Hangman Page comments on AEW locker room’s reaction to WWE counterprogramming

Hangman Page says AEW isn’t focused on WWE running events on the same day as theirs.

Page’s match against Kyle Fletcher on Saturday at AEW All Out went head-to-head with the preshow for WWE Wrestlepalooza. He was asked at the post-event presser how much the story of WWE’s counter programming was permeating through the AEW locker room. Page responded that it isn’t.

Page said:

“That’s a great question because I think that the assumption would be it’s what we’re talking about, it’s what we’re worried about. But the truth, the honest truth is that it’s not remotely.

“It’s something that we see coming. When it does happen, it’s like ok yeah, I figured.”

“We’re so focused on what we do here. We’ve got over 13,000 people in the building today who came to see us.”

“All those people (that) buy those pay-per-views, they are here to watch us, that’s what we’re focused on. I know that might not be what you’d assume is happening and what the talk is but that’s the honest truth. We’re just so committed and so focused on putting forth the best effort we can. That’s all that’s on our mind.”

Earlier in his appearance at the AEW All Out presser, Page was asked about a potential dream opponent. He responded that he doesn’t have one, explaining that his goals in professional wrestling have always been more about being accepted than a specific achievement.

“What I wanted from professional wrestling was to have a place and earn my way into it and feel accepted into that world. That’s all I wanted.”

“Holding this world championship is certainly like a dream achievement. But more than anything, in my entire career, it’s just been to kind of figure out where in the world I belong. And I’m glad because I think I’ve figured that out.”

Page’s appearance at the AEW All Out post-event presser is available below. His answer to John Pollock’s question about WWE counter programming comes in around the 7-minute and 45-second mark.

AEW All Out live results: Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher, five title matches

Saturday marks the third-straight AEW pay-per-view with an early start as All Out emanates from Toronto in the afternoon.

Sans Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland, today’s card will have a different look as Hangman Page defends his AEW World title against first-time challenger Kyle Fletcher.

Christian Cage & Adam Copeland return to Toronto as a team to take on FTR in a first time ever grudge match.

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Thekla, Kris Statlander, and Jamie Hayter in a four-way while Mercedes Mone defends the TBS title against Riho.

In a coffin match, Jon Moxley will fight Darby Allin while Kazuchika Okada defends the Unified title against Konosuke Takeshita and Mascara Dorada in a three-way.

AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido defends against The Young Bucks, Josh Alexander & Hechicero, and JetSpeed in a four-way ladder match.

MJF takes on Mark Briscoe in a tables & tacks match while Eddie Kingston returns from more than a year away to face Big Bill.

In a trios match, The Hurt Syndicate takes on Ricochet and GOA.

The Tailgate Brawl kicks off at 2 PM Eastern on HBO Max & TNT with four matches.

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AEW Tailgate Brawl

The Opps (Samoa Joe & Powerhouse Hobbs) vs. The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)

(A quick, dominating showing for The Opps to get the crowd going to kick off the days action. As great as The Opps are as a trio, Joe & Hobbs could absolutely be a team that could go after the Tag Titles if they so choose.)

Tony Schiavone, Matt Menard & Nigel McGuinness are on the call, as The Workhorsemen were already in the ring during The Opps entrance. Henry tried firing off early strikes on Hobbs, who didn’t budge, opting to hit a huge series of bodyslams before Drake saved his partner, only to eat one himself. Joe tagged in and peppered Drake with strikes and running senton. Drake got in an eye rake and chop, leading to an assisted Tornado DDT from Henry, but Joe was out at one. Fast tags from The Workhorsemen until Joe caught Drake with a snap powerslam for the double down.

Hobbs made the tag and ran wild with splashes and meat clotheslines in the corner, mowing down Henry before Joe tagged back in with a corner enzugiri on Drake. Fighting off a Muscle Buster, Drake tried a dive, but Joe did the signature walk away before sinking in the Coquina Clutch. Hobbs laid out Henry with a spinebuster while Drake tapped out. As The Opps celebrated on the stage, the music for Katsuyori Shibata hit and it led to our next match.

Match Result: The Opps defeated The Workhorsemen when Joe submitted Drake

Daniel Garcia (w/Marina Shafir) vs. Katsuyori Shibata

(This was a Collision caliber main event in my opinion, as these two beat the hell out of one another. That said, if you’re going to be part of the Death Riders, you’re going to have to get used to shenanigans in the finish and that’s what we got here for Garcia’s first singles win with the crew. It’s interesting that only Matt Menard has been having an issue with Garcia’s attitude, while McGuinness has just called him a lost cause and moved on. With the history they have with one another, I would’ve thought there’d be more from that.)

Garcia has a Death Riders mix for his music, as he made his way through the crowd with Shafir and was met with loud You Sold Out chants as Shibata sprinted at him with a running boot to start. Garcia bailed to the floor before Shibata could get his stalling dropkick, as the two brawled, where Shibata sent Garcia crashing into almost every corner of the barricade as things went to commercial.

When things returned, Garcia caught Shibata with a DDT on the floor until Menard left commentary, getting in the face of Garcia, screaming for answers, but Garcia never looked at him. Instead, Garcia trapped Shibata’s head between the ring steps and dropkicked them in a brutal looking spot. Garcia kept Shibata grounded back inside, but Shibata started firing up with strikes. Both traded German suplexes until Shibata stood tall, hitting his signature stalling dropkick and butterfly suplex for two. Shafir was screaming advice for Garcia to avoid the Shibata triangle choke. After a rope break, both fought to the apron for a forearm exchange until Garcia bit at the head, wanted a piledriver, but Shibata countered into a Death Valley Driver heading into another break.

We return to both men down as referee Stephon Smith put a 10 count on them, as both rose at 8 and swung away with forearms. Misdirect from Garcia into a guillotine, turned to a piledriver, but Shibata kicked out. Garcia delivered another piledriver, Shibata kicking out at one this time. Shibata fought back, wanted a PK, but still felt the effects of the piledrivers. Garcia charged, but right into a Rear Naked Choke, trapping the arm in the process. Marina Shafir jumped on the apron to distract the ref, as Garcia tapped out. Shibata went at Shafir, but Garcia blindsided Shibata, hitting a Gotch Style Piledriver and arm trapped Curb Stomp for the win.

Match Result: Daniel Garcia defeated Katsuyori Shibata

-The WrestleAunts, Renee Paquette & RJ City are ringside in their finest denim and they run down how you can watch All Out. They also tell us Copeland & Cage vs. FTR will kick off the show.

Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly & Hologram vs. The Frat House (Griff Garrison, Cole Karter & Preston Vance w/Jacked Jameson)

The Frat House attacked immediately, but that didn’t last long, as Strong used Hologram as a projectile to land a splash onto Garrison & Vance. Jameson distracted O’Reilly long enough for Karter to get in a cheap shot, as he was isolated soon after. O’Reilly was able to break free and tag Hologram, who used his speed to avoid all attacks, planting Garrison with a standing Spanish Fly. Vance was met with a triple team strike, before Strong took out Garrison with a baseball slide, while Hologram cleared the top rope with a dive onto Jameson & Frat House pledges. Top rope double stomp from Hologram on Garrison finished things quickly. Post-match, Strong still didn’t look happy with Hologram, despite O’Reilly being thrilled his team won. Ultimately, O’Reilly is going to have to decide between Paragon & The Conglomeration.

Match Result: Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly & Hologram defeated The Frat House when Hologram pinned Garrison

Willow Nightingale, ROH Women’s TV Champion Mina Shirakawa, Queen Aminata & Harley Cameron vs. Megan Bayne, Penelope Ford, Julia Hart & Skye Blue in a Tornado Tailgate Brawl

(Chaos is an understatement for this one, as there’s been much better plunder matches in AEW, but this got the crowd going right before the PPV, so it certainly accomplished what it set out to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if we got Nightingale vs. Bayne in a singles at some point coming out of this. One thing is for certain, Nightingale was the most over wrestler in this match.)

Blue wielded a staplegun during her entrance, as Nightingale’s team all charged at the opposition like a football team. They all ripped their AEW shirts off, but that delay allowed the heels to attack from behind. Bayne launched Ford over her head onto a pile outside, missing Nightingale taking out Triangle of Madness, leading to a face-off with Bayne and yay/boo chants in a strike exchange. Bayne ran into a spinebuster, as all the ladies got back in the ring, trying for a quadruple snap suplex, with the babyfaces winning that battle. Weapons started coming into play, as Ford & Aminata swung at one another with a ladle and tongs, while it looked like Cameron was about to use the staplegun in the ring on Blue, but it cut to commercial before we could see anything.

Back from break, Blue cut off Nightingale in the corner, saving Hart and hitting a powerbomb onto a cooler. Shirakawa started swinging the cooler as Aminata gave Hart some Chocolate Kisses. Assisted Tornillo from Shirakawa, until the heels regained control, placing a trash can over Cameron in the corner, as her teammates were sent crashing into her. Handspring elbow from Ford led to a moonsault off Bayne’s back, but Cameron kicked out. Bayne screamed orders, as Ford went up for a Doomsday, but Nightingale made the save, sending Ford crashing outside. Cameron got free and sent Bayne into a Pounce by Nightingale. Aminata & Shirakawa broke a table over Bayne’s face ringside, while Hart & Blue were pulled outside and sent into the barricade. Shirakawa set up a BBQ grill, as Aminata put the lid on top of Hart & Blue’s head, booting it. Back inside, Nightingale waffled Ford with a trash can before putting her away with a Doctor Bomb. Post match, Aminata & Shirakawa held the coolers like boomboxes, while Nightingale danced with a cooler on her head.

Match Result: Willow Nightingale, Mina Shirakawa, Queen Aminata & Harley Cameron defeated Megan Bayne, Penelope Ford, Julia Hart & Skye Blue when Nightingale pinned Ford

AEW All Out 2025

Bryan Danielson joined commentary as we go to a video package for Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR, which kicks off the show. Earlier today, footage of Copeland & Cage walking backstage, looking at pictures of Toronto Maple Leafs on the wall and run into legend Wendel Clark. Copeland marks out, while Cage didn’t acknowledge him. They then run into Bubbles of the Trailer Park Boys, who breaks out his Green Bastard character. After trading insults with Cage and dropping some F Bombs, Copeland tells the Green Bastard that Cage is an asshole, but he’s his asshole.

Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler w/Stokely)

(Fantastic opener, with the crowd on fire throughout, which should surprise no one. I’m glad this feud will continue, as the addition and AEW debut of Beth Copeland and FTR’s post-match actions, up the ante and revenge factor for Copeland & Cage. While both C&C vowed to help one another with their problems, now all their problems are coming back to haunt them at the same time. I’m glad the Copeland & Cage story will continue, as there’s a lot more mileage in this reunion.)

One of the loudest renditions of Copeland’s theme you’ll hear, as Harwood, who has his nose taped up from last weeks brawl, started things off with Cage. Harwood tried jaw jacking, but Cage fired off punches in bunches before posting Harwood with a slingshot and reverse DDT. Double hip toss from Copeland & Cage, as Harwood scurried to his corner. Wheeler spat in Copeland’s face, causing Copeland to hit a Thesz Press and tag back to Cage for an assisted suplex/DDT combo. Cage missed his slingshot right hand, allowing Harwood to help Wheeler with a double DDT to take control and isolating Cage from his partner. Copeland got a hot tag and ran wild with flapjacks and sit-out slam. Wheeler leapt off the second, but was flattened with a spinning back suplex, as Copeland returned the homage John Cena gave a few weeks ago by delivering a You Can’t See Me and Attitude Adjustment for two. Cage & Harwood collided, while Wheeler & Copeland hit a double cross body on one another for a match reset.

FTR went for a Hart Attack, but Copeland & Cage swept out both their legs into stereo Sharpshooters. Wheeler literally had to slap his own partner to stop him from tapping, as Stokely pushed the apron into the ring to help get a break. Cage & Copeland stalked Stokely on the outside, cutting off FTR’s attack, as they tried a Hardy Boyz homage, but Harwood escaped a Twist of Fate from Cage, crotching Copeland in the process. Power-Plex from FTR connected, but Wheeler was too slow to cover and got a two count. Copeland avoided Shatter Machine, allowing Copeland to hit a Killswitch, while Cage hit a Spear at the same time. Stokely pulled the official out at two, until music hit and out walked Beth Copeland (Phoenix). She sprinted down the ramp and flattened Stokely with a Spear and carried him over her head to the back.

Wheeler tried to blindside Copeland with the ring bell, but was low bridged to the floor, as Harwood begged off and pleaded an apology to Copeland. Wanting a Spike Piledriver, Wheeler cut off Cage by dragging him to the floor with a powerbomb onto the commentary table, as referee Paul Turner went to check on him, allowing Wheeler to blast Copeland with a bell shot and FTR hit a Spike Piledriver for a close two. Copeland again fought off a Shatter Machine, this time laying out both FTR with Impaler DDTs. Copeland charged for a Spear, but ran right into a Shatter Machine, kicking out at two, baffling FTR. They hit a second one and wanted a third, but Wheeler was leveled by a Cage right hand, causing him to stumble back and laid out with a Copeland Spear, with him collapsing onto Wheeler for the win.

Post-match, Beth came back to the ring and applauded both, as Copeland tried to hug Cage, but it was interrupted by Mother Wayne pushing Nick to the stage in a wheelchair. FTR blindsided Copeland & Cage (even Beth got clipped) in the process, as Kip Sabian appeared and handcuffed Copeland to the ropes, while Beth frantically tried to get her husband free. FTR laid out Cage with a Spike Piledriver before stalking Beth, who gave her husband a kiss before throwing bombs at FTR. Despite getting in a few shots, FTR laid out Beth with a Spike Piledriver of her own, as Copeland screamed at officials to get him free with bolt cutters, while doctors tended to Beth.

Match Result: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage defeated FTR when Copeland pinned Wheeler

Eddie Kingston vs. Big Bill (w/Bryan Keith)

(After 16 months on the shelf, it sure is great to see Kingston back in action and I’m glad he received a great reaction from the crowd. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here, especially with the new association with HOOK, as that should be an interesting partnership.)

Kingston, rocking his Claudio Sucks Eggs shirt, received a huge ovation from the crowd as he lit up Bill with chops to start, but Bill didn’t budge, cracking Kingston with a big boot. Kingston tried fighting back with an Exploder, but Bill used his size to stay in control, mocking him with chants. Kingston screamed F You Bill, as he ate clubbing blows while Excalibur talked about Kingston being given the moniker King of the Bums, which Danielson reminded us it was he who gave him that name, but now respects Kingston tremendously. Kingston threw a desperation back fist to create some distance, as the Kobashi machine gun chops followed into the Exploder.

Kingston lowered the straps, wanted a back fist, but Bill ducked, really powering Kingston into a Black Hole Slam followed by a second for a near fall. Bill wanted the Choke Slam, but Kingston countered into a desperation DDT. Kingston again signaled for the back fist, connecting flush, but Bill was out at one, surprising Kingston, who ran right into another big boot. Bill missed a corner splash, posting himself, as Kingston swung for the fences with a final back fist, getting just enough of it to get the win.

Post-match, Bryan Keith attacked Kingston, as Danielson reminded us that Keith got signed to AEW after a match with Kingston, who shook his hand. Bill & Keith continued the beat down, as the lights went out and the H symbol appeared. The crooning music of HOOK played, as he made his way to the ring, low bridged Bill and sank the REDRUM in on Keith, while Kingston blasted Keith with a back fist before hugging HOOK. We were reminded that HOOK said he might have to joined another crew after leaving The Opps and it looks like he found his next partner in crime in what should be a really fun duo.

Match Result: Eddie Kingston defeated Big Bill

MJF vs. Mark Briscoe in a Tables & Tacks Match

(If anyone needed a major singles win AEW, it was Mark Briscoe and thankfully that happened tonight, this was the biggest win in Briscoe’s AEW career. This was a gnarly war, as these two bled buckets and had some incredibly creative spots involving the tacks. Bryan Danielson on commentary even furthered how great this was, as his excitement comes across like he’s another fan watching the show, it adds to the matches. I hope Briscoe keeps his momentum going forward, while MJF can bounce back immediately, especially with his title contract still in his possession.)

Buckets of tacks are in all four corners, tables set up ringside, as referee Bryce has goggles on, while MJF is wearing all white, so you know there’s going to be some serious blood in this one. MJF immediately took a powder, as Briscoe wasted no time in pouring every bucket of tacks in the ring. After a brief back and forth ringside, both made their way into the ring, where Danielson said you couldn’t pay him enough to compete in a match like this. There’s so many tacks that both are sliding around like they’re on ice, as they trade bodyslam attempts before MJF pulled referee Bryce in front of him, giving a chance to bodyslam Briscoe on the tacks. MJF drove Briscoe head first onto the tacks, causing the first blood of the match. MJF folded the tables up ringside and pushed them under the ring, flipping Danielson off in the process. MJF ripped Briscoes shirt off and delivered an Alabama Slam onto the tacks, but Briscoe kicked out.

After dragging Briscoe through the tacks, MJF put tacks into the mouth and fired off a right hand. Multiple back drops onto the tacks, as MJF called for a third, but Briscoe flipped onto his feet and got one onto MJF, whose face was gif worthy. After having his shirt pulled off, Briscoe spiked MJF with a spinebuster onto the tacks for a close two, as we see tacks in the back of Briscoe’s head. Briscoe went up top for a Froggy Bow, but MJF rolled outside, allowing Briscoe to hit a somersault plancha before setting a table up. Briscoe launched off a chair from the ring to the outside, driving MJF through the table in the process. Another table set up, as Briscoe delivered a Cactus Elbow off the apron through it. MJF threw a handful of tacks back in the ring, but Briscoe answered with a powerbomb onto the tacks before pulling out a tack covered chair from under the ring. Briscoe wanted a chair shot to the head, but MJF got a low blow and chair shot to the back before hitting a Tombstone onto the tacks. Arms crossed like the Undertaker, but Briscoe still kicked out, as MJF had to pick tacks from his hands.

MJF pulled a table into the ring and poured bags of tacks onto them before dishing out corner punches. MJF wanted a powerbomb, Briscoe punched free, only to be crotched in the corner. MJF wanted his Avalanche Tombstone, but Briscoe clapped his feet, looked for an Avalanche Jay Driller, only MJF bit free, which Briscoe returned the favor. Briscoe dove off the top with a Froggy Bow, as the table exploded with tacks raining down in the process. Froggy Bow proper connects, as Briscoe planted MJF with a Jay Driller on the tacks to get the pin.

Match Result: Mark Briscoe defeated MJF

-Lexy Nair approaches an arguing Anthony Bowens, Max Caster & Jerry Lynn in the parking lot. Caster told Nair to get lost, as Lynn said he jumped through a lot of hoops to get them a tag match next week against Swirl. Both refused, but Lynn said if they don’t show up, they’ll be suspended. Caster & Bowens bicker like an old married couple until Caster shoves Bowens, who turns back to hit him, but Caster was gone.

The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin & MVP) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)

(A necessary win for Ricochet and his crew, especially with all the ass kicking’s they’ve received from The Hurt Syndicate in recent weeks. Even in defeat, this was a very solid showing from Lashley, Benjamin & especially MVP, who looked good despite not wrestling that often in recent years. Fans know how impressive Ricochet is, but this feud and recent weeks have really upped Kaun & Liona’s stock, they’ve more than held their own in this and I hope The Demand continues looking strong going forward.)

MVP wanted Ricochet at the start, but was given about 3 seconds until Ricochet tagged in Kaun. Drop toe hold, front slam and jumping knee drop by MVP got a one count, as Benjamin tagged in. Kaun quickly turned the tables, but Benjamin no sold chops, as each ramped up with four clotheslines, neither budging. Benjamin rolled into an Ankle Lock, but Kaun rolled out, only to eat a spin kick. Lashley launched Ricochet high in the air with a back drop, as MVP tagged in and hit the Ballin elbow for two. Kaun was able to tag in and target the leg of MVP, keeping him isolated in the process.

Finally able to thwart the attack, Lashley made the tag and rag dolled Ricochet with a Dominator, but Liona saved his partner from any further damaged. Until Benjamin tagged in, hit a wild pump handle throw and took Ricochet to Suplex City, as Kaun suffered the same fate before Benjamin hit a double German on both men. Blind tag to Lashley, as Benjamin caught Liona with a thrust kick, which was no sold, as Liona sent Benjamin packing, but turned into a Lashley Spear. Lashley hit Kaun with another Spear, but Ricochet flew in with a springboard 450 to break the count. MVP & Kaun slugged it out until Kaun hit a backstabber, while Liona followed with a splash. Match spilled outside, where Lashley tried a Spear on Liona, who chucked a chair at his face. Liona set a chair up, but Benjamin hit a step-up pump knee, while Kaun saved his partner. Ricochet cleared the post with a dive onto Lashley & Benjamin until Liona was sent crashing into both men with a cross body over the guard rail. Ricochet tried a springboard on MVP, who caught the dive into an Exploder and running boot. MVP went for the Playmaker, but Kaun chop blocked the leg, allowing Ricochet to hit the Spirit Gun for the win.

Match Result: The Demand defeated The Hurt Syndicate when Ricochet pinned MVP

Mercedes Mone vs. Riho for the TBS Title

(A good match, but I don’t know if the crowd was tired or they never truly believed Riho had a legit shot of winning this, maybe a little of both. I will say this was the best Riho has looked since returning to action, getting plenty of near falls, but it did feel like this was only a matter of time before Mone retained. The finish though, felt pretty flat, in my opinion.)

Mone had 8 expressionless shirtless guys wearing her titles on the aisle (which Taz said was very creative), as Danielson asked if Taz ever tried being a model, which Taz admits is something he’ll try once he retires. Mone kept pie facing Riho to start, as Riho responded with a series of roll-ups. Both traded submissions until Riho got a sunset flip into a half crab, causing Mone to get the ropes. Riho mocked the CEO dance and hit a flush Tiger Feint Kick, sending Mone to the outside, where Riho hit a huge double stomp off the apron. Riho kindly asked permission of the commentary team to climb on top the table and delivered another double stomp. Back inside, Riho delivered a head scissors and Crucifix Bomb flush for a near fall.

Mone fought back, smashing Riho face first into the commentary table before hitting a Meteora off it and two count back in the ring. Dropkick right to the throat led to a high stack near fall for Mone, who locked in a Pendulum Swing submission, slamming Riho down. Dueling chants from the crowd, as Mone applied a Romero Special, which Riho was able to escape and slam Mone’s knee down repeatedly into the mat before a wild bridging half crab. Mone went to the eyes, as both were up and Riho hit La Mistica before locking in a Statement Maker. Riho repositioned and hit another double stomp into the reset.

Both fought up the ropes, where Mone connected with a superplex, hanging on into the Three Amigos before heading back up top for a Frog Splash, but Riho got the knees up. Mone missed a charging double knee in the corner, getting trapped, allowing Riho to hit a double stomp for two. Northern Lights blocked by Mone into a lungblower, sunset bomb in the ropes and running double knees for two of her own. Hairmares from Mone, until Riho dodged a Meteora into another bridging half crab, but Mone got the ropes. Mone rolled through a top rope dive into a Riho high stack German before hitting a cross body for a near fall. Riho went for another Crucifix Bomb, but Mone grabbed referee Stephon Smith, giving Mone a chance to rake the eyes, hit a Lungblower and Mone Maker for the win.

Match Result: Mercedes Mone defeated Riho to retain the TBS Title

Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Mascara Dorada for the AEW Unified Title

(My goodness, I didn’t want this match to end, as it continued to hit level after level and the crowd got more into hit. The first half was your standard one man outside, while two went at it, but once that switched to all three involved, this went from an already excellent match to a fantastic battle. The feud with Takeshita & Okada continues a slow build and that singles match should be great once it happens. Credit to Dorada, who held his own with two of the best in the game, proving he belongs in the discussion as well.)

Don Callis joined commentary and said he likes The Family’s odds of retaining the title here, as Dorada used hid speed to launch off Okada into a hurricanrana on Takeshita to start. Double springboard arm drag onto Okada, as Dorada planted Takeshita with a huge Code Red for an early near fall. Dorada charged but Takeshita answered with a flapjack and hard corner buckle. Okada charged at Dorada, who side stepped and Takeshita ate a big boot, as Dorada back flipped off the top into another arm drag. Okada dropkicked Takeshita out of the corner to the floor, as Dorada took Okada outside with a head scissors. Dorada tried another hurricanrana on Takeshita, who held on and flattened Dorada with a violent brainbuster on the ramp. Takeshita kept working over Dorada’s neck back in the ring before cracking Okada off the apron with a big boot, putting a smile on his face.

Head scissors from Dorada sent Takeshita outside, where Dorada ramped up for a dive, but Okada swept out the legs. Okada went after the mask and toyed with Dorada until Takeshita came in for a face-off, when Okada went for the eyes. Sliding dropkick cracked Dorada, who responded with a Tornillo arm drag and pop-up dropkick that sent Okada outside. Takeshita took a huge spinning head scissors sending him back outside as well, as Dorada hit multiple Tornillos from one side of the ring to another, getting the crowd loudly behind him. Okada slid back in, but ate a corner boot and snazzy flipping Electric Chair neckbreaker for two. Taking too long to follow-up, Okada was able to deliver an Air Raid Crash on the knee and top rope zero elevation elbow drop. Rainmaker flip off pose, which stayed flipped up to the face of Takeshita, who tried a Blue Thunder Bomb, Okada escaped, but ate a home run right hand and Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Okada dodged a Power Drive Knee, as Takeshita ate a thrust kick and flipping Destroyer by Dorada for a close near fall. Dorada up top for the 450 Splash, but Okada pulled him to the floor, slamming Dorada into the barricade. Okada wanted an elbow off the top on Takeshita, who cut Okada off, as both stood up on top before Dorada joined them with a double Avalanche Hurricanrana and scrambled for two close near falls that got the crowd on their feet.

Dorada pulled both up and charged into a double big boot, leaving Takeshita & Okada staring at one another before ramping up a forearm exchange. Danielson said he’s got goosebumps, as Takeshita put everything behind a home run forearm, as both traded Tombstone attempts until Takeshita got a Bastard Driver into the Cazadora German, only Okada no sold and popped up into a dropkick and Tombstone. With both down, Dorada tried a Moonsault, Okada moved, so Dorada hit a running Shooting Star on Takeshita. Shooting Star attempt on Okada, who got his knees up, as Takeshita was there to hit a huge Powerbomb into Power Drive Knee. Takeshita loaded up for one on Okada, who blocked it and hit a dropkick on the button leaving all three men down.

Forearms exchanged by everyone, as Okada tried a Rainmaker on Dorada, who ducked and Takeshita hit a wild double German. Dorada countered a pop-up into a snap hurricarnana for a close two, as Okada went to the apron, where Dorada connected on a diving DDT. Quickly back up top, Dorada was crotched by Takeshita, who hit the highest of Superplexes, while holding on into Raging Fire. Okada slid back in, wanted a Rainmaker, but Takeshita hit a huge forearm, only to run into a dropkick sending Takeshita outside. Okada quickly grabbed Dorada and hit a Rainmaker to win and survive.

Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Konosuke Takeshita & Mascara Dorada to retain the AEW Unified Title

Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) vs. Darby Allin in a Coffin Match

(If you thought the Tables n Tacks match was brutal, this upped the violence factor quite a few notches. I expected nothing less from these two, as they had some great callbacks over the past year, including Danielson sticking to his word not getting involved, but giving Allin a bag to try to suffocate Moxley with. It’s not a matter of if Danielson will ever get physically involved in this story, but when, as he tried his best not to try and save Allin, being forced to watch the returning PAC play the factor in helping Moxley win this bloody battle.)

Allin cut off Moxley during his entrance through the crowd, as he quickly scaled an All Out sign and did a Coffin Drop off it. Both continued brawling up the steps, where Allin hit a dropkick, wrecking his own spine in the process. Allin remained in control, dragging Moxley to ringside, biting at the ear repeatedly, busting Moxley open. Moxley fought back by sending Allin into the steps, throwing the coffin off the table it was set up on before placing it standing up. That delay allowed Allin to hit a Tope through the ropes causing both to tumble into the coffin in a visually awesome spot. Allin raked at the face before Moxley desperately went to the eyes to create some distance. Moxley actually begged off, but it was a ruse, as he countered another Allin dive into a Cutter. Moxley hit a front suplex onto the coffin that had Allin’s logos drawn on it with a board saying Nothing’s Over Till You’re Underground as Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Daniel Garcia made their way to ringside, helping Moxley threw a coffin into the ring, as Shafir loosened the bottom rope with a wrench. Moxley sent the troops to the back (that was fast) as Allin crawled back in the ring, causing Moxley to slam the door down of the coffin onto the hand.

Moxley mounted Allin on top of the coffin, pouring down punches, screaming at Allin that he works harder than everyone and how he used to love Allin. Danielson said Moxley told him the same thing before turning on him, as Allin desperately tried to fight back but did a Coffin Splash into a Rear Naked Choke. Allin appeared to have a fork hidden in the corner buckle and started brutally stabbing Moxley repeatedly in the head before following with a Coffin Drop from the top rope to the floor. Danielson said he promised to be objective but “F*ck That, Let’s Go Darby!” as Excalibur told him swear jar, while Allin hit a Coffin Drop onto the Coffin before trapping Moxley’s hands in the coffin, stomping on it. Scorpion Death Drop connects, as Moxley had to pop his fingers back in place while Allin grabbed a pip from under the ring. The delay allowed Moxley to grab the fork and try to stab Allin, who gouged at the eye, got the fork and mutilated the ear of Moxley, biting at it for good measure. Moxley fired up out of desperation bringing Allin on top of the coffin and hitting a Death Rider. Allin was placed into the coffin, Moxley tried slamming the door, but Allin held the pipe out to stop the door from closing.

Allin started choking Moxley with the led pipe, as they spilled outside, where Allin smashed him in the head with it. Danielson placed a bag next to him and told Allin to do it, as he pulled out a plastic bag, with Danielson telling Allin to give Moxley what he deserves. Allin did just that, choking out Moxley before hitting a Code Red. Allin proceeded to deliver Danielson-esque stomps, as Moxley ripped the bag off his head to breath. “This Is Murder” chants from the Toronto crowd, as Moxley was placed into the coffin, but before Allin could close the door, PAC appeared (rocking short hair) and powerbombed Allin from the ring onto the coffin outside, causing a nasty thud. Quickly throwing him back to the ring, PAC put Allin into a bodybag before placing him into the coffin, where Moxley kicked closed the door.

Post-match, all the Death Riders reappeared and carried the coffin like it was a funeral procession, with Moxley screaming at fans that he didn’t want this, it wasn’t his fault. Danielson was speechless on commentary as Excalibur said the Death Riders are more dangerous than ever.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Darby Allin

-The Conglomeration are backstage talking about everyone picking up wins tonight, as Mark Briscoe said it’s time to look forward and another man whose been a thorn in his ass (Harley Cameron picked a tack out) as Briscoe challenged Don Callis to find three of his guys and asked Kyle O’Reilly, who was on the phone, if he’s ready to come back. O’Reilly said…Whatever. The Conglomeration celebrate, as Roderick Strong walks off less than enthused, while Harley Cameron was left being…well…Harley Cameron. They never mentioned him by name, but safe to say Orange Cassidy is returning this Wednesday.

Timeless Toni Storm vs. Kris Statlander vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Thekla for the AEW Women’s Title

(I thought this was a great 4-way with arguably the biggest upset in the AEW women’s division. These four ladies hit some heavy shots on each other and all of them looked strong throughout. I don’t think anyone saw the finish coming, but the amazing title reign of Timeless Toni Storm is officially over and the first Women’s Title reign of Statlander begins. There are plenty of ways to go from here, leaving the women’s division wide open going forward.)

Statlander has new gear and theme music that will take me a while to get used to, as I thought her old theme was great. Wheeler Yuta showed up to try and give some last minute advice before getting lost. Statlander got in control early, tried a dive, but Thekla blasted her on the apron with a big boot. Storm flew in with a hip attack, while Statlander took out Hayter with a swinging Shooting Star off the apron, Storm hit a Tornado DDT and finally Thekla leapt from off camera shot onto the pile. Thekla brought Hayter into the ring and whipped her with her belt, Storm suffering the same fate. Hayter started choking Thekla out with her handkerchief, but Thekla answered with a home run forearm. Statlander dodged three corner attacks before Thekla found herself in the Tree of Woe, only to deliver three separate Spider Superplexes. Hitting the Spider Pose, Thekla didn’t see Storm appear and yell “I Hate Bugs!”, stomping Thekla low or “Yam-bag region” if you’re Taz. Hayter powered up with Exploders aplenty before hitting a double suplex on Statlander & Storm. Thekla & Hayter crack each other with hard forearms, while Storm & Statlander get involved with high kicks. Sky High from Storm on Thekla, as Statlander flew in with a rolling cutter, but Hayter was up for a home run lariat into the reset.

All four rose to their feet, where Thekla was mowed down with a triple big boot. Statlander was clotheslined to the outside by Storm & Hayter, who were about to have a showdown, but Thekla chop blocked Hayter’s leg. Trapping both ladies heads between her legs, Thekla tried a head scissors in the ropes, but Statlander caught Thekla into Staturday Night Fever on the floor. Back inside, Storm delivered Sweet Cheek Music and Storm Zero to Statlander, but Hayter dove to break it up. Storm & Hayter trade bombs, both trade finisher attempts until Hayter hits a Hayt-breaker and Hayter-ade, which Thekla broke up. Neck crank strangle hold by Thekla on Storm, who just made the ropes, but referee Aubrey reminded Storm there’s no rope breaks in 4-ways. Thekla was pulled to the apron by Hayter, where Thekla hit a wild Spear to the floor. Back inside, Statlander quickly hooked a Seatbelt Pin on Storm to get the flash pin and win the title. Statlander got tons of pyro for her celebration, as Storm retreated up the ramp completely shocked, almost catatonic. Harley Cameron sprinted to the ring to celebrate with Statlander, who gave a nod to Storm on the ramp. Excalibur said Storm put herself in this position.

Match Result: Kris Statlander defeated Timeless Toni Storm, Thekla & Jamie Hayter to win the AEW Women’s Title pinning Storm

Brodido (Brody King & ROH Champion Bandido) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. The Don Callis Family (Josh Alexander & Hechicero) vs. JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) in a Ladder Match for the AEW Tag Team Titles

(The carnage level was at an all-time high for this one, as this was the car crash of all car crashes. Each person in this match took at least multiple wild bumps that it’s a miracle they were able to stand. The post-match is a huge story, as we not only have the return of babyface Jack Perry, but Luchasaurus. The Jurassic Express, Tarzan Boy theme have returned, as the Canadian crowd went ballistic to see this reunion.)

The Bucks had a lot of pyro, leaving Nick giddy and Matt upset, while Nick also gave Justin Roberts some money to make up for superkicking his face off a few weeks ago. Rolling Cannonball and diving knee from Alexander on King early, as Bandido was popped up into the Mad Scientist Bomb by Hechicero. JetSpeed hit double dives on the Callis Family, while they grabbed a ladder, as did Brodido. JetSpeed tossed theirs aside, dropkicking the ladder into Brodido’s faces, until The Bucks appeared to wipe out both teams including a Cazadora Cutter on Bandido. Double arm drag by Bandido in response, as the X-Knee caught Matt, who avoided a 21-Plex, as everyone started getting waistlocks leading to King hitting a triple German suplex. Going outside for a ladder, Matt hit a baseball slide onto King, while Nick followed with a Tornillo. Knight took out The Bucks with a springboard dive, as Bandido flew in with a dive of his own. Bailey superkicked Bandido back onto the ladder held by King, who didn’t want to drop his partner, giving Bailey a chance to hit a moonsault onto the bridge. Bailey was cut off in the ring by Alexander & Hechicero who hit a massive beal on Bailey onto the ladder. King violently back dropped Alexander onto the ladder before trying a cannonball on Hechicero, who moved and King crashed and burned. Bandido returned and gorilla pressed Hechicero onto the corner ladder until The Bucks hit a sunset German onto Bandido on the ladder.

With Bailey trapped in a Nick head scissors in the corner, Matt hit a superkick and ladder shot to the midsection. Held on a ladder bridge, Nick delivered a Senton Atomico before turning around to a Knight springboard dropkick. Knight leapt for a cross body on Alexander, who caught and planted him on the apron. The Bucks & Callis Family tried to join forces, but all were mowed down by King and a ladder. King wanted a dive, but ran face first into a ladder as The Bucks & Callis Family shook hands setting up tables and large ladder bridges around ringside. With King on the bridge, Nick hit a Swanton off the top, but the ladder didn’t budge. Hechicero & Alexander set up JetSpeed on tables, but with their attention turned, The Bucks tried quickly scaling the ladder, causing the partnership to end. Superkick Party led to The Bucks ramming the ladder into Hechicero & Alexander as JetSpeed both hurdled the ladder, trapping The Bucks underneath, as Knight hit a huge splash onto both.

JetSpeed set up a ladder, but Brodido cut them off, leaving Bandido alone to climb. Knight hit a springboard clothesline to cut him off, while Bailey hit a stereo moonsault onto a pile on the floor. Nick returned with corkscrew kick on Knight, who shoved Nick off the ladder, but Nick sprung off the ladder onto the pile ringside. JetSpeed & The Bucks remained and we get a chicken fight until King had Bandido on his shoulders and walked to the titles, but Bandido was sent crashing. King shoved the ladder down, causing Nick & Bailey crashing while Alexander ate a Bailey thrust kick to stand tall. Bailey climbed, but Alexander hooked an Ankle Lock before setting up a bridge. The Bucks were setting up stacked tables while Alexander & Bailey, the two Canadian Boys, slugged it out, until Hechicero made the save, with a surfboard on the ladder bridge. Bailey got out and tried a Moonsault Double Knee, barely catching Hechicero, as Bailey messed his knees up horribly, while it looked like Hechicero’s fingers were caught in the ladder as well, just a wild spot all around.

Bandido & Alexander fought up the ladder, where Bandido could’ve grabbed the titles, but opted to hit a sunset bomb on the ladder. Bandido rolled to the apron, where Matt flew in with a See You In Hell DDT. Matt, Nick & Knight all hit stereo splashes off the top through the table until King brought Bailey to the apron and hit a Gonzo Bomb through the ladder bridge. Knight was left climbing, but was sent packing by Alexander. Nick hit a springboard from the apron onto the ladder, but Hechicero saved his partner. Everyone took turns knocking one another off the ladder until Alexander laid out King with a Torture Rack Bomb. Knight climbed the ladder, as The Bucks & Callis Family literally lifted the ladder up and sent Knight crashing through two set up tables ringside. Brodido were low blowed, as Alexander went to climb, but The Bucks wiped out Hechicero with a superkick and Alexander with a BTE Trigger. King cut off The Bucks from climbing and handed Bandido a ladder as he Moonsaulted off the post onto The Callis Family, while King took out The Bucks with a Tope. Bandido climbed the ladder and pulled down both titles to retain.

Post-match, Jack Perry appeared in the ring to stare down The Bucks before shooting a double leg on Matt & Nick. Rocky Romero appeared for some reason and ate a DDT for his troubles. The distraction was enough for The Bucks to crack Perry with a superkick and were about to go for a BTE Trigger when Perry had a smile on his face before the lights went out. Footage of Perry digging in the desert and pulling a coffin out of the ground, hooking it to the back of his truck and loading a body to a bed and getting them back to health is shown. That person was Luchasaurus, who sat up as the video cut and he appeared behind The Bucks, taking them both out. Perry smiled and pointed to the Killswitch belt that was on, as Luchasaurus chucked it into the crowd and Perry & Luchasaurus hugged while Tarzan Boy played to the crowd going nuts as both left on the babyface side of the stage. Jurassic Express have officially reunited.

Match Result: Brodido defeated The Young Bucks, JetSpeed & Don Callis Family to retain the AEW World Tag Team Titles

-Marina Shafir is backstage and screamed at a cameraman to film this right now. The coffin is set up and Moxley said he hopes Darby Allin gets the message this time. Shafir, PAC, Castagnoli & Garcia all take off in a truck, while Moxley said for the camera to get lost, when Allin popped out of the coffin and blasted Moxley with the pipe. Allin got Moxley into the bodybag and said for him not to be surprised when Allin pulls him into the fire and sprayed the bodybag with lighter fluid, lit it on fire briefly, as Moxley struggled while he was quickly put out by backstage workers and a fire extinguisher as Allin was dragged away.

-Tony Khan will have an Important Announcement this Wednesday on Dynamite as well as a 6-man tag featuring Konosuke Takeshita, Kazuchika Okada & Hechicero taking on Mark Briscoe, Hologram and a mystery partner (or…whatever…)

Hangman Adam Page vs. TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher for the AEW World Title

(An absolute gem of an AEW main event, as even in defeat, this was a star making performance for Kyle Fletcher. While we’ve seen this kind of main events from Page, Fletcher held his own and controlled a lot of this one, as this will be a match he’ll look back on when (not if) he becomes AEW World Champion. If anything, this elevated the TNT Title. For anyone who questioned if this should’ve main evented the show, that was answered an astounding yes. On a night that had some fantastic matches, it was going to take a lot for these two to have a classic and they more than succeeded in my opinion.)

Despite not being allowed at actual ringside, Don Callis is on commentary. There’s different lighting for the first few moments, as that would’ve taken a while to get used to, so thankfully it went back to normal soon after. Regardless, an even back and forth in the feeling out process, as both trade hard chops and forearms with Fletcher missing his charging corner kick, allowing Page to connect on a springboard lariat. Fletcher side stepped a slingshot dive and PK’d Page right in the face. Fletcher sent Page over the barricade, where it looked like he went for a cross body, but Page countered into a powerslam. Wrist clutch lariat by Page back inside got a near fall, but as he went for his Orihara Moonsault, Fletcher shoved him off the ropes crashing outside. Fletcher remained in control back inside, targeting the neck, keeping Page grounded before going outside and setting up a table. The delay allowed Page to try for a Buckshot, but Fletcher cut him off with a hanging DDT and Michinoku Driver for a close two. Fletcher continued to zone in on the neck and got a Lion Tamer submission until Page got the ropes. Fletcher connected with a flying corner kick, but as he went for a home run shot, Page turned him inside out with a lariat for the double down.

Page ducked a lariat into a high back body drop, as Fletcher ran right into a Fall Away Slam, as Page kipped up, clutched his neck, only to hit another Fall Away Slam into the corner this time.  Fletcher was sent over the top with a clothesline, where Page successfully hit the slingshot cross body and Orihara Moonsault. Quickly back in the ring, Page hit two pop-up powerbombs for a near fall. Fletcher avoided Dead Eye, as Page wanted a Moonsault Tombstone, which Fletcher escaped initially, as Page went for it again, this time Fletcher hit a superkick mid backflip and followed with a sit-out Liger Bomb for two. Fletcher ripped off Page’s tape on the neck, but Page fought back by delivering a hanging DDT off the apron, returning the favor from Fletcher hitting it earlier in the ring. Page went for another Orihara Moonsault, but Fletcher moved, Page rolled through and ate a charging Fletcher boot. Setting up a chair, Fletcher brought Page up on top of the barricade and delivered a Brainbuster through the time keeper’s table.

Back inside, Fletcher hit his flying corner boot to the neck and another flush to the face before spiking Page with a Sheer Drop Brainbuster, but Page kicked out. “You’re Not Ready” chants directed at Fletcher, which pissed Taz off, reminding us you wouldn’t be in this position if you weren’t ready. Both men trade thrust kicks until Fletcher hit a big boot and flying leg lariat that sent Page to the apron. Danielson agreed with Callis that Page is getting manhandled right now, as Fletcher wanted another Brainbuster off the apron, Page floated over, spun out and hit Dead Eye off the apron through a table, as the replay showed Page’s legs almost moved the table as Fletcher came crashing down. Rolling Fletcher back inside, Page went for a Buckshot, but Fletcher collapsed more-so than dodged before Page could hit it. Page signaled for a V-Tigger and got some retribution for Kenny Omega, trying One Winged Angel, but Fletcher escaped, hit a pump kick, went for a wild shot, but Page countered into a Dead Eye for two, as Danielson tells us we’re 30 minutes in.

Both slowly up, where Fletcher hit a Hidden Blade, but missed a Storm Breaker, as Page connected on Big Pressure for a wildly close two. Page went for a Buckshot, but Fletcher countered into a small package for two. They trade counters until Fletcher dodged another Buckshot into a Brainbuster, but again Page kicked out. Danielson is losing his mind saying Holy Sh*t at the table with Callis screaming it was three. Fletcher started toying Page with kicks and paint brushes, as Page rose up for clotheslines that had zero effect. Fletcher kicked through a lariat, hit a thrust kick and folded Page up with a wild lariat. Fletcher ripped off a turnbuckle pad, exposing the steel. Fletcher screamed at referee Paul Turner to Shut the F*ck Up before hitting Page with a running boot against the exposed buckle and going for his Avalanche Brainbuster on the steel, but Page fought out with headbutts before slamming Fletcher face first into the exposed corner. Page connected on an Avalanche Dead Eye that had Fletcher dropping almost right on his neck, thankfully tucking his head at the last second. Right as Fletcher stumbled to his feet, Page flew in with a Buckshot to win it. Post-match, an upset Callis ripped off the head set, while Page whispered something to the downed Fletcher before heading up the ramp with the title to close the show.

Match Result: Hangman Adam Page defeated Kyle Fletcher to retain the AEW World Title

Fight Game: Big AEW All Out & WWE Wrestlepalooza previews

John LaRocca and I return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss the latest happenings in AEW and WWE.

We changed up the flow a little bit and did a super-sized edition of Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down for the first half of the show.

We also talked about the following:

  • The Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher story so far
  • John Cena’s money promo on Monday
  • The silly Brock Lesnar & R-Truth segment last Friday
  • How to watch Wrestlepalooza
  • Full previews of AEW All Out & Wrestlepalooza

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF – Exclusive Subscriber only Podcasts

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Kyle Fletcher: As a character and wrestler, they ‘don’t get much better than Hangman’

After starting out as a fan of AEW, Kyle Fletcher now has the opportunity to contribute to one of the promotion’s greatest-ever story arcs.

The 26-year-old Fletcher is challenging Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship at All Out this weekend. In advance of the pay-per-view, he spoke with Bleacher Report and discussed the unique perspective he has on Page as someone who started out as an AEW fan and is now one of the company’s top rising stars.

“I think I have a pretty unique perspective on AEW in general because I’ve watched as a fan ever since its inception in 2019. I was living in Australia. I was watching everything, watching all the pay-per-views,” Fletcher said.

“So I have a bit of a different perspective, and I’ve gotten to see that character arc that Hangman has been on. I really believe that he has one of the greatest characters in professional wrestling.”

Fletcher believes that the continuity of Page’s story is what makes it so special. It has never been stop-start, and all of Page’s failures and successes have contributed to the persona he has today.

“He’s had such an awesome story,” Fletcher said. “A lot of stories feel very stop-start. I feel like everything Hangman has done has threaded so beautifully into one another. The man that we see today, the wrestler that we see today, is the culmination of everything that he’s been through.

“And I think there’s so much depth behind it all because of that. So yeah, I think as a character and a wrestler, you don’t get much better than Hangman.”

Page is now a two-time AEW World Champion, with his most recent reign having begun when he dethroned Jon Moxley this July.

Fletcher is AEW’s current TNT Champion but has never held a World title before.

Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada will be the venue for All Out on Saturday. The main card has a start time of 3 p.m. Eastern.

Stipulation added to World title match at AEW All Out

Last week, it was verbally agreed between AEW World Champion Hangman Page and challenger Kyle Fletcher that there would be no outside interference in their title match at Saturday’s All Out.

However, Page made it more official, revealing on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite after both men were about to sign a contract for the match that if the Don Callis Family interferes, the match will end in a DQ and Fletcher will lose his TNT title.

Callis didn’t care for that news, but Fletcher said he was fine with it and remained confident he will leave Toronto as the champion. He later promised Page that while he would adhere to no physicality during the signing or the All Out stipulation, Page would be unable to leave the arena Wednesday on his own two feet.

Fletcher is looking for his first AEW World title while Page will be looking for the third successful defense of the title he won at July’s All In.

Current AEW All Out card | Saturday, September 20 | Toronto, Canada

  • AEW World Champion Hangman Page defends against Kyle Fletcher
  • Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Riho
  • AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Konosuke Takeshita and TBD in a three-way
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) defend against three TBD teams in a ladder match
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Shelton Benjamin, MVP & Bobby Lashley) vs. Ricochet and the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
  • Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin in a coffin match
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Thekla, Jamie Hayter and Kris Statlander in a four-way
  • Tables ‘n’ Tacks match: MJF vs. Mark Briscoe

Contract signing added to AEW September to Remember

A contract signing is set for September to Remember.

Tony Khan announced on Tuesday that the AEW World Champion Hangman Page and TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher will meet for a contract signing just days before their match at All Out for the AEW World Championship.

Shortly after his championship win over MJF at Forbidden Door, Don Callis made it clear to Hangman that he wanted the championship back in his family. The end of the September 3 edition of Dynamite saw Hangman and Kenny Omega get beaten down by the stable, with Kyle Fletcher delivering a brainbuster on Hangman Page through a steel chair. He then turned his attention to Omega, delivering another brainbuster through a table.

Here is the updated card for the three-hour September to Remember edition of Dynamite:

AEW September to Remember, Wednesday, September 17 —

  • All Out tag title match qualifier: Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. Gunn Club (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn)
  • All Out tag title match qualifier: Luchasaurus & Kip Sabian vs. JetSpeed (Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight)
  • All Out tag title match qualifier: Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin) vs. Josh Alexander & Hechicero
  • No holds barred: Thekla vs. Queen Aminata
  • All Out Unified title match qualifier: The Beast Mortos vs. Mascara Dorada
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Toa Liona
  • Jon Moxley vs. Roderick Strong
  • Hangman Page-Kyle Fletcher contract signing
  • FTR face-to-face with Adam Copeland & Christian Cage
  • Toni Storm feature
  • Riho vs. Robyn Renegade

New World title match with stipulation added to AEW All Out

The AEW World title will be defended at this month’s AEW All Out in Toronto, Canada, as Hangman Page will put the title on the line against reigning TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher.

Days after knocking Kenny Omega out of action, Fletcher issued the challenge on last Saturday’s Collision. Page answered it after a win over Josh Alexander that opened Wednesday’s Dynamite.

As the two went face-to-face, Page agreed but with one stipulation: Fletcher has to be alone with no help from the Don Callis Family. Fletcher agreed and gave his word.

It will be a rematch from their only singles meeting: this past April in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinals that Page won. It will be Fletcher’s first AEW World title shot and Page’s third title defense since winning the title at July’s All In.

Updated AEW All Out card | Toronto, Canada | Saturday, September 20

  • AEW World Champion Hangman Page defends against Kyle Fletcher
  • Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Riho
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Shelton Benjamin, MVP & Bobby Lashley) vs. Ricochet and the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
  • Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin in a coffin match
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Thekla, Jamie Hayter and Kris Statlander in a four-way
  • MJF vs. Mark Briscoe (stipulation to be determined)

Two matches official, challenges made for AEW All Out

One match is official for All Out, while challenges have been made for three more.

On this week’s Collision, Jon Moxley defeated Daniel Garcia in a closely-fought contest after getting the win with a roll-up. Later, in a backstage promo, Moxley said he wanted nothing more than to have Darby Allin by his side but since he keeps coming back to fight him, he will take Allin out and make room for someone who wants to be a master of the craft. He said he would put Allin in the ground at All Out.

Three challenges were also made for September 20 in Toronto. After Kris Statlander, Harley Cameron, Mina Shirakawa, and Toni Storm defeated The Triangle of Madness and Megan Bayne, the heels immediately went back in for the attack before Jamie Hayter came out for the save. Hayter tried to help Storm back to her feet, but Storm rejected the offer and instead challenged her, Statlander, and Thekla to a four-way match for the AEW Women’s title at All Out.

The Women’s title match was later made official following Collision.

Another challenge took place when TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher came to the ring with Don Callis and Josh Alexander and called out AEW World Champion Hangman Page, who he took out at the end of Wednesday’s Dynamite. He said it would not take him six years to be the top guy in AEW and if Hangman Page didn’t accept his challenge, he’d have no problem putting Page out of action and taking the title away from him.

The end of Collision saw MJF make an appearance just one day after his wedding, shoving Mark Briscoe off the top rope and allowing Konosuke Takeshita to pick up the victory. After a confrontation with Takeshita, MJF and Briscoe got into a brawl and had to be separated by security. MJF dared Briscoe to name the time, place, and stipulation of their match. Briscoe told MJF that he had a lot of ideas and wouldn’t reveal the stipulation yet, but called the match for All Out.

Updated AEW All Out card | Toronto, Canada | Saturday, September 20

  • AEW World Championship: Hangman Page defends against Kyle Fletcher (challenge issued)
  • Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Riho
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Shelton Benjamin, MVP & Bobby Lashley) vs. Ricochet and the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
  • Coffin match: Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin
  • Four-way for AEW Women’s title: Toni Storm defends against Thekla, Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander
  • MJF vs. Mark Briscoe, stipulation to be determined (challenge issued)

Grudge match headlining final AEW Dynamite of 2300 Arena residency

Image: AEW

AEW World Champion Hangman Page takes on Josh Alexander in a non-title grudge match on this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite as their residency at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena comes to an end.

The news was announced on Saturday’s Collision, punctuated by an in-ring promo by Alexander who was accompanied by Don Callis and Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher then called Page out for a World title match at this month’s All Out.

The two squared off in Alexander’s surprise AEW debut this summer in the opening round of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. It’s their only singles match in the four times they have shared the ring all-time.

In another new addition to the card, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will team with Emi Sakura to battle past title challenger Alex Windsor and Riho. The latter will challenge Mone for the title at this month’s All Out. Sakura was Riho’s teacher, hence her inclusion. It will be her first AEW match since December 2024 and Riho’s first AEW match since July 2024.

Also announced Saturday was Shelton Benjamin vs. Ricochet as the build to their trios match at All Out continues. It will be their first singles match since 2019 on a WWE house show.

Current AEW Dynamite Card | Wednesday, September 10 | Philadelphia, PA

  • AEW World Champion Hangman Page vs. Josh Alexander in a non-title match
  • Shelton Benjamin vs. Ricochet
  • Mercedes Mone & Emi Sakura vs. Riho & Alex Windsor

Big Vinny V: Recaps of TNA Impact, Forbidden Door & my EuroTrip

It’s the return of the Big Vinny V Show and, boy howdy, is there a lot to talk about.

Vince Verhei starts, as always, with TNA Impact which wasn’t terribly newsworthy but featured a lot of fun matches including Mike Santana & Steve Maclin vs. Trick Williams & AJ Francis; Eric Young vs. Myron Reed; and the Hardy Boyz vs. Cedric Alexander & Leon Slater.

Then, it’s a better-late-than-never, in-person review of AEW’s Forbidden Door show from London. What was it like covering the show live from the stands, and why did I almost spend the night trapped in the bowels of the O2 Arena?

Finally, just because, we’ll review the best parts of my European vacation (my actual holiday, not the Chevy Chase classic).

All this and more on the latest Big Vinny V Show!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube

All-star tag team match announced for next AEW Dynamite

After one eight-man all-star tag team match on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite involving the Don Callis Family, another such match has been made for next week.

On one side will be Kenny Omega, JetSpeed (Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) and AEW World Champion Hangman Page while on the other will be TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher, Josh Alexander and the Young Bucks.

This comes after Callis told Page that he wants the World title back in his Family and it was just a question of who was going to take it from him. Hechicero, Alexander, Rocky Romero and Lance Archer then came out to surround the ring and attack Page which led to Knight and Bailey coming out to help.

Romero then took out JetSpeed with a baton which led to Omega making an appearance to clean house as JetSpeed came back to life. He and Page then hit a combo V-Trigger and Buckshot lariat on Archer before embracing for the first time in years.

On Wednesday, AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, Hechicero and Alexander defeated AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) and JetSpeed ahead of the aforementioned Page promo.

It’s the first and only match announced for next Wednesday’s show from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

AEW Forbidden Door preview & predictions: Please don’t die

Editor’s Note: This is an opinion-based preview that reflects the views of the author and not the website.

This year’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door isn’t about checking dream matches off a list anymore. It’s about finding the right combinations using whatever top talent is available, regardless of how forbidden or permissible they may be.

The highs are certainly high. Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland is an existing opposition of styles and ideas. ZSJ vs. Nigel McGuinness is a time machine. Mercedes Mone in a four-way is equal parts inevitability and chaos. AEW has stacked some of the card with collisions that don’t just sound good on paper — they carry some serious weight.

Not everything is a hit, however. Sure, you get MJF and Hangman tearing the house down, but can we also interest you in some Kip Sabian? I will politely pass and instead indulge in the rest of Forbidden Door, even though it’s really just a regular old PPV. I won’t tell if you won’t. 

Here’s my preview and predictions for Sunday’s Forbidden Door from London (1 PM Eastern main card start on PPV).

Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. Kip Sabian & Killswitch

Sure, whatever. Killswitch is back which is very nice for him, but I’ve never had a compelling thought about Kip Sabian. The Cope/Christian reunion tour should have come with more fanfare, but I suppose this is leading to something bigger down the line. Let’s not spill any more digital ink here.

Prediction: Cope and Christian

AEW World Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) and FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) in a three-way

The Hurt Syndicate have been champions since January. It doesn’t feel like it! The most memorable thing they’ve done was engage in an unfulfilling and short-lived partnership with MJF. Their matches are impressive beatdowns delivered by two talented athletic marvels, but that’s all they are. There’s been nothing worth holding on to. AEW hasn’t exactly put forth a murderers’ row of opponents, but at some point, the common denominator in the question must be considered. 

A tournament final ending in a draw sure is something. Why even run the tournament if you weren’t going to have a clear winner? That said, the FTR/Brodido match on Wednesday was a certified ripper and significantly better output than anything from the Hurt Syndicate during their time as champions.

Brody and Bandido always deserve gold. Unfortunately, that’s not happening. They’re just here to eat the pin. They deserve so much more.  

Prediction: FTR wins the titles

TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Alex Windsor, Persephone and Bozilla in a four-way

The more people in a match, the further we stray from God’s light. Maybe this is me getting old. Maybe this is me, in fact, already being old. But one-on-one matches are the purest form of pro wrestling (tag team wrestling notwithstanding).

I’ll allow for indulgences like the occasional triple threat or a cacophony of violence like Anarchy in the Arena. Still, by and large, multi-person matches are too contrived and too empty. There is too much waiting around between spots. If you pay attention, you can feel the space in them. They aren’t without their purpose, but these are fun, empty calories at the absolute best with a floor of something far worse.

Mercedes’ loss at All In shocked me. I was certain she was destined to add yet another belt to her always-growing collection. She didn’t, though that certainly seems to have done little to slow down the momentum of her globe-trotting success.

The rollout of Alex Windsor in AEW has been great, Persephone can work, and Bozilla is full of promise, but there is only one CEO.

Prediction: Mercedes retains

TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher defends against Hiromu Takahashi

Takahashi was a beautiful abnormality — a junior heavyweight force of nature and a ball of kinetic, unique charisma that was a magnet for willing and curious eyes. His self-produced videos, entrance gear, and devil-may-care style made him stand out. His return from a broken neck at Wrestle Kingdom 14 moved me. But fireworks, dazzling as they might be, burn fast and hot, but always blow out. Serious injuries have dampened some of Hiromu’s bombast and output, but his special light still shines. 

Fletcher has arrived — not just as a breakout singles star, but as someone who feels inevitable in pro wrestling’s next decade. His journey to the TNT Championship, capped by a stirring street fight victory over Dustin Rhodes, is proof of concept: youthful, athletic, and composed beyond his years, Fletcher has transitioned from an Ospreay-esque tag-team prospect into a headliner with frightening ease. His ceiling does not exist.

Prediction: Fletcher retains

AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Swerve Strickland

Everything has already been said about Okada, a once-in-a-generation ace whose performances on the biggest stages are already part of modern wrestling history. Yet, here’s the thing: we haven’t gotten the full Okada experience in AEW yet. Since walking through the forbidden door full-time, the Rainmaker has felt like the trailer instead of the full movie.

He’s been dominant, sure, looking like a cool billion dollars and still hitting that dropkick like Zeus hurling lightning, but something’s been off. The mystique is there, but the matches haven’t caught up. Maybe it’s just that Okada, who, like any mythic figure, needs the right foil (see Bryan Danielson for evidence) to unlock his highest form. If that’s the case, Swerve might be the key.

This match isn’t just a collision of two stars; it’s a styles clash in the best way. Okada is the high-art technician with the mat as his canvas. Swerve, on the other hand, is a (better) Rick Rude wearing Supreme. He snarls and he seethes, all while being the coolest person in the room. He’s part style, part menace, and always in control. The best-of-the-best transcend wins and losses, and even if Swerve doesn’t win, he controls the conversation.

I’m jazzed for this one. Okada’s deliberate pacing and crescendo-building offense vs. Swerve’s penchant for brutality. Will Okada finally paint his masterpiece in an AEW ring? And if not now, when?

Prediction: Okada retains

IWGP World Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defends against Nigel McGuinness

Of the many, many wonderful ZSJ quotes, there are none better than when he said putting on a great technical match for the United States is “like reading Shakespeare to a dog.” Kings stay kings. The good news for ZSJ is that this audience, like his opponent, will largely not be from the United States.

Both of these beautiful Brits — a fact, not an opinion — will get every opportunity to wrench and bend and torque and twist each other’s limbs on their home soil. How incredible for McGuinness to get a proper singles match at the sold-out O2 Arena. How perfect that ZSJ gets to lock up with a British wrestling legend. How lucky are we, silly Americans, that we’ll get to try and appreciate what should be a technical masterpiece.

As compelling and interesting as this match is, there is no serious chance of the title changing hands. The potential addition of Daniel Garcia does introduce some intrigue. He’s been struggling, languishing even, for some time now. Does he flip the script and turn heel on Nigel? Tune in on August 24th (only on PPV!) to find out.

Prediction: ZSJ retains

Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi), Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Will Ospreay vs. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley), Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) and Gabe Kidd in a lights out cage match

A man with no knees who can’t walk, a man with half his insides removed held together by duct tape, a man who publicly announced neck problems, a daredevil who climbed Mount Everest, and Ibushi walk into a lights out steel cage match.

Rarely, if ever, has there been a match that had a higher risk of a career-ending injury.

My choice for the winner of the “he really shouldn’t be doing this match” is the president of NJPW and the Ace of the universe, Hiroshi Tanahashi. A living legend and all-time big match performer, his bona fides are exhaustive and deserved, so far be it from me, a loser, to question him. But, man. It’s painful when he tries to move at anything with a pace brisker than a stroll, so how can he do a match like this? He just struggled through a six-man tag on Dynamite. I have a feeling I’ll be watching this one through my fingers, just hoping everyone comes out of it ok. 

Much of the intrigue lies in the logistics and layout of this match. There are a lot of people to be in one cage at the same time. The argument that this should be the annual Blood and Guts match is a sound one. Hopefully, the cage is more of a recommendation rather than a requirement, because a brawl all over the arena would be more fun than ten dudes bumping around in a cage trying not to kill each other.

Prediction: Omega, Ibushi, Allin, Tanahashi & Ospreay

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Athena

To begin, a proposition for the sicko owner of AEW: be brave, Tony Khan. Be bold. Now is the time to be audacious. Let Athena soundly and quickly beat Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship. Don’t deprive your audience of a good match, but give us something different.

AEW leans heavily into the more sprawling epics littered with kickout after kickout after kickout. Imagine for a moment this is a ten-minute sprint, a slugfest between two of the best women workers of our generation with the governors completely removed from their engines. Let them empty the tanks quickly and viciously before going home with authority.

It took Storm hitting countless piledrivers to put away Mone at All In. How momentous and ground-shaking would it be if Athena beat Storm with one finisher? A star would instantly emerge. Athena has been that star for years, carrying a mostly unwatched brand on her capable back. It’s time to bring her to the front and keep her there. Few can do what she does in the ring, and it’s high time for the world at large to easily see it.

Prediction: Athena wins the title

AEW World Champion Hangman Page defends against MJF

The AEW World Championship is a heavy crown for any head. The burden of expectations, the burden of being the best every night, is never ending. There are no bye weeks with a roster overflowing with talent like Ospreay, Allin, Fletcher, G1 winner Konosuke Takeshita, Swerve, and, of course, MJF.

A conquering hero like Hangman should be up for the challenge. There’s nothing like returning to the summit in an act of cathartic triumph before having to deal with the devil all over again. There are no breaks, there are no skips, and for Hangman to have a lengthy run, he must always be at the top of his game. 

It speaks to MJF’s versatility and vulnerability as a performer that he can make whatever he does feel important. His time on TV and PPVs is almost always deserved. It’s been over a year since MJF has been involved in a title program of any kind, let alone the World title. Yes, he’s currently the CMLL Light Heavyweight champion, but in AEW canon, he’s been beltless.

But he’s never been an afterthought; he’s never been wandering the wilderness. The best continue to matter even if they aren’t involved in a top title program. Love him or hate him, whenever MJF is around, everything he does matters. 

Count me among those who did not like the added stipulations to this match. MJF and Hangman sold this program on their own with nothing extra needed. All this does is open the possibility for unwanted chicanery and lean into the worst part of MJF’s performances. Pulling the rug out from Hangman after he spent two years getting back to the top would be bold, but it would be unwise. He keeps the gold.

Prediction: Hangman retains

Follow along with our AEW Forbidden Door coverage all weekend long.

MJF shares thoughts on the ‘four pillars’ discussion in AEW

MJF feels there’s only two pillars in AEW.

In an interview with Vice, reporter Hayley Miller asked the former AEW Champion if he rejects the idea of Hangman Page being labeled the ‘main character’ of AEW. While answering, MJF brought up that many people bring up AEW’s ‘four pillars’ in discussion: himself, Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, and Jack Perry. But he only thinks there are two: himself and Hangman Page.

“ No, because realistically, the only two pillars that people genuinely thought were pillars were me and Darby [Allin]. If we’re being honest here, look, I didn’t have much to work with in those early days. You know what I’m saying? Now, I most certainly do. Sammy Guevara is pretty solid though. I just think he’s really dumb. I don’t feel slighted because the new terminology for me is that I’m the “main antagonist,” he said.

“Which, while I disagree with it, that’s what these fans think of me, and it is what it is. At the end of the day, they’re misinformed, they’re uneducated,” he added. “But I do agree with the simple fact that since day one, since 2019, your two main homegrown guys have been me and the cowboy.”

Sammy Guevara has been mainly working Ring of Honor matches recently. Jack Perry, meanwhile, hasn’t wrestled since January at Wrestle Dynasty. His last AEW appearance was losing the TNT title to Daniel Garcia at last year’s Full Gear event.

Both MJF and Hangman Page are scheduled to meet at Forbidden Door this Sunday in a match that will be for the AEW World Championship. Originally, MJF had given up his opportunity to cash in his world title match at any time after Hangman Page successfully goaded him into agreeing. MJF retaliated on this week’s Dynamite by threatening to set Mark Briscoe on fire if he didn’t agree to rescind that demand, which Hangman reluctantly agreed to,

Hangman Page: Hollywood ambitions are ‘not something I’ve ever thought about’

He’s not completely closing the door on the idea, but Hangman Page has never given much thought to attempting to parlay his wrestling fame into Hollywood roles.

Page spoke with Bleacher Report ahead of his upcoming World Championship defense against MJF at Forbidden Door this weekend. When asked about potentially crossing over into acting like MJF has, Page said he’s always just been focused on being a wrestler.

“It’s not really something I’ve seriously entertained,” Page responded. “Like with any opportunity, I’m not just going to shut the idea of it down, but it’s just not something I’ve seriously entertained or where my focus is.

“My focus really always has been and still is on being a professional wrestler. That is my career. That is my one and only real ambition in terms of work. Not to shut it out completely, but it’s not something I’ve ever thought about.”

MJF recently starred in “Happy Gilmore 2,” where he played Gordie — one of the sons of Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore character. MJF’s career goal is to be simultaneously full-time in both wrestling and acting.

Also in the Bleacher Report interview, Page explained why he’s made it a point to call his title the “Men’s World Championship” rather than just the “World Championship,” saying he thinks the men’s and women’s division titles should be presented on the same level.

“Our women’s roster in AEW is incredible. They are just as, and in many cases, more talented than many on the men’s roster,” Page said. “I think our fans connect with them in a way just as equally as they do with us. To have two divisions, a men’s and a women’s division, but to have to call one by the Women’s World Championship and the other as if it’s the more important one, you don’t make the distinction.

“I feel like that’s not how we present our rosters on television, so why should we refer to the championships in that way either? I’d like to think at least that we don’t present the men and women as being on different playing fields in AEW.

“It’s just a personal choice that I hope other people take up, and I’ve noticed it happening a little bit and I hope that continues.”

Toni Storm, the current World Champion of the AEW women’s division, will be defending her title against Athena at Forbidden Door. The pay-per-view is taking place at The O2 Arena in London this Sunday (August 24).

Matt Jackson on Hangman Page: ‘He’s become bigger than I ever expected’

During a recent interview with Justin Barrasso, The Young Bucks commented on getting to share in so many of AEW World Champion Hangman Page’s big moments.

Both times Page has won the world title, The Bucks have been ringside. Despite being aligned with then-champion Kenny Omega, The Bucks came out to the ringside area but did not interfere at Full Gear 2021 when Page won the title the first time. They were also ringside during the closing moments of AEW All In 2025 when Page defeated Jon Moxley to win the title a second time.

“It’s not lost on me how cool it has been to be part of so many of his big moments,” Matt Jackson said of Page.

Matt continued to say about AEW All In, “Being involved in the main event also gave me the privilege to prop myself up on a guardrail and watch the finish. I covered my smiling mouth with my hand. So proud.”

Page and the Young Bucks have been aligned or feuding for close to a decade. Page joined Bullet Club and first appeared on The Bucks’ YouTube channel, Being the Elite, in 2016. Matt and Nick Jackson say they knew right away that he had what it took to be a big star in the industry.

“Hangman was young, handsome, and unexposed,” said Matt Jackson. “And he had the right attitude. That is so important in wrestling. If you’re a joy to work with and collaborate with, then more people will want to work with you. But most importantly, he had all the tools, instincts, and talent. He’s become bigger than I ever expected.”

“I knew Hangman had ‘it’ when I saw all the work he put into things outside of the ring,” said Nick Jackson. “The way he committed to a bit on Being The Elite. There was a story where he lost his boots and he’d be barefoot everywhere he went–and this went on for months. He’d be barefoot at meet and greets, airports, and alleyways. It was crazy, but the way he outworked a lot of the guys we had on BTE, I knew he was special.”

The Bucks also spoke about their shared history with Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega, as well as watching them renew their rivalry at AEW All In. Matt Jackson said the match led to a “profoundly emotionally” moment for him.

“Watching them do the dance, possibly for the last time, was a reminder to me of my own career and my own mortality,” said Matt Jackson. “Seeing some of the guys around me that I traveled up and down the roads with now retiring, or moving on to different roles, and then watching two of the all-time greats put together what felt like an epilogue made me ask myself, where does the time go? That made me more profoundly emotional than I ever would’ve imagined.”

Matt and Nick Jackson’s full discussion with Justin Barrasso for the Undisputed is available here.