Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave Meltzer and Jim Valley filling in for Bryan Alvarez.
Dave talks about how the potential Warner Brothers-Discovery/Paramount merger might affect professional wrestling. There’s also talk on the latest on WBD and WWE, Matt Riddle’s first scheduled match in the United States since he was released from WWE, and how the Continental Classic has been an artistic and ratings success for AEW.
Plus, we run down a very good Dynamite, recap AEW Rampage Holiday Bash spoilers for this Friday, NXT, Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe, television ratings, and much more. Check it out.
The ROH Tag Team titles will be on the line at AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash on Wednesday, December 27.
MJF & Samoa Joe accepted a challenge from The Devil to defend the ROH Tag titles on next week’s Dynamite following a promo segment on this week’s show.
As MJF & Joe were in the ring, they were interrupted by The Devil’s masked henchmen. After fending the henchmen off, a message from The Devil played on the video wall challenging MJF to put the titles on the line next week. Joe accepted on MJF’s behalf, and will defend the titles with MJF in Adam Cole’s stead. MJF & Cole are the ROH Tag Team Champions, but Cole has been sidelined due to injury.
MJF defended the titles in a handicap match at the WrestleDream pay-per-view in October, and Joe also substituted for Cole in a successful title defense against The Gunns at the Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show in November.
The Continental Classic Gold League finals are also set for next week’s Dynamite, with Jon Moxley, Jay White, and Swerve Strickland squaring off in a three-way. The winner will advance to the Continental Classic finals at Worlds End.
The Continental Classic Blue League finals will also be held on the New Year’s Smash episode of Dynamite.
The Dynamite New Year’s Smash lineup to this point:
Continental Classic Gold League finals: Jon Moxley vs. Jay White vs. Swerve Strickland
Continental Classic Blue League finals: TBD vs. TBD
MJF & Samoa Joe defend the ROH Tag Team Championship
Samoa Joe isn’t thinking about stepping away from the ring any time soon.
In an interview with Adrian Hernandez that was released on Tuesday, Joe was asked how long he sees himself wrestling for. Joe responded that he feels good right now and has “more than a handful of good years” left before he retires.
The 44-year-old Joe stated that he believes he’ll stop wrestling well before his body tells him he can’t do it anymore.
Oh no, I’ll probably stop well before then [before his body tells him he can’t do it anymore]. I’ve been really, really fortunate. When I came off the concussion, I took two years off to really get everything back in order and in that time too, just in the recovery process, really changed a lot around in my training and changed a lot of things around that have benefited me to a great amount health-wise. And I feel good right now. As far as where the train will end, I’ll let it play out a little bit more. But I will say this, I definitely have more than a handful of good years left in me. And beyond that, I’m excited to — if we are gonna go out, we’re gonna go out with a bang. So it’ll be interesting to see how these next few years play out.
Joe was forced out of action due to concussion issues in February 2020. He didn’t resume a regular in-ring schedule until signing with AEW in 2022. In WWE, he worked as a commentator and behind the scenes in NXT.
At Worlds End on December 30, Joe is challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship. The pay-per-view is taking place from MJF’s hometown of Long Island, New York.
Joe vacated the ROH Television title last month so that he could solely focus on going after the AEW World Championship.
AEW has announced that we’ll hear from Joe and MJF on Dynamite this Wednesday night.
Adrian Hernandez’s full interview with Joe is available to watch below:
The AEW World Championship match has been set for next month’s Worlds End pay-per-view.
MJF will defend the championship against Samoa Joe on December 30 in Long Island, New York. Joe confronted MJF and Adam Cole as they were in the ring on Wednesday’s Dynamite and mentioned their deal regarding MJF giving Joe a title shot. MJF initially balked at honoring his part of the deal. Cole said that the old MJF would have done that, but the new MJF would be a man of his word.
MJF then said he’d do it tonight on Dynamite. Joe said absolutely not, saying he would wait until Worlds End when MJF is at 100 percent. Joe said he considered MJF his property and would look after his property until Worlds End.
Although MJF defeated Joe at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam back in September Joe has continued to target MJF and the AEW World Championship. He offered to team with MJF to defend the ROH Tag Team titles against The Gunns at Full Gear as long as he got an AEW World title match after. MJF rejected the idea until Joe made the save for him against all members of Bullet Club Gold on the Rampage prior to last weekend’s Full Gear.
The end of Rampage saw MJF agreeing to defend the ROH Tag Team titles with Samoa Joe at AEW Full Gear Zero Hour against The Gunns.
MJF jumped Jay White, who was giving a sit-down interview during Friday’s Rampage. Juice Robinson attacked MJF during the brawl, but was thrown into a TV by MJF. The confrontation between MJF and White eventually made its way to the ring. The Gunns jumped MJF as he gained back the AEW World title belt. White was about to attack MJF with the belt when Joe’s music hit. Bullet Club Gold bailed as Samoa Joe extended his hand to MJF. The two shook hands to end the segment.
Samoa Joe previously told MJF that he would help defend the ROH Tag Team titles against The Gunns if he would give Joe an AEW World Championship match. MJF had dismissed the idea.
A match for the ROH World Championship between champion Eddie Kingston and Jay Lethal was also made official for Saturday’s pre-show. On Friday’s Rampage, Lethal informed Kingston that he had one day left in his championship reign, accusing Kingston of ducking him. The two exchanged words before Lethal and the rest of his group walked away. Once they left, Ortiz appeared next to Kingston.
Also added to Zero Hour is a match between Claudio Castagnoli and Buddy Matthews. After Matthews defeated Wheeler Yuta on Friday’s Collision, Matthews continued to assault Yuta until Castagnoli came down for the save. Castagnoli said he was tired of the House of Black and the darkness and wanted to challenge Matthews in the light. Matthews accepted the challenge.
Here is the updated card for Saturday’s Full Gear:
AEW Full Gear, Saturday, November 18, 8 p.m. Eastern time on pay-per-view —
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Jay White
AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida defends against Toni Storm
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy defends against Jon Moxley
AEW Tag Team Champions Ricky Starks & Big Bill defend against FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler), House of Black (Malakai Black & Brody King) and LFI (Rush & Dralistico) in a ladder match
TBS Champion Kris Statlander defends against Julia Hart & Skye Blue in a three-way
Hangman Page vs. Swerve Strickland in a Texas Death Match
Sting, Darby Allin & Adam Copeland vs. Christian Cage, Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne
The Golden Jets (Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) — Winner gets an AEW Tag Team title shot, Golden Jets disband if they lose
Zero Hour pre-show, 7 p.m. Eastern time on AEW’s YouTube & social media channels —
ROH Tag Team Champions MJF & Samoa Joe defend against The Gunns (Austin & Colten Gunn)
ROH World Championship: Eddie Kingston defends against Jay Lethal
After defeating Keith Lee on Wednesday’s Dynamite, Joe relinquished the title, leaving it in the middle of the ring. He called out MJF, saying that the next title on his shoulder would be the AEW World Championship.
Joe had held the ROH Television title for 575 days, the longest reign in the title’s history. He defeated Minoru Suzuki on the April 12, 2022 edition of Dynamite. Suzuki had defeated Rhett Titus for the title on April 1 at Supercard of Honor, the first ROH show booked by Tony Khan following his purchase of the company.
MJF defeated Joe at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam back in September to retain the AEW World Championship. Despite the loss, Joe has continued to pursue MJF in an effort to gain another championship match, going as far as to offer to have MJF’s back during a recent AEW World Championship match against Kenny Omega.
Joe had successfully defended the Television title in recent weeks, defeating the likes of Willie Mack, Tony Nese, and former champion Rhett Titus.
A Ring of Honor TV title match between Samoa Joe and Keith Lee is official for this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite along with several other new additions.
Lee issued the challenge on Saturday’s AEW Collision in a backstage segment where Joe was recognized for being the longest-reigning ROH TV Champion ever. Joe said he had beaten everyone to which Lee retorted that he hadn’t beat him.
This will be the first time the two have squared off. They have shared the ring only once, that being in 2020 WWE Royal Rumble match.
After nine months on the injured list, Red Velvet will make her return to action as she faces Julia Hart. Velvet’s last match was in February when she lost to then-TBS Champion Jade Cargill while Hart’s recent long winning streak came to an end against current champion Kris Statlander at last month’s WrestleDream.
Also made Saturday was Jay White vs. Mark Briscoe. White is looking to continue his undefeated streak in AEW on his path to a shot at AEW World Champion MJF at this month’s Full Gear. Briscoe returned to action on Collision in a tag team match — his first in-ring action since late-June when took time off with a knee injury.
Swerve Strickland will go one-on-one with Penta El Zero Miedo after a backstage confrontation on Collision with Strickland, Prince Nana and Alex Abrahantes. The two have shared the ring several times dating back as far as 2015 in Lucha Underground. This will be their first-ever singles match in AEW and their first since a December 2018 indie.
After a win over AR Fox on Collision, Strickland is preparing for a rematch with Hangman Page at Full Gear while Penta is coming off a three-way victory over El Hijo del Vikingo and Komander on Friday’s Rampage.
The four new additions join the previously announced World title match between champion MJF and Daniel Garcia.
Here’s the current lineup for Portland, Oregon:
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Daniel Garcia
ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe defends against Keith Lee
A new title match has been confirmed for this Saturday’s AEW Collision.
AEW has announced that Samoa Joe will defend his ROH Television title against Willie Mack on Collision this Saturday night (October 14). Mack, who regularly competes for ROH, will be wrestling on AEW television for the second time ever.
Mack lost to Brian Cage on an episode of Rampage this January. He’s also had three matches on AEW Dark/Dark: Elevation in the past.
Joe has made 14 successful title defenses since becoming ROH Television Champion. He defeated Minoru Suzuki for the title in April 2022.
At Dynamite Grand Slam last month, Joe unsuccessfully challenged MJF for the AEW World Championship. In recent vignettes, Joe has said he’s still focused on winning the AEW World title. Joe stated that his ascension toward greatness begins on Collision this Saturday.
"I am the #ROH World Television Champion, the King of TV and soon to be #AEW World Champion" – Samoa Joe.
MJF defending the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe headlines this year’s Dynamite Grand Slam.
AEW runs Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York City for Grand Slam tonight for the third consecutive year, with MJF defending against Joe in the headline spot.
In addition, three more titles will be on the line on tonight’s episode.
AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya will defend her title against Toni Storm this evening. Saraya and Storm formed two-thirds of The Outcasts group before Storm recently broke off on her own with her “Illustrious” gimmick.
Jon Moxley is set to defend the AEW International Championship against Rey Fenix on tonight’s show. Fenix declared himself the top contender to Moxley’s title and the two have played off one another in backstage angles on Collision and Dynamite in the ensuing weeks.
In the evening’s other title bout, ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli faces NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston in a match with both titles on the line.
Chris Jericho vs. Sammy Guevara will also take place on tonight’s show.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite Grand Slam comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone, Taz & Ian Riccaboni as our title for title match is kicking things off tonight. Claudio Castagnoli, rocking a sweat Ribera Steakhouse jacket, walked backstage with Wheeler Yuta, as Eddie Kingston got last minute good luck from Penta El Zero Miedo & Alex Abrahantes.
Eddie Kingston defeated Claudio Castagnoli (w/Wheeler Yuta) to win the ROH World Title
(Having watched all the video packages they’ve done highlighting the history between these two, this was a fantastic ending to Kingston’s journey to win the big one. The reaction from the crowd, the show of respect post match, Kingston finally being given his flowers on a big stage, it was all excellent.)
Both men wasted no time trading chops and forearms out the gate, with the crowd loudly behind the hometown Kingston. To the floor they went, as Kingston drove Castagnoli knee first into the barricade, but the tide was turned with Castagnoli reversing a whip into a clothesline. Back inside, Castagnoli hit an impressive gut wrench suplex, but a slap woke Kingston up as he delivered a snap German suplex. Castagnoli seemingly headbutt his way through a Kingston backfist on the apron and delivered a back suplex out onto the stage. Castagnoli zoned in on the left arm of Kingston, connecting with a double stomp off the second rope and a wild uppercut for two taking us to picture in picture.
Castagnoli controlled a majority of the break, relentlessly uppercutting Kingston in the corner followed by a TKO for two. Kingston started hulking up, delivering an enzugiri and Saito suplex for a near fall of his own. The Kobashi machine gun chops were unloaded, but Castagnoli no sold, so Kingston just popped him in the face with a right hand. Castagnoli returned the favor with a punch of his own and it led to an intense face off. More chops and forearms were unleashed until Castagnoli blocked a chop and hit a snap lariat for two. Anvil elbow led to a Ricola Bomb attempt, which Kingston got a hurricanrana pin attempt out of. Castagnoli fired up and hit a huge uppercut and the Ricola Bomb for a super close two that had the crowd going wild.
Castagnoli pulled Kingston up, who fired off multiple spinning backfists and Northern Lights Bomb, but this time, Castagnoli kicked out. Kingston couldn’t hit the powerbomb the first time, so he unleashed another backfist and connected on the powerbomb with the high stack to win the match and the title. Post match, Castagnoli extended his hand, Kingston shook it and Castagnoli handed over the ROH Title to have Kingston standing tall with the ROH & NJPW Strong Titles.
-Video of Matt Taven & Mike Bennett praying at Roderick Strong’s hospital bed side last week is shown. Taven has a rosary around his hand and read a get well card. Adam Cole came in much to the delight of Strong, as Taven & Bennett said it was convenient he arrives now since they have to leave for Grand Slam to become #1 Contenders for the ROH Tag Titles. Cole left literally 10 seconds later, saying he has to be there for MJF in his match with Samoa Joe. Strong was dejected, as Cole stopped at the sound of Strong reclining his bed up to show his disappointment, but left. Everyone involved in this storyline, The Kingdom & Strong especially, continue to knock this out of the park.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Luchasaurus & Christian Cage, who said they will walk through Sting & Darby Allin at Rampage Grand Slam. Cage issues a challenge to Allin for Collision, a three way match with Luchasaurus & himself for the TNT Title. The only caveat being Sting is not allowed at ringside. As for Rampage, Cage told Allin to make sure he brings the boy.
Chris Jericho defeated Sammy Guevara
(This was a solid back and forth first time meeting between these two, as there was a few moments where they were on different pages, but got right back on track leading to a real good finish. Excalibur had name dropped Shawn Michaels pre-match when talking about Jericho wrestling his mentor, as Guevara was at the same point in his career. So the post match should come as no surprise, as this was right out of the Wrestlemania 19 playbook and done masterfully by both men.)
Guevara’s entrance included a light up vest as homage to Jericho, as Monteasy rapped Guevara’s theme to the ring. Both men shook hands, but that turned to slaps and chops soon after. Guevara did his leap frog and dropkick, posing for the crowd, as Jericho paint brushed him to put a stop to it. More chops by Jericho led to a double arm underhook back breaker, but Guevara dodged the springboard corner dropkick. Guevara connected on the corkscrew tornillo, as back inside, a top rope cross body hit for two. Jericho countered a GTH into a Code Breaker and delivered a suplex off the apron to the floor that took us to commercial.
It was all Jericho during break, until finally Guevara mounted a comeback with a Spanish Fly for two. Jericho fired up and laid out Guevara with multiple lariats to get two of his own. A float over in the corner allowed Guevara to hit a Code Breaker, as he sent Jericho to the outside. Guevara hit a moonsault off the top to the floor and briefly clutched his knee in the process. The hesitation to follow up allowed Jericho to hit a dropkick in mid air on a springing Guevara. We kind of got a messed up spot where Jericho was going to try his springboard dropkick in the corner, Guevara missed the first superkick attempt, but hit the second, followed by a huge Cutter off the top for two.
Guevara tried again for the GTH, but this time Jericho countered into the Walls of Jericho. Guevera was able to fight free, hit a pump knee, as both fought up in the corner with Guevara hitting an Avalanche Cutter. Jericho’s face was driven right into the mat in the process. Jericho missed a dropkick, as Guevara missed a top rope Lionsault. After a face buster, Jericho hit with his Lionsault for two. Guevara fired off a pump knee, finally hit the GTH, but a Shooting Star Press was countered into a Code Breaker in mid air to give Jericho the win.
Post match, Jericho & Guevara shook hands and hugged before Guevara punted Jericho, who slid down Guevara before getting pie faced. Don Callis walked to the ring and then to the back with presumably the newest member of his family, Sammy Guevara.
-MJF & Adam Cole arrived at the arena in a snazzy ride, as MJF said tonight he will bash Samoa Joe’s skull in. Joe tried to take away two precious things to him, the AEW Title and his brother, Adam Cole. Tonight, MJF will choke out Joe in front of his people. The last thing Joe will hear before passing out is the chants of MJF. Right as MJF was about to hit his signature line, Cole’s phone started buzzing and it was Roderick Strong. Cole took the call, as MJF asked if Cole would still have his back. Cole walked off to take the call.
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-Renee Paquette tried to get a word with Don Callis & Sammy Guevara, as Callis said all will be told on Rampage whether or not Guevara is the newest member of the Don Callis Family. Daniel Garcia walked up and Guevara tried to get in his face, but Callis held him back, saying Garcia was money.
Rey Fenix (w/Alex Abrahantes) defeated Jon Moxley to win the AEW International Title
(I don’t think this was the planned finish, as post match, Moxley was being attended to by doctors and we never saw him again. Excalibur did inform us after commercial Moxley left under his own power. I really hope he’s ok, as he seemed to be dropped right on his head from the first Black Fire Driver. They clearly called an audible, as things were going perfectly fine up to the finish, which caught everyone off guard, which includes fans, referee, even Fenix. Again, I hope Moxley isn’t severely injured, as you talk about the backbone of AEW, he’s been there through it all.)
Before the match officially began, both men brawled on the ramp, with Fenix hitting a springboard kick and diving somersault dive off the stage, clearing the camera man. The bell sounds, as Fenix used his speed to avoid Moxley strikes briefly until Moxley hit a forearm in mid air as Fenix tried a somersault cutter. Fenix bit his way out of a kimura, tried his bounce back kick, but Moxley just punted him to the floor. Fenix tried to walk the guardrail into a kick, but Moxley swept the legs and hit a double underhook draping DDT.
Both men fought back inside, this time Fenix was able to hit the corner spinning kick and somersault cutter. Fenix wasted no time and hit the Frog Splash, but only managed two. Fenix charged full steam, but right into a King Kong Lariat from Moxley, who wasted too much time, allowing Fenix to kip up, drape Moxley over the barricade outside and hit a leg drop off the top rope. Right as they went to commercial, Fenix tried a springboard back inside, but Moxley dropped him with a Death Rider for two.
Moxley hit a Gotch Style Piledriver, but Fenix fought back while in the ropes and delivered a double stomp. Both men spilled to the stage, where Moxley hit a Curb Stomp that absolutely spiked Fenix, as it was followed by another piledriver back inside for two. Moxley wanted an Avalanche Death Rider, but Fenix fought out and hit a Senton Atomico. Fenix connected with his Black Fire Driver, Moxley didn’t kick out, but Rick Knox pulled the count. Fenix proceeded to hit another Black Fire Driver and this time Knox counted three to the shock of literally everyone in attendance, myself included.
-Samoa Joe is backstage and said tonight is a night of consequences. Tonight, Joe will smash MJF from pillar to post and he will beat him in front of his hometown. It won’t be the future Joe takes from MJF, it’ll be his championship.
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Saraya (w/Ruby Soho) defeated Toni Storm to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(This had all the bells and whistles that the Outcasts have used to win matches over the past year and it ended up telling a good story, especially with this new Storm character. I will continue to sing Storm’s praises, as this whole character overhaul she’s done over the last few months remains my favorite thing going in AEW, even if I have no idea where she goes from here.)
Storm has a full black and white entrance for her starlet character and the theme to go along with it is wonderful. Saraya slapped Storm in the face multiple times and berated her before Storm laughed in her face. Storm fired off chops and laid out Soho for good measure before walking into a Saraya thrust kick. Storm gained control by sweeping the leg on the apron and went under the ring. Soho pulled her out and Storm emerged with shoes, beating down Soho, who didn’t watch for the shoooooe. The ref took one shoe away from Storm, who clocked Saraya with a high heel and got a two count. Storm hit a draping DDT on Saraya during picture in picture, but Soho’s distraction allowed Saraya to take control.
Saraya hit a sunset flip bomb out of the corner, but Storm fired back with shots and exposed the bottom buckle pad. Soho pulled the spray paint away from Storm and she threw it to Saraya, who sprayed Storm, hit the Knight Cap, but Storm kicked out. Saraya couldn’t bring herself to slam Storm face first into the exposed buckle, so Storm blocked a kick, laid a smooch on Saraya and hit Storm Zero for a super close two. With Saraya set up in the exposed corner, Storm charged for Sweet Cheek Music, but Saraya dodged and hit the Knight Cap out of the corner to get the pin.
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-During MJF’s entrance started with a callback to the old Bret Hart video where a child and his father yell to MJF backstage and tells him “go get’em, champ”. MJF smiled, gave the child his scarf and whispered something to the child before walking off. The child then asked his father if he was adopted. Commentary was laughing as Excalibur said that’s our scumbag. This was absolutely brilliant.
MJF defeated Samoa Joe to defend the AEW World Title
(A fantastic main event with MJF doing exactly what he said he would do at the end of this contest. As I mentioned in the recap, I really hope Cole didn’t hurt his ankle when he rushed to the ring, as having him & Moxley hurt on the same night and missing time would be awful. Back to the match, Joe did a great job trying to put an end to MJF, as the champion was able to slay the monster by any means necessary.)
Joe toyed with MJF briefly, until an eye poke allowed MJF to try a sleeper, only Joe slammed MJF down with the champion selling his bad neck. A running boot and senton got the first near fall, as Joe worked over the neck during the entire picture in picture. MJF avoided a Muscle Buster into a roll up for two and popped Joe with a head kick to follow. Lariats by MJF connected, but he sold the injured neck after each one, which allowed Joe to throw a wild lariat for two. Joe ripped the New York Mets inspired Better Than You, BayBay shirt off MJF, who fired up as a result. MJF got a back rake, drove Joe head first in the corner ten times, delivered ten punches, bit Joe and connected on the Kangaroo Kick to send Joe to the outside as the crowd went nuts.
MJF wanted a dive, but Joe hit a kick through the ropes followed by a violent Death Valley Driver on the edge of the ring. MJF managed to kick out, as Joe pulled a table from under the ring, set it up ringside and drove MJF through it with an Uranage. Referee Paul Turner just allowed this to happen and counted two back in the ring. Joe exposed the panel and tried a piledriver, but MJF bit the knee of Joe to escape. MJF couldn’t hit one of his own, as Joe fought it off and laid out MJF with the piledriver on the floor. Doctors rushed MJF, as they were almost all dispatched by Joe, who threw MJF into the ring for a cover, but MJF kicked out.
Joe screamed at MJF to give up, but MJF spat right in his face, so a slap from Joe soon followed. Joe charged for a home run shot, but MJF floated over and hit a massive sitout powerbomb for two. Both men traded strikes and traded sleeper attempts before MJF hit a mule kick and put on the Dynamite diamond ring. MJF went to charge with it, but Joe pulled the ref in front, who saw the ring, took it from MJF, allowing Joe to punt low. The Muscle Buster connected, but MJF kicked out and Joe couldn’t believe it. Joe slapped on the sleeper, MJF began to fade, but Adam Cole sprinted from the back to cheer MJF on, whose arm didn’t fall a third time. As Cole came out, he jumped off the stage to rush around the ring and noticeably tweaking his ankle in the process.
MJF managed to get a roll up for two before getting a sleeper of his own, but Joe ran into the corner, Paul Turner leaping to the floor to avoid taking a bump. Cole handed MJF a rope, as he wrapped it around Joe’s throat until Joe passed out in a sleeper allowing MJF retain. MJF hugged Paul Turner as Cole hid the evidence. Joe finally came to and shoved Cole, as MJF stood between them. Joe offered a handshake and MJF shook it before Joe went to the back. The doctor checked on MJF as Cole applauded his brochacho to end the show.
AEW Rampage: Grand Slam 9/22/23
· Sting & Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage & Luchasaurus
· Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony vs. The Young Bucks & Hangman Adam Page for the ROH Six Man Tag Titles
· Orange Cassidy, HOOK & Kris Statlander vs. Angelo Parker, Matt Menard & Anna Jay
· The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass defend the AEW Trios Titles against Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver
· The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) vs. The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) vs. The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch) vs. Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta) for a shot at the ROH Tag Team Titles at Wrestle Dream
· Mike Santana will be in action
· Julia Hart vs. Skye Blue
AEW Collision 9/23/23
· Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks in a Texas Death Match
· Switchblade Jay White vs. Andrade El Idolo
· Luchasaurus vs. Christian Cage vs. Darby Allin for the TNT Title
· RVD will be in action
· FTR defend the AEW Tag Titles against The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
AEW Dynamite 9/27/23
· Swerve Strickland & Hangman Adam Page have their Wrestle Dream contract signing
During an interview with the New York Post, Samoa Joe addressed CM Punk and Jack Perry’s backstage incident from All In.
The altercation took place right before Joe and Punk’s match at Wembley Stadium. Though Punk threatened to quit following the incident, Joe reportedly talked him into still doing the match. It ended up being the final time that Punk would wrestle for AEW. The promotion announced on September 2 that Punk’s AEW contract had been terminated with cause.
For the most part, I haven’t read what’s been portrayed. There’s been so much said. I’m not the one to go out there and try to debunk everything. I know we had the initial incident. Everybody rallied. Everybody got together. Got their heads together and lined up and got ready to do the show and we went out there and we did the show.
That really was the focus at that point in time. We got a massive show to do and we got fans out there rabid to see that happen. So it’s important that we step up and do it and it’s important that we did and I was proud to be a part of that.
Joe was also asked if the altercation was as intense as it sounded. In response, Joe said he “wasn’t really affected” by the moment and was more focused on getting the show back on track:
That’s up to whoever perceived it. I’m used to that environment. Those things don’t seem very intense to me, but it could be something crazy intense to someone else. I wasn’t really affected by the moment. I was more focused on getting the show back on track and getting us going because it was bell time.
Joe and Punk had two singles matches against each other in AEW. Joe told the New York Post that it meant a “tremendous amount” to him to be able to revisit his in-ring rivalry with Punk.
On Dynamite Grand Slam this Wednesday, Joe is challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship. Joe earned the title shot by winning AEW’s Grand Slam eliminator tournament. He defeated Roderick Strong in the finals last week.
Samoa Joe is heading to Arthur Ashe Stadium to challenge for the AEW World Championship.
Joe defeated Roderick Strong via submission in the main event of Wednesday’s Dynamite in the finals of the AEW Grand Slam World title eliminator tournament and will challenge MJF in Queens, New York City on Wednesday, September 20.
After beating Strong in Wednesday’s tournament finals, Joe upped the ante for his title challenge by attacking MJF’s tag team partner Adam Cole, choking Cole out on the stage as the show closed.
MJF vs. Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship is one of four title matches official for Dynamite Grand Slam.
Toni Storm won an eliminator match on Dynamite to earn the right to challenge Saraya for the Women’s World Championship at Grand Slam, Jon Moxley will defend the International Championship against Rey Fenix, plus ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli will face NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston in a title vs. title bout on the show.
The updated lineup for Dynamite Grand Slam:
AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Samoa Joe
AEW Women’s World Championship: Saraya defends against Toni Storm
AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley defends against Rey Fenix
Title vs. title match: ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli vs. NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston
The finals for the AEW Grand Slam World title eliminator tournament are now set.
Roderick Strong will face Samoa Joe in the finals that take place this coming Wednesday on Dynamite. The winner of this match will then advance to AEW Grand Slam on September 20, where they will face MJF for the AEW World Championship.
Saturday’s Collision saw Strong defeat Darby Allin. Distractions from AR Fox and Nick Wayne, who are not on the same page, caused Allin to become distracted and ultimately lose the match after Strong connected with the end of heartache. Samoa Joe defeated Penta El 0 M after Penta went for the fear factor, but Joe countered with the coquina clutch for the submission.
Additionally, Big Bill will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW International title this Wednesday. Ricky Starks confronted Bryan Danielson on Saturday, with things still unresolved between the two following their strap match at All Out. Big Bill ended up attacking Danielson. However, Jon Moxley came out to even the odds. Regardless, the segment ended with both Starks and Bill standing tall.
Here is everything announced so far for next week’s Dynamite:
Grand Slam World Title eliminator tournament finals: Roderick Strong vs. Samoa Joe
AEW International title: Jon Moxley defends against Big Bill
4-way Women’s title eliminator match: Britt Baker vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Nyla Rose vs. Toni Storm
The finals of the AEW Grand Slam eliminator tournament will be set following tonight’s AEW Collision from Cleveland, Ohio.
In two semifinal matches, Samoa Joe will face Penta El Zero Miedo while Darby Allin takes on Roderick Strong. The winners will square off on this Wednesday’s Dynamite with the winner facing MJF at this month’s Dynamite Grand Slam from Queens, NY.
AEW International Champion Jon Moxley will defend his title for the second time this week as he faces Action Andretti.
In an open challenge, TBS Champion Kris Statlander will look to keep her win streak and title defense streak going.
In eight-man action, Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) take on the team of Gravity, Metalik, Aerostar & Dios Del Inframundo.
The show will also feature speaking segments from Bryan Danielson, AEW Women’s Champion Saraya and Ruby Soho, and AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn.
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We got our cold open promos from the four men in the Grand Slam Eliminator Tournament. Elton John played us in before Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness welcomed us to the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
AEW International Title Match – Jon Moxley defeated Action Andretti to retain
A fortunate coincidence that Moxley’s Collision debut came in Ohio. The announcers made it clear that Orange Cassidy’s reign as champion elevated the title to main event status. Having a bonafide main event player in Moxley hold the title only solidifies those statements. Keep an eye on Moxley’s knee, as that could be a target for future challengers.
In an inset promo during his entrance, Moxley wished Andretti luck, but noted that fighting Moxley in Ohio is like fighting Superman on the surface of the sun. Moxley sent Andretti retreating to the floor after a chop. Andretti fought back with chops of his own, but Moxley sent him to the floor again with a boot to the face. Moxley brought Andretti back into the ring, but Andretti cut him off with a handspring before following Moxley to the floor with a dive.
Moxley peppered Andretti with headbutts before throwing him back into the ring but jammed his knee on a move attempt off of the ropes. Andretti sent Moxley to the floor and hit a split-legged moonsault to the outside. Andretti side-stepped a Moxley charge, with Moxley sending himself into the stairs as Kelly sent us to a picture-in-picture commercial.
Back from the commercial, Moxley side-stepped an Andretti dive before hitting a dive of his own. The announcers talked about this being Moxley’s third title match of the week as Moxley nursed his knee. Andretti made some space, but springboarded directly into a Moxley cutter for a nearfall. Moxley caught Andretti on a handspring elbow attempt with a choke, but Andretti hit a dropkick and a falcon arrow for a nearfall.
Andretti landed on his feet on a German suplex attempt off the second rope. They traded shotgun dropkicks before Andretti hit a corkscrew splash on Moxley for a nearfall. Andretti went for the BCC stomps, but Moxley used his own feet to spin Andretti into a rear naked choke to score the win and retain the title.
In a pre-tape, Roderick Strong talked about his friendship with Adam Cole through their days in the Ring of Honor locker room. Strong said that Cole had changed over their time in AEW, especially with his friendship with MJF. Strong said that Cole abandoned him when Strong needed him the most. He said he was still willing to make amends with Cole, and that he just wanted his friend back.
We got a recap of Samoa Joe and MJF’s confrontation from Dynamite.
AEW TBS Title Match – Kris Statlander defeated Robyn Renegade (w/ Charlette Renegade) to retain
The Renegades looked good here, and Jade Cargill’s return sets up an easy rematch for one of AEW’s big upcoming shows.
Statlander was in firm control early on, stuffing a monkey flip and turning it into a German suplex. Charlette Renegade cut off a running Statlander, allowing Robyn to hit a boot in the corner to take control. Charlette choked Statlander on the ropes as Robyn took the referee’s attention.
Statlander fired back up, hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb for a nearfall. Renegade missed a big boot in the corner, allowing Statlander to hit an elevator drop. After hitting Charlette with a forearm to knock her off the apron, Statlander scored the win with an O’Connor Roll.
After the match, Charlette chop-blocked Statlander, leading to a double-team beatdown. Jade Cargill made her return, getting a huge pop in the process. Cargill took out both Renegades before helping Statlander to her feet. Cargill then snatched Statlander up and dropped her with Jaded before posing with the TBS Title.
Backstage, Renee Paquette was with Saraya & Ruby Soho. Soho was upset about Toni Storm costing her the TBS Title at All Out, but Saraya calmed her down. Saraya said that she would return to Arthur Ashe Stadium – the building she debuted in – as champion.
Tony Schiavone sat down backstage with Claudio Castagnoli & Eddie Kingston. Castagnoli claimed not to remember how the issues between him and Kingston started, with Kingston saying that he was lying. Kingston said the problems started with Castagnoli leaving the independents before giving Kingston a match and doing business. Kingston challenged Castagnoli to a title-for-title match at Grand Slam, with both the ROH World Championship and the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship on the line. Castagnoli accepted with one caveat. Kingston had to shake his hand once Castagnoli beat him. The heat for that match should be off the charts.
Bullet Club Gold (Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, & Juice Robinson) defeated Aero Star, Dios Del Inframundo, Gravity
You may remember Dios Del Inframundo as Drago from Lucha Underground. He changed his name after his recent departure from AAA. Robinson sat down “Cardblade” and a plaque naming Robinson the “Collision Cowboy of the Month.” The Gunns took care of Gravity and Inframundo before Robinson tagged in to a huge reaction. Andrade El Idolo was seen watching backstage as the luchadors gained an advantage over Robinson. Austin Gunn hooked Robinson’s waist on an Irish Whip, with Colton Gunn taking down Aero Star and Gravity with lariats as we went to the commercial.
Back from the commercial, Gravity fought to make the tag to Aero Star. Aero Star ran wild, using unique rope moves to take out the Gunns. But the Gunns came back to take control, taking out Aero Star and Gravity before feeding Inframundo to Robinson. Robinson scored the win with his DDT variant.
In a pre-tape, CJ Perry talked about being Miro’s first sacrifice on his road to redemption. She calls Miro stubborn for not accepting the help she offered at All Out. She accepted that Miro had to go down his road, but she had to take her own road as well. She said that at one point, she was the hottest manager in wrestling and that maybe it was time for her to re-take that mantle.
The Dark Order had some type of commercial at the merch stand. It was odd.
The Acclaimed talked about their recent World Tour, which started in London and continued to Chicago. They said that they would be in New York for Grand Slam, before taking over the world.
Rey Fenix (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Angelico (w/ Serpentico)
In an inset promo, Fenix said that he was looking for revenge against Moxley for taking him out before All In. Fenix quickly sent Angelico to the floor, where he hit a tope suicida. Serpentico tried to set up a misdirection, but Fenix hit Angelico with a big kick off the apron. Angelico took control of Fenix’s arm before hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Fenix came back with a lucha armdrag, a double stomp, and a frog splash for a nearfall. Angelico caught Fenix with a flash pin, but Fenix kicked out and dropped Angelico with a superkick. Fenix walked the ropes to boot Serpentico off the apron before hitting a rolling cutter to Angelico. Fenix scored the win with the Fenix Driver.
Tony Schiavone was backstage with FTR. Harwood said that to be the best team, they needed to defend the titles against the best teams. He announced the FTR World Tag Team Challenge, where they would defend their titles against any young team that wanted to challenge.
AEW World Title Grand Slam Eliminator Tournament Semi-Final Match – Roderick Strong (w/ Mike Bennett & Matt Taven) defeated Darby Allin (w/ Nick Wayne & AR Fox)
This match was everything I hoped it would be, with Strong ragdolling Allin around and destroying him with backbreakers. The Allin/Wayne/Fox story continues, and with the WrestleDream PPV in Seattle looming, I assume we’ll get more to this story.
As Allin was skating his way to the ring, Luchasaurus jumped him. Christian Cage said that Allin was only in this tournament because he was never going to win the TNT Title. Cage said that Allin wouldn’t win any title in AEW as long as Christian was around before Luchasaurus sent Allin into a metal door. Strong celebrated what he believed to be a forfeit win, but Allin hobbled his way to the ring with Nick Wayne rooting him on. Strong quickly dropped Allin with a backbreaker. Allin fought back, sending Strong to the floor before following him outside with a suicide dive.
Back from a commercial, Strong sent Allin back first into the post and the barricade. The crowd rattled Strong with Adam Hates Youchants, allowing Allin to catch Strong with a guillotine choke in the ropes. Allin turned another backbreaker into a crucifix pin for a nearfall, then caught Strong with a Code Red for a nearfall. Allin went for the submission he used to beat Nick Wayne on Dynamite, but Strong countered it into an STF.
Allin got to the ropes, so Strong brought Allin to the top rope. Allin clawed at Strong’s back, but Strong shoved Allin into the top of the ringpost. Strong hit a sick backbreaker on the top turnbuckle, sending Allin tumbling to the floor. Strong got Allin into the ring, but only scored a nearfall.
Back from another commercial, Allin hit Strong with a Stundog Millionaire on the apron before hitting a Coffin Drop to Strong on the floor. The Kingdom menaced Wayne on the floor before AR Fox backed him up, much to Wayne’s chagrin. Back in the ring, Strong hit a Sick Kick, but Allin countered the End of Heartache into a Scorpion Death Drop. No cover due to Allin’s back being battered.
Taven got on the apron, with Wayne pulling him off the apron. Fox went to dive on Taven, but Bennett yanked him out of the way. Fox landed on Wayne by accident, and all the while Allin landed on Strong’s knees on a Coffin Drop attempt. Strong hit the End of Heartache to score the win and punch his ticket to the final.
Powerhouse Hobbs spoke about how the Miro chapter of the Book of Hobbs was still unfinished.
Lexy Nair was backstage with Keith Lee. Lee spoke about wanting to do things solo and offered his opponents a piece of advice: run.
We got a video package on The Righteous, the team of Vincent, Dutch, & Stu Grayson.
Tony Schiavone welcomed Bryan Danielson to the ring. Danielson said that he promised his six-year-old daughter that he would start wrapping up his career once she turned seven. He said that he wouldn’t go quietly into the night, and would kick everyone’s head in. He said that this would be the most epic year of his career. He made a challenge for October 1st at WrestleDream. He wanted to wrestle the man everyone called the best technical wrestler in the world, Zack Sabre Jr.
Ricky Starks & Big Bill made their way to the ring, with Starks noting how the spotlight escaped him again. Starks noted that he went from being hungry to being greedy and that Danielson never tapped him out. Danielson said that he wasn’t done yet, and noted that in order to be with the Blackpool Combat Club, you had to bleed with them. Big Bill then jumped Danielson. Starks pulled Bill off of Danielson before jumping on Danielson himself. Jon Moxley made his way to the ring, but Big Bill dropped him with a big boot. Starks choked out Danielson with a BCC t-shirt, with Kevin Kelly wondering if that shirt was going to be offered to Starks before the attack. Starks and Big Bill celebrated, leaving Moxley and Danielson lying.
We got a rundown of the Dynamite card, with the addition of Jon Moxley vs. Big Bill for the International Championship. We also got a rundown of the Collision card for next week, with FTR vs. The Iron Savages announced. Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. was made official for the WrestleDream PPV.
Tony Schiavone was backstage with Big Bill. Bill said that he just beat Moxley’s ass and would do it again in Moxley’s hometown. The Lucha Brothers entered the frame, with Fenix noting that he was next in line for Moxley. Bill told them to worry about Penta’s match against Samoa Joe.
AEW World Title Grand Slam Eliminator Tournament Semi-Final Match – Samoa Joe defeated Penta El Zero Miedo (w/ Alex Abrahantes)
A decent main event, but the lesser of the two tournament matches tonight. It set up a Dynamite main event with history that set a lot of the current main event picture in motion.
Jim Ross joined commentary for this main event. Joe headbutted Penta after a Cero Miedo taunt. Penta came back with a superkick before Joe shoulder blocked him down. Joe telegraphed a back body drop, leading to Penta sending him to the floor with a dropkick.
Joe sidestepped a baseball slide, but Penta caught him with a Slingblade on the floor. The two got into a chop battle on the floor before Joe ran Penta into the barricade. They traded more chops before Joe poked Penta in the eyes. Penta sent Joe into the barricade before pulling out a table before the commercial break.
Back from the commercial, Joe avoided a Penta double stomp and dropped him with a back elbow. Penta fought out of a chinlock, but Joe shut him down and locked in another submission. Joe hit a strike combination, ending with a knee drop for a nearfall. Joe hit his corner splash and enzuigiri. Penta fought out of the Muscle Buster before firing up. Penta hit a backstabber out of the corner for a nearfall.
Penta booted Joe in the face but jumped right into a powerslam for a nearfall. Penta lit up Joe with strikes before landing a superkick in the corner for a nearfall. Penta landed a pair of kicks for a nearfall before going for the arm snap, but Joe muscled out and landed a big combination ending in a senton for a nearfall.
Penta sent Joe to the floor, where he landed a kick and a dive. Penta went for another dive, but Joe sidestepped him, sending Penta through Chekov’s table. Penta kicked out of the subsequent cover and even had the Fear Factor set up, but Joe flipped Penta into the rear naked choke for the submission win. On Dynamite, it’ll be Roderick Strong vs. Samoa Joe, the man who hurt his neck to begin with back in July. The winner gets the World Title match against MJF at Grand Slam.
The Grand Slam eliminator tournament continues on Friday’s AEW Rampage.
Samoa Joe will begin his quest to earn a shot at AEW World Champion MJF at this month’s Dynamite Grand Slam as he faces Jeff Hardy while Penta El Zero Miedo takes on Jay Lethal.
The winner of Joe vs. Hardy will face the winner of Penta vs. Lethal on Saturday’s Collision while Darby Allin will take on Roderick Strong in the other semifinal. The finals will take place next Wednesday.
The Young Bucks will return to tag team action as they face Matt Menard & Angelo Parker. Matt & Nick Jackson will be looking to rebound from their loss to AEW Tag Team Champions FTR at All In and win their third match in their last four.
In a trios match, former AEW Women’s Champions Hikaru Shida and Britt Baker will team with Skye Blue in trios action against Taya Valkyrie, Anna Jay & The Bunny.
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Taped in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Chris Jericho were commentary.
Penta El Zero Miedo (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Jey Lethal (w/ Jeff Jarrett et. al.) to advance in the World Title Eliminator Tournament (10:39)
The winner faces the winner of tonight’s Samoa Joe v. Jeff Hardy match on Collision tomorrow night. It’s wacky now that they’re booking from show to show to show, where what happens on Dynamite and Rampage now impacts what happens on Collision. But I guess that’s a lot easier when you don’t have to worry about who’s allowed in the building or not.
Penta got Lethal hung up in the corner and came off the top with a double stomp for a near fall. Jarrett tried to trip up Penta and got his hand stomped on, and Penta sent Lethal to the floor with a gamingiri. Lethal caught a superkick trying to re-enter the ring. When Penta tried to follow up with a plancha, Sahtnam Singh caught Penta and smashed him against the ring post. Karen Jarrett tied up Penta’s mask against the bottom rope. The ref caught Jarrett and his crew doing this and sent them all to the back as the show headed into a split-screen break.
After the break, Lethal worked over Penta with chops in the corner. Penta came back with a pair of slingblades and hit Lethal with a tope con hilo on the floor. Back in the ring, Penta came off the top with a double stomp for a near fall. Lethal came back with the Lethal Combination for a near fall. Lethal tried to take off Penta’s mask again. Penta countered a Lethal Injection with a dropkick for a near fall. Lethal pulled off Penta’s mask, and he immediately covered up. Letha tried to grab Jarrett’s guitar, but Abrahanets grabbed and a tug of war ensued, which Abrahanes won. Meanwhile, Penta got his mask back on, and Lethal turned around into an attack from Penta. Penta used the arm breaker and the Fear Factor stuff piledriver to get the pinfall. Very good TV match.
– Sammy Guevara came out to interrupt a recap of the recent tribulations between Guevara and Chris Jericho. The crowd suggested they “hug it out!” They both agree they’re pissing each other off and would like to punch each other in the face. Even though they’re well on their way to being AEW World Tag Team Champions, Jericho and Guevara need to get over this animosity, and Jericho suggests a match between them at Grand Slam to “get all this crap out of [their] system.” Both guys shake hands and agree to the match. Very good promo segment.
– Recap of the Samoa Joe & MJF angle from Wednesday.
Hikaru Shida, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. & Skye Blue defeated Taka Valkyrie, Anna Jay & The Bunny (w/ Penelope Ford) (6:33 aired)
Shida & Baker will be in a four way on Wednesday (along with Nyla Rose & Toni Storm) to determine the challenger for Saraya at Grand Slam. So there’s a little bit of tension between them on the entrance stage.
Blue has a lot more confidence and presence than she did a few months ago. Bunny blocked an arm drag attempt from Skye Blue, but Blue turned it into a cradle for a near fall. She got into a striking exchange with Valkyire, but Valkyrie sent her into the mat face first.
After the break, Blue finally got the tag out (she’d been in the ring the whole match) to Shida. Shida racked Anna Jay, which Valkyrie broke up with a kick. Baker got the blind tag from Shida and hit a superkick on Bunny, then suplexed Jay. Bunny sent Britt into Shida, then hit a knee for the near fall. Britt got the lockjaw on Bunny and she quickly tapped out. After the match, Shida left, frustrated with her partners.
– A recap of Hook regaining his FTW World title with no mention or even a glimpse of who he beat. Jungle Berry or something? Anyway, Hook is glad to have the FTW title back where it belongs, in New York.
The Young Bucks defeated Matt Menard & Angelo Parker (w/ Jake Hager w/out his hat) (5:03)
Matt hung up Parker with a hangman’s neckbreaker, and Nick followed up with a senton. Matt came off the top with a double stomp on Parker’s arm. Matt gave Angelo a series of Northern Lights suplexes. And Parker was having a good hair day, too! Parker and Menard got the advantage on Matt Jackson while the crowd chanted “Where’s your hat?” at Hager. Parker dropped an elbow off of Menard’s back for a near fall while Jericho and Schivone got catty with each other on commentary.
Matt got the tag to Nick, who hit a crossbody on Parker and Menard. Parker tried the springboard elbow again, but sprung right into a superkick from Matt Jackson. A superkick took out Hager, and Bucks leveled Menard with the BTE trigger to get the pinfall.
– A promo from Mike Santana, who is breaking out as a single. He’s “not here to make friends, he’s here to make money.”
– Jon Moxley v. Action Andretti for the International Title, a Kris Statlander open challenge for the TBS Title, and an 8-man tag for Bullet Club Gold have been added to Collision tomorrow night.
Samoa Joe defeated Jeff Hardy (w/ Matt Hardy) to advance in the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament (8:30)
The crowd still really likes Jeff Hardy. And they really do not like Samoa Joe. Hardy caught Joe with a low dropkick and a lariat off the middle ropes. Joe went to Hardy’s eyes to get the advantage, then hit Hardy with some jabs and kicks.
Joe continued to dominate Hardy through the split-screen break. The crowd got behind Hardy with chants, and Joe casually avoided a flying forearm from Jeff, which sent him flying into the ropes and to the floor. When Hardy got back into the ring, Joe softened him up with jabs and body shots, then taunted the crowd by applauding Hardy.
Hardy came back with Whisper in the Wind. Hardy hit a clothesline, an elbow and a forearm. Hardy dropped an elbow for a near fall. The crowd chanted for a swanton bomb, and Hardy caught Joe with a kick. He went for the Twist of Fate, and Joe quickly countered into the Kokina Clutch. Hardy quickly tapped out.
Samoa Joe v. Penta El Zero Miedo is now official for Collision. The winner of that match will face the winner of Roderick Strong v. Darby Allin, also on Collision.
Final Thoughts:
Star power and some good matches made for the most watchable episode of Rampage in a while. Everything on tonight’s show felt important.
The AEW Grand Slam World title eliminator tournament will continue on Friday’s Rampage with a pair of quarterfinals matches.
As revealed during Wednesday’s Dynamite, Samoa Joe will face Jeff Hardy on Friday’s Rampage episode in a Grand Slam World title eliminator quarterfinal. The winner will advance to the semifinals on Saturday’s Collision show.
In the other quarterfinal match set for Rampage, Penta El Zero Miedo will face Jay Lethal. The winner of Penta vs. Lethal will face the winner of Joe vs. Hardy in Saturday’s semifinals. Darby Allin vs. Roderick Strong is the other semifinals match set for Saturday.
The Grand Slam finals are set for next week’s Dynamite, with the winner challenging MJF for the AEW World title at Dynamite Grand Slam the following Wednesday.
Also announced for Rampage, The Young Bucks will be in tag team action against “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard & “Cool Hand Ang” Angelo Parker, formerly of the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Friday’s Rampage episode is being taped Wednesday night in Indianapolis.
The announced lineup:
AEW Rampage, Friday, September 8, 10 p.m. Eastern time on TNT —
Grand Slam World title eliminator tournament quarterfinals: Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy
Grand Slam World title eliminator tournament quarterfinals: Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Jay Lethal
