AEW heads to Glendale, Arizona, for Double or Nothing — the first time the show has been outside Las Vegas since 2021.
The event is headlined by Will Ospreay vs. Hangman Page and Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter in the finals of their respective Owen Hart Foundation tournaments. The winners will challenge for their divisions’ respective World titles at July’s All In.
Anarchy in the Arena returns with The Death Riders & The Young Bucks against Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, The Opps & Willow Nightingale.
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mina Shirakawa; AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Mike Bailey; and AEW Tag Team Champions Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin defend against Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara.
In a stretcher match, Ricochet takes on Mark Briscoe.
The card is rounded out by Paragon vs. The Don Callis Family in trios action; FTR vs. Nigel McGuinness & Daniel Garcia; and Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford vs. Anna Jay & Harley Cameron on the pre-show.
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The Buy In
The WrestleAunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City) & Jeff Jarrett welcome us to The Buy In and run down the card for tonight’s show and give well wishes and prayers to Jim Ross after his recent cancer announcement. They run down how to order the show tonight, which are as follows…
- In the US: Prime Video, YouTube, PPV.com. Fubo, Cable & Satellite and select Dave & Busters
- Canada: Prime Video
- UK: Prime Video
- International: YouTube, PPV.com, TrillerPPV
Prince Nana joins the crew, as RJ City mentions The Young Bucks are like corrupt mayors handing over the town to the outlaws leaving a lot of bodies in their paths. Nana showed off Swerve Strickland’s new shoes he’s rocking before doing his dance, saying he has faith in Strickland tonight.
Madison Rayne is up next to join the panel to discuss the women’s Owen Hart Foundation Finals, saying there’s a nervous energy backstage. It’s difficult for her to bet against Mercedes Mone, as RJ brings up Mone losing her New Japan Strong Women’s Title a few weeks ago to AZM as Mone was shown walking into the arena. They switched to Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa and Rayne mentioned Storm putting a nail in a former rival’s coffin, can she do it again? Once again, zero mention of Mariah May, but during the video package for the match, May was shown.
FTR vs. Nigel McGuinness & Daniel Garcia is brought up, as Daddy Magic joins the panel and Paquette immediately asks why McGuinness is teaming with Garcia and not Menard? Daddy Magic said it’s nothing personal, despite FTR making him bleed, as tonight McGuinness & Garcia will get the job done. Jeff Jarrett said FTR with a win tonight, will become the winningest team in AEW history.
An ambulance is shown outside, as we see paramedics (or poor schmucks as RJ City called them) bring a stretcher out and wheel it into the arena ahead of tonight’s Stretcher Match. Jeff Jarrett said this will be the sleeper match of the night between Ricochet & Mark Briscoe. Jarrett said Ricochet had a deer in the headlight look, while Briscoe looked insane, as RJ said Ricochet will absolutely have scissors on him, who are we kidding?
Lexy Nair is backstage and welcomes Ricochet, who said Nair is smarter than Renee Paquette & Tony Schiavone combined, which isn’t saying much. Ricochet explained rule #1 of the Stretcher Match, placing Briscoe on the stretcher and wheel him into the ambulance. Rule #2 is there are no rules, expect for rule #1. He did his cackle and walked away.
-An advertisement for Swerve Strickland’s new shoes and collaboration with Allen Iverson is shown. Reebok “Swerve” Answer, available May 28th via Champs Sports.
Harley Cameron & Anna Jay vs. Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford
(These ladies got a lot of time and had a fun opener to get the crowd going, as there were a lot in attendance already. Jay & Cameron worked well together as a duo, as once Cameron ramped up for the hot tag, they were behind the babyface duo going forward. I assume Bayne will get her win back eventually, but I’m happy we got a little bit of an upset to kick off the show.)
Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Taz on the call, as Bayne showed her power off early against Cameron. After regrouping, repeated knees to the midsection from Cameron, but Bayne drove her into the corner, allowing Ford to get in some cheap shots. Blind tag by Jay, who cracked Ford with a corner wheel kick and rolling Blockbuster before she laid down, as Cameron drove Ford’s face into Jay’s rear end, baffling Taz, who said he’s never seen that before. Enzugiri connects just enough by Cameron, as Jay follows with a snap dropkick for two. Ford tags Bayne, who powered Jay into the corner, but missed a charge. Jay hit a Stunner between the ropes, but she played to the crowd, not realizing Bayne no sold and back suplexed her into the ring. Locomotion corner strikes from Ford & Bayne, who hit an overhead suplex, as Jay remained isolated.
Jay finally was able to hit a neckbreaker out of the corner on Bayne, allowing Cameron to clean house off a hot tag. Multiple corner splashes, as Cameron turned a double suplex into a pendulum DDT on both Bayne & Ford for a near fall. Bayne cut off a double suplex attempt into a double German suplex, sending Jay & Cameron outside before launching her own partner over the top onto the pile. Back inside, Cameron hit a Satellite DDT on Bayne, Ford did her Matrix Stunner, as Jay answered with the Gory Bomb. Bayne flew in with a wild lariat for the reset. Bayne was cut off by Jay & Cameron in the corner, leading to a double superplex for two. Bayne recovered and mowed both down with a double clothesline before Ford went up top for a Doomsday Device, missed, as Cameron rolled through. Bayne was low bridged by Jay, as Cameron hit Her Finishing Move (which the camera missed), pinning Ford.
Match Result: Harley Cameron & Anna Jay defeated Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford when Cameron pinned Ford
-Alex Marvez is backstage with Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes, bringing up they’re all Day 1 guys and mentions how things have changed for Guevara since being involved in the first Dynamite match 6 years ago and Rhodes being in an all-time classic against his brother at the first Double or Nothing. Rhodes says if The Hurt Syndicate want to hurt them, bring it on, but it just won’t be enough.
-Lance Archer joins the panel to talk about the Don Callis Family vs. Paragon later tonight, but he doesn’t need to give his stablemates advice, they’re going to get work done. Archer is looking forward to catering tonight and a few drinks. I should point out a random light shown above RJ City’s head and his reaction was hysterical, but no one else on the panel noticed it. Nice pivot from Archer’s “Everybody Dies” catchphrase into his thoughts on Anarchy in the Arena saying it’s his kind of match. Archer finally puts over Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita as the future of this business.
-RJ City tells us Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter will open the PPV tonight. The Owen Hart Foundation Finals will open and close the show.
RPG Vice (Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero) & CRU (Action Andretti & Lio Rush) vs. ROH Champion Bandido, AR Fox & Los Titanes Del Aire (Komander & Hologram w/Alex Abrahantes)
(A wild action-packed party match to really set the stage for the night. Everyone had their chance to shine in this, but there was a scary spot involving Hologram & Andretti, who appeared to bust his face opened pretty badly as a result.)
CRU are wearing their puffy red jackets that make them look like spiky Koopa Shells. Heels attack before the bell and single out Bandido, who suffers locomotion corner splashes until dodging Romero, who had the tables turned and took a series of splashes of his own. Triple snap dropkick by the luchadores, as Romero was isolated with a double Shining Wizard by Komander & Hologram, a spinning suplex by Fox and stalling suplex attempt by Bandido, but was cut-off by Beretta. Bandido easily dispatched of Beretta and did a one-armed Gorilla Press on Romero onto his partner outside. CRU jump in and fire off fast offense, but just as quick, Komander & Hologram in with dropkicks to the floor. RPG cut-off a double dive attempt, leading to a successful low tope from Rush, but Andretti helped Rush hit a nasty suplex on the edge of the ring on Komander.
Bandido was worked over back in the ring by Beretta, but managed to hit a spinning cross body off the top and make the hot tag to Fox. Crowd was amped up, as Fox skinned the cat into a corner double stomp on Andretti and rolling Cutter on Rush. Andretti missed a slingshot, Fox connected on a slingshot senton and wild double dives on both sides of the ring before being mowed down by Beretta. Fox remained isolated, as RPG hit Strong Zero, but Bandido made the save. Hot tag finally made to Hologram, who hit a neckbreaker/DDT combo on CRU before Komander made a blind tag, rope walk into a springboard hurricanrana. Hologram tried a Collision Course, but didn’t get much of it and we got an awkward pin attempt on Andretti, who nose was busted opened badly.
The match breaks down, as Bandido & Komander did stereo moonsaults, while Hologram & Fox did dueling dives. Everyone was back inside, as the babyfaces all went to the top and hit 3 Shooting Star Presses with a 450 Splash by Fox, but only managed two. Bandido then had help with an assisted 21-Plex and got the pin on Andretti.
Match Result: Bandido, Komander, Hologram & AR Fox defeated Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, Lio Rush & Action Andretti when Bandido pinned Andretti
-The pre-show panel puts over the match, as RJ City called the Four Post Massacre, shades of Ready to Rumble, as Excalibur missed the call.
AEW Double or Nothing
Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter in the Finals of the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
(This was one hell of an opener and hands down the best match in the women’s tournament. The ending really came out of nowhere, as I’m sure there were a lot of people expecting Hayter to take this one. I’m not exactly sure where Hayter goes from here, not to mention when Mone will ever lose in AEW, but it’s at least not yet. Mone’s streak of incredible PPV matches continues in my book, as she now awaits the winner of Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa later tonight.)
Dueling chants from the crowd during the feeling out process, as Mone used her speed, while Hayter showed off the power game. Mone zones in on the back, as we’re again told by commentary the 15 month lay-off Hayter had due to back issues. Short lariats and pump kick launched Mone across the ring, as both ladies trade reversals until Mone got a Prawn Hold for two. Both exchange leg submission attempts, as Hayter got the Half Crab, but Mone rolled Hayter into the ropes, hit charging knees and Meteora as Hayter crashed hard on the floor. Back in the ring, Mone locks in a surfboard stretch before delivering a hard side suplex for two, as Mone has fully targeted the back. Backstabber into the Straightjacket Camel Clutch, which Taz said is damn near impossible to get out of. Hayter escaped in about 10 seconds, backing Mone to the corner with forearms, but Mone violently slammed her down by the hair into another Meteora out of the corner for two. Hayter exploded up with a shotgun dropkick, went to the corner, but had her legs swept out and her back smacked hard, her head also whiplashing.
Mone took time to do her dance, ultimately missing a corner double knees, as Hayter hit a back suplex before delivering a picture-perfect missile dropkick followed by a John Woo dropkick. Meteora of Hayter’s own, but Mone escaped a fireman’s carry into a Three Amigos. Mone took way too long to follow-up, allowing Hayter to cut her off in the corner for a superplex, held on, but Mone floated over into another Backstabber. Hayter avoided Mone Maker with a brutal thrust kick, Mone responded with a knee lift flush, only for Hayter to fire off a lariat into a double down in a great sequence leaving the crowd doing more dueling chants.
The ladies fight to the floor, where Hayter stumbled initially on the steps, but got enough to launch off into another lariat. Back inside, a pump kick got Hayter two, but once again, Mone floated over into three Backstabbers into the Statement Maker, but Hayter powered out. Mone Maker again avoided, as Hayter just drove Mone repeatedly into the corner, until Mone answered by slamming Hayter face first into the corner. Mone wanted an Avalanche Mone Maker, Hayter slid out, but Mone held on and hit a sit-out slam for two. Both ladies miss finisher attempts, Mone tried an O’Connor Roll, but Hayter countered into a Rear Naked Choke, Mone rolled through into a two count. Hayter tried a springboard lariat, but Mone dodged into the Statement Maker once more. Hayter escaped, powering up, Mone tried a crucifix, but Hayter hit a Hayt-Breaker and sliding lariat for the closest two of the match.
Mone dodged Hayter-ade three times, wanted a Tombstone, Hayter floated over and hit one of her own for two, but Mone somehow got a shoulder up by less than half an inch. Hayter wound up for a home run Hayter-ade, but Mone spun out and spiked Hayter with a DDT into a cradle for a flash pin. Mone immediately sprinted up the ramp to the trophy and Owen Hart title, as Hayter was left dejected.
Match Result: Mercedes Mone defeated Jamie Hayter to win the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
-Commentary brings up Jim Ross and wish him well after his recent cancer diagnosis and surgery. Excalibur puts over JR working and helping him as a commentator over the past six years, as Schiavone & Taz bring up JR being a mentor to both. They all want him back at the commentary table soon.
FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler w/Stokely Hathaway) vs. Daniel Garcia & Nigel McGuinness (w/Daddy Magic)
(I didn’t realize this match would get as much time as it did, but it was an excellent story told by both. Despite this being McGuinness’ third match back (four if you count the Casino Gauntlet), he more than held his own with FTR in this. Obviously FTR had to win this one if they’re going to continue to climb their way back to the Tag Team Titles, as they played the perfect heels in this. Harwood & Wheeler always seem like they’re having a lot more fun as the villains and that’s only furthered by the addition of Hathaway by their side.)
I should point out McGuinness unfortunately didn’t get his Oasis “F*ckin in the Bushes” theme like at All In last year. Garcia scrapped with Wheeler in a fast-opening sequence, leaving Garcia to do his dance and send Wheeler scrambling to his partner. Harwood demanded McGuinness to tag and Garcia obliged. Harwood faked a clean break in the corner and instead just punched McGuinness square in the jaw before firing off chops (McGuinness’ chest is already beat red). Thrust chops to the throat by McGuinness, who switched to uppercuts until Wheeler tried to make the save and suffered the same fate. Double arm wringers from Garcia & McGuinness, who scramble for dueling submissions, but FTR bail outside with Hathaway.
McGuinness did his corner handstand into a punt and clubbing blow combo on Wheeler for two. After one successful corner charge, Harwood saved his partner, leaving McGuiness to crash and burn outside. Harwood ate a stiff back elbow, but Wheeler saved his partner from a Tower of London and violently sent McGuinness repeatedly into the commentary table. Wheeler trash talked Tony Schiavone, as Hathaway screamed that he caused this. McGuinness tried his comeback lariat, but Wheeler cut him off and delivered a Tower of London off the apron. McGuinness remained isolated until he finally was able to hit the comeback lariat into the double down.
Garcia made the hot tag and ran wild, trapping both FTR in the corner the ten punches before sending Wheeler outside and flattening Harwood with a flying lariat. Nice series of reversals led to Garcia finally getting his back suplex for two, as the Dragon Tamer was applied, but Wheeler took Garcia’s head off with a lariat. McGuinness snapped Wheeler down by the shoulder, traded Tower of London attempts with Harwood before finally hitting it with a Garcia assist for two. Wheeler saved his partner from Shatter Machine, but both tried a comeback lariat, only to collide with each other. Dragon Tamer/London Dungeon applied, but Hathaway made enough of a save until Menard cut him off. McGuinness brought Wheeler over to Schiavone while in a submission, as Wheeler pleaded he was sorry to Mr. Schiavone. The match broke down around ringside, as Wheeler recovered and said his fingers were crossed and wasn’t sorry to Schiavone about sh*t.
Garcia hit two superplexes on Harwood back inside, but Wheeler saved his partner from the third and drove McGuinness off the apron. Harwood hit a twisting superplex on Garcia, as Wheeler flew off the top to complete the Power-Plex for two, as Taz pointed out Wheeler’s knee could be hurt after the landing. McGuinness tried Tower of London off the apron again, but FTR countered into Shatter Machine on the floor. Tony Schiavone left commentary to check on McGuinness, despite being trash talked by FTR & Hathaway. Garcia was left 2 on 1, battling back initially, only to be dropped by a Harwood piledriver for two. Spike Piledriver connected, but Garcia got his foot on the ropes. Sharpshooter applied, as Menard got up on the apron, but Wheeler dropped him with a right hand and Tope. Wheeler took out McGuinness again, as he & Hathaway kept yelling at Garcia to tap, but he eventually passed out.
Match Result: FTR defeated Daniel Garcia & Nigel McGuinness when Garcia passed out to Harwood’s Sharpshooter
Ricochet vs. Mark Briscoe in a Stretcher Match
(With Anarchy in the Arena later on tonight, I was not expecting this to be as violent and bloody as it was, but this was an all-out brawl. For being the first stretcher match in AEW history, it certainly set a blue print for what others will have to try and follow. Briscoe had the crowd behind him the entire way (per usual, it’s impossible to boo Mark Briscoe) and nearly pulled it off, but Ricochet had too many tricks up his sleeve and continues one of the best runs of his career since turning heel last year.)
The ambulance was backed into the arena, as there’s a stretcher ringside and also one next to the ambulance. Briscoe was attacked at the bell, but quickly turned the tide, dragging Ricochet to the ambulance, nearly placing him on the stretcher, but Ricochet ran like a cartoon character back to the ring. Briscoe drove a stretcher into the ribs, placed Ricochet onto it, teased a Cactus elbow off the apron, but Ricochet dodged into a pump knee flush. Briscoe set up on the stretcher, as Ricochet tried a Shooting Star off the apron, but crashed and burned. Briscoe successfully hit the Cactus elbow the second go around off the apron and again off the barricade. Chair chucked into Ricochet’s face, as Taz gives a shout-out to the late Sabu, suffering many of those in his career.
Briscoe brought out a bucket full of cleaning products, hooked Ricochet in a headlock and shined up the bald head of Ricochet, which completely broke Taz. Briscoe walloped Ricochet in the head with the bucket to the floor, as Briscoe did the Sabu pose, wanted a Triple Jump, but Ricochet launched a chair into his face. Briscoe battled back with an Exploder, but Ricochet got the cleaning spray and misted Briscoe in the eyes. Briscoe driven repeatedly face first into the exposed stretcher, busting him opened badly in the process. Ricochet pushed Briscoe on a stretcher back to the ambulance, nearly loaded him in, but Briscoe stuck a crutch out the door to save the match, then sprayed Ricochet with a fire extinguisher and brought back to the ring.
Briscoe is bleeding buckets, but still hit a Jay Driller before setting a table up ringside and delivering a massive Froggy Bow off the top through it. Both go up the ramp, where Briscoe wanted another Jay Driller, but Ricochet got a back drop. Briscoe recovered first and was in hot pursuit, but Ricochet stabbed Briscoe in the head with the golden scissors. He tried again, but Briscoe got a thrust chop and possession of the scissors. Ricochet went to the ambulance where he had a second pair of scissors, stabbed Briscoe in the head again, but Briscoe initially no sold, so Ricochet kicked him low, a third scissors shot, Spirit Gun connects before loading Briscoe on the stretcher inside the ambulance and closing the door.
Match Result: Ricochet defeated Mark Briscoe
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP & MJF) vs. ROH Tag Team Champions The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara for the AEW Tag Team Titles
(This was an ok match, but like many of the Hurt Syndicate matches, no one believed for a second they were losing. This had a lot of moving parts down the stretch and despite Rhodes & Guevara putting up a good fight, with MJF added to the fold, it’s going to take a hell of a lot to get the tag titles off Lashley & Benjamin, who are just unstoppable.)
Tony Schiavone rejoins commentary, informing us Nigel McGuinness believes he has some cracked ribs, but is in good spirits, despite the loss. A new graphic is shown for the Hurt Syndicate entrance, as MJF’s name is officially listed with the crew. The crowd is as loud as they’ve been all night chanting We Hurt People for the supposed heels, Lashley & Benjamin. Rhodes was almost immediately worked over in the corner and hit with rolling Benjamin German suplexes for two. Guevara tagged in, hitting his leap frog dropkick, but Benjamin recovered and also took him to Suplex City before tagging Lashley. Guevara dodged Spear into a pump knee, as he avoided a corner charge, only to run into a massive spinebuster. Guevara remained worked over, as MJF is jaw jacking with fans in the process. Lashley caught a Guevara float over from a powerslam position spinning into an impressive Dominator for two. Benjamin tagged in and tried a pop-up, but Guevara countered into a Cutter for a double down.
Rhodes made the hot tag and cleaned house with a snap powerslam and Code Red on Benjamin for two. Rhodes wanted his Unnatural Kick, as MJF took the ref, allowing Rhodes to hit the low kick to get a near fall. Lashley tumbled to the ring with Guevara, as Benjamin rolled through a Rhodes suplex attempt into an Ankle Lock. Guevara made the save with a snap hurricanrana, as Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes while Guevara took out Lashley with a Shooting Star off the post to the floor. Lashley ultimately recovered and launched Guevara clear across the floor, as Benjamin hit a top rope throw on Rhodes for two.
MJF again got up on the apron and tried to hand Benjamin the Dynamite Diamond Ring, saying this was taking too long, but Lashley put a stop to it. MVP calmed MJF down, as Guevara tried a springboard Cutter on Lashley, who side-stepped and hit a huge Spear, but Rhodes made the save. MVP took the ref, as MJF tried to use the ring again on Rhodes, but Lashley stopped him once more, only to smile and Spear Rhodes through the barricade. MJF hugs Lashley, as Guevara wanted a dive, but just narrowly cut off by Benjamin, who hit the step-up knee in the corner and thrust kick for the win.
Match Result: The Hurt Syndicate defeated The Sons of Texas to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Benjamin pinned Guevara
Kazuchika Okada vs. Speedball Mike Bailey for the AEW Continental Title
(You never really know which Okada you’re going to get, as we haven’t seen that New Japan Okada in AEW very much in his run so far. The second half of this match, I’d say that Okada showed up and Bailey had some great near falls. The final few minutes of this was fantastic and the accuracy Okada needed to pull off the finish was very impressive. This was another case where, despite not being actually pinned in AEW up to this point, I’m not sure many thought Bailey had a shot, but unlike the previous match, he got a lot of fans to bite at the false finishes down the stretch..)
Okada got pyro for his entrance and did his signature mind games clean break in the ropes to start. Bailey answered with a handspring into a snap hurricanrana, sending Okada to the floor, as he dodged a slingshot dive from Bailey, teased a DDT, but Bailey drove him into the steps. Bailey wound up for a home run kick, but Okada moved and Bailey kicked the steps. Okada thought he had time to recover, but Bailey had the kick pads on, rose into the Crane Kick position and booted Okada’s head off before following with a Triangle Moonsault. Back inside, rapid fire kicks were cut-off by an Okada dragon screw, as Okada followed with a flapjack and DDT on the floor, then another back in the ring for two.
Bailey tried chopping his way back into it, but a snapmare into a sprinting low dropkick sent Bailey to the floor. Baseball slide by Okada, who tried it again, but Bailey hopped up on the apron and hit a huge springboard moonsault. Okada rolled back into the ring right into a missile dropkick, as Bailey fired off stiff kicks and running Shooting Star for a near fall. Okada answered catching a charging Bailey in the corner with an Air Raid Crash on the knee and stalling top rope elbow that led to the Rainmaker Flip Off. Bailey nearly stole it off a roll-up, popped up and almost hit a thrust kick, but Okada did a Matrix into flipping Bailey off. Bailey lit up Okada with kicks, went to the top for a Shooting Star Press, but Okada got the knees up.
Dueling chants, as both trade forearms until Okada fired off a body shot. Bailey responded with a thrust kick, went for Time Adventure, Okada initially dodged, but Bailey threw a wild kick. Going up to the corner, Bailey wanted an Ultimate Weapon, but Okada dropkicked him off the ropes to the floor. Bailey avoided an apron Tombstone, swept the legs and hit his moonsault double knees. Back inside, Bailey hit a corner Time Adventure, but missed Ultimate Weapon, as Okada hit a shotgun dropkick. Bailey put on the brakes for an Okada dropkick and hit another double knee. Time Adventure attempted again, but Okada hit a dropkick in mid-air. Okada went for a Rainmaker, but Bailey finally hit Time Adventure, only for Okada to get his hand on the ropes, despite referee Rick Knox counting three, no one bought the count, as they all saw the rope break.
Bailey brought Okada up by the wrist and fired off kicks, but Okada answered with a series of lariats. Okada went for a Rainmaker, but Bailey wrapped him up into a straightjacket pin for a close near fall. Bailey went for Ultimate Weapon once again, but Okada managed to dropkick him in mid-air and hit a Rainmaker flush for an incredible finishing sequence.
Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Speedball Mike Bailey to retain the AEW Continental Title
Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) vs. Mina Shirakawa for the AEW Women’s Title
(By far and away Shirakawa’s best match in AEW so far, as I really enjoyed the story these two told, especially after Dynamite last week and Shirakawa going after the leg. The repeated attempts for the Figure Four played into the finish, so Shirakawa going back to it one too many times led to her downfall. I’d also call this one of Storm’s best title defenses as well, as both ladies worked incredibly well together. Similar to Hayter in the opener, I’m not sure where Shirakawa goes from here, especially with the Women’s Champion & TBS Champion on the same road to All In.)
Storm pranced to the ring wearing a mini top hat, as Excalibur brings up this isn’t the first time these two have faced each other and questions if the sequel will be different than the original. Taz brings up Luther is wearing cowboy boots and he’s simply baffled and wasn’t sure why he noticed that. Another match with dueling chants to start, as Shirakawa quickly zoned on the leg that she targeted last Wednesday night. Storm wiggled out of a head scissors and did a dance, offering a hand to bring Shirakawa, who thrusted her way into a pin attempt, catching Storm off guard for two. Thrust chop to the throat by Storm, as Shirakawa responded with a leg lock, slapping Storm, who got the ropes. Thesz Press fired off by Storm, but Shirakawa quickly dropkicked out the leg. Shirakawa tried a Figure Four on the post, but Storm pulled her face first into the post.
Back in the ring, Storm worked over Shirakawa with a Fisherman’s Suplex for two before trying to shake out her injured leg. Shirakawa answered with a Tornado DDT off the ropes, snap dropkick, rolling elbow and dragon screw combo, delivering another between the ropes. Luther tended to Storm ringside, stepping in front of her, only for Shirakawa to boot him and fire off a forearm, also giving one to Storm. Shirakawa managed an impressive Tornillo off the back of Luther onto Storm before wiping out Luther with a dive off the top. The distraction allowed Storm to recover enough to hit a DDT on the floor, but Shirakawa got another dragon screw back in the ring. Figure Four finally applied, but Storm quickly rolled to the ropes. Storm threw a desperation headbutt, but Shirakawa fired off a backfist before both collapsed into the reset.
Both slugged it out to their feet, as Shirakawa kept kicking out the leg, until Storm countered into a snap back suplex into multiple release Germans. Storm wanted Sweet Cheek Music, but her leg gave out, as Shirakawa dropkicked it out into a rolling elbow, tried again, but Storm hit a Sky High. Storm wanted another out of the corner, but Shirakawa countered into a hurricanrana into an Inverted Figure Four. Storm got the ropes, as Shirakawa went up top and hit the Sling Blade for two. Glamorous Driver MINA connected, but Storm again kicked out. Storm kicked free of a Figure Four and hit Sweet Cheek Music, but couldn’t get Storm Zero. Shirakawa rolled through Sky High into the Figure Four yet again, this time deep, but got the ropes. Shirakawa went back to it, but Storm hooked a Big Package, they trade pin attempts until Storm gets up, hit a headbutt and quick Storm Zero to retain.
Post-match, Storm helped Shirakawa up and planted a smooch on her, as Taz said it’s Phoenix, sometimes friends kiss. Shirakawa thanked Storm before leaving and we get an official match graphic for Storm vs. Mercedes Mone at All In for the Women’s Title.
Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Mina Shirakawa to retain the AEW Women’s Title
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir & The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) vs. AEW International Champion Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, Katsuyori Shibata & Willow Nightingale in Anarchy in the Arena
(Well, like most Anarchy in the Arena matches, I wrote a small novel in trying to cover just about everything that went down. I’ll give everyone credit, the creativity they continue to have for this match every year is just amazing. This had just about everything you could’ve asked for and then some. I’m surprised Team Strickland won the match, but we got some all timer moments that will undoubtedly be part of video packages for years going forward. From the music choices, the addition of Shafir & Nightingale being in such a big match and the finish, this was obviously a go out of your way type of spectacle match to see.)
Justin Roberts said aw sh*t, it’s about to be Anarchy, as Excalibur wondered why he put $20 in the swear jar earlier today. Strickland is dressed as Predator, as it’s time to go Buck hunting. Hobbs & Shibata made their entrance together without Joe, while Omega had a trash can lid with a Captain America design and Omega logo to go with his gear. Death Riders pulled up to the arena in their pickup truck, as Castagnoli & Yuta went one direction as Moxley & Shafir went the other. The Young Bucks entrance saw Justin Roberts read a Gettysburg Address in something that needs to be seen or heard to be believed. A fife played over the address, as he said evil shall not prosper as Matthew & Nicholas walk out dressed as founding fathers and Mount Rushmore (Matt Rushmore for PWG fans?) on the big screen. The match is on, as Omega & Strickland sprint up the ropes, as Samoa Joe appears behind Castagnoli in the crowd and out of the arena.
We have 4 split screens, as the fife music actually continues to play as the ladies have paired off with Shafir hitting a suplex on the barricade before flipping the crowd off. Omega orders the music to cut off and then I’m So Excited hits, Taz turns into Remix Jones, as Omega & Strickland do a little snap of their fingers before beating the hell out of everyone in the ring along with Shibata. The Bucks & Yuta are sent outside, as Omega took the mic while Shafir & Nightingale and Joe & Castagnoli keep fighting. Omega said how about some early 2000s alternative rock music and play that sh*t. Drowning Pool “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor” hits and this definitely isn’t ECWWE, it’s Anarchy in the Arena, as Strickland hit a Fosbury Flop onto a pile as Moxley & Hobbs brawl into the crowd. This is surreal, as the crowd is singing their hearts out.
Moxley is stabbing Hobbs with I think a pen, busting him open, as Omega politely asked a fan by the balcony for his seat to jump off of, but Yuta cut him off, teased a superplex, but Hobbs appeared and chucked Yuta off the balcony onto the pile. Omega used Hobbs as a launch pad off the balcony with a Golden Triangle moonsault, standing tall. Moxley caught Hobbs coming back into the ring, as he repeatedly stabbed Hobbs with the fork once again. Strickland drove Nicholas through a chair with a backbreaker, as Moxley brought a table into the ring, but took too long setting it up and Hobbs Speared Moxley through it. The Bucks continued their brawl with Strickland & Omega, who hit You Can’t Escape, while Strickland did his corner uppercut and hit the Griddy.
Shafir & Nightingale brawled to the parking lot, where Nightingale chucked bottles at Shafir, ultimately busting one across the head and slamming her on a table. Shibata & Yuta spill out close by, as Shibata tossed him in a trash can and rolled him repeatedly into the garage door before wrapping barbed wire around his leg and delivering a violent PK to Yuta’s chest. The Bucks dropped Strickland with a double DDT and mocked the Griddy, not realizing Omega was behind them, successfully waffling them with a trash can. They all take turns throwing trash can shots at one another until Strickland hit a rolling Flatliner on Matthew, Nicholas flew in with a Destroyer, which Strickland no sold into a House Call. Strickland leapt off the stage at Castagnoli, who hit an uppercut in mid-air before delivering a Giant Swing into a speaker. Hobbs sprinted in and Pounced Castagnoli clear into a stack of cases, as Matthew leapt off the stage for a dive. Joe is shown down, but there’s not a chance we see how it happened.
The music stops playing after about the fourth time, as Nightingale & Shafir (who is bleeding now) spill back down the ramp, where Shafir hits a Judo throws before wrapping a chain around the ring post while her ear piercing had a deadbolt lock through it, which is an insane visual (crowd is chanting Please Help Willow). Back in the ring, Omega wanted a Terminator Dive, but Nicholas cut him off with a superkick. Omega was hung up on the top, as Nicholas did a double stomp and Omega flew to the floor through a table. The Bucks delivered a running Tombstone off the apron, as Hobbs is brought up to the top of the ramp, where Nicholas sprinted off one of the big screens with a Swanton through a table. Joe was choked out with one of the Bucks’ flags, as Hobbs fights off a 3 on 1 attack initially, but as The Bucks signaled for an EVP Trigger, Prince Nana drove Strickland in on a fork lift and he did a Swerve Stomp off it onto The Bucks. Nana had a key and was able to get Nightingale free, as back in the ring, Hobbs dished out Spinebusters in droves.
Shafir & Castagnoli tried chair shots to the back of Hobbs, who turned no sold, leading to a double spinebuster with Nightingale. We get a four way Rear Naked Choke, as Strickland & Matthew went up top and hit stereo 450 Splashes to break Moxley & Joe’s chokes. Nicholas brought out a staple gun and stapled Hobbs, who laughed, so Nicholas stapled the side of his head, which pissed Hobbs off, so he sent him to Strickland, who got the staple gun and caught Nicholas, Moxley to the throat, casually popping Yuta with one and Castagnoli to the head. Matthew got another staple gun, but Strickland stapled him low and Schiavone felt sorry for his wife.
Shafir got a staple gun and actually stapled Strickland’s tongue until Nightingale sprinted in and hit Spears on everyone in her path until Moxley took her out with a Cutter. Omega was in with Snap Dragons all around, even to Shafir, who spat in Omega’s face as the place erupted. Superkick Party from The Bucks, even Nana and referee Rick Knox getting one. Nightingale took one as well, as The Bucks wanted a TK Driver, but Strickland launched Nicholas off the top through a table, as Nightingale turned the table on Matthew and her & Strickland hit a TK Driver for a close two that had the crowd lose their minds. Joe flattened Moxley with a Uranage, as Castagnoli was about to go after Joe with a chair when a hooded figure showed up and popped Castagnoli with a golf club, it was HOOK, who went to the back. Moxley was hooked in a Coquina Clutch by Joe, until Gabe Kidd showed up with the briefcase and took out Omega with a piledriver.
The Bucks were about to do an EVP Trigger, but Yuta put tacks in Omega’s mouth and The Bucks hit it. Giant Swing from Castagnoli into a dropkick by Yuta. Moxley slapped on the Bulldog Choke, but Joe made the save. Numbers were too much, as they all bring Joe out by the ambulance from earlier in the night when Mark Briscoe flips off the stage onto the pile and brawls with Kidd. Everyone in the match brawls into the ambulance until it’s just the Death Riders & Kidd trapped inside. Leaving The Opps & Nightingale standing as guards and The Bucks alone with Omega & Strickland. V-Trigger/House Call combo as Nana provides thumbtack covered Swerve Answers to Strickland. Almost simultaneously Omega hit a One Winged Angel on Matthew off the stage through a table that literally exploded, as Strickland did a Swerve Stomp with the tack covered shoes onto Nicholas for the win. Strickland looked into the camera and stuck his tongue out and you can see the staple Shafir gave him earlier, which is so wild.
Post-match, Team Strickland stands tall in the ring and on all four corners as jus the sight of Briscoe alone, still wildly bloody from earlier in the night, is a sight to see.
Match Result: Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Willow Nightingale & The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Powerhouse Hobbs) defeated Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir & The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) when Strickland pinned Nicholas
Paragon (TNT Champion Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) vs. The Don Callis Family (Kyle Fletcher, Konosuke Takeshita & Josh Alexander w/Don Callis & Lance Archer)
(Despite being some of the best wrestlers in the business, these 6 were stuck with the impossible task of following such a wild war. This was a very good match, but aside from the surprise appearance in the post-match by The Ace, the crowd was very tired. You can definitely see Kyle Fletcher getting a future TNT Title coming out of this and I wouldn’t be shocked if that happens at All In.)
Cole & Takeshita kicked things off for an equal back and forth, as O’Reilly & Alexander tagged in for much of the same before a diving knee off the second from Strong got a near fall. Alexander rushed Strong into his corner, as Fletcher tagged in, but quickly found himself lit up with Paragon kicks and fast tags. Strong was blindsided and picked apart by the Callis Family, as he was sent outside by Takeshita and swarmed by Fletcher & Alexander as Callis directed traffic, even getting in a cheap shot, selling his foot like crazy, thus having Taz hope he was seriously hurt. Strong tried to sprint to his corner, nearly got planted with a Blue Thunder Bomb, but broke free into a nice back breaker, but was cut-off by Alexander.
Cole made the hot tag and ran wild, pump kick to Alexander getting a near fall, as Archer took over Callis’ spot on commentary. O’Reilly flew off the apron onto Fletcher, as Ushigoroshi from Cole led to a combo of kicks and rolling elbow from O’Reilly into a cross-arm breaker, until both traded Ankle Locks. Inside cradle from O’Reilly got two, as both popped up, trade kicks into a double down. Cole made the tag, but found himself triple teamed in the corner, as an assisted corner powerbomb by Takeshita got a near fall, as Strong & O’Reilly made the save. Takeshita was taken out with a running O’Reilly dropkick off the apron, as Alexander ate a backbreaker on the barricade by Strong, as back inside, Paragon flattened Fletcher with a triple strike combo. The match really broke down, as O’Reilly saved Cole from a Fletcher brainbuster until Fletcher dodged a high kick, tried a powerbomb, but O’Reilly floated through into a Guillotine. This left O’Reilly as an open target, as Takeshita popped him with a hard right hand, leading to Fletcher powering into his brainbuster for the win.
Post-match, Archer & RPG Vice joined their crew by attacking Paragon and standing tall until out walks Brody King & Tomohiro Ishii and they wait as Hiroshi Tanahashi’s music hits and he joins the party. The fight is on and we get Holy Sh*t chants for Tanahashi, as Fletcher was last man standing, suffering a Sling Blade before Cole lowered The Boom.
Match Result: The Don Callis Family defeated Paragon when Fletcher pinned O’Reilly
-We’re told Kenny Omega will defend the AEW International Title at Fyter Fest June 4th in the 4-hour broadcast. The qualifying matches will be this week on Dynamite & Collision.
- Brody King vs. Josh Alexander (on Dynamite)
- Mascara Dorada vs. Hechicero (on Collision)
- Claudio Castagnoli vs. Komander (on Collision)
Will Ospreay vs. Hangman Adam Page in the Finals of the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
(An all timer of an AEW main event, as these two delivered the classic you would’ve hoped for and then some. Credit the crowd for getting their second wind after Anarchy in the Arena, as they bit on every false finish and high impact move throughout. The callbacks to their old rivals were a nice touch, as both were trying anything they could to win the match, even if the move wasn’t in their arsenal. This is certainly a Match of the Year candidate and a great way to end a really excellent PPV.)
An excellent pre-match video package for Page was shown as the shot zoomed in on his eyes saying “I Need This” before power walking to the ring with new pink and black gear fitting for the Owen Final, giving one last glance at the trophy. A piano version of Ospreay’s music plays as we hear audio of his promo cut last week talking about this isn’t about Page’s redemption, it’s about his ascension. Very even feeling out process, as Ospreay kipped up from a shoulder tackle and Page pulled him to the corner by the hair, realizing it was somewhat heelish, so pulled back. Page avoided a monkey flip, catches a springing Ospreay, tried a German suplex, Ospreay landed on his feet, dodged a Buckshot, swung wildly for Hidden Blade, but Page ducked into a stalemate. Snap hurricanrana by Ospreay followed by a Standing Sky Twister Press for a one count. After corner chops delivered from Ospreay, Page starched him with a wild forearm. Taz put over Page’s strikes, saying back in the pandemic days, they scouted him for Team Taz, which is a nice little reference from those days. Ospreay fought back with Pip, Pip, Cheerio, sending Page to the outside, tried a slingshot dive, got caught, as Page hit a Fall Away Slam into the LED barricade.
Back inside, Page launched Ospreay into the middle buckle and gave a long stare out to the crowd. Ospreay attempted a counter into a Stundog, but Page delivered a snap back suplex and kept Ospreay grounded. Page ramped up the kicks at Ospreay’s request to sort of wake him up, as a forearm battle ensued until Ospreay switched to a chop, so Page waffled him with a forearm. Stundog Millionaire led to a Corkscrew Kick sending Page outside, where Ospreay met him with a Sasuke Special. Torture Rack applied by Ospreay, who swung into a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Page was low bridged, as Ospreay teased a dive, but was shoved off and Page hit his springboard lariat followed by an Orihara Moonsault. Back inside, powerbomb high stack got Page two before applying a Sharpshooter. Ospreay fought for the ropes, got to his feet and threw chops, but Page no sold and hit a Saito Suplex. Page hit one big boot, but went for another, allowing Ospreay to connect on a wall walk enzugiri. Ospreay wanted Oscutter, but Page clotheslined him in mid-air. Ospreay didn’t go down, hit a Hook Kick flush, but Page folded him up with a lariat. Page charged, but Ospreay hit a Standing Spanish Fly into the double down as the crowd went nuts.
Ospreay woke himself up, but the delay allowed Page to crotch him in the corner. Ospreay slid out, trapped Page with a Cheeky Nandos kick and went up the ropes, but Page headbutt free and hit a Buckshot variation. Page went for a proper one, but Ospreay hit a Hook Kick, draping Page over the top, where he followed with a Shooting Star Press for a close two. Page cut off a corner charge and did a moonsault out of the corner into a Tombstone for two of his own. Ospreay tried a Styles Clash, but Page floated over into an Angels Wings for a near fall. Excalibur questions if that was instinct or an homage to Christopher Daniels, as nice callback to their storyline. Page tried a Best Moonsault Ever, but missed and Ospreay threw a wild Hidden Blade, only Page rolled to the ropes. They fight to the apron and trade forearms, but Ospreay blocks a big boot into a powerbomb followed by a wild Styles Clash off the apron. The replay showed Page landing nearly head first and Ospreay’s leg jammed under the both of them, but referee Bryce checked on both and ultimately put the count on, so I guess both are fine, as Page broke the count, but Ospreay was ready for an Oscutter for two.
Ospreay hit a Hidden Blade flush, but again, Page managed to kick out at two and Taz mentioned the granite jaw of Page. Ospreay lit up Page with strikes and had to be pulled back by Bryce, but as his back was turned arguing, Page teased a Buckshot, but was booted out to the Spanish Announce Table, where Ospreay slammed his face repeatedly, getting boos from the crowd. Ospreay cleared the table off, as he wanted a Tiger Driver 91, Page fought, was about to try Dead Eye, but the table collapsed before he could really do it in a scary spot. Page said screw it and hit a Dead Eye on the remnants of the table anyway, as back inside, he slowly rose and looked for the Buckshot, but Ospreay stumbled to the opposing side. Ospreay pulled himself up, lowered his elbow pad, as did Page and it’s the shootout Ospreay promised on Dynamite last week. Ospreay flipped Page off, charged and Page hit the Buckshot first, but only got two in the closest near fall of the match.
Page wanted another Buckshot, but this time, Ospreay took his head off with a Hidden Blade and quickly followed with a Storm Breaker, but Page managed to kick out. Ospreay went for a final Hidden Blade, but Page collapsed and Ospreay missed wildly. In a great camera shot, Ospreay slowly signaled for a V-Trigger and connected, but as he went for One Winged Angel, Page countered into Swerve Strickland’s Big Pressure finisher, but Ospreay got a toe on the rope. Page wanted a Buckshot, but Ospreay floated over into a Storm Breaker attempt, which Page flipped out of into a lariat. Page ran to the ropes, hit a proper Buckshot flush and got the win in an epic.
Post-match, referee Bryce put the Owen Hart Foundation title belt around Page’s waist as confetti rained and pyro went off as the graphic is official for All In, Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Title. Page went up the ramp and stared at the Owen Hart Cup before walking back to the ring standing above a dejected Ospreay, who got to his feet. Page extended a handshake and Ospreay accepted, as Taz brought up even in defeat, you build a whole new level of respect for your opponent. Excalibur said it’s back to the drawing board for Ospreay to find his way to the AEW World Title as the show goes off the air with Page raising the Owen Title in the air before collapsing to his knees.
Match Result: Hangman Adam Page defeated Will Ospreay to win the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
