Tag: Swerve Strickland

AEW Worlds End live results: Four-way World title match, Continental Classic finale

Posted on by Ryan Howard

AEW finishes up its 2025 with tonight’s Worlds End from the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

The headliner will see Samoa Joe defending the AEW World title against three former champions in Hangman Page, MJF and Swerve Strickland.

The Continental Classic concludes with two semifinals — Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada — and the finals.

AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander defends against former champion Jamie Hayter while inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath defend against Mercedes Mone & Athena.

FTR defend the AEW World Tag Team titles against the Bang Bang Gang in a street fight.

Darby Allin takes on Gabe Kidd in a singles match while The Conglomeration & Toni Storm battle the Death Riders in an eight-person Mixed Nuts Mayhem match.

The Zero Hour pre-show features Sisters of Sin vs. Hyan & Maya World.

Our live coverage begins at 7 pm Eastern with the pre-show with supporting news articles all night long.

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Zero Hour

(Despite being an option announced to watch on, Zero Hour is apparently not being shown on HBO Max. It is, however, still on X, Facebook & YouTube.)

The WrestleAunts (Renee Paquette & RJ City) are joined by Jeff Jarrett & Lexy Nair and run down tonight’s card. RJ tells us we’re kicking the semi-finals off with Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada. Paquette then throws it to a pre-recorded Adam Cole video from his home, who thanks the crowd for all their support and says hopefully you’ll see more of him in 2026. He goes over the Continental Classic semi-finalists and picks Jon Moxley over Kyle Fletcher, Takeshita over Okada and finally Takeshita defeating Moxley. He’s not sure if he’ll be correct, but he knows we’ll see the best wrestling on the planet.

Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue) vs. Hyan & Maya World

Hyan was able to avoid a series of strikes thrown by Blue, who denied a handshake and booted Hyan to her corner for a double flapjack with Hart. Blue was pulled outside by World, as Hyan planted Hart with a leg drop for a near fall. Awkward looking double hip toss into the ropes, but World was able to send Hart & Blue to the outside, attempted a double dive, only to be popped by Hart & Blue, who connected on a dueling draping swinging neckbreaker off the apron. After being isolated, Hyan was able to plant Blue with a suplex and pump kick to allow the World hot tag.

House of fire was World, who strung together combination offense including a rolling cazadora double stomp for two. Hyan back in, but Hart put on the brakes, sent World outside and booted Hyan, allowing Blue to fire a thrust kick. World returns for a yay/boo slugfest with Blue, who hit Code Blue, only World wasn’t the legal woman. Hyan returned, but was ping ponged with thrust kicks until the assisted spinning slam with Hart allowed Blue to get the pin.

Match Result: Sisters of Sin defeated Hyan & Maya World when Blue pinned Hyan

Eddie Kingston vs. Zack Gibson (w/James Drake)

Gibson cut off Arkady Aura and opted to introduce Drake & himself, but they were immediately cut-off by Kingston’s music, as he power-walked to the ring. Drake was sent packing, as the bell sounded and Kingston was relentless on Gibson. Crowd loudly behind Kingston, who was tripped up by Drake, distracting him long enough for Gibson to fly in from off-camera with a dive. Gibson started a strike exchange, but once he realized it wasn’t working, shot for a single leg. Paint brushing the head of Kingston, only woke him up, as Kingston traded loud chops, winning that battle. Kobashi machine gun chops in the corner led to a running boot to the face in the corner. Gibson ran distraction on the ref, allowing Drake to slam Kingston down by the throat with his scarf. Lungblower by Gibson got a near fall, as he trash-talked Kingston for not being good enough and to stay down. Kingston again rose and started a palm strike exchange, ending with an enzugiri and DDT that spiked Gibson for the win.

Post-match, Drake pounced, choking Kingston out with the scarf, as Gibson joined the beating. Drake went up top for the final shot, when Ortiz’s music hit and he ran out to clear the ring. Kingston was stunned to see Ortiz, who got a strong reaction from the crowd, despite not being on AEW TV since January 2024.

Match Result: Eddie Kingston defeated Zack Gibson

Mascara Dorada & ROH Champion Bandido (w/Alex Abrahantes) vs. Rocky Romero & Mark Davis

Davis used his power advantage early, running through Bandido, slamming him down and following with a standing senton for two. Romero tagged in, but ran right into a big boot, allowing Dorada to tag and fly in off the top. Handspring corkscrew into a head scissors got the crowd going, as Dorada scaled the ropes, booted Davis off the apron and followed with a wild springing arm-drag. Romero side-stepped a dive, as Davis caught a flying Dorada and rag-dolled him down. Bandido flew in to make the save, only suffered a massive Davis flying hip attack into the barricade. Dorada was worked over back in the ring, but Davis missed a corner charge, allowing Bandido to make the tag.

Bandido tried his one-arm press on Romero, only Davis made the save, so Dorada did a cross-body, while Bandido took them all out with a Tornillo off the top. Romero begged off, only to eat a double enzugiri in the corner. Over the top sit-out Razor’s Edge from Dorada, as Bandido connected on the Frog Splash, but Davis broke the count. Sliced Bread from Romero netted a near fall of his own, as the Forever Clotheslines followed with fast tags from Davis. Dorada rejoined, allowing Bandido to hit X-Knee on Romero, while Dorada connects with a Shooting Star Press. Bandido launched Dorada clear out of the ring onto Davis, while Bandido finished off Romero with the 21-Plex and the pin. Commentary really put over Bandido & Dorada as a potential tag-team.

Match Result: Mascara Dorada & Bandido defeated Rocky Romero & Mark Davis when Bandido pinned Romero

-We get a brief post-match vignette/interruption saying El Clon is coming to Collision January 2026

-We get a brief post-match vignette/interruption saying El Clon is coming to Collision January 2026

Jurassic Express (Jungle Jack Perry & Luchasaurus) & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) vs. Josh Alexander & The Demand (AEW National Champion Ricochet, Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun)

The Demand & Alexander attacked Jurassic Express on the ramp before the bell, as we saw an inset promo from earlier where they promised Don Callis the way to get to Perry is by taking out his dinosaur and clipping his nuts. Perry was planted on the ramp with a suplex, while Kaun & Liona carried Luchasaurus to the back. Alexander & Ricochet celebrated, but ate a double dive from JetSpeed, as this officially began as a handicap match, as Liona & Kaun came back to the ring right as JetSpeed launched Ricochet over the top onto the pile. Rolling splash from Knight back inside on Alexander got a near fall, as Bailey tagged in, went up top, but Ricochet shoved him off, crashing to the floor. Bailey was worked over quite an extended period of time until a counter to a sunset flip with a backflip double knees led to a hot tag from a recovered Perry, who ran wild.

Perry low-bridged Liona to the outside and laid out Ricochet with a bounce back lariat, as a leaping DDT spiked Alexander for a near fall. Numbers still were too much, as The Demand triple teamed Perry, with Ricochet hitting his running Shooting Star for two. G.O.A. went after JetSpeed, who used their quickness to send Kaun & Liona packing. Perry got a few near falls, but Ricochet responded with the visually impressive powerbomb into Death Valley Driver for a close two. Loading up The Spirit Gun, Ricochet went for the home-run shot until Luchasaurus came out with his shoulder bandaged up and took out Kaun & Alexander with clotheslines. Perry made the hot tag to a one-armed Luchasaurus, as JetSpeed took out Kaun & Alexander with double moonsaults. One-arm chokeslam from Luchasaurus on Ricochet, as Perry tagged back in and hit the Sacrifice Knee to get the pin.

I hope Luchasaurus isn’t legit hurt, this absolutely felt like a cover, as he only did two clotheslines and a chokeslam.

Match Result: JetSpeed & Jurassic Express defeated Josh Alexander & The Demand when Perry pinned Ricochet

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AEW Worlds End

Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone & Bryan Danielson before they throw it to a video package for our opening contest, Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada. We then go to Renee Paquette ringside giving last-minute analysis, saying earlier today, she talked to Don Callis earlier today, who said he tried to spend his time between the two 50/50, but Takeshita’s grueling schedule led to him being with Takeshita more. Let the semi-finals begin, as Callis joined the commentary team.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kazuchika Okada in a Continental Classic Semifinal

(Aside from the literal last few seconds that felt awkward, I thought this was an excellent match and the crowd was hot for this opener. Of course, there had to be shenanigans, so it opens up for a rematch down the line and hopefully it could top even this one. The story is slowly being built that Takeshita is going to leave the Callis Family, as this only adds to that. I can’t wait to see these two go to battle once again, whenever that may be.)

The bell sounded and the crowd are already on their feet, as Okada offered a handshake, which Takeshita slapped away. While the crowd is split, they can agree on one chant, “F Don Callis.” Each trade shoulder blocks, but neither budge, as both trade Rainmaker/Power Drive Knee attempts, dodge, until a Takeshita-line connects. Takeshita worked over the shoulder, but the long legs of Okada got a rope break and chance to take a powder. Takeshita wouldn’t allow it, as he was out after Okada, charged, only to take a drop toe-hold into a chair and spiked with a DDT on the floor. No sense of urgency back inside by Okada, which briefly awoken Takeshita, who took another DDT, leaving Okada with a smile on his face before making a cover for two. Okada went for a third, only this time, Takeshita put on the brakes and really worked for a stalling suplex. Okada avoided a Takeshita-line, but not the head scissors that took him outside yet again. Takeshita built up speed and connected on a Tope before taking a good look at the Continental Title that’s ringside.

Back inside, Helluva Kick led to Takeshita keeping Okada grounded, until Okada went for the eyes to get free. Multiple boots from the corner led to the Air Raid Crash on the knee, as Okada slammed Takeshita down and followed with the zero-elevation elbow drop. Middle finger to the crowd and his opponent, as Takeshita rose with Okada still flipping him off, leading to a forearm exchange, rocking each man. Okada wanted a Tombstone, each countered until Takeshita got the Bastard Driver into the release German to pop the crowd huge. Okada blocked a Power Drive Knee into Emerald Flowsion, tried a Rainmaker, which Takeshita countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for the double down.

Okada got wrist control and threw a Rainmaker, which Takeshita no sold, so Okada threw another and Takeshita collapsed. Holding on, Okada went for another, but Takeshita fired off a forearm. Each trade backslides, Takeshita missed a Power Drive Knee to the corner, allowing Okada to hit a German Suplex. Maintaining wrist control, Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Takeshita got a cazadora roll-up for a close two. Each trade elbows and shotgun dropkicks, as Takeshita charged in, only right into Okada’s dropkick. Takeshita dodged another Rainmaker, this time into a nasty Poison Rana and Power Drive Knee, but Okada kicked out.

Okada was sent to the corner, where we see him grab a screwdriver hidden in the turnbuckle. They kind of mess up the spot where Takeshita ducked an initial charge, was supposed to send Okada into referee Paul Turner, who stood there awkwardly and then had to just turn around for no reason, he was distracted by the wind, I suppose. This allowed Okada to deck Takeshita with the screwdriver and get the pin, hiding the evidence after, as Callis briefly checked on Takeshita before celebrating with Okada up the ramp, leaving Takeshita.

Match Result: Kazuchika Okada defeated Konosuke Takeshita to advance to the Continental Classic Finals

During the entrances for our next match, Renee Paquette was again ringside saying despite the previous semi-final involving two of his best friends, he never watched a second of their build up, as he’s been fully focused on studying film on Moxley and preparing for the match at hand. We’re also told Don Callis was supposed to be on commentary, but must be backstage trying to smooth things over with Takeshita.

Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher in a Continental Classic Semifinal

(Unbelievable match, I wouldn’t argue if you’d call this the best match of the C2 so far. The fans being behind Moxley after over a year of hating him, the callback to Fletcher scurrying to find the screwdriver, only we all knew it wasn’t there as Okada used it before, which Fletcher didn’t realize. The false finishes with the crowd biting at all of them made this a first-time meeting to remember between these two. I can’t say enough good things about this match.)

Bryan Danielson said it was interesting that Moxley was booed a majority of the year, but was cheered tonight by the fans and questions if it’s due to no Death Rider shenanigans allowed in the C2. Fletcher slowed the pace early, trying to frustrate Moxley, as the stalling only pissed Moxley off, who went out after Fletcher, lighting him up with forearms and into the barricade and commentary table. Back inside, Fletcher immediately hit a snap slam and posed for the crowd before going to work. It was brief, as Moxley quickly hit a corner splash and chucked Fletcher back outside, where he quickly followed with running boots. Fletcher tackled Moxley into the barricade before trapping the leg between the post and steps, dropkicking them. That’s what Fletcher zoned in on back inside, as we’re told this is a great game plan by Fletcher, due to Moxley’s recent submission struggles.

Moxley is bleeding from the mouth and it’s from a broken front tooth, as Moxley fires off a desperation Cutter, sending Fletcher outside. Moxley tried a dive, got enough of it, but the bad leg didn’t allow much of a take-off. Taking too much time to follow-up back inside, Fletcher hit a quick Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Fletcher tried trash talking, which only woke Moxley up, as he no sold clotheslines and turned Fletcher inside out with one of his own. Both men slowly rise and trade forearms until Moxley fired off a shotgun dropkick and corner punches, until Fletcher sent Moxley over the top awkwardly on the bad wheel. Fletcher wanted a PK, was blocked the leg swept out. Moxley tried a Curb Stomp, missed, giving Fletcher a chance to destroy Moxley with a Brainbuster on the apron. The facial expression from Moxley is gif worthy, as Fletcher demanded referee Bryce count Moxley out.

Moxley just beat the count, but rolled right into an awaiting Liger Bomb for a close two. Fletcher sank in a Half Crab, as all those times the crowd wanted Moxley to tap this year have changed to cheers to want him to escape. Fletcher cranked back so far that Moxley was able to get the Bulldog Choke and Fletcher’s face started turning purple. Cranking the injured ankle, Fletcher broke free and got the Ankle Lock with the grapevine. Moxley swiped for all his might and just managed the ropes with the crowd loudly chanting for him. Fletcher wanted his Avalanche Brainbuster, but Moxley bit at the noggin, slid out, crotched Fletcher and hooked a Rear Naked Choke, but had to break, so he switched to an Avalanche Cutthroat Suplex, dropping Fletcher square on his head. Danielson questions if they need more than referee Bryce to check on Fletcher and they show the replay multiple times, I agree.

Fletcher couldn’t get to his feet, so Moxley delivered a Curb Stomp, completely spiking Fletcher, who nearly caught Moxley with a crucifix pin for two on a counter. Fletcher exploded up, thrust kick, Moxley kicked out at one and fired up, only Fletcher met him with a Helluva Kick and Sheer Drop Brainbuster, but Moxley kicked out. Defiant Moxley stood and flipped off Fletcher, who dropped him easily, flipping the crowd off himself. With Bryce checking on Moxley, Fletcher scurried to try and find the screwdriver, only Okada had used it earlier. The distraction allowed a quick pin attempt by Moxley for two, Rear Naked Choke, which Fletcher countered into a two count. Paradigm Shift planted Fletcher, who kicked out at two, Death Rider landed, but again Fletcher kicked out. Moxley quickly locked in the Rear Naked Choke, Fletcher rose to his feet, but faded, ultimately passing out giving Moxley the win. Fletcher regained consciousness in the post-match and screamed that he didn’t tap out. He charged at Moxley and chop blocked out the bad leg before walking off, as Moxley struggled to his feet and limped back through the crowd.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kyle Fletcher to advance to the Continental Classic Finals

FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood w/Stokely) vs. Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn) in a Chicago Street Fight for the AEW Tag Team Titles

(This certainly was a weapons filled street fight, I just think it should’ve gone on later in the show, as the crowd seemed exhausted after the first two matches. There were moments the crowd were loudly behind Gunn & Robinson, but I don’t think they ever thought there’d be a title change. I hope Stokely is ok, as despite him getting involved a lot, the table bump he missed looked pretty nasty. I’m interested in seeing who is next in line for FTR, as there are plenty of teams to challenge the champs going forward.)

Bell sounds and the fight is on and a table immediately is set up against the barricade, as Wheeler & Gunn fight up the ramp while Robinson & Harwood fight into the crowd. Gunn launched Wheeler into the LED screen at the entrance, until Gunn waffled him with a trash can. Taking way too long to follow-up, Gunn charged for a Fame-Asser, but ate a trash can to the face as a result. Going back down the aisle, it looked like Wheeler was going to use a bottle I think, but shattered before it could happen. Harwood & Robinson brawl back to ringside, where Stokely had set-up another table, only Robinson hit a slingshot into the corner on Harwood before setting him onto the table, going up top for a dive, but Wheeler returned to cut him off and hit an Avalanche Back Suplex. They place the trash can over Gunn and smack it off with a kendo stick saying it was “better than the White Sox.”

Robinson made the save, giving Gunn a chance to recover enough to tackle Wheeler through the ropes to the outside. Robinson lit up Harwood with jabs and a spinebuster for two, as Wheeler sent Gunn crashing into the steps, telling Stokely to grab the kendo stick. Harwood clobbered Robinson with a Tag Title belt, as Wheeler swung for the fences with the kendo stick on Gunn, who blocked it with a trash can lid and smashed it into the face of Wheeler. Placing it over his back, Gunn ran into Wheeler once with it, tried again, but Wheeler side-stepped, sending Gunn flying over the announce table. The belt shot busted Robinson opened, as Wheeler chop blocked the leg, while Stokely kept handing FTR weapons to use on it.

Gunn was able to make a return, as he & Wheeler went crashing through the table set-up against the barricade. As Harwood had a leg-lock applied on Robinson, he crawled to a fire extinguisher and sprayed Harwood to get free. Left Hand of God and Juice is Loose followed, as Robinson made the cover, but Stokely attacked referee Paul Turner. Stokely tried to use the chair on Robinson, who easily blocked the shot and Stokely ran for his life saying he’s not part of the match. Repeated chair shots to Harwood & a returning Wheeler, but Stokely again got involved, trying to get the chair away. After a tug-of-war, Robinson sent Stokely off the apron and supposed to go through the table, but he missed almost all of it and landed hard outside. Low Blow by Harwood, as Robinson turned into Shatter Machine, but Gunn broke the count. Fame-Asser missed by Gunn, as Harwood hit a Piledriver on the trash can, but Gunn kicked out. FTR quickly hit a Spike Piledriver, rolled through, placed a Tag Title down and hit another, busting Gunn open, getting the win.

Match Result: FTR defeated Bang Bang Gang to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Harwood pinned Gunn

Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron) vs. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone & ROH Women’s Champion Athena for the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles

(Lot of moving parts down the stretch and while not everything landed completely, I think this turned into a very entertaining match and title defense for the new champs. Cameron & Nightingale continue to find their groove and develop into a solid team and good choice for first Tag Champions. The collapse of Ultimo Mone continues, this time, perhaps creating a new enemy in the ROH Forever Champion.)

Mone with the cheap shot on Cameron at the bell, but Nightingale was there with a series of corner clothesline and slingshot into a Cameron kitchen sink. Athena & Mone side-stepped two enzugiris and connecting on sliding attacks before sending both Cameron & Nightingale outside. Nightingale avoided a Meteora and hit a powerbomb on the apron, but was wiped out by an Athena dive. Cameron tried a cross body off the apron, was caught by Athena, only for Nightingale to hit a running tackle of her own. Back inside, Athena begged off on Cameron, but it was a way for Mone to get a blindside and a Lungblower/Backstabber combo for two. Cameron was isolated until a DDT on Athena led to a double down and chance for Nightingale to make the hot tag and run wild. Blind tag by Athena, as Nightingale planted Mone with a spinebuster. Head scissors from Nightingale, but Athena landed on her feet and used the momentum to hit a wildly impressive spinning double knees for two.

Athena played to the crowd, resulting in Nightingale launching her with a Pounce. Cameron & tags in, running wild with clotheslines and just enough of a Sling Blade. Mone cut Cameron off in the corner, but as she & Athena got up with her, Nightingale wiped both challengers out with a powerbomb. Cameron connected on a cross body and double crucifix on Athena & Mone before tagging Nightingale back in. Sole Food/Spinning Back Drop combo connected, but Mone made the save. Nightingale tried to slingshot Athena, who turned it into an O-Face on Cameron. Backstabber into the Statement Maker on Nightingale, but as Mone wrenched back, Nightingale powered into a DVD. Athena tried to break the count, but collided with her own partner, as Mone got up, missed Nightingale and decked Athena. Nightingale squashed both in the corner with splashes and clotheslines before going up top, only to be cut-off. Athena used Mone to deliver a Superplex/Powerbomb combo before an assisted Gory Bomb, but Cameron broke the count, leading to a double cross body attempt from Cameron & Athena for the match reset.

Athena fired off a series of kicks, but Cameron answered with Her Finishing Move. Mone was up and dropped Cameron with a Mone Maker, tried the same on Nightingale, who countered into a roll-up for the flash pin.

Match Result: Babes of Wrath defeated Mercedes Mone & Athena to retain the AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles when Nightingale pinned Mone

Darby Allin vs. Gabe Kidd

(The way these two were bleeding buckets, you would’ve thought there had been weapons galore, but there weren’t. I hope there isn’t another 4 months wait between Kidd matches, as he could certainly be a permanent player on the AEW roster. Despite only appearing sporatically, he’s always knocked it out of the park in AEW in my opinion. Allin, continues to be one of the best babyfaces in wrestling and hopefully 2026 can finally be the time where he holds the AEW World Title, it’s been long overdue.)

What can only be described as an art house video played before the match showing the history he’s had with Kidd and ending with the words on the screen reading “I’ll Remember You as You Were, Not as What You’ll Become.” Kidd had a Death Riders entrance from the crowd and violently threw Allin from the ring to the floor, clipping Allin’s head on the apron in the process. Kidd took too long to follow-up, giving Allin a chance to recover enough to fly with a dive and slam Kidd’s head repeatedly into the barricade. Allin broke the count, but even that delay allowed Kidd to shoot a double leg and tackle Allin over the time keepers area. Kidd placed Allin under the ring steps and hit a slingshot, causing part of the steps to fly up in the air and come back down onto Allin’s face. To no one’s surprise, this busted Allin opened badly back inside. Allin was brought up to the apron and Kidd full steam launched him head first into the ring post, causing Allin to do a 360 spin into the camera man.

Allin ducked a chair shot and dropkicked it into Kidd’s face, causing a gusher as well. Allin bit at the bloody head before placing Kidd on a chair and successfully connecting on a missile dropkick from the top. Back inside, Kidd launched Allin clear across the ring with a shotgun dropkick and wanted an Avalanche Piledriver, but Allin bit at the face, raked the back and hit an Avalanche Code Red for two. Allin quickly went up top and hit a Coffin Drop, but Kidd wisely rolled outside. Allin again went up top and landed another Coffin Drop, this time to the floor, crushing Kidd. There are puddles of blood on the floor, as back inside, Kidd kicked out of a pin, but landed right into a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin applied a Scorpion Death Lock as we get a Stone Cold Wrestlemania 13 visual of a bleeding Kidd, until Allin slumped forward and broke the hold. Kidd recovered, battering ram headbutt and bounce back lariat that took Allin’s head off followed by a jumping piledriver for two. Kidd goes to apply a sleeper, but Allin kicked through and got a flash pin. Nigel McGuinness correctly said Allin didn’t win the match more so survived it. Referee Rick Knox had to help Allin to his feet and up the ramp, as Kidd looked furious.

Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Gabe Kidd

TNT Champion Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Timeless Toni Storm vs. Death Riders (CMLL World Champion Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir) in a Mixed Nuts Mayhem Match

(This was as much chaotic fun as you could have in a match, with the heels running wild early, but the babyfaces ramping up down the stretch got the crowd really going. The men/women interactions were done really well, as we got a Castagnoli Giant Swing, Yuta & Garcia getting beat up and our brief interaction with Strong & Shafir, who, even though I still don’t think we’ve been told they’re married on AEW TV, it’s a pretty bad kept secret, as the entire crowd knew. I loved the involvement of Storm & Cassidy and would love to see them involved in more hijinks heading into the new year.)

Tornado Tag rules, no tags needed, but pin or submission must happen in the ring. I’m glad they told us that this time, as everyone started brawling to start the match, until Yuta grabbed Storm from Shafir and tossed her outside. This got loud “F You Yuta” chants I’m sure he would’ve gotten anyway. Briscoe promptly kicked his ass, pleasing the crowd, until a dive wiped out Garcia. Strong laid out Yuta with an Angle Slam, but Castagnoli was there with a receipt for Strong, who knocked him out of the C2. Cassidy & Garcia faced off in the ring, where Cassidy mocked Garcia’s dance, so Garcia slapped on multiple submissions until a Stundog Millionaire by Cassidy connected. Single punch in the corner from Cassidy amped the crowd, as Shafir came in and both put their hands in their pockets. Shafir fired off kicks, swept the leg, Cassidy kipped up, low bridged her to the floor, as Yuta attacked Cassidy from behind.

The following few minutes saw all the Death Riders gang up on Cassidy, Strong & Briscoe one at a time, with locomotion corner strikes and flipping the crowd off. Finally, for the first time since the start of the match, Storm returned and went after Shafir, who tried a kimura, which Storm countered with a hip attack off the apron to the floor. Castagnoli grabbed Storm by the hair, but Briscoe made the save and he & Storm mowed Castagnoli down with a double shoulder tackle. Storm sent Briscoe to the outside with a dive on Yuta, as Garcia tried to go after Storm, but Cassidy made the save. It takes two to tango, as Cassidy & Storm spun one another around, took out Garcia & Yuta, before Storm dipped Cassidy. Shafir put a stop to this and missed Sweet Cheek Music, as Castagnoli sprinted in and thankfully missed a wild uppercut.

Spinning DDT from Cassidy onto Castagnoli, as Briscoe flew off the top with a Froggy Bow for two, as Yuta & Garcia broke it up. Cassidy tried to make the save, but suffered the same fate. Storm returned, faced off with both, sending them into one another, release Germans on both Garcia & Yuta until Shafir returned, boxed the ears, but Storm got a Big Package for two. Castagnoli broke it up, placed Storm in the corner, so Storm slapped him in the face and hit a Tornado DDT, but Castagnoli popped up and delivered a Giant Swing on Storm. Strong sent Castagnoli pakcing with a big knee, leaving Strong & Shafir facing off with the crowd popping. Shafir punted him in the face, but Strong chopped her in the back. Cassidy hit an Orange Punch on Garcia, as Storm followed with Storm Zero. Yuta ate another Orange Punch, as Storm hit Sweet Cheek Music, with Briscoe returning and hitting a Jay Driller to get the win.

Post-match, Babes of Wrath came in to celebrate with The Conglomeration & Storm, who danced around with Cassidy. Mina Shirakawa & Luther came to the ring, as Storm laid a smooch on her lady before spinning her around. Cassidy wanted in on it, so Storm spun him around as well. Excalibur asked if we’re witnessing the birth of a throuple?

Match Result: Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Timeless Toni Storm defeated Death Riders when Briscoe pinned Yuta

-Lexy Nair is backstage outside of Mercedes Mone’s locker room, as Mone stormed by her and screamed her head off, crying. She calmed down and came back out to Nair, saying she was now ready. Nair said the end of 2025 hasn’t been good to her, which Mone was insulted by, rattling off her accomplishments. Mone said at New Year’s Smash on Dynamite, she’s going to beat Willow Nightingale’s “F*cking Ass” (not bleeped).

Kris Statlander vs. Jamie Hayter for the AEW Women’s World Title

(Definition of back-and-forth battle, with both ladies throwing bombs and as the match continued, the crowd ramped up and couldn’t decide who to full get behind. These two beat the hell out of one another and I’m not sure what’s next for either, but hopefully Hayter remains in the title picture, she looked great, even in defeat.)

Both tried early finishers, with the other dodging until Hayter got the shoulder tackle to stand tall, but Statlander was there to deliver one of her own. Both nodded in agreement to try again, as they collided, kipped up and faced off once more. Statlander caught Hayter between the ropes and hit a step-up leg drop, sending the challenger to the floor. Statlander tried her swinging moonsault, Hayter dodged, Statlander landed on her feet, but recovered enough to send Hayter into the steps. Back inside, a back suplex into a Vader Bomb by Statlander, who remained in the driver seat with the crowd dueling chants. Hayter battled back, clotheslining Statlander to the floor, but her feet were swept out, slammed into the commentary table and barricade. While on the Spanish Announce Table, Hayter connected with a missile dropkick perfectly, folding Statlander up. Taking her back in the ring, Hayter hit another missile dropkick for a near fall.

Statlander responded with a Snapmare Driver and cradle sit-out slam for a two of her own. Both ladies slug it out, with Hayter winning the exchange, as Statlander crawled to the apron to try and recover. Hayter won’t let up, as she drags Statlander up and hits an Avalanche Exploder for a near fall. Statlander floated over a lariat into a nice Package Piledriver to get a close two. Going up top, Statlander was cut-off by Hayter, only this time, Statlander slipped through, but Hayter punched out briefly. Statlander re-joined Hayter up top where she planted Hayter with a spinning Avalanche Fisherman’s Driver. Statlander wanted Hayter-ade, but Hayter dropped Statlander on her head with a suplex before following up with a Shining Wizard for two. Hayter signaled for the finish, wanted Hayter-adde, but Statlander Matrix’d out, only to eat a thrust kick. Statlander hit an enzugiri, but Hayter was there with a Hayt-breaker. Statlander still didn’t go down, as Hayter hit a suplex and a match reset.

Both ladies trade heavy shots, until Statlander slapped Hayter, pissing the challenger off, as Statlander hits Hayter-ade, only Hayter responded with Saturday Night Fever for another double down. Champion & Challenger pull themselves up and both swing for the fences, Hayter connecting first, but as Hayter went for the finish, Statlander countered into Saturday Night Fever for the win.

Match Result: Kris Statlander defeated Jamie Hayter to retain the AEW Women’s World Title

-Don Callis is backstage with Kazuchika Okada, saying it all comes down to this, forget about everything else. We’ve never seen Mox vs. Okada before and with all the talk of Unified Championship, when Okada wins tonight, he’ll remain the Unified Champion, as he’ll go back-to-back Continental Classic wins. Callis said a few weeks ago, Moxley tried to intimidate him, so a New Years Resolution is revenge on those who wronged him, so nothing sounds better than Okada standing over him. Callis said he plays the long game, every day the last 3 and a half years he’s had to look at what Moxley did to him with the scar on his head. Okada said Moxley has accomplished so much, but never beaten Okada, the greatest tournament wrestler of all time, bitch.

-Jon Moxley was backstage earlier and said for years he’s heard about The Rainmaker being the top of the food chain. The C2 is a beautiful thing, win, lose or draw, it’s about passion, it’s what you dream about, showing the world what you’ve given your life to. The C2 is a hill worth dying on and told Okada he’s going to have to kill him.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Jon Moxley in the Continental Classic Finals for the AEW Continental Title

(Hell of a way to cap off a spectacular Continental Classic, as this slowly built up to one great finish. Perhaps a surprising result to some, but I’m interested in seeing where Death Riders & Don Callis Family go from here. Perhaps this was a catalyst to the two factions feuding, which would be something certainly different in the new year. The post-match fired up promo from Jon Moxley is one that one a very few can deliver with such intensity, he continues to show why he’s the backbone of this company.)

Okada wanted a handshake, but Moxley flipped him off, as the crowd started chanting Green Bay Sucks (since the Packers just lost and Bears clinched the division for those who were wondering). Okada got one shot in on the leg, forcing Moxley to go outside and regroup. Both have an intense face-off back inside, but Okada picked the ankle, zoning in on the bad leg. While placed in the corner, Okada hit his dropkick, but instead of tumbling immediately outside, Moxley’s leg got caught in the ropes. Quickly out after, Okada spiked Moxley with a DDT and continues his slow assault by dropping Moxley knee first onto the steps. Moxley tried firing up with chops, but all it took was one boot to the leg to regain control back inside.

Okada sank in a leg-lock, as Moxley headbutt his way out of it, but Okada recovers quickly enough to hit a sliding dropkick and back elbow that saw Moxley just crumble. Slingshot senton followed by the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker, as Okada slowly made the cover for two. Zero elevation elbow drop led to a smiling Okada flipping off the crowd, until Moxley grabbed the finger, swung and decked Okada with a lariat. Okada tried another dropkick in response, but Moxley put on the brakes and sank in a Figure Four, but Okada got the ropes. Moxley tried to pump himself up, but the delay allowed multiple Dragon Screws from Okada, as Danielson brought up Hiroshi Tanahashi, the master of the move. Okada applied a Cloverleaf, but just made the ropes. Hard forearm exchange that Okada initially won, but Moxley avoided another Air Raid Crash, this time into a Gotch Style Piledriver for two.

Moxley wanted a Paradigm Shift, but Okada spun out, tried to send Moxley into the ref, who put on the brakes, as the ref covered up. Okada punted Moxley low and hit a Rainmaker, but Moxley kicked out. Okada went outside and grabbed the Continental Title, bringing it in the ring, but Stephon Smith caught him, taking the title out. The distraction gave Moxley a chance to return the favor with a low blow of his own, allowing a reset and Moxley recover. Another forearm exchange, as Moxley switched to jabs, but ran right into a signature Okada dropkick. Moxley stood right up, as Okada got a backslide, wrist control, Rainmaker. Holding on, Moxley kicked out of a second one into Paradigm Shift, but Okada kicked out, so it’s back to the Bulldog Choke in a Rear Naked Choke. Okada tried a Rainmaker, but Moxley ducked into a Rainmaker of his own followed by another Paradigm Shift, but Okada out at one. Curb Stomp from Moxley, as the crowd gets really going for him, as he spiked Okada with a Death Rider and got the pin.

Post-match, Death Riders hit the ring, as they all hug Moxley and hand him the Continental Title. Tony Schiavone is also in the ring, as Castagnoli puts the belt around Moxley’s waist. Schiavone puts over Moxley’s accomplishments, as Moxley said to hell with all that, this title doesn’t belong to him, it belongs to everybody in this Continental Classic that busted their ass and fans who support professional wrestling. They owe it to them to give everything they have, every time they step into the ring, he owes it to his teammates, they are the hardest working professional athletes in the world. Moxley doesn’t just mean everyone in the ring with him, but everyone in AEW who shows up every f*cking day and they will continue to do so, as there is no other organization like All Elite Wrestling. They give 100% every damn time, as it’s what the fans and this job deserves.

Excalibur brought up this time a year ago, maybe this title is what Jon Moxley needed. Bryan Danielson said it’s hard for him to take Moxley at face value, but maybe he did what he did to truly change AEW like he promised.

Match Result: Jon Moxley defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the Continental Classic and the AEW Continental Title

Samoa Joe vs. Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. MJF for the AEW Men’s World Title

(An action-packed main event on a night filled with some damn fine wrestling. Everyone looked good in this one, getting off plenty of offense and after a long night, the crowd was still into it even down the stretch. You could really question why move the title off Page if Joe was going to have such a short reign, but having MJF hold this over Page’s head before they inevitably have a singles match for the title, makes sense. You have Bandido getting a shot in a few weeks, Strickland, Page, Joe, even Darby Allin, Jon Moxley, all could be in the World Title picture and I’m looking forward to seeing who MJF has to face in his second reign.)

Page & Joe and Strickland & MJF pair off early, as Joe was sent outside, while MJF tried to cheap shot Page, only to take a fall away slam and sent to the apron. Springboard lariat caught MJF, as Joe returned and walloped Page with a chop and enzugiri. Running boot to the face of Page as MJF was sent to the floor as well until Strickland targets the taped up elbow of Joe with a pump kick. MJF hit a Griddy to mock Strickland and did his running start pelvic thrust into the face of Strickland, who popped up and delivered uppercuts aplenty before a diving uppercut led to a Strickland Griddy and thrust into MJF’s face. Strickland followed with a Fosbury Flop outside to MJF, but Joe wiped both out with a Tope. Page flew into the camera shot with an Orihara Moonsault, overshooting Strickland & Joe, but clipping MJF and holding his jaw.

Back inside, MJF wanted a Heatseeker on Strickland, who avoided, side-stepped MJF and hit a springboard Swerve Stomp off the apron to the outside. Page delivered a Buckshot off the back of Strickland to take out Joe, leaving Page & Strickland to face-off and the fans go nuts. Slugfest ensues, each getting in some bombs before Strickland spun out in the ropes, Page floated over a powerbomb attempt into an O’Connor Roll for two. Page flipped out of the corner, wanted a Tombstone, Strickland reversed into Dead Eye. Page dodged House Call with a lariat and hit a Buckshot Lariat for two, which Joe broke up. Joe wanted a Muscle Buster, but Page saved Strickland at first, he wanted an Avalanche Fall Away, but Joe put a stop to it and powerbombed both onto a returning MJF. Joe made covers on everyone, but all kicked out at two.

Joe wanted a Muscle Buster on Strickland, who rolled out into a rolling Cutter on MJF. Up kick to Joe, as Strickland followed with a German Suplex. Page came in, Strickland slid underneath into a powerbomb slam for a near fall. Joe charged for a splash on Strickland in the corner, as Page sent MJF crashing outside yet again before planting Strickland with Angels Wings. Page teased a Buckshot, but opted to moonsault MJF off the apron. Buckshot attempt to Strickland was countered, but Page was still able to hit a pop-up powerbomb for two. Page missed a corner charge on MJF, who connected on his double stomp to the arm out of the corner, Water Wheel Drop to Strickland, chucking him into Joe in the corner. Page missed a Buckshot, MJF missed Heatseaker, but connected on the slingshot Cutter before sinking in Salt of the Earth right as Joe applied a Coquina Clutch on Strickland, forcing MJF to break his submission to stop the choke. Coquina Clutch applied to MJF, who wanted Salt of the Earth on Joe, a callback to Joe winning the title back in 2023, but Strickland flew in with a House Call. MJF rolled through Big Pressure into a roll-up and poked the eyes. Page & Strickland laid out MJF, while both kipped up to avoid a charging Joe, took him down before swinging at each other for the reset.

MJF flew in with a Destroyer out of the corner on Strickland for two, as Excalibur said it’s maybe a callback to Adam Cole and Better Than You Bay-Bay. Page connected on Dead Eye to MJF, teased Buckshot, but Joe decked him to the floor. Rolling DDT spiked Joe by Strickland, until The Opps appeared and attacked everyone not named Samoa Joe, who planted Page with a Muscle Buster, but Page kicked out. HOOK argued with referee Bryce, as Joe instructed Hobbs & Shibata to dispatch of Nana, but didn’t see Strickland fly off the top with a Swerve Stomp to both. Page waffled Joe with a right hand and turned to HOOK, but Joe sank in a Coquina Clutch. Strickland managed to Swerve Stomp over Page and catch Joe flush, as referees are forcing The Opps to go to the back, even though we were told them being out there was legal.

Joe went up to the corner with Strickland, who broke free with a powerbomb, was going for another Swerve Stomp, but MJF launched him off the top head first into the side of the announce desk. Page flew in with two Buckshots on Joe, but on the third, MJF shoved Joe out of the way, kicked Page low and hit a Heatseeker on Joe to win the match and title. Massive pyro went off in the post-match, as MJF said to cry about it all you want, he’s a generational talent, a two-time champion and he’s better than you and you f’n know it. Bryan Danielson reminds us how insufferable MJF was during his first reign, he can’t imagine what this will be like.

Match Result: MJF defeated Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland & Hangman Page to win the AEW Men’s World Title pinning Joe

MJF returns on AEW Holiday Bash Dynamite, return match announced

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Former World Champion MJF has finally returned to AEW.

Former AEW World Champion MJF returned to All Elite Wrestling at Holiday Bash Dynamite in Manchester, UK, interrupting a World Championship contract signing and officially adding himself to the AEW World Title match at Worlds End.

During the second hour of the show, MJF interrupted a segment involving Samoa Joe, Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland, announcing that he was cashing in his Casino Gauntlet contract to join the upcoming World Championship match.

Friedman explained that his decision was motivated by his desire to prove Adam Page wrong about calling him a coward and to defeat both Page and his two biggest rivals. He also addressed Samoa Joe, stating that he still harbours resentment over Joe taking the World Championship from him.

He concluded the segment by switching his attention to Swerve Strickland and comparing him to Sean Combs (P.Diddy). Reflecting on their hustle in the indies, he reflected on Strickland’s WWE forgettable journey before stating how he found success in AEW. Friedman finished the segment by stating that it was his house and ‘rent was due.’

Friedman was last seen losing to Mark Briscoe at AEW All Out 2025. He had previously won the Casino Gauntlet at All In to earn a shot at the AEW World Title.

Friedman’s return and addition to the Worlds End match was previously noted by our Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live.

Two title matches official for AEW Worlds End

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The AEW World and Women’s titles will be on the line later this month.

It was confirmed on Saturday that Samoa Joe will defend the AEW World title in a three-way match, pitting himself against Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page. During Dynamite, Page made clear that whoever walked out of the show the AEW World Champion, they would be meeting him next. On Collision, Strickland defeated Josh Alexander and revealed after the match that he was also setting his sights on the AEW World Championship.

Both men are targeting Joe following the events of Full Gear, when the leader of the Opps won the title thanks to help from Hook, who attacked Page. The end of the pay-per-view saw Swerve make his return, with Joe guiding him to attack longtime rival Page. However, Swerve instead chose to go after The Opps, closing the show by standing strong against them.

During Collision, it was also announced that Kris Statlander would defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Jamie Hayter on December 27. The two were successful on Saturday, defeating The Sisters of Sin. Backstage after the match, Hayter issued the challenge for Worlds End. Statlander accepted, but the two started to argue right after.

AEW Worlds End (December 27)

  • AEW World Championship: Samoa Joe defends against Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland
  • Continental Classic finals
  • Continental Classic semifinals
  • AEW Women’s Championship: Kris Statlander defends against Jamie Hayter

AEW Collision Winter is Coming live results: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Claudio Castagnoli

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

AEW returns to Cardiff, Wales, for today’s Winter is Coming edition of Collision at a special start time of 4:30 PM Eastern.

One of the featured bouts is former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland taking on former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander for the first time ever in a match that will likely have implications on this month’s Worlds End.

The Continental Classic will continue with two matches.

Blue league co-leaders Konosuke Takeshita and Claudio Castagnoli will do battle in a clash of the IWGP World Champion and CMLL Heavyweight Champion.

Coming off his highlight reel match against Kyle Fletcher Wednesday, “Speedball” Mike Bailey will look to grab another three points when he takes on tag team partner Kevin Knight in the Gold league.

TNT Champion Mark Briscoe defends against former champion Daniel Garcia.

AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander teams with former champion Jamie Hayter against The Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue).

**********

AEW Collision opened with a recap of Samoa Joe and Eddie Kingston and Hangman Page & Swerve Strickland vs. Shibata & Will Hobbs, with Hangman making his intentions clear – he wants Samoa Joe at AEW World’s End.

Swerve Strickland (w/ Prince Nana) vs. Josh Alexander (w/ Don Callis)

The crowd was immediately red hot, cheering for Swerve and singing for him. Alexander tried to hit a shoulder tackle on Swerve, but he just shook it off. Alexander went for a leg pick, but Swerve cartwheeled over it and hit a fireman’s carry into the top turnbuckle before hitting a pump kick that drove Alexander into the corner. Swerve hit a big back breaker on Alexander, leading to Alexander going for a takedown, but Swerve hit a snapmare and a knee drop.

Swerve hit a few rolling neckbreakers, working over the previously injured neck of Josh Alexander. Josh Alexander pulled Swerve from the ring and suplexed him knee first on the announce table. That was brutal. Alexander hit a crossbody that sent Swerve to the floor as they went to the ad break. When they came back, Swerve and Alexander were exchanging forearms. Swerve hit an upkick on Alexander but stumbled when he tried to roll onto his feet. Alexander trapped the knee, hit a knee crusher, and then hit a back suplex. Swerve countered Alexander trying to pick him up into a powerbomb into a powerslam before collapsing to the mat selling his knee.

Swerve hit an uppercut off the middle rope. Swerve missed a kick and Alexander pulled his leg over the rope, and then hit a world strongest slam on the apron. Swerve went for the JML Driver, but Alexander rolled him up for a nearfall. Alexander went for a sliding lariat which Swerve countered into a crucifix pin for a 2-count. Alexander went right back after the knee and did a single leg crab that forced Swerve to the ropes. Alexander missed a knee drop off the top rope and Swerve rolled up to his feet and hit a flatliner and hit the House Call that knocked the headgear of Alexander before hitting a JML Driver for the pinfall.

Result: Swerve Strickland defeated Josh Alexander

–Swerve Strickland grabbed the mic and said that he did not come back to face the Don Callis Family. He came back for the AEW World Championship, and Hangman Page was not the only guy after Joe. Swerve wanted his title back.

–Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa said they were going to join the toast to celebrate the new AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions.

Kris Statlander & Jamie Hayter vs. The Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue) (w/ Thekla)

Hayter immediately slammed Blue and tagged out to Statlander who slammed Hayter on Blue, and then Hayter slammed Statlander on Blue. Statlander and Hayter tried to show each other up by slamming Blue, who unfortunately had to face hitting the mat repeatedly. Hart tagged in and did a rope walk into a hurricanrana on Statlander and Hayter tagged in, hitting an exploder and then a snap suplex for a two count on Hart.

Hart hit a standing moonsault on Hayter as they went to the break. When they came back Hayer knocked Hart from the apron and hit a running knee on Sky Blue. Statlander went for Staturday Night Fever, but Blue cradled Statlander for a 2-count before tagging out to Hart, who hit a double front suplex and double superkick for a 2-count. Blue hit a Code Blue for a 2-count, and Hayter made the save. Julia Hart hit a lung blower of sorts on Hayter and everyone was laid out.

Blue hit a thrust kick on Hayter and tagged out to Hart to went for a rope walk again, dropping Hayter’s arm across the ropes and then holding her arms. Blue charged, but Hayter dodged and Blue knocked Hart off the apron while Hayter hit a back breaker and then a Hayterade for the pinfall.

Result: Jamie Hayter & Kris Statlander defeated The Sisters of Sin

–Jamie Hayter, once backstage, challenged Kris Statlander to a title match at AEW World’s End, and Statlander accepted before they started arguing.

Claudio Castagnoli vs. Konosuke Takeshita – C2 Blue League Match

Both guys started with some grappling, feeling each other out, with both exchanging holds building to a forearm and uppercut battle until Castagnoli raked the eyes and hit a lariat. Takeshita tried to hit a running knee off the apron but Castagnoli caught him with a European Uppercut that sent Takeshita crashing to the floor. Takeshita blocked a suplex attempt on the ramp and turned it into a DDT. Castagnoli countered a knee charge into a backbreaker as they went to an ad break.

Takeshita fought out of a sleeper hold and hit a hurricarana that sent Castagnoli to the floor. Takeshita hit a tope gon giro and then a blue thunder bomb in the ring, but Castagnoli kicked out and did the giant swing before locking in the sharpshooter. Castagnoli transitioned into a crossface, but Takeshita got out of it. Castagnoli was frustrated and started lightly kicking Takeshita to taunt him. Takeshita and Castagnoli started exchanging forearms and uppercuts.

Takeshita hit an inverted piledriver and then a hidden blade for a 2-count. Castagnoli hit a pop up uppercut and then a springboard uppercut. Castagnoli went for the Neutralizer, but Takeshita countered and went for a back body drop, but Castagnoli landed on his feet and both hit lariats and collapsed. Takeshtia hit a series of forearms on the apron, and Castagnoli hit a series of his own. Takeshita hit a big boot to block a European uppercut, and then Takeshita charged but Claudio got a big boot. Then both men hit big boots and collapsed to the floor. Both men started exchanging strikes on the floor until Castagnoli hit a big boot that sent Takeshita crashing to the mat before he also collapsed. Takeshita hit a hard forearm that kept Castagnoli from getting in the ring. Castagnoli barely made it back into the ring, and then both men exchanged finishers but couldn’t finish each other until the time limit was up.

Result: Claudio Castagnoli & Konosuke Takeshita went to a draw

This match was awesome. What a tremendous match, and it protected both guys where the CMLL Heavyweight Champ and IWGP World Championship didn’t take loss.

–Speedball Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight were backstage talking about how they are going to give it their all when they face each other later.

–Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron came down to the ring to celebrate the world tag team title reign. Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa came down to the ring to celebrate with them, but said that they gave the audience a fight to remember. Mercedes Mone came to the ramp and said that they couldn’t have a championship celebration without her. Mina Shirakawa told her to shut up, and Toni Storm challenged her to a match. Harley Cameron noted that Mercedes had no friends, but Mercedes challenged the four women to a tag match next week on Dynamite.

–Ricochet was backstage with his AEW National Championship, and he said he was going to win the AEW Diamond Battle Royale next week and take the title shot he would get out of it to become Ricky Two Belts.

–A promo video aired for the AEW Diamond Battle Royale, with everyone talking about why they wanted to win. This was good.

Kevin Knight vs. Mike Bailey – C2 Gold League Match

As expected, both guys started very fast here exchanging strike attempts and countering each other at every move. Knight did an armdrag that sent Bailey to the floor, but Bailey dodged a plancha and then hit a triangle moonsault as they went to an ad break. Knight clotheslined Bailey to the floor as they came back from the ad break and hit a spring board clothesline to the floor. Knight hit a jumping hurricanrana on Bailey who was on the top rope and then a DDT for a 2-count.

Bailey hit a kick on Knight when he was on the top rope and sent Knight crashing into a camera man. Bailey hit a moonsault into double knees on the apron. Bailey shoved Knight off the ropes, but Knight ran back and vertically leaped onto the top rope into a suplerplex for a 2-count. Bailey hit a Spanish Fly on Knight before hitting a rolling forearm, but Knight hit a dropkick. Knight went for a springboard lariat again and Bailey hit a spinning kick that dropped Knight and both men were down.

Both men went to the opposite sides of the ring and tried to hit coast to coast strikes, but took each other out with lariats. Knight hit a coast to coast dropkick, but Bailey blocked the UFO splash. Bailey and Knight exchanged pinfall attempts rapidly until Bailey hit a spinning kick and then hit the Rubix Cube for the pinfall.

Result: Mike Bailey defeated Kevin Knight

This was a tremendous match, with Bailey and Knight putting on a fantastic performance.

–Kyle Fletcher was backstage and he cut a promo about how angry he was about losing to Bailey on Dynamite, but he was going to take PAC on and get his momentum back in Manchester on Dynamite.

–PAC answered him, saying that while he thought Fletcher was brilliant wrestler, nothing brilliant was going to happen in Manchester.

Mark Briscoe vs. Daniel Garcia (w/ Marina Shafir) for the TNT Championship

Garcia tried to out wrestle Garcia in the match, but Briscoe hit a forearm that sent Garcia to the floor before hitting a dropkick. Briscoe hit a flipping dive through the ropes onto Garcia. When they came back from the ad break with Garcia in control. Briscoe hit an exploder suplex for a 2-count. Briscoe went for the Jay Driller, but Garcia hit a back suplex. When Garcia grabbed the referee Shafir tripped Briscoe, and he crashed into the top turnbuckle. The referee missed it, but teased tossing her out.

Garcia hit a superplex on Briscoe and then floated over into another suplex, but put Briscoe on the top rope for another superplex. Garcia did another one, but Briscoe fired up and hit a brainbuster, which baffled Garcia while also leaving him in pain. Briscoe and Garcia exchanged some forearms in the middle of the ring, and Briscoe kept asking for more, firing up. After some chops, Briscoe hit a lariat and then called for the Jay Driller.

Garcia blocked the Jay Driller and Briscoe kept going for it, but Shafir grabbed the ankle of Briscoe and get sent backstage. As Shafir was leaving Wheeler Yuta ran in and hit a low blow on Briscoe, allowing Garcia to hit a piledriver for a 2-count. Briscoe rolled him up for a 2-count, and then hit the Jay Driller after countering a move for the pinfall.

Result: Mark Briscoe defeated Daniel Garcia to retain the TNT Championship

Excellent main event on a very good AEW Collision. The C2 always brings out the best in AEW, and it really makes the booking so focused.

AEW Dynamite Holiday Bash – December 17, 2025

  • The Elite vs. Don Callis Family
  • Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale
  • Mercedes Mone, Athena, Megan Bayne, Marina Shafir vs. Babes of Wrath & Timeless Love Bombs
  • Mascara Dorada vs. Orange Cassidy
  • Jon Moxley vs. Roderick Strong
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. PAC
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship: FTR vs. Bang Bang Gang
  • AEW World Championship Contract Signing with Hangman Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, & Samoa Joe

Swerve Strickland has first AEW match after three-month absence

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: JJ Williams

For the first time since late-August, former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland is back to being an active wrestler.

Strickland teamed with fellow former champion Hangman Page on Wednesday’s Winter is Coming edition of AEW Dynamite to pick up a victory over The Opps’ Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs i a tornado match.

It was Strickland’s first match in 108 days after he underwent knee surgery to correct an issue that had plagued him since his days in WWE NXT. He last competed at August’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in a losing effort to Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada.

Strickland will be in action later this week, taking on Josh Alexander in their first ever meeting as part of Saturday’s Collision from Cardiff, Wales.

The 35-year-old made his surprise return at November’s Full Gear, backing up Page after he fell in defeat to Samoa Joe in the steel cage match main event, dropping his World title in the process. That same match saw Hook rejoin The Opps and turn against Page, aiding Joe’s win.

AEW Dynamite Winter is Coming updated lineup: Former World Champions & rivals to team

Posted on by Josh Nason

Swerve Strickland is willing to put differences aside and team with Hangman Page at this Wednesday’s Winter is Coming edition of AEW Dynamite.

After making his surprise return at Full Gear, Strickland spoke on Saturday’s Collision for the first time since returning from a multi-month injury absence to call out AEW World Champion Samoa Joe and The Opps.

It was at Full Gear that Strickland came out to aid Page against The Opps after they cost Page the title. On Saturday, Strickland said he understands Page is looking for another desperado to join him and he said he would do it but for “one night and one night only” and after that, they would need to have a serious conversation.

After Josh Alexander came out to set up a singles match for the Collision edition of Winter is Coming in Cardiff, Wales, The Opps’ Katsuyori Shibata came out to take out Strickland’s knee and leave him laying.

It was then announced that Strickland and Page will battle Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs in a tornado tag team match this Wednesday.

AEW Dynamite Winter is Coming | Wednesday, December 10 —

  • AEW World Champion Samoa Joe defends against Eddie Kingston
  • AEW Women’s Tag Team title tournament finals: Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron) vs. Timeless Love Bombs (Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa)
  • Hangman Page & Swerve Strickland vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Powerhouse Hobbs

First time ever match added to AEW Collision Winter is Coming

Posted on by Josh Nason

A first time ever clash between the former AEW World Champion and the former TNA World Champion is set for AEW’s return to Cardiff, Wales.

Made during Saturday’s Collision, Swerve Strickland will take on Josh Alexander as part of next Saturday’s Collision version of Winter is Coming.

Alexander confronted Strickland Saturday, saying he was the one who deserved a World title shot and not Strickland. He said during Strickland’s injury absence, it’s not longer Strickland’s house but Don Callis’ house. Strickland issued a challenge for Cardiff which was later accepted.

It will be Strickland’s first singles match since a loss to Kazuchika Okada at August’s Forbidden Door and the first for Alexander since an October countout win over Kota Ibushi.

Strickland will first return to action this Wednesday, teaming with Hangman Page against Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs.

The show will take place at a special start time of 4:30 PM Eastern.

AEW Collision Winter is Coming lineup | Saturday, December 13 | Cardiff, Wales

  • TNT Champion Mark Briscoe defends against Daniel Garcia
  • Jamie Hayter & Kris Statlander vs. Sisters Of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue)
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Josh Alexander

AEW Collision live results: Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

For the first time in some time, tonight’s AEW Collision from Columbus, Ohio, has a true air of importance with several key figures on the show.

In an important Continental Classic Blue league bout, former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley goes one-on-one with IWGP World Champion Konosuke Takeshita with each looking to add to their three point totals.

Blue league leader Claudio Castagnoli (six points) will also be in action against Mascara Dorada who is looking for his first points while Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong (zero points each) will compete in another Blue league match.

A night after losing the ROH Women’s TV title, Mercedes Mone will defend the TBS title against Leila Grey.

In his first live promo since returning from injury, former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland will make an appearance.

The first televised AEW National title defense will take place as Ricochet defends in an open challenge.

Our live coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern.

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Orange Cassidy (0) vs. Roderick Strong (0)

Collision started with a match I was really looking forward to with Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong. Strong and Cassidy started with some basic wrestling until Strong hit a backbreaker and then several chops that sent Cassidy to ringside. Cassidy was then back suplexed on the guardrail, and got hit with more hard chops. Strong hit another hard backbreaker that left Cassidy in pain on mat, rolling to the apron. Strong chopped Cassidy again and then hit a slingshot into the bottom turnbuckle from the apron.

Strong hit another backbreaker, followed by a few more. As Strong did these backbreakers he held on for a submission attempt and then would pick Cassidy up and hit another backbreaker. At the last one of these, Cassidy countered into a DDT on Strong. Cassidy stood up, but his hands in his pockets, and hit a monkey flip on Strong before hitting a tope suicida.

Cassidy drove Strong into the turnbuckle and went for a flying crossbody, but Strong caught him and hit a powerslam for a 2-count. Strong attempted to hit a backbreaker on the top rope, but Cassidy shoved Strong from the ropes, causing him to get his knee wrapped in the ropes and allowing Cassidy to hit a tornado DDT for a 2-count. Cassidy missed an Orange Punch and ate another backbreaker and then End of Heartache for a 2-count that Strong immediately went into a Stronghold, but Cassidy countered into a pinfall attempt and then hit Stundog Millionaire. Cassidy blocked another End of Heartache before grabbing the legs of Strong and pinning him.

Result: Orange Cassidy (3) defeated Roderick Strong (0) via pinfall

–Tony Schiavone announced that Darby Allin was removed from the C2 tournament after an injury in his match with Kevin Knight. Jack Perry would be stepping in to take his place in the tournament.

–Darby Allin did an interview saying he wasn’t sure what was next for him, but if Jack Perry was going to be in the tournament, he hoped Perry was going to win the whole thing.

–FTR & Stokely Hathaway came down to the ring to address what happened with Bullet Club Gold on Dynamite. The fans chanted something very rude at Hathaway, wishing him to cease talking. Hathaway called out Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn and they did not disappoint coming down to the ring. Cash Wheeler acknowledged that Robinson and Gunn were the last people to beat them, they would never do so again. Harwood dared Robinson and Gunn touch their belt again,

Gunn said that FTR was right – he was a son of a Gunn. Robinson was the son of a carpenter. Wheeler was the son of his cousin, and Harwood was a son of a… well, you get the idea. Gunn demanded they give them a tag title shot, reminding them yet again that they were the last team to beat FTR, and Robinson said that the next time they touch the tag titles, it will be when The Bang Bang Gang won the tag titles in the United Kingdom.

Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn were awesome here again, stealing the segment with an excellent promo.

–Marina Shafir, Wheeler Yuta, and Daniel Garcia were backstage cutting a promo on Mark Briscoe, saying that Garcia was going to bring the TNT Championship back to the Death Riders when he faces Briscoe.

Claudio Castagnoli (3) vs. Mascara Dorada (0)

At this point in the show technical issues started with the Triller feed of AEW Collision – The recap will be updated as soon as the show resumes.

I only had audio at this point of Claudio & Mascara Dorada. I finally got picture back at the end of the match. The match came back just as Dorada was hitting a shooting star press on Castagnoli for the win.

Result: Mascara Dorada (3) defeated Claudio Castagnoli (3)

–Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa, and Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale were interviewed by Tony Schiavone about their upcoming world tag team title match AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming. Storm pointed out that Nightingale and Cameron have been unable to beat Storm, but Cameron followed up by pointing out that her and Nightingale were better than they have been in the past, and Shirakawa interjected, saying that they were all there for the tag titles, and they needed to keep that in focus. Tony Schiavone then drank champagne with them.

–Swerve Strickland came down to the ring, talking about his return at AEW Full Gear. Swerve said that he worked hard at recovering from his knee injury the last 3 months so he could come back more dangerous than ever, and he came back because he wants the AEW World Championship again. Swerve makes his intentions very clear, saying that the last time he and Joe faced off, Swerve was the one that took the title off him last time.

Swerve mentioned cutting through all of Joe’s fodder he put in front of him like enemies in Dynasty Warriors. I appreciate a good gaming reference. Swerve assured Joe that he was going to fall to him again. Swerve talked about Hangman Page next, and said that while they may never see eye to eye, there was no better rivalry than those two, and if he needed another person to ride with him into battle, Swerve would back him up, but after that, they will have a very long conversation.

Josh Alexander came down to the ring. Alexander said that it was not Swerve’s House, but Alexander’s and the Don Callis Family. Alexnader said that he was the one that deserved a title shot ahead of Swerve, and that maybe they should do something about it and fight. Swerve challenged him to a match and it was made for Cardiff, but as he making that challenge, Katsuyori Shibata attacked Swerve from behind, kicking him in the knee that was injured and slowly walking away.

–Lexy Nair was with Mercedes Mone, and Nair wanted to address Mone losing the ROH Television title on the ROH PPV, and Nair was wondering if the two big losses she felt lately would cause her issues when she faced Leyla Grey tonight. Mone said that she was going to make Grey pay, and Mone would get back on track soon.

TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone vs. Leyla Grey (w/ Christopher Daniels)

Mone attacked Grey right at the start of the match and hit Daniels with meteora on the floor. Mone countered a bulldog and hit a meteora on Grey for a 2-count. Ian Riccaboni made a “6-7” reference here, and I wanted to turn off my TV. Sorry, Ian. Mone grabbed Grey by the hair and pulled her to the mat before slamming Grey’s face into the turnbuckle. Nigel Guinness was talking about understanding Mone’s frustration in losing a title. He said it was something Tony wouldn’t understand since he never held a title. He then asked what the greatest victory in his life was, and Schiavone responded “Overcoming you.” Nigel legitimately laughed. Grey hit a running knee on Mone and a bulldog, but Mone countered the pinfall attempt into a statement maker for the submission.

Result: Mercedes Mone defeated Leyla Grey

–Eddie Kingston had an absolutely incredible pretape promo. Kingston put over Joe as the best wrestler in the world because he has the world title, but Kingston is disgusted with him, because he is doing the very thing that Joe hated for years – cheating, lying, and backstabbing people. Kingston said that he was going to take the title from Joe to show the young people in the back how to do it the right way. This was awesome.

–The Triangle of Madness beat up some women backstage and said they were coming to Cardiff for Jamie Hayter & Statlander.

AEW National Championship: Ricochet (w/ the Gates of Agony) vs. Ace Austin

Austin is one of the few people out there that can keep up with Ricochet in the ring, so the opening part of this match was very fast paced as Austin repeatedly sent Ricochet to the floor, and he yelled with rage at the announce desk. Ricochet grabbed the bell hammer and as the referee was taking it from him, Bishop Kaun tripped Austin, allowing Ricochet to get the advantage.

Ricochet ripped a sign away from a fan and then tried to give Austin a papercut with it. Ricochet hit a dropkick in the middle of the ring after reversing an Irish whip. Ricochet missed a running kick in the corner and ended up landing on the back of his head, which looked brutal. Austin hit a Russian Leg Sweep and a series of lariats in the corner. Austin fought off an attempt by Toa Liona to trip him up, hit a springboard clothesline, and a doctor bomb for a 2-count.

Austin hit a forearm in the corner, but Ricochet rolled him up, hit a dropkick, and a standing shooting star press for a 2-count. Ricohcet missed a spirit gun and fought with Austin over a suplex, but Austin cradled Ricochet for a 2-count. Austin hit a superplex on Ricochet. Austin hit a bellringer on Ricochet, stomping his head into the mat. Austin went for the Fold, but Ricochet pulled the referee in the way, went for a low blow that Austin blocked, but Ricochet flipped backwards, hit the spirit gun, and vertigo for the win.

Result: Ricochet defeated Ace Austin

–FTR ran down to attack Ace Austin, beating on him to send a message to Bullet Club Gold. Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn ran down to make the save and drove FTR from the ring. The Bang Bang Gang threw the tag titles back at FTR, sending them packing.

Jon Moxley (3) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (3)

The fans were very positive towards Moxley when he came out in this match, so it seems to me that this slow burn babyface turn for him is working. The fans, of course, also loved Takeshita. The fans saw this as two huge stars meeting for the first time, which is a testament to how Takeshita has gotten himself over, especially since winning the G1 and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Both guys exchanged a lot of technical wrestling at the start, and it started to turn back for Moxley once Takeshita started hitting dragon screws to the knee of Moxley.

Moxley sold the knee very well, looking like Takeshita was making it difficult for him to walk. Great stuff here. Takeshita tried to hit 10-punchces in the corner, but Moxley gouged the mouth and nose of Takeshita and hit 10 punches of his own, but Takeshita sent Moxley into the opposite corner and he crashed to the mat again selling his knee. Takeshita hit a DDT on the leg of Moxley, who looked at Takeshita in pain but nodded and stood up, limping and started exchanging chops with Takeshita until he dropped Moxley with a forearm.

Takeshita faked Moxley out with a forearm and instead kicked Moxley right in the shin. Takeshita charged Moxley, but Moxley hit a forearm and tried to suplex Takeshita off the apron. Takeshita blocked it, but Moxley dropkicked him in the ankle and hit a curb stomp on Takeshita on the apron while selling the knee. Moxley hit a back suplex on Takeshita, and Takeshita popped up, hit a German suplex, and then both men went down after double lariats.

Moxley and Takeshita kept exchanging forearms until neither of them could continue, and both men hit the ropes and Moxley took Takeshita’s head off with a King Kong Lariat. Takeshita went for a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Moxley shifted his weight and took Takeshita over into an armbar before transitioning to an ankle lock on Takeshita. Takeshita continued to sell the ankle that Moxley dropkicked earlier. Moxley tried to piledrive Moxley on the apron, but Takeshita hit a back body drop. Takeshita went for a dive, but couldn’t run due to his ankle. Moxley got back in the ring, and Takeshita hit a hard forearm and managed to hit the ropes and hit a tope con giro.

Takeshita went to take apart the announce table, and it partly collapsed due to it, but Takeshita hit a blue thunder bomb onto one of the walls of the table, which still looked brutal. It was probably worse than the usual table bump. Moxley barely made it back into the ring, and as he rolled in Takeshita flew through the air and hit a frog splash for a 2-count. This match rules. Takeshita went for the power drive knee, but Moxley collapsed. As Takeshita tried to pick him up Moxley baited him in and cradled him for a 2-count. Moxley hit a cutter and went for a piledriver, but Takeshtia picked the leg and stepped over and dropped a knee on Moxley’s knee.

Takeshita charged Moxley and Moxley hit a hard forearm and a Paradigm Shift, but Takeshita got his feet on the ropes. Moxley hit two hard lariats which Takeshita no sold, and then a big boot, but Takeshita got up immediately. Moxley hit some hard strikes and went to the ropes again, but collapsed due to his knee, and Takeshita hit the power drive knee for a 2-count. Takeshita hit a second power drive knee and a Raging Fire for the pinfall. This match was absolutely incredible.

Result: Konosuke Takeshita (6) defeated Jon Moxley (3)

This match was fantastic. One of the best matches of the year for Collision, and maybe one of the best matches of the year for all of AEW. It won’t top Will Ospreay vs. Adam Page, and a few others, but it was easily one of the best Collision main events all year. Jon Moxley and Konosuke Takeshita are fantastic pro wrestlers, and it is a pleasure to watch them work.

–After the match the Death Riders started to make their way down to the ring, looking very disappointed in Moxley. The Horsemen beatdown is coming for Moxley. It is only a matter of when, and not if.

Final Thoughts

The C2 always produces excellent television for AEW, and this was no exception. Simple storytelling, great matches. It’s my favourite time of the year as a fan of the wrestling in AEW. The C2 and the G1 both are my favourite ways to watch wrestling, as the tournament format makes it so easy to build stories with every win, loss, or draw, and Moxley losing twice is a very big deal. Add in that he has lost now to Hangman Page, Kyle O’Reilly twice, Claudio Castagnoli, and now Konosuke Takeshita? Bad, bad things are about to happen to him with the Death Riders, and his babyface run afterwards is going to be so great. Jon Moxley is awesome.

C2 Standings Update

Only the Blue League was active tonight, so nothing to update on the Gold League.

AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming (December 10, 2025)

  • AEW World Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Eddie Kingston
  • AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship: Timeless Love Bombs vs. Babes of Wrath
  • Hangman Adam Page & Swerve Strickland vs. Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata

Swerve Strickland appearance set for AEW Collision

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Swerve Strickland is heading to AEW Collision.

AEW on Friday announced that the former AEW World Champion would be appearing on Saturday’s show in Columbus, Ohio. 

“The last time we saw Strickland, he was standing side by side with Hangman Adam Page against The Opps! We’ll hear from Swerve, TOMORROW!,” they wrote.

After taking time off for surgery, Strickland returned at AEW Full Gear last month, confronting The Opps and Samoa Joe, who offered Swerve the chance to attack Page further. Despite their history, Swerve instead chose to attack the Opps, sending them reeling to close out the show. On this week’s Dynamite after Page laid out the Opps, he issued a tag team challenge for next week pitting himself and a mystery partner against Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsyuori Shibata, hinting that they know who’s coming for them.

AEW Collision lineup | Saturday, December 6

  • Swerve Strickland will appear
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Leila Grey
  • AEW National title: Ricochet defends against TBA
  • Continental Classic Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli (6 points) vs. Mascara Dorada (0 points)
  • Continental Classic Blue League: Jon Moxley (3 points) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (3 points)
  • Continental Classic Blue League: Orange Cassidy (0 points) vs. Roderick Strong (0 points)

Swerve Strickland: Je’Von Evans is better at 21 than I was at 30

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW star Swerve Strickland believes it’s hugely important to show support for the next generation of wrestlers that are coming up today.

Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the 35-year-old Strickland said it does not bother him at all when people say NXT’s Je’Von Evans is better than he is. It’s supposed to work that way, Strickland feels. Younger wrestlers study the work of those who came before them and build on that to help wrestling evolve.

“I’m always in favor of the next guys. Always,” Strickland said. “Some people, because we do this comparison game, ‘So and so is better than so and so. So and so is better than so and so.’ I’m like, ‘He’s supposed to be. He’s supposed to be.’ That’s how evolution works. You know, it’s not an insult to say, ‘Je’Von Evans is better than Swerve.’ I’m like, yes, he is. At 21 years old, he is better than I was at 30. I have more intangibles, because I’ve learned those things on the indies. He’s in the [WWE NXT] system now at 21.”

Strickland said he knows that he was one of Evans’ influences because Evans has told him so directly. He’s excited to see how Evans continues to grow in his career and which intangibles he adds to his game over the years.

“He’s supposed to be better. That’s because — who is he watching? He was watching myself. He’s told me to my face. He’s watched me and Lio Rush and guys like that. And he took it to the next level, which is what we did,” Strickland said. You know, like, Ricochet watched the same guys. He watched Rey Mysterio and took it to the next level, because that’s what evolution is supposed to be.

“Of course [Evans is] better than me. He’s gonna be [terrifyingly good at 30]. Like, he’s gonna be scary in the next three years. You know what I mean? But the point is, it’s like, I have all these other intangibles that just make me me. I can’t wait to find the intangibles that he finds that makes Je’Von Je’von. I can’t wait for him to find those things, you know? But, like, is he better in-ring? Hell yeah, no sh*t. He’s taller too.”

Strickland feels that, while it’s important for younger talent to take advice, they shouldn’t listen to anyone who is trying to pull the next generation backward. He thinks everyone in wrestling should always want the next group of stars to make more money than their own generation did.

Along with being one of the brightest young prospects in NXT, Evans recently took part in WWE’s Last Time is Now tournament on the main roster, losing a first-round match against Gunther.

Swerve Strickland names his AEW dream opponents

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Swerve Strickland would love to have one-on-one matches against Kyle O’Reilly and Buddy Matthews in the future.

Appearing on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Strickland was asked to name some AEW dream opponents he hasn’t gotten the chance to face yet. Strickland said he’s wanted to wrestle O’Reilly for a long time, with them only having been opponents in one battle royal before. He’d also like to have a match against Matthews once Matthews returns from injury.

“Kyle O’Reilly, man. I’ve been asking for Kyle O’Reilly for so long,” Strickland said. “We interacted in the battle royal, the two-ring battle royals and stuff. But that was it. And that was when Bobby Fish was still here [in 2022], you know?

“And Buddy Matthews. Like, rest up, hope he comes back soon, man. Because he’s a beast.”

Matthews is still recovering from an ankle injury that he suffered in February. While there was initially hope that he wouldn’t be out of action for too long, the recovery ended up being more complicated than expected and Matthews had to undergo surgery to repair the issue.

Strickland himself had been sidelined for four months prior to making his AEW return this past weekend at Full Gear. In addition to potential O’Reilly and Matthews bouts, Strickland told Van Vliet that he’d like to have another match against Kyle Fletcher now that Fletcher has leveled up into a new version of himself.

“He’s grown so much more since then. He’s grown, like, immensely since then,” Strickland said about how much Fletcher has improved since their April 2024 meeting. “So another match with him would be incredible.”

AEW star Swerve Strickland details his new bulked-up physique

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW star Swerve Strickland is testing his own limits with his new bulked-up physique.

At AEW Full Gear this past weekend, Strickland returned after a four-month absence. He had been sidelined since late August after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus. In his return, Strickland looked noticeably more muscular than he had been previously.

“I am definitely bigger, and it’s miserable maintaining it,” Strickland said on a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet. “Because there’s times where I’m in bed and I’m like, I gotta get one more something [for calories]. Because Applebee’s is my go-to, at like, 11:45-12, most places are closing down. So I’m just like, let me order just a salmon and asparagus and rice. And it gets there, and I’m like, I don’t even have the energy to use a fork. I’m just picking at it with my hands to my mouth and, in bed, just feeling like [crap].”

Strickland said that, while bulking, his approach is just to eat whatever is in sight. His personal trainer has told him not to worry about getting fat from it because of how much he’s training. He might get bloated from eating too much, but that’s just temporary and will eventually go away.

When it comes to how big he wants to get, Strickland doesn’t have an answer. His career has always been about reaching goals and then finding even more things he wants to accomplish. He’s taking that same approach with his physique.

“I don’t even know. I didn’t even know I could get to this,” Strickland responded when asked what the goal for his physique is. “So it’s like, honestly, I got to a point where it was like, I didn’t even know I could do this. What more can I do? So that’s the addiction to it. It’s like, what more can I possibly do?”

Strickland’s return at Full Gear saw him stand alongside Hangman Page — who was once Strickland’s arch nemesis in storyline — against Samoa Joe and The Opps. Joe defeated Page at the pay-per-view to become the new AEW World Champion.

B&V: AEW Full Gear 2025 recap

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

The Bryan & Vinny Show is back with tons to talk about as we recap AEW Full Gear 2025! It was your typical AEW PPV, two absolutely awesome matches, a ton of blood, some matches that weren’t so great, a lot of angles, it went too long and the crowd got tired, and we got some new champions. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Right Click Save As

WOR: AEW Full Gear recap

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I, Garrett Gonzales, are back with an AEW Full Gear recap episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

We went through the entire show from the news to the matches to thoughts on the booking of the main event angle as well as notes from the post show presser.

Here were some of the rest of the topics we covered:

  • Arena Mexico
  • Brandon Thurston’s story on the new ratings as well as the WWE shareholder’s lawsuit
  • Friday’s SmackDown results
  • Next Friday’s SmackDown spoilers

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube (video sub needed)

World title change, heel turn & former champion’s surprise return close AEW Full Gear

Posted on by Josh Nason

In a dizzying sequence that closed Saturday’s AEW Full Gear, AEW has a new men’s World Champion in Samoa Joe, a new heel in Hook, and the return of Swerve Strickland from injury.

Joe won his second World title by defeating Hangman Page in a steel cage match in the night’s main event. That was aided by Hook who rejoined The Opps and hit Page with the World title belt which set up a Joe muscle buster that finished Page off to end a bloodbath between the two — the third-such match on the PPV.

Hook’s entrance was preceded by Katsuyori Shibata attempting to interfere only to be taken out by Eddie Kingston. Powerhouse Hobbs then got in the cage which brought out Hook and the aforementioned turn, reuniting him with the team that he was part of before he went out of action with a concussion.

As Joe was celebrating in the ring with a gang of Opps dojo members, the lights went out and an image of Page’s burning house played on the video wall. New music started playing, Prince Nana appeared, and then did Strickland who has been out of action since August’s Forbidden Door after getting knee surgery to deal with an old injury.

Joe, still pouring blood out of his head, offered up Page to Strickland as a sacrifice only to have Strickland go after him and take out the various dojo members one-by-one. Page eventually came to, joined Strickland, and the two stared down Joe and The Opps as they left up the ramp.

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Joe and Strickland have history as Strickland’s first World title run began at April 2024’s Dynasty when he defeated Joe for the gold. Strickland and Page also have their extended history, but made peace with each other this summer.

The loss ends Page’s second title run at 133 days which began at July’s All In Texas when he defeated Jon Moxley followed by five successful title defenses before Saturday.

The show ended at 12:30 AM Eastern.