The Best Bout Machine awaits!

With Kenny Omega as the NEW AEW International Champion, an internationally flavored tournament begins to determine his challenger for Dynasty!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: The Opps VS Vinny Pacifico, Eli Theseus & Gabriel Aeros; The Opps win.
• “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Holo.grm w/ “Harley-gram” VS Brian Cage & Dralistico w/ The Beast Mortos; Hobbs & Hologram win.
• AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament Opening Round: The Beast Mortos VS “Speedball” Mike Bailey; Bailey wins and advances.
• Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Konosuke Takeshita; Takeshita wins.
• Willow Nightingale VS Penelope Ford; Willow wins.
• AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament Opening Round: Orange Cassidy VS Hechicero; Cassidy wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kenny Omega is here!

Fresno fires up for the NEW AEW International Champion, and he gets a LOT of pyro! Kenny high-fives fans in the front row before stepping into the ring, and the fans get even more fired up. Kenny grabs a mic to say, “This is all still so wild to me. Before 2025, I was more than happy to just be able to stand in this ring and say, ‘Guys, I am cleared, I can try doing this again.’ But what’s even more unbelievable, and what makes me think this is even more of a dream state is now, we’re barely into the new year. Not only am I back with AEW, but thanks to the support of you fans, the support of our doctors, the support of someone who I never thought I’d be able to call a friend in Will Ospreay…

“Not only am I back…” The fans already chant “You Deserve It!” and Kenny says he’s not just back, he’s back with something he never thought he’d hold again. It’s not just a title, it’s a singles title. And though he has listed a whole slew of people he needs to thank, there is one more person he truly needs to thank. It might sound controversial, but he will thank Konosuke Takeshita. Kenny will thank Takeshita because Takeshita pushed Kenny harder than he could ever push himself. If not for Takeshita forcing Kenny back to that place that Kenny needed to be in order to stand amongst the top of AEW, he wouldn’t have this belt. Kenny wouldn’t be here speaking to everyone.

And if there’s one thing Takeshita did aside from being a great champion is that he made this belt a truly international championship. So when AEW’s fearless leader, Tony Khan, had the idea for the Dynasty International Eliminator Tournament, Kenny thought, “Gee, Tony, that’s a great idea. Because I want whoever has this belt to legitimately call themselves the best on the planet.” The fans cheer that! Kenny says best believe he’ll be watching who wins this tournament. It doesn’t matter what country you represent, what walk of life you represent, Kenny wants the best! So as closely as the fans will be watching, Kenny will be watching even closer.

And let’s kick things off with a bang! Speaking of, he will bid us adieu. Goodbye, Fresno, MWAH, and goodnight, BANG! The fans cheer as The Cleaner puts everyone in this tournament on notice! It’s Ricochet VS Shibata and Mark Briscoe VS Mark Davis for Collision, but tonight is Orange Cassidy VS Hechicero in the main event, and The Beast Mortos facing a wild card! Who makes it through to the wild Fatal 4 Way set for next week’s Dynamite?

But as Kenny is on his way out, signing autographs and high-fiving fans, The Opps make their way out! The Wrestler looks at Kenny, a possible match-up already teased. Kenny gives a thumbs up, Shibata, Hook & Samoa Joe go to the ring. Will The Opps also look to keep the AEW Trios Division on their toes?

Six Man Tag: The Opps VS Vinny Pacifico, Eli Theseus & Gabriel Aeros!

The trios sort out, and Joe starts against Eli. The fans rally for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” as he and Eli tie up. Joe fires hands, then CHOPS! And JABS! JABS! JABS! Eli ends up in a corner, Joe JABS, JABS, JABS, and fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Joe stops, and the fans fire up again as Joe CHOPS! Eli sputters, Joe smiles and whips, then he runs up. Eli ELBOWS Joe, runs the ropes, but Joe ELBOWS Eli down! Tag to Hook while Eli gets away. Eli tags Gabriel, but Gabriel is a little worried. Gabriel still runs up, but Hook KNEES him low! And TOSSES him to the corner! Hook LARIATS, fires body shots, then HEADBUTTS!

Hook reels Gabriel in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Hook lets Gabriel scramble away, Gabriel tags in Vinny. Vinny fires up and runs in, but Hook just trips him. Hook tags Shibata, the fans fire up, and Shibata runs to BLAST Eli & Gabriel! Shibata whips Vinny to a corner, BOOTS him, then CHOPS him! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up, Shibata sits Vinny down, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Shibata then HALF HATCH SUPLEXES, covers, TWO! But Shibata has a SLEEPER! Vinny endures, but he’s fading fast! Shibata runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, Opps wins!

Winners: The Opps, by pinfall

The Opps made light work of Pacifico & The Parea, and now they’re rolling on towards Dynasty. Will Shibata make it through his Collision with The One & Only Ricochet?

Ricochet speaks.

“Y’all look. Despite what you may think, just because I got screwed at Revolution does not mean that my question for championship gold is over. Oh, no, Fresno, not by a long shot. And besides, I didn’t want that ugly ass robe anyways. But then I look out there and I see Kenny Omega holding the International Championship, and uh, it looks pretty, I gotta admit. But you know what would look even better? The International Championship on my waist. That is why I entered Dynasty’s International Championship Eliminator Tournament. And Shibata, look, I know who you are, I know everything about you, I know what you’re capable of.

“And that’s why I’m giving you the option. I’m doing you the favor and I’m giving you the option, Shibata, to give up. To quit, to forfeit! Do not show up to Collision this Saturday or I’m afraid of what’s gonna happen. I’m afraid you’re not gonna have your little translator app to tell the world that you got beat by the man destined to hold gold here in AEW. You see, it’s still Ricochet’s time, that’s a promise. AHA~!” The One & Only has spoken, but will he make Dynasty #OuttaThisWorld?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Dynamite!

Given everything that happened in Revolution’s main event, they gotta run it back! Jon Moxley will again defend his AEW World Championship against Adam Copeland, but now it’ll be in a STREET FIGHT! Is Omaha, Nebraska about to get Rated R?

AEW shares footage from after Revolution.

AEW Media caught up with Swerve Strickland and congratulated him on becoming #1 contender to the AEW World Championship. Does he know when he wants to challenge for the title? Swerve chuckles and says as a matter of fact, he does. One year ago, Swerve made history by becoming the first Black AEW World Champion in the main event of Dynasty in St. Louis. This year, April 6th, Dynasty is in Philadelphia, and Swerve will do it for the second time. But then Adam Copeland walked over.

Cope says, “Dynasty, huh? By the way, my neck is fine. I don’t know if you noticed, but I didn’t lose tonight. So there is a chance by the time Dynasty rolls around, I could be the AEW World Champion, you’re gonna be facing me, and if it doesn’t happen before then and you do become the AEW World Champion, chances are then you’re definitely gonna be looking at me.” Swerve says good, because it’s what he’d do, too. They fist bump, Cope wishes Swerve luck, but will Swerve need it when he’s the Most Dangerous Man in AEW?

Jon Moxley speaks.

“The Rated R Superstar thinks I should feel lucky, like I was given some kind of gift at Revolution. What’d they use to call you, man? The World’s Greatest Opportunist or something like that? You gotta appreciate the irony. Yeah. I scored the game winning shot at the buzzer in front of 11,000 people, and I’ll do that every single time, but I should’ve never been in that position to begin with. I should’ve gotten that guy outta there. I should’ve put him on ice before Christian even had a chance to tie his boots. I underestimated Adam Copeland.

“I hurt him. I know I hurt him. He was hurt, he didn’t care. Glassy eyes, sucking wind, can’t turn his head side to side, twitchy fingers, can’t get his legs underneath him. I know I hurt him and he didn’t care. He just kept coming forward and coming forward and coming forward. Whatever Adam Copeland is made of, it is rare, and I can admire that. But you wanna complain about the rules? Take the rules. Take disqualifications, take count outs, take whatever you want. Take the rules. Call it a Street Fight, call it whatever you want, whatever you think looks cool on a poster, Copeland. But you take the rules, I’ll take your excuses.

“My dad always told me, ‘Measure twice, cut once.’ I underestimated the depth of Adam Copeland. His resolve, his toughness, his grit, his will to climb, step by step, to the top of the mountain, no matter what avalanches befall him. There’s a reason I am the world champion. There are many differences between amateurs and professionals. One of which: I never make the same mistake twice.” The Maniac has accepted the rematch, but will he make Copeland accept defeat?

“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Holo.grm w/ “Harley-gram” VS Brian Cage & Dralistico w/ The Beast Mortos!

For the first time ever, the Book of Hobbs is teaming with the futuristic luchador as The Machine teams with The Prince of Silver & Gold! Will Hobbs & Hologram be able to overcome this collaboration between Don Callis Family and La Faccion Ingobernable?

The teams don’t even bother sorting out, Hobbs just goes after Cage! They brawl, the bell rings, and Hobbs ROCKS Cage! Dralistico knocks Hologram down, but Hobbs whips Cage hard into railing! The fans fire up as Hobbs runs in, but Cage dodges! Hobbs hits railing, and Dralistico keeps Hologram down with a COBRA TWIST! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT Hobbs, then he fires off forearms! Cage then POSTS Hobbs, and Dralistico brings Hologram up to put him on ropes. Dralistico fires up the fans, then winds up to CHOP! The fans fire up while Hologram falls! Dralistico fires up as the fans chant for “OTRA! OTRA!”

Dralistico stands Hologram up, winds up, but then pokes Hologram in the eyes! The fans boo but Dralistico whips Hologram to ropes. Dralistico drops down, then hurdles over Hologram, and arm-drags him! Hologram arm-drags back! Dralistico trips Hologram to cover, ONE! Hologram trips Dralistico to cover, ONE! Hologram handsprings, but Dralistico CHOPS him down! The fans fire up and Dralistico sits Hologram up. Dralistico YANKS at the mask, the fans boo, but Dralistico stops to bring Hologram over. Tag to Cage, they double whip, and then Cage sends Dralistico in. Hologram DUMKPS Dralistico up and out!

Hologram runs, but Cage military presses him! Only for Hologram to RANA free! The fans fire up and Hologram builds speed! Hologram DIVES, but into a SUPLEX from Cage! The fans lose their minds, and the ref has to keep Hobbs back. Cage then drags Hologram up, scoops him, and does some bicep curls with Hologram. Cage gets a set of TEN in, before he THROWS Hologram into the ring! The fans rally as Cage storms up on Hologram, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Cage drags Hologram up, whips him hard into the corner, and Hologram falls. Cage drags him back up, bumps Hologram off buckles, then tags in Dralistico. Dralistico stomps Hologram, then snapmares him for a neck wrench. But he’s also pulling at the mask! The ref reprimands, Dralistico gets in the ref’s face, and “Harley-gram” coaches Hologram up. Dralistico whips Hologram to SUPERKICK him down! Dralistico then drags Hologram over to the ropes, and CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Dralistico steps off, and Cage BOOTS Hologram down! Hobbs protests but the ref keeps him back again.

Dralistico tags Cage, Cage drags Hologram up, and Cage says he’s dialing it up! Cage runs to 619! Cage flexes and says no one betta! Cage storms back in, taunts Hologram, then sucker punches Hobbs! The ref again keeps Hobbs back, but that lets Cage and Dralistico stomp away on Hologram! Dralistico runs side to side to SUPERKICK Hologram down! Dralistico lounges to say tranquilo, then he stomps Hologram more. Dralistico pushes Hologram around, stands him up, but Hologram fires body shots. Dralistico CLUBS Hologram down, then dribbles Hologram’s face off the mat! Dralistico taunts Hobbs as Dynamite returns to single picture.

The fans rally but Dralistico TOSSES Hologram out. Mortos stomps away on Hologram! The fans boo, but Harley-gram makes the save! Mortos stands Harley-gram up, but she says hold on! Check the hips! Those hips don’t lie, and they might even hip-notize! Dralistico gets Mortos to focus, but the ref tells Mortos to back off. Dralistico puts Hologram in the ring, then brings him up. But Hologram blasts past to SUPERKICK! Hologram keeps moving, but Dralistico jumps over to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Hologram staggers, Dralistico runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Hologram and Dralistico are down and Fresno is thunderous!

Dralistico and Hologram crawl, Harley-gram coaches Hologram up, hot tag to Hobbs! Hobbs CLOBBERS Dralistico again and again, then swings again. Dralistico dodges, but Hobbs scoops him! SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Hobbs dares Cage to tag in, so Cage tags in! The fans fire up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage and Hobbs run up, DOUBLE LARIATS “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage BOOTS, SOBATS, KICKS, and SUPERKICKS! Hobbs wobbles, but he ducks the discus to come back and CLOBBER Cage! Then he POWERSLAMS Cage! Cover, TWO! Cage survives but Hobbs stays cool. Dralistico storms in, and he ROCKS Hobbs!

Hobbs shakes that off, so Dralistico winds up to CHOP! Hobbs just brings the straps down! But Cage waistlocks! SUPERKICK GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Hologram gets in, he dodges a double lariat to POP-UP DROPKICK Cage! Hologram then dodges Dralistico to RANA! Dralistico tumbles out, but Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Hologram! And then he BUCKLE BOMS Hologram onto Hobbs! Hobbs and Hologram tumble out, but Cage tags Dralistico. Cage then goes after Hobbs at the other corner, and he brings Hobbs up! Deadlift SUPERPLEX!! Dralistico adds a springboard SPLASH! Cover, ONE!!

Hobbs is more powerful than expected, and he scoops Dralistico! Dralistico slips free, but Hobbs blocks the arm-drag! Hobbs then scoops Dralistico again, for a POWERSLAM! Cage runs up to DISCUS LARIAT! Cage gets Hobbs out of the ring, goes to the apron with him, and hauls him up. But Hologram ENZIGIRIS Cage! Hobbs APRON SPINEBUSTERS Cage! The fans fire up again and Hologram climbs! He jumps off of Hobbs to MOONSAULT onto Cage! Dralistico runs up, fires forearms and CHOPS on Hobbs, but Hobbs just gets pissed! Hobbs SHOVES Dralistico, then runs up! Dralistico dodges, ROCKS Hobbs, then CHOPS!

Hobbs TOSSES Dralistico to the apron, but Dralistico bumps him off buckles and GAMANGIRIS! Dralistico then springboards, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Hobbs & Hologram win!

Winners: “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Hologram, by pinfall

The “double payback” pays off, they made Cage & Dralistico #FeelTheWrath! But then Lance Archer & Mark Davis storm out here! They’re upset that LFI didn’t hold up their part of the bargain. They warn Hobbs that he’ll get his, but will Hobbs show them that he handles town bidness?

AEW shares a post-Revolution interview with The Hurt Syndicate.

Alicia Atout found Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin & Montel Vontavious Porter backstage after their huge win. She congratulated them on retaining the AEW World Tag Team Championships, what is next for the Hurt Syndicate? Shelton says he wants to know whose asses they’re gonna beat next. MVP says that’s what he’s talking about! His boys, the Hurt Syndicate, nobody works harder. They’re not worried about time off, they want to know when’s the next fight. Who do they get to beat next? And that’s what MVP loves about this dynamic. But because no one works harder than The Hurt Syndicate, nobody plays harder, either.

As the great CT Fletcher once said, someone’s got to be the baddest. And as they proved with their second consecutive AEW World Tag Team Championship defense, they ARE the baddest. Now to be the chillest. They’re in sunny SoCal, Malibu’s an hour away, and Vegas is a bit further on. Lashley wants to hit the gym but MVP says no, no Gold’s Gym right now. They should enjoy the sun, the fun, the beautiful ladies, take a week off. Then they’ll get back to business next week. MVP will handle TV stuff, he wants them to go enjoy themselves. Shelton says sure, they’ll take time off. But that no gym thing? Still their set, brother.

MVP says that’s what he’s talking about. The Hurt Syndicate is the most dominant faction in pro-wrestling today. His boys don’t want time off, they want more. They wanna do what they do better than anyone on the planet, and that’s hurt people. Then just who will be next for The All Mighty & The Standard of Excellence to dominate and demolish?

Toni Storm is here!

Fresno fires up as our Timeless AEW Women’s World Champion steps out on stage, belt around her waist and mic in her hand. “With stitches in my lip, staples in my head… and glass in my ass, I stand before you to tell you that this tramp is still the champ!” The fans cheer that! Toni continues to say, “This past Sunday at Revolution, it was my Hollywood Ending. And a chunk of my heart will be gone forever. But when I look at this, it was well, well worth it. And now it’s time for a new beginning. It is my honor to be your AEW Women’s World Champion. Because this is the most talented locker room in all of professional wrestling!”

But they have so many different champions. The other world title is in a bloody briefcase. There are forever champions, there are belt collectors… Fans are intrigued by who she is implying. “But when you fight with me, it’s like visiting the zoo. Because I bleed like a pig, I lick like a giraffe, and I will eat you like a lion!” The fans fire up for that! Toni says, “But… I promise you will never hear me meow, because I promise that I am no pussy. Nobody swings like Toni Storm, so ladies, put your keys in the bowl and let’s get this orgy started. It will be messy, and it will be sweaty. But it will always be… TIIIMELESS!!”

Toni drops the mic and takes a bow. The fans cheer, but MEGAN BAYNE attacks?! The Megasus may not be a champion, but she clearly wants to be! Will Toni Storm go from starring in a gritty thriller to starring in a Greek tragedy?

AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament Opening Round: The Beast Mortos VS ???

Though LFI took a loss already tonight, the menacing minotaur is stepping up into this tournament in hopes of bringing gold to the group! But who is this “wild card” that he’s drawn? It’s “SPEEDBALL” MIKE BAILEY! Bailey is now All Elite, and is ready to get right into the thick of it! Will Bailey kick it into high gear quite literally? Or is taking on Mortos right out the gate too tall of a task even for Speedball?

The bell rings and the fans rally for “SPEEDBALL! WOOP WOOP!” Bailey and Mortos stare down, Bailey gives a respectful bow, but Mortos runs up! Bailey dodges to KICK, KICK and KICK! Mortos blocks one then SMACKS Bailey in the face! Bailey goes to ropes, Mortos whips him, but Bailey handsprings! Mortos dodges, runs up, but Bailey bypasses him to then drop down and hurdle over. Mortos leaps over, Bailey kips up and KICKS Mortos down! The fans fire up for Bailey, but Mortos rises! Bailey dodges to then fire off LIGHTNING KICKS! ENZIGIRI and Mortos tumbles out! The fans fire up for Bailey, and Bailey hurries to the ropes.

Bailey aims, slingshots to fake Mortos out, then mule kicks! ASAI MOONSAULT, but Mortos dodges! Mortos comes back to CLOBBER Bailey! And then NECK TWIST! The fans are torn as Mortos get in the ring, but then Mortos storms back out. Mortos storms up on Bailey, SMACKS him again, and Bailey falls over! The fans rally as Mortos stands Bailey up, but Bailey blocks being sent into the post! Bailey ELBOWS Mortos, then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Bailey KICKS Mortos against the railing! Mortos staggers, Bailey pushes him into the ring, and fans fire up with Bailey as he goes up the corner.

Bailey aims and leaps, but Mortos gets under. Bailey rolls through, then dodges Mortos! Mortos tumbles up and out, Bailey FLIES and takes Mortos down! Bailey even lands on his feet! The fans are thunderous and Bailey is fired up, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Bailey waits on Mortos to sit up, then KICKS him! Mortos wobbles, Bailey puts him in the ring, then goes back up the corner. The fans rally as Bailey stands, but Mortos hits ropes! Bailey lands on his speedball, and Mortos storms up! Mortos CLAWS Bailey’s face, then YANKS Bailey off the corner, right into a BACKBREAKER! Bailey flops out of the ring, Mortos builds speed, and Mortos TORNILLO TOPES! Direct hit on Bailey and Mortos snarls. Mortos looms over Bailey, drags him up, and then puts him in the ring. Mortos pushes Bailey down, clamps onto an arm, and pulls it back! Bailey endures, but Mortos bends the fingers!

Bailey endures, Mortos lets go, and Mortos storms around. The ref reprimands but Mortos snarls. Mortos storms back up on Bailey, but Bailey fights back. Mortos CLAWS Bailey’s face, puts him in the corner, and SMACKS him back down! Bailey sputters but Mortos clamps on with fishhooks! The ref counts, Mortos stops, and then Mortos licks his fingers…? Mortos drags Bailey up to SMACK him again! Bailey fires body shots, but Mortos SMACKS Bailey again! Bailey goes to a corner, Mortos whips corner to corner and UPPERCUTS! And GAMANGIRIS! And then short arm- NO, Bailey ducks! the lariat!

Mortos ducks a roundhouse but Bailey dodges again. Bailey goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Mortos tumbles away, and Dynamite returns as both men rise. Mortos goes to ropes, Bailey SOBATS, AX KICKS, and then BUZZSAWS! Mortos is down, the fans fire up, and Bailey runs to SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Cover, TWO! Mortos stays in this but Bailey stays focused. The fans rally, Mortos aims, but Mortos ducks the spinning heel kick! Mortos bails out, the fans boo, but Bailey builds speed again! Bailey BOOTS Mortos from the apron, then he goes up, and TRIANGLE JUMP MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Mortos!

Fans lose their minds over the athleticism, and Bailey pushes Mortos back into the ring. Bailey climbs again, but avoids Mortos this time! GAMANGIRI, and then Bailey gets under Mortos! Bailey SIT-OUT POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Mortos survives, but Bailey hurries back up! SHOOTING STAR, but Bailey has to bail out as Mortos moves! Mortos pops Bailey up, SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Bailey survives and Mortos is furious! Mortos goes up a corner now, but Bailey ROCKS Mortos first! The fans rally as Bailey climbs up after Mortos. Mortos fires body shots, then he drags Bailey up for a SUPER MILITARY PRESS SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Bailey survives and shocks everyone, especially Mortos! The fans rally as Bailey stirs, but Mortos takes aim. Mortos runs up to DISCUS- NO, Bailey blocks the lariat! Bailey CHOPS, CHOP, and CHOPS! But Mortos HEADBUTTS! Mortos shoves Bailey, scoops, and torture racks! BEAST BREAKER!! But Bailey is right up, so Mortos DISCUS LARIATS!! Mortos isn’t done?! Mortos hauls Bailey back up, but Bailey ranas through! Cover, TWO!! Mortos sunset flips, TWO!! BUZZSAW! And STANDING MOONSAULT KNEE DROP! The fans fire up as Bailey takes aim from a corner! CRESCENT KICK!!! Cover, Bailey wins!

Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (advances to next week’s Fatal 4 Way)

What a way to debut in AEW! Speedball breaks through Beast Mortos, and is representing Canada in the International Fatal 4 Way! But will Bailey go from “new guy” to #1 contender in a matter of weeks?

Backstage interview with The Patriachy.

Renee Paquette is with Christian Cage, Kip Sabian, Nick Wayne & Mother Shayna as she brings up Revolution’s failed Casino Battle Royal contract cash-in during the main event match. Why did Christian think that was the right time to do that? Christian says Renee is related to Jon Moxley, so he refuses to speak to anyone related to Jon Moxley. This could very well be the most boring interview in AEW history. Renee asks that if he could just elaborate, but Christian says she needs to take a hint. Perhaps she really is blonde and therefore not that smart. He doesn’t want you hear, so get out! Renee leaves, and Christian talks to the camera.

“I’m gonna make it perfectly clear. I am still the reigning, defending, undisputed next AEW World Champion, and I demand my contract be returned to me. The incompetence of that referee is unbelievable. When I handed that contract to him and signed it, I specifically said it was for a one-on-one championship match against Cope. He turned it into a three way match without me knowing, so I was not expecting Jon Moxley to grab me in an illegal choke hold. But be that as it may, I did not tap out. And I damn sure did not pass out. I was simply relegating my breathing, getting ready to turn the hold around! That’s what I was doing!”

Nick Wayne starts to laugh, and he tells Christian that he’s just making excuses. Christian looks at Nick and Nick says Christian isn’t just making excuses, he’s lying! Christian is lying to himself, to the people, and to The Patriarchy! Does Christian not remember the original plan? Maybe if he stuck with it, he would be AEW World Champion now. So not only does Christian owe them an explanation, but he owes them an apology. Christian is a bit taken aback, but he says alright. He is sorry it has come to this. Christian SHOVES Nick! Mother Wayne steps up, Christian asks if she’s got something to say. If she does, she should say it.

But just know, she’ll be back working the night shifts at Waffle House! Shayna stands down, and Christian asks Nick who he is to question Christian and his tactics. Let him ask Nick something. How many world titles has Nick ever won? Or for another, how many word titles did his biological father ever win? Nick should be thanking his lucky stars that Christian found him, or he would have ended up a loser just like Buddy Wayne, “a coward that died in front of your mother’s face!” That would never happen to Christian! He is not a coward! Is Nick questioning him? Hmm!? Does he not think Christian is good enough?!

Christian vows that he will be AEW World Champion if it’s the last thing he does on this Earth! So he suggests Nick shut his mouth and keep riding his coattails. The next time they have this conversation, it’ll be the last time. Christian storms off, Kip goes with him. Will Nick & Shayna Wayne have no choice but to stand by The Patriarch?

AEW shares post-Revolution footage from outside MJF’s locker room.

Lexy Nair was there and said she’s been waiting for ten minutes now, hoping to get a word from MJF after his “devastating” loss to Hangman Page. There’s also been a lot of commotion and yelling, Lexy will try to check on him. The camera peers inside, and MJF is staring at a mirror. “Look at you, you fraud.” MJF PUNCHES the mirror apart! Lexy apologizes for barging in, but MJF shouts for them to get out! MJF rushes up, the cameraman almost falls over!

MJF is here!

In the present, The Scumbag makes his way out to the ring, mic already in hand. MJF has them cut his music, and the fans are a bit torn. MJF says, “I have a splitting headache, my hand hurts, my body hurts, but what hurts the most is the fact that I know it, all you stupid shmucks watching at home know it, all you dumb, ignorant losers in this podunk knows it: I had that match won on Sunday.” The fans boo that, but MJF says “Your cowardly cowboy” decided to cheap shot him like he did in 2019 and get a fluke victory. Congrats, Hangman. The fans chant “COWBOY S*IT!” but MJF will say this: They can chant Hangman’s name all they want, because MJF isn’t upset anymore.

Here’s why: MJF thought long and hard about it, and the fact of the matter is, Hangman… MJF is ten times smarter than you and all your stupid, ignorant fans will be. MJF thinks ten steps ahead of each and every single one of you. MJF will get his, Cowboy. “So heed these words: This thing between me and you? It ain’t over, boy. Not by a long shot.” MJF grins, but then MVP makes his way out?! Even MJF is surprised, but the fans sing, “We Hurt People!” MVP goes to the ring, grabs himself a mic, and MVP steps right up to MJF. MJF says, “MVP.” MVP says, “MJF.” Then they hug?! The fans boo, they thought there was gonna be beef.

MJF says how you been? MVP says obviously, he’s been doing magnificent. But he came out here to talk with MJF. MVP has some things he wants to tell MJF. MVP is PROUD of MJF! MJF isn’t the same bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 18-year-old kid he met 8 years ago. The fans don’t know about that. MVP asks if he can tell the history of him and MJF. The fans sound torn but MVP says good, because he’ll tell us anyway. When young Maxwell Jacob Friedman was 18 years old, he once volunteered to drive MVP to a screening of a documentary on HR from Bad Brains. He was in Philly, the movie was in Ashberry, it was a whole thing.

But anyway, MJF volunteered to drive MVP for the low, low price of being able to ask MVP questions about the pro-wrestling business. And what impressed MVP wasn’t that MJF was asking questions, it was the questions that he asked. MJF’s intelligence showed MVP that this was a kid to be reckoned with, and that MVP would see him around. Then not long after that, it was a certain indie company in South Florida where MVP and MJF met again. And on such a small stage, MVP saw that MJF had… What do we call it nowadays? “Huge aura.” MVP knew then that MJF would be a star, that’s why MVP was eager to work with him.

MVP was so happy to share his knowledge with MJF, because MJF has a certain intuition and temerity about him that you can’t teach. But what MVP loved most is that MJF told him back then that MJF would be a main event world champion! And MJF did everything he said he would do, and that is why MVP is proud. But… what MVP is not proud of, and what he knows MJF can’t possibly be proud of, is what happened on Sunday. MJF is intrigued, but MVP asks him what he’s doing. Why is MJF out here talking with these people about what happened? Some would even say whining about what happened.

MJF, how come you’re not angry? How come you’re not kicking people, smashing things, punching faces? How come MJF is not… hurting people? See, MVP knows the answer: MJF has lost his edge. The boys in the back, look how they treat you! They don’t respect you! And worse than that, they don’t fear MJF. But you know who they do fear? The Hurt Syndicate. And that, MJF, is what you are missing. MVP helped MJF once a long time ago. And perhaps, he can help MJF again. When MVP first showed up here, handing out his card, it was more a matter of MVP trying to introduce himself.

But that has changed because everyone understands: Where MVP and The Hurt Syndicate go, championships go as well. This card isn’t just a business card, it is a golden ticket to change your career. So maybe, young MJF, maybe it is time to talk some business. MJF rejects the card? MJF says with all due respect, it is a very short list of people he does respect, and MVP is one of them. However… MJF is not the same bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kid he was all those years ago. With all due respect, MJF doesn’t need MVP’s help, and he damn sure doesn’t need MVP’s advice. This is M J F! And whether these morons wanna hear it or not, MJF was the world champion for 406 consecutive days!

The fans do fire up for that stat, and MVP says MJF should focus on the word, “was.” MVP still gives MJF his card, and then stares him down. MVP leaves, MJF is again intrigued. MVP is making a deal with the Devil of AEW, and yet he has the upper hand. Will MJF take the offer?

Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS ???

Platinum Max is in the ring as AEW returns, and he has a mic to tell Fresno, “You are lookin’ live at the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo but Caster says, “And thanks to all the Maximaniacs, Platinum Max has the most popular shirt on Shop AEW! And that proves that I always was and always will be the top star of The Acclaimed. Platinum Max also has the most popular chant in all of AEW. We tried it last week. Fresno, let’s give it a shot. ‘Let’s Go, Max! You’re The Best Wrestler Alive! Let’s Go, Max! You’re The Best Wrestler Alive!'” Fans boo instead, mostly because that chant is still too long and clunky.

Caster says okay, clearly the people in Fresno are stupid. And whoever answers the Open Challenge, they’re stupid as well! So let’s see who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive! It’s KONOSUKE TAKESHITA! The Alpha storms right to the ring, Caster is freaking out, but the match is on! Caster has Konosuke hold on! The fans tell Caster he messed up, but Caster says thanks for their concern. Caster is sure Takeshita isn’t here to fight Caster. Caster’s the Best Wrestler Alive, he’d freakin’ kill Takeshita, what’re we even doing? Takeshita must be here to invite Caster into the Don Callis Family, right? That’s interesting stuff.

Imagine what the Don Callis Family could do for The Best Wrestler Alive? Maybe he could main event the Tokyo Dome. Maybe he could get that recording contract. The fans tell Caster to STFU, but Caster says maybe he can do what Takeshita couldn’t, and beat Kenny Omega. ALPHA ELBOW!! Cover, but Takeshita lets up!? Takeshita taunts Caster, “You’re the Best Wrestler Alive, huh?” Takeshita slaps Caster around, tells him to wake up, and then he drags Caster into the RAGING FIRE!! Cover, now Takeshita wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

Caster is 0-5 in his own challenge, but Takeshita is still seething. Will Takeshita just have to focus on his NEVER Openweight Championship while Kenny Omega defends the International Championship?

Chris Jericho speaks.

The Neuve holds up the mask of Gravity, and says, “It’s the perfect word, isn’t it, Bandido? Because that what’s exactly has been introduced into our situation: gravity.” The temperature has changed, Jericho knows Bandido can feel it. And does Bandido know why? It’s because Jericho humiliated Bandido in front of his own family. Jericho embarrassed Bandido’s brother, and stole his mask. Jericho scared his sister and made his mother cry in front of Bandido! How does someone come back from that? How does Bandido ever look her in the eye, knowing the disappointment she has in him?

“It’s a shame, isn’t it. Maybe you brought this upon yourself, I don’t know. Or maybe you’re just the unlucky son of a b*tch who was standing in the way of Chris Jericho when I decided to stop letting people take advantage of me and stop letting people get so comfortable around me. Your life is changed forever, Bandido. It’s not a good thing, and I know you know that. The gravity…” Jericho drops the mask, and not just the physical one. Will the Most Wanted be able to get revenge on the real Chris Jericho?

Willow Nightingale VS Penelope Ford!

The Babe with the Power may have helped Adam Copeland with the Death Riders, but it didn’t change the dynamic. But she’ll keep on smiling anyway! Will Willow start her own road towards a championship opportunity? Or will Ford make sure things are superbad here in Fresno?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Ford kicks but Willow blocks. Willow makes Ford reach for it, but then Ford reels Willow into a headlock. Willow powers up and out, RUNS Ford over, and the fans fire up as Willow flexes. Willow runs, rolls over the dropdown, then bypasses Ford. Ford ducks ‘n’ dodges to wheelbarrow, but Willow stops that to scoop and SLAM! Willow runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Willow brings Fod up, bumps her off buckles, and then bumps her off buckles again. The fans rally as Willow fires LARIAT after LARIAT, but Ford bumps Willow off buckles! Ford CHOPS, then clinches.

Willow fights free to bump Ford off buckles! Willow snapmares Ford, runs up, but Ford ducks! Willow still catches Ford to spin her, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Willow runs up, but Ford goes Matrix! But Willow gut wrenches, heads for a corner, but Ford slips free! Willow hits buckles, then Ford runs to DROPKICK Willow in the back! The fans are torn, but Ford goes up and APRON KNEE DROPS! Ford grins and soaks up the heat while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ford brings Willow around to SMACK off steel steps! Willow falls over, Ford refreshes the ring count, and Ford storms up. Willow fires body shots, but Ford ROCKS Willow in return. Ford puts Willow in the ring, then takes her time stalking after her. Ford brings Willow up to bump off buckles, then she ROCKS Willow with a forearm! Ford snapmares Willow and grabs the arms for a motorcycle stretch! Willow endures, but Ford KNEES her in the back! And KNEES her again! Ford keeps that knee in place while she goes back to the arms. Willow endures, fights up, but Ford THROWS her down by her hair!

The ref reprimands but Ford stalks Willow. Willow fires body shots, then fireman’s carries! Ford flails free, and has a SLEEPER! Willow endures the squeeze but she drops to her knees! The fans rally, Willow fights up to throw body shots, and she fires forearms. Willow runs, LARIATS, and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this but Willow stays focused. Willow reels Ford in to suplex, but Ford blocks! Ford fires body shots, then drags Willow into a cradle, TWO!! Willow escapes in time, but Ford KICKS her to ropes! Ford hurries to CHOKE Willow on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts 4. Ford then kicks Willow, and turns her around for a HOTSHOT!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Willow sputters. Ford brings Willow up, whips, but Willow blocks! Ford ROCKS Willow, whips, but Willow reverses to CHOP! And LARIAT! And LARIAT again! The fans fire up as Willow LARIATS again! Ford goes to a corner, Willow runs up to back body block! Willow LARIATS, then snapmares and BOOTS! Ford staggers, Willow whips and SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives but Willow doesn’t let up! Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER- NO, Ford slips out the back, hooks the arms, but Willow powers up to make it a Gory Especial!

Willow marches around with Ford and bends her! Willow changes her grip and bends Ford even more! But Ford manages to BITE Willow on the face!! Willow lets Ford go, whips her away, but Ford goes up, and up, only for Willow to run up! Ford catches Willow to a HANGING TRIANGLE! The ref reprimands, Ford lets go at 4, and Willow staggers. Ford RAMS into Willow, goes up the corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Willow survives but Ford drags her back up. Ford licks Willow’s face, wanting another taste. But Willow scoops, OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives again and Willow is shocked!

Ford rolls Willow into a cradle! TWO!! Willow hurries to ROCK Ford, but Ford ROCKS Willow! They go shot for shot, Willow fires a flurry, and then a SUPERKICK! But Ford BOOTS! Ford goes matrix again to STUNNER! And STUN- NO! Willow shoves her away, then runs to POUNCE~! PERIOD!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

It looked superbad there for a moment, but Willow’s positivity prevailed! Bu then Ford gets a chair! Ford JAMS Willow, SMACKS her on the back, and then stomps away on her! The fans boo, but here comes Kris Statlander! The Galaxy’s Greatest not only owes Ford for a few weeks ago, but she’s also saving her old friend, Willow! Kris dodges Ford’s chair shot to then SHOTGUN BOOT! Kris kicks Ford out of there and helps Willow up. Willow shoves Kris, not knowing who it was. Kris says it’s just her, but then MEGAN BAYNE ATTACKS!! The Megasus took Toni down earlier, and now she’s back for more!

Megan looms over Kris, drags her back up, and fireman’s carries! “BOW! DOWN!” FATE’S DESCENT!! Megan stands over Kris, is no one going to stop the Megasus from becoming a champion?

Backstage interview with Mercedes Mone.

Renee Paquette asks we give it up for The CEO, #FourBeltsMone! Mone walks in and can’t quite find the note. She got kicked in the throat on Sunday, Renee, help her out. Renee says, “Fresnooo~! Say hello to your C E O.” Mone thanks Renee, and Renee congratulates Mone on another impressive TBS Championship victory. She is now 15-0 in TBS Championships alone, but has also asked for Billie Starkz to join them. ROH star Billie Starkz indeed steps in, and Renee brings up that they already agreed to no physicality during this interview. But we saw Billie watching Mone during Revolution, clearly taking notes. What is something Billie learned?

Billie says, “Not to get kicked in the throat. Sorry, sorry, my bad. Just trying to lighten the mood. But on a serious note, you (Mone) have accomplished a lot since being here, covered in gold, but… I’ve accomplished a lot here, too. I was the inaugural ROH Women’s World TV Champion at 19. And me and you aren’t that different. Started very young, wrestling is our everything, this is our lives. And you’re the one that says money changes everything, right? Well, I’ve been looking for a change. Next week, I’m looking to change into a champion.” Mone laughs until her sore throat makes her cough.

Mone says y’know what? Billie is way out of her league. But Mone appreciates that Billie is a student of the game. So next week, kiddo, Mone proves there is a price to pay when you mess with Mercedes Mone. Mone boops Billie in the forehead, then walks off. Will Mone still be the Face of TBS? Or will Billie once again be a TV champion?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He says let’s bring in the one and only, the Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay! The fans fire up as Ospreay is in Fresno, though hobbling and bandaged up. Ospreay still high-fives fans, and manages to step into the ring to join Schiavone. Schiavone asks if Ospreay is alright, and Ospreay says, “Hi, our people, how’s it going?” The fans cheer, and Ospreay says honestly, he’s got about four stitches on the right side of his head, the left side is glued together, he has no idea how he got this wound in his side, but he thinks he was stabbed. But other than that, he made it out alive! The fans cheer that!

Schiavone says after that wild Steel Cage Match on Sunday, it is amazing that Ospreay is even still standing after what we saw from up top of the cage. Yeah, honestly, Ospreay was scared for his life. But the scariest part to him was that Kyle Fletcher at that age, Ospreay was struggling to keep up. Kyle was taking every bit of it out of Ospreay, but Ospreay thanks everyone both at home and in the arena that night, their support carried him through. One day, Kyle Fletcher will be a world champion. And Ospreay hopes that the next time they meet, Ospreay can still stand here and say that Ospreay is the better man.

Ospreay won’t lie, though. He is in a bit of trouble with the wife. Honestly! Fair enough, because he lied to her. He knows, he feels them judging him. But listen, he had to lie. It was Saturday, day before the cage match, and she’s on the phone. She tells him, “Babe, I’m nervous. I’m scared. Please, please don’t do anything stupid off the cage.” Ospreay said, “Babe! I’m not doing anything stupid off the cage! I’m in me thirties now, I’ve got back problems, I’m not going up there! You’re having a laugh.” But then he realized that Revolution was on Prime. And then Ospreay realized it was bad when he was up there, looking down on everyone, and he saw all those camera phones.

There was even this guy who had a green shirt going like this, hands on head, “Don’t die! Don’t die! Don’t die!” So then Ospreay goes to the back after and sees his phone: 15 missed calls from the missus. So at that moment, we all know Ospreay was in trouble. He dials her back, like pulling the pin out of a grenade, and just hoping for the best. She’s being real nice, “Oh, babe, thank God you’re alright. Well done, I love you so much.” He thought, “Oh, babe, thank you so much! I’m emotionally spent, I can’t tell you what’s going on.” She shouts, “YOU JUMPED OFF THE FLIPPIN’ CAGE!!” Ospreay says thankfully, he’s a charming man, he charmed his way out of this.

Ospreay told her that he’d be home on Friday, he’ll cook her a nice dinner, and give her a damn good night, if you know what he means! Schiavone says he gets that. But then, what is next for Will Ospreay? Oh, very good point. What IS next? He said after the cage match, he would be the man around here. But to be the man around here, he needs a certain something around his waist, right? The fans like the sound of that. But see, there’s an issue. Next week: Cope has a world title match. At Dynasty: Swerve has his world title match. So that leaves Ospreay to ask, when does he call his shot?

Fans are chanting a few things, and Ospreay says, “It makes me wonder. When does it matter most?” Ospreay looks to the sign, and just as the fans are chanting, All In: Texas! Ospreay nods, and says he has set himself an objective, a mission. Because Ospreay wants to be in the main event of Saturday, July 12th, All In: Texas at Globelife Field! And Ospreay knows one way to get there: Entering the Owen Hart Cup! Ospreay will go through every single person in his way! So if it is Cope, Ospreay looks forward to a first-time-ever match. If it is Swerve, then Ospreay cannot wait for the rematch. But if it’s Moxley…

The fans boo that name, but Ospreay says “The One True King,” this is a warning in advance: An assassin is coming for the throne! Ospreay wants to be the AEW World Champion because the fans trust him with AEW! Ospreay wants to be the man because he knows he can do it! Ospreay wants to be the champion because he is Will Ospreay, and he is ON! ANOTHER! LEVEL!! The countdown of the next four months has begun! Who will it be that goes All In in Texas?

Backstage interview with Jay White.

Renee is with the Switchblade, but White takes the mic to start up an “Ospreay~ Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” But “Lil’ Willy,” you really are on another level. It is great to see Ospreay, to hear from him, and who knows? Maybe one day, sometime soon, they’ll see each other in the ring again. But for now, White will congratulate Ospreay on winning at Revolution. And here he is, just a few nights later, after going to war inside the cage, and he is begging for more, calling his shot and saying he’ll be the AEW World Champion at All In. But Will, if you want that to happen, “they” will just have to keep protecting you by keeping you away from White, like “they” always have.

Oh, sorry, Renee, you had a question? Yes, since White brought up Revolution, she wants to talk White going out there. White had the briefcase, he hits Cope, what happened? White asks if that’s a question or an accusation. He gets it, everyone wants to know: Did White hit Cope on purpose? Does Renee think it was on purpose? No, let’s throw it to the Fresno fans. Did they think he did it on purpose? The cheering is hard to decipher, but White says the answer is no. He said he’d have Cope’s back, he would see Cope in as the new champion, and he failed that. But luckily, next week, Cope gets a chance at redemption.

But as far as the #1 contender goes, whose house? Swerve SMERVE! White has given everything to take down the Death Riders and dethroning Jon Moxley! White had that title won at Worlds End, but that rat saved his king, and White will be damned if he lets anyone else take White’s rightful place as THE #1 contender to the AEW World Championship. Thank you, Renee. White heads out, will he make sure Swerve’s House learns to Breathe with the Switchblade?

Backstage interview with Hangman Page.

AEW returns as Renee walks and talks with The Cowboy, congratulating him on his Revolution win. But he seems to be a man who always has a target on his back, so what is Hangman going to do next? Hangman says at Revolution, he took MJF- Oh, MJF bumps into Hangman. MJF asks if Hangman wants to go, but Hangman asks if MJF wants him to finish breaking that neck. But no, Hangman has something that’ll hurt worse. Last week, MJF tried to light Hangman on fire. But the thing about that is… Hangman doesn’t believe MJF. When you do something like that, you have to mean it. Really mean it.

And you know what else Hangman doesn’t believe? Sunday, MJF let the mask slip. And Hangman was right: MJF really does care what these people think. MJF asks if Hangman thinks he was bluffing about lighting Hangman on fire. MJF says that’s good. First, he’s going to step back, as Hangman smells like “rotten ass.” Second, MJF is going to make sure to call Hangman’s bluff now. Hangman doesn’t realize what happens next. Hangman is all high ‘n’ mighty on his high horse, because he beat MJF! Congrats! He beat someone who is a far superior pro-wrestler, fluke victory, they’re 1-1. Good stuff.

But here’s what happens next. MJF is going to move on and become a multiple-time world champion. MJF will go on to be a first ballot Hall of Famer and the greatest of all time. You know what Hangman does next? He does what he does best: Scratch and claw all the way to the top of the mountain, and just as he’s about to reach the pinnacle, he’ll come tumbling all the way down, wallowing in his own self pity. But what’s funny is, when Hangman’s mask slips, you know what MJF notices? That Hangman’s biggest insecurity is that he doesn’t feel he deserves the fans’ love. And y’know what? Hangman’s right.

Because one day, the people will get sick and tired of waiting for Hangman to win the big one, because he never will. He’ll never make them proud. But you know what MJF is gonna do? MJF is going to win the world title over and over and over again, and he will be laughing at Hangman the entire way up the mountain. Well, we’ll see, won’t we? These two stare down, then MJF moves on. Will MJF’s biased prophecy fulfill itself? Or will something happen to completely change the dynamic?

AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament Opening Round: Orange Cassidy VS Hechicero!

Freshly Squeezed helped bring the BOOM in Revolution’s Zero Hour, and now he’s chasing after the title that he helped put on the map. But will Cassidy get in on the Fatal 4 Way? Or will the Alchemist of the Ring be representing both Mexico and CMLL in the finals?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. Then Hechi slides up, distracts Cassidy with some “made you look” magic, and then knuckle locks! Hechi pulls on the arm, but Cassidy raises the other hand. Hechi stops Cassidy from putting a hand in his pocket, but Cassidy swings around to reach out for ropes. Hechi wrenches Cassidy’s arm, but Cassidy still goes for a pocket! Hechi uses a top wristlock and a CHOP to stop that! Hechi top wristlocks but Cassidy stays up. Hechi spins Cassidy, but Cassidy knuckle locks to “chop!” The fans fire up as Cassidy then goes up, up, and tightrope walks rather casually.

The fans cheer as Cassidy makes it corner to corner, then keeps on moving! Han din pocket, but Hechi YANKS him down! Cassidy dodges, and now has both hands in his pockets! Hechi gets frustrated, things speed up, and Cassidy RANAS! Hechi turns around, Cassidy is there, but Hechi shoves him back. Cassidy dodges the dropkick, then he sits on Hechi for a no-hands ghost pin! TWO!! Hechi escapes, then bails out of the ring, and the fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed, but he fakes Hechi out to roll and kip up! The fans fire up while Hechi gets mad, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Hechi paces, the ring count climbs, but Hechi storms in at 5 of 10. Hechi runs up, Cassidy dodges, then hurdles, but Hechi trips him! Cassidy’s hands come out of the pockets, and Hechi runs up to roll Cassidy into body scissors, then an ARMBAR! Cassidy endures, flails around, but Hechi stomps him! Cassidy fights up, stacks Hechi, but Hechi victory rolls Cassidy to then roll him back, and rolling ARMBAR! Cassidy clasps hands, Hechi pulls the grip apart, and he bends the fingers! Cassidy endures, but Hechi SNAPS the fingers! Cassidy goes to a corner, Hechi runs up, and he STEP-UP KNEES Cassidy down!

Cassidy flops out of the ring, Hechi goes out after him, and Hechi whips him hard into the steel steps! Hechi eggs Cassidy on, then runs up to BOOT him down! Hechi taunts Cassidy, fires the fans up, then stalks back up on Cassidy. Hechi puts Cassidy in the ring, and drags him up into a FULL NELSON! Cassidy fights the hold, but Hechi KNEES him low! Hechi shoves Cassidy, scoops him, and SWINGING SIDE SLAMS him! Cover, TWO! Cassidy is still in this but Hechi says he was that close. Hechi drags Cassidy up again, pump handles and half nelsons, and he hits the INVERTED EXPLODER! Hechi then grabs at the arm and pulls!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Cassidy makes the ROPEBREAK! Hechi lets go, kicks Cassidy around, and brings him up in the corner. Hechi CHOPS, then whips corner to corner. Cassidy goes up and out, rolls back in, then keeps moving, but Hechi catches him for a SLEEPER at the ropes! Cassidy fires elbows to get free, and he runs back up, only for Hechi to grab the leg! Hechi CLUBS the leg, then DRAGON SCREWS it! Then he traps the leg in the ropes! The ref counts, but Hechi uses his own knee to TWEAK Cassidy’s knee against ropes! The fans boo but Hechi soaks up the heat. Cassidy goes to a corner, Hechi runs up, but Cassidy ELBOWS him away!

Cassidy goes up, but Hechi blocks a boot! Cassidy BOOTS with the other leg, then CROSSBODIES! Cassidy keeps moving, tilt-o-whirls and DD- NO, Hechi blocks it! Hechi shifts Cassidy around, has a hammerlock, and Hechi SWINGS Cassidy to then BACKBREAKER! Cassidy writhes, Hechi covers, TWO! The fans rally as Cassidy stays in this. Hechi scuffs Cassidy, KNEES him in the back, then drags him up. The fans rally for “FRESHLY SQUEEZED! FRESHLY SQUEEZED!” Hechi suplexes, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! Cassidy gets moving, tilt-o-whirl DDT! The fans fire up, Cassidy kips up, but the bad leg doesn’t hold!

Cassidy hobbles, he powers up the arm, but he can’t get running. Cassidy goes up the corner instead, and he LAZY ELBOWS into an ARMBAR!! Hechi has Cassidy caught, but Cassidy moves around to high stack! Hechi rolls to throw Cassidy down, and he has a modified FUJIWARA! Cassidy endures, Hechi CLUBS him, then shifts into a RINGS OF SATURN! Cassidy reaches out, ROPEBREAK with his foot! Hechi lets go at 4, argues with the ref, and then he stands Cassidy up. Hechi suplexes, STUN DOG- NO! Hechi blocks it this time, and he shoves Cassidy to ropes. Cassidy ducks and returns, but Hechi catches Cassidy!

Hechi backslides Cassidy, Cassidy rolls through and comes back, but into a torture rack! Swing and- NO, Cassidy slips through to have the MOUSE TRAP!! CASSIDY WINS!!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall (advances to next week’s Fatal 4 Way)

Hechicero may be the Alchemist, but Cassidy pulled off quite the magic trick by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat! And now, Speedball Mike Bailey makes his way back out here. Bailey smiles as he sees Cassidy standing tall. Bailey bows in respect, but who else will join these two in the #1 Contender’s match next week?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite that helped turn the corner from Revolution to Dynasty, but it was rather promo heavy. Though, I suppose most weeks, Dynamite can feel like it has more promos than it needs. But something about tonight felt especially so. Kenny Omega opening was good stuff, and I appreciate him thanking Takeshita for pushing him, but I kinda wished Omega would’ve been hanging around on commentary or something for the International Championship Eliminator Tournament. And I did like him having that interaction with Shibata, teasing that match. But with Shibata facing Ricochet, I have a feeling Ricochet wins on Collision.

Though that might not be so bad, as Shibata and The Opps are going to surely go after the AEW World Trios Championships. They squash another trio of jobbers, but hopefully they start calling out The Death Riders, or at least taking on established trios like Shane Taylor Promotions, Premier Athletes, or… Wow, I just noticed that the trios division has kinda fallen apart in the same time that The Death Riders have had those titles. Because the Opps already dealt with The Patriarchy, and The Patriarchy might be falling apart soon. I really liked Nick Wayne standing up to Christian as Christian comes up with such sad excuses for his failed cash-in. I can only hope Luchasaurus returns soon so that he can help Nick defy Christian, as we should’ve gotten a long time ago.

Great stuff in this International Championship Eliminator Tournament for tonight. Mike Bailey being a free agent, and yet not even a tease over on NXT, it was clear he’d be showing up in AEW soon, so making him the wild card is great stuff. Great match with Mortos and a great win for Bailey, he’s definitely a top choice for winning the Fatal 4 Way. Cassidy VS Hechicero was very good, and Cassidy winning makes sense given he’s been back in this International Championship scene since a couple weeks ago. And then Mark Davis VS Mark Briscoe on Collision, that surely goes to Davis. It’ll be two Heels and two Faces, and really anyone’s guess on who wins.

Takeshita getting to destroy Caster was great stuff, but kinda shoehorned in here. Feels like they could’ve done this on Collision but I guess it works as Takeshita’s way of responding to the loss. The tag match of Hologram & Hobbs VS Cage & Dralistico was great stuff, including Harley distracting Mortos. Great win for Hologram & Hobbs, and clearly The Don Callis Family is not through with Hobbs or vice-versa. Maybe we get some huge match where Hobbs, Hologram & Komander take on The Don Callis Family and/or La Faccion Ingobernable, it really depends on where all these stories are going.

Very good stuff with MJF, Hangman and the Hurt Syndicate tonight. The post-Revolution promo from MJF didn’t quite gel until Hangman confronted MJF and said he still cares about the fans. MVP wanting to help MJF is certainly an interesting move, and something in all of this makes me feel like we get another “unlikely duo” team out of MJF where he and Hangman have to fight Lashley & Shelton. Not sure how I feel about that given how Better Than You Baybay ultimately ended up. Either that, or MJF actually joins up with The Hurt Syndicate in a very “Owen Hart & The Nation of Domination” kind of way.

Toni Storm had another great promo to not only celebrate her win, but to make nice references to Mone and Athena. And while I expected someone to attack, I didn’t think it would be Megan Bayne. This is a great opportunity for Megan, and in kayfabe, it will be a physical test for Toni Storm given how strong Megan is. Willow VS Ford was a good match, good win for Willow, and Kris got a good moment making the save. But Megan attacking Kris & Willow makes me think we get Ford & Megan VS Kris & Willow as part of Kris showing Willow she’s changed for the better. But even then, Megan probably wins and that helps make her case for the title match.

Good promo from Jericho to relate what happened at Revolution, but hey look, it’s another case of backwards booking for the Jericho Vortex. Bandido had his title match, Jericho found a way to win, and yet Jericho wants to keep picking on Bandido. Here’s hoping Bandido wins the title in the rematch and puts an end to things, such as Big Bill finally standing up to Jericho. Then Jericho VS Bill can happen, no title, just Bill becoming a Face. Mone and Billie had a good promo together, they’ll have a very good title match, but this has to segue into Athena and Mone interacting and even setting something up for All In: Texas.

Speaking of All In: Texas, Ospreay is having us think long term big picture on that already. He had a fun promo to relate how his wife, Alex Windsor, reacted to his match on Sunday, and then he plugs that the 2025 Owen Hart Cup is on its way already. I don’t doubt Ospreay will be in the finals of the Owen Hart Cup, and I really hope Jay White is on the other end. White has a good promo to not only call Ospreay out but to react to his mishap at Revolution. I do believe that in character, that was an accident, White was aiming for Moxley but got Cope. However, with Cope VS Moxley in a Street Fight, there’s a chance next time won’t be an accident.

And of course we’re getting Cope VS Moxley again… But the way they brought it up was also kinda backwards. They gave us the news, then gave us the promos. I would’ve played the promo from Swerve and Cope first, then played Moxley’s promo, then played the announcement. But whatever, it’s only been five years of doing this on TV every week. And if White doesn’t cost Cope again, I feel like this is where all the Death Riders return from their Con-Chair-To injuries and they all screw Cope, perhaps also compelling The Opps to get involved and get us on that trios title story. Either way, this just all feels like a formality with Moxley VS Swerve as the given Dynasty match.

My Score: 8.8/10

Will the Roughneck have his revenge?

As the New Japan Cup continues, Great-O-Khan encounters Shota Umino, meeting again after Khan defeated and SHAVED Shota’s head!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• YOSHI-HASHI & Daiki Nagai VS Yuya Uemura & Taka Michinoku; Uemura & Taka win.
• Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Tomohiro Ishii; Nagata, Kojima & Ishii win.
• Six Man Tag: TMDK VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
• 10 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
• 2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Taichi VS Gabe Kidd; Taichi wins and advances.
• 2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shota Umino VS Great-O-Khan; Shota wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Taichi w/ Taka Michinoku VS Gabe Kidd!

The Holy Emperor was given a first round bye, and now he must face a Mad Man! Will Taichi be able to tame this War Dog? Or will Gabe show why he’s NJPW Strong?

The moment Gabe is in the ring, he gets right in Taichi’s face. Red Shoes has Gabe stand down, and Gabe stands on the corner to get the fans fired up. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two stare down. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then break. They circle and reset, then they run up to RAM shoulders! And RAM! And RAM! And RAM! Then Gabe fires a forearm! Taichi ridge hand chops, Gabe fires a forearm, repeat! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth! Gabe fires up, shakes his head, and he then fires another forearm! Taichi keeps up the ridge hands, Gabe keeps firing forearms, and now Taichi fires up!

The fans rally as Taichi and Gabe go forehead to forehead. Gabe fires a forearm, and he blocks the sobat to UPPERCUT! Gabe whips, but Taichi BOOTS him down! Gabe is right up to LARIAT Taichi! The fans fire up and Gabe stomps Taichi. Gabe drags Taichi up, CHOPS him again, and Taichi goes to a corner. Gabe storms over, stands Taichi up, and then CHOPS! Taichi sits down, Gabe scuffs him, and Gabe whips Taichi hard into the corner! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, Gabe kicks Taichi around, then stands him up. Taichi fires more ridge hand chops! Gabe UPPERCUTS, then whips, and he follows in for a LARIAT!

Gabe whips again, runs up, but Taichi BOOTS him! Taichi runs, but into a scoop! Gabe hits the buckles, then OKLAHOMA STAMPEDES! The fans fire up and Gabe turns Taichi over for a BOSTON CRAB! Taichi endures, Gabe wants Red Shoes to ask him, but Taichi still fights forward! ROPEBREAK! Gabe lets go and the fans cheer. Gabe stalks Taichi, eggs him on, and then he brings Taichi up with a waistlock. Taichi fights free to PELE! Gabe staggers, drops to a knee, but he comes back to stomp Taichi! Gabe whips, Taichi reverses and clinches, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both men are down and the fans cheer.

Taichi and Gabe stir while the fans rally up. Both men sit up slowly, and Gabe goes to ropes. Taichi stands, runs corner to corner, and he BOOTS Gabe! Taichi then powers up and runs, but Gabe dodges the Ax Bomber! Gabe tries but Taichi ducks to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up again and Taichi covers, TWO! Gabe stays in this but Taichi stays calm. The fans rally and duel as Taichi looms over Gabe. Taichi gives Gabe scuffing kicks, then some Kawada Kicks! Gabe just gets mad, and he stands up to CHOP! Taichi SOBATS! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Taichi goes to a corner, Gabe runs up, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI!

Gabe falls but Taichi still needs to catch his breath. Taichi rises, fire sup, and the fans are with him as OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims at Gabe and powers up. TENSHO- NO, Gabe dodges and CHOPS! Taichi just snarls and comes back. They go forehead to forehead, and Taichi KICKS! Gabe walks that off, and he CHOPS back! Taichi walks that off, comes back and KICKS! Gabe snarls and comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! Taichi CHOPS! Gabe wobbles while the fans fire up. Gabe huffs ‘n’ puffs to CHOP! Taichi KICKS, Gabe CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up, Taichi KICKS again and again, then eggs Gabe on!

Gabe storms up to HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT! Then UPPERCUT! Taichi falls and Gabe staggers, and the fans duel even more! Gabe eggs Taichi on! “This is New Japan, b*tch!” Gabe scuffs Taichi, so Taichi stands and KICKS! Gabe stays on his feet and shakes his head! Taichi winds up to KICK again! Gabe says F that, bring it! Taichi KICKS and Gabe falls over! The fans fire up and Taichi paces around now. Taichi drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the saido with elbows! Gabe runs, COMEBACK- NO, Taichi BOOTS Gabe! But Gabe PELES! And then puts on the COBRA TWIST! The fans fire up as Taichi endures!

Taichi reaches out, Gabe pushes him down, and then reels him in! But Taichi BACKDROPS free! Gabe rises, but Taichi BOOTS him! And GAMANGIRIS! Taichi hurries to hook Gabe up, SEITEI JUJIHOU!! Gabe endures being stuck in the Holy Emperor’s Tomb, even as Taichi twists him! Gabe is sputtering, fading, and Red Shoes checks. Taichi lets Gabe go, perhaps out of energy himself. Taichi storms back up on Gabe, but Gabe is deadweight. The fans rally as Gabe stirs, and Taichi reels him in. But Gabe fights the lift now! Taichi fires more Kawada Kicks, then KICKS Gabe down! Taichi reels Gabe back in, but Gabe fights the bomb!

So Taichi just makes it a PILEDRIVER!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Taichi rises and roars, and the fans fire up with him! Taichi waits on Gabe, Gabe sputters and staggers up, but he dodges Ax Bomber! COMEBACK- AX BOMBER!! Taichi says “OSU!” and DANGEROUS SAIDO with BRIDGE! TWO!!! Gabe survives and the fans are thunderous again! Taichi goes to a corner, fires back up, and the fans fire up more. Taichi takes aim as Gabe rises again, TENSHO- NO! Gabe blocks the kick, but Taichi DECKS him with a forearm! Taichi Alabama- Gabe makes it a PILEDRIVER!! The fans are thunderous again as Gabe goes to a corner.

We pass 15 minutes and Gabe roars! The kneepad comes down, and Gabe runs up for the O- TENSHO JUJIHOU!!! Taichi hits Gabe first but both men are down again! The fans are thunderous as Red Shoes checks both men. They’re both okay to continue, so the fans rally up. Taichi and Gabe go to opposite corners and rise back up. Gabe eggs Taichi on, Taichi eggs Gabe on! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, neither fall! DOUBLE LARIATS collide again, neither fall! Taichi BOOTS, then NECKBREAKER DROPS! Cover, ONE?!? Gabe is up, Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! Gabe rebounds, COMEBACKER!! Cover, ONE?!?!

Taichi rises, Gabe RIGHT HANDS, and BRAINBUSTERS!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Taichi survives and the fans are electric! Taka coaches Taichi but Gabe shakes his head. Gabe huffs ‘n’ puffs and ROARS as he rises up! Taichi sits up, into the O-KNEE!! And then Gabe reels Taichi in, but Taichi fights the driver! Alabama Lift and- NO, Gabe slips free to KNEE, and PILEDRIVER!!! Gabe crawls to the cover, but REN NARITA drags Red Shoes out!? The Souled Out Son of Strong Style won’t let Gabe beat him and get away with it! Gabe goes out, dodges a haymaker to UPPERCUT Ren! And UPPERCUT again! But the rest of the House rushes out!

Sho & Yujiro go after Gabe, too! It seems cheating David Finlay and the boys wasn’t good enough, they gotta make sure ALL the War Dogs lose tonight! The fans boo but Gabe fires off UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! But Ren has the pushup bar! Ren CLOBBERS Gabe!! The fans boo but The House sneaks away, very pleased with themselves. Gabe is down on the outside, Taichi is down on the inside, and Red Shoes has no idea what happened. The fans rally up but a ring count starts. Gabe stirs at 5 of 20, but he’s still down at 10! Gabe grabs at the railing but he’s moving so slow! He’s still down at 15! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Gabe just can’t! TAICHI WINS!

Winner: Taichi, by ring count (advances to the next round)

The House of Torture succeeds in screwing over all of the War Dogs in one night! Will they regret escalating this civil war? As for Taichi, he is now set to face Zack Sabre Jr. in the next round. Who will win in a battle of Dangerous Tekkers?

2025 New Japan Cup Second Round: Shota Umino VS Great-O-Khan!

It was the New Beginning in Osaka just a month ago that The Roughneck lost to The Dominator, and then gave up his hair! But now he’s back in action, ready for redemption, will Shota have his revenge? Or will he simply be eliminated?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Khan and Shota stare down. Shota and Khan approach, then tie up. Khan powers Shota back, but then Shota powers Khan back. Khan tries to power back up but Shota puts him on the ropes! Shota lets off slowly and pats Khan on the shoulder. Then Shota ROCKS Khan with a forearm! Shota backs off, Khan storms up, and they tie up again. Khan puts Shota right on the ropes, then he lets off, but Shota ROCKS him again! Khan snarls, fakes high and trips Shota to rain down forearms! Khan lets off just to stomp Shota around! Khan stands Shota up, and Mongolian Chops!

Khan runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him down! The fans cheer, and Khan grows frustrated already. Shota stomps away on Khan, then paces. Shota stands Khan up, UPPERCUTS, then paces while Khan drops to his knees. Shota brings Khan up again, UPPERCUTS again, then UPPERCUTS again! And UPPERCUTS again! Khan falls, Shota brings him back around, but Khan fights the suplex! Khan suplexes, Shota fights that and wrenches out to then ROCK Khan! Shota runs, but Khan slips around and gets a leg! Khan trips Shota, rolls him back, then runs to RUN Shota over! Khan crosses his arms behind his back, and the fans cheer.

Khan clamps onto Shota with a chinlock, and fans rally as Shota endures. Khan digs his knee into Shota, then traps the arms for a motorcycle stretch. Khan stands on Shota, then stands Shota up for chicken wings! Shota endures, powers up, but Khan shifts to a headlock. Khan grinds Shota down, but Shota fights up, so Khan shifts to a facelock! Khan pulls on the hold, then hits a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Shota stays in this, but Khan stays cool. The fans rally behind “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” as he kicks at Shota. Shota eggs Khan on, Khan gives him more kicks, then fires a forearm

Shota stands right up, Khan fires more forearms, but Shota gets right in Khan’s face each time! Khan shoves Shota, so Shota fires a forearm! And another! And then another! Khan wobbles, Shota scoops, but Khan blocks! Khan scoops and SLAMS! The fans fire up while Khan stands over Shota. Khan drags Shota up for Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! Then he fakes the chop to UPPERCUT! Shota goes to a corner, and Khan hops up on this his throne! The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, but Khan pulls on Shota’s arms! Red Shoes counts, Khan hops down at 4, and he brings Shota around, Mongolian Chop!

Khan stands on Shota for a cocky cover, Red Shoes says no good. Khan covers Shota properly, TWO! The fans cheer as Shota stays in this, but Khan paces around. Khan drags Shota up, wrenches and then SAYA- NO, Shota blocks the throw! Khan KNEES low, then wags his finger. Khan whips, Shota reverses and scoops to HOTSHOT Khan! Shota runs to CLOBBER Khan! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shota rises, and he stalks Khan to a corner. Shota ROCKS Khan with a forearm, then ROCKS him with another. Shota fires another forearm, then whips corner to corner. Shota runs in, and UPPERCUTS!

Shota reels Khan in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Shota brings Khan around. Shota reels Khan in, but Khan fights the lift! Shota fires KNEE after KNEE into Khan, but Khan still fights the lift! The two struggle, Khan trips Shota for a jackknife bridge! TWO and Khan BOOTS Shota down! Khan hurries to clamp on with a KATAGATAME! Shota endures the head ‘n’ arm triangle, fights to his feet and fires elbows! Shota is free, he runs up, but into a fireman’s carry takeover! Khan then gets Shota up to MONKEY FLIP! And then a SAYANAGI! Cover, TWO! But back to the KATAGATAME!

Shota endures again and the fans rally. Khan leans his weight on the hold but Shota moves around. Khan pulls on the hold, but Shota keeps fighting towards the ropes! Khan puts on all the pressure he can, Shota is turning purple, but Shota finds the ROPEBREAK! Khan holds until Red Shoes counts 4, and then Khan kicks Shota out of the ring. Khan goes out after Shota, then RAMS him into railing! Shota slumps down, Khan steps on Shota’s neck, and then Khan hauls Shota up to hit an APRON SPINEBUSTER! Shota slumps back down to the floor and Khan mockingly asks what’s wrong. Khan then drags Shota up, wrenches, and whips, but Shota reverses! Khan hits railing!

Shota runs up to SHOTGUN Khan up and over the railing! The fans fire up while Khan flounders. Shota drags Khan up onto the railing, but Khan gets free to scoop! T T D to the floor!! Shota is dazed and Khan clutches an arm, but both men are still in this so Red Shoes starts a ring count. Both men are down at 5 of 20, but Khan stands at 10. Khan rolls into the ring, but Shota only now sits up at 14! Shota stands at 15, but then flops back over! Shota hears 18, rises and jumps in at 19.5! But Khan is on him with a rain of forearms! Khan drags Shota up, and then REVERSE S T O! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this but Khan snarls.

The fans rally as hard as they can, and Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan stands Shota up, but Shota breaks free! Shota ROCKS Khan, but Shota’s the one who staggers away. Khan eggs Shota on, Shota fires another forearm, but Shota falls to his knees. Shota rises again to fire forearm after forearm after forearm! Khan eggs Shota on, then he SLAPS Shota! Shota gets mad, and he winds up, only for Khan to get around! IRON CLAW SLEEPER, and a THROW, but Shota lands out! Shota blocks the Mongolian Chop, ROCKS Khan, then ROLLING ELBOWS! But Khan IRON RIGHTS! Khan whips, Shota reverses, but Khan says no to the tornado!

DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! Both men do fall back to ropes, and then they both growl! They both run up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Khan roars and takes a swing, Shota dodges a lariat, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Khan falls and the fans fire up! Shota runs, but Khan follows to LARIAT at the ropes! Khan runs, but Shota LARIATS at the ropes! Shota runs, but Khan LARIATS Shota down! Cover, ONE?!?! The fans fire up and Shota runs in, but Khan gets around! F G O PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives but it’s into the KATAGATAME for him! Khan squeezes tight and Shota endures while fans rally again.

Shota is turning purple again but Khan then shifts to a standard SLEEPER! Red Shoes checks, but then Khan makes it an IRON SLEEPER! Khan stands Shota up, Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack! And then the swing out for the IRON CLAW SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives again and the fans fire up! Khan’s Monster Rage boils up and he clamps on with the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Shota up, for the ELIMI- NO, Shota SATELLITE DDTS out of it! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shota and Khan stir as the fans rally up again. Shota and Khan go forehead to forehead, then Shota fires a forearm! Khan fires back, so Shota fires another!

The fans rally as the forearms keep going. Both men stand, and Shota ROCKS Khan! Khan ROCKS Shota! Shota and Khan start firing forearms back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally up, the forearms slow down a bit, and Shota wobbles. Shota snarls and comes back to ROCK Khan again and again! Khan wobbles, but he fires a flurry in return! Khan DECKS Shota, but Shota’s right up! Shota ROCKS Khan, Khan DECKS Shota, repeat! Shota staggers and falls over on the third time! Khan eggs Shota on, drags him to his feet, then clamps on the HITSUJIGOROSHI! And then the FLAT- NO, Shota spins free to ENZIGIRI!

Khan hits the IRON RIGHT!! Shota flops against Khan, but Khan stands him up! ELIMINA- NO, Shota slips out to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Khan is up, but Shota LARIATS him back down! The fans fire up as Shota flounders to ropes. Shota rises, fires up, and he gets running to LARIAT Khan down!! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives that impact but Shota takes aim from the corner. Shota runs up, for the BUSAIKU KNEE!?! Shota then scoops for a NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, Shota wins!!

Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Khan tried, but he is the one eliminated! Oh, Shota gets the mic before Khan even has a chance to exit the ring. Shota hushes the crowd, but then he just bows and takes his leave? The new haircut not only gave Shota a new edge, it’s like he’s a different person. No Ignition, no Blaze Blade, no Paradigm Shift, did Khan create a more dangerous Roughneck than the Death Riders ever did?

My Thoughts:

A very good night for New Japan Cup, but maybe having just two tournament matches kinda hurt some of it. I probably could’ve fit in that 10 Man Tag, but it felt pretty obvious that The House of Torture would win to redeem themselves from Evil and Ren losing. Which then did happen as the House made sure Gabe lost by count out. Also, it was an interesting detail in the 10 Man Tag that Sanada could have gotten in there and broke up the pin, but he didn’t. The seeds planted yesterday with Sanada showing up late to Finlay VS Evil are now being watered as Sanada doesn’t seem to care enough to help the War Dogs.

Gabe VS Taichi was otherwise a very good match, but Taichi winning to set him up against Zack Sabre Jr. is some good stuff. Taichi VS ZSJ will be a great match, and I could see Just4Guys moving on from Sanada to have a friendly rivalry feud with TMDK. Shota VS Khan was a good match but the fans weren’t quite as into it as I thought they would be. But with Shota going through this change could be good for him. Who Shota was as a Face was only working with part of the crowd, so maybe they can pivot to something else. It’d be a bit cliche, but he should move away from bright colors to some darker ones. BUT, let’s not have him turn, let’s not have him join some other faction, just make him edgier to change who he appeals to.

My Score: 8.7/10