Category: WWE Results

AEW Collision live results: Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage, FTR appearance

Posted on by Suit Williams

Tonight’s Fight for the Fallen edition of AEW Collision from Lexington, Kentucky, will be the next step toward next Sunday’s All In from London’s Wembley Stadium.

AEW Tag Team Champions FTR will appear ahead of their title defense against the Young Bucks. It’s unknown if this will be a live promo or taped and will be their first on-screen appearance since Cash Wheeler was arrested on Friday.

Ahead of his challenge of TNT Champion Luchasaurus at All Out, former champion Darby Allin will take on Christian Cage, the man who has been parading as titleholder after Luchasaurus won it.

Willow Nightingale’s recent feud with Diamante will continue as they go one-on-one.

Bullet Club Gold’s Jay White will return to singles action for the night as he faces Dalton Castle.

Powerhouse Hobbs will be in action while the man who he attacked last week following a challenge — Miro — will be on hand as well.

Both Samoa Joe and Ricky Starks will be in the house for promos.

**********

After our cold open promos from Darby Allin, Bullet Club Gold, Dalton Castle, & Samoa Joe, Kevin Kelly welcomed us to Collision. Kelly and Nigel McGuinness were on the call.

Samoa Joe vs. The Golden Vampire never started

Joe’s opponent, named by Kevin Kelly as the Golden Vampire, attacked Joe before the bell. He fought Joe around ringside before shoving the referee down. He got in the ring and hit a rising knee before laying out Joe with a Go To Sleep. The Golden Vampire then unmasked to reveal CM Punk. Punk took the microphone and officially accepted Joe’s challenge for All In, with saltier language.

We got a video package hyping the history of the All In event, with Kevin Kelly noting that more tickets have been sold for that show than any other event in history.

Jay White (w/ Bullet Club Gold) defeated Dalton Castle (w/ The Boys)

Castle took White down with a single leg, forcing White to the ropes. White tried to send Castle to the floor, but the Boys sent Castle back into the ring, where he hit a pair of waistlock takedowns on White. White chopped Castle in the corner and stuffed a couple of suplex attempts. Castle went for a running knee into the corner, but White ducked and Castle flew to the floor. Bullet Club Gold chased the Boys around ringside as we went to commercial.

Castle fought out of White’s control as we came back from commercial. White walked into a Castle suplex, then ate a back elbow. Castle hit his running knee into the corner before sending White overhead with a pair of suplexes. White tried fighting out of a third suplex, but Castle hit a stalling German suplex with a bridge for a nearfall.

Castle pulled White up for Bangarang, but White grabbed the ropes and low-bridged him out of the ring. White chopped Castle on the announce table, but when he tried to send Castle into the ring, Castle rebounded off of the apron to hit a hurricanrana. Bullet Club Gold tried to interfere, but the Boys took them out with a dive. White recovered with a uranage for a nearfall. White hit the Blade Buster before scoring the win with the Blade Runner.

After the commercial break, Tony Schiavone was in the ring with Bullet Club Gold. White said that if Omega knew what was good for him, he’d stay in the hospital bed they put him in. He said that the Elite lied to everyone when they said that they were the best part of Bullet Club, and at Wembley, Bullet Club Gold will set the record straight. Robinson said that it only took 2 minutes to take out Kenny Omega, and they would handle them all at All In. The Gunns said that they would deal with the Bucks and Omega on Wednesday, but they wanted a warmup match right now.

Bullet Club Gold (Juice Robinson & The Gunns) defeated Iron Savages (Bronson, Boulder, Jacked Jameson)

The Savages took the fight to Austin Gunn to start, but Robinson cut off Bronson on the apron for the Gold team to take advantage. After a Robinson cannonball, the Gold team mocked the Elite with their pose. Robinson hit a V-Trigger on Bronson before Colton Gunn sent him to the floor as we went to break.

Boulder tagged in as we came back from commercial. Boulder ran wild, dropping both Gunns with a double End of Days. He caught Robinson on a crossbody and dumped him onto the Gunns. The match devolved into a Pier Six brawl. The Gunns couldn’t hit Boulder with a 3:10 to Yuma, but Austin Gunn hit a Fameasser instead. Robinson scored the win on Jameson with his facebuster.

The announcers recapped The Acclaimed’s recent actions, starting with the apparent retirement of Billy Gunn. They then recapped the House of Black’s attack on the Acclaimed from Wednesday, where they left Caster bloody and stole Gunn’s boots. We cut to a video package of the House of Black throwing Gunn’s boots away, with Malachi Black telling Gunn he was a shadow of himself.

We got a video of Jose The Assistant taking a call from Rush, who was not happy about La Faccion Ingobernable’s recent losing streak. Rush wanted Jose to bring them to Mexico, and they obliged. Preston Vance & Dralistico partied before being pulled into a van by several masked men. Was Rush the man that kidnapped Samoa Joe all those years ago? One can only wonder.

Tony Schiavone was backstage with Ricky Starks. He clarified that Starks’ suspension wasn’t 30 days long, rather it was 28 days, that being 4 full weeks. With Starks having served two of those 4 weeks, that means his suspension ends the night before All Out in Chicago. Starks said he would be bringing chaos tonight, with Big Bill entering the frame. After that, we got a stylized video package of Starks, saying that he had been distracted lately. Now, he’s focused, and now he’s dangerous.

Big Bill (w/ Ricky Starks) defeated Derek Neal

Bill came out to Starks’ music. Bill ran through Neal, chokeslamming him for the win within two minutes. After the match, Bill held Neal down so Starks could whip him with the belt.

We got a video package of Sting & Darby Allin attacking AR Fox at his wrestling academy. Allin said that he wanted a scrap of Fox left for Wembley to put in a coffin. We then turned to Wednesday’s Dynamite, where Nick Wayne said he wanted revenge on Mogul Affiliates for attacking him at his home. It will be Allin & Wayne vs. Fox & Swerve Strickland on Dynamite.

Willow Nightingale defeated Diamante

Diamante tried to keep Nightingale held down, but Nightingale stuffed a headscissors attempt and hit a backbreaker. Nightingale dropped Diamante on the apron, leading Mercedes Martinez to make her way to ringside. Nightingale went for an Oklahoma Stampede, but Diamante dropped Nightingale with a chop block.

Nightingale dropped Diamante with a set of clotheslines as we came back from commercial. Nightingale ran wild on Diamante, hitting a main event spinebuster for a nearfall. Diamante yanked Nightingale off the top rope, then hit a set of running knees into the corner. Diamante hit an Asai DDT for a nearfall. Nightingale brought Diamante to the top rope, and after fighting off a powerbomb attempt, Nightingale hit a dropkick.

Martinez pulled Diamante out of the ring, bringing Kris Statlander to ringside to suplex Martinez on the ramp. Nightingale hit a pounce on Diamante on the floor before bringing her back into the ring and getting the win with the Babe With The Powerbomb.

We got a video package hyping FTR vs. The Young Bucks at All In. Both members of FTR spoke about how the Bucks have their accolades, but FTR will be the ones to win the rubber match.

Backstage, Lexy Nair was with Toni Storm. Nair announced that next week on Rampage, we will see the four women in the AEW Title match at All In in a tag match, with Britt Baker & Hikaru Shida taking on Storm & Saraya. Storm said not to question the bond between the Outcasts, and that she would take her place in history as the first three-time AEW Women’s Champion.

Powerhouse Hobbs defeated Kevin Ku

Ku went for a standing crossbody, but Hobbs stood tall and sent Ku flying. Hobbs hit a splash in the corner before taking Ku up and down with a back superplex. Hobbs clubbered Ku with lariats before hitting the main event spinebuster for the win. He was calling out Miro at points in this match, and he sent a message by locking on the Accolade after the match.

Miro popped up on the video screen. He said that he used to follow a book, but now he walks alone. He said that redemption would come for Hobbs at All Out and that he would piss on his cold, dead body. Jesus.

We got a rundown of the Dynamite card. We also got the Collision card, with an All-Star Eight Man Tag with no names announced. We will hear from the stars of the show in London the night before All In as well.

Darby Allin defeated Christian Cage (w/Luchasaurus)

This match ramped up to a fever pitch by the end, with Allin scoring an important win in one of his two concurrent feuds.

The two started the match off slowly, with Allin working on Cage’s arm. Cage dropped Allin on his hammerlocked arm before he whipped Allin into the buckles hard as we went to commercial.

Back from commercial with Allin trying a series of pinfalls on Cage. Cage rung up Allin’s neck on the ropes before sending him into the barricade. Cage taunted Allin with the TNT Title before popping him with a punch, then dropping him with a hammerlock slam. Cage modified his reverse DDT, dropping Allin with his arm hammerlocked. Cage set up for a spear, but Allin kicked him and hit a Code Red for a nearfall. Allin blinded Cage with his turtleneck, leading to the two knocking heads as we went to another commercial.

Allin fired up with Coffin Splashes as we came back. Allin sent Cage into the turnbuckles with a shotgun dropkick. Allin went to the top rope, but instead of going after Cage, he dove onto Luchasaurus. Luchasaurus caught him and led him into a Cage lariat on the floor. Allin hit a drop toe hold onto Christian into a chair, before sitting Christian in the chair and hitting a missile dropkick off the top rope to the floor.

Allin set up the Coffin Drop in the ring, but Cage rolled to the apron. Allin went for the Coffin Drop anyway, but Luchasaurus pulled Cage out of the way, forcing Allin to land on the apron with a nasty thud. The referee sent Luchasaurus to the back, but that allowed Cage to hit Allin with the TNT Title. Allin fell to the floor, and when Cage pulled him back into the ring, he only got a nearfall.

Allin sidestepped a spear and dropkicked Cage into the corner. Allin brought Cage to the top rope, but Cage hit a sunset flip powerbomb and a spear for a nearfall. Cage cut off a surging Allin with a lariat and went for an Unprettier, but Allin caught him in a jackknife cover for the win.

After the match, Tony Schiavone went to speak to Allin, but Luchasaurus came back out. Cage dropped Allin from behind with the TNT Title, with Luchasaurus dropping Allin with a chokeslam. Cage covered Allin, with Luchasaurus forcing him to count to three and announce him as the winner and still TNT Champion. Cage and Luchasaurus stood tall to end the show.

UFC 292 live results: Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC returns to pay-per-view this weekend with a big event as the Octagon returns to the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts for UFC 292: Sterling vs. O’Malley, headlined by a pair of title fights.

In the main event, UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling defends against challenger Sean O’Malley in what has become a heated main event. Sterling is on a nine-fight win streak, last defeating Henry Cejudo in May, and this could be his final title defense as he’s talked of moving to 145 pounds win-or-lose. O’Malley fights for the first time since a win over Petr Yan in October, and is one of the most popular fighters in the sport.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili defends against Amanda Lemos in an exciting match-up. Weili re-gained the title with a submission win over Carla Esparza in November, and she looks to start her second title reign on the right note. Lemos gets a title shot on the heels of wins in seven of her last eight fights.

The rest of the main card is deep despite taking a few injury hits. Undefeated welterweight Ian Garry faces his biggest test to date in Neil Magny, while a pair of bantamweight bouts take place featuring Da’Mon Blackshear, in his second fight in a week, taking on Mario Bautista, and Marlon Vera battling Pedro Munhoz.

The preliminary card is highlighted by the return of former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman, who returns from a gruesome leg break suffered in April 2021, as he’ll take on Brad Tavares. The finals of this season of The Ultimate Fighter also take place, with Austin Hubbard taking on Kurt Holobaugh in the lightweight finals, and Brad Katona taking on Cody Gibson in the bantamweight finals.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

> Women’s Flyweights- Karine Silva (16-4, 2-0 UFC) vs. Maryna Moroz (11-4, 6-4 UFC)

Silva landing some leg kicks early. They trade leg kicks and Silva lands a left hand. Silva lands a couple more leg kicks. Moroz missing her punches. Silva drops Moroz with a left hand but she quickly gets up. They clinch and Moroz pushes it against the fence. Silva reverses and Moroz lands an elbow and they’re trading inside the pocket before they separate. Silva lands a right hand. Silva scores a takedown. Moroz reverses position and Silva tries for a guillotine choke and Moroz taps with a second to go in the round! What a finish from Silva!

Official Result- Karine Silva def. Maryna Moroz by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Women’s Flyweights- #13 Andrea Lee (13-7, 5-5 UFC) vs. Natalia Silva (15-5-1, 3-0 UFC)

Silva throwing kicks early on. Lee lands a couple of leg kicks as Silva lands a punch combo. Silva lands a jab. Silva lands a body kick then a combination. Silva rocks Lee with a left hand. They trade punches. Silva lands a leg kick. They trade late and Silva lands a combo and body kick. 10-9 Silva.

Silva lands some high kicks to start the second. They trade body kicks. Silva lands a body kick. Lee lands a front kick that connects to the chin. Silva lands a combo ending with a body kick. Silva lands a front kick to the body. They trade body kicks. Silva lands a spin kick. 10-9 Silva, 20-18 Silva.

Silva landing some kicks and circling around early in the third. Lee lands a leg kick and Silva lands a right hand. Silva lands a combo as Lee lands a body kick. Silva lands a high kick. Lee lands a leg kick. They trade high kicks. Silva lands a nice combo. Silva lands a body kick and Lee is continuing to back up. Silva lands a jab then a high kick. 10-9 Silva, 30-27 Silva.

Official Result- Natalia Silva def. Andrea Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights- Andre Petroski (9-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (35-16, 10-8 UFC)

Petroski lands a left hand and a leg kick. Petroski lands a right hook. They’re both mostly missing the punches they’re throwing. Meerschaert lands a jab. They trade punches. We have a timeout for an eye poke on Petroski. They get back to action and Petroski lands a jab then gets a takedown. Meerschaert looks for a triangle choke but time runs out. 10-9 Petroski.

They both land soft punches to start the second. Meerschaert lands a body kick. Petroski lands a left hand and a leg kick. They trade punches. Meerschaert lands a combo that stumbles Petroski back. Meerschaert lands a combo as Petroski lands a right hand and circles away. Petroski lands a left hand then a nice right hand. Meerschaert lands a left hand then a high kick and a left hand. Petroski lands a left hand to the body. Petroski drops Meerschaert with a left hand and starts landing from the top. He’s dropping elbows down. Meerschaert grabs a leg and is able to get up. Petroski lands a right hand. Meerschaert tries a takedown and Petroski grabs the back and finishes the round on top. 10-9 Petroski, 20-18 Petroski.

They trade left hands. Petroski lands a body kick but Meerschaert grabs the leg and gets the takedown. Meerschaert inside the guard landing some punches. Petroski trying to scramble from the bottom and Meerschaert sprawls, but they get up. Petroski is cut open under the eye. Meerschaert lands a nice combo. Petroski gets it down and Meerschaert has the neck looking for a choke but Petroski pops out. Petroski attacking the neck and looking for a guillotine choke. Meerschaert scrambles out and has the body lock as they stand. They trade and Meerschaert lands a left hand. Petroski lands an elbow. They’re trading wild punches in close range. Meerschaert lands a flurry as the fight ends. Wild final round. 10-9 Meerschaert, 29-28 Petroski.

Official Result- Andre Petroski def. Gerald Meerschaert by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> TUF 31 Bantamweight Finals- Brad Katona (12-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Cody Gibson (19-8, 1-3 UFC)

Both are throwing early but not landing before they clinch up. They quickly break. Gibson lands a right hand. Katona lands a high kick. Katona lands a jab. Katona lands a leg kick. They trade and Gibson lands a body kick and Katona counters with a leg kick. Gibson lands a combo then an uppercut in a brief clinch. Gibson lands a big right hand. Katona lands a leg kick then a left hand. Gibson lands a right hand as Katona lands a left hand. Katona lands a right hand. Gibson lands an uppercut. They trade inside the pocket. They continue to both land at high volumes. Katona lands a right hand. 10-9 Gibson.

Katona lands a left hand. He lands a right hand and Gibson fires back with some uppercuts. Gibson lands a right hand. Katona lands a nice jab. Katona lands a right hand after scoring a leg kick. Katona lands a jab as they trade inside the pocket. Gibson lands to the body. Katona lands a left hand. Gibson lands a combo. They tie up and both land some clinch shots. Gibson lands a combo and Katona counters with a right hand. They trade some more. Gibson landing with more volume as the round goes on. He lands a jab then an uppercut. They trading and Katona hurts Gibson with a right hand. Katona lands a jab and Gibson lands a left hand. Katona lands a right hand. He lands another. 10-9 Gibson, 20-18 Gibson.

They’re trading in the center to start the third and Gibson lands a right hand. Katona lands to the body. Gibson lands a right hand. He lands another. They clinch for a moment and Katona lands as they break. Katona lands a pair of high kicks. Gibson lands a big right hand. Gibson lands another big right hand. They trade in a brief tie up. Katona lands a right hand. Katona lands an uppercut. Gibson’s eye is hurt and Katona is landing a flurry against the fence. Gibson lands an uppercut. They trade in close range. They trade jabs. Katona with some uppercuts. Katona lands a left hand. They clinch as both are tired. They trade short shots. Great fight. 10-9 Katona, 29-28 Gibson.

Official Result- Brad Katona def. Cody Gibson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> TUF 31 Lightweight Finals- Kurt Holobaugh (19-7 1 NC, 0-4 UFC) vs. Austin Hubbard (15-6, 3-4 UFC)

Hubbard lands a leg kick and then scores a takedown. He lands an elbow from inside the guard. Hubbard throwing elbows from the top. Hubbard looks for the neck but it allows Holobaugh to scramble to his feet. They trade knees against the fence. They separate and Hubbard lands to the body. He lands a big right hand. Hubbard lands a knee to the body. They trade punches. Holobaugh lands a right hand. Hubbard gets a takedown. He’s landing from the top. Hubbard looking for a choke. He lets go. 10-9 Hubbard.

Both looking for the jab early. Hubbard tried a takedown but Holobaugh defended. Holobaugh lands a big right hand. He lands another. He lands it again. They trade and Holobaugh lands slightly more. Holobaugh sprawls a takedown attempt and has the neck. Holobaugh gets the back. Holobaugh looking for a choke. He has his forearm around Hubbard’s chin and lets go. Holobaugh in the full mount. Hubbard tries to escape and Holobaugh has the armbar but transitions to the triangle choke. Hubbard taps! Holobaugh gets the win, his first UFC win in his third stint.

Official Result- Kurt Holobaugh def. Austin Hubbard by submission (triangle choke) at 2:39 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Gregory Rodrigues (13-5, 4-2 UFC) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (11-7, 1-2 UFC)

Rodrigues lands a jab. Rodrigues gets the big takedown. Rodrigues gets to side control. He moves to the mount and Tiuliulin gives up his back. Rodrigues is landing big punches and elbows from the back and one knocks Tiuliulin out cold. Wow!

Official Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Denis Tiuliulin by knockout (elbows) at 1:43 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Chris Weidman (15-6, 11-6 UFC) vs. Brad Tavares (19-8, 14-8 UFC)

Tavares lands a right hand. Weidman shoots for a takedown but Tavares defends. Tavares lands a nice right hand. Weidman lands a jab to the body. Weidman goes for a takedown against the fence but abandons it. We have a timeout for a groin strike and they get back to action. Weidman lands a right hand. Tavares lands a jab. Tavares lands a leg kick. He lands another. Tavares lands a jab. Weidman lands a right hand then a body kick. Weidman lands some body kicks. Tavares lands an uppercut. 10-9 Tavares.

Both throwing to start the second but not much landing. Tavares lands a leg kick. Both land jabs. Tavares lands a leg kick then another. Weidman’s left leg is hurt. Tavares with a high kick that Weidman blocks. Tavares lands a combo ending with a leg kick. Tavares lands a pair of leg kicks. Weidman with a high kick. Weidman rocks Tavares with a punch but Tavares gets away. Weidman pressing forward as Tavares is attacking the leg. We have another groin strike and a timeout. They get back to action and Weidman lands. Weidman lands a body kick then a combo. Weidman tries for a takedown. Tavares defends and gets away. Tavares lands a body kick. Weidman lands a head kick then a right hand. Weidman tries for another takedown but Tavares defends. Weidman lands a high kick. 10-9 Tavares, 20-18 Tavares.

Tavares lands a heavy leg kick. We have a third groin strike of the fight and another timeout. They get back to action and Tavares is hurting Weidman with some punches. Tavares lands another leg kick. Weidman lands some right hands and goes for a takedown but Tavares defends. Weidman lands a left hand. Tavares lands a leg kick. Weidman lands a right hand. He lands a left hand. 10-9 Tavares, 30-27 Tavares.

Official Result- Brad Tavares def. Chris Weidman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Bantamweights- #6 Marlon Vera (22-8-1, 14-7 UFC) vs. #10 Pedro Munhoz (20-7 2 NC, 10-7 2 NC)

Munhoz landing a lot of leg kicks early on and Vera lands a high kick. Vera lands a jab. They’re trading kicks. Munhoz still landing lots of leg kicks. Vera scoring with the jab. Vera lands a leg kick. Munhoz shoots for a takedown but Vera keeps it standing. Vera lands a combo and Munhoz rushes in landing a combo. Vera lands a combination. They trade punches. Vera lands a combo. Vera lands a left hand. Close round. 10-9 Munhoz.

Munhoz lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade solid punches. Munhoz lands a combo. Munhoz back to the leg kick. Vera lands a leg kick and Munhoz lands some in return. Munhoz lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Munhoz lands a left hand. Vera lands a leg kick and Munhoz returns with one. They trade in close range. Munhoz lands a nice combination. Munhoz lands a leg kick but eats a left hand from Vera. 10-9 Munhoz, 20-18 Munhoz.

Munhoz lands a leg kick. Munhoz lands a leg kick after they trade punches. Vera lands a nice jab then a few more. Vera lands a nice combo and had Munhoz hurt for a moment. Munhoz back attacking the leg kick. Vera lands a combo and then a nice right hand. Vera lands a jab and Munhoz lands a right hand, but Vera lands a hard body shot. Vera lands some nice left hands. Vera picking up the volume in a big way right now. Munhoz lands some nice body kicks. Vera lands a nice combo. Close fight. 10-9 Vera, 29-28 Munhoz.

Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Da’Mon Blackshear (14-5-1, 2-1-1 UFC) vs. Mario Bautista (12-2, 6-2 UFC)

Bautista lands a right hand. Blackshear grabs the body and looks for a takedown but Bautista defends. Blackshear gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Blackshear still has a leg and lands a knee to the body. Blackshear lands a leg kick. Blackshear gets it back down but Bautista has the neck with a choke locked in but Blackshear escapes. They get to their feet. 10-9 Blackshear.

Blackshear lands some leg kicks to start the second. Bautista goes for a takedown against the fence but Blackshear defends. Bautista lands a right hand and shoots for a takedown but Blackshear defends against the fence and reverses position. Blackshear lands a short elbow as they break. Blackshear gets a takedown but Bautista pops right back up. Blackshear lands an elbow. Bautista lands a right hand. Blackshear lands a right hand. Bautista lands late. 10-9 Blackshear, 20-18 Blackshear.

Bautista lands a right hand. Blackshear lands a leg kick. Bautista lands a combo. Bautista lands a right hand. Bautista pressuring and looks for a takedown. They’re tied up and Bautista with a knee to the body. Blackshear lands an elbow and Bautista with a knee before they break. Bautista gets a takedown. He gets the back. They try to scramble up but Bautista drags it down and lands a knee to the body. Bautista still has the back and lands a knee as they break. Blackshear rocks Bautista with a right hand. They scramble to the mat. Bautista lands elbows from the top to end. 10-9 Bautista, 29-28 Blackshear.

Official Result- Mario Bautista def. Da’Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Welterweights- #11 Neil Magny (28-10, 21-9 UFC) vs. #13 Ian Garry (12-0, 5-0 UFC)

Garry lands some hard leg kicks early and Magny is already having trouble staying on his feet. Garry lands a body kick. Garry lands a jab. Garry lands a leg kick. Magny lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Magny lands to the body. Garry gets it down and backs away as Magny is forced to stand. Garry lands another hard leg kick and Magny falls to his butt but is forced up. Garry lands a high kick then another leg kick. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Garry.

Magny lands a double jab. Garry lands a combo. Garry lands another hard leg kick and Magny is limping. Garry lands more kicks. Magny grabs a leg and tries for a takedown but Garry defends against the fence. They break. Garry lands a head kick. Garry lands a leg kick and Magny is having trouble standing. Garry lands some punches and a flying knee to the body. Garry lands a jab then another leg kick. Garry with a leg kick then a combo. 10-9 Garry, 20-18 Garry.

Garry lands a leg kick. Magny lands a body kick but falls to the ground as he couldn’t plant on his damaged leg. Garry with a high kick then a leg kick. Garry lands a flurry against the fence and drops Magny with a leg kick. Magny gets to his feet and eats an immediate leg kick from Garry. Garry lands some leg kicks then a high kick. Garry landing more kicks. Magny lands a body kick but eats a combo from Garry. Garry lands another hard leg kick and Magny goes down but Garry wants him back up. Garry lands a big flurry with punches and high kicks and Magny is covering up. They go to the mat and Garry is in side control. Garry ends the fight on top. 10-8 Garry, 30-26 Garry.

Official Result- Ian Garry def. Neil Magny by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-24)

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Zhang Weili (23-3, 7-2 UFC) vs. #5 Amanda Lemos (13-2-1, 7-2 UFC)

Weili lands a leg kick and uses it for a takedown. Weili passes into side control. Weili lands some elbows from the side. Weili with some left hands from the top. Weili now landing to the body in the half-guard. Weili with more big left hands from the top. Weili keeps it down. Lemos locks in a D’Arce choke from the bottom but Weili is fighting it. Lemos is squeezing but Weili lands some knees to the body and she gets out and takes the back. Weili landing big punches from the back and looking to finish. Lemos spins and Weili is back in the half-guard. They stand and Weili gets a big late takedown. 10-9 Weili.

Weili landing to start the second and Lemos lands a hard right hand. Weili gets a big takedown. Weili landing from the top. Lemos tries to scramble out but Weili stays on top and gets the back. They get to their feet and Weili lands some knees to the body and gets another takedown. Weili has the back and lands. 10-9 Weili, 20-18 Weili.

They trade punches and Weili lands a side kick. Weili pushes it against the fence. Weili gets it back to the mat. Weili works to the back and lands some left hands. Weili moves to side control and has a knee on the belly and lands before they stand. Weili with a knee and elbow. They separate and Weili lands a combo. 10-9 Weili, 30-27 Weili.

Weili landing some kicks and punches to start off the fourth. Weili with a side kick. Lemos lands a punch and Weili slips to the mat. She gets back up and they’re trading before Weili gets a takedown. She lands from the top before they stand. Both throwing and both land before they tie up and break. Weili lands a body kick. 10-9 Weili, 40-36 Weili.

Weili lands a body kick then drops Lemos with a right hand. She gets on top and is landing punches and an elbow. Weili with some more shots from the top and Lemos attacks the leg. Weili landing hammerfists trying to finish. Weili landing a lot of punches as Lemos is trapped. Weili has the crucifix and continues to land. Weili with tons of punches as Lemos is still trapped. Lemos gets free as they stand. Weili with a knee. Weili gets a takedown. She’s in side control and pressuring while landing knees. Weili with body shots from the top. They get up and Lemos attacks the neck as they break. Weili with a side kick. Dominant performance from Weili. 10-8 Weili, 50-44 Weili.

Official Result- Zhang Weili def. Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 49-45) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Aljamain Sterling (23-3, 15-3 UFC) vs. #2 Sean O’Malley (16-1 1 NC, 8-1 1 NC UFC)

Sterling lands a leg kick. He lands another. O’Malley lands a body kick then Sterling lands a leg kick. O’Malley lands a left hand. Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling lands a leg kick. He lands another. He lands some more kicks. O’Malley barely lands a spin kick. Sterling shoots for a takedown and lands some punches against the fence in the clinch. 10-9 Sterling.

Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence. Sterling lands two left hands. O’Malley drops Sterling with a right hand as he was coming in. O’Malley lading from the top looking for the finish and lands some big punches and he ends it! O’Malley gets the finish and becomes the new champion!

Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Aljamain Sterling by TKO (punches) at :51 of Round 2 to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship

AEW Rampage live results: Rey Fenix vs. Komander

Posted on by Joseph Collins

Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage has several featured matches including a first time ever clash between lucha stars and a heated women’s tag team main event.

In the show’s opener, Rey Fenix will take on Komander. While they have shared the ring before, it’s the first ever singles meeting between the two high flyers.

AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida will team with Skye Blue to take on The Outcasts’ Toni Storm & Ruby Soho ahead of the four-way title match at All In that features both Shida and Storm.

One of the other participants — Britt Baker — will be on hand to share some thoughts about the All In match.

Ahead of their anticipated title defense against MJF & Adam Cole at All In, ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open will defend the titles against Ethan Page & Brother Zay.

After coming out to defend Chris Jericho on Wednesday’s Dynamite, Sammy Guevara will take on Jon Cruz.

**********

Taped in Nashville, TN.

Excalibur & Tony Schiavone were on commentary. 

Rey Fenix (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Komander (12:57)

This is the first time meeting between these two high flying luchadors. 

Both men did some matwork and exchanged cradles for pinfall attempts to start. Komander got a very close nearfall with his version of the seatbelt. Fenix sent Komander over the top with a hip toss. Komander caught Fenix with a tope on the floor, but Fenix came back with a double stomp off the top to get a near fall. 

Fenix worked over Komander for most of the split-screen break. After the break, Komander fought out of a suplex attempt and chopped Fenix down. Komander took Fenix down with a tijeras, then Fenix caught him with a superkick. Fenix went for a tiger driver, but Komander countered with a rana and he drove Fenix down into the mat headfirst for a near fall. Fenix followed up with a lung blower for another near fall.

Komander got a little too cute for his own good and Fenix caught him with a rolling cutter for a near fall. Jon Moxley and Claudio Castignoli were shown watching the match backstage. Well, we think that’s what they were watching because they were standing like normal people in front of the TV, not beside it. 

Fenix had Komander up in a fireman’s carry, but Fenix spiked him down with a crucifix driver for a near fall. Fenix came back with a hook kick and both guys were down and the crowd is really getting into things now.

Both men exchanged elbows and forearms as the worked their way back to their feet. Fenix climb to the top, but Komander shoved him to the mat, then came off the top with a springboard destroyer. Komander hit a ropewalk shooting star press for a near fall. Komander went for a 450 splash that missed. Fenix the hit the fire thunder driver and nearly got the pinfall in a fantastic near fall. The crowd and commentarts were shaken. Fenix finished Komander with a spinning muscle buster into a cradle and got the pinfall.

“The winner of this incredible battle, Ray Fenix.” No kidding Justin Roberts.

– Dr. Britt Baker bragged to Renee Paquette about all her accolades. Baker was at the first All In, was the first woman signed to AEW, and will win the AEW Women’s World Championship again at all in. 

– Clips of QT Marshall winning matches and championships in AAA were shown. Johnny TV was then shown driving with his tiny dog, which has to be a moving violation. 

Aussie Open vs. Ethan Page defeated Brother Zay to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championship (8:15 aired) 

If Page and Zay win, they will move onto Zero Hour to defend the ROH Tag Team Titles at Zero Hour before All In. 

Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher jumped the challengers from behind.  That’s not very honorable. Page was knocked to the floor and Zay was double-teamed in the Aussie Open corner. Zay took Fletcher down with a rana, then hit Davis with an enziguri and got the hot tag to Page. Page clotheslined Davis to the floor, and Zay hit both members of Aussie Open with a dive on the floor.

Back in the ring, Page hit Fletcher with a powerslam for a near fall. Fletcher and Davis came back by slamming Page and Zay back’s into each other. The Aussies worked over Page during the split-screen break. 

After the break, Page hit Fletcher with a sheer drop brainbuster and got the tag to Zay. Zay sent Davis to the floor with a cutter, hit him with an Asai moonsault, and then sprung back into the ring with a crossbody on Fletcher for a near fall. Zay went for a Swanton bomb, but Fletcher got his knees up. Fletcher hit a superkick, then hit a cutter off the middle rope for a near fall. Page came in and ate a double-superkick for his trouble. Stereo lariants and the Coriolis finished off Zay pretty definitively. 

After the match, Aussie Open cut an in-ring promo on Adam Page and MJF. Fletcher called MJF a horrible person and Cole a piece of trash. And, they’ll never hit a kangaroo kick in their lives. Ever! 

– A promo for the Righteous. They’ve run roughshod over ROH and are heading to AEW.

– From the Hardy compound, Matt and Jeff challenged Aussie Open for the ROH World Tag Team Championship on Dynamite Wednesday. If they win, they’ll defend the “Ring of Hardy” tag team titles against Adam Page & MJF at Zero Hour. 

Sammy Guevara defeated Jon Cruz (1:35)

Guevera is now firmly a babyface again. Guevara won a quick squash with the GTH. 

– Nyla Rose would like to remind everyone that she is the Native Beast. 

TV Rundown: 

Collision: Willow Nightingale will take on Diamante. Powerhouse Hobbs will “be in action” (wrestle a squash), Miro, Ricky Starks, and FTR will have interview segments, and Christian Cage will face Darby Allin. Wow that’s not much of a line up. I guess it’s hard to put together a show when you’re not sure who’s allowed in the building. 

Dynamite (which is also Fyter Fest): Jon Moxley vs. Ray Fenix, Aussie Open v. The Hardys for the ROH Tag Team Titles. The Elite will face Juice Robinson & The Gunns. Jack Perry will retire the FTW Title. Also announced: Swerve Strickland & AR Fox vs. Darby Allin & Nick Wayne, Skye Blue v. Ruby Soho, and interviews with Adam Cole, MJF, The Young Bucks and FTR. And they’ll be a contract signing with Chris Jericho and Will Osprey. Wow that’s pretty loaded. 

AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue vs. Toni Storm & Ruby Soho (w/ Saraya)

The Outcasts jumped the babyfaces to start, and it settled down to Blue and Soho in the ring. Blue went to the top, but Storm distracted her and Soho took her down. The heels took turns working over Blue in the corner. Referee Bryce Remsburg kept chastising the Outcasts for their constant rule-breaking, prompting Saraya to shout “stop yelling at them, Bryce!” That was funny. Storm hit the hip attack to send Blue crashing to the floor. 

The heels worked over Blue during the split-screen break because that’s always what the heels do during the split screen break. And then just as the break ended, Blue got the hot tag to Shida. Shida hit Storm with a forearm and Soho with an enziguri. Shida picked up Soho in a torture rack and dropped her face first to the mat. Shida kicked Soho in the head, Storm suplexed Shida, Blue caught Storm with an enziguri, Soho suplexed Storm and everybody was down.

Shida hit Soho with a knee strike and Blue hit the Code Blue for a near fall. Saraya slid the Soho the spray paint, and Blue caught a facefull of spray paint. Storm hit the hip attack for another near fall, broken up by Shida. Shida and Storm exchanged forearms in the ring, Saraya tripped up Shida, allowing Storm to hit a high kick. The Outcasts went for a double team powerbomb, but Blue took out Storm with a kick. Soho went for No Future, but Shida countered with a cradle and got the pinfall.

After the match, the Outcasts jumped Shida and Blue. Dr. Britt Baker came out to even the odds, and all six women were braling in and around the ring. The gaggle of officials struggled to separate everyone as the show ended. 

Final Thoughts: 

You can probably figure on a Shida/Blue/Baker v. Outcast match sometime next week before All In. 

The opener was great and the Aussie Open tag was pretty fun too. There was nothing wrong with this hour of wrestling. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Edge celebrates his 25th anniversary

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Edge will celebrate 25 years in WWE by squaring off with Sheamus on tonight’s SmackDown from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The match was set up when Edge called out Sheamus last week, saying they had never faced each other one-on-one. Sheamus joined Edge in the ring to accept his challenge.

Also slated for SmackDown is a tag team match that pits Bianca Belair & Charlotte Flair against WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY & Bayley. 

SKY and Bayley interrupted Charlotte’s match with Asuka last week as SKY attacked both wrestlers to end their match in a no contest. 

The Grayson Waller Effect will welcome in Santos Escobar and new United States Champion Rey Mysterio. Last week, Escobar was unable to compete in a scheduled title match due to an attack by Austin Theory.  As a result, Mysterio took Escobar’s place, ultimately beating Theory to win the US title.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Patrick, Michael Cole and Corey Graves then hyped up the card for the night. 

The Grayson Waller Effect with Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar

Escobar was selling his leg injury from last week with a brace on his knee. Waller started out by congratulating Mysterio on winning the U.S. title last week. Mysterio said it felt great to be U.S. Champion again. Waller asked Mysterio if Mysterio and Escobar were co-champions, but Mysterio said that wasn’t the case. Waller made the case for why Escobar had his chance at the U.S. title stolen from him. Waller said Mysterio wasn’t ready to pass the torch. Waller kept yelling until Escobar told Waller to shut up. 

Escobar said the only person he’s mad at is Austin Theory. Escobar said he gave Mysterio his blessing because he has enormous respect for Mysterio. Escobar called Mysterio his mentor. Escobar said Waller’s attempts to break them up won’t work. As Escobar spoke, Austin Theory’s music hit and Theory came out in his wrestling gear with a microphone. Theory congratulated Mysterio on becoming a three-time U.S. Champion. Theory said what happened last week was a tragedy. Theory said Escobar wasn’t man enough to step up to Theory last week. Theory called himself the greatest U.S. Champion ever. Theory said Adam Pearce was going to come out to hand Theory back his U.S. title. 

Pearce made his way down to the ring. Pearce said nobody wanted to hear Theory complain and out of nowhere, L.A. Knight’s music hit. The crowd went wild. Knight had a microphone in his hand. Knight started with his “Let me talk to you” line. Knight said Theory fumbled the ball. Knight congratulated Mysterio but said at some point, the title will go to Knight. Knight referenced going through 24 other men at SummerSlam. Knight challenged Theory to a match with the winner getting a shot at the U.S. title. Pearce made the match. 

Austin Theory defeated L.A. Knight to earn a shot at the U.S. title [10:14]

This was a fine television match. Knight’s clothesline to the Miz was rough – and, while there’s no mistaking that Knight is super-over with live crowds, there always seems to be an awkward wrestling spot in his wrestling matches, but I digress – but they rebounded and Theory rightly got the cheap win. Does this set up a triple threat for the U.S. title or will it simply be Theory vs. Mysterio? Time will tell. As for this, the guys worked hard despite their limitations and it forwarded the story between Miz and Knight. All told, mission accomplished.

Before the match started, The Miz’s music hit and The Miz walked to the ring. The Miz joined the commentary team. The bell rang and Theory attacked Knight. Theory controlled the first minute of the match until Knight landed a clothesline and a suplex to even things out. Knight hit a powerslam for a two-count. Theory threw Knight outside and Theory grabbed Knight’s face while Miz jawed at Knight. Knight fired up and slammed Theory onto the commentary table repeatedly while Mix screamed at Knight. Miz and Knight exchanged words and Theory kicked Knight in the face, but Knight came back quickly by throwing Theory into Miz. Knight posed and the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from break, Theory was working a side head-lock. Theory landed a rolling dropkick for a two-count. Theory hit a strong clothesline and went to the apron, where he went for another rolling move, but Knight caught Theory and hit a back suplex. Knight ran Theory into corners and then landed a neck-breaker. Knight got in a Russian Leg Sweep and a boot for a two-count. Knight was bleeding from his forehead. Knight landed a running knee to Theory’s head. Knight lifted Thoery, but Theory rolled out and chop-blocked Knight. Theory went for A-Town Down, but Knight got out of it and countered into a body slam. Miz jumped to the apron, and Knight turned his attention to Miz until Knight landed a DDT on Theory. Knight then went to the outside and chased the Miz everywhere until Knight clotheslined Miz to the floor. Theory rolled up Knight and held the tights for the win.

**********

– John Cena sent a video in congratulating Edge for 25 years. Sheamus and Natalya offered up videos, too. The Miz, Charlotte, and Sami Zayn did the same.

– Michael Cole spoke affectionately about Edge at the commentary table and Kevin Patrick threw to a montage of Edge moments. 

**********

Bayley and Dakota Kai made their entrance. Bayley had a microphone and introduced IYO SKY, who then made her entrance to set up the women’s tag team match. 

Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair defeated IYO SKY & Bayley [13:50]

Who says these wrestling companies don’t give women significant TV time?! OK, yeah, WWE, AEW and everyone in between could do better, but this took up a significant amount of time and while it felt a tiny bit over-long, I have to give WWE credit for carving out space for this. The match had its moments both good and bad, but in the end, it’s a good thing to have these women on television this much on the company’s biggest television show. I half-expected Shotzi involvement, but perhaps WWE really wants to eventually get behind Charlotte and Bianca as a tag team? We’ll see. Also of note: IYO SKY is just great. 

Bayley and Belair began the match. Bayley went for a takedown, and eventually stepped on Belair’s foot. Belair came back with a slam and then worked a side head-lock. Belair landed a suplex and danced before tagging in Charlotte. Charlotte put the boots to Bayley. Charlotte chopped Bayley to the ground. Charlotte lifted Bayley, but Bayley countered by pulling Charlotte down via her hair. SKY tagged in and Charlotte chopped SKY. Charlotte hit a boot to SKY’s head, which took SKY to the outside. Charlotte then landed a rolling splash onto both SKY and Bayley as the show went to break. 

Back from the break, Charlotte had control over Bayley and climbed to the top. Bayley cut Charlotte off and slammed Charlotte from the top. SKY tagged in and kicked Charlotte’s head before sinking in a head-lock. Charlotte worked her way out of it, but SKY came back with a submission attempt. SKY went for a suplex, but Charlotte reversed it with a back body-drop and went for the hot tag, but somehow didn’t get it. SKY landed a dropkick on Charlotte. From there, Charlotte finally got the hot tag to Belair.

Belair attacked SKY and hit a vertical suplex before firing up the crowd. Belair landed a series of punches onto SKY’s head until Bayley ran in and Bayley was the victim of a back-breaker. SKY slowed things down when she dropkicked Belair’s knee. Bayley tagged in and worked on Belair’s knee. There was blood on Charlotte’s face. Belair slammed both SKY and Bayley and Belair got the tag to Charlotte, who came off the top and took both SKY and Bayley out. Charlotte landed a fallaway slam on Bayley and then hit a clothesline for a two-count on Bayley. Charlotte went to the top, but Bayley pushed Charlotte off to the outside. Charlotte clutched her ankle and SKY attacked Charlotte. 

Back in the ring, Bayley went for a pin and got a two-count. SKY tagged in and went for a moonsault, but Charlotte moved. SKY followed that up with a strike to Charlotte’s jaw. Bayley tagged in and went for a figure-four, but Charlotte cut her off and tagged in Belair. Almost instantly, Belair landed the KOD on Bayley for the win.

**********

– Cody, AJ Styles, Bayley, Ricochet, Kevin Owens and more sent in videos giving their thanks to Edge. 

– Bianca Belair was being interviewed backstage, but was then attacked by Damage CTRL. IYO SKY hit Belair’s leg with a chair and Belair screamed in agony. 

**********

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated The O.C. (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) [3:12]

As basic as it gets. The Profits are in the middle of a reboot and Anderson & Gallows are in the middle of … well … not much. Still, The O.C. got in way more offense than I anticipated they would, so good on the Profits for giving them what they did. It still feels like the crowds aren’t ready to completely hate the Profits, so it’ll be interesting to see what WWE does with the trio of them and Lashley as it evolves. As for this match, it was just kind of there. 

Gallows and Ford began the match with Gallows coming out strong. Anderson tagged in quickly and hit a series of strikes on Ford, until Ford came back with a strong clothesline. Dawkins tagged in and went after Anderson, eventually hitting a pump-handle slam. Ford tagged in and landed a frog-splash for a two-count that was broken up by Gallows, who was instantly thrown outside. Dawkins put Anderson on his shoulders, but Anderson worked out and hit a spine-buster on Dawkins. Gallows tagged in and and The O.C. went for the Magic Killer, but Ford broke it up. Ford tagged in and the Profits hit their (new?) finisher for the win. After the match, Bobby Lashley’s music hit and Lashley came out to celebrate with the Profits. 

**********

– Paul Heyman was shown backstage and Kayla Braxton approached him asking for an update on the Bloodline. Heyman said he wouldn’t give an update. Braxton said she had been hearing rumors. Heyman asked her about what rumors she heard. Heyman said Jey Uso abandoned the WWE Universe. Heyman asked about Braxton’s mom and dad because he said he heard rumors about her family. Heyman worked in a jab at L.A. Knight which was funny. Heyman answered his phone and stepped away. Heyman said the caller told him that Jimmy Uso will be live on SmackDown next week. 

**********

Edge defeated Sheamus [19:03]

This was fantastic. Edge looked like he might have had enough after about eight minutes, but he gutted it out and those false finishes were a lot of fun. Who knows what happens from here. Who knows if Edge is really done wrestling. Who knows if Edge goes on to wrestle somewhere else. Whatever it is, put it away and just consider how close those two dudes must be because the emotions felt like they were running wild from the second the bell rang. Both guys worked hard and while the outcome probably wasn’t much in doubt, this was one of the better wrestling matches SmackDown has seen in a little while. Add in the extra curricular stuff, and this was very good. It’s not often SmackDown produces a wrestling match that I’d say you should seek out if you missed it, but this was one of them. A tip of the cap to everyone involved.  

The two shook hands after the bell rang. They locked up and Edge shoulder-blocked Sheamus to the mat. Sheamus returned the favor. Sheamus landed an Irish Curse to take Edge down and the show went to break. When it returned, Edge landed a back elbow on Sheamus and kept control. Action spilled to the outside, where Edge hit a powerbomb off the apron on Sheamus. Edge rolled Sheamus back into the ring and went to the top to hit a cross-body for a two-count. Edge went for a Sharpshooter, but Sheamus kicked his way out of it. Edge rolled to the apron and Sheamus picked him up for 10 Beats, but Edge cut him off and landed 10 punches on Sheamus. Edge got in a series of knees to Sheamus’s midsection. Edge then went through the ropes and speared Sheamus off the apron as the show went to commercial. 

When the show returned, Sheamus was working a submission as the crowd fired Edge up. As a result, Edge punched his way out of it and worked a cross-face on Sheamus. Sheamus made his way to the ropes for a break. The two made it to their feet and Edge ran at Sheamus, but Sheamus got his legs up and then went to the top. Edge cut Sheamus off with a boot and went to the top, too, where he hit a super-plex and then rolled that into the Edge-E-Cution for a two-count. The crowd chanted “You still got it!” Edge went to the top, but Sheamus cut Edge off with a kick. 

The two battled while Edge sat on the top rope. Sheamus went to the second rope and hit White Noise from the second rope. Sheamus then landed the Celtic Cross and went for a pin, but it resulted in a very good near-fall. Edge rolled to the apron and Sheamus hit the 10 Beats. Edge flipped Sheamus off and Sheamus went back to the 10 Beats. The whole thing went further than 10 Beats, but who’s counting? Sheamus jawed at Edge, but Edge slapped Sheamus and then clotheslined him. Edge fired up and the crowd did so with him. Edge went for a spear, but ran into a knee from Sheamus. Sheamus followed up with a boot to the face for another great near-fall. Sheamus went for another boot, but Edge rolled him up and hit a spear for another very good near-fall. Edge then landed another spear for the win.

After the match, Edge looked like he was going to cry. Beth Phoenix looked like she was crying in the audience. The commentary team laid out and the show went off the air as Sheamus and Edge hugged. 

Ring of Honor TV live results: Samoa Joe & Stokely Hathaway vs. The Boys

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Stokely Hathaway will be in tag team action on Thursday’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub as he teams with ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe to face The Boys (Brent & Brandon Tate).

The match was made during a recent promo. Dalton Castle confronted Hathaway about the TV Title eliminator tournament. Joe walked into the segment and declared the match would happen, much to the dismay of Hathaway. 

Former ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods will take on former partner Silas Young in a Pure rules match. Last week, Woods decided to part ways with the Varsity Athletes and go out on his own.

ROH Women’s Champion Athena will return to non-title action on a long ROH winning streak as she faces Brittany J in a Proving Ground match.

After defeating Robyn Renegade last week, Billie Starkz will take on Robyn’s sister Charlette Renegade who jumped Starkz after the victory.

Lady Frost will go head-to-head with Trish Adora.

**********

Gravity defeated Gringo Loco

Poor Gravity got crushed twice in this match with the full weight of Loco on him, but somehow survived to win the match. This was a spot fest all the way, but a fun one.

Gravity decided to use his name to his advantage, hitting a splash early on for a two count. Loco used his size to his advantage, pressing Gravity into the air and then catching him in a fallaway slam for a two count. Loco hit a chop and played to the crowd before hitting another chop in the corner and Irish whipping Gravity to the corner. Gravity ran up the ropes and back flipped off before turning around and powerslaming a charging Gringo Loco. That was cool.

Loco shoved Gravity to the floor and hit a double jump springboard moonsault to the floor on Gravity. What a loco spot, pardon the pun. Loco then absolutely crushed Gravity with a brutal springboard twisting senton, causing Gravity to become victim to his own name. Gravity, somehow not a pancake, shoved Loco to the outside and then rolled up the to the top rope, launched himself over the post, and hit a hurricanrana on Loco on the floor.

Gravity missed a 450 splash and Loco countered into a standing Spanish fly as Gravity got back up. Gravity tried to float over into a sunset flip bomb, but he lost his grip and was crushed again by Loco falling backwards and landing right on his face. Gravity and Loco went to the top rope and Loco hit some sort of a torture rack suplex off the top rope for a 2-count. Gravity and Loco went to the ropes again and Gravity hit a Samoan drop off the middle rope before hitting a splash for the pin.

Josh Woods defeated Silas Young in a Pure Rules match

Good technical match from Woods and Young with an awesome finish.

Woods refused a handshake from Young, who applauded because he was in favour of Woods having an attitude now. Young and Woods locked up and Young hit a drop toe hold causing Woods to grab the ropes as he went down, which counted as a rope break. Young and Woods locked up again, and Woods was able to take him down, but Young did counter out of a Chaos Theory for a 2-count.

Woods sent Young crashing into the ropes and then drove him shoulder first into the turnbuckle. The announcers noted that Woods was way more focused without Mark Sterling in his corner, and while using the rough tactics that Young and Sterling had taught him over the years, he was looking far stronger here. Young, trying to avoid further damage to the arm, kept going for pinfall attempts to keep Woods at bay.

Woods stood up and punched Young right in the face to break up the pinfall attempts, getting his one warning, and then hit a running twisting vertical suplex into the corner dropping Young right on his head for the win. That was a brutal finish, and the crowd reacted strongly to it. They got something with Woods here, I think.

–Maria Kanellis Bennett was backstage, saying she was scouting for an army to protect her kingdom. Leyla Hirsch walked in and said that there was nothing Maria could do for her, but Maria said that she could provide some real competition for her, and said Hirsch would face Rachel Ellering later.

Athena defeated Brittany J in a Proving Ground match

This was an awesome squash match, as Athena continues to be awesome in ROH.

Athena got rolled up early as she played to the crowd, but Athena made her pay soon thereafter pulling Brittany J from the apron to the floor and then brutally throwing her into the guardrail with a crash. Athena screamed at Ian Riccaboni before returning to the ring and countering a headscissors with a cartwheel and hitting a pop-up powerbomb and a brutal forearm for the win.

–Robyn & Charlette Renegade ran down after the match and started beating on Athena. Billie Starkz ran down to the ring to make the save and drive the twins out of the ring.

Samoa Joe & Stokley Hathaway defeated The Boys (Brandon & Brent)

Stokely wanted to get involved in the match, so Joe let him a few times between the easy beating Joe was giving The Boys. Stokley claimed he wanted to get the win when Joe went for the muscle buster, so Joe held one of the Boys and then walked away with said boy as Stokely flew off the ropes and crashed and burned before choking out said Boy. Joe wins. So does Stokely. Sort of.

–Billie Starkz was with Lexy Nair and it was announced she would be facing Charlette Renegade. The Renegade Twins walked up and trash talked Starkz before the end of the interview.

The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun) (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal

The Gates of Agony briefly got the heat on Daniels, but he was able to hit a drop toe hold and tag out to Sydal, who hit a standing twisting senton on Kaun for a 2-count. Daniels and Sydal then hit a drop toe hold. Daniels was ready to go for the Best Moonsault Ever, but Kaun was able to shove Daniels away, and Liona hit a clothesline on Daniels to get the advantage.

Liona crushed Daniels as Kaun hit a backstabber and Liona hit a splash, but Sydal broke up the pinfall. Kaun locked on a sleeper before hitting a uranage into a backbreaker on Daniels. Daniels was able to tag out Sydal, but it didn’t go very well over the next few minutes, as Daniels came back in and ate a fireman’s carry into a gutbuster for the pin.

Madison Rayne defeated Dani Mo

This was not very good. Rayne looked a bit rough. Rayne went for a neckbreaker on Mo, but Mo fell a bit early and may have actually whiplashed her neck on the way down. Mo faked Rayne out with a kick to the head only to hit the stomach. Rayne then just grabbed Mo and hit a Cross Rayne for the win. This was not good.

The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Jon Silver, & Alex Renyolds) defeated Corey Calhoun, Isaiah Broner, & Lord Crewe

Evil Uno started the match with Broner. As The Dark Order was beating on Broner, Stu Grayson came out to the ramp and distracted them, leading to Calhoun being able to roll Renyolds up for a 2-count. This did not last long as Dark Order took Calhoun to the dark realm for the pinfall.

–Claudio Castagnoli was backstage, saying that while he was not in the arena tonight, he was very much there, and that no one he has faced has given him a run for his money. Castagnoli talked about when he lost the ROH World Championship to Chris Jericho, and how he took the title back from Jericho, learning that the only thing that mattered was that he had a simple job – to keep the ROH World Championship from people who were not worthy of it, like Eddie Kingston, PAC, and Mark Briscoe, and he was really good at his job. This was a great promo.

Cole Karter defeated Griff Garrison

Garrison had some fire in this one, going right after Karter, hitting a series of hard chops, strikes, and then a falcon arrow for a 2-count. Karter looked rough in this one, but showed some good heel instincts despite the rough offence. As Karter hit a weird dominator type slam for the win, Maria Kanellis walked down to the ring and whispered something in Karter’s ear before leaving.

Billie Starkz defeated Charlette Renegade

Charlette did not abide by the Code of Honor, hitting a hard forearm in the handshake, before beating on Starkz for a bit. Starkz tried to escape to the floor but got distracted by Robyn, and Renegade jumped off the apron to continue the attack. Charlette grabbed Starkz by the nose and pulled back with a camel clutch.

Starkz hit a kick to Charlette, but was cut off on the ropes by Robyn, who did so right in front of the referee. Oops. Charlette hit a superplex, but Starkz rolled through into a Last Shot for a 2-count. Renegade managed to hit a landslide for a 2-count, but Starkz was able to hit a neutralizer type move for the win.

–Robyn Renegade ran in and the Renegade Twins started beating on Starkz, but Athena ran down and made the save. As they faced off, Athena told Starkz to duck, and then both women hit a dive on the twins. Athena challenged Starkz to a fight in a joking way, and Starkz offered a handshake, but Athena refused. Athena then said, “Come on, minion! Let’s go!” Starkz followed with hesitation, as the announcers noted she might not be able to trust Athena.

–Ari Davari & Tony Nese were backstage, and Nese talked about why he was trying to get the fans to do work outs with him, and how frustrating it is that he gets interrupted by someone as he tries to make the lives of the fans better. Nese said Mark Sterling promised he would have the floor tonight, and they were going to have a full group training session as the fans needed it badly with how out of shape they were.

Lee Johnson, Action Andretti, & Darius Martin defeated Lee Moriarty & The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)

This was a really good match with a finish that the crowd didn’t seem to expect.

Johnson & Moriarty started the match with a really nice exchange. Moriarty tried to escape the grasp of Martin and Andretti but fell victim to several double team moves that also took out Drake and Henry. Moriarty and Johnson resumed their exchange, but Henry hit a knee to the back of Johnson letting Moriarty tag out to Drake, who leveled Johnson with a Bossman slam. Henry tagged in and hit some very hard kicks to Johnson. Johnson ducked an attack and tagged out to Andretti, who ran wild hitting a dive on Henry on the floor but missing a 450 splash on Moriarty.

Andretti hit a standing Spanish fly instead, but was soon falling victim to Drake and Henry hitting a pop-up powerbomb for a 2-count thata was broken up by Martin. Martin ate a massive twisting butterfly suplex from Drake but Andretti broke it up. Andretti countered an O’Connor roll with a bridge and got the pinfall on Henry.

–Athena was with Lexy Nair and she brought in Billie Starkz. Athena assigned a minion number to Starkz, but Starkz said it wasn’t what was important as they had to deal with the Renegade Twins, challenging them to a tag match next week. Athena said that Starkz shouldn’t think, since that was not her roll, and she intimidated Nair into agreeing with her before demanding that Starkz drive them to the mall.

Lady Frost defeated Trish Adora

Frost looked good in this match, especially at the finish with the corkscrew moonsault for the win.

Frost slipped slightly on a handspring, but they played it right, letting Adora take it as an opportunity to kick Frost in the head and get the advantage. Adora then did a stretch behind Frost before putting her foot on the back of Frost’s head and driving it to the mat. Adora then did the splits on the shoulder of Frost, driving her head down to the mat while she was seated. That looked brutal.

Adora hit a standing crossbody for a 2-count before hitting a German suplex. Adora hit a sternum breaker in the corner for a 2-count. Frost ducked a clothesline and hit a spinning kick for a 2-count before hitting a Frostbite for the pin.

–Kiera Hogan was with Lexy Nair and talked about how she has been keeping her eyes on Lady Frost. She said she was going to put her fire against Frost, melting the ice.

Leyla Hirsch defeated Rachel Ellering

This was a short match, but I liked it.

Ellering was given a lot in this match, hitting a nice brainbuster while selling her arm that Hirsch worked over with an armbar earlier in the match. Hirsch, I think, was a heel, but the crowd seemed to wanting to root for her. Hirsch floated over onto the back of Ellering after a corner charge, locking on a sleeper and then transitioning to an octopus stretch. Ellering fought out, but Hirsch was able to counter a pinfall attempt after a Bossman slam into a crucifix pin before transitioning into an armbar for the submission.

Dalton Castle defeated Peter Avalon

Dalton Castle is the best, and he should be on TV every single week on every show.

Avalon looked very shocked at the charisma of Dalton Castle. Castle yelled at Avalon as he tried to escape Castle’s grasp, saying, “You wiggle away from me again and I’ll rip your face off!” I laughed. Castle proceeded to suplex Avalon around the ring. Castle got the win soon thereafter and yelled to the camera that he was going to take the ROH Television championship before long.

–Shane Taylor was with Lexy Nair, and talking about how in the past with ROH, he was established as the greatest TV champion, greatest six-man champion, and greatest stable of all time in ROH, but people only wanted to talk about the old guard, and he was going to finally put that to rest when he got to fight them, and specifically Samoa Joe because he wanted his ROH Television championship back. Awesome promo.

–Tony Nese came out and claimed that his match was cancelled, so he was going to lead the crowd in the workout. The crowd actually started to participate before Metalik made Jerry Lynn came out and informed Nese that his lawyer was wrong, and that Tony Khan was a bit tired of Nese trying to avoid wrestling, so he was facing someone who he was familiar with tonight.

Metalik defeated Tony Nese

Metalik is such a fantastic wrestler, and I really hope he is given a chance to get over in ROH and AEW.

Metalik and Tony Nese reunite as 205 Live lives on in ROH. After some early heat from Nese, Metalik hit a Asai Moonsault to the floor on Nese, kicking Nese right in the back off the head hard as they went down. Both guys seemed fine, but both landed hard there. Nese fought out of a fireman’s carry and hit a powerbomb on Metalik for a 2-count. Metalik hit a superkick on a running Nese before hitting a landslide on Nese for the win.

Final Thoughts

Good episode of ROH on HonorClub tonight. I’m not sure if the show really needed to be 2 hours and 14 minutes long, but the angles they advanced were good, and the matches were largely good too. I think they are trying to find a balance with the shows after Dark and Elevation were cancelled, providing chances for younger stars to get reps while also trying to advance angles for the bigger stars. They definitely achieved that tonight.

AEW Dynamite live results: Fight for the Fallen

Posted on by Joseph Collins

AEW holds their annual Fight for the Fallen episode of Dynamite tonight in Nashville, Tennessee. 

International Champion Orange Cassidy defends his title against Wheeler Yuta of the Blackpool Combat Club. 

Jeff Jarrett faces Jeff Hardy in a Texas Chain Saw Massacre death match, a sponsorship tie-in with a new video game. 

Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. faces The Bunny, with the winner added to the four-way match for the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In. 

The Young Bucks will be in tag team action against Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn of Bullet Club Gold.

Darby Allin & Nick Wayne will also be in tag team action, facing ROH’s Gates of Agony. 

World Champion MJF and his All In challenger Adam Cole will talk about the AllIn main event on the show. 

Jim Ross will conduct a sit-down interview with Kenny Omega. 

Chris Jericho will give Don Callis his answer regarding joining Callis’ stable. 

Proceeds from Fight for the Fallen will be donated to the Maui Food Bank. 

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

Live from Nashville, Tennesee. 

Excalibur, Taz and Tony Schiavone are on commentary. 

Orange Cassidy defeated Wheeler Yuta to retain the AEW International Title

Slugfest to start, and Cassidy got the advantage. They exchanged suplexes and kicks, and then a double boot put both guys down.

Yuta sent Cassidy to the floor and followed him out with a tope. Cassidy countered a vertical suplex from Yuta, and they fought up the ramp. Yuta gave Cassidy a stiff piledriver on the entrance ramp and referee Bryce Remsberg beckoned Yuta to bring the match back into the ring. Yuta mocked Cassidy’s “high impact” kicks with his hands stuffed in tights, “kicking” Cassidy down the ramp. When Yuta finally brought the fight back in the ring, Cassidy stunned him with the Beach Break for a near fall.

During the split-screen break, Yuta worked over Cassidy’s leg with an Indian Death Lock. After the break, Cassidy started to mount a comeback. He went to the top rope, but Yuta cut him off with a kick and dropped Cassidy with a top rope superplex. Then Yuta hit a top rope splash for a near fall. Yuta went to kick Cassidy’s head in, but Cassidy countered with a cradle for a near fall. Cassidy went for a spinning DDT, but Cassidy’s leg gave out on him. He caught Yuta with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall, then hit the spinning DDT on the second try. The way Cassidy sold the leg was fantastic

As Cassdiy set up the Orange Punch, Jon Moxley and Claudio Castignoli came out from the crowd. Casssidy hit a Paradigm shift and the Orange Punchm but was too beat up to make a cover. Yuta got a near fall with the seatbelt cradle. Cassidy countered a sunset flip attempt with a cradle and got the pinfall to retain.

Immediately after the finish, Moxley and Claudio jumped in the ring to attack Cassidy. The Best Friends tried to make the save, but were completely overwhelmed. The Lucha Bros then danced down to the ring (while Mox and Claudio were beating on The Best Friends) to even the odds. Moxley and Claudio got chairs, but Eddie Kingston’s music hit and he charged the ring to attack Claudio. The Blackpool Combat Club ran, and Kingston grabbed a mic and challenged The Blackpool Combat Club “and anyone they can find” to a STADIUM STAMPEDE MATCH.

JR Interviews Kenny Omega: The interview took place at Daily’s Place, where (as JR notes) Omega won his first World Title.  Omega wants to move on away from Callis. Footage was shown of Omega facing Konosuke Takeshita from DDT. Callis interrupted the interview to distract Omega, and Juice Robinson & Jay White jumped Omega. Takeshita jumped him as well and they beat him with pipes and other plunder. This “sent Kenny to the hospital.” 

The show then cut to Adam Page, waiting “oustide the hospital in Jacksonville.” Page annoucned that he, Kota Ibushi and Omega will take on Robinson, White and Takeshita at Wembley. Page was then chastised by security for “drinking a beer” outside the “hospital.”

All In is shaping up nicely (and at the last minute). 

Jericho Answers Don Callis: Back to the arena, where Callis calls out Chris Jericho to get his answer. 

Jericho answers Callis with, “Chris Jericho doesn’t join factions, Chris Jericho creates them.” Jericho initially gives Callis a “Yes!” who was surprised, and wanted to get to the bar to celebrate. But, Jericho noticed a covered picture in the corner. Jericho wants to see the picture, which is a painting of Callis holding Jericho’s severed head. Jericho asked what’s that about? Callis thought Jericho’s ego would allow him to join “the Don Callis Family.” “Who the hell is Don Callis?” Nobody cares about Don Callis, who’s lost his family, lost Kenny Omega, lost his friends, all because Callis is a “a lowlife, a worm, a piece of trash and an a$$hole.” Callis slapped Jericho, and Jericho responded by choking Callis down in the corner. Konosuke Takshita and Will Ospreay ran in to save Callis. Opsreay hit Jericho with the Hidden Blade, then busted him open with a steel chair to the head. Callis then smashed the painting over Jericho’s head. Sammy Guevara ran in to run off Callis and his crew with Jericho’s bat, and got a a brief “Sammy!” chant from the crowd. 

Darby Allin & Nicky Wayne defeated The Gates of Agony (6:23)

The Gates attacked Wayne and Allin as they made their entrance. Swerve Strickland and AR Fox made their entrance while The Gates dominated Wayne and Allin on the floor.

Fox and Stirckland watch the match from the ramp. The Gates worked over Nick Wayve during the split-screen break. After the break, Wayne got the hot tag. Allin and Wayne combined for a crucifix bomb/superkick combo for a near fall. The Gates of Agony hit a Demolition-style decapitation elbow for a near fall. Wayne caught Kaun with a springboard cutter. From the same top turnbuckle, Wayne hit Tanga Loa on the floor with a moonsault, and Allin hit Kaun with the Coffin Drop for the pinfall.

After the match, The Mogul Affiliates surrounded the ring, but Sting interrupted from the KhanTron. Sting has kidnapped Prince Nana! Sting told Strickland he needs eyes in the back of his head, and then scared Nana off.  “Nana! Nana! Come back! I need someone to talk too.” Sting was crazy (and hilarious) here. 

– Adam Cole & MJF had some ideas to get ready for Aussie Open at Zero Hour. MJF took them to Outback Steakhouse, and Adam Cole bought “Crocodile Dundee I and II.” MJF found a video of kangaroos fighting on his phone, and thought they should adopt “the kangaroo kick” as an alternate finisher. They then double-clotheslined an inflatable crocodile, which raised the ire of Tony Khan, who called them into their office to yell at them. “People are trying to work here!” 

Adam Cole and MJF then arrived at the arena in MJF’s fancy sports car. MJF headed to the bathroom (some Nashville Hot Chicken did not agree with him), Cole went to the ring, and Roderick Strong showed up to complain after Cole and MJF left. Strong hurt himself kicking MJF”s car. 

– MJF and Adam Cole came to the ring to cut a promo. MJF did a little two-step for the crowd. MJF got a “Kangaroo Kick!” chant going, Cole cut a heartfelt promo about his comeback. Nine months ago it looked like Cole would never wrestle again, and now headlining the biggest pro wrestling show of all time, against his best friend and for the world title. Cole needs to win this match and will do “anything” to do it. 

MJF told his story about putting 90,000 miles on his truck is 2018, trying to make a name for himself. MJF heard about the first All In, DM’d Cody Rhodes and got his shot. MJF lost the opener that night, but he caught the eye of Tony Khan, who signed MJF to AEW. In five years, MJF has gone from a nobody to one of the best that’s ever wrestled. And now, MJF is back at All In, “the biggest wrestling show of all time” (get ready to hear that a lot over the next few weeks). It means a lot for MJF to main event All In against his best friend and dream opponent, “but it doesn’t mean everything.” The “Triple B” means everything, and winning the main event at All In will make MJF legendary. MJF and Adam Cole then lead the crowd in their catchphrases. Aussie Open jumped Cole and MJF, but they quickly got the upper hand. Mark Davis avoided the double clothesline and saved Kyle Fletcher from the “kangaroo kick.” The crowd chanted “Kangaroo Kick!” MJF taunted Aussie Open, and from behind it looked Cole was setting up a for superkick on MJF. MJF turned around before Cole could nail him. Of course, Cole and MJF hugged it out. These promos were awesome, the crowd ate up everything Cole and MJF did with a spoon,  and I was legitmately ready to login to B/R live and buy All In. 

– In the back, Renee Paquette interviewed a bloodied Chris Jericho. Jericho v. Ospreay would have happened in the Tokyo Dome in 2021 if not for the pandemic, but it will take a lot more than a pandemic to keep Jericho from Will Ospreay at All In. 

Jeff Jarrett defeated Jeff Hardy in a Texas Chainsaw Death Match (10:02)

This match was mess from the jump. Hardy made his ring entrance, then walked through the crowd to the other side of the arena. Hardy was under the concourse and Jarrett jumped Hardy.  Karen Jarrett, Matt Hardy, Brother Zay, Sahtnam Singh, and Ethan Page all interfered a minute into the match. They were all fighting in a poorly lit area where you could barely make out what was going on. Matt Hardy dumped something on the Jarretts; I think it was supposed to be blood? 

The fighting continued backstage during a long split-screen break. 

After the split-screen break, Jeff Hardy jumped off some equipment in the back and hit the pile of wrestlers with a crossbody. They fought out of the backstage area and onto the entrance stage. As everyone fought to the ring, smoke started to come up from underneath the ring. This wound up meaning nothing. 

 Jarrett was alone with all the babyfaces in the ring, where tables had already been set up in the corners. Jeff Hardy hit a Twist of Fate on Jarrett, who helpfully placed himself on a table on the rebound. Hardy hit a Swanton Bomb through the table, but Jay Lethal made the same. Page and Matt Hardy went for their finishers, but were taking out by low blows from Sonjay Dutt and Karen Jarrett, respectively.

Then, Leatherface came out (to the sounds of a chainsaw playing in the arena) and chased Karen Jarrett away. I thought Letherface and Jarrett were on the same side? Back in the ring, Sahtnam Singh reappeared and chokeslammed Jeff Hardy, then put Jarrett on top for the pin. Jarrett then celebrated with a Leatherface title belt. Taz on commentary: “Well, that was something,” Yeah it was. Not something GOOD. But it was something.

Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. The Bunny (w/ Penelope Ford)

Baker wore her ring jacket from the first All In show. They shook hands to start, but that quickly turned into shoves and forearms. Bunny countered a lockjaw attempt with a cradle for a near fall. Bunny hit a clothesline and actually got a reaction from the crowd. 

After a split-screen break, Baker hit a double underhook suplex for a near fall. Baker hit a forearm and a spinning neckbreaker for a near fall. After some failed interference from Ford, Baker hit a superkick and a stomp to get the pinfall.

– All In Update: The Stadium Stampede match will be six-on-six. Eddie Kingston, Orange Cassidy, The Best Friends & The Lucha Bros v. Claudio Castignoli, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta and three as yet unnamed partners. 

The Acclaimed vs. Two Enhancement Talents Never Happened

Before the match could start, the lights in the arena went out. When they came back up, the two enhancement talents were replaced with the House of Black. Buddy Murphy and Brody King pounced on the Acclaimed while Malakai Black and Julia Hart watched. Matthews really went after Caster hard, and Caster was busted open with a chain. With the Acclaimed laid out, King presented Billy Gunn’s boots to Malakai Black. 

The Young Bucks defeated The Gunn Club (9:26)

The Bucks jumped the Gunns on the entrance stage. They fought to the ring where the match began with Nick and Colton. Quickly, all four men were in the ring. The Bucks are fired up because of Bullet Club attacking Omega earlier..

The Gunns double-teamed Matt through the split-screen break. Colton hit a great looking dropkick on Matt for a near fall. The Gunns clotheslined each other and Nick got the hot tag. Nick hit a superkick on Austin. He followed up with a springboard facebuster on Austin and a standing moonsault to the floor on Colton. Back in the ring. The Bucks set up Austin for the BTE Trigger, but Colton hit a flying clothesline to break it up. Colton broke up a Meltzer Driver attempt. The Gunns hit the 310 to Yuma on Matt. Nick broke up the cover with a double stomp off the top rope.

Austin went for an O’Conner role on Nick, with an assist from his brother, but Matt superkicked Colton. Nick then reversed the rollup, and Matt helped his brother hold down Austin for the three count. This felt pretty clunky at first, but came together pretty well after the break.

After the match, Juice Robinson and Jay White jumped the Bucks after the match. Kenny Omega and Adam Page were “at the hospital in Jacksonville,” so it was 4-on-2. The Bullet Club set up Matt Jackson to Pillmanize Matt’s previously-injured arm, but FTR. The Bullet Club all faced the entrance waiting for FTR, so naturally FTR came through the crowd from the other side to make the save. FTR hit the Shatter Machine on Robinson. Once the Bucks and FTR dispatched the Bullet Club, FTR looked like they were setting up behind Matt Jackson for a Shatter Machine. But when the Bucks turned around, FTR just picked up their title belts instead and stood eye to eye with The Young Bucks. The crowd was more behind FTR as the show ended. 

Final Thoughts: 

I felt like the show kind of fell apart after the Jarrett match, but the first hour had a couple of great angles that set up some big matches for All In. The Callis/Jericho angle was great, the Elite/Bullet Club angle was great, Kingston’s return (and the announcement of Stadium Stampede) was fantastic. On this night, the out of the ring stuff was stronger than the in ring. 

WWE NXT live results: Number one contender’s match

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Carmelo Hayes’ challenger for Heatwave is set to be determined tonight on NXT.

Wes Lee battles Dijak in an NXT Championship number one contender’s match on tonight’s show. The winner will get their shot against Hayes on the special Heatwave edition of NXT next Tuesday.

Gold will be up for grabs as The Dyad challenge Tony D’Angelo & Stacks for the NXT Tag Team titles in tonight’s opening match. It’s the first defense for D’Angelo & Stacks since they won the championships from Gallus at Great American Bash.

Mustafa Ali is on a campaign to challenge Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Championship. Tonight, Ali has stated that he has an important announcement to make.

Ahead of facing Ilja Dragunov at Heatwave, Trick Williams will be in action against Drew Gulak tonight. Dana Brooke vs. Blair Davenport and Tyler Bate vs. Joe Coffey have also been announced.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

A tag team title match opens the show live from a soundstage at the Performance Center in Orlando. 

NXT Tag Team Champions The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo) defeated The Dyad (Jagger Reid & Rip Fowler with Joe Gacy, Ava and The Schism) to retain their titles

D’Angelo pinned Fowler after outside interference by masked assailants presumed to be the Creeds. 

Joining The Dyad at ringside were Joe Gacy and Ava as usual, but they are also joined by a bunch of Schism members wearing masks that surround the ring like de facto lumberjacks. That would play into the finish.

Stacks got to shine a lot in the early portion of the match, including him doing a swan dive over the ropes. He was later cut off and sent crashing into the announce desk, just before the show cuts to its first commercial break.

The match goes through the split-screen break, with Stacks being worked over throughout. The heels continue to work over Stacks when the show returns from the break. Stacks gets a visual pin in a hope spot, but the referee is distracted by Tony D. 

They build to a hot tag that brings in “The Don” to clean house. The Dyad bump and feed. Tony D is cut off after a blind tag by The Dyad. Suddenly, out comes Ivy Nile. The Schism lumberjacks form a line to block Nile from getting into the ring. Meanwhile, two other masked men hop the barricade, and they jump The Dyad. They appear to be the Creed Brothers, judging by the suplex they did and context clues. The Don then covers Fowler for a pinfall.

Eddy Thorpe is the focus of a great vignette that plays to his Native American heritage. Thorpe also cuts a promo about Dijak, who is he is currently feuding with in storyline.

Wes Lee interrupts an autograph signing with NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes. Lee remains a subtle heel as they banter back-and-forth.

Tension within Chase U continues with a skit. Once the most enthusiastic student, Thea Hail is still bitter with Andre Chase. She complains to him, and Duke Hudson somewhat agrees with her. Chase says he only wants Hail to be happy, and she shoots back by telling him to not throw in the towel next time.

Blair Davenport defeated Dana Brooke (with Kelani Jordan)

Davenport pinned Brooke the win the match. Jordan got involved at one point, trying to keep Brooke honest. 

Brooke grabbed the ring bell shortly before the finish to seemingly use as a weapon. Jordan takes the bell away from Brooke, and Jordan seems shocked Brooke would stoop to such tactics. 

After some clunky exchanges between Brooke and Davenport, Brooke is rocked by a knee strike. Davenport then delivers a second knee strike, and Davenport covers Brooke for a three count.

NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes is still signing autographs when he is interrupted again. This time it was Dijak interrupting Hayes, and they have words. 

Trick Willaims defeated Drew Gulak (with Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp)

Williams pinned Gulak after a windmill kick. Dempsey and Kemp interfered during the match, but Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen run down to even the odds.

Kemp distracted the referee at one point, allowing Dempsey to interfere. Dempsey gives Williams a German suplex on the floor. Gulak then goes on to work over Williams.

Comeback by Williams, and Dempsey tries to interfere again. That backfires as Williams drops both Dempsey and Kemp on the floor. They try to attack Williams, but out runs Briggs and Jensen. The country boy babyfaces make a save by neutralizing Dempsey and Kemp. The two teams brawl at ringside as Williams and Gulak go home in the ring. 

Dabbo-Kato is the focus of a vignette. He fought his way out of the shadows, and he vows to cast his own shadow when he soon returns to NXT. It was indeed soon, as he actually returns this week for a run-in later in the show.

Von Wagner challenges Baron Corbin to a match at Heatwave

Baron Corbin is heading to the ring for a monologue. Oh joy. Corbin brags about running an Olympic gold medalist out of NXT (referring to Gable Steveson). Corbin then refers to the rest of the locker room as “soft ass little bitches.” Is he doing a CM Punk gimmick?

Corbin says he is ushering in a new era of himself. He places is place “back into the main event” where he claims to belong. Out comes Mr. Stone and Von Wagner to interrupt and confront Corbin.

Corbin tries to make fun of Stone, but Stone turns that around on Corbin. Stone then puts over Wagner. Corbin wants Wagner to talk instead of Stone. Corbin then tries to make fun of Wagner. 

Corbin tells Wagner he needs to learn how to “talk on the stick.” Corbin cuts a promo on Wagner about his lack of speaking ability. Wagner responds by saying Corbin talks too much, which guarantees the two a spot on an upcoming episode of Botchamania. If you know, you know.

Wagner cuts a promo making fun of Corbin’s various gimmicks. Wagner then challenges Corbin to a match next week at Heatwave, and Wagner vows to table Corbin. Corbin goes to cheap shot Wagner, but Wagner clotheslined Corbin over the ropes on the side of the ring with the announce desk.

Wagner teases putting Corbin through the announce desk, and they have a pull-apart brawl. Looks like a grudge match is now set for next Tuesday.

WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley and her main squeeze, NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio, are in a locker room for a promo. Ripley challenges Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria to a mixed tag match at Heatwave.

Mustafa Ali in a vignette gives a stump speech like he is campaigning for the North American title. Ali delivers a speech that plays on populism and patriotism. Where have a seen that before?

Wes Lee defeated Dijak in a number one contender’s match

Lee pinned Dijak, which makes Lee the next contender for Hayes’ NXT Championship. Good match. Eddy Thorpe got involved at one point, although he never physically interfered.

Cat-and-mouse game early on, with Lee floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee. Lee targets Dijak’s leg with kicks and holds. Dijak cuts off Lee, and Dijak works an arm. Hope spot dashed by Dijak, and he posts Lee. Back to work on the arm.

Dijak dashes another hope spot when he catches Lee on an attempted tope. Dijak lawn darts Lee into a ring post, just before the show cuts to a split-screen commercial break. Dijak continues to work over Lee during the break, still targeting the arm.

After the show returns from the break, Lee counters Dijak to deliver a tornado DDT that spikes Dijak. Moments later, and Lee powerbombs Dijak. Lee then gets a near fall. 

Lee crumples to the mat when his injured shoulder gives out. Dijak looks to capitalize with his finisher, but Dijak injured leg buckles. Lee then deliver a pump kick, but Dijak answers back with a chokeslam into a sit-out powerbomb for another near fall. 

The fighting spills outside, where Dijak throws Lee over the barricade. Dijak looks to use the steps as a weapon, but out comes Eddy Thorpe. Dijak is distracted by Thorpe, and they face off. Thorpe ducks a lariat, and Lee leaps off the barricade to give Dijak a Frankensteiner. It was not pretty, but Dijak crashes into the ring steps. Lee acts like he pops his shoulder back into place, and Lee then jumps back into the ring to deliver a Cardiac Kick. Lee follows up with a twisting corkscrew senton, and Lee covers Dijak for a pinfall.

Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria in a backstage skit accept the challenge from Rhea Ripley. So, Ripey and “Dirty Dom” against Dragon Lee and Valkyria in a mixed tag match at Heatwave.

Ilja Dragunov cuts a promo on Trick Williams in a video package hyping their match next Tuesday. 

Tyler Bate vs. Joe Coffey (with Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) ends in a no-contest

The match was going pretty well, as the two work really well together. They do some British style spots and such, and things were just beginning to heat up when in runs Dabbo-Kato. He boots Bate with a high kick and he attempts to guzzle Coffey. The rest of Gallus drag Coffey out of the ring. So, Dabbo-Kato sets his sights back on Bate. Sit-out tree slam by Dabbo-Kato, as he leaves Bate laying in the ring. 

Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker have a confrontation in the parking lot. Breakker says he will be watching Corbin’s match next week against Wagner (who Breakker has recently feuded with). Corbin tells Breakker he is not intimidated by him.

Hard Hitting Home Truths with Nathan Frazier is a wacky skit where Frazier’s talk show is interrupted by Meta-Four. They are on video chat, and Noam Dar bickers with Frazier over the Heritage Cup. Frazier is the rightful holder of the trophy, but Dar has a replica. They will apparently have a match at Heatwave to decide the real Heritage Cup Champion. 

Jacy Jayne defeated Thea Hail (with Andre Chase & Duke Hudson)

Jayne pinned Hail, after Andre Chase tries to save Hail. Dissension remains within Chase U, as Hail is upset by her loss. She is also still very upset with Andre Chase. 

The match itself goes through a commercial break. Hail was in control before the break, but Jayne is working over Hail when the show returns.

A turnbuckle cover comes off to expose the metal turnbuckle. Chase jumps on the apron to save Hail from smashing into the exposed buckle. Instead of gratitude for Chase, Hail yells at him to get off the apron. Hail then turns around, and she is cradled by Jayne in a small package for a pinfall. 

Hail yells at Chase again after the match. Hails blames Chase for the loss, and she storms off afterwards. 

Angel Garza and Humberto Carillo are the focus of a great video package that plays on their family history.

NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes is almost done with his autograph signing when in walks Wes Lee, who has a contract in hand for Hayes to sign. Hayes congratulates Lee on winning his match earlier, but Hayes gives Lee back the contract before saying he will see him next Tuesday.

Lee does not like being blown off by Hayes, and Lee flings a bunch of 8×10 photos off the table. Lee gets into Hayes’ face, and Lee tells him that he is not waiting until next week. Lee then drags a table off screen, seemingly heading for the ring. Looks like an impromptu contract signing is closing the show.

Before the closing angle, Tiffany Stratton is featured in a hype video. She returns to the show next Tuesday at Heatwave.

Lee is in the ring standing behind a table he dragged out earlier. Out comes Hayes. Notably missing is Trick Williams, as he is getting a singles push of his own.

Hayes and Lee begin to bicker. Lee makes some cracks about Hayes’ luxurious lifestyle as champion. Hayes admits being champ comes with perks, but it also comes with responsibility. Hayes says Lee has not walked in his shoes, so Lee cannot talk to him about how easy it is. 

Hayes says that Lee takes a few losses and he “starts to fold like a chair on an Alabama boardwalk.” That is a great pop culture reference based a recent events in Montgomery. 

Hayes is not convinced Lee can be him. Lee scoffs, remarking how he was told many times he could not do something. Lee talks about his time in the military, where he was called crazy for wanting to be a pro wrestler. Fast forward to now, and here comes more doubters telling Lee he cannot do something.

Lee talks about how to came to NXT and “set up shop,” before he eventually lost his tag team partner (who was released from WWE). Lee runs down all the reasons he was told he could not accomplish his goals. Lee says he became the greatest North American champ ever.

Lee goes on ask who he won the North American title from (referring to Hayes). Hayes responds by admitting that Lee won that title, but Hayes reminds Lee that he did not actually beat Hayes himself to win the title.

Hayes claims he put the North American title on the map with his reign with banger matches across two reigns as champ. But Hayes says this is not about that title. This is about the NXT Championship. Hayes says he agrees with 90% of what Lee is saying, but Hayes claims Lee “can’t” defeat him.

Lee chimes in by saying there goes the “can’t” again. Someone telling him he cannot do this or that. Lee has turned doubters into believers before, and Lee admits he is his own biggest doubter. But no more, as Lee vows to win the NXT title. Lee signs the contract, and he tells Hayes to do that same.

Hayes quotes a lyric from a classic R&B song by TLC about not chasing waterfalls. Hayes says next is not “Melo don’t miss.” Hayes says “Melo can’t miss.” Hayes signs the contract and poses with his NXT title belt.

Lee responds by leaping into the air and breaking the table with a stomp. Lee then tells Hayes he will see him at Heatwave. 

WWE Raw live results: Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: August 14, 2023
Location: Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB 

********** 

Show Recap —

Michael Cole said tonight was a night of massive matches and they proceeded to announce two matches. Cody Rhodes faces Finn Bálor, Becky Lynch faces Trish Stratus (with Zoey Stark banned from ringside), plus an interview with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Opening segment

Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio entered without Bálor. Ripley said they ran Raw but admitted things haven’t been going their way lately. Priest said Bálor should have won the world title at SummerSlam and Judgment Day should have won their six-man tag match last week. Priest said Judgment Day would still dictate what happens on Raw as long as he had the briefcase.

Priest said Bálor would beat Rhodes tonight and Bálor should be out there telling us this himself. He assured us that Judgment Day was not breaking up but proceeded to rant about Bálor’s absence (as Ripley tried to calm him down).

JD McDonagh interrupted. Priest warned him to choose his words wisely. McDonagh said he wasn’t there to disrespect the most dominant faction in WWE. McDonagh relayed a message from Bálor — worry about the real targets: Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Ripley told him they don’t take orders from anyone.

Dom told McDonagh they had things locked down (while the crowd drowned him out). Dom said he was the NXT North American Champion and added: “I just found out that Canada is a part of North America so I guess I’m the champion of this dump.” Ripley told McDonagh to tell Bálor that they needed to talk.

Zayn interrupted. Fortunately, he was not there to talk. Zayn attacked McDonagh (who took him out last week). However, Zayn took his attention away from McDonagh to look at Judgment Day so McDonagh slammed his injured arm into the ring post. 

********

The following match was made official during a commercial break. Zayn’s left arm was taped up and he wore an elbow pad.

Sami Zayn defeated JD McDonagh (11:43)

McDonagh worked over Zayn’s arm and removed the coverings. Zayn tried fighting back but McDonagh went after the arm and hit a knee drop on the arm over the announce desk.

After a break, McDonagh caught Zayn mid-air with a dropkick as Zayn came off the top. Zayn fought back with a clothesline, punches, and a one-armed Michinoku Driver (which looked great) for two.

McDonagh responded with a Spanish Fly for two and transitioned into a crossface (trapping the injured arm) but Zayn got the ropes. McDonagh kicked the bad arm repeatedly but Zayn gave him an exploder into the corner.

Bálor sauntered out and ran down the aisle but stopped short of the ring. The distraction allowed McDonagh to apply a cradle for two. McDonagh hit a headbutt and tried a moonsault but Zayn got his feet up.

Zayn knocked Bálor off the apron before hitting McDonagh with Helluva Kick for the pinfall win.

(Pretty good match thanks in part to Zayn doing a great job selling his arm.)

******** 

Chelsea Green met with Adam Pearce. Pearce was about to announce that he was stripping her of the tag titles but Green cut him off. She called him predictable and threatened to call human resources. Pearce asked what she would do if she were in his position. Green suggested they hold auditions for her new partner.

Kayden Carter and Katana Chance entered and said they wanted the next shot as soon as she found a partner.

Piper Niven busted in and dropped Katana. Niven told Green that she was her new partner. Green tried to explain that she wanted to hold auditions but Niven made it clear that she was her new partner. Niven grabbed one of the title belts and they left together. (Pearce and Carter checked on Katana.)

******** 

Byron Saxton interviewed Cody Rhodes backstage. Saxton asked Rhodes about Bálor being a loose cannon lately. Rhodes said you have to be a bit of a loose cannon to do this gig.

Rhodes admired Bálor to a degree and said he was a leader in Ireland, Japan, and now with Judgment Day. However, Priest and Ripley were both leaders too. Rhodes said Dom was there too and figured he was the submissive one.

Rhodes said the group have taken out Liv Morgan and Kevin Owens but he was excited to wrestle in Winnipeg for the first time in many years and he would be ready for Judgment Day.

********

Gunther/Chad Gable segment 

Gunther entered with Imperium and cut a promo standing on the announce table. Gunther said he was building his legacy as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. As a European, he looked forward to visiting Canada. But after walking around Winnipeg, he realized why they called it the armpit of Canada.

Gunther spoke about his next opponent, Chad Gable. Gunther was impressed by Gable who has worked hard for years and might be the best athlete in the company but Gunther has already accomplished more in his career than Gable.

Gable interrupted by yelling “shoosh” and entered with Otis and Maxxine Dupri. Gable said he successfully lasted over five minutes with Gunther a few weeks ago but now Gunther was the one on the clock as he got close to the IC title record.

Gable said there was one thing in Gunther’s way: a guy who has been waiting and working for an opportunity for ten years. Gable was chasing him down and was ready to take the IC title. Gable said he would first deal with Giovanni Vinci tonight and told him to bring his beautiful, bald head into the ring.

Ludwig Kaiser said Vinci would embarrass Gable just like Kaiser embarrassed Otis last week. Ludwig flirted with Dupri. He said Alpha Academy was a sinking ship and offered his hand to save her before she became what they already were: an absolute embarrassment. Dupri slapped him.

******** 

Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Giovanni Vinci (w/Ludwig Kaiser & IC Champion Gunther) (5:06)

Vinci hit a series of hard chops but Gable came back with a release German suplex. Vinci blocked Gable’s moonsault attempt and hit one of his own for two. Gable responded with a Chaos Theory suplex for the pinfall win.

— Gunther was pissed and said this isn’t how things end tonight. Gunther said if Winnipeg was the armpit of Canada then Otis was the armpit of humanity. Gunther ran down Otis while Otis swivelled his hips. Gunther demanded a match right now.

[SECOND HOUR] 

Non-title match: Intercontinental Champion Gunther (w/Imperium) defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri) (5:10)

Gunther was in control but Otis fought back with wild fists and dropped him with a back elbow. They traded strikes until Otis hit a fallaway slam. Otis tried a Caterpillar but Gunther stomped him. This didn’t look good so Gunther stomped him again. Gunther powerbombed the big man (which did look good) for the pinfall win.

— Gable hit the ring afterwards and immediately dropped Gunther with a German suplex. Gunther left with Imperium. (Kaiser had a slight look of concern on his face and Gunther yelled at him.)

******** 

Priest confronted Bálor in the back but Ripley cut them off and said they were starting to lose their killer instincts. McDonagh tried to intervene but Priest told him to back off. Bálor told McDonagh he’d speak to him later. Bálor agreed with Ripley and said they should make things right tonight. They were all on the same page and Priest was pumped.

******** 

There was a video package hyping Edge vs. Sheamus for Friday’s Smackdown in Toronto. (I’ll be there.)

There was a video package recapping the Bloodline angle.

********

Jackie Redmond interviewed Drew McIntyre (earlier today). Redmond said it was great to have McIntyre back on Raw and asked him what was next. Matt Riddle interrupted before McIntyre could answer.

Riddle offered to be his tag partner and already accepted a match against the Viking Raiders. Riddle ran down potential team names until McIntyre cut him off. McIntyre said he would be Riddle’s partner if he couldn’t find anyone else.

******** 

There was an Indi Hartwell video package. She faces Ripley tonight.

Cole plugged WrestleMania tickets going on sale. Because they’re allergic to saying dates, Cole said, “WrestleMania comes to Philadelphia the first Saturday and Sunday of April. Tickets are available this coming Friday!” You could tell he was doing his best not to screw this up.

********

Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre defeated The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) (9:28)

The Raiders beat up Riddle through a break until he suplexed Erik and made the hot tag to McIntyre who hit both opponents with suplexes and neckbreakers before giving Ivar a Michinoku Driver for two. Riddle tagged in but had to fight off a double team before McIntyre tagged back in.

Riddle wiped out Ivar with a dive and McIntyre hit Erik with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

******** 

Raquel Rodriguez approached Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae in the back. Rodriguez was itching to get after Ripley but she still couldn’t get cleared. LeRae told her not to worry and that she just had to be patient. Rodriguez wished Hartwell luck. 

********

Riddle was excited about his new team and wanted to go after the tag titles but McIntyre told him to pump the breaks.

New Day approached them and they were offended that Riddle thought he could win the tag titles considering they weren’t a real team. They were also offended that he made these comments on Kofi Kingston’s birthday. Xavier Woods and Kingston challenged them to a tag match next week to see who would be going after the titles next and Riddle accepted.

********

Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley (w/NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio) defeated Indi Hartwell (w/Candice LeRae) (3:00)

Hartwell got some offence but Ripley won fairly easily via pinfall after a headbutt and Rip-tide. (Ripley also took out LeRae mid-match for the hell of it.)

— LeRae attacked Ripley after the match but Ripley started beating her up anyway. The babyfaces only got the edge over Ripley when they teamed up on her and they quickly bailed (once Dom hit the ring).

******** 

[THIRD HOUR]

Shinsuke Nakamura/Seth Rollins segment

Cole interviewed Nakamura in the ring. Nakamura wore an all-black suit. Cole said Nakamura has known Seth Rollins his entire career and asked why he attacked him last week.

Nakamura initially responded in Japanese before stating, “I want the world title.” Cole asked if he had to kick Rollins in the head. Nakamura again responded in Japanese before stating, “I win the world title.”

Rollins interrupted. He wore a lacy, all-white outfit and glasses (which was certainly in stark contrast to Nakamura’s outfit). Rollins thought it was odd Nakamura would attack him just to get a title shot when he wasn’t a hard man to find.

Rollins called himself a fighting champion who had the utmost respect for Nakamura — until last week. If Nakamura wanted a title shot, all he had to do was ask. Rollins said everyone was asking “why” Nakamura did it but all Rollins was wondering was “how” he could get even.

Rollins said Nakamura got his wish because in order for Rollins to get what he wanted, Nakamura would get what he wanted. Rollins announced a title match between them. Nakamura was happy. Rollins said Nakamura just needed to name the time and place so Rollins could kick his ass. Rollins told Nakamura to shake his hand (to make it official).

Nakamura shook Rollins’ hand before whispering something in his ear. Rollins seemed taken aback by the comment.

As Rollins looked around in confusion, Nakamura dropped him with a Kinshasa.

******* 

Saxton interviewed Miz who claimed he was better than LA Knight in the ring and on the mic. Miz asked Saxton if he thought Knight was a somebody and Saxton said, “Yeah.” Miz yelled at him and said he would beat somebody next week who was better than anyone Knight has faced. Miz also said he might just show up on Smackdown on Friday.

********

Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch ended in a double countout (11:38)

Stratus headbutted Lynch with her facemask but Lynch fought her off and hit an exploder. Stratus’ facemask fell off at one point and the referee gave her a moment to put it back on. Stratus tried bringing Lynch down with a handstand headscissors but she stumbled and had to try it again.

Stratus took off the mask and tried using it as a weapon but Lynch yanked it away. Lynch was distracted as the ref wrestled the mask away from her and Stratus knocked her down.

After a break, Lynch fought back with strikes and a leg drop for two. Stratus came back with a spear for two. Stratus tried a tornado DDT but Lynch blocked it and hit a superplex for two.

Stratus tried running away into the crowd so Lynch went after her. The bell suddenly rang and the match was… over. The ref called for a double countout.

— Lynch and Stratus fought up the stairs and into the concourse area where the fans were conveniently parted away from the action.

They fought near a merchandise table until Zoey Stark (in a hood) attacked Lynch. Stratus dropped Lynch with a Chick Kick.

(This was no good at all. The first half of the match was rough and got only slightly better once they got rid of the mask.)

******** 

Gunther told Vinci and Kaiser that tonight was an absolute embarrassment. Gunther wondered what he should do with Vinci who has been disappointing him since they came to Raw, and Kaiser wasn’t taking care of his responsibilities because he was focused on “that girl.”

Kaiser apologized. He offered to go to Pearce and fix this but Gunther told him no. Gunther said he would sort this out himself like usual and said he would defend the IC title against Gable next week.

********

Pearce accosted Stratus and Stark in the back. He was pissed and said Stratus and Lynch would have a rematch in a steel cage.

******** 

Next week on Raw:

  • Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle
  • Gunther vs. Chad Gable for the Intercontinental title

********

Cody Rhodes defeated Finn Bálor (14:05)

With Rhodes outside the ring, Dom ran down in a hilariously cartoonish manner with the intent to attack but Rhodes booted him. The distraction allowed Bálor to hit a baseball slide and take over ahead of a break.

Dom and Ripley were still at ringside after the break despite Dom obviously trying to interfere in front of the referee.

Rhodes fought back with a powerslam and Disaster Kick for two. Priest made his way down as Bálor hit Rhodes with a slingblade and headlock elbow drop for two. Rhodes dodged a Coup de Grace and hit a Cody Cutter.

Priest tripped Rhodes as the ref was distracted but Rhodes fended him off and wiped out both Priest and Bálor with a dive. Ripley distracted the ref as Dom crotched Rhodes on the top. Bálor followed with a superplex for two.

Dom slid a chair into the ring but the ref took it away. As Ripley distracted the ref again, Priest slid the briefcase in the ring but it went right under Bálor’s hands and into the hands of Rhodes.

Rhodes hit Bálor with the briefcase (with the ref’s back still turned), knocked down Priest, and hit Bálor with Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. (The crowd was quiet for the bulk of the match but popped for the finishing sequence.)

— Dom and Bálor attacked Rhodes after the match but Zayn ran out to make the save with a chair. Zayn also fought off Priest but was decked from behind by McDonagh. Judgment Day worked together to beat up Zayn and Rhodes as McDonagh looked on. Bálor hit Rhodes with a Coup de Grace in the ring and hit Zayn with one outside the ring.

They cleared the table and Priest put Zayn through it with a Razor’s Edge. Bálor gave Rhodes another Coup de Grace.

Judgment Day embraced each other and stood tall as the show ended. 

WWE Main Event results: Nikki Cross vs. Tegan Nox

Posted on by Arya Witner

To celebrate my surgery going well, the show began with a five-minute video package recapping last weekend’s SummerSlam.

This week’s WWE Main Event was taped last Monday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with Byron Saxton and Wade Barrett on the call. Barrett threatened to quit after Saxton did a bad “Bad News Barrett” impression.

Indus Sher (Veer Mahaan & Sanga) (w/ Jinder Mahal) defeated Apollo Crews & Akira Tozawa (3:57)

As mentioned last week, if you are a Crews fan, Main Event is the show for you as he has now appeared on eight of the last ten episodes. Tozawa is coming off a loss two weeks ago to Sanga. Saxton made sure to call Mahal a former WWE Champion which is somehow even more preposterous in 2023 than it was in 2017.

Sanga was tired of beating up Tozawa, so he encouraged Crews to tag in. Crews got a brief flurry of offense in before tagging out and then Tozawa had no chance. Tozawa didn’t fare any better against Mahaan, but was able to fend him off long enough to tag out to Crews. 

Crews ran wild for 30 seconds and, again, tagged out to Tozawa. Well, the third time was the charm as Tozawa finally got in some offense, at least until Mahaan hit a full body block. Finally, Sanga pinned Tozawa after a double team move where Sanga held Tozawa and Mahaan came off the middle rope with an elbow drop.

A bunch of stuff happened on Raw and SummerSlam that got replayed for the next 22 minutes (minus commercial breaks). If you care, you already know what happened. If you don’t know what happened and care to find out, you are definitely reading the wrong report.

Nikki Cross defeated Tegan Nox (7:40)

Did you remember Nox was drafted to Raw? Neither did I.

Cross got a large reaction by shoulder blocking Nox to the mat and then doing a wacky dance. The fans were less excited when Nox then used an STO into the middle turnbuckle and then were even less excited when Nox mocked Cross’ dance. Apparently, this is a rematch from two months ago on Main Event which was won by Cross. 

Cross ran down the apron with a crossbody to Nox while Nox was outside the ring. Returning from commercial, we were back in the ring and Cross hit the ten punches of doom. 

Cross is horribly miscast as a heel as in my three weeks of doing Main Event reports. She is the only person the crowd is into. Nox used a series of kicks to get the advantage and then used a face-first suplex for a 2 count.

The fans broke into a “Let’s go Nikki” chant as I started to wonder if she is still a heel. 

Cross fired up and hit a bulldog before going to the top rope. Nox knocked her off and Cross fell on her face. Nox went for the cover and put her feet on the ropes, but the referee caught her and stopped the count. Cross then won with a swinging neckbreaker.

That does it for Main Event this week. Some people won, some people lost. What’s most important is we spent almost 12 minutes watching wrestling and there isn’t anything wrong with that. 

This is also my last scheduled Main Event report. There are three guarantees in life: Death, taxes and someone will be back next weekend reporting on this show.

NJPW G1 Climax 33 finals live results: Okada vs. Naito

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Two NJPW stalwarts will battle for the right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in today’s G1 finals.

Kazuchika Okada, a four-time tournament winner, faces Tetsuya Naito, a two-time winner and one-time runner-up, to determine the winner of the 33rd annual G1 Climax tournament. 

This marks a third consecutive finals appearance for Okada, the winner of the 2022, 2021, 2014, and 2012 G1s. A fifth victory would tie him with Masahiro Chono for the most in the three-plus decades of the event. 

Naito returns to the G1 finals for the first time since 2017, when he won his second career G1 by defeating Kenny Omega in the finals. Naito’s first G1 finals win came over Hiroshi Tanahashi in 2013’s tournament, while he lost the 2011 G1 finals to Shinsuke Nakamura. 

Today’s winner will earn the right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship currently held by SANADA at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2024. 

Our live coverage of today’s finals begins at 2 a.m. Eastern time.

********** 

Recommended Matches

  • Master Wato, Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata vs. El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, & Yuto Nakashima – This was another fantastic showcase of the Ren and Umino rivalry.
  • Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Oleg Boltin & Ryusuke Taguchi – This was a great example of TMDK’s potential as a unit and Oleg’s potential as a single.
  • BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, & Yota Tsuji vs. Great-O-Khan, HENARE, Jeff Cobb & Will Ospreay – This was a solid match with a shocking finish that is sure to have effects on NJPW for some time.
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada – There are some Okada/Naito matches that outshine this, in my opinion, but they still had a match that meets the expectations of the G1 final. It’s hard to see this as anything less than the defining rivalry of New Japan’s current era.

********** 

Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa defeated Oskar Leube & Toru Yano

This was a fun opener. The Young Lion bits of this match were delightful. Kaito tried working in his typical style despite Yano, which almost worked. Kaito won the match for his team with a shining wizard on Leube.

I hope that this isn’t the end of Kaito in NJPW, and I don’t think it is. He has been a real highlight of this G1.

Master Wato, Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata defeated El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, & Yuto Nakashima

This was a great multi-man. I can’t get enough of Ren and Shota; the more I see from them, the more I’m sure this will be the rivalry that defines the 20s. Suzuki and Nagata also worked an excellent sequence. The match ended with a death rider on Nakashima.

After the match, Ren and Shota started a brawl which eventually involved the whole of both teams.

Eddie Kingston, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & YOH defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe

This was a fine old guy tag with Eddie Kingston and YOH. There were a couple of interesting exchanges before YOH closed the match with a superkick on Tiger Mask.

After the match, Ishii and Tenzan traded a few headbutts. 

Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Oleg Boltin & Ryusuke Taguchi

This TMDK quartet is excellent in the 8-man tag setting. That said, Oleg was a real star of this match; he’s an absolute mega-star in the making. Nicholls and Haste won the match for TMDK with a tank buster on Goto.

This win leaves TMDK in a solid position to challenge Bishamon for the IWGP tag belts.

El Phantasmo, Hikuleo, Jado., Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa defeated Alex Coughlin, Chase Owens, David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & KENTA

This match focused a lot on continuing Bullet Club vs. ex-Bullet Club feud, with particular focus paid to the Tama/Finlay rivalry. Loa won the match with a quick rollup on Owens.

After the match, Bullet Club attacked the winners, but the managed to Tongans stand tall.

BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, & Yota Tsuji defeated Great-O-Khan, HENARE, Jeff Cobb & Will Ospreay

Despite Ospreay’s new UK-themed belt, he was introduced as the US champion, at least the first time.

This was a chaotic match, with both factions violently struggling for control. After multiple extensive back-and-forth sequences, including false finishes, Tsuji hit Ospreay with a pair of spears and pinned the UK champion.

After the match, Eddie Kingston hit the ring, attacking HENARE, and fighting into the back.

This massive upset surely sets up a Tsuji/Ospreay singles match at some point in the future.

Dick Togo, EVIL, SHO, & Yujiro Takahashi defeated DOUKI., SANADA, Taichi. & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This match took a little longer than usual to devolve into a HoT slog, but it still happened. Taichi tried to answer HoT’s antics with weapons of his own, but SHO countered, hitting him with a staff and the Shock Arrow to win the match.

After the match SHO posed with the KOPW belt, and EVIL attacked SANADA.

This win seemingly sets up a SHO KOPW title match at some point soon.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada

This match started with their typical warmup exchange. Okada gained the upper hand with a DDT on the apron, followed by a whip into the barricade. Back in the ring, Naito responded with a neckbreaker to gain footing. Naito then utilized simple offense to establish a lead.

Naito returned Okada’s malice, slamming Okada into the barricade; a violent neckbreaker against the barrier nearly resulted in an Okada count out. Back in the ring, Naito maintained his attack.

Okada landed a dropkick that sent Naito crashing to the floor. On the outside, Naito was able to hang on, whipping Okada back into the barricade. After a moment of hesitation, Okada caught Naito with a tombstone on the concrete floor of Ryogoku.

Okada returned to the ring, landing a suplex and a spinning rainmaker. Naito dodged the primary rainmaker, but Okada answered with a dropkick that crumbled Naito.

Once Naito returned to his feet, he spat in Okada’s face. Naito then landed the rope-assisted DDT that finished Tanahashi earlier in the tournament; neck work followed. A massive poison rana scored Naito a nearfall. Okada’s rally attempt was stuffed with a DDT and a Valencia for another nearfall.

When Naito attempted the stardust press, Okada rolled out of the way. A devastating dropkick set Okada up for another rainmaker attempt, but Naito avoided the finish. Naito secured a snug pin for another nearfall before leaping into Okada to reset the match.

Naito dodged another rainmaker and transitioned into a Destino attempt. Okada reversed the Destino into a short-arm lariat, but Okada failed to follow up again. Naito then hit Destino, but Okada kicked out.

A desperate Naito attempted a second Destino, but Okada slammed him to the mat to reverse. Okada tried again for rainmaker, but, again, Naito transitioned into Destino. Instead of going for the pin, Naito hit another Destino to cement his win. Naito then pinned Okada in the middle of the ring to close the tournament.

Naito has won the G1 Climax 33.

AEW Collision live results: CMFTR challenge House of Black for Trios titles

Posted on by Suit Williams

CM Punk and AEW Tag Team Champions FTR will unite once more to attempt to win the AEW Trios titles in the main event of tonight’s AEW Collision.

Punk, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler will attempt to wrest the titles from the House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) for the first time. The House of Black will be looking for the eighth defense of the titles they won at March’s Revolution.

Recent Punk antagonist Ricky Starks will be on the show to share his thoughts after losing to Punk last Saturday.

TBS Champion Kris Statlander will team with Willow Nightingale against Mercedes Martinez & Diamante. Statlander defeated Martinez last Saturday and was attacked by the heels before Nightingale made the save.

After Billy Gunn appeared to retire several weeks ago in a loss to the House of Black, The Acclaimed will return to tag team action.

Powerhouse Hobbs will also be on hand to share some thoughts as he is split from QTV.

**********

The Collision cold open saw words from the Acclaimed, Christian Cage and TNT Champion Luchasaurus, and the challengers for the Trios Titles, CM Punk & FTR. Ian Riccaboni & Nigel McGuinness welcomed us to the show, running down tonight’s card and the All In card before recapping Ricky Starks’ attack on Ricky Steamboat last week.

Ricky Starks Speaks

In the ring, Tony Schiavone welcomed Ricky Starks. Starks came out to boos, with the belt he used to whip Steamboat in his hands. Schiavone announced that Starks had been suspended from wrestling for 30 days. Starks said that he did what he had to do to Steamboat because there are consequences to everyone’s actions. Starks said that he figured that AEW would suspend him, so he got a manager’s license to make sure he stays on his show.

Starks told CM Punk since he brought Ricky Steamboat into proceedings, that the blood was on his hands. He turned Punk’s words against him, asking Punk if he could live with his win. He said that starting next week, he would start a war and bring it to Punk’s front door. Starks left to raucous cheers. Another great promo from Starks and an interesting direction for this feud with Punk, as it will have to be resolved after the upcoming pay-per-views.

We got a video package highlighting the two matches between FTR & The Young Bucks as a preview of their rubber match at All In.

The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) defeated The Iron Savages (Boulder & Bronson) (w/ Jacked Jameson)

The Acclaimed came out with Billy Gunn’s boots, with Bowens quickly realizing he had to cut off his introduction. The Acclaimed double-teamed Bronson before Boulder tagged in. The bigger Boulder survived their offense and dropped them both with a Samoan Drop/fallaway slam combination as we went to the commercial.

Caster avoided a big splash from Bronson as we came back from the commercial. Bowens made the hot tag and ran wild until Boulder sent him flying with a flapjack. The Savages hit a dual Main Event Spinebuster on Bowens for a nearfall that was broken up by Caster. They went for their big Tower Splash, but Caster dropkicked Bronson off of Boulder’s shoulders. Caster hit a Death Valley Driver on Boulder before the Acclaimed hit Scissor Me Timbers on an interfering Jameson. The Acclaimed hit dual Fameassers on the Savages, with Caster scoring the pin and the win.

After the match, Caster grabbed the mic and announced that they’ll be wrestling on Dynamite this Wednesday. They have the spirit of Billy Gunn with them, and that will keep them moving back to the top. Bowens says the crowd never got a chance to say goodbye to Gunn, so he has them all throw up the scissors in tribute.

Backstage, Lexy Nair was with Bullet Club Gold. They brag about their recent accomplishments, with White saying that they are the “most elite” version of Bullet Club yet. White says that while there are some guys who call themselves elite, they don’t have that right. The Young Bucks don’t have the right to call themselves the best brother tag team in wrestling either, as that claim goes to the Gunns. The Gunns will be coming to Dynamite this Wednesday to prove it.

We got a video package recapping the history between MJF & Adam Cole to hype the Wembley main event.

Diamante & Mercedes Martinez defeated TBS Champion Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale

Statlander and Diamante started off, with Diamante keeping Statlander off of her feet until Statlander caught her on a crossbody. Nightingale tagged in and hit a low crossbody for a nearfall. Martinez held onto Diamante to thwart a Pounce attempt, with Diamante hitting a basement dropkick to take control. Martinez locked Nightingale in a Paradise Lock and hit a pose with Diamante. They double-dropkicked Nightingale out of the hold as we went to the commercial.

Nightingale fought off a two-on-one attack as we came back from break. Nightingale hit a main event spinebuster on Diamante onto Martinez before tagging in the TBS Champion. Statlander ran wild, with Nightingale joining her to hit stereo sentons. Martinez sent Statlander into Nightingale, sending Nightingale off of the apron. After sending Statlander to the floor, Martinez tossed Diamante onto her opponents on the floor.

The match devolved into a Pier Four brawl. Eventually, Martinez caught Nightingale in a pin and scored the win with Diamante helping with leverage.

Backstage, Lexy Nair was with Toni Storm. Storm said she was depressed after losing the title, but she felt better now that she and Saraya are in the Women’s Title match at All In. Storm insulted the other women in the locker room, calling them “backstabbing, insecure, toxic little girls.” Nair reminded Storm that Hikaru Shida had earned a spot in the match, which infuriated Storm. She walked off, throwing a shoe at Nair as she sent us back ringside.

ROH Television Champion Samoa Joe defeated Andrew Everett

Riccaboni informed us that Joe was two weeks away from reaching 500 days as TV Champion in this reign. Everett showcased his agility, but Joe quickly dispatched him with the Coquina Clutch.

After the match, Joe took to the mic and reminded everyone of his challenge to CM Punk last week. He was met with the deafening silence of a coward. He gave Punk the courtesy of asking for the match, but now he will have to convince him.

The TNT Champion Speaks

After the announcers ran down the current card for All In, TNT Champion Luchasaurus & Christian Cage made their way to the ring. They recapped Luchasaurus’ attack on Darby Allin last night on Rampage, an attack that made a little girl in the crowd cry. Christian insulted the crowd, noting that they were the second best at a lot of things. Michael Jordan was the second-best basketball player of all time to LeBron James – which is correct – while Ric Flair was second best compared to Christian.

He turned his attention to Darby Allin, noting that he’ll never be the TNT Champion as long as Christian has it. Christian said that Allin paints half of his face because he’s half dead inside. Christian said that if Allin kept coming after him, he’d make sure to give him the other 50% and finish the job.

Arn & Brock Anderson came out, noting that this was Horsemen Country. Arn reminded Luchasaurus that he was the TNT Champion before Christian cut him off. Christian reminded everyone that he and Luchasaurus took the Andersons out a few months ago, with Arn saying that they never forgot. Brock then charged the ring and the bell rang.

TNT Championship – Luchasaurus (c) defeated Brock Anderson

Riccaboni announced on commentary that Tony Khan sanctioned this as a TNT Title match, due to Christian saying that he would accept an open challenge from Anderson tonight. Luchasaurus dominated Anderson before we went to a commercial. Back from the break, Anderson mounted a slight comeback before Luchasaurus dropped him with a chokeslam. Luchasaurus hit a rabbit lariat to retain the title.

After the match, Darby Allin jumped Christian and Luchasaurus with a skateboard. Allin hit a skateboard-assisted double stomp to Luchasaurus’ back, sending him out of the ring. Allin challenged Christian to a singles match next week, which Christian accepted.

Powerhouse Hobbs Speaks

In the ring, Tony Schiavone welcomed Powerhouse Hobbs. Hobbs said that last week, an opportunity presented itself for a big match at All Out in Chicago. Hobbs said that he had been distracted lately, so he went back home to read from the Book of Hobbs. The next chapter of the Book of Hobbs is entitled Redemption. He says in order to redeem himself after losing the TNT Title and losing out in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, he has to call out The Redeemer. Hobbs called out Miro for a fight.

Miro came out, but he was attacked by Nick Comoroto & Aaron Solo, associates of QT Marshall. Miro dealt with them but walked into a main event spinebuster from Hobbs. Hobbs laid the Book of Hobbs on Miro’s prone body before leaving the scene.

We got a rundown of the Dynamite card for this Wednesday, featuring Orange Cassidy vs. Wheeler Yuta for the AEW International Championship and the match between The Gunns and The Young Bucks made official. Next week on Collision, we will see Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage, as well as Diamante vs. Willow Nightingale.

AEW World Trios Title Match – The House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) (w/Julia Hart) (c) defeated CMFTR (Cash Wheeler, CM Punk & Dax Harwood)

A fine main event, although this continues the trend of Punk matches going a commercial break too long. Samoa Joe made good on his promise, and Punk’s direction for Wembley looks clear.

Jim Ross joined commentary for this main event. Punk came out to his typical mixed reaction. Punk and FTR got the advantage on Matthews early on with quick offense, but King held onto Matthews on an Irish Whip and tagged in. The crowd barked for King as he took the fight to Harwood, but Harwood went low on King with a dropkick. The challengers all went after King, with FTR eventually double dropkicking him out of the ring.

Malachi Black tagged in to face off against Punk, with the crowd reacting strongly to their faceoff. Black knocked FTR off the apron but walked into a Go To Sleep attempt. Black escaped it and went for Black Mass, but Punk ducked it and sat down cross-legged. Black sat with him before the other men got in the ring and kicked off a Pier Six brawl that took us to the commercial.

Matthews dropped Harwood with a rope-assisted DDT as we came back from the commercial. The House of Black kept Harwood isolated before Harwood dropped Black with a DDT. Punk tagged in and ran wild on Matthews, hitting the rising knee before hitting both Black and Matthews with high kicks. Punk hit a Rainmaker on Matthews before going up for an elbow drop. Julia Hart took the referee’s attention so that Black could crotch Punk on the top rope. King tagged in and hit a cannonball before we went to another commercial.

The House of Black isolated Punk as we came back from the break. Punk caught Matthews with a surprise GTS before making the tag out to Wheeler. Wheeler took the fight to King and Black, with Harwood helping to send all three champions to the floor. Wheeler hit a massive dive to the floor before hitting a top-rope bulldog on King for a nearfall. King overpowered FTR and hit a double suplex.

Harwood cut King off as he went to the top rope. FTR hit a double superplex, with Punk following with an elbow drop for a nearfall. They hit a trios Shatter Machine on King before Matthews and Black came in. After a multi-person brawl, everyone was down. Punk hit a dive to Matthews on the floor, but Samoa Joe dragged him into the crowd and choked him out. Hart ran a distraction, allowing King to hit a discus lariat on Harwood for the win.

UFC on ESPN 51 live results: Vicente Luque vs. Rafael Dos Anjos

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this weekend for another fight card as UFC On ESPN 51: Luque vs. Dos Anjos goes down inside of the UFC’s home base.

The card is headlined by a welterweight showdown as Vicente Luque takes on former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos. Luque is fighting for the first time in a year as he looks to end a two-fight losing skid, having lost to Belal Muhammad and Geoff Neal. Dos Anjos is making another run in the welterweight division as he looks for his second straight win following a submission of Bryan Barberena in December.

In the co-main event, it’s an exciting featherweight match-up as longtime veteran Cub Swanson takes on Hakeem Dawodu. Also on the main card is a light heavyweight battle between Khalil Rountree and Chris Daukaus, a women’s strawweight fight pitting Polyana Viana against Iasmin Lucindo, and a pair of middleweight bouts as AJ Dobson fights Tafon Nchukwi, and Josh Fremd takes on Jamie Pickett.

ESPN PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Women’s Flyweights- Juliana Miller (3-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Luana Santos (5-1, 0-0 UFC)

They both throw right away. Miller lands a right hand. Santos lands a nice right hand then they clinch against the fence. They separate and Miller lands a right hand. They trade before tying up and Santos lands a knee as they break. Santos lands a right hand and Miller is hurt. Santos landing against the fence. Miller lands a jab but eats a right hand from Santos. Santos is still hurting Miller with punches and a head kick. Santos landing and grabs the neck and gets it down. They get to their feet and separate. Santos lands another big right hand and is teeing off on Miller against the fence. Santos landing a lot and it is stopped! Big finish from Santos to get the win.

Official Result- Luana Santos def. Juliana Miller by TKO (punches) at 3:41 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Da’Mon Blackshear (13-5-1, 1-1-1 UFC) vs. Jose Johnson (15-7, 0-0 UFC)

Blackshear throwing early. Blackshear lands some punches but eats some counters from Johnson. Blackshear scores a takedown. Blackshear lands from the top to the body. Blackshear gets the back as they work to the feet. Blackshear lands some knees. They scramble and Blackshear is able to get it back down and lands a right hand from the top. Blackshear stands and grabs the back as they’re on the mat. Johnson lands a back elbow and punch. Blackshear looks for a twister. He has it locked in and Johnson taps! What a finish from Blackshear!

Official Result- Da’Mon Blackshear def. Jose Johnson by submission (Twister) at 3:47 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Jaqueline Amorim (6-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Montserrat Conejo (10-2, 1-1 UFC)

They both throw before Amorim pushes it against the fence. Amorim gets the takedown. Amorim is landing from the top as she has the mount. Amorim continues to land from the mount as she’s trying to set up a submission. Amorim still dominating from the top as she’s landing and then she grabs the armbar. Conejo is trying to fight it off. Conejo is scrambling around and gets her arm out of the position but Amorim still has a hold of it. Amorim has the back and locks in a rear-naked choke. She lets it go and is back in mount landing to end the round. 10-8 Amorim.

Conejo lands a side kick and is pawing away. Amorim lands and Conejo lands a left hand. Amorim lands a head kick and Conejo is able to get the takedown somehow. Amorim gets the back and is working for a choke. Amorim landing punches from the back. Amorim moves to the full mount and is still landing punches. Amorim landing lots of shots from the top. Amorim lands a big elbow from the top and is dropping hammerfists. Amorim now looking for an armbar. She ends up landing more punches from the mount to end the round. 10-8 Amorim, 20-16 Amorim.

Amorim lands a body kick. She lands a leg kick. They trade punches. They go back to the mat and Conejo is in Amorim’s guard. Amorim looking to sweep from the bottom. She almost is able to sweep but Conejo is able to maintain top position. Amorim is able to sweep to the top and starts landing punches from the mount until it is stopped. This was absolute domination from Amorim.

Official Result- Jaqueline Amorim def. Montserrat Conejo by TKO (punches) at 3:41 of Round 3

> Heavyweights- Josh Parisian (15-6, 2-3 UFC) vs. Martin Buday (12-1, 3-0 UFC)

They’re trading a lot to start off and Buday is rocking Parisian with some big punches against the fence. Buday lands a knee and is still landing but Parisian is able to land a spinning back fist. Buday pushes it back against the fence and is still landing and lands an uppercut before they break. Buday lands a jab and Parisian is throwing counter shots. They trading in close range and both are landing. Buday lands a left hand then some uppercuts in the clinch. Buday gets it down and is landing from the top. Buday locks up the arm of Parisian in a kimura and Parisian verbally taps! Big finish from Buday.

Official Result- Martin Buday def. Josh Parisian by submission (kimura) at 4:11 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Francis Marshall (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (5-0, 0-0 UFC)

Marshall lands a leg kick. Dulgarian lands a right hand then a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Dulgarian shoots for a takedown and completes it. Both are landing on the mat as Dulgarian is keeping the pressure from the top. Dulgarian with a couple of elbows from the top and he now lands some short hammerfists. Dulgarian lands a big elbow and passes to half-guard. Marshall almost is able to get up but Dulgarian keeps it down. Dulgarian lands some elbows and gets the full mount. Dulgarian landing big shots from the top. Marshall in trouble and covering up. Dulgarian keeps landing and it is stopped! Impressive showing from Dulgarian in his debut.

Official Result- Isaac Dulgarian def. Francis Marshall by TKO (strikes) at 4:48 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Terrance McKinney (13-6, 3-3 UFC) vs. Mike Breeden (10-5, 0-2 UFC)

McKinney lands a left hand and tries for a takedown but lets go. McKinney lands a high kick. McKinney lands another head kick. McKinney lands a left hand. McKinney landing some big punches to the head and body and Breeden is hurt. McKinney landing the left hand at will. Breeden gets it down for a second but they get up. McKinney with a big combo against the fence and he’s teeing off and it is stopped! What a dominant showing from McKinney as he gets back into the win column.

Official Result- Terrance McKinney def. Mike Breeden by TKO (punches) at 1:25 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- JP Buys (9-5, 0-3 UFC) vs. Marcus McGhee (7-1, 1-0 UFC)

They’re feeling each other out early on. McGhee lands a leg kick then Buys lands a body kick. They trade punches. McGhee lands a right hand. McGhee lands a pair of big right hands. McGhee drops Buys with a right hand and it is stopped as Buys starts stumbling around and he’s clearly out of it. Big finish from McGhee to get the win!

Official Result- Marcus McGhee def. JP Buys by knockout (punch) at 2:19 of Round 1

ESPN MAIN CARD | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Middleweights*- Josh Fremd (10-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Jamie Pickett (13-9, 2-5 UFC)

*Fremd missed weight by three pounds

Pickett lands a leg kick and Fremd lands a body kick. Fremd lands some leg kicks as Pickett lands some punches before they clinch back up. They’re battling against the fence and we almost had a groin strike but they continue on. Fremd lands a couple of body shots. There’s not much happening here. Pickett reverses position but still not a lot of action going on. They separate. Pickett lands a combo. Fremd lands a high kick. 10-9 Fremd.

They trade kicks to start. Fremd tries to land and looks for a takedown but Pickett had the neck. Fremd got out and they’re clinched but they end up breaking. Fremd lands a couple of jabs. They clinch and Fremd lands an elbow. Pickett gets a takedown but Fremd has the neck with a guillotine choke locked in. Pickett escapes. Pickett gets the back of Fremd. They stand. Pickett pushes it against the fence as Fremd lands some elbows. Fremd has a guillotine choke locked in and they go down and he lets it go. Fremd lands some big punches from the top. 10-9 Fremd, 20-18 Fremd.

Fremd lands a flying knee and Pickett fires back with a combo. Pickett gets a takedown. Fremd gets to the top and is landing and controlling. Fremd has arm control but they get to their feet and are tied up against the fence. There isn’t much happening and they separate. Neither lands and Fremd pushes it against the fence. Pickett lands as they break. They trade at the end. 10-9 Fremd, 30-27 Fremd.

Official Result- Josh Fremd def. Jamie Pickett by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights*- AJ Dobson (6-2 1 NC, 0-2 UFC) vs. Tafon Nchukwi (6-3, 2-3 UFC)

*Nchukwi missed weight by 3.5 pounds

Dobson landing some leg kicks early. Nchukwi lands one. Dobson lands a jab as Nchukwi attacks the body. Nchukwi with a stiff jab then a hard leg kick. Dobson lands a leg kick. Nchukwi lands a jab to the body then a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Nchukwi with more hard calf kicks. Dobson scores with a combo. Nchukwi lands a leg kick then a body kick. Dobson lands some leg kicks. He’s actually landing more but Nchukwi is landing harder. Nchukwi lands a left hand. Dobson lands a body kick. Nchukwi lands a body kick but Dobson catches it and gets a takedown and lands from the top to end. 10-9 Dobson.

Dobson lands a leg kick. Dobson lands a body kick as Nchukwi misses some punches. Dobson lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade them again. Nchukwi lands a leg kick and Dobson fires back with a couple of kicks, then lands a right hand. They both land punches and kicks before clinching against the fence. They separate and both land punches. Nchukwi lands a calf kick. Dobson lands a jab. Nchukwi lands a leg kick. Nchukwi lands a body kick and they tie up at the end. 10-9 Dobson, 20-18 Dobson.

Dobson lands a leg kick. He lands a leg kick and Nchukwi lands a jab. They trade leg kicks and Dobson is able to trip Nchukwi up to the mat. Dobson in the half-guard and pressuring from the top. Dobson working from the half-guard and landing as he’s keeping Nchukwi down. Dobson landing to the body but not much else is happening. Dobson lands from the top as Nchukwi scrambles up. 10-9 Dobson, 30-27 Dobson.

Official Result- AJ Dobson def. Tafon Nchukwi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- Polyana Viana (13-5, 4-4 UFC) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (14-5, 1-1 UFC)

Viana lands a body kick but eats a counter left from Lucindo. Viana lands a leg kick then a right hand. Viana lands and tries for a takedown against the fence. She lands some short punches and is able to get Lucindo down. Viana is controlling from the top but not a lot of action is taking place. They are stood up. Lucindo lands a spin kick but Viana grabs the leg and pushes it to the fence. Lucindo scores the takedown. Both are landing on the mat as Lucindo is pressuring. Lucindo with some hammerfists from the top. Close round. 10-9 Lucindo.

Lucindo lands a spin kick. They trade and Lucindo lands a big punch that buckles Viana. Not much happening on the feet until Lucindo gets a takedown. Lucindo lands a couple of punches from the top. Lucindo looking to improve position and looks for an arm-triangle choke. She has it locked in and Viana taps! Lucindo gets the big win here.

Official Result- Iasmin Lucindo def. Polyana Viana by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:42 of Round 2

> Light Heavyweights- #13 Khalil Rountree (11-5 1 NC, 7-5 1 NC UFC) vs. #14 HW Chris Daukaus (12-6, 4-3 UFC)

Daukaus lands a quick combination. They trade hard punches. Daukaus lands a right hand. Rountree lands a stiff punch. Rountree lands a nice counter right hand. Daukaus lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Rountree lands some knees as Daukaus lands to the body before they break. They trade and then Rountree drops Daukaus with a left hand and finishes it off with some follow-up shots. Big finish from Rountree!

Official Result- Khalil Rountree def. Chris Daukaus by TKO (punches) at 2:40 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Cub Swanson (28-13, 12-9 UFC) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (13-3-1, 6-3 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Dawodu lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a nice right hand. Swanson lands another right hand. Dawodu lands a leg kick as Swanson scores with a jab. They trade leg kicks. Dawodu lands a nice jab. Swanson lands a double jab. They trade punches inside the pocket. Dawodu lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a high kick. Dawodu lands a leg kick. 10-9 Dawodu.

Dawodu lands a spin kick. Swanson scores a double jab. Swanson lands another jab. Swanson with some uppercuts in a quick clinch. They now tie up and Swanson with some body shots as Dawodu pushes it against the fence and lands knees. Swanson lands some knees and they reverse then reverse back. Dawodu with some knees to the body. They separate and trade punches. Dawodu with a quick jab. Dawodu lands another jab. Dawodu with a high kick. Swanson lands a combo. They trade jabs before clinching. Dawodu pushes it against the fence and lands a knee. They trade knees. Dawodu landing more knees as he’s pressuring. Swanson lands a right hand on the break and they trade big punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Dawodu, 20-18 Dawodu.

They’re swinging to start the third. Swanson lands a right hand. Dawodu lands a jab. Dawodu scores with a leg kick. Dawodu lands a jab. Swanson with a leg kick. They clinch and Swanson lands some uppercuts to the body. They went to the mat for a second but popped right up. Dawodu lands a groin strike and we have a brief timeout. They trade and Dawodu lands a head kick. They’re both landing in close range. Swanson lands a big left hand. Dawodu lands a combo. Swanson lands a big combo. Swanson gets a takedown and is working inside the guard of Dawodu. They get up but go back down and Swanson has the back as the fight ends. 10-9 Swanson, 29-28 Dawodu.

Official Result- Cub Swanson def. Hakeem Dawodu by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #10 Vicente Luque (21-9-1, 14-5 UFC) vs. #9 LW Rafael Dos Anjos (32-14, 21-12 UFC)

Luque lands a body kick. Luque throws a head kick but it is blocked. Dos Anjos lands a right hook. He lands a body kick. Dos Anjos goes for a takedown against the fence. He lands some knees to the legs of Luque. Dos Anjos still working for the takedown. They reverse positions a couple of times. Dos Anjos lands some punches as they break. They trade in close range and Luque lands to the body. Luque with a body kick. Dos Anjos lands an elbow as he shoots for a takedown. Luque gets a takedown but Dos Anjos has the neck. Dos Anjos is looking for a guillotine choke but Luque jumps over and gets the back. Luque lands some big punches. They get to their feet. 10-9 Luque.

They trade jabs and Dos Anjos lands a body kick. Luque lands a body kick. Dos Anjos tries for a takedown but Luque defends and reverses against the fence. They both land in the clinch. They separate. Luque with a high kick then a left hand. Dos Anjos gets a brief takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. Luque gets Dos Anjos down for a second. Luque has it pushed against the fence. Luque looking for a standing arm-triangle choke but Dos Anjos escapes. Luque lands an elbow as they break. Luque with late body kicks. 10-9 Luque, 20-18 Luque.

They trade and Dos Anjos pushes it against the fence. Luque reverses but Dos Anjos reverses back and is trying for the takedown. Dos Anjos lands an elbow. Luque gets the takedown. They separate and trade jabs. Dos Anjos lands a left hand. Dos Anjos lands a right hook. Dos Anjos lands a body kick. Luque scores with a jab. Dos Anjos lands a left hand. Dos Anjos lands a combo. Dos Anjos lands a combo and gets a takedown. Luque has the neck to reverse then Dos Anjos has the neck. Luque reverses and has the back on the feet. Luque trying for a takedown against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 29-28 Luque.

Luque lands a right hand. They trade against the fence. Luque lands a high kick. They tie up against the fence and Luque lands a knee. They trade in the tie up. They break for a moment but tie back up against the fence. Luque lands to the body. Luque dropping down for a takedown. Dos Anjos reverses and they separate. Dos Anjos lands a punch and then shoots for a takedown but Luque defends. Luque trying to get it down but Dos Anjos is defending with some elbows. Luque gets it down for a moment. Luque looks for a choke late. 10-9 Luque, 39-37 Luque.

Luque lands a jab then a right hand. Luque lands a jab then Dos Anjos lands a combo and shoots for a takedown but Luque defends and reverses position. They separate. They trade punches. Dos Anjos lands and looks for a takedown but Luque reverses. Luque pressuring against the fence and gets Dos Anjos down but they quickly get up. They’re reversing positions against the fence. They break. Dos Anjos lands a right hand. Dos Anjos lands a couple of left hands. Luque tries a takedown but Dos Anjos defends and ends up on top. Dos Anjos lands a big elbow and some shots to end it. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 48-47 Luque.

Official Result- Vicente Luque def. Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

NJPW G1 Climax 33 semifinals live results: Naito vs. Ospreay, Okada vs. EVIL

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The semifinals of this year’s NJPW G1 Climax tournament take place today in Sumo Hall. 

In the main event, Tetsuya Naito faces Will Ospreay in a semifinals bout. Ospreay holds a 2-0 record over Naito in singles competition. 

In the semi-main, Kazuchika Okada takes on EVIL is the other semifinal. Okada is 6-2 lifetime against EVIL in singles bouts. 

Today’s winners advance to tomorrow’s finals in the same building to crown the winner of G1 Climax 33. 

Today’s full lineup: 

  • G1 Climax 33 semifinals: Tetsuya Naito vs. Will Ospreay
  • G1 Climax 33 semifinals: Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL
  • SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI vs. Hikuleo, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo & Jado
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Eddie Kingston & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita
  • Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan & HENARE
  • Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & YOH vs. David Finlay, KENTA, Chase Owens, Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd
  • Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & HAYATA vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Master Wato

Our live coverage begins at 4 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita – These two teams absolutely demolished each other in one of the best tag matches of the year.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Eddie Kingston & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita – This was an incredible, well-structured tag that outshined a lot of the actual tournament.
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Will Ospreay – If you enjoy big match Ospreay, you’ll love this. Not to say Naito didn’t put in work; this was absolutely a tournament-defining performance. No doubt, this is the type of G1 semi-final you would expect from Ospreay and Naito.

**********

Kaito Kiyomiya & HAYATA defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Master Wato

This NOAH vs. NJPW match was just fine. For most of the match, the juniors focused on each other and the heavyweights on each other. In the end, Kiyomiya won for his team by hitting Tenzan with the shining wizard.

Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita defeated Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma

This was fantastic. Shota and Ren beat the brakes off of each other here. Honma and Suzuki were solid throughout. In the end, Ren won the match for Strong Style by submitting Honma with a cobra twist.

David Finlay, KENTA, Chase Owens, Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd defeated Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & YOH 

This was a goofy match with the pace set by Owens and Yano. The match continued with Finlay and Makabe trading strikes. Finlay won out, dropping Makabe with Oblivion to win the match.

Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan & HENARE defeated Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI

UE worked as heels throughout this match, attempting to isolate the LIJ members to maintain control. After multiple back-and-forth sequences, UE secured two submissions in the middle of the ring to win the match.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Eddie Kingston & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita

This was another outstanding tag. The TMDK squad came out strong in this match, working to isolate Tanahashi for a significant portion. The babyface team swung back with some excellent offense, which led to some compelling sequences. The match ended after Kingston unloaded on Fujita before closing with a spinning back fist.

After the match, HENARE hit the ring and attacked Kingston, setting up a NJPW STRONG title match.

Hikuleo, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo & Jado defeated SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI

This was a reasonably by-the-book 10-man with a couple of athletic sequences and a bit of tomfoolery. The match ended when Hikuleo landed a chokeslam on TAKA; ELP then dragged Jado on top of TAKA to secure the pin.

After the match, the War Dogs surrounded the ring but failed to strike.

Okada defeated Evil

This was not good.

Evil opened the match by jumping Okada and brutalizing him outside the ring. Dick Togo hit Okada with a chair for a nearfall.

Okada powered through Evil’s advance with some strikes of his own to establish some footing. Okada then took the action to the outside himself, whipping Evil into the barricade and driving him to the floor.

After a referee bump, SHO and Yujiro hit the ring and attacked Okada. Okada barely survived the first attack, but many more followed, including a Togo wire choke. Evil dropped Okada with a lariat for a nearfall.

Okada reversed Evil’s finish into a suplex, which he followed with some of his signature offenses. Evil avoided Okada’s attempt to finish and hit Everything is Evil; Okada kicked out. Okada hit an Everything is Evil of his own, followed by a cobra flowsion and a rainmaker to win the match.

Okada is one step closer to his third G1 in a row with this win.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Will Ospreay

This match opened with an extended feeling out sequence. As the match picked up, Ospreay chopped Naito to the floor before landing a plancha.

Back in the ring, the pair jockeyed for control. Naito tried his best to keep Ospreay on the mat, but Ospreay sprung back and knocked Naito to the floor. Naito met Ospreay on the apron and drove him into the ring’s canvas and the floor with a pair of neckbreakers.

Naito returned to the ropes, hit Ospreay with Gloria, and returned to mat work. Ospreay avoided the poison-rana and landed an insane dive from the top and a Liger bomb in response.

Naito reversed the hidden blade with a dropkick and avoided the OsCutter. When Ospreay attempted another powerbomb, Naito reversed into a snug DDT. A second DDT and Valencia scored Naito a nearfall.

Naito attempted stardust press, missed, and ate a hidden blade for even trying, but Ospreay was unable to make the cover.

Ospreay pummeled Naito with kicks before attempting ground and pound, but the referee pulled him off, forcing a standing count. Naito beat the count and ate another hidden blade; Naito kicked out. Ospreay landed OsCutter; Naito kicked out again. Ospreay hit stardust press; Naito kicked out once more. Ospreay attempted Storm Breaker; Naito reversed into a quick pin, nearly stealing a win.

Naito dodged another hidden blade but immediately collapsed. Naito avoided more offense by falling before reversing a Storm Breaker into Destino; Ospreay kicked out, and Naito hit a second Destino and pinned Ospreay to win the match.

The finals are set. Naito and Okada clash tomorrow for the G1 Climax 33.

AEW Rampage live results: Orange Cassidy vs. Johnny TV International title match

Posted on by Joseph Collins

The AEW International title will be on the line as part of Friday’s AEW Rampage.

Orange Cassidy will be gunning for his 28th title defense as he faces Johnny TV of QTV. The former John Morrison is looking for his first AEW gold of any kind while Cassidy is two months away from a year-long reign as champion.

In the second of three qualifying matches for an AEW Women’s title four-way at All In, Saraya will take on Skye Blue. The winner will join champion Hikaru Shida and Toni Storm who have already qualified with one final match (Britt Baker vs. The Bunny) taking place this Wednesday.

Darby Allin will face Brian Cage of The Mogul Embassy days after it was announced that Allin & Sting will take on the group’s Swerve Strickland & AR Fox in a coffin match at All In.

ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open will face The Outrunners in non-title action.

**********

Taped in Columbus, Ohio.

Tony Schiavone, Chris Jericho and Excalibur were on commentary.

Darby Allin defeated Brian Cage (w/ Prince Nana) (10:46)

Allin started out fast with Cage and hit him with a high speed tope, but Cage soon overpowered Allin to take control. On the floor, Cage picked up Allin for a vertical suplex, then walked up the ringsteps and dumped Allin back in the ring. Cage then dead-lifted Allin into a superplex while standing on the middle rope. 

The fight went back to the floor. Allin had Cage in a sleeper, and Cage broke the hold by throwing himself and Allin through the time keeper’s table. Cage dumped Allin onto the ring apron with a back suplex.

Cage dominated Allin through the split-screen break. After the break, Cage hit a pair of powerbombs for a near fall. Allin tripped Cage on the ring apron with his belt, then came off the top with a Coffin Drop that sent both guys tumbling to the floor. Back in the ring, Allin hit a code red for a near fall. After interference from Nana, Cage hit the F-10 on Allin, but Cage didn’t hook the leg and Allin kicked out. Cage took Allin up to the middle rope for what looked like a super samoan drop, but Allin countered that into a crucifix bomb. Cage went for a suplex, but Allin caught Cage with a small package to get the pin.

After the match, Luchasaurus ran in and chokeslammed Allin to remind the audience about the only match booked for All Out. Christian (with the TNT belt over his shoulder) watched approvingly on a monitor in the back. 

–In the back, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D told Renee Paquette she respects Bunny working hard to come back, but she will beat her next week to take her place in the “historical” women’s title match at All In. 

– A brief video package highlighted NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston’s run in the G1 tournament. 

Orange Cassidy defeated Johnny TV (with the QTV crew) to retain the International Title (8:25)

Harley Cameron sang the entrance music for Johnny TV. This was Orange Cassidy’s 28th straight successful title defense. Tony Schiavone chided Jericho on commentary for the way the Jericho Appreciation Society abandoned him on Wednesday.

Harley Cameron distracted the referee with her feminine wiles, and the QTV guys entered the ring from all sides to jump Cassidy. Just as they were about to pounce, Cassidy turned the referee around, and he ejected the entire QTV crew from ringside. Wheeler Yuta came out of the crowd to distract Cassidy, and TV caught him with a springboard kick to take control.

During the split-screen break, Wheeler Yuta joined the commentary team. Yuta continued the tradition started by William Regal of calling Excalibur “The Man in the Mask.”

Cassidy went for a tornado DDT, but TV blocked it and hit a neckbreaker for a near fall. TV then hit an even more convoluted neckbreaker for another near fall. TV missed “the Superstation” (his finisher) and Cassidy came off the top with a diving DDT. Cassidy hit the tornado DDT, an Orange Punch adn the Beach Break to get the pinfall. 

After the match, Yuta slowly skulked back to ringside, and Cassidy grabbed the house mic to challenge Yuta. Soon the rest of the BCC surrounded the ring. The BCC didn’t attack Cassidy and leave him beaten and bloody (like they could have, according to Yuta), but instead Yuta challenged Cassidy for the International Title at Dynamte in Nashville next week. That should be very good. 

– Ian Riccaboni ran down the history of the Ring of Honor World Tag Team championship. This was unintentionally the best commercial for HonorClub they’ve ever done. 

ROH World Tag Team Champions Aussie Open defeated The Outrunners (2:12)

The Outrunners are Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd and they’re “channeling the 1980’s” according to their graphic. Aussie Open destroyed the Outrunners. I don’t think the Outrunners got one offensive move the entire match, and Aussie Open won with the Coriolis.

After the match, Aussie Open mocked MJF and Adam Cole (which got the crowd to chant “Double Clothesline!”) and accepted the challenge from MJF and Cole for Zero Hour. 

– Jeff Jarrett announced the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre Death Match Championship” as a tie-in to a video game that’s coming out. Leatherface may be at Dynamite for a Death Match between Jeff Jarrett and Jeff Hardy. Spoiler alert: the winner will be Jeff. 

Saraya (w/ the Outcasts) v. Syke Blue to qualify for the AEW World Women’s title match at All In. 

Blue and Saraya went back and forth exchanging pin attempts early. Blue went for a sunset flip, but Saraya shifted her weight to cradle Blue, which she countered by shifting her weight back, and this went back and forth for a bit. Saraya went to the floor to regroup. Blue tried to follow her out with a cannonball, but Saraya dodged her and Blue hit the floor.

Saraya got all the heat during the split-screen break. Saraya got a near fall after a pair of knees. Saraya then locked in a chinlock. Blue came back with a tijeras and her own running knee for a near fall. Blue escaped a suplex attempt, hit a superkick and caught Saraya with the Code Blue, but Toni Storm distracted the ref. Ruby Soho got Blue’s attention on the other side of the ring and sprayed her in the face with spray paint. Saraya hit her old finisher, the “Rampaige” and got the pinfall. She ended Rampage with a Rampaige! I love it. Excalibur might have called it the “Good Night” instead, which I like a little less but I understand.

After the match, the Outcasts beat up on Saraya to end the show.

Final Thoughts:

Happy two-year anniversary for Rampage. This wasn’t as exciting as that first episode two years ago, but it was a perfectly cromulent hour of wrestling. 

WWE SmackDown live results: SummerSlam fallout

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After returning at Sunday’s SummerSlam to turn against his twin brother, Jimmy Uso is slated to speak during a Hail To The Chief segment on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Jimmy interfered in the Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso Tribal Combat match at last Saturday’s pay-per-view, costing his brother a chance to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship by attacking him near the end of the match. 

Austin Theory will defend his United States title against Santos Escobar after Escobar won the United States Championship Invitational two weeks ago when he defeated Rey Mysterio in the finals. 

After weeks of causing Yhe O.C. trouble, Karrion Kross will square off with AJ Styles as well. Kross defeated Karl Anderson on the July 28th SmackDown. 

Rounding out the card is Asuka vs. Charlotte who will wrestle each other after they both came up short against Bianca Belair at SummerSlam for the WWE Women’s Championship. Belair’s reign as champion was short-lived when IYO SKY cashed in on her to win the title.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Corey Graves chimed in to help run down the show before Charlotte’s music hit and we went to the ring. Before the match started, Patrick introduced Michael Cole as the third member of the commentary team and a video recapping the triple threat for the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam aired. 

Charlotte and Asuka battled to a no-contest [9:14]

And for those of you wondering how they’d get out of this match clean … well we have our answer. Charlotte and Asuka have a weird history, performance wise, but I feel like it more often than not depends on Charlotte’s night. If she’s having a good one, these two can create magic. If she’s not, the disappointment feels bigger. It was more the latter than the former here, but it was fun while it lasted. My biggest issue is that it felt like the two women were just about to turn the corner into the next gear … and then the flukey finish happened. I’m not sure what this means, unless if it sets up a tag match for later, but we’ll have to see. Either way, it’s good to see Dakota Kai back on TV, even if she can’t get physical. 

The two locked up early, with Charlotte getting the best of it. There appeared to be a little miscommunication early as Charlotte and Asuka attempted to trade blows. Asuka earned the upper hand with a dropkick and some kicks to Charlotte’s chest. Charlotte fire the crowd up and went to the top, but Asuka cut her off by slamming her off the top. Charlotte was bleeding from her mouth. Asuka landed a dropkick from the top and got a two-count out of it. The show then went to break. 

Back from that break, Charlotte landed a splash onto Asuka, who was on the outside. Charlotte then did the same thing inside the ring. Charlotte hit a series of chops. Charlotte slammed Asuka and hit a clothesline for a two-count. Charlotte speared Asuka and set up for the Figure-Eight, but Damage CTRL’s music hit and that distraction Charlotte enough for Asuka to roll Charlotte up for a two-count. IYO SKY paraded her title around ringside as Bayley stood on the apron. Charlotte went for Bayley, but SKY came off the top to double-dropkick both Asuka and Charlotte to end the match. 

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Santos Escobar backstage. Escobar said he’s feeling confident about his match with Austin Theory. As Escobar was talking, Theory showed up and suplexed Escobar onto a traveling case. Theory then slammed the top of a case onto Escobar’s knee to end the segment. 

– A video announcing that Edge will celebrate 25 years of him next week aired. Cameras went backstage, where Escobar was icing his leg down after the Theory attack. Meanwhile, the show joined Karrion Kross’s entrance midway through it back in the ring. 

AJ Styles defeated Karrion Kross [9:38]

This was pretty good for a WWE TV match. You can’t deny that they’ve tried to give this program some weight over the weeks and while we can argue all day about if it worked, attention must be paid to the fact that it felt an awful lot like the point of this was to elevate Kross on some level. Can’t be mad at the idea. My only gripe is the question of where everyone goes from here. Styles and The OC could certainly mean more while Kross … and I truly hate to say this … just seems to still be spinning his wheels. This match had its low points, but it also had some nice moments as well. I’m not so sure that any of it helped anybody. 

Both guys had more hair on their face and head than we’ve know them to have in WWE. Styles started things off with a dropkick and immediately went to work on Kross’s neck. Kross worked his way back quickly with a high back body-drop. Kross jawed at Styles and threw him into a turnbuckle. With Styles on the top, Kross went for a suplex, but Styles countered by slipping through his legs and clotheslining Kross to the outside. Styles ran at Kross, but Kross caught Styles and landed a Death Valley Driver on Styles onto the commentary table. The show went to a commercial break. 

Coming back from commercial, Styles had control in the ring and went to the apron. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Kross caught him and sank in the Kross Jacket. Styles powered up and ran Kross into a turnbuckle. The two had a scary exchange where nothing quite worked, but it resulted in a two-count from Styles. Styles kicked Kross in the head and set up for the 450 splash. Styles hit it and went for the pin, but Scarlett put Kross’s foot on the rope for a break. 

Michin tried to attack Scarlett, but Scarlett countered and took Michin out. Inside the ring, Kross went for the Kross Hair, but Styles ducked it and went for the Styles Crash. Scarlett got on the apron to get in the way of that, but Michin threw Scarlett over the broadcast table in a wild spot. Back in the ring, Styles landed the Styles Clash and got the win. 

**********

– Edge’s music hit, Edge made his entrance, and the place went nuts. And I do mean nuts. The show then went to commercial break. 

– Back from the break, Cathy Kelly was backstage saying she wasn’t sure if Santos Escobar would make the match for later. Rey Mysterio appeared and said Escobar would made it to the match. From there, we went back to the ring, where Edge stood.

The Edge Segment

Edge noted how he wasn’t advertised to be there. Edge said he saw that Calgary was on the docket the week before Toronto and it had been way too long since Calgary saw Edge. The crowd cheered and Edge said next week, he wants to have a match. Edge said he’s never had a match with Sheamus and he wants to have one with him next week. Edge explained that Sheamus is the reason Edge can still stand in the ring. Edge said Sheamus lit the fire under Edge’s butt to make Edge believe he can step back into the ring. 

Edge talked about Sheamus’s YouTube show and Edge recalled how Edge wiped out on the Sheamus show and that was when Edge’s lightbulb lit up. Edge said he called Sheamus before his Royal Rumble return to ask Sheamus if he thought Edge was ready. Edge said Sheamus moved in with him and became part of his extended family to prepare for the Rumble. Edge remembered how they got in the ring every day and after that, Edge said he was ready. Edge said he needed an answer now and introduced Sheamus. 

Sheamus made his way to the ring and said, “What a Canadian, eh?” Sheamus set up the Edge footage from his YouTube show and they rolled the tape. Edge then called for the production team to put a photo on the tron of Sheamus sitting on Edge’s daughter’s bike. Sheamus said he wanted to get serious and explained that in 2004, he was wondering if he’d pursue a career in WWE or head back to a day job. Sheamus said while he was working in a club, he went up to everyone in WWE and they gave him a cold shoulder … except for Edge, who gave Sheamus time and advice. From there, Sheamus said he knew Edge was a world-class act. Sheamus said without that conversation from 2004, Sheamus wouldn’t be standing in that ring. Edge said he wanted an answer to his challenge and ultimately, Sheamus accepted the challenge for next week. 

**********

– A video celebrating Hulk Hogan’s birthday aired. He’s 70, even though I have been told all my life he is immortal, so who knows what’s what. 

LA Knight defeated Top Dolla [2:00]

Basic stuff here, though good on Knight for giving Top Dolla so much offense – Dolla ostensibly controlled the first 90 seconds of the match before Knight hit a move or two and then his finish for the win. Still, forward movement for Knight is good movement. The crowds continue to eat it up and even if it just means a quick squash and a catchphrase to remind everyone he’s still him, that’s a job well done.

Knight took a cheating beating early on from the rest of Hit Row while the ref was distracted. Dolla lifted Knight, but Knight got out of it and hit a bulldog from the second rope. Knight hit Ashante Thee Adonis and did the LA Knight thing before hitting an elbow. Knight landed the BFT for the win.

After the match, Knight grabbed a mic and the crowd did their part perfectly. Knight called Top Dolla Uncle Phil. Everyone yelled “LA Knight Yeah!” Graves called Knight DJ Khalid and boy, I’m not sure how wrong he was. From there, Adam Pearce checked to see if Escobar could wrestle in the training room. Escobar said he could go and from there, the show went to commercial break. 

**********

– We got a backstage video from Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits. Lashey said the saddest thing in life is untapped potential. Lashley said the Profits have so much potential and reflected on how great last week was. Lashley said championship gold is theirs to take. The three cheers’d to changing things on SmackDown. 

Santos Escobar walked to the ring, but Theory attacked Escobar from behind. The rest of the LWO came out to tend to Escobar. Theory got a mic and said he was sorry that the audience wouldn’t see Theory live. Theory said he wanted to defend his US title, but it turned out Escobar was too weak. As a result, Adam Pearce came out and inserted Rey Mysterio into the match instead. Mysterio went to the ring and took Theory out as the show went to a break. 

Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory to win the US title [2:40 of TV time]

This felt about right, if we’re being honest. Whatever the history books say this era of Austin Theory is once it’s all said and done, I hope all those books agree that it didn’t work the way anyone hoped it would. Theory hasn’t really connected on most every level. I still think potential is there; I just don’t know how the WWE system taps into it. In the meantime, a Mysterio win makes everyone feel good and it sets up an interesting dynamic between Mysterio and Escobar. Also, this was the rare instance where not seeing half the match didn’t really matter – Theory isn’t turning masses of heads with his in-ring work so why belabor it? This was as good as anyone could hope. 

When the show returned, Mysterio went to the top and landed a Senton and a splash for a two-count. Mysterio went to the second rope, but Theory caught him and Mysterio ultimately landed somewhat of a buckle bomb for a two-count. Mysterio set up the 619, but Theory caught him to break it up. Mysterio came right back, set it up again and actually hit it for the win. 

**********

– Next week, Rey Mysterio will be on the Grayson Waller Effect. We’ll also get Sheamus vs. Edge. 

The Bloodline Segment

Roman Reigns made his entrance flanked by Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman. After a commercial break, we got back to the ring, where Reigns told Calgary to acknowledge him and the crowd responded in kind. Reigns asked Heyman where Jimmy was and Heyman said he didn’t know. Heyman said he spoke to Jimmy in the morning, but … well … Jimmy showed up in his hoodie with no fanfare. When the spotlight came to him, the crowd booed and chanted “You sold out!” 

Roman said, “Jim, don’t worry about them (the crowd). They mean nothing.” Roman said he owed Jimmy. Roman said Jimmy can name his price and whatever it is, it’ll be done. New car? Done. Yacht? Done. Jimmy interrupted Roman and said what he did at SummerSlam has nothing to do with Roman. Roman continued to bargain with Jimmy and while he did so, the Usos theme hit and Jey made his entrance.  

Jey stepped into the ring and grabbed Jimmy’s microphone. The Usos stared at each other for a second. Jey demanded an answer from Jimmy as to why Jimmy did it. Jimmy said he did what he did at SummerSlam because he loves Jey. Jimmy said he didn’t do it because of jealousy. Jimmy said he was afraid he’d lose Jey if Jey beat Roman. Jimmy said Jey would have inherited power that would have made Jey like Roman and Roman is corrupted. Jimmy called Roman an asshole and he didn’t want Jey to become an asshole like Roman. 

Jimmy said if Jey hates Jimmy, it’s fine because the only reason was that Jimmy loved Jey. Jimmy said if Jey wants to kick Jimmy’s face off, he can. Jimmy closed his eyes and waited for the kick. Jey turned his back on Jimmy and Jimmy walked around Jey. Jimmy nodded and left the ring. Roman laughed and said it was a perfect time to say he told Jey so. Roman said Jey doesn’t know what he’s doing. Roman said tonight was about one thing – acknowledging Roman. As Roman said it, Jey super-kicked Roman. 

Solo responded by attacking Jey, but Jey kicked Solo. Roman then Superman Punched Jey. Roman went to spear Jey, but Jey super-kicked Roman and speared Roman. Jey grabbed a mic and told Jimmy to walk back down to the ring. It looked like they would hug, but Jey super-kicked Jimmy. Jey said he’s out of the Bloodline, SmackDown and WWE and left through the crowd. Jey walked through the crowd and the crowd chanted “Jey!” to end the show.