The sixth annual AEW Full Gear airs live tonight from Newark, New Jersey, headlined by AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending the title against Orange Cassidy.
TBS Champion Mercedes Mone puts her title on the line against Kris Statlander while Jack Perry defends the TNT Championship against Daniel Garcia.
In a pair of marquee match-ups, Konosuke Takeshita defends the AEW International Championship against Ricochet while Will Ospreay faces Kyle Fletcher.
Private Party will defend their AEW World Tag Team titles in a four-way against The Outrunners, House of Black, and The Acclaimed.
Other featured matches include Bobby Lashley vs. Swerve Strickland, Hangman Page vs. Jay White, and MJF vs. Roderick Strong.
AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa will hold a champagne celebration.
On the Zero Hour pre-show, Big Boom AJ of the Costco Guys faces QT Marshall; Anna Jay takes on Deonna Purrazzo, and Dante Martin vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Komander vs. Buddy Matthews is also set.
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Zero Hour
The WrestleAunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City), Jeff Jarrett & Paul Walter Hauser welcome us to Zero Hour and run down tonight’s card. They throw it down to Excalibur ringside, who, alongside Tony Schiavone & Daddy Magic, take us to the opening contest.
Anna Jay defeated Deonna Purrazzo (w/Taya Valkyrie)
Valkyrie tried to run distraction early, but Jay was able to fend off Purrazzo with a roundhouse kick and rolling neckbreaker for two. Jay went up top, but Purrazzo took the ref, allowing Valkyrie to again distract Jay long enough for Purrazzo to take control. Jay tried a comeback, but Purrazzo caught a flatliner into a Koji Clutch. Jay escaped, managed another thrust kick into the double down for the reset. Slugfest ensues, as Jay fired up with a series of strikes, snap dropkick and corner charge. Jay wanted the Queen Slayer, but Purrazzo countered almost into the Venus De Milo, but Jay got the ropes. Both ladies up, Jay hit a neckbreaker through the ropes, but Valkyrie pulled Jay outside and hit a Spear right in front of referee Mike Posey. Instead of just disqualifying Purrazzo, he ejected Valkyrie, which commentary told us was a “judgment call.” Purrazzo wrenched in an arm breaker, but Jay quickly rolled her up for a flash pin.
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Billie Starkz, who we’re told is one of the entrants on the ROH side of the 4-way women’s cup qualifiers to see who moves on to Wrestle Dynasty in the Tokyo Dome. ROH Women’s TV Champion Red Velvet walks in, says she’s also in it, then mocks Starkz, saying she’s defeated her already. Leyla Hirsch joined and said she’s in the match, finally ROH Women’s Champion Athena interrupts and said she’s the final entrant in it, but wonders why since she’s beaten all of them before. They all argue to end the segment.
-After we hear from the pre-show crew again about more matches tonight, Lexy Nair is backstage with QT Marshall and asks him about laying out Big Boom AJ on Rampage during their weigh-in. Marshall runs down New Jersey and said AJ represents the trash Jersey has to offer. He’s worse than Bruce Springsteen himself and said everyone can thank him for the house tonight.
-A commercial is shown for AEW being simulcast on MAX New Year’s Day for Fight for the Fallen.
Buddy Matthews defeated Dante Martin, Komander (w/Alex Abrahantes) & The Beast Mortos
(Exactly the sprint you’d expect from these four competitors, as the crowd were into it from the very start. Matthews was very over with this crowd, arguably the most he’s been in his time in AEW. This was a wildly entertaining match.)
Loud ovation for Matthews before the bell, as they teased multiple times he & Mortos going at it, but Komander & Martin kept preventing it. Martin popped up Komander into a snap hurricanrana on Matthews, but Mortos did a test of strength with both Komander & Martin. After losing that battle, Komander & Martin took turns hitting assisted launching cross body blocks until everyone teased superplex spots, only to be cut off. Martin flipped over Matthews, who responded with a dropkick to the outside, allowing Mortos to his a twisting Tornillo. Matthews followed with a somersault dive, as this allowed Komander to do his rope walk dive onto the pile to a huge pop.
Back inside, Komander wanted his rope walk Shooting Star, Matthews avoided it, but not Mortos, who sent him into the steps. Mortos hit a gnarly lungblower on Komander and huge Samoan Drop on Martin. Matthews & Mortos finally went at it without interruption, as he spiked Mortos with a draping DDT. Matthews lawn darted Komander into Martin in the corner before flattening Komander with a Jackhammer for two. Martin countered Murphy’s Law into a roll-up for two, as he did the same to Komander until both popped up and hit stereo big boots. Matthews flew in with a Meteora on Martin, but Komander was there with a spinning DDT. Mortos charged in with a crucifix bomb, but Martin was there for a springboard lariat for the reset and This Is Awesome chants. Slugfest by all four until Mortos started firing off headbutts. Komander flew in with a springboard Poison Rana led to a Martin Frog Splash, but as he made the cover, Matthews connected on a Curb Stomp to steal the win.
Big Boom AJ (w/Big Justice) defeated QT Marshall
(I said on Wednesday that the TikTok act wasn’t for me, but I’d be lying if I said the fans didn’t love everything this was. Marshall played the heel role very well and the crowd had a lot of fun during this. I assume this was a one and done for the Costco Crew, as I credit them for promoting the heck out of this leading up. This did exactly what it was meant to do.)
Paul Wight was introduced as the special guest commentator, while The Rizzler, who got a huge ovation, is the special guest time keeper. Marshall came out with security guards, while AJ had Big Justice by his side, high fived I think literally everyone ringside, as both had pyro aplenty. Early takedowns from Marshall, who mocked AJ’s dance, but AJ returned the favor and got “You Still Got It” chants. Marshall hit one shoulder tackle, but run into a powerslam by AJ for a near fall. High back body drop and clothesline to the floor by AJ, as Marshall’s security is fanning him off before running distraction. Marshall tried a flip dive, but AJ side stepped and all the security went down.
Marshall hit a kick through the ropes as AJ tried getting back in the ring, as a snap DDT followed. Camera kept cutting to The Rizzler to “We Want The Rizzler” chants as Tony Schiavone said he should start grabbing his chin and Excalibur asked which one, which was hilarious. AJ started hulking up with punches and planted Marshall with a spinebuster. AJ went up top and hit a diving clothesline before following it up with a running powerslam for two. Marshall caught AJ off guard with a hand spring Pele Kick followed by a Diamond Cutter, but only got a near fall.
Marshall went after The Rizzler, but Wight stepped in front of him. Excalibur questioned if Marshall was about to assault a child, something we’ll never have the answer to. Marshall went up top, but was cut off by AJ, who hit a superplex. Aaron Solo hit the ring, ran distraction and ate a punch for his troubles, but it allowed Marshall to hit a pump kick. Solo took the ref, as Big Justice got in and dropped Marshall with a Spear. This led to AJ hitting the Power-Boom for the win. AJ, Big Justice & The Rizzler stood tall and celebrated as they did get a pretty big ovation.
-Mercedes Mone & Kamille were walking backstage where Mone told her heater that it’s been embarrassing lately how Kamille is pandering for attention. Kamille was about to stand up for herself when she held back and Mone said she didn’t ask for Kamille to speak, so she can stay backstage and see how a real woman gets the job done.
-They played the great full November Rain hype video one more time before the start of the PPV, which is smart, get the most out of the song while you can.
The 4-Way for the AEW Tag Team Titles will kick off Full Gear, as Kings of the Black Throne made their entrance with their music being played live by Deadbody. The Outrunners, per usual, got a massive ovation. The Acclaimed, though, did their entrance with Caster doing a rap, but he didn’t say the closing line of everyone loves The Acclaimed, instead called himself the best wrestler alive and chucked the mic at Bowens, which was the end of Zero Hour.
AEW Full Gear
Private Party (Zay & Quen) defeated The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum), The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens w/Daddy Ass) & Kings of the Black Throne (Malakai Black & Brody King) for the AEW Tag Team Titles
(I thought this was a fun party match up until the last few minutes, which was just overkill with the dissention between The Acclaimed. We get it, do the turn already. Add to that the dumb attempt late in the match of trying to pin your own partner, which I know is something the New Age Outlaws did years ago, but commentary was just baffled that pin attempt was even allowed.)
Zay & Quen are back to having their Shots, Shots entrance, this time with shot girls lining the entrance ramp. During the intros, every team but The Acclaimed got pretty big reactions. Black & Quen kicked things off trading a series of takedowns until Black had a seat, but popped up and nearly hit The End, but Quen dodged. Blind tag by Bowens, as Zay joined and they traded arm drags until a Fame-Asser connected. Caster was playing to the crowd and missed a tag, allowing The Outrunners to make quick tags and keep Zay grounded. Floyd & King were left in the ring for a slugfest, with Floyd hulking up to the delight of the crowd. Black joined his partner, as it was Bowens who was planted with a superplex/double foot stomp combo until Black hit a diving moonsault onto a pile on the floor.
Back inside, Quen ate a pop-up knee lift, as Zay tried flying in, but ate a right hand in mid-air as Black & King forced everyone to regroup. That happened successfully, as it was a 6 on 1 attack on King until Bowens hit Scissor Me Timbers. Bowens teased a handshake/scissor with Floyd, but Caster broke things up before it could happen, which got boos. Everyone took turns hitting high impact moves until Zay & Quen were left standing tall hitting stereo 450 Splashes on The Outrunners for two. Floyd & Magnum battled back and did their dueling Predator elbow drop, as they wanted Total Recall, but King & Black cut them both off. King flattened Bowens with a Black Hole Slam and corner cannonball with Black. They tried it again, but Caster swept the leg, allowing The Outrunners to successfully hit Total Recall on King for two.
Caster flew off the top with a dropkick on Black, as “F You Caster” chants were heard and he played into it. Bowens just stared at his partner, as Daddy Ass tried giving his team advice, as Caster laid down and Bowens covered his partner for two, which Excalibur said wasn’t allowed, yet Rick Knox counted it. Blind tag by Caster on Bowens, who was trying for a crucifix pin on Zay, as he wanted a Mic Drop. Bowens hit The Arrival, but Floyd interrupted the elbow, allowing Private Party to hit the Gin n’ Juice to pin Caster.
-Orange Cassidy was backstage and interviewed by Lexy Nair. Cassidy said tonight, AEW sends a message back to the Death Riders. Private Party proved a point when they won the Tag Team Titles and they all need AEW. Tonight, Cassidy shows that AEW doesn’t need Jon Moxley, he takes everything the AEW World Title represents and puts it in his backpack to become the new World Champion.
MJF defeated Roderick Strong
(Good match, probably one that could’ve happened on TV, but MJF got great heat and Strong fought well as the babyface. The finish came pretty abruptly, but the post-match was the bigger story, as Strong is the one presumably out of commission for a while. I’m not sure the end game for this Cole/O’Reilly/Kingdom story, but we need to get Cole vs. MJF soon and all involved need to be able to move on to other things to start 2025.)
The Thank Me Later banner fell in the ring for MJF’s entrance, as he quickly bailed outside at the bell and took the microphone. MJF said the people like Strong because he’s just like them, white trash and asked if it offended the dumpster fire of the world, New Jersey? While he was out shooting movies, Strong’s mother was busy shooting his daddy. Strong went after MJF, tried a chop against the post, but MJF dodged and Strong smacked the steel. MJF trapped Strong’s fingers between the metal of the buckle before hitting a powerbomb on the edge of the apron. MJF trash talked Strong back inside, but ate some hard chops, which turned MJF’s chest beat red almost immediately. Strong answered with a half nelson backbreaker to get some time to recover.
Jumping knee strike in the corner connected, followed by an Angle Slam to give Strong a near fall. MJF tried to answer with a Heatseeker, but was sent flying outside, where Strong met him with a backbreaker on the railing. Back inside, MJF got a boot in the corner, but opted to mock Adam Cole and tried a Panama Sunrise, which Strong countered into another backbreaker. Both men slowly up, this time with MJF striking first, hitting the hammerlock spike DDT. MJF tried trash talking once more, but ate a series of chops and dropkicks for his troubles. Strong shot the double leg and sank in the Texas Cloverleaf. MJF got the rope break, but as they both got up, Strong fired off an End of Heartache, but a foot on the rope broke the count. MJF bailed outside again, until back inside, MJF countered End of Heartache into a roll-up for two. Strong up first and hit a torture rack backbreaker, fireman’s carry gut buster and Sick Kick before going for another End of Heartache, but MJF turned it into a brainbuster for the double down. Strong draped an arm over for a two count, but MJF spun into Salt of the Earth for a very quick submission from Strong.
Post-match, MJF brought a chair in the ring and Pillmanized the arm of Strong until Adam Cole, Mike Bennett & Matt Taven sprinted to the ring, but it was too little, too late. MJF bailed through the crowd as Kyle O’Reilly joined checking on Strong and shoved Cole down, screaming that Cole was too late (he has a point). O’Reilly helped Strong to the back, as Taven & Bennett were left with Cole.
Mercedes Mone defeated Kris Statlander to retain the TBS Title
(You could make an argument that aside from Double or Nothing and All Out this year respectively, each against Willow Nightingale, this was both Mone & Statlander’s best matches in AEW. I thought these two ladies crushed it and I’m thrilled we didn’t get any Kamille shenanigans. The crowd bit at the numerous false finishes and the final one thought they were about to get a new champ. I hope Statlander isn’t actually hurt with her knee, as she had to be helped to the back by a doctor.)
Statlander used her power advantage out the gate, turning a vertical suplex into a press slam. Rolling senton into a standing moonsault gets an early near fall, as Mone took a powder. Statlander wanted a suplex to the floor, but Mone went to the eyes and hit a wild step-up hurricanrana off the apron. A Meteora followed off the apron, as Mone demanded a count-out win. Baseball slide sent Statlander into the announce table, as Mone chucked her into the steps and hit another Meteora into them.
A third Meteora back inside got a near fall, leaving Mone furious and screeching at referee Aubrey. In an oddly effective counter, Mone turned a Statlander powerbomb attempt into a neckbreaker variation for two. Sunset flip into the corner led to a fourth double knee by Mone to get another two count. Statlander threw Mone aside off a Tornado DDT attempt, as Mone went for a fifth Meteora variation, this time, it came back to bite her, as Statlander caught and dropped her in the corner. Commentary talked about how it was bound to happen with Mone trying it so often.
Snap powerslam from Statlander, who hit a series of corner charges until a Chaos Theory folded up Mone for two, with Mone getting a foot on the rope. Statlander tried pulling Mone up, but the momentum saw Mone leap up and turn it into a crucifix bomb. Statement Maker was locked in, as Statlander powered out, but Mone hit a backstabber for a near fall. Mone hit another Meteora, the most devastating one of the match for two. Statlander caught a charging Mone with a discus lariat, as she followed with the twisting fireman’s carry for a close two of her own. Statlander wanted Saturday Night Fever, but Mone swung through into a spike DDT and had a meltdown off getting only two.
Three Amigos from Mone, as she went up top for a Frog Splash, but leapt into the clutches of Statlander, who hit a F5 for the closes two of the match. Statlander wanted a 450, but crashed and burned, as Mone targeted the bad right knee repeatedly and hit a Frog Splash onto it. Multiple backstabbers led to the Mone Maker, which looked really great, but again, only managed two. Both ladies scurried for pin attempts, leaving Statlander to power up, wanting Saturday Night Fever, but Mone literally bit the bad leg, swung Statlander into the ropes and got a roll-up for the win.
Switchblade Jay White defeated Hangman Adam Page
(While I really enjoyed their match at Wrestle Dream, I thought this was even better, as each man had a target for the other and they told a great story of selling as a result. The crowd were almost torn at times, but Page did a good job eventually getting the crowd to boo him. This obviously won’t be the last time these two will wrestle one another, as this is something Page just can’t get passed until he’s at least beat White again, even though White is up 5-1 on him in singles matches in their career.)
Page wasted no time sending White over the top to the outside and targeting the ankle, which, thanks to Page himself, kept White out of action for three months this year. After posting the ankle, it’s what Page zoned in on in the ring. A slow and methodical attack from Page until White turned the tide and went at Page’s previously hurt leg. That momentum was only brief, as Page responded with a fall away slam into the corner as dueling chants from the crowd rang out. After flipping off the crowd, Page hit another fall away slam off the second rope, but got a near fall. Page took too long, which allowed White to post Page’s bad leg multiple times before going up in the corner for a big time superplex. Both slowly up and took turns just heaving their bodies at the others injured body part to cause the double down.
Forearm exchange turned to wildly loud lariats, which just echoed throughout the Prudential Center, until White managed a Flatliner and snap suplex. Page stumbled up and got a desperation pop-up powerbomb for another reset. Page wanted Dead Eye on the apron, but White escaped into a brutal half and half, folding up Page on his neck. White followed with another one on the floor towards the ramp and instead of taking a count-out, he told referee Paul Turner to stop the count and come with him. The delay allowed Page to recover enough to chuck White into the barricade after White’s ankle gave out on a suplex attempt. With his ankle trapped between the barricade, Page booted it and applied an Ankle Lock. The ref put the count on both men, as White crawled to the ringside area still in the submission, as Page broke the hold, made it at 9, but so did White.
Page measured White for a Buckshot, but flipped into a Flatliner attempt, only to counter into another Ankle Lock. White rolled through, sent Page to the apron and got a dragon screw through the ropes. Big time uranage from White got a close two, as he wanted Blade Runner, but Page again went to the Ankle Lock, which White countered this time into an inverted Figure Four. Page got the ropes, crawled to the corner, but White was there for another dragon screw. The brief hesitation to follow-up from White allowed Page to hit two Dead Eyes, but White kicked out. Page skinned the cat, tried Buckshot, White nearly countered into Blade Runner, Page with the Ankle Lock again, but this time White rolled through, got up and caught Page into Blade Runner for the win out of nowhere. White smiled, as he reminded Page that he has 5 wins on him now, with the 1 win Page had being pretty tainted.
Post match, White celebrated up the ramp, but when he turned his back, Page went up after and laid him out. Christopher Daniels and officials came out to stop him and Page dropped Daniels as well. Both White & Daniels were helped to the back as Page stormed out.
Kyle Fletcher (w/Don Callis) defeated Will Ospreay
(At one point in this match, Tony Schiavone called this a show stealer and that’s putting it mildly, this match was incredible. This was the star making performance Fletcher needed as a single, with Ospreay giving him everything he had. A phenomenal battle with the crowd there every step of the way.)
Punisher inspired gear from Ospreay, as we also had flashy new entrance music, tron video and entrance attire for Fletcher, who wore a crown to the ring. Bell rang and these two wasted no time going full speed, with Fletcher getting the first take down. Ospreay sent Fletcher outside, wanted a dive, but Fletcher side stepped and sent Ospreay into the railing. Both trade suplex attempts on the steps, until Ospreay leapt over the steps, then launched off them with a hurricanrana. Back inside, Fletcher fought back, spiked Ospreay with a DDT, ripping away at the kinesio tape. He was trying a brainbuster on the apron, which Ospreay countered, but Fletcher wrenched at the neck before hitting a brainbuster on the floor. Fletcher kept Ospreay grounded, as Don Callis on commentary talked about not carrying at all that Ospreay lost feeling in his arm while holding his child, all Callis cares about is Fletcher.
A flying kick to the neck led to a draping DDT in the ropes for a near fall. Dragon Sleeper applied, but Ospreay escaped, tried a head scissors DDT, but Fletcher countered it into a Michinoku Driver. Fletcher missed a corner charge, Ospreay fired off a Helluva Kick and followed with a Sky Twister Press to the floor, so impressive even Callis had to put him over. Pip, Pip, Cheerio connects back inside, as Ospreay hits Kawada Kicks until Fletcher started a chop battle. Fletcher’s chest is bleeding, so he pump faked a chop and opted for a slap instead. This only pissed Ospreay off, who hit a Cheeky Nandos kick and spinning Torture Rack bomb for two. Hidden Blade dodged, but Ospreay connected on a Hook Kick, only to try an Oscutter, which Fletcher countered into a neckbreaker in mid-air. A massive sit-out powerbomb got a super close near fall, as the crowd are cheering loud for the sequence.
Fletcher with a corner charge boot, but Ospreay fought back with Stundog Millionaire. They tried a spot where Ospreay was cut off from skinning the cat and were going to turn it into a Tombstone outside, but they stumbled briefly until ultimately hitting the move. Fletcher beat the count at 9, but as he rolled in, Ospreay met him with a springboard dropkick and perfect Leap of Faith for two. Shoulder pad removed, as Ospreay wanted Hidden Blade, but Fletcher ducked, they traded a crazy series of counters until a standing Spanish Fly hit for Ospreay. Hidden Blade charge, but Fletcher turned him inside out with a lariat. Ospreay still had some fight left, fired off a desperation Hidden Blade for the reset. Ospreay again wanted another Leap of Faith, but was crotched, ultimately slid out of a brainbuster attempt with a Styles Clash, as he rolled Fletcher over, annihilated him with a Hidden Blade, but Fletcher managed to kick out.
Ospreay violently punched at the back of the head while on the apron before looking down at the steps set-up from earlier. He wanted a Storm Breaker off the apron, but Fletcher floated over and hit a Tombstone off the apron onto the steps in a wild spot that got justified “Holy Sh*t” chants. Fletcher told Ospreay he refuses to win via count-out, he wants to show he’s better than him, as they go back inside where Fletcher hits a charging leg lariat and reverse Tombstone we’re told is the Grimstone for two. That move was just as scary looking as a Tiger Driver if I’m being honest. That’s what Fletcher went for next, but Ospreay rolled into a pin attempt for two. Ospreay threw Hidden Blade, but nothing was behind it and he collapsed, with Fletcher no selling. A lariat folded Ospreay up before a Helluva Kick led to the brainbuster on the top rope to give Fletcher the victory.
Post match, Fletcher stood over the fallen Ospreay as Mark Davis came to the ring to tend to his fallen friend. Fletcher said they deserve each other, as Callis had the crown with him, commentary saying in order to become a king, you have to kill a king and this was Fletcher’s shining moment as a singles star.
Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa’s AEW Women’s Title Champagne Celebration
Shirakawa made her entrance as Nigel McGuinness said earlier in the show, they brought The Boom, while now it’s time for The Boo…but was hilariously cut off by Schiavone. Shirakawa introduced May (who has a big shiner on her eye) to the stage, as photos of them both and the AEW Women’s Title was set-up. May said there’s not a single woman alive who can touch her. May also said she couldn’t have done this without Shirakawa, as the two toasted champagne and Shirakawa said long may she reign. May said it’s time to celebrate as the two started dancing until Shirakawa turned her back and May was about to deck her with the champagne bottle, but was caught. Shirakawa kicked the bottle out of May’s hands and tackled her off the stage with both crashing through a table. Shirakawa ultimately got up, with her mouth bleeding, as she kissed the forehead of May before being escorted away.
Daniel Garcia defeated Jack Perry to win the TNT Title
(They unfortunately had to deal with an exhausted crowd after the Ospreay & Fletcher match, but the last closing minutes, the crowd was behind Garcia, especially the finish. Despite a slow opening few minutes, I thought these two had a good match and I’m happy Garcia got his first singles title in AEW, it was more than overdue. With The Elite storyline being seemingly done for a while, there’s no need for Perry to be holding the TNT Title right now, so hopefully Garcia can have a strong run going forward.)
Daddy Magic Matt Menard joins commentary as a video package for Garcia was shown before his entrance with the focus being on finishing what he started. Garcia’s mother’s voice was in the background saying he’s always been about helping the people he cares about, but needs to realize it’s time to do what’s best for him and she’ll be praying for him. Apparently, Perry got free from being tied to a chair in a shed on Wednesday, so he’s here and played mind games taking powders in the early going. After the cat and mouse was done, Garcia slammed Perry into the railing repeatedly before booting Perry into the front row. The brief delay of Garcia breaking the count allowed Perry to hit a draping DDT off the apron to the floor before doing another off the barricade.
Perry kept grounded Garcia until a Saito Suplex gave Garcia some time to recover and start a slugfest. Perry got a drop toe hold into a Snare Trap, as the crowd is very quiet at this point. Garcia was dragged to the apron where Perry hit a back suplex on the edge of the ring before trying to goad Menard into fighting but shoving him. Perry took Garcia over and powerbombed him brutally through the time keepers table and dumped trash on him for good measure. Menard tended to Garcia, who eventually broke the count.
Garcia started slowly firing up as Perry was toying with him, as lariat took Perry’s head off. A house of fire, Garcia ran wild with charges and butterfly suplex stack in the corner. Both slugged it out while up in the corner until Perry lawn darted Garcia into the corner buckle and hit a sit-out slam for two. Perry grabbed the TNT Title, teased using it, but tossed it down to Garcia and dared him to use it. For some reason Garcia actually debated losing it and would’ve been DQ’d, but gave it back to referee Rick Knox. The distraction let Perry hit a low blow and charging knee, but Garcia kicked out. Perry wanted another knee, but Garcia collapsed. Perry tried a third time, but Garcia got a jackknife pin for two. Garcia blocked a superkick, trapped the foot and hit a nasty piledriver for two of his own.
Both start throwing slaps, until Garcia starts chopping the hell out of Perry repeatedly, but Perry just smiled, so Garcia starched him with another piledriver. Garcia sank in the Dragon Tamer, wrenched back after Perry failed to get the ropes and he ultimately tapped to a huge pop. Post match, Garcia held up an AEW flag while holding marching to the back.
Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) defeated Ricochet to retain the AEW International Title
(Despite being two of the best in the world, I almost feel this match was unnecessary on this card and could’ve very well been fine on Dynamite. That said, the second half of this match I thought was excellent, even though the crowd was pretty quiet for a majority, similar to the previous match. This was the first singles loss for Ricochet, who I’m assume will bounce back from this just fine, as Takeshita certainly should not be losing the title anytime soon.)
Commentary put over how both Takeshita & Ricochet will be involved in Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th. After the feeling out process, Ricochet popped off an early springboard cross body, but Takeshita blocked a Tiger Feint Kick in the ropes and booted Ricochet’s head off to the outside. Takeshita connected on a brutal back suplex onto the barricade, as back inside, that’s the body part he zoned in on, Ricochet’s back. Takeshita hit a picture-perfect spinning side suplex for two, as he worked over the small of the back until Ricochet wanted to do a springboard, but the back gave out and Takeshita press slammed him clear across the ring. Right as Takeshita was about to rear back for his forearm, Ricochet connected on a rolling dropkick and handspring back elbow for the reset.
Ricochet sent Takeshita from corner to corner until this time successfully hitting the springboard clothesline. Low bridge and enzugiri sent Takeshita to the outside, as Ricochet connected on his Sasuke Special before a 450 Splash hit for two. Callis left commentary and tried to fire up Takeshita, so that resulted in loud “F Don Callis” chants. Ricochet missed the axe kick, hit a thrust kick, but a handspring led to a counter into a Blue Thunder Bomb by Takeshita for two. Ricochet blocked the Power Drive Knee, but not the wind-up forearm, as Takeshita keeps throwing everything behind his shots. Ricochet floated over a German suplex, tried a cazadora, but Takeshita rolled through into the German suplex. Takeshita missed a lariat, as Ricochet hit one of his own for the double down.
Takeshita crotched Ricochet in the corner and hit a release avalanche German suplex before a lariat turned Ricochet inside out for two. Power Drive Knee hit flush, but again Ricochet kicked out. Takeshita again went after the back before going up top, but Ricochet sprung up with a hurricanrana followed by a Poison Rana. Again up top, Ricochet hit the Shooting Star Press for a close two. Ricochet signaled for The Spirit Gun, missed, tried Vertigo, but Takeshita countered into the Bastard Driver for two. Takeshita wanted his knee, but Ricochet dodged into a brainbuster and Benadryller for a close near fall. Ricochet once more went up top, but took too long, allowing Takeshita to crotch him, hit a pump knee and avalanche Falcon Arrow for the win.
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP & Shelton Benjamin) defeated Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana)
(This was as dominating of a win you can have, while still having it be competitive, if that makes sense, I hope it does. Strickland got a lot of hope spots off, but ultimately Lashley needed to look strong and did just that. I really thought this match did exactly what it was meant to do, job well done to both. I think this feud is just getting going.)
Jim Ross joins commentary for the final two matches of the evening, as he said he dances like Prince Nana when he wakes up in the morning and it feels good. Lashley showed off his power in the early going, to the point where he was picking Strickland up from a pin attempt off a spinning slam. One arm vertical suplex connects, as Nana got the crowd behind Strickland, who fired back with chops, but one throat chop from Lashley put him back in control. A running powerslam got another two for Lashley, who slowed the match down with a chin lock, which Strickland’s facial expression selling it was perfect. Lashley missed a corner charge, as Strickland seemed to go for a Swerve Stomp, but Benjamin ran distraction enough for Lashley to recover and launch Strickland with a running tackle.
Back in the ring, Strickland started mounting a comeback, but Benjamin tripped him and got caught by the ref, so he was ejected. On the other side of the ring, Strickland tried a slingshot cross body, but Lashley caught and slammed Strickland on the edge of the apron before chucking him into the barricade. Lashley positioned the steps, tried a powerslam onto them, but Strickland sent him crashing into the post and steps repeatedly. Gouging the eyes of Lashley, Strickland wanted a DDT on the apron, but it looked like Lashley missed it completely and just landed awkwardly outside. Lashley stumbled over to the Spanish announce area and Strickland flew in with a Swerve Stromp off the steps through the table. Back inside, House Call hit flush, as Strickland went up top, hitting the Swerve Stomp, but Lashley kicked out.
Lashley went outside, as Strickland got right in MVP’s face, but the delay allowed Lashley to hit a release overhead belly to belly and wild Spear through the barricade. Back to the ring, Lashley measured and turned Strickland inside out with another Spear before putting him away with The Hurt Lock, as Strickland passed out.
Post match, Nana was tossed in the ring by MVP & a returning Benjamin, as Lashley applied The Hurt Lock again until he also went out.
Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) defeated Orange Cassidy to retain the AEW World Title
(This match had a different feel than anything else on the card, this didn’t just feel like a grudge match, this was almost a match of survival for Cassidy and it resulted in some great emotional storytelling. He had his hope, but the numbers were simply too much, even thought The Conglomeration and returning Willow Nightingale was able to even the playing field for a little bit. Moxley stealing the win was somewhat expected, but the post-match, man, so much happened, too much. They have a lot of stories to tell coming out of the final 5 minutes, so it’ll be interesting in see where they opt to go. A very chaotic ending to an otherwise excellent main event.)
The Death Riders pull up to the arena in their truck, as I want to point out that I think it’s funny and great that PAC travels in his ring gear. Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC & Marina Shafir arrive without Wheeler Yuta, but it’s just Moxley & Shafir walking through the crowd to the ring. Shafir unlocked her hand from the briefcase she’s been carrying around with the key around her neck, as referee Bryce never showed us the title, as Cassidy fired off three Orange Punches and a Tope during the ring introductions. They spill onto the commentary table, where Cassidy lit up Moxley with punches in bunches before biting at the head. Moxley desperately went at the eyes and crotched Cassidy on the barricade before things spilled into the crowd. Moxley dragged Cassidy back ringside, daring him to fight back before stomping Cassidy’s head into the steps, busting him open in the process. I did not expect Cassidy to be the first one to bleed in this if I’m being honest.
Moxley connected with a Paradigm Shift on the steps, as he distracted the ref long enough for Shafir to get in her shots. Finally in the ring now, Moxley is relentless on his attack, biting at the bloody forehead before hitting a Gotch Style Piledriver for two, so Moxley went back to punches. Moxley placed Cassidy on the Spanish Announce Table (which was just reassembled from the previous match), but chucked him into the steps. While his hands were covered in Cassidy’s blood, Moxley high fived Shafir and her reaction was priceless. Cassidy started firing up and the crowd got behind him, as he refused to back down until Moxley punted him in the ribs and hit the release suplex. Kimura applied, but Cassidy got the ropes, rolling to the apron. Moxley charged and Cassidy went crashing into the barricade as Moxley flipped off the crowd.
Moxley dared Cassidy to fight back, he tried, but again, Moxley hit him so hard Cassidy fell like a mannequin. While in the corner, Moxley viciously raked the back, which looked even cooler with the bloody hands, but Cassidy returned the favor, but as he leapt for the DDT off the top, Moxley just popped him mid-air with a forearm. Cassidy bit at the fingers, but fell trapped in a guillotine. Back up in the corner, Moxley wanted an Avalanche Piledriver, but Cassidy fought free and hit his diving DDT. Spinning DDT connected as well, as Cassidy wanted another Orange Punch, but Moxley met him with a Cutter. Both start paint brushing the hell out of each other, which turned to forearms, as Cassidy was on spaghetti legs, but kept daring Moxley to hit him until he put his hands in the pockets and fired off the little kicks. Cassidy ducked a lariat and fired off two Orange Punches, but followed with a cazadora pin for two. Cassidy kipped up for a third Orange Punch and Beach Break for a near fall, which was a great callback to Cassidy winning their match from last Full Gear.
Claudio Castagnoli & PAC emerge from the crowd and look like they were going to get in the ring until Tomohiro Ishii, Kyle O’Reilly & Rocky Romero they said evened the odds, but it’s 3 on 2 outside, as Romero hit a top rope dive onto the pile. With referee Bryce’s attention turned, Shafir was in the ring with the briefcase about to strike when a returning Willow Nightingale made the save and tackled Shafir to the floor to a huge reaction. Cassidy got the briefcase, waffled Moxley, as referee Bryce turned around and counted the closest two of the match. Moxley was stumbling around, grabbing the ref, which allowed Wheeler Yuta to fly in with a Busiaku Knee, as it led to a Death Rider by Moxley to get the tainted victory.
Post match, Yuta grabbed a bottle of what we’re told were chemicals used to clean ringside, as Moxley held Cassidy and Yuta dumped the bottle on Cassidy. Hangman Adam Page then stormed to the ring with a chair, decked Yuta in the head with the side of it before staring down Moxley. It was all a way to sucker Moxley in, as Christian Cage hit the ring, connected with a Killswitch on Moxley, as Page picked up Cage’s contract case and slowly gave it to Cage. Just as Cage was about to give it to the referee, Switchblade Jay White ran down and prevented Cage from doing it, hitting him with a Blade Runner. PAC & Castagnoli attacked White, who was left laughing as The Death Riders scurried away.
White grabbed a chair and stormed to the back as The Death Riders were going to their truck when a car slammed into it from off screen. It was Darby Allin, who stumbled out of the car, bleeding from the head, as The Death Riders stole the keys to another car and hightailed it with Allin screaming for them to finish things right now as the show went off the air.
