– The 2019 WWE TLC Kickoff pre-show opens live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. We see fans standing outside of the arena with their signs. Jonathan Coachman welcomes us. He’s joined by David Otunga, Sam Roberts and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. The panel goes over tonight’s card.
The panel discusses tonight’s WWE Intercontinental Title match and the feud between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. They also discuss tonight’s WWE Title match between champion Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles, and the planned match between General Manager-Elect and the injured Braun Strowman. The panel confirms that the Kickoff will feature the WWE Cruiserweight Title match. We go backstage to Corbin, referee Heath Slater and JoJo. JoJo is being instructed on how to announce Corbin when he wins by forfeit later. Charly Caruso interrupts and asks Corbin about the rumors of Strowman showing up tonight. Corbin says that’s not true but even if it happens, he will shatter Braun’s good elbow. Corbin says he will no longer address rumors because they are beneath him. Charly leaves and Corbin has JoJo practice the announcement again.
WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Cedric Alexander vs. Buddy Murphy
We go to Vic Joseph, Percy Watson and Nigel McGuinness at ringside as they hype up the Kickoff match. Cedric Alexander makes his way out first. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy is is out next.
The bell rings and they lock up. They trade holds for a minute and we have a stalemate in the middle of the ring. Cedric with a takedown that sends Murphy out of the ring. He comes back in but Cedric ends up nailing a dropkick to the face for a close 2 count.
Murphy looks to take control but Cedric rocks him from the apron. Cedric goes to fly in but Murphy knocks him out of the air with a big knee. Cedric ends up on the outside again as Murphy gets up. The screen splits with a quick promo for tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match. Murphy keeps Cedric grounded now, driving elbows into him while he’s down. Murphy with a 2 count. Cedric takes Murphy into the corner but he runs into a boot. Murphy chokes Cedric from the second rope as the referee warns him. Murphy drops Cedric to the mat. Murphy comes off the second rope but Cedric connects with a superkick to the chest.
Cedric mounts offense now. Cedric with a Flatliner. Cedric knocks Murphy off the apron and brings him right back into the ring. Cedric with a top rope flying clothesline for a close 2 count. Murphy counters the Lumbar Check but Cedric fights. Cedric blocks Murphy’s Law but Murphy drops him for a 2 count with a a handful of tights. Cedric with a Michinoku Driver in the middle of the ring for another close 2 count.
Cedric drops Murphy with a big right hand in the middle of the ring, and another. The referee checks on a dazed Murphy. Murphy looks to make a comeback but Cedric drops him again. Cedric goes to the second rope but Murphy cuts him off. Murphy with a sitdown powerbomb for a close 2 count. Murphy kicks Cedric to the apron and follows. Murphy wastes time and Cedric jumps up, slamming Murphy on the apron. Murphy brings it back into the ring for a close 2 count. Cedric immediately grabs him and hits the Lumbar Check but Murphy breaks the pin with his foot on the bottom rope. Cedric can’t believe it.
Cedric follows Murphy to the floor and brings him back in the ring. Cedric approaches but Murphy pulls him face-first into the turnbuckles. Murphy knocks Cedric down with another running knee. Murphy hits Murphy’s Law in the middle of the ring for the pin to retain.
Winner: Buddy Murphy
– After the match, Murphy takes the title as his music starts. We go to replays. Murphy sits against the ropes and stares at Cedric as he tries to recover.
– Back from a break and we go back to Coach as fans are finding their seats inside the SAP Center. Coach and the panel talks about tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match. We go backstage to Kayla Braxton with SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. Becky admits Asuka brought the fight to her on SmackDown but she had to because Asuka knew Becky would be knocking her head off tonight. Becky says she will also knock Flair’s head off just because she’s Charlotte Flair. Becky goes on and says she’s changing the business. She indicates tonight’s TLC Triple Threat will close the show. We go back to the panel for a quick discussion on the match. Coach leads us to a new “coming soon” vignette for Lars Sullivan.
– We go to the ring and Elias is out for a song. He talks about tonight’s Ladder Match with Bobby Lashley before going to the performance but he’s quickly interrupted by Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley. Rush says no one came to see Elias tonight, they all paid to see Lashley. Lashley posses as fans boo. Elias readies for a fight. Lashley and Rush head to the ring. Lashley stops to do his favorite pose at ringside.
Ladder Match: Elias vs. Bobby Lashley
It’s time for this match on the Kickoff. Michael Cole is at ringside with Renee Young and Corey Graves. We see Elias’ guitar hanging above the ring.
Lashley drops Elias first for the first significant offense. Lashley goes under the ring for a ladder but Elias kicks it back into him. Elias works Lashley over at ringside. Elias slides two ladders into the ring. Elias goes to climb for the guitar but Lio Rush interferes. Elias tires to send him into a ladder but he avoids it and goes to the floor. Lashley comes in to take advantage but Elias drops him with a knee.
Elias with strikes in the corner now. Lashley counters a whip and sends Elias into a ladder that’s leaning in the corner, back-first. Lashley with another shot as Elias goes down and the ladder falls on him. Lashley with a long vertical suplex. Lashley goes on and slams a ladder on Elias. We go to a break.
Back from the break and Elias has turned it around. Lashley counters and launches Elias over his head, into the ladder leaning in the corner. We get a replay as Elias lands hard. Lashley beats on Elias while he’s down in the corner and places a ladder in his face, driving it into his jaw. Lashley stands another ladder up and looks to climb for the guitar. Elias ends up coming back and powerbombing Lashley into a ladder. Elias climbs up but Rush meets him at the top. Elias knocks Rush to the mat. Elias unhooks the guitar and wins the match.
Winner: Elias
– After the match, Elias brings the guitar down and goes to hit Lashley with it but Rush jumps on his back. Elias gets double teamed now. Rush goes to the top and nails a Frogsplash. Elias gets to his feet but Lashley smashes the guitar over his back from behind. Lashley poses over Elias as fans boo. Rush and Lashley celebrate as his music plays.
– We go back to the panel and Coach confirms the Mixed Match Challenge finals as the TLC pay-per-view opener. The panel goes over the rest of tonight’s card. That’s it for the Kickoff.
– The 2018 WWE TLC pay-per-view opens up with a video package featuring “Body Talks” by The Struts.
– We’re live from a sold out SAP Center in San Jose, California as Michael Cole welcomes us. He’s joined by Vic Joseph and Renee Young.
Mixed Match Challenge Season 2 Finals: Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox vs. R-Truth and Carmella
We go to the ring and out first comes R-Truth and Carmella. They rap together and head to the ring. Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox are out next with The Singh Brothers. Mike Rome announces the match while Vic, Cole and Renee go over things. Truth starts off with Jinder.
Back and forth to start. Jinder gets the upperhand and poses some but it backfires. Truth with offense and a close 2 count. More quick pin attempts and counters. Carmella and Alicia tag in next. Truth and Carmella deliver hip tosses to their opponents at the same time. They clear the ring and call for a dance break. The Singh Brothers enter the ring to break the dance break up but they just end up dancing. Truth knocks Samir Singh out of the ring and then tosses Sunil Singh. Fox comes in and goes at it with Carmella. Fox with a swinging neckbreaker for a 2 count.
Fox keeps Carmella grounded on the mat now. Carmella breaks it and turns things around. Fox comes right back with a knee to knock Carmella back. Fox with a Northern Lights suplex for a 2 count. Fox keeps Carmella grounded in the middle of the ring now. Truth rallies the crowd as Carmella crawls for the tag.
Truth and Jinder tag in. Truth unloads and drops Jinder with a heel kick to the face. Truth plays to the crowd for a pop. Singh distracts Truth but Jinder can’t turn it around as Fox tags herself in. Truth nails Jinder but Fox comes in and she wants Carmella. Truth and Fox do some comedy as he upsets her. Fox kicks Truth in the gut but he dodges the scissors kick. Carmella comes in and superkicks Fox for a close 2 count as Jinder assists. Truth sends Jinder to the floor and kicks him back. Carmella superkicks a Singh brother. Fox tries to take advantage but can’t get the pin. More back and forth until Carmella rolls Fox into the Code of Silence for the win.
Winners: R-Truth and Carmella
– After the match, Cole confirms that Truth and Carmella will get the #30 spots in the Royal Rumble matches next month. They also receive all-expense paid vacation to anywhere in the world. Truth and Carmella celebrate as we go to replays. Kayla Braxton enters the ring for an interview. Carmella is really excited. Kayla reveals earlier tonight the teams had to pick their vacation destination. Carmella didn’t know about that but R-Truth covered it for her. They are going to… WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT. Truth celebrates but Carmella doesn’t look thrilled. Carmella’s music starts up as they exit the ring.
Triple Threat for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles: The New Day vs. The Usos vs. The Bar
Back from a break and Tom Phillips welcomes us to ringside. He’s joined by Byron Saxton and Corey Graves. Out first comes The New Day – Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The Usos, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso, are out next. We see some of the international announce teams in the arena next. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar, Cesaro and Sheamus, are out last.
Kofi starts off with Sheamus. Sheamus with some offense and the first pin attempt. Kofi fights up and out of a hold. They run the ropes and Sheamus catches Kofi in mid-air. Kofi counters that and nails a dropkick for a 2 count. Woods tags in and they double team Sheamus as Big E looks on from the floor. The double team continues as Woods covers for a 2 count.
Cesaro and The Usos break the pin up. The Usos send Kofi and Cesaro to the floor after a brawl. Jey goes to run the ropes for a dive but Cesaro meets him on the apron with a big uppercut. Woods sends Cesaro down. Woods runs the ropes for a dive but Sheamus slams him. Sheamus still can’t get the pin. The Bar turns it around with a quick cheap shot as Cesaro comes in for a double team in the corner. Cesaro with a 2 count. Woods and Cesaro trade shots now. Sheamus tags in and they hit a double clothesline on Woods. The Bar shows off for some boos. Sheamus keeps Woods down and rag-dolls him some. Cesaro tags in for more double teaming as they keep control of Woods.
Woods finally gets an opening after the Honor Roll. Sheamus comes in and knocks The Usos off the apron. Sheamus takes Woods to the top and works him over. Woods sends Sheamus down and ends up tagging in Kofi. Cesaro also tags in. Kofi unloads and keeps Cesaro down. Kofi with the Boom Drop in the middle of the ring. Cesaro blocks Trouble In Paradise. Jimmy ends up tagging in. Kofi, not legal, leaps off the top but Cesaro catches him. Cesaro lifts Kofi for a big suplex but Jimmy leaps off the top and brings them down for a 2 count on Cesaro.
Uso with a kick to the face of Cesaro. Kofi apparently tags and covers Jimmy. Jey comes in and Kofi takes a big superkick. Woods also takes one, as does Sheamus and Cesaro. The Usos celebrate to a pop. Kofi ducks a superkick but gets dropped into a Samoan Drop. Kofi kicks out at 2 thanks to Woods. More chaos between the teams now. Cesaro saves the match. Cesaro goes on and hits the Cesaro Swing on Kofi as fans count along. Woods makes the save but Sheamus cleans house. Sheamus waits to hit a Brogue Kick on Kofi but he can’t get it as Kofi rolls him up. Kofi with a stomp to the chest. Woods tags in now. Woods goes to the top as Kofi hits Trouble In Paradise on Sheamus. Woods with the big elbow drop on Sheamus but Uso breaks the pin attempt.
Cesaro gets sent out to the floor with The Usos. Kofi leaps from the top and nails a big splash on all three as Big E looks on. Sheamus and Woods are legal in the ring. Woods kicks Cesaro away from the apron after getting the best of Sheamus. Woods enters the ropes but he’s met by a big Brogue from Sheamus for the pin to retain.
Winners: The Bar
– After the match, The Bar takes their titles and stand tall as the other teams recover. We go to replays as the music plays.
– Back from a break and the announcers discuss the Braun Strowman – Baron Corbin situation.
TLC Match: Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin
We go to the ring and referee Heath Slater is out. JoJo goes over the stipulations for this match – Baron Corbin will become the permanent RAW General Manager if he wins but he will lose all power if he loses. The injured Braun Strowman will receive a Royal Rumble match with WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar if he wins. Out first comes the General Manager-Elect, Corbin.
Corbin takes the mic and says he understands there have been complaints about his job as GM. He takes these very seriously and they don’t fall on deaf ears. He listens to every fan and respects what they have to say. So here’s what he has to say… too bad, get used to it! Corbin says after Slater counts to 10 and he wins by forfeit, he will be the new permanent GM. Corbin doesn’t want to waste any more time. He calls for the bell. Slater starts counting. Corbin makes it past the half-way mark but the music interrupts and out comes Strowman with one arm in a sling.
Strowman steps on the apron as fans do the “get these hands!” chant. Corbin tells him to bring it. Strowman says Corbin failed to realize that there are no disqualifications in TLC matches. Strowman says it would be perfectly legal if someone wanted to help him out, like someone who’s tired of working for a crappy General Manager. Apollo Crews appears at ringside with a steel chair. RAW Tag Team Champions Chad Gable and Bobby Roode are also seen at ringside with chairs now. Corbin starts to look worried. Finn Balor appears at ringside with a chair now as Corbin looks to leave the ring. Balor, Crews, Roode and Gable step up on the apron with their chairs now. Corbin tells Slater to get them out of here. Fans chant for tables. Slater responds by taking off his referee t-shirt as fans pop. Slater tosses it at Corbin and then drops him with a right hand.
Everyone surrounds Corbin in the ring now as Strowman watches from the apron. They all take turns with chair shots to Corbin now. Corbin gets knocked out of the ring. They look on from the ring as Slater puts his referee shirt back on. Corbin backs up the ramp and wants nothing to do with this. The music interrupts as WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle comes out. Fans chant “you suck!” now. Angle grabs a chair from the TLC set on the stage. Corbin charges but Angle hits him with the chair. Angle unloads with the chair now, sending Corbin into the ring. Roode and Gable hit their double team moonsault – neckbreaker combo. Crews goes to the top with a big Frogsplash. They lift Corbin as Angle drops Corbin with the Angle Slam. Balor follows up with the Coup de Grace. Slater and Strowman have a few friendly words as Strowman walks over and puts his boot on Corbin for the pin.
Winner: Braun Strowman
– After the match, JoJo announces that Corbin is no longer the General Manager of RAW. She announces Strowman as the winner and Slater raises his arm as the music hits. Strowman and the others celebrate as Angle stares down at Corbin.
Tables Match: Natalya vs. Ruby Riott
Back from a break and out comes Natalya first as we see tables around the ring. The Riott Squad is out next – Ruby Riott with Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan.
The bell rings and Ruby taunts Natalya to start. Natalya unloads first. Logan tries to interfere from the floor and Natalya fights her off, then taking Riott to the corner. Liv grabs Natalya’s leg from the floor, allowing Riott to get the upperhand in the ring. They go to the floor and Natalya slams Ruby’s face into a table. Natalya goes on and tries to suplex Riott from the apron through a table on the floor but she can’t get it. Natalya runs the ropes and Liv takes a bullet for Ruby as Natalya spears Liv off the apron, through the table on the floor. Logan and Ruby check on Liv now. Officials also come down to check on her.
Ruby comes back in but Natalya takes control, hitting a German suplex. Logan tries to interfere but Natalya knocks her back into the barrier. Natalya works Riott over on the floor now. Natalya talks some trash and calls Riott a bitch, then slaps her in the face. Natalya positions a table on the floor. Natalya tries to powerbomb Ruby through the table but she can’t hit it. Logan interferes again and this leads to Natalya powerslamming her through a table. Natalya yells at Logan to stay down now.
Riott takes advantage of Natalya dealing with Logan, sending her face-first into the apron. Riott has the table with Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart on it now, pressing Natalya’s face into it and talking trash about how he was ashamed of Natalya. Riott whips Natalya into the steel ring steps. More back and forth in the ring now. The Anvil table is leaning in the corner but they both avoid it. Natalya with a Sharpshooter now with Riott facing the table in the corner. Riott pulls the table over and it hits Natalya in the back of the head, breaking the Sharpshooter.
Riott goes to the floor for a breather. Riott returns to the ring and stands the Anvil table up. Natalya powers up and slams Riott from an Electric Chair position. The table was tipped over. Natalya yells at Ruby and brings her back in from the floor. Natalya goes under the ring and brings out a table that has a graphic of Ruby on it. She smiles as fans pop. Natalya brings the table in the ring as Riott recovers. Natalya puts on the jacket that belonged to her dad. She returns to the ring and kicks Riott in the face.
Natalya is moving slow but she finally gets the table stood up. Natalya blocks the Riott Kick but Ruby manages to drop her anyway. Riott places Natalya on the table that has her photo on it. Riott goes to the top but Natalya cuts her off and slams her to the mat. Natalya works Riott over and places her on top of the table, talking trash in her face. Natalya goes back to the top but she wastes time and Ruby cuts her off. Riott climbs to the top and tries to hurricanrana Natalya through the table but Natalya blocks it. Natalya powers up and puts Riott through the table with a powerbomb for the win.
Winner: Natalya
– After the match, Natalya poses in the middle of the ring as her music hits. She grabs part of the table with Ruby’s photo on it and raises it in the air. We go to replays. Natalya puts on her dad’s glasses and continues the celebration.
– Back from a break and we get a Lars Sullivan “coming soon” vignette.
Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre
We go to the ring and out first comes Drew McIntyre. Finn Balor is out next.
The bell rings and Drew takes it to the corner but backs off. Balor with a big chop but Drew tosses him in the corner and unloads. Drew drops Balor with a chop and talks some trash. Drew stomps now. Balor fights back with kicks but Drew turns it right back around and takes him back to the corner. Drew with more offense before taking Balor back up top and talking more trash, which backfires. Balor drops Drew near the corner and goes to work. Balor goes to the top but Drew cuts him off. Drew tosses Balor across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. The announcers point to how Drew’s knee went out on the throw.
Fans chant for Balor as he tries to mount offense but Drew shuts him back down. Drew with a boot to the chest and another big throw across the ring. Drew with a 2 count. Drew keeps Balor grounded again and works on his arm. Drew brings Balor up and drops him again. Drew powers up with a big suplex and another 2 count. Drew keeps Balor down by his arm now, taunting him. Balor finally turns it around and stomps on Drew’s chest.
Balor with a big chop in the corner. Drew catches Balor in a side-slam attempt but Balor turns it into a DDT. Balor clotheslines Drew over the top rope to the floor. Balor runs the ropes and leaps out, taking Drew back down. Balor brings it back in and hits a Slingblade. Drew comes back and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a close 2 count.
Drew with more trash talking, saying Balor and Dolph Ziggler are worthless to him. Balor counters a move for a 2 count. Balor drops Drew with a kick from the apron. Balor goes to the top for Coup de Grace but Drew cuts him off again. Drew with a big chop while Balor is up top. Drew climbs up and drives Balor down from the second rope. Balor still kicks out at 2 and Drew can’t believe it. Balor gets dumped to the floor but he comes back to trap Drew in the ring apron, beating on him. Drew catches Balor and sends him into the apron face-first. Drew smiles at Balor and drops him with the Glasgow Kiss headbutt.
Drew poses at ringside while keeping Balor down. Drew tosses Balor back in the ring and the referee checks on him. Ziggler comes from behind from the crowd and drops Drew at ringside with a superkick. Ziggler brings a steel chair over but Drew kicks it into his face. Drew rolls Ziggler into the ring and the referee tells him not to bring the chair in. Drew brings it in and Balor kicks it back into him. Balor goes to the top and hits Coup de Grace on Drew for the pin to win.
Winner: Finn Balor
– After the match, Balor starts celebrating as his music hits. He leaves the ring as Drew recovers and wants to go after him. We see Ziggler getting up at ringside as well. We go to replays as Ziggler stares Balor down to end the segment.
Chairs Match: Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio
Back from a break and we see chairs surrounding the ring. Rey Mysterio is out first as Greg Hamilton does the introductions. Tom shows us the other international announce teams in the arena. Randy Orton is out next.
The bell rings and Orton takes control, tossing Rey out of the ring. Orton follows and grabs a steel chair but Rey kicks him. Rey strikes first with a chair, hitting Orton in the gut. Rey swings again. Orton returns to the ring and Rey follows with a chair shot to the back, then another to the gut. Rey unloads with more chair shots as Orton goes down in the corner. Rey brings another chair in the ring and stands it up. Rey leaps off that chair with another but Orton moves. Rey lands on the turnbuckles and puts the brakes on. Orton nails Rey and turns him upside down in the corner. Orton keeps control and takes Rey to the apron. Orton tries to suplex Rey but Rey knees him in the head. Rey with strikes, knocking Orton off the apron and causing him to hit face-first. Orton falls to the floor.
Rey runs the ropes and slides under the bottom rope, splashing Orton with a chair on the floor. The crowd pops. Rey with a chair shot over the back. Rey works Orton over and knocks him into a chair. Rey runs the apron for a seated senton into the chair but Orton moves and Rey crashes hard into the chair. Orton with a chair shot to Rey. Orton takes apart the announce table now. Orton places a chair on top of the table. Orton grabs Rey and slams him face-first onto the chair on top of the table. Orton takes his time and puts more chairs in the ring. Orton rolls Rey in and follows, covering for a 2 count.
Orton wedges a chair in the corner and goes to put Rey into it but Rey sends him into it face-first. Orton comes right back with a powerslam for a 2 count. Rey blocks the second-rope draping DDT and goes for a 619 but Orton avoids it. Rey drops Orton from the apron. Rey springboards in from the top but Orton throws a chair at him, hitting him in the legs. Orton covers for another 2 count. Orton wedges another chair into the corner now, this time between the bottom and middle turnbuckles. Rey comes back and drops Orton with a chair shot. Rey nails 619. Rey goes to the top but Orton jumps up and crotches him.
Orton slams Rey’s face into the wedged chair twice as Rey hangs upside down on the top. Orton has 4 chairs lined up in the middle of the ring now, all lined up. Orton looks to hit the RKO onto the line of chairs but Rey kicks him away. Rey sends Orton into the chairs face-first, causing him to sit upright on one of them. Rey leaps at Orton and takes him down with his legs, turning that into a 2 count for the pin to win.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
– After the match, Rey quickly retreats to the stage as his music hits. We go to replays. Orton stares Rey down from the ring.
– We go backstage to Finn Balor for an interview. Balor isn’t happy about Dolph Ziggler interfering in his win over Drew McIntyre. Ziggler appears and they have words. Balor tells Ziggler to keep his nose out of his business next time. Ziggler says Balor was lucky he was there. Ziggler attacks and drops Balor, then sends him into a stack of production cases.
– The announcers lead us to a video package for tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match.
RAW Women’s Title Match: Nia Jax vs. Ronda Rousey
We go to the ring and out first comes Nia Jax with Tamina Snuka. RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey is out next. We get formal ring introductions from JoJo.
The bell rings and they lock up. Jax powers up and tosses Rousey back into the corner by her neck. Rousey with some jabs and a smile. Rousey bounces around and ducks a charge. Jax catches Rousey and sends her into the corner. Rousey comes out with kicks. Rousey brings Jax down with a knee but Jax catches her. Jax threatens Rousey with the right hand but Rousey rolls her into an arm submission. Rousey turns that but Jax powers up with a sitdown powerbomb for a 2 count.
Jax launches Rousey across the ring and splashes her in the corner. Jax sends Rousey back to the mat and drops an elbow for a quick 1 count. Jax bullies Rousey around and takes her time. Jax sends Rousey into the corner now, hitting her shoulder on the ring post. Fans boo as Jax stands tall. Jax charges in the corner and sends the shoulder into the ring post. Jax keeps control and goes for the leg drop but Rousey moves out of the way. Rousey jumps up and tries to bring Jax down with a submission but Jax overpowers. Rousey counters and jumps on Jax’s back with a Sleeper attempt. They tangle to the mat and end up going to the floor as Jax launches Rousey into the barrier to finally get some separation. Snuka applauds Jax.
Jax brings Rousey back into the ring and covers for a 2 count. Jax keeps Rousey grounded in the middle of the ring now. Rousey fights up but Jax stops her with a kick. Rousey counters a powerbomb attempt and sends Jax across the ring. Jax goes shoulder-first into the corner and falls out to the floor. Rousey goes to the top and nails a crossbody on the floor.
Rousey brings it back into the ring for a 2 count. Rousey bounces around and looks to put Jax away. Rousey ends up connecting with a big step-up right hand for a close 2 count. Rousey goes back up for another crossbody but Jax rolls through and powers up with a big Samoan Drop. Rousey still kicks out at 2, just in time. Jax can’t believe it.
Jax keeps control and sends Rousey into the corner for a splash. Jax scoops Rousey on her shoulders, taking her to the second rope for a super Samoan Drop. Rousey with elbows to the face while she’s up high. Rousey slides out and goes for the powerbomb from the second rope. She hits it but Jax still kicks out at 2. Rousey goes over and tries for the armbar but Jax resists. Snuka gets on the apron and Rousey reaches but Jax attacks from behind. Jax misses her big right hand. Rousey climbs Jax’s body and brings her down into the armbar. Jax continues to resist the hold. Rousey turns to Snuka to taunt her while tightening the armbar on Jax. Rousey kisses Jax’s “facebreaker” and drops her into the armbar. Jax taps out.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
– After the match, Jax quickly retreats and leaves to the back with Snuka. Rousey takes the title and celebrates in the corner as her music plays. We go to replays.
– Back from a break and the cameras catch SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch approaching Nia Jax backstage. Becky asks Jax, who is still recovering from the loss to Rousey, if she remembers all that stuff about breaking her face. Becky kicks Jax in the gut and drops her with a punch. Becky walks off. Tamina Snuka comes running up but she’s too late.
– The announcers lead us to a video package on tonight’s WWE Title match.
– Kayla Braxton is backstage with AJ Styles. Styles says there’s no difference between The New Daniel Bryan and The Old Daniel Bryan because both are beatable. AJ goes on and says he’s played Bryan’s game now, Bryan will play his.
WWE Title Match: AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan
We go to the ring and out first comes AJ Styles. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is out next. We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton.
The bell rings and they size each other up but Bryan immediately rolls to the floor for some boos. Bryan jogs a bit at ringside as the referee counts. Bryan returns to the ring as fans do some dueling chants. Bryan goes back to the floor to stall, laughing and raising his arms out as the crowd boos. Bryan returns to the ring as the dueling chants pick up. They lock up and go to the corner. AJ ducks a cheap shot and chops Bryan. AJ unloads out of the corner now, taking Bryan to another corner. Bryan takes AJ down but AJ comes right back and gets the upperhand. Bryan avoids a dropkick but AJ comes right back and connects with a dropkick. AJ sends Bryan out of the ring now as the referee counts.
AJ launches himself over the top rope but Bryan kicks him on the way down. Bryan sends AJ ribs-first into the barrier. Bryan brings it back into the ring and delivers kicks in the corner. Bryan whips AJ and drops him with another knee to the gut. Bryan puts knees to the back and manhandles AJ while he’s down on the mat. Bryan drives more knees into AJ. Bryan bends AJ over his knees in a modified surfboard now. Bryan backs off and delivers a headbutt. Bryan with some trash talking and a big chop in the corner, and another. AJ turns it around with chops of his own in the corner. Bryan works on the neck and keeps control of AJ while AJ is upside down in the corner. Bryan knocks AJ back with an uppercut and talks more trash.
Bryan with kicks against the ropes now, sending AJ back out of the ring. AJ returns to the ring and fights Bryan back into a corner. AJ unloads but Bryan comes back with a kick to the gut. More back and forth now. Bryan sends AJ face-first into the turnbuckles with a drop toe hold. Bryan with corner dropkicks. AJ clotheslines to block the second attempt, coming out of the corner. The referee counts as they are both down now. AJ unloads and gets up first, beating Bryan around the ring. AJ beats Bryan down in the corner as the referee warns him and has to pull him away.
AJ with strikes. Bryan blocks but AJ drops him for a 2 count. AJ mounts Bryan now. Bryan rolls and avoids a Styles Clash attempt. AJ follows and sends Bryan into the ring post twice. The referee counts as AJ brings it back in at the 6 count. Bryan pleads from his knees now as AJ stalks him. AJ backs Bryan into the corner. Bryan charges but AJ drops his neck over the knee. AJ with a 2 count.
AJ goes for the reverse moonsault DDT from the corner but it’s blocked. Bryan with several knee strikes to the face. Bryan with a big German suplex for a close 2 count. Bryan with kicks while AJ is on his knees. The last kick levels AJ for a 2 count. They go back and forth now. AJ springboards in with a forearm but can’t hit it. Bryan with the Dragon Screw. AJ ends up slamming Bryan’s leg around the ring post several times. Bryan comes back with an enziguri and more strikes in the corner as the referee counts.
Bryan takes it to the top for the hurricanrana but it’s countered. Bryan avoids the Styles Clash again. This leads to AJ applying a half-Crab submission, working on the knee and trying to make Bryan tap as he crawls for the bottom rope. AJ re-positions but Bryan ends up applying The LeBell Lock. AJ resists but Bryan tightens it. They break and trade shots, both going down after a pele kick. Fans chant “this is awesome” now as the referee counts both of them. They get up and trade shots in the middle of the ring as fans go along with them. Bryan kicks AJ back into the corner. Bryan charges from the opposite corner but AJ dropkicks him. AJ ends up springboarding in with the big 450 but Bryan somehow kicks out at 2.
AJ ends up applying the Calf Crusher now as Bryan is facing the middle of the ring. Bryan looks towards the bottom rope and finally makes it. Bryan rolls to the floor and clutches his knee. Fans chant “this is awesome!” now. Bryan rolls right back to the floor and sells the leg injury. AJ follows but Bryan decks him. Bryan sends AJ into the barrier but he jumps over into the timekeeper’s area. AJ with a forearm. AJ flies over the barrier and rocks AJ. AJ brings it back in at the 7 count. AJ waits and calls for the Phenomenal Forearm but he runs into the referee as Bryan goes under. They trade attempts and Bryan gets the roll-up on the mat for the pin to retain.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
– After the match, Bryan’s music hits as he quickly makes his exit with the title. AJ looks on.
– Back from the break and Ronda Rousey and Natalya are backstage for an interview. Rousey is asked about Charlotte Flair. Rousey says payback is a bitch and she’s the baddest bitch on the planet. She walks off.
– Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler is announced for RAW.
– We get a video package showing what has happened with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins since Roman Reigns announced his second battle with leukemia back in October on RAW.
WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins
We go to the ring and out first comes Dean Ambrose. WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins is out next. We get formal ring introductions from JoJo.
The bell rings and they have words in the middle of the ring as a “burn it down!” chant starts. Ambrose tuns away from Rollins. Rollins mushes him and yells at him to get it going. They go at it and go to the ropes as the referee counts. Rollins backs off. They trade strikes with Rollins getting the upperhand now, working Ambrose around the ring into the corners. Ambrose fights out of a corner and unloads. Ambrose sends Rollins to the apron but he thrusts and flies back in with a clothesline. Rollins with shots in the corner again. Ambrose retreats to the floor for a breather. Rollins follows and charges but Ambrose catches him, dropping him face-first into the announce table.
Ambrose brings it back in and works Rollins over on the mat. Ambrose with a 2 count. Ambrose uses the middle rope as the referee warns him. Ambrose with a suplex for another 2 count. Ambrose keeps Rollins grounded in the middle of the ring now. Ambrose ends up coming off the second rope with a big shot but Rollins kicks out at 2. Ambrose with another quick pin attempt. Ambrose puts a knee to Rollins’ back and keeps him grounded now. Ambrose continues to dominate with offense, including a shot from the second rope and a stiff clothesline. Ambrose goes to the second rope for an ax handle but Rollins decks him on the way down. Ambrose counters with a neckbreaker for a 2 count, and another, and a third. Ambrose shows some frustration now.
Rollins finally looks to mount some offense but Ambrose kicks out. Rollins sends Ambrose into the turnbuckles. Ambrose with big shots to the leg and the knee now. Ambrose with a Cloverleaf submission in the middle of the ring. Rollins finally makes it to the bottom rope to break the hold. Rollins falls out of the ring to the floor for a breather. Ambrose walks around the ring to some boos. Ambrose picks Rollins up on the apron and talks some trash but Rollins drops him over the top rope.
Rollins ends up going for a suicide dive but Ambrose rocks him at the ropes. Ambrose comes in but Rollins hits a Slingblade. Rollins with a Blockbuster now as he sells the injured leg. Rollins clotheslines Ambrose over the top rope to the floor. Rollins runs the ropes and hits the suicide dive, sending Ambrose into the barrier. Rollins nails a second suicide dive but he stays down and clutches his knee. Rollins goes to the top but Ambrose cuts him off. Ambrose climbs up for a superplex, taunting the fans for boos. Rollins resists and headbutts Ambrose up high. Rollins goes for the sunset flip powerbomb but his knee goes out and he falls. Rollins gets back up and hits a Buckle Bomb across the ring. Ambrose kicks out at 2.
More back and forth between the two now. They collide in the middle of the ring and they both go down. They trade strikes in the middle of the ring now, unloading. Rollins with a headbutt and a big kick. Ambrose avoids a shot and slams Rollins with a Facebuster for another 2 count. Ambrose climbs to the top but Rollins runs up, slipping on the way up. Ambrose counters and crotches Rollins over the top. Ambrose sends Rollins to the mat and covers for another pin attempt. Ambrose with more trash talking. Rollins blocks Dirty Deeds. A loud “this is boring!” chant starts up.
Ambrose mocks Rollins’ stomp and goes for it but Rollins nails an enziguri. Rollins with the Ripcord knee for a close 2 count. Rollins goes to the top for a Frogsplash but Ambrose gets his knees up. Ambrose with a 2 count. More back and forth. Ambrose goes to the top but Rollins runs up and brings him down with a suplex. Rollins holds it and hits the Falcon Arrow for another 2 count. Rollins drops Ambrose back to the mat again, talking trash and knocking him back again. Rollins goes for a kick but Ambrose stops him and puts his fist out for a Shield-style bump. Rollins looks at his fist and thinks about it. Rollins knocks the fist away and drops Ambrose. Rollins charges and they go to the floor as Rollins snaps a bit. Rollins sends Ambrose into the barrier. Rollins goes for a powerbomb into the barrier and he nails it. Rollins returns to the ring as the referee counts. Rollins brings Ambrose back into the ring. Rollins grabs Ambrose’s face and says he didn’t want it to come to this. Rollins goes on talking and says this is for Roman Reigns. He slaps Ambrose.
Rollins goes for the Stomp but Ambrose grabs him out of nowhere and hits Dirty Deeds. Ambrose covers for the pin to win the title.
Winner and New WWE Intercontinental Champion: Dean Ambrose
– After the match, Ambrose takes the title and stumbles away as his music hits. Rollins looks on shocked as we get a replay. Ambrose stumbles away from the ring with the title as the crowd is still out of it.
– Back from the break and we see some of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers at ringside, including Earl Mitchell with his custom Connor’s Cure cleats.
– We get a video package for tonight’s main event.
TLC Triple Threat for the SmackDown Women’s Title: Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch
We go to the ring for tonight’s main event and out first comes Asuka. Charlotte Flair is out next, followed by SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton as the title is raised above the ring. There are tables, ladders and chairs on the outside.
The bell ring and Flair argues with Lynch. Asuka dropkicks Becky. They all go at it now with Asuka getting the upperhand and standing tall for a pop. Asuka with Hip Attacks to both opponents in the corners. Becky catches Asuka and unloads on her, yelling out for a pop. Becky with more strikes on Asuka in the corner. Becky launches Asuka across the ring. Flair misses a bit boot as Beck dodges it. Becky unloads on Flair now. Flair catches Becky with an overhead throw. Flair delivers a “wooo!” and looks up at the title. Asuka tries to bring a ladder in but Flair kicks her back. Becky tries to bring a table in but Flair stops her next, sending her down on the outside.
Flair leans a table in the corner and slams Asuka’s head into it several times. Flair stomps away as Becky brings a ladder in. Flair gets the upperhand on Becky also. Flair ends up going for a Spear on Asuka but she counters for a big shot. Becky pushes a ladder over at Asuka but Asuka moves. Asuka takes Becky to the top and rocks her with strikes. Asuka launches Becky from the top down to a ladder. Becky lands hard on the steel on her back as Asuka laughs. Becky rolls around in pain. Asuka positions a ladder as she is the only one standing in the ring. Becky and Flair are down on the outside.
Asuka climbs for the title but Flair climbs up and slams her head into the steel. Asuka goes down. Flair climbs for the title but Asuka pulls her down. Flair tosses Asuka out to the apron. Flair climbs the ladder again but Asuka comes over. Asuka powerbombs Flair from the ladder through the leaning table in the corner. A referee checks on Flair.
Asuka slowly moves for the title but Becky flies and knocks her off the ladder. Asuka ends up knocking Becky to the floor with a Hip Attack. Flair with a chair shot to Asuka’s back while she’s against the ropes from the Hip Attack. Flair goes to the top and hits a big moonsault to the floor, taking down Asuka and Becky at the same time. Flair positions a table at ringside but Becky comes from behind and unloads with steel chair shots. Becky takes turns beating on Asuka and Flair with the chair now. Fans cheer her on. Flair kicks the chair from Becky’s hands and sends her into the barrier. Becky goes back down. Flair takes apart the German announce table now. Asuka is placed on top of the table but Becky drops Flair with chair shots.
Becky positions one of the extra tall ladders at ringside. She stops to stomp on Flair. Becky positions Flair and Asuka side-by-side on the German announce table. Becky climbs the tall ladder as fans chant for her. Becky leaps out and lands rear-first on Flair’s gut, Asuka moves out of the way and avoids the move. Flair clutches her ribs and rolls over in pain. Becky is also down. Asuka makes her way into the ring and slowly climbs up the ladder for the title. Becky runs in and climbs up the other side. They meet at the top of the ladder. Asuka grabs for the title but Becky rocks her. Flair comes in and hits Asuka in the back with a kendo stick, then Becky. Flair shoves Becky away and unloads on Asuka with the stick. Flair with more kendo stick shots while Becky is down on the outside.
Flair sends Asuka out of the ring now. Flair follows with a kendo stick shot and screams out about how the title is hers. Becky comes over and nails a Bexploder against a table against the barrier on Flair. Asuka unloads on Becky with kendo stick shots now. Flair runs over with force and sends Asuka into the barrier with a Spear, causing the barrier to break. Fans chant “this is awesome!” now. Becky takes advantage and climbs the ladder for the title as fans pop. Flair runs in and pulls her off. Flair and Lynch stare each other down and have words.
Flair and Lynch trade huge shots around the ring now. Becky sends Flair face-first into the ladder and it goes down. Becky tackles Flair and mounts her with strikes. They roll to the floor and Flair chops Becky many times. Becky goes down. Flair positions Becky on top of a table, still talking trash. Flair goes to the top and hits a huge flip, putting Becky through the table on the floor. We get a replay. Flair returns to the ring and climbs the ladder. She gets to the top but Asuka appears from the timekeeper’s area and meets Flair at the top. Flair tries to bring the title down. They trade shots at the top now. Flair slams Asuka’a face into the steel. Becky brings a ladder in now, standing it next to the other ladder where the fight is happening.
Flair knocks Asuka down to the mat. Becky climbs up her ladder. Flair moves over to that ladder and they trade shots at the top, both unable to reach the title now. Ronda Rousey comes marching to the ring now. Rousey pushes the ladder with Flair and Becky over. Fans boo. Becky and Flair end up on the floor. Rousey marches right back to the back as some fans boo.
Asuka takes advantage and climbs the ladder now. Asuka stands and pulls the title down for the win.
Winner and New SmackDown Women’s Champion: Asuka
– After the match, Asuka celebrates with the title as Flair and Lynch look on from the floor disgusted. We go to replays. TLC goes off the air with Asuka raising the title in the air while Flair and Lynch trade looks.
