Mercedes Mone vs. Athena is one of three Owen Hart Foundation tournament bouts set for tonight’s AEW Dynamite Spring BreakThru.
AEW celebrates becoming the longest-running prime time wrestling show in TBS and TNT history with tonight’s special episode from Boston, headlined by hometown wrestler Mercedes Mone facing Athena for the first time ever in singles competition. The winner advances to the women’s tournament final at Double or Nothing on May 25.
In the men’s bracket, Will Ospreay faces Konosuke Takeshita in a semifinal match with the winner advancing to the men’s finals at Double or Nothing while Hangman Adam Page takes on a mystery wild card opponent in the remaining quarterfinal.
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley steps in for the injured PAC to defend the Trios Championships alongside Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli against The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Hook).
AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona).
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This historic episode of AEW Dynamite Spring BreakThru comes on the air with Excalibur informing us that Death Riders have attacked HOOK prior to the show and sent him to the hospital and out of the Trios Title match. We’re told Samoa Joe & Katsuyori Shibata will still fight for the titles come hell or high water. Excalibur says Taz is gone to be with his son, as Tony Schiavone says it was a revolting attack and hope HOOK is back in action soon.
TBS Champion Mercedes Mone vs. ROH Women’s Champion Athena in an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament semifinal
(Excellent opener with a surprising finish if you’d ask me, as I wasn’t expecting Mone to win this one clean, especially if the direction to be rumored is this rematch happening at All In. Regardless, the crowd was into this from the moment the bell rang, as both ladies put on one heck of an opener. One of the stronger AEW women’s matches you’ll see on Dynamite.)
Athena received a strong ovation from the crowd, but Mone got loud CEO chants from her hometown prior to the bell. Both ladies soaked in the Holy Sh*t and dueling chants before a fast series of lock ups, tumbling to the ramp, neither letting go. Mone got a reverse waist lock spilling back to the ring, as they traded pin attempts, including rolling cradles before a stalemate. Tilt a whirl school boy from Mone, who followed with her sunset flip into the corner for a one count. Athena battled back with a combination of strikes, capped with a handspring forearm into the corner, but Mone kicked out at one herself. Mone responded with a tilt a whirl into Statement Maker, but Athena rolled to the ropes, falling outside, only Mone kept the submission applied. Referee Aubrey put the count on both, as Mone hung up Athena in the ropes with a Meteora, did her CEO dance, missed another Meteora, allowing Athena to hit an O-Face variation off the apron, leaving both women down heading into commercial.
We come back to a slugfest, which Mone initially won, but Athena kipped up into a thrust kick. Athena wanted a Tombstone, both traded a series of counters until Mone finally hit a lungblower into the double down, as the crowd was loud with their applause. Mone hit a wild Tornado DDT variation, followed by a tilt a whirl into another DDT that spiked Athena for two. Mone hit Three Amigos, tried for four, but Athena spun out into a triple powerbomb. Athena wanted a fourth, but Mone just barely countered into a back stabber for another reset. Another slugfest, as Athena crumbled, but Mone opted to pose, giving Athena a chance to hit a rolling DVD for a near fall. Dueling chants again from the crowd, as Athena fired off a corner uppercut, Mone ducked the second and hit a wild double knees, sending Athena to the apron. Mone followed, wanting a German suplex off the apron, Athena held strong, Mone switched to try an apron bomb, but Athena stomped Mone repeatedly. Mone wanted a Mone Maker on the apron, but Athena got free, hit a thrust kick and snap powerslam on the edge of the ring for two.
Athena sank in a Statement Maker of her own, but Mone escaped into one of her own. Athena escaped, tried a powerbomb, Mone escaped, overcommitted, allowing Athena to hit the double knees to the face, but Mone rolled to the floor. Athena out after, charging, but Mone side-stepped and Athena crashed head first into the barricade. Both straddled the barricade and had a slapfest until Athena initially missed a diving lariat, but settled for a shotgun dropkick. Back inside, Athena wanted the O-Face, but Mone countered into a cradle for the pin, leaving Athena shocked.
Post-match, Timeless Toni Storm’s music hit and she was shown in the crowd with Luther, applauding Mone, who gave a wave to the AEW Women’s Champion.
Match Results: Mercedes Mone defeated Athena to advance
-We go backstage to Renee Paquette standing by with Hangman Adam Page, as she asks how he prepared for his Wild Card match. The Young Bucks & Kazuchika Okada interrupt and bring up Page walking out on them at Blood & Guts last year, but they forgive him. Nicholas says part of a Hail Mary, saying Page looks good, but he’s happy they cost Swerve Strickland the AEW World Title. Matthew said Page’s issue with Death Riders is something they could fix. Death Riders are crazy, but it’s they can take care of the business, so long as Page does his job in winning the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. The Bucks walk off as Okada asks why Page is always angry and he should smile. Page just shakes his head and leaves, as Okada calls him a bitch, so Page charges back in, just in time for Okada to put a smile back on his face.
-Tuukka Rask from the Boston Bruins is shown on stage with the NHL Stanley Cup.
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Hangman Adam Page vs. Josh Alexander in an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament quarterfinal
(Real solid debut for Alexander, who was definitely known by the crowd and got his share of chants throughout. The post-match was a nice way to build some interest in Page & Kyle Fletcher, but the more newsworthy item is that the Don Callis Family could potentially have a new member in the Walking Weapon.)
Dueling chants of Walking Weapon and Cowboy Sh*t, as Alexander got a big reaction from the crowd. Commentary talk about the injuries Alexander has had to battle throughout his career, as after a series of early lock ups, Page started throwing bombs, but Alexander ran right through him with a big boot. Page answers with a fall away slam, missed a sliding lariat, but connected on the rolling elbow and springboard lariat, sending Alexander to the floor. Page missed a slingshot dive, as Alexander hit a Stun Gun on the apron. Page avoided a charging high boot, hung up Alexander on the barricade, leaving Page diving off the stage with a huge lariat heading into commercial.
Alexander was in the driver’s seat when things returned with a bridging German suplex, tried another, but Page landed on his feet, following with a discus lariat in the double down. They went to the apron, as Page wanted Dead Eye, Alexander tried a piledriver, but Page hit a big back drop on the edge of the ring. Page connected on his massive moonsault to the floor, quickly heading back inside, before delivering a Liger Bomb back inside for a near fall. Alexander side stepped a charge, hit a forearm to the neck and spinning reverse fireman’s carry neckbreaker for two. The ankle lock is applied, but Page escaped and connected on a Tombstone for a close two. Page wanted the Buckshot, but Alexander rolled to the opposing apron, avoided a Page charge and hit a slam to the edge, followed by a sprinting cross body to the back. Returning to the ring, Alexander wanted a powerbomb, Page escaped, kicked free, as Alexander was cradled for the flash pin.
Post-match, Kyle Fletcher & Don Callis come to the ring, as Page has no time for a face-off, as Page charges and we get a slug fest. They spill into the ring, as Page cuts off a charging Fletcher with a lariat, wants a Buckshot, but Fletcher bailed. Callis frantically whispered something to Alexander, who blindsided Page from behind, planting him with a powerbomb, as Fletcher returns with Callis applauding what just happened. Fletcher picked up the pieces and spiked Page with a brainbuster for good measure. We’re reminded by commentary how the Don Callis Family said they had open enrollment last week and Alexander could be in the Family as a result.
Match Result: Hangman Page defeated Josh Alexander to advance
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-Nick Wayne is backstage with Kip Sabian & Mother Wayne as he said The Patriarchy is a hierarchy and who is at the top, the father, but when he is gone, Nick was cut off by an angry looking Christian Cage, who walks in and said Daddy’s Home. Cage said it’s been quite a few weeks for Nick and asks him to say what he wanted to say to his face. Nick said Cage didn’t stick to the plan at Revolution because he wouldn’t have been able to live with himself if Cope became AEW World Champion. Cage said that’s a strong assumption and when you assume, you make an ass out of you and me. Cage said he gave Nick this month to build his confidence and he was impressed with what he did when he was gone. Cage said he was the one responsible for Nick being in the Best of Super Junior’s Tournament this summer. Nick must be prepared for that tournament, so Cage got Nick a match tomorrow on Collision for the ROH TV Title against Komander and to bring back that title to the Patriarchy and to make his father proud. Cage slapped Nick and walked off with Sabian as he called for Shayna, who left her son alone.
-Footage of FTR last week on Collision was shown, explaining their actions at Dynasty. FTR nearly laying out Tony Schiavone, until he was saved by Nigel McGuinness. We also saw FTR brutally beating and bloodying up Matt Menard & Angelo Parker, until Daniel Garcia made the save, but suffered a spike piledriver for his troubles. Back to the commentary table, Tony Schiavone informs us FTR has been suspended and fined heavily for one week.
AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) (w/ MVP) vs. Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
(While I don’t think anyone believed the Gates of Agony had a chance of winning the titles tonight, they did get more offense than arguably anyone else has had during The Hurt Syndicate title reign. It’s just going to take a whole heck of a lot to get those titles off Lashley & Benjamin. The post-match was a great next step in MJF being hell bent on becoming part of the crew, as he’s beginning to grow on Benjamin, while Lashley remains annoyed.)
Liona rushes Lashley & Benjamin at the bell, as Benjamin tried an early DDT, which Liona no sold. Locomotion corner chargers from Liona & Kaun, who hit a slingshot dive on Lashley, as Benjamin was covered for a near fall. Benjamin managed to hit his rewind kick to gain the advantage and tag in Lashley, who drove the shoulder repeatedly into the midsection of Kaun, following with a Flatliner and overhead throw. Kaun was clotheslined to the outside, as Benjamin drove him into back and forth into the barricade and apron as things went to break.
Back from commercial, Liona dropped Benjamin with a huge Samoan Drop and running senton for a near fall, which Lashley broke up. Liona no sold his head driven into the corner buckle and unleashed a series of lariats to Lashley, who dodged one, sank in the Hurt Lock, which Kaun broke up. Lashley was driven into the barricade by Liona, as Kaun hit Benjamin with a shotgun dropkick in the ring. Kaun charged, but ran into a thrust kick, leading to Benjamin hitting a series of release German suplexes, low bridging Liona, who landed on his feet. Liona tried to trash talk Benjamin, as he missed Lashley flying in with a Spear. Back inside, Benjamin hit a corner step-up knee on Kaun, as Lashley had the finishing touches with another Spear for the win.
Post-match, MJF’s music hit and he made his way to the ring to massive chants from the crowd. MJF said he does enjoy hearing how great he is, but to give it up for The Hurt Syndicate. MJF called the crowd way too white to be chanting, as he compliments MVP & Benjamin for looking great, while some are slow learners. Lashley had to be held back, as MJF said he never even said his name. MJF talked not just about his own talent, but talent in the back, as MVP cut him off and said to get to the point. MJF said that’s fine, bring them out, as about seven ladies came to the ring (one I recognized being indy worker Notorious Mimi). MJF said they can have a night with all these lovely ladies, all he wants in return is three thumbs up.
MJF kicks up his feet in the corner, as MVP gives a thumbs up, Benjamin, who was obviously distracted, said he might need a little more time. Benjamin said he’s a fan of very nice things and needs more time, signaling for MJF’s watch. MJF said he knew he liked Benjamin and said he’ll give him his watch for a thumbs up. Benjamin was about to give a thumbs up, when Lashley glared at him and Benjamin gave a thumbs down. MJF was about to say he’s out of his damn mind, but switched to democracy and said he that’s something he appreciates. MJF told Benjamin he’s grown to being a fan of his, so he still gave Benjamin his watch and said he could have the ladies tonight. When MJF joins the Hurt Syndicate, there will be more watches and women where that came from. MJF told Bob he respects him for being The Almighty, but MJF is known for getting what he wants and it’s because he’s Maxwell Jacob Friedman and he’s better than you and you know it. Lashley was left unimpressed, as Benjamin admired the women and his new watch.
Match Result: The Hurt Business defeated Gates of Agony to retain the AEW Tag Team titles
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-Alicia Atout is waiting for The Hurt Syndicate, saying MJF is very persistent, as MVP told her excuse them. MVP told Lashley he knows MJF can be annoying, but business wise, they could use MJF to get what they want. All he’s asking is for Lashley to ease up and the moment MJF gets out of line, they’ll hurt him. MVP wants to celebrate and Benjamin practically begs Lashley, so they all leave with the lovely ladies.
Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita (w/ Don Callis) in an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament semifinal
(At a certain point, this managed to go from great to incredible and hit another level, despite already having such a high-quality match. Just two of the best in the world doing exactly what you’d expect them to do. This is obviously a go out of your way match to check out and even thought it just literally happened, it’d be safe to say this was one of the best matches in Dynamite history. I said this after the Quarters, but the Owen is Ospreay’s to lose and I can’t wait to see who he faces in the Finals.)
For the fourth or fifth week in a row, there’s a Don Callis impersonator ringside for a Don Callis Family member match. This match rightfully got a Holy Sh*t chant right at the bell, as a much slower pace than you’d expect to start in the feeling out process. Takeshita hit a shoulder block, Ospreay kipped up, Takeshita pulled him down by the hair, as Ospreay quickly was up and fired off an arm drag. Pop-up hurricanrana followed by a slingshot senton by Ospreay, who tried his handspring, but Takeshita met him with a Takeshita-line. Ospreay tried to answer with Pip, Pip, Cheerio, but Takeshita caught him with a F5 variation, followed with a charging boot and somersault dive to the floor, as things went to commercial.
Back from break, Takeshita was in control until Ospreay fired off his handspring Pele Kick, as once again Takeshita tried to fight off Pip, Pip, Cheerio, only this time, Ospreay fought free and connected with the flying clothesline. Takeshita got up a big boot and clothesline to stop the momentum. Ospreay tried to ramp up, but Takeshita met him with multiple Exploders for a near fall. Takeshita took too long in the ropes, as Ospreay cut him off, but Takeshita wanted an Avalanche Raging Fire, only Ospreay countered into a massive Stundog Millionaire. Takeshita rolled to the ramp, but Ospreay hit an Oscutter, landing hard himself in the process. Takeshita just broke the count, but Ospreay flew in with a springboard dropkick and Leap of Faith that landed flush for a close two. Ospreay signaled for a proper Oscutter, Takeshita nearly countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Ospreay spun out, hit the Oscutter for another near fall in a wild sequence.
Ospreay wanted Storm Breaker, Takeshita rolled out, they trade pin attempts until Takeshita hit a wheelbarrow into a bridging German suplex for two as the crowd went wild. Both slowly to their feet for a forearm exchange, which Takeshita won before referee Bryce had to pull him off Ospreay in the corner. The delay allowed Ospreay to ramp up with kicks, but one was caught and Takeshita nearly took his head off with a home run forearm. Raging Fire countered, as three Ospreay hook kicks connect, but Takeshita collapsed before a Hidden Blade could be attempted. That hesitation from Ospreay led to Takeshita hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb for the closest near fall of the match. Takeshita threw a clothesline so hard Ospreay flipped to his feet, tried Oscutter, Takeshita hit a forearm in mid-air, but Ospreay kicked out at one. Hidden Blade hit by Ospreay, Takeshita kicked out at one as the crowd are losing their minds. Both men collide with clothesline attempts, as Ospreay collapses, as Takeshita wanted Storm Breakre, but Ospreay countred into a Bastard Driver and wheelbarrow German, but Takeshita popped up and threw a Hidden Blade into the reset.
Both broke the count at nine, as Takeshita hit a Helluva Kick, slowly went up top, but Ospreay cut him off, really having to fight his way up there, firing off a headbutt. Ospreay wanted a Spanish Fly, Takeshita hit the Avalanche Takeshita-line, but Ospreay landed on his feet and hit another Hidden Blade, only Takeshita kicked out. Ospreay went for another, but Takeshita hit a boot, wanted Raging Fire, Ospreay countered into a Styles Clash, but again, Takeshita kicked out. Backslide into the Power Drive Knee from Takeshita, who charged, Ospreay floated through into Storm Breaker for the win in an incredible match.
Match Result: Will Ospreay defeated Konosuke Takeshita to advance
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Jon Moxley walked into the building by himself, but the rest of his crew were waiting for him right at the entrance, as they made their way into the arena. Commentary reiterated what they told us at the top of the show saying Death Riders attacked HOOK before the show, similar to their attack on Switchblade Jay White a few weeks ago. Samoa Joe & Katsuyori Shibata made their entrance, but were joined by Powerhouse Hobbs, who appears to be filling in for HOOK.
The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Powerhouse Hobbs) vs. AEW Trios Champions The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) (w/ Marina Shafir)
(Not sure how long HOOK will be out of action, but Hobbs was a great pivot choice as someone who has had a history with Death Riders. The crowd deserves a lot of credit for being on fire the entire night and especially this main event, as everything that happened down the stretch, they were right there for. For folks who finally wanted things to blow up in the Death Riders faces (myself included), this was the perfect end to the show and way to get the titles off the long time champions.)
The Opps & Hobbs attacked right away, as the fight was on, with Yuta getting steamrolled in the corner by Hobbs splashes. Moxley tried to attack from behind, but as Hobbs stalked him down, Moxley quickly bailed, so Hobbs went back to beating up Yuta with a running powerslam. Joe made the tag and was relentless on his attack as he took turns lighting up Yuta along with Shibata, who popped Moxley with a charging boot on the apron. Shibata tried another on Castagnoli, as that delay allowed Yuta to attack from behind. Moxley was in to briefly get in a few licks until Shibata briefly battled back against Castagnoli, who hit a quick lariat and stayed in control during the final break.
Hobbs tried to save his partner from an attack ringside when things returned, but was chop blocked by Shafir, who played dumb to the camera. Back inside, Shibata tried fighting his way out of the Death Riders corner, as he dropped Castagnoli with a STO into the double down. Joe made the hot tag, as he snapped Yuta down with a powerslam, but Moxley quickly broke up the count and got a chair from under the ring. Moxley went to use the chair, but Willow Nightingale ran down the ramp, took the chair and flipped Moxley off to a huge reaction. Moxley walked into a Joe big boot, as Yuta flew off the top with a shotgun dropkick, Shibata laid out Yuta, Castagnoli hit a popup uppercut, Hobbs in with a Spinebuster, Moxley back up with a dropkick, but Joe was there with a Cutter and double down.
The Young Bucks slowly walk out to the ring and grab a chair, but Swerve Strickland was in the crowd, ripped the chair away and hit a Swerve Stomp off the barricade onto both Matthew & Nicholas, launching them into the crowd and out of the arena. Back inside, Moxley ran into a Joe STO, as the match continued to break down with Castagnoli & Shibata brawling on the ramp, as Shibata sank in the Rear Naked Choke and hit with a PK. Joe set up Moxley for the Muscle Buster, but Yuta broke it up. Yuta tried a dive on Hobbs, who caught him and slammed him onto the commentary table. Shafir cracked Hobbs in the back with a chair, but was Pounced by Nightingale for her troubles. Moxley wanted Death Rider on Joe, who spun out into the Coquina Clutch, as Moxley passed out and we have new champions.
Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana were shown still in the crowd smiling, as Joe & Shibata hug with the Trios Titles before Joe places one on Hobbs’ shoulder. Commentary puts over how Death Riders & The Bucks finally get their comeuppance as Will Ospreay is out to celebrate, as he’s joined by Strickland, Nightingale and more of the locker room (Tomohiro Ishii, Kevin Knight, Mike Bailey, AR Fox & Dark Order) to celebrate Death Riders going down to end the show.
Match Result: The Opps defeated The Death Riders to win the AEW Trios titles
AEW Collision Spring BreakThru for Thursday:
- Komander vs. Nick Wayne for the ROH TV Title
- Mercedes Mone & Harley Cameron vs. Julia Hart & Kris Statlander with “Timeless” Toni Storm on commentary
- Adam Cole TNT Title Open Challenge
