Sammy Guevara defeated Dustin Rhodes in the interim TNT Championship match at tonight’s AEW Battle of the Belts show in Charlotte to win the title.
Guevara pinned Rhodes with a cradle after escaping a Tiger Driver attempt to lay claim to the interim title. The interim TNT Championship was established after Cody Rhodes was not medically cleared to wrestle on tonight’s show.
A new challenger for the interim TNT title was quickly established on tonight’s show. After Guevara’s win, Daniel Garcia came to the ring and confronted him. The two went face-to-face, then Guevara issued a challenge to Garcia in a post-match interview backstage. It was announced later in the show that the match is official for this coming Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
Guevara is a former TNT Champion, having held the title from September to December 2021. He dropped the belt to Cody on the Christmas night Rampage, taped December 22.
Two new title matches have been added to Saturday’s Battle of the Belts card on TNT.
Dustin Rhodes will step in for his brother Cody as it was announced that Cody is not medically cleared to compete. Dustin will wrestle Sammy Guevara for what is being billed as the interim TNT Championship. In addition, Ricky Starks will defend the FTW Championship against Matt Sydal.
It was announced by AEW on Thursday evening that due to medical protocols, one of the matches for Battle of the Belts had to be changed. In a video package that aired on Rampage, Dustin talked about the opportunity to compete for the title, while Guevara said it didn’t matter who he ends up facing as he will walk out of Battle of the Belts with gold.
In addition to the two new matches, Britt Baker will defend the AEW Women’s title against Riho. Tony Khan on Twitter announced tonight that there will also be a house show card held prior to the live show on TNT.
TONIGHT on TNT #AEWRampage @ 10/9c, I’ll announce a change due to medical protocol to TOMORROW’s Battle of the Belts! Rampage tonight will be a great hour on TNT! In addition to tomorrow’s live #AEWBOTB I also plan to book a stacked house show card for the loyal fans in Charlotte
Cody Rhodes will defend the TNT title against Sammy Guevara at Battle of the Belts this weekend.
AEW’s Twitter confirmed the match this afternoon. It will be a rematch of their bout from the Christmas episode of Rampage, where Rhodes defeated Guevara to win the championship for a third time.
During the break on last week’s Dynamite, Guevara issued a challenge to Cody using cue cards. Cody most recently defended the title on the episode of Rampage that aired this past Friday, where he defeated Ethan Page to retain the title.
Also announced for Battle of the Belts is an AEW Women’s Championship match, with Britt Baker defending against Riho. Their feud dates back to November, with Riho winning a Black Friday Deal match where if she defeated Baker, she would get a future title match.
Battle of the Belts will take place this Saturday, January 8, at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The special Christmas night Holiday Bash edition of AEW Rampage will feature a TNT title match, the second match for popular top prospect Hook and more.
Sammy Guevara will look for the fifth defense of his TNT Championship as he defends against former champion Cody Rhodes. Rhodes came out two weeks ago on Dynamite and answered Guevara’s open challenge. He is coming off a win over Andrade El Idolo on the December 1st Dynamite.
After making his pro debut in a win over Fuego Del Sol on Rampage two weeks ago, Hook will return to singles action as he faces one half of Bear Country, Bear Bronson.
In singles action, Kris Statlander will take on Leyla Hirsch while Jungle Boy faces Isiah Kassidy of Private Party.
This week’s matches were taped Wednesday after Dynamite in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Our live coverage begins at a special start time of 9 PM Eastern.
**********
Hosts are Taz, Excalibur, and Ricky Starks.
Merry Christmas! I’m watching this at my parents’ house so my dad can watch it instead of being subjected to another Hallmark movie.
Jungle Boy (w/ Christian Cage & Luchasaurus) defeated Isiah Kassidy (w/ Matt Hardy & the HFO) (8:54)
Jungle Boy’s ribs and thigh were wrapped up with more tape than I used to wrap Christmas presents last night, and I use a significant amount of tape. Jungle Boy hit a great looking dropkick early, but Kassidy came back with a springboard cutter which sent Jungle Boy to the floor. Kassidy followed up with a tornio out of the ring, and springboard senton back in the ring for a one count. Kassidy choked Jungle Boy against the ropes, and then Matt Hardy caught Jungle Boy with a cheap shot. Kassidy remained dominant and the show went to a commercial.
Back from break, Kassidy walked into a back elbow from Jungle Boy. Boy hit a stiff rebound lariat and a fisherman’s falcon arrow to get a near fall. Kassidy came back with an enziguri and a poison rana for a near fall. Jungle Boy hit a belly to belly suplex in the corner, then a German suplex with a bridge for a near fall. Jungle Boy dumped Kassidy to the floor and hit a tope suicidia. Marq Quen and Jora Johl tried to interfere, but Luchasaurus and Christian Cage disposed of them. Matt Hardy ate a spear from Cage on the floor. Back in the ring, Jungle Boy locked in the snare trap for the submission.
— Another Miro promo in all white aired. He will return with no flaws and will not be kept from his hot, flexible wife, he said. “Redemption doesn’t come with a smile. It comes with a price!” Miro is awesome.
Hook defeated Bear Bronson (3:06)
Before the match, Taz and Starks gave a rundown of their issues with Dante Martin. Powerhouse Hobbs was with the commentators to watch Hook’s match.
Hook got a huge ovation from the crowd. Bronson caught him with a back elbow and an eye rake. Bronson hit a sit-out tombstone…that Hook no sold. He was immediately back on his feet. Hook hit a tremendous clothesline and northern lights suplex. He stopped to soak in the cheers from the crowd and then hit a fantastic head and arm trap suplex. Hook locked in the Redrum (the former katahajime) and Bronson tapped out quickly to remain undefeated at 2-0.
– Recap of the Daniel Garcia/Eddie Kingston feud. Kingston/Santana/Ortiz v. Garcia/2point0 is set for Dynamite on Wednesday.
Statlander got a near fall after a powerslam. She followed up with a long delayed vertical suplex for another near fall. Hirsch escaped a cobra clutch and came back with a cross-arm breaker, but Statlander powered up. Hirsch hit a gamingiri and a middle rope moonsault for a near fall. Hirsch slapped Statlander, and Statlander hit a blue thunder bomb for a near fall. Hirsch with a German suplex for another near fall. Statlander caught Hirsch with an elbow, a big boot, and locked in a spider crab to get Hirsch to tap out. Good back and forth action.
After the match, Statlander tried to shake Hirsch’s hand (like they did before the match started), but Hirsch swatted it away.
Main Event Promo Time: Mark Henry asked how Cody can focus on this match when he’s got one foot out the door (because of all his outside projects). Arn Anderson is disrespectful to Guevara, and Guevara thinks this match is a bigger match for Cody than for himself. “It’s TIME for the MAIN EVENT!”
Cody Rhodes defeated Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship (15:08)
This match opened the first episode of Dynamite. Brock Anderson and Lee Johnson came out with Arn & Cod to the stage, but went to the back. This match hit the ring with about 20 minutes left in the show.
David Crockett was at ringside to present the championship to the winner.
Cody got a somewhat mixed reaction from the fans, while Guevara was solidly cheered. Also, Cody wasn’t wearing his trademark weight belt. Guevara started out fast early on, stealing Cody’s trademark drop-down uppercut. Guevara sent Cody to the floor with a dropkick and Cody went into the crowd to stall.
Back in the ring, Cody slowed the match down with a side headlock. Dueling “Let’s go Cody/Cody SUCKS!” chant. Cody went for the Flair flop, and Guevara caught him and hip tossed him back in the ring. Guevara went for a disaster kick, but Cody ducked and hit a springboard cutter. The fight went to the floor, and Guevara sent Rhodes into the ringside stairs. Guevara went for a shooting star press, but Rhodes dodged it. Guevara landed on his feet, but Rhodes grabbed him by the arm and sent it into the steel barricade. Back in the ring, Rhodes worked over Guevara’s arm with a short-arm scissors.
Rhodes dominated the match through a picture-in-picture commercial break, continuing to work over Guevara’s arm. Rhodes dropped Guevara face-first out of a vertical suplex, but missed a moonsault. Guevara hit an enziguri and a double jump cutter for a near fall. Guevara hit the Cross Rhodes on Cody, but Rhodes rolled to the floor before Guevara could make a cover. Guevara hit a double jump 450 to the floor on Cody, which was pretty insane. Guevara went for a jumping hurricanrana, but Rhodes caught him and powerbomb Guevara into three “fans” in the front row.
Back in the ring, Cody hit the disaster kick. Rhodes went for the Cross Rhodes, but Guevara countered. Rhodes hit Cross Rhodes on the second try, and it got a two count. Guevara was still out on his feet though. Rhodes went for a reverse superplex, but Guevara countered that into a GTH! But, Rhodes kicked out of that.
Guevara went to the top for the 630 splash, but Rhodes got his knees up. Rhodes then hit Guevara with two Cross Rhodes and a Tiger Driver 98 to get the pin and his 3rd TNT Championship. Excellent match.
The fans roundly booed the new champion, and the Nightmare Family came out to celebrate the new champion. David Crockett presented Cody with the championship while Guevara watched, slumped in corner. Rhodes held up the belt and celebrated and the crowd kept booing Rhodes’ celebration.
Final Thoughts:
I’m sure the internet reaction to Cody winning the TNT title again will be rational and measured.
Kassidy looked really good in his match with Jungle Boy, and might be better off as a singles guy for a little bit. The young talent got a chance to shine on this show and all of them looked great tonight.
The following matches for AEW Rampage this Saturday, Christmas Day, were taped following tonight’s Dynamite in the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina.
Jungle Boy defeated Isiah Kassidy by submission.
Hook defeated Bear Bronson, also by submission.
Kris Statlander defeated Leyla Hirsh, again by submission
Cody Rhodes defeated Sammy Guevara to win the TNT Championship for the third time. Rhodes finished off Guevara with two Cross Rhodes.
AEW will hold their final shows of 2021 next week at the Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, where AEW will hold their New Year’s Smash edition of Dynamite live, then tape for Rampage New Year’s Smash for that Friday. Dynamite is then scheduled to move to TBS on January 5, with Rampage remaining on TNT.
Set for AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash is Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O’Reilly vs. Orange Cassidy and Best Friends, Jade Cargill vs. Thunder Rosa in a TBS Women’s title semifinal, and the team of Eddie Kingston, Santana, and Ortiz vs. 2point0 and Daniel Garcia.
Sammy Guevara will defend the TNT Championship against Cody Rhodes on the AEW Rampage Holiday Bash, airing Christmas night on TNT.
The match was set up on tonight’s AEW Dynamite. Guevara came to the stage for a promo, but was quickly interrupted by Rhodes’s music. Rhodes said that AEW GM Tony Khan had made the match official, and wished Guevara luck.
Rampage will air on Saturday, December 25 rather than on Friday that week. AEW announced today that the Wednesday, December 22 Dynamite and the Christmas night Rampage will be their annual Holiday Bash episodes. Dynamite will air live from Greensboro, North Carolina, while the Christmas night Rampage will be taped on the 22nd after Dynamite.
Rhodes is a two-time former TNT Champion, and was the first to hold the title after winning a tournament final to crown the inaugural champ at the 2020 Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
Guevara has held the TNT title since defeating Miro on the September 29 Dynamite.
Friday’s AEW Rampage will feature TNT Champion Sammy Guevara defending the gold against Tony Nese.
Since debuting in AEW in November, Nese has been undefeated and got the shot via Guevara’s open challenge policy. Nese laid out Guevara in a backstage segment nearly two weeks ago, saying the only reason he had the belt was because guys like him weren’t available yet.
In a bit of a change, Penta El Zero Miedo and PAC will take on FTR. This was originally set to be a 2-out-of-3 falls AEW Tag Team title match between the Lucha Bros and FTR but Rey Fenix couldn’t make the show due to visa issues, hence PAC’s inclusion.
Jade Cargill will look to remain undefeated as she goes one-on-one with Janai Kai, a student of Thunder Rosa. Rosa will also be on commentary and is Cargill’s opponent in the next round of the TBS title tournament.
This week’s matches were taped Wednesday in Duluth, Georgia.
**********
Your hosts are Excalibur, Taz and Ricky Starks. Chris Jericho was out with an injury, suffered on Wednesday in an attck from 2point0. I heard he had to seek treatment in Europe.
Sammy Guevara defeated Tony Nese in a match for the TNT Championship (12:53)
Guevara still had his DDP tribute rib injury.
Guevara nailed a perfect twisting tope suicida through the ropes on Nese, and threw him about the ring steps and barricade around ringside. Even though he was on offense, Guevara was selling injured ribs. Nese caught Guevara with an elevated stomach buster for a near fall. Nese snapped Guevara’s neck across the top rope, then followed up with a springboard moonsault from the middle rope for a near fall. Nese worked over Guevara with a body scissors and the show went to its first picture-in-picture break.
Back from the break, Nese grabbed a single-leg boston crab and drove a knee into Guevara’s ribs while applying the hold. Guevara came back with a series of clotheslines and a double jump springboard cutter for a near fall. Nese countered a GTH attempt into another single crab, but Guevara maneuvered that into a small package for a near fall. Another series of counters ended with Guevara hitting a Spanish Fly for a near fall.
Guevara hit a top rope springboard moonsault on Nese to the floor. Nese came back with his own twisting tope suicida on the floor and a 450 splash in the ring for a near fall. Nese powerbomed Guevara into the corner, but Guevara came back with a leaping pump kick and the GTH to get the pin.
– Christian Cage cut a promo for Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus. They are scouting the tag champions tonight. Cage’s promo was practically screaming “heel turn on Jungle Boy” and I can’t wait.
Jade Cargill (w/ “Smart” Mark Sterling) defeated “The Kick Demon” Janai Kai (0:31)
Thunder Rosa joined the commentary team for this match. Cargill gave Rosa the old side-eye on the way to the ring.
Cargill offered Kai a free attempt at a side headlock, and then immediately threw her off. Pump kick and Jaded Slam finished off Kai.
After the match, Cargill jumped Kai, and Rosa ran in from commentary to make the save. A bunch of referees broke up the fight, and Rosa looked to be getting the better of Cargill.
– Adam Cole and The Young Bucks cut a promo on Orange Cassidy and the Best Friends. Notable was Don Callis randomly walking through the background of the promo. The Young Bucks will come back on Wednesday to face two members of the Best Friends.
– Recap of the Chris Jericho/Eddie Kingston/2point0 angle from last week. Kingston in a backstage segment promised he didn’t care about Jericho, but still wanted to get his hands on 2point0.
– Preview of Bryan Danielson vs. John Silver. Danielson got an awesome low-key dig on Silver: “You become the five people you spend the most time with. Does John Silver spend his time with elite people?”
– Newly announced for Dynamite: Young Bucks v. Chuck Taylor & Rocky Romero.
Main Event Promo: Mark Henry asked PAC how he can wrestle with one eye. This quickly devolved into a shouting match, and Henry had to shut them up with, “It’s time for the main event!” Is that a t-shirt for him yet? If it’s not, it should be.
FTR (w/ Tully Blanchard) defeated Penta El Zero Miedo and PAC (w/ Alex Abrahantes) (18:19)
Rey Fenix is “injured,” diagnosed with “travel difficulticulitis.” PAC is wearing an eye patch after being “blinded” by Malakai Black’s mist from last week on Dynamite.
Penta and Cash Wheeler started out with some pretty good mat work. PAC and Penta combined to nail a double basement dropkick on Wheeler. Harwood got the tag and PAC hip tossed and body slammed Harwood. PAC with a high back body drop. Penta came in with the double stomp off the top to Harwood tailbone for a near fall. Wheeler broke up the pin attempt and FTR double teamed Penta to get the advantage.
Penta was in trouble for a bit in the FTR corner, but got the tag and PAC devastated Harwood with kicks. Everything PAC did was so crisp and intense… until he went for a springboard and tripped over his feet, into a forearm from Harwood. FTR took the advantage and the show went to its final picture-in-picture break.
Back from the break, Wheeler has PAC locked in a Cobra Clutch. PAC fought out of it and sent Wheeler to the floor, but Harwood threw his partner back in the ring so he could get the tag. PAC got Harwood with an enziguri and went to tag Penta, but Wheeler pulled Penta to the floor. FTP hit the Demolition Decapitation elbow for a near fall, but referee Rick Knox stopped the count because the illegal member of FTR was making the pin! Harwood took PAC to the top for a superplex, but PAC fought out of it, shoved Harwood to the mat and hit a shotgun dropkick.
Wheeler tried to cut off PAC from getting the tag, but PAC backdropped him and got the tag to Penta. Slingblade and chops for both members of FTR. Penta hit a cazadora on Wheeler into a DDT on Harwood. Penta was flying all over the places, taking out both members of FTR with ease. Penta hit the backstabber on Wheeler for another near fall.
Wheeler countered Penta’s attempt at a package piledriver. Wheeler held up Penta in a wheelbarrow and Harwood flew off the top with a legdrop (a Midnight Express tribute) for another near fall. Penta hit a corkscrew code red on Harwood for another near fall. PAC got the tag and went for a crossbody, but Harwood rolled through and got a near fall. Hardwood with a picture-perfect tiger driver for another near fall. Blanchard got on the apron to argue the last near fall, and PAC and Blanchard collided. In the confusion, PAC got a near fall with a roll up and bridge.
On the floor, Wheeler hit a DDT on Penta. PAC clotheslined Harwood to the floor, and PAC came off the top with a moonsault to the floor. PAC is about to finish off Harwood on the apron, but Malakai Black came out of nowhere to spit mist in PAC’s good eye. Harwood rolled up a now completely blind PAC for the pinfall. Excellent match.
After the match, FTR tore the mask off of Penta. And Black attacked PAC, gouging his eye out. Black held up his hand with PAC’s blood on it to close the show.
Final Thoughts:
That was a very heel-heat heavy ending, with PAC now completely blind and Penta unmasked. But it’s setting up PAC vs. Black and another FTR v. Lucha Bros match.
TNT Champion Sammy Guevara will defend against Tony Nese while AEW Tag Team Champions The Lucha Brothers will defend against FTR in a 2-out-of-3 falls match on next Friday’s AEW Rampage.
In a backstage promo, the undefeated Nese took advantage of Guevara’s open challenge policy and as he was running him down, Guevara accepted the challenge. As the two shook hands, Nese laid in a elbow to drop the champion, driving his knee into his side while saying that the only reason Guevara has the title was that guys like him weren’t available yet.
Guevara will be looking for the fourth defense of his title against his fourth different opponent.
Rampage will also feature the latest battle in the rivalry between champions Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo and Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood. The latter challenged the Lucha Bros to the 2-out-of-3 falls match in a backstage promo, citing their recent success.
Wheeler and Harwood defeated Fenix and Penta for the AAA Tag Team titles in October, but were unable to regain the AEW titles from them at this month’s Full Gear. Fenix and Penta will be looking for the fifth defense of the titles they won at September’s All Out.
Next Friday’s matches will be taped after Wednesday’s Dynamite in Duluth, Georgia:
TNT Champion Sammy Guevara vs. Tony Nese title match
AEW Tag Team Champions Lucha Bros vs. FTR 2-out-of-3 falls title match
CM Punk will make his in-ring AEW Dynamite debut on the Wednesday, October 27 episode.
CM Punk vs. Bobby Fish has been announced for the show. The match was set up on Saturday Night Dynamite after Fish defeated Anthony Greene. Following his win, Fish continued to attack Greene. Punk then ran in to make the save.
A TNT Championship match was also added to Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Sammy Guevara will defend the TNT title against Ethan Page. American Top Team’s Dan Lambert issued the challenge for Page on Dynamite. Should Guevara win, The Inner Circle will get a five-on-five match against American Top Team at the Full Gear pay-per-view on Saturday, November 13.
An eight-man tag team match has also been announced for Dynamite.
The Elite foursome of Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson and Adam Cole will take on Dark Order’s John Silver, Colt Cabana, Evil Uno and Stu Grayson in an eight-man tag.
Here is the full lineup announced for Dynamite:
AEW Dynamite, Wednesday, October 27, 8 p.m. Eastern time —
TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara vs. Ethan Page
AEW World title eliminator tournament first round: Jon Moxley vs. Preston “10” Vance
TBS Championship tournament first round: Hikaru Shida vs. Serena Deeb
CM Punk vs. Bobby Fish
The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks & Adam Cole) vs. The Dark Order (John Silver, Colt Cabana, Evil Uno & Stu Grayson)
A six-man tag featuring former UFC star Junior dos Santos is set to take place on a special Saturday edition of AEW Dynamite next week.
The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, and Sammy Guevara) will take on The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page) and Junior dos Santos. This will be Dos Santos’ first professional wrestling match.
On tonight’s Dynamite, Guevara successfully retained his new TNT title against Bobby Fish. Dan Lambert, along with Dos Santos, Paige Van Zant, and other members of American Top Team, came out and distracted Guevara long enough for him to get laid out. Fuego Del Sol ran out, but was laid out as well. Jericho and Hager then ran in to even the odds.
Lambert said he wanted the six-man tag for next week, when they are in Miami. He also said that Jorge Masvidal would be in his team’s corner. Jericho accepted the match.
Due to NHL coverage, the next episode of Dynamite will air live on Saturday, October 16. It will take place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. AEW Rampage will air a day prior on October 15.
Tune into Speak Now Pro Wrestling and join on-air personality Denise Salcedo as she recaps the September 29th edition of All Elite Wrestling Dynamite from Rochester, New York.
Topics rundown:
Overall thoughts
Adam Cole vs. Jungle Boy
The Elite and Bryan Danielson promo
Lee Johnson and Dante Martin Impress Once Again~!
Arn Anderson post-match promo: Will this change Cody Rhodes?
The Dark Order reunites
Lio Rush returns to AEW
What to do next with Men of the Year?
Tay Conti and Anna Jay team up~!
Did MJF go too far?
New TNT Champion crowned~!
Denise will be back on Friday to chat about night one of the WWE Draft airing on Smackdown and AEW Rampage~!
A match between Bobby Fish and Sammy Guevara for the TNT title has been announced for next week’s Dynamite.
After Guevara defeated Miro for the TNT title on tonight’s Dynamite, Fish tweeted that he wanted the first shot at the title. Following the first commercial break of Rhodes to the Top, Schiavone interviewed Guevara, who brought up the challenge and said that people not even working for the company were challenging him. He accepted the challenge for next week.
Once he accepted the match, Dan Lambert and The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page) confronted Guevara, saying they wanted a title shot as well. The three eventually had to be pulled apart.
Other matches announced for next week’s Dynamite, which takes place at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania include:
Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks and Adam Cole vs. Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus
Guevara won the title in the main event of tonight’s Dynamite, defeating Miro. The finish had Miro exposing a turnbuckle in one of the ring corners. Fuego Del Sol, however, distracted Miro long enough for Sammy to dropkick Miro into the exposed turnbuckle. Guevara eventually laid out Miro and pinned him following a 630 splash.
Miro held the championship for 140 days, defeating Darby Allin on the May 12 edition of Dynamite. He had most recently defended the title against Fuego Del Sol on the episode of Rampage that aired on September 17. Miro put the title up against Fuego’s new car that he bought as a result of signing with AEW. After the match, Miro continued to attack Fuego until Guevara made the save, setting the stage for tonight’s match.
Following his title win, Bobby Fish tweeted that he wanted the first shot at Guevara. In a promo that aired during the first commercial break of Rhodes to the Top, Guevara accepted Fish’s challenge.
Miro will defend the TNT Championship against Sammy Guevara on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Miro has managed eight successful TNT title defenses since winning the belt from Darby Allin in May. The match will be Guevara’s first on Dynamite since defeating Shawn Spears on the August 18 edition of the show.
Adam Cole will be in action against Jungle Boy. Cole and The Young Bucks defeated Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus and Christian Cage on last week’s AEW Rampage Grand Slam.
Cody Rhodes and Lee Johnson of The Nightmare Family will team against Matt Sydal and Top Flight’s Dante Martin.
Penelope Ford and The Bunny will face Tay Conti and Anna Jay. Ford defeated Jay on last week’s Rampage.
Tonight’s show will be held in Rochester, New York, the hometown of the late Brodie Lee. Tony Khan announced on Twitter that the show will be dedicated to Lee’s memory.
Under the leadership of Brodie Lee Jr., Dark Order will face the Hardy Family Office in a 16-man tag match tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Show Report —
There was an “In Memory of Brodie Lee: 1979-2020” graphic before the opening theme.
**********
CM Punk was the show’s guest commentator. He made a full entrance to open the show.
**********
Adam Cole defeated Jungle Boy
This was a really excellent match all around. Both men have some pretty remarkable chemistry already. I’m exasperated with low blow endings from the Elite, however.
They wrestled around early on with some back-and-forth exchanged but neither man could establish an advantage. Jungoe Boy got the first big shot with a shoulder tackle. He later hit his step-up arm drag followed by a dropkick, sending Cole to the floor.
Back in the ring, Jungle Boy tried to fight off an attack by scaling the turnbuckles, but Cole pushed him down, sending him crashing to the floor. Cole slowed down the pace of the match, repeatedly whipping Jungle Boy into the turnbuckles. Jungle Boy fired up with a strike sequence and a rebound lariat.
They traded big strikes in the center of the ring, concluding with thrust kicks. Jungle Boy hit a belly-to-belly suplex followed by a German, bridging for two. He perched Cole in the tree of woe and closed in with a basement dropkick for two.
A cradle from Cole bought him some space for a two-count. Cole then hit a backstabber and the ushigoroshi for a near fall. Cole taunted, but Jungle Boy popped up with a reverse hurricanrana and a sliding forearm for a near fall. Jungle Boy then hit almost a modified Death Valley driver for another near fall.
Cole surprised Jungle Boy with a superkick, sending him to the floor. He thought about Panama Sunrise to the floor, Jungle Boy went for a dive instead, but Cole cut it off with a dropkick. Jungle Boy hit a sick hurricanrana over the top rope that sent Cole to the floor.
Upon re-entry, Cole crushed Jungle Boy with a superkick. He then hit the Panama Sunrise for a good near fall. He moved the knee pad and went for the Last Shot, but Jungle Boy avoided it and locked Cole in the Snare Trap. Jungle Boy had to re-apply his grip, and Cole used that separation to mule kick Jungle Boy low with the referee’s view obscured. Cole then hit the running knee (the former Last Shot) for the win.
– After the match, the Elite came out to celebrate with Cole through a commercial break. Once back, Karl Anderson talked up the Elite. To be Elite, you need to be the AEW World Champion or the greatest tag team of all time.
Cole said that he called his shot, beating Jungle Boy by himself. He’s undefeated. Brandon Cutler tried to say something but was cut off by Nick Jackson, who gave the mic to Michael Nakazawa, leading to “CM Punk” chants. Nakazawa said he had nothing to say.
Omega talked about all the positive response and accolades about how great his match with Bryan Danielson was. He said Danielson couldn’t get the job done, and he’s not getting a rematch. Loud “Yes!” chants.
Danielson’s music played and he walked out. He asked the fans if they wanted to see a rematch between him and Omega. They do, in fact, want a rematch. Danielson said Omega doesn’t have the balls. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Kenny ‘No Balls’ Omega.” Omega was livid. Danielson challenged any member of the Elite for a match at Rampage.
Omega said, “how about right now?” Danielson obliged, but said he wasn’t coming alone. Frankie Kazarian, Jurassic Express, and Christian Cage came out for backup as the Elite escaped up the ramp.
**********
The Lucha Bros were backstage. Andrade El Idolo walked up and congratulated them on their championships before asking where PAC was. Andrade’s assistant pointed out they hadn’t defended the AAA tag titles in a long time. Fénix said they’d defend them anytime, anywhere.
**********
Cody Rhodes & Lee Johnson (w/ Brandi Rhodes & Arn Anderson) defeated Dante Martin & Matt Sydal
This match had phenomenal intensity. All four men were extremely motivated tonight for whatever reason. The post-match was enthralling.
Cody, Johnson, and Arn were selling discontent from the very start. Cody and Dante started off and wrestled around before tagging in their partners. The high-flyers had the upper hand on Cody and Johnson for a moment. Dante and Johnson had a really entertaining athletic exchange before it broke down ahead of the break.
Johnson was in control on Sydal upon return. A dropkick bought Sydal enough time to tag in Dante as Johnson tagged in Cody. Cody’s snap powerslam got two, but then Dante’s tijeras took Cody down. A Disaster Kick took out Sydal. Cody then hit Din’s Fire for a near fall.
Sydal took out Johnson, then Dante came in with a springboard missile dropkick on Cody for two. Dante followed it up with a double-springboard moonsault for two more. Johnson forcefully tagged himself in and booted Sydal in the jaw. Dante rolled Johnson up for a good near fall. Johnson came back with a shoulder breaker for the win.
– After the match, Schiavone entered the ring to interview the winners. Cody challenged Malakai Black to come out, but Arn talked him down and told him to stop talking. Arn said that Black systematically destroyed every one of them. He told Cody that he should’ve finished that fight. He got into a metaphor about Cody being too passive. Arn’s not going to coach a loser; “Come with me, Lee.” Arn and Johnson left Cody in the ring.
**********
Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston, & Darby Allin (w/ Sting) defeated Bear Country (Bear Boulder & Bear Bronson) & Anthony Greene
The babyface team attacked before the bell. Allin immediately rolled up Greene with La Magistral before taking him down with a deep arm drag. Kingston hit the Kitchen Sink. Moxley and Boulder tagged in. Boulder shrugged off some shoulder tackles and a slap, catching a crossbody and planting Moxley with a powerslam. Bronson landed a running senton for two.
Kingston cut off a double team from Bear Country and just crumpled Bronson with a German suplex. Moxley did the same to Boulder. Greene tagged himself in as Allin took out Bear Country with a Coffin Drop. Moxley and Kingston shrugged off a springboard crossbody from Greene and hit the Violent Crown for the quick win.
– After the match, Sting hit a Scorpion Death Drop on Greene.
**********
A video package recapped Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho from last week.
**********
Hardy Family Offices were in the ring. Hardy said that a year and a half ago, he was supposed to make his debut in Rochester. That was deleted, because Rochester is an awful town and doesn’t deserve a legend like Hardy. Orange Cassidy’s music interrupted and he and the Dark Order made their entrances. Brodie Lee Jr. (-1) posed with the Dark Order on the apron.
Orange Cassidy & Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex Reynolds, John Silver, Alan Angels, 10, and Colt Cabana) defeated Hardy Family Office (Matt Hardy, Marq Quen, Isiah Kassidy, Butcher, Blade, Angélico, Jack Evans, & Jora Johl)
Much like the Brodie Lee memorial show, this match could not have possibly been done better.
Dark Order showed disagreement right from the start. Angels unmasked himself and argued with Uno, allowing Butcher and Blade to hit a double team suplex for a quick near fall. Private Party hit an assisted bulldog flapjack for another two. Orange tagged in and put his hands in his pockets, taking down both members of Private Party with a dropkick. The match broke down into a sixteen-way ahead of the commercial.
Reynolds got a hot tag upon return. He and Uno tentatively worked together to take out Angélico, but more miscommunication got in the way. Orange tagged in and hit a top-rope splash for two. Uno walked out on his team. The match broke down once again.
-1, Amanda Huber, Tay Conti, and Anna Jay walked out to talk some sense into Uno and company. -1 tossed a paper into Uno’s face and they ran back into the ring. Everyone in the Dark Order landed dives followed by 10 hitting an insane spear through the ropes to the floor. Silver brought out the most ridiculous sequence of offense you’ll ever see, taking out everyone.
10 planted Johl with a spinebuster, Orange took out Hardy with the Orange Punch, Silver and Reynolds hit their combo offense, and Uno and Grayson hit Fatality for the win.
**********
A Lio Rush promo aired. He said Tony Khan’s been calling him nonstop. He’s got a stock market speculator gimmick. “L.B.O. Lio.”
**********
FTR and Tully Blanchard cut a promo. Dax said they are revitalized, rejuvenated, and re-focused — that’s bad news for the rest of the division. “Top guys, out.”
**********
Dan Lambert was in the ring with the Men of the Year. He said he was here to pay Chris Jericho a compliment. He took this terrible company, joined it, and somehow it’s still standing. When Jericho decided to confront America’s Top Team, that was the end of his career. They’ve chopped off the head of the AEW snake, and made it more difficult for Tony Khan to peddle his snake oil. Loud “Shut the f*ck up” chants.
Scorpio Sky mentioned he was one of the first champions in AEW and won the Face of the Revolution ladder match — and it still wasn’t good enough. Lambert was paying attention, and he sees what the fans ignore: that Sky is a main eventer. Page has two black belts and has never been pinned or submitted in AEW. They’re done being overlooked. America’s Top Team and Men of the Year are *the* top team.
**********
A miraculous Hikaru Shida promo aired. She’s trying for her 50th win in AEW, and she will face Deeb. Deeb called herself the “woman of 1000 holds,” saying she’d submit Shida. They will face off at next week’s Dynamite Anniversary.
**********
Anna Jay & Tay Conti defeated Penelope Ford & The Bunny
Jay and Conti attacked before the bell and suplexed their opponents out on the floor. Conti hit repeated judo throws and tagged in Jay. They hit combination offense, but Ford and Bunny sent Conti to the floor and used the numbers advantage to isolate Jay in the ring.
Upon return, Conti got the hot tag and ran wild on Ford. She landed a nice springboard crossbody and hit an assisted suplex for two. Ford used a backbend to avoid a clothesline from Jay and hit a stunner followed by a fireman’s carry gutbuster for two. Jay rolled out of the way of a moonsault attempt as Conti hit the Tay-KO on Bunny on the floor. Jay then hit the Dangerous Jay kick followed by the Queenslayer sleeper for the win.
**********
Jade Cargill vs. Thunder Rosa vs. Nyla Rose in a no disqualification three-way match was announced for Rampage this Friday. They each cut brief promos.
**********
MJF came out with Wardlow. He wants to make this company successful as long as he’s given what he deserves. He brought up the concept of AEW’s four original future star pillars: Jungle Boy, Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, and the most important, MJF. Without MJF, this company “ain’t sh*t.” He deserves to be AEW world champion.
He called out Tony Khan, saying he needs to start to listen to MJF’s demands. He teased bringing out Bruce Prichard, but then Darby Allin’s music played and he interrupted. MJF cut Allin off before he could speak, saying it’d be fine to just be a #2 guy. Allin’s Pippen, but MJF’s Jordan.
Allin asked if he was done talking and demanded that MJF leave if he doesn’t get what he wants. Nobody will care. “How can you be a pillar if I’m the only one who’s won a championship?”
MJF got hot and asked if the crowd knew why Allin is straight edge: because when Allin was a kid, his uncle died in a drunk driving accident with Allin in the car. MJF said that that night, the wrong man died, and demanded that Allin hit him. Allin wouldn’t budge, telling MJF to keep talking. MJF and Wardlow slinked off without a fight.
**********
This Friday’s AEW Rampage lineup (9/29):
Bryan Danielson vs. Nick Jackson
No Disqualification Three-way: Jade Cargill vs. Thunder Rosa vs. Nyla Rose
Hair vs. Hair: Orange Cassidy vs. Jack Evans
AEW Dynamite: Anniversary lineup (10/6):
The Elite (Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, & The Young Bucks) vs. Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage, & Jurassic Express
Hikaru Shida vs. Serena Deeb
Casino Ladder Match
**********
A video promo recapped Miro vs. Fuego Del Sol and hyped up Miro’s upcoming match against Sammy Guevara.
TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara defeated Miro (c) to win the title
This was a wonderful title match with a thrilling title change.
Miro avoided a running knee right at the start and countered a second before laying in stomps and strikes. Guevara got some brief offense but was immediately cut off with a back elbow. Miro used Guevara’s chain to choke him. Guevara fired up and used a high crossbody to send both men crashing to the floor. Guevara sidestepped a running attack from Miro, sending him hard into the ring steps.
Back in the ring, Guevara went for a shooting star press. Miro somehow caught it and turned it into an overhead belly-to-belly suplex ahead of a commercial. Miro was firmly in control upon return to the broadcast. He countered the jumping knee once again with a German suplex. Guevara finally started his comeback with a standing Spanish Fly.
Guevara flipped out of a German and avoided a corner splash, sending Miro to the floor. He then landed an insane running dive over the corner post to the outside. Back inside, Miro avoided a crossbody and hit a black hole slam for two. He called for Game Over, but Guevara surprised him with two rising knees. He climbed the ropes, but Miro cut him off as they jockeyed for position.
Miro was sent crashing to the mat and Guevara landed a diving uppercut. Guevara wanted the GTH, but Miro fought out and hit his signature thrust kick for a near fall. Miro was frustrated as he started ripping turnbuckles off. Fuego Del Sol ran out and got in Miro’s face. The distraction allowed Guevara to hit the rising knee, sending Miro into the exposed turnbuckle.
Guevara hit the tornado DDT aand the GTH. He then scaled the ropes and landed the 630 senton to win the match and the championship.
– Confetti fell from the rafters as Guevara celebrated with Fuego and company to end the show.
**********
Final Thoughts —
I don’t often do a “Final Thoughts” section on these reviews as I’m just a recapper, but I wanted to highlight how excellent this show was: This was one of the best editions of Dynamite in history. There were four thrilling matches, entertaining promo segments, returns, and surprises. Above it all, Tony Khan continued his unbelievably perfect treatment of Brodie Lee’s memory with that beautiful, emotional Dark Order match. After a run of middling shows (in my humble opinion), this show has me buzzing.
Sammy Guevara proposed marriage to his girlfriend Pam Nizio in the ring before tonight’s AEW Dynamite show in Houston.
Guevara called Nizio into the ring and said he wondered what he would do without her by his side, then said that he never wants to think about that. He dropped to a knee, produced a ring, then asked her to marry him. Nizio appeared to accept and the two hugged.
Guevara then faced Shawn Spears in the second match on tonight’s Dynamite, winning with his GTH.
Guevara, 28, debuted for AEW at Double or Nothing in May 2019. Guevara lost to Kip Sabian at that event. He was part of the first match in Dynamite history, losing to Cody Rhodes. Chris Jericho attacked Rhodes after the match, and The Inner Circle was formed later that night as Guevara joined Jericho, Santana, Ortiz and Jake Hager in attacking Rhodes and The Elite.
