Two title matches have been announced for next month’s Double or Nothing.
The start of AEW Dynamite saw Swerve Strickland come out and reiterate his words from Collision, calling what The Elite did to Tony Khan a “b**** move”. The Young Bucks backstage then introduced his challenger for Double or Nothing, Christian Cage, who came to the ring with the rest of The Patriarchy and laid out both Strickland and Prince Nana.
Cage said he remembers what Strickland did to Nick Wayne last year and also remembers their failure as a team at All In against Sting and Darby Allin. He took a piece of hair out of Strickland’s scalp and promised that after he was done with him, Strickland’s daughter wouldn’t want anything to do with him but would have a father she’d truly be proud of.
During Rampage, Swerve was shown recovering backstage. He said he would meet Cage next week, and said this time he wouldn’t be alone.
A match for the AEW Women’s Championship was also confirmed, as Toni Storm will defend the title against Serena Deeb. After making it clear for the last few weeks that she wanted the next shot at Storm, the championship match was confirmed after she defeated Mariah May on Dynamite.
Here is the updated lineup for Double or Nothing:
AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland defends against Christian Cage
International title: Roderick Strong defends against Will Ospreay
AEW Women’s Championship: Toni Storm defends against Serena Deeb
TBS title: Willow Nightingale defends against Mercedes Mone
AEW World Champion Samoa Joe will defend against Swerve Strickland as part of tonight’s first-ever AEW Dynasty from St. Louis, Missouri.
The show will feature a much-anticipated dream match as Bryan Danielson goes one-on-one with Will Ospreay.
In a ladder match for the vacant AEW Tag Team titles, the Young Bucks will face FTR for the fourth time ever.
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Thunder Rosa while TBS Champion Julia Hart defends against Willow Nightingale with Mercedes Mone set to face the winner next month.
AEW International Champion Roderick Strong defends against Kyle O’Reilly while AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against PAC.
FTW Champion Hook defends against Chris Jericho while Adam Copeland, Mark Briscoe & Eddie Kingston take on the House of Black.
The pre-show will see Billy Gunn & The Acclaimed vs. Jay White & The Gunns in a match to unify the AEW Trios and ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles in addition to other action.
Zero Hour
The WrestleAunts, Renee Paquette & RJ City, welcome us to Zero Hour as they run down tonight’s card and video packages for the show. The crowd started loud Swerve’s House chants throughout the first half hour. We see footage of The Young Bucks showing up earlier in the day in a Tesla Cybertruck, which Nicholas Jackson said his wasn’t one that was recalled.
Trent Beretta defeated Matt Sydal (w/Mike Sydal)
(Solid first win for Beretta in this heel role, as it’s nice they’re slowly building this storyline and not rushing it. We find out where Chuck Taylor’s loyalties lie this Wednesday on Dynamite.)
Being the hometown boy, Matt is accompanied by his brother Mike, who competed in AEW during the Daily’s Place era. Beretta still has the same Best Friends entrance music and video, but he came out through the heel tunnel. Beretta immediately threw a throat shot to Sydal, who answered with multiple snap hurricanranas. Beretta dodged a high kick and bailed outside, only to be met by a diving Sydal. The Slice and Mariposa connected for a Sydal near fall. Beretta responded with a brainbuster, but got “We Want Sue” chants from the crowd before sending Sydal to the floor, opting to pose. Back inside, Sydal was pulled out of the corner into a swinging back suplex for two. Sydal battled back with a spin kick into the reset.
Sydal connected with a series of kicks, ending in a question mark kick for a near fall. Beretta went to the eyes, which allowed for a half and half suplex before a big time lariat followed. Sydal once more battled back with a top rope Meteora, but again got two. Sydal brought Beretta to the corner, but Beretta slid out, swept the leg and spiked Sydal with a Gotch Style Piledriver for two. Beretta connected on the charging knee before sinking in a submission choke with the shin over the throat for the tap out. Beretta refused to let go until Mike jumped in to break it up, but he was also attacked by Beretta. Chuck Taylor hit the ring, as Beretta bailed and took the microphone. Beretta said he doesn’t know why Taylor isn’t responding to his calls and texts, instead acting like a prick. Beretta gives Taylor until Wednesday to tell him where he stands. As Beretta walked up the ramp, Orange Cassidy’s music hit and both men had a stare down on the ramp before Katsuyori Shibata entered and Beretta just bailed to lead us to the next match.
Orange Cassidy & Katsuyori Shibata defeated Shane Taylor & Lee Moriaty
(This started as a pretty standard tag team match, but this picked up in pace tremendously in the second half. Cassidy doesn’t seem to have many friends he can rely on, but luckily, Shibata is one of them. I’ll be interested in seeing who Chuck Taylor chooses to side with this week and where the Cassidy/Beretta feud leads to. As for Shane Taylor Promotions, they continue to put on very good matches, they just need to start getting victories more often.)
Anthony Ogogo joined commentary for this one, as Cassidy & Moriarty start things off trading ground work before Cassidy went to the pockets. The signature dropkick and kip up led to Shibata tagging in and bouncing Moriarty back and forth with uppercuts. Shibata wrestled Moriarty to the ground and got a quick surfboard before an escape led to a stalemate. Shibata grew tired of Moriarty and tossed him to Taylor, wanting the big man to enter the match, which he did. A chop battle ensued before Taylor went with a punch to the midsection. Shibata answered with boots to the face and chopped Taylor down with kicks before Cassidy tagged back in with an elbow drop fall off the top. Cassidy took out Moriarty with a dive, realized Taylor was waiting for him, so rolled back out and leveled Moriarty again. Ogogo was about to attack when Shibata put a stop to it, only to be blindsided by Taylor.
Moriarty gained control on Cassidy, allowing Taylor to connect with a legdrop on the edge of the apron. Cassidy remained worked over until Taylor missed a corner dive, allowing Shibata to make the hot tag and run wild, including his corner dropkick on Moriarty. Abdominal Stretch applied before Taylor came in, only to eat a wild shot from Shibata. Taylor was brought to the corner, where Shibata & Cassidy ramped up the dueling strikes, ending in a double dropkick. Moriarty ran in with a boot on Shibata, then snapped the fingers of Cassidy, who answered with a Stundog Millionaire. Moriaty side stepped the spinning DDT, nearly got the Border City Stretch, but led to a series of reversals until Cassidy spiked Moriarty with a DDT. Wild counters led to Taylor headbutting Cassidy, trying a package piledriver, but Shibata sank in a choke, while Cassidy was still upside down. Ogogo jumped on the apron and was knocked off just as quick, as Cassidy & Moriarty traded a series of pin attempts until Cassidy fired off an Orange Punch for the victory.
Switchblade Jay White & The Gunns (Austin & Colten) defeated The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) & Daddy Ass to unify the AEW & ROH Trios Titles
(While this match had it’s slow points, it picked up at the end and the whole crowd were really into it. Everyone performed really well, as I’m hoping this is it for this storyline and everyone moves on. White thankfully was the one to get the win, as come Double or Nothing, I can only hope he’s not on the pre-show once again.)
Caster had an extended freestyle that had a couple lines that could get him in trouble in the pre-match, as White bailed on starting the match immediately, as Colten & Bowens began things with a fast exchange. Bowens kept Colten grounded, before a blind tag by Austin led to Daddy Ass also making the tag. Billy faked helping his son up and locked on a headlock before having a nice back and forth with his son. Billy dropped his two boys with clotheslines before White tagged in and Billy, similar to a few weeks ago, continued to no sell for him. White bailed and made the blind tag to Colten, who attacked his dad from behind, which again, Billy no sold, so Colten tried to hug him. Billy punched Colten in the face and tagged in Caster, as the match broke down enough for The Acclaimed to hit Scissor Me Timbers on Austin.
Caster awkwardly missed a corner splash, allowing White to launch him into the barricade. Caster remained isolated, as White & The Gunns trash talked the crowd in the process. Bowens made the hot tag and wiped everyone out before a dropkick from Colten sent him to the floor, where White dropped him multiple times on the apron. Excalibur said Bowens carries the load for his team, similar to how he does on commentary, which popped Tony Schiavone & Taz. A double down led to Billy making the hot tag, as a series of haymakers on everyone connected before hitting the One and Only on Austin, as Colten flew in with a Fame Asser for a close two.
Billy avoided 3:10 to Yuma, as the match broke down, resulting in White clocking Billy in the back with the golden baseball bat. Billy was dropped with 3:10 to Yuma, but kicked out, causing much of the crowd to boo. The Acclaimed made the save, dispatched of The Gunns, leaving White alone to eat a series of superkicks. The Gunns distracted enough for Bowens & Caster to be sent outside, as White wanted Blade Runner on White, but again, Gunn no sold, hit the Fame Asser, as Caster hit a Mic Drop, Billy made the cover, but White kicked out. White & Billy traded finisher attempts until White hit Blade Runner and got the win to a huge pop.
AEW Dynasty
Kazuchika Okada defeated PAC to retain the Continental Title
(This has to rank up there with the best openers in AEW PPV history, as they set the bar incredibly high for the night. This more than lived up to the hype and I can only hope this isn’t the only time these two face one another. Okada’s ability to get the crowd to go crazy for him and then go against him in the span of seconds was incredible. I’m also so happy PAC is back and healthy, I’ve missed watching him crush it, as the post-match standing ovation he received was more than warranted.)
Jim Ross joins commentary for the opener, as there are “Holy Sh*t” chants right at the bell. The match began with a series of counters leading to PAC trying to ground the larger Okada. PAC with a snap hurricanrana that sent Okada to the floor, where PAC followed with a twisting dive, landing on his feet. Okada was driven into the barricade, as back inside, PAC wasted no time with an Avalanche Brainbuster for two. PAC started toying with Okada before going to the ropes, wasting too much time and Okada hit a dropkick to the outside. PAC smacked his leg on the edge of the apron on the fall. Back inside, Okada with a snap low dropkick, resulting in a loud ovation, as he returns the favor and toys with PAC, who slowly gets up and throws forearms. PAC tried a float over, but ran right into a perfect dropkick by Okada.
Okada draped PAC over the barricade and completely spiked PAC with a DDT on the floor. Okada smiled, content with the countout, but PAC beat the count at 9, only to be spiked with another DDT for two. PAC low bridged Okada over the top and followed with a spectacular moonsault off the top to the outside. Slugfest ensued back inside before PAC connected on a flying forearm before going up top and hit a missile dropkick. A series of kicks from PAC hit, but Okada avoided a final one, tried a German suplex, but PAC landed on his feet, hit a bounce back German, which Okada exploded up from into a Shotgun dropkick for the double down.
PAC charged but suffered an Air Raid Crash onto the knee of Okada for two. Okada connected on the top rope elbow, which led to a fake out of the Rainmaker pose, as he flipped off the crowd instead. PAC nearly got a flash roll up as a result, as he threw a superkick and lariat before a deadlift German hit for a close two. PAC wanted Black Arrow, but crashed and burned, as Okada dropped him with a Tombstone. PAC turned a Rainmaker into a cradle for two and victory roll before sinking in a crucifix Brutalizer. Okada gouged at the eyes, tried another Tombstone, but PAC reversed into one of his own. PAC went to the top, but Okada grabbed the leg of referee Paul Turner. PAC tried Black Arrow, but Okada got the knees up and connected on a Rainmaker for the victory. Okada made his way to the back, as PAC recovered long enough to get a much deserved standing ovation.
House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) defeated TNT Champion Adam Copeland, NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston & ROH Champion Mark Briscoe
(A very good match, which sets up the next TNT Title program, as the only interaction between Copeland & Black was the finish, I wonder if the black mist will turn Copeland evil down the line, as it has for others in the past? I also wouldn’t be surprised if Matthews & King go after Kingston & Briscoe’s individual titles as well. This feud is far from over as far as I’m concerned.)
Fast tags and action to start as Black & Briscoe and Copeland & Matthews were paired off in the early going. Black tagged himself in and stared down Copeland, as you can hear Kingston yelling at his partner to beat the sh*t out of him. Black, playing mind games, tagged in King, as Kingston followed and we get a big-time chop and forearm exchange. King absorbed kicks and chops, but not the enzugiri, which staggered King to the corner, where he suffered Kobashi machine gun chops. King reversed a whip and connected on a Black Hole Slam and corner cannonball. Kingston remained isolated before a release German suplex dropped Black to give Briscoe the hot tag and pick up the pace against Matthews. Redneck Kung-Fu connected, as Briscoe sent Matthews to the floor with a baseball slide as the match broke down with Black going at it with Kingston ringside. Matthews grabbed a chair, but Briscoe got ahold of it and used it as a launching pad to hit a somersault dive, clearing the post onto King.
Briscoe & Matthews fought to the apron, where Matthews hit a pump knee, dropping Briscoe into the clutches of King, who hit a rolling Death Valley Driver, bending the barricade in the process. Briscoe would be picked apart in the House of Black corner until fighting free and diving for the Copeland hot tag. Black bailed before Copeland could get his hands on him, as King ate a series of clotheslines. Kingston & Briscoe hit the ring to take out Black & Matthews, with Kingston throwing a chop so hard on King that he himself fell down. Black & Matthews took out Kingston & Briscoe with double corner powerbombs, leaving Copeland to hit a superplex on King, leaving all six men down.
Copeland tried an Impaler, but Matthews flew in with a Meteora. Everyone started hitting home run shots, leaving Kingston to hit a back fist on King, while Copeland hit the Impaler and Briscoe with the Froggy Bow, but Matthews broke the count. Just as Copeland & Black were about to go at it for the first time, the match broke down again, as a triple Spear by Copeland, Kingston & Briscoe dropped all of the House of Black. Copeland charged at Black, who misted him and hit The End kick to get the win.
Willow Nightingale defeated Julia Hart to win the TBS Title
(For as short as this match was, I thought it was a pretty good back and forth battle. Nightingale getting the win here made the most sense, as I’m happy there were no heel turns or interference and Nightingale got her moment, which got a massive pop. The match we all thought would happen, will take place at Double or Nothing, as Mercedes Mone finally makes her in ring debut to challenge Nightingale in Vegas.)
House Rules means Nightingale gets to pick a stipulation and that was Skye Blue & Kris Statlander was banned from ringside. This caught Statlander off guard, who walked to the stage with Nightingale for her entrance. Stokely Hathaway is on commentary and trading jabs with Taz immediately. Nightingale exploded out the gate, but as she went to the corner, was superkicked from Hart and tumbled to the floor. We can see Tony Schiavone hilariously protecting Hathaway as Hart threw Nightingale over into the time keepers table. Mercedes Mone is shown watching backstage, as Hart continued to stay in control back in the ring. Nightingale fought back, applying a sleeper, but Hart kicked her way free.
Hart charged right into a spinebuster, but Nightingale missed the follow up dropkick off the second. Hart applied Hartless, but Nightingale powered out and started firing up. Hart connected on a double stomp in the corner, wanted her top rope moonsault, but ate boots to the face, as Nightingale connected on a wild lariat. Nightingale hit the Doctor Bomb and pinned Hart clean, as Hathaway yelled “Chuck E Cheese, here we come!”
Post match, Statlander came to the ring with Hathaway for a group hug before Mercedes Mone interrupted, coming to the ring. Statlander & Hathaway went to the floor, as Mone & Nightingale had a face off in the ring, with Nightingale holding her title high in the air. The Double or Nothing PPV graphic is shown, as the match is official. Nightingale celebrated with her family ringside, as Mone gave one final look from the stage.
Roderick Strong defeated Kyle O’Reilly to retain the International Title
(Just a flat out excellent wrestling match between two of the best in the business. Strong continued the Messiah of the Backbreaker moniker, as similar to his Revolution match with Orange Cassidy, there were backbreakers galore. O’Reilly put up one heck of a fight, but Strong won this one clean, despite the attempted interference never taking place by Wardlow, who seems to already be on the outs with The Undisputed Kingdom.)
Excalibur documents the history these two have had as opponents in Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla as it was very evenly matched in the early going, with counters aplenty. O’Reilly threw kicks at the leg of Strong, who pulled him in for a pin attempt, long enough to pop up and hit a perfect leg lariat to gain control briefly. Both men went at the others shoulders, as a plethora of kicks from O’Reilly led to Strong catching and countering into a backbreaker. Strong set up O’Reilly in the corner and delivered a backbreaker on the turnbuckle, but opted to dish out punches instead of a pin attempt.
A loud chop from Strong seemingly woke up O’Reilly, but Strong switched to boots to keep O’Reilly down. Strong continued to deliver backbreakers, including a Torture Rack into the double knees, but only managed two. O’Reilly fought off End of Heartache into a guillotine, as O’Reilly let go and lit up Strong with strikes before sinking in a knee bar. Strong managed a desperation Angle Slam, as a series of charging forearms nearly led to a step-up knee, but O’Reilly dodged, hung up Strong and hit a top rope guillotine knee. O’Reilly went up top and hit a diving knee to the knee of Strong, sinking in the knee bar again. Strong kicked free, as both threw heavy forearms with Strong turning to another backbreaker.
Strong connected on a superplex, but each man held on and traded near falls. Both to their feet trading kicks and chops until O’Reilly hit a snap German, tried his home run shot, but Strong fired a desperation pump knee into the double down. Both up and O’Reilly got the guillotine choke, but Strong hung-up O’Reilly by the neck in the ropes. O’Reilly fought back on the apron, as Strong took the ref and Wardlow came down, tried to get involved, but was caught by the ref and he backed off. O’Reilly got a crucifix, but Strong got out and hit a fireman’s carry double knee, which O’Reilly answered with a Nigel bounce back lariat. O’Reilly sank in a cross-arm breaker, but Strong got the ropes. Strong got up and hit a flying boot, followed up by the End of Heartache for the victory.
Post match, Adam Cole was rolled to the stage by Mike Bennett & Matt Taven before standing out of the wheelchair and power walking to the ring. The Kingdom holds up Strong on their shoulders, as Cole gives a long glare behind the back of Wardlow before celebrating with the rest of the crew. Seeds planted for Wardlow already getting booted from the group.
Chris Jericho defeated HOOK to win the FTW Title
(This was HOOK’s best match in his career so far I’d say, save for maybe the match with Samoa Joe he had a few months ago. The crowd was loudly behind him from the start and really laid into Jericho with some tough chants in this. “The Learning Tree” is the nickname they’re going with for Jericho now, which seems more like a tagline than nickname, but I digress. This story is just getting going, as HOOK continues to grow into a solid worker and Jericho did bring the best out of him in this one.)
Jericho offered a fist bump to start and HOOK accepted, as the match began with trading chops and punches until HOOK hit a series of overhead suplexes before sending Jericho to the floor. HOOK leapt for a shot off the apron, but missed by a mile, as Jericho still sold and Excalibur said it was a glancing blow. Jericho slammed HOOK into the announce table in front of Taz before setting a table up ringside, tried a powerbomb, but HOOK escaped and hit a German suplex, as Jericho came within inches of catching the corner of the steps. HOOK got a trash can lid and waffled Jericho with it, but tried too much, as Jericho caught him with a boot and DDT on the lid for a two count.
Both men fought to the apron and HOOK delivered a T-Bone off it through the set-up table, shattering it, giving HOOK a two count. Back in the ring, HOOK hits another German suplex to the chants of “Go Home Jericho” from the crowd. Jericho fought back with a corner clothesline and top rope hurricanrana, which Jericho himself nearly fell on his head doing. Jericho threw in more weapons, wanted a trash can shot, but HOOK hit another German. HOOK put the trash can over Jericho and smashed it with a kendo stick before delivering a T-Bone on a trapped Jericho for two.
HOOK brought another table to the ring, set it up in the corner and delivered another throw, only to walk into a Code Breaker for the double down. Both men slug it out, as Jericho, who is getting “Please Retire” chants now from a little bit of the crowd, rakes HOOK’s eyes, but missed a corner fist drop. HOOK applied REDRUM, but Jericho fell back onto the corner table. Jericho made the cover and put his feet on the ropes, causing the ref to briefly stop the count, but she realized it’s FTW Rules, so she just counted, but HOOK kicked out. HOOK tried a leg lock, but Jericho countered into the Walls of Jericho, but escaped into a small package for two.
REDRUM applied again, this time Jericho hit a mule kick and the Judas Effect, but HOOK kicked out. Jericho hit another Judas Effect, but once more, HOOK kicked out. Jericho told HOOK to stay down before grabbing his baseball bat. HOOK stumbled to his feet and flipped Jericho off before Jericho hit HOOK in the face with the bat to get the win. Before the pin, the crowd exploded, as Taz took his headset off and they thought he was about to get involved, but he didn’t. Post match, Taz told Jericho to leave, as doctors checked on HOOK.
Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther & Mariah May) defeated Thunder Rosa to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(A very good match with the crowd having dueling chants for both throughout. You could certainly continue to build the dissention between Rosa & Purrazzo out of this and also Storm resorted to a low kick to lead to the finish. The question Excalibur presented post match was who could beat Toni Storm? I was hoping for a return of someone tonight, but that didn’t happen, at least not quite yet.)
Nigel McGuinness joins commentary for this, as Taz went to the back with HOOK and said “It’s Shoe-time!” Rosa had a mask on until the bell rang and she took it off to reveal none of her signature face paint. Storm wasted no time with an early assault, but Rosa quickly responded with hard chops. Storm responded with a stiff kick to the ribs and beal, but Rosa hit a head scissors that sent Storm to the floor. Rosa went up top and hit a Tornillo that took out Storm & Luther before May got in her face, but quickly backed off. Back inside, Rosa fired off clubbing blows before trying a cross body, which Storm caught into a backbreaker.
Storm kept grounded Rosa before Rosa exploded out with a shotgun dropkick and crucifix bomb for a near fall. Rosa brought Storm to the apron and delivered a brutal Death Valley Driver, as Rosa trash talked some Storm fans ringside beforehand. Rosa wanted a Fire Thunder Driver, but her back gave out, as Storm hit a backstabber out of the corner. A spinning corner DDT led to a fisherman’s suplex for two. Rosa battled back with a roll up into a double stomp for two of her own before going up top, missing a double foot stomp, rolling through and ran into a Storm Sky High.
Storm kept targeting the lower back before Rosa turned things into a forearm battle, which changed to slaps. Each woman traded snap Germans before Mariah May jumped on the apron to run distraction, but Deonna Purrazzo ran out and wiped out May & Luther. May got up and brawled with Purrazzo to the back, as this distracted Rosa, allowing Storm to hit another release German, Sweet Cheek Music and Storm Zero, but Rosa kicked out. Storm sank in the Texas Cloverleaf, but Rosa got the ropes. Rosa side stepped Storm, hit a backstabber and got a Cobra Clutch crossface, but this time Storm grabbed the apron. The ref fixed the apron, allowing Storm to hit a low kick and another Storm Zero to get the win. Luther carried Storm up the ramp as Excalibur questioned who can beat Toni Storm?
Will Ospreay defeated Bryan Danielson
(I don’t think I’ve ever cheered for a 60 minute time limit more than I did for this absolute classic. That didn’t happen obviously, but it’s going to take a whole hell of a lot to beat this for Match of the Year. This more than delivered on the hype, which was already at an all time high. This hit multiple levels and resulted in the crowd getting even louder. The finish leaves room for a rematch (hopefully) as Ospreay didn’t know just how injured Danielson was before he hit the exclamation mark on the victory. I’m really looking forward to seeing where they go from here. This was incredible storytelling.)
Justin Roberts announced this as an absolute Dream Match and I wouldn’t argue that one bit as “Holy Sh*t”, “AEW” & “Both These Guys” chants rang out. Each man tried to use their strength early, Danielson with the ground game and Ospreay with the speed, but each had it scouted, resulting in multiple stalemates. An insane series of counters of kicks from one another led to another stalemate and “Fight Forever” chants. Ospreay picked the leg and Danielson easily got up, flipping off Ospreay, who answered with hard chops, which Danielson responded with. Don Callis, who is on commentary, got F Don Callis chants as well, as Danielson applied a rolling cravat, but Ospreay flipped out into a snap dropkick. A quick head scissors from Ospreay put him in control until Danielson woke up via a chop, but Ospreay answered with a pop-up stun gun and slingshot cross body. Callis was upset Ospreay was playing to the crowd.
Back inside, Danielson caught a springing Ospreay with a kick to the ribs and proceeded to keep him grounded. Ospreay battled back with chops, but Danielson lit up the ribs until doing a corner backflip, only to be met with an Ospreay corkscrew kick for the double down. Pip Pip Cheerio connected, as Kawada Kicks were stopped by Danielson, who threw more stiff uppercuts until Ospreay exploded with a wall walk enzugiri, sending Danielson outside. Ospreay delivered a picture-perfect twisting moonsault, as back inside, a top rope elbow strike to the back connected. Ospreay wanted Hidden Blade, but Danielson kicked out to avoid it and hit a Tiger Suplex for two. Anvil elbow poured down, as Cattle Mutilation was locked on, but Ospreay used his size to get the ropes.
Danielson hit the corner dropkicks, he tried a corner hurricanrana, landing smack on his head in the process which no one seemed to notice, but Ospreay landed on his feet. Ospreay followed with a Tiger Driver for a near fall, but took too long in the corner, as Danielson cut him off with a gnarly Avalanche Tiger Suplex that was insane, as Ospreay got his foot on the ropes at two. Danielson fired off kicks, until a PK woke Ospreay up, who asked for more, so Danielson obliged. Danielson slapped Ospreay in the face, so Ospreay leveled Danielson in the face with a forearm, crumbling him. They go to the apron, where Ospreay wanted a Tiger Driver, but thankfully Danielson escaped, only to eat a thrust kick and Oscutter on the edge of the ring. While Danielson was being checked on by referee Bryce, Ospreay flew in with a Hidden Blade off the apron. Ospreay opted to take the countout, but Danielson broke the count.
Ospreay was right there to hit a springboard dropkick and high stack powerbomb, but Danielson kicked out at two. Ospreay tried another Oscutter, this time with Danielson trying a LeBell Lock, but opted for a guillotine. Ospreay tried a counter, but Danielson hit a beautiful La Mistica into a LeBell Lock. Danielson wrenched at the arm, but again, Ospreay got his foot on the ropes. Yes Kicks into the Buzzsaw Kick, as Ospreay intercepted a Busaiku Knee, but Danielson turned a powerbomb into a snap hurricanrana pin for two. Both trade pin attempts, Ospreay flips out, missed Hidden Blade, as Danielson flew in with a Busiaku Knee for the closest two of the match, as the crowd is going nuts. Danielson said it’s time to kick his head in, as boots rained down to Yes/No dueling chants. Ospreay fought out of the LeBell Lock with forearms, but Danielson got the triangle choke, which Ospreay countered into a Styles Clash.
Both trade headbutts and punches from their knees, before Danielson hit a combo into a Regal Plex, which Ospreay no sold into Hidden Blade. Ospreay tried an Oscutter, but Danielson hit a Busiaku Knee in mid-air, as this match has somehow hit another level. Both rose in separate corners, as Ospreay took off the elbow pad and both exploded out, with Ospreay connecting first with the flying foream and Tiger Driver 93. The ref immediately called for the doctor to check Danielson, as Ospreay didn’t realize it and he fired out with a Hidden Blade to get the win. Post match, Danielson is in serious pain, as doctors told Ospreay Danielson was hurt before the finish and Ospreay was caught off guard by it. Excalibur told us before the next match that Danielson was able to walk to the back with doctors assistance.
The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) defeated FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) in a Ladder Match to win the vacant AEW World Tag Team Titles
(You could tell the crowd was exhausted following the epic they just witnessed, so there were times when they were quiet in this, but reacted really strong to the big time bumps. There were a lot of those bumps, as this was a TLC match pretty much with quite a few table bumps as well as your usual ladder spots. These two put everything into this one, as a lot of credit to all involved, this was wild. The finish was very predictable, as Jack Perry made his first AEW appearance since All In London and was escorted from the building as a result for what Excalibur said was a criminal offense and trespassing.)
Both teams dodged the others finishers early before FTR quickly went for ladders, only to get cut off. While Harwood ate a ladder shot, Wheeler came in with a baseball slide on the ladder onto both Bucks. A scramble back in the ring with a ladder set up, as FTR was sent into the ladder before a Superkick Party from The Bucks. Matthew & Nicholas were both sent into the ladder, as Wheeler set up multiple tables around ringside before Harwood ate a drop toe hold holding a ladder into the steps. Wheeler was set up on a ladder bridge held by Matthew, while Nicholas hit a somersault dive onto it. The Bucks climbed a tall ladder in the ring, as Harwood made the save, but he’s bleeding now from the ring steps shot.
The Bucks light up Harwood with chair shots, as he’s bleeding a gusher before being sandwiched between the ladder, as Matthew hit repeated chair shots. Wheeler tried to save, but also suffered a chair shot for his troubles. The Bucks launched Wheeler into the ladder in the corner before setting up a ladder bridge ringside, which Wheeler delivered a moonsault off of. Wheeler tried a piledriver on the bridge, but Nicholas pulled out the leg and crotched him. While trapped in the ladder, The Bucks hit an EVP Trigger on Wheeler before targeting Harwood back inside. The Bucks wanted a suplex to the floor through a table, but Wheeler, who recovered insanely quickly all things considered, returns and cleans house.
Match almost resets, as both teams try climbing the ladder, but Matthew ends up dropped by a Steiner Bulldog off the top rope, as Harwood locks in a Sharpshooter. Wheeler trapped Matthew under the ladder, as Nicholas made the save, but ate a slingshot powerbomb. While Matthew was on the apron, Wheeler charged full steam and speared him through the ropes through the table. Opposite side, Nicholas countered a powerbomb into a hurricanrana off the apron, sending Harwood through another table. Somehow all four men recovered enough to all climb the ladders in the ring, with Matthew standing tall, but Harwood blocked a superkick, took off the shoe and hit a Shatter Machine off the ladder. Nicholas returned with a chair and got in a few shots, before taking too long to climb a ladder in the corner, resulting in FTR connecting on a Power Plex off separate ladders.
Both teams fight to the floor, where Nicholas had another table set up and hit a 450 Splash onto Wheeler through it. Meanwhile, Harwood delivered a piledriver onto Matthew on the ladder bridge and it somewhat gave out and each landed really badly. Harwood sets a ladder up, but Nicholas springboards onto it and hits a sunset flip bomb off it. Nicholas climbs, but Wheeler breaks it up, sends Nicholas outside and tries a dive, but crashes and burns through a table. At this point “Please Be Careful” chants are heard, as Harwood & Nicholas fight up to the belts, but Harwood smacks him with a belt. A “fan” in a Sting mask hits the ring and shoves Harwood off the ladder, but security takes the mask off to reveal Jack Perry. Nicholas climbs the ladder and gets the belt, as security escorts Perry from the building. Excalibur said it’s trespassing, a criminal offense.
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated Samoa Joe to win the AEW World Title
(I thought this was a really good main event with Strickland winning the title to a massive ovation and reaction. The Era of Strickland officially begins and it’ll be fun to see how his reign goes from here and who challenges first. Credit to Joe for being a fantastic World Champion, as I’m curious for what is next for him as well. This was a very good end to a great PPV.)
Jim Ross once again joins commentary for the main event, as Strickland came out in Black Panther gear as Prince Nana placed the late Jimmy Rave’s jacket on him as a tribute to the original Embassy. Joe got the advantage early with strikes, tried his usual side step walk off to avoid a strike, but Strickland had it scouted and took the fight to Joe, sending him outside. Strickland tried a dive, but Joe caught him and drove him onto the announce table, then launched him clear over it. Joe rips a mat off the ringside area to expose the concrete, but doing this allowed Strickland to hit a Fosbury Flop. Joe nearly it a Muscle Buster on the floor, but Strickland escaped, charged and Joe hit a snap powerslam on the concrete.
Joe kept up the attack back inside, sweeping out the leg of Strickland, causing him to face plant as a result. Joe grounded Strickland, who would try to battle back, only to be mowed down by Joe. They battled to the outside, where Joe tried a home run shot against the ring post, Strickland dodged and Joe smacked the steel, allowing Strickland to zone in. Back inside, Strickland connected on a bounce back German for a near fall, as Joe tried a desperation Coquina Clutch, but Strickland kicked free. With Joe set up in the corner, Strickland hit a diving arm breaker before slapping on a short arm scissors transitioning into a cross arm breaker. Joe powered up into a Buckle Bomb and quickly followed with a Muscle Buster for a close two, which shocked Joe.
Joe grabbed the AEW Title, but Strickland met him coming into the ring with a House Call and 450 Splash with Joe hung up in the ropes. Swerve Stomp hit flush, but Joe kicked out. Joe desperately raked at the eyes, grabbed the AEW Title, as Nana took the ref to tell him, as Strickland dodged a belt shot, but Joe sank in the Coquina Clutch. Strickland wrenched at the bad arm to get free, then snapped it back, as Nana yelled to break it. Strickland delivered another House Call, but Joe once more kicked out. Strickland took too long to follow and this time Joe cut him off. Strickland almost looked for an Avalanche Swerve Stomp, but seemed to overshoot his target and opted for a powerbomb out of the corner. One final proper Swerve Stomp connected flush and Strickland got the victory and the championship.
Joe quickly went to the back post match, as streamers poured down on Strickland, who celebrated with Nana and the fans ringside, as pyro went off to celebrate the new champion. The crowd went wild for this finish. Strickland was crying on the ring steps before holding the title high once more to close the show.
An AEW World Championship match has been added to the Big Business card.
As revealed during Wednesday’s Dynamite season premiere, Samoa Joe will defend the AEW World title against Wardlow at Big Business in Boston on Wednesday, March 13.
Wardlow earned the title show with a victory at last Sunday’s Revolution pay-per-view in an eight-man scramble match.
Also added to the Big Business lineup, Willow Nightingale will go one-on-one with Riho. Willow will look to avenge Kris Statlander’s loss to Riho on this week’s Dynamite after Statlander refused to cheat with help from Stokely Hathaway to earn a victory.
Already announced for Boston is a Darby Allin vs. Jay White singles match.
The special Big Business edition of Dynamite is set for Wednesday, March 13 at TD Garden in Boston. The show is expected to feature the AEW debut of Mercedes Mone, and airs in its usual 8 p.m. Eastern time slot on TBS.
The updated Big Business lineup:
Mercedes Mone’s AEW debut is expected
AEW World Champion Samoa Joe defends against Wardlow
Wardlow will soon challenge for the AEW World Championship.
He defeated Dante Martin, Chris Jericho, Powerhouse Hobbs, CMLL’s Magnus, Brian Cage, Hook, and Lance Archer in the Eight-Man All-Star Scramble that took place at Sunday’s AEW Revolution. The finish saw Wardlow lay out Hook with a lariat, then pinned Martin following a powerbomb.
Per the stipulations of the match, Wardlow has now earned a future AEW World Championship match.
The match featuring Wardlow was originally called Meat Madness, with Archer and Hobbs initially announced as participants. However, Tony Khan on social media wrote that Meat Madness would be postponed due to injuries. The match instead turned into the scramble, with Magnus and Martin winning qualifying matches on Rampage and Collision respectively.
After Adam Cole revealed himself as the devil at AEW Worlds End back in December, he laid out his plans to take over AEW’s title scene, including putting Wardlow in charge of going after the World Championship. It was said that after Wardlow won the title, he would forfeit it to Cole.
A three-way match for the AEW World Championship is now set for Revolution.
Samoa Joe will meet Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland on March 3 following the events of Wednesday’s Dynamite. It was also confirmed that Toni Storm will defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Deonna Purrazzo.
The open to Dynamite saw Page and Swerve Strickland, who are at the top of AEW’s rankings, wrestle to a time limit draw. After confusion ensued, Tony Schiavone announced that as a result of the draw, there are now two number one contenders for the AEW World title, and thus it would be a three-way at Revolution.
It was announced prior to a match between Storm and Red Velvet that the Women’s Championship would also be on the line at Revolution. Since debuting for AEW last month, Purrazzo has been looking to challenge Storm. The two have had several confrontations with Purrazzo questioning Storm’s recent change and is looking for the Storm she used to be friends with.
Here is the current card for Revolution:
Sting’s retirement match
AEW World Championship: Samoa Joe defends against Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland
AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy defends against Roderick Strong
AEW Women’s Championship: Toni Storm vs. Deonna Purrazzo
Samoa Joe defends the AEW World Championship against Hook on tonight’s Dynamite.
After defeating MJF for the World title at Worlds End last month, Joe laid out a challenge on last week’s Homecoming episode for future challengers to step forward. Hook was among those to step up, and gets his shot tonight.
The TNT Championship is also up for grabs on tonight’s show, with Christian Cage defending against Dustin Rhodes in a match set up with a backstage promo between the two on last Saturday’s Collision episode.
After returning to AEW on last week’s Dynamite, The Young Bucks will speak on this week’s show ahead of their likely match with Sting & Darby Allin at Revolution in March.
The Ring of Honor Six-Man Tag Team titles will also be defended tonight, with Brian Cage & Gates of Agony putting the belts on the line against Bullet Club Gold’s Jay White & The Gunns.
In the women’s division, new signee Deonna Purrazzo will face Anna Jay. Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm will be on commentary for the bout.
Top Flight vs. Private Party, plus Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta vs. Penta El Zero Miedo & Komander are late additions to the card.
Ian Riccaboni will be on commentary for the show in place of Tony Schiavone, who is missing the show due to being sick.
The World title match will air commercial-free.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with a video package of tonight’s commercial free main event is shown, as well as AEW Champion Samoa Joe and challenger HOOK entering the arena. Excalibur welcomes us alongside Ian Riccaboni and Taz as we go to the opening title match of the evening.
Christian Cage (w/Nick Wayne & Killswitch) defeated Dustin Rhodes to retain the TNT Title
(I thought this was a really good opener with the predictable interference somewhat kept to a minimum in regards to usual Cage matches. Rhodes continues to show that age is just a number, as he had the fans biting at near falls at the end and his kicking out of the Killswitch only got the crowd behind him even more.)
After a slow feeling out process, Cage baited Rhodes in for a test of strength, only to lead to a cheap shot. Rhodes responded with a snap powerslam, as Cage took a powder, trying to pull the legs out and post Rhodes, who used leg strength to pull Cage face first into the steel. Rhodes remained on the offense back inside with corner punches, but Cage answered by fighting off a superplex, sending Rhodes to the floor and followed with a dive from the top to the floor.
Cage remained in control during break, as Cage dodged a cross body attempt, but Rhodes avoided a top rope Cage head butt for the reset. A slugfest ensued, as both men rose to their feet, where Rhodes hit a Manhattan Drop and signature running bulldog for two. Rhodes avoided an eye poke and slingshot Cage to the corner, where Rhodes wanted an Unnatural Kick, but Cage got free. Rhodes responded with a drop down punch and Code Red for two and teased a dive, but Cage cut him off with a right hand and Frog Splash back inside for two of his own. Cage grabbed the TNT Title and argued with ref Aubrey, who took the title as Rhodes had a visible cradle pin, but Wayne reversed it, as Rhodes kicked out at two.
Rhodes started hulking up, wanted another bulldog, but Cage dodged, went to the second, had the legs swept and Rhodes took Cage to what Taz would call Yam Bag City with the Unnatural Kick. After a superplex, Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes for the closest near fall possible. Wayne tripped up Rhodes, as Cage took the ref. Rhodes fought off Killswitch and blocked Wayne’s World into a Canadian Destroyer on the floor. Rhodes back inside, where he missed a corner charge, allowing Cage to hit a Spear and Killswitch, but Rhodes kicked out to the surprise of everyone. Rhodes flipped Cage off, who hit another Killswitch, this time getting the win.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Swerve Strickland, who said he’d be foolish not to be paying attention to the main event. It doesn’t matter if it’s Joe or HOOK, he’s focused on the World Title now that the Continental Classic is over, as he was the talk of the tournament. Paquette brings up Hangman Adam Page and Strickland said he has eyes everywhere, Page is an impeccable performer, beating Roderick Strong, Claudio Castagnoli & JD Drake. Strickland said even if God himself came down, Page would have a change, but he still lost to Strickland, he has nothing left to prove against Page. Who’s House? Swerve’s House.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Chris Jericho, asking where he & Sammy Guevara go from here after losing their Tag Team Title Street Fight at Battle of the Belts? Jericho said they lost only because of Konosuke Takeshita & Powerhouse Hobbs getting involved. Jericho said his win over Takeshita a month ago in Japan doesn’t mean as much as it used to, now he will seek and destroy Takeshita. Matt Sydal randomly walked in and said this isn’t the Chris Jericho he knows, Jericho needs to get in there with someone who has beat him in the past, like himself. Jericho said they can fight on Rampage this Friday. This was a weird way to get to that match.
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta (w/Chuck Taylor) defeated Penta El Zero Miedo & Komander (w/Rey Fenix & Alex Abrahantes)
(This was an action packed sprint of a match that definitely felt more like a Tornado Tag. Post match was the bigger story here, as the challenge was official for Revolution, as Roderick Strong is unsurprisingly the next challenger for the International Title.)
Chuck Taylor & Rey Fenix return to corner their respective teams, as both have been out with injuries. Penta & Cassidy took turns with their poses to start before Penta kicked out the legs of Cassidy, who responded with a series of arm drags. Penta avoided a round the World DDT and cut off a pocket pose, sending Cassidy outside, but was cut off by Beretta. Komander flew in with a springboard and followed with a dive on Cassidy outside. Back inside, Beretta turned Komander inside out with a half and half, as Cassidy took control during picture in picture.
Back from break, Komander escaped a Tree of Woe, sent Beretta to the floor and launched Cassidy into the corner, as Penta made the hot tag and ran wild with Sling Blades. A stalling Made in Japan on Cassidy, as Komander wiped out Beretta with a dive mid move. Beretta saved his partner from an assisted Fear Factor, as Cassidy laid out Penta with the round the World DDT. Beretta really laid into Komander with forearms, but Komander answered with multiple near falls. Penta blindsided Beretta with a pump kick and follow up step up Canadian Destroyer, as Komander hit a rope walk splash for two, which Cassidy broke up. Komander wanted a Phoenix Splash, but Beretta avoided and hit a running knee to turn Komander inside out. Penta tried a springboard, but Cassidy shoved his partner aside and hit a mid move Beach Break. An Orange Punch sent Komander into Beretta, who hit a Crunchy to get the victory.
Post match, we almost got a trio Best Friends hug for the first time in a while, but The Undisputed Kingdom music hit as Roderick Strong & The Kingdom came to the ring. Strong told Cassidy to take off his glasses and questioned if being International Champion has become too much, since he’s taking tag team matches now instead of defending his title? Strong said that title belongs to him and he’s coming for it. Cassidy said they can do it right here and now, but Strong declined, saying Cassidy will have to wait until Revolution. Strong wants Cassidy to wait for the next 6 weeks to accept the realization that the title will be Strong’s March 3rd.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Hangman Adam Page, who said you won’t find another soul on this planet that needs the AEW World Title as much as he does. In 2024, he will make that title his and will keep it that way as long as he can. Paquette brought up Swerve Strickland saying how Page can’t beat him. Page said he doesn’t think about Strickland at all, as he’s not the World Champion, Samoa Joe is and God be with HOOK if he’s the champion by the end of the night.
Mark Briscoe is introduced to the stage, as well as the Briscoe family sitting ringside. Briscoe said he’s out here tonight representing the baddest tag team on the planet, Dem Boys, The Briscoe Brothers. Tragically, one year ago Jay Briscoe passed away and talked about how his nieces were in the car with Jay and doctors said they’d never walk again. Just then, Jay’s kids walked out on stage, as Mark said God is on the throne, as they won’t stop because they can’t stop. Mark thanks everyone from the bottom of their hearts and hugs the kids. This was an absolutely incredible moment. After, they replayed the fantastic tribute video to Jay Briscoe that aired last year.
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-Renee Paquette is sitting backstage with The Young Bucks (and their new mustaches), who requested Paquette refer to them by their God given names, Nicholas & Matthew Jackson. They are Executive Vice Presidents and it’s time to take this job more serious. Paquette brought up the temper tantrums and meltdowns with rumors, as Matthew cuts her off and said those rumors are all fake, but let’s pretend they’re true. What would she be willing to lose to maintain a thriving wrestling company called AEW if it meant losing friendships and ruining reputations? Matthew said hell yeah he’d do it all over again and asks if Paquette got her paycheck this week and says you’re welcome.
Matthew said they used to say “Change the World” and were doing just that until they lost their way and the culture changed and toxicity seeped in. Matthew said it was due to lean into self serving, superficial “superstars” and says Sting is anything but that, as he’s hopeful people talk about themselves that way years for now. Sting is the last of a dying breed, but in order to change the world, they need to say goodbye to Sting and anyone like him. Paquette asks if that’s an official call out for Sting’s final match? Nicholas looked at his phone and said as EVP, they can pull some strings and walked off.
Switchblade Jay White & The Gunns (Austin & Colten) defeated Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun w/Prince Nana) to win the ROH Six Man Titles
(Despite a commercial break in the middle, this certainly felt like this match had its time cut, as they added so much into this. Once they came back from break, it was an all out sprint and it ultimately led to new champs. Unfortunately with the storyline going on between Bullet Club Gold & The Acclaimed, The Mogul Embassy holding the titles isn’t necessary at the moment, so it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here and if the proposed Bang Bang Scissor Gang will actually happen.)
Bullet Club Gold have new entrance music, as Liona & White start things off, with White’s speed able to hit and run with early chops. That only lasted briefly, as Liona flattened White and brought him to the corner, driving knees into the back of White. Kaun tagged in, but White quickly hit a Dragon Screw and made the tag to Austin, who immediately missed a corner splash. Cage tagged in and shrugged off a Shake, Rattle & Roll by Austin, dropping him with a release German. Liona & Kaun followed up with a corner backstabber, splash combo, as Austin was isolated throughout the break.
When things returned, Austin showed signs of life, fighting out of the corner and made the hot tag to Colten, who ran wild to a pretty strong ovation. Colten showed off his athleticism with corner splashes and his father’s One and Only finisher, but got two. Colten wanted a Fame Asser, but turned his back and was met with a Liona Pounce. A swinging assisted powerbomb led to a Kaun Air Raid Crash for a near fall. The match broke down, as Cage tried to whip Liona into White & Austin, who both dodged and Liona flew over the barricade. Cage was dropped with 3:10 to Yuma by the Gunns, leaving Kaun & White alone, as Nana tripped up White, allowing Kaun to hit a fireman’s carry gutbuster for two. Kaun took the ref, as Nana wanted a belt shot, but Anthony Bowens sprinted to the ring and took the title from Nana. White fought out a school boy, laid out Kaun with a Blade Runner and won the match and the titles. Post match, The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass stood on the stage with the AEW Trios Titles, while Bullet Club Gold were in the ring with their titles, realizing Bowens’ help got them the victory, especially Austin Gunn.
-Adam Cole is backstage with Wardlow, who Cole said hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he’s capable of. Being in the Undisputed Kingdom makes Wardlow unbeatable, as he’ll go down as the most dominant AEW wrestler of all time. Wardlow will mow down everyone until there’s nothing left and the AEW World Title is property of the Undisputed Kingdom. Wardlow simply said “Boom!” to end the promo.
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-AEW Women’s Champion Timeless Toni Storm graced commentary with her presence before the next match, as she’s joined by Luther & Mariah May. Storm thought Ian Riccaboni was Tony Schiavone and was blown away at how young he looked, while feeding him macaroons.
Deonna Purrazzo defeated Anna Jay
(A lot of this match happened during commercial, as the bigger story was the post match call out by Purrazzo for the AEW Women’s Champion. Toni Storm continues to be one of the best characters in wrestling and tonight was no different.)
A trading a series of pin attempts, Purrazzo zoned in on the taped up right shoulder of Jay. After dodging a corner charge, Jay hit a neckbreaker through the ropes on the apron before going to picture in picture. Purrazzo mounted her comeback with a nasty knee lift and leg sweep combo, which followed up with a pump kick for two. Jay answered with a backstabber for two of her own, but as Purrazzo sank in a Fujiwara armbar, Jay got the rope break. Both ladies up and traded forearms, as Purrazzo side stepped a Jay home run shot and sank in the Venus de Milo for the submission.
Post match, Renee Paquette interviewed Purrazzo in the ring, who said she doesn’t know what’s gotten into Toni Storm, as they used to be sisters. It’s clear Storm has changed, but so has Purrazzo, the greatest technical women’s wrestler, The Virtuosa. Storm was insulted and sat on Luther’s shoulders while calling Purrazzo an artificially tan hag. Storm would go and sock her in the face, but instead threw it to commercial and Mariah May threw a shoe at Purrazzo, something Storm warned her to watch for. Storm, still on Luther’s shoulders, retreated to the back.
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Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) defeated Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin)
(I could be wrong, but I believe this is the first time these two teams have faced each other in AEW. It’s nice to see all of these guys healthy after suffering so many setbacks over the last few years. This was Kassidy & Quen’s first win as a tag team since September of 2022 on an episode of Elevation. I’m hopeful this won’t be the last time these two teams meet on AEW TV.)
Dante & Kassidy traded ground work to start, but quickly turned on the boosters for a fast sequence leading to a double kip up into a face off. After a quick handshake, Quen made the tag and saw his first action in 13 months, as Dante tagged in as well. Quen tried to dive at the bad ankle of Dante, who side stepped and we got an unexpected ground battle by both high flyers. A blind tag by Kassidy allowed Dante to eat a blind side enzugiri followed up by a springboard cross body, as Top Flight were forced to regroup into picture in picture.
During commercial, Darius hit a nice Tornado/Reverse DDT combo on both Quen & Kassidy, as Kassidy was able to fight off both Martin bothers before making the hot tag to Quen. A series of four dives by Quen flattened Darius & Dante on opposide sides of the floor, as back inside Quen hit a 450 Splash for two. Dante answered with a ripcord jumping knee, as a thrust kick by Dante and step in Flatliner by Darius got two of his own. Kassidy tried to save his partner, but Darius his a gnarly guillotine Pele Kick. Quen countered a pop up into a dropkick, but turned into a pop up knee lift from Dante. Kassidy re-entered and laid out Dante with a corkscrew kick and follow up Gin n’ Juice. Darius, the legal man, jumped in and was immediately rolled up by Quen, who held the ropes to get the pin. Post match, Action Andretti came to the ring, as Top Flight had a gripe about how this match ended, but Quen & Kassidy opted to dance and celebrate with the crowd.
-A video package of Sting & Darby Allin’s history as a tag team is shown. This was a great recap of the matches these two have had as a team. Sting & Allin said they want to be AEW Tag Team Champions. Excalibur questions who will be Sting’s last opponent at Revolution and there’s so many questions. So they are at least planting doubt that it could be Ricky Starks & Big Bill potentially instead of The Young Bucks.
Samoa Joe defeated FTW Champion HOOK to retain the AEW World Title
(I liked that this was commercial free, as it kept the action going and there was never a down moment where you knew they were killing time for a break. HOOK put up one hell of a fight in this and I even bit that it was all over after the Muscle Buster, but the crowd went wild for the comeback as even in defeat, HOOK looked strong. I feared all would’ve been forgotten with Strickland & Page showing up for the staredown with Joe, but thankfully HOOK got his flowers from the crowd post match. Samoa Joe continues to be one of the best in the business, as he made HOOK look fantastic in this one.)
HOOK rushed Joe at the bell with corner strikes, but Joe just rag-dolled HOOK to the floor, meeting him with chops. HOOK was sent into the barricade, but put on the brakes and leapt off with a forearm. Back inside, Joe immediately shut HOOK down with a running back elbow and lit up HOOK with body shots. A corner charge and enzugiri led to trash talk from Joe, who followed with the signature chop to the back, punt kick and elbow drop for two. Joe’s size stopped HOOK from getting a T-Bone, so HOOK picked the leg, took Joe to the floor where a Superman Punch off the apron connected. HOOK wanted a T-Bone, but Joe countered and violently smashed HOOK through the announce table with a Uranage, as HOOK’s head smacked against the table pretty badly.
Joe taunted HOOK, who flipped off Joe, as a powerbomb against the edge of the ring followed. Referee Bryce called on doctors, who tended to HOOK, as Taz wanted to check on his son, but stayed back, as HOOK shoved the doctor out of the way and broke the count at 9. HOOK rolled right into a Joe snap powerslam and Death Valley Driver, both of which got two counts. Joe hit a Muscle Buster, but HOOK kicked out at one and the crowd went crazy, as did Taz. HOOK ran wild with a series of clotheslines before dishing out body shots and a massive T-Bone Suplex. HOOK wanted REDRUM, but Joe blocked it and countered into the Coquina Clutch, sinking it in deep. HOOK slowly faded and the arm dropped three times to give Joe the victory.
Post match, Joe went to leave, as HOOK asked if that’s all Joe’s got. Joe returned, punted HOOK low and hit another Muscle Buster. Joe again went to leave, but HOOK once more got to his feet slowly. Joe went to return, but Hangman Adam Page’s music hit and he hit the ring, with Joe leaving up the ramp. Joe turned and also saw Swerve Strickland standing in the crowd with Prince Nana, as the crowd chanted Swerve’s House, with Strickland & Nana leaving through the crowd. Page helped HOOK up, who wanted to walk away on his own and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think briefly that Page was about to turn heel on him, but he luckily didn’t. Thankfully the show ended with HOOK walking off on his own to his music with the crowd cheering for him.
AEW Rampage 1/19/24
· Chris Jericho vs. Matt Sydal
· Kris Statlander vs. Queen Aminata
· Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Anthony Henry
· Darby Allin vs. Jeff Hardy
AEW Collision 1/20/24
· Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli
Samoa Joe will make his first AEW World Championship defense against Hook on the January 17 Dynamite.
AEW revealed during this week’s Homecoming edition of Dynamite that Samoa Joe vs. Hook for the World Championship will take place on the Wednesday, January 17 Dynamite.
It will be the first defense for Joe since he ended the one year-plus reign of MJF at the Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30.
The title match was officially announced following a segment on Dynamite homecoming where Joe stated that there would be a change to protocol for title challengers during his reign, daring anyone to bring their record and their reputation to his attention.
Swerve Strickland, Hangman Page, and then Hook all stepped forward during Joe’s promo, with Hook the last to enter and go face-to-face in the ring with his opponent for next week.
Hook holds a 28-1 career record in AEW singles matches, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Jack Perry last July at the Blood & Guts edition of Dynamite.
Samoa Joe vs. Hook for the AEW World Championship is currently the only item announced for next week’s Dynamite.
Samoa Joe wants to get back to entertaining people.
Joe spoke with Sports Illustrated recently about his goals as the new AEW World Champion. He told Justin Barrasso that he wants to put fans’ focus back on the in-ring product and let some of the “petty stuff” melt away.
Joe said:
“I understand the world of professional wrestling,” said Joe. “I’ve seen things work at a very high level, and I understand the type of people backstage that it takes for that to happen. I try to be that person.
As champion, you’re the standard-bearer. I’m more than happy to take up that mantle. I really want to make a focus of getting the fans’ attention back on the conflict in the ring, and a lot of the petty stuff needs to melt away. Let’s get back to entertaining people.”
Joe continued to say he’s looking forward to defending his title against “extraordinary individuals” on the AEW roster.
He continued:
“My goal is to have really great matchups with extraordinary individuals, which we have in spades on this roster, and give fans a reason to tune in,” said Joe. “Something is about to go down, and it’s going to be violent. That’s the vision I have for my reign, and I’m looking forward to executing it.”
On Saturday’s episode of Collision, Joe was called out for a title shot by Hook. Joe is scheduled to be at Daily’s Place for AEW Dynamite Homecoming tonight and will likely respond to the challenge.
Joe became the seventh wrestler to win the AEW World Championship when he did so at Worlds End. MJF’s title reign finished at 406 days and 10 successful defenses.
Tonight’s AEW Worlds End pay-per-view features a World title defense, plus the finals of the Continental Classic tournament.
MJF will defend the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe. MJF’s title reign has stretched for over 400 days, but he is battling hip and shoulder injuries and faces a tough test in Joe.
The Continental Classic tournament will also conclude on the show, as Jon Moxley faces Eddie Kingston in the finals to crown a Triple Crown Champion. The winner will be the AEW Continental Champion, the ROH World Champion, plus the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
Three more title matches are also set.
Christian Cage defends the TNT title against Adam Copeland in a no-DQ match, Toni Storm defends the Women’s World title against Riho, plus TBS Champion Julia Hart defends against Abadon.
Swerve Strickland vs. Keith Lee, plus Miro vs. Andrade El Idolo are the other featured singles bouts on the show.
Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Mark Briscoe vs. Jay White, Rush, Brody King & Jay Lethal in an eight-man tag is also scheduled.
Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Sting & Darby Allin face Big Bill, Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs & Kyle Fletcher in another eight-man tag.
Kris Statlander vs. Willow Nightingale, a 20-man battle royale for a future TNT title shot, plus Hook defending the FTW title against Wheeler Yuta are set for the Zero Hour pre-show.
Zero Hour
The WrestleAunts, Renee Paquette & RJ City welcome us to Zero Hour and run down the card for this evening. Due to an injury, we’re told that Keith Lee is unable to compete tonight, so his Naturally Limitless partner, Dustin Rhodes, will be taking his place against Swerve Strickland.
Paquette announced Jeff Jarrett to the panel and he wishes everyone a Slappy New Year. Jarrett has known Samoa Joe for a long time and wasn’t surprised by Joe turning on MJF this past Wednesday. MJF is anything but focused on his AEW World Title and guarantees the landscape will change tonight. When talking about the Continental Classic, Jarrett said it was very fitting that the Finals come down to Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston, who Jarrett called a bum.
Excalibur, Taz, Nigel McGuinness & Stokely Hathaway are on commentary for our opening contest.
Willow Nightingale defeated Kris Statlander
(The late arriving crowd got into the match in the second half and the only downfall was the ending, which took a few tries to get to work correctly. These two ladies had a hard hitting match and this is the first time Statlander has lost back to back singles matches in her AEW run.)
An even back and forth to start, as Nightingale hit a bodyslam a running low cross body for a near fall. Statlander responded with a leg sweep and handstand leg drop, until Nightingale leapt off the second with a cross body for two. Statlander was sent to the floor, as Nightingale followed with a somersault senton off the apron. Back inside, Nightingale tried a Doctor Bomb, but Statlander fought it off with a forearm and somersault senton of her own. Statlander kept Nightingale grounded with a body scissors and Cobra Clutch until Nightingale fought free with a cartwheel into an enzugiri. Statlander dodged a high boot into a back suplex, but both ladies collided into the double down.
Nightingale struck first with a series of offense in the corner before a spinebuster connected for two. Both ladies traded Three Amiga attempts, with each able to hit two of the three multiple times before both just collapsed. Statlander was up first and hit a front face suplex, lifting Nightingale in an electric chair position and dropped Nightingale face first. Statlander was slow to follow, which allowed Nightingale to connect with the Pounce, corner cannonball and Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Statlander ducked a lariat and really had to fight for a Blue Thunder Bomb and scissors kick. Statlander signaled for the 450 on the top, but Nightingale cut her off with a powerbomb on the apron. Back inside, Nightingale hit a shotgun dropkick off the second, but Statlander again kicked out. Statlander tried Saturday Night Fever, but Nightingale rolled out, hit a glancing enzugiri, but Statlander answered with a discus lariat, only to miss a 450 Splash. Nightingale turned Statlander inside out with a lariat and tried a Doctor Bomb, but couldn’t hit it all the way after two attempts. The camera cut to Hathaway on commentary as Nightingale tried and successfully hit the Doctor Bomb on the third try to get the win. Hathaway said he hasn’t been this disappointed since they cancelled Martin.
-A video package of Serena Deeb is shown in a straightjacket saying she’s been studying the women’s division since her time off. She escaped the straightjacket and was shown training as well. The Woman of 1,000 Holds, The Professor of Professional Wrestling is ready to return.
Killswitch won the 20 Man Battle Royale for a shot at the TNT Title Anytime, Anywhere last eliminating Trent Beretta
(Pretty much your standard battle royale, as some of the local guys got hometown pops before getting eliminated, resulting in boos from the crowd. The two giants being trapped under tables to start just meant they got to rest for half the match, as the winner made the most sense out of everyone involved. Killswitch now gets a TNT Title match whenever he wants.)
Other participants included Danhausen, Lance Archer, Rocky Romero, The Butcher, The Blade, Action Andretti, Darius Martin, Christopher Daniels, Matt Menard, Bryan Keith, Kip Sabian, John Silver, Alex Reynolds, Angelo Parker, Lee Johnson, Johnny TV, Dalton Castle & Serpentico
Multiple guys trapped Lane Archer & Killswitch under tables ringside before everyone else spilled into the ring. Danhausen cursed Serpentico, who was quickly dumped by Beretta. Castle tried to get his hands on Johnny TV, but was eliminated by Sabian rather quickly, disappointing the crowd and continuing Castle’s downward spiral. Romero launched Danhausen into Johnny TV on the apron to eliminate him. Johnson was eliminated by Parker, who was then sent packing by the Dark Order after a Wombo Combo by Silver & Reynolds. Sabian, Butcher & Blade triple teamed and eliminated Reynolds, as Silver fought them all off to get a hometown pop before being dumped by The Butcher. Keith hit an enzugiri on the apron to eliminate Sabian, as Danhausen was about to curse him, until Butcher & Blade put a stop to it, eliminating Keith in the process.
Archer rose from the tables and cleaned house, dumping Menard and Daniels. Beretta, Romero & Danhausen tried to triple team the big man, but Archer was fresh, so he hit a Blackout over the top on Romero. Andretti slammed a bottle of water, which I guess is his thing now and hit a double team pop up hurricanrana with Martin on Archer. Killswitch is finally in and collided with Archer before dumping out Andretti & Martin. The Butcher & Blade were tossed next, as the final 4 are Archer, Killswitch, Danhausen & Beretta, as it was Danhausen who was seved from Blackout by Beretta. After a groin punch, both Beretta & Danhausen eliminated Archer before doing a Best Friends hug. Beretta turned on Danhausen and dumped him before delivering multiple charging knees to Killswitch. Beretta low bridged Killswitch to the apron, but ran into the clutches, pulled over the top and clobbered by the big man to allow Killswitch to win the match and the open TNT Title contract.
HOOK defeated Wheeler Yuta to retain the FTW Title under FTW Rules
(These two had a fun match, with the weapons being kept to trash cans, lids and then the finish with the hockey stick. It’s probably for the best, as we have a No DQ on tap tonight. The crowd popped big for HOOK’s victory here.)
Yuta ran down Long Island before the match began and was drowned out by the New York Islanders horn as HOOK made his entrance wearing Islanders colors. HOOK lit up Yuta with corner strikes, and wanted to duck a Yuta chop, but Yuta caught HOOK right in the face with the chop instead. Yuta brought out a few weapons, but HOOK took the fight to the stage with a Northern Lights. Yuta scrambled to ringside and decked HOOK with a trash can lid before opting to trash talk Taz, knocking his beverage over in the process. Yuta kept HOOK grounded until HOOK fought back with a suplex and series of clotheslines. Yuta rolled through REDRUM as both men traded German suplexes until a slugfest ensued into the double down.
Yuta bit at HOOK and hit a fisherman’s suplex with a bridge for two. A trash can shot led to HOOK blocking a knee into an overhead suplex into the corner where a trash can was set up. HOOK sank in REDRUM, but Yuta piggy backed and drove HOOK onto the trash can. Yuta is bleeding from the head as he planted HOOK with a DDT on a stop sign for two. HOOK rolled to the floor, allowing Yuta to grab a 2×4, as HOOK emerged with a hockey stick and swept the leg of Yuta before busting the stick over Yuta’s back. With a piece of the stick, HOOK applied REDRUM and got the submission win.
AEW World’s End 2023
“It’s Saturday Night, you know what that means.” Excalibur welcomed us alongside Taz & Nigel McGuinness, who were joined by Daddy Magic Matt Menard for our opening All Star 8 Man Tag.
Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Mark Briscoe defeated Switchblade Jay White, Brody King, Rush & Jay Lethal
(A hell of a party match opener, with Garcia gaining respect from the Blackpool Combat Club and getting the big win for his team. The crowd just wanted Garcia to do his dance and they were rewarded as a result.)
McGuinness is really pouring on the insults on Danielson before the match even began. The more this happens, the more I think a match between the two will happen before Danielson wraps up his full time career. Rush & Castagnoli had a fast opening sequence, with Rush nearly hitting a dive, but Castagnoli sprinted back in the ring for a face off. Briscoe & Lethal picked up where they left off with a nice back and forth, loud series of chops included. White & Danielson came in for their first interaction with White immediately trapped in a LeBell Lock, getting the ropes and Danielson reminds Rick Knox he has until 5. Chops in bunches by White, but Danielson answered with kicks and chops of his own before delivering a corner hurricanrana. Danielson went for a home run Yes Kick, but Garcia stole the tag, as payback for Danielson cutting off Garcia’s dance during the entrances.
Garcia & King tagged in and King immediately planted Garcia with a Black Hole Slam for two. King got into Menard’s face ringside, with White egging the big man on, as the crowd had loud Daddy Magic chants. Back inside, Rush mocked Garcia’s dance as Garcia found himself isolated. Finally able to get free, Briscoe made the hot tag and cleaned house. Danielson flew to the floor to take out Rush, as Castagnoli lit up King with uppercuts, while Briscoe hit a Blockbuster to the floor followed by a Cactus Jack elbow on Rush. Back inside, Briscoe hit a massive Fisherman’s Bomb on White for two. White spun out of a Jay Driller, but White hit an Exploder over the top to the floor where Lethal & King got in their shots. Lethal connected on a superplex, but White rolled out of a Gonzo Bomb by King to tag in Castagnoli, as the two big men of the match went at it in a striking war.
My stream died for about a minute, as when it returned, Castagnoli was giving King a giant swing and Danielson hit the Tyson Kidd-esque dropkick mid revolution. The match broke down and picked up a lightning quick pace with Lethal hitting a Lethal Combination on Garcia followed by a Figure Four as everyone brawled ringside. Briscoe came flying in with a Froggy Bow to save his partner, as everyone took turns hitting their home run signature shots until Garcia was left with King and hit a stalling Saito Suplex. Lethal tried to cut off Garcia, who pulled out the legs and got a roll up for the win. Garcia did his dance for the crowd and Menard joined in on commentary. Lethal was being talked to by Sonjay Dutt post match, as more seeds are planted for dissention in that group.
Miro submitted Andrade El Idolo (w/CJ Perry)
(With the rumors of Andrade finishing up tonight with AEW and expected back in WWE as soon as a few days, it made the most sense for Miro to get the win here and also end the partnership of Andrade & Perry. I assume this story could’ve gone longer, but if Andrade is leaving, there’s no reason to keep Perry & Miro apart any longer. They should’ve been together from the start.)
After being hospitalized recently, it’s good to see Perry back, as she looks great. Miro attacked right at the bell, before Andrade could even get his jacket off. Andrade fought back and wanted a dive, but Miro put a stop to that. Back inside, Miro escaped a Figure Four and pulled Andrade into an overhead throw. Miro yelled at Perry if this is what she wanted and she yelled right back at her husband. Miro connected on a spinning side slam before taking the fight to Andrade ringside into the barricade. Perry yelled at Andrade to fight back, but Miro dumped him on the announce table. Rough night for commentators trying to protect their drinks so far. Andrade responded by launching Miro over the table, landing right on his head. Back inside, Miro fought back in the corner and hit a superplex for the reset.
Perry screamed for both men to get up, as they did, starting their slugfest, as Andrade’s chops echoed loud in the arena. Andrade caught Miro’s leg in the ropes and hit a dragon screw before a cross body off the top led to a flying forearm. Miro bailed from the corner charge, but rolled right in position for Andrade to hit a moonsault to the floor. Andrade hugged Perry, as Miro avoided the first moonsault back inside, but not the follow up, which got Andrade two. Miro battled back and flattened Andrade before sinking in Game Over, but Andrade got the ropes. Miro turned his attention too long to his wife, as Andrade went back after the leg and hit the spinning back elbow flush for a close two.
Andrade locked in the Figure Four, but couldn’t bridge to the Eight. Miro briefly reversed and got the Figure Eight, as Miro grabbed the ref. This allowed Perry to pull the arms out from Andrade, as he asks why, allowing Miro to clock him with a superkick for two. Miro applied Game Over in the middle of the ring and got the submission. Perry smiled at her husband, who didn’t seem to know what to think of his wife siding with him.
Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) defeated Riho to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(Storm controlled so much of this match I thought it was going to be a complete squash, but once Luther got ejected, Riho was able to make a comeback. Despite getting a few near falls and taking the fight to the champion, Storm was able to avoid the offense and retain the title. The crowd was loudly behind Storm and her character.)
After taking an early bodyslam, Riho bridged out of a pin and tried a bodyslam of her own, but couldn’t get Storm down, so opted for a dropkick and running bulldog. Storm went to the floor, where Riho tried a cross body onto Luther, who caught and passed her to Storm, hitting a bodyslam ringside. Back inside, Storm got her black and white close up before keeping Riho grounded for an extended period. Riho tried to use her speed, but Storm’s power was too much and hit a sitout choke bomb for two. Storm repeatedly stepped on the lower back before posing for the crowd. While sitting on Luther’s shoulders, Storm launched Riho to the floor off the apron. Riho broke the count, robbing Storm of her close up, as Storm sank in a Texas Cloverleaf. Luther pulled the ropes back from Riho and got ejected as a result.
This was enough for Riho to mount her comeback with forearms, head scissors and Tiger Feint Kick. To the top, Riho hit the cross body and finally got enough of a bodyslam for two. Storm again rolled to the floor, but Luther wasn’t there to save her from a diving Riho. Storm went to the apron and Riho met her with a diving double stomp before a Dragon Suplex back inside connected for two. Riho missed the corner charge, but Storm whiffed on Sweet Cheek Music as well, only to successfully hit Storm Zero for a close near fall. Riho nearly stole the pin with a roll up, but took too long to go to the second rope and Storm pulled the legs out for a bad landing. Storm hit an over the back DDT and got the victory. Post match, Mariah May appeared with a bucket of roses to shower over Storm to celebrate.
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Dante Martin, who said he’s been doing good, but not great. Getting injured put a stop to his momentum in AEW. Orange Cassidy walks in and Martin immediately accepted the International Title match against Cassidy for Wednesday on Dynamite.
(Take nothing away from Rhodes, who is as tough as they come, but with Strickland being a potential World Title contender in 2024, I’m not sure this match needed to go as long as it did. Especially with how this match started with the use of the cinderblock, which still baffles me the medical staff allowed this match to just happen. Strickland got a dominating win and I assume when Keith Lee is cleared, we’ll finally get the match, now over a year in the making.)
Strickland got the jump immediately when Rhodes tried to climb in the ring and slammed Rhodes into the post and barricade. A charging dropkick into the steps led to Nana pulling out a cinderblock and placing Rhodes’ ankle on it. Strickland debated it, only to smile and hit a Swerve Stomp, shattering the cinderblock. The doctors checked on Rhodes as loud Whose House chants rang out. Doctors and staff helped Rhodes up the ramp, but he turned around and made his way back to the ring. The ref just allowed this to happen, as the match officially began and Strickland hit a pump kick, mocking Keith Lee, saying this could’ve been him.
Rhodes fought off Strickland in the corner and managed a cross body for two, as Rhodes continued to mount a comeback with a Canadian Destroyer and powerslam for another near fall. Rhodes set up Strickland for the Unnatural Kick and hit it, as Nana had the referee. A Piledriver by Rhodes led to Cross Rhodes, spiking Strickland for two. Strickland kicked away from a Figure Four and hit the rolling Flatliner before sinking in a single leg crab transitioning to a Stretch Muffler. Rhodes got the ropes, as Strickland toyed too much and Rhodes was able to hype himself up, flipping off and spitting at Strickland. Multiple House Call kicks connected, as instead of giving the crowd one more time like they wanted, Strickland snapped the arm of Rhodes and hit the Swerve Stomp for the win.
Chris Jericho, Sting, Darby Allin & Sammy Guevara defeated Ricky Starks, Big Bill, Powerhouse Hobbs & Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis)
(Another party match that took longer than the opener to kick into gear, but once it did, it was good stuff. With Jericho & Guevara getting the next Tag Title shot, it made sense for him to pin either Starks or Bill. For the few unaware, I’ll let you figure out why Jericho was getting booed by the Long Island crowd. They did not however, boo Sting, who got a loud reaction and Thank You Sting chants post match for his final match in New York. I absolutely need to point out superfan Vladimir sitting ringside and Sting made sure to hug both he & his pal, Charlie.)
Guevara tried to tell Takeshtia he didn’t need Don Callis, but the advice was ignored and was had a fast little opening sequence before Jericho made the tag to boos from the crowd. Le Sex Gods pose also got boos, as Starks tagged in, only to flip off Jericho before Hobbs made the tag and mowed down Jericho. Bill made the tag and flattened Jericho, who answered with an eye poke and chops. Allin made the tag to a nice ovation, as the pace quickened and had a nice back and forth with Takeshita for a few near falls. Takeshita tried Chaos Theory, but Allin flipped out into a shotgun dropkick and Code Red for two. Callis distracted Allin long enough for stop a Coffin Drop attempt, as Takeshita hit a wild Avalanche Helicopter Blue Thunder Bomb. Allin remained isolated before as Hobbs & Bill flung Allin clear across the ring like he was a sack of potatoes in an incredible spot.
Allin finally was able to escape the clutches of Takeshita and dive for a Sting hot tag, which the crowd went nuts for. A series of Stinger Splashes cleaned house with Bill getting crotched in the process. Dueling Splashes by Sting & Jericho until Bill ran through Sting like a truck. Starks lit up Sting in the corner before doing the rope walk clubbing blow. Sting tried a hot shot, but missed the ropes and Starks crashed to the mat. Guevara made the tag, tried a rolling cutter, but opted for one off the second for two. Bill used his power to hit a massive Boss Man Slam on Guevara, as Jericho flew in with a Code Breaker, which got boos.
Bill no sold the move and just poured down punches on Jericho, to cheers from the crowd. Jericho answered with a dropkick, but ran into a Hobbs spinebuster. A World’s Strongest Slam hit by Hobbs, who went for a second, but Allin flew in with a Coffin Splash and Scorpion Death Drop. Takeshita came in and dropped Allin right on his head before delivering a double German to Guevara & Allin. Takeshita tried a jumping knee on Sting, who ate the first one, but blocked a second with a Scorpion Death Lock. Don Callis jumped in with a baseball bat and chased off by Sting, as Jericho applied a Walls of Jericho on Hobbs. Sting again put the Death Lock on Takeshita, but Starks broke it up.
Sting wanted a Death Drop on Starks, but Bill came in with a big boot. Allin made the save and sent Bill to the floor where he met him with a fast dive. Guevara wanted a dive, but took too long and Starks flew in with a Spear for two, as did an Angels Wings. Starks wanted Roshambo, but Guevara escaped with a superkick and GTH. Guevara followed up with a Shooting Star Press to get the victory.
Julia Hart defeated Abadon to retain the TBS Title under House Rules
(The crowd didn’t know what to make of the spookyness of this one early on, but Abadon put up a solid fight. The numbers were too much to overcome, as Hart retained with help from her new running buddy.)
A reminder that House Rules means 20 counts on the floor, no rope breaks and DQ’s are enforced. However, the one stipulation the challenger chose was that biting is legal. This Is Spooky chants from the crowd, as Abadon fired off a cutter and series of corner lariats to follow. A Boss Man Slam got Abadon two before both traded mounting strikes, an exchange that Abadon won. Hart spun out of a spinning side slam into a crucifix for two, as both slowly crawled around into a face off, pie facing one another. Hart got a leg sweep and poured down right hands, as she sent Abadon to the floor repeatedly. After allowing Abadon back in the ring, Hart choked them in the ropes and reminded referee Aubrey there’s no rope breaks.
Abadon escaped and pulled Hart throat first into the ropes before Hart fired off a punch and wore Abadon down more until Abadon bit at the arm to break the submission. Abadon bit the arm again and ran wild with double knees in the corner, which was followed by a lungblower for two. Abadon was cut off in the ropes, as Hart connected on a superplex for two of her own. Hart had Hartless applied, as Abadon had to fight their way out of the submission and hit a swinging side slam followed by a running knee strike. Hart again cut Abadon off in the ropes, but they bit the head of Hart, who took the ref. Skye Blue appeared and shoved Abadon from the ropes, bailing under the ring, but Abadon was out after her. Abadon pulled Blue out and dropped her with a right hand and charging knee. Hart decked Abadon from behind and slammed them into the ring steps repeatedly before going back to the ring, connecting with the moonsault to retain the title.
Adam Copeland defeated Christian Cage (w/Nick & Mother Wayne) in a No DQ Match to win the TNT Title
(This was an absolute war and the story here was Copeland needs help if he wants to have any chance against Cage & The Patriarchy. He enjoyed his win for a few seconds before it all came crashing down. The spell that Cage has still over Killswitch set the stage for Cage to regain his title within minutes.)
Copeland attacked Cage on the ramp and sent him tumbling ringside. Copeland took a sip of a fans drink and it over his own head. Nigel McGuinness was trash talking Copeland, who told him to shut up and McGuinness quickly obliged, backing off. The crowd chanted TLC as Cage bailed to the floor again, but was sent knee first into the steps by Copeland. Cage escaped through the crowd, up the stairs until Nick Wayne attacked and got beat up as a result. Copeland disappeared briefly and showed up on top of an upper level section and dove off onto Cage & Wayne. Back to ringside they went, as Copeland walked the barricade and hit a diving clothesline. After 10 corner punches in the ring, Cage sidestepped a Spear and sent Copeland shoulder first into the post. Cage stomped down onto Copeland’s face placed on the steps, busting Copeland open in the process.
Cage decked Copeland with kendo stick shots, driving the corner down on the throat, as Wayne threw in multiple chairs. With a chair set up on Copeland’s neck, Cage locked in a Boston Crab sitting on the chair. Copeland escaped, as Wayne handed Cage a metal rod as he swung for the fences, Copeland ducked and took Cage down. Copeland got his revenge with kendo stick shots to the neck and back before applying a crossface. Cage nearly got the metal rod, but Copeland wrestled it away and choked him with it. Copeland let the hold go and opted for a ladder under the ring to a huge pop. Set up in the corner, Copeland hit a slingshot on the ladder to Cage’s face, but took too long to follow, as Cage hit a kendo stick shot low and reverse DDT.
Cage climbed the ladder, but also took too long, as Copeland cut him off, tried a superplex, but Cage countered into a sunset flip powerbomb. Cage got the ladder as far away from the ring as possible and decided to get the tables, with Wayne helping set them up. Cage wanted a suplex to the floor, but Copeland escaped, tried a Spear, but Wayne made the save. Copeland with an Impaler on the chair back in the ring, as he wanted a Con-Chair-To, but Wayne made the save allowing Cage to get a low blow for two. With a table set up in the corner, Copeland leap frogged a Spear attempt, launched a chair into the face of Cage and hit a Spear through the table, but Shayna Wayne pulled the ref to the floor during the count. Copeland slowly went after Shayna, as Nick decked Copeland with the TNT Title and a Wayne’s World on the floor. Copeland was sent back in the ring where Cage hit a Killswitch for two.
Cage pulled out lighter fluid with Nick and sprayed what Excalibur called a Homer Simpson-esque amount. Nick lit the table on fire, Cage told Copeland to go F himself, but Copeland dodged and fought off Nick, having to re-light the table and powerbomb Nick through it. Thankfully Nick just clipped the table, but enough of it. Back in the ring, Copeland avoided the belt shot by Cage, hit a low blow and Killswitch to get the pin and the title.
Christian Cage defeated Adam Copeland to regain the TNT Title
Copeland was celebrating with the TNT Title when Killswitch appeared from behind and leveled Copeland with a lariat, chokeslam and another through a chair. Killswitch was going to give his TNT Title contract he won from the Battle Royale to referee Paul Turner when Cage demanded the contract instead. Cage whispered something to Killswitch, who gave away the contract, which Cage signed and gave to the referee. The bell rang; Cage hit a Spear and regained the title. Cage, The Waynes & Killswitch celebrated up the ramp, as Copeland was left recovering in the ring with Excalibur saying this is the shortest TNT Title reign ever, questioning where Copeland goes from here?
Eddie Kingston defeated Jon Moxley in the Continental Classic Final to win the inaugural Triple Crown Title
(These two just love beating the crap out of one another and they delivered big time. Once it was clear this would be the Final, you knew both were going to leave it all out there and this was the Match of the Night. I hope we get a rematch sooner than later, as with this win, Kingston wins the Continental Classic, conquering the entire Blackpool Combat Club in the process, to lead to his biggest victory of his career. Excalibur told us that Kingston dedicated this match to the memory of wrestler Kurtis “Mad Kurt” Chapman.)
Bryan Danielson joined commentary and said there’s nowhere else he’d rather be if he wasn’t able to be in this actual match. Kingston is wearing Toshiaki Kawada inspired kick pads for this one, as a grappling exchange opened things off, with Kingston pulling guard and daring Moxley to fight. The feeling out process led to both exchanging snapmares and kicks to the back, which just pissed each other off, resulting in chops aplenty. Kingston fired off chops to the neck and an enzugiri sent Moxley to the floor, where a dive resulted in Kingston’s head smacking the barricade badly. Kingston shook it off, but was met with a German suplex from Moxley back inside. To the floor again, this time Moxley hit a Paradigm Shift before waiting for Kingston to beat the count. Danielson said he can’t believe he lost to this guy, as Kingston shook off the neck pain, back inside trying a chop, which Moxley blocked and the slow-mo showed how gnarly that looked to Kingston’s forearm. Moxley connected with a piledriver before sinking in a STF, which Kingston bit his way out of.
Both men traded chops and Kingston’s was so loud that it brought Moxley to his knees and made the crowd go crazy. This chop battle was insane, with both men taking turns flipping each other off in the process. Switching to lariats, Kingston hit an Exploder, which Moxley popped right up from, but stumbled briefly into a spinning backfist, only to have Kingston crumble. Both raised to their feet and Kingston unleashed machine gun chops, sweat bursting off from Moxley until a DDT followed, but took too long to capitalize, as Moxley hit a Cutter and King Kong Lariat. Moxley went for Death Rider, but Kingston countered into a Northern Lights Bomb for two, transitioning into a Bulldog Choke. Anvil elbows from Kingston poured down before going back to the Bulldog, which Moxley escaped out of into one of his own.
Kingston got the ropes and was able to hit another Northern Lights Bomb for two. Kingston wanted the powerbomb, but Moxley exploded out with a lariat for the double down. Moxley hit the lariat so hard that he’s clutching his own arm. Taz brought up how he once broke Sabu’s jaw and tore his own arm in the process delivering a lariat once. An exchange of headbutts on their knees was won by Moxley, who started a slap battle, which Kingston answered by firing off a wild backfist for the ages to crumble Moxley and get the pinfall. Referee Bryce presented the Triple Crown Title to Kingston, who held that, the ROH World and NJPW Strong Openweight Titles high in the air in a phenomenal match. Moxley hugged Kingston post match and gave the ring to his best friend. Kingston said “Mad Kurt, Rest in Peace.”
Samoa Joe defeated MJF (w/Adam Cole) to win the AEW World Title
(I don’t think I’m doing it justice when I said you could hear a pin drop at the finish of this. Maybe some saw Joe winning the title, but absolutely no one saw this ending the way that it did. The crowd was so loudly behind MJF from the start that even with the bad arm, Max still had a shot. Unfortunately, MJF is hurt and needs to heal up, so Joe winning the title here is probably for the best overall. The post match, we finally got the reveal of The Devil and his Henchmen and can thankfully put this who is it story to an end. I’m interested in seeing where this crew goes from here, as we’re off to the races for AEW in 2024 with a new World Champ and new heel stable ready to roll.)
The intro for MJF featured folks from Long Island painting MJF as the never say die babyface, saying that he is their scumbag. Before the official introductions, Adam Cole’s music hit and he came to the ring on crutches to corner his “best friend”. MJF was introduced as being from The Most Magical Place in the World, Long Island, New York.
After an early eye poke, MJF charged at Joe in the corner, but was planted with a Uranage right on the bad shoulder. Joe stomped away and trash talked the Long Island crowd before punting their hero repeatedly in the bad arm. Joe no sold a chop from the bad arm and hit his signature combo of an atomic drop, big boot and running senton to the arm. MJF escaped a Muscle Buster and low bridged Joe to get enough time to recover and get a few pin attempts. MJF took too long to go for the Kangaroo Kick, as Joe hit a slingshot over the top, but MJF tried to skin the cat and ate a charging Joe boot. Joe followed with a Tope and Death Valley Driver back inside for two. Rolling German and Dragon suplexes from Joe, who brought MJF to the apron and hit a violent Muscle Buster onto the edge of the ring. The expression on Adam Cole’s face is priceless at how horrified he was. MJF still managed to kick out back in the ring.
Joe wanted a proper Muscle Buster, but this time, MJF escaped and drove Joe head first repeatedly in the buckle. MJF bit Joe and wanted the Kangaroo Kick, but again, failed, as Joe kicked him out of mid air. Joe went to the second rope, but MJF cut him off and wanted a Death Valley Driver, but the legs gave out. MJF did connect flush on a double stomp to the arm before delivering a Heat Seeker for two. MJF wanted another, but this time, Joe avoided, so MJF rolled through and applied Salt of the Earth. Joe rolled through as well, getting an arm breaker of his own. MJF got the rope break, but Joe sank in the rear naked choke, MJF spun out and rammed Joe into referee Bryce. MJF cracked Joe with a low blow and this time followed up with a F5, but the referee took too long to recover and Joe kicked out.
MJF wanted Cole to give him the Dynamite Diamond Ring, but took too long to find it, as got the Coquina Clutch, which MJF nearly got the Bret/Piper Mania 8 kick out of the corner spot for a two count. Joe reapplied the choke and MJF faded, the ref dropping the arm three times and Joe wins the title. The crowd was speechless, no one realized the match was over, as Joe got up and celebrated with the realization finally hitting the crowd. Joe went to the back with the AEW World Title and the crowd started loud Bullsh*t chants.
Cole checked on MJF post match before four of The Devil’s Henchmen appeared ringside and held back Cole, who screamed for them to hit him with the chair instead of Max. Right as the Henchmen turned to hit Cole, the lights went out and when they came back on, Cole was seated in the chair with the Henchmen by his side. All four Henchmen revealed themselves to be Wardlow, Roderick Strong, and new ROH Tag Team Champions Matt Taven & Mike Bennett as MJF pleaded for an explanation from Cole, who watched as Wardlow laid out MJF with a powerbomb. Cole brought out The Devil’s mask and stood over the fallen MJF with his buddies to end the show.
The AEW World Championship match has been set for next month’s Worlds End pay-per-view.
MJF will defend the championship against Samoa Joe on December 30 in Long Island, New York. Joe confronted MJF and Adam Cole as they were in the ring on Wednesday’s Dynamite and mentioned their deal regarding MJF giving Joe a title shot. MJF initially balked at honoring his part of the deal. Cole said that the old MJF would have done that, but the new MJF would be a man of his word.
MJF then said he’d do it tonight on Dynamite. Joe said absolutely not, saying he would wait until Worlds End when MJF is at 100 percent. Joe said he considered MJF his property and would look after his property until Worlds End.
Although MJF defeated Joe at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam back in September Joe has continued to target MJF and the AEW World Championship. He offered to team with MJF to defend the ROH Tag Team titles against The Gunns at Full Gear as long as he got an AEW World title match after. MJF rejected the idea until Joe made the save for him against all members of Bullet Club Gold on the Rampage prior to last weekend’s Full Gear.
MJF will defend the AEW World Championship on tonight’s Dynamite.
After Daniel Garcia issued a challenge on last Friday’s Rampage, MJF quickly answered the callout and puts the World title on the line against Garcia on tonight’s episode in Portland, Oregon.
ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe will defend his title against Keith Lee after a backstage confrontation between the two on Saturday’s AEW Collision episode.
Before he challenges for the AEW World title on next Saturday’s Full Gear pay-per-view, Jay White will battle Mark Briscoe tonight.
Sting & Darby Allin will be in tag team action on tonight’s episode against The Outrunners.
Red Velvet will make her return to the ring for the first time since February on tonight’s episode as she takes on Julia Hart of the House of Black.
Prior to facing Hangman Page at Full Gear, Swerve Strickland will step into the ring with Penta El Zero Miedo on Dynamite.
Full Gear opponents Hikaru Shida & Toni Storm will have a sit-down interview with Tony Schiavone on tonight’s episode. Shida defends the Women’s World title against Storm next Saturday at the pay-per-view.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Tony Schiavone backstage introducing World Champion MJF, asking him about Jay White pinning him last week. MJF said it’s not going to happen again when he gets a video chat from Adam Cole, who is shown on the TV screen. Cole said he’s worried about Max at Full Gear and if he wants to win against The Gunns, he needs to take Joe up on his offer. MJF refuses and said he has a plan, but has to handle Daniel Garcia first. Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker enter and MJF said it’s talent over tenure and questions whether he’s getting the professional wrestler or sports entertainer? Garcia said he’s getting the professional wrestler before walking off. Roderick Strong screams and rolls in with The Kingdom and tries to get MJF to make him his partner, but MJF refuses and storms off, much like last week. Cole cuts off his video, while Strong said it’s time to remind everyone who the hell he is.
Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as we go right to the intros to our opening AEW World Title match.
MJF defeated Daniel Garcia (w/Matt Menard & Angelo Parker) to retain the AEW World Title
(While I wish this match would’ve gone longer, there’s quite a few matches on the card tonight, so this was a solid back and forth match for the time given. I really hope this is the start of a singles push for Garcia, which is weird saying that coming off a loss, but he’s been just a guy for a while now, he’s one of the best wrestlers they have, time for him to be pushed.)
MJF almost locked in an early submission, but a rope break by Garcia allowed MJF to mock the dance. Garcia out wrestled MJF and nearly did the dance, but Menard cut him off. MJF applauds the scrap and offers a hand, but gets the signature eye poke instead, leading to a hammerlock slam. MJF continued to work over the arm heading into commercial.
Garcia mounted a comeback with a release German suplex that sent MJF bouncing to the corner, allowing Garcia to do a one arm dance before planting MJF with a brainbuster. Garcia got a series of near falls before a piledriver couldn’t hit due to the injured arm, so Garcia settled for a Saito suplex. Garcia charged in the corner, but MJF escaped and hit a double stomp to the elbow and under hook shoulder breaker. A violent hammerlock cradle DDT got two, as Garcia scrambled out of Salt of the Earth and Heat Seeker. MJF hit the corner superkick, but missed a Panama Sunrise, leading to Garcia chopping out the legs of the champion. Garcia planted MJF with a one arm piledriver and got a close two before sinking in the Dragon Tamer. Garcia fell back and danced a bit allowing MJF to pull back on the injured arm and get Salt of the Earth locked in for the submission.
Post match, MJF offered a handshake, but as Garcia went for it, Menard & Parker pulled him back. MJF asked if Garcia will keep following them and got the crowd to chant for Garcia, but Menard & Parker stopped it again.
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Sting & Darby Allin defeated The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)
(A Sting squash match in 2023 was quite the sight to see, as this is a rare two match week for the Stinger, who now goes on to Collision for a six man tag with Allin & Adam Copeland against Lance Archer & The Righteous.)
Tony Schiavone let us know Jim Valley told him this was the first time Sting has wrestled in Oregon since 1989. Floyd & Magnum got the upper hand on Allin in the early going, with loud chants of We Want Sting from the crowd. Floyd took too long to deliver a suplex, as Allin tagged Sting while upside down and Sting saved his partner. Magnum pulled Allin to the floor, as Sting no sold a double back elbow as The Outrunners posed. Dueling Stinger & Coffin Splashes connected before Sting sank in the Scorpion Death Lock on Floyd for the submission.
-Tony Schiavone was backstage earlier today with Hikaru Shida & Toni Storm with the screen black and white, as Schiavone said not to adjust our TV screens. Shida questioned what happened to Storm, who said she’s still upset about what happened at All In and will become the first 3 time Women’s champion and Shida will never have the spotlight. Storm signed the contract, as did Shida, who said what will happen is what will always happen, she’ll beat Storm at Full Gear. Storm said chin up, tits out and watch for the shoe, which Shida smacked out of her hand.
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated Penta El Zero Miedo (w/Alex Abrahantes)
(The match itself was absolutely fantastic, these two have great chemistry with one another and the crowd was into the match from the start. I still can’t believe it took this long for Hangman to get his hands on Strickland, but at least he did this week.)
Excalibur informed us that due to Strickland & Nana breaking into Hangman Adam Page’s home two weeks ago, Page is banned from ringside during this match. I have zero idea how that makes any sense at all, while Strickland never got punished by his breaking and entering, but here we are. Both Strickland & Penta showed their athleticism early in a back and forth, which Strickland got the upper hand on with a head scissors and leaping uppercut to the back. Penta started a chop exchange, so Strickland stomped on the hand to put a stop to that. Penta fought back with a backstabber that sent Strickland outside, but cut off a diving Penta. After side stepping Strickland, Penta hit a thrust kick and finally connected on a somersault dive into commercial.
We return to a slugfest until both men countered Made in Penta & the JML Driver respectively before colliding with one another with a double clothesline. After a series of misdirects, Penta hit multiple Sling Blades before hitting his new fireman’s carry Jackhammer for two. Strickland was sent crashing outside, as Penta followed with a spectacular springboard Destroyer from the ring to the apron. Penta connected on a top rope double stomp, but Strickland kicked out at two.
Penta tried going for a float over in the corner and Strickland flipped the legs on the top buckle, crashing Penta down on his head. While hung up in the ropes, Strickland hit a slingshot double stomp to the floor before missing a 450 Splash back in the ring, with Penta trapping and snapping the arm back. Made in Japan connected for the closest two of the match, as both men missed home run shots before Penta punted the bad arm. Strickland countered Fear Factor again, this time into a powerbomb Death Valley Driver before getting payback by snapping the arm of Penta. Swerve Stomp connected and Strickland got the pinfall.
Post match, Strickland was about to take off Penta’s mask when Hangman Adam Page appeared with a chair and swung wildly. Strickland & Nana tried to bail, but only Nana got away, as Strickland was laid out with the chair, as were multiple security guards. Page connected on a Dead Eye off the stage through a table, screaming that Strickland is a dead man. Excalibur said Page had to be careful hitting security with a chair; it might cost him, which, again, I have to remind everyone, Strickland broke into a man’s home and wasn’t punished.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with Bullet Club Gold, who are back from their vacation. Jay White cut a promo and ran down MJF saying no matter what MJF does, White will always be better than he is.
-A video package for next week’s Street Fight is shown with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Kota Ibushi & Paul Wight vs. The Don Callis Family while video game footage of Like A Dragon was inserted into the history of the feud.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with The Golden Jets, Kenny Omega & Chris Jericho saying next week is the final Boss Battle. Once Jericho started talking he was immediately cut off by The Young Bucks. Matt Jackson makes fun of the Golden Jets name and brings up another name, The Elite. Jericho said The Bucks are supposed to be friends with Omega, but weren’t there when Powerhouse Hobbs beat him up. Jericho said if he recalls, it was all four of them who started AEW, but Matt said it was typical Jericho, taking credit and cashing a big check. Jericho reminded Matt who he’s talking to and said he still thinks Jericho & Omega could beat The Bucks. Matt & Nick issue a challenge for Full Gear, but Jericho said once they win at the PPV, the guaranteed Tag Team Title shot The Bucks have goes to Jericho & Omega. Matt said once The Bucks win, this Golden Jets thing is no more. Omega said he doesn’t want to wrestle The Bucks, but he’s done it before and won before with Ibushi & Hangman. Omega said if this is what has to be done to make the Bucks grown up and stop being spoiled, whiny, bitchy children, he’ll see them at Full Gear. Jericho said he’ll be glad to take The Bucks to the woodshed and beat their spoiled asses.
Samoa Joe defeated Keith Lee to retain the ROH TV Title
(Joe’s historic TV Title reign continued for a little longer, but while I was ready for a potential rematch since Lee didn’t officially tap, Joe gave up the title and has his eyes set on a much bigger prize, the AEW Title. While you could certainly say it’s a little weak for Joe to drop the title without losing, he shouldn’t be beaten if he’s going to be a World Title challenger, so I understand it.)
Both took turns colliding on shoulder tackles, with Joe getting an eye poke to lead to his, while Lee got a full head of steam to flatten Joe. Clubbing blows and overhand double chop by Lee, who wrenched away at the face of Joe in the rope as Meat Forever chants echo from the crowd. Joe turned the tide and lit up Lee with punches, but a leap frog, drop down and massive cross body by Lee sent Joe to the floor into commercial.
Back from break, Lee unleashed corner strikes, but Joe responded with a massive sit out knee breaker. Lee tried fighting back, but a dragon screw quickly floored him, allowing Joe to zone in. Joe’s combo of the Manhattan Drop and big boot connected, but Lee was ready to counter the senton and hit a release German suplex. Both men slugged it out before Lee planted a charging Joe with a pop up powerbomb for a close two. Lee wanted the Ground Zero, but Joe got free, locked in the Coquina Clutch as Lee passed out and the referee stopped the match.
Post match, Joe said he didn’t come to Oregon just to be the ROH TV Champion, he’s hungrier than that, so he relinquishes the title and said the next title that will be on his shoulder is the AEW World Championship, whether MJF likes it or not.
-Backstage Orange Cassidy & HOOK are standing by, as Cassidy said Jon Moxley is the only person he’s thought about ever since Moxley left him in a pool of his own blood at All Out. Cassidy apologizes for picking up the piece not of Rey Fenix, but of the International Title that Moxley dropped. Cassidy needs to beat Moxley in order to be the International Champion he knows he can be and will do just that at Full Gear.
The Gunns (w/Juice Robinson) defeated The Bollywood Boyz
Austin & Colten wasted zero time attacking at the bell and connected on 3:10 to Yuma in seconds to get the win.
The Gunns post match called MJF a liar who has been lying to fans for years, which isn’t something a generational talent does, as they ran down their resume and called themselves generational talents. Austin called MJF an embarrassment and said at Full Gear, the ROH Tag Titles go into the hands of a real tag team before hitting the Gunns Up line. MJF is shown watching backstage and Samoa Joe was standing behind him, smirking, as MJF stormed off.
-Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta are backstage and Moxley said he’d been getting calls to let Orange Cassidy off the hook, as Cassidy didn’t know what he was doing when he won back the International Title. Moxley questions the example he’d be setting for Yuta if he doesn’t beat the piss out of Cassidy? Moxley issues a challenge next week for himself & Yuta against Cassidy & HOOK. Yuta said HOOK has messed with the wrong crew and said he’ll see HOOK in Cali, so expect that match to be official soon, if not already, for Full Gear.
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-A video package of Wardlow training is shown, saying the first three years in his AEW career, a foot was constantly on his back, holding him down, making him feel worthless. MJF won’t know where or when, but when MJF realizes it, it’ll be too late, as the days of the Devil ruling over AEW are coming to an end.
Julia Hart defeated Red Velvet
(Hart celebrates her 22nd birthday by ruining Velvet’s return to the ring in almost a year. The strange storyline of is she heel/isn’t she heel continues post match with Skye Blue. I assume she turns heel eventually and we get our next TBS Title match for Kris Statlander.)
Velvet fired off a series of arm drags and worked the arm of Hart to start, but Hart rolled through and both ladies did the splits into the stalemate. Hart tripped up Velvet, who quickly turned the tables with corner strikes and doing splits into a choke. Hart escaped corner punches, pulling the legs of Velvet out and crashing hard, allowing Hart to control during commercial.
Velvet mounted a comeback with a leg lariat followed by a wheelbarrow bulldog. A charging double knees to the back connected with Hart trapped in the ropes, as Velvet followed with a standing moonsault for two. Velvet ran into a corner back elbow, but flattened Hart with a variation of the Iconoclasm to get another near fall. Velvet was slow to follow up, allowing Hart to hit a thrust kick and massive moonsault for the victory.
Post match, Hart locked on Hartless before Skye Blue hit the ring and had a faceoff with Hart until Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale joined. Nightingale helped out Velvet, while Statlander stared down Hart, who just left.
-RJ City is backstage and said we may have heard rumblings and they’re true, he’s honored to introduce AEW’s newest signing, Mariah May, who walks in and said she’s so excited to be in AEW. RJ asks her plans and goals, as May said she’s a big fan of RJ City’s work with Toni Storm. May said Storm is the reason she’s in AEW, as RJ lets her know Storm just left, but next week, he’ll introduce her. May was ecstatic, kissed RJ and thanked him. I wish this would’ve been a much bigger introduction for May, but I refuse to be disappointed by more RJ City on my TV.
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Switchblade Jay White (w/Bullet Club Gold) defeated Mark Briscoe
(In no way did I expect Briscoe to win here and get White’s main event spot at Full Gear after all this build, but the crowd absolutely bit for the false finishes and near falls Briscoe got during this really good battle. The allies MJF potentially had, while few already to begin with, appear to be dwindling even more and he might be forced to take Samoa Joe up on his offer after The Devil’s henchmen laid out The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass. It should be noted the masked men this time were much bigger in stature than the time we saw them beat up Jay White.)
A fast start by Briscoe, as White was forced to regroup outside with his buddies. White tried working a headlock, but Briscoe easily escaped and fired off chops, sending White outside again, where Briscoe hit a diving elbow off the apron. Robinsonn took the referee long enough for Colten to trip up Briscoe, allowing White to connect on a DDT. White faked a leg injury to let BC Gold swarm for the attack into picture in picture.
Back from break, Briscoe fought off a superplex and scored on a middle rope dropkick with the crowd loudly behind him. A stiff striking exchange took place with Briscoe wiping off the chops from White and unloading a series of his own. Briscoe was a house of fire as he planted White with a neckbreaker for two. Briscoe countered a uranage into a fisherman’s buster for another close near fall. White raked the eyes while on the apron and hit a dragon screw to go after the previously injured knee. Briscoe wasn’t behind for long, as a rolling Death Valley Driver and huge Froggy Bow connected for two. Briscoe went for a Jay Driller, but White spun out into a uranage into the double down.
Robinson screamed for and was blessed with a Kiwi Crusher, as White followed up chop blocking the leg out from Briscoe. White wanted a Blade Runner, but Briscoe spun out and hit an Exploder and massive lariat. Briscoe called for the finish, but White backdropped out of a Jay Driller and connected on a Sleeper Suplex followed by a brainbuster. Briscoe chopped his way out of Blade Runner, but couldn’t dodge another Sleeper Suplex, Straightjacket Brainbuster and Blade Runner that put Briscoe away.
Post match, MJF’s music hit, as BC Gold looked up to the ramp, but MJF appeared from behind them. Wearing the Dynamite Diamond Ring, MJF KO’d The Gunns & Robinson before squaring off with White, who bailed quickly. MJF said play time is almost over with Jay White dressing up as a top guy. MJF said he’ll go down the greatest AEW World Champion of all time, as White will have to kill him to beat him. For the first time in his life, MJF is fighting for everyone on the journey with him since day one. MJF isn’t just a scumbag, he’s the fans scumbag. Will White be the first man to pull the trigger at Full Gear?
The lights went out and we saw The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass being beaten up by four masked men backstage. Anthony Bowens was launched through a glass window before the camera cut to The Devil, then back to the ring, as MJF sprinted to the back, frustrated. Samoa Joe walked up and said it looks like the champ is running out of friends before laughing and walking off to end the show.
AEW Rampage 11/10/23
· FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) take on El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander
AEW Collision 11/11/23
· Rush & Dralistico vs. The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
· Sting, Darby Allin & Adam Copeland vs. Lance Archer, Vincent & Dutch (w/Jake Roberts)
AEW Dynamite 11/15/23
· Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Kota Ibushi & Paul Wight vs. The Don Callis Family in a Street Fight
· Orange Cassidy & HOOK take on Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta
MJF will defend his World Championship on the Wednesday, November 8 AEW Dynamite.
Daniel Garcia issued a challenge to MJF following a main event victory over Trent Beretta on Friday’s Rampage episode. MJF responded to the challenge in a social media post, and AEW’s Tony Khan made the match official for Wednesday in a follow-up post.
MJF posted:
This company was built on the backs of young men who chose to be ELITE. Well Danny. You want a brush with greatness. I just got off the phone with our boss. This Wednesday night. The present will defend his title against the future. You’re on.
Khan posted:
This Wednesday, 11/8 Portland, OR @ModaCenter #AEWDynamite TBS, 8pm ET/7pm CT
@AEW World Title Match @The_MJF vs @GarciaWrestling
After his #AEWRampage main event win tonight, Daniel Garcia called out MJF, and the champ has accepted his challenge for this Wednesday in Portland!
The World title match is the only item announced thus far for Wednesday’s Dynamite at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
MJF vs. Jay White for the AEW World Championship is currently scheduled for the Saturday, November 18 Full Gear pay-per-view.
This company was built on the backs of young men who chose to be ELITE.
Well Danny. You want a brush with greatness.
I just got off the phone with our boss.
This Wednesday night.
The present will defend his title against the future.
After his #AEWRampage main event win tonight, Daniel Garcia called out MJF, and the champ has accepted his challenge for this Wednesday in Portland! pic.twitter.com/fIj09JxQU6
A blockbuster AEW World Championship match headlines this week’s Collision.
The match was just up this past Wednesday on Dynamite, when Omega issued the challenge to MJF, who accepted. Their match relates around Omega’s reign as champion, having held the title previously for 346 days. If MJF is successful in retaining the title on Saturday, he will surpass Omega as being the longest-reigning World champion in AEW history, having won the title back on November 19, 2022.
A Women’s Championship match has also been announced for Saturday. After Abadon defeated Skye Blue, Anna Jay, and Willow Nightingale in a four-way match on Friday’s Rampage, it was announced she would get a title match against Hikaru Shida on Collision. The title match is being billed as a ‘Fright Night Fight’.
Other matches will feature Jay White, who challenges for the AEW World title next month at Full Gear, taking on AR Fox. The House of Black, who made their return on last week’s Collision, will also be in action.
Live coverage begins at 8 pm ET.
Sir Elton John kicked off this week’s edition of Collision, live from Uncasville, CT. Tony Schiavone, Kevin Kelly, & Nigel McGuinness were on the call.
Jay White (w/ Juice Robinson & The Gunns) defeated AR Fox
It’s good to see AR Fox back on TV, especially if he’s delivering matches that get the crowd as riled up as he got the Mohegan Sun crowd here. The post-match angle was notable, with MJF trying and failing to sneak away with the title before the main event.
Fox countered an Irish whip with a stunner out of the corner. Fox hit an enzuigiri that sent White to the floor before bouncing off of the corner post to hit White with a moonsault. Back in the ring, White went for his rolling suplex, but White reversed it into a half-and-half suplex into the turnbuckles. White kept control of Fox with chops to the chest. White drilled Fox with a lariat and a DDT for a nearfall. White sent Fox to the floor to get beaten up by his Bullet Club Gold partners as we went to a commercial.
Fox fought his way out of the corner as we came back from the break. Fox evaded a somersault from White before landing a senton onto him. White ran wild, diving onto Bullet Club Gold on the floor before hitting White with a brainbuster. Fox hit a senton bomb for a nearfall as the crowd came alive. Fox put White on the top rope and hit the Lo Mein Pain for a nearfall.
Fox went to the top rope, but White moved out of the way of the 450 splash. White caught Fox with a head-and-neck suplex on a nip-up before hitting the Blade Runner for the win.
After the match, MJF slipped by the announce desk and tried to steal back his AEW World Title, but White got his hands back on the belt. With the element of surprise lost, MJF bailed before Bullet Club Gold could get their hands on him.
The Acclaimed was backstage. Caster believed that MJF was going to be front row for National 69 Day next week, but Bowens explained that it was a catfish. Bowens said that next week, the Acclaimed would celebrate 69 days as AEW World Trios Champions.
The Gunns (Colten & Austin Gunn) (w/ Jay White & Juice Robinson)defeated The Boys (Brandon & Brent)
The Gunns were already in the ring after cornering Jay White in the opener. The Boys had a short advantage on Austin, but the Gunns quickly took control and hit the 3:10 To Yuma on Brent to score the win.
We got a video package hyping the main event and the historic title reigns of both Kenny Omega and MJF.
We got a Danhausen video hyping his return and wishing everyone a happy Halloween.
Lexy Nair was backstage with Ryan Nemeth, who had a big surprise. He’s hyped his recent success lately in Hollywood, booking commercials and voiceover roles. He walked up to CJ Perry’s locker room, looking for her to manage him. He knocked on her door, only to get Miro to open the door. He threw him inside and beat him up behind closed doors. He can probably still do voiceovers from a hospital bed.
Fright Night Fight for AEW Women’s World Title – Hikaru Shida defeated Abadon to retain
I could have done without the themed match here. The ring looked like someone spent $50 at Spirit Halloween. The match would have fit right into an NXT Halloween Havoc show as another playpen hardcore match. The women’s division has veered into silliness lately, from the shenanigans with the Outcasts to the goofiness of Timeless Toni. Does anyone have a status update on Jamie Hayter?
This was a Halloween-themed street fight. Abadon tried to use a bone to hit Shida, but Shida used a foam tombstone to block the shots. Shida hit the ten punches in the corner and sent Abadon to the outside, but Abadon hid under the ring to jump Shida from behind. Abadon hit Shida with a garbage can lid as we went to commercial.
Shida hit Abadon with a running knee but missed a broom-assisted Meteora. Abadon went under the ring again, coming out with a baseball bat. Shida disarmed Abadon, but Abadon walked through Shida’s strikes and drilled her with a lariat for a nearfall. Abadon sent Shida into the corner before dumping candy on the mat. Abadon hit a blockbuster for a nearfall.
Shida pulled out a kendo stick and hit Abadon in the head with it before landing a knee strike for a nearfall. Shida put a jack-o-lantern onto Abadon’s head before hitting the Katana for the win.
After the match, Toni Storm pranced around ringside, with the announcers noting this was the second time this week that Storm had stolen Shida’s spotlight.
We got words from both Dax Harwood and Ricky Starks before their match tonight.
Keith Lee and Shane Taylor spoke on their history as a team in Ring of Honor, and how their split moved them each forward. Is this match going to happen any time soon, or will we get the Keith Lee/Swerve Strickland blowoff match first?
ROH World Television Title Match – Samoa Joe defeated Rhett Titus to retain
The announcers noted that Titus was a former ROH Television Champion in his own right. Joe clobbered Titus with a back elbow before driving him down with punches in the corner. Joe hit the enzuigiri in the corner. Titus countered a corner charge with boots, but Joe walked out of the way of a high crossbody.
Titus fought out of the Muscle Buster, hitting multiple mafia kicks to Joe in response. Joe caught Titus with the ST-Joe before locking on the Coquina Clutch to win and log his 17th successful defense of the title.
In a video from Rampage, Renee Paquette was backstage with QTV. Harley Cameron hyped their new music video before QT Marshall bragged about his AAA Latin American Championship reign. He said that he would defend his title in AEW, as there are numerous great luchadors in AEW.
We got an injury update on Bryan Danielson. Claudio Castagnoli said that Danielson suffered a broken orbital bone, either from the Orange Punch from Orange Cassidy or the Rainmaker from Kazuchika Okada. Castagnoli said that he would find Okada and make him pay for it, while Cassidy would pay for his actions on Dynamite. Castagnoli said that he would hurt Cassidy on Dynamite.
A good match with an odd finish, as FTR once again loses to Starks and Big Bill. The House of Black has an interest in FTR, while La Faccion Ingobernable seems to have an interest in the House of Black.
The lights went out before the bell rang, before revealing The House of Black watching from the crowd.
Both men fought for definitive control early on, with Starks getting the upper hand after avoiding a diving headbutt from Harwood. Starks hit Harwood with Old School before landing the apron leg drop. Harwood sent Starks to the floor, but Starks trapped Harwood in the apron and clubbered on him before hitting a suplex on the ramp.
Harwood hit Starks with a superplex as we came back from the commercial. Starks dropped Harwood with a lariat, but Harwood fought out of the Rochambeau. Harwood caught Starks in a pinning predicament before dropping him with a lariat of his own. Harwood countered a tornado DDT with a brainbuster for a nearfall.
Starks avoided a corner charge, with Harwood hitting the ring post. Harwood countered a spear with a knee before dropping Starks with a piledriver. Big Bill pulled Harwood off of the pin behind the referee’s back. Harwood confronted Bill before walking into a piledriver from Starks that scored Starks the win.
After the match, the lights went out. Julia Hart appeared on stage before cutting the lights again. The House of Black appeared in the ring, joining Starks and Bill in surrounding FTR. All of a sudden, La Faccion Ingobernable made their long-awaited return. They stared down FTR before jumping the House of Black and kicking off a Pier Six brawl. LFI and FTR stood tall in the ring as the rudos bailed out.
Lexy Nair was backstage with Andrade El Idolo, asking him about the offer from CJ Perry and the return of La Faccion Ingobernable. Andrade said that he is a businessman, and all of that is his business.
After a commercial break, Lexy Nair was backstage with Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale, and Skye Blue. Statlander wanted to squash the dissension between the three of them. Nightingale said that with Julia Hart returning tonight, they should discuss some way of addressing her. Blue said that anything she had to say to Hart belonged between the two of them.
Claudio Castagnoli defeated Tracy Williams
Castagnoli drilled Williams before the bell with an uppercut. He clubbered on Williams in the corner before dropping him with Rainmaker-like short-arm clotheslines. Castagnoli drilled Williams with a heavy uppercut to score the definitive win. After the match, Castagnoli locked Williams in the LeBell Lock as a shout-out to Bryan Danielson.
We saw both MJF and Kenny Omega preparing for their World Title match. Samoa Joe walked up to MJF, offering him his friendship for a title match in the future. Joe didn’t ask for an answer, he just told MJF to say his name if he needed any backup tonight.
AEW World Title Match – MJF defeated Kenny Omega to retain
MJF will be the longest-reigning World Champion in company history, breaking the record in style. This first-time-ever match lived up to the stakes, as these two had a match that would not have been out of place in the main event of an AEW PPV.
Jim Ross joined the commentary desk for this main event.
The crowd popped at the opening bell as the two men stared each other down. MJF caught Omega in a quick pin cover for a nearfall before they wrestled to a stalemate. MJF called for a handshake before poking Omega in the eyes once obliged. Omega sent MJF to the floor before hitting the Terminator dive to the outside. Omega sent MJF in the ring, but MJF flew back outside with a Fosbury Flop to the shock of the announcers.
Omega caught MJF in the leg on the way back in the ring before hitting a high cross. MJF countered a headscissors with a powerbomb over the knee for a nearfall. The announcers clarified that the winner of this match would defend the World Title against Jay White at Full Gear. MJF began working on the arm of Omega, landing a hammerlock cradle DDT for a nearfall. MJF mocked Omega and teased a V-Trigger but ran into a snap Dragon Suplex.
Omega picked up the pace, hitting the Kotaro Crusher for a nearfall. Omega sent MJF to the floor before hitting a triangle moonsault to the floor. Back in the ring, Omega hit a missile dropkick to the back of MJF’s head for a nearfall. MJF could not escape Omega’s Finlay roll but did get his knees up on the moonsault attempt. MJF fired up, sending Omega into the turnbuckle ten times before hitting the ten punches in the corner.
MJF sent Omega to the floor with the Kangaroo Kick, but Omega cut him off with a kitchen sink knee. Omega hit the Ushigoroshi for a nearfall. Omega loaded up a V-Trigger, but MJF bailed to the floor. Omega hit a baseball slide to MJF which sent him into the announce table. Omega pulled out a regular table on the other side of the ring. MJF and Omega got into a pinning predicament. Omega hit a buckle bomb into the corner before MJF fired out of the corner with a lariat.
Both men rolled to the apron, where Omega drilled MJF with a knee. Omega hit a dragon suplex on the apron before sending MJF through the table with a gutwrench powerbomb.
After a 90-second commercial break, both men rolled back into the ring and traded strikes. MJF poked Omega in the eyes again, but Omega came back with a V-Trigger. MJF hit a rolling elbow, but Omega hit a running V-Trigger to shut him down. Omega went for the One-Winged Angel, but MJF hit a poisonrana to escape. MJF loaded up a lariat, but Omega hit a poisonrana himself to leave both men laying.
MJF cut off a corner charge before dropkicking Omega’s arm. Omega fought out of the Salt of the Earth armbar, hitting another V-Trigger. Omega went to hit the Kamigoye, but MJF fought out and landed Made In Japan for a nearfall. MJF hit a shoulder breaker and a superkick, but Omega came back with a brainbuster. Omega hit a pulling piledriver, but MJF got his foot on the ropes to cut off the count.
After a commercial, Omega powerbombed MJF into the barricade. Omega sent MJF into the ring, but MJF ran into the ropes to knock Omega down. MJF went for a top rope hurricanrana, but Omega dropped him face-first into the turnbuckle. Omega ran wild, hitting a snap dragon suplex and a running V-Trigger for a nearfall. Omega hit two V-Triggers before loading up the One-Winged Angel. Don Callis came out with a screwdriver, allowing MJF to roll Omega up.
Omega kicked out before both men ended up in another pinning predicament. The referee kicked Callis out from ringside. MJF sent Omega into the ropes before hitting the Heatseeker piledriver for a nearfall. MJF loaded up the Panama Sunrise, but Omega caught MJF in a crucifix for a nearfall. MJF caught Omega with a superkick before landing the Panama Sunrise. MJF hit the Heatseeker to retain the title and break Omega’s record as the longest-reigning World Champion in company history.
We saw Samoa Joe, Wardlow, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Bullet Club Gold watching on from the back as MJF and Omega shook hands in the ring.
The AEW World Championship will be on the line on this Saturday’s Collision.
MJF will defend his World title against Kenny Omega in a match announced during Wednesday’s Dynamite episode.
Omega interrupted an MJF segment and the match was set based on MJF being set to eclipse Omega’s record AEW World title reign of 346 days. MJF has currently held the World title for 341 days.
MJF has no shortage of challengers lined up as he is set to defend against Omega, has a title defense scheduled for Full Gear on November 18 against Jay White, plus has Samoa Joe asserting himself as next in line following White.
In addition to the World title match, the Women’s World Championship will also be on the line on Collision.
Hikaru Shida is set to defend her title against the winner of a four-way match on this week’s Rampage between Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale, Anna Jay, and Abadon.
The lineup for the Saturday, October 28 Collision:
AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Kenny Omega
AEW Women’s World Championship: Hikaru Shida defends against the winner of Skye Blue vs. Willow Nightingale vs. Anna Jay vs. Abadon on Rampage
MJF defending the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe headlines this year’s Dynamite Grand Slam.
AEW runs Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York City for Grand Slam tonight for the third consecutive year, with MJF defending against Joe in the headline spot.
In addition, three more titles will be on the line on tonight’s episode.
AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya will defend her title against Toni Storm this evening. Saraya and Storm formed two-thirds of The Outcasts group before Storm recently broke off on her own with her “Illustrious” gimmick.
Jon Moxley is set to defend the AEW International Championship against Rey Fenix on tonight’s show. Fenix declared himself the top contender to Moxley’s title and the two have played off one another in backstage angles on Collision and Dynamite in the ensuing weeks.
In the evening’s other title bout, ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli faces NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston in a match with both titles on the line.
Chris Jericho vs. Sammy Guevara will also take place on tonight’s show.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite Grand Slam comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone, Taz & Ian Riccaboni as our title for title match is kicking things off tonight. Claudio Castagnoli, rocking a sweat Ribera Steakhouse jacket, walked backstage with Wheeler Yuta, as Eddie Kingston got last minute good luck from Penta El Zero Miedo & Alex Abrahantes.
Eddie Kingston defeated Claudio Castagnoli (w/Wheeler Yuta) to win the ROH World Title
(Having watched all the video packages they’ve done highlighting the history between these two, this was a fantastic ending to Kingston’s journey to win the big one. The reaction from the crowd, the show of respect post match, Kingston finally being given his flowers on a big stage, it was all excellent.)
Both men wasted no time trading chops and forearms out the gate, with the crowd loudly behind the hometown Kingston. To the floor they went, as Kingston drove Castagnoli knee first into the barricade, but the tide was turned with Castagnoli reversing a whip into a clothesline. Back inside, Castagnoli hit an impressive gut wrench suplex, but a slap woke Kingston up as he delivered a snap German suplex. Castagnoli seemingly headbutt his way through a Kingston backfist on the apron and delivered a back suplex out onto the stage. Castagnoli zoned in on the left arm of Kingston, connecting with a double stomp off the second rope and a wild uppercut for two taking us to picture in picture.
Castagnoli controlled a majority of the break, relentlessly uppercutting Kingston in the corner followed by a TKO for two. Kingston started hulking up, delivering an enzugiri and Saito suplex for a near fall of his own. The Kobashi machine gun chops were unloaded, but Castagnoli no sold, so Kingston just popped him in the face with a right hand. Castagnoli returned the favor with a punch of his own and it led to an intense face off. More chops and forearms were unleashed until Castagnoli blocked a chop and hit a snap lariat for two. Anvil elbow led to a Ricola Bomb attempt, which Kingston got a hurricanrana pin attempt out of. Castagnoli fired up and hit a huge uppercut and the Ricola Bomb for a super close two that had the crowd going wild.
Castagnoli pulled Kingston up, who fired off multiple spinning backfists and Northern Lights Bomb, but this time, Castagnoli kicked out. Kingston couldn’t hit the powerbomb the first time, so he unleashed another backfist and connected on the powerbomb with the high stack to win the match and the title. Post match, Castagnoli extended his hand, Kingston shook it and Castagnoli handed over the ROH Title to have Kingston standing tall with the ROH & NJPW Strong Titles.
-Video of Matt Taven & Mike Bennett praying at Roderick Strong’s hospital bed side last week is shown. Taven has a rosary around his hand and read a get well card. Adam Cole came in much to the delight of Strong, as Taven & Bennett said it was convenient he arrives now since they have to leave for Grand Slam to become #1 Contenders for the ROH Tag Titles. Cole left literally 10 seconds later, saying he has to be there for MJF in his match with Samoa Joe. Strong was dejected, as Cole stopped at the sound of Strong reclining his bed up to show his disappointment, but left. Everyone involved in this storyline, The Kingdom & Strong especially, continue to knock this out of the park.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Luchasaurus & Christian Cage, who said they will walk through Sting & Darby Allin at Rampage Grand Slam. Cage issues a challenge to Allin for Collision, a three way match with Luchasaurus & himself for the TNT Title. The only caveat being Sting is not allowed at ringside. As for Rampage, Cage told Allin to make sure he brings the boy.
Chris Jericho defeated Sammy Guevara
(This was a solid back and forth first time meeting between these two, as there was a few moments where they were on different pages, but got right back on track leading to a real good finish. Excalibur had name dropped Shawn Michaels pre-match when talking about Jericho wrestling his mentor, as Guevara was at the same point in his career. So the post match should come as no surprise, as this was right out of the Wrestlemania 19 playbook and done masterfully by both men.)
Guevara’s entrance included a light up vest as homage to Jericho, as Monteasy rapped Guevara’s theme to the ring. Both men shook hands, but that turned to slaps and chops soon after. Guevara did his leap frog and dropkick, posing for the crowd, as Jericho paint brushed him to put a stop to it. More chops by Jericho led to a double arm underhook back breaker, but Guevara dodged the springboard corner dropkick. Guevara connected on the corkscrew tornillo, as back inside, a top rope cross body hit for two. Jericho countered a GTH into a Code Breaker and delivered a suplex off the apron to the floor that took us to commercial.
It was all Jericho during break, until finally Guevara mounted a comeback with a Spanish Fly for two. Jericho fired up and laid out Guevara with multiple lariats to get two of his own. A float over in the corner allowed Guevara to hit a Code Breaker, as he sent Jericho to the outside. Guevara hit a moonsault off the top to the floor and briefly clutched his knee in the process. The hesitation to follow up allowed Jericho to hit a dropkick in mid air on a springing Guevara. We kind of got a messed up spot where Jericho was going to try his springboard dropkick in the corner, Guevara missed the first superkick attempt, but hit the second, followed by a huge Cutter off the top for two.
Guevara tried again for the GTH, but this time Jericho countered into the Walls of Jericho. Guevera was able to fight free, hit a pump knee, as both fought up in the corner with Guevara hitting an Avalanche Cutter. Jericho’s face was driven right into the mat in the process. Jericho missed a dropkick, as Guevara missed a top rope Lionsault. After a face buster, Jericho hit with his Lionsault for two. Guevara fired off a pump knee, finally hit the GTH, but a Shooting Star Press was countered into a Code Breaker in mid air to give Jericho the win.
Post match, Jericho & Guevara shook hands and hugged before Guevara punted Jericho, who slid down Guevara before getting pie faced. Don Callis walked to the ring and then to the back with presumably the newest member of his family, Sammy Guevara.
-MJF & Adam Cole arrived at the arena in a snazzy ride, as MJF said tonight he will bash Samoa Joe’s skull in. Joe tried to take away two precious things to him, the AEW Title and his brother, Adam Cole. Tonight, MJF will choke out Joe in front of his people. The last thing Joe will hear before passing out is the chants of MJF. Right as MJF was about to hit his signature line, Cole’s phone started buzzing and it was Roderick Strong. Cole took the call, as MJF asked if Cole would still have his back. Cole walked off to take the call.
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-Renee Paquette tried to get a word with Don Callis & Sammy Guevara, as Callis said all will be told on Rampage whether or not Guevara is the newest member of the Don Callis Family. Daniel Garcia walked up and Guevara tried to get in his face, but Callis held him back, saying Garcia was money.
Rey Fenix (w/Alex Abrahantes) defeated Jon Moxley to win the AEW International Title
(I don’t think this was the planned finish, as post match, Moxley was being attended to by doctors and we never saw him again. Excalibur did inform us after commercial Moxley left under his own power. I really hope he’s ok, as he seemed to be dropped right on his head from the first Black Fire Driver. They clearly called an audible, as things were going perfectly fine up to the finish, which caught everyone off guard, which includes fans, referee, even Fenix. Again, I hope Moxley isn’t severely injured, as you talk about the backbone of AEW, he’s been there through it all.)
Before the match officially began, both men brawled on the ramp, with Fenix hitting a springboard kick and diving somersault dive off the stage, clearing the camera man. The bell sounds, as Fenix used his speed to avoid Moxley strikes briefly until Moxley hit a forearm in mid air as Fenix tried a somersault cutter. Fenix bit his way out of a kimura, tried his bounce back kick, but Moxley just punted him to the floor. Fenix tried to walk the guardrail into a kick, but Moxley swept the legs and hit a double underhook draping DDT.
Both men fought back inside, this time Fenix was able to hit the corner spinning kick and somersault cutter. Fenix wasted no time and hit the Frog Splash, but only managed two. Fenix charged full steam, but right into a King Kong Lariat from Moxley, who wasted too much time, allowing Fenix to kip up, drape Moxley over the barricade outside and hit a leg drop off the top rope. Right as they went to commercial, Fenix tried a springboard back inside, but Moxley dropped him with a Death Rider for two.
Moxley hit a Gotch Style Piledriver, but Fenix fought back while in the ropes and delivered a double stomp. Both men spilled to the stage, where Moxley hit a Curb Stomp that absolutely spiked Fenix, as it was followed by another piledriver back inside for two. Moxley wanted an Avalanche Death Rider, but Fenix fought out and hit a Senton Atomico. Fenix connected with his Black Fire Driver, Moxley didn’t kick out, but Rick Knox pulled the count. Fenix proceeded to hit another Black Fire Driver and this time Knox counted three to the shock of literally everyone in attendance, myself included.
-Samoa Joe is backstage and said tonight is a night of consequences. Tonight, Joe will smash MJF from pillar to post and he will beat him in front of his hometown. It won’t be the future Joe takes from MJF, it’ll be his championship.
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Saraya (w/Ruby Soho) defeated Toni Storm to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(This had all the bells and whistles that the Outcasts have used to win matches over the past year and it ended up telling a good story, especially with this new Storm character. I will continue to sing Storm’s praises, as this whole character overhaul she’s done over the last few months remains my favorite thing going in AEW, even if I have no idea where she goes from here.)
Storm has a full black and white entrance for her starlet character and the theme to go along with it is wonderful. Saraya slapped Storm in the face multiple times and berated her before Storm laughed in her face. Storm fired off chops and laid out Soho for good measure before walking into a Saraya thrust kick. Storm gained control by sweeping the leg on the apron and went under the ring. Soho pulled her out and Storm emerged with shoes, beating down Soho, who didn’t watch for the shoooooe. The ref took one shoe away from Storm, who clocked Saraya with a high heel and got a two count. Storm hit a draping DDT on Saraya during picture in picture, but Soho’s distraction allowed Saraya to take control.
Saraya hit a sunset flip bomb out of the corner, but Storm fired back with shots and exposed the bottom buckle pad. Soho pulled the spray paint away from Storm and she threw it to Saraya, who sprayed Storm, hit the Knight Cap, but Storm kicked out. Saraya couldn’t bring herself to slam Storm face first into the exposed buckle, so Storm blocked a kick, laid a smooch on Saraya and hit Storm Zero for a super close two. With Saraya set up in the exposed corner, Storm charged for Sweet Cheek Music, but Saraya dodged and hit the Knight Cap out of the corner to get the pin.
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-During MJF’s entrance started with a callback to the old Bret Hart video where a child and his father yell to MJF backstage and tells him “go get’em, champ”. MJF smiled, gave the child his scarf and whispered something to the child before walking off. The child then asked his father if he was adopted. Commentary was laughing as Excalibur said that’s our scumbag. This was absolutely brilliant.
MJF defeated Samoa Joe to defend the AEW World Title
(A fantastic main event with MJF doing exactly what he said he would do at the end of this contest. As I mentioned in the recap, I really hope Cole didn’t hurt his ankle when he rushed to the ring, as having him & Moxley hurt on the same night and missing time would be awful. Back to the match, Joe did a great job trying to put an end to MJF, as the champion was able to slay the monster by any means necessary.)
Joe toyed with MJF briefly, until an eye poke allowed MJF to try a sleeper, only Joe slammed MJF down with the champion selling his bad neck. A running boot and senton got the first near fall, as Joe worked over the neck during the entire picture in picture. MJF avoided a Muscle Buster into a roll up for two and popped Joe with a head kick to follow. Lariats by MJF connected, but he sold the injured neck after each one, which allowed Joe to throw a wild lariat for two. Joe ripped the New York Mets inspired Better Than You, BayBay shirt off MJF, who fired up as a result. MJF got a back rake, drove Joe head first in the corner ten times, delivered ten punches, bit Joe and connected on the Kangaroo Kick to send Joe to the outside as the crowd went nuts.
MJF wanted a dive, but Joe hit a kick through the ropes followed by a violent Death Valley Driver on the edge of the ring. MJF managed to kick out, as Joe pulled a table from under the ring, set it up ringside and drove MJF through it with an Uranage. Referee Paul Turner just allowed this to happen and counted two back in the ring. Joe exposed the panel and tried a piledriver, but MJF bit the knee of Joe to escape. MJF couldn’t hit one of his own, as Joe fought it off and laid out MJF with the piledriver on the floor. Doctors rushed MJF, as they were almost all dispatched by Joe, who threw MJF into the ring for a cover, but MJF kicked out.
Joe screamed at MJF to give up, but MJF spat right in his face, so a slap from Joe soon followed. Joe charged for a home run shot, but MJF floated over and hit a massive sitout powerbomb for two. Both men traded strikes and traded sleeper attempts before MJF hit a mule kick and put on the Dynamite diamond ring. MJF went to charge with it, but Joe pulled the ref in front, who saw the ring, took it from MJF, allowing Joe to punt low. The Muscle Buster connected, but MJF kicked out and Joe couldn’t believe it. Joe slapped on the sleeper, MJF began to fade, but Adam Cole sprinted from the back to cheer MJF on, whose arm didn’t fall a third time. As Cole came out, he jumped off the stage to rush around the ring and noticeably tweaking his ankle in the process.
MJF managed to get a roll up for two before getting a sleeper of his own, but Joe ran into the corner, Paul Turner leaping to the floor to avoid taking a bump. Cole handed MJF a rope, as he wrapped it around Joe’s throat until Joe passed out in a sleeper allowing MJF retain. MJF hugged Paul Turner as Cole hid the evidence. Joe finally came to and shoved Cole, as MJF stood between them. Joe offered a handshake and MJF shook it before Joe went to the back. The doctor checked on MJF as Cole applauded his brochacho to end the show.
AEW Rampage: Grand Slam 9/22/23
· Sting & Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage & Luchasaurus
· Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony vs. The Young Bucks & Hangman Adam Page for the ROH Six Man Tag Titles
· Orange Cassidy, HOOK & Kris Statlander vs. Angelo Parker, Matt Menard & Anna Jay
· The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass defend the AEW Trios Titles against Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver
· The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) vs. The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) vs. The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch) vs. Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta) for a shot at the ROH Tag Team Titles at Wrestle Dream
· Mike Santana will be in action
· Julia Hart vs. Skye Blue
AEW Collision 9/23/23
· Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks in a Texas Death Match
· Switchblade Jay White vs. Andrade El Idolo
· Luchasaurus vs. Christian Cage vs. Darby Allin for the TNT Title
· RVD will be in action
· FTR defend the AEW Tag Titles against The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
AEW Dynamite 9/27/23
· Swerve Strickland & Hangman Adam Page have their Wrestle Dream contract signing
