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Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (1/18/23)

Dynamite is Absolute!

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AEW Coverage Lasers

Ricky Starks takes on Jake Hager and his stupid hat!

Ricky Starks looks to tear down the Jericho Appreciation Society piece by piece, and he’s starting with bucket hat wearing Rock Hard Jake Hager!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • AEW All-Atlantic Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Jay Lethal; Cassidy wins and retains the title.
  • The Young Bucks VS Top Flight; Top Flight wins.
  • Ricky Starks VS Jake Hager w/ The Jericho Appreciation Society; Starks wins.
  • Bryan Danielson VS Bandido; Bryan wins.
  • Willow Nightingale VS Toni Storm w/ Saraya; Storm wins.
  • AEW TNT Championship: Darby Allin w/ Sting VS KUSHIDA w/ Kevin Knight & The DKC; Darby wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW mourns the loss of Jay Briscoe.

 

AEW All-Atlantic Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Jay Lethal!

This episode of Dynamite is certified Freshly Squeezed! But with neither Best Friends or Lethal’s alliance allowed ringside, this will truly be 1v1! Will Lethal be able to beat Cassidy again like he did back in August? Or will Cassidy get serious here in Fresno?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who gets it done all on their own!

The bell rings and fans rally for Cassidy but Lethal wants a timeout. Fans boo but then Lethal looks up to the bleachers. Wait, Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh are walking down the steps! Fans boo more, but there’s nothing anyone can do because they’re here as members of the audience! Guess that’s their loophole around Tony Khan’s ringside ban. Cassidy puts his hands up, but Lethal rushes in! Cassidy dodges Lethal, comes back, but Lethal ducks the Orange Punch! Lethal trips Cassidy, “WOO~!” but Cassidy turns Figure Four into a cradle! TWO, and Lethal rushes in. Cassidy drops, hurdles, but Lethal blocks the hip toss!

Lethal tries to hip toss but Cassidy blocks it! Cassidy slips around to hook the arms! Backslide, TWO! Cassidy has the wrist but Lethal whips Cassidy to a corner. Cassidy goes up and out, but Lethal DECKS him! Fans boo but Sonjay, Satnam & Jarrett cheer. Jarrett wants to hop the railing but Sonjay tells him no, they have to stay part of the crowd. Tony Khan said Sonjay would be fired if they violate the ban. Lethal goes out to fetch Cassidy, but DANHAUSEN appears! Danhausen is checking for tickets. Sonjay produces them, and Danhausen checks them. Seems they’re okay, and then he waves someone over? It’s Trent & Chuck! And they have popcorn!

Cassidy gets in the ring, builds speed, and he DIVES! Lethal hits railing! Cassidy puts Lethal in the ring as Chuck & Trent make their way to the same area Jarrett and the others are seated. Cassidy keeps things moving, he tilt-o-whirls, but Lethal HOTSHOTS him! Lethal rains down fists on Cassidy then stomps away. Lethal drags Cassidy up, bumps him off buckles, then digs his boots in. The ref counts, Lethal lets off at 4, and fans cheer as Danhausen changes from being an usher to being in Cassidy’s corner! Lethal tosses Cassidy out while Jarrett and the boys cheer him on. Cassidy crawls around the way and Lethal goes out to the apron.

Lethal walks down the steps, he brings Cassidy around, and he RAMS Cassidy into the apron! Cassidy grits his teeth, the ring count climbs, but Lethal whips Cassidy into the POST! Cassidy goes flying and fans boo while Lethal’s friends cheer him on. Lethal goes into the ring to give us a strut. Danhausen boos and the fans give thumbs down. Cassidy gets in the ring, but Lethal drags him up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Lethal clamps on for a chinlock. Cassidy endures as Lethal leans on him. Fans rally for Cassidy, Trent and Chuck munch popcorn, and Cassidy fights up. Lethal knees low, then scoops and SLAMS!

Fans boo as Lethal swaggers around. Lethal goes to a corner and climbs up, but Cassidy crawls away. Lethal hops down, he goes to the next corner, but then Cassidy crawls away from that one. Lethal is annoyed but he goes to the third corner, only for Cassidy to crawl to the fourth! Fans fire up but Lethal hops down, and bypasses the fourth to the first! HAIL- NO, Cassidy gets his boot up, only for Lethal to block it! Lethal steps through, but Cassidy kicks him away and into buckles! Cassidy gets up, runs in, but is put back on the apron. Cassidy bumps Lethal off the buckles again and again, all the way to “OCHO!” and then TEN!

Fans fire up as Lethal staggers. Cassidy climbs, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cassidy keeps moving, but Lethal follows! Lethal fakes Cassidy out and suplexes! But into STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Lethal wobbles, Cassidy runs to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Lethal and Cassidy are both down, Sonjay argues with Jarrett to stay put, and fans rally up. Cassidy crawls to the apron, then stands up. Cassidy goes up the corner and fans fire up! Lethal stands, for DEEP- NO, he catches Cassidy to the LETHAL COMBINATION! Then the handspring, LETHAL- NO, Cassidy just moves out of the way! Lethal crashes down, and off comes the elbow pad!

Fans fire up as Cassidy takes aim. ORANGE- NO, fireman’s carry! A TOSS, and the LETHAL INJECTION!! But Cassidy flounders right out of the ring! Lethal is furious, Sonjay again keeps Jarrett back, but then Chuck dumps his popcorn on Sonjay’s head! Jarrett wants to fight back but Sonjay says no, that could still cost him! Lethal drags Cassidy back into the ring but the ref hurries over to settle everyone down. Wait, Jarrett sneaks his guitar to Lethal! Only for Danhausen to snatch it away! Payback for them stealing Paul Walter Hauser’s Golden Globehausen! And then Danhausen CURSES Lethal! And plays the guitar.

Danhausen runs as Lethal chases him, and they get in the ring, Cassidy wheelbarrows Lethal to a VICTORY ROLL! TWO!!! ORANGE PUNCH!!! Cover, Cassidy wins!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall (still AEW All-Atlantic Champion)

Best Friends helped out, and now they join Cassidy in celebrating! Double J is furious, but Sonjay keeps him back. Satnam rushes into the ring and he grabs Best Friends! Sonjay hurries in to calm the giant down! This will get Sonjay fired! Satnam shoves them down, and Trent asks what his problem is! But then Jarrett gets his guitar back and aims for Cassidy! But Sonjay stops him, too! They argue, and the ref dares someone to do something! Cassidy puts his hands in his pockets! And he fires off the “devastating” shin kicks on Sonjay! Sonjay throws off his jacket, but now Lethal and Jarrett hold him back! Lethal says up yours, and Team Triple Jay leaves.

Fans boo, but Best Friends go back to celebrating. They give Cassidy the popcorn, and they GROUP HUG! You GOT to give the people what they want! But will Best Friends give Triple Jay what they deserve soon enough?

 

The Young Bucks w/ Brandon Cutler VS Top Flight!

Matt & Nick Jackson are fresh off their AEW World Trios Championship win in that Best of 7 Series that went all the way to match seven and Escalara de la Muerte! But now, they face off against the Coldest Tag Team in the Game, Dante & Darius Martin, who won big in that Three Kings Christmas Battle Royal. Will Top Flight earn themselves and AR Fox some golden tickets to the trios titles? Or will it be a Superkick Party in Fresno?

The teams sort out and Dante starts against Nick in a showdown of younger brothers. They circle, tie up, Nick wrenches and wristlocks but Dante handsprings and wrenches back. Nick uses the ropes to flip through, then he wrenches back. Nick wrenches Dante again, but Dante just flips through to WRING out Nick! Fans fire up, but Nick kicks low to headlock. Dante powers out, Nick runs him over, but things keep moving. Dante hurdles, rolls and headscissors, but Nick handsprings, dropkicks cancel out! They both kip up and Dante says he did his faster. Fans fire up but Nick pie faces Dante. So Dante ROUNDHOUSES Nick!

Nick staggers, Matt tags in, and Matt has Dante cool off. Then he throat chops him! Matt mocks Dante checking the time, but Darius tags in. Matt whips Dante but Darius slips in, and as Dante returns, LEG SWEEP BULLDOG COMBO! Fans fire up as Darius fires off on Matt. Darius runs in, Matt puts him on the apron but Dante tags in. Darius CHOPS Matt, Dante runs in and A-LIST LARIATS! Darius tags back in, snap suplexes Matt down, and Dante slingshot sentons! Nick runs in, into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Top Flight double suplex Matt but Nick makes the save! Darius runs in, but into double dropkicks to the legs! Darius flies face first into buckles!

The Bucks aim at Dante, Dante elbows Nick away, then he elbows Matt away. Dante goes up, but the Bucks mule kick his legs out! Dante gets stuck in the ropes, Darius is in the other corner. Nick runs in but Darius puts him on the apron. Matt runs in but Darius ducks, only for Matt to catch his dropkick! Matt CATAPULTS Darius into a GAMANGIRI! Darius ends up on Matt’s knees, Nick springboards to DOUBLE STOMP Darius, then rolls to DRAPING BACKSTABBER Dante! Fresno fires up for the Bucks and they regroup in their corner. Nick tags back in as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Nick brings Dante up to rain down fists! Nick goes all the way to “OCHO!” and then TEN! Nick swaggers a la Savage, then he sucker punches Darius. Nick drags Dante up but Dante fires a forearm! And another! Nick swings but misses, Dante mule kicks and whips. Nick tumbles up and out to PENALTY KICK Darius! But Dante BLASTS Nick off the apron! Dante then builds speed, only for Matt to CLOBBER him! Matt swaggers about, then drops a fist. And then another! And then has a cocky cover, TWO! Matt is annoyed but he drags Dante up to ROCK him with a right hand. And then another! Matt bumps Dante off buckles, fires off hands, then stomps a mudhole in!

Matt lets off as the ref counts and he soaks up the cheers and jeers. Matt tags Nick, Nick drags Dante up and brings him around to scoop. Nick carries Dante around, then SLAMS him with some stank! Nick drops a leg, brother, then another! And then another! Nick taunts Dante to reach out to Darius, then he SPITS at Darius! Darius spits back! Nick takes that wad of gum, and puts it in his own mouth! Darius doesn’t even know what to make of that. Nick drags Dante up, tags Matt, and the Bucks mug Dante. They double whip Dante to ropes, but Dante holds ropes to avoid the Superkicks!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Nick runs in, but Dante jumps up and over! Nick tumbles out, Matt runs in, whips Dante to the corner, and Matt blows a kiss to Darius. Matt runs in, into a BOOT from Dante! Dante then front flips over Matt, only for Nick to trip Darius! Fans are torn as the Bucks deny the tag! Matt stomps Dante, drags him up, and whips him corner to corner. Dante reverses, Matt goes up and over, and Nick runs in to SHINING WIZARD! And GAMANGIRI! And elbow smash! Then BULLDOG DROPKICK COMBO! Matt tags Nick back in, then he drags Dante into the drop zone. They coordinate, RISKY BUSINESS! Cover, TWO!

Dante crawls but Nick drags him from Darius. Tag to Matt, the Bucks drag Dante up and double whip to ropes. Dante handsprings out of the double hip toss to double arm-drag! Dante keeps moving, ducks ‘n dodges to RANA Matt away! Fans fire up as Matt flounders! Dante crawls, hot tag to Darius! Atomic drop, and haymaker after haymaker to Matt! Matt tries to hit back, but Darius just blocks to ROCK Matt, and then LARIAT! Darius BLASTS Nick for good measure! Darius BOOTS Matt away, goes up and over and redirects Matt into a SPANISH FLY! And then a DIVE for Nick! Fans are thunderous as Darius goes up top!

Darius leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Matt survives but Darius fires up. Darius stands Matt to fire forearm after forearm after forearm! Matt shoves Darius away, but swings into a back suplex! Matt lands on his feet, Nick sneaks a tag, Darius DECKS Matt! Nick springboards, Darius dodges, ducks ‘n’ comes back, into a SUPERKICK! Dante tags in and springboards, but Nick gets under! Nick runs, hurdles, Matt tags and Nick sunset flips! Dante rolls through to jackknife, but Nick bridges up and brings Dante around! Backslide feed to the gut wrench! Nick hurries to the apron, but Darius trips him up! Dante escapes the piledriver to shove Matt!

Darius GAMANGIRIS! Dante SUPERKICKS! Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT! Matt is down, fans are thunderous, and Dante goes up! Darius tags before the ASAI MOONSAULT onto Nick! Darius drags Matt up, reels him in, “This is Awesome!” as Dante returns! NOSEDIVE BOMB!!! Cover, NICK BREAKS IT!! The Bucks survive by nanoseconds! All four men are down and Fresno is thunderous for “A E DUB!” as a standing count starts. Nick drags Matt to their corner, then he tags in. Dante runs in but Nick dumps him out! Darius runs in but Nick shoulders into him! “Hey, Darius! SUCK IT!” FACEBUSTER for Darius, cartwheel MOONSAULT for Dante!

Nick returns to slingshot and DESTROYER on Darius! Cover, TWO!?! Darius survives and Nick is stunned! Fans are thunderous again while Nick stands back up. Tag to Matt, the Bucks bring Darius up and bump him off buckles. Matt gives a shoutout to Jay Briscoe with a kiss to the armband. Matt Electric Chair Lifts Darius, Nick goes up top, DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! Cover, Dante breaks it!! Dante brings Matt up, throw shim out, but Nick runs in! Dante dumps Nick out onto Matt! Dante builds speed and he springboards, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! The Bucks hurry back into the ring, they have Darius by the arms!

The Bucks sit Darius up, B T E TRIGGER but Darius ducks! Knees collide, Darius kicks Nick away and rolls Matt up, TOP FLIGHT WINS!!!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

As great as the Bucks felt coming out of the Best of 7, they slept on Darius & Dante just a bit here! Matt takes onus for the lost, but will he, Nick and Kenny Omega need to be razor sharp if they want to hold onto their AEW World Trios Championships?

 

The Gunns are here!

Though, everyone was expecting The Acclaimed next… Austin & Colten storm down to the ring while fans boo, but the Gunns grab mics. Fresno taunt the “ASS~ BOYS!” but Colten wants them to show respect to the best tag team in the world! Austin waits but fans keep chanting “ASS~ BOYS!” Austin says, “Last week, The Acclaimed embarrassed us on national TV!” Fans cheer that! Austin says what fans keep forgetting is that the Gunns made The Acclaimed popular! The Gunns MADE the Acclaimed champions! They even gave them their own dad! But the Gunns promise that that is the last time The Acclaimed embarrass them!

But wait! Here comes the Acclaimed now! Austin says NO NO NO! CUT THE MUSIC! And sadly, the music is cut. Austin won’t let us hear rhymes, this isn’t about Fresno! Bowens says maybe they shouldn’t then. Caster asks Fresno, “Did y’all come to hear the Ass Boys talk? Or do y’all wanna hear me freestyle?” Fans cheer for the rap! Caster says to shut off Austin’s mic and play the music. And so that happens! “Acclaimed on the mic, got the atmosphere. Y’all only got a job cuz your dad works here! Your last name got class, boys. Billy Gunns’ sons, better known as the Ass Boys! And now I’m done with the lyin’. Y’all the worst kids since Hunter Biden!

“Up in Fresno State, y’all’re so bitter. You’re not the bullsh*t, you’re the sh*tters!” Bowens then says, “FRRRESNOOOO~! The Acclaimed! Have arrived!” But no time for scissor fingers, The Acclaimed get right in the faces of Austin & Colten! The shoving starts, then the brawling starts! But Daddy Ass hurries in to get his boys off his sons?! Billy and Austin shout at each other, Austin storms off and Colten joins him. The Ass Boys are done with this, but Billy gets a mic. “Well, I’m sick and tired of this, and I’m tired of you whining, the self-privileged two that you think that you are. And you two are tag champs, let’s start acting like it.”

Fans are surprised Daddy Ass is laying down the law. But Billy says that if his sons have some kind of issue, then tell ya what, next week, they’re all going to sit down and hash this out. So now all he has two words for ya. Fans say “SUCK IT!” but Billy says, “FAMILY THERAPY!” Billy leaves on his own, is he hoping to get the super group back together?

 

Backstage interview with Hangman Page.

Renee Paquette is with The Cowboy, and she has of course spent time with Jon Moxley since his match with Hangman just last week. How is Hangman feeling? Physically fine, but as Hangman said before, after that first match, Moxley took something from Hangman. Hangman told Moxley to his face that he’d beat Moxley for the world title, and that didn’t happen, so Moxley took Hangman’s word from him. Hangman feels like with this win in the rematch, he at least has his word back.

Renee says Moxley said something rather interesting to her this past week. She understands that Hangman and Moxley are elite level performers and athletes, but Moxley said that Hangman really pushes him to be a better version of himself. That he both “despises and cherishes” Hangman. What is Hangman’s response to that? Is that really what he said? Yes it is. Well, Hangman understands the nature of pro-wrestling. Their first match, Moxley put Hangman to sleep. But then Moxley made jokes about it. So Hangman told Moxley to his face that he’d knock Moxley out cold if he had to in order to win, and he did that.

If Moxley has something to say about that, then he can say so to Hangman’s face, and Hangman will gladly go again. That’s how Hangman feels about that. Renee then asks where Hangman goes from here. Well, Renee did say something earlier that reminded him of where he’d like to go, and the tough conversations Hangman would like to have. And to mend some fences that have been needing mending for a long time. But Hangman won’t get too specific, he’ll just leave it at that. Renee thanks him for his time, and Hangman does ask how Moxley’s doing.

Honestly, he’s been hurt one way or another for the ten years Renee’s known him, but Moxley always dusts himself off. That’s good. If she gets the chance, can she tell Moxley that… Nevermind, it’s dumb. Hangman thanks her and heads out. Just what was it that Hangman wanted to say to Moxley? And when and where will The Maniac return to action?

 

Ricky Starks VS Jake Hager w/ The Jericho Appreciation Society!

There’s already been a lot of back and forth between the Absolute and the “JAS Holes,” with Starks already owning a win over Chris Jericho. But the JAS isn’t done with Starks, so will Rock Hard Hager be the one to finish it? Or will Starks put the hurt on Big Hurt and that purple bucket hat of his?

Fans sing Judas as Jericho joins commentary. Starks then makes his entrance and Jericho says we are going to watch the demise of Ricky Starks. Jericho doesn’t wanna just see it, he wants to feel it and to smell it! The bell rings and Hager ties right up with Starks. Hager powers Starks to a corner, Starks pushes back, and they go along the ropes and into another corner. Hager fires off body shots, the fans rally for Starks, and the ref counts. Hager lets off at 4 and Angelo Parker hands him the bucket hat. Hager puts it on and shouts, “I like this hate!” Hager mocks the Starks pose, then he whips Starks to ropes, to then run him over!

Starks flounders, Daddy Magic mocks Starks, then Hager whips Starks to a corner. Hager runs in, but into a BOOT! Starks CHOPS, bumps Hager off buckles, and he snatches the hat! Starks puts the hat on, kicks Hager’s legs out, then brings Hager up with a knuckle lock. Starks goes up and up, and goes Old School, only for Hager to yank him down! Hager scoops, Starks slips out and shoves Hager out! Starks runs, slides, but Hager catches him for knees! Hager whips Starks at a corner, but Starks manages to slip between the ropes! Starks comes back around, into a BOOT! Hager roars as he has his hat back! “Don’t touch my hat!”

Parker kicks dust at Starks and Hager drags Starks up. Hager RAMS Starks into railing, refreshes the count, and AEW goes picture in picture.

Hager distracts the ref, allowing Parker & Menard to mug Starks! They get away with that, and then Hager fetches Starks. Hager puts Starks in, Starks goes to a corner, and Hager storms over. Hager throws body shots, Starks falls to his knees, and Hager flexes. Hager puts his hat aside and stalks Starks to a corner. Starks CHOPS Hager, so Hager CHOPS back! Hager stands on Starks at the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Hager lets off, but then Hager hauls Starks up for a BELLY2BELLY SLAM! Hager gets Parker to go look under the ring. Parker & Menard bring out a TABLE! The ref reprimands but they still set the table up.

Hager CLUBS Starks in the corner, CLUBS him more, and then digs his knee in. The ref counts, Hager lets off and he sees the table is ready. Hager goes to Starks but Starks kicks low! Hager powers Starks to a corner and throws another body shot! Starks falls over, and he clamps onto Hager’s legs. Hager sighs, stomps Starks, and then hauls him up. Hager throws a hand but Starks slips around it! Starks fires off in return! The fans fire up, the ref counts, Starks DOUBLE HAMMERS as Dynamite returns to single picture! Starks fires off as he climbs, but Hager brings him out! Hager heads for where the table is, but Starks slips free!

Starks dropkicks Hager to the apron! Parker & Menard move the table aside as Hager tumbles to the floor. Starks runs and WRECKS Hager with a dropkick! Parker rushes in but Starks slides him along the table! Menard rushes in but Starks CLOBBERS him! Starks gets in the ring, Hager rushes at him! Starks sidesteps the shoulder to KICK Hager back! Starks goes up to springboard, FLYING CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Starks keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Starks as he goes back for more, but Hager throws him away! Hager BOOTS Starks down, then goes up, HAGER BOMB into boots!

Hager staggers and Starks runs in to spin him around! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Hager survives but Jericho is upset on commentary. Starks beats his chest as Fresno fires up again! Starks strikes his pose, but Menard is on the apron! Starks DECKS Menard! Starks sees Parker and swings on him, but Parker catches him! Hager rushes in, Starks sends him into Parker! Parker goes down, Hager staggers around, into Starks’ SPEAR!! Cover, Starks wins!

Winner: Ricky Starks, by pinfall

Jericho is furious! Menard and Parker regroup, but here come Sammy Guevara & Daniel Garcia! Starks gets outta there before the numbers game gets him again! The Absolute has two big wins over the JAS, will he get the rest of them soon enough?

 

Adam Cole speaks.

“I’ve been looking forward to a day like today since I got injured six months ago. I’d been imagining and fantasizing what it would be like to get back in front of the AEW fans, what it would be like to feel that rush again. And my God, Los Angeles did not disappoint one bit.” Cole vows that he will run AEW, and that he will run over anyone who stands in his way. It’s a new Adam Cole, but will he still be the same undisputed talent he always has been?

 

Backstage interview with the Jericho Appreciation Society.

Tony Schiavone is with Garcia, Guevara and Jericho himself, and Jericho is furious. Jericho says, “Ricky Starks has been insulting us, he’s been mocking us, he’s been evading us, and worst of all, he’s been beating us! But next week, it’s all gonna end, because I’ve requested a tag team match with Ricky Starks and his little buddy, Action Andretti, that orphan! Against Sammy Guevara & Chris Jericho, Le Sex Gods!” Daniel Garcia says that he’ll get his hands on Action this Friday Night Rampage, he wants to get after Starks, too. He wants to be Jericho’s partner over Guevara.

Sammy says, “Wow! This is exactly what we’ve talked about! I’ve trained you for this! I’m so proud of you.” And then Sammy hugs Danny. When Garcia beats Action on Friday, if he beats him, he CAN have Guevara’s spot on Dynamite. And y’know what? Sammy believes in Danny so much, he got Garcia new ring gear! Leather pants? Well, whether we get #LeSexGods or #Garciacho, next week is when Starks’ lucky streak ends for good! The JAS is all on the same page, but will they all end up taking another upset loss to Starks & Andretti?

 

Bryan Danielson VS Bandido!

The American Dragon needs to stay undefeated in singles competition until February 8th, and so far, he’s 2-0! But where The Future failed, will the Most Wanted succeed? Or will Bryan keep the streak alive?

The bell rings and Fresno fires up as the two stare down. Bandido has a huge fanbase here, they’re red hot for him! Bryan and Bandido shake hands to show respect, and they circle. They tie up, Bryan wrenches and wristlocks but Bandido rolls, handsprings and breaks free to show finger guns. Bryan kicks the “gun” away and the two circle again. Fans rally for Bandido even harder, and Bandido fires up from that! He and Bryan tie up, Bryan headlocks for the takeover, and he fights off the headscissors. Bandido endures the grind, keeps his shoulders up, and he headscissors after all. Bryan rolls, pops free and hooks up the legs!

Bryan has the Deathlock and fans rally. DEATHLOCK SNAP! And then Bryan gets the arms to turn Bandido over, SURFBOARD CRADLE! TWO, and the two stand off. Bryan shows his finger guns, and Bandido nods respect. Fans fire up as the two reset and circle again. They tie up with knuckle locks, Bandido drop toeholds and he drags Bryan down. Bandido hooks up the legs, SLAPS Bryan, and Bryan knows what Bandido’s after! Even so, he can’t keep his arms away and Bandido pulls Bryan up and up and into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Fans fire up as Bryan endures one of his favorites, but he manages to slip free!

Bryan KICKS Bandido in the leg, has a standing toehold and he uses it to turn Bandido over. Bandido crawls but Bryan drags him back. Bryan hooks the legs, he grabs the arms, but Bandido’s power game helps fight! But not for long, as Bryan pulls those arms back again! Bandido powers up again, crawls, but Bryan STOMPS the knees! Bryan aims his finger gun again but Bandido aims his back. And goes double! BANG! Fans fire up and Bryan applauds. The two circle again, tie up, and Bryan headlocks. Bandido powers up and out, but Bryan runs him over! Things speed up, Bryan sunset flips, but Bandido rolls through to hook Bryan up!

Bandido has a SURFBOARD CRADLE of his own! TWO as Bryan gets his left shoulder up! Bandido pushes it down, TWO as Bryan gets the other shoulder up! Bandido tries again, TWO as Bryan curls! Bryan then bridges, sits up, and fans fire up as Bryan throws short headbutts! Bryan gets up and over to sunset flip, TWO!! Bandido trips Bryan, ties the legs up, but Bryan fights free! Bandido says it was that close as fans applaud. Bryan is a little annoyed, but he and Bandido circle. “This is Awesome!” as the two knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder, forehead to forehead, and Bryan knees an arm to KICK and KICK and KICK!

Bryan monkey flips but Bandido lands on his feet! Things speed up, Bandido hip tosses but Bryan blocks! But then Bandido uses his insane strength to lift Bryan up and TOSS him anyway! Bandido gets the legs, ties them up, and even gets the arms! EL NUDO LAGUNERO!! The Blue Panther’s signature hold keeps Bryan off the mat! Bryan endures, fights free, and then scrambles out of the ring! Fans boo but Bandido builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Bandido hurries back in! Bandido builds speed again, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp again and fans are thunderous! Bandido fires up and he finger guns again.

Bandido puts Bryan in and he springboards as AEW goes picture in picture! Bryan KICKS Bandido out of the air! Bryan smirks as he slows down the fan favorite, but fans chant “YES! YES! YES” because he’s still a fan favorite, too! Bryan stands Bandido up to EuroUpper him down! Bryan stands Bandido up again, to EuroUpper again! Bryan stands Bandido up a third time, Bandido hits back, but Bryan EuroUppers him down into the corner! Bryan drags Bandido up again, scoops him, and puts him in the Tree of Woe! Bryan KICKS and KICKS and KICKS away on Bandido, but he lets off as the ref counts.

Bryan goes corner to corner, to basement dropkick Bandido outta the Tree! Then Bryan drags Bandido back, hooks up the legs, and pulls on the arms. Up, up and away into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Bandido endures, Bryan tips back to have a ROMERO CRADLE! TWO!! Bandido escapes but Bryan keeps his cool. Fans rally up, Bryan brings Bandido back up, and Bryan EuroUppers again! Bryan whips Bandido to ropes to kitchen sink him down! Bandido flounders and fans fire up as Bryan stalks him to ropes. Bryan brings Bandido up to CHOP! Bryan has Bandido against ropes, and CHOPS him again! And EuroUppers!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Bryan fires off fast hands! Bryan whips but Bandido rolls Bryan up! TWO, and Bryan runs in, into a POP-UP FACEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down, and a standing count starts. “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise. They stand at 6, Bryan CHOPS! But Bandido CHOPS! Bryan CHOPS! Bandido CHOPS! Bryan CHOPS, Bandido CHOPS, Bryan EuroUppers! And again! And then he KICKS away on Bandido in the corner! Bryan whips corner to corner, Bandido reverses, Bryan goes up and over but into a SUPERKICK! Bandido goes up and up and TORNILLO CROSSBODIES!

Bandido and Bryan hurry up to their feet, Bandido ducks and SOBATS at the same time! Bandido says BANG and reels Bryan in. Fans fire up as Bandido suplexes, holds Bryan up, for “OCHO!” and beyond! Fans fire up as Bandido still holds Bryan, before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Bryan gets his shoulder up as Bandido couldn’t fully cover. But Bandido just goes to the top rope! Bandido takes aim, gives us some Latino Heat, for a FROG SPLASH! Onto knees!! Bryan drags Bandido around, into the LEBELL LOCK!! Bandido endures, fans are thunderous, but Bryan shouts “TAP!” as he pulls way back!

Bandido continues to fight forward, reaches out, but Bryan gets that arm! RINGS OF SATURN!! Bandido kicks with his feet, to get the ROPEBREAK! Fans are thunderous as Bryan lets go in frustration. Fans love “A E DUB!” for this one, but Bryan shakes his head. Bryan aims and KICKS! And KICKS! Fans make these “SI!” kicks! “SI! SI! SI!” Bryan runs in to BUZZ- NO, Bandido blocks! Bandido SHOVES Bryan away, Bryan returns, but into a scoop! Torture rack and flip, GO TO SLEEP! Bryan ends up at the ropes, Bandido runs in, 21 PLEX! But Bryan lands on his feet?! Bandido turns around, into a drop toehold!

Bryan hooks an arm, La Magistrol, TWO!! Another drop toehold, another arm hook, but Bandido trips Bryan to La Magistrol! TWO!!! MJF was almost saved from that Ironman match right there! Bandido and Bryan rise as fans rally back up. Bryan goes to a corner, Bandido storms up and throws forearms. Fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but it has to end somehow. Bandido throws body shots and fast hands! Bandido CHOPS, then rallies the fans with “SI SE PUEDES!” Bandido whips corner to corner, runs in, but Bryan tosses him up and out! Bryan then builds speed and WRECKS Bandido with a dropkick!

Bryan then goes to the apron, aims, and FLYING KNEES Bandido back down! Fans cheer and jeer and Bryan soaks it all up! Bryan puts Bandido in, goes up the corner, but Bandido SHORYUKENS! Bandido climbs up after Bryan, throws forearms but Bryan fights back! They brawl up top, fans rally, and Bandido gets the edge. Bandido stands on the very top, brings Bryan up to join him, for the SUPER FALL AWAY SLAM!! Bandido crawls to Bryan, pushes him to ropes while fans lose their minds, and here comes the 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Bryan survives Bandido’s best shot and no one can believe it!

Bandido drags Bryan up and underhooks the arms. Bryan resists the lift, fans are thunderous, and Bryan wrenches out to ROCK Bandido with a forearm! Bandido gives it back! Bryan gives another forearm, but Bandido SLAPS! Bryan forearms, Bandido SLAPS, and they go back and forth, throwing wild shots! Bandido fixes his mask, Bryan ROUNDHOUSES him! Bandido SUPERKICKS in return! Bryan wobbles, Bandido reels him in, to suplex, only for Bryan to knee free! Bryan drags Bandido down but Bandido fights off the LeBell! Bandido deadlifts Bryan! But Bryan shifts around to RANA! Bryan runs in, Bandido pops him up, but Bryan uses that to get a backslide!

Bandido slips free, both men run, BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, Bryan wins!!

Winner: Bryan Danielson, by pinfall (now 3-0 in 2023)

Bryan succeeds again! But of course MJF has to interrupt via the titantron! “Hey, Bryan. I just felt that you and these people didn’t deserve to see me live. Actually, I’m beginning to feel a little bit underappreciated around here. Bryan, I’m not deaf and I’m not dumb. I hear, I see, I read everything that you and all these ‘fans,’ have to say about me. Claiming that I am not worthy, I am not deserving of my position here in this company. I’m beginning to think people have forgotten just exactly who the hell I am and how the hell I became your world champion. And I take that very personally.”

To think that after all the moments he’s given us. Saying we’re fickle people, that’s an understatement. MJF tells Bryan what he doesn’t seem to understand: Since they first crossed paths, Bryan has only been dealing with “masked” Max. Masked Max likes to keep things light, likes to keep things fun. But Bryan will find that the further he goes on this journey, the further he gets to Revolution and the One Hour Ironman match that Bryan thinks he wants… The more the mask will begin to slip away. “And Bryan, you don’t want that, man. Sh*t, nobody does.” Bryan may think he’s a dragon, but not even a dragon is a match for the monster behind the mask.

Fans boo and Bryan doesn’t seem affected by MJF’s words, but will MJF show his “true” form soon enough?

 

Saraya, Toni Storm and Hikaru Shida meet backstage.

Saraya isn’t sure what Shida was thinking last week, but that was a “stupid, idiotic move” for her to throw the kendo stick into the ring! Storm calms Saraya down and says it wasn’t Shida’s fault that Britt got the stick. Storm knows Shida. Shida is solid, she’d never do anything like that on purpose. The problem here is the “AEW Homegrown girls” being in this little bubble! They don’t know what Storm & Saraya know! Shida is flabbergasted like she was when Saraya chose Storm! But speaking of homegrown talent, Storm faces Willow Nightingale tonight. And Storm will show her, just like she will everyone else here, why Storm is the best. Saraya agrees. And Shida, you stay backstage.

Saraya and Storm head out, and Shida wants to say something, but she just sighs. Shida may not have meant to cost Saraya & Storm, but did that mistake only make these two into monsters?

 

Backstage interview with Brian Cage & Prince Nana.

Renee is with The Machine and announces the official word that next week, Bryan Danielson’s win streak runs into Brian Cage! Huge match right there, how does Cage feel about that? How does he feel? It’s about damn time! But then MJF walks in. “Brian Cage. The Machine, right?” That’s him. Good, that’s what MJF needs. MJF needs a Machine. And what he has potentially for Cage, with all due respect, is “more money than you gentlemen have ever seen in person your entire lives. I don’t care if you win, I don’t care if you lose, but I do care that you break his arm. Sound doable?” Cage says he can work that out. Good. And then MJF SLAPS Cage!?

Cage grabs MJF by the head! Is MJF crazy?! Does Cage want the money or not? Nana calms Cage down and has him think about the money. Cage lets MJF go, and MJF says that feeling Cage has right now is hate. MJF learned the hard way and at a very young age that there is no greater motivator. “So next week, use it. Pleasure doing business with you.” MJF gives Nana the money, and now The Machine is all fired up. Will he slay the American Dragon so that MJF doesn’t have to?

 

Willow Nightingale VS Toni Storm w/ Saraya!

While the Lightning From Down Under and The Revolution lost to the Pillar & the Killer, the always optimistic Willow and Ruby Soho won a brutal Street Fight against TayJay! Will Willow keep the momentum going from Rampage? Or will Fresno be on #ToniTime after tonight?

The bell rings and Storm circles with Willow. Willow offers a handshake, Toni takes it, and they tie up. Storm arm-drags Willow, Willow comes back and they tie up again. Storm headlocks, Willow powers up but can’t power out as Storm holds tight. Storm hits a takeover, but Willow rolls it to a cover, ONE! Storm holds onto the headlock, but Willow lifts! Storm fights that off, so Willow powers up and out of the headlock. They RAM shoulders, Willow rebounds and runs Storm over! Willow flexes, runs, but Storm drops. Willow rolls, Storm tries a hip toss but Willow blocks it to an arm-drag and cover! ONE!!

Storm gest up, Willow ducks her elbow to whip and lift, BIG back suplex! Fans fire up as Willow runs, BASEMENT SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Willow is annoyed, Saraya coaches Storm, and fans rally up. Willow storms in to fire off a forearm! Willow whips corner to corner, Storm reverses but Willow handsprings through! Fans fire up, Storm nods in some respect, and offers the handshake back. Willow goes to take it, but Storm SLAPS her! And then BOOTS her down! Saraya says to get her, and Storm stomps Willow out of the ring! Willow is on the apron, Storm runs to HIP ATTACK her to the floor! Storm goes out after Willow to AX HANDLE her down!

Fans boo but here comes Shida! Storm bumps Willow off the apron, whips her into railing, and AEW goes picture in picture! Shida storms over but Saraya tells her to get back. Shida keeps her distance, but she explains she’s out here as support. Saraya lets her stay, and Storm is in the ring as the ring count starts. Willow drags herself up at 5 of 10, staggers at “OCHO!” and gets in at 9! But Storm stomps her down! Storm kicks Willow around, drags her up, and EuroUppers her to a corner. Storm stands on Willow, the ref counts, and Storm lets off. Storm stand Willow up to TOSS her across the way! The ref reprimands about hair pulling and Storm apologizes.

Storm digs her boots in, the ref counts and Storm lets off again. Willow throws body shots but Storm knees low and CLUBS her down. Storm CLUBS Willow more, and more, and Saraya smiles. Storm kicks Willow but Willow throws a forearm! Storm CLUBS Willow down again, then clamps on a seated full nelson! Willow endures, even as Storm leans on the hold. Willow fights up, but Storm throws her down by her hair! The ref reprimands again but Storm clamps the full nelson again. Willow endures, fights back up, but Storm thrashes her about! Willow still endures as Dynamite returns to single picture!

Willow breaks the nelson and elbows Storm away! Willow runs in to back body block! Willow whips corner to corner, runs in and back body blocks again! And then LARIATS, snapmares, and BOOTS! Fans fire up behind Willow as she whips Storm, for a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Saraya rallies for Storm but fans rally for Willow. Willow climbs up the corner, Storm stands, and Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Storm ends up in a corner, Willow runs corner to corner, but Storm avoids the CANNONBALL! Willow hits buckles, Storm goes corner to corner, SWEET HIP MUSIC! Storm drags Willow up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up while Storm and Saraya are frustrated. Storm drags Willow by her legs, but Willow drags Storm to a cradle! TWO, and Storm swings. Willow dodges, runs and POUNCES Storm to ropes! Fans fire up with Willow and she brings down the straps! Willow roars, runs corner to corner, and she CANNONBALLS! Willow drags Storm out to a cover, TWO!! Storm survives, Saraya is upset and that just distracts Willow so Storm can roll her up! With tights!! Storm wins!!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall

Willow points out the cheating to the ref, but Saraya runs in to CLOBBER her! Saraya and Storm stomp away on Willow and fans boo! Shida is shocked, she gest on the apron, but it’s RUBY who rushes in to make the save! Storm & Saraya bail out while fans rally for Ruby. Ruby asks what the hell this is about, and Shida seems unsure what to make of this. Will the Runaway help Willow get payback on Saraya and Storm?

 

The Firm speaks.

Stokely Hathaway says that supposedly, the locker room is buzzing because Jungle Boy is telling everyone that he’s done with them. Well, the Firm isn’t done with Jungle Boy! And just like he said to Big Bill Morrissey, it is EMBARRASSING that they lost to people named “Hook” and “Jungle Boy.” Ridiculous names! Ethan Page says that’s where he steps in. Ethan says Stokely’s been letting him have his fun making Isiah Kassidy’s life a living hell while still having a blast with Matt Hardy on Dark and Elevation. But the fun is done! JB wants to tap out Moriarty?! This Friday, it’s payback! Will All Ego take down Jack Perry? Or will he just end up deflated on Rampage?

 

Backstage interview with Konosuke Takeshita.

Renee is with The Future and says that in his short time here, he has already garnered so much respect from both the wrestlers and the fans. In his match with Bryan Danielson just last week, it was an incredible showing, but how does he feel after that match? Konosuke says he enjoyed wrestling Danielson, one of his heroes, and he learned so much. He is now going to watch Bryan’s back because he doesn’t trust MJF. Konosuke goes off on MJF in Japanese, and Renee asks for a translation. “It means MJF is an asshole.” Perfect! Then if Bryan is supposed to worry about “unmasked Max,” will “unmasked Max” have to worry about undeterred Konosuke?

 

AEW TNT Championship: Darby Allin w/ Sting VS KUSHIDA w/ Kevin Knight & The DKC!

While the Relentless One and the Icon are heading to Yokohama, Japan for Keiji Mutoh’s final match this weekend, one of NJPW’s best has come here to answer the always open Open Challenge! Will the Timesplitter add another title to his list of accolades? Or will Darby stay the fighting champion through to WrestleKingdom 17 part two?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Darby’s time is up!

The bell rings and fans rally for Darby. Darby and Kushida circle, tie up, and Darby waistlocks. Kushida switches, Darby switches, repeat, but Darby rolls away. Fans rally and duel as the two circle. Darby avoids Kushida’s drop toeholds, but Kushida uses a leg guard to pursue. Darby still keeps his distance so Kushida stands and the two go again. Kushida shoots in, waistlocks, and shifts to a full nelson. Darby breaks free, switches, but Kushida throws him down. Kushida hammerlocks an arm but Darby fights up and slips around to hammerlock Kushida. Kushida tries to spin it around but Darby spins with him to hold onto the hold.

Darby then steps through for a flying-mare, and he clamps on a chinlock. Kushida fights up, Darby shifts to a headlock, but Kushida powers out. Darby runs Kushida over, things speed up, Darby rolls to trip Kushida and cover. ONE, but Darby rolls to get an arm! Kushida moves around, drags Darby down, but Darby gets the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets off quickly and cleanly, and fans applaud the sportsmanship. Darby and Kushida reset and go again. They knuckle lock, Kushida knees an arm and trips Darby to have a standing toehold. Darby endures, Kushida traps the other leg, but Darby fights free to roll and reel Kushida in.

Darby has a headlock, Kushida powers out, and Kushida sidesteps to then hip toss, cartwheel and basement dropkick! Fans fire up while Darby bails out. Kushida builds speed, but Darby ducks the baseball slide! Darby waistlocks, Kushida reverses and has an arm, but Darby goes around and around to send Kushida into railing! Fans fire up and Darby slides into the ring, but Kushida drags Darby back out! Kushida slides in, Darby follows, but Kushida PENALTY KICKS the arm! Darby clutches his elbow and crawls to a corner, but Kushida digs his boots in. The ref counts, Kushida lets off quickly, and he wrenches the arm.

Kushida wrangles Darby, steps over to hammerlock the arm with his leg, and then Kushida TWISTS! Darby writhes while Knight and DKC applaud. Fans rally but Kushida stalks Darby to a corner. Fans duel, Kushida CHOPS Darby. Kushida whips corner to corner, runs in, but Darby goes up and over. Darby comes back to COFFIN SPLASH! Darby keeps moving, springboards, but Kushida waistlocks! Kushida spins Darby and spins himself, ROLLING ELBOW! And PELE- NO, Darby blocks the kick to stand Kushida up! Darby fires off palm strikes, a headbutt, rolls and runs, CODE RED! Cover, TWO! Kushida escapes and bails out to the LADOJO boys.

Knight fans Kushida off and DKC coaches Kushida, but Darby goes up top! Darby SUPER CANNONBALLS! DKC and Knight take the hit as Kushida gets away! Fans fire up, and Kushida goes after the arm! RUNNING ARMBAR BULLDOG!! Darby writhes and the ref checks him while AEW goes picture in picture.

Darby has the ref back off, he isn’t letting this stop him. But even Sting looks a bit concerned for that arm. Kushida drags Darby up by that arm, puts him in the ring, and stalks him. Kushida drags Darby up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! Darby snarls, throws a forearm, and then another. Darby runs, but into a SHOTEI! Down goes Darby, and Kushida shouts out Jushin Thunder Liger with his pose and spin. Kushida then waits on Darby as he crawls to a corner. Kushida goes to the far side, runs corner to corner, RUNNING SHOTEI! Darby flounders away and Kushida stalks him. Cover, TWO! Darby shows his toughness but Kushida goes after the arm!

Kushida hammerlocks the arm again, hooks the far arm, and even a leg! Darby endures this modified Bow ‘n’ Arrow as Kushida pulls him backwards! Kushida lets off on the leg to step over and wrench the arm! Kushida has both arms trapped, for a RECLINER SNAP! Darby writhes and clutches each arm, but Kushida looms over him. Kushida kicks Darby to ropes, then basement dropkicks! Darby crawls to the corner, Kushida drags him up, and Kushida CLUBS the bad arm! Kushida then stands on the arm, to STOMP it! Darby writhes more, but fans rally up. Kushida drags Darby back up as Dynamite returns to single picture.

Fans duel again but Kushida CHOPS! Darby snarls, and he fires a forearm! Kushida CHOPS, Darby CHOPS in return! Kushida CHOPS again, eggs Darby on, so the forearms start flying! Kushida forearms, Darby forearms, but then Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Kushida pie faces Darby, but Darby fires off fast hands! Darby fires off more forearms, whips Kushida to ropes, but Kushida CROSSBODIES! That had some impact on it! Kushida comes back, bobs ‘n’ weaves as Darby throws hands, and then Kushida PELES! Darby staggers, Kushida rushes up and whips, but Darby reverses. Kushida handsprings, into a dragon sleeper! SCORPION DEATH DROP!

Fans fire up as both men are down! The standing count begins, the LADOJO boys coach Kushida up but Sting just watches Darby. The count is 5 of 10, Kushida and Darby sit up at 6. Darby snarls as he stands at 7, and he drags Kushida up. Darby puts Kushida on the ropes to SLAP, SLAP, and SLAP! Darby runs, Kushida follows, HANDSPRING KICK! Darby flops out of the ring and Kushida goes to the apron! Kushida waits, Darby stands, and then Kushida runs in to FLYING KNEE the bad arm!! Fans fire up again, the ref checks Darby but Darby refuses to give up. Kushida wants a count and he gest on the apron.

Darby grabs at Kushida’s legs but Kushida kicks him away. Kushida then drags Darby up to the apron by the bad arm, only for Darby to break free! Darby fires off forearms, but Kushida BOOTS him! Darby ELBOWS Kushida, then hops up, THROWBACK STUNNER on the apron!! Darby flops to the floor while Kushida goes flying back! Kushida then flops down just like Darby and the ring count is on both of them! Fans rally up and Darby stands at 3 of 10. Darby brings a chair over, the ref reprimands and wants this to get in the ring. Darby sits the chair up, makes Kushida take a seat, and he throws forearm after forearm!

Kushida fires back but Darby fires off a flurry as we’re past 6 of 10! Kushida finally sits, and Darby slides in at 7. Darby climbs the corner as the LADOJO boys shout to Kushida. Darby SUPER SENTONS, but Kushida catches him to an ARMBAR!!! Kushida thrashes the arm on the floor but Darby endures! The ring count restarts even as Kushida pulls way back on the arm! And the wrist, too! The count is 5 of 10, Kushida lets Darby go and gets back in the ring! Darby drags himself up with one arm, but the count is 7! And then “OCHO!” Darby gets in, but he avoids Kushida’s grip by sliding back out! Kushida roars and he goes to the corner.

Kushida drags Darby up by that bad arm, in a top wristlock! Fans are thunderous as they duel, and Darby ends up on the top rope. Both men stand, for a SUPER INVERTED ARM-DRAG!! Darby flounders, Kushida rolls to get the arm! HOVERBOARD!! But Darby clasps his hands behind his back to relieve the pressure! Knight tells Sting that he might wanna throw in the towel. Knight even has a towel just in case. Sting tells Knight that ain’t happening, and he uses the towel to wipe the sweat. Sting throws the towel to the fans, free souvenir! As for Darby, he fights up and reaches for ropes! But Kushida rolls Darby away! But Darby uses that to get up and SPINEBUSTER!

Darby has Kushida’s legs! Darby steps through, hooks them up, for the LAST SUPPER!! Cover, DARBY WINS!!

Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)

Kushida is stunned as Darby snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! The TNT Champion is still Relentless, but will that arm be a problem at WrestleKingdom in Yokohama? Darby offers a handshake with his good arm, and Kushida accepts it. Kushida also holds up a finger to say he’ll gladly go one more time. Kushida then raises Darby’s hand in victory, will we see this showdown happen again down the line?


My Thoughts:

This was a great Dynamite, and with pretty good flow. Great opening match with the All-Atlantic Championship, and I like the detail of the ringside ban that neither side actually obeyed. That was all hilarious stuff, and of course Cassidy finds a way to win. If this feud continues, I feel like Cassidy VS Jarrett for the title should happen. Now, if Triple Jay still have the Golden Globe, I would also love if it was Title VS Golden Globe so that Cassidy can avenge Paul Walter Hauser. Great promo segment with Gunn Club and Acclaimed, and I find it rather interesting that only now does Billy Gunn decide they need to talk this out before having another match. “Family therapy” won’t go well, and we’ll probably get Acclaimed VS Gunns for the tag titles.

Really good promo out of Hangman Page and Renee Paquette, with Hangman again teasing that he wants to reconcile with The Elite. At the same time, he also teased that he wanted a tiebreaker with Moxley, but he held back because he knows Moxley is kayfabe recovering. Maybe they’ll give us that match at Revolution. And speaking of The Elite and Hangman’s “fences” that need mending, really good vignette from Adam Cole to add to the hype return from last week. I would love an interaction between the Adams to see if we get a rematch of those two. And there has to be a way to tie The Dark Order into this given their friendship with Hangman.

Good promo from Stokely and Ethan to hype up Ethan VS Jungle Boy, which is not the next step I expected in this feud. That match could go either way, but I would Ethan wins so that The Firm can look like a threat for once. Also I like that Ethan’s promo let us know that there have actually been story developments on Elevation and Dark. And great promo from Konosuke to say he’s staying part of this MJF VS Bryan storyline. I’m pretty sure Konosuke said more than “MJF is an asshole,” but I love that he’s showing some great personality and wit in summarizing it like that. I really do hope we get to see Konosuke confront MJF should MJF try and directly get involved with Bryan’s matches.

Speaking of, Bryan VS Bandido was an awesome match. This is exactly how I knew this series of matches for Bryan was going to go, where Bryan wins but his opponents look amazing. Then Brian Cage being made into Bryan’s next opponent, that match is going to be awesome. MJF had a really good promo directed towards Bryan, and a really good promo talking to Cage. But I would love if at some point, MJF pushes one of Bryan’s opponents to the points where they just hand the win to Bryan so that MJF will have no choice but to be in the One Hour Ironman Match. MJF needs to get some comeuppance in this, and that’d be a great way to do it since he doesn’t wrestle on TV.

Awesome match out of Bucks VS Top Flight, and I loved that the Bucks went for a reference to the Briscoes. But I did not expect Top Flight to win, so that was a great surprise. We also got a great match out of Starks VS Hager, and of course the JAS tried to help Hager win that. Great promo from Jericho, Sammy and Garcia, and I like that Sammy made a deal with Garcia on trading spots in the tag match. Garcia VS Andretti is going to be great for Rampage, and that could go either way, but I would think Garcia wins to team with Jericho. #Garciaco is a sad tag name, especially with “The Death Wizards” right there. Garcia is Red Death, Jericho is The Wizard, boom, Death Wizards.

Really good promo from Saraya, Storm and Shida before Storm VS Willow. I did not expect Saraya & Storm to turn Heel in this but that’s a great twist. Oh, and of course it works to AEW’s overall “We don’t like WWE” motif. Saraya and Storm were in WWE before AEW (but also other promotions), and they’ll have this odd bias against the AEW originals. Shida seemed torn, given she is also someone who got going in her career before AEW, but she also doesn’t like the attitude Saraya and Storm have. Storm VS Willow was great stuff, but of course Storm cheats in her Heel turn and of course Saraya attacks.

In a nice twist, Ruby Soho is a former WWE talent who is on the side of AEW, and I’m sure we’ll get a great match of Saraya & Storm VS Soho & Willow. Then maybe Shida will be forced to choose a side. I would think Shida sides with AEW and we still get Saraya VS Shida at Revolution. And I suppose this helps Hayter turn Face since fans love her anyway. And then we got an awesome main event for the TNT title. Kushida gave Darby a great match on the technical front on top of the Strong Style, but Darby did great in finding a way to win. With AEW and NJPW still working together, I would love to see more NJPW stars showing up and challenging for the midcard titles.

My Score: 8.8/10


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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/27/24)

BRUV! BRUV! BRUV!

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The #BillyGoat and The Wrestler finally meet again!

As AEW prepares for Dynasty, Will Ospreay prepares for Bryan Danielson by taking on the man he just beat, THE Katsuyori Shibata!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Will Ospreay VS Katsuyori Shibata; Ospreay wins.
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: The Young Bucks VS Private Party; The Bucks win and advance to the semifinals.
  • AEW TBS Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kris Statlander VS Willow Nightingale VS Skye Blue VS Anna Jay; Willow wins and will challenge Julia Hart for the title.
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta VS The Undisputed Kingdom; Cassidy & Trent win and advance to the semifinals.
  • AEW World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Swerve Strickland VS Konosuke Takeshita; Swerve wins and will challenge Samoa Joe for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Will Ospreay VS Katsuyori Shibata!

The Aerial Assassin wants to slay the American Dragon and prove himself the best wrestler alive today! But that means keeping pace with Bryan Danielson while doing things he’s never done before. Ospreay admitted he got “the piss” beat out of him seven years ago, but will he have redemption here tonight? Or is Ospreay still not better than The Wrestler?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as these two circle. The fans sing “Ospreay~, Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~! Ospreay~, Ospreay~!” while Ospreay and Shibata feel things out. Shibata avoids Ospreay’s takedown to then waistlock and bring Ospreay around. Ospreay moves, blocks the chinlock, but Shibata just slips around to another waistlock. Shibata gets a top mount and he eggs Ospreay on. They grapple, Shibata finds his way through to go for an arm, ARMBAR! Ospreay gets a ROPEBREAK and Shibata lets off quickly. The fans applaud this opening exchange and start to duel as the two reset.

The two feel things out to a knuckle lock, but then Ospreay kicks low and CLUBS Shibata. Ospreay then snapmares, puts on a chinlock, and he grinds Shibata down. Shibata endures, uses his own leg as a lever and pries the chinlock open. Shibata wrenches to wristlock, but Ospreay spins and breaks to trip Shibata with an ankle pick. Osprey has the toehold but Shibata turns over, uses his leg to reel Ospreay in for a headlock, and then hits the takeover! The fans cheer but Ospreay headscissors. Shibata moves around, pops free, and then stands to kick! Ospreay narrowly avoids it and the fans fire up again!

Ospreay takes a breath and the two reset again. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, but Shibata powers Ospreay back to ropes. The ref counts, Ospreay turns things around, but then Ospreay lets off slowly. But then Ospreay CHOPS! Shibata just gets in Ospreay’s face! Shibata knees low, bumps Ospreay off buckles, and he fires off forearms! The fans fire up, Shibata runs corner to corner, but Ospreay SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up and Shibata scrambles to a corner, Ospreay fires forearms on Shibata now, sits Shibata down with them, then fires up to go corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Ospreay uses Shibata’s won move!

The fans fire up while Shibata bails out, and Ospreay PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Shibata! The fans fire up again, the ring count starts, and Ospreay says, “Yes, bruv!” Ospreay brings Shibata up, CLUBS him and puts him in the ring. But Shibata gets moving, and he BOOTS Ospreay right down! Shibata goes out to fetch Ospreay but Ospreay fires forearms! Shibata just eggs Ospreay on! Ospreay fires more forearms but Shibata backs him down by just stepping forward! Shibata then UPPERCUTS Ospreay, and suplexes Ospreay to the floor! Then he KICKS Ospreay in the back! Ospreay writhes but Shibata leaves him behind.

The fans are torn as Shibata sits cross-legged in the ring while the count climbs. Shibata decides to go back out after Ospreay and put him in the ring. The fans rally and duel, Shibata stomps Ospreay around, then gets the legs to stomp. Shibata steps right through to the FIGURE FOUR! Ospreay blocks the main leg but Shibata powers through! Ospreay sits Shibata up and they start throwing forearms! The leglock is let go so Shibata can CLUB Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Shibata fires a forearm, shoots around, SAIDO! Ospreay writhes again and the fans rally up as Dynamite goes picture in picture!

Shibata dusts himself off, drags Ospreay to center, and again steps through, only for Ospreay to again block the main leg! Shibata powers through to have the FIGURE FOUR! Ospreay endures, reaches out, but Shibata puts the pressure on! Ospreay falls back, but that makes this a cover, TWO and Ospreay sits back up! Ospreay works to turn things over but Shibata works to stop him! Ospreay tires again, and again, and he turns the hold over! Now Shibata endures! Shibata turns things right back over, but Ospreay has the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets the hold go so he can shake out his own legs.

Shibata drops a knee on Ospreay’s knee! Ospreay goes to a corner, Shibata CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ospreay falls to his knees, so Shibata CLUBS him! Ospreay glares at Shibata so Shibata CHOPS and ROCKS him! Ospreay hobbles away, comes back, and he fires a forearm! Shibata eggs him on so Ospreay fires more forearms. Shibata ROCKS Ospreay with one! Ospreay goes to a corner and falls over. Shibata brings Ospreay up, whips him to KNEE him low, then CLUB him down, and KICK him in the back! Shibata KICKS Ospreay again, gives him some scuffing kicks, but now Ospreay sits cross-legged to egg Shibata on!

Shibata kicks, and KICKS, and Ospreay falls over! But then Ospreay gets up in a rage! Ospreay fires forearms, Shibata gives them back, and Ospreay fires a streak of ’em! Shibata ROCKS Ospreay, whips, and Dynamite returns to single picture as Ospreay handsprings and NEURALIZERS! The fans fire up while Ospreay gets up to TOSS Shibata out! Then Ospreay PLANCHAS but Shibata moves! Shibata kicks low, whips Ospreay into the LED barrier, then runs up to BOOT him! The fans fire up as the action comes to them, then Shibata brings Ospreay around. Shibata whips Ospreay back at the LED, but Ospreay leaps up and over!

Shibata runs up but Ospreay ROCKS him back! Ospreay uses the barrier to FLYING FOREARM Shibata down! Ospreay puts Shibata in, aims from the apron, and springboard for PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Shibata stays in this but he’s dazed. Ospreay brings Shibata up, the fans sing again, but Shibata fights the underhooks. Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks, but Shibata stands. Ospreay CHOPS, but Shibata just gets in Ospreay’s face! Ospreay fires forearms but Shibata again backs Ospreay down by just stepping forward! Ospreay fires forearms again and again, but Shibata DECKS him! Ospreay sits up in a daze, so Shibata whips him and BOOTS him in a corner!

Shibata fires a flurry of forearms, then runs, but Ospreay follows to CHOP! But Shibata fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Shibata runs, Ospreay follows again, BOOT! But Shibata just comes back with more forearms! Ospreay eggs Shibata on so Shibata CHOPS, JABS and repeat! Then CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Shibata runs corner to corner to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! The Wrestler shows Ospreay how that move’s done, and then he hauls Ospreay up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Ospreay shakes his head, he’s tougher than that! Shibata keeps his cool, he brings Ospreay up, and the fans rally again.

Shibata clamps on but Ospreay fights the cobra twist! Ospreay switches the twist onto Shibata! Shibata endures, switches it right back, but Ospreay fights his way around! Shibata shifts into an IRON OCTOPUS! Ospreay endures, fights his way around, ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets off to KNEE, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out to SNAP GERMAN! But Shibata’s up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay avoids the boot to SUPERKICK! Ospreay whips, Shibata reverses but Ospreay handsprings, Shibata blocks the Neuralizer to the STF!! The fans fire up as Ospreay endures and Shibata has a higher angle on the hold! But Ospreay still gets the ROPEBREAK!

Shibata lets go, has Ospreay in a corner, and he brings Ospreay up to ROCK him with a haymaker! And another! The ref counts, Shibata lets off, and Ospreay sneaks up to SLAP! Shibata wobbles, but he CROSS COUNTER! Shibata KICKS Ospreay down, shakes out the stars, then sits Ospreay up so he can PENALTY- NO, Ospreay ducks! But the KICK from behind hits! Shibata runs again, PENALTY- NO, Ospreay blocks it this time! Ospreay stands to fire forearm after forearm, but Shibata ROCKS him! Ospreay shakes his head and fires up, and the fans are with him as he fires forearms! But Shibata ROCKS Ospreay with one!

Ospreay shakes his head, comes back to fire more forearms, but then Shibata ROCKS him again! Ospreay leans on Shibata, so Shibata fires a flurry of forearms! Shibata KICKS Ospreay down, but Ospreay springs up to ENZIGIRI! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! A standing count starts, Ospreay rises and he prepares the elbow! Shibata sits up, but he ducks the Hidden Blade! Shibata also ducks the roundhouse, to have the SLEEPER! Ospreay grits his teeth, reaches out, but Shibata gets that arm, SLEEPER SUPLEX! Ospreay staggers up but into the SLEEPER HOLD! Ospreay is fading already!

The ref checks Ospreay, and the hand drops once! The fans rally, and Ospreay gets a second wind! Ospreay fights up, runs to ropes and he TOSSES Shibata tot he apron! Shibata gets up but Ospreay avoids the shoulder ram to STOMP him! Ospreay then hurries to the corner, springboard, MISSILE DROPKICK! Shibata flops down, Ospreay calls his shot! Springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, ONE?!?! Shibata roars and LARIATS!! Cover, ONE?!?! Shibata and Ospreay DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! SUPERKICK from Ospreay and he calls it again, but Shibata SLEEPERS! Ospreay shifts around to SAIDO!

Shibata gets up, Ospreay runs in, HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Shibata survives but Ospreay brings him in! Underhooks and STORM DRIVER 93!! But Shibata sits up with a roar! Ospreay HIDDEN BLADES!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

An instant classic to say the least, these two showed how elite Strong Style can be! But in the end, the Aerial Assassin avenges his defeat seven years ago! Ospreay shows Shibata respect with the deep bow, and Shibata returns it. Ospreay certainly looks ready for Bryan Danielson, but will he be able to slay The American Dragon and establish his Dynasty?

 

AEW takes a closer look at Bryan Danielson.

Excalibur narrates that you can ask any professional wrestler who is the greatest technician of this or any generation, and one name is on the list: Bryan Danielson. This unassuming kid from Aberdeen, Washington who traveled the world to become an all-time wrestling icon began his journey under the tutelage of Shawn Michaels, and The American Dragon was born. He made his name in the independent circuit before landing in ROH, where for nearly a decade, Bryan laid the promotion’s groundwork as a Founding Father of Honor. Bryan would main event from the very first event to winning multiple world championships.

Bryan would also go global with NJPW, and eventually WWE. But at the height of his career, having become one of the most decorated champions in pro-wrestling history, Bryan had what he loved above all else ripped away. Years of sacrifice for the sport that is his life left Bryan medically unable to compete. Yet, through unflinching determination to regain his ultimate passion, Bryan would fight the steepest of odds and make his in-ring return after three years away. And then in 2021, he shocked the world when he made his AEW debut, showing again why he is an all-time great, and testing the limits of his body against the best pro-wrestlers in the world today.

Bryan himself said he “will not go gently into that good night.” If this is his last year, he is calling his shots! This will be the most epic year of his career. And that means checking off the dream match of American Dragon VS Aerial Assassin! Who will prove they are THE best in the world today?

 

Backstage interview with The Young Bucks.

Renee Paquette is with the AEW EVPs, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson. Tonight, they are in action in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament against a team that defeated them in the inaugural- Nick gets mad already and claims this is some kind of ambush! Such negativity! Unprofessional, Renee! Is this how she conducts all her other interviews? Where is Alex Marvez? Nick would rather Marvez conduct this interview, he’s also better looking. Matt calms Nick down and says they’ll circle back to that question. What they do want to talk about is that they returned to AEW a couple months ago, with some goals and objectives.

The first one being, well, retiring “Sting’s old ass.” Did that! Second goal: Restructuring The Elite. And how’d they do that? Well, they made some room and brought in The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada! By the way, did you see Okada’s big Continental Championship win last week? Holy crap that was awesome! And all on his own. Big surprise to everyone backstage, but of course Okada did that fair and square! Just like The Bucks will win tonight! They asked Rainmaker, come, chill out in the back, they’ve got this. But to the question, the biggest goal, the most important one out of everything, is to get their AEW World Tag Team Championships back.

And Renee mentioned the upset last time that ruined Matt’s entire life for an entire year. What do you do to right that wrong? You beat them back! You beat Private Party! See, lightning never strikes twice! And The Bucks will be one step closer to getting their titles back. Let’s have a great show, Renee’s doing awesome, fist bump. But one note: Maybe try smiling more. That’s all. Matt heads out and Nick still prefers Marvez. But will The Bucks really make up for the past? Or will history simply repeat itself?

 

Kazuchika Okada arrives in style!

Still driving the red Ferrari, the NEW Continental Champion is here to watch his pals in action.

 

AEW Double or Nothing is returning to Las Vegas!

Five years running, the AEW Memorial Day weekend tradition returns to Sin City and the MGM Grand! Tickets on sale this Saturday, 10 AM Pacific!

 

AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: The Young Bucks VS Private Party!

We just heard from The Bucks about their goals for 2024, but they may have misinterpreted how things went down with Sting at Revolution. Will they make no mistake and come through on this match? Or will Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen be the one getting their shot (shot shot) at the semifinals?

The teams sort out and Matt starts against Kassidy. The fans rally up while Matt offers a fist bump. Kassidy slaps that away and gets in Matt’s face! Matt pie faces Kassidy, so Kassidy pie faces back! They pie face more, then Matt kicks low! Matt whips, Kassidy rolls Matt up, TWO! Matt runs up, into another roll up, with bridge! TWO, and Matt CLOBBERS Kassidy! The fans boo but Matt brings Kassidy around. Tag to Nick and they mug Kassidy. The Bucks then double whip, but Quen tags in! Kassidy gets Matt, Quen sunset flips Nick, stereo covers! TWO!! The Bucks escape, then block kicks from Private Party.

Matt and Nick trade who has who, then they FLIP them both! Quen & Kassidy both land out, to SUPERKICK the Bucks! The fans fire up while the Bucks bail out, and Private Party builds speed! They DOUBLE DIVE and take The Bucks down! The fans fire up as Kassidy rains down fists on Matt! Quen & Kassidy bring Nick around to put him in the ring. Quen whips but Matt reverses, Quen gets sent over the barriers! Matt kicks Kassidy, whips him, but Quen helps Kassidy SILLY STRING to the floor! The fans fire up but Nick PENALTY KICKS Kassidy from the apron! Nick hurries but Quen meets him on the barrier!

Nick and Quen brawl, Nick pokes Quen in the eye! Nick then brings Quen up to SUPER FALCON ARROW to the floor! The fans lose their minds, The Bucks hurry back into the ring, and they want a count out! Quen writhes, we watch Okada approving backstage, and we pass 5 of 10! Kassidy hurries to get Quen up, but we’re past 7! 8! Quen flops in at 9! Nick stomps Quen around, then tags in Matt. The Bucks drag Quen up to double whip to ropes. But Quen ducks the double elbows to shove Nick into Matt! But Nick kicks low, and he suplexes Quen onto Matt’s knees! Then Nick BLASTS Kassidy down!

The Bucks soak up the heat from Quebec City, and then regroup as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Matt paces around, stomps Quen, then CLUBS him down. Matt CLUBS Quen again, then pushes him to the ropes. Matt jumps to STOMP Quen down! The ref counts, Matt lets off and brings Quen up. Matt whips Quen to the corner hard and Quen bounces off buckles. Matt swaggers up, Nick soaks up heat from the fans, and Matt brings Quen around to scoop and SLAM! Tag to Nick and he slingshot SENTONS! Nick then runs to KNEE Quen in the back! Nick throws in KNEE after KNEE, then stares Kassidy down. The ref keeps Kassidy back, and Nick CHOKES Quen on the ropes! The ref misses all this because he’s arguing with Kassidy!

The ref finally looks over and Nick lets off, then they argue and that allows Matt to scuff Quen. Nick tags Matt in, they get Quen up and whip, but Quen reverses to send Nick to the corner! Nick goes up and over, Matt runs in but Quen ELBOWS him! Nick returns, he’s put on the apron. Quen runs up but Matt scoops! BACKBREAKER, and Nick slingshot LEG DROPS! The Bucks soak up more heat, Matt covers, Kassidy breaks it! Nick kicks Kassidy and TOSSES him out! Nick then goes out to reel Kassidy in! APRON POWERBOMB! Kassidy writhes while Nick soaks up more heat. But Quen throws body shots on Matt!

Matt CLUBS Quen, then brings him around for a chinlock. Quen endures, even as Matt leans on him, and Quen throws body shots. Dynamite returns to single picture as Matt trips Quen and CATAPULTS him into a GAMANGIRI! Nick goes up while Quen falls back, but Kassidy hurries over to SHOVE Nick down! The fans fire up, Matt rushes Kassidy but gets a HOTSHOT STUNNER for it! Quen runs up to SIDE EFFECT! The fans fire up and rally as Quen crawls, hot tag to Brother Zay! Kassidy dodges Matt, to HOTSHOT STUNNER Nick! Kassidy CLOBBERS Matt, CLOBBERS him again, then whips him to ropes.

Matt reverses, Kassidy slides out and avoids Nick, but is put back on the apron! Kassidy RAMS into Matt, mule kicks Nick, GAMANGIRIS Matt, then blows a kiss before he ASAI MOONSAULTS Nick down! The fans are thunderous as Kassidy gets back up to springboard and CROSSBODY onto Matt! Cover, TWO!! Matt survives and Kassidy is surprised! Quebec rallies for Private Party as Kassidy stalks Matt. Kassidy says “DELETE! DELETE!” and Matt stands, into the kick! TWIST OF- NO, Matt shoves Kassidy away, and Nick trips him up! Matt CLOBBERS Kassidy while fans boo. Matt drags Kassidy up and he tags in Nick.

The Bucks put Kassidy up top, CLUB him, and then climb up after him. Matt has the cravat, Nick is underneath, SLICED BREAD BOMB!! Cover, QUEN BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Matt runs back in, but Quen dodges to PELE! Matt falls, flounders his way over to Nick, and Quen drags Kassidy to the Private Party corner. The fans rally, Kassidy reaches up, tag to Quen! Nick runs up, Quen fires forearms on him, on Matt, and back again! The fans rally but Matt kicks low. Matt scoops, Quen slips free, but Nick CLUBS Quen in the back, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Quen flounders to an apron and Nick goes out after him.

Nick stomps Quen, drags him up, and APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Quen writhes, Nick puts him in, and tag to Matt. Matt says this is it! Nick goes up, Matt brings Quen up for the scoop, but Kassidy anchors Nick! Quen victory rolls, TWO!!! That was what got The Bucks last time but they managed to escape! Nick kicks Kassidy away, Matt ROCKS Quen, then CLUBS him again and again! Matt brings Quen around, Nick stands back up. Fireman’s carry, but Quen slips free to shove Matt into Nick! Kassidy gets in, Quen goes up to RANA, GIN ‘N’ JUICE!! Nick flounders out of the ring but Quen tags Kassidy.

Private Party gets Matt up, and they’re going to steal MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!! Cover, NICK BREAKS IT! The fans boo as Nick hammers away on Kassidy! Nick points to someone, goes out of the ring, and he grabs the ring bell!? The fans boo as Nick is abusing his EVP power! But the ref grabs the bell from Nick! Kassidy LARIATS Nick, but Matt LOW BLOWS Kassidy! There goes fair and square! But wait, Quen has one of the title belts!! BELT SHOT!!! The fans fire up as Matt tastes karma! Cover, Nick helps with the ROPEBREAK!! Nick grins as he gets away with that one but Private Party cannot believe this!

Kassidy drags Matt over, he tags Quen, and Quen goes up. 630 SENTON FLOPS as Matt moves!!! Matt hurries to tag Nick, they get Quen up, for E V P TRIGGER!!! It wasn’t the cleanest but it was effective! Cover, The Bucks win!

Winners: The Young Bucks, by pinfall (advance to the semifinals)

Okada again nods his approval. The Rainmaker has a title, is it only a matter of time before Matthew & Nicholas join him?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

For starters, it’s back! Live this Saturday, 8 PM Eastern, and with the other AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals! The Infantry overcame The House of Black with help from Mark Briscoe, but now they’re looking to say yeah to beating FTR! Will Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo be marching into the semifinals? Or will Dax & Cash prove they’re still Top Guys? And in their big return to action (no pun intended), Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey take on Top Flight’s Dante & Darius Martin! Will this tournament soon be Absolute? Or will Angel Dorado & Air Wolf book themselves a flight to the semifinals?

 

Don Callis speaks.

“Tonight, Swerve’s House comes tumbling down. A tornado known as The Alpha, Konosuke Takeshita, is coming. Swerve, our résumé is very clear: We beat Kenny Omega not once but twice; we destroyed Chris Jericho; we destroyed Darby Allin. You wanna bring Prince Nana and the little back-up dance, you go right ahead. You are standing between us and what we want. I am so sick of hearing about Swerve’s House, this little fantasy you’ve constructed for yourself, because you see, your house is on my street. Your house is in the Don Callis Family’s neighborhood. And all those houses are mine. I take what I want, and then I take a little more.

“And tonight, Takeshita is gonna take everything from you, including your opportunity to become the #1 contender. Tonight, the Alpha burns it all down.” Callis has promised big things, but will Takeshita live up to these great expectations?

 

Mercedes Mone arrives backstage!

The CEO arrives in style, struts her way to gorilla, and is going to join commentary for this star-studded #1 contender’s match in the women’s division!

 

AEW hears from Darby Allin.

He’s hanging out with THE Tony Hawk pro-skater, and notes that originally, he was hoping to climb Mount Everest right about now for Tony’s charity, The Skatepark Project, but uh… broke his foot. So does Tony wanna tell us about the project? Of course. This is a foundation to bring public skate parks to underserved areas, operating for over 20 years now. They’ve funded the creation of almost NINE HUNDRED skate parks in that time, and it is important to Tony because it was never lost on him how lucky he was to have a skatepark to go to as a kid. It was his place of belonging and community, where he cut his teeth, and he wants to give that same access to skater kids all over the world.

Darby adds that he wouldn’t be here without skateboarding, so this cause means the world to him. If you wanna donate, just go to Skatepark.org to help out. Darby can’t climb a mountain, but this is Plan B. Darby lets his foot be part of Tony’s handstand grab in the halfpipe! We wish Darby a speedy recovery, and we hope the Skatepark Project has even greater success.

 

Backstage interview with Hook and Chris Jericho.

Renee is with the FTW Champion and The Ocho, and first congratulates Hook on that big win over Jericho last week. Renee brings up Jericho having a proposition for Hook, so what is up? Jericho says what’s up is that a few weeks ago, he said he wanted to see what it was like to face Hook 1v1, to see if Hook is as good as the people say. And after having that match, Hook exceeded expectations. Right out of the gate, he suplexed Jericho right on his head and he didn’t let off. Hook got his first pinfall win, and off Jericho, and Jericho is okay with that. Jericho is proud of Hook, because he saw some things he never had before.

Jericho’s never had a wrestling school, never managed anyone, but he’s also never been in the ring with someone like Hook. Hook’s skills are so highly tuned yet still raw. So Jericho wants to say that after 33 years in the business, if Hook wants any advice from Jericho, Jericho will gladly help sharpen Hook’s skills so he can be the world champion Jericho knows Hook can be. So like he said, if Hook wants his advice, Jericho is here for him. Hook appreciates the praise, and of course he’ll take that advice. He’s Chris Jericho. But being Chris Jericho, Hook knows who Jericho is. Okay, that’s fair. And Jericho knows who Hook is, and more importantly, who Hook can be.

Jericho offers a fist bump, Hook accepts, and Hook says, “Let’s get it.” Jericho says yeah, let’s get it, and he also fist bumps Renee. With The Wizard now his mentor, is it only a matter of time before the Cold Hearted Handsome Devil goes for the top prize in AEW?

 

Mercedes Mone makes her entrance!

The fans chant for the “C E O! C E O!” as she struts down to join commentary. We’re about to see the Galaxy’s Greatest, the Babe with the Power, Chicago Skye and the Star of the Show battle it out, who wins their shot at the Princess of the Black Throne?

AEW TBS Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kris Statlander VS Willow Nightingale VS Skye Blue VS Anna Jay!

The bell rings and Skye SUPERKICKS Kris! Willow LARIATS Skye! Anna rolls Willow up, TWO! Willow swings, but Anna wrenches to HOOK KICK! Anna whips, Willow reverses, but Anna uses that to LEG LARIAT Skye off the apron and onto Kris! Willow runs up but into a BOOT! Anna runs in to ELBOW Willow in the corner, ROCK her, then whip. Willow reverses, then fires up before she runs in, back body block! And clothesline! Snapmare, then BOOT! The fans rally, Willow runs, and she SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Skye runs in to CLUB away on Willow, then bumps her off buckles. Skye stomps away in the corner but fans boo.

Willow elbows Skye but Skye CLUBS Willow then digs her boot in! Willow powers out of that, but Skye storms after Willow. Skye tries to suplex but Willow’s too strong! Willow wrenches out, but Skye kicks low. Skye then DDTS Willow down! Willow flounders, Skye hurries to cover, but Kris breaks it! Kris hauls Skye up to scoop and SLAM! Kris runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Anna adds a BASEMENT BLOCKBUSTER on Skye! Kris SLIDING LARIATS Anna! Cover, TWO! Kris scoops, Anna slips free and shoves, then follows, but Kris runs her over! The fans fire up as Kris flexes, and she gets Anna up. Kris runs, but Skye tirps her!

Skye spins Kris around to SUPERKICK! Willow POUNCES Skye, PERIOD! The fans fire up and Stokely Hathaway loves it! Willow tells Mone to remember that one, but the fans chant “C E O! C E O!” while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Willow goes back tot he ring, but Anna HOTSHOTS her down! Anna tells Mone to watch her, but Kris trips Anna up! Kris throws hands and CLOBBERS Anna, then CHOPS her against the apron! Anna crawls away, Kris kicks her in the butt! Kris goes for Skye but Skye ROCKS her first! Skye CLUBS Kris, stalks her, but Kris hits back with body shots. Willow CLUBS Anna around the way, stomps her down, but Skye looms over Kris. Skye drags Kris up while Willow keeps on Anna. Skye SMACKS Kris off steps, and Willow scoop SLAMS Anna! Kris hits Skye back, CHOPS her against barriers, then keeps after her.

Anna SMACKS Willow off steps, CLUBS her, and Kris DECKS Skye! The fans fire up for Kris while Willow kicks Anna in return. Stokely coaches on his ladies, but Skye SUPERKICKS Kris! Anna and Skye mug Willow, then bring her up to double whip hard into the LED barrier! Willow writhes, but Kris DOUBLE SPEARS Anna and Skye! Kris puts Skye in, covers, TWO! Skye survives but Kris drags her back up. Kris CLUBS Skye, kicks, but Skye blocks to KNEE! That looks like something Mone does! Skye reels Kris in to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Skye then runs, but Willow is up to SPINEBUSTER her down!

Willow sees Anna run up and takes a swing, but Anna catches her for a COMPLETE SHOT! Kris is back, and she DISCUS LARIATS Anna! All four women are down and even Mone is loving it. Dynamite returns to single picture as the four meet at center. Anna trades forearms with Kris while Skye trades shots with Willow. They go back and forth, stand back up, and the forearms fly harder! Willow and Anna ROCK Kris and Skye, then Anna BOOTS Willow! Skye runs to BOOT WASH Willow outta the ring! Kris runs in, Anna dodges but Skye blocks to send the arm into Anna anyway! But Kris still ROCKS Skye!

Kris CHOPS Anna, ROCKS Skye, repeat! Then ROUNDHOUSE for Anna! Skye is in a corner, Kris UPPERCUTS her! Kris reels Skye in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Skye survives and Mone can’t help but love it. Kris kicks Skye away, drags Anna to the drop zone, then climbs up. But Anna ROCKS Kris first! Anna goes up after Kris, CLUBS away on her, and she SUPERPLEXES! Cover, Willow SENTONS them both!! The fans fire up, Skye blocks Willow to again Mone Knee! Skye tries to fireman’s carry but Willow fires elbows! Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER- RANA!! Cover, TWO!!

Willow stands, into a SUPERKICK! Skye runs, hops on, CODE BLUE!! Cover, KRIS BREAKS IT!! Kris saves her friend but also the match! Kris gets Skye up, POWER BREAKER!! Skye flounders away, Kris drags her back, but Anna hooks Kris into the Gory Especial! GORY BOMB onto Skye! Anna double covers, TWO!! Anna snarls, she drags Kris up by her hair, and she clamps on the QUEENSLAYER! But Kris powers out, and feeds Anna to Willow’s SHOTGUN! But now, Kris and Willow are the two standing tall. Willow says let’s do this, pal! Kris says okay, but then Skye LARIATS them both! No effect!

Kris & Willow kick Skye, whip her, but Skye ducks to send Willow into Kris! Then she SUPERKICKS, whips, but Willow reverses! Willow runs in but Skye dodges! Skye ROCKS Willow, but Willow comes back! Skye BOOTS Willow in the ropes, brings her to the apron, and full nelsons! Willow fights free, fireman’s carries, and APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS!! Skye flops down, Mone’s jaw drops just like Quebec’s! Willow high fives the fans but Anna brawls with Kris! Anna clinches, Kris fights free and gut wrenches! The tuck and- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Anna hurries up, but Kris gets around! Anna tosses Kris out, to LEG LARIAT!

But Willow is back in, to gut wrench and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!!! Cover, Willow wins!!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW TBS Championship)

Mone says alright, she accepts Willow’s that good. But wait! JULIA HART runs in to BELT SHOT Willow from behind!! The fans boo but the Princess grins as she holds up the title. Then she glares at Mone over at the desk. Mone stands and walks right up to the ring. Julia holds the title up at Mone, then runs away before Kris can get her! Willow is still getting her shot at Dynasty, will she add that TBS Championship to her list of accolades? Or will the House Always Win?

 

Backstage interview with Dustin Rhodes.

Renee is with The Natural, and says he is currently 3-1 in 2024. Every time he steps back inside the ring, he reminds us all just how much of a badass he is. What is next for Dustin? He does feel he’s started 2024 with a bang. “Everybody on this roster is very, very talented. Every single match I’ve had here in five years has been really, really good. Bangers, all of ’em. Nothing’s different. Surprisingly, right now, at 55 years old, I’m still as passionate as I have ever been.” But then in steps The Butcher, belittling what Dustin is saying. Well what does Butcher want? He heard Dustin wants a fight. Oof, Butcher, your breath…

Butcher says it’s his mustache, it has its own musk. But look him in the eyes. Dustin wants a match? Remember that Bunkhouse Match? Oh yeah he does. Then how about Friday on Rampage, Dustin and Butcher cash some receipts? Oh, Butcher wants receipts? He thinks Dustin’s just some stepping stone? Oh absolutely. Well, if you want it, then you got it. Friday Night Rampage it is! But just remember this: You’re gonna find out why Dustin is The Natural Born Legend. Everyone loves Dustin, even Canada. Butcher can’t wait. This is gonna be quite the shootout, but will it be a good Friday for the living legend?

 

“Timeless” Toni Storm visited Turner Classic Movies!

Ben Mankiewicz introduces himself and then congratulates Toni Storm for not only being AEW Women’s World Champion, but also for “helping redefine the artistry of professional wrestling.” Toni says that’s so sweet. And she congratulates Ben on… whatever it is he does around TCM. One small note, though: crispen your annunciation. No one says “crispen” in America really, but sure, he’ll work on it. Now repeat after her. Chin up. Chin up. Tits out. Uh, no, he won’t say that. And watch for the shoe~! What? She tosses her shoe over her shoulder as she leaves, and now he understands. But will AEW’s leading lady continue to be a modern classic even through Dynasty?

 

Swerve Strickland speaks.

“Tonight comes down to Swerve and Takeshita, to be ranked number one. Now we all know, to be truly number one in the pro-wrestling industry, you gotta hold the AEW World Championship gold. And that is Samoa Joe. Takeshita, you’ve been probably one of the best competitors I’ve ever seen over the last couple months. You’ve been doing your thing. But our motivation’s been vastly different. Mine is for something bigger than me, and that’s history. I’m not taking this lightly. So Takeshita, after I get past you, it’s me and Samoa Joe, one on one, no distractions.”

Swerve then tells Joe, “I didn’t forget what you did to me. And when I finally get you one on one for that championship, you’ll never forget what I do to you.” Swerve’s House is ready, but will this soon be Swerve’s Dynasty?

 

AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta VS The Undisputed Kingdom!

While Roderick Strong took away the AEW International Championship, Freshly Squeezed and his Best Friends feel stopping Matt Taven & Mike Bennett from getting more tag titles is fitting revenge. Will Cassidy & #JustTrent do whatever it takes to be avenged? Or will there only be more gold in the Kingdom’s future?

The teams sort out and Trent starts against Bennett. The bell rings, the two circle, but then Cassidy steps in? Cassidy says it’s okay, just hold on. He walks over and DECKS Taven! The fans fire up as Cassidy goes out after Taven, and Trent fires off on Bennett in a corner! Trent stomps away, Cassidy ROCKS Taven, then ROCKS him again! Trent keeps after Bennett, whips him to ropes but Bennett reverses to CLOBBER him! Taven turns things around on Cassidy to whip him into steel steps! Bennett whips Trent, Trent ducks and DIVES onto Taven! The fans fire up and Trent stands Taven up, but Bennett FLIES out onto them both!

The fans fire up as Cassidy climbs! Cassidy waves hi, then SUPER TRUST FALLS onto The Kingdom! The fans are thunderous as Best Friends shake hands! Trent gets Bennett in, Chuckie T gives him a supportive butt pat, and Trent storms into the ring. Bennett kicks low, CHOPS, then bumps Trent off buckles. Tag to Taven, The Kingdom stomps and mugs Trent, but the fans rally for Best Friends. Taven whips, Trent reverses but Taven goes up and over. Taven then dodges Trent to DROPKICK him down! Bennett cheers as Taven BLASTS Cassidy off the apron! The fans boo but Trent gets Taven for a GERMAN SUPLEX!

Trent GERMAN SUPLEXES again, but Taven throws elbows to fight the hattrick. Taven powers Trent into the corner, tags Bennett, and they mug Trent. Trent fights back with forearms and elbows, but Tavne CLAWS Trent’s eyes! The Kingdom double whips, but Trent holds ropes! Trent BOOTS Taven, dodges Bennett then drops down to STANDING METEORA! Taven mule kicks Trent then SUPERKICKS him down! Cassidy protests, the ref has him stay back, but the ref misses Bennett bring Trent to the apron! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Bennett scurries away and Roddy applauds as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Roddy applauds, but Bennett talks smack on the fans in the front row. Bennett brings Trent up to then rebound and BOSTON BAYONET! Down goes Trent, but Bennett brings him back up and in. Cover, TWO! Trent stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a hard whip to the corner! Tag to Taven and then Bennett whips Trent back in for the BOOT! Trent goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Taven is annoyed with Trent’s toughness but he clamps on a chinlock. Trent endures as Taven leans on him, and then Bennett mocks Cassidy putting hands up. But instead of putting his hands into imaginary pockets, Bennett just flips everyone off.

The fans rally, Trent fights up and he throws body shots. Taven ENZIGIRIS Trent in return! Tag to Bennett and he runs up to basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! The Kingdom is frustrated but Cassidy coaches Trent up. Bennett brings Trent around to stomp him down, then eggs him on. Bennet SLAMS Trent’s arm off the mat, then stands Trent up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Trent is tougher than that so Bennett tags Taven. Taven goes up and soaks up some heat, only for Trent to get up and bring him down into a SAIDO! Both men are down, Bennett is upset but Cassidy is fired up. Hot tag to Bennett, and he stops Trent from reaching Cassidy!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Bennett CATAPULTS Trent into a ROUNDHOUSE! Trent falls back, Taven goes up, ELBOW DROP! High stack, TWO! Trent is showing that grit but Bennett talks trash on Cassidy. Tag to Taven, The Kingdom whips to SPIENBUSTER and LIONSAULT, onto knees! Trent saves himself, hurries over, hot tags to Bennett and Cassidy! Cassidy bumps Bennett off buckles, goes up top, and CROSSBODIES! Then he runs at Taven, only to be put on the apron. Cassidy bumps Taven off buckles, goes up top again, and he CROSSBODIES Taven now! Cassidy keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges Bennett to tilt-o-whirl, but Bennett stops it!

Bennett suplexes Cassidy, only to get STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! But JUST THE TIP of the knee from Taven! Bennett gets Cassidy up, Taven is in the opposite corner, and they hit the PROTON PACK! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy survives and the fans fire up again! Chuck rallies Quebec but The Kingdom reset. Taven climbs, Bennett reels Cassidy in, but Trent SHOVES Taven down! Trent climbs, Cassidy turns things around on Bennett! STRONG ZERO BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Bennett survives #BeachZero but the fans rally up again. Cassidy drags Bennett up, tags Trent, and now Trent brings Bennett up.

But Taven SUPERKCIKS Trent! Cassidy leaps, Taven gets under, but Trent just uses that to TORNADO DDT! Cassidy tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Then BUSAIKU KNEE! The fans fire up as Trent and Cassidy… get distracted by Roddy holding up the International title! But then Chuck YANKS Roddy down! So Roddy DECKS the Kentucky Gentleman! Cassidy chases Roddy all around, Roddy drops the belt and Cassidy DIVES out onto him! Trent runs up on Bennett but runs into a kick! Bennett reels Trent in, but while the ref’s checking on Cassidy, Chuck TRIPS Taven! Trent trips Bennett, jackknife bridge, BEST FRIENDS WIN!!

Winners: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta (advance to the semifinals)

Turns out, two can play at the numbers game! Or is it six? Whatever! Best Friends are facing Young Bucks, making the semifinals that much bigger for both teams! Oh wait, Best Friends HUG, only for the Bucks to interrupt! Matthew & Nicholas are making sure everyone remembers the EVPs still have the power. But apparently not the power to make the Codyvator- er, EVP Lift, go any faster. Will Cassidy & Trent make the inaugural Dynasty PPV Freshly Squeezed? Or will the Bucks prove blood is thicker than Orange Punch?

 

Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.

Renee is now with #CombatKyle and congratulates him on his big return win a couple weeks ago on Collision. How did it feel to finally be back in that ring? Kyle says you can prepare yourself mentally and physically, but there’s no way to get ready for what it’s actually like to get in that ring in front of a live crowd and pull it off. It felt good to rip the Band-aid off, it really did. But it is a deep, deep roster here in AEW, and there is no such thing as an easy match. True, so let’s talk Undisputed Kingdom. They came out there to celebrate with him, is he having any second thoughts on doing this alone?

Kyle says he loves those guys, but no, no regrets. He did it on his own in his return, he’ll do it on his own this week. Collision in London, Ontario, Kyle proves he belongs. Kyle is ready to chase the dragon, but will he be able to keep this going all on his own?

 

Adam “Edge” Copeland speaks.

The Rated R Superstar was backstage after Dynamite last week, and he said, “When you decide to dedicate your life to this, you dream of nights like this. Your hometown, against a man that you’ve known for 40 years, to hear that audience, to hear them sing my music to me. It’s one of those nights that I’ll take with me to the grave.” Edge is sore, bloody, but he got the TNT Championship. This feels like the first time he’s properly won a title since 2011. “Tonight, it felt like that chapter closed. That 40 year story is closed. It’s time to move on. It’s time for me to defend this TNT Championship. Collision, London, the Cope Open’s back.

“To anybody who wants to step up, feel free. There’s more at stake now, too, and I don’t plan on losing it any time soon.” Collision is about to get Rated R in its return, who looks to go toe to toe with the NEW Face of TNT?

 

MORE breaking news for Collision!

On top of the AEW World Tag Team Championship tournament, on top of The Cope Open, there will be a BIG Six Man Tag! Lance Archer & The Righteous tried to tear down the Swiss Superman, but now he’s got back-up! Bryan Danielson & Katsuyori Shibata are teaming with Claudio Castagnoli to take the fight to Vincent, Dutch & the Murderhawk Monster! Will this Collision prove #EverybodyDies? Or will The Wrestler make a great fit alongside the Blackpool Combat Club?

 

AEW World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis!

We have heard from The Realest, and we heard from the head of the Don Callis Family. The time for talk is over, only actions can prove your worth! There can be only one, so who will be THE ONE that faces Samoa Joe in St. Louis?

The bell rings and of course Callis joins commentary, saying the French Canadians are outta control. Nana gets everyone chanting, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” as Swerve and Takeshita circle. They stare down, and Swerve surprisingly offers a handshake. Takeshita surprisingly takes it, but then neither man lets go. They use that as part of the grapple, and they move around to find openings. Swerve steps over, headlocks, but Takeshita wrenches out. Takeshita grinds the shoulder, Swerve trips Takeshita and has the leg, and then floats to headlock. Takeshita slips out the back to waistlock.

Takeshita shoots the half nelson for the cover, ONE as Swerve goes Matrix! The fans applaud the exchange as the two reset. Callis admits Swerve is a great athlete with sneaky strength, but Takeshita is still the best rope to rope wrestler in the company. The two tie up, Swerve headlocks, but Takeshita knuckle locks through to power up and put Swerve on the ropes. Takeshita lets off slowly, but then lands a cheap shot! The ref reprimands, Takeshita whips, but Swerve flips up and around and stares Takeshita down! Takeshita runs in, Swerve sunset flips, but Takeshita stays up. Swerve goes Matrix again to avoid the fist drop, and he rolls Takeshita up, TWO!

Swerve doesn’t let Takeshita go far, he floats around and rolls him for a short arm scissor! Takeshita hurries to the ROPEBREAK! Swerve lets go quickly and Callis admits Swerve has incredibly smooth transitions. The fans rally up, Takeshita rushes in but Swerve dodges to mule kick! Swerve whips Takeshita, Takeshita ducks ‘n’ dodges to TAKESHITA LINE! The fans are torn but Takeshita soaks up the heat. Swerve checks his jaw, and we see Samoa Joe watching backstage. Is Joe upset Swerve is struggling or angrily hoping Swerve loses? Takeshita storms up on Swerve, ROCKS him, then has him in a corner.

Takeshita digs boots in, the ref counts, and Swerve does his best to kick at Takeshita, but Takeshita lets off with a stomp. Takeshita whips, Swerve reverses and UPPERCUTS! Swerve then snapmares Takeshita to go up and FALLING UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Swerve hits the Griddy! Callis says Swerve needs to learn, you don’t pander to the fans! Swerve drops a knee on Takeshita’s face, then clamps on with a chinlock. Takeshita fights up quickly but Swerve throws body shots. Swerve puts Takeshita in ropes, fires more body shots, then turns him for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT!

Takeshita writhes and flops to the apron while the fans rally up. Swerve drags Takeshita in, kneels on the cover, TWO! Swerve keeps cool and drags Takeshita up. Takeshita fires a forearm! Swerve gives it back, Takeshita gives another, and Swerve throws another! Takeshita grabs Swerve by the hair to Muay Thai KNEE him! Takeshita kicks, Swerve blocks, and Swerve slips around to clinch and BACKBREAKER! Swerve rolls into the facelock, but Takeshita suplexes first! BRAINBUSTER! Takeshita snarls while fans boo, and Swerve goes to a corner. The ref checks Swerve, Swerve says he’s fine but hard to say, and Takeshita storms over.

Takeshita brushes the ref aside, puts Swerve in a corner and he rains down forearms! Callis likes what he sees as Takeshita grinds the forearm in Swerve’s face. The ref counts, Takeshita lets off at 4, and Swerve clutches a shoulder. Takeshita drags Swerve up, ROCKS him, and Swerve leans against ropes to stay up. Takeshita stands Swerve up to ROCK him again, but Swerve SLAPS back! Takeshita fires a flurry of forearms, then runs in, only for Swerve to sidestep! SNAP GERMAN! But Takeshita’s right up to DECK Swerve! Swerve flops out of the ring and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Takeshita shakes out his arms and scowls while the ring count climbs. Swerve is still down at 4 of 10 but Nana slaps the steps to rally the fans. Takeshita goes out to fetch Swerve, and he hammerlocks the bad arm to POST it! Swerve falls in a heap and Takeshita storms up on him, but the ref says to get this back in the ring. Takeshita drags Swerve up, puts him in the ring, then has Swerve under the ropes for the ROPE GUILLOTINE! Swerve sputters, goes to a corner, but he scowls as he works on the bad arm. Takeshita paces, Swerve turns around, into a HELLUVA KICK! Takeshita hauls Swerve up to scoop and SLAM!

Takeshita goes up the corner, soaks up the heat, and then SUPER SENTONS! Kneeling cover, TWO! Takeshita gives Swerve a taste of what he did earlier, but then drags him into a chinlock. Takeshita grinds Swerve down, even steps over to trap a leg, but Swerve still endures. Swerve reaches out, but then Takeshita pushes him down for a NECK TWIST! Takeshita then goes back for the chinlock, adding a rear mount for more leverage. Swerve still endures and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally up, Swerve fights to his feet, but Takeshita pulls hair to wrangle Swerve back down! So Swerve twists Takeshita’s nose!

The fans rally, the ref reprimands both guys, so Swerve lets go to CHOP! Takeshita winds up to ROCK Swerve! Swerve ROCKS Takeshita, they go back and forth faster and faster! Takeshita winds up to ROCK Swerve again! Swerve leans on ropes again, Takeshita runs in, but Swerve TOSSES Takeshita up and out! Swerve then builds speed, and HANDSPRING RANAS! Swerve still managed that move even with the bad arm, and he puts Takeshita back in. Swerve goes up, Takeshita turns around, CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!! Callis says that sends a message there, and Swerve definitely looks frustrated.

Swerve goes back to Takeshita to drag him up and fire fast hands! And even some kicks! Swerve winds up, but the bad shoulder holds him back! Takeshita DECKS Swerve again!! The ref checks Swerve as Swerve is in a daze, and Callis says to just call it now. But also, Callis wants Takeshita to show no mercy! Takeshita runs up, Swerve ducks the lariat! Swerve waistlocks, Takeshita switches and shoves Swerve to the apron, then Takeshita runs up. Swerve RAMS into Takeshita, but the shoulder hurts more! Swerve still goes up and over to get in, somersault, but into the fireman’s carry! LANDSLIDE! SHOTGUN BOOT!

Swerve tumbles out, the fans boo Takeshita as he builds speed, but Takeshita FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans can’t help but fire up! Takeshita hopes Joe saw that, and the fans rally for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Takeshita drags Swerve up and around to go up the steel steps and to the apron. Takeshita grins as he steps back in with Swerve, and then Takeshita goes up the corner. Takeshita drags Swerve up and he wants to repeat Revolution! But Swerve throws hands to fight that off, and he then SLAPS Takeshita! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Takeshita HEADBUTTS Swerve down! But Swerve takes out the legs!

Takeshita is stuck in the ropes, for the BOOT and DRAPING DDT!! Swerve goes up the corner, Callis is concerned but Takeshita stirs. Swerve aims to SKY TWISTER! Cover, TWO!! Takeshita survives and Swerve is frustrated again! Nana says he was close, and the fans know “This is Awesome!” Swerve hauls Takeshita up, goes to half nelson, but Takeshita fights it! Swerve still tries but Takeshita elbows him away. Takeshita reaches for a corner, Swerve reels him back in! But Takeshita switches to hop up, POISON-RANA!! Swerve staggers up, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Swerve survives and shocks Takeshita!

Takeshita snarls as Swerve stirs. Swerve slowly rises, Takeshita brings him around for boxing elbows! Then he ROCKS Swerve again! Swerve leans on the ropes again, Takeshita grabs at him, but Swerve hooks free with his leg to ROCK Takeshita with a right of his own! Takeshita sits back, shakes out the stars, and Swerve nods. Swerve runs up, blocks a boot, and he yanks Takeshita, somersault into the JUMP KNEE! Swerve ends up in a corner, but he goes up and over as Takeshita runs in! O’Conner but then EDDY GORDO RANA! Takeshita stands, into the SOMERSAULT FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Takeshita survives and Callis is worried now!

Swerve goes to the corner and fans fire up as he goes up! Swerve takes aim for the- Wait, Takeshita bails out to the apron. Swerve just adjusts to APRON KILL STOMP!!! Swerve pushes Takeshita back in while fans lose their minds! Swerve reloads as he climbs back up, for the KILL- POWERBOMB!! Flip through and suplex, BRAIN- NO, Swerve slips free to CHOP Takeshita on the neck! Then half nelson, BIG PRESS- NO, victory roll! Then the WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! Swerve flounders, sits up, into the POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Swerve survives and shocks everyone! Callis was even ready to celebrate!

The fans rally up as hard as they can, and Takeshita drags Swerve up again. Takeshita puts Swerve up top as fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Dynamite’s already into the overrun, hopefully they don’t go forever! Takeshita climbs up after Swerve, waistlocks, but Swerve fights the lift! Swerve throws hands then ELBOWS Takeshita down! Swerve adjusts, reloads, KILL- NO, Takeshita dodges! Takeshita then runs up, BLUE THUNDER- RANA! Swerve sends Takeshita into buckles! Takeshita falls back, into the HOUSE CALL! One more try as Swerve goes up! KILL STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? HOW?!?!?

Callis is so excited, he loves the shock on the faces of Swerve and Nana! Swerve hurries to get Takeshita up, half nelsons, but Takeshita breaks free! Takeshita ducks the chop, then swings, but Swerve ducks the haymaker! RISING HEADBUTT!! Takeshita wobbles, but he JUMP KNEES in return!! Swerve stays up, runs up, POP-UP KILL STOMPS!!! Swerve hauls Takeshita up, half nelson, BIG PRESSURE DRIVER!!! Cover, Swerve wins!!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship)

Quebec is thunderous, Callis is upset, and from the looks of it, Samoa Joe is also unhappy he’ll have to face Swerve 1v1. Renee even walks over to ask him how he feels about having said 1v1 match with Swerve. Joe says, “How do I feel? What’s baffling to me is how he’s feeling right now. This is a man celebrating the biggest fate he’s ever gonna catch in his life. And next week, Swerve, when you walk down to that ring and you sign on the dotted line, I am gonna make sure that you UNDERSTAND what you are asking for. You think you’re ready? No. No. You’re not that man.” The King of Wrestling Television storms off, but will he lose his throne to Swerve’s Dynasty?


My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite here, so much great build towards Dynasty. Amazing opening match from Ospreay VS Shibata, great win from Ospreay so that he’ll be ready for Bryan, and then good move following it up with a career retrospective type hype video on Bryan. Awesome #1 contender’s Fatal 4 for the TBS Championship. We didn’t really get any fighting between Kris and Willow, which is actually quite clever, and great win for Willow. Julia of course goes after her, but I feel like that indicates Julia is losing the title and Willow will carry this belt in a feud with Mercedes Mone.

Really good promo from Dustin Rhodes and The Butcher to set up their match on Rampage, and I like that someone finally brought up the Bunkhouse match again. Really good little promo from Kyle O’Reilly to make it clear he’s having another match. And I like that AEW let Darby help plug Tony Hawk’s charity, I’m not even a skater but I appreciate them wanting to help all these kids out there who are or want to be. Good promo from Jericho and Hook to set up not a match but a manager-client relationship. You’d hope Jericho is going to be an honest manager but just as Hook implied, there is always a chance Jericho turns on Hook and we still get them fighting for the FTW title.

Great promo from Edge to give us his feelings after that big win in the I Quit match but to also pivot things towards the Cope Open’s return, just as I was hoping. A bit redundant, though, as they kinda snuck in the announcement during one of the tag matches. They should really just understand what the plan for the show is before having commentary bother with saying stuff like that. Anyway, the Cope Open is going to be awesome, can’t wait to see who becomes Edge’s first defense that he’ll of course win. And great though rather random bit with Toni Storm and Ben Mankiewicz, she didn’t even mention Deonna Purrazzo or Thunder Rosa. Maybe Tony Khan’s still writing that stuff.

A great promo from The Bucks with Renee to lead into their match with Private Party, and that was an awesome match. Of course The Bucks win, both because they’re definitely heading for the titles and they were going to get their win back after all these years. Best Friends VS The Kingdom was also great stuff, and I really liked Best Friends turning the cheat around on The Kingdom. Cassidy & Trent VS Bucks is going to be great, too, but as I’ve said before, this tournament has to be leading to Bucks VS FTR Round 4. FTR will beat Infantry, then beat winner of Top Flight VS Starks & Morrissey, Dynasty will add to AEW’s biggest tag team rivalry.

And of course, awesome stuff in the AEW World Championship story. Great promo from Callis and Swerve, amazing main event from Swerve VS Takeshita, like PPV level in itself. Swerve of course wins, and Samoa Joe had a great promo to respond to it. That contract signing segment will definitely be some good stuff, and their 1v1 match at Dynasty will be match of the year level for sure.

My Score: 9/10


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Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (3/20/24)

Toronto’s on a Rampage!

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Rampage? On a Wednesday?!

Don’t worry, it’s still Wednesday! But Rampage is LIVE on TBS, and a Wild Card will be dealt! Best Friends or Don Callis Family, who moves on to round two in the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Wild Card: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Kyle Fletcher; Cassidy & Trent win and advance to the quarterfinals.
  • Katsuyori Shibata VS Kevin Matthews; Shibata wins.
  • Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Rocky Romero; Takeshita wins.
  • Street Fight: Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Julia Hart & Skye Blue; Julia & Skye win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bullet Club Gold speaks.

They have a skeleton prop with the sign, “Darby On Everest.” It even has a taped up foot! The BCG is having a BBQ poolside in someone’s backyard, and Colten says, “As you can see, The Bang Bang Gang is not in miserable Toronto. We are in sunny Florida.” Sun’s up, guns up! And the reason why is because they handled some Big Business last week. Jay White saved a man’s life! That’s what they’re calling breaking Darby’s foot? Colten says Jay even saved Max Caster’s rap career and Anthony Bowens’ modeling career. The Gunns once took the tag titles from The Acclaimed, so how about they take the AEW Trios titles?

Austin says as far as their old dog of a dad goes, how did he not see this coming given their relationship? Maybe this time, they take Billy out back and put him out to pasture. They don’t need him anymore! Jay finishes cooking and says yeah, they don’t need Daddy Ass. White’s taking care of these boys, just like he’s taken care off this new friend with a fresh coat of gold~! He’s painted Sting’s baseball bat to give it a much-needed sprucing up. White isn’t an artist like Darby, but maybe Darby can give White some pointers seeing as how White saved his life from that mountain. Now Darby is free to do almost anything he wants.

White says “almost” because Darby won’t be climbing Everest this year. Darby will train, his foot will heal, and maybe next year or the year after, maybe then Darby can try and conquer the mountain to breathe that Everest air. But just ask The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass, White is bigger than Everest! Darby will not conquer him, and he will NOT Breathe with the Switchblade! Then they all shout at the prop Darby as it rides down the water slide and into the pool. Darby, no~! The BCG is joking around now, but will all their enemies be having the last laugh?

 

Renee Paquette is on stage.

She welcomes us to Rampage, and then welcomes out her guest, The Acclaimed! The fans fire up as Caster & Bowens make their entrance, sans Billy. Max oddly references the other Max by saying, “Cut my music, cut my music. Yo!” “Yo!” “Yo!” “Yo!” “YO!” “YO!” “Listen…! We should’ve known. We should’ve known. Last week, The Bang Bang Gang, our former partners, attacked us right in that ring, left us laying, and as you can see, only two of the Trios Champs are here tonight. Billy Gunn not even cleared to travel after what happened to him last week.” Fans boo and Caster says Billy got hit in the head by The Switchblade.

Let’s hear how you feel about that! Let them hear you, Toronto! Toronto boos Jay White, and Caster says he feels the same, and apparently White feels the same about Toronto! White didn’t even wanna show up tonight in Toronto. But Acclaimed show up even when they’re demoralized, when they get attacked, when they get hurt, because they don’t get scared. And Jay, you are pretty scared. Caster would be scared too if he was some light heavyweight pretend tough guy who hides behind his Ass Boys! The fans chant “ASS~ BOYS! ASS~ BOYS!” Caster says White thinks he saved Darby’s life? Allow Caster to “save” White then.

Caster offers a one-way, first class ticket to anywhere he wants to go. Back home to New Zealand, back to Japan, it doesn’t matter, so long as it is not AEW. And if White is smart, he’d take the offer, but he won’t because he ain’t smart. Wanna know how Caster knows White ain’t smart? “How?” “Because only a stupid person would piss off the best wrestler alive! Only a stupid person piss off The Acclaimed. And when you bring your stupid ass back here with your Ass Boys, we’ll be there to ruin your life and hunt you down!”

Bowens adds, “And Toronto, I apologize if I’m not the happy-go-lucky Bowens that you’re used to. But I’m pissed off! Because there’s three people that didn’t have the BALLS to show up to Canada. Instead, they showed some video, sitting by the pool, talking about the trios titles and Darby. And it didn’t really make much sense to me until I realized, there’s a little bit more to that. And that is that there’s a teeny tiny part of you that deep down knows that you guys are not elite enough! Austin, Colten, there is a beautiful video package highlighting the beautiful history of the AEW tag team titles, and you weren’t good enough to be in it!

“Jay White, maybe you should’ve listened to the internet and signed some place else, because you brought your raggedy ass all the way over here, you went through the Continental Classic, and you LOST! You got a shot at the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, and you LOST to MJF with one leg! And the only reason why you’re holding a title around your waist is because The Acclaimed helped you. YOU need to stop blaming everyone else for your shortcomings, and YOU need to blame yourself! You are NOT a savior, you are NOT a catalyst, you are a coward, and I am counting down the days until we beat your ass silly!”

The fans fire up and Bowens says here’s something they need to see. Cameraman, swing around. Toronto! Throw those scissors high in the air! The fans join in, then Bowens says put the index finger down, and join them in showing the Bang Bang Gang how you really feel! Jay, the Acclaimed never needed you, they never will! This is the only gang they need! Because EVERYONE loves The Acclaimed!! The intensity has been turned up to eleven, will Caster, Bowens & Billy cut down Bullet Club Gold once and for all?

 

AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Wild Card: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Kyle Fletcher!

This Freshly Squeezed combination for Best Friends has been making it work! They’re 3-0 between both AEW and ROH, but this fourth match is the one that matters most! Will they be moving on to the quarterfinals to go after The Undisputed Kingdom? Or will the Don Callis Family look to start Rampage strong with the first win of this unique combination?

The teams sort out and Cassidy starts against Hobbs. The fans rally up as Cassidy puts his hands up. Cassidy reaches for his pockets, but Hobbs runs up! Cassidy dodges, swings, but Hobbs dodges the Orange Punch to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Trent breaks it! Fletcher kicks Trent and CLUBS him down, then Hobbs helps mug him. They TOSS Trent out, Fletcher goes out after him, and then he and Hobbs RAM Trent into railing! Both men leave Trent behind, but Cassidy DIVES! Hobbs catches Cassidy to SLAM him on the apron! And SLAM, and SLAM! Hobbs shoves Cassidy in, talks trash, and Cassidy crawls.

Hobbs aims, runs corner to corner, and SPLASHES! Cassidy falls, Hobbs soaks up the heat, and he mockingly puts his hands in his straps. Hobbs hauls Cassidy up to whip him to another corner, but Cassidy dodges and the SPLASH hits buckles! Hobbs tumbles up and out to the floor! Fletcher hurries in but Cassidy boots him away, hot tag to Trent! Trent dodges Fletcher, drops then STANDING METEORA! Fletcher stands, Trent clotheslines him up and out! Fletcher and Hobbs regroup, Trent climbs, and Trent SUPER CANNONBALLS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Trent then puts Hobbs in the ring and hurries after him.

Trent CHOPS Hobbs, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Fletcher runs in but is sent into Hobbs! GERMAN SUPLEX for Fletcher, then Trent forearms Hobbs! Trent runs to ELBOW Fletcher, then reels Fletcher in, TORNADO- NO, Fletcher blocks that, hands Trent off to Hobbs, and then Hobbs pops Trent up! PENDULUM BOMB! The fans boo while the Family hugs it out, NOT what the people want as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Hobbs rains down forearms on Trent, then paces. Hobbs drags Trent up, scoops him, and hits a BIG sidewalk slam! Trent writhes, Hobbs covers, TWO! Hobbs keeps Trent from Cassidy, tags in Fletcher, and they mug Trent. Fletcher soaks up the heat and pretends he can’t hear the fans. Fletcher taunts Cassidy, goes back to Trent, and he bumps Trent off buckles. Fletcher stands Trent up to KICK low! Then he stands Trent up so he can KICK again! Fletcher whips corner to corner hard and Trent falls to his knee! Rampage returns to single picture, the fans rally for “BEST FRIENDS! BEST FRIENDS!” but Fletcher fireman’s carries.

Trent slips free and he TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while Fletcher flounders away! Trent crawls, Hobbs runs in! Trent TOSSES Hobbs, then hot tags Cassidy! Cassidy climbs to CROSSBODY Fletcher! Cassidy keeps going, eh DIVES and takes out Hobbs! Cassidy hurries back in, dodges Fletcher, and tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, Hobbs breaks it! Hobbs goes to his corner, Fletcher hurries over, and Fletcher tags Hobbs. Hobbs runs up but into a SUPERKICK! Hobbs stays up! And he ROCKS Cassidy with a forearm! Hobbs keeps Cassidy from falling, then torture racks! Hobbs bends Cassidy, Fletcher intercepts Trent!

Trent spins things around to POST Fletcher, then he fires forearms on Hobbs! Hobbs doesn’t flinch so Trent fires more shots! Cassidy goes to sunset flip, Hobbs stays up! He eggs Trent on, so Trent BUSAIKU KNEES Hobbs into the sunset high stack! TWO!! Hobbs escapes, but Cassidy “unleashes” the kicks! Then he stomps and stomps and stomps! The fans fire up but Hobbs blocks one to SHOVE Cassidy down! Then he CLOBBERS Cassidy! Fans boo but Hobbs tags Fletcher. Fletcher watches Cassidy flounder to a corner, then he runs corner to corner to forearm! Trent runs up but Fletcher gets around to HALF ‘N’ HALF!

Trent ends up in a corner, Fletcher runs in to GAMANGIRI! GAMANGIRI for Cassidy! Fletcher suplexes but into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE and a HALF ‘N’ HALF from Trent! The fans are thunderous, and Best Friends HUG! You GOT to give the people what they want! But then Hobbs CLOBBERS them both!! Hobbs brings down the straps, stomps Cassidy on the outside, then stands on him! The ref reprimands, Hobbs hauls Cassidy right up to TOSS him into the LED apron! Cassidy writhes but Hobbs tells him to get up. Hobbs steps on Cassidy and pulls hair to bend Cassidy back! The ref reprimands and Hobbs lets off.

Hobbs reels Cassidy in, but Trent SUPERKICKS from the apron! Cassidy Alabama Lifts?! STRONG ZERO BEACH BREAK to the floor!! But Fletcher DIVES onto Trent! SUPERKICK for Cassidy! Fletcher puts Cassidy in and runs up, but has to dodge the Orange Punch! Cassidy tilt-o-whirls, but into Fletcher’s SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!! Fletcher is furious, he tastes blood in his mouth, and he glares at Cassidy. Cassidy flounders to a corner, Fletcher runs corner to corner, GAMANGIRI! Fletcher puts Cassidy up top, climbs up after him, but Trent CLUBS Fletcher first! Trent climbs up behind Fletcher for a SUPER HALF ‘N’ HALF!!

Cassidy resets as Fletcher rises, DEEP IMPACT!! Trent SPEARS Hobbs on the outside!! Cassidy throws off the elbow pad, takes aim as Fletcher rises, ORANGE PUNCH!!! Cover, Best Friends win!!

Winners: Orange Cassidy & Trent Beretta, by pinfall (advance to the quarterfinals)

Another victory for Best Friends and now they’re going to the next round! Will they avenge Cassidy’s loss of the International Championship by defeating The Kingdom and denying them more gold?

 

Katsuyori Shibata VS Kevin Matthews!

The Wrestler had an instant classic with Bryan Danielson on Collision last week, and he’ll undoubtedly have another one with Will Ospreay next week on Dynamite. Will Shibata simply use this match in Toronto as a tune-up? Or will #BigKM get a big W?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Shibata fires forearms with KM and the fans rally behind Shibata. Shibata gets the edge, he puts KM in a corner and just hammers away! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner and back again, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Shibata drags KM up, for the HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! KM is still in this but Shibata kicks him around. The fans continue to rally, and Shibata fires more forearms! Shibata runs but KM LARIATS! KM roars but fans boo as he hauls Shibata up. Fireman’s carry, but Shibata slips around to the SLEEPER! KM flails, but he drops fast! He’s already so red in the face!

Shibata lets go to run and PENALTY KICK! High stack, Shibata wins!

Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall

Now that the Wrestler is all warmed up, is he going to be more than ready for Will Ospreay next week?

 

Adam “Edge” Copeland and the locker room celebrate!

The Rated R Superstar is still bloody from the I Quit Match main event from Dynamite that technically bled over into Rampage. He toasts with Daniel Garcia, Matt Sydal, Best Friends, Top Flight and a few others. They spray the champagne and finish the bottles, will Edge paint the town red tonight?

 

Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Rocky Romero!

While the snake that is Don Callis made the match of The Alpha VS Swerve Strickland for next week on Dynamite, this match was in the books before that. Will Takeshita use Azucar as a tune-up before taking on The Realest? Or will Rocky catch Takeshita looking past him and add to the Family’s misfortunes?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, they tie up, and Takeshita shoves Rocky away. Takeshita eggs Rocky on with “C’mon~!” Rocky stands, resets with Takeshita, and they tie up. Rocky waistlocks, headlocks, but Takeshita puts Rocky up top with ease. Takeshita pats Rocky on the head to mock the height difference, and Rocky smiles sarcastically. Rocky hops down to get face to, well, chest with Takeshita. Takeshita eggs Rocky on, so Rocky CHOPS! And CHOPS! Rocky eggs Takeshita on, Takeshita winds up, but Rocky ROCKS him first! The fans fire up and Rocky swaggers as Takeshita falls back!

Rocky headlocks, Takeshita powers up and out, but Rocky slides under the boot, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up with Rocky and he winds up to run at Takeshita in the corner. One clothesline, two clotheslines, but then Takeshita BOOTS! Takeshita runs, Rocky dodges, but runs into a POP-UP LANDSLIDE! Takeshita keeps moving, SLIDING KICK! Rocky tumbles all the way out of the ring and fans fire up! Takeshita storms out after Rocky as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Takeshita brings Rocky up to RAM him into railing! Takeshita brings Rocky around to POST, then stalks him around the way. Takeshita drags Rocky up, winds up, and DECKS him! Callis applauds but he’s the only one. Takeshita pretends he can’t hear Toronto, then he puts Rocky in the ring. Takeshita then pulls Rocky back with a chinlock stretch. Rocky endures so Takeshita stomps him down! Takeshita brings Rocky up to CLUB him, but Rocky KICKS Takeshita’s leg! And KICKS! And KICKS again! Takeshita sits down and dares Rocky to kick him! Rocky says bet, and he KICKS! Takeshita shakes his head, so Rocky KICKS again!

Takeshita wags his finger, but Rocky KICKS again! Takeshita stands to fire hands, then snapmare. He fakes the kick to then FOREARM Rocky down! Callis loves it, but again he’s the only one. Takeshita goes back to Rocky, brings him up, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Rocky flounders over to a corner and Takeshita storms over. Takeshita hoists Rocky up top again, then climbs up behind him. No more playing around this time as Takeshita brings Rocky up. Rocky fires hands to fight the suplex! Rocky even HEADBUTTS! Rocky cravats, for the SUPER SLICED BREAD! Both men are down and the fans rally up!

Callis coaches Takeshita and Takeshita goes to the apron. Rocky runs up to DECK Takeshita, then he builds speed! Rampage returns to single picture as Rocky DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Takeshita! The fans fire up as Rocky gets in and builds speed gain! Another DIVE and down goes Takeshita! Rocky wants the hattrick and he builds speed again! Rocky DIVES but Takeshita catches him for a BRAIN- NO, Rocky slips free! Takeshita takes a swing, Rocky ducks, and Takeshita’s forearm hits POST! Rocky gets back in the ring to DIVE! There’s the hattrick! The fans fire up while Takeshita clutches his arm.

Rocky puts Takeshita in the ring, then runs up, RUNNING SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Takeshita is still in this but Rocky drags him by the arm. Rocky gets the other one, and he DARK ARMBARS! Takeshita writhes, Rocky hurries to get the bad arm for a wrench, step-over and then ARMBAR! Takeshita endures, Callis gets on the apron! The fans boo but Rocky lets Takeshita go. Callis hurries away, Takeshita stands and HELLUVA KICKS in the corner! Takeshita shoves Rocky down, runs up, but Rocky avoids the knee to UPPERCUT! HAYMAKER! Then cravat, for the SLICED- NO, Takeshita stops that to BASTARD DRIVER!!

But then Takeshita deadlifts into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! No one can believe Rocky survives! Takeshita snarls, but “This is Awesome!” as Takeshita hauls Rocky up. Suplex, FALCON- NO, Rocky slips free to backslide! TWO!! JUMP KNEE from Rocky! Takeshita blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri but the REWIND HEEL! Takeshita wobbles, rebounds, Rocky runs in, into the TAKESHITA LINE!! Takeshita shakes out the bad arm, throws off the elbow pads, and he aims to ROLLING ELBOW!! But that’s not the end! Takeshita deadlifts for the FALCON ARROW!! Cover, Takeshita wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

The Alpha takes the win and rebounds from his loss to Ospreay at Revolution. Will Takeshita look to take Swerve out of the running and go after the world title? Or will Don Callis regret sending Takeshita into Swerve’s House?

 

Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.

“Toronto, run for cover, duck ‘n’ hide, these women are taking it to the streets. Willow Nightingale & Kris Statlander take on Julia Hart & Skye Blue.” This grudge has been building and it reaches the climax! Looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for main~ event! Who survives when there’s nothing to stop them from going too far?

Street Fight: Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Julia Hart & Skye Blue!

Big Stoke joins commentary as The Galaxy’s Greatest Babes with the Power still have those chairs from earlier tonight. On the flipside, the TBS Champion and her sinister sidekick have kendo sticks painted black ‘n’ blue. The teams rush each other at the ramp and the bell rings as they all fire off! The chairs beat the sticks and then the chairs beat up Julia & Skye! Then Willow & Kris uses the sticks to SMACK Skye & Julia around! The fans fire up and Stoke says this is how the clubs used to be like in the early 2000s! Things get back in the ring and Julia CLUBS Kris! Skye runs up but Willow avoids the elbow drop!

Julia SMACKS Kris off the chair, then sits the chair up. Willow CHOKES Skye in the corner with a kendo stick! Julia makes Kris take a seat, then CHOPS her! Julia runs but Kris drop toeholds her onto the chair! Willow TOSSES Skye while Kris puts Julia through the chair!? Willow runs to BOOT Julia out of the chair! Kris then sits Julia back up, chair still involved, and she lifts them both! Kris hits a CHAIR POWERSLAM! Then Willow SHOTGUNS the whole mess down! The fans fire up the savage ingenuity, Kris covers Julia, TWO!! Julia survives, but Willow finds a table! The fans fire up as Willow smiles and puts that in the ring.

Kris helps Willow get the table in, but Skye YANKS Willow down! Skye stomps Willow, CLUBS her, then RAMS her into the LED! Skye storms into the ring to CLUB Kris, then BOOT her down! The fans are torn as Skye CLUBS Kris more. Julia gets in, with that LONG NAIL! The same one they’ve used on Mark Briscoe! Skye holds Kris up and Julia runs in, but Kris slips free! The nail SPIKES Skye!!! Fans freak out, as does Julia, and Kris sends Julia into buckles! Fans tell Julia she done goofed as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Kris reels Julia in but Julia fights the suplex. Julia slips around to a SLEEPER HOLD! Kris stays on her feet, aims for the corner, and BACKPACK SENTONS through the table!! The fans go wild while both women are down in the wreckage! Skye rises up, her forehead starting to bleed. She goes looking for things under the ring, but Willow CLOBBERS her! Willow digs at Skye’s forehead, ROCKS her with rights, then SMACKS her off the steel steps. Willow then GRINDS Skye’s face into the steel! Kris meanwhile kicks Julia out of the ring, then goes help Willow bring out a new table! The fans cheer as that one is set up at ringside.

Kris & Willow keep looking, and they find another table! This is set up next to the other, but Julia hurries to find something of her own. Julia puts chairs in the ring, but Kris stomps her down! Willow stomps Skye, too, and they brawl again. Kris has that kendo stick again and she SMACKS Skye with it! Willow puts Skye in the ring, Kris SMACKS Julia but Julia kicks Kris low. Julia gets the stick to SMACK Kris! Willow has a chair to SMACK Skye! Julia SMACKS Kris again, but Willow puts Skye in a corner. Julia CHOKES Kris, Willow wedges a chair into Skye’s face. Willow runs to CANNONBALL the chair into Skye! Cover, TWO!

Skye survives, and Kris ROCKS Julia! Then Kris CHOPS Julia! Willow gets the chair again, and she SMACKS Skye on the butt! Kris clears out old table wreckage and grabs at Julia, but Julia throws in more chairs! Willow helps Kris drag Julia into the ring, but Julia gets a chair! Julia SMACKS Kris in the head! Willow SMACKS Julia with a kendo stick, but Skye SMACKS Willow with a chair! Kris snatches the chair from Skye, sits it up, and kicks Skye low. Kris reels Skye in to FALCON ARROW onto the chair!! Rampage returns and the fans are thunderous as all four women are down! Kris wedges that chair into a corner while Willow POSTS Skye.

Julia stands, “This is Awesome!” and she runs in. Kris sends her into the chair! Kris ROCKS Julia, runs side to side, and BOOT WASHES her into the chair! Skye and Willow brawl by those two tables, and Willow scoop SLAMS Skye! Skye writhes, the forehead slowly bleeding a bit more, and then Willow starts clearing off commentary’s desk! Stokely loves it! Willow finds Skye, brings her back around and puts her on the desk. Willow climbs up to join Skye, the fans fire up, and Willow reels Skye in! Skye CLUBS away on the legs, then SUPERKICKS Willow! Skye hops on, CODE BLUE on the desk!! The desk didn’t break but maybe Willow did!

Kris whips Julia into steel steps, SMACKS her off them again and again, and Julia sputters as she slumps. Skye brings out the little black bag?! Skye pours it out in the ring, and yes, it’s THUMBTACKS! Stokely and Menard are each freaking out, but Kris says she has a black bag of her own! And it’s bigger! It has even MORE tacks! The two brawl, Kris fires off hands and she puts Skye up top! Kris CLUBS Skye, reels her in, but Skye throws body shots! Skye slips under, tucks Kris in, CHEEKY NANDOS, into a POWERBOMB onto the tacks!!! High stack, TWO!!! Kris survives and Skye is furious, but just look at all the tacks in Kris’ back!

Skye gets a handful of tacks? And she makes Kris eat ’em! SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans tell Skye she’s sick but she just smiles. Skye drags Kris to a drop zone, goes up a corner, but Willow rises! Willow CLUBS Skye, fireman’s carries, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS through the tables!!! The fans are thunderous and Stoke says he’s proud of his girls! Julia stacks chairs, brings Kris around, but Kris back drops free, putting Julia on the chairs! Julia writhes but Kris goes up the corner! Kris aims, 450 SPLASH onto just chairs!!! Julia hurries to clamp on the HARTLESS LOCK!!!! Kris shrieks in pain but she taps, House of Black wins!!

Winners: Julia Hart & Skye Blue, by submission

The extreme amount of experience under their belts wasn’t enough, The House Always Wins! Just what are Kris & Willow to do now that the Princess of the Black Throne and the darkening Skye stand tall?


My Thoughts:

An amazing Rampage here, probably one of the best in a long time. For one, good bit backstage with Edge celebrating with the young Face wrestlers and Matt Sydal. Any of those young guys could be a challenger for Edge on the way to Dynasty should he bring back the Cope Open. And then, I didn’t want to laugh as hard as I did at the Darby skeleton prop but I could not help it, it was just so outta nowhere. Great promo from Bang Bang Bullet Club Gold, and awesome promo from The Acclaimed bringing out that intensity. While this is a new take on their past feud, it’s still gonna be great with this being how The Acclaimed is going into the grudge match.

Great tag match for the tag title tournament, and while on paper, Hobbs and Fletcher really shouldn’t be losing, story did dictate that Best Friends face Undisputed Kingdom. Great match for Takeshita with Rocky, but of course Takeshita was winning that one, even before he was going into a match with Swerve. Same goes for Shibata beating KM, but hey, KM is a big dude and he’s fortunate to have even gotten any hits in on Shibata. And of course just an amazing Street Fight Tag for the main event. The women’s division may not get as many matches as we’d like on any given show, but they have been raising the bar when it comes to these matches.

Julia & Skye winning was a big surprise, as was the finish not involving Willow, but maybe this still leads us to Julia VS Willow because they want to prove something to the other in a 1v1 match? As I said in Dynamite, this still needs to give us Willow VS Mercedes in a rematch from their NJPW Strong Women’s Championship match.

My Score: 8.9/10


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