Category: WWE Results

Impact Wrestling live results: The aftermath of Against All Odds

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

New World Champion Alex Shelley and new X-Division Champion Chris Sabin will kick off tonight’s Against All Odds fallout edition of Impact Wrestling on AXS.

Shelley defeated Steve Maclin to begin his first World title reign while Sabin defeated Trey Miguel to start his ninth run with the X-Division title at last Friday’s streaming special. 

In the follow-up from last Friday’s first-ever 8-4-1 match, Moose will take on Rich Swann in a clash of former Impact World Champions.

After getting thwarted by a steel chair shot from the returning Scott D’Amore in the 8-4-1 match, Bully Ray will address the Impact Zone. Ray put the Impact president through a flaming table at Under Siege to put him out of action.

After defending the titles against The Good Hands, Impact Tag Team Champions Ace Austin & Chris Bey will face Decay’s Crazzy Steve & Black Taurus in non-title action.

Laredo Kid & Jack Price will take on Champagne Singh & Shera on the BTI pre-show.

**********

BTI Preshow

According to George Iceman, Bully Ray has complained to Anthem management about Scott D’Amore hitting him with a chair at Against All Odds.

Champagne Singh & Shera defeated Jack Price & Laredo Kid

Singh got the win in a decent match here, with the champagne pop DDT. Heath ran out after the match and attacked Singh and Shera from behind, hitting a wake up call on Singh.

Main Card

The Motor City Machine Guns made their way out to celebrate their title wins at Against All Odds. Sabin talked about how this was a dream come true for both of them, and Shelley talked about how he was always the guy that helped mentor world champions, like Kazuchika Okada, The Young Bucks, Seth Rollins, and others, but he was never the champ. At Against All Odds he finally became the World champion, and he called this the Machine Gun era of Impact Wrestling.

Nick Aldis came down to the ring to face off against his future opponent at Slammiversary. Aldis noted that all 3 of them called their shots, and did exactly what they said they were going to do, with Aldis becoming #1 contender, and the other two winning their titles. Aldis gave Shelley credit, saying that when he first became a wrestler in Impact, he had no idea what he was doing, and Alex Shelley was one of the guys that taught him how to wrestle. Aldis then said, as Shelley’s friend, he was going to do everything he could to win the title at Slammiversary.

Trey Miguel came out onto the ramp, saying they forgot to show him respect. Kenny King came out with Sheldon Jean. I sense a 6-man tag in the near future. Gisele Shaw, Savanah Evans, and Jai Vidal made their way out. Shaw said the red carpet was rolled out for Trinity and Alids, and that the Machine Guns didn’t deserve the titles. Trinity came out and now I sense an 8-person tag match. Trinity confronted Shaw, but Deonna Purrazzo came out and now I have no idea what I am sensing.

Santino came out, I assume to make a match. This segment has gone on way too long and added way too many people to it. Simple is better. Santino announced a 10-person tag main event with Aldis, MCMG, Trinity, and Purrazzo against King, Miguel, Jean, Evans, and Shaw.

–Steve Maclin was backstage and cut a great promo about how the two years it took him to become champion, and now he wasn’t, and he should still be champ. The intensity here was great.

–A recap of OVE defeating The Design. Deaner looked to blame Angels for the job not getting done. Angels blamed Deaner for the loss, and Kon screamed “Stop!” saying this is what Callihan wanted them to be doing. Kon said they needed to claim what was theirs.

We are well over 30 minutes into the show before the first match started, which I am not a fan of, as a lot of the promos could have been cut down or placed differently. Regardless, we got Rich Swann and Moose to open the wrestling portion of the show.

Rich Swann defeated Moose

If you are going to make us wait 30 minutes for the first match, you need to make sure the first match is a good one. This was a good one. Not even close to the best match I’ve seen this week, but it was a very good opening match.

Swann was a fair bit faster than Moose in the first part of the match, but eventually got powerbombed onto the apron before they went to an ad break. Moose hit a giant uranage on Swann for a 2-count when they came back from break. Moose chopped Swann against the posts on the floor twice, but Swann ducked the third Moose chopped the post. Swann ended up on the top rope after another ad break and Moose ran up the ropes and hit a superplex.

Moose then tried the same run and went for a crossbody, but Swann countered with a cutter and got a 2-count. This match has been quite good. Swann missed a middle rope 450 and ate a discus clothesline and a powerbomb for a 2-count from Moose. Moose went for the spear, but Swann rolled him up and floated over into a jackknife pin for the 3-count.

–Heath was backstage and talked about his history in Impact, talking about what is next for him. He said he was about to let everyone in Impact know who he is. This was a good promo.

–Moose was walking backstage and almost got hit by a door that Brian Myers kicked open. Myers talked about how Moose had a rough night at Against All Odds and another one tonight, and Moose did not take kindly to the lecture. Myers assured him that he made a mistake too, as he failed to lead the Good Hands to the tag championship, but Moose & Myers would be able to beat them.

–Bully Ray came out with an official complaint to the Anthem management about Scott D’Amore. Scott D’Amore came out and said that he did go before the Anthem board, and they did decide it was behaviour unbecoming of a company president. D’Amore also said the board recommended he take a leave of absence.

Ray insisted that he leave the ring and admit that he was wrong. D’Amore said that he wouldn’t be able to “Do this” if he was still president, and he tackled Ray and started punching him. Steve Maclin came out and attacked D’Amore from behind. Maclin and Ray grabbed chairs and Ray put a chair across the throat of D’Amore and invited Maclin to hit the legs of the chair with his own chair to drive it into D’Amore’s throat. As he was about to do it, the lights went out, and PCO made the save.

D’Amore then announced that he was coming out of retirement to wrestle Bully Ray & Steve Maclin at Slammiversary with PCO as his tag team partner.

–Maclin and Ray were backstage and Maclin was telling Ray that he was worried about PCO because there is nothing that can ever keep him down. Ray told Maclin to act like a Marine, and that he was just a man. Kazarian said, “He was just a man who took you both out.” Maclin and Ray went to get in the face of Kazarian, but Eddie Edwards walked up to even the odds, saying that since they shared the same trainer in Killer Kowalski, he would have Kazarian’s back, even though they don’t see eye-to-eye. Alisha Edwards was surprised that they were suddenly making peace, but it seems like Kazarian and Edwards might be on the same side for now.

ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated The Decay in a non-title match

Crazzy Steve yelled, “Do you want me to bite his fingers?!” to the fans as he pointed at Chris Bey. Chris Bey did not like this prospect and attacked, soon tagging out to Austin, but Black Taurus came in and the Decay soon had control. Bey and Austin picked up Steve, but he bit them both. He ate a double sole butt from ABC and then a 1-2-sweet for the win.

–The Motor City Machine Guns were backstage to greet Austin & Bey, and they said they were glad those two were the Impact World Tag Team Champions, as the division was in good hands. Bey & Austin said they were happy that MCMG were the X-Division and World champions.

–Bhupinder Gujjar was backstage with Gia Miller, and they talked about his upcoming episode of Diary where they highlight his journey in wrestling. Dirty Dango walked up and said, “Who would want to watch that?” insisting that, insisting that Gujjar was like everyone else in the locker room, simply being passive and not becoming a star, “Except for that bull head guy, because he gets it.” I laughed at him putting over Black Taurus. Looks like we’ll see Gujjar beating Dango sometime in the near future. Gujjar’s story is a good one, and they could use it well to promote him.

–NJPW on AXS this week featured The Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) & Shota Umino vs. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii) & Hiroshi Tanahashi for the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship and Will Ospreay vs. Lance Archer, both excellent matches.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley), Nick Aldis, Deonna Purrazzo, & Trinity defeated Kenny King, Sheldon Jean, Trey Miguel, Gisele Shaw, & Savannah Evans

Good multi-person tag match, with Shelley getting the win at the end to highlight his new title reign.

Purrazzo and Shaw started the match, but as soon as Shaw seemed to have an advantage, Trinity tagged in and attacked. Shaw was able to block a bulldog attempt and send Trinity crashing intho the turnbuckle before tagging out to Evans. When the came back from the break, Kenny King was getting the heat on Nick Aldis.

This continued with the team getting heat on Chris Sabin after Aldis tagged out. Jean hit several 12 to 6 elbows on Sabin before tagging back out to King. This continued for several minutes until Sabin got a got up in a corner charge and hit a tornado DDT before tagging out to Alex Shelley. Miguel tagged in and Shelly ran wild on him, King, Sheldon Jean, and even Jai Vidal on the floor.

Miguel cut Shelley off on the top rope, so Shelley hit a top rope Manhattan Drop on Miguel, which looked unpleasant. Shelley locked on the Border City Stretch, but everyone crashed the ring and a brawl ensued. Sheldon Jean hit a flying leg lariat on Sabin, and King accidentally hit an enziguri on Jean, leading to Aldis taking out King and Shelley hitting Shell Shock on Jean for the pin.

–Nick Aldis grabbed the world title and went to hand it to Alex Shelley. Aldis then turned heel, nailing Shelley with the title. This is a much better fit for Aldis, and he will make a strong heel contender to Alex Shelley as the babyface champion going into Impact Slammiversary.

Final Thoughts

This was a decent episode of Impact, with a ton of angles, and not much wrestling. I would have preferred to cut down on the opening segment by 5-10 minutes and add another match in the middle, but with that said, the wrestling we did get was mostly good. Moose and Swann was good, and the main event was very good. The ABC squash of the Decay was fine. The real story of the show will be the closing angle with Aldis turning heel, a role he is much stronger in than being a babyface.

Impact Wrestling – June 22, 2023

OVE vs. Brian Myers & The Good Hands

The Design vs. Jonathan Gresham & Mike Bailey

Taylor Wilde vs. Killer Kelly

Bully Ray & Steve Maclin vs. Eddie Edwards & Frankie Kazarian

Impact Down Under Tour – June 30, 2023

Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Steve Maclin

Impact Down Under Tour – July 1, 2023

Impact Knockouts World Championship: Deonna Purrazo (c) vs. Gisele Shaw

Impact Slammiversary – July 15, 2023

Bully Ray & Steve Maclin vs. PCO & Scott D’Amore

Impact Knockouts World Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. Trinity

Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Nick Aldis

Ring of Honor live results: Samoa Joe, The Embassy title defenses

Posted on by Suit Williams

Two title defenses highlight this week’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub.

ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe will defend against Matt Sydal after he called out the champion last week.

ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) will defend against AR Fox, Darius Martin & Action Andretti as their reign continues.

In a Proving Ground match, ROH Women’s Champion Athena will face Trish Adora. If Adora can win or go to a draw, she earns a future title shot.

Former ROH Pure Champion Daniel Garcia will look to continue his winning ways and get a rematch for the title as he takes on NJPW’s The DKC.

Fresh off her failure to defeat AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm Wednesday, Skye Blue will look to get back on the winning track against Viva Van.

Other matches include The Righteous & Stu Grayson vs. Dalton Castle & The Boys, Mark Briscoe vs. Anthony Henry, and more.

**********

– We have a cold open, as Dasha was backstage with Matt Sydal. He says that every break he’s gotten in wrestling is because he’s unafraid to grab the mic and make a challenge. He’s been on Samoa Joe’s heels, and tonight he will become TV Champion.

– We then cut to Dasha with Samoa Joe, who says that tonight, Sydal will find out what happens when ambition goes further than common sense.

We cut to Universal Studios Orlando, with Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman, and Nigel McGuinness on the call.

ROH World Television Title Match: Samoa Joe defeated Matt Sydal to retain

This wasn’t what it would have been in 2005, but both guys worked smart and hard here to make this a solid opener.

Joe pulls Sydal into the corner and clubbers him with forearms. Sydal throws a series of kicks, then sends Joe out of the ring with a spin kick to the face. Sydal followed Joe to the floor with a Meteora. Back in the ring, Joe cut Sydal off with a back elbow. Joe sent Sydal up and over with a suplex for a nearfall.

Sydal fought out of a headlock but ran right into a snap powerslam for a nearfall. Joe did some more clubbering, talking trash to Sydal as he laid into him. Sydal fought back with chops, getting a nearfall on a roll-up. Sydal hit a jumping knee. Sydal went for a spin kick and just collided with Joe as both men went down. Sydal reversed a pop-up powerbomb with a hurricanrana. Sydal hit a high kick for a nearfall.

Sydal hit the Meteora in the ring, but unlike last week, it couldn’t score the win. Sydal hit a point-blank knee to Joe’s face, but Joe cut him off on his way to the top rope. Joe snatched Sydal into a Muscle Buster for the win. This was his 12th successful defense of the title.

Nick Comoroto defeated Deimos (w/Teal Piper)

After some shenanigans with Comoroto’s sucker, Deimos took the fight to Comoroto. Deimos hit a big bodyslam on Comoroto before sending him to the floor with a shoulder block. Comoroto cut Deimos off with a chop to the throat before sending him into the stairs. Comoroto hit a powerslam for a nearfall.

Comoroto hit a reverse Death Valley Driver for a nearfall. Deimos fought out of another Fireman’s Carry and fired up with clotheslines. Deimos hit a big spinebuster and followed with a big boot for a nearfall. Comoroto rolled to the apron and snapped Deimos over the ropes. Comoroto hit the Alabama Slam and got the win – with his feet on the ropes.

– Dasha was backstage with the Varsity Athletes. Smart Mark Sterling says he secured time for Tony Nese to get something off of his chest in the ring. I mean, he had time here. Is Dasha not good enough to hear Tony Nese’s thoughts?

Iron Savages (Boulder & Bronson) (w/Jacked Jameson) defeated Rhett Titus & Tracy Williams

Williams and Bronson start off with forearms before Bronson takes control. Boulder tags in, but Williams avoided a corner charge, catching Boulder with an uppercut and an armbar. Titus tagged in, but the Savages caught both men in Gorilla Press slams. Titus caught Boulder with a move and went for a pin, but Boulder repeatedly pressed him to kick out.

Williams got knocked off the apron before Titus went for a tag, so Titus hit a belly-to-belly suplex on Bronson for a nearfall. Boulder tagged in and hit both his opponents with big slams. Titus and Williams avoided the double chokeslam and hit a double slam of their own, but Bronson broke up the fall. Bronson fought off both men, but Titus and Williams hit a Hart Attack for a nearfall.

Titus drilled Bronson with a corner boot before an offensive combo. Boulder cut off a Williams piledriver, leading to Bronson hitting a Rikishi Driver to Titus on top of Williams. The Iron Savages hit their tag team senton for the win.

– Dasha is backstage with the Workhorsemen. They’re upset that FTR got involved in their business a few weeks back. FTR isn’t here, but their friend Mark Briscoe is, so Henry calls him out for a match tonight.

Diamante defeated Teal Piper (w/Deimos)

Diamante caught Piper in the ropes and hit a neckbreaker, then dropkicked Piper off the apron. Diamante hit a hesitation dropkick in the corner. Diamante hit a suplex for a nearfall.

Diamante hit crossface forearms to Piper as the crowd booed. Piper fought back, hitting a penalty kick and a snap sidewalk suplex. Diamante caught Piper and hit a Cross Rhodes before locking in straitjacket submission to score the win.

– The Varsity Athletes come out. As promised earlier, Nese takes the microphone and has something to say. He says that the Varsity Athletes have worked hard to earn the respect of the fans. Nese surmises that the fans don’t respect them because the fans can’t relate to them. The Varsity Athletes will never be fat pigs like the people in attendance, so they decide to lead some group exercises. After a few stretches, Serpentico makes his way out for their scheduled bout.

Tony Nese (w/Ari Daivari & Smart Mark Sterling) defeated Serpentico

After some Nese clubbering in the corner, Serpentico caught Nese with a hurricanrana. Nese fired up and hit a back elbow. Nese rolled out of a sunset flip and hit a spinning back kick for a nearfall. The crowd chanted We Eat Hot Dogs to get under the skin of Nese.

Nese pummeled on Serpentico as he held onto a body scissors. Nese snapped Serpentico neck-first over the ropes, but Serpentico avoided the triangle moonsault. Serpentico fired up, hitting a jumping facebuster and a gamengiri. Nese hooked Serpentico’s tights and hit a German suplex into the corner. Nese hit the Running Knees for the win.

– Earning her pay tonight, Dasha was set to interview Kiera Hogan. Instead, Athena came in and did a mocking interview with a blue wig on. The real Kiera Hogan came in and laid her out with a forearm. I’m seeing double here. Four Hogans!

Miranda Alize defeated Notorious Mimi

Alize cut Mimi off on an up-and-over, sending her into the corner and hitting a face wash boot. A hesitation dropkick and a butterfly suplex scored Alize a nearfall. Alize hit a basement hurricanrana for a nearfall. Mimi came back with a bicycle kick and a reverse TKO. Alize caught a Mimi forearm and hit a cutter. She followed it with the Drive-By knee for the win.

Stu Grayson & The Righteous (Dutch & Vincent) defeated Dalton Castle & The Boys (Brandon & Brent)

Boy Brent started with Vincent, and Vincent quickly cut him off with a back elbow. Brent was able to outmaneuver Vincent and hit a dropkick, forcing a bemused Vincent to tag out to Grayson. Brandon tagged in and caught Grayson with a crossbody, but Grayson launched him with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. On the floor, Castle and Vincent got into it, allowing Grayson to send Castle into the ringpost. In the ring, Dutch dropped Brandon to give the Righteous control.

Grayson and Vincent hit an offensive flurry to Brandon for a nearfall. Brandon fought for a tag to Brent, but Grayson immediately cut him off with a lariat. After some clubbering on Brandon, Castle tagged in and ran wild on all three Righteous members, sending them flying with suplexes and clearing the ring. He tagged in Brandon, but Dutch took out Castle by throwing him into the stairs. The Righteous took Brandon out with a triple-team slam.

– Dasha was backstage with the Dark Order. They were tired of sitting down and letting people bail on them. They question the Righteous’ loyalty to Stu Grayson, wondering if they were willing to bleed for him. They say we’ll find out soon enough.

ROH Women’s World Title Proving Ground Match: Athena defeated Trish Adora

If Adora lasts 10 minutes or wins, she’ll earn a title match in the future. McGuinness says on commentary that with Athena’s recent work, Adora would be smart to run away for those 10 minutes. Adora controlled the pace early, wringing Athena’s arm into the turnbuckle and forcing her to the floor. Adora followed her, but Athena came back in the ring and hit a dragon screw to the leg. Athena followed Adora to the floor and dropkicked her into the stairs.

Back in the ring, Athena went to work on Adora’s knee, tying her up with submissions until Adora got to the ropes. Adora hit a German suplex from her knees before hitting a big boot to send Athena into the corner. Adora hit a powerslam for a nearfall. Athena locked Adora’s legs in the ropes and landed a kick to the knee. Athena hit a superkick before going to the top and hitting the O-Face for the win.

After the match, Athena feigned the Code of Honor before landing a forearm on Adora. Kiera Hogan made her way to the ring with a trash can lid before things could escalate with Adora. Hogan then escalated things herself by getting in a brawl with Athena. Athena fought off security before Hogan hit her with a trash can lid. Hogan grabbed a table and set it up, but Athena speared her through it.

Mark Briscoe defeated Anthony Henry (w/JD Drake)

This match quickly spilled to the floor where the two brawled around the ring. Back in the ring, Henry avoided the Froggy Bow and hit a single-leg dropkick for a nearfall. Henry hit a DDT on Briscoe on the apron before catching Briscoe in an armbar. Briscoe got the ropes, but Henry laid in some big strikes and got a nearfall out of them. The crowd fired up for Briscoe as Henry had a submission in, but Henry dropped Briscoe with a backstabber.

Briscoe caught Henry with a chop to the throat and a shotgun dropkick. Briscoe fired up with chops and a single-leg dropkick. Briscoe hit a fisherman buster for a nearfall. Briscoe called for the Jay Driller, but Henry transitioned it into a neck crank and a Dragon Sleeper. Briscoe reached the ropes and avoided an ensuing double stomp. A strike battle started, with Briscoe winning with a lariat. Briscoe hit the Jay Driller for the win.

– Backstage, Tony Khan noted that this match would be coming from Colorado Springs, Colorado. He re-introduces his Board of Directors members Stokely Hathaway and Jerry Lynn, noting that Lynn would be a judge for the upcoming Pure Rules match. He hyped the Pure Rules match between Daniel Garcia and The DKC, as well as noting that the Six Man Titles would be on the line tonight. The Embassy will defend against Action Andretti, AR Fox, and Darius Martin. Hathaway had the idea of booking Athena vs. Kiera Hogan in a Chicago Street Fight next week. Khan liked the idea and made the title match official.

Pure Rules Match: Daniel Garcia defeated The DKC

Excalibur and Garcia’s stablemate Matt Menard were on the call for this one. Jerry Lynn, Dean Malenko, and Christopher Daniels were the judges for this one. Garcia was rattled by the Colorado crowd chanting You’re A Wrestler at him, allowing DKC to hit some chops. DKC ran some offense before Garcia shoved DKC off the top rope to the floor.

Garcia rolled through a sunset flip attempt and caught DKC in an STF. DKC crawled to the ropes and used his first rope break. Garcia set up the Shibata-style hesitation dropkick but decided to hit his dance instead. DKC came back and cannonballed into a standing Garcia. DKC hit a side kick before trapping Garcia and hitting multiple chops for a nearfall. DKC locked on the Rings of Saturn, forcing Garcia to use a rope break.

Garcia hooked DKC’s hair and locked on the Walls of Jericho. DKC reversed it into a roll-up, but Garcia hit a lifting Codebreaker. Garcia picked the DKC up on the cover, opting to lock in the Dragon Tamer for the submission win. He sat in Shibata’s pose after the match.

– Dasha is backstage with the Mogul Embassy. They bragged about their dominance as champions, noting that the Mogul Embassy lives forever.

Skye Blue defeated Viva Van

We’re back in Universal Studios for this one, with our original announce team. Blue had control early on, but Van cut her off with a big running heel kick. Blue fought out of a surfboard stretch and hit a hurricanrana off the ropes.

Blue hit a rising knee and a single-leg dropkick for a nearfall. Van shrugged off the Code Blue and hit a bridging German suplex for a nearfall. Van hit a grounded Meteora for a nearfall. Van pulled Blue up in Electric Chair position, but Blue rolled through into a rana. Blue hit the Skyfall for the win.

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Title Match: The Mogul Embassy (Bishop Kaun, Brian Cage & Toa Liona) (w/Prince Nana) defeated Action Andretti, AR Fox & Darius Martin to retain

This was The Embassy’s most competitive match on ROH to date, as the challengers got more out of them than anyone else.

Cage and AR Fox started, with Cage using his power advantage to his advantage. Fox hit a splash, but Cage held onto him and hit a big slam. Martin tagged in, hitting a rana and sending Cage into the corner for a tag to Kaun. Kaun blew through a shoulder block and dropped Martin with a running chop. Martin tagged in Andretti after fighting out of the corner, but Liona sent him off the top rope in their corner. Kaun drove Andretti into the apron before flinging him into the post.

Liona knocked Fox and Martin off the ropes before hitting a senton on Andretti for a nearfall. Cage tagged in and clubbered on Andretti, but Andretti came off the ropes and hit Cage with a Canadian Destroyer. AR Fox tagged in and ran wild, taking on all three Embassy members on his own. The challengers hit dives on everyone before Fox hit a senton on Cage for a nearfall. The challenger team isolated Cage and hit a flurry of offense, finishing with a triple-team cutter for a nearfall broken up by Liona. Liona sent Martin inside out with a shoulder block, then took the other two down with a crossbody.

Martin took down Liona with a facebuster, kicking off a finisher flurry that ended with two 450 Splashes from Fox and Andretti for a nearfall that Cage broke up. A Pier Six brawl broke out, ending with Andretti and Cage in the ring. Cage caught Andretti in powerbomb position before transitioning into Weapon X for the pin and the win. This was the Embassy’s 3rd successful defense of the titles.

AEW Dynamite live results: MJF vs. Adam Cole World title eliminator

Posted on by Ryan Howard

AEW Dynamite airs live from Washington DC tonight with a World title eliminator, plus two title matches. 

AEW World Champion MJF will face challenger Adam Cole in a match where Cole earns a title shot with a victory. 

The Women’s World Championship is on the line as Toni Storm defends against Skye Blue. 

TNT Champion Wardlow defends his title against Jake Hager of the Jericho Appreciation Society. 

Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta face The Elite’s Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and Hangman Page in trios action. 

Sting, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy, and Keith Lee will take on Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) in an eight-man tag team bout.

Sammy Guevara has also been advertised for tonight’s episode. 

Capital One Arena in DC, the home of the first episode of Dynamite in 2019, hosts the show.

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

**********

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they immediately go to the entrances for our opener with huge title implications.

AEW World Champion MJF vs. Adam Cole ended in a 30 Minute Time Limit Draw

(This was a PPV caliber match to kick off the show, with the finish allowing the chase for Cole to continue without MJF getting pinned. I was caught off guard by the finish, but it certainly makes sense, as Cole didn’t win, but also didn’t lose. The rematch, whenever it happens, will be excellent I’m sure.)

MJF mocked Cole early with a Fargo Strut and Rick Rude hip swivel before narrowly dodging a Cole superkick, taking an early powder. Jumping the rail into the crowd, MJF threw popcorn at fans and knocked the hat off another. Back inside, MJF got an eye rake, but trash talked too long and Cole turned the tables, backdropping MJF to the floor. MJF tripped up Cole in the ring apron and targeted the left arm of Cole in the ring, trying to soften it up for Salt of Earth. MJF drove Cole to the mat with a pumphandle half nelson driver and mocked a Shawn Michaels pose soon after signaling for Sweet Chin Music, but Cole fired off a superkick of his own, busting open MJF’s mouth.

Cole battled back with offense using his good arm and connecting with a back stabber for two. MJF avoided Panama Sunrise, but Cole in turn dodged a Heat Seeker. MJF answered with a nasty double underhook shoulder breaker, but as he tried for another, Cole hit a kneecap brainbuster followed by a Ushigoroshi for two. Cole wanted a Florida Keys on the apron, but MJF ultimately countered into a Tombstone Piledriver on the hardest part of the ring to head into picture in picture.

MJF let Cole slowly recover as eventually Cole tried for The Boom, but MJF flattened him with a lariat into a double down and loud ovation from the crowd. Both men took turns countering submissions including a crossface, Salt of the Earth, ankle lock and LeBell Lock. MJF spiked Cole with a Heat Seeker as referee Bryce checked on Cole and MJF cleared off the ring attendant table, setting Cole up. MJF went to the top and hit a massive elbow drop from the ring to the floor through a table. MJF wanted a countout victory, but Cole just broke the count.

MJF went after Cole on the apron, but was planted with a Florida Keys straightjacket suplex. In the ring, Cole wanted Panama Sunrise, but MJF suckered Cole to the other side of the ring and hit a double stomp on the injured arm. MJF barked at the referee about his slow count, as Cole rolled up MJF, who knocked Cole into the referee. MJF grabbed the AEW Title, tried the Eddie Guerrero spot, but Bryce face planted and never saw Cole with the title, who clobbered MJF with it before lowering The Boom for a close two.

As Cole pulled him up, MJF grabbed the official and mule kicked Cole before putting on his Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF went for the home run shot, but Bryce stopped him, ripped the ring off, as Cole hit a superkick, Panama Sunrise and The Boom and was about to get the win when the bell sounded. We are told it’s a 30 Minute Time Limit Draw, which infuriated the fans. Cole grabbed a microphone and wanted 5 more minutes, but MJF bailed.

**********

-A video package showcasing the upcoming return of CM Punk is shown. Punk is training and said there are still things left to do. Punk won’t know what he will do or say until he has the microphone in his hand and has a lot to get off his chest.

Sammy Guevara Returns

Renee Paquette introduced Guevara to the ring, who said in recent weeks he’s had the highest of highs with the announcement of his wife Tay Melo being pregnant with a baby girl, to the lowest of lows, losing the AEW Title 4 Way at Double or Nothing. Guevara said he’s going to have to make some changes, but before he could follow up, Darby Allin made his way to the ring. Allin congratulated Guevara on the baby announcement and said the crowd seems to love him again, which got a mixed reaction. Allin asked if Guevara was going to continue to follow in the Jericho Appreciation Society footsteps, but this time Chris Jericho interrupted before Guevara could respond.

Jericho asked Guevara why he never asked for help in his quest for the AEW Title. Guevara said had Jericho called him, Jericho wouldn’t have lost to Adam Cole twice. Jericho demanded an apology, but Guevara refused, as Jericho said maybe they need reunite Le Sex Gods next week, have a tag match to remind Guevara who the boss truly is. Allin laughed and told Jericho the magic is gone, as Jericho was insulted, saying he & Guevara should beat down Allin 2 on 1. Allin said he’s not alone, as Sting made his way out.

Jericho & Sting had a face off for the first time in their careers as both took turns raising their baseball bats at the other. Jericho went to retreat and told Guevara to come with, but he didn’t follow. This turned into a pretty fun segment, as I didn’t realize it until Excalibur mentioned how this was the only time Jericho & Sting had been in the ring together.

**********

-A video from IWGP Champion SANADA is shown issuing an Open Challenge for an IWGP Title match at Forbidden Door. SANADA said he looks forward to see who on the AEW roster will answer the challenge.

AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Sting & Keith Lee defeated Mogul Embassy (Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony)

(To say this was a party match would be an understatement, as these guys fit 15 minutes worth of action into about 7. At one point I thought Sting had hurt his leg, but he bounced back relatively well in a fun looking finish.)

I don’t know if it was just the camera shot, but we briefly saw the word NO on the screen at the beginning of this match, might be nothing, but on the off chance it’s something, it’s worth mentioning. Lighting fast start with Cage, rocking Sting inspired attire and face paint, as Taz brought up the past between Cage, Sting & Allin during the Team Taz feud. Cage caught Cassidy’s dive attempt as Allin hit a Code Red on Strickland, but was crotched in the ropes before a Coffin Drop. We saw about 30 seconds of action until going to picture in picture when The Mogul Embassy isolated Allin. We saw Daniel Garcia watching from backstage while Allin blocked a JML Driver by Strickland into an over the top stunner.

Lee made the hot tag and ran wild, finally getting his hands on Strickland until Cage cut off Lee in the corner with Mogul Embassy hitting a triple powerbomb double stomp combo. Cassidy & Allin broke up the pin, as Cassidy hit a DDT on Strickland, but Cage answered with an F-5. Everyone took turns hitting big time moves until Sting sort of fell to the mat awkwardly. The match broke down with Lee launching guys to the floor, Allin hitting a Coffin Drop to the outside as Cage tried an F-5 on Sting, but Cassidy hit an Orange Punch with Sting following it up with a Scorpion Death Drop for the victory.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with The Gunns, as she asks their relationship with Jay White following the finish to the main event last week. The Gunns played dumb and said they’re the best brother tag team in AEW, issuing a challenge to The Hardys next week.

Wardlow (w/Arn Anderson) defeated Jake Hager to retain the TNT Title

(Wardlow gets the victory in the rubber match in a feud dating back a few years. Post match, the next challenger is official for the TNT Champion.)

Hager ran out and attacked Wardlow from behind during his entrance and was in control for about 30 seconds until Wardlow started dishing out clotheslines. Hager was backdropped to the floor and leveled with a charging clothesline as this was one of the few times a babyface remained in control for almost the entire picture in picture. I say almost since Wardlow missed a corner charge and Hager slapped on the Ankle Lock.

Wardlow rolled through and connected with a spinebuster, but as he went for a powerbomb, Angelo Parker & Matt Menard came to ringside. Hager chop blocked Wardlow as Arn Anderson was about to pull out the finger guns and go Armed Anderson until Brock Anderson ran out and fought off Parker & Menard to the back with his father. Hager was clotheslined to the floor and Wardlow hit a slingshot dive before connecting with a Senton Bomb back inside. The straps came down and Wardlow hit the Powerbomb Symphony to retain.

Christian Cage & Luchasaurus tried to cut a promo on the big screen, but the audio wasn’t working for the first half. We heard the important part, as this Saturday it will be Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus at Collision. Cage said what will happen when Wardlow’s new daddy won’t be there to save him? They cut to Luchasaurus holding a bloody Arn Anderson, as Wardlow sprinted to the back. I guess Luchasaurus & Cage caught up to Arn quickly after he went to the back during the match?

-A video is shown by The Ace of New Japan, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who said as long as MJF is AEW Champion, the title won’t shine like it should. Tanahashi came very close to beating Jon Moxley at Forbidden Door last year and issues a challenge to MJF. Renee Paquette approached MJF backstage being attended by a doctor and told him it’s official at Forbidden Door, which MJF declined, calling Tanahashi a rando from a rinky dink indy fed in Japan. MJF said it won’t be the first time he’s no showed a match Tony Khan has booked him for, telling Tanahashi no again.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Orange Cassidy, as she asks what the future holds and Cassidy said everyone knows how it works; someone walks in and challenges him. Zack Sabre Jr. is right on cue and said the idea of being a double champion sounds marvelous. Daniel Garcia walked in and asked Cassidy where Katsuyori Shibata is, as Cassidy said Shibata isn’t here, but sets up Cassidy & Shibata vs. Sabre & Garcia next week.

Toni Storm (w/Ruby Soho) defeated Skye Blue to retain the AEW Women’s Title

(Blue put up a good fight and the crowd bit for the false finish at the end, but the numbers game once again proved to be too much.)

Saraya refused to show up to DC, so in her absence Soho is carrying a Saraya on a Stick. Blue started fast, punting Soho on the apron and dropping Storm with a cross body for two. Blue gave Storm a taste of her own medicine and hit a hip attack o the outside. Storm & Soho got up and sprayed Blue’s mother in the face ringside. Blue followed with a dive to the outside taking out both Storm & Soho, but Storm regained control during commercial.

Blue fired back with a head scissors and step up knee in the ropes as a kick to the head sent Storm into the ropes. Storm used a handful of tights to pull Blue to the floor, as Soho passed Storm the spray paint can. Soho took the ref, but Blue had spray paint of her own, blinded Storm and hit the Code Blue to a massive reaction. Soho distracted the ref enough to stall the pin attempt and ate a Blue thrust kick. Blue charged and was hung up in the ropes by Storm, dropped with Storm Zero and tapped out to a Texas Cloverleaf. Post match, Soho & Storm attacked Blue more until Willow Nightingale hit the ring to run off The Outcasts.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with HOOK & Jack Perry, who said the summer of Jungle HOOK is in full swing. Perry said he feels naked without championship gold, so he officially accepts SANADA’s IWGP Title challenge for Forbidden Door. Paquette asks HOOK his thoughts, but Perry interrupts and says this came up quick, calls HOOK his best friend and asks him to corner Perry at Forbidden Door. HOOK gave the fist bump, as I firmly expect the wheels to eventually fall off Jungle HOOK sooner rather than later.

**********

The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) & Hangman Adam Page defeated Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta

(The match itself was an action packed sprint, but the post match just got bigger and better. From the return of Eddie Kingston, The Elite getting their hands on Takeshita, to finally the appearance of Will Ospreay, the final 5 minutes of this show were wild.)

Bryan Danielson joined commentary as The Young Bucks, who are having their first match on Dynamite in 3 months, are dressed like cowboys with Hangman Page as all six men start brawling early. The Elite hit triple superkicks to send the BCC outside where Matt laid out Yuta with a powerbomb on the edge of the apron, while Nick & Page took out Moxley & Castagnoli with double dives. Nick hit a springboard face buster to Moxley, but as he tried a moonsault to the floor, Castagnoli caught him with a slam. Matt hit a huge cross body to the floor to take out Moxley & Castagnoli, but was dropped with a Yuta German suplex. Moxley fought back with a King Kong lariat on Nick, who remained isolated during commercial.

Nick got the hot tag to Page, as Danielson points out how something could be wrong with Moxley’s arm or elbow, he was clutching it. Page continued to run wild on Yuta & Castagnoli, as Yuta ate a buckle bomb and double enzugiris by The Bucks. Matt did his locomotion Northern Lights on Yuta, then one on both Yuta & Moxley for good measure. A springboard double stomp by Nick, who rolled through and ate a Moxley cutter. Moxley & Castagnoli connected with a Doomsday Device on Matt, as Moxley sank in a rear naked choke, but Nick hit a Swanton Bomb to break it up. Castagnoli no sold a superkick and just flattened Matt leading to a Rocket Launcher attempt by Yuta, but Matt got the knees up. Superkick Party commenced, as Page made the tag, laid out Yuta with a pop up powerbomb, as The Bucks hit the BTE Trigger, while Page finished him off with a Buckshot Lariat to get the win.

Post match, Castagnoli & Moxley attacked as Moxley launched Nick over the barricade until Eddie Kingston’s music hits and out runs Kingston to double leg Castagnoli. The brawl was on, as Yuta was dispatched until Moxley & Kingston had a face off. The Bucks attacked Moxley and a scuffle happened with Konosuke Takeshita hitting the ring to attack Kingston. This led to Kenny Omega hitting the ring to brawl with Takeshita, who was planted with a Snap Dragon while The Bucks & Page took out the BCC with triple dives. Right as Omega was going to do a Terminator Dive, Will Ospreay appeared and wiped out Omega to loud Holy Sh*t chants. Ospreay clocked Omega with Hidden Blade and stood tall as Bryan Danielson said he thinks Ospreay will be the winner at Forbidden Door. For good measure, Ospreay connected with Storm Breaker to stand tall. Don Callis is ringside, while Danielson is at the top of the stage, both applauding Ospreay’s actions. Ospreay got off one more Hidden Blade before they went off the air.

AEW Rampage 6/16/23

· United Empire (Will Ospreay, Jeff Cobb & Kyle Fletcher) take on CHAOS (Rocky Romero, Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta)

Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) vs. Bandido

AEW Collision 6/17/23

· CM Punk & AEW Tag Team Champions FTR vs. Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson & ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe

· Wardlow defends the TNT Title against Luchasaurus

· Miro returns to action

· Skye Blue & NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale face AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm & Ruby Soho

· Buddy Matthews vs. Andrade El Idolo

AEW Dynamite 6/21/23

· AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata battle NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. & Daniel Garcia

WWE Raw live results: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Imperium

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 12, 2023
Location: Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS

********** 

Show Recap —

Rhea Ripley entered alone to start the show. Adam Pearce wasted no time in introducing her as the new Women’s World Champion. He unveiled a new title belt and its design is similar to the men’s world title belt but with a white strap. Ripley was pumped to raise the new belt and the crowd applauded her.

Dominik Mysterio excitedly jogged out to place the belt around Ripley’s waist. The crowd booed as Dom put over Ripley.

Cody Rhodes interrupted. Rhodes had nothing but respect for Ripley but what he actually wanted to talk about was Dom. He showed a replay of Dom slapping him last week.

Rhodes wished we were hearing Brock Lesnar accept his challenge but Lesnar didn’t have the balls to do that. Instead, Rhodes challenged Dom to a match at Money in the Bank.

Dom said he wasn’t afraid of anyone in the world. He embarrassed Rhodes just like he would anyone else. The crowd chanted “You suck” and Rhodes encouraged them to continue. Rhodes wanted an answer.

Ripley said her Latino Heat was more of a man than anyone in the arena and certainly more than Rhodes. Rhodes again asked for an answer.

Miz tried to attack Rhodes from behind but Rhodes saw it coming and knocked him out of the ring. This allowed Dom to get in another cheapshot before he bailed from the ring. Ripley laughed and accepted Rhodes’ challenge on Dom’s behalf. 

Cody Rhodes defeated The Miz (10:43)

Rhodes wrestled with his arm in a cast and Miz took control by driving him arm-first into the steel steps. Rhodes fought back after a break and hit a Side Effect, clothesline, powerslam, and Disaster Kick for two. Miz kicked his leg out of his leg, hit It Kicks and a DDT for two.

Rhodes blocked a Skull Crushing Finale for a second time and hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. Rhodes signed an autograph for a young fan as he left.

(Not sure where it happened but Rhodes had blood on the back of his head.)

******** 

Becky Lynch walked through the back past Alpha Academy as Chad Gable and Otis appeared to be showing Maxxine Dupri some holds.

Lynch entered to cut a promo before her match. Lynch said she was lucky to do a lot of things in her career but winning the MITB ladder match has alluded her. She had a good feeling about this year.

She said we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the best person is the person who holds the championship. The irony of it was that the number one person was the person who held the power and that was the person who held the briefcase.

They had a power to make the champion scared and that scared people did dangerous things. She liked it when people did dangerous things because it made her better. You didn’t have to look any further than Trish Stratus as an example. Stratus was so scared that she got herself an insurance policy in Zoey Stark.

Stark interrupted. Stark said Lynch had a lot of accomplishments but she’ll never be able to say that she beat Trish Stratus. Losing to Stark at MITB would be her next failure.

Lynch knew that Stark was a pit bull but she had no personality. Stark told Lynch to look in the mirror because the only reason she only got popular was because someone else broke her face. Lynch was desperately holding onto her fame and was now using Stratus to stay relevant. Stark threatened to break her face at MITB and make her famous.

Stratus invited her to the ring but Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville entered. (Stark tried to psych them out by stepping toward them but they didn’t flinch. They told her to relax and moved on.) They made excuses for Deville’s loss last week before Lynch cut them off and told Green to get in the ring.

Becky Lynch defeated Chelsea Green (w/Sonya Deville) (7:17)

A distraction from Deville allowed Green to take control during a break but Lynch fought back and repeatedly drove her into the barricade. Lynch applied a Disarmer moments later and Green tapped out. 

******** 

There was a recap of Seth Rollins beating Damian Priest to retain the world title.

In the back, Priest, Ripley and Dom were all in a good mood but Finn Bálor was not. Ripley asked if Bálor was alright and he said he had a lot on his mind. Priest said he would beat Matt Riddle in his MITB qualifier and would go to the ring alone. Bálor didn’t look pleased.

[SECOND HOUR]

Money in the Bank qualifier: Damian Priest defeated Matt Riddle (14:20)

There was a spot where Riddle ducked a charge and Priest flew onto the announce desk. Riddle grabbed him and yelled “Stupid!” which was perhaps a reference to Randy Orton.

Riddle held control for the first part of the match. After a Riddle German suplex, they traded strikes until Priest cut him off with a falcon arrow.

Riddle applied an ankle lock following a break and transitioned into a sleeper hold. Priest countered it and dropped him with a clothesline. Priest charged at Riddle in the corner but Riddle grabbed him in a triangle between the ropes. Priest came back with a headlock driver for two.

Priest set up for a top rope Razor’s Edge but Riddle slipped out and hit an avalanche fisherman suplex for a nearfall. Priest grabbed Riddle off the middle rope and hit a Razor’s Edge for the (somewhat abrupt) pinfall win. Priest qualifies for the final men’s MITB slot.

This was really good and Riddle looked particularly impressive.

— Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser marched out after the match. Priest faced off with Gunther before telling him to go pick the bones. Gunther smacked around Riddle and dropped him with a chop. (This was payback for Riddle beating up Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci last week.)

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Rhodes. Rhodes said Dom was getting gassed up by Ripley and Judgment Day and that would eventually get Dom hurt. He spoke passionately about finishing the story and said Lesnar and Dom were not knocking him off the path. He wished “Dom-Dom” luck at MITB.  

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Natalya. Saxton said people are suggesting that Natalya hasn’t been the same since losing to Ripley. Natalya said maybe that wasn’t a bad thing considering being her hasn’t worked out well lately. She said she may not even know how to be herself anymore. She marched off.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walked by so Saxton interviewed them too. Owens (who wore a Gene Okerlund t-shirt) looked forward to getting payback after coming so close against Gunther last week. Saxton left as Imperium approached.

Kaiser reminded Owens that he lost to Gunther. Zayn asked Owens to calm down before he could freak out again. Zayn said it took three of them to beat Owens last week and he wondered where their bald friend was this week.

Pearce showed up and wanted everyone to settle down. Kaiser challenged them to put the tag titles on the line tonight. Owens freaked out and accepted. He said he needed to change his t-shirt and shorts into a different t-shirt and shorts. He left.

Kaiser and Gunther were amused by Owens’ antics so Zayn confidently reminded them that they were the undisputed tag champs. Gunther told Pearce to make the title match official. Pearce said he’d think about it.

******** 

Jinder Mahal said Indus Sher were not satisfied because Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were still standing so the job was not done. He offered them a proper match.

Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet via disqualification (7:39)

Shinsuke Nakamura sauntered out to watch at ringside.

Ricochet fought back after a break with a dropkick, suicide dive, springboard crossbody and lionsault for two. Reed caught Ricochet and lawn-darted him into Nakamura, so Nakamura attacked Reed for the DQ. (Samantha Irvin, Ricochet’s partner, very excitedly announced Reed as the winner via DQ.)

— Ricochet argued with Nakamura until Reed ran them both over. Ricochet saved Nakamura from a Reed Tsunami and they worked together to bring Reed down with a superplex. Ricochet and Nakamura stared each other down as the segment ended.

******** 

Zayn asked Owens about his constant blow-ups lately. Owens admitted there’s been months of stress dealing with the Bloodline and now Imperium were constantly showing up around them. Owens spoke frantically until Zayn asked if he’d be ok in the ring. Owens settled down and said he’d be just fine.

Elsewhere, Pearce was on the phone with someone and made the tag title match official for tonight. Ricochet approached him and requested a rematch against Reed next week. Pearce said Reed already had a match scheduled against Nakamura next week.

Nakamura showed up and Ricochet wanted to know what his problem was. Ricochet warned him not to get involved again. Nakamura said he would succeed where Ricochet failed and Ricochet could have Reed when he was done with him.

********

Finn Bálor / Seth Rollins segment

Bálor entered and called out Seth Rollins. He didn’t want any jokes or singalongs. He wanted Rollins now.

Rollins entered. Despite Bálor’s request, the crowd sang Rollins’ theme. Bálor said, “I’ve been waiting seven years to say this and I’m not waiting another second so you people better shut up.” The crowd kept singing.

Bálor recalled being the first draft pick on Raw seven years ago, beating Roman Reigns on his first night and beating Rollins to become the first ever Universal Champion. The crowd kept singing. Rollins spoke which stopped the crowd’s singing for a moment but they started again once Bálor spoke again. Rollins wanted to hear what Bálor had to say after seven years.

Bálor said it should have been the highest of highs for him seven years ago but it was the lowest of lows because of Rollins. Bálor ran down the list of injuries he suffered because of him.

Bálor wouldn’t complain about the injuries because that happens in this industry. The crowd was still singing. The injuries didn’t bother him and said the fans can sing along all they want but they didn’t really know Seth Rollins.

Bálor said Rollins took everything from him. Rollins took his momentum, his title, and a year of his career. “You took everything.” Bálor said it was his turn — he would take Rollins’ momentum, title and a year from his career. Bálor would take it all at Money in the Bank.

Rollins laughed. He said this was the Finn Bálor he’s been waiting to see for the past seven years. Rollins said they went on different paths after that SummerSlam match because one of them got bitter while the other got better.

Rollins admitted he’s done some bad things over those seven years but he’s also made history, memories and moments that the fans will never forget. Rollins did that because he adapted and got better every day and now he was the best version of Seth freakin’ Rollins. The proof was in the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins accepted Bálor’s challenge at MITB.

Rollins wondered which version of Bálor would show up in London. The bitter shell of a former champion didn’t stand a chance but the Bálor that beat him with one arm had a shot. Rollins wondered if we’d get that Bálor or the one that’s been walking around for seven years acting like a little bitch.

(The match was made official after a break.)

********

Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) defeated Raquel Rodriguez (2:12)

Rodriguez fought off Baszler’s attack and set up for her finisher but she stopped what she was doing to go after Rousey on the apron. Rodriguez grabbed Rousey which allowed Baszler to roll her up for the pinfall win — with Rousey assisting on the cover. This was silly.

********

They aired the Iron Sheik tribute video and the crowd gave a big ovation.

******** 

Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Erik (w/Ivar & Valhalla) (1:49)

Gable hit a diving headbutt and Otis was happy to see “coach” using his head.

Valhalla sprinted at Dupri who sidestepped her and brought her down with a hip toss. (This is what Gable was teaching her earlier tonight.) Gable used a sunset flip into a cradle moments later for the pinfall win. The crowd liked Gable.

******** 

Bálor spoke with JD McDonagh in the back. McDonagh left after Priest approached. Priest said Bálor seemed to be in a better mood now that he had his championship opportunity. Bálor congratulated Priest on qualifying for MITB and asked if he would cash the briefcase in on him.

Priest said of course not and seemed surprised that Bálor would ask him that. Priest said there was tension between them and blamed it on Rollins. Priest told Bálor to make it worth it and end it at MITB.

******** 

Kelley interviewed Rollins. She asked if he was prepared for a bitter Finn Bálor. Rollins was as prepared and confident as someone can be. He wondered if Bálor was prepared for him. If Bálor lost, not only would he lose his mind, it seemed like he might lose Priest as well.

Rollins was feeling good so he issued an open challenge for his world title next week on Raw.

(He didn’t acknowledge Bron Breakker or NXT here but there was a commercial teasing that Rollins would appear on NXT tomorrow.)

********

Next week on Raw in Cleveland:

  • Logan Paul returns
  • Seth Rollins world title open challenge
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed

********

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated Intercontinental Champion Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser to retain the Tag Team Championships (18:17)

Zayn fought off both opponents but Gunther had tagged himself in and leveled Zayn with a boot before also booting Owens off the apron. Gunther dropped Zayn onto the apron which led to the match’s second commercial break.

Zayn hit a sunset flip sitout powerbomb immediately after the break. (The crowd was red hot now.) Owens made the hot tag and he hammered away on Gunther. Owens dropped him after a few clotheslines and followed with a senton, exploder suplex, superkick, cannonball, and senton bomb for two. Gunther blocked a stunner and hit a big boot.

Each man tagged out and Zayn gave Kaiser an exploder in the corner. Zayn ducked a chop from Gunther outside the ring and Gunther chopped the ring post.

Kaiser blocked a Blue Thunder Bomb and hit a rolling fireman’s carry. Kaiser also wiped out Owens with a suicide dive.

Gunther killed Zayn with a clothesline for a close nearfall. Gunther hit another big clothesline for another nearfall. Imperium hit the Imperial Bomb but Owens broke up the cover by pushing Gunther into Kaiser.

Kaiser posted Owens which led to Riddle marching out. Gunther knocked out Riddle before Owens took out Gunther with a DDT on the ramp.

Zayn nailed Kaiser with Blue Thunder Bomb for the pinfall win. Zayn and Owens retained. They celebrated as the show ended.

The crowd was super into the final moments and popped big for the win.

(The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship about a minute or two after Raw went off the air.) 

WWE Main Event results: Apollo Crews vs. Akira Tozawa, Xia Li in action

Posted on by James Cox

This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, before Monday’s Raw.

Candice LeRae defeated Xia Li (4:45)

This was a fine opener. Li got some of her stuff in and LeRae seems to be getting over.

Li made her Main Event debut, playing the heel and taking her time over everything that she did. She certainly looked comfortable enough. Byron Saxton noted that she had not quite got going over on SmackDown.

LeRae was at the top of the show last week in a winning debut performance, and seems to have something that the crowd likes. Either that or it was Li as her opponent that they disliked.

Li was methodical and burst into occasional flurries of offense, using a modified suplex at one point to throw LeRae across the ring. She tried a chin lock before LeRae broke loose and nailed her with a series of strikes in the corner.

They worked back and forth until Xi caught LaRae’s leg and got nailed with a kick to the head. LeRae stepped on her back, hit a senton and went to the middle rope for her moonsault finish to get her second win in as many weeks.

Apollo Crews defeated Akira Tozawa (7:09)

This was a solid match that was what you would expect. If Crews is back on the Raw roster, though, this isn’t the way to book him.

Before his run back on NXT, Crews had become quite the regular on Main Event. He and Commander Azeez were often tagging up or Crews would work solo with Azeez in his corner. It was an act that they grew tired of when it actually had legs.

As noted on commentary, Tozawa and Crews have worked together in a previous life and it showed. They were smooth and did the whole power vs. pace thing well.

Crews used a Perfect Plex at one point after having clotheslined Tozawa out of his boots, but as ever Tozawa was plucky to the last. He gave Crews a run for his money with a running headscissors and top rope back elbow.

After a segment where they traded kicks, including Tozawa going to town with a veritable can can of kicks, he tried to go up top for his finish, but got caught and nailed with a Samoan drop to give Crews the win.

The finish was really neat and the crowd was into it. Crews looked dominant and Tozawa continued his run of being excellent in the curtain jerker role for these pre-Raw crowds.

Final Thoughts:

This was a  perfectly pleasant enough show this week. It was nice to see Crews back in action and for Li to make her show debut. The crowd certainly seem to like LeRae, so they should probably do something more with her. 

UFC 289 live results: Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana bantamweight title fight

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back in Canada for the first time since September 2019 with Saturday’s UFC 289 — a pay-per-view from Vancouver offering featuring arguably the greatest female fighter of all-time looking to add to her legacy.

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes makes her ninth career title defense, and the first of her second reign as bantamweight champ, when she defends against Irene Aldana in the main event. 

Nunes regained the title with a dominant win over Julianna Pena in July and were scheduled to finish their trilogy tonight, but Pena was forced out due to broken ribs. Aldana stepped in on the heels of wins in four of her last five fights.

The co-main event features a pivotal lightweight bout with title shot implications as former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Beneil Dariush. Oliveira is coming off of losing the title to Islam Makhachev in October while Dariush comes into this fight riding an eight-fight win streak.

Also on the main card: Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugitt, Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr, and Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders. Capping off the prelims is a battle of ranked middleweights as Nassourdine Imavov takes on Chris Curtis.

ESPN PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- Diana Belbita (14-7, 1-3 UFC) vs. Maria Oliveira (13-6, 1-2 UFC)

They’re trading in the center to start. Belbita lands a nice right hand. Belbita lands a leg kick just after Oliveira misses a flying knee. They trade combos inside the pocket. Oliveira lands a right hand and scores a takedown. Belbita throws her legs up and is landing some elbows from the bottom. Oliveira drops back and is looking for a leg lock but Belbita spins out of trouble and ends up on top. They get to their feet and Belbita lands a knee. She lands another as they break. Belbita lands a couple of leg kicks as Oliveira lands the jab. Belbita lands a big combination. Belbita with a leg kick and right hand late. 10-9 Belbita.

They come out swinging and Belbita lands some punches and Oliveira lands a leg kick. Oliveira gets a takedown. Belbita with some elbows from the bottom. Oliveira is doing a good job of defending from the top as both are landing, then they scramble to the feet. Oliveira has it pushed against the fence. Belbita landing right hands to the body as Oliveira isn’t doing much. They break. Belbita landing the jab after they’re separated. Belbita catches a kick and pushes it against the fence. Belbita gets a big takedown and works from side control to end the round. 10-9 Belbita, 20-18 Belbita.

Belbita lands to start and connects with a big left hook. Belbita continuing to fire right hands and lands a knee before they clinch. Oliveira lands a combo in close range but Belbita continues to press forward. Belbita lands a big right hand. Belbita lands a couple of jabs. She lands a combo before they clinch. They break and Belbita lands an elbow. Both are landing jabs but Belbita is being more effective with them. Oliveira lands a jumping knee. They continue to trade until the end with Belbita landing more. 10-9 Belbita, 30-27 Belbita.

Official Result- Diana Belbita def. Maria Oliveira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #10 David Dvorak (20-5, 3-2 UFC) vs. Stephen Erceg (9-1, 0-0 UFC)

Dvorak lands a couple of leg kicks. Erceg lands a leg kick. He lands a big left hand. Dvorak starting to land more as both are landing calf kicks, but Dvorak is landing the right hand. They trade calf kicks. Dvorak misses a right hand and Erceg is able to land a body kick. Dvorak lands a combo. Dvorak lands a calf kick. 10-9 Dvorak.

Dvorak lands a good combination to the body. Erceg lands a right hand and Dvorak lands a counter knee and right hand. Both are swinging as they’re circling around but nothing is really landing. Dvorak lands a couple of leg kicks. They trade kicks. They trade and Erceg has Dvorak in trouble then drops him with a head kick. They scramble and Erceg locks in a guillotine choke but Dvorak is popping his head out. They scramble and Erceg lands an upkick and Dvorak lands some shots from the bottom, then they trade big shots at the end of a wild round. 10-9 Erceg, 19-19.

Erceg lands a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Dvorak tries a takedown but Erceg is able to scramble to the back but Dvorak scrambles out of the position. Dvorak lands a right hand. They clinch for a moment but break. Dvorak shoots for a takedown but Erceg scrambles and looked for the neck but they get to their feet. Dvorak gets a takedown. He’s in the half-guard and lands an elbow. They scramble and Erceg grabs the neck and is threatening. They scramble back to their feet. Erceg gets a takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. Erceg lands a knee. Erceg lands some punches at the end. 10-9 Erceg, 29-28 Erceg.

Official Result- Stephen Erceg def. David Dvorak by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Featherweights- Kyle Nelson (13-5-1, 1-4-1 UFC) vs. Blake Bilder (8-0-1, 1-0 UFC)

Bilder lands a left hand. Nelson lands a right hand. Bilder scores with a left hook. Bilder lands a punch then shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Nelson reverses positions and neither is doing a whole lot. Bilder is landing small body punches as Nelson is landing foot stomps but not much else. They break as Bilder lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Bilder lands a high kick. Nelson lands a nice left hand then hurts Bilder with a right hand. 10-9 Bilder.

Bilder landing the jab early. He lands a body kick and ducks under a right hand from Nelson. Nelson might’ve landed a low blow that got missed and then connects before they clinch up. Bilder is pressuring against the fence. They separate. They trade jabs. Nelson lands a head kick. Nelson lands a leg kick. Both have cuts opened up as they trade. Nelson with another high kick and they trade leg kicks. Nelson is pressing forward and lands some leg kicks. He lands another as Bilder was circling away. 10-9 Nelson, 19-19.

Both are swinging early and looking to land leg kicks. Bilder is looking for a takedown against the fence. Nelson reverses position and has Bilder pressed against the fence. They are separated. Bilder lands a high kick. They’re trading and both land some solid right hands. They trade leg kicks. They trade late and Nelson lands some big punches. Close fight. 10-9 Nelson, 29-28 Nelson.

Official Result- Kyle Nelson def. Blake Bilder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Aiemann Zahabi (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Aoriqileng (24-9, 2-2 UFC)

Aoriqileng with a leg kick. He lands a body kick. He lands another leg kick but eats a counter combination from Zahabi. Aoriqileng lands another leg kick. Zahabi drops Aoriqileng with a left hand and then lands from the top to end it. Big knockout for Zahabi!

Official Result- Aiemann Zahabi def. Aoriqileng by knockout (punches) at 1:04 of Round 1

> Women’s Flyweights- #15 Miranda Maverick (11-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (8-2, 2-1 UFC)

Maverick lands some left hands early. Jasudavicius lands a combo. Maverick lands a left hand and a body kick. They clinch and trade knees. They trade and Maverick looks for a takedown but Jasudavicius defends against the fence. Jasudavicius is able to get the takedown and is on top against the fence. Maverick is looking for an armbar from the bottom but Jasudavicius is defending from the top. Jasudavicius is still defending as Maverick is attacking the arm as the round ended. 10-9 Maverick.

Jasudavicius comes out with a high kick to start. Maverick lands a left hand then they exchange punches. They trade inside the pocket and Jasudavicius lands a big right hand as they clinch against the fence. Jasudavicius gets a big takedown and is working in the center as she’s landing a lot of punches from the top. She gets the back of Maverick and gets the body triangle locked in. Jasudavicius with some big shots from the back as she has a big round. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 19-19.

Maverick lands a left hand to start then Jasudavicius counters with a left hand. Maverick throwing elbows but Jasudavicius is being more active and landing more. She throws a big flurry and Maverick is on the run. Jasudavicius with some leg kicks. Jasudavicius continuing to push the pace and pressure but Maverick lands a left hand. Jasudavicius gets a takedown and is landing from the top. Jasudavicius has the back as they get to their feet and she is landing knees. She has a big finish to the fight. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 29-28 Jasudavicius.

Official Result- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #12 Nassourdine Imavov (12-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. #14 Chris Curtis (30-10, 4-2 UFC)

Curtis lands a few leg kicks to start. He lands another then a left hand to the body. Imavov with some leg kicks. Curtis with another leg kick. Imavov lands a combo. They clinch against the fence and both land before they break. Imavov lands a right hand then a short elbow. Curtis lands a left hand before Imavov initiates a clinch. Imavov gets Curtis down and is on the back and is looking for a rear-naked choke. He lets go and Curtis is able to get back to his feet. 10-9 Imavov.

Both pressing forward and Curtis lands a leg kick. Imavov lands some leg kicks. Imavov with a combo. Imavov with a right hand after Curtis attacks the body. Curtis lands a leg kick as he eats a combo from Imavov. Imavov with a right hand to the body. They clinch against the fence and Imavov lands an elbow on the break then a combo. They clinch again and clash heads, so we have a timeout. The fight is stopped as Curtis can’t see and time has run out on the timeout, so this will be a no contest.

Official Result- Nassourdine Imavov vs. Chris Curtis ruled a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads at 3:04 of Round 2

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

> Middleweights- Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6 1 NC, 4-5 1 NC UFC) vs. Eryk Anders (15-7 1 NC, 7-7 1 NC UFC)

Barriault lands a body kick then drops Anders with a right hand. He gets on top then gets the back and is landing as they get to the feet and remain tied up. Barriault lands a short right hand that hurts Anders. Anders lands a knee then a couple more. Anders lands a left hand as they almost break. Barriault lands a knee then an elbow then Anders lands an elbow. Anders with some knees. They break. Anders with some knees and a left hand. They trade short elbows. They separate and both land. Anders lands a right hand. Anders lands a knee and follows it with a flurry before they separate. Barriault lands a body kick. They clinch and both land knees. Anders lands some left hands on the break. Barriault lands a knee and elbow as they clinch again. Barriault lands a left as they break again. They clinch again and Barriault lands a big knee as Anders is looking for a takedown. They break and Anders lands a left hand. 10-9 Barriault.

Barriault lands a body kick. Barriault lands another but Anders is pressuring. They clinch and Barriault lands a combo as they break. Anders lands a body kick. Anders lands a left hand. We have a timeout for a groin strike by Barriault. They get back to action. Barriault lands a right hand. Anders lands a straight left hand. Anders lands a couple more left hands and shoots for a takedown against the fence. Anders scores a takedown. Barriault gets up against the fence but eats a left from Anders. They trade before breaking. Barriault lands a short left hand and we have another groin strike timeout by Barriault. They get back to action and Anders lands some left hands. Barriault lands a body kick and Anders lands a combo. Anders lands a couple of right hands. Barriault lands a body kick then a left hand. Barriault with another right hand. Anders lands a body kick then a left hand. Close round. 10-9 Anders, 19-19.

Barriault coming forward and lands a body kick. Anders lands a knee then a left hand. Barriault lands a body kick. They clinch against the fence and Anders lands some knees. They break and Barriault lands a body kick but eats a left hand from Anders. Barriault lands a jab. He lands a body kick. Anders lands to the body but Barriault lands two big shots with an elbow and punch. Barriault lands a nice right hand. They trade as Barriault is circling around. Barriault lands the jab then Anders lands inside the pocket. Barriault lands two big right hands then a body kick in a flurry. Barriault lands a hard jab. They trade big punches. They trade jabs. Anders with a high kick. 10-9 Barriault, 29-28 Barriault.

Official Result- Marc-Andre Barriault def. Eryk Anders by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #13 Dan Ige (16-6, 8-5 UFC) vs. Nate Landwehr (17-4, 4-2 UFC)

Ige coming forward throwing the jab. Ige lands a right hand. Landwehr lands a body kick. Ige comes forward and lands a left hook to the body. Ige lands a combo. He lands another. Ige lands a leg kick. Ige lands to the body. Landwehr lands a leg kick. Ige lands a right hand and Landwehr looks for a takedown but Ige defends. Ige lands a combo then they trade jabs. Ige lands a left hook to the body. Landwehr tries a head kick but Ige blocks it. Landwehr starting to land a little bit more as the round goes on. Ige drops Landwehr late with a big left hand. 10-9 Ige.

Landwehr throwing leg kicks early as Ige lands a combo. Landwehr grabs a leg but Ige defends and escapes. Ige lands a combo but Landwehr makes him eat a knee. Ige pushes Landwehr against the fence and lands a combo. Ige with a right hand to the body. Landwehr lands a right hand but Ige counters with a right hand. Ige is cut open at the nose. Ige lands to the body then a left hand up top. Landwehr lands a couple of jabs. They trade inside the pocket. They trade in close range. Landwehr lands a front kick to the body. Ige is being more active. Landwehr lands an uppercut and they clinch against the fence. Ige drops Landwehr again with a left hand and Landwehr is hurt bad. Ige lands from the top and Landwehr lands an upkick that may have been illegal but it was a wild end to the round. 10-9 Ige, 20-18 Ige.

Ige lands a combo. Ige scores a right hand but Landwehr is coming forward. Ige lands a left hand and Landwehr was wobbled. Ige lands to the body. Landwehr lands a jab. They continue to trade in close range. Ige pushes it against the fence and they trade positions. Landwehr lands against the fence. They separate. Ige lands a right hand as Landwehr lands a knee to the body. Ige lands a nice right hand. Landwehr grabs a leg but lands a right hand as he lets go. They trade in close range. They each go for a takedown late. Landwehr lands an elbow. 10-9 Ige, 30-27 Ige.

Official Result- Dan Ige def. Nate Landwehr by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Mike Malott (9-1-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Adam Fugitt (9-3, 1-1 UFC)

Malott lands a body kick and Fugitt is hurt. Malott lands another as Fugitt landed a left hand. Malott lands a right hand. Malott lands another body kick. Malott lands a groin strike but there is no timeout as Fugitt can go on. Malott gets a takedown and was in side control for a moment but ends up in the guard of Fugitt. Malott stands and Fugitt is able to get up. Fugitt throws a kick and Malott is able to turn it into a takedown. Malott ends the round on top. 10-9 Malott.

Malott lands a body kick and Fugitt falls to the mat. Malott locks in a guillotine choke as he gets on top and it is in tight and Fugitt taps. What a finish from Malott!

Official Result- Mike Malott def. Adam Fugitt by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:06 of Round 2

> Lightweights- #1 Charles Oliveira (33-9 1 NC, 21-9 1 NC UFC) vs. #4 Beneil Dariush (22-4-1, 15-4-1 UFC)

Oliveira lands a head kick. Dariush lands a left hand. They clinch and both land knees. Dariush gets it down and is in the half-guard of Oliveira. Dariush then moves to the full guard but both are landing on the ground. Oliveira is looking for a leg. Dariush is able to escape and gets back into the guard of Oliveira. Both are landing punches. They scramble to their feet. Oliveira lands a head kick and follows with a left hand. Oliveira drops Dariush to a knee with a right hand. Dariush is now down and Oliveira is on top landing a lot of punches and it is stopped! What a massive win for Oliveira!

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Beneil Dariush by TKO (punches) at 4:10 of Round 1

> UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship- C Amanda Nunes (22-5, 15-2 UFC) vs. #5 Irene Aldana (14-6, 7-4 UFC)

Nunes lands some early kicks. Nunes lands a body kick. Nunes gets an easy takedown but lets Aldana get right back up. Nunes lands another body kick. They trade jabs. Nunes lands a body kick. Nunes lands a spin kick. Aldana just looks frozen as she’s not really doing much. Nunes with a body kick but Aldana lands a right hand. Nunes lands but Aldana counters with a big right hand. Nunes lands a big right hand. 10-9 Nunes.

Nunes lands the jab. Nunes lands a combo then a leg kick. Nunes lands a couple of leg kicks. Aldana out there not doing a whole lot. Nunes fakes a takedown and lands a combo then scores with a leg kick. Nunes lands a combo and gets Aldana down for a second. Nunes lands some big leg kicks. Nunes scores a big combo. Nunes lands then they trade jabs. Aldana misses a head kick as Nunes ducks under and gets a takedown, but they get right back up and Nunes lands a leg kick. 10-9 Nunes, 20-18 Nunes.

Nunes lands a right hand then some jabs. Nunes with a flurry and Aldana is backing up. Aldana is throwing the jab but not landing much. Aldana lands a leg kick. Nunes gets a brief takedown and they scramble up at the fence, but Nunes gets it right back down. Nunes with some elbows from the top. Aldana scrambles but Nunes slams her back down. They get up and Nunes pushes it against the fence. Nunes gets it down as Aldana almost grabbed the fence and Nunes has the back. Nunes went for the arm but Aldana stood and landed a right hand as Nunes got up. Nunes lands an elbow. They trade jabs. Nunes lands a big right hand then a knee and some big punches. 10-9 Nunes, 30-27 Nunes.

Nunes lands a leg kick then a jab. Aldana lands a leg kick. Nunes lands a big elbow then lands a big combination. Nunes lands a couple of jabs. Nunes lands the jab again. Nunes tries for a takedown but Aldana defends. Aldana defends another takedown attempt from Nunes, but Nunes lands a couple of jabs. Nunes gets a takedown but lets Aldana get right back up. They clinch against the fence but separate as Nunes tried for a takedown. Nunes lands a hard combination. Nunes lands some hard punches and Aldana actually lands some good punches. Nunes lands a right hand. Nunes lands a hard left hook and then a big right hand. Nunes with a right hand to the body. Nunes with some more punches at the end. 10-9 Nunes, 40-36 Nunes.

Nunes lands the jab then a right hand. Nunes goes for a takedown and Aldana lands a knee, but Nunes finishes the takedown. She gets into the full guard of Aldana. Nunes landing from the top. Nunes working from the top and doing enough to keep it on the mat. Nunes gets into the full mount and starts landing body shots. Nunes continues to control from the top and is landing a lot of punches. Aldana is doing nothing on the bottom. Nunes finishes the fight landing from the top. Complete domination from Nunes. 10-8 Nunes, 50-44 Nunes.

Official Result- Amanda Nunes def. Irene Aldana by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-43) to retain the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

*Breaking- Nunes announces her retirement following the fight.

AEW Rampage live results: Four-way Women’s title no. 1 contender’s match

Posted on by Joseph Collins

Four women will vie for an AEW Women’s title shot on Friday’s Rampage on TNT from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In a four-way former champions Britt Baker and Nyla Rose will face Skye Blue and former Ring of Honor Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez. The winner will challenge current titleholder Toni Storm on this Wednesday’s Dynamite.

The plot will continue to thicken in the AEW trios division with two matches.

In one, ROH Tag Team Champions The Lucha Brothers (Penta & Rey Fenix) will unite with Bandido against former Firm teammates Ethan Page, Lee Moriarty & Big Bill. In the other bout, former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) and Billy Gunn battle the Spanish Announce Project (Serpentico, Angelico & Luther).

Powerhouse Hobbs will return to action ahead of an anticipated move to the impending Collision show on Saturdays.

Our coverage begins at 10 PM Eastern.

**********

Taped in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jim Ross, Excalibur, and Tony Schiavone were on commentary.

Bandido & The Lucha Brothers vs. Big Bill, Lee Moriarty, and Ethan Page

Ethan Page was teaming with his former partners in The Firm, even though his contract is now under the control of Matt Hardy. Because this match was signed before Hardy got control of the contract, you see. Page hit a nice-looking rana on Rey Fenix before tags were made to Bandido and Moriarty. Bandido hit Moriarty with a tornio and then a tijeras, before tags were made to Big Bill and Penta. Penta showed no fear facing Bill. Bill kept going for a choke on Penta, who kept breaking free with kicks. Pent tried for a tope through the ropes on Bill, who cut him off with a right hand. Bill whipped Penta into the barricade, and soon everyone was brawling around the ring. 

After a split screen break, Bill overpowered Bandido in the corner. Bill hit Bandido with a boot, and Page hoisted Bandido from the mat into a powerslam for a near fall. Bandido slipped out of a powerbomb attempt and hit an enziguri, then got the tag to Ray Fenix. Fenix sent Page to the floor with a superkick, then the Lucha Bros took out Bill with a series of double team superkicks. Penta catapulted Bandio over the ropes into a torino onto their opponents on the floor. Back in the ring, Page took a beat from the Lucha Bros. Bill ate some more superkicks, and Moriarty caught a cutter from Fenix.

The Lucha Bros hit the Fear Factor on the ring apron on Moriarty. Page got his knees up when Bandido went for a splash. Page set up the Ego’s Edge, but the Hardys came out to chastise Page for not wearing the special arm sleeves that Jeff Hardy gifted Page. Page pulled his brand new arm sleeves up, but this distraction allowed Bandido to hit the 21-plex and get the pinfall. 

– A QTV segment. They can’t think of an edgy idea for Collision that hasn’t already been done, so they agree to send Powerhouse Hobbs out to beat someone up. 

Powerhouse Hobbs (w/ QTV) defeated Caleb Crush (1:11)

Crush is from Colorado Springs, which is probably convenient for him since he’ll know where the hospital is. Hobbs destroyed this poor kid. Crush caught Hobbs with an enziguri. Hobbs bodyblocked him into the ropes and put him through the mat with a spinebuster to get the pinfall. 

– Rene Paquette interviewed Arn Anderson and Wardlow about the beating Brock Anderson took at the hands of Christian Cage and Luchasaurus. Wardlow promised to make Cage and Luchasuarus pay, and talked about an open challenge he has next Wednesday with Jake Hager for the TNT title. 

The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn defeated Serpentico, Angelico, and Luther

Collectively, Serpentico, Angelico and Luther are known as SAP, and in his rap Max Caster revealed what that really stood for. 

The first four minutes of this match were just goofiness around scissoring spots before they went to a split-screen break. 

After the break, Billy Gunn got the hot tag. Angelico caught Gunn with an enziguri and Luther got a near fall. Bowens got the tag and hit Luther with the Arrival, and Caster dropped the big elbow to get the pin. As a match, this was nothing but the crowd was happy. 

– A Dynamite recap.

– Rene Paquette brought out Jeff Jarrett’s crew for an interview. Karen Jarrett grabbed the mic and demanded Aubrey Edwards come out. Edwards came out with Mark Briscoe. AEW won’t sanction a one-on-one match between Edwards and Karen (because Aubrey is a referee and Karen “sure as hell isn’t a wrestler.”). But Mark announced that they will sanction a mixed trios match, The Jarretts & Jay Lethal against Aubrey Edwards, Mark Briscoe… and Papa Briscoe. 

Skye Blue defeated Nyla Rose (w/ Marina Shafir),  Britt Baker (w/ Hikaru Shida) and Mercedes Martinez in a four-way match to become the No. 1 contender for the AEW World Women’s Championship. 

Toni Storm and Ruby Soho were shown watching the match in the back. 

Shafir interfered and tried to choke out Martinez, and Shida chased her to the back with a kendo stick. 

After the split-screen break, Rose had Martinez hung up in the ropes for her guillotine legdrop, but Baker pushed her off the ropes to the floor. Baker hit Martinez with a slingblade for a one count. Blue and Baker exchanged forearms in the middle of the ring, and Blue got a near fall after an enziguri. Baker went for the lockjaw on Martinez, and Blue added a half crab, but Rose broke the submission attempt up. 

Blue and Barker hit a double superkick on Rose. Rose chokeslammed Baker and went for the pin, which Martinez broke up with a running knee. Baker gave Rose a stomp, and Martinez dumped Baker to the floor. Baker pulled Martinez out. Blue then snuck back in the ring and hit Rose with the Code Blue and got the surprise pinfall. Blue teared up after getting the surprise win. 

As a result, Sky Blue will face Toni Storm for the AEW World Women’s championship on Dynamite Wednesday. Toni Storm reacted to the win by spray painting a green “L” on the monitor in the back. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Jey Uso makes his choice

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Jey Uso is set to make his choice between his twin, Jimmy, and The Bloodline on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from the Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jey appeared conflicted at the end of last week’s episode when Solo Sikoa gave Jimmy a Samoan Spike after Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns teased embracing Jimmy. 

A Women’s Championship presentation is set to go down tonight. WWE has announced that Asuka will be presented with a new WWE Women’s Championship title belt. Though she’s currently the Raw Women’s Champion, Asuka is a member of the SmackDown roster.

The build to Money in the Bank will pick up with four qualifying matches. In two men’s MITB qualifying bouts, Santos Escobar will take on Mustafa Ali while Butch faces Baron Corbin.

The women’s qualifying matches will feature Bayley vs. Michin and Shotzi vs. IYO SKY.

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

**********

– The show began with a video recapping the Bloodline drama from last week. Michael Cole welcomed everyone in and Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman were already standing in the ring. As soon as Heyman began to talk, the Usos’ music began to play and Jey Uso made his way to the ring. 

The Bloodline Segment

Jey had a mic and told Solo that stabbing his big brother in the back isn’t something he should have done. Jey said he didn’t know if he could forgive Sikoa for that and told Sikoa to say what he needed to say. Heyman interjected and said Jey had it all wrong. Heyman said it’s not anyone’s fault but Jimmy’s fault because Jimmy made up his own mind for both Jey and Jimmy. Heyman moved Sikoa behind him and said he’s taking a chance standing so close to Jey. Heyman asked Jey if Jimmy asked Jey about kicking Roman Reigns at Night of Champions. 

Heyman said Jimmy has always resented Jey because Reigns wants to groom Jey to be the next Tribal Chief. Heyman said that being the next Tribal Chief is Jey’s fate. Because of as much, Heyman said Jimmy resents Jey. Heyman said he’s going to prove things to Jey and in order to do so, he made a match between Jey and Austin Theory for the U.S. title. Heyman also said there is no more tag team in WWE named The Usos. Heyman said after Jey wins the U.S. title, Reigns will publicly groom Jey to become the next Tribal Chief. 

Heyman gave Jey the microphone and Jey said he’d take Heyman up on the U.S. title challenge. Heyman stuck out his hand for a handshake. Jey stood there looking conflicted before saying he’d get back to Heyman on shaking his hand. Jey then left the ring. 

**********

Santos Escobar defeated Mustafa Ali in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [9:07]

This was a very good opening match and I’d even venture to say the best since I started reviewing SmackDown for this website. It felt like Ali and Escobar wanted to prove something and they did. That hurricanrana spot was gnarly, though, and Rey noticed it right away as he checked on Santos immediately after Santos hit his head on the steps. Here’s hoping Escobar is OK. All told, this was non-stop action, which isn’t always promised from a WWE match. So much of this was spent on the outside with bigger moves, I had to check for the WWE graphic to make sure I was watching the correct company. Good stuff all around. 

Before the match started, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight sat in on commentary. The match began with Ali and Escobar trading chops. Escobar hit a big shoulder block and the two went back and forth early. On the outside, the two traded chops and slaps. Escobar hit a hurricanrana as the two fought off the apron and took Ali to the floor, but hit his own head on the ring steps on the way down. Escobar landed a suicide dive through the ropes onto Ali, who was on the outside. Escobar then landed a cross-body on Ali on the outside before the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, the two were fighting on the top rope. Ali flipped off the top onto the outside. Escobar leapt off the top, but Ali countered with a dropkick to the head. Back inside the ring, Ali went for for a 450 splash, but Escobar moved and landed a Poisonrana for a good near-fall. Escobar then hit a double knee, but Ali kicked out landed a tornado DDT for another good near-fall. Ali went to the top but Escobar cut him off and landed the Phantom Driver for the win.

**********

After the match, the show cut to Jey Uso backstage, where he was approached by Sami Zayn, who said the time he had with him was some of the best times of his life. Zayn talked about making Jey laugh. Zayn said when the Tribal Chief takes over, bad things happen. Zayn said Reigns pushes too far and Zayn said he tried to put the Bloodline first, but it was never enough for Reigns. Zayn said Reigns made Sami not trust his own brother, which is what Reigns is doing to Jey now. Zayn said whatever happens, Jey has to understand the consequences and Jey should listen to his heart and not what’s being put into his ear. Jey said nothing and walked away.

**********

– Kayla Braxton stood in the ring and introduced Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. The women stepped into the ring with microphones. Braxton welcomed them to SmackDown, but Braxton was cut off right away by Ronda Rousey’s music. Rousey and Shayna Baszler made their entrance. Baszler asked Fyre and Dawn how much they knew about the NXT women’s tag titles. Baszler said she’s the reason those titles were even created. Rousey chimed in and said they’re going to be hungry soon and said they’re going to want Dawn and Fyre in a match to unify the tag titles. The women brawled to end the segment with Dawn and Fyre getting the best of Baszler and Rousey. 

– Michael Cole threw to a video package honoring the Iron Sheik. 

**********

Bayley defeated Michin in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [2:31]

It kind of sucks that this was ostensibly here to further the Styles/Kross story because there is a world where Bayley and Michin deserve more than two-and-a-half minutes for a match with actual stakes. Still, Bayley gave Michin a lot, so despite the short runtime, it wasn’t a squash. Michin needs something. They’re trying by putting her in The O.C., but she could use a nudge or two in a forward direction to help kickstart this latest WWE run. She’s just better than what they’re giving her. 

AJ styles sat in on commentary. The action spilled to the outside almost immediately and Bayley mocked Styles until Michin dove through the ropes to take Bayley out. Back in the ring, Michin worked over Bayley and eventually hit a DDT for a two-count. Michin kicked Bayley until Bayley went to the apron, where Bayley grabbed Michin by her hair and ran Michin into the second turnbuckle. Bayley then hit the Rose Plant for the win. 

After the match, Scarlett appeared out of nowhere and sprayed something in Styles’s face. Karrion Kross appeared and worked a Kross Jacket on Styles to end the segment. 

– Bianca Belair was shown taking to Adam Pearce backstage. Pearce asked Belair to stay backstage during Asuka’s championship ceremony. Pearce said Belair is in line for a rematch. Belair said because of the rematch promise, she won’t get involved. 

The Asuka Championship Celebration

Adam Pearce presented Asuka with the WWE Women’s Championship. The new belt wasn’t all that different from the old belt, but neither was the new Heavyweight Title. As Pearce was putting the belt on Asuka, Charlotte Flair’s music hit and Charlotte walked to the ring. Charlotte received a nice respectable pop and grabbed a microphone. Pearce asked Charlotte what she was doing there. Pearce was drowned out by “Wooooo!” from the crowd. 

Pearce said Charlotte needed to get in line. Charlotte said she doesn’t wait in line because she made the line. Charlotte then did the “Woooo!” thing. The crowd ate it up. Charlotte said she wants Asuka’s title so she’s challenging Asuka for the belt. Asuka accepted the challenge. Asuka went for the mist, but Charlotte moved and kicked Asuka in the head, sending Asuka outside the ring to end the segment. 

**********

Jey Uso was shown backstage and Paul Heyman approached him saying how Jey acted earlier was a good cliffhanger. Heyman said he needed Jey’s passport because they’re all going to go to Money In The Bank together. Heyman also said Roman will be there live next week. Heyman also said if Jey sticks around, he’ll receive a public acknowledgement  from Reigns that Jey’s next in line to be Tribal Chief. Jey seemed excited because he said if Jey’s going to be in the Bloodline, that means Heyman won’t be in the Bloodline. Jey walked away and Heyman pulled out his cellphone. 

**********

– Adam Pearce was shown backstage on the phone until Bianca Belair interrupted him. Belair gave him the old stare down, reminding him she’s in line for a rematch. 

– Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes were shown as the special guests watching the next match in the first row. 

Butch defeated Baron Corbin in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [1:46]

Much like the Bayley/Michin match, I’m not so sure it does the Money In The Bank credibility any favors when these qualifying matches go three minutes or less – and not to mention, they’re used more to further other stories that have nothing to do with MITB – but here we are. Good for Butch. I’ve been a fan of Pete Dunne for a while now and it’s nice to see him get a shot to really shine on the main roster by being in such a high-profile match. Speaking of matches, this match was practically nothing and I can’t say I’m invested in the Corbin/Hayes program that kicked off on NXT. To be fair, it’s early.

Before the match, Corbin grabbed a microphone and taunted Hayes and Williams at ringside. The bell rang and Butch instantly attacked Corbin. Butch landed a tornado DDT for a two-count. Butch went for a moonsault, but Corbin moved and started pounding on Butch. Butch came back by doing the finger spot on Corbin. Corbin responded with a stiff hit to take Butch down. Corbin jawed at Hayes and went for a chokeslam, but Butch rolled Corbin up for the win. 

After the match, Corbin went to ringside and punched Hayes, who jumped the barrier. Hayes and Williams had to be pulled apart from Corbin. 

**********

– Backstage, the Brutes were being interviewed, until they were interrupted by Baron Corbin … who was interrupted by Cameron Grimes, who ran Corbin down. 

Iyo Sky defeated Shotzi in a Money In The Bank qualifying match [2:33]

This all but promises that we’ll see the end of Damage CTRL at Money In The Bank. But that’s for then. As for now, this was what it was. I’m not sure if Shotzi – who, God love her, has at least two spots a match where I fear for her life – was supposed to hit her head on the turnbuckle as she came down to get to the finish, but here’s hoping she’s OK, too. Some scary spots tonight. That’s rare for WWE TV. 

The match began with Sky attacking Shotzi until Shotzi fought back and suplexed Sky. Sky fought back and stomped on Shotzi’s arm. Sky went to the top, but Shotzi moved and Shotzi took control, complete with a double-arm suplex and a splash into a corner. Shotzi hit a suicide dive on Sky, who was on the outside. Shotzi went to the top, but Bayley distracted Shotzi. With the referee turned away, Bayley pushed Sky off the top rope and Sky capitalized with a moonsault for the win. 

– After the match, we cut to an interview with Austin Theory, who said he’s going to beat Jey Uso like he beat John Cena. Theory said if Paul Heyman is looking for a new client, Heyman should check out Austin Theory. 

– Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were talking backstage. They were cut off by Pretty Deadly, who mocked Zayn and Owens for the way they looked. They were then interrupted by The Good Brothers, The Brawling Brutes, The Street Profits and the LWO. Owens flipped out. Adam Pearce showed up and announced a gauntlet match for next week, with the winners facing Owens and Zayn for the tag titles. Also next week, The Grayson Waller Effect will host Charlotte Flair. Michin and AJ Styles will also go up against Karrion Kross and Scarlett. In two weeks, Rousey and Baszler will face off against Fyre and Dawn to unify the women’s tag titles. In three weeks on SmackDown, Asuka and Charlotte will wrestle for the new WWE Women’s Championship. 

**********

Austin Theory defeated Jey Uso to retain the U.S. Championship [8:37]

You knew there would be shenanigans, but it was hard to think it’d go down like that. Or, well, who am I kidding. Of course we were never going to get a definitive answer on where Jey stands tonight. The way this Bloodline story moves, we’re not getting that until Christmas. Anyway, the match was pretty fun while it lasted. We didn’t see much of it due to the commercial break in the middle of the match and at the end of the day, it feels like they came up three minutes too short, but they worked well together and it was nice to see Jey shine in a solo spot. Seeing the crowd behind them as much as they were suggests that anyone who thinks Jey can’t handle a significant solo run is wrong. Sadly, it doesn’t look like we’ll get much clarity on that for a while longer now. 

Theory began the match with a side headlock and a shoulder tackle. Uso came back by clotheslining Theory over the top rope. Uso threw Theory across the commentary table. Back in the ring (and back from a commercial break), Theory was working over Uso with a headlock inside the ring. Uso got back to his feet and the two traded blows. Uso got the best of it and went for a spear, but Theory countered and hit a rolling dropkick for a two-count. Theory slammed Uso for a two-count. Theory set up for A Town Down, but Uso fought out and landed an enziguri. Uso hit Theory and Theory hit the ref and we had ourselves a ref bump. 

Uso went to the top and hit the Uso Splash to get the crowd three-count while the ref was down. Out of nowhere, Pretty Deadly came out to attack Jey. Jimmy ran to the ring to take Pretty Deadly out. Solo Sikoa then ran to the ring and took out Jimmy. Jimmy got up and went to kick Sikoa, but instead kicked Jey. Sikoa and Jimmy brawled to the outside, the ref woke up and counted the 1-2-3. 

After the match, Jimmy tried to talk to Jey in the ring. Jimmy tried to help Jey up, but Jey pushed Jimmy away. Jimmy tried to explain that he didn’t mean to kick Jey, but Jey walked out of the ring, where Heyman and Sikoa were standing. Heyman apologized for things going down the way they did. Jey looked disgusted at everyone and left. Heyman spoke to his cellphone, “Call Roman Reigns.” It appeared they went short on time because the commentary team ran down the card for next week to end the show.

Impact Against All Odds live results: Steve Maclin vs. Alex Shelley title match

Posted on by Chris Maloney

Impact World Champion Steve Maclin will look for another successful title defense as he defends against Alex Shelley on Friday’s Against All Odds streaming special in Columbus, Ohio.

The next no. 1 contender will be made in the first-ever 8-4-1 match as Bully Ray, Jonathan Gresham, Heath & Nick Aldis take on Moose, Mike Bailey, Rich Swann & PCO. The winning team will immediately compete in a four-way with the winner challenging for the World title at Slammiversary.

In a pair of Under Siege rematches, X-Division Champion Trey Miguel will defend against Chris Sabin while Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defends against Dirty Dango.

Tag Team Champions Chris Bey & Ace Austin defend against The Good Hands while Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo teams with Slammiversary challenger Trinity against Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans.

Other featured matches include Killer Kelly vs. Masha Slamovich in a dog collar match, Frankie Kazarian vs. Eddie Edwards, and a trios street fight.

**********

KiLynn King (w/Taylor Wilde) defeated Nevaeh on the Countdown to Against All Odds pre-show




From Dayton, Ohio, Nevaeh made her return to Impact Wrestling after two years.

King had the early advantage after the bell rang and Wilde was sure to maintain that advantage for her partner from the outside of the ring.

Nevaeh attempted to gain momentum several times but King eventually landed the King’s Curse to get the 1-2-3 after a short uneventful match.

– A video package aired focusing on the ongoing feud between Sami Callihan and The Design leading into their upcoming Ohio Street Fight later on tonight.

Joe Hendry defeated Dirty Dango to retain the Impact Digital Media title on the Countdown to Against All Odds pre-show

Director of Authority Santino Marella made his way to the ring to join commentary before the match began.

After Dango entered the ring, Hendry’s music hit and he came out with a mic, reintroducing fans to his “Divas Reject” music video.

After the bell rang, Hendry gained early momentum causing a frustrated Dango to the outside of the ring. Dango saw a fan with a t-shirt in the crowd and grabbed the shirt and tossed it in the face of Marella, disrespecting the DOA. Hendry went to the outside and landed a neckbreaker on the floor before both men returned to the ring.

Dango managed to gain the advantage after hitting some top rope offence but Hendry quickly had momentum on his side once again. Dango remained resilient and once again went to the top attempting to land the Down & Dirty but Hendry caught up with him.

After Hendry initially was able to stop Dango, he was shoved back down to the mat and Dango attempted the Down & Dirty once again but Hendry moved and Dango crashed and burned.

Hendry capitalized on the missed attempt by Dango, landed a massive suplex followed by the Standing Ovation to retain his Impact Digital Media title.

– A video package aired focusing on the upcoming Impact World title match between Steve Maclin and Alex Shelley.

**********

– A cold open opened the show tonight and honestly folks, Impact Wrestling does some of the best video packages in the business.

Frankie Kazarian defeated Eddie Edwards (w/Alisha)

It was hard to believe this was the first ever singles match between Kazarian and Edwards with their storied careers in Impact Wrestling and both being trained by the late Killer Kowalski.

After some back and forth in the beginning moments of the match, Kazarian looked to have gained control with a great neckbreaker before Edwards was able to send him to the outside where Alisha was waiting with a cheap shot.

Both men were back in the ring and Edwards had the momentum going his way as Alisha continued to help assist her husband from the outside. Kazarian attempted a comeback with a springboard off of the ropes but Edwards sent him to the outside instead and followed it up with a dive through the ropes.

Kazarian wouldn’t stay down however as his perseverance led him to landing a hurricanrana on Edwards over the top rope to the floor. Kazarian attempted to land his spinning legdrop off of the ropes but Alisha once again interfered in the match.

Kazarian followed up by landing the spinning legdrop but Edwards persevered himself and landed a Blue Thunder Bomb but only managed a two count. Kazarian followed up with a reverse piledriver but before he could get the three count, Alisha placed Edwards leg on the bottom rope. The referee caught her however and Alisha was ejected from ringside.

Both men attempted to recover at this point and after what looked like a botched three count by the referee, Kazarian was able to roll Edwards up for a real 1-2-3 for the victory.

ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated The Good Hands (Jason Hotch & John Skyler w/Brian Myers) to retain the Impact World Tag Team titles

Bey and Skyler began the match and after some quick back and forth, Hotch and Austin were tagged in. Austin gained control before Hotch and Skyler resorted to heel tactics to gain the upperhand.

Quick tags were made by The Good Hands to keep Austin grounded but it didn’t last long as Ace was able to make the hot tag to a fired up Bey. Bey took out both Hotch and Skyler before nailing Hotch with the Code Red but only managed a two count. 

A miscue by ABC sent momentum back in the way of The Good Hands but after Austin was sent to the outside taking out Myers, it was back and forth by both teams looking to gain that momentum needed to be tag team champions.

The Good Hands nailed Austin with a Magic Killer but Ace managed to kick out at two. Unfortunately for Hotch and Skyler, this would be the end of the night for them as far as offence went. Hotch was caught with the Art of Finesse before Austin nailed him with The Fold to give the champions another day with the titles.

– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Impact Knockouts World champion Deonna Purrazzo and Trinity. They made mention of their upcoming battle at Slammiversary but stated their focus tonight was Gisele Shaw and Savannah Evans.

Masha Slamovich defeated Killer Kelly in a Dog Collar Match

A match between two women that absolutely hated each other, locked in a dog collar with no disqualifications.

After it looked like an even matchup early on, it was all Slamovich with the referee even asking Kelly if she wanted to give up in the opening minutes of the match.

Kelly and Slamovich ended up on the outside of the ring and Slamovich continued her assault by pulling Kelly into the ring post before wrapping the chain around her neck and biting her in the process.

Slamovich dragged Kelly back into the ring but couldn’t capitalize any further as both women hit clotheslines on one another. After getting back on their feet, Kelly managed to gain much needed momentum by landing a running dropkick in the corner followed by a DDT. 

Slamovich refused to give up and after landing back on the outside, she was able to hang Kelly over the top rope but Kelly refused to submit.

Back in the ring and Slamovich attempted the Snow Plow but couldn’t execute it. Kelly attempted to lock in her Killer Clutch but failed as well. Kelly was then able to hit a Snow Plow of her own but only managed a two count.

A frustrated Kelly looked to finish the match but before she could continue her momentum, Slamovich was able to lock the chain around the mouth of Kelly. Slamovich followed up by finally landing her Snow Plow to get a massive win over her arch nemesis.

After the match, Slamovich went eye-to-eye with Kelly and after looking like she was going to land a post-match assault, threw her dog collar down and left the ring.

– Backstage, Gia Miller was with the Motor City Machine Guns. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin stated they were focused on winning titles at Against All Odds.

Chris Sabin defeated Trey Miguel to win the Impact X-Division title

This match had the potential to be a X-Division classic but the arrogance of Miguel wasn’t about to let that happen.

Both men went back and forth in the beginning as Sabin was gearing towards a ninth X-Division championship and after landing a spear onto the outside of the ring, it looked as though the title was about to change hands.

Miguel wouldn’t give in however and after trapping the leg of Sabin, he caught him in an amazing series of submission moves but Sabin was able to escape. Sabin followed up by hitting the Angel’s Wings but only managed a two count. Miguel followed it up with a Cradle Shock but Sabin kicked out at two as well.

Sabin followed up with an avalanche gut buster to Miguel on the top rope and then hit a Styles Clash but could only once again get a two count. Miguel started playing dirty at this point and after getting a can of spray taken away, sprayed a second can of spray paint to the eyes of Sabin but couldn’t get the win.

Sabin recovered and after hitting a massive clothesline, nailed the Cradle Shock to win his ninth X-Division title!

Bully Ray, Heath, Jonathan Gresham & Nick Aldis defeated Mike Bailey, Moose, PCO & Rich Swann in a 8-4-1 8-Man Tag Team Match

Bailey and Ray began the match but before they locked up, Ray tagged out to Gresham. After some back and forth between Bailey and Gresham, Heath and Swann were tagged in and before they locked up, an impromptu dance off took place.

Moose soon tagged himself in and immediately went to the opposite to confront Ray as the two have a heated history. Bailey was tagged back in as he was attempting to gain momentum for his team by climbing to the top rope, he was confronted by Ray and crotched in the process.

Bailey recovered and made the tag to PCO and the French-Canadian Frankenstein quickly started beating down on his opponents. As PCO went to nail his PCOsault to the ring apron, Moose tagged himself back into the match and shoved PCO off of the top rope.

Moose attempted to end the match with a spear to Gresham but ended up nailing his teammate Swann instead. Gresham then sent Moose to the outside and seeing a downed Swann, covered him for the 1-2-3 to help his team advance to a four-way match to determine who will face the Impact World champion at Slammiversary.

Nick Aldis defeated Bully Ray, Heath & Jonathan Gresham in a 8-4-1 4-Way Match

Gresham gained the early advantage coming off the win for his team moments before and after grounding Ray, he nailed Bully with a diving headbutt to the lower midsection thanks to help from Aldis and Heath.

Ray wouldn’t stay down however and after looking for plunder underneath the ring, he was soon confronted by a returning Scott D’Amore on the inside of the ring. Ray told D’Amore he didn’t have the guts to do anything and after Bully turned his back, D’Amore nailed him with a massive chair shot.

With Ray now down and out, the other three men looked to finish the match and move on to Slammiversary. Aldis would be the one to capitalize however and after locking Heath in the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf, Heath tapped out and we now had our new number one contender going into Slammivesary.

– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Impact World champion Steve Maclin. Maclin stated that while guys like Chris Sabin and Nick Aldis were victorious tonight, he was focused on defeating Alex Shelley in the main event.

Deonna Purrazzo & Trinity defeated Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans (w/Jai Vidal)

Purrazzo and Shaw began the match and as you would have guessed it, there was no love lost as both women looked to rip each other apart.

Trinity was tagged in and commentary made reference to the fact that Trinity hasn’t lost a tag team match in her last twenty-three appearances. How about that?

After some back and forth action and quick tags by both teams, Trinity attempted to hit a move from the top rope but after some interference by Jai Vidal, she failed to land her aerial assault as it was broken up by Evans.

Purrazzo got the hot tag in and after locking in the Fujiwara Armbar on Shaw, Trinity landed the Rear View but they couldn’t put Shaw and Evans away. Trinity was taken out and after Purrazzo decided enough was enough, she locked Evans in a Magistral Cradle to gain the win for her team.

After the match, Shaw, Evans & Vidal attempted to destroy Purrazzo with running knee strikes by Shaw by Trinity was able to make the save.

oVe (Sami Callihan, Jake Crist & Madman Fulton) defeated The Design (Deaner, Angels & Kon) in an Ohio Street Fight

As expected, this match was all about chaos, punishment and weapons. Chairs, tables, mailboxes, staple guns and sunset flips were highlights of the opening moments of the match.

Callihan yelled at Fulton to “Get the wire!” and we were greeted with two tables full of barbed wire. Fulton attempted to launch Angels through one of the tables but Angels blocked the attempt and then followed up by nailing Fulton with a barbed wire strike of his own.

Crist and Angels both went to the top rope and after simultaneously jumping off the top, Crist nailed him with a massive Crist Cutter. He could only manage a two count however as Deaner made the save.

Tacks were brought out by Callihan and it was soon a massive trainwreck as Deaner, Kon, Fulton and Crist were all sent through the destruction of the tacks and tables.

Callihan nailed Deaner with his Cactus Driver ’97 but Deaner kicked out. Callihan followed up with a piledriver through one of the barbed wire tables and that was enough to put away the leader of The Design to gain a victory for the newly reformed oVe.

Alex Shelley defeated Steve Maclin to win the Impact World title

It was definitely power and aggression versus speed and technicality in this one.

With both men feeling each other out in the opening moments, Shelley attempted to lock in the Border City Stretch but Maclin was quick to roll to the outside.

Shelley followed up by attacking the left arm of Maclin, stomping on his elbow and locking in an armbar as well before Maclin was able to land a German suplex and take the match to the outside that included a dive through the ropes.

After both men were back in the ring, Shelley attempted to gain the advantage in the match but Maclin’s power game was way too strong and after landing a series of moves including a monstrous backbreaker, Maclin could only manage a two count on the challenger. 

Shelley began to mount a comeback and after some near falls, Maclin soon found himself locked in an agonizing figure-four leglock before finally reaching the ropes, removing a turnbuckle pad in the process.

Maclin switched up momentum and after landing a psycho knee, he nailed a brainbuster. Maclin attempted to follow up with his Caught in the Crosshairs but failed. Shelley caught Maclin with a DDT to the apron followed by a Sliced Bread on the floor.

Back in the ring and Shelley went to deliver his Shell Shock but missed and Maclin nailed his KIA but only managed a two count. Both men went to the top rope and Shelley nailed Maclin with a Sliced Bread but again a two count.

Maclin rushed Shelley in the corner but missed and hit the exposed turnbuckle. Shelley looking to siege his moment, fought off Maclin’s attack and finally nailed the Shell Shock to capture his first Impact World title in a hell of a main event!

After the match, the new Impact X-Division champion Chris Sabin came down to the ring to celebrate with his Motor City Machine Guns partner.

Final Thoughts:

What a show!

My predictions on the event sucked but WOW the surprise results.

Sabin, Shelley and Aldis to name a few.

MCMG as individual champions in Impact Wrestling in 2023, forget about it! Impact pulling the trigger on Aldis this quickly, forget about it! Slamovich teasing a tag team with Kelly, forget about it!

I’ve loved Impact Wrestling since the mid-2000’s and 15+ years later and they keep solidifying my love as a fan. Do yourself a favour (that’s not a typo, I’m Canadian) and go out of your way to watch Against All Odds 2023 as the event was solid from start to finish.

With that being said, go out of your way to watch Frankie Kazarian, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin matches back in the day and realize how good they truly are.

Great show tonight Impact Wrestling!

MLW Fusion results: John Hennigan vs. Willie Mack National Openweight title match

Posted on by Iain Oliver

This week’s MLW Fusion was taped in Philadelphia as part of the SuperFight and Battle Riot tapings earlier this year.

After Christian Cole called the Super Series the last two weeks, Matt Striker returned to join the ever-present Joe Dombrowski at the announcers’ table.

The Azteca Lucha faction (John Hennigan, Sam Adonis and Taya Valkyrie) cut a backstage promo. Adonis called out Mance Warner after he eliminated him from the Battle Riot match while Valkyrie laughed at the thought of Delmi Exo coming for her and her Featherweight title. They will face off next week.

Delmi Exo defeated B3CCA

Ahead of the title match next week, B3CCA must have read the writing on the wall as she came out of the blocks early with a combination of dropkicks, strikes and extravagant taunting. She even went as far as to cartwheel handspring into a simple slap which only seemed to fire Exo up.

She kicked B3CCA in the head and dropped her headfirst with a sit-out fisherman’s buster. B3CCA hit a springboard stunner for a close two count and got her in the Muta Lock and a single crab.

However, the number one contender used her smarts to roll and cause B3CCA to miss a top rope moonsault. This gave Exo the opening she needed for her Delmi Driver package piledriver to pick up the win before her big title shot next week. 

This was a good short match and another nice showcase for the women’s division.

– The Mane Event (Jay Lyon & Midas Black) cut a heartfelt, feel-good interview where they spoke out of character about their inspirations (House of Glory and Amazing Red) while we saw true backstage moments from their MLW debut. This felt different and was a very nice package to give the impression they will be in for a strong push soon.

– Sam Leterna interviewed Willie Mack who wasn’t willing to give up any secrets ahead of his Openweight title shot against John Hennigan.

1 Called Manders defeated Yoscifer El

El is an interesting character. Billed from “three to five thousand years ago,” he is a berzerker crossed with a White Walker crossed with Bruiser Brody crossed with a Genghis Khan character. Manders’ character is a bit more straightforward: a country-tough man of the Midwest.

This was a great big hoss fight filled with hard shots and slams with both men using their bodies to ram into each other. As good as it was, it was short-lived as Manders hit El with a big lariat to get the win.

– Ahead of his MLW title match with Alex Hammerstone at Never Say Never on July 8th, Alex Kane was eager to explain of all the injustices he has suffered: being number one in the Battle Riot, his National Openweight championship loss, and being left out of the Opera Cup tournament. He turned it on Court Bauer and told him the Bomaye Fight Club is for the people and he will bring a revolution to wrestling.

At the end of the show, the cameras caught up with Hammerstone who said Kane is talking like he is looking for an excuse and an easy escape for their title match. He thinks Kane is looking for either a cheap cash in or an injury to grant him the win because there is no way he will be a man and step up to a fair one-on-one contest.

– Taya Valkyrie again laughed off Delmi Exo’s chances of beating her next week, making fun of her name and saying she has beaten people all over USA and Mexico and it will be the same next week.

– Timothy Thatcher vs. Tracy Williams was announced for Never Say Never.

MLW National Openweight Champion John Hennigan (w/ Taya Valkyrie) defeated Willie Mack to retain the title

Mack got his shot after he disclosed that he may know the whereabouts of Cesar Duran, blackmailing his way into the match.

Mack put a stop to Hennigan’s early efforts with a massive pounce. Hennigan had to get dirty to get the real advantage where he could then use his array of kicks and strikes to slow Mack down.

After a slap to the face and trying to use Valkyrie as a human shield, Hennigan was on the end of a rampaging Mack who chopped his way into an advantage. But the resourceful Hennigan hit a desperation jawbreaker and a springboard kick to get right back into the match.

Hennigan hit his swinging neckbreaker Moonlight Drive for a close two count as Sam Adonis (at the announcers’ table) speculated that Duran will return in no time and make everything great again in MLW.

Hennigan went to the top rope, but took too long which allowed Mack to crotch him. Mack then joined Hennigan, but the crafty Hennigan was again able to trip him and make him crash to the mat.

The confidence was growing in Hennigan but that came crashing down as well when Mack dodged Starship Pain. Mack then exploded into a comeback with strikes and a red-hot pendulum slam. He then hoisted Hennigan up with ease for a Samoan drop, a kip-up and a standing moonsault for a crowd erupting close two count.

Hennigan slipped behind and struck him with a forearm to the back of the head, but Mack came back with a big pop-up forearm of his own.

Mack had a visual three count after his running step-up kick, but Valkyrie distracted the referee. Hennigan then accidentally kicked Valkyrie off the apron, distracting the referee again. It looked like Adonis was going to interfere and knock Mack out with the belt, but the challenger thwarted the heels’ antics and stunnered Adonis out of the ring.

Mack then hit a pop-up sit-out power bomb for a close two count that got a “this is awesome” chant from the crowd.

The heels still had one trick left up their sleeve. Hennigan kept his title belt in the ring and after a sunset flip, he made the referee get rid of it. As the referee’s back was turned, Valkyrie hit Mack in the back of his head with her title belt to give her man the tainted win and successful title defense.

Next week:

  • MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Delmi Exo
  • MLW Middleweight Champion Lince Dorado defends against AKIRA and Lio Rush in a three-way
  • An update on Jacob Fatu’s injury status and news on his return

All Together Again live results: NJPW/AJPW/NOAH crossover

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW, AJPW, and NOAH join forces today for All Together Again in Ryogoku Sumo Hall. 

The undercard primarily consists of tag matches pitting companies against one another, while the top two bouts will feature teams with a representative from each promotion on either side. 

The lineup: 

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kento Miyahara & Kaito Kiyomiya vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yuma Aoyagi & Kenoh
  • Amasuka, Atsuki Aoyagi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Master Wato, Rising Hayato & Hayata
  • SANADA, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & TAKA Michinoku vs. Jake Lee, YO-HEY & Tadasuke
  • Tetsuya Natio, Shingo Takagi, and BUSHI vs. Yuji Nagata, Suwama, and Yuma Anzai
  • Francesco Akira, TJP, Aaron Henare, Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb vs. Jun Saito, Rei Saito, Ryuki Honda, Hikaru Sato & Dan Tamura
  • Ren Narita, El Desperado & Minoru Suzuki vs. Naomichi Marufuji, Takashi Sugiura & Junta Miyawaki
  • Hokuto Omori & Shuji Ishikawa vs. Go Shiozaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima
  • Shota Umino vs. Yoshitatsu
  • Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chris Ridgeway & Sean Legacy
  • Tomohiro Isihi, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Masa Kitamiya, Daiki Inaba & Yoshiki Inamura
  • Pre-show match: Ryusuke Taguchi, YOH, Black Menso-re & Ryo Inoue vs. Atushi Kotoge, Seki Yoshioka, Alejandro & Super Crazy

Our live coverage begins at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI (CHAOS/NJPW) defeated Masa Kitamiya, Yoshiki Inamura, & Daiki Inaba (NOAH)

The match opened with a brawl that left CHAOS with an early lead. The NOAH squad began to fight back into the match as the trio worked to isolate YH.

A tag to Ishii turned the match into a hoss fight. Ishii worked to fight off Inamura and Masa, eventually forcing a double tag. Inaba and Goto traded moves, leading to a YH save. Bishamon hit Inaba with Naraku leading into the pin, and the CHOAS win.

NJPW is up in the first match of the night.

Chris Ridgeway & Sean Legacy (NOAH) defeated Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr. (TMDK/NJPW)

This was a fantastic match.

Ridgeway and ZSJ opened the match with a slick sequence teasing what was to come. Legacy and Fujita tried their best to match the energy after tagging in.

Unsurprisingly, the NOAH pair worked to isolate Fujita, gaining the upper hand early on. Even after receiving the tag, Legacy was able to maintain control for his team.

ZSJ and Ridgeway picked up with another grappling sequence as soon as the pair was in the ring together again. ZSJ set Fujita up for success before tagging him back in, leading to a period of extended TMDK control.

Ultimately, ZSJ had to save Fujita from an ankle lock, prompting a slap fight. Legacy cleared the ring of ZSJ, leaving Ridgeway free to land a kick and turn his focus back to Fujita’s ankle. Fujita tried hanging on, but in the end, he tapped to Ridgeway’s anklelock.

Shota Umino (NJPW) defeated Yoshitatsu (AJPW)

Yoshitatsu opened the match by rushing Shota, gaining a lead early. Shota’s first rally was met with solid resistance from Yoshitatsu, who taunted the youngling with demeaning offense.

Out of nowhere, Shota bounced back with a neckbreaker which he followed with a Deathrider. Shota then pinned Yoshitatsu and left the ring as fast as possible.

Go Shiozaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima (AXIZ/NOAH) defeated Hokuto Omori (AJPW) & Satoshi Kojima (NJPW)

This was another great match. Omori stood out in a match full of stars, which was an accomplishment, no doubt.

Omori decided to start the match by throwing his own partner to the floor and going toe-to-toe with Go. Axiz, unsurprisingly, took quick control, beating their defiant junior in and out of the ring.

Once Kojima tagged in he managed to gain some footing, but the Axiz pairing was able to keep him on the back foot. Go tried for a lariat, but Kojima reversed, landing a cutter and setting Omori up for the tag.

Omori stood tall against Nakajima, landing a pair of suplexes for a believable nearfall. When Kojima interrupted Omori’s flow in an attempt to double-team, Nakajima retook the lead, landing multiple kicks and a brainbuster for the pinfall victory.

El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita (Strong Style/NJPW) defeated Junta Miyawaki, Naomichi Marufuji & Takashi Sugiura (NOAH)

Suzuki and Marufuji opened the match with a strike battle. Ren then challenged Suguria and held his own reasonably well. Once the tags started coming, the NOAH trio was able to isolate Ren and establish control of the match.

Suzuki and Sugiura traded strikes in the middle of the ring, creating a reset. Miyawaki hit the ring with speed but found himself on the receiving end of strong Suzuki strikes. Desperado and Miyawaki then traded momentum before all of Strong Style hit the ring to cement control.

The NOAH trio hit the ring to save Miyawaki from sure doom. This led to a brawl on the outside, leaving Desperado and Miyawaki alone in the ring. Desperado hit Pinche Loco and pinned Miyawaki for another New Japan win.

Aaron Henare, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP (United Empire/NJPW) defeated Jun Saito, Rei Saito, Dan Tamura, Hikaru Sato & Ryuki Honda (AJPW)

This was pretty bad, which is a shame because it was loaded with guys I really like. An Evolution vs. O-Khan and Cobb tag could have been amazing, but instead, we had this silly little thing.

This match degenerated as soon as it started, with VDM taking the fight to the floor. The Saito brothers singled out Akira in the middle of the ring, prompting the rest of UE to make the save.

The UE control segment was also pretty silly, with O-Khan using a thumb in the butt to top things off. The Saito brothers then attacked their own partner so they could beat down Akira, which they did.

A tag to TJP led into a UE rally. After a multi-finisher spot, the AJPW squad hit the ring to make the save. The match then broke down completely, with every guy hitting the ring. Through all of the chaos, Akira was able to hit his finish to win the match.

Even once the match was over, the brawling continued. Sato pulled O-Khan’s trunks off at one point, but thankfully, he recovered them. Once things calmed down, UE celebrated their win in the ring. 

Suwama, Yuji Nagata & Yuma Anzai (AJPW) defeated BUSHI, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito (LIJ/NJPW)

The match opened with Anzai a strike and a dropkick to Naito to set the pace early. LIJ was quick to help Naito fight back, working to isolate Anzai from this point on.

Nagata and Shingo tagged in and traded momentum for some time. Suwama and Shingo then came to blows, with both men landing significant offense.

Shingo was forced to tag out, but BUSHI was able to hold his own against Suwama. This led to a match breakdown, with all men in the ring. The fight left Suwama and BUSHI alone in the ring again, but this time, Suwama landed a powerbomb to win the match.

Jake Lee, Tadasuke & YO-HEY (GLG/NOAH) defeated SANADA, TAKA Michinoku & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (J5G/NJPW)

The match opened with the juniors trading advantage for some time before a double tag left both heavyweight champions alone in the ring. SANADA was the first to strike, landing a dropkick and a dive to establish control. Lee fought back, dropping SANADA and attempting a disrespectful pin.

SANADA landed another dropkick, leading into an extended back-and-forth before the NJPW juniors tagged back in. Lee fought off both juniors before hitting TAKA with a big boot in the corner to win the match. The GHC champion has (indirectly) defeated the IWGP champion.

AMAKUSA (NOAH), Atsuki Aoyagi (AJPW) & Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW) defeated HAYATA (NOAH), Master Wato (NJPW) & Rising HAYATO (AJPW)

This match opened slowly with a feeling-out process between Wato and Aoyagi. Hiromu and HAYATO picked up the pace a little, but it didn’t take long for the HAYTO team to establish themselves as heels, working to isolate Hiromu from his corner.

A tag to AMAKUSA led to an acrobatic comeback sequence where he got his team back in the match. Wato and Aoyagi then re-entered the match, this time with more intensity. HAYATO then hit the ring, scoring a nearfall with a driver before Hiromu hit the ring to make the save. AMAKUSA then hit an incredible dive to leave HAYATO and Aoyagi alone in the ring.

HAYATO and Aoyagi climbed to the top rope, where Aoyagi hit a Spanish fly. After HAYATO kicked out, Aoyagi climbed to the top and hit a 450 to win the match for his team.

After the match, all three junior champs stood in the ring, holding their belts high.

Kazuchika Okada (NJPW), Kenoh (NOAH) & Yuma Aoyagi (AJPW) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW), Kaito Kiyomiya (NOAH) & Kento Miyahara (AJPW)

I’ve been covering matches for F4W for over three years. This was easily my favorite. This was one of the best matches I’ve ever seen, an absolute masterclass and nothing short of an instant classic.

The entrances alone made this match feel huge.

Before the match could begin, Kenoh and Tanahashi had an intense staredown while Kaito starred a hole in Okada.

Tanahashi and Kenoh opened the match after a brief but fierce shove fight. Tanahashi was able to get a leg up on Kenoh early before both men tagged out.

Kento and Okada were next to square off. In a bit of a surprise, Kento was showered in cheers during before the pair began to grapple. Okada played into this, landing a cheap shot in an attempt to gain the lead. Kento answered with a headbutt, so Okada swung with a rainmaker that Kento avoided. Both men were on equal footing.

During the pause, Okada knocked Kaito off of the apron but fled to the floor. This left Yuma free to swing at Kaito, but Kaito ignored him, instead targeting Okada with a dropkick and a brutal attack on the floor.

After Yuma gained the advantage in the ring, Okada responded with a floor-based attack of his own.

In the ring the other guys tried to have a normal match, but tensions continued to rise. Kenoh brutalized Tanahashi with a kick to the back. Tanahashi fired back with dragonscrew before tagging Kaito back in the match.

Kaito unloaded on Kenoh, prompting Okada to hit the ring. Kaito dropped Okada and Kenoh with dropkicks. After Kenoh held on, he dropped Kaito with a dragon suplex and tagged in Yuma. Yuma landed a crossbody, but Kaito fired back with a flying arm. This allowed Kaito to tag in Kento, who had no problem beating down Yuma.

Yuma escaped by tagging in Okada. Okada, beyond frustrated, kicked Kento in the head over and over before dropping him with an air raid crash. Okada then landed a top rope elbow drop and hit the rainmaker pose. Kento reversed the rainmaker attempt with a beautiful knee, which he followed with a second for a nearfall.

Kento failed to hit his suplex finish, allowing Okada to secure the money clip. A double lariat led to a Tanahashi tag who cleared the ring. Tanahashi, Kaito, and Kento hit Okada with a triple dropkick followed by a sling blade for a nearfall.

Tanahashi tried for High Fly Flow, but Okada extended his knee into Tanahashi’s injured ribs. This led to a forearm exchange in the middle of the ring that ended with an Okada landslide. Tanahashi avoided the rainmaker, leading to every man rushing to the ring.

Okada, Yuma, and Kenoh were able to focus on Tanahashi. Kenoh hit a penalty kick and Yuma an elbow drop, but Tanahashi’s team made the save. Okada then focused on Tanahashi and landed a dropkick, an emerald flowsion, and a rainmaker before pinning Tanahashi.

After the final bell, all three rosters walked to the ring. Okada cut the show-ending promo where he thanked the fans for sticking with them through the pandemic. Okada then welcomed Inoki’s family to the ring for an “Ich Ni Son DA!” sendoff.

Fantastic show all round.

Impact Wrestling live results: Against All Odds go-home show

Posted on by Josh Nason

The final stop before Friday’s Against All Odds has arrived with Thursday’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.

In a preview of the 8-4-1 match to determine the next World title challenger, Nick Aldis will team with Jonathan Gresham against Moose and Rich Swann.

Heath, another competitor in the 8-4-1, will take on Champagne Singh.

The Knockouts Tag Team titles will be on the line as The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defend against former champions The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Courtney Rush).

Ahead of his rematch with Chris Sabin for the X-Division title Friday, champion Trey Miguel will face Bhupinder Gujjar in a non-title match.

Before he defends against Dirty Dango Friday, Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry will face Sheldon Jean in non-title action.

In a preview of Friday’s Tag Team title match, Chris Bey of ABC will face Jason Hotch of The Good Hands.

The BTI pre-show will feature Tara Rising vs. Seleziya Sparx.

Our live coverage will begin at 8:30 PM Eastern when the YouTube Insiders feed begins.

**********

Chris Bey (w/ Ace Austin) defeated Jason Hotch (w/ Brian Myers)

Myers said that somehow Subculture skipped the line to get a Tag Team title shot at Under Siege, but that The Good Hands would win the titles tomorrow. Skyler then said as much as well. In case you missed it, Bey & Ace Austin will defend the Impact Tag Team titles against Hotch & Skyler tomorrow night.

Bey nearly got the win after a nice flatliner off the second rope. He later tried to end matters with Art of the Finesse that Hotch countered with a blue thunder bomb for a nearfall despite the extra spins.

After a series of nearfalls, Bey got the pin after countering a La Magistral cradle. Afterward, all three heels beat down Bey and Austin and raised the titles to help add some HEAT~! to tomorrow night’s proceedings.

– Gia Miller caught up with Heath backstage ahead of Friday’s 8-4-1 match. He’s been working up a game plan for tomorrow to win and beat Steve Maclin and get revenge for his fallen friend, Rhino. 

– Dirty Dango continued with his “I’m doing it for the money” bit, trying to explain why he’s doing what he’s doing. He’s looking for a gig for someone to pay him not to show up. He also said unlike the locker room, he can actually bring girls home and wouldn’t want them to see replica titles on his wall. This was actually very entertaining.

Heath defeated Champagne Singh (w/ Shera)

Heath won a pretty nondescript match with the Wake Up Call and pin to gain some momentum before Friday.

– The Design’s Deaner, Kon and Angels cut a promo ahead of their street fight match with the reformed oVe in Ohio tomorrow night. To no surprise, they are very confident and are threatening, wait for it, violence.

Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defeated Sheldon Jean (w/ Kenny King) in a non-title match

Hendry cut a promo mentioning that Jean had broken his nose in a previous match and that Jean and King are both reality TV stars. Apparently, Jean was on Big Brother in Canada so I guess that counts?

Jean has some good size and Impact may see something in him as they have put him with King and in against talent like Nick Aldis and Hendry. But, his day was not today as Hendry defeated him with the Standing Ovation chokeslam. Let’s check in a year from now on Mr. Jean.

He moves on to defend against Dirty Dango Friday in a rematch from Under Siege. He called out Dango after the match who came out said he hates pro wrestling and pro wrestling fans. Hendry then debuted a new music video called Divas Reject that saw references to Chris Jericho, Tyler Breeze, Eva Marie, Summer Rae, and, well, Total Divas.

Not bad, Joe. Not bad at all. Well, that is until King and Jean attacked Hendry from behind. That brought out Director of Authority Santino Marella who was taunted by Jean. Jean then found he was alone with Hendry and Marella who then laid out him with…the Cobra which still lives in 2023.

– Gisele Shaw, Jai Vidal and Savannah Evans cut a promo about Friday’s tag team match featuring herself and Evans against Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo and Trinity.

Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defeated The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Courtney Rush) to retain

Rush is the now-former Rosemary, back to her “human” persona and dressing in a lot of neon colors with Jessicka. They are the former champions as these two teams have controlled the titles since last October.

Rush had a visual tap on Wilde off a sharpshooter, but the referee missed it. King and Wilde hit their mounted running boot finisher on Rush to get the pin and win. 

I’m glad King is getting an opportunity, but this did nothing for me. While the singles division is still interested, the Knockouts tag division needs some new faces and depth. The fact the titles are on the line tomorrow should tell you something there.

– Alex Shelley did a taped promo hyping his Impact World title shot tomorrow against Steve Maclin. That was followed by a backstage interview with Maclin who was suddenly flanked by new pal Bully Ray. He said he likes Maclin, but that he doesn’t have to worry about any of the names he mentioned during his promo but will have to worry about him at Slammiversary.

– Footage from Masha Slamovich attacking Tara Rising and Seleziya Sparx on the BTI pre-show aired, hyping up her dog collar match with Killer Kelly tomorrow.

X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defeated Bhupinder Gujjar in a non-title match

Miguel will rematch Chris Sabin for the title Friday night. Miguel is still playing the heel, trying to get wins by nefarious means and even via countout as he attempted to here. Miguel was rolling until Gujjar went on a run, ended by missing a frog splash. He eventually hit the Lightning Spiral to pick up the win. He then grabbed the mic and said he’s a generational talent and is tired of not getting respect by way of “Yeah, but…” He said tomorrow, there will be no if, ands, or “Yeah, buts.” Nice line.

– Gia Miller was with Johnny Swinger who is still saying he is going on a 50-match win streak to get a title shot. This included references to Kip Winger “the gimmick stealer” and Vince Russo. He sent Zicky Dice to referee school so he can finally get one of “these stooges” in his back pocket.

– Deonna Purrazzo and Trinity sat down with Miller to hype up their own title match at Slammiversary and their tag team match tomorrow. Seeds of distrust were sown. This was a bit overproduced and Trinity’s delivery wasn’t exactly natural.

– No new matches were announced for Against All Odds, not even a pre-show match.

Moose & Rich Swann defeated Nick Aldis & Jonathan Gresham

All four men are part of Friday’s 8-4-1 match that will crown the next top challenger to which will likely be Maclin at Slammiversary. I’m going to guess either Aldis or “Speedball” Mike Bailey if they want to hold the Aldis/Maclin match off until Bound for Glory in October.

If you need to understand the 8-4-1, here’s your primer.

This was a perfectly fine tag team match. Aldis got the hot tag and nearly got the pin on Moose before both laid each other out with clotheslines. Swann and Gresham then got back in there and traded nearfalls. Moose blind-tagged Moose and they began arguing. Gresham hit a power bomb, but forgot about Moose who hit his own power bomb for the win.

Afterward, all hell broke loose with Heath and later Bully Ray entering the fray. As Bully Ray was about to power bomb Swann, PCO came out and went fist for fist with Bully Ray before hitting a running swanton through the middle rope on everyone on the outside of the ring to stand tall. Both Aldis and Bully looked concerned about PCO as they should because, well, he’s crazy.

**********

Tomorrow night’s streaming special is coming just a couple weeks after Under Siege, making it a hard sell to really get excited for. I can’t say this did much to help things along as Against All Odds is a transitional show before July’s Slammiversary pay-per-view.

Regardless, there will be some good action from a lot of people that are going to work hard for the good people of Columbus, Ohio.

Ring of Honor TV live results: NJPW Strong Women’s title match

Posted on by Suit Williams

Thursday’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub will feature an NJPW Strong Women’s title defense.

Willow Nightingale will defends against the returning Rachael Ellering, making her first ROH appearance since October 2016.

Griff Garrison takes on Lee Moriarty in his first match since last October due to an injury that required surgery.

Ahead of her opportunity at an AEW Women’s title shot on Friday, Mercedes Martinez will take on VertVixen.

In a Proving Ground match, ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) face Marcus Kross, Eli Isom & Cheeseburger.

Two trios matches will be featured as Dark Order’s Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver face The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry) and Shane Taylor while Darius Martin, Action Andretti & AR Fox battle Sonny Kiss, Jeeves Kay & Slim J.

The rest of the card features Rey Fenix, Matt Sydal, Kiera Hogan and more.

**********

Ian Riccaboni, Nigel McGinness and Caprice Coleman were on commentary from Orlando, Florida.

Kyle Fletcher defeated Christopher Daniels

Good back-and-forth action. Daniels took Fletcher down with a modified flat liner off the middle ropes and locked in a Koji Clutch, but Fletcher made it to the ropes to force a break. Daniels and Fletcher took turns dropping each other on their heads with suplexes. Fletcher countered an STO and went for a spinning piledriver, but Daniels countered with a cradle. Fletcher escaped an Angel’s Wings attempt and caught Daniels with a spinning tombstone to get the pinfall. Solid match. This is Fletcher’s 3rd win in a row, which is the old ROH days used to get you in the conversation for a title shot. The code of honor was adhered to after the match. 

Matt Sydal defeated Zack Clayton (w/ Cole Karter) (3:04)

Karter distracted Sydal as he came off the top with a crossbody and Clayton caught him with a spinning powerslam for a near fall. Sydal countered a slam with a DDT and came off the top with a meteora to get the pinfall. After the match, Sydal called out ROH Television Champion Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe v. Matt Sydal for the TV title was made later in the show. 

Dralistico (w/ Jose the Assistant) defeated Willie Mack (7:40)

Mack offered Dralistico a handshake to start, but Dralistico only offered one finger in response. Dralistico hit a tope con hilo out of the ring and a senton in the ring for a near fall. Mack came back with a running shining wizard and hit a tope con hilo on Dralistico and Jose on the floor. Jose grabbed Mack’s foot to keep him from getting back in the ring, and Dralistico tied up Mack in the ropes and came off the top with a kick for a near fall.

Mack and Dralistico exchanged strikes and kicks in the center of the ring, with Mack finally getting the edge with a spinning leg lariat. Mack caught Dralistico with a pop-up fall away slam, and Mack popped up with a standing moonsault for a near fall. Mack came off the top with a splash, but Dralistico got his knees up at the last minute. Mack caught Dralistico with a pop-up uppercut. Jose got on the apron to distract Mack and the referee, allowing Dralistico to hit a low blow and then the Incinerator Knee to get the pinfall. Good match but a bad finish. 

Tony Khan has a huge announcement

Khan came out to announce Matt Sydal vs. Samoa Joe for the ROH Television Title. He then brought out the new ROH Board of Directions to help him do some of the backstage work in ROH: Stokely Hathaway (who looks like he’s doing a disingenuous babyface gimmick) and Jerry Lynn. Khan sure loves his announcements. 

NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale defeated Rachel Ellering to retain (6:49)

Caprice Coleman sang his own made-up lyrics for Nightingale’s music, and I hope he’s paying Taz some residuals for stealing his gimmick. Nightingale got a fisherwoman’s suplex for a near fall. Ellering hit an STO and a spinning legdrop off the ropes for a near fall. Nightingale and Ellering exchanged chops in the corner. Nightingale came off the middle ropes with a dropkick to get a near fall. Ellering caught Nightingale with a black hole slam for a near fall. Nightingale came back with the pounce and a cannonball in the corner. Nightingale caught Ellering with a spinebuster, then locked in a Camel Clutch to force a tap out. 

ROH Six-Man Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony) defeated Cheeseburger, Eli Isom & Marcus Cross in a Proving Ground match(4:57)

In a Proving Ground match, if the challengers get a time limit (10 minutes) draw or win the match, they will earn a title shot. Isom put up a fight for about a minute before Page caught him with a superkick. Isom came back with a jawbreaker on Loa and made the tag to Cheeseburger. Cheeseburger tried but the Gates of Agony ate him up and gave nothing. Khan missed a splash in the corner and Cheeseburger got the tag, but the match fell apart and the Embassy just destroyed all three of their opponents. Cage and Tanga Loa tossed Isom into a power bomb from Bishop Khan and got the pinfall. This was a glorified squash.

Mercedes Martinez defeated VertVixen (4:23)

VertVixen got a dropkick early, but Martinez kipped up and floored her with a clothesline.VertVixen had the offense for a while, but Martinez came in the corner with a charging forearm and hit an anarchist’s suplex for a near fall. Martinez hit VertVixen with a forearm to the back of the head, then locked in an inverted surfboard to get the submission. 

Lee Moriarty defeated Griff Garrison

Garrison is back after an injury, trying his hand at singles. Moriarty dominated the match early by working over Garrison’s shoulder. Garrison came back and caught Moriarty with a spinning powerslam, then hit a twisting forearm for a near fall. Garrison tried to pick Moriarty up for an Angle Slam, but Moriarty raked Garrison’s eyes and rolled him up for a pinfall. 

Kiera Hogan defeated Robyn Renegade (4:32)

Hogan hit a legdrop for two. Renegade worked over Hogan’s arm. Renegade locked in an overhead wristlock, but Hogan made the ropes to force the break. Hogan came back with a series of forearms and flying axehandles before stomping a mudhole into Renegade in the corner. Hogan followed up with a sliding dropkick and a running hip attack, and Robyn slid to the floor. Charlette Renegade (not her twin sister but very much a lookalike) ran in to help. Hogan dropped to the floor to take them both out, then brought one of the Renegades back in the ring and finished them off with a superkick to get the pinfall.

After the match, Athena ran in and attacked Hogan with a kendo stick. But that backfired, and Hogan got the kendo stick and beat Athea out of the ring. Hogan held up Athena’s ROH Women’s title to taunt Athena. 

Dark Order (Evil Uno, Jon Silver & Alex Reynolds) defeated Shane Taylor and The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)

A slugfest broke out during the handshake between both teams to start the match. Reynolds took a lot of punishment from Taylor and Drake in the corner. Drake hit a belly to belly suplex on Reynolds, and Shane Taylor followed up with a big splash for a near fall. Drake hit a cannonball in the corner, then Taylor and Drake did a tag team stunner for a near fall. Anthony Henry came off the top rope with a double stomp,

Reynolds got the tag to Uno. Uno sent Drake to the floor with a boot, then stomped away at Henry in the corner. Uno hit a suplex on Henry for a near fall. Taylor and Uno exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring a battle which Taylor easily won. But a miscommunication spot lead to Drake hitting his own partner Taylor with a boot. Uno hit Henry with a Sky High. The Dark Order gave Henry a triple team windmill slam. Reynolds and Silver hit their rapid-fire finisher on Drake to get the pinfall.

– After the match, the Righteous with new member Stu Grayson (formerly of the Dark Order) were interviewed by Dasha Fuentes. They were not impressed with the Dark Order. The Righteous will have a match next week.

AR Fox, Darius Martin & Action Andretti defeated The Trustbusters (Sonny Kiss, Slim J and Jeeves Kay) (6:00)

There sure are a lot of trios in ROH. Sonny Kiss press slammed Andretti out of the corner, then hit a standing moonsault for a near fall. Kiss split into a legdrop for a near fall. Slim J got the tag and ran right into a boot from Andretti. Darius Martin tagged in and hit Slim J with a forearm. Darius gave Slim J a pump handle into a facebuster for a near fall. Kiss hit a spinning kick on Martin, and after an assisted slice break, Daivari came off the top with a splash for two. AR Fox came in and hit a couple of cutters, then Martin and Andretti hit a double steam slam on Daivari to get the pinfall.

The Kingdom (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven) (w/ Maria Kanellas) defeated El Cobarde & El Dragon

Two minutes into the match, Bennett got busted open. Dragon took both guys to the floor with a hurricanrana. Cobarde and Dragon had their chances, but this was another glorified squash match in a series of them. Bennett and Taven won with the Proton Pack. After the match, Maria kissed her bloodied husband to celebrate the victory. 

The ROH Board of Directors announcement

Hathaway suggested Action Andretti vs. the entire Embassy, but Jerry Lynn whispered his own suggestion to Tony Khan, making an ROH Six-Man title match with the Embassy against Andretti, AR Fox, and Darius Martin. Khan then brought ROH Tag Team Champion Rey Fenix out for the main event. 

Rey Fenix (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Gravity (10:38)

Gravity is Bandido’s brother and making his ROH debut. Gravity dressed like an astronaut for his entrance but took the astronaut suit off for the match. Fenix locked up Gravity on the mat, and twice it looked like Gravity tapped out, but the ref never acknowledged it and the match continued. Gravity countered a suplex attempt with a small package, but Fenix escaped and floored Gravity with a superkick. Gravity hit a springboard crossbody over the ropes to the floor for a near fall.

Gravity hit Fenix with a powerslam and a standing moonsault for a near fall. Fenix hit a sit-out burning hammer for a near fall. Fenix tied Gravity up into a crucifix on his own back, then spun him around like an airplane spin for a near fall. Gravity and Fenix exchanged a series of cradles for near falls.

Gravity deadlifted Fenix into a power bomb off the mat for a near fall. Gravity missed a splash off the top, and Fenix ran the ropes to give Gravity a kick to the head for another near fall. Gravity hit a crucifix driver for another near fall. The crowd chanted “This is awesome!” for a match that actually deserved it tonight.

Fenix and Gravity exchanged chops in the center of the ring. Fenix hit the pop-up cutter, then finished off Gravity with the sit-out tombstone to get the pinfall. This was a great main event. 

Final Thoughts: 

This was my first Ring of Honor show. No show needs to be two hours of glorified squashes. It felt like I was watching AEW Dark from 2021, and that’s not a good thing. A 60-minute show would be a lot easier to digest. 

Next week:

  • Samoa Joe defends the ROH TV title against Matt Sydal
  • The Embassy defends the ROH Six-Man titles against AR Fox, Action Andretti & Darius Martin

AEW Dynamite live results: Orange Cassidy vs. Swerve Strickland

Posted on by Ryan Howard

Orange Cassidy defends the International Championship against Swerve Strickland on tonight’s AEW Dynamite. 

Cassidy’s string of title defenses continues against Swerve, who defeated Big Bill and Trent in a triple threat match on last week’s episode. 

A TBS title defense is also set for the show, with Kris Statlander defending against Anna Jay. 

The issue between Ricky Starks and Bullet Club Gold continues, with Starks taking on Jay White in a match where both Juice Robinson and FTR are banned from ringside. 

JungleHook reunites in tag team action on the show, with “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry and Hook teaming against Dralistico and Preston Vance in a tornado tag bout. 

BCC’s Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta face Trent, Chuck Taylor, and Rocky Romero of CHAOS in trios action. 

World Champion MJF will speak on tonight’s show, plus Tony Khan will also announce the main event for the June 17 debut of AEW Collision. 

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

**********

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they immediately throw to our opening title match of the evening.

Orange Cassidy defeated Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) to retain the AEW International Title

(A phenomenal opening contest and title defense number 24 for Cassidy, who again managed to survive by the skin of his teeth. Cassidy ultimately out swerved Swerve as we’re building to a presumed six man tag with Sting & Darby as Cassidy’s backup.)

Cassidy tried early mind games with his little kicks, but Strickland did a good job scouting by grounding the champion. Cassidy answered with a relaxed submission into a head scissors, sending Strickland to the floor. Strickland mocked the pocket pose and suckered Cassidy to the floor where he gained control, slamming the bad hand of Cassidy into the post. Back inside momentarily, Cassidy did a victory roll over the top back outside, where Strickland held on and Cassidy hit the roll into the barricade followed by a dive. They return to the ring where Cassidy got a two off a top rope cross body, until both fought up the ropes where both slammed down head first on the turnbuckle to send us to break. I should point out during commercial, an ad for Collision was shown saying it will be the second coming of CM Punk.

Strickland gained the advantage during picture in picture, as Cassidy battled out of the JML Driver; tried Beach Break, Cassidy’s back seized up, but did manage a Stundog Millionaire. Cassidy charged, but Strickland countered into a rolling Flatliner. Cassidy tried the light strikes, ultimately planting Strickland with a DDT for two. Cassidy was cut off and planted with a DVD on the apron, but scooted away before a double stomp could follow. With Strickland backed up onto the steps, Cassidy connected on a diving DDT from the apron the floor. Back inside, another diving DDT off the top for a close near fall.

Cassidy countered a pop up powerbomb into a hurricanrana pin, but couldn’t hook Strickland’s leg due to his bad hand. Prince Nana tried to run distraction, as Strickland collided with his manager into a Cassidy Orange Punch and Beach Break, but Strickland kicked out, bailing outside. Cassidy tried another DDT dive, but Strickland caught him into a brainbuster on the floor. Back in the ring, Strickland hit the House Call kick and Swerve Stomp, but Cassidy kicked out and Strickland couldn’t believe it. Cassidy rolled through a JML Driver, as both men tried roll ups with handfuls of tights, as Cassidy got the last laugh, getting the three count. Strickland cheated first, but Cassidy cheated more effectively in the end.

Mogul Embassy hit the ring to immediately beat down Cassidy when the lights went out and when they returned, Darby Allin & Sting were in the ring as everyone else had bailed to the ramp.

-A video package highlighting Switchblade Jay White & Ricky Starks is shown ahead of their match tonight. That will be the main event this evening.

Bryan Danielson makes his way to the commentary table ahead of the next match and we get a video package of Danielson challenging Kazuchika Okada during the Dominion show earlier in the week and Okada accepting the fight for Forbidden Door. When Okada steps in the ring with Danielson, he’s stepping foot in the desert and there will be no rain for the Rainmaker.

**********

Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defeated CHAOS (Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero)

(This was an action packed six man with the CHAOS boys getting off a lot of offense in this, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome Moxley, Castagnoli and Yuta, who are on a whole other level right now. I have really enjoyed how much of a killer they’ve turned Yuta into over the course of the last few weeks.)

Excalibur mentions for those unaware how Best Friends are members of CHAOS along with Romero, as the faction is head up by one Kazuchika Okada. Taylor & Beretta chucked chairs at Yuta & Moxley immediately, as Romero hit a dive onto Castagnoli. Beretta followed with a superplex on Yuta to start the match, as Taylor hit a snap piledriver on the man he trained for a near fall. The match broke down with brawling on the outside, as Taylor hit a somersault dive on Castagnoli leading to CHAOS giving the people what they wanted with a triple hug. Sole Food half and half suplex on Moxley led to Yuta tripping Taylor to lead to a Moxley cutter to gain control. Danielson was insulted Best Friends didn’t attempt a pin attempt before the BCC took over during picture in picture.

Taylor was worked over the entire break, eating a Yuta snap German suplex, but ultimately Taylor hit a knee to make the hot tag to Beretta who ran wild on Moxley. A blind tag to Romero, who ran wild a bit himself until Roppongi Vice hit a double jump knee on Moxley, who was hung up and hit with double team offense for two. Beretta blocked a Gotch Piledriver from Moxley, as Best Friends connected with Strong Zero for a close two. Romero sank in a cross arm breaker, as Beretta tried a moonsault to the floor on Castagnoli, who hit an incredible uppercut in mid air. Yuta clocked Taylor with a Busaiku Knee, as Moxley countered the submission from Romero into a Bulldog Choke for the victory. Yuta was relentless on his attack on Taylor post match as a smiling Danielson gave his approval on commentary.

-The Hung Bucks are backstage talking about how next week is where Dynamite began in Washington DC. The Bucks & Hangman Page issue a challenge for a six man tag next week against Moxley, Castagnoli & Yuta, which Danielson accepted on behalf of the BCC.

**********

-A video package of Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay is shown, highlighting their incredible match at Wrestle Kingdom earlier this year. Ospreay wants revenge for what Omega put him through and with his victory over Lance Archer at Dominion; the match is official with Omega vs. Ospreay 2 happening at Forbidden Door.

MJF Found His Worthy Competition

(After defending his AEW Title three times and saying he was out of competition, MJF had an answer to the call and it led to a pretty strong back and forth promo. While you could say this went a little long, I was happy that Cole got in his promo and this wasn’t just dominated by MJF talking the whole time. This should be a great match when it happens.)

MJF ran down the fans a bit, continuing to talk about how there’s no competition for him and says no one is on the level of the Devil. Adam Cole’s music hit, but before the crowd could say the Bay Bay line, MJF demanded the music be cut to loud boos. MJF said finally some competition, he said he’s a fan of Cole, as once CM Punk left him as a kid; he turned the channel to Ring of Honor, which he thought sucked, but was hooked on Cole’s work. MJF mentioned Cole’s time in CZW, traveling the indies, going to Florida to Shock the System as Shawn Michaels handpicked guy, which is Undisputed. MJF followed in Cole’s footsteps, going to CZW, becoming a name on the indies and signing with AEW, destined to one day feud with Cole. MJF was disappointed The Panama Playboy was gone, but The Panama Gameboy is here, more preoccupied playing video games with his balls always in Britt Baker’s purse. MJF said Cole is now so frail he makes crack whores jealous. MJF said the fans might think Cole isn’t utilized properly, but AEW has done everything they could to make Cole over, when all they have to do for MJF is ring the bell. MJF has the best Dog Collar, Iron Man, Four Way in AEW history. MJF said he heard a rumor that a certain individual in Titan Towers didn’t think Cole could make it and named Vince McMahon, who MJF is a big fan of. MJF thought the old man lost his marbles, but standing in the ring with Cole, Vince was right.

Cole asked if that was the best MJF got, as MJF is coming across like an internet troll. Cole questions MJF’s fascination on other people’s relationships and asks if that’s why his fiancé left him. Cole said MJF is world class, a world class douchebag. Cole in regards to his body of work, MJF couldn’t touch him and asked if they should go backstage, piss in cups and take tests to see who is natural and who’s not. Cole swears on his life no one backstage respects MJF, as everyone thinks he’s selfish, conceited and does bare minimum to get to where he’s at.

MJF said he’ll cry into his money and how that’s tough talk coming from Keith Lee’s manager. Cole said that’s typical MJF, creating a false narrative, calling him a coward for not wanting to fight. Cole said he’s better than MJF and the fans know it. MJF said he’d fight Cole anywhere as Cole smirked and said attaboy, champ, before hitting the Adam Cole Bay Bay pose.

-We see footage of the Buy In at Double or Nothing where The Hardys gained control of Ethan Page’s contract. Backstage, Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay introduce Page, who was ordered to apologize to Zay for injuring his neck last month. Page apologized, as Matt said he could make Page very talented. Zay moaned in Page’s ear and this storyline seems destined to go on forever.

Jack Perry & FTW Champion HOOK defeated Preston Vance & Dralistico (w/Jose the Assistant) in a Texas Tornado Match

(For a match that was only set up a week ago, this was a wild battle, as similar to the previous Texas Tornado Match, Preston Vance bled another gusher.)

Vance & Dralistico attacked Perry on the ramp during his entrance, as Jose threw in cable chords in the ring, as Vance tried to charge at HOOK ringside with a chain, but HOOK low bridged and brawled into the crowd. Perry choked Dralistico with the chord and ripped at the mask, as Vance & HOOK kept brawling into commercial.

Back from break, Dralistico hit a double stomp on Perry, who was tied up in the ropes. HOOK leapt off the barricade and popped Vance with a chain wrapped punch to bust Vance open badly. Perry tried a dive, but Vance caught him and Dralistico followed with a leap off the top to the floor. With two tables set up ringside, HOOK fought off a double choke slam and hit an overhead throw on Dralistico, whose mask is ripped apart from earlier by Perry. Vance hit a discus lariat on HOOK, wrapping the chain around the neck and went to the apron when Perry flew in with a chair shot to the head. HOOK hit a nasty T-Bone suplex off the apron through the tables as Perry spiked Dralistico with a DDT in the ring, but Jose made the save, took his shirt off and hulked up, only to be choked out by REDRUM. Perry sank in the Snare Trap on Dralistico and Jungle HOOK got the double tap to win it.

Tony Khan’s AEW Collision Announcement

Tony Khan is backstage with what has become his weekly announcement. Khan said AEW Collision starts June 17th and says the main event for the debut show will be Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson & Samoa Joe will battle AEW Tag Team Champions FTR & CM Punk.

Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) defeated Damon Ace

(This was another week of nuclear heat for Callis & Takeshita and it’s simply wonderful.)

Takeshita charged at Ace with strikes as the fans are just letting Callis have it with boos. Ace got off one strike until Takeshita leveled him with a shot followed by a running knee strike to win it. As the entire match went on, the big screen repeatedly played Callis turning on Kenny Omega.

Callis took the microphone and said unlike last week, he will be heard. Takeshita took the mic and spoke Japanese briefly before Callis said everything Omega had in his life was because of him. Omega defeated Will Ospreay because of Callis and Omega has become a cancer in Callis’ body, so he cut it out. Callis and his family will cut The Elite from AEW for good.

**********

-Alex Marvez was backstage at Christian Cage’s locker room where commotion was heard. Cage came out and said he was the uncrowned TNT Champion, something Arn Anderson cost him. So Cage revealed that Luchasaurus had bloodied Arn’s son, Brock and said it was an early Father’s Day present.

Kris Statlander defeated Anna Jay A.S. (w/Matt Menard) to retain the TBS Title

(Daddy Magic in his glorious David Puddy Seinfeld jacket, seemingly interfered as frequently as Elaine & Puddy would break up. Statlander chalked up another defense with Jay looking good even in defeat. We are clearly headed for Statlander taking on Taya, who is bitter about how Statlander became TBS Champion.)

Both ladies traded offense on the ground early until Statlander hit a back suplex out of a Jay headlock. Jay took a powder, tried to start a chase, as Menard ran distraction, but Jay’s kick from the apron was blocked. A thrust kick back inside led to a missed charge by Statlander with Jay hitting a spin kick to the back.

Jay controlled the entire break, but Statlander turned it around with corner charges and powerslam. For the second week, Taya Valkyrie is shown annoyed backstage watching on, as Statlander went to the top, was distracted again by Menard to allow Jay to plant Statlander for a near fall. Jay sank in the Queen Slayer, but Statlander powered up, whipped Jay down, hit a backbreaker and a Tombstone Piledriver for the win. Valkyrie was shown furious about Statlander’s title defense.

**********

Jay White defeated Ricky Starks

(This was a fun main event until the finish, which kind of sucked the air out of the crowd, not because of who won, just how it happened. The ref bump looked ridiculous and people weren’t sure what to make of the interference finish. Perhaps there are two new members of BC Gold? It certainly would be a weird choice in my opinion if so.)

Starks sprinted up the ramp to attack before the bell, as both men brawled ringside until Starks hit a high back drop and searched for something under the ring. This allowed White to crawl up the ramp, where Starks tried to throw him off the ramp, but White raked the eyes. White took way too long to follow up, as Starks countered a suplex with one of his own on the floor. That advantage was short lived, as White regained and remained in control during commercial.

White lit up Starks with chops until Starks woke up and fired off strikes until White crotched him trying a Tornado DDT. White connected on a massive superplex, signaled for Blade Runner, which Starks battled out of with a leaping lariat and the Tornado DDT. A full nelson slam only got Starks two, as he tried Roshambo, which White countered into a Uranage. Both traded strikes until Starks leapt for a Spear, but White countered with a pump knee. Starks floated over a suplex and hit the Spear the second attempt, as he hit Roshambo, but referee Paul Turner got clipped by pretty much the toe of White, so he bumped. The Gunns showed up and laid out Starks with 3:10 to Yuma, as White connected with Blade Runner for the win.

Post match, Juice Robinson ran out to celebrate as commentary assumes The Gunns interfered since they have a history with FTR, who are currently feuding with Bullet Club Gold.

AEW Rampage 6/9/23

· The Lucha Bros & Bandido take on Ethan Page, Big Bill & Lee Moriarty

· Powerhouse Hobbs in action

· The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass vs. Spanish Announce Project (Serpentico, Luther & Angelico)

· Dr. Britt Baker vs. Skye Blue vs. Mercedes Martinez vs. Nyla Rose with the winner getting an AEW Women’s Title match on Dynamite next week

AEW Dynamite 6/14/23

· MJF vs. Adam Cole in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match

· Toni Storm defends the AEW Women’s Title against the winner of the Rampage 4 Way

· Mogul Embassy (Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony) take on Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Sting & Keith Lee

· The Young Bucks & Hangman Page take on Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta

AEW Collision 6/17/23

· CM Punk & AEW Tag Team Champions FTR vs. Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson & ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe

WWE Raw live results: Seth Rollins vs. Damian Priest title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 5, 2023
Location: XL Center in Hartford, CT 

********** 

Show Recap —

Seth Rollins entered to start the show and the crowd loudly sang his song as usual. Rollins wore a black and gold outfit to match his world title belt.

Rollins said it has been a non-stop party since becoming champion but he wondered when was the last time we had a world title match on Raw. Rollins went into the way back machine to discover that it had been nearly two years and that was too damn long.

Rollins mentioned that he issued an open challenge on social media, which was accepted by Damian Priest (whose name was booed). Rollins was psyched about the match and put over Judgment Day but stated they just weren’t as good as him.

Priest and Finn Bálor interrupted. Rollins wondered if Dominik and Rhea Ripley might attack him from behind but Priest told him to take it easy.

Priest said he was the only one that Rollins had to worry about. Rollins noted that Bálor was with him and wondered if they did everything together. Rollins did some comedy (asking if Bálor assists Priest in the bathroom) until he was cut off by Bálor.

Bálor called him the funny man with the funny clothes who the people love — but they weren’t going to love when Priest took the world title. Priest called Rollins a deserving champion and Bálor gave him a confused look. Priest put over Rollins for beating everyone put in front of him — but the same could be said about Priest.

Priest said he didn’t need Bálor or Dominik or Ripley to beat Rollins. Rollins told him that he didn’t stand a chance alone and challenged him to leave his crew in the back. Rollins emphasized that Bálor should stay in the back because the Prince didn’t fare too well in fights against him.

Bálor was pissed but Priest was fine with it and accepted the stipulation. Priest said he would win and Rollins would have one of the shortest reigns ever. Rollins said that either way, his title reign was already longer than Bálor’s. Rollins laughed and pranced off. Bálor wasn’t happy.

******** 

Money in the Bank qualifier: Becky Lynch defeated Sonya Deville (w/Chelsea Green) (10:14)

Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark entered a couple of minutes into the match. Lynch was distracted but fought off Deville and regained control ahead of a break. Deville hit a superplex following the break for two. Lynch fought back but was booted by Green outside the ring as Deville distracted the ref. Deville followed with a running knee strike for two.

Green tried to get involved again so Lynch decked her and tossed her repeatedly into the barricade. Deville tried to take advantage but Lynch tossed her into the barricade repeatedly as well.

Back in the ring, Deville countered a Man-handle Slam into a schoolboy for two. Deville tried a cover with an assist from Green but Lynch kicked out anyway. (It felt like one of those spots where the ref would catch the cheater but he didn’t.)

Lynch followed moments later with a Man-handle Slam for the pinfall win. The crowd was into Lynch.

******** 

There was a recap of the Bloodline angle from Smackdown.

Byron Saxton asked Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens about what happened. Zayn basically said ‘I told you so’ and was glad to see Jimmy Uso do the right thing. That being said, the Bloodline wasn’t his problem anymore.

Imperium approached them. Ludwig Kaiser said Zayn was right — Imperium was their problem now. Owens freaked out on Imperium again for interrupting them without being prompted.

Gunther said Owens couldn’t control his temper. Gunther thought Owens needed discipline and offered to teach him some. Owens told him they could do that in the ring and marched toward the stage.

******** 

There was a video package for Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.

Non-title match: Intercontinental Champion Gunther (w/Imperium) defeated Tag Team Champion Kevin Owens (w/Sami Zayn) (17:13)

This was excellent and the crowd got more and more into it as it went.

They wrestled back and forth early on until Gunther cut off Owens with a boot and an impressive German suplex. Gunther also drove Owens into the barricade and dropped him onto the edge of the ring ahead of a break.

[SECOND HOUR]

Owens tried a senton bomb during the break but Gunther got his knees up. Gunther slammed Owens and wrenched his neck. Gunther booted Owens but Owens kicked out at one. Owens smacked Gunther but Gunther booted him again. Gunther chopped Owens and Corey Graves noted how loud it still was even with Owens wearing a t-shirt.

Gunther applied a Boston Crab and transitioned into a crossface. Owens fought to his feet and hit a chop but Gunther knocked him down with a chop. Owens blocked a suplex but Gunther knocked him down with a clothesline.

Owens battled back with his own clotheslines but Gunther hit another German suplex. Owens ducked a clothesline and hit a German suplex of his own. They traded strikes but a Gunther chop was again too much for Owens.

Gunther mocked Owens who came back with three superkicks and a cannonball for two. Gunther blocked a stunner and hit a dropkick. Owens came back with a fisherman buster for two. Gunther suplexed Owens off the middle rope for two. Gunther tried a splash but Owens got his knees up and hit a senton bomb for a nearfall.

Owens set up for a stunner but was distracted by Giovanni Vinci on the apron. Zayn pulled Vinci off the apron and took him out. Owens went after Kaiser and gave him a stunner after he slid into the ring.

Gunther used the opportunity to put Owens in a schoolboy for the pinfall win. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Matt Riddle. Riddle was tired of seeing Gunther cheat every week and didn’t think he would be champion if not for Kaiser and Vinci.

Kaiser approached Riddle and told him to watch his mouth. Riddle asked what he would do about it. Kaiser poked him in the chest and asked what he would do about it. Riddle grabbed him and chucked him over some equipment boxes before putting Vinci in an ankle lock. Officials ran in to break it up.

******** 

Saxton interviewed Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler. Rousey challenged any team with the figurative balls to fight them.

Kayden Carter and Katana Chance approached and offered to have a match. Carter and Chance were noticeably shorter than the champs and Rousey wondered if they were munchkin land. Rousey also wondered if Carter and Chance were stupid.

Baszler thought they were ignorant. She also called them brave but said their bravery would be gone at the sound of their tendons and ligaments being torn off their bodies.

Non-title match: Tag Team Champions Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler defeated Kayden Carter & Katana Chance (6:43)

Carter and Chance almost picked up the surprise win with their Afterparty double-team move on Rousey but Baszler just barely broke up the cover. The crowd was dead until that spot but they did want to see Rousey get pinned there.

Chance slipped out of a Rousey ankle lock and hit a Codebreaker. Baszler tagged in and Carter got a nearfall using a rollup but Baszler gave her a German suplex and put her in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission win. This was good for the time they had.

******** 

Bronson Reed approached Ricochet. Reed thought it was amusing that Ricochet was in MITB while he wasn’t. Ricochet said he earned his spot by beating two-time grand slam champion the Miz, while Reed had his undefeated streak ended by Shinsuke Nakamura.

Reed was about to say something about Nakamura, but Nakamura showed up to remind him who won. Reed said the result would be different next time. Reed left.

Ricochet said he would give Nakamura a loss tonight and at MITB. Nakamura wanted to see him prove it in the ring.

********

There was a Johnny Gargano video package.

Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a disqualification (8:10)

They’ve wrestled before but this appears to have been the first televised singles match between these two.

The match picked up once they got back from break but they didn’t get too much time after that before Bronson Reed interfered for the DQ. (They never announce anything but Nakamura was technically attacked first so he likely gets the DQ win, I guess.)

Ricochet got on the back of Reed but he hit Nakamura with a splash anyway before putting away Ricochet with a Tsunami.

******** 

Maxxine Dupri, Chad Gable and Otis had a meeting backstage. Gable wanted to make sure they were on the same page and told her that an Alpha doesn’t run from a fight (referring to her running away from Valhalla). Dupri thought she could take on Valhalla until she ran after her like a wild animal. Dupri wondered why the Viking Raiders were targeting them anyway.

Gable said he imparted some knowledge on Otis. Dupri wanted to hear what he learned. Otis said they would take them out with… deodorant. Additionally, Otis said Gable would teach the pretty lady (Dupri) how to take on the Viking lady. Gable said they couldn’t train with Dupri wearing her current outfit. Dupri said she had the perfect outfit and left to change.

********

[THIRD HOUR]

Miz TV with guest Cody Rhodes 

Rhodes entered wearing a cast on his arm. Miz told him that he looked dashing.

Miz said Brock Lesnar beat Rhodes at Night of Champions and broke his arm, yet Rhodes challenged him to fight. Miz asked Rhodes if he thought that was stupid.

Rhodes said people told him that it took balls to do what he did — and  Miz knew something about that. The crowd chanted “tiny balls.” Rhodes said Lesnar was on his annual hibernation so we wouldn’t be seeing him for a while.

Miz had a surprise for Rhodes. It wasn’t Lesnar. Miz invited another man with the same pressures as Rhodes as a multi-generational talent. Miz introduced us to the hottest superstar in WWE, Dominik Mysterio.

Dom entered with Ripley. Miz was about to ask Dom a question but Ripley told him to be quiet. Ripley handed Dom the mic and the crowd booed. Miz asked the crowd to stop booing. They didn’t. Rhodes sarcastically asked them to stop booing and Ripley told them to shut up. The crowd loudly booed as Dom tried to cut his promo.

Dom said he did hard time, while Rhodes was like a little bird with a broken wing. Dom heard Rhodes challenge Lesnar and called him a bad father because he should be at home taking care of his daughter. Instead, he was here because he was just like Rey — a deadbeat dad.

Rhodes knew the 15 minutes in prison must’ve been hard on Dom and he had an even worse prison tattoo than him. Rhodes called Dom’s match at WrestleMania against Rey a public spanking.

Rhodes said Rey wasn’t a perfect father. Rey has made some terrible mistakes and he knew that because he was looking at one (Dom). The crowd liked that line.

Dom dropped the mic and acted like he was leaving but he slapped an unsuspecting Rhodes instead. Dom immediately hid behind Ripley and dared Rhodes to hit him. Rhodes did not, so Dom and Ripley left.

Miz was amused so Rhodes knocked him out with his cast.

******** 

Money in the Bank qualifier: Zoey Stark (w/Trish Stratus) defeated Natalya (3:51)

Natalya hit a German suplex and applied a Sharpshooter but Stark got a rope break. Stark rolled to the outside so Natalya shoved her back in the ring while telling Stratus to stay out of it.

As Natalya was on the apron, Stratus kicked her leg out of her leg (while the ref was watching Stark). Stark gave Natalya a Z-360 for the pinfall win.

(There should probably be a Lynch promo to explain why she didn’t bother getting involved here.)

******** 

Backstage at Raw, Smackdown’s Paul Heyman invited us to join him on Friday to watch Jey Uso make his historic choice. Heyman told us that Jey would choose his brother: Solo Sikoa. Jey shared a womb with Jimmy but he will never be closer to him than he will be to his Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. On Friday, Jey would acknowledge that fact.

******** 

Indus Sher (w/Jinder Mahal) vs. Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin

The match didn’t happen. Veer and Sanga attacked Alexander and Benjamin before the bell and it was determined Alexander, who took the brunt of it, couldn’t compete so the ref called it off. (Benjamin took one boot and was tossed from the ring.) 

(They went to break after the Heyman segment letting us know this match was next and this is what they came back with. It was followed with another break.)  

******** 

Seth Rollins defeated Damian Priest to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (21:58)

Rollins had control through an early break but Priest punched him out of mid-air as he tried a strike off the barricade. Priest had control until Rollins came back with an enziguri, strikes, clotheslines, a thrust kick, clothesline and backbreaker. Priest avoided a frog splash attempt and hit a boot but Rollins came back with a slingblade.

Rollins tried a suicide dive but Priest caught him and hit a flatliner onto the announce table which led to break. When they returned, Rollins tried a sunset flip powerbomb but Priest blocked it.

Rollins ran up the ropes and hit a superplex followed by a falcon arrow for two. (The falcon arrow looked impressive because Priest almost reversed it and Rollins had to counter.) Rollins followed with three straight suicide dives with the last one sending Priest over the announce desk. Rollins hit a superkick and a frog splash for two.

They exchanged strikes until Priest hit a headlock driver for two. Priest followed with a top rope Frankensteiner for two. Rollins followed later with a Pedigree for two.

Rollins powerbombed Priest into the barricade, which did not look fun at all for Priest. The announcers reminded us that it was the same move that took out Bálor years ago. Bálor showed up at ringside but Rollins took him out with a superkick.

Rollins went for a curb stomp but Priest hit a clothesline and a South of Heaven chokeslam for a nearfall. Priest saw Bálor at ringside and earnestly asked him, “Why are you here?” Priest went for a Razor’s Edge but he dropped Rollins because his shoulder was hurt from the barricade bomb.

Rollins hit him with a superkick, forearms and a curb stomp for the pinfall win. Rollins retained.

The match started slow but got pretty good by the end.

Bálor faced off with Rollins but Rollins waved him goodbye and left. Rollins posed with his belt as the show ended.