Grudge match official for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

Image: AEW

In a match that has been in the crosshairs since after AEW All In, Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland for Okada’s Unified title is now official for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.

The match was announced during Thursday’s special live edition of AEW Collision.

Strickland came out to assist The Outrunners on Wednesday’s Dynamite after their loss to the Young Bucks. The Bucks and Okada were beating the two down when Strickland came out to even the odds and ultimately, lay out Okada.

Strickland has targeted Okada since the Dynamite following this month’s All In. The two have competed in a singles match once, a DQ win for Strickland in July 2024. They have shared the ring twice since then, once in July 2024’s Blood & Guts match and then again in a tag team match this past March.

Okada, the Continental Champion, won the Unified title at All In by virtue of his win over International Champion Kenny Omega in their winner take all match. Strickland will be looking for his first title run since losing the World title to Bryan Danielson at August 2024’s All In.

Current AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door card | Sunday, August 24 | London, England

  • AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Swerve Strickland
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against winner of Tag Team title eliminator tournament
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. TBA
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Athena

Kazuchika Okada defeats Kenny Omega, wins AEW Unified Championship at All In

Kazuchika Okada is the inaugural AEW Unified Champion.

He defeated Kenny Omega in a title vs. title winner-takes-all match at AEW All In on Saturday at Globe Life Field. With the win, Okada evens their all-time series at two wins each and one draw.

Omega favored his injured midsection throughout the match, which prevented him from bridging on a suplex and hitting other moves. Near the end of the bout, it appeared Omega had it won after hitting a One Winged Angel, but Don Callis pulled referee Bryce Remsberg out of the ring. Shortly after, Okada hit Omega with a Rainmaker for a two count. Omega nearly scored a pin off a cradle, but Okada kicked out and hit a tilt-a-whirl slam followed by another Rainmaker to get the win.

Earlier this week, Tony Khan revealed on the AEW All In media call that he is not retiring the Continental and International titles. Okada now holds all three championships and can carry around all three belts if he chooses.

AEW All In live results: Moxley vs. Hangman, Omega vs. Okada, Storm vs. Mone

AEW’s largest show in North American history has arrived with today’s All In, live this afternoon from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

In one headliner, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Hangman Page while in another, AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against TBS Champion Mercedes Mone.

In another anticipated title match, International Champion Kenny Omega defends against Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada to determine the new Unified Champion.

AEW World Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate defend against Christian Cage & Nick Wayne and JetSpeed in a three-way while The Opps defend the Trios titles against Gabe Kidd, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta.

The Young Bucks take on Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland where the Bucks will put their EVP titles on the line against a year of World title shots for Ospreay and Strickland.

The show will feature both men’s and women’s Casino Gauntlet matches with the winners given future World title shots.

TNT Champion Adam Cole defends against Kyle Fletcher rounds out the main card with the pre-show starting at 1 PM Eastern.

**********

Zero Hour

The WrestleAunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City), Jeff Jarrett & Paul Wight welcome us to Zero Hour to the sounds of Machinehead by Bush and run down today’s card. They have a chart No Time Limit, No DQ, No Match Stoppage of Blood, Pinfalls Don’t Matter, as the only way to win is when someone Submits or Unable to Answer the 10 Count.

Video of earlier in the week of Paquette on the road with Jon Moxley, as he said it’s the smartest decision Page has ever made to make sure his family won’t be ringside to see this main event. Paquette questions why it has gotten to such extremes and how Moxley continues to push boundaries as champion, starting with what he did to Bryan Danielson. Moxley said exactly, failure doesn’t exist, I just keep moving forward. So Page won 2 years ago, he thinks he can just move on? This is a war of attrition, is Page better than he was 2 years ago, have they been positive, stronger in character? Moxley doesn’t think so. Paquette said she has a F’n pit in her stomach about the match, while Moxley is at peace and has clarity. Page can’t do sh*t to him, the people in the arena in Hangman shirts, they are so sure he’ll pull this off. What in the last year makes you believe Page will win at All In and what leads anyone to believe Moxley will lose? Moxley has brought a cold reality to AEW and while Page has done nothing personal to Moxley himself, he just can’t stand the guy due to his relatability and how fans can see themselves in him, something Moxley can’t do. Page has everything in front of him, but just can’t see it. Being champion isn’t a luxury to enjoy, it’s a responsibility that people don’t understand. This was a fantastic video and a rare on screen interaction we get between a concerned Paquette & her husband.

Madison Rayne joined the panel to go over the Women’s Title Match. Wight said he’s going with Storm to win it and thinks Mone will have one less title after tonight, but none of Mone’s titles are on the line. RJ then talked to Kris Statlander earlier in the week about the Women’s Casino Gauntlet and she said out of all the women in AEW, she has the most experience in a Women’s Gauntlet, so that gives her the advantage. Statlander dodged a question about Willow Nightingale and told RJ it’s up for her to decide on the offer from Wheeler Yuta to join up with his crew and no one else. If Statlander if feeling petty, she could stick it to Mone or go the easy route and cash in her Gauntlet title shot on Storm. RJ brought up Statlander is now the Pro Wrestling Eve International Champion and she said she’s no longer looking for someone to hold her, as she now has something to hold. She’s been working harder than ever and is on top of her game.

Paquette informed us that Tony Khan has informed us Adam Cole is not medically cleared to compete tonight and it will now be a 4-way between Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara for the vacant TNT Title.

Clips of the fantastic piece by The Players’ Tribune on Mark Briscoe and his family was shown. This is go out of your way stuff to check out if for some reason you haven’t yet. Nigel McGuinnes joined the panel and talked about his history with The Briscoe Brothers. He also talked about the Men’s Casino Gauntlet and saw a few men in the back who will raise a few eyebrows if they make it to the match.

Excellent video package on Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada was shown and then the panel was joined by Josh Mathews who talked about The Young Bucks vs. Swerve Strickland & Will Ospreay, as he interviewed Strickland & Ospreay following Dynamite last week. Strickland asked how Ospreay is feeling about the stipulation he made for the match now? Ospreay said as confident he is that they’ll beat The Bucks, he said anything can happen in pro wrestling and if the worse happens, it’ll be his life’s mission to make it up to Strickland for costing him a title shot for a year. Strickland started laughing and said he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t believe in Ospreay & himself. Mathews asked if either have gratitude to The Young Bucks for getting them jobs in AEW? Both said they have respect for them and a huge footprint on AEW, but at the same time, The Bucks should respect the talent who show up week in and week out. Mathews said Ospreay & Strickland haven’t teamed much at all and asks if they feel like they can win on Saturday? Ospreay knows the game plan, it’s just a matter of putting it into action, they are The Franchise & The Feeling. Another excellent promo ahead of the PPV (aside from Mathews asking “do you think you’re going to win?” that was ridiculous).

Jeff Jarrett sat down with Hangman Adam Page earlier this week to talk the Texas Death Match. Page knows All In will be violent, buckets of blood, harm his health, but he’s grateful to have been part of this company since the beginning. Jarrett said out of all his opponents, he has a much respect for Page than any of them. Page asks if it was before or after he whipped him with a belt and they laughed, saying the respect grew after. Page said he knows this isn’t just a battle with Jon Moxley, it’s the rest of the Death Riders and admits it’ll take help, which he’s never been big on accepting. At the end of the night, it’ll be just Moxley & himself, but Page has been miserable for the last two years and his family could tell something was wrong. All In and winning the championship could prove to them that taking the right path can get you what you want.

Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) & The Von Erichs (Ross & Marshall w/Kevin) vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Lee Moriarty w/Anthony Ogogo & Trish Adora)

Guevara immediately hit his signature leap frog, dropkick, kip-up before Moriarty bailed and The Von Erichs picked apart Bravo with a double team. Dean ran distraction enough for Ross to eat a cheap shot and isolated. Dean hit a dive to wipe out Guevara & Marshall, Taylor got a head of steam around ringside to run over everyone like a freight train. Too much trash talk back inside allowed Ross to hit a huge bodyslam on Taylor as Ogogo stalked Kevin around ringside before Wyatt & Wayne Rhodes, the grandsons of Dusty, showed up as Ogogo retreated. Dustin made the tag and spiked Bravo with a Cross Rhodes, but Shane Taylor Promotions stopped the count as the match broke down. 4-way Iron Claw applied until Ogogo got in the ring, followed by Kevin Von Erich. This led to Kevin locking the Claw on Ogogo to the biggest pop of the match as STP were all collectively pinned simultaneously for the finish.

Match Result: Sons of Texas & The Von Erichs defeated Shane Taylor Promotions

Big Boom AJ (w/Big Justice & The Rizzler), Hologram, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Lance Archer, Hechicero, Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero

(This had a little bit of everything, including AJ briefly working Hechicero and Beretta pie-facing a 12-year-old, to the biggest reaction of the match outside of The Rizzler doing his pose. I do suppose Hologram can thank the Costco Guy for helping keep his undefeated streak in tact. I can’t believe that’s a sentence I just typed.)

An amazing sign of Don Callis as a hot dog was shown in the crowd before the match, just wanted to acknowledge that. Nigel McGuinness on commentary said AJ his 15 minutes are up and can return the WCW 90s enhancement costume, which was a great line. Callis Family attacked at the bell, but The Costco Conglomeration turned the tides quickly with punches in the corner and is wild we saw AJ paired off with Hechicero during all of that. Belly to belly by AJ on Romero for two, as fast tags were made until Romero scurried away and we get a lucha sequence between Hologram & Hechicero. O’Reilly was tagged in and became distracted by Beretta, allowing Archer to hit locomotion corner splashes before tossing O’Reilly outside. Romero put the boots to O’Reilly in front of Big Justice (who is taller than Romer) & The Rizzler until Beretta pie-faced Justice down to a huge reaction from the crowd. AJ became furious ringside as O’Reilly remained isolated. Hologram managed a hot tag and despite an awkward looking head scissors on Hechicero, was able to get back on track with a Spanish Fly on Romero.

Ishii made the blind tag, as Hologram hit a dive on Hechicero, who landed rough by the commentary desk. Ishii wanted a brainbuster, but Archer was too big, slamming Ishii down. Archer wanted a brainbuster, but Ishii countered this time and managed to connect. AJ tagged in and ran wild until Archer started no selling, teased a chokeslam, AJ clotheslined him outside. Spinebuster on Beretta, Gorilla Press on Romero, who was tossed onto Archer outside. AJ wanted a PowerBoom on Beretta, but Hechicero broke it up with strikes and step-up boot. The match broke down until Hologram dove onto a pile as AJ was too busy doing BOOMs and ate a Beretta superkick. Beretta wanted a charging knee, but AJ caught him with a clothesline as Romero took the ref. Big Justice got in the ring and hit a Spear on Beretta, as AJ laid out Romero with a PowerBoom to win it.

Match Result: Big Boom AJ, Hologram, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii defeated Lance Archer, Hechicero, Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero

FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood w/Stokely Hathaway) vs. The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd)

(This was a really fun tag match to end the kick off show, as I’d say I’d give the slight edge to their match on Collision last week as to which I enjoyed more, but it’s close. While I could see some wanting The Outrunners to win this, FTR are on a whole other level right now for this heel run and deserve to be in the Tag Title picture sometime soon. That said, I could see this match happening time and time again and I wouldn’t hate it. They work great together.)

McGuinness informs us Magnum & Floyd were trained by Verne Gagne and had to do 500 Hindu Squats every day. The Outrunners ran wild to start, causing FTR to take a powder to regroup with Hathaway. Wheeler returned to a huge back drop and flying head scissors by Magnum before Floyd tagged in for a back suplex and scramble for a pin attempt for two. Harwood attacked from behind, as FTR launched Floyd over the top outside, as he clutched his knee. Harwood put on a fans glasses and mocked him before picking apart Floyd’s left leg with a Figure Four. Floyd was able to battle back and make the tag to Magnum who ran wild with punches in bunches before sending Harwood head first into the post and clotheslining Wheeler to the floor. The numbers game became too much, as Harwood clobbered Magnum with a lariat.

Magnum managed to spin out of a sleeper into a back suplex for the double down, as Wheeler tried to stop Magnum with a slingshot dive, but crashed and burned. Harwood made the legal tag and almost Pounced Magnum from a failed diving tag attempt. Multiple missed elbows by Harwood, as Magnum tried a sunset flip for two, as he followed with a double DDT on FTR. Wheeler pulled Floyd to the outside before Magnum could make the tag, as FTR hit a Rocket Launcher for two.

Wheeler started getting in the refs face, causing Paul Turner to shove Wheeler to the floor, as Hathaway ran distraction, missing Magnum’s tag. Regardless, Magnum was able to dodge an attack and finally make the hot tag to Floyd, who was a house of fire and bulldog/clothesline combo. Son of a B*tch elbow connected on both FTR to a huge pop, but only managed two. Wheeler crotched Magnum, as Harwood nearly stole it with a school boy and tights. FTR wanted a Spike Piledriver, but Magnum sent Wheeler crashing outside, hit a cross body on Harwood, as Floyd rolled through with a jackknife for two. A Floyd hit a sunset flip on Harwood, Magnum tried one on Wheeler and didn’t get over enough, as it looked really rough, but both teams were up slugging it out. Floyd avoided Shatter Machine, as The Outrunners hit Total Recall, but Hathaway pulled out Magnum. The chase was on briefly between Hathaway & Floyd, but ended with Harwood getting a school boy, handful of tights, feet on the rope and assist from Wheeler & Hathaway to steal it.

Match Result: FTR defeated The Outrunners

AEW All In Texas

The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata) vs. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Gabe Kidd) for the AEW Trios Titles

(Excellent opener, with everyone involved getting a chance to shine. The involvement of Kidd gives him future matches with anyone coming out of this, as he looked especially great in this. Early on, commentary brought up injured “former member of The Opps” HOOK. While he returned briefly during Anarchy in the Arena, Joe seemed happy to see HOOK, but HOOK didn’t seem to reciprocate such expression. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard them mention any dissension or HOOK at all since Double or Nothing. The post-match attack is a solid way to write-off any potential help Hangman Page could’ve hoped for in the main event.)

Kidd was ready to fight the World before the bell even sounded, as The Opps hit the ring and the brawl was on. Joe & Yuta, Castagnoli & Hobbs fought outside, as Kidd & Shibata picked up from where they left off on Collision with a chop battle. Both men collapsed, but rose from the dead at the same time to ramp it back up before tagging Joe & Yuta, who got mercilessly chopped by everyone until finally hitting a dropkick on Shibata and made a tag to Castgnoli.

Shibata tagged Joe back in, but the trash talk from Kidd distracted Joe enough to be brought outside and have the boots put to him. Back inside, Joe continued to be worked over until Joe hit a running senton to the back of Castagnoli, sending him face first into the mat. Hobbs made the hot tag and ran wild with corner splashes until the straps were lowered, Kidd tried to attack from behind, but was mowed down as well. Castagnoli ate a spinebuster, but Yuta made the save. Kidd was sent outside, allowing Hobbs to turn back into a pop-up uppercut for two. Doomsday Device attempt was countered, as Hobbs hit a powerslam in mid-air on Yuta to a huge reaction. Locomotion corner splashes on Yuta led to a PK by Shibata for two.

Giant Swing on Hobbs outside into the barricade by Castagnoli, as back inside, Yuta skinned the cat low into a snap German on Shibata for two. Kidd tagged in just as Shibata hulked up, as he kicked out of a brainbuster at one. Headbutt collapsed Shibata, but an overhand chop led to Joe making the tag and slugfest with Kidd was on. Kidd wanted a bounce back lariat, but Joe countered into a snap powerslam. Fastball Special was cut off by Hobbs, as Kidd tackled him to the floor. Shibata punted Yuta with a boot in the corner, leading to Joe hitting the Muscle Buster to win it.

Post-match, Death Riders attacked The Opps, as Kidd hit a piledriver on Shibata, Castagnoli with a Neutralizer on Joe and Yuta wore out Hobbs with a chair ringside. Castagnoli then Pillmanized the neck of Joe with a chair before telling the doctor that Joe needs help as Death Riders left through the crowd. Joe, meanwhile, was carried out of the arena on a stretcher.

Match Result: The Opps defeated Death Riders to retain the AEW Trios Titles when Joe pinned Yuta

Men’s Casino Gauntlet

(I enjoyed this Gauntlet, there was some very noteworthy returns and moments sprinkled throughout, but comparing it to last year’s Gauntlet, I preferred that one more I’d say (with the exception of the winner). It felt like there was a lot of down time down the stretch, as I don’t know why we needed the Caster comedy at the end. Regardless, the winner was who many expected, which is a good thing, as having someone like MJF getting to call his shot is far more fitting than Christian Cage was last year. You get a lot more out of MJF being the winner here.)

Mark Briscoe & MJF started things off, as the bell sounded and immediately MJF scrambled for pin attempts until Briscoe shot a double leg to brawl. Briscoe floated over a back drop and hit a flying forearm, teased a Jay Driller until Ricochet was out a #3. We get a handshake between he & MJF, who put the boots to Briscoe until ROH Champion Bandido is #4 to a loud reaction. MJF shook Ricochet’s hand again, but poked him in the eyes and bailed, as Bandido hit a one arm press slam until MJF scurried in for a school boy for two. Briscoe hit a Cactus Elbow on Ricochet and Blockbuster off the apron on MJF, as MVP on commentary screams at him to get off his back. Konosuke Takeshita is #5, as he flew in with a clothesline on Briscoe, as Ricochet hit a wall walk, but turned right into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Bandido & Takeshita faced-off 24 hours after their excellent match at Supercard of Honor, as Bandido hit a Helluva Kick and Poison Rana. Bandido tried a leap frog on MJF, who countered into a powerbomb on the knee for two. MJF teased unmasking Bandido until Mistico was #6 and we had a face-off while Me Muero continued to play. MVP yelled for not to wait around for this bullsh*t, as we got the chorus of Mistico’s theme until he hit a handspring kick on MJF and Escalera on Takeshita before diving onto a pile outside. La Mistica was applied in the center of the ring, but Briscoe dove in to prevent a MJF tap out, as he applied a Fujiwara Armbar until Takeshita broke it up.

Josh Alexander was #7 allowing the Don Callis Family members a chance to wreck shop for a bit including a World Strongest Slam by Alexander on Bandido on the edge of the ring until Takeshita flew out with a somersault dive onto a pile. Anthony Bowens is #8 and immediately hit a float over DDT on Alexander & Fame Asser on MJF. Ricochet missed a roundhouse, as Bowens hit a spinning reverse Torture Rack slam. Bowens dropped Briscoe with a thrust kick and opted to pose before telling Takeshita & Alexander to Suck It, resulting in him getting his ass kicked as a result. A visually amazing Doomsday Power Drive Knee off the second by Alexander & Takeshita on Ricochet until Roderick Strong is #9, who sprinted and clocked MJF as he followed with backbreakers aplenty to everyone else. Brody King in at #10 immediately dishing out chops until Bandido just got enough of a pop-up dropkick with King. Black Hole Slam planted Ricochet, as King kicked out of a MJF school boy, tried to choke him off the apron, but MJF went to the eyes. Locomotion corner cannonballs from King, as Bandido went up top and hit a Frog Splash on Ricochet, who found himself alone after Takeshita & Alexander tackled King & Bandido outside.

The returning (and freshly shaven) Juice Robinson is #11 to a massive reaction, as he slapped the dome of Ricochet before lighting him up with jabs and spinning Full Nelson Slam. Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona show up and attacked Robinson, allowing Ricochet to hit a Shooting Star for two. Gates of Agony were about to hit Open the Gates when Austin & Colten Gunn returned, took them out on the ramp before laying out Ricochet with 3:10 to Yuma. The Gunns & Gates of Agony brawled to the back as Kota Ibushi is #12 and dropped everyone with kicks and got a few near falls until Beast Mortos was #13 and left Ibushi falling like a mannequin with a headbutt. Mortos continued to run wild until Strong tried to have a reunion with his former buddy, but was unsuccessful.

Mistico hit a top rope hurricanrana on Mortos for two until Ricochet flew in with an attempted Shooting Star, but didn’t get enough. Bandido hit X-Knee on Ricochet, lined him up for 21-Plex, but Takeshita cut him off and German Suplexed both Bandido & Ricochet. Strong in with a Tiger Driver for two, as Alexander cut it off with a Rack Bomb, but Briscoe flew in with a Froggy Bow. Bowens connected on his spinning corner DDT, as King met him with a sit-out Tombstone. Robinson in with a back suplex, but Mortos followed with a pop-up Samoan Drop. Ibushi waffled Mortos with a lariat and Kamigoye, as Strong was in with End of Heartache. MJF hit an Alabama Slam and jackknife pin attempt for two, but Strong responded with a Sick Kick

After a long delay between entrants, Max Caster is #14 doing his chant to a downed Bowens on the ramp. Caster didn’t even make it to the ring before Strong hit a jumping knee on the apron. Briscoe turned Strong inside out with a lariat and hit the Jay Driller before MJF ran in and threw Briscoe out of the ring to steal the pin on Strong. MJF held up the contract for his future AEW Title shot saying up next, he reclaims his Triple B.

Match Result: MJF won the Men’s Casino Gauntlet to earn an AEW World Title shot pinning Roderick Strong

-Stokely Hathaway said FTR is now done with The Outrunners and will be special Guest Commentators for the AEW Tag Team Title match and hopes everyone has a good time.

Adam Cole Relinquishes the TNT Title

A somber Adam Cole walked out ahead of the upcoming match and apologized for being unable to defend the title, as he’s going to be gone for a while. Cole said he doesn’t want to talk retirement, but if this indeed goodbye (Cole started breaking down) he felt like he owed it to the fans. Since he was 9 years old, all he’s ever wanted was to be a pro wrestler and their support has meant the world to him. From the highest moments and current lowest, he’ll love the fans forever. Cole said you’ll continue to watch AEW do PPV like no one else in the world and thanks the fans for making AE what it is and for changing his life, he’ll love them always. Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly join him for a hug, as fans are shown crying in the crowd before Cole does one last Adam Cole Bay-Bay pose. Cole kisses the TNT Title goodbye, as Excalibur said hopefully this isn’t goodbye and more see you later. This was incredibly emotional and health comes first, obviously, but I hope this isn’t it for Cole, as these last few years have been filled with injuries, he was just getting going with a solid run. Daniel Garcia was out with Matt Menard, as Garcia gave a long hug to Cole before making his entrance.

Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia (w/Matt Menard) vs. Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara for the vacant TNT Title

(This was a wide range of emotions for everyone involved, as the fans headed into the show thinking they’d get Cole vs. Fletcher, instead we had a potential retirement speech from Cole and were pretty quiet for a majority of this match. That was until the finish, which zero people aside from maybe Paul Wight, who picked Rhodes to win this on Zero Hour, saw coming. Everyone thought Fletcher was taking the gold here, but this was a fun pivot to give Rhodes a huge moment in front of the Texas fans, as you can have Fletcher win the title next and as soon as you’d like.)

Fletcher has new entrance music, as the Sons of Texas double teamed him in the early going. Fletcher pulled Rhodes to the outside, as Guevara & Garcia picked up the pace with pin attempts until both hit a double dropkick onto Fletcher. Guevara started posing to not much reaction, as Garcia did his dance, until Fletcher ran through both with a clothesline and decked Rhodes with a big boot. Garcia & Guevara took out Fletcher, fought each other on the apron until Guevara hit a Spanish Fly to the floor. Back inside, Guevara & Rhodes had Figure Fours on Garcia & Fletcher, who rolled through into double counters leading to both having a slap exchange. After a rope break, a slugfest ensued until Guevara low bridged Fletcher and hit a huge springboard moonsault. Back inside, Garcia cut Guevara off in the corner with a superplex, held on and hit another one, but as he went for a third, Fletcher cut him off, but ultimately Garcia hit a 2 for 1 superplex.

Garcia delivered corner punches, but Rhodes was up to hit multiple snap powerslams until a Destroyer & Cross Rhodes spiked Fletcher for two. Rhodes wanted Unnatural Kick on Fletcher, but Garcia & Guevara got their kicks in first before Rhodes capped it off. Garcia ducked a thrust kick and Guevara caught Rhodes, giving Garcia a chance to apply a Boston Crab. Guevara escaped into a Code Breaker and GTH, but Rhodes broke the count. The ROH Tag Champs start arguing until Garcia tries a schoolboy, but Guevara turns it into Three Amigos to again, zero reaction. Knees up by Garcia on the Frog Splash, as he sank in a Dragon Tamer.

Fletcher pulled Garcia to the floor and delivered an apron bomb and suplex on Guevara on the edge of the ring before cracking Rhodes with a multiple corner kicks. Fletcher wanted a brainbuster, but Guevara flew in with a Cutter, as Garcia was in with a snap piledriver. Garcia sank in the Dragon Tamer on Rhodes, who countered into an inside cradle and got the flash pin, shocking everyone. The fans were stunned and then realize what just happened and cheered loudly for Rhodes, who got a standing ovation from the commentary team. Aubrey Edwards presented Rhodes with the TNT Title, as Wyatt & Wayne Rhodes were out to celebrate with their uncle, as well as Ross & Marshall Von Erich. They hoisted Rhodes up on their shoulders and this turned into a hell of a moment.

Match Result: Dustin Rhodes defeated Kyle Fletcher, Daniel Garcia & Sammy Guevara to win the TNT Title

Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson)

(This was one hell of a tag match and the crowd were on fire, as they only grew louder and louder down the stretch. I was genuinely shocked by the result, as with this win, not only do The Bucks lose their EVP status, Ospreay & Strickland can still challenge for the World Title. This was an AEW Match of the Year candidate on a show where I’m sure we’re going to have one or two more by nights end.)

Assassins Creed entrance for Ospreay, who sprung up from under the stage. Jojo Offerman sang Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan, the music Swerve Strickland used as an entrance early in his career, before Strickland came out with Nana to his usual theme. The Bucks made their standard entrance initially, until they went to the back and were driven out and raised up on a wooden ship as Justin Roberts read a speech from The Founding Fathers as fife music played. Excalibur said while Washington crossed the Delaware, this was The Jacksons crossing the first baseline, which popped all of commentary, this entrance took forever, but that line made it all worth it.

Fast start by The Bucks, as Nicholas did some Lucha Libre until a double Northern Lights from Matthew led to The Bucks hitting their pose, forcing Ospreay & Strickland to regroup and get on the same page. They do just that as a thrust kick suplex combo connected before Ospreay launched off Strickland’s back with a Sky Twister Press for two. Wall walk enzugiri on Matthew, who superkicked out Ospreay’s leg while trying an Oscutter, as Nicholas flew in with a Senton and then another to the outside. The Bucks wanted a super TK Driver, but Strickland cut them off, flipped to the floor, landed on his feet, but ate a double superkick as a result. Ospreay was isolated until he tried a handspring, The Bucks dodged, wanted a superkick, Ospreay ducked and hit a hangspring Pele Kick leading to a Strickland hot tag. Diving uppercut into the Griddy before a powerbomb into the powerslam on Nicholas for two. Double hurricanranas sent the Bucks outside, where they were met with stereo slingshot dives.

Stereo Sky Twister Presses both inside and out of the ring connect, as Matthew saves his brother from eating a Storm Breaker/Swerve Stomp combo, leading to an assisted Sliced Bread on Ospreay before delivering the double stomp bounce back powerbomb and Escalera dive onto Strickland outside by Nicholas. Matthew started slapping Ospreay, firing him up in the process, as a slugfest ensued. Nicholas tried a Buckshot, Ospreay floated through, thrust kick, Strickland returned and everyone starts throwing a crazy series of superkicks before Matthew hit a Cazadora face buster, but Strickland & Ospreay no sold double Destroyers into stereo Hidden Blade & House Call as the crowd came unglued.

Ospreay & Strickland were both crotched in the corner, fought free and hit stereo Styles Clashes for dueling two counts. Storm Breaker/Swerve Stomp (could be the coolest looking combo ever) connected, but Nicholas just made the save. Nicholas tripped up Strickland before he could hit a House Call, as he slammed him into the steps before delivering a superkick to Nana. Roll-up on Ospreay by Matthew with feet on the ropes got a two count, as a mule kick from Matthew as Rick Knox didn’t see it. The Bucks followed with a TK Driver off the apron on Strickland before Nicholas hit Hidden Blade on Ospreay before More Bang for Your Buck got two. Ospreay kipped up out of an EVP Trigger, tried an Oscutter, but The Bucks blocked into an EVP Trigger, only for Strickland to just break the count. Ospreay tried Hidden Blade, but Matthew ducked and Ospreay hit Strickland, leading to a Poison Rana from Matthew and another EVP Trigger, but again, Ospreay kicked out. TK Driver connected once more, but Ospreay again didn’t quit.

Superkick Party ramped up on Ospreay, but Strickland crawled into the shot to protect his partner. Strickland took the bullets (similar to Ospreay taking the superkick with tacks a few weeks back), but blocked the EVP Trigger, allowing Ospreay to hit one Hidden Blade, as Strickland did a backslide into a Swerve Stomp/Tombstone for a close two. Strickland held off Nicholas as Ospreay hit Hidden Blade on Matthew, but Nicholas broke the count. Strickland hit a Swerve Stomp off the apron onto Nicholas, as back inside, Strickland & Ospreay hit stereo House Call & Hidden Blade on Matthew to win it.

Match Result: Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland defeated The Young Bucks and now Matthew & Nicholas Jackson have lost their EVP Status

Women’s Casino Gauntlet

(I thought all the ladies involved in this wrestled super hard and they all showed up. I’m glad newcomers Alex Windsor & Syuri got an extended period to show what they’re capable of as a little appetizer for the future, which certainly looks bright for the loaded AEW Women’s Title. This was another case where the winner was the odds on favorite by many, as this not only finally places Athena into the Women’s Title picture, but hopefully on more AEW programming going forward. Her run in ROH has been amazing, but we need her on Dynamite & Collision more and this is a way to do it.)

Kris Statlander & Megan Bayne (w/Penelope Ford) are entrants #1 & #2 as Bayne almost immediately did the deal and hit a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Statlander responded with an Angle Slam and swinging moonsault off the apron, but opted to pose for the crowd, allowing Bayne to recover and hit a Tope Suicida. Back inside, Statlander avoided Fate’s Decent and hit one of her own as Willow Nightingale is #3 to a huge ovation. Statlander offered a handshake, but Nightingale declined, opting to slug it out. Statlander missed an axe kick, allowing Nightingale to hit a low cross body and spinebuster, but Bayne broke up the Doctor Bomb. Statlander & Bayne hit a double chokeslam until Tay Melo (w/Anna Jay) is out at #4 and runs wild until she scarily counters Fate’s Decent into a Rings of Saturn, as Bayne spiked her own head into the mat it looked like. Ford saved her buddy as she went up top, but Jay distracted enough for Harley Cameron to slowly rise into the camera shot and sent Ford crashing outside. Double DDT by TayJay on Bayne, as Ford was chased to the back by Cameron & Jay. Thekla is #5 immediately hitting a head scissors on Nightingale and huge dive off the top onto Statlander & Bayne outside yelling “F You!” in the process, popping commentary. TayKO dropped Thekla, but Melo turned into a Pounce by Nightingale, who hit a Doctor Bomb on Thekla, only Statlander broke the counter. Doomsday Device by Statlander & Bayne onto Nightingale as everyone is down, leaving Julia Hart (w/Skye Blue) to come out at #6, who Excalibur calls Sisters of Sin.

Moonsault onto Bayne & Statlander by Hart, who does an Old School rope walk on Bayne, who was met with a running boot from Blue for good measure. Flying Octopus applied on Bayne, but Melo returned and spiked Hart with a Gotch Style Piledriver. Thekla hit the Spider Walk, but was distracted when Queen Aminata’s music hit at #8. The brawl was on, as both traded stiff headbutts and slaps before a swinging Fisherman’s neckbreaker connected for Aminata, who destroyed Thekla with Off with her Head. Hart & Blue attacked Nightingale as Blue hit Cheeky Nandos kick leading to stereo superplexes, leaving Hart & Thekla locked eyes doing the Tree of Woe pose. The new Interim ROH Women’s TV Champion Mina Shirakawa is #8 and cleans house before doing her dance until she was blindsided by Bayne & Statlander. Shirakawa locked Blue in a Figure Four and Blue taps, but she thought Blue was in the match, she wasn’t.

Athena hit the ring at #9 and completely wrecked shop on everyone in her way to a huge reaction. Tombstone spiked Aminata, but Nightingale broke the count. Thunder Rosa is #10 and picks up where she left off with Athena last night. Everyone starts doing head scissors on each other until the debuting Syuri is #11 and immediately shotgun dropkicks Rosa to the outside, leading to a stare down with Athena. Backstabber connects and Shirakawa comes in for a Stardom reunion before Syuri connects on multiple punt kicks. Alex Windsor (who is officially All Elite) is #12 and she slugs it out with Syuri before hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb. Both no sold German suplexes until Syuri hit a pump knee for two as literally every other woman broke it up.

12-way brawl in the ring is ramped up until double Scorpions from Hart & Thekla, while Aminata has Statlander trapped in Chocolate Kisses. Bayne explodes in with a dropkick on Aminata, but delivered a front face suplex on Statlander on the apron. Nightingale hit a DVD on Athena on the apron and Athena came super close to spiking her head in the process. Bayne wanted a dive, but Statlander cut her off and powerbombed her to the floor onto the pile. Back inside, Shirakawa hit a Sling Blade on Rosa out of the corner, followed with a corkscrew kick and spinning back fist. As Shirakawa went for a Figure Four, Athena flew in with the O-Face and won it. Huge ovation, as Athena held her Title contract high in the air.

Match Result: Athena won the Women’s Casino Gauntlet to earn an AEW Women’s Title shot pinning Mina Shirakawa

The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP & MJF) vs. JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) vs. The Patriarchy (Christian Cage & Nick Wayne w/Mother Wayne & Kip Sabian) for the AEW World Tag Team Titles

(Lots of moving parts in this one, as I was surprised how much offense the challengers were able to get off, even in defeat. The finish firmly plants FTR into the Tag Team Title picture, eventually, as the post-match was the big story here. Not only is Cope back, but The Patriarchy have finally turned their backs on Cage and we’re finally in full gear with this story after such a long time it’s felt like.)

FTR & Stokely Hathaway join commentary as Westside Gunn & Smoke DZA rapped The Hurt Syndicate to the ring. The bell sounds and immediately Benjamin & Lashley (who you’d never know had his leg Con-Chair-To’d multiple times on Wednesday, zero limp, not taped up, nothing) destroyed everyone, even MJF getting in some cheap shots. JetSpeed started to battle back, as MJF & MVP have words with Sabian & Mother Wayne ringside. Back inside, JetSpeed keep up the offense on Nick, as FTR are insulted on commentary that JetSpeed steal their athletic offense. Lashley got his grips on Knight and rag dolled him to the floor, as Benjamin dropped Knight face first on the steps. Back inside, Cage & Nick keep Knight grounded, until he dodged a double clothesline with a dropkick, making a hot tag to Bailey.

Rapid fire kicks on Nick into an enzugiri before he continued to light up Nick with kicks into a running Shooting Star for two until Benjamin turned Bailey inside out with a lariat. Sabian tried to save Cage from an Ankle Lock an ate a pump knee for his troubles. Massive spinebuster by Lashley flattened Bailey, as Knight tried to save his partner, but Lashley mowed him down as well. Bailey was launched onto The Patriarchy outside via overhead German as The Hurt Syndicate stood tall.

Bodyslam after bodyslam delivered to Bailey by Benjamin, who missed a corner rising knee, but Cage came in and tried a Spear on Lashley, but was pressed high in the air. Bailey kicked out the legs, as Knight flew in with a rolling clothesline on Nick and backbreaker on Cage. Inside Cradle by Nick for two, as Benjamin made the blind tag, blocked a Bailey hurricanrana out of the corner initially, but Knight sprung up and finished the move for two. Stereo moonsault/springboard splashes on the outside/inside for a near fall, as Benjamin recovered and took Knight to Suplex City. Handspring Cutter on Knight by Nick, who followed with Wayne’s World onto the apron on Bailey. Cage flew in with a splash off the top on Knight, but MVP distracted the ref long enough to delay a pin.

Knight crawled to his corner, but didn’t realize that Lashley had disposed of Bailey, so Lashley made the tag and like he does, cleaned house. Nick was flattened with a Dominator, but Cage managed a reverse DDT, as Benjamin flew in with a spin kick. Knight sprung off the top with a clothesline, but Nick met him with a snap German. Bailey caught Nick on his shoulders on the apron, as Knight hit a huge standing dropkick, causing Nick to backflip onto Sabian & Benjamin, clipping his head on the apron in the process. JetSpeed hit stereo dives, as Lashley sent Cage into FTR, before pie-facing Harwood. Cage dodged a Spear, tried Killswitch, but Lashley sent Cage crashing into FTR on the apron, leading to a Lashley Spear for the win.

Post-match, FTR & Hathaway got in the ring, but Nick & Sabian stood in front of Cage who shoved them aside. After brief trash talk, Cage told them they were leaving, but Nick laid out Cage with a Killswitch. Mother Wayne is laughing in delight, slapping Cage, as Sabian got steel chairs, with FTR presenting them to Nick to do the honors, as he was about to put Cage out of his misery with a Con-Chair-To when the returning Adam Copeland’s music hit and he has Spike with him. Sabian ate a big boot and FTR planted with a double Spear before Nick bailed, leaving Sabian to nearly get Speared out of his shoes. FTR & Hathaway bail through the crowd, as Nick & Mother Wayne leave up the aisle. Cage is slowly realizing what is happening, as Cope tosses Spike aside and helps Cage up and says “Go Find Yourself” before leaving Cage to ponder his next move.

Match Result: The Hurt Syndicate defeated JetSpeed & The Patriarchy to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Lashley pinned Cage

Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone for the AEW Women’s Title

(Absolutely incredible match and I certainly wouldn’t argue if anyone had this up there with one of the best women’s match in AEW history. I was blown away by both ladies performances and the crowd was with them from the opening bell. This was absolutely the right call IMO, as Storm gets the big W, but Mone retains all her titles and is forced to refocus and regroup. Both ladies knocked it out of the park on this one.)

The Texas Rangers Six Shooters dance squad accompany Mone to the stage, as she’s wearing a robe with the list of all the women she has defeated in AEW, so needless to say, it’s a big robe. An old timey film was shown before Storm’s entrance, where a single spotlight was on stage as she walked out with a cane like an old woman, but she tossed it aside, clicked her feet and made her entrance with Luther. Both ladies lockup and refuse to break, as they spill outside, climb the steps and back to the apron, as Mone held the ropes open, but Storm slid under the ropes, posing the process. Mone gets a Statement Maker briefly, but Storm escapes, spanking Mone, calling her a bad girl for early mind games. Misdirect dropkick from Storm, as Mone is forced to regroup, leaving Storm to do the CEO dance. Luther had Storm on his shoulders, allowing Storm to get a running start as she bealed Mone to the floor. Step-up knee sent Storm falling back into the arms of Luther, so Mone took them both out with a Meteora. Mone broke Luther’s glasses and posed with the AEW Women’s Title before Storm tackled her into the commentary table, as I think the title decked Taz, who was happy he was wearing a cup tonight.

Back inside, sunset bomb out of the corner and another into the opposing corner by Mone, who slid between the legs of Storm and delivered a powerbomb on the floor. Mone continued the onslaught in the ring with a release German and double knees for a near fall. Storm momentarily regained the advantage with a Sky High, but Mone sank in a cross-arm bar before snapping it back. Three Amigos connects, as Mone slowly went up top for a Frog Splash, but Storm got the knees up, hooked a Big Package for two. High stack German suplexes from Storm, as it was followed with Sweet Cheek Music and Storm Zero for a close near fall. TCM Chicken Wing slapped on, but Mone bit her way out. Both traded Tombstone attempts before Mone locked in an Ankle Lock, Storm rolled through and we get a forearm battle leading to both throwing dueling headbutts, causing a collapse and reset.

Mone got a close series of near falls before spiking Storm with Mone Maker for two, leaving Mone shocked. Mone pulled Storm up and kissed her before trying Mone Maker again, but Storm countered into a Toni Driver. Mone hooked a double wrist lock, but Storm powered up and broke free. Mone slammed her in the buckle, missed a Meteora, but Storm hit a snazzy over the back spinning Cutter for two. Both scramble until Mone got a backstabber into a Statement Maker variation, which Storm counters with a Bulldog Choke. Storm rolled through into three consecutive rolling Storm Zeros, but Mone kicked out. Storm wanted another Sweet Cheek Music, but Mone popped up into a small packaged for two, as she held the ropes right in front of Aubrey Edwards, but didn’t acknowledge it.

Mone quickly applied a STF, tried a cradle pin, Storm powered up, so Mone hit a backstabber, only for Storm to answer with desperation Sweet Cheek Music. Storm brought Mone up the ropes, returned the favor with a kiss of her own before we get an Avalanche Storm Zero to give Storm the win, handing Mone her first singles loss in AEW.

Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Mercedes Mone to retain the AEW Women’s Title

International Champion Kenny Omega (w/Kota Ibushi) vs. Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada (w/Don Callis) in a Winner Takes All Match for the AEW Unified Title

(Even after not having a match with one another since 2018, these two picked up where they left off. The finish and involvement of Callis makes me think this won’t be the last time these two will face each other in an AEW ring, as I hope I’m right, I’d welcome seeing it over and over again. They are currently at 2 wins Okada, 2 wins Omega and 1 draw, so it certainly makes sense. This almost felt like it was just about ready to hit yet another level when the finish came. Regardless, this was an excellent battle and chapter in the story of the greatest wrestlers of all time.)

Jim Ross joins commentary for the final two matches of the evening, as it’s great to see and hear him on the call after all he’s been through. Don Callis joins the crew, as Jim Ross puts over Okada as being one of the best in the world and having “it”. Omega had druids and Jason Charles Miller, the singer of his Take Flight theme, sing him to the ring, as he walked through a massive Omega symbol that was on fire. I know everyone loves Battle Cry, but this was as big of an entrance as you can get for Omega with this newer theme he uses for big matches. Bell sounded and the crowd exploded and are on their feet already.

Feeling out process early, as Omega teased Okada’s clean break in the ropes, but Okada booted him in the midsection. Omega answered with a Kotaro Krusher and slingshot cross body outside before back inside, missing a cross body, landing on his ribs. Omega tried You Can’t Escape, but hesitated after the first portion, allowing Okada to get the knees up during the moonsault. Huge flapjack and senton from Okada, who hit his dropkick in the corner, leaving Omega crashing outside. Okada rammed Omega into the barricade and took the referee, allowing Callis to get in some cheap shots before Okada went back to work, planting Omega with a DDT on the announce table, as Excalibur said it was on the unforgiving oak. Back inside, Omega scrambled for a submission, but Okada easily escaped and drove an elbow onto the midsection. Omega started waking up after each forearm thrown, ultimately hitting a snap hurricanrana that sent Okada outside. Omega ramped up for the Rise of the Terminator, connected and dove at Callis, who high tailed it quick. Missile dropkick right to the neck back inside, but Okada was out at two.

Okada dodged a corner charge and flattened Omega with a sit-out fireman’s carry slam before going up top, but was cut off. Both trade stiff shots until Omega hit an Avalanche Aoi Shoudou, the cross-leg fisherman’s suplex, for two. Okada dodged V-Trigger, into a German, but missed a Rainmaker. Fast sequence of counters led to Omega hitting the first Snap Dragon, but Okada connected on his dropkick before the reset. Okada really had to work for the bodyslam before going up top for the flightless elbow drop. Omega fought off a Tombstone, but Okada changed levels and turned it into a gut buster using his shoulder. Another flightless top rope elbow followed by a Rainmaker flip off pose. Omega blocked a head shot, so Okada hit a kitchen sink knee to the abdomen and short arm lariat with a big smile on his face. Omega threw a desperation knee of his own before delivering a massive powerbomb into multiple V-Triggers for near falls.

Flying corner V-Trigger connected as Omega brought Okada to the top rope for a scary Avalanche Dragon Suplex, planting Okada right on his face. Omega fired off another V-Trigger, teased One Winged Angel, which Okada countered into a spinning Tombstone. Discus lariat turned Omega inside out for a near fall. Omega was able to battle back with Croyt’s Wrath, but couldn’t make the cover initially. Rocky Romero showed up on the apron, as Kota Ibushi quickly dispatched of him. I believe Trent Beretta also got knocked to the floor by Omega, as Callis tried to run distraction, but failed, as Omega hit One Winged Angel, only Callis pulled out referee Bryce Remsberg and put the boots to him. Ibushi checked on Bryce, as Omega called for another official. Aubrey sprinted out from the back, as Omega hit another V-Trigger, but Okada escaped One Winged Angel into a Rainmaker for two. Both rose slowly trading forearms, as Okada went to the midsection, Omega hit a V-Trigger, Okada nailed the dropkick, but Omega ducked Rainmaker into an inside cradle, as Callis nearly dove into the ring to break it. Both men up at the same time, as Okada hit a tilt-a-whirl slam before hitting another Rainmaker flush to win it. Omega held the Unified Title high as he laughed at Omega who was helped to the back by Ibushi.

Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Kenny Omega to win the AEW Unified Title

Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) vs. Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Title

(An absolute all timer of a main event, one you knew would be filled with blood, interference and returns. It delivered all of those in one of the most emotional main events in AEW history. I’m so happy they were able to stick the landing and give this massive show the finish it deserved. The callbacks to previous feuds, the returns of beloved babyfaces, the visual of Moxley fighting his hardest not to let the title go and finally to Page getting an assist from the unlikeliest (or likeliest) of allies, made this legit one of the best endings to a wrestling show ever.)

Page had a video prior to his entrance as whistler Molly Lewis and guitarist Thomas Stankiewicz played until Page’s theme kicked in and he power walked to the ring with pyro and massive ovation. Moxley was driven into the arena in a huge truck (redneck chariot as JR called it) by Claudio Castagnoli with Marina Shafir, Wheeler Yuta & Gabe Kidd in tow, but only Shafir accompanied Moxley to the ring. Forearm battle immediately, until Moxley flipped Page off, only pissing him off in the process. Moxley tried using a fork, but Page had one as well, as he trapped Moxley in a triangle and stabbed him repeatedly, causing Moxley to pour blood in a gnarly visual, as things were just ramped up to 100 real quick.

Page brought out a strand of barbed wire and Moxley got control of it, driving it into the face of Page before Shafir bit him in the forehead. Moxley grabbed a chair, but tossed it aside, opting for a barbed wire covered chair, which he slammed a now bloody Page on. Clubbing blows across the face, as Moxley licked his hand, which is pretty gross. Barbed wire chair placed in the corner, as Page battled back, missed a charge, grabbed the chair, but Moxley hit a big boot to the chair into Page’s face. Shafir helped Moxley set up a table ringside, as he dropped Page with a Cutter before asking Shafir to bring in a bucket of glass. Moxley stomped on the glass bottles and started stabbing Page in the head with it, looking for a piledriver, but pulled the legs out from Page and dragged him back first through the glass, then got his piledriver, but Page wouldn’t stay down. Both slapped the hell out of each other before a second piledriver put Page down longer this time as Shafir started throwing in multiple chairs, as Page was up at 8.

Moxley set up the chairs and brought Page to the corner, but Page started to battle back, looked for a superplex, but Moxley had a strand of barbed wire, raking it across the back. Page fell back to the chairs and turned them both back-to-back, Moxley didn’t realize and Page hit a powerbomb right on the edges, as Moxley found himself writhing in the crushed glass as well. Page wrapped his arm in barbed wire and hit multiple rolling elbows until Wheeler Yuta showed up with a chair shot to the back, but Page no sold and decked Yuta. Angels Wings to Moxley into the glass, as Page skinned the cat for a Buckshot, but Shafir piggy backed onto Page who hit a Death Valley Driver off the apron through the table, causing the crowd to explode.

Back inside, Page sent Moxley into the barbed wire chair in the corner and flattened him with Dead Eye into the glass, but Claudio Castagnoli hit the ring to attack and set up another table ringside with Yuta. Will Ospreay rushes out with a steel chair, as Gabe Kidd joins the fight as well, delivering a piledriver to Ospreay on the floor. They placed a chair around the neck of Ospreay and Castagnoli Pillmanized it with a massively bloodied Moxley looking on as Ospreay was loaded onto a stretcher. Moxley looked for a piledriver on the apron, Page teased a Dead Eye counter, but Moxley escaped into the rear naked choke before hitting a suplex off the apron through two barbed wire tables. Both crawl back into the ring and rise at the same time for a bloody forearm exchange until Moxley bit at the forehead and hit a lariat. Gotch Style Piledriver connected, as Moxley sank in the Bulldog Choke, releasing it as the ref put on the count. Page just barely broke the count at 9.999, as Moxley spiked him with a Death Rider through a chair, but again, Page just beat the count.

Castagnoli handed Yuta a plastic bag and he jumped in the ring about ready to put it on Page when footage of Darby Allin at the top of Mount Everest was shown on the big screen saying once he got down, he’ll take everything from Moxley. That distraction led to someone in a Blue Panther mask appearing and doing Yes Chants and Busiaku Knee to Yuta, as Bryan Danielson took the mask off and took out Kidd & Castagnoli on a double dive before firing off Yes Kicks. Just then, we see Darby Allin repelling in from the top of the building into the ring, as Allin stares Moxley down until Page flew in with a Buckshot, while Allin hit a Coffin Drop onto the Death Riders. Another Buckshot flattened Moxley, as Danielson & Allin fought the Death Riders out of the arena. Page brought Moxley to the apron where he hit Dead Eye off it through a table. Shafir reappeared and helped Moxley up at 9, as she flipped off Page, whose back was turned, allowing The Young Bucks to appear and hit superkicks and a BTE Trigger.

Moxley & Shafir threw a bed of nails into the ring, as Moxley hit just enough of a Curb Stomp and Paradigm Shift onto the bed. Page somehow beat the count, as Moxley demanded the key around Shafir’s neck as she went to grab the briefcase from under the ring attendant table, but found herself handcuffed and Prince Nana was the culprit. Swerve Strickland appeared, laying out The Bucks with his hand wrapped in the chain Page left for him after their talk on Collision. Strickland tossed the chain to Page, as Moxley stumbled back in and Page wrapped the chain around the throat of Moxley, who was tossed over the top, but Moxley avoided being hung. Page managed a Buckshot, as Moxley collapsed back onto the bed of nails, leading to Page choking him with the chain and hung him off the apron. Moxley is in a massive panic and has no choice but to submit and the crowd absolutely loses their minds as a result, with Strickland giving a smile on the aisle.

Post-match, Page unlocked the briefcase that’s been held captive by Death Riders and we see it for the first time since WrestleDream last year. Huge pyro goes off with Justin Roberts introducing the new AEW World Champion. Page looked to the fans and told them this title is theirs, as Excalibur said Page can now breath a sigh of relief as they begin a new era of All Elite Wrestling as the show goes off the air.

Match Result: Hangman Adam Page defeated Jon Moxley to win the AEW World Title

AEW All In preview & predictions: High noon in Texas

The following is an opinion-based preview that reflects the views of the author and not the website.

Image: AEW

I desperately try to avoid comparisons between AEW and WWE as I don’t think they’re particularly helpful, nor do I enjoy the endless and atrocious discourse across (and between) the two fan bases.

I will, however, draw a comparison here because we’ve reached a clear inflection point in wrestling where the two major companies have never been more divergent. Only one of them has an interest in being what their name suggests: a wrestling company. Since you’re already reading this column, I’m certain that you, as smart as you are, can conclude that the company is All Elite Wrestling. We’re at the point where comparisons are less applicable than ever because the two companies are barely offering the same type of product.

AEW is back in form and offering a legitimate, alternative style of wrestling to the world. They are not consumed with celebrity appearances, social media views, imagined clout, or “telling stories” first. Instead, they are laser-focused on what matters to them — the actual wrestling — which is reflected in the quality of Saturday: the fourth All In event.

There is real motion behind their momentum, something that appeared in fits and starts for years, but now feels sustainable. This is a tremendous card, arguably one that has as much high-end talent as any in history, and the common theme is the quality of the matches and, more importantly, the performers.

The right people are in the right places. They are cooking with a balanced roster full of stars of today and tomorrow. No more chaff, no more filler. If someone is getting television time, it’s because they deserve those minutes and seconds. The bloat is gone, replaced with a group of young, talented wrestlers primed to take the next step toward the top of the card and the steadying hands of veterans that can help them get there.

The future has never been brighter for AEW and that is a great thing for the wrestling industry, regardless of what the clinically insane and chronically online detractors would like you to believe.

Let’s see how All In from Arlington, Texas (1 PM pre-show and 3 PM Eastern main card on PPV) shakes out.

Men’s & Women’s Casino Gauntlets: Winners gets a future World Championship match

At press time, we only knew a few of the many, many participants in these matches. We can assume a couple of surprises here and there to pop the crowd, but here are a handful of wrestlers that have a strong case for their participation and winning the match:

  • Brody King: In this column, we support anyone with such a strong wardrobe. He’s the type of talent tailor-made for a brief, hard-hitting program with whoever wins the main event. 
  • Ricochet: His character continues to evolve and get better. Seeing how he reacts to a title shot (and subsequent loss) would be worth watching.
  • Willow Nightingale: I will bang the drum for her until my arm falls off. She is the best pure babyface in the company, and a program between her and Mercedes Mone could heal our fractured country
  • Athena: I don’t book the shows so I won’t pretend to understand why Athena is not regularly featured, and in a top position, on proper AEW television. It’s one of life’s more puzzling mysteries.

Predictions: Brody King and Willow

AEW World Trios Champions The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata) defend against The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Gabe Kidd)

The upgrade from Hook to Hobbs can’t be overstated. Hobbs adds a snarling menace to the group which pairs well with Shibata’s unsaid psychopathy and Samoa Joe’s everything. Having Hook in this group reminded me too much of potential unrealized, a time when “Send Hook” was a cute meme, but never became anything more. This is the grown-ups table now and the trios division is better for it. 

If Hobbs is the welcome upgrade to his trios, Gabe Kidd is the equivalent downgrade in his. Equal parts overexposed and annoying — he’s a madman, you know — Kidd’s presence only reminds me of how much I miss PAC whose AEW tenure continues to be plagued by consistent and unfortunate absences.

Prediction: The Opps retain

AEW World Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey) and The Patriarchy (Christian Cage & Nick Wayne) in a three-way

This has been one of the silliest, clumsiest builds I can remember but it might not matter once the bell rings. Few have a more impressive resume working large-scale multi-man tag matches than Cage. His bona fides do not need repeating. Knight and Bailey have done wonderful work since being paired together with Bailey in particular being a revelation as I did not think his act would translate as well as it has on a weekly basis.

The Hurt Syndicate remains the all-powerful goliaths at the top of the tag team mountain. They have been so dominant that losing the titles should happen in a significant moment, not some haphazardly created three-way dance. The looming spectre of whatever is going to happen with MJF can’t be ignored, but it’s too soon for him to turn one way or the other. The status quo will hold deep in the heart of Texas. 

Prediction: The Hurt Syndicate retain

TNT Champion Adam Cole defends against Kyle Fletcher

Sometimes the future that’s promised never comes. Sometimes promise is only that. There are no guarantees in wrestling (or life!), especially in 2025. This here is a pairing of a future not fully recognized with one incandescent with potential. 

Fletcher should hold the World title in 2026, and this is hopefully the first stop on the express train. He improves with every match and every second spent on the microphone. This was the year everything came together for him. It was a delight watching him grow to become a main event-level talent. Most ascents to the top have a longer runway with the performer being eased into the biggest spots. Even though this was comparatively sudden, it feels completely right. Fletcher excelled with whatever was thrown his way, proving himself beyond ready for more and more still. His journey to the main event is close, but his ceiling is still tantalizingly far away.

Cole was once in Fletcher’s shoes — someone seen as a no-doubt main eventer in any major promotion; a true can’t miss talent. He reached the top in Ring of Honor, NXT, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Technically, he made it to the top of AEW when he main evented the first All In at Wembley Stadium in a forgettable match with MJF. That was as good as it got for Cole.

Unfortunately, his circumstance is an all-too-painful reminder of how fleeting success can be. The window of opportunity is perilously small and can be snapped shut at a moment’s notice. Whether through injury, luck, or just the passing of time, Cole’s window is closed. Fletcher locks it shut at All In.

Prediction: Kyle Fletcher wins the title

Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland vs. The Young Bucks 

The stip here: the Bucks put up their EVP status against a year of World title shots for Strickland and Ospreay.

The evil authority figure is a familiar and tired wrestling trope — a lazy escape hatch relied on to explain a lack of foresight and reaffirm poor booking. The decision to add a stipulation here is a clever and necessary one. It provides a simple storyline-based way to move the Young Bucks out from their positions of televised power and properly slot them as “regular” wrestlers.

I’m glad Ospreay and Swerve had to offer up something of substance, too. This particular stipulation adds so much intrigue to the match. Is Ospreay really going to go another year without challenging for the top title when he’s already a top babyface? Will Swerve be able to exist in a world where he can’t come after Hangman’s title? My inclination is to say neither of those things will happen. There is too much money in a Swerve/Hangman title program, and Ospreay needs the creative direction of driving towards the title. 

A moment, before the formal prediction, for an important conversation:

Since their return, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson have been doing some of the best work of their careers. Their multi-person tag matches have been full of creativity and innovation. While we are consumed with answering the question of who is the best ever, it’s never a fulfilling conversation, especially so in wrestling, where things are entirely subjective.

Whenever I’m reluctantly pulled into that conversation, I try to think about whether the performer(s) in question were the best at their particular style. The best technical wrestler is wholly different than the best brawler, the best flyer, etc. And for their specific brand of wrestling, the Young Bucks are the second to none. The Jacksons might not be your personal GOATs, but they are the most important and influential tag team of this century.  

If recent form holds, this is likely the best match of the night with Swerve and Ospreay freeing AEW from the kayfabe clutches of the Jacksons.

Prediction: Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland

AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada vs. AEW International Champion Kenny Omega for the new Unified Championship

This is the defining pro wrestling rivalry of the past 15 years. No series of matches did more for the growth of wrestling in the modern era. Omega and Okada opened new eyes and awakened long-dormant passions in fans. Saying AEW wouldn’t exist without this rivalry is not hyperbole; it’s fact. People wanted matches like this so badly that an entirely new wrestling company started. 

Rarely are two performers so perfectly made for each other. Omega was a unique mover, all tightly coiled explosion and suddenness. His violently snapping off the ground for a V-Trigger frequently required multiple rewinds. How could he cover so much distance, so fast? His in-your-face athleticism was matched by Okada’s grace. Okada was sublime; he was effortless. A star by any definition. It’s easy to get lost in grandeur, but we will be hard pressed to have another rivalry this meaningful and this good in our lifetimes. Two generational performers entered each other’s orbits at the perfect time, and we were lucky to be along for the ride.

It would be unfair to expect this match to measure up to the unreasonably high bar of their previous ones, especially considering they’re both in far different stages of their career. Okada is, generously, mailing in half of his matches, something he has earned the right to do. Sadly, Omega is rapidly breaking down. He’s only wrestled nine times this year and is still badly beaten up. We should all appreciate his big matches now because there are fewer of them left than any of us probably realizes. Even in his diminished physical state, he remains a special wrestling mind, one that should be able to capture a different type of magic in a different style of match, especially with his wrestling soulmate. 

If this is Omega’s last big run, he should get the win here. He means as much to AEW and wrestling as anyone. Give him the spotlight one more time.

Prediction: Kenny Omega

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mercedes Mone

This is the biggest women’s match they could book and it’s the biggest women’s match in either of the two major wrestling companies. Storm has been in the “Timeless” character for so long that it’s easy to overlook just how impressive she is. This character should be eliciting groans at this point but instead, it’s kept her at the top of the women’s division for almost two years. In the hands of any other performer, it would be relegated to backstage segments and enhancement matches. Storm has turned something laughable into something lasting. So much of the world is forgetful. “Timeless” Toni Storm is anything but.

Mone has a legitimate case to be wrestler of the year. But she isn’t just chasing 12-month accolades — she’s authoring a legacy. Saturday could be another an unforgettable chapter in a year already rich with highlights. If her current trajectory holds, we may soon be forced to talk about her not just as one of the greats right now, but one of the greatest ever.

The star-making turn of being the person to beat Mone is not something Storm needs or would likely appreciate.  The whole point of a run like the one she’s been on is not just about her, but it’s also about the person who beats inevitably beats her. The countless young, hungry, and talented women on the roster would better fit that bill.  

Prediction: Mercedes Mone wins the title

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match

It was always Hangman Page. No misguided notions about Darby Allin, no hoping for Samoa Joe to recapture the magic, it was always the cowboy. In a sea of stars and superstars, he remains the true north of AEW. Nothing speaks to the importance of his presence like his absence. The shows lacked a tight direction when he wasn’t around or was a background player. It was covered up by a focus on Bryan Danielson’s journey to the World title and subsequent retirement from full-time wrestling, but there was still a gap. It’s not a coincidence that AEW found its footing when the focus was back on Page.

Look no further than the Death Riders for proof of Hangman’s impact. For so long, both in this column and everywhere else on the internet, we bemoaned the overarching and overwhelming excess of the Death Riders. It was always the same. The matches, the finishes, the promos, whatever. Now there’s life. Is this results-based thinking? Perhaps. But for the first time since October, I find myself interested when their intro guitar riff introducing them hits the speakers. 

Moxley’s next chapter will be an interesting one. He’s approaching 40 with a lot of hard miles on his body. There is almost nothing left for him to accomplish in professional wrestling. He’s won every major title in every major company and has likely earned enough money for multiple lifetimes. He can start to take his foot off the gas or press it all the way down. With someone as unpredictable as Mox, any and everything is on the table. 

This always had to be a Texas Death Match. This was always going to be rife with run-ins and interference, so why not just put the whole world on the table? The possibilities for massive crowd reactions are endless. Here are just a few, ranked in order of how much they would move me:

  • Christopher Daniels runs in
  • Darby Allin returns
  • Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi run off the Young Bucks
  • Willow Nightingale single-handedly fights off The Death Riders 
  • Swerve directly helps Page win the title
  • Danielson returns

Regardless of how many people get involved, there will only be two left at the end and only one can get their hand raised. When the confetti falls and the show closes, the cowboy from Halifax, Virginia, stands tall on top of the company he was always meant to carry.

Prediction: Hangman Adam Page wins the title

WOR: Kenny Omega on his comeback, facing Kazuchika Okada at AEW All In

Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales are back with a Friday edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, joined by returning guest and reigning AEW International Champion Kenny Omega.

They talked with Kenny about his injuries, how he’s feeling, his comeback, his January comeback match with Gabe Kidd, his series of matches with Kazuchika Okada, and wrestling’s future.

Then, Dave talked about losing this week’s current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and the skeleton issue up now.

Here were some of the other things we discussed:

  • CM Punk and Saudi Arabia
  • Kevin Iole’s retirement
  • The latest on Britt Baker
  • An update on Kommander
  • AEW Dynamite ratings

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube (video sub needed)

Okada vs. Ibushi part of AEW Dynamite 300 lineup

An old NJPW rivalry will be renewed at AEW Dynamite’s 300th episode next week.

Career rivals Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi going one-on-one has been announced as part of the Wednesday, July 2 AEW Dynamite 300 lineup.

Ibushi made his in-ring return in AEW on this week’s Dynamite, defeating Trent Beretta of The Don Callis Family. Okada has aligned himself with Callis ahead of his battle with Ibushi’s Golden Lovers partner Kenny Omega scheduled for All In on July 12. Okada confronted Ibushi in the ring after his victory, and the match was set for next week.

The last time Okada and Ibushi wrestled was in the G1 finals in 2021, a match stopped early after Ibushi suffered a catastrophic shoulder injury. Okada was awarded the win via referee stoppage. Ibushi had defeated Okada in their two prior G1 meetings in 2019 and 2020, and Okada defeated Ibushi in the Wrestle Kingdom 14 night one main event in 2020.

A TBS title match is also set for next week, with Mercedes Mone defending against Mina Shirakawa. Mone will challenge Shirakawa’s ally Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World title at All In on July 12.

Mark Briscoe claimed the first spot in the All In Casino Gauntlet match with a victory on this week’s Dynamite, and MJF will wrestle in a Casino Gauntlet qualifier on next week’s Dynamite 300.

The announced lineup:

AEW Dynamite 300, Wednesday, July 2 —

  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Kota Ibushi
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Mina Shirakawa
  • All In Casino Gauntlet qualifying match: MJF vs. TBA

Kota Ibushi makes surprise return at AEW Collision, next match set

After more than a year away from AEW, Japanese legend Kota Ibushi made his presence felt at Saturday’s AEW Collision.

It began with an in-ring promo segment featuring AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, Lance Archer, Josh Alexander and Don Callis where Callis verbally ran down Omega and said that if he makes it to All In, he will be truly alone.

Callis also said Okada is officially the newest member of his Don Callis Family.

Mark Briscoe then came out to make it clear that Omega has friends like himself but he’s not his only friend. A shirtless Ibushi then came out and as Briscoe dealt with Archer, Ibushi got into the ring where Josh Alexander awaited him.

Ibushi took him out and Okada then stood toe-to-toe with him. Okada laid in a few shots, but Ibushi unloaded him to send him out of the ring.

Ibushi is Omega’s longtime tag team partner in the Golden Lovers. He and Okada had alliances and a rivalry in NJPW with their last clash coming in the 2021 G1 tournament final that Okada won due to a referee stoppage.

It was later announced on Collision that Ibushi will make his in-ring return this Wednesday in Kent, Washington, as part of AEW Dynamite.

The 43-year-old has been out of action since February 2025, but hasn’t been in AEW since a November 2023 Dynamite when he, Omega, Chris Jericho and Paul Wight defeated Konosuke Takeshita, Brian Cage, Powerhouse Hobbs and Kyle Fletcher.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Mark Briscoe added to AEW Grand Slam Mexico

Mark Briscoe wants Okada.

In a promo that was put up on AEW social media, Mark Briscoe talked about the events of AEW Summer Blockbuster which saw Kazuchika Okada viciously attack Kenny Omega. He said he considered Omega a friend and even teamed with him recently, saying he had his back. He said he thought Okada was better than that and in the name of fairness, he was challenging him right then and there for a match at Grand Slam Mexico. He promised to cause Okada pain.

Soon after, Tony Khan made the match for Arena Mexico official:

Okada and Omega had their All In contract signing on Wednesday at AEW Summer Blockbuster. At first everything appeared to be fine between the two future opponents, but when Don Callis arrived it was revealed everything was a setup. The distraction by Callis allowed Okada to attack, targeting his stomach area where he recently had diverticulitis surgery. As Omega was being stretchered out, Okada hit an elbow off the top rope onto the stretcher, causing further injury to Omega.

Here is the updated lineup for Grand Slam Mexico:

AEW Grand Slam Mexico card | Wednesday, June 18

  • CMLL World Women’s Champion Zeuxis defends against Mercedes Mone
  • MJF vs. Mistico
  • Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) and Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) vs. Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay and The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata)
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Adam Cole, Daniel Garcia, Brody King, Templario, Bandido & Atlantis Jr. vs. Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Josh Alexander & Hechicero
  • Ricochet vs. Hologram vs. Lio Rush vs. Mascara Dorada

Fight Game: What should main event AEW All In?

John LaRocca and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked off the show by giving out our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week before hitting the major AEW and WWE topics of the week.

Here are some of the things we talked about:

  • A very heat heavy AEW Summer Blockbuster and how having too major many angles may have lessened the importance of each angle
  • AEW Grand Slam Mexico preview
  • What should be the main event for AEW All In?
  • Gunther beating Jey Uso to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion once again
  • WWE King and Queen of the Ring brackets
  • Jasper Troy’s match with Oba Femi on NXT TV

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

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada to compete for new Unified title at AEW All In

The consolidation of the AEW Continental title and AEW International titles is official with Wednesday’s reveal of the new Unified Championship.

The new belt, seen above, will be on the line in a winner takes all match between International Champion Kenny Omega and Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada at All In Texas on Saturday, July 12th.

The two signed the match contract during Wednesday’s AEW Summer Blockbuster in the same segment where the belt was revealed. Don Callis then came out to run down Omega, which led to a vicious attack by Okada that left Omega taken out on a stretcher. Okada attacked him twice on the stretcher with the last one leaving Omega coughing up blood.

Okada and Callis then ran out the back, jumping into a car and speeding away. Whether there’s an official union between the two was not revealed, but it appears an alliance is taking place between two of Omega’s biggest foes.

Omega has been International Champion since March’s Revolution while Okada has held the Continental title for 450 days.

AEW International Title History

Initially called the All-Atlantic title, PAC was the first-ever champion, winning the gold in a four-way at June 2022’s Forbidden Door. Orange Cassidy defeated him for it in October 2022 and in March 2023, it was renamed the AEW International title while Cassidy was still champion. It was briefly named the American title by MJF during his 39-day run in 2024.

AEW Continental Title History

Okada is just the second Continental Champion in AEW history, defeating Eddie Kingston for the gold in March 2024. It was created as part of a triple crown in the first-ever Continental Classic which Kingston won, holding it alongside the ROH World title and NJPW Strong men’s title. The concept was abandoned shortly afterward when Kingston began losing the various belts as they were defended individually.

Okada has 12 title defenses in his lengthy reign and won this past December’s Continental Classic, defending it against Will Ospreay in one of those defenses.

AEW Summer Blockbuster live results: Omega vs. Okada contract signing

AEW’s Summer Blockbuster emanates from Portland, Oregon tonight with a Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada contract signing headlining.

As announced last week at Fyter Fest, Omega and Okada will renew their rivalry at All In Texas next month with both the International and Continental titles on the line. They will make it official tonight in the contract signing.

Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland will go head-to-head for the second time in the featured match on tonight’s special four-hour episode.

Women’s World Champion Toni Storm faces Julia Hart in a non-title match with Storm’s All In opponent Mercedes Mone on commentary.

Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MJF of The Hurt Syndicate face Kevin Knight, Komander, and Mike Bailey in trios action.

CMLL’s Mistico returns to action on the show ahead of next week’s AEW Grand Slam Mexico.

Tay Melo returns to an AEW ring on tonight’s episode, teaming with Anna Jay against Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford.

Kyle Fletcher will take on Anthony Bowens in singles competition.

Also set for the show, Thekla faces Queen Aminata.

**********

AEW Dynamite: Summer Blockbuster comes on the air with Timeless Toni Storm being driven into the arena by Luther on a tricycle and then see Christopher Daniels walking with Hangman Adam Page backstage saying he can’t fight all of Death Riders by himself leading up to Jon Moxley at All In. Daniels tells Page that The Young Bucks don’t have his back, despite saying they have his best interest, while others in the back do, something Page might want to rectify, since Daniels himself is incapable of helping. Page walks off, but Moxley is shown spying off to the side and the Death Riders stalk Page down as the opening video hits. Excalibur welcomes us alongside Taz & Ian Riccaboni, as the music for Will Ospreay plays and it’s time for our opening contest.

Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana)

(Maybe only Ospreay’s Owen Hart Tournament match with Konosuke Takeshita could rival this one for TV Match of the Year, as this was an incredible showing by both. The story they have told with both Ospreay & Strickland has been excellent so far, both want the best for AEW, while all Ospreay wants is to form the Avengers to take out Death Riders, even if it’s for one night only to get the AEW Title away from Jon Moxley. Perhaps the ending of this match will persuade Strickland to take Ospreay a little more seriously, as Ospreay was willing to take a bullet for Swerve when he was in grave danger.)

Bell sounded and Holy Sh*t chants ring out from the crowd, as both shook hands, neither let go and we get a fast-paced opening sequence ending in both kipping up. Both tried head scissors, with the other flipping out into a stalemate. Strickland was the one to throw the first strike and busted Ospreay’s nose opened in the process, as Ospreay responded with a snap hurricanrana and corner strikes. They have a chop battle, which Strickland won, as he followed with his uppercut out of the corner before hitting the Griddy. Rolling Flatliner connects, as Strickland remained in control with a backbreaker, keeping Ospreay grounded. Ospreay fired off a chop to the windpipe, handspring corkscrew kick and Pip, Pip, Cheerio that sent Strickland outside, where Ospreay followed with a Sasuke Special into commercial.

Back from break, Ospreay hit another springboard forearm to the back of the head and tried an Oscutter, but Strickland caught him with a neckbreaker of his own in mid-air. Ospreay tried a leg sweep, but Strickland dodged, hung up Ospreay by his feet and hit a draping neckbreaker off the apron. With Ospreay hung up on the top rope, Strickland hit a Swerve Stomp to the back, but only managed two. Ospreay whiffed on a desperation Hidden Blade at first, but tried again and took Strickland’s head off. Strickland spun out of Storm Breaker into a tilt-a-whirl side slam, only for Ospreay to answer with a Stundog Millionaire. Ospreay wanted Oscutter, but Strickland caught him again in mid-air, this time into a short arm scissor. Ospreay powered almost into a wheelbarrow blindly into the corner buckle. Strickland pump faked high and went to the knee, sprung to the ropes, but Ospreay caught him with a Cheeky Nandos and Poison Rana. Strickland charged right into a Spanish Fly, as third time was the charm, as Ospreay hit an Oscutter for a close two. Strickland backdropped Ospreay to the floor to avoid Storm Breaker, as Strickland backflipped off the apron, landed awkwardly, turning his back to the ring and allowing Ospreay to hit a Tope Hidden Blade, as Nana was left with a baffled look on his face heading to break.

Ospreay locked on a Figure Four during the entire picture in picture with Strickland making the ropes as things returned. Multiple thrust kicks landed flush, but only woke up Strickland, so Ospreay swung for the fences with a Hidden Blade, missed and crashed badly into the corner. Strickland worked a kimura up the ropes and hit a superplex in the process. Strickland went back to the short arm scissors, this time into a triangle, but Ospreay powered up, tried a Styles Clash, but Strickland countered into a Dead Eye for two. Strickland up top, but misses a Swerve Stomp, only for Ospreay to connect with a charging Hidden Blade for a close near fall of his own. Excalibur tells us we’re at 25 minutes, as both start slugging it out back to their feet. Strickland snapped Ospreay’s bad shoulder down, leading to a quick House Call, as it was followed by a Swerve Stomp, but Ospreay kicked out. Strickland bent the arm back and snapped it down, but Ospreay blocked House Call with a Hidden Blade before hitting Storm Breaker for the closest near fall of the match.

Ospreay took too long contemplating a Tiger Driver, allowing Strickland to spin out and hit a Vertebreaker. House Call caught Ospreay flush, but both rolled to the apron in the process. Commentary talks about Strickland not being aware of the clock, as Taz tells us 30 seconds are left. Strickland was about to deliver a Swerve Stomp onto the apron, but the bell sounded, causing the match to be a draw. Nana gave Strickland the mic and he said they just showed that AEW is where the best wrestle. The only way to prove you’re the best, is you finish matches. Strickland knows Ospreay really wants to beat him, so issues Sudden Death.

Before that could happen, Death Riders music hits and out walks the entire crew from the crowd. They surround Strickland and Nana until The Young Bucks run out and attack Strickland, hitting him with an EVP Trigger. Nana ate a Superkick, as Nicholas pulls out handcuffs and they cuff Strickland to the ropes. Superkick Party initiated, as Strickland ate 5 of them before Yuta threw a bag into the ring containing thumbtack covered Swerve shoes, just like Strickland used at Anarchy in the Arena. The Bucks went to deliver dueling superkicks when Ospreay appeared and took the bullet, as doctors quickly tended to him. The Bucks seemed shocked themselves that Ospreay would do that, as F The Bucks chants rang, as Ospreay was left laying at Strickland’s feet.

Match Result: Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland ends in a 30 Minute Time Limit Draw

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kazuchika Okada, who was about to talk when Don Callis walks in. Callis asks why Okada is in this match and not Kyle Fletcher or Konosuke Takeshita and asks if Okada has had better six months than either of them? Callis shook his finger at Okada, who grabbed it, as the Don Callis Family steps in. Okada looks around and calls Callis a bitch before walking off.

**********

-Footage of The Hurt Syndicate viciously beating Komander backstage earlier in the day was shown, as MJF was holding his mask. Commentary told us Mascara Dorada would be replacing Komander in the 6-man tag later tonight.

Mistico vs. Blake Christian (w/Lee Johnson)

(While Christian got in a few offensive moves, this was a fine way to re-introduce Mistico before Grand Slam Mexico next week. Commentary really tried to get over Christian’s winning ways in ROH, but the issue is, he hasn’t won a match in AEW since an episode of Dark 2 years ago, ironically enough, against Lee Johnson. The post-match set the stage for the MJF & Mistico showdown, as MJF will dust off the Lex Express gear as he travels to Arena Mexico.)

Mistico wanted a handshake, but Christian flipped him off, as both trade a quick series of take downs until Mistico scaled the ropes, but Christian slammed him down. Mistico battled back with a handspring back elbow and head scissors before a twisting arm drag off the top sent Christian outside. Mistico hit his Tope Suicida, landing right on his own face in the process, before going back inside with a springboard cross body for two. Johnson tripped up and distracted Mistico enough for Christian to fly in with a corkscrew dive and 450 Splash back inside for two. Christian again went up top, but Mistico recovered with an enzugiri and Spanish Fly for the win.

The Hurt Syndicate walked out in the post-match, as MVP said he won’t be the one to address Mistico, MJF will. MJF said it was an impressive showing and that’s coming from the most complete pro wrestler in the sport today. MJF will give Mistico a match at Grand Slam, looking forward to ripping the dime store mask off his stupid face. Mistico is getting a Patriot in Mexico, as he’s dusting off the Red, White & Blue, God Bless America and God Bless your American hero, Maxwell Jacob Friedman. The USA flag was lowered, massive amounts of streamers showered down as the patriotic music played.

MJF got in the ring with the mic, but Mistico cut him off, laughing, saying he’ll see you next week at his home in Arena Mexico. MJF said he’s not Mistico to him, he’s still sloppy Sin Cara and he’s about to get dropped. Mistico blocked a punch and dropped MJF with a right hand, as Lashley & Benjamin pounced for the 3 on 1 attack. MJF demanded the mask, but Speedball Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight & Mascara Dorada’s music hit, The Syndicate ran to cut them off on the aisle, but they appeared in the ring and took out The Hurt Syndicate with a trifecta of dives. This would lead to our trios tag up next.

Match Result: Mistico defeated Blake Christian via Spanish Fly

The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin & MJF w/MVP) vs. Mascara Dorada & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight)

(The heat MJF should be able to get next week in Mexico will be wild, as they did a pretty solid job building the MJF/Mistico match over the last half hour of so of TV The post-match beating, however, really didn’t do Bailey & Knight any favors of getting a future Tag Title shot, they got demolished by Lashley & Benjamin.)

MJF’s gear is exactly like MVP’s, as the bell sounded and The Hurt Syndicate attacked, slamming Bailey & Knight into the barricade, while MJF toyed with Dorada, doing a flip before hitting an eye poke. MJF mocked the crowd, as Dorada returned the favor with an eye poke and twisting head scissors before Bailey & Knight made quick tags. Sliding uppercut and running Shooting Star combo got a near fall, as Bailey lit up MJF with kicks before Dorada sprung in, but was backed into the wrong corner, where Lashley chucked Dorada to the floor.

Back from break, MJF tried the Ballin’ Elbow, but missed, as MVP said there’s still a few things he needs to show him. Knight made the hot tag and ran wild, impressing even MVP after hitting a massive dropkick and standing splash for two. MJF frantically dove to tag Lashley, as he & Benjamin had a face-off with Knight & Bailey, who used their speed initially to gain the advantage, but was short lived, as Benjamin & Lashley rag dolled them both. Massive spinebuster onto Bailey, as MJF yelled for a tag, as Lashley reluctantly obliged. MJF hit Made in Japan for two, but took too long mocking Bailey, who hit a pump kick. Dorada flew in and wiped out MJF, but Lashley sprinted in with a Spear. Bailey unloaded machine gun kicks, as Knight struggled, but got a DDT. Awkward double dropkick onto Benjamin, as JetSpeed hit dueling dives on Lashley & Benjamin, as Dorada followed with a Shooting Star off the ropes onto MJF. Back in the ring, Bailey was doing to go for Ultimate Weapon, when MJF grabbed referee Bryce, allowing MVP to crack Bailey off the top rope with his cane. Hammerlock DDT connected, as MJF pinned Bailey.

Post match, Lashley & Benjamin attacked Knight & Bailey, leaving MJF alone with Dorada. MJF unmasked Dorada and held the mask high, as Mistico flew in with La Mistica, causing MJF to tap out frantically. The Hurt Syndicate quickly made the save, as Mistico sprinted up the aisle and stared down MJF.

Match Result: The Hurt Syndicate defeated JetSpeed & Mascara Dorada when MJF pinned Bailey

**********

Death Riders Send a Message to Hangman Page

Back from break, Hangman Adam Page’s music hit, as he was going to cut a promo, when he was tossed down the entrance tunnel, his mouth and hands taped up, with Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta beating the hell out of him, taking him to the ring, as Marina Shafir & Jon Moxley join them. Moxley told Page he was terribly sorry about all this, but he wants to make sure they could have a real conversation, as he knows how distracted Page can get. Moxley wants him to be focused, as this is his time for the AEW Championship, it’s do or die. Moxley has been watching Page for a long time, he’s complicated, he doesn’t like Page, the millennial cowboy. Moxley doesn’t know what Page has been searching for, but he has four weeks to find it, to step up to be the man that everyone wants him to become. If he’s not prepared to do that, Page can pack his sh*t and get the hell out. Page fired up with a headbutt to Moxley, as Castagnoli quickly wrapped a chair around his neck and was about to Pillmanize him, when Moxley held him off.

The Opps music hits, as Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Powerhouse Hobbs sprint out and the Death Riders high tail it. Page was freed, as he’s come too far and close than for that to be the best that Moxley has, as he’ll ride through death itself to get the AEW Title. If Page finds one of them tonight, he’ll take their heads. Page grabbed a chair and stormed through the crowd after the Death Riders.

**********

Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford vs. TayJay (Anna Jay & Tay Melo)

(For only having one match in over two years, I thought Melo looked very good in this one and didn’t have a ton of ring rust at all. She held her own with Bayne and I assume we’re getting that singles match eventually. Jay & Melo worked well on their return as a duo and it’s another team AEW has if they decide to make overdue Women’s Tag Team Titles.)

Ford & Jay were dropped early, leaving Melo & Bayne to have a face-off, with Melo saying she wasn’t afraid. Ford tripped Melo up and drove her into the steps outside, as Jay was worked over with corner splashes and handspring back elbows by Bayne & Ford, who licked Jay in the process. Jay fired back with a series of elbow strikes and Iconoclasm before making fast tags with Melo, who told Ford she didn’t forget about her. Bayne saved her partner, as Ford did a hand stand head scissors, as Bayne followed with a pump kick to Jay.

Back from commercial, Melo made the hot tag delivering a low snap German and brutal running knee strike on Ford for two. Bayne tossed her own partner to her corner to make the legal tag, as Melo met her with hard forearms and running corner boots, capped with a pump kick. Melo wanted a DDT, Bayne spun out, tried Fates Decent, but Melo escaped into a leg submission. Bayne got free, charged, but Melo low bridged and followed with a cannonball off the apron. Jay flew off the second rope with a cross body onto Bayne, as Ford followed suit with a Moonsault onto TayJay.

Back inside, Bayne hit a dueling Samoan Drop/Fall Away Slam, but Ford ordered Bayne to make the tag. Ford got Melo up in a fireman’s carry, but Melo escaped into a Gory Special twisting into a knee lift. Jay caught Bayne in the Queenslayer on the apron, allowing Melo to get the pin. Post-match, Bayne broke free and attacked, but TayJay quickly got away with Melo telling Bayne she has her next.

Match Result: TayJay defeated Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford when Melo pinned Ford

The History of Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada

A video package showcasing the epic matches between Kazuchika Okada & Kenny Omega’s legendary rivalry is documented. Okada established himself as an Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling, holding the IWGP Title seven times, while an Outlaw in Kenny Omega appeared and challenged for the IWGP Title at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in an instant classic that Okada won. Cut to Dominion 2017, where both had their 60-minute time limit draw in a war for the ages. Round 3 would be in the G1 Climax 17 Block B Final that saw Omega finally defeat Okada to win the Block, but not the IWGP Title. A year later at Dominion 2018, a Best of 3 Falls match saw Okada take the first fall and put Omega at a grave disadvantage, but was able to defeat Okada not once, but back-to-back with One Winged Angels to take the IWGP Title in one of the greatest matches of all time. While after that match, their paths would diverge, but with any true rival, they would find their way back to one another in AEW. A stadium show for the ages for the Continental Title vs. International Title, Winner Take All. The Rainmaker vs. The Best Bout Machine, one more time at All In. This was a fantastic history lesson for those unaware of why these two are some of the best in the world and have been for a long time.

They make it official, as the contract signing is up next.

**********

Kenny Omega & Kazuchika Okada’s All In Contract Signing

Tony Schiavone is in the ring with the Continental & International Titles on the table with a title covered and the All In contract between them, as he introduces both Okada & Omega. Schiavone said before they make it official, he unveils the Unified Title that has side plates of The Rainmaker & Omega. No theatrics from Okada, who wastes no time signing the contract first. Omega took the mic and said seven years, almost to the day, they had their last match and Omega almost doesn’t recognize himself, so let’s leave it in the ring one final time. Omega signs and the two have a face-off with Omega offering a handshake and Okada obliges. They trash talk one another before Don Callis’ music hits and he walks to the stage.

Callis told Omega this match shouldn’t involve Okada, it should be with Takeshita, as Omega told him to cut the sh*t, as this isn’t about them and Callis isn’t going to ruin things this time. Omega said there’s not one trick Callis can pull he doesn’t know and Callis said he bet Omega didn’t know about this. Okada attacked Omega from behind with the Continental Title, as Callis handed him a police baton, that Okada whacked Omega with in the mid-section before delivering one to the face. Medical quickly tended to Omega and place him on a back board, when Okada smirked at Callis and hit a top rope elbow. Christopher Daniels came to the ring and held them back while Omega was loaded onto a stretcher. Daniels ordered Callis & Okada to leave, but Okada shoved Daniels down and hit another elbow off the apron onto the stretcher. Omega’s mouth exploded with blood, as Okada & Callis left through the crowd and out of the arena to an awaiting car. Briefly, Alex Marvez, who just happened to be standing near the escape car, tried to get a word, but Callis didn’t respond and the car peeled off.

Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness are on commentary for the next two hours, as Schiavone said they hope to have an update on Omega later in the show. Adam Cole’s music hits and the TNT Champion will join them for the upcoming match.

Kyle Fletcher (w/Lance Archer) vs. Anthony Bowens (w/Billy Gunn)

Cole said Bowens has been on the run of a lifetime (they failed to mention Bowens is 2-2 since his return and has lost his previous 2 matches) and would love to give him a TNT Title shot before he briefly scissored with Gunn, disappointing McGuinness that he didn’t use protection. Fletcher mocked Gunn with a crotch chop before running down Bowens with a shoulder tackle. Bowens dodged a PK, got a float over DDT and posed for the crowd before going back to work with an Angle Slam for two. Fletcher responded by sending Bowens onto the apron and followed with a running boot that saw Bowens crash to the floor into commercial.

Back from break, Bowens managed to battle back with a Fame-Asser for a near fall. Fletcher dodged a right hand and sent Bowens to the floor with a Snap Dragon, as he teased giving an apron bomb right in front of Cole, who he almost decapitated with one a few weeks ago, but Bowens escaped and dropped Fletcher face first on the apron. Back inside, Bowens turned Fletcher inside out with a lariat, but took too long climbing the corner, as he was cut off. Fletcher wanted his Brainbuster, but Bowens slid through, superkicked out the leg and hit a nice twisting DDT for two. Bowens looked for the Mollywhop, but Fletcher avoided and hit a thrust kick followed by a sit-out Liger Bomb for two. Running corner kick connected by Fletcher, but Bowens countered a brainbuster into the Arrival for a near fall.

Bowens again went for the Mollywhop, but Fletcher rolled outside. Bowens went up top and hit a huge dive onto Fletcher as Archer took out Gunn with a big boot, sending him into the barricade. Back inside, Bowens was distracted, allowing Fletcher hit another running corner boot and successfully hit the brainbuster this time for the win. Fletcher stared down Cole and said the TNT Title is his.

Match Result: Kyle Fletcher defeated Anthony Bowens

-MJF: American Hero video package was shown, saying when he stepped foot into Arena Mexico the last time, he sold it out. MJF called Mistico a big fish in a small pond, as the best wrestler in the world isn’t from Mexico, but from the greatest country in the world, the United States of America

Carlos Cabrera is in the ring to promote the collaboration between AEW & CMLL ahead of Grand Slam Mexico next week. Cabrera introduces a star who debuted almost 40 years ago, as he is an idol for generations and a legend to fans of all ages, someone who has taken many masks and a real living legend, Atlantis.

Atlantis makes his way to the ring with Atlantis Jr, but they are immediately interrupted by FTR & Stokely Hathaway, who said he heard the words Living Legends. There are only two he is aware of and it’s Harwood & Wheeler. Hathaway told Cabrera to beat it and Atlantis has the look in his eyes of someone so old they’re about to defecate themselves on national television. Hathaway ran down FTR’s accomplishments the last few months and said they took out the Rock n’ Roll Express. They turned Nigel McGuinness into a pill popper, as he takes Melatonin, hoping he goes to sleep and wake up in 2002, when he was last relevant. Daniel Garcia was left contemplating retirement and brought up the OnlyFans link will drop any day now. Adam Copeland is at home staring at a wall, his brain sizzling like a fajita plate from Chili’s. There’s one more thing FTR has to accomplish, performing in every major building, except Arena Mexico and they’ll get that no matter what.

Harwood called Atlantis the oldest wrestler in all wrestling and said if FTR wrestled back in his day in the 30s, they’d have faired well. Atlantis could’ve been their bag boy, as they would’ve beaten everyone in their path and asks how many depends Atlantis goes through? Atlantis had enough and the fight was on, until FTR was about to deliver a Spike Piledriver on Atlantis, when Adam Cole left commentary to break things up. The Don Callis Family ran out and the numbers game was way too much until Templario & Bandido arrived to clean house and make the save, as the brawl continues with FTR attacking them from behind. Brody King’s music hits and he joins the melee, throwing punches at every heel in his path. FTR & The Don Callis Family try to bail, but are wiped out by Templario & Bandido dives, leaving Harwood surrounded by King, Cole, Bandido, Atlantis Jr & ultimately Atlantis was the one to drop him and send Harwood scurrying away, but Atlantis was hot on his trail through the crowd. This was complete chaos and left the luchadors standing tall with some of AEW’s finest. I wouldn’t be shocked if we got some sort of party match out of this next week.

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Bryan Keith & Big Bill, who said they were going to stack W’s and that’s what they did against the Gates of Agony a few weeks ago. They said if there’s another tag team out there, when they’re cut off by the returning Workhorsemen, who said failure is not an option where they come from. JD Drake & Anthony Henry said if Bill & BK want it their way, it’s time to punch in and knock out. Bill said if they want to have their skulls cracked, by all means. Keith yelled Crack! Crack! and Drake said Keith should switch to decaf.

Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) vs. Julia Hart (w/Skye Blue)

(The match itself was just ok, as it was the match of the night that suffered from a commercial taking up most of it. The post-match was the bigger story, as Mone was able to get one over on the AEW Women’s Champion. Despite being right next to commentary, Mone opted to tweet out a challenge for the CMLL Women’s Title next week, hoping to add to her titles, though Zeuxis, the current champion, was never mentioned by name, at least not yet.)

Mercedes Mone is out for commentary, but once again, opts to just sit at her own table, which has a lot more than just steak and wine like last time, as it’s a feast this week. McGuinness said he’d love to have a bite of that. Storm went over to Mone’s table, but was attacked from behind by Blue & Hart prior to the bell, as referee Aubrey ejected Blue, as doctors & Luther tended to Storm, as Mone cackled. Storm struggled to her feet and ordered Aubrey to ring the bloody bell, as the match had started and Hart immediately hit just enough of a moonsault for two. Storm battled back with a snap dropkick and hip attack that launched Hart to the floor, looking into the camera and throwing it to commercial.

Hart regained control during break, wanted the Undertaker rope walk, but was crotched by Storm, who followed with a series of snap Germans, Saito and Fisherman’s Suplex. An unimpressed Mone was watching on, as Aubrey backed Storm off, allowing Hart to sink in the Tarantula. Storm battled back with a Sky High for two as commentary told us Mone tweeted that 5Beltz Mone doesn’t want to wait until All In to win another title, so at Grand Slam next week, she wants to challenge for the CMLL Women’s Title. Hart took Storm down and went up top for another moonsault, but Storm moved, Hart rolled through, only to walk right into a Big Package to give Storm the flash pin.

Post-match, Storm celebrated her win, but failed to see Mone entering the ring and standing over the fallen champion. Mone helped Storm up, sniffed her hair and whispered something before slamming her to the mat and firing off punches in bunches. Mina Shirakawa’s music hits and she runs to the ring to make the save, as Mone bailed. Shirakawa tended to Storm, taking her attention off Mone, who ran back in and attacked Shirakawa, launching her out of the ring. Mone held up the AEW Women’s Title and told Storm to kiss the title goodbye.

Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Julia Hart

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Ricochet, who said everyone knows he’s searching for the perfect individuals to help his quest at winning gold in AEW. Lee Johnson & Blake Christian strut in and said they also need someone, which Ricochet said they’re correct and he’s been watching them for a while, but said they’re acting like make believe Ricochet and there’s something that they’re missing. Ricochet cackled and left, leaving Johnson & Christian baffled.

**********

Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii & Willow Nightingale vs. MxM Collection (Mason Madden & Mansoor) & Taya Valkyrie (w/Johnny TV)

(Fun, quick trios match that had some hilarious interactions throughout. This was all worth it to see Briscoe dance along to Nightingale’s theme in the post-match.)

An impatient Kris Statlander was watching backstage and seemed to storm off, as Tony Schiavone said we’ll have comments from Statlander that were recorded after Fyter Fest last week, later on. MxM hilariously barked and crawled at Ishii during their entrance, as Ishii quickly sent Mansoor packing, leaving Valkyrie to tag in and chest bump Ishii, even chopping him in the process. Ishii no sold and tagged Nightingale, who hit chops, bodyslam and running low cross body for two. Madden tagged in and Nightingale tried to hulk up, but opted to tag Briscoe, who was cut off by Madden and a swinging leg drop. Locomotion offense from MxM led to them posing while Valkyrie & Johnny made out on the apron.

Briscoe flipped out of a backdrop and tagged Nightingale, who backdropped Mansoor out of the ring and ran wild on Valkyrie. Dropkick off the second sent Valkyrie to the floor, where she was tended by her husband, so Nightingale wiped them both out with a cannonball off the apron. Ishii & Briscoe ran through Madden back inside, but Mansoor sent Briscoe into his partners clutches for an assisted senton through the ropes. Ishii made the save to cut off a Doomsday Device, but Mansoor bit Briscoe with a Sunset Bomb, only to turn into a Pounce by Nightingale. Madden was hit with a superplex from Ishii & Nightingale, leaving Briscoe in position for a Froggy Bow. Valkyrie missed a high kick on Nightingale, who stacked her up with a Doctor Bomb for the win.

Match Result: Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii & Willow Nightingale defeated MxM Collection & Taya Valkyrie when Nightingale pinned Valkyrie

-Kris Statlander was walking out of the arena last week and said if Nightingale is done with her, then she’s done with it, too. Statlander said folks should realize there’s no one on this roster like her, so why isn’t that good enough? Wheeler Yuta walks up and said he knows things have been tough for her since leaving Best Friends and it’s not easy seeing how things worked out for him, but if Statlander needs any advice, he’s here. Statlander shrugged him off, but Yuta said forget about Nightingale and what others think, make her own choices. Statlander said ok and walked away, but came face to face with Marina Shafir before storming off. Shafir stared at Yuta, who snickered at the camera.

ROH World Champion Bandido (w/Los Outrunners) vs. The Beast Mortos

(Holy smokes was this one hell of a stand-by match, as these two made the most out of their minutes, with the crowd, 3 ½ hours into the show, going nuts at the finish.)

Bell sounded and Mortos immediately ran over Bandido, tried a running monkey flip, but Bandido just sent him packing to the outside and followed up with a Tope Suicida. Back inside, Bandido missed a dive and Mortos steamrolled over him in the process. Mortos ripped at the mask, as it was Mortos’ time to launch Bandido to the outside and follow with a Tornillo into commercial.

Back from break, Mortos hit a Shotgun Dropkick, but missed a corner charge. Bandido connected on a huge double boot to flatten Mortos, got a running start and did a multi-revolution head scissors that popped the crowd huge. Gorilla Press Slam from Bandido, who sprung up top and hit the Frog Splash for two. Mortos avoided the 21-Plex with a Tornillo Bomb and pop-up Samoan Drop to get a near fall, as did a Lungblower. Mortos tried a tilt-a-whirl, but Bandido countered into a series of pin attempts. Bandido ducked a boot, hit a GTS, went up top, but was cut off by Mortos, who joined him. Both men brawled until Bandido managed a wildly impressive Revolution Fly for the victory.

Match Result: Bandido defeated The Beast Mortos

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Mercedes Mone, asking what she whispered to Toni Storm, but Mone said she’s not one to kiss and tell. Paquette brings up Mone’s challenge for the CMLL Women’s Title, as Zeuxis walks in and says challenge accepted, b*tch and dropped Mone with a forearm saying she’ll see her at Grand Slam.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage and hopes to get an update on Will Ospreay when Hangman Adam Page walks in and asks how he is? Before she can answer, The Young Bucks enter and ask if Page was ok, having no clue what was going to happen to him from Death Riders earlir. Page demands 5 words on why he shouldn’t take their heads off? Matthew said “We Were Aiming for Swerve” the guy they were targeting for months so Page would have a clear path to the Owen and you’re welcome by the way. They told Page all he needed to do now is stick the landing at All In and bring the title to The Elite, like the plan.

Page said there was never a plan, he hadn’t talked to them in months, he never asked them to do what they did at Dynasty or tonight. Page said stay out of his business, Ospreay’s business and Swerve’s. Page said if he ever burns down a home again, it’ll be because he trapped The Bucks in it first. Page walks away, as The Bucks said Page just made his bed. They also walk off, as Prince Nana was spying in the background during all of this and reported back to Swerve Strickland, who was in with the doctors with Will Ospreay, asking if he heard that? Strickland said he heard every word.

Thekla vs. Queen Aminata

(This was incredibly hard hitting and I’m surprised Aminata took a huge majority of this, getting many near falls throughout. With Thekla only debuting last week, I’m not sure it was the right call to have her sell almost the entire match, but she ultimately got it together at the end to go 2-0. Aminata remains super impressive, but they never seem to push her beyond a certain level, which they should change soon.)

Scoop slam from Aminata to start, but Thekla answered with a snap arm drag into a stalemate. Aminata wanted a test of strength, showing off her size advantage, but Thekla opted to slap her in the face and Aminata returned the favor. A series of hair-mares and running knee that had Thekla take a powder and Aminata do push-ups in the ring waiting for her. Thekla slowly slid back in, but Aminata was there to blast her with another knee. Thekla battled back, draped Aminata between the ropes and hit a charging boot, putting her in control into commercial.

Back from break, Thekla got a head scissors in the ropes and tied Aminata up like a spider. Aminata answered with a series of short arm clotheslines and snap suplex nearly dropping Thekla right on her head. Spinning Fisherman’s Suplex followed, as Thekla crawled to the corner, where Aminata hit an Off With Her Head charging boot for two. It almost seemed like Thekla didn’t make the kick-out, but referee Paul Turner pulled his count anyway. Thekla hit a kick through the ropes, but Aminata answered with a wild headbutt and unique head scissors before hitting a top rope double stomp. Thekla managed a flash roll-up for two, as she fired off a hard forearm before doing her Spider walk and flattening Aminata with a Spear. Thekla locked on the Death Trap for the submission victory.

Match Result: Thekla defeated Queen Aminata

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Kip Sabian & Nick Wayne, asking is Sabian’s surprise Christian Cage mentioned last week was ready? Wayne asked where Cage was and where his mom was and Sabian said Cage is putting in hard work with her, but quickly pivoted and threw it to a Best of Super Juniors video package showcasing Wayne. They cut back and Wayne told Sabian he loved it and Sabian said it’s what brothers are for. Sabian said Cage wanted to tell him he’s proud of Wayne and doesn’t know where he’d be without Cage and same can be said for Wayne. Sabian walked off and Wayne didn’t like that last line he heard.

**********

-Commentary recaps the Okada & Omega contract signing earlier tonight and Omega being carried out of the arena on a stretcher, suffering severe internal bleeding. Schiavone said Omega has been taken to a hospital, mentions the diverticulitis and as of now, the match is still official. This wasn’t really much of an update if I’m being honest, of course Omega was going to be taken to the hospital.

Paragon (TNT Champion Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) & Daniel Garcia vs. The Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita, Josh Alexander, Lance Archer & Hechicero w/Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta)

(Another 4-hour show capped with a Paragon/Garcia/Don Callis Family party match. These two teams continue to exchange wins and like I said last week, I wouldn’t be surprised to continue seeing a variation of this match again. As of this moment, the match for All In looks to be Cole vs. Fletcher, but one wonders where the others involved in this match are headed?)

Daddy Magic joins commentary as Garcia & Hechicero kick things off with both scrambling on the ground, trading mat work leading to Hechicero posing, so Garcia responded with his dance. Quick takedowns traded until Hechicero picked the leg and hit a rising corner knee. Takeshita & Cole tag in respectively, as they exchange strikes until Cole escapes a German into an enzugiri. Double team backbreaker by Strong & O’Reilly, who made fast tags and lit up Takeshita with chops and kicks. Takeshita blocked a corner charge and dropped Strong face first in the buckle, tagging Archer, who fought off a high/low, as O’Reilly briefly turned his attention to Alexander, allowing an Archer Black Hole Slam into commercial.

O’Reilly & Alexander collided with a double clothesline when things returned, as Garcia & Takeshita tagged in and slugged it out before Garcia dropped him with a flying clothesline of his own. Garcia dished out corner punches and Tornado Snap Suplex, which Garcia held on for another, but switched to a Twist and Shout for two. Takeshita tried a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Garcia countered into the Dragon Tamer, which Alexander quickly broke up. Strong made the hot tag and ran wild, hitting an Angle Slam on Alexander and dropkicks onto Takeshita & Hechicero. Gutbuster and Sick Kick hit before the Strong Hold, Cloverleaf, Dragon Tamer & Guillotine applied by all the faces until Archer mowed down everyone, using O’Reilly as a battering ram.

RPG Vice were wiped out by O’Reilly, as Strong called for a High/Low, but referee Aubrey put a stop to it, saying O’Reilly wasn’t legal (after all of this? Really?). Archer jumped on the apron and choked O’Reilly out, as Alexander planted Strong with a bridging German for the win.

Match Result: The Don Callis Family defeated Paragon & Daniel Garcia when Alexander pinned Strong

AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Mexico 6/18/25

  • MJF vs. Mistico
  • Zeuxis vs. Mercedes Mone for the CMLL Women’s Title
  • Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & The Young Bucks vs. Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Adam Cole, Daniel Garcia, Brody King, Bandido, Templario & Atlantis Jr. vs. FTR, Kyle Fletcher, Konosuke Takeshita, Josh Alexander & Hechicero

Fight Game: WWE Money in the Bank & Worlds Collide previews

John LaRocca and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked off the show by giving out our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week before hitting the major AEW and WWE topics of the week.

Here are some of the things we talked about:

  • The contracts of R-Truth, Carlito and Valhalla (Sarah Logan) not being renewed.
  • AEW’s four-hour Fyter Fest block
  • Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada official for AEW All In
  • AEW Summer Blockbuster card
  • Mariah May and Tyra Mae Steele’s debuts on NXT
  • Money in the Bank & Worlds Collide previews

We’ll be back Sunday night on the Fight Game Media YouTube channel with Fight Game MAS.

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Omega vs. Okada AEW All In double title match official

One of professional wrestling’s all-time-great rivalries will be renewed at AEW All In Texas.

As announced during Wednesday’s Fyter Fest, AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada will face AEW International Champion Kenny Omega at All In in a “winner takes all” double title match.

The title for title matchup at All In will mark the first time that Omega and Okada have squared off in a singles match since their two out of three falls match at NJPW Dominion in June 2018, widely considered the best pro wrestling match of all time.

Omega retained the International title in a four-way on Wednesday’s Fyter Fest, then Okada came to the ring in the post-match to confront Omega. The two posed with their title belts holding them aloft, then Tony Schiavone officially announced the All In bout on Tony Khan’s behalf later in the program.

In addition to their Dominion 2018 bout, Omega and Okada had a trilogy of bouts in 2017 at Wrestle Kingdom 11, Dominion, and in the G1 Climax tournament. They split those meetings 1-1-1, with Okada winning at Wrestle Kingdom, a 60-minute time limit draw at Dominion, and Omega scoring a win in the G1.

AEW All In Texas, Saturday, July 12 —

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Hangman Adam Page
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mercedes Mone
  • Winner takes all: AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada vs. AEW International Champion Kenny Omega

AEW Collision live results: International Title four-way qualifiers

The final two entrants into this Wednesday’s four-way match for Kenny Omega’s International title will be decided on tonight’s AEW Collision from El Paso, Texas.

The show will air late Eastern Standard Time on TNT due to the NBA playoffs, approximately at 11 or 11:30 PM.

In one match, Claudio Castagnoli will face rival Komander while in the other, Mascara Dorada takes on Hechicero in a CMLL showcase. The two will join Brody King in challenging Omega at Wednesday’s Fyter Fest in Denver, Colorado.

AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada will face Anthony Bowens in a title eliminator.

The Don Callis Family’s Rocky Romero, Trent and Konosuke Takeshita will battle Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong of Paragon & Tomohiro Ishii in a trios bout.

Another trios match features LFI’s Rush, Dralistico & The Beast Mortos against Top Flight & AR Fox.

Mina Shirakawa will look to rebound from her loss to AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm at Double or Nothing when she faces Skye Blue, competing in her first singles match in more than 300 days.

The show is rounded by The Gates of Agony in action, and a promo segment featuring FTR and Stokely Hathaway.

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Claudio Castagnoli defeated Komander (w/ Alex Abrahantes) to advance to the International Title Match

There was a helpful recap video of the last time Komander and Castagnoli faced off one-on-one in December, when Komander eliminated Castagnoli from the Continental Classic. Castagnoli did not forget that loss, and immediately started attacking Komander with heavy strikes, and shrugged off a shoulder tackle. Komander hit a head scissors quickly though, and ran across the top rope into an arm wringer across the ropes on Castagnoli. Castagnoli caught Komander on a spring board and transitioned smoothly into a giant swing before beating on Komander at ringside.

Castagnoli hit a big back suplex on the guard rail, which had to suck to take. Komander leaped up onto the shoulders of Castagnoli, standing vertically on it, jumping onto the ropes into a springboard moonsault, and caught Castagnoli in an armdrag before hitting a tope con giro on the floor. That was absolutely incredible. Komander went to run across the ropes, but Castagnoli ran into the ring as Komander was cross the ropes, so he decided to jump with a crossbody on Castagnoli, but Castagnoli caught him and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker out of midair.

Komander did try for a shooting star press, but Castagnoli countered, put Komander in a fireman’s carry, and walked up the ropes, which was impressive enough, but Komander transitioned into a hurricanrana off the ropes on Castagnoli before hitting a sunset bomb for a 2-count. Komander missed a twisting senton and Castagnoli hit the Neutralizer for the pinfall. This was a quick match, but it was tons of fun.

–A recap aired of the opening segment from Dynamite, where Hangman Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay had a confrontation. They really drove home that Ospreay is trying to build bridges between Swerve and Hangman, but it had frequent cuts to all the terrible things Page and Strickland did to each other. This video ruled.

–Strickland was walking backstage at Dynamite, and Swerve wanted to clarify his relationship with Hangman, saying that he owned up to what he did, and that he did deserve what Hangman did to him, but that didn’t mean they were friends. Ospreay walked up and asked the question, “Who’s the bigger threat right now? The Death Riders or Hangman Page?” Swerve didn’t like this, and he really didn’t like when Ospreay said that Hangman Page was the best wrestler in the world right now. Swerve reminded Ospreay that he beat Ospreay too. Ospreay and Swerve broke into a brawl and were separated by security. This was an awesome segment.

The Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita, Rocky Romero, & Trent Beretta) (w/ Don Callis) defeated Paragon (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) & Tomohiro Ishii

The Don Callis family attacked early, brawling around ringside. Ishii and Strong chopped Beretta, setting him on a chair at ringside. They also set Takeshita on the chair, and O’Reilly flew off the apron with a kick that knocked both men over. Ishii chopped Romero in the corner while Don Callis went on about how much he hated Roderick Strong on commentary, and it was great. Takeshita hit a huge forearm on Strong and distracted the referee, allowing Callis attack Strong behind the referee’s back.

Strong hit an Olympic Slam on Takeshita before tagging out to O’Reilly, hitting some hard kicks, sweeping the legs of Rocky Romero and working over the arm of Beretta before hitting a German suplex. O’Reilly countered a dead lift suplex by Takeshita and hit a kitchen sink before tagging in Ishii who dared Beretta to hit him before destroying Beretta with a forearm. Takeshita tagged in and both men immediately started to hit clotheslines on each other. Takeshita finally dropped him with a German suplex, but Paragon ran in to cut off the heels from further offence.

Takeshita hit a Blue Thunder Bomb on Ishii, but was kicked in the face by O’Reilly. Beretta hit a half-and-half suplex on O’Reilly, and Takeshita and Ishii exchanged hard strikes. Romero sneaked in after when the referee was bumped and hit a low blow on Ishii, letting Takeshita hit a falcon arrow on Ishii for the win. Good match.

Kazuchika Okada defeated Anthony Bowens

Okada got a superstar reaction coming out, and while no one believed Bowens was winning this match, he tried his best to get them to believe, with Okada selling for him well when he was on offence as well. Okada went to the floor after some of that offence, and slowed things down, hitting a DDT on Bowens on the floor. When the came back from break, Okada was hitting an elbow drop off the top rope.

When Okada posed to flip off the audience, Bowens reached up and scissored the finger with his index and middle finger, standing up and chopping Okada. Bowens ducked a Rainmaker and hit a neckbreaker. Bowens hit a superkick to the knee of Okada, who was on the middle ropes, before hitting a DDT on Okada who was caught in the tree of woe, twisting him into it. That looked cool.

Bowens dodged the dropkick from Okada and they went into a few near falls before Okada hit a neckbreaker across his knee, and locked on the Money Clip. Bowens shoved Okada back into the corner and hit a chop, but Okada only got angry and hit a series of strikes into the ropes. Bowens hit a pump kick and elbows to the back of Okada’s head. Bowens hit a superkick and called for the Mollywhop, but Okada hit a dropkick and a Rainmaker for the pin. This was a good match.

–Lexy Nair was with Daniel Garcia was backstage, and they talked about the difficult loss he faced at Double or Nothing. Don Callis walked up as Matt Menard was trying to encourage him, and Callis offered Garcia a spot in the Don Callis family, saying that Garcia has not been mentored well by Menard. Garcia said he was tired of old men trying to tell him how to handle his career. Callis said that he was an old man, but he was a rich old man, and that he wanted Garcia to do something he hadn’t done for a long time – think.

–Tony Schiavone was in the ring and invited FTR out with Stokely Hathaway. Nigel McGuinness put the Shatter Machine over, saying that he had difficulty breathing for 4 days after the match at AEW Double or Nothing. McGuinness hoped they would honour their agreement that their grudge was over, and they wouldn’t touch Tony Schiavone or McGuinness again. Hathaway buried McGuinness saying that he belonged behind the announcer’s desk before challenging any team from Mexico to a match on Dynamite since they were in El Paso.

Atlantis Jr. and Templario answered the challenge, coming down to the ring. FTR said they respected the luchadors, but they were lucha libre legends themselves, having won titles in Mexico before. They then said that maybe they needed to go down to CMLL and win some gold. FTR said they had no issue with Altantis Jr. & Templario, but had a question for them. Harwood said that no one recognized them, saying the lucha masks were “Stupid Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers masks,” which was a good line for heat. Harwood didn’t give Atlantis Jr. a chance to respond, which got more and more heat the more he did it.

Harwood said that he liked Atlantis Sr., but that the old man should keep himself at home and stay away from FTR. Atlantis Jr. did not take to that kindly, saying that his dad was not there to defend himself, but that he would fight them. Harwood and Wheeler attacked Atlantis Jr. & Templario, but the luchadors fought back, and drove FTR from the ring. Atlantis Jr. made the challenge official for the joint CMLL/AEW show at Arena Mexico in June. This was a great segment.

–A hype video aired for Toni Storm and Mercedes Moné. This was excellent.

Mina Shirakawa defeated Skye Blue

Blue mocked Shirakawa early on, and it broke down into a striking battle that saw forearms exchanged. Shirakawa ducked under a clothesline and posed, but Blue kicked her in the back and continued her attack. Shirakawa hit a sole butt and then ran up the ropes before hitting a knee to the arm of Blue for a 2-count. Shirakawa hit a tornado DDT out of the corner as they came back from an ad break and a then a rolling elbow.

Shirakawa hit a dragon screw on the right leg of Blue, but Blue blocked a kick and hit a forearm in the corner before hitting a cheeky Nando’s kick and a powerbomb out of the corner for a 2-count. Blue hit a superkick on Shirakawa and hit the ropes to go for Code Blue, but Shirakawa responded with a spinning backfist and went to the top rope to hit a flying neckbreaker off the ropes for a 2-count. Blue countered out of the Mina Driver, but Shirakawa hit another rolling elbow before hitting the Mina Driver for the win.

–As Shirakawa was celebrating, Julia Hart attacked ran in and attacked her from behind, locking in Heartless. Toni Storm ran down to make the save and drove Hart from the ring, while Hart then pulled Blue from the ring to save her from further assault.

–A Gates of Agony hype video aired, building them up like they are unstoppable monsters. I really liked this. I think it’s time to do something with these guys. They are good workers, and it is always fun seeing two big wrestlers destroy people.

The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) defeated Aerospace (GMO Kaminari & Cosmo Orion)

These poor young wrestlers were utterly crushed by the Gates of Agony, and I loved every second of it. Poor Kaminari got killed by Liona, while Kaun killed Orion, and they stacked them up and pinned them after a double team crucifix bomb. It was great.

–Max Caster was in a room with a bunch of fans, trying to get them to chant for him. A few did. He offered to take pictures with everyone once they signed his petition saying he was the best wrestler alive. As fans lined up for the pictures after signing, he ran out of the room and down the hall. Okay.

La Facción Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico, & The Beast Mortos) defeated Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin) & AR Fox (w/ Leyla Grey)

Rush immediately ripped of the turnbuckle pad on his side of the ring and tried to send AR Fox into it. This did not go well for Rush, as Top Flight and AR Fox were soon hitting dives on everyone after Fox blocked the turnbuckle smash. Poor Paul Turner, the referee, could only stand there as bodies were flying all over the ring, hitting kicks, dives, and suplexes back and forth with no sense of proper tag team wrestling, so I’m just calling this a lucha libre rules six man at this point based on that.

Rush did a tranquilo pose after kicking Fox in the face, which got a huge pop from this lucha libre knowledgeable audience. Mortos hit some hard kicks and strikes in the corner before hitting a powerslam on Fox. Rush threw Dante Martin into the guardrail viciously, with Martin bouncing off it like he was a rubber ball. When they came back from the ad break, Top Flight hit a shotgun dropkick into a German suplex on Mortos, before sending Dralistico flying across the ring into a cutter from AR Fox. That was awesome.

Dralistico hit a springboard into a Canadian Destroyer on Darius Martin for a 2-count. Mortos and Rush double teamed Fox, allowing Dralistico to hit a springboard into a code breaker on Dante Martin and a tope con giro on Fox. Mortos hit a through the middle ropes torneo to the floor on Dante Martin, before Rush finally hit The Horns on Darius Martin in the corner for the win. This was a great party match.

–La Facción Ingobernable attacked Top Flight and Fox after the bell, but Mike Bailey and Komander ran down to make the save, driving LFI from the ring.

–Mark Briscoe was cutting a promo back in his home with his ring, saying that his son thought he quit on Dynamite when he passed out in the bulldog choke. Briscoe said that he couldn’t take that, saying that he would never quit, and that he wanted Moxley in a one-on-one match, not for the title, but for pride, and proving to his kids that he not a quitter. He told Moxley to man up. This was reminiscent of those great Briscoe promos in ROH, and I loved this.

Mascara Dorada defeated Hechicero

Before the match began, a short highlight video of Herchicero aired as he made his way down to the ring, showing him holding his own against MJF and Orange Cassidy as the announcers put over hoe dangerous he is. A video also aired for Mascara Dorada, doing the same. This is great. I have greatly enjoyed when AEW does this, even when I am familiar with the talent because it often reminds me of things I forget.

A lot of mat work was done in the early parts of this match, with Dorada trying to fight out of a surfboard stretch and then trying one of his own, getting it to applause from the crowd. However, Dorada, may have paid for that attempt, as Hechicero kept baiting him into doing what he wanted, dodging to the floor, and frustrating Dorada. Dorada ran at the ring post while on the apron, grabbing it, swinging around it, and hit a hurricanrana on Hechicero. Fantastic spot.

Hechicero hit the ropes and hit a spiking headscissors take over that planted Dorada on his head. That was got a lot of reaction from the audience. Hechicero attempted to remove the mask of Dorada, which the fans gave him a lot of boos for. Hechicero hit a pumphandle throw, sending Dorada flying across the ring and a hard chop in the corner. Dorada popped out of the corner with a hurricanrana, but Hechicero hit a lariat to go back to slowing it down and working over Dorada.

Dorada hit an enziguri from the apron and sent Hechicero to the floor, hitting a torneo over the top ropes to the floor, getting a great reaction from the crowd as they chanted “Mascara!” Dorada hit a crossbody, but Hechicero launched Dorada into the air and back into a sleeper in a way that I can’t possible explain unless you see it. Both wrestlers exchanged pinfall attempts. Dorada hit a Code Red for a nearfall. Hechicero wrapped Dorada’s knee in the ropes and stomped on them before hitting a flying elbow off the ropes for a 2-count.

Both men exchanged chops, hitting each other hard, before Dorada did a tilt-a-whirl back stabber on Hechicero. Dorada went for a dive off the top ropes, but he slipped after the knee work from Hechicero. Hechicero placed Dorada on the ropes, but Dorada slipped out and hit a super poisonrana from the ropes and a shooting star press to follow it for the pinfall. That was an awesome match.

Final Thoughts

This was a tremendous episode of Collision. While definitely not an A-show in the way Dynamite is, the wrestling on this show was so good. I am all for more lucha libre being on Collision to make it stand out as different from Dynamite. The major angle that went down was Swerve and Ospreay, and I hope they replay that extensively on Dynamite as well, especially as the show is four hours next week.

AEW Fyter Fest Card

Jon Moxley vs. Mark Briscoe
La Facción Ingobernable vs. Kevin Knight, Mike Bailey, & Komander
Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. Julia Hart & Skye Blue
FTR vs. Atlantis Jr. & Templario
Thekla’s in ring debut
AEW International Championship: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King vs. Mascara Dorada

Continental title match, Anarchy in the Arena participants official for AEW Double or Nothing

The AEW Continental title will be on the line as part of this Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing.

During Wednesday’s Dynamite, it was made official that reigning AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada will defend against “Speedball” Mike Bailey. The two have traded blows in recent weeks as ancillary parts of the build to the Anarchy in the Arena match.

It will be their first-ever singles match.

Okada has held the title for over 400 days with 11 successful title defenses while it will be Bailey’s first shot at the gold. He is 3-1 since debuting in March.

Anarchy in the Arena participants confirmed

Also confirmed on Wednesday were the twelve participants for Sunday’s anything goes Anarchy in the Arena match.

One side will be led by AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, the Young Bucks & Marina Shafir against Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland, AEW Trios Champions The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs) & Willow Nightingale.

The participants got into a big brawl Wednesday after Strickland, Joe and Hobbs’ trios win over the Bucks and Moxley.

Current AEW Double or Nothing card | Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Glendale, Arizona

  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mina Shirakawa
  • Anarchy in the Arena: Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) & Marina Shafir vs. Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland, AEW Trios Champions The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs) & Willow Nightingale
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley) defend against The Sons of Texas (Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes)
  • Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament final: Will Ospreay vs. Hangman Page
  • Owen Hart Foundation women’s tournament final: Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter
  • Stretcher match: Ricochet vs. Mark Briscoe
  • FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) vs. Nigel McGuinness & Daniel Garcia
  • AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against “Speedball” Mike Bailey