The men’s and women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournaments begin on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
In the men’s tournament, PAC will face Claudio Castagnoli in a quarterfinals bout. Bryan Danielson will be on commentary for the contest. In the women’s tournament, Kris Statlander faces Nyla Rose in a quarterfinals matchup.
The brackets for both the men’s and women’s Owen Cup will also be revealed this evening.
MJF will return to the ring for the first time since December on tonight’s episode, kicking off the show with a commercial-free match against Rush.
The Young Bucks will face The Acclaimed in a Tag Team title eliminator where The Acclaimed will earn a future title shot should they win.
ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly & Dante Martin take on Roderick Strong, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher & Zack Sabre Jr. in an eight-man tag.
The build to Forbidden Door will continue as World Champion Swerve Strickland and his PPV challenger Will Ospreay come face-to-face, plus Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa sign the contract for their Forbidden Door bout.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone & Taz, as MJF’s music hits and we’re ready for our commercial free opening contest of the evening.
MJF defeated Rush
(Very solid return match for MJF, who is wrestling for the first time since World’s End. Rush controlled a majority of this, as the crowd was cheering for MJF throughout to make the comeback. Once it was on, there wasn’t the usual MJF underhanded tactics to give him the win, instead he strung together a strong list of moves to put away Rush.)
Slugfest out the gate, as Rush tried a drop down, but MJF opted for a Fargo Strut and Rude Swivel. Chop battle was going to start, but MJF went to the eyes to pop the crowd. Rush got a cheap shot headbutt, busting open MJF’s mouth, as he took control. Rush posed and kept MJF grounded in the corner, but missed the Bulls Horns. After a quick flash roll ups, MJF spiked Rush with a cradle DDT for a close two. MJF tried a float over, but landed awkwardly, only to sucker Rush in with a snap Storm Zero like piledriver, showing he was playing possum. Taking too much time, Rush caught a charging MJF with an overhead belly to belly into the corner. MJF tried to leap off the second, but slipped and Rush threw a right hand, followed by a straightjacket piledriver for two.
The fight went outside, where Rush repeatedly slammed MJF into the barricade. Rush slid a chair in the ring, but it was to turn Paul Turner’s attention, so he could whip and choke MJF with the cable wire. Rush ripped up a fans sign before missing a Bulls Horns and eating a drop toe hold into a chair. Both fought on the apron, this time, Rush hit an overhead belly to belly to the floor. Back inside, Rush called for the finish, but took too long and was decked by a MJF lariat. Spinebuster into punches in bunches by MJF, who hit the Heatseaker followed by a stalling brainbuster for the clean victory.
Brian Cage, The Gates of Agony & Hechicero were applauding on the big screen and said the EVP’s have made the match official for Forbidden Door, MJF vs. Hechicero. The crowd didn’t really react all that much by this announcement, but I think it’ll be a fun PPV match.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kyle O’Reilly, Orange Cassidy, Dante Martin & Mark Briscoe, who similar to last week, got amped up in his promo before Jack Perry walked into the shot, but left just as quick. Briscoe told him to get the hell out of here before diving back into his promo, which hyped up O’Reilly & Martin, who left with Briscoe. Paquette was then given a friendship bracelet by Cassidy. I hope these Mark Briscoe promos are going to be a weekly segment, they’re hysterical.
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Swerve Strickland & Will Ospreay Face to Face
Huge ovations for both men as Excalibur talked about the “healthy friendship” they have for each other. Ospreay said the last time they were in the ring together, he snapped the AEW World Title from him last week and talked about being a World Champion on three different continents at the same time. Strickland is going to find out what the rest already knows, Ospreay is the best wrestler in the world today, which Strickland disputed. Strickland asked if Ospreay is going to rely on Don Callis to win the title and Ospreay said he doesn’t need Callis or The Family, he can do this on his own. We then saw the Don Callis Family watching backstage. Ospreay talked about beating Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, Shingo Takagi & Chris Jericho. While Strickland had a Hit Row, Ospreay had a Hit List (which was a great line) and said what if the “killshot” Strickland promised, is just a few centimeters off? Ospreay said whether it’s the Storm Breaker, Oscutter or Hidden Blade, Strickland will wake up the next morning with the pain without having the AEW World Title. Ospreay said if he decides to use the Tiger Driver 91, then Strickland won’t wake up at all.
Strickland laughed and said Ospreay is relying on “what ifs” and talked about all the friends Ospreay has, but Strickland doesn’t have any friends, as it’s what it took to become World Champion. Strickland asks what Ospreay will be if he breaks his arm or leg at the PPV? Strickland said you can break his limbs, shave his head, he doesn’t care, he’s still the mogul, the sacrifices are something Ospreay hasn’t done yet, not for his wife or son. Ospreay cut Strickland off and said never mention his son again and not to make this personal.
Nana stepped in between both and said both need to save everything they’ve got for Forbidden Door. Nana asked Whose House, but Ospreay said My House. Ospreay’s music his, but Strickland cut it off and asked what if he does want to make things personal? When it comes to the AEW World Title, it’s always personal, so when Ospreay goes home, send his regards to Al & Harry, again. Ospreay got in the face of Strickland, but we got trash talk and no punches.
Don Callis was backstage with his Family, as Trent Beretta said Ospreay just disrespected his family, no one does that. Callis calmed him down, saying it’ll be fine, he knows Ospreay better than his own mother, walking off with Beretta, leaving Takeshita & Fletcher without his services for the upcoming match.
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Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, Orange Cassidy & Dante Martin defeated Roderick Strong, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher & Zack Sabre Jr. (w/Mike Bennett & Matt Taven)
(This was a smart time to catch up on the commercials you missed during the opening contest, as no matter where they picked up from picture in picture, it was action packed throughout. Commentary really put over how this was a preview to Forbidden Door, which, this was a wild party match, even better than last week’s six-man tag.)
Everyone not named Cassidy & Sabre slugged it out at the bell, as Cassidy took his sweet time to get ready, as Sabre allowed it. Fletcher didn’t, as he steamrolled Cassidy, before taking out Briscoe with a dive. O’Relly trapped Strong with a leg lock in the ropes, as Briscoe set up a chair in the ring, tried a dive, but was cut off by Takeshita. Cassidy cut him off, leaving Sabre to lock in a submission in the ropes as well. Briscoe managed his catapult dive, as Martin hit a massive hurricanrana on Takeshita before a double jump dive wiped out the pile outside.
Back from commercial, Cassidy & Sabre had a fast back and forth sequence, with Sabre nearly getting a snazzy roll up for two before applying a cravat. Blind tag from Takeshita, who leveled Cassidy with a haymaker, but Strong made the aggressive tag, upsetting Takeshtia. O’Reilly stepped between both and started throwing kicks before Strong connected on a back breaker. O’Reilly fires back, as he fought off Strong chops and snapped down the arm. Sabre & Martin make tags, as Martin shows off his athleticism, flying around, wiping out Fletcher who took the bullet for Takeshita. Fletcher & Takeshita hit a huge assisted avalanche powerbomb out of the corner, as things went to a second commercial.
Briscoe just made a hot tag when things returned, planting Takeshita with a rolling Death Valley Driver and Froggy Bow, as O’Reilly hit a top rope knee, Martin with a splash and Cassidy fell down from the top with a thumbs up for two. Cassidy wanted Orange Punch, but Sabre trapped the leg, allowing a Helluva Kick from Takeshita. The match completely breaks down with high impact moves from everyone until finally, Takeshita ate a Stundog Millionaire, dive from Martin, who also wiped out The Kingdom, Briscoe hit a Blockbuster from the apron, as back inside, Sabre & Cassidy had a series of counters before Sabre nearly got a pin off the European Clutch. O’Reilly & Cassidy hit a Total Elimination on Fletcher, as Cassidy fired off an Orange Punch on Strong to get the win. This match was jam packed with action.
Post match, Martin walked up the ramp, but was attacked by Jack Perry, who ran off while Briscoe made chase. Takeshita caught up and brawled with Briscoe to the back, while Sabre & Cassidy were left facing off in the ring.
-A video package for Mercedes Mone & Stephanie Vaquer is shown. Mone thanked Vaquer for sending her Zeuxis last week. Mone said she’s making history all over the globe, there’s a price to pay, when you mess with Mercedes Mone.
-Cameras caught up with Rush backstage where a hand was placed on his shoulder. It was Don Callis, who said something in Spanish before walking away. Rush was upset, but just stared down Callis’ direction.
The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) defeated The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) in an AEW Tag Team Title Eliminator
(Not sure if the crowd was tired after the previous match, but they seemed quiet for a lot of this, until the end, where it really picked up. This was the first time The Bucks have lost a standard tag match on TV since I believe early 2023, so with this win, The Acclaimed earn a future Tag Team Title shot.)
Caster’s rap never got going, as his mic was immediately cut off, as we saw Kazuchika Okada backstage fumbling around with controls, fake crying, saying he’s so sorry for pressing the wrong button…bitch. The Bucks attacked before the bell, but Caster & Bowens quickly took over. Match officially began, as Scissor Me Timbers connected, as Bowens started selling his taped-up hamstring, which Matthew dropkicked. Caster crashed and burned outside, as The Bucks took control during commercial.
Despite the bad wheel, Bowens made the hot tag when things returned, but ran wild too much and the leg went out after a Fame-Asser. Matthew fired off a superkick, but only got two. Hung up in the ropes, The Bucks hit the draping senton off the top, but Caster made the save. Bowens dodged the EVP Trigger and mounted a comeback, but again, The Bucks went after the leg with superkicks. The Bucks pumped up their shoes and hit a Superkick Party, but again Caster saved, only to be thrown outside. Bowens got free from the TK Driver, but Matthew took the ref and got a low blow. EVP Trigger connected, but for the third time, Caster broke it up.
Caster was dumped into the front row, as The Bucks hit the Motor City Machine Guns Made in Detroit finisher, but Bowens kicked out. Matthew tried to use a title belt, but Rick Knox took it from him, as Nicholas tried a belt shot, but decked his brother. Bowens hit The Arrival and Caster connected with The Mic Drop, giving The Acclaimed the victory. Daddy Ass hit the ring and celebrated post-match.
-Samoa Joe & HOOK are walking backstage where they were going to rush the Premier Athletes dressing room and Joe said he’s tired of dealing with them, so wants HOOK to be extra. They bust open the door, but they aren’t there, as a note challenging Joe, HOOK & Shibata to a six man on Collision is issued. Joe accepts and Shibata said he’s going to beat up those goofy bitches.
Timeless Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa’s AEW Women’s Title Contract Signing
Mariah May is the host of the signing and introduces both ladies to the ring. May said no matter what happens, she loves both of them. Shirakawa cuts her off and tells her to shut up, saying in Stardom, Storm was a gem and in AEW, has become a star. As AEW Women’s Champion, she’s gotten soft and weak, as everybody says We Want Mina. She’s going to take her title and her girl before signing the contract. Storm said she’ll slap Shirakawa’s tits off if she raises her voice to May ever again. If Shirakawa wants Toni Storm, this buffet is wide up, so grab a bowl and line up. Storm has advice, chin up, tits out and watch for the shoe, signing the contract as well. May said it’s official and Shirakawa demands that she must choose between the two.
Saraya & Harley Cameron charge out from the back saying they’re so sick of them and she didn’t come alone. Anna Jay pulled Shirakawa to the outside and attacked, as back inside, May & Storm were laid out, as Cameron & Jay set up the table in the corner. Storm hit the ring, leveling everyone with the shoe, was about to deliver Sweet Cheek Music in the corner, but Jay & Cameron pulled her to safety and Storm crashed through the table. Shirakawa & May were shown at the top of the ramp watching, as The Outcasts & Jay celebrated ringside.
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-The Owen Hart Cup Tournament video package is shown, Claudio Castagnoli vs. PAC, Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo Takagi, Jay White vs. Rey Fenix & Jeff Jarrett vs. a Wild Card are the men’s brackets.
Willow Nightingale vs. Serena Deeb, Nyla Rose vs. Kris Statlander, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Hikaru Shida & Mariah May vs. Saraya are the women’s bracket.
Kris Statlander (w/Stokely Hathaway) defeated Nyla Rose in an Owen Hart Foundation Cup Quarterfinal Match
(I wish we saw more of this, as it suffered from having a commercial break and coming back just when it started to really get going. Perhaps a rematch down the line potentially, but I wish the first match in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup got more time, but this late in the show, I get it.)
The crowd was cheering for Rose in this one, who showed off her power early, mowing down Statlander with a cross body early. Rose took too long to follow up, which allowed Statlander to send her crashing to the floor into commercial.
When things returned, Rose turned Statlander inside out with a clothesline and follow up corner cannonball for two. Statlander escaped the Beast Bomb and decked Rose with a great looking scissors kick for a near fall of her own. Statlander went up top, but missed the 450 and ate a Rose flying elbow for two. Both fought to the corner, where Statlander hit a charging boot and a wildly impressive Tombstone piledriver for the victory.
Post match, Hathaway said if Nightingale ever puts her hands on him, she’ll be pop locking in a jail cell like Justin Timberlake. Nightingale appeared on the big screen and congratulated Statlander on the win, but said when she defeats Serena Deeb on Rampage, there will be no more running in the second round.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Private Party, who said they’re taking their momentum from attacking Chris Jericho & The Learning Tree last week into their match on Rampage. Jericho loudly walks in and said he still wants to give his branches a lesson. When Jericho was a luchador, he always avoided the piledriver and said whenever the move was suggested to him, he would say, that doesn’t work for me, brother.
Daniel Garcia defeated Rhett Titus
Titus rushed Garcia at the bell and mocked his dance, but ate a shotgun dropkick for his troubles. Rolling Twist and Shouts from Garcia, who slapped on a guillotine choke before planting him with an Implant DDT for the quick win. Matt Menard, who was on commentary, was attacked by The Gates of Agony post-match, as Brian Cage & Hechicero hit the ring to put the boots to Garcia. A triple swinging powerbomb by the Cage of Agony, until MJF ran to the ring and tackled Hechicero. MJF bit the face of Cage and hit double low blows on Liona & Kaun. The numbers were too much, as Cage hit a German suplex, as Hechicero pounced and wrenched at the arm. Will Ospreay then ran to the ring to even the numbers, as a double handspring Pele kick connected, leaving Ospreay & MJF bumping into each other and facing off to loud Holy Sh*t chants. MJF left through the crowd, as Garcia stared at Ospreay’s International Title before being helped up. They just teased about five different matches in the last 60 seconds of TV.
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-Renee Paquette approached Will Ospreay backstage and asked what that was about with MJF and Ospreay said he doesn’t care about MJF, he was there to help Daniel Garcia. Brian Cage stormed in and was held back by security, challenging for an International Title match on Collision and Ospreay accepting. Cage was taken away and Ospreay gave a long look at his title. You almost get a sense that the title defenses will almost catch up to Ospreay over time, as his mind should be more focused on Swerve Strickland and the AEW World Title.
PAC defeated Claudio Castagnoli in an Owen Hart Foundation Cup Quarterfinal Match
Fast start by PAC, who hit quick dropkicks, as Castagnoli regrouped outside, but it was a way to sucker PAC in, who made chase, but ate a pop-up uppercut. Bryan Danielson, who is on commentary for this main event, was informed by Excalibur that his Owen Hart Quarterfinal Match will take place against Shingo Takagi at Forbidden Door. Castagnoli controlled the action throughout the entire commercial break.
Back from picture in picture, PAC side stepped a charge and Castagnoli posted himself in the process. A hurricanrana off the apron and Asai Moonsault hit perfectly by PAC that even Danielson had to praise it. Castagnoli looked like he was going to catch a PAC moonsault off the apron, but PAC spun it into a DDT and top rope springboard elbow back inside for two. Both men traded strikes, as PAC wanted a Shooting Star Press, but rolled through and was decked by a violent Castagnoli uppercut for two. Castagnoli did the Giant Swing, as PAC was flailing around the entire ten revolutions before being leveled by another lariat for a near fall. Ricola Bomb countered into the Brutalizer on Castagnoli, who was standing, started to fade, but Castganoli rolled out into a Sharpshooter, transitioned into a Crossface. We got a crazy amount of pin attempts from both men, until it was PAC who got the crucifix for the flash pin.
Post match, PAC was going to show respect, but Castagnoli shrugged it off, looking at Danielson on commentary, who said, sometimes those things happen. PAC then stared down Danielson to end the show, as it’s a potential semi-final match in the Owen Hart Cup if Danielson makes it past Shingo at Forbidden Door.
AEW Rampage 6/21/24
- Private Party vs. Komander & Metalik
- Willow Nightingale vs. Serena Deeb in an Owen Hart Foundation Cup Quarterfinal
- Lio Rush vs. Action Andretti in a TNT Title Ladder Match Qualifier
AEW Collision 6/22/24
- Will Ospreay defends the AEW International Title against Brian Cage
- Kazuchika Okada vs. Ultimo Guerrero in a Continental Title Eliminator
- Samoa Joe, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata vs. The Premier Athletes
- Private Party vs. Big Bill & Chris Jericho
AEW Dynamite 6/26/24
- Swerve Strickland & Will Ospreay vs. The Gates of Agony
- Timeless Toni Storm, Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa vs. Saraya, Harley Cameron & Anna Jay
- Switchblade Jay White vs. Rey Fenix in an Owen Hart Foundation Cup Quarterfinal
