Tag: Athena

ROH Women’s Championship match set for next AEW Collision

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The ROH Women’s title is on the line next week.

During AEW Collision, it was announced that next week’s show will see Athena defend the ROH Women’s Championship against Alex Windsor. This comes following a short interaction between the two where Athena appeared on the balcony and dismissed Windsor, who had just picked up a win in her AEW debut against Taya Valkyrie.

After Windsor left, Athena addressed Toni Storm, who soon came to the ring and demanded Athena sign the contract she won at All In so they could have their title match right then and there. Athena rejected the idea and instead promoted the upcoming match between Storm and Athena’s minion Billie Starkz on this upcoming Dynamite. Storm pointed out that if Starkz won, she’d get a future title match, something Athena didn’t like. Storm then entered through the crowd to go after Athena, who fled from the balcony to end the segment.

A match featuring Anthony Bowens was also teased for next week, though it wasn’t specified which show it would be on or against who. As friction ensued between Bowens and Billy Gunn backstage, Gunn on this week’s Collision told Bowens he had a match set up for him. Bowens responded by saying he trusted Gunn.

AEW Collision lineup:

  • ROH Women’s Championship: Athena defends against Alex Windsor

Athena wins women’s Casino Gauntlet match at AEW All In

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Athena has earned a future AEW Women’s title match.

She pinned Mina Shirakawa during the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match that took place during All In on Saturday in her home state of Texas. The finish had Shirakawa going for the figure four on Thunder Rosa when Athena came off the top rope with the o-face, striking Shirakawa and pinning her to win the match. As a result, Athena now holds a contract where she can challenge for the Women’s title match at any time.

In all, twelve women entered the match, including surprises such as the debuting Syuri and Alex Windsor. Athena, the current ROH Women’s Champion, came in at number 9.

Athena has continued her run as one of the longest-reigning champions within either AEW or ROH, holding the Women’s title for over 900 days. At Supercard of Honor on Friday, she successfully defended the title once more, this time against Thunder Rosa. When the ROH Women’s Champion came out at All In, she and Rosa brawled, continuing their rivalry from the previous night.

In the men’s Casino Gauntlet, MJF ended up pinning Roderick Strong to earn a future World title match. The finish of that match had Strong being laid out with the Jay driller by Mark Briscoe, only for MJF to swoop in, take out Briscoe, and then pin Strong himself.

ROH Supercard of Honor live results: Bandido vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Ring of Honor kicks off a busy weekend in pro wrestling with tonight’s Supercard of Honor from the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

In the headliner, ROH World Champion Bandido defends against former AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita. The two have shared the ring frequently this, but this will be their first singles match since June 2023.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena will look to keep her 944-day reign going as she defends against former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa.

ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty will defend against the legendary Blue Panther of CMLL fame.

ROH Tag Team Champions The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) will defend against The Infantry’s Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo).

ROH Men’s TV Champion Nick Wayne will defend against CMLL’s Titan while an interim Women’s TV Champion will be crowned with two yet-to be-named competitors.

Rounding out the show is Dark Order vs. The Frat House in a trios bout.

**********

Here we go folks! The event Ring of Honor has spent hours building towards is finally upon us! Supercard of Honor kicks off with a Zero Hour, featuring a couple of fun matches, lots of video recaps and who knows what else!

Zero Hour: Blake Christian vs Jay Lethal

See what I mean? No one knew that Christian and Lethal were going to kick things off! Chaos Theory!

And kick they did, with Christian getting the drop on Lethal off the top and doing a little strutting. Lethal went for a dive at Christian, but he dodged it and Lethal few out of the ring, colliding with Lee Johnson who had followed Christian to ringside.

Christian’s swagger was on full display as every time Lethal tried to pull something out of his bag of tricks, Christian was there and ready to counter. Christian also has a tight new haircut, which deserved to be noted.

Christian was the clear standout of the match, at one point doing a strut along the top rope, hitting a running Spanish Fly and even attempting a Lethal Injection on Lethal. For his part, Lethal worked Christian’s knee and brought his strength, looking like he has everything planned, even when it went awry.

In the end, Christian locked in a Vanilla Choke Zero out of a moonwalk, forcing Lethal to tap out.

Match Result: Blake Christian defeated Jay Lethal

I’ll say this: these guys had the loudest superkicks I’ve ever heard. They both showed off what makes them great though, so fun match to start off the night!

Zero Hour: The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, John Silver, Evil Uno) vs. The Frat House (Griff Garrison, Preston Vance, Cole Karter) w/Jakked Jameson and The Pledges

So the Frat House and the Dark Order hate each other. Be it because of Preston Vance’s time in both groups, or the eternal struggle between geeks and jocks, these groups are destined to fight forever. A couple of weeks ago, the Dark Order stiffed the Frat House on a bar bill and on last week’s ROH on Honorclub, the Dark Order dispatched a few unnamed pledges before announcing that this match was on for Supercard. Or Zero Hour, as it were.

Blake Christian’s haircut stopped being the story of the night as soon as a SHIRTLESS Evil Uno appeared on the ramp. Immediately, a brawl broke out with the Frat House sending their pledges up to get the Order. The Order quickly dispatched the pledges and turned their fury to the Frat House Proper.

The crowed chanted “Frat House Sucks!” as the match formally got underway with Karter isolating Reynolds in the Frat Corner. He and Garrison tagged in and out, double teaming him. The thing about these matches is that the Frat House cheats so much, its hard to tell what’s going on as there’s always someone grabbing an ankle or getting a cheap shot in.

Reynolds tried for a hot tag about a dozen times, but Garrison and Karter blocked him. When he finally got one to Uno, he exploded into the ring, taking out Karter and Garrison with huge chops in the corner and a double DDT to boot. Vance got involved then and triple teamed Uno with Garrison and Karter. It got a two count.

Uno battled back caught Garrison’s foot in a kick attempt. He passed the foot to the ref and then delivered a neckbreaker to Garrison. Silver tagged in and showed zero ring rust in his first match in months. He single handedly took out all of the Frat House, leaving Garrison prone for a triple team and would have been a three-count, but Jameson pulled the ref out.

While Jameson was arguing with the Ref, Vance brought in the pledge paddle and knocked out all of the order. Suddenly, Dark Order music played and who should arrive? Negative Uno! Vance was distracted and the Dark Order spammed finishers on him, ending with a huge clothesline from Uno (the Evil one). That got the pin and the win for the Dark Order.

Match Result: The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, John Silver, Evil Uno) defeated The Frat House (Griff Garrison, Preston Vance, Cole Karter) 

A lot of fun with a great callback bringing in Negative Uno. The Dark Order should be in line for a Trios title shot sometime soon.

-Suddenly, MxMxTV arrived at the top of the ramp. Taya Valkyrie grabbed a mic and said that they had a “life changing” announcement. That turned out to be a new scent from MxMxTV called, inappropriately enough, “SEED.” So, that happened.

Zero Hour: Diamante vs. Lady Frost

Hey! Look! It’s Diamante and Lady Frost! I like them when they wrestle, so let’s watch them wrestle.

Lady Frost came our in fire-themed gear, which was a little confusing. Diamante made her way to the ring in terrifying fashion, eyes narrow and jaw clenched. Code of Honor was adhered to and then the punching began. Two very hard hitters, hitting very hard.

Diamante took the lead, slamming Frost into the corner and stomping her. She didn’t let up from there, throwing Frost from post to post, not letting her get to her feet. Frost tried to turn the tables with a sneaky dropkick, but Diamante saw it coming and avoided it.

Frost managed to get a twisting crossbody in and that slowed the pace down a bit. She tried to hoist Diamante up, but her core (?) gave out and Frost sank to her knees, giving Diamante the opening to regain control.

Diamante hit a twisting DDT on Frost from the top rope and that was in. 1-2-3, Diamante gets the win.

Match Result: Diamante defeated Lady Frost

Nice to see Diamante back in the ring. She and Frost put on a great, if one-sided affair.

Zero Hour: The Von Erichs (Marshall and Ross) vs The Premier Athletes (Aira Daivari and Tony Nese) w/Mark Sterling

The final (I assume) match of the Zero Hour pre-show featured the OTHER sons of Texas, the Von Erichs taking on The Premier Athletes. Guess who the crowd was cheering for?

Marshall and Nese kicked things off with Marshall getting the better of the smaller Nese. A quick tag to Ross and the brothers double teamed Nese until the Ref broke it up. Daivari came in and Ross locked him up in a headlock, until Nese returned on a blind tag.

The two teams fought back and forth, neither one getting the upper hand for long. The Von Erichs were able to match the Athletes step for step and even Sterling’s interference didn’t really change the momentum much.

Daivari tried to hit a Carpet Ride from the top rope, but Ross dodged it and got a hot tag to Marshall who cleaned house. The Athletes fought back and Daivari grabbed an actual carpet to nail Marshall with a second Carpet Ride.

In the end, Marshall hit Nese with a pop up spinebuster followed by a moonsault. Sterling tried to get involved, but Ross cut him off and Marshall pinned Nese to get the victory.

Match Result: The Von Erichs (Marshall and Ross) defeated The Premier Athletes (Aira Daivari and Tony Nese)

After the match, The Infantry and STP trash talked us into the beginning of Supercard of Honor 2025!

Hechicero vs. Michael Oku

Kicking things off was a match that was announced just hours before showtime. Former CMLL World Heavyweight Champion Hechicero takes on current RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion Oku in a match that I guess Tony Khan really wanted to see. I mean, I do too, but there’s no story here. Just good ol’ fashioned wrasslin’. 

Hechicero seemed to have the strength advantage, but Oku’s speed and agility offset any upper hand. Oku managed to overpower Hechicero at times, but it was Oku’s spaghetti limbs that were the real issue. Every time Hechicero put Oku down, Oku would wrap him up in a submission.

Hechicero at one point threw Oku into the air and then caught him in a chinlock, flipping him over into a shoulder-breaker. Oku looked hurt but Hechicero would not let up, hitting a spinning backbreaker. Oku kept his head above water with some high dropkicks and maneuvers that seemed to hurt his back more than they did Hechicero.

Oku finally got some momentum on his side, laying out Hechicero with some brutal forearms. Oku dropkicked Hechicero to the outside and backflipped over the top rope onto him. He threw Hechicero back into the ring and hit a big splash, but it only got a two count.

Oku tried a springboard from the top rope, but Hechicero got his knees up and locked in an armbar. Oku reversed it and put Hechicero into Boston Crab, forcing him to grab the ropes. The two rolled around on the mat until Hechicero got an ankle lock on Oku. He followed that up with a flying headscissor and that was it, Hechicero gets the pin.

Match Result: Hechicero defeated Michael Oku

Great opener! Fast and exciting. Ring of Honor rarely lacks in the in-ring action portion of wrestling and this was a picture perfect example of skill level on their roster.

$50k four-way: Atlantis Jr. vs. Lee Johnson vs. Adam Priest vs. AR Fox

How come I was never offered $50k to recap matches against three other writers? I think that would be high-level entertainment. Any ways, in this “someone gets a bonus” match Atlantis Jr, fresh off teaming with his Dad on ROH on Honorclub takes on another victor from last night’s episode in Priest (he beat Aaron Solo). Rounding out the field are Johnson and Fox. Fox has been looking good in recent weeks and when we last saw Johnson, he was casually strolling to the ring to distract Bandido so Blake Christian could attack him. Christian also accompanied Johnson to the ring here, mainly to show off the previously mentioned haircut.

The bell rang and Priest took it to everyone. Fox fought back and he and Priest toussled on the outside while Atlantis and Johnson went at it in the ring. Fox could have a five star match with a bucket of water, so putting him in the ring with someone as good as Atlantis is a sure-fire road to an excellent match.

All four men ended up on the outside and Fox ran UP the ring post to flip onto Priest. They battled inside the ring until Atlantis joined them, followed by Johnson (though, Coleman kept calling him Lee Moriarty). Atlantis then hit a slingblade DDT on Priest with an assist from Johnson.

Priest poked the eyes of Johnson, but then Atlantis took him out with a big dive. Fox popped back up in time to get thrown to the outside by Johnson who dragged him back into the ring. Fox kicked him in the head for his trouble and all four brawled in the ring.

No one had time to recover from anything in this match. As soon as they got a big move in on one competitor, another was right there with a big move of their own. There also were virtually no alliances or team ups as you sometimes see in these matches. Each man was in it for themselves.

Johnson got the first near fall and Priest nearly stole the match, attempting to pin Fox after splashes from Atlantis and Johnson in succession.

To wrap it up, Fox hit an around the world slam on Priest and managed to sit on him to get the pin and the $50k!

Match Result: AR Fox defeated Atlantis Jr, Lee Johnson and Adam Priest

Really fast-paced match that had absolutely no breathing room for the audience! Everyone got a chance to shine and I’m really liking Adam Priest these days. It was great to see AR Fox get the win though. He’s such a workhorse and I really hope the $50K wasn’t just a gimmick. He deserves a raise!

ROH Pure Title Match: Lee Moriarty (c) vs. Blue Panther

Another match from the fallout of ROH Global Wars Mexico. Moriarty fanboyed out at taking on Blue Panther, but a post-match schmozz with the rest of Shane Taylor Promotions led to a Brian Danielson cameo and the re-match here. I feel the need to once again point out that Panther’s career started in 1978 (we think), which is two years before I was even born. 

So to sum up the Pure Rules: three rope breaks, no closed fists (one warning), no outside interference, the title can change hands on a countout. It was also mentioned that this is Moriarty’s 350th day as champ, tying Nigel McGuinness with the longest Pure Title reign.

The two locked up off the top and immediately went to wrist and ankle holds. Panther tried to get Moriarty up in a Surfboard, but Moriarty wiggled free. Panther was on him before he could lock in a hold though.

Panther whipped Moriarty into the corner, but he bounced back. Panther hit him with a Palanka hold, forcing Moriarty to use his first rope break at 2:32. Moriarty responded with a series of ankle twists, but Panther didn’t bit and manged to get Moriarty up on his shoulders for an attempted Gory Special. Moriarty fought out of it though and put Panther in an abdominal stretch.

Moriarty then turned up the speed and wrapped up Panther, forcing him to use his first rope break at 5:02. They reset here and Moriarty put a headlock on Panther. He then punched him in the face, getting a warning for a closed fist.

Panther used the moment to lock in a figure four, but at 6:26, Moriarty used his second rope break to break the hold. From here the chops flew, with both men exchanging hard blows, Panther getting the upper hand with a big lariat.

Moriarty hit a springboard forearm and then wrapped Panther in a wrenching top wristlock. At 8:18, Panther made it to the ropes and used his second rope break. Panther stepped outside for a breather and Moriarty dove on him through the ropes, twice.

Panther got back into the ring and Moriarty put an Octopus hold on him in the middle of the ring, followed by a Border City Stretch. Panther would not tap out thoughand writhed his way to the ropes to use his final rope break at 10:25.

Panther got his second wind and delivered a string of clotheslines to Moriarty. Panther then dove onto him on the outside. Tossing Moriarty back in the ring, Panther bonked Moriarty’s head off the turnbuckle, but took too long to climb the post. Moriarty superplexed Panther into the middle of the ring, but only a two count.

Moriarty put Panther in an ankle lock. Panther grabbed the ropes, but his breaks were exhausted. Moriarty transitioned into a Border City Stretch and that was it. Panther tapped out and Moriarty becomes the longest-reigning Pure Champion of all time.

Match Result: Lee Moriarty (c) defeated Blue Panther

I love the Pure division and this match was why. Both competitors fought hard and the outcome wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Panther kept up with the MUCH younger Moriarty and it was a great match from bell to bell.

ROH World Tag Team Title Match: The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) (c) vs. The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean)

In spite of a myriad of deserving teams in ROH, a couple weeks ago on Ring of Honor on Honorclub, The Infantry beat Top Flight to become the #1 contender to the tag team titles. Rhodes and Guevara, the Sons of Texas, have held the titles for almost a full year, so it will be interesting to see if they survive the Infantry, or if this is the beginning of Shane Taylor Promotions collecting all the gold in ROH. 

In a turn, Rhodes and Guevara jumped the Infantry off the bell. Rhodes and Guevara set up Dean and Bravo in the corners for some Shattered Dreams, but Trish Adora got in the middle allowing Bravo to get the drop on Rhodes. Guevara sent Dean and Bravo to the outside where he and Rhodes did a double dive on them then danced in the ring. Like you do.

Guevara and Bravo battled in the ring as the match settled down. Bravo distracted the Ref, allowing Dean to smash Guevara onto the ring apron (the hardest part of the ring!). Bravo followed it up with a high knee and the Infantry double teamed Guevara on the outside, driving him face-first into the post.

That was enough for Rhodes who stalked around the corner but was stopped by the ref for some reason. Bravo sent Guevara back into the ring and he and Dean tagged in and out, beating on an isolated Guevara.

Guevara finally got the hottest of tags to Rhodes who leapt in, but the ref didn’t see it. Guevara was returned to the ring to continue receiving a beating from the Infantry. Eventually, Bravo telegraphed a move and Guevara knocked him down, getting a real tag to Rhodes.

Rhodes cleaned house, playing all his greatest hits for the crowd. Grabbing Dean, he hit a CrossRhodes, but Bravo broke up the pin. Guevara took Bravo to the outside while Rhodes set up Dean in the corner for some Shattered Dreams.

Suddenly, Shane Taylor appeared and hit Rhodes with a title belt behind the refs back, knocking him cold. Guevara took out Taylor, but Dean rolled over Rhodes for a cover. 1-2-and Guevara broke it up!

Dean sent Rhodes to the ropes, but Rhodes came back with a Texas Destroyer. Bravo and Guevara got tags and Guevara hit a springboard cutter on Bravo. Dean caught a superkick and Rhodes hit him with a suplex. Guevara hit a moonsault from the top rope and got the pin to retain the titles for the Sons of Texas!

Match Result: The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) (c) defeated The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean)

After the match, Shane Taylor jumped in and he and the Infantry beat down Rhodes and Guevara. Moriarty joined them and so did Anthony Agogo! Agogo was winding up to punch Rhodes’ lights out, when the Von Erichs arrived with chairs to clear the ring.

Rhodes grabbed a mic and challenged STP to a “shootout” at All In tomorrow. No idea what that means, but Tony Khan made it official within seconds: Guevara, Rhodes and the Von Erichs vs Shane Taylor Promotions at All In.

Fantastic match from 4 guys at the top of their game. My plans for an STP take over were derailed, but I loved the match. I wish they were doing the bigger match on ROH tv, but it’ll be great none the less.

ROH World Television Title Match: Nick Wayne (c) vs. Titan

At ROH Global Wars Mexico a couple of weeks ago, Titan managed to last to a ten-minute draw in a Proving Ground match against Wayne. Though it kinda didn’t seem like either one of them knew the rules. Titan holds a win over Wayne in Japan so we’ll see if he can take a belt from him in this, their third meeting. 

Titan offered his hand for a Code of Honor, but Wayne flipped him off instead. That brought Titan out swinging with a big dropkick off the bell. Wayne returned the favour though with some hard strikes. He then wrenched Titan’s knee through the ropes, sending him to the outside.

Wayne whipped Titan into the barricades then posed. Titan got to his feet, but limped back into the ring. Wayne went to work on Titan’s knee, hitting it with stomps and elbows. Titan grabbed a rope to escape and lay on the mat clutching his knee.

Wayne then tried to take off Titan’s mask, which infuriated the crowd. Wayne mugged for them, while Titan struggled to recover. Wayne locked in a figure four but Titan found a rope to break the hold. Wayne returned to Titan’s knee, hyper extending it.

Titan found some energy though and fought Wayne to the outside. He dove through the ropes, knocking Wayne over, but wrenching his knee even more. Wayne made his way back into the ring and the two fought on the ring apron (the hardest part of the ring!) until Titan fed Wayne a superkick.

Titan hit a double stomp from the top rope onto Wayne, but hurting his knee even more in the process. He yelled in pain and hopped around on one foot, trying to recover.

Back in the ring, Wayne locked in a figure four in the center of the ring as Titan howled in pain. Wayne wrenched harder and harder, but Titan found a rope to break the hold.

The two started trading chops in the center of the ring and managed to knock each other down with simultaneous kicks. Titan exploded out of the corner though and delivered a springboard DDT to daze Wayne. Titan tried a third double stomp from the top rope, but during the pin Mother Wayne put her son’s foot on the ropes. The ref ejected her from ringside as a result.

Titan grabbed Wayne a locked in a bridged grapevine and straightjacket. Wayne fought towards the ropes, finally grabbing one, forcing Titan to release him. Titan went up to the top turnbuckle, but Wayne knocked him down. The two traded forearms at the ringpost until Titan gave Wayne a headbutt sending him into the ring. Titan stood up and suddenly Kip Sabian arrived and pulled Titan down.

Wayne popped up and hit a Waynes World, but Titan kicked out! Wayne followed up with a brain buster and that was too much. Titan was out and Wayne got the pin to retain the ROH Television Title.

Match Result: Nick Wayne (c) defeated Titan

After the match, who should come down to the ring? Proud Papa Christian! He gave his son a big hug in the ring and the Patriarchy celebrated.

Hot damn! Either Titan blew out his knee, or he did a masterful job selling Wayne’s offense. Wayne for his part wrestled a perfect match, using his opponent’s weakness against him. Hell of a match.

-Backstage, ROH Women’s Television Champion Red Velvet was interviewed. She expressed her frustration at being injured and said that she would be coming for the “interim” Champion when she was cleared. Also that she would be watching the 4-way match from ringside.

Worldwide Wild Card four-way for interim ROH Women’s TV Championship: Persephone vs. Mina Shirakawa vs. Miyu Yamashita vs. Yuka Sakazaki

Just shy of a year into her reign as ROH Women’s TV Champion, Red Velvet has apparently suffered an injury that prevents her from competing at Supercard. Instead of stripping her of the belt, the Powers That Be have decided to crown an interim Champion until Velvet can return. The four women in this match are each a viable contender, but Persephone and Shirakawa are the definite standouts. 

Off the top, the Joshi girls all exchanged Codes of Honor, but Persephone was having none of it. Persephone stepped out of the ring as the bell rang, happy to let her opponents wear themselves down. Persephone was giving off a new, more heelish vibe.

Sakazake sent Yamashita out of the ring, which brought Persephone back into it. She took out Sakazake and Shirakawa and Persephone went at it with a series of rolls and holds. Persephone used her size advantage to send Shirakawa into the corner as Sakazaki returned. Yamashita followed suit and Shirakawa was tossed to the outside.

As the four battled on the outside, Persephone took down Shirakawa and Yamashita. That allowed Sakazaki to hit her with a headscissors and then drag Yamashita into the ring for a pin attempt. Sakazake and Yamashita battled in the ring, trading kicks and holds until they were both knocked to the mat.

Shirakawa climbed back in to try and steal a pin, but it was nothing but two counts all around. Sakazaki and Yamashita then double teamed her until Shirakawa delivered a kneebreaker and a DDT at the same time!

As they rolled out, Persephone rejoined the fray, slamming Shirakawa and going for a cocky cover. Persephone began overpowering Shirakawa who managed to stop her in her tracks with a slingblade. Shirakawa climbed up top and hit another slingblade from the top rope. Only a two count though.

Persephone began punching Shirakawa, leaving herself open for Yamashita to kick her in the face. Yamashita and Persephone fought, bringing some strong style to the match. Yamashita peppered her with kicks and strikes before slamming her, but Shirakawa broke up the cover.

Sakazaki hit a hammerlock slam on Yamashita and Shirakawa locked a figure four on Yamashita. Sakazaki hit a Magic Girl Splash on Yamashita, breaking up the hold. Then she got caught by Persephone on the ring apron (the joshiest part of the ring!).

In the ring, Shirakawa hit a dragon screw on Yamashita and then a bridged figure four. Yamashita had no choice but to tap, giving the victory and the Interim ROH Women’s TV Title to Shirakawa!

Match Result: Mina Shirakawa defeated Persephone, Miyu Yamashita and Yuka Sakazaki

Well, that was a delight! I knew of Persephone’s ability, but the real standout in the match for me was Sakazaki. Super fun if not a little hard to follow at times.

ROH Women’s World Title Match: Athena (c) vs. Thunder Rosa

Athena has been ROH Women’s World Champion for 944 days as of Supercard of Honor. She has blown through (or cheated her way through) every opponent that’s come her way in ROH, Japan, AEW and beyond. Tonight, it’s Thunder Rosa’s turn and even though Rosa is a former AEW Women’s Champion, I think she’ll be hard pressed to walk away with a title tonight. 

Athena came to the ring with perpetual Minion-In-Training Billie Starkz. Rosa came to the ring in a big coat.

The match kicked off with a staredown. The crowd was hot, cheering for both as they locked up, sending each other into the corners before breaking it off. They locked up again and this time Rosa tried a shoulder tackle, but Athena didn’t move. They locked up a third time and Rosa got a wristlock on.

Athena reversed it though, looking for an ankle lock, but settling for a head lock. The two rolled around the ring, trading holds until Rosa pulled Athena up and wracked her arm on the ropes. Rosa worked Athena’s shoulder until she was able to reach the ropes.

Athena clutched her arm as Rosa charged, sending her into the ringpost. Anthena then delivered a back body slam onto the ring apron (the ringest part of the apron!) and dropped Rosa on the barricades, before tossing her back into the ring.

Athena began to bring the pain, slamming knee after knee into Rosa’s back. Athena hauled Rosa up and hit a front slam, getting only a two count to her surprise. Athena began targeting Rosa’s back, hanging her up on the ropes and delivering kick after kick.

Athena rained down UFC style punches and hit a senton, trying to put Rosa down for good. Rosa fought back, targeting the shoulder of Athena. The two staggered to their feet and traded kicks until Athena landed on one Rosa’s face. Rosa responded by sending Athena face-first into the second turnbuckle.

Rosa got Athena down in the corner and hit her with a huge dropkick, targeting the shoulder. Rosa tried to lift Athena, but her back gave out allowing Athena to reverse it into a backbreaker. Athena climbed the ringpost, but Rosa met her there. They traded punches on the post until Rosa hit a superrana, sending Athena rolling out of the ring. Rosa followed her with a baseball slide, and then a top rope dive.

Rosa sent Athena into the steel steps before tossing her back into the ring. Rosa climbed to the top rope and hit a double stomp on Athena’s shoulder. Athena’s arm was almost useless as she rolled out of the ring. She made her way up the ramp, about to leave. Rosa came out of the ring and Starkz got involved while the Ref checked on Athena.

Rosa went up the ramp and Athena grabbed her and chokeslammed her off the ramp through a table! Athena then made her way back to the ring, hoping to get the countout on Rosa. Rosa waved off medical staff and staggered back to the ring as well, ending the count.

Athena hit her with a backbreaker immediately, but Rosa kicked out at two. Athena tried a knockout blow, but again, two. Athena went to the top rope for an O Face, but Rosa caught her there and they battled on the ring post until Rosa locked in a triangle choke. The ref broke it up, but the damage to Athena’s arm was done, but not done enough that she couldn’t powerbomb Rosa off the top!

Athena locked in a side surfboard, putting all the pressure on Rosa’s back. Rosa tried to get out of it but was forced to tap out, giving Athena the victory.

Match Result: Athena (c) defeated Thunder Rosa

Wow. Athena matches are a pure clinic in professional wrestling. She and Rosa told a great story in the ring, each working a body part and selling it until it looked like they were practically crippled. Excellent match and I’m very pleased the Forever Champion’s reign continues.

ROH World Title Match: Bandido (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita

After a match of the year contender against Mascara Dorada at Global Wars Mexico, ROH World Champion Bandido was issued a challenge by… (checks notes) Konosuke Takeshita. OK. Sure. Anyway, Takeshita blames Bandido for costing him the #1 spot in the All In Casino Gauntlet, so they will have a fight about it. 

Takeshita had about a six inch height advantage, but that didn’t matter as they locked up and Bandido got him in a headlock. The two began a technical chain as Don Callis joined the announce team.

In the ring, Bandido climbed up Takeshita and landed him in an armbar. Takeshita powered out and put on an arm lock of his own. The speed picked up from there with leg sweeps and quick holds until the tow stood facing off, taking a reset.

Takeshita tried to take control, but Bandido was able to squirm out of everything he threw at him. Bandido rand circles around Takeshita until he was able to hit a double dropkick on him, sending the bigger man to the mat.

Bandido stomped Takeshita in the corner, but allowed him to stand. That gave Takeshita an opening to punch Bandido in the face. Bandido returned the favour and the two locked up in a classic test of strength. Takeshita put Bandido on the mat, but Bandido used his feet to flip the bigger man over in a head scissor.

Takeshita dodged a Bandido charge in the corner and began beating him up, standing on his head and slowing the pace of the match down to match his strength. Takeshita brought Bandido to the mat with an arm lock, twisting and wrenching it.

Bandido battled back and hit a twisting elbow off the top rope. Then he stomped the midsection of Takeshita, wearing him down. Bandido hit a Code Red, but it was only a two count. Takeshita grabbed BAndido and hit a German suples followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb, which got him a two count, as Blue Thunder Bombs tend to do.

Bandido fired back with a high knee. He went for a 21 Plex, but Takeshita grabbed the ropes, stopping him in his tracks. A big right forearm put the champion on his back as Takeshita tried to take off Bandido’s mask. Callis left the booth and returned to ringside.

Takeshita found a chair and tried to hit Bandido, but he dodged it. Bandido then tried a dive to the outside, forgetting that only seconds ago Takeshita had picked up a chair. Takeshita used that chair on Bandido in mid air. He then went back to trying to remove Bandido’s mask. Blood could be seen on Bandido’s face through the eyes.

Takeshita dragged Bandido up the to top of the entrance ramp where he delivered a brainbuster. Takeshita then sauntered back to the ring. The count was at 14 before Bandido got to his feet and staggered back to the ring, just beating the count.

Takeshita sent Bandido to the corner, then bit his head. Bandido could barely see at this point between his loose mask and all the blood. Takeshita went for a simple chinlock, but the look in the champion’s eyes said that he was close to passing out.

Takeshita went back to working Bandido’s arm and shoulder. Bandido struggled but was able to get Takeshita up and over for a suplex. That gave Bandido a second wind and he hit a poisonrana on Takeshita, sending him to the outside and diving after him.

Bandido went up top for a frog splash, but only got a two count. The two men lay in the ring, exhausted, until Takeshita rose and charged. Bandito went for a walkup moonsault, but again, two. Bandido then hit a butterfly facebuster, but could get past the two count. Bandido then tried a double arm submission, but Takeshita wouldn’t quit.

Takeshita and Bandido then ran the ropes culminating in a double clothesline that left both men down. Takeshita got to his feet first and delivered a big kick. Bandido hit a back elbow that dazed Takeshita. Takeshita rose up in perfect position for the 21 Plex, but Takeshita landed on his feet. Bandido sent him to the ropes again and hit a perfect 21 Plex, but Takeshita kicked out a two!

Bandido dragged Takeshita to the top rope and hit a moonsault slam, but again, Takeshita kicked out at two. Bandido was throwing everything he could think of at the big man, but he just wouldnt stay down.

Bandido went up top again and went for a shooting star press. Takeshita got his knees up though and Bandido was sent flying. Bandido pulled down his knee pad and hit an Ex-Knee on Takeshita who crawled up the ropes. Bandido went for a 21 Plex, but Takeshita caught him in a wheelbarrow suplex followed by a knee to the skull, but Bandido kicked out at two.

Takeshita picked up Bandido for a high slam, but Bandido quickly reversed it into a pinning combination and Takeshita couldn’t get out. 1-2-3, Bandido wins the war and retains the title!

Match Result: Bandido (c) defeated Konosuke Takeshita

After the match, Hechicero came down to the ring to pay respects and make it known that he’s Bandido’s next challenger!

What a great night of Wrestling! Bandido is bringing a lot of prestige to the ROH World Title, taking on a ridiculous string of challengers. I know that this was a great match because I’m absolutely exhausted from watching it, but darn it, I’m going to watch it again!

AEW All In preview & predictions: High noon in Texas

Posted on by Mike DellaCamera

The following is an opinion-based preview that reflects the views of the author and not the website.

Image: AEW

I desperately try to avoid comparisons between AEW and WWE as I don’t think they’re particularly helpful, nor do I enjoy the endless and atrocious discourse across (and between) the two fan bases.

I will, however, draw a comparison here because we’ve reached a clear inflection point in wrestling where the two major companies have never been more divergent. Only one of them has an interest in being what their name suggests: a wrestling company. Since you’re already reading this column, I’m certain that you, as smart as you are, can conclude that the company is All Elite Wrestling. We’re at the point where comparisons are less applicable than ever because the two companies are barely offering the same type of product.

AEW is back in form and offering a legitimate, alternative style of wrestling to the world. They are not consumed with celebrity appearances, social media views, imagined clout, or “telling stories” first. Instead, they are laser-focused on what matters to them — the actual wrestling — which is reflected in the quality of Saturday: the fourth All In event.

There is real motion behind their momentum, something that appeared in fits and starts for years, but now feels sustainable. This is a tremendous card, arguably one that has as much high-end talent as any in history, and the common theme is the quality of the matches and, more importantly, the performers.

The right people are in the right places. They are cooking with a balanced roster full of stars of today and tomorrow. No more chaff, no more filler. If someone is getting television time, it’s because they deserve those minutes and seconds. The bloat is gone, replaced with a group of young, talented wrestlers primed to take the next step toward the top of the card and the steadying hands of veterans that can help them get there.

The future has never been brighter for AEW and that is a great thing for the wrestling industry, regardless of what the clinically insane and chronically online detractors would like you to believe.

Let’s see how All In from Arlington, Texas (1 PM pre-show and 3 PM Eastern main card on PPV) shakes out.

Men’s & Women’s Casino Gauntlets: Winners gets a future World Championship match

At press time, we only knew a few of the many, many participants in these matches. We can assume a couple of surprises here and there to pop the crowd, but here are a handful of wrestlers that have a strong case for their participation and winning the match:

  • Brody King: In this column, we support anyone with such a strong wardrobe. He’s the type of talent tailor-made for a brief, hard-hitting program with whoever wins the main event. 
  • Ricochet: His character continues to evolve and get better. Seeing how he reacts to a title shot (and subsequent loss) would be worth watching.
  • Willow Nightingale: I will bang the drum for her until my arm falls off. She is the best pure babyface in the company, and a program between her and Mercedes Mone could heal our fractured country
  • Athena: I don’t book the shows so I won’t pretend to understand why Athena is not regularly featured, and in a top position, on proper AEW television. It’s one of life’s more puzzling mysteries.

Predictions: Brody King and Willow

AEW World Trios Champions The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata) defend against The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Gabe Kidd)

The upgrade from Hook to Hobbs can’t be overstated. Hobbs adds a snarling menace to the group which pairs well with Shibata’s unsaid psychopathy and Samoa Joe’s everything. Having Hook in this group reminded me too much of potential unrealized, a time when “Send Hook” was a cute meme, but never became anything more. This is the grown-ups table now and the trios division is better for it. 

If Hobbs is the welcome upgrade to his trios, Gabe Kidd is the equivalent downgrade in his. Equal parts overexposed and annoying — he’s a madman, you know — Kidd’s presence only reminds me of how much I miss PAC whose AEW tenure continues to be plagued by consistent and unfortunate absences.

Prediction: The Opps retain

AEW World Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey) and The Patriarchy (Christian Cage & Nick Wayne) in a three-way

This has been one of the silliest, clumsiest builds I can remember but it might not matter once the bell rings. Few have a more impressive resume working large-scale multi-man tag matches than Cage. His bona fides do not need repeating. Knight and Bailey have done wonderful work since being paired together with Bailey in particular being a revelation as I did not think his act would translate as well as it has on a weekly basis.

The Hurt Syndicate remains the all-powerful goliaths at the top of the tag team mountain. They have been so dominant that losing the titles should happen in a significant moment, not some haphazardly created three-way dance. The looming spectre of whatever is going to happen with MJF can’t be ignored, but it’s too soon for him to turn one way or the other. The status quo will hold deep in the heart of Texas. 

Prediction: The Hurt Syndicate retain

TNT Champion Adam Cole defends against Kyle Fletcher

Sometimes the future that’s promised never comes. Sometimes promise is only that. There are no guarantees in wrestling (or life!), especially in 2025. This here is a pairing of a future not fully recognized with one incandescent with potential. 

Fletcher should hold the World title in 2026, and this is hopefully the first stop on the express train. He improves with every match and every second spent on the microphone. This was the year everything came together for him. It was a delight watching him grow to become a main event-level talent. Most ascents to the top have a longer runway with the performer being eased into the biggest spots. Even though this was comparatively sudden, it feels completely right. Fletcher excelled with whatever was thrown his way, proving himself beyond ready for more and more still. His journey to the main event is close, but his ceiling is still tantalizingly far away.

Cole was once in Fletcher’s shoes — someone seen as a no-doubt main eventer in any major promotion; a true can’t miss talent. He reached the top in Ring of Honor, NXT, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Technically, he made it to the top of AEW when he main evented the first All In at Wembley Stadium in a forgettable match with MJF. That was as good as it got for Cole.

Unfortunately, his circumstance is an all-too-painful reminder of how fleeting success can be. The window of opportunity is perilously small and can be snapped shut at a moment’s notice. Whether through injury, luck, or just the passing of time, Cole’s window is closed. Fletcher locks it shut at All In.

Prediction: Kyle Fletcher wins the title

Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland vs. The Young Bucks 

The stip here: the Bucks put up their EVP status against a year of World title shots for Strickland and Ospreay.

The evil authority figure is a familiar and tired wrestling trope — a lazy escape hatch relied on to explain a lack of foresight and reaffirm poor booking. The decision to add a stipulation here is a clever and necessary one. It provides a simple storyline-based way to move the Young Bucks out from their positions of televised power and properly slot them as “regular” wrestlers.

I’m glad Ospreay and Swerve had to offer up something of substance, too. This particular stipulation adds so much intrigue to the match. Is Ospreay really going to go another year without challenging for the top title when he’s already a top babyface? Will Swerve be able to exist in a world where he can’t come after Hangman’s title? My inclination is to say neither of those things will happen. There is too much money in a Swerve/Hangman title program, and Ospreay needs the creative direction of driving towards the title. 

A moment, before the formal prediction, for an important conversation:

Since their return, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson have been doing some of the best work of their careers. Their multi-person tag matches have been full of creativity and innovation. While we are consumed with answering the question of who is the best ever, it’s never a fulfilling conversation, especially so in wrestling, where things are entirely subjective.

Whenever I’m reluctantly pulled into that conversation, I try to think about whether the performer(s) in question were the best at their particular style. The best technical wrestler is wholly different than the best brawler, the best flyer, etc. And for their specific brand of wrestling, the Young Bucks are the second to none. The Jacksons might not be your personal GOATs, but they are the most important and influential tag team of this century.  

If recent form holds, this is likely the best match of the night with Swerve and Ospreay freeing AEW from the kayfabe clutches of the Jacksons.

Prediction: Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland

AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada vs. AEW International Champion Kenny Omega for the new Unified Championship

This is the defining pro wrestling rivalry of the past 15 years. No series of matches did more for the growth of wrestling in the modern era. Omega and Okada opened new eyes and awakened long-dormant passions in fans. Saying AEW wouldn’t exist without this rivalry is not hyperbole; it’s fact. People wanted matches like this so badly that an entirely new wrestling company started. 

Rarely are two performers so perfectly made for each other. Omega was a unique mover, all tightly coiled explosion and suddenness. His violently snapping off the ground for a V-Trigger frequently required multiple rewinds. How could he cover so much distance, so fast? His in-your-face athleticism was matched by Okada’s grace. Okada was sublime; he was effortless. A star by any definition. It’s easy to get lost in grandeur, but we will be hard pressed to have another rivalry this meaningful and this good in our lifetimes. Two generational performers entered each other’s orbits at the perfect time, and we were lucky to be along for the ride.

It would be unfair to expect this match to measure up to the unreasonably high bar of their previous ones, especially considering they’re both in far different stages of their career. Okada is, generously, mailing in half of his matches, something he has earned the right to do. Sadly, Omega is rapidly breaking down. He’s only wrestled nine times this year and is still badly beaten up. We should all appreciate his big matches now because there are fewer of them left than any of us probably realizes. Even in his diminished physical state, he remains a special wrestling mind, one that should be able to capture a different type of magic in a different style of match, especially with his wrestling soulmate. 

If this is Omega’s last big run, he should get the win here. He means as much to AEW and wrestling as anyone. Give him the spotlight one more time.

Prediction: Kenny Omega

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mercedes Mone

This is the biggest women’s match they could book and it’s the biggest women’s match in either of the two major wrestling companies. Storm has been in the “Timeless” character for so long that it’s easy to overlook just how impressive she is. This character should be eliciting groans at this point but instead, it’s kept her at the top of the women’s division for almost two years. In the hands of any other performer, it would be relegated to backstage segments and enhancement matches. Storm has turned something laughable into something lasting. So much of the world is forgetful. “Timeless” Toni Storm is anything but.

Mone has a legitimate case to be wrestler of the year. But she isn’t just chasing 12-month accolades — she’s authoring a legacy. Saturday could be another an unforgettable chapter in a year already rich with highlights. If her current trajectory holds, we may soon be forced to talk about her not just as one of the greats right now, but one of the greatest ever.

The star-making turn of being the person to beat Mone is not something Storm needs or would likely appreciate.  The whole point of a run like the one she’s been on is not just about her, but it’s also about the person who beats inevitably beats her. The countless young, hungry, and talented women on the roster would better fit that bill.  

Prediction: Mercedes Mone wins the title

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match

It was always Hangman Page. No misguided notions about Darby Allin, no hoping for Samoa Joe to recapture the magic, it was always the cowboy. In a sea of stars and superstars, he remains the true north of AEW. Nothing speaks to the importance of his presence like his absence. The shows lacked a tight direction when he wasn’t around or was a background player. It was covered up by a focus on Bryan Danielson’s journey to the World title and subsequent retirement from full-time wrestling, but there was still a gap. It’s not a coincidence that AEW found its footing when the focus was back on Page.

Look no further than the Death Riders for proof of Hangman’s impact. For so long, both in this column and everywhere else on the internet, we bemoaned the overarching and overwhelming excess of the Death Riders. It was always the same. The matches, the finishes, the promos, whatever. Now there’s life. Is this results-based thinking? Perhaps. But for the first time since October, I find myself interested when their intro guitar riff introducing them hits the speakers. 

Moxley’s next chapter will be an interesting one. He’s approaching 40 with a lot of hard miles on his body. There is almost nothing left for him to accomplish in professional wrestling. He’s won every major title in every major company and has likely earned enough money for multiple lifetimes. He can start to take his foot off the gas or press it all the way down. With someone as unpredictable as Mox, any and everything is on the table. 

This always had to be a Texas Death Match. This was always going to be rife with run-ins and interference, so why not just put the whole world on the table? The possibilities for massive crowd reactions are endless. Here are just a few, ranked in order of how much they would move me:

  • Christopher Daniels runs in
  • Darby Allin returns
  • Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi run off the Young Bucks
  • Willow Nightingale single-handedly fights off The Death Riders 
  • Swerve directly helps Page win the title
  • Danielson returns

Regardless of how many people get involved, there will only be two left at the end and only one can get their hand raised. When the confetti falls and the show closes, the cowboy from Halifax, Virginia, stands tall on top of the company he was always meant to carry.

Prediction: Hangman Adam Page wins the title

AEW Collision live results: The final stop before All In

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

The final stop before this Saturday’s AEW All In has arrived with tonight’s live AEW Collision from Garland, Texas.

Before he enters the men’s Casino Gauntlet Saturday, CMLL legend Mistico will take on The Beast Mortos.

In an eight-woman tag ahead of the women’s Casino Gauntlet, former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa teams with Willow Nightingale, Mina Shirakawa and Queen Aminata against ROH Women’s Champion Athena, Thekla, Megan Bayne and Julia Hart.

Rosa challenges Athena on Friday’s ROH Supercard of Honor.

In an eight-man tag to preview the AEW World Tag Team title match, FTR teams with The Patriarchy’s Christian Cage & Nick Wayne against The Outrunners and JetSpeed. JetSpeed and The Patriarchy will challenge The Hurt Syndicate for the titles Saturday.

**********

The Don Callis Family (Kyle Fletcher, Rocky Romero, Trent Beretta) w/ Lance Archer & Don Callis vs. Paragon (Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, & Kyle O’Reilly)

Fletcher started the match running across the ring to knock Cole to the floor and start fighting with O’Reilly. O’Reilly hit a kitchen sink and tagged out to Cole, but Fletcher fled to the corner and tagged in Beretta. The fans chanted “We want Kyle!” loudly for both Kyle’s, which remains great. Strong and O’Reilly double teamed Beretta to the delight of the fans, before Cole tagged in and hit a dropkick to a seated Beretta.

Beretta was able to get away from Strong with help from Fletcher, and Fletcher took over, getting the heat on Strong for a bit. The heat continued as the Callis family isolated O’Reilly. Beretta got dumped to the floor by O’Reilly, and Strong tagged in and sent Beretta back to the floor and hit Fletcher with a lariat that sent him flying. Strong hit a crucifix into a diamond cutter and an Olympic slam on Beretta before hitting a series of running elbows and a boot for a 2-count.

Fletcher hit an enziguri as Strong hit the ropes and tagged out letting RPG Vice hit a flying knee into a Death Valley Driver for a 2-count. Cole tagged in after Fletcher missed a helluva kick in the corner, hitting a brainbuster into neckbreaker on Beretta. Cole challenged Fletcher to get into the ring so they could fight and they started exchanging strikes, with Fletcher hitting a half nelson suplex but Cole superkicked him at a corner charge and hit the Panama Sunrise for a 2-count. Fletcher hit Cole with a lariat and tagged back out to Beretta. O’Reilly saved Cole from a Jackal Driver, and Cole hit the boom for a 3-count.

Match Result: Paragon via pinfall

–Fletcher tried to attack Cole as he left, but Cole turned around holding the TNT title and stopped the attack. Cole asked him to fight, as Callis screamed “Don’t take the bait!” and Fletcher listened, content to wait until Saturday at All In.

–Jon Moxley was backstage after Dynamite with the Death Riders, saying that pro wrestling is the greatest sport in the world, and very few people have the will to do what it takes to be one. Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Gabe Kidd made it clear they were after the trios title, and Moxley ended with saying that if you wanted to make it as a wrestler, you needed to be All In, otherwise you were all out, implying that Hangman really doesn’t know what is coming for him.

–Technique from Taz returned for the first time in a long time, as he broke down how Mistico does an armbar, including the phrase on screen “Core Strength Jones” which was great. This was really good overall.

–The recapped the return of Scorpio Sky and his now public alliance with Top Flight and Christopher Daniels. He called his new alliance Sky Flight, and Daniels cut a promo about how all the titles are on the table for what they want, as the sky is no limit. I liked this a lot.

Mistico vs. The Beast Mortos

Mistico and Mortos had a great lucha match, and wasted no time in working fast in this one. Mistico hit a tope suicida, but Mortos no sold it, and Mistico tried again, this time dropping Mortos. Mistico took Mortos’ hand and ran up the ropes twisting into an armdrag. Mortos hit a series of hard strikes afterwards, and a powerslam that put a sudden stop to Mistico’s attempts to control the offence. Mortos continued the heat through the break, working over the knee of Mistico.

Mortos caught Mistico in a torture rack position, but Mistico shifted his weight and spun around Mortos into a headscissors takedown before hitting a springboard elbow for a 2-count. Mistico went for La Mistica, but Mortos slammed him face down before he could complete the spin. Mortos went for a powerbomb, but Mistico floated over into a sunset flip bomb, which was really cool.

Mortos picked up Mistico in a tombstone position and jumped backwards into a lung blower. Mortos and Mistico slightly botched a counter from a tilt-a-whirl, but recovered and hit a beautiful one. Mistico hit a superkick and a flipping DDT on Mortos. Mistico hit the ropes soon thereafter and hit La Mistica to a great reaction from the fans.

Match Result: Mistico via submission

–MJF appeared on the screen with the mask he stole from Mistico, saying that Mistico stood no chance of stopping MJF from beating Mark Briscoe, saying he was going to win within 3 seconds. MJF said that he would keep collecting Mistico’s masks until he took them all if Mistico managed to get into the Casino Gauntlet.

–Mark Briscoe was backstage, saying that he was coming to win the Casino Gauntlet. It wasn’t just about business though, but personal, because MJF did use Jay Briscoe’s name and disrespected his family, and it was no longer just about winning, but he is going to look his family in the eyes after the match, saying he wasn’t going to let MJF get away with what he said and did. Mark Briscoe continues to be one of the best characters on AEW TV here, with an incredible promo.

–Renee Paquette met Hangman Adam Page after Dynamite last night, talking about how he needs to talk about what happened, but not with Renee, and he walked into Swerve Strickland’s locker room. Ospreay immediately stood up to get between them, but Hangman asked for 2 minutes of Swerve’s time, and Ospreay left the room as Hangman thanked him for all he has done. Prince Nana said he was going to grab coffee and let them talk.

Swerve said that he knew what this was about, thinking Hangman wanted to ask for his help. Hangman said he was going into a suicide mission on Sunday, and he might not have the chance to talk after All In, so he sat down with Swerve. Hangman said that he had nothing to do with what the Bucks did at Dynasty, which Swerve believed. Hangman went on to say that what Swerve did to him has led to his son still having nightmares to this day, and that he hates him for that, but he regrets how far it all went.

Hangman said he needed to know if Swerve regretted what happened, and Swerve said that since he was champion, he realized that it was not worth what he did. Hangman said his family was going to be at All In before the show, but not during, and Swerve promised to avoid them, saying he hoped they enjoyed hanging out. Swerve said that he was planning to raise his kids in the house that Hangman burnt down, but maybe it was time to let go of the past after all. The segment ended with Swerve picking up the chain Hangman left on the floor, wrapping it around his fist, thinking about this apparent truce with Hangman Adam Page. This was an awesome segment.

–Jon Moxley came out as Nigel McGuinness and Tony Schiavone were discussing what just happened, and Moxley took a mic saying it made him sick seeing that crybaby stuff. Marina Shafir insulted Hangman, and Moxley said that there would be no apologies after what he does at All In, and Hangman had 2 days before Moxley ended him. This was awesome too.

FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (w/ Stokley Hathaway) & The Patriarchy (Christian Cage & Nick Wayne) w/ Mother Wayne & Kip Sabian vs. The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) & Jet Speed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey)

Bailey started the match beating up Nick Wayne, tagging out to Knight to continue the assault. Wayne fled from the ring after a 2-count. Christian attacked Knight, but ate a dropkick after two leap frogs from Knight. Nigel McGuinness claimed that Christian should adopt Kevin Knight as well, as it would help him become a better competitor, which made me laugh.

Dax Harwood tagged in and beat on Truth Magnum, but Magnum fired back out of the corner, hitting a headscissors before hitting a double team knee lift into a back suplex from Floyd for a 2-count. Kevin Knight tagged in, and Harwood drove him backwards into he corner, but it broke down into all 4 men being in the ring and brawling around ringside.

Harwood low bridged Knight as he hit the ropes going for a dive, and they went to the break as the referee tried to get control again. They came back from the break with Harwood locking Knight in a chinlock, but Knight escaped with a jaw breaker. Knight went for the tag, but Harwood cut him off, so Knight dodged a corner charge, but Wayne stopped the tag. Knight kicked Wayne in the face, flipped over him, and tagged out to Truth Magnum, and the Outrunners ran wild, hitting a double clothesline on Christian and Nick Wayne before hitting the SOB elbow.

Harwood and Christian pulled Magnum into the ring post, allowing Wayne to hit sliced bread for a 2-count. Christian tagged in and started choking Magnum on the ropes. Magnum hit a snap suplex on Wayne, but was shoved back into the corner by Harwood. Magnum fought out of the corner, but as he made the tag, the referee was distracted and missed tag, which let the heels continue to beat on Magnum, which got a massive amount of heat from the audience. Sometimes, the simple things just work, and this is one that always does in wrestling. Wheeler tried to stop Magnum a few minutes later, but Magnum leaped over Harwood as he dived, and tagged out to Bailey, who hit a series of kicks and a standing shooting star press on Harwood for a 2-count.

The fans were very displeased with the referee for that 2-count. Wheeler stopped Bailey from getting on the ropes and hitting Ultima Weapon, but Bailey dropped him and Wayne before hitting a slingshot moonsault to the floor, and then a shooting star press on Harwood for a 2-count as Christian broke it up.

All 8 men started exchanging big moves until FTR hit the Shatter Machine on The Outrunners. They tried to hit Bailey, but Knight speared Wheeler, and Bailey hit a sunset flip on Harwood for a nearfall that was so close the fans were infuriated. Christian got hit with a combo from The Outrunners while Bailey hit a spinning kick on Harwood before Knight hit the UFO splash on Harwood for the win. This was a giant win for Jet Speed that they needed going into the PPV.

Match Result: Jet Speed & The Outrunners

This match was so awesome. A party match in the truest sense, with Jet Speed getting a much needed big win before the PPV.

–Big Boom AJ was with Lexy Nair and called out the Don Callis family, and Big Justice and the Rizzler announced that he would teaming with The Conglomeration to face RPG Vice, Lance Archer, & Hechicero, but they were short once guy. Kyle O’Reilly popped in and told people he was still down for conglomerating and is the 4th man in the match.

–Stokley Hathaway was backstage, saying that he made the mistake of trusting Christian Cage for the last time, and that at All In, they would face the Outrunners and end their feud once and for all.

Kaysuyori Shibata vs. Gabe Kidd (w/ Marina Shafir)

Shibata and Kidd immediately started brawling in the middle of the ring with hard forearms, spilled to the floor, and continued to fight, as Shibata hit a huge helluva kick on Kidd that almost sent him into the front row as the teacher beats on the student. Must have felt like it did in the dojo. Kidd managed to plant Shibata in the corner, hitting a dropkick and posing like Shibata.

Kidd chopped Shibata, and Shibata invitd more strikes, firing up, but he was dropped by a chop. Shibata kicked out at 1. Kidd did some squats to mock his teacher, so Shibata hit a hard chop that almost dropped Kidd. Both men hit chops before Kidd hit a headbutt that dropped Shibata. Kidd screamed “You did this. You made me do this!” as he beat on Shibata in the corner, and Shibata started no selling the hard chops before turning Kidd around, chopping him in the throat, and hitting the corner dropkick.

Kidd hit a chop to the back of Shibata that was so loud, that the crowd screamed. Kidd sat down, challenging Shibata, and Shibata hit Kidd with a slap to the top of the head, before hitting a pump kick and a hard lariat that caused Kidd to flip backwards. Kidd hit a closed fist punch, but Shibata hit hard chops that made the crowd scream again, before hitting a kick and locking on a sleeper. Wheeler Yuta ran down to distract the referee and Kidd hit a low blow before piledrving Shibata.

Match Result: Gabe Kidd

My goodness, this was a great match. It was not quite a G1 level match, but it was pretty darn close. They hit each other hard repeatedly for 10+ minutes. This was great.

–Kris Statlander came down to the ring as the Death Riders fled the ringside area, with Yuta eying her. Statlander joined the commentary booth for the next match. I liked how that tied together between the two segments, transitioning to the next match but keeping the story with Statlander and the Death Riders in mind.

Willow Nightingale, Mina Shirakawa, Thunder Rosa, & Queen Aminata vs. Megan Bayne (w/ Penelope Ford), Thekla, Julia Hart (w/ Skye Blue), & Athena (w/ Billie Starks)

Athena and Shirakawa started the match, with the home state hero, Athena getting a great reaction. Rosa tagged in after a bit to fight with Athena, anticipating their ROH Women’s World Championship match tomorrow night at ROH Supercard of Honor. Athena and Bayne ended up double teaming Rosa and Willow Nightingale, as Nigel McGuinness said that Athena’s title reign exceeded Bryan Danielson’s world title reign. I love McGuinness’ commitment to burying Danielson.

Bayne launched Athena through the ropes into a suicide dive on Nightingale. Bayne tagged in Thekla, who hit a snapmare and superkick on Rosa. The fans were chanting for Aminata and actually booed when Rosa tagged in Nightingale, which I did not expect, but the fans wanted to see Thekla and Aminata fight again. Athena tagged in and got the heat on Nightingale in the corner. Athena hit a running meteora on Nightingale.

Hart tagged in and did the tarantula on Nightingale and attempted to float through the ropes, but Nightingale caught her and hit a Death Valley Driver. Nightingale tagged out to Aminata, to a great reaction, so props to the agents for giving her the hot tag here, or the wrestlers knowing to wait it out to tag her in. Thekla ducked under a clothesline and hit a pump kick on the apron. Aminata hit a headbutt on Thekla before hitting a twist and shout that Thekla sold like death.

Bayne came in and faced off with Aminata, and Bayne hit a falcon arrow. Bayne hit the ropes, but Nightingale came out of nowhere and hit a pounce that sent Bayne to the floor. Athena flew off the top rope with the O-Face out of nowhere, and Mina Shirakawa flew off the top rope onto Bayne on the floor. Hart hit a moonsault on Nightingale, but Shirakawa made the save, and she signaled to Nightingale to hit stereo top rope moves, but they were cut off by Hart and Thekla.

Hart and Thekla both hit suplexes but stayed in the tree of woe on opposite side of the ring. Thekla did her crab walk thing, and Aminata pulled Thekla from the ring, but Bayne leveled Aminata. Shirakawa hit a tornado DDT on the floor on Bayne while Athena and Rosa both clotheslined each other and went down. Hart went for an octopus stretch, but Nightingale fought out and hit the Babe with the Powerbomb for the pinfall.

Match Result: Willow Nightingale, Mina Shirakawa, Thunder Rosa, & Queen Aminata

–The heels started beating down the babyfaces, but Tay Melo & Anna Jay ran down to make the save. Penelope Ford got involved, as did Statlander, and the women in the Casino Gauntlet all started fighting as the show went off the air.

Final Thoughts

This was another excellent episode of AEW Collision, with several matches being built up very well. The angle with Hangman and Swerve, and the following promo with Moxley were must see. The 8-man tag and Shibata vs. Gabe Kidd were fantastic matches that you should go out of your way to see.

AEW All In – July 12, 2025

  • AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Hangman Adam Page
  • AEW United Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kenny Omega (c)
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Mercedes Mone
  • Swerve Strickland & Will Ospreay vs. The Young Bucks
  • AEW TNT Championship: Adam Cole (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Hurt Syndicate (c) vs. Jet Speed vs. The Patriarchy
  • AEW World Trios Championship: The Opps (c) vs. The Death Riders
  • The Men’s Casino Gauntlet: MJF, Briscoe, Mistico, & others
  • The Women’s Casino Gauntlet: Kris Statlander, Megan Bayne, & others

AEW All In Preshow

  • Big Boom AJ & The Conglomeration vs. The Don Callis Family
  • FTR vs. The Outrunners

ROH x CMLL Global Wars live results: Bandido vs. Mascara Dorada

Posted on by Jeff Moss

In matches from last week’s AEW visit to Arena Mexico, Ring of Honor will go to battle with CMLL in tonight’s Global Wars on HonorClub.

The show is headlined by ROH World Champion Bandido defending against Mascara Dorada. Dorada is looking for his first ROH title while Bandido is looking to secure his second title defense.

In a non-title bout, ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty will take on the legendary Blue Panther which was followed by a very big run-in (spoiler).

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena teams with ROH Women’s TV Champion Red Velvet take on Thunder Rosa and Persephone.

In a Proving Ground match, ROH Men’s TV Champion Nick Wayne takes on Titan who needs a win or draw to earn a future title shot.

**********

The Global Wars kick off here and an hour earlier to boot! It’s ROH vs CMLL and with five ROH champions in action, it’s going to be a battle we won’t soon forget!

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena & ROH Women’s Television Champion Red Velvet vs Persephone & Thunder Rosa 

Persephone is a rising star in CMLL and has a win over Red Velvet from a couple of weeks ago in Mexico. Her partner is the notorious Thunder Rosa, who’s a former AEW Women’s World Champion. Their opponents are a duo of women who’ve each dominated in ROH. Red Velvet has held the ROH Women’s TV Title for just under a year and the ROH Women’s Forever Champion, Athena, has held her belt for… well, forever. 

Athena has stopped bringing the belt with her face pasted on it to the ring and I feel like that’s going to hurt her in the long run. There was a bit of stare down between her and Velvet as the entered and I’m sure they will end up in a feud soon enough.

Athena and Rosa, who have a date at Supercard of Honor in July, kicked things off with the crowd firmly behind Rosa. Velvet hit a blind tag and tried to double team Rosa, but she ducked both Velvet and Athena, sending the latter out of the ring.

Rosa brought in Persephone and they delivered a double dropkick to a sitting Velvet. Athena re-entered the match and started jawing at Persephone, leading to a lock up and a quick pin attempt by each. Athena nailed her with a high knee, but Persephone was barely affected. Athena resorted to shoves and tagged Velvet in.

Isolating Persephone in the corner, Velvet and Athena traded tags and double teams. Velvet got a little too excited and tried a high knee that almost missed Persephone entirely and almost sent Velvet over the top rope.

Rosa got a hot tag from Persephone and took the fight to Athena with a huge dropkick. Rosa tried a couple of pins, but Velvet broke them up. Velvet sent Persephone out and battled Rosa while Athena recovered. Athena hit Rosa with a face breaker and Velvet followed it with a Stir It Up kick, but Persephone broke up the pin.

Persephone got planted by Athena with an O-Face, but that left her open to get hit by Rosa. Rosa grabbed Velvet in the fray and pinned her for the win.

Match Result: Persephone & Thunder Rosa defeat Athena & Red Velvet

Pretty good opener, but with that much talent in the ring it was always gonna be! Loved Athena and Velvet working together and wouldn’t hate to see her join the MiT program.

ROH World Television Title Proving Ground Match: Nick Wayne [c] vs. Titan

Wayne won the ROH Television Title from Komander back in April on the Spring Break Thru edition of AEW Collision. Since then, he’s defended it three times, but never on ROH TV. So, yes, this Proving Ground match is the ROH Tv Champion’s first ROH TV match since winning the title. Titan has been holding the CMLL World Welterweight Championship for a staggering 2027 days as of this writing (quick math: just over five and a half years). 

Titan seemed really annoyed by Wayne’s fun-fur accented ring attire, glaring at him as he entered the ring. At least I assume he glared, the mask made it had to see. Wayne was unfazed though as the match kicked off with a lock up. Wayne got the early advantage, setting Titan up in the corner.

Titan tried to turn up the speed, but Wayne was able to dodge and roll away from whatever he threw at him. Eventually, Wayne caught Titan and set him up on the top rope, sending him to the outside in the process. Wayne then showboated in the ring before sending Titan into the barricade outside the ring.

Wayne continued to showboat and throw Titan around outside the ring, seemingly unaware that there was a ten minute time limit on this match, as there is with all Proving Ground matches.

Back in the ring, Wayne ate up more time, slowing the pace of the match to a crawl. He tried to take Titan’s mask, which incensed the crowd. Wayne dropped a leg and went for a pin, but no dice as Titan kicked out at two.

Titan suddenly exploded with a series of, for lack of a better term, ninja kicks followed by a springboard crossbody. Wayne was back on his heels and Titan gave him a reciept from earlier and sent him into the barricade on the outside.

In the ring, Titan set up Wayne up for a piledriver, but Wayne reversed it and hit a springboard Cutter, but it wasn’t enough to finish Titan off. Wayne tried to switch gears and put on a full nelson hold, but Titan punched his way out of it and the two started trading chops.

Wayne tried a standing acid drop, but Titan wasn’t done yet. He grabbed Wayne for a spinning toss and climbed the ring post. Wayne rolled out of the way as the announcement of “one minute remaining” rang out.

Titan picked up the pace, trying to put Wayne down quickly, but that caused a mistake and Wayne almost won with an inside cradle. Titan took a little too long to lock in a grapevine submission and the bell rang, ending the match. Good for Titan, because he gets his title shot as in Proving Ground matches, the tie goes to the challenger.

Match Result: Time limit Draw. Titan earns a shot at the ROH World Television Title.

Boy, I love to hate Nick Wayne. That means he’s pretty good at what he does, heel-wise. Titan is fantastic, but the match was a little uneven pacing wise. I wouldn’t hate it if ROH started putting a clock on the screen during Proving Ground matches, just to up the anxiety.

ROH World Title Match: Bandido (c) vs Mascara Dorada

Bandido has been racking up the title defenses since winning the ROH World Title from Chris Jericho at AEW Dynasty. He’s been doing the one thing that the few ROH World Title holders before him did not do, which is defend the Ring of Honor Title in Ring of Honor. His challenger for the evening is Mascara Dorada, who is a double champion in CMLL, holding 1/3rd of the World Trios Championship as well as the World Historic Welterweight Championship. A couple weeks ago, Dorada saved Bandido from an attack by Blake Christian.

Lots of respect shown off the top as the two locked up. Dorada came out on top, but stepped back to give Bandido another chance. Like I say, respect.

Dorada and Bandido then started putting on a lucha clinic with throws and tosses at an absolutely breakneck speed. Dorada went for a 450 from the top but Bandido dodged and set him up for a 21 Plex. Dorada avoided it though and the crowd was absolutely going nuts.

Bandido sent Dorada to the outside and started a suicide dive, but Dorada leapt back into the ring sending Bandido out on the other side! Dorada then flew over the top rope and knocked the air out of Bandido.

Dorada was in control now, bringing Bandido back into the ring and stunning him against the ropes. Dorada went up for another 450 attempt and landed this one. But it only got a two-count as Bandido kicked out.

Bandido hit a pop-up cutter which flipped Dorada out of the ring. Bandido followed with a Plancha and climbed into the crowd to celebrate.

Once everyone was back in the ring, Bandido caught Dorada on the top turnbuckle and suplexed him into the ring. Dorada fought back though an sent Bandido into the corner. The two traded shots in the corners until Bandido hit a huge flipping splash over the ring post onto Dorada on the outside. He threw Dorada back into the ring and went up for a frog splash.

Dorada wouldn’t go down though and hit a standing hurricanrana on the champion, standing on top of his shoulders! Bandido recovered and was clapping, it was so impressive. The two began trading chops in the middle of the ring with no clear winner in sight.

The fight moved to the ring apron (the hardest part of the ring!) where they traded superkicks. A double dropkick caused them to collide and land on the outside. Both beat the count back into the ring with Dorada pounding the mat in frustration.

The began fighting up the entrance ramp, trading hip tosses. Dorada climbed up the entrance staircase (allegedly 10 feet up) and hit a crossbody on Bandido, crushing him into the ramp. He threw Bandido back in the ring, then ran the full length of the entrance ramp to deliver a flipping leg for a two count.

Dorada’s insane core strength came into play as he did situps in Bandido’s arms to avoid a three-count. Three times. Bandido tried a driver, but again, Dorada wouldn’t go down. Bandido sent him to the corner and they climbed the ropes. Dorada did a standing superrana OFF THE TOP RINGPOST sent Bandido flying. He hit 450 for good measure, but Bandido kicked out at two.

Bandido caught Dorada off the rope and and hit an X-Knee. That set him up for the 21 Plex, but Dorada kicked out! The crowd was insane!

Bandido went for a splash in the corner, but Dorada blocked it. They climbed to the top rope and Bandido hit a moonsault slam setting Dorada up for a second 21 Plex. This one got it and Dorada was pinned, ending an excellent, excellent match!

Match Result: Bandido defeats Mascara Dorada

Wow! That was REALLY fun!! This match not being the main event is kind of mind blowing to me, but perhaps that’s for good reason. Either way, what a banger! With the ROH Title Match for Supercard of Honor not set yet, I wouldn’t be upset if they revisited this matchup.

-Next, as if they heard what I was thinking, they answered that question by issuing a challenge to Bandido for the ROH Title at Supercard of Honor, from none other than Konosuke Takeshita! I’ll take that!

-It was also announced that Top Flight and the Infantry would duke it out next week for the opportunity to to take on the ROH World Tag Champions at Supercard of Honor!

Non-Title Match: ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty (w/Carlie Bravo, Shane Taylor & Shawn Dean) vs Blue Panther 

Before the match a very babyface promo from Moriarty aired, in which he talked about what a dream it is to compete in Arena Mexico. The belt is not on the line in this match, but ROH Pure Champion Moriarty brought backup anyway. Shane Taylor Promotions was at ringside as Moriarty took on the legendary Blue Panther who steps into the ring at 64 years young. Panther began wrestling in 1978. That’s two years before even this old-ass reporter was born! 

Moriarty showed respect off the top and shared a code of honor with Panther while wearing his Tiga Style mask. He took it off when the bell rang though and the two locked up. Panther wrenched on Moriarty’s neck via headlock until Moriarty reversed it into a wristlock.

The two stomped around the ring as Panther wrenched Moriarty’s arm. He moved into a full nelson hold, but Moriarty reversed it into an abdominal stretch. Panther powered out of it and the two created space, circling each other. A smiling Moriarty seemed to be having a blast trading holds with the lucha legend.

Moriarty delivered a few uppercuts in the corner and Panther responded with some hard chops while Shane Taylor shouted on the outside. Moriarty went for a splash in the corner and Panther dodged, throwing a series of elbows as they ran the ropes. Moriarty sent Panther to the outside and hit two suicidas while the Infantry trash talked.

Panther climbed back into the ring and up to the top rope. Moriarty met him there and delivered a superplex to a 64 year old man. Somehow, Panther kicked out of the pin attempt. From there, Moriarty tried a Border City Stretch, but Panther wouldn’t give up, trying desperately to get to the ropes. Eventually he did and Moriarty broke the hold.

The chop trading began with Panther coming out on top with a lariat out of nowhere, followed by a clothesline that sent Moriarty out of the ring. Panther ran up the entrance ramp and delivered a leaping crossbody to Moriarty on the outside.

Panther tossed Moriarty back into the ring and sent him to the corner for a flipping crossbody into a shoestring armbar, causing Moriarty to tap out! Panther wins clean!

Match Result: Blue Panther defeats Lee Moriarty

After the match, the Infantry and Shane Taylor started a beatdown on Panther. Taylor delivered a huge splash, and then a second-rope– wait, what’s that music? It’s BRIAN DANIELSON!!!! He sent Hologram, Mascara Dorada and… a friend (?), down to the ring to clean house before delivering a high knee to Taylor himself!! The crowd chanted YES! and so did I, much to my attempted-napping wife’s chagrin!

After the ring cleared, Danielson grabbed a mic and thanked the crowd and telling them that they are loved by AEW and ROH.

What to say about that?!? other than AMAZING!

Thunder Rosa challenges Athena for Women’s title at ROH Supercard of Honor

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

A Ring of Honor Women’s title match appears to be on the horizon for next month’s ROH Supercard of Honor streaming special.

In a social media clip from Thursday seen below, former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa issued a challenge to reigning ROH Women’s titleholder Athena for Friday, July 11 at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Athena has not responded as of yet, but very well could as part of Thursday night’s ROH x CMLL Global Wars when the tag match featuring Athena and ROH Women’s TV Champion Red Velvet vs. Rosa and Persephone match from last week will air.

Rosa and Athena were also part of Wednesday’s four-way on AEW Dynamite to crown the first entrant into the women’s Casino Gauntlet that is part of AEW All In: Texas on Saturday, July 12. The two were also part of an eight-woman tag team match as part of last Saturday’s AEW Collision where Velvet interfered to cost Rosa’s team the match.

Assuming the match is confirmed, Rosa would be looking for her first ROH gold while Athena is closing in on 1000 days as ROH Women’s Champion.

As of now, the only match that has been announced for the show is the finals of the inaugural ROH Women’s Pure title tournament which has yet to start or the participants announced.

AEW Collision live results: All star eight-woman tag team match

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

For the first time in three weeks, AEW Collision returns for a live episode from Kent, Washington, headlined by an all star eight-woman tag team match.

On one side, ROH Women’s World Champion Athena teams with Thekla, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford to take on former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa, Queen Aminata, Tay Conti and Anna Jay.

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will be on hand to share thoughts ahead of her All In Texas defense against Mercedes Mone.

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will take on AR Fox in non-title action while former champion Swerve Strickland takes on Shane Taylor.

**********

Hey folks, internet issues prevented me from starting the show right on time! Sorry about that!

Collision opened with Stokley Hathaway cutting a promo about the 8-man tag match against Paragon, Daniel Garcia, and Bandido following AEW’s successful debut in Arena Mexico. This week, they come live from Seattle.

The Death Riders made their entrance, with Moxley entering the arena ready for his match against AR Fox.

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley (w/ Wheeler Yuta) defeated AR Fox in a non-title match

Fox was very over in this match, with the fans chanting loudly for him as he went right after Moxley. However, as Fox launched off the top ropes, Moxley countered with a huge forearm that dropped Fox and it was quickly turned around where the AEW World Champion was beating on the local favourite.

Moxley’s heat was incredible in this match. Fox hit a DDT as Moxley got caught in the ropes, and flipped over the top rope into a stomp on Moxley’s chest before hitting a triangle moonsault to the floor. Moxley cut Fox off and locked in a choke while Fox was on the top rope, before suplexing Fox down and locking on a submission while crucifixing the arms of Fox.

Fox escaped to the ropes, hit an enziguri, and a tope sucidica to the floor on Moxley. Fox hit a pump kick on Yuta on the floor and a cutter on Moxley in the ring, followed by another pump kick and cutter. Fox celebrated, and Moxley immediately took advantage, hitting a lariat on Fox, a Gotch Style Piledriver, mounted elbows, and a rear naked choke until Fox went out. Great finish.

–After the match, Moxley hit a Death Rider and called for the microphone from Yuta. Moxley talked about how he was not as patient with Hangman as the the AEW audience was, as Hangman wasted all his opportunities and that All In would be no different. Excellent promo.

–AEW aired a great recap of the Dynamite at Arena Mexico. This hype package ruled, including highlights from Hangman’s awesome opening promo, Mercedes’ title win, and Hangman Page saving Swerve Strickland.

–Adam Cole, Daniel Garcia, Roderick Strong, and Bandio cut a promo about their upcoming 8-man tag.

Protoshita (Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita) & FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (w/ Stokley Hathaway) defeated Paragon (Adam Cole & Roderick Strong), Daniel Garcia, & Bandido

This match served as the weekly Collision party match, and I’m glad it did. It is hard to have a bad match with these 8 tremendous wrestlers, and this was no exception to that rule. Harwood immediately attacked Bandido, but had to cope with Bandido quickly turning it around and tagging out to Strong. Harwood managed to drop Strong with a hard forearm and tagged out to Takeshita, who mocked the babyfaces as he beat on Strong.

Garcia made a brief comeback, but ate a kick from Fletcher that sent him to the mat, allowing Harwood to work him over for the next few minutes. Bandido tagged in and hit Harwood with several lariats before hitting a kick on Takeshita and an incredible tornado DDT on Fletcher. The match eventually broke down into everyone hitting big moves, ending with Cole and Fletcher exchanging strikes with Cole hitting a brainbuster onto his own knee. All 8 men started brawling, with Cole saving Strong from a Shatter Machine and Bandido hitting a moonsault to the floor. Strong, however, turned into a superkick from Fletcher and ate the Shatter Machine for the win for FTR and the Don Callis Family.

–The heels were beating down the babyfaces and The Outrunners, with hometown hero Truth Magnum, made the save. Wheeler was calling for help from someone, but they never arrived. The announcers highlighted that Harwood was shocked that the Outrunners took Bandido’s side, rather than theirs, highlighting the brief on screen friendship we saw with the Outrunners and FTR.

–Tay Melo, Anna Jay, Thunder Rosa, and Queen Aminata talked about their upcoming main event tag match against Athena, Thekla, Penelope Ford, and Megan Bayne. They cut to the other team, and Athena talked about how it was Athena Elite Wrestling tonight, and how she didn’t like Ford or Bayne, which Bayne took exception to.

–Mercedes Mone was interviewed by Renee Paquette in Mexico on Wednesday, and she talked about how Toni Storm’s time was up.

Swerve Strickland (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Shane Taylor (w/ Shane Taylor Promotions)

Early on, the Infantry seemed to be arguing with Taylor on the floor, betting money on the match among themselves and with Prince Nana, which confused the announcers. Swerve kicked Taylor right in the face to the delight of the crowd, and Taylor responded with hard forearms. The Infantry convinced Tony Schiavone to come over and bet on the match too, which was super entertaining.

Taylor hit a splash crushing Swerve against the apron. Schiavone came back to the desk and claimed he put his money on Swerve, while Nana and the Infantry continued to cheer on their subsequent betting partners. When the came back from the ad break, Taylor crashed into the corner, missing a corner charge. Swerve hit a dropkick to the knee of Taylor and then a running knee for a two count. At this point, the fans started chanting very loudly for local indie promotion Defy (which I highly recommend checking out, as their shows are always awesome).

Swerve locked on an armbar of sorts on Taylor, who fought out using his strength, hitting a big standing knee on Swerve. Swerve managed to stun Taylor on the top rope, and hit a massive Olympic slam on Taylor off the ropes. Swerve hit a Swerve stomp off the top rope onto the apron, and Prince Nana stole the cash from the betting, leading to money flying everywhere as Swerve hit a dive onto the Infantry and a House Call on Taylor for the win. This was tremendous.

–A recap of Toni Storm attacking Mercedes Mone aired.

–Toni Storm was on the stage dressed as Carmen Sandiego, and cut a promo about Mercedes Mone, talking about how Mone said that they were going to have the biggest match of all time, but Storm was disappointed in her. Storm asked if the AEW Women’s World Championship was just another trophy for her, and that she was not just some other opponent (cussing in the process), and that Mone better not take her lightly, because she was going to eat Mercedes Mone alive if she makes one mistake.

Storm said she wanted Mone’s best, because she is the best. The first woman to ever wrestle at Madison Square Garden, Wembley, the Tokyo Dome, and Arena Mexico, and Storm said she was the greatest of all time. Storm said that she wasn’t that, but that she was the one that made magic happen when she held the world title, and that Mercedes Mone would have to kill her to take her title. This promo was incredible.

The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Hologram, & Willow Nightingale) vs. MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) & Taya Valkyrie (w/ Johnny TV)

This was a fun back and forth match that saw Hologram and Briscoe trying to over come the size of Madden and Mansoor. In a ridiculous spot, Mansoor hit a catapult into the posterior for Madden, but their advantage did not last long, with Mark Briscoe firing up for the comeback taking on both men to a roar from the crowd.

Briscoe hit a palm strike that sent Mansoor flying backwards to the floor, and Briscoe hit a running dropkick on Madden, but was double teamed by Johnny TV and Mansoor, leading to Hologram coming in and clearing the ring, but Taya Valkyrie hitting a hurricanrana on Hologram, leading to Willow Nightingale hitting a spear on Mansoor before Hologram hit a portal bomb on Mansoor. Briscoe and Hologram hit tope sucidias to the floor and Briscoe hit the Froggy-bow on Mansoor for the win. Really fun match.

–Kris Statlander was backstage with Lexy Nair, and she was fed up with people asking her about Willow Nightingale. Wheeler Yuta walked up to talk her, and she shoved Yuta away, but turned right around into Jon Moxley. She dropped her phone, and Moxley slowly picked it up, and said, “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are and what you are worth” before handing the phone back to her and walking away. This was very interesting.

–The Don Callis family came down to the ring with Josh Alexander and Lance Archer accompanying him. Callis announced the newest member of the Don Callis Family, officially now, Kazuchika Okada. Callis grabbed the mic back from Schiavone again, interrupting him, and the fans booed Callis out of the building as they re-aired the attack on Kenny Omega. Callis said he was tired of Schiavone talking trash about him, but he wasn’t here about that, and wanted to talk about Kenny Omega, asking how Omega felt to have his greatest opponent, Okada, and the man that knew all his weaknesses, Callis, was now a unit.

Callis said that even if Omega made it to All In, he has no friends left. Mark Briscoe came out and told Callis to shut up, claiming he was Omega’s friend. Briscoe said he wasn’t his only friend either, and out came Kota Ibushi, returning to AEW looking like he was in incredible shape. Briscoe and Archer started brawling, and Ibushi slowly walked down to the ring, and he laid Alexander out with a massive kick only to turn around and face one of his biggest rivals, Kazauchika Okada.

Ibushi and Okada have unfinished business from the G1 Finals years ago when Ibushi was injured and unable to finish the match, and it seems that the old feud is reigniting again. This was a huge angle, and it was tremendous.

–The Workhorsemen and Learning Tree were brawling when they came back from break, with both teams not having a match, but a massive fight that started backstage. Big Bill hit a massive chokeslam into a set of four chairs that were setup. As Bill grabbed a mic, Christian Cage and the Patriarchy came out. Christian said that the only good things to come out of Washington State were Nick Wayne and the Matriarch.

Christian claimed that the brawl was cutting into his mic time, and he had a huge announcement to make. Christian said that it was time that he and Nick Wayne became a tag team, becoming the first ever father & son tag team. Big Bill said a rather crass comment about Mother Wayne, and offered to fight Christian Cage & Nick Wayne tonight. Cage claimed to be the man that ran Collision and he only fights on his own terms.

–Last week, Anthony Bowens was with Billy Gunn after his loss. Bowens said that the two of them needed to get their act together, and Gunn was supposed to help him. He said he didn’t want to end up like Max Caster. It seems like we might see Bowens moving towards a heel turn and division with Billy Gunn.

Jetspeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey) defeated The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun)

I really like Toa Liona, and would love to see more of him. I have said this several times, but I’d love to see AEW do something with him. Ricochet was on commentary, saying that his crew was not going to be the Cru, as they ruined the chances of them being a part of his group. Liona spent the early portions of the match beating on Mike Bailey, saying his face was perfect for punching. Knight tried to armdrag Liona, but Liona blocked it. Knight sent Liona to the floor, but ate knees to his chest as Kaun put his knees up when Knight went for a splash.

Bailey went for a tope to the floor, and Liona hit a pounce on Bailey before he hit the floor, sending him flying. Liona walked up to the applauding Ricochet and put his arm around him as Ricochet showed his approval. The Gates of Agony hit a double team powerbomb on Knight for a 2-count, and it is clear that these two huge men are getting over in this match.

The Gates of Agony continued to beat on Knight for the next few minutes, coming back from break as Knight managed to hit a lariat off the middle rope on Kaun. Bailey made the hot tag, dodging a corner charge from Liona that saw Liona fly over the ropes, hitting the ring post as he crumbled to the floor. Liona, however, like a monster, came back in and hit a a fallaway slam on Knight while hitting Bailey with a Samoan drop.

Liona smashed Knight with a headbutt but as they went for Open the Gates, Knight hit a DDT on both men, but Liona just stood up again, and ate a double dropkick from Jetspeed. Jetspeed hit stereo tope con giro’s to the floor. Kaun and Bailey went back into the ring, and Kaun hit a gorilla press into a lung blower on Bailey. Bailey hit a spinning heel kick and triangle moonsasult to the floor on Liona while Knight hit a frog splash onto Kaun. This match was awesome. I would have had the Gates of Agony go over with Ricochet’s help, but this was not a bad result by any stretch.

Athena (w/ Billie Starkz), Thekla, Penelope Ford, & Megan Bayne defeated Tay Melo, Anna Jay, Queen Aminata, & Thunder Rosa

Athena came across as the biggest star in this match, by far, and she exchanged some very hard strikes with Aminata. Anna Jay came in and soon all women were setting up for a joint suplex, and all 8 women fought over a suplex, with the babyfaces and heels unable to complete the move. They broke off from each other and Athena and Megan Bayne both hit a double Samoan drop and fall away slam at same time on their opponents. Bayne and Athena stood face to face, as Thekla and Aminata resumed their match from last week.

Thekla was so fast in this match, with almost no one being able to keep up with her. Animata hit a huge headbutt, but Athena reached through the ropes to break the count. Tay Melo and Ford tagged in and resumed their violent feud from a few years ago, with Melo hitting a DDT on Ford. Bayne broke it up and hit a double German suplex on Jay and Melo at the same time.

Melo popped up and hit a knee strike on Bayne and tagged out to Rosa, while Athena came in and started exchanging chops with her. Athena hit a sole butt and then a series of kicks ending in an enziguri. Rosa hit a dropkick bouncing off the ropes. Rosa hit a stiff dropkick to Athena who was laying on the bottom rope. Melo hit a Gotch style piledriver on Ford, while Bayne hit a spear on Melo. Jay dropped Bayne with a DDT, and Thekla hit a spear on Jay. Animata hit a twist and shout on Thekla, and Athena hit a tombstone on Aminata. Rosa hit a Death Valley Driver on Athena, but Red Velvet ran out and tossed the ROH Women’s title to Athena, who leveled Rosa and pinned her for the win.

Final Thoughts

This was an awesome episode of AEW Collision, with some big angles, great promos, and great wrestling. As the show closed, Tony Schiavone announced that there would be a Casino Gauntlet match at All In, and that Kota Ibushi would be on Dynamite. Really great show, though some more matches announced for Wednesday would have been great.

Athena hopes to have ‘full storyline’ with Mercedes Mone

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After their first match against each other went so well, Athena is hoping to have a more expansive storyline with Mercedes Mone.

“It left me wanting so much more. It left me wanting to do a full storyline with Mercedes Mone,” the ROH Women’s World Champion told Sports Illustrated about their first meeting. “I feel like I hold myself on such a high pedestal, because I feel like I always have people depending on me. Down from my indie company, down to my ROH locker room. We put our hearts on a platter, and I felt like in that moment, I was proud of myself.”

Mone defeated Athena on the April 16 episode of Dynamite in Boston, advancing in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. It took Athena a few days to process the bout, but it left her feeling emotional.

“I just remember having a tear come to my eye. And I don’t really get too emotional,” Athena said. “There’s been a few times that I’ve cried. My most recent was Japan, [because] I wanted it so bad. But I was just kind of swelling with pride, because it just was magic for me. It was like I found a true equal in the ring to me, on every level, who countered my chaos.”

Mone spoke very highly of Athena after their match and expressed that she is hoping to see Athena featured on AEW television more. Athena is on a dominant 900-plus day run as ROH Women’s World Champion but has not crossed over to AEW much since being moved to ROH.

Sports Illustrated writes that Athena “could not put over Tony Khan and his company enough for allowing her the opportunity to simply enjoy the art of professional wrestling again.” She would love to compete in her home state of Texas at AEW All In next month but does not know if that will happen.

“I don’t know if that’s in my stars,” Athena said. “If not, I have a Ring of Honor pay-per-view that I will probably be defending my championship on. You know, I would probably be super bummed out if I wasn’t on All In, but honestly, there’s still time.”

ROH Supercard of Honor 2025 is being held in Arlington on Friday, July 11 — which is the night before All In.

Mone challenging Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship is already official for the All In pay-per-view.

Two matches announced for ROH CMLL Global Wars Mexico

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two matches have been announced for ROH & CMLL’s Global Wars event.

The show will be held on Wednesday, the same day as AEW Grand Slam Mexico. Tony Khan announced two matches for the event, the first being a singles match between ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty and Blue Panther, who both picked up wins during the recent DEAN~!2 event held before Double or Nothing.

“After both men were victorious at DEAN~!2 to honor the late great Dean Rasmussen, ROH Pure Champion @theleemoriarty will fight vs icon Blue Panther in Arena México Wednesday!,” he wrote.

Additionally, a tag match will be taking place. ROH Women’s Champion Athena and protoge Billie Starkz will face Thunder Rosa and Persephone. 

“After Thunder’s altercation with The Fallen Goddess, La Mera Mera will team with Persephone vs ROH Women’s World Champion Athena + Billie Starkz!,” Khan wrote.

Thunder Rosa in a promo earlier in the month indicated she would be teaming with CMLL’s Persephone in Arena Mexico:

ROH CMLL Global Wars lineup:

  • Lee Moriarty vs. Blue Panther
  • Athena & Billie Starkz vs. Thunder Rosa & Persephone

Ring of Honor TV live results: Persephone debuts

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Ahead of the upcoming AEW/ROH vs. CMLL week in Mexico, Persephone will make her promotional debut on tonight’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub.

The young CMLL star will team with former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa will take on CMLL’s Dulce Tormenta and Leila Grey. It’s Tormenta’s first ROH bout since July 2024.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena will return for the first time since the AEW Owen Hart Foundation women’s tournament as she hosts a Proving Ground match against Rachel Armstrong. A win or draw by the challenger gives her a future title shot.

Wheeler Yuta of the Death Riders will look for his fourth straight win as he faces Aaron Solo.

The show is rounded by an initiation by The Frat House.

**********

A bunch of debuts and a returning champion headlined this week’s episode of ROH on Honorclub (number 119 for those scoring at home).

Persephone & Thunder Rosa vs. Dulce Tormenta & Leila Grey

CMLL’s Persephone makes her ROH debut here teaming up with none other than Thunder Rosa. Rosa last appeared in ROH with a win back in February over Brittnie Brooks. Their adversaries are ROH mainstay Leila Grey and CMLL’s Dulce Tormenta who just a couple of weeks ago won the GCWA Women’s Championship. Neato! 

Persephone kicked things off against Grey and the crowd was already chanting for both. Persephone wasted no time in laying out Grey with a big scoop slam. That brought in Rosa who used speed to get a few near falls on Grey. Grey fought back with a sunset flip though and a couple of rollups.

Grey has really stepped up her game, delivering punishing strikes to Rosa before tagging Tormenta in. Persephone followed suit and these two put on a Luchadore show that was fantastic. Persephone was in total control until Tormenta dodged a big splash from the top rope.

Grey tagged in and took the fight to Persephone, hitting a shining wizard into a dragon sleeper. Rosa broke up the hold, but Grey locked it right back in. Persephone came back with a spear worthy of that Copeland guy.

Tormenta and Rosa faced off next with Rosa getting the upper hand with a huge dropkick. Rosa locked in a cobra clutch on Tormenta and she was forced to quickly tap out. Fun match!

Match Result: Persephone & Thunder Rosa defeated Dulce Tormenta & Leila Grey

-Footage was shown of the Frat House backstage, bragging about their drinking skills. They called Ian Riccaboni over and yelled at him about the way he talked about them on commentary. He asked what was next for the Frat House and they offered Riccaboni a drink. Then they yelled the boooooooze part of their catchphrase and left…

…Which brought us to the entrance ramp. Someone tragically gave Jameson a mic and he yelled Fraaaaaat Hoooouuuse and claimed that “hot chicks” were watching Ring of Honor for the first time because of them.

The Frat House were holding an “initiation” and had two pledges with them. Immediately they began beating them up, four on two. Vance let the pledges know that they could be in the group if they win a match against Garrison and Karter.

The Frat House (Griff Garrison and Cole Karter) vs. Two Unnamed Pledges

They never got around to saying the names of the two pledges (but I think one was Dale Springs? Maybe?) Any way, Jameson yelled at them while Garrison and Karter beat them up.

There really wasn’t much to say about this entirely pointless “match.” Surprising no one, Garrison got a pin and that was it.

“Match” Result: The Frat House (Griff Garrison and Cole Karter) defeated Two Unnamed Pledges

-Backstage Persephone and Thunder Rosa cut a promo. Persephone asked Rosa to join her in CMLL for a match since their ROH match went so well. Rosa accepted and that was that.

Wheeler Yuta vs. Aaron Solo

Yuta, who’s playoff beard is admirable but out of control, is six-time ROH Pure champion who just barely survived Anarchy in The Arena at AEW Double or Nothing just 10 days ago. Solo is still the BTW Heavyweight Champion and a genuine workhorse, so this match looks promising from the get-go. 

Both men waved off the Code of Honor and locked right up. Yuta seemed to underestimate Solo and left himself open for a couple of chin locks. Yuta turned to strikes then and Solo returned the favor, followed buy a quick dropkick.

Yuta turned the tables with a big suplex and elbow drop from the top rope. Yuta locked in an inside grapevine and started posing, leaving himself open to some shots form Solo. Yuta caught him with a german suplex but missed on the follow through allowing Solo to hit a double stomp form the top rope.

Yuta caught Solo with a big knee to the head and that knocked him clean out. 1-2-3 and Yuta got the win.

Match Result: Wheeler Yuta defeated Aaron Solo

-Backstage, MxMxTV joined us to announce that Mansoor is going to face ROH World Champion Bandido in a Proving Ground match! Taya Valkyrie translated Mansoor’s broken Spanish and predicted that he would win next week’s contest.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena vs. Rachel Armstrong in a non-title Proving Ground match

Ring of Honor’s Forever Champion Athena is back! Athena’s last ROH match was a tag team win with Diamante back in March that was largely used as something to rub in the face of the Milhouse of Minions, Billie Starkz. Tonight, Athena took on Rachel Armstrong in her ROH debut in a proving ground match. Yeesh, talk about trial by fire… 

Athena is not a tall champion, but Armstrong actually looked tiny next to her. The crowd welcomed back Athena, who offered up a Code of Honor and then quickly turned it into a Punch In The Face of Honor.

Athena did not let up from there. She pounded Armstrong in the corner to the point the Ref had to stop it. Armstrong tried to get some offense in with an arm drag and quick super kick followed by a DDT. Armstrong went up top, but Athena slid out of the ring. Armstrong tried a suicide dive, but Athena caught her and threw her into the barricades over and over.

The crowd chanted for Athena who responded by throwing Armstrong into the steel ring stairs. She tossed Armstrong back into the ring and clubbed her in the back of the head. Repeatedly.

Armstrong then got a near fall by reversing a powerbomb attempt into a hurricanrana. That upset the champ and she pulled Armstrong up to the second rope in an electric chair. Armstrong rained down punches though and Athena had to bail. Armstrong went for a 450 but Athena dodged it and picked her up for a sit out powerbomb. That got her the three count and the win in her big return.

Match Result: Athena defeated Rachel Armstrong

After the match, Athena continued beating up Armstrong in the ring. The ref tried to stop her, but Athena tossed him out of the ring. Suddenly, Thunder Rosa appeared and chased Athena out of the ring. Athena sulked up the ramp, but forgot her title belt. Rosa held it up in the ring which made Athena very very angry.

After the match, not unlike an after credits scene in a Marvel movie, a video aired. A spaceship landed in the desert where a certain group of boys were waiting. The flying saucer landed and the door to the ship opened and out stepped…. DALTON CASTLE!

Mercedes Mone wants to see Athena on AEW TV more

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After their match in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament, Mercedes Mone wants to see more of Athena on AEW television.

Mone defeated Athena in the semifinals of the tournament last month at the Spring BreakThru edition of Dynamite in Boston. It was a dream match for Mone, who believes Athena is already an all-time great. The former Ember Moon has gotten a chance to shine in ROH with the longest title reign in the history of the promotion, but Mone is hoping that Athena will now be featured in AEW more often.

“That match, it was so f*cking cool,” Mone told Undisputed. “Athena gave me hell. I’ve never experienced anyone like her in the ring.

“Athena has been doing it for so long. I was watching her before I was even signed to WWE. I want to see her on AEW television more. She’s too good not to be seen. She’s explosive — one of the best, innovative wrestlers in the world. She is that f*cking good.”

Athena debuted for AEW in 2022 but has mostly been a star on ROH during her time with the company. She has held the ROH Women’s World Championship for nearly 900 days since winning it in December 2022.

The Mone vs. Athena match was their first time ever wrestling each other one-on-one in either AEW or WWE.

In what is another first-time matchup, Mone will meet Jamie Hayter in the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament at Double or Nothing this Sunday. The winner earns a shot at AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm at All In 2025.

“I’ve never wrestled Jamie. I’m so excited,” Mone said in her interview with Undisputed. “First Athena, now Jamie — the Owen Cup is going to be one of the best tournaments in the world.

“And I’ve never got to wrestle Toni Storm before, except for a little three-way. Wrestling Toni Storm, that’s a match I’ve been waiting to wrestle for a very, very long time.”

Mone is already the TBS Champion in AEW in addition to holding the Undisputed British Women’s Championship for Revolution Pro Wrestling.

Mercedes Mone: Athena is ‘one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Mercedes Mone believes ROH Women’s World Champion Athena has already established herself as an all-time great.

For the first time ever in a one-on-one match, Mone and Athena will face off this Wednesday at AEW Dynamite Spring BreakThru. It’s a semifinal matchup in the women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, with the winner advancing to face either Jamie Hayter or Kris Statlander in the finals at Double or Nothing.

Spring BreakThru is a homecoming for Mone with the show being held in Boston. To promote the event, she was a guest on Boston’s Toucher & Hardy radio show on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

“I’m going to be performing and wrestling against Athena, who is the longest Ring of Honor champion of all time. She’s held this title for over 800 days. Insane. And she is one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time,” Mone said. “So I have goosebumps for tomorrow. It’s been one of my dream matches. Before I even made it to the WWE, I had my eyes on Athena. So this is something for me that I’m really, really excited for.”

Mone and Athena were known as Sasha Banks and Ember Moon during their respective WWE runs. Both are currently champions and looking to add more gold to their collection. Athena has been ROH Women’s World Champion since 2022. Mone holds three belts: the AEW TBS Championship, New Japan Strong Women’s Championship, and the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship.

The winner of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament receives an AEW Women’s World Championship shot at All In Texas this July. Toni Storm is the current title holder.

MGM Music Hall is hosting Dynamite this Wednesday and Collision this Thursday. Both shows will air live and are branded as Spring BreakThru specials.

Three advance in AEW Owen Hart Foundation tournaments

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three have advanced in the Owen Hart Foundation tournaments.

Athena and Jamie Hayter have moved on to the semifinals of the women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament following wins on Saturday’s Collision. Meanwhile, Konosuke Takeshita defeated Brody King in the main event to advance to the semifinals of the men’s tournament.

Hayter was the first to qualify on Saturday, defeating Billie Starks and advancing to the semfinals where she will take on Kris Statlander. Athena followed soon after by defeating Harley Cameron in a competitive match. She now advances to the semifinals where she will face Mercedes Mone, who cut a promo on Athena shortly after her victory to hype their match this Wednesday:

With his win, Takeshita is the third man to advance in the men’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament. He will now move on to face Will Ospreay this Wednesday. One final quarterfinal will take place on Wednesday, with Hangman Page facing a yet-to-be-named wildcard entrant. The winner of that match will go on to face Kyle Fletcher, who defeated Mark Briscoe at AEW Dynasty.

Mone vs. Athena, Ospreay vs. Takeshita part of new AEW Dynamite Spring Break Thru lineup

Posted on by Josh Nason

Three big Owen Hart Foundation tournament matches are now set for this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite from Boston, Massachussetts — a night where Dynamite becomes the longest-running weekly prime time wrestling show on the Turner networks.

TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will take on reigning Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena in a women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinal.

Athena punched her ticket on Saturday’s AEW Collision with a win over Harley Cameron in a quarterfinal bout while Mone defeated Julia Hart this past Sunday at Dynasty. While they have shared the ring many times before, this will be their first-ever singles match.

The winner will advance to the finals at May’s Double or Nothing where the winner earns a Women’s World title shot at July’s All In.

Will Ospreay will face Konosuke Takeshita in a men’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinal.

Takeshita advanced by defeating Brody King on Saturday in the main event while Ospreay defeated Kevin Knight at last Sunday’s Dynasty to get to the semifinal. It will be the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back nearly a year. The two have had just one singles match against each other which Ospreay won at 2023’s Revolution.

The winner will advance to the finals at May’s Double or Nothing where the winner earns a World title shot at July’s All In.

The Death Riders will defend the AEW Trios titles against The Opps.

As announced on Collision, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will take PAC’s place in defending the titles following his injury on Dynamite. Samoa Joe offered up the challenge at the end of Dynamite this past Wednesday and it was made official Saturday. The Death Riders will look to extend a lengthy title run that has seen them defend the titles eight times.

AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate will defend against The Gates of Agony.

After picking up a quick win on Saturday, the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) issued a challenge to reigning AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate for Boston, later confirmed on social media to be a confirmed title match.

The new additions join the previously announced Owen Hart Foundation tournament quarterfinal bout between Hangman Page and the wild card. The winner of that bout will face Kyle Fletcher in the other semifinal.

AEW Dynamite Spring Break Thru card | Boston, MA | Wednesday on TNT & Max:

  • Owen Hart Foundation tournament women’s semifinal: Mercedes Mone vs. Athena
  • Owen Hart Foundation tournament men’s semifinal: Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • Owen Hart Foundation tournament men’s quarterfinal: Hangman Page vs. wild card
  • AEW Trios Champions The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defends against The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata)
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)