Britt Baker will put her AEW Women’s title on the line against former champion Riho at Saturday’s first-ever Battle of the Belts on TNT.
Riho earned the shot by defeating Baker on the Black Friday edition of AEW Rampage. She will bring a 13-match winning streak into the match while Baker is looking for her sixth title defense.
In the first-ever interim TNT title match, Sammy Guevara will take on Dustin Rhodes due to current champion Cody Rhodes not being medically cleared to compete. Guevara lost the title to Cody on the Christmas night Rampage and Dustin is looking for his first taste of AEW gold.
An FTW title match was also added to the show as Ricky Starks will defend against Matt Sydal. Starks will look for the fourth defense of the championship he won last July.
The show is being held at Charlotte, North Carolina’s Bojangles Coliseum.
Our live coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern.
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Show Report —
Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Jim Ross were on the call.
David Crockett was ringside to present the championship to the winner.
The crowd was hot for this one, but this was the first time I’ve really felt like Dustin’s age caught up to him in AEW. Parts of it felt like they were in slow motion.
It took a while for someone to gain an advantage as they stared each other down, jockeyed for position, and tried to deploy some mind games. Guevara took control with a roll-up and then a dropkick, sending Dustin to the floor. He taunted Arn at ringside, leading to Dustin ramming Guevara’s knee into the steel steps. Dustin then hit a straight piledriver out on the floor, allowing him to maintain the advantage through a commercial.
Once back, Guevara attempted a comeback in the ring but was cut off by a snap powerslam from Dustin. He landed ten punches in the corner, but Guevara countered a monkey flip and downed Dustin with a clothesline. After Dustin regrouped with Arn, Guevara took him out with a double springboard flip dive. He tried to follow it up with a springboard cutter, but Dustin reversed it and hit Cross Rhodes for a near fall.
Dustin hit the Code Red for another near fall. He went up top, but Guevara stopped him before he could climb and turned it into the GTH for a near fall. Fuego Del Sol came out from underneath the ring and set up a table before Arn chased him off. Guevara tried to Spanish Fly Dustin through the table, but Dustin reversed it and hit a destroyer off the apron through the table. He brought Guevara into the ring and covered for two.
After Guevara kicked out, Dustin hit two Cross Rhodes. He teased the Tiger Driver, but Guevara escaped and downed Dustin with a kick. A quick cradle exchange later and Guevara pinned Dustin to win the interim title.
– After the match, David Crockett presented the title. Daniel Garcia entered the ring and slapped Guevara before they brawled, forcing officials to come out and separate them.
– After a commercial, Guevara challenged Garcia to a TNT Championship match on Dynamite.
Sydal landed a quick standing twisting moonsault and rolled Starks up for two. Hobbs ran interference out on the floor, allowing Starks to take control during the break. Once back, Sydal started a comeback with a sliding knee strike. They jockeyed for position up top, Starks went for Roshambo, but Sydal turned it into a top-rope frankensteiner and a Michinoku driver for two. A Lightning Spiral followed for a near fall.
After a meteora, Sydal covered but Starks’ foot was on the ropes. Starks came back with a spear and then the Roshambo for the win.
– After the match, Starks and Hobbs beat down Sydal. Lee Moriarty ran out to try and make the save, but was dropped by a right hand from Hobbs. Dante Martin ran out and dispatched Sydal before facing off with Hobbs. He dropkicked Hobbs out of the ring as Team Taz retreated back up the ramp.
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A video package before the match told the story that Baker had never beaten Riho.
AEW Women’s World Championship: Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (w/ Rebel & Jamie Hayter) (c) defeated Riho
This was such a waste of time. I don’t understand what part of the AEW audience enjoys Britt Baker matches that are just filled with constant, incessant interference and distractions and heat. Riho’s far too good to be a pawn in a budding story between Baker and Hayter.
Immediate interference from Rebel and Hayter allowed Baker to take control. Riho gave herself some separation and went for a diving crossbody, but Baker moved out of the way and Riho dived on Hayter instead. Hayter and Baker went to set up a table, but Riho attacked while they worked to set it up.
Back in the ring, Baker regained control with stomps through a commercial break. Riho came back with a double stomp for two. She followed it up with a tijeras and a rising knee. A tiger feint kick got two more. Riho locked on a bridging single leg crab, forcing Baker to fight to the ropes to force a break.
Riho set up for the top-rope double stomp, but Rebel took the hit. Baker avoided a second attempt and hit an air raid crash for two. She went for the Lockjaw, but Riho avoided it and slapped her across the face. Baker countered a dragon suplex into another Lockjaw attempt, but Riho reached the ropes.
More and more interference allowed Baker to finally go for the Lockjaw, but Riho rolled Baker up for a good near fall. Baker then hit a curb stomp for a near fall. Hayter brought the belt into the ring, but the official ejected Rebel as they sold more discord between Baker and Hayter. Riho used the distraction to hit a Northern Lights suplex for a good near fall.
Baker countered the Somato with an up kick. She then hit another curb stomp for another near fall before applying the Lockjaw for the win.
Four titles will be on the line at Impact Hard to Kill including both the Impact and Ring of Honor World titles.
In the main event, Impact World Champion Moose will defend in a three-way against Matt Cardona and W. Morrissey while ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham will defend against Chris Sabin.
Mickie James will defend the Knockouts title against former champion Deonna Purrazzo. Purrazzo is looking to go into this Thursday’s winner take all match with ROH Women’s Champion Rok-C as both Impact and AAA Reina de Reinas titleholder.
Trey Miguel will defend the X-Division title against Steve Maclin and if Maclin loses, he will not get another shot at the title as long as Miguel is champion.
The rest of the card will see the first-ever women’s Ultimate X match; a ten-man Hardcore War; Josh Alexander vs. Jonah; and a pre-show match of Chris Bey vs. Ace Austin vs. Laredo Kid vs. the debuting “Speedball” Mike Bailey.
Saturday’s show is being held at Dallas, Texas.
Our live coverage begins at 7:30 PM Eastern.
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COUNTDOWN TO HARD TO KILL
Tom Hannifan & D’Lo Brown on commentary tonight. Hannifan is making his Impact debut on the table.
Jake Something defeated Madman Fulton
Really fun hoss fight where Fulton was so dominant towards the end that fans started to cheer for him to Chokeslam Something, but after going for one too many, Something reversed, hit the Black Hole Slam, and got the win.
Gia Miller interviewed Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona about how they were feeling tonight. Green said that she is ready to win and come back to the Knockouts title scene. Cardona said that tonight, they both leave as winners.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey defeated Chris Bey, Ace Austin, and Laredo Kid
This was Mike Bailey’s debut with Impact since signing a couple of weeks ago.
Good fast paced match. Match was set up to start with some multi-man spots, later transitioning to singles pair ups between Kid vs Bey and Austin. Everyone got their chance to dive, and at one point, Laredo Kid did a jumping top rope Spanish Fly to the floor, landing on Bey and Austin.
Back in the ring, they started trading signature moves and going for pin attempts, ending with Bailey taking out Bey with the standing moonsault knees and Austin with the Ultima Weapon.
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Opening video package saw some of the Impact wrestlers talking about some of their past injuries and how they’ve overcome them to be here tonight, while also alluding that Impact as a promotion, is Hard To Kill.
Tasha Steelz (with Savannah Evans) defeated Chelsea Green, Jordynne Grace, Alisha Edwards, Rosemary (with Havok), & Lady Frost in an Ultimate X match
Alisha Edwards was a late replacement for Rachael Ellering. As for the rest of the women, they were all hand picked by Gail Kim, newest member of Impact management, to participate in the first ever Knockouts Ultimate X match in history.
Match started with everyone trying to make a run for the X, but as wrestlers kept falling, we saw Steelz and Green pair up, followed by Grace versus Steelz, and finally Rosemary and Grace. Early on, Havok helped Rosemary by lifting her to reach the X, but Green stopped her with a missile dropkick. This was followed by Edwards and Green climbing the corner structure and diving at least 10 feet up and diving on everyone. Frost followed with a diving senton.
Frost and Grace battled on one of the corner structures, with Grace making the ropes first, but Frost hung herself from Grace, yet Grace stayed on the ropes. Grace and Rosemary were taken out by double team moves from the rest of the competitors.
Green climbed the ropes and seemed to accidentally lose her grip and fell right on top of Steelz. Edwards ran in with a kendo stick and took out everyone and took her turn at the crossed ropes, only to get speared by Rosemary.
Steelz went for the X, but Grace caught up and ended up taking each other out. Frost did a huge moonsault from the top of the structure to the floor, taking out half of the competition.
Back again, Grace and Steelz fought for the X on the ropes, and exchanged strikes, but during the distraction, Green made it to the X. Steelz caught up and struggled for the X on the ropes, but Steelz dropped herself and brought the X with her for the win.
Some spots looked clunky, but these women went all out for this match, some of the spots were scary. Steelz now gets a shot at whoever wins the Knockouts title tonight.
– We got a promo from Mickie James from earlier in the day, talking about entering the Royal Rumble. She said that her focus is not on the Rumble tonight, it’s on her Texas Deathmatch against Deonna Purrazzo. Good promo.
– Miller interviewed Deonna Purrazzo about James’ comments. Purrazzo said she is ready to reclaim her title, as this is the first time that she enters a pay-per-view without the title. Gail Kim confronted Purrazzo and told Rehwoldt that if he interferes tonight, he is fired and Purrazzo loses the match.
X Division Champion Trey Miguel defeated Steve Maclin to retain the title.
These two have been feuding for months, as Maclin claims that Miguel has never defeated him, as he remains unpinned and unsubmitted and has lost his title matches because Miguel keeps beating other people. Maclin kept requesting a singles match and finally got it after torturing Miguel, however, if Maclin doesn’t win the title, he does not get another shot at the title while Miguel is champion.
Maclin attacked Miguel during his entrance, catching him with a dive before the bell rang. Miguel recovered and caught Maclin with a tornado DDT on the ramp. They made the ring to start the match, but the match quickly spilled to the floor again after Miguel dove over the corner and all the way to the crowd. On a second attempt, Maclin caught Miguel and swung him into the guardrail, successfully cutting off Miguel.
Maclin worked over Miguels’ back and neck, mostly striking him, but at one point, he straight up hit a Cactus Jack elbow drop to the back of Miguel, followed by a apron bomb.
Miguel finally made a comeback with a desperation reversal that left Maclin open for a double footstomp and earned Miguel a couple of seconds to get a breather and some distance on Maclin. Miguel capitalized by dropping Maclin with a DDT on the apron. He tried to follow with a meteora, but instead Maclin hung him from the ropes and hit a huge crosshair that bent Miguel two-fold, but only for a two count.
Maclin went for Mayhem For All, but Miguel countered into a DDT rana, but could also only get a two count. Both men exchanged strikes on the apron until Miguel caught Maclin with a kneelift, followed by a meteora to the floor. Maclin went head-first into the barricade, but he seemed ok.
Miguel dragged Maclin to the ring and hit Meteora, but Maclin kicked out at 2.9. Miguel hit a buzzsaw kick, a brainbuster, and another Meteora and got the win. Really good match. Maclin’s unpinned streak is over and he can’t challenge for the title for now.
– We got a promo from The Influence, Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood. They said that the IInspiration were unprofessional for not showing up to work. They said that the match will happen later in the Ft. Lauderdale show.
Ian Riccaboni joined commentary for the upcoming match. Bobby Cruise is on ring announcing duties.
ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham defeated Chris Sabin to retain the title in a Pure Rules match
This match is being contested under Pure Rules and it’s the first time in the history of both promotions that the Ring of Honor title is contested on an Impact ring. Commentary explained that this match was owed to Sabin for three years after Sabin took Lethal to a time limit draw when Lethal was the champion.
Code of Honor upheld.
Match started with some grappling exchange sequences, where Gresham kept getting the upper hand, but Sabin came back adding some lucha into the exchange to get the better of Gresham.
Gresham started to target the left arm, while taking shots at the ankle as well. Sabin desperately pushed Gresham to the floor and caught him with a running kick to get that opening.
Back in the ring, the match’s pace picked up, which benefited Sabin, catching Gresham in a Stormbreaker-like DDT for a two count. Gresham tried to snap Sabin’s arm, but Sabin got him with a draping Dragon screw for a pin, which Gresham broke with his first rope break.
Gresham came back with a Dragon screw, a couple of elbows, and into a crossface, but Sabin made the ropes. Gresham pulled Sabin to the center of the ring and locked in the crossface again, but Sabin reversed into a pin. Gresham followed with the Octopus with some hammer-fists, but somehow, Sabin reversed into the Cradle Shock for a 3 count, but Hebner failed to realize that Gresham’s leg was under the ropes, so the match continued and Gresham’s second rope break was used.
Men continued with strikes in the middle of the ring, they got into a long chop exchange until both men came close to collapsing, only to continue with open hand slaps and a standing ovation from the crowd.
Final minute saw both men counter pin attempts until Gresham reversed a Magistral into a European clutch and got the win. Awesome match.
– Miller interviewed Tasha Steelz about her win. Steelz said that tonight she made history, and be it James or Purrazzo, they have a date on the wrong side of the street with her.
Josh Alexander defeated Jonah
Jonah made his debut at Turning Point and immediately targeted Josh Alexander. They’ve come to blows a couple of times now, but on the go-home show, Jonah went a step further and put Alexander through a table, injuring his ribs.
While not usually known as a speed guy, this was a speed versus power match, as Jonah is all power compared to Alexander. From early on, we saw Jonah have some trouble catching Alexander, but once he did, he did a lot of damage.
Alexander on the other hand, went straight for Jonah’s ankle, working towards the ankle lock; whereas, Jonah continued working on Alexander’s ribs, at one point early on slamming him rib-first to the apron.
Back in the ring, Jonah military pressed Alexander right on top of the turnbuckles and then to the middle of the ring for a two count. Alexander attempted a back slide, but after not being able, went back for the ankle and a C4 attempt that didn’t go anywhere. Jonah blocked by dropping him on the ropes and hitting a senton for a two count.
Alexander provoked Jonah to drop him with an elbow, but used the opportunity to attack Jonah’s ankle and clothesline him over and over until Jonah fell to the floor. The match spilled into the crowd, where Alexander floored Jonah with a right hand, and then flew from the top rope all the way to the crowd, taking out Jonah, who barely made it to the ring before the countout.
Alexander went for C4, but once again Jonah countered out. Alexander caught Jonah with a jumping knee, but when he went for a moonsault, Jonah stopped him. Alexander was able to fight back, only to take a superplex.
Both continued with a great strike exchange in the middle of the ring that ended with Jonah powerbombing Alexander for a two count, followed by a big lariat for another two count. They did unprotected headbutts and a brainbuster, but again Alexander kicked out. Alexander got busted opened by the headbutts.
Jonah went for the top rope senton, but Alexander caught him with the ankle lock. Jonah dropped him and went for a moonsault, but failed, so Alexander hit a German and a freaking powerbomb for a two count. Alexander followed with the ankle lock, stomped on Jonah’s head, and tapped out Jonah. Headbutts aside, what a crazy battle.
– Miller interviewed Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath, and Rhino. Edwards said that they’re all ready and willing to go all out and do everything necessary to win tonight.
Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath, and Rhino defeated Impact Tag Team Champions Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) & Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering, & Deaner) in a Hardcore War match.
This feud is long lasting, Violent By Design’s feud with Rhino and Heath goes back more than a year when Violent By Design had originally formed, but as the time went on, they picked up rivalries with Edwards, Swann, and Mack. Their union with the Good Brothers came about a couple of weeks ago when they decided to unite to take out their opponents, as Swann and Mack have been getting closer and closer to the tag titles, still held by the Good Brothers.
The opening entrants were Deaner for VBD and Rich Swann for the babyface team. They mostly went back and forth, using the weapons they had brought into the match. A chair from Swann, and a garbage can from Deaner.
Third participant was Karl Anderson, holding a golf club. Swann took on both Deaner and Anderson for a bit, taking out the former with a cutter, but the numbers game got the better of him and was taken out by Anderson with a belt shot.
Willie Mack came in fourth with an ax handle. Swann and Mack regained control of the match, as Mack brought out a door for a makeshift bed, where Mack and Swann hit a 3D on Deaner.
Next one out was Doc Gallows. Deaner was still down, but the Good Brothers regained control of the ring. Soon after came out Eddie Edwards with his kendo stick. He took out everyone with dives, even the barricades. Edwards proceeded to bring out the tables.
Eric Young came out next, taking out Edwards with trash can lids. Outside the ring, Gallows took out Mack with a chair, while Anderson focused on Swann.
Heath came out next, with powder to Fuji EY and Anderson on the ramp, and a steel pipe to take out Deaner and Gallows. He joined Mack and Edwards for a trash can moonsault where Mack crashed and burned after Deaner moved out of the way.
Finally, out came the goliath of VBD, Joe Doering. Edwards tried to dive on him and Doering simply pushed him to the side. Doering powerbombed Mack and Swann, who were trying to superplex Deaner.
Good Brothers and VBD had control of the ring, Edwards was busted open, but then Rhino’s turn came up. Rhino had a chair around his fist and took out everyone, saving EY for last. Gallows, EY, and Heath were also busted open at this point.
We had a big 5-on-5 staredown before the all out brawl started, but in the ring remained EY and Edwards exchanging trash can lid strikes until EY went down. Edwards broke his kendo stick attacking everyone, but he had a second one, which he lit on fire to strike Gallows. Edwards went for a Tiger Bomb on the apron, but Doering saved EY, and instead, EY dropped Edwards with a piledriver through a table, followed by a 450 from Swann to the floor on EY.
And they were not done, Mack brought out a barbed wire plywood sheet, but Doering stopped them, took Swann and hit a running DVD through it.
Finally, Anderson took out Mack with a Gunstun, but Heath was there to take him down with a Cowboys’ helmet, followed by a Gore from Rhino for the pin. This was quite violent, but really entertaining.
Suddenly, Matt Taven and Mike Bennet jumped the rail and attacked Rhino and Heath. Swann and Mack tried to help, but Vincent and PCO joined them and took out the rest of the crew. The Kingdom spike piledrove Mack, while PCO hit the apron senton on Swann. At the end, Maria Kanellis came out and joined the group. Taven allured that they’re going for the tag titles soon.
– Backstage, Miller tried to check with D’Amore, who left to call Baltimore and figure out what was going on.
Impact World Champion Moose defeated W. Morrissey and Matt Cardona to retain the title
This match came about after Cardona earned himself a shot at Moose for the title. Morrissey on the other hand, got his spot after many failed promises
Match started in second gear. Within a minute in, Cardona had dived on both men, only to get apron bombed by Moose, who then got apron bombed by Morrissey.
Back in the ring, all three men kept trading momentum, first Moose taking out both men, ending with a Go To Hell on Morrissey for a two count. Cardona came back with some Broski kicks, only for Morrissey to stop him on his tracks.
At one point, Moose powerbombed Morrissey, who had Cardona on a Fallaway slam position, but Moose wasn’t able to capitalize, but instead, Moose and Cardona brawled to the ramp, where Chelsea Green came out and splashed on Moose to save her husband.
Back at ringside, Morrissey dove on both men, and followed through with Cardona in the ring, but Morrissey played to the crowd a bit too much and allowed Cardona to make a comeback with a codebreaker.
Moose and Cardona exchanged forearms in the ring, but as Moose went for a top rope jumping crossbody, Cardona pushed him off and Moose flew and crashed through the time keeper’s table.
Suddenly, some fan tossed his prosthetic leg to the ring, so Morrissey used it against Cardona for a huge ovation. Cardona came back with Radio Silence for a two count. Morrissey chokeslammed Cardona for a two count. Cardona escaped a powerbomb and hit another Radio Silence, but Moose pulled the referee to save the title.
Cardona blocked a Lights out, rolled Moose for a two count, but as he came down, Moose went for the Lights Out and accidentally took out the referee. Morrissey came in and took out Cardona, hit the Powerbomb on Moose, and got a ten count on him, but there was no referee.
Morrissey brought out chairs to the ring, but he ended up giving time to Moose to recover, low blow him, and attack him with a chair repeatedly. Cardona came back and did the same to Moose, but the latter retaliated with a low blow.
In a similar spot from some weeks ago, Cardona almost took out Green with a chair, but this time around, Green and a second referee ended up taken out when Moose powerbombed Cardona on top of them. Moose would follow through with a Lights Out on Cardona for the pin and win. Good match, all men had good performances.
No doubt that the crowd is behind Morrissey now.
– Rebellion will take place on April 23rd, from Poughkeepsie, NY.
Knockouts World Champion Mickie James defeated Deonna Purrazzo in a Texas Deathmatch to retain her title.
This is Deonna Purrazzo’s official rematch after losing the Knockouts title to Mickie James back at Bound For Glory 2021. After the heat between them escalated, Impact management made this match a Texas Deathmatch, where one can only win via pinfall, followed by an unanswered ten count.
ROH Women’s Champion Rok-C is at ringside watching the match.
Match started with what was probably one of the hardest lockups in a long time. They rolled around and James got an early three count that caught Purrazzo off guard, but Purrazzo stood up immediately. Purrazzo followed by locking in the Venus de Milo and tapping out James, but with no count.
Both women, angered, started bringing out chairs and tables to the match, yet brawled around the ring first, slamming each other against everything they could find, including a wheelbarrow. The brawl continued up to the ramp area where Purrazzo suplexed James and then ran her over with a rolling trunk for a three count pin, but only a 9 count. James got busted open at this point.
James recovered as the match came back to the ring, where she locked in a desperation single leg crab, which was enough to get Purrazzo off her back for a bit. James landed a series of knee strikes with her knee brace, but instead of capitalizing, brought in a table to the ring, where Purrazzo slammed her instead.
Purrazzo brought in thumbtacks, where James almost dropped Purrazzo with a tornado DDT, but Purrazzo reversed and dropped James instead. Purrazzo choked James with her own leather straps she had for her entrance gear, but James once again made the ten count.
James brought out a guitar, but Purrazzo caught her and went after her bad knee with a chair. She tried to Pillmanize James’ knee, but James managed to get up and nail Purrazzo with ehe chair. At this point, James just kept falling on top of the tacks over and over. Purrazzo got busted open with that chair shot. Purrazzo got pinned and wasn’t going to make the count, but Rehwoldt came out to stand Purrazzo up, which was legal based on Gail Kim’s ruling.
Back in the ring, James set up Purrazzo on the table and went for the dive, but Purrazzo stopped her and instead went for the Queen’s Gambit through the table, but the landing wasn’t great. Purrazzo pinned James, but once again, James made the count.
James dropped Purrazzo on the tacks, and went for the guitar shot, but Rehwoldt took it instead. James hit MickieDDT, pinned her, and dropped the broken table on Purrazzo so she wasn’t able to stand up. James retains the title. Really good match, but the finish was somewhat weak.
James will be able to enter the Royal Rumble as the Impact Knockouts World Champion, but unfortunately for Rok-C, she won’t be getting the Impact title on the line when she defends the ROH Women’s title against Purrazzo.
We opened up this week’s show with May Valentine interviewing Mims who said that Mike Knox and Matt Cardona disrespected everyone in the NWA. He also said that while he lost to Knox last time, the result could be different the next time they face each other. Mims also said that others in the company are going to step up against Cardona and Knox as well and defend the NWA.
Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Velvet Sky were on commentary.
The Rude Dudes (El Rudo & Jamie Stanley) promo
Kyle Davis interviewed El Rudo and Jamie Stanley before tonight’s Junior Heavyweight title play-in match. Rudo said they are the future of tag team wrestling but tonight, Stanley will prove how good he is in singles competition. Stanley said that after he wins the NWA Junior Heavyweight title, he and Rudo will go back to “bashing nerds” and looking good doing it.
Jamie Stanley defeated Miguel Robles, Jeremiah Plunkett and Alex Taylor in a fatal four-way NWA Junior Heavyweight title tournament play-in match
Stanley opened things up by walking toward each of his opponents and posing in front of them. Plunkett finally just hit him in the face and the action got started. Galli announced on commentary that the winner of this match will take on a “top tier” opponent next on NWA USA. Their opponent will be announced Saturday on the new NWA USA show on YouTube.
Stanley took every opportunity he could during the match to pose. After each competitor had been on offense for a period, Plunkett and Robles ended up in the ring together. Plunkett countered a diving attempt from Robles into a spinebuster, but was then tossed out of the ring by Stanley. “That Dude” Stanley then arrogantly pinned Robles with just one foot on his chest. Galli reiterated that Stanley will face a top tier opponent Saturday on NWA USA, but would not say who.
Aron Stevens and JR Kratos promo
Kyle Davis pointed out that ever since Stevens’ personality change, he and Kratos have been getting along much better. Stevens was then interrupted by Dirty Dango and JTG, aka the Dirty Sexy Boys. JTG said the wrestling world wants to know why he and Dango are now a team. Those reasons are championships and fair competition, not like last time when Stevens and Kratos cheated to beat them. Stevens referred to them as the “Unclean Sexual Young Men,” but Dango corrected him. Stevens and Kratos then left.
To end the segment, Fandango said “Let’s get weird” and JTG pulled out a banana and ate it. Davis asked what that meant, but Fandango just shushed him. This was bizarre but also oddly enjoyable.
— A video package on Hawx Aerie aired as it was announced the two will face each other in the NWA Junior Heavyweight title tournament.
— Austin Idol replaced Tim Storm on commentary.
Jordan Clearwater and Marshe Rockett defeated Cyon in a 2-on-1 handicap match
Idol’s surprise for Cyon was that he would have to take on two of his wrestlers in a handicap match to keep his hopes of a rematch with Tyrus alive. Cyon took to it to both guys to start the match, but the numbers advantage eventually led to Idol’s team going on offense for an extended period. At one point, Rockett and Clearwater had Cyon in a double chinlock they call “The Bro Lock.”
Cyon managed to suplex Rockett to take him out of the match for a bit. The masked man then hit a series of bodyslams on Clearwater. He took out Rockett on the apron again and then hit a power bomb on Clearwater for a two count. As Clearwater kicked out, Cyon transitioned to a single-leg crab. Rockett came back in and broke up the submission, however. Cyon hit a death valley driver on Clearwater, but Rockett hit him with the Rocket Kick to get the pin. Idol then screamed “Bang! Zoom! Off to the moon! Idolmania Sports Management rules the world!” which was just a terrific thing to hear.
Tyrus was interviewed after the match as the other members of Idolmania Sports Management celebrated in the ring. He said that if Cyon had won, he would have given him a title shot but he didn’t so he won’t.
After we came back from break, May Valentine was with Tyrus and Idol. Tyrus continued to say that Cyon agreed to an opportunity to prove he should face Tyrus again but he lost, and now he’s at the back of the line for his title. Idol says this should be a learning experience for Cyon.
Kyle Davis interviews Kamille & Missa Kate
Kamille said she doesn’t share the spotlight with anyone aside from Thom Latimer and isn’t a tag team wrestler. She said that “Conspiracy” Corgan told her she had to wrestle and that’s the only reason why she’s teaming with Missa Kate later. Kate talked about being new to the promotion, but was looking forward to showing Kylie Rae who the real Chicagoan is.
Tim Storm rejoined the commentary table.
Kylie Rae & Tootie Lynn defeated Missa Kate & Kamille
Kate and Kylie started things off with a back-and-forth grappling display as Kamille looked unimpressed in the corner. When Kate went for the tag, Kamille didn’t make much effort to reach out. Kamille did eventually tag in, but seemed entirely uninterested in facing Rae. She had an attitude that the whole thing was beneath her for the entirety of the match.
As the match continued, Kylie managed to lock in a crossface on Kamille but the champion powered out of it. Both competitors tagged out and shortly after, Lynn locked Kate in an armbar before Kamille broke that up. Kylie then hit Kamille with a superkick that took her out of the ring. She then locked in a crossface on Kate to get the submission.
Kamille and Kate argued after the match as Rae and Tootie celebrated. It seemed as though Rae was being booked to look like challenger to Kamille’s title, but the commentary team also played up what a good team she and Tootie make.
Mayweather, Nick Aldis, and Mickie James promo
Nick Aldis said NWA USA will be a place for young talent to show up and make a name for themselves. He said he’ll be an ambassador for the show and will be looking for new talent.
Mickie James then spoke about teaming with Kiera Hogan recently. Although they showed dissension the last time they were in the ring together, James praised Hogan and said she’s a star. James also took a shot at Kamille and said the champion should be worried about who is coming for her title.
May Valentine asked Mayweather if there is an alliance between he, Aldis and James. Mayweather said that he’s friends with the Aldis family but that’s it. He also said that he’ll be appearing on NWA USA as well.
Colby Corino & The Fixers (Jay Bradley and Wrecking Ball Legursky) & OGK (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven) promo segment
Corino was sitting atop the shoulders of the Fixers for this interview. Taven praised Corino’s father and talked about knowing Colby since he was a boy but can’t understand why he’s aligned with some “melvins” like the Fixers. As he often does, Taven then made sure everyone knows that his name is Matt Taven. Taven and Corino then agreed that Taven would take on Legursky in an impromptu singles match.
Matt Taven defeated Wrecking Ball Legursky
After Taven started off hot, Legursky turned the tables and ended up on offense after a big headbutt. The big man then went on an extended period of offense and landed a bunch of power moves including an elbow drop and lariat. Taven then started to fight back and after Legursky missed a splash, Taven hit a running knee to the face for a near fall. Legursky then countered a sleeper hold into a side slam for a near fall. Shortly after, Taven hit a springboard moonsault for another near fall. Taven missed a frog splash and Legursky landed a powerslam for yet another near fall. Finally, Taven hit a sunset flip power bomb in the corner that got the pin. The series of near falls was pretty fun.
Jennacide promo
Jennacide spoke about the dissension between she and Paola Blaze. She said that Paola is Taryn Terrell’s problem now because she’s done with her.
Matt Cardona & Mike Knox promo
Kyle Davis spoke with Matt Cardona and Mike Knox. Cardona said he’s always ready to compete in an NWA ring but that’s not why he’s here. Cardona said he’s there to save the NWA. He said he found the NWA old, dated and boring 30 years ago and he still does now. Cardona said it’s time for the NWA to change. He wants pyro for he and Knox, entrance music for everyone, and a big screen on the entrance ramp.
Cardona then said that Trevor Murdoch bullied him when he was a rookie and Murdoch was already established. He ran down how many social media followers Murdoch has and continued to run down both Murdoch and the NWA before saying the fans should thank him. This was good as Cardona came off as a big time heel here.
Markova looked dominant over Blaze throughout basically the entire match. Blaze hadn’t got in really any offense at all until she scored a series of near falls off pinning combinations. Markova then delivered a series of forearms and a facebuster to go back on offense. She then hit Beautiful Disaster in the corner to pick up the win. They must be building up Markova to really be something in the women’s division.
NWA National Champion Chris Adonis and Thom Latimer promo
May Valentine brought up that the National title will be the featured belt on NWA USA. Adonis and Latimer said the entire show should be about them.
NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelión (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf 450) & Homicide defeated Jax Dane & The End (Parrow & Odinson)
Before the match officially began, Dane and the End hit a triple super collider power bomb on their opponents. Parrow then hit a big splash on Homicide in the corner. Finally, the bell rang to start the match with Homicide already in trouble. Dane and the End then tagged in and out, working over Homicide for quite a while as La Rebelion kept trying to get involved but were stopped by the referee.
Finally, Homicide made the hot tag to Mecha Wolf and La Rebelion took over. They hit a series of double team moves on Odinson and chopped down Parrow with a pair of double knees before tagging Homicide back in. All three then hit a triple superkick on Odinson.
Dane then came in and picked up both members of La Rebelion into a Samoan drop. Homicide came back in and tossed Dane shoulder-first into the post. Parrow tagged in which left him and Homicide alone in the ring together. After not being able to get Parrow up for the Cop Killer, he landed a cutter to get the pin.
Final thoughts:
This was fun. Matt Cardona’s promo was really good and sets the stage for him to be the top heel in the promotion now that Aldis has gone babyface. Kamille’s storyline is also interesting. They might be building to a match with Kylie Rae but ultimately, the big match is between Kamille and Mickie James. Dango and JTG also seem like they could be a very entertaining team in the promotion.
LA Park got one over on CONTRA Unit when he speared and pinned Josef Samael in the main event six-man tag.
Low Ki vs. Brian Pillman Jr. was made official for Saturday Night SuperFight, and Bestia 666 was added to the Stairway to Hell match between Mance Warner and Jimmy Havoc.
The Hart Foundation picked up a win against hometown favorites Dragon Lee & Extreme Tiger.
Terror Azteca picked up the win in a special featured Crash Lucha Libre tag team match.
The full episode is available to watch below:
Full Recap —
CONTRA Unit opened up this week’s episode of Fusion with another of their propaganda videos. Josef Samael said that Promociones Dorado was looking for another member to fight tonight as El Hijo de LA Park was injured last week in the Tijuana Street Fight. MLW Champion Jacob Fatu said that his match with LA Park won’t be a “superfight…it will be a “f*cking massacre.”
MLW is still south of the border in Tijuana, Mexico, with The Crash Lucha Libre. AJ Kirsch and Rich Bocchini welcomed us as The Hart Foundation were making their entrance for their match.
The Hart Foundation (Brian Pillman Jr. & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) defeated Dragon Lee & Extreme Tiger (12:31)
This was a good little tag team opener here. The match got a good amount of time and told a nice story between the bigger Harts and the smaller and quicker Lee and Tiger. A miscommunication on a dive gave the Hart Foundation the 2-on-1 advantage and they finished Tiger off with a modified Hart Attack.
As Lee and Tiger were making their entrance, we heard that Pillman vs. Low Ki has been booked for Superfight next weekend. Pillman mocked Lee’s brother Rush with a Tranquilo pose at the start. Lee responded with one of his own after a swift early exchange between the two. Smith and Tiger then tagged in and had a brief chop battle that Smith, being the much larger of the two, got the better of. He then offered a handshake, which Tiger accepted, but Smith turned nasty and grabbed him, launching him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly as Pillman also ran and knocked Lee off the apron.
The Harts then took control using Smith’s power against his smaller opponents. The Foundation were also taunting the crowd as they tagged in and out and kept Tiger isolated. Pillman was able to fight back from a brief explosion of chops, and Smith showed his strength again, this time with a gut wrench suplex and a powerslam.
Tiger eventually saw an opportunity to fight back and boy, did he take it. He hit a step up kick to Pillman and then launched himself off the top rope and landed on Pillman with a seated senton directly in the groin. Lee got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit Smith with a single leg dropkick from the outside in and hit Pillman with a snap German. After a chop battle with Pillman, he ate a superkick but retaliated with a ripcord knee and a running knee after kicking out of a package suplex driver.
Lee took out Pillman with a headfirst suicide dive through the ropes, but then while holding Pillman for Tiger to hit him with one of his own, Pillman slipped out and Tiger took out his partner.
Smith then gorilla pressed Tiger back inside and set him up in the Hart Attack for Pillman to hit a springboard clothesline. Smith then picked up the win for his team with the jackknife cover.
— Bestia 666 was officially added to the Stairway to Hell match at Superfight so it is now a three-way between him, Mance Warner, and Jimmy Havoc.
— Salina de la Renta then had a recorded message for CONTRA. She said she is the law and the constant in MLW. She said Promociones Dorado are taking back the MLW world title, and regarding the “war” between CONTRA and PD, she said, “the sh*t is on”. She added that LA Park will hang Fatu from the phone wires outside Cicero Stadium and told them to prepare to bow down and kiss her ring.
— LA Park then had a simple message for CONTRA after they took out his son last week: he is going to break their f*cking faces.
— Lifestyles of the Rich and Dynastic was next. They are still celebrating being back in the USA. Holliday wanted to rub disinfectant on his hands before putting his Louis Vuitton air pods back in, because “he was just in Mexico, of course!” While Hammerstone and MJF were having a drink and talking about how Hammerstone brought his Mexican pharmacy purchases back with him and didn’t get caught. They proposed a toast to winning, to America, and the Dynasty.
— The Von Erichs then had a message in response to the Dynasty. They questioned their partying and threatened a Superfight hangover once they were done with them next week.
— H2tv showed highlights of the Hart Foundation at a fan meet and greet in Mexico.
Terror Azteca & Proximo defeated Torito Negro & Toto (2:52)
This was a very quick Lucha rules tag match, mostly due to the Superfight commercial break in the middle of it. I assume this lasted longer live. When we came back from the break, Toto was dumped on the outside by Proximo who then climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit him with a splash off the top rope to the floor.
In the ring, Azteca hit a missile dropkick on Torito and then hit him with a running twisting headscissors spike for the win with a very quick three count from the referee.
— Another video package for Jacob Fatu and LA Park aired, this time from the stance of Salina de la Renta and Promociones Dorado.
Promociones Dorado (LA Park, Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) defeated CONTRA Unit (Josef Samael, Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch) (15:51)
LA Park was the big star here as the Mexican fans had to wait all night to see the legend in action in the main event of the Tijuana tapings. He did not let them down and took out the remaining members of CONTRA on his way to his battle with MLW Champion Jacob Fatu next week.
A huge six-way brawl opened things up, but CONTRA were quick to take control. Gotch and Bestia, along with Wolf and Kwon, were on the outside as Samael beat down LA with fists and headbutts. Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf are The Crash tag team champions but they didn’t fair too well in the opening sequences as CONTRA were in complete control.
They all got back into the ring and it wasn’t long before Bestia, Kwon, and then Mecha Wolf all hit dives to the outside with Wolf nearly spearing Kwon through the guardrail and into the front row. Gotch came off the apron with a clothesline, but then, to the absolute delight of the Mexican crowd, the incredible LA Park came off the top rope with a crossbody to the floor on top of everybody!
The hometown favorites then took control with chair shots on the outside. Inside, Bestia hit a doomsday clothesline on Kwon and took out Gotch with a soccer kick to the face.
After 10 minutes of all-out action, the match settled into a traditional tag match with partners on the apron. LA knocked Samael out with a running pair of basement knees but Samael kicked out on instinct. Samael fought back with a DDT for a two count of his own. The traditional tag rules were out the window two minutes later. Bestia and Wolf hit Kwon and Gotch with superkicks and then Wolf took out Gotch with another bullet-like flying headfirst suicide dive.
We then had a quick conveyor belt of a big move/pin/next one in to make the save. Bestia hit his muscle buster on Kwon, who was quickly followed by Wolf with a 450 but Gotch made the save for his team. Gotch hit Bestia with a ripcord big boot and a brainbuster, but LA made the save. LA then took out Gotch with a basement dropkick, but Samael came back in and took out LA.
Bestia and Gotch then had a staredown that ended in a musclebuster from Bestia, but when Wolf went for his 450 again, Kwon sprayed red mist in his eyes. Samael then threw a fireball at Bestia but turned straight into a spear from LA Park for the #1 contender to pick up the win.
Next Week —
Saturday Night SuperFight airs live on PPV. There will also be a one-hour pre-show airing for free on beIN Sports, MLW’s YouTube channel, Fite TV, inDemand, DirectTV, and Dish starting at 7 p.m. Eastern time.
– We open backstage with Salina de la Renta, flanked by El Hijo de LA Park, on the phone talking to someone about gaining an advantage at Battle Riot. She tells Hijo to go to “that place” they were talking about and give that person whatever they want. She then says, “Just when you thought Promociones Dorado was over, “We are back…bitch!”
– A recap from last week is shown when Teddy Hart was arrested for allegedly throwing a brick through MJF’s car’s window. We then see the 3-on-1 beatdown given to Brian Pillman Jr. by Dynasty (Alexander Hammerstone, MJF and Richard Holliday). Hart will issue an open challenge for his MLW Middleweight title tonight.
Daga defeated Ariel Dominguez (7:48)
Low Ki was on commentary as they were playing up a rematch between he and Daga. We get a recap from the last time Daga and Low Ki were in the ring together, complete with Low Ki trying to rip Daga’s ear off.
A big dropkick from Daga starts us off. Jim Cornette tells us Daga is not as quick as Dominguez, so he will need to hit some high impact moves to stop him. Daga stayed in control and began whipping him from corner to corner, connecting with a forearm, clothesline and slap to the face after each whip. An enzuigiri, superkick and lariat floored Dominguez for a two count. A standing moonsault also got a two count with Daga dominating the opening exchanges but Dominguez showing heart kicking out each time.
Dominguez fought back with a back elbow, flying clothesline, and a springboard DDT for a two count of his own. Dominguez low-bridged Daga and landed a springboard cross body to the outside. Back in the ring, Dominguez went for a second springboard DDT but Daga caught him. Dominguez slipped out the back and rolled through looking for a German suplex, but Daga landed on his feet and took back control with a right hand straight to the temple.
Daga planted Dominguez on the back of his head with a German suplex then impaled him on the mat with a big delayed DDT for the win. Daga confronted Low Ki at the commentary table after the match and officials pulled them apart before any contact could be made.
– We saw what happened after last week’s Fusion where Salina de la Renta was going to give a post match interview with LA Park, Ricky Martinez, Hijo and Low Ki, but out of nowhere, Mance Warner jumped Park. Eventually, the numbers game gave the advantage to Promociones Dorado as Warner was eventually beaten down.
– We then cut to Myron Reed with a selfie recorded message for Teddy Hart and his open challenge tonight. He says that if he gets a fair, unbiased official he will beat Teddy and take his belt.
– This week’s episode of H2TV had Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. together again. Teddy questions their “dynasty” name, and tell them that they have more years in the business than them, and that they have become diamonds.
Ricky Martinez (w/ Salina de la Renta) defeated Air Wolf (6:25)
Air Wolf immediately jumped in the ring and went for Martinez with a pair of head scissors, a dropkick, a springboard dropkick and then a big running crossbody over the top rope. On the outside, de la Renta got in Wolf’s face which gave Martinez the opportunity to take the upper hand but Wolf caught him with his own right hand to prevent it. Martinez pulled Wolf off the guardrail, smacking the back of his head in the process. After the quick start from Wolf, Martinez was in control jus like that.
In the ring, Martinez locked Wolf up between his legs and rammed his head repeatedly off the mat. A slingshot suplex nearly didn’t come off but Martinez powered him over and got a two count from it. Air Wolf had some hope when he caught a kick from Martinez, but the Sicario quickly turned that into a big neck breaker to floor the aerial luchadore again. Air Wolf did fight back shortly after and got a two count of his own after a 619 on the bottom rope and a springboard DDT.
Air Wolf landed on the back of his head again as he was on the top rope but Martinez kicked the back of his leg and Wolf fell to the mat. Martinez then picked up the three count after a pop-up knee to the chin.
– We saw a video package from Contra Unit highlighting their reign of terror so far in MLW. Jacob Fatu said how the mighty have fallen, how he has done things that God has turned his eyes away from, and that they will salt the earth with the ashes of their enemies.
– The Dynasty were backstage with a message for the Hart Foundation. They said they have shattered the illusion of the Hart Foundation and exposed the fraud that is Teddy Hart. Hammerstone said he saw Pillman shed a tear when Teddy’s necklace shattered last week. “Real diamonds don’t shatter…real diamonds like them, he said, adding the Hart Foundation are in for a real treat at Battle Riot as they will cement themselves as the most dominant force in MLW.
– New participants were announced for Battle Riot Friday of WrestleMania weekend: Avalanche Robert Dreissker from wXw, Jimmy Yuta, Rey Horus, Kotto Brazil, Ricky Martinez, Lance Anoa’i, Myron Reed, Richard Holliday, Rich Swann, Jordan Oliver, Leo Brien, Michael Patrick and Dan “The Beast” Severn.
– MLW World Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor had a recorded message for Jimmy Havoc. He described him coming over the pond bringing objects, staple guns, thumb tacks, pizza cutters, and anything he can get to have an advantage in MLW. Lawlor went on the say he has had one bump in the road during this past year, and that bump has been Jimmy Havoc. He said we haven’t seen Havoc since Tom sent him to the hospital, and he is going to be the one going to hospital again when they meet again in New York City.
– Daga was backstage where he told us he is looking for Low Ki and wants a rematch with him.
– Salina was backstage on the phone again, saying she sent him (Hijo) a long time ago and he should have been back by now. She bumped into LA Park and told him she couldn’t find his son. LA Park said he will handle it.
MLW Middleweight Champion Teddy Hart (w/ Brian Pillman Jr and Davey Boy Smith Jr.) defeated Myron Reed to retain (10:59)
They exchanged arm ringers with Hart flipping out of his. They then exchanged hard right hands before Hart hit a big powerslam, but began holding his ribs, still feeling the effects of the beating from MJF and Holliday a few weeks ago. Hart then hit a big powerbomb lungblower and a springboard moonsault but again grabbed his ribs and was not able to capitalize. He was not able to whip Reed off the ropes and was showing he was in a lot of trouble.
Reed took advantage of Hart’s injury by kicking and stomping at his ribs. Hart then took an Irish whip to the corner, face first like his uncle Bret, but tried to fight back with a German suplex, but Reed landed on his feet and kicked him in the ribs again to floor him. A big double knee facebreaker followed for a two count and we nearly had a new champion.
Reed threw Hart to the floor and launched him ribs first into the guardrail. He then hit a huge frog splash back in the ring and got another very close two count when Hart kicked out at the last minute. Reed got in the referee Frank Gastineau’s face as he argued the two count which gave Hart the chance to capitalize. He got Reed down to the mat and tried to apply an armbar, but couldn’t due to the pain in his ribs. He struggled to get to the middle rope and took too much time which let Reed hit a dropkick and then a big springboard hurricanrana back into the ring.
Reed missed a big springboard 450 splash as we heard that Promociones Dorado were freaking out backstage as they still couldn’t find El Hijo de LA Park. Hart finally locked in a hammerlock to Reed then planted him with a DDT. Hart could only get an elbow on top of him so Reed easily got his shoulder up from the pin. A neckbreaker set up Reed for a springboard moonsault but Reed got the knees up and Teddy kicked out at the last minute.
This infuriated Reed so he got into the referee’s face again. He threatened to hit him which gave Hart a final opportunity as Reed’s back was turned. Hart hooked him up and rolled him up long enough for the three count and the win.
– Backstage, de la Renta told us that Promociones Dorado was back as they had found Hijo. She was going to let him tell us himself but when he walked into the shot, he hit LA Park with a right hand. Hijo took his mask off to reveal Mance Warner underneath. We then went off the air with Warner and LA Park brawling backstage.
