Wrestling Observer Radio: AEW All In preview, Dynamite recap, Ricochet news

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer returns with a show from London! We’ve got AEW All In to talk about, predictions for the show, Dyanamite from Wednesday, Ricochet, all the latest news and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
02:06: All In preview
14:38: Ricochet signing with AEW, Forbidden Door 2025 in London
17:40: Ratings, CMLL’s World Grand Prix
24:40: Dave’s “When Giants Walked Here” doc thoughts
30:37: AEW Dynamite recap

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Fight Game: AEW All In preview

John LaRocca and I are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast. Jeremy Finestone from Speaking of Strong Style joined us in the last half of the show to go over the fallout from this year’s NJPW G1 and preview Sunday’s AEW All In.

We recorded this show live on the F4W YouTube free channel, which you can watch below.

We kicked off with our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week before going through our Top Five topics which included:

  • The upcoming PPV/PLE schedule over the next three weeks
  • The continuation of the Judgment Day saga in WWE
  • If Solo Sikoa is still relevant in the Bloodline storyline
  • G1 Climax 34 fallout and predictions for Wrestle Kingdom
  • AEW All In preview

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Daily Update: Cody Rhodes, AEW All In, Bryan Danielson

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

We have a giant story on the life and career of Kevin Sullivan. It’s one of the biggest stories we’ve done in recent years covering this very unique person who wore a lot of hats in the industry and had a lot of very significant influence on aspects of the genre.

Among the other topics covered:

  • Tony Khan announces the second AEW stadium show for 2025 and we talk about reports of a third one as well.
  • Previewing All In
  • Update on Bash in Berlin including a new main event not announced yet and the latest on the planned stipulation
  • Bryan Danielson talks about his life and career
  • AEW and Triller doing PPV bundles
  • U.S. Olympic wrestling roundup as well as Hiroshi Tanahashi wants to recruit three Olympians
  • Update on G-1 Climax tournament and all the bouts of the past week
  • A look at the career of Yoshinari Ogawa who retired this past week
  • A look at Dennis Brent, who passed away, a behind-the-scenes figure who was very close to many insiders in the wrestling community and had worked for and with World Class, Mid South, WCW, JCP and WWE before a tragic case of MS ended him in wrestling.
  • Update on legal wranglings involving Janel Grant, Vince McMahoin and Dr. Carlon Colker
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings from the past week, weekly rankings, comparisons with a year ago, segment-by-segment, nightly placings competition and more
  • Rundown from another big show at Arena Mexico
  • More on the CMLL Grand Prix show featuring wrestlers from all over the world
  • Return date announced for one of the biggest international stars
  • Exactly what the issues are with AAA and Penta & Fenix and why their talent isn’t allowed to appear on the same shows in Mexico
  • Update on the Stardom Five Star Grand Prix
  • Dragon Gate Dangerous Gate update
  • N-1 tournament update
  • What WWE NXT star is getting over in Japan
  • Grandson of one of the biggest wrestling stars of all-time now training to wrestle
  • El Hijo del Santo retirement tour update and he talks about when he was negotiating to go full-time with WWE
  • MJF vs. Michael Oku match story and angle with Ospreay
  • GCW hits Japan
  • PPV updates for recent pro wrestling and boxing events
  • Tony Khan talks more on big announcements
  • Update on Young Bucks
  • Penta & Fenix update
  • Behind the making of MJF vs. Oku in England
  • Advances for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • Streaming numbers and international TV numbers
  • Update on Conor McGregor fighting
  • Former MMA fighter involved in a shooting death of a man who was friends with the person who was accused of kidnapping his son
  • Heyman talks his ECW run
  • Ronda Rousey on Vince McMahon
  • Jesse Ventura and his attempt to unionize wrestlers

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Thursday Update

WWE

  • On social media, Cody Rhodes and Grayson Waller had a back-and-forth setting up a confrontation for SmackDown. Rhodes challenged Waller to have a chat with him on the show: “Interesting take  @GraysonWWE, how about we have a chat tomorrow on #SmackDown and I can show you how much of a ‘bad guy’ I can be.”
  • Director Todd Phillips confirmed to Variety that his planned Hulk Hogan biopic that would have starred Chris Hemsworth is no longer happening: “I love what we were trying to do, but that’s not going to come together for me.”
  • Jey & Jimmy Uso (39), Apollo Crews (37), and Paul Ellering (71) are celebrating birthdays today.
  • Here’s the lineup for Friday’s episode of NXT Level Up:
    • Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo & Luca Crusifino vs. Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe
    • Dani Palmer vs. Jazmyn Nyx
  • WWE Vault uploaded the full WALTER vs. Ilja Dragunov NXT UK Championship match from NXT TakeOver 36.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • Sunday’s All In pay-per-view has surpassed 50,000 tickets distributed.
  • In his final promo before All In, Bryan Danielson called himself “the best f*cking wrestler in the world” and said he’s been the best for the past 20 years. Dynamite ended with Danielson leading the crowd in a “Yes!” chant after vowing to defeat Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship.
  • Bleacher Report asked Danielson how he’s feeling physically ahead of All In:
    • My neck is trashed. But other than that, I feel good. One of the things that I’m good at is experiencing pain and it not necessarily affecting me much. It doesn’t really affect my mental space.
    • The only thing that it does kind of affect is my parenting because our son is four and wild. He loves jumping on my back and jumping on my neck, and I’m like, ‘Argh, stop!’ [laughs]
    • It affects my training and that sort of thing. But other than that, I feel good. The odds are, by the end of the year, I’m probably going to have to get neck surgery or whatever it is. But right now, it feels manageable. And when I get out and wrestle, I feel invincible. So that’s not even a concern.
  • Danielson told Bleacher Report that he believes the best matches of his career have taken place in AEW:
    • If you look at the matches, in my mind, I’ve had the best matches of my career in AEW. Whether they’ve been difference-makers or not, that’s a different thing entirely, but from a creative aspect, these last three years have been some of the most fun of my career but also the wrestling matches I’ve enjoyed the most.
  • Complex published a profile piece on Strickland. He opened up about the support he’s received from The New Day:
    • Those guys gave me love every week and they don’t have to. But I’ve always made sure to speak out and say ‘you guys influenced me.’ Kofi Kingston [in particular]. In my own way hopefully I did it justice. Hopefully I did him proud.
  • Will Ospreay told the New York Post that he’s enjoying being a babyface in AEW: “I’ve always been a very happy, chappy person. I do have a little bit of an a–hole side of me, but I’m very much an easy person to get along with. Going into that role I feel like I was the right guy to come in at the right time.”
  • Ospreay reflected on how blessed he is to wrestle at Wembley Stadium for the second straight year: “Being back at Wembley Stadium, it’s always a weird thing to flipping say out loud, not arena, stadium, bro. The fact that I get to do it all over again, I can not tell you how blessed I am.
  • AEW wished Pac a happy 38th birthday.
  • Paul London will return to MLW in New York City on Thursday, August 29 for a match against BRG (Brett Ryan Gosselin) at Summer of the Beasts.
  • Zilla Fatu will defend his House of Glory Crown Jewel Championship against Mustafa Ali in Chicago on Thursday, September 5.
  • Bobby Lashley appeared on The Bo and Them Show.
  • Wrestlezone interviewed “Speedball” Mike Bailey.
  • Matt Cardona was a guest on The Masked Man Show.

Filthy Observer Live: AEW Dynamite review, All In thoughts, old men throwing beers

Image: AEW

With Bryan Alvarez trying to figure out why he’s in London, Ontario, and not England, former MLW Champion & UFC star “Filthy” Tom Lawlor joins me on Thursday’s Wrestling Observer Live.

We talk about last night’s AEW Dynamite, Sunday’s AEW All In, ratings, old men throwing beers & more.

It’s a fun show as always, so check it out~!

Click here for the commercial-free download (subscription required)

Tony Khan AEW media call notes: Ricky Starks, Australia, why Dynamite isn’t live in the UK

Image: AEW

Ricky Starks is still under contract with AEW and well-regarded, according to AEW head Tony Khan during Thursday’s hour-long media call ahead of Sunday’s All In.

Khan’s answer was to a question about Starks’ status. Khan was very complimentary of Starks, but didn’t provide any details as to where he has been since March or address rumors that he declined to turn babyface in a feud with former partner Big Bill.

Khan was not asked about Ricochet signing an AEW contract despite a report breaking 15 minutes before the call.

Asked about why Dynamite didn’t air live in the UK last night or if there was an effort to do so, Khan said it’s illegal for him to do that due to his WBD rights and that WBD pays 97% of their TV revenue. He also said Triller has had some issues in the stream of the show in the past. In the future, he would like to simulcast on ITV if possible it even if it was late in the UK. They have obstacles to get there however.

Asked about the exclusive negotiating window ending with WBD and interest from other parties, Khan declined to answer but did say he has spent time with WBD’s executive team and things have never been better. He also confirmed he met with David Zaslav in Paris during the Olympics.

Khan led off the call confirming that they are looking at running an event in Australia in 2025 with more information to come. News broke last week from the Sporting News in Australia that the company was in the advancing planning stage of running a stadium show.

Other notes:

  • He also said the Von Erichs will be in London this weekend for All In.
  • Asked about where the 2026 All In will be held in the UK, Khan didn’t answer directly other than saying how much he loves London.
  • Asked about why All In is heading to Texas next year, Khan said he loves Texas and that new chief operating officer Kosha Irby came up with the idea.
  • Asked about returns or debuts for the Casino gauntlet match, Khan detoured and said he invented the match while at Daily’s Place and is the favorite one he created, opining maybe he should move his office down there permanently due to all the magic coming out of there.

Click here for the full audio (no sub needed)

Report: Ricochet signs multi-year contract with AEW

Image: WWE

Former WWE star Ricochet has reportedly signed a multi-year contract with AEW with some sources indicating he is planned for an appearance at Sunday’s All In: London.

Fightful reported the news Thursday afternoon without any additional details other than what is written above outside that he worked with an agent to broker the deal.

News originally broke in June that the 35-year-old was not returning to WWE after roughly six years with the company. In July, our Dave Meltzer reported that it was expected that AEW would be his eventual destination.

He has yet to speak publicly since departing, written off TV by an attack from Bron Breakker.

During his time in WWE, he held the Speed title, the Intercontinental title, the United States title, and the NXT North American title. He is also engaged to WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin.

All In emanates from London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Hangman Page, Mark Briscoe & Kyle O’Reilly entering Casino gauntlet match at AEW All In

Image: AEW

Former AEW World Champion Hangman Page will be entering the Casino gauntlet match at this Sunday’s All In.

Page announced his intentions during Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite in a backstage interview with Renee Paquette. He happened to see former friend and Dark Order member Evil Uno and got him to reveal that he would be in the gauntlet as well. Page then hit Uno with a chair and attacked him in a fit of rage.

The inclusion comes as a bit of a surprise as it was assumed Page would face Jeff Jarrett in a singles match as had been building the past few weeks.

In an earlier segment, reigning Ring of Honor World Champion Mark Briscoe and Kyle O’Reilly were also added to the match, joining fellow Conglomeration teammate Orange Cassidy.

By virtue of his recent Dynamite win in a three-way, Cassidy will be the first entrant which is important as the bout ends with the first pinfall or submission. A max of 21 entrants can be in the match, hence the Casino name.

As of this writing, Cassidy, O’Reilly, Briscoe, Uno and Page are the only confirmed entrants.

The winner of the match will earn a future AEW World title shot.

Here’s the current AEW All In card for this Sunday from London’s Wembley Stadium:

  • AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland defends against Bryan Danielson
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mariah May
  • AEW American Champion MJF defends against Will Ospreay
  • TNT Champion Jack Perry defends against Darby Allin in a coffin match
  • AEW Trios Champions The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, Killswitch, and Nick Wayne) defend against The Bang Bang Gang, The House of Black, and TBA in a London ladder match
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks defend against The Acclaimed and FTR
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Britt Baker
  • Casino gauntlet match for future AEW World title shot
  • FTW Champion Chris Jericho defends against Hook
  • Zero Hour: Willow Nightingale & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway, winners get to pick stipulation to Nightingale/Statlander CMLL Women’s title match for All Out

AEW Dynamite live results: All In go-home show

The final AEW Dynamite before Sunday’s All In pay-per-view airs tonight from Cardiff, Wales.

World Champion Swerve Strickland and his All In challenger Bryan Danielson will take part in a Final Showdown segment moderated by commentator Nigel McGuinness on tonight’s show. Danielson is putting his career on the line against Swerve on Sunday.

Two title matches are also set for tonight’s show, with Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defending against Saraya, and Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defending against Claudio Castagnoli.

American Champion MJF and his All In challenger Will Ospreay will go face-to-face one final time on tonight’s show before Sunday’s title bout.

“The Learning Tree” Chris Jericho will go one-on-one with “Dynamite Kid” Tommy Billington on the show.

Before he challenges Jericho for the FTW title at All In, Hook will take on Big Bill on tonight’s show.

Tonight’s Dynamite is the first episode in the show’s nearly five-year run to take place outside of North America.

**********

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us to the show, as he throws it to Tony Schiavone, who is in the ring for the TBS Title contract signing, introducing the challenger and champion.

Mercedes Mone & Dr. Britt Baker Contract Signing

Both ladies have agreed to no physicality tonight, as Baker got a loud ovation, while Mone was booed, but did have some CEO chants. Mone did the DMD hand gesture and said Baker was the past, while Mone is the future as she signed the contract. Baker said Mone can say what she wants now, but in talking about the past, Mone hobbled into All In last year to watch the show. Before there was a CEO, there was a DMD. Baker signed the contract as Mone mocked the crowd and promptly got “shut the F up” chants. Mone said this is Baker’s dream match, as Mone inspired Baker, who had to rely on a little degree to fall back on. Mone has been putting women’s wrestling on the map the last ten years, that’s All In.

Baker said she had the guts, heart and balls, as she’s never had a plan B, she had two plan A’s. While Mone was considered one of four, Baker is one of one, the baddest bitch on the block. Mone got one thing right, Baker admired her and wanted to be her, as Mone walked, so girls like Baker could run. Baker is the foundation for the company Mone is sitting in right now. Mone made a difference, but that person is gone, she’s not a smug, arrogant, ass, who is worried more about her legacy than being a role model. Baker doesn’t know where that girl went, but hopes Mone finds her fast because when Baker wins the TBS Title, that’s the girl she wants to say she beat.

Baker stood up and said she’s going to follow the rules and not hit Mone. She said nothing about Kamille, who she cracked with the microphone, stood on the table and took out Mone & Kamille with a cross body. Mone & Kamille bailed, as Baker held up the TBS Title high in the air. I thought this was a good go home segment for this match, as it was much needed for Baker to look strong after what happened last week on Collision.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with The Learning Tree, asking Chris Jericho his thoughts on his match tonight. Jericho questions Tommy Billington’s right to call himself the Dynamite Kid, when all he can say is he’s blood related to his uncle, the original Dynamite Kid. Jericho said Billington isn’t even good enough to be on Dynamite and hopes HOOK is watching, as he’s going to do to him sevenfold what he does to Billington come Wembley Stadium. Keith stopped and said “big ass, Wembley Stadium!”

Chris Jericho (w/Big Bill & Bryan Keith) defeated Tommy Billington

(I thought this was a really fun opener and I wish it went longer, they worked very well with each other. The crowd was hot throughout, which I think is safe to say will be a running trend all weekend for AEW.)

Billington showed off his agility in the early going with quick arm drags, shoulder tackle and bodyslam before going up top for a missile dropkick. Jericho took a powder, but Billington was out after, but as Jericho was slid back in the ring, he distracted referee Aubrey, allowing Big Bill to post Billngton heading to commercial.

Jericho controlled the entire break, but when things returned, both men collided in a double cross body attempt. Billington was up first and strung together a series of offense, but Jericho responded with a Lionsault for two. Reversal of switches led to a Billington German suplex for two, as Jericho answered sweeping the legs into the Walls of Jericho. Billington got the ropes, as waved to the crowd, but the delay allowed a snap suplex and Tombstone from Billington. Going up top, Billington connected on a dive onto Keith, then side stepped a charging Bill into the barricade. Back up top, Billington leapt, but Jericho hit a Code Breaker in mid-air for the victory.

Jericho took the microphone post-match and called HOOK a stupid bastard who he hopes was watching. Jericho said he’d rip HOOK apart branch by branch. HOOK’s music hit and he power walked to the ring and got right into Jericho’s face, but got blindsided by Big Bill, who hit a massive chokeslam as The Learning Tree stood over HOOK. The HOOK vs. Bill match that was initially announced for tonight will be taking place on Collision.

**********

Timeless Toni Storm defeated Saraya (w/Harley Cameron) to retain the AEW Women’s Title

(Battle of the Outcasts here, as Storm was super over with the crowd and I expect her ovation to be massive come Wembley. She survived the numbers game during the match itself, but post-match was a different story with May getting the last shot ahead of their Women’s Title match Sunday.)

Crowd loudly behind the champion, who fired off early arm drags before posing for the fans. Storm played cat and mouse, faking out Saraya by giving up her leg, but it was all mind games, as Storm got the takedown, as Saraya bailed to the apron. Both ladies screamed at one another before Saraya hung Storm up in the ropes before taking the ref, allowing Cameron to send Storm into the barricade, as Saraya followed with a somersault senton off the apron into commercial.

Storm fought back when things returned, as she wound up for a home run shot, but Saraya lowered her head to dodge, as Storm put on the brakes and hit a DDT. Saraya avoided Storm Zero with the Knight Cap for a near fall. Saraya brought Storm up in the corner for a sunset flip powerbomb into the Good Knight cradle DDT for another two. Taking too long to follow-up, Storm was able to hit a chokebomb, but Cameron jumped on the apron, only for Storm to plant a smooch on her. Saraya ran and collided into Cameron, as Storm old schooled her, gave a kiss of her own before hitting Storm Zero for the win.

As Storm was celebrating her victory, Mariah May appeared from behind, blindsiding Storm with the shoe that bloodied Storm weeks ago. May clutched Storm’s head and kissed her before rolling around in the ring briefly before heading to the back.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with the entire Conglomeration, as Mark Briscoe said the word of the day was proliferated (I think? It’s hard to understand hyped up Mark Briscoe at times), as they are in full force tonight. Kyle O’Reilly tried talking like he’s British, as Willow Nightingale got hyped and walked off with O’Reilly & Briscoe while Tomohiro Ishii & Orange Cassidy just stood there, chill.

**********

Will Ospreay & MJF Face to Face

Massive ovation for Ospreay during his entrance as he really soaked in the chants and cheers before it was cut off by MJF’s music, which Taz described as a “fart in church.” MJF came to the ring in an American Flag suit, as Ospreay told the crowd to give Max a warm welcome, as he was showered with boos. Ospreay brings up the BBC show Gavin and Stacey and compares their story to his and starts making local references saying he wrestled in a local pub once that was dirtier than the wife, which popped commentary. Ospreay said you can call him Barry Scott because “Bang and the dirt is gone!” which was a reference even Excalibur had to Google.

MJF said all he had to do to get under the fans skin was the Kangaroo Kick and said no to the fans chanting “shut the F up.” MJF said he was still injured, but came back early because he was begged by top brass in AEW and Warner Brothers Discovery to clean up Ospreay’s mess, the arrogant prick. Ospreay told MJF to look in the mirror when talking about an arrogant prick. Ospreay was hyped when he heard about AEW, but he & his friends laughed when they saw MJF was the face of the show, as the double clothesline made them giggle. All In last year was about two best friends jerking each other off. Ospreay wasn’t even employed last year, despite Tony Khan having 3,000 people and their nans under contract, and he was begged to go out at Wembley and have a good wrestling match, as Khan couldn’t rely on his World Champion at the time to do so. Ospreay said MJF is entertainment, but they’re meant to cater to the fans and their voices. This isn’t just about restoring the International Championship; it’s about restoring the feeling and Ospreay is the feeling.

MJF doesn’t care about the fans, they’re meaningless and brings up what American’s do best, they win. MJF said he believed that four eyed dork, Tony Khan, when he said things would be safe in Ospreay’s hands. MJF said fans who only know Ospreay are redcoat terrorist, while everyone loves MJF, wrestlers around the world agree, he’s the best wrestler on God’s green Earth. MJF wonders who actually called Ospreay the Best in the World and laughed at the idea that it was the fans, who know nothing. Friedman is the Facts, the longest reigning AEW World Champion of all time and headlined the biggest show of all time, as he’s the Ace, while Ospreay is second place. MJF is from the only place that matters, the United States of America, and while Ospreay has only one move he can use to beat MJF, the Tiger Driver, he’s not man enough to pull the trigger. The fans can feel all they want, as facts don’t care about feelings.

Ospreay said congratulations, the history books can be rewritten, but you can’t rewrite the feeling the wrestling fans feel. Ospreay said if you go around the World and ask who the Best in the World is, they’ll all say Ospreay. It took MJF four years to win the fans over, while it took him four beats of his entrance music. Ospreay said they don’t love MJF, who exploded and yelled that they loved him until Ospreay came along! MJF said Ospreay is a great father, wrestler, but earlier tonight he got to spend some time with Ospreay’s wife and so-called kid. He said so-called since Ospreay’s wife had him with another man and Ospreay stepped in to be the father. MJF said he got a feeling the next kid Ospreay’s wife has won’t be Ospreay’s either.

Ospreay turned to Tony Schiavone and asked if Tony Khan is in his ear and asked what the fine would be if he punched MJF right now. Schiavone said 100,000 pounds and Ospreay said it’s worth it and he leveled MJF. Security jumped in and was wiped out by Ospreay until enough of them grabbed him, allowing MJF to crack him with the Dynamite Diamond Ring, busting Ospreay open before hitting a brainbuster and counting three. MJF held up the American Title before looking to try for the Tiger Driver when security and Christopher Daniels put a stop to it.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage and said there was an altercation earlier today and Hangman Page was asked to leave the building. Paquette caught Page on his way out and Page said he’s officially entered in the Casino Gauntlet match and will lay out anyone in his way. Evil Uno walked by and Page asked his old buddy if he knows anyone in the match and Uno said he himself just entered. Page waffled Uno with a chair in the back and said nothing will stop him from getting what he wants.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the Continental Title went to a Time Limit Draw

(Great back and forth match this was, as they’re saving the finish for another time obviously. Whether it’s at All Out or perhaps in the Continental Classic this year, this rematch will happen down the line, it has to. Despite being into it the whole time, once the crowd were told there was a minute left, there was a huge sense of urgency and they were disappointed with the draw.)

Bell sounded and immediately the crowd started Holy Sh*t chants as each man backed the other to the ropes and did the pump fake into a clean break. Both men traded finisher attempts, but were unsuccessful, leading to a stalemate. The feeling out process continued until Okada got a head of steam into a back elbow, as things went to commercial.

When things returned, both men traded suplex attempts, ending with a Castagnoli deadlift vertical. Uppercuts in bunches, as Castagnoli spun around referee Bryce to hit a home run uppercut before Okada fought out of a Giant Swing, taking a powder instead. This resulted in a full speed uppercut from Castagnoli, as back inside a forearm exchange ensued. Okada responded with his DDT and neckbreaker, but took way too long to follow-up, as Castagnoli clotheslined him to the outside, but tumbled out with him. Okada posted Castagnoli ahead of another picture in picture.

Back from break, Castagnoli hit a gut wrench slam and running double stomp for a near fall. As Castagnoli slowly went up top, Okada hit his signature dropkick, sending Castagnoli to the floor. Okada quickly brought it back to the ring, wanted his top rope elbow, but this time Castagnoli cut him off with uppercuts. Castagnoli wanted a superplex, but Okada hit a headbutt and John Woo dropkick before finally hitting the elbow drop. Rainmaker pose flip off from Okada, who turned his back too long, allowing Castagnoli to hit a 20 revolution Giant Swing. Castagnoli got a running start, but Okada cut him off with a picture-perfect dropkick. Okada went for the Rainmaker, but Castagnoli ducked, hit a springboard uppercut, wanted the Neutralizer, only for Okada to counter into the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker.

Ring announcer said one minute remaining, as each started throwing uppercuts, with the crowd really getting hyped. Castagnoli ducked a Rainmaker and hit a massive pop-up uppercut, but Okada clutched onto the ropes, so Castagnoli hit a double stomp for two. Okada tried to escape again, as the time ran out. The crowd wanted 5 more minutes, as The Young Bucks & Jack Perry walked on stage saying that match was phenomenal. Matthew asked if the crowd wanted 5 more minutes? He said unfortunately that’s not going to happen, as the contract said Okada had to wrestle 20 minutes, not 25 and as EVPs, they’re sticklers for the rules. They told Castagnoli better luck next time and to clear the ring, as if he doesn’t, they’ll have to remove him. Darby Allin & FTR made their entrances and it’s time for the main event of the evening.

Darby Allin & FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defeated Jack Perry & The Young Bucks (Nicholas & Matthew Jackson)

It was an all-out brawl as Castagnoli fought Okada to the back during all of this. Perry & Harwood officially started things off, with Allin wanting a quick tag, but Perry bailed and Nicholas came in. It didn’t matter, as Allin flew through the ropes for a dive onto Perry as FTR was sent outside and hit with double dives by The Bucks, who only celebrated briefly, as Allin flew off the top with a Coffin Drop. Allin ultimately wound up on the shoulders of Matthew, allowing Nicholas to hit a PK on the apron, as Allin was worked over during break.

Allin was dropped with a buckle bomb/double corner kick to give Perry a near fall when things returned. Allin used his speed to escape the wrong corner and dove for Harwood for the hot tag. Harwood was a house of fire, dispatching of The Bucks and rolling Germans and brainbuster on Perry. FTR wanted Shatter Machine, but Perry avoided, as The Bucks returned, but Wheeler ran wild this time. Gory Special attempt on Perry, but The Bucks hit a Superkick Party to break it up. EVP Trigger ducked by Wheeler, as The Bucks collided knees. The match broke down, as FTR & Allin got triple Sharpshooters/Scorpion Death Lock, as The Elite all got the ropes and tried to bail with their titles, but Wheeler flew to the floor with a dive onto the pile.

Nicholas was crotched in the corner, as Matthew fired off superkicks. Allin hit a Code Red, but Perry was there for a Scorpion Death Drop. Perry went for his charging knee, but Allin ducked and Perry ran into Shatter Machine. Nicholas was hit with a Power-Plex, as Allin hit a Coffin Drop for the victory.

The Elite bailed through the crowd, as The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass walked on stage. Max Caster said it’s nice the Royal Family showed up today, as the court jesters, FTR and his two favorite princesses, The Young Bucks were there. The Acclaimed are the Kings and Caster said he’s the best wrestler alive. The Bucks couldn’t beat The Acclaimed last week and at All In, the belts come home to the Kings. Bowens said they have nothing left to prove, as FTR & The Bucks can’t beat them and they will fight until they are the next AEW Tag Team Champions because Everyone Loves The Acclaimed. Billy Gunn hit the two words for ya go home line.

-Renee Paquette is backstage checking on Will Ospreay, who was being checked on by the doctor and asks his status for Sunday. Bryan Danielson stormed up to Ospreay and intensely told him “Do it!…Do it!” before walking away, seemingly giving Ospreay permission to use the Tiger Driver 91 after it previously hurt Danielson. This was simple but very effective.

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The Final Showdown between Bryan Danielson & Swerve Strickland

Nigel McGuinness is in the ring and first welcomed the undefeated over the past year, the franchise player and most dangerous man in AEW, Swerve Strickland to the crowd. Strickland came out with a dancing Prince Nana, getting loud Swerve’s House chants. McGuinness was about to reluctantly introduce the challenger when he stopped and shook Strickland’s hand, bringing up Brittle Bryan, The Neck Break Kid, while Strickland is in the best shape of his life. McGuinness asks how it feels to be an overwhelming favorite? Strickland said he’s the most dangerous man due to the pain he endures and inflicts to be the AEW World Champion. Strickland runs down the list of victims, Hangman Page twice, Jay White, Takeshita, Samoa Joe, Claudio Castagnoli, Christian Cage & Will Ospreay. Strickland will dissect Danielson from head to toe, decisively. While Strickland appreciates a generational talent like Danielson, a Pacific Northwesterner like Strickland is, he still feels disrespected by Danielson, who he hears saying he’s ready to retire and go off into the sunset. Strickland said Danielson isn’t taking this moment from him, he’s taking it from Danielson. Strickland will make sure Danielson won’t ever get back in the ring again. If Danielson does get the itch again, know that Strickland would be there, even if it’s at an indy show in the Northwest or at Arena Mexico under a mask, Strickland will be there to beat him down. Even if Danielson is at his home with his wife, talking about maybe having an itch to get bac in the ring, guess where Strickland will be?

Danielson’s music hit and he sprints out and wipes out Strickland with a Busaiku Knee, with McGuinness & Nana bailing as well. Danielson said maybe a lot of people are confused, as he doesn’t come out here 20 minutes every week to talk about himself. He knows who he is, this is the truth, Strickland & Danielson knows it, Danielson is the Best F’N Wrestler in the World and has been for the last 20 years. Strickland can say he’s going to cripple Danielson in front of his daughter, but at Wembley Stadium, the fans who have paid to see him the last 25 years and in front of his family, his wife, daughter & son, Strickland will have to do more than cripple him, he’ll have to damn near kill him, as Danielson will leave his soul in the ring. Danielson said tonight, there’s been a lot of talking and fighting, but there’s only one question left, can The American F’N Dragon beat Swerve Strickland for the World Championship? Yes chants rang through the arena, as commentary said The Dragon has awoken and ready for All In.

AEW Rampage 8/23/24

  • The Conglomeration (Kyle O’Reilly, Mark Briscoe & Tomohiro Ishii) vs. Brian Cage, The Beast Mortos & Johnny TV
  • Roderick Strong vs. Fuego Del Sol
  • Mina Shirakawa vs. Robyn Renegade
  • Gates of Agony vs. The Iron Savages
  • Ross & Marshall Von Erich vs. The Outrunners

AEW Collision 8/24/24

  • The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly & Mark Briscoe) vs. The Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Mike Bennett & Matt Taven)
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Harley Cameron
  • Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay Lethal
  • Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway vs. Lykos II & Nina Samuels
  • HOOK vs. Big Bill
  • Jeff Jarrett vs. Ariya Daivari
  • PAC, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta vs. Top Flight & Lio Rush – Wild Card in Cardiff for the final spot in the AEW World Trios London Ladder Match at All In

AEW All In London 8/25/24

  • Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Title
  • MJF vs. Will Ospreay for the AEW American Title
  • Timeless Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women’s Title
  • The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) vs. The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens w/Daddy Ass) vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) for the AEW Tag Team Titles
  • Mercedes Mone vs. Dr. Britt Baker for the TBS Title
  • Jack Perry vs. Darby Allin for the TNT Title
  • Chris Jericho vs. HOOK for the FTW Title
  • The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, Killswitch & Nick Wayne) vs. Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson, Austin & Colten Gunn) vs. House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. Wild Card Team in a London Ladder Match for the AEW Trios Titles
  • Casino Gauntlet to earn an AEW World Title shot
  • Willow Nightingale & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway

Wrestling Observer Live: AEW All In lineup, Dynamite preview, NXT recap, Mercedes & WWE

Image: WWE

Wrestling Observer Live with myself and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including AEW All In this Sunday, tonight’s Dynamite, thoughts on all the big matches on the PPV, WWE NXT notes plus thoughts on all the injuries in the company, WWE Raw ratings, and tons more.

A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Darby Allin on renewed Mount Everest plans & scouting where ‘to fall off of’ at AEW All In: Texas

Image: AEW

It’s not even the end of summer 2024 yet and AEW’s Darby Allin is already planning both a big climb and a big fall in 2025.

As part of the media surrounding last week’s announcement of All In coming to Arlington, Texas’ Globe Life Field next July, Allin caught up with the Dallas Morning News where the topics of both climbing Mount Everest and next summer’s big pay-per-view came up.

The oft-injured Allin had to withdraw from his plans to climb Mount Everest in March after suffering a broken foot during a match with Jay White at Dynamite: Big Business. He was set to depart roughly two weeks after the match, but those plans had to change.

Allin told the media outlet that he is still planning on attempting the climb next April.

“You can only climb it two months out of the year. If you could climb it any month, I would have been there right now. But, you know, you gotta wait a year,” he said, adding that he did training for nine months that others said would take years to accomplish.

“Everybody’s saying, like, ‘Maybe (the foot break) is a sign that you shouldn’t do it.’ And I said, ‘Hell no, that’s a sign I should do it next year.’ It’s been such a roller coaster of emotions going into it. But like, I wanted to do it before, but now I really want to do it. It’s just, like, the moment was taken away. I’m super excited for it,” he said.

Allin, who challenges TBS Champion Jack Perry in a coffin match at this Sunday’s All In: London, confirmed a Renee Paquette tweet that he was already scouting out Globe Life Field for next year’s All In in an effort to pull something off that would leave a “lasting impression” on those watching and perhaps inspire other future wrestlers to do the same.

“…I was just walking around, looking around like, ‘What can I fall off of?’ To me, going to all these buildings, there’s such an aura and vibe to these stadiums. And every time I’m walking in, I’m like, ‘What can I do that will leave a lasting impression?’ And I put myself in the shoes of being like a fourth grade kid, you know what I mean? Like, if I saw something, what will I remember for my entire life? Because, with this wrestling stuff, it’s pretty wild how much of an impact you can have on people’s lives. I don’t take it for granted. It’s pretty crazy, you know, just how you can inspire somebody and change the whole trajectory of their life,” he said.

Allin later equated his effort to creating memorable moments like ones he watched with Mick Foley and Jeff Hardy where if that moment changes one life like it did for him, it was worth it.

“So if I need to sacrifice myself at Globe Life Field, ok,” he said.

August 26, 2024 Observer Newsletter: Afa Anoaʻi bio, AEW All In preview, Zack Sabre Jr. wins G1

Image: WWE

Subscribers can now read this week’s earlier-than-usual edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The lead story is the passing of the legendary Afa Anoaʻi with a look at his wrestling life and times, how he got into wrestling, titles won, and lots more.

I also look at this Sunday’s AEW All In, some of the various announcements that Tony Khan has made and is promising to make, including a new TV rights deal.

Zack Sabre Jr. won this year’s NJPW G1 tournament, but isn’t challenging for the title at this year’s Wrestle Kingdom.

I also look at the latest in the Cain Velasquez case, the final AAA Triplemania of the year, my personal connection to the late Phil Donahue, and more.

Click here to read (sub needed)

Join Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez for Wrestling Observer Radio: Live in London 2

After last year’s rousing success, Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez will return to London for a second edition of Wrestling Observer Radio: Live in London 2 during AEW All In weekend.

Last year’s show sold out, so we tried to figure out how to top it. Well, how about we all get on a boat on the River Thames?

This year’s event will take place at 11 AM on Sunday, August 25th and will be hosted on the historic Tattershall Castle steamship.

Tickets are now on sale.

This proud vessel is permanently moored on the Victoria Embankment, directly opposite the London Eye and just five minutes walk from Big Ben & The Houses Of Parliament, right in the centre of London.

Fans can enjoy incredible views of London’s landmarks from the top deck before heading below deck to enjoy an audience with the world’s most prominent wrestling journalists as they will take questions from the fans on all aspects of the wrestling business past, present and future.

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Ticket Prices:

General Admission: £60 (approximately $74.25 USD)

This includes entry and £5 food/drink voucher (approximately $6.19 USD). Seating not guaranteed. The venue will be a mix of seating and standing.

Seven-Star VIP admission: £85 (approximately $105.19) (Limited to maximum 50 VIPs)

This includes entry, £5 food/drink voucher (approximately $6.19 USD) and guaranteed seat for the Q&A. Also, this includes a post-event signature from both Bryan and Dave on your item or a free print, as well as a professional digital photograph.

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Fans can purchase general admission tickets to see the show or can upgrade to our Seven Star VIP tickets which will guarantee early entry and the most prominent positions for the show as well as a private meet & greet with Bryan & Dave afterward. That includes a photo and autographs with both guys as a memento during the biggest wrestling event taking place in the UK this year.

All tickets include a £5 bar voucher (approximately $6.19 USD) that can be spent on drinks, food or whatever you choose.

Don’t want to pay for the whole ticket upfront? Cost of tickets can be spread across three, equal monthly payments at no additional cost by selecting PayPal Later at checkout.

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Traveling to & from the venue:

The best way to reach the Tattershall Castle is by the Tube. The nearest stations are Embankment (District/Circle Lines) or Westminster (Jubilee Line). It is just a five minute walk down the river from each station.

After the event, you can jump on the Jubilee Line at Westminster and head north. This train will take you directly to Wembley Park with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes.

Wrestling Observer Live: Bloodline retaliation & AEW Collision recap

I am back with another Sunday edition of Wrestling Observer Live, discussing all the latest news in audio and video form.

I begin by reviewing WWE SmackDown from this past Friday where Roman Reigns returned to confront Solo Sikoa and reclaim the title of Tribal Chief. I analyze why the payoff match might be between Jacob Fatu and Reigns rather than Sikoa.

I also discuss AEW Collision from Saturday, highlighting Jack Perry’s new TNT title belt and Dustin Rhodes’ second championship victory on the Ring of Honor brand.

Additionally, I outline the lineup for Wednesday’s Dynamite in Cardiff, Wales, and provide an overview of the full All In card for next Sunday.

Plus, I share my thoughts on the passing of Afa Anoa’i, the crowning of a new G1 tournament champion, AEW’s plans for more stadium shows, and much more.

Click here to listen or watch below on YouTube:

Wild Card in Cardiff match for final London Ladder match spot set for next AEW Collision

A Wild Card in Cardiff match for a spot at All In has been announced for next week’s AEW Collision in Wales.

Christopher Daniels announced on Saturday that The Patriarchy will defend the Trios titles against The Bang Bang Gang (The Gunns & Juice Robinson) and The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews) at AEW All In next Sunday in a London Ladder match. The final spot in that match will be determined on next week’s Collision in a ‘Wild Card in Cardiff’ match.

The Trios Title situation has become murky in recent weeks thanks to the actions of Christian Cage. He refereed a match on last week’s Collision between The House of Black and The Gunns where the winners would become the new number one contenders. Cage and the rest of The Patriarchy instead attacked both teams with steel chairs. Cage then ended the match by saying neither team made it up to their feet before the ten count.

Here is the updated card for next week’s Collision, the final AEW show before All In:

  • Wild Card in Wales match: participants TBA