Four championships on one Friday night!

AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
• NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
• ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!

Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?

The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!

Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.

Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.

Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”

Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.

Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!

Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!

“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!

Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)

Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?

Backstage interview with Team Triple J.

Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?

The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!

Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!

Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!

ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!

ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!

Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!

ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.

ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!

ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!

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

Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?

NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!

The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!

The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.

Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!

Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.

Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!

Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!

Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!

Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)

Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?

BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!

After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?

BIG news for ROH!

On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!

Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.

“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!

ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!

The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?

The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!

The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.

Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!

Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!

Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!

Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!

Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!

Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!

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

Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).

The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.

Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.

My Score: 8.7/10

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