The latest WWE and AEW News and Results
With more departures and pay cuts reportedly being handed out in WWE, the Wrestling Weekly duo of Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa discuss the optics of TKO’s latest moves, a similar situation taking place in Hollywood right now, and the additional scrutiny these moves could attract outside of the wrestling bubble.
We’ll also talk about the late Ted Turner & this week’s AEW TV.
Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
John LaRocca and I return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most topical things going on in pro wrestling this week.
You can also watch full video of the show below.
We gave out our thumbs up and thumbs down before jumping into the major topics of the week which included:
Then, we finished up with our Observe This segment, talking about stories from Dave Meltzer’s 1985 Observer Book. Specifically, we covered the time when Dave retired the newsletter in April of 1985.
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AEW World Champion Darby Allin has two title defenses in a five stretch — if he can survive the first one.
Both made during Wednesday’s three-hour Dynamite/Collision block, Allin will first put his World title on the line this Saturday at the first-ever Fairway to Hell show on TBS against PAC.
In a backstage segment, PAC called for the title shot as he is 2-1 against Allin all-time with their last bout taking place in January (an Allin win). It will be the second match set for the one-hour special, joining the Jack Perry National title defense against Mark Davis.
The winner of that match will then move on to next Wednesday on Dynamite against reigning AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada. Okada picked up a title defense against Bryan Keith and then challenged Allin for a title shot. Okada later confronted Allin after his own title defense over Kevin Knight, demanding an answer.
Allin agreed, saying, “It’s on, b*tch.” It will be their first-ever singles match.
Both PAC and Okada are looking for their first-ever AEW World title run. If Allin survives the five-day stretch, a hair vs. title match may await him at Double or Nothing.
If MJF wants to get another AEW World title shot, he will have to put his hair on the line to do it.
The former champion will have a week to respond to current champion Darby Allin’s offer made on Wednesday’s Dynamite for a shot, assumed to be at this month’s Double or Nothing.
MJF came out after Allin successfully defended his title against Kevin Knight, offering to put up his scarf, then his Dynamite diamond ring, and then $1 million as a stipulation that Allin demanded he do.
Allin then said he instead wanted something MJF held most dear and something he would fly 17 hours to Turkey to get: his hair. He said MJF would have to put it up in order to get the shot to which visually frazzled MJF then left to think about after the one week ultimatum was thrown out.
Allin defeated MJF to win the title on the post-Dynasty edition of Dynamite, ending his second reign. He’s been looking for a rematch ever since. Allin already has two defenses set: PAC this Saturday and next Wednesday against Kazuchika Okada if he wins.
*Expected
AEW Dynamite and Collision airs tonight from the Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina.
It will be a three-hour broadcast with four matches advertised ahead of time.
The AEW World Championship will be on the line for the third week in a row on Dynamite as Darby Allin defends against TNT Champion Kevin Knight.
There will also be a Double Jeopardy match featuring Dax Harwood vs. Orange Cassidy. If Cassidy wins, he can pick a partner from The Conglomeration and challenge FTR for the AEW World Tag Team titles. If Harwood wins, he will team with Cash Wheeler and Tommaso Ciampa to challenge The Conglomeration for the AEW World Trios titles.
Mina Shirakawa and Harley Cameron will also team against Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander, while Jon Moxley will face Juice Robinson in an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator match.
As of this writing, 1,965 tickets have been allocated against a current setup of 2,286.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Tony Schiavone in the ring to pay tribute to Ted Turner, who passed away today at the age of 87. Schiavone said Turner believed in pro wrestling, fans and that wrestling belonged on national television. Because of his vision, wrestling found a home on TBS & TNT, making fans realize they were destination viewing. Schiavone brought up starting in the studio in 1985 and decades later, because of the leadership of Ted Turner, Tony Khan and Warner Media, wrestling survives. Turner loved wrestling and the fans, we are here today because of him. Schiavone said there’s one man who knows this better than anyone else, a man who arrived in the studios of TBS in 1987 and has become one of the faces to what wrestling means to TBS and welcomes Sting.
Sting walks out, no music, instead Holy Sh*t chants, as he hugged Schiavone, who said Ted Turner is a big part of why they’ve been together nearly 40 decades and knows Sting has memories he wants to share. Sting said imagine having a billionaire who was all in on pro wrestling, Big Ted. Sting can’t believe how committed and devoted Turner was, even when top brass questioned pro wrestling being in the red, Turner would look at all of them and tell the wrestlers to keep doing what you’re doing because I have deep pockets. Sting said there wouldn’t be a Sting, Darby Allin, TNT Title, Tony Schiavone without Ted Turner and thanks Big Ted again. Schiavone brings up Allin facing the Turner Network Television champion Kevin Knight. Sting said he & Allin took a blowtorch to this place for 3 years and it’s great to be back in South Carolina and great that Allin will defend the AEW World Title tonight. Sting is also grateful for another all-in billionaire who wants to keep the ball rolling, Tony Khan. Schiavone brings up that the side plates on the TNT & TBS Titles are to honor the Turner Network past. Their thoughts go out to Turner’s family and lives he touched. Now, they bring you 3-hours of Dynamite & Collision in tribute to The Maverick, Ted Turner.
A 10-bell salute is done in silence with a Memorial graphic on the screen. This was an excellent tribute to kick off the show.
(The first singles match between these two since 2022 and only their second in AEW, as they continue to work extremely well with one another. Robinson, who was wildly over on Collision last week, had another strong showing here and hopefully we’ll see more singles matches in the future. Moxley continues his excellent reign here, fighting all challengers, but with Double or Nothing in only a few weeks, it’ll be interesting to see who he’ll line up against at that show.)
Renee Paquette is ringside and brought up the history between Moxley & Robinson, saying Moxley called this the longest bar fight of his career, while Robinson said he’s beaten him before and he’ll beat Moxley again. Excalibur reminds us there’s no outside interference allowed and if Robinson makes it the 20-minutes, he’ll get a Continental Title match.
Forearm exchange right at the bell turn to shoulder blocks, with neither giving way to the other leading to an intense face-off. Flying lariat from Robinson, who lit up Moxley with corner chops and headbutts, until Moxley got up a boot, tried piledriver, but had his legs swept out, allowing Robinson to slingshot him to the floor and meet him with a cannonball from the apron. Back inside, the cheek of Moxley is bleeding, as Robinson lit him up with jabs, but Moxley bailed before the Left Hand of God could connect. Moxley tried to take a powder, but Robinson chucked him over the time-keepers table, which Robinson leapt off of with an axe handle. 10 punches back inside from Robinson led to a cross body, as Moxley again took a powder. Moxley reversed a whip outside and sent Robinson flying off the apron into the steps with a dropkick. Moxley gnawed on the fingers of Robinson back inside, as Taz said it was fair, since Robinson bit Moxley earlier. Robinson fought back with a desperation scissors kick into the reset.
Robinson, working off one hand, dished out chops and jabs with his right hand, but took too long to go for the corner cannonball. Moxley popped up, blocked a lariat and fired off a Cutter. Moxley’s turn to dish out 10 corner punches, as he got to 9 before Robinson slid out into a powerbomb and got his corner cannonball at the 10-minute call. Corner hurricanrana led to a massive lariat for a near fall. Dueling chants, as Robinson backdropped out of a piledriver into a cradle pin for two, but followed with a Full Nelson Slam. Robinson spat in his injured hand (I guess that cured it?) as he went for the Left Hand of God, but Moxley bit the forehead, only to run into the Left Hand of God. Robinson up top for a high cross body and another near fall. Both trade headbutts, forearms and knee strikes until Robinson side steps a corner charge into a roll-up for two. Juice is Loose blocked into a Rear Naked Choke, transitioned to a piledriver for two. Moxley quickly to the Bulldog Choke, as Robinson fought valiantly, but went unconscious.
Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Juice Robinson
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-Commentary again brings up Death Riders working with Will Ospreay and sends us to training between them earlier today. Daniel Garcia said they don’t care about Ospreay winning titles in Japan with his petty little friends and he’s going to have to work for it if he truly wants it. Wheeler Yuta is seated on Ospreay’s back, as he’s doing push-ups, as Ospreay is doing neck bridges with him at the same time. Moxley, who is also training, sits down next to him and asks if Ospreay ever heard of the concept of Death Ground? Standing on ground, from which you can’t leave, there’s no escape, no other options, it’s do or die. That’s where Ospreay is at right now, if they don’t get his neck and head right, it’s over, he’s done. Ospreay could have a career in AEW, get paid, hang out, like the rest of these posers, but Ospreay is different. It’s a privilege to be where Ospreay is at, to come all the way this far up the mountain to get to the hardest 1%. Ospreay is on Death Ground, it’s got to be hard, it’s the only option, nothing else exists, except what’s in front of you, right now. Moxley orders Ospreay on his back, as Marina Shafir puts a towel around his neck, but PAC tells the camera that’s enough. Excalibur said from trying to end Ospreay’s career, to make him into the greatest weapon wrestling has ever seen.
(Majority of this was thankfully left between the two competitors, as the outside shenanigans with what would essentially be lumberjacks, were kept to a minimum for the most part. I thought the finish was unexpected, especially seeing as FTR are already lined up for a Tag Title match at Double or Nothing. Perhaps Cassidy can bank this title shot for whoever walks away Tag Champions following the PPV? Though, I assume it’s just going to happen next week or something.)
Harwood is out with Stokely (dressed as Orange Cassidy), Cash Wheeler, Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, Clark Connors & RPG Vice. Meanwhile, Cassidy is out with Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong, butalso by The Young Bucks, Adam Copeland & Christian Cage. So, this has pretty much turned into a Lumberjack Match.
Quick shoulder tackles and pin attempts from Harwood, as Cassidy gets in a few up kicks into a side headlock before rubbing the bald head of Harwood. Cassidy blocked multiple corner chops and blasted Harwood with an Orange Punch, sending Harwood outside. Cassidy found himself surrounded by heels, so the babyface side came to the assist. This delay allowed Harwood to dodge another Orange Punch, as Cassidy punched the post, Stokley & Ciampa took turns slamming the hand against the post, as Harwood ran distraction before taking over.
Harwood tried a piledriver, Cassidy spun out, floated over in the corner, went up top and bit Harwood before getting his diving DDT for two. Harwood went outside and blocked a Cassidy dive, slamming him hand first into the announce table and then face first for good measure. Back inside, Harwood mocked the little kicks, so Cassidy went to the pockets and hit the dropkick into the kip-up followed by the spinning DDT. Stokely up on the apron to run distraction, as Harwood decked Cassidy with a combo, but Cassidy got a roll-up for two, but was kicked off into the ropes and ate a punch from Finlay. Referee Paul Turner is trying to stop the 12-men arguing outside, as Harwood went out to grab the ring bell. Turner saw it, took the bell away, as Cassidy popped Harwood with a PK. Cassidy looked to go for Orange Punch, Harwood didn’t block him initially, so Cassidy just awkwardly stopped, so they did the spot again and Harwood hit his bounce back sit-out Liger Bomb for two.
Cassidy popped off a Stundog Millionaire counter and Orange Punch to follow, but Harwood kicked out. Harwood recovered and slapped on a cross-arm-breaker, Cassidy fought out into a pin attempt for the flash pin. Post-match, as soon as the bell rang, everyone outside started brawling with the babyfaces standing tall, leaving Romero & Beretta surrounded by multiple rocks and hard places. Romero tried to make friends, but ate a combo from Strong & O’Reilly, as Beretta ate superkicks from The Bucks, Spear from Copeland and punt kick low from Cage.
Match Result: Orange Cassidy defeated Dax Harwood to earn at an AEW Tag Team Title match for himself and a partner of his choosing
-Video package on Rush is shown and his time in AEW. Commentary said he’s become the single most violent man in All Elite Wrestling.
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-We see footage of Jericho attacked last week by The Demand backstage, as Ricochet said Jericho isn’t even worth hitting a Rico-sault on. We then go backstage tonight to Renee Paquette with Jericho, who said he’s pretty f’n furious and the time for talking is done and the time for words is over, it’s time to fight. Unlike The Demand, he wants to take it to the people. Jericho walks through the crowd to the ring, saying he’ll keep it simple because it’s Charleston, it’s Dynamite and he’s Jericho. He’s done with the beatdowns, the 3-on-1 attacks, the bullsh*t, so he demands Ricochet come out to talk face-to-face (I thought he just said the time for talking is over?)
Ricochet walks out solo, for about 5 seconds, as Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona join him to the ring. Ricochet said he tried to do Jericho a favor by telling him to leave, but he didn’t listen. He bets Jericho think it’s funny to trademark the things he does and question if Jericho has a humiliation kink? Ricochet runs down the crowd, calls it North Carolina and Jericho hilariously looks at the camera saying it’s South Carolina. Kaun whispers something to Ricochet, as he said it’s a good idea and brings up 6-years ago, Jericho invented a match and said he’ll beat Jericho in his own creation. The crowd is all over Ricochet, as he said he won’t just beat Jericho with the Rico-sault, he wants to beat him in Stadium Stampede, but the only problem is, the last time they fought, Jericho had to pay people to team with him, questioning if Jericho would find 4 other partners (math isn’t mathing there, as there’s 3 of The Demand and 1 of Jericho.)
Jericho calls Ricochet a dumb son of a b*tch and says it’s South Carolina (Ricochet said same thing) and said he’ll find 4 other partners, as he’s sure someone likes him. If Jericho can’t find partners, he’ll take on all of them himself. Jericho called Ricochet bald and punched him in the face before clearing the ring of Kaun & Liona and wiped-out Ricochet with a Judas Effect. He went for a Lionsault, but Liona popped him with a right hand. The Hurt Syndicate’s music played, as Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin sprint out and The Demand hightail it.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Mina Shirakawa & Harley Cameron, who doesn’t know how to feel about their match tonight. Shirakawa said to Cameron they have a match to win tonight and brings up Cameron being a first ever Tag Team Champion and stop looking out there and look in here (Shirakawa ripped Cameron’s shirt and it caused Cameron to Hulk Up and rip it clean off). Cameron found her intensity and Paquette suggests she goes and finds a shirt before her match.
(We haven’t seen Keith on Dynamite since January this year, but he put up one hell of a fight here, pushing Okada to the limit. Okada continues these solid TV matches against challengers, with all roads leading to Konosuke Takeshita. The interesting bit, however, being that Okada made his intentions clear that he wants the AEW World Title soon, as well.)
Excalibur brings up Keith being the Defy Champion and racking up wins recently on Ring of Honor. Don Callis (guarded by Lance Archer) joins commentary, as Taz puts him over, while Schiavone informs Callis they all hate him. Both men exchange strikes in the early going, as it’s Keith who won the exchange with a series of boots for a two count. Loud chops and thrust kick from Keith, but Okada blocked an Exploder, dodged a corner charge and dropkicks Keith out of the corner to the floor. Okada spiked Keith with a DDT outside, threw him over to Callis before running distraction on referee Aubrey, letting Callis get in some boots. Back inside, Okada dared Keith to start a strike exchange before planting with another DDT and leaping corner elbow.
Okada wanted his top rope elbow, Keith dodged, Okada rolled through, as Keith grabbed the arm into a brutal knee strike. Keith didn’t back down, cracking Okada with a flying forearm and leaping DDT for two. Okada rolled outside, tried another DDT, but Keith was ready, spun-out and hit one of his own, stunning Okada in the process. Back inside, Okada fought off an Exploder again, this time into the Air Raid Crash on the knee. Top rope elbow hits, as Callis said it was one for daddy, with Okada flipping off the crowd. Keith avoided a Rainmaker, but not the picture-perfect dropkick, which hit, Rainmaker attempt was blocked into an uppercut headbutt into a huge Tiger Driver for a close near fall. Keith signals for the end, hits a high boot in the corner, wants Diamond Dust, only Okada countered into a sit-out slam followed by a Rainmaker for the win.
Post-match, Callis said Okada had something important to say. Okada said he already has the International Title (unlike Takeshita), but he wants more, so he’s coming for the AEW World Title, b*tch.
Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Bryan Keith to retain the AEW International Title
-A video package on the new IWGP Global Champion Andrade el Idolo is shown.
-Ahead of tonight’s main event, we go backstage to JetSpeed and Speedball Bailey said tonight, Kevin Knight becomes Jet-2-Belts and said he’ll be a champion we can be proud of. Knight thanks him and brings up Darby Allin saying he’s going to fight until his body gives out, which is what is going to happen, as tonight, Knight becomes the new AEW World Champion.
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-The Opps are backstage, as Samoa Joe said he’s worried, last week, he put out an offer that he’s afraid is not being heard. He tells Will Ospreay to hear these words in a non-intimidating manor and men like Jon Moxley, he’s telling him how to think, while Joe won’t do that, he wants Ospreay to think how he wants. Joe sees the tide rising, that Ospreay is destined for greatness, some say he’ll be the next World Champion. How much will be left for Ospreay to be such a champion? With men like Joe by his side, it could be a very long time. While HOOK is gone this week filming a movie, Joe puts people in a better position to succeed. Joe will put Anthony Bowens in a better position to succeed and Katsuyori Shibata is one of the best in the world right in the here and now with The Opps. The choice is up to William and it’s clear as day, Joe puts out his hand one last time, but know, if it’s not accepted, Joe will put out his fist.
(Shida is getting more and more heelish as the weeks go on and finally (hopefully?) Statlander is starting to see it. While they did get the win tonight, it’ll be interesting to see where her loyalties lie when all is said and done. I thought Shirakawa & Cameron teamed well here tonight and Cameron continues to improve and get more over with the fans each time she’s in the ring.)
Statlander rag-dolls Shirakawa early, mocking the shimmy, as Shirakawa ramps up an uppercut exchange, gets a leg sweep and low dropkick to the back before shimmying herself. Shida made a blind tag, but as Cameron demanded a tag, Shida bailed and tagged back in Statlander. Showing off her power, Statlander hit a back suplex, but Cameron got a misdirect head scissors to stand tall. Corner splash hits, as Shirakawa tags back in and we get a Russian Leg Sweep/Tornillo nice looking combo for two. Shirakawa tried a head scissors of her own, but Statlander countered into a back breaker. Finally, Shida tags in, blasting Shirakawa with a running knee lift on the apron before mocking Cameron. Statlander suplexed her own partner (didn’t boot her in the stomach before like Shida did last week) on Shirakawa in the corner, but Shida’s feet caught poor Shirakawa flush in the face.
Despite that, Shirakawa still managed a comeback, fighting off a Shida Falcon Arrow with a rolling forearm to get the hot tag to Cameron. Tag to Statlander as well, as Cameron ran wild, Shining Wizard connected, with Shirakawa flying in with a top rope dropkick and head scissors for two, as Shida broke the count. The match continues to break down, as Shirakawa took too long to go up top, as Statlander met her with a superplex, held on into a spinning Fisherman’s Slam for two. Shida joined in, but Shirakawa ducked and Shida decked Statlander with a flying knee. Cameron tagged in, fired off strikes into a swinging neckbreaker into a jackknife pin for two, as both trade close pin attempts. Backstabber from Cameron, who went for Her Finishing Move, but Statlander caught her with a scissors kick. Shida quickly spiked Cameron with a Falcon Arrow, as Statlander cleared out Shirakawa for Shida to get the pin on Cameron.
Match Result: Hikaru Shida & Kris Statlander defeated Harley Cameron & Mina Shirakawa when Shida pinned Cameron
-We go backstage to Swerve Strickland saying 2 months ago, he said he was going after power, which few knows what he truly means. It’s deciding who eats and who starves, being the man to make sure everyone sees it. From the most dangerous, the most violent to the Most Wanted. Strickland held up the Wanted Sign and said there’s nothing more dangerous than a man that desires power and he wants it all. Prince Nana smirks as they both walk away.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Brodido, as Bandido said Strickland is right, he is the Most Wanted and if Strickland wants a fight, come get it. Brody King said if Strickland wants to mess with his friends, there will be hell to pay.
(Another week, another excellent title defense by Allin, as the wheels haven’t fallen off yet, so these bangers must continue and will next week, as we learned in the post-match, against Kazuchika Okada. Knight put on another great showing, this time even in defeat, as his future remains bright. The post-match, there’s a lot to unpack here, as Allin said what he wanted from MJF and it’s…his hair. I’m just happy it’s not another “I can never challenge for the World Title” stipulation and this can be fun, with MJF losing his mind if he ends up bald. We’ll see if he actually accepts the terms next week.)
Taz brings up how Knight was the one to knock Allin out the Continental Classic, while Excalibur brings up how both were trained by Buddy Wayne. After an early scramble, Allin offered a handshake and Knight kind of swiped it away, as the two work a Test of Strength, Knight gets the takedown and offered a handshake up, which Allin kicked away. Things start getting chippy, as they trade chops until an Allin Coffin Splash got two. Both ducked the other’s charges until they turned one another inside out with a double clothesline. They slowly rise, as Allin went to the corner, but Knight was right there for his leaping hurricanrana and dropkick that sent Allin to the outside. Back inside, Knight went up top with Allin, who fought free, causing Knight to back flip and roll out, only to be met with an Allin missile dropkick for the reset.
Combo strikes from Allin, who hit a snap Code Red for two, as Knight rolled outside, only right in position for Allin to hit his low Tope, smacking Knight’s head against the announce table. Schiavone stole a line from Taz and called it Whiplash Jones, as Allin sat Knight down on a chair, went up for his dropkick, only Knight recovered, threw the chair aside and hit his standing leaping hurricanrana causing Allin to go thud on the floor. Knight placed Allin on the table, slowly went to the ring and hit a wild springboard diving clothesline, causing both to tumble over the table. Knight came up limping, as he threw Allin back inside, leapt off the second rope, right into an awaiting Allin for the Scorpion Death Lock. Knight used his size to get the rope break. Allin tried a Coffin Drop, Knight got the knees up, doing more damage to himself, but it needed to be done to avoid the impact.
Knight limps his way over to bring Allin to the corner, sets him up in the Tree of Woe. We get a callback to the Continental Classic spot and Knight hits his Coast to Coast before going up top for his UFO Splash that hits flush for a close two count. Knight went up to the corner, but Allin crawled to the opposite side, suckering Knight in, as he kicked out the bad leg and fell right into a Guillotine Choke. Knight nearly faded, but got to his feet. Allin pulled him to the apron, pulled him throat first against the top rope, draped him on the top, hit one Coffin Drop and a proper one for the victory in a hell of a main event.
Post-match, Sting headed to the ring to celebrate with Allin, as we switch over to the Collision portion of the show. Sting raised Allin’s hand, shook Knight’s hand, as Allin showed respect as well. Sting gave Allin the ring, but the music for MJF hit and he’s out to the stage with a mic in hand. MJF doesn’t know what’s worse, that he has to be in the Carolina’s or that Allin’s reign is continuing. MJF said no one wants to see this continue, enough is enough, kid, it’s been cute, so it’s time to give him his rematch. Allin said MJF will have to give something up, so MJF said fine, he’ll put up his beautiful scarf. Allin said no, so MJF offered his Dynamite Diamond Ring. Allin said no, so MJF offered $1,000,000, but Allin said he used to be homeless under a bridge, his money is no good to him. MJF said everyone has a price and what Allin wants? Allin said what MJF holds the most dear, something he flew to Turkey to get sewed on his head, he wants MJF’s hair. Allin calls MJF a vain piece of sh*t and demands his hair. MJF yelled at Allin to be reasonable, as Allin said next week, contract signing, Title vs. Hair and if MJF doesn’t show up, he’s never getting a title match. Allin asks what MJF says, but MJF drops the mic and storms off.
The music for Kazuchika Okada then hits as the International Champion came to the ring and screamed at Allin next week, me vs. you for the World Title. Allin ripped the mic away and said it’s on, b*tch.
Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Kevin Knight to retain the AEW World Title
-We go backstage to Renee Paquette who is with Will Ospreay and Doc Sampson, who said even though Ospreay went to Japan, not cleared, whatever training he’s doing didn’t cause anymore harm, so whatever he’s doing, he’s on his way to being cleared in AEW. Ospreay told Paquette he’ll never be a Death Rider, but knows he needs to do what’s necessary in order to get to where he wants to be.
(Hard fought win for Bailey in this fun sprint, as this was the first time we’ve seen Fox on Dynamite or Collision since August.)
Lighting quick back and forth to kick us out, as Bailey ramped up his kicks that sent Fox to the floor. Fox dodged a Triangle Moonsault, swept the leg on the apron, floated over from outside/inside/out, as he rolled to the floor right into a springboard Cancun Tornado. Fox clutched his shoulder, as back inside, Bailey hit a missile dropkick. Fox dodged a charge, hung up Bailey in the ropes and spiked him with a hanging DDT. Bailey fought back with a spin kick to the ribs, only took way too long to follow-up and missed a running Shooting Star. Both slug it out with forearms, trade suplex attempts, until Bailey gets a DDT from the corner, held on, spun out with a corkscrew brainbuster, sending Bailey outside. Fox got ahead of steam, clearing the top with a somersault dive. Back inside, Fox hit a picture-perfect Senton Atomico for a near fall. Fox went for it again, missed, rolled through, Bailey tried Ultimate Weapon, missed, Fox kipped out into an enzugiri. Bailey was ready with a lunging kick, Fox dodged, missed Lo-Mein Pain, putting him in position for Bailey to hit Ultimate Weapon for the win.
Match Result: Speedball Mike Bailey defeated AR Fox
-Earlier today, Willow Nightingale is backstage today of all days, it is an honor and privilege to wear the TBS Title. So, after 9 title defenses, knocking down every challenger and comeback, that’s what the legacy of this network and Turner deserve. Whoever wants next, step up, as she’s going to defend the title every single week to continue its legacy.
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-PAC is backstage with the Death Riders, applauding the destructible boy that never quits, Darby Allin, saying he better never forget about the thorn in his side. PAC & Allin are 2-1 in singles competition, in PAC’s favor, so he demands a shot at the World Title, saying he’s a mountain Allin will never truly conquer. Hell, if Allin can be Champion, PAC certainly can, so prove him wrong.
(Well damn, this sure turned into one hell of a hard-hitting match. Hayter appears to be doing a Triangle of Madness Slayer deal, getting retribution for her fallen teammates in recent weeks. I assume this will lead to another title match with Thekla. The first two have been hard hitting and I would expect Round 3 with these two to be no different.)
Renee Paquette is ringside before the upcoming match, saying Triangle of Madness has been wreaking havoc on the women’s division, bringing up Persephone & Alex Windsor as latest victims and asks if Hayter will be able to stop their momentum? Bell sounds and Blue missed a charge, as Hayter decks her with a big boot to the outside. Blue suckers her in from the apron, gets a boot, snapmare and thrust kick back inside for two. Dragon Sleeper applied, which Hayter escaped, brought Blue to the apron, missed a lariat, as Blue hit a Flatliner on the apron before smashing her into the barricade.
(We’re told by commentary that Tony Khan has made Darby Allin vs. PAC for the World Title official for Saturday’s 1-hour Fairway to Hell Collision)
Both ladies traded shots on the outside, as back inside, Hayter got up multiple corner boots that led to a missile dropkick and release German. Exploder connects for a near fall, as Blue is planted with a Spinebuster, but Hayter opts to dish out more punishment than make a pin attempt. It proves costly, as Blue hit a thrust kick, only Hayter answered with an enzugiri. Blue attempted Code Blue, but Hayter sat out into a two count. Both ladies clonked heads and collapsed on top of each other, with Hayter nearly getting a pin out of it with how they fell. Blue was able to fight back with a Cheeky Nandos kick, only Hayter got a boot up and hanging Sleeper in the corner. Blue fought free, they slug it out on the second rope, until Hayter hits an Avalanche Hayter-ade out of nowhere for the win.
Post-match, we see Thekla & Julia Hart applauding from the crowd, so Hayter picked Blue up and hit Hayter-ade again, using Blue as bait, but Thekla & Hart didn’t bite.
Match Result: Jamie Hayter defeated Skye Blue
-Don Callis backstage with his Family, saying everything is coming up Callis Family, as Mark Davis is going to crush Jack Perry this Saturday for the National Title, while Kazuchika Okada has staked his claim for the AEW World Title. Konosuke Takeshita said Okada shouldn’t worry about the World Title, he should be worried about losing the International Title to him at Double or Nothing. Callis stops the arguing between the two and said Okada is his handpicked choice for the AEW World Title. Andrade asks Callis “how you know?” and Callis it’s funny he’s using his catchphrase on him, but said he knows everything and it means more gold for the Don Callis Family! Tony Schiavone said Callis completely ignored that Andrade had won the IWGP Global Title as if he didn’t care.
Much like his recent string of matches, Rush absolutely steamrolled this poor fella, wasting no time hitting the Bulls Horns in about 20 seconds. Post-match, he took the mic and said remember, when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
Match Result: Rush defeated Manny Lo
-Video package of Jurassic Express driving in the desert is shown, with Jack Perry said he was told as a kid it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. It doesn’t matter how big and bad Mark Davis thinks he is, Perry has beaten him before and he’ll do it again. Perry is showing climbing rocks and said if you don’t like it, f*ck you.
**********
(They saved the party match until the end of the night and this one certainly delivered on the action. Everyone was able to get in their offense and I was pleasantly surprised it was Austin who got the pin here. The Gunns looked good in their in-ring return (this being Colten’s first match in nearly a full year) and I hope to see them in the Tag Title picture down the line after they get some wins under their belt. Always a highlight, there’s nothing quite like Jon Moxley on commentary and he only adds to a match like this.)
Jon Moxley joins commentary for our main event, as the heels attack during the babyface entrance, but The Bucks fought off Garcia & Yuta. We get a triple suplex that Moxley called a Human Centipede Suplex, as The Bucks & Bang Bang Gang hit quadruple corner punches and atomic drops, until Castagnoli is sent flying by an assisted Bucks hurricanrana to the floor. Sliding dropkick from Nick followed by a corkscrew dive by Matt, as Austin did his handstand on the apron before decking Garcia with a PK. Austin posed, allowing Connors to fly in with a Spear to the floor. Hip toss/Neckbreaker by The Gunns on Finlay, as Yuta is sent reeling, with The Gunns wanting 3:10 to Yuma, but the ref was distracted, allowing a High/Low from The Dogs, with Death Riders putting the boots to Colten.
While Austin was isolated, Moxley said he calls Yuta & Garcia the dark horses of the Death Riders and brings up the tortoise and the hare or whatever you want to use, it’s all about consistency. Moxley questions where Nigel McGuinness is, not able to show up for one hour of work and Taz said he’s actually Nigel and has an English accent. The banter of commentary during commercial was especially hilarious during this one.
Locomotion corner charges by the Death Riders & Dogs, as Castagnoli hit a Giant Swing into a dropkick from Yuta. Schiavone asks Moxley’s thoughts on Ospreay being cleared and Moxley said his future is up to Ospreay himself and that’s all he’ll say. Colten finally made the hot tag, running wild on everyone in his path, pump faking Yuta with a nice neckbreaker, low bridging Castagnoli and planting Yuta with a spinning back suplex slam for two. Moxley said Colten is tough, like an old piece of beef jerky. Austin was sent over the top onto Castagnoli outside, as Garcia swept out Colten’s legs and locked in the Dragon Tamer while Yuta hit a Curb Stomp for two. Colten ducked a Garcia clothesline and hit one of his own into the double down.
Colten dove for a tag to Matt, who quickly hit his rolling Northern Lights on Garcia, who spun out of a second, multiple standing switches, blind tag to Finlay, who is joined by Connors and both take Northern Lights by Matt, as Garcia is stacked under them all for two. The Bucks ramp up the pace against The Dogs and high five each other in mid-air as they hit dueling running bulldogs. Stereo dives with Swanton/Top Rope Elbow connecting, as The Bucks ramp up a Superkick Party on everyone, with Shafir screaming at Garcia ringside, asking what is going on? BTE Trigger dished out to Finlay, but Yuta broke the count. Austin does his squat DVD to Yuta, but Castagnoli mows him down (Moxley hilariously yelled “whose strong now, b*tch?), as The Bucks suffer the same fate. The Gunns take out Castagnoli with 3:10 to Yuma, as the match continues breaking down with clotheslines aplenty, leaving Colten & Castagnoli not budging at first, both got heads of steam and collided for a full reset.
Austin & Yuta slug it out center of the ring, as Yuta does his skin the cat on the bottom rope, but turned right into a trifecta of superkicks. The Bucks hit dueling Topes, as Austin took out Yuta with The Fold and got the pin. Juice Robinson sprinted to the ring to celebrate with the Bang Bang Gang & The Bucks to stand tall to end the show.
Match Result: Bang Bang Gang & The Young Bucks defeated Death Riders & The Dogs when Austin pinned Yuta
Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio discussing the major stories from today’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We talked about:
Click here to listen (subscription required) or watch on YouTube
AEW World Champion Darby Allin will defend his title for the third straight week as part of next week’s three-hour combo edition of Dynamite & Collision.
Allin will defend against reigning TNT Champion Kevin Knight after telling him Wednesday that if he successfully defended his World title against Brody King, Knight would get the next shot.
Knight defended his own title against MJF in the opener while Allin defeated King, making the save for Knight after he was jumped by MJF.
The two have wrestled just once before with Knight picking up the November win as part of last year’s Continental Classic. Knight will defend his title against Hook on this Saturday’s Collision.
In a Double Jeopardy match, Dax Harwood will take on Orange Cassidy for the first time ever. If Harwood wins, FTR and Tommaso Ciampa earn a future AEW Trios title match where if Cassidy wins, The Conglomeration earn a future AEW World Tag Team match.
With WWE WrestleMania 42 in the books, the Wrestling Weekly team of Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa look at some of the highlights but with an emphasis on the future of Oba Femi.
In addition, we got one of the best AEW World title matches that has aired on Dynamite, and a match that…well, wasn’t the best.
Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
After battling Darby Allin on AEW Dynamite, Tommaso Ciampa has opened up and named him as his wrestling soulmate.
In the main event of the April 22, 2026, episode of AEW Dynamite, fans saw new AEW World Champion Darby Allin put his title on the line against Tommaso Ciampa.
After a closely fought and bloodied 18-minute battle, Allin was able to put Ciampa down. Shortly after, Ciampa reflected on the match on social media and named Allin as his wrestling soulmate.
“Last night, I encountered my wrestling soulmate. I have a hunch we will be doing this many more times over the next decade,” wrote Ciampa.
“Thank you AEW. Thank you Portland. Thank you Darby [Allin]. Mark my words: it might not be this month… it might not be this year… hell, it might not even be 2027…. but there will come a time when I hold that AEW World Title.“
Last week, Allin defeated MJF and won the AEW World Championship in just over two minutes at Dynamite Spring BreakThru.
The Bryan & Vinny Show is back with tons to talk about including a largely excellent edition of Dynamite with the exception of the Will Ospreay’s Decapitated Head storyline, and an NXT that was just sorta there with the exception of the phenomenon that is Jackson Drake. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Brian Cage came to Darby Allin’s defense against critics calling out his AEW World Championship win being undeserving and a few fearing it could end up being a transitional title reign.
Cage took to X acknowledging the backlash and dismissed them to praise Allin’s AEW contributions. He wrote that Allin consistently works hard to bring fresh and creative ideas each week. Cage also gave him his stamp of approval.
“I’ve noticed some criticism over @DarbyAllin winning the @AEW title. First and foremost, this guy absolutely deserves it. He’s not only a phenomenal in ring worker and bleeds aew, but this guy is the epitome of getting yourself over. Darby kills himself week after week, in a new, creative, and destructive way. Yet somehow gets back up, again and again.”
“I’m “the” bodyguy, and yes, Darby is very small. But he has fought harder than anyone to get the people behind him, and has become very believable in his matches. So huge stamp of a approval from me to have him as world champion. And bonus points for the shock pop and the call back headlock takeover finish,” tweeted Cage.
Allin captured his first AEW World Title win from MJF at Dynamite: Spring BreakThru. He signed with AEW in 2019, since it’s establishment and is often regarded as one of the four pillars in the promotion alongside MJF, Sammy Guevara and Jack Perry.
Allin had Sting by his side for most of his AEW career, and he made a surprise appearance to greet him after World Championship victory. Sting spoke highly of Allin and expressed pride on his AEW accolade.
This week on Dynamite, Allin had his first title defense against Tommaso Ciampa. Following the match, Brody King confronted the champion and challenged him to a title match for the next week’s edition of the AEW program.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including more on Van Hammer, the WrestleMania ESPN ratings, Ric Flair on Ariel Helwani, the Ali Act, the AEW Dynamite TV report, NXT recap, plus all the rest of the news. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: More on Van Hammer, why the Pat McAfee story was dropped, WWE WrestleMania ESPN numbers
13:33: Ric Flair on Ariel Helwani
21:30: Ali Act gets Senate hearing
32:26: CMLL notes, Dave’s thoughts on Ronda Rousey/Gina Carano build
39:51: AEW Dynamite recap
1:08:37: More ratings analysis, WWE NXT recap
Two title matches are official for next Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite with one featuring reigning World Champion Darby Allin and the other featuring the man he beat for the title last week in MJF.
After successfully defending the gold against a bloody Tommaso Ciampa in Wednesday’s main event, Allin will defend against Brody King in a week’s time. King defeated Lio Rush Wednesday and after Allin’s title defense, King came out and said he talked to Tony Khan and he will challenge for the gold next week.
King failed to defeat MJF for the title at February’s Grand Slam Australia and promised afterward he wasn’t done going for the title. The two have wrestled eight singles matches through the years, four of those coming in AEW. They are 2-2 with King last besting Allin in the 2024 Continental Classic.
In the other match, MJF will challenge Kevin Knight for the TNT title, also made Wednesday in the ring. MJF was in the ring calling out Allin for a title rematch when Knight came out to share his thoughts about the former champion. The two began to get into it with MJF saying the TNT title was for those with a ceiling which Knight took issue with.
He then issued a challenge to MJF who said he realized how proud Knight is of the title and wanted to take it from him. Knight was prepared to do it Wednesday, but MJF tricked him and said he would “dance with the devil next week, kid.”
MJF defended his then-World title against Knight in March.
Darby Allin ended MJF’s second reign as AEW World Champion on last week’s edition of Dynamite, earning praise from Tony Khan and Sting for the milestone moment.
AEW shared footage of Allin’s win, celebrating the special moment with Tony Khan, Sting and other wrestlers. Khan told him ‘you earned it’ and they embraced backstage. Meanwhile, Sting gave props to Allin and recalled how he told him he was World Title worthy years ago, and that he was proud of him like his own son.
“I told him years ago that he is World Championship calibre and he proved it tonight. The rest is history. It’s not showtime, it’s Darby time.”
“I’m proud of him like he’s my son, yeah.”
Allin was one of the first few stars signed with AEW when it was established in 2019. Around a year later, Sting mentored him and accompanied him for matches. His rise has been closely tied to the wrestling veteran who has played a vital role in the development of his AEW career.
This Wednesday, Allin will defend the title for the first time against Tommaso Ciampa.
One week after winning the AEW World title for the first time, Darby Allin will put the title on the line as part of this week’s AEW Dynamite.
Announced on Friday, Allin will defend against former TNT Champion Tommaso Ciampa in a first time ever match.
Allin defeated MJF for the title this past week while Ciampa defeated Dezmond Xavier on the same show, calling out the winner for a future title shot. The challenger is 5-0 in his last five singles matches.
Given his recent comments on social media, it remains possible that MJF makes an appearance following the quick upset loss but his attendance has yet to be confirmed.
The addition to the Portland, Oregon, show joins Will Ospreay vs. Mark Davis and Mina Shirakawa vs. Hikaru Shida.
