Dynamite brings out the gold!

AEW Dynamite lands in Colorado Springs, and Kris Statlander defends her TBS Championship against Anna Jay A.S! Will Kris still be the Galaxy’s Greatest?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Swerve Strickland; Cassidy wins and retains the title.
• Six Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Chaos; The BCC wins.
• Texas Tornado Tag: #JungleHook VS La Faccion Ingobernable; JungleHook wins.
• Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Daman Ace; Takeshita wins.
• AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Anna Jay A.S; Kris wins and retains the title.
• Ricky Starks VS Jay White; White wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Swerve Strickland w/ The Mogul Embassy!

The Freshly Squeezed fighting champion survived Double or Nothing’s 20 VS 1 odds, but now he has to deal with The Mogul 1v1! Will Cassidy still be carrying the gold in his backpack? Or will that title be going to whose house? Swerve’s house!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Cassidy survives once again!

The bell rings and the fans rally for Freshly Squeezed. Swerve is annoyed by that, but he and Cassidy circle. Swerve tells Cassidy to go ahead, do what you do. Cassidy puts his hands in his pockets! Then he dodges a boot, but Swerve reels him in. Cassidy ducks the elbow to no-hands arm-drag! But Swerve handsprings through! Fans fire up and then things speed up. Cassidy hurdles, Swerve blocks the flip to drag Cassidy up. Cassidy fights the nelson with elbows, runs, but Swerve side steps and ducks the leap! Fans fire up as swerve kips up and stares Cassidy down. Cassidy stays by the ropes and Swerve is annoyed.

Swerve eggs Cassidy on, Cassidy comes back, they tie up, and Swerve trips Cassidy. Cover, ONE, but Swerve facelocks. Cassidy rolls, covers, TWO, and Swerve headscissors. Cassidy is down, ONE, and Swerve chinlocks. Cassidy scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but then Swerve hooks Cassidy’s legs away! Swerve rolls Cassidy to a mounted armlock! Fans rally, Swerve wrenches that arm, but Cassidy fights up. Cassidy reaches for ropes but Swerve keeps him from them. Swerve cranks the wristlock but Cassidy rolls, stays put, then rolls back to roll and wrench and hook Swerve up into a Lazy Octopus!

Fans cheer while Swerve endures and fights his way to ropes. But Cassidy goes after the arm now! Cassidy bends the fingers, but Swerve fights to reach for ropes. Cassidy pops around to RANA Swerve, and he runs, to tilt-o-whirl but no DDT! Swerve and Cassidy stare down, Swerve runs in, and Cassidy dumps him out! Fans fire up, but Swerve mocks Cassidy by putting hands in “pockets!” Cassidy runs up but Swerve CLOBBERS him! Swerve TOSSES Cassidy into railing, and then high-fives Prince Nana. Swerve drags Cassidy up, gets the bad arm and SLAMS it against the post! And again! Cassidy clutches his hand while Nana applauds.

Swerve pushes Cassidy into the ring, CLUBS him, ROCKS him, then drags him up. Swerve whips corner to corner, UPPERCUTS him, and Cassidy falls! Fans are torn between the two as Swerve drags Cassidy back up. Swerve whips corner to corner, Cassidy goes up, but Swerve catches him to an Electric Chair! But Cassidy uses that to RANA Swerve out, only for Swerve to hold on! But then Cassidy RANAS again and Swerve hits railing! Fans are thunderous for Cassidy as he gets back into the ring! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into railing! Cassidy puts Swerve back in, fans rally up, and he climbs the corner!

Cassidy leaps, CROSSBODY, but he bounces off the cover. Cassidy goes to run but Swerve reels him back, but then Cassidy keeps Swerve from running. Swerve breaks free with a leg, and ROCKS Cassidy with a right! Swerve drags Cassidy up, whips him to a corner, but Cassidy tumbles up and out! Cassidy blocks a punch but Swerve blocks a buckle bump. Swerve CHOPS Cassidy, climbs up the ropes and drags Cassidy up to join him. Fans rally as Swerve throws haymakers. Cassidy counters, but Swerve counters back! They fight for control, and they both HOTSHOT off the top buckle! Fans fire up while Dynamite goes picture in picture!

Nana coaches up Swerve, but both he and Cassidy stir. Both men rise, they storm up to each other, and Cassidy RAMS Swerve into railing! Cassidy brings Swerve around, and he RAMS Swerve back into the railing! Nana is furious but Cassidy brings Swerve up and into the ring. Swerve distracts the ref so Nana can yank Cassidy down! Cassidy glares at Nana and Nana backs off, but Swerve BOOTS Cassidy down! Swerve goes out after Cassidy, puts him in the ring, and climbs up the corner, for the FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve cocky covers, TWO! Swerve scowls, stalks Cassidy to a corner, and CLUBS him on the back!

Swerve drags Cassidy from the corner, drops an ax handle, then clamps on a chinlock. Cassidy endures as Swerve leans on him and chicken wings an arm. Swerve chinbars, as well, but Cassidy fights the hold. Fans rally as Cassidy fights up to his feet, Dynamite returns to single picture, and Swerve throws a body shot! Swerve half nelsons, Cassidy throws elbows! Cassidy is free, and he ROCKS Swerve! And ROCKS him again! And again! Nana claims closed fist but Swerve BOOTS Cassidy! Swerve talks trash, pie faces, rolls, but into a SUPERKICK! Cassidy goes for an Alabama Lift but the back hurts him!

Swerve WRINGS Cassidy, gator rolls him and suplexes, but Cassidy STUN DOG MILLIONAIRES! Swerve wobbles, rebounds, HOUSE- NO, Cassidy avoids the House Call! Cassidy runs, but Swerve somersaults to COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Cassidy and Swerve stir as the fans rally up. They flounder towards each other, Swerve drags Cassidy up, and Swerve throws body shots. Swerve talks trash, but Cassidy “hits” back. Swerve says okay, and he fires off more hard body shots! Swerve talks more trash but Cassidy fires more “heavy” hands. Swerve swings, into a backslide! TWO!!

Cassidy reels Swerve in, gets around him, and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, TWO! Swerve survives but Cassidy goes to the corner. Cassidy climbs, but Swerve bails out of the ring. Cassidy sighs, adjusts position, but Swerve throws a body shot! Fireman’s carry, APRON DEATH VALLEY!! Cassidy writhes, Swerve goes up the corner, and Swerve takes aim… But Cassidy scoots away! Fans cheer but Swerve hops down to storm up, but into a BOOT from Cassidy! And another! And a SUPERKICK! Swerve wobbles, Cassidy runs in, DDT to the floor!! Cassidy drags Swerve up and in while fans lose their minds!

Swerve flounders, Cassidy climbs, DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives another drop but Cassidy shakes his head. Fans fire up as Cassidy throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy loads up, runs in, but Swerve pops Cassidy up, only for Cassidy to RANA! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy’s bad hand kept him from holding that cover! Nana distracts Cassidy and the ref, fans boo, but Cassidy loads up. Swerve runs in, but Cassidy dodges to send him into Nana! Down goes Nana, ORANGE PUNCH for Swerve! BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO?!? Swerve survives and no one can believe it! Swerve flops out of the ring while Cassidy thinks of what to do.

Cassidy grits his teeth, “This is Awesome!” as he builds speed to DIVE! But Swerve catches him, to suplex, BRAINBUSTER to the floor!! Cassidy flops against the apron but Swerve puts him into the ring. Fans are loving “A E DUB!” for this amazing opener! Swerve aims, runs in, but still no House Call! Ghost pin! TWO!! Cassidy rises, Swerve fakes him out to kick the legs out, then HOUSE CALL!! Swerve hurries up top, for the KILL STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cassidy survives and Colorado Springs is electric! Swerve is going out of his mind but he drags Cassidy back up! Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but Swerve half nelsons!

Swerve lifts, J- NO, victory roll! Swerve rolls it back with pants! TWO, and Cassidy has the victory roll again, also with tights! CASSIDY WINS!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)

Swerve is completely at a loss! He tried to cheat but it comes back to bite him! But The Mogul Embassy rushes into the ring to beat up on Cassidy! Fans boo as Nana, Liona, Kaun & Cage all stomp away, and even CHOKE Cassidy! Wait, the lights just went out! Because it’s STIIIIIING! And Darby Allin, too! The Relentless Icons are in the ring, the Embassy is on the retreat! Will Darby & Sting help Freshly Squeezed get past the Mogul Embassy’s numbers game?

AEW hears from tonight’s main eventers.

Jay White tells Ricky Starks, “Let me be honest with you. You have a lot of things going for you. You’re charismatic, you have everything it takes to reach the top of this business. That’s coming from me, so you know that those words mean something.” But The Absolute tells The Switchblade, “Whatever you did in the past doesn’t matter tonight. I’m gonna expose you for who you are.” White says that Starks has to look past his own ego that has grown out of control, to see that the man standing across from him in the ring tonight is going to show him just how out of his depth he is tonight.

Starks says he IS Absolute, and that is what White is gonna get and gonna understand. Starks is a man without boundaries! But White says this is absolutely still the Switchblade Era. With no one else allowed ringside, will these two finally settle the score once and for all?

Bryan Danielson is here!

The American Dragon already has big plans for Forbidden Door as he challenged The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada! AEW has a highlight reel of the “once in a lifetime” professional wrestler that is Okada, and replays some of Bryan’s promo from NJPW Dominion. “For the last 10 years, I’ve heard people talk about how great you are. How you’re the best wrestler of this generation. And I’ve also heard in interviews, that you said you wanna wrestle me. […] You wanna wrestle Bryan Danielson?” Okada’s response is that at Forbidden Door, we will see who is the REAL best in the world. Bryan says, “You’re good. I know you’re good. But I am the litmus test of ‘great.'”

Bryan says Okada calls himself the Rainmaker, but “When you step in the ring with me, you’re going into the EFFING DESERT! And there ain’t gonna be no rain.” Bryan now joins commentary as it is announced officially: Bryan VS Okada at Forbidden Door 2023! Okada was called a “once in a lifetime” wrestler in that video, but Bryan is also once in a lifetime! What happens when these two generational talents collide in Canada?

Six Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Chaos!

Speaking of Bryan and Okada, each of their allies are battling here tonight! Will Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta use #DeathJitsu to destroy Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor & Rocky Romero?

As soon as the BCC hops the railing, Chuck CHUCKS a chair at Moxley! And then Rocky CROSSBODIES Claudio from the corner! Chuck kicks Yuta, CLUBS away on him, he and Rocky put Yuta on the corner for Trent! Trent gets Yuta up to SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up and the bell rings, Chuck goes after Yuta! Bryan is actually impressed, because “this is what you have to do against us.” Chuck hits a PILEDRIVER! Cover, Claudio breaks it! Claudio stomps Chuck, Moxley storms in to also stomp, and then Moxley throws Chuck by his hair! The ref reprimands, Moxley and Claudio go to the corner, Yuta tags Claudio in.

Claudio fires off forearms on Chuck while Moxley talks trash. Claudio stomps Chuck down, tags Moxley back in, and they hoist Chuck up, but Trent trips Yuta to RAM him into railing! That throws Moxley off, Rocky DROPKICKS Moxley! Chuck fights free, Claudio ROCKS him with a forearm while Rocky FLYING KNEES Moxley! Chuck throws Claudio out to then FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans are thunderous as Chaos regroups, and they all HUG! You GOT to give the people what they want! Moxley returns, but Trent feeds him to an UPPERCUT! SOLE FOOD HALF ‘N’ HALF! And then Chuck fires off hands!

Chuck ROCKS Moxley, runs, but Yuta hooks a leg! The ref reprimands but Moxley hits a CUTTER! Moxley tags Claudio, then Claudio tags Yuta. Yuta and Claudio coordinate, for a HART ATTACK, to DOUBLE STOMPS! The BCC flexes, Yuta covers but the ref is busy with Trent. TWO, and Yuta is upset, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Yuta keeps Chuck down with a knee in the back and pulling on the arms. Chuck endures the motorcycle stretch, but Yuta shifts it to a full nelson. Yuta pushes Chuck to the corner. Claudio tags in, and they mug Chuck. Claudio stomps Chuck, grinds him down, and Moxley tags in to stomp Chuck. Moxley throws forearms, runs in to clothesline at the corner, then he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Chuck ROCKS and CHOPS in return! Molxey pokes Chuck in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Moxley brings Chuck up to tag in Yuta. HALF HATCH to SENTON! Yuta covers, TWO! Yuta clamps onto Chuck and wrenches an arm.

Yuta grinds the arm, Chuck fights up and throws forearms. Chuck runs but Yuta CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Claudio tags in to clamp onto Chuck with a chinlock. Claudio keeps Chuck from the Chaos corner, grinds Chuck down with a half nelson, but Chuck fights up. Chuck stands up, throws body shots, and reaches for his corner. But Claudio gut wrench SUPLEXES! Tag to Yuta, he taunts the fans, then swings on Chuck, only for Chuck to COMPLETE SHOT! Fans rally as Dynamite returns to single picture. Chuck reaches out, Yuta reels him in, but Chuck elbows Yuta away! Yuta rewinds, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Chuck goes to a corner, Yuta runs in, into a SEXY CHUCKIE KNEE! Hot tags to Trent and Moxley! Trent SPEARS Moxley and rains down fists! They get up, Trent gest around, SAIDO! Moxley flounders up but Trent CHOPS him! And ROCKS and CHOPS, repeat! Trent whips, Moxley KICKS back! Rocky tags in, goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit but Yuta is in! Rocky dodges, RANAS Yuta, but Claudio CLUBS Rocky! Claudio fires forearms, whips, but Rocky RANAS Claudio, too! Moxley runs in to kick low! Moxley runs, but Trent returns, DOUBLE JUMP KNEE from RPG Vice! Trent puts Moxley on the ropes for Rocky to GUILLOTINE STOMP!

Trent runs to SLIDING KNEE! Rocky covers, TWO!! Moxley survives but Bryan says that cover wasn’t gonna work anyway. RPG Vice coordinate, Alabama Lift and Rocky goes up. But Yuta yanks Rocky down! Moxley turns things around on Trent, GOTCH PILE- NO, Trent fights it! Chuck goes up, STRONG ZERO!!! Cover, Claudio breaks it! Claudio UPPERCUTS Chuck, but Trent dumps Claudio out! Rocky tags back in, SOBATS Moxley, then cravats. SLICED- NO, Moxley powers out! Rocky RAMS Moxley to a corner, DIABLA ARMBAR!! Claudio hurries up but Trent CLOBBERS him!

Trent goes up, aims, ASAI MOONSAULT into an UPPERCUT!! Claudio takes out Trent, Moxley fights out of Rocky’s armbar to BULLY CHOKE!! Chuck runs in but Yuta intercepts with a BUSAIKU KNEE! And then HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Moxley shifts, REAR NAKED CHOKE! Rocky taps, the BCC wins!!

Winners: Blackpool Combat Club, by submission

Yuta keeps firing down elbows!! The ref tells him to stop but the BCC says keep going. Yuta lets off finally, all fired up, and the BCC applauds their young protégé. Will The BCC soon tear up everyone in AEW, ROH and NJPW at the Forbidden Door?

The Elite are backstage.

Specifically, Hangman Page & The Young Bucks. Matt Jackson asks Brandon Cutler if they’re live, and yes they are. Okay, so everyone can see them on the big screen, right? And Bryan, hey, since you’re on commentary, “Wassup, pricks?” Hangman tells BCC that was a great, great match. Didn’t see it, but it sounded great. And not to be sentimental, but they’re going to be in Washington, DC next week, the place where Dynamite began. “And speaking of beginning, if you thought Anarchy in the Arena was the end of us, it was only the beginning.” They’re making a challenge for a trios match! Can they do it without Bryan and Takeshita? The choice is yours.

Bryan says the BCC never runs from a fight. Challenge accepted! DC was the first ever AEW Dynamite, it was the first time The Elite was on live weekly television. So guess what? Next week in DC, it will be their last. Will DC be the last ride of The Elite?

AEW looks at another Forbidden Door dream match.

Kenny Omega once told Will Ospreay, “364 days a year, you’re a better wrestler than me. But it only takes one to be a champion.” Highlights from WrestleKingdom earlier this year show Kenny Omega winning back the IWGP United States Championship as he dethroned the Commonwealth Kingpin. Will Ospreay said this is about sacrifice, and he has sacrificed more than enough to get where he is today. “Do I have to effing sacrifice more?” Ospreay fought his way through a #1 contenders tournament in Japan to become Omega’s next challenger, and he wants Omega to remember him. Ospreay is back for revenge!

Omega doesn’t lose big matches, but Ospreay is not settling for anything less than getting back that US Championship for himself. Who will leave Toronto with that title?

MJF is here!

Colorado Springs cheer and jeer the AEW World Heavyweight Champion, who has just now hit day 200 in his title reign. MJF of course has them cut his music, and he is sure the people here in “Crapshoot, Colorado” have smoked their brains out by now, but when a champ is holding the mic, you druggies keep your mouths shut! When MJF was told he was contractually obligated to show up here, he almost offed himself. There is not a more boring place in the world! Colorado sucks! Fans boo but he reminds them. he’s talking, it’s not that complicated. Fans still boo. “But if anybody knows about being bored, it’s me. Because there is no competition for me in this company!”

That is because- Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but MJF says their mamas swallow. “NOBODY is on the level of the Devil!” But here comes Adam Cole! Fans fire up as the Undisputed One heads to the ring, “BOOM!” MJF smirks as Cole gets in the ring, and then he cuts the music off before the BAYBAY. Fans boo MJF more, but Cole smirks now. Fans call MJF a POS, and then MJF says, “Well if it isn’t Adam Cole Baybay. Y’know what? I’m not even gonna lie to you, I’m excited. I don’t know about you people, but finally! Some worthy competition for the champ, huh?” Fans do cheer that.

MJF isn’t even being facetious, because he really is a big fan of Adam Cole’s. No, seriously! Seriously! Guys, again, he’s holding the mic, c’mon. But when CM Punk up and left MJF when he was a kid, he thought his fandom of pro-wrestling was over. But then he turned on TV, flipped the channels a bit, and he came across some little show called “Ring of Honor.” Do people know about ROH? Fans boo so MJF takes that as a no, as opposed to them not liking his mockery of ROH. Well, MJF isn’t gonna lie, he agrees that ROH sucks. “It was filled with a bunch of indie jabronies that had no right being on my TV.

“And just as I was about to change the channel again, out walked a guy with slick, jet black hair, icy blue eyes, cool jacked tan, calm, cool, collected. Incredible in the ring, perfection on the microphone. And that man was you, Adam Cole. I was instantly hooked. I mean, genuinely, instantly hooked. And when I started training to become a pro-wrestler I got as much of your tape as I could get my hands on. I watched you all the way to your days in CZW, where you won championship gold. I watched you go to every single top independent and become the hottest free agent in the world. And then, I watched you go down to Florida, and shock the system.”

MJF says Cole was so good, he was Shawn Michaels’ handpicked guy! He was so good, he became the greatest world champion in the history of that company, and that is undisputed. Get it? Fans chant “MARK! MARK! MARK!” at MJF but he’ll proudly take it! He was a mark for Cole! Because Cole was that good! MJF followed in Cole’s footsteps! He went to CZW, where he won gold. He became a top name in the indies, and then he signed to AEW. Deep down, MJF knew Cole would make the jump, and when he did, they’d have the rivalry of a lifetime. Two generational talents: MJF VS Adam Cole BAYBAY!

But then… this guy shows up. “What happened to you, man? You used to be the Panama Playboy. Now, you’re the Panama Gameboy. You sit at home behind your computer, playing Twitch, hiding from the sun, looking like a virgin Gollum… Meanwhile, Britt Baker keeps leaving the house with your balls firmly in her purse. And to make matters worse, bud, didn’t you used to have the body and the physique of a world champion? Now, no offense, you’re so frail, you make crack whores jealous.” Fans boo but MJF says Cole isn’t hitting the same way he used to. He sees what they all say online: It’s not Cole’s fault, the company is simply not showcasing him properly.

To those people, MJF says you don’t have a gaddam clue what you’re talking about! This company has done everything in its power to make Cole cool: lights, music, shirts, matches, Britt, their own reality show! Y’know what they do to make MJF cool? They ring the freakin’ bell! Cole smirks as MJF asks, “Sound familiar?” MJF recaps his matches: greatest singles dog collar match of all time; greatest Ironman match of all time; greatest Fatal 4 Way of all time; the world champion, the best pro-wrestler on God’s Green Earth! MJF has beaten every single top guy the fans thought were on his level. What makes Cole think he’ll be any different?

And before Cole answers that, MJF read a “nasty little rumor” about Cole online. MJF read that the reason Cole made the jump here was because a certain individual at the top didn’t think Cole had top guy potential. And that individual was Vince McMahon. Fans boo Vince, rightfully so, but MJF says he’s a big fan of that guy. MJF heard that rumor, he thought the old man had finally lost his marbles. How could you not see “top guy” in Adam Cole? But to be honest, now that he’s eye to eye with Cole in his ring, MJF has to admit… Vince was right! Fans boo but Cole still smirks back at MJF.

Cole takes a step back to get a mic of his own. Fans cheer and Cole says, “Really? Was that the best you’ve got? This is the great MJF, the guy who verbally destroys people on the microphone. Instead, you’re coming off like a toxic social media troll. Now, there’s a ton of things I could comment on. First and foremost, I’m gonna brush over the Britt part, because I’m pretty sure she can beat the hell outta you. But what exactly is your obsession with other people’s relationships? Like, first it was Bryan, now it’s me. I understand your fiancée left you, and you can’t hold a relationship like your life depended on it, but c’mon.”

And truth be told, Cole finally figured it out: MJF is world class, at being a douchebag. Fans echo “DOUCHEBAG! DOUCHEBAG!” And oh wow, how could we not talk about Cole’s body? Like he’s never heard that before. Y’know why MJF brings that up? Because of Cole’s body of work. The matches he’s had, the interviews he’s done, the world title reigns he’s had. Max, get real, you can’t touch Cole. But! If MJF really, really wants to go down this road, here’s an idea. Let’s both go backstage, piss in some cups, and we see who is natural and who’s not. OH, you don’t wanna do that? Yeah, Cole thought so.

Cole understands MJF studied Cole’s career, but they are nothing alike! For 15 years, Cole has traveled the world, shared locker room after locker room, this one included, and those boys ‘n’ girls in the back respect Cole. Cole knows that he’s been a bad guy in the past, but as a wrestler and a man, they all respect him, the human being that is Adam Cole. MJF on the other hand, Cole isn’t sure how to make this any more clear. Cole swears on his life that there is not a single person back there who does respect MJF. If MJF asked if they respect him, they’d laugh in his face! They all think he’s selfish, conceited, lazy, does the bare minimum to collect a paycheck and hold onto that title.

Max, Cole speaks for himself, everyone else on the roster, and a whole hell of a lot people in the audience when he says, NO ONE respects you! MJF frowns and fans chat “NO RESPECT! NO RESPECT!” MJF says, “Oh, no! You guys don’t respect me? How about I cry into all my money about it? By the way, that’s an awful lot of tough talk coming from Keith Lee’s manager.” Cole laughs because there it is! Of course MJF has to create a false narrative to hide from how he’s such a coward of a champion. If MJF were a real champion, he’d tell Cole to shut his mouth and fight. But MJF isn’t doing that, because he IS a coward!

Fans chant “COW~ARD! COW~ARD!” now, and Cole says it isn’t worth it. Cole knows he is wasting his breath. All of this will go over MJF’s head. So if MJF remembers anything from tonight, remember this: “You won’t fight me, because I’m better than you, and THEY know it!” MJF is pissed and he keeps Cole from leaving! You don’t turn your back on MJF!! MJF will wrestle Cole any day of the week and beat his ass!! Fans fire up and Cole smiles again. “Atta boy, champ. Looks like we got ourselves a match.” Cole tops it off with the BAYBAY, because he just got MJF to take the bait. Will MJF finally see who is really the best in AEW?

The Hardy Party speaks backstage.

Matt Hardy says these events must be documented! Everyone knows the OG Hardy Party, but please welcome their newest member, and Matt’s new employee, Ethan Page. All Ego walks in and Jeff says Ethan is a talented man. He just needs to use his ego for good. A few weeks ago, Ethan talked about him and Kassidy as #TheMoanEvent, Jeff was hooked. Matt says speaking of, Ethan owes Kassidy an apology. Really? Right now? Yes! You hurt Kassidy, apologize to him. Ethan says, “Sorry.” Matt wants him to be more genuine. Ethan says he is sorry, and he offers a handshake. Kassidy accepts.

Matt says when The Firm had him under contract, they made his life hell. But that is not what Matt is going to do. he is going to make Ethan into a better man. He sees potential in Ethan, they just have to get rid of that ego. Ethan has a wife and kids, and so much talent. When it is all said and done, he will be a better man. Kassidy says it’ll also be a lot of fun. AHN~! Will Ethan be able to find redemption thanks to the Hardy Boyz?

Texas Tornado Tag: #JungleHook VS La Faccion Ingobernable!

So what if this is Colorado? Things are about to get Wild Wild West as this Texas Tornado throws out the need to tag in or out, and it throws out all the other rules! Will Jack Perry and the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil throw out Dralistico & Preston Vance like trash? Or will LFI no longer wait for opportunities and take matters into their own hands?

Speaking of not waiting, LFI attacks while JungleHook finishes their entrance! The bell rings, the brawl is on, and Vance puts Hook in the ring while Dralistico RAMS JB into steel steps! Vance drags Hook up, Dralistico puts JB in, but JB JAWBREAKERS and Hook drop toeholds! JB dropkicks Vance, SPLASHES Dralistico, and then feed to Hook’s SAYANAGI! JungleHook high-five and fans fire up. JB drags Dralistico up, but Jose throws in the green cable and even has a steel chain! Hook storms up to Jose to back him down while JB throws hands on Dralistico. Jose baits Hook in and Vance CLOBBERS Hook!

Fans boo as Perro Peligroso raises the LFI fist. JB is distracted, and Darlistico LASHES JB with the green cable! And then Vance gets the chain! Dralistico keeps LASHING JB, and then he CHOKES him! Vance wraps his fist in the chain, runs up on Hook, but Hook dumps him out over the railing! Hook goes out after Vance to fire off haymakers! JB endures being choked while Hook mugs Vance in front of the back section! Fans count along as Hook CLUBS away on Vance’s chest! Dralistico stops choking JB, Hook shoves Vance over, and now JB CHOKES Dralistico! And he rips at the mask!

Vance CLOBBERS Hook! JB stomps Darlistico, Dynamite goes picture in picture as Vance CHOPS Hook!

JB LASHES Dralistico in return! Then drags him up to whip him corner to corner. Dralistico reverses to then SPLASH JB in the corner! Hook brawls with Vance, gets the edge with a flurry of forearms, and Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK JB in the corner! Hook KNEES Vance low, and again, and then SMACKS him with a trash can! Dralistico brings out a TABLE while Hook puts the trash can on Vance. Hook then SMACKS the can with a chair! Jose helps Dralistico set up the table ringside, and Vance RAMS Hook into barriers! Vance fires off hands and stomps, then brings Hook along the way.

JB fights Dralistico, but Dralistico CLUBS JB down. Dralistico CHOPS JB against railing! Hook fights back against Vance and JB turns things around to CHPO Dralistico! Dralistico turns things back around to CHOP JB! Hook and Vance brawl up the bleachers! Anyone getting flashbacks to Anarchy in the Arena? Dralistico and Jose set up another table! Vance RAMS Hook into a handrail! JB CLUBS Dralistico, CLUBS him more, and even he can see Vance and Hook going to the upper deck! Vance CHOPS Hook against railing! But JB suplexes Dralistico for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Jose throws a shirt at JB, but JB chases the assistant off. Vance and Hook start making their way down the bleachers now, and JB drags Dralistico up. Dralistico kicks, KNEES, and SCREW HIGH KICKS! JB ends up in ropes, Dralistico ROCKS him! JB is now stuck in the ropes, and Dralistico goes up the corner. Dynamite returns to single picture as Dralistico aims, leaps, APRON WOE STOMPS!! Vance brings Hook back to ringside, CHOKING him with the chain! But Hook TOSSES Vance over railing! Now Hook has that chain! Hook wraps that around his fist, leaps in, FULL METAL HAYMAKER! Fans are thunderous and Hook soaks it all up.

Hook stalks Vance, brings him to the tables, and Vance is busted open! Blood pours on Hook as Vance ELBOWS away on him! Vance RAMS Hook into railing, then into more railing! And then JB DIVES, but Vance catches him! Vance whips, JB reverses, and Vance hits railing! Dralistico goes up to CROSSBODY JB! LFI regroups, Vance with a crimson mask already, and LFI double whip Hook into railing! Fans are losing their minds over just how much is pouring from Vance’s face, but Vance keeps raining down fists on Hook! Vance and Dralistico stand Hook up, bring him around, but Hook fights back!

Hook hits an EXPLODER to send Dralistico flying! Vance leans against railing while Hook puts Dralistico in the ring. Hook comes back, but Vance DISCUS LARIATS Hook down!! Vance grabs the steel chain that busted him open to CHOKE Hook with it, and then drag him into the ring. Vance stands Hook up on the apron to CHOKE him more!! Fans rally for Hook as he endures, but he’s fading! Vance steps out to the apron to join Hook, but JB runs in to SMACK Vance with the chair!! And Hook T-BONE SUPLEXES Vance through the tables!! Both men are down and fans lose their minds all over again!!

JB has Dralistico in the ring, DDT on the chair!! Cover, but Jose breaks it! Jose throws off his shirt, feeling like a real tough guy right now. But JB glares at Jose, and Hook slides in behind him! Jose bumps into Hook and gets caught in REDRUM!! Dralistico runs in, drop toehold into SNARE TRAP!! Dralistico taps, JungleHook wins!!!

Winners: JungleHook, by submission

This Texas Tornado Tag got even wilder than expected, but JB & Hook win out. Will LFI think twice before pushing these two young studs? Will JungleHook be sticking together to take over AEW?

Tony Khan speaks backstage.

“Hi. It’s great to be here tonight in Colorado Springs. We have a lot of exciting things happening in AEW, it’s such an exciting time as we approach Forbidden Door on PPV, June 25th, live in Toronto. And before that, we launch a new series: AEW Collision starts June 17th, every Saturday night, 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central, on TNT. I’m here tonight to talk about the first-ever main event, live at the United Center, June 17th. In the main event of the first-ever AEW Collision, Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson, and Samoa Joe will take on the AEW World Tag Team Champions, FTR… and CM Punk.” A huge battle between top guys, will Punk make sure he is once again the Best in the World?

Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Daman Ace!

Going from excitement to a buzzkill, there is no music but the chorus of boos as “Turncoat Takeshita” and “Dirty Don” make their way out. Will Takeshita prove Callis right by becoming better than the greats?

The bell rings and Takeshita CLOBBERS Daman, then rains down fists! The ref checks, those aren’t closed fists, but the fans still boo. Takeshita smirks as he drags Daman up, puts him in a corner by pulling hair, and then he gives a HEADBUTT! And then KNEE after KNEE after KNEE! Daman sits down, the ref counts, and Takeshita lets off. Fans boo but Takeshita just smiles. Takeshita drags Daman up but Daman throws hands! Fans rally for Daman but Takeshita DECKS him! Takeshita keeps Daman sitting up, to BLINDSIDE FOREARM! Fans boo the tron playing highlights of Callis betraying Omega.

Konosuke doesn’t end Daman here, he aims from the corner, to POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, Tatkeshita wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

The fans boo more as Callis gets in the ring with a mic and raises Takeshita’s hand in victory. Callis wants to talk but the fans just keep going. Callis then says, “I’ve got something to say! And unlike last week, I will be heard!” Fans boo louder, but Callis lets Takeshita speak. Takeshita, in Japanese, tells fans that they will listen! Takeshita calls out Kenny Omega, saying that Omega will see who is truly the best! Callis says we fans may not want to hear it, but he is going to tell us the truth about Kenny Omega! Everything Omega has had in life is because of Callis! And this is all Kenny’s fault! Everything The Elite has was because of Callis!

Kenny beat Ospreay because of Callis! Kenny has been like a cancer in Callis’ body! “And what do you do with cancer? You cut it out!” And now, Callis’ family is going to cut The Elite out of AEW for good! Callis drops the mic, pats Takeshita on the back, but will The Elite look to be the ones that cure AEW of the real toxic element?

Backstage interview with Christian Cage.

Alex Marvez is outside Captain Charisma’s locker room as he requested time to speak tonight, but it sounds like something is going on in there. Alex knocks on the door, the door opens up, and Christian steps out. What is going on in there? Christian tells us that at Double or Nothing, Arn Anderson cost him the TNT Championship. Christian was at the top of the ladder, belt within his grasp, and Arn tips the ladder to send Christian into the waiting arms of Wardlow. Christian is the uncrowned TNT Champion. Arn took something from Christian, so now he takes something from Arn.

Christian knocks on the door, Luchasaurus opens it and we can see someone is behind him, beaten up and on the floor. Christian tells Arn that his son, Brock, got him a very nice Father’s Day present. BROCK ANDERSON just got brutalized! Alex calls for medics, what will The Enforcer and the Maestro of Mayhem do to get back at Christian and his Right Hand of Destruction?

AEW TBS Championship: Kris Statlander VS Anna Jay A.S w/ Matthew Menard!

The Galaxy’s Greatest has already shown she’s a fighting champion by defeating Nyla Rose last week, but she’s not slowing down. Will she go 3-0 since her return at Double or Nothing? Or will the Queenslayer choke her out?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the star of the show!

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally, the two tie up, and Kris headlocks. Kris hits the takeover, but Anna keeps her shoulders up and moves around. Anna headscissors, but Kris rolls back, pops free, and she powers her way to a headlock. Anna fights up, pops free to headlock, but Kris blocks the takeover! Kris pries the hold open, headlocks back, and hits another takeover. Anna moves around, headscissors, and Menard applauds. Kris kips free, gets around, waistlock and DSLAM! Kris facelocks, Anna fights up, and Anna throws body shots. Anna slips around to headlock but Kris powers up to a BIG back suplex!

Kris kips up and fans fire up! Kris smiles, flexes, and says, “Mama’s home!” Kris runs, Anna drops, then bails out. Fans boo but Kris storms out after Anna. Anna slides back in to troll Kris more, but Kris slides in. Anna bails out, the cat ‘n’ mouse continues, but Menard blocks Kris’ path. He dares her to do something about it, but then Anna goes to the apron. But Kris block the kick to trip Anna up! Kris pushes Anna in, to ROUNDHOUSE! Kris runs, to run Anna over! Cover, TWO! Kris drags Anna up, whips her to a corner, and runs in, but Anna dodges. Anna comes back to HEEL KICK Kris into buckles!

Anna DECKS Kris, stomps away, and Menard soaks up the heat while fans boo. The ref counts as Anna stands on Kris’ neck at the ropes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Anna steps off at 4 but then Menard gets on the apron to soak up even more heat. Anna stands Kris up to dig her boot into Kris’ neck. The ref counts, Anna lets off, and Kris crawls. Anna stomps Kris, bumps her off buckles, and then Anna ROCKS her with a right! Anna whips corner to corner hard and Kris bounces off buckles! Anna takes a bow while Kris writhes. Anna stomps Kris, stands on her neck, but the ref counts. Anna steps off, Kris sputters, and Anna drags Kris onto the ropes to CHOKE her! The ref counts again, Anna steps off at 4, and Menard talks trash right at Kris. Anna storms up but Kris throws forearms!

Kris runs, but Anna ducks the discus to wrench and HOOK KICK! Cover, TWO! Kris grits her teeth and Anna is frustrated, but Anna CLUBS Kris back down. And again! Anna drags Kris up, throws her by her hair, but the ref reprimands. Anna covers, TWO! Anna keeps her focus as she drags Kris back up. Anna turns Kris for a neckbreaker stretch! Kris endures, fights up, but Anna just hits a NECKBREAKER! Anna drags Kris back up, but Kris JAWBREAKERS back! Kris fires forearms, but Anna ROCKS her back! Kris fires another forearm, so Anna gives it back! Kris fires off a flurry!

Kris has Anna in a corner, and she CHOPS and forearms on repeat! Dynamite returns to single picture, fans fire up and Kris runs to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side, to KNEE Anna, then scoop to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Menard is relieved, and we see Taya Valkyrie once again watching backstage. La Wera Loca is still upset that Kris is champion instead of her, but Kris drags Anna to a drop zone. Menard distracts Kris as she climbs, and fans boo, but Anna ROCKS Kris! Anna TOSSES Kris, then hooks her up, GORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! The shoutout to Tay Melo wasn’t enough and Anna is beside herself!

Fans rally as Anna drags Kris up. Anna clamps on the QUEENSLAYER!! She even hops on as a backpack! But Kris RAMS Anna into buckles! Kris runs back in, but into a BOOT! Anna runs, Kris dodges, DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up but Menard gets on the apron again. The ref tells him to get down but Menard eggs Kris on. Kris swings, misses, and Anna O’Conner Rolls, then drops into the QUEENSLAYER!! Kris endures, fights up to her feet, and fans fire up as Kris THROWS Anna right off! Kris roars, runs and STO BACKBREAKER! And then a gut wrench and TOMBSTONE!! Cover, Kris wins!

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

Taya is even more upset that Kris is still champion right now, but Kris is earning these wins. Will Taya just have to fight her way to a match with The Galaxy’s Greatest?

BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!

After all the back and forth in the Blackjack Battle Royal, we see The Lucha Brothers & Bandido take on Ethan Page, Lee Moriarty & “Big Bill” Morrissey! Will Matt Hardy’s “better man” training already show results in that match? Or will Ethan be firmly All Ego? Plus, “Powerhouse” Hobbs is back in action, wanting to get back to some gold! And in another trios match, we see The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn take on the full Spanish Announce Project. Will Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass bounce back from Double or Nothing?

And then, a star-studded Fatal 4 Way will see Britt Baker, Sky Blue, Mercedes Martinez and Nyla Rose compete for a AEW Women’s World Championship opporutnity! Speaking of…

Toni Storm & Ruby Soho speak.

The champion says Friday on Rampage, we’ll see a Fatal 4 Way match, the winner facing Toni Storm for a title match next week on Dynamite. Now it will be in the same building and the same city as the very first Dynamite, where the first-ever women’s champion was crowned. Ruby says this is gonna be special. What a lucky girl that’ll be to face Toni. Ruby tells the four contenders that The Outcasts will be watching. Storm says the winner of that match will be facing the greatest AEW Women’s World Champion that ever lived. Soho gets chills, but who gets the shot at the gold in DC?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Dynamite!

On top of the Women’s World Championship match, as well as the Six Man Tag of the BCC VS Hangman & The Bucks, there will be a massive 8 Man Tag as Swerve and the entire Mogul Embassy will take on the unlikely quartet of Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Sting and Keith Lee! Will all scores be settled at once? Plus, after the verbal confrontation between Cole and MJF, we will see Adam Cole VS MJF in a World Title Eliminator match! If Cole wins, he is guaranteed a title shot, but if MJF wins, Cole is crossed off the list! Will Cole prove he IS on the level of The Devil?

Ricky Starks VS Jay White!

Finally, truly, hopefully, The Absolute and The Switchblade go 1v1, with a ringside ban keeping Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood and Juice Robinson from getting involved. Can Bullet Club Gold be trusted in not stacking the deck on Starks? Or will Starks still need to have his head on a swivel?

But Starks doesn’t wait for White to get in the ring! He rushes White at the ramp and fires off! They brawl, Starks gets the better of White, and he stomps away! Starks stands White up to ROCK him, then follow him down to the ring. Starks puts White in, the bell rings, and White wants time, but Starks clotheslines him up and out! Starks RAMS White into railing, brings him up again, and puts him against railing to CHOP! The ring count climbs, Starks kisses the lady’s hand in the front row, then SMACKS White off the apron. Starks mocks the finger guns then puts White in at 6 of 10. White rolls out the other side, so Starks just goes around the way.

Starks CLOBBERS White, the ref wants this back in the ring, but Starks refreshes the count. Starks CHOPS White, pushes him back into the ring, then goes up to the apron. White swings but Starks blocks to counter punch! Starks storms in, dodges White, and then back drops him! Fans fire up with Starks and he looms over White. Starks goes out to look under the ring and fans rally up. Starks keeps looking but White bails out the side, so Starks stomps him down. Starks continues the search, and he settles for moving the steel steps around. Starks turns them upside-down, but White is going up the ramp!

Starks hurries after White, and CLOBBERS him on the stage! White hits back, KNEES low, the ref reprimands them but White suplexes. Starks fights, wrenches and knees low in return. Starks CLUBS White, brings him up, throws body shots, and then aims at the edge! White fights the whip to throw hands, and rake eyes! White hurries back down the ramp but Starks CLOBBERS him! White flops to ringside but Starks is after him again. Starks keeps White from crawling away, but White elbows him back. Fans rally, White SMACKS Starks off the apron, and then White sees the steps. White pounds the steps and brings them around.

The ref reprimands, White puts the steps back in place. White grins as he trolls the fans, then he refreshes the count. But Starks snap suplexes White to the floor! Fans rally while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Starks stalks White, drags him up, and pushes him into the ring. Starks looks under the ring again, and he finally finds a chair. Starks hits the post to test it, but the ref tells Starks no. The ref takes the chair away, and White BLASTS Starks off the apron! Starks hits railing, then White goes out after him. White APRON GOURD BUSTERS Starks! White shoves Starks in, covers, TWO! White is annoyed but he stalks Starks to ropes. White TOSSES Starks out, then argues with the ref about going back out there. White goes out after Starks, CHOPS him, then smirks as he brings Starks around the way.

White CHOPS Starks against railing, and he throws up the finger gun. White refreshes the ring count, then he RAMS Starks into railing! The ring count starts again but White slides in. White gets up on the corner to taunt Starks, then goes out after him, and CLUBS away on his back! White puts Starks back in, Starks scrambles to a corner, and White storms up on him. White RAMS into Starks, and RAMS him again, and again! White whips corner to corner hard and Starks bounces off buckles. Dynamite returns to single picture as White mocks Starks. Fans boo as White watches Starks rise back up in the corner.

White aims his finger gun, then CHOPS! Starks staggers, White pushes him to another corner, and CHOPS again! White stands Starks up to CHOP again! Starks sputters, clutches his chest and throat, but White grins as he stands Starks up again. White CHOPS again! Starks ROCKS White with forearms! And again and again! Starks whips, runs in, and TORNADO- NO, White puts Starks up top! White CHOPS again! Starks wobbles up top while White catches his breath. White then climbs up after Starks, and he brings Starks up for a SUPERPLEX!! Both men writhe and fans fire up! White crawls to the cover, TWO!!

White is frustrated as Starks survives! Fans rally up, White paces around, and White drags Starks up. White aims his finger gun, clinches, but Starks throws haymakers! White fishhooks Starks! White KNEES low, whips him to a corner, but Starks dodges to come back, LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up as White flounders to a corner. Starks runs in to back elbow! And then TORNADO DDT! High stack cover, TWO!! White survives, but there’s a reason he’s a NJPW Grand Slam Champion! Fans still rally behind Starks, he drags White up but White shoves him away. But Starks catches White to an URENAGE! Cover, TWO!

Starks is frustrated but he throws off the elbow pads. Fans rally as Starks slashes his throat! Starks drags White up, but White fights the underhooks! Starks gets White up, but White wrenches out, clinches, URENAGE of his own!! Cover, TWO!! Starks survives but White sits him up into a sleeper. Starks fights with elbows! White spins Starks to CHOP! Starks SLAPS White! White CHOPS Starks! Starks CHOPS White! White CHOPS, but Starks kicks low! Starks fires off hands, but White kicks back! White CHOPS, clinches, but Starks snapmares free and runs! Starks ducks ‘n’ dodges, but White KICKS the Spear down!!

White drags Starks up, clinches, but Starks spins around to suplex! White slips out, shoves, Starks ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR!! Fans are thunderous, Starks underhooks White, Canadian Rack, but White’s feet hit the ref! ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, but there’s no one to count!! And wait, what’re Austin & Colten Gunn doing here?! Granted, the ringside ban wasn’t about them, but still! The fans boo as the Ass Boys slither into the ring, and hit Starks with 3:10 TO YUMA!!! The Gunns run away into the night, and White sees Starks is down! He calls to the ref, crawls to Starks and drags him up! BLADERUNNER!!! Cover, White wins!!

Winner: Jay White, by pinfall

Austin & Colten screw Starks, but what for? And then Juice comes out to celebrate with White, as well as rub it in Starks’ face! Are The Gunns joining up with Bullet Club Gold? Will Bullet Club Gold and Samoa Joe tear down FTR and the returning CM Punk? Or will the Top Guys stand tall?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite amid what Tony Khan himself said was an exciting and busy time for AEW. Though, was that really Tony Khan? Between how his announcements are written and how he delivers them, he is starting to sound AI generated. But anyway, while I figured we were getting Bullet Club Gold VS FTR next, I suppose throwing them and then Joe and Punk into a Six Man Tag is a logical move. FTR gets along with Punk, a tag match like that will help take all the pressure off Punk in his return, and Punk can just come in for the finish so he gets credit for the win. And Chicago will eat it up because it’s CM Punk.

Awesome opener for the International Championship, and Swerve came so close. But Cassidy winning again isn’t that big of a surprise, he’s just been amazing his entire reign. But the Embassy attacking and then Sting & Darby making the save was good stuff. Keith Lee joining up in the announced 8 Man Tag makes sense, though this still isn’t quite the blowoff anyone was hoping for. But maybe, just maybe, something like Cassidy VS Darby or Cassidy VS Keith Lee, or even Cassidy VS Darby VS Keith in a Triple Threat for the International Championship comes out of this. All those possibilities would be amazing.

Great video for AEW to announce Bryan Danielson VS Kazuchika Okada, as well as one for Kenny Omega VS Will Ospreay. Bryan VS Okada could go either way, but I feel like something causes Omega to lose the title to Ospreay. Omega hasn’t really been able to defend the IWGP US Championship stateside so Ospreay should take it back to have it on NJPW programming again. And also, Callis & Takeshita are definitely going to be why Omega loses. Takeshita of course wins his match, though Callis kinda repeats what he said last week. Really good Six Man Tag from BCC VS Chaos, but I figured BCC would win. Hangman & Bucks have a good promo to call them out, and BCC VS #HungBucks next week is going to be good stuff.

Really good stuff for Rampage, too. Each of the Six Man Tag matches will be good. Pretty sure Acclaimed & Daddy Ass win so they have momentum going into their rematch with House of Black. And after a good promo from Hardy Party and Ethan, I feel like Ethan’s team is going to lose because Matt’s “better man” training conflicts with his Heel instincts. Good promo from Ruby & Toni ahead of that Fatal 4 Way contenders match. But clearly, Britt is winning that because she’s the one with the most beef against The Outcasts. I kinda wish Shida was in there instead of Skye Blue, but I think Skye is in there just to take the pin.

Really good TBS Championship match between Kris and Anna, but I figured Kris would win to extend the reign. I feel like Taya could’ve come out after that match to call Kris out, but maybe that happens after Kris’ third defense. We got a great Texas Tornado Tag, but WOW, Vance got really bloody. I would hope that wasn’t worked bleeding, because it just means AEW is getting dicey with how badly they cut their guys. Vance was painted with his own blood so quickly, it was rather shocking. But of course JungleHook won. And just like last week, I thought JB was a moment away from turning on Hook. Maybe we get a “friendly” match between JB and Hook for the FTW title that then gets chippy and causes them to be at odds.

Christian Cage had a good promo, and I figured Luchasaurus was beating someone up. This just gives me more credence to think Brock Anderson and Brian Pillman Jr. should join up with Arn and Wardlow to counter Christian and Luchasaurus. Great main event match from Starks VS White, but I did not expect The Gunns to be the ones helping White win. I thought BCG was going to bring in another “former” Bullet Club member, but there isn’t really anyone that would work given what NJPW is doing with Bullet Club right now. So I guess Gunns using Starks as a proxy to get at FTR is the connection here?

And great promo out of MJF and Adam Cole to start their feud. Like Cole, I felt it was both clever yet cliché at the same time for MJF to copy-paste Cole’s promo on Karrion Kross. And of course MJF brought up the rumored Keith Lee and Adam Cole wrestler-and-manager combo, as MJF is Mr. Low Hanging Fruit. But Cole basically put MJF in his place, we’re getting a great match next week, and I would think Cole wins to earn a title match rather than be crossed off the list so soon. Then we’ll get an even more amazing match for the title, maybe at All In London so that MJF has time to razz on Cole more, as well as pull his usual attempts of removing Cole before ever needing to defend the title.

My Score: 8.8/10

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