AEW World Champion MJF will make his first-ever appearance on Rampage this Friday.
He will defend the title against Hiroshi Tanahashi in their first-ever meeting at Sunday’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door and will team with Adam Cole in the upcoming AEW Tag Team title eliminator tournament following a blind draw.
Adam Cole will also be heard from as he gives his thoughts on the developments and face-off he and MJF had Wednesday.
The women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament will kick off as Anna Jay A.S. takes on Skye Blue in the first of four quarterfinal matches.
Ahead of his challenge of NJPW World Champion SANADA on Sunday, “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry will face SANADA’s stablemate Douki.
In an eight-man tag team match, CHAOS (Rocky Romero, Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta & Yoh) will take on United Empire (Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher & Jeff Cobb) and Swerve Strickland.
Former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed will be in action against opponents to be named.
Here’s the full card that is being taped after Dynamite in Chicago:
MJF appearance
Adam Cole appearance
Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament quarterfinal: Anna Jay A.S. vs. Skye Blue
CHAOS (Rocky Romero, Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta & Yoh) vs. United Empire (Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher & Jeff Cobb) and Swerve Strickland
After coming up just short in his attempt to earn a future AEW World Championship shot, Adam Cole is set to appear on Dynamite this week.
AEW has announced that we’ll hear from Cole on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite. Cole will address his title eliminator match against MJF from last week’s show. That match ended in a 30-minute time limit draw.
Cole had MJF beat last Wednesday, but time expired before the referee could count to three. Cole grabbed a microphone after the bell rang and challenged MJF to add five more minutes onto the match. MJF refused and bailed.
An AEW World Championship match with MJF defending against NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi is set for this Sunday’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view, but MJF has claimed that he’s refusing to defend the title against Tanahashi and may no-show the match. In a promo last week, MJF called NJPW a “rinky-dink indie fed in Japan.”
Wednesday’s Dynamite is taking place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. It will feature Dynamite’s final build to Forbidden Door. Here’s everything that’s been announced for the episode:
TBS Champion Kris Statlander defends against Taya Valkyrie
Concession stand brawl: Jeff Jarrett vs. Mark Briscoe
Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara & Minoru Suzuki vs. Action Andretti, Darius Martin & AR Fox
Blind eliminator tournament for an AEW Tag Team title shot
The Hardys vs. The Gunns
Orange Cassidy & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Daniel Garcia
On this week’s Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I talk all things AEW and with WWE’s top storyline involving The Bloodline.
We take a look at this past week’s AEW Dynamite and how MJF vs. Adam Cole might have been brought up a notch, which inspires a great territory story about the time limit draw that nearly never ended.
Les and I also look at debut of AEW Collision this Saturday and Jey Uso still has a decision to make.
John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.
We got right into our top five of the week where we discussed the following:
Ranking the WWE titles in terms of which belts are most over
AEW Collision preview
The AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2 card as it stands
Jey Uso’s choice on WWE SmackDown
A look at WWE Money in the Bank with some predictions for the briefcases
We then kicked off a new segment called Break It Down where we watched an old match and discussed the positives and negatives through 2023 eyes. We start with the May 20, 1996, episode of WCW Monday Nitro between Ric Flair and Eddy Guerrero.
AEW Dynamite airs live from Washington DC tonight with a World title eliminator, plus two title matches.
AEW World Champion MJF will face challenger Adam Cole in a match where Cole earns a title shot with a victory.
The Women’s World Championship is on the line as Toni Storm defends against Skye Blue.
TNT Champion Wardlow defends his title against Jake Hager of the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta face The Elite’s Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and Hangman Page in trios action.
Sting, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy, and Keith Lee will take on Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) in an eight-man tag team bout.
Sammy Guevara has also been advertised for tonight’s episode.
Capital One Arena in DC, the home of the first episode of Dynamite in 2019, hosts the show.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they immediately go to the entrances for our opener with huge title implications.
AEW World Champion MJF vs. Adam Cole ended in a 30 Minute Time Limit Draw
(This was a PPV caliber match to kick off the show, with the finish allowing the chase for Cole to continue without MJF getting pinned. I was caught off guard by the finish, but it certainly makes sense, as Cole didn’t win, but also didn’t lose. The rematch, whenever it happens, will be excellent I’m sure.)
MJF mocked Cole early with a Fargo Strut and Rick Rude hip swivel before narrowly dodging a Cole superkick, taking an early powder. Jumping the rail into the crowd, MJF threw popcorn at fans and knocked the hat off another. Back inside, MJF got an eye rake, but trash talked too long and Cole turned the tables, backdropping MJF to the floor. MJF tripped up Cole in the ring apron and targeted the left arm of Cole in the ring, trying to soften it up for Salt of Earth. MJF drove Cole to the mat with a pumphandle half nelson driver and mocked a Shawn Michaels pose soon after signaling for Sweet Chin Music, but Cole fired off a superkick of his own, busting open MJF’s mouth.
Cole battled back with offense using his good arm and connecting with a back stabber for two. MJF avoided Panama Sunrise, but Cole in turn dodged a Heat Seeker. MJF answered with a nasty double underhook shoulder breaker, but as he tried for another, Cole hit a kneecap brainbuster followed by a Ushigoroshi for two. Cole wanted a Florida Keys on the apron, but MJF ultimately countered into a Tombstone Piledriver on the hardest part of the ring to head into picture in picture.
MJF let Cole slowly recover as eventually Cole tried for The Boom, but MJF flattened him with a lariat into a double down and loud ovation from the crowd. Both men took turns countering submissions including a crossface, Salt of the Earth, ankle lock and LeBell Lock. MJF spiked Cole with a Heat Seeker as referee Bryce checked on Cole and MJF cleared off the ring attendant table, setting Cole up. MJF went to the top and hit a massive elbow drop from the ring to the floor through a table. MJF wanted a countout victory, but Cole just broke the count.
MJF went after Cole on the apron, but was planted with a Florida Keys straightjacket suplex. In the ring, Cole wanted Panama Sunrise, but MJF suckered Cole to the other side of the ring and hit a double stomp on the injured arm. MJF barked at the referee about his slow count, as Cole rolled up MJF, who knocked Cole into the referee. MJF grabbed the AEW Title, tried the Eddie Guerrero spot, but Bryce face planted and never saw Cole with the title, who clobbered MJF with it before lowering The Boom for a close two.
As Cole pulled him up, MJF grabbed the official and mule kicked Cole before putting on his Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF went for the home run shot, but Bryce stopped him, ripped the ring off, as Cole hit a superkick, Panama Sunrise and The Boom and was about to get the win when the bell sounded. We are told it’s a 30 Minute Time Limit Draw, which infuriated the fans. Cole grabbed a microphone and wanted 5 more minutes, but MJF bailed.
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-A video package showcasing the upcoming return of CM Punk is shown. Punk is training and said there are still things left to do. Punk won’t know what he will do or say until he has the microphone in his hand and has a lot to get off his chest.
Sammy Guevara Returns
Renee Paquette introduced Guevara to the ring, who said in recent weeks he’s had the highest of highs with the announcement of his wife Tay Melo being pregnant with a baby girl, to the lowest of lows, losing the AEW Title 4 Way at Double or Nothing. Guevara said he’s going to have to make some changes, but before he could follow up, Darby Allin made his way to the ring. Allin congratulated Guevara on the baby announcement and said the crowd seems to love him again, which got a mixed reaction. Allin asked if Guevara was going to continue to follow in the Jericho Appreciation Society footsteps, but this time Chris Jericho interrupted before Guevara could respond.
Jericho asked Guevara why he never asked for help in his quest for the AEW Title. Guevara said had Jericho called him, Jericho wouldn’t have lost to Adam Cole twice. Jericho demanded an apology, but Guevara refused, as Jericho said maybe they need reunite Le Sex Gods next week, have a tag match to remind Guevara who the boss truly is. Allin laughed and told Jericho the magic is gone, as Jericho was insulted, saying he & Guevara should beat down Allin 2 on 1. Allin said he’s not alone, as Sting made his way out.
Jericho & Sting had a face off for the first time in their careers as both took turns raising their baseball bats at the other. Jericho went to retreat and told Guevara to come with, but he didn’t follow. This turned into a pretty fun segment, as I didn’t realize it until Excalibur mentioned how this was the only time Jericho & Sting had been in the ring together.
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-A video from IWGP Champion SANADA is shown issuing an Open Challenge for an IWGP Title match at Forbidden Door. SANADA said he looks forward to see who on the AEW roster will answer the challenge.
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Sting & Keith Lee defeated Mogul Embassy (Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony)
(To say this was a party match would be an understatement, as these guys fit 15 minutes worth of action into about 7. At one point I thought Sting had hurt his leg, but he bounced back relatively well in a fun looking finish.)
I don’t know if it was just the camera shot, but we briefly saw the word NO on the screen at the beginning of this match, might be nothing, but on the off chance it’s something, it’s worth mentioning. Lighting fast start with Cage, rocking Sting inspired attire and face paint, as Taz brought up the past between Cage, Sting & Allin during the Team Taz feud. Cage caught Cassidy’s dive attempt as Allin hit a Code Red on Strickland, but was crotched in the ropes before a Coffin Drop. We saw about 30 seconds of action until going to picture in picture when The Mogul Embassy isolated Allin. We saw Daniel Garcia watching from backstage while Allin blocked a JML Driver by Strickland into an over the top stunner.
Lee made the hot tag and ran wild, finally getting his hands on Strickland until Cage cut off Lee in the corner with Mogul Embassy hitting a triple powerbomb double stomp combo. Cassidy & Allin broke up the pin, as Cassidy hit a DDT on Strickland, but Cage answered with an F-5. Everyone took turns hitting big time moves until Sting sort of fell to the mat awkwardly. The match broke down with Lee launching guys to the floor, Allin hitting a Coffin Drop to the outside as Cage tried an F-5 on Sting, but Cassidy hit an Orange Punch with Sting following it up with a Scorpion Death Drop for the victory.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with The Gunns, as she asks their relationship with Jay White following the finish to the main event last week. The Gunns played dumb and said they’re the best brother tag team in AEW, issuing a challenge to The Hardys next week.
Wardlow (w/Arn Anderson) defeated Jake Hager to retain the TNT Title
(Wardlow gets the victory in the rubber match in a feud dating back a few years. Post match, the next challenger is official for the TNT Champion.)
Hager ran out and attacked Wardlow from behind during his entrance and was in control for about 30 seconds until Wardlow started dishing out clotheslines. Hager was backdropped to the floor and leveled with a charging clothesline as this was one of the few times a babyface remained in control for almost the entire picture in picture. I say almost since Wardlow missed a corner charge and Hager slapped on the Ankle Lock.
Wardlow rolled through and connected with a spinebuster, but as he went for a powerbomb, Angelo Parker & Matt Menard came to ringside. Hager chop blocked Wardlow as Arn Anderson was about to pull out the finger guns and go Armed Anderson until Brock Anderson ran out and fought off Parker & Menard to the back with his father. Hager was clotheslined to the floor and Wardlow hit a slingshot dive before connecting with a Senton Bomb back inside. The straps came down and Wardlow hit the Powerbomb Symphony to retain.
Christian Cage & Luchasaurus tried to cut a promo on the big screen, but the audio wasn’t working for the first half. We heard the important part, as this Saturday it will be Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus at Collision. Cage said what will happen when Wardlow’s new daddy won’t be there to save him? They cut to Luchasaurus holding a bloody Arn Anderson, as Wardlow sprinted to the back. I guess Luchasaurus & Cage caught up to Arn quickly after he went to the back during the match?
-A video is shown by The Ace of New Japan, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who said as long as MJF is AEW Champion, the title won’t shine like it should. Tanahashi came very close to beating Jon Moxley at Forbidden Door last year and issues a challenge to MJF. Renee Paquette approached MJF backstage being attended by a doctor and told him it’s official at Forbidden Door, which MJF declined, calling Tanahashi a rando from a rinky dink indy fed in Japan. MJF said it won’t be the first time he’s no showed a match Tony Khan has booked him for, telling Tanahashi no again.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Orange Cassidy, as she asks what the future holds and Cassidy said everyone knows how it works; someone walks in and challenges him. Zack Sabre Jr. is right on cue and said the idea of being a double champion sounds marvelous. Daniel Garcia walked in and asked Cassidy where Katsuyori Shibata is, as Cassidy said Shibata isn’t here, but sets up Cassidy & Shibata vs. Sabre & Garcia next week.
Toni Storm (w/Ruby Soho) defeated Skye Blue to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(Blue put up a good fight and the crowd bit for the false finish at the end, but the numbers game once again proved to be too much.)
Saraya refused to show up to DC, so in her absence Soho is carrying a Saraya on a Stick. Blue started fast, punting Soho on the apron and dropping Storm with a cross body for two. Blue gave Storm a taste of her own medicine and hit a hip attack o the outside. Storm & Soho got up and sprayed Blue’s mother in the face ringside. Blue followed with a dive to the outside taking out both Storm & Soho, but Storm regained control during commercial.
Blue fired back with a head scissors and step up knee in the ropes as a kick to the head sent Storm into the ropes. Storm used a handful of tights to pull Blue to the floor, as Soho passed Storm the spray paint can. Soho took the ref, but Blue had spray paint of her own, blinded Storm and hit the Code Blue to a massive reaction. Soho distracted the ref enough to stall the pin attempt and ate a Blue thrust kick. Blue charged and was hung up in the ropes by Storm, dropped with Storm Zero and tapped out to a Texas Cloverleaf. Post match, Soho & Storm attacked Blue more until Willow Nightingale hit the ring to run off The Outcasts.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with HOOK & Jack Perry, who said the summer of Jungle HOOK is in full swing. Perry said he feels naked without championship gold, so he officially accepts SANADA’s IWGP Title challenge for Forbidden Door. Paquette asks HOOK his thoughts, but Perry interrupts and says this came up quick, calls HOOK his best friend and asks him to corner Perry at Forbidden Door. HOOK gave the fist bump, as I firmly expect the wheels to eventually fall off Jungle HOOK sooner rather than later.
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The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) & Hangman Adam Page defeated Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
(The match itself was an action packed sprint, but the post match just got bigger and better. From the return of Eddie Kingston, The Elite getting their hands on Takeshita, to finally the appearance of Will Ospreay, the final 5 minutes of this show were wild.)
Bryan Danielson joined commentary as The Young Bucks, who are having their first match on Dynamite in 3 months, are dressed like cowboys with Hangman Page as all six men start brawling early. The Elite hit triple superkicks to send the BCC outside where Matt laid out Yuta with a powerbomb on the edge of the apron, while Nick & Page took out Moxley & Castagnoli with double dives. Nick hit a springboard face buster to Moxley, but as he tried a moonsault to the floor, Castagnoli caught him with a slam. Matt hit a huge cross body to the floor to take out Moxley & Castagnoli, but was dropped with a Yuta German suplex. Moxley fought back with a King Kong lariat on Nick, who remained isolated during commercial.
Nick got the hot tag to Page, as Danielson points out how something could be wrong with Moxley’s arm or elbow, he was clutching it. Page continued to run wild on Yuta & Castagnoli, as Yuta ate a buckle bomb and double enzugiris by The Bucks. Matt did his locomotion Northern Lights on Yuta, then one on both Yuta & Moxley for good measure. A springboard double stomp by Nick, who rolled through and ate a Moxley cutter. Moxley & Castagnoli connected with a Doomsday Device on Matt, as Moxley sank in a rear naked choke, but Nick hit a Swanton Bomb to break it up. Castagnoli no sold a superkick and just flattened Matt leading to a Rocket Launcher attempt by Yuta, but Matt got the knees up. Superkick Party commenced, as Page made the tag, laid out Yuta with a pop up powerbomb, as The Bucks hit the BTE Trigger, while Page finished him off with a Buckshot Lariat to get the win.
Post match, Castagnoli & Moxley attacked as Moxley launched Nick over the barricade until Eddie Kingston’s music hits and out runs Kingston to double leg Castagnoli. The brawl was on, as Yuta was dispatched until Moxley & Kingston had a face off. The Bucks attacked Moxley and a scuffle happened with Konosuke Takeshita hitting the ring to attack Kingston. This led to Kenny Omega hitting the ring to brawl with Takeshita, who was planted with a Snap Dragon while The Bucks & Page took out the BCC with triple dives. Right as Omega was going to do a Terminator Dive, Will Ospreay appeared and wiped out Omega to loud Holy Sh*t chants. Ospreay clocked Omega with Hidden Blade and stood tall as Bryan Danielson said he thinks Ospreay will be the winner at Forbidden Door. For good measure, Ospreay connected with Storm Breaker to stand tall. Don Callis is ringside, while Danielson is at the top of the stage, both applauding Ospreay’s actions. Ospreay got off one more Hidden Blade before they went off the air.
AEW Rampage 6/16/23
· United Empire (Will Ospreay, Jeff Cobb & Kyle Fletcher) take on CHAOS (Rocky Romero, Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta)
Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) vs. Bandido
AEW Collision 6/17/23
· CM Punk & AEW Tag Team Champions FTR vs. Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson & ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe
· Wardlow defends the TNT Title against Luchasaurus
· Miro returns to action
· Skye Blue & NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale face AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm & Ruby Soho
· Buddy Matthews vs. Andrade El Idolo
AEW Dynamite 6/21/23
· AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata battle NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. & Daniel Garcia
Adam Cole and MJF had a lot to say to one another on Dynamite.
Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed Wednesday’s promo on Wrestling Observer Radio Thursday morning.
“I hate long talking segments, but this was the exception,” Meltzer said.
The segment had MJF put over Cole during his run in ROH before burying his current physique and mindset. Cole retaliated, saying MJF couldn’t keep a relationship and offered to go to the back, where they could “piss in cups” to determine who had the natural physique. MJF responded by alluding to reports prior to Adam Cole leaving WWE, in which creative suggested giving Cole a haircut, a new name, and the opportunity to manage someone on the main roster, with Lee’s name being mentioned.
“Vince and Bruce Prichard in fact did not see him as a wrestler,” Meltzer said. “They saw him as Keith Lee’s manager, allegedly…Adam Cole himself was never told anything. What happened was when all those stories came Adam Cole didn’t know them. And later he found out they were true.”
In the end, MJF accepted a match between himself and Cole. That match will take place this coming Wednesday, a non-title match where if Cole wins, he could get a title match down the line.
A World title eliminator bout and a Women’s World title match are among the bouts announced for the June 14 AEW Dynamite episode.
AEW World Champion MJF will face Adam Cole in a World title eliminator bout next week. Should Cole win, he will earn a future World title shot. The MJF-Cole feud kicked off on Dynamite with an in-ring promo segment involving the two.
Also announced for next week, Toni Storm will defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against the winner of a four-way bout set for this week’s Rampage. Storm will defend against either Britt Baker, Nyla Rose, Skye Blue, or Mercedes Martinez.
The Elite vs. Blackpool Combat Club feud continues next week as well, as The Young Bucks and Hangman Page will face Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta in a trios bout.
An eight-man tag team match is also set for the June 14 Dynamite, as Sting, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy, and Keith Lee will take on Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, Kaun, and Toa Liona of Mogul Embassy.
The lineup for next week:
AEW Dynamite, Wednesday, June 14 —
AEW World title eliminator: MJF vs. Adam Cole
AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm defends against Britt Baker, Nyla Rose, Skye Blue, or Mercedes Martinez
The Elite (Hangman Page & The Young Bucks) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta)
Sting, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy & Keith Lee vs. Mogul Embassy (Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, Kaun & Toa Liona)
Chris Jericho & Saraya vs. Adam Cole & Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. in a mixed tag team match headlines tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Cole defeated Jericho in an unsanctioned match at Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, then Jericho and Saraya laid down the challenge for Dynamite in a backstage promo segment later in the show.
AEW owner, president, GM, CEO, and head of creative Tony Khan will have another announcement regarding Collision’s debut episode on tonight’s Dynamite.
After turning on The Elite in the Double or Nothing main event, Konosuke Takeshita will speak alongside Don Callis on Dynamite.
New TBS Champion Kris Statlander will make her first title defense tonight against Nyla Rose.
Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli will face The Lucha Bros & Bandido in trios action.
Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin will team against ROH’s Gates of Agony.
Swerve Strickland vs. Big Bill vs. Trent Baretta in a triple threat match is set for the show.
A promo from Jay White & Juice Robinson has also been announced.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they are joined at the commentary desk by Bryan Danielson leading to our opening bout. Danielson demanded highlights be shown of The BCC’s win over The Elite at Double or Nothing. Danielson said that is what Death-Jitsu looks like.
Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta defeated The Lucha Bros (Penta el Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix w/Alex Abrahantes) & Bandido
(A hot start to the show that was action packed and specifically showcased Wheeler Yuta for the second show in a row. First getting the pin in the main event of Double or Nothing and getting his hand raised tonight.)
Huge reaction for The Lucha Bros & Bandido, who is dressed like El Chapulin Colorado with his ring gear. The BCC tried to attack early, suffered triple superkicks to the floor, but cut off dives before Bandido & the Lucha Bros could take off. All six men brawled ringside before the match officially began with Yuta & Bandido, who did his stalling vertical suplex for a full minute as the Lucha Bros held off Moxley & Castagnoli. Yuta avoided Fear Factor, but ate a Fenix rope walk kick while Penta took out Castagnoli with a backstabber. Yuta dodged a springboard Bandido cross body, as Mox & Castagnoli hit an assisted spike piledriver on the floor to take over into commercial.
Bandido remained isolated until a Tornillo laid out Moxley and Fenix made the hot tag with a comeback thrust kick to Castagnoli and corner spin kick to Yuta. Dueling thrust kicks on Yuta and a Sling Blade by Penta on Castagnoli, who followed with a roll through DDT on Moxley before being laid out with a Castagnoli lariat. Bandido & Yuta entered and had a long forearm exchange before Bandido hit a pop up cutter. Lucha Bros hit double dives on Moxley & Castagnoli while Bandido hit a huge Frog Splash for two on Yuta. Danielson attributes the training they’ve done with Yuta to kick out, as he wouldn’t have kicked out of that a year ago. Moxley saved Yuta from the 21 Plex, as Castanoli flew in with an uppercut, leading to Yuta hitting a Busaiku Knee, anvil elbow and the seatbelt for the pin.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with The Young Bucks & Hangman Page asking how they are feeling after Anarchy in the Arena. Matt Jackson said The BCC brought out the worst in them, as he never thought he’d see the day he’d try to burn off someone’s face with an exploding sneaker. Page said they’re still standing and still swinging, while The BCC relies on the numbers game. Evil Uno entered with Alex Reynolds & John Silver who apologized for interrupting him with his new friends. Page was going to go after them, but Marvez asked Page’s thoughts on the word of Kenny Omega going back to Canada? Page said Omega didn’t go back home to Canada and walked off. They’re definitely implying Omega has presumably gone to Japan to get backup for The Elite.
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-Tony Schiavone introduces Switchblade Jay White & Juice Robinson to the ring, asking about their attack of Ricky Starks backstage at Double or Nothing. White said he bets Starks feels on top of the world having eliminated both of them from the battle royal, but Starks isn’t International Champion and he lost to White. Robinson brings up FTR saving Starks from their attack and FTR aren’t Starks’ friends since Starks has no friends. White ran down FTR until the AEW World Tag Team Champions made their way to the ring.
White & Robinson hid behind Schiavone as they believe FTR are there to apologize to them and join Bullet Club Gold calling them Top Shelf Top Guys. White went to hand the microphone Harwood, but dropped it, allowing Robinson to pop Harwood with a handful of quarters and hit his finisher. White laid out Wheeler with Blade Runner before bailing as Ricky Starks made the save. Starks challenged White to finally put an end to this next week on Dynamite.
Tony Khan’s Collision Announcement
Khan is backstage and said tonight’s announcement is that the debut edition of Collision will feature CM Punk. This got both loud cheers and also a few boos from the crowd.
Swerve Strickland defeated Big Bill & Trent Baretta
(I enjoyed this three way quite a bit, as everyone got a chance their moments to shine and the finish would presumably lead one to believe that Strickland is next in line for the International Title, though that wasn’t said.)
We saw the run of eliminations Bill went on in the Battle Royal at the PPV, while also Strickland was responsible for Bill’s elimination. Strickland immediately took a powder as Baretta used his speed to escape the early clutches of Bill and take out Strickland with a dive. Back inside, Bill used his size to hit multiple corner splashes, dumped Strickland over the top and gave Baretta a big boot into picture in picture.
Bill was taken out on the floor as Strickland & Baretta fought to the apron where Baretta pulled Strickland into a Bill big boot. Baretta connected with a moonsault off the second rope to the floor to take out Bill, but ate a Strickland running punt to follow. Strickland wanted his double stomp, but Bill fought up on the ropes with him before Baretta joined Strickland and both superplexed Bill in a cool moment. Baretta connected with a half and half overhead suplex on Strickland, but ran into a Boss Man Slam from Bill. Strickland missed a Swerve Stomp on Baretta, who hit a running knee and piledriver for two. Bill & Baretta fought to the apron where Bill choke slammed him back into the ring. Strickland hit a double stomp on Bill from the top rope to the apron, scurried in the ring and got the pin on Baretta.
-A video package highlighting Kris Statlander’s road to recovery is shown culminating in winning the TBS Title at Double or Nothing, as she is officially the 1 in Jade Cargill’s 60-1.
-Renee Paquette welcomed The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass to the entrance stage. Things didn’t go their way at Double or Nothing when they lost their Trios Title match. Billy Gunn said he feels he let The Acclaimed down, but Caster said they win together and they lose together, they’re still the people’s choice. Bowens said a few months ago they were screwed out of Tag Team gold and said Gunn deserves to hold gold one more time in his career. The Acclaimed loves Daddy Ass and everyone loves The Acclaimed. I felt bad for Renee here, Bowens tossed down the microphone after the go home line and she had to awkwardly go and pick it up.
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Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita Explain Their Actions
Tony Schiavone is sickened to announce Callis & Takeshita to the ring, who don’t have entrance music, but instead showered with boos from the crowd. Callis said he hopes those boos are for Kenny Omega as Callis is the real victim here, running down all of Omega’s accomplishments thanks to Callis himself. Callis blames the scar he has to see every morning he wakes up on Omega. While Callis lost a nephew, he gained a son in Takeshita, who is better than Rikidozan, Inoki, Maeda, Mutoh & Okada. Takeshita will show soon he’s also better than Kenny Omega. Takeshita took the microphone and said they will destroy The Elite & Kenny Omega. Callis said Omega destroyed his family, so he’s going to build a new one to eliminate The Elite from All Elite Wrestling. This was nuclear heat for both Callis & Takeshita throughout this entire segment.
-We see a highlight video of the TNT Title Ladder Match with Wardlow retaining over Christian Cage. Arn Anderson talks about biting the lizard mans thumb while Wardlow said Luchasaurus found out not to get involved in their business, but will be more than happy to finish the job if Luchasaurus wants to be next in line.
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin defeated The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
(Well, you could easily say that Allin & Cassidy are still suffering from their matches on Sunday, as they got their asses kicked for at least 90% of this match. The wheels fell off for the Gates of Agony though, as Cassidy & Allin showed good team work once again to get the victory. The post match is certainly setting up Cassidy & Strickland, but I wonder if Sting & Allin potentially face Kaun & Liona?)
Liona & Kaun attacked at the bell, took too much time hyping each other up and Allin briefly got free, tried a springboard Coffin Drop, but Liona hit a Pounce in mid air. Cassidy meanwhile got flattened with a double knee to the chest as Brian Cage, Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana came to the stage to watch the action as Kaun & Liona dominated the action into picture in picture. Allin suffered a running senton on the apron and uranage back inside by Liona.
Allin used his speed to send Liona & Kaun colliding into each other to make the luke warm tag to Cassidy, who used his pocket offense to gain the upper hand. A satellite DDT on Kaun, who ducked the Orange Punch to allow Liona to hit a huge Samoan Drop. Cassidy countred a double chokeslam into a double hurricanrana, as Allin made the tag and used his speed to hit springing Coffin Drops and dive to the floor on Liona. Kaun went for the kill on Cassidy, who answered with a Stundog Milionaire and Code Red by Allin. Cassidy took out Liona with a dive while Allin hit a Coffin Drop on Kaun for the win.
Post match, Cage, Strickland & Nana slowly walked to the ring and were about to attack when Sting’s music hit and The Icon made his way to the ring. Mogul Embassy retreated, but Strickland never took his eyes off the International Title.
-A highlight video is shown of MJF successfully defending his AEW World Title at Double or Nothing. MJF said the clock is ticking and AEW is running out of competition. They are running out of gladiators for MJF to slay, as it’s been made clear that no one is on the level of the Devil.
**********
-Tony Schiavone is once again in the ring and introduces FTW Champion HOOK. Schiavone talked about HOOK helping The Hardys win on Sunday to give Matt Hardy the contract of Ethan Page. Before HOOK can say what is next, La Faccion Ingobernable interrupt as Jose the Assistant said this is what they have to do to get an opportunity. Rush is too dangerous to be on TV and isn’t there tonight, but tells Preston Vance & Dralistico to attack HOOK, which they did. Jungle Boy Jack Perry made the save and took out both Vance & Dralistico on the ramp with a chair, while Jose retreated to the ring where he was met with a suplex from HOOK. Jungle HOOK stood tall as Vance & Dralistico stared them down from the ramp.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with new AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm, Saraya & Ruby Soho. Storm said luck had nothing to do with her title win on Sunday, as she’s traveled all over the world to get to this point. Soho praised Storm’s work ethic, while Saraya did the same and Storm said the only ones lucky are the AEW fans.
Kris Statlander defeated Nyla Rose to retain the TBS Title
This is Statlander’s first match on Dynamite since January of 2022 as she nearly bodyslammed Rose early, but dodged a Rose senton and sank in a body scissors. Rose got the ropes and both ladies fought for suplex attempts before Rose slammed Statlander into the corner as Taya Valkyrie was shown watching backstage before going to commercial.
Rose controlled the entire break before Statlander mounted a comeback by avoiding a splash. Statlander threw a series of strikes ending in a corner uppercut and knee lift that led to a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Statlander went up top, but had the legs pulled from under her and rolled to the floor where Rose squashed her with a somersault senton. While set up against the barricade, Rose hit a running cannonball and chokeslam back in the ring for two. A jawbreaker put Statlander back in control, as she connected with a 450 Splash to get the victory. Valkyrie didn’t look impressed watching on in the back.
**********
Adam Cole & Dr. Britt Baker defeated Chris Jericho & Saraya
(A fun main event, as I was surprised at the finish of Jericho taking another loss to Cole in four days. You’d have to assume this feud is almost wrapped and both start up builds for Forbidden Door, which as a show, didn’t get built up at all tonight, hopefully after Dominion this weekend that changes next week.)
Cole & Jericho slugged it out immediately with Jericho gaining the advantage early, showing a shiner on his eye from the finish of their match Sunday. Cole charged out of the corner with a lariat before Saraya tagged in and dared Cole to hit her. Baker jumped in and laid out Saraya with a Sling Blade and Air Raid Crash, but Saraya grabbed the referee Paul Turner’s leg long enough for Jericho trip up Baker to put his team in control during picture in picture.
Jericho took the ref as Ruby Soho & Toni Storm hit ringside to triple team Baker until Hikaru Shida ran down with a kendo stick to chase off The Outcasts. Baker was able to make the tag to Cole, who pounced on Jericho with hammer fists until missing a dropkick that led to a Jericho Lionsault for two. Baker & Saraya tagged back in with both battling in the corner until Saraya was knocked off, with Jericho covering his partner. Baker splashed down on both as Cole hit a backstabber on Jericho, who countered Panama Sunrise into the Walls of Jericho.
Baker put on her glove, broke up the submission and sank in Lockjaw on Jericho for a huge reaction. Saraya broke it up, but Cole looked for a superkick, only to run into a Code Breaker for two. Both Jericho & Cole collided with clotheslines into the double down before both ladies jumped in and slugged it out again. Saraya turned a neckbreaker attempt into the Good Knight as Jericho grabbed the baseball bat, took a swing at Baker and ate a Cole superkick instead. Cole & Baker hit dueling superkicks on Jericho as Cole lowered The Boom to get the win and pose for the fans to end the show as Jericho was furious.
Friday’s AEW Rampage lineup:
El Hijo del Vikingo defends the AAA Mega Championship against Komander & Dralistico
Willow Nightingale puts the NJPW Strong Women’s Title on the line against Emi Sakura
Zack Sabre Jr. defends the NJPW TV Title against Action Andretti
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Lee Moriarty for the ROH Pure Title
Next AEW Dynamite:
Ricky Starks vs. Jay White with Juice Robinson & FTR banned from ringside
Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Title against Swerve Strickland
Chris Jericho will team with Saraya to face Adam Cole & Britt Baker on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
As announced during Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, the feud between Cole and Jericho will continue with a mixed tag team match on Wednesday’s post-Double or Nothing edition of Dynamite.
Jericho and Cole’s feud commenced with an in-ring promo segment on the April 19 Dynamite, where Jericho and the Jericho Appreciation Society handcuffed Cole to the ring ropes. Baker ran in to make the save, but Saraya, Toni Storm, and Ruby Soho of The Outcasts cut Baker off and attacked her with kendo sticks.
The feud continued at Double or Nothing with Cole defeating Jericho by referee stoppage in an unsanctioned match. Baker did a run-in during the Cole-Jericho bout, then also ran in during a Storm vs. Jamie Hayter Women’s World title match to further her angle with The Outcasts. Storm defeated Hayter to win the AEW Women’s World Championship for a second time.
The most important stretch in AEW’s history kicks off this Sunday.
The next few months will see the debut of the new Collision show, the imminent return of CM Punk, Forbidden Door II, and the biggest show they’ve ever run with All In at Wembley Stadium. The little promotion that could is suddenly the massive promotion that did.
This is a company with a tremendous reach and a big financial commitment from its television partners. Come June, there will be at least seven hours of AEW programming every week. That doesn’t even count Ring of Honor, AEW All Access, or anything else that makes its way to television. Now that they’re enormous — something a company that could wind up nearly filling Wembley Stadium certainly is — the expectations increase exponentially. It’s up to them to build on this momentum and use the extra resources to take the company to the next level. The roster is ready. There’s enough talent to make all of this work and do something historic. The future of AEW has never been brighter.
The future is limitless, but this card is just…fine? It’s probably the most skippable AEW show in recent memory. It’s a card designed to bridge the gap until the next big thing — the debut of Collision — before AEW fully opens up the engines leading into a summer full of tentpole events. I doubt this will reach the heights of some previous shows (though AEW has shocked me before), but I don’t think anyone is going to be asking for their money back either.
Let’s preview Sunday’s Double or Nothing (7:30 PM Eastern pre-show/8 PM Eastern main card on PPV) and see what shakes out.
Pre-show: The Firm (Ethan Page & The Gunns) vs. Hook & The Hardys for the rights to Page’s contract
There are two wolves in every man. The one that knows a nine-match PPV on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is a bad idea, and the one that books this card anyway. Wasn’t there just a cinematic match with all these people? Don’t those usually mean the end of feuds? I am confused and I am tired.
I do love some of the individual pieces here. Austin & Colten Gunn had the hardest entrance ever in AEW when they came out to 50 Cent’s “Many Men” Page has been entertaining and under-appreciated for almost as long as I’ve watched wrestling. And now Hook has been sent to replace the injured Isiah Kassidy/Brother Zay. He is very entertaining and is a future star, but Hook is Hook and the people sure do love El Diablo Guapo.
Let’s keep this one short: Hook comes out, gets his stuff in, the Hardys fire up the nostalgia machine, and the crowd gets sent home happy.
Prediction: Hook & the Hardys
Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho in an unsanctioned match
This is a great way for Cole to make his return to pay-per-view, and the usual criticism of Jericho inserting himself to steal someone’s shine is misguided here. The number one bay bay is coming back from a frighteningly serious series of concussions, and someone like Jericho who doesn’t wrestle the standard AEW super indie style is as safe and stable as an opponent gets.
An unsanctioned match might seem scary for someone coming off of brain injury, but these types of matches are typically so well choreographed and planned that there should be significantly less risk.
Babyface Adam Cole sure is something. The crowd has always loved him, and now they get to show him just how deep that love is. If he’s next up for MJF, count me as excited. Two of the best talkers in the company getting a chance to build a program should be something else. MJF really needs someone who can hang with him on the mic after his Herculean efforts carrying the wet paper bag that is the four pillars feud by his lonesome. Can’t wait.
Prediction: Adam Cole
The Elite (The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega & Hangman Page) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley & Bryan Danielson) in an Anarchy in the Arena match
“Higher levels, bigger devils.”
Yet another all-time line from the god Jon Moxley and an appropriately biblical one for what promises to be a divine affair. The first Anarchy in the Arena bout was one of the best matches in AEW history as the visuals and moments will be used in video packages long after the current generation of AEW has hung up their boots. This, along with Blood and Guts, are their signature matches — their versions of Hell In A Cell and TLC.
These are matches that get busted out for the big stars with the big stakes, and come with appropriately massive expectations. If there was ever a group that can live up to those expectations, it’s these eight cats.
Your mileage may vary on the winding, exhausting tale of The Elite and their will they/won’t they friendship (relationship? lovership?). And I get it. It’s a lot! It’s overwrought and hackneyed at times, but man does the live crowd want it. They just eat it up. The building came apart when Page’s music hit a couple of weeks ago. The reunion of four of the people responsible for the existence of the company is objectively a big deal, regardless of whether or not it’s a bit tiresome.
At times, and perhaps too often, The Elite are meta caricatures of wrestling. The Blackpool Combat Club is the other side of that. Gritty, real-ass wrestlers. No wink-wink behind the curtain stuff. Just four dudes that are going to wallop you, stretch you, and make you regret stepping in the ring with them. All of them have their roles and play them perfectly, none more so than Danielson who remains a flawless pro wrestler. This is him at his best. He’s a blessing every second he’s on-screen, a beacon that lights the edges of the world.
Prediction: Blackpool Combat Club
Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International title in a 21-man Blackjack battle royal
Cassidy’s run with the International Championship is the best title reign in AEW history. Week after week, he’s had good to great matches with every type of wrestler you can imagine. Play the underdog against Big Bill? Done. Match Bandido move for move and spot for spot? No problem. Cassidy is so far beyond the “just a gimmick” moniker that he never deserved. He made this title matter and made it the workhorse title that it desperately needed to be.
Having mid-card titles like this are so important. They, obviously, add needed stakes to both one-off matches and feuds, but also serve to elevate the World title. The big prize should not be defended on TV regularly and should be saved for moments that truly deserve the highest stakes. When it is defended, it should feel like the proper spectacle it is.
As good as Cassidy has been, this feels like a safe way to take the title off him. Since winning the title in early October, Cassidy has wrestled in over 40 matches with most of them incredibly physical. It’s easy to think that his gimmick means he’s taking it easy, but he absolutely is not. Even standard AEW matches are taxing and grueling. Doing that weekly for seven months takes a huge toll. It’s time for a much-deserved break for the hardest-working man in AEW.
Prediction: Not Orange Cassidy
AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
Since January, Hayter has wrestled in three singles matches which seems low for the top woman in the company. Sure, there were some visa issues that complicated things, but only three matches for a woman this good and that the crowd can’t get enough of is far, far too few.
Too often, she’s been getting second or even third billing as the champion. Too often, she’s standing beside Britt Baker during promos without saying much. Too often, the story of The Outcasts doing nothing of substance gets more TV time than the woman who should be the face of the division. And that’s just it: Jamie Hayter has never been presented as the true face of the division. She’s an afterthought in everyone else’s stories and doesn’t have her own. A star this bright should never be dimmed this much.
Hayter’s injury makes this whole situation murkier. If she’s going to miss time, it makes all the sense in the world to put the title on Storm. It gives The Outcasts something to do outside of just spray painting everyone and loving green. It would give time for Hayter rest up for a huge return at All In later this summer.
Prediction: Toni Storm wins the title
TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match
What a difference a year makes. Coming out of last year’s Double or Nothing, Wardlow was it, baby. No one was hotter than the War Daddy. Now? He’s a dryer on the fluff setting. Lukewarm would be giving him too much credit. As is often the case, it’s through no fault of his own. The inconsistent booking and constant devaluing of the TNT title have created this perfect cocktail of mediocrity and mild reactions.
Cage is probably the best pure, old-school heel in AEW. (Yes, this includes MJF because people want to like him.) No one wants to like Cage and no one even wants to tolerate him. He knows exactly how to get the reactions he wants. Like an expert harpist, he plucks the right strings at the exact right times. He knows which notes will resonate the most, and plays them at just the right tempo. From his words to his expertly curated selection of turtlenecks and jackets, he’s exactly the right person to start helping Wardlow get his momentum back and become someone who matters in AEW.
Prediction: Wardlow retains
TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
A question that’s been rolling around in my ever-smoothing brain: is Cargill’s undefeated streak losing its luster? She still feels unstoppable, but it’s starting to feel routine. Never in my life could I imagine a world where a spectacle like Cargill feels like a regular wrestler. She hasn’t done anything meaningful since her program with Red Velvet in January. Prior to that, there was a bit of something with Willow Nightingale and Athena, but that was a year ago.
Two meaningful programs in a calendar year aren’t enough. A winning streak alone isn’t enough to be compelling, especially if the audience doesn’t believe she can actually lose. The presentation is still top shelf, but everything else is not. Sooner or later, there needs to be something for the audience to invest in or else it’s just empty calories.
There is no reason for squash matches this far into an undefeated streak. If this holding pattern is a result of waiting for Kris Stalander to come back healthy, that is just as inexcusable. AEW has never struck me as a place allergic to creative risks, so why not take the chance to make someone in one night? Whoever breaks Jade’s streak is made. Are there really no other in-house options to do just that?
If you squint, you can convince yourself there’s a story here, but certainly not enough to warrant the end of a winning streak. Their first match was nothing special, or even good, but it at least planted the seeds for an actual program with backstory. No shade meant to Valkyrie but her being the one to end the winning streak would be a fantastic disappointment.
Prediction: Jade Cargill retains
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal with Mark Briscoe as guest referee
Once again, and as always, god bless Jeff Jarrett. This 55-year-old carnie still has the best facials in all of wrestling. Whenever he hits a big move or gets away with something, he looks like a four-year-old that found a really cool bug at the park that they can’t wait to show you. And, of course, he found a way to work his wife (Karen Jarrett) into this angle. He’s been playing the same hits for years, and they still sound as good as ever. He’s so close to assembling the Jeff Jarrett set of infinity rings. Never change, Jeff. Never grow old.
This match probably won’t be a classic like we’ve come to expect from big FTR matches, but it should be a beautiful, overwrought mess. Ref bumps, interference galore, maybe a missed three count or two, you name it. But there will not be a title change. At least not as part of a program that is best suited for the 9:00 hour of Dynamite, not a pay-per-view.
Prediction: FTR retains
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry and Darby Allin in a four-way
By orders of magnitude, this is the weakest main event in AEW PPV history. MJF has done everything he could to create something compelling here, but ultimately the other three “pillars” just aren’t up to the task. The more we put the pillars under a microscope, the more they wilt. The only one that has truly flourished and become exactly what he claims to be is MJF. The generational talent label has never been more apt or more deserved. He’s the only true top of the card talent. The rest are just lost in his gravity — completely overshadowed and outclassed by someone who is superior in every way.
The worst thing for Sammy, Darby, and Jungle Jack was the pillars moniker. It came out of nowhere and was immediately met with mockery. These guys are the future foundation of the company? These are the guys being spoken of in the same breath as the four pillars of Heaven? It was a bold statement that did nothing for any of them, much like this feud hasn’t. It’s only served as a reminder of what they aren’t.
They have been running the same promos for a month now. I need this, I love this, I gave up everything for this, etc. If that’s all there is to say, there really isn’t anything to say. Rinse and repeat babyface promos aren’t enough. Generic ‘this is all I’ve dreamed about’ promos aren’t enough. This has been so flat that I can’t help but wonder if there’s a post-match angle planned, maybe something big to close the show and propel AEW full speed ahead towards Collision.
Two titles will be on the line for the Double or Nothing go-home edition of AEW Dynamite.
After a few weeks of build following Kyle Fletcher laying out Orange Cassidy backstage, Fletcher will get his AEW International title match against Cassidy this Wednesday. The winner will defend in the Blackjack battle royal set for the pay-per-view.
AEW Trios Champions The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) will defend against AR Fox, Metalik & Blake Christian under their new “House rules” stipulation.
After agreeing to an unsanctioned match at Double or Nothing, Adam Cole and Chris Jericho will sign their contracts.
Ahead of her challenge of TBS Champion Jade Cargill at the PPV, Taya Valkyrie will take on Lady Frost, making her Dynamite debut.
The show will also feature promo segments by all Four Pillars (AEW World Champion MJF, Jungle Boy, Darby Allin and Sammy Guevara), AEW Tag Team Champions FTR, and Ricky Starks.
The new additions join the previously announced ROH Tag Team title match and Tony Khan announcement about the first location of Collision.
Here’s the current lineup for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas:
Adam Cole & Chris Jericho Double or Nothing contract signing
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy defends against Kyle Fletcher
AEW Trios Champions House of Black defend against Blake Christian, AR Fox & Metalik
FTR promo
Ricky Starks promo
Four Pillars promos
Taya Valkyrie vs. Lady Frost
ROH Tag Team Champions Lucha Brothers (Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo) defend against Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
Tony Khan will announce the first location of AEW Collision
Chris Jericho and Adam Cole will meet in Las Vegas.
The match between the two was confirmed on Friday’s AEW Rampage. After footage was shown of Cole helping Roderick Strong defeat Jericho on Wednesday’s Dynamite, Jericho ran down Cole, who was shown outside of the building. After some back and forth, Jericho revealed he had lifted the restraining order that kept Cole outside of the building and challenged him to an unsanctioned match for Double or Nothing. After a commercial break, Cole was seen entering through the crowd. He and Jericho, who was doing commentary, soon engaged in a brawl that was eventually broken up by security.
Cole and Jericho have been feuding in the weeks following Revolution. A confrontation by Jericho and Cole led to the Jericho Appreciation Society attacking Cole, forcing him to watch the Outcasts attack his girlfriend Britt Baker. After Cole and Baker retaliated, Jericho revealed he had put a restraining order on Adam Cole, keeping him away from AEW buildings due to what Jericho claimed to be an unsafe working environment.
Here is the updated lineup for AEW Double or Nothing:
AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy Jack Perry, and Darby Allin
AEW Tag Team titles: FTR vs. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal
AEW International title: Orange Cassidy defends in a 21-man Blackjack Battle Royal
TNT title: Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match
AEW Women’s title: Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
Anarchy in the Arena match: The Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks, and Hangman Page) vs. The Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta)
Unsanctioned match: Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole
The Gunns & Ethan Page vs. The Hardys & Isiah Kassidy
John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.
We kicked off the show with our thumbs up/thumbs down segment which led to a bigger discussion around WWE bringing in a third World title. Is this Triple H’s biggest mistake so far being lead of WWE creative?
We then moved on to our big picture look at AEW Dynamite:
Orange Cassidy being the best booked babyface in AEW
Wardlow and Arn Anderson
The backward booking of the Four Pillars
Roderick Strong’s AEW introduction
Taya Valkyrie not being booked like a proper babyface when the entire storyline was set for her to be one
The insanity that is The Elite vs. the Blackpool Combat Club
You can subscribe to The Fight Game Podcast on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify or click below to listen.
Jay White vs. Komander, plus a Chris Jericho and Adam Cole face-to-face confrontation are among the new segments added to the April 19 AEW Dynamite.
As announced during Friday’s Rampage show, White vs. Komander will take place on Wednesday’s Dynamite. The bout will be White’s first since officially signing with AEW as was announced on the April 7 Dynamite.
The budding issue between Chris Jericho and Adam Cole will be featured on Dynamite, as Jericho will confront Cole in a face-to-face segment. Jericho and Cole’s feud has been slowly building since Cole’s return to action on the March 29 Dynamite.
The Elite will speak on the April 19 Dynamite. The promo segment was also announced during Friday’s Rampage. The Young Bucks returned to Dynamite this past Wednesday, joining Kenny Omega in a brawl against the Blackpool Combat Club.
Following up on an angle from Friday’s Rampage, The Acclaimed and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn will team against Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, and Jake Hager of the Jericho Appreciation Society on Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Already announced for the show are a Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Wardlow TNT title match, plus Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter vs. Ruby Soho & Toni Storm in tag team action.
The updated lineup for the Wednesday, April 19 Dynamite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
TNT Championship: Powerhouse Hobbs defends against Wardlow
Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm & Ruby Soho
The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) & “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn vs. Matt Menard, Angelo Parker & Jake Hager
Jay White vs. Komander
The Elite speak
Chris Jericho & Adam Cole face-to-face confrontation
