A golden start to the Summer!

Athena, Zack Sabre Jr. and Katsuyori Shibata all defend their titles on this Double or Nothing aftermath ROH! Will the landscape look very different for Summer?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS The Infantry; The Kingdom wins.
• Skye Blue VS Trish Adora; Skye wins.
• Six Man Tag: Stu Grayson & The Righteous VS The Dark Order; Stu & The Righteous win.
• Diamante VS Promise Braxton; Diamante wins.
• Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack; Cage wins.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Rocky Romero; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
• Action Andretti & Darius Martin VS The WorkHorsemen; Action & Darius win.
• Six Man Tag: The Superbad Squad w/ Penelope Ford VS Bryce Saturn, Jakob Austin Young & Shogun Jones; The Superbad Squad wins.
• Six Man Tag: Bandido, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander VS Spanish Announce Project & Jack Cartwheel; Bandido, Vikingo & Komander win.
• ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Alex Coughlin; Shibata wins and retains the title.
• ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Kiera Hogan; Athena wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS The Infantry!

The #OGK has been rebuilding, and they continue to face younger stars in the process. Will Matt Taven & Mike Bennett continue to defend their territory? Or will Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo march in and win?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but then the Kingdom tries a cheap shot! The Infantry block those kicks, the bell rings, and then the Infantry trade legs and DECK the Kingdom! Fans fire up and the Infantry get the legs again. DOUBLE WISHBONES! Dean clotheslines Mike out, runs in at Taven in the corner, BIG back elbow! Tag to Carlie, he RAMS in, then jukes Taven to DECK him! Tag to Dean, feed to the SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO! Taven survives but Dean brings him around. Dean wrenches, tags Carlie and he goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Taven goes to an open corner, Carlie storms up and ROCKS him with a right!

Carlie then runs corner to corner but Taven puts him on the apron. Carlie still ROCKS Taven, Mike runs in but Carlie ELBOWS him! Carlie ROCKS Taven again, ROCKS Mike, but Taven springboards, KICK OF THE KING! Carlie falls to the floor, Mike rebounds off ropes to ROCK Carlie! Taven BLASTS Dean, Mike puts Carlie in and he tells the fans to shut up. The ref stops Dean from storming up, The Kingdom tags. GOURD BUSTER and DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Carlie survives, fans rally up but Mike drags him up. Mike puts Carlie in the corner, and he CHOPS! Carlie CHOPS back!

Carlie CHOPS Taven, CHOPS Mike, throws elbows, but Mike whips him into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Tag to Taven, BRAINBUSTER and FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Dean runs in but Mike knees and kicks him out! The Kingdom focus on Carlie but he fires off forearms and CHOPS! Carlie fires up, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER, but Carlie ducks the knee! Roll up on Taven, TWO! Carlie dodges to hot tag Dean! Dean rallies on The Kingdom! BIG back drop for Mike! Spin and float, DDT for Taven! Dean kips up and fans fire up! Dean sees his target, he runs, but Mike distracts so Maria can trip Dean up!

Fans boo but Maria gets away with it. Taven HEEL KICKS Dean, Mike SUPERKICKS Carlie! The Kingdom put Dean up top, coordinate, PROTON PACK! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall

The OGK do it again, not having left the old tactics behind. They do uphold the Code of Honor, though. But will “the best damn tag team in professional wrestling” prove it by getting the ROH World Tag Team Championships back?

Skye Blue VS Trish Adora!

Chicago Skye may not have the gold, but the silver lining is that there’s always another chance. Will she fight her way to another opportunity? Or will the Afropunk be the one waiting on the other side of tonight’s main event?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. They circle, approach, and Skye waistlocks. Adora switches, Skye headlocks but Adora picks her up. Skye thrashes the hold, but Adora picks her up again. Skye uses that for a flying headlock takeover, but Adora fights up to her feet. Adora pries free, wrenches to a top wristlock, then wrenches to WRING Skye out! Adora KICKS Skye, runs, and BOOTS her down! Cover, ONE! Skye hangs tough but Adora drags her up. Adora suplexes but Skye blocks. Skye wrenches, swings, but into a waistlock! Skye throws elbows to fight the lift, bucks the O’Conner and covers Adora, TWO!

Skye mule kicks a leg, Adora blocks the superkick, but not the BASEMENT KICK! Adora goes to a corner, Skye goes corner to corner, but Adora dodges! Skye hits buckles, Adora comes back but she stops Skye from slipping out, into a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Adora CLUBS Skye, drags her to HIP DROP the arm, and then LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Skye escapes but Adora is after her to wrench. Adora reels Skye in, snap suplexes and bridges, TWO! Skye escapes again but Adora stalks her to ropes. Fans rally for Skye and she throws body shots. But Adora CLUBS her back down! Adora brings Skye up but Skye cradles! TWO!!

Skye gets up but Adora BOOTS her back down! Adora drags Skye up, Alabama Lifts, and tucks Skye into Air Raid STRETCH! Skye endures while upside-down, and she fights out! Adora wrenches but Skye fires forearms! Adora ROCKS Skye back! Adora whips, Skye ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and headscissor! Adora is at the ropes, Skye runs to SHINING WIZARD! Skye keeps moving, SHOTGUN BOOT! Cover, TWO! Adora is still in this but is also a bit dazed. Skye keeps focus and she runs back in, springboards and wheelbarrows, but Adora blocks! Adora brings Skye up, WHEELBARROW GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!!

Skye survives and the fans fire up! Adora grits her teeth and she glares at Skye. Adora drags Skye up, ROCKS her with a forearm, but Skye gives it back! Adora ROCKS Skye, Skye ROCKS Adora, Adora gets the edge! Skye flounders, Adora drags her to center to cover, TWO! Skye still has fight but Adora brings her up. Adora suplexes, Skye slips free, fans rally and duel as Skye SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS! Skye runs again, hops on, CODE BLUE!! Cover, TWO!?! Skye can’t believe it, but she ghost pins, TWO! Adora has the cover, TWO! They both get up, Skye gets around, SKYE FALL!! Cover, Skye wins!

Winner: Skye Blue, by pinfall

Adora falls and Skye is rising! They keep the Code of Honor, but will Skye keep on climbing back to the title scene?

Six Man Tag: Stu Grayson & The Righteous VS The Dark Order!

As shocking as it may seem, Player Two is still teaming with Dutch & Vincent! Is this the beginning of a new trio? Or can Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver get through to their friend before it’s too late?

The Code of Honor is upheld by Vinnie making Uno shake his hand, so that might not be genuine at all. The trios sort out, Vincent starts with Uno and Uno DECKS him! Vincent is surprised, he tags out to Stu! He’s forcing the Smash Brothers to face off! Uno tries to reason with Stu but Stu tells him to hit him. Uno refuses so Stu DECKS Uno! Stu dares someone to hit him as Uno scrambles back. Uno reaches up to grab the ropes, and Silver tags in! Fans fire up as The Meat Man rushes in, dodges Stu, and then KICKS! And KICKS! And blocks a kick to spin Stu and UPPERCUT!

Silver whips, Stu KICKS back! Stu then hoists Silver up to RAM him into the Righteous corner. Stu CHOPS Silver, tags Vinnie, and Vinnie CHOPS Silver. Vinnie whips but Silver reverses to KICK back! Silver bumps Vinnie off buckles, tags Reynolds, and the Beaver Boys double whip to drop toehold, roll and DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Reynolds covers, ONE! Reynolds BLASTS Dutch but Vinnie ROCKS him! Vinnie whips, Reynolds reverses, Vinnie ducks ‘n’ dodges but runs into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Reynolds runs in but is put on the apron. But Reynolds counter punches Vinnie!

Reynolds bump Vinnie off buckles, and he ELBOWS Stu down! Vinnie THROWS Reynolds at Dutch for a SCRAPBUSTER to the floor! The ref starts a ring count but Dutch drags Reynolds up and puts him in. Vinnie stands on Reynolds, tags Stu, and Vinnie stands on Reynolds. Stu rains down fists on Reynolds, the ref reprimands about closed fists, and Stu lets off to shout at his old friends. Stu CHOPS Reynolds, tags Vinnie, and they double whip Reynolds to ropes for a KNEE, KICK, SWEEP and BASEMENT FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Vinnie drags Reynolds up, puts him in the corner, and tags Dutch.

The Righteous double whip Reynolds into the corner, and then again! And then scoop to a BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Reynolds hangs tough but Dutch stares Uno down. Fans rally, Uno reaches out, so Dutch DECKS Uno! Reynolds throws body shots on Dutch but Dutch CLUBS him down. Dutch bumps Reynolds off buckles, tags Stu, and Stu stomps Reynolds down. Stu drags Reynolds up, shoves him, and CLOBBERS him! Fans rally for Uno but Stu drags Reynolds up. Stu whips Reynolds back to the corner, tags Dutch back in, and Dutch runs in, but into a BOOT!

Reynolds DECKS Vinnie, DECKS Stu, but Dutch back drops him! Dutch BLASTS Silver, then he drags Reynolds over. Stu tags in, Dutch stands on Reynolds while Stu glares at Uno. Stu eggs Reynolds on while pacing around. Stu drags Reynolds up, clinches, and he stares Uno down before the URE- NO! Arm-drag! And a pop-up KNEE! Stu staggers, Vinnie tags in! Uno tags in, too! Uno rallies on The Righteous! Fans fire up as Player One fires forearms and CHOPS! But Dutch shoves, only for Uno to dodge and clothesline Dutch out! Vinnie ROCKS Uno, runs in at the corner, but Uno dodges! Uno returns, but Vinnie dodges!

Vinnie runs back in but Uno BOOTS him! Uno then hurries to suplex, for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Vinnie survives but Uno STOMPS a hand! Tag to Silver and fans fire up. Uno & Silver double whip, but Vinnie gets around to shove Uno into Silver! Vinnie CLOBBERS Silver, tags Dutch, and Dutch runs in. Uno dropkicks the legs out! Silver runs in to KNEE Dutch in the back! And then GERMAN SUPLEX!! The Meat Man has power! Cover, but Stu breaks it! Fans boo, but Stu and Uno stare down. They go to their corners, and they both tag in! Fans fire up as these two step to each other!

But Vinnie runs in to BLAST Uno! Silver BOOTS Vinnie! Stu runs in but Silver sends him into the corner! Silver & Reynolds unleash the WOMBO COMBO, but Stu counters the stunner into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Silver still PENALTY KICKS! Vinnie runs in, tilt-o-whirl RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Vinnie calls to Dutch and he builds speed!? Dutch FLIES to take out Reynolds & Silver!! Dutch grins and flickers his tongue. But Uno BLASTS Vinnie! And now he’s all alone with Stu! Player One and Player Two go face to face. Stu asks, “Wath do I have to do to make you hit me?!” Uno is conflicted, but then he CLOBBERS Stu!!

Fans fire up, Uno runs to CHOP! Uno fires off forearms and the ref counts. Stu shoves back but Uno BOOTS him down! Fans fire up even more, but then Uno thinks. Uno is conflicted again, but he brings Stu up. Stu shoves Uno and shouts at him, “FINISH IT!” Uno ROCKS Stu, reels him in, but Vinnie saves Stu! Uno kicks Vinnie out, Stu KNEES Uno at the ropes! Stu torture racks Uno! Even Stu is conflicted now, but he has no choice! NIGHT FALL!! Vinnie tags in so he can cover, The Righteous win!

Winners: Stu Grayson & The Righteous, by pinfall

Vinnie tells Stu that he did what he had to. Uno and the Dark Order did this to Stu, so they deserved this. Has Player Two been lost to the other side?

Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr. & Samoa Joe.

Dasha is with #ZSJOE, the NJPW World and ROH World Television Champions, they teamed up to face Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal, how did it feel? Joe starts by admitting he didn’t give ZSJ the warmest of welcomes. But after being in the ring together, Joe sees ZSJ is a very accomplished grappler and tremendous athlete. It was very fun to be in there with ZSJ. And thanks to Joe’s superior skill and prowess, they secured victory, and in dominant fashion. ZSJ tells “Joseph” that maybe they’re not too different. They’re both the top TV champions in all of pro-wrestling. They’re both island boys, Joe of the Samoan Islands, and ZSJ a “Sheppey boy.” Perhaps they are the Island Bois!

Joe says after being in the ring together, they both have a clear idea who the better champion is. Um, do we? Yes, we do. It’s very clear who the better champion is. ZSJ asks if it really is that crystal clear, and Joe says it is, unless ZSJ needs him to make it clear. Well, it is a bit foggy to ZSJ. It isn’t quite that clear. Then maybe they’ll find out. Yes, maybe they will. When and where are we going to see this epic battle of TV Champions?

Diamante VS Promise Braxton!

The Cuban Diamond continues to shine, but she wants to shine with gold. Will she climb up the ranks to head for the ROH Women’s World Championship? Or will this be one Promise you cannot break?

The bell rings, Diamante offers the handshake, and Promise upholds the Code of Honor. They circle, tie up, and go around. Diamante headlocks, Promise wrenches out to wristlock then hammerlock. Diamante reaches around, powers Promise to a corner, then elbows free. The ref reprimands them both, Diamante says he should’ve done that sooner, but then Promise dodges Diamante’s haymaker to CHOP! And CHOP! Promise whips corner to corner, Diamante reverses but Promise goes up and over and rolls Diamante up, TWO! Diamante KNEES Promise back into the corner, and fans rally behind her.

Diamante stomps away on Promise, the ref counts, and Diamante lets off. Diamante goes corner to corner to HYRDRAULIC DROPKICK! Shoutout to Shibata who’s in the building, then Diamante drags Promise to the cover, ONE!! Promise is tough, but Diamante CLUBS her. Diamante whips, Promise holds ropes and BOOTS back! Promise catches Diamante’s haymaker and spins her, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Lateral press, TWO! Fans rally and Promise has her on the ropes. The ref gets in between but Diamante rakes eyes! Diamante CLOBBERS Promise! Diamante flexes, fans fire up, and she stalks Promise to a corner.

Diamante puts Promise on ropes to CHOKE, the ref counts and Diamante lets off. Diamante CHOPS, UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS again! Diamante UPPERCUTS again, fans rally up, and Diamante runs in to RAM Promise! And RAM her again! Fans rally, Diamante feeds off that, runs in but Promise POSTS her! Promise fires off forearms, Diamante swings but misses, and Promise gives more forearms! Promise rallies with big clotheslines! Spin and gut wrench, GUTBUSTER! Fans fire up with Promise and she runs, runs and BLINDSIDE METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Diamante survives but Promise fires up again.

Fans rally behind Promise, she brings Diamante to a fireman’s carry, but Diamante fights free! Diamante waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Diamante slashes her throat, wraps one arm around Promise, CUBAN STRAITJACKET! Promise taps, Diamante wins!

Winner: Diamante, by submission

The Cuban Diamond’s pressure crushes another one, she’s building momentum. Will she soon be aiming at a champion for the summer?

Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack!

These two are no strangers to each other, and they meet again here tonight! Will the Machine bring down the Mack Daddy once and for all? Or will Mack continue to be the answer to “Who betta than Cage?”

The bell rings, the Code of Honor is skipped, and the two tie up. Fans rally, Cage waistlocks then ripcords to ROCK, SOBAT and KICK! Cage whips, Mack ducks ‘n’ dodges and GAMANGIRIS! Cage staggers, Mack clinches but Cage throws elbows. Cage wrenches to hit a BIG back suplex! Fans rally for Mack but Cage says he’s got this. Cage drags Mack up, ROCKS him in a corner, then CHOPS him! Cage whips corner to corner, runs in, but Mack BOOTS him! Fans rally, Mack goes up but Cage YANKS him down! Nana cheers while Mack writhes. Cage soaks up the heat then stalks Mack to ropes.

Cage brings Mack up to bump him off buckles. Cage stomps away on Mack but the ref counts. Cage ROCKS Mack, runs in and UPPERCUTS! LARIAT! And wrench to a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Mack is hanging tough, Nana complains but the ref says the count is fair. Cage kicks Mack around, scuffs him, then brings him up. Fans rally and Mack CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then CHOPS! But Cage JUMP KNEES back! Mack staggers to ropes, Cage brings him up and snap suplexes! Cage flexes and says, “Who betta than Cage?” Cage stalks Mack, Nana applauds, and Cage fireman’s carries. But Mack slips free!

Mack waistlocks, Cage switches, but Mack elbows free! Mack runs and clinches to T-BONE SUPLEX! Cage flounders to ropes now and fans rally up for Mack. Mack slaps some sense into himself, he runs in and he ROCKS Cage! Mack goes side to side to BOOT Cage! Cage sits down, Mack goes to the far corner, and fans fire up as Mack runs back in, CANNONBALL! Nana is worried but the fans fire up as Mack waits on Cage. Cage stands, Mack fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Fans rally, and Mack stirs. A standing count starts, Mack kips up at 5 of 10! Fans fire up and Mack STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!

Mack is shocked that Cage survives! Mack kicks Cage, but Cage denies the stunner to BOOT! Cage reels Mack in, Nana wants Cage to finish this, and Cage suplexes. But Mack fights free to waistlock. Cage throws elbows, wrenches out and fireman’s carries, F- NO! Mack slips free, but Cage blocks a kick to KNEE back! And SUPERKICK! DISCUS- ROUNDHOUSE from Mack!! Both men wobble and stagger, Mack runs, but Cage gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Mack is right up! Fans fire up and he waistlocks Cage! GERMAN SUPLEX! But CAGE is right up! They both run in, Mack dodges but then Cage dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Nana shouts to Cage, a standing count begins again, and “This is Awesome!” We’re at 5 of 10 but Cage rises first. Mack follows at 6, and Cage swings, into a STUNNER!! Mack hurries to the corner and climbs up! Nana freaks out but the fans are fired up for the FROG SPLASH!! But Mack’s own gut hurts! Mack falls onto the cover, TWO!! Cage survives because of that delay! Fans keep rallying and Mack says he’ll finish this. Mack fireman’s carries, but Cage fights free to POST him! And then pump handle and FACEBUSTER! Cage aims, DISCUS LARIAT!! Cover, Cage wins!

Winner: Brian Cage, by pinfall

That was another epic chapter in this storied rivalry, but The Machine is the one who stands tall! Will nothing stop The Mogul Embassy from dominating AEW and ROH?

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Rocky Romero!

TMDK’s Frontman is setting the standard for this title as its inaugural champion, but we did see him argue it out with Samoa Joe about who is the better. Will ZSJ show Joe who is the better? Or will Azucar snatch this title to add to his collection?

The introductions are made, the NJPW title is raised, and we see if this becomes The Rocky Romero Show!

The fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” The Code of Honor is upheld, but ZSJ also pats Rocky on the cheek. The bell rings and we have 15 minutes on the clock. ZSJ and Rocky circle, tie up, and ZSJ chinbars to wrangle Rocky. Rocky gets up, rolls, wrenches, but ZSJ rolls to get away. ZSJ says this is big tekkers, and they circle again. They knuckle lock, ZSJ bridges and rolls to top wristlock. Then ZSJ wrenches to a wristlock but Rocky cording holds. Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but ZSJ spins, slips through, wrenches and wrangles Rocky to the mat. Fans cheer that exchange but Rocky fights back up.

ZSJ bends fingers but Rocky trips ZSJ to have a standing toehold. ZSJ turns over, reels Rocky in and headlocks to a takeover. Rocky keeps his shoulders up, headscissors, but ZSJ moves to pop free and get the toehold back. Rocky copies ZSJ by turning over, reels ZSJ in, but ZSJ blocks that to put Rocky in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! But Rocky pops out to cover, TWO! Rocky rushes up but ZSJ blocks the arm-drag! ZSJ brings Rocky up but Rocky arm-drags from the other side! Things speed up, Rocky ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Fans fire up for Rocky as ZSJ goes to a corner. Rocky runs in but only gets buckles!

ZSJ runs in but Rocky puts him on the apron. Rocky swings, but into a SLEEPER! The ref counts, Rocky pries the hold open to ELBOW BREAKER! Fans fire up, Rocky KICKS ZSJ in the ropes! Rocky goes to a corner, gives us Latino Heat, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS ZSJ to the floor! Fans fire up again as Rocky builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Rocky slides in. Rocky builds speed again to DIVE again! Another direct hit, but Rocky isn’t done! Rocky builds speed to DIVE into a cravat! ZSJ then throws Rocky onto the apron, goes up and NECK TWISTS! Rocky writhes and the ref reprimands.

ZSJ goes back in, fans rally and duel, “ROCKY!” “SABRE!” ZSJ drags Rocky up, wrenches the arm and has the double wristlock! Takedown into headscissors, and ZSJ puts on the pressure! Rocky endures, even as ZSJ goes around to twist him! ZSJ gets the leg to add a Half Crab Toehold combo! Rocky gets the ROPEBREAK, and ZSJ lets go. Fans rally and duel, ZSJ snapmares but Rocky bridges up to snapmare! ZSJ bridges to snapmare but then blocks Rocky’s bridge to NECK TWIST again! ZSJ grins and tells the fans they’re the ones who suck. ZSJ drags Rocky up, UPPERCUTS, and this is only the five minute point!

ZSJ UPPERCUTS again but Rocky CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” while ZSJ is stinging, and Rocky CHOPS again! ZSJ blocks a chop to UPPERCUT the arm! ZSJ drags Rocky back up, cravats, and then cranks on the neck. Rocky throws body shots, clubs free but ZSJ gets the cravat again. ZSJ taunts Rocky but Rocky throws more body shots. Rocky breaks free again, only for ZSJ to cravat again! Rocky spins though, snap suplexes, and fans fire up! Rocky and ZSJ both stand up, and Rocky CHOPS! Rocky whips ZSJ to ropes, but ZSJ reverses. Rocky blows past the boot to RAN- NO! ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ has Rocky caught!

Rocky reaches out, fans fire up, and ZSJ leans on the hold. Rocky fights up, ZSJ ducks the enziguri but not the REWIND HEEL! Fans fire up and ZSJ goes to a corner. Rocky storms up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Rocky brings ZSJ up, winds up, but pokes ZSJ in the eyes! Fans cheer but the ref reprimands. Rocky whips, ZSJ reverses but Rocky holds ropes. Rocky UPPERCUTS then springboards, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Rocky has evened things up. Rocky brings ZSJ up, cravats, but ZSJ shoves him away. Rocky goes up and out to ROCK ZSJ, and then catches ZSJ to a HANGING ARMBAR!

The ref counts, ZSJ digs his boots into Rocky’s back, and he gets Rocky in a HANGING TRIANGLE HOLD! The ref reprimands, Rocky flails, and ZSJ lets go at 4. Rocky sputters as he crawls back into the ring. ZSJ tells the fans to shut up again, and then he GUILLOTINES Rocky, before a snap suplex! And a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rocky is still in this and ZSJ mockingly applauds. ZSJ gives toying kicks to Rocky but Rocky grimaces. ZSJ stands Rocky up, UPPERCUTS him, then pie faces him. ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, pie faces more, and repeat! Rocky leans into the uppercuts, catches ZSJ and wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!

Rocky KICKS that arm, KICKS it again, but ZSJ blocks one! Rocky fires off fast palm strikes and he ROCKS ZSJ with the last one! ZSJ wobbles, runs back in, but into the JUMP KNEE! Rocky wobbles but he’s standing tall. Rocky runs, SHIRANUI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Rocky can’t believe it! The clock is ticking as we hit the ten minute mark, so Rocky cravats ZSJ again. Rocky goes up the corner, but ZSJ blocks the Shiranui to body scissor and SLEEPER!! Rocky endures, powers back to roll ZSJ up, TWO! ZSJ has it, TWO! Rocky has it back, TWO! ZSJ tries again, TWO! Rocky has it again, TWO!?!?

Even ZSJ has to check with the ref, but he did escape! Rocky KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS, but ZSJ blocks to CHOP! ZSJ runs in, into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Rocky stomps ZSJ, ZSJ gets the legs and pries free! ZSJ has the legs now, CALF KILLER! Rocky endures, rolls it, and has the ARMBAR! ZSJ gets another leg, and he has a toehold! Rocky reaches back, but into the GROUND OCTOPUS!! Rocky taps, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World Television Champion)

With four minutes to spare, ZSJ snatches Rocky into the right position and finishes him off! Will “Samoan Joseph” still question who is the top TV champion in wrestling today? Or will ZSJ gladly give him the answer?

Action Andretti & Darius Martin VS The WorkHorsemen!

The Sight to See and the Air Wolf have been climbing the ranks, but so have JD Drake & Anthony Henry. Will Action & Darius continue to reach new heights in ROH? Or will they be grounded by Scrap Metal & The Saint of Augusta?

The Code of Honor is upheld though flippantly by the WorkHorsemen. The teams sort out, Henry shakes hands with Darius again, but that’s to reel him into a hammerlock then wristlock! Henry wrangles Darius, but Darius rolls, kips up, waistlocks and spins to snapmare. Fans cheer, but Henry fires off big hands! Darius arm-drags, SOBATS, then whips. Henry reverses, throws Darius down but Darius catches himself! Henry avoids the body shots, feints a kick to then KICK Darius! Then tag to JD and he storms up, and he blocks an arm-drag! JD brings Darius up but Darius gets around to headlock.

JD pries free but then Darius slips around to headlock again. JD powers out, Darius RAMS JD but JD rebounds. JD powers through the chop to run Darius over! Darius stagger sup, ducks a chop but JD blocks a whip. Darius dropkicks the leg! Then DROPKICKS JD away! JD storms up but Darius hurries away. Action tags in to GAMANGIRI JD! Then Darius bumps JD off buckles, Action MISSILE DROPKICKS! JD tags Henry but Action spins Henry to CHOP and knuckle lock. Action goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Henry staggers up into a DROPKICK! Action keeps going, IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!

Action headlocks for a takeover and fans rally. Henry powers up to back suplex but Action lands on his feet to waistlock. Henry powers Action back into the corner, but Darius tags in! Darius jumps in to intercept Henry and RAM him into Action’s knees! Darius snapmares Henry, Action runs to BLAST JD, and then Darius sits Henry up for Action’s basement dropkick, right into Darius’ ghost pin! TWO!! Henry escapes but Darius CHOPS! Henry staggers, Darius headlocks, but Henry shoves him away. Darius slips out to the floor, he dodges JD and comes back, but JD pops him up, only for Darius to BOOT JD away!

Henry rushes over but Darius elbows him away! Darius BOOTS JD again, Henry returns to DROPKICK Henry into the FOREARM from JD! Henry BOOTS Action for good measure! The ref reprimands but Henry soaks up the heat. JD puts Darius in, Henry brings him up and whips him to the corner. Henry ROCKS Darius in the corner, tags JD, and then feeds Darius to JD’s LARIAT! Darius is down, Henry NECK TWISTS and JD slingshot sentons! JD mocks the Top Flight poses, then he drags Darius up. Darius CHOPS JD, but JD CHOPS Darius! Fans “WOO~” for those as Darius CHOPS again! JD CHOPS Darius off his feet!

Darius gets up to CHOP, but JD headlocks. Henry tags in as Darius powers out, and JD reverses. Darius comes back but he atomic drops Henry! Darius sends Henry into JD, then reaches out. Henry whips Darius away, runs in at the corner, but Darius goes up and over to handspring and jump, hot tag to Action! Action ducks a kick, rallies with big forearms and uppercuts! Action whips, Henry reverses, but Action handsprings, only for Henry to catch him! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Action lands on his feet! Action stares Henry down, things speed up again, Action ducks ‘n’ dodges to DIVE and hit JD!

Action goes up to ROCK Henry, mule kick JD, and repeat! Action fakes Henry out to ARABIAN PRESS JD! Action gets in, handsprings again, but into the GERMAN SUPLEX! This one hits, and JD runs in to LEG LARIAT! Henry runs corner to corner, METEORA!! And then feed to JD, ENZIGURI END OF DAYS COMBO!! Cover, Darius dodges JD to break it up!! JD is furious, he CHOPS Darius! JD runs in but only gets buckles! Henry waistlocks Action elbows free. Darius mule kicks, they both KICK Henry, then Darius whips Action to handspring KICK JD down! Darius & Action get Henry up, DOUBLE POWERSLAM! Cover, Action & Darius win!

Winners: Action Andretti & Darius Martin, by pinfall

The WorkHorsemen could not bring these two high flyers down, and they don’t even show respect with the Code of Honor. Will nothing get Action & Darius down as they continue to soar?

Six Man Tag: The Superbad Squad w/ Penelope Ford VS Bryce Saturn, Jakob Austin Young & Shogun Jones!

Kip Sabian, The Butcher & The Blade could not take the International Championship from Orange Cassidy in the Blackjack Battle Royal, but they aren’t going to stop hunting for gold. Will they use their opponents to whet their appetites until their next title shot?

The Code of Honor is NOT upheld as Saturn, Young & Shogun attack! That’s usually a Superbad Squad move, so they didn’t see it coming! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and while Kip brawls with Shogun and Blade brawls with Young, Butcher hits Saturn with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Blade CHOPS Shogun, Kip clotheslines Young out, and then Kip runs in to CANNONBALL on Young! Kip stands Young up for Butcher to run in and KNEE! Blade runs in to CHOP, and then Blade drags Young right up. Saturn gets in to CHOP Kip, but Kip ROCKS Saturn! Kip reels Saturn in, DEATHLY HOLLOWS!

Butcher & Blade get Young up, to DRAG THE LAKE!! Cover, the Superbad Squad wins!

Winners: The Superbad Squad, by pinfall

And that’s it! You bring the fight to the Superbad Squad, they end the fight! But will they be fighting their way up towards trios titles for the Summer?

Six Man Tag: Bandido, El Hijo del Vikingo & Komander VS Spanish Announce Project & Jack Cartwheel w/ Luther!

This is quite the assembly of luchadores! Tomorrow night is a Championship Friday edition of Rampage, where the AAA Mega Championship is on the line in a Triple Threat, with Komander being one of Vikingo’s challengers! Will they be able to stay focused on winning together tonight? Or can Angelico, Serpentico & The Rocketwheel take advantage of some dysfunction?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Angelico starts against Komander. They circle, tie up, and Angelico waistlocks to SLAM Komander down. Angelico flips Komander over but Komander kips and kips and spins, but Angelico arm-drags him down. Angelico has the armlock, but Komander kips up to arm-drag free! They keep moving, Komander KICKS then runs, tilt-o-whirls and headscissors! Angelico flops out to the apron but hurries back in. Komander and Angelico back off to tag in Bandido and Serpentico. Fans rally behind Bandido and he fires forearms with Serpentico!

Bandido sobats, whips, Serpentico reverses and things speed up. Bandido handsprings but Serpentico dodges to BOOT! Bandido goes to a corner, Serpentico runs in but Bandido dodges! Serpentico ELBOWS back, RANAS, but Bandido handsprings through! Bandido sweeps and covers, ONE! Serpentico sweeps and covers, ONE! Both men handspring up and fans fire up! Bandido and Serpentico circle, nod the proverbial caps, and then tag out to Vikingo and Cartwheel! Fans cheer as both men circle. They speed up, Jack cartwheels over Vikingo but Viking dodges the clothesline. Jack ducks the heel kick to run, but Vikingo follows.

Jack drops down, Vikingo handsprings and jumps over him, then comes back. Jack hurdles then cartwheels, then goes up, leaps, but into Vikingo’s arms! Vikingo swings Jack but Jack slips free and reels Vikingo in, but Vikingo fights free. Jack kicks low, whips but Vikingo reverses. Jack goes up and out slowly using his incredible core strength, then he sweeps the legs! Jack rises up, slingshots and SPLASHES! Jack covers, TWO! Fans fire up but Luther is upset. Jack swings, Vikingo blocks, wrenches, traps the arms and has the legs, FLOATING BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Serpentico gets in to ROCK Vikingo!

Bandido gets in to BOOT Serpentico! Angelico gets in to kick Bandido and CLUB away on him! Angelico throws knees, has Bandido down, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Vikingo SUPERKICKS Jack! Jack and SAP bail out, the luchadores build speed and fans fire up, but Luther trips Komander! Angelico & Serpentico ROCK Vikingo and Bandido! Jack gets back in to build speed, then FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Komander and Luther is cheering! Angelico sends Bandido into the steps! Serpentico hits a COMPLETE SHOT on Komander, then Angelico adds a BIG back suplex! Jack goes up top and fans fire up.

Jack SHOOTING STAR STOMPS but Komander moves! Jack keeps moving, he cartwheels over Komander to come back and HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and shocks Jack! Jack drags Komander up, fans rally, and Jack puts Komander in the corner. Tag to Angelico, he and Jack mug Komander, and Angelico stomps away. The ref counts, Angelico digs his boots in but lets off at 4. Serpentico CHOKES Komander as the ref is busy with Angelico! Angelico tags Jack, Jack keeps Komander from his corner, and he RAMS Komander back into the SAP corner. Fans rally for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and Komander fights back!

Komander dodges jack but Jack waistlocks and ripcords, cartwheel and lift, to a POWER- NO, Komander slips free, DESTROYER!! Both men crawl, hot tag to Bandido! Bandido LARIATRS Jack, ELBOWS Serpentico, and KNEES Angelico! Bandido whips, pops Angelico up to a trophy lift, but Serpentico kicks low! SAP mugs Bandido, double whip him, but Vikingo tags in. Bandido BOOTS Serpentico, Vikingo FLYING RANAS Angelico! Fans fire up as they double whip Serpentico, then TOSS him out! Komander gets in and fans rally up. The lucadores try again, they TRIPLE TOPE!! SAP and Jack go down!

Fans are thunderous and the luchadores get Jack up and in. Bandido brings Jack around, he and Vikingo whip him to a corner. Bandido runs in to UPPERCUT! Komander runs in to clothesline! Feed to a POP-UP MISSILE DROPKKICK COMBO!!! Cover, but the SAP break it up! They throw Vikingo out, bump Komander off buckles, and Serpentico puts Komander up top. Komander shoves Serpentico away, but then Luther takes a swipe! Komander gets him to back off but Serpentico GAMANGIRIS! Serpentico climbs, but Bandido rushes up. Komander resists the superplex, then feeds Serpentico tot he trophy lift!

Bandido TOSSES Serpentico onto Luther! Bandido then builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit on Luther & Serpentico! Komander tightrope walks and jumps to ARIHARA MOONSAULT Angelico! Jack gets in, he kicks Vikingo, they both cartwheel, but Vikingo goes up top. Jack runs in but into a BOOT! Vikingo then jumps up but Jack trips him up! Jack climbs up behind Vikingo, “This is Awesome!” as Jack Electric Chair Lifts. But Vikingo uses that for a SUPER POISON-RANA!! Jack staggers all the way to the other corner, METEORA from Vikingo! Vikingo puts Jack in the drop zone, goes up top, and 630 SENTONS!! Cover, Vikingo’s team wins!

Winners: Bandido, El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander, by pinfall

The AAA Mega Champion finishes things off, and his team of luchadores is victorious! But will Vikingo be able to hold onto that title when he faces Komander and LFI’s Dralistico? Or will there be a new champion after Rampage?

ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Alex Coughlin!

Speaking of that Championship Friday Rampage, this title will be part of that golden night. But will it be The Wrestler or The Android that moves on to face #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty?

For this match, the judges are BJ Whitmer, Madison Rayne & Jerry Lynn, their scores only needed should this go to the sixty minute time limit. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the student can defeat the sensei!

The Code of Honor is upheld and fans chant for “SHI-BA-TA!” The bell rings, the two circle and feel things out. They knuckle lock, then shoot in. Shibata blocks Coughlin going for a leg to facelock, then keeps on Coughlin as he moves around. Shibata chinlocks, Coughlin fights up and moves around but Shibata keeps on him with a waistlock. Fans cheer as the two keep moving around on the mat. Shibata floats to a top mount and grabs an arm, but Coughlin quickly clasps hands to fight the armbar. Shibata breaks the grip but Coughlin gets the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets off, but that is the first of three used up for Coughlin.

The two reset while fans applaud. They feel things out again, clinch, Shibata waistlocks, but Coughlin pries things open. But Shibata rolls Coughlin to have the top mount again. Coughlin tries to push him away but Shibata goes for the arm again! Coughlin rolls to stack Shibata but Shibata just uses that to get a TRIANGLE HOLD! Coughlin scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! That’s the second already! Coughlin is already at a huge disadvantage, but he and Shibata reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock and then go shoulder to shoulder. They clinch, fight for control, and Shibata wants an arm.

Coughlin moves around but Shibata gets behind Coughlin and sits him down. Shibata goes for a chinlock but Coughlin blocks it. Shibata traps an arm, has the chinlock, and fans rally up. Shibata has both arms now for a motorcycle stretch. Coughlin fights up, stomps around, and fans rally. Coughlin turns the hold but Shibata turns it back! Coughlin still fights, using his size and strength, and he has the hold on Shibata now! Shibata now endures, but he rolls, kips up and shoots around to hook a leg! Coughlin fights the Cobra Twist but Shibata climbs up to have an elevated armlock!

Coughlin stays up but Shibata wants the other arm! Now it’s a true Motorcycle Stretch and fans cheer this technical display! Coughlin fights goes forward, and with his teeth, gets the ROPEBREAK! But that’s his last one! Shibata KICKS Coughlin from the ropes! Coughlin goes to a corner, Shibata fires off forearms and he can just keep going now! Shibata hammers Coughlin into sitting down, then he goes corner to corner and back again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!! Shibata drags Coughlin up, HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives but Shibata keeps his cool. Shibata stomps Coughlin’s arm, then kicks him in the side!

Shibata grabs a leg, sits down on the toehold, and then he ties up the other leg! BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Coughlin endures, keeps his shoulders up and he sits up to get in Shibata’s face. But Shibata ROCKS him! Coughlin sits up again, so Shibata fires off forearm after forearm! Fans fire up as Shibata finally stops to put pressure on the leg lock. Coughlin sits up again but Shibata knocks him back down! Coughlin sits up again, so Shibata adds a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Fans rally as Coughlin endures two holds, and powers through to get a facelock! Coughlin powers the deathlock open, to suplex Shibata and then stand up!

Fans fire up for the Android’s show of strength, and then he SLAMS Shibata down! “This is Awesome!” as Coughlin’s power evens things up with Shibata. Coughlin CHOPS Shibata, CHOPS him in the corner, then fires off more CHOPS! Shibata just gets in Coughlin’s face! Coughlin CHOPS Shibata down! Coughlin whips corner to corner, runs in and CHOPS! Shibata sits and Coughlin roars! Coughlin calls his shot, drags Shibata up and scoops, FALL AWAY BRIDGE! Cover, TWO!! Shibata gets free but Coughlin CHOPS him back down! Coughlin deadlift gut wrenches, to SLAM Shibata down! Cover, TWO!

Shibata shows his own toughness, but Coughlin deadlifts again! Gut wrench drop and Coughlin wants the arm! But Shibata shifts around to get Coughlin’s arm! Coughlin clasps hands, Shibata pries at the hold, but Coughlin stacks him. But that puts him back in the TRIANGLE! Coughlin fights to deadlift and POWERBOMB!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally and the two rise. Coughlin CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Coughlin runs, LARIATS, but Shibata stays up!? Shibata runs to BOOT! Coughlin stays up! Shibata knees low, runs, but Coughlin dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE!

Fans fire up as Coughlin slaps the mat! Fans fire up, Coughlin drags Shibata up and reels him in to suplex. Shibata slips free, to get the SLEEPER!! Coughlin pries at the hold but he’s fading! Shibata sits him down, runs in and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, Shibata wins!!

Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)

The Android gave The Wrestler one hell of a match, but Shibata is the master for a reason. Shibata shows Coughlin respect and it is mutual, but will Shibata get the same from Lee Moriarty tomorrow night?

ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Kiera Hogan!

The Fallen Goddess continues to tear into opponents both during and after her matches, but she might have picked on the wrong target. Athena lit a fire in Kiera, will she be the one burned? Or will she be able to stomp out Kiera’s flames and crush her dreams?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Kiera can put an end to Athena’s win streak!

The Code of Honor is upheld, though with tension, and then Athena DECKS Kiera at the bell! Athena stomps away on Kiera, shouts at the ref to back off, and then drags Kiera up to snapmare and KICK her in the back! Athena shouts, “This is MY show!” Then she drags Kiera up to ROCK her with another forearm! Athena brings Kiera up, whips her to the corner and ELBOWS her! Athena then whips Kiera to ropes to BOOT her down! Athena scowls, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from the fans. Athena grins, drags Kiera up, reels her in, and Canadian Racks, but Kiera fights free! Kiera rolls Athean up, TWO!

Athena gets up, but Kiera drop toeholds her onto ropes! Kiera runs to HIP ATTACK! Athena staggers, but she blocks a boot, only for Kiera to ENZIGURI! Kiera runs to step up, but Athena avoid the leg drop! Kiera ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Athena up, but Athena rolls through and gets an arm to WRING Kiera out! Kiera writhes and clutches her shoulder, but she refuses to give up here. Athena drags Kiera up, throws her out of the ring, then shouts at the ref that she can do what she wants! Athena goes out to drag Kiera up and CLUB the arm! The ref starts a ring count, Athena drags Kiera up and RAMS her into railing!

Kiera slumps over, still clutching the arm. Athena tells the ref to count, and the count continues. Athena paces, the count is 4 of 10 while Athena lounges on the top rope. Kiera sits up at 6, crawls at 7, drags herself up at 8 and in at 9. Athena storms over, drags Kiera up but Kiera rolls her up! TWO, and Athena BOOTS Kiera down! “You think this is a game?!” Athena drags Kiera up, reels her in and hammerlocks the arm, to then snap suplex! Cover, TWO!! Kiera is still in this but Athena stomps away on the bad arm! Kiera throws body shots with the good arm, and she CHOPS! Athena CLUBS and SLAPS away on Kiera in return!

Athena drags Kiera up, CLUBS her, then shouts at the fans who rally for Kiera. Athena pushes Kiera, tucks her in and has a mounted armlock! Kiera endures being bent around and the fans rally. Athena grins, taunts the fans, but Kiera sits up! Kiera CLUBS Athena’s leg, trips her, then SUPERKICKS her! Fans rally up as Kiera runs, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives but Kiera grits her teeth. Kiera drags Athena up, reels her in and turns her, but Athena powers out. Kiera comes back, but Athena catches the crossbody, SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Wrench and CODE BRAKER to the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!

Kiera endures, reaches out, but Athena thrashes! Athena bridges as far back as she can, but Kiera refuses to give up! Kiera turns Athena to a cover, TWO!! Athena gets up to mule kick! Athena reels Kiera in, suplexes, and she carries Kiera to the corner. Athena puts Kiera up top but Kiera ROCKS Athena back! And BOOTS her! And leaps to FLYING RANA! Athena flounders, Kiera runs in, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Kiera keeps moving, but Athena avoids the boot wash! Kiera BOOTS Athena anyway! And ROUNDHOUSES! Athena staggers, Kiera runs, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Athena is still in this and Kiera can’t believe it!

Kiera slaps her bad arm into working and the fans rally up. Kiera grits her teeth, drags Athena up, and reels her in. Kiera has a single leg hold, but the bad arm won’t let her lift! Athena waistlocks, Kiera switches, but Athena blocks the O’Conner to smother it! With tights! Athena wins!!

Winner: Athena, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Champion)

The Fallen Goddess definitely got into a fight with Kiera, but Kiera isn’t done with Athena now! Kiera ROCKS Athena, giving her a taste of her own medicine! Kiera RAMS Athena into the railing! Fans fire up and Kiera RAMS Athena into steel steps! Kiera is furious and she gets a chair! The ref and security tell her not to, but Kiera aims at Athena! The ref takes the chair, the fans boo, and Kiera says this ain’t over! Kiera storms up on the security, they tell her to calm down. Kiera’s Spider-Sense helps her dodge Athena, the SHOTGUN DROPKICK takes out the guard! Kiera CLUBS away on Athena!

Athena RAMS Kiera into railing, the brawl is on! Security pulls them apart, Kiera SUPERKICKS but it hits the guard! The ref stops Kiera but she stalks Athena. Athena is grinning but Kiera shouts at her that she cheated! Kiera storms up but Athena DECKS her!! Athena puts Kiera back in the ring, fans fire up and Athena cheers herself on. Athena slide sin, but Kiera SLIDING BOOTS Athena! And she rains down fists! More refs rush out, as well as more security. They separate the two, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Athena gest free to BLAST Kiera and the cluster around her! The security backs Athena off again, and Kiera is in bad shape.

Medics rush in, did Athena do more damage than just a bad arm to Kiera? She DECKS security guards now!! The Fallen Goddess is one of war and fury, but will Kiera rise from the ashes like a phoenix to go another round?

My Thoughts:

A really good ROH, and thankfully under two hours. Again, really good matches, good wins for The Kingdom, Skye, Diamante, Action & Darius, The Superbad Squad and the lucha trio. Stu & The Righteous VS Dark Order was also really good, especially for the story beat. Uno and Stu played being conflicted very well, and it’s a bit telling that Silver & Reynolds were not hesitant to fight Stu. Stu & The Righteous of course win for that, and I can’t wait to see where this goes next. And I really like that we got Cage VS Mack to add to their rivalry throughout their careers. But I figured Cage would win, Mack Attack’s gonna need a third Mack if they wanna get at the ROH World Six Man Tag titles.

Great promo from ZSJ and Joe, though it felt rather awkward as they argued about how clear or not clear things were. Maybe some of that was on purpose. But obviously they’re just waiting for an opportunity to give us ZSJ VS Joe for at least one TV title. ZSJ VS Rocky was a great match, as all these NJPW World TV Championship matches have been. But given ZSJ has to defend this belt on Sunday at Dominion, he wasn’t gonna lose here, and he won’t lose it on Rampage, either. For that matter, same goes for Shibata. He had a really good match with Coughlin here, and he’ll have a great match with Moriarty on Rampage, but I doubt Shibata loses just yet.

And we got great stuff out of the main event with Athena VS Kiera. Kiera got a great showing, even in a loss, and I really like that she went after Athena afterward. Great brawl, especially with the guards taking some big hits, too. I hope that last bit wasn’t legit, it’d be a shame if this brawl did real damage when it’s just meant to further the story. Assuming Kiera is okay, she and Athena will surely have a rematch, perhaps as part of an ROH special/PPV.

My Score: 8.6/10

Why, Konosuke, Why?

Another Double or Nothing in the books, and after their betrayal of The Elite, we hear from Don Callis and Konosuke Takeshita!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: The Blackpool Combat Club VS The Lucha Brothers & Bandido; The BCC wins.
• Triple Threat: Swerve Strickland VS “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trent Beretta; Swerve wins.
• Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin VS The Gates of Agony w/ Prince Nana; Darby & Cassidy win.
• AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Nyla Rose; Kris wins and retains the title.
• Mixed Tag: Chris Jericho & Saraya VS Adam Cole & Britt Baker; Cole & Britt win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: The Blackpool Combat Club VS The Lucha Brothers & Bandido!

Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta, along with Bryan Danielson, were victorious at Double or Nothing in Anarchy in the Arena II, but they had some help at the end. We’ll hear from dirty Don and turncoat Takeshita later, because right now, the BCC want to unleash #DeathJitsu on the ROH World Tag Team Champions & The Most Wanted! Will the Maniac, the Swiss Superman and the Decoder prove they’re ready for more violence?

Fans are fired up for the Lucha Bros & Bandido but the BCC isn’t amused. The trios sort out but then everyone starts shoving. Then they start brawling! The ref reprimands but the BCC have the luchadores on the ropes. They triple whip but the luchadores all reverse to TRIPLE SUPERKICK! Fans fire up with “CERO! MIEDO!” The luchadores build speed and TRIPLE DIVE into forearms and lariats! Moxley drags Penta out to the floor to throw him at the timekeeper’s area! Wheeler RAMS Bandido into steel steps! Claudio SNAKE EYES Fenix off the railing, then tosses him OVER the railing! Then he goes out after him in the crowd!

Moxley has an ANKLE LOCK on Penta, while Yuta throws Bandido into railing! And then more railing! The ref reprimands, but Moxley runs in, only for Penta to toss him into the crowd! Yuta puts Bandido in the ring, the bell finally sounds, and this is finally a match. Fans cheer as Yuta stomps Bandido and Claudio TOSSES Fenix back to ringside. Yuta drags Bandido up but Bandido throws body shots. Bandido clotheslines in the corner, whips him corner to corner, but Yuta goes up and over. Bandido runs back in but into a scoop SLAM! And Claudio clotheslines Fenix back up and over the railing!

Yuta SENTONS on Bandido, covers, TWO! Yuta scowls but Bryan is at least impressed with Yuta using a “fundamentally sound” cover. Yuta drags Bandido up, suplexes, but Bandido blocks! Fans rally up, Bandido suplexes Yuta! And holds him up! Uno! Dos! Tress! But then Mox rushes in! Fenix SUPERKICKS him first! Penta sees Claudio and SUPERKICKS him first! Then they SUPERKICK again! Bandido goes past TWENTY, and then the Lucha Brothers each grab Moxley and Claudio to hammerlock arms. DOUBLE SACRIFICE ARMBARS!! Bandido makes it to THIRTY but he isn’t done!!

Bandido makes it to FORTY, and then FIFTY!! Yuta’s head is almost as red as Bandido’s outfit as we get to SIXTY, and the SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?! Yuta survives and Bryan is proud of his student again. But tag to Penta, Fenix goes up, “CERO! MIEDO!” But Yuta slips free, only for Penta to SUPERKICK! TIGHTROPE WALK KICK! But Moxley CUTTERS Penta! Fenix SCREW HIGH KICKS Mox, but Claudio CLOBBERS Fenix! Penta SUPERKICKS, whips, Claudio reverses but Penta goes up and over, BACKSTABBER!! Fans are thunderous and Bryan has to admit, the lucha trio is incredible.

Penta crawls, as does Yuta, hot tag to Bandido! He HOTSHOTS Yuta, springboards but Yuta moves! Bandido FLOPS, then distracts the ref! Claudio & Moxley drag Bandido out to ASSISTED PILEDRIVER to the floor!! Bryan loves it while fans boo, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Yuta snap suplexes Bandido up and over, then drags Bandido back up. He fists bumps Claudio, puts Bandido in the ring, then tags Moxley. Moxley keeps Bandido from the corner with a facelock, but fans rally up. Bandido fights to his feet, only for Moxley to HALF HATCH! Moxley then tags Claudio in, they stomps Bandido, then Claudio grabs an arm to grind it down. Bandido endures, fights to the ROPEBREAK, but Claudio brings him up. Bandido throws body shots but Claudio chinbars to keep him from the corner. Claudio whips and CLOBBERS Bandido, then flexes. Tag to Moxley and the BCC stomp Bandido again.

Moxley gets the legs to stomp Bandido int he stomach. Moxley then turns Bandido with a HALF CRAB! Bandido reaches out, Yuta tries to keep the rope from him but the ref reprimands. Fans rally up, Bandido gets the ROPEBREAK! Moxley lets go to bring Bandido up and he throws knee after knee. Moxley whips, Bandido sunset flips, but Moxley rolls through to KNEE Bandido down! Cover, TWO, but Moxley gets the arms for DRAGON STOMPS! Moxley drags Bandido to a cover, TWO! Moxley grabs an arm to hammerlock it and grind Bandido down. Bandido endures while Dynamite returns to single picture.

Fans rally but Moxley chinbars Bandido into a chinlock. Bandido still endures, but Moxley wraps Bandido arms around for a straitjacket stretch. Bandido still fights up and JAWBREAKERS free! Moxley runs in to clothesline at the corner! And again! Moxley talks trash on Bandido, whips him corner to corner, but Bandido BOOTS him! And UPPERCUTS! And goes up top for a TORNILLO! Direct hit and fans are thunderous! Both Bandido and Moxley crawl, hot tags to Claudio and Fenix! Fenix waistlocks, Claudio fights it and elbows free to then whip. Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, tiger feint rewind but Claudio dodges the heel kick!

Fenix still SUPERKICKS! Yuta runs in to BOOT Fenix! Fans foo, but Yuta runs in and only gets the buckles! JUMP SOBAT! Snapmare and tag to Penta! UNO, DOS, TRES! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Claudio returns, Penta dodges and SLINGBLADES! Penta goes to a corner, Claudio runs in but Penta pops him up into a headstand, to SUPERKICK him down! Penta then uses Claudio to victory roll and jump, DDT for Moxley! Claudio LARIATS in return!! Fans fire up again as Claudio stirs. Claudio drags Penta back but Penta kicks him away. Hot tags to Yuta and Bandido! Yuta and Bandido fire forearms back and forth!

The fans are on Bandido’s side but Yuta ROCKS him! Yuta eggs Bandido on, and the forearms go back and forth again! Bryan says Yuta’s technique is the advantage, but Bandido starts using speed! The forearms keep going and the fans fire up! Yuta BITES Bandido’s forehead! Yuta runs, into a DROPKICK! Bandido throws off the shirt and fans are thunderous again! Bandido whips, pops Yuta up, CUTTER!! Bandido goes up, the Lucha Brothers get in. “CERO! MIEDO!” The Lucha Brothers DOUBLE TOPE to take out Mox & Claudio! FROG SPLASH for Bandido! Cover, TWO!!! Bryan says this is what he was talking about!

Fans boo but Bandido drags Yuta up to gut wrench and Canadian Rack. Torture rack to KNEE STRIKE! Bandido has Yuta on the ropes, he runs, but Moxley anchors Yuta out of the 21 Plex! The ref reprimands, Penta ENZIGURIS Moxley! Yuta sends Bandido to ropes, Claudio UPPERCUTS Bandido! Yuta BUSAIKU KNEES, to the HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!!! Bryan calls ever shot, and then Yuta shifts into the SEATBELT! The BCC wins!

Winner: The Blackpool Combat Club, by pinfall

Bryan celebrates with his guys, though the fans aren’t as happy about it. Will the BCC soon look to take over AEW one division at a time?

Backstage interview with The Elite.

Alex Marvez is with Hangman Page and the Young Bucks while Matt Jackson is having his foot taped up. Anarchy in the Arena II was perhaps one of the most brutal matches in AEW history, what is the status of Matt and the rest of the team three days later? Matt says a long time ago, he told Hangman that he brings out the good in them. Safe to say, after Sunday, the BCC bring out the worst in them. Never thought the day would come where Matt would try to melt the face of another man with an explosive sneaker, and alas, here we are.

Nick, a big bandage on his forehead, recounts Hangman saying that they are the heart, the soul and the spirit of AEW. Not one setback is gonna keep them down! Hangman says they are still standing, still swinging, and still breathing! To be a group that prides themselves on being the best, the BCC sure love to use numbers. But the truth is- Wait, in walks the Dark Order. They tell Hangman, “Good to see you.” Oh, did Matt hurt his foot? Silver says Hangman is with his new-old best friends, they should probably just go. Sorry about that. Hangman wants to respond to that, but Marvez has one more question.

It has been said, rumored, that Kenny Omega has left the country and gone home to Canada based on everything that’s happened the last few weeks. Any word on that? Hangman says Kenny is hurt, he is pissed, and yes he is out of the country, but he’s not in Canada. Hangman excuses himself to chase after The Dark Order, what is the status of that friendship? What is the status of The Cleaner after further betrayal by men he once called friends?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

Double or Nothing is in the rearview mirror, and he welcomes out two men who were very active that night, Jay White & Juice Robinson, Bullet Club Gold! The Switchblade & Rock Hard make their way out, and White says the money’s here! Schiavone says their issue with Ricky Starks seems never ending. They get in close and he says they attacked Starks backstage! White starts by saying that Double or Nothing was a great night. Fans cheer and White applauds, too. But White bets Starks feels he’s on top of the world after he eliminated Jay & Juice from the battle royal.

But as a reminder to everyone, especially to Ricky Starks, he’s not the International Champion. he lost that battle royal just like he lost to White. And Juice says that brings them to FTR! BCG wants to know, WHY, Dax & Cash, did you come to the aid of “sweet boy” Ricky? It doesn’t make sense! There’s no way FTR are friends with Ricky Starks, because we all know Ricky Starks ain’t got no friends! White says we also know FTR are “a couple of Southern boys,” so maybe they’re a little bit slow. And they look dumb, too, have you seen them? You heard them talk? They sound pretty dumb, too!

White just didn’t actually think they were dumb enough to get in the Bang Bang Gang’s business! But wait, here comes FTR! Dax & Cash are still AEW World Tag Team Champions after Mark Briscoe saw who were his real friends on Sunday night. The champs get in the ring but White uses Schiavone as a shield. Seems FTR are that dumb. Juice says keep this cordial. This isn’t them being dumb, they’re here to apologize! White isn’t so sure, but maybe Juice is on to something. Maybe they’re also here because they wanna join BULLET CLUB GOLD~! Yeah? Huh? White says FTR are ready to be some Gold members!

So do they wanna join the top shelf gunslingers? Top Shelf Top Guys! If they wanted to join, all they had to do was ask. Just make sure you do it politely. White holds out the mic to Dax, then drops it as he reaches out. Fans boo and Dax glares at White. But then Juice sucker punches Dax! FISTFUL O’ SILVER DOLLARS!! Cash TACKLES Juice, but White goes after Cash! The BCG mug Cash while Dax writhes, clutching his jaw! Juice drags Dax up, JUICE IS LOOSE!! “Take that!” White gets Cash for a BLADERUNNER!! “That’s what you get!!” But here comes Starks! Starks runs BCG off and grabs the mic.

“Hey you two cowards! I’m sick of you two every single week! So how about this? You keep that jabroni ass freak in the back, and you and me, Jay, we finish it next week on Dynamite! YOU PUNK ASS B*TCH!!” The Absolute throws out the ultimatum, will he and King Switch finally put an end to this?

Tony Khan has an announcement for AEW Collision.

“It’s great to be here tonight in San Diego. The last few weeks, we made some announcements regarding the debut of AEW Saturday Night Collision, starting June 17th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. I’m here tonight to give you a little more information about the debut of AEW Collision. I’m here to announce that AEW Collision, beginning June 17th, will feature… CM Punk!” Fans go wild hearing that! The Best in the World, the polarizing Plus Delta of AEW, is making his return in his hometown! What kind of collision are we going to say for that debut episode?

Triple Threat: Swerve Strickland VS “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trent Beretta!

The Blackjack Battle Royal was a bust for everyone hoping to take the title off Orange Cassidy, but there was a lot of beef between these three men during all the chaos. Who scores a much easier win under 33% odds versus the one in 21?

The bell rings and Swerve bails out so Bill can’t get him. Fans boo but then Bill turns his attention to Trent. Fans fire up and Bill storms up on Trent. Trent slips away to not be cornered, then he CHOPS Bill! Bill scowls and dusts himself off. Bill storms up again, Trent slips away again and headlocks. Bill powers up but Trent holds on. Bill powers out, Trent ducks ‘n’ dodges and DIVES onto Swerve on the outside! Fans fire up as Trent puts Swerve in the ring saying “You’re turn!” He wants Bill to get at Swerve and Bill’s fine with that. Swerve wants Bill to hold on, but then he swings on Bill!

Bill blocks the punch, so Swerve kicks a leg. Swerve goes to whip but Bill blocks that, too! Bill whips, Swerve goes up and around and BOOTS Bill! Trent returns to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Bill just choke grips back! Bill BOOTS Swerve, then shoves Trent to a corner. Bill SPLASHES Swerve, SPLASHES Trent, and repeat! Bill clotheslines Swerve up and out! Trent ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bill FLAPJACKS Trent then BOOTS him down! Fans fire up with Bill while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Bill watches as Trent crawls back in. Bill kicks Trent, drags him up, and CLUBS him back down. Bill then steps out to go after Swerve. Fans fire up as Bill stalks Swerve around the way, then UPPERCUTS him! Swerve CHOPS, Bill TOSSES him to the ramp! Swerve writhes, Trent goes out after Bill and throws body shots. Bill ROCKS Trent with a haymaker! Then he SMACKS Trent off the steps! Trent falls and Bill soaks up the cheers and jeers. Bill stalks Swerve on the ramp, drags him up, and brings him around to SMACK him off the apron! And then CHOPS him against the apron! Swerve sputters and drops to his knees.

Bill gives a toying kick to Swerve, but Swerve comes back with a CHOP! Bill ROCKS Swerve with a right hand! Bill then kicks Trent down. Bill soaks up the cheers and jeers as he brings Swerve around the way, to scoop, but Swerve lips off! Swerve POSTS Bill, Trent SPEARS Bill! Fans fire up but then Swerve RAMS Trent into the railing! Swerve puts Trent on the apron, goes up after him, and fireman’s carries. Trent fights free, but Swerve CHOPS him! Trent ROCKS Swerve! Swerve ROCKS Trent and Dynamite returns to single picture, right as Trent ROCKS Swerve! Swerve ROCKS Trent back so the shots keep going!

Fans fire up but Swerve knees low! Swerve fireman’s carries, Trent slips off again, but Swerve fights the half nelson! Swerve throws elbows, Bill gets in the ring and runs that way, Trent pulls Swerve into the path of the BOOT! Down goes Swerve, then Trent SHOTGUNS Bill off the apron! Fans fire up as Trent goes up a corner, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Bill! Fans fire up with Trent but now Swerve goes up to BOOT from the apron! Swerve drags Trent up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally up. Trent is in a drop zone, Swerve goes up the corner. But Bill choke grips him! Swerve fights the arm but Bill CHOPS him!

Bill climbs up to join Swerve, choke grips again, but Trent hits Bill low! Trent climbs up, but Bill grabs him, too! But then both Trent & Swerve throat chop! Fans boo, but Trent & Swerve work together to DOUBLE SUPERPLEX Bill!! All three men are down and fans are thunderous! Bill goes to a corner, Swerve and Trent throw forearms again! They go back and forth, Swerve throws body shot after body shot! Swerve runs, but Trent gets around, HALF ‘N’ HALF! Swerve tumbles out, Trent builds speed, but Bill scoops! BIG BOSS MAN SLAM!!! Cover, Swerve HOUSE CALLS! Cover on Bill, TWO?!?!

Bill survives but Swerve rolls to COMPLETE SHOT Trent! Trent sits up, Swerve goes up, KILL- NO, Trent avoids the stomps! To BUSAIKU KNEE!! Trent reels Swerve in, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, BILL BREAKS IT! Bill stalks Trent to the apron and fans fire up. Bill drags Trent up but Trent CHOPS! Bill doesn’t budge, so Trent CHOPS again! Bill clamps onto Trent’s throat, CHOKE SLAM into the ring! But Swerve APRON KILL STOMPS Bill!!! And then roll-up on Trent, Swerve wins!!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall

The Mogul takes advantage and gets a huge win! Will Swerve soon be aiming for another title shot?

Kris Statlander speaks.

“Today’s date is May 28th, 2023. It’s the PPV, Double or Nothing, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I am officially cleared. I am your NEW TBS Champion. It’s been a long time coming, and this whole time, I was never really sure if I deserved it. Not sure if I was someone deserving of this moment. It just really shows me how much not only does this place mean to me, but how much I mean to AEW. It’s just so nice to physically hold something to feel like you deserve it for once. Not only am I gonna prove to everyone that they were right, but I’m gonna prove to myself that this is my time. And I’m gonna have the best damn title reign anyone’s ever seen.” But she’s already putting the title on the line, will her time be short?

Renee Paquette is on stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass.” Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn are here, and Renee says that unfortunately, thing didn’t go their way in that AEW World Trios Championship match. They asked for this time, so the floor is theirs. Billy says Renee is right, things did not go quite the way they’d planned. But that’s okay! Because anyone can get beat at any given time. Billy’s biggest regret is that he let his guys down. Caster says that Billy shouldn’t blame himself. They win as a team and lose as a team. They won a lot as a trio, undefeated until facing House of Black.

And see, Caster is the best wrestler alive, Bowens is the Five Tool Player, and Billy is the legend! They ARE The Acclaimed, they are the People’s Choice. Bowens says that is right. And their goal remains the same. A few months ago, Acclaimed were screwed outta tag team gold. Fans boo that, but the Acclaimed want gold back! “And this man, this legend, after over 30 YEARS of giving his all to the business, of giving his all to each and every one of you, giving his all to us, this man deserves to hold gold one more time!” Fans love the sound of that! They chant for “DADDY ASS! DADDY ASS!”

Bowens says do not worry about it, Billy, because EVERYONE loves The Acclaimed! So the goal remains the same, and the three SCISSOR FINGER~! Will they cut down the House of Black one way or another? Or will the House always win?

Tony Schiavone is back in the ring.

The bile rises in his throat as he has to say these names. “Here comes… Don Callis! And… Konosuke Takeshita.” Fans boo as Callis & Takeshita walk their way out to no music, but with highlights of Callis helping the BCC cheat the Elite. Callis & Takeshita go to the ring to join Schiavone, and Schiavone says, “Sunday night, Double or Nothing, not so sure. We talked to Bryan Danielson, whose side are you on? Whose side are you with? One thing we know for sure, you apparently have yourself a new protégé.” Callis grins but fans boo, and Callis says he sincerely hopes that such boos are for Kenny Omega! No, they’re for Callis.

Callis continues to say he is the REAL victim here! He has done everything for Kenny Omega! The booing gets louder! And they’re even flipping Callis off! Callis says Kenny only had what he had because of Callis! The AEW World Championship? All Callis! Kenny chose his friends. Every morning, Callis has to get up and look at the scar on his head! 23 stitches! And Callis blames it all on Kenny! Kenny destroyed Callis’ family! And maybe Callis lost a nephew, but he gained a son in Konosuke Takeshita! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Callis says Takeshita is the best athlete he has ever seen in wrestling! 6’3″, 240 pounds, and you know who he’s better than?

Konosuke is better than Rikidōzan! Better than Antonio Inoki! Better than Keiji Mutoh! And yes, better than Kazuchika Okada! But you know who else he’s better than? We’ll see it very soon, too! Konosuke is better than Kenny Omega! Konosuke gets the mic to tell everyone Japanese that they’re all stupid! Kenny Omega is nothing! And they all know it! Then in English, “We will destroy the Elite! We will destroy Kenny… Omega!” Callis tells Kenny that he destroyed his family so Callis is building a new one! And that new family will cut the Elite out of All Elite Wrestling! Fans boo as hard as they’ve ever booed before, but will that not stop what Callis is planning for Kenny Omega?

Arn Anderson & Wardlow speak.

The Enforcer says that before Double or Nothing and the ladder match, he cut through all the BS and asked Wardlow one question: What are you willing to do to Christian Cage? Everyone’s giving Arn a bunch of hoopla about biting that giant lizard’s thumb. But Wardlow got manhandled, and when you snatch Arn by the neck, what you think’s gonna happen? Wardlow says Luchasaurus found out not to get involved with their business. Arn wants to know what Wardlow’s willing to do, and he answered that. There are no more limits! If Luchasaurus wants to be next, Wardlow will be more than happy to finish the job!

Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin VS The Gates of Agony w/ Prince Nana!

Freshly Squeezed is still the AEW International Champion after facing the steepest odds possible, while the Relentless One could not overcome MJF, Sammy Guevara & Jack Perry all at once to become AEW World Champion. But will this unlikely duo keep going against even this daunting duo in front of them?

The teams sort out, but Bishop Kaun shoves Darby off the corner! And Toa Liona goes after Cassidy with clubbing forearms! The bell rings, Kaun keeps after Darby on the outside, and Cassidy just gets his jacket and shirt off. Kaun CHOPS Darby, Liona pushes Cassidy down, then Liona drags Cassidy up to whip corner to corner. Cassidy tumbles up and out, baits Liona in and shoulders into him. Cassidy bumps Liona off buckles, but Liona just glares at him! Liona drags Cassidy up and into the ring to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kaun scoops Darby, but Darby slips free to POST Kaun! Darby tags in!

Fans fire up as Darby, bad shoulder all taped up, has the fans behind him. Darby SLAPS, RAMS, and runs, but Liona rushes in! Darby dodges but then runs into a BODY CHECK! Liona roars, fans boo, but Liona drags Darby up. Liona puts Darby in the corner, tags Kaun, and the Gates fire each other up! Kaun whips Liona in but Darby dodges! Darby BOOTS Kaun away, springboards, but Liona POUNCES the Coffin Splash! Kaun drags Cassidy in, GUT BUSTER DROP! Nana, Cage and Swerve return to ringside, they wanna watch this in person. Kaun has Darby up to CHOP him in the corner!

Kaun drags Darby up and over, tags Liona in, and the Gates mug Darby in the corner. Liona paces, the ref reprimands, but Kaun digs his boots into Darby! The fans rally up for Darby but Liona drags him up. Liona smirks, whips Darby to the corner, but Darby BLASTS Kaun! But then Liona SPLASHES Darby int he corner! But Darby boots from below! Liona gets the legs, yanks Darby up but Darby slips to the outside! Darby HOTSHOTS Liona, but Kaun trips Darby to RAM him into the railing! And then apron! And then railing! And then apron! And then a whip into the railing! Liona rushes around the way to CLOBBER Cassidy!

Fans boo but The Mogul Embassy is pleased while Dynamite goes picture in picture. Kaun drags Darby but he’s deadweight. Kaun gets Darby up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Kaun rains down fists on Darby, lets off to soak up the heat, and then he drags Darby back up. Kaun fishhooks the nose but the ref reprimands. Kaun lets go, Darby goes to a corner, but Kaun fires off on him. Darby hits back, but Kaun kicks and whips to then kitchen sink knee! Kaun stands on Darby for a cover, ONE! Kaun drags Darby over, tags in Liona, and the Gates stomp Darby at the ropes. The ref counts, Liona steps off, then drags Darby back up.

Liona scoops Darby, SLAMS him, then SPLASHES! Darby writhes while Liona looms over him. Liona CLUBS Darby in the side, drags him up and pushes him into the corner. Kaun tags in, Darby is in the ropes, and Kaun kicks him to the floor. Kaun taunts Cassidy, then goes out to stomp away on Darby. Darby scrambles into the ring but Kaun is after him. Kaun stands on Darby’s hands to keep him from reaching Cassidy! Kaun stomps the hands, puts him in the Gates’ corner, then CHOPS him! Darby sputters, drops to a knee, and Kaun taunts Cassidy. Fans rally as Dynamite returns to single picture.

Kaun puts Darby up on the top rope, climbs up behind him, and then scoops for a TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Darby writhes on the apron, Liona hits an APRON SENTON! Liona then BLASTS Cassidy, drags Darby up, URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Darby is hanging tough and fans fire up! Tag to Kaun and the Gates circle Darby. Fans rally up but The Gates drag Darby up and high five, but then Darby flops over. The Gates laugh, and Swerve smirks seeing his old rival suffer. But Darby fights back with CHOPS! Liona doesn’t budge! Liona choke grips Darby, he and Kaun throw him to the corner!

Darby comes back, leaps but the Gates catch him to throw him back! Kaun runs in but Darby dropkicks his leg out! Liona runs in, but Darby BOOTS him down! Darby goes up and sunset flips, but Liona stays up! Darby stands up and baits Kaun in, sending him into Liona! Hot tag to Cassidy! Cassidy gets in, raises his hands, and fans fire up as they go in his pockets! Cassidy dodges Liona, dodges Kaun and sends him into Liona, then he dodges Kaun again to send him into buckles! Cassidy SHOTGUNS Liona to the other corner then kips up! Fans fire up, Kaun runs in but Cassidy dodges, Kaun’s SHOTGUN hits Liona!

Cassidy runs to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kaun survives but Cassidy keeps his focus. Cassidy throws off the elbow pad and takes aim from the corner. Kaun rises, Cassidy runs in, ORANGE- NO, Kaun dodges! Liona fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! The Gates drag Cassidy up, high five, and SHUT THE GATES! Cover, Darby breaks it!! Liona TOSSES Darby, Swerve is getting annoyed, but Liona goes back to the corner. Liona tags in, fans rally up for Cassidy, but the Gates reset. DOUBLE- RANA!! Cassidy hot tags Darby! Darby COFFIN SPLASHES Liona! And again! then one for Kaun! Another for Liona!

Darby fires up a la Sting, dodges Liona and Liona hits buckles! Darby puts Liona outside, CLUBS him and CLAWS him! Liona stands up, grabs Darby, but gets an ORANGE PUNCH! Darby then DIVES to take Liona out!! Kaun ELBOWS Cassidy down! Kaun suplexes, but gets STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! And a boosted CODE RED! Cassidy DIVES to take out Liona! Darby is up top, COFFIN DROP!! Cover, Darby & Cassidy win!

Winners: Orange Cassidy & Darby Allin, by pinfall

But the rest of the Mogul Embassy makes their way to the ring! Swerve & Cage glare right at Darby & Cassidy, and Liona & Kaun both get up. But wait! Here comes STIIIIING! The Icon is back, and he has his baseball bat! Fans are thunderous as Sting steps into the ring and the Embassy backs off. Will Swerve’s house have to worry about the showtime?

MJF speaks.

“AEW fans, AEW fans! Oh my God, clock’s ticking and you’re running out of competition. Darby Allin, you sweet, sweet little emo b*tch. Once again, you found yourself victim to a maneuver as simple as a headlock takeover. Now if that’s not telling about my competition around here, I don’t know what is! You are running out of gladiators for me to slay, you are running out of people you could possibly claim that are better than me. And you know it. Once again, it has been made abundantly clear, and this time, in Sin City, that nobody is on the level of the Devil!” Will anyone ever exorcise MJF away from the AEW World Championship?

Tony Schiavone is once again in the ring.

He welcomes us back, and thanks San Diego for being part of this great night. But wait, here comes Hook! The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil, the undefeated FTW Champion, steps in the ring. Schiavone says Hook once again helped the Hardy Boyz against Ethan Page at Double or Nothing. But then, what is next for Hook? But wait, someone interrupts. It’s Jose of La Faccion Ingobernable! He has Dralistico y Preston Vance with him, and he “apologizes” for interrupting Hook’s time, but this is the only way LFI is gonna get TV time here! There are two studs here who have never been given opportunities the way Hook has.

Fans boo but Jose says they know it’s true. Rush is too dangerous to be on TV, so he isn’t here right now. Salud, Rush. But where are the fans when they need LFI? When LFI is looking for chances and they get NONE? But they’re gonna start taking opportunities! Show this perro what LFI is about! Dralistico & Vance mug Hook, but here comes JUNGLE BOY! Jack Perry has helped Hook out before, and he’s here again, with a chair! JB JAMS Dralistico, JAMS Vance, and then he SMACKS them both down! Jose sneaks up, but JB sees him first. Jose runs away into the ring, but that’s where Hook is!

Hook clinches to hit the EL CAMINO! Jose flops out of the ring, JB joins Hook in the ring, and they fist bump. Will #JungleHook reunite to shut LFI up?

Backstage interview with The Outcasts.

Renee is with Saraya, Ruby Soho, and the NEW AEW Women’s World Champion, Toni Storm. How does it feel this time around to be champion? Oh, c’mon, look at her! She’s having a great time! She has the world title, the world’s best friends, and she couldn’t be doing any better. A lot of people say she’s just very lucky, but luck’s got nothing to do with this. Toni’s been wrestling since she was 13 years old, a child really! Over half her life! That’s because she’s been all over the world, carrying everyone’s bags and doing everything she can to get to this point.

The Outcasts look around this locker room, and they see no one who could carry Toni’s bags. Ruby says Toni is being very humble. No one anywhere could match Toni’s work ethic. Toni is gracing the AEW fans with her presence during the House Rules live shows. And she’ll even defend this title. That is what a fighting champion does! Oh so humble! Saraya loves Toni so much. But really, there is really no one worthy of carrying Toni’s bags. Not at all. But they’ll keep looking out. And as for “luck,” the only lucky ones are the fans. Who will be “lucky” enough to have some #ToniTime this summer?

AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Nyla Rose!

The Galaxy’s Greatest made perhaps the greatest return possible, answering the open challenge of the cocky Jade Cargill. Not only did she end Jade’s reign, she ended the undefeated streak! But will Kris regret putting it all on the line so soon? Or will she start her own incredible reign?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Mama Statlander holds onto her baby!

The bell rings and fans rally as the two tie up. The two are in a deadlock, but then they break. Kris shoves Nyla, they tie up again, and they go around. Nyla puts Kris in a corner, the ref counts, and Nyla lets off. Kris dodges the cheap shot to fire off forearms! Nyla dodges to get some air, but Kris SHOTGUNS Nyla down! Fans fire up, Kris is after Nyla but the scoop doesn’t work. Nyla scoops Kris but she slips free to scoop again! Nyla is still really big, and she scoops Kris to SLAM her! SENTON flops as Kris moves! Kris wraps on the body scissors! Nyla endures, those knee braces are right in the ribs!

Nyla scrambles, gets the ROPEBREAK, and Kris lets go. Kris storms up but Nyla shoulders into her! And bumps her off the buckles! Kris falls and Nyla stalks her. Nyla kicks Kris around, drags her up, and brings her over to ropes. Kris fights the suplex and tries to suplex Nyla! Nyla CLUBS Kris, CLAWS her back, but Kris fights with body shots! Fans rally and Kris still tries a suplex. Nyla knees low, brings Kris around, and snap suplexes her into buckles! We see Taya Valkyrie is watching backstage, surely upset that she didn’t get the TBS title off Jade. Nyla grins as she soaks up the heat and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Nyla taunts Kris, drags her up, and then bumps her off buckles. Nyla stomps Kris, digs her boots in, but the ref counts. Nyla has Kris on the apron before she lets off. Nyla then puts Kris on the ropes to CHOKE and even bend back! Nyla puppets Kris’ mouth, but lets off as the ref counts. Kris flounders, Nyla brings her up to suplex! Cover, ONE!! Nyla grows frustrated, but she stands on Kris before getting a leg. HALF CRAB! Kris endures, reaches out, but Nyla talks trash while she CLUBS away on the knee! Kris crawls, ROPEBREAK! Nyla lets go, Kris goes to a corner, but Nyla RAMS into her!

Nyla pulls the leg against ropes! The ref counts, Nyla lets off and Kris hobbles to another corner. Nyla is after her in the corner with body shots! Nyla then goes corner to corner to ELBOW Kris, and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Nyla keeps Kris down with a chinlock. Kris endures the knee in the back, fans rally up, and Kris fights, only for Nyla to CLUB her in the chest! Nyla clamps onto the arms to keep Kris down, but still Kris fights. Fans rally, kris throws body shots and elbows, but Nyla CHOP BLOCKS! Kris falls, Nyla gets that leg, and has a modified Half Crab! Kris endures, so Nyla stomps away on the leg before going back to the Crab!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Kris fights with her free leg. Nyla lets go, Kris kips up, but Nyla CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO!! Kris is still in this but Nyla runs, only to miss the splash! Kris runs to DISCUS LARIAT! Nyla stays up to Kris LARIATS again, ROCKS Nyla and ROUNDHOUSES her! Fans fire up with Kris and she runs in at the corner, UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side, KNEE! Nyla staggers, Kris brings her in, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Nyla survives and Kris is surprised! But Kris pounds the mat and fans rally with her. Kris drags Nyla to a drop zone and climbs up the corner.

Kris reaches the top but Nyla trips her up! Kris hits the buckles on the way down! Nyla runs in to SPLASH! Kris sits down, Nyla calls her shot and runs again, but Kris bails out! Nyla stops the cannonball to go tot he apron, CANNONBALL to the floor! Nyla grins and she brings Kris up to RAM her into railing! Fans boo but Nyla runs in to CANNONBALL against the railing! Nyla puts Kris back in the ring, stalks her, and catches Kris’ haymaker into a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and now Nyla is surprised! Nyla drags Kris up but Kris JAWBREAKERS! Kris puts Nyla in the drop zone and goes up again!

Fans fire up as Kris aims, to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Kris wins!

Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall (still AEW TBS Champion)

The Galaxy’s Greatest has her first win as champion in the books! Taya is not amused, though. Will La Wera Loca get one more shot at that title? Will the third time be the charm? Or will things not go her way now that Mama’s home?

BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!

It’ll be regularly scheduled, 10 PM Eastern on Friday night, but it’s gonna be a CHAMPIONSHIP Friday! The AAA Mega Championship is on the line as El Hijo Del Vikingo defends against Dralistico AND Komander in a Triple Threat! Will the numbers spell disaster for Vikingo in San Diego? And in her first defense, Willow Nightingale puts up the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against The Queen of Joshi, Emi Sakura! Will the Babe with the Power be too sweet to be sour? Plus, the NJPW World Television Championship makes its AEW Rampage debut as Zack Sabre Jr. defends against Action Andretti!

But that’s not all! Assuming he defeats Alex Coughlin on ROH TV this week, Katsuyori Shibata will defend the ROH Pure Championship against #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty! Will The Wrestler still be the champion after this week is over?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Dynamite!

Ricky Starks put out the challenge, and Jay White accepted! In a match where Juice Robinson and FTR are all banned from ringside, The Absolute and the Switchblade will finally settle things 1v1! Plus, after big wins from both men tonight, Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Championship 1v1 against Swerve Strickland! Will the Mogul Embassy grab up even more gold?

Mixed Tag: Chris Jericho & Saraya VS Adam Cole & Britt Baker!

It would seem the Unsanctioned Match at Double or Nothing was not enough for anyone to end this! The Wizard & The Knight called out the Undisputed Couple for this match, and they obliged! Will Jericho & Saraya be the ones standing tall with a fireball? Or will San Diego be all about The Boom?

Fans sing Judas for Jericho, but Saraya still calls them all losers. The teams sort out and Jericho starts against Cole. Cole and Jericho fire off hands right at the bell! Jericho gets the edge, CHOPS, then CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cole fires back, Jericho ROCKS him, then puts him in a corner, Jericho ROCKS Cole again and again, whips corner to corner, and Jericho clotheslines! Fans are torn but Saraya says they better cheer! Jericho goes back to Cole, but Cole turns things around to ROCK Jericho with forearm after forearm, then he CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS, Cole CHOPS, they CHOP back and forth!

Jericho gets the edge with those CHOPS, but Cole rakes the eyes! Saraya complains but Cole stalks Jericho. Cole stomps Jericho, digs a boot in, but lets off as the ref counts. Jericho pokes Cole in the eyes! Jericho then throws Cole out, goes out after him, and fans fire up as Jericho whips Cole into railing! Jericho puts Cole back in, stalks him to a corner and CHOPS again! Jericho whips, Cole comes back and he CLOBBERS Jericho! Jericho hurries away, Cole dares him to come back, but Jericho tags out to Saraya. Saraya dares Cole to do something, but fans fire up as Britt steps in! And she fires off on Saraya!

Saraya shoves, Britt dodges and SLINGBLADES! And NORTHERN LIGHTS! Cover, TWO! Britt CLUBS Saraya, brings her up to Alabama Lift, AIR RAID CRASH! Britt revels in the cheers and spells it out, “D! M! D!” Britt then sits Saraya up, runs, but Saraya distracts the ref so Jericho can trip Britt! Fans boo but Cole rushes Jericho! Saraya stomps Britt, the ref keeps Cole from getting at Jericho, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Saraya covers Britt, shouts at the ref, and the ref returns, TWO! Saraya drags Britt up to HEADBUTT her down! Saraya paces around Britt, drags her up, and throws her down. Saraya points to Jericho, they “tag,” and then Jericho eggs Britt on. The ref tells Jericho to get out, that’s not the kind of match this is. Saraya taunts Cole while Jericho exits, and Saraya stomps Britt. Saraya drags Britt around, puts her in the ropes, then goes to the apron to fire off knee after knee! The ref counts, Saraya lets off to step back inside and they argue. Jericho talks trash on Britt but she swipes at him! Cole protests but Saraya stomps Britt down.

Saraya drags Britt up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Saraya argues with the ref but the count was fair. Saraya drags Britt into a chinlock stretch but Britt endures. Fans rally, Britt fights up, but Saraya CLUBS her back down! Saraya brings Britt around, CLUBS her, then Saraya “tags” Jericho again. Jericho spells it out, “D! M! D!” then signals the fans can shove it! Saraya stomps Britt, Jericho shouts at Britt, and the ref keeps Cole back. Saraya stands on Britt’s hair, pulls on the arms, but lets off as the ref counts. Dynamite returns to single picture as Saraya tosses Britt out. Saraya then goes out, Cole and Jericho shout at each other and the ref is distracted.

Saraya waves to the ramp, and out come the Outcasts! Ruby & Toni stomp away on Britt! Fans boo, Saraya drags Britt into the ring, and they get away with all of that! But HIKARU SHIDA is here! She SMACKS the Outcasts around with the kendo stick and fans fire up! Saraya is furious, but Britt rolls her up! TWO!! Saraya escapes and CLUBS Britt down! Jericho storms in and shouts at Britt, but Britt glares at him. Britt SLAPS Jericho, DECKS Saraya, and tags in Cole! Fans fire up as Cole rallies on Jericho with forearms! Cole whips, Jericho reverses but Cole CLOBBERS him! And ELBOW! And BOOT!

Cole rains down fists, just like at the end of their Unsanctioned match! Jericho pushes Cole away, CHOPS him, but, Cole PELES! Cole whips, Jericho holds ropes and avoids the dropkick! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives but Jericho scrambles away, hot tag to Saraya! That allows Britt to run in and rally on Saraya! Fans fire up and Britt hits a NECKBREAKER! Britt then hauls Saraya up but Saraya wrenches out to kick low! Saraya whips Britt to a corner, storms up, but into a BOOT! Britt goes up, Saraya runs back in to ROCK Britt! Saraya climbs up after Britt, but Britt resists the superplex!

Britt SHOVES Saraya down, adjusts, and fans fire up! But Jericho scurries over and asks for mercy! He even shields Saraya? Britt FROG SPLASHES them both!! Cover on Saraya, TWO!! Saraya survives but Britt tags Cole in! Cole BOOTS Jericho, hits a BACKSTABBER, and goes to the corner. Cole climbs up, aims, and Jericho stands, PANAMA- NO, Jericho trips Cole! Cole resists as Jericho tries to turn him! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Fans fire up, Saraya BLASTS Britt!! Cole endures, powers up, crawls forward and reaches out, but Jericho drags him back from the ropes! Fans fire up more as Jericho sits deep!

Wait! Britt gets her glove! Britt puts the glove on, steps into the ring and she fishhooks Jericho!! Jericho lets Cole go and fans fire up! Britt puts Jericho in the Rings of Saturn! LOCKJAW!! Saraya STOMPS Britt! The ref reprimands everyone, but Saraya goes to her corner. Cole tunes up the band as he aims at Jericho. Jericho stands, Cole rushes in, CODE BREAKER hits first!! Cover, TWO!!! Cole survives and Jericho can’t believe it! Jericho and Cole throw forearms back and forth and fans rally up. They stand, CHOP and forearm on repeat, and Cole gets the edge! Cole whips, Jericho reverses but DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

Saraya and Britt shout for Jericho and Cole, both men crawl for their corners. Hot tag to Saraya and Britt jumps in! Britt and Saraya fire off forearms! Saraya hits low, whips, but Britt holds ropes to then reel Saraya in! Saraya wrenches out, HOOK KICK to the GOOD KNIGHT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Britt survives and shocks Saraya! Jericho has Floyd the Baseball Bat! He aims, swings, but Britt doges and Cole SUPERKICKS! Then Britt SUPERKICKS Saraya! Then they DOUBLE SUPEKRICK Jericho!! Fans are thunderous, Cole goes to the corner and Britt tags him in! Cole drops the kneepad, takes aim, “I told you!”

Jericho sits up, into the BOOM!! Cover, Cole & Britt win!

Winners: Adam C0le & Britt Baker, by pinfall

The Undisputed Couple stands tall! The power of love, but also just all that pent up frustration, wins out in the end, while Jericho throws a fit! Cole dares Jericho to keep fighting then! Jericho throws in a chair, and even the ring bell! Cole and Britt grab those for themselves, and that makes Jericho back off. Can Cole & Britt finally move on from The Wizard and his schemes to go get themselves some gold?

My Thoughts:

A very good aftermath show for AEW after only a very good Double or Nothing. Good promos from Kris Statlander, Wardlow and MJF to follow their title wins. A little surprising that Kris had her first defense so soon but I suppose this gets it out of the way, and it gets Kris going on doing her best to match Jade’s streak. Taya watching backstage makes some sense, and I sense her turning Heel over being denied twice. Sadly, I think Taya is going to go 0-3 for the TBS Champion, because if she didn’t beat Jade, she’s not going to beat the person who beat Jade. And I do appreciate that Wardlow is calling out Luchasaurus, he’s being a proactive champion.

MJF of course isn’t, he’s just expecting AEW to find somebody. But I feel like, with Tony Khan letting us know CM Punk IS returning, that’s just the natural course of things for the world title. AEW Collision’s success is not fully dependent on CM Punk being back, but it will definitely incentivize Chicago fans to show up. But I love that there were plenty of fans who hated that news as there were who loved it in San Diego. And MJF VS Punk is an obvious route given how the Pillars he cheated at Double or Nothing are now going to other stories in the meantime. Sammy was the only absent one, but he’s surely preparing to be a parent.

Darby & Cassidy had an awesome tag match with The Gates of Agony, and I figured Darby & Cassidy would win. Swerve also won an awesome Triple Threat against Bill and Trent, and of course Swerve is moving on to a title. I feel like Swerve should be the one to dethrone Cassidy. He’s got The Mogul Embassy to help him cheat so that technically keeps Cassidy strong, and then Swerve can bring that title into a feud with Darby or in whatever finish we FINALLY get of Swerve VS Keith Lee. Then Jungle Boy returns to teaming with Hook just because there’s no other singles title open. JungleHook VS LFI is still going to be fun, and maybe we get Jungle Boy VS Rush. But honestly, I almost thought JB was gonna turn on Hook there. Heel Jack Perry taking the FTW Championship could be pretty cool.

Great promo from Bullet Club Gold and then great brawl with FTR and Starks. Starks VS White is going to end things one way or another, but I feel like it has to be White’s win. Then BCG VS FTR can be for the AEW World Tag Team Championships going into All In London. Speaking of titles, Championship Rampage is loaded, though I’m surprised there wasn’t just another Battle of the Belts special. I wonder if Battle of the Belts goes away with Collision being on Saturdays. Pretty sure all champions retain, though, because NONE of those titles are AEW property. Also, I feel that’s irresponsible to automatically say it’s Shibata VS Moriarty when Shibata VS Coughlin is airing tomorrow night on ROH.

The Acclaimed had a good promo with Renee on stage, and I figured they’d stick together and try again. They’ll probably choose a Open House Rules stipulation next time, I look forward to something wild from them. Really good promo from The Outcasts, and Storm could face just about anyone in her first defense of the world title. From how things went in the main event, pretty sure it’s Shida since she is still fighting against The Outcasts. Britt & Cole of course win against Jericho & Saraya, but that was a pretty fun Mixed Tag. And if Shida doesn’t beat Storm, I bet we get Britt VS Storm at like All Out or something.

Great opener of BCC VS Lucha Bros & Bandido, and Bryan was pretty good on commentary. I figured BCC would win, they’re going to keep things rolling from Double or Nothing. And good promo from The Elite and Dark Order, because it kept up the continuity from over the years. Hangman saying Kenny was out of the country but not in Canada totally hints at him being in Japan to reconnect with Kota Ibushi, which is definitely the next phase of this.  Elite plus Ibushi VS BCC plus Konosuke, Blood & Guts, that has to be it. And speaking of, Callis and Konosuke had a great promo, especially factoring in that nuclear Heel heat Callis has. Like, every other Heel wishes they had the level of booing, jeering and middle fingers Callis had aimed at him.

My Score: 8.7/10