Tag: Konosuke Takeshita

Mone vs. Athena, Ospreay vs. Takeshita part of new AEW Dynamite Spring Break Thru lineup

Posted on by Josh Nason

Three big Owen Hart Foundation tournament matches are now set for this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite from Boston, Massachussetts — a night where Dynamite becomes the longest-running weekly prime time wrestling show on the Turner networks.

TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will take on reigning Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena in a women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinal.

Athena punched her ticket on Saturday’s AEW Collision with a win over Harley Cameron in a quarterfinal bout while Mone defeated Julia Hart this past Sunday at Dynasty. While they have shared the ring many times before, this will be their first-ever singles match.

The winner will advance to the finals at May’s Double or Nothing where the winner earns a Women’s World title shot at July’s All In.

Will Ospreay will face Konosuke Takeshita in a men’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinal.

Takeshita advanced by defeating Brody King on Saturday in the main event while Ospreay defeated Kevin Knight at last Sunday’s Dynasty to get to the semifinal. It will be the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back nearly a year. The two have had just one singles match against each other which Ospreay won at 2023’s Revolution.

The winner will advance to the finals at May’s Double or Nothing where the winner earns a World title shot at July’s All In.

The Death Riders will defend the AEW Trios titles against The Opps.

As announced on Collision, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will take PAC’s place in defending the titles following his injury on Dynamite. Samoa Joe offered up the challenge at the end of Dynamite this past Wednesday and it was made official Saturday. The Death Riders will look to extend a lengthy title run that has seen them defend the titles eight times.

AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate will defend against The Gates of Agony.

After picking up a quick win on Saturday, the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) issued a challenge to reigning AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate for Boston, later confirmed on social media to be a confirmed title match.

The new additions join the previously announced Owen Hart Foundation tournament quarterfinal bout between Hangman Page and the wild card. The winner of that bout will face Kyle Fletcher in the other semifinal.

AEW Dynamite Spring Break Thru card | Boston, MA | Wednesday on TNT & Max:

  • Owen Hart Foundation tournament women’s semifinal: Mercedes Mone vs. Athena
  • Owen Hart Foundation tournament men’s semifinal: Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • Owen Hart Foundation tournament men’s quarterfinal: Hangman Page vs. wild card
  • AEW Trios Champions The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defends against The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata)
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)

AEW Collision live results: Owen Hart Foundation tournaments continue

Posted on by Suit Williams

Both the men’s and women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournaments will continue on tonight’s live AEW Collision from Springfield, Massachussetts.

In the men’s tournament, former AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita will battle Brody King with the winner moving on to face Will Ospreay in the semfinals.

On the women’s side, reigning ROH Women’s World Champion Athena faces Harley Cameron with the winner facing Mercedes Mone this Wednesday on Dynamite.

In another tournament bout, former AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter will face Billie Starkz with the winner facing Kris Statlander.

After turning on Adam Copeland at Dynasty, FTR will be in attendance to explain their actions.

Following his return at Dynasty to take out Max Caster, Anthony Bowens will begin his singles run as he challenges former ROH World Champion Blake Christian.

After unsuccessfully dethroning AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm at Dynasty, Megan Bayne will look to climb the ladder again in singles action.

**********

Sir Elton John played us in for this edition of Collision from Springfield, Massachusetts. I heard a rumor that the Simpsons were in the cheap seats. Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness were on the call, and after running down tonight’s card, Schiavone announced that PAC’s injury suffered on this past week’s Dynamite will not allow him to defend his Trios Title in the near future. This Wednesday on the Spring Break Thru episode of Dynamite, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will take PAC’s place alongside the Death Riders as they defend the World Trios Championships against The Opps.

(Hopefully PAC’s injury won’t put him out for too long. Meanwhile, can Mox fit two titles in that briefcase?)

FTR Town Hall

FTR walked to the ring to boos as Tony Schiavone continued to chide their actions. Cash Wheeler said that what happened between them and Adam Copeland wasn’t premeditated, and that his relationship with Copeland predated his partnership with Dax Harwood. Wheeler said that all of Copeland’s actions showed that he didn’t care about FTR, Copeland only cared about himself. Copeland didn’t respect Wheeler as a man, and he had to pay for disrespecting FTR.

Harwood took the mic and said that he saw a sign in the crowd that said Why FTR, Why? Instead of asking why, the fans should be thanking FTR for giving Copeland the relevance he was begging for. He didn’t sell out because he didn’t make any money off of it, and he didn’t have to justify his actions to anybody because they were right. Harwood gave an explanation anyway, as FTR’s only direction for four months was to be Copeland’s new Edge-heads while he chased his dream of being a World Champion one more time.

Harwood said that, like every wrestler in Copeland’s position, he was too damn selfish. He understood that there were a lot of people that weren’t happy with them and turned their attention to Tony Schiavone at the desk. They brought Schiavone into the ring and asked him to repeat his comments from Dynamite, which Schiavone did. Harwood asked Schiavone to repeat his comments regarding his daughter, and Schiavone once again asked how Harwood’s daughter would feel about his actions.

Harwood grabbed Schiavone, and FTR set up a spike piledriver. This forced Nigel McGuinness to rise from his seat to cheers and get in the ring to save Schiavone. Harwood told McGuinness that he signed his death warrant. Daniel Garcia came to the ring to settle things down, but Harwood shoved him down without looking. In a shot mirroring their deception of Copeland, FTR offered hands to Daniel Garcia before helping him up and giving him a hug. FTR left, and Garcia checked on Schiavone at the commentary desk before McGuinness warned Schiavone never to put him in that position again.

(My god, what an opening segment. This felt straight out of the territories, as the bully wrestlers crossed a line and forced McGuinness to make the save. The Daniel Garcia angle is a great short-term point of intrigue as they have an established team as well. I cannot put this segment over enough, just fantastic work from everyone involved.)

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm was backstage and talked about all of the remaining women in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament before saying that she would be at Double or Nothing to watch the finals.

Owen Hart Foundation 2025 Women’s Tournament Quarter Final Match – Jamie Hayter defeated Billie Starkz

(A stellar showing from both women here as they kicked the in-ring portion of this show off with a bang. Starkz needs some polish, but she’s got an impressive moveset and went blow-for-blow with Hayter here in this hard-hitting matchup. Hayter vs. Statlander in the next round, batten down the hatches.)

The winner of this match will wrestle Kris Statlander in the semifinal.

After watching out for a lariat, Starkz pulled Hayter in on a handshake and drilled her with a spin kick. Hayter knocked Starkz out on a dive attempt and pinballed her around ringside before dumping her in the timekeeper position. Starkz booted Hayter before hitting a Swanton Bomb off the barricade to Hayter’s back. After some back-and-forth in the ring, Hayter scored a nearfall with a main event spinebuster.

After a commercial break, Hayter had Starkz in a single-leg crab. Starkz rolled Hayter into the buckles and caught Hayter with a rebound kick. Starkz hit a high-angle German suplex for a nearfall. Starkz ducked a Hayterade attempt and hit a half-and-half suplex before locking Hayter in A HOLD. Hayter hit the Ushigoroshi and a sliding lariat for a nearfall.

Starkz ducked the rebound Hayterade that beat her in their last match and hit a brainbuster over the knee for a nearfall. Starkz hit a Swanton Bomb for a nearfall, then brought Hayter to the apron. Hayter hit a headbutt before suplexing Starkz from the apron to the floor to a big reaction. Both women beat the countout and traded strikes before Hayter caught Starkz with a backbreaker and a Hayterade for the win.

Match Result: Jamie Hayter def. Billie Starkz

During this match, it was announced that next week’s Spring Break Thru Collision will be live on Thursday. I’ll have to check my schedule for that.

The Death Riders Weren’t Mourning

The Death Riders were backstage. Claudio Castagnoli said that they expected casualties in this war but never mourned them as duty only ends in death. They wouldn’t hide, and they would accept the challenge of The Opps as they did not concede territory. Castagnoli handed PAC’s Trios Title to Marina Shafir as Jon Moxley entered the frame.

Moxley called this a learning experience for a generation of punk play wrestlers who don’t show up to work. There’s glory on the front lines, and you have to put yourself on the front lines to get it. Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata knew that, but what were they teaching Hook? It’s the biggest match of Hook’s life, but he didn’t have to worry, as chicks dug scars.

The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) defeated two locals

The Gates have been on a winning streak in ROH, and they handled their business quickly here, dumping one guy on the other for the double pin.

Match Result: The Gates of Agony def. two local competitors

Backstage, Lexy Nair tried to talk to FTR as they were leaving before Matt Menard & Angelo Parker cut her off. 2.0 weren’t going to allow FTR to trick Daniel Garcia the same way they tricked Adam Copeland. They challenged FTR to a match tonight, which FTR accepted. Wheeler told 2.0 to give them a taste.

Anthony Bowens (w/Billy Gunn) defeated Blake Christian (w/ Lee Johnson)

(An effective re-introduction of Bowens to the TV audience. He’s a confident talker, and he’s got a nice complement of moves. He should do well as a singles.)

This was a Bowens showcase that went through a commercial break. A Lee Johnson distraction at ringside allowed Christian to get the advantage during the commercial, but Bowens came right back with a jumping Fameasser and a spinout facebuster he calls the Grand Slam for a nearfall. Christian clawed at Bowens’ eyes before hitting a dive through the turnbuckle.

Bowens caught Christian with a twisting DDT in the ropes, but Johnson put Christian’s foot on the ropes to boos. Christian caught Bowens with a Spanish Fly and a handspring kick before scoring a nearfall with a 450 Stomp. Christian caught Bowens with a Stunner off of the ropes but spent time jawing at Billy Gunn before getting caught with a superkick. Billy Gunn took out Johnson before Bowens hit the Mollywop rolling forearm for the win.

Bowens took the mic after the match and said that it was time for him to level up. He called himself AEW’s five-tool player, with the five tools being power, athleticism, intelligence, the look, and the It Factor. He called himself the Pride of Professional Wrestling, and he didn’t need a trademark to prove himself. He asked who would be the next one to step up to the plate.

Match Result: Anthony Bowens def. Blake Christian

Handicap Match – Megan Bayne (w/Penelope Ford) defeated LMK & Kelly Madan

Bayne trucked these poor girls, hitting the Fate’s Descent on Madan on top of LMK and pinning them together. She must’ve watched that Gates of Agony match and gotten an idea. She picked both of them up by the hair and told them to bow down before slamming them down on the mat.

Match Result: Megan Bayne def. LMK & Kelly Madan

Kevin Knight defeated AR Fox

(Another showcase win for Knight on AEW TV. He’ll be off to compete in New Japan’s Best of the Super Juniors in a few weeks, as will Nick Wayne. You can feel Knight getting more confident on-screen with every appearance, and his dual AEW/New Japan contract will continue to get him the reps a budding talent like him needs.)

These two went to a ten-minute time limit draw on Ring of Honor TV in recent weeks and started off quickly here to avoid another draw. After a quick opening exchange left Knight on the apron, Fox rolled over the ropes to stomp Knight in the guts before hitting a post-assisted moonsault to Knight on the floor.

After the commercial, Knight caught Fox with a big dropkick before scoring a nearfall with the Sky High. Fox caught Knight on the ropes with a Lo Mein Pain before hitting a quick 450 Splash for a nearfall. Knight hit another big dropkick and a rolling DDT before hitting the big springboard lariat for the win.

Match Result: Kevin Knight def. AR Fox

The Gates of Agony were backstage, noting that they didn’t mind getting hurt. They called out The Hurt Syndicate and said that they broke people.

FTR defeated Matt Menard & Cool Hang Ang

(What a grand slam home run FTR have hit tonight. In about an hour, a tired act has become an act with energy and vigor. Tying together the threads with Daniel Garcia, Harwood’s issue with the referees, and the Undisputed Kingdom over the past few weeks is excellent television booking, and I applaud whoever put it all together over these past few months. If I had to have one negative about the scenario, it’s Daniel Garcia getting geeked out after a lackluster TNT Title run.)

Daniel Garcia came out to ringside as FTR got the jumpstart. Menard got bloody in the ring as Harwood pinballed him around the ring. Menard fired up with punches before Harwood dropped him with a lariat. Cool Hand Ang took a Shatter Machine, and Menard took the spike piledriver. They hit a second spike piledriver and set up for a third before Garcia talked them down. Harwood pinned Menard for the win.

FTR feigned leaving before stomping out Garcia as he was helping Menard up. They hit Garcia with a pair of spike piledrivers before security and referee Mike Posey came out to stop them. Harwood dropped another referee with a punch before setting up Garcia for a third spike piledriver. The Undisputed Kingdom came out to run off FTR and finally make sure they stayed away.

Match Result: FTR def. Matt Menard & Cool Hand Ang

Owen Hart Foundation 2025 Women’s Tournament Quarter Final Match – Athena defeated Harley Cameron

(Athena gets the win here to give us the big Mercedes Mone match on Dynamite. Athena never felt in trouble in this match, but I would have made her look even more dominant here ahead of the Mone match. Harley Cameron is perfectly fine where she is and wouldn’t have lost a thing putting over Athena strong. I would’ve had Athena knock Cameron out with one of her big knockout forearms to set that up as a big nearfall. As far as the Mone match is concerned, I think it’s smart to have the match on Dynamite. I don’t think Athena is as over as the most hardcore of AEW fans think she is, so doing the match on Dynamite and having a great showing against Mone in Boston would be huge for her.)

The winner of this match will face Mercedes Mone in the semifinals on the Spring Break Thru Dynamite in Boston.

Cameron tied Athena up in the ropes, but Athena pulled Cameron into the turnbuckle. Athena dropped Cameron with a backbreaker on the apron, then hit a wheelbarrow German suplex on the floor to take control into the commercial break.

After the break, Cameron rolled out of a bow-and-arrow for a nearfall. Athena hit a series of kicks for a nearfall. Cameron avoided a kick while in the Tree of Woe and fired up on Athena. She hit a crossbody, but Athena rolled through with her before Cameron rolled her way through with a headscissors. Cameron caught Athena with a punch before hitting a side suplex for a nearfall. Cameron went for Her Finishing Move, but Athena cartwheeled out of it. Athena caught Cameron with a pair of powerbombs and a spin-out knee strike before hitting the O-Face for the win.

Match Result: Athena def. Harley Cameron

Mercedes Mone was in a pre-tape, as she apologized for skipping the “pathetic” Springfield. She had a dream when she came into AEW to hold all the gold, and the Mone Train was only two stops away from making it happen. Athena was only a speed bump, and the best woman would win on Dynamite.

Owen Hart Foundation 2025 Men’s Tournament Quarter Final Match – Konosuke Takeshita defeated Brody King (w/Julia Hart)

(What a freaking war, and what a freaking Collision this was. These two battered each other, with Takeshita eventually chopping down King and putting him away. Brody King can perform at a main event level, and I hope he gets more chances to as time goes on. Meanwhile, AEW is loading up Spring Break Thru, with Athena/Mone and an Ospreay/Takeshita rematch from the 2024 Revolution show. An excellent main event to a show I implore you to check out for yourself.)

The winner of this match will face Will Ospreay in the semifinals on the Spring Break Thru Dynamite this Wednesday.

We got footage of Takeshita beating Hiroshi Tanahashi at the New Japan Windy City Riot event last night in Tanahashi’s final match in the United States, and King beating Lance Archer on Dynamite a couple weeks ago.

Takeshita avoided chops as long as he could, but King brought him down with one early to barks from the crowd. The two men traded strikes before they ended up on the apron, where King dropped Takeshita with a Death Valley Driver. King lined up for the crossbody to the barricade, but Takeshita drilled him with a jumping knee and hit a big dive as we went to a commercial break.

Both men were down as we came back from the break, as we saw footage of a big superplex from King. King scored with a cannonball in the corner for a nearfall. Takeshita tried fighting back with chops, but a big forearm dropped him to a knee. Takeshita came back with a forearm of his own, but King drilled Takeshita with more chops. Takeshita landed a big forearm and collapsed onto King for a nearfall.

Takeshita herked King up for a big Blue Thunder Bomb for a nearfall, but King wouldn’t fall after repeated lariats and dropped Takeshita with a lariat of his own. King hit Dante’s Inferno for another nearfall. Takeshita got King up for the Bastard Driver, then pulled him up and over for a wheelbarrow German suplex. Takeshita hit a monster lariat for a nearfall. Takeshita hit a pair of Powerdrive knees for a nearfall, then lowered the knee pad to hit another pair of Powerdrive knees for the win.

Match Result: Konosuke Takeshita def. Brody King

During this match, it was announced that Hangman Page vs. The Wildcard was set for Wednesday’s Dynamite as well. That show is loaded to the brim.

Hiroshi Tanahashi wrestles final match in United States at NJPW Windy City Riot

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Image: JJ Williams

Hiroshi Tanahashi has just had his last match in the United States.

In the main event of Friday’s NJPW Windy City Riot, Konosuke Takeshita was successful in defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi in what is Tanahashi’s last match in the United States. The two had a competitive back and forth match, with Tanahashi kicking out of a high fly flow from Takeshita at one point. Takeshita would eventually win with HARASHIMA of DDT’s somato following by raging fire.

After the match, Takeshita stood over Tanahashi and extended his hand. Tanahashi took it as the two showed respect towards one another. Takeshita bowed and exited the ring. Before leaving he and ELP, who was at ringside, exchanged some words, likely setting up a future NEVER title match between the two.

Tanahashi got to his feet and thanked the fans. He said he wanted to continue wrestling forever, but he is retiring next year. He told the crowd not to worry about New Japan Pro Wrestling, pointing to the talent at ringside. He then closed out the show with his signature catchphrase, with the Chicago crowd joining in.

It was announced back in October that Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire fully at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

Daily Update: Vince McMahon, Triple H, Konosuke Takeshita

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

  • *A look at the Dynasty card, things that went on behind the scenes and the list of talent where this is the most important night, or one of the most important nights, of their careers.
  • Business notes on the show
  • The Owen Hart tournament breakdown
  • WrestleMania show plans
  • The Cody Rhodes/John Cena dynamic, the rest of the show as well as ideas on other aspects of the shw
  • Business notes on the show
  • AEW All in Texas notes as well as notes on the entire week in North Texas
  • Examining streaming views for AEW programming on MAX
  • Things people don’t fully understand about TV ratings as  opposed to total viewrs watching a show on television
  • A look back at where matches inducted into the Hall of Fame started, Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin looked back on and the fluke of that match even happening
  • Undertaker vs. Mick Foley Hell in a Cell looked at as well as the Dark Side of the  Ring episode and fascinating look bak
  • Wyatt Hendrickson wins the Hodge Trophy
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week, including placings, comparison numbers, competition, Netflix data and more
  • Mistico injury update
  • Champion of Champion tournament
  • Super main event at Arena Mexico
  • AAA does biggest crowd of the year
  • Stardom setting up biggest match in years
  • Dragon Gate tag team tournament
  • All Japan Champion Carnival news
  • A look back at the life and career of Japanese wrestling pioneer Kokichi Endo
  • Hogan family drama
  • MLW running biggest event
  • Bloodsport news
  • TNA building for its biggest house show in years
  • Thoughts on the future of Collision
  • What drew the crowd at Revolution
  • Lex Luger and Sting update
  • Merch seling leaders
  • Rob Van Dam and Bret Hart run down AEW
  • UFC lands big fights
  • UFC business for first quarter
  • UFC and Meta buinwss deal
  • PFL opens season
  • GFL set for debut
  • College wrestling star now training for MMA
  • NXT Stand & Deliver news
  • Update on Vince McMahon-Janel Grant lawsuit
  • Rock’s plane issues
  • Rock’s UFL issues
  • Rock’s WWE stock value
  • A look at the first week of JFL business wisse
  • Big change t Netflix audience coming
  • Mir to WWE notes
  • WWE injury updates
  • Bill Goldberg trains with RH stars fr omebak
  • Many major stars have WWE tryout last week
  • Pat McAfee in hot water
  • WWE European house shows

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Tuesday Update

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 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita to make House of Glory debut

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita will make his House of Glory debut next month.

Announced by the promotion Wednesday night, Takeshita will debut for the New York City-based indie promotion on Friday, April 25th against an opponent to be named. The event, named Isolation, will stream live for TrillerTV subscribers.

It will be Takeshita’s first appearance for a United States indie promotion since wrestling for both Defy and West Coast Pro in 2024.

The reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion joins reigning quadruple champion and AEW star Mercedes Mone who debuted for HOG last weekend with a win over former WWE wrestler Indi Hartwell. That event also featured former AEW Tag Team Champions Private Party as well as Danhausen.

The Takeshita appearance continues a longtime arrangement between the two sides for AEW talent to appear on HOG shows.

Following Takeshita’s International title loss to Kenny Omega at this month’s AEW Revolution, the 29-year-old returned with a 90-second victory over Max Caster as part of last Wednesday’s Dynamite. He will team with the Murder Machines against Powerhouse Hobbs, Mark Briscoe and Rocky Romero as part of this weekend’s Collision shows.

International title match official for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kenny Omega is official for AEW Revolution.

Takeshita defended his title on Wednesday’s Dynamite in the second bout of the International Championship Series, defeating Orange Cassidy. He now moves on to Revolution to defend the title against Kenny Omega.

Omega will be on this Saturday’s Collision to address his upcoming title challenge.

Cassidy defeated Roderick Strong on last week’s Dynamite to advance to this week’s title match.

AEW Revolution takes place on Sunday, March 9 on pay-per-view from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the former Staples Center.

The current Revolution lineup:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mariah May
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Kenny Omega
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Momo Watanabe
  • AEW World Championship number one contender’s match: Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet
  • Steel cage match: Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • MJF vs. Hangman Adam Page

Konosuke Takeshita to defend NEVER title in CMLL debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Konosuke Takeshita will be making a title defense when he debuts at Arena Mexico this Friday night.

In his first-ever CMLL match, Takeshita will put his NEVER Openweight Championship on the line against Angel de Oro. It’s been announced as the main event for the Friday, February 28 card, which is set to stream live on YouTube for those who subscribe to CMLL’s channel at the “Leyenda [Legend]” or “Campeon Mundial [World Champion]” level.

It was revealed on CMLL Informa last week that Takeshita would be coming to the promotion soon. He currently holds both the NJPW NEVER Openweight Championship and AEW International Championship, though the latter belt will not be on the line in this match. Takeshita has contracts with all three of AEW, NJPW, and DDT.

Takeshita’s reign as NEVER Openweight Champion began when he defeated Shingo Takagi at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 this January. He’s made successful defenses against Tomohiro Ishii, KUSHIDA, and Oleg Boltin since then.

AEW wrestler Taya Valkyrie is also making her CMLL debut soon, teaming with Lady Frost in a tournament to crown new CMLL Women’s Tag Team Champions. Their first match will be on March 7.

Konosuke Takeshita, Taya Valkyrie to make CMLL debuts

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Two AEW stars have been announced for future CMLL events at Arena Mexico, both making their promotional debuts.

CMLL posted a video to its digital media channels on Wednesday night announcing AEW International Champion and NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita for a future appearance at an Arena Mexico show. CMLL runs every Friday night in the legendary building. No date was set for Takeshita’s debut appearance.

Taya Valkyrie is also set to make her CMLL debut, with a date and opponent announced. In a separate video, Valkyrie announced that she will make her CMLL debut on the Friday, March 7 show against Lady Frost in a World Women’s Tag Team title qualifying match. Valkyrie is a former longtime AAA regular.

Valkyrie will be substituting for Red Velvet in the contest after Velvet announced that she is unable to compete due to injury.

Takeshita defending the International Championship against Orange Cassidy is also set for the February 26 AEW Dynamite. The winner of that bout will defend the title against Kenny Omega at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view on March 9.

International title match official for next AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Orange Cassidy has advanced in the International Championship Series and will challenge for the title on next week’s AEW Dynamite.

Cassidy defeated Roderick Strong on Wednesday’s Dynamite in the show’s main event in the first match of the International Championship Series, advancing to next week’s title match against current champ Konosuke Takeshita.

After his victory on Dynamite, Cassidy was confronted and attacked by The Don Callis Family group of Callis, Takeshita, and Mark Davis. Kenny Omega made the save for Cassidy, holding up the title as a staredown ensued between Cassidy, Takeshita, and Omega.

Omega will face the winner of next week’s title match for the International Championship at Revolution on March 9 in the conclusion of the International Championship Series.

Wednesday’s Dynamite featured two new matches finalized for the Revolution card. Our full report from this week’s Dynamite is available here.

The current lineup for the Wednesday, February 26 AEW Dynamite:

  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Orange Cassidy

Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay issue challenges for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Josh Nason

Following Saturday’s Grand Slam Australia, both Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay have their eyes set on next month’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view from Los Angeles with their rivals in the crosshairs.

Omega and Ospreay defeated Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher to open the broadcast from Brisbane and later on, both men issued challenges for the event.

Omega called out Takeshita for an International title match in an attempt to gain revenge for their 2023 All Out match where Takeshita picked up the win. The two feuded at different times throughout that year before Omega eventually succumbed to injuries and missed the entirety of 2024 in the ring.

A Revolution championship series was later announced where Takeshita will defend against the winner of an Orange Cassidy vs. Roderick Strong match this Wednesday on the February 26th Dynamite. The winner of that match will then defend against Omega at Revolution.

Ospreay then issued a challenge to his former partner Fletcher for a steel cage match at the PPV. Fletcher cost Ospreay the International title at October 2024’s WrestleDream and then defeated him at the next month’s Full Gear. Ospreay got a slight measure of revenge in the Continental Classic tournament, downing Fletcher in the semifinals.

Here’s the current and expected card for the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 9th:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Kenny Omega*
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher in a steel cage match*
  • Big Boom AJ vs. TBA

*Not yet confirmed

Ring of Honor TV live results: Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager matches

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Tonight’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub is a special edition of the show, featuring matches from last weekend’s Chris Jericho-hosted cruise, also known as the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager.

In an AEW International title eliminator match, titleholder Konosuke Takeshita will take on Tommy Billington.

Ahead of her challenge of TBS Champion Mercedes Mone Saturday, Harley Cameron will go one-on-one with former women’s TV Champion Billie Starkz.

ROH men’s TV Champion Komander will put the title up against Nick Wayne in search of his fourth title defense.

Ricochet will battle Serpentico with an interesting note as the former hasn’t been on a ROH broadcast or ring since a 2009 dark match before Survival of the Fittest.

Former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal will take on Mason Madden of MxM Collection. Madden and Mansoor will challenge Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara for the ROH Tag Team titles Saturday.

The Outrunners will face the Grizzled Young Veterans as both teams vie for a future title shot.

**********

Episode 103 of ROH On Honorclub comes to us from the high seas! That’s right, tonight’s show takes place on the ROH World Champion Chris Jericho’s aptly named “Jericho Cruise: Six On The Beach” excursion. This is exciting for two reasons: 1) Jericho, the ROH World Champion will (possibly) be on the show (maybe)! 2) I can use this opportunity to dip into my vast lexicon of pirate-speak! Hold fast, me hearties! Avast and swab the poop deck, ye land lubb- oh, an e-mail… Lemme just check… “under no circumstances are you allowed to talk like a pirate in this recap.” 

… Yar 🙁

Jay Lethal defeated Mason Madden (w/Mansoor)

Hey! Jay Lethal made it on board! Since defeating QT Marshall at Final Battle 2024, Lethal has had… one match. At WrestlePro’s Wrestlepalooza event. So, nice to see him getting some reps in. Madden, who last week decided winning a tag title was just too much trouble and stole Sammy Guevara’s belt instead, is bigger than his speedo-clad partner and could bring the fight to the similarly small Lethal. After tip-touching, of course.

MxM made Lexy Nair announce them as the “Ring of Honor Tag Team Champion” (singular) and showed off a newly-bedazzled, albeit stolen, belt. Madden and Lethal perched on opposite corners and tried to get the crowd on their side. It seemed like an even split.

Madden got the drop on Lethal, offering up a tip, but jumping him before they could officially touch. Madden tried to hit an atomic drop on Lethal, but he was able to dodge it and grab the momentum. Lethal tried a splash form the top rope, but Madden caught him midair and dropped him with a modified powerbomb.

Lethal used his speed to run circles around Madden, knocking him off his feet. Madden fought back and the two exchanged shots. Madden flattened Lethal with a big boot, but Lethal dodged the following lged drop. Lethal hit a Lethal Ejection, which put Madden down. Lethal climbed up to the top and hit a big leg drop to get the pin.

-A promo, taped last week I assume, with Athena and Billie Starkz aired. Athena ran down Starkz, her family and her hometown. Then screamed “GET IT TOGETHER” at her before stomping off.

Harley Cameron defeated Billie Starkz

I was so excited for this match and also dreading it at the same time. Cameron is one of the best to do it right now and one of my favourites in the ring. Starkz has been moping around with ROH Women’s World Champion Athena, but her Minion-In-Training status is bumming her out. The good news is Starkz is also one of my favourites so this match had the potential to be amazing, but also sad because I hate to see either of them lose! Conflict!

Starkz arrived smiling which was rare and probably due to the fact she was in international waters and not bound to her MIT contract. Cameron tried to get her off the top, but Starkz not having Athena around, was energized and took control, including a smack on Cameron’s bottom.

Cameron sent Starkz to the mat with a drop toe-hold and slapped her rear in retaliation (rear-taliation?). Cameron then dropped Starkz with a dropkick and sent her to the corner for exactly 9 punches. She then rubbed Starkz face in her chest. Starkz responded by pushing her off and hitting a DDT.

The crowd (chanting “we are wasted”) began to distract Cameron, allowing Starkz to send her to the corner. Cameron battled back, trying a spinning heel kick. Starkz ducked it though and put her in a submission move, driving her knee into Cameron’s back. Cameron wiggled out and landed a few lariats.

Cameron took full control, again attempting to suffocate Starkz with her chest. Cameron got a pumphandle back suplex, but the cover was lax and Starkz kicked out at two. Starkz then got a two of her own with a twisting neckbreaker.

Cameron dodged a swanton from Starkz from the top rope and then rolled her up before she could regain her composure. 1-2-3 and Cameron gets the win!

AEW International Title Eliminator Match: Konosuke Takeshita [c] defeated Tommy Billington

These two met last year on Collision in an instant classic, but this match was to be contested under “Eliminator Rules.” That means that if Billington can pin Takeshita, he’ll earn a future shot at the AEW International Championship. So that’s neat. Takeshita, for his part, is just back from winning NJPW’s NEVER Openweight Championship so he’s riding high. No word on if a win for Biillington counts for shots at BOTH titles, but exciting none the less. 

This match kicked of with two things: Speed and hard, hard hitting. Because of the Cruise setting, movements and slams around the ring made a lot more noise and the closer camera angles made for a really fresh look at talent like Billington and Takeshita. That said, it also caused the lighting to be pretty bad, so it was hard to see at time.

Anyway, Billington and Takeshita ran each other around the ring hitting lariats, switchbacks and slams. Billington went up top, but Takeshita knocked him off the rope and set him up in the corner for wat turned out to be a plastic spoon to the head of Billington. Takeshita did a great Abdullah impression with it.

Billington finally made it to the top rope and hit a missile drop kick. Billington managed to get Takeshita into a pile driver and scrambled up top for a falling head butt. Takeshita moved though and Billington kissed the canvas. Takeshita hit a blue thunder bomb which got him the pin and got me a chance to see a blue thunder bomb actually win a match.

The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd) defeated Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson)

Ah, the Outrunners. If there was one team that fit perfectly into the vibe of wrestling on a cruise ship, it’s them. Heck, they looked like they just stepped out of the pool (the indoor one for training, not the outside one) in order to have this match against the Grizzled Young Veterans (GYV). Gibson and Drake have been making some noise in ROH lately, but like a lot of teams, it hasn’t amounted to much. A win over the ultra-popular Outrunners would really send them up the rankings that no one keeps but me. 

A pose-off started things, which let’s be honest, the GYV probably wouldn’t have won even if it wasn’t against the Outrunners. That gave Drake and Magnum the chance to start the match proper, with Drake falling victim to Magnum’s powerful wristlock. Magnum then landed a flying head scissor and tagged in Floyd.

Drake used a fistfull of what was left of Floyd’s hair to pull him to the GYV corner and catch a tag from Gibson. Floyd reversed the fortunes though and got back to tag in Magnum. The two hit Atomic Drops on Gibson, then grabbed an incoming Drake for double airplane spins followed by double Atomic Drops.

GYV fought back though, tapping into their speed and agility and knocking Magnum to the outside. Gibson took him out with an elbow and in the ring Floyd and Drake scrapped. Magnum made it back in and became legal with Gibson. Gibson hung Magnum up on the rope and tagged in Drake for a headlock, while Floyd tried to rally the crowd.

One flying hot tag later, Floyd hit the ring and took out both Gibson and Drake. He knocked their noggins like the coconuts the crowd was drinking out of and Floyd grabbed Gibson. Magnum hopped in and they set Gibson up for a Total Recall, but Gibson slipped out. Floyd hit in with a Snow Plow, but then Drake appeared and choked him with a scarf.

GYV set up Turbo for a Doomsday Device buy Magnum made the save and they hit Total Recall on Drake to pick up the victory!

-Backstage, Queen Aminata was interrupted by none other than Serena Deeb. Deeb challenged Aminata to a Pure Rules match to see who was the best and Aminata accepted.

Ricochet defeated Serpentico

Believe it or not, aside from a dark match from the dark times of 2009, Ricochet has actually never had a match in Ring of Honor, so this is his big debut. As a big fan of the former WWE wrestler Superstar I could not have been more stoked to see him pit against Serpentico, an ROH workhorse and one that could definitely keep up with Ric, even with the rocking of the proverbial (and literal) boat underneath them. 

Ricochet was wearing some really unfortunate trunks that had a while border around the leg. That wouldn’t be worth mentioning normally, but with the lighting, it looked like he was wearing nothing but a jock strap.

Serpentico gave up a few inches to Ricochet, but that didn’t stop them from absolutely flying around the ring. Ricochet feigned an exit, but the crowd goaded him back to the ring. Serpentico switched gears and started brawling, a departure from his usual style. Ricochet was able to avoid it though and dropped some elbows on Serpentico’s head.

Ricochet sent Serpentico into the corner, bouncing him off the turnbuckle. He then hooked Serpentico’s head with his legs and drove it into the mat. Repeatedly. Ricochet then hit a Thez Press and did his People’s Elbow-type spot for a two count.

Serpentico fought back, hitting Ricochet with a flapjack and going up for a 450 from the top rope. He missed and Ricochet wall-walked UP Serpentico himself, hitting a big kick to the face. Ricochet tried for a pile driver, but Serpentico reversed it into a Mexican Destroyer, but Ricochet responded with Vertigo and hit Spirit Gun to get the pin.

ROH World Television Title Match: Komander (c) defeated Nick Wayne

Fresh off of his Proving Ground draw with Lee Johnson (Komander’s second such outcome since winning the TV Title), Komander hit the high seas to defend his title against Patriarchy member (and enthusiast) Nick Wayne. Wayne decided to leave his mother at home for this match, which was strange because what son doesn’t want to give his mom a Cruise?

Wayne and Komander locked up in a classic test of strength which Komander won via kick. Kmander ran circles around Wayne, but Wayne easily kept up with him. They ran a series of spots ended with a missed double dropkick and kip-up which the crowd loved.

Wayne sent Komander to the corner but Komander ran up the ropes and cartwheeled off the top to get behind Wayne and send him over the ropes. Back stage, a single tear ran down Jack Cartwheel’s face as he beamed with pride.

They battled up the raised entrance ramp with Wayne, dumping Komander really far from the ring. He then ran back and tried to get the countout (even though it wouldn’t win him the title). Komander staggered back in time though and Wayne resumed punching him in the face.

Wayne had Komander prone on his back in the middle of the ring but couldn’t get a three count. He stomped and leg-dropped Komander and went for another cover, but Komander rolled up Wayne for a two count. That brought the speed back up and Komander lured Wayne back onto the ramp, where he hit a springboard moonsault.

Komander went to the top for a high crossbody but it only got him a two-count. Komander went up top again, but Wayne knocked him onto the rope and he bounced to the mat. Wayne toyed with Kmander a bit, but that just gave the Champ a chance to recover. Komander matrixed away from a superkick, but Wayne couldn’t put him away.

Komander hit a Mexican Destroyer from the top rope followed by a 619. He then grabbed a fan’s captain’s hat and hit his running splash off the top rope to get the victory, his fourth successful title defence.

Not going to lie, weird show. Not a bad show by any means, but the setup on the Cruise didn’t leave much room on the outside for the talent to work, so they seemed a little hampered. Combine that with the difference in camera angles, bad lighting and what appeared to be fan-shot footage and the show had a different vibe.

Also, no Chris Jericho except for a taped intro.

Yar.

New matches official for AEW Dynamite, next Collision

Posted on by Josh Nason

Both this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite and next Saturday’s AEW Collision have some updated lineups which will see a new Don Callis Family member revealed and former AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm in action.

Dynamite additions

On this Wednesday’s Dynamite from Atlanta, Georgia, former AEW International Champion Will Ospreay will take on the new mystery member of the Don Callis Family. Callis hinted last week that their ranks had grown and the new member will reveal themselves in just a few days.

The aforementioned Storm will take on Queen Aminata who is coming off a loss in a TBS title four-way eliminator bout on last week’s Collision. They two squared off a year ago with Storm picking up the win. Current AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May will be on commentary ahead of her defense against Storm at this month’s AEW Grand Slam Australia.

After scoring their first win as the Hounds of Hell, Brody King & Buddy Matthews will take on Kyle Fletcher and International Champion Konosuke Takeshita. The Don Callis Family members will face Kenny Omega and Ospreay at this month’s Grand Slam Australia.

The new additions join the previously announced Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet match.

Here’s the updated lineup:

  • Will Ospreay vs. Don Callis Family mystery member
  • Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland
  • Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita vs. Buddy Matthews & Brody King
  • Queen Aminata vs. Toni Storm

Collision lineup

The first three bouts are official for next Saturday’s Collision from Houston, Texas.

In a rematch from last year’s Continental Classic, Kyle Fletcher will take on former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe. Fletcher said he wants to right the wrong from the tournament where Briscoe picked up the upset victory.

After challenging her to a match last Saturday, Penelope Ford will get her wish and will face former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa.

In a three-way trios match, The Undisputed Kingdom’s Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong will take on Shane Taylor & The Infantry and Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker. This was announced following the aftermatch of Garcia’s successful TNT title defense against Lee Moriarty and O’Reilly.

Here’s the updated lineup:

  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford
  • Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong vs. Shane Taylor & The Infantry (Carlie Bravo and Shawn Dean) vs. Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker

Wrestling Weekly: WWE Royal Rumble predictions

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

This weekend is all about the WWE Royal Rumble.

On the new Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I make our predictions and speculate on who is in the fastlane on the road to WrestleMania 41. We also go through this week’s AEW Dynamite.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

AEW Collision Homecoming live results: Takeshita vs. Shibata International title match

Posted on by Suit Williams

Tonight’s Homecoming edition of AEW Collision from Jacksonville, Florida, will feature several champions in competition.

AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita will put his title on the line against Katsuyori Shibata in a first-time-ever meeting.

AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada will face ROH men’s TV Champion Komander in a champion vs. champion bout.

AEW TNT Champion Daniel Garcia teams with Matt Menard and the returning Angelo Parker against the Undisputed Kingdom’s Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong.

The next contender for the TBS title will be made in a four-way between Yuka Sakazaki, Queen Aminata, Deonna Purrazzo and Serena Deeb.

AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May and Toni Storm will have a face-to-face session ahead of their February match at Grand Slam Australia.

Samoa Joe returns for the first time since last July as he takes on Nick Wayne while Powerhouse Hobbs squares off with Big Bill.

The show is rounded out by Buddy Matthews & Brody King vs. Gates of Agony.

**********

We got pre-roll promos from The Patriarchy, Toni Storm, Mariah May, & Samoa Joe. Tony Schaivone & Nigel McGuinness were joined by Jim Ross for this week’s show.

Samoa Joe (w/ Hook & Katsuyori Shibata) defeated Nick Wayne (w/The Patriarchy)

Good to see Joe back in a fun opener to continue the Patriarchy/Hook & Friends feud.

This match was originally scheduled for Dynamite, but Samoa Joe had travel issues due to winter weather.

The Patriarchy surrounded Joe before Hook & Shibata came out to ward them off. Joe took the fight to Wayne to start, peppering him with jabs in the corner. Joe had Wayne up for the Muscle Buster, but Wayne raked the eyes to escape. Wayne worked over Joe’s legs, hitting a moonsault to Joe on the outside.

Joe came back with the uranage in the corner, but Wayne clawed at Joe’s eyes to avoid another Muscle Buster attempt. Wayne hit a rolling Code Red for a nearfall. A Wayne’s World attempt got ducked, and Joe laid out Wayne with a sick lariat before scoring with the Muscle Buster for the win.

We got a recap of the angle from Dynamite with Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, & The Callis Family.

Champion vs. Champion Non-Title Match – AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defeated ROH TV Champion Komander

This was a good clash of styles, with Komander having another good showing against a top-line star in Okada.

Komander refused to shake Okada’s hand and used his pace to keep Okada off balance to start the match. Komander hit a tope to the floor before Okada dropped him with a boot. Komander came back with a step-up armdrag to the floor but got caught on a headscissors attempt on the floor and dropped with a DDT.

After a commercial break, Okada tried to catch another headscissors attempt, but Komander caught him with an X-Factor. A wheelbarrow bulldog got Komander a nearfall, but Okada cut off a springboard and hit the neckbreaker over the knee. Okada hit the elbow drop and gave the big middle finger, but Komander ducked the Rainmaker and hit a step-up headscissors. Komander hit a springboard destroyer and hit a ropewalk moonsault to the floor. Okada caught Komander on a springboard and hit the Rainmaker for the win.

After the match, Okada finally got his handshake before jumping Komander from behind and cackling to the back.

We got a recap of last week’s run in that led to the trios match tonight between Daniel Garcia & 2.0 & The Undisputed Kingdom.

Powerhouse Hobbs was waiting in the parking lot for Big Bill. Bill arrived, chucking a brick at Hobbs’ head and pinballing him around. Bill laid him out with a big boot, but Hobbs ripped a fence door off and hit Bill with it before security separated them.

Big Boom AJ & Big Justice were backstage with Lexy Nair, who were interrupted by The Undisputed Kingdom. Adam Cole came in and did the Boom with them.

The Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) defeated Daniel Garcia, Angelo Parker, & Matt Menard

This is the best way to rehab the Undisputed Kingdom after the MJF feud, by having them earn back their cache in-ring. A solid match here to build a few issues in the midcard.

Shane Taylor Promotions were ringside. Cole & Garcia started off, with both teams getting quick tags in before Garcia laid out O’Reilly on the floor for a commercial break. After the break, the former Jericho Appreciation Society members were laying into O’Reilly in the corner before O’Reilly fought to his corner.

Cole got the hot tag and traded shots with Garcia, dropping him with a neckbreaker over the knee. Strong and Parker tagged in, with Strong running wild with backbreakers. O’Reilly and Strong laid out Menard with double forearms before pinning Parker with a Total Elimination. Both teams shook hands after the match as Shane Taylor Promotions glowered at the scene at ringside.

Max Caster was backstage, upset that his partner and his mentor turned their backs on him last week. He called himself a survivor and announced an Open Challenge Series, daring people to step up to the Best Wrestler Alive.

(I gotta tell you, I don’t like Caster’s chances.)

There was a blink-and-you’ll-miss it tease for Hologram, who has been out on paternity leave recently.

Top Flight was backstage with Lexy Nair. Dante was upset that Lio Rush & Action Andretti weren’t in the building, but Darius wasn’t surprised. He went off on Dante, noting that he never wanted Rush in the group to begin with. Andretti had helped them out while Dante was hurt, but Rush bailed on Dante when Darius got hurt prior to that. Darius challenged Rush to a match and promised to send him packing again.

(I’m intrigued by this lower-card feud, as it continues to evolve in a logical way and continues to keep these four talented guys on screen.)

Mariah May & Toni Storm’s Face-To-Face

I’ve been critical of this story, and I still don’t really understand why Storm pretended to not remember anything. But she got a big pop for the Timeless reveal and cut a good promo, so I guess all’s well that ends well.

Tony Schiavone was in the ring to moderate the face-to-face between Toni Storm & Mariah May. May entered first, ready to get this s**t over with in her own words. May ran Storm down, calling her a joke and a meme before promising to humiliate Storm in her hometown. Storm said that she was May’s biggest fan, having followed her career from the UK to Japan to AEW. Storm said that she wanted to be just like May and gave her a hug. May reciprocated before slapping her in the face and laying her out with the title belt.

May went to leave, but Storm took the mic and asked why May thought she’d forgotten everything. Storm got back into her Timeless Toni voice and disrobed out of her rocker clothes, revealing that she was playing the role of herself and had given the performance of a lifetime. Storm fired up and said that she would rip May apart in Australia as the crowd went crazy.

We got a preview of a long form interview with Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli with Renee Paquette.

Hounds of Hell (Brody King & Buddy Matthews) (w/ Julia Hart) defeated Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)

The House of Black is officially dead, and the Hounds of Hell are in their place. King and Matthews can be a cornerstone team in a rebuilt tag division, and can be a credible threat to the Hurt Syndicate moving forward.

King & Matthews came out with a new presentation and a new name as the Hounds of Hell. Matthews and Liona started off before King and Liona traded big shots. Kaun tagged in and helped Liona clubber on King in the corner. Matthews tagged in and took the Gates to the floor before hitting a big dive into the commercial break.

The Gates were running wild as we came back, dumping King over the timekeeper’s table before hitting a double tree slam on Matthews for a nearfall in the ring. King made his way back to the corner and got the tag, running wild on both Gates and hitting a DVD on Liona for a nearfall. Matthews cut off another tree slam, kicking off a move train. Liona no-sold a piledriver, but Matthews hit a Meteora to take him out. Matthews and King hit a corner cannonball/dropkick combination on Kaun for the win.

Big Boom AJ & Big Justice were backstage with Lexy Nair & Harley Cameron. Cameron didn’t know any of their gimmicks, and Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie interrupted them all to talk trash to Cameron.

Penelope Ford & Thunder Rosa were backstage with Lexy Nair. Ford challenged Rosa to a match, and they talked trash to each other.

AEW TBS Title #1 Contendership Four Way Match – Yuka Sakazaki defeated Serena Deeb, Deonna Purrazzo (w/ Taya Valkyrie), Queen Aminata

The action came quickly, with all four women going for flash pins. No one had a clear advantage, with all the women laying in big shots. Sakazaki hit a big dive to the floor as we went to commercial. After the commercial, Purrazzo hit La Mistica on Aminata to lock on a Fujiwara Armbar, but Aminata fought out and they dropped each other with clotheslines.

Sakazaki hit a high cross on Deeb for a nearfall. Deeb came back with a flurry of suplexes and a short-arm lariat to Aminata for a nearfall. Deeb and Aminata brawled to the back, as Valkyrie got in the ring to help Purrazzo. Harley Cameron came out to take Valkyrie out of the match, and Sakazaki caught Purrazzo with a flash pin to win the title shot on Wednesday’s Dynamite.

The Hounds of Hell were in the back with Lexy Nair, with Buddy Matthews saying they barked as one. Kazuchika Okada was laughing at them off to the side, saying that they barked like bitches. Matthews challenged Okada to a title match, with Okada giving him a middle finger in denial. Matthews said that made Okada the bitch and walked off.

Big Bill was in the ring, calling out Powerhouse Hobbs again. Hobbs came out and bumped a bunch of security guards to get to the ring. Bill went after Hobbs’ knee and hit him with a backpack that contained a brick, Hobbs’ knee brace, and a set of handcuffs. Bill punched Hobbs with the handcuffs and bloodied him up as they made their way to the announce table. Bill drilled Hobbs with a chair. Hobbs came back and took Bill off the stage with a belly-to-belly off the stage through a table.

We got a pre-tape of the Don Callis Family meeting in Callis’ palatial estate. Callis noted that this was a different Kenny Omega, one that was bloodthirsty and ready to spill Callis’ blood. Cage brought up how they had the numbers advantage as it was five-on-two, but Callis reminded him that a barely focused Omega won three World Titles with Callis by his side. Callis said that Cage was wrong that there were only five of them, with the camera focusing on a sixth plate at the table.

AEW International Title Match – Konosuke Takeshita (c) defeated Katsuyori Shibata

An awesome main event here, as Shibata took Takeshita to the brink with Daily’s Place red-hot for it. Takeshita looked strong going into the big-time Grand Slam Australia tag match.

The two grappled to start the match, with Shibata almost scoring with the Penalty Kick. Shibata cornered Takeshita, but Takeshita fired out of the corner with a lariat. Takeshita took Shibata over the barricade and went for a running boot, but Shibata caught him with a boot and knocked him over a chair as we went to commercial.

Shibata hammered Takeshita in the corner as we came back from the break, landing the hesitation dropkick and the half-hatch suplex for a nearfall. Shibata teed off with kicks, but Takeshita came back with strikes of his own. Takeshita landed a big forearm, but Shibata came back with an STO. The two traded forearms before Shibata snatched on a sleeper hold. Takeshita tried to fall back, but Shibata held on to the hold.

Takeshita transitioned out of the sleeper into a Bastard Driver and a German suplex, but Shibata hammered Takeshita with a Penalty Kick as the fans chanted AEW. Shibata locked in the Cobra Twist as Don Callis went to ringside from the announce booth. The two men traded suplexes before Shibata got the sleeper hold on again. Callis cut off the Penalty Kick, allowing Takeshita to counter the sleeper with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a one count.

Takeshita ran through Shibata with a lariat and the Powerdrive Knee before landing Raging Fire for the win.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Katsuyori Shibata added to AEW Collision

Posted on by Josh Nason

A new match has been added to this Saturday’s Homecoming edition of AEW Collision featuring International Champion Konosuke Takeshita.

Takeshita and Don Callis offered a challenge to former Ring of Honor Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata, delivered via a backstage promo following Shibata’s win over Shane Taylor on ROH TV. The match was later made official on social media.

It will be their first-ever match against each other and will be for Takeshita’s International title.

It will be Takeshita’s first AEW match since December’s Worlds End when he defended the title against Powerhouse Hobbs. Shibata was last on AEW earlier this month when he unsuccessfully challenged TNT Champion Daniel Garcia.

Here’s the current lineup for Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida:

  • Mariah May & Toni Storm meet face-to-face
  • Big Bill vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker vs. Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong)
  • Buddy Matthews & Brody King vs. The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Katsuyori Shibata