AEW Dynamite is live tonight from Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina.
Announced for the show, Darby Allin will once again defend the AEW World Championship. His challenger will be Konosuke Takeshita of the Don Callis Family.
TNT Champion Kevin Knight will also hold an open challenge.
FTR will team with Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, and Clark Connors against The Young Bucks, Christian Cage, Adam Copeland, and Orange Cassidy.
Will Ospreay vs. Ace Austin in singles competition is also scheduled.
The full lineup is below:
- Triangle of Madness (Skye Blue, Julia Hart, & Thekla) vs. Brawling Birds (Alex Windsor & Jamie Hayter) & Hikaru Shida
- Kevin Knight TNT Championship open challenge
- Darby Allin (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW World Championship
- FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler), Tommaso Ciampa, War Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Christian Cage, Adam Copeland & Orange Cassidy
- MJF to make an appearance
- Will Ospreay vs. Ace Austin
- Men’s and Women’s AEW Owen Hart Foundation brackets to be announced
Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Taz & Tony Schiavone as they run down tonight’s card that opens up with a big 10-man tag.
Renee Paquette earlier today tried to catch up with MJF backstage, asking about Darby Allin vs. Konosuke Takeshita tonight and if Allin wins, MJF will face him at Double or Nothing with his hair on the line. MJF ignores her, then walks by bald officials, backstage personnel, Christopher Daniels, Sonjay Dutt, John Silver, Tommaso Ciampa and finally Ricochet, who tells MJF not to worry, he’ll look great, just not as good as himself.
AEW Trios Champion Orange Cassidy, The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson), Christian Cage & Adam Copeland vs. AEW Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler), Tommaso Ciampa & The Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors)
(Big party match to kick off the show, with the unlikely babyface team working very well here and if you wondered what it looked like for Adam Copeland to throw a superkick with The Bucks, your question was indeed answered. These chaotic tags are always action packed and this was no different.)
Cassidy hilariously held his pockets open to try and catch some of the money raining down during The Bucks entrance. Copeland & The Bucks got the matching gear memo, as the bell sounded and it’s an all-out brawl to start, as Stokely is hiding behind the commentary table. The Bucks & Dogs brawl into the crowd, while Copeland & Harwood slug it out, as Cassidy floats over in the corner, but Harwood joins for a superplex. Cassidy answers with a Stundog Millionaire and spinning DDT, but Wheeler got in a cheap shot to isolate Cassidy in the heel corner. Cassidy dodged a corner splash from Harwood and made a hot tag to Nick, as there’s a meeting of the minds for FTR, who ate a double spin kick, while The Dogs took a Lucha Libre head scissors/arm drag combo. Matt joined his brother to dish out a superkick, as The Dogs took stereo running bulldogs, while FTR ate a corkscrew dive to the outside. Matt with his signature rolling Northern Lights to The Dogs, as The Bucks called for a Superkick Party, but were tripped up by Stokely. They brought him into the ring, as Stokely offered up Cage’s stolen watch, but The Bucks opted to throw superkicks at everyone in their paths. Tag to Cage, as The Bucks call for a Triple Superkick, but Copeland took the ref and Cage opted to punt Wheeler low instead for two.
Cage again was taunted by Stokely and the watch, which gave Ciampa a chance to target the injured forearm of Cage, posting it repeatedly. Stokely joined commentary and Taz immediately broke him by saying he was blown up. The heels pulled all the babyfaces from the apron right as Cage leapt for a hot tag, as he continued to get worked over until he clonked heads with Harwood into a reset. Copeland & Connors get their first action of the match with tags, as Finlay was sent flying onto FTR with a backdrop outside. Big boot to Connors, as Copeland called for a Spear, was tripped by Finlay, who ate a superkick and slingshot facebuster/moonsault combo to the outside. Connors took a triple shot in the corner by Cage & The Bucks, as the slowest somersault and corner splash by Cassidy followed. Chaos until Cage, Cassidy & The Bucks all went up to corners, for quadruple splashes, all while Copland planted Connors with an Impaler in the middle for two.
The Bucks hit stereo dives on Finlay & Ciampa, as Cage & Cassidy had a face-off in the center of the ring, with Cassidy putting Cage’s hands into his pockets, so Cage chucked him over the top onto a pile before doing a dive himself. Copeland is left alone and teased a dive, but ran right into a Shatter Machine from FTR, but Cassidy broke the pin. Cassidy ramped up the little kicks, The Bucks saved him from Shatter Machine, as the match broke down with everyone hitting high impact moves until Connors launched Cage to the outside with a Spear. Connors wanted one on Copeland, who leapfrogged and Connors took out Harwood. Connors slowly turned around and ate a Superkick Party from Copeland & The Bucks, Orange Punch from Cassidy, Spear from Copeland to get the pin.
Match Result: Orange Cassidy, The Young Bucks, Christian Cage & Adam Copeland defeated FTR, Tommaso Ciampa & The Dogs when Copeland pinned Connors
-Earlier today, another training session with the Death Riders and Will Ospreay is shown, as Daniel Garcia said Young Boy Billy has some tricks up his sleeve. Ospreay is doing neck raises, as Moxley is showing how to properly apply a bulldog choke on Wheeler Yuta. Moxley asked how Opsreay’s feeling and he said it’s the best his neck felt in years. Moxley brings up the night Ospreay won Best of Super Juniors and how he wasn’t hurt, he could fly like a bird, such a simpler time, the joy of doing it, then everyone came in and tried to make things overcomplicated. Years pass, life happens, family, responsibilities, bad things and choices catch up to you, this weight weighs down the shoulders, feels like you can’t fly. Moxley tells Ospreay nothing is different, all those things will still be there, but he can still fly, it’s just Ospreay is more dangerous, a bird of prey. Tonight, don’t go out there to protect anything, neck, image, reputation, go out to give something. Moxley turns and yells at Yuta before getting back to work, as Ospreay took in the advice given.
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-We get a video package highlighting the history of Stadium Stampede. Jericho said come Double or Nothing, this will be a devil’s dance with destruction…bald. We go backstage to The Demand saying Jericho talks out of his ass a lot and brings up Mark Davis beating Jack Perry last week on Collision for the National Title. Ricochet rounds out his team of 7 and brings in Andrade El Idolo, David Finlay & Clark Connors, who said they want revenge on The Bucks for recent weeks. Finlay said if you want violence, carnage and chaos, who better to call on than The Dogs?
Speedball Mike Bailey (w/Kevin Knight) vs. Westbrook
Both trade counters, as each man shows off impressive agility, until Westbrook stumbles big time flipping around in the corner (yikes). They recover, Westbrook misses a springboard, as Bailey met him with a spin corner kick flush and Ultimate Weapon for the quick win. That’s three wins in seven days for Bailey.
Match Result: Speedball Mike Bailey defeated Westbrook
Justin Roberts gets in the ring and does an intro for Knight, who is ready to defend his TNT Title in an Open Challenge. This was answered by the returning Brian Cage, who was joined by Lance Archer and RPG Vice (Rocky & Trent seemed to be cosplaying as Miami Vice tonight).
Kevin Knight (w/Speedball Mike Bailey) vs. Brian Cage (w/Lance Archer) in a TNT Title Open Challenge
(It’s great to see Cage back in action after such an extended time out, but thankfully he’s built like a horse and his sheer power saved Knight from taking some real bad bumps here. Knight can keep his Open Challenges going and I’m interested in who will answer them in the future, while Bailey called his shot in the post-match, not for his tag partners title, but an even bigger prize, the AEW World Title.)
After 14-months, Cage is back, as Renee Paquette is ringside saying Cage is ready to make up for lost time and despite not getting to talk with him earlier today, Cage is clearly as jacked as ever and ready to bring gold to the Don Callis Family. Cage immediately did curls with Knight, who flipped over to his feet, tried shoulder tackles and bounced off Cage like a ball. Cage avoided a leaping DDT and fired off a thrust kick, as he kept working over Knight in the corner until a dropkick off the apron sent Cage outside. Knight got a head of steam, Cage was supposed to catch him off a Tope, but Knight just flew right by Cage, who picked up Knight and hit a F5 onto the apron. Cage is easily having his way with Knight, as he called for a Drillclaw, Knight floated over, tried his leaping DDT, but used the momentum to hang up Cage throat first on the top rope. Springboard dropkick led to a reset, as Knight used his speed to avoid the power of Cage.
Pop-up dropkick sent Cage outside, Knight tried a somersault dive and this time, was caught by Cage, who wanted a powerbomb, but Knight countered into a hurricanrana into the steps. Leaping lariat from the apron finally took Cage off his feet, as Bailey caught Archer flush with a thrust kick before he could trip up Knight. This distracted Knight enough for Cage to hit a suplex from the apron in for two, as Bailey took out Archer with a springboard moonsault. Knight leapt over a Cage discus lariat and finally hit his leaping DDT for two. Knight went for his standing hurricanrana from the mat in the corner, slipped, Cage used his pure power to just pull Knight up and they completed the move, leading to a UFO Splash for the win.
Post-match, Bailey took a mic and congratulated Knight for a hell of a win. Knight did the same to Bailey and welcomed Cage back after a hard-hitting battle. Knight said he still can’t get over losing to Darby Allin, but Bailey said he’s a future AEW World Champion and everyone knows it. Knight appreciates the support and Bailey has always been in his corner, saying someday Bailey will be champion as well. Bailey said he’s right and calls out the winner of Darby Allin vs. Konosuke Takeshita. Bailey said Takeshita was his greatest rival in Japan and as much as he wants to see MJF bald, he’s coming for Allin’s World Championship.
Match Result: Kevin Knight defeated Brian Cage to retain the TNT Title
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Excalibur reveals the bracket for the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and they are as follows
- Samoa Joe vs. Will Osperay (taking place at Double or Nothing)
- Mark Davis vs. Jungle Jack Perry
- Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido (taking place at Double or Nothing)
- Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King
We go to Perry, who is backstage with his knife saying Mark Davis is no champion to him, as he’s built like an Australian grizzly bear and still relied on backup hitting him with a golf club to win his National Title. Perry said to bring all your friends and give everyone you’ve got at Double or Nothing, but after the PPV, it’s back to roots and he’s going to be focused on winning the Owen Hart Foundation tournament and challenging for the AEW World Title. If you don’t like that, f*ck you.
Will Ospreay vs. Ace Austin
(Excellent first-time meeting between these two, as I initially thought they should’ve waited until after the match to announce the men’s Owen bracket. However, the post-match made sense on why they did it pre-match. Ospreay has quite the journey to get to win this Owen Tournament and he’s clearly the odds on favorite and the only Death Rider in his way is Castagnoli, who is on the opposite side of the bracket. All roads look like Ospreay vs. Strickland.)
Far more mat based work from Ospreay to start, as he’s targeting body parts and going to work on Austin’s left arm and shoulder. Austin tries to pick up the pace with a drop toehold, head kick and leaping leg drop for two. Ospreay pops right up and throws some stiff forearms, so Austin was able to get a Muta-Lock. Ospreay got the ropes, tried a hurricanrana, but Austin showed off his great strength, putting on the brakes and doing his squat into a Death Valley Driver for two.
During the entire commercial, Austin worked over Ospreay’s neck, until finally Ospreay got a boot up in the corner that led to Pip, Pip, Cheerio. Combo of kicks led to a standing Sky Twister Press for a near fall. Handspring corkscrew kick sent Austin outside, but he dodged a slingshot cross body from Ospreay, did his handstand on the apron and slingshot cross body of his own. Austin tried to skin the cat to the floor for a head scissors, but Ospreay was ready to meet him with a thrust kick. Leaping forearm to the back of the neck connects back inside, followed by an Oscutter for two. Ospreay signals for Hidden Blade, Austin dodges with a double stomp on the head to the mat. Multiple corner lariats from Austin, who set up Ospreay in the ropes, caught him with an enzugiri and from the outside in gets a head scissors. Austin got a wildly awesome spinning leg lock into a cradle for two before hitting a snazzy spinning Air Raid Crash Flatliner for another near fall.
Austin took Ospreay back up in the corner, as Ospreay quickly got a joint lock to the arm, popped at the elbow, missed Cheeky Nandos. Austin escaped, tried his springboard twisting legdrop, but leapt right into a sit-out powerbomb from Ospreay. Both slug it out until Ospreay fired off a rolling elbow, hook kick, missed Storm Breaker, as Austin hit his springboard spin kick. Austin wanted The Fold, was flipped over to his feet and waffled by a standing Hidden Blade. Ospreay signaled for a proper one, pulled up and instead punt kicked out the left leg and applied a cross-arm-breaker causing Austin to instantly tap.
Post-match, Ospreay shook Austin’s hand and put him over before telling the fans his neck feels good. Samoa Joe’s music hits, as Joe walks out with Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens saying he wanted to make sure Ospreay was listening, since the last few weeks, it seems he had a hard time hearing Joe. Fate has put them together in the first round of the Owen Hart Tournament and brings up Ospreay’s choices and consequences. Had Ospreay joined The Opps, he could’ve had a bye in the first round, as that’s what Joe does for his friends, but instead, Ospreay decided to be Jon Moxley’s lap dog. Ospreay made his choice and Double or Nothing, Joe will make him suffer the consequences. Joe wishes Ospreay well, while his friends feel slighted and he doesn’t put leashes on his friends.
Bowens & Shibata head to the ring when the Death Riders music hits. The entire crew come from the stands, leaving The Opps outnumbered forced to regroup as they retreat. Ospreay slowly looks back at Moxley, who gives a nod.
Match Result: Will Ospreay defeated Ace Austin
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita ahead of tonight’s main event. Callis said Takeshita will be heading into Double or Nothing World Champion. MJF walks in and puts over Takeshita (not without bringing up beating him 3 years ago) and said he can’t think of a better idea than Takeshita vs. MJF 2 and shakes Takeshita’s hand. Takeshita says something in Japanese before leaving, as Callis said that’s a good pep talk, but MJF said he didn’t mean any of it, he’s having a full-blown panic attack, he doesn’t want to end up a bald freak. Callis was briefly insulted until MJF apologized and gave Callis his Dynamite Diamond Ring to use tonight if necessary. Andrade walks in and shows off his flowing locks, causing MJF to leave. Andrade signaled to Callis that the World Title will soon be his and all Callis could say was Bueno, Bueno.
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Excalibur announces the bracket for the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
- Persephone vs. Hazuki
- TBS Champion Willow Nightingale vs. Alex Windsor (taking place at Double or Nothing)
- Mina Shirakawa vs. ROH Women’s Champion Athena
- Skye Blue vs. Sareee
Renee Paquette is backstage with The Conglomeration, as Orange Cassidy said they have a shot at the Tag Team Titles and Kyle O’Reilly said it should be Roderick Strong who teams with Cassidy. O’Reilly said he has some unfinished business with the man who put him on the shelf and asks Jon Moxley when they’re going to do this for the Continental Title? Willow Nightingale brings out her TBS Title from a backpack and said she’s ready to win the Owen Hart Tournament again and hold all the gold. Cassidy said they haven’t done a Word of the Day in a while. Enter the returning Mark Briscoe who said today’s word is Reunification, as Briscoe is back with his boys and girl and lays it out simple, Tommaso Ciampa, next Wednesday, he wants his ass near his hometown in Maryland. Briscoe loses his damn mind and walks out, as everyone follows out of the shot with Cassidy telling Paquette that was an awful lot of yelling.
Triangle of Madness (AEW Women’s Champion Thekla, Julia Hart & Skye Blue) vs. The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter & Alex Windsor) & Hikaru Shida
Heels tried to attack at the bell, but are quickly thwarted outside. All 6 women brawl, leaving Blue & Hayter fighting while standing on the barricade. The Birds do a double gorilla press on Blue, slamming her face first onto the apron, as Thekla came flying in with a huge cross body onto Hayter & Windsor. Trifecta of chops by the Triangle of Madness against the announce table before slamming The Birds & Shida into the apron. Hayter gets isolated back inside before Thekla & Hart lock in stereo Tarantulas in the ropes on The Birds as Blue nails dropkicks.
Hayter was able to battle back and wanted a tag to Shida, who really thought about making a tag until finally deciding to. Shida delivered a suplex to Hart in the corner where Thekla was laid out, as Shida popped Thekla with a big right hand, only to run into a thrust kick to the ribs. Commentary tells us Kris Statlander wasn’t cleared tonight, as a minor injury prevented her from traveling, but she’ll be ready for the PPV. Spider pose from Thekla, who dropped Shida with a Spear, only The Birds mowed down the Sisters of Sin to break the cover.
Tag by Windsor, who pounced on top of Thekla, leading to a double team high boot/leg sweep by The Birds. They signal for Two Birds One Stone, but Blue pulls Hayter to the outside and crashes her into the steps. Shida came in with a jumping knee, ate a thrust kick from Blue, who turned right into a Hayt-breaker. Hart came in with a lungblower before planted with a Windsor sit-out spinebuster. Blue made a blind tag, missed Code Blue and ate a hard headbutt from Windsor. The Birds sandwiched Blue in the middle, was about to hit Two Birds One Stone when Thekla flew in with the Women’s Title to clock Jamie Hayter for the DQ.
Blue sank in a Dragon Sleeper on Windsor, as Thekla whipped away. Hart misted an official off the apron, as Shida grabbed her kendo stick and smiled ringside before leaving the Triangle of Madness beating down The Birds. Willow Nightingale, Thunder Rosa & Mina Shirakawa sprint passed Shida on the aisle and make the save, as Triangle of Madness scatter.
Match Result: The Brawling Birds & Hikaru Shida defeated Triangle of Madness via disqualification
-We get a video package on Rush, the success he’s had over his career and recent hot streak.
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Darby Allin vs. Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) for the AEW World Title
(Another week, another thrilling title defense, as the wheels have yet to fall out for Allin in his incredible title reign. This is by far the most impressive AEW World Title reign that has only lasted a month (so far). As much as I’ve loved this reign, for Allin’s health, I want MJF to regain the title at Double or Nothing. Allin has absolutely earned a much-deserved vacation after such a crazy run he’s been on.)
Renee Paquette is ringside and brings up in 2024 when Takeshita defeated Allin, as Don Callis is as confident than ever that Takeshita will be leaving tonight AEW World Champion. We get footage of Allin’s successful defense against PAC at Fairway to Hell last weekend in a match that was a lot of fun and I recommend checking out. Callis joined commentary and said all those hard matches Allin has had, Takeshita is ready to attack.
Bell sounds, Allin hits a quick dropkick to the outside, tried a Tope, was caught and smashed into the ring post by Takeshita. Running boot sent Allin flying to the opposite side of the ring before being brought back inside for a one count. Allin tried fighting back, but was starched with a wild Takeshita right hand. Big time beal in the corner before Takeshita brought Allin up in the corner, where Allin bit free, tried a diving shoulder block, but bounced off Takeshita like a ball. Massive back body drop sent Allin back outside, as Callis shows off that he’s wearing MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring. Repeated knees from Takeshita outside, as Allin is bleeding from the mouth and commentary questions internal bleeding. Takeshita re-positions the ring steps, wanted a Power Drive Knee into them, but Allin moved and Takeshita collided into the steps. Allin launched off the steps with a shotgun dropkick before hitting his wild Tope, which saw himself crash into the announce table in the process.
Both fight to the apron, Allin wanted a Coffin Splash from the ropes, but was caught and Takeshita hit a Blue Thunder Bomb from the apron to the floor in your weekly Darby Goes Splat moment. Callis demands the Doctor check on Allin and we’re told the Doctor said Allin was fine (which is absolutely ridiculous he never even checked on the poor guy). Takeshita brought Allin back inside and hit a huge lariat for two before delivering a brutal standing powerbomb. Allin did a sunset flip, Takeshita rolled through, Allin kicked out the leg right into a Guillotine. Takeshita powered out, as Allin went for a Code Red, Takeshita spun him around into a Bastard Driver and wheelbarrow German. Helluva Kick popped Allin in the corner, as Takeshita brought him up top for the gnarliest Avalanche German Superplex for a two count. Power Drive Knee clobbers Allin, who just manages to kick out.
El Clon ran out from the back to run distraction on referee Bryce, allowing Callis to hand Takeshita the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Takeshita debated it, but decided to throw it away as Callis called him crazy. The delay allowed an Allin inside cradle for two, as Takeshita popped up to fire off a huge forearm. Takeshita wanted an Avalanche Blue Thunder Bomb, but Allin fought out into an Avalanche Code Red into the Last Supper for a close near fall. Allin ran up top and hit a massive Coffin Drop from the top to the floor. Allin just broke the count before being rag dolled to the floor by Takeshita. Takeshita wanted a brainbuster on the steps, but Allin slipped out into a Scorpion Death Drop on the steps before going up top for a Coffin Drop to the floor. Takeshita kicked out back inside, Allin went for another Coffin Drop, Takeshita got the knees up, Power Drive Knee hits, as Takeshita wanted a powerbomb, only Allin countered into a Scorpion Death Lock. Takeshita bit at his own thumb, got the rope break, but right in position for Allin to hit multiple Coffin Drops for the win in a thriller.
Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Konosuke Takeshita to retain the AEW World Title
Post-match, Allin needed a water before taking a mic and demanding MJF get his ass out here to sign the contract. Ring attendants quickly scurry and place a table and chairs in the ring as MJF’s music hits and he reluctantly walks out. Allin has a smirk on his face and signs the contract, as MJF took a long look at it before stepping back. Excalibur said it’s only hair, it’ll grow back and Taz said yeah, but it cost Max a lot of money. MJF took a seat and said Allin looks like he has rabies and hopes he’s had fun holding MY AEW World Title. There’s a small part (MJF is talking penis size of someone from North Carolina small) that feels bad for Allin, who will never holding this title again. He has as good a shot of holding this title as Hangman Adam Page does. MJF calls Allin a dime a dozen, stunt man, as people like to pretend life is about friends and family when it’s only about legacy. Allin’s legacy is that of a kid who had 15-minutes of fame, as people will pretend he’s made an impact when he hasn’t the fans will know deep down that Allin is just a prick who got lucky, who is too reckless and stupid to stay on top. Double or Nothing, MJF’s legacy will be the 3-time World Champion at 30 years of age, the greatest of all time. Allin brags about climbing the mountain top, when MJF is the mountain.
Allin said only someone who is so vain is worried about his legacy, as Allin only cares about living in the moment, so sign the contract, at Double or Nothing he’ll make Maxwell Jacob Friedman a bald-headed b*tch. MJF slowly signed, held up the contract and shot a double leg on Allin with right hands. MJF cleared the ring and leveled Allin with the Dynamite Diamond Ring before holding up the AEW World Title dropping it onto Allin. MJF was about to leave, but came back to attempt to deliver an Avalanche Tombstone from the corner for good measure when Kevin Knight sprinted out to make the save, as MJF scurried away.
AEW Collision 5/16/26
- Divine Dominion 5-Minute Tag Team Title Challenge
AEW Dynamite/Collision 5/20/26
- Tommaso Ciampa vs. Mark Briscoe
