AEW Revolution is tonight from Los Angeles.
In the main event, AEW World Champion MJF will defend his title against Hangman Page in a Texas Death match. The stipulation states that if Page loses, he can never challenge for the AEW World title again.
Toni Storm will face Marina Shafir in a match where everyone is banned from ringside.
The AEW World Trios titles will also be on the line as Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher, and Mark Davis defend against “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, and Mistico.
Thekla will defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against former champion Kris Statlander in a two-out-of-three falls match.
Also scheduled are Brody King vs. Swerve Strickland, Bandido vs. Andrade El Idolo, and Jon Moxley defending the Continental title against Konosuke Takeshita in a no time limit match. FTR and the Young Bucks will also meet with the AEW World Tag Team titles on the line.
The AEW Women’s Tag Team titles will be defended as the Babes of Wrath face Megan Bayne and Lena Kross. Plus, Roderick Strong, Orange Cassidy, and Darby Allin will take on The Dogs.
Live coverage begins at 7 p.m. Eastern for Zero Hour.
Zero Hour
The Wrestle Aunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City) alongside Jeff Jarrett welcomes us to Zero Hour with RJ immediately saying the Academy Awards can go to hell, while Jarrett calls the main event a banger. They run down tonight’s Zero Hour and main card. Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness are on the call, as we see Lexy Nair ringside with Wayne Brady, who said he’s excited to see Ricochet, even though he’s a heel and also Swerve Strickland. Nair askes what Brady’s finisher would be and he said “the bitch slap.”
Boom & Doom (Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall w/The Rizzler, Big Justice & Aaron Solo) vs. The Infantry (Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo w/Shane Taylor, Trish Adora & Christyan XO)
(Whenever the Costco Guys show up in AEW, I always mention how the gimmick isn’t for me, but I’d be lying if I said this finish got a loud reaction from the crowd, who were still filing in. The Infantry did a great job bumping and getting heat, especially Taylor when he shoved down The Rizzler, who tried to stand up for Wayne Brady. I can’t believe that’s a sentence I just typed.)
Infantry attack at the opening bell, but AJ & Marshall quickly turned the tables, with AJ dropping Bravo with a leaping clothesline. Corner knee from Marshall led to a snap powerslam by AJ, forcing the Infantry to regroup, as the referee put a stop to AJ teasing a dive, so Marshall leapt over him onto Dean & Taylor. Bravo flew in with a DDT through the ring post before pointing out Wayne Brady ringside, quoting a famous line from Chappelle’s Show. Marshall continued to be isolated, with XO getting in a big boot before The Rizzler hit her with his pose, infuriating Bravo, who hit a Bronco Buster on Marshall back inside. Thrust kick/DDT combo got a near fall, but Marshall hit a forearm in mid-air on a leaping Dean for the double down.
AJ got the hot tag and ran wild, full nelson slams and Sky High for Dean for two. Infantry get the numbers against AJ and hit a back suplex/neckbreaker, but AJ kicked out (seemed like he didn’t kick out in time, but ref pulled the count). AJ ducked a double Curb Stomp, allowing Marshall to come in with a double Cutter. Taylor low bridged Marshall with the ref’s attention turned, before getting into Brady’s face ringside, knocking his hat off. Taylor dared Brady to hit him and Brady delivered his “bitch slap” until Taylor pulled him over the barricade. The Rizzler got into Taylor’s face and actually got pie-faced to the ground. Big Justice sprinted around ringside and Speared Taylor, as AJ flew off the top onto Bravo & Dean. Back inside, Boomsday Device (powerbomb/Blockbuster) connects for the win. Brady joins everyone in celebrating post-match.
Match Result: Boom & Doom defeated The Infantry when AJ pinned Bravo
AEW Women’s Tag Team Champion Willow Nightingale vs. Lena Kross for the TBS Title
(Once these two started throwing bombs, the crowd got into it and was there the rest of the way. For being so new in AEW, I thought Kross did a solid job and the shoulder injury to Nightingale can obviously play a pivotal role later in the night.)
Kross didn’t budge from early shoulder block attempts, got one of her own, so Nightingale fired off corner clotheslines and a back elbow. Kross cut off Nightingale in the corner and hit an Electric Chair face first on the top buckle for two. Kross continues rag-dolling Nightingale and remains in firm control, hitting a corner pump kick and impressive release German, seeing Nightingale clutching her left shoulder in the process. Nightingale tried regrouping outside, Kross out after, but was driven into the guardrail. Nightingale charged, but was dropped shoulder first on the railing. Back inside, Nightingale tried fighting back with clotheslines using the good arm and shotgun dropkick off the middle rope for the reset.
After a brief back and forth, Nightingale managed a spinebuster, but couldn’t get her Doctor Bomb, as Kross caught her just enough with a thrust kick to stagger Nightingale. Both ladies start trading loud chops until Kross hit a flash TKO for two. Kross opted to trash talk instead of attack, allowing Nightingale to get corner boots, tried a cannonball, but missing. Kross tried a Split Legged Moonsault, but crashed and burned. Nightingale wanted a Pounce, but caught a thrust kick. Nightingale recovered enough to get a backslide and flash pin to retain.
Post-match, Megan Bayne sprinted to the ring to attack with Kross and get in some shots until Harley Cameron ran out with a pipe and clear the ring.
Match Result: Willow Nightingale defeated Lena Kross to retain the TBS Title
21-Man Blackjack Battle Royale for the AEW National Title
(I’d say the most people in the ring at the same time was maybe 8? This was a series of singles and triple threat matches until people finally started to get eliminated, which is where things picked up. While I’m not a fan of battle royals where guys seemingly camp out ringside, the second half more than made up for it and the crowd went nuts for the finish. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go from here, now that Perry is champion and Ricochet has a gripe with not being pinned.)
Participants Included: Ricochet, Tommaso Ciampa, Jungle Jack Perry, Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, Dralistico, Rush, The Beast Mortos, Scorpio Sky, Daniel Garcia, Anthony Bowens, Komander, Katsuyori Shibata, Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Ace Austin, Dalton Castle, Johnny TV, AR Fox, El Clon, Lio Rush
Perry was driven to the arena via bus with Luchasaurus (who had his shoulder taped) behind the wheel. Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona tried to come out with Ricochet, but they’re apparently not in the battle royal and were ushered away to the back. Bell sounds and the chase is on for Perry at Ricochet, as everyone is brawling ringside. Tony Schiavone brings up that Lio Rush is hiding under the commentary table. Fox did an imploding somersault dive onto a pile, as Lio Rush emerges from his hiding place and hits a low Tope onto a pile. Komander follows with his wildly impressive rope walk plancha. Johnny TV is cut on the top of his newly shaven head from one of the dives.
Finally, folks start getting into the ring, where heels are stacked in the corner and the Bang Bang Gang hit a series of splashes with Perry, who bit at Ricochet, as Garcia pulled him outside to safety. Romero is dumped by Robinson; Gunn posed too much and was eliminated by Rush. LFI triple teamed Austin and stood tall, until Lio Rush used his speed to go at all of them. Mortos took a bounce back Cutter by Lio Rush and Dragon Rana by Komander, as Lio, Komander & Fox have a lighting quick sequence, until Clon joins and eats a low Cutter. Clon hit a tilt-a-whirl back breaker on Fox and Pele Kick to eliminate him. Johnny was sent packing by Robinson & Austin, as Shibata & Sky get in the ring for the first time and Sky hit a Code Breaker. Bowens flew in with a Fame-Asster and Mollywopped Sky, who was tossed by Shibata. Rush & Mortos attack them both, as Ciampa cracked Lio Rush with a charging knee to eliminate him.
Bowens took the bullet for Shibata and resulted in Dralistico being eliminated. Ricochet blindsided Bowens with a Spirit Gun to eliminate him, as Castle came in with a Bangarang before he was attacked by Rush & Mortos, who hit a twisting Moonsault as they tossed Castle. Komander came in with a Poison Rana to Mortos, whose momentum carried him out. Garcia teased his dance in the corner, Beretta cut him off and teased a dance of his own, but Komander cut it off, tried another rope walk, but instead dumped Beretta. Garcia unmasked Komander on the apron and eliminated him, as he put the mask on, mocked him, resulting in Ciampa eliminating Garcia. Rush popped Austin with a stalling boot and pose for the crowd, as both start throwing bombs on the apron, until Robinson came in with a Left Hand of God to save his partner and eliminate Rush. Shibata & Robinson fought to the apron, as Austin eliminated Shibata. For some reason Rush came back in and was eliminated again by the Bang Bang Gang.
Austin nearly dumped Ricochet, held on, Ciampa launched Austin over the top and hit a running knee. The graphic for Zero Hour ending shows up, as Ciampa & Robinson are brawling on the apron, where Robinson hit another Left Hand of God, as Ciampa drops and Zero Hour goes off the air.
AEW Revolution
Pyro goes off, as Clon, Perry & Ricochet are brawling in the ring going a lighting pace. Clon was dumped by Perry, who turned right into a Spirit Gun. Apparently, Robinson was eliminated as they were switching over from Zero Hour to the PPV, leaving Ricochet & Perry. Bounce back lariat connects by Perry, who tried his float over German out of the corner, but Ricochet landed on his feet. Ricochet tried to backdrop Perry over the top, but miraculously Perry narrowly held on. Ricochet missed a double stomp, tweaked his ankle, ate a superkick, as Perry leapt up to the top, but was pulled to the center by Ricochet, who tried a DVD, but Perry countered into a Poison Rana on the apron, eliminating Ricochet to win the title. Post-match, Perry celebrated with his family ringside, while Ricochet had a meltdown.
Match Result: Jungle Jack Perry won the National Title last eliminating Ricochet
FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler w/Stokely) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) for the AEW World Tag Team Titles
(I’m going to have to go back to watch their previous matches and obviously it just ended, I think it’s safe to call this the best of their series. Having this be in Bucks country was a huge positive, as they bit at every near fall, especially towards the finish. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that these four absolutely crushed it and the post-match leaves a lot to look forward to in the Tag Title picture and the crowd knew it.)
Video package on The Bucks narrated by Matt & Nick’s kids are played prior to their entrance and it was pretty dang adorable. They accompany their dads to the ring, along with their brother Malachai’s kids and pose in the ring. FTR are out wearing Celtics jumpsuits to get even more heat from the LA crowd. Early superkicks from The Bucks, forcing FTR to retreat outside, where the brawl continues. Matt tried a somersault dive, was caught and slammed face first on the commentary table, but Nick flew off the top onto FTR with a cross body, forcing Stokely to wheel himself to safety. Matt was brought up to the apron, where FTR hit a Spike Piledriver, causing him to clutch his neck. Nick, who was previously launched over the timekeepers table, is shown bleeding now, as he’s worked over in the ring. Nick threw desperation superkicks and collapsed onto Harwood, getting a close near fall. Harwood is bleeding now as well, as we’re told it’s from missing a corner charge into the post. Wheeler charged in the corner and was launched to the outside, as Nick & Harwood, both bloody messes hit a double down.
Matt tried to return, but Wheeler planted him with a Gory Bomb onto the edge of the apron. FTR go for a Power-Plex, but Nick fought back with a missile dropkick/senton combo, as Excalibur name drops Super Dragon. Matt made a hot tag on one arm, hitting a Northern Lights/Roll Up combo for two, narrowly pinned both FTR. Over the top Cutter from the apron to Harwood, but Matt can’t follow-up, with his kids cheering him on, hyping him up. Harwood pulled Matt off the apron and trash talked the family, as Malachai threw his drink into Harwood’s face, resulting in Matt moving as Wheeler hit a dive onto his own partner.
Back inside, Harwood loaded up the boot to tease Sweet Chin Music, missed and The Bucks applied dueling Sharpshooters with Wheeler slapping his own partner to keep him fighting to the ropes. Superkick Party ramped up by The Bucks, as Wheeler ate a PK off the apron, as Nick hit his slingshot facebuster on Harwood, but missed his moonsault outside to Wheeler, who planted Nick with a brainbuster on the floor. Harwood caught Matt with a bounce back powerbomb for the closest near fall of the match. Wheeler tried attacking with a title belt, missed and flew outside, as Harwood & Matt slugged it out on the apron. They traded suplex attempts, Wheeler joined, as Nick saved his brother and The Bucks hit stereo suplexes from the ring to the floor.
Both teams rise in the ring and slug it out, until The Bucks superkick the legs out and another Superkick Party breaks out. The Bucks went for a Meltzer Driver, when Stokely rose from his wheelchair and put a stop to it. The brief distraction allowed FTR to hit a Shatter Machine in mid-air for two, as they follow with a Spike Piledriver on Nick, there’s a three count, but the foot was on the rope and Rick Knox said the match continues. FTR don’t argue it, instead, hit Nick with a Superkick Party of their own and a FTR Trigger, but Nick kicks out at 1 and the crowd goes nuts. Nick hulks up, as Matt saves his brother from Shatter Machine and hit Harwood with one of their own. Wheeler is tackled outside, as The Bucks hit Harwood with a BTE Trigger, but only manage two. Crowd is on fire, as Wheeler missed a dive through the ropes, as Nick hit a Tope onto Stokely. The Bucks manage a Meltzer Driver on Harwood, who kicks out and everyone in the crowd can’t believe it. More Bang for Your Buck is cut off by Wheeler, as Matt ate a Spike Piledriver, while Nick took an Avalanche Shatter Machine out of the corner for the three, FTR retain in a classic.
Post-match, FTR & Stokely celebrate before the lights went out and the words Revenge are shown on the tron and Adam Copeland’s music hits to a massive reaction. Christian Cage’s music follows immediately after to a huge pop, but Cage is shown behind FTR & Stokely, spraying something into Wheeler’s eyes and planted Harwood with a Killswitch. Copeland flew in with a Spear to Wheeler, leaving Stokely alone. He offered handshakes to both, but Cage pulled him in for a Killswitch, as Copeland chucked him to the floor. Cage & Copeland slowly pick up the AEW Tag Team Titles and stare down FTR, but The Bucks are shown behind them. A “Holy Sh*t” stare down occurs, as they all look back at FTR before placing the titles down.
Match Result: FTR defeated The Young Bucks to retain the AEW World Tag Team Titles when Harwood pinned Nick
Timeless Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir – Everyone Banned from Ringside
(I thought this was the best Shafir has looked in a singles match and this was much better than their previous encounter on Dynamite a few months back. While Storm had to fight from behind for a majority, she was able to ramp up the offense down the stretch and rely on old faithful, the Big Package, to get the win. All that said, I didn’t expect a Ronda Rousey appearance at all and it looks like a singles match between her & Storm could be happening soon.)
Shafir attacked at the opening bell before Storm could even get her robe off, as she clobbered her with a big boot and forearms. It was all Shafir for about 5 straight minutes, until an Indian Death Lock was countered by Storm into a Read Naked Choke. Shafir powered up and rag dolled Storm to the mat, missing a high kick, as Storm connects with a release German, but Shafir no sold and took Storm’s head off flush with a boot. Storm hit a desperation shotgun dropkick, sending Shafir to the apron, as she dodged a hip attack and tried a German suplex, but Storm held on. Kicks lit up Storm, as Shafir connected with a spinning back suplex off the apron. Shafir continues lighting up Storm with kicks, until Storm bit at the bare foot in the ring, leading to a DDT for the double down. Both ladies slowly rise and trade chops, punches and forearms until Storm hit a series of release Germans. Storm connects on two Sweet Cheek Musics, as Shafir dared for another and Storm hit a third, followed by Storm Zero, but Shafir kicked out at two. Storm wanted another one, but Shafir bit her way free and sank in Mother’s Milk, but Storm raked the eyes and yes, bit at the chest of Shafir. Headbutt cracked Shafir, as Storm hit her Big Package for the pin.
Post-match, Storm made her way up the ramp and laid down at the entrance, until Ronda Rousey shocked the crowd, appeared in the ring and ordered Storm to come back. Storm rose up like the Undertaker and got a smirk on her face before doing just that. After a brief stare down, referees and security hit the ring in droves and separated the two. Shafir caught Storm with a cheap shot and knocked her out, as Luther & Mina Shirakawa hit the ring, as Shafir & Rousey left through the crowd.
Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Marina Shafir
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW Continental Title under No Time Limits
(Holy smokes, what a battle, what a fight, as this is hopefully going to be remembered come MOTY talk at the end of the year. It’s going to take a hell of a lot tonight to top this one, as Moxley & Takeshita both brought their A game and it’s clear how over Takeshita is over as a babyface, despite being in the Callis Family. Post-match, what an unexpected and early return for one Will Ospreay, who looked in fantastic shape, I just hope his neck is good to go, the fans loved seeing him back, myself as well.)
The previous match transitioned to Moxley getting pumped up with the rest of the Death Riders, as Shafir slapped him in the face to hype him up, as we’re told by Excalibur that Rousey is apparently an associate of the Death Riders. Renee Paquette is ringside before the match and said this is do or die for both men, as there’s no interference and there must be a winner with no time limit. Good old-fashioned Test of Strength in the early going, until Takeshita connects on 9 corner punches, but Moxley raked the eyes. Takeshita still remained in control with a stiff forearm to the outside and big boot against the railing. Moxley was thrown back inside, but immediately hit a Tope and clubbing blows to a seated Takeshita before taking his head off with a big boot. Moxley punched and bit at Takeshita back inside, as Takeshita came up lame leaping out of the corner, giving Moxley a body part to zone in on. Moxley tried a piledriver, Takeshita backdropped out, Moxley held on, Takeshita rolled through, tried a Power Drive Knee, but Moxley blocked into a Figure Four.
Takeshita got the ropes, but Moxley was relentless on his attack on the leg before trying a Deah Rider, but Takeshita countered into a Bastard Driver and wheelbarrow German, only Moxley exploded up with a Shotgun Dropkick, as Takeshita no sold into a running knee for the double down in a great sequence. Forearm battle at the request of Moxley, who ducked and sank in a Rear Naked Choke, only Takeshita turned it into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Both go to the apron, where Moxley misses a Curb Stomp, Takeshita luckily missed a Falcon Arrow, as Moxley successfully hits his Curb Stomp, throwing double birds to the crowd while Takeshita, bleeding from the left eye, narrowly breaks the count. He unfortunately slid right into a piledriver for Moxley for a near fall. Moxley licked the blood of Takeshita off his forearm and got expected “You Sick F**k” chants.
Hockey fight breaks out, until Moxley finally is able to hit a Gotch Style Piledriver, but Takeshita kicked out, only Moxley sank in a Crossface. Takeshita escaped, no sold multiple lariats and took Moxley’s head off with one of his own. Corner jump knee connects, as Takeshita goes up top and bites at Moxley before delivering an Avalanche Exploder, as Power Drive Knee connects for a close two. Takeshita wanted Raging Fire, but Moxley hit a desperation Cutter, only Takeshita rose in a great camera shot. Huge forearm initially, but Takeshita charged right into a Paradigm Shift for the reset. Each man rises at 9, where both trade Exploders and Backdrop Drivers, going back and forth, as Takeshita hit a forearm, only Moxley turned him inside out with a lariat, only for 1, however. Moxley signals for the home run shot, but Takeshita floated over a Death Rider into Raging Fire, but Moxley narrowly kicked out, the first man to kick out of the finisher. Takeshita wanted a Power Drive Knee, but his leg gave out, allowing Moxley to hit a Death Rider, for two, as the crowd is deafening. Quickly up to the corner, Moxley connects with an Avalanche Death Rider, but again, Takeshita somehow kicked out. The fans are losing their minds, as Moxley tries for a Rear Naked Choke, but Takeshita fights it off, flipping Moxley off in the process. Moxley traps the arm, sinks in the choke and Takeshita passes out to end and unbelievable battle.
Post-match, Death Riders came to ringside and applauded Moxley, who rose to his feet the same time as Takeshita. Moxley offered a handshake, Takeshita went to walk away, but turned back and accepted. They both bow, as Moxley stood tall with PAC, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta celebrating with him until the lights went out. Video is shown of doctors working on a patient, it’s Will Ospreay, as the 99% goes to 100% and Ospreay lets out a huge yell. Back to the arena, Ospreay’s music hits and he walks to the stage to a huge reaction, looking in great shape. Ospreay sprints to the ring and cracked Moxley in the head with a Hidden Blade, as Death Riders attack, but Ospreay hit a double handspring Pele on PAC & Yuta and another Hidden Blade on Garcia. Sky Twister Press connects on the pile outside, as Ospreay tries for Storm Breaker or a Tiger Driver on Moxley, who scurries away, as Death Riders high tail it with Ospreay standing tall, as his intentions are clear, he wants revenge on the crew that put him on the shelf.
Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Konosuke Takeshita to retain the Continental Title
-Renee Paquette is backstage with the doctors tending to Willow Nightingale, who said she’s been cleared to compete after the post-match attack earlier tonight. She can’t let Harley Cameron down, who is there by her side. Cameron said they’re sick of Lena Kross & Megan Bayne’s sh*t and let’s go do this. Nightingale agrees, but is still visibly shaken and questioning whether this is a good idea.
Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron) vs. The Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) for the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles
(You knew the champs would be fighting from behind after Nightingale’s shoulder issues and this didn’t go longer than it needed to, thus making Kross & Bayne rather dominant. Nightingale & Cameron tried their hardest, but it wasn’t meant to be, they had a good run, but I’m looking forward to seeing how Kross & Bayne fair with the titles.)
Right at the bell, Kross & Bayne launched Nightingale shoulder first into the ring post and commentary never pointed that out initially. Cameron was worked over, as Kross hit a sliding lariat for a near fall. Cameron dodged a corner charge by Bayne and slowly went up top, where she was cut off. Both Cameron & Bayne slug it out as Cameron bit free into a high cross. Nightingale was able to recover and make a hot tag and run wild, even on one arm. Pounce sent Bayne to the outside, as Nightingale dodged a Kross pump kick and spiked her with a Death Valley Driver. Cameron joins with a double enzugiri, until Kross & Bayne caught them both with fall away slams. Stereo corner splashes, as Cameron & Nightingale collide into each other and caught with double clotheslines. Shotgun Dropkick/German Suplex combo connects just enough on Cameron, as Nightingale got popped with a pump kick by Kross. Nightingale spun out of a Jackhammer into a backslide, just how she won earlier tonight, but only got two. Bayne flew in with a leaping lariat, as her & Kross hit a double chokeslam to win the title.
Match Result: The Divine Dominion defeated The Babes of Wrath to win the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles when Kross pinned Nightingale
Brody King vs. Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana)
(This was a fight, simple as that. These two beat the holy hell out of one another and Strickland showed why he’s the Most Dangerous Man in AEW. King put up a valiant fight, but no way should Strickland have lost this one. The post-match return of Kenny Omega sets up presumably a showdown as early as Dynasty I’d say. I initially questioned having Strickland turn heel so soon a few weeks ago, but he obviously thrives in this role.)
Bryan Danielson tags in for Nigel McGuinness going forward, as he said this Swerve Strickland is a completely different man than the one he beat for the AEW Title at All In. Strickland charged at the bell, but bounced off King like a bouncy ball, as King fired off a series of chops and backdrop suplex. King wanted his corner cannonball, but Strickland popped up with a House Call in mid-air. Slingshot double stomp on the apron, as Strickland rips off the padding of the steel for the turnbuckle. Strickland hits a Snake Eyes to it, before exposing the concrete ringside. King is able to fight back and deliver a Uranage on the edge of the railing. King delivered 10 clubbing blows in the ropes, as loud F*ck ICE chants ring out. Strickland blocks a right hand and wrenches the bad wrist of King, pulling it back over the exposed corner steel. King answered by locking Strickland in a choke using the post, Strickland taps, but it’s no good since they’re on the apron. King delivered a back suplex on the edge of the ring steps and looked pretty gnarly. King barked at the camera and wanted a cannonball, but Strickland hit a pop-up kick, charged, only right into a Boss Man Slam on the exposed concrete.
Both fight up on the apron, where Strickland did a sunset flip, chopped out the knee of King and muscled him into a sit-out powerbomb. Strickland exposed the bottom turnbuckle and tried to Curb Stomp King onto it, but thankfully King escaped and hit a top rope spinning cross body off the top. Huge corner splash set Strickland up against the exposed bottom buckle, as King connected on his cannonball. Sit-out DVD connects for King, but Strickland kicked out. King gets his hanging sleeper off the apron on Strickland, who collapsed to the outside. King went out after, looking for a Gonzo Bomb on the concrete, but Strickland escaped, sent King into the guard rail and followed with a Vertebreaker on the concrete floor with a sickening thud. King just broke the count, but rolled right into a Swerve Stomp, only kicked out at one, causing a gif worthy expression from Strickland. King no sold multiple House Calls, roared defiantly, as Strickland connected flush on a third and got the win.
Post-match, Strickland ordered Prince Nana to get a cinderblock from under the ring, as they chased off the referee. Nana placed King’s head onto the block, as Strickland was about to deliver a Swerve Stomp until Kenny Omega’s music hit and he rushed out to make the save to a loud reaction. Omega helped King to his feet and stand tall, as Nana & Strickland retreated up the ramp.
Match Result: Swerve Strickland defeated Brody King
Thekla vs. Kris Statlander in 2-out-of-3 Falls for the AEW Women’s Title
(Towards the end of the match, Excalibur actually said Turner didn’t know who was beating him up ringside to get his belt, which, why would a babyface put the boots to him and do that? Regardless, Thekla won both falls via shenanigans, so Statlander has a gripe, but I’m not sure if she’s getting another title match with Thekla right now. I’m curious who will be next in line for the Toxic Spider?)
Statlander showed off her strength early on, as she dominated Thekla out of the gate, controlling the pace. Avoiding the corner head scissors choke, Statlander brought Thekla up top for a stalling superplex for two. Sliding lariats connects, as we get dueling chants with Thekla launched into the corner via slingshot. Thekla did a Matrix to avoid a discus lariat into a thrust kick and buzzsaw kick for her first near fall. Thekla tried using her belt to whip Stalander, but the ref pulled it away, as she got an O’Connor Roll into a bridge next to the ropes. Thekla grabbed the ropes and got the pin, as referee Paul Turner never saw the rope. Thekla up 1-0.
Thekla took her time ringside to gloat and Statlander flew in with a dropkick baseball slide and short arm lariat. Statlander charged, but ran into the ring steps, allowing Thekla to deliver a double stomp to the back off the apron. After working the camera, Thekla launched Statlander into the barricade, as back inside, she trapped Statlander in the corner with the head scissors. Thekla hit her Spider Pose, tried the Spear, but ran into a knee lift, roundhouse knee and leaping clothesline. Big back suplex followed for a near fall, as Statlander got Thekla in a fireman’s carry and carried her up the ropes, but Thekla broke free and hit her Spider Suplex. Statlander rolled outside, where Thekla tried a cross body, but Statlander rolled through and sent Thekla into the barricade. Giant Swing into the barricade repeatedly by Statlander, who hit another slingshot, this time sending Thekla face-first into the ring steps. Spinning fisherman’s driver connects for Statlander back inside for a near fall, as Thekla fought back with desperation right hands. Thekla was about to spit in Statlander’s face, but ate a punch before that could happen. Thekla was able to lock in the Octopus Hold, only Statlander swung her around into Sunday Night Fever for the pin. The crowd seemed to go quiet when Statlander got the pin. Statlander evens it up 1-1.
Right as the third fall starts, Thekla raked the eyes of Statlander, shoved her into Paul Turner, who bumped outside. Thekla became instant babyface, as she booted Turner in the ribs ringside before taking his belt to the ring. Statlander got the belt from Thekla back inside and whipped the hell out of her, revenge for Collision last night, as she hit another Sunday Night Fever, but there’s no official. Crowd counts to 10, as Skye Blue & Julia Hart hit the ring, but get whipped for their troubles and planted with a double discus lariat. Paul Turner returns to see Statlander wielding his belt, takes it from her, allowing Thekla to deliver her Spear and two Curb Stomps for the win.
Match Result: Thekla defeated Kris Statlander 2 falls to 1 to retain the AEW Women’s Title
The Don Callis Family (International Champion Kazuchika Okada, TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) vs. Mistico & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) for the AEW Trios Titles
(For a night with so much action, it’s weird to call one a party match, but this is exactly what it was. This was full speed from the jump, as the crowd loved them some Mistico, especially in the post-match, learning he was All Elite. After the week Kevin Knight had a few weeks ago on Dynamite, taking two pins to bookmark the episode, it was a needed and big win for him here to regain the titles.)
JetSpeed are rocking lucha masks for this one, as Okada & Mistico start things off, their first time in the ring together since 2018, they trade early takedowns into a stalemate. Knight tags in and fights off the numbers, hitting a big bodyslam on Davis, until Bailey tagged in and ramped up the speed. Slingshot cross body onto Aussie Open, as Mistico took down Okada with a springboard cross body and spinning arm drag off the top to the outside. Huge Tope by Mistico, as they teased a triple dive, but the Mistico had his legs swept out by Okada, as Fletcher & Davis wiped out JetSpeed, launching them onto each other ringside. Davis ripped off Bailey & Knight’s masks back inside and kept Knight isolated. Fletcher took too long trashing the mask, as Knight nearly made the hot tag, but Okada rushed to the other side and took out Mistico.
Bailey was launched off the top by Davis and hit with a kick in mid-air by Davis, who followed with a corner cannonball on Knight. Callis Family stood tall, as Okada threw Mistico back inside, but he turned a double hip toss by ProtOkada into an arm drag, as he followed with hurricanranas aplenty. Assisted top rope head scissors/arm drag to ProtOkada, as JetSpeed return with a pair of missile dropkicks. Trifecta of Topes connects successfully, as they play to the crowd until Mistico & Okada have a face-off, the crowd loudly behind Mistico, who rolled through a top rope dive, fired off arm drags into a roll-up for two. Okada fought back with his Shotgun Dropkick, only Bailey was ready with a top rope version of his own. Fletcher in and we get a JetSpeed & ProtOkada showdown. Knight & Okada hit standing picture-perfect dropkicks before facing off with one another. Okada said he gets better hang time and flipped Knight off, who bit the finger. Both missed dropkicks initially, until Okada hit one successfully. Fletcher popped Bailey with a big boot, as Mistico flew in with a springboard double cross body. Davis steamrolled Mistico with a John Woo dropkick, as Knight hit a standing hurricanrana to Okada in the corner. Mistico saves Knight from a Fletcher brainbuster by spiking him with a spinning DDT for the reset.
Babyfaces hit a trifecta of thrust kicks on the apron, as Bailey nailed Ultimate Weapon on Davis, Mistico got just enough of a Code Red on Fletcher (causing Tony Schiavone to simply go “yikes!”). Shooting Star Press connects for Bailey on Fletcher for two, as he tries for Flamingo Driver, as Okada tried to pass a title belt to Fletcher with Davis taking the ref, only Bailey connected on a dive before it could happen. Assisted Ultimate Weapon by JetSpeed, but Davis broke the count to save Fletcher. Davis hit a cartwheel out to drop both JetSpeed with forearms, as he hit a one arm powerbomb on Bailey and nasty piledriver on Knight and one to Bailey as well, but Mistico made the save. Bailey waffled Davis with a roundhouse kick, Fletcher charged, but ate a Golden Triangle, as Knight flew in with a springboard clothesline on Davis. Okada took a huge head scissors to the outside, where Mistico met him with a twisting dive. Knight went up top, but ate a charging kick from Fletcher, who wanted a brainbuster, cut-off by Mistico, who got La Mistica. Knight cleared both of them with a UFO Splash on Davis and got the pin and the titles.
Post-match, JetSpeed hoisted Mistico on their shoulders as it says Mistico is All Elite on the tron. Excalibur made sure to say he’s representing both CMLL & AEW going forward. This was a pretty great moment, with Mistico bowing to the fans, who sang along to his theme song.
Match Result: Mistico & JetSpeed defeated The Don Callis Family to win the AEW Trios Titles when Knight pinned Davis
Andrade El Idolo (w/Don Callis) vs. Bandido
(Multiple people told me this was going to be there MOTN and these two certainly delivered on being in the running. Andrade has been on such a great run since returning to AEW and I hope he remains in the World Title picture going forward. Bandido meanwhile, continues to be one of the best babyfaces in the company and I wouldn’t mind a Brodido reunion at some point, though I’m not sure if that’s in the cards right now, time will tell.)
Callis joins commentary, as we get a fast-opening scramble with the crowd already chanting at Andrade to take his pants off, which he teased. Both trade head scissors, only the other flipped to their feet into a stalemate, Danielson put over the great lucha-libre technique displayed by each man. Double handspring from both, as each trade standing switches until Andrade poses in the ropes, as Bandido does his finger guns. Bandido attempted to rip his pants off, but had a difficult time, allowing Andrade to attack, but Bandido answered with a pop-up hurricanrana. Andrade floated over in the corner, but Bandido was right there for a pump kick and somersault hurricanrana from the apron outside. Back inside, Bandido tried a springboard hurricanrana, but Andrade spiked him with a huge powerbomb. Andrade slows the pace down and drove Bandido throat first on the barricade, as Andrade goes to the steps and gives the people what they chanted for, taking his pants off. Callis said he’s getting the vapors, as Andrade approaches a fan ringside and gets a selfie and smooch, which Callis tells him to demand $20 for. Andrade grounded Bandido back inside, but was met with a desperation Cutter for a reset.
Andrade set up and over in the corner, but he blocked a boot and caught up Bandido in the Tree of Woe. Andrade missed a top rope double stomp, leading to a scrambling release German with Andrade clipping his head in the corner, causing Callis to leave commentary and check on his man. Both recover and slug it out up to their feet, until Andrade hits a running boot, but Bandido is there to fight back with a Tornillo off the top. Straightjacket German connects, but Andrade rolled outside, where Bandido cleared the top with a twisting dive. Back inside, Bandido tried a Frog Splash, but Andrade got the knees up. Both would trade two vertical and German suplexes, until Bandido was finally able to hit the trifecta, going up top and connects with a Shooting Star Press for a close two. It was delivered so crisp that even Callis had to admit how great it was.
Andrade fought off the 21-Plex, as Bandido went for one to the outside, but Andrade swept the legs out, causing Bandido to crash and burn. Andrade quickly up top and hits a massive Moonsault over the post, landing on his feet. Another fan got her selfie and this time Andrade’s number. Back inside, Andrade almost lost his balance, showed incredible agility, still delivering the roll through Moonsault for a near fall. Running corner double knees connects for another two for Andrade, who wanted The DM, but Bandido cradled for two. Corner charge misses, both quickly goes up top for his Avalanche Fall Away Slam for a super close near fall. Stretch Muffler applied, but Andrade quickly got the ropes. Bandido hit X-Knee flush, as he signaled for the 21-Plex, but Andrade was there to wipe him out with his spinning back elbow from hell.
The DM was attempted once more, but countered somehow into a rolling heel kick, which baffled everyone on commentary on how that was even possible. With Andrade face first on the mat, Bandido hit a 21-Plex using the middle rope and hit the move for two before delivering another X-Knee. Bandido wants a 21-Plex proper, but Andrade flips out into another spinning back elbow. Pulling Bandido up in the corner for an Avalanche DM for the win in a thriller.
Match Result: Andrade El Idolo defeated Bandido
The Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors) vs. Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong in a Tornado Trios Match
(I know I’ve said many have beat the hell out of each other tonight, this could be the hardest hitting of them all, so far. Kidd & Allin have really ramped up their feud and I’m fully expecting a stip match to happen between them. Everyone involved looked really solid in this and I’m sure The Dogs will bounce back as soon as this week on Dynamite.)
Schiavone brought up that during the entrances, Gabe Kidd tried to intimidate Bryan Danielson, saying he’s lucky he’s not cleared to wrestle and Danielson agrees, calling Kidd terrifying. Bell sounds and it’s chaos from the jump, as Finlay dodged a dive, charged full steam, missing Allin into the barricade. Connors took out Cassidy, as Strong appeared with a huge dropkick before trading loud chops with Kidd. Right hand turned Strong inside out, as Allin quickly in with a Code Red for two. Finlay made the save, dropped Allin throat first over the top into a backbreaker on the knee. Catching Cassidy leaping off the top, Finlay rag dolls him to the corner and plants Strong of all people with a backbreaker. Kidd & Connors dropped via Coffin Splash, as a Shotgun Dropkick launched Finlay to the corner. Allin tried a charge on the apron at Kidd, but Connors came out of nowhere with a Spear through the ropes, causing both to land hard.
Kidd delivered a hanging guillotine back inside to Allin, as a Doomsday Device connects with Finlay, but Cassidy & Strong broke the count. The Dogs tied the tag rope to the chain on Allin’s neck, giving them chances to hit corner charge after corner charge before posing. They taunt Allin until Cassidy comes in and throws one light punch to Connors, who drops him with a right. Same for Finlay, who flattened Cassidy with an uppercut. Cassidy gets up yet again and crumbles to a massive Kidd forearm. Cassidy put his hands in his pockets, as Strong clears the ring with backbreakers, dropkicks and Angle Slams. He uses Cassidy repeatedly as a projectile, which Danielson said he has to enjoy doing. Assisted leaping DDT on Kidd, as a cazadora DDT led to a violent gutbuster. “Please Help Darby” chants, as Cassidy went outside to a toolbox to cut Allin free with scissors. Allin sprints up top and takes out The Dogs with a Coffin Drop to the floor. Back inside, Connors took a fireman’s carry backbreaker from Strong, who locks in a Strong Hold, Allin with a Scorpion Death Lock on Kidd, but while Cassidy is backpacked, Finlay took out everyone causing the reset.
Swear jar for Schiavone, who dropped a F Bomb when Excalibur brought up Finlay saving the match for his team. 6-way brawl starts, until Allin is sent crashing outside violently, the same bump he took last week against Kidd. Cassidy hit a Stundog on Connors, tried an Orange Punch, but Connors exploded with a Spear. Kidd stalked Allin down up the ramp with the skateboard, but Allin fought back. Kidd wanted a suplex off the ramp, a headbutt sent Kidd to the floor, where Allin hit an ollie off the ramp onto Kidd’s head. Back inside, Connors spiked Strong with a powerslam until a high/low took him out for two. Finlay hit a brutal Dominator on Cassidy, as Connors delivered a Cutthroat DDT, while Finlay delivered Oblivion, but Allin flew in to break the pin with a Coffin Drop. We see that Gabe Kidd has been zip-tied to the stage by Allin, as Finlay was sent outside. Connors took a leaping knee from Strong, Orange Punch from Cassidy and End of Heartache, as Strong shoved Cassidy down onto Connors to get the pin in a wild one. Kidd looked like he was about to lose his mind, as Allin taunted him up the ramp, as they both spat at one another. Commentary questions just what Kidd is going to do in retaliation on Dynamite.
Match Result: Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong defeated The Dogs when Cassidy pinned Connors
MJF vs. Hangman Adam Page in a Texas Death Match for the AEW Men’s World Title (if Page loses, he never gets an AEW Men’s World Title shot again)
(One of the most violent, bloody and brutal matches in AEW history, as these two used damn near every weapon imaginable to try and get the job done. To the point where I can already hear people criticize some of the weapons of choice, so get ready for that one. While this certainly went super long, the crowd, 5 to 5.5 hours into the show, were still loud as hell. I’m actually glad there was no interference and MJF can say he did this on his own and the same way that brought Page gold back at All In last year, an incredible callback, only furthered by the blood stain on the camera. I thought this was an very compelling match and finish, one that hopefully AEW will learn from their mistakes during the previous time this stip was used. I have a lot of confidence that they will, as having the heart of AEW like Page never actually challenging for the World Title again would be a monumental mistake.)
Page entered to his theme being played by a trumpeter on the stage, while MJF had a video package of him on horseback in the wild west, pissing on a makeshift grave for Hangman Adam Page. MJF enters in cowboy attire and Terry Funk tights. A reminder, the only way to win is 10-count knockout or submission. MJF ordered Justin Roberts say he’s not from a piece of sh*t town like Los Angeles. Bell sounds and both start slugging it out, Page getting the upper hand, as MJF pulled referee Bryce in front of him, as the fight through the crowd is on. Page took a sip of a fans drink before dragging MJF back to ringside, where a fan yelled MJF isn’t Terry Funk, which Danielson agrees. Page tried a trash can lid shot, but MJF chops him in the throat and delivers his pelvic thrust to the face. A furious Page chases after MJF ringside, puts on the brakes unbeknownst to MJF, who runs right into a trash can lid shot to the dome.
Page pulled out a staplegun and holstered it, as he got a birthday card for MJF’s 30th birthday today and gave papercuts to the webbings of his fingers. That was proceeded by stapling the card to the chest of MJF, as the fans chanted Happy Birthday. Page goes ringside and unveils a window pane and placed it in the corner. MJF raked the eyes, took the window, smashed it and chucked it out of the ring, telling the camera he’s not doing indy bullsh*t. MJF proceeded to turn back and was bodyslammed into the shards of glass. MJF tried crawling away, but Page pulled him stomach first through the glass. Page has a strand of barbed wire and pops MJF in the head with it and you guessed it, MJF comes up bleeding a gusher, as Page raked away at the forehead before placing the barbed wire in the mouth of MJF and pulling up with it. Rolling elbow with the barbed wire sent MJF outside, where Page set up a table, but took too long, allowing MJF to hit a drop toe hold onto a chair. Back inside, MJF grabs a shard of glass and rips it across the forehead of Page, who is bleeding now as well, as MJF keeps stabbing before delivering a bodyslam of his own onto the glass.
MJF brings a chair and broom in, as he starts cleaning the ring of the glass. Page ripped the broom away, snapped it in half, but MJF regained control of it and stabbed Page in the head with the jagged edge. Chair shot delivered to the back, as MJF takes a breather before dishing out another. In one of the sickest moments in AEW, even commentary said they couldn’t watch this, MJF pulls out a syringe from under the ring, stabs Page in the mouth with it and liquid sprays out. The camera cuts to horrified fans, as MJF leaves it in the mouth and was about to deliver a chair shot, but Page put a stop to it (syringe still in the mouth at the time). MJF got waffled with a shot to the back, as Page brought a barbed wire chair into the ring, but took way too long to capitalize, as MJF delivered a Water Wheel Drop onto the chair, but Page just narrowly was up at 7. MJF set up a table of his own ringside and wanted a Tombstone off the apron through it, but Page avoided it. MJF cut him off, looking for a Heatseeker, but Page countered into a Dead Eye on the barbed wire chair.
MJF was up at 9, as Page cut him off from grabbing the chair, dished out multiple chair shots to the back and fall away slam into the barbed wire. MJF rolled outside, as Page took the chair and looked for an Orihara Moonsault, but missed, allowing MJF to chuck the chair into Page’s face. Both men fight to the apron, where Page managed a Dead Eye through the table MJF had set up. MJF made it up at 9, rolled to the other side of the ring. Page wanted another Dead Eye, but this time, MJF bit the face and hit a Tombstone off the apron through the table that was set up earlier. Page just beat the count this time, as both head back to the ring to loud dueling chants, they duke it out until Page hits a pop-up powerbomb. Page slowly looks for a Dead Eye, MJF ducks, eye poke, they trade forearms, scream in each other’s faces as they went for home run shots and connect at the same time with discus forearms for the double down.
Both roll to opposing sides of the floor, as they each coincidentally grab light tubes. MJF forces Page to come after him up the ramp, both swing and miss, until it’s Page to connect with one to the back and head, busting MJF open yet again (for those keeping track, yes, Tony Schiavone made an Obi-Wan reference.) MJF staggers to the edge of the stage, Page charged, MJF ducks and was kicked back ringside, where Page grabs skewers. A see-saw battle takes place, until it’s Page who won the exchange and stabs MJF in the head repeatedly until MJF looks like a porcupine. Page delivers a Buckshot Lariat, but MJF managed to get up at 9.99, so Page went and grabbed a dog collar and chain and now we have ourselves a Dog Collar Texas Death Match. MJF realizes what has happened and is getting flashbacks from a previous Dog Collar Match, tries to scramble, but is clocked on the apron, allowing Page to set up yet another table, as the crowd chants “We Want Fire” and Page asks for a lighter. He didn’t get one, but did get a barbed wire board that he put on the table.
That was a long delay, as this allowed MJF to fight back on the apron and pull Page off the second rope, crashing through the barbed wire table. Page beats the count at 9, as they again head up the ramp and to the edge of the stage. Schiavone brings up how someone could get electrocuted and right on cue, Page pulled MJF in for a belly to belly off the stage and an explosion happened, sparks going off multiple times. Both managed to get up at 9, as Page dog walks MJF back to the ring to chants of “He’s a Good Boy.” Page went for a final Buckshot, but MJF kicked him low and grabbed the AEW World Title and waffled Page with it. Page exploded to his feet at 9 and cracked MJF in the head with the title, the crowd is amped, as he’s going for one last Buckshot, but MJF decks him with what we’re told is the Dynamite Diamond Ring. This allowed MJF to hang Page like he did to Jon Moxley at All In last year. Page went unconscious and crumbled ringside (colliding with the camera, leaving a blood stain on it) and couldn’t answer the 10-count.
Excalibur called it the end of an era, Danielson said it’s a sad day for AEW fans, as MJF trash talked Page, who was loaded on a stretcher, still motionless. MJF got on top of the stretcher and held the title high in the air, as Excalibur said this is Maxwell Jacob Friedman, who remains AEW World Champion, as the show goes off the air.
Match Result: MJF defeated Hangman Adam Page to retain the AEW Men’s World Title
