AEW finishes up its 2025 with tonight’s Worlds End from the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
The headliner will see Samoa Joe defending the AEW World title against three former champions in Hangman Page, MJF and Swerve Strickland.
The Continental Classic concludes with two semifinals — Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada — and the finals.
AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander defends against former champion Jamie Hayter while inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath defend against Mercedes Mone & Athena.
FTR defend the AEW World Tag Team titles against the Bang Bang Gang in a street fight.
Darby Allin takes on Gabe Kidd in a singles match while The Conglomeration & Toni Storm battle the Death Riders in an eight-person Mixed Nuts Mayhem match.
The Zero Hour pre-show features Sisters of Sin vs. Hyan & Maya World.
Our live coverage begins at 7 pm Eastern with the pre-show with supporting news articles all night long.
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Zero Hour
(Despite being an option announced to watch on, Zero Hour is apparently not being shown on HBO Max. It is, however, still on X, Facebook & YouTube.)
The WrestleAunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City) are joined by Jeff Jarrett & Lexy Nair and run down tonight’s card. RJ tells us we’re kicking the semi-finals off with Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada. Paquette then throws it to a pre-recorded Adam Cole video from his home, who thanks the crowd for all their support and says hopefully you’ll see more of him in 2026. He goes over the Continental Classic semi-finalists and picks Jon Moxley over Kyle Fletcher, Takeshita over Okada and finally Takeshita defeating Moxley. He’s not sure if he’ll be correct, but he knows we’ll see the best wrestling on the planet.
Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue) vs. Hyan & Maya World
Hyan was able to avoid a series of strikes thrown by Blue, who denied a handshake and booted Hyan to her corner for a double flapjack with Hart. Blue was pulled outside by World, as Hyan planted Hart with a leg drop for a near fall. Awkward looking double hip toss into the ropes, but World was able to send Hart & Blue to the outside, attempted a double dive, only to be popped by Hart & Blue, who connected on a dueling draping swinging neckbreaker off the apron. After being isolated, Hyan was able to plant Blue with a suplex and pump kick to allow the World hot tag.
House of fire was World, who strung together combination offense including a rolling cazadora double stomp for two. Hyan back in, but Hart put on the brakes, sent World outside and booted Hyan, allowing Blue to fire a thrust kick. World returns for a yay/boo slugfest with Blue, who hit Code Blue, only World wasn’t the legal woman. Hyan returned, but was ping ponged with thrust kicks until the assisted spinning slam with Hart allowed Blue to get the pin.
Match Result: Sisters of Sin defeated Hyan & Maya World when Blue pinned Hyan
Eddie Kingston vs. Zack Gibson (w/James Drake)
Gibson cut off Arkady Aura and opted to introduce Drake & himself, but they were immediately cut-off by Kingston’s music, as he power-walked to the ring. Drake was sent packing, as the bell sounded and Kingston was relentless on Gibson. Crowd loudly behind Kingston, who was tripped up by Drake, distracting him long enough for Gibson to fly in from off-camera with a dive. Gibson started a strike exchange, but once he realized it wasn’t working, shot for a single leg. Paint brushing the head of Kingston, only woke him up, as Kingston traded loud chops, winning that battle. Kobashi machine gun chops in the corner led to a running boot to the face in the corner. Gibson ran distraction on the ref, allowing Drake to slam Kingston down by the throat with his scarf. Lungblower by Gibson got a near fall, as he trash-talked Kingston for not being good enough and to stay down. Kingston again rose and started a palm strike exchange, ending with an enzugiri and DDT that spiked Gibson for the win.
Post-match, Drake pounced, choking Kingston out with the scarf, as Gibson joined the beating. Drake went up top for the final shot, when Ortiz’s music hit and he ran out to clear the ring. Kingston was stunned to see Ortiz, who got a strong reaction from the crowd, despite not being on AEW TV since January 2024.
Match Result: Eddie Kingston defeated Zack Gibson
Mascara Dorada & ROH Champion Bandido (w/Alex Abrahantes) vs. Rocky Romero & Mark Davis
Davis used his power advantage early, running through Bandido, slamming him down and following with a standing senton for two. Romero tagged in, but ran right into a big boot, allowing Dorada to tag and fly in off the top. Handspring corkscrew into a head scissors got the crowd going, as Dorada scaled the ropes, booted Davis off the apron and followed with a wild springing arm-drag. Romero side-stepped a dive, as Davis caught a flying Dorada and rag-dolled him down. Bandido flew in to make the save, only suffered a massive Davis flying hip attack into the barricade. Dorada was worked over back in the ring, but Davis missed a corner charge, allowing Bandido to make the tag.
Bandido tried his one-arm press on Romero, only Davis made the save, so Dorada did a cross-body, while Bandido took them all out with a Tornillo off the top. Romero begged off, only to eat a double enzugiri in the corner. Over the top sit-out Razor’s Edge from Dorada, as Bandido connected on the Frog Splash, but Davis broke the count. Sliced Bread from Romero netted a near fall of his own, as the Forever Clotheslines followed with fast tags from Davis. Dorada rejoined, allowing Bandido to hit X-Knee on Romero, while Dorada connects with a Shooting Star Press. Bandido launched Dorada clear out of the ring onto Davis, while Bandido finished off Romero with the 21-Plex and the pin. Commentary really put over Bandido & Dorada as a potential tag-team.
Match Result: Mascara Dorada & Bandido defeated Rocky Romero & Mark Davis when Bandido pinned Romero
-We get a brief post-match vignette/interruption saying El Clon is coming to Collision January 2026
-We get a brief post-match vignette/interruption saying El Clon is coming to Collision January 2026
Jurassic Express (Jungle Jack Perry & Luchasaurus) & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) vs. Josh Alexander & The Demand (AEW National Champion Ricochet, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun)
The Demand & Alexander attacked Jurassic Express on the ramp before the bell, as we saw an inset promo from earlier where they promised Don Callis the way to get to Perry is by taking out his dinosaur and clipping his nuts. Perry was planted on the ramp with a suplex, while Kaun & Liona carried Luchasaurus to the back. Alexander & Ricochet celebrated, but ate a double dive from JetSpeed, as this officially began as a handicap match, as Liona & Kaun came back to the ring right as JetSpeed launched Ricochet over the top onto the pile. Rolling splash from Knight back inside on Alexander got a near fall, as Bailey tagged in, went up top, but Ricochet shoved him off, crashing to the floor. Bailey was worked over quite an extended period of time until a counter to a sunset flip with a backflip double knees led to a hot tag from a recovered Perry, who ran wild.
Perry low-bridged Liona to the outside and laid out Ricochet with a bounce back lariat, as a leaping DDT spiked Alexander for a near fall. Numbers still were too much, as The Demand triple teamed Perry, with Ricochet hitting his running Shooting Star for two. G.O.A. went after JetSpeed, who used their quickness to send Kaun & Liona packing. Perry got a few near falls, but Ricochet responded with the visually impressive powerbomb into Death Valley Driver for a close two. Loading up The Spirit Gun, Ricochet went for the home-run shot until Luchasaurus came out with his shoulder bandaged up and took out Kaun & Alexander with clotheslines. Perry made the hot tag to a one-armed Luchasaurus, as JetSpeed took out Kaun & Alexander with double moonsaults. One-arm chokeslam from Luchasaurus on Ricochet, as Perry tagged back in and hit the Sacrifice Knee to get the pin.
I hope Luchasaurus isn’t legit hurt, this absolutely felt like a cover, as he only did two clotheslines and a chokeslam.
Match Result: JetSpeed & Jurassic Express defeated Josh Alexander & The Demand when Perry pinned Ricochet
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AEW Worlds End
Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone & Bryan Danielson before they throw it to a video package for our opening contest, Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada. We then go to Renee Paquette ringside giving last-minute analysis, saying earlier today, she talked to Don Callis earlier today, who said he tried to spend his time between the two 50/50, but Takeshita’s grueling schedule led to him being with Takeshita more. Let the semi-finals begin, as Callis joined the commentary team.
Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada in a Continental Classic Semifinal
(Aside from the literal last few seconds that felt awkward, I thought this was an excellent match and the crowd was hot for this opener. Of course, there had to be shenanigans, so it opens up for a rematch down the line and hopefully it could top even this one. The story is slowly being built that Takeshita is going to leave the Callis Family, as this only adds to that. I can’t wait to see these two go to battle once again, whenever that may be.)
The bell sounded and the crowd are already on their feet, as Okada offered a handshake, which Takeshita slapped away. While the crowd is split, they can agree on one chant, “F Don Callis.” Each trade shoulder blocks, but neither budge, as both trade Rainmaker/Power Drive Knee attempts, dodge, until a Takeshita-line connects. Takeshita worked over the shoulder, but the long legs of Okada got a rope break and chance to take a powder. Takeshita wouldn’t allow it, as he was out after Okada, charged, only to take a drop toe-hold into a chair and spiked with a DDT on the floor. No sense of urgency back inside by Okada, which briefly awoken Takeshita, who took another DDT, leaving Okada with a smile on his face before making a cover for two. Okada went for a third, only this time, Takeshita put on the brakes and really worked for a stalling suplex. Okada avoided a Takeshita-line, but not the head scissors that took him outside yet again. Takeshita built up speed and connected on a Tope before taking a good look at the Continental Title that’s ringside.
Back inside, Helluva Kick led to Takeshita keeping Okada grounded, until Okada went for the eyes to get free. Multiple boots from the corner led to the Air Raid Crash on the knee, as Okada slammed Takeshita down and followed with the zero-elevation elbow drop. Middle finger to the crowd and his opponent, as Takeshita rose with Okada still flipping him off, leading to a forearm exchange, rocking each man. Okada wanted a Tombstone, each countered until Takeshita got the Bastard Driver into the release German to pop the crowd huge. Okada blocked a Power Drive Knee into Emerald Flowsion, tried a Rainmaker, which Takeshita countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for the double down.
Okada got wrist control and threw a Rainmaker, which Takeshita no sold, so Okada threw another and Takeshita collapsed. Holding on, Okada went for another, but Takeshita fired off a forearm. Each trade backslides, Takeshita missed a Power Drive Knee to the corner, allowing Okada to hit a German Suplex. Maintaining wrist control, Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Takeshita got a cazadora roll-up for a close two. Each trade elbows and shotgun dropkicks, as Takeshita charged in, only right into Okada’s dropkick. Takeshita dodged another Rainmaker, this time into a nasty Poison Rana and Power Drive Knee, but Okada kicked out.
Okada was sent to the corner, where we see him grab a screwdriver hidden in the turnbuckle. They kind of mess up the spot where Takeshita ducked an initial charge, was supposed to send Okada into referee Paul Turner, who stood there awkwardly and then had to just turn around for no reason, he was distracted by the wind, I suppose. This allowed Okada to deck Takeshita with the screwdriver and get the pin, hiding the evidence after, as Callis briefly checked on Takeshita before celebrating with Okada up the ramp, leaving Takeshita.
Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Konosuke Takeshita to advance to the Continental Classic Finals
During the entrances for our next match, Renee Paquette was again ringside saying despite the previous semi-final involving two of his best friends, he never watched a second of their build up, as he’s been fully focused on studying film on Moxley and preparing for the match at hand. We’re also told Don Callis was supposed to be on commentary, but must be backstage trying to smooth things over with Takeshita.
Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher in a Continental Classic Semifinal
(Unbelievable match, I wouldn’t argue if you’d call this the best match of the C2 so far. The fans being behind Moxley after over a year of hating him, the callback to Fletcher scurrying to find the screwdriver, only we all knew it wasn’t there as Okada used it before, which Fletcher didn’t realize. The false finishes with the crowd biting at all of them made this a first-time meeting to remember between these two. I can’t say enough good things about this match.)
Bryan Danielson said it was interesting that Moxley was booed a majority of the year, but was cheered tonight by the fans and questions if it’s due to no Death Rider shenanigans allowed in the C2. Fletcher slowed the pace early, trying to frustrate Moxley, as the stalling only pissed Moxley off, who went out after Fletcher, lighting him up with forearms and into the barricade and commentary table. Back inside, Fletcher immediately hit a snap slam and posed for the crowd before going to work. It was brief, as Moxley quickly hit a corner splash and chucked Fletcher back outside, where he quickly followed with running boots. Fletcher tackled Moxley into the barricade before trapping the leg between the post and steps, dropkicking them. That’s what Fletcher zoned in on back inside, as we’re told this is a great game plan by Fletcher, due to Moxley’s recent submission struggles.
Moxley is bleeding from the mouth and it’s from a broken front tooth, as Moxley fires off a desperation Cutter, sending Fletcher outside. Moxley tried a dive, got enough of it, but the bad leg didn’t allow much of a take-off. Taking too much time to follow-up back inside, Fletcher hit a quick Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Fletcher tried trash talking, which only woke Moxley up, as he no sold clotheslines and turned Fletcher inside out with one of his own. Both men slowly rise and trade forearms until Moxley fired off a shotgun dropkick and corner punches, until Fletcher sent Moxley over the top awkwardly on the bad wheel. Fletcher wanted a PK, was blocked the leg swept out. Moxley tried a Curb Stomp, missed, giving Fletcher a chance to destroy Moxley with a Brainbuster on the apron. The facial expression from Moxley is gif worthy, as Fletcher demanded referee Bryce count Moxley out.
Moxley just beat the count, but rolled right into an awaiting Liger Bomb for a close two. Fletcher sank in a Half Crab, as all those times the crowd wanted Moxley to tap this year have changed to cheers to want him to escape. Fletcher cranked back so far that Moxley was able to get the Bulldog Choke and Fletcher’s face started turning purple. Cranking the injured ankle, Fletcher broke free and got the Ankle Lock with the grapevine. Moxley swiped for all his might and just managed the ropes with the crowd loudly chanting for him. Fletcher wanted his Avalanche Brainbuster, but Moxley bit at the noggin, slid out, crotched Fletcher and hooked a Rear Naked Choke, but had to break, so he switched to an Avalanche Cutthroat Suplex, dropping Fletcher square on his head. Danielson questions if they need more than referee Bryce to check on Fletcher and they show the replay multiple times, I agree.
Fletcher couldn’t get to his feet, so Moxley delivered a Curb Stomp, completely spiking Fletcher, who nearly caught Moxley with a crucifix pin for two on a counter. Fletcher exploded up, thrust kick, Moxley kicked out at one and fired up, only Fletcher met him with a Helluva Kick and Sheer Drop Brainbuster, but Moxley kicked out. Defiant Moxley stood and flipped off Fletcher, who dropped him easily, flipping the crowd off himself. With Bryce checking on Moxley, Fletcher scurried to try and find the screwdriver, only Okada had used it earlier. The distraction allowed a quick pin attempt by Moxley for two, Rear Naked Choke, which Fletcher countered into a two count. Paradigm Shift planted Fletcher, who kicked out at two, Death Rider landed, but again Fletcher kicked out. Moxley quickly locked in the Rear Naked Choke, Fletcher rose to his feet, but faded, ultimately passing out giving Moxley the win. Fletcher regained consciousness in the post-match and screamed that he didn’t tap out. He charged at Moxley and chop blocked out the bad leg before walking off, as Moxley struggled to his feet and limped back through the crowd.
Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kyle Fletcher to advance to the Continental Classic Finals
FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood w/Stokely) vs. Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn) in a Chicago Street Fight for the AEW Tag Team Titles
(This certainly was a weapons filled street fight, I just think it should’ve gone on later in the show, as the crowd seemed exhausted after the first two matches. There were moments the crowd were loudly behind Gunn & Robinson, but I don’t think they ever thought there’d be a title change. I hope Stokely is ok, as despite him getting involved a lot, the table bump he missed looked pretty nasty. I’m interested in seeing who is next in line for FTR, as there are plenty of teams to challenge the champs going forward.)
Bell sounds and the fight is on and a table immediately is set up against the barricade, as Wheeler & Gunn fight up the ramp while Robinson & Harwood fight into the crowd. Gunn launched Wheeler into the LED screen at the entrance, until Gunn waffled him with a trash can. Taking way too long to follow-up, Gunn charged for a Fame-Asser, but ate a trash can to the face as a result. Going back down the aisle, it looked like Wheeler was going to use a bottle I think, but shattered before it could happen. Harwood & Robinson brawl back to ringside, where Stokely had set-up another table, only Robinson hit a slingshot into the corner on Harwood before setting him onto the table, going up top for a dive, but Wheeler returned to cut him off and hit an Avalanche Back Suplex. They place the trash can over Gunn and smack it off with a kendo stick saying it was “better than the White Sox.”
Robinson made the save, giving Gunn a chance to recover enough to tackle Wheeler through the ropes to the outside. Robinson lit up Harwood with jabs and a spinebuster for two, as Wheeler sent Gunn crashing into the steps, telling Stokely to grab the kendo stick. Harwood clobbered Robinson with a Tag Title belt, as Wheeler swung for the fences with the kendo stick on Gunn, who blocked it with a trash can lid and smashed it into the face of Wheeler. Placing it over his back, Gunn ran into Wheeler once with it, tried again, but Wheeler side-stepped, sending Gunn flying over the announce table. The belt shot busted Robinson opened, as Wheeler chop blocked the leg, while Stokely kept handing FTR weapons to use on it.
Gunn was able to make a return, as he & Wheeler went crashing through the table set-up against the barricade. As Harwood had a leg-lock applied on Robinson, he crawled to a fire extinguisher and sprayed Harwood to get free. Left Hand of God and Juice is Loose followed, as Robinson made the cover, but Stokely attacked referee Paul Turner. Stokely tried to use the chair on Robinson, who easily blocked the shot and Stokely ran for his life saying he’s not part of the match. Repeated chair shots to Harwood & a returning Wheeler, but Stokely again got involved, trying to get the chair away. After a tug-of-war, Robinson sent Stokely off the apron and supposed to go through the table, but he missed almost all of it and landed hard outside. Low Blow by Harwood, as Robinson turned into Shatter Machine, but Gunn broke the count. Fame-Asser missed by Gunn, as Harwood hit a Piledriver on the trash can, but Gunn kicked out. FTR quickly hit a Spike Piledriver, rolled through, placed a Tag Title down and hit another, busting Gunn open, getting the win.
Match Result: FTR defeated Bang Bang Gang to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Harwood pinned Gunn
Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron) vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone & ROH Women’s Champion Athena for the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles
(Lot of moving parts down the stretch and while not everything landed completely, I think this turned into a very entertaining match and title defense for the new champs. Cameron & Nightingale continue to find their groove and develop into a solid team and good choice for first Tag Champions. The collapse of Ultimo Mone continues, this time, perhaps creating a new enemy in the ROH Forever Champion.)
Mone with the cheap shot on Cameron at the bell, but Nightingale was there with a series of corner clothesline and slingshot into a Cameron kitchen sink. Athena & Mone side-stepped two enzugiris and connecting on sliding attacks before sending both Cameron & Nightingale outside. Nightingale avoided a Meteora and hit a powerbomb on the apron, but was wiped out by an Athena dive. Cameron tried a cross body off the apron, was caught by Athena, only for Nightingale to hit a running tackle of her own. Back inside, Athena begged off on Cameron, but it was a way for Mone to get a blindside and a Lungblower/Backstabber combo for two. Cameron was isolated until a DDT on Athena led to a double down and chance for Nightingale to make the hot tag and run wild. Blind tag by Athena, as Nightingale planted Mone with a spinebuster. Head scissors from Nightingale, but Athena landed on her feet and used the momentum to hit a wildly impressive spinning double knees for two.
Athena played to the crowd, resulting in Nightingale launching her with a Pounce. Cameron & tags in, running wild with clotheslines and just enough of a Sling Blade. Mone cut Cameron off in the corner, but as she & Athena got up with her, Nightingale wiped both challengers out with a powerbomb. Cameron connected on a cross body and double crucifix on Athena & Mone before tagging Nightingale back in. Sole Food/Spinning Back Drop combo connected, but Mone made the save. Nightingale tried to slingshot Athena, who turned it into an O-Face on Cameron. Backstabber into the Statement Maker on Nightingale, but as Mone wrenched back, Nightingale powered into a DVD. Athena tried to break the count, but collided with her own partner, as Mone got up, missed Nightingale and decked Athena. Nightingale squashed both in the corner with splashes and clotheslines before going up top, only to be cut-off. Athena used Mone to deliver a Superplex/Powerbomb combo before an assisted Gory Bomb, but Cameron broke the count, leading to a double cross body attempt from Cameron & Athena for the match reset.
Athena fired off a series of kicks, but Cameron answered with Her Finishing Move. Mone was up and dropped Cameron with a Mone Maker, tried the same on Nightingale, who countered into a roll-up for the flash pin.
Match Result: Babes of Wrath defeated Mercedes Mone & Athena to retain the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles when Nightingale pinned Mone
Darby Allin vs. Gabe Kidd
(The way these two were bleeding buckets, you would’ve thought there had been weapons galore, but there weren’t. I hope there isn’t another 4 months wait between Kidd matches, as he could certainly be a permanent player on the AEW roster. Despite only appearing sporatically, he’s always knocked it out of the park in AEW in my opinion. Allin, continues to be one of the best babyfaces in wrestling and hopefully 2026 can finally be the time where he holds the AEW World Title, it’s been long overdue.)
What can only be described as an art house video played before the match showing the history he’s had with Kidd and ending with the words on the screen reading “I’ll Remember You as You Were, Not as What You’ll Become.” Kidd had a Death Riders entrance from the crowd and violently threw Allin from the ring to the floor, clipping Allin’s head on the apron in the process. Kidd took too long to follow-up, giving Allin a chance to recover enough to fly with a dive and slam Kidd’s head repeatedly into the barricade. Allin broke the count, but even that delay allowed Kidd to shoot a double leg and tackle Allin over the time keepers area. Kidd placed Allin under the ring steps and hit a slingshot, causing part of the steps to fly up in the air and come back down onto Allin’s face. To no one’s surprise, this busted Allin opened badly back inside. Allin was brought up to the apron and Kidd full steam launched him head first into the ring post, causing Allin to do a 360 spin into the camera man.
Allin ducked a chair shot and dropkicked it into Kidd’s face, causing a gusher as well. Allin bit at the bloody head before placing Kidd on a chair and successfully connecting on a missile dropkick from the top. Back inside, Kidd launched Allin clear across the ring with a shotgun dropkick and wanted an Avalanche Piledriver, but Allin bit at the face, raked the back and hit an Avalanche Code Red for two. Allin quickly went up top and hit a Coffin Drop, but Kidd wisely rolled outside. Allin again went up top and landed another Coffin Drop, this time to the floor, crushing Kidd. There are puddles of blood on the floor, as back inside, Kidd kicked out of a pin, but landed right into a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin applied a Scorpion Death Lock as we get a Stone Cold Wrestlemania 13 visual of a bleeding Kidd, until Allin slumped forward and broke the hold. Kidd recovered, battering ram headbutt and bounce back lariat that took Allin’s head off followed by a jumping piledriver for two. Kidd goes to apply a sleeper, but Allin kicked through and got a flash pin. Nigel McGuinness correctly said Allin didn’t win the match more so survived it. Referee Rick Knox had to help Allin to his feet and up the ramp, as Kidd looked furious.
Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Gabe Kidd
TNT Champion Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Timeless Toni Storm vs. Death Riders (CMLL World Champion Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir) in a Mixed Nuts Mayhem Match
(This was as much chaotic fun as you could have in a match, with the heels running wild early, but the babyfaces ramping up down the stretch got the crowd really going. The men/women interactions were done really well, as we got a Castagnoli Giant Swing, Yuta & Garcia getting beat up and our brief interaction with Strong & Shafir, who, even though I still don’t think we’ve been told they’re married on AEW TV, it’s a pretty bad kept secret, as the entire crowd knew. I loved the involvement of Storm & Cassidy and would love to see them involved in more hijinks heading into the new year.)
Tornado Tag rules, no tags needed, but pin or submission must happen in the ring. I’m glad they told us that this time, as everyone started brawling to start the match, until Yuta grabbed Storm from Shafir and tossed her outside. This got loud “F You Yuta” chants I’m sure he would’ve gotten anyway. Briscoe promptly kicked his ass, pleasing the crowd, until a dive wiped out Garcia. Strong laid out Yuta with an Angle Slam, but Castagnoli was there with a receipt for Strong, who knocked him out of the C2. Cassidy & Garcia faced off in the ring, where Cassidy mocked Garcia’s dance, so Garcia slapped on multiple submissions until a Stundog Millionaire by Cassidy connected. Single punch in the corner from Cassidy amped the crowd, as Shafir came in and both put their hands in their pockets. Shafir fired off kicks, swept the leg, Cassidy kipped up, low bridged her to the floor, as Yuta attacked Cassidy from behind.
The following few minutes saw all the Death Riders gang up on Cassidy, Strong & Briscoe one at a time, with locomotion corner strikes and flipping the crowd off. Finally, for the first time since the start of the match, Storm returned and went after Shafir, who tried a kimura, which Storm countered with a hip attack off the apron to the floor. Castagnoli grabbed Storm by the hair, but Briscoe made the save and he & Storm mowed Castagnoli down with a double shoulder tackle. Storm sent Briscoe to the outside with a dive on Yuta, as Garcia tried to go after Storm, but Cassidy made the save. It takes two to tango, as Cassidy & Storm spun one another around, took out Garcia & Yuta, before Storm dipped Cassidy. Shafir put a stop to this and missed Sweet Cheek Music, as Castagnoli sprinted in and thankfully missed a wild uppercut.
Spinning DDT from Cassidy onto Castagnoli, as Briscoe flew off the top with a Froggy Bow for two, as Yuta & Garcia broke it up. Cassidy tried to make the save, but suffered the same fate. Storm returned, faced off with both, sending them into one another, release Germans on both Garcia & Yuta until Shafir returned, boxed the ears, but Storm got a Big Package for two. Castagnoli broke it up, placed Storm in the corner, so Storm slapped him in the face and hit a Tornado DDT, but Castagnoli popped up and delivered a Giant Swing on Storm. Strong sent Castagnoli pakcing with a big knee, leaving Strong & Shafir facing off with the crowd popping. Shafir punted him in the face, but Strong chopped her in the back. Cassidy hit an Orange Punch on Garcia, as Storm followed with Storm Zero. Yuta ate another Orange Punch, as Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music, with Briscoe returning and hitting a Jay Driller to get the win.
Post-match, Babes of Wrath came in to celebrate with The Conglomeration & Storm, who danced around with Cassidy. Mina Shirakawa & Luther came to the ring, as Storm laid a smooch on her lady before spinning her around. Cassidy wanted in on it, so Storm spun him around as well. Excalibur asked if we’re witnessing the birth of a throuple?
Match Result: Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Timeless Toni Storm defeated Death Riders when Briscoe pinned Yuta
-Lexy Nair is backstage outside of Mercedes Mone’s locker room, as Mone stormed by her and screamed her head off, crying. She calmed down and came back out to Nair, saying she was now ready. Nair said the end of 2025 hasn’t been good to her, which Mone was insulted by, rattling off her accomplishments. Mone said at New Year’s Smash on Dynamite, she’s going to beat Willow Nightingale’s “F*cking Ass” (not bleeped).
Kris Statlander vs. Jamie Hayter for the AEW Women’s World Title
(Definition of back-and-forth battle, with both ladies throwing bombs and as the match continued, the crowd ramped up and couldn’t decide who to full get behind. These two beat the hell out of one another and I’m not sure what’s next for either, but hopefully Hayter remains in the title picture, she looked great, even in defeat.)
Both tried early finishers, with the other dodging until Hayter got the shoulder tackle to stand tall, but Statlander was there to deliver one of her own. Both nodded in agreement to try again, as they collided, kipped up and faced off once more. Statlander caught Hayter between the ropes and hit a step-up leg drop, sending the challenger to the floor. Statlander tried her swinging moonsault, Hayter dodged, Statlander landed on her feet, but recovered enough to send Hayter into the steps. Back inside, a back suplex into a Vader Bomb by Statlander, who remained in the driver seat with the crowd dueling chants. Hayter battled back, clotheslining Statlander to the floor, but her feet were swept out, slammed into the commentary table and barricade. While on the Spanish Announce Table, Hayter connected with a missile dropkick perfectly, folding Statlander up. Taking her back in the ring, Hayter hit another missile dropkick for a near fall.
Statlander responded with a Snapmare Driver and cradle sit-out slam for a two of her own. Both ladies slug it out, with Hayter winning the exchange, as Statlander crawled to the apron to try and recover. Hayter won’t let up, as she drags Statlander up and hits an Avalanche Exploder for a near fall. Statlander floated over a lariat into a nice Package Piledriver to get a close two. Going up top, Statlander was cut-off by Hayter, only this time, Statlander slipped through, but Hayter punched out briefly. Statlander re-joined Hayter up top where she planted Hayter with a spinning Avalanche Fisherman’s Driver. Statlander wanted Hayter-ade, but Hayter dropped Statlander on her head with a suplex before following up with a Shining Wizard for two. Hayter signaled for the finish, wanted Hayter-adde, but Statlander Matrix’d out, only to eat a thrust kick. Statlander hit an enzugiri, but Hayter was there with a Hayt-breaker. Statlander still didn’t go down, as Hayter hit a suplex and a match reset.
Both ladies trade heavy shots, until Statlander slapped Hayter, pissing the challenger off, as Statlander hits Hayter-ade, only Hayter responded with Saturday Night Fever for another double down. Champion & Challenger pull themselves up and both swing for the fences, Hayter connecting first, but as Hayter went for the finish, Statlander countered into Saturday Night Fever for the win.
Match Result: Kris Statlander defeated Jamie Hayter to retain the AEW Women’s World Title
-Don Callis is backstage with Kazuchika Okada, saying it all comes down to this, forget about everything else. We’ve never seen Mox vs. Okada before and with all the talk of Unified Championship, when Okada wins tonight, he’ll remain the Unified Champion, as he’ll go back-to-back Continental Classic wins. Callis said a few weeks ago, Moxley tried to intimidate him, so a New Years Resolution is revenge on those who wronged him, so nothing sounds better than Okada standing over him. Callis said he plays the long game, every day the last 3 and a half years he’s had to look at what Moxley did to him with the scar on his head. Okada said Moxley has accomplished so much, but never beaten Okada, the greatest tournament wrestler of all time, bitch.
-Jon Moxley was backstage earlier and said for years he’s heard about The Rainmaker being the top of the food chain. The C2 is a beautiful thing, win, lose or draw, it’s about passion, it’s what you dream about, showing the world what you’ve given your life to. The C2 is a hill worth dying on and told Okada he’s going to have to kill him.
Kazuchika Okada vs. Jon Moxley in the Continental Classic Finals for the AEW Continental Title
(Hell of a way to cap off a spectacular Continental Classic, as this slowly built up to one great finish. Perhaps a surprising result to some, but I’m interested in seeing where Death Riders & Don Callis Family go from here. Perhaps this was a catalyst to the two factions feuding, which would be something certainly different in the new year. The post-match fired up promo from Jon Moxley is one that one a very few can deliver with such intensity, he continues to show why he’s the backbone of this company.)
Okada wanted a handshake, but Moxley flipped him off, as the crowd started chanting Green Bay Sucks (since the Packers just lost and Bears clinched the division for those who were wondering). Okada got one shot in on the leg, forcing Moxley to go outside and regroup. Both have an intense face-off back inside, but Okada picked the ankle, zoning in on the bad leg. While placed in the corner, Okada hit his dropkick, but instead of tumbling immediately outside, Moxley’s leg got caught in the ropes. Quickly out after, Okada spiked Moxley with a DDT and continues his slow assault by dropping Moxley knee first onto the steps. Moxley tried firing up with chops, but all it took was one boot to the leg to regain control back inside.
Okada sank in a leg-lock, as Moxley headbutt his way out of it, but Okada recovers quickly enough to hit a sliding dropkick and back elbow that saw Moxley just crumble. Slingshot senton followed by the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker, as Okada slowly made the cover for two. Zero elevation elbow drop led to a smiling Okada flipping off the crowd, until Moxley grabbed the finger, swung and decked Okada with a lariat. Okada tried another dropkick in response, but Moxley put on the brakes and sank in a Figure Four, but Okada got the ropes. Moxley tried to pump himself up, but the delay allowed multiple Dragon Screws from Okada, as Danielson brought up Hiroshi Tanahashi, the master of the move. Okada applied a Cloverleaf, but just made the ropes. Hard forearm exchange that Okada initially won, but Moxley avoided another Air Raid Crash, this time into a Gotch Style Piledriver for two.
Moxley wanted a Paradigm Shift, but Okada spun out, tried to send Moxley into the ref, who put on the brakes, as the ref covered up. Okada punted Moxley low and hit a Rainmaker, but Moxley kicked out. Okada went outside and grabbed the Continental Title, bringing it in the ring, but Stephon Smith caught him, taking the title out. The distraction gave Moxley a chance to return the favor with a low blow of his own, allowing a reset and Moxley recover. Another forearm exchange, as Moxley switched to jabs, but ran right into a signature Okada dropkick. Moxley stood right up, as Okada got a backslide, wrist control, Rainmaker. Holding on, Moxley kicked out of a second one into Paradigm Shift, but Okada kicked out, so it’s back to the Bulldog Choke in a Rear Naked Choke. Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Moxley ducked into a Rainmaker of his own followed by another Paradigm Shift, but Okada out at one. Curb Stomp from Moxley, as the crowd gets really going for him, as he spiked Okada with a Death Rider and got the pin.
Post-match, Death Riders hit the ring, as they all hug Moxley and hand him the Continental Title. Tony Schiavone is also in the ring, as Castagnoli puts the belt around Moxley’s waist. Schiavone puts over Moxley’s accomplishments, as Moxley said to hell with all that, this title doesn’t belong to him, it belongs to everybody in this Continental Classic that busted their ass and fans who support professional wrestling. They owe it to them to give everything they have, every time they step into the ring, he owes it to his teammates, they are the hardest working professional athletes in the world. Moxley doesn’t just mean everyone in the ring with him, but everyone in AEW who shows up every f*cking day and they will continue to do so, as there is no other organization like All Elite Wrestling. They give 100% every damn time, as it’s what the fans and this job deserves.
Excalibur brought up this time a year ago, maybe this title is what Jon Moxley needed. Bryan Danielson said it’s hard for him to take Moxley at face value, but maybe he did what he did to truly change AEW like he promised.
Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the Continental Classic and the AEW Continental Title
Samoa Joe vs. Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. MJF for the AEW Men’s World Title
(An action-packed main event on a night filled with some damn fine wrestling. Everyone looked good in this one, getting off plenty of offense and after a long night, the crowd was still into it even down the stretch. You could really question why move the title off Page if Joe was going to have such a short reign, but having MJF hold this over Page’s head before they inevitably have a singles match for the title, makes sense. You have Bandido getting a shot in a few weeks, Strickland, Page, Joe, even Darby Allin, Jon Moxley, all could be in the World Title picture and I’m looking forward to seeing who MJF has to face in his second reign.)
Page & Joe and Strickland & MJF pair off early, as Joe was sent outside, while MJF tried to cheap shot Page, only to take a fall away slam and sent to the apron. Springboard lariat caught MJF, as Joe returned and walloped Page with a chop and enzugiri. Running boot to the face of Page as MJF was sent to the floor as well until Strickland targets the taped up elbow of Joe with a pump kick. MJF hit a Griddy to mock Strickland and did his running start pelvic thrust into the face of Strickland, who popped up and delivered uppercuts aplenty before a diving uppercut led to a Strickland Griddy and thrust into MJF’s face. Strickland followed with a Fosbury Flop outside to MJF, but Joe wiped both out with a Tope. Page flew into the camera shot with an Orihara Moonsault, overshooting Strickland & Joe, but clipping MJF and holding his jaw.
Back inside, MJF wanted a Heatseeker on Strickland, who avoided, side-stepped MJF and hit a springboard Swerve Stomp off the apron to the outside. Page delivered a Buckshot off the back of Strickland to take out Joe, leaving Page & Strickland to face-off and the fans go nuts. Slugfest ensues, each getting in some bombs before Strickland spun out in the ropes, Page floated over a powerbomb attempt into an O’Connor Roll for two. Page flipped out of the corner, wanted a Tombstone, Strickland reversed into Dead Eye. Page dodged House Call with a lariat and hit a Buckshot Lariat for two, which Joe broke up. Joe wanted a Muscle Buster, but Page saved Strickland at first, he wanted an Avalanche Fall Away, but Joe put a stop to it and powerbombed both onto a returning MJF. Joe made covers on everyone, but all kicked out at two.
Joe wanted a Muscle Buster on Strickland, who rolled out into a rolling Cutter on MJF. Up kick to Joe, as Strickland followed with a German Suplex. Page came in, Strickland slid underneath into a powerbomb slam for a near fall. Joe charged for a splash on Strickland in the corner, as Page sent MJF crashing outside yet again before planting Strickland with Angels Wings. Page teased a Buckshot, but opted to moonsault MJF off the apron. Buckshot attempt to Strickland was countered, but Page was still able to hit a pop-up powerbomb for two. Page missed a corner charge on MJF, who connected on his double stomp to the arm out of the corner, Water Wheel Drop to Strickland, chucking him into Joe in the corner. Page missed a Buckshot, MJF missed Heatseaker, but connected on the slingshot Cutter before sinking in Salt of the Earth right as Joe applied a Coquina Clutch on Strickland, forcing MJF to break his submission to stop the choke. Coquina Clutch applied to MJF, who wanted Salt of the Earth on Joe, a callback to Joe winning the title back in 2023, but Strickland flew in with a House Call. MJF rolled through Big Pressure into a roll-up and poked the eyes. Page & Strickland laid out MJF, while both kipped up to avoid a charging Joe, took him down before swinging at each other for the reset.
MJF flew in with a Destroyer out of the corner on Strickland for two, as Excalibur said it’s maybe a callback to Adam Cole and Better Than You Bay-Bay. Page connected on Dead Eye to MJF, teased Buckshot, but Joe decked him to the floor. Rolling DDT spiked Joe by Strickland, until The Opps appeared and attacked everyone not named Samoa Joe, who planted Page with a Muscle Buster, but Page kicked out. HOOK argued with referee Bryce, as Joe instructed Hobbs & Shibata to dispatch of Nana, but didn’t see Strickland fly off the top with a Swerve Stomp to both. Page waffled Joe with a right hand and turned to HOOK, but Joe sank in a Coquina Clutch. Strickland managed to Swerve Stomp over Page and catch Joe flush, as referees are forcing The Opps to go to the back, even though we were told them being out there was legal.
Joe went up to the corner with Strickland, who broke free with a powerbomb, was going for another Swerve Stomp, but MJF launched him off the top head first into the side of the announce desk. Page flew in with two Buckshots on Joe, but on the third, MJF shoved Joe out of the way, kicked Page low and hit a Heatseeker on Joe to win the match and title. Massive pyro went off in the post-match, as MJF said to cry about it all you want, he’s a generational talent, a two-time champion and he’s better than you and you f’n know it. Bryan Danielson reminds us how insufferable MJF was during his first reign, he can’t imagine what this will be like.
Match Result: MJF defeated Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland & Hangman Page to win the AEW Men’s World Title pinning Joe
