Tag: Swerve Strickland

Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland rematch with stipulations set for next AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Josh Nason

The second-ever clash between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland will take place on next week’s AEW Dynamite but with a pair of stipulations.

After Strickland defeated Omega last month and then took him out of action, Omega made a surprise return at this past Sunday’s Revolution after Strickland’s victory over Brody King as Strickland was about to drop King on cinder blocks.

On Wednesday’s Dynamite, Omega called out Strickland for a rematch where Strickland’s number one contender status would be the line. (It was revealed later that Strickland earned the shot with his win over King, something Strickland said he later wasn’t aware of.)

Strickland then did an in-ring promo where he said he wanted Omega’s power and suggested he put up his executive vice president position which would go to Strickland if he wins. The match was later confirmed with Strickland’s title shot also on the line.

Both are former AEW World Champions.

AEW Dynamite lineup | Next Wednesday | St. Paul, Minnesota

  • Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland: EVP title vs. future World title shot

Kenny Omega returns at AEW Revolution, saves Brody King

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After weeks of absence, Kenny Omega made his return at AEW Revolution.

A night of returns, the March 15th edition of AEW Revolution featured several returns and shocking appearances, including Ronda Rousey, Will Ospreay, and even Omega.

Following Swerve Strickland’s singles victory over Brody King, fans almost witnessed Strickland drop King on cinder blocks when Omega’s music hit. As Prince Nana brought the blocks to Strickland, Omega’s music hit, and he came down to the ring with a roaring Los Angeles crowd behind him.

The former World Champion returned and confronted Strickland as he ran away with Nana. Omega stood tall in the ring with King and raised his hand to close the segment.

King and Strickland delivered a hard-hitting contest, with several brutal spots. One moment in the match saw Strickland drop King with a Vertebreaker on the ringside floor, before hitting the third ‘House Call’ finisher and pinning him.

Several weeks ago, Strickland had put Omega out of action after dropping him with a verterbreaker to him through a commentary table. Omega was also recently present at the Capcom Cup in Japan.

Swerve Strickland names his AEW Mount Rushmore

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Narrowing it down to four choices is difficult — but Swerve Strickland would choose Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Sting as his AEW Mount Rushmore.

Strickland was asked to name his Mount Rushmore of AEW stars while being interviewed by radio station 107.7 The Bone in advance of Sunday’s Revolution pay-per-view. To Strickland, the most important element of being a Mount Rushmore-worthy name is the influence you had. He believes AEW wouldn’t be where it is today without Moxley, Jericho, Omega, and Sting.

“I feel like Mount Rushmore comes up when it’s the guys that really, we wouldn’t be here without these guys. That’s how I always put the Mount Rushmore,” Strickland said. “If I had to go with that, I would say Moxley, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and I would say, man, honestly, I’d put Sting up there too. Because that was like — we needed that. All those guys are veterans, but we needed that true legend. He was our legend…

“I felt like Sting also helped get them through the COVID era too. Like, I wasn’t over there at the time, but Sting really held it down and he made such a big difference that I don’t think people talk about enough. When I finally came over and got there, you felt the difference. I was like, ‘Okay, yeah, this matters. This means so much.'”

There are plenty of other options, though, with Strickland pointing to talent that were pivotal in shaping the men’s, women’s, and tag team divisions.

“It’s tough because you still have the Hangmans, you still have MJF over there. You still have the Bryan Danielsons,” he said. “You still have all these guys that matter so much — and girls. Britt Baker mattered so much at the time. Riho, [Hikaru] Shida, Thunder Rosa. Then that evolved into Athena coming in, Mercedes [Mone], Toni Storm, Jamie Hayter. The evolution just kept, like, boom, boom, boom. Willow [Nightingale] with the TBS title. You had Jade [Cargill] at the time. There’s so many different chapters you could turn on the page of AEW just in the women’s division alone.

“And then the men’s, I came in, then Bryan Danielson after me, [Will] Ospreay changed the whole act three. It’s scary how deep this is. [Young] Bucks, FTR. It can be endless. Even still, these guys don’t get enough credit too for the tag division, but I’ll say The Acclaimed. I’ll go say Acclaimed and Billy [Gunn]. They don’t get enough credit either for being day ones to finally hitting their stride after a couple of years”

This May will mark the seventh anniversary of AEW’s first-ever event. The promotion has Revolution coming up this weekend, then Dynasty in April and Double or Nothing in May. Strickland vs. Brody King is part of the lineup for Revolution.

Swerve Strickland: Element of unpredictability is ‘so big’ for AEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Swerve Strickland believes having an element of unpredictability is a very good thing for AEW’s main event scene.

While speaking with radio station 107.7 The Bone, Strickland discussed how he’s used comic books as one of his pro wrestling inspirations. He thinks it’s a good thing for characters to show occasional weakness instead of always being portrayed as indestructible. In AEW, that’s helped build a culture of unpredictability where each main eventer has had an opponent they can’t get past.

“I feel like right now, everybody in wrestling in general [is] like, ‘We gotta make this character strong, we gotta make this character look strong, we gotta make this character look strong.’ Sometimes they need to be weak,” Strickland said. “Sometimes people get beat. Sometimes, like, there’s a character, there’s somebody on the show that just has your number and you can’t get past them.

“That’s why I think at AEW, the element of unpredictability is so good for us. Because Andrade beat me and Kenny [Omega]. He has our number right now, but then he loses to Hangman. But I beat Hangman twice. Or Samoa Joe, he had MJF’s number for the longest time. He beat him. But I beat Samoa Joe for the World Championship. So there’s all of these elements of guys — Darby [Allin] beat me four times. Like, I have one victory over Darby. That’s just that guy who has your number that knows you too well.”

With the depth of the AEW roster, Strickland told 107.7 The Bone that he believes ROH moving toward standalone TV tapings will help some talent get opportunities. Even if you’re not on Dynamite or Collision right now, working ROH or even taking indie dates gives you the chance to develop ideas and eventually bring them to television.

“If you have the chance to do it in Ring of Honor, do it and then expand that and grow a fanbase and then build it up into Dynamite,” Strickland said. “Just because it’s not happening now doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”

Strickland’s appearance on 107.7 The Bone was to help promote AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view that’s taking place in Los Angeles this Sunday. Strickland vs. Brody King is among the matches set for the show.

Swerve Strickland says AEW pays better than WWE ‘by far’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After experiencing both, Swerve Strickland prefers the pay structure in AEW over the way WWE operates.

Strickland was interviewed on Baller Alert ahead of AEW Revolution and noted that his contract is set for the next 3-4 years. He likes how AEW and Tony Khan handle things by negotiating with wrestlers like they’re athletes. And he believes the pay is better in AEW than WWE because it’s “guaranteed.”

“AEW by far. By far,” Strickland responded when whether AEW or WWE pays better. “Because it’s guaranteed. [WWE has their] select few up top, like, top, top, top that are just untouchables. But a lot of those guys are starting to retire now. You know, [John] Cena just retired. AJ Styles just retired. Those are like the top, top earners. Taker can’t go no more. So that pyramid is starting to get really pointy and small at top.

“If I could compare the two, Tony Khan owns AEW. He’s also the part-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Fulham soccer team in the U.K. He treats the roster like — not talent but athletes. You know how there’s players’ coaches?… He’s a players’ booker. He’s in tune with his talent and his roster and where to put those guys. Like, he utilizes us very well and it’s like a scheme on a football team. So me and him gel very, very, very well. Because he knows my strengths, he knows where I belong, he knows how to utilize all of his players in the right way. So therefore he knows how to pay them too and motivate them in certain ways.”

Strickland was released by WWE in 2021 and has since become one of the top stars in AEW, including making history as the first Black wrestler to ever hold the men’s AEW World Championship. This Sunday’s Revolution pay-per-view will see Strickland face off against Brody King.

During the Baller Alert appearance, Strickland named Shingo Takagi, Shawn Michaels, Adam Copeland, Rey Mysterio, and Chris Jericho as his five favorite wrestlers because of how they influenced his in-ring work. He also said he’s looking forward to seeing how emerging WWE stars Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans grow as young wrestlers in the industry.

Swerve Strickland: Buddy Matthews has ‘a lot to offer’ AEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Swerve Strickland is a big believer in his AEW colleague Buddy Matthews.

Since February 2025, Matthews has been out of action due to an ankle injury that did not heal properly and ended up requiring surgery. He is still working through the recovery process, and it’s not known when he’ll be back in the ring. But Strickland told the Battleground Podcast that he’s looking forward to Matthews’ return and would like to have a match against him.

“Honestly, I’m waiting for probably one of the best talents, like, all around in the business to come back. Hopefully he’s healthy and hopefully he can do even better than what he was giving before — Buddy Matthews, shout out to him,” Strickland responded when asked if there are any first-time opponents he’s eyeing.

“He’s one of those guys that’s just like a dawg in the ring. I think me and him could do some great work, and I look forward to seeing him back doing his own thing. I think he has a lot to offer in the wrestling world, and I would like to see him back healthy again.”

Matthews was a member of the House of Black, which disbanded when Aleister Black left AEW and returned to WWE. Before Matthews’ injury, he and Brody King were still aligned as a tag team despite House of Black no longer existing.

The card for this Sunday’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view includes Strickland facing off against King in a singles match. Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is hosting the event.

Swerve Strickland says bulking up for AEW return was an ‘evolution’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Swerve Strickland discussed bulking up for his return to the ring late last year in a recent interview.

Strickland was out of action from Forbidden Door on August 24, 2025 until the December 10 Winter Is Coming episode of Dynamite. He said he had bulked up to 240 pounds by the time he returned.

During a recent interview with Rich Latta, Strickland was asked when the last time he blew up in the ring was. He responded that it happened when he first returned after putting on the weight.

Strickland said:

“When I came back at 240. I was like, ‘Oh, everything is just like harder to do.'”

“Getting up and getting down. It’s like that exhausts you way more than when you’re agile.”

Asked what he weighs now, Strickland responded:

“This is like 232, 233. That’s a good weight of still agile. I don’t get blown up. I still look physically imposing. And that’s mainly why I bulked up. I just wanted to look like an evolution of Swerve again.”

“I’ve evolved like three times a year. So everything’s another evolution to something. And going to the extreme lengths of expanding the body is another evolution of it.”

Up next for Strickland is a match against Brody King at AEW Revolution on Sunday, March 15. Strickland wrestled Gravity on Saturday’s edition of AEW Collision in Tucson. Gravity is the brother of Bandido, who is King’s tag team partner.

The full interview with Swerve Strickland is available below. The video is queued to his comments about bulking up before his AEW return last December.

Swerve Strickland vs. Brody King official for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Josh Nason

A grudge match challenge from last week is now official for AEW Revolution as Swerve Strickland will take on Brody King.

King called out Strickland for a match at the pay-per-view last Wednesday with the former AEW World Champion blowing it off. On this week’s Dynamite, King called out Strickland again, but Prince Nana came out instead, distracting King so Strickland could attack from behind.

Strickland choked out and hung King with his chain before telling King he would meet him at Revolution after which Bandido ran out for the late save.

It will be their first-ever singles match in AEW and their first one-on-one match since a June 2018 MLW event.

Current AEW Revolution card | Sunday, March 15 | Los Angeles

  • AEW World Champion MJF defends against Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match where if Page loses, he can’t challenge for the World title ever again
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) defend against The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
  • AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Konosuke Takeshita with no time limit
  • Bandido vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • Brody King vs. Swerve Strickland

Swerve Strickland responds following AEW Dynamite angle

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Swerve Strickland has taken to social media following his show-closing angle on AEW Dynamite.

On Sunday, Strickland wrote “This was the moment I knew what I had to do,” posting an image of himself with his back turned to Kenny Omega during their face-to-face two weeks ago that ultimately led to a brawl. Last Wednesday, Strickland was successful in defeating Omega, but took things further after the match, continuing to attack Omega after the bell. Strickland escalated matters further by giving Omega a vertebreaker through the announcer’s table, yelling “I needed this” as the show went off the air.

A follow-up on Collision revealed that AEW officials had fined Strickland $100,000 for his actions. Strickland also took time to respond to this on social media, seemingly indifferent to AEW’s punishment.

The former AEW World Champion and Omega first crossed paths during a tournament that would establish the next contender for MJF’s World Championship. After Strickland lost to Andrade El Idolo, Andrade followed that up with a win over Omega thanks to a distraction from Strickland, who grabbed the screwdriver away from Andrade. As Strickland inadvertently distracted the referee, Andrade low blowed Omega and scored the win with the DM.

Fight Game: The road to AEW Revolution heats up

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most interesting topics in pro wrestling.

We gave out their thumbs up and thumbs down before focusing on the major stories of the week including two big pieces of business coming out of AEW Dynamite; the Hangman Page and MJF face-to-face, and the main event featuring Swerve Strickland beating Kenny Omega.

We also talked about Finn Balor’s presentation as the top contender for CM Punk’s belt and how it’s a little lacking.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Kenny Omega laid out by Swerve Strickland, new report on status for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

In their first-ever match, Swerve Strickland defeated Kenny Omega in the main event of Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, possibly turning heel in the process.

After the match, Strickland continued to go after Omega, hanging him with a chain and then delivering a vertebreaker through the announcers table to seemingly write Omega off.

That absence will apparently last through March 15’s Revolution pay-per-view in terms of an in-ring match. Shortly after Dynamite ended, Fightful Select definitively reported that Omega will not compete on the PPV, adding that an appearance isn’t out of the question. That was the impetus for doing the Strickland match Wednesday.

Two weeks ago, it was noted by our Dave Meltzer that Omega was set to be in Japan during the week of Revolution to be part of the Capcom Cup 12 event. However, it was unclear at that point if Omega would be freed up to wrestle on the Sunday PPV.

Current AEW Revolution card | Sunday, March 15 | Los Angeles

  • AEW World Champion MJF defends against Hangman Page with stipulations to come
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) defend against The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
  • AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Konosuke Takeshita with no time limit

Swerve Strickland responds to Booker T’s ‘bad habits’ claim

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland recently responded to Booker T following his comments on Je’Von Evans and how Strickland should set a better example by getting rid of his “bad habits.”

However, shortly after Ringside News shared the post on social media, Strickland re-quoted on his social media and wrote, “(Trademarks “BAD HABITS”).” In another reply to the tweet, a fan commented how Strickland has influenced more than T. He responded, “Not true.”

Strickland wrote nothing else and stayed away from ranting or launching a verbal attack on the Hall of Famer. Instead, he used the opportunity to market his AEW X Reebok product.

In a response to Strickland’s Reebok sneakers ad, a fan wrote, “How many pairs of shoes do Booker T go through a year tap dancing for WWE,” to which Strickland replied, “If he needs a new pair he can borrow mine.”

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, T opened up on Strickland’s influence on Evans, asking him to get rid of his “bad habits.”

“I heard Swerve Strickland talk about Je’Von Evans, and Evans probably grew up watching guys like him, and that’s true. So you’ve got to figure out how to get rid of those bad habits.”

Strickland and T’s virtual tension goes back over a yearand has been building since then. During a VladTV interview, Strickland had opened up about T’s treatment in WWE and the usage of a racial slur in front of him under Vince McMahon. Later, Strickland had also led a “F*** Booker T” chant after AEW Dynasty.

Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland signed for next AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Josh Nason

Kenny Omega will face Swerve Strickland on next week’s AEW Dynamite for the first time ever.

Strickland and Omega got into a pull-apart confrontation last Wednesday as Strickland’s attempt to aid Omega from a screwdriver attack in his match with Andrade El Idolo backfired.

The two former AEW World Champions then had a face-to-face meeting to open Wednesday’s Dynamite. Strickland took issue with Omega never being around the past few years to give him an opportunity in the ring (at one point noting he was either hurt or suspended) and accused him of using his EVP power to put himself into the title picture.

Omega took umbrage with the comments, referencing his friend Hangman Page burning down Strickland’s house, and a challenge was eventually laid out by Omega for a fight. A brawl followed around ringside and through the crowd that eventually saw both men go off the entrance stage.

It’s the first match announced for next week’s show in Sacramento, California. Both men are coming off losses to Andrade.

Current AEW Dynamite card | Next Wednesday | Sacramento, California

  • Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland

Contender’s series to determine World title challenger at AEW Revolution

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page all want shots at the AEW World title and now have a path forward to earn one at AEW Revolution via a contender’s series.

The title shot for the March pay-per-view in Los Angeles will be earned at next month’s Grand Slam Australia in Sydney, but who earns their way into that opportunity remains to be determined.

Announced during Wednesday’s Dynamite following Omega’s victory over Rocky Romero, Omega will face the winner of the Swerve Strickland vs. Andrade main event next Wednesday in Las Vegas that will determine one of those spots.

How the other spot is determined has yet to be revealed. It’s assumed Page will be involved, but former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe may not be as it was said Wednesday he suffered a “non-contact injury” during training.

Who they face is up in the air as current champion MJF faces Brody King next Wednesday in their own eliminator match. A King win gives him a title shot at Grand Slam Australia.

Current AEW Dynamite lineup | Next Wednesday | Las Vegas

  • AEW World Champion MJF vs. Brody King title eliminator
  • Young Bucks in action
  • Kenny Omega vs. either Swerve Strickland or Andrade El Idolo in a Grand Slam title shot eliminator

AEW Dynamite live results: Lights Out tag team match, Jon Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin

Posted on by Ryan Howard

The first AEW Dynamite of 2026 takes place tonight at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A Lights Out match will feature former AEW World Champions Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland teaming up to face Hook and Powerhouse Hobbs of The Opps.

AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley will wrestle Shelton Benjamin of the Hurt Syndicate in an eliminator match.

AEW World Champion MJF will appear live. His appearance comes after Kenny Omega made it known last week that he is hoping for a shot at the title in addition to Page, Strickland and Samoa Joe.

“Timeless” Toni Storm and Marina Shafir will meet in their first-ever singles match after previously being on opposite sides of several tag and multi-person matches dating back to Blood & Guts in November.

There will be a celebration for new TBS Champion Willow Nightingale.

JetSpeed teams up with Jack Perry against The Demand, ROH World Champion Bandido faces Sammy Guevara in a non-title match, and Jim Ross returns to commentary.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 pm Eastern.

**********
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur & Tony Schiavone welcoming us before throwing it to Justin Roberts in the ring who introduces Jim Ross to the Oklahoma crowd to the tune of Boomer Sooner. Ross got a huge ovation for his return to the commentary table.

After Excalibur runs down tonight’s card, we see earlier today, Renee Paquette was backstage and told us JetSpeed were attacked and not able to be cleared by doctors. The Demand & Don Callis come in feigning concern while Paquette brings up the bounty put on JetSpeed they put on them last week. Callis said someone…or Something, just got very rich. Mark Davis walks in with Jake Doyle (Something) and Callis said they’re going to kill some people. This leaves Jack Perry in need of two partners heading into tonight’s 6-man tag against The Demand.

Jon Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin in a Continental Title Eliminator Match

(Hell of an opener and first-time singles meeting between these two, which is hard to believe. I’d say this was Benjamin’s best singles performance in AEW so far, as Moxley continues to shine in this new babyface run as Continental Champion. One of these days, he’s either going to get caught or time-limit will expire and we’ll get a rematch, it’s not a matter of when, but who it will be.)

After Moxley’s entrance, Paquette was on side stage and talked about Benjamin sizing up Moxley, one of the measuring sticks in AEW, last week. It wasn’t about intimidation, it was about business, as The Hurt Syndicate are about gold in 2026. Since this is Continental Rules, no managers are allowed ringside, thus MVP joined commentary.

Moxley slapped away a pre-match handshake, but Benjamin manhandled him at the opening bell, until Moxley ramped up a forearm battle. Moxley caught a boot and ducked the comeback swinging kick by Benjamin, as the crowd are loudly behind the Continental Champion. Benjamin responded with a release German and corner strikes, until Moxley got a boot up and clotheslined Benjamin outside. Moxley out to deliver more forearms, but Benjamin reversed a whip, sending Moxley into the barricade. Both men brawl into the crowd, as referee Paul Turner just followed, instead of putting a count on them. Moxley went back to ringside, but Benjamin met him by leaping off the railing with a clothesline. Moxley tried to create distance, but Benjamin continued his onslaught with a release German. Avoiding a second, Moxley sent Benjamin crashing into the steps and they teased a countout (after all the early brawling?) but Benjamin broke the count. Back inside, both swung for the fences and collided with a double clothesline heading to commercial.

Moxley controlled most of the break, but as he was scaling the top, Benjamin leapt up to him to deliver an Avalanche Superplex. Both up to another strike battle, which Moxley cut-off with an eye poke, only Benjamin met him with a corner splash. Missing a second, Moxley tried a Rear Naked Choke, but Benjamin spun out, tried his rewind kick, missed, only to catch Moxley charging with Paydirt. Suplex City from Benjamin, as Moxley kicked out after a series, ultimately catching Benjamin with a leaping Cutter for two at the 15-minute mark. Moxley tried 10 corner punches, but Benjamin powerbombed out into a high stack for two, transitioning to a submission, only Moxley made the ropes. Moxley low bridged Benjamin and followed with a Tope Suicida, as they returned quickly back inside, where Moxley went for a King Kong lariat, only to run into another Paydirt for a near fall.

Both climb up in the corner, where Moxley fights free, missed a leapt, giving Benjamin a chance to hit a thrust kick to the leg and face for a two count. Pump knee in the corner connects, as Benjamin went for another thrust kick, got caught, spun into a Paradigm Shift, but kicked out. Moxley quickly got a Bulldog Choke at the 60-second call, as Benjamin grabbed the ropes. Moxley dropped to a knee and caught a charging Benjamin knee, only kicked out. Benjamin applied a Triangle, as Moxley was about to fade, but he stacked Benjamin up and got the flash pin right as time was about to expire, 5-seconds left we’re told. Post-match, Moxley offered a handshake, Benjamin accepted and the crowd applauded.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Shelton Benjamin

-We see Darby Allin skateboarding backstage, looking for PAC.

-Excalibur brings up Hiroshi Tanahashi’s career ending at Wrestle Kingdom earlier this week as we went to highlights of the classic with Kazuchika Okada winning one final time in their storied rivalry. If for some reason you haven’t seen that match yet, it’s well worth going out of your way to watching, as well as the post-match retirement ceremony.

**********

-Video package from last week’s interaction between MJF & Kenny Omega was shown. Footage of MJF defeating Omega a few years ago in their only singles match was shown. We’re told Omega will be back next week at Maximum Carnage.

The Demand (National Champion Ricochet, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) vs. Jungle Jack Perry & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)

(A very entertaining party match, with The Bucks returning to their look and entrance of old, with the fans fully behind them. This was action packed from the bell and I wouldn’t be shocked if Perry gets a rematch for the National Title out of this, hopefully one with less interference than the first. The post-match brought us the anticipated return of Andrade and he looks to be fully back in with The Don Callis Family, who already added Jake Doyle to their ranks earlier in the day. I have absolutely no idea where FTR fit into this, as Excalibur tried telling us they had history with Andrade, but (unless I’m completely forgetting) don’t recall much of one.)

Superkick Party theme for The Bucks, who got pyro and money reigning down at the entrance. They both fist bumped Perry, as all three hit the ring and immediately sent The Demand to the outside. Perry put a cowboy hat on Ricochet before chopping him, as Ricochet tipped his cap to the camera before collapsing. The Bucks wiped out G.O.A. with double dives, as Perry followed suit with a massive moonsault from the top onto the pile. Back inside, locomotion corner strikes on Ricocchet, who ate a double hip toss and triple dropkick. Backbreaker/Slingshot Legdrop connects, as a cazadora face-buster from Matt led to a diving DDT by Perry for two, as Kaun & Liona returned for literal seconds before being sent right back out and ate another double dive by The Bucks. Ricochet was worked over until Perry was tripped up by Kaun, allowing Ricochet to dump him outside. Kaun sent Perry repeatedly into the ring and barricade before launching him over the timekeepers table heading to commercial.

Perry was worked over the entire break, but once things returned, Perry hit the bounce back lariat into the reset. Nick made the hot tag and cleaned house, superkick on Kaun and Lucha Libre arm-drag on Ricochet. Liona put a stop to the momentum until The Bucks ducked a charge and G.O.A. collided before eating superkicks and top rope elbow drops. Float over in the corner led to a PK from Nick and somersault Blockbuster by Matt on Liona, as Matt connected on a slingshot Destroyer on Ricochet. Moonsault by Perry onto G.O.A. while The Bucks hit their double stomp powerbomb on Ricochet. Liona made a powerful return, as he & Kaun stacked The Bucks & Perry on the shoulders of Kaun for a trifecta Samoan Drop. Superplex/Headbutt combo from G.O.A. as Ricochet flew in with a springboard 450 Splash, but Perry kicked out. Perry flipped out of Vertigo, landed on his feet, floated over in the corner with a release German, but was met with a running Kaun brainbuster. The Bucks ate headbutts by Liona, who stood there no selling Perry’s strikes, leading to a Cazadora Cutter by G.O.A. until Ricochet hit Vertigo, but The Bucks broke the count.

Ricochet loaded up The Spirit Gun, Perry ducked, ate a pump knee, as Ricochet tried the powerbomb DVD, but Perry countered into a Poison Rana. The Bucks returned for a Superkick Party on all The Demand, as Perry joined in on the fun. Ricochet was placed on Matt’s shoulders, as Nick took out G.O.A. outside with a huge dive, with Perry hitting a Doomsday Device. BTE Trigger connects, as an assisted Sacrifice Knee launched Perry into Ricochet to get the pin.

Post-match, Mark Davis & Jake Doyle hit the ring and attacked Perry & The Bucks with Callis leaping in excitement on the apron, while Lance Archer & El Clon are ringside as well. JetSpeed (heavily taped up) hit the ring with hockey sticks and attacked, but the lights went out and when they came back on, a masked man in a suit took out JetSpeed, as Bailey was wiped out with a spinning DDT. Before he took his mask off, Excalibur told us this was Andrade, who indeed, revealed himself to be just that. The Demand looked on impressed, as The Don Callis Family stood tall, until FTR wheeled out Stokely to the ramp, as they stare down everyone. Excalibur told us they have a history with Andrade, which, I only remember them teaming once in AEW, so I’m not sure what that history entails.

Match Result: Jungle Jack Perry & The Young Bucks defeated The Demand when Perry pinned Ricochet

**********

Willow Nightinagle’s TBS Title Celebration

Renee Paquette introduces the ray of sunshine, new TBS Champion Willow Nightingale to the ring, alongside Harley Cameron & Kris Statlander. Some of the lights went out in the arena, so there’s a spotlight on Nightingale, who said this is the first stop in the Willow 2-Belts tour. Now the hard work really begins, you get ready for the next challenger, but it’s important to smell the roses when things truly matter. She’s here with her busty bad ass babe Harley Cameron and a reunion, not just with her TBS Championship, but with the AEW Women’s World Champion, Kris Statlander, so we’re going to have a good time. Nightingale said she has no trouble fighting twice in one night and defending both titles and realizes it’s only a matter of time before someone rains on her parade, so let’s just get it over with and invites Mercedes Mone to the ring.

Mone comes out, wearing a white mourning veil, as Nightingale said she always looks great and put over Mone’s unstoppable 2025, but Mone took her hat off, screamed and trashed the table. She shoved Cameron, who pushed Mone back and she stumbled face first into the cake held by Statlander. Nightingale grabbed a screaming Mone and hit a Doctor Bomb onto the cake as everyone (Paquette included) did a Conga Line around the downed Mone.

-Video of Mark Briscoe at his home putting over Nightingale’s win last week. Briscoe said he’s had one title defense, but has been spending a lot of time taking in some Continental Classic entertainment. Since that’s over, relaxing time is over and he’s feeling good and dangerous. Mentally, though, he’s not feeling good, it’s been too long, he’s got an itch that needs scratching, too long since he’s beat someone’s ass. Briscoe was tickled when he learned Hechicero is next in line for his TNT Title. Placing his title down, Briscoe mocked Hechicero’s magic ball saying Collision he sees clearly, his title is going nowhere. The Conglomeration are all strapped up these days, as the Phrase of the Day is Reign and Defend.

-Triangle of Madness are backstage with Thekla applauding Kris Statlander for having friends, questioning when she’ll turn on Nightingale & Cameron. They put out a challenge for the TBS & Women’s Tag Champions. After Skye Blue & Julia Hart do their Shining back and forth, Thekla challenges them to get Toxic. The match is official for Maximum Carnage next week.

ROH World Champion Bandido vs. ROH Tag Team Champion Sammy Guevara

(Despite this being a very even match, Bandido had the crowd loudly behind him and was able to showcase a lot of his offense heading into next week. I did get a kick out of Jim Ross saying Guevara talks too much, while Excalibur was right there with the “he never shuts up” which I’m looking forward to seeing in a future Botchamania video from Maffew. The post-match was a fun go-home segment before Maximum Carnage, as Bandido sent MJF packing and stood tall. Do I think Bandido wins next week, no, but the last few weeks have made him a credible challenger in his fights against LFI.)

JR said the first time he saw Bandido, he thought he saw another Eddie Guerrero, as Bandido offered a handshake at the bell, but Guevara flipped him off. Guevara floated over a cazadora and hit a pump kick, but opting to pose, Bandido dropkicked out the leg and teased a 21-Plex, but Guevara bailed. Telling JR he’s just warming up, Guevara returned, tried a springboard, but had his legs dropkicked out under him. Bandido fired off a thrust kick on the apron, but Guevara was able to drink something under the ring and mist Bandido, leading to a Tornado DDT off the steps, taking control into commercial.

Back from break, Guevara fired off a thrust kick and chops, but again, played to the crowd, allowing Bandido to fire off chops of his own. Both trade corner clotheslines until Bandido stops the series with a leaping leg lariat, uppercut and Tornillo. Guevara runs into a one arm press slam, as Guevara stumbled outside, where Bandido cleared the top rope with a somersault dive. Guevara avoided a springboard back inside and hit an awkward monkey flip, sending Bandido crashing into the ropes before going outside. Guevara went up top and connected with a Shooting Star Press to the floor. You Still Suck chants from the crowd, as Guevara tried GTH back inside, Bandido countered into a cradle for two, as he looked for a 21-Plex, but Guevara had it scouted perfectly with a springboard Cutter in mid-air for two.

GTH avoided again, this time with a massive pop-up Cutter, as Bandido tried 21-Plex, but Guevera landed on his feet, flipped Bandido off and hit a huge knee strike that turned Bandido inside out. Back suplex into a DDT connects, but Bandido just got a shoulder up. Bandido caught a kick, backflipped Guevara and mid-air hit a pump knee, leading to a 21-Plex and the victory for Bandido.

Post-match, MJF’s music hits and he power walks to the ring with Jon Cruz by his side. After spitting his gum into the crowd, MJF gets in the ring and calls Bandido a talented little luchador. If anyone knows about Lucha Libre, it’s MJF, someone who has sold out Arena Mexico and dog walked Mistico multiple times, making MJF a Lucha Libre Legend. MJF is a bigger star in Mexico than Bandido will ever be, no offense. Thinking Bandido has something special, MJF respects his culture and country, so he brought out his translator, Jonathan Cruz. After translating the promo, MJF thanks Cruz for coming to a dump like Oklahoma.

MJF brings up his 6 Dynamite Diamond Rings (Bandido shows off his) and said that ring doesn’t belong to Bandido, it’s MJF’s, so hand it over and lets skip the match next week, as we all know Bandido doesn’t have a prayer. If you do the right thing, scouts honor, MJF will take Tony Khan to the side and put Bandido over, saying he’ll wrestle him on PPV in 5 or 10 years from now. Cruz was going to translate, but Bandido cut him off saying he can speak English, you stupid son of a b*tch. MJF begged off briefly before punting Bandido low, taking the Dynamite Diamond Ring and having Cruz hold Bandido, who ducked and MJF clobbered Cruz. Bandido returned the favor, punting MJF low and getting his ring back before dropping both Cruz & MJF with 21-Plexes. Bandido held the AEW Men’s World Title up and the crowd chanted for him.

Match Result: Bandido defeated Sammy Guevara

**********

-Brody King video package saying violence puts food on his family’s table. King doesn’t have to scream to get his point across. Whether it’s on the stage with his band or dropping people on their heads in AEW, Brody King is coming for the throne.

Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) vs. Marina Shafir (w/Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta)

(Lot of this happened during commercial, the pace was much slower than you’d expect considering the feud these two have had in recent months. It felt like it was really getting going when it just…ended. How many times has a referee been pulled outside by a heel and they were simply ejected? Not tonight, apparently. The post-match continued the feud, as it looks like Mina Shirakawa might be warming up to Orange Cassidy. Perhaps The Timeless Citrus Bombs could become a thing?)

Some early throws by Shafir, who trapped the legs briefly until Storm escaped with a series of hair mares. Out to the floor, Storm slammed Shafir into the steps and barricade, but became distracted by Yuta & Garcia, allowing Shafir to lock Storm’s head with her legs and back inside control the action into commercial.

Shafir controlled the entire break, but when things returned, she whiffed on her Tiger Feint head scissors in the ropes and just kicked Storm in the head for two. Mocking Storm’s tango she’s done recently with Orange Cassidy, Shafir spun and slammed Storm, as JR questions Shafir’s pace, saying she’s standing and looking a lot. Shafir dipped Storm and clobbered her with a forearm, but Storm fired back with a dropkick. Teasing a hip attack, Storm turned her back briefly, giving Shafir a chance to hit a boot. Storm responded with a huge headbutt and Big Package, but Yuta pulled the referee outside. Referee Paul Turner disqualified Shafir as a result, but Shafir decked Storm with a shot after the match.

Mina Shirakawa rushed to the ring and was immediately waffled and placed onto Storm. Luther crawled in to make the save, as he was about to suffer the same fate until Roderick Strong sprinted to the ring as Orange Cassidy walked at his speed. Death Riders were going to bail until Claudio Castagnoli power walked from the crowd to ringside, but was held back by Garcia & Yuta. Cassidy helped Storm up and had his arm around her, as she thanked him, while he did the same with Shirakawa, arms around both Love Bombs. Quite the ladies man, that Orange Cassidy.

Match Result: Timeless Toni Storm defeated Marina Shafir via disqualification

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with PAC, asking when we are getting the rematch with Darby Allin? PAC said he’s wrestled and beaten Allin twice, there’s nothing left to be said. Allin storms in and said he’s beaten all the Death Riders in the last year, except PAC, so give him this match. PAC said Allin isn’t the one who calls the shots and to run along. PAC goes to leave, when Allin sprays him with a fire extinguisher and places his leg between the door, saying he’ll break his ankle if he doesn’t give him the rematch. PAC reluctantly agrees, right as Death Riders rush in to make the save and Allin runs away.

Hangman Adam Page & Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. The Opps (Powerhouse Hobbs & HOOK) in a Lights Out Match

(This went 20 minutes past the top of the hour and I’m sure everyone was thankful the lighting issues didn’t last throughout this entire match. A lot of weapons and a lot of revenge dished out by Page & Strickland, as the finish might’ve seemed like it went on too long, Excalibur did a good job pointing out what HOOK took from Page. I know Page & Strickland said they want another shot at the AEW Title, but them as a tag team challenging FTR eventually would be a very fun program.)

Page entered through the crowd and drank a fans beer, while Strickland entered the opposite side with Prince Nana. Despite this being a Lights Out Match, right as the bell sounded, issues with the lights (similar to Willow Nightingale’s segment earlier tonight) happened again and we have spotlights on the ring. Having this literally be lights out is the irony I’m sure AEW doesn’t want, as it’s very tough to see the action. Strickland avoided a Hobbs chair shot against the steps, hit a pump kick on the apron, allowing Page to place a chair around Hobbs’ neck and post him. Orihara Moonsault from Page (in the dark, mind you) on Hobbs, while HOOK was dropped with a Strickland DVD on the apron. The lights came back on thankfully, as the brawl continues ringside, with Hobbs trucking Page, but immediately met with a dive by Strickland. HOOK recovered and started a strike exchange on the apron, as he blocked a boot and delivered a brutal leg trapped suplex off the apron to the floor.

Back from break, a table was placed in the corner of the ring, as Page was fighting off Hobbs & HOOK, who delivered an overhead suplex through the table for two. HOOK wedges a chair in the corner, as Hobbs wanted an Oklahoma Stampede, but Page slid out and Hobbs crashed into the chair. Strickland handed a staplegun to Page, who got revenge on HOOK by stapling his arm and chest multiple times before a pop-up powerbomb followed. Hobbs was about to suffer the same fate, but blocked a shot and clocked Page with a right hand. Hobbs lifted Strickland up for a suplex, but Strickland stapled him repeatedly in the chest. Page came in swinging a piece of dry wall, but just caught enough of Hobbs, but I think it went sailing into the crowd. Strickland then, no joke, stapled Hobbs in the crotch to a very fitting You Sick F*ck chant from the OK crowd.

Strickland & Page bring cinderblocks into the ring, as HOOK was sent outside, allowing Hobbs to hit a few chair shots on Page until Strickland delivered a release German, which Hobbs no sold, popping up and mowing down Strickland placing him on the cinderblocks. Hobbs grabbed the chair, but Nana made the save, taking it away. Hobbs splashed him in the corner, as Strickland was about to be spiked with a spinebuster on the cinderblocks, but hooked a guillotine instead. Chair shots to the ribs and back by Strickland, who leapt out of the corner, caught and hit with a World Strongest Slam onto the cinderblocks, but Page broke up the pin attempts. Page fired off shots, tried Dead Eye, but was sent to the apron. HOOK cut off a Buckshot, as The Opps Dojo hit ringside and attacked Page with a pipe.

Crowd chanted bullsh*t as Hobbs chained Strickland & Page up by the throat in the middle of the ring, as Nana got up on the apron and threw hot coffee into Hobbs’ face. Strickland & Page rose up and got free, destroying the Dojo dorks with ease, until Nana was laid out by HOOK ringside with a suplex. Posing on the apron, HOOK was sent crashing to the floor by a charging Hobbs, who missed his mark, as Page tried a Buckshot, but flew into a spinebuster. Strickland came in with a House Call to break the count, went up top and instead of going for Hobbs, he took out the Dojo crew ringside. Page brought Hobbs to the cinderblocks and we get a Swerve Stomp/Dead Eye combo on the blocks. HOOK shoved Page into Strickland and got a school boy for two, as REDRUM was escaped with HOOK trying for a pipe shot, which was blocked by Page, allowing Strickland to fire off a headbutt. With his fist wrapped in the chain, a rolling right hand connected, as Page wrapped HOOK up by the throat with the chain, as Strickland hit a House Call. Buckshot by Page connected, as he threw HOOK over the top with the chain around the neck and HOOK submitted.

Match Result: Hangman Adam Page & Swerve Strickland defeated Powerhouse Hobbs & HOOK when Page submitted HOOK

AEW Collision 1/10/26

  • Mark Briscoe takes on Hechicero for the TNT Title
  • Komander vs. El Clon
  • Kris Statlander & Babes of Wrath In Action

AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage 1/14/26

  • MJF defends the AEW Men’s World Title against Dynamite Diamond Ring Winner and ROH World Champion Bandido
  • Darby Allin vs. PAC
  • AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander & AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions Babes of Wrath (TBS Champion Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron) vs. Triangle of Madness (Thekla, Julia Hart & Skye Blue)
  • Kenny Omega Returns