It’s Saturday and that means Wrestling Observer Live with yours truly and a lot to talk about.
It’s yet another Saturday packed with tons of wrestling with still plenty to discuss from the past few days like the incredible and violent parking lot brawl on AEW Rampage, the A Block settled in the NJPW G1 tournament, Yota Tsuji pulling twin magic, and SmackDown.
Then, of course, there’s tonight’s WWE SummerSlam and AEW Collision.
Despite all of this wrestling, many people insist on focusing on a negative backstage experience. Is this necessary? It doesn’t affect business, so why are we talking about it?
We’ll talk about that and also how much talents are responsible for getting over. People talk about time and booking, but what about the wrestlers themselves?
The Blood & Guts match on last week’s Dynamite ran long and a post-match segment didn’t air as planned.
According to a report from SI.com’s Justin Barrasso, the plan was for the match to end 10-minutes before Dynamite went off the air, allowing time for a promo from Kenny Omega to close the show. However, the performers ran low of time near the end and a spot involving Hangman Page had to be scrapped in addition to Omega’s post-match comments.
“A big moment for Page was scratched because of the lack of time, but all of the other key points were hit, with the notable exception being the postmatch interview from Omega,” Barrasso wrote.
While it didn’t air on television, footage of Omega’s post-match comments and the handshake between The Elite and BCC have been shared on social media.
“If you guys want, I’ll shorten my career, I’ll shorten my life to keep this fight alive. But I’m willing to stick my hand out and shake yours if you guys will let bygones be bygones,” Omega said.
“If you guys want to keep doing it, so help me God, I’ll keep doing it. But I’m gonna do it with a newfound respect for each and every one of you. I’m gonna stick my hand out, just this once, just this once, as a sign of respect because I respect the hell out of you guys,” he continued.
Claudio Castagnoli spoke to Sports Illustrated following the match and stated that the handshake between The Elite and BCC “probably should have been on television.”
“We lost that battle, but we won the war. Thanks to the Blackpool Combat Club, now The Elite is better than ever. We brought them to a place they’ve never been, Castagnoli said.
“The postmatch between the BCC and The Elite, with Kenny talking and we all shook hands, that probably should have been on television, but it shows that there is nothing like being there in person. There is nothing like being there live.”
Our own Dave Meltzer rated this year’s Blood & Guts match four and three-quarter stars in the July 24, 2023 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Wheeler Yuta also wrestled the double-cage match with a partially torn hamstring that he suffered on the 7/5 Dynamite in a match against Omega. It was also noted that Jon Moxley pitched the idea of using a bed of nails in the match.
BCC vs. Lucha Bros vs. Best Friends in a triple threat tag is one of three new bouts added to the July 26 AEW Dynamite.
As announced during Friday’s ROH Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view, Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli will team against Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix of The Lucha Bros, and Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor of Best Friends in a three-way tag match on Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Also added to the Dynamite lineup, PAC will take on Gravity. PAC challenged Castagnoli for the ROH World title at Death Before Dishonor in a losing effort, while Gravity, the brother of Bandido, defeated Komander in the pay-per-view opener.
Darby Allin vs. Swerve Strickland in singles competition is the third new match announced for Dynamite.
A promo segment with Blind Eliminator Tournament winners MJF & Adam Cole has also been added to Wednesday’s lineup.
Already announced for the show is an International Championship match, with Orange Cassidy defending against AR Fox.
The updated lineup for the July 26 Dynamite in Albany, New York:
AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy defends against AR Fox
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Lucha Bros (Penta El Zero Miedo) vs. Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor)
On AEW Dynamite earlier this week, the rivalry between The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club came to a close in Blood & Guts.
The Elite & Kota Ibushi prevailed in the match, defeating Blackpool Combat Club inside of the two-ring cage. Blackpool Combat Club lost the match after their two partners, PAC and Konosuke Takeshita, walked out on them.
After the show went off the air, there was a moment where The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club were able to at least momentarily put their issues aside. The two factions shook hands, expressing their mutual respect for each other.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Castagnoli discussed the post-show moment, saying that it’s something he thinks probably should have aired on television.
Castagnoli also said that, despite losing the match, he thinks Blackpool Combat Club accomplished something by making The Elite play by their rules.
“That’s what we wanted to come across. We lost that battle but we won the war. Thanks to the Blackpool Combat Club, now The Elite is better than ever. We brought them to a place they’ve never been,” Castagnoli said.
“The post-match between the BCC and The Elite, with Kenny talking and we all shook hands, that probably should have been on television, but it shows that there is nothing like being there in-person. There is nothing like being there live.”
Castagnoli told Sports Illustrated that he thinks the Blood & Guts match delivered on its high expectations.
“It was the spectacle of blood and guts that people expected, and even exceeded that,” Castagnoli said. “We had modifications from last year with the separate entrances, which helped. There’s only been two other of these matches in AEW, but I thought it delivered.”
The dissension between Castagnoli and PAC in Blood & Guts leads to the main event of tonight’s ROH Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view. Castagnoli is defending his ROH World Championship against PAC at the PPV.
Following AEW Dynamite Blood & Guts in Boston Wednesday, Kenny Omega cut an off air promo which resulted in The Golden Elite and the Blackpool Combat Club shaking hands in a show of respect that marked the end of their long feud.
Omega also mentioned sticking with The Elite “wherever these guys go” in a line that has raised some speculation.
In the video seen below, Omega took the microphone a few minutes after Dynamite went off air and said that they could keep the feud going between them but that The Golden Elite respects them.
“If you guys want, I’ll shorten my career, I’ll shorten my life to keep this fight alive. But I’m willing to stick my hand out and shake yours if you guys will let bygones be bygones,” he said, followed by him mentioning each BCC member including Bryan Danielson and his respect for each of them.
“If you guys want to keep doing it, so help me God, I’ll keep doing it. But I’m gonna do it with a newfound respect for each and every one of you. I’m gonna stick my hand out, just this once, just this once, as a sign of respect because I respect the hell out of you guys,” he said.
Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli then begrudgingly shook the hands of all Golden Elite members.
After they left, Omega continued to address the crowd and the Golden Elite members, saying among other things, “As long as I am an active performer in professional wrestling, I’m gonna go wherever these guys go.”
As discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio, that line has people talking given Omega and The Young Bucks’ current contract status with their deals up at the end of the year according to Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer said a lot of things can happen between now and then and that there’s a lot of ways things can go. As previously reported, AEW head Tony Khan is trying to sign all three men to new deals.
The fifth members of the upcoming Blood & Guts match will be revealed this Wednesday.
Tony Khan on Twitter Monday afternoon revealed that the Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite will choose their fifth members on Wednesday’s Dynamite.
“With #BloodAndGuts in Boston only 1 week away, Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite will each reveal the 5th man joining their teams this week on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite,” Khan wrote.
Next week’s show in Boston will have The Elite (Hangman Page, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega) take on Konosuke Takeshita and the Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Jon Moxley). It has been pushed that due to Eddie Kingston competing in NJPW’s G1 Climax tournament and Bryan Danielson currently out due to injury, both teams need one more member.
Here’s the current lineup for Wednesday:
Chris Jericho vs. Komander
Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament semifinal: Ruby Soho vs. Skye Blue
Blind Eliminator Tournament semifinal: MJF & Adam Cole vs. Big Bill & Brian Cage
Blind Eliminator Tournament semifinal: Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara & Daniel Garcia
With AEW’s third-ever Blood & Guts match coming up in two weeks, the teams are starting to come together with two potentially high-profile exceptions.
On Wednesday’s Dynamite, the five-on-five double cage match had its first eight men confirmed as The Elite will have Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and Hangman Page on one side with the Blackpool Combat Club bringing Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta and Konosuke Takeshita on the other.
That leaves one member per team remaining with the BCC’s Bryan Danielson on the shelf with a broken forearm and noted Castagnoli antagonist Eddie Kingston in Japan for the annual NJPW G1 tournament.
Following the taping for this Friday’s Rampage, Omega addressed the Edmonton crowd and said he would give a hint about their mystery partner. As he has said before, he recently took time off and didn’t stay home, but rather took a trip “not to Canada” to recruit an old friend. That friend cares about Omega, the people in the ring (the Bucks and Page), AEW, and about changing the face of professional wrestling.
Some fans were chanting for Omega’s former teammate and free agent Kota Ibushi which Omega didn’t attempt to downplay.
Ibushi’s deal with NJPW ended in January of this year and AEW head Tony Khan said that bringing Ibushi in would be “something to consider.”
Conversely, there was no hints given on Wednesday about who could join the BCC for the violent match which will be held at Boston’s TD Garden as part of the Wednesday, July 19th Dynamite.
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On the same week AEW began to celebrate their 100th episode of Rampage coming up Friday, they also began their focus on next month’s 200th episode of Dynamite.
That show will take place on Wednesday, August 2nd at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The company’s weekly flagship show first bowed on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, in Washington, DC.
For the first time in its short history, the Blood & Guts double cage match will head to Boston, Massachusetts, for the July 19th AEW Dynamite with The Elite and the Blackpool Combat Club teams as its two competing teams.
After the Young Bucks & Hangman Page defeated Dark Order’s Alex Reynolds, John Silver & Evil Uno on Wednesday’s Dynamite, the entire BCC (sans Bryan Danielson) & Konosuke Takeshita attacked the Elite members. That eventually included Eddie Kingston who ran down to try to help, but was beaten down himself.
After Jon Moxley bloodied Page’s head with a screwdriver, he took the microphone to say this feud had to end between these two teams and it would do so in Boston with the Blood & Guts match.
The wrestlers in the match weren’t officially announced.
This will be the third-ever such Blood & Guts match. It debuted in May 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida, with the MJF-led Pinnacle vs. Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle. Just over a year later, the Jericho Appreciation Society took on the Blackpool Combat Club, Santana & Ortiz and Kingston in Detroit.
The Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli will face Bandido & The Lucha Bros on the show. The match comes after The Lucha Bros successfully retained their ROH tag titles against Castagnoli & Yuta in the main event of Dynamite last week.
“BCC have revenge in mind as they fight the Lucha Bros + their amigo Bandido on Dynamite, TONIGHT!,” Tony Khan wrote on Twitter.
Tonight’s edition of AEW Dynamite will take place from the Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University. Adam Cole & Britt Baker vs. Chris Jericho & Saraya is the only other match announced thus far.
AEW Dynamite 5/31 lineup:
Adam Cole & Britt Baker vs. Chris Jericho & Saraya
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. Bandido & The Lucha Bros (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix)
AEW returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Double or Nothing.
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry in the first-ever meeting between all “Four Pillars.”
The reformed Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks & Hangman Page) face the Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli) in an Anarchy in the Arena match.
Injured AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter defends against former champion Toni Storm while TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie in a rematch.
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal with Mark Briscoe as the conflicted special guest referee.
Adam Cole and Chris Jericho will battle in an unsanctioned match as TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match.
The card also features title defenses by AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy and AEW Trios Tag Team Champions the House of Black.
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Buy In
Renee Paquette, Kazeem Famuyide, Paul Wight & Stokely Hathaway welcome us to the Buy In and they throw it right to the back to RJ City talking about upcoming events for AEW. Paquette and company then run down the entire Double or Nothing card this evening, leading to a video package highlighting Anarchy in the Arena.
Footage of Jim Ross sitting down with Don Callis is shown, who said he did the hardest thing a parent or family member could do. It was a cancer eating away at Callis, so he cut it out, but tells Omega that he hasn’t even started cutting yet.
Video packages for the AEW Women’s Title, Non Sanctioned Match and Tag Team Title Match are shown before Jim Ross makes his way to ringside where Excalibur & Taz are seated, which is where the commentary team will be this evening.
The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) & FTW Champion HOOK (w/Brother Zay) defeated Ethan Page & The Gunns (Austin & Colten)
(A fun opening party match that went much longer than I thought it would. As a result, Matt Hardy now owns the contract of Ethan Page.)
This is Jeff Hardy’s first official match in about 11 months. HOOK & Austin start us off with Austin getting a shoulder block, but posed too long with HOOK locking in a leg lock. Matt & Jeff took turns tagging in and going after the arm before HOOK his overhead throws on everyone in sight. The Gunns & Page were triple clotheslined to the floor where the regrouped and in doing so Austin tripped up HOOK and followed with a bulldog. HOOK remained isolated until Page was dropped with the El Camino and Matt made the hot tag.
The Gunns & Page were all planted with Side Effects before a second rope elbow to Colten got a near fall. Austin & Page attacked Brother Zay on the floor, ripping his neck brace off, as that was enough distraction for Colten to pop Matt with a dropkick. It was Matt’s turn to be isolated with Page mocking delete chants, until both Gunns were launched outside. Jeff & HOOK reached for the hot tag, but were both pulled away by Colten & Page before Matt could get there. Finally, Matt hit a DDT on Page to allow Jeff to make the hot tag and run wild with his greatest hits offense.
A stalling splash off the second by Jeff led to a Twist of Fate attempt, but Jeff’s knee twisted up and as he went for Whisper in the Wind, the legs went out. Taz talked about ring rust playing a part, as Jeff hit a corkscrew kick on Page and HOOK tagged in with a fisherman’s suplex. HOOK & Page had a nice back and forth before sank in a cross arm breaker, but Colten made the save. Matt made a blind tag, as The Hardys hit an assisted splash in the corner, but as Jeff went up top, Austin crotched him. 3:10 to Yuma connected on Matt, but Jeff broke up the pin with a Swanton Bomb on both Gunns. Page clobbered HOOK with a big boot, but HOOK avoided Ego’s Edge, as the match broke down with the Hardys hitting double Twist of Fates on the Gunns. Page was left alone, as he ate two Twist of Fates and the REDRUM for the submission.
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Owen Hart Cup Opening Ceremonies
Renee Paquette welcomes Dr. Martha Hart to the stage where both trophies and titles for the Owen Hart Cup are set up. Paquette talks about the tournament kicking off at Forbidden Door as Hart said it’s great to be back in Vegas and AEW. Tony Khan walks out wearing a fedora with the Owen Hart Foundation logo on it as Hart talks about the schedule of the Owen Hart Cup and it’s wrapping up at the Calgary Stampede.
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The entrants for the Blackjack Battle Royal for the International Title are taking place, which will kick off the show this evening.
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AEW Double or Nothing
Orange Cassidy won the Blackjack Battle Royal to retain the AEW International Title
(I thought this was one of the better battle royals that AEW has put on, as we got some fun interactions, continuations of current feuds, some surprise eliminations and a really great finish. Lots of matches could come out of this one, as the amazing title reign of Cassidy continues.)
(Participants included Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, Bandido, Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Lee Moriarty, Big Bill, Komander, The Butcher, The Blade, Kip Sabian, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Dustin Rhodes, Keith Lee, Ricky Starks, Penta el Zero Miedo, Rey Fenix, Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & Orange Cassidy)
Sabian immediately tried to toss Cassidy as we barely caught Beretta doing a moonsault to the floor as there are still people brawling around ringside. Komander did his breathtaking rope walk dive onto Bill & Moriarty as Strickland & Cage are shown watching on the ramp. Excalibur said they’re waiting for the field to thin and I’m not sure how that’s even legal. Bandido, Komander & The Lucha Bros all teamed up as Bandido hit a stalling suplex on Nese, who was eliminated. Daivari was brought to the apron and punted in the face by Fenix, who did a rope walk to get rid of both Varsity Athletes. Cage started laying out all he luchadores before Bandido nearly pressed Cage over his head. Cage ate multiple thrust kicks as the Lucha Bros and Bullet Club Gold went at it before Komander tried another rope walk, but White shoved him to the floor.
Sabian ate a triple choke slam by Best Friends & Cassidy, who tossed him and gave the people what they wanted. Taylor was dumped by Bill, as Cassidy low bridged in the process unintentionally to eliminate his buddy. The Blade was eliminated by Lee, who was attacked from behind by Strickland, finally getting into the match. Butcher ate double Lucha Bros thrust kicks to be eliminated. Moriarty was able to get rid of Bandido, as Moriarty & Beretta battled to the apron where Beretta hit a half and half suplex to eliminate Moriarty. Cassidy was about to be eliminated by Big Bill, but Beretta took the bullet and ate a kick to get eliminated. Lee was so preoccupied on getting rid of Strickland; Cage snuck up from behind and dumped Lee to loud boos. Rhodes laid out Cage with Cross Rhodes, but Strickland made the save.
Robinson & White sent Penta into Fenix to eliminate him, as Starks dumped Robinson in the process. White laid out Starks which led to a faceoff with White & Penta ending in a Blade Runner from White, who turned around and ate a Starks Spear. White was eliminated by Starks, as Robinson pulled Starks to the outside and laid out by White. Starks went under the bottom rope, so it’s down to him, Bill, Strickland, Cage, Penta, Rhodes & Cassidy. A surprising elimination came when Bill clocked Starks with a big boot and got loud boos from the crowd. Cage was dumped by Rhodes, who was immediately caught with a kick by Strickland to eliminate him.
The remaining four men had a sprint with high impact offense until Penta tried chopping down Bill, who hit another big boot to eliminated Penta. Bill is eliminating some huge fan favorites tonight, as he laid out Cassidy with a Boss Man Slam. Bill went to press slam Cassidy over the top, but Strickland dumped him out. Cassidy & Strickland took turns trying to dump each other until a countered DDT into Stundog Millionaire led to a Strickland no sell into the Kill Shot for the double down. Prince Nana tripped up Cassidy to allow Strickland to hit a Swerve Stomp. Cassidy battled back with multiple DDTs and Orange Punch that send Strickland to the apron. Strickland blocked another one, brought Cassidy to the apron, as Nana ran distraction again enough for Strickland to try one more double stomp. Cassidy got the feet up and just lightly kicked Strickland’s hand from the ropes to win the match.
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Adam Cole (w/Roderick Strong) defeated Chris Jericho (w/the Jericho Appreciation Society) in an Unsanctioned Match with Sabu as the Special Enforcer
(I enjoyed almost everything about this match but the finish. I know what they were going for with Cole wanting to bash Jericho’s head in for his actions, but it felt flat and the crowd didn’t really know what to make of it. They were happy Cole won, it was just an unexpected way to finish it. This does technically give Jericho an out, as he never quit or was pinned, he can blame Aubrey for the loss.)
Sabu & Strong chucked chairs at Matt Menard & Angelo Parker immediately, as Sabu & Jericho had a face off in the ring with chairs, swinging them at one another. Sabu won that battle, as Cole set up a table ringside and Sabu jumped off the top to put Menard & Parker through it. Strong & Hager and Garcia & Sabu battled to the back to leave Cole & Jericho in the ring one on one. That was it for the guys not actually involved in this match. Jericho was sent outside and landed really awkwardly in the process. Cole wanted a Panama Sunrise on the apron, but Jericho countered into a suplex to the floor. Jericho controlled the action, cutting off Cole whenever he attempted to battle back. With a chair set up in the corner, Jericho charged, but ran head first into it. Jericho recovered long enough to try a Lionsault, but Cole hit a superkick mid move. Cole again missed Panama Sunrise, this time countered into a Walls of Jericho. Excalibur said since it’s an Unsanctioned Match that there are no rope breaks.
Cole reached down under the ropes and grabbed a fire extinguisher, where he sprayed Jericho to release the hold. Cole decked Jericho with the extinguisher, but only got a two count. Cole went to drop The Boom, but ran right into a Code Breaker for two, as Jericho returned the favor by spraying Cole with the extinguisher. Jericho got a kendo stick, but took way too long as Dr. Britt Baker ran to the ring with a stick of her own and lit up Jericho with strikes. Saraya hit the ring and was clobbered as well as both ladies ran backstage. Cole chokes Jericho with the kendo stick and got a backstabber for two.
Cole climbed to the top, but took too long, as Jericho chucked a chair at his face and Cole fell through a table outside, right on cue with fans chanting they wanted tables. Jericho pulled out a chain and handcuffs, which Jericho locked on Cole’s hand, but in return, Cole got the advantage and cuffed Jericho as well, so a Chain Match this has turned into. Cole hit a Panama Sunrise, but missed The Boom, as Jericho started whipping away with the chain. Jericho tried to choke Cole out, but Cole scaled the ropes and hit a superkick. Cole finally lowered The Boom, then wrapped the chain around his knee to hit another Boom before mounting Jericho and punched away to the point referee Aubrey stopped the match. The crowd was quiet for this finish.
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FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defeated Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett (w/Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh & Karen Jarrett) to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles with Mark Briscoe as Guest Referee
(I’ve loved everything about this over the top feud. So many bells and whistles, which, by all accounts, should take away from the match, but it only added to it. Everyone played their role great in this feud, job well done to all involved.)
Lethal & Harwood started things off with a nice opening sequence of mat wrestling which led to a chop battle. FTR hit double dropkicks and atomic drops ending in attempted double Sharpshooters, but Lethal & Jarrett bailed to regroup. Lethal tried to have Jarrett jump in without making a legal tag, but Briscoe caught them and shoved Jarrett down. Lethal was backdropped over the top to the floor onto his partner. Back inside, Briscoe’s attention was turned as Wheeler was low bridged by Jarrett, who at first was going to use a chair, was scolded, so he opted to just ram Wheeler into the barricade repeatedly. I love how Jim Ross compared Sonjay Dutt’s screeching ringside to a rooster. Jarrett took Briscoe to allow Karen to choke Wheeler briefly, as Jarrett did a Garvin Stomp and Fargo Strut. Jarrett locked on a Figure Four, as Harwood had seen enough and did a diving headbutt to break it up.
Wheeler finally leapfrogged Lethal to make the hot tag to Harwood, who turned Lethal inside out with a short arm lariat. Really nice rolling Germans by Harwood until a series of switches led to a Harwood brainbsuter for two. Lethal battled back with Lethal Combination as the match broke down with Dutt grabbing Wheeler’s foot on the apron long enough for Jarrett to post him. Lethal & Harwood fought in the ropes where Lethal took way too long for his elbow, as Harwood crotched him. A superplex led to a Doomsday Powerbomb by FTR as Wheeler hit a dive on Jarrett, but Dutt pulled Harwood to the floor to break the count. Briscoe saw enough and ejected Dutt & Singh, but Jarrett snuck in from behind with a guitar. Harwood moved and Briscoe ate the guitar shot.
Lethal tried Lethal Injection, but FTR countered into Shatter Machine for the visible pin, but no referee. Referee Aubrey sprinted to the ring, but Dutt stepped in front of her. Karen Jarrett wiped Aubrey out with a guitar shot to a huge reaction, as Lethal hit a double Lethal Injection on FTR with everyone down. Karen threw a title belt to Lethal, as Jarrett held Harwood, who fought free and laid out Lethal with a piledriver. Jarrett caught Harwood with a belt shot and The Stroke, as Dutt woke up Briscoe to make a close two count. A furious Jarrett started pie facing Briscoe, slapping him until Briscoe slapped Jarrett, who turned around into Shatter Machine for the victory.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with Ricky Starks, who was asked about Bullet Club Gold and right on cue, they pounced on Starks. FTR came running into the shot, as Starks might’ve finally found backup for his feud with Jay White & Juice Robinson.
-Chris Jericho & Saraya are furious backstage, demanding Tony Khan give them a mix tag team match against Britt Baker & Adam Cole this Wednesday. One random security guard showed up to tell them to calm down and suffered a fireball to the face by the Wizard as a result.
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Wardlow (w/Arn Anderson) defeated Christian Cage (w/Luchasaurus) in a Ladder Match to retain the TNT Title
(This was a pretty wild ladder match with some pretty big spots, most notably Wardlow channeling Jeff Hardy from Wrestlemania 2000 with an unreal Swanton through tables. I thought this stipulation was pretty rushed, but Wardlow definitely got a huge reaction as a result, so mission accomplished.)
Cage told Luchasaurus to go to the back during his entrance, as Anderson did the same for Wardlow. It was a game of power vs. speed early, as Wardlow ran through Cage with a shoulder tackle and powered out of a Killswitch attempt. Wardlow tried bringing in a ladder, but Cage hit a baseball slide, tried a slingshot dive, only to eat a ladder shot by Wardlow. With Cage down, Wardlow set up multiple tables and was going to try for a massive Swanton through them, but Cage bailed. With a ladder bridge set up and both men standing on it, Cage was able to crotch Wardlow and slingshot him into a ladder back in the ring. Cage started to climb the ladder, but Wardlow shoved him off to the mat. Wardlow wanted a powerbomb, Cage wiggled free, climbed the ladder, but was caught into a slam. Wardlow delivered a pretty great looking spinning gorilla press slam as Cage rolled to the floor.
Wardlow went to climb, but Luchasaurus hit ringside, shoving Cage back in the ring who delivered a reverse DDT off the ladder. Cage tried a charge, but Wardlow caught him into a slam on the ladder. Wardlow placed Cage on the ladder, went for a Swanton Bomb, but crashed and burned. Cage climbed the ladder as Arn Anderson helped Wardlow up, who leapt off the top onto the ladder and it collapsed. Wardlow is limping badly, as he tried to climb the broken ladder and it collapsed again. A better ladder is brought in the ring, but Luchasaurus chokeslammed Wardlow twice. Anderson made the save, nearly got chokeslammed himself, but bit the thumb of Luchasaurus to draw blood. Wardlow took out Luchasaurus with a chair and set him up on the tables. Wardlow climbed to the top of a super tall ladder and hit an incredible Swanton Bomb off it putting Luchasaurus through the tables.
Cage slowly climbed the ladder, but Anderson & Wardlow got in the ring, as Anderson swung Cage’s legs off the ladder and Wardlow caught him with a super powerbomb. Wardlow climbed and grabbed the title to retain. Wardlow held the title high with Anderson, whose mouth was covered in blood from biting Luchasaurus’ thumb.
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Toni Storm defeated Jamie Hayter to win the AEW Women’s Title
(Well, I guess there really was truth to the story of Hayter legitimately being injured, as this was very quick and while Hayter did get off a little offense, this was nothing like their other battles. There was a lot of interference and this is unfortunately what they had to do if Hayter is going to be out a little bit. Credit to Hayter for toughing it out, but congratulations goes to Toni Storm, who really has been crushing it lately on her win streak. She deserved another run with the title in my opinion.)
Hayter didn’t come out when her music first hit, but the second time Saraya & Ruby Soho tossed a beaten up Hayter down the ramp. Storm repeatedly slammed Hayter into the ring steps, the same way she injured Hayter’s arm last month. Both ladies are in the ring, as referee Paul Turner asks if Hayter can go, as she says yes and the match begins. Saraya immediately untied a corner turnbuckle pad and the referee just watched her do it. Britt Baker ran out to brawl with Saraya as Hayter tossed Storm into the corner where Turner was with Soho. Hayter got a near fall on Storm, who took the ref to allow Soho to spray paint Hayter in the eyes and Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music for two. Hikaru Shida hit the ring with her kendo stick as she & Soho brawled ringside.
Hayter sent Storm into the exposed buckle and hit Hayter-ade, but it was with the bad arm, so Hayter couldn’t follow up immediately, thus getting a two count. Hayter tried another one, but was sent super awkwardly into the exposed buckle herself and Storm hit Storm Zero to win the title.
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House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews w/Julia Hart) defeated The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) & Daddy Ass to retain the AEW Trios Titles in an Open House Match
(This was another strong title defense by the House of Black, who really kept Bowens isolated for a long stretch of this match. The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass put up a good fight, but the House of Black is on a whole other level right now.)
Caster’s rap compared King to someone on RuPaul’s Drag Race and also said Matthews was being cucked by a kid named Dominick, which was a great line. Caster said they didn’t need a Dealer’s Choice option for this match, so I guess that stip is out the window. An evenly matched opening sequence led to Bowens & Black both sitting criss cross until Matthews made the tag and went after the arm. Caster was able to get the tag and hit a back suplex on the side of the apron for two. Caster & Black collided as King made the tag and leveled Caster with a lariat. The Acclaimed were able to fight off Black in their corner and tried Scissor Me Timbers, which Black countered into a leg lock.
Caster & Gunn were beaten up on the floor, as King hit a charging cross body against the barricade on Gunn. Bowens tried fighting back with a fireman’s carry into a neckbreaker on the knee, but it was the bad wheel and Bowens collapsed. With Caster & Gunn down, there was no one to tag, as Black locked in another leg lock, tagged Matthews, who hit a Meteora. King connected with a senton and Taz said it was like a bathtub falling on you in a perfect description. Bowens was isolated for quite a long time until he fought off Dante’s Inferno, low bridged King, sent Matthews & Black outside, finally hitting Matthews with a thrust kick to make the Gunn hot tag.
Gunn ran wild with splashes; tilt a whirl slam and the old One and Only finisher on Black before dropping King on his head with a Fame Asser. Matthews ate a Fame Asser through the ropes, but as Gunn turned around, Black hit his Black Mass spin kick to win it.
**********
Jade Cargill (w/Leila Grey & Mark Sterling) defeated Taya Valkyrie to retain the TBS Title
(The champ remains undefeated for the time being and I thought this match blew their first one out of the water, mainly because there wasn’t a silly stipulation added to it.)
Cargill danced to the ring with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, her sorority as we saw Jade’s partner Brandon Phillips ringside, who got mentioned by commentary. Valkyrie and Cargill had an early face off with Valkyrie getting the upper hand with a sliding lariat. Cargill tried to regroup with Mark Sterling, but he was flattened by a diving Valkyrie off the top. That allowed Cargill to clock Valkyrie with a pump kick to gain control. Valkyrie battled back momentarily with a sliding German suplex through the ropes, but Cargill responded with a suplex on the floor. Back inside, Cargill planted Valkyrie with a nice spinebuster for a near fall and draped Valkyrie throat first over the barricade outside.
Valkyrie battled back with a series of lariats in the ring, but Cargill did the same with short arm lariats of her own. Cargill went for a sleeper, but Valkyrie quickly countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cargill attempted a springboard attack, but Valkyrie hit a double knee right to the sternum, almost a lungblower variation. Valkyrie tied up Cargill’s legs and hit a nasty Curb Stomp for two as Grey jumped on the apron and immediately kicked to the floor. Valkyrie connected with a Spear and Road to Valhalla, but Cargill managed a kick out, which really shocked the fans. Valkyrie went for another attack, but Cargill kicked her in the face and hit Jaded to get the win and go 60-0.
Post match, Mark Sterling said Cargill will defend the title anytime, anywhere, but there is no one left. Kris Statlander made her return to a huge reaction, as this is apparently an official match.
Kris Statlander defeated Jade Cargill to win the TBS Title
Cargill missed a pump kick, as Statlander hit a roundhouse kick, corner charge with a knee lift and attempted a stalling vertical suplex, which Cargill escaped. Cargill hit a pump kick, tried Jaded, but Statlander reversed into Night Fever to win the title, as the crowd is going insane as confetti pours down. Statlander signed that mama is home as this was quite the return for Statlander, who has battled so many injuries to finally get to this moment.
**********
The AEW Title 4 Way is next and during Sammy Guevara’s entrance, he brought out cue cards along with Tay Melo and we learn Tay is pregnant, so congratulations to the Guevara’s as Tay kissed her husband before he went to the ring.
Darby Allin’s entrance was Allin interrupting a wedding ceremony put on by an Elvis impersonator. Allin beat up someone with a MJF mask on as Allin & The King taped up the guy, as Allin rode into the arena wearing an Elvis jumpsuit, which is half skeleton painted. This is quite the visual and I certainly wasn’t expecting to type that line tonight, even in Vegas.
MJF was lowered on a throne and welcomed by harem of women lined up down the ramp. This repulsed Tony Schiavone.
Meanwhile, Jungle Boy Jack got his standard entrance first and I feel bad there wasn’t any crazy over the top stuff for him.
MJF defeated Jungle Boy Jack Perry, Darby Allin & Sammy Guevara to retain the AEW World Title
(I’m fully aware I wrote a lot about this match, that’s because a whole hell of a lot went into this four way. Many of us correctly assumed who would win, but the false finishes and huge moments in this match were fantastic. All four of these men knocked it out of the park and the crowd was really into it. I thought this was phenomenal.)
MJF took an early powder saying this was on his time, but was quickly beaten up to the floor as Guevara, Perry & Allin all went at it, kipping up at the same time. Perry did a double springboard arm drag to send Allin & Guevara to the outside, but MJF turned Perry inside out with a lariat. MJF teased a dive, but opted for a Fargo Strut and Rick Rude hip swivel. Allin hit a dive on MJF on the floor, as Perry followed up with three dives in succession of his own. This left Guevara, who hit his wild Shooting Star Press to the floor. Tower of Doom spot led to everyone just mowing down MJF. Perry got a two count off a Poison Rana on Guevara, while Allin hit full steam corner charges on Perry & MJF, who hit a float over stunner and side headlock on MJF for two to follow up that story.
Guevara flipped off the apron to the floor, landed on his feet, caught Perry with a thrust kick and laid out Allin with a cutter mid dive. Guevara laid out MJF with a standing Spanish Fly and top rope Frog Splash, but MJF kicked out to chants for Sammy from the crowd. MJF stacked Guevara with a powerbomb and nearly got a side headlock on Allin, followed by dropping Allin right on his head with a driver for two. MJF spat on Allin as all four men started hitting high impact moves leading to a quadruple down. Allin, Guevara & Perry all hit moves by their mentors, a Scorpion Death Drop, Code Breaker & Killswitch leading to MJF hitting Cross Rhodes for a two count on Perry.
MJF took the microphone and said he saw the cue cards, Guevara needs the money. Guevara said he’ll lie down and take the money, as he laid down, only to roll up MJF for two. MJF blocked the GTH, tried Salt of the Earth, but Guevara countered into Walls of Jericho. Perry went to break it up, but Allin sank in a Scorpion Death Drop. MJF was going to tap, but Perry stopped him. All four pillars had submissions applied at the same time before MJF broke things up first. This led to three Destroyers in a row, as Perry used Guevara & Allin’s backs as launch pads to hit a perfect Destroyer on MJF for two. Perry hit a Tiger Driver on Guevara, but Allin launched Perry into the barricade, got a head start and tackled both Perry & MJF into the crowd.
Guevara cut off Allin climbing the ropes and hit a Spanish Fly onto MJF & Perry on the floor to loud Holy Sh*t chants. With everyone back inside, all four men slugged it out with chops and forearms until MJF eye poked all three. Guevara answered with his springboard cutter, Allin with a Code Red and Perry charging forearm on MJF as all three took turns trying to get the pin. A crazy series of innovative near falls brought the fans to their feet until Guevara spiked Perry with an Implant DDT, Allin hit another Code Red, went for a Coffin Drop, but MJF crotched him. MJF hit a perfect Blonde Bombshell powerbomb off the top as tribute to Chris Candido, but Allin kicked out.
Guevara connected with a Cutter off the ropes on Perry, who rolled to the floor, as MJF hit a low blow on Guevara and pulled out the Diamond Ring. Allin smacked MJF in the back with a skateboard and demolished him with a Coffin Drop, applied a side headlock, but Perry broke up the pin. Perry & Allin collided in the middle, as MJF tried to hit Perry with the AEW Title, as Guevara tackled MJF to the outside. Perry was left holding the title, debated hitting Allin with it and threw it away to boos from the crowd and nearly got rolled up as a result. Guevara hit GTH on Perry, but was launched outside by Allin, who hit a Coffin Drop, only for MJF to put the title on Perry prior to it happening. MJF rolled up Allin with a side headlock to get the win.
**********
The Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defeated The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks & Hangman Adam Page) in Anarchy in the Arena
(This was wild, chaotic, insane, quite fittingly, pure anarchy. With the way the finish was set up and the turn that happened, it’s no surprise this went on last. It looks like The Elite are outnumbered once again and I don’t know if this is who will help them, but it certainly would be great if Omega turned to a Golden Lover to help even the odds. No matter who they get to help them, a lot of matches are still left to be had in this feud.)
Violent Idols sang Wild Thing on the stage as The Elite met the BCC in stands while the band kept playing. Nick & Yuta, Matt & Castagnoli, Page & Danielson and Omega & Moxley are all paired off as Don Callis has joined the broadcast table. Referee Rick Knox was clobbered ringside and is the first person to bleed in this match. Page laid out Danielson with a Buckshot Lariat and took off the eye patch, throwing it to Danielson and stalked him down with a screwdriver before Yuta chop blocked him. Page was beaten down 4 on 1 until The Bucks & Omega made the save and The Elite poured down punches in all four corners followed by superkicks. Quadruple Tope Suicidas by The Elite as Moxley is bleeding now, which, of course he is, it’d be weird if he didn’t.
The match spilled up the ramp, as The Bucks laid out the lead singer of Violent Idols to stop the music. The Bucks both dove off the ramp onto Castagnoli & Yuta while back in the ring Omega & Moxley beat each other up with parts of the announce table. Matt Jackson hit rolling Northern Lights suplexes on Yuta down the ramp before Nick leapt both of them onto Castagnoli. Yuta was powerbombed on the edge of the ring while Moxley was beaten up by Omega & Page until Page accidentally booted Omega. Castanoli & Matt fought into the stands, as Moxley launched Omega into a giant poker chip, which was a cool call back to the first Double or Nothing. There’s a poker chip covered in barbed wire, and Moxley hit a snap suplex on Omega into it.
On one side of the screen Moxley was stabbing Omega with a fork, while the other side Castagnoli was doing a Giant Swing in the concessions area on Matt. Moxley had a sleeper on Omega, who fell back onto the barbed wire. Nick Jackson & Page are also bleeding now as The BCC are taking turns picking apart Page while Castagnoli & Matt fought outside of the building. Moxley hit a brainbuster on a chair on Nick, while Danielson somehow found a leaf blower to bring in the ring. Page was able to hit Dead Eye on Moxley on the apron, as Omega, wearing Captain America trunks, started wielding a trash can lid like a shield before Castagnoli stopped him.
Nick made a comeback until Moxley hit a King Kong lariat and piledriver for two. Nick was locked in a Boston Crab and Crossface by Moxley & Yuta until Matt limped to the ring after being piledrove in a bed of a pickup truck. Matt hit an exploding superkick on Moxley, you read that right, as Page hit a Buckshot on Yuta. Matt had his shoe taken off, as Moxley brought in thumbtacks and dropped Matt barefoot onto them before hitting a Death Rider. Nick tried to save his brother, but was hit with a Cutter into the tacks. Castagnoli tried a Ricola Bomb on Omega, who floated through with a V-Trigger. Danielson charged in with Busiaku Knees on both Omega and Page before The BCC hit stereo anvil elbows on The Elite.
Matt had tacks placed in his mouth and Castagnoli uppercut them right out, as Yuta hit a German suplex for two. Omega & Page rose up, realized they are outnumbered, but fought off the challengers until Page hit Danielson with Dead Eye and Omega with One Winged Angel, but Yuta made the save. Omega & Page hit rolling offense on Yuta, as Page & Omega wanted double Buckshots, but Callis handed Yuta a screwdriver and Page was hit. Callis was about to be laid out by Omega when a masked man laid him out with a flying knee. It was revealed to be Konosuke Takeshita as Yuta got the seatbelt pin on Omega to win it.
Post match, Callis took his belt off and choked out Omega with The BCC & Takeshita standing tall as Castagnoli raised Yuta on his shoulders with Moxley & Danielson posing in the corners to end the show. Excalibur questions if Takeshita & Callis are members of the BCC and Taz said it certainly looks like it.
Tonight’s AEW Rampage will be another early edition due to the NBA playoffs on TNT.
In trios action, the Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) will take on Best Amigos (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) & Bandido). The BCC learned on Wednesday they will battle The Elite in an Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing.
Undefeated inaugural TBS Champion Jade Cargill will continue her quest to find challenges as she defends against Danni Bee.
In a trios match, former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) and Billy Gunn will take on the Varsity Athletes (Tony Nese, Josh Woods & Ari Daivari).
ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champion Bishop Kaun of the Mogul Embassy will face Dustin Rhodes.
Matt & Jeff Hardy and Brother Zay will also make an appearance on the show as they want to make a run at the AEW Tag Team titles.
**********
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) (w/ Bryan Danielson) defeated Best Amigos (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) & Bandido)
This was a fun, action packed party match of an opener with everyone getting their time to shine. I liked the history they played off of between Taylor & Yuta as it was fitting the trainee pinned his trainer. The BCC look more than ready for Anarchy in the Arena in a little over a week.
Moxley tried an early attack on Bandido, who used his speed to overcome the onslaught as Yuta & Beretta tagged in. Beretta blocked a skin the cat and sent Yuta to the floor where Taylor slammed his former protégé into the barricade. Castagnoli distracted Taylor long enough for Yuta to hit a chop block as the BCC isolated Taylor in their corner.
Taylor fought out of the corner and tagged Beretta, who took the fight to Moxley with a series of German suplexes. With the BCC collected on the floor, Best Amigos hit a trio of dives. Back inside, Castagnoli shoved Moxley out of the way from danger and caught Beretta in mid air with an uppercut to take control during commercial. There was supposed to be picture in picture, but we only saw commercials and no action.
Beretta avoided a charging Moxley and connected with a Tornado DDT into the double down. Castagnoli & Bandido made tags with Bandido hitting a tornillo out of the corner followed by a springboard hurricanrana pin attempt for two. A strike exchange led to Bandido trying a delayed vertical suplex, but Yuta made the save, only to be caught by Bandido as Best Friends made the blind tag with a Soul Food and half & half combo.
Best Amigos gave the people what they wanted with a hug before Taylor spiked Yuta with a snap piledriver. Taylor tried Yuta’s seatbelt pin, as Moxley broke it up by dropkicking his own partner. The match broke down with everyone hitting big moves until Taylor went for Awful Waffle, but was cut off by a Moxley Death Rider and Rocket Launcher by Castagnoli & Yuta to get the pin.
– Kyle Fletcher cut a promo about why he attacked Orange Cassidy last week. Since Fletcher was born and raised in Australia, made a name for himself in England, won titles in Japan & the USA, no one is more fitting to be AEW International Champion than he is.
TBS Champion Jade Cargill (w/ Leila Grey & Mark Sterling) defeated Danni Bee to retain
Excalibur talked about Taya Valkyrie failing last month to win the TBS Title and subsequently losing her cool on referee Aubrey Edwards, getting suspended in the process. We learned that suspension has since been lifted. Bee has wrestled twice on Elevation in losing efforts to Abadon & Emi Sakura. Cargill smoked Bee with a forearm immediately and followed with a fallaway slam. A violent pump kick got Cargill the win and put her at 58-0. Sterling ran his mouth post-match asking if that’s the best Texas had to offer and brought out another challenger.
TBS Champion Jade Cargill (w/ Leila Grey & Mark Sterling) defeated Genesis to retain
We learned Genesis is a trainee of the Dustin Rhodes Wrestling Academy and Jericho explained she had a massive stroke, was paralyzed and had to learn how to walk and speak again before deciding to get into pro wrestling. Cargill violently whipped Genesis into the ropes, hit a spear and Jaded to go to 59-0.
Sterling said Cargill was about to go to 60-0 as an unnamed challenger came out to the ramp to accept the challenge until Valkyrie made an entrance and laid out the woman. Valkyrie stormed to the ring, took out Grey and laid out Cargill with a clothesline and Road to Valhalla.
Valkyrie got the microphone and asked Cargill “Who’s that b*tch,” saying she’ll see her at Double or Nothing. Excalibur said Tony Khan made their title rematch official and this time, Valkyrie can use her finisher unlike in their first meeting.
The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) and Billy Gunn defeated Varsity Athletes (Tony Nese, Josh Woods & Ari Daivari)
Gunn had early face-offs with each member of the Athletes until Nese tried a posedown. Gunn played to the crowd before taking his shirt off and planted Nese with a side suplex. Scissor Me Timbers by Bowens connected as The Acclaimed & Gunn scissored for the crowd. Caster posed too long and found himself isolated during the commercial break, but made his comeback when they returned. A double clothesline by Caster & Woods allowed Bowens to make the hot tag.
While this was all happening, Gunn beat down Daivari ringside. Bowens ran wild with an over the top leg drop on Nese as Gunn tossed Woods to the outside. Nese initially avoided the Arrival with a spin kick to the face, but as he went for a combo, Bowens hit The Arrival and Caster with The Mic Drop to pick up the win.
-This week’s QTV started with QT Marshall asking Aaron Solo if he hacked Matt Hardy, which Solo denied. Marshall said he has them all entered in the Blackjack Battle Royal for the International Title at Double or Nothing. Marshall talks about Powerhouse Hobbs being on the poster for AEW Collision and mentions Miro while Solo & Harley Cameron name drop Buff Bagwell, Blue Meanie and Tatanka. Marshall said it doesn’t matter because on June 17th, the real story begins.
The Hardys and Brother Zay
Tony Schiavone was in the ring and introduced Matt and Jeff Hardy & Brother Zay. Matt said it’s official for Double or Nothing with the three of them against The Gunns & Ethan Page where the stipulation being if Team Hardy wins, then Matt Hardy gets control of Ethan Page’s contract.
Jeff put over the Texas crowd briefly before Page came to the stage alone. Page said he and Matt have been feuding for too long and that Zay can trust Page and he and Zay were going to become The Moan Event until he turned his back on Page.
This was all a ruse as The Gunns showed up from behind with chair shots to the Hardys and Zay. A chair was placed over Zay’s neck as Page stomped down onto it. I’m sure this match will be fun at Double or Nothing, but I agree with what Page said earlier: it feels like this story with Page & Matt Hardy has went on forever.
Chris Jericho and Adam Cole brawl
After highlights of Wednesday’s falls count anywhere match between Chris Jericho and Roderick Strong. Jericho called Adam Cole a coward and said if Cole was there, he’d beat his ass. Cole appeared on screen, saying every week he’d show up and beat Jericho’s ass. Jericho said he has lifted the legal agreement of Cole being banned from the building, challenging Cole to an unsanctioned match at Double or Nothing. Cole thanked Jericho and immediately entered the building for his search of Jericho.
After the break, Cole walked down from the crowd, sprinted up the ramp and the brawl was on between he and Jericho as security tried to separate them. Both men broke free at different points during the fight.
Dustin Rhodes defeated Bishop Kaun (w/Prince Nana)
It wouldn’t be a match in Texas without a Rhodes family member bleeding. Rhodes did an amazing job getting the crowd behind him as he continues to put on very good matches against everyone he competes against. The post match was a continuation of the Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee story which needs to be settled soon as both need to go on to other stories sooner than later.
Kaun attacked just as Rhodes stepped through the ropes, but Rhodes quickly clotheslined him to the outside. Back inside, Kaun reversed a whip to the corner and Rhodes ran right into the camera, spilling to the floor, busting himself open in the process. Kaun connected with a neckbreaker off the apron onto the floor and controlled him during the entire commercial break.
Rhodes tried his snap powerslam, but Kaun nailed an air raid crash for a one count as Rhodes hulked up into a slugfest. A series of clotheslines, dropdown uppercut and snap powerslam got Rhodes in control as he delivered corner punches, but got his legs pulled from under him.
Rhodes fought back with a nice Code Red and piledriver for near falls. Kaun hit a shotgun dropkick, but missed a corner charge, which allowed Rhodes to connect on a bulldog and Final Reckoning for the win.
Post match, Brian Cage attacked and power bombed Rhodes as Swerve Strickland sauntered into the ring, smiling at the beatdown. Keith Lee then walked out from the back as Cage and Kaun went to cut him off on the ramp. Lee took them both out and stared down Strickland. Lee took way too long to get his hands on Strickland, which allowed Cage & Kaun to attack from behind with a chair.
Cage powered Lee up on his shoulders and hit an F5 onto the chair. Lee was placed seated on the chair as Strickland hit a Swerve Stomp as Rhodes was forced to watch by Cage.
This Wednesday:
Tony Khan will announce the location of the debut episode of AEW Collision
All Four Pillars (MJF, Darby Allin, Jungle Boy and Sammy Guevara) will be heard from
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy defends against Kyle Fletcher
ROH Tag Team Champions Lucha Brothers defend against Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
AEW Trios Champions House of Black defend against AR Fox, Blake Christian & Metalik
The Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite will square off in an Anarchy in the Arena match on May 28.
The end of Wednesday’s Dynamite saw Hangman Page making his return to the company, helping The Elite take out members of the Blackpool Combat Club. Page closed the show by issuing the challenge for AEW Double or Nothing.
Don Callis came out for the final segment of Dynamite to explain why he turned on Kenny Omega last week. After saying that there wouldn’t be a Kenny Omega without a Don Callis, Omega came out to contront him. As security held Omega back, The Blackpool Combat Club attacked him from behind. After Jon Moxley cut a promo in the ring, The Young Bucks came out to aid Omega with weapons. That was when Page made his return to the company, wearing an eyepatch. Together, they took out the BCC.
The last Anarchy in the Arena match took place at last year’s Double or Nothing. On that show, The Jericho Appreciation Society defeated members of The Blackpool Combat Club in a 5 on 5 anything goes match that saw everyone fight all over the arena.
Here is the updated lineup for Double or Nothing:
AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy Jack Perry, and Darby Allin
AEW Tag Team titles: FTR vs. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal with Mark Briscoe as special referee
AEW International title: Orange Cassidy defends in a 21-man Blackjack Battle Royal
TNT title: Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match
AEW Women’s title: Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
Anarchy in the Arena match: The Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks, and Hangman Page) vs. The Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta)
In another early edition of AEW Rampage, the Blackpool Combat Club will be in trios action as Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta take on Best Amigos (Chuck Taylor, Bandido & Trent Beretta).
Friday’s show will begin at 6:30 PM Eastern due to the NBA playoffs on TNT.
In another trios match, The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will look to keep their recent win streak going as they face the Varsity Athletes (Tony Nese, Josh Woods & Ari Daivari).
TBS Champion Jade Cargill will have an open title challenge as she looks to continue her undefeated run.
In a singles match, ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champion Bishop Kaun of the Mogul Embassy will go one-on-one with Dustin Rhodes as that feud continues.
Here’s the lineup that is being taped after Wednesday’s Dynamite in Austin, Texas:
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. Best Amigos (Bandido, Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta)
TBS Champion Jade Cargill title defense open challenge
The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) and Billy Gunn vs. Varsity Athletes (Tony Nese, Josh Woods & Ari Daivari)
Jon Moxley believes there’s nothing better in wrestling right now than the rivalry between his Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite.
Ahead of his steel cage match with Kenny Omega on Wednesday’s Dynamite, Moxley spoke with Sports Illustrated about the ongoing feud between the two factions.
Moxley said:
“The BCC vs. The Elite, this rivalry is the absolute apex of professional wrestling right now. We’re going to have a great crowd and we have the steel cage. It’s got all the ingredients for a really memorable night.”
The Blackpool Combat Club was born at AEW Revolution 2022. Moxley defeated Bryan Danielson in singles competition that night and William Regal came out to break up a post-match brawl between the two. Wheeler Yuta would be invited into the faction the following month and Claudio Castagnoli would join that June.
“The BCC is real,” says Moxley. “It’s only been around for a year, but those guys have been my partners for like 10 years. I don’t have many close friends in the business. Danielson and Claudio, those two are on that list. They’re best friends, training partners, and I’ve spent so much time in the ring with them.”
Wednesday’s cage match between Moxley and Omega will renew a rivalry that was born on the first-ever edition of Dynamite in 2019. The two have wrestled three singles matches against each other, although their “Lights Out” match doesn’t officially count toward their win/loss records.
“Another thing me and Kenny have in common is that no matter how our bodies feel, when people give us their time and money, we put it all on the line,” Moxley continued. “We just don’t know any other way to do it.”
Moxley defeated Omega in the unsanctioned match at Full Gear 2019, Omega then beat Moxley for the AEW World title at Winter is Coming 2020. He then successfully defended the title against him in an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch at Revolution 2021.
