Tag: aew dynamite on 34th street

AEW Dynamite on 34th Street airs tonight with five Continental Classic matches scheduled for the show, including Darby Allin vs. Ricochet.

Ricochet sits atop the Continental Classic Gold League in a tie with Claudio Castagnoli at 9 points, while Allin’s 6 points have him tied for third in the Gold League.

In the Blue League, Kazuchika Okada faces Shelton Benjamin on the show. Okada, the current Continental Champion, has 7 points, while Benjamin has 6 points. Will Ospreay takes on Brody King in another Gold League matchup tonight. Both competitors are tied with 6 points.

In the Blue League, TNT Champion Daniel Garcia faces Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher is tied at the top of the Blue League with his 9 points, and Garcia has 7 points. Claudio Castagnoli and his 9 points take on Komander and his 0 points in another Gold League battle tonight.

Toni Storm vs. Taya Valkyrie is set for tonight’s episode. We will also hear from Jon Moxley, Hangman Page, and Jay White.

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AEW Dynamite on 34^th Street comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone & the returning Taz, who is back from knee replacement surgery, but we didn’t see him on screen, as the music for Will Ospreay hits and we’re ready for the opening match of the evening.

Will Ospreay [9] defeated Brody King [6] in the Continental Classic Gold League

(At this moment, Ospreay is tied with Ricochet & Claudio Castagnoli and need either of them to lose their matches to be able to advance to the Gold League semi-finals. This was a fantastic match and yet another Ospreay gem in this tournament. King was a great opponent and the crowd supported both big time throughout. The reaction to Ospreay hitting his finishers on King were pretty great, as it took nearly everything Ospreay had to survive this one.)

Ospreay tried leg kicks and chops early, but seemingly had no effect, as King blocked a hurricanrana and bealed Ospreay clear across the ring. No fear from Ospreay, who tried to fire up, but ran into a wall, as a failed bodyslam saw King collapse on top for two. Knees up from Ospreay to avoid the senton, but King popped up, wanted a Gonzo Bomb, but Ospreay hit a hurricanrana to the outside. Ospreay dropkicked out the leg and King went face first into the steps. King, however, responded with a spinebuster onto the edge of the steps to take control. The crowd was behind King, as he laid in the chops around ringside before grounding Ospreay back inside. Forearm battle ensued until a high back body drop planted Ospreay into break.

Things return with Ospreay firing off a desperation handspring corkscrew kick that sent King outside. Ospreay connects with the Sky Twister Press from the post to the floor. Back inside, King no sold a charging boot, as a chop battle started, which proved to be a big mistake for Ospreay, as King walked right through them. Forearms started working for Ospreay, but one shot from King was all it took, as he draped Ospreay in the corner and hit a wild overhand chop. To the floor again, as King hit a violent cross body against the guard rail. Back inside, King connects with the cannonball, but only gets two.

Ospreay started firing up, throwing as many strikes as he could, but King maintained wrist control and was relentless with his chops. King went for a charge, but Ospreay cut him off with multiple hook kicks, tried an Oscutter, but King watted him out of mid-air. King went for a big lariat, but Ospreay flew around and somehow connected on a Styles Clash for a near fall that had the crowd going nuts. Hidden Blade was countered by a lariat and sitout piledriver by King for two, as did another lariat. Both hit the ropes and charge with Ospreay hitting Hidden Blade, but King kicked out at one. Another Hidden Blade cracked King, who kicked out at two this time. Ospreay actually hit the Storm Breaker to pick up the victory.

-Renee Paquette is with Christopher Daniels and security as she approaches an arriving Hurt Syndicate and informs them MVP & Bobby Lashley have been banned from the building tonight. MVP said as a courtesy to Paquette, they’ll follow the request and wishes her a Merry Christmas before leaving with Lashley.

Ricochet [10] vs. Darby Allin [7] went to a 20 Minute Time Limit Draw in the Continental Classic Gold League

(Both men get 1 point each and Ricochet officially advances to World’s End and the semi-finals, as the crowd was pissed. I thought these two had a really solid first-time meeting and you know it won’t be the last. All Ricochet had to do in this one was survive and he did just that. The 630 Senton spot was insane and helped tell the story of Allin having to really fight off being injured (though, isn’t that every Darby match?) to have try and win this. I’m going to be sad when AEW leaves the Hammerstein, as the crowd laying into Ricochet for these past few shows have been pretty fun to watch.)

The crowd are all over Ricochet from the jump and are completely behind Allin as a much slower pace to start with headlock takedowns and arm drags. Ricochet backed Allin into the corner and teased a clean break until the ref stepped between them and Ricochet got a cheap shot to take control during commercial.

Someone in the crowd threw toilet paper again at Ricochet and he chucked it back at them, but the delay allowed Allin to sweep the leg on the apron. Both took turns sending the other into the guard rail, but Allin missed a Coffin Splash against the railing, allowing Ricochet to hit a hook kick, springboard lariat back inside and standing moonsault for two. Wall walk from Ricochet, as Allin got a takedown and springboard splash leading to multiple pin attempts for two. Dropkick sent Ricochet to the floor, as Allin wanted a low dive, but Ricochet hit a pump knee in mid-air. Ricochet set up a table ringside, placed Allin on it and crashed through with a 630 Senton from the post to the floor as they went to picture in picture where doctors checked on Allin.

Back from break, Allin had rolled into the ring, as referee Paul Turner continued to check on him, but Ricochet leapt from the top into a stomp on the midsection and was relentless on his attack. With both fighting in the ropes, Allin managed an Avalanche Code Red and a proper one for a near fall. Allin wanted a Coffin Drop, but Ricochet rolled to the apron, battled back, tried a springboard 450, but missed. Allin locked in a Fujiwara armbar Justin Roberts gave the 2-minute call. Ricochet nearly got the rope with his arm, but Allin wrapped it up, as Ricochet just got a toe for the rope break. With 1 minute remaining, the urgency from Allin was apparent, as he floated over a locomotion Northern Lights into the Scorpion Death Drop, but his ribs were in a lot of pain to make the cover. Allin climbed the ropes at the 10 second call and hit the Coffin Drop, but time ran out. Post match, Allin was left looking dejected, while Ricochet cackled as he gloated up the ramp. Allin got cheered by the crowd, as Komander’s music hit and Allin whispered something to him & Alex Abrahantes before heading to the back.

-Switchblade Jay White is backstage to give his final thoughts ahead of World’s End this weekend. White said the biggest threat to Jon Moxley is a one-on-one match with the Switchblade, which is why Moxley made it a 4-way. One way or another, White will find his way to the AEW World Championship.

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Komander [3] defeated Claudio Castagnoli [9] in the Continental Classic Gold League

(We officially have out first spoiler in the C2, as the secret info that Allin relayed to Komander proved to be the difference maker, as Allin got his revenge on Castagnoli for stealing their match last weekend. I liked the end to this, as Komander got a huge ovation for the win. The post-match was a good redemption for the 3 challengers for the AEW World Title this weekend, as they actually looked strong heading into the PPV. Not sure if any of them are actually going to win the title, but it’s nice of them to look like threats instead of bickering like last week.)

Before the match even begins, Tony Schiavone told us Komander is really surging lately, despite not having a C2 win up to this point. Castagnoli used his power to avoid the flashy springboard attempts from Komander in the early going. Castagnoli fireman’s carried Komander up the ropes in the corner and hit a massive super gut-buster for a near fall. Castagnoli continued to keep Komander grounded, until Komander tried a Poison Rana, but Castagnoli held on and both fell over the top, landing in the same position, with Castagnoli dropping Komander face first on the apron. Back inside, Komander kicked at the leg and managed a springboard hurricanrana that sent Castagnoli into the post. Komander scaled the ropes and hit a somersault dive, as Castagnoli clutched his right arm.

Back inside, Castagnoli tried a pop-up uppercut, but Komander countered into an abdominal stretch. Komander flipped up and hit a face buster before going up the ropes, only to get crotched by Castagnoli. I’ve missed Taz calling that Yambag City, as a running boot sent Komander to the floor. Castagnoli argued with the official, as Komander pulled out Darby Allin’s coat from under the ring and put on the brass knucks Castagnoli used on Collision last week. Komander waffled Castagnoli with the knucks and hit the rope walk Shooting Star to get the upset win and eliminate Castagnoli from the C2.

Post-match, Death Riders hit the ring and put a beating on Komander, as Marina Shafir went to grab a chair until Switchblade Jay White’s music hits. The distraction to the stage allowed Orange Cassidy to run-in from behind and clean house on Wheeler Yuta & Castagnoli with dives, as White came in and planted PAC with a Uranage. Yuta stumbled back in and was dropped with Beach Break until Cassidy went to check on Komander, leaving White alone. Jon Moxley ran in with the briefcase and he waffled White & Cassidy before taking the microphones.

Moxley said as long as his heart is still beating, this is the closest Cassidy & White will ever come to the AEW World Title. They’re delusional if they think they deserve to even lay eyes on it. Hangman Adam Page’s music hit and he stormed to the ring. Cassidy & White slowly got to their feet and Moxley found himself surrounded and alone. Page ducked a briefcase shot, as Moxley ate an Orange Punch, Buckshot Lariat and Blade Runner leaving the challengers standing tall. White went to grab the briefcase, but Cassidy & Page put their boot on it. Cassidy put on his sunglasses and we get a 3-way face-off to end the segment.

-A video package for Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander 2 at World’s End is shown

Kazuchika Okada [10] defeated Shelton Benjamin [6] in the Continental Classic Blue League

(The win officially stamps Okada’s ticket to the World’s End semis, as this was a much slower pace match than the others we have seen tonight, which was totally fine, as this was a really good back and forth battle. Benjamin had a very good showing this C2 and Okada absolutely had to advance to the semi-finals being the current Continental Champion.)

These two have had a series of tag matches in Japan 11 years ago, but have never faced each other in a singles match. Okada got a massive ovation when his coin dropped for his entrance as this was a very evenly matched exchange to start. Both men avoided the other’s finishers, fired off arm drags into a stalemate. Okada took a powder, as Benjamin was suckered into going out after him, resulting in Okada hitting a DDT. Okada scaled the ropes back inside, but Benjamin sprung up and leapt up the ropes with a huge superplex for two as they went to break.

Things return to a forearm exchange, as Okada got a head of steam into a running back elbow into the double down. Benjamin battled back, teased a Tombstone, as Okada slid out, teased a German suplex, but Benjamin escaped into the Ankle Lock. Okada rolled out into the Money Clip, but as Benjamin escaped, Okada was able to hit the Air Raid Crash on the knee. Okada connected with the top rope elbow before doing the Rainmaker pose flip off to the crowd and Benjamin. Okada wanted Rainmaker, but settled for a series of German suplexes. Okada wanted Rainmaker, but Benjamin ducked and hit three German suplexes of his own. Step-up corner knee connected, but Okada countered the Exploder into a roll-up and snap dropkick. Benjamin countered Rainmaker into Pay Dirt for a close two. Okada spun out of a T-Bone and managed to finally hit the Rainmaker for the win.

Post-match, Benjamin offered a handshake and Okada accepted in a nice show of respect, which lasted about 2 seconds, as once Benjamin left, Okada flipped him off.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana and asks what the end of 2024 has in store for him? Strickland can hear the crowd chanting Swerve’s House and mentioned the success he had this past year, even with the losses he’s had. Strickland was about to mention his plans for 2025 when a super cocky Ricochet strolled in and asked if he saw him kick Darby Allin’s ass tonight and said he’ll do something Strickland couldn’t last year, that’s win the Continental Classic. Strickland faked like he was going to hit Ricochet after he called him Stefon and told Ricochet not to fail, if he does, Strickland will make him pay, dearly. Strickland left and Ricochet said that’s why Strickland doesn’t have a house anymore.

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-Chris Jericho’s New York Minute is shown and he feels the Christmas spirit and will grant one final miracle this Friday on Rampage, for Anthony Bowens. The Scissor King doesn’t seem like he has too many friends and hopes he didn’t bite off more than he could chew in The Grand Apple.

Toni Storm defeated Taya Valkyrie (w/Deonna Purrazzo)

(Another win for the fiery upstart Storm, who continues to be hilarious in this role of not realizing what happened the last two years. I can only imagine what happens if/when she ever runs into Luther backstage.)

Storm offered a handshake, but Valkyrie delivered a cheap shot and took control early. “She’s a Rookie” chant from the crowd for Storm, as Valkyrie hit her own version of Sweet Cheek Music following with a Meteora for two. Storm fired out of the corner, but Purrazzo tripped her up, allowing Valkyrie to post the leg and remain in control during picture in picture.

Storm battled her way back when things returned, but Valkyrie responded with a misdirect lariat. Storm got the ropes during a submission attempt, but Purrazzo slapped her hand away. Storm got to her feet and hit a Thesz Press before hitting the Sweet Cheek Music in the corner. Valkyrie spun out of Storm Zero as both ladies trade slaps until a Spear dropped Storm. Valkyrie berates Storm, who manages a quick inside cradle for the flash pin.

-A video package for MJF vs. Adam Cole at World’s End is shown in a feud that hopefully wraps up this Saturday.

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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Hangman Adam Page and asks if the challengers will be working together come World’s End? Page said whatever happens, he guarantees Jon Moxley won’t leave World’s End as AEW World Champion. Christopher Daniels walks in and said Page was right, he’s been through a lot and the last thing Page needs is someone talking at him, so if he needs anything. Page cuts him off and calls him an office stooge, which Daniels says was fair. Daniels Moxley has Death Riders, Cassidy has The Conglomeration and White has Bullet Club Gold watching his back (when was the last time we saw The Gunns?). Page doesn’t have anyone, but Daniels knows something about having backup in the past like SCU and Matt Sydal, who he said wasn’t here anymore, so if Page needs help at any point, let him know. Daniels walked off as Page contemplated the offer, as this was a super odd segment. Daniels has absolutely been portrayed as a stooge this last year and Page considering his offer at the end was weird.

Kyle Fletcher [12] defeated Daniel Garcia [7] in the Continental Classic Blue League

(Big win for Fletcher here over the TNT Champion, which could come into play at some point next year. These two had great chemistry and I would love to see a rematch down the line. This was the official end of League matches in what was an absolutely fantastic Continental Classic, one I wish will have more on the line next year, like an AEW World Title shot or something, not just the Continental Title.)

The deciding match in the Blue League kicks off with both men fired up until Garcia backs Fletcher in the corner, rolls out and does his dance that we haven’t seen in a while. Fletcher took a powder, knowing time is on his side in this, as he’s back in the ring and mowed down Garcia with a shoulder tackle. Garcia responded with corner punches until Fletcher sent him crashing outside where he followed with a powerbomb on the edge of the apron, taking control into the break.

The crowd got Garcia back into it, as he fired off a series of lariats, as Fletcher hit a big boot, but Garcia no sold and turned Fletcher inside out with a lariat. Fletcher spilled outside, where Garcia hit the John Woo dropkick against the railing. Fletcher tried a draping DDT back inside, but Garcia escaped and hit a draping spinning neckbreaker for two. Fletcher battled back with a Helluva Kick in the corner, but as he went for a brainbuster, Garcia countered into a Guillotine. Garcia kept the submission while tied up in the ropes, as Fletcher stepped to the apron where he escaped the choke into a brainbuster on the edge of the ring. Back inside, Fletcher hit a massive Liger Bomb for a close near fall. Fletcher went for the charging knee, but Garcia swept the legs into a Dragon Tamer attempt, but Fletcher sent Garcia nearly into referee Aubrey. The brief delay allowed a Fletcher low punt kick and Brainbuster, but Garcia kicked out.

Fletcher took Garcia up in the corner and wanted his Brainbuster, but Garcia tried turning it into a sleeper, until both just fell to the mat for the reset. Forearm battle ensued, which turned into a slap battle from Garcia until a series of thrust kicks from Fletcher led to a charge, but Garcia jumped into a Dragon Tamer. Garcia wrenched back with the submission, but Fletcher slammed his head down repeatedly to break the hold. Power Drive Knee connected, but as he went for a piledriver, Garcia got a jackknife cover for two. Fletcher up first with a lariat and multiple corner big boots before the top rope Brainbuster spiked Garcia and Fletcher got the win.

Post match, Will Ospreay walked to the ring and had an intense stare-down with Fletcher as we get match graphics for Ospreay vs. Fletcher and Okada vs. Ricochet for the Continental Classic Semifinals.

Jon Moxley is out back with Marina Shafir and the AEW World Title briefcase and said it’s 3 for the price of 1, even if it isn’t always pretty, which is what he’s accepted. They’ll continue their work after World’s End and continue their crusade against ego and delusion. Page, White & Cassidy lack spirit and heart, as no one in AEW wants it, they say they do, but they don’t. Extraordinary things require extraordinary sacrifice. If they aren’t willing to sacrifice and take time to look up from their phone while tanks are rolling in, then he’ll sacrifice them. They think the AEW World Title is something they can achieve, when in fact it’s something you are, it’s in your heart. Taking pics with the belt by the pool and his car isn’t for Moxley, but he knows exactly who he is, he is The King, born for all the things that come with it. Moxley is the only King that’s ever been. He & Shafir walk off to close the show.

Continental Classic Gold League Standings

10 Points: Ricochet*

9 Points: Will Ospreay*, Claudio Castagnoli

7 Points: Darby Allin

6 Points: Brody King

3 Points: Komander

Continental Classic Blue League Standings

12 Points: Kyle Fletcher*

10 Points: Kazuchika Okada*

9 Points: Mark Briscoe

7 Points: Daniel Garcia

6 Points: Shelton Benjamin

0 Points: The Beast Mortos

AEW Rampage 12/27/24 (the final episode of Rampage)

• ROH Champion Chris Jericho vs. Anthony Bowens
• AEW Tag Team Champions Private Party vs. Leo Sparrow & Alec Quest
• Thunder Rosa vs. Leila Grey
• HOOK vs. Nick Wayne

AEW World’s End 2024

• Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Switchblade Jay White vs. Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Title
• MJF vs. Adam Cole for the Dynamite Diamond Ring
• Mariah May vs. Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women’s Title in a Tijuana Street Fight
• Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander for the TBS Title
• Konosuke Takeshita vs. Powerhouse Hobbs for the AEW International Title
• Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher in a Continental Classic League Semi-Final
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Ricochet in a Continental Classic League Semi-Final
• The Continental Classic Finals