Tag: the acclaimed

AEW Collision live results: Swerve Strickland speaks, Tony Khan update

Posted on by Suit Williams

Swerve Strickland’s first interview as AEW World Champion will take place on Collision.

Strickland, who defeated Samoa Joe at AEW Dynasty last weekend to become champion, will have his first interview on Saturday after defeating Kyle Fletcher in a title eliminator match on Dynamite.

The AEW Unified Trios titles will also be on the line as new champions Bullet Club Gold (Jay White & The Gunns) will defend against Top Flight and Action Andretti. BCG unified the titles at Dynasty, defeating The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn to unify the ROH Six-Man titles and the AEW Trios titles.

Max Caster & Anthony Bowens will also be in action, taking on the debuting Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake and Zack Gibson).

AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm will also be in non-title action, taking on Anna Jay after Storm made the save for Mariah May on Dynamite.

This week’s show airs immediately after the NBA playoffs on TNT, followed by a live Rampage.

After the Boston Celtics absolutely bludgeoned my Miami Heat, Collision started with a recap of Swerve Stickland winning the AEW World Title at Dynasty. Sir Elton John took the week off, as Strickland entered Daily’s Place to start the show. Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness were on the call.

Swerve Strickland Town Hall

Prince Nana introduced Strickland as the boss of bosses, the Anointed One in professional wrestling, and one hell of a wrestler. Strickland ran down the happenings of the last week in AEW, spending particular time on Jack Perry and The Elite’s beatdown of Tony Khan. Strickland said that he did some bad things, but jumping a non-wrestler was a b*tch move. He said a lot of people could call themselves the best in the world, but the real best in the world was the man with the belt around his waist.

Strickland said that being the best came with sacrifices. His oldest daughter said that she was happy for him but felt like she didn’t know him. He couldn’t make up for lost time, but he could blaze a trail as World Champion and make sure the sacrifices were worth it. Strickland said that he felt like making history tonight, so he issued an open challenge for the World Title tonight. Strickland said he was the leader of the new era of AEW, the Dynasty Era of AEW when Claudio Castagnoli entered the scene.

Castagnoli accepted Strickland’s challenge, telling him that it would become his house tonight.

(Good promo from Swerve, as he felt like a leader and a top star here. The impromptu title match here is out of the ordinary, but since this show has the potential to be in front of a much larger audience off of the NBA playoff game, I understand the move.)

We got a video package on The Elite’s beatdown of Tony Khan on Dynamite. Tony Schiavone gave the update that Khan had suffered head and neck injuries. He could work and run the show in person tonight, but doctors have not cleared him to travel. He would work on AEW business remotely from Jacksonville until he’s cleared, leading McGuinness to wonder if the Young Bucks could end up with decision-making power if things came up during the shows. Schiavone scoffed at the notion.

AEW Unified Trios Title Match – Bang Bang Gang (Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn & Jay White) (c) defeated Action Andretti & Top Flight (Dante Martin & Darius Martin)

This was a solid opener. Andretti and Top Flight have slotted into this position as exciting first challengers, although I hope they don’t get pigeonholed into this role. They’re exciting AEW originals and could be useful to titles like these. Meanwhile, White & The Gunns move forward as champions capable of having good matches like this one.

White wanted this match after he felt that Dante Martin cost him the Casino Gauntlet Match on Dynamite. The announcers ran down the card as White and Dante started, noting that Rush would make his return to AEW tonight. Bullet Club isolated Dante until he could evade his way to a tag to Darius. Darius ran wild on Austin Gunn until White cut him off on the floor with a clothesline and a gourdbuster on the apron as we went to the commercial.

White held serve on Darius as we came back from the break. Darius evaded his way to his corner, where he tagged Andretti. Andretti ran wild on both Gunns, hitting a Spanish Fly on Austin for a nearfall. Bullet Club tried to make space on the outside, but Dante vaulted off of Andretti onto the pile. Top Flight hit a tag team tornado DDT on Austin, leading to an Andretti standing Shooting Star for a nearfall.

White cut off Andretti on the top rope, then caught Dante with a uranage. Darius rolled through another uranage but ran into a 3:10 To Yuma. White was left alone with Andretti, eventually catching him with a Blade Runner to score the win and retain the titles.

We got a recap of the ladder match at Dynasty, where Jack Perry interfered to help the Young Bucks win. Schiavone noted that FTR was out tonight, recovering from the injuries accrued during the ladder match.

We got a video package from the House of Black, noting that their match against Adam Copeland’s team went exactly as they wanted it to. They accepted Copeland’s Cope Open for next week in Winnipeg, telling him that he would find out who he’ll specifically be wrestling when the bell rings.

(I normally don’t like deals like that, but since it’s an open challenge, it still works logically.)

Rey Fenix defeated The Beast Mortos

Great to see both of these guys on AEW TV. I’ve loved Mortos’s work for a long time, and I’m excited to see him work on a big stage. Meanwhile, Fenix coming back adds to an already unbelievably stacked roster.

This is Fenix’s first match since October when he lost the International Championship to Orange Cassidy on Dynamite. Mortos is the renamed Black Taurus, for those wondering. The two traded chops before Mortos sent Fenix rolling to the floor with a powerslam. Mortos followed Fenix outside with a corkscrew tope.

Schiavone noted that Fenix has held singles, tag, and trios titles in AEW, leading to a plug for Kenny Omega’s appearance on next week’s Dynamite as he was the only other person in company history to do that. Mortos sent Fenix flying with a lariat and a crucifix bomb for a nearfall. Mortos spun on a reverse figure four, damaging the lower body that put Fenix on the shelf. Fenix escaped to the floor but Mortos clubbered him on the outside.

Mortos continued the beatdown on Fenix in the ring until after the break where Fenix popped out of the corner with a headscissors. Fenix hit his rope-rebound kick for a one-count nearfall before hammering Mortos with head kicks. Fenix muscled up Mortos for a gutbuster but hurt his beaten-up knees in the process. Fenix stood on Mortos’ shoulders before hitting a back kick to his head, but Mortos cut off a springboard move with a hard spear.

Mortos missed a corner charge and flew to the floor, leading to Fenix hitting a step-up corkscrew dive to the floor. Mortos came back with a tombstone lungblower before hitting a Widow’s Peak for a nearfall. Fenix nipped up and hit a trio of thrust kicks before hitting his ropewalk kick and a fifth thrust kick. Fenix went to the top rope and hit the frog splash for a nearfall. Mortos caught Fenix on a roll-through, but Fenix wheelbarrowed through into a flash pin to score the win.

We got a video package detailing Trent Beretta’s turn on Orange Cassidy and Chuck Taylor’s Parking Lot Fight challenge. We cut to Orange Cassidy backstage with a new interviewer, telling her that he was worried about what they were going to do to each other. Kris Statlander entered the frame and told Cassidy they needed to be there, so Cassidy left for the parking lot.

Rush defeated Martin Stone

Speaking of additions to the roster, Rush was very impressive in 2023 before his injury in the Continental Classic. Glad to see him back, as the roster gets another useful piece back off of the injured list.

Rush sent Stone up and over with a quick German suplex before sending him into the barricades on the floor. Rush took the official’s attention by throwing a chair into the ring, allowing him to whip Stone with a TV cable on the floor. Rush fired Stone into the corner with an overhead throw before knocking him down with a jumping forearm. Rush hit the Bull’s Horns to score the quick win. After the match, Rush hammered Stone with another forearm before hitting the Bull’s Horns again.

We got a recap of Anna Jay’s post-match attack on Mariah May from Dynamite, leading to Toni Storm making the save and Serena Deeb making a challenge. We cut to Deeb with the new interviewer Arkady, where she said that she was the obvious #1 contender to the title having been undefeated in 2024. It was time to prove how good everyone thought she was and win the AEW Women’s Championship.

(Deeb’s promos used to be a real issue for her, but she’s been a solid talker since she returned.)

Toni Storm (w/ Mariah May & Luther) defeated Anna Jay

Storm continues to leave the gimmick outside of the bells and wrestle straight-up. A promising pivot.

The two traded headlocks before Jay hit a spin kick in the corner. Jay hit a hip attack, angering Storm to hit a Thesz Press and hip attacks of her own. Storm hit a hip attack that sent Jay off the apron into May on the outside. Storm checked on May, which allowed Jay to hit a neckbreaker in the ropes as we went to a commercial.

Storm fired up as we came back from the break, hitting a backstabber and a Fisherman’s Suplex for a nearfall. Jay came back with a Dangerous Jay kick and a Gory Bomb for a nearfall. Storm hit a Tree Slam for a nearfall. Jay hit a Bladerunner and locked on the Queenslayer choke, but Storm powered up and slammed Jay down. Storm hit the hip attack and Storm Zero for the win.

We get a look at the parking lot before cutting to Chuck Taylor in the back. Orange Cassidy comes in with a dog – I’ll assume it’s Taylor’s dog – before Taylor tells him not to interfere in the Parking Lot Fight tonight.

The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) defeated Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson)

I’ve been following the Grizzled Young Veterans since they came together in Progress. They’ve been a high-level team for a long time, and they showcased why here. Great tag team cohesion led to an excellent debut, and a quality win for the Acclaimed as they get back into the tag team ranks. I hope to see an All Elite graphic for the Veterans by this time next week.

Caster rapped that they would send the Vets back to the Impact Zone, among other things. The Vets started off with an attack on Caster’s arm, but the Acclaimed came back with a sunset flip onto the knees. We got some tag team combinations from both teams, with the Vets isolating Caster as we went to commercial.

Drake laid out Caster with a dive to the outside as we came back from the break. The Vets held Caster back but evaded a Drake kick to get the tag to Bowens. Bowens ran wild until he got cut off with a back elbow. Caster tagged in and ran double-team offense on Drake, hitting the KRS-One for a nearfall. Gibson held Caster in the corner, allowing Drake to hit a dropkick before sending him hard onto the ramp.

Bowens fought two-on-one, but Gibson caught him with a lungblower in the corner. Drake then hit a coast-to-coast while Gibson held him in position for a nearfall. The Vets got in Billy Gunn’s face, firing him up. Caster came back to shove Drake off the ropes, and the Acclaimed hit the Mic Drop to score the win.

We got footage of Katsuyori Shibata & Shane Taylor’s recent history. Shibata was backstage with Arkady, saying that he would chop down The Learning Tree Chris Jericho on Dynamite. When asked about Shane Taylor, Shibata said that he would fight them alone on Rampage. Daniel Garcia came in, saying that Shibata had his respect after their battles for the Pure Championship, and offered his help for tonight. Shibata accepted.

AEW World Championship – Swerve Strickland defeated Claudio Castagnoli to retain

An excellent first defense for Strickland here, as Castagnoli brought Strickland to the absolute brink on a couple of those nearfalls. If this show was meant to highlight Strickland to a larger audience after the playoff game, they did a hell of a job.

The two worked a knuckle lock to start, with both men avoiding stomps on the hand to end the exchange. Castagnoli caught Strickland with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to take control. The two fought onto the stage where Strickland hit a headscissors onto the ramp before clotheslining Castagnoli into the ring. Strickland hit a crossbody and a trio of neckbreakers, the last one being through the ropes.

The two traded forearms on the apron before Castagnoli necked Strickland on the ropes. Strickland went for a kick on the apron before Castagnoli caught him in gorilla press position and flung him into the wall. Castagnoli followed him in with an uppercut into the wall as we went to a commercial.

After the break, Strickland sent Castagnoli to the apron and kicked him to the floor before hitting the pump kick on the apron. Castagnoli caught Strickland with an uppercut, then mocked Strickland’s Griddy before getting caught with a facebuster by the champion. Castagnoli caught Strickland with a big uppercut, but Strickland got out of a Ricola Bomb and hit a sliding forearm for a nearfall.

Strickland followed Castagnoli to the outside, where Castagnoli elevated him onto the stage. Strickland booted Castagnoli, then flew with a Fosbury Flop off the stage to a big pop. Strickland hit a 450 splash in the ring for a nearfall. Castagnoli came back with a double stomp to Strickland, but it only made the champion mad. The two traded European uppercuts and strikes before Castagnoli laid out Strickland with a lariat.

Strickland rolled Castagnoli into a deadlift suplex before setting up the Swerve Stomp. Strickland hit the Stomp, but Castagnoli kicked out to the shock of the announcers. Strickland went for the House Call, but Castagnoli caught him and took Strickland on the Giant Swing. Castagnoli transitioned into the Sharpshooter and the Crossface. Strickland rolled Castagnoli up, but Castagnoli hit the hammer-and-anvil elbows and a big lariat for a nearfall.

Castagnoli went for the Neutralizer, but Strickland flipped into a DDT. Strickland went up for a Swerve Stomp to a standing Castagnoli, but Castagnoli held Strickland on his shoulders before dropping him into a Swiss Death uppercut for a nearfall. Castagnoli hammered Strickland with uppercuts before Strickland caught one for a backslide attempt. Strickland hit a German suplex and a pump kick before Castagnoli unintentionally popped Strickland up for a standing Swerve Stomp. Strickland hit the House Call to win and mark his first defense of the title.

Grizzled Young Veterans vs. The Acclaimed official for AEW Collision

Posted on by Josh Nason

A challenge made Thursday has been accepted and made into an official match for Saturday’s AEW Collision.

On Thursday, it was revealed that free agents and former WWE NXT UK Tag Team Champions Grizzled Young Veterans would be making their AEW debut on Saturday’s show and offered up a challenge to former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed.

On Friday, the match was officially announced for Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

Zack Gibson and James Drake have worked in various indies like Deadlock Pro, Pro Wrestling Revolver, RevPro, and PROGRESS in addition to TNA Wrestling since gaining their releases from WWE last fall.

On the flip side, Max Caster and Anthony Bowens will look to rebound from their loss to Bullet Club Gold for the unified AEW Trios titles at last Sunday’s Dynasty.

The two have not been active in traditional tag team wrestling since focusing on trios matches. Caster and Bowens fell in defeat to The Gunns on last Saturday’s Collision which was their first such match since an August 2023 win over the Iron Savages.

Here’s the current Collision lineup:

  • AEW Unified Trios Champions Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) defend against Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin) and Action Andretti
  • Toni Storm vs. Anna Jay
  • The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson)
  • Swerve Strickland’s first interview as AEW World Champion

Unified Trios Champions crowned at AEW Dynasty

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bullet Club Gold are now unified champions of AEW’s six-man division.

Jay White and The Gunns defeated The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn at AEW Dynasty on Sunday, with White scoring the win over Gunn after hitting the bladerunner. With the win, Bullet Club Gold now hold both the AEW Trios titles and the ROH Six-Man titles, which they previously held before Sunday’s unification match.

The rivalry between the two teams date back to earlier this year, when Acclaimed suggested to Bullet Club Gold they team together in order to go after The Undisputed Kingdom, who attacked both teams in the past. BCG eventually agreed to team with The Acclaimed, forming the Bang Bang Scissor Gang. After scoring a few wins as a six-man team, BCG turned on The Acclaimed at Big Business last month, when White laid out Gunn with a steel chair.

Bullet Club Gold have held the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles since January 17, when they defeated the Mogul Embassay. The Acclaimed had been AEW Trios Champions since August 27 of last year, when they defeated The House of Black at All In.

‘Bang Bang Scissor Gang’ supergroup forms on AEW Collision

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new supergroup between The Acclaimed and Bullet Club Gold was formed on Collision. 

After spending the month teasing The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and Billy Gunn) over whether or not they’d join forces, Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Colten & Austin Gunn) agreed to unite. The Acclaimed has named the supergroup the Bang Bang Scissor Gang.

On the January 10 edition of Dynamite, The Acclaimed brought up to Bullet Club Gold the idea of teaming together, pointing out that it was The Undisputed Kingdom who had jumped both of them, and they had a common enemy they could go against. Jay White told The Acclaimed that they would think about it.

Last Wednesday saw White and The Gunns defeat Brian Cage and The Gates of Agony to win the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles. The Acclaimed will defend their AEW Trios Tag Team titles against Cage & The Gates of Agony on the next AEW Dynamite.

Trios Championship match announced for next week’s AEW Collision Holiday Bash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A Trios Championship match is set for next week’s Collision.

The Acclaimed made their return on this week’s show after being laid out by the masked devil’s group on the November 8 edition of Dynamite. All three members of the group said they would go after those responsible. Top Flight & Action Andretti then came out and brought up that The Acclaimed had also issued an open challenge. They agreed to a match for next week’s Collision.

Thunder Rosa will return to action for the first time in over a year when she teams with Abadon to take on Julia Hart and Skye Blue. After Abadon won a match on Saturday’s show, Hart appeared with the TBS Championship. Abadon attacked Hart and took her title, but then Blue came out to attack Abadon. Rosa, who was doing Spanish commentary, came out for the save.

The last Continental Classic Blue League matches will also take place before the League Finals on the December 27 edition of Dynamite. Claudio Castagnoli will face Bryan Danielson, Brody King will take on Daniel Garcia, and Andrade El Idolo will face Eddie Kingston.

Here is the lineup for next Saturday’s Collision:

  • AEW Trios titles: The Acclaimed defend against Top Flight & Action Andretti
  • Thunder Rosa & Abadon vs. Julia Hart & Skye Blue
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Bryan Danielson
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Brody King vs. Daniel Garcia
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Andrade El Idolo vs. Eddie Kingson

National 69 Day celebration announced for November 4 AEW Collision

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will hold a National 69 Day celebration on the November 4 AEW Collision episode. 

As announced during Friday’s Rampage, The Acclaimed’s Max Caster & Anthony Bowens & “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn will celebrate the 69th day of their AEW World Trios Championship reign on next week’s Collision show. 

The announcement was made during a pre-taped promo on Rampage. Caster made a point of issuing an invitation to World Champion MJF to take part in the National 69 Day celebration as an alliance between MJF & The Acclaimed continues to be teased. 

MJF will have an eight-man tag team bout on Wednesday’s Dynamite against Bullet Club Gold’s Jay White, Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, and Colten Gunn, but MJF’s three partners have yet to be revealed. 

The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn defeated House of Black at All In this past August to kick off their title reign. It is their first reign as Trios Champions and the fifth overall reign in the nearly 14-month history of the title. The Elite’s Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson were crowned inaugural Trios champs after winning a tournament final at All Out 2022. 

Anthony Bowens thanks AEW fans for letting him ‘live out his wrestling dream’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Anthony Bowens has penned a column for the Player’s Tribune thanking AEW fans for the support they have given The Acclaimed.  

Bowens began the post by mentioning that he originally intended to write a letter to his younger self. However, he eventually realized the letter wouldn’t make sense as “wrestling is insane.“

Bowens’ attempt at writing such a letter reads:

Dear 7-year-old Anthony,

O.K. — in 1999 Billy Gunn is going to leave DX and change his name to “Mr. Ass” Billy Gunn, which will start as this ironic play on the name “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn but will eventually become a gimmick about his literal ass. Twenty years later, a nice but evil demon will call Billy’s two sons “The Ass Boys” and you’ll (you’re a professional wrestler now) start referring to Billy (he’s 59 now) as “Daddy Ass.” After that, the three Gunns will partner with The Acclaimed, a tag team you’re in with Max Caster, this amazing rapper. You and Max will have a signature handshake where you’ll scissor each other’s fingers, which is a nod both to the “A” in Acclaimed and to your own queerness. One night on live TV, you’ll turn to Billy and scream, “SCISSOR ME, DADDY ASS!!!!” People will love it and your life will never be the same.

Good luck with everything, see you in 25 years.

—32-year-old Anthony

Instead, Bowens focused on thanking AEW fans for the support they have given The Acclaimed. In particular, Bowens is grateful for wrestling fans allowing him “to succeed in wrestling as a Black gay man while still being me.”

The 32-year-old continued to mention challenges he faced early in his career, including struggling with his promo work.

Bowens wrote:

if you know our business, you know that cutting a promo is more complicated than just “being a good public speaker” or whatever. It’s deeper than just acting, too. Not only are you giving a speech and building a character, you’re also trying to connect on a human level. It’s like you’re amplifying some part of yourself. And in order to amplify yourself, first you kind of have to know yourself. You have to be comfortable in your own skin. And I just wasn’t.

Bowens says his challenges with promos were evident when he attended a WWE tryout in 2014. 

I remember William Regal telling me I had “four out of five” traits they’re looking for in a prospect. The only trait where I was falling short was “personality.”

He eventually concluded that so long as he was not open with his sexuality, he would never be able to tap into the “personality” he needed to be successful. 

I think I knew the truth: As long as I was closeted as a wrestler, I wasn’t going to reach my full potential. Because I wasn’t going to be able to tap into everything that makes me me.

Bowens recalled the support he received when he came out as well. 

I got so much support when I came out. But I also didn’t just want to be known as “the wrestler who came out,” or “the gay wrestler.” I wanted to be known as this successful wrestler … who happens to be gay and out and proud. And the history of wrestling (and sports in general) isn’t exactly filled with people who’ve been able to have that.

Finally, Bowens concluded the letter with a message of gratitude for AEW fans.

Thanks for giving us a chance / sticking with us through the pandemic / going crazy for Max’s bars / scissoring until your fingers bleed / singing “OHHHHHH SCISSOR ME DADDYYYY” / buying foam fingers / hating Billy’s sons so much that he decided he’d rather spend time with us.

Thanks for letting a queer Black kid from New Jersey live out his wrestling dream.

Thanks for coming to this party just as you are.

We’re glad you’re here.

Bowens’ full letter can be read here. 

The Elite vs. Mogul Embassy ROH Six-Man title match set for AEW Rampage Grand Slam

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Both the AEW and Ring of Honor six-man titles will be on the line at Rampage Grand Slam.

The Elite’s Young Bucks and Hangman Page appeared in a backstage promo on Saturday’s AEW Collision to challenge The Mogul Embassy (Brian Cage, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) to a match for the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles. The Young Bucks made the save for Hangman Page after he was jumped by Cage on Wednesday’s Dynamite.

A match for the AEW Trios titles was also set on Saturday when it was announced that the Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver) will challenge reigning titleholders The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn.

Saturday’s show saw Silver defeat Anthony Bowens after Bowens was attacked by Evil Uno outside of the ring. Dark Order had challenged The Acclaimed to a singles match on Rampage, wanting to prove that they were worthy of a Trios title match.

Here is the updated lineup for the two-hour AEW Rampage Grand Slam:

  • ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Mogul Embassy (Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony) defend against The Elite (The Young Bucks & Hangman Page)
  • AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) and Billy Gunn defend against Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver)
  • Darby Allin & Sting vs. Luchasaurus and Christian Cage

AEW Rampage live results: Kris Statlander vs. Jade Cargill TBS title match

Posted on by Ryan Howard

In a rematch from May’s Double or Nothing, TBS Champion Kris Statlander will defend her title against the returning Jade Cargill as part of tonight’s AEW Rampage from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Cargill made her surprise return last week to help Statlander fend off the Renegade Twins, only to lay out Statlander afterward. Statlander ended Cargill’s undefeated streak and title run at Double or Nothing in an impromptu match and will be looking for her tenth successful defense.

The show will also feature an eight-man tag team match as the Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) will join Matt & Jeff Hardy against Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, The Butcher & The Blade. 

AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) and Billy Gunn will be in non-title action.

In a clash of former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions, The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) will battle with Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal.

**********

AEW Rampage is underway with Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Chris Jericho on the call as the participants for the opening contest are already in the ring.

The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy w/Isiah Kassidy) and The Lucha Bros (Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo w/Alex Abrahantes) defeated The Butcher, The Blade, Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal (w/Karen Jarrett, Satnam Singh, Sonjay Dutt, Kip Sabian, The Bunny & Penelope Ford)

(Did you catch all those names? This was practically a Lumberjack Match, as there were as many people outside the ring as there were in the actual match. A usual party match with a whole lot of spots leading to the most logical man getting the pin, that being Fenix, who is next in line for Jon Moxley, so he stood tall. Interesting events post match, as it looks like The Righteous & Hardys might be starting a program.)

We had quite the contrast of styles to begin, as Jarrett drove Penta into the ropes before doing a Fargo Strut. Fast tags made, as Fenix unleashed corner chops to Butcher before the Hardys took turns dishing out their offense. Blade was dropped with a double suplex, while Lethal suffered a springing corner splash. As Matt wanted a Twist of Fate, Jarrett attacked from behind to allow Butcher to take over. Lethal mocked the Penta strut, which allowed Dutt & Sabian to get in cheap shots ringside, as Matt was isolated during commercial.

The heels tried attacking the faces to cut off Matt’s hot tag, but Fenix dodged the Butcher attack and made the tag, running wild. With Jarrett & Lethal placed over the top rope, Fenix did his rope walk kick to both until Penta hit a somersault dive onto a pile outside. Fenix went to follow, but Blade pulled him to the floor. Alex Abrahantes was seemingly about to do a dive, but was cut off by Dutt, who ate a punch. Sabian did the same, but Abrahantes poked him in the eyes and leapt to the floor, right into the clutches of Singh, who rag dolled him. Fenix hit a thrust kick and twisting dive onto a pile of bodies before dropping Blade with a sit out driver to get the pin. The Hardys were brawling with Jarrett & Lethal up the ramp before Singh laid them both out, unbeknownst to the Lucha Bros. The Righteous, Dutch & Vincent walked out on the stage and stood over the bodies of The Hardys.

-Renee Paquette is backstage to ask what is next for Dr. Britt Baker after losing the four way on Dynamite. Baker said things haven’t gone as planned, as she should be a two time Women’s champion by now. She’s going to do what she does best, make history, this time becoming the first woman to hold the Women’s & TBS Title. It’s criminal she’s never had a TBS Title match. Therefore, Baker issues a challenge for the winner of Statlander vs. Cargill later tonight to face her in the main event of Collision tomorrow.

**********

-There’s a QTV segment with Johnny TV taking the place of QT Marshall, who is off wrestling in Mexico. Aaron Solo asks if Marshall is coming back and Johnny said of course, then did a ridiculous handshake. There was a masked luchador standing by named El Hijo del Harvey, someone Johnny brought in to show solidarity while Marshall was gone. Johnny laid him out, as he & Solo had to restrain Harley Cameron from stabbing the poor guy with scissors.

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett defeated Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal

(While Daniels & Sydal got in some offense, this was a solid win for The Kingdom, who are after the ROH Tag Titles going forward. It certainly makes sense from a storyline perspective for them to presumably win the titles; I just wonder if they’ll have that match on TV or at Wrestle Dream. I’m hoping it happens on Dynamite to be perfectly honest.)

Bennett got the first takedown on Daniels with a shoulder tackle, but Daniels fired off the arm drag, hip toss and drop toe hold before tagging Sydal, who crashed down with a mariposa. Taven made the tag, but was lit up with a series of strikes, while Bennett ate a spin kick to the outside. Daniels was knocked to the floor, as Bennett met him with a bounced back forearm strike that led to commercial.

Taven tried for a springing moonsault, which Daniels dodged, as Sydal & Daniels hit a sort of awkward assisted back suplex. Bennett avoided a Sydal high kick and flattened him with a running Death Valley Driver, while Taven hit a corner splash on Daniels. The Proton Pack connected and Taven got the win.

Post match, Taven said they didn’t have a lot of time, as they need to rush to the hospital to check on Roderick Strong. Taven doesn’t blame Samoa Joe for what happened, he blames Adam Cole. The Kingdom wants to take back what is rightfully theirs, the ROH Tag Team Titles. Bennett said its Neck Health Awareness Month and shows their red bracelets. For those who don’t believe in such a thing, you ball up for fist, punch them in the weiner and lay them out with a piledriver. Neck Health Awareness matters, as the Kingdom are coming home to Roddy. This was hilariously delivered by Bennett & Taven.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Mogul Embassy, as Brian Cage said The Young Bucks were lucky Cage was exhausted after his match with Hangman Page, otherwise he would’ve laid them out on Dynamite. Swerve Strickland said The Bucks were friendly when they were on his podcasts, but now they’re back to putting on their EVP hats. Strickland issued a challenge for Grand Slam for Cage & The Gates of Agony vs. Page & The Bucks.

The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass defeated Peter Avalon & The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd)

(A quick win for the Trios Champions, as I’m just disappointed we were robbed of hearing Avalon’s saxophone entrance theme. As for tomorrow night, it looks like the next contender for the Trios Titles are about to be set.)

Floyd was able to chop down Gunn with boots to the hamstring early, as Avalon chop blocked the leg, but opted to pose, allowing Gunn to hit a massive upper cut. Bowens made the tag, but Avalon hit a dropkick flush, with Bowens responding with a thrust kick. The match broke down, as Magnum & Floyd were sent packing, as Avalon was hit with Scissor Me Timbers. Gunn hit the Fame-Asser, while Caster connected with the Mic Drop for the easy win.

Post match, Dark Order interrupted the celebration, as John Silver said they’re the good guys and want a shot at the Trios Titles. Bowens asks why they deserve a title shot, which Evil Uno said the last four years of grinding to get to where they are is why. Uno is tired of good things happening to bad people and issues a challenge for tomorrow night, a singles match to show them they deserve a title show. Gunn said they’ll decide it with Rock, Paper, Scissors, but it was scissors every time. Bowens finally just accepted and said whoever it is, they’ll spank their ass purple.

**********

Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) defeated Damian Chambers & Lord Crewe

Davis & Fletcher wasted no time attacking right at the bell and violently drove Chambers & Crewe into one another. The sandwich double lariat led to both Chambers & Crewe being dropped with the Coriolis for the easy win.

Kris Statlander defeated Jade Cargill (w/Mark Sterling) to retain the TBS Title

(Chris Jericho said on commentary this was Cargill’s best match of her career and I would have to agree. I was initially worried we would be robbed of a lot of action with the commercial break in the middle, but this was an excellent battle. The amount of counters throughout showed how each woman was evenly matched and while the rumors are out there about Cargill’s future, if this was indeed her last match in AEW, it was a great one to go out on. I do hope she sticks around though.)

Both ladies showed off their power with collar elbow tie ups before trading lariats, with neither women budging. Both traded catching the other with a cross body attempt, as Statlander missed a pump kick, but Cargill was sent outside. Statlander tried a cross body off the apron, but Cargill caught and slammed her on the apron. During commercial, Cargill continued to show off her strength, doing pushups in between her onslaught of offense.

After going back and forth with attempts, it was Cargill who hit a stalling vertical suplex. Cargill held on for another, but Statlander countered into a spinning sit out fisherman’s buster. Both ladies kipped up at the same time and started slugging it out. Statlander won the battle, delivering a charging corner knee and Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Statlander was distracted by Sterling, who Cargill nearly ran into, but he shoved her out of the way and took the bullet eating a Statlander forearm. Cargill hit the pump kick and nearly hit Jaded, which Statlander got a roll up for two. Cargill popped up and hit a nice choke slam for a near fall of her own. Statlander avoided Jaded again, hitting a discus lariat, scissors kick and Friday Night Fever for the victory. Post match, Cargill shook Statlander’s hand, hugged her and gave her the ring as Statlander stood tall to end the show.

AEW Collision 9/16/23

· Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Ricky Starks & Big Bill

· FTR defend the AEW Tag Team Titles against The Iron Savages (Bronson & Boulder)

· Kris Statlander defends the TBS Title against Dr. Britt Baker

· Evil Uno vs. Anthony Bowens

· The Hardys vs. The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch)

· Andrade El Idolo vs. Scorpio Sky

AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam 9/20/23

· MJF defends the AEW World Title against Samoa Joe

· Jon Moxley defends the AEW International Title against Rey Fenix

· Chris Jericho vs. Sammy Guevara

· ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli vs. NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston in a Title vs. Title Match

· Saraya defends the AEW Women’s Title against Toni Storm

AEW Rampage: Grand Slam 9/22/23

· Darby Allin & Sting vs. Christian Cage & Luchasaurus

Jade Cargill vs. Kris Statlander TBS title match set for AEW Rampage

Posted on by Josh Nason

Less than a week after making her surprise return on AEW Collision, Jade Cargill will challenge TBS Champion Kris Statlander in a rematch on this Friday’s AEW Rampage.

It will be Cargill’s first match since May’s Double or Nothing when she lost the title to the returning Statlander minutes after defending it against Taya Valkyrie. It was Cargill’s first career defeat.

Statlander, the second TBS titleholder in company history, will be looking for the tenth defense of the championship.

In an eight-man tag team match, The Lucha Brothers will team with the Hardys against Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal and The Butcher & The Blade.

AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will be in non-title action against opponents to be named while The Kingdom will take on Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal.

Here’s the lineup being taped after Wednesday’s Dynamite in Cincinnati, Ohio:

  • TBS Champion Kris Statlander defends against Jade Cargill
  • AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed (Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) & Billy Gunn vs. TBD in non-title action
  • The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) vs. Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal
  • Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) and Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, The Butcher & The Blade

Dennis Rodman to corner The Acclaimed at AEW All Out Zero Hour

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dennis Rodman will be in the corner of The Acclaimed when they defend the Trios Championship at All Out.

An angle took place on Saturday’s Collision between Rodman, The Acclaimed, and Jeff Jarrett & his group. After Rodman appeared in front of the crowd, Jeff Jarrett, Satnam Singh, Sonjay Dutt, Karen Jarrett, and Jay Lethal came out and asked Rodman to join their group. After Rodman shoved Dutt down, Jarrett’s group surrounded the ring when The Acclaimed made the save. The trio then challenged Jarrett’s group to a match for Sunday’s All Out Zero Hour pre-show, saying that Rodman will be in their corner.

The Acclaimed have been champions for nearly a week, winning the titles back at All In when they defeated The House of Black.

Two other matches have been added to the All Out Zero Hour. An Over Budget Charity Battle Royal will take place, with the winner giving $50,000 to the charity of their choice. A women’s trios match has also been added, with Willow Nightingale, Sky Blue, and Hikaru Shida taking on Athena, Mercedes Martinez, and Diamante.

Here’s the updated card for All Out:

  • AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy defends against Jon Moxley
  • Strap match: Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks
  • TBS Championship: Kris Statlander defends against Ruby Soho
  • TNT Championship: Luchasaurus vs. Darby Allin
  • ROH Tag Team Championship: Adam Cole & MJF defend against Alex Reynolds & John Silver
  • ROH Television Championship: Samoa Joe defends against Shane Taylor
  • Eddie Kingston & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
  • Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • FTR & The Young Bucks vs. Bullet Club Gold
  • Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Miro
  • Zero Hour, Trios Championship: The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass defend against Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, and Satnam Singh
  • Zero Hour: Willow Nightingale, Hikaru Shida, and Sky Blue vs. Athena, Mercedes Martinez, and Diamante
  • Zero Hour: Over-Budget Charity Battle Royal

AEW Collision live results: Ricky Starks confronts Ricky Steamboat, Dax Harwood vs. Jay White

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

On what has been a monumental news day for AEW, the company presents their last stop before Sunday’s All Out with tonight’s Collision from Chicago, Illinois’ United Center.

Ricky Starks will challenge legend Ricky Steamboat to a strap match for All Out following Starks’ assault on Steamboat after the former’s match with the now-fired CM Punk several weeks ago.

Former NBA superstar and occasional pro wrestler Dennis Rodman will be on hand from a venue he has had countless memorable moments in.

New AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will defend their titles for the first time as they face Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker.

In a highly-anticipated singles match, FTR’s Dax Harwood will take on Bullet Club Gold’s Jay White.

The Outcasts, made up of new AEW Women’s Champion Saraya, Toni Storm & Ruby Soho, will face Britt Baker, TBS Champion Kris Statlander & Hikaru Shida which may set up a title match for Sunday.

*********

AEW Collision opened with Tony Khan talking frankly about the situation with CM Punk, and how the confrontation put people in danger, including production staff, himself, and others, and at the recommendations of legal council and an AEW discipline committee, he fired CM Punk. Dave’s coverage of this on Wrestling Observer Radio will be a must listen.

Ricky Starks/Ricky Steamboat segment

Tony Schiavone opened the entertainment portion of the show by bringing Ricky Starks to the ring. Starks made his entrance with a weight belt that Cody Rhodes would be proud of, and accompanied by Big Bill.

Tony Schiavone talked about Starks about challenging Ricky Steamboat, a 70 year old man, to a strap match, and asked, “Are you freakin’ insane?” Starks said that he was tired of starting over again, and that he was going to rebuild again and do what he needed to do. He looked at Big Bill, and said off the cuff that he was proud of him, and that he could do anything he wanted to do.

Starks then tied it back to the story with Steamboat, saying that he was angry because he was suspended for 28-days, and missed All In because of it, so he wanted an answer from Ricky Steamboat. Steamboat’s great 90s WCW theme hit, and he came down with a clipboard. Steamboat said that he never once complained about Starks beating him on social media, but he heard Starks wanted this match on social media.

Steamboat said that he got a contract with his name and Starks name, because he wanted Starks to put his money where his mouth is. The contract says, Ricky Starks vs. The Dragon. Methinks The Dragon in this case might be Bryan Danielson rather than Ricky Steamboat. And right on queue, Steamboat said there was another Dragon everyone in wrestling knew, and Bryan Danielson made his way down to the ring.

Leave it to babyface Bryan Danielson to return and save AEW All Out with Moxley, Orange Cassidy, and few others. The fans chanted at Starks as he crossed his heart, and I laughed. Bryan Danielson and Ricky Starks will face off in a strap match tomorrow night at AEW All Out. Excellent stuff.

–Jon Moxley cut a promo on Orange Cassidy, saying that he was a puzzle that 31 men before him couldn’t solve. He said Cassidy was the real deal, because he was on the run of a lifetime, and the chance to beat someone on a run like him only comes once rarely. Moxley said that the difference between real wrestlers and the fake ones were that when it gets hard, the fake ones look for a way out, and he hoped Cassidy wouldn’t look for a way out. This promo was awesome.

AEW Trios Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, & Billy Gunn) defeated 2point0 (Matt Menard & Angelo Parker) & Daniel Garcia to retain

This was a good opening match. Garcia and 2point0 are truly excellent. They really helped make The Acclaimed look good here.

Bowens started the match with Parker, and Bowens quickly sent Parker to the floor, who quickly tagged out to Garcia. Garcia faced off with Billy Gunn, and ducked a chop to begin dancing in the middle of the ring. He then told Billy Gunn to suck it. Gunn hit a jab that sent Garcia to his knees. Gunn then danced. Garcia was able to start getting the heat on Bowens after Jake Hager pulled Caster and Gunn from the apron.

Garica then locked on the Dragon Tamer on Bowens and Caster was held back by Parker and Menard. Gunn was able to break it up, but only after extensive damage was done with the submission.

Bowens hit an enziguri on Garcia and then tagged out to Caster, who had a brief advantage, but soon faced Menard. This was where Nigel McGuinness said, “Where did he get that name, Daddy Magic?” Kevin Kelly said he thought it was Jericho, and McGuinness said, “I thought it was prison.” Well then. Caster tagged out to Gunn, who then ran wild and tagged out for Caster to hit the flying elbow for the win.

–The Dark Order was backstage with Lexy Nair, and she asked them about their upcoming match with MJF and Adam Cole for the ROH World Tag Team Championship. John Silver complained about his friend Budge teaming with MJF, and Alex Renyolds revealed that he helped train MJF. He was proud of his success, but he was going to show his student what it meant to be a champion.

–Ricky Starks ran into Tony Schiavone backstage and said that tomorrow night was going to be no different from any other challenge he faced, and he was going to beat Bryan Danielson.

Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) defeated Nick Wayne & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes

Good tag match here, and Nick Wayne especially looked good, even in losing.

Aussie Open quickly isolated Komander and got some heat on him for a few minutes. Komander was able to hit a jaw breaker on Davis and back flip out of a back suplex before dodging a corner charge and tagging out to Wayne. Wayne hit a superkick on Davis, and then a Asai DDT on Fletcher and a tope con giro on Davis on the floor. Wayne followed up with a frog splash on Fletcher for a 2-count. Wanye called for an OsCutter, but Fletcher blocked it and hit a half-and-half suplex.

Davis tagged in and picked Wayne up for a crucifix bomb, but Komander flew in and superkicked Fletcher. Davis put Wayne down and caught Komander as he went for a Code Breaker and powerbombed him. He then held on and threw Komander back into the air before hitting a piledriver on Komander. Unfortunately for Wayne, he ate a forearms from both Aussie Open. Wayne then went for the OsCutter, or Wayne’s World, on both of Aussie Open, and they caught him and hit Coriolis for the win.

Tony Schiavone interviewed Wayne after the match and Wayne said that while he was frustrated he lost, he couldn’t stop thinking about how Darby Allin forgave AR Fox for what happened between them. Allin made his way down to the ring and told Wayne a story – he said that Nick Wayne was there when Darby Allin got into a fight with Buddy Wayne, and he didn’t talk to any of the Wayne family for three years. In that time, Buddy Wayne died, and Darby had to live with that for the rest of his life. That is why he forgave AR Fox so quickly, because you never know how much time left. Allin then asked Wayne to be in h is corner on Sunday.

Christian then came out and said he was going to slide into the DMs of Nick Wayne’s mom. Christian said that Nick Wayne was just Darby Allin’s personal petty project, and that Christian never pretended to be something he wasn’t. Kevin Kelly pointed out that Christian wasn’t the TNT Champion. Christian said that on Sunday that Nick Wayne should bring a towel to throw in because Allin was going to need it. Good promo from Christian here.

–Claudio Castagnoli was backstage with Wheeler Yuta, and he congratulated Kingston on beating Yuta, but said hit wasn’t that a big deal, because the BCC beat up Yuta everyday. Castagnoli then proceeded to hit a European uppercut on him every single time he delivered a line. He then talked about how he was going to beat Kingston with Yuta at the PPV.

–Eddie Kingston was with Katsuyori Shibata, and Kingston mocked Castagnoli for beating up Yuta, and Yuta for taking it. He then said that the reason Castagnoli couldn’t look at him was because he was afraid. He then asked Shibata what he thought of them. Shibata held up a phone with Google Translate opened, and it read, “You both suck!” and Kingston laughed. Two great promos again.

–Lexy Nair was with Saraya & Ruby Soho, and she talked about how great she was when she won the AEW Women’s World Championship. Soho then said she was going to win the TBS Championship tomorrow at AEW All Out. Nair asked about Toni Storm, and Soho insisted that Storm was fine, though she did just see her half naked in the parking lot throwing her shoes at birds. Soho then reiterated that she would beat Kris Statlander tomorrow, and that everything in the Outcasts was fine, and their trios match later tonight will show it.

–Dennis Rodman ws introduced by Tony Schiavone, and he made his way down to the ring. Before Rodman could say anything Jeff Jarrett and his crew made their way down to the ring. Jarrett indicated he was happy to see Rodman as they were in WCW together years ago, though they stretched them being at the NWO at the same time.

Jarrett also stretched it saying he was the leader of the NWO, but he wanted to make a deal with Dennis Rodman. Rodman said that he was glad to be in Chicago with AEW, and that he was happy to be back in front of the fans. Jarrett demanded an answer to his proposition. Rodman then said he could beatup Satnam Singh. Sonjay Dutt made the offer to Rodman, showing his new shirt with Rodman’s face on it. Rodman shoved Dutt. Jarrett, Lethal, and Singh tried to attack Rodman, but the Acclaimed made the save. The Acclaimed then challenged Jarrett, Lethal, and Singh to a match tomorrow for the trios title.

–A video aired for Shane Taylor, ending with him saying he was taking back his title as he hit the Greetings from Asbury Park on Keith Lee.

–Samoa Joe said that he was going to give Shane Taylor a reality check at AEW All Out. He said Taylor is going to hope he gives the performance of a lifetime, but he’s going to wish he was fighting someone else. He said Taylor hoped he was going to knock him out, but Joe was going to make an example of him and make him regret saying his name. This was an awesome promo too.

Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida & Kris Statlander defeated The Outcasts (Saraya, Ruby Soho, & Toni Storm)

Toni Storm started the match with Statlander, exchanging shoulder tackles, with Statlander showing more power, but Storm showing more speed. However, that speed was only helpful in running into a body slam. Storm yanked the hair of Statlander and then went for the hip attack in the corner, but wasted too much time, as Statlander recovered and hit a dropkick and tagged out to Baker.

Baker hit a sling blade and tagged out to Shida, hit nailed Soho with a hard forearm. Baker held the arms of Saraya back and Shida went for a forearm, but Saraya ducked and Shida almost hit Baker. This allowed Saraya and Soho to isolate Shida and hit some attacks behind the back of the referee. Storm tagged in and it looked like she killed Shida with the hip attack in the corner.

Saraya drove Shida into the announce table when the referee wasn’t looking, and Soho brought her back into the ring. Shida managed to hit Storm with an enziguri and tag out to Statlander, who ran wild, taking on both Saraya and Soho. Statlander hit a blue thunder bomb on Saraya that Soho broke up.

All six women exchanged moves until Saraya superkicked Baker, but Statlander hit a powerslam on Saraya. Storm tried to break up the pin but landed on Saraya. Saraya tagged out to Baker, who hit a fisherman’s neckbreaker on Soho, but soon got spray paint to the face from Saraya, letting Soho hit No Future for the win.

–Adam Cole was backstage and cut a promo against The Dark Order, saying they were a great tag team, but that him and MJF had no plans to drop their titles anytime soon. Cole then read a list of insults that MJF sent him via text, and Cole had to censor it, and refused to say the last one, because it horrified him, and the fans laughed. Excellent stuff.

–Statlander was backstage and said the only way that Soho could beat her was by cheating, and at this Soho came up and started screaming at her. Saraya cussed at her, and the promo ended there.

Powerhouse Hobbs defeated GPA

This was one of the fastest matches I have ever seen as Hobbs killed him with a spinebuster and his music just resumed playing seconds after it ended.

–Miro’s music hit and he walked down towards the ring in his ring gear and started brawling with Hobbs. The fight spilled at to ringside, and Hobbs threw Miro into the steps while Miro threw Hobbs over the railing into the crowd. Hobbs backed away slowly after this, to cheers from the crowd at the short fight we saw.

–After running down the card for AEW All Out, an awesome hype video aired for Konosuke Takeshita and Kenny Omega set to “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” This was absolutely fantastic.

–Orange Cassidy was sitting backstage and said he didn’t want to talk right now, but he had to because this title match was nothing like what he has done before. He proved in Chicago in his match against PAC that be belonged in AEW. Then he faced Will Ospreay, and proved he could hang with the best in the world. Now, he has to face Jon Moxley, who is simply the best. Moxley was the guy that put AEW on his shoulder when AEW was down, but tomorrow, Cassidy was going to take that burden off his shoulders and carry it himself because he was the AEW International Champion. This was awesome.

Jay White (w/ Juice Robinson, Austin & Colten Gunn) defeated Dax Harwood (w/ Cash Wheeler)

As one would expect, this was a very good wrestling match.

Harwood and White started with some great classic wrestling, and even featured a funny spot where Harwood got the crowd cheering for him to grab the ropes while holding White in an abdominal stretch. White was able to get the advantage by hitting a headlock suplex into the corner. As the Gunns and Robinson were attempting to attack Harwood, Wheeler ran in with a chair to chase them off.

The referee chastised Robinson and he yelled back, “He has a chair ,you idiot!” A fair point, given the referee didn’t see anything but the chair in play. White hit a DDT on Harwood for a 2-count. Harwood hit a superplex on White a minute or so later, but missed a diving headbutt. During the break on the FITE.tv feed, JR, Nigel, and Kelly talked about who had the hardest chops they ever seen and Wahoo McDaniel was given a shout out.

Harwood tried for a slingshot suplex, but White necked him on the ropes to escape. White then came back in the ring but ate a German suplex. Harwood the hit a brain buster for a 2-count. Harwood chopped White on the floor and then went for another diving DDT, but White went to the apron. Harwood chopped White so hard he came back into the ring over the ropes. White managed to hit a dragon screw on the ropes as Harwood tried to get back in.

White hit a backdrop driver and then a Death Valley Driver for a 2-count. White hit a clothesline on Harwood, but he ate it and delivered one of his own to drop White on his head. Harwood then ducked some punches, faked him out, and hit a piledriver for a 2-count. White sent Harwood crashing into the metal post between the ropes, and then hit a uranage for a 2-count. White went for the Blade Runner, but Harwood blocked it by grabbing the ropes and White turned into a slingshot powerbomb as White screamed “No!”

Harwood put a sharpshooter on White and White made the ropes. The rest of Bullet Club Gold pulled White to the floor, and as Harwood faced off with them, White recovered and hit a Blade Runner on the floor. Harwood managed to cradle White once they got back in the ring, but as soon as White kicked out he countered with a Blade Runner for the pinfall. It looks like we might be getting Juice Robinson and Jay White one more time, maybe at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam. 

The Bullet Club then laid out Wheeler after the match and started to beat on FTR. As it was looking bad, the Young Bucks ran down to make the save. The Bucks then offered a handshake to FTR, and FTR refused as a small section of fans chanted “CM Punk” but were largely drowned out.

Final Thoughts:

AEW needed to have a show like this after what happened earlier today, and they hit everything they needed to. After the show went off the air in the US, the audio could be heard from the arena, and many fans were chanting for the Elite (though some were still booing). AEW will be fine without CM Punk, but it does suck that it came to this. That said, this was still an excellent show, and did a very good job building up AEW All Out. Moxley and Orange Cassidy were key, but so was Danielson returning as a surprise. Everyone seemed they wanted to steal the show and make this PPV a success tomorrow. Great show.

New for the AEW All Out Zero Hour pre-show:

  • The Over Budget Charity battle royal
  • Athena, Mercedes Martinez & Diamante vs. Willow Nightingale, Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue
  • AEW World Trios Champion The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn (w/ Dennis Rodman) defend against Jeff Jarrett, Satnam Singh & Jay Lethal (w/ Sonjay Dutt & Karen Jarrett)

New for AEW All Out:

  • Strap Match: Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks

The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn win AEW Trios titles at All In

Posted on by Josh Nason

For the first time in nearly a decade, Billy Gunn can call himself a champion.

Gunn and former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed defeated the House of Black Sunday at All In at London’s Wembley Stadium to win the Trios titles for the first time.

The end came when Gunn hit a second Fameasser on Brody King followed by a second Anthony Bowens’ Arrival and a second Max Caster Mic Drop with all three of them on top of King for the pin and win.

The match was held under no holds barred rules per the challengers’ request as part of the House of Black’s “House Rules.”

Gunn, who teased retirement after the trio initially lost to the House of Black at a July Collision event, now has his first major championship since he and Road Dogg held the WWE Tag Team titles in early-2014.

It’s the first titles for Bowens and Caster since they lost the AEW Tag Team titles this past February.

The reign ends the 175-day run for the House of Black (King, Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews) which saw them defend the titles eight times.

CM Punk & FTR challenging House of Black for Trios titles on next AEW Collision

Posted on by Josh Nason

AEW Tag Team Champions FTR & CM Punk will attempt to win the Trios titles as they challenge House of Black on next Saturday’s AEW Collision.

The match was announced after Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews & Brody King successfully defended their titles against Action Andretti, Lee Johnson & Darius Martin on Saturday’s show. 

Earlier in the night, FTR successfully defended their AEW Tag Team titles against Big Bill & Brian Cage while Punk beat Ricky Starks to keep his “Real World title” to end the show.

After Kris Statlander successfully defended her TBS title against former Ring of Honor Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez on Saturday’s Collision, she will team with Willow Nightingale to take on Martinez & Diamante.

Martinez attacked Statlander after the loss which brought out Diamante who then joined Martinez in the attack. Nightingale then ran out to even the odds and run off the heels. Statlander and Nightingale have been aligned in recent weeks in watching out for each other.

After coming to grips with the fact Billy Gunn has retired, The Acclaimed will return to tag team action against opponents to be named.

Here’s the current lineup for Greensboro, North Carolina:

  • AEW Trios Champions House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) defend against CMFTR (CM Punk, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  • TBS Champion Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. Diamante & Mercedes Martinez
  • The Acclaimed in action

AEW Collision live results: CM Punk vs. Ricky Starks ‘Real World title’ match

Posted on by Suit Williams

CM Punk will defend what he claims is the rightful World title against Ricky Starks on tonight’s AEW Collision with Ricky Steamboat as special guest referee.

After weeks of carrying around a red bag, Punk revealed the “Real World title” last week which he then spray painted with his X symbol. Starks confronted Punk and said the title should be his after recently defeating him, leading to this rematch.

AEW Tag Team Champions FTR will look to continue their roll on Collision with title defenses as they face Big Bill & Brian Cage. The latter earned their shot after recently winning a battle royal on Rampage. FTR successfully defended against Adam Cole & MJF last Saturday.

TBS Champion Kris Statlander will defend her title against former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez.

The Acclaimed will speak publicly for the first time since Billy Gunn seemingly retired after their recent loss to AEW Trios Champions House of Black.

**********

Our opening comments feature CM Punk saying he’s gonna separate the contenders from the pretenders, Ricky Starks saying he’s going to leave the Greenville crowd chanting his name, Prince Nana saying that his “brolic buddies” will leave with the titles, and FTR saying that they’re going to retain the titles in FTR Country.

AEW World Tag Team Title Match: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (c) defeated Big Bill & Brian Cage (w/ Prince Nana) to retain

This was another fun TV Title defense from FTR. Big Bill and Brian Cage worked well together as the big men that the hometown babyfaces needed to topple. Big Bill in particular has shined lately, taking complete advantage of the opportunities he’s been given.

Wheeler started this match by giving a hug to his mother in the front row. He engaged with Cage, with Cage bowling him over with a shoulder block. Harwood tried his hand and staggered Cage, but Cage dropped him with a lariat. Cage and Harwood went back and forth before Cage dropped both champions with shoulder blocks.

Big Bill tagged in and dropped Wheeler with a bodyslam and an elbow drop for a nearfall. Wheeler fought out of the corner and tagged Harwood. FTR fought off both challengers but couldn’t hoist up Bill for the Shatter Machine. Bill chokeslammed Wheeler on top of Harwood, then press slammed Wheeler out of the ring onto Harwood on the outside. The challengers posed as we went to a commercial break.

We came back from break with Bill beating on Wheeler in front of Wheeler’s mother. Bill posed in front of Wheeler’s mother, earning a slap to the face from her. Back in the ring, Cage hit his apron superplex to Wheeler for a nearfall that Harwood broke up. Wheeler fought out of a Torture Rack attempt from Bill and eventually rolled him up, but Bill kicked out and dropped him with a lariat. Wheeler avoided a corner charge from Bill and hit a German suplex on Cage, then fought his way to his corner to tag in Harwood.

Harwood ran wild, sending Bill out of the ring with a running forearm and hammering Cage with lariats. Harwood punched him in the face, then tagged in Wheeler to hit the Steiner Brothers Doomsday Bulldog for a nearfall. They set up the spike piledriver, but Cage caught them both and hit a fallaway slam/Samoan drop combination. Cage and Bill hit their finishers on Harwood and Wheeler, but Wheeler kicked out at two.

Bill sent FTR to the floor, with Cage following them with a tope over the top rope. Bill hit his big boot on Wheeler for a nearfall. Cage went for the F-5, but Wheeler sent him into Bill on the apron. That allowed FTR to hit Cage with the Shatter Machine to win the match and retain the titles.

After the match, Harwood took to the mic and ran down FTR’s accomplishments. They said there was one thing they needed to do. Wheeler made the challenge for Wembley Stadium. FTR vs. The Young Bucks, the rubber match at All In.

We got a video package running down the recent history between CM Punk and Ricky Starks.

Back from the commercial, Tony Schiavone was backstage with Juice Robinson & a cardboard cutout of Jay White. Robinson bigged up the Bullet Club Gold before the real Jay White arrived, saying he would take care of Metalik tonight. The Gunns entered the frame, mocking Schiavone’s commentary. White said that when Bullet Club Gold was having fun, no one else would.

TBS Title Match: Kris Statlander (c) defeated Mercedes Martinez

This was Martinez’s best showing since coming to AEW. She and Statlander had a solid TV match, with the crowd firmly behind Statlander. Diamante has gotten some necessary reps in ROH lately, having a quality title challenge against Athena last week.

They got a jump start on each other in the corner to start, with Statlander getting the early advantage with a shotgun dropkick. Martinez seemed to avoid a somersault senton from Statlander before taking control of the match. Martinez hit two butterfly suplexes, but Statlander fought out of the third. Martinez hammered Statlander with elbows before hitting a tree slam for a nearfall. Martinez clubbered on Statlander in the corner as we went to commercial.

Statlander fired up on Martinez as we came back from the break. Martinez tried to cut her off with a rolling elbow, but Statlander came back with a running knee that sent Martinez to the floor. Martinez avoided a crossbody on the floor, but Statlander came back with a backbreaker. Martinez rolled to the other side of the ring and hung Statlander up in the ropes, but Statlander came back with a powerslam.

Statlander went to the top rope, but Martinez cut her off and followed her up. Martinez hit a Spider Suplex, then followed with a running knee for a nearfall. Statlander countered a Fisherman’s Buster with a roll-up, then hit Saturday Night Fever for a nearfall. Martinez countered a wheelbarrow facebuster attempt by sitting down for a nearfall. Martinez went for a running forearm but Statlander ducked it and rolled Martinez up for the win.

After the match, Martinez jumped Statlander. Diamante came out, feigning the save for Statlander. Diamante quickly helped Martinez beat down Statlander, leading to Willow Nightingale coming out to make the actual save.

Backstage, Tony Schiavone was with a distraught Toni Storm. Storm had a crisis of confidence, wondering whether she was good enough anymore.

Samoa Joe defeated Serpentico

Joe won this match with the Coquina Clutch before I finished typing the competitors in the match. Riccaboni teased that Joe may have set a Collision record for fastest victory.

Joe grabbed the mic and was upset that he had no dance partner for All In. Joe called out CM Punk, noting that he was able to walk around knowing he was better than the Best In The World. He lost that ability during the Hart Foundation Tournament, but a roll-up wasn’t good enough for their legacy. He challenged Punk to a rematch at All In, saying that if Punk made him wait, Joe would make sure to convince him.

We got a quick video package on last week’s ladder match between Andrade and Buddy Matthews, with Andrade saying that if anyone took from him, he would pursue them until it is returned.

Back from the commercial break, we cut to a video from earlier today of Tony Schiavone sitting down with The Acclaimed. They say that they’ve talked to Billy Gunn this past week, with Gunn refusing to take his boots back. Gunn believes he has lost a step and cost the Acclaimed both the Tag Team and Trios Titles. Caster disagreed with him but will respect his decision. Bowens says that they will carry the boots with them as they move forward before telling Gunn how much he means to both of them. The Acclaimed will return to action next week on Collision.

Open House Rules Match for AEW World Trios Title: The House of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) (c) defeated Action Andretti, Darius Martin & Lee Johnson

Brody King has been getting larger and larger reactions for his participation in these matches. It makes sense as he looks like an unstoppable force in these Trios Title defenses. Lee Johnson came back from injury and didn’t miss a step, as he looked fantastic in his short flurry.

The House Rule chosen by the challengers was to have Julia Hart banned from ringside. Martin started with King, running wild until King stood tall on a crossbody attempt. Black tagged in and avoided an Andretti shotgun dropkick before sending Andretti into the barricades. Matthews tagged in and hung up Andretti on the ropes before sending him into the announce table as we went to commercial.

Andretti made the tag to Johnson as we came back from commercial. Johnson ran wild, taking Matthews and Black down with a double reverse DDT. Matthews and Black teamed up to take him down before King hit a cannonball to Johnson in the corner. Matthews and Black launched Johnson into a King forearm for a nearfall that Andretti cut off with a 450 splash.

A Pier Six brawl broke out, with Martin and Andretti taking King down with superkicks. Black and Matthews hit dual knees to Andretti before King hit a discus lariat for the win. As the House of Black celebrated, Ian Ricabonni announced that the House of Black would defend their titles next week against CM Punk and FTR.

Backstage, Tony Schiavone was with Powerhouse Hobbs. QT Marshall & Harley Cameron came into the frame, bearing gifts to apologize. Marshall offered Hobbs a set of gold chains and a marquee match at All Out in Chicago. Hobbs told them that he didn’t want their help but took the chains anyway. I would have taken the chains too, they looked nice.

Back from the commercial, Tony Schiavone was with TNT Champion Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, and a small child. Christian introduced the child as his daughter. He brought his daughter in to prove a point that he is a role model for children, unlike Darby Allin and his snot-nosed protégé Nick Wayne. Christian’s daughter asked to hold the TNT Title, but Christian said that she didn’t get to hold it because she didn’t win it. He told her to go find her mother, then told security to kick her out as she wasn’t credentialed. A very funny segment.

Jay White defeated Metalik

The Gunns joined commentary, with White throwing them his shirt. White caught Metalik on a springboard and dropped him with a DDT. White hit a backbreaker and locked on a single-leg crab, but Metalik got to the ropes. White clubbered on Metalik, but Metalik came back with a rope walk hurricanrana. White sent Metalik to the apron, but Metalik ducked a charge and hit a springboard moonsault in one fluid motion. White avoided a moonsault in the ring before hitting a snap suplex and the Blade Runner for the win.

We got a rundown of the Dynamite card, with the addition of Hikaru Shida vs. Anna Jay for the AEW Women’s Title. In a video package, Jay talked about Shida being her first opponent in AEW. She accused Shida of taking advantage of a rookie. She said that while she had a lot on her plate with the Jericho Appreciation Society meeting, she would still beat her and win the title.

Next week on Collision, we will get the House of Black vs. CM Punk & FTR, and Mercedes Martinez & Diamante vs. Willow Nightingale & Kris Statlander.

AEW “Real World Title” Match (Special Outside Official: Ricky Steamboat): CM Punk defeated Ricky Starks

This was an electric main event, as Greenville treated both men like superstars. Punk got the win here with the outside official he chose, but Starks’ reaction should keep this iron on the fire for Punk.

Jim Ross joined commentary for this match. He’s going to enjoy the extra-focused officiating in this one, without a doubt. Ricky Steamboat came out to his WCW music, giving JR a hug at the desk.

The two men started as the crowd gave dueling chants for both men. Punk dropped Starks with a shoulder block before mocking Starks’ pose to a big reaction. Starks hit a pair of deep arm drags before hitting his pose to a big reaction. Steamboat looked impressed by the arm drags. Starks took control and went for the Rochambeau, but Punk fought out. Punk went for the Go To Sleep, but Starks fought out and sent them both to the floor with a clothesline as we went to commercial.

Back from commercial as Starks was hitting chops on Punk. Starks and Punk traded chops, then slaps, before brawling with each other in the corner. Starks slapped Punk and bailed to the floor, but Punk followed him and sent him over the barricade. Punk mounted Starks and hammered him with forearms, leading Steamboat to pull Punk off of him.

Back in the ring, Punk went to hit the ten punches in the corner, but Starks dumped him onto the ropes before baseball sliding him to the floor. Starks took control, hitting a top rope chop before eyeing Steamboat on the floor. Starks locked on a waistlock before sending Punk into the turnbuckle sternum first. Starks sent Punk hard into the other turnbuckle, but a third Irish Whip saw Punk hit a reverse crossbody for a nearfall. Punk went for a sunset flip, but Starks held onto the ropes. Steamboat noted it, forcing Starks to let go of the ropes and drop an elbow on Punk for a nearfall.

We came back from another commercial with both men fighting on the top rope. Punk hit a superplex on Starks. Punk hit a big set of punches before landing a leg lariat and a neckbreaker. Punk hit the rising knee and bulldog for a nearfall. Punk went to the top rope for an elbow, but Starks stood up. Punk flew, they crashed into each other, and Starks ended up getting a nearfall. Punk went for another rising knee, this time with the knee exposed, but Starks caught him and hit a powerbomb for a nearfall.

Starks went to take care of Punk with Old School, but Punk pulled him into a GTS attempt. Starks fought out and sent Punk into the ringpost. Punk avoided a spear, with Starks going into the turnbuckle. Punk hit a high kick for a nearfall. The crowd chanted This Is Awesome as both men recovered. Punk went for a piledriver, but Starks reversed it into an Alabama Slam for a nearfall. Starks went for the Rochambeau, but Punk fought out of it. The referee got bumped to the floor, leading Starks to try and get another pin with his feet on the ropes. Steamboat knocked his feet off the ropes, leading to Punk rolling up Starks. Steamboat got into the ring and counted the three for Punk to win the match and retain his version of the World Title.

After the match, Starks shoved Steamboat into Punk to knock him off the apron. Starks ripped off Steamboat’s belt and started whipping him with it before Punk ran him off with a chair. Starks teased coming back, but Punk chased him up the ramp with the chair. The show ended with Punk and the ringside doctor helping Steamboat back to his feet.