The latest WWE and AEW News and Results
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It’s time for a new Wrestling Weekly with Vic Sosa and Les Thatcher.
AEW Dynamite Beach Break was a success for the company, and WWE had some interesting fan reactions (or non-reactions) on Raw and we’ll look at some of the potential reasons for that.
Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
The AEW World Championship is on the line inside a solid steel cage on tonight’s Dynamite Beach Break special.
Jon Moxley of The Death Riders puts his AEW World title up in a steel cage against Samoa Joe of The Opps on tonight’s episode from suburban Chicago.
A Women’s World title eliminator four-way is also scheduled for tonight, with Women’s World Champion Toni Storm facing newly-crowned NJPW Strong Women’s Champion AZM, Mina Shirakawa, plus the returning hometown star Skye Blue.
After their confrontation on last week’s Collision episode, Ricochet and Zach Gowen will go one-on-one on tonight’s show.
The Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament finalists will also team on tonight’s episode, as Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay take on Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander of The Don Callis Family. Page and Ospreay will battle in the Owen finals at Double or Nothing for the right to challenge for the AEW World title at All In Texas in July.
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AEW Dynamite: Beach Break comes on the air with Sum 41’s “You Wanted War” playing for the opening theme, as Excalibur welcomes us alongside Taz & Ian Riccaboni. The music for Will Ospreay hits, as it’s time for the opening tag match. The camera keeps splitting between picture in picture for Ospreay’s entrance, but it got sorted once Hangman Page walked out, signing a fans shirt in the process, which Ospreay noticed and approved of.
(Excellent opener, with the action fast and furious, while just slighting teasing the dissention between Page & Ospreay for most of the match, until the finish. The crowd popped huge for the end, as the post-match was exactly what you’d expect, as the cracks were finally going to give, as Ospreay & Page are on their road to the Owen Hart Foundation Final. I almost hope they get a run as a tag team at some point simply for the stereo Buckshot/Hidden Blade combo, which was wildly impressive.)
Riccaboni pointed out the only blemish on Ospreay’s record in 2025 was a tag team loss a few weeks ago to the Callis Family. Ospreay & Takeshita kick things off with a lighting quick opening sequence before Alexander tags in. After a snap hurricanrana, Ospreay was about to tag Page, but a brief delay allowed Alexander to hit a flapjack. A wild pump knee Doomsday Device off the ropes by Takeshita, who tried to target the kidneys, but Ospreay managed a head scissors and hot tag to Page. Springboard lariat, slingshot plancha and moonsault off the apron wiped out Alexander, as Takeshita was planted with a DVD back inside for two, as Callis reluctantly put him over on commentary. Both up and trade Tombstone attempts until Page hits a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Page seemed hesitant to tag Ospreay, but did, as the two hit a sliding lariat/standing Shooting Star combo. Ospreay was wildly backdropped to the floor by both Takeshita & Alexander, who leveled Page with a sliding cross body on the apron. Takeshita got a head of steam and connected on a somersault dive onto Ospreay & Page as things went to commercial.
The Callis Family controlled the entire break, isolating Page, who woke up after Alexander opted to start slapping him in the face. Ankle lock applied, but Page kicked free and Alexander collided with his partner, allowing Ospreay to make the tag with a full head of steam. Double handspring Pele Kick led to a standing Sky Twister Press on Alexander for two. Page decked Takeshita with a big boot, as both Page & Ospreay had a brief stare down before hitting stereo moonsaults off the top to the outside, as Ospreay patted Page on the head. Pip, Pip, Cheerio connects by Ospreay back inside, as Alexander fought off Storm Breaker and countered a handspring into a spinning Torture Rack slam for two. Ospreay was clocked by a Takeshita right hand, but over-rotated a Blue Thunder Bomb and didn’t get much of it for a near fall.
Page tried making the save, but Alexander flattened him with a release overhead German. Helluva Kick decked Ospreay, as Alexander & Takeshita hit a stereo ripcord pump knee/lariat, but Ospreay kicked out. They wanted the Doomsday knee again, but Ospreay countered into a Poison Rana and Oscutter twice, but Alexander got a shoulder up. Ospreay signaled for Hidden Blade, but Page got a blind tag. Alexander ducked a Buckshot, Page narrowly put on the brakes to avoid hitting Ospreay, who tried Hidden Blade, Alexander again ducked and Ospreay came within inches of hitting Page, but pulled up at the last second. Both got on the same page and hit dueling finishers, Buckshot Blade or Hidden Buckshot if you will, for the victory.
Post-match, Page & Ospreay were having an intense face-off, when Takeshita & Alexander attacked. Ospreay fought back with a Hidden Blade on Alexander, suplex on Takeshita and Ospreay swung wildly with a forearm, decking Page. Referee Bryce had to separate both men, as Ospreay was trying to say he thought it was Alexander, but stormed to the back when Page didn’t want to hear any of it.
Match Result: Hangman Adam Page & Will Ospreay defeated Konosuke Takeshita & Josh Alexander via Buckshot/Hidden Blade combo
-Video package for Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe in a Steel Cage Match in the main event tonight is shown.
-Alicia Atout is in the back with Top Flight & Leila Grey, as we’re told they are in action tonight against The Hurt Syndicate. Dante Martin is fired up and said last week, if MJF wants to stick his nose in their business, he’ll bite it off. Darius said tonight, they’re going to defeat The Hurt Syndicate and are coming for the Tag Team gold.
ROH Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara walk in, as Rhodes gives his approval, saying they need to use that doubt in people’s minds as fuel to prove them wrong. Rhodes & Guevara will be watching later tonight.
(Gowen put up one heck of a fight and got the crowd behind him with their pure hatred of Ricochet, even kicking out of some heavy shots, but wasn’t meant to be at the end.)
Ricochet strutted to the ring with Gowen’s prosthetic leg he stole from him last week on Collision, resulting in Gowen coming to the ring on crutches, hugging his kids ringside. Commentary put over Gowen and his history, sharing the ring with Paul Wight, Shelton Benjamin, Mark Briscoe, even teaming with The Great Muta in AJPW in 2007. Gowen tried to goad Ricochet to go to the ground to start, as he literally chased Ricochet from the ring, so Gowen hit a slingshot cross body, landing on his foot. After shining up Ricochet’s head and hitting a palm strike, Ricochet slammed Gowen into the barricade heading into picture in picture.
Back from break, Ricochet missed a charge and crotched himself in the ropes, as Taz pointed out it was Yam-bag Yahtzee that couldn’t have felt good. Ricochet caught Gowen leaping off the second and fired off some chops, mockingly blowing a kiss to Gowen’s family before hitting a springboard 450 Splash for two. Ricochet followed with a Shooting Star Press, but again, Gowen kicked out. Vertigo connected, as Ricochet got a nonchalant cover, but Gowen got a shoulder up. Ricochet opted to grab the golden scissors, but Referee Rick Knox refuse to let that happen. With his back turned, Gowen waffled Ricochet with his prosthetic leg and got a close two. Gowen signaled for his moonsault, but nobody was home, allowing Ricochet to load up and hit the Spirit Gun for the win.
Post-match, Ricochet hit another Spirit Gun to the back of the head, followed by a running punt kick to the head. Mark Briscoe ran to the ring and chased off Ricochet, who retreated with a smile on his face.
Match Result: Ricochet defeated Zach Gowen via Spirit Gun
-Renee Paquette is backstage and introduces MJF, asking how he’ll feel if The Hurt Syndicate accept him into their group tonight? MJF said it was an incredibly intelligent question, first time for everything, as for 406 consecutive days, he was the greatest wrestler on God’s Green Earth. The AEW roster is stacked from top to bottom and if MJF has to wrestle, he wants to know he’s going to win. If he gets to be part of The Hurt Syndicate, they will be an unstoppable 4 headed dragon, as him becoming AEW Champion for a second time won’t be a possibility, it’ll be a probability. Paquette asks what if they say no? MJF pondered it before MVP’s hand was placed on his shoulder, as The Hurt Syndicate walk in. MVP said after their match, it’s imperative that MJF joins them in the ring. They walk off, Lashley smiling, as Paquette patted MJF on the shoulder.
(The match itself, at least Top Flight seemed to put up a fight and this wasn’t an entire squash, they got in a good amount of offense, even taking Lashley off his feet, which many haven’t been able to say. The post-match felt like a quick “we need a tag title match for the PPV” as Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, despite being ROH Tag Champions, really haven’t been on Dynamite in a long while and CRU got barely any reaction. I think it’s safe to say whoever gets the title shot at Double or Nothing, I wouldn’t be betting on them over Lashley & Benjamin.)
Quick double team DDT by Darius & Dante on Benjamin, before taking out Lashley with a dropkick on the apron. Dante tried a dive, Lashley caught him, so Darius dove onto the pile to take Lashley off his feet. Back inside, Dante hit a cross over Frog Splash on Benjamin for a near fall, as Darius tagged in. Dante tried another dive on Lashley, who caught him in mid-air and posted him in the process. Benjamin launched Darius with a suplex and then to the floor against the barricade, as Lashley took over to do the same. Spinebuster on the apron, as followed with a corner charge and neckbreaker before tagging Benjamin, who took Darius to Suplex City, but Darius kicked out. Dante recovered, but as he made a tag, was immediately hit with a pump knee in mid-air and step-up knee in the corner, as Lashley, who destroyed Dante with a Spear. The Hurt Lock applied, as Benjamin clocked Darius with a superkick before Dante passed out.
Post-match, Lashley refused to release the submission when Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara walked out. Rhodes said Lashley doesn’t look like a badass, he looks like an asshole, saying why don’t they pick on someone their own size? MVP said with the respect he has for Rhodes and Dusty, he won’t have his guys beat them and leave them in a pool of blood. MVP asked what they wanted, Rhodes said it’s obvious, until they were all interrupted by CRU, Lio Rush & Action Andretti, who didn’t get much of a reaction at all.
Andretti kept calling Rhodes “gramps” and said they’ll rearrange Guevara’s face before sending him home to his beautiful little daughter. The zero reaction turned to “Shut the F Up” chants, as they said they have business with The Hurt Syndicate, as they also beat Top Flight. Rush brought up his history with Lashley and wanted a title shot. Rhodes said no cutting in line and to respect your elders. MVP has had enough, so told them to take this to Collision and the winners get an AEW Tag Title match at Double or Nothing. MVP said he was told in his ear that they have 30 seconds until break, so told the crowd to stay tuned, MJF will get his answer for what he deserves.
Match Result: The Hurt Syndicate defeated Top Flight when Lashley submitted Dante
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MVP orders MJF to the ring to get what he deserves, but MJF doesn’t come out, so MVP tells Benjamin to head to the back, as MJF seemed to have lost his way. Benjamin runs to the back and Tony Khan rats MJF out, as he was hiding behind his table in the Gorilla Position. MJF said he was just looking for Benjamin, who shoved MJF out to the arena to the ring.
MVP said this is his moment of reckoning, as MJF asked for this. They had one final discussion, as MVP & Benjamin both give a thumbs up until Lashley puts his arm around MJF and pulls him to the middle of the ring. Benjamin looks like he’s going to attack MJF, as Lashley really teased his answer for a long time, the crowd loving it, before giving a thumbs up. MJF leapt into the arms of Lashley, who shoved him off, so MJF hopped on the ropes and led a “We Hurt People” chant. MVP said next week on Dynamite, the official signing of MJF into the Hurt Syndicate. MJF hugged them all, as MVP raised his hand and Excalibur pointed out he wasn’t sure MJF celebrated this much when he won the AEW World Title.
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(This was by far the best Eliminator of the series that Storm has been having and it was bound to catch up with her the closer we got to the PPV. I was surprised Storm herself took the pin, but it ultimately makes sense, as now Shirakawa has momentum heading into Double or Nothing. Post-match continued Mone’s bad blood with AZM and it’s a match I wouldn’t be shocked if we got at maybe Forbidden Door a few months from now? I enjoyed everything about this match and post segment, job well done to everyone involved.)
We saw clips of AZM winning the Strong Women’s Title at Resurgence, not pinning Mercedes Mone, but Shirakawa in a 3-way. Commentary informs us Shirakawa (who came out to a different theme) is officially part of the AEW roster and no longer a Stardom competitor, as Storm was vibing to Shirakawa’s entrance. Blue entered last to a huge hometown pop, returning from nearly 10 months on the shelf due to injury.
Bell sounds and Shirakawa sprinted to attack AZM, as Storm & Blue fought on the outside. Lighting quick back and forth from AZM & Shirakawa, who slid into her dance, but AZM got a roll-up for two. Shirakawa tripped up AZM to the floor and hit a Tornado DDT off the apron, leaving Storm & Blue inside the ring. Tilt-a-whirl head scissors by Blue, who followed with a pump knee and Tornado DDT of her own, but AZM back in, they dodge roundhouse kick attempts and have a forearm battle. Storm & Shirakawa trip them both up and pull them outside, leading to a brief face-off. The spider graphic is shown crawling down the screen, like last week, as it’s a tease for the incoming Thekla. Riccaboni brings up Storm & Shirakawa’s past in a love triangle, but never mentions Mariah May by name.
Double Thesz Press delivered to Blue & AZM, as Storm & Shirakawa start trading forearms. AZM in with a high kick on Shirakawa, who hit a cazadora on Storm, sinking in a Figure Four after dispatching of AZM. Storm got the rope break, as Shirakawa connected on a dive off the top to the outside on Storm, as AZM followed with multiple dives, until Blue took out the pile with a dive heading into commercial.
Back from break, all four ladies are slugging it out with forearms until AZM & Storm get decked with knee lifts, leaving Blue & Shirakawa to continue throwing bombs. Storm & AZM in for a double release German, as Storm followed with another to AZM, leaving all competitors in separate corners. Sweet Cheek Music dished out to everyone, until Storm finally missed and ate a trifecta of strikes, sending her outside. Blue missed a charge on Shirakawa, who hit a bounce back engugiri, wanted her Glamourous Driver, but Storm flew in with a shotgun dropkick. Sky High by Storm on Skye Blue, but again, Shirakawa sent Storm outside. Blue & Shirakawa trade kicks until Blue just got enough of Code Blue, but AZM broke the count, dodging Code Blue and hit a Destroyer for two, as Storm broke the count. Storm caught a charging AZM with a snap Storm Zero, but Shirakawa broke it up. Storm tried her Big Package, but Shirakawa rolled through and got a flash pin on the AEW Women’s Champion.
Post-match, Storm couldn’t believe it, but the graphic was shown on the tron (Shirakawa’s old theme that everyone loves played this time, which is much better), making the Double or Nothing match official. Storm left, as Referee Aubrey was helping AZM to the back before Mercedes Mone sprinted out and decked AZM, applying the Statement Maker, screaming that AZM stole her title. Jaime Hayter ran out to make the save and applied the Statement Maker on Mone, narrowly hitting a Hayter-ade when security broke things up.
Match Result: Mina Shirakawa defeated Timeless Toni Storm, Skye Blue & AZM via Small Package on Storm
-We go to the announce table, where Excalibur puts over a pioneer of the business passing away this week, Sabu, mentioning that his legacy is almost unmatched. He said if there was anyone who knew Sabu, it was the man sitting next to him, as Taz said Sabu was a machine, his work ethic was off the charts and energy was infectious. Sabu was aura before aura was cool and behind the curtain he was loved by his peers worldwide. Taz broke down, as commentary did the Sabu point to the sky as a graphic was shown. This was a great tribute, RIP Sabu.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with MVP & an ecstatic MJF, who said he feels like he won the lottery. All that he has left to do is for his lawyer, Mark Sterling, to go over the contract. MVP was caught off guard, as Sterling walked in, offered a handshake, but MVP shoved it aside. MJF said Sterling could take a walk and told MVP you don’t sign a contract without making sure it’s kosher, as MVP seemed to understand and they walked off together.
Tony Schiavone is in the ring with Nigel McGuinness, who apologizes to Schiavone for getting in the ring last week on Collision, something he told Schiavone to never do. There’s someone else he needs to apologize to, Daniel Garcia, who makes his entrance. McGuinness said he let his ego get the best of him, robbing Garcia of getting the winners purse, but realizes his place is at the announce table with Schiavone and it’ll never happen again.
Garcia said McGuinness could keep his apology, as FTR disrespected him and he stood up for himself. FTR tried to end Adam Copeland’s career, Garcia’s career and possibly McGuinness’ career. Garcia will do this with or without him, but it would be an honor for McGuinness to fight by his side.
Stokely Hathaway walked out and said FTR aren’t here tonight, but is here to speak on their behalf. What McGuinness did last week was reprehensible, as he nearly broke Harwood’s jaw and dislocated Wheeler’s shoulder, asking what McGuinness’ problem was? McGuinness mockingly said he’s so sorry, as Hathaway said that doesn’t work for them. When you do something bad, there’s consequences for your actions. FTR & Hathaway talked and said the punishment for McGuinness should be to get in the ring with FTR in an official match, as they won’t be held accountable for injuring him. McGuinness said that’s why he doesn’t want to wrestle them, they’re 10-time champions, he’s barely had a conversation with Garcia, they’d kill them. Garcia said McGuinness has overcome the odds his whole career, something Garcia has had to do as well. Hathaway said McGuinness can continue sitting at the commentary table being the Al Bundy of AEW, but what makes him think he can beat FTR when he barely beat hepatitis.
FTR sneak attacked from behind, laying out Garcia with Shatter Machine, as McGuinness was about to be dropped with a Spike Piledriver when Daddy Magic sprinted to the ring with a crowbar. FTR & Hathaway retreated, ripping up a FTR Is the Best sign, just to drive home that they’re true dastardly heels.
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(The cage match was a bloody brawl and one you’d expect from both men involved; it was a solid main event. That said, the ending was also what you’d expect, as there were a total of 13 people not named Jon Moxley or Samoa Joe that got involved in the finish or post-match. We knew they had to set-up Anarchy in the Arena somehow with Double or Nothing coming up in 2 weeks and it seems like it’s set, my question is, are Shafir & Nightingale involved in the match itself, as that’d be an interesting addition that would be fun. This certainly ended in anarchy and the PPV should be no different.)
Joe wasted no time slamming Moxley hard into the cage, delivering headbutt after headbutt before a charging boot. Joe dropped an elbow, as Moxley rolled to the corner, flipped off Joe and the brief distance was enough for Moxley to kick out the leg and deliver a chop block, zoning in on the left leg. Figure Four is applied, but Joe reversed it, causing Moxley to release the hold. Forearm battle kicks in until Moxley fired off a big boot, taking control as things head to break right around the top of the hour.
Moxley was busted open badly during commercial, as we return to both slugging it out on their knees until Moxley bit at Joe. Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta have joined Shafir cageside, as Willow Nightingale & Powerhouse Hobbs are also down to corner Joe, who ramped up the strikes, before Moxley went for the eyes. Moxley tried climbing the cage, but Joe cut him off with an Atomic and Manhattan Drop followed by a massive senton for two. Taz said Moxley looks like he got hit in the face with a bazooka, as he’s bleeding buckets, as Joe sank in a Crossface deep, but Moxley got the ropes (I still don’t understand rope breaks in a Cage Match, but I digress).
Joe wanted a Muscle Buster, but Moxley bit at the face, rolled out of the corner into multiple lariats. Joe managed a big boot, but Moxley exploded into a Cutter for two, as Moxley transitioned into a cross-arm breaker attempt. Moxley switched to the Bulldog Choke, Joe started fading, but the arm didn’t drop a third time and he started to power up. Moxley spiked him with a Paradigm Shift, but Joe kicked out, leaving Moxley furious. Moxley wanted another, but Joe spun out into the Coquina Clutch. Castagnoli tried climbing the cage, but Nightingale stopped him, as Yuta was planted through a table by Hobbs. With Joe’s attention turned, someone in a hoodie ran down and slid Moxley the briefcase, as he decked Joe and got the tainted victory. The hooded person was revealed to be Gabe Kidd as the cage rose.
Hobbs stalked down Kidd up the ramp until Castagnoli smacked him in the back with a chair, which Hobbs no sold. Kidd hit a low blow and the two sent Hobbs crashing into the steps, as Nightingale was driven into the barricade by Shafir. The Young Bucks music hit, as Matthew & Nicholas Jackson applaud making their way to the ring. Kidd helped up Moxley, along with Shafir and The Bucks were about to shake their hands when Kenny Omega’s music hits.
Omega sprinted and laid out Yuta with a V-Trigger on the ramp and sent Castagnoli into the barricade, but Kazuchika Okada appears and delivers a forearm into the midsection of Omega, throwing him into the ring. Matthew had the control to lower the cage back down, leaving Joe & Omega locked inside with Death Riders, Kidd & The Bucks. Okada didn’t make it in the cage, as he was chased off by Speedball Mike Bailey, which we barely saw. The Bucks hit Omega with an EVP Trigger and Moxley followed with a Paradigm Shift. They choked out Omega, as Death Riders put the boots to Joe.
Swerve Strickland’s music hits and he walks out with Prince Nana, quickly climbing the cage and delivers a Swerve Stomp off the top of the cage onto the pile. Matthew frantically raised the cage, as The Bucks ran away, as Death Riders were soon to follow. Strickland took the mic and said the last time he was in this city and a cage; he got his brains beat in and dropped on a cinder block, but here he is again. Strickland realized he is the fear, the most dangerous man in AEW and they all want to cause a little anarchy. Double or Nothing, Anarchy in the Arena. The challenge has officially been laid out as the show closes.
Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Samoa Joe to retain the AEW World Title
AEW Collision Beach Break 5/17/25
AEW Dynamite 5/21/25
AEW has revealed all of the competitors for Wednesday’s Dynamite Beach Break Women’s World title eliminator match.
Already confirmed for the four-way match were Women’s World Champion Toni Storm, plus the returning Skye Blue. In a social media post on Monday, AEW owner Tony Khan announced that Mina Shirakawa, and new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion AZM will fill out the field for Wednesday’s match:
AZM won the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship at last Friday’s Resurgence pay-per-view, dethroning Mercedes Mone in a three-way match also featuring Shirakawa. AZM defeated Shirakawa, with Mone not involved in the finish.
Wednesday’s Dynamite Beach Break in Chicago also includes a World title cage match, Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament finalists teaming up in tag team action, plus Ricochet vs. Zach Gowen.
The updated AEW Dynamite Beach Break card:
John LaRocca and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.
We kicked off this show by giving out our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week before hitting the major AEW and WWE topics of the week.
Here are some of the things we talked about:
Click Here to Listen (sub needed)
Skye Blue is returning to the ring for the first time in nearly 10 months.
AEW revealed during Thursday’s Collision episode that Skye Blue will make her in-ring return at Dynamite Bach Break in her hometown of Chicago on Wednesday, May 14.
Blue will be part of a four-way Women’s World title eliminator bout also featuring Women’s Champion Toni Storm, and two competitors yet to be revealed. Storm laid out the challenge for another title eliminator bout in her show-opening promo on Collision.
Skye Blue has been sidelined since last July after suffering a broken ankle in a bout against Thunder Rosa on Collision.
The Dynamite Beach Break card will also feature a World title cage match, Ricochet against Zach Gowen, plus Owen Hart Foundation tournament finalists Will Ospreay and Hangman Adam Page teaming against Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander. Bobby Lashley is also going to give his final answer as to whether or not MJF can join The Hurt Syndicate on the show.
Ricochet will face a blast from the past at AEW Dynamite Beach Break.
Former WWE wrestler and longtime indie talent Zach Gowen will take on Ricochet at AEW Dynamite Beach Break in Chicago on Wednesday, April 14. The match was set up with an angle on Thursday’s Collision episode.
Gowen was introduced to the live crowd prior to Collision going on the air, then was ringside for Ricochet’s one-on-one match with Angelico and pointed out on commentary.
After his match, Ricochet taunted security staff at ringside and began cutting the hair of one of the guards. Gowen jumped the rail to make the save, but Ricochet cut him off and stole Gowen’s prosthetic leg, leaving Gowen laying in the ring. Video of the angle is here.
Later in the telecast, Ricochet vs. Gowen was announced for next week’s Beach Break.
Gowen had a brief, yet memorable stint in WWE in 2003, including pay-per-view matches against Vince McMahon and Matt Hardy, and television matches against John Cena and Brock Lesnar. He was also part of a Hulk Hogan (as Mr. America) vs. Roddy Piper feud on the SmackDown brand the same year.
A tag team bout featuring the Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament finalists has been added to next week’s AEW Dynamite Beach Break special.
Owen finalists Will Ospreay and Hangman Adam Page will team up next week, facing Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander of The Don Callis Family.
The tag bout was set up with this week’s opening segment on Dynamite where Ospreay and Page went head-to-head on the microphone to kick off the show. Callis and his Family interrupted, with Ospreay then throwing out the challenge to any two members of the Family for next week. Alexander and Takeshita were revealed as the opponents later in Wednesday’s show.
Ospreay and Page will square off in the Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament finals at Double or Nothing on May 25, with the winner earning an AEW World title shot at All In Texas on July 12.
Already set for Dynamite Beach Break, Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe in a steel cage match.
Chicago’s Wintrust Arena hosts tonight’s special Beach Break episode of AEW Dynamite.
Will Ospreay will defend the AEW International Championship against Daniel Garcia on tonight’s show. Ospreay is coming off a loss to AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland in the main event of Sunday’s Forbidden Door — his first singles defeat in AEW.
The first women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament semifinal is set with rivals Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale squaring off.
In the men’s Owen Hart Foundation quarterfinals, Jeff Jarrett will face a mystery wild card opponent of the Young Bucks’ choosing while in the semifinals, Bryan Danielson goes one-on-one with PAC.
New NJPW Strong Women’s Champion and reigning TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will hold a double title celebration after taking the NJPW title from Stephanie Vaquer at Forbidden Door.
After making her surprise return at Forbidden Door following Mone’s match against Vaquer, we will hear from Britt Baker on tonight’s show.
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AEW Dynamite Beach Break comes on the air with Renee Paquette welcoming us backstage before bringing in the backbone of AEW, Daniel Garcia, who is joined by Matt Menard. Garcia said he’s no stranger to pressure, but tonight is the most important night of his life. He respects Will Ospreay, but he promises on his mother’s life, he’s not losing tonight. MJF walked in and said he’s proud of Garcia, who told him to focus on tonight instead of Wembley. MJF said he’d like to be in his corner tonight and Garcia accepts, walking away. Menard was skeptical at first, but shook MJF’s hand and said he’s alright with him. The crowd loudly chanted for MJF throughout this.
Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone & Taz, as the we go right to the entrances for the opening contest of the evening.
Bryan Danielson defeated PAC in a Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Semifinal Match
(The first time these two have faced each other in a singles match since I believe 2009, as they had a great opener with the crowd split throughout. Similar to Forbidden Door, the story for Danielson in this tournament will be can his body hold up to get to not only the finals, but All In and the AEW World Title. PAC didn’t make it easy and there were some hard bumps in this, but Danielson getting the win the same way PAC did to advance to this match was good storytelling.)
Danielson has his neck taped up from the Shingo Takagi match at Forbidden Door, as back and forth mat work is what started things off. PAC backflipped out of a leg sweep and dropkicked Danielson in the face, leading to a nice stalemate. Chop exchange before both men flipped out of the corner, full steam ahead, as they collide with a double down. Danielson already clutching his neck, but traded forearms, as one caused him to collapse, as Paul Turner had to back PAC off. Danielson went to the floor, but PAC was right there to hit a beautiful springboard moonsault before slapping on the Brutalizer back inside, but a rope break took us to commercial.
PAC controlled the break, but Danielson mounted a comeback, backflipping to his feet and hitting a high kick. PAC dodged a baseball slide ringside, but Danielson connected on the running knee strike from the apron. Danielson tried a charge, but PAC hit a kick flush and diving elbow off the barricade and another back inside off the top. Tombstone dropped Danielson on his noggin for multiple near falls. PAC argued with the ref, allowing Danielson to apply the LeBell Lock. PAC got the ropes, but Danielson took too long to climb the ropes and got crotched.
PAC connected on a massive superplex for two, wanted Black Arrow, but crashed and burned. Danielson hit the Busaiku Knee, but couldn’t capitalize in time due to the back neck and the pin attempt he tried resulted in PAC slapping on the Brutalizer. Danielson spun into a close two, flattened PAC out, traded near falls before a flash crucifix got Danielson the win. Danielson was checked on by doctor’s post-match, as he was clutching his neck.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Willow Nightingale who said tonight, nothing matters, smile anyways. The words she lives by, as she could cry nonstop if she didn’t look on the bright side. She does it for herself, the fans, everyone, but Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway mock her for just that. Nightingale fired up and said she’s becoming a two-time Owen Hart Cup winner and going to Wembley to win the AEW Women’s Title. Nothing matters, smile anyways.
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-Footage of the Six Man Ladder Match from Forbidden Door is shown, as Jack Perry walked away with the vacant TNT Title.
Mark Briscoe is in the ring and got the Chicago crowd going. Briscoe said they might call him chicken, but he’s not scared of sh*t. Briscoe said Jack Perry must’ve ate an extra bowl of Lucky Charms and stuck a horseshoe up his ass in order to win the TNT Title. That was last week, this week is Shark Week and when he thinks of sharks, he thinks of blood and blood makes him think of Blood & Guts. Briscoe declares himself the first member of Team AEW for Blood & Guts, as Jack Perry slid in and cracked Briscoe with the TNT Title. Kyle O’Reilly hit the ring and attacked Perry until Kazuchika Okada appeared and laid him out with a Rainmaker. The Young Bucks strutted to the ring, hit an EVP Trigger on Briscoe, as The Elite all stood tall with their respective titles.
The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass sprinted to the ring, as The Elite bailed, as Okada hilariously scratched at the Continental Title like it was a record.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Timeless Toni Storm, who is holding Mariah May to her bosom. Paquette asks about May facing Hikaru Shida on Rampage in the Owen Hart Semifinals. Storm hypes May up and said the last thing she wants is Shida advancing in the tournament. May said the “Chin Up, Tits Out, Watch for the Shoe” line before going back to Storm’s bosom.
Willow Nightingale defeated Kris Statlander (w/Stokely Hathaway) in a Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Semifinal Match
(I was surprised by the finish, as I thought with Nightingale’s team winning their tag match at Forbidden Door, Statlander would’ve won this. It wasn’t meant to be, as the shenanigans backfired in a big way and we’re left with Nightingale continuing her quest to become a two-time Owen Hart Foundation Cup winner. Something tells me this feud is far from over, however.)
Statlander tried to run up the ramp to meet Nightingale, who Pounced Statlander clear back down the stage. A snap suplex on the floor by Nightingale, as the match officially began in the ring. Statlander went for the eyes and was in control during commercial break.
Both ladies fought to the apron, as Statlander wanted a suplex to the floor, but Nightingale shoved her off and Statlander crashed outside. Hathaway tended to his client, as Nightingale tried to flatten him with a cannonball, but Hathaway moved and Statlander took the bump. Dropkick back inside connected, as did a lariat that turned Statlander inside out for two. Statlander dodged the Doctor Bomb and hit the Axe Kick for two. German suplex dropped Nightingale on her head, as Statlander was cut off in the ropes and Nightingale hit an Avalanche German of her own. Nightingale was then cut off by a Helluva Kick, but Nightingale rolled out of Wednesday Night Fever for a roll up for two. Statlander battled back and hit a F5 for a close near fall.
Hathaway place a steel chain in the corner before taking the official. Statlander grabbed the chain, almost decking Hathaway, who was arguing with Nightingale. Statlander put on the brakes, but Nightingale got a school girl for the flash pin. Hathaway couldn’t believe what just happened.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Jeff Jarrett and crew, as she asked how he’s able to prepare for such an emotional match and not knowing his opponent? Jarrett left with Karen Jarrett & Satnam Singh, as Jay Lethal & Sonjay Dutt said tonight, Jarrett pays tribute to one of his good friends, Owen Hart.
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Dr. Britt Baker Returns
Tony Schiavone put over the fans of Chicago before welcoming back his good friend to Dynamite for the first time in nearly a year, Dr. Britt Baker. Schiavone gave her a big hug before Taz told him on commentary to hit the bricks, as Baker was met with loud Welcome Back chants, saying she’s missed the fans.
Baker said she wanted to talk about the past, present and future. The past, for the last 10 months she injured, but back in November she was banged up and mentally she was running on empty. One day she felt really sick, blurry vision and right arm was numb and spent a week in the hospital, as her brain wasn’t getting enough blood and was almost a mini stroke. She knew at that moment; she wasn’t good and Tony Khan told her to stay home and let him know when she was. The present, she’s here, cleared and healthy, but she was never more nervous than at Forbidden Door. When she needed wrestling and the fans the most, they welcomed her back with open arms, so she’ll always be in their corner. The future is her motivation, we all posses the impulse to be elite.
Speaking of elite, they have a new female face of All Elite Wrestling, saying it’s brilliant to manipulate the fanbase by piping in the letters CEO in her entrance music. She doesn’t need entrance music to tell fans the only letters they need are D.M.D. Mone was booed loudly once Baker brought her up.
Car horn sounds on the big screen as a car pulls up to the arena and Mercedes Mone walks out and was met by The Young Bucks, congratulating her on her double titles, saying she’s a CEO they can get behind. The Bucks tell her the celebration is waiting for her in the ring, as balloons are brought out and decorations (some more balloons and two pictures being it) are put up while Baker is still in the ring.
Mercedes Mone’s Double Championship Celebration
Baker held her ground, as Mone made her way to the ring and the crowd chanted D.M.D. Mone was again booed loudly and said it’s time to celebrate. Baker said she gets it, she outshined her moment at Forbidden Door, so she has to do the same to her. Mone said everything Baker does is irrelevant as she’s interrupted by “Shut The F Up” chants before saying Baker needs to look at what a real champion looks like. Baker simply said “All In” and brings up wrestling at the first All In, being the first woman to sign with AEW and also competed at Wembley last year while Mone was stuck in the stands looking like a broken bitch with a broken leg, challenging her for All In. Mone shoved Baker and said she needs to get in the back of the line, bitch. Baker looks behind Mone and asks her what line? Mone hit her go home line and held up both her titles.
-Footage of the main event of Forbidden Door is shown, as Will Ospreay refused to use the screwdriver given to him by Don Callis. It cost Ospreay the match, as he’s backstage with Renee Paquette along with Kyle Fletcher. Ospreay couldn’t get a word out before Don Callis walks in, but Ospreay said it wasn’t Callis’ fault, he took out the ref and didn’t have the guts to use the weapon to win it. He said he might not be that guy Callis thought he was, Callis, the guy who gave him Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho, but now he wants to be done with the Don Callis Family. Callis said he’s not in the habit of letting people out of the Family, but he’s happy to do him this favor, but one day, he’s going to ask Ospreay for a favor. Callis hugged Ospreay and gave a long glare behind his back before telling Fletcher to come with him.
-Chris Jericho walked to the ring with a bunch of security, who stood in front of Taz at the commentary table. Jericho said HOOK committed one of the biggest sins in wrestling at Forbidden Door, stealing someone else’s finishing move, which doesn’t work for him, brother. Also, Taz acted like a mark by cheering on his son and talked to The Young Bucks, saying he doesn’t feel safe doing commentary with him, so they granted him paperwork for Taz to be removed from commentary and the building the rest of the night. Security escorted Taz from the arena before the next match.
Samoa Joe, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata defeated Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona
Jericho popped himself by realizing Joe & Toa rhymed, as they went at it to start before Cage & Shibata tagged in. Shibata got a rolling leg lock and dragged the bigger Cage, but quickly found himself trapped in the wrong corner, which took us to commercial.
Shibata made his comeback and hot tag to HOOK, who dished out a series of suplexes, until the size of Liona put a stop to that. Kaun connected on a gutbuster, but only got a two. Jericho wisely pointed out had HOOK’s shoulder been placed on the mat for three, he would’ve lost the match. Joe finally cleaned house, but as he went for a dive, was ran through by a Liona Pounce. The match broke down, as Cage hit a F5 on Shibata, tried one on HOOK, but countered into a DDT. Joe made the tag, ran wild with a snap powerslam, STO and Manhattan Drop before Shibata & HOOK joined in for locomotion corner strikes. Double suplex into a senton for a near fall, as the match again broke down. Cage, Liona & Kaun tried a triple suplex, but everyone floated over into a trifecta of choke holds and everyone passed out simultaneously.
Jericho applauded from the desk, allowing Big Bill & Bryan Keith to attack from behind with chairs, as Jericho choked out HOOK with his jacket. Keith ripped away his arm sling, as Excalibur questioned if anything was wrong in the first place. Keith Pillmanized the arm of Shibata, as Bill draped Joe over the steps and hit multiple chair shots. Jericho put on brass knucks and laid out HOOK to the chants of Please Retire from the Chicago crowd. They weren’t done, as a table was set up and Bill hit a massive chokeslam on HOOK through it.
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Hangman Adam Page defeated Jeff Jarrett in a Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Quarterfinal Match
(Despite the loss, I can’t recommend enough seeking out the 10-minute video of Jarrett talking about the Owen Hart Cup and what it meant to him. It was so good that part of me actually wanted him to win at least one match. That simply wasn’t going to happen with the returning Page now back with a new vicious demeanor. How this pans out with The Elite, who were the ones who suspended him months ago, remains to be seen, but it’s nice to have Page back in the fold as they head to the All In build.)
Big time reaction for Page, who has new music and walked out from the babyface tunnel. Page has a mean mug on slugged it out with Jarrett right out the gate. As ref Aubrey stepped between them, Page got in a cheap shot and delivered rabbit punches. Jarrett fired off a punch, tried a charge, but Page laid him out with a vicious lariat. Jarrett went to the apron, as Page was quickly out and powerbombed him on the edge of the ring. Page violently slammed Jarrett’s head repeatedly into the ring steps as things went to picture in picture.
Back from break, both traded shots on the apron, as Page bit at Jarrett, wanted Dead Eye, but Jarrett hit a Stroke on the ring apron. Both narrowly beat the count, as Jarrett tries hulking up and fired off punches in bunches before teasing a Sharpshooter. Page escaped, but Jarrett paid homage to Owen Hart by hitting an enzugiri. Each trade finisher attempts, as Jarrett again tried a Sharpshooter, but Page went to the eyes and hit Dead Eye. A very unsettled look from Page, as the crowd haunt him with Swerve’s House chants. Page wanted a Buckshot Lariat, but Jarrett collapsed. It was a ruse, as Jarrett suckered Page into trying it again, swept the feet out and sank in the Sharpshooter, but Page got the ropes. Page pulled Jarrett throat first into the ropes, hit the Buckshot Lariat, pounced with more punches before delivering another Dead Eye for the win.
Post match, Page stormed to the back, as Tony Schiavone said that was one of the worst performances he’s ever seen. Karen Jarrett tended to her husband post-match.
-We go to the doctor’s area backstage where HOOK was again attacked by Bryan Keith & Big Bill before a fireball flew in from out of screen. Chris Jericho walked in as The Learning Tree all stood over a blinded HOOK one more time.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with a pacing Hangman Adam Page, who was approached by The Young Bucks, who told Paquette to scram. The Bucks said Page could thank them at any time and said they’ll scratch their backs as long as he scratches theirs. They want him to be their 5th man for Blood & Guts, as Page grabbed Matthew by the jacket saying he’s not a child, he doesn’t need their sh*t anymore, he’s not The Elite’s man anymore, no more bullsh*t games. He’s in the Owen and he’s going to win it. Page shoved Nicholas as well before storming out.
Will Ospreay defeated Daniel Garcia (w/MJF) to retain the AEW International Title
(I was a little surprised Garcia didn’t take the title here, but with MJF turning post-match, I get it. At some point though, you’ll have to put the title on Garcia, perhaps winning a feud with MJF will get him to the next level. Thankfully MJF turned heel again, which is what he’s best at, as the babyface run of MJF is finally over. This vicious beating was exactly what MJF needed to reassert himself as one of the top heels in the company.)
Garcia tried going after the bad back of Ospreay to start, but Ospreay fired off a chop that sent Garcia to the corner. MJF pep-talked Garcia, who had a fast sequence of takeovers, as Ospreay tried to spring out of a head scissors, but Garcia seemingly turned it into a very short piledriver, something I hadn’t seen before. Garcia tried corner punches, but Ospreay trapped the head and hit a Cheeky Nandos kick before a slingshot cross body outside. MJF encouraged Garcia before staring down Ospreay as things went to commercial.
Garcia fired back when things returned, multiple swinging neckbreaker and spiking DDT. Just like that, Ospreay battled back with Pip, Pip, Cheerio for the double down. Ospreay recovered first and fired off Kawada kicks, as Garcia tried to fight through the pain. Ospreay gave Garcia an open shot, but Garcia opted for his dance, thrusting in Ospreay’s face before hitting a Saito Suplex. Garcia took too long to follow up and ran right into a standing Spanish Fly for two. Storm Breaker countered by Garcia almost into a Dead Eye variation for two.
Wall walk enzugiri from Ospreay, who tried another Spanish Fly, but floated over into a powerbomb stack for two. Ospreay held on into a Styles Clash for another near fall, as the Chicago crowd went nuts. Ospreay signaled for Hidden Blade, as Garcia hit a flying rear naked choke, transition into a guillotine. Ospreay planted Garcia on his face, as they trade home run shots, as Garcia dodged Oscutter into a spike piledriver for two.
MJF slid the Dynamite Diamond Ring to Garcia, who looked at it too long and traded pin attempts before turning Ospreay inside out with a lariat. MJF pleaded with Garcia to use the ring, but he gave it back to MJF, only to be decked with a flying Hidden Blade by Ospreay, who got the win.
Post match, Ospreay thanked Garcia and gave him a pep-talk in defeat, similar to what Swerve Strickland did to Ospreay at Forbidden Door before heading to the back. MJF then came in to check on Garcia, saying that was on him, not Garcia, as the fans still love him. MJF helped Garcia up and raised his hand, hugging him before being the classic MJF, punting Garcia low. MJF put on the Diamond Ring and was going to use it, but Matt Menard hit the ring and took the shot instead. Garcia struggled to his feet and was knocked out by the ring as Garcia was bloodied, as was Menard ringside. Christopher Daniels & Rocky Romero ran to the ring, along with officials and agents, pleading with MJF, who hit an Avalanche Tombstone. Will Ospreay walked out from the back, but MJF bailed through the crowd, spitting at fans, getting into their face and throwing trash at them. Garcia was loaded on a backboard stretchered out, as Daniels told Ospreay that he’ll take care of things.
AEW Rampage 7/5/24
AEW Collision 7/6/24
AEW Dynamite 7/10/24
An International title match, plus three Owen Hart Foundation tournament bouts are set for AEW Dynamite Beach Break on July 3.
Will Ospreay will defend the AEW International Championship against Daniel Garcia at Beach Break in a match agreed to during the opening segment of this week’s Dynamite. Furthermore, the bout will be for the AEW World title as well should Ospreay defeat Swerve Strickland for the World Championship at Forbidden Door this Sunday.
In the men’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament, Jeff Jarrett will face a wild card entry in a quarterfinals matchup next week. The Young Bucks announced during Wednesday’s Dynamite that they will select the wild card opponent.
In an Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament semifinal contest, PAC will take on the winner of Sunday’s Forbidden Door quarterfinals bout between Bryan Danielson & Shingo Takagi.
In the women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament, Kris Statlander will face Willow Nightingale in a semifinals matchup between former allies.
The announced card for AEW Dynamite Beach Break set for Wednesday, July 3:
