The fall feud between AEW World Champion Hangman Page and former champion Samoa Joe continues on tonight’s AEW Full Gear from Newark, New Jersey, in a steel cage match.
TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will look to complete her set of titles as she challenges rival and AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander.
AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido will defend against FTR who are looking for their third run with the gold.
Another rivalry enters its sixth chapter as TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher defends against Mark Briscoe in a no DQ match. If Briscoe loses, he joins the Don Callis Family.
A new champion will be crowned in a Casino Gauntlet bout for the new AEW National Championship while Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, and Luchasaurus take on The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander for $1 million storyline dollars.
Jon Moxley takes on Kyle O’Reilly in a no holds barred match, PAC goes one-on-one with Darby Allin, and the four remaining teams in the AEW Women’s World Tag Team title tournament battle in a four-way with the winners able to make a stipulation for their semifinal match.
Four matches will also be part of the Tailgate Brawl pre-show at 7 PM Eastern.
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Tailgate Brawl
Max Caster & Anthony Bowens vs. Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn) vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith vs. The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd w/Dalton Castle) in a $200,000 Match
(A pretty basic opener, with everyone getting in a bit of their signature spots. The Outrunners were the most over of the bunch, but the story was mainly about how Caster & Bowens can’t get on the same page, still. That story is bound to last forever apparently, as I will say, the fans loved Caster.)
Caster & Bowens got separate entrances and argued who would start first, as Bowens & Gunn began with fast pin attempts, leap frogs and takedowns. Series of jabs from Gunn, until a very awkward looking arm drag from Bowens led to Caster getting his Best Wrestler Alive chant going before he tagged in, as did Robinson. A distracted Caster was dropped with a Manhattan Drop and senton, as Magnum made the blind tag, but so did Bill. Magnum clobbered Keith on the apron, but Bill launched him to the commentators table, where Keith & Caster put the boots to Magnum heading to commercial.
Back from break, Bill missed a corner splash, allowing Floyd to tag in and run wild with bodyslams aplenty. Bulldog/Clothesline combo led to the Son of a B*tch elbow on Keith. Outrunners were posing and didn’t see Bowens flying in with a Fame-Asser, as the former Acclaimed teased Scissor Me Timbers, but Keith cut things off. Bowens planted Keith with The Arrival and Caster hit a Mic Drop, as instead of making a cover, they teased scissoring. Bill cut them off, but Bowens caught him with Rock, Paper, Scissors. Bowens looked around for Caster, but Robinson ran in and rolled him up for the win. Bowens was screaming at Caster, as Ace Austin joined his crew to celebrate, while Robinson got the bag of $200,000 and humped it, you read that right.
Match Result: Bang Bang Gang defeated Max Caster & Anthony Bowens, Big Bill & Bryan Keith & The Outrunners to win $200,000 when Robinson pinned Bowens
-Paul Wight joins commentary ahead of the upcoming match
-Samoa Joe is backstage with a crew of guys wearing Opps Dojo shirts. Joe said he now stands here alone due to Hangman Page’s recent actions, but tonight, Page will find out how really alone Joe is. What stands behind him is a movement of men who have been pushed aside, men of violence, men who exemplify The Opps. Joe won’t walk to the ring on his own, but with an army behind him, of wayward soldiers. Tonight, Page will learn the extent of what this movement truly incapsulates.
Boom & Doom (Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall w/Big Justice, Aaron Solo & The Rizzler) vs. RPG Vice (Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero w/Don Callis)
(The act just isn’t for me, but I’d be lying if I said The Costco Guys & Rizzler didn’t get a big reaction, especially when Justice hit the Diamond Cutter. Callis did have some great one liners in this one.)
Callis said The Rizzler looks like he’s on a day pass from the Home of Incorrigible Boys. Romero & Beretta were sent to the floor early, as AJ backdropped Marshall onto the pile outside and they immediately go to commercial about 60 seconds into the match. During picture-in-picture, Beretta & Romero gained control, isolating Marshall, as Callis got in some cheap shots as well.
Back from break, Romero missed a corner charge, as The Rizzler tended to Marshall outside. Romero got in his face, but Justice intervened. Beretta pie-faced Justice like he did back at All In and this brought Wight from the commentary table. Callis said he’d give Wight $100 if he chokeslammed one of the kids. Marshall hit a wild kick for the double down and this led to an AJ hot tag, planting Beretta with a powerslam and press slamming Romero before launching him over the top with a belly to belly. Beretta connected on a superkick flush, which AJ barely sold, before hitting a spinebuster.
Callis left commentary to trash talk AJ and the distraction was enough for Beretta to clock AJ with his cast and the Sexy Chuckie Knee, but AJ kicked out. RPG Vice hit a Strong Zero on AJ, but Marshall flew in with a top rope elbow to break it up. Romero connected on a standing Sliced Bread and ramped up the locomotion corner clotheslines. Beretta took the ref, as Romero was about to use the cast, when Justice came in the ring and hit a Diamond Cutter to a huge pop. Beretta grabbed Justice, but Wight clocked him with a huge right hand, which caused Beretta to stumble back and take a Blockbuster/Powerbomb combo for the win.
Match Result: Boom & Doom defeated RPG Vice when AJ pinned Beretta
-Alex Marvez is backstage with The Young Bucks & Josh Alexander, as Marvez asked about his Family already 0-1 tonight and how that affects momentum? Callis said not to worry, he’ll have 3 new Family members tonight, when Mark Briscoe & The Young Bucks officially join the ranks. Matt said tonight everything changes, as a million dollars will take them back to the glory days. Callis reminds them about his cut for his initial investment and all the bells and whistles he’s given The Bucks in recent weeks. Alexander promises to end Kenny Omega, just for Callis, who said they’ll also win the CMLL Trios Titles as well. Marvez informs Callis that Okada isn’t here yet. The Bucks said Callis should be concerned, as Callis said this could be The Bucks trying to stir stuff up since Okada was their best friend. Callis yelled “GIFT ME!” and a package flew into the shot, as Callis said it’s not money, but let’s go try it on.
Eddie Kingston & HOOK vs. The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
(At some point they’re going to have to start actually doing something notable with HOOK & Kingston as a duo, they just seem wasted on quick pre-show matches.)
Drake & Henry attacked on the aisle and worked over HOOK immediately after the opening bell. HOOK battled back with a series of suplexes before tagging Kingston to a loud pop, as they dropped Drake with a double back suplex. Kingston spiked Henry with a DDT and made the cover, as HOOK applied REDRUM to Drake for the quick pin/submission.
Match Result: Eddie Kingston & HOOK defeated The Workhorsemen
El Sky Team (Mistico, Mascara Dorada & Neon w/Alex Abrahantes) vs. The Don Callis Family (Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, IWGP Champion Konosuke Takeshita & Hechicero w/Don Callis) for the CMLL Trios Titles
(This was a fun mix of action, while continuing the on-going rivalry between Takeshita & Okada. These two are bound to clash, it’s just a matter of when and I think they’ve been doing a great job at teasing it for a long time. After having an off night last week on Dynamite, I should point out that Dorada looked great here and also Neon was wildly impressive in his AEW debut.)
Okada was nowhere to be found & Callis told us it’s travel issues. Despite being a 3 on 2 disadvantage, Hechicero & Takeshita stood tall before the opening bell, as Hechicero posted Mistico’s shoulder and drove a chair into it, violently wrenching and snapping it back. Doctors and Abrahantes helped Mistico to the back, as the bell officially started to begin the match. Neon & Dorada battled back with double dives, until Kazuchika Okada was seen pulling up to the arena in a sports car, as he got out in his gear, taking his sweet time, as this officially ends Tailgate Brawl, once again, it bleeds over into the actual PPV.
AEW Full Gear
The PPV officially begins, with pyro setting off and a brawl happening in the ring until Okada’s music hits and he makes his full entrance with pyro of his own. Takeshita is just patiently waiting and watching, nearly getting rolled up by Dorada, who Takeshita quickly sent outside. Hechicero played peacemaker, as Okada offered a handshake, but flipped Takeshita off instead. Dorada & Neon collided both into each other, hitting thrust kicks and were about to hit dueling dives, when they were cut off by Okada & Takeshita. All 4 men fought in the corner for a pretty long time, as Mistico made his way back to the ring like he was brand new. Tiger Feint Kick, Enzugiri and double springboard cross body connected, as Mistico took out Takeshita with a hurricanrana and wild spinning armdrag on Okada. Hechicero tried an airplane spin, but Mistico countered into a head scissors and dive. Back inside, La Mistica spiked Takeshita, but Okada broke up the pin, clobbering Takeshita with punches in the back, throwing him outside before Takeshita could realize who it was. Neon was caught with a dropkick, but answered with an arm drag of his own. Takeshita returned and spiked Neon with a Bastard Driver into a release German Suplex. Takshita signaled for a Power Drive Knee, but Okada scurried in, tried a Rainmaker, almost intentionally missing and trying to take Takeshita’s head off, but Takeshita ducked.
The spot gets repeated on Dorada, but this time, Okada connected with a Rainmaker onto Takeshita, putting a huge smile on his face. Neon & Dorada cleared the ring and ping ponged Hechicero before both hit wildly impressive hurricanrana variations, following up with stereo moonsaults outside. Mistico & Hechicero left in the ring for a fast sequence, as another Tiger Feint Kick connected into La Magistral for two. Hechicero responded with a stiff pump corner knee, tried a powerbomb, but Mistico countered into a Poison Rana and quick La Mistica for the fast submission as Okada & Takeshita were held off ringside. Callis calmed both down on the aisle and left with Okada, as Takeshita was left visibly pissed off.
Match Result: El Sky Team defeated The Don Callis Family to retain the CMLL Trios Titles when Mistico submitted Hechicero
Darby Allin vs. PAC
(Hell of a match between these two and the finish made sense, if you remember the villain of this match literally is called The Bastard. By any means necessary, PAC got the result he wanted and that killer instinct is something he could certainly say someone like Jon Moxley has been missing in recent months, if they choose to go that route. This was PAC’s biggest win since his return.)
Allin’s entrance was a video of his face covered in bandages in a hospital room, watching footage of him getting his ass kicked by PAC over the past few months. He smashed the TV with a baseball bat and walked out. Allin came to the ring with the bat, his right arm and midsection heavily taped. Despite all the violence between these two in the past, we started with arm drags, arm bars and pin attempts, giving PAC what he wanted, a wrestling match. John Woo dropkick sent PAC flying to the corner and he took a powder. Back inside, Allin again fired off quick takedowns and pin attempts before getting a Scorpion Death Lock. PAC got the ropes, as both fought to the apron, where PAC pressed Allin over his head and splat on the floor.
PAC brought Allin back in the ring, ripped away the bandages and wrenched his hands at the burnt skin. That was followed by a nasty looking guillotine on the bottom rope and even rougher looking hammer throw to the corner that saw Allin go flying between the ropes to the floor. Huge shotgun dropkick sent Allin flying, as the crowd chanted to PAC “You Can’t Kill Him”. Allin trapped PAC in the ring skirt and that gave him time to hit a torpedo Tope. With PAC placed on a chair ringside, Allin went up top and hit a missile dropkick, landing even harder than PAC on the impact. Back inside, Allin tried a float over stunner, but PAC countered into a bounce back German and overhead belly to belly in the corner. PAC went to charge, but Allin turned him inside out for a double down.
Coffin Splash was countered into a German, before PAC got a huge running start and waffled Allin with a lariat for two. The Brutalizer is applied, as Allin fought his way to the ropes, but PAC held on to the very last second. PAC repeatedly hit corner pump kicks, went up top, wanted Black Arrow, but crashed and burned. Allin quickly applied a Scorpion Death Lock, PAC was going to tap, but signaled for help. Wheeler Yuta sprinted out and ran distraction, as Allin let go of the hold, as he & referee Bryce went at Yuta. This allowed PAC to grab the baseball bat and crack Allin in the face with it, got rid of the evidence and stole the pin.
Match Result: PAC defeated Darby Allin
Marina Shafir & Megan Bayne (w/Penelope Ford) vs. The Timeless Love Bombs (Timeless Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa) vs. The Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale) vs. Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue w/Thekla) with Winners Picking Their Semi-Final Tournament Match Stipulation
(Lots and lots of moving parts in this match, but for the most part, I think it all came off pretty well. They worked in both semi-final pairings interactions, while also doing a nice call back false finish to that of Blood and Guts. In the end, the team that could really have the most fun picking a stipulation for their semi-final, won it. I don’t know how that fairs for them actually winning that match though.)
I could’ve sworn I read this was a Tornado Tag, but apparently, it’s not. Storm charged right at Shafir at the bell, but Shafir quickly hit a Judo throw and tag to Bayne. Storm managed to battle back, tagged Shirakawa, who she used to slam onto Bayne. Rolling forearm connected, as Shirakawa followed with a springing enzugiri, which Bayne shook off into a huge Samoan Drop for two. Shafir back in and continued rag dolling Shirakawa, getting a Tiger Feint head scissors in the ropes, not realizing Blue made a blind tag. Storm was pulled from the apron before being able to make a tag, but Nightingale tagged in from Shirakawa, dishing out corner clotheslines before a cazadora splash with Cameron on Blue got a near fall.
Slugfest ensued with Blue & Cameron, who followed up with Sole Food and backstabber, only to miss the Shining Wizard. Hart tagged in and spiked Cameron with a DDT before she & Blue charged at Bayne & Shafir off the apron. It was so Hart could have room to do her rope walk clubbing blow, as Blue made the tag and hit a PK. Bayne had enough, pie facing Blue outside and launching Cameron with a fall away slam. Love Bombs & Sisters of Sin brawled on the floor, as Shafir kept Cameron isolated until Bayne was back in and planted with a desperation spinning DDT for the double down.
Nightingale tagged in, house of fire on Shafir, hitting an Oklahoma Stampede for two. Shafir floated over a Samoan Drop into a Rear Naked Choke, but Hart stole the tag. Bayne ran through Blue to break a count and the two heel teams started trash talking each other, missing the Shirakawa tag. DDT/Leg Lock combo to Hart & Blue, as Bayne made the blind tag and just ran over Hart. Fate’s Descent into Mothers Milk, as Bayne held off Storm, similar finish to Blood and Guts, this time, Storm got free and saved her partner. Storm & Shafir went at it, missing a Cameron blind tag, as Storm hit Shafir with a Thesz Press, turned into a Cameron cross body for two. Cameron ran into a choke bomb, but Hart & Blue broke the count. Bayne sent Hart & Blue flying a double German Suplex, but Nightingale launched Bayne with a Pounce and cannonball off the apron onto Shafir. With a pile outside, Shirakawa flew off the top onto everyone, leaving Cameron & Storm to trade a crazy amount of pin attempts until Storm hit her Big Package for the flash pin.
Match Result: The Timeless Love Bombs defeated Marina Shafir & Megan Bayne, The Babes of Wrath & Sisters of Sin when Storm pinned Cameron
Brodido (Brody King & ROH Champion Bandido) vs. FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood w/Stokely) for the AEW World Tag Team Titles
(One of the best tag matches of the year in AEW, as these two absolutely held nothing back and the crowd were on fire, especially down the stretch. I sure hope Brodido remain a duo, even without the titles, as they are arguably one of the most successful thrown together duos and the fans love them. They both benefitted tremendously from this pairing, as did the tag division itself.)
Pre-match Big Stoke Productions straight out of the movie Belly, as Stokely was walking a club seeing highlights of FTR’s accomplishments before FTR made their entrance. Bandido started things off very quickly with a series of takedowns on both Harwood & Wheeler, forcing them to regroup. King slammed Wheeler onto Harwood before switching things up and it was Bandido slamming his partner onto Wheeler, popping the crowd. Bandido wanted to do The Macarena, but King told him no. Stokely ran distraction on the apron, but Bandido cleared him with a somersault dive, only FTR caught and slammed him face first on the commentary table. Crowd with a “Stokely Gets No Hoes” chant, as Nigel McGuinness said to his knowledge, there are plenty in New Jersey, a line that broke Excalibur.
Very rough looking double spinebuster by Bandido on FTR back inside, as Wheeler went to distract King on the apron, only to have his head knocked off by a forearm. Harwood took the ref and missed the tag Bandido made, waving it off, pissing King off and allowing FTR to double team Bandido. That lasted only momentarily, as Bandido was able to boot his way free and make the King hot tag. Wheeler was planted with a Black Hole Slam with so much torque that Wheeler almost flew out of his arms. Locomotion corner splashes, but Wheeler got a boot up and tried his hardest to hang on with a rear naked choke, only King used him as a weapon to hit a rolling DVD on Harwood. Double corner cannonball got a near fall, as Bandido joined, but was low bridged by Harwood.
FTR wanted a Power-Plex on King, who caught Wheeler coming in for a splash and hit a chokeslam, while Bandido flew in with a Frog Splash on Harwood. Kicks & chops to Harwood until King mowed through him with a lariat. King tried a dive, but Stokely shoved Harwood out of the way and took the bullet. Wheeler quickly spiked King with a Tornado DDT, as back inside, Bandido countered a rebound powerbomb by Harwood into a hurricanrana pin for two. FTR nearly got a Shatter Machine, Bandido countered that, but fell victim to the rebound powerbomb and big splash for a close two. Bandido spun out of a Spike Piledriver, posted Harwood and one arm pressed Wheeler over the top onto his partner. Quickly up to the top, Bandido followed with the highest of cross bodies onto FTR, leaving everyone down.
Back inside, Shatter Machine countered into a DDT, but Wheeler saved his partner from a 21-Plex, only to take the move himself. Bandido got to his feet, but spun around into Shatter Machine, but King broke the count at the last second. Wheeler was placed against the barricade, but King missed his cross body. Wheeler took one of the title belts and had a tug of war with King, as Bandido rolled up Harwood, with Wheeler smacking Bandido with the belt unaware of referee Paul Turner. Harwood got a roll-up, but Bandido kicked out, while Wheeler was smushed with a barricade cross body. Back inside, Harwood took a Shatter Machine by Brodido, but kicked out. Wheeler put a stop to the monkey flip 450 by crotching Bandido and wiping out King with a wild dive. Doomsday Device attempt was countered, with Bandido using the momentum into a backflip cross body for two. FTR fought with King on the apron, where they hit a Spike Piledriver on the edge of the ring, as back inside, Bandido tried a handspring, but was flattened for two. FTR quickly followed with a Spike Piledriver, but again, Bandido didn’t quit. Crowd are on their feet and losing their minds, as Bandido has a little fight left in him, but not enough to avoid Shatter Machine, which hits and FTR are 3-time AEW Tag Team Champions.
Match Result: FTR defeated Brodido to win the AEW World Tag Team Titles when Harwood pinned Bandido
-Bryan Danielson tags in on commentary and replaces Nigel McGuinness
Casino Gauntlet Match for the inaugural AEW National Title
(These matches are always so chaotic and fun, with this being no different. Lots of storylines continuing throughout and I really enjoyed this one. With the results of last Wednesday night, the winner of this could possibly be seen a surprise, but I think that is why Lashley & Ricochet went so short. We now have an inaugural National Champion and I’m looking forward to seeing how this title is handled going forward.)
After winning their respective qualifying matches on Dynamite, Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin entered at #1 & #2. Both tried taking each other down a few times, to no success, but they did have smiles on their faces. It went barely a minute before Ricochet was #3 with a mic saying the fans wanted them to fight, not wrestle. Gates of Agony attacked from behind, as Ricochet cracked MVP with the microphone repeatedly, saying he hopes Big Boom AJ is watching, that’s 5 Big Booms. Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun demolish Benjamin & Lashley ringside, leaving Ricochet alone in the ring. Tony Schiavone said entrant times are random, so no telling how long this will last (ok, then.) MVP was helped to the back, while Ricochet break danced. Kaun & Liona left, as Claudio Castagnoli is #4 and took Ricochet’s head off with an uppercut through the ropes. Gorilla press into the ring before a quick Giant Swing and uppercut for two. Ricochet turned the tables with a multi-revolution head scissors to the outside, as he was again met by a Death Rider, as Daniel Garcia is #5 and he popped Ricochet with a shot before shooting a double leg. Ricochet side-stepped and posted Castagnoli, as Orange Cassidy is #6. Garcia & Ricochet were up on the top, where Cassidy bipped Ricochet, allowing Garcia to hit a superplex. Garcia was chucked outside, Cassidy tried to steal the pin, but was picked up like a child by Castagnoli (Excalibur called is “sky jail” which was great).
Cassidy fought back with a dive onto Garcia outside, tried a sunset flip on Castagnoli, who powered out, only to eat a Stundog Millionaire and spinning DDT on Ricochet. Wheeler Yuta is #7, who Danielson calls an idiot for not having any urgency to get to the ring. 3 on 1 attack by the Death Riders on Cassidy, including locomotion corner strikes, which Ricochet tries to join in, but gets beaten down for his troubles. Kevin Knight is #8 and hits the highest leaping clothesline on the aisle on Yuta before launching off the apron with one on Garcia. Knight went for a top rope hurricanrana on Castagnoli, who caught him and both spilled to the apron. Roderick Strong is out at #9 and immediately plants Garcia with a backbreaker on the apron, running wild, catching a flying Knight with a backbreaker and an Angle Slam to Castagnoli and End of Heartache on Ricochet followed by a Sick Kick for two. Mark Davis is #10 and runs through everyone in his path, spiking Knight with a piledriver, crazy Awful Waffle to Ricochet and another piledriver to Cassidy for two. Speedball Mike Bailey is #11, who joins Knight in double teaming Davis, before both went for the cover. JetSpeed were about to go at it, until Davis started chopping both. Bailey took out Death Riders & Strong out with a springboard moonsault, while Davis took a springboard clothesline from Knight.
JetSpeed finally went at it, trading quick pin attempts, dodging everything the other threw before a stalemate got the crowd going. Garcia low blowed Bailey and sank in a Dragon Slayer, but Daddy Magic Matt Menard is #12 and Garcia lets the submission go. Intense stare down, as Menard runs wild on his former protégé, forcing Garcia to bail through the crowd with Menard in hot pursuit. Back in the ring, Meat chants from the crowd, as Davis & Castagnoli are facing off when Benjamin & Lashley join, they’ve recovered and a 4-way slugfest ensues until The Hurt Syndicate start laying everyone out with suplexes and slams. Ricochet tried a sneak attack, but got caught and his ass kicked as a result. Castagnoli & Davis cleaned things up, until Cassidy hit Davis with an Orange Punch. Ricochet was about to take one, but Yuta flew in with a Busiaku Knee, nearly stole the pin, but Knight hit a UFO Splash. Ricochet came out of nowhere with a Spirit Gun and got the victory. Kaun & Liona come back to the ring and present Ricochet with the National Title, raising him on their shoulders.
Match Result: Ricochet defeats Kevin Knight to become the Inaugural AEW National Champion
Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) vs. Kyle O’Reilly in a No Holds Barred Match
(Absolute brutal match and another in this amazing recent run for O’Reilly. Considering how violent Blood and Guts was, these two still managed a wildly entertaining bloodbatch with some pretty sick moments. The big story here is, Moxley submitted, again and you have to imagine his days are numbered as a Death Rider. Of course, that could be just fantasy booking, but I wouldn’t be surprised if something major happens soon. In regards to O’Reilly, with this win, you have to hope that he at least enters the Continental Classic and possibly wins it, I certainly would, he’s never been a hotter babyface, go all in with him and this momentum.)
O’Reilly shot a double leg at the opening bell and it led to both trading a series of standing switches. Moxley scrambled when O’Reilly tried a cross-arm-breaker, then hands behind his back, gave O’Reilly some free shots to play mind games. It led to a cheap shot, as both traded strikes in the corner. No Holds Barred, so Moxley fish hooked O’Reilly, who wrenched at Moxley’s finger. O’Reilly tried an Ankle Lock, causing Moxley to scramble outside to regroup, where Shafir gave him a fork. O’Reilly fought off being stabbed as long as he could, until Moxley got a full mount and went to town, stabbing the forehead and raking the body. O’Reilly is bleeding a good amount (I wouldn’t say to the level of Blood and Guts), while Moxley gives cross face shots and bites the forehead, a sick visual.
Moxley remains in full control, stabbing O’Reilly in the nipple with the fork, a line Excalibur was even reluctant to say, while Shafir had a smirk on her face ringside. Moxley tried a rear naked choke on the apron, which O’Reilly countered into a D’Arce Choke, transitioning into a cross-arm-breaker, forcing Moxley to roll outside, since there’s no rope breaks. O’Reilly hit a slingshot into the post and now we have a bleeding Moxley, who is sat on a chair and O’Reilly hits a diving knee from the apron. Back inside, Moxley tried a desperation Cutter, but O’Reilly countered into an Ankle Lock. Moxley spun out into a Triangle Choke, but O’Reilly got free. Moxley went back to the fork, but O’Reilly got it away, sank in a Triangle of his own and stabbed Moxley repeatedly. The blood pouring from Moxley’s head and the camera shot had everyone gross out. O’Reilly scrambled for a chain under the ring, as he gets in the ring and wraps it around Moxley’s neck, but at the same time, Moxley wraps it around O’Reilly’s neck as well. Both fight for suplexes and O’Reilly hits into the double down.
Each battle it out on their feet until Moxley gets a Bulldog Choke using the chain, but O’Reilly scrambles into a full mount, only Moxley presses on the throat to get free and apply a STF. O’Reilly has the fork and stabs the hand of Moxley to get free, but Moxley hit a Curb Stomp onto the chain. Moxley gets a chair and traps O’Reilly’s arm, Pillmanizing it. Death Rider spikes O’Reilly, as Moxley sank in a Kimura, only to be countered into an Ankle Lock. O’Reilly slammed Moxley’s leg onto the chain, wrapped it up and got the Ankle Lock once more, Moxley fought valiantly, but tapped out, again.
Post-match, a frustrated Moxley gave a nod to O’Reilly, who collapsed and was checked on by doctors. Moxley was going to leave, when he came back to the ring and attacked. Death Riders came to ringside, as Moxley left with them, as Roderick Strong & Orange Cassidy helped O’Reilly to the back. You can visibly see the Death Rider members not looking thrilled, especially PAC. Something is going to happen soon, it’s just a matter of when and how.
Match Result: Kyle O’Reilly submitted Jon Moxley
Kyle Fletcher (w/Don Callis) vs. Mark Briscoe in a No DQ Match for the TNT Title (If Briscoe Loses, He Must Join The Don Callis Family)
(If ever there was a time for a “You Deserve It” chant, it was tonight. The only thing I question is placing this and the No Holds Barred match back-to-back, as I completely understand how people would think this is simply too much and should be spaced out more on the card. With that aside, this was an absolute war and the happy ending many of us had hoped for. Briscoe had to go through hell to get it, but the image of him standing tall with the TNT Title is a much-deserved site to see.)
A wonderful tribute video package on Briscoe coming up through AEW and how he calls The Conglomeration his family, while also showing his real family as well. Both traded submission attempts early, as Fletcher caught Briscoe with a running boot off the apron. Briscoe blocked a PK on the apron, swept out the leg and chucked a chair at Fletcher’s face. Briscoe kept up the attack around ringside, placing Fletcher on the chair, biting him in the forehead, but missing a dive off the apron, as Fletcher caught and planted Briscoe through the chair with a brainbuster. Fletcher took too long to follow-up, as his legs were swept from the steps, causing him to land hard. Briscoe started bringing out weapons and placed Fletcher against a ladder, tried a somersault dive, but crashed and burned through the ladder. Fletcher violently launched the ladder into the face of Briscoe, busting him opened, who Callis said he only wants him to be hurt for a few months, not his career to be over, as Callis will own Briscoe’s life. Fletcher threw another ladder into the ring and continued to slam Briscoe on it, while Callis said Briscoe doesn’t have to walk to be his stooge.
Fletcher placed the broken ladder between the ropes and used it as a platform, only Briscoe hit an uppercut, threw the ladder to Fletcher and dropkicked him in the face with it. Briscoe popped Fletcher in the face with the ladder, causing him to bleed as a result, as Briscoe placed him on a table ringside, but Fletcher rolled to safety. Half and half suplex from Fletcher on the floor, as he placed six chairs up, but took too long, as Briscoe threw one in his face. Briscoe went to climb the ropes, but was distracted by Callis, as Fletcher launched Briscoe off and through the table. Another table placed in the ring corner, as Fletcher went for a Lawn Dart, Briscoe escaped, they trade Half and Halfs, while Briscoe wants Jay Driller, but Fletcher countered into a running Waterwheel Drop through the table. Last Ride Liger Bomb connects for two, as Fletcher goes to thumbtacks, spreading them all over the ring, placing them in Briscoe’s mouth and hitting a superkick. Briscoe escaped a Last Ride and spiked Fletcher into the tacks with a Fisherman’s Buster for two. Briscoe throws in two tables, one covered in Barbed Wire and a high ladder, which he sets a table up in front of. This takes forever, as Fletcher is on the apron and tries a brainbuster off through the tables, but Briscoe counters into a Blockbuster off the apron onto the chairs.
Back inside, Briscoe puts Fletcher on the table, climbs the ladder, but is cut-off. Briscoe fights Fletcher off and manages to hit an insane Froggy Bow crashing through the table. Crowd chanting This Is Awesome, as Briscoe pulls in the barbed wire table, but didn’t see Callis give a screwdriver to Fletcher. Briscoe blocks a shot initially, but Fletcher hits a low blow and starts stabbing Briscoe, licking the screwdriver, which Callis called sexy. Fletcher missed another shot, Briscoe hits a low blow of his own, Brainbuster into the thumbtacks, but Fletcher kicked out. Briscoe up top, but Fletcher shoved the referee into the ropes, crotching Briscoe. Fletcher places the screwdriver spike first up, wants the Avalanche Brainbuster, but Briscoe slid out, wanted a Cutthroat Driver, only to be stabbed in the head with the screwdriver. Fletcher hits his Brainbuster flush, but Briscoe kicked out. Fletcher wanted his Avalanche Brainbuster, but again, Briscoe escaped and hit an Avalanche Razor’s Edge through the barbed wire table. Jay Driller hits flush and Briscoe finally wins a title in AEW and the crowd are going nuts.
Match Result: Mark Briscoe defeats Kyle Fletcher to win the TNT Title
Kenny Omega & Jurassic Express (Jungle Jack Perry & Luchasaurus) vs. Josh Alexander (w/Don Callis) & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) in a $1,000,000 Match
(If ever there was a PWG style party match, it was this one. Omega is such a masterful seller that I can never tell which is real and which is a work, so I can only hope the knee is a work and he’s ok. I’m really looking forward in where this story goes from here, as The Elite are back it seems and they have a furious Don Callis Army to have to deal with. How they follow-up on this should be lots of fun.)
The Young Bucks had a Wheel of Fortune video play for their entrance, as their gear that Don Callis paid for was covered in money and frills. Despite being 0-3 tonight, when asked about his chances in this match by Excalibur, Callis said he’s not concerned, as everything’s coming up Callis Family. Fast start by Nick & Perry, as they trade a series of springboard counters and arm drags leading to a tense stalemate. Fast tags by Omega & Jurassic Express until a cheap shot by Alexander dropped Omega, as Alexander stole a tag and went to work. Omega fought back with a slingshot cross body, but came up short and is holding his left leg, which is what Alexander targets immediately. Alexander was having success, when The Bucks tagged in and were immediately planted with a double Kotaro Crusher. Omega sent everyone outside and really had to work for a Terminator Dive, ultimately getting all of it.
Perry tried a cross body on Alexander on the apron, but was caught and slammed on the apron. The Bucks tried a dive, but Luchasaurus wasn’t in the right position and Nick landed pretty badly. Matt teased a moonsault on Perry, switching in mid-air to take out Omega on the floor, while he was distracted by Callis. Risky Business by The Bucks on Perry, who remained isolated until a desperation DDT planted Alexander for the double down and Luchasaurus came in with the hot tag. Choke Slams aplenty, as Luchasaurus hit a standing moonsault for two. The Bucks escape a double choke slam with a superkick, but Luchasaurus bounced back and all three are down via clotheslines. Omega tags in and Alexander runs for a tag, but The Bucks wouldn’t give it to him. You Can’t Escape half-way connected, missing the moonsault, as Matt hit a cazadora slam. Perry flew in with head scissors, as Nick launched in with a Destroyer on Luchasaurus, but proceeded to be blasted with a V-Trigger for the match reset.
Forearm battle by Omega & Alexader, as Omega hit a Snap Dragon, but Alexander (who is bleeding from the forehead) is able to sink in the Ankle Lock. While still in the submission, The Bucks hit a BTE Trigger on Omega, as The Bucks held off Jurassic Express. Omega just made the ropes, as Matt tagged in, The Bucks wanted a Meltzer Driver, but Luchasaurus made the save. The Bucks & Alexander connect on the assisted Tombstone for a near fall, as Countdown to Extinction was countered, but friendly fire by The Bucks and Alexander saw Omega make the save and sent Nick outside. Countdown to Extinction connects, but Alexander just broke the count. Double Doomsday was countered with The Bucks landing on their feet and ramping up a Superkick Party, accidentally hitting Alexander off the apron into a One Winged Angel by Omega on the floor. Perry tried a backslide on Matt, who slid through and The Bucks hit a BTE Trigger on Perry to win it.
Post-match, Callis came in the ring with Mark Davis, Hechicero, El Clon & Rocky Romero, telling him they’re rich once again and it’s time to celebrate. Callis went to walk The Bucks up the ramp with the bags of money, as The Family attack Omega in the ring. Matt & Nick ask Callis what this is about, as Callis wants them to go spend the money. The crowd chants You Sold Out, but The Bucks throw down the money and hit the ring, dishing out Superkicks to everyone. Jurassic Express check on Omega before offering a handshake to The Bucks, who accept. Omega slowly gets up and starts putting it together with the crowd chanting Hug It Out. The Bucks offer a handshake, Omega slaps it away and they hug and stand tall. The Callis Family is furious on the ramp, as they are holding all the money. Omega, Jurassic Express & The Bucks all leave on the babyface side of the stage.
Match Result: Josh Alexander & The Young Bucks defeated Kenny Omega & Jurassic Express to win $1,000,000 when Nick pinned Perry
Kris Statlander vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone for the AEW Women’s World Title
(This started like a complete sprint, but once Mone started slowly working the arm, it’s when the crowd got quiet for a while. There were wildly impressive moments, the 14 Amigos being one for sure, but the crowd really got back into it down the stretch. I should point out that avalanche rib breaker from Statlander is going to be in highlight package for ages to come, as that was an incredible moment. Mone’s officially 0-2 in trying to win the AEW Women’s Title, as this was arguably Statlander’s biggest win in her AEW career to date. It’ll be very interesting in seeing where both go from here.)
Mone had her shirtless fellas holding all her titles down the aisle, while Statlander rolled out of a crashed spaceship off the side of the stage, which was pretty cool. Mone tried to pick the ankle early, but Statlander was there with counters and pin attempts. Statement Maker escaped, as Statlander hit a standing moonsault for two. Mone sent Statlander landing awkwardly to the floor, but she still caught a Mone dive and got a fireman’s carry up the steps to the apron. Mone missed a charge and Statlander connects with a huge superplex, floats over and misses a 450 Splash. Statlander rolls outside and clutches her left forearm and referee Aubrey quickly checks, but Mone flies in from off-screen with a Meteora and slamming Statlander shoulder first into the steps followed by another Meteroa. Tornado DDT into am arm-breaker back inside, as Mone wrenches at the wrist and arm. Statlander finally started to make a one-armed comeback, until Mone hit a double knees to the arm and snaps it back. Mone then rattled off 14 Amigos, one suplex for each belt she holds, which, despite being a heel, got the crowd applauding.
After all of that, Mone didn’t make a cover, instead went up top and missed a Frog Splash, with Statlander up-kicking her in the face. Statlander starts making her comeback with a spinning Fisherman’s Buster for a near fall. Mone responds by snapping the arm through the ropes on the apron, trying another Meteora, only Statlander countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb on the floor. Both ladies just make the count, as Mone hit her sunset flip into the corner. Mone signaled for the end, only to run into a lariat from Statlander. Mone desperately goes for an arm-bar, but Statlander countered into a ripcord belly-to-belly for two, then applying a Statement Maker of her own. Mone bent the wrist back and got the submission herself, only Statlander powered up and up the corner. Mone switched to a rear naked choke, Statlander switched to a fireman’s carry for an Avalanche Rib Breaker ala Dean Malenko for two.
Statlander wants Saturday Night Fever, but Mone counters and each trade Seatbelt pin attempts for two. Statlander manages a Package Piledriver, but Mone barely gets an arm on the rope. Mone fought out of the corner, looked for a Meteora, but was caught, only to switch and hit a Poison Rana and Meteora for two. Mone took a crazy amount to time to follow-up, allowing both to trade finisher attempts repeatedly, until Statlander avoids the head scissors to the corner and countered into Saturday Night Fever for the victory.
Match Result: Kris Statlander defeated Mercedes Mone to retain the AEW Women’s World Title
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Don Callis, Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita & Hechicero (who is in charge of the money tonight). Callis said once Okada & Takeshita get on the same page, they’ll be the best team in AEW history. Okada & Takeshita blamed one another for losing the match tonight and Callis said Okada will defend his Continental Title in the Continental Classic and prove why he’s the best tournament wrestler of all time. Takeshita said that’s fine, as he’ll also be in the Continental Classic. Kyle Fletcher storms in and said Prot-Okada & Proto-Shita, both say they’re best friends, but weren’t there for him when he needed them, so he’s also entering the Continental Classic. Fletcher storms out and Okada told Takeshita look what he did to Kyle.
Hangman Adam Page vs. Samoa Joe in a Steel Cage for the AEW Men’s World Title
(On a night with some wild violence and serious bloody brawls, Samoa Joe decided to have the gusher of all gushers tonight and bled buckets. I’d love to see the amount of people who saw this finish coming at the start of the night. This was one of those shocking results that when it was all said and done, leaves me incredibly intrigued at what is next. An excellent main event and we’re off to the races.)
American Venom from Red Dead Redemption is the theme for Page, which was pretty awesome. Similar to Wednesday, Page has his ribs and neck taped, as Joe is the first to get slammed into the cage and is the first to bleed less then 2 minutes into the match. Page hit a moonsault out of the corner for two, as he took his boot to use as a weapon, but Joe got in a shot, teased the Ole Kick, only Page got up and repeatedly cracked Joe with the boot. Joe fought back, swinging for the fences with chops, as Page hit a series of clotheslines, went for a home run shot, only to be rammed head first into the cage and you guessed it, Page is bleeding now as well. Joe mowed Page down with a back elbow so hard that Page’s neck snapped on the bottom rope. Joe hit his picture-perfect snap powerslam for two, as both fight to their feet in a slugfest. Page backflips out of a German suplex and sends Joe into multiple sides of the cage.
Page slid out of a Coquina Clutch into one of his own, but both are covered in so much blood, they can easily escape. Joe spiked Page with a Uranage in the corner, as Joe is bleeding buckets now, but exposes a corner buckle, which Page fights off. Joe wants a Muscle Buster, but Page bit free and hit a sunset flip powerbomb. Katsuyori Shibata rushes to ringside and grabs the AEW World Title and starts climbing the cage. Page is just watching this happen until Eddie Kingston hits the ring and brawls with Shibata. In the ring, Joe collided with referee Paul Turner as Page hit a Dead Eye for the visible pin, but there was no ref. Powerhouse Hobbs comes to the ring and rips the lock off the cage door and enters with the World Title, but misses a belt shot on Page, who sent Hobbs face first into the cage. Joe used the distraction to apply the Coquina Clutch, but Page sent Joe crashing into the exposed buckle. Page used the opening of the door to hit a Buckshot, but there still was no referee. HOOK rushed to the ring and pleads with Paul Turner to wake up, only to grab the World Title, smile and crack Page with it, revealing an Opps shirt. Joe quickly hits a Muscle Buster on the belt, gets the pin and wins the title.
Post-match, the cage raises and HOOK hugs Joe (commentary question if HOOK has been part of The Opps all along), as Shibata and all of The Opps Dojo that was with Joe on the pre-show join Joe in the celebration until the lights went out. A video on the Tron shows a house on fire and we see Prince Nana saying “we’re in the money, my friend” before “Whose House?” hits and a completely new theme and entrance as the Most Dangerous Swerve Strickland returns. Nana is doing the Swerve Dance as the visual of Joe in the spotlight while he’s absolutely pouring blood is truly a sight to see. Joe tells everyone to step aside and welcomes Strickland to the ring, pointing at the still motionless Page. Strickland slowly takes off his jacket and eliminates the entire Opps Dojo while Joe, Hobbs, Shibata & HOOK bail. Page took care of the last Dojo dork before standing tall with Strickland to stare down the new AEW World Champion.
Match Result: Samoa Joe defeated Hangman Adam Page to win the AEW Men’s World Title
