The fourth-ever AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door debuts from the O2 Arena in London, England.
The show is headlined by an all-star lights out steel cage match as Will Ospreay teams with Kenny Omega, Darby Allin, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd & The Young Bucks.
AEW World Champion Hangman Page defends against MJF in a stipulation-heavy match.
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will defend against Athena while TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Alex Windsor, Bozilla, and Persephone in a four-way.
AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Swerve Strickland while AEW World Tag Team Champion The Hurt Syndicate defend against FTR and Brodido in a three-way.
TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher defends against Hiromu Takahashi while IWGP World Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defends against former ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness.
Adam Copeland & Christian Cage reunite for the first time since 2014 when they face the returning Killswitch & Kip Sabian.
Three matches make up the Zero Hour pre-show that kicks off at 11:30 AM Eastern.
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Zero Hour
The Wrestle Aunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City), Jeff Jarrett & Madison Rayne welcome us to Zero Hour, letting us know today’s show is sold out before running down the card. They said Bryan Danielson was supposed to join the crew, but he’s a busy man, maybe he’ll show up?
CRU (Lio Rush & Action Andretti), Josh Alexander & Hechicero (w/Don Callis, Lance Archer & Rocky Romero) vs. Paragon (Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly), IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion El Desperado & Yuya Uemura
(Party match to get the crowd going out the gate, as Uemura was the one to get the W and show off the Deadbolt to the London crowd. The post-match, Ishii received a huge reaction for his appearance and it continues the story of O’Reilly having to choose where his allegiances lie with either The Conglomeration or Paragon, Strong won’t let him have both it appears.)
Excalibur & Ian Riccaboni on the call, as even though the crowd is still filing in, Callis was booed out of the building during his over-the-top introduction for Hechicero before leaving Romero & Archer in charge ringside. Fast opening sequence from Alexander & Uemura before Hechicero & Desperado tagged in and exchanged pinfall and submission attempts. Hechicero rolled out of Numero Dos, teased tagging CRU, but Alexander got the tag. Rush wasn’t having in and blind tagged himself in to put the boots to Desperado with Andretti. Showing the quickness, though, Desperado dodged a series of clotheslines, as O’Reilly made the tag, but he ate a flurry of fast double teams from CRU. Taking too long to follow-up, O’Reilly managed a tag to Strong, as the Paragon duo went to work double teaming the entire opposition, including a DDT/Backbreaker combo.
Hechicero swept out the leg from Strong, allowing Andretti to hit enough of a springboard kick and take control. Rush tried for Rush Hour, but Strong countered into a backbreaker, leading to a hot tag to O’Reilly. CRU kept getting trapped in submissions, until O’Reilly hit a dueling Dragon Screw until a running Shooting Star from Andretti saved Rush, who was locked in a cross arm-breaker. Uemura finally gets back in and slugged it out with Alexander, firing off deep arm drags and a dropkick. Alexander dodged the Deadbolt with a back suplex, as CRU wiped out Paragon with double dives, while Alexander & Hechicero hit an assisted Cradle DDT. The match broke down, as O’Reilly ate a Rush Hour/Stunner combo from CRU, before Andretti wiped out a pile outside with a Cancun Tornado. Uemura avoided a Frog Splash from Rush and ultimately hit the Deadbolt Suplex for the win.
O’Reilly celebrated with Uemura, saying that was dope as hell before the Callis CRU put a beat down on the victors. The sirens for Tomohiro Ishii’s music hit, as he power walked to the ring with Lance Archer waiting for a stare down. Ishii broke free from a choke slam attempt and planted Archer with an impressive brainbuster to a huge pop. O’Reilly celebrated with his Conglomeration bud, until Strong pulled him away, leaving Uemura, Desperado & Ishii having the ring.
Match Result: Paragon, El Desperado & Yuya Uemura defeated CRU, Josh Alexander & Hechicero when Uemura pinned Rush
Ricochet & Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) vs. JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) & Michael Oku (w/Amira Blair)
(The crowd was on fire for this entire match, until the finish, which you could hear a pin drop with how disappointed they were. Oku was so massively over, I would hope we’re getting a singles match down the line between himself & Ricochet.)
Massive ovation for Oku, who started things off with Ricochet, meeting him with a snap hurricanrana and dropkick before Kaun & Liona cleaned house. Ricochet & G.O.A. mocked the crowd while sitting on the apron, giving JetSpeed a chance to hit a double drive-by dropkick before triple paint-brushing Ricochet in the noggin. Oku got the crowd going, but was Pounced clear over the top by Liona. This was a terrifying spot, as Oku landed on his face, just narrowly avoided taking that gnarly bump on his neck. After being isolated, Oku finally was able to use his speed to dodge offense from Kaun and make the hot tag to Knight. Kaun caught Oku trying a hurricanrana out of the corner, so Knight joined and did the move too, causing Kaun to take the move right into an awaiting Bailey powerbomb.
Liona made the save briefly, but Oku flew in with a missile dropkick. Kaun steamrolled Oku, as Bailey saved his partner with a backflip double-knees to Kaun’s midsection. Oku & Ricochet tag in, as Oku hit a springboard dropkick on the apron and backflip plancha. Liona charged full speed, missed Oku and ran right into the post, as Oku flattened Ricochet back inside with a Frog Splash. G.O.A. tried to Open the Gates on Oku, but JetSpeed flew in with double dropkicks. Bailey teased a springboard on Ricochet but wiped out G.O.A. with a huge moonsault. Oku followed suit, hitting a springboard moonsault on Ricochet for two. Half crab was applied, as JetSpeed tried to hold off G.O.A. as Ricochet raked the eyes to get free. Huge shotgun dropkick from Kaun, as they Opened the Gates on Oku before Ricochet hit the Spirit Gun for the win. Commentary said Ricochet stole a career defining moment from Oku.
Match Result: Ricochet & Gates of Agony defeated Michael Oku & JetSpeed when Ricochet pinned Oku
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Don Callis, asking if he’s worried about all the titles the Family has on the line tonight? Callis said heavy is the head that wears the crown and he’s taken out the most expensive insurance policies to make sure they retain their gold. Callis calls Prince Nana a psychotic and questions Swerve Strickland taking advice from him, while Okada has someone like Callis. Also, he said Kyle Fletcher will crush his old pal Hiromu on their way to victory.
Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Queen Aminata & Harley Cameron vs. Megan Bayne (w/Penelope Ford) & Triangle of Madness (Thekla, Julia Hart & Skye Blue)
(Another chaotic party match that was able continue the never-ending storyline between Nightingale & Statlander, while also keeping the bad blood going with Thekla & Aminata as well. I can only hope by the end of the year at the latest, we get an end game to this frenemies story with Willow & Stat.)
Quadruple corner punches in bunches from the babyface team, as everyone but Statlander & Nightingale high-fived one another. Nightingale was clocked by Thekla, but as soon as she tagged in Hart, Nightingale slammed her to the mat and tagged Aminata. A spinning Full Nelson, as Riccaboni made a Ken Patera reference before Aminata delivered Chocolate Kisses (I can’t believe I just used those two in the same sentence). Statlander made the tag, as Hart recovered and did her rope walk clubbing blow, as her & Blue clotheslined Statlander outside. Bayne had Nightingale in a fireman’s carry, all while planting Aminata with a fall away slam. Hart distracted the ref, as Bayne followed with a Tope, while Ford hit a Moonsault off the post. Thekla locked in the Spider Choke in the ropes, as they kept Statlander isolated.
Statlander got free from Blue, refused to tag Nightingale, instead opting for Cameron, who ran wild with a head scissors and corner splash. Bayne caught a cross body and countered into a fall away slam. Cameron dodged a splash and Aminata tagged in to slug it out with Bayne, who steamrolled her with a lariat. Aminata avoided a powerbomb into a hurricanran and wanted more Chocolate Kisses, but Bayne powered up, tried a Tombstone, only Aminata spiked her with a counter. Hot tag from Nightingale, who flattened Blue with a spinebuster and rolling DVD. Thekla hit a dive off the top onto Aminata & Statlander before brawling with Aminata up the ramp to continue their rivalry. Cameron was rag dolled by Bayne, wanted a Liger Bomb, but Cameron took her face mask off and hit Bayne repeatedly in the head with it. Tilt-a-whirl DDT spiked Bayne for two, as Nightingale & Statlander were pulled off the apron by Blue & Hart. Nightingale wasn’t having it, she Pounced Blue and sent Hart crashing into the barricade. Cameron nearly got a roll-up on Bayne for two, as Bayne popped up, ducked a Statlander forearm and it was Nightingale who took the blow instead. Both were sent crashing outside, leading to Bayne planting Cameron with a running Liger Bomb for the win.
Match Result: Megan Bayne & The Triangle of Madness defeated Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Queen Aminata & Harley Cameron when Bayne pinned Cameron
-Lexy Nair is backstage waiting for The Young Bucks, who walk in with One Day Talent name tags. They berate a production worker, demanding their introduction be changed for tonight, saying they’ll play their old song and order him to find the most dangerous weapons on the streets of London and put them in a bag under the ring for the main event. If he doesn’t, they saw what happened to Justin Roberts last week.
-Tony Schiavone welcomes Dr. Martha Hart, Oje Hart & Tony Khan to the stage. Khan thanks the crowd for making this the highest attended wrestling show at the O2 before handing the mic to Martha. She thanks Khan, saying while they like MJF, they’re cheering for Hangman tonight. Khan puts over the Owen Hart Foundation tournament this past year and new champions crowned.
The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata) vs. Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney & Robbie X w/Gedo) for the AEW Trios Titles
(I first thought this was going to be an all out squash for The Opps, but War Dogs were able to get in their offense down the stretch and make this a competitive match. I don’t see us getting it, but the match I wanted coming out of this is a singles between Joe & Moloney. This was a good match to end Zero Hour and really get the crowd amped for the main card.)
Shibata wasted no time going after Connors, who battled back with chops of his own. Shibata launched Connors to the floor and repeatedly into the barricade. Back inside, Joe got a huge ovation as he tagged in and lit up Moloney with forearms, until Moloney showed off his speed with a drop down into a huge dropkick. X tagged in and immediately Joe no sold strikes and did his smooth walk off to avoid a cross body. Shibata came back in and demolished X with corner strikes and his stalling dropkick. Wanting a PK, Connors tripped up Shibata and got revenge, sending him into the barricade. Foolishly, Connors tried a cheap shot on Hobbs, who no sold and popped Connors with a right hand. Back inside, X hit a running Shooting Star on Shibata before a stalling senton got two.
Moloney opted to rake the eyes instead of getting into a chop battle with Shibata, which was ultimately a good call. Shibata remained isolated until he no sold machine gun chops from Connors, who ran into a STO. Hobbs finally tags in legally, as he’s a house of fire, rag dolling the War Dogs all around. Right as he lowered the straps, Connors hit a chop block and locomotion corner strikes. High-Low Spear and Cancun Tornado connected, but Hobbs kicked out. Moloney wanted a Drilla Killa, but Hobbs escaped and hit a Spinebuster. Joe made the tag, planted X with a snap powerslam, as Gedo distracted referee Aubrey. War Dogs tried a triple team, but Shibata & Hobbs made the save. Shibata just sauntered over and calmly kicked the middle rope, crotching Gedo, as Shibata & Hobbs held off Moloney & Connors, while Joe hit X with a Muscle Buster for the win.
Match Result: The Opps defeated Bullet Club War Dogs to retain the AEW Trios Titles when Joe pinned X
AEW Forbidden Door 2025
Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. The Matriarchy (Killswitch & Kip Sabian w/Mother Wayne)
(A really solid opener, as they told the story of Sabian disrespecting Killswitch, similarly to how Cage treated him and Cage initially being gun-shy of fighting off his former muscle. Once that went out the window, the chemistry was still there for Copeland & Cage and the fans loved it, singing the familiar “Hey Christian, Ooh Aah, I Wanna Know, Will You Be My Guy.”)
Copeland said on social media the other day that he’s soaking all of this in and hearing the O2 sing loudly to his theme is a moment I hope he never forgets, that was incredible. Bryan Danielson joins Excalibur & Tony Schiavone on commentary, as he said he would’ve let Cage start the match if he were Copeland to prove Cage was honest and loyal.
Misdirect from Copeland early, as he flattened Sabian with a lariat before tagging Cage for an early double team. Corner punches in bunches from Cage on Sabian, who scurries to tag Killswitch. Loud Luchasaurus chants, as Cage refused to fight him, tagging Copeland again. Massive thrust kick caught Copeland flush on the jaw, but Copeland was able to respond with a low bridge and hit a baseball slide into the barricade. Shayna got in Copeland’s face, ran distraction enough for Killswitch to use Sabian as a projectile into Copeland and keep him isolated inside. Killswitch was throwing corner shots until Sabian tagged himself in, as Danielson on commentary said it was the same disrespect Cage used to show Killswitch himself. Having no time for nonsense, Killswitch again launched Sabian into Copeland in the corner, as Shayna had to keep Sabian calm.
Sabian, who is bleeding from the eye, screamed at Killswitch to tag him, so Killswitch hit an overhand chop and chucked him into the ring. Cage wanted a tag, but Shayna pulled him from the apron screaming he’s going to get what he deserves. Sabian snapped Cage’s neck on the top rope, as Copeland was able to fight off Killswitch & Sabian in the corner and hit an unintentional Matriarchy Doomsday Device. Copeland finally tagged in Cage, who threw punches at Killswitch this time, only to run into a headbutt flush. Cage avoided a Lawn Dart and choked both Sabian & Killswitch in the ropes before launching Sabian outside. Cage followed with a cross body off the post outside onto Killswitch.
Powerbomb out of the corner by Copeland and top rope headbutt from Cage, but Killswitch kicked out at one. Sabian made the blind tag, as Copeland & Cage hit a double Impaler DDT on Killswitch, but referee Bryce couldn’t make the count. Sabian tried an attack, but Cage planted him with a neckbreaker. Killswitch had Cage in his clutches from the apron, but Copeland charged in and Speared him through the ropes to the floor. Cage tried a Spear on Sabian, who hit a pump knee, tried a Killswitch, but was sent into a pop-up Spear from Copeland, as Cage made the cover and pin.
Match Result: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage defeated The Matriarchy when Cage pinned Sabian
Kyle Fletcher (w/Don Callis & Lance Archer) vs. Hiromu Takahashi for the TNT Title
(This started much slower than I would’ve expected, but boy did it pick up in a major way the second half. Once Takahashi started battling back, there were some great near falls that saw the crowd biting that we might just see a new TNT Champion. That wasn’t in the cards, as Fletcher is on another level right now and had another impressive title defense.)
Walker Stewart replaces Schiavone on the call, as Callis also joins the crew. Danielson said he hoped Callis would’ve brought the painting of Fletcher & himself, but Callis said he’s working on one of Danielson, it’s his headstone. Despite that, Danielson puts over Fletcher as the best young talent in AEW and a future AEW World Champion.
Fletcher was able to avoid the early speedy offense from Takahashi by keeping him grounded, slowly picking him apart. Callis put over Fletcher’s handsomeness and Danielson said he heard there was interest in Fletcher from Taylor Swift, which got crickets, so he said he heard that from Callis. Takahashi fought his way back into things with a snap hurricanrana and almost a reverse rana from the inside to the floor. Fletcher fights off a Time Bomb, as both traded suplex attempts until Takahashi connected with a snap Dragon Screw. Both exchange Half and Half suplexes until Fletcher hits a Michinoku Driver into the double down, which Callis called a Proto-star Driver.
To the corner they go, as Takahashi wanted his Cazadora, but Fletcher held on and powered into a snazzy spinning avalanche back suplex and huge Liger Bomb followed for a near fall, leaving Fletcher furious. Dueling chants from the crowd, as Takahashi starts no selling strikes, laughing them off, until a big boot flattened him, only he kicked out at one. They go to the apron, where Fletcher wanted a brainbuster, but Takahashi held on, face planting Fletcher and following with his Sunset Bomb on the floor. Quickly back inside, a lariat turned Fletcher inside out, as both traded forearms. Fletcher wanted another Liger Bomb, but Takahashi snapped into a Destroyer for two. Dynamite Plunger connects for another near fall, as both trade Tombstone attempts with Fletcher being successful for two of his own. Running corner boot to the neck followed by a proper one, as Fletcher wanted a brainbuster, but Takahashi rolled through into a cradle for two. Fletcher held on though and rolled into a Sheer Drop Brainbuster for the win.
Match Result: Kyle Fletcher defeats Hiromu Takahashi to retain the TNT Title
Mercedes Mone vs. Alex Windsor vs. Persephone vs. Bozilla for the TBS Title
(Despite there being a lot of moving parts, I thought a majority of this match came off really well. Perhaps it went maybe 5 minutes too long, as it lost some momentum down the stretch, but for being new to the AEW audience, I thought Bozilla & Persephone impressed and hope to see them again down the line on AEW TV.)
Pre-match video package did a good job talking of the accomplishments of Persephone in CMLL and Bozilla, the 21-year-old daughter of former German wrestler Ulf Herman, while Danielson talked about her strong showing in the 5STAR Grand Prix in STARDOM. Meanwhile, King’s Guard soldiers were all holding Mone’s titles on the stage during her royalty fanfare filled entrance.
Mone immediately found herself surrounded by the opposition before being tossed outside. Bozilla showed off her strength by running over Persephone & Windsor, as Mone foolishly tried a school girl on Bozilla, who didn’t budge. Bozilla pressed Mone over her head and tossed her to the floor onto Persephone & Windsor, as back inside, Bozilla caught a cross body from Persephone into a spinning slam. Windsor locked in a sleeper, but Bozilla still mowed down Mone and sandwiched all ladies in the corner until finally missing a splash, spilling outside. Persephone & Windsor no sold whip attempts from Mone, leading to a flapjack for two. Snap hurricanrana from Persephone, but Windsor responded with a Japanese arm drag. Bozill returned and squashed both with a double back suplex.
Mone looked terrified as she tried a sleeper on Bozilla, as Persephone tried a monkey flip on Mone, who flew right into the clutches on Bozilla, who was brought to the apron. Mone managed a Code Breaker, tried a cross body off the apron, was caught, so Windsor flew in with a senton and Persephone followed with a Tope on the pile. Back inside, a series of pin attempts until Bozilla returned with a bearhug into an overhead throw on Persephone for the reset. Windsor, Mone & Persephone all took turns connecting on attacks out of the corner, as Mone finally got her down with a Meteora for two. With Windsor locked in a Tree of Woe, Mone, Persephone & Bozilla all fought up until Windsor powered up to cause a huge Tower of Doom. Spike DDT through the ropes on Bozilla, as Persephone avoided a Leg Sweep, resulting in Mone managing a double crucifix into a double Statement Maker submission. It broke up and Windsor just got enough of a double Sharpshooter, but Bozilla returned and stepped on the hands of Mone & Persephone from tapping out.
Bozilla lit up Windsor with what Danielson described as Vader-like punches, as she stacked Windsor & Persephone and hit a Moonsault for two. She wanted a powerbomb on Mone, who spun out and got enough of an over-ambitious Poison Rana. Windsor was up and hit a Fisherman’s Buster on Mone, but Bozilla mowed Windsor down with a suplex and clothesline. For some reason, Bozilla stared at Persephone on the floor, told her to get in the ring, as she then turned her back to her, allowing Persephone to hit a running Razors Edge. Sharpshooter applied to Persephone by Windsor, but Mone ran in with a Lungblower. Persephone tried the Razors Edge again on Mone, who managed to counter into a cradle for the flash pin.
Match Result: Mercedes Mone defeated Alex Windsor, Persephone & Bozilla to retain the TBS Title
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Nigel McGuinness (w/Daniel Garcia) for the IWGP World Title
(Not much more to say than this was a damn fine technical wrestling clinic. Bryan Danielson was like a kid in a candy store getting to call this match. The crowd loved the entire match and know a heel turn for Garcia is in the cards, maybe not tonight, but it’ll happen soon. I do wish we saw Sabre in AEW more often, but I’m grateful for what we get.)
Video package of McGuinness walking the streets of London before running into British Legend Johnny Saint. They play chess in the park and talk about Saint being untouchable as World Champ, while Saint says that’s true, but everyone is vulnerable. McGuinness gets checkmate, while Saint says now he’s getting it and to do the same thing at Forbidden Door. Unfortunately, no Oasis theme for McGuinness, but Excalibur did mention Oasis having a resurgence just like McGuinness, who greeted Saint & Marty Jones who are seated ringside. Walker Stewart brings up Sabre being a former G1 Climax winner and Excalibur congratulates the G1 winner this year, Konosuke Takeshita, who I am shocked wasn’t on this card at all.
An impressive opening exchange of mat work, as both try to keep the other grounded, while the other have counters for everything. Sabre zoned in on the left wrist/arm, but McGuinness got up and smirked before taking Sabre down. McGuinness snapped the arm, but Sabre was right back to respond, taking McGuinness down, snapping the neck with his feet, keeping his opponent grounded. McGuinness spun out of a front face lock, blocked a corner charge into a combo leading to the double down. Huge corner uppercut and anticipation lariat that turned Sabre completely inside out for two. London Dungeon applied, but Sabre quickly got the ropes, signaling to Bryan Danielson on commentary that he’s got until 5. Sabre avoided Tower of London with a big boot, then dodged a Nigel comeback lariat into a cross arm-breaker. Garcia tried to push the rope to McGuinness, as referee Stephon Smith scolded him for doing so.
Both trade a wild series of hard uppercuts as Sabre is now bleeding from the nose until they trade pin attempts. They knock heads, only McGuinness is able to deliver the Nigel comeback lariat, as a ripcord lariat took Sabre’s head off for another near fall. London Dungeon applied, but Sabre floated over, McGuinness transitioned into a triangle choke. Garcia again pushed the rope (despite McGuinness being nowhere near it) and was scolded, as McGuinness snapped Sabre’s finger to get free. Sabre went outside and got in the face of Garcia, who said he’s been waiting for a match with him. The distraction was enough for McGuinness to hit a Tower of London on a returning Sabre, who got his feet on the rope. Both trade pin attempts again, including a European Clutch by Sabre for two. More pin attempt counters led to Sabre catching McGuinness with the flash pin.
Post-match, McGuinness was upset, but Sabre shook his hand and gave him the ring before showing respect to Saint & Jones. Tony Schiavone got in the ring for comments, as the fans thought something was going to happen, but Garcia spun McGuinness around and hugged him. Schiavone was there to announce the attendance of 18,992. No turn for Garcia, at least not tonight, but the crowd knows it’s coming.
Match Result: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Nigel McGuinness to retain the IWGP World Title
-Thekla & Queen Aminata are brawling backstage (presumably still from their match, that happened about 2 hours ago?) and make their way back out to aisle. Aminata clocked her with a headbutt to stand tall until Skye Blue & Julia Hart make the save. 3-on-1 attack, as Thekla does her Spider pose until Jamie Hayter’s music hits a massive ovation. She charges out as Blue & Hart get leveled, as Thekla dodges and Triangle of Madness bail with Hayter tending to Aminata and standing tall.
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP) vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler w/Stokely) vs. Brodido (Brody King & ROH World Champion) for the AEW Tag Team Titles
(I thought this had moments that were great. The appearance and reveal of the masked Ricochet & Gates of Agony was completely ruined with how much action was still going on in the ring, but the reveal does make sense, especially if MJF is behind this. Also Ricochet probably still holds a grudge after being majorly punked out by The Syndicate last year. This was also a way to get the titles off The Syndicate without them taking a pin, which was the rumor going into this. Brodido was probably the underdogs coming in and I’m not sure how long their reign will last, but I’m very happy we have new Tag Team Champions.)
FTR targeted Lashley, while Brodido went at Benjamin at the bell, but Benjamin moved and King crashed hard on a missed cross body against the barricade. Bandido managed a hurricnarana off the barricade, as back inside, Bandido hit one on Harwood before a backslide got two. Lashley tagged in and cleaned house, including a one arm stalling suplex on Harwood before staring down Bandido that he can do it too. Benjamin starts no selling chops from Harwood and bealed him clear across the ring. Harwood avoided Suplex City by tagging Bandido, who sent Benjamin packing outside, where he was met with a Tope Suicida. Bandido tried another, but Benjamin quickly was back inside to mow him down and tag Lashley in for a spinning slam. Bandido continued being worked over by The Syndicate for a long time, as there was a chance for FTR to tag in, but they bailed and opted for jumping jacks.
Bandido finally hit a Tornillo on Benjamin as King made the hot tag, who ran wild on FTR, as Harwood made the legal tag. Boss Man Slam planted Wheeler, as King popped Lashley & Benjamin off the apron before squashing FTR in the corner with a splash and cannonball. Lashley got in and we have an intense face-off that brought the crowd to their feet. Forearm battle until King ran into a huge spinebuster, but popped up into a discus lariat. Lashley was sent out to the floor, as FTR were met with Suplex City by Benjamin, who followed with a pop-up knee on Bandido. Rolling Germans from Benjamin on King, who spun out and hit an inadvertent Shatter Machine with Wheeler on Benjamin. Wheeler tried a Tope on The Syndicate, but was caught, so King followed with a Tope on his own to take out the pile. Bandido & Harwood fight up the ropes, as Bandido managed an Avalanche Revolution Fly onto everyone.
Lashley & Benjamin recover the quickest and start thrashing everyone in sight before throwing King back in the ring, where Lashley hit a Spear. Three masked guys in NJPW track suits started attacking Lashley & Benjamin, as they brawl up the aisle, while Stokely slid a chair into Harwood, who waffled King with it for two. Ricochet & The Gates of Agony were shown taking off the masks on the aisle, but got close to zero reaction due to the action going on back inside. Danielson said MJF had an alliance with them last week and could be behind this as well, since he was kicked out of The Hurt Syndicate. Brodido avoided the Power-Plex, hit one of their own, as they followed with the running monkey flip 450 Splash. Bandido made the cover on Harwood, lost it during the first attempt, so the huge initial pop for the three had to be redone, as the second cover got the three and there’s new champions.
Match Result: Brodido defeated The Hurt Syndicate & FTR to win the AEW Tag Team Titles when Bandido pinned Harwood
Kazuchika Okada vs. Swerve Strickland for the AEW Unified Title
(An excellent battle between champion and challenger, as this was one of the stronger Okada showings in his time in AEW. With Strickland having a bad leg, the post-match was a good way to write him for a while if need be, while bolstering The Don Callis Family. They’re becoming one of the most powerful factions in wrestling and I’m anxious to see if/when Takeshita breaks off, as it feels like it’s only a matter of time.)
Good Ol’ JR Jim Ross joins commentary and is immediately disappointed that he has to be seated by Don Callis. Continental Title rules, so no outside interference allowed, so Prince Nana had to go to the back. Story in the early going was each had the other scouted well until Okada put on the brakes to look down at Callis, giving Strickland a chance for a kip up dropkick. Match spills outside, where Strickland hit a pump kick on the apron and backflip over the top onto Okada, but was shaking the bad leg out. Back inside, Strickland kept Okada grounded until Strickland was slingshot outside, tried to land on his feet, but the leg buckled and Okada followed with a baseball slide. Okada delivered a brutal DDT on the steps that spiked Strickland, who now has neck issues to go with the bad leg. Strickland tried his rolling Flatliner, but Okada countered into an Air Raid Crash on the knee. Ever resilient, Strickland battled back and did manage to connect with the rolling Flatliner and suplex to regain control.
Avalanche Angle Slam by Strickland, who came up clutching his neck, as the delay allowed an Okada kick out. Strickland missed a Swerve Stomp off the apron on the floor, came up limping, as Okada answered with a Tombstone. Back inside, short arm lariats from Okada, who tried a Rainmaker, but Strickland countered into a House Call. Strickland gets a series of short arm lariats of his own, wanting another House Call, but Okada saw it coming with a dropkick. Strickland avoided Rainmaker, but Okada hit another dropkick. Third Rainmaker countered, this time with Strickland hitting a pop-up powerslam. Swerve Stomp delivered, but at what cost, as Strickland came up clutching his bad leg. Okada rolled out to the apron and cut off Strickland in the corner and hit a knee breaker on the top buckle. Both miss home run shots, until Strickland managed to fire off a desperation House Call, but as he called for one more, Okada ducked and hit a Rainmaker flush for the win.
Post-match, Okada trapped Strickland’s bad knee between the post and ring step, as he smashed a chair against it repeatedly before Prince Nana ran out with a steel pipe to hold off Okada & Callis, who escaped. As Nana was tending to Strickland, a returning Wardlow appeared behind them to a huge reaction. Wardlow squashed Nana, as Strickland was forced to watch Nana be destroyed with punches. Wardlow stared down Strickland before destroying three security guards with a roundhouse lariat, F-5 and powerbomb. Bryan Danielson said this must be the insurance policy that Callis took out, as Wardlow hugged Callis & Okada on the aisle with a huge smile on his face. The rest of the Don Callis Family are out to welcome the newest member of the crew. The celebration briefly came to a halt, as Konosuke Takeshita walked out to his music and big pop. Fans might have thought he’d feel differently, but he shook his head approvingly to Callis and to Wardlow, as the Don Callis Family are stronger than ever, literally and figuratively.
Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Swerve Strickland to retain the AEW Unified Title
Timeless Toni Storm vs. ROH Women’s Champion Athena (w/Billie Starkz) for the AEW Women’s Title
(Incredibly impressive showing from the challenger, as Athena controlled much more of this match than I thought and had some close near falls down the stretch. The Starkz Factor was taken care of early, but once it ramped up, you knew someone would have Storm’s back and that someone was Mina Shirakawa. I really liked the finish, as it shows yet another move in Storm’s arsenal that she can break out and win with at any time. I’m not sure where Athena goes from here (aside from defending her ROH Women’s Title against Shirakawa at Death Before Dishonor), but I’m hopeful that she sticks around in AEW, she’s great.)
An early baseball slide sent Athena crashing into the barricade, as Starkz got into Storm’s face and suffered a quick Storm Zero as a result. Athena flew in with a shotgun dropkick, causing Storm to hit the LED barricade so hard to turned off. It was all Athena after that, as she drove Storm’s head repeatedly into the post. Cravat applied back inside, as there’s a lot of posturing and posing from Athena, who countered a corner head scissors into a cazadora face buster into the buckle. Athena mocked Storm’s pose, giving Storm time to regroup with a Fisherman’s Suplex with a nice bridge for two. Leg sweep, big boot, neckbreaker, Butterfly Suplex combo from Athena, who continues to pose. Storm dodged an O-Face into a pop-up slam for a near fall. TCM Chicken Wing countered into a backdrop driver by Athena, but Storm responded with a Tornado DDT and Tiger Driver for two.
Strike battle as both ladies get to their feet, with Storm switching to Mongolian Chops, until Athena hit a kip-up thrust kick and home run right elbow for a near fall. Storm went up in the corner, as Starkz recovered from earlier and ran distraction enough for Athena to hit a flying boot and corner hurricanrana, holding on into a Liger Bomb for two. Athena sank in the Koji Clutch, but Storm got a rope break. Uppercut side-stepped, as Storm briefly got the TCM Chicken Wing, but Athena sent her outside and met Storm with a low Tope. Similar to Wednesday, Athena wanted another piledriver on the steps, but Storm bit free and slammed Athena on the steps and LED barricade, which hilariously turned it back on.
Back inside, Storm fired off a headbutt and got Storm Zero for two. Athena clawed at the ring skirt, so when both ladies were on the apron, Starkz pulled at the skirt and distracted Storm enough for Athena to hit an O-Face across the top rope. Starkz was about to use a chair when Mina Shirakawa ran out, got the chair and chased Starkz to the back. Big Package from Storm got two, as Athena rolled out, fired off an uppercut, tried for an O-Face but leapt into the clutches of the TCM Chicken Wing, she fought, but Athena ultimately tapped.
Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Athena to retain the AEW Women’s Title
Hangman Adam Page vs. MJF for the AEW World Title
(I thought this was one hell of a World Title match, despite the end being a little convoluted with the whole Bryce counting three, but never calling for the actual bell. It all blew up in MJF’s face and even though he never got his hands on him, Mark Briscoe has to be smiling the same thing that happened to him a few weeks ago on Dynamite wasn’t the same fate for Page tonight. The pop Page got for retaining the title and MJF losing, was massive, as Page needs to be champ for a good while, the crowd loves him.)
After MJF stalled and mocked the crowd to start, Page was relentless on his attack, with commentary reminding us the title can change hands on a disqualification or count-out, so Page must be careful. Danielson pleaded that referee Bryce should show leniency for Page to get in more shots. Page clotheslined MJF over the barricade into the front row, then again with a big boot. Page grabbed a chair, but referee Bryce told him to think about it, as the delay allowed MJF to post Page. MJF remained in control back in the ring, faking a knee injury off a springboard, but suckered Page in to a snap piledriver for two. Biting away at Page in the corner, MJF kept mocking Page, who responded with the same mockery that got a big reaction before delivering a huge flying lariat off the top. Hammer throw reversed into a Fall Away Slam, as MJF was sent over the top and Page followed up with his Orihara Moonsault. Page wanted a Buckshot, but MJF cut him off, tried a Heatseeker, Page avoided, tried a Buckshot, only to fall right into Salt of the Earth.
Page rolled out into a pin attempt, leading to a Crossface, but MJF escaped into a Sleeper. Page again rolled out to the apron, but MJF hit an impressive slingshot cutter and hammerlock DDT for a close two. MJF set aside his Casino Gauntlet Contract and placed the ring attendant table by the entrance aisle and Page on top. MJF slowly went up top, but took too long, as Page cut him off, did a standing moonsault off the apron, floated through and Tombstoned MJF on the floor. After breaking the count, Page repositioned the table and put MJF through it with a Dead Eye off the apron, but back inside, MJF got a foot on the rope to break the count.
MJF knew Page wanted a Buckshot, so he took a powder and seat ringside. Page got a running start, but MJF hit a drop toehold into the chair, busting Page open in the process. MJF slammed Page into the steps before screaming to Danielson “just like you, he f’n sucks!” as Danielson said he’d love to go in there and punch him, but knows it’s what MJF wants to get Page DQ’d and he win the title that way. MJF picked up Page and hit a Tombstone of his own through the broken parts of the table before ordering referee Bryce to put on the count, but Page broke it at 9.9. MJF pulled the buckle pad off in the corner, tried to slam Page into it, but the tables were turned and MJF went right into the steel, as he’s bleeding buckets now to chants of “You Deserve It” leading to an intense stare down. Slugfest ensues with both collapsing on top of one another until they trade Tombstone and crazy series of pin attempts. Jackknife cover by Page into a bridge from MJF, but Page spun out into Dead Eye for two in a phenomenal sequence.
Page ordered MJF to fight, but MJF took out the Dynamite Diamond Ring and ordered Page to use it. MJF spat in Page’s face and yelled at Page to use the ring, but instead, Page spat in MJF’s face. MJF pulled referee Bryce in his way from a Buckshot, MJF shoved them into one another, hitting a low blow and Heatseeker on Page. MJF made the cover, Page got his foot on the ropes, but just like the Mark Briscoe match, referee Bryce counted the three without seeing it. Bryce never officially called for the bel, as Briscoe charged out, but was held off by security and taken to the back. MJF turned back and saw the foot on the rope, rushed to take it off, when Bryce caught him and said the match was never officially called yet. They both shoved one another, as Page hit a lariat, MJF thew a low blow as he held onto Bryce and got a roll-up for two.
MJF threw the AEW Title in the ring, as Bryce took it from the ring, allowing MJF to hit Page with his Casino Gauntlet case, but Page kicked out at two. MJF went back to the Dynamite Diamond Ring and was about to use it, when Bryce caught him and removed it. This gave Page a chance to get revenge by waffling MJF with the case, hit a Dead Eye and Buckshot to win it, as the crowd exploded. Post-match, Page placed the contract on MJF’s chest, as he celebrated up the ramp as MJF clutched to the contract.
Match Result: Hangman Adam Page defeated MJF to retain the AEW World Title
-Before the main event, Bryan Danielson said he’s going to have to remove himself from commentary due to everything that’s happened between himself & the Death Riders. Jim Ross would re-join the team for the Lights Out Cage Match.
Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli (w/Wheeler Yuta & Marina Shafir), Gabe Kidd & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) in a Lights Out Cage Match
(For never having a match of this kind before in AEW, I’d say they knocked it out of the park and got the most out of literally everyone involved. The match itself was filled with violence, a little comedy, some insane violence and spots that will forever be in AEW video packages going forward I’m sure. The visual of Tanahashi standing tall in his final match in the UK was quite the sight to see, but the post-match saw what was supposed to be a bittersweet possible farewell for Ospreay turn into a nightmare, as Death Riders might have lost the battle, but won the war in putting Ospreay out in front of the London crowd. I will say if Ospreay is going to be out for a long time, this was the way to do it if they wanted heat. This whole main event was a go out of your way spectacle to watch, as I thought everyone did a fantastic job.)
Ospreay had a fantastic video package about his career that was narrated by his fiancé Alex Windsor, as the crowd was deafening for his entrance singing his theme. Everyone hugged Ospreay, as you can tell he’s enjoying every second. The Young Bucks music played for about 10 seconds before the record scratched and MMMBop by Hanson played (hey, they requested their old music be played tonight) and the crowd sang along while Omega was shown dancing in the ring. This was incredible, almost rivals the crowd singing Drowning Pool “Bodies” during Anarchy in the Arena.
Similar to that match, I’m going to try to keep up with as much of this chaos as possible, as Tanahashi fights off The Bucks & Castagnoli in the ring to start until Kidd took him out from behind, leading to a chop battle with Ospreay & himself. Wall walk enzugiri from Ospreay, who followed with a Sasuke Special. Moxley & Castagnoli throw Allin inside, who met both with a springboard Coffin Splash and wild sprinting dive through the ropes. The Young Bucks & Golden Lovers have a face-off to a huge pop, as Omega & Ibushi fire off dueling snap hurricanranas. Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults on The Bucks outside, as Allin is now handcuffed to Moxley, who called in Castagnoli for assistance. Code Red on Castagnoli, forcing Moxley to take a bump in the process, as they were separated, while Omega tried You Can’t Escape on Kidd with a trash can, but missed the Moonsault portion. The Bucks planted Ibushi with the assisted Sliced Bread and screamed this is what they do.
Nick grabs the bag of what he requested the production assistant to fill with weapons earlier on Zero Hour and dumped out Gummy Bears, which infuriated Moxley. Omega tried a drop toe hold into the bears, as Matt fought it off for dear life until Tanahashi hit a Bulldog into the bears. Omega forced gummy bears into the mouth of Matt and was hit in the face in a hilarious spot that I’m sure will anger some. Castagnoli brought a ladder into the ring and launched Ospreay off the apron into the cage, busting him opened badly, as The Bucks sent Allin crashing on the set-up ladder with a powerbomb. Allin’s ear is bleeding, as The Bucks hit an assisted Swanton onto the ladder. The Bucks tried to take Ospreay out with a ladder, but he kipped out into a handspring Pele, sending the ladder crashing into Matt & Nick. Moxley returned with a chair, but Ospreay ducked and tried to Pillmanize Moxley’s neck, only for Kidd to make the save and spiking Ospreay with a Gotch Piledriver, leaving Ospreay clutching his neck.
Kidd draped Omega over the top and The Bucks hit the double stomp bounce back powerbomb. Giant Swing by Castagnoli, as Nick leaped over them and took out Ibushi with a twisting Tornillo outside. Ibushi was brought back inside, where he briefly powered up, only to eat a double superkick and TK Driver, but Allin broke the count. Castagnoli pressed Allin over his head, ran and launched him like a dart clear into the cage in an insane spot. Tanahashi was left to fight alone, as he stood his ground, side stepping The Bucks, dishing out a Twist & Shout to Castagnoli, until Moxley cut him off with a Paradigm Shift. Moxley sat down Allin in a chair, as Castagnoli duct taped him to it as Moxley grabbed a fork and started violently stabbing Allin in the ear, which was absolutely disgusting. Castagnoli bodyslammed Allin, while he was still on the chair, as blood is pouring from the ear.
Barbed wire table was brought to the ring and set up in the corner by The Bucks as Shafir & Yuta start setting up tables and stacking them on top of each other outside of the cage by the aisle. The Bucks tried to throw Tanahashi into the barbed wire, but he fought them off and it was Moxley who was sent head first into it, busting him open. Sling Blades delivered to Kidd & Moxley, but Castagnoli cut Tanahashi off with a Neutralizer, while The Bucks hit a BTE Trigger, but Ospreay, who was motionless the longest time, broke the count. Ospreay covered and protected Tanahashi, as Moxley pulled him up by his neck, wanted a Death Rider, but Ospreay tackled him through the barbed wire. Omega returned with Snap Dragons aplenty, until the Golden Lovers hit stereo ones onto Moxley & Matt. Ibushi just got enough of a slingshot plancha before ramping the crowd up for Omega, who hit a Terminator Dive. Hilariously the camera cut to Shafir, who loudly yell “F*ck You Kenny!”
Tanahashi started climbing a ladder, wanting to go to the top of the cage, but all his teammates had to plead with him not to, which was very funny. Ospreay did it instead and hit an incredible Moonsault onto the pile of heels. Kidd was left with tunnel vision on Omega in the ring and they pick up where they left off at Wrestle Kingdom this year. Things break down (which I realize how ridiculous that sounds in a match like this), as everyone took turns hitting their signature moves, including Allin with a Death Drop on Moxley, Ospreay wall walked into a superkick, but ultimately took both Bucks out with Hidden Blades. Ospreay pushed Omega out of the way of a charging Kidd and laid Kidd out with a Styles Clash before delivering Hidden Blade/V-Trigger combo for two. Nick hit a scary springboard DDT on Ibushi on the apron, as Ospreay flew in with an Oscutter on the apron onto Matt, while Allin hit a Coffin Drop as well. Omega & Moxley are left slugging it out, with Omega connecting with V-Triggers and One Winged Angel, but was broke up. Allin & Moxley fought up to the top of the cage, as Yuta made the save, allowing Moxley to get away, but Yuta was left falling from the cage through the Japanese announce table, even wiping out El Desperado on commentary. Allin & Moxley fought around the cage and he placed Moxley between the set-up tables, as Shafir made the save. With Allin perched atop the cage, Kidd climbed a ladder and hit a low blow, joining Allin high up. Kidd had a Sleeper, but Allin raked the eyes and both crashed and burned through 4 tables right at the feet of Moxley & Shafir.
Castagnoli screams loudly after every uppercut thrown at Ibushi, who fired back with a Half and Half. Ripcord V-Trigger by Omega and Stormbreaker by Ospreay, as Nick ate a Golden Trigger, while Ospreay launched off Nick’s back to hit Matt with a leaping V-Trigger. An incredible Hidden Blade/One Winged Angel by Ospreay & Omega on Matt, as Tanahashi climbs to the top for the High Fly Flow and wins it. Ospreay, Omega, Ibushi & Tanahashi stand tall, as Allin was being treated to by doctors, but was helped up by the Golden Lovers and Tanahashi. Ospreay was left alone in the ring, saying he’s going to miss the fans, as commentary put over the uncertainty surrounding his future and with him good luck with whatever life throws at him.
Credit graphic showed, but Castagnoli & Moxley blindsided Ospreay, as the cage door was locked, while Moxley hit repeated Death Riders over and over. The Bucks, Yuta & Kidd all held off the opposition, until The Opps sprinted out to help, but they can’t get in, as a chair was placed around Ospreay’s neck and it was Moxley who Pillmanized it. The cage slowly raises, Death Riders bail as the babyfaces rush to Ospreay, who laid motionless with doctors tending to him as the show went off the air.
Match Result: Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd & The Young Bucks when Tanahashi pinned Matt
