Ring of Honor has announced several matches for this week’s show on HonorClub.
Tag team matches pitting Willie Mack & Blake Christian vs. The Outrunners, and Angelico & Serpentico vs. Cole Karter & Griff Garrison are booked for the show.
Also scheduled for tonight is a trios match with Taya Valkyrie, Leila Grey, and Diamante teaming up against Lady Frost, Kiera Hogan, and The Infantry’s Trish Adora.
Matches for this week’s ROH TV were taped on Saturday at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. Spoilers from the show are available here.
Ring of Honor TV advertised lineup for Thursday, January 25, 2024:
Willie Mack & Blake Christian vs. The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)
Kenny Omega is in singles action this week on Collision.
Saturday’s show, which was taped Tuesday in Montreal, will see Omega square off against Ethan Page. On last week’s Collision, Ethan Page said he came up short the last time Collision was in Canada, losing to MJF in a match that had been for the AEW World Championship, and wanted to issue a challenge to one of Canada’s best wrestlers, Omega. The match was made official later that night.
Two Blue League Continental Classic matches will take place. Eddie Kingston will face Claudio Castagnoli in what will be a rematch from AEW Dynamite Grand Slam in September, when Kingston defeated Castagnoli to win the ROH World Championship. Bryan Danielson will also be in action, taking on Andrade El Idolo. Danielson earned another three points in the tournament on Friday, where he is now tied for first in the Blue League next to Brody King.
After reigniting their feud two weeks ago on Collision, Mercedes Martinez will be in action, taking on Willow Nightingale.
Live coverage for Saturday’s show begins at 8 pm ET.
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Our pre-show promos saw words from Ethan Page, Kenny Omega, and the competitors in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. Sir Elton John welcomed us to the show, as Tony Schiavone, Kevin Kelly, and Nigel McGuinness were on the call.
Continental Classic Blue League Match – Eddie Kingston [3] defeated Claudio Castagnoli [3]
An excellent match, up there with Swerve/Briscoe for me as the match of the tournament so far. Kingston, fighting his way from the brink of elimination and going through his most hated rival to do it, gave this match a ton of emotion. This was on par with the Grand Slam match, and I give this a high recommendation.
These two charged at each other at the bell, with Kingston sending Castagnoli to the floor after a backfist and a backdrop driver. Kingston dove onto Castagnoli on the floor before throwing Castagnoli into the ring and hitting a Northern Lights Suplex for a nearfall. Castagnoli came back, floating over Kingston and hitting a Neutralizer for a nearfall. Castagnoli dumped Kingston to the floor before clotheslining him to the floor.
Castagnoli rolled Kingston into the ring and hit a double stomp before teasing Kingston with kicks. Kingston came back with chops before Castagnoli lifted him into the Giant Swing. Castagnoli turned Kingston over into the Sharpshooter, forcing Kingston into the ropes. Castagnoli clubbered on Kingston in the corner, drilling him with a hesitation dropkick. Kingston tried coming back with chops, but Castagnoli shut him down with a short-arm lariat. Castagnoli hit a bodyslam for a nearfall. If he followed it with a leg drop, he would have had a much better shot at winning there.
Castagnoli leveled Kingston with elbows, much to the chagrin of a grimacing lady in the crowd. Castagnoli elevated Kingston to the top rope, drilling him with a European uppercut when Kingston fought back. Castagnoli hit a superplex as we went to a commercial. After the commercial, Kingston fired up after a boot to the face, but another short-arm lariat scored Castagnoli a nearfall.
Castagnoli couldn’t pull Kingston up for the Ricola Bomb, instead hitting a gutwrench suplex for a nearfall. The two men traded strikes, with Kingston winning the battle and hitting an enzuigiri. Kingston got a nearfall after a uranage, then fired up with chops. Castagnoli tried walking through the chops, but Kingston popped him in the face with a punch. Kingston hit a lariat for a nearfall, then locked on the Stretch Plum submission.
Castagnoli got to the ropes to break the hold. Kingston went for the powerbomb, but Castagnoli caught him into a one-armed powerbomb for a nearfall. Castagnoli hit a running uppercut before locking on a crossface at the fifteen-minute mark. Kingston grabbed the ropes, and after a Ricola Bomb reversal, Castagnoli drilled Kingston with an uppercut for a nearfall. Another strike battle ensued, with Kingston drilling Castagnoli with two backfists for a nearfall.
The three-minute call came, as the announcers let us know that this has been the longest Continental Classic match to date. Kingston popped Castagnoli with a backfist. Castagnoli rolled through a powerbomb attempt, but Kingston rolled through again to score the win and his first points of the tournament.
Jon Moxley spoke to cameras after his win on Dynamite. He wasn’t afraid of Rush, and he wasn’t concerned about the buzz surrounding Swerve Strickland. He warned Strickland to pack a lunch because Wednesday would be a long night for him.
Hook was backstage with Renee Paquette, who asked him about issues with Wheeler Yuta. Yuta entered the scene, calling Hook a paper champ. Hook brought up how Yuta cheated to beat Katsuyori Shibata to win the Pure Title again. Yuta challenged Hook to a match under FTW Rules. Hook agreed, but it wasn’t clear if the FTW Title wasn’t on the line.
Diamante quickly involved herself, giving Martinez the early advantage. Nightingale came back with a lariat before clubbing Martinez with lariats. Nightingale hit a senton that sent Martinez to the floor, but another distraction from Diamante allowed Martinez to send Nightingale into the apron and the barricade. Martinez pulled Nightingale over the barricade and hit the Anarchist Suplex as we went to a commercial.
After the commercial, Nightingale countered the Three Amigos with a suplex of her own. Nightingale ran wild, hitting a missile dropkick and a cannonball for a nearfall. Nightingale knocked Diamante off the apron, but that allowed Martinez to hit a fisherman’s suplex for a nearfall. Martinez hit a pair of backdrop drivers, but never went for a cover. Instead, she hit a T-Bone Suplex. Martinez elevated Nightingale in the corner and hit a Dominator, but Nightingale snatched her in a small package and got the win.
After the match, Martinez and Diamante jumped Nightingale. Diamante pulled out a ladder and a pipe, but Kris Statlander came out from the crowd with a chain to make the save.
Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, and Jake Hager were backstage with Renee Paquette, who asked Menard and Parker how it would feel to wrestle in their hometown. Hager was more upset about Danhausen stealing his hat before telling Menard and Parker that he wouldn’t be joining them at ringside. They cut a hometown babyface promo, being excited about adding their names to the list of Montreal greats. Ruby Soho came in wearing Parker’s merchandise, but Saraya and Anna Jay came in. Saraya complained that Soho would abandon her as Toni Storm did before saying that she wouldn’t be in Soho’s corner when she wrestled Riho next week.
Swerve Strickland spoke to cameras after his match on Dynamite. He said that he led the Continental Classic and he ran the wrestling industry. He told everyone to save this footage for after he won the World Title. Strickland warned Jon Moxley that he was just as violent as him.
Wardlow defeated Willie Mack
Wardlow stuffed a single-leg takedown attempt from Mack. Mack laid in strikes but ran right into a Wardlow dropkick. Mack low bridged Wardlow to the floor and hit a plancha, but Wardlow remained on his feet and headbutted Mack. Mack avoided a corner charge and hit a standing moonsault, but only got a one-count. Mack went for a headscissors, but Wardlow caught him and hit a pair of powerbombs. Wardlow hit the pitch-style lariat before hitting the Last Ride powerbomb. Wardlow left the ring as the referee called for the bell.
We got a video package on the recent history between the House of Black & FTR.
We got a replay of Big Bill & Ricky Starks’ attack on Chris Jericho after Full Gear.
Kenny Omega defeated Ethan Page
Page has proven himself over the past few months in Ring of Honor as a wrestler good enough to be on AEW television regularly. There’s something there, it’s just a matter of finding the right way of presenting him. Meanwhile, Omega gets a nice win on TV and a reminder that he and Chris Jericho are next in line for a tag team title match.
After an opening exchange, Page drilled Omega with a back elbow before laying in chops in the corner. Omega sent Page to the floor and set up the Terminator dive, but Page caught him with the Headshot, sending Omega rolling to the floor. Tony Nese was watching from backstage, as he will face Page in an I Quit Match at Final Battle this Friday. Omega sent Page into the barricade, but Page shot out with a shoulder block. Omega countered an Irish Whip into the barricade, hitting a moonsault off of the barricade.
Omega hit the Kotaro Crusher in the ring for a nearfall. Page hit a bodyslam before running into a boot from Omega, who suplexed him over the ropes to the floor as we went to a commercial. Page hit a running shoulder block off of the apron as we came back from the break. Page went for another Headshot, but Omega kneed him out of the air. Omega hit a powerbomb before hitting a running V-Trigger for a nearfall.
Page avoided a running V-Trigger but didn’t avoid one to the back. Omega elevated to the top rope, but Page pulled him down with an Iconoclasm before hitting a DDT for a nearfall. Omega pulled Page up for You Can’t Escape, but Page moved out of the way of the moonsault. Omega caught Page with a Snap Dragon Suplex, then hit another one before taking Page to the top rope. Page took Omega off the top rope with an Avalanche Powerslam for a nearfall. After both men set up their finishers, Omega landed two V-Triggers and the One Winged Angel to score the win.
The announcers wondered how well Page would’ve done if he hadn’t been slammed through a table by Tony Nese on ROH television on Thursday. As Omega posed for the crowd on the ramp, Big Bill snuck up from behind Omega and laid him out with a big boot.
CJ Perry was backstage with Lexy Nair. Perry ran down Andrade El Idolo’s accomplishments, confident that her client could beat Bryan Danielson tonight in their Continental Classic match. Miro entered the scene, annoyed that Perry continued to disobey him. Miro said that he wouldn’t touch Andrade during the tournament, but made no promises once the tournament ended.
We got a SPOOKY video package hyping Julia Hart vs. Abadon.
Komander & Penta El Zero Miedo (w/Alex Abrahantes) defeated Angelo Parker & Matt Menard
Menard and Parker got a big pop from their hometown, as cameras showed Menard’s family at ringside. After reminding Menard that he had Cero Miedo, Penta caught Menard with a boot to the face on a dropdown. A quick offensive exchange led to a stalemate. Menard shoved Penta into the corner, where Komander tagged in. Parker tagged in and dropped Komander with a leg lariat. Komander used his speed to keep Menard off balance before Penta monkey flipped him into Menard and Parker in the corner.
Menard and Parker cut off a double dive before we went to a commercial. After the break, Komander evaded Menard and Parker to get a tag out to Penta, who ran wild. Penta and Komander slid to the floor and belted their opponents with superkicks. Penta hit Made in Japan on Parker for a nearfall that was broken up by Menard.
Menard caught Penta in the Walls of Jericho, but Komander broke it up. Parker and Menard hit a tag team Codebreaker for a nearfall. Penta and Komander isolated Parker, then hit a modified Fear Factor where Komander walked the ropes into it to score the win.
We got a video package on Keith Lee and Shane Taylor’s feud, which will culminate at Final Battle this Friday.
We got a rundown of the card for the Winter is Coming edition of Dynamite this Wednesday.
Continental Classic Blue League Match – Andrade El Idolo [6] defeated Bryan Danielson [6]
With this result, Daniel Garcia is mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic. Andrade going after the eye is such a great call, as it’s not against the rules but morally gray. Danielson fighting through the injury because winning the Continental Classic means that much to him is an excellent way to put over the importance of the tournament. The match was great, as the crowd got into the spots involving Danielson’s eye. The shoving match between Andrade and Castagnoli was a nice set-up for their match as well. Fantastic business all around, as the Continental Classic is really heating up.
The two engaged in a Greco-Roman knuckle lock to start, with Danielson monkey flipping Andrade out of it. After a back and forth, Danielson and Andrade collided before Danielson hit a backdrop driver. Danielson and Andrade traded strikes before Andrade hit a pair of Dragon Screw leg whips and a flying forearm. Andrade went for the double knees in the corner, but Danielson avoided him and hit a dive to the floor.
After a commercial break, we came back to see Danielson without his eyepatch. Andrade ripped the eyepatch off during the break and caused Danielson to bleed from the eye. Danielson sent Andrade to the floor and went for a dive, but Andrade forearmed him in the face. Andrade locked on the Figure Four, but Danielson got to the ropes before Andrade could bridge up into the Figure Eight.
Andrade elevated Danielson to the top rope, where the camera zoomed in on Danielson’s bloody eye. Andrade clawed at Danielson’s eyes before Danielson came back with strikes that knocked Andrade to the mat. Danielson hit a shotgun dropkick before laying in the middle kicks. Andrade rolled Danielson up, but Danielson countered it into a LeBell Lock attempt. After a pinning predicament, both men clotheslined each other down.
They engaged in a strike battle before Andrade caught Danielson in an inverted Gory Special and ran him into the turnbuckles. At the fifteen-minute call, Andrade hit a superplex that he transitioned into the Three Amigos for a nearfall. Andrade went to the top rope for a moonsault, but Danielson cut him off and hit an Avalanche Belly-To-Back Suplex for a nearfall. Danielson locked on the LeBell Lock, but even with pulling Andrade’s arm back, Andrade got to the ropes.
Andrade caught Danielson with the spinning back elbow for a nearfall. Andrade went for the running knees, but Danielson got up and started a strike exchange at the three-minute call. Danielson hit the running dropkick in the corner, but Andrade caught Danielson with another spinning back elbow. Andrade hit the running knees to the back of the head, then clawed Danielson’s face to turn him around and hit the knees again. At the two-minute call, Andrade hit the Hammerlock DDT to score the win.
The ringside doctors and the Blackpool Combat Club came out to check on Danielson’s eye. Andrade and Claudio Castagnoli got into a shoving match as Andrade was checking on Danielson as well.
Kenny Omega will wrestle on next week’s Collision.
On Saturday’s Collision, Ethan Page talked about racking up wins on Ring of Honor television. He also brought up his match against MJF last year in Canada where he came up short in a match that was for the AEW World Championship. He said he wanted to face one of the top names in Canada, calling out Omega.
"All Ego" Ethan Page just threw down an epic challenge to Kenny Omega to determine who is the best Canadian Wrestler!🇨🇦🇨🇦
Next week on #AEWCollision In Montreal – Page versus Omega!
Page has mostly been wrestling on ROH television for much of the fall. He had been feuding with Tony Nese, and defeated him in a match on the November 15 edition of ROH.
Omega and Chris Jericho have been teaming as of late, calling themselves The Golden Jets. At Full Gear last month, they defeated The Young Bucks, earning a future AEW Tag Team title match at a time of their choosing.
More Blue League matches will take place next week, a pair of rematches. Bryan Danielson will meet Andrade El Idolo, while Claudio Castagnoli will face the man that beat him for the ROH World Championship, Eddie Kingston.
Here is the lineup for next week’s Collision:
Kenny Omega vs. Ethan Page
AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Bryan Danielson vs. Andrade El Idolo
AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Eddie Kingston vs. Claudio Castagnoli
AEW wrestler Ethan Page has accomplished one of his biggest life goals.
Page announced on Thursday that, as of a few days ago, he’s now a permanent resident of the United States. The 34-year-old Page is originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Last year, he announced that he was moving to the United States and would be based out of the Detroit area.
Page posted a statement on social media thanking AEW for sponsoring him and helping make his dream come true. Page said being employed by AEW has changed his family’s life:
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone lucky to call USA their home
As of a few days ago, I’m one of those very lucky people
I’m officially a Green Card holder & a proud permanent resident of the United States of America
So today I’m especially thankful for @AEW – they helped make this dream come true. For sponsoring me & my family. For giving me this opportunity in America. Thank you all.
I’ve said this to Matt Jackson many times, but him offering me a job with AEW has changed not only my life, but my entire families life (probably for generations)
One of my biggest life goals has been accomplished & I’m thankful for every person who played a part. The good & the bad.
Now, I feel like my future is truly unlimited. The freedom to create any future I want for myself & my family.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
When he announced his move to the United States last year, Page said it was something he’s worked his entire career for. Page said he had travel struggles and trouble crossing the border for many, many years.
Page has been signed to AEW since 2021. He was in action on this week’s episode of Ring of Honor television, defeating Tony Nese. It was a rematch between the two after Nese had defeated Page last month.
Alpha-1 Wrestling, a Canadian indie promotion run by Page, is returning with events in Hamilton on February 4, March 24, and May 19. These are the first shows Alpha-1 has run since 2021.
Ring of Honor Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata will put his title on this line this Thursday against Trent Beretta as part of ROH TV on HonorClub.
Shibata will be looking for the seventh defense of the title he won at March’s Supercard of Honor while Beretta is looking for his first ROH title of any kind. This will be their first-ever match against each other.
Shibata rolls into Thursday with a 7-1 mark this year while Beretta is just 2-6. He is coming off a loss to TNT Champion Christian Cage on last Friday’s AEW Rampage while this is Shibata’s first match since a loss to Eddie Kingston at October’s AEW WrestleDream.
Also announced for Thursday’s show was a rematch between Tony Nese and Ethan Page. Nese recently pinned Page with his feet on the ropes to set up the rematch.
Here’s the current card with more expected to be announced soon:
ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata defends against Trent Beretta
A match was made between the two following a segment that took place on Thursday’s ROH show. Page was gloating about costing Nese a match recently when Mark Sterling came in and said Nese’s loss against Serptentico would be thrown out. Page argued that if Nese’s loss coud be thrown out, then his recent losses against Nese and Woods should be thrown out as well. The two argued until Page dared Nese to face in a match on next week’s show. Nese agreed to the match.
Page has spent most of the fall wrestling on ROH television. Last month, Nese defeated Page in a match, then lost to Woods. Nese has been looking for a rematch against Nese, but Nese has avoided facing Page again. On last week’s ROH on Honor Club, Nese lost to Serptentico after Page got involved in the match.
Here is the lineup for next week’s ROH on Honor Club:
Dr. Britt Baker is set to speak on this Friday’s AEW Rampage.
Baker defeated The Bunny on Dynamite to earn the final spot in the AEW Women’s Championship four-way match at All In against AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida, Toni Storm and Saraya.
Shida and Storm will be on opposite sides of the ring on Friday as they compete against one another in a tag team match. Shida will team with Skye Blue while Storm will be joined by Outcasts’ teammate Ruby Soho.
The Ring of Honor Tag Team titles will be on the line as Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) defend against Ethan Page & Brother Zay. Aussie Open won the titles at ROH’s Death Before Dishonor in a four-way match.
Komander and Rey Fenix will square off for the first time ever on Friday’s show. Komander is coming off his first AEW win when he beat Kip Sabian on the July 26 edition of Rampage.
Sammy Guevara vs. Jon Cruz was also taped as part of the action Wednesday, but that match has not officially been announced as of this writing.
Here’s the updated lineup:
Toni Storm & Ruby Soho vs. AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue
Komander vs. Rey Fenix
Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) vs. Ethan Page & Brother Zay
The following are spoilers for this Friday’s AEW Rampage, taped following Dynamite Wednesday in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Rampage spoilers courtesy of ITN WWE.
The pre-show featured a dark match between hometown favorite Ethan Page who picked up a win over Preston Vance.
AEW Rampage:
QT Marshall and Johnny TV defeated Matt Hardy and Brother Zay. The QTV crew continued to attack Hardy and Zay after the match, but Billy Gunn and Anthony Bowens made the save.
Shawn Spears defeated The Blade
Hikaru Shida defeated Taya Valkyrie
Claudio Castagnoli defeated Komander to retain the ROH World Championship.
Notes:
This was Komander’s first opportunity at a Ring of Honor title and the eighth successful title defense for Castagnoli.
This was Spears’ first AEW match since an early-June house show and first appearance on Rampage since April. He was part of the company’s Toronto debut last October.
This was the first-ever meeting between Valkyrie and Shida.
This was the first AEW in-ring action for Johnny TV (John Morrison/Hennigan) since a June 2022 episode of Dynamite against Miro.
The final stop before Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view has arrived with Friday’s AEW Rampage — back in its normal time slot due to how the NHL playoff schedule has worked out.
The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn will be in action against Rush, Dralistico & Preston Vance in a bout that might play into an AEW Trios title shot Sunday.
Former AEW Women’s Champions Britt Baker & Hikaru Shida will team up to take on former AEW Women’s Champion Nyla Rose & Marina Shafir.
Ahead of their challenge of The Hardys & Brother Zay Sunday for Ethan Page’s contract, Page and former AEW Tag Team Champions The Gunns will be in trios action.
In a preview of Sunday’s 21-man Blackjack battle royal for the AEW International title, Lee Moriarty & Big Bill will battle Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor).
The pre-show matches for Sunday’s PPV are also expected to be announced.
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Taped in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim Ross, Chris Jericho, Tony Schiavone and Excalibur were on commentary.
The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn defeated Rush, Dralistico & Preston Vance (w/ Jose the Assistant) (9:38)
Max Caster gave his chain to a young fan at ringside. It’s always a solid babyface move to make nice with the youngsters. Bowens and Dralistico started out by exchanging chops in the corner. Dralistico hit a nice step-up rana, but Bowens came back with a Fameasser. During the match, it was announced that the House of Black will have an open challenge for the World Trios titles at Double or Nothing Sunday. 59 year old Billy Gunn manhandled Preston Vance with a fallaway slam. The match broke down into a six way brawl on the floor. The heels triple teamed Caster back in the ring,
The heels dominated throughout the split screen break. Caster took punishment from the heels in the corner while Rush taunted the fans. Billy Gunn got the hot tag and sent Rush to the floor with a clothesline. Rush sold more for Billy Gunn that he did for Jack Perry.
Gunn got a near fall on Vance with a Fameasser, but Jose put Vance’s foot on the ropes to break up the cover. Gunn and Bowens pulled Jose in the ring and hit him with Scissor Me Timbers. Rush came back to take out Gunn. Dralistico came in with a springboard codebreaker, but Bowens hit him with the Arrival, and Caster hit the mic drop to get the pinfall.
After the mic, Bowens grabbed the house mic and more or less challenged AEW Trios Champions House of Black for Sunday.
Later, it was announced that the AEW Trios Champions will defend the titles in an open challenge under their house rules.
Ethan Page & The Gunn Club defeated Frescomatic, Watson & Jeaux Braxton (2:34)
The Firm Deletion should have been the end of this thing with Page and Matt Hardy. Isaiah Kassidy is out of the six-man for Sunday after getting Pillmanized last week. This was a complete squash. I’m not even sure the enhancement team got an introduction. Page hit an Iconoclasm on Watson and the Gunns hit the 3:10 to Yuma to get the pinfall.
After the match, Page gloated about taking Kassidy out. Kassidy came out with a neck brace. He’s not cleared, but he found a replacement… Hook. The Hardys and their new partner run Page and the Gunns off. This six man is for the Buy In.
– Lexi Nair interviewed Dustin Rhodes and Keith Lee about the Blackjack Battle Royal. Rhodes promised he and Lee would eliminate Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage, then eliminate everyone else, all for the International Title.
A battle royal for a shot at the title would make more sense than Cassidy defending the title in the battle royal.
Baker and Jericho (at the commentary desk) exchanged dirty looks on Britt’s way to the ring. This was the typical Rampage women’s match where over two minutes of the heels getting heat on the babyface (in this case Baker) during the split-screen break.
After the commercial, Rose missed a dive in the corner and Shafir missed a kick, which allowed Shida to get the hot tag. Shida dominated Shafir and hit a dropkick off the top for a near fall. Baker gave Shafir a neckbreaker and went for a cover, but Rose broke it up by slamming Shida onto Baker. Baker and Shida dumped Rose to the floor. Baker went for the Lockjaw, but Shafir countered with a judo throw and both women struggled on the mat. Shida hit a spin kick on Shafir and Baker maneuvered her into the lockjaw to get the pinfall.
After the match, the big screen in the arena showed the Outcasts standing over an injured Jamie Hayer, who was clutching her arm.
Lee Moriarty & Big Bill defeated Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor) (10:41)
Orange Cassidy will make his 23rd defense of the International Title in the Blackjack Battle Royal. Not for nothing, but 23 is a bust in blackjack. Also, what kind of friends are Beretta and Taylor to take advantage of Orange Cassidy by participating in this match?
The commentators put over Big Bill’s size and strength. The Best Friends gave Moriarty a delayed vertical suplex, and Bill stormed in with a double clothesline. Bill clotheslined Taylor to the floor, then whipped Beretta over the turnbuckle and to the floor.
After the split-screen break, Beretta hit a pair of suplexes on Moriarty, but Bill cut him off with a chokeslam on the ring apron. Many of the other participants in the Blackjack Battle Royal were shown watching in the audience. Well at least we know they didn’t have to pay for tickets. Bill missed a splash in the corner, and the Best Friends hit the Soul Food/Half-and-Half. Then the Best Friends had to give the people what they want!
The Best Friends tried to hit the Strong Zero on Bill, but he powered out and took down Beretta with a spinning Boss Man slam. Bill went to the middle rope for a double team, but Taylor sent Moriarty into Bill. The Best Friends hit Bill with a massive superplex, but Bill kicked out at two. Taylor set up Bill for a piledriver, but Moriarty broke it up. Taylor hit Moriarty with a stuff piledriver. Bill hit Taylor with a big boot, then gave Taylor a chokeslam and got the pinfall. Great showcase for Bill, who looked real strong. Hopefully they don’t forget about him for six months.
After the match, Bill got into Bandido’s face at ringside, and Bandido jumped over the guardrail, starting a brawl between all the battle royal participants around ringside. The intention was there, but it felt like a perfunctory brawl that made me less excited for the match. Orange Cassidy ran in to help the Best Friends, but really just posed there with his belt. Brian Cage, Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes, and finally Swerve Strickland all made entrances to join the fight, although Strickland turned around and left once he saw Lee coming for him.
Final Thoughts:
This show didn’t really do much to get me excited for the pay-per-view Sunday.
The TBS title will be on the line at next weekend’s AEW Double or Nothing as Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie in a rematch.
After Cargill defeated two indie wrestlers with ease on Friday’s Rampage, another came out to challenge but was held off by Valkyrie who returned after a storyline suspension. The two confronted each other with Valkyrie hitting Cargill with Road To Valhalla which is the same move as Cargill’s Jaded. Valkyrie then said she would see the champion at Double or Nothing.
Weeks after Valkyrie debuted for AEW and first confronted Cargill, the two squared off for the first time but Valkyrie was unable to use her finisher. Cargill picked up the victory, but the finish was done in a way to open things up for a rematch.
Cargill is the inaugural TBS Champion and has yet to taste defeat in her young career.
In another new match made Friday, Jeff & Matt Hardy will team with Brother Zay against Ethan Page and The Gunns. If the Hardy team wins, Hard gets control of Page’s contract. Page and the Gunns laid out the Hardys and Zay Friday.
The AEW International Championship blackjack battle royal began to take shape as QT Marshall revealed he has entered his group into the match.
Here’s the updated card for next Sunday’s pay-per-view from Las Vegas, Nevada:
AEW World Champion MJF defends against Sammy Guevara, “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry and Darby Allin in a four-way
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR defend against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy defends the title in a 21-man Blackjack battle royal
TNT Champion Wardlow defends against Christian Cage in a ladder match
AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter defends against Toni Storm
TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Taya Valkyrie
Anarchy in the Arena match: The Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks & Hangman Page) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta)
Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole in an unsanctioned match
The Gunns (Colten and Austin) & Ethan Page vs. Jeff & Matt Hardy and Brother Zay with Page’s contractual status on the line
Bryan Danielson vs. “All Ego” Ethan Page has been added to the December 28 AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash.
Page and manager Stokely Hathaway interrupted an in-ring promo segment with Danielson and Renee Paquette on this week’s Dynamite where Danielson staked his claim to be next in line to face MJF for the AEW World title. Page pointed out that he had made it to the finals of last month’s AEW World title eliminator tournament and deserved the shot more than Danielson. Danielson then challenged Page, who accepted for next week.
Also set for next week’s New Year’s Smash is match six in the best-of-seven AEW World Trios Championship series, with Death Triangle taking on The Elite in a Falls Count Anywhere bout.
Already announced for next week is a TNT title match, with Samoa Joe defending against Wardlow.
Here is the announced lineup for next week:
AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash, Wednesday, December 28 —
TNT Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Wardlow
Trios Championship best-of-seven series Falls Count Anywhere match: Death Triangle vs. The Elite — Death Triangle leads 3-2
Ethan Page has advanced to the finals of the AEW World title eliminator tournament.
Page defeated Bandido on Wednesday’s Dynamite to make it to the finals. Page scored the win after Page cut Bandido off with a bodyslam off the top rope and a shoulder tackle, then pinned him with an Ego’s Edge.
With the victory, Page will now advance to the finals of the tournament, which will take place at Full Gear this coming Saturday.
Who he will face is yet to be determined, as Ricky Starks is set to take on Lance Archer on Rampage this Friday in an opening round match after Archer attacked Starks, causing the match originally set for last week’s Rampage to be postponed. The winner between Archer and Starks will face Brian Cage in the semifinals, though it has not been said when the semifinals will take place.
AEW Full Gear, Saturday, November 19 on pay-per-view —
AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. MJF
ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Interim AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Jamie Hayter
AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) (c) vs. Swerve In Our Glory (Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee)
Steel Cage: Luchasaurus vs. Jungle Boy
Triple threat for TNT title: Wardlow (c) vs. Samoa Joe vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Nyla Rose
Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal vs. Sting & Darby Allin
Saraya vs. Britt Baker
AEW World title eliminator tournament finals: Ethan Page vs. ???
Ethan Page has advanced in the AEW World title eliminator tournament.
Page defeated Eddie Kingston in a first round match on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, earning a spot in the second round. Page will face the winner of Bandido vs. Rush set for Friday’s Rampage episode.
Page used a distraction from Stokely Hathaway to defeat Kingston, securing his place in the next round of the title eliminator tournament.
The tournament will continue on Friday’s Rampage with three matches — Bandido vs. Rush, Ricky Starks vs. Lance Archer, and Brian Cage vs. Dante Martin. The tournament concludes at Full Gear, with the winner receiving a World title shot at either current champ Jon Moxley, or his Full Gear opponent MJF.
The title eliminator tournament winner’s shot will take place at Dynamite’s Winter is Coming episode on December 14.
Second round tournament matches will take place on next week’s Dynamite and Rampage shows.
During a podcast appearance to promote AEW’s debut in Toronto this week, Ethan Page revealed that he recently got to agent his first match in AEW and hopes to do more of it in the future.
Page didn’t say which match and when, but used the experience to express his desire to be in AEW as long as he can — even if it’s not in the ring.
Talking about the future of the company, he said “the potential is unlimited and I don’t just mean on-screen. I mean behind the scenes, too. I have recently got to agent a match, put the headset on, and get to do that live. That was an experience that I hope to be able to do again. I love writing. I love being creative. I hope I have the longest career humanly possible at AEW and not just on-screen.”
The 33-year-old initially signed with AEW in early-2021 and made his debut at March’s Revolution in that year’s Face of the Revolution ladder match. He signed an extension by the end of his debut year, but it’s unknown how many years that was for.
A new match has been added to the Fight for the Fallen edition of Rampage next Friday.
Ethan Page will face Leon Ruffin in a match that was announced Saturday during ROH Death Before Dishonor. This is a rematch between the two, with Page defeating Ruffin in a match that took place on an episode of AEW Dark Elevation that aired on July 13.
Ruffin, best known for his short run in NXT as Leon Ruff, is a former NXT North American Champion. He has worked dates for AEW since being released last year, most recently teaming with Bear Country and Fuego Del Sol in a losing effort against The Acclaimed and The Gunn Club on the July 6 edition of Dynamite.
Lee Moriarty vs. Matt Sydal is also set for Friday. Sydal challenged Moriarty to a match after Moriarty cheated to win his match against Dante Martin on Friday’s Rampage, grabbing the ropes for leverage.
Here is what has been announced so far for this coming Friday’s Rampage:
