda spins around Nia and goes for a rear choke. Ronda tries to go for an armbar instead, but Nia gets to the ropes. Nia rolls outside and takes Ronda with her, slamming Ronda into the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Nia tries to lock in the Cobra Clutch, but Ronda gets out and knocks Nia out to ringside. Ronda geos up top and hits a flying cross body off the top onto Nia on the floor. Back in the ring, Ronda hits a series of strikes on Nia and a leaping knee to the face. Ronda hits a Superman punch for a two count. Ronda hits a flying cross body off the top, but Nia catches her and hits the Samoan Drop for a two count. Nia whips Ronda into the corner and she follows up with a splash. Nia looks for a Samoan Drop off the turnbuckle, but Ronda escapes. Ronda powerbombs Nia off the turnbuckle for a two count. Ronda looks for an armbar, but Tamina causes a distraction on the apron. Nia attacks Ronda from behind, but then she misses a right hand attempt. Ronda catches her arm and applies the armbar for the win via submission.

Winner & still RAW Women’s Champion: Ronda Rousey

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[live id=”8bce7r” data-sort-time=”1545012974266″]

– Nia Jax turns down an interview backstage, then she runs into Becky Lynch. Becky asks Nia if she remembers when she broke her face, then she kicks Nia and elbows her in the face. Becky walks off as Tamina runs over.

– We go to a video package looking at the feud between Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles over the WWE Championship, and AJ’s run as WWE Champion before Bryan.

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[live id=”m44alp” data-sort-time=”1545014653255″]- AJ Styles does an interview backstage saying that some fans are writing him off because the “new” Daniel Bryan will do anything it takes to win. AJ says the new and old Daniel Bryan are both beatable, and tonight AJ has a Phenomenal Forearm with Bryan’s name on it. [/live]

 

[live id=”7gyvwx” data-sort-time=”1545014824782″]

Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles: Daniel Bryan’s WWE Title is on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds, and Bryan rolls outside to waste some time and avoid AJ. Bryan gets back in the ring, but again refuses to engage AJ and he rolls back outside to waste time. Bryan gets back in the ring, and this time AJ gets a hold of him in the corner and lays into him with punches and chops. Bryan misses a shot and AJ hits a headscissor takedown. Bryan comes back with a kick, and then AJ misses a dropkick. Bryan runs the ropes and AJ connects with his second dropkick attempt. AJ dumps Bryan out to ringside and he looks for a suicide dive, but Bryan kicks AJ out of mid-air. Bryan throws AJ into the fan barricade, and then back in the ring for some strikes in the corner. Bryan applies a surfboard submission until AJ grabs the bottom rope to break the hold. Bryan follows up with some headbutts to AJ, then a very loud chop to AJ’s chest. AJ starts firing back, but Bryan shuts him down with a shot to the ribs. Bryan continues to work over AJ’s ribs now, then he dumps him out to ringside. AJ climbs back in and the ref allows AJ a moment to recover on the ropes. AJ and Bryan trade strikes now. Bryan dodges a shot and they trade pin attempts now. Bryan drops AJ face-first into the turnbuckle, then he hits a series of running knees and dropkicks. AJ fires back with a clothesline, and then he pummels on Bryan in the corner. AJ stomps on Bryan until the ref momentarily breaks it up. Bryan gets up and AJ hits a spinning back fist for a two count. Bryan tries to beg for mercy, but AJ isn’t buying it and he connects with a knee to the head for a two count. They scramble in the corner and Bryan latches on to AJ, then connects a series of knees to the face. AJ is down on his knees now, and Byan hits the Yes Kicks on him. Bryan connects with all of his kicks and then pins for a two count. AJ fights back and looks for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Bryan gets his leg up so AJ stops shot. AJ takes Bryan down and starts slamming his knee around the ring post. Bryan starts fighting back with strikes in the corner, and then he goes for the Frankensteiner off the top. AJ rolls through and looks for the Styles Clash, but Bryan kicks his way out. AJ grabs on to Bryan’s leg and applies a single leg crab. Bryan breaks free and he looks for the Yes Lock on AJ. Bryan repeatedly elbows AJ in the ribs and then applies the Yes Lock. AJ fights out and they trade pin attempts now. Bryan hits a kick to the head, and AJ comes back with the Pele kick. Bryan attempts a running knee, but AJ shuts him down with a dropkick. AJ hits a springboard 450 splash for a two count. AJ follows up with the Calf Crusher, and Bryan screams in pain. Bryan fights over to the bottom rope to break the hold, then he rolls outside for a breather. AJ follows him to ringside and hits an elbow to the face, and then a Phenomenal Forearm off the fan barricade. AJ rolls Bryan back in the ring, and AJ waits on the apron for Bryan to get to his feet. AJ springboards off the top, but Bryan dodges him. AJ catches Bryan in a small package pin for a two count, and Bryan reverses it into a small package pin of his own for the three count.

Winner & still WWE Champion: Daniel Bryan

– AJ looks shocked at the finish as Bryan heads up the ram with his WWE Title belt.

– Ronda Rousey is backstage chatting with Natalya. Natalya leaves and Ronda does an interview where she tells Nia that payback is a bitch.

[/live]

[live id=”ylx3op” data-sort-time=”1545015027114″]- A singles match between Finn Balor and Dolph Ziggler is announced for RAW tomorrow night.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at the feud between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, and the break-up of The Shield.

[/live]

[live id=”gs629a” data-sort-time=”1545016872318″]- Seth Rollins (c) vs. Dean Ambrose: Seth Rollins’ Intercontinental Title is on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds and Rollins pie-faces Ambrose before they lock up. They run the ropes and Rollins drops Ambrose with a running elbow to the face. Rollins follows up wih some right hands up against the ropes. Rollins follows up with a flying clothesline and then a running elbow to the face in the corner. Rollins hits another one, and then he goes for a third, but Ambrose rolls outside for a breather. Rollins follows him outside, and Ambrose slams Seth face-first onto the announce table. Back in the ring, Ambrose continues the offense and pummels on Rollins. Ambrose hits a clothesline for a two count, and then he hits a flying elbow off the middle rope for another two count. Ambrose continues the assault until Rollins dodges a shot and drops the challenger face-first into the turnbuckle. Ambrose gets back up and starts working over Rollins’ knee. Ambrose wastes some time talking trash, and Rollins hits a neckbreaker. Rollins hits a leg drop and Ambrose rolls out to ringside. Back in the ring, Rollins follows up with the Sling Blade and a Blockbuster. Rollins is still selling his knee and is slow to get up. Rollins clotheslines Ambrose outside and hits a suicide dive on him. Rollins goes back in the ring and hits a second suicide dive on Ambrose. Back in the ring, Rollins goes up top and Ambrose meets him there with punches. Rollins looks for a sunset flip powrbomb, but Rollins’ knee gives out and he falls. Ambrose doesn’t take advantage, and Rollins gets up and hits the buckle bomb for a two count. Rollins hits a kick to the body, and Ambrose fires back with a knee to Rollins’ ribs. They trade right hands in the middle of the ring now. Rollins hits a headbutt and a kick, but then he misses a kick and Ambrose hits a facebuster for a two count. Ambrose goes up top and Rollins joins him. Ambrose crotches Rollins on the top rope and then clotheslines him off for a two count. The crowd appears to be chanting “this is boring.” Ambrose misses a shot and Rollins fires back with some strikes. Rollins goes for a frogsplash but Ambrose gets the knees up to block it. Rollins blocks a Dirty Deeds attempt, but Ambrose still drops him with a boot to the face. Ambroe goes up top, but Rollins runs up and hits a superplex and a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Rollins connects with some right hands and then he goes for a superkick, but Ambroe pleads for mercy and Rollins stops. Rollins ends up hitting a spinning elbow to the face, then he follows up with a kick to the head. Rollins and Ambrose fight out to ringside now, and Rollins powerbombs Ambrose into the fan barricade. Rollins takes Ambrose back in the ring, then he talks some trash to Ambrose. Rollins calls him a “piece of sh-t” which gets censored on the WWE Network. Rollins goes for a running knee, but Ambrose stops him with a kick to the midsection and the Dirty Deeds for the three count.

Winner & new Intercontinental Champion: Dean Ambrose

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[live id=”tjj22a” data-sort-time=”1545018789770″]

– Ambrose celebrates with his Intercontinental Title belt as we go to a promo for RAW, the Tribute To The Troops, and The New Day hosting a year-end recap on the WWE Network.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at the SmackDown Women’s Title picture, with Becky defending her Title tonight against Charlotte and Asuka.

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[live id=”pd7jqc” data-sort-time=”1545018954849″]

Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte vs. Asuka: This one is a Tables, Ladders, Chairs match. The opening bell sounds and Asuka starts off strong with kicks on Becky and Charlotte. Asuka hits the running hip attack on Charlotte in the corner. Becky fights back and drops Asuka, then she goes at it with Charlotte. Asuka and Charlotte both go outside and throw ladders in the ring. Charlotte kicks Asuka’s ladder into her and Asuka falls down at ringside. Becky starts sliding a table in the ring, but Charlotte stomps on the table and the opposite end of the table seems to hit Becky in the face. Asuka comes in the ring but Charlotte slams her face into a table in the corner. Charlotte looks for a spear, but Asuka catches her with a facebuster. Asuka and Becky fight up in the turnbuckle now, and Asuka throws Becky down by her hair onto a ladder. Becky hits the ladder hard and she rolls outside to recover. Asuka starts climbing the ladder in the ring, but Charlotte stops her and repeatedly slams her face into the ladder. Charlotte starts climbing, but Asuka powerbombs Charlotte off the ladder into a table leaning up in the corner. The table breaks at the very bottom, and Charlotte’s head took a lot of the impact. Asuka starts climbing the ladder, but Becky comes back in and dropkicks her down. Becky starts climbing, but Asuka pulls her off and slams her down. Asuka hits the running hip attack on Becky to knock her out to ringside, and then Charlotte comes over with a steel chair and nails Asuka with it. Asuka falls outside, and Charlotte goes up to the top rope. Charlotte hits a moonsault off the top onto Asuka and Becky at ringside. Charlotte sets up a table at ringside, then Becky nails her with a steel chair. Becky tees off on Charlotte and Asuka with the chair. Becky grabs a ladder as Asuka is laying on an announce table. Becky lays Charlotte on the announce table next to Asuka, then Becky climbs the big ladder at ringside. Becky goes up to the second-top rung, and then goes flying down with a leg drop. Asuka rolls out of the way, but Becky’s whole torso lands on Charlotte and the table doesn’t break immediately, which looks painful for Charlotte. Back in the ring, Asuka starts climbing the ladder until Becky runs in and stops her. Charlotte comes back in the ring with a kendo stick and she tees off on both of them. Charlotte starts climbing the ladder, but she stops to hit Asuka with the kendo stick some more. Charlotte follows her out to ringside, but Becky comes over and hits a suplex on Charlotte into the fan barricade. Asuka picks up the kendo stick and drops Becky with it. Asuka wastes some time celebrating, and Charlotte spears her into the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Becky is climbing the ladder until Charlotte runs in and stops her. Becky and Charlotte trade strikes in the middle of the ring now until Becky tackles her and pummels on her. They fight out to ringside and brawl in front of the announce tables. Charlotte hits a series of chops to the chest, then she lays Becky on a table and slaps her across the face. Charlotte goes up to the top rope and hits a senton bomb on Lynch through the table on the floor. Back in the ring, Charlotte and Asuka climb the ladder and trade punches. Becky comes back in the ring with another ladder, and she sets it up next to the other ladder. Charlotte knocks Asuka down, and Becky runs up the ladder and starts trading right hands with Charlotte. Ronda Rousey then runs down the ramp and gets in the ring. Ronda shoves the ladder over and knocks both Charlotte and Becky down. Ronda heads to the back while Charlotte and Becky are down on the floor. Asuka gets up and starts climbing the ladder. Asuka grabs the Women’s Title belt to win the match.

Winner & new SmackDown Women’s Champion: Asuka

[/live]

[live id=”0uys2f” data-sort-time=”1545019089570″]- Asuka celebrates with her new Women’s Title belt in the ring as we go to replays. Charlotte is shown at ringside and she doesn’t look happy. Becky also gets to her feet at ringside as Asuka holds up her Title belt on the ladder and TLC goes off the air. [/live]

[/livelist]

 

This post will be updated throughout the show, please keep checking back.