Who will still be in the title hunt after tonight?

AEW is building up speed towards Full Gear with the eliminator tournament semifinals, the TNT Championship and even the NWA Women’s world title!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinals: Hangman Page VS Wardlow; Hangman wins and advances to the finals at Full Gear.
• Eddie Kingston VS Matt Sydal; Kingston wins.
• AEW TNT Championship Lumberjack Match: Cody Rhodes VS Orange Cassidy; Cody wins, retains the title, and will face Darby Allin at Full Gear.
• NWA Women’s World Championship: Serena Deeb VS Leyla Hirsch; Deeb wins and retains the title.
• Shawn Spears w/ Tully Blanchard VS VSK; Spears wins.
• AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinals: Kenny Omega VS Penta El Zero M; Omega wins and advances to the finals at Full Gear.

PLAY BY PLAY

Dasha interviews Wardlow and MJF.

She points out that if Wardlow wins the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, he could possibly become THE AEW World Champion, and asks how he feels about that. MJF stops things right there to set something straight. He is so proud of Wardlow and all he will accomplish after defeating one of the great stars in AEW in Hangman Page. BUT, if Wardlow wins and beats the champion, MJF becomes champion because Wardlow is under contract to MJF. That means anything Wardlow owns, MJF owns. Right, Wardlow? Yep… But then Sammy Guevara comes by and says, “Wow. What a nice way to talk to people, Max.” MJF says “Hey, little buddy! What’re you doing here? Nice jacket!”

Oh cut the crap, MJF! Screw your jacket! Sammy is not MJF’s friend or buddy, and tonight, Sammy makes sure MJF NEVER joins the Inner Circle. MJF has Wardlow stand down and tells him to prepare for his match. MJF asks the “little guy” where all this hostility is coming from. They were pals! MJF was going to give Sammy advice. That attack Sammy had on Matt Hardy last week, very nice. But MJF has a note for his promos: Don’t. Aw what’s the matter? “The guy who looks like he sells Adderall to middle schoolers is upset?” Oh no…! What’s he going to do about it? Is he deaf? NO. He’s thinking about all the things Sammy will do about it. MJF backs off to accompany Wardlow to the ring. Will MJF and Sammy revisit this issue later on?

AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinals: Hangman Page VS Wardlow!

The Cowboy had quite the match with Colt Cabana last week but made it through to the second round! However, Wardlow didn’t just open the opening round with Jungle Boy Jack Perry, Wardlow opened a can of whoop-ass on the young fan favorite! Will Wardlow do the same to make sure MJF gets closer to #PrettyPlatinum? Or are we about to see some serious cowboy “stuff?”

The bell rings and Hangman SHOTGUNS Wardlow to a corner! And fires off forearms! Wardlow pushes Hangman away, Hangman comes back with more but Wardlow shoves him again. Wardlow DECKS Hangman, then brings him up to RAM him in the corner! And uppercut! And RAM! Wardlow whips Hangman to ropes, Hangman holds ropes and boots Wardlow back! Wardlow fireman’s carries, Hangman sunset flips but Wardlow drags him up and throws him to a corner! Wardlow runs in to corner clothesline! Fans boo as Wardlow looms over Hangman. Wardlow stomps Hangman, whips him corner to corner, then runs in, but Hangman dodges! Wardlow hits buckles, Hangman dumps him out to the apron. Hangman runs, TRIANGLE LARIAT!

Fans fire up as Hangman PLANCHAS, but into Wardlow’s arms! Wardlow pops Hangman up, Hangman slips off to POST Wardlow! Fans fire up, Wardlow runs in to SPEAR Hangman into barriers! Hangman is down, Wardlow is roaring and fans are losing their minds for “A E DUB!” Wardlow goes back to the ring, Hangman writhes and the ring count begins. Fans rally, Hangman is up at the count of 6, and Hangman makes it to ringside at 8. Hangman is up at 9 and in at 9.99! Wardlow is after him again to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Hangman survives but Wardlow rains down rights! Wardlow lets off as the ref counts, and he stomps Hangman to ropes. Wardlow stomps Hangman, brings him up and goes to suplex, but Hangman resists. Wardlow throws body shots but Hangman hits back. Wardlow still suplex TOSSES Hangman!!

Fans rally for Hangman but Wardlow taunts him. Wardlow stomps Hangman to ropes, Hangman CHOPS back! Wardlow CLUBS Hangman, RAMS him in the corner, then brings him out to gut wrench POWEROMB! Cover, TWO!! Hangman is still in this and Wardlow is annoyed. Wardlow stalks Hangman to a corner, toys with him, then hoists him up top. Wardlow brings Hangman out, says thumbs down, but Hangman drags him into the HANGING ARMBAR! Hangman holds until 4, Wardlow staggers away as he clutches the arm, but Hangman gets up. Wardlow knees Hangman, drags Hangman up and suplex TOSSES him in! Fans are thunderous both ways as Wardlow goes to a corner! Wardlow goes up top!? WARDLOW SWANTONS, but flops as Hangman moves! Both men are down and fans are fired up!

Hangman snarls as he sits up. He and Wardlow rise, Hangman LARIATS, but Wardlow stays up! Hangman tries again, Wardlow LARIATS back! Wardlow runs, Hangman double ax handles the clothesline away to rolling elbow! Wardlow staggers but comes back to BOOT! And GERMAN, but Hangman lands on his feet! Hangman runs and clotheslines BOTH of them out of the ring! Fans rally up, Hangman goes to a corner and climbs, for a SUPER MOONSAULT! Direct hit and down goes Wardlow! Fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” and Hangman puts Wardlow in the ring. Hangman grits his teeth as he gets to a corner. Standing shooting star! Cover, ONE?! Hangman doesn’t worry about that, he goes out and slingshots in, but Wardlow gets around to LARIAT Hangman! Cover, TWO!! Hangman still lives and Wardlow can’t believe it!

Wardlow drags Hangman up, fireman’s carries, “ALL DAY LONG!” F 10!! But Hangman flops out of the ring and to safety! Wardlow lets his hair down as he watches Hangman flounder outside. Wardlow goes to the apron, drags Hangman back up and back to a corner. Wardlow goes up from one side, drags Hangman up to join him, fans rally and duel as Wardlow fireman’s carries! Hangman fights back, gets the arm, and throws elbows in! Wardlow hits back, choke grips, but Hangman fights back! Hangman has Wardlow in position, SUPER FALL AWAY SLAM!! Fans are thunderous again as Hangman goes back to the apron! Hangman aims at Wardlow, throws off the elbow pads, and slingshot for the BUCK SHOT! But Wardlow stays up! Hangman reloads, BUCK SHOT AGAIN!! Cover, Hangman wins!!

Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall (advances to the finals at Full Gear)

The Cowboy has done it! He is a finalist for the tournament and is going to Full Gear! Assuming there is a winner in the other match, will it be Penta El Zero M or Kenny Omega meeting Hangman in the end?

AEW hears from Jon Moxley.

“All year, I have defended the AEW World Championship with everything I have, to grow and cultivate and foster this championship, to make it the number one prize in this sport.” Up until now, it’s been all business. But Full Gear, it isn’t about the #1, 2, 3 contender. This time, it’s personal. Moxley won’t be defending the AEW World Championship. He will be weaponizing it. “Miserable, excuse making, son of a b*tch. No, there’s no room for this Eddie Kingston in AEW. AEW is for the greatest athletes in the world, who do the work! Who put their asses on the line, who have guts.” When Kingston looks around, there will be no one else to blame when he says the words, “I Quit.” He will be alone with his ego, and the painful realization that Moxley did to him what he’s done to everyone else with a big mouth: crushed their mouths, their windpipes, their skulls and their egos. “Protect ya neck, Eddie.”

Eddie Kingston VS Matt Sydal!

The champion has spoken, but the challenger will let his actions do the talking. With the Butcher, the Blade and the Bunny by his side, the Mad King looks to give Sydal’s third eye a shiner. Will Sydal be grounded as Kingston heads for Full Gear?

AEW returns as Kingston grabs a mic. “How dare the world champion not be here.” Kingston is sick and tired of talking, he wants to fight! But the world champion decides to go stay home. Cameraman, get out. Who cares if they tell you to get in, stay out of his world. Kingston doesn’t like Moxley at home. But since Moxley’s a coward, Kingston said it, he will take out the man who tried to steal Kingston’s thunder being the Joker in the Casino Battle Royal. Yes, it’s Matt Sydal. But Kingston was never actually eliminated. Hi, Lance. But bring out the Joker, and hopefully Moxley is watching. Sydal makes his entrance, and Joker VS King begins!

Kingston and Sydal circle, tie up, but then Kingston backs off to tell the ref to watch Sydal. Kingston comes back, tie sup with Sydal, Kingston waistlocks but Sydal switches. Kingston wrenches the arm, hammerlocks, but Sydal switches back. Kingston gets the arm again, then headlocks, but Sydal spins out to high wristlock. Kingston throws Sydal down hard, and the two reset. Sydal has the fans on his side but Kingston puts his dukes up. They tie up, Kingston powers Sydal to a corner, but he lets off at the ref’s count, only for Sydal to duck the chop. Sydal CHOPS back, then follows Kingston as he goes to another corner. Kingston wants Sydal to back off, Sydal stays where he is. They tie up again, Kingston headlocks but Sydal powers out. Sydal arm-drags Kingston around, flips Kingston around and gets the armlock!

Kingston endures, clasps hands to avoid a Fujiwara, and powers up to elbow Sydal on the back! Kingston is free, but Sydal gets around for a takedown to a cover, TWO! Sydal hits the rolling sobat! Kingston is in a corner, Sydal basement dropkicks in! Cover, TWO! Sydal keeps his cool as he goes after arms. Kingston endures, fights up, wrenches and throws back elbows. Sydal KICKS the leg, then KICKS it again! Sydal leaps but his sobat is caught for a SLAM! Kingston drops an elbow and Bunny Allie is rabid at ringside! Fans chant “Kingston Sucks!” as Kingston stalks Sydal to ropes. Kingston chokes Sydal as AEW goes picture in picture.

The ref counts, Kingston lets off and he CHOPS Sydal in a corner. Kingston chokes Sydal more, the ref counts and Kingston lets off again. Kingston drags Sydal up, punches him to a corner, then stomps Sydal at the ropes. Kingston stomps Sydal into a corner, drags him back up and snapmares him for a BOOT! Kingston kicks at Sydal, drags him back up, but Sydal throws body shots and kicks! Sydal runs, but Kingston runs him over with an elbow! Kingston stomps Sydal while Allie is fired up again. Kingston brings Sydal up, chinlocks tight, then shifts to a seated abdominal stretch. Sydal endures, fights up, fights back with body shots and kicks, then runs to sunset flip! TWO!! Kingston CLOBBERS Sydal!

Sydal writhes while Kingston rests in a corner. Kingston shakes out the legs before going over to stomp Sydal. Sydal sits up to egg Kingston on but Kingston CHOPS him! Kingston runs but Sydal dodges the boot to sweep the leg! STANDING TORNILLO! Sydal gets up and AEW returns to single picture. Fans rally for Sydal but Kingston’s family cheers him on. Kingston throws forearms and CHOPS, but Sydal will not fall! Sydal KNEES back! And ROUNDHOUSES! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Kingston and Sydal rise. Kingston is in one corner, Sydal runs in but Kingston elbows him away. Kingston hops up, Sydal comes back to throw haymakers! Sydal climbs up, Kingston shoves him back down, but Sydal NO HANDS RANAS! Sydal goes up, FLYING METEORA! Cover, TWO!!

Fans keep rallying as Sydal rises. Sydal runs, Kingston tries to knee but Sydal school boys, TWO! GHOST PIN, TWO!! Kingston swings, Sydal runs, kitchen sink knee hits! URAKEN!! The back hand takes Sydal down but Kingston isn’t done! Kingston brings down the straps, shouts “MOXLEY!” and he puts Sydal in the BULLY CHOKE! Sydal taps, Kingston wins!

Winner: Eddie Kingston, by submission

But Kingston won’t let go!! He wants to torture Sydal on behalf of Moxley! The Butcher, Blade and Bunny get in and they have a mic. “Say it, Moxley!” Sydal says “I QUIT!” and Kingston lets him go. Kingston apologizes to Moxley through his proxy, but will he have no regrets when he and THE AEW World Champion fight without restraint?

Excalibur interviews FTR and the Young Bucks.

Excalibur is live with Matt and Nick Jackson while Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood and their manager, Tully Blanchard, are via video chat. These two teams face off for the AEW World Tag Team Championships at Full Gear, but of course the question must be asked. How is Matt’s ankle? The doc says it’s a severe sprain and tubular contusion, but Matt insists it’s fine. Nick wants Matt to be a bit more honest but Matt says “This match has been brewing for years now.” You think this little injury will keep him out of the match? Nick says Matt can’t even play with the kids at home. Matt says Nick can carry him to the ring, because Matt’s not missing Full Gear.

But Excalibur says Matt just said it, and that leads to the next question: Why would FTR jeopardize this match-up happening, the one fans have always wanted, by doing something like this? Dax defends he and Cash aren’t afraid of backlash. This match IS a dream match, but that’s not what FTR cares about. FTR cares about being AEW World Tag Team Champions. On November 7th, at Full Gear, whoever walks out THE AEW World Tag Team Champions have cemented their legacies as THE best tag team in wrestling. Excalibur notes how he’s known the Bucks for years, but FTR interrupts by saying that’s the only reason Excalibur has a job here.

Excalibur continues with his question to say that the Bucks’ recent behavior, in the eyes of some in the locker room, was karma. Matt and Nick like to think themselves as “regular good people,” and sometimes even good people do bad things. Do they regret doing the things they’ve done? How they’ve been “out of character” recently. Matt isn’t proud of what they’ve done, he can’t say he regrets it. For the last year, they’ve been suffering, and realized there’s something missing. A spark, an edge, something they couldn’t quite place. And in the moment, “these pricks right here started screwing with our livelihood, and manipulating our friends!” It was just boom, something changed for the Bucks, and that killer instinct returned. The old Bucks are back. Will this be the cause of their own undoing? Maybe. Matt isn’t sure he even likes the way he feels, and that’s the same for Nick, but FTR better be ready.

Excalibur asks Nick how he really feels about that, but FTR interrupts again. Enough about the Bucks, talk more to them, the champions. But they get it, Excalibur doesn’t need them for this interview, right? They don’t deserve FTR, so see you at Full Gear. Well Excalibur wanted to ask Nick about how there’s more to lose than just the championships. Yes, the stipulation Matt just thought off, Nick can’t decide if he’s for or against it. Matt, go ahead and tell the world. Two self-made brothers, “two poor kids from southern California,” nothing was ever handed to them. They built their own ring and taught themselves how to wrestle. That was their college education. Every success was because they bet on themselves. Excalibur was there for that, so he knows. Their backs were against the walls and they always found away.

So that’s why, at Full Gear, it’s all on the line! If the Bucks do NOT win the AEW World Tag Team Championships this time, they will NEVER challenge for those titles again! Wow… Really?! Well then, this dream match has even higher stakes than before. Will the Bucks finally be on top of the world? Or will they never have the top tag prize in AEW?

It’s time for the AEW Town Hall Meeting!

Tony Schiavone and Dasha Gonzales welcome us to this special moment, as The Inner Circle will discuss whether MJF will join them or not. Firstly, Chris Jericho and the Inner Circle make their entrance. And after the fans finish singing Judas, MJF makes his entrance. Jericho and MJF take their seats and the first question is from Luchasaurus. “My question is for MJF. As a representative of dinosaurs, and as a medieval historian, I understand the power of economics in creating change over time within societies.” Consider then, MJF not having a Master’s Degree like Luchasaurus. How can MJF contribute to the earning potential and financial prosperity of The Inner Circle? Wow, give it up for Luchasaurus! Great question, dinosaur! But luckily for everyone at home, MJF has his answer.

On screen is a graph showing the Inner Circle’s earnings over the last year, “pre-MJF.” Very erratic. But then the projected earnings, “post-MJF,” is a straight arrow to the top. MJF has all the top financial advisors help him with this. “Sky’s the limit, baby.” Fans boo but MJF says it’s simple math! The next question comes from Dr. Britt Baker, DMD, as well as Reba/Rebel. Rebel is a bit star struck seeing Jericho, he has a great smile. And he’s so handsome! Britt tells Reba to stop. Britt says she loves MJF, he’s great, but you don’t have to be a dentist like Britt to see that he has a TERRIBLE track record with friends in AEW. How does that make Le Champion feel? Jericho says she has a valid point, and is very aware of MJF’s past. But Jericho isn’t “a dips*it like Cody,” so they’re not letting MJF into the Inner Circle’s inner circle. MJF knows nothing about their strategies, plans or secrets that they have. Besides, if MJF tries to turn on them, they’ll knock his friggin’ teeth down his throat.

MJF wants everyone to calm down! This is exciting and all, but c’mon. He’d never turn on any of them. They’re all in this great profession for the same reason, right? Money, and championships. MJF promises all of them together as one will get them a whole lot of green, and a whole lot of gold. You know he’s right. Jericho and the Inner Circle settle down as Peter Avalon is next to ask a question. “Okay, look. I’m just gonna shot my shot. Can I join the Inner Circle?” Whoa! Bold move. The Inner Circle discusses it, then laughs! MJF laughs, too. There is NO chance, Avalon. Next up is “Mr. Eric B.” BISCHOFF?! He’s back again?!

Eric thanks Schiavone for the intro, and thanks Jericho, “esteemed members of the Inner Circle,” and “Mr. Friedman” for letting him have this time. “I have a three-pronged question, if you will.” First: January 20th, 1961, President JFK’s inaugural address famously stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Therefore, he asks MJF, what can HE do for the Inner Circle? MJF says that Eric gave a great question. He can only give him this one word answer: “Friendship.” Fans boo again and MJF can’t believe they’re upset by that. Eric then conversely asks, “Given that most would consider you to be nearly a complete package as a wrestler, what is it that you believe the Inner Circle can do for you?”

MJF corrects Eric there, he isn’t nearly a complete package. He IS a complete package. But great second part. Guys, stop booing, he’s talking. While MJF is a total package, he accepts one dent in the armor: he isn’t the best team player. But MJF firmly believes that once he joins these great men, he can be. And finally, Eric asks MJF that, as Eric has worked with Jericho for many years in the past, and most would agree that Jericho is a “prima donna”- WHAT?! Jericho says he never liked Eric! Schiavone stops Jericho there and says Mr. Bischoff still has the floor. But he insulted Jericho! Jericho, SHUT UP! Eric thanks Schiavone for that. And to finish his third question, given MJF has the same “prima donna” characteristics-

Whoa, whoa, whoa! MJF is upset now. Please, let Eric finish. Eric asks “What is the guarantee that, if you do join the Inner Circle, you two just don’t end up killing each other?” MJF says this is preposterous! The entire time, he’s been booed, thrown arrows at him like he’s Frankenstein’s Monster or something! He’s a good man! He came out here as a sign of respect and took a leap of faith! Jericho wants MJF to calm down. Answer the question: How are they supposed to know MJF won’t stab them in the back? Jericho, you can’t be serious. How about Jericho answer a question? Week after week, MJF has made it clear he checks every box! He has done everything for Jericho! Presents, great television content, and friendship! And to top it off, last week, MJF gave Jericho the best segment of his CAREER, and the world the best segment in the HISTORY of pro-wrestling!! So MJF asks “Christopher,” what hasn’t MJF done?

“You haven’t beat me.” But Jericho will give MJF that chance. At Full Gear, Jericho VS MJF, 1v1! And if MJF wins, if he wins, MJF is in the Inner Circle. Wow, okay. MJF tells Jericho this is the biggest opportunity of his life so he won’t take it for granted. He tells Jericho now, man to man, “I will do whatever it takes to win. I will do anything to win.” Jericho expects nothing less. No, MJF wants Jericho to understand. He means anything. Ortiz says, “SHUT UP! All you do you is run your mouth! There is no conversation needed!” Sammy doesn’t want you in. Ortiz doesn’t want you in. Santana is undecided, and Jake Hager is too busy getting ready for a fight. But don’t believe for one second that just because Jericho is entertaining the idea, that MJF has a shot of getting in with them! Because next week, Sammy and Ortiz take on MJF and Wardlow! And best believe that MJF isn’t even making it to Full Gear.

MJF is going to have to take the long route to joining this powerful faction! Will he and Wardlow make it through the Spanish God and the Boricua pitbull to then have a Full Gear dream match?

Team Taz speaks.

“So Will Hobbs wrestles on Dark, wins his match. Some people wondering, ‘Why would you keep going after Hobbs if he hasn’t given you an answer yet?'” Taz says it’s simple: Team Taz is about victories, championships, and money. Hobbs is legit, from being athletic and fast as hell to being big as hell and mean as hell, too. That fits into their world. Hobbs stood up to Cage and Starks as they went after Darby Allin, but there’s still time. Hobbs needs to decide. Cage wants to know, “What’s the deal, huh?!” Is Hobbs in, or is he out? He got involved in their business, but will he change course and be part of the team? Or was Dark answer enough?

AEW TNT Championship Lumberjack Match: Cody Rhodes VS Orange Cassidy!

Last time, the American Nightmare and Freshly Squeezed went to a time limit draw! Of course, you could credit The Dark Order minions for part of that, as they did their best to interfere and mess with both competitors. Now things will be very different, as Best Friends, Jurassic Express and a few others will be there to keep The Dark Order in line. Will Cody and Cassidy have a real result before the time runs out? And if so, who meets Darby Allin at Full Gear to do it all over again?

AEW returns as the lumberjacks are at ringside. Cody makes his entrance with all the same fanfare, but also with the Nightmare Family’s QT Marshall, Dustin Rhodes and Arn Anderson! They join the lumberjacks as introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this red hot rematch begins!

Cody and Cassidy stare down, try to fake the other out, but then Cassidy dodges, tries the Orange Punch already but Cody gets around to dragon sleeper! Cassidy slips out to Mouse Trap but Cody gets out of that, too! The two stand off as fans and lumberjacks fire up! Cody and Cassidy circle, feel the grapple out, but Cassidy raises his hands. Cody grimaces, but this is a fake out, too! Cassidy gets around, waistlocks, headlocks and takeovers! Cody endures the grind, rolls to a cover, ONE! They get up, Cassidy wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks and hits another takeover. Cody gets up, powers up but Cassidy holds on to hit a third takeover! Fans are fired up as Cody gets to his feet. Cody pries out of the headlock, wrenches to a wristlock, and puts Cassidy in a corner. Cody wrenches, whips and WRINGS Cassidy into the buckles!

Cody keeps the Dark Order and others from Cassidy to then whip again. Cassidy reverses and redirects Cody into the corner, Cody has to kick at Evil Uno to keep him away. Cassidy backslides in the distraction, TWO! Cody punches low and slows Cassidy- Well, brings him back to normal pace actually. Cody wrenches the arm, reels Cassidy in and suplexes. He holds Cassidy up for a count of 10 before the gourd buster! Cody shows off by doing some push-ups! Arn tells Cody to stay serious and Cody covers, ONE! Cody keeps his cool, drags Cassidy up and throws elbows into Cassidy’s back. Cody yanks the arm, wrenches and reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy suplexes Cody up and stalls for about 8 before the slam! Fans are fired up as Cody bails out.

Cassidy takes a moment to make sure his knee is alright, but the lumberjacks are about to meet. Hobbs and the Gunn Club make sure The Numbers stay back. Cassidy goes out, Cody gets in, but now the Best Friends step up! Chuck Taylor shoves Alan “Number 5” Angels away so that he, Trent and Cassidy have room to HUG! Cassidy gets back on the apron, shoulders into Cody, then steps in, but into a DRAGON SCREW! Cody took advantage of Cassidy’s slow pace, and then he throws a forearm! Best Friends catch Cassidy, prop him back up, and Cassidy shoulders in! Cassidy slingshots up and over, ducks under and drops down, Cody misses and falls out of the ring! The lumberjacks are crowding each other again, Cody gets up but Cassidy forearms him!

Cody wobbles and holds on to ropes but Cassidy slaps his hands away. Best Friends catch Cody, as lumberjacks are allowed to do, but then they DROP him! Oops? Dustin helps Cody, Cody shoves Chuck but Dustin keeps him focused. Cody gets in, Cassidy BOOTS Cody to ropes! Cassidy kips up but his knee jams and the ref checks on him. Trent sucker punches Cody in the distraction! Dustin is upset, but Cassidy climbs up and leaps, CROSSBODY! He bounces off, comes back and tilt-o-whirls, but Cody drops him to FIGURE- NO! Cassidy boots Cody off the leg lock and Cody tumbles out into the Dark Order! They go after him, Cody gets in the ring, Cassidy tilt-o-whirls to DDT this time! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and everyone is fired up!

Cassidy goes to a corner as fans and lumberjacks rally. Cassidy calls for the 450 but just does a regular splash, onto knees! Cody gets up and clotheslines Cassidy and himself out! The Best Friends have Cody, the Natural Nightmares have Cassidy, but they call truce and help both guys in as AEW goes picture in picture.

Fans cheer the sportsmanship as Cody and Cassidy slowly rise. Cody trips Cassidy and gets a leg. Cassidy fights but Cody slams the leg on the mat! Cassidy crawls then hobbles up but Cody is after the leg! Cody hip tosses Cassidy across the way! Then brings him around to bump off buckles and whip to ropes. Cody elbows Cassidy down, covers, TWO! Cody grows frustrated, but fans rally up, as do the lumberjacks. Cody drags Cassidy around by his leg, cranks on a heel hook and turns Cassidy for a HALF CRAB! Cassidy endures, crawls, but Cody shifts to make it a deathlock. Cody reaches for Cassidy’s face but Cassidy gets the ropebreak before any STF can be put on! Cody lets go at the ref’s count, and Cody goes up the ropes. Cassidy stands but Cody drop shim with ax handles! Cover, TWO!

Cody keeps his cool as he puts Cassidy in a rear bearhug. Cassidy powers to his feet and pries free to throw elbows! Cody whips Cassidy, Cassidy holds ropes and dumps Cody out! The Dark Order is all over Cody again! The other lumberjacks hurry over, and even Cassidy goes out to fight them off! Cody gets into the ring, Cassidy back drops John Silver onto the other numbers! But The Hybrid2, Jack Evans and Angelico, attack Cassidy now! AEW returns to single picture as fans boo and the ref reprimands. Best Friends and Gunn Club chase them off, with Jurassic Express not too far behind. They’re all brawling near the stage, Cassidy climbs a corner and Cody goes to the apron. Cody throws hands on Cassidy, climbs up to join him, and the cluster is close enough for the SUPERPLEX to fall on them all!! Cody and Cassidy just bowled a strike, and “This is Awesome!”

Dustin helps Cody get up, Cody fetches Cassidy and puts him in to cover, TWO!! Cassidy still lives with just 10 minutes left! Cody fires himself up and fans rally with him. Cody runs, springboards, NIGHTMARE CUTTER! Cassidy flounders, Cody stalks him again, cover, TWO! Cody brings Cassidy up but Cassidy “fires off” haymakers. Cody blocks one, reel shim in, but Cassidy dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody LARIATS right back! Cody gets up, drags Cassidy up and suplexes, but into STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Cassidy goes up, FLYING DDT!! Cassidy isn’t done yet, he drags Cody up to Alabama, BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO!?! Cody survives but Cassidy isn’t done yet! Cassidy fires up, Cody rises, but Angels gets in! The ref is busy with him, Silver BOOTS Cassidy down!! And there’s more brawling with Dark Order and the rest!

Cassidy gets to ropes, Arn SUCKER PUNCHES him!! That was for earlier with Trent! Cody throws Silver out and grabs Cassidy, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)

But now all hell breaks loose as the lumberjacks brawl in the ring! Cody retains his title, though through various nefarious means at the end, he’s headed to Full Gear! Will Darby at least get a fair match? As for the brawling, It’s hard to tell who isn’t in there! Things start to spill out of the ring, but Billy Gunn tops it all of by giving Preston “Number 10” Vance a FAMOUSER! QUICK DRAW from Austin to Vance! Darby watches from the nosebleeds. Will Cody be able to stop the #Relentless underdog if it took all this chaos for Cody to retain?

Alex Marvez interviews Best Friends back stage.

After all that chaos, he wants to ask about their grudge with Kip Sabian and Miro. But before there is an answer, Kip and Miro show up! Neither side wants to fight, and both Kip and Miro are apologetic. Kip explains that ALAN the arcade cabinet was a wedding present from Miro to him, so that’s why it was a big deal. But they forgive Trent and Chuck now. And they have presents of their own! Penelope Ford, who is Cassidy for Halloween, hands the Best Friends a wrapped present. Thanks. But before they go, Penelope asks, “Trick or treat?” Neither…? Wrong answer! Miro and Kip attack!! This was never an apology! They throw Bets Friends around the locker room, and say that they were never sorry about how they treated Best Friends!

Miro throws Trent into a wall! Then drag shim up to say, “I will never forgive you! NEVER!” And the present was just ALAN’s control panel, which of course Kip takes back. But is there no going back from the accident turned all out feud?

NWA Women’s World Championship: Serena Deeb VS Leyla Hirsch!

It was just last Tuesday night, Thunder Rosa was DETHRONED, and a NEW NWA Women’s World Champion was crowned! But there’s no resting on laurels, Serena Deeb is ready to defend her title as a true fighting champion! Will #LEGIT Leyla catch the new champ off guard and take away all that legacy and respect Deeb worked so hard to win?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this newest NWA AEW crossover begins!

Fans are fired up for Deeb as she and Hirsch circle. They approach, tie up, and Deeb manages to power Hirsch to a corner, only for Hirsch to turn it around. Deeb powers out of the corner but the two break and reset. Fans cheer as Hirsch and Deeb circle again. They tie up, Deeb waistlocks, Hirsch drops and moves around to slip out to a hammerlock. Hirsch facelocks, holds on as Deeb rolls and rolls, then clubs Deeb down. Deeb fights up, pries out and arm-drags Hirsch around! Deeb gets Hirsch into a chinlock, then a ghost pin, TWO! The two reset again and fans cheer the exchange. Hirsch and Deeb catch their breath and go again.

Hirsch and Deeb approach, tie up, Deeb headlocks and hits the takeover. Hirsch moves around, makes it a cover, ONE! Hirsch gets up, powers out but Deeb runs her over! Deeb speeds things up, Hirsch LARIATS back! Hirsch runs corner to corner and corner forearms! Then rolls to come back with KNEES! And then a swinging dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hirsch grows annoyed but she brings Deeb up to whip her to a corner. Hirsch runs in, Deeb dodges and then baits Hirsch into a facelock through the ropes! Deeb turns Hirsch for a hotshot neckbreaker! Hirsch writhes, Deeb gets back in and GEDO CLUTCH, TWO! Hirsch escapes, Deeb omoplatas the arm but Hirsch kicks away on Deeb’s arm! Hirsch drags Deeb down, wants the cross armbreaker, but Deeb clasps hands to resist.

Deeb moves, covers, TOW! Hirsch lets Deeb go, gets the arm again and hits an ARM BREAKER! Then a hammerlock, and she RAMS Deeb into corners! Fans fire up as Hirsch grabs Deeb for a facelock and another hammerlock. Hirsch RAMS Deeb into more buckles as AEW goes picture in picture.

Hirsch steps on Deeb for a cocky cover, ONE! Hirsch drags Deeb up and puts her on ropes to wrap the arm around and pull! The ref counts, Hirsch holds on until 4, and Deeb gets to a corner. Hirsch drags Deeb around again, wraps the arm back around ropes and pulls! Again the ref counts but again Hirsch lets go at 4. Hirsch drags Deeb to center, and armbars the arm while Deeb is on her stomach! Deeb endures the modified omoplata and gets a ropebreak with her legs! Hirsch holds on until 4 again, then gets up to grab at Deeb. Hirsch facelocks, goes after the arm and grinds Deeb down to the mat. Deeb endures, fights up to her feet and arm-drags Hirsch away! Deeb gets to ropes, Hirsch is on her and whips, but Deeb reverse to straitjacket NECKBREAKER! Both women are down, their arms hurting, but fans rally up as AEW goes to break.

AEW returns and Deeb stands over Hirsch. Deeb shakes out the bad arm, brings Hirsch up but Hirsch fires off palm strikes to the chest from all sides! Hirsch kicks a leg out then KNEES Deeb down! Waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! Hirsch drags Deeb around, steps on her as she heads to the corner and climbs up top. Hirsch MOONSAULTS, but FLOPS as Deeb moves! Deeb grabs Hirsch for the SWINGING NECKBREAKER! And then a normal but stiff neckbreaker! Deeb omoplatas, gets the leg, HALF CRAB! Hirsch TAPS, Deeb wins!!

Winner: Serena Deeb, by submission (still NWA Women’s World Champion)

Deeb wins the title then successfully defends it 24 hours later! Are we seeing the start to an incredible reign?

Backstage interview with Hikaru Shida.

The AEW Women’s World Champion knows Nyla Rose has been #1 contender for some time, but Nyla says she refuses to wrestle until Shida accepts the rematch challenge. Shida’s response? “Nyla, you want me? I want you at Full Gear!” There it is! The challenge has been accepted, how will this rematch from Double or Nothing go?

Shawn Spears w/ Tully Blanchard VS VSK!

The Chair Man is not one for sharing spotlight or moments, and he continues to claim Scorpio Sky is a spotlight thief. Will Spears finally have #PERFECT10N all to himself tonight?

Spears’ black glove is not loaded, for now. The bell rings and Spears circles with VSK. They tie up, Spears fireman’s carries already, C4!! But Spears takes his time to the cover, and he wins!

Winner: Shawn Spears, by pinfall

That was certainly Spears’ fastest win ever, but could’ve been even faster if he didn’t take time to gloat. But then a minotaur throws candy at him? Spears goes out to confront the minotaur, drags him out to ringside and puts him in the ring! The minotaur flounders and asks Spears take it easy. Spears has Tully give him the slug, but the minotaur is Scorpio Sky! And that’s no bull! Spears turns around into Scorpio’s fireman’s carry and T K O!! Scorpio glares at Tully before going back to his minotaur mask. As they say, if you mess with the bull, you get the horns. Will Scorpio make sure Spears finally bucks off?

AEW sets more matches for Full Gear!

Not only is the AEW Women’s World Championship match set with Shida VS Rose, the Buy-In has been set! After his involvement in the TNT Championship match, John Silver will face Orange Cassidy 1v1! Will Silver face the consequences on behalf of the entire Dark Order?

Plus, AEW has plans for Dynamite next week!

In the go-home to Full Gear, Chris Jericho will be on commentary, and he’ll surely want to watch that match of Sammy Guevara & Ortiz VS MJF & Wardlow very closely. Then Miro VS Trent go 1v1 to see if Trent can get payback for that hallway attack! And after what we just saw, Scorpio Sky and Shawn Spears will finally have it out in a match! Plus, Cody saw the Gunn Club step up against the Dark Order, and he wants to fight alongside them! Cody, Billy and Austin will take on the Dark Order’s Preston Vance, John Silver, and BOOM BOOM Colt Cabana! And before going to dark places in their I Quit match, champion and challenger, Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston, will have one last face to face! Will they keep from turning that into a free preview of Full Gear?

AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament Semifinals: Kenny Omega VS Penta El Zero M w/ Rey Fenix!

And speaking of Full Gear, this is the match-up we have to determine the other finalist! The Cleaner put Sonny Kiss away in the blink of an eye, but the Lucha Brothers went to war, and though Fenix won, he basically eliminated himself with an injury. Penta gets his spot by default, but neither brother seems that happy about it. Will Cero Miedo triumph this time to take on Hangman? Or will Omega deny Eddie Kingston’s dream of facing his “best friend” in an AEW World Championship match?

AEW returns as Omega has a new prologue to his entrance: Bleacher Report has said over and over again this year that Omega has “risen to the occasion”; Vice calls Omega “the hottest thing in the world of wrestling”; ESPN has said Omega is a “special kind of performer”; Sports Illustrated says “no one can capture an audience’s attention” quite like Omega; Wrestle Joy has described Omega as “a genius”; Last Word on Sports has said Omega is a legend. “He is international held as a trailblazer by media outlets around the world. He has an old high school buddy that currently resides in North Carolina…” This is Kenny OOOOOOOOOMEEEEGAAA!

Oh hey, the cleaner girls, aka the Sweepers, are back, but wearing the Lucha Bro masks. And their dance is a bit more elaborate this time. Omega actually makes his entrance now, and he moves with smooth, slow swagger to the stage for his pyro. Omega finally goes to the ring, and we have this All In rematch long overdue finally happen!

Omega and Penta start at a slower pace than Omega did with Kiss. Omega doesn’t take his shirt off, he must not be taking this seriously. They tie up, Omega headlocks and thrashes Pentagon but Penta powers out. Penta drops, Omega walks all over him! Fans are torn on the swagger but Penta definitely doesn’t like it. Penta shoves, Omega shoves back but then Omega backs off to “apologize.” Omega lifts his shirt to reveal he’s wearing the AAA Mega Championship! Omega rubs that in Fenix’s face as well as Penta’s before taking it off. Omega taunts them with it, Fenix gets up on the apron but the ref tells him to stay back. Omega puts the belt down and dares Penta to do something. Penta dares Omega back! Omega CHOPS! Penta stays up, Omega takes his shirt off, and Penta CHOPS!

Omega grins, he got what he wanted out of that one. Omega CHOPS back, but Penta stays up. Penta takes off the glove with all the due pomp and circumstance, and tosses the glove. Omega intercepts, and SLAPS Penta with it! Omega says Penta needs to chop him, and Penta winds up, but Omega kicks and fires off! Omega stomps and stomps and stomps! And then slaps him with his own glove again and again! Omega wipes his sweat with the glove and throws it at Fenix. Omega brings Penta up to throw forearms, whip but Penta reverses. Penta runs into Omega’s boot, but comes back. Omega goes up and over and rolls, but turns around into that CHOP! Penta swaggers over to KICK the leg! Penta tells the ref to back off and he whips. Omega reverses, Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER!

Penta rallies the fans as Omega bails out. Penta builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit!! Penta does crash a bit into railing and now Fenix check son his brother. Fans rally for “CERO MIEDO!” as AEW goes picture in picture.

Omega and Penta get up but Penta hobbles over. Penta still KICKS Omega’s leg and sends him hobbling away! Penta refreshes the count, then goes back to KICK Omega again! Penta POSTS Omega, follows him around the way, but Omega kicks back! Penta KICKS the leg out, then drags Omega up and into the ring. Omega hurries away but Penta is on him with a grounded motorcycle stretch. Omega endures as his arms are pulled back but Penta boots him to a corner! Penta stretches Omega against ropes but lets up at the ref’s count. Penta drags Omega up, throws him out of the ring, then follows him out to clothesline him into the crowd of fellow wrestlers! Penta is fired up as he follows and KICKS Omega! Omega uses someone’s cooler to sweep the legs!

Omega kicks and kicks Penta then bounces him off the cooler! Omega paces, Penta throws a water bottle at him! Omega DDT’s Penta to the cooler! Omega is going crazy as he puts Penta back to ringside. Omega is talking to himself as he goes over the railing and follows Penta into the ring. Penta stomps Omega as AEW returns to single picture, but Omega CHOPS and forearms back! Penta KICKS the bad leg, says CERO MIEDO then runs, into a NO HANDS RANA! Penta bails out to steady himself but the Terminator drums begin! Omega builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit and they crash into railing! Omega is fired up as he puts Penta back in! Fans fire up with Omega as he wipes the sweat. Penta KICKS Omega in the head at the ropes!

Penta goes up top as Omega steadies himself. Penta LEAPS for the crossbody! Both men are down but the fans are fired up! Penta is up first, he drags Omega up and into the ring. Penta climbs, Fenix rallies behind his brother, and Penta leaps. Omega dodges and Penta rolls through his own stomps. Omega runs but the V-Trigger misses, Penta BOOTS! Penta runs, springboard SLING BLADE! Cover, TWO!! Omega survives the “Spring-Blade” but Penta keeps focus. Penta drags Omega up, brings him over to a corner and clubs him. Penta hops up but Omega fires up to fire off haymakers! Omega laughs as he goes up but Penta slips out to SUPERKICK a leg out! Omega is stuck, Penta goes up, WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Omega still lives but Penta fires himself up.

Penta gets up, fireman’s carries, Omega kicks out to full nelson and SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Omega talks to himself again as he gets up. Fans are thunderous as Penta rises. Omega reels Penta back in, SNAP DRAGON! Omega keeps going as he brings Penta back up. Omega full nelsons again, but Penta resists and elbows free! Penta CHOPS, CHOPS, and V-TRIGGER from Omega stops that! DR. WILY BOMB, to V-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO?!!? Penta survives and Omega can’t believe it! Omega pleads with the ref but “This is Awesome!” as it continues! Penta gets to ropes, Omega takes aim and BANG! Omega runs, V-TRIGGER! Omega Electric Chairs, but Penta fights of and elbows! Omega BLINDSIDE HEEL KICKS! Penta ends up in a corner, Omega goes corner to corner, BLINDSIDE V-TRIGGER!!

Omega shovels Penta up top then climbs up to join him. Omega wants the full nelson again, Penta resists and fights free. Omega CHOPS Penta on the back, goes out to CHOP Penta’s front, then adjusts position. Omega aims for the ramp!? Penta fights back, throwing body shots and a headbutt! Omega falls to the ramp, Penta adjusts and leaps, DESTROYER to the ramp!! The ref checks on both men and somehow, Omega is okay to continue! Penta puts Omega in, drags him up and tucks him in, PACKAGE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Omega survives and shocks everyone, especially Penta! Fenix rallies for Penta as Penta brings Omega up. Penta pump handles, half nelsons, but Omega resists the lift! Omega breaks free, elbows Penta away, but Penta clubs away on Omega’s back! Penta hooks in again, but Omega arm-drags free! Penta enziguris fast!

Penta fires up, Fenix is right there with him! The fans rally up as Penta drags Omega up. CERO MIEDO, and a run, into a V-TRIGGER!! Omega wants to end this, and he drags Penta up! Electric Chair, fold, but Penta fights with haymakers! Penta drags Omega down into the hammerlock! Penta has the other arm, DARK ARMBAR!! Pop goes Omega’s shoulder!! Penta isn’t done there, he drags Omega back up and pump handles him, but Omega fights off! The bad arm is throbbing so he CHOPS with the good arm! Then he throws double chops! Omega runs, into a SUPERKICK! Omega wobbles, Penta springboards, into a V-TRIGGER!! Electric Chair, ONE WINGED ANGEL!!! Cover, OMEGA WINS!!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall (advances to the finals at Full Gear)

The AAA Mega Champion reminds us why all those people, reporters and outlets said what they said about him! Omega IS the Best Bout Machine, and he has one more battle before he can be called #1 contender! Will he and Hangman tear the house down to not only prove who is worthy of a title shot, but to prove who was the stronger tag partner?

My Thoughts:

A great episode, though maybe not as great as it could’ve been. My only real gripe is how the TNT Championship match ended. Cody VS Cassidy with lumberjacks was going great, but the Dark Order getting maybe too involved and then Arn Anderson, for all his talk of Cody taking this serious and all that, still giving a sucker punch, that just kinda hurt the whole thing. I suppose Cody VS Darby is still a great choice because they’ve had history since literally Dynamite’s start, but I would’ve loved if Cody let Cassidy take this and go against Darby. I suppose the reason could be is that Cody will put Darby over and let Darby carry the title as he continues things with Team Taz. Speaking of, Team Taz had a good promo to call out Hobbs. I expect Team Taz to get involved at some point, Hobbs might respond, only to “swerve” us and turn on Darby. Hoping it’s after Darby wins because a feud is great, but with Starks wanting the TNT title, it’s two birds with one stone for this.

Moxley had a good final vignette, Kingston had a good promo and match with Sydal, a little disappointed Natural Nightmares didn’t confront Butcher, Blade and Bunny, but maybe we get that on Dark. With the face to face in the go-home, I wonder if Archer gets involved so that the math is skewed. Having Serena Deeb on the show as the newly minted NWA Women’s World Champion was great, and she had a great match with Leyla Hirsch. I recall there being an advertised Taynara Conti VS Abadon, and as much as I’m creeped out by Abadon, her and Conti would’ve had a good match. Maybe that still happens on Dark and the NWA title match was an audible. Spears DESTROYING VSK was clearly just a way to get minotaur Scorpio getting the drop on him. Their match is happening in the go-home, that’ll be a lot of fun and could also go a ways to determining a separate contender to the TNT championship.

Shida VS Nyla was of course happening but it was good to hear it from Shida, though no one else really kayfabe’d it the way it was framed on Dark. The quick backstage brawl with Best Friends, Miro and Kip was good, but I feel like they should just do the tag match already if they’re not doing it at Full Gear in even the Buy-In. Cassidy VS Silver is on the Buy-In even though that’s more Dark or go-home tier to me. The Bucks and FTR had a really good interview segment, FTR were really playing up being obnoxious, and the Bucks are doing their “all or nothing” story to follow in Cody’s footsteps. I feel the Bucks paced their story better than Cody’s, but I would hope this means they get the win at Full Gear. I don’t see Bucks dominating an alternate title the same way Cody has.

The “Town Hall” was a good segment, but not quite Jericho’s debate with Cassidy good. Eric’s questions were the best, as was the back and forth with MJF and Jericho. Jericho VS MJF is going to be great, and I like how ominous MJF was about doing anything to win. We might even see some of that next week in that tag match they also set up. And while it was so clear right from the start that Full Gear would have Omega VS Hangman, the matches tonight were incredible, it made everything worth it. I love that Omega’s prologue was all brand new, and I bet it’ll be all new things for Full Gear. On a PPV with FTR VS Bucks, two great title rematches, and even an I Quit match, Omega VS Hangman is going to be the real main event, no matter where it is on the card.

My Score: 9.2/10