Daily Update: Seth Rollins, Tony Khan, Ricochet

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

  • Running down AEW Dynasty, controversy over the finish, where the angles look to be going, Young Bucks return, what the PPV number says and what to learn from it, long-term, Chris Jericho update, Why the show was long, Swerve vs. Booker and match-by-match rundowns.
  • Update on the Mania card, what matches are on what night, what is up in the air on the card, length, odds, Kevin Owens injury, Paul Heyman angle, Flair vs Stratton and Stand & Deliver, ticket demand and more.
  • New Japan Sakura Geneis report, angles at the show, Best of the Super Juniors and Windy City Riot.
  • Update on the legal strategy of WWE, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon regarding the ringboys lawsuit.
  • El Hijo del Santo’s possible last match in Mexico City
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling shows, including comparisons with a year ago quarters, demos, placings and competition.
  • Fantastica Mania Mexico
  • Arena Mexico hosting tournament of champions
  • Mina Shirakawa leves Stardom
  • Dragon Gate in Las Vegas
  • Lots of Las Vegas lineups for this coming week
  • Champion Carnival in All Japan begins
  • Junior Sakura Geneis thoughts
  • Anniversary of a legendary match
  • Advance ticket sales to the major WWE & AEW & Las Vegas wrestling events
  • Injury updates
  • Ospreay on Owen Hart
  • Aaron Pico signs with UFC
  • Major 2010 feud rematch falls apart
  • Lex Luger Hall of Fame notes
  • Legacy Hall of Fame notes

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • Ahead of WrestleMania, Peter Rosenberg interviewed Paul “Triple H” Levesque for more than an hour. The video can be watched on WWE’s YouTube channel.
  • In an interview with Undisputed, Damian Priest credited Levesque for helping him become a locker room leader in NXT after signing with WWE:
    • Triple H had faith in me. He put me in a leadership position when I came in. When something was going wrong and we’d have these all-in meetings, he’d say, ‘Let the talent handle this.’ And he’d say, ‘Priest, be the one who talks.’ This was the Adam Cole, Undisputed Era, and there were a lot of stars here. I felt honored.
  • Priest and The Miz rewatched their tag match from WrestleMania 37 where Priest & Bad Bunny defeated The Miz & John Morrison.
  • WWE uploaded a director’s cut version of Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes from WrestleMania 40.
  • The company also posted a Build to WrestleMania video focused on Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins.
  • On the Outta Pocket podcast with former NFL player Robert Griffin III, Rollins said he thinks Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair going off script in their promos is the best thing that could have happened to build anticipation for their WrestleMania match
    • Gosh, that’s a tough one because I do have some opinions about it, but they’re sort of – how do I say this, I think no matter what, it’s a collaboration in my opinion. It should always be a collaboration.
    • And, look, I’ve been out there in the ring with people who I didn’t like. You’ve worked with – I’m sure – played with people that you did not like. But there’s a certain respect that you share and a communication that should happen and an understanding.
    • You know, one of my favorite people in the world is John Cena. And John always told me whenever we would cut a promo together, ‘You say whatever you want out there. We’re on TV. It’s fair game. Anything you want. My skin is thick.’ And in our industry, you have to be able to do that. You have to be able to have a thick skin. Because we are in the conflict business, and the best conflict that we can sell is real-life conflict. Because our audience is so smart, they can sniff things out from a mile away.
    • So in my opinion, what happened on last Friday I guess it would be, was the best thing that could have happened for their story. Because we’re on this podcast talking about it right now. And had it not happened, we wouldn’t even be thinking about it at all. So in my opinion, the direction it went, it’s going to help bolster their match leading into WrestleMania.
    • Now, can we get both of them to come together and work together? TBD. We’ll see. I don’t know. We’ll see what happens. And like I said, I’ve been in the ring with people and I’ve been in promos with people that I didn’t like, but there’s always an understanding of what lines to cross. And, look, if you’re going to break that agreement, then you need to be prepared for what comes back at you. And I’ll just leave it at that.
  • WWE announced that exclusive Travis Scott merchandise and trading cards will be available for sale at WWE World in Las Vegas tomorrow.
  • Charlotte Flair paid tribute to Nickie Booshie, a wrestling fan who recently passed away:
    • Last week, someone very dear to me passed away. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to build meaningful and cherished relationships with many of my fans—Nickie Booshie was one of them. Even though I’ve been seen as a real-life hero to some, it was Nickie who showed me what unwavering support, encouragement, and fearless love truly looked like. Nickie reminded me why I love what I do so deeply. Nickie, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart and in our wrestling community. You will be missed beyond words. Rest in peace, my friend.
  • Tiffany Stratton & Nia Jax joined Sheamus on this week’s episode of Celtic Warrior Workouts.
  • Gorilla Position interviewed LA Knight.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • The Hollywood Reporter published a story on AEW Dynamite passing WCW Nitro as the longest-running prime time wrestling series on TBS/TNT with tonight’s Spring BreakThru episode.
  • Tony Khan told the Hollywood Reporter that it’s been a seamless transition with Dynamite and Collision now simulcast on Max: “The technology has been great. The Max stream looks great.”
  • Khan also said he could see AEW going to 10 pay-per-views per year in the future, but he thinks nine is a “great number” for now.
  • MJF tweeted:
    • What Nitro was able to achieve changed wrestling. I’m proud of the fact that like Nitro (but longer [winking face emoji]) Dynamite has managed to give both fans (from an entertainment standpoint) and professional wrestlers (from a fiscal standpoint) an alternative. And to think none of this would be possible without me carrying the company solely on my back for all these years…You’re truly welcome.
  • On X/Twitter, Ricochet responded to comments that WWE’s Nick Khan made about AEW in his interview with Bill Simmons. Ricochet tweeted: “Oh man, these guys f*cking suck.”
  • This is the Nick Khan quote that Ricochet was responding to:
    • In terms of the other wrestling promotional company, they have a lot of talented wrestlers and we’re happy about that. When, contractually, they are available to talk to and have conversations with, assume a number of them will come over. 
    • Nothing but respect to the father who finances it and owns the Jaguars and all those other things.
  • TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich will defend her title against Miu Watanabe at Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling’s show in Las Vegas this Friday.
  • SHAK Wrestling and The Mark Hoke Show interviewed Josh Barnett in advance of this Thursday’s Bloodsport event.

Ricochet misses AEW Dynamite, gets married to Samantha Irvin

Image: AEW

This story has been updated.

Even with a big title match coming up in less than two weeks time, Ricochet skipped this week’s AEW Dynamite for a better reason: his wedding.

Appearing via video Wednesday, one of the two top challengers to reigning AEW International Champion Kenny Omega said he wasn’t on the show due to his wedding to former WWE ring announcer and current free agent Samantha Irvin.

The wedding was indeed Wednesday night with some videos making their way to social media Thursday:

Of the pictures that made their way out, WWE’s Karrion Kross and Scarlett were in attendance:

The video on Dynamite (seen below) aired following Omega’s show-opening win over Blake Christian and also while “Speedball” Mike Bailey was in the ring afterward. Ricochet and Bailey will challenge Omega in a three-way title match at AEW Dynasty on Sunday, April 6th.

Ricochet said he was preparing for the best day of his life: that was until April 6th when he shows everyone that he is out of this world.

He and Irvin got engaged in January 2023 when they were both in WWE. Five months ago, he said Irvin wasn’t going to AEW while Irvin said two months ago that she would definitely be back in wrestling at some point.

Kenny Omega to defend International title in three-way at AEW Dynasty

AEW International Champion Kenny Omega won’t just have one contender to defend against at next month’s AEW Dynasty pay-per-view, but two.

That’s because both Ricochet and new roster member “Speedball” Mike Bailey both qualified during Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite by virtue of a double pin on Mark Davis.

Bailey, Davis, Ricochet and Orange Cassidy were competing in a four-way that represented the finals of a eight-man eliminator tournament designed to give Omega his next challenger.

Bailey had Davis pinned with a backslide out of the corner when Ricochet jumped in to try and steal the pin but with his feet on the ropes. As both men argued their case following the referee counting three, the referee declared that it was a double pin and both men would move on to face Omega.

Omega won the title for the first time at this month’s Revolution by defeating rival Konosuke Takeshita.

Here’s the current card for the Sunday, April 6th event from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Swerve Strickland
  • AEW International Champion Kenny Omega defends against Ricochet and Mike Bailey in a three-way

Ricochet announced for Chris Bey indie benefit show

The Future Stars of Wrestling promotion has announced Ricochet for its fundraiser to benefit Chris Bey next week.

On Sunday, March 23, FSW Mecca X: Beynefit for Bey will take place at the FSW Arena in Las Vegas. The show will raise money for the former TNA X-Division and Tag Team Champion, who is recovering from a serious neck injury suffered at a TV taping in October 2024.

Last month, Bey provided an update on his condition, stating that he is able to walk again after initially being paralyzed. He returned home two months after the accident.

“I’m so grateful to be alive,” Bey wrote in a social media post last month. “I don’t know what my purpose is, but I know there’s something meant for me to do. For now, I just hope to continue to heal as my body is still in a lot of pain. It’s going to be a long road, but I will not give up. This will be the Greatest Story Ever Told. I love you all.”

Several wrestlers from major promotions will be participating in FSW’s fundraiser. WWE’s Karrion Kross is set to face Hammerstone on the show, while AEW’s Swerve Strickland will wrestle Kenny King. AEW’s Johnny TV, Lio Rush, and Brian Cage are also scheduled to compete. Bey’s ABC tag team partner Ace Austin, TNA’s Frankie Kazarian, as well as NJPW’s TJP, have been confirmed for the event.

The show will air live on TrillerTV.

FSW Mecca X: Beynefit for Bey lineup for Sunday, March 23, 2025:

  • Kenny King vs. Swerve Strickland
  • Hammerstone vs. Karrion Kross
  • John Morrison vs. Lio Rush vs. Ace Austin
  • Scramble Match: TJP vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Gregory Sharpe vs. Danny Limelight vs. Ice Williams
  • Brian Cage vs. Rich Swann
  • Also announced: Ricochet, The Rascalz, Rhyno, and a special appearance by Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes

International title eliminator tournament finals set for AEW Dynamite

The match to determine Kenny Omega’s next International title contender is set.

On Collision, Mark Davis and Ricochet advanced to the finals after winning qualifying matches on Saturday. They will join Orange Cassidy and Speedball Mike Bailey on this coming Wednesday’s Dynamite where the winner will face Kenny Omega for the International title at AEW Dynasty on April 21.

Ricochet opened Collision by pinning Katsuyori Shibata after Shibata missed a penalty kick, allowing Ricochet to roll him up and use the ropes for leverage. In the other qualifying match,  Davis defeated Briscoe with the help of Lance Archer and Brian Cage. Archer took the referee as Cage knocked Briscoe off the top rope, allowing Davis to plant Briscoe with a piledriver to advance.

A new match between Megan Bayne and Kris Statlander was also announced for this coming Wednesday. Bayne continued her assault on AEW’s women’s division on Collision, attacking Thunder Rosa as she was cutting a promo. Despite the attack, Rosa decided to compete against Bayne anyway later in the night, coming up short.

The lineup for the Wednesday, March 19 AEW Dynamite:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope in a street fight
  • AEW International title eliminator four-way: Mike Bailey vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Mark Davis vs. Ricochet
  • Megan Bayne vs. Kris Statlander
  • Mercedes Mone vs. Billie Starkz

AEW Collision live results: International title eliminator tournament continues

The eight-man tournament to determine who faces AEW International Champion Kenny Omega at April’s Dynasty continues on tonight’s live AEW Collision from Las Vegas, Nevada.

The featured bout will pit former Ring of Honor Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata against Ricochet. The latter was defeated by Swerve Strickland at last Sunday’s Revolution while Shibata has been teaming with The Opps as of late.

The other bout will see former Ring of Honor World Champion Mark Briscoe against Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family. Davis was involved heavily in the Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher cage match last Sunday while Briscoe was in tag team action on the pre-show.

In a rematch from last week, former AEW Tag Team Champions FTR will look to go 1-1 against Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong of the Undisputed Kingdom.

The main card is rounded out by former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa going heads-up against the surging Megan Bayne.

**********

We’re on the short track to Dynasty, with this week’s Collision stopping at The Virgin Hotels Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. Collision started with words from the International Title Tournament competitors, The Undisputed Kingdom, & FTR. Sir Elton John kicked off the show properly, and Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness were on the call as always.

International Title Eliminator Tournament Match – Ricochet defeated Katsuyori Shibata

This was a solid opener with good energy to kick off the show. Ricochet gets a nice win to bounce back after his loss at Revolution.

The winner of this match joins Orange Cassidy & Mike Bailey in Wednesday’s four-way tournament final. Despite both men spending several years in New Japan Pro Wrestling, this is the first time these two have met in a singles match, and only the second time they’ve ever shared a ring together.

Shibata, who called Ricochet “baldie” in his cold open comments, scored the first strike with a shot to the leg. Ricochet took the upper hand with a springboard clothesline before throwing Shibata around on the floor. Ricochet landed a standing moonsault for a nearfall as we went to a commercial break.

The two men were trading strikes as we came back from the commercial, with Ricochet dropping Shibata with a dropkick. Ricochet sat with Shibata and tried to hurt him with strikes, but Shibata put on the Iron Claw – as taught to him by the Von Erichs – before smacking Ricochet on his bald head. Shibata followed with a suplex for a nearfall.

The two men traded suplexes before Shibata caught a flying Ricochet and put him in an STF that forced Ricochet into the ropes. Ricochet picked Shibata up and hit the Benadryller and a Lionsault for a nearfall, then hit a standing Shooting Star Press for another nearfall. Shibata locked on a sleeper hold, and after kicking out of a stacked pin, hit an Ushigoroshi in honor of his long-time friend and IWGP World Champion Hirooki Goto. Ricochet ducked the Penalty Kick and rolled Shibata up, then put his feet on the ropes as the referee was counting to score the tainted win.

During this match, it was announced that there would be special Slam Dunk Saturday and Slam Dunk Sunday editions of Collision coming on immediately after next weekend’s college basketball coverage on TNT.

After a recap of Dynamite, The Don Callis Family killed some extras in the back.

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm was backstage, ready to collide with Megan Bayne. She called out Bayne, as well as anyone else who wanted to challenge her for her title.

Powerhouse Hobbs defeated Griff Garrison (w/ The Frat House)

Hobbs walked out through the crowd. The Frat House is ROH’s newest stable, featuring Garrison, Preston Vance, & Jacked Jameson. Hobbs bumped all three of them and beat Garrison with a main event spinebuster. Vance and Jameson circled Hobbs, but The Outrunners came out to run them off.

Lexy Nair’s guest at this time was Thunder Rosa. Rosa was tired of Megan Bayne’s disrespect before getting jumped by Bayne and laid out in the back.

International Title Eliminator Tournament Match – Mark Davis defeated Mark Briscoe

A surprising result here, as Mark Davis gets the win with some Callis Family assistance. Since Omega took the title from a Callis Family member, I wouldn’t write off Davis as a potential challenger, although that wouldn’t exactly be a marquee matchup.

The winner of this match joins Orange Cassidy, Mike Bailey, & Ricochet in Wednesday’s four-way tournament final.

Briscoe used his redneck kung-fu to get the jump on Davis, but Davis came back with a big back body drop. Briscoe ripped Davis over the ropes, then followed him to the floor with a dive. Briscoe sent Davis into the post, then launched himself off of a chair into Davis on the floor as we went to a commercial break.

We came back to Briscoe biting Davis off of the top rope before landing a missile dropkick. Briscoe and Davis hammered each other with chops, but Davis wouldn’t drop after repeated lariats. Davis caught Briscoe with a Tiger Suplex and a running knee for a nearfall. Davis followed Briscoe to the floor, but Briscoe caught him with a running blockbuster off the apron. Briscoe then climbed the guardrail and hit a Cactus Elbow.

Briscoe hit a lariat and a Fisherman’s Buster for a nearfall. Davis backdropped out of a Jay Driller attempt before snatching Briscoe up in a piledriver for a nearfall. Briscoe smacked Davis off the top rope into a Death Valley Driver. Briscoe went up for the Froggy Bow, but the Murder Machines came out. Archer took the referee as Cage knocked Briscoe off the top rope into a boot from Davis. Davis hit his pendulum piledriver for the win.

The Murder Machines defeated multiple victims

After a commercial, The Murder Machines dragged four corpses to the ring and killed them all. I don’t even know which ones were in the match, and none of them got names. They pinned one with the chokebomb. They continued killing before Mark Briscoe came out for revenge after the last match. Powerhouse Hobbs came out to help, brawling with Archer to the back as Briscoe and Cage brawled through the crowd to the back.

Swerve Strickland Town Hall

Swerve Strickland came out to address the crowd. He recapped his last week, noting that Prince Nana was at home safeguarding the Embassy robe. He reminded everyone that he won the AEW World Title at Dynasty last year, reigning as champion for four months, and that he’ll be challenging for the World Title at Dynasty this year in a nice coincidence.

Strickland talked about his relationship with Cope, as a professional inspiration and as someone whose helped him to become more dangerous over the years. Strickland said that he would run through him if he was in his way, as champion or challenger. Strickland then talked about Jon Moxley, putting him over for being a four-time World Champion but noting his complete desperation to stay on top. Strickland said to catch a maniac, you had to send a maniac, and Strickland promised to take the World Title back at Dynasty.

Jon Moxley made his way through the crowd and dropped Strickland with a crowbar. Moxley laid Strickland out with a Curb Stomp before leaving through the crowd. The camera followed him outside, with Moxley saying that he was tired of people like Strickland and Jay White trying to close him into a corner. Moxley said that on Dynamite, Cope was a dead man.

Hologram & Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin) defeated Shane Taylor Promotions (Lee Moriarty, Shawn Dean, & Carlie Bravo)

There was a lot going on here.

The announcers said that this was a stand-by match. Lio Rush & Action Andretti, now known as The Cru came out to watch the match from the stage. Harleygram was also watching from backstage. Hologram and Moriarty started on the mat before Dante Martin and Dean tagged in. Andretti got in Dante’s face, allowing Dean to score with a suplex as we went into the commercial.

After the break, STP had Dante isolated. In the back, The Beast Mortos found Harleygram and stared her down. Can’t blame him. We got a sight of Dralistico on Spanish commentary before Dante tagged in his brother. Darius ran wild before Dean and Bravo double teamed him. The match broke down into a Pier Six brawl before Top Flight got the win with a shotgun dropkick into a German Suplex. Top Flight stared down The Cru at ringside as Hologram stared down Dralistico at the Spanish commentary desk.

In a voiceover promo, Alex Abrahantes challenged La Faccion Ingobernable to a tag team match on behalf of Hologram & Komander.

Megan Bayne defeated Thunder Rosa

Bayne is getting the Monster of the Month treatment here, leaving everyone laid out. She’s been fine, but I wouldn’t call her impressive in her outings so far.

Thunder Rosa came out with her ribs taped after the attack by Bayne earlier tonight. Rosa came out firing, hammering Bayne with chops before Bayne dropped her with a shoulder block. Rosa fought off a charging Bayne in the corner, but Bayne caught her and dumped her with an overhead throw. Bayne booted Rosa off of the apron as we went to a commercial.

Bayne and Rosa were hammering each other with strikes as we came back from the break. Rosa sent Bayne into the corner, then knocked her down with a shotgun dropkick. Rosa sent herself and Bayne to the floor with a seated dropkick against the ropes. Rosa sent Bayne off the post and the stairs. They brawled onto the ramp, where Bayne dropped Rosa with the F-5.

Bayne got back into the ring to take the countout, but Rosa beat the count. Bayne hit her with another F-5 to score the win over the former AEW Women’s World Champion. After the match, Bayne put Rosa in an Argentine Backbreaker when Toni Storm came out to make the save. Bayne dropped Storm with the F-5 as well, leaving the champion laid out as referees and Kris Statlander came out to ward her off.

The announcers ran down the card for next week’s Dynamite, now featuring Megan Bayne vs. Kris Statlander. A TNT Title Match was announced for Slam Dunk Saturday, as Daniel Garcia vs. Adam Cole was booked with everyone banned from ringside. Hologram & Komander vs. The Beast Mortos & Dralistico was announced for Slam Dunk Sunday.

FTR (w/Daniel Garcia) defeated The Undisputed Kingdom (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) (w/Adam Cole)

I love this tag team match serving as a build of sorts for the TNT Title match next Saturday. That’s why I’m always in favor of singles stars having tag partners or associates for reasons. This match started out roughly, with Strong and Wheeler on different pages, but they rounded into form and pulled together a quality main event. FTR continuing to refuse handshakes is a point of interest here, even with Garcia shaking Cole’s hand.

Garcia and Cole joined the commentary desk, in support of their respective trios partners. O’Reilly and Harwood started, with O’Reilly forcing Harwood to the ropes while attempting an ankle lock. Wheeler tagged in but got isolated in the Kingdom corner. Strong and Wheeler kept whipping each other into the ropes, leading to Wheeler dumping Strong on the ropes and isolating him for a short while.

Strong dumped Wheeler to the floor, but Wheeler came back in to distract the referee on a tag, keeping Strong in the ring. Wires got crossed on a Hart Attack attempt, but FTR eventually got it as we went to a commercial. After the break, Strong dropped Harwood with an Olympic Slam to get the tag into O’Reilly. O’Reilly immediately got Wheeler in an ankle lock, then dropped Harwood with a side suplex when he tried to break it up.

O’Reilly hooked Wheeler in the ankle lock again, with Strong locking Harwood in an ankle lock on the apron. Harwood shoved Strong into the post before breaking up the ankle lock with a diving headbutt. An FTR Doomsday Device was cut off by O’Reilly, but FTR got him in position for the Steiner Brother Bulldog for a nearfall. Strong cut off a Shatter Machine, then drilled him with a jumping knee for a nearfall.

The match broke down into a Pier Six brawl, with the Kingdom hitting the Total Elimination for a nearfall broken up by Wheeler. Harwood’s chest was bleeding as the four men got up and swung. FTR scored with the Shatter Machine on Strong, but O’Reilly pulled Harwood off the cover. Wheeler dove onto O’Reilly, but Harwood’s second cover only got a nearfall as the referee saw Strong’s foot on the ropes this time.

The ring announcer made the fifteen-minute call, as five minutes remained in the time limit. FTR went for the PowerPlex, but Strong got his knees up on the splash and rolled him up for a nearfall. The Total Elimination got cut off, and FTR hit a second Shatter Machine to score the win. Both Cole and Garcia went to the ring to help their friends and ended up staring each other down. Cole & Garcia shook hands, but when FTR were offered a handshake from the Kingdom, they refused.

Wrestling Weekly: WWE Elimination Chamber fallout & AEW Revolution predictions

John Cena sold his soul to The Rock, but how long has this been brewing?

On a new Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I look at the landscape in WWE as well as give our AEW Revolution predictions.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

AEW Dynamite live results: Revolution go-home show

AEW Dynamite airs live from Sacramento, California — the final episode before Sunday’s Revolution pay-per-view.

After picking off the Death Riders one-by-one in recent weeks, Cope will face his final obstacle in Wheeler Yuta. The “Rated R Superstar” will challenge Death Riders leader Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at Revolution.

The two prospective top contenders to the AEW World title will sign a contract for their Revolution number one contender’s match with Swerve Strickland and Ricochet putting pen to paper. The winner of their match Sunday will be next in line for an World title shot. Ricochet defeated Swerve in their first meeting in an AEW ring.

After some run-ins the past month, Thunder Rosa and Kris Statlander will team up against Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford.

**********

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Taz & Ian Riccaboni as they cut to MJF outside on the streets saying Hangman Page decided to poke at the Devil, so it’s Page to blame for what happened to Christopher Daniels. MJF will prove a point to Page’s sh*tty little mark fan club and he’s in the streets of Sacramento for Page to find him. If you want to talk about Buckshots, MJF has a bullet with Page’s name on it, saddle up partner and let’s ride. MJF screamed at the camera and left as things go to Tony Schiavone in the ring for the opening contract signing, as he introduced both competitors.

Swerve Strickland & Ricochet Revolution Contract Signing

Prince Nana danced his way to the ring with Strickland, as they get a massive ovation from the crowd. Ricochet, got the exact opposite and met with thunderous boos. Ricochet wasn’t wearing the Embassy robe and said not to worry, his robe is in good hands, some modifications ahead of Sunday. Nana had to be held back and Ricochet told Strickland to get his grandpa. Ricochet said these signings usually don’t go well for Strickland, as he should feel better knowing Ricochet is there, so his house won’t burn down this time. Strickland is lucky Ricochet is giving him a rematch, since it was Strickland who stuck his nose into his business. It was Strickland who tried to bully him, but even in the face of it all, Ricochet still beat him. Strickland repeatedly asks Ricochet to sign it, but there’s more delays. Ricochet said he’s one step closer to achieving his goal of winning the World Champion. He’s focused on Jon Moxley & Cope, he’s where he wants to be, a step away from becoming AEW World Champion before signing the contract.

Strickland snapped, calling Ricochet a self-righteous little prick and he’ll expose him for the coward that he is on Sunday. Ricochet stole the Embassy robe, stabbed Strickland in the face, but the biggest mistake is Ricochet left him breathing. Ricochet has awoken the most dangerous man in AEW and he’ll put Ricochet into the ground. The only thing Ricochet will be remembered for is Strickland briefly reviving his career and his ring announcer wife. He signed the contract, as that line got Holy Sh*t lines from the crowd, as Strickland went to leave, but Ricochet tried to stab him with scissors. Strickland grabbed his arm and stabbed Ricochet with his own pair of scissors, busting him open, as Strickland stood tall, walking to the back with Nana, as Ricochet was left writhing around.

-Excalibur throws to a video package about how AEW Revolution will be available for the first time on Prime Video. We’re reminded AEW PPVs will still be available on their usual PPV providers as well.

**********

Will Ospreay, Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe & Powerhouse Hobbs defeated Murder Machines (Brian Cage & Lance Archer), Mark Davis & Bryan Keith (w/Don Callis)

(Classic party match, as the fans were into this for nearly the entire thing. It was your typical chaotic 8 man, as Ospreay and crew won the battle, but the post-match attack allowed the Callis Family to stand tall before the PPV. I still wish they’d actually spend more time on Davis reluctantly being part of the Family, as before tonight, he really hadn’t shown much restraint. I’m glad he did briefly in the post-match, but they drive this home more in order for the eventual rebellion against Callis & Fletcher mean something. If that even happens.)

Excalibur tells us Davis is still an unwilling participant in the Don Callis Family, despite showing him nodding along in agreement with Callis as they walked to the ring. Cage showed his power game early by hitting a curling World’s Strongest Slam on Ospreay before delivering repeated corner clotheslines. Ospreay flipped out of a powerbomb into a pop-up hurricanrana and snap back suplex before tagging Briscoe for stiff chops. Redneck Kung-Fu from Briscoe, who flipped out of a back drop into an enzugiri. Locomotion 10 corner punches from Team Briscoe, ending in a very nonchalant 1 punch to cap it by Cassidy. Cage mowed down Cassidy, who floated over in the corner, tried a slingshot, but landed right in the grasp on Cage, who hit a Jackhammer. Archer tagged in, hit a few forearms, but Cassidy went to the pockets, only to put on the brakes as he was distracted by Davis. Cassidy turned around into a Black Hole Slam, as Archer and crew kept Cassidy isolated during break.

Things returned with Callis leaving commentary and putting boots to Cassidy on the outside (he had to get oxygen after such energy spent), as the crowd and especially Ospreay are furious with the ref’s attention turned. Cage, Archer & Davis took turns passing Cassidy off in the vertical suplex position before Cassidy finally hit a Stundog on Davis before tagging Hobbs, who slugged it out and ran over Davis. Hobbs collided repeatedly with Cage & Archer until he ducked a double team and hit a double clothesline. Exploder on Davis, as Hobbs launched his teammates into the corner for splashes on Davis, including backpacking Cassidy for one.

Dives from Ospreay & Briscoe outside led to Cassidy leaping off Hobbs’ shoulders for a splash on Davis, but Keith broke the count. Hobbs no sold Keith’s chops, so a throat chop led to Davis reappearing for a powerbomb on Hobbs. Keith wanted an Exploder, but Hobbs didn’t budge, turning Keith inside out with a lariat. Pip, Pip, Cheerio from Ospreay, as a handspring corkscrew kick connected on Cage. Cheeky Nandos on Keith for two, as Davis clocked him from behind, only to run into a Hobbs spinebuster. Cage hit a Rock Bottom, as Cassidy flew in off the top with a spinning DDT and Tope Tornado DDT to follow. Back inside, Keith cut off Cassidy in the ropes with an avalanche Exploder before slugging it out with Briscoe. Match continued to break down until Archer brought a chair in the ring, chased the referee away, but ran into a punch by Briscoe, who hit a springboard dive onto the Murder Machines. Ospreay laid out Keith with an Oscutter and Hidden Blade to win it.

Post-match, Cassidy & Briscoe were driven onto the edge of the apron, as Davis sank in a Sleeper on Ospreay. The steps were re-positioned as Cage & Archer hit a chokebomb on Hobbs, leaving Ospreay alone with the Don Callis Family. Kyle Fletcher’s music hit and he sauntered to the ring with Cage & Archer holding Ospreay to be lit up with punches and boots. After all of this, Davis decided to pull Fletcher off of Ospreay and was scolded for doing so. Fletcher ordered Davis to use the chair and Davis obliged with a chair shot to Ospreay’s back before being ordered to the back. Fletcher then hit a brainbuster on the set-up chair, as he posed over Ospreay.

-Video package for Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kenny Omega at Revolution is shown with footage of a young Takeshita vs. Omega in DDT, as well as Don Callis turning on Omega and siding with Takeshita.

**********

Cope defeated Wheeler Yuta

(After all the violence Cope has dished out to the Death Riders in recent weeks, I was not expecting an even back and forth battle. I really enjoyed the post-match, as Cope wanted to show Yuta this can be about respect and I liked the argument with Yuta & Moxley. I sure hope this isn’t just a one week little swerve for Yuta to just help Moxley on Sunday and this actually plants seeds for Yuta standing up for himself more often.)

Pretty cool shot of Yuta walking into the front of the building and into the arena as we see highlights of Cope (and Willow Nightingale) taking out PAC, Claudio Castagnoli & Marina Shafir in recent weeks. Cope started with clean lock ups and leg sweeps before Yuta returned the favor, adding a dragon screw. Misdirect lariat from Cope, as Yuta tried to pick up the pace, but both traded arm drags until Yuta kipped up and played to the crowd. The brief delay allowed Cope to sweep the legs out on the apron and was in control into commercial.

Yuta had gained the upper hand during break, keeping Cope grounded with a high Angle Slam. Wasting too much time, though, Cope cut Yuta off in the corner ropes with clubbing blows. Yuta fought off a superplex and hit a diving splash for two. Cattle Mutilation attempted, but Cope slipped right out into the Grindhouse crossface. Yuta spun into a pin for two, as both were up and Cope hit the Impaler. Cope wanted a Spear but ran into a Busiaku Knee for a near fall. Cattle Mutilation applied, but Cope powered up into a Glam Slam (no mention of it being his wife’s finisher) for a double down. Yuta tried a comeback lariat, but spun right into a Spear for a cool finish to a very solid match.

Post-match, Cope took the mic and helped Yuta up, shaking his hand saying this is what respect feels like before leaving the ring. Yuta was left to ponder what he was told, as Jon Moxley marched in from the crowd, screaming and yelling at Yuta paint brushing him repeatedly. Crowd chanted for Yuta, who shoved Moxley in the face and walked off on his own with Moxley barking after him. They head through the back as Moxley said congratulations Cope, you did it, he’ll be all alone at Revolution. If Cope thinks he can pick him off that easily, he wins, Cope got to him, he brought out the worst in Moxley. Cope got what he wanted, but he’ll do nothing to Moxley on Sunday, as Moxley said this business isn’t about respect, he’s the only one who gets this. You get respect one way, it’s when you’re willing to pull the trigger, something he has to do on Sunday, once.

-A hilariously awesome music video on The Outrunners training for their AEW Tag Team Title match at Revolution is shown. This needs to be released on VHS, immediately.

-MJF is still outside on the streets on Sacramento when Renee Paquette asks what the end game is? MJF said he knew Hangman Page would never show, he’s a gutless coward, he’s going to show Page he’s not the main character on Sunday, MJF is. Page drives in hot in his truck, as Paquette & MJF have to run away from getting hit, as Page gets out and marches after MJF. Page thought he got his hands on MJF in the back, but his back was turned, as Page brought him through the entrance, only to find out it was someone dressed as MJF, screaming “he made me do it”.

The real MJF ran out and attacked Page from behind, tried a Heatseeker in the ring, but Page avoided it, looked for a Buckshot, but MJF got a punt kick low. MJF hit the Heatseeker before ripping his dress shirt off to reveal a shirt that said MJF Did Nothing Wrong. Security tried to put a stop to this, but MJF wiped them all out before putting on the Dynamite Diamond Ring. He went for a punch, but Page shot a double leg, scrambled to their feet and MJF hit a right-hand flush. MJF took the mic and said fans love it when their precious Hangman burns things, let’s see how they feel when he does it. MJF grabbed a can of lighter fluid and sprayed it all over Page before pulling out a lighter. Finally, referees and more security bolted in and had to carry MJF out of the ring as he screamed “let me prove my point!”

**********

-Commentary said they don’t condone MJF’s actions before the break and will not show what he attempted to do.

-Lexy Nair is backstage with the writer & director of Queen of the Ring, Ash Avildsen, who tells us about the movie, Jim Ross being Executive Producer and talks about Mildred Burke until he brings in one of the stars, Timeless Toni Storm. She joked it was a real stretch playing a curvaceous vixen, but was disappointed her gratuitous nude scene was deleted (this got audible boos from the crowd), as Avildsen said they want families to come to see the movie, as it’s PG-13, but that scene is in his collection on Mullholland Drive. Storm said chin up, tits out and watch Queen of the Ring, out March 7th. The upcoming tag match is presented by Queen of the Ring.

Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford defeated Thunder Rosa & Kris Statlander

Statlander used her power in the early going, as she did a handstand out of a head scissors into a snap dropkick before making quick tags with Rosa, who fired off chops. Ford was able to recover and hit a dropkick in the ropes as she tried to lick Rosa, who wasn’t having that and hit a stalling dropkick of her own. Slingshot elbow from Statlander, but Bayne came in with a pump kick and caught Rosa in mid-air before launching her to the floor onto Statlander. Bayne looked at Ford and just chucked her over the top onto the pile as well, as she stood tall into commercial.

Back from break, Rosa managed an enzugiri to drop Bayne and make the hot tag to Statlander, who flew in with a missile dropkick. Ford tried a handspring corner elbow, but accidentally hit her own partner, as Statlander clobbered her with a running boot and spinning Michinoku Driver. Rosa launched herself off Statlander’s back to hit a corner dropkick on Ford, as a double team scissors kick finally took Bayne off her feet. Rosa hit a dropkick through the ropes to the outside, as Ford tripped up Statlander on the top rope and sent her crashing outside. Ford posed and it allowed Rosa to drag her in the ring, lick her face and deck her with a stiff lariat. Ford backed Rosa into her own corner, as Bayne tagged back in, but ran into a corner boot. Rosa tried fighting off both women, hit a Stunner on Bayne, but Ford escaped, sent Rosa into Bayne’s clutches and she hit the F-5 for the win.

-Renee Paquette introduces Mercedes Mone backstage and she brings up beating Momo Watanabe before, but she’s legit and beaten some of the best to get another shot. Mone had Paquette say there’s no stopping the Mone Train, as we’re told Watanabe is facing Serena Deeb on Collision and Mone will be watching Deeb break Watanabe for her. Paquette said the wrong tag line and was scolded by Mone, who said the right one to end the segment.

Max Caster Open Challenge

We’re told this is a standby match, as Caster is out with his Best Wrestler Alive trademark and the crowd really doesn’t care all that much. Caster said he’s the most talked about wrestler in AEW and said the Maximaniacs are talking saying things, but tonight wants everyone to get on the same page. Caster channels Chuck Taylor from back in the day in trying to get a ridiculously long “Let’s Go Platinum Max, You’re the Best Wrestler Alive” chant going, but they didn’t do it, so Caster called them a bunch of ball bags. This whole thing was so interesting that Excalibur & Riccaboni are making Wayne’s World 2 references saying If You Book It, They Will Come and name drops Wayne-stock. Underrated comedy, so I prefer them talking about that over Caster’s Open Challenge again.

Switchblade Jay White defeated Max Caster

Caster tried again for the chant, but walked right into a Blade Runner for the win. This match was long enough for Taz to laugh at Riccaboni bringing up the Riccabone-zone. I have zero idea what the end game is for these Open Challenges. But good for Caster getting probably a pretty good pay day to work these matches that go less than a minute each week.

White took the mic in the post-match and said at World’s End, Cope joined the fight against the Death Riders and have had White’s back and he’s had Cope’s. Now, Moxley is all alone and he’ll be there to see in the new AEW World Champion, Cope. This was quick, but it really makes you think White is turning on Cope, which I’d be more than fine with, as White is a far better heel.

Renee Paquette Sit-Down Interview with Timeless Toni Storm & Mariah May

Paquette thanks both ladies for sitting down and agreeing to no physicality. May immediately spat in Storm’s face and Storm didn’t budge. May said Storm loved her, but Storm started this and Paquette yelled at May that she was the one responsible for all this. May said Storm survived her in Australia, but there’s no surviving Revolution, as she’ll be the sickest bitch you’ve ever seen. Deep inside, Storm knows that Mariah did it better. May said this is what Storm always wanted, a trilogy with her favorite co-star. They can have their Hollywood Ending they’ve always dreamed of.

Storm said May doesn’t deserve the dignity of death, she sentences her to a lifetime of mediocrity. Her career will continue, it’ll be good but never great, people will like, but never love May. Her star will dwindle, be replaced and forgotten. Some will ask what ever happened to Mariah May, but they’ll learn she found out what happens, when you try to kill God. May threw the chair away, as Paquette said she seriously prays that neither get hurt. Both May & Storm simultaneously say “pray for her” as the segment ends. This was a fantastic go-home interview between both champion and challenger. I wish the word Fin would’ve scrolled on the screen after this.

**********

Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada & Ricochet defeated Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) & Brody King

(Nice preview match of what’s to come on Sunday, as everyone got their offense in and they all looked strong. King looked like a monster, Ricochet constantly tried to duck Strickland, but in the end, did what he could to steal yet another W. I don’t know if that bodes well for him come Revolution, but it’s nice that they bookmarked the night with each getting in their last second shots on each other.)

Okada backed Strickland to his corner to start, but Ricochet didn’t try any cheap shots and Okada did his standard mocking clean break. Ricochet made the tag, but distracted Strickland enough for Okada to blindside him and put the boots to Strickland, as King had enough and brawled with Okada outside as Strickland fired up on Ricochet, tossing him to the floor like it was nothing. King launched Strickland into Ricochet against the barricade, as Okada tried to make the save, kicked his partner, as Strickland set both up and King flattened each with a cross body. King picked up Okada & Ricochet on his shoulders and Strickland hit a double Swerve Stomp off the apron in a really cool spot. Back inside, Ricochet was squashed with a King senton and Strickland diving uppercut off the ropes. Strickland tried a rolling Flatliner, but Ricochet hit a Code Breaker in mid-air to gain the upper hand heading into the final commercial break.

Strickland mounted a comeback right as things returned and made the hot tag to King, who cleaned house and threw Ricochet around like he was a feather. King hit a chop right to the bald head of Ricochet before stacking Okada on top of him and hitting a senton stack. Okada ducked a charge, as an enzugiri on the apron from Ricochet led to a Frog Splash for two. Okada went up top for his elbow, but King got to his feet and mowed him down with a lariat for the double down. Taz said that was like getting hit by a telephone pole.

Ricochet & Strickland tag in, but when Ricochet realized it, he tried to run for his life, but Okada wasn’t there, so he proceeded to get his ass kicked. Both escaped powerbomb attempts, as Ricochet floated over one into a snap DDT for a nice near fall. Spirit Gun and Vertigo countered by Strickland, who couldn’t hit Big Pressure, so Ricochet got a roll-up for two. Strickland hit his rolling Flatliner and a House Call flush, but after he hit the Swerve Stomp, Okada flew off the top with his elbow drop to break the pin. Okada & King slugged it out with forearms and chops until King dodged a Rainmaker, tried a corner cannonball, but Okada avoided it. Okada grabbed the Contiental Title belt, but Strickland flew in with a House Call before he could use it. King & Okada tumbled to the floor, as the ref’s attention was turned and Ricochet decked Strickland with the title and stole the pin.

AEW Collision 3/7/25

  • Momo Watanabe vs. Serena Deeb
  • Harley Cameron in action
  • Daniel Garcia vs. Lee Moriarty for the TNT Title

AEW Revolution 3/8/25

  • Jon Moxley vs. Cope for the AEW World Title
  • Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kenny Omega for the AEW International Title
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher in a Steel Cage Match
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet for the #1 Contenders Match for the AEW World Title
  • MJF vs. Hangman Adam Page
  • Timeless Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women’s Title
  • Mercedes Mone vs. Momo Watanabe for the TBS Title
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Brody King for the AEW Continental Title
  • The Hurt Syndicate vs. The Outrunners for the AEW World Tag Team Titles
  • Zero Hour: Big Boom AJ, Orange Cassidy & Mark Briscoe vs. Johnny TV & MxM Collection

Revolution showcase match announced for AEW Dynamite

A tag team match featuring four combatants at this Sunday’s AEW Revolution was announced for tonight’s AEW Dynamite from Sacramento, California.

Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland will team with Brody King to take on reigning Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada and Ricochet.

Strickland and Ricochet will also sign the contract tonight for their no. 1 contender’s clash at Revolution while Okada vs. King for the Continental title for the pay-per-view was announced this afternoon.

Strickland and King have never teamed before, but competed against each other in various indie matches dating back to 2017. Okada and Ricochet have never teamed before, but did square off in the Continental Classic semifinals at last December’s Worlds End.

Here’s the current lineup for tonight’s go-home show:

  • Cope vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • Swerve Strickland & Ricochet AEW Revolution contract signing
  • Swerve Strickland & Brody King vs. Ricochet & Kazuchika Okada
  • Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford vs. Kris Statlander & Thunder Rosa

Cope vs. Wheeler Yuta, Strickland/Ricochet contract signing set for AEW Dynamite

A new match and a contract signing were announced for this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.

After agreeing to the match last Wednesday, Swerve Strickland and Ricochet will sign the contract for their no. 1 contender’s match at next Sunday’s AEW Revolution.

After Wheeler Yuta defeated Willie Mack on Saturday, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley made his way out through the crowd. He told Yuta off mic that it is very important that Cope doesn’t get a clear shot at the title at AEW Revolution, and that he is not to walk out of Dynamite under his own power.

That was later clarified as it was announced that Cope will take on Yuta this Wednesday ahead of his challenge of Moxley at Revolution. Cope has recently taken out other members of the Death Riders with Yuta and Moxley remaining.

Here’s the current lineup for Sacramento:

  • Cope vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • Swerve Strickland & Ricochet AEW Revolution contract signing

Wrestling Weekly: TKO employees sound off, Cody Rhodes wrestles with a proposition

Image: WWE

There’s some corporate unrest behind the scenes on the road to WWE WrestleMania 41.

On this week’s Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I look at what some TKO employees are unhappy with, and the big stories in wrestling for WWE and AEW.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet no. 1 contender’s match made for AEW Revolution

Image: AEW

The second AEW clash between former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland and Ricochet will have big stakes on the line.

Made during a Strickland in-ring promo during Wednesday’s Dynamite, the two will go heads-up at next month’s Revolution pay-per-view from Los Angeles, California, with the winner earning a future AEW World title shot.

Ricochet interrupted Strickland and had no interest in facing him again as he said he’s pursuing gold. Prince Nana then said he talked to Tony Khan and the men agreed a rematch is needed with the winner becoming the number one contender to the title. Ricochet eventually agreed but wanted to do it in “a real California city” — that being Los Angeles.

After bloodying him with a pair of scissors in January, Ricochet defeated Strickland in early-February and subsequently stole Nana’s prize robe.

Here’s the current lineup for Sunday, March 9th:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope
  • MJF vs. Hangman Page
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Kenny Omega
  • AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm defends against Mariah May
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher in a steel cage match
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Momo Watanabe
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet in a no. 1 contender’s match
  • Big Boom AJ vs. TBA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

… Yar 🙁

Jay Lethal defeated Mason Madden (w/Mansoor)

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

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

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

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

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

Harley Cameron defeated Billie Starkz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ricochet defeated Serpentico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, no Chris Jericho except for a taped intro.

Yar.

Swerve Strickland, Ricochet brawl at DEFY event, Ricky Starks wins World title

A new champion was crowned, and an AEW rivalry played out at DEFY Hundredth on Friday night in Seattle.

Ricky Starks defeated KENTA to win the DEFY World Championship at the promotion’s eighth-anniversary event, ending KENTA’s 615-day reign.

Swerve Strickland and Ricochet’s AEW feud continued at DEFY Hundredth. Ricochet made an unannounced appearance, entering to Strickland’s theme music while wearing the robe he stole from Prince Nana on AEW Dynamite this week. Ricochet cut a promo calling out Strickland while the crowd taunted him with chants of “you’re bald.”

The lights went out, and when they came back on, Strickland was in the ring. The two brawled, but Ricochet ultimately escaped by shoving Nana into Strickland and running away.

Footage of the angle was shared on social media.

Ricochet previously defeated Strickland in the main event of AEW Dynamite this week, countering a Swerve Stomp with a low blow before hitting The Spirit Gun to get the win.

DEFY Hundredth results:

  • Ricky Starks defeated KENTA to win the DEFY World Title
  • Amerikan Gunz (Ethan HD & Mike Santiago) defeated Midnight Heat (Eddie Pearl & Ricky Gibson)
  • Paul Walter Hauser defeated Joey Janela in a Seattle Street Fight (Special Referee: Aubrey Edwards)
  • DEFY Women’s Title Match: Marina Shafir defeated Zamaya to retain her title
  • Nick Wayne defeated Marcus Mathers
  • The Bollywood Boyz (Gurv Sihra & Harv Sihra) defeated C4 (Cody Chhun & Guillermo Rosas)
  • DEFY Tag Team Title Six Man Tag Team Ladder Match: The Sovereign (Evan Rivers, Judas Icarus & Travis Williams) defeated Los Desperados (Arez, Gringo Loco & Latigo) to retain their titles

Samantha Irvin: It’s a ‘guarantee’ that I’ll be back in wrestling at some point

Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin is certain that she’ll be involved in the pro wrestling industry again at some point.

In an interview with USA Today, Irvin said it’s a “guarantee” that she’ll be back in wrestling again one day. She did not mention anything about the timing for when a return could happen or what she envisions her role would be.

“That’s a guarantee. My wrestling career has barely even begun,” Irvin said. “I think it would be an absolute waste of everything that I’ve done so far to not continue the story. I gotta finish my story.”

Irvin said she can’t wait to work with her husband Ricochet (who is currently in AEW) again in the future.

In October 2024, Irvin announced her departure from WWE. Despite receiving high praise for her work within the company and from fans, Irvin knew that she did not want to be a ring announcer for the rest of her life. She is now releasing music under the name Samantha The Bomb with her single “Make Me” set to debut on February 14.

“It just became more and more sad as time went on, because it’s like, ‘Wow, am I just not a singer anymore? Like, what am I doing?’ I know that I am a performer and being a ring announcer on WWE, it was the performance of a lifetime,” she told USA Today. “But then when people stopped calling me for singing gigs, and now they’re asking me to announce everything, I said, ‘Oh no, I took it too far.’ I was like, man, like, this cannot be forever.”

Irvin said there were no hard feelings when she left WWE, and she appreciates that her time as a ring announcer gave her an audience that cares about her.

Real name Samantha Johnson, Irvin appeared as a singer on “America’s Got Talent” prior to joining WWE in 2021.