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AEW Double or Nothing live results: Darby Allin vs. MJF title vs. hair

Posted on by Ryan Howard

AEW Double or Nothing is live tonight from Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.

The eighth annual event is sold out, with over 14,000 tickets having been distributed to the event.

The lineup for the show is below.

  • AEW World Champion Darby Allin defends against MJF in a title vs. hair match
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla defends against Hikaru Shida, Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter in a four-way
  • AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Konosuke Takeshita
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Adam Copeland & Christian Cage in an I Quit street fight where Copeland and Cage must win in order to stay a team
  • AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Kyle O’Reilly
  • Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona), Mark Davis, Andrade El Idolo, Clark Connors & David Finlay in a Stadium Stampede match
  • Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in an Owen Hart men’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido in an Owen Hart men’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa in an Owen Hart women’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Buy In: Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Roderick Strong, Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall vs. Anthony Agogo, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Shane Taylor
  • Buy In: AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) vs. Viva Van & Zayda Steel in a five-minute title eliminator match
  • Buy In: Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Opps (Hook, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens)

Our live coverage kicks off with the Buy-In event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern.

The Buy In kicks off with Renee Paquette in the ring and introduces for the first time to an AEW ring, Mick Foley, who got a huge pop, as we saw his daughter, Noelle, ringside. Foley said this is one of the biggest nights of his life and has gotten goosebumps being in the back seeing the talent ready to go compete tonight. AEW is the reason he fell in love with pro wrestling again, as 15 years ago, he had lunch with Tony Khan, who he considers a friend and he’s glad he can be part of the family. We’ll hear more from them as the Buy-In continues as they throw it to Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness.

Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) vs. Zayda Steel & Viva Van (w/Christopher Daniels) in a 5-Minute AEW Women’s Title Eliminator Challenge

Bell sounds and immediately Steel bails outside to run clock, as back inside Steel tried a school girl on Bayne, who didn’t budge. Steel again went to the floor, Bayne chased after, missed the tag to Van, who connected on a springboard spin kick back inside. Van used her speed to low bridge Bayne outside, as she missed a baseball slide and was waffled by a Kross thrust kick. Van was worked over back inside, as the champs made frequent tags keeping her isolated at the 3-minute mark. Van fought back with an enzugiri on Kross and made the tag to Steel, who ran wild with elbows and head scissors on Kross to the corner. Steel dodged a pump kick and spiked Kross with a tilt-a-whirl DDT for two. Kross used her size to hit a wild hook kick, quickly tagged Bayne, as they hit locomotion corner strikes, release German Suplex and double chokeslam for the win with 15-seconds left.

Post-match, Bayne wiped out Christopher Daniels with a running boot and drove Van to the mat with another double chokeslam for good measure. TayJay’s music hit and out come Anna Jay & Tay Melo with a pipe and board in hand, causing Bayne & Kross to bail.

Match Result: Divine Dominion defeated Zayda Steel & Viva Van when Bayne pinned Steel

The Opps (HOOK, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens) vs. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Daniel Garcia w/Marina Shafir)

(If this Queens crowd are going to be this loud the entire night, this is going to be a super fun show. It felt like everyone but HOOK was cheered at some point. What I took from this was I really need to see a singles between Castagnoli & Shibata and also, I’d say this was the best Bowens has looked since joining The Opps.)

During the Death Riders entrance, Garcia asked Shafir to slap him to hype him up, she obliged and he sold it hilariously. Yuta & Bowens kick things off trading quick takedowns and pin attempts, until Bowens ramped up corner chops and forearms. HOOK & Garcia tag in with Garcia relentless on his attack to the delight of the crowd. HOOK pivots into a heel trip and overhead throw before tagging Shibata, who got a big pop. Shibata demanded Castagnoli and both batter each other with forearms and uppercuts. The crowd is super loud for the Shibata corner dropkick and over/under suplex for two. HOOK back in, but he immediately was launched to the wrong corner, as Garcia dished out 10 corner punches, teased his dance, but delayed too long and HOOK hit a flying forearm. Tag back to Shibata, who ran into a corner boot from Garcia, as Yuta is back in and quickly ate an atomic drop and more forearms. Shibata wanted another stalling dropkick, but Castagnoli flew in with a huge uppercut.

Triple big boot from the Death Riders led to their group huddle celebration, as Garcia fired off chops, which Shibata no sold. Chops get louder, as Garcia changed levels with elbow, Shibata no sold lariats this time, spiking Garcia with a back heel trip. Yuta & Castagnoli beat down HOOK right as he tagged in and follow with their locomotion corner strikes. HOOK battled back with overhead throws on Yuta & Garcia before Bowens tagged in a house of fire with neckbreakers and Fame-Assers. Draping corner spinning DDT spiked Yuta for two, as Castagnoli made the save with a double stomp. Bowens spun out of a Neutralizer, hooked a Kimura as the match broke down as Shibata & HOOK got double submissions on Yuta & Garcia, until Castagnoli mowed them both down. Triple team from Death Riders, as Yuta & Garcia held him in position, as Castagnoli took Bowens head off with a charging uppercut for the victory.

Match Result: Death Riders defeated The Opps when Castagnoli pinned Bowens

-We return to Paquette & Foley on stage and they talk about the significance of the Owen Hart Tournaments kicking off tonight. They switch to the Tag Team Title match, as Foley goes way back with Cope & Cage, but remembered predicting big things from FTR when he first saw them. Foley can’t pick a winner, but one team will say I Quit.

Boom & Doom (QT Marshall & Big Boom AJ w/Harley Cameron, Big Justice & The Rizzler) & The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Mark Briscoe) vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Anthony Ogogo w/Christyan XO)

This match is sponsored by Vita Coco, so there’s someone dressed in a mascot outfit on the babyface side. Bell sounded and immediately Marshall hit a handspring enzugiri on Bravo before every babyface hit 10 corner punches, until Cassidy wound up for…1 to stand tall. Match broke down already, as Cassidy was backed into the STP corner and beaten down. BBC in the corner by Dean, as the entire STP posed for the camera while Bravo did the trash talking. Cassidy was popped in the ribs by Ogogo and ate a stiff right from Taylor for two, as Moriarty tagged in and quickly ate a Stundog. Bravo tried a sunset flip, but Cassidy just easily slapped the hands away and walked to AJ for a hot tag. Taylor missed a corner charge and was sent outside, as AJ planted Bravo with a sit-out slam for two. Marshall went up top, as Moriarty took the ref, allowing XO to crotch Marshall. XO got in the face of The Rizzler, causing Cameron to charge in and shoot the double leg and dish out punches before high fiving The Rizzler.

Briscoe fought off Moriarty & Taylor back inside, as Redneck Kung-Fu initially got the best of TAIGASTYLE. Strong used Cassidy as a projectile before spiking Moriarty with a backbreaker, Briscoe with an Exploder (I should point out, all this is going on, Marshall is still selling being crotched in the corner), as Briscoe launched off a chair over the top onto a pile. Back inside, Tower of Doom Spot, with Justice & Rizzler spraying Vita Coco into the face of Bravo, allowing a triple powerbomb (as this happened, Marshall slipped off the top to the floor) with The Conglomeration & AJ to get the win.

Post-match, babyfaces celebrate, AJ is bleeding on the neck, as STP surrounds the apron until Eddie Kingston’s music hits and he sprints out with Ortiz & Mance Warner, as STP bails. The pop Kingston and crew got was incredibly loud, as we’re told how STP had been feuding with Kingston, Ortiz & Warner in ROH.

Match Result: Boom & Doom & The Conglomeration defeated Shane Taylor Promotions when AJ pinned Bravo

-Paquette & Foley back in the ring to put over Eddie Kingston again before talking about the main event for tonight’s show. Foley predicts big things, but talks about MJF playing not to lose. Foley talks about all his injuries and metal hips, while MJF has hair from Turkey. Foley predicts Darby Allin goes home with the World Title.

MJF storms to the ring (no music) screaming “No, No, No” as Paquette leaves and we have MJF & Foley in the ring together. MJF runs down the crowd, saying he’d care about the fan’s opinion more, if they weren’t stupid enough to believe the Knicks are going to win a Championship. Speaking of people who will let you down tonight, Darby Allin, who says is the same as Foley, underdogs, who, when their backs are against the wall, they lose. Foley said for a moment, let him take this in, he never thought he’d have a feeling like this again in his life, so thanks MJF for giving that gift to him. Foley said yes, he lost a lot of matches, mentioning The Rock (who got booed) and said none of those matches did those happen in 2 minutes or less, that’s not a loss, it’s a disgrace. Foley told MJF to put his big boy pants on if he wants to deal with Allin. Foley was content to steal the show, Allin is not, he’s willing to retain the AEW Title and take MJF’s hair. Foley said MJF’s got wavy hair and tonight, he’ll wave it goodbye.

MJF kicked Foley low, as Darby Allin sprinted out and MJF hightailed it out of there. Foley screamed into the mic for MJF not to run away. He didn’t know until a month ago that he inspired Allin’s career and brought up Allin facing Jon Moxley at Six Flags in New Jersey years ago saying that this kid can do anything and Foley stuck around and watched just that. Foley said like himself, Allin was the weird kid never picked for stardom, but showed you can and told Allin to win one tonight for the weird ones and show that you can be a legend. If Foley can quote an old friend of his, Bang Bang Darby Allin Bang Bang!

Excalibur runs down tonight’s full card and we’re told FTR vs. Cope & Cage for the AEW Tag Titles will be kicking off the show.

AEW Double or Nothing

FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler w/Stokely) vs. Cage & Cope (Christian Cage & Adam Copeland) in an I Quit New York Street Fight for the AEW Tag Team Titles (if Cage & Cope lose, they must retire as a tag team)

(What a brutal, violent, war to kick off the show, as this more than lived up to the stipulation and only furthered by the loud crowd reaction to all the holy sh*t moments. I assume this is the conclusion to this feud and it’s been quite the build and end result. One of the best openers for an AEW PPV.)

Damn, the Queens crowd absolutely crushed singing Copeland’s theme. Wheeler & Copeland spilled outside, as Cage dished out 10 corner punches and biting to Harwood. Dodging a Killswitch, Harwood took down Cage with a combo until Stokely handed him barbed wire to wrap around his fist. Cage kicked away and hit a reverse DDT, grabbing some barbed wire of his own, wrapping it around the middle rope. Drop toe hold on Harwood into the barbed wire, as Cage stood on top to choke away, but Harwood said he didn’t quit. Copeland flew in a cross body, as Cage took referee Paul Turner’s belt and whipped the hell out of both FTR. Harwood was hung over the top with the belt, but Wheeler quickly made the save, smashing Cage’s injured forearm onto a chair. Copeland brought out a ladder to a huge pop and suplexed Harwood onto it against the barricade before pulling out a table ringside. Stokely held onto Copeland’s foot on the apron before he could piledrive Wheeler off it. Harwood slugged it out with Copeland back inside before both spilled over the top to the floor. Chair shot to the back by Wheeler, who placed the chair over Copeland’s neck and posted him.

Harwood took out a toolbox, went to use it on Cage, who kicked him low and pulled out some pliers, wrenching at his nose, but Harwood yelled no. Wheeler came in and Cage used the pliers low, as Wheeler hopped around before Harwood saved his partner with a chair, laying out Cage. Copeland is bleeding from the eye and fought FTR off with the top of the announce table, as they cleared the Spanish table, wanted a piledriver on Harwood, who countered and with Wheeler leaping from one table to another, drove Copeland through the Spanish table with a Spike Piledriver. Wheeler brought out a cinderblock, I think he was supposed to shatter it on Cage’s forearm, but Cage moved the last second and they just trapped his arm in a broken piece, smashing it with a chair. Cage didn’t say he quit, instead, said “I Banged Your Mother!” Wheeler starts using pliers to take down the top rope, as they were about to hit a Spike Piledriver on Cage, who told Harwood to “Go F*ck Yourself” shot a double leg, posted Harwood and spiked Wheeler with a Killswitch. Stokely untied the top rope completely, Harwood charged at Cage, who hit a Spear, choking Harwood out with the rope. Wheeler made the save and choked Cage with barbed wire this time before hitting a Shatter Machine.

Wheeler took a crescent wrench and was about to deck Cage, when Copeland flew in with Spears on both FTR. Copeland went nuts with chair shots aplenty to the back, was about to put Harwood out of his misery with a shot when they begged off. Wheeler screamed that he would say it, but it was a distraction for Stokely to hit Copeland with the stolen watch and FTR to connect with another Shatter Machine. Beth Copeland’s music hit and she beat the living hell out of Stokely, shoving him into the steps, but Harwood blindsided Beth and sent her crashing into the steps. Harwood brought out lighter fluid, spraying the table ringside, as Stokely brought Beth up to the apron as Wheeler got into position. Harwood set the table ablaze, Wheeler charged, Beth moved and Wheeler Speared Stokely through the flaming table to huge “Holy Sh*t” chants. “It’s only the first match and they’re already burning people.” in what could already be line of the night by Tony Schiavone.

Harwood was going to give a Con-Chair-To to Copeland, telling him to say I Quit if he wants to see his daughter’s tomorrow. Beth hit a low blow on Harwood, Cage with a punt kick low for good measure, as Copeland hit a piledriver before Cage sank in a Scorpion Death Lock. Harwood screamed no, so Copeland locked in a Crossface at the same time. Harwood again yelled no, so Copeland signaled to Beth to get Spike, his barbed wired board from under the steps. She handed it to her husband, as Copeland drove Spike onto the forehead and Harwood screamed that he quit. Copeland & Cage hugged it out, Cage got his watch back, as Beth hugged her husband as the new champions stood tall with FTR & Stokely staring them down from the ramp.

Match Result: Cope & Cage defeated FTR to win the AEW Tag Team Titles when Harwood said I Quit

Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International Title

(What a match this was, phenomenal, as the crowd wanted a new champ and they certainly got it. Even in defeat, I’d say this was one of Okada’s best showings in AEW and the Takeshita Era has begun. The post-match, that era is going to be as a babyface, as not only is Takeshita booted from the Family, it was at the hands of the returning Kyle Fletcher, as ProtoShita is no more and ProtOkada are stronger than ever.)

Don Callis is on commentary, as the bell sounds and we already have “Holy Sh*t” chants. Neither budge from initial strikes, this pace is wild to start, as Okada misses a Rainmaker, Takeshita misses Raging Fire and we get a stalemate. Takeshita ramped up the speed into a Takeshita-line, but Okada held off an Exploder and dropkicked Takeshita out of the corner outside. Okada slowed the pace considerably, keeping Takeshita grounded back inside with cocky covers, just pissing Takeshita off in the process. Okada snapped an uppercut so loud it sounded like a whip, as he smiled big, but walked into multiple Exploders. Okada got the knees up off a second rope senton from Takeshita, who was ready for the charge and hit a jumping knee that sent Okada outside to regroup, only he didn’t let him and hit a huge Tope. Back inside, Okada fought back with his Air Raid Crash neckbreaker to regain control. Bodyslam, top rope falling elbow and a Rainmaker pose middle finger to the fans and Takeshita, who fought off a Rainmaker.

Both counter Blue Thunder Bomb, Tombstones and Takeshita hits is Bastard Driver into a release German, which Okada no sold into a shotgun dropkick, no sold from Takeshita, as Okada turned him inside out with a discus lariat for the reset to a huge ovation. Each man slugs it out on the apron, as Takeshita signals for Raging Fire, but Okada slid back into the ring and hit a Rainmaker that folded Takeshita up off the apron to the floor. Okada spiked Takeshita with a DDT and was going to deliver a Tombstone out there, but Callis left commentary and begged Okada to take it to the ring. Okada obliged, went back out to get Takeshita, who spiked Okada with a brainbuster. Callis screamed at Takeshita, who gave it back to him and headed back inside for a Helluva Kick and huge Superplex, he held on, Okada floated over, they trade strikes until Takeshita hit a high bridging German Suplex for two. Takeshita calls for Power Drive Knee, but ran right into a Tombstone.

They each rise at the same time into a slugfest, as Okada flips off the crowd as Takeshita hypes up, no sells with a huge right hand. Takeshita ducks a Rainmaker into a perfect Blue Thunder Bomb, charges for the knee but ran right into an Emerald Flowsion. Takeshita rolls through Rainmaker into a wildly close cradle for two. Backslide from Okada into a Rainmaker, maintaining wrist control, missed another, but Takeshita ran right into a dropkick. Rainmaker countered into one of Takeshita’s own, as the crowd lost their minds, right as Takeshita ran into a dropkick, no sold, hit the Power Drive Knee, but Okada kicked out at one. Home run forearm collapses Okada, as Takeshita put him away with a Raging Fire to win the title clean.

Post-match, Mark Davis, Rocky Romero & Callis joined Okada in the ring and they stood across from Takeshita. They teased like they were going to have a falling out when Kyle Fletcher’s music hit and out walked The Protostar in a snazzy suit, as he ditched the jacket and stormed to the ring. Fletcher seemed to stand side by side with Takeshita before staring down Okada, as The Callis Family retreated leaving Protoshita hugging it out with Fletcher presenting Takeshita with the International Title…before taking his head off with a lariat. Callis has a huge smile on his face, as Fletcher picks up Takeshita and spiked him with a Brainbuster. Okada & Fletcher both went to pick up the International Title, as Okada let it go and backed off, as Davis & Romero picked up Takeshita so Fletcher could deck him with a belt shot.

Match Result: Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the AEW International Title

ROH Women’s Champion Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa in a Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinal

(Very competitive match to kick off the women’s Owen Hart Tournament, but there were some awkward spots and Athena took some tough bumps in this one. Crowd were loudly supporting Shirakawa, who had plenty of moments to try to put this away, but in the end, the ROH Women’s Forever Champion was too much and now awaits the winner of Skye Blue vs. Sareee.)

Athena tried control the action early, but Shirakawa used her speed to be ready with a quick arm drag and snap dropkick to the knee. Shirakawa took too long to get to up the corner, as Athena hit a shotgun dropkick out of the corner to the apron, hit a slam and drove Shirakawa into the steps and announce table. Shirakawa stood in position for quite a while, to the point McGuinness thought she was playing possum, but no, Athena launched her with a John Woo dropkick into the LED board that caused it to go completely out. Back inside, Shirakawa dodged multiple charges and targeted the left leg. Athena still was able to use her power to catch Shirakawa trying a cross body into a brutal forward fireman’s carry slam for two. Shirakawa answered with a springboard enzugiri and Sling Blade, as Shirakawa slipped trying a Tornado DDT, so she readjusted, hit the move and Athena spiked so hard she spilled outside.

Shirakawa hit a Tornillo from the ring to the floor, as back inside, she went up top for a missile dropkick. A very awkward landing for Athena off an Electric Chair spinning slam, but she fought out of a Figure Four into a leg sweep and violent Curb Stomp ala Super Dragon for two. Athena missed an O-Face, Shirakawa countered into a roll-up, got a head of steam into a tilt-a-whirl face plant into a Seatbelt Pin for two. Both trade strikes ending with a backfist from Shirakawa, who sank in her Figure Four, but Athena got the ropes. Athena ate another backfist, as Shirakawa wanted her Glamourous Driver, Athena slid through into a Pumphandle Tombstone, went up top and hit the O-Face for the win.

Match Result: Athena defeated Mina Shirakawa to advance in the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament

–Jim Ross tags in for Schiavone on commentary ahead of the upcoming match, as it’s great to see and hear Good Ol’ JR back on the call.

Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly in a No Time Limit Match for the AEW Continental Title

(Simply put, this was a damn good pro wrestling match. It felt like Dynamite this past week was a prelude of what these two were going to put on tonight and it was just that. Moxley can finally say he slayed the (re)Dragon that had been haunting him for months. I can’t wait to see where Moxley goes from here and who steps up next.)

Renee Paquette is ringside and brings up O’Reilly taking Moxley to the time limit last Wednesday and continues to be the mountain Moxley can’t climb. She questions if that will continue tonight with no time limit? Dueling chants from the crowd, as both trade snap mares and punt kicks to the back before an intense stare down led to a slugfest, quick scramble into a stalemate. Combo strikes and leg sweep from O’Reilly, who sinks in a guillotine, Moxley slides out into a powerslam before pouring down forearms. Both scramble for submission attempts until Moxley rolls outside where O’Reilly met him with a diving knee from the apron. O’Reilly slammed Moxley into the steps, which only pissed Moxley off, so he flipped O’Reilly off and dodged a kick, as O’Reilly punted the ring post and collapsed. Moxley pounces back inside, after O’Reilly threw leg shots with the good leg, but continued to buckle. Smelling blood in the water, Moxley zoned in on the bad wheel, keeping O’Reilly grounded with submissions before biting at the eyebrow and lighting O’Reilly up with shots to the midsection.

O’Reilly threw everything he had behind a jump knee to the ribs with his good leg and sank in a standing guillotine before just waffling Moxley in the sternum with a knee. O’Reilly tried running, pulled up short, giving Moxley a chance to boot out the bad leg and get a guillotine in the ropes, breaking at 4, until O’Reilly wrenched at the arm and Moxley face planted into the mat out of the corner. O’Reilly fought for and got his cross arm-breaker, but Moxley escaped into a Half Crab. O’Reilly got the rope break, put on the brakes to counter a Dragon Screw into an Ankle Lock of his own before stomping the Achillies followed by a PK to the floor, where Moxley tries to hype himself up. Rolling back inside, O’Reilly met Moxley with a Curb Stomp, but Moxley exploded out into a Cutter for a double down. Both trade shots, O’Reilly stumbles back for a Nigel lariat, only both collide for a double clothesline reset.

Striking battle while on their knees only gets more intense as they got to their feet and kept it going. Moxley was able to hit a home run shot and plant O’Reilly with a Death Rider, briefly got a Rear Naked Choke, which O’Reilly slid out into an Ankle Lock. Moxley was able to pick the bad ankle and both had the submission locked in, until O’Reilly got a roll-up for two, but Moxley never let go and O’Reilly scrambled, but ultimately had to tap out. Post-match, The Conglomeration & Death Riders both came out to tend to their stablemates, as Moxley got to his feet and offered a handshake, as O’Reilly accepted. Moxley tossed Marina Shafir his Continental Title and stood tall.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kyle O’Reilly to retain the AEW Continental Title

Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in a Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinal

(The level of these matches tonight, my goodness. This was Ospreay’s dream match and I’m sure it lived up to the hype, as these two had a fantastic battle. The Men’s Owen Hart Tournament really is Ospreay’s to lose, but damn is it going to be a fight to get to that finish. Ospreay now awaits the winner of Jack Perry vs. Mark Davis in the next round.)

Ospreay exploded with an Oscutter right at the bell, tried to mock Joe with boot scrapes in the corner, causing Joe to pop up and mow down Ospreay with an uppercut. Loud chops ring out, as Ospreay is so fast to recover and sent Joe outside with a slingshot cross body. Quickly back inside for a springboard 450 Splash for two before trying Death Ground, only Joe got the ropes. Joe tried to take a powder, Ospreay attempted a Sasuke Special, but landed right in the grips of a Coquina Clutch before violently smashing Ospreay head first into the LED board. Joe gets boot scrapes of his own back inside and followed with Mongolian Chops ala Hiroyoshi Tenzan, targeting the neck. Kawada Kicks led to a chop that folded Ospreay up, as the chop/boot combo led to an attempted senton, but Ospreay got the knees up, but Joe was there with a corner enzugiri. Joe wanted a Muscle Buster, but Ospreay escaped into a double stomp to the left arm. Leaping enzugiri staggered Joe and both men collapsed into the reset.

Ospreay kipped up into a handspring corkscrew kick for a near fall, as he wanted a Tiger Driver, opted for Kawada Kicks of his own, followed by a Buzzsaw Kick. Ospreay tried another Oscutter, but Joe did his walk off before hitting a running senton, then stacking Ospreay with a powerbomb, spinning into a Boston Crab, STF, Crossface signature submission combo. Ospreay got the ropes and started no selling kicks, firing off forearms, so Joe responded with a combo of his own and discus forearm. Joe wound up for a lariat, but Ospreay spun out into an incredible Styles Clash for two. Ospreay hit the Hidden Blade, but Joe kicked out, as Ospreay threw away the elbow pad, went for it again, but sprinted right into a Joe snap powerslam. Ospreay connected almost on a La Mistica variation before trying Death Ground again. Joe stacked him for two and sank in a Coquina Clutch. The Bret/Piper spot as Ospreay kicked out of the corner for a near fall. Hook Kick from Ospreay, who charged in the corner right into a STJoe, who locked in the Clutch again. Ospreay started to fade, but as the arm dropped for three, grabbed the ropes. Joe wanted a Muscle Buster, walked out, Ospreay landed on his feet, exploded with Hidden Blade, only Joe kicked out at one. Another delivered to the back of Joe’s head and this time, Ospreay got the win to survive and advance. Joe bowed to Ospreay as he was ringside before heading to the back, giving Ospreay his moment.

Match Result: Will Ospreay defeated Samoa Joe to advance in the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament

Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. ROH Champion Bandido in a Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinal

(Innovative counters aplenty in this one, as there’s going to be some wild gifs to come out of this match. A completely different feel to Ospreay & Joe, as these two set a much different pace initially, but once they started the holy sh*t moments, they delivered them in droves. Even in defeat, Bandido looked fantastic here and Strickland proved he’s on another level right now and I think it’s safe to assume all roads lead to Ospreay vs. Strickland in the Owen Finals.)

Strickland wasted no time going after the neck and back, talking a lot of trash in the process. Bandido answered with a dropkick to the knee and double stomp before punting Strickland between the shoulder blades. Snap hurricanrana delivered, but Strickland popped up and turned Bandido inside out with a lariat. Bandido taunted Strickland, causing him to charge in and take a one-arm Gorilla Press to the outside. Leaping dropkick connects, as Bandido sends Strickland into multiple barricades before a thrust kick sat down Strickland on a chair. Bandido went to the apron and channeled Brody King with a somersault senton, flattening Strickland and the chair. Back inside, Bandido took too long signaling for a home run shot, as he charged at no one in the corner, as rolled through into a nasty release German into the corner, as Bandido clutches the neck and Strickland zones in.

Bandido battled back with a Tornillo out of the corner and series of Superman Punches before hitting a corner superkick into release German of his own. Springing up top, Bandido hit the Frog Splash for two, as he signaled for a 21-Plex, but Strickland met him with a rolling Flatliner. Bandido floated over a suplex, Strickland charged, stood on the shoulders of Bandido and somehow hit a House Call while up there, shocking everyone, in a moment that will undoubtedly be a gif. Swerve Stomp lands flush, but Bandido kicked out at two. Strickland took Bandido to the apron, trash-talked him, as Bandido fought free with a Poison Rana from the apron to the floor in a moment that rightfully got a “Holy Sh*t” chant. Back inside, Bandido delivered the deadlift 21-Plex to Strickland, who was on his stomach, but the neck gave out and he couldn’t make the cover, causing Strickland to smile as a result. Both trade rolling through sunset flips, until Bandido somehow does a Code Red into a snap hurricanrana putting Strickland in position for a 21-Plex, but Strickland countered into a Vertebreaker. House Call cracked Bandido flush and Strickland got the win in a thriller.

Match Result: Swerve Strickland defeated Bandido to advance in the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament

Thekla vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women’s Title

(For the most part, this came off pretty well, but there’s a lot of moving parts in 4-ways and there were times where it felt like people were waiting for others to get to their spot. I was surprised how long this went, it looked like an all-out sprint to start, as everyone had their chance to look strong here. The wheels have finally come off the Shida & Statlander “friendship” and I’m genuinely wondering who is next for Thekla, who is continuing to have a very solid reign.)

All the challengers took turns getting their shots in on Thekla to start, as Shida hit her running knee lift on the floor, before going back inside to double team Hayter with Statlander. Hayter escaped a double suplex and mowed down Statlander & Shida with lariats before Thekla returned and went to the eyes. Tilt-a-whirl head scissors on Statlander, as Thekla followed with a running boot before Shida made the save, popping her & Hayter with stiff right hands. Hayter sent Shida & Statlander into one another before two trucks in Hayter & Statlander collided repeatedly, neither giving ground. Thekla tried flying off the top with a cross body, but got caught, so Shida flew in with a dropkick onto the pile. Shida covered everyone, even going for Statlander, which pissed her off. We get a merry-go-round of school girl attempts until Hayter was clotheslined to the floor. Statlander was going to do a dive, but Thekla cut her off with a boot (had she just let Statlander leap, Hayter wasn’t there and would’ve crashed bad). With all ladies brawling outside, Thekla went up top and took out all challengers with a cross body.

Thekla sent Hayter & Shida into barricades before taking Statlander back inside, trying almost for Lockjaw, only Statlander bit at the hands to get free. Thekla locked in her spider headlock in the corner, but Statlander powered up and whipped Thekla face first onto the top buckle. Both ladies went up the ropes, as Thekla hit her Spider Suplex, but celebrated too much, as Shida sent Thekla crashing to the apron. Hayter returns as well, joins Shida up top, where Shida hit a superplex, held on, but Hayter spun out into a Saito Suplex. Statlander sprinted in and folded Hayter up with a lariat, as Thekla was back in with a Spear. Both Shida & Statlander recovered and hit dueling backdrop suplexes to cause a complete reset.

Statlander & Hayter hit dueling Buzzsaw Kicks before slugging it out themselves. They both collided with cross bodies leaving Shida to try hitting a Falcon Arrow on Thekla, who rolled through into a cradle for two. Thekla did her Spider Pose, putting her in position for Statlander to try Sunday Night Fever, but Hayter broke it up with an Exploder. Hayter whipped Statlander in and Shida decked her buddy with a jump knee, which Shida kind of shrugged off.  Hayter tossed Shida outside, as she spiked Thekla with a Hayt-breaker. Thekla ducked Hayter-ade and sank in the Black Widow submission. Hayter powered out into a backbreaker and waffled Thekla with Hayter-ade for two, as Shida flew in with a flying knee. Shida did the deal with a Falcon Arrow on Hayter, but awkwardly applied an ankle lock waiting for Statlander to get back in and get in her face. Shida slapped Statlander, who fired up and beat the hell out of Shida to the floor, smashing her into the steps and popping Hayter with a pump kick. Statlander leap frogged a Thekla Spear back inside, Sunday Night Fever connects, but Shida took her head off with a kendo stick, no DQ’s in 4-ways. Hayter pulled the kendo stick and Shida to the floor and they collided with a double clothesline to take each other out. This left Thekla able to drop Statlander with a Curb Stomp for the win.

Match Result: Thekla defeated Hikaru Shida, Jamie Hayter & Kris Statlander to retain the AEW Women’s Title

Jericho, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) & The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) & Jungle Jack Perry) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun), AEW National Champion Mark Davis, Andrade El Idolo & The Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors) in a Stadium Stampede Match

(Whenever these Stadium Stampedes or Anarchy in the Arenas happen, I try my best to cover everything that went on and as a result, write a novel. Hopefully I caught just about everything, as this had some wild moments, cameos aplenty, some great entrances and memorable moments for sure. This was a go out of your way spectacle to check out and lived up to the billing.)

Video package of The Demand, The Dogs & Callis Family rolling up to the arena, with The Demand rocking baseball gear. Jericho’s crew were in suits, had a video package to the tune of Devils Dance by Metallica and Smokin Aces style intro (Kenny Omega choking from inhaling a cigar was hysterical). Bell sounds and the babyfaces clear the ring before Ricochet takes locomotion corner strikes from all before being literally chucked from the ring by Lashley onto the heel pile. The Elite tease Terminator Dives, but are cut-off by Finlay, Connors & Davis, as Andrade hits Three Amigos on Perry in the ring. Andrade takes too long wanting a Frog Splash, as Benjamin scaled the ropes with a knee lift, but he walked back into a high/low from The Dogs. Piledriver by Davis on Lashley onto a set-up chair, as Liona threw everyone in his path from the ring before delivering a Samoan Drop to The Bucks & Perry at the same time, which is insane. Ricochet scaled the ropes with a wild springboard Shooting Star Press onto a pile, leaving The Demand to pose.

Omega low bridged Kaun, as Liona applied an abdominal stretch to Omega, as all the heels grabbed hands for the most amount of pressure you could apply. Until, MVP walked up and smacked Ricochet’s hand away to break the hold. Omega backdropped Finaly onto a pile, as The Elite hit stereo Tope Suicidas, leaving Benjamin alone in the ring, head of steam, cleared the top onto everyone. Jericho appeared on the top rope, gave a shrug and joined the pile party, as Lashley & Kaun brawled to the back. The Elite & Jericho dish out 4-corners of stereo 10 punches before a succession of hurricanranas that was kicked off by Perry delivering one to Davis off the apron. Jericho & The Elite do a Founding Fathers pose, but Ricochet & The Dogs blindsided and cleaned house. The Elite shot double legs with Jericho and we get 4-way Walls of Jericho as Perry waffled Davis on the apron with a bag from a vacuum cleaner before hitting a moonsault off the top to the floor. The Bucks & Perry set-up tables ringside and position The Dogs onto them. Matt & Nick go up top, but The Dogs bail through the crowd.

We see Lashley & Liona brawling backstage and all of a sudden, a wild Blackheart Lio Rush appears, biting Liona on the hand. Alright then, back to the ring we go and Andrade is picked apart by the former Golden Jets. The Bucks & The Dogs brawl into the concourse, were Connors takes a superkick, falling up an escalator. When he gets to the top, The Bucks are already there to hit another superkick and he goes down the escalator. Andrade took out Jericho & Omega with a double spinning elbow, went to get digits from a female fan ringside, when we see Luchasaurus in a blonde wig planting a kiss on the cheek before misting Andrade. Jericho brought out a bag of tennis balls and suplexed Ricochet onto them to the chant of “Balls, Balls”. Ricochet responded with a DVD onto the tennis balls for I think our first cover of the match, which they cut away from. Tommy Invincible is backstage and tried saving Perry from getting beat up by Davis in catering, but got destroyed quickly. Andrade brawled in with Omega, who sent Andrade into someone, smashing their face in their food. That man, was a pissed off Satnam Singh, who stared down Andrade before yelling “Food Fight!” and everyone backstage started throwing food everywhere.

The Dogs & The Bucks fight back up the aisle, where Matt smashed The Dogs with hard trash can shots. Connors was placed in a shopping cart with a can over his head, as Matt threw him down the aisle into an awaiting Nick superkick. Liona reappeared, mowing over The Bucks & ever Rick Knox (which sent Taz into giggle fits) as he loaded Matt into the shopping cart and Kaun flew in with a shotgun dropkick to it. Liona lifted the cart over his head and threw it at Nick like it was nothing. Benjamin ran back out and was instantly cracked by Finlay’s shillelagh, as Lashley suffered the same fate, followed by Connors laying Lashley out with a Spear. We go backstage to Jericho & Ricochet brawling with Ricochet using a tennis racket until Jericho opens a door to reveal Luther, who handed Jericho an oversized racket before leaving. Jericho laid waste to Ricochet before starting a tennis ball machine firing at him. Jericho made the cover and nearly got smacked with a couple tennis balls in the process. Stereo Northern Lights/Germans from Matt Jackson & Benjamin to The Dogs in the ring, as Finlay took a trash can shot, another Northern Lights and double German from Benjamin for good measure. Superkick Party ramped up, as Benjamin joined to take out Liona, while Lashley flew in with a Spear.

We go to Davis wandering around out back, his eye bandaged up and he sees a knife stabbed through a note on the seat of a golf cart that read “Wait Here, A**hole” as the Jurassic Express bus comes barreling in and nearly ran down Davis, as Perry got out from the bus and looked bummed that he didn’t just commit murder. Back in the ring, The Dogs avoid being put through tables by The Bucks, but Omega was there for Snap Dragons to both & Andrade. Lashley fought with Liona on the apron and finally hit a German off it through a table. Davis (thankfully not ran over by a bus) is back ringside, where Lashley hit multiple throws and a final one through a table. Perry flew off the top through a table on someone I didn’t see, as The Bucks took out The Dogs with stereo dives through tables, while Omega hit a One-Winged Angel on Andrade through one final table as the crowd are going nuts. Ricochet found himself surrounded by enemies, as Benjamin hit a pump knee, Lashley a Spear, assisted Sacrifice Knee from Perry, BTE Trigger and nearly a Judas Effect, which Kaun shoved Ricochet away to take the bullet. V-Trigger from Omega, as all of Jericho’s team hit a 7-way Superkick Party on Kaun, as Jericho put him away with a Lionsault for the win.

Post-match, Jericho set up a final table ringside, did the Sabu pose and put himself through the table as a tribute and you could hear the tribute made Taz emotional, as he didn’t know Jericho was going to do that.

Match Result: Jericho, The Hurt Syndicate & The Elite defeated The Demand, Mark Davis, Andrade El Idolo & The Dogs when Jericho pinned Kaun

Darby Allin vs. MJF in a Hair vs. Title Match for the AEW World Title

(The wheels have officially fallen off for one of the best title reigns in AEW history. Darby Allin deserves an extended vacation after what he put his body through the last month as champion (I’m not sure if he’ll get it quite yet). This was an excellent main event and one I’m genuinely shocked had no interference and shenanigans, as we got a winner by hard fought win, something I’m sure MJF will boast about big time going forward. The post-match, I’m glad they saved until after everything was done, as we could see the Kevin Knight turn coming and I’m happy we have a new heel in the ranks. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next now not just for the World Champion, but TNT Champion as well.)

During Allin’s entrance, we see a video of a fan hailing a cab wanting to get to the stadium to not miss the main event. Camera goes underground to see Allin laying with his skateboard before climbing up into the arena where a table and barber chair are set up. MJF had Justin Roberts say he doesn’t hail from any of the 5 bullsh*t boroughs and instead lives in a mansion none of you can afford. Roberts introduced Allin as simply batsh*t crazy and that’s an incredibly accurate introduction if there ever was one.

Bell sounds and Allin quickly fires off three side headlock takeovers for near falls before a dropkick sent MJF to the floor where he tried a Tope, his heels clipped the top rope and Allin took an incredibly scary neck bump in the process. Thankfully he’s moving, as MJF trash talked and planted Allin with a powerbomb onto the apron. MJF missed a Heatseeker, but connected on the slingshot Cutter for two before biting at Allin. MJF swatted Allin in mid-air from a Coffin Splash attempt and hit a powerbomb back breaker for two, as MJF already looks frustrated. Allin fought free from an Avalanche Tombstone in the corner and countered into an over-the-top Avalanche Stunner. Combo of strikes from Allin, who fired off a headbutt and he briefly buckled himself in the process. Allin wanted a Coffin Drop, but MJF bailed outside, where Allin met him with a low Tope luckily having a much better landing this time than the last, as MJF flew over the announce table. Placing MJF on the edge of the apron, Allin stood up on the post and leapt for a Coffin Drop, but crashed and burned to a loud thud.

MJF positions the steps in an upward position, pulls Allin to the apron and delivers a Package Piledriver off it onto the steel. Back inside, MJF tries a side headlock, but Allin sent him into referee Bryce. Allin hit a low blow, side headlock takeover for a close two count. MJF cut off a corner charge, double stomped the left arm from the second rope, tried for Salt of the Earth, but Allin shot a double leg and sank in a Scorpion Death Lock. MJF got the ropes, Allin quickly went for a Coffin Drop, but MJF got the knees up and near fall. MJF went for another slingshot Cutter, only this time, Allin countered into a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin went up top for a Coffin Drop, thought wisely otherwise, as both trade lighting quick headlock takeovers, they exchange fast pin attempts from 2 counts to 1 count back to 2 counts, Allin flipped out of a Code Red attempt, MJF hit a throat chop, wanted a powerbomb, but Allin countered into a Code Red for two in an exhausting, yet incredible sequence.

Both roll to opposite sides of the ring for a stare down, gets up, MJF screams F You, as he’s sent outside, Allin looks for another dive, but MJF pulls the cameraman into his way to take the bullet. Doctors and attendants rush to the cameraman (I don’t think anyone checked Allin) and after all that’s happened in this match, referee Bryce started a 10-count. MJF brought Allin up the ramp and sat him down on the barber chair. MJF grabbed the clippers, but Allin kicked away into a guillotine as MJF faded (Bryce has stopped his count now). Allin placed MJF onto the table and looked up at the scaffolding. Allin climbed to the top, let out a Cactus Jack “Bang! Bang!” leaping off with a Coffin Drop, crashing through MJF & the table. Allin is bleeding badly from the back of the head, as he took MJF back to the ring, hit a Coffin Drop proper, but MJF kicked out at two. Allin applied a Scorpion Death Lock, but similar to his match with Sammy Guevara last week, Allin collapsed and had to be checked on, leaving a giant smile on the face of MJF. He shoved Bryce away, wanted a Tombstone, but Allin spun out into a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin went up for a Coffin Drop, but MJF leapt to crotch him on the top. MJF joined, spun Allin around for an Avalanche Tombstone before hitting one last side headlock takeover to get the victory and win the title a third time.

Post-match, Allin had to be loaded on a stretcher, as MJF kicked the doctors away and stood over Allin, raising the AEW Title high. Kevin Knight sprinted to the ring and chased MJF away, as you could see this coming from a mile away, as the doctors wheeled Allin right in position for Knight to go up top, stare down MJF briefly before looking down and hit a UFO Splash, dumping Allin in the stretcher over. MJF was initially shocked, but applauded, as commentary pleads asking what has Knight done? The show ends with Knight standing back looking down at Allin.

Match Result: MJF defeated Darby Allin to win the AEW World Title

AEW Double or Nothing preview & predictions: Heat of the moment

Posted on by Mike DellaCamera

New York in early summer is the best version of itself, an irrefutable fact for anyone who has spent even a little time here. The city begins to emerge, slowly at first, shaking off whatever the winter and the world did to it. Then, alarmingly quickly, the whole world opens up.

Easing into the summer is ideal, but there is an unhinged beauty in that first real heat that a gentle May afternoon cannot provide. The first 90 degree day, the one that wallops you with its density the moment you step outside, the one that feels like walking through a stick of butter, that’s the day that reminds you that you’re alive. The city doesn’t ease into that day. It arrives all at once, and you hope the air conditioning is ready.

AEW arrives in New York City on the heels of exactly that: the first real heat of the season and, coincidentally, leading into the first real weekend of summer.

Double or Nothing is a card that, in pieces, reminds you how to feel alive – a stirring World championship match tends to have that effect. It is also a card that is the beginning of something significant. The road to All In is peeking over the horizon. The Owen Hart Cup is taking shape. Careers are arriving at their conclusions, willing or otherwise. The second half of the year starts here, in the heat, in New York, in the world’s borough that insists on the real thing.

Let’s run through it.

AEW Double or Nothing main card preview & predictions

Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in an Owen Hart tournament quarterfinal

Ospreay’s relationship with The Death Riders is the most interesting thing happening in AEW right now, and the most interesting character development they’ve done since Hangman Page’s downward spiral. Ospreay is a lot of things to a lot of people. Divisive, transformative, it’s all subjective. But at his heart, Will is a simple man. He wants to make the fans happy. He would also like to win matches, and sometimes these two things are in direct opposition.

Others are driven by ego (MJF), by competition (Jon Moxley), and by testing the limits of the human spirit (Darby Allin). Ospreay is driven by love: of wrestling, and of the fans. He specifically craves their adoration. His turn to The Death Riders is an unexpected and welcome bit of introspection by a performer who had previously shown very little. I’m bullish on his journey with them and, through The Owen, I’m curious to see what lasting change might come from it. 

As always, Joe will be a test. He doesn’t give you space to be spectacular. He doesn’t create distance for convoluted counter sequences or opportunities for a flashy highlight reel. He takes up all the space in the ring and limits the oxygen. His arrival is an avalanche, slowly, then all at once. 

Ospreay has been everything we could have hoped for since his return. Joe is a test, but one he should pass.

Prediction: Ospreay

Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido in an Owen Hart tournament quarterfinal

AEW is better when both of these cats are on TV. Too often, whether by injury or unfortunate ROH responsibilities, Bandido floats in and out of our lives. His presence and matches are full of light. Seeing his name on the marquee promises, at minimum, something worth watching with the ceiling for something truly special.

Bandido’s joy and exuberance meet its seething match this weekend. Many people snarl and claim to be the best, the most dangerous, but none do it like Swerve. There is no one as cool or as confident. There is grit and realism to his words and actions, a testament to his capabilities as a performer that he’s smooth enough to hit the interview circuit and do media up-fronts while playing the role of an objectively terrible person.

When MJF plays the bad guy, we’re all in on the performance; we can see and acknowledge the winking to the camera. When Swerve does it, the menace feels all too real.

Prediction: Swerve

Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa in an Owen Hart tournament quarterfinal

Before we dive in, a moment for our fallen TBS Champion and being of pure light, Willow Nightingale. She’s one of the performers whose presence fills an entire room. Louis Armstrong Stadium is going to feel a little emptier without her.

Athena seems primed for her semi-annual AEW proper tour of duty, and it’s always a treat. She is everything she’s ever claimed to be and backs that up in the ring and on the microphone. Said simply, she’s great. ROH’s gain remains AEW’s loss, and AEW feels it every time she walks back through the door to remind everyone what they’ve been missing. With two staples of the division out for the foreseeable future and Mercedes Mone still off television, I do wonder if we get more Athena on AEW TV going forward. The division would be better for it.

Prediction: Athena

Chris Jericho, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) and The Elite (Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona), Don Callis Family (Mark Davis & Andrade El Idolo), and The Dogs (Clark Conners & David Finlay) in a Stadium Stampede match

Whatever goodwill Jericho’s return generated, and admittedly I provided some, has been squandered with frightening efficiency. His insistence on killing anything natural and good, the relentless, painfully unfunny slogans, create an unwanted cocktail I’m glad to send back. The master of reinvention has watched his creative well run dry in real time, in public, repeatedly. The Learning Tree was an outright disaster. Whatever this current iteration is shows little promise.

Fortunately, the Stadium Stampede format and the significant talent of others will dilute his presence across fourteen people, and however many minutes this thing runs.

These matches are thrilling at best and silly curios at worst. The individuals will all get their spotlight moments. Ricochet, freed from any obligation to carry a serious program, should thrive in the chaos. Andrade can pop off his pants and pop the crowd. The Dogs get a chance to shine in an AEW trademark match. Additional critical analysis of this is not required. We know what this is, and you know if it’s something that tickles your fancy.

Prediction: Jericho, Hurt Syndicate & The Elite

AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Kyle O’Reilly

These two have wonderful chemistry, capped by a bloody, visceral n holds barred match at Full Gear that reminded everyone in the building, and everyone watching, what O’Reilly is capable of. More importantly, it reminded Kyle. Moxley has that effect on people. Something about his brand of violence awakens things in his opponents, pulls the best and most dangerous version of them to the surface, whether they planned to show up that way or not.

It has been a genuinely tough run for O’Reilly, the wrestling intelligentsia’s favorite weirdo, since joining AEW. Injury and personal tragedy have a way of hollowing things out and creating a distance between a performer and the thing that made them want to do this in the first place. Finding meaning in the thing you love after it’s been taken from you, even briefly, even partially, is its own kind of victory. It’s great to see Kyle back.

O’Reilly’s story is a good one. Moxley, though the ace, grappling with whether he can beat Kyle is a nice character beat. But a character beat might be all it is.

Prediction: Moxley retains

AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Konosuke Takeshita

Takeshita’s moment, sadly, has long passed. This is not permanent, this is not irreversible, but for now, the version of Takeshita that felt genuinely inevitable has receded, and what’s replaced it is a performer going through familiar motions with diminishing returns. The exaggerated big move spots, the bomb-throwing without narrative connective tissue, are indicators of a performer doing what he thinks ‘good’ looks like rather than just being it.

When he first started moving up the card, there was a buzz in the arena and online. Now he’s receded into the chaff of the Don Callis Family. Big DC can tell us he’s the alpha and that he’s the best thing going today (there were glimpses of that in his title match with Darby Allin) but he’s lying to himself as much as he is the audience. What Takeshita needs isn’t a new direction so much as a return to his own. He had a natural, easy connection to the crowd — one that still wants to love him. 

It would be genuinely funny if, after all this time, after all the deferred moments and missed windows, he finally gets his big win here. Maybe I’ll be awarding myself the ‘fell for it again’ award Monday morning, but I think the big man gets it done.

Prediction: Takeshita wins the title

AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Adam Copeland & Christian Cage in an I Quit match where if Cage and Copeland lose, they must retire as a tag team

I have tried, genuinely and repeatedly, to locate the feeling this program is supposed to produce in me. Alas, I cannot find it.  Even with a heavy, heavy stipulation, there is nothing. My fondness for FTR mixed with my lack of appreciation for the Cope of it all makes a 40 degree day. No one has anything to say about a 40 degree day

The I Quit stipulation at least has the virtue of theater, and theater is what Copeland and Cage have always done best. Someone has to say the words out loud, has to submit not just physically but verbally, has to admit it in front of everyone. That’s a fine idea. I just can’t make myself care who says it.

FTR will make sure the match is worth watching. The history books will be kinder to Wheeler and Harwood than to their opponents. Let the work speak.

Prediction: Copeland and Christian win the titles

AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla defends against Hikaru Shida, Jamie Hayter and Kris Statlander in a four-way

I don’t buy the Statlander and Shida pairing, and it doesn’t seem like they do either. This is a doomed and empty pairing that is not working on any level. Is anyone really invested in the inevitable breakup? Why can’t Statlander achieve a stretch of character consistency? No matter the season, no matter the year, she always seems to be going through something. Must be exhausting!

Thekla remains insistent on being a star unique to herself: doing her thing, performing her act. It’s not revolutionary, but when something feels this well-worn and natural, it sure is impressive. This doesn’t feel like a flash in the pan but a character with real staying power. This type of performance is extremely for me, and I have enjoyed her more than I ever thought — a complete home run signing and a boon to the entire division. 

Hayter continues her slow rebuild. Shida is not what she once was, but she has done good enough work since returning. Statlander is Statlander. The only person in World title form is the one who already holds it. That’s not changing.

Prediction: Thekla retains

AEW World Champion Darby Allin defends against MJF in a title vs. hair match

Allin is a comet ripping through the night and challenging the notion that a title reign has to be long to be historic. Producing this level of output in his preferred style is equal parts remarkable, breathtaking, and psychotic. Just about every match has required a cigarette afterward. Other wrestlers could hold a World title for years and if they produced 20% of matches as good as everything Allin has done, it would be considered a legendary run. I am hard-pressed to recall a title reign that I have enjoyed more than his. 

Allin is on the short list for mainstream wrestler of the year on this run alone, and the year isn’t half over. What he has done with this championship, with this character, with this body that somehow still functions at this level, is something that should be appreciated loudly and in real time before it becomes something we remember.

If he isn’t the (again, mainstream) wrestler of the year, it’s because MJF is. His edges have been smoothed, the work tight, and the hair lusciously full. Firmly in his prime and also on the run of his life, the self-proclaimed prophecy of being a generational talent is being fulfilled. MJF risking his hair is as old school as professional wrestling gets. It also makes complete and total sense for who he is.

This is a man driven entirely by ego and vanity. The stipulation isn’t an escalation imposed on the character from outside; it emerges directly from it. MJF, without his carefully cultivated perception of perfection, is a man with nothing left to hide behind. Strip part of the gimmick away and the rest crumbles. Max has done an incredible job of not being above the stipulation but cowering in the face of it. This is a man’s existential crisis with a title match attached.

Restraint can be a weapon. It’s one MJF should wield this week, and one that Darby does not have any interest in having. It will be a battle to see whose style of match prevails. Is it the devil-may-care shape-shifting style that Darby has perfected? Or is it a methodical, slow build like MJF favors? Styles typically make fights, but desperation throws structure out the window. Comets pass our eyes for fleeting and unforgettable moments. Darby’s burns out in Queens.

Prediction: MJF wins the title

WOR: SNME, Double or Nothing, Foley, Ludwig Kaiser, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the situation with Ludwig Kaiser and whether the mask vs. mask match is still on, Saturday Night’s Main Event, a preview of Double or Nothing, Mick Foley and AEW, ratings from this past week, all the news and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Dave’s thoughts on the Oleksandr Usyk fight
8:57: Ludwig Kaiser update & notes from Saturday’s AAA show
21:07: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event recap, lineups for the coming week
38:43: AEW Double or Nothing preview & notes on Mick Foley, July PPV, Darby Allin ESPN article
54:31: Mistico injury update, ratings notes

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AAA on Fox live results: New general manager to be announced

Posted on by Jeff Moss

AAA is on Fox in Latin America and YouTube and Facebook worldwide on Saturday, May 23.

One week before the Noche de los Grandes event, AAA will be live from Mexico City for tonight’s show.

The big segment planned for tonight’s episode will see AAA President Marisela Peña announce who the promotion’s new general manager will be. Her son, Dorian Roldán, as well as commentator John Bradshaw Layfield, are both hopeful to land the role.

The AAA World Cruiserweight Championship will also be on the line tonight as Laredo Kid defends against Rey Fenix.

In tag team action, The Creed Brothers will face Los Americanos as the stablemates of the two El Grande Americanos meet one week before the big mask vs. mask match.

The full lineup is below.

  • AAA President Marisela Peña announces the promotion’s new general manager
  • AAA World Cruiserweight Champion Laredo Kid defends against Rey Fenix
  • The Creed Brothers vs. Los Americanos

Our live coverage kicks off at 10 p.m. Eastern.

**********

And here we go, fresh from Saturday Night’s Main Event!

The show kicked right off with the announcement of the new AAA General manager: Rey Mysterio jr!

Dom is gonna be maaaaaaaad….

Mysterio then announced the start of the first match:

AAA World Cruiserweight Championship Match: Laredo Kid (c) vs Rey Fenix

Savio Vega joined the commentary team to replace new GM Rey Mysterio and the bell rang to start the match. Fenix started working the arm of Laredo, sending him off the ropes but falling victim to an arm drag.

Laredo reset himself and Fenix grabbed him in a headlock. He broke out of that and Fenix went to the outside. Laredo hit a suicide dive onto him and threw him back in. He went for a top rope dropkick, but Fenix grabbed him in midair and turned it into a sit out powerbomb for a two count.

Laredo hit a neckbreaker and then a michinoku driver, but Fenix was able to kick out of the cover. Fenix went for a spingboard, but Laredo was waiting. He applied a waistlock on the second rope and Fenix fought him off, rolling into a cutter.

Fenix hoisted Laredo up for a brain buster, but Laredo kicked out of the cover. Fenix sent him to the corner, but Laredo countered into a destroyer DDT that shook the ring. Fenix somehow kicked out at two.

Laredo hit a poisonrana but Fenix came right back with a German suplex. Laredo hit a big forearm, but Fenix came back with a step up kick. He hoisted Laredo up for a Mexican Muscle buster, but Laredo countered it.

Fenix then went for a discus elbow, but Laredo collapsed. The ref checked on Laredo and then went to talk to the time keeper. While he was doing that, Laredo hit a low blow on Fenix. The ref turned back around in time to see Laredo hit a frog splash and get the pin to retain his title.

Match Result: Laredo Kid defeated Rey Fenix

It was then announced that Noche De Los Grandes will be two week event starting next week. Full card(s) to come, but the event will feature a Six Woman Tag Match, the War Raiders vs Pagano & Psycho Clown for the AAA Tag Team Championships and of course, the Mask-Vs-Mask match to end the Americano Civil War; Real El Grande Americano vs OG El Grande Americano.

-Back from break, Rey Mysterio approached Laredo Kid about his actions in the previous match. He said he was disappointed in Laredo, but Laredo said a win is a win. Mysterio said that Fenix would get another shot at Laredo at Noche De Los Grandes.

Los Hermanos Americanos (Julios and Bruto Creddos aka The Creed Brothers) vs. Los Americanos (Rayo and Bravo)

The Creed’s came down in their Los Hermanos Americanos personas while JBL and Graves debated if they were in fact the Creed Brothers. I’m sure everyone totally understood and wasn’t confused. Because I know I wasn’t. It must have be you.

Any way, The match would be contested under Superlucha rules which meant there wouldn’t be any tages needed. With that being the case, I won’t lie to you, the whole switcheroo between the Creeds and the Creedos was confusing as hell and made it really hard to follow what was going on. They were in the same outfits and it was a bit of a nightmare. So I tried my best.

The Creedos’ took out Rayo and Bravo on the outside with a double dive and then beat them up ant ringside. Rayo took out Bruto, but then Julios slammed him headfirst into the steel steps. They tossed Rayo back into the ring with a couple of chairs and tried to get him with a con-chair-to but Bravo pulle him out of the way.

Rayo and Bravo then used the chairs to take out Julios and then set up Bruto on the chair. They dropped him face-first onto the chair and then split Julio’s legs around the ring post. Bravo then pulled an OG Americano Piniata out from underneath the ring and hit Bruto with it, splitting it in half and spreading candy around the ring.

Rayo and Bravo then pulled a table out and set it up on the barricades. Julio and Bruto came down and beat them up, with Julio dropping Bravo on the ring apron. The Hermanos were in control now and Julio and Rayo fought in the ring. Bruto joined him and they beat up Rayo.

They slammed Rayo onto the chair and then dropped him back first onto it. Rayo popped back up and tried to fight them off but fell victim to the damn numbers game. Bravo came flying into the ring to break up a pin, but the Hermanos beat him up and sent him back out.

Bravo returned with an American flag and beat up Julio with it. Rayo sent Bruto flying off the ringpost and Bravo hit an Airplane spin into an olympic slam. Both Americanos went up top for duelling diving headbutts, but somehow Bruto kicked out of the cover.

Bravo dropkicked Bruto, then Julio took him out. Rayo tried to help but they both got caught in a super collider by the Hermanos. It led to a double kickout at two though.

Julio hit a double superplex off the ring post followed by a 450, but Bravo kicked out of the cover.

Bruto set up a table at ringside and they went to throw Rayo through it but Bravo popped up with a kendo stick and took them out. He laid out Bruto on the table and Rayo climbed up and hit a splash from the ringpost, driving Bruto through the table.

Bravo then went at Julio with the kendo stickm, holding him while Rayo loaded up his mask and hit him with a diving headbutt. Before they could make the cover though OG Americano showed up and put Rayo through the announce table.

Real Americano came running down with a chair and beat up the Hermanos. OG got in the ring and they stared each other down, unable to touch each other lest they ruin their Mask-Vs-Mask match. OG bailed from the ring and Real grabbed a mic.

He said that OG will never beat him because he doesn’t understand Mexican wrestling. The only thing OG is going to be is a “shorty.” That brought OG back into the ring and he got ready to fight. OG pulled off his sweatshirt and he had a shirt underneath with a picture of Real’s girlfriend who OG got fired at their contract signing.

It was about to go off when the Hermanos and Americanos ran into the ring and pulled them apart. OG and Real broke free though and started slugging each other, violating the no touching rule!

Security arrived and everyone tried to pull them apart.

Match Result: The Creed Brothers vs. Los Americanos went to a no contest, I guess?

Rey Mysterio Jr came out and told them to calm down. He said that next week Mask vs Mask was on no matter what. At least I think thats what he said, Savio’s translations are not as good as Rey’s.

The brawl continued and the locker room emptied to try and maintain some control as the show transitioned into a comic-book style promo for Noches de Los Grandes.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: Penta vs. Ethan Page, Street Profits vs. The Vision

Posted on by Jeff Moss

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event takes place from Fort Wayne, Indiana tonight.

The show will be held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Five matches are scheduled, including three title matches.

World Tag Team Champions Logan Paul and Austin Theory of The Vision will put their titles on the line against The Street Profits.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta will defend his title against Ethan Page. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige will also put their titles on the line against former champions Nia Jax and Lash Legend.

In six-woman tag team action, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair will face Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab. WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch will also wrestle Sol Ruca in a non-title match.

The full lineup is below.

  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta defends against Ethan Page
  • World Tag Team Champions Logan Paul & Austin Theory defend against The Street Profits
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella & Paige defend against Nia Jax & Lash Legend
  • Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab
  • Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.

***************

It’s another Saturday night, my friends and just like in High School, I’m home watching wrestling! There’s a bevy of matches on the card tonight that have hu–, hav big—, well, they have stakes! And maybe even implications! So without further ado, let us commence with the Event that is Main on the Night of Saturday!

Six Woman Tag Team Match: Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley vs. B-Fab, Jade Cargill & Michin

To start things off it’s a six-way dance featuring WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, former Women’s Tag Champs Bliss & Flair and also B-Fab, Michin and Jade Cargill are there. Ripley is looking for the ever-elusive “momentum” leading into her match with Cargill in Italy.

Ripley and B-Fab kicked things off with B-Fab missing a pump kick and eating a clothesline. Bliss tagged in and tood own B-fab with a headscissor. Michin tagged in, but Bliss took her out with a really stiff looking knee to the nose.

Flair tagged in and and rolled Michin around the ring in a scissor lock. Flair took her out with a clothesine and B-Fab came in to take a crossbody from Bliss. Cargill dragged Bliss to the outside and kicked her to death to try and fire up her team.

Cargill took Flair down and tagged in Michin. Flair found herself isloated in her opponent’s cornerm taking offence from all three who tagged in and out around her. Michin suplexed Flair and went for a cover, but she kicked out at two.

Flair cleared the corner and created some space, but Michin got the better of her with a headscissor from the top turnbuckle. Michin went to finish her off, but Flair countered. B-Fab tagged in and cut her off from tagging Ripley.

They both popped up and delivered pump kicks at the same time, leaving both on the canvas. Flair finally got a tag to Ripley just as Michin tagged in. Ripley worked her over with clotheslines and slams, building up to a Rip Tide.

Ripley hit a missile dropkick and sent Michin sprawling. Just as she set up Rip Tide, Cargill came in and caused a distraction. Michin tried a hurricanrana, but Ripley countered it. Michin spiked Ripley for a tweo count, but Ripley was able to tag in Bliss.

Bliss hit a tornado DDT for a two count and then ate a chinbreaker. Michin tagged in B-Fab who squirmed out of Sister Abigail and hit a DDT on Bliss. Michin tagged back in and they went for a double move, but Bliss countered it into a double DDT and tagged Flair who flew in with a crossbody.

Michin recovered and hit Flair with a Styles Clash, but Ripley broke up the pin. Cargill came in and started spamming superkicks, taking out everyone until Flair caught her with a boot.

Cargill tagged in and so did Ripley, giving the crowd a preview of their faceoff in Italy. They traded blows with Ripley coming out on top with a Rip Tide. She stacked Cargill up but Michin broke up the pin. Flair took out B-Fab and played a little “will they / won’t they” with Ripley before they hit double slams on B-Fab and Michin.

Cargill wiped everyone out and hit a Jaded slam on Ripley to pin the WWE Women’s Champion and deny her that oh so sweet momentum.

Match Result: B-Fab, Jade Cargill & Michin defeated Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley

-Backstage, Ethan Page was interviewed about his match against Penta tonight for the Intercontinental Championship. Page said that it was the IC Title’s biggest night ever because when he wins it, the spotlight will be on them both.

Non-Title Match: Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca

Did I hear ‘California Surfer?’

I must have because Sol Ruca is here! She doesn’t like Becky Lynch (many people are saying this) and wants to fight her about it. Lynch, the current Women’s Intercontinental Champion, doesn’t think Ruca is ready for her.

Or Auska. Man, I miss Auska.

Anyway, Ruca was interviewed before her entrance and made several references to snatching things because that’s her finishing move, you see.

Before the bell, Lynch threw the IC title belt at Ruca and yelled at the “fast counting” ref. Eventually the bell rang and Ruca hit a spinning face slam and springboard crossbody on Lynch. Ruca stayed in control, so Lynch left the ring to regroup.

Ruca hit her with a leap from the apron (the surfiest part of the ring!) and thew Lynch back into the ring. Lynch tried to get the upper hand, but Ruca countered everything she threw at her. Ruca went for a Sol Snatcher off the top, but Lynch pulled the ref into the way. The ref immediately called for the DQ.

Match Result: Sol Ruca defeated Becky Lynch via DQ

After the match, Lynch ambushed Ruca and hit her with the belt. Then she hit a trio of Manhandle Slams to put Ruca out. The crowd was… not pleased. Micheal Cole was “disgusted” as this was “unbecoming” of the Intercontinental Champion.

Then everything was better as Penta cut a promo about how Ethan Page only fights for ego, but Penta fights for his people. I like Penta.

-Back from break, Becky Lynch was informed by Nick Aldis that as a result of her actions, she will have to face Sol Ruca at Clash In Italy for the Intercontinental Title.

Then, Lash Legend and Nia Jax were interviewed about how they are better than Paige and Brie. However, the video feed was hooped and all we saw on youtube was a green bar.

They thankfully managed to correct this before:

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Penta (c) vs. Ethan Page

You know WWEKO is completely behind Penta because he got in-ring fireworks while they barely said Page’s name during his entrance. Then the commentary team pointed that very thing out.

Hamilton’s own Ethan Page started off falling victim to a waistlock. He reversed it and Penta then reversed that and kicked him in the gut. Page roared back with some right hands, knocking Penta into the corner.

Penta went for a spingboard, but Page caught him in midair with a dropkick. Penta came back with an arm drag that sent Page out of the ring. Penta followed and kicked Page in the face. He charged him, but Page back body dropped Penta onto the announce table.

Page told the ref to stop the count out (because he can do that I guess) and sent Penta into the ringpost face first. Back in the ring, he dropped a few elbows and earned a couple of two counts.

Penta raged back, sending Page to the outside and diving after him. Both men seemed to take the brunt of the dive, but Penta got to his feet first and threw Page back into the ring. Page hit a superkick but Penta hit a spingboard DDT for a two count.

Page blocked a Penta driver and scoop slammed Penta for a two count. Penta came back with a backstabber for a two count of his own. They then traded chops in the middle of the ring, moving into trading superkicks until both men went down.

Page hit a Confidence Breaker out of nowhere, but still only a two count. Penta countered and Egoplex with a Penta Driver, but again, only two. Penta went for a Mexican Destroyer but Page insterd a high knee instead.

They climbed to the top of the ringpost and Page landed an Avalanche Slam but somehow Penta kicked out. A frustrated Page resorted to punching and uncovered a turnbucke. He got caught, so he exposed another one.

Penta ran at him, and Page sent him chest first into the steel. Penta came back off of that with a Mexican Destroyer and pinned Page to retain the Intercontinental Title.

Match Result: Penta defeated Ethan Page

-Backstage (sigh) “Scream Mode” was interviewed. Brie said that no one should write them off because they can win tonight.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match: Brie Bella & Paige (c) vs. The Irresistible Forces (Lash Legend & Nia Jax)

I do love that tonight’s show features back-to-back Paige/Page matches.

Jax and Lash tried to jump Bella and Paige off the bell, but Scream Mode was able to fend them off and Bella went up top to take out Jax. Brie tried it again, but Jax caught her in a Samoan Drop. Lash tagged in and whiffed on a pump kick, allowing Brie to tag in Paige.

Jax caused a bit of a distraction and Lash was able to hit Paige with a big boot. Lash hit a splash, but Paige kicked out of the cover at two. Jax tagged back in and rubbed her butt on Paige’s neck against the ropes.

Jax chopped Paige and then went for a choke while Brie paced on the apron. Lash tagged in and whipped Paige into the corner. She hit her with a clothesline and got a two count out of it. Lash cut off Paige’s attempts to tag Brie and put her in a full nelson.

Lash took a cue from Jax and continued working Paige’s neck. Paige pulled down the top rope and Lash flew over it, but for some reason Paige didn’t go for a tag. Jax came in, but Paige side stepped her and she crashed into the corner. Paige got the tag to Brie who delivered some Yes Kicks to Jax.

Jax overpowered Brie and tagged her with a pop up head butt followed by a samoan drop. Lash tagged in and hit a splash from the top but did not got for a pin. Jax dropped a leg from the second rope, but Brie kicked out at two.

Paige took a tag and leapt from the top rope onto Jax in a sunset flip. Brie helped her out and Paige pinned Jax to retain the titles.

Match Result: Brie Bella & Paige defeated The Irresistible Forces

Backstage, The Vision was shown warming up as Paul Heyman cut a promo about how the Street Profits will lose tonight. Logan Paul then started talking and I started blacking out, but I am pretty sure that he said they will retain the titles.

WWE World Tag Team Title Match: The Vision (Austin Theory & Logan Paul) (c) vs. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)

Fun Fact: This is the first time since 1992 that the Tag Titles have been up for grabs on Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Ford and Theory stalked each other to kick things off while Dawkins danced and Paul worked the crowd. There was about nine minutes left in the show, so it was strange how they seemed to be wasting them mugging for the audience.

Finally, Theory and Ford started wrestling with Theory sending Ford to the mat. They locked up and Theory hit a shoulder block. Paul tagged in and the slow pace continued with a test of strength lock up. Paul then hit his own shoulder block. For popped up from that one and flipped across the ring to lure Paul in for some armdrags and dropkicks.

Theory tried to help but ate a dropkick too. Dawkins tagged in and they double teamed Paul. They clotheslined Theory and Paul off the apron, causing them to regroup with Heyman. They decided to leave at that point, but the Profits chased them up the ramp.

They pulled then back to the ring and Dawkins took out Paul in the corner. He went for a cover, but only got a two count. Theory caused a distraction and Paul hit Dawkins with an uppercut. Theory tagged in and Paul used him as a step for a splash.

Theory stomped Dawkins’ hand and then tagged in Paul. They hit a double shoulder block and posed. Paul grabbed a headlock on Dawkins. Dawkins elbowed his way out of it, but couldn’t get the tag to Ford. Paul clotheslined him and tagged in Theory.

Paul got sent through the ropes and pulled Ford off the apron. In the ring Theory stomped Dawkins and then handed things over to Paul. Paul did another splash but Dawkins moved and hit a neckbreaker. Ford stomped back up to the apron and got a tag, taking out Theory from the top rope. He laid out Paul and then powerslamed Theory.

Paul grabbed a blind tag and hit a lariat for a two count. Theory tagged back in and they tried a double team but Ford caught a blind tag from Dawkins and they double teamed Paul out of the ring. Dawkins put Theory up on his shoulders and they doomsday deviced him but Theory kicked out at two.

The Profits sent Theory and Paul to the outside and Ford flew onto them. Bron Breakker then flew down to help, but Dawkins sent him flying into the announce table. Ford pinned Theory in the ring but Heyman put his foot on the roped to break the pin.

Ford stalked Heyman outside the ring and Paul belted him with the brass nux. He threw him back into the ring and Theory pinned him to retain the titles.

Match Result: The Vision defeated The Street Profits

After the match, Breakker speared Dawkins and Ford. Then Paul and Theory got back in the ring and posed with him.

WWE SmackDown live results: Tiffany Stratton US title open challenge

Posted on by Marc Quill

The road to Clash in Italy rolls through Lexington, Kentucky, on tonight’s WWE SmackDown with a week to go until the event in Turin, Italy.

A confrontation between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and impending title challenger Gunther is being promised after Rhodes took out the “Ring General” last week.

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley will open the show by answering Jade Cargill’s challenge for a rematch at next weekend’s PLE.

Reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton will hold an open challenge.

After defeating Ricky Saints last week in his return, former WWE United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will share some thoughts on reigning champion Trick Williams and his running mate, Lil’ Yachty.

Drew McIntyre will return on the show in his first appearance since losing to Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42.

The only match announced thus far features Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga.

**********

Rhea Ripley kicks off SmackDown

The reigning WWE Women’s Champion got our night going as she made her way to the ring. We got a recap of Jade Cargill’s return from two weeks ago and how the former champion and her Baddies put a beating on Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.

“Welcme to Friday Night Mami”, Ripley opened in her usual manner. She talked about how she had one week off and everyone missed her. All Jade Cargill and her crew did was manage to piss Ripley off. She said that if Cargill wanted it so badly, she’d beat her again at Clash in Italy for the WWE Women’s Championship. As Ripley raised her belt high, her uneasy allies Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss interrupted.

Flair said that she appreciated Ripley wanting to defend her title, but she and Charlexa had their six-woman tag match tomorrow night at Saturday Night’s Main Event to look forward to. Flair wondered where Ripley was last week when Cargill and her Baddies laid her and Bliss out. Ripley said that she went home to see her family. Ripley got mad at Flair’s accusations, stating that Bliss got the most of the brunt and that if Flair couldn’t have the back of her own partner, how can she count of Flair’s help.

Fatal Influence, the trio making waves on SmackDown as of late, interrupted the proceedings. Jacy Jayne said that her group was making an impact and that Ripley, Bliss and Flair were at each other’s throats since Fatal Influence arrived. Flair didn’t have time for this as she offered any two of Fatal Influence to face her and Bliss in tag team action later tonight.

This was a good opener to establish the situation of “can they co-exist” with Ripley and Bliss/Flair.

**************

– Backstage, Alexa Bliss gave the bad news to Charlotte Flair that she wasn’t going to team up with her tonight against Fatal Influence. Instead, Flair will have to team up with Rhea Ripley, because Bliss wants the two to get their acts together and stop bickering already.

Talla Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Talla used his strength to push Nakamura away to start off, but the King of Strong Style briefly dodged a strike from the big man. Talla took over with a clubbing strike to the chest as he then stomped at his smaller foe in the corner. Talla threw Nakamura hard into the opposite corner, which left him down and out. That was followed by a scoop slam to the mat. Just as Talla charged into the corner, Nakamura dodged and began trying to hit him with kicks to the chest. As Talla staggered back against the ropes, Nakamura clotheslined him out of the ring.

That advantage was all but fleeting, as Nakamura got taken out and thrown into the barricade as we took a commercial timeout.

As we returned from commercial, Nakamura was slammed again by Talla. A chokeslam attempt by Talla was turned into a triangle choke by Nakamura, who transitioned it into a guillotine choke. Nakamura escaped the grasp of Talla as he battered him with a strike to the back of the big man’s knee. Nakamura again avoided a running attack from Talla, which left his foe trapped in the corner. On a kneeling Talla, Nakamura connected with the Scorpio Rising kick for the near-fall. Nakamura had Talla lined up for Kinshasa, but Solo SIkoa got on the apron to create enough of a distraction. This led to a running powerslam and a chokeslam by Talla for the three.

After the match, Sikoa and Talla looked like they were gonna finish Nakamura off, but Tama Tonga interrupted. After some hesitation, Tama hit Nakamura with the dulled, not-so-hidden blade of the Cutthroat. Just as Sikoa was going to hit the Samoan Spike, Damian Priest ran down with a chair in hand. The M.F.T.s backed off.

Talla Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura via pinfall

I can’t say that I’m excited about the M.F.T. drama being a continued thing, but this match was okay. I’m not fully on board on the Talla Tonga train.

**********

– As Nick Aldis was chatting with Charles Robinson, the lights flickered briefly. Aldis told Robinson to look into it. Cody Rhodes interrupted and wondered when Gunther was coming. Aldis said that he was going to make sure that the Clash in Italy contract would be signed. Sami walked into the room and offered to help Rhodes against Gunther. “Thanks, but no thanks,” said Rhodes as he left the room.

A very petulant Zayn whined about how Cody Rhodes always going to get what he wants, unaware that Rhodes was standing behind him. This led to a match between Zayn and Rhodes to be made for later tonight.

– The M.F.T.s were in conversation backstage, as Tama Tonga said the reason everyone was coming to get them, was that everyone thinks they’re weak. He said that Sikoa had to face Damian Priest on his own, for the sake of “The Family”.

WWE Women’s U.S. Title Open Challenge: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Lash Legend

Nia Jax and Lash Legend came out, and had some words to say, as we learned that Legend was going to face Stratton for the Open Challenge.

Legend shoved down Stratton as the bell rang, and she used her size to effortlessly throw Stratton around. Another Biel throw was turned into a somersault dodge by Stratton, but Legend’s running shoulder tackle knocked her down afterwards. Stratton got back on it with a dropkick that sent her rolling out of the ring. That was followed by a vaulting press over the ropes onto Legend. An apron chokeslam by Legend left Stratton out cold as Chelsea Geen ran down to look after Stratton. That was our cue to take a break in the action.

Our match continued from the commercial break as Stratton was still under siege against the offense of Legend. In the corner, Legend attempted a move from the corner, but Stratton countered it into an Aloha Arn Sunset Flip pin attempt. Legend kicked out and then applied a resthold on Stratton. A jawbreaker from the Women’s U.S. Champ broke the hold. Legend ran right into the corner post, which allowed Stratton to hit another jawbreaker, followed by an athletic springboard stunner for the near-fall. Legend attempted a powerbomb, but Stratton countered that by sending her into the corner. Stratton went for her cartwheel Alabama Slam, but Legend caught that into a powerbomb for a close near-fall.

Legend went for the Lash Extension, but Stratton reversed it into a crucifix. Chelsea Green pushed Nia Jax into the corner, as Legend grabbed a hold of her from the ring. Stratton snuck up and got the rollup pin to retain the Women’s U.S. Title.

Tiffany Stratton def. Lash Legend via pinfall to retain the WWE Women’s U.S. Championship

That was not at all a good match. Both Stratton and Legend seemed like they were moving in molasses for the bulk of it. The only interesting aspect was Chelsea Green giving Stratton unwanted help to advance their story.

**********

– Nick Aldis was told of the power issues as he was directed to an unmarked room. In the room, we saw Danhausen was gain trying to reanimate the corpse from last week. Aldis told Danhausen to stop messing around, as the lights went out.

– Elsewhere, The Miz & Kit Wilson were interviewed, as Miz insisted that there was no curse. He complained about the Cleveland Cavaliers being cursed by Danhausen as Fraxiom rolled up. This led to a tag match between Wilson and Miz versus Fraxiom to be made for next week in Barcelona.

Trick Williams enters the scene

The United States Champion, flanked by his good friend Li’l Yachty, walked down to the ring with the crowd’s adulation for him as big as ever.

Williams and Yachty talked about what they did last week before Carmelo Hayes walked down to interrupt his old friend. The former U.S. Champion talked about how both he and Williams knew that this day was going to come. Hayes talked about how if it weren’t for Williams, he would’ve still be the U.S. Champion. However, Hayes wasn’t here to discredit Williams’ achievements as of late. But, Hayes pointed out how there’s a difference between holding a championship and carrying it. He discussed how he won the crowd over with his blood, sweat, and tears. That’s why Hayes wanted Williams to do the right thing and give the crowd what they want: Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship.

Yachty responded, stating that Williams had a schedule to keep, but Hayes butted in. He said that he and Williams go way back and that the old Trick Williams would never let anyone tell him what to do. Then again, Williams must be used to playing second fiddle.

Williams pointed out that we would indeed see him face Hayes right here and right now.

I enjoyed this segment. It played off of Hayes and Williams’ history and was a great way to get this match going.

**********

Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes

This match kicked off after the commercial break. Williams had the early advantage with a shoulder block and a scoop slam. Hayes got back on his feet and used his agility to dodge the U.S. Champion. In the corner, Hayes chopped at the chest of Williams, which forced his foe to scurry to another corner. That didn’t leave him any peace from the chops. Williams blocked Hayes’ last chop and then delivered a hard slap that left him down and out.

Hard Irish whip by Williams was followed by the spinning kick to the face of Hayes. Standing suplex from Williams kept momentum firmly in the U.S. Champion’s side. Williams dropped Hayes throat-first onto the top rope as he sized him up for a side kick. Hayes avoided it and sent Williams over the top rope. He made a run for the ropes and looked for a big diving attack, but Li’l Yachty got in the way to protect Williams, which halted Hayes’ advance in the ring. This led to a break in the action.

Williams had Hayes in a resthold as we returned from break. The former U.S. Champ broke the hold and began to fight back. Williams and Hayes traded blows until the former hit a jumping neckbreaker as he then kipped up to his feet. Meanwhile, Ricky Saints appeared at ringside in the midst of this. Hayes recovered and hit the springboard clothesline and then followed it with Dirty Diana for a close two-count. Saints yelled at Hayes to focus on the match. Williams hit a pop-up uppercut on Hayes, but got hit with a series of superkicks from his opponent. Williams roared back with his spinning kick for the near-fall. Williams targeted Hayes for the Trick Shot, but was intercepted with First 48. One, two….. 2.99999!!!!!!!!! Hayes took notice and headed up top, perhaps looking for Nothin’ But Net. Ricky Saints provided a distraction, which didn’t seem to sit well with Williams. Saints argued with the referee as Hayes rolled up Williams to no avail. Hayes punched Saints off the apron, but that opened him up to Williams’ Trick Shot as he ended up looking up at the lights at the end of it all.

Trick Williams def. Carmelo Hayes via pinfall

That was a really good match, and I do like this U.S. Title picture opening up with Hayes and Saints being a key part of it. Hope to see more of this in the coming weeks.

**********

– Ricky Saints was badmouthing Carmelo Hayes backstage, but he got socked in the jaw for his troubles. Hayes warned Saints to stay away from his business.

– A recap of Brock Lesnar’s return on Raw was shown.

Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley vs. Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid

Flair and Henley started off this tag match, as the latter kicked it off hot with the head scissor takedown. Flair dragged Henley to her corner as Ripley blindtagged. Reid entered the match for Fatal Influence and had Ripley trapped in the corner for a bit. A leap from the middle rope was turned from a crossbody to a fallaway slam by Ripley. Flair tagged herself in by patting Ripley on the head. Outside the ring, Reid and Henley isolated Flair as Fatal Influence was in control as we headed to commercial.

We returned from the break with Flair trying to fend off Reid and Henley with chops. However, Reid’s well-placed superkicked folded Flair up like an accordion. Irish whip to the corner was turned into a leap over the corner by Flair. A boot for Henley, but Jacy Jayne tripped up Flair while Reid distracted the referee. Henley kept Flair grounded with a chinlock, but that got broken up. Flair attempted to reach out to Ripley as she used elbow strikes to create some distance. However, Henley prevented it. Henley was thrown out of the ring, which seemingly gave Flair the opening to tag, but Reid stopped it with a clip of the leg. Flair hit a neckbreaker on Reid, which finally gave Ripley the hot tag.

Ripley ran through Reid and Henley with a superkick in the corner, followed by a German suplex on the latter. Capoeira kick by Ripley led to the Razor’s Edge and the Shining Wizard to Reid. Henley broke the count, but Flair took her out, and then Jayne with a dive to the corner.

In the corner, Flair took the superkick from Reid, as Ripley hoisted her up for Riptide. Meanwhile, Flair blindtagged into the match and finished off Reid with Natural Selection.

Post-match, Jade Cargill and the Baddies attacked Charlexa and Ripley, as Fatal Influence joined in the attack. In the ring, Cargill took out Ripley with Jaded.

Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley def. Fatal Influence via pinfall

This was an alright match, but not really feeling Jade Cargill in the title picture at the moment.

**********

– Jade Cargill and the Baddies bragged about their handiwork as they also took shots at Fatal Influence in the process. Cargill promised to take her WWE Women’s Title back at Clash in Italy.

Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa

Priest went after Sikoa right away by taking him out as he reached the apron. The leap from stairs and a takedown from Priest, who then followed that with a hard throw to the steel steps. In the ring, Sikoa bounced back with a throat strike to Priest. However, fought back witha jumping elbow strike. On the apron, Priest was distracted by Talla Tonga, which allowed Sikoa to grab him for the scoop slam into the ring as we took a break in the action.

We returned from the break as Priest and Sikoa dueled on the top rope with trading strikes. A bell clap from Priest stunned Sikoa long enough for the superplex. Priest rose to his feet and began battering Sikoa with his strikes of the punch and kick variety. That was followed by leaping shoulder charges onto Sikoa into the corner, followed by a Broken Arrow for the near-fall. Priest charged his elbow up, as Tama Tonga created a distraction while the ref was focused on Sikoa. Talla Tonga struck Priest, who stumbled into Sikoa’s Spinning Solo. Priest kicked out and then hit Sikoa with the rebound lariat. Tama Tonga again got on the apron but got dropped to the ground. Talla Tonga got on the apron and got teed up for the kicks, but Sikoa intercepted Priest with the Samoan Spike for the win.

The M.F.T.s tried to attack Priest some more, but Royce Keys ran down and took out Talla and Tama Tonga. He sized up Sikoa to fight him, but Sikoa backed up. A delirious Priest grabbed Keys by the throat, thinking he was a threat.

Solo Sikoa def. Damian Priest via pinfall

This match was alright, I supposed. The finish being more M.F.T. interference stuff and the Sikoa/Tama tension being really wishy-washy didn’t help matters either.

*********

Saturday Night’s Main Event (5/23/26) Card:

  • World Tag Team Championship: Logan Paul & Austin Theory (c) vs. The Street Profits
  • Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. “All Ego” Ethan Page
  • Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca
  • Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, & Alexa Bliss vs. The Baddies (Jade Cargill, B-Fab, & Michin)
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Paige & Brie Bella vs. The Irresistable Forces (Nia Jax & Lash Legend)

– Chelsea Green ran into Blake Monroe, who remarked that she saw Green and that now she wish that she didn’t. After Monroe left, Nia Jax literally ran into Green as payback for earlier. The crack team of road agents got Jax and Legend to back off, with the damage already done to Green.

– Royce Keys was still angry about being grabbed by the throat, stating that R-Truth called him to help Damian Priest out. Priest seemed angry as he didn’t ask for Keys’ help and that for all he knew, he could be working for the M.F.T.s. Keys responded, flatly stating that if it was an issue that Priest wants, then it may very well be an issue he’s going to get if he’s not careful.

Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn offered a handshake to Rhodes, who accepted as our main event got underway. Armdrag by Zayn was followed by another handshake, but Rhodes seemed annoyed by it. Rhodes slid under a Zayn dropkick as he then hit him with the drop-down uppercut. Standing suplex was followed by Rhodes now offering a handshake of his own. Zayn refused it as the two traded chops to the chest in the corner. Zayn ran Rhodes and got hit with the powerslam. Rhodes tried to go for maybe a Cody Cutter, but Zayn tripped him up as we took our final commercial break of the evening.

Our main event returned from the break as Zayn tried to lift Rhodes up for a suplex, but he found himself taking a ride for a Rhodes suplex instead. Rhodes hit Zayn with the Dusty punches, followed by the Cody Cutter for the near-fall as the champ favored his hurt leg. Rhodes set Zayn up for Cross Rhodes, but that was reversed as he got sent over the top rope onto the apron. Rhodes then was sent crashing over the announce table by a Zayn charging attack. By the closest of margins, Rhodes made it before the count of ten on one leg. Zayn smelled blood and had Rhodes lined up for the Helluva Kick, but struck out on the swing. Rhodes hit the “Super” Cody Cutter off the corner, but Zayn just managed to kick out a two.

Zayn rolled up Rhodes but couldn’t get the win. The Blue Thunder Bomb from Zayn had similar results. Zayn went after Rhodes’ damaged leg and applied the Figure Four leglock right in the centre of the ring. Rhodes fought through the pain and managed to reverse it to put the pressure on Zayn’s knee. A rope break managed to force Rhodes to release the hold. As both Zayn and Rhodes got back to their feet, the two exchanged strikes until a Disaster Kick knocked Zayn loopy. As Rhodes had Zayn at his mercy, Gunther snuck up and applied the sleeper hold. However, Zayn completely missed the Helluva Kick That opened him up for Cross Rhodes and the win.

Post match, the mecurial Austrian put Rhodes to sleep as Zayn just left.

Cody Rhodes def. Sami Zayn via pinfall

*************

A good main event to a middle of the road edition of SmackDown. The Gunther/Rhodes feud is good stuff and is probably one of the only good things about SmackDown as of late, which has felt just kind of there.

I will say that the U.S. Title scene is at least heating up and I do like Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and Ricky Saints. It’s a lot more preferrable to the Gingerbread Man antics of the last few weeks. It’s something I’ll be keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

Not so good was the M.F.T.s stuff because I’m still not a fan of it, especially with the group whittled down to just three guys. I dunno, I’m just not a fan.

All in all, just an okay show with nothing really exciting to write home about, but thankfully nothing really awful to complain about.

TNA Impact live results: Mike Santana vs. Steve Maclin

Posted on by Jeff Moss

TNA Impact is back on AMC tonight.

After last Thursday’s live show in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, TNA held TV tapings in the venue last Friday as well. The promotion’s next live event will be on Saturday, June 6 in Denver.

Here is what is advertised to air on tonight’s show.

TNA World Champion Mike Santana will defend his title against Steve Maclin. TNA International Champion Mustafa Ali will put his title on the line against Chaz “Starboy” Hall. The rivalry between The Righteous and The Hardys will continue this week as Matt Hardy and Vincent wrestle in singles competition, with Dutch being handcuffed to the ringside post.

In the Knockouts division, it will be Elayna Black vs. Indi Hartwell. Xia Brookside will go up against Jada Stone in singles action. The System’s Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Cedric Alexander, and Bear Bronson will kick off the episode.

Our live coverage begins tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern.

***************

Two title fights, two knockout battles and two very weird dudes in what is sure to be a memorable match all make up this week’s TNA Thursday Night Impact!

To kick things off, newly-crowned X Division Champion Cedric Alexander and The System came to the ring to tell us how we can’t beat them. Fun Fact: Other names considered for this group were “City Hall” and “Carolina Hurricanes.”

One by one, each member used their mic time to tell us how they can’t be beat and say “THE SYSTEM” at least 10 times in their piece of the promo pie. Alexander talked about how Leon Slater was one day away from the X Division Championship record and he took that away, hence his new nickname, the “Record Taker.”

He then called out Fabian Aichner who has interrupted his celebration last week. Aichner came out and said that the bigger the fight, the better he is so bring it on, The System! He then challenged Alexander for the X Divison Title. Before he could answer, Edwards and the rest of The System tried to jump him.

Aichner dodged them all and then slapped a choke onto Alexander in the ring. The rest of The System saved him though, sending us careening into a backstage segment with Director of Operations Daria Rae talking to Steve Maclin.

She said that she understands Maclin and knows that he can take out Santana tonight. Maclin said nothing, but it was assumed he agreed.

Elayna Black vs Indi Hartwell

Ariana Grace and Stacks joined the commentary team for this match and immediately made it weird with some mild PDA.

Hartwell took control off the top with some shoving and a lariat. She hit a big boot while Grace complained that she kept looking at her.

Black shoved Hartwell off the ringpost, sending her to the outside in front of the announce table. Black dragged her back into the ring and laid and elbow into the back of Hartwell’s head. Black hit a double stomp, but Hartwell kicked out at two.

Hartwell powered back with a spinebuster and went up top. Stacks hopped up on the ring, causing a distraction so that Grace could knock Hartwell off the ringpost and cause a DQ.

Match Result: Elayna Black vs Indi Hartwell Ended In a Disqualification

After the match, Grace grabbed a mic and lamented that she was no longer Knockouts Champion. That brought out Director of Authority Santino Marella to confront his daughter. He threatened to ground her and called her a brat and Stacks, a stupid face.

Stacks poked Marella in the chest and he pulled the cobra out of his jacket, but Daria Rae came out to say that the whole thing was “embarrassing.” She said that if they want to fight they have to file the correct paperwork and get it approved by the board, proving once again that the paperwork is the hardest part of being a wrestler.

Back from break, the Elegance Brand was shown checking out how good they look. Just as they were talking about a potential Ash By Elegance return, the lights went out. When they came back on, a message from Rosemary and Allie was written on the mirror “See you soon.”

Matt Hardy w/ Jeff Hardy vs Vincent w/ Dutch

So, Dutch and Jeff Hardy will be handcuffed to the ring posts during this match, leaving Matt and Vincent to continue the war between the two teams on their own.

Before The Hardys could enter, Vincent grabbed a mic and said they wanted the Broken Hardys, not Team Extreme. So that’s what he got. Wonderful!

Dutch and Jeff were handcuffed to the turnbuckles (on the same side of the ring which was weird) and we were off. Hardy threw some strikes then went right to biting. He tossed Vincent to the outside an stalked him around the ring.

Vincent went back in and tried a sliced bread, but Hardy countered it. Dutch then tripped Matt behind the ref’s back.

Back from a break, Matt and vincent traded shots in the middle of the ring before succumbing to a double clothesline. Matt bounced Vincent’s head off of six different turnbuckles and then hit a sit out powerbomb for a two count.

Vincent dodged a charge in the ring, but tweaked his ankle in the process. The ref checked on him while Vincent removed his boot. He then tried to use it as a weapon, but Matt countered by biting his foot.

Matt went to end it with a twist of fate, but Vincent countered and rolled him up. Dutch tried to assist, but it was only a two count. Vincent went up top and Matt met him there and bit his hand. Matt went for another twist of fate, but Vincent shoved him into the ref.

Vincent stole the handcuff key from the ref but the lights went out and when they came back on, Willow was standing behind him. Willow took Vincent down then disappeared, allowing Matt to hit a twist of fate a pick up the win.

Match Result: Matt Hardy defeated Vincent

Backstage, Aj Francis approached Elijah about a musical collaboration. Elijah shot him down and Francis said he would regret it.

Back from break, Santino announced that there would be two Champions Challenge matches next week, on mens and one knockouts. Daria Rae arrived to say that Stacks and Santino had been approved by the board for next week. Also, Eddie Edwards will face Fabian Aichner.

TNA International Championship Match: Mustafa Ali [c] vs Chazz “Starboy” Hall

Hall answered Ali’s open challenge and let us know that his nickname is “the Denim Dragon.” Neat. Hall is also a regular on NXT/Evolve. Also neat.

Ali had the veteran’s advantage and used it to keep Hall off his feet. Hall managed to get a rollup, but that just made Ali madder and he bounced his head off the turnbuckle. Hall came back with a chop and an armdrag, sending Ali out of the ring. He then flipped over the top rope to take him out on the outside.

John Skylar caused a distraction and Ali hit a cutter on Hall for a two count. Ali set Hall up on the top turnbuckle and went for a top rope Razor’s edge, but Hall countered it into a headscissor takedown.

Hall turned a moonsault into a really impressive tornado DDT, but Ali kicked out a two. Hall went for sliced bread but Ali countered it into a bridging cover to get the 1-2-3 and retain the title.

Match Result: Mustafa Ali defeated Chazz Hall

Back from break, Eric Young approached Steve Maclin and talked about how Maclin is becoming the man he’s always seen him as. Young said that whoever wins tonight, he’s next in line. Maclin stared straight ahead saying nothing.

Jada Stone vs Xia Brookside

Brookside took control off the top, driving Stone into the corner. Stone fought back with a side headlock takedown and Brookside left the ring to gather her thoughts. She avoided the countout and slapped a half crab on Stone who scrambled to the ropes to break the hold.

Stone matrix-avoided a lariat and hit a rolling elbow on Brookside in the corner. She went to go up top but Brookside caught her and dragged her down by the leg. Brookside worked Stone’s leg, wrapping it around the ropes and then dropkicking it.

Brookside started throwing hands and then went back to working Stone’s leg. Stone got a right hand shot in followed by a lariat. She went up and landed a split legged moonsault, but Brookside kicked out at two.

Brookside took over and hit a Dark Side driver to get a quick 1-2-3 and win the match.

Match Result: Xia Brookside defeated Jada Stone

Backstage, Mike Sanata was walking around and Steve Maclin tried to jump him, in spite of their match being next up.

Back from break, Stacks and Ariana Grace cut another promo about the match next week between Stacks and Santino. They think Stacks is going to win. So there’s that.

TNA World Championship Match: Mike Santana [c] vs Steve Maclin

Then, it was main event time. Santana entered throught the crowd as always and Maclin entered to what I believe was the N64 Wrestlemania 2000 Make-a-Wrestler theme, but I don’t actually know that.

The bell rang and they got right into throwing hands. They ran the ropes and Maclin knocked Santana down with a back elbow. Santana came back with a dropkick. Santana picked up the pace, hitting a senton and Maclin slipped to the outside. Santana followed him via the top turn buckle and landed on him.

Maclin fought back, hitting Santana’s head on the ring post. Maclin went under the ring and pulled out a table. Santana kicked him in the gut and bounced his head off said table. Maclin then hit a chop block on Santana, damaging the knee.

The fight moved back into the ring with Maclin wrapping Santana’s knee in the ropes then dropkicking him back to the outside.

Back from break, Santana had Maclin in a figure four, but Maclin grabbed the ropes to break the hold. Santana hit a three amigos suplex series, but Maclin dodged the last one and Santana kicked him in the face about it.

They got to their feet and traded strikes. Maclin clocked Santana in the back of the head and set up Santana in a tree of woe. Santana got out of it and hit a rolling buck fifty, but Maclin kicked out at two. Santana caught Maclin in a pop up power bomb then immediately hit a blue thunder bomb, but it wasn’t enough and Maclin kicked out.

Maclin hit an olympic slam followed by a driver bomb, but Santana kicked out at 2.5. Maclin pointed to that table he set up earlier and pulled Santana to the top turnbuckle. They fought for a second, but then Santana kicked Maclin off the ringpost and through the table.

Santana pulled Maclin back into the ring and hit a splash, but Maclin somehow kicked out at two. Santana called for spin the block, but Maclin collapsed before he could execute it. Maclin popped up and superkicked Santana, but could make the cover.

Maclin went for KIA but Santana countered with a Spin The Block. He made the cover and got the pin to retain the TNA World Title.

Match Result: Mike Santana defeated Steve Maclin

Next Week: Champions Challenge x2, Stacks vs Santino and Eddie Edwards and Fabian Eichner will also be there.

WOL: Ludwig Kaiser arrest, more house shows, Ospreay angle

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including WWE house shows, the arrest and release of Ludwig Kaiser, Saturday Night’s Main Event and Double or Nothing, Dynamite and Collision, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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WOR: Dynamite, Collision, SNME, Double or Nothing, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Dave Meltzer is in Hawaii but that does not stop this man! We’re back to talk all the wrestling news including Dynamite and Collision this week, the AEW PPV on Sunday, SNME, everything you ever wanted to know about Ronda vs. Gina ratings, the Mexico update, and tons more! A packed show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Phil Hickerson passes away
6:25: Ludwig Kaiser/El Grande Americano arrested on battery charges, Dave’s thoughts on Brock Lesnar’s return
10:46: Enzo Amore possibly coming back to NXT & Big Cass rumors, WWE town hall notes
13:39: Dave’s extensive thoughts on the Ronda Rousey/Gina Carano fight & numbers
37:41: CMLL notes
45:11: AEW Dynamite & Collision recap, Double or Nothing lineup
1:10:57: WWE NXT notes

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AEW Dynamite & Collision live results: Darby Allin defends against Mike Bailey

Posted on by Ryan Howard

AEW Dynamite is live tonight from the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine.

It will be a three-hour block of programming this week, as one hour of Collision is being added onto the usual show.

Darby Allin will once again defend his AEW World title in the main event. This week, he will put his belt on the line against Mike Bailey, with the winner moving on to face MJF at Double or Nothing.

The full lineup for the show:

  • AEW World Championship Match: Darby Allin vs. Mike Bailey
  • AEW Tag Team Championship Match: FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong
  • AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly
  • AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship Eliminator Match: Megan Bayne and Lena Kross hold a five-minute eliminator challenge
  • Anything Goes Match: Mark Briscoe vs. Tommaso Ciampa
  • Will Ospreay vs. Katsuyori Shibata
  • AEW Women’s Champion Thekla, ROH Women’s Champion Athena, Julia Hart, and Skye Blue vs. Thunder Rosa, Mina Shirakawa, Alex Windsor, and Jamie Hayter
  • Swerve Strickland returns to AEW programming

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur running down tonight’s card before we go to Jericho & The Young Bucks earlier today out by a lighthouse. They talk about the history of Stadium Stampede and call Jericho another founding father, despite years ago he beat their dad’s ass (Jericho said he might’ve deserved it). Jericho put over The Bucks as the best tag team in wrestling history and Nick said it’s water under the bridge. Tonight, Ricochet, Mark Davis & Andrade won’t know what hit them. A callback to Being The Elite years ago before they teamed on the Jericho Cruise, they debate whether to call their team The Bucks of Jericho or Y2Jackson. They settle on The Bucks of Jericho…or is it Y2Jackson as their full name. 2 names, 1 team.

The Bucks of Jericho…or is it Y2Jackson? (Jericho & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. Ricochet, IWGP Global Champion Andrade El Idolo & AEW National Champion Mark Davis (w/Don Callis)

(Action packed party match to kick off the show and give us a preview of what we can expect at Stadium Stampede, as match I will say already that I will try my best to keep up with all the action in this on Sunday. I like the callback to The Bucks of Jericho from years ago and the loss here tonight does lead me to believe the babyfaces could be walking away with the W at the PPV. Maybe I’m missing something, but as of this moment, I’m baffled on why Jack Perry hit the ring with onions.)

Callis joins commentary and said he’s known Jericho for such a long time that he stooged off all the info on him to his team. Jericho started things off by firing early chops to Andrade, who opted to quickly go outside and gets some digits from female fans ringside before taking photos with them. Jerichow as out after and chopped Andrade back inside, where The Bucks & Jericho hit a trifecta springboard splash/moonsault/fist drop combo. Davis made a tag and easily took over on Nick, who used his speed to escape the heel corner and fast tag to Matt, who ran wild with a wall walk on Ricochet to get a Sliced Bread on Andrade. Superkick flush outside to Davis, as back inside, Matt went for rolling Northern Lights on Andrade, until he switched to a Cazadora Facebuster on Ricochet and double Northern Lights on both men. The Bucks hit dueling dives outside, until Jericho dives onto the pile. The Bucks of Jericho or is it Y2Jackson hit a trio pose, but the heels quickly regroup and take over, isolating Nick (Ricochet took his headband and is wearing it now).

Nick was able to hit his Lucha Libre arm drag to battle back and make the hot tag to Jericho, who clobbered Andrade with a double sledge and bulldog. Ricochet cut off a Lionsault, as the match broke down until The Bucks of Jericho do a trifecta of corner punches into a 3-way hurricanranas. Jericho missed a Judas Effect on Andrade who ducked right into a double superkick from The Bucks for two. Superkick Party unleashed on everyone in their path until Andrade is able to stop it with a Three Amigos and finally one on Nick onto his brother. Andrade slowly goes up top, tries his rolling Moonsault, but Matt got the knees up. Launching off his brothers back into a Destroyer on Andrade, who suffered a BTE Trigger to follow. Ricochet broke the count with a Rico-sault, so Jericho tried a Walls of Jericho, but Ricochet spun free, bicycle knee, only Jericho clotheslined and hit a baseball slide to the floor. Jericho & Ricochet brawl into the crowd and up onto the time keepers table, where Ricochet wanted a suplex, only Jericho countered into a back suplex causing both to crash through the table.

Davis cut off The Bucks momentum back inside, but Matt ducked and Andrade wiped out his partner with his spinning back elbow. Andrade ate a BTE Trigger, but somehow kicked out, as everyone thought that was it. The Bucks signal for a Meltzer Driver, only referee Aubrey is distracted by Davis trying to bring a chair in. Clark Connors & David Finlay sprint out, as Connors trips up Nick, while Finlay cracks Matt with a shillelagh out of nowhere for Andrade to steal the pin.

The Gates of Agony run out to get in their shots with the heels in the post-match until Jack Perry hits the ring with a bag of onions (I’m not kidding) and pops Liona with it, who no sold. The Hurt Syndicate’s music hits and out run Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin and the brawl is on to give us a preview of Stadium Stampede this Sunday. Everyone brawls around the arena leaving Lashley to lay out Liona with a huge spear to stand tall.

Match Result: Ricochet, Andrade El Idolo & Mark Davis defeated The Bucks of Jericho…or is it Y2Jackson? when Andrade pinned Matt

-Video package on Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the International Title at Double or Nothing is shown. Don Callis said to get this out of both of their systems, as they are Jordan & Pippen.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Darby Allin and asks why he constantly wants to defend the title so frequently? Allin said he has no choice, it’s exactly what he thought it’d be, the greatest feeling in the world to be World Champion. It’s so big for Sunday and MJF’s hair on the line because he’s the most vain person in the world, so every red carpet he walks, he’ll be haunted by it and eat him alive. Tonight, Speedball, he’ll do anything it takes to hold onto the title and wants Bailey to do the same. Whatever happens tonight, he’s going to do whatever it takes. We then go to a video history package on Allin vs. MJF and Allin’s insane title reign he’s been on since winning the AEW World Title.

Mark Briscoe vs. Tommaso Ciampa in an Anything Goes Match

(What a battle this was, as neither man held anything back and treated this like it was a PPV caliber fight. The crowd were loud throughout and we got some seriously brutal moments in this, as Briscoe successfully got his revenge. I wonder what each man will go from here, as I wish both would’ve somehow been in the Owen Tournament, but the roster is so stacked as is, I think come Continental Classic season, we’ll see both Briscoe & Ciampa in that tournament.)

Briscoe (who is wearing a white tank top, so expect that to get bloody) brought out a trash can filled with weapons, as both slug it out in the middle of the ring at the opening bell. Briscoe swung with the trash can, but Ciampa took out the knees and used weapons first. More plunder from under the ring, as Ciampa brought out a trash can, only got his hand caught in a rat trap, so Briscoe had it ready for him. Briscoe set up a table ringside, sat Ciampa on a chair, cleared the table with a Blockbuster from the apron. Wrapping a chain around Ciampa’s throat, Briscoe placed him on the table, but was too slow going up top, so Ciampa sent Briscoe crashing through the table. Back inside, Ciampa gets a cheese grater and rakes it across the forehead and right on cue, Briscoe is bleeding to the sound of “You Sick F*ck” chants. Ciampa then took a crowbar and drove it into Briscoe’s mouth before throwing a ladder into the ring. With a trash can over Briscoe’s head, Ciampa swung for the fences with a kendo stick before tossing the bloodied Briscoe outside, placing a chair around the throat and posting him.

During picture-in-picture, for some reason Ciampa got into the face of Taz briefly and Taz said Ciampa better watch out, he’ll get his ass choked out by his metal limbs. Ciampa actually pulled out a stuffed animal chicken from under the ring to mock Briscoe, put the boots to it, used the cheese grater and hit a lungblower on it before making the cover for 2, as Briscoe broke the count (that’s a sentence I just wrote). Bleeding buckets, Briscoe sprayed Ciampa with a fire extinguisher and an Exploder sent Ciampa crashing outside. Briscoe set up a table ringside and used a staple gun to staple barbed wire onto it. Briscoe focused on that too long, allowing Ciampa to take over and rake the barbed wire into Briscoe’s face. Ciampa took papers from the commentary table and stapled them to Briscoe’s head, as he crawled around the ring with them still stuck. Ciampa put on a thumbtack covered knee pad on, but missed a charge and Briscoe hit a drop toe hold into the ladder in the corner. Briscoe got a screwdriver and stabbed away at a now bloodied Ciampa. Escaping a DVD in the corner, Ciampa hit a suplex on the ladder into the corner for two.

Both exchange heavy handed shots, until Ciampa hit a charging knee with that thumbtack covered knee pad. Placing two chairs next to each other, Ciampa looks for the same move he took Briscoe out for three months with, an Avalanche Psycho Killer, but Briscoe escaped, put the chairs back to back and hit a gnarly Iconoclasm onto the chairs. Taking him quickly to the apron, Jay Driller through the barbed wire table connected before Briscoe quickly took it back inside and up top with a Froggy Bow to win a bloody war.

Match Result: Mark Briscoe defeated Tommaso Ciampa

**********

Tony Schiavone is in the ring and was about to talk about the upcoming Owen Hart Tournament matches at Double or Nothing when he’s interrupted by Prince Nana, who said Schiavone is dressed like a substitute teacher trying to teach these fools and told him to get out the ring. Nana introduced Swerve Strickland, who slowly walked out, until being attacked by Bandido. Slamming Strickland into the barricade, Bandido took flight with a somersault dive before smashing Strickland into the steps. Nana tried using a chair from behind, was caught, but caused enough distraction for Strickland to take out Bandido’s leg and dish out punches in bunches in the ring. Setting a chair up in the ring, Strickland wanted a Vertebreaker on the chair (similar to Supercard of Honor last week), but Bandido escaped and hit a one arm press slam. Bandido was about to try a 21-Plex, Strickland grabbed the chair and we get an awkward exchange of Strickland just throwing the chair at Bandido, who caught it and the two stared at each other until Strickland bailed. I was surprised how quiet the crowd was for this brawl, as I enjoyed it.

Willow Nightingale Relinquishes the TBS Title and Withdraws from the Owen Hart Tournament

TBS Champion Willow Nightingale is backstage saying winning that title was one of the greatest moments of her career and talks about winning the Owen before and the TBS Title prior to that. However, she knew if she beat Mercedes Mone for the TBS Title, she knew she’d prove to herself that she’s everything she believed she could be. She told herself; she’d fight day in and out to any challenger who steps up and if she couldn’t do that, she doesn’t deserve to be champion. Unfortunately, during her title defense against Red Velvet, she injured her right shoulder. As much as she wants to fight in front of her family at Double or Nothing against Alex Windsor and win the tournament. She unfortunately has to pull out of the Owen Hart Tournament and also relinquish the TBS Title. After 10 successful defenses, she’s proud to be the face of TBS and doesn’t know when she’ll be back, but when she does, she’s coming back to the top. Nightingale thanks everyone with a smile on her face and walks away, as we see her spot is now a Wild Card spot to face Alex Windsor. We’re told Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa will take place at the PPV. Commentary put over Nightingale for being such a class act and they feel horrible for her having to give up her TBS Title.

Jon Moxley vs. AEW Trios Champion Kyle O’Reilly in an AEW Continental Title Eliminator

(Damn fine wrestling match this was, as you could get a sense this was going to a draw at the slower pace these two were on. It built up down the stretch and we got a very fun sprint that got the crowd biting at an O’Reilly win. I assume we’re getting the rematch at the PPV, but that card is so stacked, I wouldn’t mind it being held on a Dynamite. Whenever it does take place, it should be even better than this one tonight.)

Renee Paquette is ringside talking about how this is O’Reilly’s first true test in singles action since returning from injury. She asked her husband how the history with O’Reilly submitting him multiple times in the past and he told her he’s a better man today than I was yesterday. Very even back and forth ground work from both to kick things off, as this is a full-on grappling match, until Moxley just pops O’Reilly with a forearm and boot to gain control before zoning in on the left wrist. O’Reilly switched levels and hit a leg sweep that led to corner kicks to the leg, as Moxley tried shaking his leg out, but ate a snap suplex for two. Both slug it out with forearms and jabs until they start paint brushing one another before Moxley cracks O’Reilly in the ribs and he crumbled putting a smile on Moxley’s face. More body shots from Moxley, as O’Reilly hit a low bridge to the outside, wanted a dive, but put on the brakes after hitting the ropes, selling the ribs. Moxley continued wearing O’Reilly down for an extended period of time, as we get a 10-minute call from Arkady Aura.

O’Reilly was able to fight back with a suplex into the corner, as Moxley clutched at his left leg. Each trade corner charges, until a kitchen sink from O’Reilly led to a diving knee from the second rope. Both spill outside and hit with multiple running boots until a double clothesline leave both down. They battle back to the ring and up in the corner, where Moxley bites away at the head of O’Reilly and rakes the back at the 15-minute call right as Moxley hits a superplex. O’Reilly escaped a Bulldog Choke into an Ankle Lock, as Moxley escaped back into a Gator Roll into the Bulldog, but O’Reilly got a rope break. To the apron they go, Moxley tried a piledriver, but O’Reilly slammed the bad arm down onto the edge of the ring and hit a running dropkick against the barricade.

Back inside, Moxley explodes out with a Cutter for two before pouncing with forearms. O’Reilly scrambled into an arm-triangle, switched to an Exploder before a PK caught Moxley flush, but O’Reilly collapsed. Each get to their feet at the 60-second call, as Moxley missed a Curb Stomp and O’Reilly sinks in the Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring, grape vining the leg. The crowd, who has been quietly really taking this match in, are going nuts at Moxley teasing a tap, but the bell sounds and we get a draw.

Post-match, O’Reilly stormed over and got the microphone saying he didn’t survive a damn thing and Moxley barely survived him. O’Reilly has a legit claim to the Continental Title and says the rematch will be No Time Limit and Moxley will be out of luck.

Match Result: Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly ended in a 20-minute time limit draw

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kris Statlander & Hikaru Shida to ask about their thoughts on Willow Nightingale vacating the TBS Title. Statlander began to talk and was immediately interrupted by Shida, who said they will fight together on Sunday and they’ll be watching the ladies closely in the Owen Hart Tournament. Statlander (who told Paquette she’ll be cleared on Sunday) told Shida to watch it and stormed off, so Shida told the ladies to get ready. This was pretty awkward; they need to do the full-blown Shida turn soon.

**********

-Rush is backstage already laying out a challenge to Darby Allin for the AEW World Title if he defeats MJF this Sunday. If you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

ROH Women’s Champion Athena & Triangle of Madness (AEW Women’s Champion Thekla, Julia Hart & Skye Blue) vs. Thunder Rosa, Mina Shirakawa & The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter & Alex Windsor)

Rosa & Athena with a fast start, until Windsor made the tag and immediately ate a chop to the throat from Athena. Tag to Blue, as Hayter made a blind tag, came in so fast she accidentally booted her own partner before taking Blue down for two. Thekla & Shirakawa tag in, with Shirakawa quickly hitting a snap dropkick to the back and shimmy to pop the crowd. Shirakawa dodges a corner charge and hit her Tornillo for two. Athena hit a cheap shot to allow Thekla to take control and isolate Shirakawa in her corner for an extended period. Athena came in hot with a handspring forearm into an inside cradle for two, as Shirakawa responded almost with a La Mistica for the double down. Tag to Rosa & Blue, as it’s Rosa who’s a house of fire with a flying corner clothesline and double down. Stalling dropkick into the ropes led to a Northern Lights for two. Thekla made the save, but ran into a Hayt-breaker, Hart was there with a lungblower, Windsor met her with a Blue Thunder Bomb, Athena with her version of Something Evil, as Athena kept cleaning house until a double uppercut with Rosa left all 8 women down.

Shirakawa cut off an Athena dive with a high kick, as she tried a cross body off the apron, Athena caught her, only Shirakawa spun into a DDT on the floor. Blind tag from Thekla, who ate a shotgun dropkick from Rosa, as Blue blindsided her with a running knee strike. She tried Code Blue, but was tripped up outside by The Brawling Birds who hit a leg sweep/big boot combo. Thekla went to use the AEW Women’s Title, but referee Mike Posey took it from her and the distraction allowed Hart to mist Rosa. Thekla quickly in to steal the pin, as the babyface team tended to Rosa as the heels celebrated up the aisle.

Match Result: Athena & Triangle of Madness defeated Thunder Rosa, Mina Shirakawa & The Brawling Birds when Thekla pinned Rosa

-Kevin Knight is backstage with Speedball Mike Bailey hyping him up before his World Title match tonight and said they can be the faces of AEW together. Knight said when Bailey wins the World Title, don’t forget about the little people and wants another shot at that title and Bailey already agrees to it.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage trying to interview the Death Riders, who are all doing push-ups, asking Moxley what he will do this Sunday at the PPV against Kyle O’Reilly under No Time Limit? Moxley thanks O’Reilly for what he’s done for him, for pushing him to be better, driving him crazy for not finding a way to beat him. Thank you for giving him a chance to practice what he preaches, win, lose or draw, O’Reilly has done something extraordinary, tapped him out twice, but what are the odds he does it three times? What are your odds at Double or Nothing, when this time, the house will win, Game 7 is the only game that matters, when everything is on the line, does Moxley miss?

Darby Allin vs. Speedball Mike Bailey for the AEW World Title

(You know that the title reign of Allin has been so insane when this would probably be considered the tamest of all the battles he’s had so far. This had some serious hard-hitting kicks from Bailey, who had his moments to win this, but Allin was not going to be denied this close to Double or Nothing. The very interesting thing was the post-match promo from Kevin Knight, as some could view this as a last second encouragement to Allin, but I could certainly see Knight turning heel in the not so distant future, which would be interesting to see unfold.)

Excalibur mentions Allin’s interview released today with Andreas Hale on ESPN.com and encouraged everyone to go read it. MJF’s music hit before the bell and he joined commentary, as Bailey exploded out with a big boot, dropkick out of the corner and corkscrew kick, as he teased Ultimate Weapon, but Allin rolled to the apron. Bailey lit up Allin with kicks, swept out the leg causing Allin to take a neck bump on the apron before Bailey hit a Triangle Moonsault. MJF brings up Bailey dressed in Grimace purple, as Bailey hit leaping double knees to the ribs ringside and another off the ring steps. Bailey went to the barricade, but Allin swept the legs out this time and hit a Scorpion Death Drop on top of the barricade.

Allin kept Bailey grounded back inside, locking in a guillotine, so Bailey charged through the ropes and both crumbled outside. Both slug it out ringside, where Allin dropped the ring steps onto the bare foot of Bailey, who managed to still hit a thrust kick with his free leg. Once he got free, Allin was right there to meet him with a wild Tope, but tried a Coffin Splash back inside and leapt right into a backstabber by Bailey. Corkscrew corner kick connects, but missed Ultimate Weapon, so Allin quickly hit a Coffin Drop to the back. MJF got up and placed Bailey’s foot on the ropes to break the count. Kevin Knight sprinted out and got into MJF’s face as he told the TNT Champ to relax, he’s doing commentary. Bailey nearly caught Allin in with a headlock pin for two, as Allin countered into La Magistral, but Bailey countered into a Straightjacket bridge for two. Wild roundhouse kick clocked Allin, as Bailey followed up with Time Adventure for a close near fall.

PK led to a moonsault double knees and thrust kick that knocked Allin back to the corner, where Bailey wanted a Flamingo Driver, Allin escaped into a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin locked in the Scorpion Death Lock, as Knight encouraged his partner to fight to the ropes and he did. Allin quickly hit another Coffin Drop to the back, reapplied the Scorpion Death Lock, as Bailey was reaching out to Knight, but ultimately tapped out. MJF stormed off through the crowd, as he knows there’s no more obstacles heading into Sunday, his hair will be on the line.

Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Speedball Mike Bailey to retain the AEW World Title

Collision kicks off with Knight taking the mic and telling Bailey to keep his head up, as he gave Allin the best fight of his title reign and that he’s proud of him. Knight is proud of how Bailey fought tonight and told Allin we haven’t seen a champion like him ever in AEW, truly proving this is where the best wrestle, as no one has heart like Darby Allin. With that being said, it’s up to Allin to humble MJF’s arrogant ass. If Knight can beat MJF, he knows Allin can do it and shave him bald and afterwards, they’ll send his ass back to Turkey. Just know, they’ll be ready and waiting, so don’t let The Jet and the crowd down, as they’re counting on him

JetSpeed helped Allin up and left, as this allowed MJF to attack Allin from behind. We see Bald signs in the crowd, as the crowd chant Bald at MJF, who held up the AEW World Title saying he’ll win it a third time. MJF went under the ring and took out some hair clippers, went to use them on Allin, but was fought off, Allin got a takedown and control of the clippers. He was about to get some of MJF’s hair, but MJF scurried away up the aisle with a terrified look on his face.

-Death Riders hyped up Will Ospreay backstage before making his entrance for the upcoming match.

Will Ospreay vs. Katsuyori Shibata

(Hard fought win here for Ospreay, as I’m surprised he didn’t win again with the submission he used last week on Ace Austin, but Paquette did mention how Shibata has never submitted, which, that’d even be more of a reason to use it and look stronger, no? I digress, as the post-match promo from both Joe, but especially Ospreay, was excellent as it will truly be shocking if anyone other than him wins this men’s Owen Hart Tournament.)

Renee Paquette is ringside and brings up Ospreay’s new armbar submission called Death Ground and brings up tonight, he faces Shibata, a man who has never been submitted. Bell sounds and Shibata immediately hit a leaping cross arm bar forcing Ospreay to get a rope break. Shibata offered a handshake, but Ospreay flipped him off and picked the ankle. Shibata escaped, took Ospreay to the apron and hit a snap suplex, held on and connected on another ringside. Sitting Ospreay down on a chair, Shibata teased a charge, put on the brakes and just booted Ospreay right in the mush. Back inside, Ospreay hit a Helluva Kick and corner forearms, but Shibata was right there to hit some of his own. A big boot sent Shibata outside, as Ospreay hit his slingshot cross body. Shibata managed to regain control by sending Ospreay into the barricade and delivering anvil elbows back inside, targeting the neck of Ospreay.

Out of nowhere, Ospreay explodes out into a handspring corkscrew kick to get back in the driver’s seat, as Pip, Pip, Cheerio connects for two. Kawada kicks led to a powerbomb attempt, which Shibata floated through into a guillotine. Ospreay got the ropes, but Shibata hit his stalling corner dropkick and half and half suplex for two. Ospreay starts firing up, no selling kicks and battles back, but Shibata no sells kicks of his own. Explosive spinning elbow from Ospreay, who did the deal and hit a Falcon Arrow to follow. Flying forearm to the back of the neck off the top, as Ospreay signaled for Hidden Blade, but Anthony Bowens showed up ringside to trip him up and allow Shibata to hit a Hidden Blade of his own for two. We see Marina Shafir & Claudio Castagnoli watching from the crowd, as Shafir jumped the barricade and Bowens scurried away. Low blow from Shibata on Ospreay, as a cross-arm breaker was applied, but Ospreay got a high stack to powerbomb out transitioning into a Styles Clash. Hidden Blade wiped out Shibata for the win.

Post-match, Samoa Joe’s music hits and the leader of The Opps walks out. Joe said Will and his wonderful friends coming to his rescue again, but don’t worry, he’s not out here for him. In a very short time, Joe will have Ospreay all to himself, he’s only out here because he’s looking after his friends. Ospreay chose not to be Joe’s friend, so he’ll suffer because of it. At Double or Nothing, Joe will give Ospreay exactly what he wants, his dream match and guarantees he’ll put his ass to sleep.

Ospreay said this Sunday is a dream come true, but Joe insists it’s a nightmare. Ospreay said his nightmare situation is waking up next to his wife, grabbing her ass, looking at his phone and seeing everyone talk about how he doesn’t have it anymore and lost too much weight, no sh*t, he had neck surgery. Ospreay talks about the high stakes and the winner of the Owen Hart Tournament getting a World Title shot at the biggest stadium of his life, fulfilling his countries dream and his own dream, as he’s got a whole country on his back. Ospreay’s nightmare died at the hands of the Death Riders, they killed the old Ospreay and rebooted him into a killer, an assassin. Sunday, Ospreay starts his road to his dream, he’s winning the Owen and AEW World Championship. Hell of a promo from Joe & Ospreay.

Match Result: Will Ospreay defeated Katsuyori Shibata

-Adam Copeland & Christian Cage are sitting backstage and talk about the origins of their friendship talking about someday becoming Tag Team Champions. They’ve done everything together, even finding out they’re having daughters 6 weeks apart (Cage hilariously looked disgusted at that), as this is real. For over 30 years, they’ve been coming into fans TV screens every week, that’s a real connection and it’s what FTR wants to kill, they want to end their tag team. Copeland wants the best version of FTR, the ones who dropped his wife on her head. They want to beat the best FTR and make them say I Quit. Cage said FTR has made some questionable choices and he always says when you’re born you look like you’re family and when you die, you look like your choices. Double or Nothing, they’re going to f*ck you up.

Rush vs. TJ Crawford

Crawford wanted a handshake, Rush gave it to him, but didn’t let go and instead hit a brutal forearm. Loud chops and more forearms in the corner led to the Bulls Horns for the win in another slaughter.

Match Result: Rush defeated TJ Crawford

**********

Divine Dominion (Lena Kross & Megan Bayne) vs. Elle Valentine & Kayla Lopez in an AEW Women’s Tag Team Title Eliminator 5-Minute Challenge

Renee Paquette is ringside and puts over the champions before Kross quiets her saying let’s see how long this is going to last. Bayne wasted no time driving shoulders into the corner on Valentine, who dodged a charge, hit one chop and had a huge smile on her face. “You F’d Up” chants, as the smile turned to panic, as a pissed off Bayne brought Valentine to her corner, where Kross lit her up with rapid fire elbows and spinning side suplex. Lopez made a tag and immediately had her face booted off by Kross, as locomotion corner boots led to a release German by Bayne. Stereo delayed vertical suplexes led to the double chokeslam on Lopez for the win with 2:10 left.

Match Result: Divine Dominion defeated Elle Valentine & Kayla Lopez to retain the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles

-A video package on the previous Hair matches in AEW is shown, as we saw Ortiz shave his head after losing to Chris Jericho a few years back and also Wheeler Yuta having his hair shaved bald in Australia at Grand Slam.

Excalibur runs down the entire Double or Nothing card

**********

FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler w/Stokely) vs. AEW Trios Champions The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong) for the AEW Tag Team Titles

(For a match that went 15-minutes over the top of the hour and had multiple commercial breaks, I was kind of let down by the finish here. In no way because FTR won, of course they should’ve, but more of just due to it being a ref cowering and foreign object quick finish after a near 20-minute match. Up until the finish, I enjoyed the match for the most part, thought I didn’t think we needed multiple hot tags this late in the show. As much as I enjoy FTR as heel tag team champions, I think having Cope & Cage winning on Sunday and getting some new matches for the titles would be refreshing, especially with so much on the line for them.)

Before FTR could even get their ring jackets off, Cassidy nearly caught them with a flash pin with his hands in his pockets for two. FTR were going to leave (Wheeler hilariously called someone a bearded lady ringside), but Strong put a stop to it, as Cassidy dove (or did he just fall) from the top onto the pile. Strong brought Harwood into the ring for a huge back body drop, as Cassidy teased an Orange Punch, but Wheeler saved his partner and FTR regrouped. They were able to get control of Strong and slingshot him under the bottom rope, with Stokely getting in some cheap shots of his own. Strong was isolated for an extended time, until a double clothesline led to the reset with Wheeler.

Cassidy made the hot tag and diving cross body off the top on Harwood, tried a spinning DDT on Wheeler, FTR tried a double team, Strong saved his partner and hit a chop/sunset flip combo for two. Strong took Harwood outside, as Cassidy hit an Elbow Suicida before Wheeler got a blind tag, leading to a Harwood spinebuster for two. Wheeler taunted Strong while applying a Cobra Clutch on Cassidy, who slid free, dodged multiple Harwood elbows and ducked a wild Wheeler dive on the apron. Strong went after Wheeler on the apron to cost him a tag, leading to Harwood spiking Cassidy with a piledriver for two. Excalibur told us we’re taking our final commercial break of the evening 5 past the top of the hour.

After working on Cassidy for close to 5-minutes, he dodged a Wheeler splash and made the hot tag to Strong, who ran wild with chops and back breakers before tagging Cassidy back in and used him as an exhausted projectile. Diving DDT connects on Wheeler for two, as Strong took out Harwood with a baseball slide. Harwood recovered and posted Strong, as Cassidy avoided Shatter Machine and nearly got a flash pin on Wheeler. Strong was slammed into the barricade, as FTR mocked the little kicks on Cassidy, wanted a double suplex, but Strong hit a Sick Kick into a Cassidy cradle for two. Stokely got up on the apron with Christian Cage’s watch, as Cassidy ducked, Harwood collided with Stokely on the apron and Cassidy got yet another roll-up for two. Stundog Millionaire led to Cassidy signaling for Orange Punch, only he ran right into Shatter Machine, but Strong broke it up. Cassidy hit a backslide on Harwood, who just kicked out at two, as Cassidy nearly ran into referee Paul Turner, who ducked and covered, allowing Stokely to punch Cassidy with the watch and Harwood get the roll-up for the win.

Match Result: FTR defeated The Conglomeration to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Harwood pinned Cassidy

AEW Double or Nothing 5/24/26

  • Darby Allin vs. MJF in a Title vs. Hair Match for the AEW World Title
  • Thekla vs. Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Jamie Hayter for the AEW Women’s Title
  • Jericho, The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) & Jungle Jack Perry) & The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun), AEW National Champion Mark Davis, Andrade El Idolo & The Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors) in Anarchy in the Arena
  • FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) vs. Cage & Cope (Christian Cage & Adam Copeland) in an I Quit Match for the AEW Tag Team Titles
  • Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly in a No Time Limit Match for the AEW Continental Title
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International Title
  • Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in a Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinal
  • Swerve Strickland vs. ROH Champion Bandido in a Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinal
  • ROH Women’s Champion Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa in a Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinal
  • Renee Paquette & Mick Foley Host the Buy In

WOL: House shows, tag teams, Marty Jannetty, Brittnie Brooks interview!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back with tons to talk about including an update on Marty Jannetty, some NXT notes from last night, WWE DISCOVERS the benefits to house shows, WWE also can’t keep track of their own Brock Lesnar story, and more. Then Brittnie Brooks just us to talk WrestleMania weekend, Bayley’s camps, and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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B&V: INVASION OF THE BODYSLAMMERS part 1, plus Granny!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

The Bryan & Vinny Show is back and the gang’s all here, and we have tons to talk about including COMMON SAYINGS YOU HATE, also old sayings which you can also hate, the Granny wrestling and soap opera report, trivia contest, then the boys review the first hour of INVASION OF THE BODYSLAMMERS, a Coliseum Home Video available free on Youtube. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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WWE NXT live results: Two title matches, Mason Rook’s in-ring debut

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Tonight on WWE NXT is a night of debuts and title matches.

Recent weeks have seen Mason Rook, Kam Hendrix, and Tristan Angels added to the NXT roster. All three are set to make their official TV in-ring debuts tonight. In tag team action, Rook & Hendrix will look to defeat NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo and North American Champion Myles Borne. A victory would likely propel Rook and Hendrix to immediate title contention.

Angels will debut in singles action against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.

A pair of championship matches have also been announced for tonight’s episode. Lizzy Rain, another NXT newcomer, aims for gold early as she challenges Tatum Paxley for the Women’s North American Championship. And the NXT Tag Team titles will be on the line with DarkState challenging Vanity Project for their belts.

Plus, Tate Wilder makes his singles debut as he attempts to overcome Keanu Carver.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

NXT is back on the air in front of a live studio audience from a sound stage at the Performance Center in Orlando. Opening the show is a tag team match where the two singles champions in the men’s division team up against two newcomers making their in-ring debuts in NXT.

NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo & NXT North American Champion Myles Borne vs. Mason Rook & Cam Hendrix in a tag team match

—

The tag bout goes through a commercial break. Heat on Borne after the debuting duo work together to chop block Borne’s knee. Borne is worked over until Borne counters a double-team and dives for a hot tag. D’Angelo is a house of fire, and he gets a near fall after spearing Hendrix. D’Angelo takes a few really tough bumps from Rook, and D’Angelo crashes into the ring steps. Borne with a save by flying over the ropes with a flip dive to the floor.

Tavion Heights runs down to ambush Hendrix, with whom he has beef. Heights’ sneak attack sends Hendrix into Borne, which trips up Borne’s attempt at springing back into the ring. Borne is then distracted by Heights, who is removed from ringside by officials.

For the finish, a distracted Borne tries to slingshot into the ring. He is caught by Rook, and Borne takes an exploder suplex in a corner. Rook with a fireman’s carry into a jackhammer, and Rook goes for a cover. However, Hendrix is the legal man. He pushes Rook out of the way, and Hendrix pins Borne to win the match. As Hendrix celebrates his win, Rook glares at him like the meme where Undertaker is standing behind AJ Styles.

Match result: Mason Rook & Cam Hendrix defeated Tony D’Angelo & Myles Borne when Hendrix pinned Borne.

— Darkstate in a backstage skit talk about all being on the same page again. Dion Lennox inquires to Saquon Shugars what he meant about them needing to make a change. Shugars assures Lennox not worry about that. Foreshadowing would seem to indicate he should worry.

Confrontation with challengers and the women’s champ leads to melee

—

Kelani Jordan enters the sound stage for an promo in the ring. She would eventually be interrupted by several wrestlers including NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice, Izzi Dame, and Kendal Grey. Wren Sinclair runs into whack Dame with a walking crutch.

Firstly, Jordan cuts a heel promo complaining about never getting a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Jordan boasts about being the fastest rising homegrown star. Besides making Lola Vice (the champion) tap out, and also beating Kendal Grey last weeks, Jordan claims she in better than all of the women’s wrestlers called up to the main roster.

Jordan goes on to demand a championship match before claiming to be the most underrated women on the roster.

Out comes Izzi Dame wearing ridiculously fuzzy chaps. Dame marches to the ring in her fuzzy chap, and she cuts a promo on Jordan trying to cut in line.

NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice interrupt the confrontation to confront her two potential challengers. Vice bickers with Dame and Jordan until they are all interrupted by Kendal Grey.

Grey confronts them as Wren Sinclair sneaks in the ring from behind. Sinclairs blasts Jordan with a crutch, which ignites a melee. The heels powder as the babyfaces stand tall. While standing tall, Grey keeps eyeballing the women’s title belt as Vice raises in over her head.

Romeo Moreno vs. Tristan Angels

—

Angels wins his debut match against newcomer Moreno. They had a really good competitive match that goes through a commercial break.

Shiloh Hill watches this match from the crowd while making a spectacle of himself. Hill interacts with Moreno during the match, as they slap hands after Moreno does a big dive over the ropes to the floor.

For the finish, Angels does a curb stomp using a knee drop. Angels then covers Moreno for a three count. Angels and Hill exchange barbs after the match.

Mach result: Tristan Angels defeated Romeo Moreno via pinfall.

Angels gets a house microphone and address Shiloh Hill, who is still standing in the crowd with a sign that reads “MR. NXT”. Angles says Hill is where he belong, in the crowd with the regular people. In response, Hill cuts a promo and throws to an old photo of Angels in a goofy tuxedo. That is supposed to be burn of some sort. Hill polls the crowd on who should be Mr. NXT. Of course, they side with Hill. Angels wants Hill he will regret ruining Angel’s debut match.

NXT North American Women’s Champion Tatum Paxley vs. Lizzy Rain in a title match

—

Rain’s strong push continues, even if she drops a fall here to a reigning champion. Rain has a ton of charisma.

Zaria runs in after the match to lay out Rain before targeting Paxley. Zaria apparently has her sights on the North American title.

The title match tonight goes through a commercial break. Rain with a wrecking ball dropkick just before the show cuts to commercials, and she is rocking.

Very physical and competitive match between two babyfaces. The studio audience got into the match, as they worked really hard to have an exciting bout.

As they go home they are trading near falls and reversals. Paxley counters Rain to deliver Cemetery Drive. Paxley then covers Rain for a pinfall. And still…

Match result: NXT Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley defeated Lizzy Rain via pinfall to retain her title.

Paxley and Rain embrace after the match in a show of respect. They are jumped by Zaria. She hits both with a double spear, and Zaria gives both an F-5. Zaria then grabs the title belt and poses with it as the segment ends.

—

Keanu Carver vs. Tate Wilder

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Wilder gets some offense and the time to show off some of his aerial arsenal, but he drops another fall on television in his second match on NXT in two weeks. To make matters worse, he is busted open in this match with a potato from Carver. Wilder is bleeding from underneath his eye, but he fights on.

Wilder with a tornado DDT plants Carver on the floor. After following up with a frog splash, a still-bleeding Wilder opts for another high risk move instead of going for a pin. Wilder is tripped up and crotched while trying to climb the ropes. Carver then strikes with a Monty Brown Pounce, and Carver scores a clean pinfall.

Match result: Keanu Carver defeated Tate Wilder via pinfall.

— Myka Lockwood assures Vanity Project she has their back in the tag title match later tonight when they defend against Darkstate.

— Shiloh Hill and Charlie Dempsey set up a singles match next week. Hill reminded me of a modern day Bugsy McGraw with his outfit and top hat. He bickers with Birthright, which leads to them setting up a match for next Tuesday.

Mason Rook lays out Kam Hendrix

Sarah Schreiber interviews Kam Hendrix in the ring, which follows up on Hendrix and Rook winning in their debut match earlier tonight. A boastful Hendrix talks about setting his sights on the NXT Championship when he is interrupted by Rook.

Rook cuts a promo on Hendrix, who responds with a promo on Rook. Hendrix pats Rook’s gut, and Rook responds by laying out Hendrix with an Ax Bomber. Hednrix is then send smashing into the corner taking an exploder from Rook. This angle would seem to set up a grudge match between the two.

NXT Tag Team Champions The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes with Jackson Drake & Myka Lockwood) vs. Darkstate (Dion Lennox & Saquon Shugars with Cutler James & Osiris Griffin) in a title match

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Darksate jumps Vanity Project during the champs’ entrance. The tag title bout goes through a commercial break, with the champs reeling as the show goes into the break. The champs turn the tide during the break. They are working over Shugars as the show returns from commercials.

The match continues. Shugars comes back to run wild after several high spots and tags. Shugars is on a roll, and Lennox soon joins in the fun. Darkstate gets a close near fall. Lennox and Shugars signal for a Doomsday Device. Smokes saves Baylor and the champs tag out, only for them both to eat clotheslines from Lennox.

Griffin and Cutler try to get in Drake’s face at ringside, but Lockwood steps in to berate Griffin and Cutler. Another close near fall for Darkstat after Shugars makes a blind tag. Lennox is unaware of the bling tag. Shugars is trying to explain himself to Lennox when Shugars is rolled up by Smokes for a three count. The champs retain, and the finish sets up more dissension in Darkstate.

Match result: NXT Tag Team Champions Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes defeated Saquon Shugars & Dion Lennox when Smokes pinned Shugars to retain their title.

Three members of Darkstate turn on Shugars in a post-match angle. Griffin and James first attack Shugars, and Lennox then joins in to pummel him. Lennox signals for a triple powerbomb, which lead to Darkstate powerbombing Shugars on the announce booth. The desk implodes on impact, and Shugars is laid out as the show goes off the air with his former stablemates standing over him.