Adam Cole vs. Konosuke Takeshita set for next AEW Dynamite

Adam Cole has to win one more match on next week’s Dynamite.

Thanks to a payoff from MJF, Don Callis will send Konosuke Takeshita to face Cole on next week’s Dynamite in Bridgeport, Connecticut. If Cole wins the match, he will have met MJF’s stipulations to face him at Full Gear on November 23.

After Adam Cole defeated Malakai Black, Cole addressed MJF, saying that he had talked to Tony Khan and had arranged that if both he and Roderick Strong win the three matches needed, they both will face MJF in a three-way match on November 23.

Angry over the news, MJF sent a man over to Don Callis backstage who handed Callis the Dynamite Diamond Ring and an envelope of money. In a voice message, MJF told Callis that there was more money where that came from and to not scruff up his ring.

Also announced for next week’s show is the return of Mina Shirakawa. The Stardom star has been involved in a triangle of sorts between herself, Toni Storm, and Mariah May.

The card for next week’s Dynamite:

  • Konosuke Takeshita vs. Adam Cole – if Cole wins, he earns match against MJF at Full Gear
  • Mina Shirakawa returns

AEW Dynamite live results: Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli & PAC

AEW strikes back at Jon Moxley’s Death Riders on tonight’s Dynamite from Manchester, NH.

Fighting for AEW’s honor, Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin will team up against Moxley’s allies Claudio Castagnoli and PAC a week after Allin descended from the rafters to return and brawl with Moxley’s group.

After their in-ring confrontation last week after Adam Cole defeated Buddy Matthews, Malakai Black and Cole will go one-on-one. Cole needs to win three in a row in order to get a shot at MJF at Full Gear.

After his debut last week, Bobby Lashley will appear live alongside The Hurt Syndicate’s MVP and Shelton Benjamin.

AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher will face Ricochet & a mystery partner.

In a Fight Without Honor, The Learning Tree’s Chris Jericho, Big Bill & Bryan Keith will face The Conglomeration’s Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii.

Penelope Ford will face Jamie Hayter, while Christian Cage and Hook are set for a face-to-face confrontation.

**********

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Nigel McGuinness as they throw it to Tony Schiavone in the ring who introduces The Hurt Syndicate to the arena.

The Hurt Syndicate Address AEW

MVP officially introduces himself to the AEW crowd, as Shelton Benjamin was next and his resume was run down to a strong ovation. Lashley was next, and got a massive ovation. MVP brought up handing out Hurt Syndicate business cards, saying if you accept it, it’ll change your life, if you reject it, this is what happens, throwing to the big screen and Swerve Strickland being laid out last week. Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana then come to the stage and have to be held back by officials, as Strickland had a steel chain in hand, looking for a fight. Strickland yells at Lashley for a match at Full Gear and MVP accepts. Lashley, never taking his sunglasses off, stared him down from the ring.

-Video package highlighting Orange Cassidy’s quest to battle the Death Riders is shown before tonight’s opening contest.

Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin defeated AEW Trios Champions Claudio Castagnoli & PAC (w/Wheeler Yuta) via disqualification

(Strong opener, with the crowd really behind Cassidy & Allin and their multiple comebacks. The ending wasn’t a surprise, as I assume we’re getting a Castagnoli & Allin singles match soon and this was also a way for the Death Riders to get back some of their heat after being finally outmatched last week. I wouldn’t be surprised if we got a Death Riders vs. Conglomeration match coming out of this.)

Castagnoli & PAC charged up the ramp to go at Cassidy, who lured them up there as Allin dove from the top of the entrance tunnel to wipe out both. PAC & Cassidy brawled ringside, as Allin piggybacked Castagnoli with a sleeper before being driven into the barricade. The match officially began, with Castagnoli & PAC both getting the upper hand in and out of the ring, until Cassidy side stepped a PAC dropkick and delivered a brutal PK. Cassidy momentarily distracted himself staring down at Yuta, giving PAC time to hit a Helluva Kick. Cassidy fought off the avalanche brainbuster, sending PAC crashing to the mat before hitting a diving DDT for two. Castagnoli made the save with backbreakers aplenty, as the match reset into commercial.

Cassidy’s ribs were worked over the entire break before finally side stepping a charging Castagnoli in the corner, diving for an Allin hot tag. Crowd erupts, as Allin ran wild, hitting a Coffin Drop from the ring to the floor on PAC before leaping into the clutches of Castagnoli. Allin avoided a Giant Swing, but Castagnoli launched him high in the sky with a back drop for two. Castagnoli powered Allin into a spinning backbreaker until PAC followed with a stalling German suplex for two of his own. Locomotion uppercuts in the corner until PAC dropped Allin with a brainbuster, followed by an avalanche variety for a close near fall broken up by Cassidy. Series of reversals led to a Cassidy hot tag this time, as he took PAC from corner to corner head first into the buckle. Cross body off the top on PAC, as a Stundog Millionaire into a Code Red dropped Castagnoli. Both Allin & Cassidy took turns hitting dives, as back inside Cassidy spiked PAC with a spinning DDT.

Yuta tried to jump in the ring, but ate an Orange Punch, as did Castagnoli on the apron. Marina Shafir appeared and kicked referee Bryce from the ring, allowing Jon Moxley to show up and choke out Cassidy. Allin made the save with a skateboard shot to the back until Yuta jumped Allin and the match was officially called off. Allin managed to fight off PAC, Yuta & Castagnoli with his skateboard, ducking a Shafir briefcase shot, only to run into a Castagnoli uppercut. Castagnoli launched Allin violently into the ring post off a gorilla press as back in the ring, the Death Riders had a 5 on 1 attack on Cassy with Moxley hugging Yuta, ordering Shafir & PAC to hold Cassidy up. They followed orders, as Yuta hit a Busaiku Knee. The Conglomeration’s music hit, as Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii hit the ring, as the Death Riders retreat.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Ricochet, asking who his mystery partner will be in the main event. Ricochet said he could pick anyone, as so many have issues with the Don Callis Family, but will keep it a secret for now. The Hurt Syndicate approach, as Ricochet said it’s nice to see them while MVP said they just want to wish him good luck. Ricochet tells them to watch him work and MVP said they will.

Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii defeated ROH World Champion Chris Jericho, Big Bill & Bryan Keith in a Fight Without Honor

(Weapons galore, as the result was expected, especially with the return of Ishii last week to be the first challenger in this reign of Jericho for the ROH Title. The crowd were really into this and all the wild moments, with Briscoe doing exactly what you’d assume, going absolutely nuts when a Fight Without Honor is happening. I’m glad they’re seeming to pivot from Briscoe being the contender for the ROH Title, as he needs to be focused on AEW for a while, I feel.)

All out brawl from the jump, as Briscoe decked Jericho with the ROH Title, while O’Reilly hit a Dragon Screw on Big Bill over the top rope, which was a cool visual. Jericho avoided a Jay Driller off the apron through a table, but not Ishii, who hit a backdrop driver on Jericho through the table. Bill was there to hit a big boot, as Briscoe launched off a chair over the post with a dive onto the big man. O’Reilly & Keith were left brawling on the apron before both fell off through a table together. Briscoe set up a ladder against the barricade, but took too long and suffered a chokeslam through it by Bill, as complete carnage took things to picture in picture.

The Learning Tree controlled the break, but Briscoe & Jericho both grabbed chairs and swung it out until Jericho dropped first and ate a shot to the back. Keith suffered the same fate, but Bill was there with a series of big boots and impressive Boss Man Slam on O’Reilly. Bill missed a corner charge and was lit up by all three Conglomeration members until a high/low from Ishii & O’Reilly sent him outside. Jericho tried a Lion Tamer on Briscoe, but Ishii met him with chops. Briscoe wanted a Jay Driller, but Keith made the save with a kendo stick, as O’Reilly & Bill fought to the back, leaving it a tag match in the ring.

Tower of Doom spot was turned into Briscoe hitting a powerbomb on Jericho while Ishii hit a superplex on Keith. Bill is shown stalking O’Reilly in the back and then into the arena, as he set up multiple tables while O’Reilly was down. Bill wanted a huge chokeslam off loading crates, but O’Reilly locked in a guillotine. Both men fell from the crates and they crashed through the tables. Back in the ring, Briscoe charged with a ladder, but Jericho hit a dropkick into it. Briscoe ducked a chair shot and managed a Jay Driller, but opted to set up a ladder and table instead of making the cover. Jericho was placed on the table, as Briscoe went to the top of the ladder for a massive Froggy Bow, but Keith just broke the pin. Ishii no sold some lariats and flattened Keith, who was taken out by a diving Briscoe leaving Ishii alone with Jericho, hitting a sliding lariat. A vertical drop brainbuster followed and Ishii pinned the ROH World Champion.

**********

-The Death Riders were seen leaving the arena as Jon Moxley said just so there’s no confusion, Wheeler Yuta doesn’t owe Orange Cassidy anything. Being a nice guy doesn’t buy loyalty, only a cause does. Yuta isn’t Cassidy’s student, he’s a soldier under Moxley’s command. He calls Darby Allin a disappointment he had high hopes for before shoving Yuta out of the camera shot. Moxley said there’s a time to kill, heal, destroy and build, as it’s time for those to stop playing at the thing you want people to think you take seriously. Moxley leaves with Shafir by his side.

Adam Cole defeated Malakai Black

(These two have always worked well together over the course of their careers and this was no different. Similar to last week, there were times in this match that allowed the crowd not to just cheer for Black, but boo Cole for kicking out of The End, which, I don’t know was the intended reaction they wanted. The finish was interesting, as the respect Black had for Cole almost led to Black accepting his fate and letting Cole hit his finisher. It’ll be interesting in who MJF called on the phone in the post-match, which I’m assuming has something to do with the final hurdle for Cole, or perhaps the second hurdle for Strong.)

Excalibur brings up how Cole has never beaten Black in all their singles matches in their career, as Black is 6-0. McGuinness said this is Black’s first singles match since “retiring” Adam Copeland in their cage match at Double or Nothing. Quick series of back-and-forth takedowns traded until Black caught a superkick and slowly placed the injured ankle down, refusing to take the easy route and target Cole’s weakness. Black opts to work the wrist before firing off an inside leg kick to force Cole to regroup outside. Black was quickly out after, but Cole battled back, wanting a Heatseeker, only for Black to avoid, dive off the apron, with Cole hitting a superkick in mid-air to take things to commercial.

When they return, Cole immediately hit a fireman’s carry neckbreaker for two before wanting Panama Sunrise, ultimately hitting it. The momentum took Black to his feet and he fired off a pump knee into the reset as both collapsed, Black managing a near fall, as he fell onto Cole. Both up for a slugfest until Cole superkicked out the leg, but Black swept the leg in return, going to the corner slow, allowing Cole to cut him off. Black countered a superplex, wanting a sunset bomb, but hit another pump knee instead. Both trade superkicks until Cole hit the neckbreaker on the knee. Cole charged and Black hit The End flush, but Cole kicked out to some boos from the crowd.

Black tried dragging Cole up, collapsing initially, but it was a ruse, as he caught Black with a superkick followed by a Panama Sunrise and another superkick to get another reset. Cole up first, as Black tried to get up, but instead sat with his legs crossed, telling Cole to essentially put him out of his misery. Cole hit The Boom and got the win, as the fans didn’t really know what to think of Black seemingly falling on his sword. We saw Kyle O’Reilly watching backstage getting worked on by the trainer, as Cole was seen thanking Black, who slowly recovered. Cole offered a handshake, as Black shrugged it away, instead hugging Cole.

After Black left, Cole took the microphone and put him over as one of the best he’s ever faced in his 16-year career. The crowd cheered Black loudly, as he gave a nod to them. Cole said he has one more win left to get his hands on MJF, as Roderick Strong has two more to go. Cole said everyone wonders if Cole & Strong both get three wins, what will happen? Cole talked to Tony Khan and said it would be a Triple Threat at Full Gear with Cole, Strong & MJF. Cole guaranteed MJF getting the ass kicking of a lifetime courtesy of the Undisputed Kingdom.

MJF was shown, I guess from his home, furious at what he just saw, as he made a phone call saying he needs them to pay someone a visit.

-The Full Gear 4-Way Contenders Series begins this weekend on Collision to determine the three challengers on who will face Private Party for the Tag Team Titles.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Switchblade Jay White and asked him about the vile things Hangman Page said about him last week. As White was running down what Page said, Page charged into the shot and the two brawled into the arena. Page beat down a security guard, allowing White to grab a chair and try for a home run shot, but Page tackled him into the barricade. Page trapped White’s ankle between the railing and was about to use a chair on it until Juice Robinson ran in to make the save. White got free and brawled with Page into the ring, but Page escaped into the crowd, limping while doing so. White took the microphone and begged for Page to tell him what he was going to do to him at Full Gear. White said he’s going to dismantle Page at Full Gear and will have fun doing it. White said Page told him he’d leave White behind, but he’s never been ahead of him and Page’s leg will be his downfall. Perhaps White will be the first to make Page tap-out.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kris Statlander, who appears to be arriving to the arena 90 minutes into the show, asking about her recently announced TBS Title match at Full Gear against Mercedes Mone. Statlander said she can’t wait for Full Gear and walks off screen before we hear a car screeching and see that Statlander jumped out of the way of a truck being driven by Kamille. Mone was in the passenger’s seat and scolded Kamille for missing, ordering her to go after Statlander. She was unsuccessful, as Statlander fought off both, slamming Kamille into the car door and hitting a Rock Bottom onto the hood of the car to Mone. More cracks in the partnership between Mone & Kamille in this segment.

Christian Cage & HOOK Face to Face

The Patriarchy came to the ring, as Cage held up the AEW World Title contract and told the fans to shut their mouths. Cage said security were at the aisle for HOOK’s protection before officially welcoming Kip Sabian to the family, as he’s a fatherless loser like many. Cage plays the clip of Sabian stealing his pen before almost cashing in his contract last month, as Cage then said Sabian was wise enough to realize the BCC, who were standing backstage at the time, would’ve interfered and cost him his World Title match. Cage said in that moment, Sabian did more for him than any of his other sons ever have, glaring at Nick Wayne. Cage said he loves Sabian, hugging him until HOOK’s signal is seen, the music hits and he comes to the stage.

HOOK said whatever it is Cage has to say, make it good and fast, he doesn’t have much patience. Cage said HOOK is a wild card with crazy eyes, he’s an ass kicker, but said he needs a son like him. Cage realized if he was going to be his son, he needed Taz out of the picture, as it was out of a place of love. He took out Taz with a led pipe to the leg, questioning why he didn’t just tell HOOK who did it, as he saw it was Cage who was behind this, why did he force HOOK to find his own answers? Cage said Taz buckled under the pressure of the bright lights and hid behind the commentary table and asks if that’s what HOOK wants to do or does he want to be a World Champion like Cage? Cage said no one cares that Taz is alive and wishes he was dead, as HOOK broke through the security, but The Patriarchy all bailed and the guards were left getting their asses kicked and choked out. Cage is smiling at the entrance as HOOK, standing tall, screams he wants a one-on-one match.

-Alex Marvez is backstage with Don Callis and asks about his new team of Lance Archer & Brian Cage before a big man approaches, offers an envelope and ring box before playing a message on his phone. It’s from “The Devil” as MJF said he needs Callis to do something for him and said there’s more money where that came from. MJF also said do what needs to be done, bay-bay and not to scuff up his ring or he’ll have someone scuff him up. The man walks off, with Callis putting the Dynamite Diamond ring on and admiring it.

Jamie Hayter defeated Penelope Ford

(I was about ready to criticize how little offense Hayter had, but I liked that the Hayter-ade came out of nowhere and once she hits it, it’s all over.)

Ford attacked Hayter at the bell as she was posing in the corner, getting a full mount, firing off strikes. Ford missed a corner charge, allowing Hayter to hit a high back suplex and returned the favor with punches in bunches of her own. Ford fought back with her handspring elbow and charging boot. Trip kick into the ropes led to a snap dropkick by Ford for another two count. Ford missed a moonsault, allowing Hayter to fly in with a dropkick and spiked Ford with a brainbuster. Hayter tried a lariat, but Ford did a matrix into a cutter for a nice near fall. Hayter fought out of a fireman’s carry and just like that, hit a Hayter-ade for the win.

-Mina Shirakawa video is shown, as she’s returning to AEW next week

**********

-A video package for Kazuchika Okada was shown. Jim Ross called him is one of his favorite talents ever in wrestling. Most people who are knowledgeable will have in their Top 5 wrestlers of all time. Excalibur said if Okada wins the Continental Classic, he will tie Masahiro Chono for the most tournament wins for a Japanese talent, bringing up the G1 Climax legacy left by Chono. Okada shrugged off Chono’s previous G1 Climax wins and mentioned how he will win the Continental Classic this year and defend the Continental Title. This was a good quick little video to put over Okada’s history of big tournament wins ahead of the Continental Classic.

Ricochet & Powerhouse Hobbs defeated AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher

(I thought this was a great main event with the returning Hobbs more than holding his own in there, looking like a future contender for the International Title. Ricochet is obviously next in line, so getting a pin on the champ made sense here, but I look forward in seeing what Hobbs does going forward now that he’s healthy, as he’s been a missed presence on TV. The post-match was filled with a bunch of run-ins, but most importantly, Will Ospreay, who is finally back and out for revenge on Fletcher, presumably at Full Gear.)

Ricochet took the mic and called Takeshita & Fletcher morons for allowing him to pick a mystery partner. Ricochet someone’s contract was allowed to expire with the Don Callis Family and he’s really pissed off that they had seemingly forgotten all about him. Powerhouse Hobbs makes his entrance to a loud ovation and he storms to the ring with Ricochet and the match is on. Hobbs mowed down both Takeshita & Fletcher with a shoulder tackle, as McGuinness said it’s a rare oversight by Don Callis for letting Hobbs’ contract to expire, while Excalibur said once Hobbs was injured, Callis had no use for him any longer and turned to Lance Archer & Brian Cage.

Takeshita started no-selling Ricochet chops ringside and flattened him with a forearm, as Hobbs dropped Fletcher before stalking Takeshita. Ricochet stood on the shoulders of Hobbs and moonsaulted off to the floor onto Takeshita & Fletcher to a huge pop. Delayed vertical suplex from Hobbs on Fletcher before tagging in Ricochet. A momentary distraction from Takeshita allowed Fletcher to hit a draping DDT through the ropes to gain control, as stereo big boots had Ricochet isolated throughout the break.

Adam Cole was shown watching backstage, as we’re told Cole vs. Takeshita will take place next week for Cole’s final hurdle to get to Full Gear. Hot tag from Hobbs, who ran wild with a lariat on Fletcher and snap powerslam on Takeshita. Meat chants from the crowd, as Hobbs hit an Avalanche Tour of the Islands, but Fletcher broke the pin attempt, causing Hobbs to chuck him from the ring. Hobbs lowers the straps, but the delay allowed Takeshita to fire off a forearm, which Hobbs slowly rose up from. Forearm exchange by Hobbs & Takeshita led to Hobbs winning that war, but Takeshita managed a stalling German suplex. Hobbs answered with a wild lariat in the double down in a really fun back and forth.

Ricochet & Fletcher tag in and pick up the speed, with Fletcher hitting a big boot, but missed a corner charge. Ricochet tried a springboard cross body, but was caught by Fletcher, who turned it into a sit-out Liger Bomb for two. Hobbs sent to the floor, as Takeshita wanted an avalanche powerbomb on Ricochet, who countered into a hurricanrana in mid-air. Ricochet wanted a 450 on Takeshita, but missed, rolled through and Takeshita hit a pump knee. Head scissors into an attempted gut-wrench German, but Ricochet landed on his feet, tried a Poison Rana, but Takeshita held on and Fletcher flew in with a Doomsday Device for two. Ricochet avoided the Power Drive Knee, hit Takeshita with a thrust kick, as Fletcher was steamrolled outside by Hobbs. Takeshita wanted a home run lariat on Ricochet, but Hobbs shoved him out of the way and took the bullet. Ricochet flew off the top for a hurricanrana, Takeshita initially caught him, but Ricochet snapped through with a pin attempt for two. Shooting Star Press connected for another two, but The Spear Gun charging lariat got the job done and the win.

Post-match, Fletcher grabbed a steel chair and smacked Hobbs on the apron followed by one to the back of Ricochet. Fletcher wanted a Tiger Driver when Mark Davis hit the ring to make the save, trying to drag Fletcher to the back, but a shoving match occurred with Davis shoving down Fletcher. Lance Archer & Brian Cage hit the ring and attacked Davis, laying him out with Fletcher watching on. Adam Cole ran out, but Takeshita cut him off and brawled with him immediately to the back ahead of their match next week. Fletcher went and grabbed a chair to put Davis out of commission until Will Ospreay’s music hit and Ospreay sprinted out from the back to a huge ovation with his fists taped. Cage & Archer saved Fletcher initially, but Hobbs, Davis & Ricochet all recovered and made the save. Fletcher almost ate a Hidden Blade, but bailed before Ospreay could hit. Ospreay, Hobbs, Ricochet & Davis stared down the Don Callis Family to end the show.

AEW Collision (11/9/24)

  • Death Riders (PAC, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defend the AEW Trios Titles against The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii)
  • The Outrunners vs. Top Flight in a Full Gear Contenders Series
  • Nick Wayne vs. AR Fox

AEW Dynamite (11/13/24)

  • FTR vs. House of Black in a Full Gear Contenders Series
  • Adam Cole vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Adam Cole wants to end his career in AEW: ‘I absolutely love it here’

Adam Cole doesn’t ever want to leave All Elite Wrestling.

The 35-year-old was a guest on the Stick to Wrestling podcast today and was asked if it’s his goal to end his career with the company.

Cole responded:

“Yes, I believe so. Of course, like we say in pro wrestling, obviously, never say never. You never know what’s going to happen, but I love AEW with all of my heart. I love our crew. I love our boss. I love our fans. I absolutely love it here and have no real plans of leaving.”

Cole also addressed if he was in line to win the AEW World Championship before being injured last year.

“Do I know for sure that I was going to be in line to becoming the AEW World Champion? I’m not totally sure, but that’s certainly where it seemed like we were going. That’s certainly the direction that I think very possibly could have happened had I not been injured, which really did add to the mental anguish of the entire process.”

“I still got a lot of my career left, so I certainly hope the AEW World title is in my future,” he continued.

Cole debuted for AEW at All Out 2021 in a show-closing segment that also featured Bryan Danielson’s debut. Since then, he’s won the Owen Hart Cup in 2022, headlined the first Wembley Stadium show in 2023, and won the ROH Tag Team titles along with MJF. Cole will have his first match in over a year at tonight’s AEW Fright Night Dynamite. He will face House of Black’s Buddy Matthews on the show.

Cole also addresses reports WWE was considering having him become a manager, his thoughts on his match at AEW All In last year, and more in the interview. The full episode is available below:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xDbF82KTKDPmYB4h60Gww

MJF to face Adam Cole or Roderick Strong at AEW Full Gear

MJF will do battle with either Adam Cole or Roderick Strong at the November 23 AEW Full Gear PPV.

The match for the pay-per-view was set up during a segment on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite where Cole reunited with The Undisputed Kingdom in the ring. Cole and Strong agreed that they both want to get their hands on MJF, but MJF interrupted with a promo on the video wall.

MJF stated in his promo that he is not going to appear on an AEW show until Full Gear, but that between Cole and Strong, the first to win three matches will get to face the former AEW World Champion at Full Gear.

Cole will make his in-ring return on next week’s Fright Night Dynamite for his first match in over a year after suffering an ankle injury at Dynamite Grand Slam last September.

The lineup so far for AEW Full Gear on Saturday, November 23:

  • MJF vs. Adam Cole or Roderick Strong

Adam Cole in-ring return, Tag Team title match added to AEW Fright Night Dynamite

Adam Cole will return to the ring for his first match in over a year on the October 30 AEW Fright Night Dynamite.

Cole will go one-on-one with Buddy Matthews next week after Matthews issued a challenge to Cole and the two had a backstage confrontation on this week’s Dynamite.

It will be the first match for Cole since last September after he suffered an ankle injury jumping off the stage at last year’s Dynamite Grand Slam.

The Cole bout is one of two new matches for next Wednesday’s Dynamite added to the lineup during this week’s episode.

Private Party & Daniel Garcia defeated The Young Bucks & Jack Perry in a trios match in this week’s Dynamite main event, then Private Party challenged The Young Bucks to a Tag Team Championship rematch from WrestleDream on next week’s Dynamite. The Bucks refused until Isiah Kassidy proposed the stipulation that Private Party will disband forever unless they win the titles, at which point they accepted the match for next week.

Already announced for next week’s special Fright Night Dynamite are Swerve Strickland vs. Shelton Benjamin, plus Kamille taking on Kris Statlander.

The updated card for AEW Fright Night Dynamite set for Wednesday, October 30:

  • Adam Cole vs. Buddy Matthews
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks defend against Private Party — Private Party must disband if they lose
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Shelton Benjamin
  • Kris Statlander vs. Kamille

Daily Update: Carmella, AEW Continental Classic, Adam Cole

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the highlights of this issue:

  • The life of Joe Koff and how his influence on the current wrestling scene is so underplayed. From being a childhood fan of Bruno Sammartino, heading the production on the original Battle of the Belts series, saving ROH at least twice, and providing a place where many of today’s biggest stars were able to make a living while building resumes that led them to the top in WWE and essentially the building blocks of the formation of AEW, and the success of All In. We look at his life and career both in and out of the wrestling business.
  • Bryan Danielson retires from full-time wrestling, his future and how this played out on WrestleDream.
  • A look at WrestleDream, the business of the show, the rundown and polls.
  • More details on the AEW television deal, what it does and doesn’t cover, prospects for other deals, the economics, attempting to rebuild attendance at shows, the Mexico deal, international prospects going forward and more.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. wins IWGP title while Hiroshi Tanahahashi provides a retirement countdown. Plus a look at the future NJPW lineups, Tokyo Dome prospects and King of Pro Wrestling coverage.
  • The Gegard Mousasi lawsuit and the latest attempt to get a court to rule on the independent contractor vs. employee status.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the wrestling shows, placings for the night and week, competition, year-by-year comparisons and more.
  • When did star ratings for wrestling matches begin? The answer will surprise you.
  • Santo draws the biggest indie crowd of the year.
  • Jimmy Jacobs leaves AEW.
  • Bob Ryder and the birth of TNA.
  • International TV ratings.
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows.
  • Fighters depositions in Cung Le lawsuit.
  • UFC TV rights news.
  • Major UFC stars say they want to come out of retirement.
  • How much WWE & UFC are expected to produce this year in revenue.
  • New WWE project with Netflix.
  • Update on Netflix ratings for the two wrestling shows.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer vs. Fallon Henley & Jacy Jayne match from last night’s NXT.
  • Joining the “cornball wave” of making “a song to promote a fist fight,” Ethan Page released a diss track on Trick Williams ahead of their NXT Championship match at Halloween Havoc.
  • Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan attended last night’s Las Vegas Golden Knights game, promoting that WrestleMania 41 tickets are going on sale this week.
  • ARC Las Vegas spoke with Cody Rhodes about WrestleMania coming to Las Vegas next April. Rhodes also visited Allegiant Stadium — where WrestleMania 41 will be held — while in Vegas.
  • Rhodes said he’s been “blown away” by NXT’s run on The CW Network so far:
    • As a talent in the current main roster as we might say, NXT can be kind of intimidating, because it’s not really a developmental anymore. It’s almost a grooming ground for these monsters who are going to come up and eventually stand across the ring from you – and they’ve been trained by Shawn Michaels. We’re definitely preparing the next generation of superstars and wrestlers. And their run on The CW with NXT, I’ve been blown away. Really special stuff.
  • David Bixenspan has a story for Rolling Stone covering the new lawsuit filed against WWE, Vince McMahon & Linda McMahon concerning the 1980s “Ring Boy” scandal.
  • WWE wished Carmella (37) and Lyra Valkyria (28) a happy birthday.
  • On Instagram, Carmella opened up about the “postpartum fog” she’s worked to overcome after giving birth:
    • thirty-seven years old.. this past year, i struggled to even look at myself in the mirror, not recognizing the woman staring back. sleepless nights, hormones all over the place, keeping a tiny human alive and thriving.. so much has changed. there have been good days, bad days, and so many blurry days in between. a once confident woman, now completely lost. who am i? why don’t i recognize myself? will i ever get back to who i was? the truth is, no. i won’t. because i’m a different person now. i’m a mother. we don’t talk enough about the struggles new moms face, because we have no choice but to show up and keep going. i’ve put myself last, putting everyone else’s needs first, but i’m realizing that’s no good for anyone. lately, i’ve been making it a priority to take care of myself so i can show up as the best mom, wife, and woman i can be. for the first time in over a year, i’m starting to emerge from the fog and step into this new version of me. i’m proud of who i am and the sacrifices i’ve made for my family. i’m not the person i was before i had my son, but i’m an even better version of myself—and i’m learning to love her. to all the moms out there in the postpartum fog, take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come. you’re a superwoman. give yourself grace during this time of transformation, and trust that you’ll find yourself again.
  • Seth Rollins is appearing as a guest on Inside the NFL on The CW tonight.
  • WWE Vault has a video chronicling the story of Kane’s unmasking.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • In an interview with Foundation Radio, Mark Briscoe said he’s hoping to be an entrant in the 2024 Continental Classic. Briscoe noted that the tournament will begin next month:
    • Season is coming up. Thanksgiving Eve, that’s the start of the Continental Classic. And, you know, with [Kazuchika] Okada being the current Continental Champion, he’s the focal point. He’s the target, you know what I mean? But I feel like the Continental Classic last year, in a way, in my singles career – it was almost like a coming out party. I got the chance to wrestle four guys in my block. And it was just like, I don’t think anybody knew what I could do in singles competition. And I didn’t really make out too well in the wins and the losses, but I learned.
  • Adam Cole spoke to TV Insider about the passing of former ROH Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff: 
    • I’m thankful I got to attend Joe Koff’s service, which just happened. Joe Koff was incredibly important to me. He was an unbelievable man, an unbelievable businessman. He was one of the first people to really support me and have my back and he gave me quite a bit of confidence when it came to wrestling. Having a belief in myself. Joe was so unbelievable to so many of us at Ring of Honor. He helped so many talents and so many different people. This was either from the business mindset or just bringing encouragement. He was awesome to the talent. Joe Koff was someone who, even when I didn’t work for Ring of Honor for years, would still text me congratulations. Whether it was my debut in NXT or debut in AEW or being part of the first [AEW] All In with MJF. Joe Koff went out of his way to reach out and say how proud he was of me. That meant the world. I think the world of him and grateful I could have been even a small part of that man’s life.
  • Cole was asked about Dynamite & NXT going head-to-head on November 6 (with NXT being moved to Wednesday that week due to election coverage):
    • I think it’s very exciting. I feel any time there is any kind of competition within pro wrestling, it has been nothing but a positive. When there is only one show in town, it can only do so much. I think when there are situations where people can challenge each other or go up against each other, it brings out the best in both places. It’s nothing but a good thing. It’s good for the wrestlers and fans alike.
  • Renee Paquette interviewed Daniel Garcia on AEW Close Up.
  • Wheeler Yuta made an appearance on The Mark Hoke Show.
  • The Takedown spoke with Joe Hendry ahead of TNA Bound for Glory.
  • Tom Lawlor was on The Ariel Helwani Show today, discussing the $375 million settlement in the UFC/Cung Le antitrust lawsuit.
  • MLW announced that Bad Dude Tito will defend his National Openweight Championship against Matthew Justice in a Falls Count Anywhere match at Lucha Apocalypto in Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, November 9.

Adam Cole needed cadaver bone in his ankle after AEW Grand Slam 2023 injury

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Adam Cole detailed his return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for over a year.

Cole and MJF were in a hot angle at the time of the injury. The two “brochachos” even headlined AEW All In 2023 at Wembley Stadium against each other just weeks before Cole shattered his ankle at Grand Slam.

Cole says the injury was so bad doctors had to put a cadaver’s bone in his leg.

“The first piece of news that I heard was, your ankle is way worse than we anticipated. You have to get another surgery in seven days,” he said. “So, not only did I have to get double the amount of screws in my ankle, but also, I had to get someone else’s bone put into my ankle because the bone piece within my ankle just completely disintegrated.”

“Incredibly thankful to [the donor] and the family,” he continued. “It’s certainly a better option. I definitely notice a difference in my left ankle as opposed to my right one, but I think that comes with the territory.”

The cadaver bone placed in his leg was in lieu of using a metal plate, which could have reduced the range of motion he has. Cole says he does not feel limited after the surgery.

“I still feel like I can be Adam Cole and do the things that I wanna do. And I’m certainly not even close to wanting to be done with wrestling.”

Despite being injured at the time, Cole helped continue his storyline with MJF at Worlds End last December, turning on his former friend and revealing he had been the man in the devil mask all along. Along with Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, and Roderick Strong, he also formed The Undisputed Kingdom that night. With Cole and MJF’s babyface/heel dynamic having switched since they each returned to the company, Cole isn’t sure if the group will continue to be part of his story with MJF.

“I know that Roddy, Mike, and Matt have been very insistent on wanting to be involved. I don’t know if I want them involved or not. Time will tell, but right now, I feel like leaving them out of the situation is incredibly important for me and my closure with Max.”

Adam Cole confirms relationship with Britt Baker has ended

Adam Cole and Britt Baker are no longer together.

The former couple had been in a relationship for seven years after meeting on Bumble in 2017. However, during an interview with SI.com, Cole stated that they have gone their separate ways but remain friends.

“We are no longer a couple,” Cole said. “But when I say that we both still love each other and are still friends and still so supportive of each other, that could not be more true.”

While it’s not clear when the couple’s relationship ended, Cole sparked rumors of it this summer when he mentioned on a video game stream that he would be moving back to his home state of Pennsylvania alone.

“I think the world of Britt,” Cole continued. “I want her to be as happy and successful as humanly possible, and I know she feels the exact same way about me. We did decide to go our separate ways, but that doesn’t mean that she will not be an incredibly important part of my life. Britt is absolutely one of my best friends. She’s someone that I love dearly and will always love dearly, and there is no ill will between me and her whatsoever.”

Cole and Baker’s relationship was featured in AEW: All Access, the company’s backstage reality series that aired last year.

“I don’t want anyone to ever think that me and Britt dislike each other. I think it is possible, in situations, for people who are in relationships to kind of go their separate ways, but still care about one another. The last thing I would want is fans to pick sides or anything like that.” 

SI.com’s full interview with Adam Cole will be released on Wednesday morning.

Wrestling Weekly: The BCC take over AEW, latest in WWE’s Bloodline story

There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Jon Moxley. We discuss how the new champ and the BCC are looking to make changes in AEW and whether or not Jimmy Uso can convince his brother to link up against The Bloodline.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Adam Cole appearance, Lio Rush vs. Shelton Benjamin set for AEW Dynamite

Adam Cole’s Dynamite return is set.

AEW announced on Monday that Cole would be making his return this Wednesday.

“After shocking AEW Fans and @The_MJF with his appearance at #AEWWrestleDream, @AdamColePro makes his return to #AEW Dynamite, LIVE at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TBS, THIS WEDNESDAY!,” AEW’s post on X said.

Cole, who had spent much of 2024 on the shelf after injuring his leg during a run-in at last year’s AEW Grand Slam, made his surprise return at WrestleDream following MJF’s own return to the company. After Jack Perry blasted Daniel Garcia from behind with the TNT title, MJF went in for the attack until Cole’s music hit. MJF quickly bailed as Cole helped Garcia to his feet.

After his injury, Cole revealed himself as the mastermind behind attacks that took place toward the end of 2023, forming a new group called The Undisputed Kingdom. However, he spent most of 2024 away from TV, and with Wardlow also out of action, the stable has since reverted into a trio consisting of Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, and Mike Bennett.

It was also announced that Shelton Benjamin will make his AEW in-ring debut on Wednesday, taking on Li o Rush.

AEW later announced that Jay White would be taking on Christian Cage on Wednesday. Additionally, They put up a Dynamite graphic highlighting Jon Moxley’s AEW World title win at WrestleDream, with the graphic reading “Jon Moxley is the AEW World Champion. Nobody is safe.”

Here is the updated lineup for Wednesday:

  • Mercedes Mone vs. Queen Aminata
  • Shelton Benjamin vs. Lio Rush
  • Jay White vs. Christian Cage
  • Adam Cole returns
  • Jon Moxley is the AEW World Champion

Adam Cole and MJF return at AEW WrestleDream

Both former AEW World Champion MJF and Adam Cole made their surprise returns to AEW as part of Saturday’s WrestleDream in a sequence that also included Daniel Garcia.

Following TNT Champion Jack Perry’s title defense over Katsuyori Shibata, Garcia made a surprise appearance to confront Perry as his bid for his first AEW title begins again.

Perry then took off and MJF’s music hit, leading to the former champion’s first appearance since Garcia delivered a second rope piledriver at September’s All Out which took MJF out in storyline so he could film Happy Madison 2. The two came face-to-face and Perry then returned to lay out Garcia before departing.

MJF then further attacked Garcia and verbally ran him down before pulling out the Dynamite diamond ring that he said he recovered from a pawn shop in Buffalo. As he was about to knock Garcia out, Cole’s music hit. MJF looked shocked and mocked Cole for not being able to run as he was on the ramp. Cole, who was in full babyface mode, then sprinted toward the ring and MJF took off through the crowd in fear.

Cole has been on the injured list since a severe ankle break at Dynamite Grand Slam in September 2023. At Worlds End in December 2023, he revealed himself as the Devil character that targeted MJF during his AEW World title run, betraying his former tag team partner and launching the Undisputed Kingdom faction.

MJF then took several months off and returned at May’s Double or Nothing to confront Cole, kick him low and send him off in storyline. Since then, MJF returned to being a heel with Cole is apparently now switched back to being a babyface.

Report: Adam Cole expected back in AEW soon

Adam Cole may be returning sooner rather than later.

Fightful Select reported on Monday that AEW is “hopeful and even expecting” Cole back “sooner than later” and plans are being made for his eventual return as an on-screen character.

Cole suffered a serious ankle injury at last September’s AEW Grand Slam, which required two surgeries. The report did note that Cole was visiting people backstage earlier this month at All Out without the help of crutches or a walking boot.

As part of an ongoing storyline, Cole was revealed as the person under the devil mask that wreaked havoc in AEW towards the end of 2023. He, along with Wardlow, Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, and Mike Bennett, formed a new stable called the Undisputed Kingdom. However, Cole disappeared from television soon after to focus on his recovery, and Wardlow has also been out of action with an injury. Roderick Strong and The Kingdom have remained on television as a trio.

Matt Taven: Wardlow is out due to knee injury

Image: AEW

The absence of former TNT Champion Wardlow has been on the mind of AEW fans for months, but Undisputed Kingdom teammate Matt Taven shone some light as to the reason why.

During a podcast appearance, Taven said the big man is currently “out with a knee injury” but didn’t give any details as to the severity or when it was suffered. He said he believed that Wardlow is “just trying to figure out what the best kind of treatment plan is to get back on track with that knee.”

The 36-year-old hasn’t competed since this past March’s Big Business edition of Dynamite, losing to then-World Champion Samoa Joe. The month prior, it was feared he suffered a torn meniscus in a bout with Komander but he did wrestle three times after that including the aforementioned Joe match.

Taven was also asked about faction leader Adam Cole and didn’t have any update, just saying everyone is trying to focus on their long-term health and that he’ll be back when he’s ready. Cole has been out of action since suffering a severe ankle injury at last September’s Grand Slam event.

Adam Cole not yet cleared to wrestle in AEW, but ‘getting better and better’

The journey for Adam Cole to return to an AEW ring is still an ongoing one as company head Tony Khan said his star is not 100% as of now, but that “he’s getting better and better.”

Khan revealed the news in a talk with CBS Sports, saying Cole remains uncleared to compete. He didn’t give any timeframe as to when that could happen.

“I think (his recovery) is great news for AEW. We love Adam Cole and the fans love Adam Cole. He’s been a big part of the company now for almost three years of our five year journey. It’s crazy to think Adam Cole, a year ago at this time, really felt like he was getting towards the top of the wrestling world,” Khan said.

Cole broke his ankle in a freak accident jumping off the entrance ramp on the September 2023 Grand Slam edition of Dynamite as he ran out to help then-World Champion MJF. He had to undergo two surgeries and have both screws and a plate inserted into his ankle.

Cole has been on TV occasionally since being revealed as The Devil character and turning on MJF at last December’s Worlds End, officially forming The Undisputed Kingdom faction. MJF has been out of action recovering from injuries and has not been on TV in any form since Worlds End when he lost the title to Samoa Joe.

AEW Dynasty notes: Chris Jericho wins FTW title, Adam Cole out of wheelchair

Sunday’s AEW Dynasty saw its share of successful title changes & title defenses including the ceremonial FTW Championship changing into the hands of Chris Jericho.

Jericho defeated Hook for the title, hitting him with a bat strike to the face while Hook defiantly flipped him off. In the later stages of the bout, Jericho had already hit a Judas Effect for a nearfall and kept telling Hook to stay down but to no avail.

After the bat shot, Hook’s father Taz got up from the announce desk but didn’t get involved. He told Jericho to back off after the match to help play up the severity of the bat shot.

The win ends the 238-day second reign of Hook which saw just three successful title defenses. Jericho becomes the ninth overall titleholder and the seventh unique champion dating back to its creation in ECW in 1998.

Jericho joins AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland, AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks, TBS Champion Willow Nightingale, and AEW unified Trios Champions Bullet Club Gold as new titleholders coming out of the night.

**********

Several champions did leave St. Louis with their title reigns intact.

AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm defeated former champion Thunder Rosa after a second Storm Zero that was preceded by a low blow kick. It’s Storm’s fourth title defense in her third reign.

In his first title defense, AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defeated PAC to retain in their first-ever meeting while AEW International Champion Roderick Strong defended against former teammate Kyle O’Reilly in his first-ever title defense.

**********

Miracles do happen as Adam Cole rose out of his wheelchair following Strong’s title defense over Kyle O’Reilly, walking into the ring.

As The Undisputed Kingdom celebrated, Cole shot a disgusted look toward Wardlow, following up on his displeasure for the big man losing to then-AEW World Champion Samoa Joe in March.

It was another literal step toward returning to in-ring action for Cole who has been on the injured list since last September’s Grand Slam Dynamite when he broke his ankle jumping off the entrance ramp during the MJF-Joe World title match.

There is still no public timetable for Cole’s return. Former friend turned enemy MJF has also been out of action since being screwed over by Cole at last December’s Worlds End, costing him the World title.