The AEW International title will be on the line as part of Friday’s AEW Rampage.
Orange Cassidy will be gunning for his 28th title defense as he faces Johnny TV of QTV. The former John Morrison is looking for his first AEW gold of any kind while Cassidy is two months away from a year-long reign as champion.
In the second of three qualifying matches for an AEW Women’s title four-way at All In, Saraya will take on Skye Blue. The winner will join champion Hikaru Shida and Toni Storm who have already qualified with one final match (Britt Baker vs. The Bunny) taking place this Wednesday.
Darby Allin will face Brian Cage of The Mogul Embassy days after it was announced that Allin & Sting will take on the group’s Swerve Strickland & AR Fox in a coffin match at All In.
ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open will face The Outrunners in non-title action.
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Taped in Columbus, Ohio.
Tony Schiavone, Chris Jericho and Excalibur were on commentary.
Darby Allin defeated Brian Cage (w/ Prince Nana) (10:46)
Allin started out fast with Cage and hit him with a high speed tope, but Cage soon overpowered Allin to take control. On the floor, Cage picked up Allin for a vertical suplex, then walked up the ringsteps and dumped Allin back in the ring. Cage then dead-lifted Allin into a superplex while standing on the middle rope.
The fight went back to the floor. Allin had Cage in a sleeper, and Cage broke the hold by throwing himself and Allin through the time keeper’s table. Cage dumped Allin onto the ring apron with a back suplex.
Cage dominated Allin through the split-screen break. After the break, Cage hit a pair of powerbombs for a near fall. Allin tripped Cage on the ring apron with his belt, then came off the top with a Coffin Drop that sent both guys tumbling to the floor. Back in the ring, Allin hit a code red for a near fall. After interference from Nana, Cage hit the F-10 on Allin, but Cage didn’t hook the leg and Allin kicked out. Cage took Allin up to the middle rope for what looked like a super samoan drop, but Allin countered that into a crucifix bomb. Cage went for a suplex, but Allin caught Cage with a small package to get the pin.
After the match, Luchasaurus ran in and chokeslammed Allin to remind the audience about the only match booked for All Out. Christian (with the TNT belt over his shoulder) watched approvingly on a monitor in the back.
–In the back, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D told Renee Paquette she respects Bunny working hard to come back, but she will beat her next week to take her place in the “historical” women’s title match at All In.
– A brief video package highlighted NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston’s run in the G1 tournament.
Orange Cassidy defeated Johnny TV (with the QTV crew) to retain the International Title (8:25)
Harley Cameron sang the entrance music for Johnny TV. This was Orange Cassidy’s 28th straight successful title defense. Tony Schiavone chided Jericho on commentary for the way the Jericho Appreciation Society abandoned him on Wednesday.
Harley Cameron distracted the referee with her feminine wiles, and the QTV guys entered the ring from all sides to jump Cassidy. Just as they were about to pounce, Cassidy turned the referee around, and he ejected the entire QTV crew from ringside. Wheeler Yuta came out of the crowd to distract Cassidy, and TV caught him with a springboard kick to take control.
During the split-screen break, Wheeler Yuta joined the commentary team. Yuta continued the tradition started by William Regal of calling Excalibur “The Man in the Mask.”
Cassidy went for a tornado DDT, but TV blocked it and hit a neckbreaker for a near fall. TV then hit an even more convoluted neckbreaker for another near fall. TV missed “the Superstation” (his finisher) and Cassidy came off the top with a diving DDT. Cassidy hit the tornado DDT, an Orange Punch adn the Beach Break to get the pinfall.
After the match, Yuta slowly skulked back to ringside, and Cassidy grabbed the house mic to challenge Yuta. Soon the rest of the BCC surrounded the ring. The BCC didn’t attack Cassidy and leave him beaten and bloody (like they could have, according to Yuta), but instead Yuta challenged Cassidy for the International Title at Dynamte in Nashville next week. That should be very good.
– Ian Riccaboni ran down the history of the Ring of Honor World Tag Team championship. This was unintentionally the best commercial for HonorClub they’ve ever done.
ROH World Tag Team Champions Aussie Open defeated The Outrunners (2:12)
The Outrunners are Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd and they’re “channeling the 1980’s” according to their graphic. Aussie Open destroyed the Outrunners. I don’t think the Outrunners got one offensive move the entire match, and Aussie Open won with the Coriolis.
After the match, Aussie Open mocked MJF and Adam Cole (which got the crowd to chant “Double Clothesline!”) and accepted the challenge from MJF and Cole for Zero Hour.
– Jeff Jarrett announced the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre Death Match Championship” as a tie-in to a video game that’s coming out. Leatherface may be at Dynamite for a Death Match between Jeff Jarrett and Jeff Hardy. Spoiler alert: the winner will be Jeff.
Saraya (w/ the Outcasts) v. Syke Blue to qualify for the AEW World Women’s title match at All In.
Blue and Saraya went back and forth exchanging pin attempts early. Blue went for a sunset flip, but Saraya shifted her weight to cradle Blue, which she countered by shifting her weight back, and this went back and forth for a bit. Saraya went to the floor to regroup. Blue tried to follow her out with a cannonball, but Saraya dodged her and Blue hit the floor.
Saraya got all the heat during the split-screen break. Saraya got a near fall after a pair of knees. Saraya then locked in a chinlock. Blue came back with a tijeras and her own running knee for a near fall. Blue escaped a suplex attempt, hit a superkick and caught Saraya with the Code Blue, but Toni Storm distracted the ref. Ruby Soho got Blue’s attention on the other side of the ring and sprayed her in the face with spray paint. Saraya hit her old finisher, the “Rampaige” and got the pinfall. She ended Rampage with a Rampaige! I love it. Excalibur might have called it the “Good Night” instead, which I like a little less but I understand.
After the match, the Outcasts beat up on Saraya to end the show.
Final Thoughts:
Happy two-year anniversary for Rampage. This wasn’t as exciting as that first episode two years ago, but it was a perfectly cromulent hour of wrestling.
The following are spoilers for this Friday’s AEW Rampage, taped after Wednesday’s Dynamite in Columbus, Ohio.
These come courtesy of PWInsider:
Darby Allin defeated Brian Cage. The Mogul Embassy attacked Allin after the match, but Sting made the save. It was announced on Dynamite that Sting & Allin will face Swerve Strickland & AR Fox in a coffin match at this month’s All In.
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy defeated Johnny TV (John Morrison) to retain the title. After the match, the Blackpool Combat Club came out to stare down Cassidy.
In a four-woman tournament to advance to a four-way AEW Women’s title match at All In, Saraya defeated Skye Blue. Afterward, Toni Storm and Ruby Soho joined in an attack on Blue until Madison Rayne returned to make the save. Rayne has been out of action with an injury.
ROH Tag Team Champions Aussie Open defeated The Outrunners, accepting the challenge from MJF & Adam Cole for All In.
Chris Jericho & Saraya vs. Adam Cole & Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. in a mixed tag team match headlines tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Cole defeated Jericho in an unsanctioned match at Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, then Jericho and Saraya laid down the challenge for Dynamite in a backstage promo segment later in the show.
AEW owner, president, GM, CEO, and head of creative Tony Khan will have another announcement regarding Collision’s debut episode on tonight’s Dynamite.
After turning on The Elite in the Double or Nothing main event, Konosuke Takeshita will speak alongside Don Callis on Dynamite.
New TBS Champion Kris Statlander will make her first title defense tonight against Nyla Rose.
Blackpool Combat Club’s Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Claudio Castagnoli will face The Lucha Bros & Bandido in trios action.
Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin will team against ROH’s Gates of Agony.
Swerve Strickland vs. Big Bill vs. Trent Baretta in a triple threat match is set for the show.
A promo from Jay White & Juice Robinson has also been announced.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they are joined at the commentary desk by Bryan Danielson leading to our opening bout. Danielson demanded highlights be shown of The BCC’s win over The Elite at Double or Nothing. Danielson said that is what Death-Jitsu looks like.
Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta defeated The Lucha Bros (Penta el Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix w/Alex Abrahantes) & Bandido
(A hot start to the show that was action packed and specifically showcased Wheeler Yuta for the second show in a row. First getting the pin in the main event of Double or Nothing and getting his hand raised tonight.)
Huge reaction for The Lucha Bros & Bandido, who is dressed like El Chapulin Colorado with his ring gear. The BCC tried to attack early, suffered triple superkicks to the floor, but cut off dives before Bandido & the Lucha Bros could take off. All six men brawled ringside before the match officially began with Yuta & Bandido, who did his stalling vertical suplex for a full minute as the Lucha Bros held off Moxley & Castagnoli. Yuta avoided Fear Factor, but ate a Fenix rope walk kick while Penta took out Castagnoli with a backstabber. Yuta dodged a springboard Bandido cross body, as Mox & Castagnoli hit an assisted spike piledriver on the floor to take over into commercial.
Bandido remained isolated until a Tornillo laid out Moxley and Fenix made the hot tag with a comeback thrust kick to Castagnoli and corner spin kick to Yuta. Dueling thrust kicks on Yuta and a Sling Blade by Penta on Castagnoli, who followed with a roll through DDT on Moxley before being laid out with a Castagnoli lariat. Bandido & Yuta entered and had a long forearm exchange before Bandido hit a pop up cutter. Lucha Bros hit double dives on Moxley & Castagnoli while Bandido hit a huge Frog Splash for two on Yuta. Danielson attributes the training they’ve done with Yuta to kick out, as he wouldn’t have kicked out of that a year ago. Moxley saved Yuta from the 21 Plex, as Castanoli flew in with an uppercut, leading to Yuta hitting a Busaiku Knee, anvil elbow and the seatbelt for the pin.
-Alex Marvez is backstage with The Young Bucks & Hangman Page asking how they are feeling after Anarchy in the Arena. Matt Jackson said The BCC brought out the worst in them, as he never thought he’d see the day he’d try to burn off someone’s face with an exploding sneaker. Page said they’re still standing and still swinging, while The BCC relies on the numbers game. Evil Uno entered with Alex Reynolds & John Silver who apologized for interrupting him with his new friends. Page was going to go after them, but Marvez asked Page’s thoughts on the word of Kenny Omega going back to Canada? Page said Omega didn’t go back home to Canada and walked off. They’re definitely implying Omega has presumably gone to Japan to get backup for The Elite.
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-Tony Schiavone introduces Switchblade Jay White & Juice Robinson to the ring, asking about their attack of Ricky Starks backstage at Double or Nothing. White said he bets Starks feels on top of the world having eliminated both of them from the battle royal, but Starks isn’t International Champion and he lost to White. Robinson brings up FTR saving Starks from their attack and FTR aren’t Starks’ friends since Starks has no friends. White ran down FTR until the AEW World Tag Team Champions made their way to the ring.
White & Robinson hid behind Schiavone as they believe FTR are there to apologize to them and join Bullet Club Gold calling them Top Shelf Top Guys. White went to hand the microphone Harwood, but dropped it, allowing Robinson to pop Harwood with a handful of quarters and hit his finisher. White laid out Wheeler with Blade Runner before bailing as Ricky Starks made the save. Starks challenged White to finally put an end to this next week on Dynamite.
Tony Khan’s Collision Announcement
Khan is backstage and said tonight’s announcement is that the debut edition of Collision will feature CM Punk. This got both loud cheers and also a few boos from the crowd.
Swerve Strickland defeated Big Bill & Trent Baretta
(I enjoyed this three way quite a bit, as everyone got a chance their moments to shine and the finish would presumably lead one to believe that Strickland is next in line for the International Title, though that wasn’t said.)
We saw the run of eliminations Bill went on in the Battle Royal at the PPV, while also Strickland was responsible for Bill’s elimination. Strickland immediately took a powder as Baretta used his speed to escape the early clutches of Bill and take out Strickland with a dive. Back inside, Bill used his size to hit multiple corner splashes, dumped Strickland over the top and gave Baretta a big boot into picture in picture.
Bill was taken out on the floor as Strickland & Baretta fought to the apron where Baretta pulled Strickland into a Bill big boot. Baretta connected with a moonsault off the second rope to the floor to take out Bill, but ate a Strickland running punt to follow. Strickland wanted his double stomp, but Bill fought up on the ropes with him before Baretta joined Strickland and both superplexed Bill in a cool moment. Baretta connected with a half and half overhead suplex on Strickland, but ran into a Boss Man Slam from Bill. Strickland missed a Swerve Stomp on Baretta, who hit a running knee and piledriver for two. Bill & Baretta fought to the apron where Bill choke slammed him back into the ring. Strickland hit a double stomp on Bill from the top rope to the apron, scurried in the ring and got the pin on Baretta.
-A video package highlighting Kris Statlander’s road to recovery is shown culminating in winning the TBS Title at Double or Nothing, as she is officially the 1 in Jade Cargill’s 60-1.
-Renee Paquette welcomed The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass to the entrance stage. Things didn’t go their way at Double or Nothing when they lost their Trios Title match. Billy Gunn said he feels he let The Acclaimed down, but Caster said they win together and they lose together, they’re still the people’s choice. Bowens said a few months ago they were screwed out of Tag Team gold and said Gunn deserves to hold gold one more time in his career. The Acclaimed loves Daddy Ass and everyone loves The Acclaimed. I felt bad for Renee here, Bowens tossed down the microphone after the go home line and she had to awkwardly go and pick it up.
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Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita Explain Their Actions
Tony Schiavone is sickened to announce Callis & Takeshita to the ring, who don’t have entrance music, but instead showered with boos from the crowd. Callis said he hopes those boos are for Kenny Omega as Callis is the real victim here, running down all of Omega’s accomplishments thanks to Callis himself. Callis blames the scar he has to see every morning he wakes up on Omega. While Callis lost a nephew, he gained a son in Takeshita, who is better than Rikidozan, Inoki, Maeda, Mutoh & Okada. Takeshita will show soon he’s also better than Kenny Omega. Takeshita took the microphone and said they will destroy The Elite & Kenny Omega. Callis said Omega destroyed his family, so he’s going to build a new one to eliminate The Elite from All Elite Wrestling. This was nuclear heat for both Callis & Takeshita throughout this entire segment.
-We see a highlight video of the TNT Title Ladder Match with Wardlow retaining over Christian Cage. Arn Anderson talks about biting the lizard mans thumb while Wardlow said Luchasaurus found out not to get involved in their business, but will be more than happy to finish the job if Luchasaurus wants to be next in line.
AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin defeated The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)
(Well, you could easily say that Allin & Cassidy are still suffering from their matches on Sunday, as they got their asses kicked for at least 90% of this match. The wheels fell off for the Gates of Agony though, as Cassidy & Allin showed good team work once again to get the victory. The post match is certainly setting up Cassidy & Strickland, but I wonder if Sting & Allin potentially face Kaun & Liona?)
Liona & Kaun attacked at the bell, took too much time hyping each other up and Allin briefly got free, tried a springboard Coffin Drop, but Liona hit a Pounce in mid air. Cassidy meanwhile got flattened with a double knee to the chest as Brian Cage, Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana came to the stage to watch the action as Kaun & Liona dominated the action into picture in picture. Allin suffered a running senton on the apron and uranage back inside by Liona.
Allin used his speed to send Liona & Kaun colliding into each other to make the luke warm tag to Cassidy, who used his pocket offense to gain the upper hand. A satellite DDT on Kaun, who ducked the Orange Punch to allow Liona to hit a huge Samoan Drop. Cassidy countred a double chokeslam into a double hurricanrana, as Allin made the tag and used his speed to hit springing Coffin Drops and dive to the floor on Liona. Kaun went for the kill on Cassidy, who answered with a Stundog Milionaire and Code Red by Allin. Cassidy took out Liona with a dive while Allin hit a Coffin Drop on Kaun for the win.
Post match, Cage, Strickland & Nana slowly walked to the ring and were about to attack when Sting’s music hit and The Icon made his way to the ring. Mogul Embassy retreated, but Strickland never took his eyes off the International Title.
-A highlight video is shown of MJF successfully defending his AEW World Title at Double or Nothing. MJF said the clock is ticking and AEW is running out of competition. They are running out of gladiators for MJF to slay, as it’s been made clear that no one is on the level of the Devil.
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-Tony Schiavone is once again in the ring and introduces FTW Champion HOOK. Schiavone talked about HOOK helping The Hardys win on Sunday to give Matt Hardy the contract of Ethan Page. Before HOOK can say what is next, La Faccion Ingobernable interrupt as Jose the Assistant said this is what they have to do to get an opportunity. Rush is too dangerous to be on TV and isn’t there tonight, but tells Preston Vance & Dralistico to attack HOOK, which they did. Jungle Boy Jack Perry made the save and took out both Vance & Dralistico on the ramp with a chair, while Jose retreated to the ring where he was met with a suplex from HOOK. Jungle HOOK stood tall as Vance & Dralistico stared them down from the ramp.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with new AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm, Saraya & Ruby Soho. Storm said luck had nothing to do with her title win on Sunday, as she’s traveled all over the world to get to this point. Soho praised Storm’s work ethic, while Saraya did the same and Storm said the only ones lucky are the AEW fans.
Kris Statlander defeated Nyla Rose to retain the TBS Title
This is Statlander’s first match on Dynamite since January of 2022 as she nearly bodyslammed Rose early, but dodged a Rose senton and sank in a body scissors. Rose got the ropes and both ladies fought for suplex attempts before Rose slammed Statlander into the corner as Taya Valkyrie was shown watching backstage before going to commercial.
Rose controlled the entire break before Statlander mounted a comeback by avoiding a splash. Statlander threw a series of strikes ending in a corner uppercut and knee lift that led to a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Statlander went up top, but had the legs pulled from under her and rolled to the floor where Rose squashed her with a somersault senton. While set up against the barricade, Rose hit a running cannonball and chokeslam back in the ring for two. A jawbreaker put Statlander back in control, as she connected with a 450 Splash to get the victory. Valkyrie didn’t look impressed watching on in the back.
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Adam Cole & Dr. Britt Baker defeated Chris Jericho & Saraya
(A fun main event, as I was surprised at the finish of Jericho taking another loss to Cole in four days. You’d have to assume this feud is almost wrapped and both start up builds for Forbidden Door, which as a show, didn’t get built up at all tonight, hopefully after Dominion this weekend that changes next week.)
Cole & Jericho slugged it out immediately with Jericho gaining the advantage early, showing a shiner on his eye from the finish of their match Sunday. Cole charged out of the corner with a lariat before Saraya tagged in and dared Cole to hit her. Baker jumped in and laid out Saraya with a Sling Blade and Air Raid Crash, but Saraya grabbed the referee Paul Turner’s leg long enough for Jericho trip up Baker to put his team in control during picture in picture.
Jericho took the ref as Ruby Soho & Toni Storm hit ringside to triple team Baker until Hikaru Shida ran down with a kendo stick to chase off The Outcasts. Baker was able to make the tag to Cole, who pounced on Jericho with hammer fists until missing a dropkick that led to a Jericho Lionsault for two. Baker & Saraya tagged back in with both battling in the corner until Saraya was knocked off, with Jericho covering his partner. Baker splashed down on both as Cole hit a backstabber on Jericho, who countered Panama Sunrise into the Walls of Jericho.
Baker put on her glove, broke up the submission and sank in Lockjaw on Jericho for a huge reaction. Saraya broke it up, but Cole looked for a superkick, only to run into a Code Breaker for two. Both Jericho & Cole collided with clotheslines into the double down before both ladies jumped in and slugged it out again. Saraya turned a neckbreaker attempt into the Good Knight as Jericho grabbed the baseball bat, took a swing at Baker and ate a Cole superkick instead. Cole & Baker hit dueling superkicks on Jericho as Cole lowered The Boom to get the win and pose for the fans to end the show as Jericho was furious.
Friday’s AEW Rampage lineup:
El Hijo del Vikingo defends the AAA Mega Championship against Komander & Dralistico
Willow Nightingale puts the NJPW Strong Women’s Title on the line against Emi Sakura
Zack Sabre Jr. defends the NJPW TV Title against Action Andretti
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Lee Moriarty for the ROH Pure Title
Next AEW Dynamite:
Ricky Starks vs. Jay White with Juice Robinson & FTR banned from ringside
Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Title against Swerve Strickland
Chris Jericho will team with Saraya to face Adam Cole & Britt Baker on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
As announced during Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, the feud between Cole and Jericho will continue with a mixed tag team match on Wednesday’s post-Double or Nothing edition of Dynamite.
Jericho and Cole’s feud commenced with an in-ring promo segment on the April 19 Dynamite, where Jericho and the Jericho Appreciation Society handcuffed Cole to the ring ropes. Baker ran in to make the save, but Saraya, Toni Storm, and Ruby Soho of The Outcasts cut Baker off and attacked her with kendo sticks.
The feud continued at Double or Nothing with Cole defeating Jericho by referee stoppage in an unsanctioned match. Baker did a run-in during the Cole-Jericho bout, then also ran in during a Storm vs. Jamie Hayter Women’s World title match to further her angle with The Outcasts. Storm defeated Hayter to win the AEW Women’s World Championship for a second time.
Saraya told BBC Radio Norfolk that she feels like Punk returning would be great for AEW. Saraya said Punk has always been an “absolute sweetheart” to her — and they’ve never had any conflict whatsoever:
He’s always been an absolute sweetheart to me. He’s never once — we’ve never had any conflict whatsoever. He’s been very helpful, given a lot of advice over the years, since basically near the beginning of when I was in WWE. He was kind of just on his way out, but I remember coming up on like live event loops and stuff and he was very, very nice. And then going into WWE Backstage, always very nice. And then coming into AEW, he had reached out to me and he’s just like, ‘If you need anything,’ you know, he’s really awesome.
I want whatever’s best for business. And I feel like, if people don’t like each other, you have to find that common ground in a professional setting, you know? Because I mean there’s been people I don’t like over the years, but I’ve never let my personal feelings get in the way of business at the end of the day. If he was to come back, I feel like it would be great for AEW.
While not officially announced, Punk is expected to return to AEW as part of the company’s new Collision show this summer. When the new show debuts, it’s slated to air on TNT from 8-10 p.m. Eastern time on Saturdays.
Punk’s return would be his first appearance since getting into a backstage fight with The Elite after All Out 2022.
Several matches and a new promo were announced for this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
One of them is a Tres de Mayo trios battle royal that will see six teams and a combined 18 men.
Participants are The Butcher, The Blade, & Kip Sabian; Lucha Brothers & El Hijo del Vikingo; Varsity Athletes (Ari Daivari, Josh Woods & Tony Nese); Dark Order (John Silver, Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds); The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn; and QTV (QT Marshall, Powerhouse Hobbs & Aaron Solo).
No future AEW Trios title match was announced for the winner.
The Elite (Kenny Omega & the Young Bucks) will be on hand to share some thoughts about their recent run-ins with the Blackpool Combat Club. Omega vs. Jon Moxley in a steel cage match was also announced Friday for the May 10th Dynamite.
After an effort at their first encounter was thwarted by Jay White’s AEW return, Ricky Starks will once again attempt to take on Juice Robinson.
Saraya of The Outcasts will wrestle Willow Nightingale for the first time ever.
The new additions join the previously announced MJF & Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin & “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry tag team match where if Allin and Perry win, a four-way AEW World title match between all men will be made for Double or Nothing.
The other match previously announced is an eight-man tag featuring the AEW in-ring debut of Roderick Strong alongside Adam Cole, Orange Cassidy & Bandido against Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker of the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Here’s the current card:
The Elite promo
Ricky Starks vs. Juice Robinson
Saraya vs. Willow Nightingale
MJF & Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin & Jack Perry with Double or Nothing AEW World title match stipulations on the line
Roderick Strong, Adam Cole, Orange Cassidy & Bandido vs. Jericho Appreciation Society (Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker)
In a new interview, Saraya said that after her WWE contract expired last July, Paul “Triple H” Levesque offered her an opportunity to either resume her on-screen general manager role or even return to the ring before she signed with AEW.
In a feature for UK-based Metro, Saraya reiterated how much she likes Levesque and recounted their talk after her deal ended in July 2022 as he was surprised to hear it wasn’t renewed by the then-Vince McMahon/John Laurinaitis regime.
“He did give me the opportunity to potentially be a GM again and give me the opportunity to be like, ‘If you ever potentially want to wrestle again, I’ll give you that opportunity too.’ He was very open about any ideas that I had,” she said.
In her post-AEW talk with Renee Paquette, Saraya had said she had considered going back to WWE during that aforementioned time but questioned whether she would be “100% happy” in doing so. While she was happy about her experience in WWE, she felt she could have been used more in the five years after suffering her second neck injury that kept her out of the ring.
In a recent interview with the Metro, Saraya praised Mercedes Varnado (Sasha Banks) for taking her career into her own hands.
“I love the fact that she took her career into her own hands, and she knows her worth and she knows she wants to be treated a certain way, and she deserves to be treated that way because she’s done a lot for the wrestling business,” Saraya said.
“She’s one of the girls that puts butts in seats, and you want to see wrestle and you wanna see main event. She deserves all those things.”
Varnado hasn’t appeared in pro wrestling since walking out of WWE Raw this May, but that’s expected to change with her showing up at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.
Last month’s announcement that Saraya and a mystery partner will be facing Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter on the January 11 episode of Dynamite has also led to speculation that Varnado could be coming to AEW. Saraya told the Metro that she’ll be happy for Varnado wherever she ends up going.
“Wherever she ends up, I’m gonna be happy for her, and anyone that gets her is gonna be very, very lucky. I just selfishly hope that I get to wrestle her one day,” Saraya said.
Saraya commented on the speculation of Varnado being her mystery partner in an interview with Forbes that was published in December: “I feel like anytime there’s a mystery, everyone always goes straight for Mercedes (laughs). They’re like — straight away — it’s her! There’s plenty of women out there, I’m not going to say yes or no to anybody, but there’s a lot of exciting prospects for a potential tag partner.”
After departing WWE this July, Saraya made her AEW debut in September. She returned to the ring by defeating Baker at November’s Full Gear pay-per-view. It was Saraya’s first match in nearly five years. Saraya was medically disqualified from competing in the ring during that time due to neck issues.
We had a very fiery episode of AEW Dynamite on Wednesday, lots of storytelling and good in-ring action! Tune into Speak Now Pro Wrestling with Denise Salcedo as she breaks down the night.
Topics include: William Regal/AEW situation rundown, MJF/Ricky Starks promo exchange, FTR vs The Acclaimed, and sooo much more!
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. and Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter vs. Saraya and a mystery partner is set for the January 11 AEW Dynamite.
The match was set up in a backstage promo segment on this week’s Dynamite. Tony Schiavone was interviewing Saraya when Baker interrupted and offered Saraya tickets to the January 11 event at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Baker said that Saraya was welcome to watch her perform from the crowd, or could find a partner and face Baker and Hayter in a tag match.
Saraya accepted the match challenge, then continued the angle on social media:
Saraya defeated Baker at Full Gear last month in singles competition in her first match in five years.
AEW will return to the Los Angeles area for the first time since June when they ran the Forum for Dynamite, then Ontario, California for Rampage on June 1 and June 3. Both Dynamite and Rampage will be taped on January 11.
Saraya made a triumphant return to in-ring action at Saturday’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view, earning a victory in her first match in nearly five years.
Saraya defeated Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. at Full Gear after hitting two cradle DDTs in her first bout since a neck injury forced a pause to her career at a WWE house show in December 2017.
Saraya signed with AEW and made her first appearance for the company at Dynamite Grand Slam on September 21 of this year. She engaged in physicality in an angle with Baker on the October 5 Dynamite, then revealed that she had been fully medically cleared to return to the ring on the November 9 Dynamite, announcing the Full Gear match with Baker.
As Paige in WWE, Saraya was the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion, as well as a two-time WWE Divas Champion. After the neck injury paused her in-ring career, she served as an on-air authority figure on the SmackDown brand. Later, she worked as a panelist on FS1’s WWE Backstage alongside Renee Paquette.
Ahead of Full Gear, Britt Baker spoke to Sports Illustrated about being Saraya’s first opponent in nearly five years.
Saraya (formerly known as Paige in WWE) will make her return to the ring as she faces Baker at Saturday’s Full Gear pay-per-view. It will be the first time Saraya has wrestled since 2017, when she suffered a neck injury that forced her to retire.
Baker told Sports Illustrated that the match is a point of progress for the AEW women’s division.
“It’s so progressive for our division,” Baker said. “It’s a story-driven match. It’s a very compelling story, and the match is going to be even more exciting.”
Baker noted that, while Saraya has been away from in-ring competition for five years, the one thing they have in common is that professional wrestling is their life.
“She’s been out of the game for five years,” Baker said. “That’s a long time. For all our differences, we have one thing in common—wrestling is our life. We’re going to wrestle like our lives depend on it.”
With Saraya being medically cleared to return to the ring, Baker told Sports Illustrated she isn’t worried about Saraya having limitations.
“She’s cleared. By this point, her neck is probably better than mine,” Baker said. “At first, I was really concerned. Working around someone’s neck is very daunting. But she’s cleared, and we’re going to wrestle.”
Baker said facing a star like Saraya is a challenge that she welcomes.
“I don’t take this opportunity lightly. It is a challenge I welcome. Saraya is a star. She’s one of the best wrestlers in the world. Not everyone knows Britt Baker. Having a match with a star of her caliber is the next step I need in my career,” Baker said. “I feel similar to the way I did before the ‘Lights Out’ match against Thunder Rosa. I knew the match had to be excellent. I’m in that position again, and I’m ready to deliver.”
Full Gear is taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday night. The PPV main card will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The Buy-In pre-show starts at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Figure Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back and as promised Lance and I have tons to discuss relating to Shawn Michaels’ nutty announcement of a new match on NXT. Also, tons of Dynamite and RAW thoughts, Britt vs. Saraya promo, and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Ahead of her first match in nearly five years, Saraya is already feeling the pressure for this Saturday’s AEW Full Gear.
Talking to Chris Van Vliet, she said that her match against Britt Baker on the pay-per-view is going to be a big deal for everybody involved.
“I’m going to be under a microscope that day. Everything I’m going to be doing is going to be scrutinized,” she said, adding she is going to stay off social media after the match because of it.
Formerly Paige in WWE, Saraya hasn’t wrestled since December 2017 due to sustaining another neck injury that put her in-ring career on the shelf.
After her surprise AEW on-screen debut in September, Saraya has been more physical in recent weeks leading up to her return. To her, she said she wants to ensure both herself and Baker are safe on Saturday while telling a good story and having a good match.
“I’m already too much in my head to the point where I just want it to be good. I have to focus on making sure that I keep myself safe and make sure Britt is safe, and the pressure of having a match is wild to me. It’s a beautiful story, but it makes me nervous,” she said.
Saraya has been medically cleared to return to the ring.
During an appearance on The Sessions with Renee Paquette, the 30-year-old noted that she didn’t receive clearance until October 31, and doctors have said she can start with one match a month.
“When I came in, I didn’t really know what the deal was, I just knew that I was going to be part of something and we were going to build something special here,” Saraya said. “But then when I got there, got the great reaction when I walked out, and I was like, ‘oh my god’ and you can’t put a pro-wrestler out there and tell them that they can’t do anything else.”
“I came to terms with not being able to wrestle anymore and that’s fine, although a couple of years ago I did do some x-rays and they were looking great but I didn’t do the full MRI.”
“I just did the x-rays because I was a little nervous about doing the MRI a couple of years ago so I was just like, okay, they’re looking good, maybe in a couple of years it starts getting better but I’m not going to rush it because Edge was out for like nine years, Stone Cold had that match with Kevin Owens but he didn’t bump much.”
She continued to say that at the time she figured she would be able to work a match similar to Owens vs. Austin at WrestleMania.
“I was like, I could probably pull off doing a Stone Cold match. It was just in my head because in the match, you wouldn’t think that there wasn’t a crazy amount of bumps because the story they told was so fantastic.”
She continued to say that she brought up the idea of wrestling again to Tony Khan, who suggested she could work some tag matches. However, Saraya said if she was going to come back, she would want to have a singles match.
“I remember talking to the doctors and they were like, ‘okay, you can do this, but we’re not going to clear you to take a bump.'”
“I went out there with Britt and we did our own thing. I didn’t ask clearance from the doctor there, I’m going to be honest. He was cool with it, he was just like, ‘please don’t take a bump, you’re not ready to take bumps yet.’ So he was like, ‘if you want to actually have matches, we have to get you completely cleared, that means MRIs, CT scans, everything.'”
Saraya then said she didn’t want to go to a doctor that was associated with wrestling.
“Halloween, perfect day, I went to the doctor here in California, one of the best doctors around. He did a bunch of NFL, NBA, all these huge action stars, celebrities, actors & actresses, and all that fun stuff.”
Saraya said she got x-rays, CT scans, and everything else done on the same day and later met with the doctor to go over the results.
“Then he sat there and went through them all and he was just like, ‘you’re cleared’ and I just burst into tears.”
The doctor told her that the fusions in her neck looked perfect, and said there were no fractures or other issues.
“I was like, let’s talk about paralysis. He said, ‘it’s rare’ and if you get kicked there, you have some cushion now. And if you ever feel like you’re not feeling too well, take some time off. You know your body but I will clear you to get back in the ring again.”
Saraya says the doctor said they could start with one match a month and then gradually start building up.
“Long story short, Halloween is when I got the full clearance. I called my parents, I was crying my eyes out.”
Saraya’s last match was a WWE house show on December 27, 2017. The match had to be stopped early when Saraya was injured after being kicked in the back by Sasha Banks. Saraya continued to talk about texting Banks after being medically cleared to return.
“The first person I texted as well was Mercedes, Sasha. She was one of the first people I texted. All that stuff, that can mentally f**k someone up to end someone’s career.”
“I just said, ‘Hey sis, I just want to let you know since I know this whole thing was tough on you mentally but my doctor just cleared me and told me my neck is 100% ready to go. I haven’t told anyone else but I know this will make you feel good. I’m back, haha.’ And she was over the moon and stuff like that.”
