The latest WWE and AEW News and Results
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Les and Vic from Wrestling Weekly were away last week, but make their triumphant return today.
They look at everything going on in pro wrestling like CM Punk and his potential first challenger for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, the return of Rey Mysterio, a new title in AEW and the road to next week’s Blood and Guts.
Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
Ring of Honor has announced the date for Athena’s next ROH Women’s World Championship defense.
ROH revealed on Thursday’s Ring of Honor TV episode that Athena will defend her Women’s World title on the Thursday, November 20 episode against Harley Cameron.
Cameron pinned Athena on this week’s Dynamite in the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament after Athena’s tag partner Mercedes Mone walked out on the match.
Athena has held the ROH Women’s title for over 1000 days, holding the title since defeating Mercedes Martinez for the belt at ROH Final Battle in December 2022. Athena has defended the title 31 times in her three-year-reign.
The match on Dynamite was the first for Athena since her most recent title defense against Mina Shirakawa at ROH Death Before Dishonor this past August.
Our full report from Thursday’s Ring of Honor TV episode is available here. A look at the first matches announced for next month’s ROH Final Battle event is available here.
The initial field of eight in the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team title tournament is now down to six following Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
Former TBS Champion Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron pulled off a bit of an upset by defeating reigning TBS Champion Mercedes Mone and ROH Women’s World Champion Athena to advance to the semifinals.
The end came when Athena hit a Samoan Drop/fall away slam on both Nightingale and Cameron for a near fall. That brought out Billie Starkz to help Athena which then brought out AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander to lay her out and chase Mone, her challenger at Full Gear, around the ring.
Athena was about to use her title belt but Nightingale hit her with a Doctor Bomb followed by Cameron’s finisher to get the win to advance.
The two will now face the Sisters of Sin (Skye Blue & Julia Hart) with the winner moving onto the finals (date yet to be announced). The other side of the bracket has yet to begin with the dates for Riho & Alex Windsor vs. Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa, and Anna Jay & Tay Melo vs. Marina Shafir & Megan Bayne yet to be revealed.
While other promotions claim to have the best women’s division in the world, Athena does not believe anyone can match up to AEW/ROH.
In an interview with WFAA News in Texas, Athena was asked about the possibility of AEW holding an all-women’s event in the future. She said Tony Khan has absolutely thought about the idea, and it’s just a matter of getting the timing right. Talent is not an issue, Athena believes, with her saying AEW/ROH has a stacked roster with eager women.
“I know TK has absolutely thought about that. I think it’s just about timing when it comes to those things,” she said about the potential all-women’s event. “And he’s been very open about it. We have the best roster in the world. I know everyone says it, but we actually do have the best roster in the world. We have Mercedes Mone, Toni Storm, myself — the Minion Overlord and Forever ROH Champion.
“But we have a very stacked roster and we have a lot of eager women. I like to say Ring of Honor is the girl show, because we have women’s wrestling across the board. From Leila Grey to Billy Starkz to that hussy Sareee who showed up out of nowhere when I was on vacation. Don’t know what’s up with that, don’t want to know. We have Alex Windsor. We have a beautiful platform where we get to see these women grow on Ring of Honor and then see them progress through AEW.
“So, yes, absolutely. I know it’s something that TK has in mind, especially with the tag team tournament. I just think we have to have baby steps and establish people more to get there. But, yes, I do know that that is on his brain, and it has been on his brain since I have been in AEW. So I know it’s just about timing.”
Athena has been ROH Women’s World Champion for nearly three years now. She is partnering with Mercedes Mone in the tournament to crown the first-ever AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Outside of AEW/ROH, Athena’s indie promotion Metroplex Wrestling is presenting its second all-women’s event — titled “Who Runs The World? 2” — in Irving, Texas this Saturday. She told WFAA that her goal with this passion project is to showcase the power of women’s wrestling.
Eight teams will vie to be the inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions in a tournament that begins next week.
On one side of the bracket, former AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter will team with Queen Aminata against the Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue) while TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will team with ROH Women’s World Champion Athena against Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron.
On the other side of the bracket, former AEW Women’s World Champion Riho returns to team with Alex Windsor against former AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa while Anna Jay & Tay Melo battle Penelope Ford & Megan Bayne.
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Hayter and Aminata were victorious on Wednesday’s Dynamite in a four-way tag team match to earn the opportunity to call out their opponents in the first round, challenging Hart and Blue (even though none of the teams had been announced for the tournament yet.)
After taking a few months off, Athena returned Wednesday to console Mone and suggest they team up in the tournament after she was smashed into a cake and put through a table by AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander.
While the tournament starts next week on the Fright Night edition of Dynamite, no other details were given as to when the finals will be. However, next month’s Full Gear pay-per-view seems like a strong possibility.
Notes following AEW All Out.
The Demand, Kris Statlander, Brodido, Hangman Page, and Tony Khan all took questions from the media following Saturday’s All Out in Toronto, Canada. Here are the highlights:
Days after she successfully defended her ROH Women’s World title and on the doorstep of her 1000th day as champion, Athena will return to action on tonight’s ROH on HonorClub.
In a non-title match, she will face Dayami in a bout taped nearly a month ago. She defeated Mina Shirakawa at last Friday’s Death Before Dishonor.
Hologram & Tomohiro Ishii will team up against to battle Tony Nese & Arya Daivari of the Premier Athletes.
AEW Trios Champion Katsuyori Shibata will take on GCW’s Jordan Oliver in search of his first promotional win.
Wheeler Yuta will challenge John Silver in a match of longtime Northeast wrestlers.
The card is rounded out by the Spanish Announce Project, Lance Archer, and Swirl (Blake Christian & Lee Johnson) in action against opponents to be announced.
Matches tonight range in location from Cincinnati, Cleveland and Chicago.
It will be the first of two ROH shows in two days.
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Death Before Dishonor is in the rear view, but Ring of Honor Action continues!
The show wasted no time in kicking right into this Proving Ground match According to internet sources, today is in fact, Athena’s 1000th day as Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion. According to Ian Riccaboni, it’s 999. Either one is pretty impressive though!
Dayami didn’t have much of a chance at the start. Athena went at her hard right off the bell, sending her to the outside. There, Athena caught a kick and slammed Dayami into onto the ring apron. Dayami crawled back into the ring and Athena put on the Koji Clutch. Dayami passed right out and that was it!
Match Result: Athena defeated Dayami
Kind of a strange way to start the show with no card rundown, no build up, no entrances and about :45 seconds worth of wrestling. But, it’s Athena, so all is forgiven.
Christian and Johnson have been calling themselves “The Swirl” despite my objections, so that’s something that’s happening.
Johnson started off against Alonzo who had multiple pictures of his own face on his tights. That didn’t help him though as Christian took out HInes and the two double teamed Alonzo with some speedy kicks and dueling slams.
Christian tagged in and ate a turnbuckle as Alonzo ducked a splash. That brought in Hein who was picked up by Johnson and thrown at Christian who hit him with a drop kick. They then set him up for a spicolli driver and that was it.
Match Result: Blake Christian & Lee Johnson defeated Joe Alonzo & Thomas Hein
Silver gets a rare singles match here against the Death Rider’s worst haircut. Silver is a literal fire hydrant of a human. He reminds me of a much more personable Taz. Yuta still can’t find a barber, which may hinder him in this bout.
Silver’s strength served him well as he got the drop on Yuta off the top. Yuta got back into it though coming back at Silver with some chops. Silvers chops back put Yuta on his heels and the following kicks put him on his back.
Silver then punted Yuta and picked him up and dropped him in a powerbomb. Yuta was completely off his game here as Silver sent him to the outside and bounced him off the barricades. Shafir watched disapprovingly. At least I think she did. She doesn’t have a lot of facial range.
Back in the ring, Silver kept up the pressure until Yuta hung him up on the ropes. Silver fell back out of the ring and Shafir hit him with a Judo throw. That brought out Evil Uno and Alex Reynolds. The Ref separated them and the action moved back into the ring.
Yuta began a comeback, throwing knees into Silver’s back and working a headlock. He hung Silver up on the ropes, but took too long to capitalize and Silver met him with a superkick. The two began brawling, trading kicks for punches with Silver getting the upper forearm.
Silver hit a big DDT, but Yuta kicked out at two. Shafir began getting annoyed at ringside and suddenly, Jon Moxley appeared. He joined Shafir at ringside while Yuta locked in a half-crab on Silver’s previously injured knee.
Silver turned the tables into a straight jacket crossface and that brought Shafir up on the apron. Reynolds pulled her down and Uno got in Moxley’s face. Mox tried to tear Uno’s mask off, but Silver dropkicked him to get him to stop. That opened up Silver for a Buseko knee fro Yuta who pinned him to get the victory
Match Result: Wheeler Yuta (w/Marina Shafir) defeated John Silver
That was a good match, I really like Silver. I was surprised to see Moxley get involved, I figured he had better things to do.
Tonight’s Lance Archer Murderfest featured not one, but two opponents that had absolutely no chance of winning. I won’t bore you with the details, but it ended with Archer hitting a Blackout using one of the King’s as a weapon.
Match Result: Lance Archer defeated Marcus and Adam King
After the martch, Archer continued the beatdown until security arrived. They both ate a chokeslam and then a recap of the Tag Team Championship match from Death Before Dishonor aired.
Honestly, I pre-wrote that recap and then just added in the names. That’s how predictable the “Lance Archer Kills The ROH Universe” thing has become.
Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico) vs Philly Collins and Marino Tenaglia
Yes, you read that right.
Angelico and Tenaglia kicked things off, with Angelico’s agility offsetting the brawn of Tenaglia. Serpentico got involved and after a quick double team, Serpentico became legal and ran circles around Tenaglia. Tenaglia felt it coming in the air tonight and tagged in Phil Collins, isolating Serpentico.
Collins danced into the light of a big side slam on Serpentico before Tenaglia decided that they shouldn’t live separate lives and tagged back in. He tweaked the neck of Serpentico, before tagging Collins back in, no jacket required.
Collins and Tenaglia tried for a double team, but Serpentico hit a double DDT to buy some time to get the hot tag to Angelico. Angelico showed Collins and Tenaglia a groovy kind of love with a clothesline, sending Collins out of the ring.
At this point, Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman started adding Phil Collins puns of their own which was a very surreal thing for me. Just another day in paradise.
Any way, back in the ring, Angelico locked in a grapevine ankle lock on Tenaglia, who tapped out giving SAP the win.
Match Result: Spanish Announce Project defeated Philly Collins and Marino Tenaglia
You know, given Phil Collins’ extensive catalouge of smooth, soft-rock hits, a match against the laid-back SAP makes perfect sense.
I misread the headline and was very disappointed when a small angry British man in glasses didn’t come to the ring to face Shibata.
At any rate though, these guys both have some great technical backgrounds that they put on display right off the top. Shibata put Oliver in a wristlock and stomped his twisted arm repeatedly. Oliver got away, but was lured back into a lock up that ended with him on the receiving end of a headlock.
Shibata had control from there, hitting Oliver with smacks and chops in between working the arm with various submission holds. Oliver found a second wind though and hit a dropkick that sent Shibata into the corner. Oliver followed that up with a side kick.
Shibata managed to wrangle an ankle lock on Oliver, but Oliver made it to the ropes to break the hold. Shibata sent him to the corner and hit a dropkick that knocked Olver loopy. Shibata tried a sleeper, which dazed Oliver enough for Shibata to kick him in the face and pick up the victory.
Match Result: Katsuyori Shibata defeated Jordan Oliver
Before the match, footage was shown from Collision that teased (are you ready for this?) that a CLONE of Hologram may be imminent in AEW/ROH.
Do it, you cowards.
Anyway, the Athletes came down to the ring with Mark Sterling and their usual attempts to get the crowd to say that they ruled instead of sucked. Hologram came down to the ring with his usual Tomohiro Ishii.
Hologram and Nese kicked things off with Nese getting a headlock off the top. Hologram reversed it into a leg lock and the two went back and forth exchanging holds until Nese got an elbow in Hologram’s face in the corner.
Nese got cocky though and Hologram made him pay with a hurricanrana into an Armbar. Ishii tagged in and Daivari followed suit. Ishii no-sold a bunch of chops and punches and Daivari was forced to resort to trying to rake the eyes. Ishii got mad at that and he and Hologram double teamed Daivari for a bit.
Hologram sent Nese to the outside and tried for a dive, but Nese grabbed his ankle and dropped him on the mat. Daivari, the legal man gave Sterling a chance to choke Hologram with the ropes. Daivari sent Hologram into the corner where he and Nese tagged in and out. Nese ended up legal and hit a huge legdrop through the ropes.
Hologram started to come back, but Nese put a stop to hit with a headlock. Nese dragged Hologram back to his corner and tagged in Daivari. Hologram finally got the hot tag to Ishii who did a great Miley Cyrus impression and entered like a wrecking ball.
Ishii hit a suplex on Nese that got a two count. Nese and Daivari set him up for a double team but Ishii put them both down with a double clothesline and tagged hin Hologram. Hologram went up top, but Sterling caused a distraction, allowing Daivari to knock him off the ringpost.
Daivari then hit a Magic Carpet Ride on Hologram, using an actual carpet (I kid you not). Hologram got the tag to Ishii who cleaned house and knocked Sterling off the apron. That allowed Hologram to hit a 450 on Daivari and pick up the win.
Match Result: The Conglomeration defeated The Premier Athletes
After the match, Nese and Daivari screamed at the camera over Sterling being pushed off the apron. They are sick and tired of seeing their manager get taken out. Sterling claimed to have a torn bicep and for him, that means he can no longer live a normal life. Sterling then said that they need a contingency plan and the show faded out.
Two title matches co-headline tonight’s Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor streaming special on HonorClub from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.
ROH World Champion Bandido defends against Hechicero in search of his fifth successful title defense.
ROH Women’s World Champion Athena will continue her push toward 1000 days as titleholder as she defends returning interim ROH Women’s TV Champion Mina Shirakawa.
ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty defends against Xelhua.
Sammy Guevara will be in action twice with the chance to leave a double champion. In one match, he and a mystery partner will face The Outrunners for the vacant ROH Tag Team titles while in the other, he joins The Von Erichs against Shane Taylor & The Infantry for the vacant ROH Six-Man titles. The vacancies are due to Dustin Rhodes’ upcoming knee surgeries.
The show is rounded out by actor/wrestler Paul Walter Hauser vs. QT Marshall in a Fight Without Honor.
Our live coverage begins with the Zero Hour pre-show.
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This is it, friends! Death Before Dishonor 2025 is knocking on our collective wrestling-watching door, but first; ZERO HOUR!
As is the ROH way, about a dozen matches for tonight were added to the card about an hour ago, including this one! Lethal is pretty synonymous with ROH, so this makes sense. Oliver is also there.
Lethal had Oliver from the jump, sending him around the ring and bouncing him off the ropes before pausing for his signature strut. That gave Oliver a chance to knock him down and mock him with the very same strut.
Oliver got in a flurry of offense here and there, but Lethal was in control for the lion’s share of this match. Oliver had a good outing, at one point blocking three suplexes in short succession. Lethal was having fun playing his greatest hits and Oliver almost got him a couple of times having scouted the Lethal Injection and the big elbow.
In the end though, Lethal was able to reverse a dragon screw into a figure four and Oliver was forced to tap out.
Match Result: Jay Lethal defeated Jordan Oliver
-Lexy Nair caught up with the Sons of Texas outside the event. Ross Von Erich paid tribute to the injured Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara said that they were going to win. Marshall agreed. Lexy asked Guevara who who be his partner in the Tag Team Titles match and Guevara teased… Chris Jericho? How intriguing…
So MxMxTV are doing this really gross thing that only they seem to find funny, which is promoting a fragrance called SEED. it’s gross. The Frat House came out sans-Preston Vance, but with a half-dozen pledges. The Dark Order came out with cool jackets as usual, but not matching this time. I wonder how that will factor…
This tag-team three way kicked off with Reynolds and Garrison, with Silver quickly jumping in for a Dark Order double team. Karter hit a blind tag to reverse the double team, but when they posed, MxM jumped in to one-up their poses.
Everyone ran outside the ring for some reason and John Silver took out all the pledges. When he got back in the ring though, he faced the much bigger Mansoor. The Order and MxM had a trios match on ROH on Honorclub last night, so this was something of a replay of that until everyone started brawling.
On the outside, Mansoor grabbed the Frat House’s intiation paddle and spanked Jameson with it, in between makeout sessions between TV and Valkyrie. In the ring, Reynolds and Karter held down the fort, wrestling wise.
This match was undeniably chaotic. There were simply too many people at ringside and so much was happening that it was hard to follow. Everyone was spamming finishers, which was exciting in that it kept the audience guessing about the outcome, but it was exhausting to watch.
In the end, The Order had Mansoor pinned, but the ref didn’t see it. TV Sprayed some SEED (blech) into Reynolds’ face (double blech) allowing Mansoor to reverse the pin and get the win for MxMxTV.
Match Result: MxMxTV defeated The Frat House and The Dark Order
-Backstage, Lexy Nair congratulated Jay Lethal on his win earlier. They were interrupted by Blake Christian and Lee Johnson who reminded Lethal that Christian beat him at Supercard of Honor. That made Lethal sad.
-QT Marshall was shown arriving at the arena with Aaron Solo. He ran down Paul Walter Hauser, who apparently was arriving at the same time on the other side of the parking garage. Hauser said that he was angry and he was going to take it out on Marshall.
So this Pure Rules match is NOT part of the long-gestating Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, but it does give us a chance to watch Billie Starkz work, so I’ll allow it.
I’ll get the Pure Rules schtick out of the way here:
Each wrestler gets three rope breaks. After that, pin or submission under the ropes is legal. There is one warning for a closed fist, with the second instance causing a DQ. Outside interference is also a DQ. If there is no clear winner as time expires, a panel of judges will award the win. The judeges tonight are Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels and Dean Malenko.
Starkz was forced to use her first rope break at 7:42 as she and Vox tussled. Starkz stomped Vox in the corner and hit a really gnarly knee to her face. Vox kept up with Starkz though until Starkz hit a satellite DDT and went up for a swan dive. Vox slid out of the way and hit a rolling headscissor.
Vox fishooked Starkz, forcing her to use her second rope break. That pissed Starkz off and goaded her into using her one closed fist. at 4:15. Starkz then hit a massive Last Shot backbreaker and got the pin on Vox.
Match Result: Billie Starkz defeated Ashley Vox
Tony Khan has too much money! There was a $50k four-way before Supercard of Honor (won by AR Fox), there was a $100k match on Collision a couple of weeks ago and now AR Fox has a chance to add a second $50K purse to his earnings. All I’m saying is that no one even asked me to be in any of those matches and that stings a little.
Angelico came out with a sweet new bucket hat, so I’m thinking that he’s the favourite to win this. He’s got hat bills to pay, after all.
Dralistico and Priest rolled out of the ring for some reason to kick things off and Angelico and Fox dove out after them. Angelico and Fox then wrestled in the ring while the other two watched. Angelico had Fox in a submission, but Dralistico broke it up.
Priest then started in on Angelico who hit a bridged figure four, again broken up by Dralistico. He and Priest took turns delivering chops to Angelico in the corner. Fox hit a springboard onto Dralistico and Priest, taking them both out.
Fox then took on Dralistico and Priest two-on one and managed to keep them both off their feet. He also kept himself off his feet by diving through the ropes onto them. Next he hit a cutter on Angelico and tossed him into the ring.
Fox walked the barricade a dropped a big leg onto Angelico on the ring apron (the foxiest part of the ring!). Dralistico got involved, holding Fox so Priest to rip his leg out form underneath him. Priest hit a superplex off the second rope on Fox, but couldn’t get a pin.
Dralistico hit a big swanton on Priest but he also couldn’t get a pin. Fox stepped up to Dralistico, trading chops and slaps with him. Dralistico then hit a spingboard destroyer, but Angelico broke up the pin attempt. Dralistico went up top for a big codebreaker and got the pin on Angelico to pick up the win and the cash.
Match Result: Dralistico defeated Adam Priest, Angélico and AR Fox
And now… DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR!
There is no reason for this match to exist other than I’m really looking forward to seeing Ishii throw Nese and Daivari around like sotballs in a slow pitch tournament. So to that, I say, Athletes Suck!
Daivari and Ishii kicked things off with Ishii stonewalling Daivari’s attempts to get him off his feet. Daivari slapped Ishii’s bald head, which made him angry. Like Meng-level angry. From there he no-sold a dozen chops and chopped Daivari across the ring. Daivari reached for a tag, but Nese refused, not wanting to take on Ishii.
Nese finally entered the match to face off against Hologram, sending him into the corner. Nese hit a double dropkick, but Hologram went up top. Nese moved and the two hit dueling crossbodies. Sterling got up on the apron to cause a distraction, allowing Daivari to hit a Carpet Ride on Hologram for a two count.
Hologram found himself cut off in the Athletes corner while Daivari and Nese tagged in and out, applying various holds to him. Hologram got a pin on Nese, but the ref was distracted talking about the weather with Ishii and missed it. That allowed Daivari to rain down more punishment with the help of Sterling.
The double teams continued, with Ishii powerless to stop it. Hologram finally made the hot tag to Ishii who leapt in and cleared house, taking our Daivari and Nese. Ishii began chopping and punching Nese in the corner before hitting a side slam.
Hologram jumped in to help his partner and the two hit stereo suplexes on the Athletes. Ishii lifted Nese for a brainbuster, but Nese kicked out at two. Nese hit a spinning heel kick that knocked Ishii off his feet for the first time. Hologram hit a big springboard to give him a chance to recover.
Nese grabbed Hologram for a piledriver, but Hologram kicked out. Hologram dodged an attack by Daivari who hit Sterling by mistake. Hologram dove out of the ring repeatedly taking out Athletes left and right.
Ishii got Nese up for a spiked brainbuster and that was it, Ishii and Hologram win.
Match Result: The Conglomeration defeated The Premier Athletes
YES! As much as I love the Sons of Texas, I cam even more excited to see STP finally get a chance at some championship belts. The titles were technically vacated last night on ROH on Honorclub, so no matter who wins, they will be the “new” champions.
Bravo started the match against Guevara, with Guevara taking a shot at Dean on the apron. Bravo avenged his partner and isolated Guevara in the STP corner at the same time. Guevara slipped out though, delivering a backflip dropkick to Bravo.
Guevara tagged in Ross who bounced Bravo’s skull off the turnbuckle before delivering one hell of a kick in the corner. Bravo tried to leap away but was met by another dropkick. Ross shot Bravo off the ropes for Marshall to hit a slam on him, but only got a two count.
Trish Adora distracted the ref, while Dean pulled Ross out of the ring for Taylor and Bravo to beat on him. Bravo set up Ross in the STP corner for a rapid fire assault from all three members of STP. Taylor ended up legal, headbutting Ross, drawing the ire of Marshall.
Dean tagged in and landed a bronco buster on Ross in the corner (dubbed a “BBC” Bronco Buster from Captain). Tayle tagged back in and Ross hit him in the stomach. Taylor kneed him in the jaw for his trouble. Dean slammed Ross, then took a moment to punch Marshall so he didn’t feel left out.
Ross finally got the hot tag to his brother and Marshall jumped in to start clearing the ring. Marshall took out Dean and Bravo and even got Taylor with a scoop slam. Marshall went up top and hit a moonsault on Taylor, but only got a two count.
Marshall then tried the Claw on Taylor, but Dean broke it up. Taylor hit a splash on Marshall and then Dean hit a big frog splash, but Ross broke up the pin. Taylor threw Ross out of the ring and into the steel steps. In the ring, Marshall and Dean, the legal men, traded blows.
Marshall walked into a big knee from Dean, but responded with a discus clothesline. Marshall got a tag to Guevara, who kicked Dean in theback of the head before hitting springboard cutter. Guevara flipped over the top rope in an attempt to get Dean, but hit Marshall instead.
Bravo was the legal man and Taylor punched Guevara in the face so the infantry could double stomp him. That was it and STP won the match to become the new Six Man World Tag Team Champions!
Match Result: Shane Taylor Promotions defeated The Sons of Texas
To quote Brooklyn 99’s Terry Crews: Oh damn! ROH remembered they had that Women’s Pure belt made! This tournament was set to be finalized at Supercard of Honor, but injury, call ups to Dynamite and Collision and just pure bad luck stalled it somewhat. I’m very excited that it’s back on the docket though!
See the Zero Hour match between Ashley Vox and Billie Starkz for the lowdown on the Pure Rules division. Aminata forced Valkyrie to us her first rope break at 9:45. That’s 15 seconds into the match. She then shoved Valkyrie into the ropes, causing her to use her second rope break at 9:00 even.
Aminata controlled things from there, using her unique cache of butt-based offense to put Valkyrie on the mat. She then whipped her into the corner, but Valkyrie moved and delivered a kick to the head, followed by a german suplex. Valkyrie worked Aminata’s knee around the ringpost next.
Valkyrie dropped a leg on Aminata’s throat on the ring apron (the throatiest part of the ring!) and began mocking her. Aminata can back swinging, but Valkyrie hit a sit-out powerbomb as the clock passed 6 minutes.
Valkyrie tried to get Animata up in a surfboard, but modified it into a chicken wing, forcing Aminata to use her first rope break at 4:19. The two traded punches until Aminata slapped Valkyrie’s chest, setting her up for another and another.
Aminata hit a snapmare and mid-match, they changed the time limit from 10 minuted to 60 minutes. In the match, Valkyrie was forced to use her last rope break. Valkyrie tried to get Aminata up, but she reversed it into an Armbar. Valkyrie went for the ropes, but she had no breaks left.
Animata head butted Valkyrie out of nowhere and got the pin to advance in the tournament.
Match Result: Taya Valkyrie vs. Queen Aminata
After the match, Deonna Purazzo (who’s facing Trish Adora in the tournament) came down to the ring to stare down Aminata. Aminata offered her hand, but Purazzo shrugged it off.
-Backstage, Lexy Nair reminded everyone that Sammy Guevara has yet to pick his partner for the Tag Team Title Match later in the show.
Taven and Bennett have been leaning towards the light recently, which makes them a good foil for the dastardly Christian and Johnson. Also, Johnson and Christian have decided to us “The Swirl” as a team name, which in no way invokes the image of a toilet flushing in my mind.
The match started with a standard brawl and when the dust settled, Taven and Johnson were legal in the ring. Bennett tagged in a peppered Johnson with chops in the corner. Christian tried to intervene, but Bennett gave him the same treatment.
Bennett went for an elbow, but Christian pulled Johnson out of the way. On the outside, Johnson hung Bennett up on the barricade and Christian hit a big splash onto him from the ring apron (the splashiest part of the ring!) Then, Jay Lethal was shown watching the match in the back at the odd angle that all wrestlers watch tv.
Back in the ring, Johnson and Christian had Bennett isolated and we tagging in and out to beat him senseless. Bennett kicked off Christian and got a tag to Taven who ducked a clothesline and hit a back body drop on Johnson. He then tried a springboard, but Christian rolled away.
Bennett tagged back in and so did Johnson. They worked through a series of pinning combinations, but neither man got a three count. Christian jumped on Taven’s back and Johnson did the same on Bennett, trying to get sleepers. The Kingdom hit stereo proton packs though.
Taven and Johnson were legal and Johnson got Taven up on his shoulders and hit a spicolli driver, followed by a splash by Christian. Taven tried a quick rollup, but Christian locked in Vanilla Choke Zeo. Across the ring, Johnson held Bennett, but Bennett reversed it into a death valley driver onto Christian before Taven could tap.
Jay Lethal was shown in the back, approving.
Christian got caught by Bennett in a spicolli driver and Taven hit Just the Tip, but Christian rolled out before it could be pinned. The Swirl (ew) hit a spicolli driver/stomp combo on Bennett on the outside before facing Taven.
Taven spammed superkicks, but Chriswtian hit a low blow behind the ref’s back. One more Spicolli/Stomp combo and that was it as Christian pinned Taven for the win.
Jay Lethal was shown in the back, disapproving.
Match Result: Blake Christian and Lee Johnson defeated The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett)
At Supercard of Honor, Moriarty successfully defended his Pure Title against the legendary Blue Panther. Fun Fact: if you add the ages of Moriarty (30) and Xelhua (21) together, they are still over a decade younger than Blue Panther (64).
The match started with a 60 minute countdown on the timer, so that’s what we’re going with now. Moriarty and Xelhua locked up, trying to force each other to use up a rope break. It didn’t work for either man though and they reset.
Xelhua put on a surfboard cloverleaf next, forcing Moriarty to use a rope break at 58:45. Moriarty started throwing open hands at Xelhua’s chest, but the luchadore reversed it into a leg lock submission in the center of the ring. Moriarty threw him off though with an armdrag.
Moriarty started working the hands of XelHua, but that just gave him a chance to tie Moriarty in knots. The ref issued Xelhua a warning for a closed fist and Moriarty used the opportunity to hit a codebreaker. Then he danced. No, really.
Moriarty whiffed on a big elbow and Xelhua hit a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker. Moriarty lured Xelhua intot he corner and drove his skull into the turnbuckle. He then hit a dropkick but only got a two count. Moriarty went back to working the hand of Xelhua, splitting his fingers.
Moriarty then tied him up in a grapevine, forcing Xelhua to use a rope break at 53:20. Moriarty then hit a high stomp on Xelhua’s hand. Moriarty split the finger again, twisting and slamming Xelhua’s hand on the mat, trying to take away the luchadore’s grabbing ability.
Xelhua blocked a suplex, but Moriarty dropkicked him to the outside and dove after him, driving him into the barricade. it was so nice, Moriarty did it again. And again. But on the third, Xelhua caught him and put Moriarty in a straightjacket on the outside.
They went back into the ring to break the count and Moriarty wrenched Xelhua’s arm on the ropes. He then got a Border City Stretch on, forcing Xelhua to use a rope break at 49:17. Xelhua responded with a stalling suplex, leaving both men on their backs.
Xelhua got to his feet first and peppered Moriarty with chops. Xelhua went up top next and hit a crossbody from the top turnbuckle. Xelhua put a hammerlock submission on Moriarty, but Moriarty got his foot on the ropes, using his second rope break at 46:33.
Moriarty went back to working Xelhua’s arm and hand before hitting a flapjack for a two count. Moriarty planted Xelhua and went for a cover, but Xelhua got his foot on the ropes, using his final rope break at 45:20.
Moriarty took advantage and locked in a Border City Stretch. Xelhua rolled it into a pin attempt and then hit at tailbone slam for a two-count. Moriarty put on a Octopus stretch, followed by a Border City Stretch through the ropes. Xelhua had no rope breaks left, so he was forced to tap out.
Match Result: Lee Moriarty defeated Xelhua
After the match, respect was shown by both men and STP came down the ramp to celebrate their wins together.
I haven’t seen Naked Gun yet, but I hear that one participant in this match is in it. So, good for whoever that is. Anyway, Marshall threw a drink in Hauser’s face 6 months ago. Hauser is famously sober, so now they are going to have a fight about it.
Marshall claimes Hauser “isn’t a real wrestler” but Hauser certainly looks the part. As the match started, they locked up, which was odd for a Fight Without Honor. Marshall’s strategy seemed to be to out-wrestle Hauser, putting on a headlock. Hauser was able to reverse it for a scoop slam, to Masrhall’s surprise.
Hauser hit an atomic drop and side russian leg sweep, causing Marshall to scramble from the ring. Hauser hit a cannonball from the ring apron (the most Golden Globe winning part of the ring!). Hauser then went underneath and pulled out a table.
Marshall threw a chair at Hauser, but he ducked it and shoved the table into Marshall’s gut. He then tried to suplex Marshall through the table, but Marshall reversed it. Hauser then reversed that an suplexed Marshall on the floor before sending him back into the ring.
Hauser went underneath the ring again and pulled out a ladder. Before he could put it in the ring, Marshall sent it into his face with a baseball slide. Marshall set the Ladder up in the corner and Hauser climbed into the ring and started punching, using the moment to pay tribute to Dustin Rhodes.
Marshall picked up Hauser and threw him onto the ladder. Marshall adjusted the ladder on the ropes and hit Hauser’s face off of it. Marshall went under the ring while Hauser bled in the corner. Marshall found a box that contained a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat and chair.
Marshall went with the bat and raked it over the forehead of Hauser after hitting him in the back. Marshall went with the chair next, but Hauser ducked it and sent Marshall into the corner. He then hit him with the chair across his exposed back.
Hauser put Marshall up on hisd shoulders and Aaron Solo arrived with a Kendo Stick to help Marshall. He beat Hauser with it mercilessly will Marshall recovered. Solo and Marshall brought two tables into the ring. Solo hit Hauser with the ladder while Marshall grabbed a third table.
Hauser wailed as Solo hit him with the chair again and again. Marshall got another box, this one draped with a black curtain. Before he could open it though, Hauser thew Marshall out of the ring. Solo went to handcuff Hauser, but who should appear but HOOK!
Hook put Solo through a table and dragged him out of the ring and to the back in a choke hold. Marshall raked Hauser’s eyes and then tried to pile drive him on the ring apron (the most Emmy winning part of the ring!) Hauser reversed it though into a plunge slam through the table!
Hauser threw Marshall back in the ring and grabbed a chair. He smashed it over the head of Marshall and set it up in the ring. He picked up Marshall and hit a sit down piledriver on the chair for a two count. Hauser then produced his Golden Globe award and smashed it into Marshall’s face.
Hauser dragged the cloth covered box into the middle of the ring and revealed that it was full of broken glass. Hauser tried to drive Marshall’s face into it, but Marshall tried to hit a diamond cutter into it. Hauser moved and Marshall landed on the glass. Hauser then hoisted him up and slammed him on the glass again. Somehow, Marshall kicked out at two though.
Hauser then produced a bag of thumbtacks, spreading them around the ring. Marshall hit a superkick though and then powerbombed Hauser on the tacks.
Marshall grabbed a table next and set it up in the ring. He then covered it in broken glass. Marshall grabbed a mic and told the crowd to shut up. He then jawed at Hauser, dragging him to his feet. Hauser hit a low blow on the way up and rolled Marshall up on the tacks for a two count.
Hauser hit a double axe handle and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Marshall woke up and punched him right in the golden globes. Marshall hit a diamond cutter from the top rope through the glass covered table and pinned Hauser, 1-2-3.
Match Result: Q. T. Marshall defeated Paul Walter Hauser
After the match, Hauser got a nod of respect form Marshall and a standing ovation from the crowd. He really did give it everything.
During Zero Hour, Guevara said that he didn’t want to “break the walls down” and spoil who his mystery partner is for this match. With that tease in play, his partner turned out to be…
Not Ross Von Erich… Not Marshall Von Erich…
But… RUSH!
(shut up, it makes sense. kinda)
The match started with much speculation as to Guevara’s status with LFI, but all that mattered was the ROH Tag Titles and Rush and Guevara were on the same page when it comes to that. Guevara started things off against Magnum, relying on his cockiness to cover for the fact he’d already wrestled one match tonight.
Magnum got an armdrag followed by a dropkick on Guevara who moved to his corner and tagged in Rush. Magnum tagged in Floyd and the two mighty men began slapping the meat, as it were. Rush pie-faced Floyd in the corner and chopped him across th ring. Floyd stood up to him though and a shoving match ensued.
Magnum grabbed a tag and the Outrunners double teamed Rush. Guevara complained to the camera about the crowd in Philly before accepting a tag from Rush to double dropkick Magnum. Magnum tried a quick rollup, but Guevara sent him face-first into the bottom rope.
Rush dragged Magnum out of the ring and sent him into the steel steps. Guevara followed and sent him into the barricade. Rush threw a beer in Magnum’s face and Guevara slid him back into the ring, cutting him off before he was able to make a tag to Floyd.
Guevara chopped him in the corner before tagging in Rush to do the same. The two traded off stomps and chops on Magnum in the corner, pausing only to Pose in the center of the ring. This was full pre-kid Guevara at his best.
Magnum almost got a tag to Floyd, but Guevara got him in a sleeper before he could get there. Magnum turned it into a back suplex and finally got the tag to Floyd as Guevara got a tag to Rush. Floyd cleared the ring though, slamming Magnum onto Rush.
The Outrunners tried to hit their double elbow, but Guevara interrupted it. They tried to irish whip the Outrunners into each other, but Floyd and Magnum reversed it and clotheslined Rush and Guevara. The hit their double elbow on Rush,but Guevara interrupted Total Recall.
The Outrunners responded by hitting Total Recall on Guevara but he wasn’t legal. All four started to brawl, with the Outrunners taking out Guevara. Magnum went up top but Guevara pushed him off the turnbuckle. Floyd got clocked by Rush who landed the Bulls Horns.
Rush tagged in Guevara who went up top for a shooting star press and covered Floyd to get the victory. Sammy Guevara and Rush are your new ROH World Tag Team Champions!
Match Result: Sammy Guevara and Rush defeated The Outrunners
After the match, Dralistico came down to celebrate with Rush and Guevara. So did the Von Erichs. Guevara tried to make peace between everyone, but then superkicked Marshall while Rush slammed Ross with a title belt, Guevara’s status with LFI now brazenly clear.
-Backstage, Lexy Nair interviewed the Outrunners about their loss. Before they could answer a question though, a celebrating STP came by and made fun of them.
The last two Bandido title defenses have been no-brainer contenders for Match of the Year. With Hechicero in the opposite corner tonight, I’m pretty confident he’s going to hit the trifecta. Don Callis, bad Spanish and all, came down to introduce Hechicero. Bandido entered wearing an era-clashing suit of armor and six-guns on his hips, which made me wonder if more wrestlers came to the ring strapped would there be fewer title changes?
“Everything that Hechicero is, he looks like.” -Caprice Coleman.
The match started with an attempted lock up that ended with Bandido kicking Hechicero in the shins. They locked up for real with Hechicero walking Bandido into the corner, where nothing happened. The two locked up again, this time with Bandido getting a wristlock on. Again not satisfied, they locked up again, with Hechicero wrenching the arm of Bandido.
Hechicero took Bandido down with a leg sweep, locking his legs around his head. Bandido grabbed the rope and Bandido tried a headscissor, twisting through to send Hechicero to the mat. Hechicero reversed it into a surfboard style submission attempt, torquing the knee of Bandido.
Bandido hauled Hechicero up into a tombstone position, but Hechicero rolled through and grabbed Bandido, working the arm for a head scissor and double wristlock. Hechicero found Bandido’s ankle, but Bandido popped up and ate a big shoulder tackle. Hechicero continued working the arm, but missed a senton.
Hechicero dropped Bandido with a toe hold, Bandido responded with a frankensteiner, sending Hechicero to the outside. Hechicero climbed back into the ring and Bandido picked up the speed with some flips and dodges, running circles around Hechicero, finishing with a flip to the outside leaving both men on their backs.
Bandido got to his feet first and used the advantage to flip off Don Callis. Back in the ring, Bandido whipped Hechicero into the corner, but Hechicero came back with a high knee to Bandido’s chest. Hechicero hit a DDT next for a two count.
Hechicero tried to peel the mask from Bandido’s face, but settled for punching it instead. Hechicero hit a pump handle slam and Callis began causing a distraction at ringside. Hechicero hit a crossbody on Bandido on the ropes.
Bandido staggered to his feet to be met by punches from Hechicero. He started returning them, but Hechicero caught hid ankle on a leapfrog and pulled him to the mat. Hechicero wrapped up the legs of Bandido, trying to take away his speed in a surfboard.
Bandido powered out of it though and reversed it into an instep surfboard of his own. Hechicero stepped out of it and wrapped Bandido in a grapevine, forcing him to grab the ropes to break the hold. Bandido then rolled out of the ring and Hechicero followed.
Hechicero threw Bandido into the barricade and put him back in the ring. Hechicero put a sleeper on and then transitioned into an armbar. Hechicero wrenched the arm of Bandido back, twisting his shoulder.
Hechicero tried to tear Bandido’s mask again, ripping it and almost revealing Bandido’s face. Bandido staggered towards the ropes, but Hechicero didn’t let up. Bandido reached deep and started returning kicks and punches, followed by a spingboard corkscrew.
Bandido lifted Hechicero in a military press and dropped him on his head. Hechicero left the ring and Bandido followed with a corkscrew over the top rope. Bandidio threw Hechicero back into the ring and went up top for a frog splash, but Hechicero kicked out at two.
Bandido tried to pull up the mask of Hechicero, but stopped when the crowd disapproved. He swept Hechicero’s lego and sent him out of the ring. When he followed, Hechicero hooked his leg over the barricade and hit a big elbow off the ring apron (the most elbowy part of the ring!).
Hechicero climbed the barricade, bringing Bandido with him. Hechicero tried to suplex him, but Bandido blocked it, instead suplexing Hechicero on the barricade, leaving both men laying.
Hechicero tried to stomp Bandido on the ring apron, but Bandido got the knees up sending him off the apron. Bandido then climbed the ringpost and hit a high splash onto Hechicero. Bandido then slid back into the ring to beat the count as Hechicero staggerd up.
Hechicero moved to end the match, but Bandido exploded with a flurry of offense. Hechicero tried for another sleeper, but Bandido broke it by hyperextending the arm. Bandido then tried a Code Red, but hechicero blocked it and hit a helicopter down to the floor, smacking Bandido’s head against the barricade on the way down.
Back in the ring, Hechicero put Bandido in a body scissor and wrenched his knee back. Bandido wiggled free and staggered to his feet. Hechicero put on a spinning hammerlock, but Bandido countered the backbreaker. Hechicero hit a high knee and Bandido followed with a superkick. Bandido hit a headscissor takedown, but both men ended up flat on their backs.
Callis started pounding on the ring apron to get Hechicero moving but both men sat up at once. Bandido flipped off Hechicero and the two began headbutting each other. The got to their feet and Hechicero dropped the straps.
Bandido got a gutwrench spin out slam on Henchicero but Hechicero blocked the 21 plex. Bandido rolled over and lifted Hechicero off the ground. Hechicero tried to roll through but Bandido twisted into a leg lock. Hechicero flipped it into another surfboard style hold and Bandido got to the ropes.
Bandido put Hechicero on the the top turnbuckle and Hechicero headbutted him. Bandido hit a slam and then a 21 Plex attempt into a straightjacket and german suplex to finally get the pin and retain the title. Trifecta achieved!
Match Result: Bandido defeated Hechicero
In case you forgot (because I sure did!) Shirakawa is the Interim ROH Women’s Television Champion while Red Velvet recovers from injury. Also, the Blue Meanie, I mean, Blue Minion came down to the ring with Athena and her Minions in Training. Shirakawa also wanted to dance with the Meanie, which enraged Athena who kicked him out of the ring.
After a very agressive Code of Honor, the bell rang and the two locked up. Athena worked the shoulder of Shirakawa, as the two twisted around each other. They exchanged leaps and roll throughs until Shirakawa dodged a big right hand from Athena.
Athena ducked under the ropes and got some words of encouragment from Billie Starkz at ringside. Shirakawa laid a boot to Athena’s gut followed by as side russian leg sweep. Shirakawa shook her money maker on the top rope and hit a spingboard splash on Athena. Athena pushed her off, favoring her knee.
Athena rolled out, clutching her knee and Shirakawa followed, smacking Athena into the ring post. She went to punch Athena, but she ducked and Shirakawa punched the post with her already injured hand. From there, Athena worked the hand on the barricade and stuck in between the steps and the ring post. Athena then dropkicked the steps, crushing Shirakawa’s hand.
Back in the ring, Athena kicked Shirakawa into a pin attempt, then dropped a knee onto her already injured hand repeatedly. Athena put on a short arm scissor lock, bending Shirakawa’s arm back in on itself. She sent Shirakawa into the corner, bouncing her head off the turnbuckle.
Athena put Shirakawa’s hand into the turnbuckle and began kicking it repeatedly before sending her out of the ring with a baseball slide. She stomped Shirakawa’s hand against the barricade and charged her, but Shriakawa dodged it and Athena kicked the steel. Twice.
Athena hobbled after Shirakawa who sent her into the barricade before sliding back into the ring. Shirakawa dropkicked Athena’s knee and hit a sling blade for a two count. Athena tried a kick but Shirakawa turned it into a backbreaker.
Shirakawa wrapped Athena’s leg around the ring post, slamming it and then putting on a figure four. Starkz tried to intervene, allowing Athena to dive through the ropes, but Skirakawa dodged and Athena crashed into Starkz. Shirakawa used the distraction for a parkour splash. Athena caught her and threw her into the barricade.
Athena tossed Shirakawa back in the ring but as she was climbing in, Shirakawa grabbed her leg in a dragon screw then put on the figure four in the center of the ring. Athena clawed her way to the ropes breaking the hold.
Athena grabbed Shirakawa o hit her with a shining wizard. Athena popped back up though and hit a hard lariat onto Shirakawa, leaving them both on their backs in the ring. They started trading punches (and screams!) as they staggered to their feet, still trading blows.
Shirakawa kicked Athena’s knee, but Athena caught her and landed a pike driver right on her head. Athena hoisted Shirakawa onto her shoulders but Shirakawa turned it into a DDT for a two count. Shirakawa went up top and hit a slingblade, but only got a two count as well.
Shirakawa called for the Glamourous Driver, but Athena worked out of it and hit a skull expulsion. They rolled around the ring and Athena locked in a Koji clutch. Shirakawa hit her knee, forcing her to let go, but go caught by a superkick on the way up.
Athena went up top, looking for an O Face, but Shirakawa got to her feet and got her into an Electric Chair into a spin out flapjack. She then locked on another figure four in the center of the ring. Athena writhed in pain, trying to fight out of it. She rolled it over and reversed the figure four. Shirakawa reversed it back.
Finally, Athena got to the rope and broke the hold, clutching her knee while Starkz tried to energize her. Shirakawa went up top but Athena grabbed her ankle and punched her face. Athena hit a superplex and and tried a pop up powerbomb but Shirakawa hit a discus lariat.
Shirakawa nailed a glamourous driver, but Athena kicked out a two. Shirakawa tried a second driver, but Athena caught her and hit an armbar, complete with biting. Athena hit a straightjacket powerbomb and then went up top. She hit an O Face and got the pin 1-2-3! Athena retains the title and goes on to celebrate her 1000th day as champion.
Match Result: Athena defeated Mina Shirakawa
What a great and extremely long night of wrestling!
The fourth-ever AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door debuts from the O2 Arena in London, England.
The show is headlined by an all-star lights out steel cage match as Will Ospreay teams with Kenny Omega, Darby Allin, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd & The Young Bucks.
AEW World Champion Hangman Page defends against MJF in a stipulation-heavy match.
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will defend against Athena while TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Alex Windsor, Bozilla, and Persephone in a four-way.
AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Swerve Strickland while AEW World Tag Team Champion The Hurt Syndicate defend against FTR and Brodido in a three-way.
TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher defends against Hiromu Takahashi while IWGP World Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defends against former ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness.
Adam Copeland & Christian Cage reunite for the first time since 2014 when they face the returning Killswitch & Kip Sabian.
Three matches make up the Zero Hour pre-show that kicks off at 11:30 AM Eastern.
**********
The Wrestle Aunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City), Jeff Jarrett & Madison Rayne welcome us to Zero Hour, letting us know today’s show is sold out before running down the card. They said Bryan Danielson was supposed to join the crew, but he’s a busy man, maybe he’ll show up?
(Party match to get the crowd going out the gate, as Uemura was the one to get the W and show off the Deadbolt to the London crowd. The post-match, Ishii received a huge reaction for his appearance and it continues the story of O’Reilly having to choose where his allegiances lie with either The Conglomeration or Paragon, Strong won’t let him have both it appears.)
Excalibur & Ian Riccaboni on the call, as even though the crowd is still filing in, Callis was booed out of the building during his over-the-top introduction for Hechicero before leaving Romero & Archer in charge ringside. Fast opening sequence from Alexander & Uemura before Hechicero & Desperado tagged in and exchanged pinfall and submission attempts. Hechicero rolled out of Numero Dos, teased tagging CRU, but Alexander got the tag. Rush wasn’t having in and blind tagged himself in to put the boots to Desperado with Andretti. Showing the quickness, though, Desperado dodged a series of clotheslines, as O’Reilly made the tag, but he ate a flurry of fast double teams from CRU. Taking too long to follow-up, O’Reilly managed a tag to Strong, as the Paragon duo went to work double teaming the entire opposition, including a DDT/Backbreaker combo.
Hechicero swept out the leg from Strong, allowing Andretti to hit enough of a springboard kick and take control. Rush tried for Rush Hour, but Strong countered into a backbreaker, leading to a hot tag to O’Reilly. CRU kept getting trapped in submissions, until O’Reilly hit a dueling Dragon Screw until a running Shooting Star from Andretti saved Rush, who was locked in a cross arm-breaker. Uemura finally gets back in and slugged it out with Alexander, firing off deep arm drags and a dropkick. Alexander dodged the Deadbolt with a back suplex, as CRU wiped out Paragon with double dives, while Alexander & Hechicero hit an assisted Cradle DDT. The match broke down, as O’Reilly ate a Rush Hour/Stunner combo from CRU, before Andretti wiped out a pile outside with a Cancun Tornado. Uemura avoided a Frog Splash from Rush and ultimately hit the Deadbolt Suplex for the win.
O’Reilly celebrated with Uemura, saying that was dope as hell before the Callis CRU put a beat down on the victors. The sirens for Tomohiro Ishii’s music hit, as he power walked to the ring with Lance Archer waiting for a stare down. Ishii broke free from a choke slam attempt and planted Archer with an impressive brainbuster to a huge pop. O’Reilly celebrated with his Conglomeration bud, until Strong pulled him away, leaving Uemura, Desperado & Ishii having the ring.
Match Result: Paragon, El Desperado & Yuya Uemura defeated CRU, Josh Alexander & Hechicero when Uemura pinned Rush
(The crowd was on fire for this entire match, until the finish, which you could hear a pin drop with how disappointed they were. Oku was so massively over, I would hope we’re getting a singles match down the line between himself & Ricochet.)
Massive ovation for Oku, who started things off with Ricochet, meeting him with a snap hurricanrana and dropkick before Kaun & Liona cleaned house. Ricochet & G.O.A. mocked the crowd while sitting on the apron, giving JetSpeed a chance to hit a double drive-by dropkick before triple paint-brushing Ricochet in the noggin. Oku got the crowd going, but was Pounced clear over the top by Liona. This was a terrifying spot, as Oku landed on his face, just narrowly avoided taking that gnarly bump on his neck. After being isolated, Oku finally was able to use his speed to dodge offense from Kaun and make the hot tag to Knight. Kaun caught Oku trying a hurricanrana out of the corner, so Knight joined and did the move too, causing Kaun to take the move right into an awaiting Bailey powerbomb.
Liona made the save briefly, but Oku flew in with a missile dropkick. Kaun steamrolled Oku, as Bailey saved his partner with a backflip double-knees to Kaun’s midsection. Oku & Ricochet tag in, as Oku hit a springboard dropkick on the apron and backflip plancha. Liona charged full speed, missed Oku and ran right into the post, as Oku flattened Ricochet back inside with a Frog Splash. G.O.A. tried to Open the Gates on Oku, but JetSpeed flew in with double dropkicks. Bailey teased a springboard on Ricochet but wiped out G.O.A. with a huge moonsault. Oku followed suit, hitting a springboard moonsault on Ricochet for two. Half crab was applied, as JetSpeed tried to hold off G.O.A. as Ricochet raked the eyes to get free. Huge shotgun dropkick from Kaun, as they Opened the Gates on Oku before Ricochet hit the Spirit Gun for the win. Commentary said Ricochet stole a career defining moment from Oku.
Match Result: Ricochet & Gates of Agony defeated Michael Oku & JetSpeed when Ricochet pinned Oku
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Don Callis, asking if he’s worried about all the titles the Family has on the line tonight? Callis said heavy is the head that wears the crown and he’s taken out the most expensive insurance policies to make sure they retain their gold. Callis calls Prince Nana a psychotic and questions Swerve Strickland taking advice from him, while Okada has someone like Callis. Also, he said Kyle Fletcher will crush his old pal Hiromu on their way to victory.
(Another chaotic party match that was able continue the never-ending storyline between Nightingale & Statlander, while also keeping the bad blood going with Thekla & Aminata as well. I can only hope by the end of the year at the latest, we get an end game to this frenemies story with Willow & Stat.)
Quadruple corner punches in bunches from the babyface team, as everyone but Statlander & Nightingale high-fived one another. Nightingale was clocked by Thekla, but as soon as she tagged in Hart, Nightingale slammed her to the mat and tagged Aminata. A spinning Full Nelson, as Riccaboni made a Ken Patera reference before Aminata delivered Chocolate Kisses (I can’t believe I just used those two in the same sentence). Statlander made the tag, as Hart recovered and did her rope walk clubbing blow, as her & Blue clotheslined Statlander outside. Bayne had Nightingale in a fireman’s carry, all while planting Aminata with a fall away slam. Hart distracted the ref, as Bayne followed with a Tope, while Ford hit a Moonsault off the post. Thekla locked in the Spider Choke in the ropes, as they kept Statlander isolated.
Statlander got free from Blue, refused to tag Nightingale, instead opting for Cameron, who ran wild with a head scissors and corner splash. Bayne caught a cross body and countered into a fall away slam. Cameron dodged a splash and Aminata tagged in to slug it out with Bayne, who steamrolled her with a lariat. Aminata avoided a powerbomb into a hurricanran and wanted more Chocolate Kisses, but Bayne powered up, tried a Tombstone, only Aminata spiked her with a counter. Hot tag from Nightingale, who flattened Blue with a spinebuster and rolling DVD. Thekla hit a dive off the top onto Aminata & Statlander before brawling with Aminata up the ramp to continue their rivalry. Cameron was rag dolled by Bayne, wanted a Liger Bomb, but Cameron took her face mask off and hit Bayne repeatedly in the head with it. Tilt-a-whirl DDT spiked Bayne for two, as Nightingale & Statlander were pulled off the apron by Blue & Hart. Nightingale wasn’t having it, she Pounced Blue and sent Hart crashing into the barricade. Cameron nearly got a roll-up on Bayne for two, as Bayne popped up, ducked a Statlander forearm and it was Nightingale who took the blow instead. Both were sent crashing outside, leading to Bayne planting Cameron with a running Liger Bomb for the win.
Match Result: Megan Bayne & The Triangle of Madness defeated Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Queen Aminata & Harley Cameron when Bayne pinned Cameron
-Lexy Nair is backstage waiting for The Young Bucks, who walk in with One Day Talent name tags. They berate a production worker, demanding their introduction be changed for tonight, saying they’ll play their old song and order him to find the most dangerous weapons on the streets of London and put them in a bag under the ring for the main event. If he doesn’t, they saw what happened to Justin Roberts last week.
-Tony Schiavone welcomes Dr. Martha Hart, Oje Hart & Tony Khan to the stage. Khan thanks the crowd for making this the highest attended wrestling show at the O2 before handing the mic to Martha. She thanks Khan, saying while they like MJF, they’re cheering for Hangman tonight. Khan puts over the Owen Hart Foundation tournament this past year and new champions crowned.
(I first thought this was going to be an all out squash for The Opps, but War Dogs were able to get in their offense down the stretch and make this a competitive match. I don’t see us getting it, but the match I wanted coming out of this is a singles between Joe & Moloney. This was a good match to end Zero Hour and really get the crowd amped for the main card.)
Shibata wasted no time going after Connors, who battled back with chops of his own. Shibata launched Connors to the floor and repeatedly into the barricade. Back inside, Joe got a huge ovation as he tagged in and lit up Moloney with forearms, until Moloney showed off his speed with a drop down into a huge dropkick. X tagged in and immediately Joe no sold strikes and did his smooth walk off to avoid a cross body. Shibata came back in and demolished X with corner strikes and his stalling dropkick. Wanting a PK, Connors tripped up Shibata and got revenge, sending him into the barricade. Foolishly, Connors tried a cheap shot on Hobbs, who no sold and popped Connors with a right hand. Back inside, X hit a running Shooting Star on Shibata before a stalling senton got two.
Moloney opted to rake the eyes instead of getting into a chop battle with Shibata, which was ultimately a good call. Shibata remained isolated until he no sold machine gun chops from Connors, who ran into a STO. Hobbs finally tags in legally, as he’s a house of fire, rag dolling the War Dogs all around. Right as he lowered the straps, Connors hit a chop block and locomotion corner strikes. High-Low Spear and Cancun Tornado connected, but Hobbs kicked out. Moloney wanted a Drilla Killa, but Hobbs escaped and hit a Spinebuster. Joe made the tag, planted X with a snap powerslam, as Gedo distracted referee Aubrey. War Dogs tried a triple team, but Shibata & Hobbs made the save. Shibata just sauntered over and calmly kicked the middle rope, crotching Gedo, as Shibata & Hobbs held off Moloney & Connors, while Joe hit X with a Muscle Buster for the win.
Match Result: The Opps defeated Bullet Club War Dogs to retain the AEW Trios Titles when Joe pinned X
(A really solid opener, as they told the story of Sabian disrespecting Killswitch, similarly to how Cage treated him and Cage initially being gun-shy of fighting off his former muscle. Once that went out the window, the chemistry was still there for Copeland & Cage and the fans loved it, singing the familiar “Hey Christian, Ooh Aah, I Wanna Know, Will You Be My Guy.”)
Copeland said on social media the other day that he’s soaking all of this in and hearing the O2 sing loudly to his theme is a moment I hope he never forgets, that was incredible. Bryan Danielson joins Excalibur & Tony Schiavone on commentary, as he said he would’ve let Cage start the match if he were Copeland to prove Cage was honest and loyal.
Misdirect from Copeland early, as he flattened Sabian with a lariat before tagging Cage for an early double team. Corner punches in bunches from Cage on Sabian, who scurries to tag Killswitch. Loud Luchasaurus chants, as Cage refused to fight him, tagging Copeland again. Massive thrust kick caught Copeland flush on the jaw, but Copeland was able to respond with a low bridge and hit a baseball slide into the barricade. Shayna got in Copeland’s face, ran distraction enough for Killswitch to use Sabian as a projectile into Copeland and keep him isolated inside. Killswitch was throwing corner shots until Sabian tagged himself in, as Danielson on commentary said it was the same disrespect Cage used to show Killswitch himself. Having no time for nonsense, Killswitch again launched Sabian into Copeland in the corner, as Shayna had to keep Sabian calm.
Sabian, who is bleeding from the eye, screamed at Killswitch to tag him, so Killswitch hit an overhand chop and chucked him into the ring. Cage wanted a tag, but Shayna pulled him from the apron screaming he’s going to get what he deserves. Sabian snapped Cage’s neck on the top rope, as Copeland was able to fight off Killswitch & Sabian in the corner and hit an unintentional Matriarchy Doomsday Device. Copeland finally tagged in Cage, who threw punches at Killswitch this time, only to run into a headbutt flush. Cage avoided a Lawn Dart and choked both Sabian & Killswitch in the ropes before launching Sabian outside. Cage followed with a cross body off the post outside onto Killswitch.
Powerbomb out of the corner by Copeland and top rope headbutt from Cage, but Killswitch kicked out at one. Sabian made the blind tag, as Copeland & Cage hit a double Impaler DDT on Killswitch, but referee Bryce couldn’t make the count. Sabian tried an attack, but Cage planted him with a neckbreaker. Killswitch had Cage in his clutches from the apron, but Copeland charged in and Speared him through the ropes to the floor. Cage tried a Spear on Sabian, who hit a pump knee, tried a Killswitch, but was sent into a pop-up Spear from Copeland, as Cage made the cover and pin.
Match Result: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage defeated The Matriarchy when Cage pinned Sabian
(This started much slower than I would’ve expected, but boy did it pick up in a major way the second half. Once Takahashi started battling back, there were some great near falls that saw the crowd biting that we might just see a new TNT Champion. That wasn’t in the cards, as Fletcher is on another level right now and had another impressive title defense.)
Walker Stewart replaces Schiavone on the call, as Callis also joins the crew. Danielson said he hoped Callis would’ve brought the painting of Fletcher & himself, but Callis said he’s working on one of Danielson, it’s his headstone. Despite that, Danielson puts over Fletcher as the best young talent in AEW and a future AEW World Champion.
Fletcher was able to avoid the early speedy offense from Takahashi by keeping him grounded, slowly picking him apart. Callis put over Fletcher’s handsomeness and Danielson said he heard there was interest in Fletcher from Taylor Swift, which got crickets, so he said he heard that from Callis. Takahashi fought his way back into things with a snap hurricanrana and almost a reverse rana from the inside to the floor. Fletcher fights off a Time Bomb, as both traded suplex attempts until Takahashi connected with a snap Dragon Screw. Both exchange Half and Half suplexes until Fletcher hits a Michinoku Driver into the double down, which Callis called a Proto-star Driver.
To the corner they go, as Takahashi wanted his Cazadora, but Fletcher held on and powered into a snazzy spinning avalanche back suplex and huge Liger Bomb followed for a near fall, leaving Fletcher furious. Dueling chants from the crowd, as Takahashi starts no selling strikes, laughing them off, until a big boot flattened him, only he kicked out at one. They go to the apron, where Fletcher wanted a brainbuster, but Takahashi held on, face planting Fletcher and following with his Sunset Bomb on the floor. Quickly back inside, a lariat turned Fletcher inside out, as both traded forearms. Fletcher wanted another Liger Bomb, but Takahashi snapped into a Destroyer for two. Dynamite Plunger connects for another near fall, as both trade Tombstone attempts with Fletcher being successful for two of his own. Running corner boot to the neck followed by a proper one, as Fletcher wanted a brainbuster, but Takahashi rolled through into a cradle for two. Fletcher held on though and rolled into a Sheer Drop Brainbuster for the win.
Match Result: Kyle Fletcher defeats Hiromu Takahashi to retain the TNT Title
(Despite there being a lot of moving parts, I thought a majority of this match came off really well. Perhaps it went maybe 5 minutes too long, as it lost some momentum down the stretch, but for being new to the AEW audience, I thought Bozilla & Persephone impressed and hope to see them again down the line on AEW TV.)
Pre-match video package did a good job talking of the accomplishments of Persephone in CMLL and Bozilla, the 21-year-old daughter of former German wrestler Ulf Herman, while Danielson talked about her strong showing in the 5STAR Grand Prix in STARDOM. Meanwhile, King’s Guard soldiers were all holding Mone’s titles on the stage during her royalty fanfare filled entrance.
Mone immediately found herself surrounded by the opposition before being tossed outside. Bozilla showed off her strength by running over Persephone & Windsor, as Mone foolishly tried a school girl on Bozilla, who didn’t budge. Bozilla pressed Mone over her head and tossed her to the floor onto Persephone & Windsor, as back inside, Bozilla caught a cross body from Persephone into a spinning slam. Windsor locked in a sleeper, but Bozilla still mowed down Mone and sandwiched all ladies in the corner until finally missing a splash, spilling outside. Persephone & Windsor no sold whip attempts from Mone, leading to a flapjack for two. Snap hurricanrana from Persephone, but Windsor responded with a Japanese arm drag. Bozill returned and squashed both with a double back suplex.
Mone looked terrified as she tried a sleeper on Bozilla, as Persephone tried a monkey flip on Mone, who flew right into the clutches on Bozilla, who was brought to the apron. Mone managed a Code Breaker, tried a cross body off the apron, was caught, so Windsor flew in with a senton and Persephone followed with a Tope on the pile. Back inside, a series of pin attempts until Bozilla returned with a bearhug into an overhead throw on Persephone for the reset. Windsor, Mone & Persephone all took turns connecting on attacks out of the corner, as Mone finally got her down with a Meteora for two. With Windsor locked in a Tree of Woe, Mone, Persephone & Bozilla all fought up until Windsor powered up to cause a huge Tower of Doom. Spike DDT through the ropes on Bozilla, as Persephone avoided a Leg Sweep, resulting in Mone managing a double crucifix into a double Statement Maker submission. It broke up and Windsor just got enough of a double Sharpshooter, but Bozilla returned and stepped on the hands of Mone & Persephone from tapping out.
Bozilla lit up Windsor with what Danielson described as Vader-like punches, as she stacked Windsor & Persephone and hit a Moonsault for two. She wanted a powerbomb on Mone, who spun out and got enough of an over-ambitious Poison Rana. Windsor was up and hit a Fisherman’s Buster on Mone, but Bozilla mowed Windsor down with a suplex and clothesline. For some reason, Bozilla stared at Persephone on the floor, told her to get in the ring, as she then turned her back to her, allowing Persephone to hit a running Razors Edge. Sharpshooter applied to Persephone by Windsor, but Mone ran in with a Lungblower. Persephone tried the Razors Edge again on Mone, who managed to counter into a cradle for the flash pin.
Match Result: Mercedes Mone defeated Alex Windsor, Persephone & Bozilla to retain the TBS Title
(Not much more to say than this was a damn fine technical wrestling clinic. Bryan Danielson was like a kid in a candy store getting to call this match. The crowd loved the entire match and know a heel turn for Garcia is in the cards, maybe not tonight, but it’ll happen soon. I do wish we saw Sabre in AEW more often, but I’m grateful for what we get.)
Video package of McGuinness walking the streets of London before running into British Legend Johnny Saint. They play chess in the park and talk about Saint being untouchable as World Champ, while Saint says that’s true, but everyone is vulnerable. McGuinness gets checkmate, while Saint says now he’s getting it and to do the same thing at Forbidden Door. Unfortunately, no Oasis theme for McGuinness, but Excalibur did mention Oasis having a resurgence just like McGuinness, who greeted Saint & Marty Jones who are seated ringside. Walker Stewart brings up Sabre being a former G1 Climax winner and Excalibur congratulates the G1 winner this year, Konosuke Takeshita, who I am shocked wasn’t on this card at all.
An impressive opening exchange of mat work, as both try to keep the other grounded, while the other have counters for everything. Sabre zoned in on the left wrist/arm, but McGuinness got up and smirked before taking Sabre down. McGuinness snapped the arm, but Sabre was right back to respond, taking McGuinness down, snapping the neck with his feet, keeping his opponent grounded. McGuinness spun out of a front face lock, blocked a corner charge into a combo leading to the double down. Huge corner uppercut and anticipation lariat that turned Sabre completely inside out for two. London Dungeon applied, but Sabre quickly got the ropes, signaling to Bryan Danielson on commentary that he’s got until 5. Sabre avoided Tower of London with a big boot, then dodged a Nigel comeback lariat into a cross arm-breaker. Garcia tried to push the rope to McGuinness, as referee Stephon Smith scolded him for doing so.
Both trade a wild series of hard uppercuts as Sabre is now bleeding from the nose until they trade pin attempts. They knock heads, only McGuinness is able to deliver the Nigel comeback lariat, as a ripcord lariat took Sabre’s head off for another near fall. London Dungeon applied, but Sabre floated over, McGuinness transitioned into a triangle choke. Garcia again pushed the rope (despite McGuinness being nowhere near it) and was scolded, as McGuinness snapped Sabre’s finger to get free. Sabre went outside and got in the face of Garcia, who said he’s been waiting for a match with him. The distraction was enough for McGuinness to hit a Tower of London on a returning Sabre, who got his feet on the rope. Both trade pin attempts again, including a European Clutch by Sabre for two. More pin attempt counters led to Sabre catching McGuinness with the flash pin.
Post-match, McGuinness was upset, but Sabre shook his hand and gave him the ring before showing respect to Saint & Jones. Tony Schiavone got in the ring for comments, as the fans thought something was going to happen, but Garcia spun McGuinness around and hugged him. Schiavone was there to announce the attendance of 18,992. No turn for Garcia, at least not tonight, but the crowd knows it’s coming.
Match Result: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Nigel McGuinness to retain the IWGP World Title
-Thekla & Queen Aminata are brawling backstage (presumably still from their match, that happened about 2 hours ago?) and make their way back out to aisle. Aminata clocked her with a headbutt to stand tall until Skye Blue & Julia Hart make the save. 3-on-1 attack, as Thekla does her Spider pose until Jamie Hayter’s music hits a massive ovation. She charges out as Blue & Hart get leveled, as Thekla dodges and Triangle of Madness bail with Hayter tending to Aminata and standing tall.
(I thought this had moments that were great. The appearance and reveal of the masked Ricochet & Gates of Agony was completely ruined with how much action was still going on in the ring, but the reveal does make sense, especially if MJF is behind this. Also Ricochet probably still holds a grudge after being majorly punked out by The Syndicate last year. This was also a way to get the titles off The Syndicate without them taking a pin, which was the rumor going into this. Brodido was probably the underdogs coming in and I’m not sure how long their reign will last, but I’m very happy we have new Tag Team Champions.)
FTR targeted Lashley, while Brodido went at Benjamin at the bell, but Benjamin moved and King crashed hard on a missed cross body against the barricade. Bandido managed a hurricnarana off the barricade, as back inside, Bandido hit one on Harwood before a backslide got two. Lashley tagged in and cleaned house, including a one arm stalling suplex on Harwood before staring down Bandido that he can do it too. Benjamin starts no selling chops from Harwood and bealed him clear across the ring. Harwood avoided Suplex City by tagging Bandido, who sent Benjamin packing outside, where he was met with a Tope Suicida. Bandido tried another, but Benjamin quickly was back inside to mow him down and tag Lashley in for a spinning slam. Bandido continued being worked over by The Syndicate for a long time, as there was a chance for FTR to tag in, but they bailed and opted for jumping jacks.
Bandido finally hit a Tornillo on Benjamin as King made the hot tag, who ran wild on FTR, as Harwood made the legal tag. Boss Man Slam planted Wheeler, as King popped Lashley & Benjamin off the apron before squashing FTR in the corner with a splash and cannonball. Lashley got in and we have an intense face-off that brought the crowd to their feet. Forearm battle until King ran into a huge spinebuster, but popped up into a discus lariat. Lashley was sent out to the floor, as FTR were met with Suplex City by Benjamin, who followed with a pop-up knee on Bandido. Rolling Germans from Benjamin on King, who spun out and hit an inadvertent Shatter Machine with Wheeler on Benjamin. Wheeler tried a Tope on The Syndicate, but was caught, so King followed with a Tope on his own to take out the pile. Bandido & Harwood fight up the ropes, as Bandido managed an Avalanche Revolution Fly onto everyone.
Lashley & Benjamin recover the quickest and start thrashing everyone in sight before throwing King back in the ring, where Lashley hit a Spear. Three masked guys in NJPW track suits started attacking Lashley & Benjamin, as they brawl up the aisle, while Stokely slid a chair into Harwood, who waffled King with it for two. Ricochet & The Gates of Agony were shown taking off the masks on the aisle, but got close to zero reaction due to the action going on back inside. Danielson said MJF had an alliance with them last week and could be behind this as well, since he was kicked out of The Hurt Syndicate. Brodido avoided the Power-Plex, hit one of their own, as they followed with the running monkey flip 450 Splash. Bandido made the cover on Harwood, lost it during the first attempt, so the huge initial pop for the three had to be redone, as the second cover got the three and there’s new champions.
Match Result: Brodido defeated The Hurt Syndicate & FTR to win the AEW Tag Team Titles when Bandido pinned Harwood
(An excellent battle between champion and challenger, as this was one of the stronger Okada showings in his time in AEW. With Strickland having a bad leg, the post-match was a good way to write him for a while if need be, while bolstering The Don Callis Family. They’re becoming one of the most powerful factions in wrestling and I’m anxious to see if/when Takeshita breaks off, as it feels like it’s only a matter of time.)
Good Ol’ JR Jim Ross joins commentary and is immediately disappointed that he has to be seated by Don Callis. Continental Title rules, so no outside interference allowed, so Prince Nana had to go to the back. Story in the early going was each had the other scouted well until Okada put on the brakes to look down at Callis, giving Strickland a chance for a kip up dropkick. Match spills outside, where Strickland hit a pump kick on the apron and backflip over the top onto Okada, but was shaking the bad leg out. Back inside, Strickland kept Okada grounded until Strickland was slingshot outside, tried to land on his feet, but the leg buckled and Okada followed with a baseball slide. Okada delivered a brutal DDT on the steps that spiked Strickland, who now has neck issues to go with the bad leg. Strickland tried his rolling Flatliner, but Okada countered into an Air Raid Crash on the knee. Ever resilient, Strickland battled back and did manage to connect with the rolling Flatliner and suplex to regain control.
Avalanche Angle Slam by Strickland, who came up clutching his neck, as the delay allowed an Okada kick out. Strickland missed a Swerve Stomp off the apron on the floor, came up limping, as Okada answered with a Tombstone. Back inside, short arm lariats from Okada, who tried a Rainmaker, but Strickland countered into a House Call. Strickland gets a series of short arm lariats of his own, wanting another House Call, but Okada saw it coming with a dropkick. Strickland avoided Rainmaker, but Okada hit another dropkick. Third Rainmaker countered, this time with Strickland hitting a pop-up powerslam. Swerve Stomp delivered, but at what cost, as Strickland came up clutching his bad leg. Okada rolled out to the apron and cut off Strickland in the corner and hit a knee breaker on the top buckle. Both miss home run shots, until Strickland managed to fire off a desperation House Call, but as he called for one more, Okada ducked and hit a Rainmaker flush for the win.
Post-match, Okada trapped Strickland’s bad knee between the post and ring step, as he smashed a chair against it repeatedly before Prince Nana ran out with a steel pipe to hold off Okada & Callis, who escaped. As Nana was tending to Strickland, a returning Wardlow appeared behind them to a huge reaction. Wardlow squashed Nana, as Strickland was forced to watch Nana be destroyed with punches. Wardlow stared down Strickland before destroying three security guards with a roundhouse lariat, F-5 and powerbomb. Bryan Danielson said this must be the insurance policy that Callis took out, as Wardlow hugged Callis & Okada on the aisle with a huge smile on his face. The rest of the Don Callis Family are out to welcome the newest member of the crew. The celebration briefly came to a halt, as Konosuke Takeshita walked out to his music and big pop. Fans might have thought he’d feel differently, but he shook his head approvingly to Callis and to Wardlow, as the Don Callis Family are stronger than ever, literally and figuratively.
Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Swerve Strickland to retain the AEW Unified Title
(Incredibly impressive showing from the challenger, as Athena controlled much more of this match than I thought and had some close near falls down the stretch. The Starkz Factor was taken care of early, but once it ramped up, you knew someone would have Storm’s back and that someone was Mina Shirakawa. I really liked the finish, as it shows yet another move in Storm’s arsenal that she can break out and win with at any time. I’m not sure where Athena goes from here (aside from defending her ROH Women’s Title against Shirakawa at Death Before Dishonor), but I’m hopeful that she sticks around in AEW, she’s great.)
An early baseball slide sent Athena crashing into the barricade, as Starkz got into Storm’s face and suffered a quick Storm Zero as a result. Athena flew in with a shotgun dropkick, causing Storm to hit the LED barricade so hard to turned off. It was all Athena after that, as she drove Storm’s head repeatedly into the post. Cravat applied back inside, as there’s a lot of posturing and posing from Athena, who countered a corner head scissors into a cazadora face buster into the buckle. Athena mocked Storm’s pose, giving Storm time to regroup with a Fisherman’s Suplex with a nice bridge for two. Leg sweep, big boot, neckbreaker, Butterfly Suplex combo from Athena, who continues to pose. Storm dodged an O-Face into a pop-up slam for a near fall. TCM Chicken Wing countered into a backdrop driver by Athena, but Storm responded with a Tornado DDT and Tiger Driver for two.
Strike battle as both ladies get to their feet, with Storm switching to Mongolian Chops, until Athena hit a kip-up thrust kick and home run right elbow for a near fall. Storm went up in the corner, as Starkz recovered from earlier and ran distraction enough for Athena to hit a flying boot and corner hurricanrana, holding on into a Liger Bomb for two. Athena sank in the Koji Clutch, but Storm got a rope break. Uppercut side-stepped, as Storm briefly got the TCM Chicken Wing, but Athena sent her outside and met Storm with a low Tope. Similar to Wednesday, Athena wanted another piledriver on the steps, but Storm bit free and slammed Athena on the steps and LED barricade, which hilariously turned it back on.
Back inside, Storm fired off a headbutt and got Storm Zero for two. Athena clawed at the ring skirt, so when both ladies were on the apron, Starkz pulled at the skirt and distracted Storm enough for Athena to hit an O-Face across the top rope. Starkz was about to use a chair when Mina Shirakawa ran out, got the chair and chased Starkz to the back. Big Package from Storm got two, as Athena rolled out, fired off an uppercut, tried for an O-Face but leapt into the clutches of the TCM Chicken Wing, she fought, but Athena ultimately tapped.
Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Athena to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(I thought this was one hell of a World Title match, despite the end being a little convoluted with the whole Bryce counting three, but never calling for the actual bell. It all blew up in MJF’s face and even though he never got his hands on him, Mark Briscoe has to be smiling the same thing that happened to him a few weeks ago on Dynamite wasn’t the same fate for Page tonight. The pop Page got for retaining the title and MJF losing, was massive, as Page needs to be champ for a good while, the crowd loves him.)
After MJF stalled and mocked the crowd to start, Page was relentless on his attack, with commentary reminding us the title can change hands on a disqualification or count-out, so Page must be careful. Danielson pleaded that referee Bryce should show leniency for Page to get in more shots. Page clotheslined MJF over the barricade into the front row, then again with a big boot. Page grabbed a chair, but referee Bryce told him to think about it, as the delay allowed MJF to post Page. MJF remained in control back in the ring, faking a knee injury off a springboard, but suckered Page in to a snap piledriver for two. Biting away at Page in the corner, MJF kept mocking Page, who responded with the same mockery that got a big reaction before delivering a huge flying lariat off the top. Hammer throw reversed into a Fall Away Slam, as MJF was sent over the top and Page followed up with his Orihara Moonsault. Page wanted a Buckshot, but MJF cut him off, tried a Heatseeker, Page avoided, tried a Buckshot, only to fall right into Salt of the Earth.
Page rolled out into a pin attempt, leading to a Crossface, but MJF escaped into a Sleeper. Page again rolled out to the apron, but MJF hit an impressive slingshot cutter and hammerlock DDT for a close two. MJF set aside his Casino Gauntlet Contract and placed the ring attendant table by the entrance aisle and Page on top. MJF slowly went up top, but took too long, as Page cut him off, did a standing moonsault off the apron, floated through and Tombstoned MJF on the floor. After breaking the count, Page repositioned the table and put MJF through it with a Dead Eye off the apron, but back inside, MJF got a foot on the rope to break the count.
MJF knew Page wanted a Buckshot, so he took a powder and seat ringside. Page got a running start, but MJF hit a drop toehold into the chair, busting Page open in the process. MJF slammed Page into the steps before screaming to Danielson “just like you, he f’n sucks!” as Danielson said he’d love to go in there and punch him, but knows it’s what MJF wants to get Page DQ’d and he win the title that way. MJF picked up Page and hit a Tombstone of his own through the broken parts of the table before ordering referee Bryce to put on the count, but Page broke it at 9.9. MJF pulled the buckle pad off in the corner, tried to slam Page into it, but the tables were turned and MJF went right into the steel, as he’s bleeding buckets now to chants of “You Deserve It” leading to an intense stare down. Slugfest ensues with both collapsing on top of one another until they trade Tombstone and crazy series of pin attempts. Jackknife cover by Page into a bridge from MJF, but Page spun out into Dead Eye for two in a phenomenal sequence.
Page ordered MJF to fight, but MJF took out the Dynamite Diamond Ring and ordered Page to use it. MJF spat in Page’s face and yelled at Page to use the ring, but instead, Page spat in MJF’s face. MJF pulled referee Bryce in his way from a Buckshot, MJF shoved them into one another, hitting a low blow and Heatseeker on Page. MJF made the cover, Page got his foot on the ropes, but just like the Mark Briscoe match, referee Bryce counted the three without seeing it. Bryce never officially called for the bel, as Briscoe charged out, but was held off by security and taken to the back. MJF turned back and saw the foot on the rope, rushed to take it off, when Bryce caught him and said the match was never officially called yet. They both shoved one another, as Page hit a lariat, MJF thew a low blow as he held onto Bryce and got a roll-up for two.
MJF threw the AEW Title in the ring, as Bryce took it from the ring, allowing MJF to hit Page with his Casino Gauntlet case, but Page kicked out at two. MJF went back to the Dynamite Diamond Ring and was about to use it, when Bryce caught him and removed it. This gave Page a chance to get revenge by waffling MJF with the case, hit a Dead Eye and Buckshot to win it, as the crowd exploded. Post-match, Page placed the contract on MJF’s chest, as he celebrated up the ramp as MJF clutched to the contract.
Match Result: Hangman Adam Page defeated MJF to retain the AEW World Title
-Before the main event, Bryan Danielson said he’s going to have to remove himself from commentary due to everything that’s happened between himself & the Death Riders. Jim Ross would re-join the team for the Lights Out Cage Match.
(For never having a match of this kind before in AEW, I’d say they knocked it out of the park and got the most out of literally everyone involved. The match itself was filled with violence, a little comedy, some insane violence and spots that will forever be in AEW video packages going forward I’m sure. The visual of Tanahashi standing tall in his final match in the UK was quite the sight to see, but the post-match saw what was supposed to be a bittersweet possible farewell for Ospreay turn into a nightmare, as Death Riders might have lost the battle, but won the war in putting Ospreay out in front of the London crowd. I will say if Ospreay is going to be out for a long time, this was the way to do it if they wanted heat. This whole main event was a go out of your way spectacle to watch, as I thought everyone did a fantastic job.)
Ospreay had a fantastic video package about his career that was narrated by his fiancé Alex Windsor, as the crowd was deafening for his entrance singing his theme. Everyone hugged Ospreay, as you can tell he’s enjoying every second. The Young Bucks music played for about 10 seconds before the record scratched and MMMBop by Hanson played (hey, they requested their old music be played tonight) and the crowd sang along while Omega was shown dancing in the ring. This was incredible, almost rivals the crowd singing Drowning Pool “Bodies” during Anarchy in the Arena.
Similar to that match, I’m going to try to keep up with as much of this chaos as possible, as Tanahashi fights off The Bucks & Castagnoli in the ring to start until Kidd took him out from behind, leading to a chop battle with Ospreay & himself. Wall walk enzugiri from Ospreay, who followed with a Sasuke Special. Moxley & Castagnoli throw Allin inside, who met both with a springboard Coffin Splash and wild sprinting dive through the ropes. The Young Bucks & Golden Lovers have a face-off to a huge pop, as Omega & Ibushi fire off dueling snap hurricanranas. Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults on The Bucks outside, as Allin is now handcuffed to Moxley, who called in Castagnoli for assistance. Code Red on Castagnoli, forcing Moxley to take a bump in the process, as they were separated, while Omega tried You Can’t Escape on Kidd with a trash can, but missed the Moonsault portion. The Bucks planted Ibushi with the assisted Sliced Bread and screamed this is what they do.
Nick grabs the bag of what he requested the production assistant to fill with weapons earlier on Zero Hour and dumped out Gummy Bears, which infuriated Moxley. Omega tried a drop toe hold into the bears, as Matt fought it off for dear life until Tanahashi hit a Bulldog into the bears. Omega forced gummy bears into the mouth of Matt and was hit in the face in a hilarious spot that I’m sure will anger some. Castagnoli brought a ladder into the ring and launched Ospreay off the apron into the cage, busting him opened badly, as The Bucks sent Allin crashing on the set-up ladder with a powerbomb. Allin’s ear is bleeding, as The Bucks hit an assisted Swanton onto the ladder. The Bucks tried to take Ospreay out with a ladder, but he kipped out into a handspring Pele, sending the ladder crashing into Matt & Nick. Moxley returned with a chair, but Ospreay ducked and tried to Pillmanize Moxley’s neck, only for Kidd to make the save and spiking Ospreay with a Gotch Piledriver, leaving Ospreay clutching his neck.
Kidd draped Omega over the top and The Bucks hit the double stomp bounce back powerbomb. Giant Swing by Castagnoli, as Nick leaped over them and took out Ibushi with a twisting Tornillo outside. Ibushi was brought back inside, where he briefly powered up, only to eat a double superkick and TK Driver, but Allin broke the count. Castagnoli pressed Allin over his head, ran and launched him like a dart clear into the cage in an insane spot. Tanahashi was left to fight alone, as he stood his ground, side stepping The Bucks, dishing out a Twist & Shout to Castagnoli, until Moxley cut him off with a Paradigm Shift. Moxley sat down Allin in a chair, as Castagnoli duct taped him to it as Moxley grabbed a fork and started violently stabbing Allin in the ear, which was absolutely disgusting. Castagnoli bodyslammed Allin, while he was still on the chair, as blood is pouring from the ear.
Barbed wire table was brought to the ring and set up in the corner by The Bucks as Shafir & Yuta start setting up tables and stacking them on top of each other outside of the cage by the aisle. The Bucks tried to throw Tanahashi into the barbed wire, but he fought them off and it was Moxley who was sent head first into it, busting him open. Sling Blades delivered to Kidd & Moxley, but Castagnoli cut Tanahashi off with a Neutralizer, while The Bucks hit a BTE Trigger, but Ospreay, who was motionless the longest time, broke the count. Ospreay covered and protected Tanahashi, as Moxley pulled him up by his neck, wanted a Death Rider, but Ospreay tackled him through the barbed wire. Omega returned with Snap Dragons aplenty, until the Golden Lovers hit stereo ones onto Moxley & Matt. Ibushi just got enough of a slingshot plancha before ramping the crowd up for Omega, who hit a Terminator Dive. Hilariously the camera cut to Shafir, who loudly yell “F*ck You Kenny!”
Tanahashi started climbing a ladder, wanting to go to the top of the cage, but all his teammates had to plead with him not to, which was very funny. Ospreay did it instead and hit an incredible Moonsault onto the pile of heels. Kidd was left with tunnel vision on Omega in the ring and they pick up where they left off at Wrestle Kingdom this year. Things break down (which I realize how ridiculous that sounds in a match like this), as everyone took turns hitting their signature moves, including Allin with a Death Drop on Moxley, Ospreay wall walked into a superkick, but ultimately took both Bucks out with Hidden Blades. Ospreay pushed Omega out of the way of a charging Kidd and laid Kidd out with a Styles Clash before delivering Hidden Blade/V-Trigger combo for two. Nick hit a scary springboard DDT on Ibushi on the apron, as Ospreay flew in with an Oscutter on the apron onto Matt, while Allin hit a Coffin Drop as well. Omega & Moxley are left slugging it out, with Omega connecting with V-Triggers and One Winged Angel, but was broke up. Allin & Moxley fought up to the top of the cage, as Yuta made the save, allowing Moxley to get away, but Yuta was left falling from the cage through the Japanese announce table, even wiping out El Desperado on commentary. Allin & Moxley fought around the cage and he placed Moxley between the set-up tables, as Shafir made the save. With Allin perched atop the cage, Kidd climbed a ladder and hit a low blow, joining Allin high up. Kidd had a Sleeper, but Allin raked the eyes and both crashed and burned through 4 tables right at the feet of Moxley & Shafir.
Castagnoli screams loudly after every uppercut thrown at Ibushi, who fired back with a Half and Half. Ripcord V-Trigger by Omega and Stormbreaker by Ospreay, as Nick ate a Golden Trigger, while Ospreay launched off Nick’s back to hit Matt with a leaping V-Trigger. An incredible Hidden Blade/One Winged Angel by Ospreay & Omega on Matt, as Tanahashi climbs to the top for the High Fly Flow and wins it. Ospreay, Omega, Ibushi & Tanahashi stand tall, as Allin was being treated to by doctors, but was helped up by the Golden Lovers and Tanahashi. Ospreay was left alone in the ring, saying he’s going to miss the fans, as commentary put over the uncertainty surrounding his future and with him good luck with whatever life throws at him.
Credit graphic showed, but Castagnoli & Moxley blindsided Ospreay, as the cage door was locked, while Moxley hit repeated Death Riders over and over. The Bucks, Yuta & Kidd all held off the opposition, until The Opps sprinted out to help, but they can’t get in, as a chair was placed around Ospreay’s neck and it was Moxley who Pillmanized it. The cage slowly raises, Death Riders bail as the babyfaces rush to Ospreay, who laid motionless with doctors tending to him as the show went off the air.
Match Result: Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd & The Young Bucks when Tanahashi pinned Matt
Editor’s Note: This is an opinion-based preview that reflects the views of the author and not the website.
This year’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door isn’t about checking dream matches off a list anymore. It’s about finding the right combinations using whatever top talent is available, regardless of how forbidden or permissible they may be.
The highs are certainly high. Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland is an existing opposition of styles and ideas. ZSJ vs. Nigel McGuinness is a time machine. Mercedes Mone in a four-way is equal parts inevitability and chaos. AEW has stacked some of the card with collisions that don’t just sound good on paper — they carry some serious weight.
Not everything is a hit, however. Sure, you get MJF and Hangman tearing the house down, but can we also interest you in some Kip Sabian? I will politely pass and instead indulge in the rest of Forbidden Door, even though it’s really just a regular old PPV. I won’t tell if you won’t.
Here’s my preview and predictions for Sunday’s Forbidden Door from London (1 PM Eastern main card start on PPV).
Sure, whatever. Killswitch is back which is very nice for him, but I’ve never had a compelling thought about Kip Sabian. The Cope/Christian reunion tour should have come with more fanfare, but I suppose this is leading to something bigger down the line. Let’s not spill any more digital ink here.
Prediction: Cope and Christian
The Hurt Syndicate have been champions since January. It doesn’t feel like it! The most memorable thing they’ve done was engage in an unfulfilling and short-lived partnership with MJF. Their matches are impressive beatdowns delivered by two talented athletic marvels, but that’s all they are. There’s been nothing worth holding on to. AEW hasn’t exactly put forth a murderers’ row of opponents, but at some point, the common denominator in the question must be considered.
A tournament final ending in a draw sure is something. Why even run the tournament if you weren’t going to have a clear winner? That said, the FTR/Brodido match on Wednesday was a certified ripper and significantly better output than anything from the Hurt Syndicate during their time as champions.
Brody and Bandido always deserve gold. Unfortunately, that’s not happening. They’re just here to eat the pin. They deserve so much more.
Prediction: FTR wins the titles
The more people in a match, the further we stray from God’s light. Maybe this is me getting old. Maybe this is me, in fact, already being old. But one-on-one matches are the purest form of pro wrestling (tag team wrestling notwithstanding).
I’ll allow for indulgences like the occasional triple threat or a cacophony of violence like Anarchy in the Arena. Still, by and large, multi-person matches are too contrived and too empty. There is too much waiting around between spots. If you pay attention, you can feel the space in them. They aren’t without their purpose, but these are fun, empty calories at the absolute best with a floor of something far worse.
Mercedes’ loss at All In shocked me. I was certain she was destined to add yet another belt to her always-growing collection. She didn’t, though that certainly seems to have done little to slow down the momentum of her globe-trotting success.
The rollout of Alex Windsor in AEW has been great, Persephone can work, and Bozilla is full of promise, but there is only one CEO.
Prediction: Mercedes retains
Takahashi was a beautiful abnormality — a junior heavyweight force of nature and a ball of kinetic, unique charisma that was a magnet for willing and curious eyes. His self-produced videos, entrance gear, and devil-may-care style made him stand out. His return from a broken neck at Wrestle Kingdom 14 moved me. But fireworks, dazzling as they might be, burn fast and hot, but always blow out. Serious injuries have dampened some of Hiromu’s bombast and output, but his special light still shines.
Fletcher has arrived — not just as a breakout singles star, but as someone who feels inevitable in pro wrestling’s next decade. His journey to the TNT Championship, capped by a stirring street fight victory over Dustin Rhodes, is proof of concept: youthful, athletic, and composed beyond his years, Fletcher has transitioned from an Ospreay-esque tag-team prospect into a headliner with frightening ease. His ceiling does not exist.
Prediction: Fletcher retains
Everything has already been said about Okada, a once-in-a-generation ace whose performances on the biggest stages are already part of modern wrestling history. Yet, here’s the thing: we haven’t gotten the full Okada experience in AEW yet. Since walking through the forbidden door full-time, the Rainmaker has felt like the trailer instead of the full movie.
He’s been dominant, sure, looking like a cool billion dollars and still hitting that dropkick like Zeus hurling lightning, but something’s been off. The mystique is there, but the matches haven’t caught up. Maybe it’s just that Okada, who, like any mythic figure, needs the right foil (see Bryan Danielson for evidence) to unlock his highest form. If that’s the case, Swerve might be the key.
This match isn’t just a collision of two stars; it’s a styles clash in the best way. Okada is the high-art technician with the mat as his canvas. Swerve, on the other hand, is a (better) Rick Rude wearing Supreme. He snarls and he seethes, all while being the coolest person in the room. He’s part style, part menace, and always in control. The best-of-the-best transcend wins and losses, and even if Swerve doesn’t win, he controls the conversation.
I’m jazzed for this one. Okada’s deliberate pacing and crescendo-building offense vs. Swerve’s penchant for brutality. Will Okada finally paint his masterpiece in an AEW ring? And if not now, when?
Prediction: Okada retains
Of the many, many wonderful ZSJ quotes, there are none better than when he said putting on a great technical match for the United States is “like reading Shakespeare to a dog.” Kings stay kings. The good news for ZSJ is that this audience, like his opponent, will largely not be from the United States.
Both of these beautiful Brits — a fact, not an opinion — will get every opportunity to wrench and bend and torque and twist each other’s limbs on their home soil. How incredible for McGuinness to get a proper singles match at the sold-out O2 Arena. How perfect that ZSJ gets to lock up with a British wrestling legend. How lucky are we, silly Americans, that we’ll get to try and appreciate what should be a technical masterpiece.
As compelling and interesting as this match is, there is no serious chance of the title changing hands. The potential addition of Daniel Garcia does introduce some intrigue. He’s been struggling, languishing even, for some time now. Does he flip the script and turn heel on Nigel? Tune in on August 24th (only on PPV!) to find out.
Prediction: ZSJ retains
A man with no knees who can’t walk, a man with half his insides removed held together by duct tape, a man who publicly announced neck problems, a daredevil who climbed Mount Everest, and Ibushi walk into a lights out steel cage match.
Rarely, if ever, has there been a match that had a higher risk of a career-ending injury.
My choice for the winner of the “he really shouldn’t be doing this match” is the president of NJPW and the Ace of the universe, Hiroshi Tanahashi. A living legend and all-time big match performer, his bona fides are exhaustive and deserved, so far be it from me, a loser, to question him. But, man. It’s painful when he tries to move at anything with a pace brisker than a stroll, so how can he do a match like this? He just struggled through a six-man tag on Dynamite. I have a feeling I’ll be watching this one through my fingers, just hoping everyone comes out of it ok.
Much of the intrigue lies in the logistics and layout of this match. There are a lot of people to be in one cage at the same time. The argument that this should be the annual Blood and Guts match is a sound one. Hopefully, the cage is more of a recommendation rather than a requirement, because a brawl all over the arena would be more fun than ten dudes bumping around in a cage trying not to kill each other.
Prediction: Omega, Ibushi, Allin, Tanahashi & Ospreay
To begin, a proposition for the sicko owner of AEW: be brave, Tony Khan. Be bold. Now is the time to be audacious. Let Athena soundly and quickly beat Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship. Don’t deprive your audience of a good match, but give us something different.
AEW leans heavily into the more sprawling epics littered with kickout after kickout after kickout. Imagine for a moment this is a ten-minute sprint, a slugfest between two of the best women workers of our generation with the governors completely removed from their engines. Let them empty the tanks quickly and viciously before going home with authority.
It took Storm hitting countless piledrivers to put away Mone at All In. How momentous and ground-shaking would it be if Athena beat Storm with one finisher? A star would instantly emerge. Athena has been that star for years, carrying a mostly unwatched brand on her capable back. It’s time to bring her to the front and keep her there. Few can do what she does in the ring, and it’s high time for the world at large to easily see it.
Prediction: Athena wins the title
The AEW World Championship is a heavy crown for any head. The burden of expectations, the burden of being the best every night, is never ending. There are no bye weeks with a roster overflowing with talent like Ospreay, Allin, Fletcher, G1 winner Konosuke Takeshita, Swerve, and, of course, MJF.
A conquering hero like Hangman should be up for the challenge. There’s nothing like returning to the summit in an act of cathartic triumph before having to deal with the devil all over again. There are no breaks, there are no skips, and for Hangman to have a lengthy run, he must always be at the top of his game.
It speaks to MJF’s versatility and vulnerability as a performer that he can make whatever he does feel important. His time on TV and PPVs is almost always deserved. It’s been over a year since MJF has been involved in a title program of any kind, let alone the World title. Yes, he’s currently the CMLL Light Heavyweight champion, but in AEW canon, he’s been beltless.
But he’s never been an afterthought; he’s never been wandering the wilderness. The best continue to matter even if they aren’t involved in a top title program. Love him or hate him, whenever MJF is around, everything he does matters.
Count me among those who did not like the added stipulations to this match. MJF and Hangman sold this program on their own with nothing extra needed. All this does is open the possibility for unwanted chicanery and lean into the worst part of MJF’s performances. Pulling the rug out from Hangman after he spent two years getting back to the top would be bold, but it would be unwise. He keeps the gold.
Prediction: Hangman retains
Follow along with our AEW Forbidden Door coverage all weekend long.
If AEW introduces Women’s Tag Team titles, Athena isn’t ruling out the possibility of going after the belts with Mercedes Mone.
Tony Khan has had AEW Women’s Tag Team titles made but is waiting for the right time to introduce them on television. While appearing on the Battleground Podcast ahead of Forbidden Door, Athena was asked if she would be interested in going after the belts with Mone given that the two have been “vibing” in AEW lately.
“Look, I’ve never been super into belt collectors because I don’t like that TSA pre-check issue trying to get through security, and I can only imagine [Mone’s] life is a nightmare right now, which I would love to film and record. If I see her one day, I’m just going to record it as they take [all of her belts] out,” the ROH Women’s World Champion responded.
“Vibing is a strong word. I think keep your enemies close is kind of the method. The enemy of my enemy is my friend type vibe. But, honestly, she’s one of the best in the world. I am the best in the world.”
After joking that Mone could maybe become a “Minion CEO” if she goes through the proper training, Athena left the door open to potentially become AEW Tag Team champs with her — though she’d rather challenge Mone for the TBS Championship instead.
“But, you know what, we’re two of the best women in the world,” Athena said. “Like, all jokes and fun aside, it’s been interesting. Very much so unforeseen, because I’d rather beat her for the TBS Championship than tag. But also, if that opportunity presents itself, I know we’re both very competitive, we’re both very aggressive when it comes to being the best in the world. Why not? Why not?”
At Forbidden Door in London this Sunday, Athena will challenge Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship. Mone has a TBS Championship defense at the pay-per-view, putting her title on the line against Alex Windsor, Persephone, and Bozilla in a four-way match.
Athena & Mone teamed together on Dynamite this week, defeating Storm & Windsor.
Image: JJ Williams
Interim Ring of Honor Women’s TV Champion Mina Shirakawa returned from injury during Saturday’s AEW Collision.
Shirakawa came out to aid AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm at the onset of Collision when she came out to deliver a promo to the fans when she was attacked by Athena and Billie Starkz. Storm will defend against Athena at Forbidden Door.
Shirakawa won the interim TV title and then got injured by Athena the next night at AEW All In. She hasn’t been seen since.
As announced on Thursday’s HonorClub, Shirakawa will challenge Athena for the ROH Women’s World title at this month’s Death Before Dishonor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her future with the interim TV title is unclear as is the return of current champion Red Velvet.
Eight company champion and AEW star Mercedes Mone appeared at a wrestling show Saturday, but it was not on Collision.
Instead, Mone made a surprise appearance at MPX’s Who Runs The World? all-women’s event in Texas, put on by Ring of Honor Women’s Champion Athena. Athena was in the ring, revealing that a new belt was coming to MPX when her former rival and now current ally appeared (seen below).
The two then did Mone’s CEO dance.
Athena will challenge AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm at this month’s Forbidden Door in London, England. This week on Dynamite, Mone made her return to AEW for the first time since losing to Storm at July’s All In: Texas.
Athena attempted to help Billie Starkz in a four-way TBS title eliminator on that show which led to Storm coming out and eventually Mone who then confronted winner Alex Windsor. At the end of the segment, Mone, Athena and Starkz stood tall over Storm and Windsor. Mone will defend against Windsor at Forbidden Door.
After winning her opportunity to challenge for the AEW Women’s World title at July’s All In, Athena isn’t waiting long to cash in her ticket.
Made official on Thursday’s AEW Collision, she will challenge Toni Storm for the title at August’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in search of her first run with the gold.
Athena pinned Storm on Wednesday’s Dynamite in a tag team match after weeks of taunting Storm for when she would call her shot. Athena’s ROH Women’s World title will not be on the line.
While the two have shared the ring seven times in their respective careers, the match will be their first singles encounter.
Storm, currently in her fourth reign, will be looking for her fifth successful title defense and her first since defending against Mercedes Mone at All In.
A new tag team match has been added to Dynamite.
Tony Khan announced on social media Tuesday that Toni Storm and Alex Windsor will team together to take on Athena and Billie Starkz.
“The brawl after a classic #AEWCollision main event set the stage for a huge 2-on-2 fight TOMORROW NIGHT!,” he wrote.
In the main event of Collision, Athena successfully retained the ROH Women’s title against Windsor. After the match, Athena and her minion attacked Windsor until Storm came out for the save, ending the show with the two standing tall over the retreating Athena and Starkz.
Athena won a contract that will guarantee her a shot at Storm’s title at any time back at All In earlier this month. Since then, Storm has attempted to coerce Athena into signing her contract to face her on television, with Athena choosing otherwise.
Also added to Dynamite is a singles match betwen Mark Briscoe and Ricochet.
“After scoring the main event win last Wednesday, Mark Briscoe aims to settle the score vs his red hot rival who beat him in a classic #AEWDoN Stretcher Match: Ricochet!,” Khan wrote.
