Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy will challenge The System for the TNA Tag Team titles on the July 18 Impact.
The return of The Hardys and their imminent Tag title challenge was made official on this week’s Impact. It will be Matt & Jeff facing Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers with the Tag Team gold on the line on next week’s episode.
A trios match featuring WWE NXT’s No Quarter Catch Crew is also set for the July 18 Impact, as Charlie Dempsey, Myles Borne, and Tavion Heights of NQCC face Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz of The Rascalz and a mystery partner.
Alisha Edwards vs. Xia Brookside in a Knockouts Division contest has also been announced for next week’s Impact.
The Thursday, July 18 TNA Impact is the go-home show for the Saturday, July 20 Slammiversary pay-per-view. The latest card for Slammiversary is here. Spoilers for next week’s Impact are available here.
The announced card for the Thursday, July 18 TNA Impact:
TNA Tag Team Champions The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defend against The Hardys (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy)
WWE NXT’s No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey, Myles Borne & Tavion Heights) vs. Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz & a mystery partner
The newly-returned Jeff Hardy will be part of TNA’s upcoming Impact TV tapings in Philadelphia, announced by Hardy himself on Tuesday night.
Hardy returned to the company at last Friday’s Against All Odds. He reunited with brother Jeff Hardy and other babyfaces after The System laid them out following TNA World Champion Moose’s win over Matt in the main event.
Hardy’s AEW contract recently expired, making him a free agent. Both he and his brother haven’t signed TNA contracts and are still considered free agents according to reports.
The tapings will emanate from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Friday, June 28th and Saturday, June 29th.
Here’s the current list of wrestlers who have been announced as appearing at the tapings or are featured on the graphic for the shows:
Jeff Hardy
Matt Hardy
TNA World Champion Moose
Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace
Ash by Elegance
Mike Santana
TNA Tag Team Champions Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards
Between the System’s visit to the Hardy Compound and the events at Against All Odds, it was a weird week for TNA Wrestling.
We begin with Impact, where Eddie Edwards turns into a werewolf and Reby Hardy decapitates Alisha Edwards, and no, we are not making any of that up. It’s then on to Against All Odds, where Mustafa Ali and Trent Seven steal the show, Hendry Mania comes to an abrupt and definitive end, Matt Hardy challenges Moose for the TNA title, and a former TNA champion (spoiler: it’s Jeff Hardy) makes his big return.
Hardy made his return to the promotion at Friday’s Against All Odds event, saving brother Matt from an attack at the hands of The System following the show’s main event. Jeff had last wrestled for TNA/Impact in 2017.
The System’s Moose defeated Matt to retain the TNA World title in the show-closing bout on Friday, then The System continued to attack Matt and Reby Hardy after the match. Joe Hendry ran in to try for the save but was overwhelmed by The System.
Jeff’s music then played and “The Charismatic Enigma” ran in with a customized steel chair to clear the ring and save his brother, sister-in-law, and Hendry, punctuating the segment with a Swanton Bomb on Moose.
The Hardys, Hendry, and Nic & Ryan Nemeth posed together in the ring to close the event.
Jeff’s AEW contract was reportedly set to expire this month, two months after Matt’s AEW deal ran out. Matt rejoined TNA in April.
As a duo, The Hardys are two-time former TNA Tag Team Champions. Jeff has also held the company’s World title three times. Matt is a two-time TNA World Champion.
It looks like Jeff Hardy will be showing back up in TNA Wrestling very soon.
PWInsider reports that Hardy is expected to return to TNA Wrestling this weekend. The promotion has its Against All Odds special this Friday night and then a television taping on Saturday. Both events are being held in Cicero, Illinois.
In the main event of Against All Odds, Jeff’s brother Matt Hardy is challenging Moose for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. The special will stream live on TNA+.
Matt Hardy said on his podcast last month that he believed Jeff’s AEW contract was set to expire in “mid-June or so.” Jeff hasn’t wrestled since suffering a broken nose while facing Sammy Guevara on AEW Rampage this February. He’s been cleared to return from the injury.
A return would mark the first time Jeff has wrestled for TNA/Impact since 2017. He is a multi-time former World Champion for the company.
Matt Hardy returned to TNA this April following the expiration of his AEW deal. Matt is still a free agent and has not signed a contract with TNA.
In TNA, Matt has brought back his “Broken” Matt Hardy persona.
During the new episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt Hardy gave an update on his brother’s AEW status. Matt said he believes Jeff’s contract with AEW is scheduled to expire in “mid-June or so.” The 46-year-old Jeff hasn’t wrestled since February but is cleared to return and just waiting for the call to come back.
“I mean, he’s been cleared. He’s just sitting at home waiting on the call,” Matt said. “Unlike me, he’s not someone who really gets out and makes things happen — he just kind of waits on someone to call him. He’s sitting at home just waiting on that phone call, jumping on the trampoline up and down with the dumbbells. But, yeah, he’s got until like mid-June or so, I think. And then his deal’s up. So I guess we’ll see if he ends up re-signing or not re-signing. Who knows?”
Jeff has been out of action since suffering a broken nose while facing Sammy Guevara on the February 16 episode of AEW Rampage. Jeff underwent sinus surgery after that injury.
Matt said that, while Jeff is an easy-going guy and happy to spend time at home with his family, he knows it’s also important for Jeff to end his career on a high note.
“He’s very happy to be home,” Matt said. “But I do know it’s important to him too, to finish up his career, and our run, on a high note. I know that is something that he wants to do. So it’s going to be interesting to see what happens.”
This April, Matt became a free agent following the expiration of his AEW contract. He noted that he was still speaking with both WWE and AEW after entering free agency.
Matt returned to TNA Wrestling last month but has not signed a contract with the promotion. In TNA, Matt has gone back to his “Broken” persona. He’ll challenge Moose for the TNA World Championship at Against All Odds on June 14.
The last 11 months he was in AEW, Matt wasn’t happy with how he was being used. Matt said on his podcast that he wanted to be in a solid storyline where he could contribute every week. He has been very happy with this TNA run and is motivated to prove himself in the match against Moose.
According to Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy has been medically cleared to return.
Jeff Hardy was injured during a match with Sammy Guevara taped on February 14. Guevara’s left leg collided with Hardy’s head on an attempted shooting star press and Hardy appeared dazed after. Our own Bryan Alvarez would later report that Hardy suffered a broken nose but not a concussion, which was initially the concern.
On Wednesday, Matt Hardy was asked about Jeff’s status during a Q&A session on YouTube. Matt Hardy responded that Jeff was recently cleared to return.
Hardy said:
I can let you know this. Jeff had been to his doctor and he’d seen the AEW doctor and as of right now, as of a couple of days ago, he is officially cleared. He is cleared to wrestle and he could be competing, I guess, soon. I guess he could be competing in the future any day now.
So, there’s some breaking news, Jeff Hardy is finally cleared after getting his nose broken and his sinuses smashed.
Guevara was suspended following the February 14 taping and the belief is this was due to his giving Hardy his Go To Hell finisher rather than just pinning him. However, it’s not clear why the match was not stopped or waved off by the referee if Hardy was hurt. Guevara wrestled a match on February 24 but has not performed since then.
Matt Hardy has confirmed that his AEW contract is coming up this month and that he is unsure what the future holds for him.
On his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy said he was surprised the news first reported by Fightful got out earlier this week as he doesn’t like to talk about those things publicly and that it didn’t come from him.
Hardy said he has spoken with AEW about his contract being up and that “we’ll see what happens.”
He added that he has really enjoyed working with AEW head Tony Khan, someone he considers to be “a legitimately good human being.” However, he understands it’s a business and that things change.
“I love AEW. I am cool staying with AEW. I really enjoy the locker room and vibe there. If that’s not what happens, it’s not what happens,” he said.
The 49-year-old debuted for AEW in March 2020, appearing in the upper balcony of Daily’s Place during the pandemic era of TV. He took part in the company’s first-ever Stadium Stampede match at that year’s Double or Nothing.
Last December on the podcast, Hardy expressed some frustrations with how he and Jeff Hardy had been used during the latter part of the year:
“Just creatively…just the way we’ve been utilized the last four months, it’s been very frustrating. We’ve been very patient but there has been a lot of frustration — things we’ve done, and kind of how we’ve been utilized in some ways.”
Since then, Matt has wrestled just twice — both in tag team action on AEW Rampage — while Jeff has been going as a singles wrestler. He suffered a broken nose in his no DQ match last month with Sammy Guevara.
Jeff Hardy takes on Sammy Guevara in a no DQ match on tonight’s AEW Rampage.
Hardy vs. Guevara is the headline bout on a four-match card on a Rampage with a special earlier start time this week due to TNT’s coverage of NBA All-Star weekend.
Hardy was injured in the bout taped Wednesday night in Cedar Park, Texas, suffering a broken nose.
The Von Erichs will also be in action on tonight’s show, as Ross & Marshall Von Erich team with Dustin Rhodes in a six-man tag team bout.
Queen Aminata will take on Anna Jay in a women’s division contest on tonight’s episode.
The Bang Bang Scissor Gang (Jay White, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, Billy Gunn, Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) will square off with Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, John Silver, Evil Uno) & Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh in a 12-man tag. This will be Singh’s first match since last September.
Taped in Cedar Park, Texas. I can’t wait to see what matches they put on to take advantage of their earlier time slot and people tuning in before or after the NBA All-Star festivities!
Tony Schiavone, Excalibur and Matt Menard were on commentary.
Sammy Guevara defeated. Jeff Hardy (w/ Matt Hardy) in a no-disqualification match (12:32)
Jeff’s technicolor arm sleeves and Sammy’s brightly colored gear are testing my old TV.
Hardy slammed Guevara, then went to the floor for a ladder. Before he could get the ladder into the ring, Guevara dropkicked it into Hardy’s chest. It’s mentioned on commentary Jeff Hardy was Guevara’s hero when he was going up. Hardy floored Guevara with a clothesline off the apron and whipped him into the ring barricade. Well, they say never meet your heroes.
Guevara hit a superkick and a double foot stop on the ring apron, then drug Hardy into the ring for a near fall. Back to the floor for more brawling. Hardy whipped Guevara into some chairs and hit a sliding dropkick. Back in the ring again, Hardy just threw a chair at Jeff. Both guys started climbing up the ladder so they could exchange punches on the top of the ladder. Hardy took Guevara down with a Twist of Fate off the ladder, and that only got a two count.
During a split-screen break, Hardy pulled another ladder out from underneath the ring while his brother set up a table. Jeff setup Guevara on the table, then took off his shirt and started a slow climb up the ladder. Guevara pulled him down and took the match back to the ring.
Guevara gave Hardy a cutter while Hardy’s head was stuck in an open folding chair in one of the most contrived spots I’ve ever seen. Guevara set up Jeff Hardy on the table and came off the top of the ladder with a senton through the table. The crowd chanted “This is awesome!” I do not concur.
Back in the ring, Guevara went for a shooting star press. Hardy got his knees up, but that didn’t matter because Guevara’s knees smashed Hardy’s face. But Excalibur was screaming about how Hardy got his knees up, which made no sense because you could clearly see Guevara smashing Hardy’s face with his knees. Guevara hit the GTH for the pinfall. There was a lot of blood on the mat after the match.
This just felt like a disjointed mess with lot of spots that I’ve seen done before. There was no real flow to the match either.
After the match, Don Callis ran in and hit Guevara with a spinebuster and the World’s Most Dangerous Slam.
– Renee Paquette interviewed Prince Nana & Brian Cage. Cage is a real wrestler and Hook isn’t.
– Private Party said they the future AEW World Tag Team Champions, while bragging about being a Top 5 team in the rankings.
– Jon Moxley and Claudio Castignoli can read each other’s mind. “Claudio, what am I thinking?” “Your wife’s glutes.” They’re going after FTR.
– Renee Paquette’s interview with Ruby Soho was interrupted by Saraya and Harley Cameron. Ruby wants some space and leaves.
There are some really interesting choices being made on this show tonight.
Dustin Rhodes & Russ Von Erich & Marshall Von Erich defeated Hitt, Romero Cruz & Shimbashi (1:46)
Rhodes hit his finisher on Cruz for the pinfall while Russ and Marshal had their other two opponents locked in a claw hold.
– Toni Storm illustrated her submission techniques on Mariah May.
– A quick video package highlighting the Young Bucks angle with Sting from last week’s Dynamite was narrated by Darby Allin.
Queen Aminata defeated Anna Jay
Jay hung up Aminata in the ropes and pulled her down with a backstabber for a near fall. After the commercial break, Aminata hit a suplex and clothesline, then a running PK. Jay avoided a hip attack, but Aminada caught her in the corner with a sliding boot for a near fall. Jay hit a flatliner for a near fall. Jay caught Aminata with the sleeper, but Aminata turned that into a pinning combination. Aminata then hit a headbutt on Jay and got the pinfall.
This was Aminata’s first singles win in AEW.
Jay and Aminata hugged after the match.
– Rene Paquette interviewed Willow Nightingale, Stokely Hathaway and Kris Statlander about Willow’s win on Dynamite Wednesday. Willow was upset that Hathaway cheated on her behalf to get the win, but Kris took responsibility for Hathaway’s action. They shook Hathaway, and this team will continue.
– Angelo Parker and Ruby Soho make a date for a drink next Wednesday. It’s not like either of them work on Wednesday.
The Bang Bang Scissor Gang (Jay White, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, Billy Gunn, Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) defeated Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, John Silver & Evil Uno) & Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh (10:46)
Most of the first five minutes of the match took place in picture-in-picture. The heels worked over Austin Gunn during that time. Satnam Singh got the tag and dropped Austin with a headbutt. Singh beeled Austin across the ring – twice. Singh charged into the heel corner and bumped all the members of the Bang Bang Scissor Gang who aren’t eligible for Social Security to the floor. Austin got the tag to Billy, and the heels (but not Jarrett) bumped off his punches. Gunn hit the Famouser on Alex Reynolds for the near fall. Bowens took out Uno with a superkick, and Silver dropped Bowns with a german suplex. Caster dropped Silver with a backhand.
Singh set up the Acclaimed for a double chokeslam, but the Gunn brothers broke that up with a superman punch. Lethal hit the Lethal Injection on Caster, but Colton hit his finisher on Lethal. Jarrett hit the stroke on Colton, but Lethal hit the Bladerunner on Jarrett. Alex Reynolds dumped White to the floor, and finally, Billy Gunn and Austin combined to hit the 3:10 to Yuma on Reynolds to get the pinfall. Jay White felt like such an afterthought in all this.
After the match, Excalibur casually announced Bryan Danielson v. Jun Akiyama for next week’s Collision.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including an update on Jeff Hardy, the letter-writing campaign to bring Scott D’Amore back, McDonald’s Play Places and the Muppet Show, AEW Dynamite highlights and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Hardy wrestled Sammy Guevara last night in a match taped for Friday’s episode of AEW Rampage. During the match, Guevara came off the top with a shooting star press and his left leg hit Hardy’s head when he landed. Hardy finished the match but appeared dazed after, according to live reports.
Our own Bryan Alvarez is reporting that Hardy’s nose was broken on the move but he did not suffer a concussion.
“The word from within AEW is that Jeff Hardy suffered a broken nose last night but not a concussion,” Alvarez wrote to his subscribers on X.
Really hope Jeff Hardy is okay. He was legitimately knocked out during a taped match on Rampage 😰pic.twitter.com/mHtTIeeAvN
This week’s episode of AEW Rampage will air at 7 p.m. Eastern time due to TNT’s coverage of NBA All-Star Weekend. Three matches are advertised for the show.
AEW Rampage announced lineup for Friday, February 16, 2024 —
No DQ match: Jeff Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara
Anna Jay vs. Queen Aminata
The Bang Bang Scissor Gang (Jay White, Austen Gunn, Colten Gunn, Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and Billy Gunn) in a 12-man tag team match
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including full reviews of AEW and NXT, spoilers for Rampage and NXT next week, updates on Drew McIntyre, Maryse, Rocky Romero and QT, injuries to Shotzi and Jeff Hardy, BCC vs. CMLL in Arena Mexico, and tons more.
A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Quick updates on Drew McIntyre, Maryse, QT Marshall, Scott D’Amore, and Ed Nordholm
8:28: Jeff Hardy & Shotzi injury updates
12:08: Blackpool Combat Club to wrestle in Arena Mexico
16:18: Ratings
25:12: Dave’s thoughts on the Darby Allin/Young Bucks angle, AEW Dynamite recap
Jeff Hardy will face Sammy Guevara on this week’s AEW Rampage in a no DQ match.
Hardy vs. Guevara was made official for Friday’s episode during Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite airing.
This will be Guevara’s first match since last month’s Battle of the Belts IX show where he was written out with an injury angle in a street fight Tag Team title challenge with Chris Jericho against Ricky Starks & Big Bill.
Also announced for Friday, Anna Jay will face Queen Aminata in a women’s division battle.
The Bang Bang Scissor Gang also announced their intention to compete in a 12-man tag on the show, with Jay White, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, Billy Gunn, Max Caster & Anthony Bowens facing six unnamed opponents.
Friday’s Rampage will air at a special start time of 7 p.m. Eastern time due to TNT’s coverage of NBA All-Star Weekend festivities.
The announced lineup for the Friday, February 16 Rampage episode:
Jon Moxley & Jeff Hardy go one-on-one for the first time on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Moxley & Hardy will meet for the first time on a night where AEW CEO, GM, owner and head of creative Tony Khan has announced that the promotion’s rankings will make their return, with both looking to climb the ladder in the men’s division.
A pair of Dealer’s Choice matches for the top contenders to Samoa Joe’s AEW World title are also set for tonight’s show. Hangman Page will take on Toa Liona of Mogul Embassy in a bout where Swerve Strickland chose Page’s opponent. Strickland will also be in action in a contest where Page chose his opponent, plus Joe will be on commentary for Swerve’s match.
Chris Jericho’s issues with The Don Callis Family will continue on tonight’s episode as he faces Kyle Fletcher.
Deonna Purrazzo will face Taya Valkyrie, with Women’s World Champion Toni Storm set for commentary on the match.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as Jon Moxley makes his entrance through the crowd. We see Mistico, Volador Jr, Mascara Dorada & Hechicero all sitting ringside with Excalibur informing us the CMLL stars will be in action on both Rampage & Collision this week.
Jon Moxley defeated Jeff Hardy
(The first half of the match was more of a brawl and the second was more of a fun back and forth battle. Hardy looked a lot better tonight than last week’s match with Swerve Strickland, as he got off a lot of offense and the post match continued to plant seeds for a potential Hardys turn. I really liked how the CMLL guys laid out Moxley post match and stood strong, not going to be pushed around, building some interest in their matches later this week. One of which we’re told would be Hechicero vs. Bryan Danielson on Collision.)
Moxley almost immediately wrenched at the hole in Hardy’s ear, but Hardy dumped Moxley to the floor and the brawl continued. Excalibur said he was told the rules in this opener would be relaxed, as Hardy was wiped out with a dive and clothesline off the guard rail. Back inside, Moxley tried a Gotch piledriver, but Hardy back dropped out. Moxley kept the attack going, slamming Hardy into the barricade before Hardy reversed the whip and sent Moxley right into the laps of the CMLL stars. Moxley jaw jacked with them, flipping off Hechicero before Hardy tried a launch off the steps, but Moxley caught him with a forearm in mid air to go to commercial.
Moxley during break grabbed Excalibur’s pen and stuck it through the piercing of Hardy’s ear and twisted it while sat up in the corner. Hardy managed to wiggle out and post Moxley to the floor before back inside a Manhattan Drop and low leg drop combo got a near fall. Moxley exploded to his feet and tried Anvil elbows before a stalling piledriver connected for two of his own. Moxley wanted a Gotch piledriver on the apron, but Hardy countered into a Twist of Fate.
Whisper in the Wind followed up by Hardy, who hit a corner dropkick, but took too long for a Swanton Bomb follow, as Moxley cut him off with a back rake and superplex. Hardy attempted a Twist of Fate, but Moxley spun out into a Cutter. Hardy countered a Paradigm Shift and hit his split leg pin attempt, which Moxley barely got out of. The Twist of Fate connected, but missed the Swanton, as Moxley sank in the Rear Naked Choke deep and Hardy went to sleep.
Post match, Moxley offered a handshake to Hardy, who contemplated it before flipping Moxley off. Moxley let it go before posing for the crowd and talking trash a little more to the CMLL talent ringside. Mistico finally hopped the railing, as did everyone else and Moxley tried fighting them all, but the numbers were too much and Moxley was beaten down.
Excalibur said the rest of the Blackpool Combat Club weren’t there, as referees and security were tossed from the ring. Finally, Matt Sydal, Christopher Daniels, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker all chased them off. I wouldn’t be surprised if those guys who made the save will be facing the CMLL crew to give them a win in AEW at some point.
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Hangman Adam Page defeated Toa Liona
(For this being Liona’s first singles match, I thought he knocked it out of the park and I hope we get more singles from him in the future. He pushed Page to the limit here, as we’re told the Rankings are coming out at the end of the show tonight, so Page being 4-0 on the year so far, has to be at the top of the list, along with Swerve Strickland.)
Page tried to use early haymakers and the speed game to offset Liona’s power. After an eye poke by Liona, he charged Page, who hit a low bridge and a frustrated Liona regrouped. Page met Liona with a springboard lariat on the apron, but as he tried a second, Liona caught Page by the head and launched him clear over the top to the floor, with Page taking a crazy bump. A running cross body off the apron flattened Page, as back inside Liona kept Page grounded before Page tried to mount a comeback, but was Pounced to the floor.
It was all Liona during picture in picture, who had Page trapped in the Tree of Woe and delivered a series of headbutts. Liona missed a running senton on the apron, as Page tried a slingshot dive, but Liona just shrugged him off. Page ramped it up and hit a Tope before back inside a big time cross body knocked Liona down for two. Multiple roaring elbows from Page, who tried a Dead Eye, but the size of Liona caused a collapse. A thrust kick landed flush by Liona, who wanted a ripcord, but Page threw a lariat of his own and ducked a Liona cross body before swinging for the fences with another lariat. Dead Eye connected, but Liona popped right up and crumbled Page with a headbutt.
A ripcord discus lariat hit for Liona, but Page kicked out for a close two. Page tried to escape another senton on the apron, but Liona had it scouted, put on the brakes and properly hit the move before trying a moonsault off the apron and missing. Page answered with his moonsault off the top, wanted a Buckshot, but Liona ducked, tried a pop up Samoan Drop, but Page countered into a crucifix for the flash pin.
– We see footage earlier today of Matthew & Nicholas Jackson arriving to the arena, thankfully sporting goatees and not the ridiculous mustaches any longer. They’re approached with a format for the show and were called Matt & Nick, which infuriated them and they fined the person who gave it to them $500. Matt said his brother could be a hot head, but make sure that fine is paid by the end of the day.
(I hope Wardlow is ok after this one, he suffered not only a Phoenix Splash to the throat, but his leg gave out towards the end. The last thing the Undisputed Kingdom needs is another number getting hurt, let alone their muscle, so I’m hoping for the best. This was similar to the Trent Beretta match last week where he had some offense and chances, but ultimately fell to the power of Wardlow.)
Adam Cole was rolled over to commentary by The Kingdom and said to get ready for the ass kicking of the century. With ease, Wardlow rag dolled Komander around the ring to start before Komander used his speed to try and take out the leg of Wardlow, who answered with a pop up powerslam. A massive beal followed, as Wardlow launched Komander with a huge F-10. Wardlow posed at the big screen, as Komander rolled outside and countered a powerbomb into a hurricanrana into the steps.
After an awkward baseball slide, Wardlow sprung to the apron, but Komander kicked the ropes for a low blow. Komander hit a rope walk dropkick and Phoenix Splash, as Komander landed knee first right on the throat. Komander tried another rope walk, but Wardlow caught him into a spinning powerslam. Wardlow connected on the hanging knee lift out of the corner before delivering a power bomb for the win. Wardlow’s leg gave out during the finish. I got a kick out of Tony Schiavone telling Adam Cole to tell his girlfriend he hopes she’s doing well.
Post match, Roderick Strong got on the microphone and told Mike Bennett to throw Komander back in the ring. Strong yelled that Komander should’ve taken his deal last Friday and will now pay the price. Orange Cassidy & Best Friends came to the ring and had a stare down, as Strong thanked them for coming out, but they’ll see them later.
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– Tony Schiavone is backstage sitting down with Ricky Starks, Big Bill, Darby Allin & Sting before the AEW Tag Team Title match next week. Schiavone reminds everyone of the no physicality, as Starks spoke first and it’s been quite a journey for Sting in AEW, a journey that started with Starks, who reminded Sting his first win in AEW came against him.
Allin said Starks is full of sh*t and this isn’t about respecting Sting, it’s about a stepping stone, which Sting is anything but. Starks said next week, two things will happen, he & Bill will retain the Tag Titles and Starks will get his win back on Sting. Starks will make sure Sting doesn’t make it to his retirement, while he doesn’t respect Allin one bit.
Bill said Allin & Sting run their mouths about how Sting will retire at a Tag Team Champion, but just like everyone else, they’ve overlooked Bill & Starks and they’ll take their frustrations out next week. Sting said he admired Starks back in the day since he’s the only one who had balls enough to talk smack, but respect is earned.
Sting told Bill the only difference between he & the other giants he’s faced in the past was they were killers, he’s not sure yet about Bill. Allin said he respects Starks, but every time he points the finger at everyone else, the only one to blame is himself. Starks tried to get Allin to hit him, but Sting held Allin back and said Allin will hit Starks, in Phoenix, as he will too. This was a good final head to head for next week’s big match.
Chris Jericho defeated ROH TV Champion Kyle Fletcher (w/Don Callis & Powerhouse Hobbs)
(This match had some good moments, but both were off at times as well. I’m not sure what the end game is for this Callis & Jericho feud, as it feels like it’s been going on for a long time and I don’t think we’re any further now than we were months ago.)
Both men slapped and slugged it out right at the opening bell before Fletcher hit a surprise Michinoku Driver for a close two. Jericho low bridged Fletcher and hit the springboard dropkick to the floor, as outside, Jericho chased Callis around the ring, but Fletcher cut him off. Back inside, Fletcher controlled the action until Jericho cut him off in the ropes with ten punches into a hurricanrana. Hobbs ran distraction, as Callis tripped up Jericho and Fletcher regained control into break.
Fletcher connected on a snap half and half suplex and follow up brainbuster for two. Jericho mounted a comeback with a double sledge off the top and follow bulldog. Jericho slowly went for a Lionsault, but Callis took the ref and Hobbs decked Jericho. Fletcher tried putting Jericho away, but a counter led to the Walls of Jericho sank in deep. Fletcher finally made the ropes and caught Jericho with a nice thrust kick. Both men slowly got up at the same time and Jericho struck first with a Code Breaker.
Both slugged it out until Fletcher hit an enziguri to cut off Jericho in the ropes. Fletcher tried a brainbuster on the top rope, but didn’t clip the buckle and both men just dropped to the mat. Fletcher wanted a power bomb, but Jericho back dropped out into a pin for two. Fletcher up with another thrust kick, as Jericho tried to answer with a Judas Effect, but Fletcher dodged, as did Callis. Fletcher tried a dive to the floor, but Jericho hit a Judas Effect in mid air. Hobbs was shoved down, as back inside, Jericho hit a spinning Judas Effect off the top for the win.
Post match, Konosuke Takeshita’s music hit and he walked to the stage signaling one on one next week on Dynamite.
– A video package of Deonna Purrazzo is shown, going over the meaning of her tattoos. The duck on her ankle is something she got with Toni Storm while in Japan. It not only means who she was, but who she has become and questions what the tattoo means to Storm herself?
The Bang Bang Scissor Gang address the fans
Switchblade Jay White took the mic and said while he likes the scissoring thing The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass do, the Bullet Club Gold have their thing too and told the fans to put Guns up. Max Caster said they’ve been the most dominant trio for years and told Bowens to get Card Blade. Bowens went under the ring and brought it out, but was reminded by Colten that they got rid of him a while ago and instead get Juice Board.
Austin was going to do the go home line, but Daddy Ass cut him off and said he’s literally standing right here. Austin said this is kind of his thing and Daddy Ass reminded his son it was his thing before Austin was even born. The two words Daddy Ass had was Guns Up. We got a 6 way scissoring to end this segment. I know they just formed, but I don’t think the Bang Bang Scissor Gang has a long shelf life and the BC Gold boys will be turning sooner than later.
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Timeless Toni Storm makes her entrance along with Luther & Mariah May, as she’ll be joining commentary for the upcoming match.
(This was a pretty even match, with Valkyrie getting in a good amount of offense before being folded up by Purrazzo for the cool finish. Now, Timeless Toni Storm on commentary was next level tonight and had some hilarious one liners, more so than usual. She also broke the news of who is under Excalibur’s mask, so credit to her for that scoop.)
Purrazzo worked the arm and grounded Valkyrie, who managed to pick the leg and wrap up Purrazzo in a submission. Purrazzo got the ropes and took down Valkyrie with a tilt a whirl head scissors to the floor right in front of Storm, who said how do you do to Valkyrie. On the opposite side of the ring, Johnny TV trash talked and distracted Purrazzo, who was met with a Spear on the stage by Valkyrie, who made out with her husband taking us to picture in picture. I should point out Storm questioned why Excalibur is wearing a mask when everyone knows he’s Sean Mooney, anyways. That line broke everyone, including myself, Toni Storm is great.
Purrazzo managed a leg sweep into the edge of the ring, as back from break, Purrazzo was in control and hit another leg sweep into a Venus De Milo, but Valkyrie escaped. Storm said neither of these women compare to Wendi Richter and said she’s happy to be in New Orleans, as she was given a lovely pair of beads when she arrived, but not for her neck. This was another line that absolutely floored commentary.
Both ladies trade leg submissions before Valkyrie hits a sliding lariat for two. Purrazzo sent Valkyrie to the floor with a baseball slide and had a face-off with Storm before launching Valkyrie into the AEW Women’s Champion. Storm complained that someone pissed in her seat, as back inside, Purrazzo wrapped Valkyrie up like a pretzel and gets the gnarly submission.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Darby Allin and asked about his admiration for the Young Bucks. Allin was confused, but Paquette just nodded along until The Bucks walk in with headsets on and told Allin to answer the question. Matthew said they come in peace and they love Allin, as he’s a young, hot star, just like they are. They’re confused why he’s allowing a 65 year old to leach off him, but suggest The Bucks & Allin join up as a new hot, emo trio. Nicholas finally cuts the jokes and said he’s been ducking them, but Allin said all that’s on his mind is the Tag Team Championship. Allin leaves and Matthew said they guess they’ll just have to get his attention another way before telling Paquette she’s been doing a great job.
**********
AEW World Champion Samoa Joe joined commentary for our main event.
Swerve Strickland defeated Rob Van Dam
(I know he’s only had a handful of matches for them, but this was the best RVD has looked in AEW. I thought this was a fun main event and the stip allowed RVD to use the chair like he’s so used to doing, while Strickland was able to get in his signature offense as well. Strickland putting RVD away with the Stomp, mocking the RVD pose was a nice finish to continue making Strickland look strong. Next week it’s official, Page/Strickland 3, but this time, I won’t be surprised if there’s no definitive winner and a Triple Threat is on the horizon for Revolution.)
Joe was thrilled that RVD was the opponent for Strickland, saying only the top talent show up to try and get a shot at the AEW World Title. Hangman Adam Page appeared on the big screen and said not only does the Dealer’s Choice mean opponent choice, but also match type, so this is a Hardcore Match. The bell sounded and RVD leveled Strickland with a chair immediately, taking the fight to the floor. RVD continuously whipped Strickland into the railing, into the front row. After a slingshot leg drop on the apron, RVD draped Strickland on the railing and hit the signature spinning leg drop off the apron. Joe nodded in delight as things went to picture in picture.
Back from break, Strickland was in control, sending RVD into the corner head first into a set up chair. Strickland tried another whip into the chair, but RVD turned the tide and sent Strickland crashing in before delivering a Rolling Thunder. A running dropkick into the corner with a chair crushed Strickland for two. RVD wanted a monkey flip, but Strickland countered into a power bomb onto the chair for two of his own. Both men trade counters until Strickland was crotched on the top rope and was about to deliver a dive, but Brian Cage appeared and shoved RVD off the top. HOOK sprinted to the ring with a chair and cracked Cage in the back, as both men brawled to the back.
RVD got a quick roll up for two and popped Strickland with a kick flush. RVD wanted another Rolling Thunder, but this time, Strickland countered into a rolling Flatliner. Strickland booted RVD into a seated position on a chair ringside and hit the Swerve Stomp off the apron. Joe demanded doctors come check on RVD, as back inside; RVD chucked a chair at Strickland on the top, causing Strickland to fall through a table ringside.
RVD brought Strickland back inside, placed a chair on him, missing a Five Star Frog Splash, allowing Strickland to hit a House Call with the chair for two. Despite being cut off the first time, Strickland sent RVD crashing to the mat, mocked the RVD pose and hit the Swerve Stomp for the win.
Post-match, Hangman Adam Page walked to the ring with a microphone in hand. Page congratulated Strickland, the evil bastard and said he can only assume they are both at the top of the rankings that will be released tonight. Page said he’ll never let Strickland get a shot at Samoa Joe and the AEW World Title. Page is the next World Champion, not Strickland, who laughed in Page’s face. Strickland said he’s beaten Page twice and has nothing left to prove to him, as Page can’t beat Strickland.
Page said the two times Strickland won, he needed help from Mogul Embassy, but if it was one on one, Strickland couldn’t lace his boots. Strickland said he’ll give Page what he wants, one final match and after he wins again, Strickland will go on to become World Champion. We’re then informed Tony Khan made it official for next week, Strickland vs. Page with the winner facing Joe at Revolution.
AEW Rampage this Friday:
Mistico, Hechicero, Volador Jr & Mascara Dorada vs. Matt Sydal, Christopher Daniels, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker
Private Party vs. Top Flight
AEW Tag Team Champions Ricky Starks & Big Bill vs. Alex Reynolds & John Silver in a title eliminator
Willow Nightingale vs. Queen Aminata
We hear from Orange Cassidy & Best Friends
AEW Collision this Saturday:
Bryan Danielson vs. Hechicero
Eddie Kingston vs. Bryan Keith
AEW Dynamite next Wednesday:
Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page with the winner facing Samoa Joe for the AEW World Title at Revolution
Ricky Starks & Big Bill defend the AEW Tag Team Titles against Sting & Darby Allin
Chris Jericho vs. Konosuke Takeshita (w/ Don Callis)
Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Mistico, Volador Jr & Hechicero
Jon Moxley will face Jeff Hardy on this week’s AEW Dynamite.
AEW’s Tony Khan announced the new match for the Wednesday, January 31 episode in a social media post on Monday, touting this week’s Dynamite as the official return of the promotion’s rankings. Khan wrote:
Mox vs Jeff Hardy 1-on-1 for the first time ever, fighting for a valuable win on the night that the AEW Rankings make a long-awaited return: THIS WEDNESDAY!
Five matches are now set for this week’s Dynamite. Already announced are Hangman Page vs. Toa Liona in a Dealer’s Choice match where Swerve Strickland chose Page’s opponent, Strickland vs. TBA in a Dealer’s Choice match where Page picks his opponent, Chris Jericho vs. Kyle Fletcher, plus Deonna Purrazzo vs. Taya Valkyrie with Women’s World Champion Toni Storm on commentary.
The lineup for the Wednesday, January 31 episode:
Jon Moxley vs. Jeff Hardy
Dealer’s Choice: Swerve Strickland vs. an opponent of Hangman Page’s choosing
Dealer’s Choice: Hangman Page vs. Toa Liona
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Taya Valkyrie (w/ Toni Storm on commentary)
