A Women’s World Championship match, plus three Continental Classic Gold League matches have been added to the December 6 AEW Dynamite lineup.
As revealed during Friday’s Rampage episode, Toni Storm will defend the Women’s World Championship against Skye Blue on the Wednesday, December 6 Dynamite.
Three Continental Classic Gold League matches have also been confirmed for the show.
Swerve Strickland (2-0, 6 points) takes on Mark Briscoe (0-2, 0 points), Jon Moxley (2-0, 6 points) faces Rush (1-1, 3 points), plus Jay White (1-1, 3 points) battles Jay Lethal (0-2, 0 points).
Already set for the show is a TNT title defense with Christian Cage taking on Adam Copeland.
An MJF & Samoa Joe vs. two of The Devil’s masked attackers tag team match has also been teased for the show, but has not been officially announced to this point.
The updated lineup for the Wednesday, December 6 Dynamite:
TNT Champion Christian Cage defends against Adam Copeland
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Skye Blue
Continental Classic Gold League: Swerve Strickland vs. Mark Briscoe
Continental Classic Gold League: Jon Moxley vs. Rush
Continental Classic Gold League: Jay White vs. Jay Lethal
The Continental Classic continues on tonight’s AEW Dynamite with three Gold League matches.
Jon Moxley will face Jay Lethal in one of the tournament bouts. Moxley is 1-0 with three points thus far, while Lethal is 0-1.
Jay White will take on Swerve Strickland in another Gold League contest. White is 1-0 with three points, as is Strickland.
Mark Briscoe and Rush will square off in the third Continental Classic bout, as both are looking for their first points of the tournament after losses last week.
Continental Classic Blue League competitor Bryan Danielson will serve as a special guest commentator on tonight’s show. Danielson will have his first tournament bout on this Saturday’s Collision show against Eddie Kingston.
Christian Cage will also respond to Adam Copeland on tonight’s episode. Copeland issued a challenge to Cage for a TNT Championship match for next week’s Dynamite in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Bell Centre.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Taz as the music for Bryan Danielson hits and he joins commentary, still wearing an eye patch. Excalibur runs down the rules and standings for the Continental Classic before going to our opening contest.
Jon Moxley [6] defeated Jay Lethal [0] in the Continental Classic Gold League
(This was an enjoyable back and forth opener, with the damage to Moxley’s leg being brought up as potential targets for the remaining opponents in the Gold League. Lethal had a body part to attack early on and Moxley did a good job selling throughout the match. Danielson on commentary only benefits the Gold League matches.)
Lethal slapped on an early Figure Four, but Moxley rolled outside still in the hold and both men crashed to the floor. Lethal remained in control, however, as he connected on one dive, but opted for a Fargo Strut, which allowed Moxley to hit a dive of his own. Moxley landed awkwardly on the leg, something that Danielson pointed out, as that’s exactly what Lethal zoned in on back inside with a knee breaker and dragon screw. A strike exchange between the two, as both men scouted a King Kong Lariat and Lethal Injection respectively until Lethal hit another knee breaker followed by a top rope elbow for two. Moxley rolled to the apron, as Lethal launched him into the front row heading into commercial break.
Moxley connected on a desperation Cutter, as Lethal backed him into the corner with a dragon screw off the second rope. Moxley side stepped a low dropkick, as a forearm exchange led to a King Kong Lariat. Lethal countered Death Rider into Lethal Combination, wanting a Figure Four, but Moxley countered into multiple roll ups. Both men traded counters until Lethal got his Figure Four applied, but Moxley got the ropes. After punting out Moxley’s leg, Lethal wanted Lethal Injection, but Moxley collapsed, except he was playing chicken, hitting another lariat and pulling piledriver, sinking in a Rear Naked Choke to get the submission.
-Post match comments after Collision this past week from Eddie Kingston following his loss to Brody King. Kingston said maybe he got a little cocky heading into this tournament, but humble in victory and humble in defeat. He has Danielson next, so it’s time to get heeled up, he’ll be ready. Danielson on commentary said if one loss for Kingston puts him behind the eight ball, when he broke his orbital bone, he’s not coming in humble, he’s coming in to win this tournament.
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-Tony Schiavone informs us AEW Revolution will take place on March 3 at the Greensboro Coliseum, a place where Sting had many memorable matches, mentioning Sting & Flair 35 years ago. Schiavone brings in both men and mentions Sting’s 24-0 record in AEW. Sting said he would’ve never guessed all these years later after his first World Title match; he’d be standing here with both Flair & Schiavone. It was a make or break night for Sting, as Flair put him on the map and he thanks both men. Flair said Sting made himself, not Flair, who said he’s lucky to be standing here at 74 years old and Sting’s last match will be one of the greatest moments of his life.
Rush [3] vs. Mark Briscoe [0] in the Continental Classic Gold League
(This was such a back and forth battle, as the crowd supported Briscoe much more than Rush, who is usually cheered in his own right. These two really beat the hell out of each other, as Rush, despite the bad knee, managed to pull out the win here.)
Both men slugged it out right at the bell, trading massive chops, as Danielson pointed out the determination of both men coming off losses last week. Rush hit a snap mare and punt to the back, as the fans are behind Briscoe, who clotheslined Rush to the floor mid pose. Briscoe flew through the ropes with a dropkick and lit up Rush with chops before Rush turned the tables and sent Briscoe crashing into the barricade. Briscoe responded with a back suplex onto the edge of the barricade before delivering a diving elbow off the apron. Briscoe opted to have Rush recover and have another strike exchange, which Rush won with a snap German. Both traded thrust kicks and a lariat into the double down heading to picture in picture. Briscoe’s gum fell to the mat and he just picked it up with his mouth, popping Taz & Excalibur.
The doctor checked on Rush’s leg during the break, as it seemed to flare up after suffering the wild lariat from Briscoe. Neither man could keep control, as Briscoe connected with an Exploder, while Rush hit a backdrop driver, looked for Bulls Horns, only for Briscoe to explode out the corner with a Spear. Rush escaped Jay Driller, so Briscoe opted for an enzugiri, sending Rush to the apron where more chops ensued. Briscoe charged and Rush hit an overhead throw to the floor. Both fought in the corner, where Rush was knocked off and Briscoe hit the Froggy Bow for two. Rush again avoided the Jay Driller, hit an overhead throw into the ropes and followed with the Bulls Horns for the victory.
-RJ City is backstage and approaches Timeless Toni Storm, Luther & Mariah May. Storm was insulted about her acceptance speech being interrupted last week, but still went out and partied at the compound with JFK or one of the Kennedy’s, but she’s exhausted and has a touch of the gout. RJ asks if she’s worried that she has to defend her Women’s Title next week? Storm name dropped a bunch of old Hollywood stars and said if they weren’t worried, neither was she. Storm asked if RJ would take her shoes off for her to end the segment. Taz said the gout is no joke, which popped Excalibur & Tony Schiavone.
MJF addresses his World’s End opponent Samoa Joe
MJF made his way to the ring with a cane, as Excalibur brings up the partially torn labrum. MJF brings up the AEW World Title match against Samoa Joe at World’s End on December 30 and as a person, he doesn’t like him, but as a pro wrestler, he respects him for believing in AEW not just wanting to line his pockets. MJF brought up getting a poster in the mail growing up from TNA and one person stood out from that company, the Samoan Submission Machine. MJF mentions Joe not being awarded the opportunity to become WWE World Champion, but proved you don’t have to be a bodybuilder to be a champion. Joe helped pave the way for guys like MJF and without guys like Joe, there might not be an AEW and MJF thanks Joe, even though that hurts him to do so.
MJF starts putting himself over for starting a new alternative, helping to build AEW brick by brick since day one. MJF ran down his list of victories, but the one he was lucky to survive was against Joe. December 30 isn’t about Joe’s legacy, it’s about his own. Can Max Friedman survive the final boss one final time? MJF promises everyone he doesn’t care what happens to his body, he will show the world it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog. If Joe wants to take what’s MJF’s he’s going to have to put him down. MJF broke his cane before the lights went out and started flickering. Four masked men appeared, one holding a bat before Joe appeared and made the save.
The screen went black for a pretty long time before the words “In the shadows, our game begins. Next week MJF & Samoa Joe…will you face the unknown in a tag match? Are you a hero, Max?” Joe wanted MJF not to accept the match because he wants MJF healthy for World’s End, but MJF said he’s sick of the Scooby Doo bullshit and he’ll take out every single one of them. MJF accepts the match, which pissed Joe off.
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Wardlow defeated AR Fox
Fox clocked Wardlow on the apron with a big boot and cleared the top with a dive, followed by a somersault plancha. Fox tried his step up moonsault from the apron, but Wardlow caught him in mid air and slammed Fox on the apron. The match officially began, as Wardlow launched Fox with a beal before Wardlow stalked Fox on the floor, tossing Fox back in the ring onto his head. Fox escaped a gorilla press, took out the legs and hit a 450 Splash for a one count. Fox acted shocked, as Wardlow started no selling strikes until a spinebuster and wind up lariat connected. Two powerbombs connected before Wardlow hit a huge Senton. One final Last Ride powerbomb forced the ref to stop the match. This was the most offense anyone has gotten on Wardlow in months.
-Excalibur talks about Dante Martin returning to action after suffering a horrific ankle injury at the end of March in ROH in a ladder match and actually showed the spot. For those who might have missed it, this was one of the most disgusting injuries I’ve seen. Dante returns next in his hometown.
Action Andretti & Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin) defeated The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) & Brother Zay
(A strong showing for the returning Dante Martin & crew, as this turned into a fun little sprint the second half of this match. Dante showed off some of his signature high flying, but not as much as we’d seen in the past, which is probably a good thing for his health.)
A massive reaction for Dante, but it was Andretti who started things off with Matt and a quick sunset flip got two. Matt responded with a hip toss and tagged Jeff, as the Hardys unleashed some signature double team offense for two. Andretti & Jeff had a stalemate before Darius & Zay tagged in with a quick exchange until a dropkick connected flush by Darius. Tag made to Dante to a loud pop, as Top Flight hit rapid fire double team quick before Andretti tagged back in for picture in picture, where the Hardys & Zay took control.
Matt planted Andretti with a Side Effect, but the Twist of Fate was countered into an enzugiri for the double down. Andretti made the hot tag to Dante, who backflipped out of the ropes to light up Zay with strikes. Jeff dove for Dante on the apron, but a springboard cross body on Zay just in time avoided Jeff’s clutches. Zay sent both Martin brothers colliding into each other and nearly got a roll up for two. Zay launched off Jeff’s back and hit a dropkick that sent Darius to the floor, as The Hardys set up Dante in a Doomsday position, where Zay hit a springboard dropkick for two. Darius & Andretti fought back agains the Hardys on the floor, as back inside, Zay was hit with a shotgun dropkick, snap German and spinning side slam to allow Dante to get the pin.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Top Flight & Action Andretti, congratulates them on their victory and asks Dante how the leg was feeling. Before he could answer, Penta el Zero Miedo, the one Dante hurt his ankle against, walks in and fist bumps Dante with Komander & Vikingo soon to follow and it looks like a Trios match is on tap.
Julia Hart defeated Emi Sakura to retain the TBS Title
This is under House Rules (which the House of Black used during their Trios Title run), meaning there are 20 counts, no rope breaks, disqualifications will be enforced and the challenger can choose the fourth stip, so Sakura chose no submissions. This is in Hart’s hometown, so there were loud chants for the champion before the start. Hart connected on an early handspring clothesline in the corner and posed, as Sakura was unimpressed, firing off strong chops. Hart blocked a chop and slammed Sakura to the outside. Sakura reversed a whip, sending Hart crashing into the steps and a charging low cross body followed into commercial.
Sakura connected on a stalling double underhook back breaker and wanted it again, but Hart flipped out into a sleeper, transitioning into a head scissors. Sakura escaped and locked on a Romero Special before slamming Hart down. Sakura missed a top rope moonsault, as Hart applied Hartless and Sakura tapped, but due to House Rules, submissions didn’t apply. Hart connected with a lariat to the back, followed by a top rope moonsault, which she barely hit, as Sakura almost rolled into better position at the last second. Regardless, Hart got the victory and Sakura looked to kick out at three and a half.
-RJ City is backstage with Mariah May, who said she’s hungry for more after coming off such a run in Stardom. She thanks RJ for connecting her with Toni Storm and RJ said they used to play squash together. May said that RJ is quite the curator of people, hitting on RJ, who told May to go get’em as May knocked and went into Tony Khan’s office. Tony Schiavone wonders if she’s interrupting a meeting and that line nearly floored Taz & Excalibur.
Christian Cage Answers Adam Copeland’s Challenge
Cage came to the ring with security guards (one of which looks an awful lot like Man Scout Jake Manning) and asks Adam Copeland to come to the ring. Copeland took a long time to come out, as Cage hid behind security, saying management wanted him to have security out there. Cage said they weren’t necessary, excuses them all and said in regards to Copeland’s challenge on December 6 in Montreal, they won’t make it. Cage said he’s sorry, but the reason wasn’t because Copeland took out Nick Wayne & Luchasaurus, Cage corrected himself to saying Killswitch, which got You F’d Up chants from the crowd. On the road alone, Cage had a lot of soul searching and reflection, wondering how he got the way that he was. Cage brought up traveling the roads with Copeland in Toby the Taurus and how they dreamed about making it big and becoming the greatest tag team in history, which they did.
Cage said it runs deeper than that and Copeland grew up with a single mother and didn’t have a father figure. Despite being the patriarch of AEW, he’s not Copeland’s father, he’s his brother. Cage’s father was there for Copeland growing up and is still his biggest fan. Cage said he loves Copeland and before Copeland’s mother passed away she said she wanted them to team together one more time. Cage wants to have one final run for Judy, as Copeland ponders what he just heard before Cage charged with the TNT Title only for Copeland to punt him low. Cage slid down the body of Copeland, who picked the mic and said nice try, dumbass. Copeland told Cage to shine up the TNT Title real nice because next week, she’s coming home with him. Copeland said one final thing, Go F*ck Yourself, which did not get censored at all, as Copeland left and Excalibur said the match is official for next week. Another phenomenal chapter in this feud, I can’t wait for next week in Montreal.
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Swerve Strickland [6] defeated Switchblade Jay White [3] in the Continental Classic Gold League
(A great fake out by commentary over the course of the match, really talking about the 20 minute time limit possibly being a factory, also Justin Roberts made the 15 minute call towards the end, making the finish come out of nowhere. I hope this isn’t the last time these two face off, as the crowd was into it from the jump and were loudly behind Strickland.)
Prince Nana returned to dance on stage with a crutch before Strickland walked to the ring alone. White decided to take the fight outside early, but it proved to be the bad call, as Strickland launched him into the barricade. White returned the favor before going back to the ring and after the taped up shoulder of Strickland. Danielson said he’s impressed with how explosive White is, while saying Strickland’s win at Full Gear was one of the most brutal matches he’d ever seen. White tried a baseball slide, but Strickland caught him coming in and sent into the front row, where a fan tried holding White back and reprimanded as a result. A running double stomp to the back off the apron led to Strickland taking too long to follow up and White hit a DDT through the ropes heading to picture in picture.
White kept Strickland grounded most of the break and hit a snap German and underhook suplex into the corner. Strickland battled back, changing levels, hit a head scissors and rolling Flatliner into a spinning suplex for two. Both men slowly got to their feet and White hit a Flatliner of his own, dropping Strickland right on his head. White connected on a snap German, but took too long to follow, allowing Strickland to throw a wild lariat into the double down. A forearm exchange led to White crumbling, but it was all a ploy, as he chop blocked out Strickland’s leg and hit a Uranage for two. Strickland fought off a Sleeper Suplex, so White slapped on an armbar submission. Strickland rolled through, trapped the arm and stomped down onto the arm for the kill shot. White was almost sent into referee Bryce like last week, as he tried another low blow, but this time Strickland had it scouted and hit a slam. The House Call kick connected before following up with a Swerve Stomp, only for White to kick out.
White bit at the hand of Strickland and hit a desperation Blade Runner, but Strickland rolled to the floor. White brought him back inside and traded near falls before both missed finisher attempts at the 15 minute call. White hit a Sleeper Suplex, but Strickland countered Blade Runner into a roll up for the flash pin.
Continental Classic Gold League Standings
· 6 Points: Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland
· 3 Points: Rush, Switchblade Jay White
· 0 Points: Jay Lethal, Mark Briscoe
Continental Classic Blue League Standings
· 3 Points: Claudio Castagnoli, Brody King
· 0 Points: Daniel Garcia, Eddie Kingston, Bryan Danielson, Andrade El Idolo
AEW Collision 12/2/23
· Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston in the Continental Classic Blue League
· Daniel Garcia vs. Andrade El Idolo in the Continental Classic Blue League
· Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King in the Continental Classic Blue League
AEW Dynamite 12/6/23
· Christian Cage defends the TNT Title against Adam Copeland
Bryan Danielson’s in-ring return is set for next Saturday’s AEW Collision as he begins his run in the Continental Classic tournament.
Danielson will take on Eddie Kingston who lost to Brody King on Saturday’s Collision in the tournament. It will be a rematch from their highly-regarded October 2021 World title tournament eliminator match that Danielson won.
Danielson has been out of action since a late-October tag team match on Dynamite. After a shot from Kazuchika Okada, Danielson began favoring his eye and was being tended to by AEW medical personnel as the show went off the air.
It was later revealed that Danielson had suffered a broken orbital bone in his Collision match with Andrade El Idolo just days prior.
Prior to last Saturday’s Full Gear, AEW head Tony Khan said they were waiting on doctors to clear Danielson to fly. He appeared on TV alongside Khan to declare himself as the first entrant into the round robin tournament.
The aforementioned Andrade will also have his first bout in the tournament as he takes on Daniel Garcia. Garcia fell to Claudio Castagnoli Saturday and will be looking for his first points in the tournament. Andrade and Garcia squared off earlier this month with Andrade picking up the win.
After picking up the win, Castagnoli will take on King next Saturday as both men look for another three points. This will also be their first-ever clash.
All three matches will be in the Blue League.
Here’s the current lineup for Erie, Pennsylvania:
Continental Classic tournament match (Blue League): Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston
Continental Classic tournament match (Blue League): Andrade El Idolo vs. Daniel Garcia
Continental Classic tournament match (Blue League): Brody King vs. Claudio Castagnoli
The next set of Continental Classic matches are set for AEW Dynamite.
On Saturday’s Collision, AEW announced the next three matches in the Gold League. This Wednesday will see Jon Moxley square off against Jay Lethal, Jay White will face Swerve Strickland, and Rush will face Mark Briscoe.
The Continental Classic tournament kicked off on last week’s Dynamite, with Moxley defeating Briscoe, Strickland defeating Lethal, and White defeating Rush to earn three points each. On Collision, Brody King defeated Eddie Kingston and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Daniel Garcia to earn three points.
On next week’s Collision, Bryan Danielson will make his return to in-ring action after suffering an injury to his orbital bone, taking on Kingston. Andrade El Idolo will face Daniel Garcia, while Brody King will face Claudio Castagnoli.
Here is the lineup for next week’s AEW Dynamite, which will take place at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Continental Classic Gold League: Jon Moxley vs. Jay Lethal
Continental Classic Gold League: Mark Briscoe vs. Rush
Continental Classic Gold League: Jay White vs. Swerve Strickland
The Blue League matches in AEW’s Continental Classic tournament begin on Saturday.
Two matches kick off the Blue League on AEW Collision. Claudio Castagnoli will face Daniel Garcia, and ROH World Champion & NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston will face Brody King.
Other participants in the Blue League include Andrade El Idolo and Bryan Danielson, the latter of whom is recovering from an orbital bone injury.
The Continental Classic started on Wednesday with Jon Moxley, Jay White, and Swerve Strickland earning three points each. The winner of the tournament, which will be determined at AEW’s Worlds End on December 30 in Long Island, will become a new Triple Crown champion in AEW consolidating the ROH World Championship, New Japan Strong Openweight Championship, and the new AEW Continental Championship into a new Triple Crown Championship.
Collision will start at 8 pm ET. It will follow AEW Rampage, which is airing at a special time due to NHL coverage.
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The pre-roll videos returned, as we got words from the competitors in the Continental Classic Blue League before Sir Elton John welcomed us to Collision. Tony Schiavone, Kevin Kelly, & Nigel McGuinness were on the call.
Continental Classic Blue League Match – Claudio Castagnoli [3] defeated Daniel Garcia [0]
The Continental Classic is what I want out of AEW, as the big fight feel and stakes of the tournament will only rise after every match. Garcia is a prime candidate for someone who will benefit from this tournament even if he doesn’t win it.
Castagnoli quickly caught Garcia with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a nearfall. Garcia jumped into a guillotine choke, but Castagnoli powered Garcia up-and-over with a suplex. Castagnoli shrugged off chops and hit a European uppercut. Castagnoli clubbered Garcia in the corner, drilling him with another uppercut as he fought back. Garcia sent Castagnoli to the apron and locked on a choke before kneeing him off of the apron.
Garcia did his dance to a pop before following Castagnoli to the floor and dropkicking him into the barricade. Garcia went for another dropkick, but Castagnoli caught him and swung him repeatedly into the barricade as we went to a commercial. Garcia fought back as we came back from the commercial, countering the Swiss Death uppercut with another guillotine. Garcia transitioned into a rear naked choke, but Castagnoli forced him into the corner.
Garcia caught Castagnoli with an O’Connor Roll before transitioning into an Ankle Lock. Castagnoli fought out and dropped Garcia with a lariat. Castagnoli dropped Garcia again with a short-arm lariat for a nearfall. Garcia rolled up and over the Ricola Bomb and went for the Dragon Tamer, but Castagnoli countered into a Sharpshooter of his own.
Garcia hooked Castagnoli’s head and rolled him up for a nearfall. Castagnoli hit the Swiss Death uppercut for a nearfall, then followed it with a heavy uppercut and a Ricola Bomb for the win.
Eddie Kingston was backstage complaining that the cold open promo wasn’t enough. Kingston accomplished his dream of winning the ROH Title and wrestling in Japan, and he put both the ROH and NJPW STRONG Titles on the line in this tournament to make the Continental Classic the most prestigious tournament in the United States. He needed to get ready for his match against King, asking the off-screen producer if he could wrap it up.
Handicap Match – Killswitch defeated The Boys (Brandon & Brent)
A fine piece of business, moving the Copeland/Christian story forward.
The renamed Killswitch made quick work of both Boys, dropping one with a chokeslam over the ropes onto the apron. He dropped the other with the Extinction lariat for the win. After the match, Killswitch chokeslammed a Boy onto an open chair before Adam Copeland’s music hit.
Copeland came out from the crowd with a chair, leveling Killswitch repeatedly with the chair. Copeland pulled the leg off of the chair and locked Killswitch in a crossface. Copeland hit Killswitch with the Con-Chair-To. Killswitch crawled onto his hands, so Copeland curb stomped his head into the chair before hitting a second Con-Chair-To.
After a commercial break, Lexy Nair tried to get a word with Adam Copeland, but Copeland told her to leave and said what he needed to say to the camera. Copeland was upset that Christian Cage couldn’t get over his ego and kept pushing Copeland by mentioning his family and threatening to break his neck. Copeland said that he had two heads on his wall now in Nick Wayne and Killswitch. He wanted to take Cage’s TNT Title because it was the most important thing in Cage’s world and challenged Cage to a title match on the December 6th Dynamite in Montreal.
The House of Black (Malachi Black & Buddy Matthews) defeated Komander & Gravity
A bad night at the office for Gravity. I talk about style clashes a lot, and this was an example of one not going smoothly. These guys were still able to get the crowd into the match despite the communication issues and get an effective win for the House of Black.
After the opening exchange, Gravity caught Matthews with a German suplex. Matthews booted Gravity before tagging in Black. Black and Gravity had some miscommunication before Komander tagged in with a high crossbody. Black took Komander down with a German suplex after a Matthews distraction as we went to a commercial.
The House of Black held control over Komander as we came back from the break. Komander got the tag out to Gravity, who ran wild on both men. Matthews ran Gravity into a knee from Black, but Komander tagged in and ran wild. Komander hit a gutbuster on Black for a nearfall. House of Black ganged up on Komander, but Gravity clunkily got both men to the outside. Black and Matthews caught Gravity on a dive, but Gravity escaped and got them into position for Komander’s rope walk dive.
The luchadors went to the top rope, but both met knees from Black and Matthews. They hit stereo knees on both men, then drilled Gravity with pop-up knees. They isolated Komander, forcing him to crawl to Black before Matthews curb-stomped him for the win.
Action Andretti & Darius Martin were backstage. After a commercial interruption, they welcomed Dante Martin, who also got interrupted by a commercial. I assume we’ll be seeing Dante back in action soon, which is good news.
House Rules Match for TBS Championship: Julia Hart defeated Lady Frost to retain
Lady Frost chose No Countouts as her stipulation. Frost got some strikes early before Hart escaped to the floor. Frost went to the apron and cartwheeled out of the way of one attack before Hart swept her legs out from under her. Hart took advantage of the lack of countouts by pinballing Frost around ringside.
Hart grabbed a chair before the referee admonished her, as there would still be disqualifications. Frost sent Hart into the stairs before attempting a moonsault off of the steps, but Hart moved out of the way. Hart booted Frost before sitting her in the chair and hitting a running lariat that sent Frost rolling down the ramp. Back in the ring, Frost fired up with strikes. Hart cut her off with the rabbit lariat before locking on the Hartless submission for the win.
Powerhouse Hobbs & Don Callis were backstage with Lexy Nair. Callis wondered how Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega earned a title shot when Hobbs single-handedly destroyed them the last time they were in the ring together. Callis said that Hobbs could take them out by himself again, with Hobbs reiterating that he was big, black, and jacked.
A good TV match. The House of Black still has issues with FTR for some reason. I don’t expect the CM Punk reference to lead to anything, although it is funny that it happened here on the same night as Survivor Series in Chicago.
Vincent started with Wheeler, attacking Wheeler’s taped-up ribs. Wheeler came back with a shoulder block before tagging in Harwood, who worked together to take Vincent down with a double-team. Vincent quickly got back in control before tagging Dutch, who dropped Harwood with a lariat. Wires got crossed on a crossbody attempt, leading to Harwood biting his way out of a bearhug. Harwood sent Vincent out of the ring on top of Dutch as we went to a commercial.
We came back from commercial with Harwood fighting his way free of the Righteous. The commentators let us know that they would be replaying the Top Flight promo from earlier without commercial interruption before letting us know that Dynamite would be in Minneapolis this week. Harwood slid through Vincent’s legs before getting a tag out to Harwood, who ran wild. After a blind tag, Dutch caught Wheeler with a Bossman Slam for a nearfall.
The Righteous set up for Autumn Sunshine, but Wheeler sent Vincent into Dutch. Wheeler sent Vincent into the corner before Harwood blind tagged in and hit the Shatter Machine for the win.
After the match, Malachi Black and Buddy Matthews made their way to the ring from the crowd. Black had a microphone and noted that this time, no one would save them. No Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli). No Wheeler Yuta. And no CM Punk. Well then. Black said that this place wasn’t the brotherhood FTR believed it to be before the lights went out. The lights came back up with nothing, as it was just a fakeout.
We got the replay of the Top Flight video, with Dante Martin announcing that he was back.
We got video of Ricky Starks & Big Bill attacking Chris Jericho after Full Gear before Tony Schiavone welcomed them to the ring. Starks called Jericho a “clout vampire,” looking to get a bite on Starks after he won the tag team titles. Big Bill insulted the Golden Jets, saying they looked more like the Golden Girls. Even after suffering seizures from alcohol withdrawal and with no one believing in him, Big Bill knew he would get back to the top, with the tag team titles being proof that he had.
Bill said that Omega and Jericho didn’t realize who they would be in the ring with. Bill and Starks were Jordan and Pippen, while Omega and Jericho weren’t even Kukoc and Wennington. The Golden Jets were more like the guys who gave Jordan his gum before warmups. Starks let the Jets know that he liked his gum minty fresh, and Bill liked his Big Red. Good stuff here.
We got words from the Gold League competitors in the Continental Classic after Dynamite.
Keith Lee defeated Lee Moriarty
Oh hey, they finally followed up on the Keith Lee/Shane Taylor issue from two months ago! This was a good match, with Lee unable to get a hold of Moriarty until the very end. The Lee/Taylor match should be a good battle of the big men. Here’s hoping we get it before next November.
The announcers brought up the issues between Lee and Moriarty’s partner Shane Taylor, in a feud that feels like it began before Wembley. The two men squared off like a video game before trading punches and kicks, leading to Lee pouncing Moriarty. After a commercial, Moriarty went after Lee’s arm. Moriarty jumped into an armbar, but Lee curled Moriarty up and dropped him with a lariat. Moriarty rushed Lee with a boot before hitting a flying bulldog for a nearfall. Moriarty went back to the arm, but Lee hit a shoulder block out of a springboard. Lee hit the Big Bang Catastrophe to score the win.
During this match, the Gold League matches for the Continental Classic were announced for Wednesday’s Dynamite. Rush vs. Mark Briscoe, Jon Moxley vs. Jay Lethal, and Swerve Strickland vs. Jay White.
Keith Lee was backstage with Lexy Nair. He was tired of the lack of opportunities coming his way and said that “you” were who he wanted, and he knew who he was.
Continental Classic Blue League Match – Brody King [3] defeated Eddie Kingston [0]
This was a nasty, gritty fight, as you would expect from these two. This match ruled, and King scored the first big upset of the tournament.
These two started with shoulder blocks and chops as Nigel McGuinness took shots at Bryan Danielson for being “the poster child for osteoporosis.” King sent Kingston into the corner before hitting the cannonball. King sent Kingston off of the apron with a boot before they traded chops on the floor. King sent Kingston into the stairs, but Kingston dropped King with a drop toe hold into the stairs. King knocked Kingston into the barricade before hitting a running crossbody into him.
King brought Kingston back into the ring and crushed him with a senton. After a commercial, Kingston fought back with a lariat. Kingston hit the machine gun chops, but King fought off the Exploder suplex and hit a German suplex of his own. Kingston was on spaghetti legs but hit a Backfist for a nearfall. More chops, as Kingston took his straps down to challenge King. Kingston cut off King with a kick, an enzuigiri, and a DDT for a nearfall.
Kingston couldn’t power King up for a powerbomb, with King backdropping out and hitting an uranage. King went for a lariat, but Kingston hit the Exploder and the half-and-half suplex. Kingston hit the Backdrop Driver for a nearfall. King came back with a piledriver for a nearfall. King laid in forearms, but Kingston wouldn’t go down. Kingston hit a Backfist, but King came back and hit Dante’s Inferno to score the win.
After the match, next week’s Blue League matches were announced for Collision. Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston, Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King, and Daniel Garcia vs. Andrade El Idolo.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including full reviews of Dynamite and NXT, the Continental Classic line-up and standings thus far, ratings notes, Best TV Show, Full Gear PPV numbers and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Continental Classic thoughts, AEW Full Gear numbers
The AEW Continental Classic kicks off on tonight’s Dynamite with three Gold League matches.
Coming off a win over Hangman Page at Full Gear, Swerve Strickland will take on Jay Lethal in a Continental Classic tournament bout.
After his defeat to Orange Cassidy at Full Gear, Jon Moxley’s Continental Classic will begin with a match against Mark Briscoe.
Jay White’s tournament will kick off with a battle against Rush in the third Continental Classic match of the evening.
In trios competition, ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata will team with Hook & AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy against Jake Hager, Matt Menard, & Angelo Parker.
The Outcasts’ Ruby Soho will face Skye Blue & Anna Jay in a triple threat match.
TNT Champion Christian Cage will have a rechristening for Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne on the program.
New AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will deliver her championship acceptance speech tonight as well.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as we go over the rules and Leagues of the Continental Classic. There are giant Woooo Energy Drink signs on the Titantron screen, as well as cans of the drink on the announce table.
Swerve Strickland defeated Jay Lethal in the Continental Classic Gold League
(The first points in the inaugural Continental Classic go to Strickland, as these two put on a solid back and forth to kick things off in the Gold League. I’m all for zero interference in this tournament, but this means Strickland will be without Prince Nana and his dancing, which is simply unfortunate.)
The crowd is loudly behind Strickland following his performance in the Texas Death Match at Full Gear this past weekend, as his shoulder is taped up. Quick head scissors sent Lethal to the floor, as Lethal was clotheslined into the ring from the apron, landed on his feet and wrenched onto the bad arm before hitting a tope. Lethal faked a Fargo Strut and flipped off the crowd before Strickland did a misdirect basement dropkick, targeting the leg. Lethal managed to reverse a whip and slam Strickland down onto the shoulder to take control. There’s a slug fest, but both men are striking the others injured body part before a series of reversals led to a snap German from Strickland, only for Lethal to respond with a shoulder breaker into the double down to commercial.
Strickland cut off Lethal in the corner with a huge superplex followed by a rolling Flatliner and brainbuster for two. Lethal countered a Figure Four into an inside cradle before delivering a reverse suplex and top rope elbow for a near fall of his own. Strickland countered the Lethal Injection and applied a Stretch Muffler, but Lethal managed counter into a Crossface. Lethal wanted Lethal Injection, but Strickland dropkicked the leg out, hit House Call and Swerve Stomp for the victory.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Orange Cassidy, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata. Cassidy asked for this time to make an announcement, which was immediately cut off by Wheeler Yuta, who said it took 17 Orange Punches and exposed buckle to defeat Jon Moxley. Yuta said it makes him sick that Shibata still has ROH Pure Title. Yuta told Shibata to watch his match on ROH this week and left, as Cassidy said he had an announcement, but Paquette said they’re out of time.
MJF & Adam Cole come to the ring with Cole on his crutches and MJF with a cane. MJF said his voice is hoarse because he was pounding beers last night and wants to go deep with the ladies in Chicago and he’s not talking about pizza. MJF put over Jay White as being one of the toughest challengers for his AEW Title and ran down his own resume as AEW Champion before calling himself humble. MJF said none of this would be possible without his brochacho, as its Story Time with Adam Cole Bay-Bay with Cole saying its good news that they’re still ROH Tag Team champions, but with good news, comes bad news. Cole said he’s not even close to being cleared yet as he can’t even really walk yet. That makes the decision for Full Gear to put him in the main event for a few hours leading up even more insane to me.
Cole brings up all the challengers ahead for MJF, but MJF cuts him off and mentions whoever stole his Devil mask and said the hell he’s going to bring to them will feel like heaven. The lights went out and The Devil appeared briefly on screen and laughed before disappearing until Samoa Joe’s music hit and he came to the ring. Joe said MJF stands here still AEW Champion, but also remains ROH Tag Team Champion with the price of giving Joe an AEW Title shot. MJF thought about their deal and his response was simple, “bl*w me” as Joe lunged at MJF and Cole said that’s what the old MJF would say, the new MJF is a man of his word. Cole said he’s been choked out by Joe more times than he can count, but the fans love MJF because when he says something will happen, it happens. Cole told MJF to be a man on his word and give Joe a title shot. MJF said Joe wouldn’t be the first ROH Champion he’s beaten in Chicago and wants to do it tonight, but Joe said absolutely not.
Joe doesn’t want a hurt MJF; he wants the fully healthy and said by Worlds End, MJF should be ready. MJF accepts and shakes Joe’s hand as Joe said he’s good at picking fights too, but all this worrying Max is doing about The Devil should be gone, because MJF is Joe’s property. Joe’s going to make sure he has MJF’s back so he has the best MJF possible before taking the thing he holds dear the most in front of his family and friends on Long Island.
(The biggest story is the return of Danhausen and also Hager’s beloved purple hat. Heading into the day I was not expecting to see Shibata & Hager beating the hell out of each other tonight, but I’m sure glad it happened, as it was the highlight of this match.)
Before the match, Cassidy said he had a Thanksgiving surprise, as the big screen played the Danhausen video we’ve seen over the past month. Danhausen made his entrance as the match officially began with HOOK launching Menard & Parker before Hager attacked from behind. Hager Bomb out of the corner connected and we immediately went to picture in picture.
HOOK was isolated the entire break before finally hitting an overhead throw on Parker and made the hot tag to Cassidy, who ran wild until Hager caught him with a takedown. Cassidy fought back with a Stundog Millionaire and tagged Shibata, who slugged it out with Hager. Shibata fired off a pump kick, but Hager mowed him down with a knee lift, only to miss a corner splash. Shibata loudly lit Hager up with chops leading to the stalling dropkick. Parker & Menard made the save, as Parker officially made the tag, wanted a triple powerbomb, but Danhausen appeared with Hager’s purple hat we haven’t seen in months. Danhausen put the hat on, cursed Hager, as Cassidy hit a dive with HOOK & Shibata slapping on dueling REDRUM and rear naked chokes, switching at first because they realized Parker & Shibata were legal. Everyone tapped out as Shibata, HOOK, Cassidy & Danhausen stood tall.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Adam Cole and said they can’t wait to see Cole back healthy until Roderick Strong yells his way into the shot with The Kingdom. Strong asked where Cole was last week when Action Andretti dropped him on his head? Cole screamed at Strong to shut up and get it through his head they aren’t best friends anymore and stormed off. Strong looked heartbroken and told The Kingdom he didn’t mean that.
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-Excalibur brings up Will Ospreay officially becoming All Elite at Full Gear, as Tony Schiavone mentions this coming Monday tickets go on pre-sale for All In next year at Wembley.
Christian Cage comes to the ring with Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne and said things didn’t go their way at Full Gear, but in all honesty, he didn’t lose that match, nor did Wayne. Cage turned to Luchasaurus and said he lost the match, which is unacceptable. Cage said both of their lives benefitted from being associated with Cage and since they’re his children, it’s time to re-create them in his image. Luchasaurus reluctantly took a knee after Cage called him a moron and said the name Luchasaurus will be associated with a loser, so he came up with a name of strength, toughness and never means defeat, he’s a finisher. This Saturday on Collision, he’ll be now known as Killswitch. Wayne immediately took a knee, but Cage told him never to do such a thing and called him special, his golden boy, so he’ll always be known as “The Prodigy” Nick Wayne.
Just then we see Nick’s mother, Shayna come to the ring and plead with her son, as Cage called her a terrible mother. Loving her child unconditionally isn’t enough for Wayne, making $40,000 a year waitressing isn’t enough for a Prodigy. It’s a good thing her husband is dead, as Nick would’ve disowned him not being as good of a wrestler as Cage is, nor was he the man or husband that Cage is. Cage said had Shayna played her cards right, things would’ve been different and told her to go punch her card at Denny’s. Killswitch stepped between Cage & Shayna, refusing to move, as Cage slapped him saying they can do things the easy way or the hard way. Cage shoved Killswitch into Shayna, who collapsed as Cage demanded Nick get a chair. Cage was about to give a Con-Chair-To to Shayna when he gave the chair to Killswitch, who pondered doing it until Adam Copeland sprinted to the ring and laid out Nick with a Spear. Killswitch pulled Cage to safety, so Copeland Speared Nick again before delivering an Impaler. Shayna recovered long enough to watch Copeland give a Con-Chair-To to her son with Cage & Killswitch watching at the ramp. I thought this whole segment was really well done.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Angelo Parker, Matt Menard & Jake Hager, who are screaming about what just happened out there during their match before Anna Jay cuts them all off. Jay said she’s tired of the fighting and losing, she just wants to wrestle and doesn’t know if they’re here to help or hurt her? Parker’s phone rings and we see it’s from Ruby Soho as Jay storms off.
Switchblade Jay White defeated Rush in the Continental Classic Gold League
(If you like chops, have I got the match for you, as this match was dominated with loud chop exchanges throughout. Whenever he’d compete in the G1, White would always find a way to cheat to win and I think this Continental Classic will be no different as it worked for him tonight. I of course see this blowing up in his face when it’s all said and done.)
White came to the ring with The Gunns and they all acted shocked when learning there’s no one allowed ringside. Rush hit an early shoulder block and dropkick with White on the ropes early, being forced to regroup on the outside. White bailed on a dive, but Rush completely starched him with a chop, launching him into the railing. Rush wanted to choke White with cable chords, but referee Paul Turner put a stop as it would’ve led to a DQ. A chop battle back inside led to Rush winning the exchange and hit the pump fake kick before shooting a LIJ pose into commercial.
White took control during break, but it was short lived, as Rush hit a flying forearm and Three Amigos for the near fall. Rush took a very long time to follow up and missed a top rope senton leading to a White brainbuster for two of his own. White mocked Rush by doing a bullfighter pose, which led to another slugfest before White targeted the eyes. Rush hit a pump knee, but ran right into a Uranage for two. Rush chopped his way out of Blade Runner and hit a snap German, only for White to catch a kick into a dragon screw. White ran into an overhead corner throw, as Rush hit a Superman elbow, wanted Bulls Horns, but White fired out, looked for Blade Runner, only to nearly collide with the referee. This allowed White to hit a low blow on Rush and hit a Blade Runner for the victory.
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-Footage of Ricky Starks & Big Bill attacking Chris Jericho after the Full Gear media scrum is shown, slamming a crate into the injured arm of Jericho.
The WrestleAunts, RJ City & Renee Paquette are on the stage with an envelope in hand to announce the winner of the AEW Women’s Title, Timeless Toni Storm, who was in the crowd with Luther like it was an award show. Mariah May brought out the title to Storm, who put on her reading glasses before reading her speech. Storm thanked Anthony Khan, Jack Warner, whoever trained her, the women in the locker room, the little Toni Storm’s who want to be her, as this is her spotlight and they will not take it. Storm tells them to stay in school before Standing Ovation flashes on the big screen. I loved how right when Storm started her speech, she was played off, but told them to cut the music. Skye Blue’s music interrupted, as she made her way to the ring for our upcoming match, with Storm looking insulted.
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Skye Blue defeated Ruby Soho (w/Saraya) and Anna Jay (w/Matt Menard & Angelo Parker)
(Taz said whenever there’s love, there’s issues and that’s what happened with Soho & Parker and their continuing flirtatious storyline. Menard & Saraya tried to reel them in, but to no avail, as Blue was able to pick up the pieces and get the win in her hometown.)
All ladies tried pinfalls before Soho was sent into the ropes face to face with Parker. Soho was launched outside, as Jay & Blue had a back and forth before Soho reasserted herself in the action with a Saito suplex on Blue. Parker tripped up Blue, allowing Jay to hit a wheel kick and post Blue in the process. Jay demanded Parker focus and stop making eyes at Soho before the match went to commercial.
We returned to a powerbomb superplex tower of doom with Jay scurrying to get the pin, but only managed two. Soho & Jay were sent outside, as Blue missed a baseball slide and was tossed into the barricade by Soho. Parker walked in and made eyes at Soho before both were pulled away by Menard & Saraya. This led to Jay clocking Soho with a pump kick before back inside, Blue hit a cross body on both ladies. Blue tried Code Blue, but Jay countered into a slam for two. Menard tripped up Soho and it led to Saraya & Menard arguing. Meanwhile, a pump kick sent Soho into the arms of Parker, as Saraya & Menard scolded them both. Blue escaped Queenslayer and hit a pretty sloppy TKO to get the win.
-Renee Paquette approaches Wardlow working out backstage for his thoughts on the Worlds End main event. Paquette asks what he is waiting for with MJF and Wardlow said the downfall of the devil will happen on his time. AR Fox walks up and said Wardlow is putting the blame on everyone else and he did the same thing with Darby Allin, but Wardlow said he doesn’t need advice from anyone and dropped Fox.
Jon Moxley defeated Mark Briscoe in the Continental Classic Gold League
(Even with the slight overrun, I still wish this match would’ve gone longer, as these two beat the crap out of one another. The crowd was loudly behind Briscoe, but was more than fine with Moxley coming out the winner in this very fun main event.)
These two wasted no time going back and forth immediately, with Briscoe firing off some Redneck Kung Fu leading to a dropkick through the ropes outside followed with a Blockbuster off the apron. Moxley avoided a Froggy Bow and started a forearm exchange, ultimately booting Briscoe off the apron to the floor going to picture in picture.
During the break, Moxley busted Briscoe open as crossface punches led to a piledriver for a near fall. Briscoe battled back with an enzugiri and thrust chop before firing up, running wild. Moxley exploded out of the corner, but ran into an overhead Briscoe throw. Moxley countered a neckbereaker into a choke, transitioning into an arm breaker, but Briscoe got the ropes. Moxley cut off Briscoe in the ropes, as Briscoe bit Moxley, but dove right into the Paradigm Shift, which Briscoe no sold into a dropkick for the double down. Briscoe connected on a rolling Death Valley Driver and the Froggy Bow for two.
Briscoe decked a charging Moxley with a lariat, wanted a Jay Driller, but Moxley hit a King Kong Lariat of his own before hitting Death Rider, but Briscoe kicked out. The crowd went wild for Briscoe, who kicked off the ropes in a choke for a near fall. Moxley hit a half and half, but Briscoe rolled to his feet into a forearm battle. Moxley cut off the momentum with a kitchen sink, Curb Stomp and another Death Rider to get the victory in a hard hitting main event. Moxley showed respect after and shook hands with Briscoe, standing tall to end the show.
Continental Classic Gold League Standings
· 3 Points: Swerve Strickland, Switchblade Jay White, Jon Moxley
· 0 Points: Jay Lethal, Rush, Mark Briscoe
AEW Rampage &Collision 11/25/23
· Daniel Garcia vs. Claudio Castagnoli in the Continental Classic Blue League
· Eddie Kingston vs. Brody King in the Continental Classic Blue League
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including the full line-up for the AEW Continental Classic, what’s on tap for Dynamite tonight, RAW does a huge number Monday, the NXT TV report and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
The competitors for AEW’s Continental Classic have been announced.
Tony Khan and Tony Schiavone revealed the 12 participants during a YouTube special on Wednesday. The field has been split into two groups, the Blue Group and the Gold Group.
Blue Group:
Bryan Danielson
Andrade El Idolo
Brody King
Claudio Castagnoli
Daniel Garcia
Eddie Kingston
Gold Group:
Jon Moxley
Swerve Strickland
Rush
Mark Briscoe
Jay Lethal
Jay White
Three Gold Group matches were announced for tonight’s Dynamite:
Rush vs. Jay White
Swerve Strickland vs. Jay Lethal
Jon Moxley vs. Mark Briscoe
Two Blue Group matches were announced for Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision in Pittsburgh:
Daniel Garcia vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Eddie Kingston vs. Brody King
All matches will have a 20-minute time limit. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. No one is allowed at ringside. The winners of each group will meet in the finals at AEW Worlds End on December 30.
Khan confirmed the tournament winner will be the Triple Crown Champion, holding the ROH World title, NJPW Strong title, and a new AEW Continental title.
Tonight’s episode of Dynamite takes place from Chicago’s Wintrust Arena. The lineup is below:
Continental Classic Gold Group match: Rush vs. Jay White
Continental Classic Gold Group match: Swerve Strickland vs. Jay Lethal
Continental Classic Gold Group match: Jon Moxley vs. Mark Briscoe
Christian Cage rechristens Luchasaurus and Nick Wayne
New AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm gives a championship acceptance speech
A Continental Classic Selection Special will stream this Wednesday.
Tony Khan detailed the special on X Monday night. The special will announce all 12 competitors of the tournament, which begins on Dynamite later that night. The special will stream on X, YouTube, and Facebook.
“This Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, AEW Continental Classic Selection Special, all 12 fighters announced, interviews + more!,” he wrote. “The Selection Special streams this Wednesday + that same night, celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with Continental Classic matches this Wednesday.”
This Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, AEW Continental Classic Selection Special, all 12 fighters announced, interviews + more! The Selection Special streams this Wednesday + that same night, celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with Continental Classic matches this Wednesday on #AEWDynamite! pic.twitter.com/6rOW22LaWA
The Continental Classic will be a round-robin tournament in which twelve wrestlers will be split into two groups. The winner of the tournament will become a triple champion, holding three different titles: the ROH World Championship, the New Japan Strong Openweight title, and a new title in AEW called the Continental title. Eddie Kingston, Mark Briscoe, Andrade El Idolo, and Bryan Danielson have been announced thus far.
League finals will take place on the December 27 edition of Dynamite in Orlando. The winners of the two league matches will then advance to the finals at AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30 in Long Island.
Here are notes from Saturday’s AEW Full Gear media scrum, which included the likes of MJF, Will Ospreay, Chris Jericho, Tony Khan, and more.
MJF
MJF began the presser crying as he cut a promo saying his leg was busted and thanked Adam Cole. He said Jay White was “a piece of s***” but was an incredible athlete. He said he loved wrestling and Saturday’s show gave people so many versions of what pro wrestling can be.
He also dedicated the match to his grandfather, who passed away three years ago.
MJF said he didn’t want to defend the AEW title against Samoa Joe, but agreed to defend the ROH Tag Team titles with him because he made a promise to Adam Cole. He teased he may not give Joe a title match as he only verbally agreed to a match.
Will Ospreay
He said that he signed with AEW because it was the best decision for him and his family. He gets to be one of the best pro wrestlers that’s ever done it and will test himself by being on weekly TV. Said over the last eight years he has matured and now understands the responsibility of being in AEW.
When asked about a third match with Kenny Omega, Ospreay said he’d like to do it but would also wrestle Andrade El Idolo and Miro. He also mentioned MJF and Jay White as opponents he’d like to face.
When asked if he considered any other promotion besides AEW, ge said he wanted to hear everyone out, including Impact, but he wanted to do what is best for his family.
Julia Hart
Says she’s on cloud nine right now and proud of herself. She also mentioned that recent matches with Willow Nightingale and Skye Blue have really elevated her.
Regarding her quick rise in pro wrestling, Hart said she had about five matches on the independent scene before wrestling on AEW television, so all of her growth has been on AEW television. She said she couldn’t believe she’s doing this at this point in her career.
She was negative regarding her previous cheerleading gimmick prior to joining The House of Black, saying she wasn’t confident about doing it.
Chris Jericho
Jericho said Omega was not at the press conference because he went home right away to take care of his sick cat.
Regarding an injury to his arm, Jericho said that he got ten stitches.
Jericho talked a lot regarding his match last weekend against Konosuke Takeshita for DDT. He said that he thinks the world of Takeshita, saying he’s so good at such a young age.
Said he was really glad Ospreay signed with the company, saying Ospreay had had one of the greatest career years ever.
Ricky Starks and Big Bill
Both Starks and Bill mentioned they had only met each other recently. Starks emphasized they are not tag team wrestlers, they are singles wrestlers that are Tag Team Champions.
Big Bill opened up about his previous issues with sobriety. He said that thought he was just going to keep living a miserable existence. He credited pro wrestling with helping him become sober. He felt if he could get things together he could make it back to the top of pro wrestling, and now he is one half of the AEW Tag Team Champions, so he did exactly what he thought he’d do. Tony Khan noted this was the first title Big Bill has held in any company.
Orange Cassidy
Said that beating Jon Moxley was one of his biggest accomplishments, calling Moxley one of the greatest wrestlers ever. He also mentioned defeating Claudio Castagnoli recently.
Cassidy said that he draws his own stick figures for his entrance.
Tony Khan
At the start of the media scrum, Khan noted that the pay-per-view numbers were currently trending higher than last month’s WrestleDream event.
He reiterated the rules for the upcoming Continental Classic tournament. The scoring system will be three points for a win, one point for a draw. He compared it to European football.
Khan said that the winner of this tournament will unify three different titles: the ROH World Championship, the New Japan Strong Openweight title, and the AEW Continental title. Khan called it a Triple Crown Championship, comparing it to All Japan’s Triple Crown title. At the same time, he said that he is not creating new championships but is consolidating three titles.
Khan repeatedly said that there would be no interference during the Continental Classic tournament.
Regarding Ronda Rousey, Khan said she is not signed but thought based on the Wrestling Revolver show it would be great to have a match and build some interest for Ring of Honor. He said he would love to have her back sometime.
Mentioned that the load time for next year’s All In would be rushed due to Taylor Swift performing shows at Wembley Stadium around the same time. He said it would cost him more to rush the setup for the show.
He said that over 13,000 people were in the building tonight, a Full Gear attendance record.
One reporter asked about Mercedes Mone. Khan said he has had great conversations with Mone and would love to have her in AEW.
On Will Ospreay, he said that he had been talking to Ospreay since getting permission from New Japan Pro Wrestling. He thought it would be great if he could keep Ospreay in the NJPW/AEW sphere, saying he got the deal done this week.
Did not give a firm date on AEW Revolution, but put over Sting and called him “one of the greatest people I’ve ever known or worked with.”
Said that Bryan Danielson injury was not as serious as they thought. Khan thought at one point that he thought Danielson would be out longer.
AEW has announced the creation of a new championship, plus more competitors and details regarding the Continental Classic.
It was revealed during Saturday’s Full Gear pay-per-view that the winner of the Continental Classic will become the first-ever AEW Continental Champion. Additionally, Eddie Kingston is putting his ROH World Championship & NJPW Strong Openweight Championship on the line in each of his tournament matches, meaning the Continental Classic winner will hold three titles and be the first-ever AEW Triple Crown Champion.
Kingston announced his intention to put his titles on the line in a promo segment at Full Gear, with AEW’s Tony Khan confirming the new tournament details later in a social media post:
The Continental Classic starts this week, Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve on #AEWDynamite! 12 fighters, no interference, nobody at ringside The winner becomes AEW Continental Champion + ROH World Champion + NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, a new Triple Crown Champion at Worlds End!
Two more competitors were announced at Full Gear in Kingston & Mark Briscoe bringing the total to four of 12 participants announced.
The Continental Classic kicks off on this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. The tournament final will be held at Worlds End on pay-per-view on Saturday, December 30. Outside interference has been banned for the tournament and no one will be allowed to accompany the competitors to ringside.
The current list of Continental Classic competitors:
Andrade El Idolo has been added to the upcoming Continental Classic tournament.
Friday’s Rampage saw Idolo and new manager CJ Perry being interviewed. Perry revealed that she had entered Idolo into the tournament, and that if he wins he gets a bonus. Idolo seemed surprised she had entered him into the tournament, but after Perry whispered something to him his ear, he was fine with the result.
The Continental Classic will begin on next week’s Dynamite. Announced on last week’s Collision by Tony Khan, twelve wrestlers will compete in the round robin tournament, split into two groups of six. The league finals will take place on the December 27 edition of Dynamite in Orlando, with the finals taking place at Worlds End on December 30 in Long Island, New York.
The first participant announced for the tournament was Bryan Danielson. Despite recovering from a recent broken orbital bone, it was said during last week’s announcement that Danielson would return in time for the tournament.
It’s a brand new We’re Live, Pal with Andrew Zarian and I, also available for free on YouTube by clicking above.
We opened up talking about last week’s story about WWE signing a deal with The CW for NXT and how it may relate to AEW. We also talked about the rumors of where WWE Raw may end up.
We also discussed:
Attending AEW Rampage and Collision live in Oakland
