Tag: willow nightingale

AEW Collision live results: Hangman Page & JetSpeed vs. LFI

Posted on by Ryan Howard

AEW Collision returns live on TNT Saturday from Roanoke, Virginia — home state of AEW World Champion Hangman Page.

Page will be on the show, teaming with JetSpeed (Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) against LFI’s Rush, Dralistico & The Beast Mortos.

After defeating Dustin Rhodes for the title last week in a violent street fight, Kyle Fletcher will defend the TNT title for the first time as he faces NJPW’s Tomohiro Ishii.

In a six-woman tag team match set up on Dynamite, former TBS Champion Willow Nightingale, Queen Aminata and Tay Melo take on the Triangle of Madness (Thekla, former TBS Champion Julia Hart and Skye Blue).

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AEW Collision comes on the air with Tony Schiavone welcoming us alongside Nigel McGuinness & Emmy and Golden Globe award winner Paul Walter Hauser, as the music for Kyle Fletcher hits and it’s time for our opening TNT Title match.

Kyle Fletcher vs. New Japan Strong Openweight Champion Tomohiro Ishii for the TNT Title

(This was like a refrigerator taking on a skyscraper, as the stare down to kick off the match was quite the sight to see. A great first title defense for Fletcher, who looked awfully impressive in this one, which should come as no surprise, as it’s impossible to have a bad match with Ishii. The post-match sets the stage for the challenge that Fletcher wants New Japan’s best to face him at Forbidden Door for the TNT Title. We’re told that challenge should be answered next week.)

The size advantage for Fletcher is beyond substantial during the opening face-off, but it doesn’t matter to Ishii, who showed no fear and immediately ramped up a forearm battle for a full minute. Lariat connected for Ishii, but Fletcher dodged a sliding lariat, threw a wild lariat of his own, which Ishii ducked, causing Fletcher to take a powder. Back inside, Ishii lit up Fletcher with corner chops, but Fletcher battled back with a huge big boot to regain control. Ishii answered with a Saito Suplex, but ran right into a Michinoku Driver, as Fletcher did the deal with things going to break.

It was all Fletcher during commercial, but when things returned, Ishii no sold and flattened Fletcher with a suplex before going back to corner chops. Taking a page out of his pal Willow Nightingale’s playbook, Ishii Pounced Fletcher clear across the ring before an uppercut headbutt in the corner led to a huge superplex for two. Ishii missed a charge, allowing Fletcher to hit a sprinting leg lariat. Fletcher fired off thrust kicks before hitting a violent brainbuster on the apron. Top rope elbow got Fletcher another near fall, which led to both men no selling snap Dragon/German suplexes respectively before colliding with dueling kicks for the double down.

Slugfest saw Ishii throwing an uppercut forearm, but Fletcher responded with a leg lariat, looked for a superplex of his own, but Ishii slid out into a powerbomb. Lariat turned Fletcher inside out for a close two. Both were up again, as Ishii hit a desperation uppercut headbutt and collapsed on Fletcher for two. Fletcher battled back with a powerbomb and multiple corner boots, leading to his Sheer Drop Brainbuster for the win.

Post-match, Fletcher said the fans have just witnessed history in the first defense in the greatest title reign in AEW history. Ishii was yet another legend Fletcher has mopped the floor with to go along with Adam Cole & Dustin Rhodes. Fletcher is thinking about Forbidden Door and also his former New Japan days. Fletcher wants NJPW to send their pound for pound best to face him for the TNT Title. It won’t matter who, though, as he’ll still be holding the title high above his head, while everyone will be forced to say his full name.

Match Result: Kyle Fletcher defeated Tomohiro Ishii to retain the TNT Title

-Don Callis was standing by backstage, happy that Fletcher defeated Ishii to kick off his destiny as the greatest TNT Champion of all time. Callis brought up his own success in New Japan years ago and sends a message to management to send their best in New Japan to face Kyle Fletcher in Cincinnati next week and answer the call for a match at Forbidden Door.

-Tony Schiavone tells us next week on Dynamite (but the graphic was for Collision) it will be a “Technical Spectacle” with Hechicero vs. Nigel McGuinness vs. Lee Moriarty vs. Daniel Garcia to see who will face Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Title at Forbidden Door.

-Earlier today, the Gates of Agony & Ricochet are shown demolishing some fellas in the back, as Ricochet said he has all this ammo and fire power. His patience is wearing thin, as he’s been nothing but respectful since coming to AEW. They have no problem dismantling everyone in their path, so you’ll give them what they want or they will take it. It’s not a request, it’s a demand.

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-Alicia Atout is backstage with The Patriarchy, asking why they did what they did to Christian Cage last week? Kip Sabian said Cage respected them for standing up to him, but didn’t like it when questioning his motives. Everyone is questioning them now, as Nick Wayne said it’s typical and hypocritical of Cage to tell himself what he wants to hear. How are they supposed to be fulfilled, when all Cage does is tell lies? Nick said Cage was right when he said Nick had every tool to be a star, except he’s already a star, so you shouldn’t be shocked of what happened to Cage, as their next goal is to end his career entirely.

Megan Bayne (w/Penelope Ford) vs. Emily Rose

Bayne exploded out of the corner with a shotgun dropkick, corner splash, butterfly suplex and diving clothesline to kick things off. Rose got a back elbow from the corner, slowly climbed the ropes, only to be flattened with a running Liger Bomb by Bayne for the easy win.

Match Result: Megan Bayne defeated Emily Rose

-Lexy Nair is backstage with Big Bill & Bryan Keith, who is furious at Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn for knocking them out of the Tag Team Tournament. Next time Bill sees Robinson, he’s ripping his head off, as he’s got exactly what’s coming to him.

Juice Robinson (w/Austin Gunn) vs. Ricochet

(Ricochet gets back in the win column, but there was so much chaos going around ringside during the finish, that none of the three commentators noticed the 7-foot-tall gentleman getting in the ring and clobbering one of the competitors with a big boot. After the promo before this match, you knew Big Bill would get involved somehow to continue the feud with Robinson after the Bang Bang Gang eliminated The Learning Tree from the Tag Team Tournament a few weeks ago.)

In the early going, Ricochet went to the floor and chopped poor Cardblade Jay White, as Gunn made the save and held it high. In the ring, Ricochet tried to dodge a chop from Robinson, who put on the brakes and paint brushed the bald head before hitting a senton for two. Corner punches in bunches from Robinson, until Toa Liona slowly walks out to the stage to run distraction not only on Gunn, but the referee as well. Bishop Kaun appeared ringside, pulling Robinson to the floor, allowing Ricochet to hit a dive taking things to break.

Robinson remained grounded during commercial, but managed a spinebuster to get things rolling, followed by some snap jabs and Axe Kick for two. Juice is Loose blocked into a wall walk from Ricochet into a corner dropkick for a near fall of his own. Ricochet dodged a second Axe Kick, but Robinson connected with the comeback lariat that turned Ricochet inside out. Ricochet continuously hung-up Robinson throat first over the top and followed with a springboard lariat and Lionsault before a standing Shooting Star got two. Ricochet took too long to follow-up, allowing Robinson to hit a Flatliner and cradle for two. Kaun jumped on the apron, but Gunn pulled him down, only for Liona to hit a huge Pounce across the announce table. Everyone is distracted, with no one seeing Big Bill appearing and clocking Robinson with a big boot, as Ricochet hit a Spirit Gun to win it as Bill & Bryan Keith shot finger guns from the stage.

Match Result: Ricochet defeated Juice Robinson

-By the Numbers video package on Athena is shown 67-0 in ROH singles matches, 30 title defenses, 25 different opponents and 3 former AEW Champions. The longest title reign in Ring of Honor history. The only title shot Athena has gotten in AEW, she’s lost, but wasn’t pinned, as the AEW Women’s Champion during that time, Timeless Toni Storm. This was a good, brief, package on the challenger for the AEW Women’s Title come Forbidden Door.

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-Footage last week of La Faccion Ingobernable beating down Max Caster after Rush was the first to last the full 5 minutes during the Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge. Lexy Nair is backstage with Max Caster, who said Rush had a moral victory last week by surviving 5 minutes with the Best Wrestler Alive. Nair brought up AR Fox & JetSpeed making the save, but Caster said thanks for the help, but next time, no thanks. Caster started doing push-ups while doing his chant, even standing by some large Nutcrackers (I’m serious) while Nair was holding back laughter.

Stokely & FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) vs. Ryan Zukko, Joe Keys & Josh Fuller

(I know they’re heels, but the crowd absolutely loved Stokely during this match. They wanted one thing and one thing only, for Stokely to get in the ring and popped big when he finally made the tag.)

Stokely came out with his crutch, but threw it down in defiance as the bell rang. Hauser brought up the trio of Zukko, Keys & Fuller look like fathers trying to coach their sons’ teams. There’s We Want Stoke chants from the crowd, as Harwood & Wheeler took their turns putting a beating on their opponents until finally Stoke tagged in. After a few punches, Fuller battled back and Stokely quickly scurried for a tag. Zukko tried a pin attempt on Harwood, who immediately kicked out and FTR hit a Shatter Machine. Both Harwood & Wheeler held up Zukko, as Stokely leapt off the second rope for a Spike Piledriver and got the pin for his team.

Winners: Stokely & FTR defeated Ryan Zukko, Joe Keys & Josh Fuller when Stokely pinned Zukko

-Video package on the recent history and feud between Darby Allin & Jon Moxley was shown and Allin’s challenge for Forbidden Door.

Hechicero vs. AR Fox

Daniel Garcia joined commentary for this bout, as McGuinness shook his hand, wishing him luck next week in the Technical Spectacle. Hechicero wasted no time attacking at the bell, as Lee Moriarty and the rest of Shane Taylor Promotions were watching on backstage. Fox reversed a whip into a Sling Blade, leading to two Topes before the third saw Fox clear the top with a Somersault Suicida. Back inside, Fox tried a Swanton, but Hechicero got the knees up. Hechicero countered a Tornado DDT into El Conjuro as things went to commercial.

Fox battled back with a kip up enzugiri and leaping corner elbow before a rolling cutter connected. Fox went up top and connected this time with the Swanton for a close two. Hauser called Fox a relatable underdog, as a rolling DVD saw Fox completely miss a 450 Splash, leading to Hechicero to hit the head scissors driver before sinking in the rolling submission for the win.

Match Result: Hechicero defeated AR Fox

-Video package on the ups and downs of Anthony Bowens & Max Caster of the past few months. Both have been losing a whole bunch, Caster has been getting his ass kicked, while Bowens is constantly complaining to Billy Gunn he’s not where he wants to be in his career. I still don’t know why either of these directions should make us want to see an Acclaimed reunion potentially, but I guess this is the direction we might get? Or Bowens turns on Gunn and Caster turns babyface.

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-Footage of Harley Cameron, with her face heavily bandaged, watching Megan Bayne slam her face into the ring steps during the No DQ tag match a few months ago was shown. Cameron got up, grabbed a face mask from the closet and did her best Jim Carrey impression from The Mask as she spun about before popping up wearing the mask.

Willow Nightingale, Queen Aminata & Tay Melo vs. Triangle of Madness (Thekla, Julia Hart & Skye Blue)

Thekla & Aminata pick up their feud where they left off, as Aminata tried Chocolate Kisses, but Blue put a stop to it. Hauser said Aminata learned that move from Harley Race, which popped Schiavone. Aminata was able to fight off the numbers, as Melo & Hart both tag in. Melo was visibly frustrated she didn’t get the pin 1 minute into the match, as Nightingale tagged in and flattened Thekla & Hart with a double suplex. Nightingale caught Blue coming off the top and sank in a Camel Clutch. Melo & Aminata cut off Thekla & Hart, as the babyface trio posed while using Blue as a prop and things went to picture in picture.

During break, Nightingale was worked over by Triangle of Madness, but Aminata made the save, planting Blue with a reverse DDT. Melo popped Hart with a pump knee, as Nightingale managed a lariat on Thekla, allowing a hot tag to Aminata. Spinning Fisherman’s Suplex on Blue, but Hart broke the count, only to be sent outside. Blue hit a thrust kick on Aminata who connected on a desperation headbutt, falling back to her corner and Melo tag. DD-Tay connected, but Thekla cut Melo off, did her Spider pose, only to be Pounced in mid-air by Nightingale. Hart cut off Melo from attempting a Gory Special on Blue, leading to a double team spinning Rock Bottom by Hart & Blue, who pinned Melo to win it.

Match Result: Triangle of Madness defeated Willow Nightingale, Queen Aminata & Tay Melo when Blue pinned Melo

-Video package of the feud on Collision between the Don Callis Family and recently formed Sky Flight. They told Callis to keep shooting and tighten your aim up, as they aren’t going nowhere.

-FTR & Stokley are celebrating their victory backstage, as Stokely said Adam Copeland turned him into the monster you saw tonight. After Stokely wins on Dynamite, he’s going to make Copeland his hoe. Wheeler said they’re going after the AEW Tag Team Titles and Harwood said forget his ugly wife and brat daughter, all he cares about is winning the Tag Team Titles back. They’ll beat Brodido and go on to hurt The Hurt Syndicate to reclaim their titles.

Max Caster Open Challenge

Max Caster is in the ring and said Rush survived 5 with the Best Wrestler Alive last week and all the Maximaniacs know to do one thing, chant his name. Let’s Go Max, You’re the Best Wrestler Alive got going, Caster stopped them, but said it was better.

AEW Trio Champion Katsuyori Shibata answered the challenge, as the clock started and Shibata chopped the holy hell out of Caster, whose chest is already beat red. Caster did manage a roll-up for two, but Shibata responded with his stalling dropkick and butterfly suplex. Rear Naked Choke applied, as Shibata quickly hit the PK for the win.

Post-match, Caster slowly got up and Shibata offered a handshake, which Caster accepted. Shibata raised his hand until LFI attacked both men. JetSpeed sprinted out, as Speedball Bailey had a board with a chain wrapped around it, while Kevin Knight wielded a hockey stick as things went to break before the main event.

Match Result: Katsuyori Shibata defeated Max Caster

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AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page & JetSpeed (Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) vs. La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico & The Beast Mortos)

(Big time party match to close the show, as the fans were up for it all the way, especially with the AEW World Champ leading the way. LFI got in a lot of offense and I wouldn’t mind if we got a Rush vs. Page match on TV coming out of this, as they worked together quite well. Just a very solid trios match to send the fans home happy and end a pretty action packed episode of Collision.)

Hero’s welcome for Hangman Adam Page, who grew up nearby in Aarons Creek, Virginia. Page starts off with Mortos, as both handsprung to their feet, only Page was there with a big boot. Rush tagged in and immediately started a forearm exchange before switching to chops. Mortos tried a cheap shot on the apron, which was enough for Dralistico & Rush to get in some boots, until JetSpeed made the save. Rush was sent to the outside, as Page met him with an Orihara Moonsault with the fans going nuts. Back inside, Dralistico & Page exchanged chops, until Dralistico ran right into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. JetSpeed made quick tags, leading to a double gordbuster and dropkick as Dralistico really fought off a Bailey pin attempt before rushing him to his corner. LFI quickly hit locomotion corner splashes and triple snap dropkick until Rush spat at Page. Bailey was worked over until he dodged a Mortos corner splash, as Knight made the hot tag and was moving with lighting quick offense. Rush missed an attack on Knight, but kept running and decked Page as a result. Rush was sent outside with a Knight dropkick, as Dralistico ate a hurricanrana out of the corner, leading to a huge Knight springboard dive as things went to break.

Knight was worked over the entire commercial, as Rush again went to get another shot in on Page, but this time, Page wasn’t having it and decked him. Hot tag by Page, who lit up Rush with forearms in the corner, as Mortos ate a springboard lariat and Dralistico with a Fall Away Slam, as Page followed with a slingshot plancha on Mortos. Back inside, DVD to Rush, who battled back and looked for Bulls Horns, only to be met with a springboard clothesline by Knight. Dralistico flew in with a springing Destroyer, but Bailey saved his partner with a backflip double knee. Mortos laid out Bailey with a pop-up Samoan Drop, as Rush nearly pinned Page with a flash roll-up for two. Springboard crucifix bomb by Dralistico on Page, who again kicked out at two. Page was triple teamed until JetSpeed made the save, only to be flattened by a Mortos Tornillo and Rush Somersault Suicida.

Dralistico tried another springboard, but Page hit a powerbomb in mid-air, allowing him to try a Buckshot, but was hit with a corkscrew kick. JetSpeed flew in with a double team on Dralistico before hitting stereo dives on Rush & Mortos to the floor. Page finally managed a Buckshot to pin Dralistico and win it for his team.

Match Result: Hangman Adam Page & JetSpeed defeated La Faccion Ingobernable when Page pinned Dralistico

AEW Dynamite 8/13/25

  • Hangman Adam Page & MJF Face-to-Face
  • Adam Copeland vs. Big Stoke
  • Jon Moxley vs. Kevin Knight

AEW Collision 8/16/25

  • Hechicero vs. Nigel McGuinness vs. Lee Moriarty vs. Daniel Garcia in a Technical Spectacle with the winner facing Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Title at Forbidden Door

AEW Collision live results: Tag Team title eliminator matches

Posted on by Jeff Moss

A pair of AEW Tag Team title eliminator matches headline tonight’s live edition of AEW Collision from Chicago as their residency in the city wraps up.

In a semifinal match, former champions FTR will take on the Bang Bang Gang of Austin Gunn & Juice Robinson. The other is a quarterfinal as Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) face the Gates of Agony with the winners moving on to face the Young Bucks in a future semifinal.

Reigning TNT Champion Dustin Rhodes will take on Kyle Fletcher in a street fight coming out of last week’s challenge.

Former TBS Champion Willow Nightingale will get her wish as her challenge of Thekla has been accepted. Another former TBS Champion and Nightingale ally/enemy Kris Statlander will also be in action against an opponent to be named.

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Here we are all colliding and stuff off the back of Godzilla, no less! AEW Collision is here and starting now!

And it kicked off in style with the Death Riders wrecking shop! Jon Moxley grabbed a mic and stomped into the ring while Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir backed him up. Moxley lamented that Darby Allin survived his trip to Mt Everest and is now in Mox’s business.

Mox called him out and like so many Stings before him, Allin appeared on the balcony of the arena. Allin slinked off, apparently not heading to the ring and the Death Riders left through the crowd to go find him.

A recap of last night’s Dynamite played to bring everyone up to speed.

AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament Quarter Final Match: Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) vs. Brodido (Bandido & Brody King)

For those not in the know, ROH Champion Bandido is low-key the best champion in wrestling right now. His ROH Title defenses have been instant classics. Gates of Agony are downright terrifying, so no matter who wins the chance to face the Young Bucks in the semi-finals, that match will be a good one.

Bandido kicked things off against Kaun with the latter having a significant size advantage. Bandido’s agility and resiliency off set that though and they flew around the ring. Kaun landed a big lariat, but Bandido was right back up with an arm drag. Then Liona tagged in.

Bandido was more than happy to face Liona, but the crowd wanted King. Liona threw Bandido into the corner and they got their wish. The absolutely massive King stepped in the ring and the meat began a-slappin’.

King and Liona traded chops until King decided to throw a lariat and knock Liona out. Bandido and Kaun tagged back in, but Bandido sent him out. King and Bandido double teamed Liona, with King using Bandido as a weapon.

Liona dragged King out of the ring and back body dropped him on the entrance ramp. Bandido was body dropped by Kaun on the top rope and then tossed out to join his partner. Everyone went back to their corners after that and the match settled for a moment into Kaun and Bandido exchanging holds.

Liona tagged in and he and Kaun double teamed an isolated Bandido in their corner. Kaun made a run across the ring ro take out King before GoA delivered a double backstabber to Bandido. A miscommunication led to Liona accidentally hitting Kaun with Bandido. Bandido tagged in King and he splashed Kaun and Liona in the corner.

Kaun left, but King was able to hit a cannonball in the corner on Liona. He tagged in Bandido and the did a tandem dive through the ropes onto the Gates of Agony on the outside where all four men brawled. Bandido sent Kaun into the first row and King tossed Liona back into the ring.

Bandido went up top and hit a frog splash, but Kaun returned a broke up the pin. Kaun sent King out, twice, and then set Bandido up with Liona’s help for top rope powerbomb. It only resulted in a two count though. Liona took out King on the outside, but he was back to break up a pin attempt.

King picked up Liona (impressive in it’s own right) and then hit a death valley drover on the ring apron (the agony-est part of the ring!). Then he grabbed Kaun and hit a superplex off the top rope! Bandido leapt on him and got the pin, sending Brodido to the semis!

Match Result: Brodido defeated Gates of Agony

A terrific match as expected. Bandido continues to impress, King is a killer and the Gates looked good in this loss, I don’t think it hurts them at all. I mean, it hurt them. But not in terms of character.

-The Don Callis Family joined Lexy Nair backstage. Callis said that his Family is going to be getting all the titles, power and money AEW has to offer. Shane Taylor appeared, looking for the money STP and the Infantry earned on Dynamite last night. Lance Archer stepped in and Callis said that if STP takes out Sky Flight, then they could talk about the money. Taylor was not happy.

-Back from commercial, Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly joined Lexy Nair. Nair asked of Strong was now in the Conglomeration. O’Reilly made the sell, and Ishii, Hologram and Willow Nightingale arrived. Nightingale tee’d up her match and off she went!

-Before the match could start though, we went backstage where the Death Riders were still looking for Darby Allin. Suddenly, Allin appeared out of a dark corner and appeared to chloroform Moxley! The scene switched back to the ring…

Kris Statlander vs Lina Cross

This match happened so fast, I barely had time to keep up. Stalander pushed Cross around off the top, sending her to the mat with a big shoulder. She put Cross up in a stalling suplex and dropped her with precise fashion. Cross fought back with a pump kick and a german suplex, but Statlander overpowered her. Statlander locked in a new submission hold, and Cross tapped out.

Match Result: Kris Statlander defeated Lina Cross

As that match ended, Willow Nightingale’s music played and the two crossed paths without acknowledging each other on the ramp.

Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla (w/Sky Blue and Julia Hart)

Thekla had a serious power disadvantage, with Nightingale throwing her into the corner off the top. Hart and Blue got up in the ring apron to cause a slow-moving distraction and Thekla got a shot in. Nightingale kept control though as the two reset and stared each other down.

Thekla got a shot in on Nightingale’s throat and sent her reeling. Thekla went up top, but Nightingale dodged it and chopped her in the center of the ring. Nightingale hoisted her up and dropped her in the center of the ring for a cross body, followed but a powerful pounce.

Here, they announced that Sky Flight would face Shane Taylor Promotions later in the show.

Thekla sent Nightingale into the steel steps on the outside and then dragged her back into the ring. She peppered Nightingale with kicks and put on a strong chinlock, wrenching Nightingale’s back. Nightingale wouldn’t give up, so Thekla began complaining to the ref. That gave Nightingale an opening and the two traded chops.

Thekla got Nightingale into the corner and put on a headscissor lock over the top rope. Nightingale responded with a big lariat and then two more for good measure. Nightingale hit a shotgun dropkick from the second rope, but only got a two-count.

Thekla resorted to slapping Nightingale in the face, sending her to the ropes. Thekla set her up for a knee shot, but Nightingale played possum and lured her in for a death valley driver. Dragging Thekla to the top rope, Nightingale found herself in trouble as Thekla set her up for a superplex.

Blue and Hart stalked Nightingale on the outside while Thekla dove from the top rope. She threw Nightingale back in and Nightingale went back to the well for a springboard lariat, followed by a cannonball in the corner.

Nightingale went for a powerbomb but Hart and Blue got up on the ring to cause the distraction. That let Thekla get a stomp in on Nightingale’s head and that was in. 1,2,3 Thekla got the win.

Match Result: Thekla defeated Willow Nightingale

After the match, Blue and Hart joined in on a beatdown of Nightingale. However, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford appeared to make it a 5-on-1 affair. Queen Aminata’s music hit and she came to the ring with Tay Melo and a whole bunch of chairs and pieces of wood. They chased the heels off as The Conglomeration tended to Nightingale.

This was a good match, especially after the weird Statlander squash. The melee at the end was a little too chaotic for me and I lost track of what was going on. That said, there’s a lot of stories running through that group of women, so I’m interested to see where all of it goes.

-Backstage, Billy Gunn joined Lexy Nair. Anthony Bowens arrived and yelled at him for a bit. Gunn said that he didn’t even know who Bowens was any more and left, Bowens calling “coward!” after him.

-A video was shown of Swerve Strickland outside the arena. He called out the Young Bucks and Okada and he promised to be around to take care of them. He challenged Okada for the Unified Championship at Forbidden Door.

-Don Callis and Okada responded right away, saying that Okada has the edge becuase he has Callis himself to advise him. They accepted the challenge and Okada said “let’s just fight, bitch.”

AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament Semi Final Match: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (w/Stokely) vs. Bang Bang Gang (Austin Gunn & Juice Robinson)(w/ Cardboard Cut out Jay White and Colton Gunn)

So, that’s the longest match heading I think I’ve ever typed. Also, Danny Garcia was on commentary.

The winners of this match move on to the finals for the right to face the Hurt Syndicate LLC, and Robinson and Harwood showed that they both wanted it bad off the top. The battled back and forth until Gunn was tagged in. Harwood sent him to the mat with an arm drag.

Gunn tagged Robinson back in and Harwood drove him into the corner for some chops. Robinson foight back with some chops of his own, sending Harwood face first into the turnbuckle while Bryan Kieth and Big Bill watched backstage at that angle that all wrestlers seem to watch tv.

Wheeler tagged in to face off against Gunn and the two traded chops before Gunn tagged Robinson back in. Things broke down and Gunn and Robinson took out both members of FTR with stereo back body drops and lariats to the outside.

Stokely limped over and gave FTR some words of encouragement while Gunn and Robinson waited in the ring. The match somewhat reset and Harwood and Gunn locked up in the center of the ring. Harwood laid in some big right hands but Gunn fought back until Wheeler kicked him in the back through the ropes.

FTR double teamed Gunn, stomping him by the ropes. Wheeler tagged in a delivered a bunch of suplexes, followed by a sleeper. Gunn fought back, but Harwood tagged in with an abdominal stretch with an assist from Wheeler. The ref caught on though and broke it up. Gunn went for a hot tag but Harwood cut him off.

Gunn finally got the tag, but the ref didn’t see it and sent him back for a double team from FTR. Harwood sent Gunn to the outside where he spiked the camera and dodged as wheeler flew at him from the ring. Wheeler landed on the barricade and Harwood held Gunn until he made the hot tag to Robinson.

Robinson jumped in and cleared the ring. Harwood slipped out of the ring and Robinson followed, sending him back in. Stokely tried to interfere with his crutch, but Robinson kicked it away and set Harwood up on the top rope. Harwood bit Robinson on the head and sent him to Wheeler. Robinson sent Wheeler to the outside.

Gunn hit a suplex from the top rope and Robinson tried a pin. Wheeler jumped from the top rope to break up the pin, but Robinson rolled out of the way and Wheeler hit Harwood instead. Robinson landed a blade runner, but it only resulted in a two-count.

Gunn and Harwood faced off, but neither could get the advantage. Robinson arrived to break up a shatter machine and Gunn hit the fame-ass-er, but again just a two count as Wheeler broke it up. Robinson went after Stokely, but Wheeler sent him into the stairs.

Gunn fought off both Wheeler and Harwood, but the ref was distracted. Harwood and Wheeler double teamed him and Harwood got a rollup to send FTR to the tournament Finals.

Match Result: FTR defeated Bang Bang Gang

There’s a reason FTR matches are some of my favourite of all time. It was super fast, back and forth and the outcome was never obvious for either team. I liked the quick tags, classic heel cheating and of course, the cutouts. The finals of this tournament are going to be hot!

-Backstage, ROH Women’s World Champion Athena cut a promo. She said that it’s going to be really easy to cash in and win the AEW Women’s Championship. Athena said that she is going to use her contract to defeat Toni Storm in London at Forbidden Door.

-In the ring, Max Caster said that he was here to cheer up “Chiraq” by allowing the crowd to chant for him. Which they did. Caster cut them off and said that they couldn’t hang with him, just like Anthony Bowens. He called Bowens a bland, crybaby bitch and issued his Open Challenge. Five minutes went up on the clock and the challenge was answered by…

Rush!

Max Caster vs Rush

So, if you haven’t seen Rush lately he’s very large and has an even larger coat. The bell rang and the challenge was on. Caster immediately dove out of the ring as Rush ran at him. When he tried to get back in, Rush, rushed him again. This went on for a while as the clock ticked down.

Caster jogged around the ring, playing to the crowd while Rush impatiently waited in the ring. Caster got too involved in his showboating though and Rush slipped out a crushed him. As the clock ticked to three minutes, Rush sent Caster into the barricades again and again.

Finally, Rush tossed Caster back into the ring, but Caster leapt to the top rope and hit a cross body from the ring post onto Rush. Two minutes remained as Caster put Rush back into the ring. Caster went for a splash, but Rush dodged it and picked up where he left off pumelling Caster.

Only a minute remained as Rush started some showboating of his own. Caster tried to rush him, but Rush hit a powerslam, unconcerned with the clock as he beat Caster in the corner. With 10 seconds left, Rush lined Caster up, but then the time expired and the bell rang, ending the match,

Rush did not like that and dropkicked Caster in the corner. He demanded that the Ref count the pin, but the ref said the match was over. So the rest of LFI came down to the ring and beat up Caster. Security tried to intervene but they didn’t make much headway until JetSpeed arrived! Everyone battled up the ramp, leaving Caster laying in the ring.

Match Result: Rush defeated Max Caster? I think?

I was really enjoying this spectacle of a match until the weird ending. I love Open Challenges and Caster’s are great, with a pretty good gimmick to them. But it all just seemed kinda pointless, especially once JetSpeed got involved.

Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor and The Infantry – Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo) Vs Sky Flight (Top Flight – Darius and Daunte Martin – and Scorpio Sky)

This match was set up earlier in the night so that Shane Taylor Promotions could earn the money that they earned on Dynamite last night. The infantry got involved pretty much immediately as Bravo, Dean and Bravo took turns hitting moves on Darius on the ring apron.

STP had complete control of the match in the opening, isolating Daunte and triple teaming him in the corner. STP used every violent trick in the book including a killer one-handed chokeslam from Taylor.

Back from break, Daunte tagged in with Dean and fortunes started to turn for Sky Flight. Daunte got a hot tag to Sky who cleared the ring. Daunte leapt over the top rope taking out Taylor and Bravo. Sky, in the middle of the ring managed to hit his finisher and get the pin.

Match Result: Sky Flight defeated Shane Taylor Promotions

-Backsage the camera showed Darby Allin dragging Jon Moxley to the top of a fire escape. Just as Allin was about to shove Mox off the fire escape and presumably multiple stories down, AEW Security showed up (?) and dragged Allin away.

That was very, very strange. Did Allin just commit attempted murder? Why were there security guys on the fire escape? Where were Yuta and Shafir? I have more questions, but there are only 12 minutes left in the show.

AEW TNT Title Chicago Street Fight: Dustin Rhodes (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher

To shake off the last 20 minutes or so, it’s time for the main event! Dustin Rhodes has found the fountain of youth and has been doing his best work in what should be the twilight of his career. Fletcher is absolutely killer and not only looks like a 2025 Shawn Micheals, he works like him too.

Rhodes laid the hammer down right away, while Don Callis on commentary lamented the use of a closed fist… in a street fight. The match spilled out of the ring and Fletcher found a kendo stick. Rhodes took it away from him and laid in some hard smacks.

Fletcher reversed the favor though, pulling the steel steps away from the ring and hitting a DDT on top of them, sending Rhodes to the ground. Fletcher then went under the ring for a table and leaned it up against the barricade. He laid Rhodes out on it and dove at him through the ring ropes. Rhodes dodged it though and Fletcher flew through the table.

Rhodes grabbed a second table and set it up at ringside. He also pulled a bullrope from under the ring, introducing it to Fletcher’s face. Repeatedly. Rhodes, bleeding from the forehead pulled Fletcher, also bleeding from the forehead, to the ring apron and tried to bulldog Fletcher onto the table. Fletcher grabbed a rope though, so Rhodes went through the table solo.

Back from commercial, Fletcher was whipping Rhodes with his own cowbell, focusing on the knee. Fletcher charged Rhodes who flipped him over with a Code Red. Rhodes began pounding on Fletcher, executing a CrossRhodes, but only getting a two count.

Rhodes went under the ring and grabbed a couple of chairs. Fletcher picked one up and they played lightsabers until Rhodes hit Fletcher in the back. A lot. Rhodes took a little too long to lay in the killing blow and Fletcher kicked the chair back into his face. Fletcher set up two chairs and hit a jumping pile driver on the seats. Rhodes kicked out at two.

Fletcher grabbed a table and brought it into the ring as the show went into overtime. Fletcher pulled Rhodes to the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex. Rhodes fought back though, sending Fletcher through his own table with a massive Texas Destroyer! Somehow, Fletcher kicked out at two though.

Rhodes went under the ring and pulled out a set of work gloves…. covered in tacks! He went for the Iron Claw, but Fletcher blocked it. Rhodes pushed though though and hit the claw with the tack gloves! What a weird thing to write!

Fletcher got free and brought a whole bag full of tacks unto the ring. He spread them out and went for a suplex. Rhodes reversed it. Then Fletcher reversed it. This went on for a while until Rhodes hit a powerslam right on the tacks!

Fletcher, regretting his choice of outfit, got set up by Rhodes in the corner. Rhodes poured the remainder of the tacks into Fletcher’s trunks and shattered his dreams!

Rhodes pulled Fletcher up, but Callis had slipped Fletcher a screwdriver which he drove into Rhodes’ head. Callis then held Rhodes against the rope while Fletcher stabbed him in the leg over and over. The screwdriver hung out of Rhodes’ leg until a medical staff member pulled it out.

Fletcher hit a brainbuster on Rhodes in the middle of the tacks and got the pin to win the match and the TNT Championship.

Match Result: Kyle Fletcher defeated Dustin Rhodes

After the match, Callis and Fletcher beat on Rhodes with a chair until officials sent them packing.

Wow. That was downright gruesome. Hell of a match and I’m sad to see Rhodes’ title reign end so quickly, but they both earned that match. I’ll say this about AEW; they pack a LOT into two-and-a-bit hours. Two great tag matches, an awesome main event and overall, a pretty good show with only a few confusing moments. But it’s wrestling, there’s always a few confusing moments. Either way, I had fun so mission accomplished, Collision!

Daily Update: Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, CannonballFest

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest Headlines

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Notes from the new issue:

  • Life of Hulk Hogan, notes on his death, WWE expansion, comparisons with Rikidozan, Santo and Dwayne Johnson, the complicated legacy, the story behind the tape that ruined his legacy, last WWE appearance, Bobby Heenan comments, Jimmy Hart’s first connection with Hogan, first match with Andre and how it got him to national TV, lies about his career, meeting Superstar Billy Graham the start of his career and the real story on Hiro Matsuda, Ed Leslie, Austin Idol, New Japan Pro Wrestling, the Terry Funk hotel room story, never doing jobs, the myths about the AWA title, leaving the AWA, his most famous match with Inoki, his return to WWF, the first WrestleMania, record breaking attendance, WrestleMania III payoff, Ultimate Warrior, WestleMania VII with Sgt. Slaughter, the Zahorian and McMahon steroid trials, Jerry McDevitt, going to WCW, the rise and fall of WCW, the Sting & Goldberg matches, the end in WCW and return to WWE, the TNA run and life after wrestling.
  • Updates on SummerSlam
  • Notes on Buff Bagwell
  • The most detailed look at what we’ve learned about both viewing habits on Netflix as well as actual numbers for Smackdown, NXT, PPVs and shows from the past.
  • Complete UFC 318 coverage and retirement of Dustin Poirier
  • G-1 notes
  • TNA Slammiversary coverage
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week
  • CMLL anniversary show taking shape
  • MJF headed to Arena Mexico
  • The amazing Friday night show this past week
  • The weekend battle of Mexico City
  • A look at why CMLL is on fire
  • Omos update
  • Stardom major show coverage
  • All Japan big matches
  • NOAH and the two GHC title bouts
  • Real American Freestyle update
  • How the financial situation after WWE has changed for certain women after leaving the company
  • A look at Ed Don George and his being honored this past week
  • More on Cowboy Bob Ellis
  • AEW on MAX update as well as DVR numbers
  • Bryan Danielson talks a lot about many different things
  • The Ali Act and the attempt to change it to benefit TKO
  • Dana White on Jon Jones
  • Lots of new UFC PP main events
  • Diego Sanchez arrested
  • Ben Askran returns home
  • Changes in the WWE workplace
  • Notes on Survivor Series this year
  • Punk on his promos
  • Goldberg talks
  • McIntyre with Logan Paul
  • A celebrity out of the video game after his situation with WWE has changed
  • WWE weekend house shows

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Thursday Update

WWE

  • The White House streamed today’s executive order signing where Paul “Triple H” Levesque was among those named to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Linda McMahon also attended the press conference.
  • Levesque posted a tweet thanking everyone who has watched WWE: Unreal on Netflix: “The reception of @WWE: UNREAL on @netflix has been incredible so far. Our goal has been to show the passion and drive that goes into our weekly television, as well as showcasing our talent through the highs and lows. Thank you all for watching.”
  • This week’s episode of “What’s Your Story?” is a conversation between Stephanie McMahon and John Cena.
  • On the show, Stephanie mentioned that – before Triple H’s heart issues in 2021 – she was always worried about losing him early. Now that he’s survived that, the feeling has gone away and she is no longer worried about him dying young. She opened up about realizing what’s important in life:
    • I believe in helping people as much as you can, if you can, even if that’s just listening to them, even if that’s just smiling at somebody that you don’t know. My favorite thing in the world is smiling at a little kid walking by and they smile back. That’s like the greatest feeling. Simple things are what it’s all about.
    • And I think that’s what you learn, if you learn, the longer you live. It’s not about the material stuff. It’s about the stuff that matters most. And, you know, I almost lost Paul, my husband. And what’s weird, and I haven’t talked about it, is I always had a feeling that I was going to lose him early. I just had that feeling. And after we got through everything, that feeling went away.
    • It’s like a pattern that was supposed to have been changed. And it was, I mean, such a gift, truly. And then I started going through all this stuff in the company, and I realized there is nothing more important to me than my family, than my husband and my kids. That’s what matters most, and I want to give as much time as I possibly can. I’ve given everything I possibly have to the business, you know, my whole life. And I wanted to give back to them. And that’s when I took that first leave of absence, which didn’t last very long. But I knew what mattered, and I know what matters now.
    • And I believe that love is what life is all about. And if you can help somebody in any way, I think that that is what it’s all about. You know, it’s about giving back.
  • Damian Priest and Zelina Vega surprised a young fan by inviting them and their family to attend SummerSlam and meet Rhea Ripley.
  • WWE wrestlers including Vega, Aleister Black, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez volunteered at the Nourish NJ soup kitchen today.
  • Vega was interviewed on a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet.
  • Cody Rhodes made appearances on ESPN First Take and WFAN Radio.
  • Jey & Jimmy Uso took The GQ Brothers Quiz, answering questions to see how well they really know each other.
  • Busted Open Radio has an interview with Jade Cargill.
  • The Toronto Sun’s No Holds Barred podcast spoke with Sami Zayn ahead of SummerSlam.
  • WWE uploaded a SummerSlam week vlog featuring Dominik Mysterio.
  • Logan Paul also uploaded a new vlog episode.
  • Lex Luger reacted to the passing of Hulk Hogan: “This one really hit me. Needed some time to process it all. Thank you Hulkster for all you did for me and so many others. My heartfelt prayers and condolences for your family and closest friends. I will see you again in heaven my friend. Save me a ringside seat”

Other Wrestling

  • Teal Piper, the daughter of Roddy Piper, remembered her father on the 10th anniversary of his death: “A decade gone today and the silence of your absence is still deafening. #riprowdyroddypiper”
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Tony Deppen is set to take place at CannonballFest in New Providence, New Jersey on September 14. “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Matt Tremont has also been announced for the show, which is a fundraiser for wrestler Jeff Cannonball as he battles ALS. Among the others who have been announced for the show are MJF, Mike Santana, Masha Slamovich, Wheeler Yuta, Joey Janela, and Megan Bayne. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (August 1).
  • AEW artist Melanie Coleman is the guest on a new edition of AEW Unrestricted.

Willow Nightingale shows support for Deonna Purrazzo amid online body-shaming

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Willow Nightingale is showing support for one of her AEW colleagues who faced hateful comments from social media trolls over the weekend.

After having a great experience competing against Jonathan Gresham for Game Changer Wrestling on Saturday, Deonna Purrazzo had to deal with body-shaming comments from some users on X/Twitter. The body-shaming that women’s wrestlers too often face became a discussion point after Purrazzo clapped back at someone who claimed that she “let herself go.”

Nightingale joined in on that discussion, praising the Purrazzo vs. Gresham match. Body-shaming is something that Nightingale has experienced herself, but she’s still hoping that people will choose to be kind to one another instead of spreading hate.

“You know who was the main character of my feed yesterday? Deonna. So I sought out her match vs. Gresham and it was a fun watch! When they were moving, they were moving and it was silky smooth. It told a good story, technically sound, and made me smile many more times than once,” Nightingale wrote.

“All of this is to say I know just as well as anyone in this business (probably better tbh) that people are gonna say what they want about your body and sure, I guess they’re entitled to that?? BUT why in the blue hell is that the prevailing conversation when a professional is still going out there and successfully doing their job? I’m not naive. Some people’s lack of humanity doesn’t surprise me. I guess I’m just still hopeful we could collectively try to be better to one another?”

Purrazzo responded by expressing appreciation for Nightingale and everyone else who has supported her.

“This app has its flaws (A LOT of them)… but the people in this community who show up with love and support when it matters most? That’s why I stay,” Purrazzo tweeted. “Love will always outweigh hate.”

Purrazzo is signed to AEW, where she competes both in AEW and ROH. She’s also been working a slate of indie dates recently.

During a recent appearance on the Mighty Pursuit podcast, Purrazzo opened up about a January 2024 experience with online body-shaming that has left her “terrified” to put on gear and get into the ring because of the hateful comments she received. Purrazzo said she hopes people can be more thoughtful with their words and realize that everyone is fighting their own battles.

Willow Nightingale, Mike Bailey added to CannonballFest benefit show

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Two more AEW wrestlers have been announced for the CannonballFest benefit show.

CannonballFest promoter Joey Janela revealed Tuesday that AEW talent Willow Nightingale and “Speedball” Mike Bailey will be making appearances at the event on Sunday, September 14 in New Jersey.

Janela is putting on the show to benefit independent wrestler Jeff Cannonball, 38, as he battles ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Nightingale and Bailey are two of three AEW wrestlers now confirmed for the event. MJF was announced for the show earlier this week with a storyline blurb stating that he will be the only talent paid at the event and at double his usual booking rate.

CannonballFest will take place on Sunday, September 14 in New Providence, New Jersey. Tickets for the show are not on sale yet. Janela says that the show will stream on YouTube.

All proceeds from CannonballFest will go directly to Cannonball and his family. A GoFundMe has also been set up for Cannonball, with former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban among the top donators.

Willow Nightingale confirms new AEW contract: ‘I am happy where I am’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Willow Nightingale has confirmed that she has re-signed with AEW.

Last week, it was reported that the 31-year-old had agreed to a new deal, although the length and terms were not disclosed. During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Nightingale confirmed the news.

“That is true, yes. I am happy where I am. I think there is so much left ahead for me to do at AEW, things that I want to accomplish. But also, I’m just really excited to be a part of something when it’s fresh and new and, like, you know, I think we’re past the years of finding our footing,” she said.

The former TBS Champion says that being able to wrestle with CMLL and NJPW factored into her decision.

“I think one of the most amazing things about All Elite Wrestling is that we have great international partners, and I can be someone who’s featured on television regularly week in, week out, and I can still take a weekend off and hop on an international flight to Tokyo or Mexico City,” Nightingale continued. 

“And I know that we’ve got partners over there who are going to take care of me. I’m going to have a fun, hard-hitting match, where I get to learn more about my craft, take away another style, in a professional setting.”

“And I am just so fortunate to be able to do it, because AEW allows me to, and I can continue to do so.”

Willow Nightingale at AEW Double or Nothing

Although not officially confirmed, Nightingale appears likely to be a member of Swerve Strickland’s team in Anarchy in the Arena at Double or Nothing on Sunday. She has been building a rivalry with Marina Shafir of late on AEW programming. The story continues on Dynamite this Wednesday when Jon Moxley and the Young Bucks take on Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Swerve Strickland in an All Star Trios match.

Report: Willow Nightingale re-signs with AEW

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

Former TBS, NJPW Strong Women’s and CMLL Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale is reportedly sticking around AEW.

After first reporting she was in her contract year, Fightful reported Wednesday that Nightingale has signed a multi-year deal to remain with AEW. No terms were disclosed.

The 31-year-old is currently in a feud with Marina Shafir as part of the Death Riders storyline. She hasn’t competed frequently in 2025, wrestling eight times total with three of those appearances coming in Japan.

More on Willow Nightingale’s AEW & ROH career

Her first AEW appearance came in a Dark match in April 2021 during the pandemic era. She officially signed with the company in October 2022, announced by Tony Khan after a victory on Rampage.

Nightingale held the TBS title for 35 days in 2024, defeating Julia Hart for the gold at April’s Dynasty before losing it to Mercedes Mone at May’s Double or Nothing. That was preceded by a 45-day NJPW Strong Women’s title run in 2023 and followed by a 62-day CMLL Women’s title run in 2024.

During her AEW tenure, Nightingale has also appeared frequently in Khan’s Ring of Honor. She fell to Mercedes Martinez at April 2022’s Supercard of Honor when both challenged for the interim ROH Women’s title. She also fell to ROH Women’s Champion Athena at July 2023’s Death Before Dishonor in a very well-received match.

AEW Collision live results: Kris Statlander vs. Willow Nightingale

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

Old rivalries will be renewed on tonight’s special live edition of AEW Collision on TBS and Max.

Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander will go one-on-one for the first time since last September’s All Out pay-per-view on tonight’s show. Their street fight last September earned critical acclaim.

In a rematch from the April 5 Collision, “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Dralistico will meet again on tonight’s show.

Tensions between Daniel Garcia and FTR will continue to rise on tonight’s show, with Garcia facing either Dax Harwood or Cash Wheeler in a one-on-one match.

AEW’s “Five-tool Player” Anthony Bowens will look to continue his AEW winning streak on tonight’s show as he faces Lee Johnson. Bowens is 2-0 since returning to AEW at Dynasty’s Zero Hour pre-show in April with his new persona.

Tonight’s show again takes place at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, the site of last night’s AEW Dynamite episode.

**********

AEW Collision opened with Toni Storm making her entrance, rising up from within one of the box seats dressed in old-timey dress. Storm’s promo was filled double entendres, but she was talking about wrestling, and how she wanted to face a new set of challengers before Hayter or Mercedes Moné.

–The Paragon were backstage, and O’Reilly and Strong were talking about the disappointment they had in losing to FTR, but Adam Cole assured them that it wouldn’t be long before they were back at the top. The Grizzled Young Veterans showed up to challenge them, saying they forgot what it was like to fight for their spot, and they would provide a fight to remind them.

Ricochet defeated Angelico

Zach Gowen was in the audience, booing Ricochet as he made his entrance. The fans chanted “He has hair!” in favour of Angelico, who happened to take the first minute or so of the match, but Ricochet hit a dive and chased after Serpentico on the floor. Ricochet got hit a stun gun in the ropes and a clothesline for a two count, which he disputed with the referee. Richochet missed a 450 splash, but hit a sole butt. Angelico responded with a flying knee and then a lifting flatliner for a 2-count.

Angelico hit a series of lariats off the ropes before locking in an abdominal stretch before slapping Ricochet on the top of his head multiple times. Angelico locked on a half crab, but Ricochet made the ropes. Ricochet hit a standing shooting star press for a 2-count, but an inverted suplex, and hit the spirit gun for the win. This was a good match, but it definitely shouldn’t have been as 50/50 as it was as I cannot tell you the last time I’ve seen Angelico on AEW TV outside of ROH.

–Ricochet invited the crowd to boo him, saying that they were stupid for booing him because if they were smart, they would cheer for him. He listed the people he had beaten, and as he was talking, he paused and pointed out Zach Gowen. He talked about Gowen was retired now, and that he didn’t have a leg in the fight. He shoved Gowen, and security ran over to break it up, but Ricochet hit the security with his mic and threw one of the them into the ring.

Ricochet pulled out a pair of scissors and started cutting the hair of the security officer, but Gowen ran in and took the scissors out of Ricochet’s hands. Ricochet kicked Gowen in the leg and hit the spirit gun on Gowen. Ricochet took Gowen’s prosthetic leg and left the ring with it. Ricochet posed with the leg, and the crowd gave tons of heat to Ricochet for this angle. I suspect we’ll get a match between these two, maybe at Double or Nothing.

The Don Callis Family (Kyle Fletcher, Lance Archer, Rocky Romero, & Trent Berreta) (w/ Don Callis) defeated The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum), AR Fox, & Bandido

Nigel McGuinness said that the The Outrunners were two men sharing one brain, and I laughed hard enough that I had to note it here. Fletcher and Bandido started the match, and that is a match I’d love to see. Berretta tagged in and took out Bandido.

The Outrunners came in and double teamed RPG Vice, hitting a clothesline and bulldog combo on both men. Lance Archer came in and chokeslammed both men, and started working over Magnum. Callis and McGuinness had so many quips about the Outrunners I would have had the same amount of trouble keeping track of them as I do keeping track of moves in a Young Bucks match.

Magnum managed to roll into a tag against Bandido who hit an incredible torneo off the turnbuckle on Fletcher. Roponggi Vice tried to tag out Bandido, but he low bridged them. Bandido tried to do the same with Archer, who just stopped and stomped him, but was tossed over the ropes by the Outrunners. AR Fox launched himself over the top rope on the shoulders of Bandido, and then Bandido launched over the ropes onto everyone, as the PWG party match of the show brought the crowd to their feet.

Bandido went for the 21-plex on Fletcher, but Fletcher countered into a dragon suplex, which Bandido countered by landing on his feet and going for a suplex. Fletcher responded with his own and Bandido tagged out to Fox, who hit a cannonball on Fletcher and a DDT on Archer. Fox hit a triangle dropkick on Romero, rolled backwards into a cutter on Fletcher, ducked a PK from Romero, then hit a cutter on Romero. Fox then hit a cutter on Romero and Berretta, but was cut off by Archer, who chokeslammed him off the top rope and RPG Vice hit the Jackal Driver for the win. This was a great match.

–They recapped Ricochet laying out Zach Gowen and taking his prosthetic leg. They then announced Ricochet vs. Zach Gowen for Dynamite the next week, along with highlighting Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe.

–A promo video aired about Moxley and Samoa Joe. This was awesome.

–Jon Moxley was backstage cutting a promo about the cage match with Samoa Joe. Moxley said he knew he was going to get beat up, but could Joe really keep going long enough to beat Moxley? Moxley promised that no matter what Joe did, he had been through worse, and that he faced demons that keep people up at night, and he was going to take the fight to Joe, and that he would be the last man standing against Joe and that there was no place he would rather be. This was a tremendous promo.

Anthony Bowens (w/ Billy Gunn) defeated Lee Johnson (w/ Blake Christian)

Bowens and Johnson exchanged some holds until Bowens started to unleash with a series of chops and stomps in the corner. Johnson comically tried to make an alliance with Billy Gunn, which did not go well for him. Christian managed to distract Bowens, allowing Johnson to send Bowens to the floor. Bowens hit a big superkick back in the ring that dropped Johnson, and Bowens hit the Mollywhop for the win.

–Bowens and Gunn did the scissoring pose for the crowd.

–The Gates of Agony came out, and Bishop Kaun grabbed a mic and said that Big Bill and Bryan Keith weren’t going to redeem themselves by beating them. Toa Liona said that he wanted to fight right now, and the Learning Tree came out and started brawling with The Gates of Agony. Liona charged so fast at Bill that he crashed into the barricade and fell into the front row. Kaun grabbed Keith and hit a Death Valley Driver off the stage through two tables on Keith. Liona then speared Bill off the other side of the stage through another set of tables.

–A recap video aired for Anna Jay and Megan Bayne.

–A recap video for Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander, showing their friendship, the turn of Statlander, and Nightingale challenging her to a match for tonight.

Kris Statlander defeated Willow Nightingale

Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness noted that it is hard to trust Statlander due to her former alliance with Stokley Hathaway, who both commentators dislike. Nightingale booped Statlander, playing off her former gimmick, and Statlander slapped her. Statlander mocked Nightingale with a smiley face, and Nightingale slapped her. They started to exchange hard strikes, and Nightingale hit a snapmare and a thrust kick.

Both women exchanged pinfall attempts until Statlander hit a springboard back elbow for a 2-count. As Statlander hit the ropes, Nightingale ran the opposite direction and hit a pounce that sent Statlander to the floor. Nightingale hit a flip off the apron on Statlander, and Statlander hit a suplex on the floor on Nightingale as they went to an ad break.

The show came back with a really cool camera transition from a hall at the back into the arena and around ringside as Nightingale and Statlander hit stereo clotheslines on each other. Statlander hit a running knee in the corner, and Willow cartwheeled out of the corner and hit a big boot and a spinebuster in a cool spot. Nightingale hit a series of clotheslines in the corner and went for a Death Valley Driver, but Statlander fought out.

Statlander hit an axe kick for a two count on Nightingale. Statlander went for a fisherman’s buster, but Nightingale fought out and hit a Death Valley Driver for a 2-count. Statlander cut Nightingale off on the ropes and hit a top rope superplex on Nightingale. Statlander went for a discus lariat, but Nightingale hit a lariat and then a gutwrench powerbomb.

Statlander rolled to the floor, and Wheeler Yuta made his way down to ringside. Marina Shafir ran in with a chain and choked Nightingale out behind the back of the referee. Statlander did not see this happen, but came in and hit Staturday Night Fever for the win.

— Skye Blue returns on Dynamite next week.

–A recap of Hangman Page and Will Ospreay’s opening segment from Dynamite last night, ending with confirmation that Hangman and Ospreay would be taking on Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander on Dynamite.

The Don Callis Family (Josh Alexander & Konosuke Takeshita) (w/ Don Callis) defeated The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds)

Alexander and Takeshita immediately attacked The Dark Order, laying out the two men. Reynolds managed to escape some of the attack, tagging out to Uno, but soon after Alexander and Takeshita hit an electric chair into a flying knee on Uno (who sold it like he died, which was great), and Alexander hit the C4 Spike on Reynolds for the win. A quick squash, as it should have been.

Mike Bailey defeated Dralistico

Bailey and Dralistico had several crazy spots to open the match dodging each other. Bailey hit a Asai Moonsault to the floor and chopped Dralistico several times. Dralistico raked the eyes and hit a hurricanrana on the floor that drove Bailey into the steps.

Dralistico slowed the match down, raking the eyes several times and choking Bailey on the ropes as they came back from the break. Bailey hit a few kicks, selling a checked kick, but hitting a chop, and both wrestlers exchanged hard chops, while Bailey hit hard kicks. The crowd went nuts as they exchanged kicks, ending with a thrust kick that dropped Dralistico. That was awesome.

Bailey hit a running shooting star press for a two count. Bailey went for a shooting star press off the top rope, but Dralistico countered into a cradle, and they broke into a pinfall attempts before Dralistico hit a crucifix driver, but Dralistico went for a splash, and Bailey caught him with his feet, popped up onto his shoulders, and hit a Canadian destroyer. Bailey hit a moonsault into double knees on the apron, and hit a spinning heel kick to KO Dralistico for the win. That was an awesome finishing sequence.

–Rush’s music hit and he came out to collect his brother and stare at Mike Bailey, so it seems we are going to be getting that match sooner than later, and it should be awesome.

–Tony Schiavone announced that next week’s AEW Collision will be done in honour of Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael in Chicago, with his friends and family, including Ric Flair, being in attendance. That is a very nice gesture, and I’m glad they are doing that.

Dax Harwood (w/ Cash Wheeler & Stokely Hathaway) defeated Daniel Garcia via DQ

The fans chanted “Bald!” at Dax Harwood, and Garcia patted the top of Harwood’s head to the delight of the fans and anger of Harwood. Harwood backed Garcia into the corner and refused the clean break, hitting a punch that dropped Garcia and drew boos from the crowd. A simple spot, but it worked. Harwood chopped Garcia hard several times, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Harwood hit a swinging neckbreaker on Garcia, sending him to the mat. Harwood hit several knee drops right in front of Wheeler and Hathaway, who taunted Garcia. Harwood went for a piledriver, but Garcia fought it off. Harwood dumped Garcia to the floor and argued with a fan, which allowed Garcia to block a piledriver on the floor and slingshot Harwood into the ring post.

Harwood came up bleeding, and Garcia suddenly had the match turned around in his favour, as he hit a running shotgun dropkick on the floor, followed by two more as Harwood was seated against the guardrail. As Garcia went for a fourth, Wheeler stopped him by getting in the way, letting Harwood hit a lariat on the floor.

Harwood grabbed the ring bell, but Bryce Remsburg managed to take it away. Hathaway got on the apron and distracted the referee, which allowed Cash Wheeler to hit a cutter on Garcia on the floor. Matt Menard ran down and started brawling with Cash Wheeler, sending him to the back, leaving Harwood with Hathaway at ringside.

Garcia managed to cradle Harwood for a two count. Harwood tied Garcia in the ropes and beat on him before hitting a Randy Orton style DDT from the middle ropes, but Garcia kicked out. The fans chanted a very vulgar set of words at Harwood, voicing their displeasure. Harwood slapped Garcia, but Garcia hit several overhead chops that left Harwood stunned. Garcia hit two hard lariats, but Harwood stayed standing. Harwood hit a hard forearm, but Garcia hit a lariat.

Harwood pulled off the turnbuckle pad trying to block Garcia from hitting a back suplex. Garcia went for the Dragon Tamer, but Harwood shoved Garcia off and he crashed face first into the exposed turnbuckle. Harwood hit a slingshot powerbomb for a 2-count. Harwood went to the top rope, but Garcia managed to cut him off and hit a top rope superplex before rolling into a standing position, placing Harwood back on the top rope, hitting a 2nd top rope superplex, and he did it one last time, hitting a third. That was awesome. Harwood kicked out at 2.

Garcia nailed Harwood with several forearms and dumped Harwood into the crowd. Garcia and Harwood brawled all around the audience, ending up behind the announcers, with Harwood slapping the headset of Nigel McGuinness. Harwood shoved McGuinness after McGuinness refused to fight with him, saying that he was retired. The crowd went nuts as McGuinness got into the ring and he and Garcia cleared the ring of Harwood and a returning Wheeler, with the match ending in a DQ, but the babyfaces getting the upper hand. This is one of the few times I don’t mind the DQ finish, as it made sense within the context of the story being told, and ended with the babyfaces laying out the heels. I think we’ll be seeing Nigel McGuinness opposite FTR at some point soon, probably teaming with Garcia, maybe at Double or Nothing. That will be a really fun match.

Final Thoughts

Good episode of Collision tonight, with lots of recap videos for the important storylines, and good build for the secondary stories in the promotion right now, ending with story advancement for Daniel Garcia vs. FTR.

Statlander vs. Nightingale one of four bouts set for AEW Collision

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Four matches have been announced for this week’s special Thursday night episode of AEW Collision, with a long-time rivalry in the women’s division’s next chapter being written.

Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale will go one-on-one for the sixth time in their AEW careers on the Thursday, May 8 Collision show. Their last singles meeting came in a street fight at last September’s All Out pay-per-view.

“Speedball” Mike Bailey will face Dralistico in another bout announced for Thursday’s episode. Their meeting will be a rematch from the April 5 Collision.

Tensions between Daniel Garcia and FTR will continue to escalate on Thursday’s show, with Garcia facing either Dax Harwood or Cash Wheeler in singles competition.

Also announced, the “5-tool player” Anthony Bowens will face Lee Johnson in one-on-one action.

This week’s Collision airs live on TBS and Max on Thursday, May 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The lineup for the show is listed below.

AEW Collision, Thursday, May 8 —

  • Kris Statlander vs. Willow Nightingale
  • Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico
  • Daniel Garcia vs. a member of FTR (Dax Harwood or Cash Wheeler)
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Lee Johnson

Willow Nightingale qualifies for International Women’s Cup, Julia Hart returns on AEW Collision

Posted on by Matt Boone

AEW Collision: Winter is Coming kicked off with a bang on Saturday night.

The December 14 episode of Collision started off with a qualifying match for the upcoming International Women’s Cup Tournament at NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 2025. Following a hard-hitting two-break bout between Willow Nightingale and Jamie Hayter, it was the former who picked up the win. With the victory, Nightingale has qualified as the AEW representative in the aforementioned women’s tourney, which features talents representing AEW, ROH, CMLL and STARDOM.

Other competitors confirmed for the tourney include CMLL representative Persephone and ROH representative Athena. The STARDOM representative will be determined by a two-night tournament scheduled for December 21 and December 22.

After the Nightingale-Hayter tourney qualifier bout wrapped up, the lights in the bout went out and the long-awaited return of Julia Hart took place. The House of Black member hit the ring and attacked Hayter. Hart had been interrupting Hayter’s backstage interviews segments for the past couple of weeks to promote her highly-anticipated AEW comeback.

NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 2025 is scheduled for January 5 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, featuring the following advertised lineup:

NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 2025 (Sunday, January 5, airing live on NJPW World)

  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet (will be an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match if Sabre retains against Shota Umino at Wrestle Kingdom)
  • Shota Umino vs. Claudio Castagnoli (will be an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match if Umino wins the title at Wrestle Kingdom)
  • David Finlay vs. Brody King (will be an IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match if Finlay retains against Yota Tsuji at Wrestle Kingdom)
  • Yota Tsuji vs. Jack Perry (will be an IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match if Tsuji wins the title at Wrestle Kingdom)
  • Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Great-O-Khan & TBD vs. The Young Bucks for the vacant IWGP Tag Team titles
  • International Women’s Cup four-way match (winner receives a title shot in the promotion of their choosing): Persephone vs. Athena vs. Willow Nightingale or Jamie Hayter vs. TBD (Stardom representative)
  • Tomohiro Ishii challenges either Shingo Takagi or Konosuke Takeshita for the NEVER Openweight Championship (AEW International Championship will also be on the line if Takeshita still holds the title when he faces Takagi at Wrestle Kingdom)

International Women’s Cup qualifier finals, Continental Classic bout set for next AEW Collision

Posted on by Matt Boone

The finals for AEW’s International World Cup qualifier are set for next week’s Winter is Coming edition of AEW Collision.

Willow Nightingale defeated Serena Deeb in the semifinals on Saturday’s Collision and will move on to face Jamie Hayter, who earned her way into the finals earlier this week with a victory over Queen Aminata on the December 4th AEW Dynamite.

The winner will move onto to the four-way International Women’s Cup at the January 5th Wrestle Dynasty event that will feature talent from AEW, Stardom, CMLL and Ring of Honor.

The Continental Classic will continue as The Beast Mortos will take on reigning Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada in Blue league action. Saturday’s episode saw Mortos win in lopsided fashion against Aaron Solo in a non-tournament match.

Mortos is still looking for his first points in the tournament.

Here is the updated card for AEW Collision Winter is Coming:

  • International Women’s Cup qualifier finals: Willow Nightingale vs. Jamie Hayter
  • Continental Classic Blue League: Kazuchika Okada vs. The Beast Mortos

AEW reveals participants, details for International Women’s Cup qualifiers

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Details for the AEW’s Wrestle Dynasty International Women’s Cup qualifiers have been announced.

It was announced on social media that a mini-tournament will be held to determine AEW’s entrant in the four-way International Women’s Cup that will take place at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5 at the Tokyo Dome that will also feature Stardom, CMLL, and ROH talent. Jamie Hayter will meet Queen Aminata on Wednesday’s Dynamite, while Serena Deeb will take on Willow Nightingale on the December 7 edition of Collision. The winners of those two matches will face off at Collision Winter is Coming on December 12, where the winner will become AEW’s representative in the four-way.

During Full Gear Zero Hour, it was announced that ROH’s participant will be decided between Red Velvet, Billie Starkz, Athena, and Leyla Hirsch. CMLL will determine their representative in a four-way match between Zeuxis, Reyna Isis, Persephone, and Sanely on December 13.

Here is the updated card for Dynamite:

  • ROH World Champion Chris Jericho defends against Tomohiro Ishii
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Darby Allin vs. Brody King
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Ricochet
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Shelton Benjamin vs. Mark Briscoe
  • International Women’s Cup qualifier: Jamie Hayter vs. Queen Aminata

Willow Nightingale returns from injury at AEW Full Gear

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

Former TBS Champion and former CMLL Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale returned to AEW, making her presence felt during the main event title match between Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy at Saturday’s Full Gear.

Nightingale suffered a concussion during the late-October CMLL Women’s International Grand Prix and has been out of action anywhere since then.

During one of the many skirmishes and run-ins that took place during the World title match, Nightingale ran out to help even the odds for The Conglomeration and target Marina Shafir. The two had a brawl at ringside before Nightingale eventually disappeared.

Shafir joined Moxley and the rest of the Death Riders in escaping the scene in a stolen car after Darby Allin ran into their truck with his own car. That was following Moxley’s successful title defense that saw Hangman Page come out to confront Moxley followed by Christian Cage teasing cashing in his guaranteed title shot followed by Jay White preventing it.

Willow Nightingale suffered concussion at CMLL Arena Mexico event

Posted on by Ian Carey

Willow Nightingale is injured.

CMLL has announced that Nightingale suffered a concussion on Friday’s show in Arena Mexico during the Women’s International Grand Prix match. She has been pulled from CMLL events on Saturday and Sunday.

A translation of CMLL’s statement reads:

“We regret to inform our loyal fans that AEW superstar Willow Nightingale will not participate in Saturday’s event at Arena Coliseo or Sunday’s Family Event at Arena México as initially scheduled. This decision follows a concussion she suffered during her participation in the Grand Prix of Amazonas. In line with the concussion protocol established by both CMLL and AEW, Willow must refrain from participating in both events to ensure her complete recovery and well-being.
For tonight’s event at El Embudo de Perú 77, the CMLL World Women’s Champion, Zeuxis, will take Willow’s place. Tomorrow at Arena México, the CMLL Universal Champion, Persephone, will step in for her.”

Nightingale was on Team World in the 20-woman elimination tag team match on Friday. Her teammates were Red Velvet, Unagi Sayaka, Persephone, Viva Van, Tessa Blanchard, Samantha Black, Alex Windsor, Sumika Yanagawa, and La Catalina. They lost to Team Mexico, which consisted of Amapola, Reyna Isis, Skadi, Dark Silueta, Lluvia, Sanely, Kira, Zeuxis, Hera, and Princesa Sugehit. The match lasted nearly an hour until Reyna Isis submitted Red Velvet to secure the win for Mexico.


Two new matches, Swerve Strickland’s return booked for AEW WrestleDream

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

The next challenger for AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May is set for Saturday’s WrestleDream following the Title Tuesday edition of Dynamite.

Former CMLL Women’s Champion and 2024 Owen Hart Foundation tournament winner Willow Nightingale will get the nod after winning a four-way that included Saraya, Nyla Rose and Jamie Hayter.

Nightingale got the win after hitting a Samoan drop on Saraya through a table, followed by her pinning Saraya and Harley Cameron who had interfered in the match repeatedly.

Britt Baker was set to face Nightingale for the shot, but Baker had to withdraw due to illness.

Nightingale defeated May in the finals of the aforementioned tournament. The champion will be looking for the third defense of the title she won at August’s All In.

**********

For the first time since losing to Hangman Page in a cage match at September’s All Out, former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland will return at this Saturday’s pay-per-view.

The return was announced via a vignette on Tuesday. In recent weeks, new signee MVP has targeted Prince Nana, wanting to talk “business’ with Strickland and blaming Nana for his recent woes. MVP and another new signee, Shelton Benjamin, were shown watching the vignette backstage.

**********

Former AEW World Champion Hangman Page will battle old rival Jay White in another new match.

White made his in-ring return Wednesday and after picking up an easy win, he called out Page for a match Saturday after the two brawled and put Page through a table last Wednesday.

White made his return last week after being out since July with a foot injury. His last match was against Page who picked up the win that night in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. The two have a history dating back to 2017 in Ring of Honor, continued in NJPW and returned in AEW.

White defeated Page in their first AEW match in October 2023.

**********

Here’s the current card for the pay-per-view from Tacoma, Washington:

  • AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson defends against Jon Moxley
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May defends against Willow Nightingale
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) defend against Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen)
  • TNT Champion Jack Perry defends against Katsuyori Shibata
  • AEW International Champion Will Ospreay defends against Ricochet & Konosuke Takeshita in a three-way
  • ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe defends against Chris Jericho
  • Darby Allin vs. Brody King
  • Hangman Page vs. Jay White
  • Swerve Strickland returns
  • Zero Hour: ROH men’s TV Champion Atlantis Jr. defends against Brian Cage