Tonight’s four-hour AEW Fyter Fest from Denver, Colorado, includes a four-way match for the International Championship as champion Kenny Omega defends against Claudio Castagnoli, Brody King, and Mascara Dorada.
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will take on Mark Briscoe on tonight’s show in a non-title affair.
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm teams with Mina Shirakawa against Skye Blue & Julia Hart. Storm’s All In Texas challenger TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will be on commentary.
Following an angle on Saturday’s Collision to set it up, FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) will team against Atlantis Jr. & Templario.
After making her surprise debut last Wednesday, Thekla will make her AEW in-ring debut against an opponent to be named.
Mike Bailey, Komander & Kevin Knight will take on La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, The Beast Mortos & Dralistico) in a trios match.
AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) along with MJF and MVP will also appear.
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AEW Fyter Fest comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Taz & Ian Riccaboni as they go over tonight’s card mentioning it’ll be a rare singles match on TV for AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. Timeless Toni Storm makes her way into the arena and tells Mercedes Mone to grab a snack before watching her do her thing later tonight. Storm said her tits will be taped up and she’ll be ready to tango in Denver.
Will Ospreay Addresses/Challenges Swerve Strickland
Tony Schiavone introduces Ospreay to the ring as they show footage of last week after Dynamite where Ospreay & Swerve Strickland got into a brawl after Strickland called Ospreay delusional. They had to be separated by security as Ospreay screamed that they should be on the same team. Back live, Ospreay said he tried getting Strickland & Hangman Page on the same page, despite both hating each other, but just for one night, realize Jon Moxley is the common enemy, retrieve the belt and then go back after each other. Ospreay said Moxley once mentioned he hates what AEW has become, so Ospreay’s idea is for him to piss off. People like Ospreay, Strickland, Page, Toni Storm & Kenny Omega is the reason why AEW is popular again and the reason it’s not, is because Moxley is World Champion. Ospreay said Death Riders are a threat to AEW, but if Strickland opts to cost Hangman Page the AEW World Title, then maybe he’s just as much of a threat. Ospreay loves Strickland, he’d take a bullet for him, but not before he’d take one for AEW. Ospreay said next week at Summer Blockbuster, he’s calling Strickland out for a rematch.
CRU interrupts, baffling not just Ospreay, but everyone, as Action Andretti apologized for interrupting the pow-wow between he & Tommy Schiavone. That was promptly met by Shut the F Up chants from the Denver crowd. Lio Rush said he knows Brits like to talk a lot and brought up getting off a 14-hour flight from Japan. Andretti has the night off, but Rush has a point to prove, saying the worst part of AEW is Ospreay’s dumbass. Ospreay said he’ll help Rush get that anger out, as tonight, they’re sold out, he has his spray tan, his crime fighting pants and asks if the crowd wants a Will Ospreay match? They loudly cheer and said he’ll face Rush tonight, while he’ll see Swerve Strickland next week in Portland.
-Mark Briscoe said his five-year-old son asked if he quit last week in his tag match with Jon Moxley? Briscoe said he never quit, he passed out, so he wants to fight Moxley tonight, after his children questioned his toughness. Moxley better be ready to Man Up!
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir & Wheeler Yuta) vs. Mark Briscoe
(Despite the interference, which we’ve more than grown accustomed to in Moxley matches, I thought this was quite the hard-hitting opener, with the crowd loudly behind Briscoe, biting at his false finishes down the stretch. No way should Moxley be losing now until All In, but Briscoe pushed him to the limit, it’s just the numbers game was too much.)
Moxley took an early powder, but was met with a Briscoe right hand, as the fight was quickly taken outside. Ten punches against the barricade sent Moxley scrambling back in the ring, where he fired off a series of forearms and chops, but Briscoe hooked a sleeper briefly before charging, running into a Moxley boot. The attack continued in the ropes, as the crowd is loudly against Moxley & behind Briscoe, who sent Moxley to the floor with a huge baseball slide. Briscoe stomped the hands of Yuta, but the distraction allowed Moxley to side-step the cannonball off the apron. Shafir took referee Paul Turner, giving Yuta a chance to post Briscoe, busting him open in the process. Moxley was relentless on his attack, controlling a bloody Briscoe into commercial.
Back from break, Briscoe ramped up Redneck Kung-Fu, as an enzugiri sent Moxley outside, where Briscoe followed with a somersault senton. The crowd went nuts for Briscoe, who quickly hit a sliding lariat back inside for two. Forearm battle, as Moxley changed levels, but Briscoe hit a flying forearm, wanted Jay Driller, only for Moxley to spin out into a lariat. Briscoe escaped a Paradigm Shift and gave Moxley a taste of his own medicine with a lariat of his own. Briscoe wanted a Froggy Bow, but leapt right into the clutches, as Moxley sank in a cross-arm breaker, but Briscoe got a toe on the rope. Moxley took the ref, giving Yuta a chance to hammerlock the arm and post Briscoe, as Shafir tossed him back in the ring. Briscoe exploded up back inside with a rolling DVD and Jay Driller flush, but Moxley kicked out. Commentary said that’s the first time anyone in AEW has kicked out of the Jay Driller.
Briscoe wanted the Cutthroat Driver, but Moxley spun out in an arm ringer slam and Curb Stomp. Moxley got the Bulldog Choke, transitioning into a rear naked choke. We got the Bret Hart/Roddy Piper Mania 8 spot, where Briscoe kicked out of the corner for a super close two count, only Moxley held onto the choke and Briscoe ultimately passed out for the second week in a row.
Match Result: Jon Moxley submitted Mark Briscoe via Bulldog Choke
-Another Mistico highlight package was shown ahead of Grand Slam Mexico in two weeks. We’re told Mistico will be in the house next week at Summer Blockbuster.
-Mercedes Mone makes her way to the commentary desk ahead of the upcoming tag match.
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AEW Women’s Champion Timeless Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. Julia Hart & Skye Blue
(This was an ok TV match, with the heels taking a majority, isolating Shirakawa for a lot of this, until the tables turned once Storm tagged in. Storm & Shirakawa have the most chemistry than anyone else on the AEW roster and teaming together just puts it over the top. Blue & Hart team well together, but no way were Storm & Shirakawa losing this one.)
Mone said she’d enjoy this match way more at a table for one and had assistants bring out her own table, wine and steak, which Taz pointed out was a shoot steak. He was upset there were pizza bagels and pigs in a blanket backstage, not steak. After a great entrance by Blue & Hart, it was Shirakawa & Blue kicking things off, with Shirakawa literally kicking Blue in the face out of the corner and following with a head scissors. Storm briefly got in and used her back as a launching pad for Shirakawa to hit a Tornillo. Blue escaped a Glamourous Driver, as Hart tagged in and quickly applied a Tarantula. While Mone was busy taking selfies, Blue swept out Storm’s legs on the apron, planting her right by Mone, before joining Hart in the ring to hit an assisted spinning Rock Bottom as things went to commercial.
Shirakawa was worked over the entire break, as Storm kept getting decked by Blue, while Hart hit the Undertaker Old School for two, as Storm made the save. Storm was wiped out by a STO from Hart, as she battled with Shirakawa up in the ropes. Shirakawa fought free with a diving Sling Blade, finally making the hot tag Storm, who ran wild with dropkicks and a Thesz Press. Sky High on Skye Blue, as Shirakawa popped Hart with a spinning back fist. Storm & Shirakawa teased a kiss, were cut off, but Hart & Blue both ate double German Suplexes. Storm & Shirakawa gave a little shimmy before delivering dueling Sweet Cheek Music. TCM Chicken Wing applied on Blue, as she tapped to Storm, leaving Mone furious.
Post-match, Storm shook hands with Shirakawa before Luther carried Storm over to Mone’s table, where she took a giant bite out of Mone’s steak, washing it down with wine.
Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa defeated Julia Hart & Skye Blue when Storm submitted Blue via TCM Choke
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Will Ospreay, as it’s officially been announced he’s facing Swerve Strickland next week. MJF sauntered in and told Ospreay to stay out of Strickland & Page’s business. MJF said if Page wins the World Title, it’s a problem for Ospreay, who can’t beat Page. MJF said Page & Strickland are animals and should eat each other, but Ospreay said he realizes what MJF is doing and mentions Max not being able to beat Hangman even on his best day. Ospreay went to leave when MJF asks how his son Harry is doing? Ospreay grabbed MJF by the jacket, but The Hurt Syndicate walk in to stare down Ospreay. MVP said they have business tonight, but wishes Ospreay luck in his match next week. MJF had a big smile on his face as his back-up had arrived.. MVP, MJF & Shelton Benjamin walk off, but Bobby Lashley stays briefly and fixes Ospreay’s shirt before leaving.
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The Hurt Syndicate Have Arrived
MVP brought up Lashley used to living in Denver, but now lives in Texas. Lashley gave a stalled thumbs down to Denver and MVP said it’s why The Almighty left this place. MVP is standing with the greatest tag team ever to exist in the sport and you can put together any dream team from any universe, but wouldn’t be able to last with the mega-stars. If this is where the best wrestle, where are the best tag teams to challenge the champions? They’re in your imaginations because they don’t exist. Now MVP asks to show respect to the young genius, Maxwell Jacob Friedman. MJF took the mic and Taz said this will take a while.
MJF told the dumb schmucks that he wants back his AEW World Championship. Unlike the marks in the back, he’ll have to start wrestling more, which is something he’ll have to get over. It brings MJF to Mexico, who believe their “top guy” is Mistico, whose country believes he’s the best wrestler in the world, which isn’t true, MJF is. The best doesn’t hail from Mexico; he’s from the United States of America. When MJF showed up in Arena Mexico, he sold it out, the youngest foreigner ever to do so, since he’s a mega-star. MJF mentioned Happy Gilmore 2 coming out July 25. Mistico is a big fish in a small stinky pond and next week, he’ll watch Mistico’s match and if he deems him worthy, he can wrestle MJF at Grand Slam Mexico. When it comes to The Syndicate, it’s not personal, it’s just business.
Speedball Mike Bailey’s music hits and he’s out with Kevin Knight and Komander, who said MJF disrespects lucha libre, Mexico and himself and in Spanish said everything that comes out of MJF’s mouth is garbage. Bailey said they asked for the best and what they are is a pair of international killers, leaving MVP laughing his ass off. Knight said he’ll keep it short and sweet for their simple asses; they can pop it off tonight. MVP amped up a match, but said absolutely not, they haven’t earned it. If they want an opportunity to stand up against the Tag Team Champions, then impress them. The Hurt Syndicate brush passed Komander, Bailey & Knight, leaving them ready for the upcoming Trios Match. La Faccion Ingobernable shared an intense face-off with The Syndicate before making their entrance.
La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico & Beast Mortos) vs. Komander & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight)
(Fantastic party match, with everyone getting a chance to shine on both sides. While Bailey & Komander wowed the crowd, I’m glad they gave Knight the win in his return from his time in Japan and next week, these three should be an entertaining first test for MJF & The Hurt Syndicate teaming for the first time.)
Lighting quick start sees everyone spill outside, where Knight dodged Rush throwing a drink at him, as Bailey & Mortos brawl by the stage with Bailey firing off machine gun kicks. Commentary puts over Knight & Nick Wayne’s performances in the Best of Super Juniors Tournament, finishing tied second in their block (I recommend checking their tournament matches out, as well as the Final between YOH & Kosei Fujita). The match goes back to the ring, where Rush was triple teamed with an assisted corner dropkick by Komander, as Bailey was clipped by a Mortos knee, allowing Rush to pounce and get revenge, with corner locomotion splashes and snap triple dropkick. LFI gorilla pressed and walked Bailey all around the ring before chucking him down onto Knight & Komander as things went to commercial.
Bailey continued being dismantled during break, until a handspring led to a misdirection between Mortos & Dralistico, allowing Komander to make the hot tag and fly in with a series of hurricanranas. Moonsault press got a two on Dralistico, who answered with a picture-perfect springboard Destroyer leading to a double down. Knight & Rush tagged in, as a slugfest and chop battle ensues, with Knight holding his own in the exchange. Rush hit a rolling forearm and face washed Knight in the corner, signaled for the Bulls Horns, put on the brakes and booted Knight in the face before hitting the LFI pose. Rush took too much time to follow-up, as Knight hit a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for two.
The match breaks down, as LFI wanted a triple powerbomb, but the babyfaces hit triple dropkicks followed by triple dives to the floor. Komander tagged in officially, as he did hit rope walk into an assisted Code Red on Mortos for two. LFI battled back, as Rush hit a snap German, Mortos with a pop-up Samoan Drop and Dralistico with his springboard crucifix for a close near fall. Komander floated over a Mortos attack, fell to the outside with Dralistico, not before tagging Bailey, who hit a standing twisting moonsault for two. Knight & Rush also spilled outside, as Mortos turned Bailey inside out with a lariat. Knight in to save his partner with a rolling lariat, giving Bailey a chance to hit Time Adventure. Komander rope walked the top and took out Rush & Dralistico, while Knight hit the UFO Splash to win a great match.
Post-match, The Hurt Syndicate come to the stage and MVP said despite getting their asses kicked for 8-10 minutes, they pulled off the win. They win the prize next week, they get to face Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin…and MJF in a Trios match. They get to have a taste of that match right now. Lashley & Benjamin hit the ring and are quickly sent outside by Bailey & Knight, as MJF charges in and gets taken out by a Komander springboard. The Hurt Syndicate roll outside, as they’re met with a triple dive as the babyfaces stand tall with The Syndicate left furious. The Trios Match next week was made official by Tony Khan for Summer Blockbuster.
Match Result: Komander, Kevin Knight & Speedball Mike Bailey when Knight pinned Mortos via UFO Splash
-Alicia Atout is backstage with Daniel Garcia & Paragon, as Adam Cole asked for this time and mentioned they all share the same disdain for the Don Callis Family and said how about tonight, they have an 8-man tag. Garcia said there are a lot of things he wants (looking at Cole’s TNT Title), but getting his hands on the Don Callis Family is right up there, so he’ll see them out there tonight.
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-Lexy Nair is backstage with The Patriarchy, bringing up Nick Wayne’s impressive Best of Super Juniors showing in Japan. Cage told the fans to sit down and shut their mouths, but mentioned Wayne having an impressive showing, but didn’t win the tournament due to a grueling schedule, having 14 matches in 22 days, but no excuses. That schedule would earn anyone a night off, but Wayne isn’t anybody, he’s the son of Christian Cage, the ROH TV Champion, so tonight, he’ll defend his title in Denver. Wayne said great, Cage did this for him before he left and it was light work for him. Cage said that’s nice, but tonight, it’ll be a 4-Way. Cage initially wanted to find a place to go lay down with Mother Wayne, but said they should be ringside to watch the match and told not to worry, Kip Sabian is working on something big.
Max Caster Open Challenge
Caster brings out a petition that names himself the Best Wrestler Alive and told the referee to sign it. Caster said the Maximaniacs in Denver wanted nothing more than to chant his name. The ridiculous chant is over with the crowd now, so they followed instructions and nailed the chant, but Caster said it was bad. Tonight is the return of the 5 Minute Open Challenge and it’s time to see who can survive 5 with the Best Wrestler Alive.
Max Caster vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
Hobbs made his way through the crowd and immediately mowed down Caster when the bell rang. Corner meat lariats aplenty, as Caster managed an eye poke, tried a springboard axe handle, but landed right into a Spinebuster for the quick win in under a minute. It’s been a few week break of the Open Challenge, but I have zero idea what this ultimately leads to.
Match Result: Powerhouse Hobbs steamrolled Max Caster via Spinebuster
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Kenny Omega vs. Brody King vs. Mascara Dorada vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the AEW International Title
(Can a 20-minute match be a considered a sprint? That’s exactly what this felt like, as everyone had their big moments, with Dorada’s highlights coming in the second portion of the match, blowing the crowd away. King & Castagnoli slugged it out like you’d expect, re-igniting their feud from the Continental Classic and it felt like it was just a matter of time before Omega found a way to retain and he did just that. The slow build to Omega & Okada continues and all roads presumably lead to All In.)
Omega used his Take Flight entrance and theme for this over Battle Cry, as Castagnoli immediately attacked at the bell, as King & Dorada joined to make the save. Locomotion corner strikes, as Castagnoli was ping ponged back and forth before he was sent outside. Omega called out directions to Dorada, as both took out King, teased a dive on Castagnoli, who high tailed it. Lightning quick brief sequence between Dorada & Omega, but Castagnoli & King broke it up, only to tumble outside once again. Omega hit a slingshot cross body on Castagnoli, as Dorada followed with a Tornillo on King. Dorada got the crowd going, but in doing so, was launched into the crowd by King. Both King & Castagnoli slug it out, as King wanted his cannonball against the barricade, but Dorada came leaping in, only to get caught by King and powerbombed onto Castagnoli. Running cross body against the barricade hit, but Omega was there to plant King with a Snap Dragon on the floor. Omega followed with his Terminator Dive onto Castagnoli & King as things went to commercial with Omega in the driver’s seat.
Back from break, Omega hit half of You Can’t Escape, but Castagnoli got his knees up on the moonsault. Omega flipped out of a corner charge and hit a Snap Dragon, as Dorada flew in and ate one of his own. King, who is bleeding, shrugged Omega aside, hoisted Dorada in a fireman’s carry and brutally hit with a DVD onto Omega in the corner. Castagnoli in with a massive pop-up uppercut on King, who kicked out. Wheel kick to the back by Omega, who connected on the V-Trigger, went up to the corner, but King cut he & Castagnoli off. King wanted a superplex, but Omega cut him off, wanted One Winged Angel, but Castagnoli hit a Doomsday Uppercut for two. Dorada sprung off the top with a dropkick on Omega, only to be tossed back outside by Castagnoli. King tried a superplex again, but was sent crashing to the mat, allowing Dorada to springboard off his back, look for a hurricanrana on Castagnoli, who countered into a powerbomb onto King. Omega in with a series of V-Triggers, teased a One Winged Angel on Dorada, who countered into a Poison Rana, as Castagnoli & King re-entered with big lariats on everyone before both collided, leaving everyone down for the reset.
Castagnoli popped up Dorada into a hurricanrana on King, allowing Castagnoli to do the Giant Swing on King, as Dorada hit the dropkick mid-revolution for two, as Castagnoli hit a double stomp. Neutralizer connects on King, but Omega narrowly broke the count. Everyone trades a series of pin attempts until a wild pop-up head scissors by Dorada sent Castagnoli flying. Dorada hit a springboard hurricanrana snap pin attempt, as Castagnoli was sent outside, where Dorada hit a Shooting Star Press and a Fosbury Flop to King on the opposite side. Dorada wanted another top rope hurricanrana on Omega, but was caught, spun around and Omega hit the One Winged Angel to retain.
Post-match, the coin dropped and Kazuchika Okada made his way to the ring to have a stare down with Omega, both holding their respective titles to Holy Sh*t chants. Omega swung first, as the fight was on until Okada hit a brutal body shot to the abdomen. Both escaped Rainmaker and One Winged Angel attempts until Okada bailed with his title, lip busted in the process.
Match Result: Kenny Omega defeated Claudio Castagnoli, Brody King & Mascara Dorada to retain the AEW International Title
-Highlights for the lead-up to FTR vs. Atlantis Jr & Templario was shown from last weeks Collision
-Ricochet is backstage and said he’ll be having his eye on a lot of the talent competing tonight to see who will follow and serve his quest for gold and make it a reality to prove Ricochet is out of this world.
Will Ospreay vs. Lio Rush (w/Action Andretti)
(This felt like the PWG match of the night, as this went a mile a minute, with Rush being one of the very few to be faster than Ospreay on offense. The post-match was a very solid way to kick Page & Moxley into gear, with Ospreay showing he had Page’s back, much to the displeasure of Strickland I’m sure.)
Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness are on the call for the second portion of Fyter Fest, as Rush is wearing his red Koopa Troopa coat. Fast start, as expected, with Rush playing catch me if you can, until Ospreay caught a hurricanrana, teased a Styles Clash & Hidden Blade, so Rush took a powder. Andretti ran distraction enough for Rush to hit a handspring kick and low Tope as things went to commercial.
Back from break, Ospreay connected on a big boot and Kawada Kicks before his handspring corkscrew kick flattened Rush. Ospreay got the spinning sit-out Torture Rack slam for a near fall. Rush ate a Hook Kick, but avoided an Oscutter with a Poison Rana and bounce back Cutter for two. Rush took way too long, as once he leapt off the second, Ospreay met him with a Cutter of his own and proper Oscutter for two. Ospreay signaled for Hidden Blade, as Rush took the ref, allowing Andretti to trip up Ospreay. Rush charged, but was back dropped onto his own partner, as Ospreay did a Sasuke Special onto both CRU members. Pip, Pip, Cheerio back inside, went for Storm Breaker, but Rush countered into a snap DDT and Final Hour frog splash for two. Andretti tried to had Rush a chain, but was caught by the ref, as Rush ran into a pop-up Styles Clash to give Ospreay the win.
Post-match, Andretti ran in for the attack, as Rush ordered him to hoist him up for an assisted neckbreaker. The music for Hangman Adam Page hits and he power walks to the ring, as CRU bails initially, but Andretti ran at him for a forearm, narrowly eating a Buckshot, but Rush saved his partner. Along with the official, Page checked on Ospreay and helped him up, as Ospreay gave Page a fist bump.
Winner: Will Ospreay defeated Lio Rush via Styles Clash
Hangman Adam Page Makes Another Promise
Page remained in the ring and said if Ospreay will have his back, then he’ll have his. As much as he appreciates it, Page will make one thing clear, he’s his own man and doesn’t need help winning the AEW World Championship, not from Ospreay and especially not one of the worst men walking this planet. Page doesn’t need help from someone threatening the safety of his family for his own glory. Last week, Page made a promise and tonight he’ll make another, he’ll never need or accept help from Swerve Strickland. Page will still ride into Texas against Jon Moxley to regain the AEW World Title, as All In is a night for all of us and it’ll be his night.
Jon Moxley appeared behind Page and they have their first face-off on the road to All In. It was brief, as Marina Shafir, Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli surround ringside. Ospreay comes back out with chairs in hand, giving one to Page. Moxley slowly calls of the troops, refusing a chair from Castagnoli, as Death Riders collectively leave with Page & Ospreay standing tall.
-Lexy Nair is backstage with the Don Callis Family, as Callis said Adam Cole made a challenge, they’ve accepted and said what almost happened to him last week thanks to Kyle Fletcher was bad, they’ll finish the job tonight. Callis turns his attention to Bandido & The Outrunners and said he’ll show Bandido Proto-Shita and brings up the best luchador in the history of wrestling, Hechicero, who walks in and cuts a promo in Spanish. Fletcher’s reaction behind him is gif worthy and hysterical, as Callis said they’re going to kick some ass tonight.
FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood w/Stokely Hathaway) vs. Atlantis Jr. & Templario
(Another solid tag match and I’ll say, despite FTR & Hurt Syndicate being heels, they need to get Harwood & Wheeler back into the Tag Team Title picture sometime soon. They’re just so great as a heel duo and Hathaway only adds to the act. I miss them challenging for the titles, which I’m sure will happen in due time.)
Atlantis foolishly wanted a handshake from Wheeler, who knocked him down and mocked him, so Atlantis answered with an impressive spinning head scissors, leaving Wheeler scrambling. Templario in with Harwood, who ate a quick takedown and Harwood begged off, even kissing the boots of Templario. Harwood tried a cheap shot, but suffered multiple chops and pump knee, as did Wheeler for his troubles. Atlantis flew in with a double take down, as dueling thrust kicks led to a pop-up dropkick, sending FTR to the floor, who avoided a double baseball slide. Blind tag back inside by Wheeler, as Templario had his attention turned on Harwood, as Wheeler tried an Avalanche German, but Templario rolled through, only to run into a Harwood Spinebuster for two.
Templario & Atlantis get back on offense when things returned from commercial, successfully hitting stereo Tope Suicidas. Back inside, Harwood ate a Cazadora/Shotgun Dropkick combo for a near fall, as they tried it again, but Harwood escaped, only to eat a Cutter from Atlantis. Assisted Electric Chair got a near fall, as Wheeler dragged Atlantis outside, while Templario got a close two off La Magistral. Forward roll got another near fall, as Harwood just barely survived the onslaught. Blind tag from Wheeler, as Templario was left fighting both FTR off, avoiding Shatter Machine, as Atlantis just made the save. Thrust kicks and DDTs led to Atlantis going up top, but crotched by Harwood. Wheeler was sent to the apron, as Templario wanted a suplex back in, but Harwood tripped out the legs and Wheeler stole the pin.
Post-match, Hathaway got in the ring with a microphone and said there’s something important that needs to be said. Shocker, FTR wins, again, they’re the winningest tag team in AEW history. It doesn’t matter to what country you’re from; everyone falls to FTR. Harwood was going to say something, but was booed so loudly he said Denver missed their chance, Top Guys, Out. Harwood trash talked fans, laying down on the stage and had Stokely count a pin on him as he challenged a fan to step up.
Match Result: FTR defeated Atlantis Jr. & Templario when Wheeler pinned Templario
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-Video package and vignette for Thekla and her upcoming debut is shown
-During the previous match Tony Schiavone said that Tony Khan will make a “Major Announcement” ahead of the main event later tonight
Protoshita (Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita w/Don Callis) & Hechicero vs. ROH Champion Bandido & Los Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)
(This was in no way a squash, as it was pretty much 50/50 until the finish, where it really drove home Takeshita & Fletcher as a duo, which kind of surprised me, as I thought Takeshita & Josh Alexander had been teaming pretty well. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we get a ROH Title match between Bandido & Hechicero out of this potentially at Grand Slam.)
McGuinness said Los Outrunners used to team with Mil Mascaras when he was Dias Mascaras. Hechicero & Bandido trade takedowns early, as Callis is furious at Bandido for costing him mucho dinero the last few weeks. Fletcher got a cheap shot in on Bandido, allowing Hechicero to hit his rolling submission, while Protoshita had dueling abdominal stretches in on Los Outrunners, who got free with Bandido, delivering a triple dropkick. Bandido tried a somersault dive onto the pile, but was caught and Hechicero delivered a powerbomb on the floor. Fletcher & Takeshita gathered a pile and Hechicero connected on his dive. Magnum (or El Jackass as Callis called him, popping Schiavone in the process) was isolated as things went to commercial.
Floyd made the hot tag and got the crowd amped up, even doing a top rope lucha arm drag out of the corner on Hechicero, impressing even Callis. Bandido & Hechicero slugged it out, as Hechicero picked the ankle, they trade pin attempts before colliding with a double dropkick for the reset. Takeshita tagged in and cleaned house of Los Outrunners, blocked a GTS from Bandido into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Fletcher tagged in as Los Outrunners saved their partner, leading to a Bandido Frog Splash on Fletcher for a near fall. Bandido wanted a 21 Plex on Fletcher, who held on. Both trade a crazy series of counters until Fletcher hit a superkick in mid-air off a Bandido Lionsault attempt. Charging corner boots from Protoshita, until they wanted a corner Super Bomb, but Bandido countered into a snap hurricanrana. Bandido takes out Hechicero with a dive, as Los Outrunners went for the Predator handshake elbow, but was cut off by Takeshita and Protoshita hit dueling Snap Dragons, Helluva Kicks and Brainbusters for the stereo pin.
Match Result: Kyle Fletcher, Konosuke Takeshita & Hechicero defeated Bandido & The Outrunners when Fletcher & Takeshita pinned Los Outrunners
-Footage of the tag team Street Fight last week between Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford and Harley Cameron & Anna Jay was shown. It drove home the toughness of Cameron & Jay, even in defeat. Backstage, Ford said Jay should’ve bowed down after what happened to Cameron last week. The camera pans down and Jay is beaten up, so Bayne drags her to the stage. Bayne wanted Fates Decent, but Ford ordered her to do it off the stage. The returning Tay Melo’s music hits, as she takes out Ford and was about to charge at Bayne, but both had to be separated by security. Melo got a loud pop for her return. With Cameron taking some time off, this set the table for the Tay Jay reunion.
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-Lexy Nair is backstage with Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn, as Bowens said he wants to officially announce this month is Pride of Pro Wrestling month. Bowens then challenges Kyle Fletcher next week at Summer Blockbuster. Nair & Gunn both love it, as Bowens said Fletcher will get his ass kicked by the 5 Tool Player.
-Ricochet “blessed” commentary with his greatness, as Nigel McGuinness called it, before the upcoming match.
Nick Wayne (w/Christian Cage & Mother Wayne) vs. ROH Tag Team Champion Sammy Guevara vs. Lee Johnson (w/Blake Christian) vs. AR Fox for the ROH TV Title
(I like that both Kevin Knight & Wayne got victories in their returns from the Best of Super Juniors. Another title defense for Wayne, as I’m still wondering how they’ll ultimately make Cage a babyface if they ever want to do a reunion with Adam Copeland at any point. Perhaps Ricochet could come into play, since he was at commentary putting over Wayne? I doubt it, but it’s possible, Ricochet has plenty of options on who he wants to be his crew.)
Crowd chanted for Fox to start, as he & Guevara had a lighting quick sequence leading to a stalemate to kick things off. Wanye & Fox reignite their rivalry briefly, but Johnson pulled Wayne to the floor. Fox took Johnson out with a dive, as Guevara chopped the hell out of Wayne back inside. Guevara did his signature leap frogs into a dropkick, as Fox tried a springboard, but ate a pump knee. Tope Suicida onto Fox, Corkscrew Dive onto Wayne, as he planted Fox back inside with a Cutter for two. Ricochet mumbled on commentary his dives look better. Johnson connected on a somersault dive, as Fox did a moonsault off the apron. Fox played to the crowd, allowing Christian to hit a somersault senton off the ring steps, as anything goes in a 4-way, as Johnson was in control heading into commercial.
Things returned with Guervara blasting Wayne with a leaping pump knee and enzugiri, as Guevara hit the GTH flush for two, as Johnson made the save. Guevara tried another GTH, but Johnson countered into a rolling DVD and standing moonsault for two, which even Ricochet had to admit was impressive. Fox flew in with an enzugiri, but was distracted briefly by Cage, allowing Wayne to charge in and brawl with Fox, Schiavone bringing up their history. Twisting brainbuster by Fox, who trapped Johnson in the ropes and hit an incredible slingshot Destroyer. Fox went up top and hit a Swan Dive onto the pile, before taking Wayne back inside, tried a Swanton, but Wayne got the knees up. The Prodigy Driver connects and Wayne retains.
Post-match, Cage raised the ROH TV Title high in the air and placed it on Wayne’s shoulder before giving him a hug and leaving.
Match Result: Nick Wayne defeated Sammy Guevara, Lee Johnson & AR Fox via Prodigy Driver on Fox to retain the ROH TV Title
-Commentary runs down the card so far for next weeks Summer Blockbuster 4-hour show
Thekla vs. Lady Frost
Quite the entrance and reaction for Thekla, who charged Frost in the corner at the bell, cracking her with a thrust kick before applying a Crossface while wrenching at the mouth. Thekla argued with the ref, allowing Frost to hit a thrust kick, but Thekla answered with a running boot in the ropes, hanging in the ropes like a Spider. Frost fired back with forearms, but Thekla waffled her with one of her own before doing the Spider Walk. Thekla hit a Spear before locking on the Death Trap choke for the victory.
Post-match, Thekla again ripped away at the mouth of Frost until Queen Aminata hit the ring to make the save. We presumably have our next challenge for the Toxic Spider.
Match Result: Thekla submitted Lady Frost via Death Trap Choke
**********
-Queen Aminata is backstage and said every time someone new comes to AEW, they try making a name for themselves. She tells Thekla she’s the one and only African Queen and says they stomp on Spiders. The challenge is official for next week, as Aminata said they’ll find out who will stomp on who.
-Tony Schiavone said Tony Khan’s major announcement is International Champion Kenny Omega vs. Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada is official for All In and it’ll be Winner Takes All. We’re told the contract signing will be taking place next week.
Paragon (TNT Champion Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) & Daniel Garcia (w/Daddy Magic) vs. The Don Callis Family (Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta w/Don Callis)
(Pretty much a party match to end the long night of action and credit the Denver crowd for staying with most of it. We’ve been getting a series of Paragon & Don Callis Family matches for a few weeks now and they’ve been trading wins, so I wouldn’t doubt if we get a pairing of this group again in the near future. Garcia still seems to have his sights on the TNT Title, it’s just a matter of if he ultimately accepts Callis offer from last week to become another number in his Family.)
Matt Menard & Callis join commentary and already are insulting one another, with Callis saying no one wants to hear Menards Quebec accent. Fast tags made by the Callis Family, working Cole over to start, with Beretta mocking the Cole pose, as the delay allowed Cole to recover and hit a neckbreaker. O’Reilly & Alexander tag in and slow the pace briefly until Garcia tagged in and ran wild. Garcia traps RPG & Alexander in the corner and delivers corner punches until Archer choke slammed Garcia to the mat, as Garcia was worked over during picture in picture.
When things returned, Garcia leapt for a hot tag as Paragon made fast tags and cleaned house on the Callis Family ringside, leaving Cole in the ring with Alexander and a backstabber for two. Strong dumped Romero right into the front row, as Garcia flew in with a charging boot, almost hurting his leg in the process. RPG were stacked against the barricade, as O’Reilly flew off the apron with a knee. Archer came flying in with a somersault senton onto the pile, as Cole was stacked with an Alexander German suplex for two. Cole fought free and tagged Garcia, who still hadn’t recovered from earlier punishment. Cole hit a Panama Sunrise, Garcia made the cover, but Archer made the save.
Match broke down, as Romero hit a Double Sliced Bread on O’Reilly & Strong. Cole & Beretta traded froearms, until Cole hit a pump kick, tried Ushigoroshi, but Beretta escaped into a Half and Half. Beretta posed too long and ran into a Superkick, as Cole wanted Panama Sunrise, but Beretta tried to counter into Storm Zero, but was also cut off. Romero leapt out of the corner and ate a Superkick, as Cole lowered The Boom to get the win for his team.
Post-match, Garcia did his dance at Callis on commentary before joining Paragon in the ring and raising Cole’s hand, hugging O’Reilly & Strong. Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita slowly walk out to the stage and help out their team and have a face-off with Paragon & Garcia to end the show.
Match Result: Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly & Daniel Garcia defeated Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero when Cole pinned Romero via The Boom
AEW Dynamite: Summer Blockbuster 6/11/25
- Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland
- Kenny Omega & Kazuchika Okada’s All In Contract Signing
- The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin & MJF) vs. Komander & JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & Speedball Mike Bailey)
- Mistico In Action
- Kyle Fletcher vs. Anthony Bowens
- Timeless Toni Storm vs. Julia Hart (Mercedes Mone on Commentary)
- Thekla vs. Queen Aminata
