H̶E̶R̶E̶T̶I̶C̶S̶ Ø: NXT 10/29 and SD Live 10/30

December 17th, 2012 - Philadelphia, PA

Royal Rumble is live in six weeks on Pay Per View!

Tonight's Slammy Awards edition of Monday Night RAW kicked off with John Bradshaw Layfield, World Heavyweight Champion Cody Rhodes, Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow all in the ring with the Bragging Rights trophy. Simply to rub it in RAW's face, a celebration for Team SmackDown's victory at Bragging Rights was held. Bradshaw gave a short speech to thank Del Rio, Cesaro and Sandow for their work in the 7-on-7 match, not mentioning any of the other members. Cody Rhodes took the microphone next, saying that Bragging Rights was the most successful night in history for God's Gifts, because while Team SmackDown got their victory, he managed to prove the world wrong once again by defeating Daniel Bryan. And tonight, he'll continue to dominate by winning the Battle Royal to become the 2012 Superstar of the Year. Rhodes was the interrupted by the new WWE Champion, CM Punk. Punk told Rhodes that he can gloat all he wants about being the World Heavyweight Champion, but when it comes to the span of the entire year, what has he actually accomplished? "I started 2012 as the WWE Champion and will end it as the champion. I carried this title into WrestleMania and walked out with it still intact. I defeated Brock Lesnar and The Rock within a span of three weeks. What have you done? You beat a couple of guys to retain a meaningless title, and you brag about ending Kurt Angle's career. Yeah, like he even had more than a few months left in the tank," said Punk. Rhodes told Punk that he can hide his jealousy all he wants, but that's all it it is in the end. Jealousy. "When I captured the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam, I did so on my own without anyone's help. How did you become WWE Champion last night? Oh yeah, that's right. You had to enlist the aid of an NXT star," said Rhodes. Punk thanked Rhodes for reminding him about that because it allows him the chance to clear something. "Neither Paul Heyman or I had anything to do with Seth Rollins. He acted on his own, and I simply proceeded to what I do best, and that's win," said Punk. Rhodes told Punk that before the night is over, they will see who truly is the Superstar of the Year.

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NON TITLE MATCH
ROB VAN DAM DEF. UNITED STATES CHAMPION JACK SWAGGER W/ ZEB COLTER
The return to Monday Night RAW for the "Whole F'n Show." The United States Champion cut a promo during the commercial break on the WWE App saying that he didn't understand why Rob Van Dam was given a spot on Team RAW given the fact that he had not compete in nearly a year. Swagger then cited Van Dam's "ring rust" as one of the reasons why RAW failed at Bragging Rights. Van Dam was able to shut Swagger up, delivering a Five Star Frog Splash to claim the victory.

Van Dam stood to his feet following the match as the Philadelphia audience went wild for the ECW original. Zeb Colter assisted Swagger out of the ring as the commentary unit mentioned that with Van Dam defeating the United States Champion, a title opportunity is likely to be in his future.

It was now time for the first award of the night to be presented, Tag Team of the Year. Justin Roberts introduced the presenter, Brad Maddox. Maddox, who was returning from a four week suspension, received a monstrous amount of heat from the crowd as he attempted to speak over them. He said that with his time away, he realized what he had done wrong and vows to act as not only a better employee, but a better human overall. A video package was shown for the Tag Team of the Year nominees. Wrestling Royalty, The Miz and Roman Reigns, The Usos, The Prime Time Players, Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd, and 3MB. "And the Slammy goes to......" said Maddox before hanging his head in disappointment. "......Wrestling Royalty," he said as the audience popped huge for the WWE Tag Team Champions. Ted DiBiase and Joe Hennig headed out to the stage, not only celebrating a Slammy award, but day 258 of their reign. Maddox refused to hand the award over to them, saying that since they defied his authority when he was General Manager, he doesn't see why they should be rewarded. Maddox then introduced the two men who he believed were deserving of the award, The Miz and Roman Reigns. DiBiase and Hennig then laid out a challenge to the remaining members of The Maddox Administration. They'll put the Slammy award on the line right now against Miz and Reigns. The challenge was accepted as Wrestling Royalty headed down to the ring while Maddox, Miz and Reigns remained on the stage to form strategy.

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Following the commercial break, Dolph Ziggler was shown in the locker room area preparing for tonight's Superstar of the Year Battle Royal. Suddenly, he was interrupted by John Bradshaw Layfield, Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow. The temporary SmackDown General Manager informed Ziggler of huge news regarding him. "Before Bragging Rights, Ric Flair and I had a little agreement. The winning team of the Bragging Rights match would be able to steal any member of the opposing team, and guess who we've chosen. Welcome to SmackDown, Dolph!" said JBL before he and the Team SmackDown victors left the room. Just 24 hours after leading RAW as its team captain, Dolph Ziggler has been moved to SmackDown!

TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR SLAMMY AWARD
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS WRESTLING ROYALTY DEF. THE MIZ AND ROMAN REIGNS W/ BRAD MADDOX
The final encounter between these two teams who have had a score to settle for the past two months now. After Hennig fought his way out of a Skull Crushing Finale, he was able to roll Miz up for the victory.

Joe Hennig rolled out of the ring as he was joined by Ted DiBiase at ringside, the two being handed back the WWE Tag Team Championships and their new Slammy award. They made their way up the entrance ramp as cameras focused on the scene in the ring. The Miz remained on his knees as Brad Maddox berated for him for losing the match. Miz got to his feet while Maddox continued to shout at him, even delivering two shoves. Miz had finally had enough as he grabbed Maddox by his collar, but before he could go any further, Roman Reigns drilled him with a Spear! Reigns and Maddox stood tall over their teammate, or rather, their now former teammate from the looks of it. 

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A promo was shown for Wednesday night's edition of NXT. World Heavyweight Champion Cody Rhodes will be present in the Full Sail Arena. Plus, after William Regal's shocking return last week, how will NXT Champion Kassius Ohno respond? WWE NXT, this Wednesday on ION Television.

At this time, Justin Roberts introduced the presenter for the NXT Superstar of the Year award, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes! Dusty made his way out to a great response from the Philadelphia audience as he approached the podium. He said that this past year saw the revitalization of NXT, which has seen many great young stars emerge. And right now, one of those men will be honored with the Slammy for NXT Superstar of the Year. All superstars were considered, but a final decision was made this past weekend by the NXT staff down in Florida. "And the Slammy goes to.......Seth Rollins!" The WWE Universe reacted in a mixed manner as Rollins made his way out to the stage. He took the Slammy as he observed the mixture of cheers and boos that he was receiving. He then said that he's not going to give an acceptance speech because there's nothing more to be said about his success on NXT. So what he's going to do is provide the world with exactly what they want from him - an explanation. "Not that I owe it to anyone, but I'll go ahead and shed some light on a few things. The first thing that I want to make clear is that CM Punk and Paul Heyman had nothing to do with my actions. I acted alone every step of the way. A few weeks back, John Cena was at NXT and gave one of his usual and mundane motivational speeches. However, there was something he said that jumped out at me. If you want to make a name for yourself in the WWE, then you need to take matters into your own hands and show ruthless aggression. I wasn't looking to start at the bottom on RAW after carrying NXT since April, so I inserted myself into the spotlight by going after the company's poster boy. I'm now right where I belong and I will continue to show why I am the future of the WWE. And Cena, it was nothing personal. I was just doing what you would have done yourself." Rollins raised the Slammy award high in the air after justifying his actions at Bragging Rights. Soon, the entrance music of John Cena hit as he stormed out onto the stage, immediately taking down Rollins! Cena was able to get a few strikes in before Rollins turned things around and hit a couple of shots of his own! Official were soon on the scene to restrain the two of them, but neither Cena or Rollins were looking to stop.

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#1 CONTENDERS MATCH
THE USOS DEF. THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS, JUSTIN GABRIEL AND TYSON KIDD, AND 3MB
Despite all four of these teams coming up short in the voting for Tag Team of the Year, another opportunity presented itself to them in the form of a #1 contenders match. The Usos, who were coming in with a great deal of momentum after a fantastic showing at Bragging Rights, continued their roll as Jimmy delivered a Superfly Splash to Darren Young to secure the victory.

The audience popped huge as Jey joined Jimmy in the ring, the two brothers celebrating their victory. They came up short in last night's Ladder match, but they now have another chance to fulfill their dream and become WWE Tag Team Champions. At least, that's what we all believed until John Bradshaw Layfield made his way out to the stage. He said that as the temporary General Manager of SmackDown, he has the authority to make any decisions regarding the Tag Team Titles. "Jimmy, Jey, you guys are not the #1 contenders just yet. There is one more team that you must compete against right here and right now......."

#1 CONTENDERS MATCH
ANTONIO CESARO AND DAMIEN SANDOW DEF. THE USOS
Just moments after becoming the #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships, The Usos were forced to battle the fresh Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow. Jimmy and Jey fought hard, but exhaustion soon caught up to them as Cesaro was able to deliver a Neutralizer to Jey for the win.

The joy among the members of the WWE Universe was now gone as Cesaro and Sandow raised each other's arms, a graphic appearing on the screen to officially declare them the new #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships. After helping Team SmackDown claim the Bragging Rights trophy last night, the two God's Gifts members now have the chance to bring Wrestling Royalty's 258 title reign to an end soon.

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Returning from the commercial break, Dolph Ziggler was shown in the office of RAW General Manager, Ric Flair. The "Nature Boy" told Ziggler that he and John Bradshaw Layfield kept their deal a secret, but did have a signed agreement. "There's nothing I can, Dolph. You're on SmackDown now," said Flair. Ziggler then told him that he wasn't upset. If moving to SmackDown gives him the chance to get revenge against JBL and God's Gifts, then he'll gladly make the jump. "I just wanted to thank you, Flair, for the opportunity to lead RAW at Bragging Rights. Even though we lost, I gave it my all and I hope you know that." Flair and Ziggler then shook hands before the latter made his way out of the room.

DERRICK BATEMAN DEF. R-TRUTH
After successfully defeating Santino Marella last night at Bragging Rights, Derrick Bateman was able to continue riding his wave of momentum by hitting R-Truth with a Headlock Driver for the victory.

Bateman stood to his feet as the audience showered him with boos. He then went to ringside, taking a microphone to make a declaration for the upcoming year. "Just for everyone's information, I would like to point out that you are looking at the Superstar of the Year for 2013. But I'm not just stopping there, I want it all in 2013. I want to be WWE Champion, I want to be on TV shows, radio shows, movies, you name it. I want it all, and it starts when I win the Royal Rumble match. So look out, Rock. There's an even bigger star standing in your way." Bateman made his way up the entrance ramp, throwing his name into the mix of things for the Royal Rumble match on January 27th.

At this time, Booker T made his way out to the stage to present the Slammy for Breakout Star of the Year. The video package for the award showcased Ryback, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow. "And the Slammy goes to........the Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose." The audience booed as Ambrose made his way out to the podium, snatching the Slammy out of Booker's hands. "Breakout Star of the Year, like it was ever in question. The 'Diamond in the Rough' is finally being shown the respect that he deserves. You know who didn't show me any respect? Chris Jericho, and look what happened to him. I bashed his brains in with my knee at Bragging Rights. And I'll do the same to everyone in tonight's Battle Royal when I become the 2012 Superstar of the Year." At that moment, Ambrose noticed that Booker was still on the stage staring at him. "Can I help you with something?" asked Ambrose towards the 5-time WCW Champion. Booker said that he has a bit of problem with Ambrose talking about how no one shows him respect. "Maybe you're not getting any respect because that's exactly what you lack. You not only disrespected Jericho last night, but also myself and the entire SmackDown locker room when you walked out on your team," said Booker to a round of applause from the WWE Universe. "SmackDown won the match, they were just fine without me," said Ambrose. Booker told the Intercontinental Champion that that's not his point. "What I'm trying to say is that as of late, you've acted like nothing more than a punk ass kid who needs to be taught a lesson in respect." Ambrose took a step back before asking Booker if he was challenging him to a match? "You're damn right I am," he responded. Ambrose then told Booker that if he wants a match with wrestling's hottest entity today, then he can have it this Friday on SmackDown. "That is, if you can get up from this," said Ambrose before blasting Booker in the side of the head with the Slammy award! Ambrose cowardly made his way to the backstage area as a few officials tended to the fallen Booker T.

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A promo was shown for this Friday's edition of SmackDown. After Cody Rhodes managed to retain the World Heavyweight Championship at Bragging Rights, how will Daniel Bryan rebound? SmackDown, this Friday on SyFy.

Returning to the 2012 WWE Slammy Award, Justin Roberts introduced the presenter for the Match of the Year award. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome.......WWE Hall of Famer, good 'ol J.R., Jim Ross!" The audience showed their respect to Ross as he made his way out to the stage with the honor of presenting the Slammy for Match of the Year. A video package was then shown to highlight the five nominated bouts. John Cena vs. The Rock from WrestleMania, The Undertaker vs. Triple H from WrestleMania, Team Punk vs. Team Laurinaitis from Extreme Rules, Rey Mysterio vs. Sin Cara from SummerSlam, Kurt Angle vs. Daniel Bryan from Hell In A Cell, and Team WWE vs. Team Maddox from Survivor Series. "And the Slammy goes to......The Undertaker vs. Triple H from WrestleMania!" said Ross as the audience went wild. The theme of Triple H hit as the Chief Operating Officer made his way out to accept the award. Rather than giving his speech from the podium, Hunter entered the ring. Chants of "Triple H" rang throughout the arena as "The Game" thanked the WWE Universe. He said that the reason he's giving his speech in the ring instead of on the stage is because every day, he misses stepping into the squared circle. "At WrestleMania, I stepped into here with The Undertaker and attempted to do what no other man has been able to do, and that is end the streak. 'Taker and I beat the living crap out of each other, and with Hell in a Cell surrounding us, we had one of the most brutal matches in recent memory. It's a match that I am extremely proud of, and with this Slammy for Match of the Year, it's great to know that the WWE Universe thinks highly of it as well." As Triple H tried to speak, he took notice of the "Please come back" chants. Hunter said that as much as he would love to return to action as a full time competitor, that doesn't seem likely at the moment. "I've taken on other responsibilities in the WWE and I'm very happy with where I am. However, I give each and every single one of you my word when I say that you have not seen the last of the 'King of Kings' in this ring! Thank you all so much!" said Triple H as he placed the microphone on the mat. He received a standing ovation as he raised the Slammy award above his head. Suddenly, the screen effects of The Wyatt Family were seen before the lights shut. When they came back on, The Wyatt Family was shown surrounding the ring! Triple H tried to defend himself by going after Luke Harper, but the numbers game quickly caught up to him. Erick Rowan whipped Triple H into a Lariat from Harper before Kane got a hold of him. The "Big Red Monster" delivered a huge Chokeslam as Bray Wyatt looked on. He asked for his followers to hand Hunter over to him. "Down with the machine," said Wyatt before planting Hunter with Sister Abigail! The Wyatt Family stood tall over Triple H, but why? What was the meaning behind this bizarre and vicious attack on the COO of this company?

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Returning to RAW, a recap of the previous segment was shown. After Triple H accepted the Slammy award for Match of the Year, the emotional moment was interrupted by The Wyatt Family. The four of them would proceed to assault Hunter before Bray Wyatt finished off the attack with Sister Abigail.

FANDANGO DEF. KOFI KINGSTON
After both men failed to help RAW capture the Bragging Rights trophy last night, they were looking to rebound here tonight. After Kofi failed to connect with a Springboard Crossbody, Fandango was able to head to the top rope and come down with a Diving Leg Drop for the win.

After the sound of the closing bell, Fandango stood to his feet as he celebrated his victory. A portion of the audience "Fandango'd" as the "Smooth Superstar" soaked it all in. He made his way up the entrance ramp, perhaps heading into 2013 with a bit of momentum on his side.

Fandango's music silenced as Justin Roberts introduced the presenter of Diva of the Year. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to the WWE........Lita!" The audience erupted as Lita made her way out to the stage, taking a moment to say that 2012 has been one of the most incredible years for the Divas division in WWE. And right now, we'll find out who was most responsible for that. A video package then aired for the nominees. Eve, Beth Phoenix, AJ Lee, Paige, Summer Rae and Kaitlyn. Following that, Lita opened the envelope as a drum roll could be heard. "And the Slammy goes to.........Paige!" The crowd roared as the "Anti Diva" stepped out onto the stage, hugging Lita before accepting the award. Paige said that while she is outspoken about the term "Diva," it's an honor to be recognized in this way. "One year ago, I was preparing to leave England, my family and friends because I had the opportunity of a lifetime. I made a name for myself in NXT and then decided that I was ready to step into the big leagues. And not too long after, I made history by becoming the youngest female to ever be a champion in WWE. To say that I made history in the WWE is something that still blows my mind, but it's a reality. And last night, I finally got rid of the Divas division's nightmare, Eve." A few boos emerged for the mention of the former Divas Champion who lost her career last night at the hands of Paige. "But even though I am Divas Champion and the Diva of the Year, this is all just the beginning. 2013 will be an even bigger year for myself and all of the women in the locker room. We're taking women's wrestling to places that it has never been before, and I am proud to say that I represent this movement as the Divas Champion." The WWE Universe continued to show their support as Paige raised both the Divas Championship and the Diva of the Year Slammy in the air.

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Returning to the Slammy awards edition of Monday Night RAW, Michael Cole promoted this Friday's edition of SmackDown. Along with the Dean Ambrose versus Booker T match that was made official earlier in the evening, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow will receive their opportunity at the WWE Tag Team Championships against Wrestling Royalty. It all happens this Friday night on SmackDown!

Following that, the commentary unit briefly discussed the upcoming Battle Royal for the Superstar of the Year Slammy award. A video package for the nominees was shown, though this video ran much longer than the others that have been shown this evening. WWE Champion CM Punk, John Cena, Wade Barrett, Dolph Ziggler, Ryback, World Heavyweight Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus and Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose all battle it out. At the end of the night, one of them will be named the 2012 Superstar of the Year.

Cutting to a camera backstage, Dolph Ziggler was shown making his way down a corridor. The newest member of the SmackDown roster was set compete in one of RAW's most star studded main events ever. Suddenly, Ziggler was attacked by Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow. The three men who defeated Ziggler to win the Bragging Rights trophy viciously and relentlessly assaulted him, capping it off with a Cesaro Swing into a wall. The three SmackDown stars left Ziggler motionless on the ground, subsequently taking him out of the running for Superstar of the Year.

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A promo was shown for the Royal Rumble, live Sunday January 27th on Pay Per View!

SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR BATTLE ROYAL
WADE BARRETT LAST ELIMINATES WWE CHAMPION CM PUNK W/ PAUL HEYMAN
With Dolph Ziggler taken out prior to the commercial break, nine superstars remained in this contest from the get go. Despite their confrontation at the beginning of the broadcast, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes formed an alliance early on to eliminate Ryback. Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose was the next to fall to the floor after being on the receiving end of a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. While Sheamus took a moment to catch his breath near the ropes, Rhodes snuck up behind him and sent him over. Rhodes' next target was the man who he defeated last night at Bragging Rights, Daniel Bryan. As Rhodes was attempting to eliminate him, Bryan managed to counter it and sent Rhodes over and out! The World Heavyweight Champion was eliminated! The audience went wild and shouted "Yes!" repeatedly as Rhodes was livid. He then re-entered the ring, attacking Bryan and eliminating him. Rhodes tossed Bryan face-first into the steel ring post before heading up the entrance ramp furiously. Four superstars now remained in the match. CM Punk, John Cena, Wade Barrett and Randy Orton. One of them would receive the Slammy award for Superstar of the Year. Unfortunately for the "Viper," it wasn't destined to be him after Cena was able to deliver an Attitude Adjustment over the top rope. Cena looked to be in control as he hit Punk and Barrett with simultaneous Five Knuckle Shuffles. However, Seth Rollins made his way into the ring through the audience. He came up behind Cena, grabbing him and tossing him over! Rollins quickly exited the ring as Cena sat in disbelief. Last night, Rollins screwed him out of the WWE Championship, and now the Superstar of the Year award. Nonetheless, Punk and Barrett were now the lone survivors in the match. As Punk was going for a Go To Sleep, Barrett managed to catch his knee before the maneuver could be successfully hit. Barrett then grabbed Punk's head, sending him over and out onto the floor!

The audience erupted as Barrett dropped to his knees, letting out a huge shout. Punk, on the other hand, was furious at ringside and he and Paul Heyman argued with the official. Barrett was then handed the Slammy award as he raised it high in the air. Confetti fell from the ceiling and fireworks were shot off as it was time to celebrate. Wade Barrett is the 2012 Superstar of the Year!

December 19th, 2012 - Winter Park, FL

Following the signature WWE intro, the theme song of Cody Rhodes hit as the World Heavyweight Champion made his way out into the NXT Arena. The Full Sail Audience gave the “Prince of Pro Wrestling” a mixed reaction as he stepped into the ring. He said that for that past number of months, he has heard the universal praise that NXT has been receiving. “Many people are saying that the future of the WWE is being established right here in this ring. There is one problem with that statement, though. The future is already here, and you’re looking at him. The future is your current World Heavyweight Champion. The future is the man who has defeated the likes of Randy Orton, Sheamus and Daniel Bryan to retain his title. The future is the man who brought Kurt Angle’s illustrious career to a definitive end. The future is Cody Rhodes!” The World Heavyweight Champion then said that there is not a single person in the NXT locker room who can hold a candle to him in this day and age, or at any point in the future. At that moment, Rhodes was interrupted by the arrival of Richie Steamboat. The “Son of the Dragon” told the World Champion that he wanted to point something out to not only him, but the WWE Universe as a whole. “Yes, you’re the World Heavyweight Champion, but can you really say that you are responsible for all of your victories? And to top it all off, you brag about not only ending Kurt Angle’s career, but affecting his body for the rest of his life. Angle, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, may never be able to step into that ring again and you just pat yourself on the back,” said Richie as the audience seemed to be in agreement with him. Rhodes lashed out at him, saying that he needs to show the World Heavyweight Champion a bit more respect. “Besides, Richie, we all know what this is about. You’re not angry with me, you’re jealous of me. Not only jealous of my accolades, but also of the fact that I have been able to step out of family’s shadow. I am bigger than the entire Rhodes family, and you will forever be remembered simply as Ricky Steamboat’s son and nothing more.” Richie responded by asking for the opportunity to prove to Rhodes that he is not only capable of one day being in his current position, but that he will one day be better than him. Rhodes granted Richie his request as our main event for the evening is now set. Cody Rhodes versus Richie Steamboat, tonight on NXT!

NON TITLE MATCH
NXT CHAMPION KASSIUS OHNO DEF. XAVIER WOODS
The new NXT Champion did not seem to be entirely focused on the task at hand after last week’s return of the man that Ohno took out at NXT’s last iPPV, William Regal. Xavier Woods was able to capitalize on this later in the match, almost getting the victory after hitting a Flying Crossbody onto Ohno. As Woods was going for the Honor Roll, Ohno was able to counter it and deliver a Yakuza Kick. He then picked up Woods’ motionless body, throwing him against the ropes as he rebounded into a Roaring Elbow. Ohno covered Woods with the hook out of the outside leg for the victory.

Following the match, Ohno was handed back his NXT Championship, but he allowed it to fall onto the canvas as he went back on the attack on Woods. Ohno continued his assault until William Regal rushed into the ring. Ohno was able to escape with the NXT Title, heading up the entrance ramp while asking for a microphone. Ohno told Regal that he didn’t want to get the wrong idea. “Don’t think that I’m afraid of you, Regal. I’ve beaten you to an inch of your life before and I will gladly do so again, but not tonight. Not after you ruined my championship celebration last week. So we’ll have our little rematch in three weeks on the first NXT of 2013.” Ohno dropped the microphone as he began to head for the backstage area, but Regal was able to stop him. “Ohno, have you forgotten who you’re dealing with? You should know that for every move you make, I make two. I already had our match for January 9th confirmed by Ricardo Rodriguez, but there is one detail that you should know about. The NXT Championship will be on the line! See you on the other side, Ohno!” said Regal as the audience came unglued. Ohno’s expression was blank as his first defense of the NXT Championship comes in three weeks against one of the toughest competitors in WWE history.

Backstage, Renee Young was standing by with Tyler Breeze, who was admiring the selfie that he took last week with a beaten Sami Zayn. She asked the “Gorgeous One” for his explanation as to why he attacked Zayn last week. Breeze said that Zayn should have known better than to disrupt his time of admiration last week. “That uggo, Sami Zayn, is just jealous that he was not born with my God given good looks,” said Breeze as he continued to stare at his phone. Suddenly, Zayn stepped into the scene. “I’ll take it from here. Thank you, Renee,” he said before she gave him the microphone. “Are you even going to look at me?” asked Zayn, which prompted Breeze to respond with “I’m afraid that if I do, you’ll contaminate me with your hideousness.” Zayn said that if Breeze wants to continue their fight, then they can do see next week. “Yes, yes, we will. Now move along, this is the money shot. I can feel it,” said Breeze as he was prepared to take another selfie. At the exact moment that he did so, Zayn placed “bunny ears” behind Breeze’s head. Breeze was horrified as Zayn moved along, setting the stage for their rematch next week.

NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINALS
RAQUEL DIAZ W/ VICKIE GUERRERO DEF. BAYLEY
The NXT Women’s Championship tournament entered the semi-finals phase as Raquel Diaz and Bayley went at it for the opportunity to make history on January 9th. Bayley had the upper hand, but a distraction from Vickie Guerrero cost her dearly. Raquel was able to sneak up behind Bayley, hitting a Gory Bomb to capture the victory.

Raquel Diaz rolled out of the ring as she and her mother, Vickie, celebrated the fact that the “Queen of NXT” will be going on to the finals of the NXT Women’s Championship tournament on January 9th. Next week, the other semi-finals match will take place and we will learn who will compete against Raquel to crown the inaugural champion. Will it be Emma or Sasha Banks?

Backstage, Richie Steamboat was shown preparing for his match later tonight against the World Heavyweight Champion, Cody Rhodes, when Bo Rotundo walked into the room. He asked Richie why he challenged Rhodes to a match tonight. “What do you mean why?” asked Richie. “I’m just saying that I think maybe the NXT audience would rather see me compete against Rhodes,” declared Rotundo. “Bo, some of these people hate your guts, if you couldn’t tell by now,” said Richie. Rotundo said that he has only heard them chant for him. “They’re not saying, ‘boo,’ they’re saying, ‘Bo!’” he said as Richie stared at him as if he were delusional. Richie told Rotundo not to worry about Rhodes or whatever he believes that fans are saying towards him. He needs to focus on their rematch against Corey Graves and Jake Carter for the NXT Tag Team Championships on January 9th.

TRENT BARRETA DEF. ADRIAN NEVILLE
A rematch from three weeks ago here on NXT, which received a ton of praise from superstars and fans alike. This time, however, the result was a bit different. As Neville was attempting to hit the Red Arrow, Trent moved out of harm’s way. Neville held his ribs as he backed against a corner, allowing Trent to charge towards him with a double knee strike. Trent followed that up with a Springboard Tornado DDT for the win.

NON TITLE MATCH
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CODY RHODES DEF. RICHIE STEAMBOAT VIA DISQUALIFICAITON
A fantastic bout to close things out on tonight’s NXT. In Cody Rhodes’ mind, this should have been a completely one sided match. However, Richie Steamboat brought his A game and delivered, giving the World Heavyweight Champion an incredibly competitive fight. Midway through, Bo Rotundo made his way down to ringside to support his tag team partner. Rhodes would later deliver a Suplex to Richie on the outside, but not without striking Rotundo with a Clothesline. As Rhodes was looking to hit Cross Rhodes, Richie was able to counter out of it and gain a near fall. From there, Richie was on fire, taking it to Rhodes before ascending up to the top rope for a Flying Crossbody. However, Bo Rotundo slid into the ring and attacked Rhodes, causing the disqualification finish.

The NXT audience showered Rotundo with boos as the announcement was made that Richie was disqualified. “What the hell were you thinking?!” asked Richie to Rotundo. As the two were talking, Rhodes shoved Richie into Rotundo before planting the former with Cross Rhodes. The “Prince of Pro Wrestling” took his World Heavyweight Championship before heading up the entrance ramp, leaving Richie Steamboat and Bo Rotundo downed in the ring.