Tag: dante martin

Pro wrestling returns to Mall of America at F1RST Wrestling Saturday Night Nitro

Posted on by Ian Carey

F1RST Wrestling presented the first pro-wrestling event at the Mall of America in 27 years with Saturday Night Nitro. 

WCW Nitro’s first-ever episode aired from the venue on September 4, 1995, kicking off The Monday Night War.  The event saw Hulk Hogan retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in a match against Big Bubba Rogers. It also featured the surprise appearance of Lex Luger, who had been with WWE up until a house show the night before. 

27 years and six days later, Orange Cassidy, Rob Van Dam, Dante Martin, Ethan Page, Colt Cabana, and more were on the card for wrestling’s return to the Mall of America. The event aired live on FITE TV. 

Ethan Page was on the show and defeated Jah-C in the second match. 

Billie Starkz dropped the fourth match on the card to Free-Range Kara. She then took a Widow’s Peak from special guest referee, Lisa Marie Varon. 

Effy and Orange Cassidy squared off in singles competition. 

Colt Cabana defeated Dak Draper on the show. He would later post on social media about the experience. 

Dante Martin had his brother Darius in his corner for the main event against Rob Van Dam. 

The Trustbusters team of Ari Daivari and Sonny Kiss interrupted the main event, resulting in an impromptu tag team match. 

Rob Van Dam & Dante Martin defeated The Trustbusters in the main event. 

F1RST Wrestling Saturday Night Nitro took place September 10 from the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Full results from the show are below: 

  • Arik Cannon defeated Darin Corbin
  • Ethan Page defeated Jah-C
  • F1rst Wrestling Uptown VFW Champion Devon Monroe defeated Brandon Gore, Lince Dorado, and Rylie Jackson in a four-way match to defend his title
  • Free-Range Kara defeated Billie Starkz with Lisa Marie Varon as special referee
  • Orange Cassidy defeated Effy
  • ThunderFrog won a Rumble Match against Warhorse, Dark Sheik, Badger Briggs, Black Stallion, ESQ, Kal Creed, Ryan Cruz, Shane Black, and Lore
  • Colt Cabana defeated Dak Draper
  • Rob Van Dam vs. Dante Martin w/Darius Martin went to a no-contest
  • Dante Martin & Rob Van Dam defeated The Trustbusters (Sonny Kiss & Ari Daivari)

AEW reveals seven participants for Casino Ladder Match at All Out

Posted on by Ian Carey

AEW has revealed seven of the eight participants in the Casino Ladder Match at All Out.  

Tony Khan announced on Twitter that Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Penta Oscuro, Rey Fenix, Rush, Andrade El Idolo, and Dante Martin are entered into the match. There will also be a “joker” entrant to be revealed on the show. 

“This Sunday at ALL OUT, the Casino Ladder Match winner will earn a future shot at the @AEW World Championship!,” Tony Khan wrote on Twitter. 

AEW All Out takes place Sunday, September 4 from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The announced lineup for the show is as follows: 

  • Bryan Danielson vs. Chris Jericho
  • AEW World Trios Championship finals
  • AEW Interim Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Hikaru Shida
  • TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Athena
  • AEW Tag Team Champions Swerve In Our Glory defend against The Acclaimed
  • Jungle Boy vs. Christian Cage
  • FTR & Wardlow vs. Jay Lethal & Motor City Machine Guns
  • Casino Ladder Match
  • Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Claudio Castagnoli vs. Wheeler Yuta vs. Penta Oscuro vs. Rey Fenix vs. Rush vs. Andrade El Idolo vs. Dante Martin vs. TBA in a Casino Ladder Match
  • Pre-show: Eddie Kingston vs. Tomohiro Ishii

AEW’s Dante Martin reportedly suffers knee injury

Posted on by Josh Nason

AEW high flyer Dante Martin may be grounded for a bit following Wednesday’s match with Sammy Guevara on Dynamite.

According to PWInsider, Martin hurt his knee in the match and was on crutches both backstage afterward and at the hotel. As of now, the severity of the injury and Martin’s timetable for a return is unknown.

Martin was favoring his right knee/leg at several points during the match, but was still able to hit his wide array of big spots including an attempt at his Nosedive finisher. Guevara won the match after hitting his GTH finisher.

Martin hasn’t commented about the injury on social media as of yet.

The 21-year-old is back to working singles matches after his brother and tag team partner, Darius, had to go back on the shelf due to injuries sustained after a car accident. That was after he returning from a year-long break due to a torn ACL.

Sammy Guevara vs. Dante Martin set for AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A new match has been announced for this week’s AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen. 

Returning to AEW action for the first time since last month’s Blood & Guts match, Sammy Guevara of the Jericho Appreciation Society will face Dante Martin on Wednesday’s show. AEW president Tony Khan announced the match on Twitter on Tuesday. 

Guevara vs. Martin joins three title matches, plus the return of Bryan Danielson for the first time since Double or Nothing in Wednesday’s Fight for the Fallen lineup. A two-on-one match, and a Jungle Boy promo have also been advertised.

Here is what has been announced for this week’s Dynamite: 

  • Interim AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Rush
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Miyu Yamashita
  • FTW Championship: Ricky Starks (c) vs. Danhausen
  • Bryan Danielson vs. Daniel Garcia
  • Sammy Guevara (w/Tay Conti) vs. Dante Martin
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Tony Nese & “Smart” Mark Sterling – Keith Lee banned from ringside
  • Jungle Boy speaks

Dante Martin vs. Lee Moriarty set for AEW Rampage Fyter Fest week two

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Dante Martin vs. Lee Moriarty has been announced for AEW Rampage Fyter Fest week two.

The bout was announced during this week’s Fyter Fest edition of Rampage in a backstage segment. 

Moriarty was unsuccessful in challenging Jonathan Gresham for the ROH World title earlier in the show, and was part of a backstage interview segment with Lexy Nair. Stokely Hathaway interrupted and offered to hire Moriarty as a member of The Baddies, but Matt Sydal interrupted Hathaway and proposed the match with Martin for next week. Martin then entered, shook hands with Moriarty, and the match was officially set.

AEW announced during this week’s Rampage that more match announcements for next week’s Fyter Fest edition of the show will be made on social media in the upcoming days. 

Here is the lineup for next week to this point: 

AEW Rampage Fyter Fest week two, Friday, July 22 —

  • Dante Martin vs. Lee Moriarty

AEW’s Dante Martin challenges Scorpio Sky to TNT title match

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Dante Martin has issued a challenge to Scorpio Sky for a TNT title match. 

Martin challenged the TNT Champion to a title bout during a backstage promo during Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Sky said that he would grant the challenge to Martin if Martin show’s up in Southern California, where AEW will run this week’s Dynamite and Rampage. It was not stated whether the match will take place in Los Angeles at The Kia Forum on Wednesday, June 1 on Dynamite, or at The Toyota Center in Ontario, California on Rampage on Friday, June 3. 

Sky, Ethan Page, and Paige VanZant defeated Sammy Guevara, Frankie Kazarian, and Tay Conti in a trios match at Double or Nothing. 

A 10-man tag team match was announced for Wednesday’s Dynamite in Los Angeles, with Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, Matt Hardy, and Jeff Hardy facing Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, and Matt and Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks.

Speak Now: AEW Dynamite post-show

Posted on by Denise Salcedo

Heads up, it’s Wednesday which means it’s time for AEW DYNAMITE! Join Denise Salcedo on Speak Now Pro Wrestling as she does an honest, in-depth recap of the show while sharing her analysis on stories and matches. She also engages with the live audience! Tune in for a good time.

Some of the items talked about on the show include lots of Owen Hart Cup talk, AEW Double or Nothing build up, Wardlow facing W. Morrissey, did Hangman Adam Page turn heel, Julia Hart’s storyline, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mercedes Martinez, and more!

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Fenix vs. Dante Martin Owen Hart Tournament qualifier confirmed for AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Ian Carey

An Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament qualifier between Dante Martin and Rey Fenix has been confirmed for Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite. 

The match had first been announced during the AEW Dark tapings on May 1, although it was not clear when it would be taking place. Tony Khan has since confirmed Martin vs. Fenix will happen this Wednesday on Dynamite. 

Martin will be in action on AEW Dark on Tuesday against Invictus Khash as well. He is scheduled to be interviewed by Tony Schiavone after.  

Samoa Joe, Darby Allin, Kyle O’Reilly, Adam Cole, and Dax Harwood have all qualified for the tournament thus far. 

This Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite takes place from the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. The updated lineup for the show is as follows: 

  • ROH Women’s World Championship unification match: Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. interim title holder Mercedes Martinez
  • Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament qualifier: Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Fish
  • Wardlow vs. a mystery opponent of MJF’s choosing
  • Chris Jericho vs. Santana
  • Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament qualifier: Dante Martin vs. Rey Fenix

Yuya Uemura, Leon Ruff AEW debuts part of nine-match Dark lineup

Posted on by Ian Carey

AEW has announced nine matches for Dark. 

This week’s show was taped Sunday, May 1 from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. 

NJPW young lion Yuya Uemura and former NXT North American Champion, Leon Ruffin (FKA Leon Ruff) will both make their AEW debuts on the show. Uemura will face Angelico and Ruffin will take on Tony Nese.  

Other notable matches scheduled to air include Toni Storm vs. Diamante and Ryan Nemeth vs. John Silver. 

Dante Martin, Julia Hart, Team Taz, and the Varsity Blondes will all be in action as well.  

Tuesday’s edition of AEW Dark will air at 7 p.m Eastern time on YouTube. The full lineup for the show is as follows:

  • Angelico vs. Yuya Uemura
  • Dante Martin vs. Invictus Khash
  • Julia Hart vs. Jacey Love
  • Ricky Starks & Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Terry Yaki & Jay Lucas
  • Ryan Nemeth vs. John Silver
  • Shawn Spears vs. Lord Crewe
  • Toni Storm vs. Diamante
  • Tony Nese w/ “Smart” Mark Sterling vs. Leon Ruffin
  • The Varsity Blondes (Griff Garrison & Brian Pillman Jr.) w/ Julia Hart vs. The Workhorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake)

Rey Fenix vs. Dante Martin set for AEW Owen Hart Tournament qualifier

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A new qualifying match for AEW’s Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament has been announced. 

At today’s AEW Dark taping in Orlando, it was revealed that Rey Fenix will face Dante Martin in a qualifier. It was not immediately made clear when the match will be taking place. 

Five wrestlers have qualified for the Men’s Tournament, with a Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Fish qualifier set for this Wednesday’s Dynamite in Baltimore. Samoa Joe, Darby Allin, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Dax Harwood have already secured spots on the men’s side, while Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., Toni Storm, Jamie Hayter, Ruby Soho, Red Velvet, and Hikaru Shida have earned spots on the women’s side. 

Brackets for the Men’s and Women’s Tournaments have not been revealed. 

The finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s and Women’s Tournaments will be held at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 29. That show is set to be headlined by a Hangman Page vs. CM Punk match for the AEW World Championship.

Hangman Page to defend AEW World Championship on Dynamite

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Just three days after retaining the AEW World Championship at Revolution, Hangman Page is set for another title defense.

AEW has announced that Page will put his AEW World Championship on the line against Dante Martin on tonight’s Revolution fallout edition of Dynamite. Page retained the title against Adam Cole in the main event of Sunday’s pay-per-view.

In AEW’s roster rankings that were released today, Martin is ranked second in the men’s singles division.

Tony Khan tweeted: “Following his amazing win in the main event of Revolution, fighting @AEW World Champion Hangman @theAdamPage will defend the title vs. #2 ranked @lucha_angel1 #DanteMartin (7-1 singles record) on #AEWDynamite @ 8pm ET/7pm CT LIVE on @TBSNetwork TONIGHT! See you tonight on TBS!”

This will be Page’s fifth title defense since winning the AEW World Championship from Kenny Omega at Full Gear last November.

Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida is hosting tonight’s Dynamite. The updated card for the show is listed below:

  • AEW World Champion Hangman Page defends against Dante Martin
  • TNT Champion Sammy Guevara defends against Scorpio Sky
  • AEW Women’s World Championship number one contender’s match: Thunder Rosa vs. Leyla Hirsch
  • Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley (w/ William Regal) vs. TBA
  • Chris Jericho will address Eddie Kingston
  • The Andrade-Hardy Family Office will hold an “emergency board meeting”
  • Paige VanZant is expected to sign an AEW contract

AEW Dark results: Dante Martin vs. Jack Evans

Posted on by Juan C. Reneo

It’s Tuesday and you know what that means: an eleven-match AEW Dark taped in The All Elite Zone at Universal Studios. As usual, Taz and Excalibur were on the call.

Lee Johnson defeated Darian Bengston

Bengston and Johnson were pretty much equal in terms of speed and things were pretty much a tie between both wrestlers. Bengston tried to go for a moonsault but failed to hit his target. Johnson then connected with theFisherman’s Buster for the win. Johnson was able to pick up his first win of 2022 in AEW and his record is now 1-1.

Sonny Kiss defeated Ashton Starr

Sonny started the match with a very impressive hurracarrana and Starr, not wanting to be outclassed, pulled off a great tilt a whirl backbreaker. Sonny Kiss with a Gamengiri was able to pick the win. His record is 2-1 in 2022 following this match.

The Acclaimed defeated B. Jack & Donovan Izzolena

This match was the AEW debut of Jack and Izzolena. Squash match, Max Caster with a Mic Drop to Izzolena and Bowens covered to improve their overall tag team record to 34-8.

Marina Shafir defeated Danielle Kamela

This match was the AEW debut of Kamela. Kamela worked Shafir’s left arm and shoulder for a good portion of the match. Shafir followed it up with a brutal bow and arrow to Kamela’s lower back. Shafir with a modified gogoplata won this match by submission and improved her 2022 record to 3-0, remaining undefeated.

Dante Martin defeated Jack Evans (w/ Jora Johl & Angelico)

This match had a very hot start. Martin tried to go for his usual high-flying stuff, but Evan’s experience helped him anticipate and counter any move from Martin. Evans used some llaveo (grappling) on this match to try to ground Martin, all while Johl and Angelico helped him from ringside. Evans worked most of the match on Martin’s chest with kicks and chops. Evans during the match pulled off a Suicidal Rider kick, a staple from The Great Sasuke. Dante Martin connected with an outside tornillo and the nosedive, and he was able to win this match and improve his overall record to 42-20.

Abadon defeated Sahara Seven

Sahara Seven dropped the biggest scream someone has never done during a match with Abadon, and it was pretty funny. This was basically a squash match. Abadon was able to win this match with a leg hook stomp and Abadon’s record is now 28-3.

Diamante defeated Vipress

Short match, Diamante with Code Red won this match, and her overall record is 35-19.

Kiera Hogan defeated Kelsey Raegan

This was the AEW debut of Kelsey Raegan. Hogan with several dropkicks during the match was able to keep Raegan at bay. A superkick by Hogan was able to end the match and improve her record to 5-1.

Daniel Garcia (w/ 2point0) defeated Josh Woods

Two technical wrestlers going at it. Woods worked Garcia’s left arm, all while using his size to take control of the match. Garica slowly took Woods down and took control of the match with his grappling. Garcia got a near fall with a stacked Saito suplex. Garcia tried to go for a Scorpion Deathlock, but Woods was able to counter into a small package. Garcia with a Gotch-style piledriver was able to win the match and his record is now 18-15.

Shawn Dean defeated Will Austin

Dean before this match talked about the upcoming Who We Are album and his track. Dean tried to go for a suicide dive but Austin connected with a kick and was able to stop Dean. However, Dean came back with a combination of a frog splash and The Deal was able to score the win. His record is now 3-0 in 2022.

Orange Cassidy & Wheeler Yuta defeated Aaron Solo & Nick Comoroto (w/ QT Marshall)

Wheeler Yuta made the mistake of trying to overpower Nick Comoroto and paid big time for that mistake. Comoroto took Cassidy’s sunglasses off him with a kick, Cassidy was able to get them back and put them back on. Marshall intervened in favor of Solo and Comoroto during this match and was later sent to the back by referee Bryce Remsburg. This match had all the comedy bits we are used to in Orange Cassidy’s matches. An Orange Punch and a German Suplex from Yuta on Solo was all Cassidy and Yuta needed to win.

Final Thoughts:

Taz and Excalibur were fun to listen to as usual, especially anything regarding Taz and his hatred of Bryce Remsburg. The Wingmen had a fun backstage promo segment talking about fashion and spring. Dante Martin vs. Jack Evans the highlight of the show, but I would also recommend watching Garcia vs. Woods and the main event.

AEW Dark Elevation results: Best Friends vs. Chaos Project

Posted on by Juan C. Reneo

It’s Monday and you know what that means: a seven-match AEW Dark: Elevation taped last Wednesday at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Tony Schiavone, Mark Henry and Paul Wight were on the call.

Bobby Fish defeated Robert Anthony

Anthony used his speed to overwhelm Fish, but the latter’s striking balanced things out. Fish (2-0 this year) worked Anthony’s left leg throughout the match. He won after a combination of an exploder suplex into the ropes and a roundhouse kick.

Emi Sakura, The Bunny & Diamante defeated Heather Reckless, Queen Aminata & Skye Blue

Before the match started, Blue got one of the biggest pops of the show as she’s from Chicago. The heels tried to outsmart the babyfaces, but Aminata and Blue were able to fend them off. Bunny, Diamante and Sakura have had more experience as a trios unit which was a factor. One of the best spots was Sakura tying up both Skye and Reckless in a submission attempt. In the end, Bunny hit the Rabbit Hole on Reckless for the win.

Scorpio Sky (w/ Dan Lambert) defeated Stephen Wolf

This was Wolf’s AEW debut and basically a squash loss. Sky won after hitting the TKO to improve his overall record to 54-16. On commentary, Ethan Page talked about both his and Sky’s goal of winning the TNT title. Also, according to Page, the Men of the Year trim each other’s eyebrows.

Julia Hart defeated Arie Alexander

This was Alexander’s AEW debut. Since getting the black mist from Malakai Black, Hart has worked a more aggressive style and this match was the best example of that. She showcased her agility with a scorpion kick, winning after submitting Alexander with a leg scissors. She evened her record at 9-9 with the win.

Is Hart becoming more aggressive a sign that she’ll become the third member of the House of Black? We might find out soon when she takes her eyepatch off.

Dante Martin defeated Aaron Solo (w/ Nick Comoroto)

Solo is a very underrated guy and in this match, he made Martin look like a billion bucks every time he could. Comoroto, as always, intervened on Solo’s behalf, but Martin’s speed and agility were too much for both. He won with the always impressive Nosedive moonsault to improve his record to 39-19.

The Acclaimed & Gunn Club (w/ Billy Gunn) defeated Brock Anderson, Lee Johnson, Lee Moriarty & Matt Sydal

Max Caster and his opening rap made a reference to Chicago’s murder rate.

The heels tried to isolate Moriarty, but he was able to hold on his own despite the numbers game being against him. This was a good showcase for the Gunn Club and their act, especially when fans chant “ass boys.” This had a lot of things going for it and was the best match of the night. Austin Gunn won with a roll-up and the use of The Acclaimed’s boom box.

Best Friends (w/ Kris Statlander) defeated Chaos Project

Paul Wight mentioned on commentary that the reason Luther was missing these last few weeks was because he was in Egypt helping an archeological team regarding a mummy. He later said he was just messing around.

Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta started off strong to open things up, but Chaos Project and their gimmick of Luther using Serpentico as a weapon helped them turn things around. They isolated Beretta for a while and even did the Best Friends’ hug spot. Serpentico tried to slam Luther on Trent, but he failed miserably. Trent and Taylor (27-11) hit Strong Zero on Serpentico to pick up the win.

Final Thoughts:

For the third week in a row, Sydal and Moriarty were the MVPs of Elevation. Their matches are always the best on the show. Henry, Wight and Schiavone were really fun on commentary tonight, not on the same level of Taz and Excalibur on Dark, but fun in their own way. 

Ricky Starks vs. Jay Lethal announced for February 4 AEW Rampage

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A match for the FTW Championship has been set for the February 4 edition of Rampage.

Champion Ricky Starks will defend against Jay Lethal after challenging him in an interview on tonight’s Dynamite. After Powerhouse Hobbs challenged Dante Martin to a future match, Starks brought up Lethal, saying that he hopes he enjoyed his break as he will give Lethal the opportunity to challenge for the title.

This follows an angle that took place on the January 12 edition of Dynamite. After Martin defeated Hobbs in a match, Starks helped Hobbs beat down Martin until Lethal ran in for the save. Martin has been feuding with Team Taz since the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal in December, where Martin turned on Team Taz after originally deciding to sign with the group.

AEW will return to the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois on February 2 for both AEW Dynamite and Rampage. Already announced for Dynamite is CM Punk vs. MJF and the team of PAC & Peta El 0 M vs. Malakai Black and Brody King.

MJF, Dante Martin win AEW Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale

Posted on by Ethan Renner

MJF and Dante Martin were the final two participants in the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale on tonight’s AEW Dynamite. They will now face off in a singles match at next week’s Winter is Coming Dynamite episode to determine who will hold the Dynamite Diamond ring for the next year. 

MJF and Martin outlasted a field that included Matt Hardy, Jay Lethal, Frankie Kazarian, Lio Rush, Matt Sydal, Wardlow, Lee Moriarty, Lee Johnson, plus Team Taz’s Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs. 

Martin’s alliance with Team Taz appears to be over, as he eliminated Starks from the Battle Royale. The final three in the match were MJF, Martin and Starks. After eliminating Starks, Martin removed his FTW arm band. Starks and Martin then brawled after the match, with MJF and  CM Punk also involved in the melee. 

MJF has won the Dynamite Diamond in both years of its existence, and now has a shot to win it a third time.