The Bryan & Vinny Show is back with tons to talk about including a full recap of the WWE Backlash show, which wrestling-wise was WAY better than WrestleMania, with much less downtime and more time for all the matches. A fun recap of a fun show, so check it out~!
Tag: mainstory
UFC 328 live results: Chimaev vs. Strickland; Van vs. Taira
One of the most anticipated fights of the year headlines a stacked card capped off with two title fights as UFC 328 takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The main event sees a heated rivalry culminate in a championship setting as UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev defends against former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland. Chimaev is making his first title defense after defeating Dricus Du Plessis for the title in August. Strickland gets his long-awaited chance to regain championship gold following his win over Anthony Hernandez in February.
The co-main event sees a second title fight as UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van defends against Tatsuro Taira. Van is making his first title defense after winning the flyweight title from Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in December. Taira gets his chance to become the first-ever Japanese UFC Champion on the heels of two straight wins.
Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout pitting Alexander Volkov against Waldo Cortes-Acosta; a welterweight fight between Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley; and a battle of long-time UFC veterans as King Green takes on Jeremy Stephens.
PRELIMS | 5 PM ET | 2 PM PT
> Flyweights- Clayton Carpenter (8-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Jose Ochoa (8-2 1 NC, 1-2 UFC)
They come out trading and Ochoa lands a stiff left hand. Carpenter lands a left hook. Ochoa lands a combination. They trade kicks and Ochoa lands a pair of body shots. Carpenter looks for a takedown, but Ochoa grabs the neck and they get to the feet. Ochoa lands to the body. They both swing in close range. Ochoa with a front kick to the body. Ochoa lands to the body and follows it with a combination. Ochoa is working the body of Carpenter well. They trade leg kicks. They clinch and Carpenter lands a few knees. They separate and Ochoa lands a flurry. Ochoa lands a lot against the fence and down goes Carpenter. Carpenter gets up looking for a takedown and attacks the leg. Ochoa defends with some hammerfists and Carpenter is leaking from his nose. They get to their feet. They trade right hands. 10-9 Ochoa.
Carpenter lands a leg kick. Ochoa lands a combination. Ochoa lands a big flurry to the head and body against the fence. Ochoa lands to the body and Carpenter lands a body kick. Carpenter catches a kick and jumps on the back of Ochoa standing. Ochoa shakes him off but Carpenter grabs a leg. They get to their feet and both land combinations. They trade leg kicks. Carpenter lands a left hook as Ochoa throws a kick. They trade as Carpenter comes forward. Ochoa lands a spinning back fist. Ochoa lands a switch kick right to the chin of Carpenter. 10-9 Ochoa, 20-18 Ochoa.
Ochoa pressing forward and mixing punches and kicks to start the third. Ochoa looks for a jumping knee but Carpenter catches him and scores a takedown. Ochoa landing from the bottom as Carpenter is looking to set up a choke. Ochoa with more body shots from the bottom. Carpenter looks for the back but is too high and Ochoa shakes him off as they get to their feet. Ochoa lands a combination. Ochoa lands a big flurry against the fence. Carpenter circles away and lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Ochoa works the jab and Carpenter lands a pair of body kicks. They trade and Ochoa lands a pair of stiff jabs. Ochoa lands a big series of punches. 10-9 Ochoa, 30-27 Ochoa.
Fight Result- Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Middleweights- Baisangur Susurkaev (11-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Djorden Santos (11-2, 1-1 UFC)
Susurkaev lands a front kick to the body. Susurkaev lands a pair of kicks. Susurkaev with a combo ending with a head kick and then lands a body kick. Santos lands a calf kick. Santos lands a pair of leg kicks. Susurkaev with a big right hand. Susurkaev lands some more kicks. They trade and both land leg kicks. Susurkaev with a body kick and Santos lands a combo. They trade late. 10-9 Susurkaev.
Both are landing to start the second with Susurkaev landing with more volume. Susurkaev lands some leg kicks and combinations. Santos with an uppercut. They trade right hands. Santos lands an elbow. They trade inside the pocket. Santos grabs the body lock and pushes Susurkaev against the fence. Susurkaev is playing to the crowd as Santos is just holding on. They separate. Susurkaev lands a combination and Santos lands an uppercut. They trade late. 10-9 Susurkaev, 20-18 Susurkaev.
They both come out landing as Susurkaev lands to the body and Santos lands a small flurry. Susurkaev lands a right hand followed by a low kick. Susurkaev grabs the body lock and pushes it against the fence. They break apart and Susurkaev lands an uppercut. They trade in close range. Susurkaev lands a pair of big punches and Santos looked stunned briefly. They clinch and Susurkaev gets a takedown and starts landing from the back. Susurkaev locks in a rear-naked choke. It is in tight and Santos goes out cold! Susurkaev remains undefeated.
Fight Result- Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12 of Round 3
> Featherweights- Pat Sabatini (21-5, 8-2 UFC) vs. William Gomis (15-3, 5-1 UFC)
Sabatini immediately shoots for a takedown against the fence. Gomis is defending. Sabatini almost gets it down but Gomis keeps it upright. Sabatini gets the back as he’s still attacking for a takedown. Sabatini lands some punches from the back. Gomis spins and lands a knee as Sabatini keeps body control. Sabatini lands a knee. Gomis gives his back up and Sabatini lands some knees and right hands. Sabatini continues to attack a single leg. Gomis lands some and Sabatini gets a takedown. They get up at the horn. 10-9 Sabatini.
Sabatini pressing forward and throws some strikes as he shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Sabatini has neck control. Sabatini attacking the leg and is able to get a big takedown and takes the back of Gomis as they work to the feet. They break apart and Sabatini lands a right hand. Gomis lands a body kick. They tie up and both land while clinched before separating. They trade and both connect late. 10-9 Sabatini, 20-18 Sabatini.
Sabatini lands a pair of leg kicks. Sabatini with a leg kick and a right hand. Sabatini shoots for a takedown but Gomis sprawls and Gomis lands an elbow. They trade kicks. Sabatini lands a right hand and looks for a takedown against the fence. Sabatini with some short knees. Sabatini is working for the takedown as he has control of a leg. Sabatini lands to the body and gets Gomis to the mat. They get up and Sabatini has back control along the fence. Gomis lands a pair of elbows as Sabatini is working to get it down. Sabatini holds Gomis against the fence to the end. 10-9 Sabatini, 30-27 Sabatini.
Fight Result- Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Middleweights- Roman Kopylov (14-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Marco Tulio (14-2, 2-1 UFC)
They trade leg kicks as Tulio lands to the body. Tulio with a right hand but Kopylov circles away at the right moment. They both land leg kicks. Kopylov lands a body kick. Kopylov lands a combination. Tulio with a high kick. Tulio lands a right hand. Kopylov with a left hand. Tulio lands a head kick. Tulio with a straight right hand. Kopylov with a high kick and he lands a combination. Tulio with a high kick. They trade punches. 10-9 Tulio.
Kopylov lands a big right hook to start the second. Tulio works the jab and Kopylov lands a combination. Kopylov with a combination. Both connect and Tulio lands a combination. Tulio with a high kick. Kopylov lands a left hand as Tulio threw a high kick. Tulio lands a right hand. Tulio lands another right hand. Kopylov is bleeding around his eye. Kopylov lands a combination. Kopylov drops Tulio with a punch and starts landing as Tulio stands. Kopylov landing punches and Tulio goes back down. Kopylov landing from the top and Tulio gets to his feet and Kopylov grabs the body lock. 10-9 Kopylov, 19-19.
Kopylov drops Tulio again with another left hand. Tulio gets up but gets dropped again after a big combination from Kopylov. Kopylov is landing and Tulio stands. Kopylov gets a takedown. Kopylov lands from the top and they get back to their feet. They separate. Tulio lands a leg kick as Kopylov lands a jab. Kopylov lands a body kick as Tulio connects with a few punches. Kopylov lands a left hand. Kopylov with a high kick. Kopylov with a right hook. Tulio with a spin kick. They trade big punches at the end. 10-9 Kopylov, 29-28 Kopylov.
Fight Result- Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Lightweights- Jim Miller (38-19 1 NC, 27-18 1 NC UFC) vs. Jared Gordon (21-8 1 NC, 9-7 1 NC UFC)
Gordon with a high kick as Miller lands a right hand. Miller lands a combination against the fence and Gordon was briefly hurt. They clinch and separate as Gordon lands a body kick. Miller throws a kick and Gordon grabs the leg and gets a brief takedown. They get to their feet. They trade combinations after a brief timeout for a groin strike. Miller lands a right hook. Miller grabs a guillotine choke as they go to the mat. It is in deep and Gordon is trying to fight it off. Gordon taps! Miller picks up yet another UFC win!
Fight Result- Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:29 of Round 1
> Lightweights- Grant Dawson (23-3-1, 11-2-1 UFC) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (20-4, 4-3 UFC)
Dawson lands a head kick and a knee. Dawson lands a knee as Rebecki looks for a takedown and they scramble on the mat. Dawson lands a knee as they sprawl up. Dawson gets the back of Rebecki as they get to the fence. Dawson is on the back of Rebecki as they stand. Rebecki is busted open around his eye and Dawson gets a pair of warnings about grabbing the fence. Dawson is attacking for a choke but lets go to land punches. Rebecki is able to spin into top control. Rebecki has the back as they get up. Rebecki with some punches from the back. Dawson lands a short elbow. Rebecki lands an uppercut as they separate. Rebecki with a right hand. Dawson lands a right hand and Rebecki sweeps his leg to the mat. 10-9 Dawson.
Dawson lands a knee and body kick. Dawson with another pair of body kicks. They trade and Rebecki lands a right hand and Dawson goes to his butt. Rebecki landing punches from the back. Rebecki has back control against the fence on the feet. Rebecki with some right hands from the back. Rebecki lands as they separate. Dawson lands a head kick. Dawson lands a body kick as Rebecki lands a left hand. Dawson with a leg kick. Dawson pressuring with lots of volume. Rebecki lands a right hand. Dawson with a combination. They trade leg kicks. Rebecki lands a left hand. Dawson lands a combo. Rebecki lands a right hand and then another right hook. Dawson with a knee to the body then a high kick. Rebecki scores a takedown. 10-9 Rebecki, 19-19.
Dawson lands a high kick but slips to the mat. They scramble and Dawson gets on the back of Rebecki. Dawson has the body triangle locked on. Dawson is looking for a rear-naked choke but Rebecki defends. Dawson almost had it in but let go as Rebecki defended. Dawson lands some punches and goes back for the choke. Dawson lets go and keeps back control and lands more punches. Dawson smothering from the back and attacks a choke. Dawson looks for the choke and has it in and Rebecki taps!
Fight Result- Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rebecki by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:42 of Round 3
> Welterweights- Joel Alvarez (23-3, 8-2 UFC) vs. #14 Yaroslav Amosov (29-1, 1-0 UFC)
Amosov lands some leg kicks and connects with some punches and scores a takedown. They stand and Amosov is looking for a standing arm-triangle choke. He lets go and gets Alvarez back down to the mat. They get up and Amosov has back control and lands some punches. Amosov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Amosov.
Alvarez throws a combo but eats a counter right hand by Amosov. Amosov with a high kick. Amosov lands a pair of leg kicks. Alvarez lands some punches. Amosov gets the back and scores a big takedown. Amosov gets on top and locks in an arm-triangle choke and Alvarez taps! Amosov with a dominant win and he celebrates by break dancing.
Fight Result- Yaroslav Amosov def. Joel Alvarez by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:13 of Round 2
> Middleweights- Ateba Gautier (10-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Ozzy Diaz (10-3, 1-1 UFC)
Gautier lands a calf kick. Gautier lands a left hand followed by an uppercut. Gautier with a combination. Gautier with a left hand. Diaz lands a right hand. Gautier lands and Diaz forces a clinch. Diaz works hard for a takedown but Gautier lands a knee on the break. Gautier lands a right hand. Gautier with a calf kick. Diaz lands a jab. Gautier with an uppercut. They trade jabs. Diaz looks for a takedown and gets the back of Gautier against the fence. 10-9 Gautier.
Gautier lands to the body. Gautier with a high kick and a right hand to the body. Diaz lands a right hand. Gautier lands a right hand and Diaz goes down and some follow-up shots end it. Diaz was protesting but he was in real trouble. Gautier picks up another big win.
Fight Result- Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punch) at 1:10 of Round 2
MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET | 6 PM PT
> Lightweights*- King Green (34-17-1 1 NC, 15-12-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (29-22 1 NC, 15-19 1 NC UFC)
*Stephens missed weight by four pounds
Green lands a left hand. Stephens lands a leg kick. They clinch and Stephens lands a right hand as they break. Green lands a big jab and then hurts Stephens with a left hand. Green lands a combo and has Stephens in trouble. Green then lands a kick right to the groin and timeout is called. They return to action and Green lands a combo and a body kick. Green gets a takedown and starts landing a big flurry from the top. Green with some big elbows and tons of left hands from the top. Stephens looks for an arm but Green lands big elbows and is teeing off from the top. Green gets the back and locks in a tight rear-naked choke and Stephens taps!
Fight Result- King Green def. Jeremy Stephens by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20 of Round 1
> Welterweights- #6 Sean Brady (18-2, 8-2 UFC) vs. #9 Joaquin Buckley (21-7, 11-5 UFC)
Brady lands a left hand and looks for a takedown. Brady looks for a takedown but Buckley defends. Brady lands a left hand. Buckley lands a leg kick but Brady is able to turn it into a takedown. Brady gets the mount and is landing a lot of punches. Brady with lots of shots and Buckley is in big trouble. Brady landing a lot and looks for an arm for a kimura. Buckley is trying to fight it. Brady lands on top to end the round. 10-9 Brady.
Brady lands a head kick. Brady gets the back and drags Buckley to the mat. Brady gets into side control. Brady controlling and landing and looked for a choke, but Buckley forced a scramble up. Buckley looked to land and throws a kick, but Brady catches it and scores a takedown. Brady gets the mount and is landing lots of punches. Buckley is blocking a lot of them, but Brady starts landing elbows. Brady with lots of shots from the top. Brady lands a big elbow and ends the round in the mount. 10-9 Brady, 20-18 Brady.
Brady looks for a takedown, but Buckley defends. Brady shoots for another takedown and pushes Buckley to the fence. Brady completes the takedown. Brady gets the mount and is landing lots of punches as Buckley is pinned on the bottom. Brady landing a lot from the top. Brady with elbows and punches from the top. Just complete dominance so far. Brady with tons of shots from the top as he is pouring it on late. 10-8 Brady, 30-26 Brady.
Fight Result- Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
> Heavyweights- #2 Alexander Volkov (39-11, 13-5 UFC) vs. #4 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2, 10-2 UFC)
Volkov with a pair of inside leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Volkov lands some more leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta lands a stiff jab. Volkov with more inside leg kicks. He lands some more and Cortes-Acosta fires some punches in there, but nothing really connects. Volkov lands a leg kick and a left hand as Cortes-Acosta was rushing in. They trade leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. They both land big punches in close range. They trade leg kicks. Volkov with a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a left hand. Volkov with more leg kicks. 10-9 Volkov.
They both land big punches to start the second. Volkov lands a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Volkov with an inside leg kick and Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta swings big but just misses. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. Volkov hurts Cortes-Acosta with a left hand and Cortes-Acosta backs up. Volkov lands a combo. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Volkov with a kick to the body. Volkov lands a pair of jabs and a leg kick. Volkov hurts Cortes-Acosta with a leg kick and then a body kick. 10-9 Volkov, 20-18 Volkov.
Volkov lands a body kick. Volkov with a pair of kicks. Timeout is called after an eye poke by Cortes-Acosta. They get back going and Cortes-Acosta lands a combination. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Volkov lands a stiff jab. Volkov lands a jab and a body kick. Cortes-Acosta misses a right hand but lands a jab. Volkov is bleeding from the nose. Cortes-Acosta connects. Cortes-Acosta lands an uppercut. Volkov lands a body kick. Volkov with a body kick and Cortes-Acosta looks for a takedown. Cortes-Acosta lands a knee as they separate. Volkov with a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Volkov lands a stiff jab. Volkov with a front kick to the body followed by a right hand. Volkov lands a calf kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a combo. Cortes-Acosta with a right hand. 10-9 Cortes-Acosta, 29-28 Volkov.
Fight Result- Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Joshua Van (16-2, 9-1 UFC) vs. #3 Tatsuro Taira (18-1, 8-1 UFC)
Taira lands a calf kick. Taira with another calf kick. Taira shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Taira scores the takedown and gets right into the mount. Taira controlling from the top and gets into side control. Van tries to get up and Taira has neck control. Van is able to get to his feet. Van lands a jab. Taira with a leg kick. Taira gets another takedown. They get to their feet and Taira has Van pinned against the fence. Taira lands some knees. Taira gets it back down and lands some shots as they stand. 10-9 Taira.
Taira lands a combination. Taira shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Van is fighting the hands. Taira lands a knee and separates. Taira with a right hand. He lands another. Van lands a jab. Van lands another and is connecting as he lands a right hand. Taira scores a takedown. Taira controlling from the top. Taira gets the mount. Van with some elbows to the body from the bottom. Taira attacking the neck and looks for a D’Arce choke. They stand and separate. Van drops Taira with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Van lands from the top but Taira is able to survive. 10-9 Van, 19-19.
Taira is chasing the takedown as Van is stalking him. Taira lands a jab. Van lands a combination. Van lands some big punches. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends. Van lands a big combination to the head and body. Van with a jab and a right hand. Taira lands a calf kick. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van lands a big knee. Van follows with a flurry and Taira circles away. Van lands a big uppercut and then a right hand. Van with a double jab and Taira goes down. Van starts landing shots from the top. They get up and Van drags Taira down. Van looking for a rear-naked choke. Van landing left hands. They get to their feet. Taira lands a left hand. Van with two right hands. Van with an uppercut. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends. Taira scores a takedown. They get up. Taira lands a left hand. 10-9 Van, 29-28 Van.
Taira lands a heavy calf kick. Taira lands an uppercut and they trade punches. Taira shoots for a takedown and is able to score it. Taira is able to work his way to the mount position. Taira is smothering from the top. Taira lands an elbow. Van is able to spin to the top and Taira goes for a triangle choke. Van escapes and they stand. They trade jabs. Van hurts Taira with a right hand and some follow-up punches. They trade. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends against the fence. They separate as Van lands a jab. 10-9 Taira, 38-38.
Van landing to start the round as he connects with a right hand. Taira lands a right hand. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends it. Van lands a combo. Taira gets a clinch but Van connects to the body to break it. Taira looks for a takedown but Van defends and lands to the body. Van lands some big shots and Taira is having trouble on his feet but stays on it though it it stopped! Van picks up the win and keeps the title.
Fight Result- Joshua Van def. Tatsuro Taira by TKO (punches) at 1:32 of Round 5 to retain the UFC Flyweight Championship
> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Khamzat Chimaev (15-0, 9-0 UFC) vs. #3 Sean Strickland (30-7, 17-7 UFC)
Chimaev with a body kick. Chimaev gets a takedown. Chimaev gets the back and is keeping Strickland down. He is looking to lock in a choke. Chimaev with a left hand. Chimaev gets the hooks locked in. Chimaev lets the hooks go but keeps full back control. Chimaev gets the mount position and lands a right hand. He gets the back of Strickland as they stand and gets it right back down. Chimaev looks for the choke and has it around the chin. Strickland defends. 10-9 Chimaev.
Chimaev lands a right hand. Strickland with a jab. Strickland just misses a right hand. Strickland with a counter right hand after Chimaev lands to the body. They trade jabs and Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev shoots for a takedown but Strickland defends and is on top. Strickland with a left hand from the top. They get to their feet. Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev shoots for a takedown but Strickland defends. Strickland gets on top and lands some big ground strikes. Strickland controlling from the top. 10-9 Strickland, 19-19.
They trade jabs and Chimaev lands a right hand. Strickland works the jab and Chimaev lands two kicks. Strickland with a combination. Both are working the jab. Strickland just working the jab and lands a right hand. Strickland with a right hand. Strickland lands a big right hand. Chimaev is pushing forward and lands to the body as Strickland works the jab. Strickland tagging Chimaev with the jab. Strickland landing the jab and Chimaev lands a right hand. They’re trading jabs. They continue to trade and Strickland is getting the better of it. 10-9 Strickland, 29-28 Strickland.
They trade jabs. They trade and Strickland circles away. Strickland peppering punches in there. Chimaev lands a leg kick and a body shot. Chimaev lands a big right hand. Chimaev lands a body kick. Strickland is working the jab but it doesn’t have the same impact. Strickland then lands a right hand. Chimaev with a right hand. Chimaev with a left hook to the body and lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Chimaev lands to the body. Strickland continues to work the jab. Chimaev scores a takedown. Chimaev gets the back of Strickland. Chimaev landing as he has control. Chimaev keeps the back. 10-9 Chimaev, 38-38.
Chimaev gets the takedown and has the back as they work to the fence and to their feet. Strickland spins and Chimaev still has control against the fence. Chimaev attacking the back. Strickland with a knee and Chimaev lands to the body as they separate. They trade jabs. They trade them again. Chimaev lands a right hand. Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev lands a calf kick. Strickland works the jab. Chimaev is pressing forward. Strickland lands a jab. Chimaev scores with a right hand. Chimaev scores a takedown but they get to their feet. Chimaev holding onto Strickland’s back. Chimaev lands to the body as they break apart. Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev with a big right hand. Strickland lands a jab. Close fight. 10-9 Chimaev, 48-47 Chimaev.
Fight Result- Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) to win the UFC Middleweight Championship
WWE Backlash live results: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, IYO SKY vs. Asuka
Date: May 9, 2026
Location: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, FL
***************
Show Recap —
COUNTDOWN SHOW
Wrestlers were shown arriving. Triple H was shown, too, and he was booed by fans outside the arena watching the pre-show. Everyone else was cheered.
Michael Cole, Big E, Corey Graves and Peter Rosenberg hosted the first portion of the pre-show. I believe this would be Big E’s first live appearance since the departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
There was a sit-down interview with Seth Rollins. They were open about Rollins turning 40 soon, and he acknowledged he may not be doing this much longer.
Fans chanted, “New Day rocks” as Big E talked about Rollins. He ignored it.
Jacob Fatu cut a backstage promo. He said he would kick Roman Reigns’ ass. Cole demonstrated the Tongan Death Grip on Rosenberg, who passed out. Rosenberg was pretending, unfortunately.
Cathy Kelley interviewed Sami Zayn. He calmly stated that he didn’t appreciate people, including Kelley, disrespecting him, and it was Trick Williams who enabled them to do so. Zayn planned on winning the US title back.
Because Backlash is held in Tampa, there was an FCW video package, which included interview clips of Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Rollins, Big E, and Sheamus. They also credited Dusty Rhodes, particularly when it came to wrestlers learning promos. Triple H was credited with transforming the old FCW into the new, shiny Performance Center.
The Usos showed up to the panel to continue the FCW discussions. The fans were excited to see Jimmy and Jey. They also spoke briefly about tonight’s world title match.
The Miz and Kit Wilson told Kelley that they would get rid of Danhausen tonight. Byron Saxton interviewed Danhausen and asked for a hint about his partner. Danhausen warned him not to ask that question again, or else he’d be cursed.
They counted down the top ten Roman Reigns title defences. Not included in that list was Reigns beating both Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 37.
Sonya Bryson-Kirksey sang the American national anthem.
**********
BACKLASH 2026 RESULTS
Wrestlers arrived, the show intro aired, fireworks exploded in Tampa, and it’s time for the opening match. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are tonight’s announcers. They didn’t waste time getting going, as the opening match began at 6:07 pm local time.
On the pre-show, they mentioned repeatedly that Seth Rollins was on the verge of turning 40, and he acknowledged that he wouldn’t be doing this forever. Bron Breakker, obviously, is a guy looking to take his place. Barrett said that seems to be the theme tonight (along with Jacob Fatu/Roman Reigns and Trick Williams/Sami Zayn).
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)
They battled back and forth and fought around ringside, but Breakker cut Rollins off in the ring with a suplex and took over. The crowd was really behind Rollins.
Breakker cut him off again by hitting a running shoulder tackle and multiple German suplexes. (With Brock Lesnar gone, at least for now, I wonder if Heyman suggested that Breakker start using this move more.)
Rollins bit Breakker’s face out of desperation while on the top rope, but it wasn’t enough because Breakker hit a Frankensteiner anyway for two. With Rollins outside the ring, Breakker tried a running sneak attack, but Rollins superkicked him out of mid-air.
Rollins hit a clothesline back in the ring for two. Rollins set up for a curb stomp, but Breakker got up to his knees, so Rollins hit a knee strike instead for two. (Rollins seemed to say something to Breakker as he made the cover, so I’m not sure if this spot got screwed up, but it looked fine.)
Rollins went for the stomp, but Breakker blocked it by simply catching his foot. Breakker hit a press slam gutbuster and went for a spear, but Rollins kicked him to block it.
Rollins tried a tilt-a-whirl into a DDT or a Pedigree attempt, but he slipped and fell down by accident. It seemed like they couldn’t get on the same page on the spot, but Breakker made up for it by immediately hitting a standing moonsault for two.
Rollins responded with a buckle bomb, but Breakker popped right back with a clothesline. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome.” Rollins wound up outside the ring, leaning against the announce table, so Breakker hit a flying clothesline off the apron.
Breakker went to the top rope, but Rollins met him there and hit a superplex. Rollins tried to transition into the Falcon Arrow, but Breakker hit the Falcon Arrow instead for a nearfall. (The crowd popped big for that.)
Breakker hit another Frankensteiner moments later. He tried another, but Rollins landed on his feet and fired up as Breakker looked on in disbelief. Rollins hit a superkick and a Pedigree.
Rollins followed with a curb stomp, but Heyman went on the apron to distract the referee. Rollins smiled and grabbed a steel chair, realizing what was coming.
Austin Theory and Logan Paul tried a sneak attack, but Rollins attacked them with the chair. He gave Theory a curb stomp and chased Paul to the back.
Rollins sprinted back into the ring but was met with a Breakker spear for a nearfall. Breakker went for another spear, but Rollins countered it into a Pedigree (which didn’t look great).
Rollins went for a stomp off the ropes, but Breakker speared him out of the air. Breakker followed with another spear for the pinfall win.
— Cole called this the biggest win of Breakker’s career and stated, “Bron Breakker has arrived.”
Match result: Bron Breakker defeated Seth Rollins (21:25)
This was a strong match despite some miscommunication in the middle, and it helped that the crowd was hot for the whole thing. It was nice to see Breakker go over; I was expecting Rollins to win after weeks of Breakker getting the better of him. Rollins has a bit of an out after the Vision got involved, so this isn’t over.
********
Cathy Kelley interviewed Trick Williams in Gorilla. He said he was the puppetmaster, and this was his world. The time for games was over, and Sami Zayn would find that out tonight.
United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) (w/ Lil Yachty) vs. Sami Zayn
Williams booted Zayn in the corner to the cadence of “Whoop that Trick.” Zayn rolled to the outside to recover and chucked Williams into the steel steps when he joined him. Zayn was about to use the steel steps as a weapon, but stopped when Lil Yachty got in the way.
Zayn hammered away at Williams in the ring. Fans booed this, and Zayn smirked while looking around in confusion. A few fans chanted for Zayn, but they were drowned out by chants of “Sami sucks,” and Zayn looked around at them again.
Williams fought back with an upkick and neckbreaker. They traded counters until Williams hit a Book End for two. Zayn responded later with a sunset flip powerbomb off the ropes for two. They traded counters again, but this time Zayn got the better of it and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two.
Zayn feigned a knee injury after springboarding off the ropes. Williams waited a moment before going after him, and Zayn caught him in a small package for two. Lil Yachty argued with the referee, and the distraction allowed Zayn to hit Williams with a candy cane kendo stick for a nearfall.
Zayn aggressively booted Williams until the referee stopped him for some reason. As the ref checked on Williams, Lil Yachty hit Zayn with the kendo stick, and Williams followed with a Trick Kick for a nearfall.
They wound up outside, and Zayn decked Yachty with a right hand. Yachty went down like a man who’s never taken a bump in his life (not an insult). Zayn also hit him with a kendo stick.
Williams went after Zayn, but Zayn gave him a DDT onto the top of the steep steps. Before entering the ring, Zayn gave an unsuspecting Lil Yachty a Helluva Kick into the barricade. (I laughed, especially when Lil Yachty went down awkwardly again.)
Back in the ring, Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but Williams dodged it and hit a Trick Shot for the pinfall win.
— Lil Yachty quickly recovered from Zayn’s finisher and joined Williams in the ring to celebrate. He tossed cash into the air.
Match result: Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to retain the United States Championship (12:45)
This match was alright. They worked around Williams’ limitations as best they could. The crowd liked Williams, and they resented Zayn.
Zayn has lost two in a row to Williams, so he’ll have to find something else to do now.
********
The Miz and Kit Wilson entered first, and there was a long video package to explain why this match was happening.
Danhausen entered on his custom vehicle and walked over to the cloning machine box to reveal his partner. The box opened, and a little person dressed as Danhausen popped out. They entered the Danhausen-mobile and rode around ringside. They entered the ring, and Miz laughed at Danhausen’s partner.
The crowd seemed to play along during the entrance, but there was a smattering of boos when the bell rang and the match actually started with this man as Danhausen’s partner.
Danhausen & Mini-hausen vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
The Danhausen clone could actually wrestle and used a tilt-a-whirl leg scissors takedown to knock Miz out of the ring. This cheered up the paying audience.
The heels took control after posting Danhausen. They beat up little Danhausen for a while until he hit a springboard moonsault to knock down Wilson. Danhausen made a hot tag and ran wild on both guys, and his offence included a German suplex on Wilson and a tornado DDT on Miz.
Danhausen hit a running boot on Wilson, but he wasn’t the legal man. Miz booted Danhausen into the corner, so little Danhausen tagged himself in and wiped out both heels with a suicide dive. Mini-hausen chased Wilson up the ramp, but Wilson kicked him in the head and shoved him back into the box.
The cloning box percolated and reopened, and about five or six more little Danhausens entered. The original clone gave Wilson an airplane spin. He tried to curse Wilson, but Wilson held up a mirror, so Mini-hausen wound up cursing himself. Miz gave him a Skull Crushing Finale, but Danhausen broke up the cover.
Danhausen tagged in and gave Miz a Thesz press (at least he tried to). Miz tried to use a fire extinguisher, but he was cursed, I guess, and it went off in his face and in his partner’s.
Mini-hausen wiped out Wilson with a dive, and Danhausen hit Miz with a pump kick for the pinfall.
— Cole said, “This is wrestling!” and Barrett vehemently disagreed, asking, “What happened to the business I love?”
Match result: Danhausen & Mini-hausen defeated The Miz & Kit Wilson (11:38)
This nonsense match was longer than every women’s match on both nights of WrestleMania 42.
********
They announced a two-night AAA Triplemanía in September (over two non-consecutive nights).
There was a commercial for Riyadh season.
IYO SKY vs. Asuka
Kairi Sane did not appear. The post-match could leave people speculating on Asuka’s future.
The match started with chants of, “We want Kairi.” It wasn’t super loud at first, but it got much louder as Asuka controlled the opening moments of the match.
Sky fired up with some offence, which got the crowd to focus on the match instead. Asuka took control after driving Sky’s head into the ring post. The crowd chanted for Sky to get back into the match before once again chanting for Kairi Sane. (The chants pretty much stopped after this.)
Asuka hit kicks to the chest until Sky blocked one and hit a double foot stomp. Sky followed with a back elbow, an uppercut, a missile dropkick, and a running meteora in the corner for two. Asuka responded with strikes of her own and a knee strike for two.
Sky hit a German suplex into a bridging cover for two. Asuka tried an armbar, but Sky quickly escaped. They traded kicks, and both women went down. Asuka tried an armbar again, but Sky slipped out and applied her own version of the Asuka Lock until Asuka got a rope break.
Asuka went to the top, but Sky hit an uppercut and hurricanrana. However, Asuka rolled through into a cradle for a nearfall. Sky avoided a running hip attack and dropkicked Asuka out of the ring. Asuka blocked a dive and placed Sky on the announce table.
While standing on the announce table, Asuka tried to mist Sky, but Sky held up Barrett’s laptop to block it. Sky tripped Asuka and hit a flying crossbody off the table. The crowd chanted for Sky as she hit an Asai moonsault.
Asuka dodged a moonsault and locked in the armbar. Sky countered it, but Asuka caught her in the Asuka Lock. It looked like Sky was about to pass out, but she just barely caught Asuka in a cradle for two.
Asuka blocked a kick and hit a German suplex. However, Sky blocked a kick moments later and hit a German suplex of her own. Sky followed with a running corner meteora and a moonsault for the pinfall win.
— Sky bowed to Asuka after the match. Asuka broke down in tears and gave Sky a big hug. They embraced and Asuka held up Sky’s hand.
That’s interesting.
Match result: IYO SKY defeated Asuka (18:06)
A really good match that built as it went.
********
Steve Keirn and Dan Spivey were in the crowd, along with members of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have some extra time on their hands.
John Cena’s announcement
Cena entered. He said he had to consider what the next stage of his career would be. The crowd chanted, “One more match,” and Cena said he knew that was coming. He thought a lot about his final match and how it went.
Cena was happy with it and happy with the event being a showcase of the future. He wanted his final opponent to earn the spot, and that’s what happened.
That night gave a spotlight to some of the new NXT stars like Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi. (Femi got a big reaction.) Cena was impressed with Femi and his win over Brock Lesnar.
Cena was so happy with how that night went that it led to his announcement tonight: the John Cena Classic.
Over one evening, the best of today would face the best of tomorrow. Members of WWE and NXT would battle for the chance to win a new championship. The championship would have Cena’s name on it, and he would strive to make the event a memorable one.
Cena also announced that fans would vote to determine the champion. During this showcase event, even if a wrestler didn’t win their match, they could win over the fans with their performance, and that wrestler could still be voted by the fans to become the new champion.
Cena was excited and wanted to make this an annual event. He thanked the company for making this happen and thanked the fans for their support.
(To summarize, there will be an event with matches where the actual results don’t matter, only the individual performances, because a fan vote will determine the winner. At least, the results will matter as much as the fans determine they do. It doesn’t really sound like a title that will be defended; rather, an annual trophy like the Andre the Giant battle royal, but we’ll see. The live fans cheered the pandering announcement. It certainly different.)
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World Heavyweight Championship match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Reigns knocked down Fatu with a shoulder tackle and posed to the crowd, but Fatu immediately got to his feet and stared down Reigns. Fatu no-sold a clothesline and knocked Reigns out of the ring. Fatu went for a dive, but when it seemed like Reigns blocked it, Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip instead.
Fatu let go of the hold because they were outside the ring. When Fatu went after him again, Reigns wrenched him against the ropes. Reigns drove Fatu’s hand into the ring post to prevent him from doing the move again. There were loud duelling crowd chants.
Reigns hit clotheslines in the corner, but Fatu stopped it by simply grabbing Reigns’ arm. Fatu hit a clothesline and drove Reigns shoulder-first into the ring post. Fatu missed a corner splash, and Reigns came back with more clotheslines and a big boot.
Reigns hit a Superman punch, but Fatu kicked out at one and popped right to his feet. Fans chanted for Fatu, who no-sold Reigns’ offence before hitting a clothesline and a senton. Fatu headbutted Reigns ten times in the corner and hit a running hip attack.
Fatu set up for another hip attack, but Reigns exploded out of the corner with a Superman punch for two. They went to the outside, where Fatu powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. Fatu rolled Reigns back into the ring, but Reigns speared him for a nearfall.
Reigns went for another spear, but Fatu countered into a pop-up Samoan drop. The crowd went crazy as Fatu followed with the Mighty Moonsault, but Reigns kicked out.
Fatu went for a senton bomb, but Reigns got his knees up to block it. They slowly got to their feet and traded right hands. Fatu got the better of the exchange as Reigns fell into the corner. Fatu immediately hit consecutive running hip attacks.
Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns appeared to be going out, but he fired up and put his fingers in Fatu’s eyes. Reigns shoved Fatu into the corner as he did, and the referee was knocked down (he was only dazed, not knocked out).
Fatu tried a pop-up Samoan Drop, but Reigns countered with a Superman punch, and he followed with a spear for a close nearfall. (This was one of those nearfalls that was probably a three, but it wasn’t the finish, so the ref held up the count.)
Fatu applied the Death Grip, and Reigns held onto the top turnbuckle for leverage. The buckle cover came off in the process. Fatu still held the Death Grip, but Reigns shoved his head into the exposed buckle and followed with a spear for the pinfall win. Reigns retains.
— Fatu attacked Reigns after the match and put him in the Death Grip. The ref tried to stop him, so Fatu gave him a Samoan drop.
Officials ran out to stop Fatu, but he superkicked Shane Helms and shoved Adam Pearce out of the ring. Fatu put Reigns in the hold again as five officials desperately tried to stop him, and he eventually let go.
Fatu left the ring, but he returned to put Reigns in the hold again. Fatu let go of the hold and held the title belt up high as the show ended.
Match result: Roman Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (18:03)
This was a really good match. On some level, we’ve probably seen a few too many Reigns main events, but Fatu comes across as totally unique from everyone else on this show, so this felt different, and he should really win the title at some point.
WWE SmackDown live results: Backlash go-home show
On last week’s SmackDown, GUNTHER invaded and attacked Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes by putting him in a sleeper following a match before taking the Undisputed WWE Title and raising it, signalling he wanted a shot at Rhodes’ title.
Tonight, GUNTHER is set to appear to address his actions last week, though Rhodes will surely be around to offer up a rebuttal of his own.
With Jacob Fatu getting ready to face Roman Reigns tomorrow night for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash, what will he have to say tonight after he put Reigns through a table with a Tongan Death Grip during a contract signing on Raw?
Fatal Influence get their first big test as a unit when they take on Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss in six-woman tag team action tonight. Jacy Jayne and company have made life miserable for their opponents in recent weeks and look to continue their torrid pace since making their SmackDown debuts.
Our live coverage begins at 8pm ET.
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– The show began with a dedication to Ted Turner, who passed away at the age of 87 earlier this week.
– Following the signature, we got the arrivals for Rhea Ripley, Fatal Influence, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga, Damian Priest, as well as the mourners for the Gingerbread Man’s funeral (which literally was shown minutes after the Ted Turner dedication, go figure) We then got a recap of Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns’ road to tomorrow’s World Heavyweight Title match at Backlash.
Jacob Fatu prepares for Backlash
The challenger for Roman Reigns’ World Title made his way down to the ring to get ready to address the crowd 24 hours before Backlash.
Fatu said that tomorrow night at Backlash, he wasn’t fighting Roman Reigns for the title, he was taking the World Title. He recounted that since he and Reigns were young, all everyone’s seen in Reigns was the future. Meanwhile, nobody saw anything in Fatu. Fatu said that people wanted him to fall back and fall in line, which he refused to do. He stated that everyone was trying to protect Reigns when they were doing this.
Fatu talked about how when Reigns was born, he was born with opportunity. Meanwhile, Fatu was born with doubt. At this point, Jimmy and Jey Uso interrupted Fatu’s promo.
Once the Usos got to the ring, Jimmy took the mic and said that he and Jey weren’t out to change Fatu’s mind. He said that part of him was rooting for Fatu, but the other part of him was looking out for Fatu. Jimmy talked about how the win was important for Fatu, but he didn’t think what would happen if he lost to Reigns tomorrow. Jey interjected and said that what was going to happen tomorrow instead was that the Tribal Chief was going to beat Fatu’s ass. That wouldn’t even be the worst part, according to Jey. That worst part was going to be the breakdown that Reigns would inflict on him afterwards. The Usos said that Fatu’s family would have to watch tomorrow as Fatu would have no choice but to acknowledge the OTC, Roman Reigns.
Fatu answered by saying that he wasn’t losing tomorrow. He pointed out how Jey never beat Roman, and how there would be no losing or acknowledging anything. To Fatu, this was more than just a main event, it was for his family. The only thing that Fatu’s family would be seeing tomorrow was him becoming the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Fatu said he was ready to put it all on the line, but he wondered if Reigns was ready to die for it. He concluded by declaring that he was all gas and no breaks, yaddiahmean.
Before Fatu left, he warned the Usos not to get involved, otherwise he was going to burn the whole family tree down.
I liked this promo from Fatu, even if the Bloodline drama has kinda worn thin for me. Some nice fire ahead of his match tomorrow and got me believing he could beat Reigns at Backlash.
**********************************
– After a recap of GUNTHER’S attack on Cody Rhodes, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was interviewed. Aldis pointed out that GUNTHER’s actions were unacceptable and he’d speak with him about it. Ricky Saints interrupted and complained that he was stuck fighting “QB4” after mixing up with the QB1. Matt Cardona appeared and said he was gong to teach Saints a lesson in respect later tonight.
– Jacob Fatu was wished the best of luck by Mr. Aldis as he met with Royce Keys, who motivated Fatu to take everything tomorrow night at Backlash. After Fatu left, he was confronted by Solo Sikoa. Keys threatened Sikoa for what he did last week. Sikoa brushed it off as Keys being in the wrong place at the wrong time and offered a place for him with what’s left of the M.F.T.s
WWE Women’s U.S. Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James (w/ Giulia)
James and Stratton traded side headlocks until the champion hit a takeover. She then got James with the stepover clothesline. Stratton tried to knock James off the apron, but she missed and ended up being tripped up. James then targeted Stratton’s left leg by slamming it across the ring post twice as we took a timeout.
We returned from the break as James had a single leg crab locked in on Stratton, but the rope break forced her to let go of the hold. With the ref’s back turned, Giulia refused to attack Stratton, as the she and James had a disgareement afterwards. Back in the ring, Stratton fought back with strikes, followed by a springboard stunner and a dropkick for the near-fall. James responded with a cartwheel kick to the corner, then the Death Valley Driver for another near-fall. A flustered James punched Stratton a few times before she threw her in the corner. James drove her shoulder into Stratton’s chest twqce, but missed on the third. Giulia got on the apron and created a distraction, but this was just as James countered a rolling senton into a pinfall attempt. Stratton escaped and punched Giulia off the apron before she finished James off with the rolling senton and the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to retain the Women’s U.S. Title.
Tiffany Stratton def. Kiana James to retain the Women’s U.S. Championship
This was a good match and I felt Stratton and James really had some nice chemistry here. The angle with Giulia and James’ split was also being built well here.
**********************************
– Backstage at the “funeral” of the Gingerbread Man, Sami Zayn was flustered at what was going on as Nick Aldis warned him to stay within his lane. R-Truth snuck up behind Truth and said that the Gingerbread Man apparently talked about Zayn all the time and he didn’t want Zayn to cry.
– Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair were interviewed about their six-woman tag match against Fatal Influence later tonight. Ripley said that Fatal Influence wanted to make an impression, they made the wrong one. Flair tried to snipe at Ripley, but Bliss played peacekeeper by getting the two to be on the same page.
– Elsewhere, Damian Priest was getting ready for his match against Talla Tonga as R-Truth talked to him about Sami Zayn’s funeral. Truth wanted to help out, but Priest talked about how he knew the game that the M.F.T.s played and he wanted Truth to stay back. Truth reluctantly agreed with Priest’s request.
Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga (w/ Solo Sikoa)
Priest went after Talla right away as the bell rang, as he managed to send him out of the ring in the process. Priest tried to leap from the apron, but Talla blocked it. That didn’t seem to create any separation as Priest kept the attack going even with Sikoa’s distractions. Priest tried to go for his spinning kick, but Talla grabbed him mid-kick and threw him into the ringpost. Talla hit Priest with an uppercut as he then lifted him and slammed him across the commentary table as we took a commercial break.
We returned to our match as Priest tried to fight from underneath with a kick. He avoided Talla and kept the barrage of kicks to stun him. Priest broke free out of Talla’s chokeslam with a bell clap, followed by the spinning kick. This caused Talla to stagger back out of the ring to take a breather. Priest kept the attack going with a leap from the steel steps to Talla. He then kicked Sikoa before he headed back to the ring. Up top and Priest took down Talla with a diving clothesline for the near-fall.
Priest pulled down the straps to signal he meant business as he sized Talla up for South of Heaven. Tama Tonga walked down to cause a distraction as Solo Sikoa attacked Priest behined the ref’s back. Discus lariat by Talla wasn’t enough to pick up the win. As Sikoa and Tonga had a staredown, R-Truth ran down to even the odds. Talla attacked Priest and then threw him back to the ring to finish the match with a chokeslam.
After the match, the M.F.T.s surrounded Damian Priest before Royce Keys ran down to make the save. The M.F.T.s backed off, seemingly on the orders of Sikoa, who was trying to recruit Keys.
Talla Tonga def. Damian Priest via pinfall
Kind of a whatever match. Might just be general fatigue with all things Bloodline-adjacent doing me in. Not even the added Royce Keys drama is enough to keep me interested here. WWE cut half of the M.F.T.s so a lot of it just seems like really wasted potential and not really worth the trouble.
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– Backstage, Danhausen was trying to find a tag partner for his match against The Miz and Kit Wilson tomorrow night. Wilson said that Danhausen was too toxic to even have anyone teaming up with him. Danhausen said that he had friends like Papa Shango and “Bob, the Gatorade Guy”. Wilson pointed a mirror in Danhausen’s direction and said the only one who was going to team up with him was himself. This seemed to excite Danhausen as he just zoomed all around afterwards.
– A “clip” of Gingerbread Man being at WWE events of the past was shown before we saw Nick Aldis and Paul Heyman meeting. The latter was handed a contract as GUNTHER walked in. Aldis stated what GUNTHER did last week was unacceptable, but he was happy to have him aboard on SmackDown. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes was just about to make his way down to the ring. This seemed to upset GUNTHER, who handed the SmackDown contract back to Aldis, stating he wasn’t going to do business like this.
Cody Rhodes addresses the GUNTHER incident
the Undisputed WWE Champion walked down with a purpose as he raised the Undisputed WWE Championship high in the ring before he addressed the Jacksonville crowd.
“So, Jacksonville, what do you wanna talk about?” Rhodes started off before he talked about how GUNTHER put him to sleep last week and that was a sign that he wanted a shot at the title. With that in mind, GUNTHER was called out by Rhodes. Paul Heyman interrupted with the contract in his hand. Before Heyman said anything concise, Rhodes said that both him and GUNTHER were in Jacksonville and they were ready to rumble.
Heyman interrupted as he walked down to the ring and was the bearer of bad news for Rhodes. The contract for the title match between Rhodes and GUNTHER wasn’t for Jacksonville or the U.S. This fight would be in a few weeks at Clash in Italy. Heyman revealed the favour to GUNTHER was getting this title match set up. Before Heyman could leave, Rhodes butted in and talked about how Brock Lesnar retired on Heyman, Roman Reigns and CM Punk both ditched him. Was it because Heyman was running out of options? Heyman stated that sooner or later, they’d all need The Wiseman.
GUNTHER snuck up once again and tried to put Rhodes in the sleeper, but was foiled twice as he was forced out of the ring. Rhodes shouted at GUNTHER that he didn’t sweat him and it didn’t matter if GUNTHER beat John Cena, Goldberg, and AJ Styles. He’d refuse to back down from him. Rhodes again reiterated that he had the high ground and that he was easy to find, but hard to beat.
I will say this GUNTHER/Cody Rhodes feud has my interest and if it’s something that lasts past Clash in Italy, I’m all for it.
**********************************
– The M.F.T.s argued amongst themselves as Tama Tonga didn’t seem too happy with being embarrased by Royce Keys, despite Solo Sikoa’s attempts to recruit him. He was going to deal with Keys himself.
Ricky Saints vs. Matt Cardona
Cardona backed Saints off into the corner, but got slapped in the face for his troubles. Saints hit Cardona with a shoulder block as he struck his trademark pose afterwards. Cardona responded by battering Saints in the corner. Saints managed to turn it around and then took his turns attacking Cardona in the corner, but he got dropped with a flapjack from his foe. Saints dodged the Broski Boot by exiting the ring, but he didn’t get far as Cardona shelled him with a rope-assisted dropkick as we took a break in the action.
This match returned from commercial with Cardona starting to heat up. He had Saints propped in the lower corner for the successful Broski Boot and a two-count. The fans were chanting “goodbye” during this, likely due to some commotion in the crowd and somebody getting kicked out. Cardona attempted an Unprettier, but Saints countered that into his modified version of a rolling cutter for the near-fall. Saints rolled out of the ring to avoid Cardona’s Rough Ryder. As he got back in the ring, Saints fell victim to the Rough Ryder, but that wasn’t enough to get the win. Saints recovered and hit the Revolution DDT, then finished it off with the Roshambo.
Ricky Saints def. Matt Cardona via pinfall
This was decent between Cardona and Saints. Nothing really to write home about, but in terms of putting Saints over, job well done on that, at least.
**********************************
– Sami Zayn was still at the wake for the Gingerbread Man as he was chatting with Johnny Gargano, who was still lying down. Zayn was upset at Rey Fenix as he saw this entire thing as a thinly-veiled shot at him. Zayn walked off angrily.
– Another teaser for Blake Monroe’s arrival was shown, with no clear date for her debut still set.
Paige and Brie Bella hold court
The WWE Women’s Tag Champions made their way down to the ring, ready to speak their piece for the Jacksonville crowd.
Brie Bella started off tby saying that there were a lot of teams in WWE that wanted to prove that they could beat them, but as the Irresistable Forces found out last week, she and Paige were tough to beat. Paige addressed the Judgment Day’s remarks that she and Brie were a nostalgia tour, stating that she and Brie were the best they’ve ever been. They were ready to show their stuff to Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, any time and nay place.
Fatal Influence interjected, as Jacy Jayne declared that the Judgment Day shouldn’t be the ones that Paige and Brie should worry about. Jayne bragged about how they took out Paige and Brie two weeks ago, and that Fatal Influence was ready to take over.
The Irresistable Forces walked down to interrupt, calling Fatal Influence the meme girls, and warning them to walk back to the line. They then attacked Paige and Brie Bella and laid them out in short order. Rhea Ripley made her way down for the six-woman tag match and shared a staredown with Lash Legend and Nia Jax.
Kind of a “meh” segment, and I’m not sure about running back yet another Irresistable Forces/Paige & Brie tag title match so soon after last week. Does highlight how bare the women’s tag division is despite what Brie Bella said in her promo.
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– We got more of Gingerbread Man “present” at past WWE events, through the “magic” of (likely) AI-generated art.
Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid) vs. Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss
Bliss and Henley started things off for their respective teams. Henley slammed Bliss down head-first, but got slapped and kicked in response. Bliss mocked Henley’s taunt afterwards as she drove her knees to the back of her opponent. This was followed by the double-knees and the senton. Bliss took a shot at Reid, but that allowed Henley to take advantage as Fatal Influence began to exert their will on Bliss in their corner. Ripley tagged in and blasted Lainey Reid with a kick, followed by a dropkick. Fallaway Slam by Ripley was followed by the missile dropkick on Reid. She then took out Jayne and Henley with a rolling cannonball of the apron as we took a break.
Our match returned from commercial as Reid was working over Ripley in the middle of the ring. Ripley tried to reach out for a tag, but Reid dragged back her into a half-nelson slam of sorts. Ripley recovered and hit Reid with a spinning kick, which allowed her to tag in Flair. The former WWE Women’s Champion lit up Reid and Jayne with chops, followed by a walkover clothesline. Flair warded of Henley and Jayne before she took off the top rope for a double crossbody on Reid and Jayne. Double Natural Selection on the Fatal Influence duo did not get the win. Bliss tagged in and looked to hit a tandem move, but couldn’t. Rolling Encore was turned into a Sister Abigail attempt by Bliss, but that wasn’t to be. With Ripley on the apron, Jade Cargill emerged to pull her off the apron, which allowed a Rolling Encore from Jayne to pick up the win in six-woman tag team action.
After the match, Cargill stepped into the ring as Fatal Influence took their exit. Cargill looked at the fallen Bliss and trash talked her as Flair slid into the ring. Michin and B-Fab attacked Flair before Ripley ran in for the save. She took care of Michin and B-Fab, but a pump kick from Cargill snuffed that out. The not-quite Baddies stood tall in the aftermath.
Fatal Influence def. Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley via pinfall
Not gonna lie, I kinda don’t like Fatal Influence’s big six-woman tag win being overshadowed Cargill’s Great Value version of The Baddies from AEW. The lack of crowd reaction to their post-match beatdown speaks volumes on how cold this heel trio is, especially when compared to the infinitely more over and superior Fatal Influence.
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Tama Tonga (w/ Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga) vs. Royce Keys
Tama hit Keys with a dropkick, but that didn’t seem to have any effect as Keys hit him with a powerslam afterwards. Keys punched at Tama in the corner as he tried for a suplex. Tama escaped and hit Keys in the back of his leg to gain the advantage. Tama found himself on the receiving end of an overhead suplex from Keys. Tama countered with a Flatliner as Keys rolled out of the ring. Even with the refere distracted, Sikoa and Talla refused to attack. Tama attempted a baseball slide, but Keys caught him for a World’s Strongest Slam onto the apron. Tama avoided calamity when he dodged Keys running at him, which caused the powerhouse to eat the stairs instead in the collision, as we took a break.
We returned from commercial as Keys and Tama traded blows. Tama got the better of Keys with a running splash, followed by the spinning neckbreaker for a two-count. Keys turned it around as he dodged a Tama Tonga splash and roared back with clotheslines and a running pounce. Down came the straps as Keys barreled into Tama across two corners, followed by a powerslam for the two-count. Keys hoisted Tama up, but he was reversed into an inverted DDT for a near-fall of his own. Keys withstood Tama’s kicks as he sent his foe over the top rope with a clothesline. Keys squared up with Sikoa and Talla outside the ring, but the M.F.T.s didn’t do anything. As Keys got back into the ring, Tama attempted a dive from the top rope, but he was caught in the “Ultimate Spinebuster” from Keys as he then ate the loss afterwards following the three-count.
Royce Keys def. Tama Tonga via pinfall
I enjoyed this one. For as much as I hate the M.F.T. stuff, I do like that Keys is being featured a lot more often now after months of inexplicably being benched. I’ve always liked his in-ring style and it’s nice to see him in action.
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– Backstage, Danhausen was seen messing around with some vials and science-y things as his crate began to light up. Danhausen stated that his partner, whoever it was, would be ready for the tag match against The Miz and Kit Wilson at Backlash.
– Backstage, Tama Tonga was licking his wounds as Shinsuke Nakamura stated he was disappointed at him for being M.F.T. still. Talla Tonga showed up and threatened Nakamura, who wasn’t fazed by the big man.
Backlash 2026 Card
- World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
- John Cena’s “History-Making News”
- IYO SKY vs. Asuka
- Seth “Freakin'” Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
- Danhausen and a Mystery Partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
- WWE U.S. Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
– A mournful Trick Williams was met by Nick Aldis, who told him that everything requested was in place and that the rest of the broadcast was his.
The Gingerbread Man’s Funeral
This segment opened with the ring set up with the coffin containing the “body” of the Gingerbread Man and a black mat as Trick WIlliams made his way to the ring, with milk and chalice in hand. Williams took a sip from the chalice before he poured out the milk as he got into the ring. Williams took the mic as he asked for the music to be cut. He said that we’d have to bear with him as we’d have to get through this.
Williams then sang a “tribute” for the Gingerbread Man, with a choir backing him up. We then went to a video memorial for the Gingerbread Man, that was largely made up of AI-generated images of our cookie-based friend. After the video, Williams asked for a moment of silence in honor of his friend. This was rudely interrupted by Sami Zayn, who was incredibly upset over what was going down. Zayn was mad that this entire thing was allowed to go on all night. He said that closing out an episode of SmackDown used to mean something, and that television time used to mean something. Zayn continued to be incredulous at the money spent by Williams over all this, as he insulted the singers, the coffin and flowers.
Zayn said that Williams was making a joke out of him, something that he’d never do himself , because he had too much respect. Zayn called himself a “working class hero” who represented his ride or die fans until the end. Zayn got into the ring and reminded Williams of who he was as he boasted about how he still stood twenty years in the game. However, Williams got into Zayn’s head and made him angry. Now, it was personal. It wasn’t just about taking the U.S. Championship at Backlash, it was about disrespecting and exposing him tomorrow night. Zayn feigned leaving as he took a cheapshot at Williams. Zayn grabbed the U.S. Title and raised it over his head as the Gingerbread Man suddenly woke up and removed his mask to reveal Li’l Yachty. Zayn took a cane shot from Yachty as Williams then finished it off with a Trickshot knee.
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Where do I even begin? That this whole nonsense with the “funeral” was the final go-home moment before the PPV was nothing short of ridiculous. I’m sure it was funny for some people, but this wasn’t the case for me. What began as a genuinely interesting U.S. Title feud pretty much veered into weird New Generation-style nonsense. Bless Trick Williams for trying to make it work, but it’s just impossible to turn utter crap like this into gold. Same with Sami Zayn trying his darndest to do his delusional heel shtick. He’s trying, but the material he’s been given is not up to par.
And speaking of utter crap, there was a very obvious use of generative AI throughout these segments, from the posters of the Gingerbread Man to the video “tribute” that was in the final segment. I’m sorry, that’s just inexcusable, especially in the wake of the remarks by TKO President Mark Shapiro stating that WWE has been using AI in various capacities. WWE’s video production crew used to be regarded as the best in the game, but I find that reputation slowly sinking as the “cheaper” alternatives are being considered oh so willingly. That the worldwide leader in sports entertainment is diving headfirst into AI “slop” is not a good sign at all and it was something that really couldn’t escape my thoughts as I saw this segment.
Lastly, I used to praise the SmackDown U.S. Title scene as being the shining beacon amidst the sea of awfulness, but even that seems to be no longer the case. With this Williams/Zayn/Gingerbread stuff taking up so much real estate, it’s meant standouts like Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov have been left in the dust, when they should still be prominent fixtures of the division. Like, what happened with the story of Dragunov needing to build himself back up after taking tough losses? As SmackDown is set to move into two hours in July, I suspect the problem to get even worse.
As far as the rest of SmackDown is concerned, I am enjoying Fatal Influence looking dominant in the early going, and Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER is a fresh matchup that both men badly needed after mediocre recent feuds. Overall, this episode was pretty much a “meh” way to lead into Backlash, and the focus on the Gingerbread Man shenanigans didn’t help either.
WOL: Backlash notes, mystery partners, Lesnar’s future, WWE cuts, more!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including previews of Smackdown and Backlash, who Danhausen’s mystery partner might be and why, Brock Lesnar’s future, more on the WWE cuts of late, tons of questions from the listeners and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
May 11, 2026 Observer Newsletter: The life & times of Ted Turner, New Day depart WWE, TKO addresses criticism, Backlash preview
Dave Meltzer has returned with another packed issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
He began by writing a lengthy obituary of Ted Turner, the massively influential media figure that was also a key historical figure when it comes to pro wrestling, who passed away this week.
Dave also covered more exits from WWE including The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, others asked to take pay cuts, and the current situation with the roster.
He also looks at this week’s TKO earnings report, WWE and UFC revenue, key quotes from the investors call, and Nick Khan getting a new contract.
There’s also news from all around the wrestling world like in AEW, NJPW, CMLL, AAA, and beyond.
B&V: Dynamite and Collision block, sheep-shearing NXT, more!
The Bryan & Vinny Show is back with tons to talk about as we recap, well, a ton of shows, the two-hour Dynamite followed by one-hour Collision block, NXT from Tuesday night with the debut of a goddamn seventh generation sheep shearer, and so much more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
TNA Impact live results: Arianna Grace vs. Lei Ying Lee, The System vs. Nemeth & Navarro
TNA Impact returns to AMC tonight.
The Thursday, May 7, 2026 episode was taped on April 15 at the Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse, New York.
Four matches have been announced for the show, including two title matches. Ariana Grace will defend the TNA Knockouts Championship against former champion Lei Ying Li. The System’s Bear Bronson and Brian Myers will put the TNA World Tag Team titles on the line against Casey Navarro and Nick Nemeth.
Also advertised is a no-DQ match between EC3 and Eric Young, plus Leon Slater and Moose teaming against The System’s Cedric Alexander and Eddie Edwards.
Elayna Black and TNA World Champion Mike Santana have also been announced for the show.
The full lineup:
- TNA Knockouts World Championship Match: Arianna Grace (c) vs Léi Yǐng Lee
- TNA World Tag Team Championship Match: The System (c) vs Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro
- No DQ Match: EC3 vs Eric Young
- TNA World Champion Mike Santana will speak
- Elayna Black will have an in-ring segment
- The System vs Leon Slater and Moose
Our live coverage begins at 9 p.m. Eastern.
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Taped! from Syracuse, New York.
Tom Hannifan & Matthew Rehwoldt were on commentary.
Eric Young v. EC3 in a No Disqualification Match
I’m not sure what the fine people of Syracuse did to deserve two Eric Young v. EC3 matches, but I’m sure they won’t do it again.
The fight went to the floor early and EC3 pulled a table from underneath the ring. EC3 whipped Young into the steel steps, then went to another side of the ring to find an aluminum trash can. Then back around to another side of the ring for EC3 to find a chair. EC3 tried to wrap the chair around Young’s head. They hit each other with stuff. EC3 did the Cactus Jack out of the ring clothesline to send them both to the floor.
After a commercial, Young just straight-up stomped on EC3’s groin for a bit. Then Young threw the trash can at him. Young pulled a chain out from under the ring and tried to choke out EC3. EC3 then whipped Young with the chain.
Young back suplexed EC3, then went to the top for a moonsault that missed. EC3 hit a rolling neckbreaker, then choked out Young with the chain. EC3 dropped Young with a TKO (the wrestling move… he didn’t make him take a 50% pay cut). Young got wrapped up in the chair, and EC3 tripped him up. EC3 then hit “The One Percenter” (a kind of short bulldog) with the chair wrapped around Young’s head.
Somehow, that isn’t the finish. They fought out to the apron, where Young kicked EC3 low three times. Young then piledrove EC3 off the apron through a table. Back in the ring, Young hit another piledriver, this time on a steel chair, and got the pinfall?
Match Result: Young pinned EC3 (about 11 minutes).
Bringing a guy back just to have him lose to Eric Young is a choice.
— Gia Miller interviewed Arianna Grace and Stacks. Grace doesn’t understand why she has to keep proving herself by defending her title, but Stacks has all kinds of plans.
— In the parking garage, the The System shouted about the upcoming matches tonight. They continue to peddle the fake news that you can’t beat The System.
Elayna Black Addressed the Live Crowd
Elayna Black said she’s the #1 knockout in the division. She’s coming for the winner of the TNA Knockouts Title match and she trashed the rest of the Knockouts Division.
This brought out the Concierge and Ash by Elegance, who said Black looked like “a gothic prostitute.” Ash talked about how she was a millionaire with a mansion and a yacht.
Indi Hartwell came out to mock Black and Ash for comparing paychecks. Black got sick of the argument and left, which was fine because that left the “real” Knockouts in the ring to discuss things. Hartwell pointed out that there wasn’t a thing about Ash that was a real. A fight broke out between Hartwell and Ash, and Hartwell knocked Ash to the floor.
This segment was pretty bad. The show was not off to a strong start.
— In her office, Daria Rae can’t believe that Santino Marella’s fight has been canceled, but she can handle all the decisions tonight.
KC Navarro & Nic Nemeth v. Bear Bronson & Brian Myers (w/ the rest of The System) for the TNA World Tag Team Championship
Nemeth saved Navarro from a double-suplex and then they dropkicked Bronson and Myers. Bronson countered an arm-ringer with a short-arm clothesline, then pummeled Nemeth with fists. Bronson distracted the referee so Edwards could choke Nemeth on the ropes.
Myers slowed Nemeth down with a chinlock. Nemeth broke the hold with a jawbreaker, but Myers cut him off with a high knee for a near fall. Myers dropped Nemeth with a back suplex. Myers charged in with a clothesline, but Nemeth caught Myers with a famouser and both men were down.
Tags were made on both sides. Navarro caught Bronson with a spinning DDT. Myers broke up the cover, and Nemeth super kicked Myers out to the floor. Nemeth took out Alexander and Edwards with a crossbody to the floor. Myers hit Nemeth with a spear.
Back in the ring, Alisha Edwards tripped up Navarro for a minute, and Bronson caught him with a sit-out tombstone to get the victory.
Match Result: Bronson & Myers defeated Nemeth & Navarro when Bronson pinned Navarro (6:33).
Eddie Edwards grabbed the house mic and called out his opponents to get their match started.
Moose & Leon Slater v. Eddie Edwards & Cedric Alexander (w/ Alisha Edwards)
During the match, it was announced that next week’s TNA X-Division title match between Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander will be a best of three falls match.
The other members of The System were barred from ringside for this match. Slater and Alexander started out and it was pretty great. Moose got the tag and floored Alexander with a chop. Moose and Slater dominated Edwards and Alexander. They both hit topes on their opponents on the floor.
Slater hit a top rope crossbody on Alexander for a near fall. Moose tagged in to chop away at Alexander. Moose caught Edwards on the apron with a chop, then slammed Alexander and stomped him. Slater got the tag and hit a big splash for a near fall. Alexander backed Slater in the heel corner, and Edwards thumbed Slater in the eye. Edwards then whipped Slater over the turnbuckles to the floor.
Slater beat the count in the ring, but Edwards was right on him with haymakers. Edwards lured Moose in the ring so he and Alexander could double team Slater. Alexander distracted the ref so Alisha Edwards could choke Slater against the ropes. Edwards chopped Slater in the corner. Slater tried to battle back, but Edwards cut him off with a doulbe chop to the throat. Slater dodged a charge from Edwards, caught Alexander with an enziguri, and dove for the hot tag to Moose… but Edwards yanked Moose to the floor before he could get the tag.
Alexander hit Slater with a dropkick to the back of the neck for a near fall. Edwards floored Slater with a clothesline. Alexander hit a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Slater fought back and caught Alexander with a leg lariat.
Slater got the tag to Moose, and he took both his opponents out with headbutts. Moose hit Edwards with the uranage/senton combo. Moose charged into a back elbow, but Edwards jumped to the middle rope, and Moose yanked him out of the corner with a choke bomb.
Slater hit The System with a double handspring back elbow. All four men started slugging it out. Slater and Alexander took each other out with kicks, and Moose and Edwards took themselves out with a double clothesline.
Moose hit Edwards with a boot, and Slater hit Alexander with a kick. Slater jumped into a Lumbar Check from Alexander, and Moose speared Alexander. Moose went for a spear, but Edwards countered with a sunset flip. But Moose rolled through that and caught Edwards with a jackknife cover to get the pinfall.
Match Result: Moose & Slater defeated Edwards & Alexander when Moose pinned Edwards (15:49).
Easily the best thing on the show so far. The TNA crowds are really into Moose. I hope nothing bad happens to him at the end of the show!
TNA Injury Report:
- EC3 and Eric Young are being evaluated after their match earlier.
- Frankie Kazarian & Elijah are out with injuries from their match last week.
- Lei Ying Lee & Arianna Grace are cleared for the main event later tonight.
— The Broken Hardys are back, and Matt Hardy cut a promo in the back of a plexiglass storage facility. Seriously, they were just walking around all this plexiglass. Jeff Hardy sang a song. The Broken Hardys and The Righteous feud will continue.
Mike Santana In Ring Interview
Mike Santana proved what it means to be TNA World Champion when he took on Rich Swann two weeks ago. Santana enjoyed giving out his own opportunities, and was just about to give out another title shot when Daria Rae interrupted.
Daria Rae told Santana that he doesn’t make the matches or choose his own opponents. And since Santino isn’t here, he can’t choose the next contender for the championship either. Daria Rae announced a battle royal for next week and the winner will be Santana’s next opponent. It doesn’t matter who the next man up is, since the outcome will be the same, according to Santana.
— AJ Francis announced he will be facing KC Navarro in a “Sac Town Street Fight.”
— KC Navarro offered a fired up retort to AJ Francis. He came back four months early for his uncle, and he doesn’t need Nic Nemeth to beat AJ Francis.
Next Week on Impact:
- Battle Royal for a Title Shot
- AJ Francis v. KC Navarro in a Street Fight
- Rosemary & Allie v. Victoria Crawford & Mila Moore
- Leon Slater v. Cedric Alexander for the TNA X Division Title
Arianna Grace (w/ Stacks) v. Lei Ying Lee for the TNA Knockouts World Championship
Xia Brookside was banned from the “Impact Zone.”
Lee tripped up Grace and caught her with a running knee. Lee hit an exploder suplex out of the corner, and Grace rolled to the floor to regroup with Stacks. They huddled up, and Lee ran around the ring to hit them both with a running dropkick.
Lee battered Grace around the ringside area. Grace sent her into the ring barricades headfirst. Back in the ring, Stacks distracted Lee, and Grace shoved Lee to the floor. Back on the floor, Grace suplexed Lee.
Back in the ring, Grace hit a sliding clothesline for a near fall. Grace offense was mostly shouting mean things at Lee and the crowd. Grace hit a back elbow for a near fall.
Grace slowed things down with a side headlock. Grace powerslammed Lee for a near fall. Brookside was shown watching the match backstage, which I guess isn’t part of the Impact Zone. And if I can be serious for a minute, Lee went for a Half-Crab, but Stacks helped Grace get to the ropes.
Lee caught Grace with a backslide for two. Grace fired back with strikes and a pump kick. Lee hit Grace with a spear for a near fall.
Lee tried for a powerbomb, but Grace flipped out of it and hit a back elbow for a near fall. Grace came off the top with a crossbody, but Lee rolled through an powered Grace up, then dumped her with a fallaway slam.
Grace caught Lee with a kick and gave her a superplex. Grace slapped Lee and badmouthed her. This just fired up Lee, who came back with forearms. Lee caught Grace with a spin kick, then dumped Grace with the Warrior’s Way. Lee went for the cover, but Stacks broke it up by putting Grace’s foot on the ropes. But the ref saw this interference and ejected Stacks. Lee dropped Stacks with a dropkick for good measure.
Grace hit a twisting neckbreaker for two. Lee came back with a kick, then came off the top with a springboard into a blockbuster and got the pinfall!
Match Result: Lei Ying Lee regained the TNA Knockouts World Title by pinning Grace after a blockbuster (13:41).
After the match, Daria Rae presented Lee with the Knockouts Championship. Definitely the right result, as it seems like there are a ton of heels lined up for title shots but hardly any babyfaces.
Moose has been laid out in the back! There was a chair wrapped around his neck as the show went off the air. The TNA medical team tended to Moose as the show went off the air.
ROH TV live results: The Rascalz vs. MxM TV, Red Velvet vs. Rachael Ellering
Ring of Honor presents its weekly show on HonorClub tonight.
Matches for this week’s episode were taped on April 6 at WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, Florida.
Nine matches have been announced for the show, including Red Velvet vs. Rachael Ellering in a Women’s World TV title Proving Ground match. The Rascalz will also be in action against MxM TV. The Grizzled Young Vets vs. Adam Priest & Tommy Billington is also scheduled.
Tonight’s confirmed ROH TV card
- Red Velvet (c) vs. Rachael Ellering in a Women’s World TV Title Proving Ground
- Josh Woods vs. Beef in Pure Rules
- Action Andretti vs. Nathan Cruz
- Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. The Infantry
- Tommy Billington & Adam Priest vs. Grizzled Young Veterans
- Bang Bang Gang vs. The Workhorsemen
- The Frat House vs. Alec Price & Jordan Oliver
- Main Man Oro & Kiran Grey vs. Premier Athletes
- MxM TV vs. The Rascalz
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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And begin it does! With only one week until Supercard of Honor, I imagine we will be getting a lot of matches set up tonight (Just kidding, we’ll find out around 2pm on the 15th) in what looks to be a cavalcade of tag team turmoil on tonight’s show!
Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) (w/Shane Taylor)
Middle fingers were thrown, bells were rung and Bravo and Ortiz kicked things off with Otiz landing a scoop slam. They fought until Dean was able to grab a blind tag and exploded through the ropes laying hands on Ortiz.
The Infantry went for a double team, which brought in Kingston and a brawl ensued. The only one not involved was Taylor at ringside. When the dust settled Ortiz and Bravo were legal. Bravo put Orrtiz in a tree of woe and he resorted to biting to fend off Bravo.
Ortiz stayed in the tree of woe while Kingston chased Bravo and Dean around the ring. Bravo got back in and dropkicked Ortiz, ending his time in the tree. From there Bravo took him to stomp city and sent him to the Infantry corner for a double team.
Otiz came back with a jawbreaker, but when he went for the tag, he found nothing but a clothesline. The Infantry tagged in and out, splashing Ortiz in the corner. The BBC was deployed by Dean and Bravo turned to the camera to encourage kids to “please try this at home.”
Otiz finally got a tag to Kingston who set up the Infantry in opposite corners for big splashes and belly rubs, I mean open hand chops. Ortiz hit a spinebuster on Bravo, but he kicked out of Kingston’s cover at two.
Dean came in and dropped Kingston with a lungblower. Ortiz tagged back in just in time to eat a combination neckbreaker from the Infantry. The Infantry went for Boot Camp, but Kingston interrupted with an exploder on Dean.
Ortiz then came in and wrapped up Bravo in a trap pin to get the 1-2-3.
Match Result: Eddie Kingston & Ortiz defeated The Infantry
After the match, Taylor joined Bravo and Dean in a brief beatdown, but Mance Warner of all people came down to make the save and run off STP.
Pure Rules Match: Josh Woods vs. Beef
Unless there is something I don’t know (which according to my wife is DEFINITELY possible) I cannot see a reason why Beef is in this match.
Beyond that though, the bell rang and the two big men did a bunch of striking. Eventually, Woods got Beef in a lec scissor and Beef used his first rope break at 0:33. Beef started throwing bombs, sending Woods to the outside, but it cost him his one closed fist warning at 1:22.
Woods met Beef where he lives, throwing strikes and suplexes. He bridged a German Suplex, but Beef kicked out. Beef threw a dropkick followed by a splash in the corner and a series of lariats. He then hit a bulldog on Woods followed by a second rope crossbody.
Woods finally managed to get Beef off his feet and put on an ankle lock. Beef countered it, but Woods went right back with a triangle leg/waist lock. Beef immediately tapped out and everyone went “ok.”
Match Result: Josh Woods defeated BEEF
-Backstage, ROH Women’s Pure Champion Deonna Purrazzo cut a promo on Diamante, calling her out for copying her after Diamante used the fujiwara last week. They will meet at Supercard of Honor.
Bang Bang Gang (Ace Austin & Juice Robinson) vs. The Workhorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake)
Austin and Henry started things offwith duelling wristlocks until Henry resorted to hair pulling. Austin countered with a dropkick, sending Henry into the waiting tag of Drake. Robinson tagged in and grabbed a headlock on Drake. Drake countered it and then no-sold a bunch of shoulder tackles from Robinson.
Robinson started flexing at him, and then they both went off the ropes with Robinson dropping down to trip Drake up. That brought in Henry who avenged his partner with a headlock. But then Drake grabbed a blind tag to get back in and suplex Robinson across the ring. On the outside, Henry took out Austin.
Drake became the third wrestler tonight to resort to biting, but the bitee, Robinson, started punching him in the gut. Henry came in and hit a drop toe hold on Robinson, sending him into Drake’s knees. Henry then stomped and twisted Robinson’s arms.
Drake tagged in with a rolling senton and then pretended to moon Austin in the corner. Zing.
Robinson blocked a sulplex, so Drake switched to a lariat and then splash in the corner. Henry tagged in Robinson dodged his charge and rolled through a tag to Austin. Austin cleaned house, landing a springboard kick to send Drake out of the ring. Henry came in and Austin avoided his offense before landing a spingboard crossbody on Drake.
Austin hit a gutwrench powerbomb for a two count on Henry and Robinson came in to help him with a double team. Drake took out Austin on the outside and Henry hit a shining wizard on Robinson for a two count. He followed that up with a double stomp and a high crossbody from Drake, but Austin broke up the pin.
Austin out of nowhere hit The Fold on Henry, but Drake was the legal man. Robinson hit Drake wth a swining front face DDT and that was able to put the big man down for three. We’ll just assume they were the legal men.
Match Result: Bang Bang Gang defeated The WorkHorsemen
Backstage Zayda Steel announced that she’s going to face Hyan in a qualifier next week to see who takes Persephone’s place in the Survival of the Fittest Match for the Women’s World Title at Supercard of Honor.
Then, Maya World and Hyan responded with a promo of their own, saying that no one is ready for the two of them (has anyone checked with Auska?). They promised to take what is theirs at Supercard.
Action Andretti vs. Nathan Cruz
Andretti arrived in a very tiny vest and did not give us any new information about what the heck is going on with his alleged tag partner and noted wierdo, Lio Rush. Really sparkly pants though.
Cruz grabbed a wristlock off the top and Andretti said “I want one of those!” and grabbed one of his own. The speed picked up and they ran the ropes with Andretti landing a headscissor and doing a little dancing.
Andretti sent Cruz to the corner and Cruz reversed the whip before landing a back breaker. Cruz put Andretti in a fireman’s carry which Andretti countered with a big forearm to the face. Andretti went for a handspring back elboe, sending Cruz out of the ring.
Andretti leapt off the second rope and hit Cruz with a moonsault before sending him abck into the ring. Andretti hit a running shooting star press for a two count. Andretti went for a torture rack, but Cruz got out of it and hit a sit out powerbomb for a two count of his own.
Lio Rush then wandered out, but not in the weird way. He seemed perfectly normal. That confused Cruz, the audience and this reporter.
However, the distraction allowed Andretti to hit a running neckbreaker and pick up the win.
Match Result: Action Andretti defeated Nathan Cruz
The Frat House (Cole Karter & Griff Garrison) vs. Alec Price & Jordan Oliver (Bustah and the Brain)
Garrison and Karter jumped Oliver and Price right off the top and Karter tried to roll up Price to end it quick. Price kicked out though and Garrison tagged in. He held back Price from making a tag to Oliver and dragged him back to the Frat House corner for some double teaming while Jacked Jameson yelled nonsense on the outside.
Price got a flipping tag to Oliver who took out Karter and then they double teamed Garrison with a really impressive back cutter. Jameson then got up on the ring tro cause a distraction, allowing Karter to dropkick Price.
Garrison joined them for a helicopter bomb, but Price kicked out. Karter made a tag and Price hit him with a dropkick. He made a tag to Oliver and they double teamed Karter. Price then leapt over the ropes to take out the Frat House on the outside.
Price hit a driving elbow while Oliver held Karter and that was it. Price and Oliver get the win.
Match Result: Alec Price & Jordan Oliver defeated The Frat House
Eight Man Tag Team Match: Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico) & The Colons (Eddie Colon & Orlando Colon) vs Alexander Lev, Better Together (Hadar Horvitz & Ori Gold) & Hunter James
SAP teamed with a the Colons two weeks ago in a victory over The Frat House. It was so much fun, they thought they’d try it again against some local talent.
Angelico started off against Horvitz, who grabbed a headlock, bringing Angelico to his knees. Angelico reversed it and tagged in Serpentico who hit a double stomp on Horvitz’s arm. Gold tagged in and Serpentico slammed him into an arm lock.
Eddie tagged in and hit a drop toe hold, hanging Gold up on the ropes. Orlando then flipped in, but Horvitz grabbed a tag and and they double teamed Orlando. James tagged in next and hit a high knee into a powerslam. Orlando kicked out and James grabbed a headlock.
Horvitz and Godl traded tags and then put Orlando in a hugging hammerlock before tagging in Lev. He went for a neckbreaker, but Orlando countered it into one of his own. Hot tags were made on both sides and Eddie and James traded dropkicks.
Eddie locked James in a figure four in the middle of the ring what was broken up by Lev. Then everyone started brawling until Angelico cleared the ring and Serpentico dove onto the field on the outside.
Eddie hit a lungblower on James followed by a frog splash from Orlando and that was it. SAP and the Colons win.
Match Result: Spanish Announce Project & The Colons defeated Alexander Lev, Better Together & Hunter James
-Backstage, Lexy Nair approached Action Andretti who was leaving a voicemail for Lio Rush, begging for him to call him. She asked him what was going on and Andretti said he didn’t have any answers.
Main Man Oro & Kiran Grey vs. The Premier Athletes (Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese) w/Stori Denali and Mark Sterling
Daivari started off against Grey, who exited the ring to yell at Sterling. When he got back into the ring, Nese was there and he put him in a tree of woe and then kicked him a bunch, working out his abs in the process.
Daivari tagged back in and held Grey for Nese to punch in the gut. Nese held Grey while Daivari went for a shoulder tackle, but Gre got out of the way and they collided.
Nese recovered and went for a pumphandle on Oro, but Grey broke it up and started brawling with Daivari on the outside. Oro countered a second pumphandle, but Nese got him with an atomic drop. Daivari came in and they hit a double slam on Oro and that was it.
Match Result: The Premier Athletes defeated Kiran Grey & Oro
Next, Caprice Coleman “chopped it up” with the Lethal Twist, Jay Lethal, Blake Christian and Lee Johnson. Coleman asked why Lethal was hanging out with Christian and Johnson. Lethal said he liked them better than Priest and Billington and Coleman asked about Sanjay Dutt and Jeff Jarrett.
Lethal got offended by this and said that they were all together to help each other. He then bigged up Christian (who’s facing Bandido at Supercard). Coleman asked if Lethal would get the first title shot if Christian won and they all stormed off.
Caprice Coleman is great at calling matches, but doesn’t seem to be very good at “chopping it up.”
ROH Women’s World Television Title Proving Ground Match: Red Velvet (c) vs. Rachael Ellering
Off the bell, Ellering clocked Velvet with a lariat then picked her up for a gutwrench suplex. Ellering landed another one and went for a cover, but Velvet kicked out. Ellering chopped Velvet into the ropes but spent too much time talking to the crowd and Velvet came back with a meteora.
Ellering hit a shoulder tackle but Velvet countered with a high pump kick. She went for a moonsault, but Ellering moved and hit two back to back sentons. Velvet came back with another high kick and went for a suplex but couldn’t get Ellering up. Ellering countered one final attempt into a suplex of her own.
Ellering hit a pop up slam off the ropes for a two count. Velvet came back and tried another kick, but Ellering caught it and hit a boss man slam. Ellering left herself open and Velvet hit a big right hand followed by the Kitchen Sink. She made the pin and got the three count to dash Ellering’s hopes.
Match Result: Red Velvet defeated Rachael Ellering
It was then announced that Red Velvet will face Viva Van for some reason for the Women’s TV Title at Supercard.
Tommy Billington & Adam Priest vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson)
Gibson faced off against Billington and they tied up with Gibson getting Billington to the mat and trying to force him into a pin. Billington powered back though, avoiding the pin. Once he got to his feet, Billington grabbed a wristlock and they ran through some chain wrestling.
Billington overtook Gibson who retreated to his corner and tagged in Drake who took down Billington with a shoulder tackle. They wormed around the ring trying to get headlocks in, but Billington needed to tag in Priest to break the stalemate.
They hit a double suplex on Drake and Billington went back to legal and grabbed a headlock, then a back body drop. Priest tagged back in and he and Drake fought in the corner, trading chops. Gibson tagged in and shoved Priest into the ropes before levelling him with some hard forearms.
Drake tagged in and Gibson picked him up and dropped him onto Priest for a two count. Gibson tagged in and they worked the arm of Priest, isolating him from making a tag.
Priest fought off Gibson, but Drake was able to get a sleeper on him. Priest countered it into a back suplex and went for a tag, but Gibson pulled Billington off the apron. Gibson tagged in a hit a back suplex into a tight headlock on Priest.
Priest managed to fight Gibson off and hit a neckbreaker. Drake tagged in as Priest got the hot tag to Billington. He fought off both Drake and Gibson with a series of suplexes. He then locked in a crossface on Drake, but Gibson dragged him to the ropes to break it.
Drake a Gibson slipped to the outside and Billington and Priest dove on them from opposite ringposts. They brought Drake back into the ring and hit a clothesline/German suplex combo for a two count. Gibson re entered the ring in time to take dropkick from Billington while Priest and Drake traded blows.
Priest put a one-leg Boston crab on Drake. Gibson tried to break it up, but Billington put him in a crossface. Gibson broke free and Priest let go, giving Drake a chance to try and roll him up. Priest countered though and tried a pile driver, but Gibson intercepted and they double teamed him with a doomsday device.
Billington came back in and put Gibson in the crossface again, leaving Drake vulnerable for the rollup from Priest. 1-2-3 Billington and Priest win.
Match Result: Adam Priest & Tommy Billington defeated Grizzled Young Veterans
Six Man Tag Match: MxMxTV (Johnny TV, Mansoor & Mason Madden) vs. The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Myron Reed & Zachary Wentz)
Poses were struck, tips were touched and Mansoor got ready to start the match against Reed. Mansoor got the upper hand early, but Reed came back quickly in between poses. Madden and TV then started their own “this is awesome” chant on the apron.
Reed hit a springboard dropkick on Mansoor and the Rascalz hit a quick triple team, leaving Wentz legal. Madden and TV caused a distraction and Mansoor poked the Xavier in the eye. Madden tagged in and hit a high spin kick on Xavier, sending him to the MxMxTV corner for some triple teaming and triple posing.
Reed came in and broke it up, fighting off Madden and Mansoor before putting TV up in a fireman’s carry. TV got out of it and hit a neckbreaker into a pin for a two count. TV threw Reed out of the ring for Madden and Mansoor to beat up while he talked trash to Xavier.
TV whiffed on a springboard kick, but Mansoor and Madden double teamed Reed, resulting in a two count. Madden stayed legal and hit Reed with a headbutt that crumpled him. TV tagged in and they went high/low on Reed for another two count.
Reed hit TV with a stunner, but that sent him into Mansoor who tagged in. Reed dispatched him then hit another stunner on TV for good measure. Wentz and Madden tagged in and Wentz took him and then Mansoor out.
The Rascalz picked up some momentum, running through hot tags and taking out whoever was in the ring until Madden flattened Reed with a big kick. He then hit a spinning slam on Reed, but during the post, Xavier came back in and broke it up, poking Madden in the eyes.
Madden went for a chokeslam, but grabbed Mansoor by accident. The Rascalz hit a triple kick and then a swan dive, 450 and twisting moonsault in sequence on Mansoor to pick up the victory.
Match Result: The Rascalz defeated MxMxTV
WOL: Early WCW memories, AEW Dynamite
Wrestling Observer Live is back with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and Lance Storm today to talk about memories of early WCW,AEW Dynamite and Collision reports, Raja Jackson plea, and more! A fun show as always so check it out ~!
WOR: Ted Turner life and times, Q&A, Dynamite, more!
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the life and times of Ted Turner and what he meant to the wrestling business, your mailbag questions on his life, AEW Dynamite notes plus line-ups for the next two shows, FantasticaMania, ratings and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
AEW Dynamite & Collision live results: Darby Allin vs. Kevin Knight
AEW Dynamite and Collision airs tonight from the Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina.
It will be a three-hour broadcast with four matches advertised ahead of time.
The AEW World Championship will be on the line for the third week in a row on Dynamite as Darby Allin defends against TNT Champion Kevin Knight.
There will also be a Double Jeopardy match featuring Dax Harwood vs. Orange Cassidy. If Cassidy wins, he can pick a partner from The Conglomeration and challenge FTR for the AEW World Tag Team titles. If Harwood wins, he will team with Cash Wheeler and Tommaso Ciampa to challenge The Conglomeration for the AEW World Trios titles.
Mina Shirakawa and Harley Cameron will also team against Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander, while Jon Moxley will face Juice Robinson in an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator match.
As of this writing, 1,965 tickets have been allocated against a current setup of 2,286.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Tony Schiavone in the ring to pay tribute to Ted Turner, who passed away today at the age of 87. Schiavone said Turner believed in pro wrestling, fans and that wrestling belonged on national television. Because of his vision, wrestling found a home on TBS & TNT, making fans realize they were destination viewing. Schiavone brought up starting in the studio in 1985 and decades later, because of the leadership of Ted Turner, Tony Khan and Warner Media, wrestling survives. Turner loved wrestling and the fans, we are here today because of him. Schiavone said there’s one man who knows this better than anyone else, a man who arrived in the studios of TBS in 1987 and has become one of the faces to what wrestling means to TBS and welcomes Sting.
Sting walks out, no music, instead Holy Sh*t chants, as he hugged Schiavone, who said Ted Turner is a big part of why they’ve been together nearly 40 decades and knows Sting has memories he wants to share. Sting said imagine having a billionaire who was all in on pro wrestling, Big Ted. Sting can’t believe how committed and devoted Turner was, even when top brass questioned pro wrestling being in the red, Turner would look at all of them and tell the wrestlers to keep doing what you’re doing because I have deep pockets. Sting said there wouldn’t be a Sting, Darby Allin, TNT Title, Tony Schiavone without Ted Turner and thanks Big Ted again. Schiavone brings up Allin facing the Turner Network Television champion Kevin Knight. Sting said he & Allin took a blowtorch to this place for 3 years and it’s great to be back in South Carolina and great that Allin will defend the AEW World Title tonight. Sting is also grateful for another all-in billionaire who wants to keep the ball rolling, Tony Khan. Schiavone brings up that the side plates on the TNT & TBS Titles are to honor the Turner Network past. Their thoughts go out to Turner’s family and lives he touched. Now, they bring you 3-hours of Dynamite & Collision in tribute to The Maverick, Ted Turner.
A 10-bell salute is done in silence with a Memorial graphic on the screen. This was an excellent tribute to kick off the show.
Jon Moxley vs. Juice Robinson in a Continental Title Eliminator
(The first singles match between these two since 2022 and only their second in AEW, as they continue to work extremely well with one another. Robinson, who was wildly over on Collision last week, had another strong showing here and hopefully we’ll see more singles matches in the future. Moxley continues his excellent reign here, fighting all challengers, but with Double or Nothing in only a few weeks, it’ll be interesting to see who he’ll line up against at that show.)
Renee Paquette is ringside and brought up the history between Moxley & Robinson, saying Moxley called this the longest bar fight of his career, while Robinson said he’s beaten him before and he’ll beat Moxley again. Excalibur reminds us there’s no outside interference allowed and if Robinson makes it the 20-minutes, he’ll get a Continental Title match.
Forearm exchange right at the bell turn to shoulder blocks, with neither giving way to the other leading to an intense face-off. Flying lariat from Robinson, who lit up Moxley with corner chops and headbutts, until Moxley got up a boot, tried piledriver, but had his legs swept out, allowing Robinson to slingshot him to the floor and meet him with a cannonball from the apron. Back inside, the cheek of Moxley is bleeding, as Robinson lit him up with jabs, but Moxley bailed before the Left Hand of God could connect. Moxley tried to take a powder, but Robinson chucked him over the time-keepers table, which Robinson leapt off of with an axe handle. 10 punches back inside from Robinson led to a cross body, as Moxley again took a powder. Moxley reversed a whip outside and sent Robinson flying off the apron into the steps with a dropkick. Moxley gnawed on the fingers of Robinson back inside, as Taz said it was fair, since Robinson bit Moxley earlier. Robinson fought back with a desperation scissors kick into the reset.
Robinson, working off one hand, dished out chops and jabs with his right hand, but took too long to go for the corner cannonball. Moxley popped up, blocked a lariat and fired off a Cutter. Moxley’s turn to dish out 10 corner punches, as he got to 9 before Robinson slid out into a powerbomb and got his corner cannonball at the 10-minute call. Corner hurricanrana led to a massive lariat for a near fall. Dueling chants, as Robinson backdropped out of a piledriver into a cradle pin for two, but followed with a Full Nelson Slam. Robinson spat in his injured hand (I guess that cured it?) as he went for the Left Hand of God, but Moxley bit the forehead, only to run into the Left Hand of God. Robinson up top for a high cross body and another near fall. Both trade headbutts, forearms and knee strikes until Robinson side steps a corner charge into a roll-up for two. Juice is Loose blocked into a Rear Naked Choke, transitioned to a piledriver for two. Moxley quickly to the Bulldog Choke, as Robinson fought valiantly, but went unconscious.
Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Juice Robinson
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-Commentary again brings up Death Riders working with Will Ospreay and sends us to training between them earlier today. Daniel Garcia said they don’t care about Ospreay winning titles in Japan with his petty little friends and he’s going to have to work for it if he truly wants it. Wheeler Yuta is seated on Ospreay’s back, as he’s doing push-ups, as Ospreay is doing neck bridges with him at the same time. Moxley, who is also training, sits down next to him and asks if Ospreay ever heard of the concept of Death Ground? Standing on ground, from which you can’t leave, there’s no escape, no other options, it’s do or die. That’s where Ospreay is at right now, if they don’t get his neck and head right, it’s over, he’s done. Ospreay could have a career in AEW, get paid, hang out, like the rest of these posers, but Ospreay is different. It’s a privilege to be where Ospreay is at, to come all the way this far up the mountain to get to the hardest 1%. Ospreay is on Death Ground, it’s got to be hard, it’s the only option, nothing else exists, except what’s in front of you, right now. Moxley orders Ospreay on his back, as Marina Shafir puts a towel around his neck, but PAC tells the camera that’s enough. Excalibur said from trying to end Ospreay’s career, to make him into the greatest weapon wrestling has ever seen.
Dax Harwood vs. Orange Cassidy – Double Jeopardy Match (If Cassidy wins, he gets an AEW Tag Team Title match with a partner of his choosing. If Harwood wins, FTR & Tommaso Ciampa get an AEW Trios Title match
(Majority of this was thankfully left between the two competitors, as the outside shenanigans with what would essentially be lumberjacks, were kept to a minimum for the most part. I thought the finish was unexpected, especially seeing as FTR are already lined up for a Tag Title match at Double or Nothing. Perhaps Cassidy can bank this title shot for whoever walks away Tag Champions following the PPV? Though, I assume it’s just going to happen next week or something.)
Harwood is out with Stokely (dressed as Orange Cassidy), Cash Wheeler, Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, Clark Connors & RPG Vice. Meanwhile, Cassidy is out with Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong, butalso by The Young Bucks, Adam Copeland & Christian Cage. So, this has pretty much turned into a Lumberjack Match.
Quick shoulder tackles and pin attempts from Harwood, as Cassidy gets in a few up kicks into a side headlock before rubbing the bald head of Harwood. Cassidy blocked multiple corner chops and blasted Harwood with an Orange Punch, sending Harwood outside. Cassidy found himself surrounded by heels, so the babyface side came to the assist. This delay allowed Harwood to dodge another Orange Punch, as Cassidy punched the post, Stokley & Ciampa took turns slamming the hand against the post, as Harwood ran distraction before taking over.
Harwood tried a piledriver, Cassidy spun out, floated over in the corner, went up top and bit Harwood before getting his diving DDT for two. Harwood went outside and blocked a Cassidy dive, slamming him hand first into the announce table and then face first for good measure. Back inside, Harwood mocked the little kicks, so Cassidy went to the pockets and hit the dropkick into the kip-up followed by the spinning DDT. Stokely up on the apron to run distraction, as Harwood decked Cassidy with a combo, but Cassidy got a roll-up for two, but was kicked off into the ropes and ate a punch from Finlay. Referee Paul Turner is trying to stop the 12-men arguing outside, as Harwood went out to grab the ring bell. Turner saw it, took the bell away, as Cassidy popped Harwood with a PK. Cassidy looked to go for Orange Punch, Harwood didn’t block him initially, so Cassidy just awkwardly stopped, so they did the spot again and Harwood hit his bounce back sit-out Liger Bomb for two.
Cassidy popped off a Stundog Millionaire counter and Orange Punch to follow, but Harwood kicked out. Harwood recovered and slapped on a cross-arm-breaker, Cassidy fought out into a pin attempt for the flash pin. Post-match, as soon as the bell rang, everyone outside started brawling with the babyfaces standing tall, leaving Romero & Beretta surrounded by multiple rocks and hard places. Romero tried to make friends, but ate a combo from Strong & O’Reilly, as Beretta ate superkicks from The Bucks, Spear from Copeland and punt kick low from Cage.
Match Result: Orange Cassidy defeated Dax Harwood to earn at an AEW Tag Team Title match for himself and a partner of his choosing
-Video package on Rush is shown and his time in AEW. Commentary said he’s become the single most violent man in All Elite Wrestling.
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-We see footage of Jericho attacked last week by The Demand backstage, as Ricochet said Jericho isn’t even worth hitting a Rico-sault on. We then go backstage tonight to Renee Paquette with Jericho, who said he’s pretty f’n furious and the time for talking is done and the time for words is over, it’s time to fight. Unlike The Demand, he wants to take it to the people. Jericho walks through the crowd to the ring, saying he’ll keep it simple because it’s Charleston, it’s Dynamite and he’s Jericho. He’s done with the beatdowns, the 3-on-1 attacks, the bullsh*t, so he demands Ricochet come out to talk face-to-face (I thought he just said the time for talking is over?)
Ricochet walks out solo, for about 5 seconds, as Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona join him to the ring. Ricochet said he tried to do Jericho a favor by telling him to leave, but he didn’t listen. He bets Jericho think it’s funny to trademark the things he does and question if Jericho has a humiliation kink? Ricochet runs down the crowd, calls it North Carolina and Jericho hilariously looks at the camera saying it’s South Carolina. Kaun whispers something to Ricochet, as he said it’s a good idea and brings up 6-years ago, Jericho invented a match and said he’ll beat Jericho in his own creation. The crowd is all over Ricochet, as he said he won’t just beat Jericho with the Rico-sault, he wants to beat him in Stadium Stampede, but the only problem is, the last time they fought, Jericho had to pay people to team with him, questioning if Jericho would find 4 other partners (math isn’t mathing there, as there’s 3 of The Demand and 1 of Jericho.)
Jericho calls Ricochet a dumb son of a b*tch and says it’s South Carolina (Ricochet said same thing) and said he’ll find 4 other partners, as he’s sure someone likes him. If Jericho can’t find partners, he’ll take on all of them himself. Jericho called Ricochet bald and punched him in the face before clearing the ring of Kaun & Liona and wiped-out Ricochet with a Judas Effect. He went for a Lionsault, but Liona popped him with a right hand. The Hurt Syndicate’s music played, as Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin sprint out and The Demand hightail it.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Mina Shirakawa & Harley Cameron, who doesn’t know how to feel about their match tonight. Shirakawa said to Cameron they have a match to win tonight and brings up Cameron being a first ever Tag Team Champion and stop looking out there and look in here (Shirakawa ripped Cameron’s shirt and it caused Cameron to Hulk Up and rip it clean off). Cameron found her intensity and Paquette suggests she goes and finds a shirt before her match.
Kazuchika Okada vs. Bryan Keith for the AEW International Title
(We haven’t seen Keith on Dynamite since January this year, but he put up one hell of a fight here, pushing Okada to the limit. Okada continues these solid TV matches against challengers, with all roads leading to Konosuke Takeshita. The interesting bit, however, being that Okada made his intentions clear that he wants the AEW World Title soon, as well.)
Excalibur brings up Keith being the Defy Champion and racking up wins recently on Ring of Honor. Don Callis (guarded by Lance Archer) joins commentary, as Taz puts him over, while Schiavone informs Callis they all hate him. Both men exchange strikes in the early going, as it’s Keith who won the exchange with a series of boots for a two count. Loud chops and thrust kick from Keith, but Okada blocked an Exploder, dodged a corner charge and dropkicks Keith out of the corner to the floor. Okada spiked Keith with a DDT outside, threw him over to Callis before running distraction on referee Aubrey, letting Callis get in some boots. Back inside, Okada dared Keith to start a strike exchange before planting with another DDT and leaping corner elbow.
Okada wanted his top rope elbow, Keith dodged, Okada rolled through, as Keith grabbed the arm into a brutal knee strike. Keith didn’t back down, cracking Okada with a flying forearm and leaping DDT for two. Okada rolled outside, tried another DDT, but Keith was ready, spun-out and hit one of his own, stunning Okada in the process. Back inside, Okada fought off an Exploder again, this time into the Air Raid Crash on the knee. Top rope elbow hits, as Callis said it was one for daddy, with Okada flipping off the crowd. Keith avoided a Rainmaker, but not the picture-perfect dropkick, which hit, Rainmaker attempt was blocked into an uppercut headbutt into a huge Tiger Driver for a close near fall. Keith signals for the end, hits a high boot in the corner, wants Diamond Dust, only Okada countered into a sit-out slam followed by a Rainmaker for the win.
Post-match, Callis said Okada had something important to say. Okada said he already has the International Title (unlike Takeshita), but he wants more, so he’s coming for the AEW World Title, b*tch.
Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Bryan Keith to retain the AEW International Title
-A video package on the new IWGP Global Champion Andrade el Idolo is shown.
-Ahead of tonight’s main event, we go backstage to JetSpeed and Speedball Bailey said tonight, Kevin Knight becomes Jet-2-Belts and said he’ll be a champion we can be proud of. Knight thanks him and brings up Darby Allin saying he’s going to fight until his body gives out, which is what is going to happen, as tonight, Knight becomes the new AEW World Champion.
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-The Opps are backstage, as Samoa Joe said he’s worried, last week, he put out an offer that he’s afraid is not being heard. He tells Will Ospreay to hear these words in a non-intimidating manor and men like Jon Moxley, he’s telling him how to think, while Joe won’t do that, he wants Ospreay to think how he wants. Joe sees the tide rising, that Ospreay is destined for greatness, some say he’ll be the next World Champion. How much will be left for Ospreay to be such a champion? With men like Joe by his side, it could be a very long time. While HOOK is gone this week filming a movie, Joe puts people in a better position to succeed. Joe will put Anthony Bowens in a better position to succeed and Katsuyori Shibata is one of the best in the world right in the here and now with The Opps. The choice is up to William and it’s clear as day, Joe puts out his hand one last time, but know, if it’s not accepted, Joe will put out his fist.
Hikaru Shida & Kris Statlander vs. Harley Cameron & Mina Shirakawa
(Shida is getting more and more heelish as the weeks go on and finally (hopefully?) Statlander is starting to see it. While they did get the win tonight, it’ll be interesting to see where her loyalties lie when all is said and done. I thought Shirakawa & Cameron teamed well here tonight and Cameron continues to improve and get more over with the fans each time she’s in the ring.)
Statlander rag-dolls Shirakawa early, mocking the shimmy, as Shirakawa ramps up an uppercut exchange, gets a leg sweep and low dropkick to the back before shimmying herself. Shida made a blind tag, but as Cameron demanded a tag, Shida bailed and tagged back in Statlander. Showing off her power, Statlander hit a back suplex, but Cameron got a misdirect head scissors to stand tall. Corner splash hits, as Shirakawa tags back in and we get a Russian Leg Sweep/Tornillo nice looking combo for two. Shirakawa tried a head scissors of her own, but Statlander countered into a back breaker. Finally, Shida tags in, blasting Shirakawa with a running knee lift on the apron before mocking Cameron. Statlander suplexed her own partner (didn’t boot her in the stomach before like Shida did last week) on Shirakawa in the corner, but Shida’s feet caught poor Shirakawa flush in the face.
Despite that, Shirakawa still managed a comeback, fighting off a Shida Falcon Arrow with a rolling forearm to get the hot tag to Cameron. Tag to Statlander as well, as Cameron ran wild, Shining Wizard connected, with Shirakawa flying in with a top rope dropkick and head scissors for two, as Shida broke the count. The match continues to break down, as Shirakawa took too long to go up top, as Statlander met her with a superplex, held on into a spinning Fisherman’s Slam for two. Shida joined in, but Shirakawa ducked and Shida decked Statlander with a flying knee. Cameron tagged in, fired off strikes into a swinging neckbreaker into a jackknife pin for two, as both trade close pin attempts. Backstabber from Cameron, who went for Her Finishing Move, but Statlander caught her with a scissors kick. Shida quickly spiked Cameron with a Falcon Arrow, as Statlander cleared out Shirakawa for Shida to get the pin on Cameron.
Match Result: Hikaru Shida & Kris Statlander defeated Harley Cameron & Mina Shirakawa when Shida pinned Cameron
-We go backstage to Swerve Strickland saying 2 months ago, he said he was going after power, which few knows what he truly means. It’s deciding who eats and who starves, being the man to make sure everyone sees it. From the most dangerous, the most violent to the Most Wanted. Strickland held up the Wanted Sign and said there’s nothing more dangerous than a man that desires power and he wants it all. Prince Nana smirks as they both walk away.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Brodido, as Bandido said Strickland is right, he is the Most Wanted and if Strickland wants a fight, come get it. Brody King said if Strickland wants to mess with his friends, there will be hell to pay.
Darby Allin vs. TNT Champion Kevin Knight for the AEW World Title
(Another week, another excellent title defense by Allin, as the wheels haven’t fallen off yet, so these bangers must continue and will next week, as we learned in the post-match, against Kazuchika Okada. Knight put on another great showing, this time even in defeat, as his future remains bright. The post-match, there’s a lot to unpack here, as Allin said what he wanted from MJF and it’s…his hair. I’m just happy it’s not another “I can never challenge for the World Title” stipulation and this can be fun, with MJF losing his mind if he ends up bald. We’ll see if he actually accepts the terms next week.)
Taz brings up how Knight was the one to knock Allin out the Continental Classic, while Excalibur brings up how both were trained by Buddy Wayne. After an early scramble, Allin offered a handshake and Knight kind of swiped it away, as the two work a Test of Strength, Knight gets the takedown and offered a handshake up, which Allin kicked away. Things start getting chippy, as they trade chops until an Allin Coffin Splash got two. Both ducked the other’s charges until they turned one another inside out with a double clothesline. They slowly rise, as Allin went to the corner, but Knight was right there for his leaping hurricanrana and dropkick that sent Allin to the outside. Back inside, Knight went up top with Allin, who fought free, causing Knight to back flip and roll out, only to be met with an Allin missile dropkick for the reset.
Combo strikes from Allin, who hit a snap Code Red for two, as Knight rolled outside, only right in position for Allin to hit his low Tope, smacking Knight’s head against the announce table. Schiavone stole a line from Taz and called it Whiplash Jones, as Allin sat Knight down on a chair, went up for his dropkick, only Knight recovered, threw the chair aside and hit his standing leaping hurricanrana causing Allin to go thud on the floor. Knight placed Allin on the table, slowly went to the ring and hit a wild springboard diving clothesline, causing both to tumble over the table. Knight came up limping, as he threw Allin back inside, leapt off the second rope, right into an awaiting Allin for the Scorpion Death Lock. Knight used his size to get the rope break. Allin tried a Coffin Drop, Knight got the knees up, doing more damage to himself, but it needed to be done to avoid the impact.
Knight limps his way over to bring Allin to the corner, sets him up in the Tree of Woe. We get a callback to the Continental Classic spot and Knight hits his Coast to Coast before going up top for his UFO Splash that hits flush for a close two count. Knight went up to the corner, but Allin crawled to the opposite side, suckering Knight in, as he kicked out the bad leg and fell right into a Guillotine Choke. Knight nearly faded, but got to his feet. Allin pulled him to the apron, pulled him throat first against the top rope, draped him on the top, hit one Coffin Drop and a proper one for the victory in a hell of a main event.
Post-match, Sting headed to the ring to celebrate with Allin, as we switch over to the Collision portion of the show. Sting raised Allin’s hand, shook Knight’s hand, as Allin showed respect as well. Sting gave Allin the ring, but the music for MJF hit and he’s out to the stage with a mic in hand. MJF doesn’t know what’s worse, that he has to be in the Carolina’s or that Allin’s reign is continuing. MJF said no one wants to see this continue, enough is enough, kid, it’s been cute, so it’s time to give him his rematch. Allin said MJF will have to give something up, so MJF said fine, he’ll put up his beautiful scarf. Allin said no, so MJF offered his Dynamite Diamond Ring. Allin said no, so MJF offered $1,000,000, but Allin said he used to be homeless under a bridge, his money is no good to him. MJF said everyone has a price and what Allin wants? Allin said what MJF holds the most dear, something he flew to Turkey to get sewed on his head, he wants MJF’s hair. Allin calls MJF a vain piece of sh*t and demands his hair. MJF yelled at Allin to be reasonable, as Allin said next week, contract signing, Title vs. Hair and if MJF doesn’t show up, he’s never getting a title match. Allin asks what MJF says, but MJF drops the mic and storms off.
The music for Kazuchika Okada then hits as the International Champion came to the ring and screamed at Allin next week, me vs. you for the World Title. Allin ripped the mic away and said it’s on, b*tch.
Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Kevin Knight to retain the AEW World Title
-We go backstage to Renee Paquette who is with Will Ospreay and Doc Sampson, who said even though Ospreay went to Japan, not cleared, whatever training he’s doing didn’t cause anymore harm, so whatever he’s doing, he’s on his way to being cleared in AEW. Ospreay told Paquette he’ll never be a Death Rider, but knows he needs to do what’s necessary in order to get to where he wants to be.
Speedball Mike Bailey vs. AR Fox
(Hard fought win for Bailey in this fun sprint, as this was the first time we’ve seen Fox on Dynamite or Collision since August.)
Lighting quick back and forth to kick us out, as Bailey ramped up his kicks that sent Fox to the floor. Fox dodged a Triangle Moonsault, swept the leg on the apron, floated over from outside/inside/out, as he rolled to the floor right into a springboard Cancun Tornado. Fox clutched his shoulder, as back inside, Bailey hit a missile dropkick. Fox dodged a charge, hung up Bailey in the ropes and spiked him with a hanging DDT. Bailey fought back with a spin kick to the ribs, only took way too long to follow-up and missed a running Shooting Star. Both slug it out with forearms, trade suplex attempts, until Bailey gets a DDT from the corner, held on, spun out with a corkscrew brainbuster, sending Bailey outside. Fox got ahead of steam, clearing the top with a somersault dive. Back inside, Fox hit a picture-perfect Senton Atomico for a near fall. Fox went for it again, missed, rolled through, Bailey tried Ultimate Weapon, missed, Fox kipped out into an enzugiri. Bailey was ready with a lunging kick, Fox dodged, missed Lo-Mein Pain, putting him in position for Bailey to hit Ultimate Weapon for the win.
Match Result: Speedball Mike Bailey defeated AR Fox
-Earlier today, Willow Nightingale is backstage today of all days, it is an honor and privilege to wear the TBS Title. So, after 9 title defenses, knocking down every challenger and comeback, that’s what the legacy of this network and Turner deserve. Whoever wants next, step up, as she’s going to defend the title every single week to continue its legacy.
**********
-PAC is backstage with the Death Riders, applauding the destructible boy that never quits, Darby Allin, saying he better never forget about the thorn in his side. PAC & Allin are 2-1 in singles competition, in PAC’s favor, so he demands a shot at the World Title, saying he’s a mountain Allin will never truly conquer. Hell, if Allin can be Champion, PAC certainly can, so prove him wrong.
Jamie Hayter vs. Skye Blue
(Well damn, this sure turned into one hell of a hard-hitting match. Hayter appears to be doing a Triangle of Madness Slayer deal, getting retribution for her fallen teammates in recent weeks. I assume this will lead to another title match with Thekla. The first two have been hard hitting and I would expect Round 3 with these two to be no different.)
Renee Paquette is ringside before the upcoming match, saying Triangle of Madness has been wreaking havoc on the women’s division, bringing up Persephone & Alex Windsor as latest victims and asks if Hayter will be able to stop their momentum? Bell sounds and Blue missed a charge, as Hayter decks her with a big boot to the outside. Blue suckers her in from the apron, gets a boot, snapmare and thrust kick back inside for two. Dragon Sleeper applied, which Hayter escaped, brought Blue to the apron, missed a lariat, as Blue hit a Flatliner on the apron before smashing her into the barricade.
(We’re told by commentary that Tony Khan has made Darby Allin vs. PAC for the World Title official for Saturday’s 1-hour Fairway to Hell Collision)
Both ladies traded shots on the outside, as back inside, Hayter got up multiple corner boots that led to a missile dropkick and release German. Exploder connects for a near fall, as Blue is planted with a Spinebuster, but Hayter opts to dish out more punishment than make a pin attempt. It proves costly, as Blue hit a thrust kick, only Hayter answered with an enzugiri. Blue attempted Code Blue, but Hayter sat out into a two count. Both ladies clonked heads and collapsed on top of each other, with Hayter nearly getting a pin out of it with how they fell. Blue was able to fight back with a Cheeky Nandos kick, only Hayter got a boot up and hanging Sleeper in the corner. Blue fought free, they slug it out on the second rope, until Hayter hits an Avalanche Hayter-ade out of nowhere for the win.
Post-match, we see Thekla & Julia Hart applauding from the crowd, so Hayter picked Blue up and hit Hayter-ade again, using Blue as bait, but Thekla & Hart didn’t bite.
Match Result: Jamie Hayter defeated Skye Blue
-Don Callis backstage with his Family, saying everything is coming up Callis Family, as Mark Davis is going to crush Jack Perry this Saturday for the National Title, while Kazuchika Okada has staked his claim for the AEW World Title. Konosuke Takeshita said Okada shouldn’t worry about the World Title, he should be worried about losing the International Title to him at Double or Nothing. Callis stops the arguing between the two and said Okada is his handpicked choice for the AEW World Title. Andrade asks Callis “how you know?” and Callis it’s funny he’s using his catchphrase on him, but said he knows everything and it means more gold for the Don Callis Family! Tony Schiavone said Callis completely ignored that Andrade had won the IWGP Global Title as if he didn’t care.
Rush vs. Manny Lo
Much like his recent string of matches, Rush absolutely steamrolled this poor fella, wasting no time hitting the Bulls Horns in about 20 seconds. Post-match, he took the mic and said remember, when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
Match Result: Rush defeated Manny Lo
-Video package of Jurassic Express driving in the desert is shown, with Jack Perry said he was told as a kid it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. It doesn’t matter how big and bad Mark Davis thinks he is, Perry has beaten him before and he’ll do it again. Perry is showing climbing rocks and said if you don’t like it, f*ck you.
**********
Bang Bang Gang (Ace Austin, Colten & Austin Gunn) & The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) vs. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Daniel Garcia w/Marina Shafir) & The Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors)
(They saved the party match until the end of the night and this one certainly delivered on the action. Everyone was able to get in their offense and I was pleasantly surprised it was Austin who got the pin here. The Gunns looked good in their in-ring return (this being Colten’s first match in nearly a full year) and I hope to see them in the Tag Title picture down the line after they get some wins under their belt. Always a highlight, there’s nothing quite like Jon Moxley on commentary and he only adds to a match like this.)
Jon Moxley joins commentary for our main event, as the heels attack during the babyface entrance, but The Bucks fought off Garcia & Yuta. We get a triple suplex that Moxley called a Human Centipede Suplex, as The Bucks & Bang Bang Gang hit quadruple corner punches and atomic drops, until Castagnoli is sent flying by an assisted Bucks hurricanrana to the floor. Sliding dropkick from Nick followed by a corkscrew dive by Matt, as Austin did his handstand on the apron before decking Garcia with a PK. Austin posed, allowing Connors to fly in with a Spear to the floor. Hip toss/Neckbreaker by The Gunns on Finlay, as Yuta is sent reeling, with The Gunns wanting 3:10 to Yuma, but the ref was distracted, allowing a High/Low from The Dogs, with Death Riders putting the boots to Colten.
While Austin was isolated, Moxley said he calls Yuta & Garcia the dark horses of the Death Riders and brings up the tortoise and the hare or whatever you want to use, it’s all about consistency. Moxley questions where Nigel McGuinness is, not able to show up for one hour of work and Taz said he’s actually Nigel and has an English accent. The banter of commentary during commercial was especially hilarious during this one.
Locomotion corner charges by the Death Riders & Dogs, as Castagnoli hit a Giant Swing into a dropkick from Yuta. Schiavone asks Moxley’s thoughts on Ospreay being cleared and Moxley said his future is up to Ospreay himself and that’s all he’ll say. Colten finally made the hot tag, running wild on everyone in his path, pump faking Yuta with a nice neckbreaker, low bridging Castagnoli and planting Yuta with a spinning back suplex slam for two. Moxley said Colten is tough, like an old piece of beef jerky. Austin was sent over the top onto Castagnoli outside, as Garcia swept out Colten’s legs and locked in the Dragon Tamer while Yuta hit a Curb Stomp for two. Colten ducked a Garcia clothesline and hit one of his own into the double down.
Colten dove for a tag to Matt, who quickly hit his rolling Northern Lights on Garcia, who spun out of a second, multiple standing switches, blind tag to Finlay, who is joined by Connors and both take Northern Lights by Matt, as Garcia is stacked under them all for two. The Bucks ramp up the pace against The Dogs and high five each other in mid-air as they hit dueling running bulldogs. Stereo dives with Swanton/Top Rope Elbow connecting, as The Bucks ramp up a Superkick Party on everyone, with Shafir screaming at Garcia ringside, asking what is going on? BTE Trigger dished out to Finlay, but Yuta broke the count. Austin does his squat DVD to Yuta, but Castagnoli mows him down (Moxley hilariously yelled “whose strong now, b*tch?), as The Bucks suffer the same fate. The Gunns take out Castagnoli with 3:10 to Yuma, as the match continues breaking down with clotheslines aplenty, leaving Colten & Castagnoli not budging at first, both got heads of steam and collided for a full reset.
Austin & Yuta slug it out center of the ring, as Yuta does his skin the cat on the bottom rope, but turned right into a trifecta of superkicks. The Bucks hit dueling Topes, as Austin took out Yuta with The Fold and got the pin. Juice Robinson sprinted to the ring to celebrate with the Bang Bang Gang & The Bucks to stand tall to end the show.
Match Result: Bang Bang Gang & The Young Bucks defeated Death Riders & The Dogs when Austin pinned Yuta
AEW Collision: Fairway to Hell 5/9/26
- Darby Allin vs. PAC for the AEW World Title
- Jungle Jack Perry vs. Mark Davis for the AEW National Title
- Divine Dominion in Action
AEW Dynamite 5/13/26
- Darby Allin vs. AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada for the AEW World Title
- The Young Bucks, Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR, Tommaso Ciampa & The Dogs
AD: Brenda Ganske talks killer clowns, carny riots, Travis Walton UFO abduction, more!
After Dark Radio with Bryan Alvarez is back with special guest Brenda Ganske to talk HORRIFYING HISTORY including murderous clowns — actual legit murderers, not phantoms — the Toronto Circus Riot also involving clowns and carnies, Travis Walton’s UFO abduction, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
WOL: History of Ted Turner and pro-wrestling, plus NXT and more!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back with tons to talk about including the history of Ted Turner in professional wrestling from the early days of the Superstation through the death of WCW, your NXT TV report with all sorts of weird and wild happenings, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Former WCW boss Ted Turner passes away at 87
Ted Turner, the business icon who helped shape American media as we know it, has passed away at 87 years old.
His death was announced on Wednesday via a news release from Turner Enterprises. CNN, which Turner founded, credited him for being a media maverick and philanthropist who revolutionized television news by introducing the 24-hour cable channel.
Turner is also one of the most important figures in professional wrestling history. He first aired wrestling on TV in Atlanta in the early 1970s, with Turner later purchasing Jim Crockett Promotions and bringing it under the Turner Broadcasting umbrella. Turner was always credited for seeing the value in wrestling programming while other media executives were prone to writing it off. While largely hands-off on the actual product, he allowed WCW to grow on TBS/TNT to a point where it overtook WWE for a period of time during the Monday Night Wars. WCW remained on those stations until 2001, when the promotion closed its doors amid the ill-fated AOL/Time Warner merger. Turner was no longer the head of Turner Broadcasting at that time.
During the 1990s, Turner was frequently mentioned on WWE television with Vince McMahon choosing to portray himself as the underdog going against one of the most well-known businessmen in the world in Turner. WWE aired “Billionaire Ted” skits where a parody of Turner did not know anything about “rasslin” and just wanted to rip off WWE and push aging former stars like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage.
Pro wrestling on TBS/TNT is a tradition that was revived in 2019 with AEW launching its weekly programming.
Turner’s death comes nearly eight years after he disclosed that he was battling Lewy body dementia, which causes a progressive decline in mental abilities. It is the most common form of dementia aside from Alzheimer’s disease.
Ted Turner, the billionaire media entrepreneur and philanthropist who launched the 24-hour cable TV news revolution when he founded CNN in 1980, has died. He was 87. https://t.co/CboJPpPBiC pic.twitter.com/DOKk9QM120
— CNN (@CNN) May 6, 2026