New TNT Champion Adam Copeland wants to defend his title against anyone who’s willing to step up to the challenge.
Copeland won the TNT title by defeating Christian Cage in an “I Quit” match in the main event of Dynamite this Wednesday. In a post-show video, Copeland said he’s ready to move on from Christian and face some new opponents. Copeland announced that he’ll be issuing a Cope Open challenge for the title when AEW Collision takes place from London, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, March 30.
EXCLUSIVE! After making Christian Cage utter the words, 'I QUIT', and capturing the TNT Title for the second time, we hear from the NEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland!@RatedRCope | #AEWDynamitepic.twitter.com/CUFyDk2GAj
That 40-year story, it’s closed. It’s time to move on. It’s time for me to face some different faces. It’s time for me to defend this TNT Championship. I want to be the type of champion who, if you think you deserve a shot, fine – step up. Right now, I’m sore, I’m a bloody mess, but I’ve got the TNT Championship.
So I tell you what, Collision, London – the Cope Open’s back. So anybody who wants to step up, feel free. There’s more at stake now too. There’s this TNT Championship. And I don’t plan on losing it anytime soon. So I wish you luck. And London, see you soon.
The Cope Open started this January during a storyline where Christian was refusing to face Copeland. Copeland had matches against young AEW talent in Griff Garrison, Lee Moriarty, and Dante Martin, along with a match against NJPW legend Minoru Suzuki.
Copeland said in his post-Dynamite interview that he feels like this is his first title reign since 2011. Copeland had a very brief reign as TNT Champion last December, winning the title from Christian at Worlds End and then immediately losing it back right after.
With no episode this weekend, March 30 is the next time that Collision will be airing. There’s no episode of the show this Saturday due to NCAA March Madness.
AEW Collision (Saturday, March 30) —
Adam Copeland issues a Cope Open challenge for the TNT Championship
AEW Tag Team title tournament quarterfinal match: FTR vs. The Infantry
Copeland made Christian Cage say ‘I Quit’ in the main event of Wednesday’s Dynamite in Toronto. Towards the end of the match, the rest of the Patriarchy became involved but was neutralized by Matt Menard and Daniel Garcia. Once the dust cleared, Cage was cuffed in the corner as Copeland took out his prized weapon, a barbed wire 2×4 named Spike, and hit Cage low. After he attempted to hit Cage with Spike in the head, Cage said that he quit. The end of Dynamite saw Copeland celebrate with the TNT title.
This is Copeland’s second reign with the title. At Worlds End in December, Copeland initially won the title from Cage. However, after Killswitch laid out Copeland, Cage forced Killswitch to give him the TNT title match contract Killswitch had won earlier in the night. That allowed Cage to restart the match and pin Copeland to regain the title immediately.
In the weeks since Worlds End, Copeland had been attempting to win enough matches to earn another title match. After Cage and the Patriarchy attacked Copeland during a number one contender’s match against Daniel Garcia, Copeland returned and went after Cage, who ran to the back and drove off. After that altercation, Copeland challenged Cage to the I Quit match.
The TNT Championship will be on the line as part of tonight’s AEW Dynamite from Toronto as Christian Cage defends against Adam Copeland in an I Quit match.
The AEW Continental Championship will also be on the line as Eddie Kingston defends against Kazuchika Okada. Under Continental rules, all seconds will be banned from ringside and there will be no outside interference.
New free agent signing Mercedes Mone will speak on tonight’s show after debuting for the company on last week’s Big Business edition of Dynamite.
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm & Mariah May will face Deonna Purrazzo & Thunder Rosa in a tag team contest.
After teaming against the Gates of Agony at Big Business, Chris Jericho & Hook will face each other this week in a one-on-one contest.
AEW head Tony Khan has stated that tonight’s show from the Coca-Cola Coliseum is sold out. Due to NCAA basketball coverage Friday, Dynamite will immediately be followed by a live AEW Rampage.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Adam Copeland & Christian Cage arriving to the arena ahead of their I Quit Match for the TNT Title. Kazuchika Okada also pulled up to the arena in a sports car, ready to challenge Eddie Kingston later tonight for the Continental Title. Excalibur welcoming us to the show and throws it right down to Tony Schiavone in the ring.
Mercedes Mone made her way to the ring to a massive ovation as Schiavone gives her the floor. Mone told Toronto to say hello to their new CEO, as she’s been on such a high since last week at Big Business, she’s missed all of this. Fans might not know, but this was all nearly taken away from her a year ago in a match against Willow Nightingale. She then threw it to a video package showcasing everything that she’s been up to over the past few years, from red carpets, runways and her run in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Footage of Mone getting injured and carried out of her match with Nightingale was shown. Mone said she was kicking butt all over the world, but then it was taken away from her. Mone said minor setbacks make for major comebacks. Mone’s mission is clear, she’s not here to lead a women’s evolution, she’s here for a global revolution and face the best in AEW and the globe. Mone brought up Julia Hart & Skye Blue attacking Nightingale last week, as they were messing with her unfinished business and anyone who does that, ends up bankrupt. There’s a price to pay when you mess with Mercedes Mone.
The lights went out and when they came back on, Julia Hart was on the ramp, with Skye Blue trying to attack from behind, but was laid out. Hart hit the ring, but was nearly taken out with the Mone Maker, only for Blue to make the save. Both ladies grabbed chairs from under the ring, but Willow Nightingale & Kris Statlander hit the ring with chairs of their own. After a staredown, the lights went out, Blue & Hart were gone and Nightingale was debating a chair shot on Mone, who turned around in time. Nightingale dropped the chair and Mone left, saying she has her eyes on Nightingale. Excalibur mentioned how Hart & Blue will face Nightingale & Statlander in a Street Fight on Rampage after Dynamite tonight.
-Alex Marvez is backstage trying to get a word with Kazuchika Okada & The Young Bucks, who approved of the respect Marvez put on Okada’s name, but next time, should do it in Japanese. Matthew talked about how handsome Okada is and if anyone rises to the occasion, it’s Okada. Under Continental Rules, they can’t be at ringside tonight, but they’ll be at the curtain giving him the best replays. Okada speaks in Japanese before telling Eddie Kingston he’s coming for his title. Matthew called Marvez a dumbass for not knowing what Okada said in Japanese and to study up so that doesn’t happen again next week.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Eddie Kingston to win the AEW Continental Title
(Quite the statement victory for Okada’s first singles match as an official AEW member, as this was a hard-hitting opening contest with the crowd doing dueling chants throughout. Kingston put up a great fight, but there was no way Okada was losing this early in his AEW run. The first challenger seems already set for Okada and one would assume that’d be happening at Dynasty.)
After an early lock up, Okada did his signature fake out strike in the ropes, but Kingston shrugged it off and lit Okada up with strikes. A clubbing lariat had Okada bail outside, with Kingston in chase, as Okada suckered him in back in the ring to take control. Both trade shoulder blocks, with Okada again going to the floor, this time dropping Kingston with a DDT. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson are shown backstage sitting next to Tony Khan, making sure to give an instant replay. Back inside, Okada is laughing and mocking Kingston, delivering a snap low dropkick, taking things to commercial.
Kingston fired back with an overhead suplex, corner machine gun chops, which were followed up by a snap German suplex and sliding forearm for two. Kingston went for a home run shot, but Okada delivered his picture-perfect dropkick. Air Raid Crash connected, but Kingston kicked out. Okada rolled through a top rope elbow attempt, but ran right into a Kingston spinning backfist for a near fall. Both traded loud forearms and chops, with Okada trying a discus lariat, but Kingston got the hands up and both men crumbled. Kingston mowed down Okada with a clothesline, lowered the straps, but Okada took referee Paul Turner to get an eye rake in on Kingston. Turner scolded Okada, as Kingston hit an enzugiri, but missed a backfist, an Okada delivered a Landslide before a Rainmaker connected for the three. The Young Bucks celebrate backstage and Tony Khan gives a nod before big pyro hits for Okada.
The party is short lived, as PAC wasted not time walking out to the stage and making his intentions known. He stares down Okada before heading to the back.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana, who said last week, his intentions to attack Samoa Joe last week were due to Joe trying to embarrass him the previous week. Strickland has the steel chain with him and said he doesn’t have a problem choking anyone out either. Strickland felt inspired by Mike Tyson training for his next fight and wants a fight of his own, so issues an Open Challenge.
**********
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kris Statlander, Stokely Hathaway & Willow Nightingale, who said she’s usually all smiles, but tonight, she’ll have been in more Street Fights than any other woman in AEW. Add Statlander by her side and a weapon in hand, she’ll be a completely different Willow. Statlander said tonight, it will be the end for Julia Hart & Skye Blue. Just then, Mercedes Mone walks in and Statlander thanks her for having Nightingale’s back last week. Mone thanks Statlander for having hers tonight as well, as both shake hands and Statlander walks off. Nightingale goes to talk, but Mone cuts her off and said she’s done enough. Mone walks off before Hathaway can shake her hand, but brings up to Nightingale how she’s already broken Mone’s ankle. Nightingale leaves and Hathaway just shrugs at the camera.
FTW Champion HOOK defeated Chris Jericho
(The first half of this match was all HOOK German suplexes. Despite being in Canada, as the match went on, the crowd got more and more behind HOOK and didn’t like when Jericho escaped REDRUM. The finish, however, gave HOOK his first actual pinfall win in AEW, as every victory has come via submission.)
Bell sounded and immediately HOOK hit an overhead suplex, with Jericho being checked on by referee Bryce. Jericho said he was ok and HOOK pounced with strikes before hitting another T-Bone suplex for two. HOOK went to charge in the corner and Jericho just wound up and leveled him with a right punch. HOOK responded by hitting multiple German suplexes, the third folding Jericho right on his head. This trend continued all throughout picture in picture and when things returned, Jericho took one and turned, landing right on his shoulder.
Jericho finally countered one, trying for the Walls of Jericho, but HOOK fought out. Jericho went to the top for an axe handle, but leapt right into another HOOK suplex. HOOK went for a home run lariat, but ran into a big boot and Lionsault for two. Both men got to their feet and Jericho tried an overhead throw, but HOOK didn’t rotate enough and landed awkwardly on his face. Jericho went to the corner to deliver punches, but HOOK countered into REDRUM, dragging Jericho to the mat. The crowd booed Jericho escaping, but loved when HOOK countered the Walls of Jericho into an inside cradle for the flash pin. Taz said this was HOOK’s first pinfall victory in AEW and it was a big one. Jericho showed respect post-match and gave a fist bump to HOOK.
-Adam Cole said he hates feeling disappointed and last week, Wardlow disappointed him in failing to defeat Samoa Joe last week. Cole corrected himself when saying he should be, no, Wardlow should be AEW World Champion, but couldn’t get the job done. So now, Wardlow’s job is to ensure the Undisputed Kingdom keeps the gold they already have and then maybe they’ll forgive him. Cole is doing this because he cares about Wardlow and wants him to reach his full potential, so don’t screw this up.
**********
-Chris Jericho is walking backstage when Renee Paquette approaching, asking if HOOK earned his respect? Jericho said HOOK lived up to what he was hoping for, as HOOK showed him that he’s a future World Champion. Jericho said next week, he has a proposition for HOOK.
Will Ospreay Addresses Bryan Danielson
Tony Schiavone introduced Will Ospreay to a massive ovation from the Toronto crowd. Ospreay said the last time he was there, he was a little bit of a naughty boy at Forbidden Door, so he apologizes for what he did back then. Ospreay said he’s here to deliver some Elite caliber wrestling, but in return, he’d like some Canadian maple syrup. Ospreay put over Bryan Danielson vs. Katsuyori Shibata last week and said that’s what professional wrestling truly is. Ospreay brought up how he couldn’t fit in Danielson’s shoes when he was in Japan, because they were too small. What Danielson did in Japan was great, but what Ospreay did was elevate pro wrestling, winning Best of the Super Juniors twice, Junior Title three times, NEVER Openweight and IWGP championships. Ospreay said he’ll prove he can walk in Danielson’s shoes in AEW and brings up Shibata, saying long time no see. Seven years ago, Shibata beat the piss out of him, but now he’s 30 years old, with two pugs, three cats, a kid, a Mrs., a mortgage to pay and a point to prove. Next week on Dynamite, Ospreay calls out Shibata and tells Danielson to sit at home and watch how a real Billy GOAT is all about. Tony Khan made it official, Shibata vs. Ospreay will take place next Wednesday. This was another fantastic promo from Ospreay.
-A video package is shown highlighting the feud between Christian Cage & Adam Copeland.
Deonna Purrazzo & Thunder Rosa defeated AEW Women’s Champion Timeless Toni Storm & Mariah May (w/Luther)
(Most of this took place during commercial, but the story here was Rosa not only got a blind tag, she pinned the AEW Women’s Champion. The blind tag didn’t make Purrazzo very happy, so this story is just getting going and I wouldn’t be shocked if this win gets Rosa a title match at Dynasty.)
Purrazzo & Rosa attacked before the bell, as Rosa & Storm paired off on the floor and Purrazzo & May going at it in the ring. Purrazzo had an easy time dispatching of May, as Rosa launched off her partners back with a corner splash on Storm. Rosa sent Storm into the ropes before leaping a leg sweep by Luther, but it was enough for Storm to get in a cheap shot and gain control during commercial.
When things returned, Rosa fought off both May & Storm with a top rope cross body and made the hot tag to Purrazzo, who ran wild with a knee lift and leg sweep, before taking May’s head off with a big boot. Rosa made the blind tag and Purrazzo was not happy, as Storm tried to sneak in, but was dropped for her efforts. May was planted with a Rosa Death Valley Driver, as Storm hit a snap German into the corner. Storm waited for her close up and delivered Sweet Cheek Music, but Rosa countered a Storm Zero into a flash roll up for the win. Storm couldn’t believe, as Purrazzo wasn’t happy how Rosa swooped in and got the win.
**********
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated The Butcher
After a face off, Strickland delivered a headbutt and charging big boot. A leaping uppercut out of the corner connected, but Butcher fought back by zoning in on the shoulder. Strickland seemed to get turned inside out with a lariat, but no sold and just delivered a double stomp to the head. Strickland hit the House Call before going up top for the Swerve Stomp. Strickland wasn’t done, as he slowly applied a short arm scissor and Butcher tapped out. Excalibur said he wasn’t sure, but that could be Strickland’s first submission win in AEW.
Strickland took the microphone post-match and said before he met Samoa Joe, he had nothing but respect. As he got to know Joe, he’s stopped liking him to the point where he’s almost hating him. Every day he’s thinking about wrapping a chain around Joe’s neck and choking him out, but the chain he has isn’t big enough for Joe’s thick neck. Strickland will take out everyone in his path until Joe gives him what he wants.
Samoa Joe walks out and said what to do with someone like Strickland. Logic should dictate he should ignore Strickland, who he beat at Revolution. Strickland still believes the impossible is possible and he can box with a God. The problem with that belief is that the fans will start believing they can be a champion, too. That is, until Joe shows up, smashes you in the face an takes everything you have. Joe said what to do with Strickland is to give him exactly what he wants.
Joe goes to hit the ring when Don Callis walks out on stage to huge boos in his home country. Callis brings up how Strickland & Konosuke Takeshita have the same number of wins, so maybe Takeshita should show Strickland what it’s like to lose to the Don Callis Family. AEW isn’t Swerve’s House, it’s the Don Callis Family House. Strickland said if he had more time, he’d burn the Don Callis Family tree down to a crisp. Strickland accepts and said when he’s done with Takeshita, he’s coming for Joe. We’re officially getting Takeshita vs. Strickland next week.
**********
Adam Copeland defeated Christian Cage in an I Quit Match to win the TNT Title
(This was the exact finish this feud needed, as you couldn’t have asked for a better ending, in Toronto, with Copeland standing tall. They added some great hockey references and finally had The Patriarchy getting theirs in the end. Cage had a great run as the deplorable heel champion, but I’m looking forward to the run Copeland has with the TNT Title.)
There are Holy Sh*t chants from the Toronto crowd before the match even began. Copeland avoided an early attack, looked for a Spear, but Cage bailed to the floor. Copeland was right after, as both spilled into the crowd and the penalty box, where Copeland ripped a Penguins jersey off a fan, put it on Cage and put a Maple Leafs jersey on himself. Both had a hockey fight, as Copeland pulled the Penguins jersey over Cage’s head and won the brawl heading to commercial.
During picture in picture, both fought to the women’s restroom briefly, but the camera didn’t go past the entrance. Both went back to the ring, as things returned from break and Copeland set a ladder bridge up and delivered a brutal sitout slam. Copeland placed an open ladder upside down in the ring and dropped Cage midsection first, as referee Bryce asked if he quit and Cage said no. Copeland set up a table against the barricade, but Cage leapfrogged a Spear, poked the eye and posted Copeland. With Copeland now busted open, Cage flew off the top rope and hit a cross body through the table. Back in the ring, Cage set a ladder up between the ropes and delivered a slingshot face first, with Copeland slowly saying he didn’t quit. Cage missed a Frog Splash, as Copeland applied a cross face, but Cage ripped at the head to break it up. Both slowly got to their feet and went for a Spear at the same time, as a double down took things to another break.
Copeland chased after Cage up the ramp, tried to deliver Snake Eyes against the entrance, but Cage put on the brakes. Right as things returned from break, Copeland slingshot Cage off of the ramp to the floor. Copeland brought out a hockey goal and draped Cage across it before scoring a goal with Cage. Stumbling down the ramp, Copeland had his back turned and Shayna Wayne appeared, hitting a low blow with a hockey stick. Cage broke the stick over Copeland’s back and continued the assault back in the ring. With the hockey stick drove in his throat, ref Bryce asked if Copeland quit but we couldn’t hear his response, so it was apparently no, as Cage let go and went for chairs, one being wrapped in barbed wire.
Cage wanted a Con-Chair-To with the barbed wire chair, but Copeland moved. Both tried a Killswitch on the chair, but spun out and Copeland got a crossface with the broken hockey stick. Copeland started to choke out Cage when Nick Wayne & Luchasaurus made the save. They held Copeland for Shayna, who slapped Copeland until Matt Menard & Daniel Garcia made the save. Copeland delivered an Impaler DDT on Luchasaurus onto the barbed wire chair, as he & Nick were sent to the floor. Copeland set up a ladder and hit a cross body from the ring to the floor, wiping out Luchasaurus & Nick, who were ultimately handcuffed to the corner. Shayna Wayne was surrounded before bailing, leaving Cage all alone with Copeland, Garcia & Copeland, who dropped Cage with a Spear.
Cage was also cuffed to the corner, as Copeland went for Spike. Copeland repeatedly kicked Cage low, as Copeland brought the spiked 2×4 and hit Cage low again (the camera briefly went black and picked back up, as Rampage officially began). Cage refused to quit until Copeland looked for a final shot to the forehead, but Cage quit before it happened. Garcia handed Copeland the TNT Title and confetti poured in the ring. Copeland flipped off Cage one final time as the fans sang his theme song to officially end the Dynamite portion of tonight.
AEW Rampage 3/20/24
· Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. TBS Champion Julia Hart & Skye Blue in a Street Fight
· Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta vs. Powerhouse Hobbs & Kyle Fletcher in an AEW Tag Team Title Tournament Wild Card
· Konosuke Takeshita vs. Rocky Romero
· Katsuyori Shibata In Action
AEW Dynamite 3/27/24
· Will Ospreay vs. Katsuyori Shibata
· Swerve Strickland vs. Konosuke Takeshita
· The Young Bucks vs. Private Party in a Tag Team Title Tournament Quarter Final
Adam Copeland is excited to have Mercedes Mone in AEW.
Mone made her AEW debut on last Wednesday’s Big Business edition of Dynamite from Boston. In a new interview with Sports Illustrated, Copeland reacted to Mone joining the AEW roster. Copeland thinks Mone is going to have fun with all of the new opponents she can face in AEW’s women’s division. Copeland said the appeal of new opponents he’s never worked with before was one of the reasons he decided to sign with AEW.
Copeland said:
For her, AEW is a blank canvas with a brand new palette of paint. For me, it was the same. I saw Swerve, The Young Bucks, Jon Moxley, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, Claudio, FTR, all these names I’ve never crossed paths with. It’s the same with Mercedes–think of how much fun she’s going to have here. Think of all the new opponents.
I think it’s super exciting. I love that AEW is here to bring a different product to the industry. Now there’s [Kazuchika] Okada, [Will] Ospreay, Mercedes, plus all of us already here, and that makes one hell of a roster.
One week after her debut, Mone will make her second appearance for AEW on tonight’s Dynamite episode from Toronto. The show also includes Christian Cage vs. Copeland in an “I Quit” match for the TNT Championship. Copeland spoke to Sports Illustrated about the match:
With an ‘I Quit’ match, there is a finality to it. We’re going to go out and feel the audience, react, and take chances. When you watch Christian, he’s such an assh—, I can’t wait to feel the energy from the crowd.
It’s a real story, and that adds a different twist. This is our third match in AEW, and there is a lot of special meaning in this one. When I made the decision to continue wrestling, I came back for a match like this.
Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto is hosting tonight’s Dynamite. Immediately after the episode ends, a live edition of AEW Rampage will air. Rampage is airing outside of its normal day this week due to NCAA March Madness coverage.
Adam Copeland says his I Quit match vs. Christian Cage in Toronto on Wednesday will be the culmination of a 40-year story.
Copeland and Cage both got their start training with Ron Hutchinson at Sully’s Gym in Toronto. They grew up in nearby Orangeville and became friends in the sixth grade. On AEW Dynamite this week, they’ll meet in an I Quit match for the TNT Championship.
It will be Copeland’s first time wrestling in Toronto since his final WWE match on the August 18, 2023 SmackDown. Copeland told The Toronto Sun that he thought his match against Sheamus that night could have been the last of his career.
Copeland said
When I was having that match with Sheamus, I was like ‘This could be it, this could very well be it, because I’m really loving all of this right now. But I told myself I wasn’t going to make a final decision until I got home, got past it, got past the emotion of it, and really just sat down with the family and talked to the girls to see where their heads were with it, see where my head was at with it.
Copeland also spoke of the significance of having the match with Cage in Toronto and not wanting it to take place on AEW Revolution, since that was “Sting’s night.”
Copeland continued:
To me, the place is always the most important thing, and the opponent. It was a no-brainer. It was like ‘Is this match going to happen at Revolution and my way of thinking was ‘That’s Sting’s night’ and they deserve all the bells and whistles for his last match. With this being an ‘I Quit’ match, we were going to need some bells and whistles.
In looking at the schedule, Toronto popped up and it was ‘It feels like we should do this in Toronto and not in Greensborough. It was already a loaded show, it didn’t need us. But we can get to Toronto and we can do this right. For me, that’s kind of what this has been. It’s the culmination of a 40-year story.
So if you have an opportunity to culminate a story that long, why not do it where you both grew up?
Copeland also spoke with TSN’s Jay Onrait about his return to Canada and how he feels like a hometown favorite in every city in the country.
One thing I’ve always said about Canada that I absolutely just love about Canada, I can be in St. John’s, I can be in Victoria and I’m going to be treated like a hometown boy. Nobody else can say that. The guys from the states will have like their home state, or their home city, I’ve got a home country.
Finally, Copeland said that what his match vs. Cage tomorrow night really boils down to is having fun.
I just want to have fun. That’s really what it boils down to. And to get in there with him, in our third match in this company, and to be able to have a story that has involved eight or nine different characters and lasted six months, I’m really proud of that. I think that it will be a lot of fun.
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage are meeting once more for the TNT Championship.
The Patriarchy were heading up the ramp after assaulting Daniel Garcia and Matt Menard on Dynamite when Copeland arrived with a chair to clean house. Cage escaped through the crowd and exited the arena with a stolen car. Copeland then turned to the camera and challenged Cage to an I Quit match for the March 20 edition of Dynamite in Toronto, saying that he wanted to face Cage one more time.
Immediately after the segment ended, Tony Khan made the TNT Championship match official.
Back at AEW Worlds End in December, Copeland defeated Cage to win the TNT Championship. However, after Killswitch attacked Copeland after the match, Cage then forced Killswitch to give him the TNT contract Killswitch had earned earlier in the night, allowing Cage to immediately regain the TNT title.
After Worlds End, Copeland started to rack up wins in an attempt to get another shot at Christian Cage. He wrestled Daniel Garcia in a number one contenders match, but the Patriarchy interrupted the bout, eventually laying out Copeland with a conchairto.
Adam Copeland faces Daniel Garcia on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
After a confrontation on Saturday’s Collision, Copeland & Garcia will go one-on-one to determine the next challenger for Christian Cage’s TNT Championship on this week’s Dynamite.
After a defeat at the hands of The Undisputed Kingdom on last week’s Rampage, Orange Cassidy will look for revenge against Undisputed Kingdom’s Matt Taven in a Texas Death match on tonight’s episode.
AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, and his Revolution title challengers Swerve Strickland & Hangman Page will speak tonight.
Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley will take on FTR’s Dax Harwood in singles competition.
AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Strom will debut her newest film “Wet Ink” on the show.
The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) will face Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin) in a tag team contest.
Skye Blue will take on Willow Nightingale in a women’s division battle on tonight’s episode.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as we go to the entrances of our opening contest.
Jon Moxley defeated Dax Harwood
(This was Dax’s first match on Dynamite since April of last year, when he lost to Jeff Jarrett. If you expected a hard hitting back and forth that nearly went the time limit, then you were correct, as that’s what both these two delivered. I could watch these two beat the hell out of each other over and over, as the crowd were into it the whole way through. I can’t wait for this tag match between the BCC & FTR to happen, presumably at Revolution.)
Excalibur mentioned on March 29, the Blackpool Combat Club will travel to Arena Mexico to take on Mistico, Volador Jr, Blue Panther & Ultimo Guerrero in CMLL. The crowd was even for both men, who took turns flipping one another off, as well as mind games by planting smooches on each other, since it’s Valentine’s Day after all. That led to both slugging it out with punches and chops, with Harwood getting the better of that exchange. Moxley switched to kicks, leading to a bulldog choke, which Harwood escaped, only to get clotheslined to the floor. The brawl continued outside, where Moxley delivered a slingshot into the post. Back inside, Moxley went for ten corner punches, but Harwood countered into a Liger Bomb. Slow to their feet, both spilled over the top, crashing outside as things went to picture in picture.
After working ground submissions during break, when things returned, both continued throwing chops and forearms. Both connected with home run shots and collapsed at the same time, leading to the reset. Moxley raked the back while both where in the corner, but ultimately couldn’t capitalize, as Harwood stayed strong and hit the superplex. While both rolled to their knees, we got some unprotected headbutts before Harwood threw two lariats, but Moxley ducked the third, hit one of his own, which Harwood absorbed and completed his trifecta. We get a 5 minute time call from Justin Roberts as Moxley escaped a Sharpshooter into an armbar, which Harwood got a stack for one. Harwood faked a high shot, as Moxley ducked right into a piledriver for a Harwood two. Moxley bailed to the outside and got Harwood to chase after, which was a ploy to get a low blow by kicking the ropes back inside, crotching Harwood. Moxley connected on a Cutter and Curb Stomp, but only managed two. Both traded counters of signature moves before Harwood hit a brainbuster, but missed a top rope headbutt, diving right into a Rear Naked Choke from Moxley, Harwood fought, but ultimately tapped out.
Moxley refused to let go and Cash Wheeler hit the ring to beat down Moxley. Claudio Castagnoli evened the odds and dropped Wheeler with a Neutralizer as Moxley reapplied the choke on Harwood before standing tall with Castagnoli.
-Backstage Renee Paquette is with Don Callis, Konosuke Takeshita & Powerhouse Hobbs and asks what is next for the Family after recent success? Callis said they’re a victim of their own success, as no one wants to face them. Callis said they need to look within the Family to result in the best match possible, so Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita is announced for Revolution. After the PPV, fans won’t be talking about Sting’s retirement; they’ll be talking about the Match of the Decade between two Don Callis Family members.
Wardlow defeated Barrett Brown
Wardlow has a big brace on his right knee, as Adam Cole is on commentary for this slaughter. Wardlow immediately hit the hanging knee strike out of the corner and posed before hitting a Last Ride powerbomb for the win. Cole, who never said a word, finally said it was a pleasure talking to them.
-Footage of a private jet landing earlier today, with Matthew & Nicholas Jackson arriving, still wearing their bloody suits from last week. They get into a Hummer limo before heading to the arena.
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Adam Copeland vs. Daniel Garcia ended in a No Contest
(I thought these two had really good chemistry with one another, as it resulted in a fun battle. As much as I’ve really enjoyed this Cope-Open, I was hoping Garcia wasn’t going to be just another casualty. I was also hoping Copeland wouldn’t be pinned here either, so in that sense, I was totally fine with the No Contest. Perhaps the post match was a way to write off Copeland for a few weeks to give Garcia the title shot, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re getting another three way for a title at Revolution.)
Copeland used his height and power advantage early by delivering corner strikes and an arm drag that drove Garcia down. Garcia countered an arm bar into an ankle lock and Copeland bailed to the ropes. After a forearm exchange, Copeland dodged a drop down by Garcia into a splash, but when trying the sequence again, Garcia had it scouted to gain control. Garcia tried a cross body out of the corner, but Copeland caught him into a shoulder breaker, which was the body part Copeland worked over during commercial.
Copeland really heeled it up during break, mocking a fan ringside, snapping his sunglasses in the process. Copeland was cut off in the ropes, but fell back to the floor, hanging up Garcia by the injured arm. Once again, Copeland took too long to capitalize, got crotched in the corner and Garcia hit a Dragon Screw off the second rope. Garcia turned into a house of fire with strikes and running boot in the corner, but Copeland fought out of a Saito Suplex. Garcia connected on another Dragon Screw, as both tried submissions attempts until Garcia sank in a STF.
This time Copeland cut off Garcia in the corner and delivered an Avalanche Impaler, dropping Garcia on the injured arm. Copeland charged for a Spear, but Garcia got a punt kick into a jackknife pin attempt for two. Right as Copeland locked in the Grind House, Nick Wayne & Killswitch hit the ring for the beat down and No Contest. Christian Cage sauntered to ringside and got a couple chairs from under the ring, which Matt Menard, who was on commentary, put a stop to, only to be decked by Killswitch. The Patriarchy went to deliver a Con-Chair-To to Garcia, but Copeland returned and cleaned house with a chair of his own. As Cage cowered in the corner, Shayna Wayne appeared and delivered a low blow on Copeland, as Nick delivered Wayne’s World and Killswitch hit the Extinction lariat. Cage then delivered a Con-Chair-To to Copeland before holding up the TNT Title with his boot on his former friend. Cage and crew left smiling, as Garcia stared down the TNT Champion.
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-Excalibur told us during break, Adam Copeland was helped to the back by doctors and Daniel Garcia and he’s being evaluated backstage.
Samoa Joe, Hangman Adam Page & Swerve Strickland Face Off
Joe came to the ring first to a loud ovation from the crowd, as he stands proudly their AEW World Champion. Joe said the ranking system was to ensure only the best victims would allow him to continue his title reign. Things were going so well until the time limit draw last week. Joe said booking took a page out of the Texas playbook and made his main event bigger and dumber. A crime against Joe has been committed, so there must be repercussions, as Page & Strickland may walk into Revolution, but they’ll limp out. Joe is the AEW World Champion and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.
Swerve Strickland came to the ring with Prince Nana dancing by his side and said the more Joe runs his mouth, the more personal it becomes. Strickland said Joe said hunger defines the greats and Strickland is on his way to becoming the greatest of all time. Strickland told Joe to check his resume and put respect on it. Strickland said folks said maybe one day he’ll go down as one of the greats, maybe, but he’s ready to make that a reality. At Revolution, the fans will continue to chant Whose House, but he’ll also be leaving as AEW World Champion.
Hangman Adam Page stormed out from the back to boos and said last week, he wasn’t mad and when you read the weekly Dynamite report, everyone knows last week was horse sh*t. Page said the winner of the match last week became number one contender, which is something Strickland didn’t do. Page told Joe if it were up to him, the match would be between two men who value the AEW World Title. Page told Strickland after everything he’s done to Page, he doesn’t deserve a second of his time. Strickland didn’t deserve 5 more minutes last week because he couldn’t get the job done and Strickland doesn’t deserve to be in the World Title match. Joe interrupted and said both believe they’re pinning each other, but he’s Samoa Joe and he’s whipping both of their asses before leaving the ring. The crowd were loudly behind Joe for the go home line.
Timeless Toni Storm Presents: Wet Ink
Storm talks about her tattoo, which reminds her of a girl she befriended because she felt sorry for her. Storm said Deonna Purrazzo was her young girl, who she helped get into Japan and Purrazzo was nurtured on her bosom of brilliance and suckled on the teat of talent. Storm said Purrazzo bit the tit that fed her, as somewhere along the way, Purrazzo forgot she was just an extra. Storm asked what do you do when you can’t change the past, you kill it. This all took place at a tattoo parlor, as Storm had her matching bird tattoo she shared with Purrazzo changed to a dagger going through it.
Renee Paquette was backstage with Deonna Purrazzo and asked her thoughts on what they just witnessed. Purrazzo said Storm talks too much and simply said she’s going to break her arm and called Storm a bitch.
The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) defeated Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin)
(I should point out that The Bucks have matching soul patches to go with their suits and they look absolutely ridiculous, so mission accomplished in that regard. The match itself was solid, but the high flying was kept primarily to Top Flight, as The Bucks were more about working their EVP heel characters. The tag match we all thought would happen at Revolution was made official in the post match.)
Nicholas is wrestling with his Kangol hat on, which lasted a few seconds before Dante got the upper hand, the hat went flying and a frustrated Nichols regrouped. Back inside, a cazadora arm drag from Dante led to Matthew trying to calm his brother down and offering a fist bump to Dante, who just decked him. Quick tags from Dante & Darius, who wanted dueling dives, but Matthew & Nicholas bailed before it could happen. Matthew & Nicholas gained the upper hand briefly on the floor, but Dante & Darius fought back, hitting double slingshot dives. Back inside, Nicholas & Matthew once again gained the advantage and this time, stayed in control during picture in picture.
Darius finally fought free with a step up corner guillotine kick on Matthew, as Dante made the hot tag and ran wild, catching Matthew with a huge cross body for two. Stereo sunset flips by The Martins on The Jacksons got dueling two counts until Matthew faked a superkick and hit Dante with a DDT before telling the camera that these guys are good. Dante again fought back and hit an assisted DDT from his brother for two on Matthew. Dante took out Nicholas with a Tope, while Darius hit a Spanish Fly on Matthew. Nicholas managed to take out Dante on the floor, as Matthew tried a feet on the ropes pin, which Rick Knox caught. Nicholas argued, allowing Matthew to hit a pop up punt kick low and the EVP Trigger to get the win.
Post match, Tony Schiavone came into the ring to conduct an interview, as Matthew said they’re undefeated this year and said that makes them the top unbeatable tag team in AEW. Matthew mockingly put over how great Top Flight were and said they’re the number 1 contenders now, even getting their own graphic. Schiavone said Sting is not there due to their heinous act, as Matthew cut him off and said that’s a breach of contract, publicly disparaging the EVPs. Nicholas said it’s a $1,000 fine and asked if Schiavone has a problem with that before shoving him down. Matthew calmed his brother down and went to help Schiavone up, teasing an EVP Trigger before Darby Allin sprinted to the ring with a baseball bat.
Allin reminded The Bucks what the original Mission Statement of AEW was, that’s to Change the World. Allin said he once begged The Bucks to get hired, but they saw nothing in him, instead hiring their sh*t California crew friends. Allin said thank God there was an EVP around with a sense of brains and he’s not talking about Kenny Omega, which got a Cody chant. Allin said The Bucks did an interview last year saying they re-signed to AEW due to the easier schedule, which in turn makes their original Mission Statement dead. The debut episode of AEW didn’t have Darby Allin, instead it had guys like Brandon Cutler. Allin said The Bucks don’t know what they’re getting themselves into, as Sting has nothing left to lose, as come Revolution, it’s showtime.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage in the Bang Bang Scissor Gang Lounge with the Bullet Club Gold & The Acclaimed. Switchblade Jay White said they have new merch, gold, but have yet to test out their cohesiveness as a group. Daddy Ass & Austin Gunn took turns interrupting each other suggesting a 12 Man Tag on Rampage. Everyone did their signature lines until Taz called them all very annoying people.
Willow Nightingale defeated Skye Blue
(I’ve enjoyed the story of Hathaway being forced to accept Nightingale as a friend on his quest to woo Kris Statlander as a client. He saw a chance to help Nightingale when she was in trouble tonight and took it.)
Stokely Hathaway joined commentary for this one and argued about shirt colors with Taz before the match began. Nightingale cartwheeled out of an Irish Whip and hit a scoop slam for a quick two. Blue responded with a float over into a Dragon Sleeper, which Nightingale easily escaped, unloading corner shots before Blue bailed outside. Nightingale chased after and connected a Pounce back inside.
Back from break, both ladies slugged it out until Blue hit a thrust kick and Nightingale answered with a series of clotheslines. Nightingale connected on a corner hip attack and big boot before delivering a nice spinebuster for two. Blue avoided a Doctor Bomb and hit a DDT for a near fall. Blue sank in the Dragon Sleeper once more, but Nightingale backed her into the corner and onto the apron. Blue missed a kick and was launched with another Pounce, as back inside, Nightingale went up the ropes, but Blue slid through and hit a Cheeky Nandos kick and corner powerbomb for two. Blue hit the Code Blue for the visual pin, but Hathaway distracted ref Aubrey long enough for Nightingale to recover and hit the Doctor Bomb for the victory.
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Orange Cassidy defeated Matt Taven in a Texas Death Match
(I didn’t think they’d have enough time to do the amount they did, but this turned into a war. I do have a feeling when all is said and done, Trent will either turn heel, costing Cassidy the title or he’ll be the one who wins the title himself. Without taking the bullet for his friend tonight, Cassidy would’ve been in serious trouble. All these people are getting International title shots, except Beretta, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the case. I liked the Valentine’s Day touches they had to the weapons here, as the table bump Taven took was absolutely wild.)
This match can only be won by knockout or submission, as Taven faked Cassidy out like he was looking up the ramp for his buddies, which allowed a cheap shot to start. An enzugiri and Blue Thunder Bomb caused Cassidy to roll to the floor, but Taven stopped the ref from putting a 10 count and slammed Cassidy into the barricade. Taven tried another whip, but Cassidy hurdled the barricade and both men brawled into the crowd during picture in picture.
When things returned, Taven hit an elbow drop off the stage onto Cassidy, who was set up on a table, which didn’t break fully. Taven set the table up against the stage and hit a suplex to officially break it, but Cassidy broke the count. Taven connected on a running knee down the ramp, as Cassidy is officially busted open. Back inside, Taven spiked Cassidy with a DDT and went outside to grab another table, setting it up against the announce booth. Taking too long, Cassidy hit a Tope, but Taven responded with an enzugiri and baseball slide, as Cassidy put on the brakes in front of the table. Taven tried a massive dive, clearing the top rope, as Cassidy moved and Taven crashed through the table, almost taking out the commentary table in the process.
Commentary’s monitors were wiped out by the impact of that spot, as Taven broke the 10 count. Cassidy went under the ring and found a heart shaped box that read “To: OC, From Chuckie T XOXO”. Cassidy dumped out thumbtacks and went for a superplex on Taven, who also is bleeding now, fought out and sent Cassidy crashing onto the tacks. Taven wanted a Frog Splash, but Cassidy moved and Taven landed on the tacks himself. Cassidy followed with a round the World DDT onto the tacks, as Cassidy got a chain from under the ring, but Mike Bennett showed up and smashed what I believe was a wooden heart shaped box over Cassidy.
Bennett threw a bunch of chairs into the ring as Trent Beretta came to the save with a box of roses, which contained a pipe. Beretta smacked Bennett’s chair into his face with the pipe before Taven chucked a chair at Beretta. With a chair set up, Taven hit a Bulldog Driver onto it, but Cassidy was there to hit an Orange Punch and Beach Break onto the stack of chairs and tacks. Cassidy wrapped his hand in the chain and hit the Orange Punch, as Roderick Strong ran out and tried to hit a running knee, but Beretta took the bullet, as Cassidy sent Strong packing. Taven never made the 10 count and Cassidy was declared the winner. Commentary really put over how Cassidy is lucky to have a friend like Beretta.
AEW Rampage 2/16/24
· Jeff Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara in a No DQ Match
· Queen Aminata vs. Anna Jay
· Bullet Club Gold, The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass compete in a 12 Man Tag
AEW Dynamite 2/21/24
· Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland & Brian Cage vs. Hangman Adam Page, HOOK & Rob Van Dam
New matches and segments have been announced for Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Adam Copeland will meet Daniel Garcia to determine the next challenger for Christian Cage’s TNT Championship. After Copeland told Tony Schiavone he was eyeing getting the TNT title back, Garcia came out. He reminded Copeland that it was him that pinned the Patriarchy on last week’s Collision, and wanted his own shot at the title. The two shook hands, but Copeland told Garcia that he was now taking food off his table, and he didn’t like it.
Willow Nightingale will also go one on one with Skye Blue. Nightingale mentioned in a promo on Saturday that they used to be friends, and they’ve never fought before. Both were misted by Julia Hart, but only one, Blue, ultimately joined forces with her.
Appearances by Hangman Page, Samoa Joe, and Swerve Strickland were also advertised for Wednesday, ahead of their World Championship match at Revolution on March 3. The world premiere of Toni Storm’s latest film, ‘Wet Ink’, will also take place.
AEW Dynamite, Wednesday, February 14 —
The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) vs. Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin)
Adam Copeland vs. Daniel Garcia
Skye Blue vs. Willow Nightingale
We’ll hear from Hangman Page, Samoa Joe, and Swerve Strickland
Copeland will appear on next week’s show in Las Vegas. Lately, he’s been racking up wins after winning (then losing) the TNT Championship at Worlds End.
After pinning Christian Cage to win the title in December, a battered Copeland ended up getting laid out by Killswitch, who then gave Cage the contract he had won earlier in the night. That allowed Cage to quickly pin Copeland and reclaim the TNT Championship he had just lost.
Following the loss, Copeland started an open challenge series, defeating the likes of Griff Garrison, Lee Moriarty, and Dante Martin. On the January 24 edition of Dynamite, he defeated Minoru Suzuki. After the match, he said that he was still coming for Christian Cage.
Cage appeared on Saturday’s Collision. He, Killswitch, and Nick Wayne lost to FTR and Daniel Garcia after Garcia pinned Wayne. The end of the show saw Garcia have a staredown with the TNT Champion.
Here is everything announced for next week’s Collision:
In a new interview with Sports Illustrated, Adam Copeland explained what makes Christian Cage such a great heel.
Lifelong best friends Copeland and Christian have been feuding since right after Copeland arrived in AEW. Copeland told Sports Illustrated that Christian’s commitment is what makes him a great heel. While some heels become cooler than the babyface, Copeland says Christian has done everything possible to make himself uncool.
“He does this so well because he wants to be one,” Copeland said. “Somewhere along the way, that’s got lost. Heels became cooler than the babyface. That’s not how it should be. That’s not how he sees it, either. I mean, the man wears a cut-off turtleneck. There’s nothing cool about what he’s doing.
“He’s fully committed to it. He’s a Bond villain and loving it. It’s fun to be involved with.”
Copeland won the TNT Championship from Christian at last month’s Worlds End pay-per-view, but Christian immediately regained the title by cashing in a title shot that Killswitch (Luchasaurus) had earned earlier in the show.
Christian is the leader of The Patriarchy in AEW, a faction that includes Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne.
Copeland defeated Minoru Suzuki in the main event of Dynamite last week. The match was part of Copeland’s “Cope Open” open challenge series. Following the match, Copeland got on the microphone and declared that he’s still coming after Christian.
“The goal is to bring everyone up,” Copeland told Sports Illustrated about the Cope Open. “I always enjoy seeing new characters and seeing lightbulbs go off. That’s what I’ve loved about coming in so far. What I’m doing, it’s involved so many different people. Now there can be even more with the Cope Open.”
Adam Copeland vs. Minoru Suzuki headlines this week’s eclectic AEW Dynamite lineup.
In a first-time meeting, Copeland will face Suzuki in a battle of veteran stars on tonight’s episode from Savannah, Georgia.
The top two contenders to Samoa Joe’s AEW World Championship will also be in action in separate singles matches, as Swerve Strickland faces Jeff Hardy, plus Hangman Page takes on Penta El Zero Miedo.
The AEW World Trios Championship will also be on the line tonight as The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn defend their titles against Mogul Embassy’s Gates of Agony & Brian Cage.
Sting & Darby Allin are advertised for a promo on the show.
Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm & top contender Deonna Purrazzo will have a face-to-face interview.
Wardlow will be in action against Trent Beretta.
Thunder Rosa will wrestle on Dynamite for the first time since August 2022 tonight as she takes on Red Velvet.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as they throw it to the entrance of the AEW World Champion.
Samoa Joe made his way to the ring, as commentary talked about how HOOK pushed him to the limit last week. Joe tells the crowd he stands before them the undeniable AEW World Champion, as no longer will title opportunities be given, instead they’ll be earned. Joe says anyone who earns a title match against him will suffer the same fate as HOOK last week, choked unconscious and everything taken from them.
HOOK’s music hit and he stormed to the ring, standing face to face with Joe. HOOK said last week, he lost and Joe won. HOOK shook Joe’s hand and pulled him in, saying he doesn’t know when or where, but he’ll see Joe again. The crowd didn’t seem to hear that line, as Joe said HOOK can get to the back of the line and for security to get the unworthy out of his ring. HOOK threw three security guards around, as Joe bailed to the outside with HOOK walking to the back. Joe stayed on commentary for the opening contest and questioned who raised that animal in there, which got a chuckle from Taz.
Hangman Adam Page defeated Penta El Zero Miedo (w/Alex Abrahantes)
(I really enjoyed the finishing sequence of this one, as it took Page a lot to finally put Penta away. I would’ve been shocked had Page lost here, who really stared Joe down multiple times, as it’s very likely that we’re getting a Triple Threat for the AEW Title with Joe, Page & Swerve Strickland. I did like the HOOK & Joe interaction to start the show, but they need to make sure HOOK does something before getting another World Title match, he can’t be doing nothing up until then.)
After both men trash talked one another, an all out slugfest ensued before each traded big boots until a series of Sling Blades allowed Penta to win the exchange. Page battled back with a fall away slam and running Shooting Star, opting to stare down Joe, allowing Penta to recover with a bounce back leg drop off the bottom rope. Excalibur was running down the card for the night as Joe told him to shut up so he could hear the echo of Penta chops on Page. Both traded clotheslines and superkicks before a colliding with a double clothesline that took us to picture in picture. During break, both men fought outside, right in front of Joe before Page once again stared him down.
Back from break, Penta dodged a slingshot Page dive and connected on a somersault dive to the floor. Back inside, Penta wanted a double stomp, but rolled through into a Death Valley Driver by Page for two. After ten corner punches in the corner, Page bit Penta, who fired back with multiple thrust kicks and spinning Death Valley Driver of his own for a near fall. Penta wanted to snap the arm and Joe once again called for silence, as Page fought it off and hit a sit out Liger Bomb. Both men fought to the apron, where Fear Factor and Dead Eye attempts were avoided as Page sent Penta back inside, tried the Buckshot, only for Penta to counter into Made in Japan for a close two. Penta wanted a springing Destroyer on the apron, but Page reversed into the Dead Eye and followed with a Moonsault to the floor. Penta ducked a Buckshot back inside, so Page leveled him with a standard lariat before hitting a proper Buckshot lariat for the victory.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Orange Cassidy and asks his thoughts on Roderick Strong wanting to face him at Revolution for the International Title? Cassidy said sure, fine, but that’s six weeks away. Cassidy isn’t going to wait, he’s going to keep wrestling and asked Tony Khan to get his friends and enemies, put them together in a match on Rampage and the winner will get a title shot on Collision. Cassidy stood awkwardly before saying he has to go; Trent Beretta faces Wardlow next and asks if Paquette has seen Wardlow? Paquette said that’s a lot of meat as Cassidy agreed and just walked off.
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-The Young Bucks are shown arriving backstage in flashy suits and gets a rundown for the show from someone, before Alex Marvez walks up, asking them about their interview last week. Marvez asks what their first plan of action as executives are? Nick said first he can refer to them by their passport names, Nicholas & Matthew Jackson. Matthew said as the last two surviving EVP’s, backstage morale is through the roof and catering is also a big hit. Their jobs are for things to run smoothly, as they run into Top Flight and ask if they’re just arriving to the arena? Dante & Darius said they’ve been there since 1 today, as Matthew asks why they’re in their gear and asks for their credentials. Nicholas said next time; it’ll be a fine before laughing and giving them a fist bump. Matthew said they’re killing it. Commentary talk about how hypocritical this was, seeing as The Jacksons just showed up.
Wardlow (w/Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) defeated Trent Beretta (w/Chuck Taylor, Orange Cassidy & Rocky Romero)
(This was the most offense we’ve seen anyone get on Wardlow in months, so credit to Beretta, who showed off some aggression post match. Perhaps they’re planting seeds for Beretta to break off from Best Friends? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still hoping for a tag title run for Trent & Chuck.)
Wardlow mowed down Beretta with a shoulder tackle right at the bell, as a massive F-5 followed up. Wardlow wanted a powerbomb, but Beretta crumbled, playing possum, getting a small package for two. Beretta low bridged Wardlow to the floor and Beretta followed with multiple baseball slides, only to be swatted out of mid air during a slingshot dive attempt.
Wardlow dismantled Beretta during break, but when things returned, Beretta mounted a comeback, dodging a roundhouse lariat, hitting a big knee. Wardlow spilled outside and Beretta hit a dive through the ropes before cracking Wardlow in the back with a chair, as referee Rick Knox was arguing with the Undisputed Kingdom. Back inside, Beretta hit a DDT and piledriver for a close two. Beretta wanted a cross body, but Wardlow caught him in mid air and hit a spinning powerslam. Wardlow placed Beretta on the top rope and hit a stalling lifting knee before delivering a violent stalling Last Ride powerbomb for the win.
Post match, Wardlow went to inflict more damage, but was called off by Adam Cole and company, as Beretta shoved Cassidy away from helping him up, frustrated at what just happened. Beretta ultimately cooled down and apologized to Cassidy.
Timeless Toni Storm & Deonna Purrazzo Face to Face
Renee Paquette is on stage and welcomes Deonna Purrazzo to the crowd before Timeless Toni Storm is out next with Luther & Mariah May. They brilliantly had Storm’s side of the stage in black and white, while Purrazzo was in color, which was a cool visual. Paquette said this has been brewing for several weeks and tries to ask Purrazzo a question, but Storm interrupts and said she’ll talk first, saying she has a massage booked at 11. Storm said she believes Purrazzo was recently body shamed, which is ridiculous because there’s so much more to shame about her. Storm said they have a history, but that doesn’t mean their past friendship allows Purrazzo to just waltz in and get a title shot. Storm said Purrazzo might be the best technical wrestler in the world today, but if she steps in the ring with Storm, she’ll twist her lips so hard she’ll need an epidural.
Purrazzo said this is insane, she didn’t come to AEW to make friends, she came to become AEW Women’s Champion. Purrazzo has no problem earning a title shot, but this version of Toni Storm isn’t who she wants to wrestle, not this sham, but the Storm who moved here from Japan and lived in her house, the best in the world. Purrazzo begs Storm to find that version of herself and if she can’t look down at her ankle. We see that both have the same tattoos, as Purrazzo said Storm might have the world fooled, but not her. Storm said Purrazzo can take her tattoo and blow it right out of her bum hole. Both ladies took turns throwing shoes at one another before May saved Storm from getting put in a submission. Purrazzo charged at May, who dodged and Luther at a pump kick. May & Storm bailed, as Purrazzo held up the AEW Women’s Title.
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-Jon Moxley is backstage and said the Blackpool Combat Club has won a lot of matches and titles since forming, but the amount of victory parties they’ve had is zero. They don’t spend time patting each other on the back, as there’s always threats right around the corner. That’s what it takes to be the best, to be elite, something some people who have come to AEW have failed to realize. In 2024, Moxley is going to pulverize and torture anyone who can’t get with the program and keep up with him in the ring. Moxley said this Friday night he’ll cut his heart out and bleed if he has to for the fans that pay to see the best wrestling in the world. Moxley will do it every single time. We’re told Moxley will face Lee Moriarty on Rampage, as this was a great promo from Mox.
-Taya Valkyrie & Johnny TV are backstage and reintroduce us to themselves, the most TV ready couple in AEW. Valkyrie is pissed off that Deonna Purrazzo is trying to cut to the front of the line and Johnny said no buts, no cuts, not coconuts. Valkyrie challenged Purrazzo to a match next week on Dynamite.
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated Jeff Hardy (w/Matt Hardy)
(Despite feeling a little slow to start, the second half of this match really picked up and the crowd were loudly into it. Strickland continues to stack wins and like I mentioned in the Page recap, both are destined for a showdown with Samoa Joe.)
Dueling chants from the fans, as Strickland tried a series of pin attempts to start. Hardy took his chain off and gave it to his brother before getting a pin attempt on Strickland, only this time, having a handful of tights. Strickland was caught off guard by the cheating, as he drove Hardy down with a backbreaker, wanting to snap the arm, but Matt ran distraction, allowing his brother to regain control. Hardy folded Strickland up with a pin attempt, but was then sent to the apron, where Strickland swept the leg and hit a slingshot double stomp. Strickland set up Hardy on a chair, mocked the Hardy dance, but took too long, as Hardy swept the leg. Hardy got a running start and flying leg drop off the ring steps against the barricade, spilling into the front row.
Strickland regained control during commercial, as back from break, both men fought in the corner and Hardy took flight with a Whisper in the Wind for the double down. Hardy caught Strickland with a spin kick and hit a Sling Blade variation to follow. Manhattan Drop and double leg drop hit Strickland low. Hardy went to the ropes, but Strickland shoved him to the apron and flung Hardy shoulder first into the post. On the floor, Hardy delivered a Twist of Fate onto the steps before back inside, Hardy missed a Swanton. Strickland delivered the House Call, but Hardy kicked out. Strickland mocked going for a Twist of Fate, but Hardy got a few pin attempts until three jawbreakers staggered Strickland in the ropes, as he lured Hardy in with a rolling Flatliner into a delayed suplex. Strickland went up top and hit the Swerve Stomp for the victory.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Hangman Adam Page, congratulating him on the victory tonight, saying at 3-0 in 2024 already, he has to be near to the top of the rankings once they’re released. Swerve Strickland interrupts immediately and said he’s also undefeated in 2024, asking who the last one to beat Page was? Page said its “New Year, New Me, Dumbass!” and argues someone is going to knock Strickland down the rankings. Page went to storm off, but Paquette told him to stay right there, as she got word that next week it’s Dealer’s Choice and each will pick the others match on Dynamite.
Thunder Rosa defeated Red Velvet
(This not only suffered from most of it happening during commercial, but when things returned, it felt very clunky, especially the finish.)
This is the first time meeting between the two, as both traded arm drags until Rosa was sent to the apron. Velvet drove Rosa face first in the corner and swept the legs out, staying in control before the match went to a quick commercial.
Rosa battled back during break and continued to run wild with double knees in the corner. Rosa followed with the charging low dropkick and Northern Lights for two. Velvet fought back with a series of strikes and cazadora into a double stomp. A running double knees in the ropes led to Velvet trying a springing bulldog, but Rosa avoided, took way too long to try her finisher, allowing Velvet to back drop out. Rosa rolled through; hit a shotgun dropkick and Tijuana Bomb for the win. Post match, Rosa looked into the camera and said “when is my time Toni Storm or…” and she couldn’t remember Julia Hart’s name and asked the camera man what her name was. I don’t know if that was intentional or not, it was odd regardless. The camera cut away to the Savannah Bananas baseball team sitting ringside before she could continue.
Sting & Darby Allin Talk About What’s Next
Tony Schiavone introduced Sting & Allin to the ring, as Allin brought up the impact that Sting has had on his career. Allin said Sting influenced him far before teaming in AEW and when Sting’s career was nearly cut short, Allin questioned if the same could happen to him. Years later, when Allin heard Sting was coming to AEW, he flew to Texas to train at Sting’s home and after training a bit, told Sting he’s still got it. We cut to a quick shot of The Young Bucks backstage in a locker room with headsets on. Allin said he & Sting are undefeated and at 27-0, with the rankings back, it makes sense to challenge Ricky Starks & Big Bill for the AEW Tag Team titles. Allin told Sting once again, he’s still got it and asks if Sting wants to end his career as AEW Tag Team Champions? Sting soaked in chants and simply said he’s in.
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-Ricky Starks & Big Bill are backstage and thank Sting & Darby Allin for having the respect to address them by name and AEW World Tag Team Champions. Bill said as far as their challenge goes, they accept. Starks said it’s fitting that Sting’s first match in AEW was against him in a tag match and promised Sting won’t make it to Revolution.
The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) & Daddy Ass defeated Mogul Embassy (Brian Cage, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun w/Prince Nana) for the AEW Trios Titles
(The Bang Bang Scissor Gang were successful in their first outing as a super group, as the numbers were rarely not in the favor of the Embassy, who dropped another trios match in two weeks.)
Switchblade Jay White & The Gunns made their entrance before The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass, but just went backstage for the match itself. Caster showed off his speed to control Cage early, as Bowens made a fast tag, connecting with a series of forearms. Bowens opted to pose, resulting in Cage launching him to the Embassy corner and Kaun & Liona took turns dishing out offense. Bowens tried to fight out, but Gunn & Caster were both pulled away before a tag could be made. Bowens charged off the apron at Cage, but Liona connected on a Pounce that launched Bowens to the floor into picture in picture.
The Embassy controlled the entire break, as Bowens made his comeback right when things returned with a Blockbuster on Cage. Bowens finally fought free and Gunn made the hot tag, running wild with punches. Liona cut Gunn off from trying a Fame-Asser on Cage, as Bowens came right back in and planted with a Cage F-5. Everyone took turns delivering high impact moves, as Kaun hit a Pedigree on Gunn for two. Nana threw a chair in the ring, as ref Aubrey was distracted by Kaun. Nana then took the ref, Kaun wound up, but Switchblade Jay White appeared to take the chair away. Gunn hit the One and Only on Kaun, as Nana was carried off by Austin & Colten and powerbombed through a ringside table. White watched on at the stage, as Cage was dropped from behind by Bowens’ leg drop. A Fame-Asser, Arrival, Mic Drop combo connected to give Gunn the pin on Kaun.
-A quick vignette is shown for the upcoming return of Serena Deeb on Collision
Adam Copeland defeated Minoru Suzuki
(I can safely say no one saw this match coming a week ago, but I’m sure glad we got it, this was excellent. The no commercial breaks during the main event really help as well, as there doesn’t feel like any down time, making the match have more urgency. When Copeland said he’s never been hit as hard as this, I absolutely believe him, as Suzuki was beating the living hell out of him. Copeland hung tough and survived a really fun main event.)
Both men waste no time slugging it out with forearms and it was Copeland to crumble first, so he switched to chops. A misdirect from Suzuki led to another violent forearm that dropped Copeland yet again. Suzuki wanted the Gotch Piledriver, but Copeland backdropped out. Suzuki suckered Copeland into the ropes for an arm breaker attempt, but Copeland fought free, hit a big boot, tried a Spear, but Suzuki side stepped into a guillotine to the floor. Copeland charged and both broke through the barricade into the crowd. Referee Bryce got to nine and both dove in to break the count.
Suzuki rose with a smile on his face, as more forearms were thrown by each man on their knees. As they rose to their feet, the forearms continued before Suzuki switched to slaps this time, eventually both connected at the same time and collapsed. Suzuki rose first and lit up Copeland with open hand strikes before trying an arm bar, which Copeland spun out of into an Impaler DDT. Dueling chants from the crowd as Copeland wanted a Spear, but ran into a Fujiwara arm bar. Copeland got the ropes, as Suzuki wanted a Rear Naked Choke, but Copeland shook him off and hit a Spear for two.
Copeland couldn’t believe it, as Suzuki rose up like the Undertaker behind him and sank in a Rear Naked Choke. Copeland was fading, his face turning purple, but the arm dropped only once, as Copeland drove Suzuki face first into the corner. Copeland delivered a Killswitch and got the win. Christian Cage was shown watching backstage with a disgusted look on his face. Copeland post match got the microphone and said he’s never been hit that hard before in his life and offered his hand to Suzuki, showing respect. Suzuki just growled at Copeland and walked off. Copeland said he would’ve been a little disappointed had Suzuki actually shook his hand. This was a war and told Christian Cage he’s still coming for him.
AEW Rampage 1/26/24
· Kip Sabian vs. Komander vs. The Butcher vs. El Hijo del Vikingo for a shot at the International Title on Collision
· Jon Moxley vs. Lee Moriarty
· Konosuke Takeshita vs. Christopher Daniels
· Ruby Soho vs. Anna Jay
AEW Collision 1/27/24
· FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) & Daniel Garcia vs. House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) in a Six Man Escape the Cage Elimination Match
· Bryan Danielson takes on Yuji Nagata
· Orange Cassidy defends the International Title against the winner of the Rampage 4 Way
· Serena Deeb returns to action
· Mariah May vs. Lady Frost
AEW Dynamite 1/31/24
· Deonna Purrazzo vs. Taya Valkyrie
· Swerve Strickland & Hangman Adam Page both compete in Dealer’s Choice matches
AEW Dynamite 2/7/24
· Ricky Starks & Big Bill defend the AEW Tag Team Titles against Sting & Darby Allin
Adam Copeland discussed the origins of “The Cope Open” during an interview with Sports Illustrated.
Copeland has held an open challenge on AEW programming in recent weeks, taking part in matches with Dante Martin, Griff Garrison, and Lee Moriarty. Tonight on Dynamite, however, he wrestles someone with a bit more experience in Minoru Suzuki.
“While the story with Christian plays out, I thought, let’s do this fascinating side story where no one knows what comes next,” said Copeland. “The more I thought about it, we can use it as a vehicle for some young guys to get some different experience. And then I kept thinking about it, and it hit me: ‘This means it could be anyone.’ I’ve been tossing out all kinds of names and seeing who bites.”
Later in the interview, Copeland revealed that he asked Tony Khan if wrestling Suzuki in AEW was possible.
“I thought Suzuki and I would be really cool,” Copeland said. “It’s something you wouldn’t even think of until you think of it, right? It’s going to be hard-hitting. And the word that keeps coming to mind is grizzled. But I never thought this match would ever happen.”
“So I asked Tony, ‘Can we get Suzuki?’ He said he’d find out. As soon as he found out, literally as soon as he got off the phone, he advertised it on air.”
“I’m sitting in the locker room getting changed, and Moxley says to me, ‘Hey man, it’s you and Suzuki next week,’” he continued. “So you can only imagine my excitement. Immediately, I’m thinking, ‘I need to cut a promo about it.’”
Khan revealed yesterday that, similar to last week’s main event of Samoa Joe vs. Hook, Copeland vs. Suzuki will air commercial-free on tonight’s broadcast.
AEW Dynamite tonight takes place at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia. According to WrestleTix, 2187 tickets have been distributed to the show as of this afternoon.
AEW Dynamite lineup for Wednesday, January 24, 2024:
AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn defend against Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony
Hangman Page vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
Adam Copeland vs. Minoru Suzuki
Wardlow vs. Trent Beretta
Swerve Strickland vs. Jeff Hardy
Thunder Rosa vs. Red Velvet
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm & Deonna Purrazzo face-to-face
Adam Copeland vs. Minoru Suzuki on AEW Dynamite will not go to picture-in-picture.
Tony Khan has announced the match will air commercial-free on tonight’s show.
Khan wrote:
Tomorrow on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite, the fight between international legends @suzuki_D_minoru vs @RatedRCope will have no commercial interruption!
2024 will be an amazing year for AEW! We’re off to a tremendous start to this year’s @AEWonTV, see you TOMORROW on @TBSNetwork!
Last week’s main event between AEW World Champion Samoa Joe and Hook also aired without commercial interruption.
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite takes place at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia. 2187 tickets have been distributed to the show as of this afternoon, according to WrestleTix.
AEW Dynamite lineup for Wednesday, January 24, 2024:
AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn defend against Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony
Hangman Page vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
Adam Copeland vs. Minoru Suzuki
Wardlow vs. Trent Beretta
Swerve Strickland vs. Jeff Hardy
Thunder Rosa vs. Red Velvet
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm & Deonna Purrazzo face-to-face
A Trios title match is among new matches announced for Wednesday’s Dynamite in Savannah, Georgia.
It was announced on AEW Collision that The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will defend their Trios Championship against Brian Cage and the Gates of Agony. Saturday’s show saw The Acclaimed, Gunn, and Bullet Club Gold officially combine forces to form a new supergroup, the Bang Bang Scissor Gang.
In a first-time ever matchup, Adam Copeland will face Minoru Suzuki. Following his TNT title loss at Worlds End, Copeland has defeated the likes of Griff Garrison and Dante Martin in open challenge matches.
Other matches added include Hangman Page taking on Penta El Zero Miedo and Swerve Strickland squaring off against Jeff Hardy. Both ended last week’s Dynamite making it clear they wanted to face AEW World Champion Samoa Joe. Wardlow, another person interested in Joe, will take on Trent Beretta.
In addition, Sting & Darby Allin will speak following their staredown with The Young Bucks two weeks ago. A face-to-face between Toni Storm and Deonna Purrazzo will also take place.
Here is the lineup for next week’s AEW Dynamite:
AEW Trios titles: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn vs. Brian Cage and The Gates of Agony
Hangman Page vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
Adam Copeland vs. Minoru Suzuki
Wardlow vs. Trent Beretta
Swerve Strickland vs. Jeff Hardy
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm & Deonna Purrazzo face-to-face
