Tag: Aew Worlds End Results

AEW Worlds End live results: Four-way World title match, Continental Classic finale

Posted on December 27, 2025December 27, 2025 by Ryan Howard

AEW finishes up its 2025 with tonight’s Worlds End from the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

The headliner will see Samoa Joe defending the AEW World title against three former champions in Hangman Page, MJF and Swerve Strickland.

The Continental Classic concludes with two semifinals — Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada — and the finals.

AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander defends against former champion Jamie Hayter while inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath defend against Mercedes Mone & Athena.

FTR defend the AEW World Tag Team titles against the Bang Bang Gang in a street fight.

Darby Allin takes on Gabe Kidd in a singles match while The Conglomeration & Toni Storm battle the Death Riders in an eight-person Mixed Nuts Mayhem match.

The Zero Hour pre-show features Sisters of Sin vs. Hyan & Maya World.

Our live coverage begins at 7 pm Eastern with the pre-show with supporting news articles all night long.

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Zero Hour

(Despite being an option announced to watch on, Zero Hour is apparently not being shown on HBO Max. It is, however, still on X, Facebook & YouTube.)

The WrestleAunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City) are joined by Jeff Jarrett & Lexy Nair and run down tonight’s card. RJ tells us we’re kicking the semi-finals off with Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada. Paquette then throws it to a pre-recorded Adam Cole video from his home, who thanks the crowd for all their support and says hopefully you’ll see more of him in 2026. He goes over the Continental Classic semi-finalists and picks Jon Moxley over Kyle Fletcher, Takeshita over Okada and finally Takeshita defeating Moxley. He’s not sure if he’ll be correct, but he knows we’ll see the best wrestling on the planet.

Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue) vs. Hyan & Maya World

Hyan was able to avoid a series of strikes thrown by Blue, who denied a handshake and booted Hyan to her corner for a double flapjack with Hart. Blue was pulled outside by World, as Hyan planted Hart with a leg drop for a near fall. Awkward looking double hip toss into the ropes, but World was able to send Hart & Blue to the outside, attempted a double dive, only to be popped by Hart & Blue, who connected on a dueling draping swinging neckbreaker off the apron. After being isolated, Hyan was able to plant Blue with a suplex and pump kick to allow the World hot tag.

House of fire was World, who strung together combination offense including a rolling cazadora double stomp for two. Hyan back in, but Hart put on the brakes, sent World outside and booted Hyan, allowing Blue to fire a thrust kick. World returns for a yay/boo slugfest with Blue, who hit Code Blue, only World wasn’t the legal woman. Hyan returned, but was ping ponged with thrust kicks until the assisted spinning slam with Hart allowed Blue to get the pin.

Match Result: Sisters of Sin defeated Hyan & Maya World when Blue pinned Hyan

Eddie Kingston vs. Zack Gibson (w/James Drake)

Gibson cut off Arkady Aura and opted to introduce Drake & himself, but they were immediately cut-off by Kingston’s music, as he power-walked to the ring. Drake was sent packing, as the bell sounded and Kingston was relentless on Gibson. Crowd loudly behind Kingston, who was tripped up by Drake, distracting him long enough for Gibson to fly in from off-camera with a dive. Gibson started a strike exchange, but once he realized it wasn’t working, shot for a single leg. Paint brushing the head of Kingston, only woke him up, as Kingston traded loud chops, winning that battle. Kobashi machine gun chops in the corner led to a running boot to the face in the corner. Gibson ran distraction on the ref, allowing Drake to slam Kingston down by the throat with his scarf. Lungblower by Gibson got a near fall, as he trash-talked Kingston for not being good enough and to stay down. Kingston again rose and started a palm strike exchange, ending with an enzugiri and DDT that spiked Gibson for the win.

Post-match, Drake pounced, choking Kingston out with the scarf, as Gibson joined the beating. Drake went up top for the final shot, when Ortiz’s music hit and he ran out to clear the ring. Kingston was stunned to see Ortiz, who got a strong reaction from the crowd, despite not being on AEW TV since January 2024.

Match Result: Eddie Kingston defeated Zack Gibson

Mascara Dorada & ROH Champion Bandido (w/Alex Abrahantes) vs. Rocky Romero & Mark Davis

Davis used his power advantage early, running through Bandido, slamming him down and following with a standing senton for two. Romero tagged in, but ran right into a big boot, allowing Dorada to tag and fly in off the top. Handspring corkscrew into a head scissors got the crowd going, as Dorada scaled the ropes, booted Davis off the apron and followed with a wild springing arm-drag. Romero side-stepped a dive, as Davis caught a flying Dorada and rag-dolled him down. Bandido flew in to make the save, only suffered a massive Davis flying hip attack into the barricade. Dorada was worked over back in the ring, but Davis missed a corner charge, allowing Bandido to make the tag.

Bandido tried his one-arm press on Romero, only Davis made the save, so Dorada did a cross-body, while Bandido took them all out with a Tornillo off the top. Romero begged off, only to eat a double enzugiri in the corner. Over the top sit-out Razor’s Edge from Dorada, as Bandido connected on the Frog Splash, but Davis broke the count. Sliced Bread from Romero netted a near fall of his own, as the Forever Clotheslines followed with fast tags from Davis. Dorada rejoined, allowing Bandido to hit X-Knee on Romero, while Dorada connects with a Shooting Star Press. Bandido launched Dorada clear out of the ring onto Davis, while Bandido finished off Romero with the 21-Plex and the pin. Commentary really put over Bandido & Dorada as a potential tag-team.

Match Result: Mascara Dorada & Bandido defeated Rocky Romero & Mark Davis when Bandido pinned Romero

-We get a brief post-match vignette/interruption saying El Clon is coming to Collision January 2026

Jurassic Express (Jungle Jack Perry & Luchasaurus) & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) vs. Josh Alexander & The Demand (AEW National Champion Ricochet, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun)

The Demand & Alexander attacked Jurassic Express on the ramp before the bell, as we saw an inset promo from earlier where they promised Don Callis the way to get to Perry is by taking out his dinosaur and clipping his nuts. Perry was planted on the ramp with a suplex, while Kaun & Liona carried Luchasaurus to the back. Alexander & Ricochet celebrated, but ate a double dive from JetSpeed, as this officially began as a handicap match, as Liona & Kaun came back to the ring right as JetSpeed launched Ricochet over the top onto the pile. Rolling splash from Knight back inside on Alexander got a near fall, as Bailey tagged in, went up top, but Ricochet shoved him off, crashing to the floor. Bailey was worked over quite an extended period of time until a counter to a sunset flip with a backflip double knees led to a hot tag from a recovered Perry, who ran wild.

Perry low-bridged Liona to the outside and laid out Ricochet with a bounce back lariat, as a leaping DDT spiked Alexander for a near fall. Numbers still were too much, as The Demand triple teamed Perry, with Ricochet hitting his running Shooting Star for two. G.O.A. went after JetSpeed, who used their quickness to send Kaun & Liona packing. Perry got a few near falls, but Ricochet responded with the visually impressive powerbomb into Death Valley Driver for a close two. Loading up The Spirit Gun, Ricochet went for the home-run shot until Luchasaurus came out with his shoulder bandaged up and took out Kaun & Alexander with clotheslines. Perry made the hot tag to a one-armed Luchasaurus, as JetSpeed took out Kaun & Alexander with double moonsaults. One-arm chokeslam from Luchasaurus on Ricochet, as Perry tagged back in and hit the Sacrifice Knee to get the pin.

I hope Luchasaurus isn’t legit hurt, this absolutely felt like a cover, as he only did two clotheslines and a chokeslam.

Match Result: JetSpeed & Jurassic Express defeated Josh Alexander & The Demand when Perry pinned Ricochet

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AEW Worlds End

Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone & Bryan Danielson before they throw it to a video package for our opening contest, Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada. We then go to Renee Paquette ringside giving last-minute analysis, saying earlier today, she talked to Don Callis earlier today, who said he tried to spend his time between the two 50/50, but Takeshita’s grueling schedule led to him being with Takeshita more. Let the semi-finals begin, as Callis joined the commentary team.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada in a Continental Classic Semifinal

(Aside from the literal last few seconds that felt awkward, I thought this was an excellent match and the crowd was hot for this opener. Of course, there had to be shenanigans, so it opens up for a rematch down the line and hopefully it could top even this one. The story is slowly being built that Takeshita is going to leave the Callis Family, as this only adds to that. I can’t wait to see these two go to battle once again, whenever that may be.)

The bell sounded and the crowd are already on their feet, as Okada offered a handshake, which Takeshita slapped away. While the crowd is split, they can agree on one chant, “F Don Callis.” Each trade shoulder blocks, but neither budge, as both trade Rainmaker/Power Drive Knee attempts, dodge, until a Takeshita-line connects. Takeshita worked over the shoulder, but the long legs of Okada got a rope break and chance to take a powder. Takeshita wouldn’t allow it, as he was out after Okada, charged, only to take a drop toe-hold into a chair and spiked with a DDT on the floor. No sense of urgency back inside by Okada, which briefly awoken Takeshita, who took another DDT, leaving Okada with a smile on his face before making a cover for two. Okada went for a third, only this time, Takeshita put on the brakes and really worked for a stalling suplex. Okada avoided a Takeshita-line, but not the head scissors that took him outside yet again. Takeshita built up speed and connected on a Tope before taking a good look at the Continental Title that’s ringside.

Back inside, Helluva Kick led to Takeshita keeping Okada grounded, until Okada went for the eyes to get free. Multiple boots from the corner led to the Air Raid Crash on the knee, as Okada slammed Takeshita down and followed with the zero-elevation elbow drop. Middle finger to the crowd and his opponent, as Takeshita rose with Okada still flipping him off, leading to a forearm exchange, rocking each man. Okada wanted a Tombstone, each countered until Takeshita got the Bastard Driver into the release German to pop the crowd huge. Okada blocked a Power Drive Knee into Emerald Flowsion, tried a Rainmaker, which Takeshita countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for the double down.

Okada got wrist control and threw a Rainmaker, which Takeshita no sold, so Okada threw another and Takeshita collapsed. Holding on, Okada went for another, but Takeshita fired off a forearm. Each trade backslides, Takeshita missed a Power Drive Knee to the corner, allowing Okada to hit a German Suplex. Maintaining wrist control, Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Takeshita got a cazadora roll-up for a close two. Each trade elbows and shotgun dropkicks, as Takeshita charged in, only right into Okada’s dropkick. Takeshita dodged another Rainmaker, this time into a nasty Poison Rana and Power Drive Knee, but Okada kicked out.

Okada was sent to the corner, where we see him grab a screwdriver hidden in the turnbuckle. They kind of mess up the spot where Takeshita ducked an initial charge, was supposed to send Okada into referee Paul Turner, who stood there awkwardly and then had to just turn around for no reason, he was distracted by the wind, I suppose. This allowed Okada to deck Takeshita with the screwdriver and get the pin, hiding the evidence after, as Callis briefly checked on Takeshita before celebrating with Okada up the ramp, leaving Takeshita.

Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Konosuke Takeshita to advance to the Continental Classic Finals

During the entrances for our next match, Renee Paquette was again ringside saying despite the previous semi-final involving two of his best friends, he never watched a second of their build up, as he’s been fully focused on studying film on Moxley and preparing for the match at hand. We’re also told Don Callis was supposed to be on commentary, but must be backstage trying to smooth things over with Takeshita.

Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher in a Continental Classic Semifinal

(Unbelievable match, I wouldn’t argue if you’d call this the best match of the C2 so far. The fans being behind Moxley after over a year of hating him, the callback to Fletcher scurrying to find the screwdriver, only we all knew it wasn’t there as Okada used it before, which Fletcher didn’t realize. The false finishes with the crowd biting at all of them made this a first-time meeting to remember between these two. I can’t say enough good things about this match.)

Bryan Danielson said it was interesting that Moxley was booed a majority of the year, but was cheered tonight by the fans and questions if it’s due to no Death Rider shenanigans allowed in the C2. Fletcher slowed the pace early, trying to frustrate Moxley, as the stalling only pissed Moxley off, who went out after Fletcher, lighting him up with forearms and into the barricade and commentary table. Back inside, Fletcher immediately hit a snap slam and posed for the crowd before going to work. It was brief, as Moxley quickly hit a corner splash and chucked Fletcher back outside, where he quickly followed with running boots. Fletcher tackled Moxley into the barricade before trapping the leg between the post and steps, dropkicking them. That’s what Fletcher zoned in on back inside, as we’re told this is a great game plan by Fletcher, due to Moxley’s recent submission struggles.

Moxley is bleeding from the mouth and it’s from a broken front tooth, as Moxley fires off a desperation Cutter, sending Fletcher outside. Moxley tried a dive, got enough of it, but the bad leg didn’t allow much of a take-off. Taking too much time to follow-up back inside, Fletcher hit a quick Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Fletcher tried trash talking, which only woke Moxley up, as he no sold clotheslines and turned Fletcher inside out with one of his own. Both men slowly rise and trade forearms until Moxley fired off a shotgun dropkick and corner punches, until Fletcher sent Moxley over the top awkwardly on the bad wheel. Fletcher wanted a PK, was blocked the leg swept out. Moxley tried a Curb Stomp, missed, giving Fletcher a chance to destroy Moxley with a Brainbuster on the apron. The facial expression from Moxley is gif worthy, as Fletcher demanded referee Bryce count Moxley out.

Moxley just beat the count, but rolled right into an awaiting Liger Bomb for a close two. Fletcher sank in a Half Crab, as all those times the crowd wanted Moxley to tap this year have changed to cheers to want him to escape. Fletcher cranked back so far that Moxley was able to get the Bulldog Choke and Fletcher’s face started turning purple. Cranking the injured ankle, Fletcher broke free and got the Ankle Lock with the grapevine. Moxley swiped for all his might and just managed the ropes with the crowd loudly chanting for him. Fletcher wanted his Avalanche Brainbuster, but Moxley bit at the noggin, slid out, crotched Fletcher and hooked a Rear Naked Choke, but had to break, so he switched to an Avalanche Cutthroat Suplex, dropping Fletcher square on his head. Danielson questions if they need more than referee Bryce to check on Fletcher and they show the replay multiple times, I agree.

Fletcher couldn’t get to his feet, so Moxley delivered a Curb Stomp, completely spiking Fletcher, who nearly caught Moxley with a crucifix pin for two on a counter. Fletcher exploded up, thrust kick, Moxley kicked out at one and fired up, only Fletcher met him with a Helluva Kick and Sheer Drop Brainbuster, but Moxley kicked out. Defiant Moxley stood and flipped off Fletcher, who dropped him easily, flipping the crowd off himself. With Bryce checking on Moxley, Fletcher scurried to try and find the screwdriver, only Okada had used it earlier. The distraction allowed a quick pin attempt by Moxley for two, Rear Naked Choke, which Fletcher countered into a two count. Paradigm Shift planted Fletcher, who kicked out at two, Death Rider landed, but again Fletcher kicked out. Moxley quickly locked in the Rear Naked Choke, Fletcher rose to his feet, but faded, ultimately passing out giving Moxley the win. Fletcher regained consciousness in the post-match and screamed that he didn’t tap out. He charged at Moxley and chop blocked out the bad leg before walking off, as Moxley struggled to his feet and limped back through the crowd.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kyle Fletcher to advance to the Continental Classic Finals

FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood w/Stokely) vs. Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn) in a Chicago Street Fight for the AEW Tag Team Titles

(This certainly was a weapons filled street fight, I just think it should’ve gone on later in the show, as the crowd seemed exhausted after the first two matches. There were moments the crowd were loudly behind Gunn & Robinson, but I don’t think they ever thought there’d be a title change. I hope Stokely is ok, as despite him getting involved a lot, the table bump he missed looked pretty nasty. I’m interested in seeing who is next in line for FTR, as there are plenty of teams to challenge the champs going forward.)

Bell sounds and the fight is on and a table immediately is set up against the barricade, as Wheeler & Gunn fight up the ramp while Robinson & Harwood fight into the crowd. Gunn launched Wheeler into the LED screen at the entrance, until Gunn waffled him with a trash can. Taking way too long to follow-up, Gunn charged for a Fame-Asser, but ate a trash can to the face as a result. Going back down the aisle, it looked like Wheeler was going to use a bottle I think, but shattered before it could happen. Harwood & Robinson brawl back to ringside, where Stokely had set-up another table, only Robinson hit a slingshot into the corner on Harwood before setting him onto the table, going up top for a dive, but Wheeler returned to cut him off and hit an Avalanche Back Suplex. They place the trash can over Gunn and smack it off with a kendo stick saying it was “better than the White Sox.”

Robinson made the save, giving Gunn a chance to recover enough to tackle Wheeler through the ropes to the outside. Robinson lit up Harwood with jabs and a spinebuster for two, as Wheeler sent Gunn crashing into the steps, telling Stokely to grab the kendo stick. Harwood clobbered Robinson with a Tag Title belt, as Wheeler swung for the fences with the kendo stick on Gunn, who blocked it with a trash can lid and smashed it into the face of Wheeler. Placing it over his back, Gunn ran into Wheeler once with it, tried again, but Wheeler side-stepped, sending Gunn flying over the announce table. The belt shot busted Robinson opened, as Wheeler chop blocked the leg, while Stokely kept handing FTR weapons to use on it.

Gunn was able to make a return, as he & Wheeler went crashing through the table set-up against the barricade. As Harwood had a leg-lock applied on Robinson, he crawled to a fire extinguisher and sprayed Harwood to get free. Left Hand of God and Juice is Loose followed, as Robinson made the cover, but Stokely attacked referee Paul Turner. Stokely tried to use the chair on Robinson, who easily blocked the shot and Stokely ran for his life saying he’s not part of the match. Repeated chair shots to Harwood & a returning Wheeler, but Stokely again got involved, trying to get the chair away. After a tug-of-war, Robinson sent Stokely off the apron and supposed to go through the table, but he missed almost all of it and landed hard outside. Low Blow by Harwood, as Robinson turned into Shatter Machine, but Gunn broke the count. Fame-Asser missed by Gunn, as Harwood hit a Piledriver on the trash can, but Gunn kicked out. FTR quickly hit a Spike Piledriver, rolled through, placed a Tag Title down and hit another, busting Gunn open, getting the win.

Match Result: FTR defeated Bang Bang Gang to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Harwood pinned Gunn

Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron) vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone & ROH Women’s Champion Athena for the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles

(Lot of moving parts down the stretch and while not everything landed completely, I think this turned into a very entertaining match and title defense for the new champs. Cameron & Nightingale continue to find their groove and develop into a solid team and good choice for first Tag Champions. The collapse of Ultimo Mone continues, this time, perhaps creating a new enemy in the ROH Forever Champion.)

Mone with the cheap shot on Cameron at the bell, but Nightingale was there with a series of corner clothesline and slingshot into a Cameron kitchen sink. Athena & Mone side-stepped two enzugiris and connecting on sliding attacks before sending both Cameron & Nightingale outside. Nightingale avoided a Meteora and hit a powerbomb on the apron, but was wiped out by an Athena dive. Cameron tried a cross body off the apron, was caught by Athena, only for Nightingale to hit a running tackle of her own. Back inside, Athena begged off on Cameron, but it was a way for Mone to get a blindside and a Lungblower/Backstabber combo for two. Cameron was isolated until a DDT on Athena led to a double down and chance for Nightingale to make the hot tag and run wild. Blind tag by Athena, as Nightingale planted Mone with a spinebuster. Head scissors from Nightingale, but Athena landed on her feet and used the momentum to hit a wildly impressive spinning double knees for two.

Athena played to the crowd, resulting in Nightingale launching her with a Pounce. Cameron & tags in, running wild with clotheslines and just enough of a Sling Blade. Mone cut Cameron off in the corner, but as she & Athena got up with her, Nightingale wiped both challengers out with a powerbomb. Cameron connected on a cross body and double crucifix on Athena & Mone before tagging Nightingale back in. Sole Food/Spinning Back Drop combo connected, but Mone made the save. Nightingale tried to slingshot Athena, who turned it into an O-Face on Cameron. Backstabber into the Statement Maker on Nightingale, but as Mone wrenched back, Nightingale powered into a DVD. Athena tried to break the count, but collided with her own partner, as Mone got up, missed Nightingale and decked Athena. Nightingale squashed both in the corner with splashes and clotheslines before going up top, only to be cut-off. Athena used Mone to deliver a Superplex/Powerbomb combo before an assisted Gory Bomb, but Cameron broke the count, leading to a double cross body attempt from Cameron & Athena for the match reset.

Athena fired off a series of kicks, but Cameron answered with Her Finishing Move. Mone was up and dropped Cameron with a Mone Maker, tried the same on Nightingale, who countered into a roll-up for the flash pin.

Match Result: Babes of Wrath defeated Mercedes Mone & Athena to retain the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles when Nightingale pinned Mone

Darby Allin vs. Gabe Kidd

(The way these two were bleeding buckets, you would’ve thought there had been weapons galore, but there weren’t. I hope there isn’t another 4 months wait between Kidd matches, as he could certainly be a permanent player on the AEW roster. Despite only appearing sporatically, he’s always knocked it out of the park in AEW in my opinion. Allin, continues to be one of the best babyfaces in wrestling and hopefully 2026 can finally be the time where he holds the AEW World Title, it’s been long overdue.)

What can only be described as an art house video played before the match showing the history he’s had with Kidd and ending with the words on the screen reading “I’ll Remember You as You Were, Not as What You’ll Become.” Kidd had a Death Riders entrance from the crowd and violently threw Allin from the ring to the floor, clipping Allin’s head on the apron in the process. Kidd took too long to follow-up, giving Allin a chance to recover enough to fly with a dive and slam Kidd’s head repeatedly into the barricade. Allin broke the count, but even that delay allowed Kidd to shoot a double leg and tackle Allin over the time keepers area. Kidd placed Allin under the ring steps and hit a slingshot, causing part of the steps to fly up in the air and come back down onto Allin’s face. To no one’s surprise, this busted Allin opened badly back inside. Allin was brought up to the apron and Kidd full steam launched him head first into the ring post, causing Allin to do a 360 spin into the camera man.

Allin ducked a chair shot and dropkicked it into Kidd’s face, causing a gusher as well. Allin bit at the bloody head before placing Kidd on a chair and successfully connecting on a missile dropkick from the top. Back inside, Kidd launched Allin clear across the ring with a shotgun dropkick and wanted an Avalanche Piledriver, but Allin bit at the face, raked the back and hit an Avalanche Code Red for two. Allin quickly went up top and hit a Coffin Drop, but Kidd wisely rolled outside. Allin again went up top and landed another Coffin Drop, this time to the floor, crushing Kidd. There are puddles of blood on the floor, as back inside, Kidd kicked out of a pin, but landed right into a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin applied a Scorpion Death Lock as we get a Stone Cold Wrestlemania 13 visual of a bleeding Kidd, until Allin slumped forward and broke the hold. Kidd recovered, battering ram headbutt and bounce back lariat that took Allin’s head off followed by a jumping piledriver for two. Kidd goes to apply a sleeper, but Allin kicked through and got a flash pin. Nigel McGuinness correctly said Allin didn’t win the match more so survived it. Referee Rick Knox had to help Allin to his feet and up the ramp, as Kidd looked furious.

Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Gabe Kidd

TNT Champion Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Timeless Toni Storm vs. Death Riders (CMLL World Champion Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir) in a Mixed Nuts Mayhem Match

(This was as much chaotic fun as you could have in a match, with the heels running wild early, but the babyfaces ramping up down the stretch got the crowd really going. The men/women interactions were done really well, as we got a Castagnoli Giant Swing, Yuta & Garcia getting beat up and our brief interaction with Strong & Shafir, who, even though I still don’t think we’ve been told they’re married on AEW TV, it’s a pretty bad kept secret, as the entire crowd knew. I loved the involvement of Storm & Cassidy and would love to see them involved in more hijinks heading into the new year.)

Tornado Tag rules, no tags needed, but pin or submission must happen in the ring. I’m glad they told us that this time, as everyone started brawling to start the match, until Yuta grabbed Storm from Shafir and tossed her outside. This got loud “F You Yuta” chants I’m sure he would’ve gotten anyway. Briscoe promptly kicked his ass, pleasing the crowd, until a dive wiped out Garcia. Strong laid out Yuta with an Angle Slam, but Castagnoli was there with a receipt for Strong, who knocked him out of the C2. Cassidy & Garcia faced off in the ring, where Cassidy mocked Garcia’s dance, so Garcia slapped on multiple submissions until a Stundog Millionaire by Cassidy connected. Single punch in the corner from Cassidy amped the crowd, as Shafir came in and both put their hands in their pockets. Shafir fired off kicks, swept the leg, Cassidy kipped up, low bridged her to the floor, as Yuta attacked Cassidy from behind.

The following few minutes saw all the Death Riders gang up on Cassidy, Strong & Briscoe one at a time, with locomotion corner strikes and flipping the crowd off. Finally, for the first time since the start of the match, Storm returned and went after Shafir, who tried a kimura, which Storm countered with a hip attack off the apron to the floor. Castagnoli grabbed Storm by the hair, but Briscoe made the save and he & Storm mowed Castagnoli down with a double shoulder tackle. Storm sent Briscoe to the outside with a dive on Yuta, as Garcia tried to go after Storm, but Cassidy made the save. It takes two to tango, as Cassidy & Storm spun one another around, took out Garcia & Yuta, before Storm dipped Cassidy. Shafir put a stop to this and missed Sweet Cheek Music, as Castagnoli sprinted in and thankfully missed a wild uppercut.

Spinning DDT from Cassidy onto Castagnoli, as Briscoe flew off the top with a Froggy Bow for two, as Yuta & Garcia broke it up. Cassidy tried to make the save, but suffered the same fate. Storm returned, faced off with both, sending them into one another, release Germans on both Garcia & Yuta until Shafir returned, boxed the ears, but Storm got a Big Package for two. Castagnoli broke it up, placed Storm in the corner, so Storm slapped him in the face and hit a Tornado DDT, but Castagnoli popped up and delivered a Giant Swing on Storm. Strong sent Castagnoli pakcing with a big knee, leaving Strong & Shafir facing off with the crowd popping. Shafir punted him in the face, but Strong chopped her in the back. Cassidy hit an Orange Punch on Garcia, as Storm followed with Storm Zero. Yuta ate another Orange Punch, as Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music, with Briscoe returning and hitting a Jay Driller to get the win.

Post-match, Babes of Wrath came in to celebrate with The Conglomeration & Storm, who danced around with Cassidy. Mina Shirakawa & Luther came to the ring, as Storm laid a smooch on her lady before spinning her around. Cassidy wanted in on it, so Storm spun him around as well. Excalibur asked if we’re witnessing the birth of a throuple?

Match Result: Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Timeless Toni Storm defeated Death Riders when Briscoe pinned Yuta

-Lexy Nair is backstage outside of Mercedes Mone’s locker room, as Mone stormed by her and screamed her head off, crying. She calmed down and came back out to Nair, saying she was now ready. Nair said the end of 2025 hasn’t been good to her, which Mone was insulted by, rattling off her accomplishments. Mone said at New Year’s Smash on Dynamite, she’s going to beat Willow Nightingale’s “F*cking Ass” (not bleeped).

Kris Statlander vs. Jamie Hayter for the AEW Women’s World Title

(Definition of back-and-forth battle, with both ladies throwing bombs and as the match continued, the crowd ramped up and couldn’t decide who to full get behind. These two beat the hell out of one another and I’m not sure what’s next for either, but hopefully Hayter remains in the title picture, she looked great, even in defeat.)

Both tried early finishers, with the other dodging until Hayter got the shoulder tackle to stand tall, but Statlander was there to deliver one of her own. Both nodded in agreement to try again, as they collided, kipped up and faced off once more. Statlander caught Hayter between the ropes and hit a step-up leg drop, sending the challenger to the floor. Statlander tried her swinging moonsault, Hayter dodged, Statlander landed on her feet, but recovered enough to send Hayter into the steps. Back inside, a back suplex into a Vader Bomb by Statlander, who remained in the driver seat with the crowd dueling chants. Hayter battled back, clotheslining Statlander to the floor, but her feet were swept out, slammed into the commentary table and barricade. While on the Spanish Announce Table, Hayter connected with a missile dropkick perfectly, folding Statlander up. Taking her back in the ring, Hayter hit another missile dropkick for a near fall.

Statlander responded with a Snapmare Driver and cradle sit-out slam for a two of her own. Both ladies slug it out, with Hayter winning the exchange, as Statlander crawled to the apron to try and recover. Hayter won’t let up, as she drags Statlander up and hits an Avalanche Exploder for a near fall. Statlander floated over a lariat into a nice Package Piledriver to get a close two. Going up top, Statlander was cut-off by Hayter, only this time, Statlander slipped through, but Hayter punched out briefly. Statlander re-joined Hayter up top where she planted Hayter with a spinning Avalanche Fisherman’s Driver. Statlander wanted Hayter-ade, but Hayter dropped Statlander on her head with a suplex before following up with a Shining Wizard for two. Hayter signaled for the finish, wanted Hayter-adde, but Statlander Matrix’d out, only to eat a thrust kick. Statlander hit an enzugiri, but Hayter was there with a Hayt-breaker. Statlander still didn’t go down, as Hayter hit a suplex and a match reset.

Both ladies trade heavy shots, until Statlander slapped Hayter, pissing the challenger off, as Statlander hits Hayter-ade, only Hayter responded with Saturday Night Fever for another double down. Champion & Challenger pull themselves up and both swing for the fences, Hayter connecting first, but as Hayter went for the finish, Statlander countered into Saturday Night Fever for the win.

Match Result: Kris Statlander defeated Jamie Hayter to retain the AEW Women’s World Title

-Don Callis is backstage with Kazuchika Okada, saying it all comes down to this, forget about everything else. We’ve never seen Mox vs. Okada before and with all the talk of Unified Championship, when Okada wins tonight, he’ll remain the Unified Champion, as he’ll go back-to-back Continental Classic wins. Callis said a few weeks ago, Moxley tried to intimidate him, so a New Years Resolution is revenge on those who wronged him, so nothing sounds better than Okada standing over him. Callis said he plays the long game, every day the last 3 and a half years he’s had to look at what Moxley did to him with the scar on his head. Okada said Moxley has accomplished so much, but never beaten Okada, the greatest tournament wrestler of all time, bitch.

-Jon Moxley was backstage earlier and said for years he’s heard about The Rainmaker being the top of the food chain. The C2 is a beautiful thing, win, lose or draw, it’s about passion, it’s what you dream about, showing the world what you’ve given your life to. The C2 is a hill worth dying on and told Okada he’s going to have to kill him.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Jon Moxley in the Continental Classic Finals for the AEW Continental Title

(Hell of a way to cap off a spectacular Continental Classic, as this slowly built up to one great finish. Perhaps a surprising result to some, but I’m interested in seeing where Death Riders & Don Callis Family go from here. Perhaps this was a catalyst to the two factions feuding, which would be something certainly different in the new year. The post-match fired up promo from Jon Moxley is one that one a very few can deliver with such intensity, he continues to show why he’s the backbone of this company.)

Okada wanted a handshake, but Moxley flipped him off, as the crowd started chanting Green Bay Sucks (since the Packers just lost and Bears clinched the division for those who were wondering). Okada got one shot in on the leg, forcing Moxley to go outside and regroup. Both have an intense face-off back inside, but Okada picked the ankle, zoning in on the bad leg. While placed in the corner, Okada hit his dropkick, but instead of tumbling immediately outside, Moxley’s leg got caught in the ropes. Quickly out after, Okada spiked Moxley with a DDT and continues his slow assault by dropping Moxley knee first onto the steps. Moxley tried firing up with chops, but all it took was one boot to the leg to regain control back inside.

Okada sank in a leg-lock, as Moxley headbutt his way out of it, but Okada recovers quickly enough to hit a sliding dropkick and back elbow that saw Moxley just crumble. Slingshot senton followed by the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker, as Okada slowly made the cover for two. Zero elevation elbow drop led to a smiling Okada flipping off the crowd, until Moxley grabbed the finger, swung and decked Okada with a lariat. Okada tried another dropkick in response, but Moxley put on the brakes and sank in a Figure Four, but Okada got the ropes. Moxley tried to pump himself up, but the delay allowed multiple Dragon Screws from Okada, as Danielson brought up Hiroshi Tanahashi, the master of the move. Okada applied a Cloverleaf, but just made the ropes. Hard forearm exchange that Okada initially won, but Moxley avoided another Air Raid Crash, this time into a Gotch Style Piledriver for two.

Moxley wanted a Paradigm Shift, but Okada spun out, tried to send Moxley into the ref, who put on the brakes, as the ref covered up. Okada punted Moxley low and hit a Rainmaker, but Moxley kicked out. Okada went outside and grabbed the Continental Title, bringing it in the ring, but Stephon Smith caught him, taking the title out. The distraction gave Moxley a chance to return the favor with a low blow of his own, allowing a reset and Moxley recover. Another forearm exchange, as Moxley switched to jabs, but ran right into a signature Okada dropkick. Moxley stood right up, as Okada got a backslide, wrist control, Rainmaker. Holding on, Moxley kicked out of a second one into Paradigm Shift, but Okada kicked out, so it’s back to the Bulldog Choke in a Rear Naked Choke. Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Moxley ducked into a Rainmaker of his own followed by another Paradigm Shift, but Okada out at one. Curb Stomp from Moxley, as the crowd gets really going for him, as he spiked Okada with a Death Rider and got the pin.

Post-match, Death Riders hit the ring, as they all hug Moxley and hand him the Continental Title. Tony Schiavone is also in the ring, as Castagnoli puts the belt around Moxley’s waist. Schiavone puts over Moxley’s accomplishments, as Moxley said to hell with all that, this title doesn’t belong to him, it belongs to everybody in this Continental Classic that busted their ass and fans who support professional wrestling. They owe it to them to give everything they have, every time they step into the ring, he owes it to his teammates, they are the hardest working professional athletes in the world. Moxley doesn’t just mean everyone in the ring with him, but everyone in AEW who shows up every f*cking day and they will continue to do so, as there is no other organization like All Elite Wrestling. They give 100% every damn time, as it’s what the fans and this job deserves.

Excalibur brought up this time a year ago, maybe this title is what Jon Moxley needed. Bryan Danielson said it’s hard for him to take Moxley at face value, but maybe he did what he did to truly change AEW like he promised.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the Continental Classic and the AEW Continental Title

Samoa Joe vs. Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. MJF for the AEW Men’s World Title

(An action-packed main event on a night filled with some damn fine wrestling. Everyone looked good in this one, getting off plenty of offense and after a long night, the crowd was still into it even down the stretch. You could really question why move the title off Page if Joe was going to have such a short reign, but having MJF hold this over Page’s head before they inevitably have a singles match for the title, makes sense. You have Bandido getting a shot in a few weeks, Strickland, Page, Joe, even Darby Allin, Jon Moxley, all could be in the World Title picture and I’m looking forward to seeing who MJF has to face in his second reign.)

Page & Joe and Strickland & MJF pair off early, as Joe was sent outside, while MJF tried to cheap shot Page, only to take a fall away slam and sent to the apron. Springboard lariat caught MJF, as Joe returned and walloped Page with a chop and enzugiri. Running boot to the face of Page as MJF was sent to the floor as well until Strickland targets the taped up elbow of Joe with a pump kick. MJF hit a Griddy to mock Strickland and did his running start pelvic thrust into the face of Strickland, who popped up and delivered uppercuts aplenty before a diving uppercut led to a Strickland Griddy and thrust into MJF’s face. Strickland followed with a Fosbury Flop outside to MJF, but Joe wiped both out with a Tope. Page flew into the camera shot with an Orihara Moonsault, overshooting Strickland & Joe, but clipping MJF and holding his jaw.

Back inside, MJF wanted a Heatseeker on Strickland, who avoided, side-stepped MJF and hit a springboard Swerve Stomp off the apron to the outside. Page delivered a Buckshot off the back of Strickland to take out Joe, leaving Page & Strickland to face-off and the fans go nuts. Slugfest ensues, each getting in some bombs before Strickland spun out in the ropes, Page floated over a powerbomb attempt into an O’Connor Roll for two. Page flipped out of the corner, wanted a Tombstone, Strickland reversed into Dead Eye. Page dodged House Call with a lariat and hit a Buckshot Lariat for two, which Joe broke up. Joe wanted a Muscle Buster, but Page saved Strickland at first, he wanted an Avalanche Fall Away, but Joe put a stop to it and powerbombed both onto a returning MJF. Joe made covers on everyone, but all kicked out at two.

Joe wanted a Muscle Buster on Strickland, who rolled out into a rolling Cutter on MJF. Up kick to Joe, as Strickland followed with a German Suplex. Page came in, Strickland slid underneath into a powerbomb slam for a near fall. Joe charged for a splash on Strickland in the corner, as Page sent MJF crashing outside yet again before planting Strickland with Angels Wings. Page teased a Buckshot, but opted to moonsault MJF off the apron. Buckshot attempt to Strickland was countered, but Page was still able to hit a pop-up powerbomb for two. Page missed a corner charge on MJF, who connected on his double stomp to the arm out of the corner, Water Wheel Drop to Strickland, chucking him into Joe in the corner. Page missed a Buckshot, MJF missed Heatseaker, but connected on the slingshot Cutter before sinking in Salt of the Earth right as Joe applied a Coquina Clutch on Strickland, forcing MJF to break his submission to stop the choke. Coquina Clutch applied to MJF, who wanted Salt of the Earth on Joe, a callback to Joe winning the title back in 2023, but Strickland flew in with a House Call. MJF rolled through Big Pressure into a roll-up and poked the eyes. Page & Strickland laid out MJF, while both kipped up to avoid a charging Joe, took him down before swinging at each other for the reset.

MJF flew in with a Destroyer out of the corner on Strickland for two, as Excalibur said it’s maybe a callback to Adam Cole and Better Than You Bay-Bay. Page connected on Dead Eye to MJF, teased Buckshot, but Joe decked him to the floor. Rolling DDT spiked Joe by Strickland, until The Opps appeared and attacked everyone not named Samoa Joe, who planted Page with a Muscle Buster, but Page kicked out. HOOK argued with referee Bryce, as Joe instructed Hobbs & Shibata to dispatch of Nana, but didn’t see Strickland fly off the top with a Swerve Stomp to both. Page waffled Joe with a right hand and turned to HOOK, but Joe sank in a Coquina Clutch. Strickland managed to Swerve Stomp over Page and catch Joe flush, as referees are forcing The Opps to go to the back, even though we were told them being out there was legal.

Joe went up to the corner with Strickland, who broke free with a powerbomb, was going for another Swerve Stomp, but MJF launched him off the top head first into the side of the announce desk. Page flew in with two Buckshots on Joe, but on the third, MJF shoved Joe out of the way, kicked Page low and hit a Heatseeker on Joe to win the match and title. Massive pyro went off in the post-match, as MJF said to cry about it all you want, he’s a generational talent, a two-time champion and he’s better than you and you f’n know it. Bryan Danielson reminds us how insufferable MJF was during his first reign, he can’t imagine what this will be like.

Match Result: MJF defeated Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland & Hangman Page to win the AEW Men’s World Title pinning Joe

AEW Worlds End live results: World title four-way, Continental Classic finals

Posted on December 28, 2024December 28, 2024 by Ryan Howard

The AEW World title is on the line in a four-way, plus the 2024 Continental Classic winner will be crowned tonight at Worlds End.

Jon Moxley defends the title against Orange Cassidy, former champion Hangman Page and Jay White.

The Continental Classic final will occur after two semifinal bouts: Kazuchika Okada vs. Ricochet and Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher. The C2 winner will also be crowned the AEW Continental Champion.

International Champion Konosuke Takeshita puts his title up for grabs against Powerhouse Hobbs, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Kris Statlander in a rematch from Full Gear, and Mariah May defends her Women’s World Championship against Thunder Rosa in a Tijuana street fight.

MJF faces Adam Cole on the show with the former’s Dynamite diamond ring at stake.

Three matches are set for the Zero Hour pre-show: Toni Storm vs. Leila Grey, Jeff Jarrett vs. QT Marshall, and The Outrunners & Top Flight vs. Murder Machines, Action Andretti & Lio Rush in an eight-man tag.

**********

Zero Hour

The WrestleAunts, Renee Paquette & RJ City, alongside Daddy Magic Matt Menard welcome us to Zero Hour and run down tonight’s card. Mark Sterling joins the crew to go over the Continental Classic. Sterling, Paquette & RJ all choose Fletcher over Ospreay, while Paquette questions if we’ve seen the New Japan version of Kazuchika Okada in AEW? They all agree that they have not, as Menard hilariously said Ricochet doesn’t know who he is right now while he’s out “playing grab ass with the boys and MVP.” Everyone but Sterling picks Okada to advance.

A monster truck blaring Mercedes Mone’s theme pulls into the backstage area and Mone steps out with her TBS and NJPW Strong Women’s Titles and she does her signature line. The panel is joined by Madison Rayne to go over the women’s matches for the evening. Rayne mentioned Statlander defeating Jade Cargill and having her number.

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Leila Grey and asks her about her Zero Hour debut against “newcomer” Toni Storm. Grey said she’s spent the last few months training at the New Japan Dojo to hone her skills and no longer will she sit on the sidelines. With all due respect, she’s going to beat Storm into oblivion, get it, got it, good.

Toni Storm defeated Leila Grey

Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness are on the call, as things start with the battle of the “rookies” on Zero Hour. Schiavone said Storm is mixed up right now, while McGuinness has completely bought in and went over Storm’s accomplishments in Japan. Early misdirect dropkick and backbreaker put Storm in control for a series of near falls. Grey responded with a somersault neckbreaker but Storm battled back in a striking battle. Grey cut her off with a cutter that was floated over into a Dragon Sleeper, but Storm got the ropes.

Storm exploded out of the corner with a Thesz Press, as she briefly had a flashback doing her old Timeless pose, but corrected herself and did the rock n’ roll pose before connecting with Sweet Cheek Music. Grey spun out of a ripcord and hit a Blockbuster, rattling herself in the process for two. Step-up corner knee from Grey, who tried rolling suplexes, but Storm caught an inside cradle for the flash pin. Storm acted shocked as she celebrated up the ramp.

-Lexy Nair is backstage with “The Big Doom” QT Marshall and put over Jeff Jarrett, but he’s not an innovator like himself. Marshall said he sold out the building last month and might have to change his address on account of all the people trying to get a glimpse. Marshall said Jarrett can’t accept his best years are behind him. Nair was left speechless, as Marshall said tonight will be viral and last forever and he took a selfie with Nair to end the segment.

Mark Briscoe & TNT Champion Daniel Garcia join the panel to break down the Continental Classic once again. Garcia choose Fletcher to win it all, while Briscoe disagrees and goes with Ospreay. Briscoe said for 2025, he smells gold and said since he got a win over Garcia in the C2, maybe he deserves a title shot? Garcia said he respects that and he deserves gold, just not the TNT Title. I really enjoyed this segment, as especially Briscoe was great giving his expertise on tonight’s matches.

Jeff Jarrett defeated QT Marshall

Marshall got early takedowns and mocked Jarrett with a series of poses afterwards. Jarrett responded by clotheslining Marshall to the floor and hitting the Fargo Strut to You Still Got It chants. Marshall escaped a sleeper with an uppercut off the second and handspring corkscrew kick for two. Jarrett got out of a sleeper with a back suplex into the double down. Jarrett fired up with a series of strikes and back drop before unleashing ten corner punches and an enzugiri for two. Marshall hit a throat chop, went up top, but Jarrett caught him and drove him down. Jarrett got the Sharpshooter, as Aaron Solo ran down, running distraction to allow Marshall to get a school boy for two. Both men up, as Marshall hit The Stroke for another close near fall. Marshall ordered Solo to get the guitar, but Jay Lethal appeared and brawled with Solo up the ramp. Jarrett nearly got an inside cradle and backslide for two until planting Marshall with The Stroke for the win.

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Toni Storm, who said there’s a first time for everything, this being her first PPV. It’s safe to say the AEW is officially Toni Time. Deonna Purrazzo walks in and mockingly introduces herself before challenging Storm to a match on Collision for “the first time ever.” Storm said she’s wanted this match for forever and thanks her for the opportunity.

Murder Machines (Brian Cage & Lance Archer w/Don Callis), Lio Rush & Action Andretti defeated The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) & Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin w/Leila Grey)

Darius got a fast start on Archer, but was quickly stomped down and sent to Cage tagging in and double team. Andretti made a blind tag to anger Cage, as he & Rush had a scrap with Top Flight until Rush & Dante were left with a fast exchange. Archer stepped in the way to cut off a dive attempt, as we saw Private Party watching on backstage. Outrunners made fast tags and hit a double atomic drop on Rush & Andretti before wiping them both out. Magnum wanted an airplane spin, but Rush raked the eyes and Magnum found himself isolated.

Floyd finally was able to make the hot tag and run wild, bodyslamming Rush & Andretti multiple times and on top of one another. Unsuccessful in slamming Cage, until Magnum reappeared and The Outrunners hit a double suplex followed by a bodyslam on Archer. A quadruple Predator handshake with Top Flight. Cage turned Dante inside out with a lariat, but the Outrunners hit a double big boot, only to eat a double handspring kick from Rush & Andretti, who followed with double dives. The match broke down, as Cage & Archer unleashed power moves, including the choke/bomb on Dante, but was broke up. Archer went to make the pin attempt, but Rush flew in with a Frog Splash and stole the pin.

Post match, Private Party walked down the ramp and faced off with Rush & Andretti, who we’re told are the top contenders for the tag team titles.

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt & Satnam Singh. Lethal said to get Karen on the phone to celebrate when Jarrett was bickering with Dutt and said it’s not his decision. Jarrett said on Fight for the Fallen this Wednesday, Jarrett will make an announcement about his career. They all walk off questioning him to end the segment.

-A great video package for tonight’s show to Guns n’ Roses ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is shown.

AEW Worlds End

Will Ospreay defeated Kyle Fletcher in a Continental Classic League Semi-Final

(I can’t believe these two were able to rival their match from last month at Full Gear, but that’s exactly what they did. Ospreay bleeding early put him at a big-time disadvantage, but ultimately was able to pull out the incredible come from behind victory, thus robbing Fletcher of winning the C2. This was an excellent opener, one of the best AEW have had on any PPV and the fact that they’re only getting going is wild.)

Incredibly quick start, as they fire off a wild series of counters that I will not even attempt to try to rattle off, but just showed how well they know one another, until Fletcher took a powder. Both trade hard chops until a throat chop hit for Fletcher, only for Ospreay to duck a strike and send him outside. Fletcher sidestepped a dive, but Ospreay landed on the apron and hit a perfect somersault plancha. Fletcher caught a hurricanrana and planted Ospreay with a powerbomb onto the apron before lawn darting Ospreay into the barricade. Fletcher ripped up an Ospreay Better sign, but the fan was ready with an Ospreay Still Better sign. Ospreay comes up bleeding a gusher as back in the ring, Kawada Kicks from Fletcher that look even more gnarly due to the white boots. Fletcher wiped the blood off his kick pads and licked it, which got the appropriate “You Sick F*ck” chants. Ospreay tried to fight back, but again Fletcher lawn darted him into the corner for two. Ospreay is bleeding buckets, as Fletcher was taking his time, but too long, as Ospreay exploded up with a lariat. Starting to build momentum, Ospreay hit a big boot and standing Sky Twister Press for two. Stundog Millionaire connected, but as Ospreay signaled for the Oscutter, Fletcher hit the Half and Half. Fletcher delayed too long, as Ospreay fired off a Spanish Fly for two and the reset.

Kawada Kicks for Ospreay’s receipt, as he dares Fletcher to get up and fight, as both trade more loud chops. Fletcher tried a thrust kick, which Ospreay caught, hit a hook kick, both fly out of powerbomb attempts until Ospreay flew into an Oscutter for two in a great sequence. Fletcher countered Hidden Blade into a lariat of his own, but as he went for the finish, Ospreay managed a Poison Rana. Before Fletcher collapsed, he threw a desperation Hidden Blade into the double down. Both start trading brutal headbutts, until Fletcher flew for a headbutt, only to be superkicked out of mid-air. Fletcher tried a school boy and cheating using multiple ways, feet on the ropes, handful of tights, but was caught red handed. Fletcher shoved referee Paul Turner, who shoved back right into an Ospreay Hidden Blade for two. Fletcher pulled Turner into Ospreay, allowing him to hit a charging boot and Brainbuster for the closest nearfall of the match. Elevated Liger Bomb connects, but again Ospreay kicked out. Ospreay ate another corner kick to the back of the head, as Fletcher followed up with a proper one before trying a Brainbuster, which Ospreay popped out of into a snap hurricanrana, holding on into the Styles Clash for the win. As Ospreay celebrate up the ramp, he smeared a handprint on the tunnel before heading to the back.

Kazuchika Okada defeated Ricochet in a Continental Classic League Semi-Final

(A much slower pace than the opener, which shouldn’t be surprising, but they had their share of fast sequences throughout. For being a first-time singles meeting, I thought these two worked very well together. Ever since Ricochet was made to look like a dork by The Hurt Syndicate a few weeks ago, he’s completely leaned into the heel role and the crowd has reacted really strongly to it. The post-match tells you that Ricochet & Swerve Strickland are just getting started as I can’t wait to see the heel work Ricochet does in that feud in 2025.)

Crowd loudly behind Okada and all over Ricochet, as an early ear pull (since Ricochet has no hair) allowed Okada to escape from the corner. Ricochet fired off a series of fast offense, but opted to mock the crowd, allowing Okada to slide back in and hit a big boot. Okada did a hilarious misdirect spot where Ricochet was preparing for the strike, but once he lowered his guard, was paint brushed, which popped the crowd. Ricochet trapped Okada’s leg and pulled him into the ropes, crotching him, allowing for a Tope to hit, as Ricochet again trash talked the crowd. Springboard lariat got a near fall as the crowd sang “Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Hey, Hey, You’re Bald” as Ricochet slowed the pace considerably, keeping Okada grounded. Okada started no selling, as Ricochet did a wall walk, but ran right into a flapjack for the reset.

Okada spiked Ricochet with a DDT for two, but Ricochet answered with a Lionsault and running Shooting Star Press for a near fall of his own. Ricochet went up top, but rolled through a 450, as Okada hit the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker to regain control. Top rope elbow connects, as Okada did the Rainmaker flip off pose, but Ricochet spun out of the ripcord into a Benadryller attempt, which Okada blocked. After a series of counters, Okada fired off his dropkick, wanted a Tombstone, but Ricochet countered into a scary looking Vertigo for two. Up top he goes, Ricochet hit the Shooting Star Press for another two. Ricochet loaded up the Spirit Gun, but Okada ducked, they trade big time shots until another dropkick by Okada led to the double down. Okada went for a corner charge, but ate a pump knee, as Ricochet went for the Spirit Gun, but Okada ducked, hit Emerald Flowsion and a picture-perfect Rainmaker that turned Ricochet inside out for the win.

Post-match, Okada went to the back as toilet paper flew into the ring, until Swerve Strickland’s music hit and he came to the stage with a mic. Strickland congratulates Ricochet for making it just as far as he did last year in the Continental Classic, but Ricochet said he was going to win it. Being a man of his word, Strickland said if Ricochet blew it, he’d make him feel it, big. All Ricochet has done since coming to AEW is run his mouth. Ricochet talks a lot of mess, so Strickland is here to clean up the mess. Prince Nana struts out with a wagon full of toilet paper, tossing them to the crowd. Strickland said they want to help Ricochet have a clean slate for the next year. Strickland counts down and says Happy New Year, Trevor, as Ricochet is covered in toilet paper and furious.

-A bloody Will Ospreay was being checked on by the doctor backstage when Renee Paquette approached and said he’s wrestled Okada about 10 times and lost 8 of them, so asks the crowd to be behind him. He smacks himself in the head and said he’s been hit by a truck, but after he beats Okada, he’s going to Disneyworld and said in the immortal words of Tony Khan, “Let’s F*cking Go, lads!”

Mariah May defeated Thunder Rosa to retain the AEW Women’s Title in a Tijuana Street Fight

(This was fun for what it was, as Rosa really excels in these kinds of matches and she put up a good fight, but no way was May losing the title tonight. The finish kind of came out of nowhere and popped the crowd, as these two had a good battle, but there’s been better women’s weapons matches in AEW.)

Rosa hugged her father sitting ringside, as May taunted him with the Women’s Title. Rosa dove off the apron onto May to start the match, as sliding lariat back inside and senton got an early two. May swept out the legs and pounced, but missed the shotgun dropkick, allowing Rosa to hit an uppercut to the spine, but didn’t get enough of the follow-up dropkick for two. Rosa threw weapons into the ring, but took a crazy long time, like opting for a different trash can than the one she initially pulled out, as May crawled up the ramp and hit a DDT for two. May had a bottle of a tequila, took a swig and misted Rosa, who stumbled to her feet and tackled May through a table set up against the entrance tunnel. McGuinness on commentary said May was just filling her opponent with spirit in a great line. Rosa hesitated, allowing May to chuck a trash can at her, causing Rosa to tumble down the ramp. May approached, but Rosa waffled May with a bottle that shattered for two.

Back in the ring, Rosa grabbed a pinata she brought to the ring and dumped out thumbtacks, but as she went for her Fire Thunder Driver, May was able to escape into May Day on the tacks. Both ladies go to the floor, as May sent Rosa into the steps before knocking Rosa’s father’s hat off, ripped his cane away and mocked him. May wrapped barbed wire around her own leg, went to charge at Rosa, who moved and May crashed and burned. Rosa grabbed the cane, but barely tapped May with it, before setting a table up, launching off it with a dropkick. Despite being pin attempts on the floor, Rosa threw May back inside for the cover and near fall.

Rosa wrapped a chain around May’s throat and choked away, but let it go in order to set up a chair. As Rosa again went to choke May with the chain, May reached into the bag Rosa had brought and threw dirt (we’re told from the Tijuana Graveyard) into Rosa’s eyes. They spill onto the apron, where May hits Storm Zero off the apron through the table and got the pin.

MJF defeated Adam Cole for the Dynamite Diamond Ring

(For being a very flat story the last, well, year, the crowd were really into this match and only grew stronger throughout. The referee was made to look like a complete dork buying MJF’s shenanigans to get the Undisputed Kingdom ejected, but it got the job done, as the distraction was long enough for MJF to steal the win. I have no idea if this feud continues (I hope not, they all need a clean break), but if MJF wants any shot at revenge, he’s going to need numbers as Cole appears to have all his friends watching his back, at least for the time being.)

Mike Bennett & Matt Taven are standing ringside and are “protecting” the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Bell sounded, MJF immediately took a powder, but Cole was right out after with a pump kick. Cole wanted the Panama Sunrise, but again, MJF bailed, only to pull Cole face first into the steps. Crowd chanted “He’s Our Scumbag” but MJF yelled back if he needed their help, he’d ask, so Shut The F*ck Up! Cole is bleeding, as MJF does push-ups in the ring before pouncing, biting at the head before hitting a powerbomb onto the knee for two. MJF mocked going for a Panama Sunrise, but got superkicked out of mid-air for the reset.

Cole fired up, hit the backstabber and brainbuster on the knee for two. Taven & Bennett cheered Cole on, as he went for the Panama Sunrise again, but MJF side-stepped and Cole came up limping, so MJF chop blocked him. MJF zoned in on the previously injured ankle, as a corner whip resulted in Cole collapsing. MJF posted the leg before trashing talking Thunder Rosa’s father ringside, calling him Yosemite Sam. MJF opted to Fargo Strut and resulted in Cole pulling his legs in and posting MJF, busting him opened in the process. Both back in the ring, as Cole fired back with punches in bunches before hitting the Panama Sunrise and The Boom for two. Cole went for The Boom again, but MJF crumbled. As Cole trash talked, MJF dove for the chop block to regain control.

Both start slugging it out as MJF screamed he never cared about Cole, who fired off a superkick, but MJF swept out the legs and got the Figure Four. Cole flipped MJF off and rolled over, causing MJF to get the ropes. As the ref checked on Cole, MJF went for the ring, but Taven & Bennett stood in front, so MJF smacked the ring steps and cried foul. Referee Bryce actually bought this and ejected Bennett & Taven (who we were told by Cole a few weeks ago were approved by Tony Khan to stand guard), as MJF quickly grabbed the ring. MJF charged at Cole, who hit a superkick and put the ring on himself. Cole went to use it, but MJF hit a low blow and the Heatseeker for the tainted win.

Post-match, MJF grabbed a chair and placed it around the ankle of Cole. He was about to Pillmanize it until Roderick Strong returned and hit the ring. MJF bailed up the ramp, but Kyle O’Reilly appeared and ran MJF back to the ring. MJF was stuck and hit with a High/Low, as O’Reilly helped Cole up, hugged him and held MJF with Strong, as Cole popped him with the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Cole, Strong & O’Reilly hugged, as this initially got boos, but turned into cheers as Taven & Bennett returned to stand tall with Cole.

Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) defeated Powerhouse Hobbs to retain the AEW International Title

(This turned into one hell of a match and Hobbs’ best match of his career I’d argue. The crowd were clearly disappointed he lost, but he more than held his own and sold the knee injury incredibly well, especially with this being only his second singles match since returning in November. This was a superman performance from Hobbs and I’d be shocked if he didn’t win a title in 2025 in AEW.)

Callis joined commentary for this one and we immediately get “Meat” chants from the crowd as both slugged it out at the bell. Neither budge on initial shoulder blocks, but Hobbs launched Takeshita to the floor with one. Hobbs told Callis to watch as he drove Takeshita repeatedly onto the apron with slams. Takeshita went to the eyes, got the fireman’s carry and dropped Hobbs on his surgically repaired knee on the edge of the apron. Takeshita really zoned in on the knee back in the ring and helped when Hobbs wanted a suplex from the apron to the outside, but Takeshita reversed and suplexed Hobbs back inside. Hobbs was able to run through a lariat attempt and hit a cross-body block, as he was able to fire up with a series of corner clotheslines. Hobbs managed a running powerslam for a close two, as he clutched his knee on impact.

Both men slowly up, as Hobbs no sells a whip attempt, but Takeshita countered a powerslam into the Bastard Driver for two in an impressive power spot. Again, they slowly rise and trade standing clotheslines, with neither going down, so Takeshita opts for a stalling German suplex. Hobbs blocked the Power Drive Knee, but not the wild forearm. Takeshita charged, but ran right into a snap powerslam, as both went for a home run shot, with Hobbs hitting first and turning Takeshita inside out with a lariat for two. Takeshita floated over a spinebuster and chopped out the leg, leading to a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Hobbs was out at one and Callis stood up shocked. Hobbs hit another wild lariat for two, as he slowly went up top, but Takeshita cut him off, looked for a superplex, but both fell to the apron and Hobbs clutched his bad knee. Please Be Careful chants from the crowd, as they both go up the ropes and Takeshita gets his superplex and top rope senton before wanting a Power Drive Knee, only to run into the Spinebuster for two.

The straps are lowered by Hobbs, who fights through the pain, as Takeshita rolled to the apron. They climb the ropes again, as Takeshita raked the eyes, wanted his Avalanche Lariat, but Hobbs hit the Avalanche Powerslam instead for the double down. Hobbs took off his knee brace, but the delay allowed Takeshita to recover, hit a wind-up forearm, pump knee and front Guillotine until hitting the Raging Fire for the victory.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kazuchika Okada who said Will Ospreay is like his younger brother’s little brother. Ospreay is on another level, but not Okada’s level…bitch.

Mercedes Mone defeated Kris Statlander to retain the TBS Title

(Similar to last month, these two ladies knocked it out of the park. The crowd were with them from the very beginning and really wanted Statlander to win this, but to no avail. Mone has been on another level over the past few months and has really been showing why she’s the best in the game. Statlander, even in defeat, continues her string of fantastic PPV matches and should be praised as well, I’m glad she got her flowers from the fans in the post-match. I want round 3 between these two in 2025 for sure.)

Statlander showed the power game early, but Mone used her speed to try and counter. Unfortunately for Mone, Statlander was ready for the hurricanrana and cartwheeled out. The ladies had a face-off, as Mone pie-faced Statlander, sent her to the floor and hit a dropkick through the ropes. Mone hit a running knee against the barricade, but tried a cross-body off it, only to get caught and Statlander walked up the ropes and bodyslammed Mone to the apron. Back inside, Mone picked up the pace, hit a hurricanana pin attempt for two, but Statlander was right there with a snap powerslam, held on and hit a backbreaker for good measure. Both ladies took time fighting up the ropes until Mone slid out and hit a powerbomb onto the apron. Mone remained in control, hitting the running double knees in the corner for two. Statlander exploded out of the corner with a clothesline, but Mone floated over into a backstabber for a near fall.

Another backstabber from Mone, who held on into the submission, but Statlander used her strength to power out. Statlander, maintaining wrist control, hit a series of clotheslines before a charging corner knee led to Chaos Theory for two. Mone escaped an Oklahoma Stampede, but Statlander did connect with a spinning sit-out slam for a near fall. Mone was placed in the corner, where she blocked a corner charge with a flashy Tornado springing DDT for two. Siete Amigos from Mone, as the crowd only grew louder as she hit the seventh suplex. Mone went up top and hit the Frog Splash just enough, but Statlander kicked out. Both ladies traded a series of backslide counters until Statlander hit a perfect Package Piledriver for two.

Mone connected on a series of jawbreakers, but Statlander stayed on her feet and started the forearm exchange. Statlander looked for another rolling German, but Mone spilled through the ropes with Statlander holding on and both crashed hard. Mone was up and managed a Mone Maker and had this won by countout but broke it at 9. She trapped Statlander’s ankle between the ring frame and canvas and stomped down as Mone hit a Meteora off the apron before reigning down punches. Statlander had to untie her boot to free herself, catching a diving Mone with a F5 on the apron. Back inside, another F5 connected, but Mone got her shoulder up so slightly, fans thought it was three. Statlander tried climbing the ropes, but had her legs swept out and Mone hit a scary sit-out Tombstone on the edge of the ring. Mone started celebrating the countout, but Statlander rolled in at 9 to a really cool visual and loud Statlander chants.

Mone screamed why won’t you die, as she locked in the Statement Maker, but transitioned into a STF, but Statlander lunged for a rope break. Mone is shrieking in frustration as she trash talked, charged, but ate a big Statlander lariat, who wanted Saturday Night Fever, but Mone escaped. Both traded rolling pin attempts until Mone got a Seatbelt pin with the leg trapped to get the victory. Post-match, Mone seemingly gave a nod of respect to Statlander before celebrating up the ramp. Statlander got a loud ovation from the crowd as she made her way to the back.

Kazuchika Okada defeated Will Ospreay to win the 2024 Continental Classic and retain the Continental Title

(An incredible ending to a phenomenal tournament and you would expect nothing else from these two, who are really incapable of having anything other fantastic matches. The way these two are able to get the crowd to lose their minds is quite something and if this was somehow the first time you’ve seen Okada vs. Ospreay, take time to seek out their New Japan battles.)

Jim Ross joins commentary for the final two matches of the evening, as Ospreay’s head is heavily bandaged from the opener. Okada teased his signature clean rope break, but instead popped Ospreay with a forearm, as Ospreay answered with hard chops. Ospreay quickens the pace with a snap hurricanrana that sent Okada outside, where he was met with a slingshot dive. Ospreay tried to jump from the barricade, but Okada avoided and hit a DDT on the floor followed by a draping version off the apron. Ospreay slowly rolled back to the ring where he ate a third DDT for a near fall. Okada starts toying with Ospreay before planting him with a neckbreaker that caused Ospreay’s bandage to come off. Ospreay tried throwing chops, so Okada dug at the forehead, wanted another DDT, but Ospreay snapped off a suplex. Handspring corkscrew kick connects for Ospreay, as the crowd are on their feet as she hits Pip, Pip, Cheerio for two. Ospreay charged, but Okada connected on a flapjack before placing Ospreay in the corner, hit a dropkick and the knee wrenched back for Ospreay, who crumbled outside.

Okada wanted a Tombstone on the floor, but Ospreay hit a hook kick and Oscutter off the barricade. Okada beat the count at 9, but rolled right into an Ospreay springboard dropkick and follow-up Oscutter for two. Ospreay fired off Kawada Kicks, but as he went for Storm Breaker, Okada countered into the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker before hitting the top rope elbow. Rainmaker flip off pose as the John Woo dropkick launched Ospreay to the corner. Ospreay fought back with a running Shooting Star, but Okada got the knees up and hit his signature dropkick for two. Okada tried a leap frog, but Ospreay put on the brakes and caught him into a Styles Clash for a very close two. Okada responded with the Emerald Flowsion and Rainmaker flush, but Ospreay managed to kick-out. Okada is slowly taking his time, waiting for Ospreay to recover, ducking a wild shot with a high angle German suplex, wanting another Rainmaker, which Ospreay turned into a Spanish Fly for two.

Ospreay went for Hidden Blade, but Okada hit his dropkick, which Ospreay no sold, hit a hook kick, tried another Oscutter, but got dropkicked in mid-air. Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Ospreay ducked and hit a Rainmaker of his own before hitting Storm Breaker for the closest two of the match, leaving the crowd going nuts. Ospreay wanted a Tiger Driver, but Okada flipped out into another Rainmaker and with both down, maintained wrist control. Ospreay fought back with another hook kick, Okada ducked Hidden Blade, wanted Rainmaker, Ospreay flipped over, tried Storm Breaker, Okada escaped, got the wrist and hit a Rainmaker to win it in an incredible closing sequence (did you catch all of that?). This was absolutely unreal.

Post-match, Okada offered a handshake to Ospreay, who was helped to the back by doctors. They played Okada’s music briefly until Christopher Daniels came out to the stage to congratulate him on continuing his reign as Continental Champion. Daniels said normally this is when he’d walk down and present him the title, but he’s no longer an EVP for AEW, this man is.

Kenny Omega’s music hits and the crowd goes nuts. Omega takes the Continental Title down to the ring and hands it to Okada, who holds it up in the air. Omega gives a golf clap and leaves as Tony Schiavone questions how long it will take for Omega to get back into ring shape and I’m going to guess it’s January 5^th.

Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) defeated Orange Cassidy, Switchblade Jay White & Hangman Adam Page to retain the AEW World Title

(Exactly the kind of chaos you’d expect in a 4-way, as I was somewhat surprised at how early this ended, thus the finish really caught me off guard. I know Death Riders constantly help Moxley, but it was sort of overkill at the finish. I will say the crowd went wild when Shafir finally got her comeuppance in a spot I didn’t think people saw happening until it actually did. I’m not sure where the challengers go from here, as the post-match kind of made it clear who will be next in line for Moxley & his crew. Once thing is for sure, it looks like almost everyone is getting healthy at the right time for AEW heading into the new era, which is a huge positive.)

Bell sounds and immediately Page & White start bickering, so Moxley rolls outside where Cassidy met him with a dive to kick things off. All three take turns putting the boots to Moxley against the barricade until Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta appear and bail Moxley out. They brawl with Page & White, as Shafir attacks Cassidy in the crowd along with Moxley. Security is able to escort Castagnoli & Yuta away, as Cassidy is ringside and distracts Moxley with his hands in pockets, as White & Page reappear and all three slam Moxley through the announce table with a powerbomb. The truce is over, as Page attacks Cassidy & White, as it’s a 3-way back inside with Page getting the upper hand and near falls as we see Christian Cage & The Patriarchy watching from a suite, but see HOOK in another keeping his eye on them. Page hit charging boots on White & Cassidy against the barricade and sent Cassidy crashing into the steps before trying a superplex back inside, but Cassidy fought back with a Stundog Millionaire. White was in, Cassidy nearly hit another, but White countered into a Cutthroat Suplex. Pop-up hurricanrana on Page, who was sent outside, but Moxley appeared and sent White outside. Cassidy wound up for Orange Punch, but ran right into a Moxley cutter in mid-air. The back of Moxley’s head is bleeding bad from the table bump as he & Page have a back and forth until White & Cassidy return and they tease school boy attempts until Moxley levels White with a lariat until Cassidy hits a spinning DDT for a reset.

All four rise to their feet until Cassidy just collapses to the floor, leaving White, Page & Moxley to slug it out. Everyone hit home run shots, leaving Cassidy alone with Moxley, tried the spinning DDT, Moxley countered, tried Paradigm Shift, but Cassidy hit Beach Break. Page pulled the ref out from making the count and dropped Cassidy with a Buckshot Lariat and another on White. Moxley wanted a piledriver, but Page hit the Dead Eye. Page wanted a third Buckshot, but Yuta returned, ran distraction briefly, but unsuccessfully, as Yuta ate a boot, Page hit the Buckshot, but there was no ref. Paul Turner ran down, but wasn’t in time, as Cassidy tried a roll-up for two, but took a low blow by Page. White came back and hit multiple Blade Runners, but as he made the cover, Yuta dove on the referee to break the count. Shafir appeared behind White, who spun around and laid her out with Blade Runner to a massive pop. Yuta ran in and hit the Busiaku Knee on White, as Moxley was up and hit a Death Rider as Castagnoli threw the original ref, Bryce Remsberg into the ring to make the cover and the pin, as Moxley retained in a chaotic finish.

Post-match, Yuta launched Bryce to the outside, as Death Riders stood over White and were about to take him out with a chair until FTR’s music hits. They stop on the stage as the lights went out and the Rated FTR logo appears on the tron and the music for the returning Adam Copeland hits. He joins Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, as FTR fight off Castagnoli with a dive and Yuta with a Shatter Machine. Copeland & Moxley are left face-to-face until Moxley swings first, but Copeland ducks and hits a Spear. Christian Cage is furious up in the suite, as The Patriarchy bails as Copeland broke off a piece of a chair and locked Moxley in a Crossface with it. You Deserve It chants from the crowd, as Castagnoli pulled Moxley to safety. Copeland took the mic and called Moxley kid, saying that Rated FTR are going to take everything from them. Copeland & FTR stood tall as commentary puts over Fight for The Fallen this Wednesday on the MAX simulcast where a Trios Match is officially signed for Copeland & FTR’s hometown. They really drove home the simulcast on MAX to close the show.

AEW Worlds End live results: World title match, Continental Classic finals

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Ryan Howard

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.

Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated Dustin Rhodes

(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.