Fans in Bridgeport got their own dose of CM Punk last night at Deadline, as hours after he teased it on social media, the man of the hour showed up to greet NXT fans.
Shawn Michaels opened up the show first to welcome everyone to Deadline and asked everyone if they’re ready.
Cue in Cult of Personalty to a big pop from the crowd. Punk was wearing a pink Calgary Hitmen hockey hoodie, a nice choice of outfit to stand in the ring with HBK! He did the HBK pose at the top of the ramp and greeted fans at ringside.
“I’m sorry I didn’t want to step over your gimmick, do you want to tell everybody to suck it now?” Punk asked HBK.
Shawn pointed out the hoodie that he was wearing and Punk said that he forgot the HBK merchandise at home.
“You guys made up, I made up with Triple H, it’s all about healing,” Punk replied.
Punk took a selfie with Michaels and then said he’s still undecided if he wants to be on Raw, Smackdown, or NXT. Fans chanted his name, he hugged Michaels, and the segment ended.
Here are the results from last night’s NXT Deadline premium live event which took place live from the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Axiom defeated Nathan Frazer in the Kickoff show; Dragon Lee defeated Dominik Mysterio to become the new NXT North American champion; Blair Davenport defeated Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Kelani Jordan, and Fallon Henley in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge to become the #1 contender for the NXT Women’s title; Carmelo Hayes defeated Lexis King; Trick Williams defeated Dijak, Josh Briggs, Bron Breakker, and Tyler Bate in the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge to become the #1 contender for the NXT title; Kiana James defeated Roxanne Perez in a steel cage match; Ilja Dragunov defeated Baron Corbin to retain the NXT Championship.
Ethan Page talked about ‘Hamilton vs Winnipeg in Montreal’ in ‘one of the biggest Canadian showdowns in history’. Because AEW must exaggerate everything. He’s under the weather but vowed to give Kenny his best anyway
Omega told Page he looked phenomenal but made fun of him for ‘trying your best’, ‘you’re gonna ‘try your best’ and expect to beat me?’ he sneered. Very heelish, especially given Page wasn’t
‘Eyepatch’ Bryan Danielson said something’s gotta give cause he and Andrade are undefeated
Andrade said Danielson was good but he was better
Claudio said ‘amateurs’ and Eddie Kingston were his two least favorite things in wrestling then said it in French
Kingston acted all rah rah then told them to hit the music before he swore
They went to the usual announcers to run down the show and explain the tournament rules and standings. It would behoove AEW to take this ‘assume the audience knows nothing’ approach for everything they do.
Claudio Castagnoli vs Eddie Kingston (Blue League)
Backstory: Claudio’s 1-1; Kingston 0-2, the latter needs to beat his long-time foe to stay alive
Kingston out to a rapturous response, crowd chanting his name, fired up as he marched the ramp. Claudio got a pretty good response too, Kingston held the ropes to beckon him as Castagnoli touched the ROH Title he used to hold and lost to Eddie.
Bell rang, Claudio rushed him with a boot, Kingston hit a Uriken and half-&-half, Claudio spilled outside, Kingston rushed to throw him back in, bodyslam/suplex, for two. Nice to see someone’s wrestling fit the story – Eddie needs to win.
Claudio ducked a lariat, floating around into the neutralizer for a close count. Likewise, nice to see guys trying to win immediately. Makes this seem real.
Kingston to the apron, fighting across the ropes until knocked to the floor via lariat. Ref’s count at four when Castagnoli pursued him and rolled him back in. Running stomp, dismissive kicks to the face with Eddie down. To his feet, chops coming, Claudio ducked, giant swing, only a few rotations into the sharpshooter, got a mixed reaction being applied by a heel(?) in Montreal. Crowd chanting for Kingston as he struggled in the middle.
Until powering up, crawling to the ropes and breaking the hold. Claudio continued the dismissive boots, Kingston spat at him, causing the Swiss to rush him with uppercuts in the corner, leaving Kingston slumped. Running dropkick a la Shibata. For two.
Back to his feet they fought in the middle, Claudio backing Kingston up then smashing him down via lariat. Scoop slam for barely two. Claudio raked the forehead with his boot, crowd chanting for Eddie again, a solid favorite here. He began to fight back, snapping rights on wobbly legs until another rush of uppercuts left him down in the corner once more. Choke in the ropes, Kingston almost out of it.
As Claudio threw shoulders to the gut, sat Kingston atop the buckle, Eddie fought off a superplex, Claudio came back with a running uppercut, back rake, superplex from the top floor, ‘nother two.
Ads. Wow, does not feel only part way through. Really good start, was totally absorbed in that.
Kingston ignored a running boot, blocked another, until being smashed down again via lariat. For two once more. Ricola Bomb coming, Kingston blocked it but took a gut wrench suplex. For another two slaps of the mat.
More dismissive kicks, Kingston threw a couple chops but was still struggling to stand. Claudio came back with right forearms but took a flurry and enziguri, exploder, another though this was like a uranage combo. As Kingston bagged two of his own.
Machine guns in the corner, Claudio walked through them till a straight right to the jaw knocked him back, Kingston running lariat for another two. Into a stretch plum – thanks Kevin – Claudio got his boot on the ropes, Kingston collapsed back, both down.
Nigel stressed that this was his ‘last chance’. And he was first up, thinking piledriver, Claudio kept dropping his weight to block before hauling Kingston up legs-first into a powerbomb for another close count, beautiful running basement spinning back-elbow with the same result, right into a crossface, fifteen minutes gone as Kingston finally got the ropes.
Hammer and anvil, Ricola Bomb coming, Kingston slipped out, missed a Uriken, Claudio nailed an uppercut, Kingston barely kicked out. To their knees, forearms and chops, to their feet for the same, slap fight now – crowd roaring, big Claudio uppercut, Kingston ducked into a half-and half, Uriken, Claudio hit back with an uppercut which span Kingston round into a second, match-winning, Uriken.
Awesome.
Wait, wait, wait, kickout! Wow.
Three-minute warning, Kingston trying to lift dead weight, third Uriken, Claudio countered a powerbomb into a hurracanrana, legs hooked, count at two when Eddie rolled through to grab the win. Even Nigel yelled ‘yes, yes, yes!’ after saying it was impossible not to feel for Kingston.
Just fantastic. Match of the tournament so far? Had the crowd biting on those near falls both ways. As I’ve said before, I’m an asshole who gets taken out of things too easily. This didn’t allow a second of that – immediately the bell rang they were trying to win, the wrestling fit the story of the tournament and match and was crisp and believable. No waiting for spots, nothing to see through here folks. Even the finish felt like Eddie being desperate not to lose. Utterly gripping.
Updated standings, Dancin’ Daniel the only guy with nil point.
Winner: Eddie Kingston
Moxley post-match Wednesday, face right in the camera.
People told him Rush’d be hard but he’s been dealing with guys who are ‘a lot of bark’ his whole life. It was tough, Swerve’ll be tough too. But this tournament is supposed to be hard. Strickland has a lot of ‘buzz’; buzz is cheap. Being at the top and staying there is different. ‘It’s very, very costly’.
Right about now is when most realize it’s a price they’re not willing to pay. ‘Next week, Swerve Strickland, Jon Moxley and the ghosts and demons that always chase me to the ring, this is gonna be something you’ve never attempted to do before, and it’s gonna be a long night, so I suggest you pack a lunch.’
Other than that last cliched line, just great as usual. Perfectly laying out the scenario as if this were real.
*****
Renee with Hook. She asked about Yuta when Yuta rolled-up to answer. Hook’s a ‘paper champion’, she should be interviewing real champions like him. Hook angrily said he’d won by kicking Shibata in the balls.
Yuta shook it off to insist he pinned Shibata in the middle to become a record-setting Pure champ. But he can wrestle Hook’s way too and since Hook stuck his nose in Yuta’s business, they should settle things via FTW rules. Hook said ‘Aight, bet’.
Yuta was really good here. Being a heel suits him much better. Would be nice if they explained/showed what’s happened though because I’ve forgotten/not seen most of it.
Willow Nightingale vs Mercedez Martinez
Backstory: NONE
It says everything about Willow’s booking that I don’t dare write her name in the ‘Winner’ section ahead of the match. Mercedez brought Diamante along.
Collar and elbow, the vet backed to the corner before a second lockup reversed things. Willow ducked a right, Martinez ducked her head through the ropes for the break then came out firing, stomping Willow down. To boos.
Willow reversed a whip, big lariat, clubbing blows in the ropes, shoulder block down, running boot, senton splash, Mercedez rolled to the floor. Willow was dumb and jawed with Diamante so was driven back-first into the apron then the barricade.
Making a babyface look dumb to allow the heel to take over is not protecting them.
Draping ddt off the barricade brought the break. Fine but struggling to follow an admittedly tough act.
Martinez three amigos (can AEW please tell heels to stop doing that?), Willow countered the third into one of her own, Martinez fired palm strikes to the chest, Willow ducked a lariat, bulldog for barely two. Good crowd again in Montreal as she hit a body splash in the corner, missile dropkick, cannonball in the corner, Martinez got the ropes to break the cover at two.
Diamante hit the apron, Willow knocked her off, ref couldn’t have been less bothered. Martinez hit a fisherman bomb, Willow just got her shoulder up before three. Backdrop driver, a second, leg-capture throw, Willow set atop the buckle, into a nasty dominator out of a crucifix position, as Mercedes was about to pin her, Willow hooked a cradle to win.
Weird finish in that Willow had just been smashed on her face from the top rope and in that she needed to steal a win over Mercedes Martinez. Earlier this year she was the most popular woman on the roster. These last two things are related.
The heels attacked post-match, Diamante grabbed a mini-ladder and a pipe. Kris Statlander ran them off from behind. Handy she knew she’d have to make a save through the crowd.
Winner: Willow Nightingale
Renee with 2.0 and Jake Hager. 2.0 are in their hometown. Hager interrupted to complain about Danhausen putting his hat down his pants, he said he even had the mounties looking. So he won’t be out there tonight.
I enjoyed the Hat shtick earlier this year but it’s long run its course. A lot like Danhausen himself. Apart from the ever enjoying him part.
2.0 played total hometown babyfaces, even speaking French, because any AEW talent magically become good guys when they return home. Ruby Soho turned up, Saraya followed with Anna Jay (the hell did that happen?), the Brit and Menard continued the world’s loudest argument and she demanded Menard take Parker away. He did.
Saraya asked why Soho was hanging with these losers. I think Soho was wearing a Parker t-shirt; Saraya accused her of trying to leave like Toni did. Told her she better beat Riho next week then told Jay to stay with Soho and left.
So yeah maybe explain the whole Anna Jay’s with the Outcasts thing?
*****
Strickland post-match Weds.
Tearing the tape off his shoulder, he said he doesn’t feel pain when it comes to chasing goals and shutting people up. He’s the leader in the tournament but more than that he’s a leader in this company. He insisted this footage was saved to be replayed when all that was proven and he was the world champion.
That starts with Moxley next Wednesday. He’s hungry, he needs it. Moxley’s violent? So’s he. Whose house? Swerve’s house. All said in a serious style, just above a whisper.
This is why Strickland was always going to struggle to stay heel. He’s too cool, too charismatic, in a company with very few ‘cool’ main eventers. Even the champion’s a dork or a dick depending on the week/segment.
(On the subject, not a single mention of him being left for dead Wednesday.)
Nice promo. Though not on Moxley’s level. Few, if any, are.
Wardlow vs Willie Mack
Backstory: Mack challenged Wardlow cause Wardlow beat his friend AR Fox who’s not long turned back face after being a despicable heel for 2 weeks
Nice to see them switch things up and have Wardlow crush an undercard guy.
I know Willie Mack’s name. Can’t tell you a thing else about him, so not surprising the crowd saw Wardlow as the face and chanted his name.
The big fella won in a few by stoppage with his new Last Ride-style powerbomb.
Winner: Wardlow
And his music had barely begun when Schiavone rushed things to the FTR/HOB story. With yet another of those ‘spooky’ HOB videos shot in the dark. They’re continuing the weird story that only the House care about FTR and replayed their attack on FTR last week.
*****
Then remembered the tag titles are a thing (Hi, WWE influence!), replaying the attack on Jericho by Starks and Bill for the first time in like three weeks. And wouldn’t you know it, Kenny Omega’s out next. Why, do you think something might happen to him?
Ethan Page vs Kenny Omega
Backstory: Decides the best Canadian wrestler, because there’s a whole lotta doubt…
Kenny’s crowd response was up there with Kingston’s for best on the show. Feels a waste throwing him out there for this when he so clearly has to limit his schedule these days. Danielson noted this week that he wanted Omega in the CC. Presumably the tag title thing played a part but how beat-up he is shouldn’t be overlooked.
To wit, this is Page’s first Collision appearance since July. Kelly put him over for the shape he’s got into – working with a personal trainer and etc.
Crowd were solidly behind Omega as this got going. With a handshake. So is Page a face now?
Omega slipped behind, Page countered out into an armbar, Omega rolled through, kipped up, into a headlock, shoulder block after a whip, Page popped up with a running back elbow. Big rights in the corner, some dude was shown watching backstage (Tony Nese apparently – well worth cutting away from the match for), back to full picture as Kenny rolled through to hit a rana out of the corner, terminator dive cut-off by Page diving in through the ropes via cutter.
Omega spilled outside, Page pursued him with rights, Omega fought back with big chops, whipped Page to the barricade, Ethan brushed it off to rush him via shoulder block, Omega hit a back elbow as Page rushed in then nailed a moonsault off the barricade. Crowd loved that.
Back inside, Kintaro crusher for two. Page blocked a slam, twice, nailing an elevated one of his own and a big right in the ropes, Omega got a boot up, suplex up and over the ropes to the outside, hanging onto it all the way in a nasty spill which also saw Page’s back smack against the apron.
Crazy. Ads.
Back to Page hurling himself off the apron via shoulder tackle. We’re watching ‘two of Canada’s greats go at it,’ per Schiavone. Announcer credibility is important.
Page tried another out-to-in cutter, Omega blasted him with a kick, powerbomb, roll back, v trigger, Page just kicked out. Avoided a second v trigger, Omega blocked a German, standing switch, v trigger to the back, Page blocked a snapdragon, cut Omega off upstairs, iconoclasm maintaining wrist control into a ddt. For two.
Crowd don’t care when Page is on offense. A shame.
Omega dead-weighted to block a piledriver, got Page on his shoulders, you can’t escape – as is usually the case these days the moonsault was blocked, ducked a lariat into a snapdragon, hit a second after Page initially blocked it, Page blocked a superplex to hit a bodyslam from the top.
Omega kicked out at two. Crowd didn’t buy it for a sec. Liked the move though.
Page tried Ego’s Edge, Omega slipped behind, Page slipped out of a OWA into a roll-up for two, Omega hit a v trigger, Page struck back via big boot, pair of rollups as each got near falls, pair of v triggers, One Winged Angel, turns out Kenny’s the best Canadian wrestler.
So this is everything wrong with AEW. Right here. They sent out a guy they never use and won’t use going forward to have a competitive, ‘good match’ with a guy positioned near the top of the card. Because they think a show filed with ‘good matches’ is a good show.
Instead of featuring, following-up on and giving momentum to acts such as Hobbs (beat Jericho then disappeared from tv), Takeshita (beat Omega then disappeared from tv), and Cassidy (gave Moxley like his third loss ever then disappeared from tv). And is why they don’t make stars who sell tickets. And why they needed here to book a match between two Canadians in a bid to do so. That’s called a vicious cycle.
Good matches should be a given, a part of the show, not the whole f’n show, to steal a line.
Omega raised Page’s arm then left, Page looked emotional in the ring. Big Bill nailed Omega with a big boot on the ramp (Schiavone called it a pump kick, he’s again mixing up a lot of moves), Page staggered up the ramp to chase him off.
Winner: Kenny Omega
Lexy with CJ Perry who is no longer either ‘hot’ or ‘flexible’ apparently. Poor Miro.
Perry said Andrade was ‘born to do this’, he’s a multi-time champion at every level, in every company, ‘he flies higher than any cruiserweight, hits harder than any heavyweight’ (nice line) and has everything needed to beat Bryan tonight.
Things were going well when Miro interrupted to ask when was the last time she’d said that many nice things about him. They finally defined who we were supposed to route for: ‘Why are you so mad cause I asked you to stay home? I’m the bread-earner, you’re my queen’.
She called him delusional, said he’d ‘denounced’ her (he did?), he said ‘a queen’s gotta get her hands dirty every now and again’, that when his dad goes fishing, his mom cleans the fish. ‘When I hunt… you clean’ (the way this big physical dude was looming over her when he said this was uncomfortable). He reiterated that he wouldn’t touch Andrade while the tournament’s happening but ‘once it’s finished, so is he’.
Do they give these guys any direction whatsoever before filming these? I was intrigued way back when this all started but it’s been so badly defined and structured.
*****
Second ‘spooky’ HOB promo of the night. From Julia Hart. This time interspersed with Abadon being ‘spooky’ herself. Hart can usually see behind people’s ‘masks’ but can’t figure out Abadon. They played Abadon saying ‘the Hart stops beating’ and decided a pun was a good way to end things.
Julia shows impressive poise in these.
Penta & Komander vs 2.0
Backstory: NONE
Related to the Page/Omega thing, AEW could even decide to make something out of Penta and target a different demo. He got a hell of a pop as Kelly noted his watch keeps giving him decibel warnings here in Montreal.
Yaaaay, here come the heels. They’re despicable but they’re from here! Yaaaay. ‘Deservedly so,’ said Schiavone in relation to 2.0’s pop. We were shown their family watching including a tiny child, in case anyone might still have wanted to boo.
Crowd chanted ‘ole, ole, ole, ole…’ as Penta and Menard got going. Menard yelled that it was his town and the crowd chanted his name. Loudly. Penta got some boos but still a good amount of cheers.
Then nailed Parker with a spin kick to the chest, one to the face, avoided a charge in the corner, Menard ducked a lariat, series of trips looking for pins, Penta kipped up, stand off, they shook hands then Menard shoved Penta from behind. But they’re from here so don’t boo!
Forcing the tag to Komander who missile dropkicked Menard into the opposite corner, tag to Parker who hit a leg lariat, missed a charge, Komander ran through an acrobatic routine into a pair of slick armdrags and a dropkick. Tag to Penta, both guys in, Komander dropkick to Parker off Penta’s back, Penta monkey-flipped Komander onto both of 2.0 in the corner, crowd loved that.
‘Zero Miedo!’, zero boos too. 2.0 blocked stereo dives, ads.
Komander ducked and dodged into the hot tag to Penta – slingblades for all, thrust kicks too, ‘Zero Miedo’ with Komander in, they missed baseball slides but nailed stereo thrust kicks outside. Parker and Penta went at it inside as the crowd gave a generous TiA chant, it’s definitely fun though.
Penta hit Made in Penta, Menard saved the pin at two, rolled through a sunset flip into a ‘Montreal’ crab. Komander tagged in and took a double team lungblower for two. Penta back in, Menard sent outside, Penta readied Fear Factor, Komander rope-walked into his part, 1, 2, 3.
Was a little worried they’d have the hometown boys go over here. Such is their usual booking of Penta.
Good tag. Penta and Komander are a nice team. Could we maybe have a tag scene again please?
Winner: Penta & Komander
Keith Lee/Shane Taylor package. Does anyone outside Tony Khan GAS about ROH? Anybody?
*****
Clip package for the CC. Clearly all the guys are cutting post-match promos a la New Japan but they’re only showing one or two.
Bryan Danielson vs Andrade El Idolo (Blue League)
Backstory: Match 3 for Danielson (2-0), 2 for Andrade (1-0)
Captain Danielson continued the string of nice pops. Perry came with Andrade but left per the rules. Kelly referenced their previous ‘dream match years in the making’ from a couple months back. It’s almost as if ‘dream matches’ occurring this frequently means they aren’t really dream matches.
Should be good though.
A shake started things, cagey lockup, Andrade working the left arm, Danielson rolled through and ducked under to turn the tables, Andrade swept the legs and tried a figure four, Danielson kicked him off.
Another cagey lockup, Andrade flipped Danielson over, tripped him down, still with their hands clasped, Andrade tried a pin, Danielson got his knees up and monkey flipped free, smiling across the ring.
Start again. Andrade to a headlock, whipped off, shoulder block as he rebounded, right back to the headlock, whipped off again, shoulder block again, back to the headlock again, seemingly targeting Danielson’s eye. Kelly talked about Andrade’s experience in tournaments as he once again ran through BD with a pair of shoulder blocks (the second of which was a little too stiff and near Danielson’s eye for comfort), bagging a quick two.
Danielson came back via belly to back, both slow to their feet, Danielson targeting the left arm, kick to the spine, one to the chest, several more until Andrade countered into a pair of dragon screws then landed a diving forearm. Danielson ending up in the corner, crowd clapping ahead of the double knees, Danielson slipped free, Andrade ended up outside, Danielson dove through the ropes, just about nailing Andrade after brushing them.
Peripheral vision’s a mutha.
Ads. Nice start.
Back to stiff knife edges from Andrade who’d ripped off the eyepatch during the break and nailed a stiff punt to the face. Until being elevated outside. Danielson’s ‘bleeding from that surgical scar,’ per Schiavone. That’s taking realism a little too far. As Andrade nailed a forearm through the ropes to cut off a Danielson tope, smiling and wiping blood from his forearm.
Figure four slap-bang in the middle, Danielson indeed bleeding above his left eye (and from his nose?) as he reached for the rope break, crawling to the corner for respite but placed atop the buckle. As the guy who’ll presumably be the babyface against a seemingly heel Miro continued to target his injured eye (that cut/scar is gross btw). First with headbutts then by gouging it.
The Dragon blocked a superplex before firing a headbutt of his own, chop battle above the buckle, series of slaps sent Andrade plummeting, missile shotgun, yes! kicks with Andrade on his knees, he ducked the last into a roll-up, Danielson countered right into the LeBell, Andrade countered right back into the F4, each ducked lariats until they smashed together, went down together and were counted down together.
Aubrey at five as the crowd chanted ‘fight forever’ and they battled to their feet, snapping jabs back and forth, Danielson coming out on top until being hauled up and backed to the buckle, atop it once more. Fifteen minutes up as Andrade hit a superplex, hanging on, rolling his hips, smacking his chest, three amigos, Danielson out at two.
Moonsault coming, Danielson crotched him, avalanche belly to back, two only. Right into the LeBell, a little near the ropes, Danielson captured the near-arm, Andrade got the ropes with his leg, landed on his feet out of a belly to back, kind-of avoided a busaiku, nailed a spinning back elbow for another near fall.
Danielson popped up to block another double-knees attempt, back to the fist fight, Danielson hit a corner leg lariat, Andrade hit back with another spinning elbow, double knees in the corner to the back of the head before more forearms right to the face, two minutes left as Andrade hit the hammerlock ddt to win.
Little surprised at that outcome since it was discussed this week that Andrade’s contract is up sometime in the next half-year or so and he’s never been happy in AEW.
Nigel and Kevin were both saying this should have been stopped. Many fans might agree. Post-match, Andrade tried to check on Danielson along with the trainers, Yuta and Claudio came down and Claudio shoved him away so presumably they’re wrestling next. Though no matches were advertised.
Very good clash, all that stuff with the injured eye took me out of it a bit. Squeamish AF.
Hello everybody! It’s @TheMagnumDA with another pick’em report. We usually hit up all the WWE PLE’s throughout the year, and since there’s no December PLE, we’re going to settle things at DEADLINE! The WOPC Championship is on the line – I’ve had a long, healthy reign as champion these last few months. Will Colin end the year as champion? Let’s find out!
ON WITH THE PICKS!!
Pre-Show Match
Axiom vs. Nathan Frazer
Colin: These two will certainly kill it. I really like Axiom. His match against Dragon Lee on Smackdown was excellent. Axiom wins.
Magnum: I’m going to take Nathan Frazer. He’s had a series of outstanding showings, and I think his stock will continue to go up after tonight.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Lexis King
Colin: I am surprised that Hayes is still in NXT and not called up to the main roster. I hope 2024 is the year of Carmelo Hayes as he’s one of the most talented individuals in the company right now. Lexis King will need some time to prove himself and I can’t see him beating Hayes here. His time will come, just not tonight. Hayes wins.
Magnum: I’ll admit, there’s probably nobody more excited than I am about Brian Pillman Jr. and the evolution of his character. I think we’re only scratching at the surface of where he’ll go. There’s more layers to this. For tonight, I actually have high hopes for Trick tonight…which means Melo goes down. Lexis King don’t miss – he’ll take the victory.
Steel Cage Match
Roxanne Perez vs. Kiana James
Colin: Despite this being a cage match, I’m expecting some kind of interference, maybe from the returning Cora Jade? Roxanne is a star and I’m predicting she will win this.
Magnum: I actually love Colin’s idea – Cora Jade returns…but I’m going to take a different route. Cora’s going to cause Roxanne to lose. I’ll take Kiana James for the win.
Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge – #1 Contendership for the NXT Championship
Dijak vs. Trick Williams vs. Josh Briggs vs. Bron Breakker vs. Tyler Bate
Colin: I see three from here who could all fight for the title. We’ve been there with Bron Breakker already and just like Hayes, he needs to go to the main roster already. I’m thinking this is going to be Trick Williams’ time to shine and he’s going to get that title shot. Go Trick go!
Magnum: I’m with you all the way, Colin. This is Trick’s night – ir’s going to be a spectacular match, but this is the night Trick is put in the Driver’s Seat en route to the NXT Championship.
Bonus: How many falls will the Iron Survivor have when they win?
Colin: 7
Magnum: 5
Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge – #1 Contendership for the NXT Women’s Championship
Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend vs. Blair Davenport vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Fallon Henley
Colin: Tiff is the biggest star here, hands down. I think that alone makes her as the favorite to win this one. Her story with Becky Lynch was excellent and she deserves another run with the title. I pick Tiffy to go and win this match and challenge the champion.
Magnum: I think Lyra Valkyria is going to have a new challenger over the winter…and I think it will be a fellow European. I’m going to take a dark horse – Blair Davenport – to somehow win the Iron Survivor. This would be an awesome upset.
Bonus: How many falls will the Iron Survivor have when they win?
Colin: 5
Magnum: 4
NXT North American Championship
“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (c) (with Rhea Ripley) vs. Dragon Lee (with Rey Mysterio)
Colin: Here’s my problem with this match, Dirty Dom should retain, but Dragon Lee has been beaten by Dom and everyone else lately multiple times. We’ve already had this ‘Rey and Rhea in their corner’ angle and Dom won it last time, so just based on that, I’m going to pick Dragon Lee as your winner and new champ.
Magnum: Interesting. I think this theory will work, Colin! Might as well run it back! Haha…I’ll take Dragon Lee to win the title.
NXT Championship
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Baron Corbin
Colin: There’s no way Ilja is losing this title so early, and not to Baron Corbin. Nothing against Corbin, and actually, he’s been 100% better here in NXT than he was on the main roster. But Ilja is a different animal and he is all that NXT represents. Dragunov to retain.
Magnum: I’m really happy for Ilja – he’s going to get a title-defining win. I don’t think he’ll hold the title too much longer, but this will be a signature win. All the more power to him – I still want to see him vs. Gunther at Mania 40.
Alright folks, that’s going to do it for the NXT Deadline Pick’em report. From all of us at Wrestling-Online, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2024!! @TheMagnumDA signing off.
In a post on Instagram Story, CM Punk teased an appearance at tonight’s NXT Deadline premium live event.
Punk posted a photo in front of the gigantic WWE replica title outside the new WWE Headquarters in downtown Stamford, writing, “Missed my flight today. Woke up in Bridgeport. Anything to do here?”
Bridgeport, the site of tonight’s NXT Deadline, is just 23 miles away from Stamford.
The former two-time AEW champion was a pretty popular figure at Smackdown last night in Providence.
Live from the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, WWE presents NXT Deadline 2023 on Peacock and WWE Network. The full card is as follows:
Ilja Dragunov vs Baron Corbin for the NXT title; Dominik Mysterio vs Dragon Lee for the NXT North American title; Dijak vs Trick Williams vs Josh Briggs vs Bron Breakker vs Tyler Bate in the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge to determine the #1 contender for the NXT title; Tiffany Stratton vs Lash Legend vs Blair Davenport vs Kelani Jordan vs Fallon Henley in the women’s Iron Survivor Challenge to determine the #1 contender for the NXT Women’s title; Roxanne Perez vs Kiana James in a steel cage match; Carmelo Hayes vs Lexis King; and Axiom vs Nathan Frazer in the Kickoff show.
The NXT Kickoff show will start at 7:30PM ET on WWE’s social media properties as well as on Peacock and WWE Network while Deadline will start at 8PM ET.
Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley advanced in the United States title #1 contender tournament after they won their respective matches last night on Smackdown.
Escobar defeated Dragon Lee in a rematch from Survivor Series while Lashley defeated Karrion Kross. The two now face each other in the semi final.
The other side of the bracket has Austin Theory vs Kevin Owens and Grayson Waller vs an NXT star who remains unnamed at this point. Those two matches take place next week.
The winner of the tournament will face Logan Paul for the title.
CMLL announced last night that Andrade El Idolo is returning to the promotion on December 15.
The Mexican promotion aired a video of El Idolo, formerly known as La Sombra in CMLL, hyping up his return at Arena Mexico. What El Idolo will be doing remains unclear.
As La Sombra, he worked for CMLL between 2007 and 2014 and won several titles while there, including the CMLL Universal, Tag Team, and Trios titles.
El Idolo’s AEW contract is reportedly set to expire soon with his future in the company remaining up in the air.
Charlotte Flair had to be helped out of the ring last night at Smackdown after she suffered what looked like a knee injury while wrestling Asuka.
Flair limped towards the final moments of the match and it was very evident that she had a problem in her left leg. The match, which had a feeling of having an abrupt end, came to a close after Bayley interfered, giving Asuka the advantage to roll up Charlotte for the three count.
A trainer and the referee attended to Flair after the match and helped her out to the back.
There was a spot during the match where Asuka and Flair were on the top rope and Asuka slipped, taking down Flair with her. Flair’s leg hit the top rope, twisting her knee in the process.
A very frustrated Flair told referee Charles Robinson “my knee” when he was checking her and put her hand on her face.
CM Punk took shots at several Superstars on his first Smackdown promo last night, setting up potential feuds down the line, and also joked about something that he was fired for, a joke which unfortunately fell flat with the audience which didn’t “get it.”
He noted that the good thing is that it’s at the top of the 9PM hour which means his segment won’t get cut and fans can chant CM Punk all night long if they want to.
Punk said that there are people in the back who were not happy to see him in WWE and don’t like the “happy go lucky” CM Punk that showed up, so he was going to be the spicy CM Punk and turn it up a notch.
After opening the interview with Cody’s “what do you want to talk about?” line, Punk then asked fans about who they want him to talk about, rather than what.
Punk immediately called out someone who was not there…and from what he can see, he’s rarely there too…Roman Reigns! Punk said he acknowledges the Tribal Chief and congratulated him on his run but reminded him who the OG Paul Heyman guy is.
He then moved to shout out Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa, along with Randy Orton and LA Knight. He also talked about Kevin Owens, saying the two are very much alike and he doesn’t know if he can work with someone who randomly punches people in the face backstage in 2023.
Owens punched Waller and Theory backstage a few weeks ago but obviously it was referring to himself and the backstage altercation(s) he had in AEW.
Punk then mentioned that even JBL was happy to see him, but there’s always that one guy, that one bad apple, who did not welcome him with open arms.
“And he’s not even The Man in his own household,” Punk said, as the crowd started signing Seth Rollins’ theme song.
Punk said that next Monday on Raw, he will be putting pen to paper and put everyone on notice, saying he is the monkey wrench in everyone’s goals and it’s time to finish his story and main event WrestleMania.
Tribute to the Troops!! We Thank You for your service!!
The War and Treaty open with God Bless America
Dragon Lee VS. Santos Escobar in the first round in the United States Championship Tournament
Prior to the match starting, Dominik Mysterio comes out. He defends the NXT North American Championship tomorrow night against Dragon Lee.
Santos knocked Lee off the top rope, then picked him up on his shoulders and dropped him with the phantom driver and got the win.
Winner: Santos Escobar
After the match Dominik gets in the ring and held the North American Title up in the air and he yelled at Dragon Lee that he was the one that was going to carry on Lucha Libre.
Nick Aldis is shown in his office and Randy Orton walked in and asked why he was teaming with LA Knight tonight. Randy then gave Nick a check and Nick told Randy the fine was only $50,000, this is for $100,000 for the RKO he gave him last week and Randy said, “Oh that’s for next time”.
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes comes out to the ring for a promo. Cody said he asked to be here for the Tribute for the Troops, and this is now the 21st year for Tribute to the Troops shows. A video was shown then Cody announces a drill team.
Bobby Lashley VS. Karrion Kross in the first round in the United States Championship Tournament
Lashley with a spear gets the win.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Damage Control getting ready for Asuka’s match tonight and Bayley comes in and they all tell Bayley to stay in the back tonight, but they are going to be out there for Asuka.
Out in the ring next is C.M. Punk. He talks about where he wants to sign. He says he knows a guy who comes out and asks what they want to talk about, so he is going to get a little spicy and asked who they want him to talk about. Then said he could talk about Cody Rhodes. He has some stories and then he said Roman Reigns and acknowledged him and said don’t forget who the original Paul Heyman guy is. He said he either goes to Raw and hangs out with Jey Uso or stays with Smackdown and scraps with Jimmy Uso.
He said he doesn’t know if he could tag with Randy but knows he could tag with Randy’s partner tonight and that is L.A. Knight. He then says he and Kevin Owens are too much alike.
Punk goes on to say everyone is welcoming back even JBL, who is on commentary tonight but only one guy has not welcomed him back and he isn’t even the Man in his own household. But he will make his decision where he will make his mind up on Monday. He will listen to Nick Aldis, he has a call with Shawn Michaels about NXT, and he will listen to Adam Pearce Monday and will continue his journey and he wants to main event WrestleMania.
As we come back from break CM Punk is shown walking backstage and stops in front of the Bloodline’s door almost knock but turned to walk away and walked into Kevin Owens and asked Kevin if he seen Nick Aldis’ office and Kevin said not and Punk said thanks for all the help.
Charlotte Flair VS. Asuka
Prior to the match Zelina Vega and Mia Yim fought off Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane who came to the ring with Asuka as they fought toward the back Shotzi and Bianca Belair joined the fight and left.
As Charlotte put the figure 8 on Asuka, Bayley pulled her down and Asuka took advantage of Charlotte’s distraction and rolled her up for the pin.
Winner: Asuka
CM Punk is talking to Nick Aldis and Cody Rhodes comes in and tells Punk its good to have him back and they shook hands.
We are shown a video of a National Medal of Honor recipient Ret. Capt. Florent Groberg.
Randy Orton and LA Knight were standing there, and CM Punk walked up and said good luck boys. Orton then asked Knight if he was ready for tonight and Knight said Yeah.
Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso VS. Randy Orton & L.A. Knight
After Solo grabs Orton off Jimmy, Knight takes him out with a ddt then goes for a BFT on Jimmy, but Orton turned Jimmy around into an RKO and Orton and Knight win.
Winners: Randy Orton & L.A. Knight
After the match Orton and Knight shook hands and posed for the crowd.
The Royal Rumble is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the WWE Calendar and is set to take place on January 27th at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field in Florida.
The men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches will feature 30 opponents, with the last standing winning the opportunity to participate in a World Championship match at the 40th WrestleMania event, WrestleMania XL in April.
The Royal Rumble is one of the most fun and entertaining events in sports entertainment and dates back to 1988. The match sees wrestlers enter the ring at 90-second intervals and they must eliminate opponents by throwing them over the top rope and both feet touching the floor.
The match can see a huge backlog that fills the ring with opponents who can team up to eliminate tougher opponents, although ultimately this match is a solo endeavor.
The last Royal Rumble winners are Cody Rhodes in the men’s event and Rhea Ripley in the women’s and the most successful wrestler in Royal Rumble history is Stone Cold Steve Austin who won an impressive 3 bouts during his career.
The 2024 Royal Rumble will be the 37th and is a pay-per-view streaming event that saw viewing figures in 2023 reach 26.5 million.
The 2023 event also broke gate receipt records by generating $7.7 million and new records for merchandise sales (135% increase) and sponsorship revenue (200% increase) making it an extremely lucrative event.
Sports fans will be able to enjoy a selection of interesting betting markets on the Royal Rumble, including the overall winner for the men’s and women’s events, who stays in the longest, quickest exit, and more.
The betting odds at the best offshore sportsbooks for the Royal Rumble give fans a good idea of who is most likely to win. However, the random order in which wrestlers enter the result can have a huge bearing on the result. For example, a wrestler who is drawn first will have to face every other wrestler to be crowned the champion. The wrestler drawn last will have a significant advantage as many wrestlers will already be eliminated and those already fighting will be tired.
The favorites for the men’s competition include CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at 7/4 and 9/4 respectively. Gunther, LA Knight, and The Rock are also fancied in the event.
Logan Paul can be backed for odds of around 33/1, and the social media star’s loyal following could see those odds shorten as we get closer to the event.
Those hoping for a major shock will find Pat McAfee, Karrion Kross, The Miz, and Baron Corbin have the longest odds at around 250/1.
The women’s event places Bayley as the 5/2 favorite, ahead of Jade Cargill, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair.
Rhea Ripley’s odds of 20/1 to defend her title could be seen as a good bet by many, while there are a whole host of 100/1 outsiders including Lita, Nikki Cross, and Valhalla.
Tonight’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown on FOX will be themed as Tribute to the Troops, with the show taking place live from the Amica Mutal Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
One reader told us that WWE has donated a lot of tickets to West Point and Annapolis so there should be a sizable military crowd on hand tonight, especially with the Rhode Island Convention Center next door housing the Naval Academy Midshipmen.
Announced for tonight is none other than CM Punk, who will make his first Smackdown appearance since January 2014. Punk is also scheduled to be on Monday Night Raw next week.
Four matches have been promoted so far, with Dragon Lee vs Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley vs Karrion Kross in the U.S. title tournament, plus Charlotte Flair vs Asuka, and Randy Orton joins LA Knight against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa.
In addition, Cody Rhodes is being brought over for the broadcast as well making this a very loaded episode of Smackdown!
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that Sami Zayn will be taking some time off from WWE television after he requested, and was granted, leave time.
Zayn had quite the year in WWE, starting with turning on The Bloodline at the Royal Rumble, headlining Montreal two days in a row, then main eventing WrestleMania Saturday with Kevin Owens and The Usos, and the never-ending storyline with Judgment Day.
Drew McIntyre took out Zayn backstage at Monday Night Raw earlier this week after he beat him in a one-on-one match.
Appearing on the SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina, current WWE World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins explained his animosity against the recently-returned CM Punk.
Rollins said that Punk has been selfish when it comes to his perspective on the industry and hates that he played the martyr role several times.
Asked to explain why there’s such animosity towards the former two-time AEW champion, Rollins said, “A lot of it’s personal, a lot of it’s stuff that I don’t really want to get into.”
He did admit that Punk was not always bad to him and there are good things about their relationship, such as when he helped him in places where he didn’t have to. But Rollins also questioned if Punk did that for his own good at the end of the day.
“I’m not entirely sure but regardless, it helped me get where I needed to go and do the things I needed to do,” Rollins said.
The champ also lambasted Punk for talking trash about him and WWE throughout the years, especially getting offended when Punk called him a bootlicker.
“I’m a loyal person and I just felt pretty insulted by a lot of the ways he treated me, treated the place that I work for, treated friends that I worked with,” Rollins said. “I don’t need to get into any of the stuff with Colt Cabana. If you want to go and look at that kind of stuff…that’s out there.”
Rollins added that while he and many in WWE work hard to make it a better place and give back to the fans, he thought Punk was “a fraud,” or at least he turned into one during the past 10 years of his career.
“It’s a deep, deep-rooted, I wouldn’t call it a hatred, but a certain animosity. There’s animosity there, no doubt about it,” Rollins continued.
The Undertaker will be bringing his 1 deadMAN SHOW to Royal Rumble weekend on Sunday, January 28 from Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida.
Taking place the night after the Royal Rumble, this show will feature the WWE Hall of Famer in an intimate setting, sharing never-before-heard stories from his career and taking questions from fans.
Tickets will be available to purchase starting at 10AM ET on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Rutheckerdhall.com. An exclusive pre-sale will begin at 10AM ET on Thursday, December 14. A limited number of VIP tickets, which includes premier seating and a meet-and-greet with The Undertaker, will also be available.
Dakota Kai is in a race against time to be fit for the Elimination Chamber which is set to be held in Perth on February 24th, 2024. The 35-year-old tore her ACL in May 2023 and has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation program ever since to make the roster for the pay-per-view spectacle Down Under.
Kai’s cult following
The significance of the event for Kai is monumental as she cut her teeth while wrestling in matches in Australia before getting her shot with the WWE. As well as having a dedicated following in Australia, it would, in a way, be a sort of homecoming for Kai with thousands of New Zealanders expected to make the trip across the Tasman Sea to see her wrestle at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Without question, the former tag team champion is one of the highest-profile professional athletes in New Zealand and even rivals fellow compatriot and heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker for popularity.
When you consider that Parker won the WBO heavyweight championship of the world in 2016 then you do begin to get a better idea of how famous Kai is in the land of the long white cloud.
Of course, it’s worth noting that should Parker beat Deontay Wilder on the 23rd of December in Saudi Arabia then this status quo might change as the boxer would write his name into New Zealand folklore.
In terms of his chances, as things stand, Parker is priced at +400 to win the match in Saudi Arabia against the Bronze Bomber. Any New Zealand boxing fans who want to bet on Parker winning – and in doing so becoming the country’s greatest ever combat sports star, can find a list of the best boxing sites in the country on this site bemybet.com/nz which includes the likes of bet365, Betway, William Hill and 888sport.
Surreal, nostalgic moment for a 90s kid meeting possibly one of the greatest @WWE wrestlers of all time. Icing on the cake after a star studded weekend here in Saudi for the BATTLE of the Baddest @undertaker ⚰️ pic.twitter.com/c1Ku6d7Z85
This showdown in Riyadh – which is described in detail here at dazn.com, will certainly bring New Zealand to a standstill, much like the Elimination Chamber will on the 24th of February should Kai take part.
The roadmap to recovery
This isn’t guaranteed though even if Kai is optimistic about her chances of participating as a torn ACL usually takes between eight and nine months to heal. This essentially means that Kai will only be given the green light to start training again at the end of January.
From there, a substantial amount of effort will have to be put into rehearsing the events of her match in the space of just three weeks. The itinerary of the upcoming Elimination Chamber and all the important dates surrounding the showpiece can be accessed here at cbssports.com.
Ordinarily, caution could be thrown to the wind to ensure Kai fights in Perth on such a historic evening.
The problem, however, is that Kai can’t afford another repeat of the same injury given that this is her second torn ACL in her right knee in the space of four years. Doing it a third time on account of being rushed back might lead to her career being cut short.
Hard decisions
Admittedly, Kai is in an unenviable position as she has to choose between appearing in the biggest WWE event to ever take place in the Oceania region or prioritizing her long-term health at the expense of the most profound night of her career. There will be millions hoping that Kai gets on the plane to Australia but only time will tell what she decides is best for her.
TNA Wrestling has partnered with Endeavor Streaming to deliver its global, on-demand streaming service, TNA+ launching Friday, January 5.
As part of a multi-year deal, Endeavor Streaming will power the new TNA+ app to deliver an enhanced user experience to all fans across the top streaming platforms, as well as mobile and connected devices.
TNA+ will leverage Endeavor’s experience working with the world’s biggest sports organizations to scale TNA+’s business operations and further grow its fan base and digital revenues.
In addition to reclaiming the iconic TNA moniker, the TNA+ app is relaunching with an all-new dynamic look, as well as expanded options and increased functionality. The app puts the power back in the fans’ hands, delivering the ultimate premium experience where they can stream the company’s flagship weekly TV show and tune into exciting pay-per-view events, view TNA’s full archive, get exclusive original content and wrestler-created series, and even have the chance to interact with some of TNA’s top stars.
TNA+ will be available at TNAWrestling.com, via iOS, tvOS and Android mobile apps, as well as big screen devices such as Android TV, Fire TV and Roku, with more platforms to follow. Subscribers will have the choice of a “Special Attraction” membership tier that features access to the full TNA/IMPACT Wrestling library and all TNA+ special PPV programming other than the 4-tent pole annual events offered at a price of $9.99 monthly or $95.99 per year, and a “World Championship” membership tier that includes all the perks of the Special Attraction tier, plus the 4-tent pole PPV events, offered at a price of $219.99 per year. Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.
“This is truly an incredible opportunity for us as we forge into an exciting new chapter of the TNA legacy,” said TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore. “We are proud to partner with Endeavor Streaming on this initiative, and we look forward to continuing to provide our fans with the absolute best in new, classic and exclusive professional wrestling content, available to them anywhere, anytime, on their favorite devices, when TNA+ launches on January 5.”
Pete Bellamy, Chief Commercial Officer at Endeavor Streaming said, “Wrestling fans are some of the most passionate in the world of sports and entertainment and TNA+ is the perfect ‘always-on’ personalised OTT service to help TNA build a deeper relationship with its global audience. We’re looking forward to working with TNA to deliver the best streaming experience for wrestling fans.”
Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.
Faced with the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary Debate and NBA, Dynamite this week fell to 823,000 viewers, down 35,000 viewers from last week for a show headlined by Christian Cage vs Adam Copeland for the TNT title. The show drew a 0.25 rating in 18-49 demo, down 0.04 from last week and the lowest since October 25. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
In a bid to boost failing ticket sales for ROH’s Final Battle pay-per-view, a trios match has been added featuring the Blackpool Combat Club against Mark Briscoe and FTR.
Bryan Danielson, along with Wheeler Yuta, made the challenge on last night’s ROH TV, saying that in honor of the late Jay Briscoe and his final ROH match at last year’s show before he passed away, three members of the BCC would take on FTR and Mark Briscoe on the show.
Who from the BCC will be part of the match was not specified but the BCC consists of Jon Moxley, Danielson, Yuta, and former ROH World champion Claudio Castagnoli.
