While there were two title changes at AEW Double or Nothing in Las Vegas, the rest of the titleholders retained their championships in a near-clean sweep including AEW World Champion MJF.
In a match between the “Four Pillars” that had been built up for months, MJF picked up his third successful title defense with a side headlock takeover pin on Darby Allin. Unbeknownst to Allin, he coffin dropped onto the title that MJF laid on “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry, hitting the back of his head and knocking him out. Sammy Guevara was also in the match.
The match aired in the co-main event spot as the Anarchy in the Arena brawl took top billing.
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FTR’s second reign as AEW Tag Team Champions continued with their victory over Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal.
In a match with a lot of things happening, including Karen Jarrett knocking out referee Aubrey Edwards, the champions picked up the win after special referee Mark Briscoe slapped Jarrett who turned around into the Shatter Machine for the pin and win. This marked FTR’s first title defense since defeating The Gunns in April.
In the latest Trios title defense, the House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) successfully defeated The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn who officially answered the House’s open challenge. Black got the pin on Gunn after landing his spinning kick for their fifth title defense.
Wardlow defended the TNT title in a ladder match against Christian Cage that saw the champion take out Luchasaurus with a swanton off a ladder on the outside of the ring. Another notable spot saw Arn Anderson bite Luchasaurus’ thumb, covering Anderson’s mouth and face with blood.
In the opening match of the main card, AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy’s reign continued with his 23rd title defense as he stood victorious in the 21-man Blackjack battle royal, last eliminating Swerve Strickland.
During his entrance for the four-way World title match at Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing, Sammy Guevara and Tay Melo announced they are having a baby.
Guevara brought back his former gimmick of creating signs to convey the message. They later shared a picture on Twitter after the match.
It will be the couple’s first child.
After the two went public with their relationship in January 2022, the two got engaged in Paris the following June and were married in August. All of that followed Guevara proposing to his former girlfriend on an August 2021 edition of Dynamite, something he and Melo have had to deal with and defend on social media since announcing their relationship.
In February, Melo revealed that a back protrusion she has been dealing with for more than a decade had kept her out of action since a January street fight. She has wrestled just once since then, but not for AEW. Rather it was in a March tag team match with Guevara for Northeast Wrestling.
Toni Storm is once again the AEW Women’s World Champion.
Storm defeated Jamie Hayter at Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view in Las Vegas to capture the AEW Women’s title for the second time in her career.
Hayter, who has recently been suffering from a legitimate injury according to Tony Khan, was attacked prior to the bout by Storm’s Outcasts teammates Ruby Soho and Saraya. The attack provided Hayter with a storyline out for the loss, and played into the work of the match itself.
Soho and Saraya interfered in the match on Storm’s behalf, while Britt Baker did a run-in in support of Hayter in an attempt to neutralize The Outcasts. Ultimately, Storm sent Hayter into an exposed turnbuckle, then hit her with Storm Zero to get the win and regain the title.
Hayter’s first title reign ends at 191 days, as she originally defeated Storm to win the title at Full Gear on November 19, 2022.
Storm’s first title reign stretched for 76 days after she won a four-way for the then-interim Women’s World title at All Out last September. That reign was retroactively recognized as a regular title reign after Thunder Rosa was forced to vacate the Championship without losing it in the ring due to a back injury.
AEW returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Double or Nothing.
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry in the first-ever meeting between all “Four Pillars.”
The reformed Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks & Hangman Page) face the Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli) in an Anarchy in the Arena match.
Injured AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter defends against former champion Toni Storm while TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie in a rematch.
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal with Mark Briscoe as the conflicted special guest referee.
Adam Cole and Chris Jericho will battle in an unsanctioned match as TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match.
The card also features title defenses by AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy and AEW Trios Tag Team Champions the House of Black.
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Buy In
Renee Paquette, Kazeem Famuyide, Paul Wight & Stokely Hathaway welcome us to the Buy In and they throw it right to the back to RJ City talking about upcoming events for AEW. Paquette and company then run down the entire Double or Nothing card this evening, leading to a video package highlighting Anarchy in the Arena.
Footage of Jim Ross sitting down with Don Callis is shown, who said he did the hardest thing a parent or family member could do. It was a cancer eating away at Callis, so he cut it out, but tells Omega that he hasnāt even started cutting yet.
Video packages for the AEW Womenās Title, Non Sanctioned Match and Tag Team Title Match are shown before Jim Ross makes his way to ringside where Excalibur & Taz are seated, which is where the commentary team will be this evening.
The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) & FTW Champion HOOK (w/Brother Zay) defeated Ethan Page & The Gunns (Austin & Colten)
(A fun opening party match that went much longer than I thought it would. As a result, Matt Hardy now owns the contract of Ethan Page.)
This is Jeff Hardyās first official match in about 11 months. HOOK & Austin start us off with Austin getting a shoulder block, but posed too long with HOOK locking in a leg lock. Matt & Jeff took turns tagging in and going after the arm before HOOK his overhead throws on everyone in sight. The Gunns & Page were triple clotheslined to the floor where the regrouped and in doing so Austin tripped up HOOK and followed with a bulldog. HOOK remained isolated until Page was dropped with the El Camino and Matt made the hot tag.
The Gunns & Page were all planted with Side Effects before a second rope elbow to Colten got a near fall. Austin & Page attacked Brother Zay on the floor, ripping his neck brace off, as that was enough distraction for Colten to pop Matt with a dropkick. It was Mattās turn to be isolated with Page mocking delete chants, until both Gunns were launched outside. Jeff & HOOK reached for the hot tag, but were both pulled away by Colten & Page before Matt could get there. Finally, Matt hit a DDT on Page to allow Jeff to make the hot tag and run wild with his greatest hits offense.
A stalling splash off the second by Jeff led to a Twist of Fate attempt, but Jeffās knee twisted up and as he went for Whisper in the Wind, the legs went out. Taz talked about ring rust playing a part, as Jeff hit a corkscrew kick on Page and HOOK tagged in with a fishermanās suplex. HOOK & Page had a nice back and forth before sank in a cross arm breaker, but Colten made the save. Matt made a blind tag, as The Hardys hit an assisted splash in the corner, but as Jeff went up top, Austin crotched him. 3:10 to Yuma connected on Matt, but Jeff broke up the pin with a Swanton Bomb on both Gunns. Page clobbered HOOK with a big boot, but HOOK avoided Egoās Edge, as the match broke down with the Hardys hitting double Twist of Fates on the Gunns. Page was left alone, as he ate two Twist of Fates and the REDRUM for the submission.
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Owen Hart Cup Opening Ceremonies
Renee Paquette welcomes Dr. Martha Hart to the stage where both trophies and titles for the Owen Hart Cup are set up. Paquette talks about the tournament kicking off at Forbidden Door as Hart said itās great to be back in Vegas and AEW. Tony Khan walks out wearing a fedora with the Owen Hart Foundation logo on it as Hart talks about the schedule of the Owen Hart Cup and itās wrapping up at the Calgary Stampede.
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The entrants for the Blackjack Battle Royal for the International Title are taking place, which will kick off the show this evening.
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AEW Double or Nothing
Orange Cassidy won the Blackjack Battle Royal to retain the AEW International Title
(I thought this was one of the better battle royals that AEW has put on, as we got some fun interactions, continuations of current feuds, some surprise eliminations and a really great finish. Lots of matches could come out of this one, as the amazing title reign of Cassidy continues.)
(Participants included Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, Bandido, Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Lee Moriarty, Big Bill, Komander, The Butcher, The Blade, Kip Sabian, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Dustin Rhodes, Keith Lee, Ricky Starks, Penta el Zero Miedo, Rey Fenix, Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & Orange Cassidy)
Sabian immediately tried to toss Cassidy as we barely caught Beretta doing a moonsault to the floor as there are still people brawling around ringside. Komander did his breathtaking rope walk dive onto Bill & Moriarty as Strickland & Cage are shown watching on the ramp. Excalibur said theyāre waiting for the field to thin and Iām not sure how thatās even legal. Bandido, Komander & The Lucha Bros all teamed up as Bandido hit a stalling suplex on Nese, who was eliminated. Daivari was brought to the apron and punted in the face by Fenix, who did a rope walk to get rid of both Varsity Athletes. Cage started laying out all he luchadores before Bandido nearly pressed Cage over his head. Cage ate multiple thrust kicks as the Lucha Bros and Bullet Club Gold went at it before Komander tried another rope walk, but White shoved him to the floor.
Sabian ate a triple choke slam by Best Friends & Cassidy, who tossed him and gave the people what they wanted. Taylor was dumped by Bill, as Cassidy low bridged in the process unintentionally to eliminate his buddy. The Blade was eliminated by Lee, who was attacked from behind by Strickland, finally getting into the match. Butcher ate double Lucha Bros thrust kicks to be eliminated. Moriarty was able to get rid of Bandido, as Moriarty & Beretta battled to the apron where Beretta hit a half and half suplex to eliminate Moriarty. Cassidy was about to be eliminated by Big Bill, but Beretta took the bullet and ate a kick to get eliminated. Lee was so preoccupied on getting rid of Strickland; Cage snuck up from behind and dumped Lee to loud boos. Rhodes laid out Cage with Cross Rhodes, but Strickland made the save.
Robinson & White sent Penta into Fenix to eliminate him, as Starks dumped Robinson in the process. White laid out Starks which led to a faceoff with White & Penta ending in a Blade Runner from White, who turned around and ate a Starks Spear. White was eliminated by Starks, as Robinson pulled Starks to the outside and laid out by White. Starks went under the bottom rope, so itās down to him, Bill, Strickland, Cage, Penta, Rhodes & Cassidy. A surprising elimination came when Bill clocked Starks with a big boot and got loud boos from the crowd. Cage was dumped by Rhodes, who was immediately caught with a kick by Strickland to eliminate him.
The remaining four men had a sprint with high impact offense until Penta tried chopping down Bill, who hit another big boot to eliminated Penta. Bill is eliminating some huge fan favorites tonight, as he laid out Cassidy with a Boss Man Slam. Bill went to press slam Cassidy over the top, but Strickland dumped him out. Cassidy & Strickland took turns trying to dump each other until a countered DDT into Stundog Millionaire led to a Strickland no sell into the Kill Shot for the double down. Prince Nana tripped up Cassidy to allow Strickland to hit a Swerve Stomp. Cassidy battled back with multiple DDTs and Orange Punch that send Strickland to the apron. Strickland blocked another one, brought Cassidy to the apron, as Nana ran distraction again enough for Strickland to try one more double stomp. Cassidy got the feet up and just lightly kicked Stricklandās hand from the ropes to win the match.
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Adam Cole (w/Roderick Strong) defeated Chris Jericho (w/the Jericho Appreciation Society) in an Unsanctioned Match with Sabu as the Special Enforcer
(I enjoyed almost everything about this match but the finish. I know what they were going for with Cole wanting to bash Jerichoās head in for his actions, but it felt flat and the crowd didnāt really know what to make of it. They were happy Cole won, it was just an unexpected way to finish it. This does technically give Jericho an out, as he never quit or was pinned, he can blame Aubrey for the loss.)
Sabu & Strong chucked chairs at Matt Menard & Angelo Parker immediately, as Sabu & Jericho had a face off in the ring with chairs, swinging them at one another. Sabu won that battle, as Cole set up a table ringside and Sabu jumped off the top to put Menard & Parker through it. Strong & Hager and Garcia & Sabu battled to the back to leave Cole & Jericho in the ring one on one. That was it for the guys not actually involved in this match. Jericho was sent outside and landed really awkwardly in the process. Cole wanted a Panama Sunrise on the apron, but Jericho countered into a suplex to the floor. Jericho controlled the action, cutting off Cole whenever he attempted to battle back. With a chair set up in the corner, Jericho charged, but ran head first into it. Jericho recovered long enough to try a Lionsault, but Cole hit a superkick mid move. Cole again missed Panama Sunrise, this time countered into a Walls of Jericho. Excalibur said since itās an Unsanctioned Match that there are no rope breaks.
Cole reached down under the ropes and grabbed a fire extinguisher, where he sprayed Jericho to release the hold. Cole decked Jericho with the extinguisher, but only got a two count. Cole went to drop The Boom, but ran right into a Code Breaker for two, as Jericho returned the favor by spraying Cole with the extinguisher. Jericho got a kendo stick, but took way too long as Dr. Britt Baker ran to the ring with a stick of her own and lit up Jericho with strikes. Saraya hit the ring and was clobbered as well as both ladies ran backstage. Cole chokes Jericho with the kendo stick and got a backstabber for two.
Cole climbed to the top, but took too long, as Jericho chucked a chair at his face and Cole fell through a table outside, right on cue with fans chanting they wanted tables. Jericho pulled out a chain and handcuffs, which Jericho locked on Coleās hand, but in return, Cole got the advantage and cuffed Jericho as well, so a Chain Match this has turned into. Cole hit a Panama Sunrise, but missed The Boom, as Jericho started whipping away with the chain. Jericho tried to choke Cole out, but Cole scaled the ropes and hit a superkick. Cole finally lowered The Boom, then wrapped the chain around his knee to hit another Boom before mounting Jericho and punched away to the point referee Aubrey stopped the match. The crowd was quiet for this finish.
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FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defeated Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett (w/Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh & Karen Jarrett) to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles with Mark Briscoe as Guest Referee
(Iāve loved everything about this over the top feud. So many bells and whistles, which, by all accounts, should take away from the match, but it only added to it. Everyone played their role great in this feud, job well done to all involved.)
Lethal & Harwood started things off with a nice opening sequence of mat wrestling which led to a chop battle. FTR hit double dropkicks and atomic drops ending in attempted double Sharpshooters, but Lethal & Jarrett bailed to regroup. Lethal tried to have Jarrett jump in without making a legal tag, but Briscoe caught them and shoved Jarrett down. Lethal was backdropped over the top to the floor onto his partner. Back inside, Briscoeās attention was turned as Wheeler was low bridged by Jarrett, who at first was going to use a chair, was scolded, so he opted to just ram Wheeler into the barricade repeatedly. I love how Jim Ross compared Sonjay Duttās screeching ringside to a rooster. Jarrett took Briscoe to allow Karen to choke Wheeler briefly, as Jarrett did a Garvin Stomp and Fargo Strut. Jarrett locked on a Figure Four, as Harwood had seen enough and did a diving headbutt to break it up.
Wheeler finally leapfrogged Lethal to make the hot tag to Harwood, who turned Lethal inside out with a short arm lariat. Really nice rolling Germans by Harwood until a series of switches led to a Harwood brainbsuter for two. Lethal battled back with Lethal Combination as the match broke down with Dutt grabbing Wheelerās foot on the apron long enough for Jarrett to post him. Lethal & Harwood fought in the ropes where Lethal took way too long for his elbow, as Harwood crotched him. A superplex led to a Doomsday Powerbomb by FTR as Wheeler hit a dive on Jarrett, but Dutt pulled Harwood to the floor to break the count. Briscoe saw enough and ejected Dutt & Singh, but Jarrett snuck in from behind with a guitar. Harwood moved and Briscoe ate the guitar shot.
Lethal tried Lethal Injection, but FTR countered into Shatter Machine for the visible pin, but no referee. Referee Aubrey sprinted to the ring, but Dutt stepped in front of her. Karen Jarrett wiped Aubrey out with a guitar shot to a huge reaction, as Lethal hit a double Lethal Injection on FTR with everyone down. Karen threw a title belt to Lethal, as Jarrett held Harwood, who fought free and laid out Lethal with a piledriver. Jarrett caught Harwood with a belt shot and The Stroke, as Dutt woke up Briscoe to make a close two count. A furious Jarrett started pie facing Briscoe, slapping him until Briscoe slapped Jarrett, who turned around into Shatter Machine for the victory.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with Ricky Starks, who was asked about Bullet Club Gold and right on cue, they pounced on Starks. FTR came running into the shot, as Starks mightāve finally found backup for his feud with Jay White & Juice Robinson.
-Chris Jericho & Saraya are furious backstage, demanding Tony Khan give them a mix tag team match against Britt Baker & Adam Cole this Wednesday. One random security guard showed up to tell them to calm down and suffered a fireball to the face by the Wizard as a result.
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Wardlow (w/Arn Anderson) defeated Christian Cage (w/Luchasaurus) in a Ladder Match to retain the TNT Title
(This was a pretty wild ladder match with some pretty big spots, most notably Wardlow channeling Jeff Hardy from Wrestlemania 2000 with an unreal Swanton through tables. I thought this stipulation was pretty rushed, but Wardlow definitely got a huge reaction as a result, so mission accomplished.)
Cage told Luchasaurus to go to the back during his entrance, as Anderson did the same for Wardlow. It was a game of power vs. speed early, as Wardlow ran through Cage with a shoulder tackle and powered out of a Killswitch attempt. Wardlow tried bringing in a ladder, but Cage hit a baseball slide, tried a slingshot dive, only to eat a ladder shot by Wardlow. With Cage down, Wardlow set up multiple tables and was going to try for a massive Swanton through them, but Cage bailed. With a ladder bridge set up and both men standing on it, Cage was able to crotch Wardlow and slingshot him into a ladder back in the ring. Cage started to climb the ladder, but Wardlow shoved him off to the mat. Wardlow wanted a powerbomb, Cage wiggled free, climbed the ladder, but was caught into a slam. Wardlow delivered a pretty great looking spinning gorilla press slam as Cage rolled to the floor.
Wardlow went to climb, but Luchasaurus hit ringside, shoving Cage back in the ring who delivered a reverse DDT off the ladder. Cage tried a charge, but Wardlow caught him into a slam on the ladder. Wardlow placed Cage on the ladder, went for a Swanton Bomb, but crashed and burned. Cage climbed the ladder as Arn Anderson helped Wardlow up, who leapt off the top onto the ladder and it collapsed. Wardlow is limping badly, as he tried to climb the broken ladder and it collapsed again. A better ladder is brought in the ring, but Luchasaurus chokeslammed Wardlow twice. Anderson made the save, nearly got chokeslammed himself, but bit the thumb of Luchasaurus to draw blood. Wardlow took out Luchasaurus with a chair and set him up on the tables. Wardlow climbed to the top of a super tall ladder and hit an incredible Swanton Bomb off it putting Luchasaurus through the tables.
Cage slowly climbed the ladder, but Anderson & Wardlow got in the ring, as Anderson swung Cageās legs off the ladder and Wardlow caught him with a super powerbomb. Wardlow climbed and grabbed the title to retain. Wardlow held the title high with Anderson, whose mouth was covered in blood from biting Luchasaurus’ thumb.
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Toni Storm defeated Jamie Hayter to win the AEW Womenās Title
(Well, I guess there really was truth to the story of Hayter legitimately being injured, as this was very quick and while Hayter did get off a little offense, this was nothing like their other battles. There was a lot of interference and this is unfortunately what they had to do if Hayter is going to be out a little bit. Credit to Hayter for toughing it out, but congratulations goes to Toni Storm, who really has been crushing it lately on her win streak. She deserved another run with the title in my opinion.)
Hayter didnāt come out when her music first hit, but the second time Saraya & Ruby Soho tossed a beaten up Hayter down the ramp. Storm repeatedly slammed Hayter into the ring steps, the same way she injured Hayterās arm last month. Both ladies are in the ring, as referee Paul Turner asks if Hayter can go, as she says yes and the match begins. Saraya immediately untied a corner turnbuckle pad and the referee just watched her do it. Britt Baker ran out to brawl with Saraya as Hayter tossed Storm into the corner where Turner was with Soho. Hayter got a near fall on Storm, who took the ref to allow Soho to spray paint Hayter in the eyes and Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music for two. Hikaru Shida hit the ring with her kendo stick as she & Soho brawled ringside.
Hayter sent Storm into the exposed buckle and hit Hayter-ade, but it was with the bad arm, so Hayter couldnāt follow up immediately, thus getting a two count. Hayter tried another one, but was sent super awkwardly into the exposed buckle herself and Storm hit Storm Zero to win the title.
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House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews w/Julia Hart) defeated The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) & Daddy Ass to retain the AEW Trios Titles in an Open House Match
(This was another strong title defense by the House of Black, who really kept Bowens isolated for a long stretch of this match. The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass put up a good fight, but the House of Black is on a whole other level right now.)
Casterās rap compared King to someone on RuPaulās Drag Race and also said Matthews was being cucked by a kid named Dominick, which was a great line. Caster said they didnāt need a Dealerās Choice option for this match, so I guess that stip is out the window. An evenly matched opening sequence led to Bowens & Black both sitting criss cross until Matthews made the tag and went after the arm. Caster was able to get the tag and hit a back suplex on the side of the apron for two. Caster & Black collided as King made the tag and leveled Caster with a lariat. The Acclaimed were able to fight off Black in their corner and tried Scissor Me Timbers, which Black countered into a leg lock.
Caster & Gunn were beaten up on the floor, as King hit a charging cross body against the barricade on Gunn. Bowens tried fighting back with a firemanās carry into a neckbreaker on the knee, but it was the bad wheel and Bowens collapsed. With Caster & Gunn down, there was no one to tag, as Black locked in another leg lock, tagged Matthews, who hit a Meteora. King connected with a senton and Taz said it was like a bathtub falling on you in a perfect description. Bowens was isolated for quite a long time until he fought off Danteās Inferno, low bridged King, sent Matthews & Black outside, finally hitting Matthews with a thrust kick to make the Gunn hot tag.
Gunn ran wild with splashes; tilt a whirl slam and the old One and Only finisher on Black before dropping King on his head with a Fame Asser. Matthews ate a Fame Asser through the ropes, but as Gunn turned around, Black hit his Black Mass spin kick to win it.
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Jade Cargill (w/Leila Grey & Mark Sterling) defeated Taya Valkyrie to retain the TBS Title
(The champ remains undefeated for the time being and I thought this match blew their first one out of the water, mainly because there wasnāt a silly stipulation added to it.)
Cargill danced to the ring with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, her sorority as we saw Jadeās partner Brandon Phillips ringside, who got mentioned by commentary. Valkyrie and Cargill had an early face off with Valkyrie getting the upper hand with a sliding lariat. Cargill tried to regroup with Mark Sterling, but he was flattened by a diving Valkyrie off the top. That allowed Cargill to clock Valkyrie with a pump kick to gain control. Valkyrie battled back momentarily with a sliding German suplex through the ropes, but Cargill responded with a suplex on the floor. Back inside, Cargill planted Valkyrie with a nice spinebuster for a near fall and draped Valkyrie throat first over the barricade outside.
Valkyrie battled back with a series of lariats in the ring, but Cargill did the same with short arm lariats of her own. Cargill went for a sleeper, but Valkyrie quickly countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cargill attempted a springboard attack, but Valkyrie hit a double knee right to the sternum, almost a lungblower variation. Valkyrie tied up Cargillās legs and hit a nasty Curb Stomp for two as Grey jumped on the apron and immediately kicked to the floor. Valkyrie connected with a Spear and Road to Valhalla, but Cargill managed a kick out, which really shocked the fans. Valkyrie went for another attack, but Cargill kicked her in the face and hit Jaded to get the win and go 60-0.
Post match, Mark Sterling said Cargill will defend the title anytime, anywhere, but there is no one left. Kris Statlander made her return to a huge reaction, as this is apparently an official match.
Kris Statlander defeated Jade Cargill to win the TBS Title
Cargill missed a pump kick, as Statlander hit a roundhouse kick, corner charge with a knee lift and attempted a stalling vertical suplex, which Cargill escaped. Cargill hit a pump kick, tried Jaded, but Statlander reversed into Night Fever to win the title, as the crowd is going insane as confetti pours down. Statlander signed that mama is home as this was quite the return for Statlander, who has battled so many injuries to finally get to this moment.
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The AEW Title 4 Way is next and during Sammy Guevaraās entrance, he brought out cue cards along with Tay Melo and we learn Tay is pregnant, so congratulations to the Guevaraās as Tay kissed her husband before he went to the ring.
Darby Allinās entrance was Allin interrupting a wedding ceremony put on by an Elvis impersonator. Allin beat up someone with a MJF mask on as Allin & The King taped up the guy, as Allin rode into the arena wearing an Elvis jumpsuit, which is half skeleton painted. This is quite the visual and I certainly wasnāt expecting to type that line tonight, even in Vegas.
MJF was lowered on a throne and welcomed by harem of women lined up down the ramp. This repulsed Tony Schiavone.
Meanwhile, Jungle Boy Jack got his standard entrance first and I feel bad there wasnāt any crazy over the top stuff for him.
MJF defeated Jungle Boy Jack Perry, Darby Allin & Sammy Guevara to retain the AEW World Title
(Iām fully aware I wrote a lot about this match, thatās because a whole hell of a lot went into this four way. Many of us correctly assumed who would win, but the false finishes and huge moments in this match were fantastic. All four of these men knocked it out of the park and the crowd was really into it. I thought this was phenomenal.)
MJF took an early powder saying this was on his time, but was quickly beaten up to the floor as Guevara, Perry & Allin all went at it, kipping up at the same time. Perry did a double springboard arm drag to send Allin & Guevara to the outside, but MJF turned Perry inside out with a lariat. MJF teased a dive, but opted for a Fargo Strut and Rick Rude hip swivel. Allin hit a dive on MJF on the floor, as Perry followed up with three dives in succession of his own. This left Guevara, who hit his wild Shooting Star Press to the floor. Tower of Doom spot led to everyone just mowing down MJF. Perry got a two count off a Poison Rana on Guevara, while Allin hit full steam corner charges on Perry & MJF, who hit a float over stunner and side headlock on MJF for two to follow up that story.
Guevara flipped off the apron to the floor, landed on his feet, caught Perry with a thrust kick and laid out Allin with a cutter mid dive. Guevara laid out MJF with a standing Spanish Fly and top rope Frog Splash, but MJF kicked out to chants for Sammy from the crowd. MJF stacked Guevara with a powerbomb and nearly got a side headlock on Allin, followed by dropping Allin right on his head with a driver for two. MJF spat on Allin as all four men started hitting high impact moves leading to a quadruple down. Allin, Guevara & Perry all hit moves by their mentors, a Scorpion Death Drop, Code Breaker & Killswitch leading to MJF hitting Cross Rhodes for a two count on Perry.
MJF took the microphone and said he saw the cue cards, Guevara needs the money. Guevara said heāll lie down and take the money, as he laid down, only to roll up MJF for two. MJF blocked the GTH, tried Salt of the Earth, but Guevara countered into Walls of Jericho. Perry went to break it up, but Allin sank in a Scorpion Death Drop. MJF was going to tap, but Perry stopped him. All four pillars had submissions applied at the same time before MJF broke things up first. This led to three Destroyers in a row, as Perry used Guevara & Allinās backs as launch pads to hit a perfect Destroyer on MJF for two. Perry hit a Tiger Driver on Guevara, but Allin launched Perry into the barricade, got a head start and tackled both Perry & MJF into the crowd.
Guevara cut off Allin climbing the ropes and hit a Spanish Fly onto MJF & Perry on the floor to loud Holy Sh*t chants. With everyone back inside, all four men slugged it out with chops and forearms until MJF eye poked all three. Guevara answered with his springboard cutter, Allin with a Code Red and Perry charging forearm on MJF as all three took turns trying to get the pin. A crazy series of innovative near falls brought the fans to their feet until Guevara spiked Perry with an Implant DDT, Allin hit another Code Red, went for a Coffin Drop, but MJF crotched him. MJF hit a perfect Blonde Bombshell powerbomb off the top as tribute to Chris Candido, but Allin kicked out.
Guevara connected with a Cutter off the ropes on Perry, who rolled to the floor, as MJF hit a low blow on Guevara and pulled out the Diamond Ring. Allin smacked MJF in the back with a skateboard and demolished him with a Coffin Drop, applied a side headlock, but Perry broke up the pin. Perry & Allin collided in the middle, as MJF tried to hit Perry with the AEW Title, as Guevara tackled MJF to the outside. Perry was left holding the title, debated hitting Allin with it and threw it away to boos from the crowd and nearly got rolled up as a result. Guevara hit GTH on Perry, but was launched outside by Allin, who hit a Coffin Drop, only for MJF to put the title on Perry prior to it happening. MJF rolled up Allin with a side headlock to get the win.
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The Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defeated The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks & Hangman Adam Page) in Anarchy in the Arena
(This was wild, chaotic, insane, quite fittingly, pure anarchy. With the way the finish was set up and the turn that happened, itās no surprise this went on last. It looks like The Elite are outnumbered once again and I donāt know if this is who will help them, but it certainly would be great if Omega turned to a Golden Lover to help even the odds. No matter who they get to help them, a lot of matches are still left to be had in this feud.)
Violent Idols sang Wild Thing on the stage as The Elite met the BCC in stands while the band kept playing. Nick & Yuta, Matt & Castagnoli, Page & Danielson and Omega & Moxley are all paired off as Don Callis has joined the broadcast table. Referee Rick Knox was clobbered ringside and is the first person to bleed in this match. Page laid out Danielson with a Buckshot Lariat and took off the eye patch, throwing it to Danielson and stalked him down with a screwdriver before Yuta chop blocked him. Page was beaten down 4 on 1 until The Bucks & Omega made the save and The Elite poured down punches in all four corners followed by superkicks. Quadruple Tope Suicidas by The Elite as Moxley is bleeding now, which, of course he is, itād be weird if he didnāt.
The match spilled up the ramp, as The Bucks laid out the lead singer of Violent Idols to stop the music. The Bucks both dove off the ramp onto Castagnoli & Yuta while back in the ring Omega & Moxley beat each other up with parts of the announce table. Matt Jackson hit rolling Northern Lights suplexes on Yuta down the ramp before Nick leapt both of them onto Castagnoli. Yuta was powerbombed on the edge of the ring while Moxley was beaten up by Omega & Page until Page accidentally booted Omega. Castanoli & Matt fought into the stands, as Moxley launched Omega into a giant poker chip, which was a cool call back to the first Double or Nothing. Thereās a poker chip covered in barbed wire, and Moxley hit a snap suplex on Omega into it.
On one side of the screen Moxley was stabbing Omega with a fork, while the other side Castagnoli was doing a Giant Swing in the concessions area on Matt. Moxley had a sleeper on Omega, who fell back onto the barbed wire. Nick Jackson & Page are also bleeding now as The BCC are taking turns picking apart Page while Castagnoli & Matt fought outside of the building. Moxley hit a brainbuster on a chair on Nick, while Danielson somehow found a leaf blower to bring in the ring. Page was able to hit Dead Eye on Moxley on the apron, as Omega, wearing Captain America trunks, started wielding a trash can lid like a shield before Castagnoli stopped him.
Nick made a comeback until Moxley hit a King Kong lariat and piledriver for two. Nick was locked in a Boston Crab and Crossface by Moxley & Yuta until Matt limped to the ring after being piledrove in a bed of a pickup truck. Matt hit an exploding superkick on Moxley, you read that right, as Page hit a Buckshot on Yuta. Matt had his shoe taken off, as Moxley brought in thumbtacks and dropped Matt barefoot onto them before hitting a Death Rider. Nick tried to save his brother, but was hit with a Cutter into the tacks. Castagnoli tried a Ricola Bomb on Omega, who floated through with a V-Trigger. Danielson charged in with Busiaku Knees on both Omega and Page before The BCC hit stereo anvil elbows on The Elite.
Matt had tacks placed in his mouth and Castagnoli uppercut them right out, as Yuta hit a German suplex for two. Omega & Page rose up, realized they are outnumbered, but fought off the challengers until Page hit Danielson with Dead Eye and Omega with One Winged Angel, but Yuta made the save. Omega & Page hit rolling offense on Yuta, as Page & Omega wanted double Buckshots, but Callis handed Yuta a screwdriver and Page was hit. Callis was about to be laid out by Omega when a masked man laid him out with a flying knee. It was revealed to be Konosuke Takeshita as Yuta got the seatbelt pin on Omega to win it.
Post match, Callis took his belt off and choked out Omega with The BCC & Takeshita standing tall as Castagnoli raised Yuta on his shoulders with Moxley & Danielson posing in the corners to end the show. Excalibur questions if Takeshita & Callis are members of the BCC and Taz said it certainly looks like it.
I am back for another Sunday edition of Wrestling Observer Live, joined by Nick Hausman from HausOfWrestling.com to discuss both Saturday’s WWE Night of Champions and Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing.
We start with WWE’s Saturday show in Saudi Arabia which included Brock Lesnar defeating Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins winning the revived WWE World Heavyweight title, and the big show ending angle involving the Usos and undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
We also talk Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing. Do we get a big show closing angle perhaps even the return of CM Punk?
We also talk the official announcement of AEW Collision, Punk fatigue in AEW, and plenty more.
The most important stretch in AEWās history kicks off this Sunday.
The next few months will see the debut of the new Collision show, the imminent return of CM Punk, Forbidden Door II, and the biggest show theyāve ever run with All In at Wembley Stadium. The little promotion that could is suddenly the massive promotion that did.
This is a company with a tremendous reach and a big financial commitment from its television partners. Come June, there will be at least seven hours of AEW programming every week. That doesnāt even count Ring of Honor, AEW All Access, or anything else that makes its way to television. Now that theyāre enormous — something a company that could wind up nearly filling Wembley Stadium certainly is — the expectations increase exponentially. Itās up to them to build on this momentum and use the extra resources to take the company to the next level. The roster is ready. Thereās enough talent to make all of this work and do something historic. The future of AEW has never been brighter.
The future is limitless, but this card is just…fine? Itās probably the most skippable AEW show in recent memory. Itās a card designed to bridge the gap until the next big thing — the debut of Collision — before AEW fully opens up the engines leading into a summer full of tentpole events. I doubt this will reach the heights of some previous shows (though AEW has shocked me before), but I donāt think anyone is going to be asking for their money back either.
Letās preview Sunday’s Double or Nothing (7:30 PM Eastern pre-show/8 PM Eastern main card on PPV) and see what shakes out.
Pre-show: The Firm (Ethan Page & The Gunns) vs. Hook & The Hardys for the rights to Page’s contract
There are two wolves in every man. The one that knows a nine-match PPV on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is a bad idea, and the one that books this card anyway. Wasnāt there just a cinematic match with all these people? Donāt those usually mean the end of feuds? I am confused and I am tired.
I do love some of the individual pieces here. Austin & Colten Gunn had the hardest entrance ever in AEW when they came out to 50 Cent’s “Many Men” Page has been entertaining and under-appreciated for almost as long as Iāve watched wrestling. And now Hook has been sent to replace the injured Isiah Kassidy/Brother Zay. He is very entertaining and is a future star, but Hook is Hook and the people sure do love El Diablo Guapo.
Letās keep this one short: Hook comes out, gets his stuff in, the Hardys fire up the nostalgia machine, and the crowd gets sent home happy.
Prediction: Hook & the Hardys
Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho in an unsanctioned match
This is a great way for Cole to make his return to pay-per-view, and the usual criticism of Jericho inserting himself to steal someoneās shine is misguided here. The number one bay bay is coming back from a frighteningly serious series of concussions, and someone like Jericho who doesnāt wrestle the standard AEW super indie style is as safe and stable as an opponent gets.
An unsanctioned match might seem scary for someone coming off of brain injury, but these types of matches are typically so well choreographed and planned that there should be significantly less risk.
Babyface Adam Cole sure is something. The crowd has always loved him, and now they get to show him just how deep that love is. If heās next up for MJF, count me as excited. Two of the best talkers in the company getting a chance to build a program should be something else. MJF really needs someone who can hang with him on the mic after his Herculean efforts carrying the wet paper bag that is the four pillars feud by his lonesome. Canāt wait.
Prediction: Adam Cole
The Elite (The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega & Hangman Page) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley & Bryan Danielson) in an Anarchy in the Arena match
āHigher levels, bigger devils.ā
Yet another all-time line from the god Jon Moxley and an appropriately biblical one for what promises to be a divine affair. The first Anarchy in the Arena bout was one of the best matches in AEW history as the visuals and moments will be used in video packages long after the current generation of AEW has hung up their boots. This, along with Blood and Guts, are their signature matches — their versions of Hell In A Cell and TLC.
These are matches that get busted out for the big stars with the big stakes, and come with appropriately massive expectations. If there was ever a group that can live up to those expectations, itās these eight cats.
Your mileage may vary on the winding, exhausting tale of The Elite and their will they/wonāt they friendship (relationship? lovership?). And I get it. Itās a lot! Itās overwrought and hackneyed at times, but man does the live crowd want it. They just eat it up. The building came apart when Page’s music hit a couple of weeks ago. The reunion of four of the people responsible for the existence of the company is objectively a big deal, regardless of whether or not itās a bit tiresome.
At times, and perhaps too often, The Elite are meta caricatures of wrestling. The Blackpool Combat Club is the other side of that. Gritty, real-ass wrestlers. No wink-wink behind the curtain stuff. Just four dudes that are going to wallop you, stretch you, and make you regret stepping in the ring with them. All of them have their roles and play them perfectly, none more so than Danielson who remains a flawless pro wrestler. This is him at his best. Heās a blessing every second heās on-screen, a beacon that lights the edges of the world.
Prediction: Blackpool Combat Club
Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International title in a 21-man Blackjack battle royal
Cassidyās run with the International Championship is the best title reign in AEW history. Week after week, heās had good to great matches with every type of wrestler you can imagine. Play the underdog against Big Bill? Done. Match Bandido move for move and spot for spot? No problem. Cassidy is so far beyond the “just a gimmick” moniker that he never deserved. He made this title matter and made it the workhorse title that it desperately needed to be.
Having mid-card titles like this are so important. They, obviously, add needed stakes to both one-off matches and feuds, but also serve to elevate the World title. The big prize should not be defended on TV regularly and should be saved for moments that truly deserve the highest stakes. When it is defended, it should feel like the proper spectacle it is.
As good as Cassidy has been, this feels like a safe way to take the title off him. Since winning the title in early October, Cassidy has wrestled in over 40 matches with most of them incredibly physical. Itās easy to think that his gimmick means heās taking it easy, but he absolutely is not. Even standard AEW matches are taxing and grueling. Doing that weekly for seven months takes a huge toll. Itās time for a much-deserved break for the hardest-working man in AEW.
Prediction: Not Orange Cassidy
AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
Since January, Hayter has wrestled in three singles matches which seems low for the top woman in the company. Sure, there were some visa issues that complicated things, but only three matches for a woman this good and that the crowd canāt get enough of is far, far too few.
Too often, sheās been getting second or even third billing as the champion. Too often, sheās standing beside Britt Baker during promos without saying much. Too often, the story of The Outcasts doing nothing of substance gets more TV time than the woman who should be the face of the division. And thatās just it: Jamie Hayter has never been presented as the true face of the division. Sheās an afterthought in everyone elseās stories and doesnāt have her own. A star this bright should never be dimmed this much.
Hayterās injury makes this whole situation murkier. If sheās going to miss time, it makes all the sense in the world to put the title on Storm. It gives The Outcasts something to do outside of just spray painting everyone and loving green. It would give time for Hayter rest up for a huge return at All In later this summer.
Prediction: Toni Storm wins the title
TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match
What a difference a year makes. Coming out of last yearās Double or Nothing, Wardlow was it, baby. No one was hotter than the War Daddy. Now? Heās a dryer on the fluff setting. Lukewarm would be giving him too much credit. As is often the case, itās through no fault of his own. The inconsistent booking and constant devaluing of the TNT title have created this perfect cocktail of mediocrity and mild reactions.
Cage is probably the best pure, old-school heel in AEW. (Yes, this includes MJF because people want to like him.) No one wants to like Cage and no one even wants to tolerate him. He knows exactly how to get the reactions he wants. Like an expert harpist, he plucks the right strings at the exact right times. He knows which notes will resonate the most, and plays them at just the right tempo. From his words to his expertly curated selection of turtlenecks and jackets, heās exactly the right person to start helping Wardlow get his momentum back and become someone who matters in AEW.
Prediction: Wardlow retains
TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
A question thatās been rolling around in my ever-smoothing brain: is Cargill’s undefeated streak losing its luster? She still feels unstoppable, but itās starting to feel routine. Never in my life could I imagine a world where a spectacle like Cargill feels like a regular wrestler. She hasnāt done anything meaningful since her program with Red Velvet in January. Prior to that, there was a bit of something with Willow Nightingale and Athena, but that was a year ago.
Two meaningful programs in a calendar year arenāt enough. A winning streak alone isnāt enough to be compelling, especially if the audience doesnāt believe she can actually lose. The presentation is still top shelf, but everything else is not. Sooner or later, there needs to be something for the audience to invest in or else itās just empty calories.
There is no reason for squash matches this far into an undefeated streak. If this holding pattern is a result of waiting for Kris Stalander to come back healthy, that is just as inexcusable. AEW has never struck me as a place allergic to creative risks, so why not take the chance to make someone in one night? Whoever breaks Jadeās streak is made. Are there really no other in-house options to do just that?
If you squint, you can convince yourself thereās a story here, but certainly not enough to warrant the end of a winning streak. Their first match was nothing special, or even good, but it at least planted the seeds for an actual program with backstory. No shade meant to Valkyrie but her being the one to end the winning streak would be a fantastic disappointment.
Prediction: Jade Cargill retains
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal with Mark Briscoe as guest referee
Once again, and as always, god bless Jeff Jarrett. This 55-year-old carnie still has the best facials in all of wrestling. Whenever he hits a big move or gets away with something, he looks like a four-year-old that found a really cool bug at the park that they canāt wait to show you. And, of course, he found a way to work his wife (Karen Jarrett) into this angle. Heās been playing the same hits for years, and they still sound as good as ever. Heās so close to assembling the Jeff Jarrett set of infinity rings. Never change, Jeff. Never grow old.
This match probably wonāt be a classic like weāve come to expect from big FTR matches, but it should be a beautiful, overwrought mess. Ref bumps, interference galore, maybe a missed three count or two, you name it. But there will not be a title change. At least not as part of a program that is best suited for the 9:00 hour of Dynamite, not a pay-per-view.
Prediction: FTR retains
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry and Darby Allin in a four-way
By orders of magnitude, this is the weakest main event in AEW PPV history. MJF has done everything he could to create something compelling here, but ultimately the other three “pillars” just arenāt up to the task. The more we put the pillars under a microscope, the more they wilt. The only one that has truly flourished and become exactly what he claims to be is MJF. The generational talent label has never been more apt or more deserved. Heās the only true top of the card talent. The rest are just lost in his gravity — completely overshadowed and outclassed by someone who is superior in every way.
The worst thing for Sammy, Darby, and Jungle Jack was the pillars moniker. It came out of nowhere and was immediately met with mockery. These guys are the future foundation of the company? These are the guys being spoken of in the same breath as the four pillars of Heaven? It was a bold statement that did nothing for any of them, much like this feud hasnāt. Itās only served as a reminder of what they arenāt.
They have been running the same promos for a month now. I need this, I love this, I gave up everything for this, etc. If thatās all there is to say, there really isnāt anything to say. Rinse and repeat babyface promos arenāt enough. Generic āthis is all Iāve dreamed aboutā promos arenāt enough. This has been so flat that I canāt help but wonder if thereās a post-match angle planned, maybe something big to close the show and propel AEW full speed ahead towards Collision.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about from beautiful Las Vegas, including the WWE Night of Champions PPV with a full recap of all the matches and angles, New Japan Best of the Super Juniors semi-finals, AEW Double or Nothing preview, ratings, news, lagging Q&A questions from the afternoon and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: The Bloodline storyline from Night of Champions
5:27: Full Night of Champions rundown
20:04: BOSJ semfinals recap
27:28: AEW Double or Nothing preview
34:52: Collision first episode ticket sales, Shibata no longer LA Dojo coach, ratings
41:14: SmackDown segments announced for next week, Jordynne Grace’s Impact contract expires
The AEW Trios titles will be on the line at Sunday’s Double or Nothing.
Announced during Friday’s Rampage, House of Black (Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews & Brody King) will defend the titles in an open challenge under their unique “house rules.”
The likely challengers will be former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn who picked up a win over Rush, Dralistico & Preston Vance on Rampage. Anthony Bowens intimated after their win that they were coming for the champions Sunday.
In a new development for Sunday, FTW Champion Hook will replace Brother Zay and join Matt & Jeff Hardy against Ethan Page and The Gunns on The Buy In pre-show.
Page and the Gunns injured Zay’s neck last Friday when the match was initially made, “Pillmanizing” Zay’s neck with a chair. This week, Zay and the Hardys came out after Page and the Gunns picked up a win, revealing Zay was unable to compete but found a replacement in their recent ally, Hook.
If the Hardys and Hook win, Matt Hardy will take over Page’s contract.
Here’s the full pay-per-view card, set for Sunday at 8 PM Eastern from Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena:
Four-way match: AEW World Champion MJF defends against Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, and Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
21-man Blackjack Battle Royale for the AEW International Championship
Ladder match: TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage
TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal (Mark Briscoe will be the special guest referee)
AEW Trios Champions House of Black (Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews & Brody King) defend in an open challenge
Unsanctioned match: Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho (Sabu will be the special enforcer)
Anarchy in the Arena match: Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks & Hangman Page)
Buy-In pre-show: Ethan Page, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn vs. Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Hook (if the Hardys team wins, Matt Hardy will own the rights to Ethan Page’s contract)
We’ve got predictions for an insanely busy weekend of wrestling for WWE Night of Champions and AEW Double or Nothing, as well as thoughts on Raw’s closing segment and the CM Punk situation (seemingly) being settled.
John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.
We started the show with thoughts on the top three matches at Saturday’s WWE Night of Champions. We also tried to figure out what the finish is for the Tag Team title match as well as the match order for the show.
We then went to our thumbs up/thumbs down segment talking about Tony Khan and CM Punk, JR Kratos, Nick Khan, and the unsanctioned match stipulation at AEW Double or Nothing.
We then moved onto our big picture look at this past week’s Dynamite and Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, focusing on the following:
The disappointing closing angle for the Anarchy In The Arena match
One pillar and three guys
Mark Briscoe running wild
Lack of build for both women’s title matches
Sabu
A look at the whole AEW Double or Nothing card
You can subscribe to The Fight Game Podcast on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify or click below to listen.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including AEW announcing Chicago for the Collision debut, CM Punk, AEW Dynamite review, the full line-up for the Double or Nothing show this coming weekend, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
AEW head Tony Khan addressed the media Thursday on a conference call to promote Double or Nothing, address questions about a potential brand split, future announcements for Collision, and more.
During the hour-long discussion, Khan was not asked about CM Punk, nor did he bring him up by name.
Here are notes from the call with the full audio linked below:
When asked about a potential brand split, Khan wouldn’t give a firm answer on what will happen when Collision debuts. He said he wants fans to wonder what is going to happen with the roster and is excited to eventually follow up on that question.
When asked about the television deal for Collision, Khan said the length of the deal for the new show is the same as they currently have for Dynamite and Rampage, but didn’t disclose any financials. He said Warner Bros Discovery reached out to them with the idea of adding another show.
Regarding running Collision on Saturdays, Khan said Saturday nights are the best event nights for live shows and selling tickets. He said they have to do something special and make it destination viewing and believes they have plans in place to do so.
When asked about Taya Valkyrie, Khan responded that she is very experienced, a great wrestler, and great in the locker room. He also said she is the biggest challenge Jade Cargill has faced yet.
When asked about possibly going up against the NFL’s Saturday games and with PPVs on Sundays, Khan said he generally doesn’t want to do it and it would be very tough competition. However, he sounded as though he understands it will happen. He also mentioned that AEW is on the radar of NFL executives, who have noticed the ratings they bring in.
Asked for an update on Jamie Hayter, Khan would not give a clear answer regarding if she will wrestle on the pay-per-view. He mentioned that she was not cleared for a match recently but otherwise avoided giving an answer.
Khan said that Sabu won’t be a regular on AEW programming but could make future guest appearances after Double or Nothing. He mentioned that he and his father saw Sabu in the ECW Arena when Tony was 13 years old and that his father texted him after seeing Sabu on Dynamite Wednesday.
Khan praised Jungle Boy, Sammy Guevara, MJF, and Darby Allin as well as the Four Pillars storyline they have been involved with.
Asked about possible future announcements regarding Collision, Khan said he is definitely being “intentionally secret” about where all of this is going. This was the closest anyone came to asking about Punk.
Khan commented on WWE NXT Battleground happening on the same night as Double or Nothing. He said he’s always eager to compete so long as it’s done with ethical standards. Khan also said he doesn’t consider them running a show on the same night as an unethical move but “the other side” has acted unethically in the past.
Khan said that with the addition of Collision, he wants more people helping out with creative. He mentioned QT Marshall, Pat Buck, Jerry Lynn, Dean Malenko, Madison Rayne, Sarah Stock, BJ Whitmer, and Will Washington as those who contribute from a creative perspective. He also said he’s been leaning on Bryan Danielson more lately.
Khan said he is confident they will get wrestlers from Stardom for Forbidden Door.
Khan was asked if Collision means AEW will be running more pay-per-views and responded that it’s something they could consider but only if it made sense regarding their deal with Warner Bros Discovery.
Regarding a potential Sting retirement match, Khan said Sting can wrestle as long as he wants to. Sting hasn’t given him a date on when he will retire. He praised what Sting brings to the company. Khan called Sting’s retirement match the biggest moment in wrestling that’s out there right now.
Asked about possible commentators for AEW Collision, Khan complimented Veda Scott and said he’s got some names in mind that people might find surprising.
He said he suggested Willow Nightingale for the NJPW Strong Women’s title tournament. Khan praised her performances in Ring of Honor and AEW.
In response to a question on Mercedes Mone’s injury possibly changing plans for Forbidden Door, Khan said that Mone was probably the odds-on favorite to win the tournament. He said only he and Mone know about any conversations for the June PPV.
Khan did not provide broadcast details for All In, nor information about All Out the following week.
He confirmed that AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation being canceled is due to the new agreement with Warner Bros Discovery.
Khan said he doesn’t consider ROH a feeder system, specifically mentioning the promotion’s champions as top stars. Fans can expect a bigger episode of ROH TV this week as well.
AEW has revealed all 21 participants who will be competing in the Blackjack Battle Royale at Double or Nothing this Sunday.
Orange Cassidy’s AEW International Championship will be on line in battle royal. The following challengers will be joining him in the match:
Jay White
Juice Robinson
Ricky Starks
Brian Cage
Swerve Strickland
Keith Lee
Dustin Rhodes
Penta El Zero Miedo
Rey Fenix
Kip Sabian
Trent Beretta
Chuck Taylor
Tony Nese
Ari Daivari
Big Bill
Lee Moriarty
Komander
Bandido
The Butcher
The Blade
Cassidy became AEW All-Atlantic Champion in October 2022. Earlier this year, the name of the title was changed to the International Championship. Cassidy has made 22 successful title defenses in total.
Double or Nothing takes place from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Sunday. The updated card for the pay-per-view is listed below:
Four-way match: AEW World Champion MJF defends against Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, and Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
21-man Blackjack Battle Royale for the AEW International Championship
Ladder match: TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage
TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal (Mark Briscoe will be the special guest referee)
Unsanctioned match: Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho (Sabu will be the special enforcer)
Anarchy in the Arena match: Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks & Hangman Page)
Ethan Page, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn vs. Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Isiah Kassidy (if the Hardys team wins, Matt Hardy will own the rights to Ethan Page’s contract)
Matt & Jeff Hardy will have a new partner for Double or Nothing.
The Hardys and Isiah Kassidy were initially scheduled to face Ethan Page and The Gunns on Sunday’s pay-per-view. However, an injury angle has taken Kassidy out of the match.
Kassidy was attacked by Page and the Gunns on Rampage last week. The segment concluded with Page stomping on Kassidy’s head as it was wrapped in a chair.
The Hardys then revealed on last night’s Rampage taping that Kassidy will not be able to compete on Sunday’s pay-per-view due to his injuries. He will be replaced by FTW Champion, Hook.
Several of the names participating in the International title Blackjack Battle Royal were also revealed on last night’s Rampage taping. A tag match between Big Bill & Lee Moriarty vs. The Best Friends led to a brawl with those challenging for Orange Cassidy’s title at the pay-per-view coming out to participate.
18 of the 21 participants in the battle royal were confirmed on Wrestling Observer Radio by our own Dave Meltzer:
Orange Cassidy
Keith Lee
Swerve Strickland
Big Bill
Lee Moriarty
Chuck Taylor
Trent Beretta
Tony Nese
Ari Daivari
Josh Woods
Penta El Zero Miedo
Rey Fenix
Bandido
The Butcher
The Blade
Kip Sabian
Brian Cage
Dustin Rhodes
AEW posted a graphic for the match to Instagram on Thursday morning. The graphic also features Jay White, Ricky Starks, and Juice Robinson.
AEW Double or Nothing, Sunday, May 28, 7 p.m. Eastern time —
Four-way for the AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara & “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
AEW Women’s World Championship: Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
21-man Blackjack Battle Royale for the AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy vs. 20 challengers
Ladder match for the TNT Championship: Wardlow defends against Christian Cage
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
AEW Tag Team Championship w/Mark Briscoe as special referee: FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal
Unsanctioned match with Sabu as special guest enforcer: Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho
Anarchy in the Arena match: Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
Ethan Page, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn vs. Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Hook –If the Hardys team wins, Matt Hardy will own the rights to Ethan Page’s contract
Sabu made his AEW debut on Wednesday’s Dynamite and was named special enforcer for the Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole match at Double or Nothing.
The former ECW Heavyweight, TV, Tag Team, and FTW Champion made a surprise appearance on Dynamite, introduced by Cole in a contract signing segment between Cole and Jericho for their unsanctioned match set for Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
During the contract signing, Jericho was backed up by Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, and Angelo Parker, while Cole’s only backup was Roderick Strong. Jericho pointed out that Cole was outnumbered, but Cole noted that he had called for backup from someone who was crazy. He then introduced Sabu. Sabu entered, and threw a steel chair at Menard to close the angle.
Sabu, 58, last wrestled in 2021 on an independent show for XWW in California.
The updated Double or Nothing lineup:
AEW Double or Nothing, Sunday, May 28, 7 p.m. Eastern time —
Four-way for the AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara & “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
AEW Women’s World Championship: Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
21-man Blackjack Battle Royale for the AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy vs. QT Marshall vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Aaron Solo vs.Ā
Ladder match for the TNT Championship: Wardlow defends against Christian Cage
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
AEW Tag Team Championship w/Mark Briscoe as special referee: FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal
Unsanctioned match with Sabu as special guest enforcer: Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho
Anarchy in the Arena match: Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
Ethan Page, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn vs. Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Isiah Kassidy –If the Hardys team wins, Matt Hardy will own the rights to Ethan Page’s contractĀ
