Live from San Antonio, it’s Saturday Night!

With just a week left before The Royal Rumble, WWE has Shawn Michaels moderating the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens! But can they keep it civil? Or will HBK have to lay down the law between them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Nia Jax; Rhea wins and retains the title.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Sheamus; Bron wins and retains the title.
• Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu; Braun wins, by disqualification.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ted DiBiase is here!

The Million Dollar Man is back, and he even has his Million Dollar Championship! Will he look to raise the stakes in San Antonio?

WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Nia Jax!

These two just did battle last night in Austin, and while Mami’s team felt the smackdown, she and the Irresistible Force are feeling raw here in San Antonio! Will Rhea be golden on this side of the Royal Rumble? Or will Nia look to grab up all the gold?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really on top!

Nia HEADBUTTS Rhea before the bell! The ref reprimands ant eh fans boo, but Nia runs up! Rhea dodges, DROPKICKS, and Nia staggers back. Rhea runs up and fires forearms in the corner, but Nia shoves her away. Rhea ducks ‘n’ dodges Nia to then tilt-o-whirl DDT! The fans fire up as Rhea shows off some agility! Nia tumbles out of the ring, Rhea goes to the apron, and Rhea CANNONBALLS! Down goes Nia and the fans fire up more! Rhea puts Nia back in the ring, then hurries to short arm LARIAT! Nia stays up so Rhea short arm LARIATS, and goes again! But Nia pop-up HEADBUTTS Rhea down!

The fans boo but Nia runs and SPLASHES Rhea in a corner! Nia hoists Rhea up top, but Rhea BOOTS her away! Nia ROCKS Rhea in return, then she climbs. The fans rally for Mami but Nia fireman’s carries! Rhea fights, but Nia still SUPER SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives, if only just so, and SNME goes to break.

SNME returns and Nia thrashes Rhea around in a chinlock. Rhea fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, and then runs, but Nia slips around. Nia back suplexes, Rhea lands out, and Rhea kicks low. Rhea KNEES Nia, winds up, LARIAT! Nia stays up, so Rhea dodges to CHOP! Rhea knuckle locks, then she springboards, but Nia stops the rana! Nia pops Rhea up, but Rhea SUNSET BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Rhea can’t believe it! Rhea pulling that off is unbelievable, too! Rhea pump handles Nia, but powers up to a SAMOAN DROP! Nia drags Rhea to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but the fans boo.

Nia adjusts and SUPER LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives but Nia is amused. Nia stands over Rhea while the fans rally up. Nia climbs up again, but Rhea CLUBS Nia! Rhea gets under Nia, and she POWERBOMBS Nia down! And then Rhea ties up the legs, for the PRISM TRAP! Nia powers up, pushes Rhea away, and the fans boo. Nia and Rhea rise up, and Rhea runs in! Nia catches her for an URENAGE! Nia snarls and storms up on Rhea to KICK her to the drop zone. Nia goes up the corner, but Rhea SHOVES her into the post! Nia goes to the apron, Rhea DECKS her! Rhea then goes up the corner?!

Rhea aims, the fans fire up, and Rhea SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nia and Rhea fires up! San Antonio is with Rhea as she reels Nia in. Pump handle, but Nia SPLASHES her! Cover, ONE!! Nia is furious, and she SMACKS Rhea off the mat, Nia puts Rhea in the drop zone, A-NIA-LATOR!! But Nia isn’t done, she goes back up. But Rhea grabs Nia’s foot! Nia shakes free, climbs again, but Rhea gets under Nia! Electric Chair Lift, and SLAM!! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Both women stir, and Rhea drags herself to the corner. Rhea stands, but so does Nia. Nia runs up, but Rhea dodges! Nia hits the buckles, Rhea ROUNDHOUSES!

Rhea pump handles, and she powers up, RIPTIDE!! Cover, RHEA WINS!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)

That was a brutal battle, but Rhea’s brutality saw her through! Nia still plans on winning the Royal Rumble, will she still go for Tiffany Stratton? Or will she change course and want one more round with Rhea Bloody Ripley?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Sheamus!

The title matches don’t stop, because we go one more round between these two badasses! Will the dogs be barking with the Big Bad Booty Nephew? Or will The Celtic Warrior finally complete his WWE Bingo?

SNME returns and Jesse Ventura joins commentary for this make-or-break moment for Sheamus. Bron makes his entrance and the fans bark already. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we’re getting a banger!

The bell rings, the two circle, and the two tie up. Sheamus powers Bron back but then they go along the ropes. Sheamus has a headlock as they end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Bron scuffs Sheamus and laughs, but Sheamus tells Bron to get serious. They circle, tie up, and then Bron kicks! Sheamus blocks the kick, and he LARIATS Bron! Sheamus fires hands on Bron in a corner, then he brings Bron around to whip. Bron reverses, but Sheamus blocks the hip toss! Sheamus LARIATS Bron again and the fans fire up! Bron goes to a corner, Sheamus is right on him to whip. Bron reverses, but Sheamus comes back, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

The fans bark while Sheamus sputters. Bron storms up on Sheamus, headlocks, but Sheamus powers up and out. Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds speed to CLOBBER Sheamus! Sheamus tumbles out of the ring but Bron goes out the side. Bron builds speed around the outside! But Sheamus scoops! Sheamus then LAWN DARTS Bron into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up with Sheamus, and then Sheamus fetches Bron to bring him back to the ring. Sheamus then climbs a corner, takes aim, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, ONE!! Bron is tougher than that, but Sheamus stays on him. Sheamus throws Bron tot he apron, then stands him up!

The fans fire up but Bron fights free! Bron throws a haymaker, but Sheamus DECKS Bron for it! Sheamus goes out, uses the steps to leap, INTO A SPEAR!! Both men fall in a heap and the fans go nuts! Bron grins while SNME goes to break.

SNME returns again and Bron fires off in the corner. Sheamus fires back and they go back and forth. Bron KNEES low, then he digs Sheamus into the corner. Bron ROCKS Sheamus, then fireman’s carries. GUT BUSTER DROP! Bron doesn’t let off, he hoists Sheamus up again, GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Sheamus survives but Bron has a bull’s eye on those ribs. Bron throws hands but Sheamus eggs Bron on! Bron SLAPS Sheamus, Sheamus eggs Bron on more, and they start throwing shots! The fans fire up but Bron body shots! Bron runs, into a KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Bron stays in this and Sheamus grows frustrated.

Bron goes to the apron, Sheamus storms up, and the fans fire up as Sheamus gives us BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, then past it! He gets SIXTEEN in before the ref counts 4! Sheamus hauls Bron up and up, to then crucifix lift! CELTIC CROSS!! Sheamus busting out a classic and he crawls to the cover, TWO!! Bron survives again and the fans fire up! Sheamus drags Bron up, fireman’s carries, but Bron fights free! Bron shoves Sheamus into the buckles, then gorilla presses for the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Bron is growing frustrated. Ventura loves it, they’re going to the wire!

Bron storms up but Sheamus BOOTS Bron from the corner! Sheamus skins the cat! But Bron springs right up! SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up and Bron takes aim! Straps are down, Bron runs in, into a BROGUE!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Bron survives by a literal foot and Sheamus can’t believe it! Sheamus was so close but he’s still so far! “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus powers up in the corner. Bron rises, but the ribs hold Sheamus back! Bron RAMS Sheamus, Sheamus rebounds to KNEE CAPPER! Sheamus tries again, but Bron ducks the Brogue! SPEAR!! Cover, BRON WINS!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

The Fella falls short, only because Bron’s foot found the ropes! Will Sheamus ever get his hands on this title? Will anyone ever take this title off of Bron?

Shawn Michaels is here!

San Antonio fires up for their Heartbreak Kid, the WWE Hall of Famer, and the man who put ladder matches on the map! HBK will moderate the contract signing for the WWE Championship ladder match, after the break!

SNME returns and HBK has the mic. “I am sweating through my suit, because for the last three minutes, I’ve been dancing around because I am so happy to be back home in San Antonio!” The fans cheer that! HBK says he “has been given one job here tonight, and that is to walk out of this ring with the signatures of Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes.” Nick Aldis couldn’t get it done, so he sent in the closer! Rest assured, it is happening tonight. So as they say, without further ado, he will introduce the challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Kevin Owens! The fans boo but The Prizefighter still goes to the ring.

Kevin wears a new shirt, “Cody Sucks Eggs,” and he has the Winged Eagle on his shoulder. HBK now welcomes out THE Undisputed WWE Champion, The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! The fans cheer Cody’s entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody even climbs up a ladder to show he’s not afraid of heights. Cody gets his second round of pyro, then he goes to the ring to join HBK and KO. The fans cheer as Cody and Kevin stare down, but HBK tells them, “Gentlemen, if you would be seated please.” They don’t, so he says fine, he digs it.

HBK says for months, these two have battered and beaten each other. And as much as everyone has enjoyed watching it, HBK has an assignment. That is to walk out of this ring, with their signatures on the contract. So one way or another, it needs to happen. So again, he asks they please sign. Cody takes the pen first, and he signs his part as champion. Kevin then takes the pen, looks a the contract, but then picks up the mic. “Y’know, last night you (Cody) said something that really pissed me off. You said that 10 times outta 10, Kevin Owens takes the easy way out. Is that right? That’s a lie. That’s what you are, you’re a liar.”

Kevin could’ve taken the easy way out at Bash In Berlin because of Cody’s knee, because Kevin cared about their friendship more than Cody ever did! And you know who takes the easy way out? It’s CODY! Who between them left WWE when things got tough? Kevin stayed, Cody quit! Cody shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH, Kevin!” Cody didn’t come here to talk about the past, or so Kevin can justify his actions. Cody didn’t get all dressed up, HBK didn’t return to San Antonio, to hear Kevin talk! Cody is done worrying about Kevin Owens. Cody instead must focus on who he is defending his title against at WrestleMania.

So if Kevin would just please, SIGN, THE, CONTRACT! The fans cheer, but Kevin tells Cody, “Trust me, you’re not done worrying about Kevin Owens. Because once I sign this, you know what that means? That makes it official. That Saturday night at the Royal Rumble, I will shut everyone up who dares to say I’m not the real champion. I am the true, rightful WWE Champion! And once I win the title, everything you got when you came back, your face on every poster, on all the buses, all the fanfare, all the grand entrances, all the attention, the pyro, everything, it’s coming to ME! Because that’s what I’ve deserved for the last TEN YEARS, and I’m taking it from YOU!”

HBK waits a moment, then says, “Jesus, Kevin. You just sound jealous.” Kevin glares at HBK and asks what he just said. HBK says that Kevin sounds jealous. JEALOUS!? Kevin says that’s rich! HBK is just like Cody! When things got tough for HBK, he quit, too! You wanna know who is jealous? HBK is jealous that Kevin brought more pride to the Winged Eagle than HBK ever did! And once Kevin wins, he will give everyone a champion they can be proud of, that they can look to, and won’t lose his smile~! The only one losing at the Rumble is Cody! Kevin finally signs his part, then he SHOVES it into HBK!

The fans boo but Kevin stares Cody down again. HBK says, “Gentlemen, there’s only one thing left to do, and that is to take these championships. May I please get a referee in here? And ascend them above the ring.” A referee does step in, and Kevin gives the Winged Eagle title a last kiss before handing it over. That belt is strapped onto the hanger, then the same is done with Cody’s corporate logo belt. The hanger is then lifted into the air, and HBK says next Saturday, Lucas Oil Stadium, one man ascends the ladder, and one man walks out THE Undisputed WWE Champion. He wishes them luck, then offers a handshake.

Kevin leaves HBK hanging, so Cody takes the hand. And Kevin sucker punches Cody! HBK warns KO, but then KO kicks HBK! But Cody SUPERKICKS Kevin! HBK is furious, so he tunes up the band! The fans are thunderous for some SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Kevin tumbles out of the ring while San Antonio cheers! Will Cody make sure “The Canadian Dream” is living a nightmare after the Royal Rumble? Or will Kevin find a way to ruin Cody’s Road to WrestleMania?

Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu!

There may not be a championship on the line, but you can consider this a title match in that the winner here could very well be the ALPHA monster! Will the Monster of All Monsters still be Braun Strowman? Or will the Samoan Werewolf tear down #OneBigSOB?

SNME returns and once again, Tama & Jacob walk ‘n’ talk. The Good Bad Guy says everyone’s on that YEHYEHYEH! Jacob tells Braun that he may be a tough SOB, but keep it 100, he never been in the ring with nobody like Jacob! He’s America’s Most Wanted! You know what time it is? Get in where you fit in! Cuz tonight, Jacob beats Braun’s ass post to post, live from NBC on coast to coast! Ya know what I mean?! Jacob makes his entrance, Tama letting him go alone. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Jacob and Braun stare down, tie up, and Jacob pushes Braun back, until Braun SHOVES Jacob down! Both men run up, and Braun RUNS Jacob over!

Braun storms up on Jacob at the ropes, the ref gets in between them, and Jacob sucker punches Braun! Jacob runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Braun ELBOWS him down! Braun snarls, runs up again, and he LARIATS Jacob up and out! Jacob is right back on his feet, and he HOTSHOTS Braun away! Braun comes back, Jacob DUMPS him out, then KICKS Braun! Jacob then DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Braun! The fans fire up while SNME goes to break.

SNME returns again and Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! The fans rally for Braun but Jacob runs, only for Braun to scoop! SIDEWALK SLAM! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Braun and Jacob rise again, and Braun CHOPS! Braun fires a forearm, and another! Braun ROCKS Jacob, runs, and BOOTS Jacob down! Jacob goes to a corner while the fans fire up. Braun storms up to fire body shots, then stands Jacob up. Braun TOSSES Jacob across the way! Jacob tumbles out, sputters and coughs, and Braun goes outside! The Strowman Express is on the tracks, and he CLOBBERS Jacob into barriers!

The fans fire up again and Braun says let’s go again! Braun does another lap, to POUNCE Jacob over the announce desk! The fans fire up again and Braun takes off his shirt! Braun does another lap, and Jacob’s up in time, to SAMOAN DROP Braun onto the desk!! Jacob shoves Braun down, throws the desk hood onto him, then drags him up to send into steel steps! The ref reprimands, Jacob shoves Braun into the ring, and Jacob hauls Braun up. HEADBUTT! Braun sits in a corner, Jacob goes corner to corner! HIP ATTACK! And then HIP ATTACK again! Braun sputters now, and Jacob HIP ATTACKS again! AND AGAIN!!

Jacob shows no mercy, he hits a FIFTH HIP ATTACK!! The Samoan Werewolf goes again, A SIXTH HIP ATTACK!! Braun is barely even conscious, the ref stops Jacob, but Jacob TOSSES the ref!! Jacob runs to hit NUMBER SEVEN!! NUMBER EIGHT!! The fans boo but now the bell rings! The ref calls this one off for what Jacob did!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification

Jacob storms out around ringside, and he grabs a chair! He throws that into the ring, but then Aldis and security rush out here! Jacob CHUCKS that chair into the first guard! And then he LARIATS the next! Jacob ignores the refs and Aldis, more security arrives, and they get Jacob to back off. Braun sputters as blood pours from his nose and maybe even his mouth. Jacob’s bloodthirsty and he drags Braun from the corner! Producers get out here to try and stop this, but Jacob doesn’t care! He goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! The werewolf is too wild, but Tama Tonga gets him to stand down.

There are fans who want that “One More Time!” and Jacob hears them! BEST MOONSAULT EVER AGAIN!! The medics hurry out here, and now Jacob and Tama stand down. OR NOT! Jacob gets right back in the ring, and he goes right back up the corner! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! With no Solo Sikoa to hold onto the leash, will no one be able to stop the Samoan Werewolf?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso!

Der Ring General does not think “Main Event Jey Uso” is worthy of that nickname, and yet here they both are in tonight’s main event. These two already had it out during Gunther’s historic Intercontinental Championship reign, will history repeat itself? Or will Jey finally and for truly stand tall as THE World Heavyweight Champion?

SNME returns and Gunther makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins Saturday Night’s Main Event!

The bell rings, Jey puts his sunglasses aside, and Gunther BOOTS Jey down! Gunther talks smack while he stands Jey up, but Jey UPPERCUTS! And ROCKS Gunther with a right! Gunther CHOPS Jey, Jey ROCKS Gunther with more hands! Gunther CHOPS again! Jey is stinging as he falls against the ropes, but Gunther stands him up. Jey dodges the chop to fire body shots! Jey climbs up and he rains down fists! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Gunther stops Jey at 7, puts him on the corner, and CHOPS him to the floor! The fans boo while SNME goes to break.

SNME returns again and Jey fires hands! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Gunther clamps on a SLEEPER! Jey arm-drags free, but Gunther blocks a kick! Gunther LARIATS Jey down! Cover, TWO! Jey stays in this but Gunther stays on him with a NECK TWIST! Jey writhes while Gunther paces. The fans boo but Gunther stands Jey up. Gunther scoops and SLAMS Jey, then stalks him. Gunther stands Jey up to CHOP him! Jey is again stinging but he stays up. Gunther BOOTS Jey! Jey fires forearms! Gunther CHOPS! Jey fires more forearms! Gunther CHOPS again! Jey rebounds, but into an UPPERCUT! Jey UPPERCUTS back!

Jey fires hands, whips Gunther, but Gunther reverses! Jey hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! Gunther drops a KNEE on him! Gunther then STOMPS Jey’s arm! The fans boo but Gunther looms over Jey. Gunther clamps onto Jey with a chinlock and he grinds his forearm into Jey’s face! The fans rally for Jey and he fights up. Jey manages to fireman’s carry Gunther! The fans fire up but Gunther fights free! Gunther CHOPS! Jey ROCKS! Gunther UPPERCUTS! Jey UPPERCUTS! Gunther swings, Jey dodges, and Jey fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!

Jey and Gunther crawl, and Gunther makes it to a corner. Jey goes to the opposite end, and the fans rally behind Jey with “UCE! OH~!” Jey runs, into the SHOTGUN DROPKCIK! Gunther hurries to haul Jey right up, GENERAL BOMBO! High stack, TWO! Jey survives and Gunther is surprised! Gunther catches his breath, calms down, and thinks on what else he should try. The fans rally for Jey even harder while Gunther stalks him to ropes. Jey goes to the apron, but Gunther goes out after him. Gunther stomps Jey, then stands on his neck! The ref reprimands but Gunther steps off. Jey sputters, but Gunther BOOTS him again, right as SNME goes to break!

SNME returns once again, and Jey trades shots with Gunther! The fans rally behind Jey as he gets the edge, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks and- Gunther BOOTS him! Jey kicks, Gunther blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP comes around! Only for Gunther to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gunther runs, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! Jey catches his breath while Gunther goes to a corner. Gunther comes back, but Jey avoids the shotgun dropkick! Jey gets moving, and he HIP ATTACKS Gunther in the corner! Cover, TWO! Gunther is tougher than that, but the fans still rally.

Jey goes to the corner and the fans fire up! Jey climbs, but Gunther rises! Gunther CHOPS Jey, then CHOPS again! Gunther climbs up after Jey, brings him to the very top, but Jey resists the suplex! Jey fires body shots, then slips under Gunther! Jey brings Gunther out for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans still can’t believe it! Both Jey and Gunther are down, “This is Awesome!” as they slowly rise. Jey and Gunther rise up, but Gunther kicks low! Gunther reels Jey in, but Jey RANAS! Jey then runs to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives and Jey is frustrated, but Jey hurries to aim again!

Gunther rises, Jey runs up, SUPERKICK! Gunther staggers back up so Jey runs in, SPEAR!! Jey hurries to the corner! Jey climbs, the fans are thunderous, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives yet again and Jey is beside himself! The fans rally with more “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey aims from a corner. Jey runs up, but Gunther turns spear into POWERBOMB! And then he flips Jey over to POWERBOMB again!! DEEP stack, GUNTHER WINS!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

Gunther didn’t just win, he just survived this battle with Main Event Jey! Der Ring General seems to at least respect Jey a bit more now, but what is it going to take for Jey to truly be the main event player?

My Thoughts:

A great Saturday Night’s Main Event, and while they really made us wonder for a couple moments, they of course held the status quo. As I said going into tonight, it would be a bit odd if the moment Sheamus finally won the Intercontinental Championship was here on NBC TV. A moment like that should be saved for WrestleMania, but I’m not sure that’ll even happen now. Granted, we have three months to build, but what would the point be after all this? Rhea VS Nia was an awesome match, especially with Rhea busting out some stuff she’d never really done before. Rhea of course won because she just got this belt back, and Nia will be in the Women’s Rumble to beef it up while trying to get after Tiffany.

The contract signing segment being in the middle was a touch surprising, but I do appreciate that they understood a title match should be the main event. Good stuff from Cody, Kevin and HBK, especially Kevin’s shirt to reference Terry Funk’s classic “Dusty Sucks Eggs” shirt. Of course a fight started, and good stuff with HBK getting a Sweet Chin Music in, but this isn’t the go-home segment so don’t expect Kevin to win the ladder match just yet. Raw and SmackDown have their go-home episodes first, we’ll surely get a segment where Kevin gets even with Cody to put things back in Cody’s favor.

Great promo from Tama & Jacob as they head to gorilla, and then a great match from Jacob VS Braun. I was saying just last night that I expected a No Contest or Draw, but they instead went a much more vicious route. Jacob loses because he threw the ref aside, but he stands tall because he brutalized Braun like very few ever have. Jacob can definitely use this to do big things in the Rumble, and from there he can go for the US Championship, as I was also saying last night. Gunther VS Jey was awesome stuff, and they really got me thinking Jey was going to pull this off, but like with Sheamus, Jey’s crowning achievement is perhaps too big for just SNME. It would be pretty wild if Jey won the Men’s Rumble so that he could get one more chance at this title and win it in Vegas.

My Score: 8.9/10

AEW returns to Daily’s Place!

AEW is back in Jacksonville, and it’s going to be BIG! Like, Katsuyori Shibata challenging for the International Championship BIG! Will The Wrestler be better than The Alpha?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Samoa Joe VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy; Joe wins.
• Kazuchika Okada VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Okada wins.
• Six Man Tag: Daniel Garcia & 2Point0 VS The Undisputed Kingdom; The Undisputed Kingdom wins.
• The Gates of Agony VS Brody King & Buddy Matthews; Brody & Buddy win.
• AEW TBS Championship Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Queen Aminata VS Yuka Sakazaki VS Serena Deeb; Yuka wins and will challenge Mercedes Mone for the title.
• AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Katsuyori Shibata; Konosuke wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Patriarchy speaks.

Christian Cage says, “Tonight, my son, Nick Wayne, takes on Samoa Joe. And I’m so confident that he’s going to walk out with a victory, I’m going to allow him to speak.” Nick tells Joe that tonight, in Joe’s long awaited return, Nick will embarrass him. Nick will dismantle him! And he’ll do it all with a smile on his face. “Then The Patriarchy will resume our quest-” Christian cuts Nick off, “To become the next AEW World Champion.” The Prodigy has his father’s blessing, but will he just get an ass kicking from the Samoan Submission Machine?

Toni Storm speaks.

“Mariah May, we finally meet face to face! You are a veteran and a champion, so I will give you my utmost respect. Also, it’s Toni Time!”

Mariah May speaks.

Or rather, she holds up her AEW Women’s World Championship, then laughs and says, “Okay.” The Glamour is not sweating “the rookie,” but will she regret underestimating her?

Samoa Joe speaks.

“Tonight, I welcome the world to join me as I correct an injustice. For you see, tonight, the son will suffer the sins of the father. And Nick Wayne, you will suffer them in total.” Saturday night’s alright for a fight, but will Nick even survive this Collision with Samoa Joe?

Samoa Joe VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy!

The Patriarchy of course accompanies Nick out here, but then Nick, Christian & Kip Sabian corner Joe in the ring. But wait! Here come Hook & Shibata! They back Joe up and that makes The Patriarchy back down. The ref gets this to be just Joe and Nick, and the bell rings. Joe and Nick circle, tie up, and Nick can’t even push Joe back an inch! Nick headlocks, but Joe isn’t bothered at all. Joe powers up and out, Nick RAMS him, but Joe pretends he didn’t even feel it. Nick talks a bit of smack, then runs, and he RAMS Joe again! Nick shoves Joe, talks some more smack, then claps to get the fans going.

Nick goes to run, but he really just mule kicks Joe low! The fans boo but Nick runs after all, only for Joe to trip him! And SENTON! The fans cheer and Joe winds up to JAB! JAB! JAB! Joe fires off on Nick in the corner, the fans cheer, and Joe fires off a flurry! Joe ROCKS Nick and the fans fire up again. Joe brings Nick up to CHOP, and Nick’s chewing gum goes flying! Joe hoists Nick up, tucks him in, but Nick CLAWS Joe’s eyes! Nick slips free and ENZIGIRIS! Joe goes to a corner, Nick runs in, but Joe boots! Nick blocks, and he DRAGON SCREWS! Joe clutches his knee and Nick stomps away on him!

Nick kicks Joe, drags him to a corner, then SLAMS Joe’s leg into the post! The fans boo but The Patriarchy is proud. Nick steps in to argue with the ref, Christian wants Joe’s leg! Hook & Shibata get Christian to back off! Nick brings Joe up but Joe CHOPS! And CHOPS! Nick dropkicks the leg! Joe bails out, Nick goes up and up to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Joe but the fans boo. Nick and Christian hug, and then Nick brings Joe up. Nick puts Joe in the ring, then pushes him down for a cover, ONE!! The fans cheer and Joe snarls but Nick kicks him around. Nick then stomps the bad leg, and he calls for the leg lock.

The fans boo but Nick grins as he steps through. But Joe BOOTS him away! Joe runs up, Nick dodges, and Nick comes back! Joe says sit down, URENAGE! The fans fire up again and Joe brings Nick to the top rope. Nick CLAWS Joe’s eyes again! The ref reprimands, Joe staggers back, and Nick slips around to run up, CODE RED! Cover, TWO! The Patriarchy is upset but Nick calls his shot. Nick goes up, up, and WAYNE- NO, Joe dodges! And LARIATS! Joe hauls Nick right up, puts him right up top, and tucks him right in! Christian & Kip get on the apron, Hook & Shibata YANK them down! They brawl, Joe hits the MUSCLE BUSTER! Cover, Joe wins!

Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall

The numbers were even, and that’s why The Patriarchy couldn’t win! But the revenge on behalf of Taz surely isn’t over, when and where will Joe, Hook & Shibata tear down The Patriarchy?

Kazuchika Okada VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

The AEW Continental Champion battles the ROH World Television Champion for the first time ever! Will Okada make it rain in Jacksonville? Or can the Commander of the Skies keep the skies clear for takeoff?

The bell rings and the fans fire up. Okada and Komander slowly circle, and Okada offers a handshake. Komander is wary, but he accepts, only to say “OLE~!” Okada is stoic despite being duped like a bull with the matador’s cape. Okada still offers, but then Komander again says, “OLE~!” The fans cheer and Okada is trying not to get mad. But then he takes a swing! Komander dodges to fire kick after kick! SOBAT! Komander runs, slides under, UP KICKS, then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Komander whips Okada to ropes. Okada reverses to CLAW Komander’s eyes! The fans boo but Okada reels Komander in.

Okada suplexes but Komander slips free, and he drags Okada down as he becomes a backpack! Komander has a SLEEPER, but Okada fights up to his feet, only for Komander to have the ELEVATED COBRA TWIST! Okada endures, storms his way forward, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go, Okada bails out, but Komander DIVES! Direct hit into the railing! Komander puts Okada in, CLUBS away on him, then runs, but Okada BOOTS him down! The fans are torn but Okada drags Komander up. Okada ROCKS Komander, then has him in the corner to ROCK him again!

The fans rally, Okada whips, but Komander slips out to the apron. Komander RAMS Okada, then goes up, up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans fire up as Okada bails out! Komander runs, rolls, jumps and… slow motion flips over the ropes! But Okada stops the rana! Okada kicks low and he DDTS Komander to the floor! Okada feels much better now while Komander writhes, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Okada takes his time bringing Komander up, and RAMS him into the railing! Okada then puts Komander in the ring, stalks him to center, and stands him up. Okada bumps Komander off buckles, then takes his time standing Komander back up. Okada ELBOWS Komander in the corner, ELBOWS him again, and whips corner to corner. Okada runs up to ELBOW Komander down! Komander sputters on the mat while Okada paces around. Okada looms over Komander, taunts him, and Komander rises up. Komander fires a forearm, but Okada eggs him on! Komander fires more forearms, but Okada knees low and DDTS! Cover, TWO!

Okada is annoyed, but he keeps Komander down with a MONEY CLIP! Komander endures the squeeze, fights up to his feet, and Homecoming returns to single picture. Komander fires body shots but Okada CLUBS him down! Okada whips Komander to a corner, runs in, but Komander ELBOWS him away! Okada comes back but Komander BOOTS him! Komander goes up, FLYING- NO, Okada stops the rana, brings Komander up, but Komander FACEBUSTERS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Okada rises, but Komander KICKS a leg! Komander blocks a shot, KICKS again, then ducks the haymaker!

Komander comes back to dropkick the leg! Okada hobbles, Komander runs and wheelbarrows, BULLDOG! Cover, TOW! Okada stays in this but Abrahantes coaches Komander. The fans rally as Komander goes to the apron. Komander springboards, but Okada catches him to the Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada grins and he brings Komander back up. Okada scoops and SLAMS Komander, then goes to the corner. Okada climbs and the standard formula leads to the MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up while Okada winds up, Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada direct it at Komander then brings him up.

Okada ripcords Komander, but Komander ducks the lariat! Komander goes up, up, and FLYING RANA! Okada staggers around, Komander is back up to SUPERKICK! Okada goes to ropes, Komander runs in, but Okada puts him on the apron. Komander GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, SFLYING DESTROYER!! Okada is down, the fans fire up, and Komander climbs again! Komander tightrope walks, but Okada bails out! So Komander just ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! The fans are thunderous as Komander puts Okada in! Springboard and- NO, Okada gets around, ripcords, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall

Komander gave Okada quite the fight, but this is why Okada is one of the best in the world. Okada again offers the handshake, and Komander sits up to take it. Okada helps Komander stand, just to DECK him! The fans boo but Okada HAMMERS away on Komander! Okada grins as he leaves Komander behind, will anyone win his respect? Will anyone win against him period?

“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs is waiting in the parking lot.

Hobbs asks where Big Bill is at! The Learning Tree spurred on The Redwood to call Hobbs out, so Hobbs is waiting on him now! Whoa, someone threw a brick!? That’s Bill alright! Bill and Hobbs brawl, then Hobbs fires off! Hobbs ROCKS Bill again and again, then he grabs something from the outdoor catering area. Hobbs SMACKS Bill with a metal cooking sheet! Hobbs tells Bill to get up, then he SMACKS Bill again! Bill staggers around, Hobbs just SMACKS him with another sheet! Hobbs fires more haymakers on Bill, then brings Bill around to SMACK him with a trash can lid! And SMACK him again!

Hobbs takes the can, but Bill BOOTS it into Hobbs! Hobbs staggers to the fence, but Hobbs RIPS the fence door off its hinges!! Hobbs CHUCKS it at Bill! Bill staggers, security rushes out here, but Hobbs throws them aside! Hobbs gets loose but Bill backs off. Bill says he has Hobbs, it’s just a matter of time. Hobbs says the night is just getting started, but will we see these two titans clash again before Homecoming is over?

Backstage interview with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice.

Lexy Nair is with the Costco Guys as they return to AEW, but are here visiting Daily’s Place for the first time. Lexy says the energy is infectious, so how does it feel to be part of AEW Homecoming? AJ says it is so cool, but then Roderick Strong shouts, “BIIIIIG! Boom AJ!” The Undisputed Kingdom walks in and Big Justice is certainly starstruck. Kyle O’Reilly lets the Costco Guys know there’s a certain someone who wants to have a little talk with them. Adam Cole steps forward, and he says he knows what they do. And AJ says they know what Cole does. Then wanna do it together? Yeah!

Cole, Big Justice & Big AJ all join in for a “BOOM~!” Now, the Kingdom’s gotta run, have fun watching the show. Cole fist bumps the Costco Guys, and AJ says Lexy can join in on this. Those guys get five big BOOMS~! B-B-B-B-BOOM! But bigger than that, will Cole, Kyle & Roddy make Homecoming undisputed? Or will the reunion of 2Point0 be one to remember?

Six Man Tag: Daniel Garcia & 2Point0 VS The Undisputed Kingdom!

The trios sort out and the TNT Champion starts against Cole. They tie up, Cole wrenches to a wristlock, but Garcia rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks back. Cole spins, slips through and wrenches to hammerlock. Garcia reaches back, manages a snapmare, and then a headlock. Cole fights up but Garcia hits a headlock takeover. Cole headscissors, Garcia kips free, and now Cole hits the headlock takeover while Garcia hits the headscissors. Cole kips free, then he dodges a lariat! Garcia avoids a boot, and both men show haymaker! The fans cheer the standoff, and then Garcia and Cole back away. Cole tags Roddy, Garcia tags Daddy Magic.

The fans cheer as Matt Menard is back in action! He ties up with Roddy, Roddy goes for a leg, and they go around and around. Roddy headlocks, wrenches, but Jacksonville is strongly behind Daddy Magic. Menard wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, but Roddy powers up and out. Menard runs Roddy over and the fans cheer. Cover, ONE, but Menard wrenches Roddy. Menard brings Roddy over, tag to Cool Hand Ange! “Papa” Angelo Parker wrenches Roddy now, hits a snap suplex, then checks his hair. KNEE DROP! Parker facelocks but Roddy powers Parker to the corner. Tag to Kyle and he KNEES Parker!

Kyle & Roddy CHOP and KICK on repeat! Menard runs up but he gets a CHOP and a KICK! Then Kyle & Roddy double suplex Parker onto Menard! Cover, TWO! Kyle headlocks Parker to keep him from his corner. Parker stomps a foot, headlocks in return, but Kyle powers up and out. Garcia sneaks the tag, Parker hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Garcia runs up to whip, but Kyle BOOTS Parker! Kyle then DUMPS Garcia out! Kyle aims from a corner, and he FLYING KNEES Menard! But Garcia CLOBBERS Kyle! The fans fire up, but Garcia spots Shane Taylor Promotions hanging out in the crowd. Carlie Bravo talks smack, but Lee Moriarty stares his rival down.

Shane Taylor says this isn’t anything Garcia wants. Garcia says sure, whatever he says. Garcia & 2Point0 regroups while Collision goes picture in picture.

Garcia whips Kyle into railing, 2Point0 talk smack on STP, but then Kyle fires forearms on Garcia! Garcia knees low, puts Kyle in, then he stays between Kyle and The Undisputed corner. Garcia ROCKS Kyle, whips him to ropes, then ELBOWS Kyle down! Garcia tags in Menard and they mug Kyle. Menard fires up the fans, then fires hands on Kyle. Kyle fires back, Menard whips Kyle, then Menard CLOBBERS him! Menard taunts Roddy before going back to Kyle. Menard grinds Kyle down with a facelock, and he tags to Parker. Parker stomps Kyle, then stands him up for a scoop and SLAM! Tag to Garcia, and Garcia drags Kyle up while Collision goes to break.

Homecoming returns and Menard rains down fists on Kyle in the corner! The fans count along and he goes all the way to TEN! Tag to Garcia, and he rains down fists! The fans count along, and Garcia goes to nine, fires up, and hits TEN! We can only assume Parker hit ten during the break, so Kyle just took anywhere from 20 to 30 shots! Tag back to Menard, he brings Kyle out to whip to a corner, then Menard tags Parker. Parker whips Menard so Menard can whip Parker, forearm SMASH! Feed tot he drop toehold, then BOOYAH ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives but Parker tags Menard back in.

2Point0 double whip, but Kyle slips around to send Menard into Parker! Kyle reaches out for his corner but 2Point0 yank him back! Kyle dodges to send Parker into Menard now! But again they keep Kyle from his corner! TRIPLE LARIATS take them all down! Hot tags to Garcia and Cole! Garcia and Cole fire forearm after forearm, then Cole gets the edge. Cole winds up, but Garcia blocks the boot! Garcia CHOPS Cole, runs, but into a BOOT! Cole runs, but Garcia reels him in, SAIDO! Garcia roars, runs, but into the 52 Fake Out! Cole runs but Garcia LARIATS! The fans fire up as Garcia hurries to bring Cole up, but Cole suplexes, GHOSTBUSTER!

Both Cole and Garcia are down, they crawl, hot tags to Roddy and Parker! Roddy CALF KICKS Parker, then fires off CHOP after CHOP! Roddy sees Menard running up, and gives him a half nelson BACKBREAKER! Parker runs up, but Roddy catches him, GUTBUSTER DROP! Garcia runs up, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Roddy runs, to STRONG KNEE Parker against ropes! Roddy runs side to side to FOREARM, then he RUNNING FACEBUSTERS! Cover, Menard breaks it! Menard fires off on Roddy, whips him to ropes, but Roddy grabs ropes! Roddy BOOTS, ENZIGIRIS, and he tags Kyle!

Kyle gives Menard the AX KICK, then he and Roddy DOUBLE SMASH! Kyle brings Parker around, but Parker fights off Kyle and Roddy! Kyle KICKS Parker down! Garcia is back up, but Cole SUPERKICKS him back down! Roddy shouts to Kyle, and Cole joins in saying, “Sweep the leg!” Roddy runs, he and Kyle give Parker TOTAL ANNIHILATION! Cover, Undisputed Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall

2Point0 was looking good even for being away for so long, but STP isn’t impressed with Cole and crew. Cole, Kyle & Roddy still show Garcia & 2Point0 respect with handshakes and the fans cheer. But will we see Garcia put up his TNT Championship against each and every man who wants it?

Max Caster speaks.

“Last week, my ‘tag team partner’ turned his back on me. My mentor turned his back on me, too. In front of the whole world. And… Something like that could ruin any person’s life. But the response has been really overwhelming, and it made me realize I’m not just any person. And I’m not just the Best Wrestler Alive; I’m a survivor, too. So, I’m happy to announce right now my open challenge series. Who can survive The Best Wrestler Alive? I wanna see how many people here in AEW are just like me. I wanna see where the survivors are. Because all you guys are good, this is where the best wrestle, but you can’t be better than the Best Wrestler Alive.”

Platinum Max always has a way of sticking his foot in his mouth, but is his ego just gonna get his teeth kicked down his throat?

Holo.grm reboots.

It’s a lot of data, but the code is easy to crack: He’s on his way back! When and where will we see the lightspeed luchador return to AEW?

Top Flight speaks.

Lexy is with Darius, Dante & Leila, and brings up how Action Andretti & Lio Rush ambushed them last week. Dante says they’ve been in Jacksonville for just under 24 hours, yet they can’t find Action or Lio anywhere! It’s almost like now that Top Flight’s on their feet, Lio & Action can’t be found! Darius tells Dante to hold on. Is Dante really that surprised Lio & Action aren’t here right now? Dante isn’t sure what Darius is talking about, but Darius says, “Do I need to remind you that I didn’t want Lio’s ass in the group from the get go?” Leila wants Darius to chill but Darius says no. When Dante was hurt, Action held it down.

And when Dante came back, he, Darius & Action were well on their way to becoming Trios Champions when Dante’s boy came back around. Dante says Lio isn’t his boy. True, because Lio left Dante high and dry while Darius was out hurt! Lio started the mess, now Darius will clean it up. Darius tells Lio that if he wants to act all big and bad, that’s easy to do after Top Flight’s already wrestled a match, But let’s see how big and bad Lio is when it’s just them. If Lio wants a fight, then take off that stupid coat and meet Darius in the ring. Then Darius will send Lio packing again. Leila says well said, but will Darius make sure The Bad Child faces his final hour?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

Schiavone brings up that on February 15th, just three weeks away, it will be Grand Slam: Australia in Brisbane! With that in mind, time for tonight’s face-to-face! First, the AEW Women’s World Champion, Mariah May! The fans boo as The Woman From Hell makes her entrance. Mariah keeps Schiavone from saying anything more, and says, “Let’s just get this s*it over with.” The fans boo but Schiavone introduces the challenger, Toni Storm! The fans cheer as the “rookie” Rockstar makes her way out here. Mariah has a scowl and a raised eyebrow as Toni offers a handshake, and then Toni sheepishly takes a step back.

Mariah has the mic and says, “When I look at you I see… nothing.” The fans boo, but Mariah says, “When I think about you, I feel… nothing. And in the hearts of every one of these fans, you. Are. Nothing.” The fans boo even more because that’s not true! Mariah tells Toni she is a JOKE. Toni is a meme! Fans laugh at you, then forget about you, just like Mariah always knew they would. Mariah does not care about Toni. She never cared about Toni. Toni was just the dumbest, easiest pawn Mariah used to dominate this entire game. And if Mariah has to remind Toni of that in Australia, so be it.

Because as good as Mariah feels now, she will get off humiliating Toni in her hometown. Toni shrinks away a bit as she takes the mic. She tells Mariah, “I… am your biggest fan! Everything you’ve done, I’ve seen it. From the UK to Japan to here in AEW. You’re amazing! You’re an inspiration! And one day, I want to be just like you!” Mariah is confused. And these words feel so familiar… Then Toni HUGS Mariah! The fans cheer, and Mariah is amused. She pets Toni’s head, then stands her up, to SLAP her down! The fans boo, but Toni stands, into another SLAP! Mariah laughs, pushes Schiavone aside, and then she BELT SHOTS Toni down!

The fans boo but Mariah LASHES Toni with the belt! Refs rush out here but they can’t stop Mariah from LASHING Toni again and again! Mariah stops when she’s satisfied, but then she SHOVES Aubrey Edwards! Mariah just LASHES Toni again and again! Security rushes out here to stop Mariah, but Mariah sits Toni to revisit the mocking smile and kiss on the cheek before she SLAMS Toni down. Mariah says she’s finally done, and she SPITS on Toni! The fans boo as Mariah steps out of the ring, but Toni crawls to ropes. Toni grabs the mic, and in a timeless accent, she says, “What makes you think I’ve forgotten?”

WHAT?! The fans go nuts as Toni rises up! She throws off the jacket, and asks Mariah, “What makes you think our dance is done?” Now Mariah is more confused than before! “Each scar, every drop of blood, I will feel forever. But now… It’s my moment in the sun!” Toni throws off her shirt! “They say the hardest role you will ever play is yourself!” Toni throws off the shorts! “But what you’ve just witnessed is the performance of a lifetime~! Mariah May! You may be the Woman From Hell, but you came from my womb! And I will shove you back up there, and spit you out! For I am TIMELESS! TIMELESS! TIMELESS TONI STORM! And I’m gonna RIP YOUR T*TS OFF!!”

Jacksonville is going wild and Mariah can’t believe it! Timeless Toni Storm has shed her cocoon, rises from the ashes, and is ready to burn Mariah’s world to the ground!! Will The Glamour not survive this sequel to their hit classic at All In?

AEW shares a preview of an all new Closeup with Renee Paquette.

Renee’s guests this time will be Jon Moxley & The Death Riders. The Maniac AEW World Champion says AEW is one mistake away from going back to ground zero. And who is going to take responsibility for that? Who is going to point fingers at who? Moxley says his vision is not “one Jon Moxley,” but a THOUSAND Moxleys! He wants to backfill this place, he wants it to last for 20 years, long after he’s gone! Because that is something worth doing. That is what he was sold on. That is why he came here. AEW was about the beauty, the art, and the craft of pro-wrestling. What they’ve done in here, what they’re about, that is what AEW was supposed to be about.

AEW was supposed to do things the way they were supposed to be done, giving this job, this profession, this industry they love the respect it deserves. It is NOT a party! The full episode drops next Tuesday, but this seems to finally shed some light on what Moxley’s really after. But is he somehow the one misguided about how to bring that about?

The Gates of Agony VS Brody King & Buddy Matthews w/ Julia Hart!

Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona want to prove they are the best by taking on the best, so they left it up to Tony Khan to give them the best. In step their opponents. No longer do they rise for the House of Black, they are instead ready to release the Hounds of Hell! Will the King of Death & The Aussie Juggernaut crash through the Gates towards their own golden opportunities?

The teams sort out and Kaun starts against Buddy. They circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Buddy headlocks, Kaun powers out and they RAM shoulders. Neither man budges, so Buddy headlocks again. Kaun powers up and out, and they RAM shoulder again. Buddy headlocks for a takeover, Kaun headscissors, but Buddy kips free. Roles reverses as Kaun headlocks but Buddy headscissors. Kaun kips free, the two stare down, and the fans cheer. Kaun and Buddy reset, but then Liona tags in. Kaun says go right ahead, and Liona storms up on Buddy. Buddy slips around to waistlock then headlock.

Liona powers up and out, and he RUNS Buddy over! The fans are torn but Brody tags in. Now the fans fire up and even bark as Brody circles with the Samoan Lion. They rev up then run up to RAM, RAM, and RAM shoulders! The forearms start flying and the fans fire up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Liona eggs Brody on so Brody CHOPS! Brody runs, but Liona CHOPS! Liona fireman’s carries! Brody fights free, and he CHOPS again! Brody fireman’s carries, but Kaun tags in! Liona slips free, dodges Brody, and Kaun GAMANGIRIS! Liona SPLASHES in the corner, then the Gates mug Brody! The ref counts, The Gates stop, and Liona soaks up cheers and jeers.

Kaun steps in and he CHOPS Brody! Brody CHOPS in return! Kaun tags Liona back in then CHOPS Brody! Liona CHOPS Brody! The Gates bring Brody around to double whip, but Brody holds ropes! Brody DUMPS Liona, BOOTS Kaun, then hurries for his corner. Lona intercepts but Brody dodges! Hot tag to Buddy but Liona runs up! Buddy GAMANGIRIS first, then KNEES Liona away! Buddy goes up, leaps over Liona, then bobs ‘n’ weaves as he avoids the haymakers! Buddy fires a flurry, SOBATS, KNEE LIFTS, and he STOMPS a foot to then V-TRIGGER! But Liona just stares Buddy down! Buddy goes to ropes, Liona runs up, Buddy DUMPS Liona out!

Buddy WRECKS Kaun & Liona, then he builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and they all hit railing! Buddy rises, the fans bark with him, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Buddy drags Liona up, puts him in the ring, then climbs the corner. But Kaun creeps up, so Buddy BOOTS him away! Liona runs in, Buddy DUMPS him back out! Buddy kicks Liona, kicks Kaun, but then Liona puts Buddy in ropes! Buddy still V-TRIGGERS Liona! But Kaun SWEEPS the legs, and Liona APRON SENTONS! Liona grins while Buddy writhes. Kaun then RAMS Buddy into railing, RAMS him into the apron, and repeat! Kaun keeps pinballing Buddy around, then shoves him into the ring. Liona SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Buddy survives but Liona drags him up. Liona CHOKES Buddy on the ropes, the ref counts, and Liona lets off at 4.

Liona clamps onto Buddy with a shoulder claw! Buddy endures, fights around, but Liona digs those fingers in. Buddy fights up, but Liona pushes him back down! Brody coaches Buddy, Buddy fights up, and Buddy JAWBREAKERS free! Liona hurries after Buddy but Buddy kicks him away! Kaun tags in, he intercepts Buddy with a facelock! Kaun then RAMS Buddy into the corner! Kaun taunts Brody, then runs at Buddy, but Buddy BOOTS him! Buddy fires elbows and kicks, then leaps, but Kaun catches him! Kaun throws Buddy back to SHOTGUN! Buddy ends up in the corner, Liona goes after Brody on the outside!

Brody kicks at Liona but Kaun ROCKS Brody! Liona YANKS Brody down as Homecoming returns to single picture. Liona SMACKS Brody off steel seps, then TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! The fans boo but Liona HIP ATTACKS Buddy! Kaun METEORAS Buddy, then they haul Buddy up, OPEN THE GATES! Cover, TWO!?! Buddy survives and that shocks the Gates of Agony! Kaun rains down fists but the fans rally for Buddy. Kaun hauls Buddy up, tags in Liona, and Liona whips Kaun in. Buddy puts Kaun on the apron, then dodges to send Liona into Kaun! The fans fire up as Buddy crawls, and Brody rises!

The fans bark, Kaun hurries, but he’s too late! Hot tag to Brody! Brody CLOBBERS Kaun, SPLASHES Liona in the corner, then LARIATS Kaun back down! Brody keeps moving, and he CROSSBODIES Liona! Kaun runs up, into a BACKDROP! Liona is back up, Brody FLAPJACKS him onto Kaun! Brody then brings Liona around to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, Kaun breaks it! Brody TOSSES Kaun to the apron, but then takes a swing! Kaun ducks it, and Liona storms up to HEADBUTT Brody! Liona whips Brody to SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Brody survives and Liona grows frustrated. Liona tags Kaun and they haul Brody up.

The fans rally as the Gates lift Brody up, but Buddy CHOP BLOCKS Liona! V-TRIGGER for Kaun! Kaun BOOTS in return! Kaun dodges Brody’s lariat, but not the BOSS MAN SLAM! Liona ROUNDHOUSES Brody, reels him in, but Brody is a lot to lift! Liona still hoists Brody up, but Brody fights free! Brody gets Liona up, PILEDRIVER!! Liona rises!? Liona roars, but Buddy METEORAS!! LARIAT for Kaun! Buddy sits Kaun down and signals to Brody. Brody barks with Buddy, and we get CERBERUS in the corner!! Cover, the Hounds win!

Winners: The Hounds of Hell, by pinfall

Kaun & Liona wanted the best, but they could not beat the best! The Hounds bust through the Gates, will nothing stop them from running wild on AEW?

Backstage interview with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice, again!

Lexy is again hanging out with The Costco Guys, but they’re now joined by Harley Cameron! She loves these guys! They bring the BAM~! Wait, what? Yeah, yeah, and the oatmeal raisin cookies~! And the tuna melts~! No, that’s not what they like… Well, she does know they have a new song. That’s right! Bring in the Boom Year with the AMH Band and The Rizzler! Oh, and Harley is a singer, too, right? Oh, what? Her guitar? She dabbles but- The Vendetta walk in, and Taya Valkyrie says they are not doing this right now. And by this, she means listening to some TikTok family and a girl who wants the TBS Championship yet can’t even win a match on TV.

Deonna Purrazzo says, “Unlike me tonight, when I win this Fatal 4 Way match.” Deonna & Taya head out, but Harley tells them, “FEEL THE WRATH!” and the Costco Guys say, “Bring the BOOM~!” Harley says it’s bam, but they can work on that. But to Deonna’s point, will The Virtuosa be the one to challenge The CEO? Or will someone else earn a match with Mercedes Mone?

Backstage interview with Penelope Ford and Thunder Rosa.

Homecoming returns as Lexy is now with the Superbad Girl and La Mera Mera. Lexy thanks them for agreeing to no physicality, and brings up that they’re back in Jacksonville, the home of AEW, and Daily’s Place naturally means a lot to both of them. Rosa says yes, this is the heart of AEW! She is reminiscing over the past five years. Her great 2024 return, the Lights Out match she had, all these beautiful memories. Ford mockingly asks, “Remember when you were a champion? Yeah, um, I don’t care about the past, this is the present, and it’s time that AEW realizes the star Penelope Ford is. And if I have to tear apart a former champion to show it, I will.”

Rosa asks if Ford wants to catch these hands. Uh, duh, that’s why they’re here. Ford is challenging Rosa to a match! And Ford will put La Mera Mera in the ground. Then maybe, she’ll reminisce about something. Rosa says it better be a good memory, because Rosa will make their fight very memorable. The battlelines have been drawn, who wins to prove themselves worthy of their own title opportunity?

AEW TBS Championship Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Queen Aminata VS Yuka Sakazaki VS Serena Deeb!

The Virtuosa has La Wera Loca by her side, and while you don’t want to be on The Vendetta’s bad side, the title match with Mercedes Mone is too good to pass up. Will the One True African Queen, the Wrestling Magical Girl, or the Professor of Professional Wrestling say hello to The C E O? Or will Deonna make good on her promise?

The bell rings and the fans rally, but Deonna says hold on, and she steps out of the ring. The fans boo but then Deeb rolls Aminata, TWO! Yuka rolls Deeb, TWO! Aminata rolls Yuka, TWO! Deonna returns to roll Aminata, TWO! Deonna bails again and Aminata tells Deonna to actually fight! Taya stays between Aminata and Deonna and tells Aminata to relax. The fans boo, but then Deeb kicks Yuka! And CHOPS her! And CHOPS again! Aminata runs up, wrenches Deeb, and reels her in to snap suplex! The fans cheer but now Yuka runs up to cravat and snapmare. Yuka rolls with Aminata to then basement KICK! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, Deonna beraks it!

Deonna TOSSES Yuka out, the fans boo, and Taya attacks Yuka! The ref can’t do anything about it, but then Aminata waistlocks Deonna. Deonna switches, Aminata bucks the O’Conner, and she DECKS Deonna! Deeb returns to dropkick Aminata’s legs out! Deeb then hooks up the legs, but Deonna goes after her! Deeb gets Deonna, SNAP SUPLEX SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans are torn but Deeb stalks Aminata. Deeb puts Aminata in a corner, whips her corner to corner, but Aminata reverses. Aminata runs in but Deeb slips out. Deeb catches Aminata in the ropes, NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! But then Deonna BLASTS Deeb!

Aminata CLOBBERS Deonna! Yuka MISSILE DROPKICKS Aminata! The fans fire up with Yuka and she has all targets on the outside! Yuka goes up, up and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Yuka hits all three targets and the fans fire up while Collision goes picture in picture.

Yuka stomps Deonna, but Taya attacks Yuka! Taya whips Yuka into railing, then she stomps away on her! Taya soaks up the heat as she makes this 2v1v1v1. Taya helps Deonna to her feet, then Deonna brings Aminata up. Deonna SMACKS Aminata off the apron, then she SMACKS Deeb off the apron! Deonna stomps Aminata against railing, then lets off with a shout. Taya cheers Deonna on, but then Yuka kicks Taya! Deonna fires forearms on Yuka, DECKS her, but Aminata RAMS into Deonna! Deonna brawls with Aminata but Deeb puts Yuka in the ring! Deeb hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Yuka survives but Deeb stays on her.

Aminata and Deonna brawl more, then Deonna RAMS Aminata into the railing! Deeb has Yuka in a deathlock, and she fishhooks Yuka’s nose! Yuka can only endure, but the same goes for Deonna CHOKING Aminata in a corner! The ref still reprimands, not that anyone has to stop what they’re doing, and Collision goes to break.

Homecoming returns and Deonna tilt-o-whirls Aminata into LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Aminata endures, reaches and rolls her, TWO! Deonna still has the arm but Aminata rolls. Aminata is free, and she comes back to waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Deonna rises!? And she BOOTS Aminata down! The fans boo but Aminata’s right up! DOUBLE LARIATS take Queen and Virtuosa down! Yuka and Deeb are down on the outside, so the fans rally up. Yuka is in one corner, Aminata the other. Deeb hurries back in and she brings Yuka up! But Yuka kicks low! Yuka whips Deeb to a corner, then runs up, GAMANGIRI!

The fans fire up as Yuka shoves Deeb down! Yuka roars, the fans cheer, and Yuka goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, Deonna breaks it! The fans boo but Taya cheers as Deonna stomps Yuka. Aminata DECKS Deonna! Deeb runs up, and she GERMAN SUPLEXES Aminata! Then a wrench, hammerlock, and PEPSI TWIST! Cover, TWO!! Aminata survives but she is dazed as she staggers to a corner. Yuka kicks Deeb, Deeb TOSSES Yuka! Deeb runs up on Aminata but is sent to the ramp! Aminata storms up but Deeb drags her out! They brawl on the ramp, Aminata SMACKS Deeb! Deeb SMACKS Aminata!

The fans fire up as these two fire off shots! That rivalry from a few months back reignites here and the fans love it! They brawl up the ramp and to the stage, but that leaves Yuka alone with Deonna! And that means she’s alone with The Vendetta! Taya CLUBS Yuka, stomps her, and the fans boo. Taya drags Yuka up, she and Deonna work together, but wait! HARLEY CAMERON rushes out here! She saves Yuka, and ENZIGIRIS Taya! Deonna BOOTS Harley, then reels Yuka in! POWERBOMB! And then FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! But Yuka rolls it, rolls through, and steps over, MAGICAL CRADLE! YUKA WINS!!

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

Harley just made Deonna eat her words! Deonna is furious, will the wild Aussie regret getting in her way? Can Yuka make the most of this golden opportunity when AEW goes to Huntsville, Alabama?

Backstage interview with The Hounds of Hell.

Lexy is with Brody, Buddy & Julia and says that was a definitive win under their new name. What is their message to the AEW locker room? Buddy says that when these hounds bark, they bark together. But Okada laughs? He apologizes, and Buddy asks what’s so funny. Okada says Buddy barks like a b*tch! Buddy says okay, how about Okada puts his Continental Championship on the line against him? Okada flips Buddy off and says nope. Buddy says then that makes Okada the b*tch. Brody & Buddy head out, and Okada says, “I’m no b*tch!” Well, easy to say when they’ve left. But will The Rainmaker reconsider Buddy’s challenge?

Big Bill is in the ring!

Homecoming returns and The Redwood tells Hobbs that if Hobbs wants to assault him in the parking lot, then Bill makes sure Hobbs gets locked up for what he did! Last week, Hobbs gave us a cute story about how this is where it all began for him. Well, Hobbs, do us a favor: Take your bum knee, hobble on out here, and this is where Bill will END it for him! Ask and you shall receive, because here comes Hobbs! Security tires to stop him but they all get wrecked! Hobbs storms down the ramp, knocking security aside as he goes, then gets in the ring! The brawl is on again! Hobbs has the edge, but Bill powers free! And he kicks Hobbs’ bad leg!

Bill runs to BOOT Hobbs out of the ring! The fans boo but Bill goes back to his backpack. Bill pursues Hobbs to the ramp, and he CLOBBERS Hobbs with the backpack! It was FULL OF BRICKS!! And wait, he also had Hobbs’ knee brace in there, and a pair of handcuffs! Bill untangles the chain, CHOKES Hobbs with it, then rains down fists! The fans boo but Hobbs sputters on the ground. Bill LASHES Hobbs with the chain, and Hobbs sits up! Hobbs snarls through the bloody nose Bill just gave him, but Bill fires more hands! Hobbs staggers along the runway in front of the upper deck. Bill follows Hobbs, and he throws more hands!

Hobbs hits back but Bill rope-a-dopes with him. Bill ROCKS Hobbs again, and they’re now heading towards commentary! Nigel & Schiavone are very wary as Bill SMACKS Hobbs off the desk! Bill then grabs a chair, and he SMACKS Hobbs on the back! Hobbs still snarls, so Bill JAMS him up! And SMACKS him again! Hobbs flips Bill off! Bill kicks Hobbs down, looms over him, and then sits Hobbs up. Bill JAMS Hobbs up again! They go back along the runway, and Bill SMACKS Hobbs on the back again! They return to the stage, and Bill KICKS Hobbs’ leg! Hobbs falls in a heap, and Bill picks up the knee brace!

The fans boo as Bill mocks Hobbs. Bill throws the brace away to then rain down more fists! Bill then grabs some of those bricks! Hobbs sits up, Bill lines up the shot, but Hobbs LOW BLOWS Bill! Bill sputters, and Hobbs fires forearms! The fans fire up as Hobbs then LOW BLOWS again! Hobbs then clinches Bill, and says he’ll see Bill in Hell! BELLY2BELLY off the stage and down through a table!! The fans are losing their minds as both behemoths are down in the wreckage! Medics hurry to check on both men, did we just see a Powerhouse topple a Redwood once and for all?

The Don Callis Family has a meeting.

It was earlier this week that in his lavish home, Don Callis met with Brian Cage, Lance Archer, Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita around the dinner table. Callis sips some wine, then apologizes for keeping them waiting. He’s moving a little slow from what Kenny Omega did to him. That should be a lesson to all of them that this is not the Kenny Omega who faded away into the night a year ago. “This is a bloodthirsty Kenny Omega. This is a Kenny Omega who lacks empathy. This is a Kenny Omega who will not stop until he spills my blood. Which means he’s going to spill yours first, so you should be very concerned.

“And now this Will Ospreay alliance cannot be allowed to take place. We cannot allow them on the same page, it cannot be allowed to come to fruition.” Cage speaks up and says they all understand. But just look at this: There’s five Family members and only two of them! Callis says Cage of all people should know not to short sell Kenny Omega. Callis will remind everyone that a barely focused, barely-there-mentally Omega won three world titles with Callis in under three months. This is not the same Kenny. And who said there was only five of them? The others are confused, but then they notice a new place has been set at the table. Who’s joining The Family?

AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Katsuyori Shibata!

Well, speaking of the Family, Callis’ Alpha is ready to take on The Wrestler, all to prove who is truly the best man bell-to-bell to come out of Japan! Will Konosuke stay the DUAL AEW International & NEVER Openweight Champion? Or will Shibata finally have gold back around his waist?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and there can only be one alpha wrestler!

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, the fans rally for Shibata, and Shibata waistlocks. Callis has appeared on commentary, claiming Kenny attacked him unprovoked when he simply wanted to welcome him back. Shibata wrangles Konosuke to the mat, keeps on him as Konosuke moves around, but Konosuke fights up. Konosuke pries at the waistlock but Shibata hooks a leg with a leg to wrangle Konosuke again. Shibata then powers Konosuke to an armbar, only for Konosuke to use his own long legs to fight around. Shibata slips around to waistlock, but Konosuke switches. Konosuke shifts to a full nelson but Shibata pries at the grip.

Shibata uses his own leg for leverage and breaks fere. Shibata wrenches, wristlocks, but Konosuke rolls to trip Shibata. Konosuke has a leg but Shibata rolls over, reels Konosuke in, and hits a headlock takeover. Konosuke headscissors, but Shibata moves around. Shibata headstands, pops free, then has the toehold. Konosuke endures, throws Shibata, but Shibata cartwheels through! Konosuke narrowly avoids the Penalty Kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Konosuke knees low, then CLUBS away on Shibata! The fans boo but Konosuke soaks it up.

Shibata knees low, CLUBS away, and whips Konosuke into buckles. The fans cheer as Shibata rains down fists. Shibata goes corner to corner, but Konosuke BOOTS him down! Shibata bails out but Konosuke goes out after him. Konosuke drags Shibata up, and he RAMS Shibata into the railing! Konosuke DUMPS Shibata over, then goes after him in the crowd! The fans tell Callis off but Konosuke fires forearms on Shibata. Shibata takes a seat, Konosuke gets space, and Konosuke runs up, into a BOOT from Shibata! Now Konosuke takes a seat, and Shibata fires a flurry of forearms! Shibata then gets space, and he runs up to BOOT Konosuke down!

The fans fire up for Shibata but the ref wants this back in the ring. Shibata tosses Konosuke back to ringside, so that’s a start. Shibata stalks Konosuke while Collision goes picture in picture.

Shibata pushes Konosuke into the ring, then brings him to the apron. Konosuke fights back and he DDTS Shibata on the apron! Shibata falls in a heap and Konosuke grins. Konosuke soaks up the heat from Jacksonville, then he brings Shibata up. Konosuke puts Shibata in the ring, drags him up, and scoops him for a SLAM! Konosuke then goes to the corner, hops up, and he soaks up cheers and jeers before the SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shibata stays in this but Konosuke stays calm. Konosuke drags Shibata around by his legs, turns him over, and has the BOSTON CRAB! Shibata endures, reaches out, and he powers up!

Shibata crawls his way forward, but Konosuke drags him back! Konosuke sits deep on the Boston Crab, but Shibata powers up again! Shibata tucks, rolls, and FLINGS Konosuke down! HEEL HOOK! Konosuke flails and finds the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets go, then storms up to KICK at Konosuke’s leg! Shibata CLUBS Konosuke, but Konosuke fires a forearm! Shibata returns that, they go back and forth, faster ‘n’ faster! Shibata eggs Konosuke on so Konosuke fires a flurry! Konosuke backs Shibata down to a corner, fires more shots, but stops as the ref counts. Konosuke winds up to ALPHA ELBOW! Shibata sputters while Homecoming returns to single picture.

Konosuke runs corner to corner, but Shibata follows to BOOT! The fans fire up as Shibata now fires a flurry of forearms! But Konosuke roars as he rises up! Only for Shibata to ROCK him! Shibata CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” and then MACHINE GUN CHOPS fire off! Shibata sits Konosuke down, runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! The fans fire up more and Callis is worried as Shibata hits the SNAP HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Konosuke stays in this and fans cheer “DUVAL~!” Shibata drags Konosuke up but Konosuke is a ragdoll. Callis is even more worried, but Shibata eggs Konosuke on.

Shibata fires KICK after KICK, but Konosuke blocks one! Konosuke spins Shibata around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Shibata’s up to KICK Konosuke in the back! Shibata keeps moving but Konosuke ducks the Penalty Kick! Konosuke clinches for an EXPLODER! Shibata is up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Konosuke lands hard but he’s up to ALPHA ELBOW! Konosuke goes to run but Shibata almost pants’d him! Shibata reels Konosuke in for a S T O!! Both men are down and Jacksonville is thunderous! Konosuke and Shibata slowly rise, and they go forehead to forehead. They fire forearm after forearm! The fans fire up as the shots keep going!

Shibata and Konosuke do not back down, but then Konosuke fires boxing elbows! RAGING- NO, Shibata slips free to have a SLEEPER! Shibata is a backpack, but Konosuke BACKPACK SENTONS! Shibata lets go, but only for a moment! SLEEPER with BODY SCISSORS!! Konosuke flails, reaches out, but he gets a second wind! Konosuke stands to RAM Shibata into buckles! Shibata holds on but Konosuke drags him up and over, then tuck shim in! BASTARD DRIVER!! Then WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! Shibata sits up, into the POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Shibata rolls through to PENALTY KICK!! Both men are down again!

The fans are thunderous again, and they cheer on “A E DUB! A E DUB!” “This is Awesome!” Shibata drags Konosuke up, ripcords, and SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke sputters, so Shibata KICKS him! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Shibata brings Konosuke back up, ROCKS him again, then tucks him for a COBRA TWIST! Konosuke endures, Callis storms off commentary! Where’s he going? Konosuke still endures the hold, but he stomps towards the ropes. Callis appears ringside now, and the fans boo as Callis complains. Konosuke makes it to the ROPEBREAK, so Shibata lets go, only to SAIDO! But Konosuke’s up to GERMAN SUPLEX!

But Shibata’s right back up!? SLEEPER!! The fans are thunderous again but Callis coaches “Take-kun” to fight! The ref checks Konosuke, Shibata lets him go to run the ropes, but Callis trips Shibata up! The fans boo as the ref misses that! Konosuke is up, and he runs up, only for Shibata to dodge! The boot gets stuck on the ropes! Shibata rolls Konosuke, TWO!! Konosuke escapes, he and Shibata fire more forearms! Shibata CROSS COUNTERS! Then SLEEPER, but Konosuke slips around! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, ONE?!?!? WHAT?!? Konosuke is shocked, Callis is furious, but the fans are loving this!

Konosuke aims from a corner, fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but Homecoming is already in overtime, it has to end somehow! Konosuke and Shibata roar and run up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shibata falls, but he rises up! Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS, then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! Konosuke isn’t done, he hits RAGING FIRE!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!!!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)

Callis grabs the belt for his man, but he of course had to tip the scales in Konosuke’s favor. Will Callis continue to skew things in his Family’s favor? Or can Ospreay & Omega finally put an end to this?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for Collision, especially with it being Homecoming, but it had the usual problem of more talking and promos than it probably should have. Them bringing back the cold open promos really only adds to that, really. But at least Joe’s promo led right into his match with Nick Wayne. Naturally, Hook & Shibata had Joe’s back against The Patriarchy, and naturally Joe won. I still expect a Six Man Tag and maybe even Joe VS Christian, we haven’t had that 1v1 in like 18 YEARS. Plus, it could also be used to smokescreen Christian’s cash-in, where Christian loses but still circles back to cash-in on whoever is world champion later that night.

Speaking of, nice preview from the AEW YouTube show, Closeup. Since there is no “higher power” or whatever other mastermind behind this Death Riders takeover story, it helps that Moxley gets time to spell out the motivations behind what he’s doing. He is basically taking what The Blackpool Combat Club was founded on, but twisting it into a somewhat more selfish form, where he wants there to be wrestlers in his same mold to go on and on, until the end of time. It’d work better if the younger wrestlers they feuded with actually changed their behaviors. Private Party got serious for their one match with Young Bucks, then got beat by Hurt Syndicate, just as an example.

Good stuff having Big Boom AJ & Big Justice backstage, and naturally we had to get them do a “BOOM~!” with Adam Cole. Great Six Man Tag of Undisputed Kingdom VS Garcia & 2Point0, but it was also a fitting detail that STP was in the crowd to taunt everyone. Good win for The Undisputed Kingdom, and while they teased Garcia taking on each member of the Undisputed Kingdom, I feel like we’ll see Garcia VS Moriarty again before Garcia loses the TNT title. AJ & Justice having their promo with Harley and The Vendetta was also good stuff, and I appreciate the Fatal 4 Way setting up many things. Deeb VS Aminata is back and it might actually have a blowoff this time, while Harley of course helps Yuka against The Vendetta. Yuka surely loses to Mone, but maybe Yuka can help Harley get that first ever televised win.

While Gates of Agony VS “Hounds of Hell” was a good match, it’s a real shame these two teams were put against each other so soon. I mean, Buddy & Brody burying Gates of Agony is one thing, but commentary didn’t even realize Kaun & Liona hit one of their finishers because Schiavone & Nigel don’t do ROH. That aside, Brody & Buddy did have a good promo with Okada, and in the long run, I suppose Buddy missing out on the C2 is fine if he gets a match with Okada anyway. After all, Buddy’s from Australia, we definitely need Buddy VS Okada on Grand Slam. Buddy won’t win the title, but he can really establish himself pushing Okada to his limits. Same can be said with Komander against Okada tonight in their match.

Great stuff with Hobbs and Bill tonight, and especially how it finished in the arena. I would think those two will battle it out again under No Disqualification or even Last Man Standing rules. Granted, that does leave the door open for Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith to get involved, but it could also help Hobbs have back-up. And as I’ve been thinking, Hobbs surely wins to then go after Jericho 1v1. ROH World Championship is optional, but we really need the supposed ROH TV deal to come through already. I mean, it’s not like TK has helped ROH build ROH wrestlers to be challengers to the world title, but the sooner ROH has that TV deal, the sooner Jericho can stop being champion.

Awesome stuff with Toni and Mariah tonight, especially as we finally get an answer as to what was going on with Toni. Of the two options, Toni acting like the old Toni, aka it was all a performance, was certainly the more obvious, but it was perhaps also the more logical. There is still time to build the match so we can’t quite call it yet, but Toni winning in Australia would certainly make the Grand Slam crowd happy. And should Toni win, I would think Rosa is next. She and Ford had a good promo together, but Ford is definitely losing that match. Then we can have a great new feud of Thunder VS Storm going towards Revolution.

Very good vignette promo from The Don Callis Family, and I’m very intrigued by who they could be bringing into the faction. A part of me hopes Trent Beretta is making a return, but I don’t think he’s vicious/dangerous enough to help Callis against Omega & Ospreay. Konosuke VS Shibata was an awesome main event, certainly worthy of the title and of Japanese Strong Style, but of course Callis helped Konosuke retain. The plan must certainly be for Ospreay & Omega to win in Australia, and then we get Omega VS Konosuke for the International Championship while Ospreay and Fletcher go one more round, all of this happening at Revolution.

My Score: 8.9/10