Fenix was slated to wrestle his brother Penta El Zero Miedo at House of Glory’s Cinco de Mayo event on Sunday. However, Penta came to the ring during the show and announced that Fenix was not medically cleared to compete and as a result, the match was off. Penta instead wrestled Laredo Kid in the main event.
After spending months on the shelf due to injury, Fenix made his AEW return on last week’s Collision, defeating The Beast Mortos (Black Taurus). It had been his first match since October 10, 2023, when he dropped the AEW International title to Orange Cassidy on an episode of Dynamite.
Signs of Fenix’s return began when he was advertised for the House of Glory event. He previously said he had been out of action over what he called an ‘old injury’, saying it had been bothering him since AEW’s Grand Slam stadium show in September.
After spending six months out of action, Rey Fenix has been cleared to return to the ring.
Fenix will make his AEW return on Collision tonight (April 27). He’s facing The Beast Mortos (the former Black Taurus) in a singles match on the episode.
This is Fenix’s first time wrestling since the October 10, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite. He’s been out of action due to what was reported to be a hip injury, a back injury, or both. Fenix said he thinks it’s the worst injury that he’s dealt with in his career.
Fenix’s return was considered to be imminent ever since he was announced for a May 5 booking for House of Glory Wrestling in New York City. He’s facing his brother Penta El Zero Miedo at the Cinco de Mayo event.
Tonight, Collision airs on TNT immediately following the NBA playoff game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. There’s a three-hour live AEW programming block with Rampage airing after Collision.
AEW Collision (estimated start time of 8:30 p.m. Eastern) —
AEW Unified Trios Champions Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) defend against Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin) & Action Andretti
Toni Storm vs. Anna Jay
Rey Fenix vs. The Beast Mortos
The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake)
AEW will give an update on Tony Khan’s medical condition
Swerve Strickland’s first interview as AEW World Champion (will kick off the episode)
AEW Rampage (estimated start time of 10:30 p.m. Eastern) —
The in-ring return for Rey Fenix is finally on the horizon.
On Friday, Northeast indie promotion House of Glory announced that the former AEW International and Tag Team Champion will be in action on their Sunday, May 5th Cinco de Mayo event in Jamaica, New York.
Unless he makes his AEW in-ring return before then, it will be Fenix’s first match since losing the International title to Orange Cassidy on the October 10th Title Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite.
Fenix has been on the shelf recovering from what he called an old injury and one he feels is the worst he’s ever had — one that Dave Meltzer reported as either being a bad back, bad hip or both. In October, Fenix said the injury had been bothering him since September’s Grand Slam event.
🔥FENIX 🔥
Sunday, May 5th, direct from Mexico City, one of the greatest luchadors in the world today, @ReyFenixMx , returns to HOG on #CincoDeMayo !!! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
— House Of Glory Wrestling (@HOGwrestling) March 8, 2024
Fenix’s brother and fellow AEW roster member Penta El Zero Miedo has continued on, competing as both a singles wrestler and teaming up with Komander.
While AEW has announced there will be a tournament for the vacant Tag Team titles, they have not formally announced teams and brackets, leaving open the possibility the Lucha Brothers will enter and attempt to once again hold the titles.
Fenix has been out of action for three months, last wrestling when he dropped the AEW International Championship to Orange Cassidy on an episode of Dynamite in October. Before losing the title, Fenix posted on social media that he was dealing with an “old injury” that had been bothering him since he won the championship from Jon Moxley in September. Fenix said that, despite the pain from the injury, nothing was going to stop him from defending the International title.
Dave Meltzer wrote that Fenix was dealing with a bad back, or a bad hip, or both.
Fenix told Salcedo that he’s working on his recovery. Fenix thinks this is the worst injury that he’s ever had, but he hopes to return to the ring soon.
— Denise 'Hollywood' Salcedo (@_denisesalcedo) January 9, 2024
Fenix said:
We are working on the recovery. It’s one of my, I think it’s the worst injury. But I’m taking my time. I’m doing a good job in my recovery. I put everything with the doctors. I’m following the doctor’s line. I’m doing my best. And I think, I can’t talk so much about — but soon. Soon I will be in the ring, doing lucha libre, doing the thing that makes me so happy.
While International Champion, Fenix made successful title defenses against Jeff Jarrett and Nick Jackson. Fenix’s title reign originally wasn’t supposed to happen, but Moxley called an audible and had Fenix defeat him at Dynamite Grand Slam after Moxley suffered a concussion during the match.
Fenix had been scheduled to compete for Prestige Wrestling on January 5, but it was announced last month that Fenix wouldn’t be able to wrestle on the show due to his injury.
Rey Fenix has been pulled from an upcoming booking due to injury.
Prestige Wrestling announced on Tuesday that Fenix will be replaced by Lio Rush on its January 5 show in Portland. Rush vs. Samuray Del Sol is now official for the event.
Fenix has been out of action since October. His last match was on the October 10 Title Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite. He dropped the International Championship to Orange Cassidy in a match that went under five minutes.
Fenix defeated Jon Moxley to win the International title at AEW Grand Slam on September 20 when an audible was called at the end of the match due to Moxley having sustained a concussion. However, Fenix also came out of that match with an injury.
He posted to Instagram on October 2 that he has been dealing with “an old injury” since his match against Moxley.
Fenix wrote:
The international championship has been a big challenge.
The night I became champion, I left the arena with the championship in my hands and with an old injury bothering me again. My first defense was painful, it did not allow the pain to stop me and continue until the fight was over, this coming Wednesday will be my second defense and I am doing my best to enter that ring and retain the champion.
I will defend this beautiful championship in any situation, a Luchador does not give up, a Luchador will always leave everything in every battle. I am a real Luchador and the man of a thousand lives, nothing and no one is going to stop me.
Orange Cassidy is once again the AEW International Champion.
Serving as a last-minute substitute after Jon Moxley was not medically cleared to compete for the International Championship, Cassidy defeated Rey Fenix to win the title at Dynamite Title Tuesday.
Cassidy used an Orange Punch and his Mouse Trap pinning combination to defeat Fenix and claim the International title for a second time on Tuesday, ending Fenix’s unplanned title reign.
Fenix won the title from Moxley at Dynamite Grand Slam on September 20 in a bout where Moxley was scheduled to win, but suffered a concussion and changed the match finish in the ring. Moxley has still not been medically cleared to compete after his injury.
Fenix defended the title on each Dynamite episode since Grand Slam, securing wins over Jeff Jarrett and Nick Jackson in successful title defenses before dropping the belt to Cassidy.
Cassidy’s initial International title reign stretched for 326 days and 31 defenses after defeating PAC for the belt on Dynamite in October 2022. His first reign came to an end at All Out on September 3 of this year where he lost to Moxley in the pay-per-view main event.
The “Rated R Superstar” Adam Copeland will deliver his first promo in his new home on tonight’s AEW Dynamite Anniversary show as they celebrate four years as a company.
After making his surprise debut at WrestleDream, Copeland said that tonight, he will be “delivering the mission statement” for what his time in AEW will be. His first AEW match is scheduled for next Tuesday’s Dynamite.
Rey Fenix is scheduled to defend the International Championship against Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks in a rematch of one of the most critically acclaimed bouts in the history of Dynamite back in November 2019.
After never teaming before prior to last week’s Collision, Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega will pair up for the third time in five days as they face Sammy Guevara & Konosuke Takeshita.
Bullet Club Gold’s Jay White & Juice Robinson will also share some thoughts as part of tonight’s show.
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The 4 Year Anniversary of AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as we go backstage to Renee Paquette standing by with Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega. Paquette mentions 4 years ago they were on opposite sides of the ring and Jericho said it’s hard to believe now they are partners. Adam Copeland walks into the shot and said maple syrup should be flowing with how much Canadiana is here. Copeland said it’s always good to see Jericho, while Omega said Copeland’s debut had him “on the edge of his seat” and shook hands with Copeland saying if he needed anything, just ask.
Rey Fenix (w/Penta El Zero Miedo & Alex Abrahantes) defeated Nick Jackson (w/Matt Jackson) for the AEW International Title
(A rematch from the 8th episode of Dynamite where these two had an absolute classic. The second half of this match was excellent, but more was told this time around with Fenix selling of his back earlier on in the match. Jackson had his close near falls, but Fenix got the victory and really had to be checked on post match by Penta & Abrahantes. Excalibur did mention before the match started the theory of how the holder of the International title might just be snake bitten with injuries.)
A very evenly fast paced back and forth led to a series of strikes and near falls. Fenix tried a fireman’s carry, but crumbled, as his back gave out, with Penta & Abrahantes checking on him. Jackson zoned in and tried for a sunset bomb on the floor, Fenix countered into an arm drag. Jackson was dumped over the barricade, but Fenix missed a barricade walk kick and Jackson hit a hurricanrana off the railing. Jackson connected on a backstabber in the corner, but missed the follow up running boot on the apron, smacking the post instead. Fenix swept the leg and spiked Jackson on the apron leading to a commercial.
The match picked up speed once returning from picture in picture, as Jackson connected with two superkicks, but Fenix kipped up and both collided on high kicks into the double down. Fenix hit a rolling hurricanrana into a pin attempt, but Jackson tried to answer with his moonsault off the apron outside, tweaking his ankle in the process. Fenix tried a rolling cutter, but Jackson countered with a cutter of his own as they teased a double countout. Back inside, Jackson spiked Fenix with his slingshot face buster, as he signaled for a BTE Trigger, but Fenix put on the brakes. Both men showed off unreal agility as they pulled one another up to the top rope, as Jackson hit an avalanche cutter for two.
Jackson connected on a Poison Rana and bounce back Canadian Destroyer for another close near fall. Running knee strikes landed flush, as did the BTE Trigger to the back of the head, but Fenix again kicked out. Fenix blocked a superkick, hung it up in the ropes, hit a double stomp and Frog Splash for two. The spinning sole butt in the corner hit, but Jackson countered the Fire Thunder Driver into a roll up, which Fenix in turn countered for the flash pin.
-Footage of Adam Cole putting off his surgery to visit Roderick Strong at his home is shown. The audio for this was really bad, as Strong was still in his hospital gown and wheelchair with Matt Taven & Mike Bennett as they presented Cole with a scooter to play around with. Strong & Cole chased each other around Strong’s house as Taven pet a giraffe stuffed animal. Cole asked what the emergency was and it was moving furniture, which Cole did on his one leg. Strong said he loved what Cole did with the place, it’s unique just like Cole. Strong said Cole couldn’t leave just yet and still needs Cole’s help, ending the video. Again, this was funny, but the audio was awful.
Wardlow defeated Griff Garrison via TKO
A surprise return here, as a very serious Wardlow mowed down Garrison immediately with shoulders to the midsection and boots in the corner. Five powerbombs led to Paul Turner calling the match, as Wardlow left through the crowd. It should be noted, Wardlow didn’t play to the crowd at all while doing his powerbomb symphony.
**********
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Konosuke Takeshita & Don Callis, who said the AEW foundation has been shook to its core since Sammy Guevara pinned Chris Jericho at WrestleDream that the quack doctors wouldn’t clear Guevara tonight. Thanks to the recommendation of Will Ospreay, Callis has named Kyle Fletcher as Guevara’s replacement. Callis said no one remembers who wins the battles; they remember who wins the war, a war that Callis will win.
-Excalibur told us about the audio issues TBS had during the Adam Cole & Kingdom segment, so they re-aired it with corrected audio this time.
The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass defeated The Butcher, The Blade & Kip Sabian (w/Penelope Ford)
(I have no idea if this was actually for the Trios Titles, as this match was pretty much there for Excalibur to plug the matches upcoming for Title Tuesday next week. That included the addition of Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson and Rey Fenix vs. Jon Moxley 3 for the International Title.)
Butcher, Blade & Sabian tried to attack at the bell, but the brawl spilled outside, which allowed The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass to scissor in the ring as the match officially started. Butcher & Blade took the fight to Caster, as Sabian followed with a springboard moonsault to the floor on both Caster & Bowens heading to commercial.
Caster was isolated the entire break before Bowens made the hot tag immediately when they returned. The match broke down soon after, allowing Bowens to hit Scissor Me Timbers on Blade and a springboard Sabian with a superkick. Bowens & Caster hit their over the top slam on Sabian to get the win.
-The final installment of Toni Storm: Portrait of a Star is shown with Storm telling RJ City he doesn’t know what it’s like to live in the spotlight, something everyone tries to take away from you. Storm sits awake at night wonder if she still has it, as City breaks the news to Storm that she isn’t even old, as Storm realizes she’s timeless. This was absurd and I loved every second of it. We’re informed Timeless Toni Storm premieres tonight.
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Juice Robinson & The Gunns make their way to the ring after footage was shown of Switchblade Jay White being laid out last week, as speculation of who was responsible and who was wearing the familiar MJF devil mask. Austin Gunn said it was Story Time with the Bang Bang Gang and ran down MJF’s promo last week against White, saying the reason MJF jumped Switchblade last week was because he was scared. Robinson demanded MJF come to the ring if he’s a man.
MJF came to the stage, started an Ass Boys chant and called Robinson “Talentless Taint”, which Robinson replied he had a rock hard taint, something I can’t believe I just typed. MJF conducted a duel chant of the nicknames and rattled off a list of the horrible things he’s done in his AEW career, involving throwing Chris Jericho off a cage, whipped Cody Rhodes, injured kids during dodge ball and called Tony Khan a f’n mark. MJF didn’t attack tofu Jay White and challenged Bullet Club Gold to a Stockton Street Fight. MJF hit the ring and the heels bailed long enough for Switchblade Jay White to appear behind MJF and lay him out with a Blade Runner. The Bang Bang Gang stood over MJF as White left with the AEW World Title.
White took the microphone on stage and said the AEW Title on his shoulder felt nice. MJF’s cheap tricks won’t work with him and said he’s not fooling anyone when saying he wasn’t responsible for White’s attack. They know the real MJF, a dirty, pathetic, liar and a slimy, gutless, coward. AEW needs an Elite champion, something MJF is not and issued a challenge for November 18th at Full Gear for the AEW World Title. MJF accepted the challenge and the main event for Full Gear is set.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with HOOK & Orange Cassidy, who said they were close to winning their match at WrestleDream, but HOOK is still a great champion. HOOK said it was Cassidy who should be getting the title shot against Fenix next week instead of Moxley. Cassidy said yeah, but Moxley was champion for about 3 weeks, while Cassidy was champion for…11 months. Everyone stood there awkwardly eating chips, except Paquette, who Excalibur told us prefers ketchup chips.
(I was worried this would be a quick TV match, but luckily it went two commercial breaks, so we ended up in a very solid match. Similar to his showing at WrestleDream, I thought Kyle Fletcher was a standout in this and hope, if Mark Davis is out a lengthy time, continues to get shown on TV. The post match was the bigger story here, as Don Callis appears to have a new Family member and it will only benefit that man as a result.)
Callis joined commentary, as we’re informed Kyle Davis suffered an injury at the PPV and wishes him a quick recovery. Jericho & Omega made fast tags early to isolate Takeshita, who was dropped with a double suplex. Takeshita did a series of ducks of clothesline attempts and hit a Takeshita-line to gain control heading into commercial.
Right when they returned from break, Jericho hit the Lionsault on Fletcher and make the hot tag to Omega, who ran wild with Polish hammers. Fletcher in fact escaped You Can’t Escape, but Takeshita couldn’t say the same, as Omega hit the rolling fireman’s carry followed by a corner backstabber on Fletcher. Omega & Takeshtia traded shots until Fletcher blindsided Omega with a Snap Dragon. Takeshita & Fletcher traded Helluva Kicks and Blue Thunder Michinoku Drivers for a double two count. Omega fought off a Tombstone into a Snap Dragon, as a groggy Jericho made the tag, unloaded ten corner punches and corner hurricanrana on Fletcher. Takeshita flew in with a clothesline, Omega hit a pump knee and Fletcher hit multiple thrust kicks and brainbuster for a complete reset. Fletcher & Jericho had a striking battle until both colliding on a double clothesline, which led us to our second commercial break of the match.
Jericho had the Walls of Jericho locked on Fletcher and it took multiple Takeshita boots to break it up. Omega made the tag and had a slugfest with Fletcher, who held his own initially, but a knee lift, powerbomb and charging knee got two. Takeshita put a stop to a V-Trigger, but suffered a knee to the back and Snap Dragon. Fletcher tried a Michinoku Driver, but Omega shoved him into a Judas Effect, as he fell back into One Winged Angel for the win. Callis is screaming how Fletcher screwed him and his family.
As Callis was trash talking from the stage, Jericho & Omega were blindsided by Powerhouse Hobbs, as he laid out Jericho with spinebuster. Omega was tossed to the floor, viciously beaten down before being launched into the third row. Hobbs trapped Omega head first between a railing before heading back to the ring where Callis & Takeshita taped Omega to the ropes. Jericho tried saving Omega, but Hobbs cracked him in the ribs with a chair. Omega’s hand actually came free from the tape, so Hobbs & Takeshita held him while Callis gave a chair shot to the head. Excalibur informed us after the opening match, Nick Jackson had to be taken to the hospital, as Matt Jackson & Hangman Page left with him, so Omega didn’t have his Elite partners to save him.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with MJF in the trainer’s office and asks how he’s feeling when The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass walked in from behind. Caster started massaging MJF, who snapped and said he’s had enough of Caster tweeting and stalking him. Caster wanted a scissor, but MJF told him to get lost. MJF then called Adam Cole, but his message went to voicemail, as MJF looked dejected.
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-A vignette of Samoa Joe is shown saying he knows what it takes to be a champion and he’s very satisfied, as he’s been a champion every place he’s been. That lies the problem, saying he’s focused, hungry and while MJF earned his respect, everyone needs to realize when Joe is hungry, he’s going to eat.
“Timeless” Toni Storm defeated Skye Blue
(This was deemed the debut of “Timeless” Toni Storm, who continues to be one of my favorite characters in all of wrestling. She’s fully committed to this new character and I hope this ends up with her regaining the Women’s Title or even the TBS Title down the line. I think the evolution of this character is just getting going, I can’t wait for what’s next.)
The black and white screen is shown, as Storm got her Hollywood starlet entrance, as Taz said she’s timeless and going to live forever. Storm is so timeless she has no time to worry about how her makeup is smeared and wanted to shake hands with Blue, but instead hit a short arm lariat. After a few hair mares, Storm posed for the crowd before Blue shoved her down and Storm was insulted. Blue went up top, but was cut off and Storm hit a hip attack to the floor and literally threw it to commercial saying “we’ll be right back after these very, very important sponsors.”
Blue spun out of Storm Zero into a roll up for two and lit up Storm with forearms. Blue followed with a rising up knee and enzugiri before going to the top for a high cross body for another near fall. Storm slipped through Skye Fall and hit a sitout chokeslam bomb for two. Storm was insulted by the two count and ate a Blue thrust kick as a result. Storm answered with a snap German, posed in the corner saying she’s ready for her close-up, complete with a zoom in, before hitting Sweet Cheek Music and Storm Zero for the victory.
-Stokely Hathaway is backstage with Renee Paquette and informed Eddie Kingston, since he’s the commissioner of Ring of Honor, there will be a 4 Way on Rampage to determine who gets the next shot at the ROH World Title. Hathaway informed Kingston he will have to be on commentary for that match, as Ring of Honor needs a World Champion who smells like Tom Ford, not Burger King & Newports.
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Adam Copeland addresses All Elite Wrestling
Tony Schiavone welcomed Copeland to the ring to a massive ovation from the Stockton crowd. Copeland said Schiavone’s voice was the soundtrack to his childhood, but politely asked him to hit the bricks. Copeland said it was fun hearing chants of Adam, something he’s never heard before. Years ago he was told he’d never wrestle again, but it’s 2023 and he’s standing in an AEW ring. Copeland said the AEW World Title would sure look good around his waist and lists many first time matches he could have, including Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, Miro, Powerhouse Hobbs, Jay White & Juice Robinson. The main reason he’s in AEW is that he sat down with his family, asking if he should retire, which his daughter, Lyric, said he should go and have fun with Uncle Jay. Copeland calls Christian Cage to the ring and the TNT Champion obliges.
Copeland said for 40 years, they have been best friends, it’s why they got into professional wrestling. Copeland said he knows Cage wonders why he did what he did at WrestleDream and said he saw Cage standing over Sting, someone Cage idolized as a kid. Cage was Sting, while Copeland was Lex Luger growing up and he couldn’t stand by watching Cage Con-Chair-To Sting. Copeland said Nick Wayne & Luchasaurus will drop Cage like a bad habbit once they soak up all his wrestling knowledge. For the first time in over 20 years, it’s time for Copeland & Cage to team together again and face teams like FTR & The Young Bucks, showing people why they’re one of the greatest tag teams of all time. Copeland wants to end their careers as a tag team and show what they’re capable of.
Cage took the microphone, hugged Copeland and said “Go F Yourself” before walking off. Cage soaked in the boos from the crowd on the ramp and reminded Copeland of what he’ll be up against next week on Dynamite. Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne walked to the stage and had a stare down to end the show.
AEW Rampage 10/6/23
· Best Friends & The Hardys vs. Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker
· Kris Statlander & Hikaru Shida vs. Nyla Rose & Marina Shafir
· Johnny TV vs. Komander vs. Lince Dorado vs. Penta El Zero Miedo with the winner getting a ROH World Title shot
AEW Collision 10/7/23
· FTR defend the AEW Tag Team Titles against Ricky Starks & Big Bill
· “Timeless” Toni Storm takes on Kiera Hogan
AEW Dynamite: Title Tuesday 10/10/23
· Adam Copeland makes his AEW debut against Luchasaurus
· Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson for the #1 Contendership of the TNT Title
· Rey Fenix vs. Jon Moxley for the International Title
· Saraya defends the AEW Women’s Title against Hikaru Shida
Rey Fenix says he is working through an “old injury”.
In an Instagram post on Monday afternoon, Fenix wrote that despite the injury, he still plans on defending the ‘beautiful’ championship, as “a luchador does not give up”.
Here is Fenix’s full statement:
The international championship has been a big challenge.
The night I became champion, I left the arena with the championship in my hands and with an old injury bothering me again. My first defense was painful, it did not allow the pain to stop me and continue until the fight was over, this coming Wednesday will be my second defense and I am doing my best to enter that ring and retain the champion.
I will defend this beautiful championship in any situation, a Luchador does not give up, a Luchador will always leave everything in every battle. I am a real Luchador and the man of a thousand lives, nothing and no one is going to stop me.
Fenix unexpectedly became champion at Grand Slam when Jon Moxley suffered an injury during the match, causing Moxley to call an audible and give Fenix the victory. Fenix went on to defend the title at AEW Dynamite the following week, defeating Jeff Jarrett. Fenix will next defend the title on Wednesday, facing Nick Jackson.
Sunday’s AEW WrestleDream saw two wrestlers walk away injured while another injury has turned out to be part of a storyline.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed the following on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio recap show, available for subscribers via audio or video.
After a nasty bump on ringside steps courtesy of TNT Champion Christian Cage in the main event, Darby Allin had his right arm in a sling and was headed to a local hospital to have it looked at. As of this writing, no further update is available.
Allin eventually lost to Cage in the best two-of-three falls match that saw Nick Wayne turn on Allin and Adam “Edge” Copeland make his debut to assist Allin and Sting to close the event.
Mark Davis has a possible broken left wrist after taking a top rope splash from Cash Wheeler during the FTR vs. Aussie Open AEW Tag Team title match. Davis was favoring the wrist for the duration of the match, but gutted it out as his team eventually succumbed to the champions.
Tony Khan did not confirm the extent of the injury at the post-event press conference. Alvarez couldn’t confirm 100%, but said he had someone suggest to him that was the case.
Davis later tweeted he snapped his wrist:
sometimes you win em, sometimes you snap your wrist
On a positive note, the eventual pulling of AEW International Champion Rey Fenix during the four-way no. 1 contenders’ tag team match on the PPV was storyline according to Alvarez who first tweeted the news during the show.
Fenix deal was an injury angle to try to protect him for Wednesday given he's really banged up
Fenix was favoring his taped-up left shoulder during early spots in the match and eventually disappeared, leaving his brother Penta El Zero Miedo to fend for himself. He was eventually pinned by the Young Bucks who earned the future title shot. Fenix will defend his title against Nick Jackson on this Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Jon Moxley suffered a concussion during his match against Rey Fenix at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam.
On Wednesday night’s show, Moxley lost the AEW International Championship to Fenix. The title change wasn’t planned in advance but happened when Moxley called an audible after getting hurt.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Moxley’s injury happened early on in the match. Before the bell even rang, there was a spot where Fenix did a dive off the ramp and landed on Moxley’s head. Moxley was “rocked” by the spot.
Moxley continued with the match despite being hurt. The finish was Fenix pinning Moxley after hitting two Fenix Drivers. Though Moxley didn’t kick out, referee Rick Knox didn’t count the pin after the first piledriver. Fenix then hit another one and pinned Moxley.
Moxley was able to leave the ring under his own power following the match.
“The word was: seemed to be a mild concussion. And I guess he was doing a lot better later in the evening,” Bryan Alvarez said on Wrestling Observer Radio.
“He was okay backstage,” Dave Meltzer added. “Diagnosed as a mild concussion. And he was not hurt by either piledriver.”
Moxley had won the AEW International Championship from Orange Cassidy at All Out earlier this month.
Fenix defeated Jon Moxley to win the title at Wednesday’s Dynamite Grand Slam in Queens, New York City at Arthur Ashe Stadium after hitting Mox with two Black Fire Drivers.
The title change came after Moxley missed an avalanche Death Rider off the top rope, followed by Fenix hitting a swanton and a Black Fire Driver. In a strange sequence, Moxley appeared to be telling referee Rick Knox to count the pin even though the maneuver was not the planned finish for the match. Instead, Knox stopped his count at two even as both of Moxley’s shoulders were pinned to the mat.
Fenix then hit a second Black Fire Driver, and this time Knox counted the pin. In the aftermath of the bout, medical personnel attended to Moxley in the ring. It was later noted on commentary that Moxley walked out of the arena under his own power. It remains unclear if an injury to Moxley forced an early finish to the title bout.
The title win kicks off Fenix’s first singles title reign in AEW after holding the World Tag Team and World Trios titles one time each.
Moxley’s International title reign ends at 17 days and three successful defenses.
On today’s media call, Tony Khan spoke of a change in the card that he wouldn’t go into likely because it would involve a storyline.
Multiple sources have noted that Rey Fenix is trying to establish residency in the United States and for that reason, has not left the country of late. It was noted to us that the reason he didn’t go to Triplemania and drop the Latin American title is for that reason, and he was instead stripped of both that title and the AAA cruiserweight title.
It’s not clear when the promotion found out that Fenix wouldn’t be able to go. Obviously when they put the show together the belief was he would be available.
Fenix is wrestling Jon Moxley tomorrow night on Dynamite in Duluth, Georgia. One would expect something storyline related to come out of this match unless somehow his not being available was able to be fixed at the last minute, but multiple sources did say as of earlier this week he was off the show.
In checking on potential replacements, Bandido was touch-and-go but badly wanted to be on this show. He just got the pin removed from his broken wrist yesterday so it would be early, but not impossible.
El Hijo del Vikingo pulled out of his GCW dates this past weekend because he’s banged up but also would be available for a show at this level.
Fenix was scheduled to team with Eddie Kingston, Penta El Zero Miedo, Orange Cassidy, Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and three mystery partners in a Stadium Stampede match at Sunday’s pay-per-view in London.
Jon Moxley vs. Rey Fenix is set for Wednesday’s Fyter Fest edition of AEW Dynamite.
The Blackpool Combat Club have been feuding with both Best Friends and the Lucha Brothers in recent weeks. As a result, Moxley will wrestle Fenix ahead of their Stadium Stampede match at All In which will see the BCC and three mystery opponents against Fenix, Penta El Zero Miedo, Best Friends, Orange Cassidy & Eddie Kingston.
The Elite (Kenny Omega & the Young Bucks) will also be in action as they will take on Juice Robinson and The Gunns.
On this past week’s Dynamite, Robinson and Jay White jumped Omega as he was giving a sitdown interview with Jim Ross. Later in the show, the Young Bucks were attacked by Robinson and White after they defeated The Gunns, which led to their All In opponents, FTR, making the save.
The ROH Tag Team titles will also be on the line with Aussie Open defending against The Hardys.
After Aussie Open retained the titles on Rampage against Brother Zay and Ethan Page, a video was shown of the Hardys congratulating Aussie Open and challenging them to a title match.
Other matches announced for Fyter Fest include Skye Blue vs. Ruby Soho and Swerve Strickland & AR Fox teaming together to take on Darby Allin & Nick Wayne.
In addition, Renee Paquette will speak to both Adam Cole and MJF. Jack Perry will retire the FTW Championship, and Chris Jericho & Will Ospreay will hold a contract signing ahead of their match at All In.
Here is everything announced for Wednesday’s Dynamite:
Jon Moxley vs. Rey Fenix
The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) vs. Juice Robinson & The Gunns
Skye Blue vs. Ruby Soho
Swerve Strickland & AR Fox vs. Darby Allin & Nick Wayne
ROH World Tag Team titles: Aussie Open vs. The Hardys
Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage has several featured matches including a first time ever clash between lucha stars and a heated women’s tag team main event.
In the show’s opener, Rey Fenix will take on Komander. While they have shared the ring before, it’s the first ever singles meeting between the two high flyers.
AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida will team with Skye Blue to take on The Outcasts’ Toni Storm & Ruby Soho ahead of the four-way title match at All In that features both Shida and Storm.
One of the other participants — Britt Baker — will be on hand to share some thoughts about the All In match.
Ahead of their anticipated title defense against MJF & Adam Cole at All In, ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open will defend the titles against Ethan Page & Brother Zay.
After coming out to defend Chris Jericho on Wednesday’s Dynamite, Sammy Guevara will take on Jon Cruz.
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Taped in Nashville, TN.
Excalibur & Tony Schiavone were on commentary.
Rey Fenix (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Komander (12:57)
This is the first time meeting between these two high flying luchadors.
Both men did some matwork and exchanged cradles for pinfall attempts to start. Komander got a very close nearfall with his version of the seatbelt. Fenix sent Komander over the top with a hip toss. Komander caught Fenix with a tope on the floor, but Fenix came back with a double stomp off the top to get a near fall.
Fenix worked over Komander for most of the split-screen break. After the break, Komander fought out of a suplex attempt and chopped Fenix down. Komander took Fenix down with a tijeras, then Fenix caught him with a superkick. Fenix went for a tiger driver, but Komander countered with a rana and he drove Fenix down into the mat headfirst for a near fall. Fenix followed up with a lung blower for another near fall.
Komander got a little too cute for his own good and Fenix caught him with a rolling cutter for a near fall. Jon Moxley and Claudio Castignoli were shown watching the match backstage. Well, we think that’s what they were watching because they were standing like normal people in front of the TV, not beside it.
Fenix had Komander up in a fireman’s carry, but Fenix spiked him down with a crucifix driver for a near fall. Fenix came back with a hook kick and both guys were down and the crowd is really getting into things now.
Both men exchanged elbows and forearms as the worked their way back to their feet. Fenix climb to the top, but Komander shoved him to the mat, then came off the top with a springboard destroyer. Komander hit a ropewalk shooting star press for a near fall. Komander went for a 450 splash that missed. Fenix the hit the fire thunder driver and nearly got the pinfall in a fantastic near fall. The crowd and commentarts were shaken. Fenix finished Komander with a spinning muscle buster into a cradle and got the pinfall.
“The winner of this incredible battle, Ray Fenix.” No kidding Justin Roberts.
– Dr. Britt Baker bragged to Renee Paquette about all her accolades. Baker was at the first All In, was the first woman signed to AEW, and will win the AEW Women’s World Championship again at all in.
– Clips of QT Marshall winning matches and championships in AAA were shown. Johnny TV was then shown driving with his tiny dog, which has to be a moving violation.
Aussie Open vs. Ethan Page defeated Brother Zay to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championship (8:15 aired)
If Page and Zay win, they will move onto Zero Hour to defend the ROH Tag Team Titles at Zero Hour before All In.
Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher jumped the challengers from behind. That’s not very honorable. Page was knocked to the floor and Zay was double-teamed in the Aussie Open corner. Zay took Fletcher down with a rana, then hit Davis with an enziguri and got the hot tag to Page. Page clotheslined Davis to the floor, and Zay hit both members of Aussie Open with a dive on the floor.
Back in the ring, Page hit Fletcher with a powerslam for a near fall. Fletcher and Davis came back by slamming Page and Zay back’s into each other. The Aussies worked over Page during the split-screen break.
After the break, Page hit Fletcher with a sheer drop brainbuster and got the tag to Zay. Zay sent Davis to the floor with a cutter, hit him with an Asai moonsault, and then sprung back into the ring with a crossbody on Fletcher for a near fall. Zay went for a Swanton bomb, but Fletcher got his knees up. Fletcher hit a superkick, then hit a cutter off the middle rope for a near fall. Page came in and ate a double-superkick for his trouble. Stereo lariants and the Coriolis finished off Zay pretty definitively.
After the match, Aussie Open cut an in-ring promo on Adam Page and MJF. Fletcher called MJF a horrible person and Cole a piece of trash. And, they’ll never hit a kangaroo kick in their lives. Ever!
– A promo for the Righteous. They’ve run roughshod over ROH and are heading to AEW.
– From the Hardy compound, Matt and Jeff challenged Aussie Open for the ROH World Tag Team Championship on Dynamite Wednesday. If they win, they’ll defend the “Ring of Hardy” tag team titles against Adam Page & MJF at Zero Hour.
Sammy Guevara defeated Jon Cruz (1:35)
Guevera is now firmly a babyface again. Guevara won a quick squash with the GTH.
– Nyla Rose would like to remind everyone that she is the Native Beast.
TV Rundown:
Collision: Willow Nightingale will take on Diamante. Powerhouse Hobbs will “be in action” (wrestle a squash), Miro, Ricky Starks, and FTR will have interview segments, and Christian Cage will face Darby Allin. Wow that’s not much of a line up. I guess it’s hard to put together a show when you’re not sure who’s allowed in the building.
Dynamite (which is also Fyter Fest): Jon Moxley vs. Ray Fenix, Aussie Open v. The Hardys for the ROH Tag Team Titles. The Elite will face Juice Robinson & The Gunns. Jack Perry will retire the FTW Title. Also announced: Swerve Strickland & AR Fox vs. Darby Allin & Nick Wayne, Skye Blue v. Ruby Soho, and interviews with Adam Cole, MJF, The Young Bucks and FTR. And they’ll be a contract signing with Chris Jericho and Will Osprey. Wow that’s pretty loaded.
AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue vs. Toni Storm & Ruby Soho (w/ Saraya)
The Outcasts jumped the babyfaces to start, and it settled down to Blue and Soho in the ring. Blue went to the top, but Storm distracted her and Soho took her down. The heels took turns working over Blue in the corner. Referee Bryce Remsburg kept chastising the Outcasts for their constant rule-breaking, prompting Saraya to shout “stop yelling at them, Bryce!” That was funny. Storm hit the hip attack to send Blue crashing to the floor.
The heels worked over Blue during the split-screen break because that’s always what the heels do during the split screen break. And then just as the break ended, Blue got the hot tag to Shida. Shida hit Storm with a forearm and Soho with an enziguri. Shida picked up Soho in a torture rack and dropped her face first to the mat. Shida kicked Soho in the head, Storm suplexed Shida, Blue caught Storm with an enziguri, Soho suplexed Storm and everybody was down.
Shida hit Soho with a knee strike and Blue hit the Code Blue for a near fall. Saraya slid the Soho the spray paint, and Blue caught a facefull of spray paint. Storm hit the hip attack for another near fall, broken up by Shida. Shida and Storm exchanged forearms in the ring, Saraya tripped up Shida, allowing Storm to hit a high kick. The Outcasts went for a double team powerbomb, but Blue took out Storm with a kick. Soho went for No Future, but Shida countered with a cradle and got the pinfall.
After the match, the Outcasts jumped Shida and Blue. Dr. Britt Baker came out to even the odds, and all six women were braling in and around the ring. The gaggle of officials struggled to separate everyone as the show ended.
Final Thoughts:
You can probably figure on a Shida/Blue/Baker v. Outcast match sometime next week before All In.
The opener was great and the Aussie Open tag was pretty fun too. There was nothing wrong with this hour of wrestling.
The following are spoilers for this Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage which was filmed in Nashville, Tennessee, following Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite.
In a rarity, no matches were announced or the show while Dynamite was on the air.
Additionally, Ring of Honor matches were taped after Rampage which is also a rarity. Matches featured several wrestlers that were in the news this week including Ryan Nemeth and Christopher Daniels.
AEW Rampage:
Rey Fenix defeated Komander
ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) defeated Ethan Page & Brother Zay to retain the titles
Sammy Guevara defeated Jon Cruz
AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida & Skye Blue defeated Ruby Soho & Toni Storm. After the match, the heels attacked Shida which brought out Britt Baker which led to a pull-apart brawl between the four women in the title match at All In.
Ring of Honor:
ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli defeated Ryan Nemeth
Nemeth came out with a mic in hand, welcoming everyone to “Hunk Appreciation Night.” He said he would fight anyone, even a world champion.
Castagnoli came out and Nemeth wasn’t interested. The match happened anyway and after 30+ giant swings and an uppercut, Castagnoli got the pin. Afterward, he said to the camera, “Careful what you wish for. Just because you don’t see me, doesn’t mean I’m not there.”
Dark Order (John Silver, Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds) defeated Dalton Castle and The Boys
Emi Sakura defeated Alice Crowley
Blake Christian defeated Brandon Cutler (w/ Colt Cabana)
Marina Shafir defeated Angelica Risk
NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Christopher Daniels to retain the title
Notes:
The Fenix vs. Komander match was the first time they have ever had a singles match. They have been on the same side of two eight-man tag team matches before. Several fans in attendance raved about the match on Twitter.
In the lone dark match before Dynamite, Matt Sydal defeated Serpentico.
As was the case Wednesday, Friday’s show will also be a Fight for the Fallen edition in an effort to benefit the Maui (Hawaii) Food Bank.
