Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 1!
The G1 Climax comes to America!
NJPW brings the Summer to a Climax!
The most grueling tournament in all of NJPW, the G1 Climax, begins again! Which world-class heavyweights take the critical first wins in this round robin’s opening night?
Coverage of the G1 Climax 29 will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Gifs to come courtesy of https://frentique.tumblr.com/
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roppongi 3K VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
- Tomohiro Ishii & Shota Umino VS Jeff Cobb & Ren Narita; Cobb & Narita win.
- Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Jay White & Chase Owens; Goto & YOSHI-HASHI win.
- Six Man Tag: Taguchi Japan VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Taguchi Japan wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer; Archer wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: EVIL VS Bad Luck Fale; Fale wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: SANADA VS Zack Sabre Jr; SANADA wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Kota Ibushi VS KENTA; KENTA wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scene for this now state-side summer blockbuster!
For the first time, NJPW brings this incredible tournament to America! And live we will see the first part of the round robin tournament, which will lead to a tournament finals to grant one man a match with THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion for the title! Of course, that champion is also in this tournament! This midsummer battle will determine who is the toughest in the world!
A Block once again has two of the biggest stars in NJPW! Hiroshi Tanahashi looks to once again be a back-to-back G1 winner! But the Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada, looks to completely deny the field by winning his third G1! Zack Sabre Jr has won New Japan Cups, but he wants to be the first Brit to conquer the Climax. Of course, so does his fellow countryman, Will Ospreay, who looks to take over both weight classes! Kota Ibushi wants to rebound from losing his IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Evil wants to make Darkness Fall on the Heavyweight Division while his Cold Skull ally wants to bring it all to a Skull End. To show his true style, THE Kenta makes his G1 debut in Dallas! Who of A Block takes the opening night for their own?
Roppongi 3K VS Guerrillas of Destiny!
Sho and Yoh are making the move up the weight classes as they take on the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions in non-title competition! Will RPG3K take down Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa in the states? Or will GoD return to Japan victorious?
Tonga Loa rushes RPG3K the second he gets in the ring, but they send him right out! RPG3K then get Tama in a drop toehold and dropkick! Tama bails out and Loa returns, but gets double dropkicks! The bell rings and this match truly begins! Fans rally with RPG3K as Yoh and Sho FLY onto GoD! Double direct hits, and RPG3K are fired up. They kick Tama then put him in the ring. Fans duel as Tama and Yoh brawl. Sho kicks Tama down then regroups with Yoh. RPG3K whip but Tama slips out. Tama says F U and Loa runs both RPG3K over! Tama whips Yoh into railings hard, then Loa scoops Sho for a powerslam!
Fans duel as Sho writhes. Loa drags Sho up and brings him over, tag to Tama. They whip Sho and throw hands, then a neckbreaker to leg drop! Fans cheer as Tama swaggers about. Tama drags Sho up for fast hands and a dropkick! Sho is down in a corner but Tama drags him up. Tag to Loa, scoop slam to slingshot senton! Loa grins as he makes Sho look into the camera. Loa tries to make Sho Too Sweet but Sho refuses, so Loa clubs him down. Tama taunts the fans then tags in. Loa drags Sho up for a scoop and slam. Tama slingshots for a senton of his own! Fans rally and duel as Tama stands on Sho’s hands. Sho grits his teeth ash e heads for his corner, but Tama drags him up for a suplex. Sho slips out to German, but Loa saves Tama.
Loa scoops but Sho escapes! Sho dodges Loa to SPEAR Tama! Fans rally up as Sho crawls, hot tag to Yoh! Yoh rallies with dropkicks and forearms! Yoh whips Tama but Tama reverses. But Yoh keeps dodging to hit flying forearms! Yoh kips up and Dallas fires up with him! He runs in corner to corner for a big back elbow. Then a half hatch with bridge! TWO, but Yoh keeps his cool. Yoh waits for Tama to stand as fans cheer “Roppongi!” Tama blocks the kick to hit a big back suplex! Tama drags Yoh up but Yoh fights out of the fireman’s carry. But Tama reels him back in, only for Yoh to fight out. Yoh denies Gun Stun to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as both RPG3K give Tama knees! They do the same to Loa!
Sho backstabs Tama into Yoh’s Yakuza Kick! RPG3K fire up and Dallas follows. They watch Tama stand, but GUN STUN! Loa tackles Yoh to a corner, and Tama hits a BIG splash! GoD coordinate, suplex to SUPER powerbomb! Cover, GoD wins!
Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, Tama Tonga pinning
And that’s why they’re both IWGP Heavyweight and ROH World Tag Team Champions! Can anyone outdo these brothers’ teamwork and hustle?
Tomohiro Ishii & Shota Umino VS Jeff Cobb & Ren Narita!
It’s a sampling of B Block as the Stone Pitbull and the Hawaiian Juggernaut each get themselves a Young Lion for this 2v2 showdown! Which side gets some momentum before the B Block gets its opener?
The Young Lions stare down but so do the heavyweight veterans. Ishii dares Cobb to start and the two start shoving. Their Young Lions keep them apart, but they do let them star. Dallas likes that! The bell rings and Ishii ties up with Cobb. Ishii headlocks but Cobb powers out. They collide but neither falls. Cobb dares Ishii to go so Ishii does. They collide again and still neither falls. Ishii throws forearms but Cobb gives it back! Cobb runs but Ishii shoulders him back. Ishii runs and things speed up. Cobb hits a dropkick! But Ishii stays up to run Cobb over! Cobb gets right back up and they tie up. Narita tags in to kick at Ishii.
The ref keeps Cobb from getting at Ishii again. Ishii tags Umino in and now the Young Lions tie up! Narita goes for a leg but Umino waistlocks. Narita switches but Umino escapes and fans love the technical trade. They tie up and Narita headlocks. Umino powers out but Narita runs Umino over! Narita stomps Umino then whips. Umino reverses and he elbows Narita down, to hit a big basement dropkick! Fans cheer as Umino keeps on Narita. Umino gives European uppercuts then tags in Ishii. Ishii CHOPS Narita over and over! Umino holds Narita up just so Ishii can CHOP more! Ishii toys with Narita but Narita gives up to forearm back. They do nothing! Ishii swings but Narita ducks, and that one gets Ishii! But Ishii runs Narita over for it!
Ishii drags Narita up for a suplex, but Narita powers Ishii up and over!? Incredible! Narita crawls to tag in Cobb! Cobb suplexes Ishii overhead! Then he throws Umino! Ishii kicks and whips but Cobb reverses to scoop Ishii for a pop-up into a suplex! Fans are fired up as Cobb runs corner to corner and hits a BIG back elbow! Cobb whips Ishii but Ishii reverses. Cobb reverses back, cradle plex! Cover, TWO! Cobb keeps his focus as he drags Ishii up in a waistlock. Ishii fights out but Cobb ducks to forearm. Ishii doesn’t even flinch. He eggs Cobb on so Cobb throws more forearms. Ishii hits Cobb back and now it’s a brawl! They don’t slow down at all and fans fire up again!
Cobb runs but misses, Ishii German Suplexes him down! Fans rally as both men slowly get up. Hot tag to Umino! Umino leaps for a missile dropkick! Umino makes sure Narita can’t tag in, and he runs corner to corner for an elbow! He tries but can’t suplex Cobb, so he throws more forearms. He tries again but Cobb is still too strong. Umino tries a third time, but still nothing. Perhaps the fourth time? YES! Umino covers, TWO! Umino stays fired up as he waistlocks and drags Cobb up. Cobb elbows free to then uppercut him to a corner! Cobb kicks at Ishii but gets a BIG forearm! Narita dropkicks Ishii, then dodges Umino for a belly2belly! Cobb moonsaults onto Umino! Cover, TWO!? Umino survives! So Cobb whips Umino, and gives him Tour of the Islands! Cover, Cobb and Narita win!
Winners: Jeff Cobb and Ren Narita, Cobb pinning
The Hawaiian Juggernaut takes care of the Young Lion, but he stares down Ishii with a grin. Ishii gets in the ring to stare back, and the forearms start flying! Narita and the referee aren’t enough to keep these two away, and Dallas wants to “Let Them Fight!” Security comes in but even they can’t hold these behemoths back! Eventually, Cobb and Ishii cool off and will wait for their B Block match. Will Cobb be victorious over the NEVER Openweight Champion in this round robin? Or will the Pitbull take a bite out of the Olympian?
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Jay White & Chase Owens!
It’s not just Chaos VS Bullet Club, but another preview of B Block action! The Fierce Warrior has the Head Hunter while the Switchblade has the Crown Jewel, which partner proves to be the key to momentum?
The teams sort out and Goto starts against White. Fans rally behind Goto so White tags out to Chase. Goto circles with Chase and they tie up. but White attacks from behind! Chase hits Hashi down and then Bullet Club mugs and stomps Goto down. White drags Goto up but Goto fights back! Goto throws forearms at both White and Chase, then focuses on White in the corner. Chase comes in but gets a CHOP! Goto goes after White on the outside but Gedo is there to protect White. Chase wrecks Goto with a dropkick! Chase puts Goto back in the ring and White returns to the corner. Goto blocks Chase’s boot to give him a spinning clothesline!
Tag to Hashi and Hashi fires off on Chase, topping it off with a CHOP! Hashi whips but Chase reverses. Hashi dodges and CHOPS Chase again! He hangs Chase out to dry, then runs to dropkick Chase down. Cover, ONE, but Hashi keeps his cool. Hashi stomps Chase then drags him up> Chase powers Hashi to the corner and White pulls on Hashi’s hair. Gedo also wipes at Hashi, and Chase YANKS Hashi into ropes! Chase hits Goto down while White CHOPS Hashi! White rams Hashi into the apron, then again! And a third time! White puts Hashi in for Chase to cover, TWO! Chase keeps on Hashi with a headlock and punches.
Chase drags Hashi up but Dallas rallies. Hashi CHOPS Chase again! Chase kicks low then drags Hashi up, but it’s Hashi who suplexes Chase into a neckbreaker! Fans rally, White tags in and stomps Hashi out. Fans boo White but he insults them back. White CHOPS Hashi then whips but Hashi dodges. Hashi hits a blockbuster! Fans rally up, hot tag to Goto! Goto rallies on White then whips, hip toss! Fans fire up as Goto fires forearms off on White in the corner. Goto whips corner to corner but White boots back. Goto still clotheslines White, then hits a big back suplex! He drags White up but White gets away. Chase comes in but gets tripped up to a Half Crab! White steps to Goto but Goto scares him off!
Goto throws Chase out but White CHOPS Goto. White whips but Goto reverses and follows. White dodges but Goto fireman’s carries, only for White to slip out. Goto elbows White away but misses, SAIDO from White! White tags Chase and Chase toys with Goto. Dallas rallies up for Goto and GOto just gets angry from Chase’s slaps. Chase throws forearms but Goto doesn’t budge. Chase fires off a strike fest then says “Suck It!” He runs, but Goto follows, but Chase enziguris! Chase backslides Goto, TWO, knee trigger! Chase drags Goto up, hammerlock lariat, the Jewel Heist! Cover, TWO!! Chase hits Hashi out just for good measure, and White gives Goto the twisting suplex! Shining wizard! Cover, but Hashi breaks it!
White hits Hashi and throws him out. Chase takes aim at Goto and says BANG! Powerbomb position, tucking him in for the package, but Goto fights out! Goto spins but gets Chase’s elbow! Chase runs but into Hashi’s LARIAT! White runs in but he gets the spin kick! Goto clotheslines White out! Goto fires up, grabs Chase, USHIGOROSHI! But he’s not done there, he and fans fire up! Chase sits up to get swift kicks! Goto stands Chase up, GTR! Cover, Goto and Hashi win!
Winners: Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI, Goto pinning
Chaos is victorious in Dallas! Can Goto do that to Jay White when these two meet in the B Block? Or will Goto Breathe with the Switchblade?
Six Man Tag: Taguchi Japan VS Los Ingobernables de Japon!
Specifically, it is Toru Yano, Juice Robinson, and Jushin Thunder Liger against Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito! We get two B Block previews in one, who earns major momentum before #YTR and the Flamboyant One eventually meet the Muscle Dragon and Uncontrollable Charisma?
The teams sort out, and Naito takes his time with his jacket as he would with his suits. Jushin starts with Bushi after LIJ fist-bump salute. The bell rings and fans are fired up for this match already! Dallas roars for Liger as he ties up with Bushi. Liger powers Bushi to ropes but lets up with a swift pat on the shoulder. Bushi and Liger circle again and Bushi goes after Liger’s mask! Fans boo but Bushi soaks it all up. Bushi kicks low then clubs away. HE runs but into Liger’s tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Liger dumps Bushi down for the surfboard, Romero Special! But LIJ saves Bushi while taking out Liger’s team!
Shingo drags Liger up and ducks Shotei to feed to Bushi’s drop toehold. Naito dropkicks Liger down then he and Shingo go after Yano and Juice on the outside. Bushi drags Liger up for another attack on his mask! Yano and Juice are sent into railing while Bushi hammers away on Liger. Tag to Naito and Naito pulls on the mask’s hair. Naito throws big hands then whips Liger to get him in a sleeper hold. Liger reaches but Naito drags that arm into an armbar. Naito uplls on the mask’s horns and fans boo. THe ref reprimands Naito but Naito keeps moving around as he pulls. Tag to Bushi and Bushi stomps Liger with Naito. Bushi eggs Yano and Juice on while Naito keeps stomping. Tag to Shingo as fans rally for Linger.
Shingo drags Liger up but Liger CHOPS! And CHOPS! Shingo eggs Liger on then forearms him back. He takes his time picking Liger up to whip corner to corner. Liger boots back but Shingo still clotheslines. Shingo runs into a SHOTEI! Fans rally, hot tag to Juice! Juice hits Bushi and Naito before going after Shingo! Big corner clothesline, but Shingo follows for his own! Shingo drags Juice out but Juice shoves him! Juice and Shingo stare down and start throwing forearms. Juice runs but into an uppercut. Shingo runs into a heel kick! Dallas fires up as Juice drags Shingo up to a fireman’s carry. Juice Box denied, but so is the sliding D. Juice gets Shingo with a full nelson bomb! Cover, TWO!
Juice pumps it up and fans chant his name. Shingo slowly stands and Juice aims those jabs. Then he powers up, but gets Shingo’s JAB! Shingo runs but into a clothesline! Neither man falls so they go again. They still stay up, and Shingo blocks one, but gets the Left Hand of God! Juice reels Shingo in, but Pulp Friction is countered into Noshigami! The Gory Bomb variant hits but both men are down. Dallas is thunderous as they rally for both men, hot tags to Naito and Yano! Yano goes to low blow but Naito spits on him! Naito clubs away then whips Yano, but Yano holds ropes. Yano goes to the corner!
Naito stops him from taking the buckle pads, but Yano whips him away. Yano gets the pads! Naiot dodges and gives Yano an atomic drop. Naito hits the jump kick, the sweep, and the combination, cabron! Then he spits on Yano a LOT! Naito stomps Yano then picks up the buckle pad for his own. Yano rolls Naito up, TWO!! Naito kicks but Yano pulls hair. Naito pulls hair, then spins Yano for a neckbreaker! Bushi tags in and climbs up for a missile dropkick! He hits a Bushirooni while Shingo blasts Liger and Juice! Bushi hits Yano then Shingo adds on. Naito and Bushi double dropkick Yano, Bushi covers, but Liger breaks it!
Naito throws Liger out and Shingo tosses Juice into railing! But Yano throws Bushi down! Bushi comes back for a neckbreaker, only for Yano to shove him at the ref! Yano Low Blow! Roll up, Yano and team win!!
Winners: Taguchi Japan, Toru Yano pinning
The Clown Prince of NJPW pulls it out for his team! Will Yano use the same tactics to spoil things for everyone else in B Block?
NJPW has a huge announcement!
They’re headed to the East Coast of America now, with Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2019! Boston, New York AND Philadelphia, prepare for a hot September weekend! Referee Tiger Hitori is retiring in Hammerstein Ballroom! And speaking of, he’s calling the next match!
G1 Climax, A Block: Will Ospreay VS Lance Archer!
The round robin truly begins as the Aerial Assassin takes on an even meaner Killer Elite! Archer returns to the G1 after being out for several years, but will he be able to start hot against the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
Archer rushes Ospreay before the bell, but gets caught into a Spanish Fly! The bell does ring as Ospreay climbs, to CORKSCREW ASAI Archer down!! Ospreay puts Archer in fast, springboards to a 450 splash! Cover, TWO! Dallas is already fired up as Archer gets to a corner. Ospreay kicks away then stands Archer up to CHOP. But Acher doesn’t flinch, he just laughs! “You done f*cked up now!” Ospreay keeps throwing forearms but Archer DECKS Ospreay with that right! Archer runs in again but Ospreay dumps him out. Ospreay throws forearms but Archer again rocks him with one. Ospreay swing kicks then springboards to dropkick Archer down! Fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed, SASUKE SPECIAL, is caught! Choke Slam through commentary!
Archer roars and Dallas is thunderous while losing their minds! Archer drags Ospreay out of the wreckage, then tosses him over the railing. The 20 count reaches 10 while Archer taunts commentary. Archer tosses Ospreay in at 13 then stalks him in the ring. Ospreay stands and Archer takes aim, and runs Ospreay over with a shoulder! Archer stands up on the corner while fans boo and jeer. Archer goes back to Ospreay and pulls back on his hair. Tiger Hitori counts but Archer lets up. Archer stands Ospreay in a corner for a CHOP! Fans rally as Ospreay has a bloody nose. Archer says, “Ospreay ain’t doing sh*t!” And then he CLOBBERS Ospreay with that clothesline! Archer covers, TWO!
Archer likes the fight in Ospreay as Ospreay throws weak forearms. Fans rally up as Archer drags Opsreay up. Archer clubs Ospreay and then knuckle locks to climb the corner. Archer shows us some Old School, and even does an extended version, before clubbing Ospreay down! Then he drags Ospreay into a mounted armlock. Archer digs Ospreay into the mat but Tiger Hitori counts. Archer lets up to intimidate him, then runs at Ospreay corner to corner for a big back elbow. And then another! And another! Archer stares down the camera while fans boo and jeer. He drags Ospreay up but Ospreay throws forearms. They don’t back Archer down, but Archer dares Ospreay to keep trying. Ospreay boots Archer instead! Archer gives Ospreay a back elbow for that, and Ospreay ends up in a corner.
Archer hits another back elbow then whips, but Ospreay handsprings for the enziguri! Both men are down and Dallas fires up! Archer and Ospreay get to opposite corners, and Archer grimaces. Archer runs in but into a boot! Ospreay rolls to top-rope 619 Archer back! Ospreay springboards for the flying lariat! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his focus as he finally has Archer reeling. Fans rally behind Ospreay as he fires up. Ospreay underhooks but Archer forearms back. Archer reels Osprey in but gets the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Ospreay runs but Archer goes perpendicular, but Ospreay leaps over the Pounce! ROUNDHOUSE! They keep going, Archer goes to the corner to POUNCE! Ospreay hits the opposite corner and ends up folded up!
Archer drags Ospreay up and into powerbomb position, buckle bomb! Ospreay rebounds back into another, Last Ride! Archer follows Ospreay out of the ring and drags him up into another powerbomb, to the apron! Ospreay is down while Archer grins. Archer drags Ospreay up to the ramp! The 20 count is climbing but Archer powerbomb lifts! Ospreay slips out, DESTROYER! Archer is down but so is Ospreay. The count hits 10 and Ospreay hurries! Archer is up, too, and he shoves Ospreay down! Archer is in but Ospreay springboards to dropkick him down! SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay can’t believe it, but he won’t let up. Robinson Special! Then the springboard, but Archer catches him!
Archer back suplexes but Osperay slips out, springboard to OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO?! Ospreay can’t believe that Archer still lives! Fans are thunderous as Ospreay gets back up. Ospreay goes to underhook, but Archer is too big for the lift! Ospreay kicks away on Archer’s face, then takes off the elbow pad. But Archer scoops Ospreay, but Ospreay escapes and boots back. Ospreay hops up but gets an uppercut! Archer hoists Ospreay up, MUSCLE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives! Archer puts him in a corner and on the top rope, inverted crucifix lift. BLACK OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO?!? #EverybodyDies but Ospreay still lives! But Archer uses the Iron Claw on Ospreay’s head! He squeezes tight and Ospreay fades. Fans rally and Ospreay powers back up, to a ropebreak!
Archer holds onto Ospreay’s head until 4. He intimidates Tiger Hitori again then goes back to Ospreay. He drags Ospreay up from the opposite side of the corner and they go to the top rope. Ospreay fights back but Archer still has a choke grip. Ospreay changes it into a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Now Archer shockingly survives! Dallas knows “This is Awesome!” but it’s not over yet. Ospreay drags Archer up with underhooks, but he still can’t get Archer up. He gives more of those fast kicks then fires himself up. Ospreay underhooks, and lifts Archer up! STORM- CHOKE- ROUNDHOUSE! HOOK! Wristlock, reeling hook kick! Ospreay hurries to a corner, hops up top, but Archer trips him up!
Archer climbs up behind Ospreay, grabs at hair and then puts on a full nelson. Ospreay works against the hold and elbows Archer back. Ospreay adjusts to headbutt Archer down. Archer is back with a step-up knee! Archer sits Ospreay up and climbs, lifting Ospreay in the inverted crucifix, SUPER BLACK OUT! Fans are still thunderous, even with the mixed reaction. Archer has the claw and clamps it on tight! Ospreay fades as it becomes a cover, Archer wins!
Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Archer keeps the claw on past the bell and it takes Young Lions to pull him off. Archer takes his first two points in five years while Ospreay’s G1 debut is a zero. And then Archer “celebrates” by attacking the Young Lions! Will Archer make sure everyone in A Block suffers? Can Ospreay make a comeback in the later rounds?
G1 Climax, A Block: EVIL VS Bad Luck Fale!
The King of Darkness and the Rogue General are no strangers to each other, and certainly not in the G1. They add a new chapter to this fight, who takes two points into the next round?
The bell rings and Evil rushes Fale! Evil throws him out of the ring and throws big knees. Evil brings Fale to the ramp and gets some space to run in. BIG lariat hits Fale but Fale doesn’t fall! Fans rally behind Evil as he scoops Fale. But Fale is too big for that! Fale clubs away on Evil’s back to then scoop and slam Evil to the ramp! Evil writhes while Fale catches his breath. The referee tells Fale to get in the ring while he checks on Evil. Fale doesn’t care, he stomps Evil then pushes the ref. Fale drags Evil up to throw big body shots. He drags Evil to the ring to bump him off the apron. The ring count finally begins but Fale kicks Evil down. Fale gets in the ring at 16 and leaves Evil to the count. Evil gets in at 19!
Fale is right on Evil with stomps but the fans rally up. Evil fights back with forearms, but that scoop doesn’t work. Fale body shots back then puts him in a corner hard. Fale clubs away on Evil’s back against the buckles. The ref counts and Fale lets up, only to put Evil against the bottom rope. Fale stands on Evil’s back with all his weight! Fale drags Evil up to throw big clotheslines in the corner from both sides. He dumps Evil down and stands on him for a cover, TWO! Fale blames the fans for this. Fale drags Evil up again but Evil fights back! Evil CHOPS then whips, but Fale blocks. Fale whips Evil then runs in, but Evil dodges! Evil scoops and slams Fale! But it took everything he had, so Evil falls over, too.
Both men slowly stand and fans rally again. Evil runs at Fale and clotheslines him out! Evil follows Fale and looks under the ring. He brings out spare chairs! But Fale kicks him down before he could use one. Fale has a chair but the ref reprimands him. Fale aims but Evil mule kicks! Evil puts a chair around Fale’s head and rams him into the post! Fale goes down and fans fire up behind Evil. Evil puts Fale in the ring and the fans start drumming. Evil runs corner to corner, bronco buster! Cover, TWO! Evil keeps his cool as he prepares the arm. He runs as Fale stands, but the clothesline only staggers Fale. Evil tries again, and Fale falls to a knee! But that’s not enough, Evil tires again, only for Fale to run Evil over!
Evil and Fale get to opposite corners, and Fale hits a corner to corner splash! Then drops the splash! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer Evil’s toughness but Fale picks up those chairs from before. Fale brings them into the ring but the ref stops him. But there are two chairs, so the ref has to take the other chair, too. Evil kicks the chair into Fale! Then runs to LARIAT Fale down! Cover, TWO!! Evil keeps his focus as fans continue to cheer him on. Evil slashes the throat and drags Fale up. Everything is denied, and Fale grabs Evil. Evil breaks free to headbutt and spin, into the GRENADE! Cover, TWO!? Evil survives and Fale is shocked!
Fale drags Evil up again, prepares the bomb, crucifix but Evil wiggles free! Evil blocks the boot, gives it to the ref, and lariats Fale down! But the ref goes down, too! Evil takes advantage by getting those chairs back in. Evil aims at Fale, and jabs Fale in the back! Then he puts it around Fale’s head again, only for Fale to throw it back at him! LOW BLOW! Fans boo as Fale goes one cheat too far! Fale takes the chair and puts it around Evil’s head now. He takes the other chair and salutes, before swinging a HOME RUN! The chair flies off Evil and the ref finally returns. Fale drags Evil up, crucifix, Bad Luck Fall! Cover, Fale wins!
Winner: Bad Luck Fale, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Bullet Club’s A Block behemoth scores big in this opening round! Will he continue his way towards the finals? Or will darkness still fall?
G1 Climax, A Block: SANADA VS Zack Sabre Jr!
Another familiar match-up is revisited in the G1’s opening round! Cold Skull and the Submission Master will go toe to toe and hold for hold again, but who takes the victory?
The bell rings and fans sing for ZSJ as he circles with Sanada. Sanada stays out of ZSJ’s reach, but they do tie up. ZSJ headlocks but Sanada wrings him out. ZSJ gets away and says, “No way, mate.” The two circle again and tie up. ZSJ headlocks then cravats, but Sanada endures. Sanada breaks the hold to get the wrist, but ZSJ chinbars. Sanada wrenches but ZSJ rolls to wrench and arm-drag Sanada down. Fans applaud the technical exchange, but ZSJ keeps it going as he bends the fingers. He stands Sanada up to wrench through again. Sanada endures as ZSJ has a standing armlock. Sanada rolls and handsprings then cartwheels and handsprings and spins all around ZSJ to spin him through to a wristlock! But ZSJ just trips him to a heel hook.
Sanada resists but ZSJ Bow ‘n’ Arrows only for Sanada to pop to a cover, but ZSJ kicks out. ZSJ chases Sanada to a corner but Sanada gets clear, and fans are thunderous for this exchange! Sanada and ZSJ catch their breath as they circle. ZSJ taunts Sanada as fans duel. Sanada and ZSJ approach and feel it out. ZSJ gets a facelock and then the armlock. He powers Sanada to the corner but the ref calls for the break. ZSJ takes his time grinding into Sanada before he whips. Sanada reverses but ZSJ ducks down and baits Sanada. ZSJ then rolls Sanada but Sanada sits on it, only fro ZSJ to pop out. Sanada jackknifes but ZSJ sits on him, only for Sanada to pop out.
They go back the other way, then the other, and then Sanada has the legs! ZSJ resists Paradise to pop Sanada to a cover, TWO! Sanada has a cover, TWO! Another stalemate and the fans cheer. Sanada goes out to catch his breath and redo a wristband. ZSJ dares him to get back in while fans duel. Sanada chooses to take a sip of water instead. Sanada hears the count go up to 10 then 14. He slithers in when ZSJ finally backs off. Sanada and ZSJ have only be at this for 5 minutes but they’ve already done so much. Sanada calls for a test of strength and ZSJ laughs. ZSJ takes the challenge only to kick Sanada’s hands away.
Sanada calls for another test of strength, and ZSJ comes back to actually take it. ZSJ tries but can’t power Sanada down. ZSJ twists the fingers, then reels Sanada in to stand on his hands. He hooks Sanada’s face then puts on a full straitjacket hold. Sanada gets flashbacks to a previous match up as he stands up. He turns it onto ZSJ as fans rally and duel. ZSJ endures and works against it, but Sanada has more strength. ZSJ keeps trying, but Sanada keeps reapplying it. A third time, and ZSj turns it around only to get it turned all the way back. But ZSJ silps under to bridge and put it on Sanada! ZSJ pulls back but Sanada rolls through to put it back on Zack!
ZSJ wiggles the jacket off and swaggers out. Then he turns to uppercut Sanada! ZSJ snapmares but Sanada rolls through to a wristlock. ZSJ tries again but Sanada does it again. Fans rally as ZSJ snapmares a third time, but Sanada handsprings through. Sanada misses his dropkick but dodges the Penalty Kick. He still gets a headlock takeover, but ZSJ headscissors back. Sanada pops out and dropkicks ZSJ down! ZSJ bails out but Sanada just runs. ZSJ gets clear but Sanada tumbles to the apron. Sanada watches ZSJ go around the way and fans rally up. ZSJ rests at the corner and now Sanada dares him to get back in. ZSJ refuses it, same as Sanada.
The ring count begins but ZSJ waits until it climbs past 10. The count passes 15 and higher, and ZSJ plays around. He gets in at 19 and flips off the fans. Then he runs at Sanada, but Sanada blocks! Sanada trips ZSJ up, but ZSJ resists Paradise again. Sanada whips ZSJ but ZSJ sunset flips, only for Sanada to roll through! One more try but ZSJ monkey flips Sanada into an armbar! Sanada flails to a ropebreak! ZSJ lets go only to kick the arm! Sanada bails out and the ring count begins again. ZSJ lets Sanada stay out there, and Sanada gets in at 12. ZSJ is on Sanada and stomps the arm again. He also kicks Sanada swift in the back. ZSJ taunts Sanada while fans rally up.
Sanada gets mad now and starts throwing CHOPS! ZSJ eggs him on, and throws uppercuts back. ZSJ whips but Sanada reverses, only to get caught into an abdominal stretch! Sanada powers out to a hip toss! Both men are sore as they slowly stand up. ZSJ uppercuts but Sanada hurdles over him to dropkick him down! ZSJ backs out but dodges the slingshot. He has the arm through the ropes! The ref reprimands ZSj and he lets go at 4, but misses his Pele to the arm! Sanada has ZSJ in the ropes as he puts on a modified Paradise Lock! ZSJ is bamboozled! He shouts to the ref to get him out, but Sanada kicks him out of Paradise!
ZSJ bails out of the ring, Sanada slingshots to take him down! Fans fire up behind Sanada as he drags ZSJ into the ring. Sanada drags ZSJ up but ZSJ resists the suplex. ZSJ switches but Sanada switches back, big back suplex! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps his cool and he throws haymakers on ZSJ. He wrenches ZSJ as fans duel. Sanada whips corner to corner but ZSJ reverses. Sanada goes out then springboards in, but ZSJ gets clear. ZSJ runs back in, only for Sanada to fireman’s carry. But ZSJ slips down into the Octopus! And he cranks the arm back hard! Sanada endures as ZSJ locks on tight. ZSJ finds the other arm and makes it part motorcycle stretch.
Sanada drops to the mat and ZSJ just pulls back hard! Sanada endures more, and reaches with his legs, to get the ropebreak! ZSJ lets go but the damage was done. Fans duel and sing again as ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ kicks at Sanada over and over, but Sanada just gets mad. ZSJ throws an uppercut, and Sanada gives it back! They go back and forth with heavy EuroUppers, but then Sanada scoops ZSJ into the dragon sleeper! ZSJ slips out but gets a forearm. Sanada whips but ZSJ comes back, tornado DDT into a dragon sleeper of his own! He hooks his hands behind his back for a deeper sleeper, but Sanada refuses to give in. Sanada powers up with ZSJ on his shoulders! Fireman’s carry but ZSJ slips to a guillotine!
Sanada stays standing with ZSJ’s weight pulling on him, and fans rally up. He pops an arm free and suplexes ZSJ for a brain buster! Fans fire up as Sanada drags ZSJ into the fireman’s carry, TKO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ lives but Sanada vows to finish it. He goes to the corner and climbs up, but has to land on his feet when ZSJ dodges the moonsault. ZSJ uppercuts Sanada, but leaps into a backslide! TWO, and Penalty Kick takes Sanada down! ZSJ catches his breath instead of covering, then gets a facelock to a scoop. Sanada slips out to the dragon sleeper! ZSJ resists so Sanada swings him around! Then he drops ZSJ to go up top, MOONSAULT into knees! And a Triangle Hold!!
Sanada endures again as we hit the 20 minute mark! ZSJ twists the arm and squeezes tight. Sanada fades but fans give him a second wind! He lifts ZSJ but ZSJ Peles the arm. ZSJ runs into an elbow and Sanada moonsaults to the dragon sleeper! ZSJ starts fading now, but he keeps going. Sanada lifts but ZSJ slips out. ZSJ body scissors and leg clutches to the EuroClutch, TWO! SKULL END, but ZSJ pops out to another EuroClutch, only for Sanada to pop out into a Japan Clutch! SANADA WINS!
Winner: SANADA, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Sanada snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! He gets a big win and ZSJ is shocked! ZSJ takes his frustration out on the referee! Will these two meet again for another shot at the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Championship?
G1 Climax, A Block: Kota Ibushi VS KENTA!
The Golden Star has become a full-time member of NJPW, but so has his opponent! Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches of the entire block, Kenta is finally in NJPW to #Takeover! Who strikes harder to take those pivotal opening points?
Katsuyori Shibata is spotted nearby as he watches this match intensely. The bell rings and fans are fired up already. Kenta and Ibushi circle and tie up. They’re evenly matches in strength, but Ibushi manages to get Kenta to ropes. Kenta turns it around but Ibushi dodges his punch. Kenta dodges Ibushi’s kick, and fans already like the exchange. Ibushi and Kenta circle again and tie up. Kenta kicks quick but Ibushi walks it off. Ibushi and Kenta approach again, and they test out strikes. Each man is ready to block and evade. Fans duel as each man keeps trying to find an opening.
Kenta catches a leg to a waistlock but Ibushi drops to hook and switch. Ibushi has a facelock but Kenta slips out to a hammerlock. Fans agree to cheer for “Both These Guys!” as they end up on ropes again. Kenta pats Ibushi’s shoulders but then SLAPS him! Ibushi scowls then SLAPS Kenta back! Ibushi stomps Kenta then toys with him. He drags Kenta up for big haymakers and swift kicks. Kenta ends up in a corner and Ibushi whips him corner to corner. Kenta takes a spin but tosses Ibushi to the apron. Ibushi forearms back but gets a kick through the ropes! Kenta hops up to guillotine knee drop Ibushi down! Fans cheer as Kenta toys with Ibushi.
Kenta drags Ibushi up as fans duel again. Kenta gives Ibushi a swift kick, but Ibushi eggs Kenta on. More kicks come in and Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta keeps on Ibushi with a chinlock and grinds Ibushi down. Ibushi endures and fans rally up. Ibushi fights out then runs, but into Kenta’s kitchen sink knee! Kenta drags Ibushi up and Penalty Kicks Ibushi down HARD! Kenta stands on Ibushi but Red Shoes does not call that a cover. So Kenta drags Ibushi to be on his stomach. Kenta drops knees right to Ibushi’s head, takes off his knee pad and jumps, to scuff Ibushi’s head. He drags Ibushi up but Ibushi fights back. They fire forearms and Ibushi gets the edge. He eggs Kenta on but Kenta makes him pay for it with heavy shots! Cover, ONE!
Kenta kicks Ibushi hard in the back but Ibushi eggs him on. They each egg each other on as they start throwing forearms fast and furious! Ibushi rocks Kenta but Kenta body shots and uppercuts. Kenta elbows Ibushi’s head then snapmares him for another kick! Ibushi writhes while trying to get his arms moving. Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta wraps Ibushi in another chinlock. Fans rally up and Ibushi powers up. Ibushi throws forearms but Kenta knees low, only to run into a dropkick! Both men are down but are sitting up fast. Kenta is in the corner and Ibushi walks over. Fans duel again as Ibushi whips corner to corner. Kenta reverses but Ibushi goes up and over to then powerslam Kenta down! Ibushi keeps moving, moonsault! Cover, TWO!
Both men are down as they catch their breath. Fans rally up as Ibushi stands. Ibushi waistlocks and drags Kenta up but Kenta resists. Kenta switches but Ibushi elbows free. Ibushi runs and things speed up, calf kick from Kenta! Both men are down again, but Kenta is up first. Kenta drags Ibushi up to whip but Ibushi reverses. Kenta ax handles Ibushi down then rallies with lariats. Ibushi just fires up, only to get caught into an exploder! Kenta glares at Ibushi as he climbs up top. Kenta leaps for a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Ibushi up and waistlocks, but Ibushi elbows out again. Ibushi runs in but into a boot. Kenta hops up and brings Ibushi in, tornado denied and Ibushi SLAPS Kenta!
Ibushi climbs up to join Kenta, but Kenta resists. They fight up top, and Ibushi elbows Kenta down to the apron. Ibushi drags Kenta up, has the waistlock, but Kenta fights free! Only for Ibushi to PELE Kenta down! Kenta hits the floor but Ibushi slingshots, into a knee?! Kenta makes Ibushi crash and burn and then drags Ibushi up. He suplexes Ibushi to hang him out to dry on railing. He drives elbows in, too, then goes back to the apron. Kenta leaps for guillotine double stomps!! Dallas loses its mind over that one! Kenta gets back in the ring and still wants more, but the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 before Ibushi stands. Ibushi climbs in at 12, so Kenta springboards and dropkicks him back down! Running boot in the corner, then a basement dropkick in the corner!
Kenta climbs up top while Ibushi is in the drop zone. DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives Kenta’s coup de grace, and fans duel harder then ever. Kenta slashes the throat and drags Ibushi up. Fireman’s carry, but Ibushi resists! Kenta still gets Ibushi up, but Ibushi grabs ropes. Kenta pulls him away but Ibushi fights out. Ibushi shoves but Kenta blocks one clothesline, only to spin into a LARIAT! Fans rally up while both men are down. Ibushi is up first and he drags Kenta up. Ibushi powerbomb lifts, sit-out Last Ride! Cover, TWO! Kenta lives but Ibushi rises again. Fans duel hard as ever as Ibushi sits Kenta up with the wristlocks. Kami- Fireman’s carry! Ibushi fights out and crucifix rolls, TWO!
Ibushi and Kenta collide with clotheslines, then run, shotgun knee from Kenta takes Ibushi down! But both men are down again as fans cheer. Dallas declares “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly stir. Ibushi and Kenta head for each other, and grunt and growl as they go forehead to forehead. They go forearm for forearm back and forth, and Ibushi starts to enjoy this. Kenta comes back with more but so does Ibushi. Ibushi and Kenta stand and fans cheer as they keep the brawl going. Kenta hits but Ibushi immediately responds, over and over. Even as they switch to kicks! Kenta gets Ibsuhi with the roundhouse! Cover, TWO!! Kenta drags Ibushi up for another kick! Then another! And a third! But Kenta isn’t done, he drags Ibushi up for a fourth! Cover, TWO!!
Kenta is furious, and he brings the knee pads down as he slashes the throat. He drags Ibushi up and fireman’s carries, GTS!! Cover, Kenta wins!!
Winner: KENTA, by pinfall; earns 2 points
Kenta makes Ibushi #GoToSleep in this G1 A Block opener! Is Kenta going to unlock more of his true style as the G1 rolls on? Can Ibushi make the comeback in the following rounds?
But to show respect to his opponent, who took so much out of him, Kenta helps Ibushi up to his feet. Fans cheer both men and the sportsmanship between them, though Ibushi can barely stand. Ibushi shakes Kenta’s hand and they even hug. Was this just the first match of a new and storied rivalry?
G1 Climax, A Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Speaking of a storied rivalry, the greatest rivalry in NJPW history, and perhaps of all pro-wrestling, of all fight sports and of all sports period, finally comes to the states! These two fought in the last round of A Block last year, to a time-limit draw! But now, in this year’s A Block opener, can we get a true finish?
The fans are already fired up for this incredible fourteenth match-up all time. They even lose their minds over Okada revealing the iconic shorts! The bell rings, and the A Block main event begins!
The Rainmaker and The Ace hear the fans roaring for them both. Okada and Tanahashi hear them cheer for “NEW JAPAN! NEW JAPAN!” as the two circle. They stay back to hear the fans chant and duel, then approach. The first tie up and both men are evenly matched in strength. Okada uses his leverage to back Tanahashi down. They end up on the ropes, and Okada backs off. Okada again fakes the chop to pat the shoulder.s Tananashi throws a forearm! So Okada responds! And we already have a fast and furious brawl! Neither man backs down or slows down, and they even grab for hair at the same time. Okada gets an edge and whips, to BOOT him down! But Tanahashi’s back up quick!
Tanahashi throws forearms, whips but Okada reverses. Tanahashi holds ropes to deny the dropkick, but Okada dodges the Slingblade. Okada wristlocks and ripcords, but Tanahashi denies Rainmaker to get a full nelson. Okada fights out of the dragon suplex only to get an arm-drag! But he headscissors back, only for Tanahashi to pop out. Fans cheer this great opening exchange! Dallas loves “Both These Guys!” as both Okada and Tanahashi catch their breath. Okada and Tanahashi circle and tie up again. Okada wrenches but Tanahashi forearms. Tanahashi scoop slams and drops an elbow! Fans cheer as the air guitar makes its Dallas debut! Tanahashi drags Okada up as fans cheer “Go Ace!”
Tanahashi throws forearms then whips Okada. Okada reverses but runs into an elbow. Tanahashi hops up but Okada anchors his feet. Tanahashi shoves him away but Okada dropkicks Tanahashi down! Okada catches his breath while Tanahashi is down, clutching a leg. He goes out to fetch Tanahashi while fans duel again. Okada brings Tanahashi up for a DDT to the floor! Okada leaves Tanahashi behind and the ring count begins. The count reaches 10 before Tanahashi sits up. Tanahashi stands at 14 and enters at 15, but Okada is on him with a basement dropkick! Okada stands on Tanahashi, but much like with the Kenta-Ibushi match, that’s not good enough for Red Shoes. Red Shoes mocks the Rainmaker pose, and fans cheer.
Okada drags Tanahashi up and powers him into a corner. He throws big elbows into Tanahashi then some more. Tanahashi throws forearms back, but the kick is blocked to a dragon screw! Okada borrows one of Tanahashi’s favorites! Okada drags Tanahashi up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Okada puts Tanahashi in a chinlock but fans rally up. Tanahashi fights his way up but Okada wrangles him back down. Fans rally up and duel again. Tanahashi pries against the chinlock and stands up to fight with elbows. Okada clubs Tanahashi back, then whips. Tanahashi kicks him but Okada blocks. Tanahashi fights the screw off, then catches Okada’s boot for his own dragon screw!
Okada clutches his leg now as Tanahashi gets to a corner. Fans rally again as Tanahashi throws haymakers and forearms. He boxes Okada to ropes then whips, but Okada reverses, only to get flying forearms! Tanahashi fires up and Dallas with him as he runs in. Dropkick in the corner staggers Okada. Tanahashi scoops and slams, then hops up for the second rope somersault senton! Cover, TWO! We pass 10 minutes as Okada stands. Tanahashi runs but Okada dodges, to then elbow Tanahashi down! Okada fires up and Dallas with him. Tanahashi is in a corner but Okada whips him corner to corner. Okada runs for a big back elbow, then kicks low for a DDT! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool as he stalks Tanahashi. Tanahashi stands and Okada lifts for the Alabama. Tanahashi fights out to throw EuroUppers. Okada puts Tanahashi on the apron but Tanahashi hits back. Tanahashi drags a leg out, for a dragon screw! Okada goes down and Tanahashi stalks him now. Tanahashi runs but into a flapjack! Both men are down but fans continue to fire up. Fans rally and both men stir. Okada gets to a corner and runs at Tanahashi. Tanahashi dodges but so does Okada. Okada uppercuts but Tanahashi dropkicks a leg out. Tanahashi whips corner to corner but Okada reverses into a forearm! Alabama lift, Air Raid neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool as he drags Tanahashi back up. He scoop slams fast then says he’s headed up top. Okada climbs a corner and leaps, Macho Elbow! But that just leads into the Rainmaker pose! But Tanahashi victory rolls! TWO, to a grounded dragon screw! Tanahashi has both legs now and ties them up into a Texas Cloverleaf! Perfect for being in Dallas. Okada endures as Tanahashi pulls him back. Tanahashi sits in deep but Okada gets the ropebreak. Tanahashi lets go but comes back for more. Okada holds onto the rope, so Tanahashi gives him another grounded dragon screw! Tanahashi hears we’re at 15 minutes so he fires himself up. He goes to the top rope and aims at Okada on the outside, for the HIGH FLY FLOW-BODY!
Fans are loving this as both men are down! Red Shoes starts the ring count, and it reaches 5 while Tanahashi gets the legs moving. The count reaches 10 as Tanahashi stands and fetches Okada. Tanahashi puts Okada in at 15 and the match continues. Tanahashi fires up again as he stalks Okada. Okada stands, Tanahashi runs, but Okada dodges. Okada fireman’s carries, but Tanahashi pops out for Twist ‘n’ Shout! But Okada’s back with a shotgun dropkick! But Tanahashi’s back with a slingblade! Tanahashi keeps moving, but gets the dropkick! Okada scoops, TOMBSTONE! Rainmaker Pose! Wristlock, SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi fires up again and heads up top. Dallas cheers The Ace on as he aims, leaps, High Fly Flow-body again!
But Tanahashi isn’t done here, he climbs again. Okada is in the drop zone, HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees! Okada saves himself at the expense of his legs! Red Shoes starts a standing count as fans rally. Both men sit up and head for each other. Okada is on his feet first and he scoops Tanahashi. Tanahashi resists and then scoops Okada. Okada resists and scoops Tanahashi. He grits his teeth but Tanahashi lifts him! Tanahashi can’t get Okada all the way so he clubs and forearms and uppercuts back. Palm strike! Tananashi runs, but into a backslide! He rolls through, RAINMAKER! But Okada doesn’t end here as we hit 20 minutes. He drags Tanahashi up for a second RAINMAKER! Okada hits the pose, and wants a third!
Okada drags Tananashi up, full wristlock ripcord, cradle counter!! TWO!! Okada escapes, but boots into the full nelson, Snap Dragon Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down but fans are hitting a fever pitch! Tanahashi runs, but Okada ducks and ripcords only for Tanahashi to escape. Tanahashi tries again, but Okada dodges to wristlock and ripcord, PALM STRIKE! But Okada holds onto the wrist. Tanahashi throws another slapping palm strike, but Okada refuses to let go. Okada roars, but a third strike does it! Dallas keeps cheering as Tanahashi runs, into a JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Okada roars again, ripcords, FULL RAINMAKER! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; earns 2 points
These are perhaps the most important points in the entire tournament! The fact Okada finally gets one over on Tanahashi in the G1 could decide the entire block right here! But history is against Okada as the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Can Okada make history all over again as he takes the block and the tournament?
Okada puts on the belt and takes to the mic to address the fans. “My first win!” He apologizes to the American audience for starting in Japanese, so he’ll start again in English. “DALLAS~!” Dallas cheers for Okada while he catches his breath. “How was G1 Climax?” They loved it! “Tonight is the first time G1 is in America!” But it won’t be the last. Okada promises NJPW will come back. And when he does come back to Dallas, he will be the winner. But also, he promises to still be THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion. “Thank you, Dallas! Thank you very much!” And back in Japanese, he promises to take the entire tournament, and continue to make it rain! Dallas looks forward to it! Can Okada maintain being on a whole ‘nother level?
NJPW Media Backstage Interviews
The Rainmaker takes a seat and the belt is propped up. Okada speaks in Japanese to his thoughts on the G1 Climax’s opening night, and a translator steps up to turn it into English.
“What I’m thinking right now, after my first match, is that this is G1 Climax. This is a tough tournament. It’s fierce, and really hot. But honestly, I don’t think there is any wrestler that doesn’t give anybody a really tough match. So this is really normal for G1 Climax to have really tough matches. This first win in the tournament, especially from Hiroshi Tanahashi, this victory is really, really huge. This gives me huge momentum for the future matches, so I would like to keep this momentum going, and definitely for it to lead to the tournament victory.
“About the audience in Dallas, and not just Dallas, of course. The audience in the United States and of course in Japan, this tournament has been watched everywhere. And I think many of you who haven’t seen G1 before, maybe you don’t know much, but this is the tournament that goes on for one month, with 18 matches. So I think NJPW is the only organization that does this kind of tournament, anywhere in the world. This is the world’s best tournament, and I would like people to watch this,e specially for those in Dallas, to continue to watch the rest of the tournament, that is going to be held in Japan. I understand there is a time difference, so you might get sleepless if you keep following the matches in Japan.”
Media asks Okada some quick questions, to which his responds. His feelings towards this first time having a match with Tanahashi outside of Japan: “I think the reaction from the audience tells you what it’s about.” Okada continues to say that “regardless of where the tournament is held, Tanahashi’s power, his strength, hasn’t changed. He’s a pretty strong wrestler, and this match was definitely a great match that is deservedly fitting to the main event of G1.” Okada’s thoughts towards about his next match against Zack Sabre Jr, back in Japan: “Well I still have a little time until my next official match, so I’ll probably think about it a little later. As for me right now, I would like to enjoy this really pumped up, heated audience reaction in Dallas, and I will bring it with me when I go to Japan.”
Okada’s thoughts towards Minoru Suzuki calling him out given the G1 snub, and the chances of Suzuki attacking during the G1: “I think all I can say is, ‘Okay, come and try.’ I think my name was mentioned because I’m the champion. Suzuki probably feels pretty frustrated right now, so I’m not going to let him crash the G1. So come and try.” Okada’s thoughts to Tanahashi’s own personal rankings of the two of them: “Well I guess if that’s what Tanahashi said, that’s what he feels right now. But I still think he’s a really great wrestler, and he can try to minimize the gap, but all I can do is to have the gap bigger, and I will be better.”
Okada’s thoughts to his chances of being in the G1 Climax 29 finals: “I think I really had a great start this year, so it doesn’t really matter if I’m the champion or not. I’ve always been aiming to win this tournament, and I always aim for that. I’ve never given up on it. So whether it’s possible for me to win the G1 Climax as IWGP Champion or not, I would like you to go home today and maybe you can talk it over with your friends and family while having some drinks and relaxing. You can do that.” Okada’s thoughts on how special it is to have a crowd reaction like this outside of Japan: “Yeah, I did have some expectations about the reactions, but actually, this was more than what I expected. And it gives me a strange feeling that everybody calls my name, ‘Okada! Okada!’ at each match. Yeah, it gives me a strange feeling.”
Okada’s thoughts on new match-ups in the A Block, namely KENTA: “Right now, all I’m focusing on is my next match with Zack Sabre Jr. I still have plenty of time until I face Kenta, so I will think on how to fight against Kenta right before the match.” Okada’s thoughts on how much NJPW will travel to the states, and what the best part of that is: “I can’t really say there are too many or too few matches held in the United States. All I can do as a wrestler is show great matches. As to where matches are held, it’s not really something I can say as a wrestler. That’s something that’s left to the company to decide. All I do is go wherever the matches are going to be held, and just show the best wrestling I can bring.”
Even with the press conference continuing, the AXS TV cameras leave it at that to look at the standings. We know Okada, Kenta, Sanada, Archer and Fale take an early lead, but this could change after eight more rounds! The B Block begins very much the same next Saturday, same-day access on AXS! Who from the other half of this bracket take the opening points to join the five winners here tonight?
My Thoughts:
Woo what a great event! NJPW and AXS give us the entirety of this opening night and there wasn’t a bad match on the card. RPG3K do great even in losing to GoD. The NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division needs some refreshing so adding Sho and Yoh would be an interesting move. Ishii & Umino VS Cobb & Narita was great, mostly with the Cobb-Ishii interactions. However, given the supposed opening night block AEW pulled on Jon Moxley, this must’ve been the match he was going to be in, considering the Young Lion in question was Umino. Mox looked to be making Umino is unwillingly sidekick given their previous interactions. But that’s fine, as Ishii and Cobb was a great match-up and will be again in the B Block opening round.
The one thing that was clear in these preview tag matches was that the decisions did not come down to actual participants in the G1 Climax getting a cover off each other. Cobb pinned Umino, Goto pinned Chase Owens, and Yano used a low blow to beat Bushi. This is obviously good booking since it keeps all G1 Climax participants strong, so that it is only the G1 matches that decide things. Then just over the last two hours of this four hour event were the G1 matches, and again not a single one disappointed. Some of the finishes did confuse, namely in who went over. I did not expect Fale or Archer to win, but I supposed not all Faces can win tonight. Archer is immediately a dangerous force, and I can’t wait to see him against Fale.
I love that Sanada got the drop on ZSJ in a flashback to their previous tournament match-up. It would be really big for Sanada to get a high score in the G1 this year, given his great performances against Okada. Kenta VS Ibushi was an amazing match, and already we see what Kenta means by “his style.” Health concerns were most likely why WWE never let him go this hard, but he seems more than able to do strong style. It was a great move for him to be the winner, and he, too, might go pretty far in the block. But don’t count Ibushi out yet, either, he’s got a lot of fight left. Of course, this also does set up a future IWGP Intercontinental Championship match after the G1 is over, which will be incredible, too.
Okada VS Tanahashi as our main event was superb, and it really does set the pace for the rest of the block. Obviously there had to be a winner this time, and it means a lot for Okada to win. Obviously time constraints on television keep us from seeing all of Okada’s press conference, but I feel like that last question being indirectly aimed at WWE was not something AXS and NJPW wanted to have answered on live television. But Okada is a respectful winner being Face and the face of NJPW, I’m sure almost all his matches in the A Block are going to be highlighted. The story of him as champion and unlikely to win given history is a good one to follow through with, making even one loss feel critical. Then they can set up the finals as even bigger, because it will be a preview of Okada’s future title defense.
My Score: 9.5/10
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The stars of AEW align over Orlando!
The Continental Classic semifinals AND finals, the AEW World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4 Way, and so much more all converge at Worlds End!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Zero Hour – Toni Storm VS Leila Grey; Toni wins.
- Zero Hour – Jeff Jarrett VS QT Marshall; Jarrett wins.
- Zero Hour – 8 Man Tag: Top Flight & The Outrunners VS Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer; Lio, Action, Cage & Action win.
- AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Kyle Fletcher VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins and advances to the finals.
- AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Ricochet VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and advances to the finals.
- AEW Women’s World Championship Tijuana Street Fight: Mariah May VS Thunder Rosa; Mariah wins and retains the title.
- AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring: MJF VS Adam Cole; MJF wins and retains the diamond ring.
- AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; Takeshita wins and retains the title.
- AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone VS Kris Statlander; Mone wins and retains the title.
- AEW Continental Classic Finals: Will Ospreay VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and retains the AEW Continental Championship.
- AEW World Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jon Moxley VS Orange Cassidy VS Jay White VS Hangman Page; Moxley wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Words End Zero Hour!
Join Renee Paquette, RJ City, Matt Menard, Madison Rayne, and… Mark Sterling… in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action for the last PPV of 2024!
Mercedes Mone arrives.
And she’s in the most blinged out monster truck ever! “Orlandooo~! Say hello to your C E O!” The Two Belt Boss struts her way into the stadium, but will she be leaving with slightly lighter luggage? Or will she bring down the Galaxy’s Greatest once again at Worlds End?
Backstage interview with Leila Grey.
Lexy Nair is with the Top Flight Attendant as she makes her Zero Hour debut against “newcomer” Toni Storm. How has Leila prepared? Leila says this is a huge night indeed, but she has been waiting and preparing for this moment. She spent the last three months training at the NJPW LA Dojo to hone her skills and becoming the best version of herself. She gave it her all there, and she’ll give it her all here. No more sitting on the sidelines. So to Toni, respectfully, Leila beats her into oblivion. It’s Leila’s time now! Get it? Got it? Good! Will Leila weather the storm to come out a contender?
Zero Hour – Toni Storm VS Leila Grey!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two shake hands to show there is respect, and they circle. They tie up, Toni headlocks, but Leila pries the hold open to wrench, wristlock and YANK the arm! Toni rolls, kips up, and wrenches to a hammerlock. Toni hits the headlock and the takeover, but Leila fights up. Leila wrenches out again to then double wristlock takeover! Leila shifts, Toni stacks her, ONE! Toni facelocks, rolls Leila and covers, ONE! Toni keeps Leila down with a chinlock and leans on her. Leila fights up, powers up but can’t power out as Toni holds tight. Leila fights up to her feet, throws body shots, and then powers out.
Toni RUNS Leila over and the fans cheer! Things speed up, Toni redirects and SHOTGUNS Leila! The fans cheer more and Toni scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Leila is tough but Toni scoops her again. Toni SLAMS Leila, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Leila goes to a corner but Toni storms up. Toni ROCKS Leila in the corner, whips her corner to corner, then runs in. Leila goes up and over to roll Toni up, TWO! Leila LARIATS Toni and keeps going! ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Toni goes to the ropes. Leila storms up on Toni, stands her up, and CLUBS her down!
Leila brings Toni up again, UPPERCUTS, and then kicks low! And kicks! And kicks a leg out! Leila runs to SHOTGUN Toni down! Leila takes a moment to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, TWO! Toni stays in this but Leila stays cool. Leila storms up while the fans rally up, and Leila digs her knee in. The fans rally, Leila lets off, and then Leila fires forearms. Leila brings Toni out to ROCK her again! Toni fires back, the fans rally, and the forearms fly! Toni ROCKS Leila, but then Leila dodges to CUTTER! Roll back and DRAGON SLEEPER STRETCH! Toni endures, fights the grip, and the fans rally up again.
Toni reaches out, finds her way over, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Leila lets off quickly, and Leila kicks Toni around. Leila brings Toni up to fire forearms, then whips her to a corner. Toni comes back to THESZ PRESS! The fans fire up while Toni rains down fast hands! Toni lets off to then pose in the corner… Not timeless but Toni Time! HIP ATTACK! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Leila survives as Toni’s not quite perfect. But Toni hauls Leila up, reels her in, but Leila wrenches out! Leila ROCKS, BOOTS, and whips. Leila runs up but Toni dodges! Leila ELBOWS Toni first, then goes up!
Leila leaps, BLOCKBUSTER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Leila crawls to the cover, TWO! Toni survives and Leila grows frustrated. The fans rally, Leila runs back in and SHINING WIZARDS in the corner! Snap suplex, roll through, and another suplex, but Toni cradle counters! TONI WINS!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
The “rookie” snatches that win from Leila and is on quite the run since her “debut!” With the AEW Women’s World Championship and AEW TBS Championship both on the line tonight, will Toni look to take on the champs on the other side?
Backstage interview with QT Marshall.
Lexy Nair is now with “Big Doom QT” and says he steps in the ring with Double J. What is his mindset tonight? Oh, his mindset? C’mon, Jeff Jarrett is a living legend, Hall of Famer, maybe even the greatest of all time, and can still do it at a high level. But he is NOT an innovator! He is NOT someone revolutionizing this industry like QT. After Full Gear, QT selling out the building with his match against Big Boom AJ, his life has changed. QT might have to change his home address with all the fans just trying to catch a glimpse of his life. He knows Lexy has been politicking for this interview, and that’s fine, because she is no different than Jarrett.
Jarrett wants to stay relevant in pro-wrestling, so he had to stick his nose in QT’s business at ROH Final Battle by hitting Aaron Solo in the head with that guitar. Solo may never look the same! But hey, Jarrett wants to be on the QT Bandwagon. It must be so hard waking up, looking in the mirror, and he can’t imagine how his best years are behind him. But QT is a compassionate man. When he beats Jarrett, the dream still comes true as Jarrett will still be relevant. Lexy is at a loss for words and QT says she shouldn’t be so upset. Think about it! What’s worse than losing in the ring? Being forgotten.
But when you get in the ring with QT, that’ll never happen. It’ll be viral and last forever! Here, let’s take a selfie. This one’s on him. Cheese! You’re welcome. QT leaves, but will that big mouth of his be able to eat all that crow?
Zero Hour – Jeff Jarrett VS QT Marshall!
The bell rings and the fans fire up for Double J! But then QT poses and just gets boos. The fans even chant, “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” QT says okay, be that way! He and Jarrett tie up, and QT arm-drags. QT mocks the strut, then does his own little flexing dance. The fans still boo while QT and Jarrett reset. Jarrett and QT feel things out, tie up, and QT headlocks. QT spins, hammerlocks, headlocks, then drop toeholds. QT slaps Jarrett around but Jarrett gets up in a huff. QT lounges on the ropes, the fans boo more, and Jarrett is annoyed. Jarrett and QT circle, tie up, but then QT kicks low! And ROCKS Jarrett with a right!
QT brings Jarrett around to ROCK him, then tells the ref to back off. QT whips, Jarrett reverses and hip tosses! Then hip tosses again! The fans cheer as Jarrett shows QT how it’s done! QT runs up but Jarrett ROCKS him, TOSSES him, but QT holds on! QT skins the cat while Jarrett struts! Jarrett dodges and LARIATS QT up and out! The fans fire up as we get a proper Fargo Strut! QT huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up to the apron. The fans chant “You Still Got It!” for Jarrett. Jarrett has QT hold on and watch him do the flex dance! Jarrett then catches QT to a SLEEPER! But QT runs in and HOTSHOTS Jarrett off buckles!
QT goes up and he FLYING UPPERCUTS Jarrett down! The fans boo, QT stomps Jarrett around, then rains down fists. QT stomps Jarrett, fans chant “You Still Suck!” Cover, TWO! QT is annoyed but he winds up to ROCK Jarrett with a right hand! The ref reprimands about closed fists but QT just DECKS Jarrett! The fans boo but QT soaks it up. QT drags Jarrett up, but Jarrett counter punches to fire hands! Jarrett ROCKS QT, whips him, but QT handsprings! NEURALIZER KICK! QT grins and applauds for himself while the fans boo. QT pushes Jarrett to a cover, TWO! QT argues with the ref but the ref defends the count.
QT drags Jarrett around, has a neck wrench, but the fans rally up. QT pushes on the hold while admiring himself on the tron. Jarrett fights as the fans rally, and Jarrett stands to fire body shots! Jarrett whips, QT reverses and catches Jarrett to a SLEEPER! Jarrett runs around and around but QT holds on! Jarrett slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans fire up! A standing count applauds, and QT goes to ropes. QT stands and he storms back up, but Jarrett counter punches! And again! And again! The fans fire up, Jarrett whips, but QT reverses! Jarrett still LARIATS! And LARIATS! And BACKDROPS!
QT goes to a corner but Jarrett climbs up on him! This is for Schiavone! Jarrett rains down fists on QT! The fans count and Double J goes to TEN! QT sputters, Jarrett waits on him, but QT blocks a kick! Jarrett ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! QT stays in this and Jarrett grows frustrated. Jarrett drags QT up but QT throat chops! QT trips Jarrett, and he calls his shot! The fans boo as QT steps through, but Jarrett kicks him to the apron! Jarrett runs up but QT ELBOWS him! QT climbs a corner, but Jarrett grabs him! ROCKET LAUNCHER! Not long distance but it was a hard landing! And now Jarrett has the legs! SHARPSHOOTER!
The fans fire up as Jarrett shouts out his old friend, Owen! But wait, here comes Solo! That face is just fine, QT is such a liar! Jarrett tells Solo to back off, but QT rolls Jarrett! TWO! But then QT steals THE STROKE! Cover, TWO!! QT can’t believe it but Jarrett survives his own move! QT signals to Solo to grab Jarrett’s guitar! The fans chant “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” but Solo holds up Jarrett’s guitar. Solo says this is for what happened to his face! But then Jay Lethal runs out here! Lethal and Solo brawl, Jarrett snatches QT to a cradle! TWO, but Jarrett slips around to backslide! TWO!! Kick and STROKE!! Cover, Jarrett wins!
Winner: Jeff Jarrett, by pinfall
The Last Outlaw gets the last laugh as now Team Triple J is 2-0 against “Big Doom QT!” Will QT have to admit he isn’t as good as he thinks?
Backstage interview with Toni Storm.
Lexy is now with the Rockstar and says what a successful victory! She’s been on quiet the roll! Yes, first time for everything! First PPV match, first win, she did it! She went all out, she’s over the moon! Safe to say, AEW is officially on Toni Time! And then hey, Deonna walks in! Deonna mockingly copies Toni, acting like this is the first time they’ve met. Toni explains that they met last week. Deonna pretends her memory is so bad, and surely Toni must think she’s an idiot for forgetting. But hey, here’s an idea. They should make a memory no one will forget! Next week’s first-ever Collision on Max, Toni VS Deonna!
Dude! Toni would love that! She’s wanted that forever! Oh, Deonna is so glad Toni’s excited. Deonna leaves, Toni thanks her for this chance, but is Toni just falling into the Virtuosa’s trap?
Zero Hour – 8 Man Tag: Top Flight & The Outrunners VS Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer!
Darius & Dante Martin don’t like that The Bad Child & Sight to See snatched a title opportunity from them, but all they can do is try and slow them down. Will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd help them get even with their former friends? Or will Don Callis’ Murder Machines make sure #EverybodyDies?
The teams sort out but things get real tense between the former Top Flight Airlines… The bigger men calm things down, and we have Darius step up against Archer. Darius then DROPKCIKS Archer at the bell! Darius fires hands in the corner but Archer shoves him away. Darius comes back, is put on the apron, but he CHOPS! Darius step sin but Archer shove shim again. Darius comes back but Archer STOMPS him down! Archer bumps Darius off buckles, tags in Cage, and the Machines ROCK, ROCK, KNEE and BOOT! Cage hauls Darius up to scoop and use for bicep curls! Cage then TOSSES Darius away to flex.
The fans are torn but Action snipes a tag. Action disrupts the plan but he doesn’t care, and he tags in Lio. They double whip Darius but he grabs ropes. Darius then TOSSES Lio, dodges Action, and tags Dante! The former friends all stand off, and they start shoving! The fans cheer, the ref has them all back off, and it boils down to just Lio and Dante. The fans rally up as Dante fires hands! Dante whips. Lio reverses, but Dante sunset flips! Lio rolls through, keeps moving, but Dante JUMP KNEES him down! Lio flops out, Dante builds speed, but Archer stands in the way! That’s too tall a mountain, but Action jumps onto Dante!
Action has the SLEEPER, but Dante swings free and ELBOWS Action down! Lio comes back, Dante ELBOWS him then LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Dante drags Lio up, brings him over, tag to Turbo Floyd! Private Party is watching closely as Turbo brings Lio around for a wrench. Tag to Truth, The Outrunners double whip, but Lio ducks the elbows! Lio handsprings, but into a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Action runs up, but he gets a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! The fans cheer and then Truth whips Turbo up to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as the Outrunners flex and spin!
Truth brings Lio up to fireman’s carry, and he starts up the AIRPLANE SPIN! Lio CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but Lio flounders away. Archer gets a cheap shot on Truth! Action and Cage add on, the ref reprimands, but Lio soaks up the heat. Lio stomps Truth, tags Action, and they mug Truth. The fans rally but Lio & Action double whip Truth to an open corner. Action whips, Lio reverses, Action LARIAST! Lio LARIATS! Action has a fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON then SUPERKICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Truth goes to ropes but Action is after him with a CHOP!
Action brings Truth over but now Cage snipes the tag. They argue but Cage whips Truth to then ELBOW him down! Cage hauls Truth back up, CHOKES him on the ropes, and the ref counts. Cage lets off, even Callis gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo, Archer CHOKES Truth, but he stops so Cage can bring Truth up. Tag to Archer and the Machines mug Truth. The fans tell Callis off, but Archer whips Truth to a corner. Archer runs up to ELBOW, then he keeps moving, for another ELBOW! Archer keeps going, another ELBOW! Truth flops over and Archer laughs. Archer drags Truth over, he tags Cage, and Cage stomps Truth.
Cage paces while Turbo & Top Flight coach Truth. Truth fires body shots on Cage, then fires hands! Cage KNEES Truth down, but Truth JAWBREAKERS back! Cage staggers, Truth crawls, but Cage BLASTS Turbo! The fans boo but Cage scoops and SLAMS Truth! Cage flexes, the fans boo, but then Truth rolls him up! TWO!! Cage escapes, grabs Truth, but Truth fires hands! Cage holds on but Truth throws more hands! Cage CLOBBERS Truth! Cage shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” Cage takes a swing but Turbo counter punches! Truth hits a BIG back suplex! Both Cage and Truth are down and the fans rally up!
Cage and Truth crawl, they reach out, hot tags to Archer and Turbo! Turbo dodges Archer, Top Flight DOUBLE GAMANGIRI! Turbo rallies on Lio with haymakers! Action runs up, but into a scoop SLAM! Lio staggers into a scoop SLAM! Scoop SLAM for Action! Turbo scoop SLAMS Lio onto Action! But Archer choke grips! The fans are torn but Turbo breaks free! Turbo wants to scoop but Archer’s too big! Cage CLUBS Turbo, he intercepts Truth, but The Outrunners DOUBLE SUPLEX Cage! Archer has Turbo again, scoops, but Turbo slips free! Truth helps out, DOUBLE SCOOP SLAM! The fans fire up for The Outrunners!
Top Flight get in, they DOUBLE SUPERKICK Action! And now, we get a QUADRUPLE HANDSHAKE! And QUADRUPLE ELBOW DROPS! The fans are all fired up as Dante tags in! Dante leaps over Cage, comes back, but Cage LARIATS him inside out! Cage reels Dante in but The Outrunners make the save! They double whip and DOUBLE BOOT Cage! Lio & Action are back, they TOSS the Outrunners and DOUBLE HANDSPRING KICK! Then they DOUBLE DIVE! Down go the Outrunners, right into the desk! Action goes back for Top Fight, but he ends up in the SHOTGUN GERMAN!
Lio returns, whips, but Darius helps Dante go e up and over! Dante helps Darius TORNADO DDT! Cage is back, he clinches Dante for the FULL NELSON SLAM! Archer has Darius, SUPER CHOKE SLAM! And then Cage has Dante! The Machines give Dante the CHOKE SLAM BOMB!! Cover, OUTRUNNERS BREAK IT! The fans are thunderous, but then Cage runs up! Outrunners dodge to DOUBLE LARIAT Cage, taking themselves up and out with him! Archer has Dante in the danger zone, but Lio tags in! Archer is pissed, but Lio says it’s the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, Bad Child and team win!
Winners: Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer, by pinfall
Don Callis doesn’t appreciate the bad boys of AEW stealing this win from their own teammates, but “Oh my God, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy have had enough watching backstage, they’re out front for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Brother Zay dares Lio & Action to pull up and try something. Lio says that’s fine, they can have their match right now! But no, Zero Hour is almost over and Worlds End is already jam packed. When and where will Lio & Action get their shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Triple J.
Lexy is with Jarrett, Lethal, Sonjay & Satnam, and she congratulates them. Lethal says he could not be more proud of his friend, Jarrett! Get Karen on the phone! But then Jarrett tells Sonjay something, and Sonjay is rather confused and upset by it. Jarrett says it doesn’t matter, it isn’t Sonjay’s decision. Lethal asks what’s going on and Jarrett says that for the last 30+ years, the week between Christmas and New Years, he would reflect on his career and look ahead to the future. That’s no different here and now. Jarrett says Wednesday, Asheville, Fight for the Fallen, the mother of all simulcasts, Jarrett has an announcement about his career!
Jarrett heads out, leaving Satnam and Lethal just as confused. What could the Last Outlaw be thinking for 2025? Will at least be good news?
Where will you be then the world ends?
Welcome to the Jungle by Guns ‘n’ Roses plays, and the lyrics are most fitting: You can have anything you want, but be careful who you take it from. There are dangerous men and women on both sides of these championships, and even one diamond ring. But in this wrestling ring, everyone thinks they’re the hero of their own story, born to slay the villain. But hero, villain, somewhere in between, it really only matters if you’re the one standing tall at the end. “You know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby! You’re gonna diiiie~!” So again, where will you be when the world ends? Time to find out.
AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Kyle Fletcher VS Will Ospreay!
The top seed in Blue League takes on the second seed in Gold League, and by a bit of serendipity, the C2 brings us a rematch from Full Gear! The Protostar bested his former mentor, but can he do it again? Or will the Aerial Assassin finally have his revenge?
The bell rings and there’s no clock on this one, there has to be a winner! Kyle runs up but Ospreay dodges to CHOP and CHOP! Ospreay whips, Khyel reverses but Ospreay BOOST him! Ospreay runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and RAN- NO! Kyle brings Ospreay up but Ospraey fights free! Ospreay fires a forearm, Kyle CHOSP! Kyle runs, Ospreay hurdles then drops, but Kyle keeps moving! Ospreay ducks the kick to roll Kyle, but Kyle rolls through! Ospreay dodges to springboard, OSC- NO, Kyle stops that to suplex! Ospreay slips out, each man dodges and counters, then Ospreay sweeps! Cover, ONE, and Kyle avoids the buzzsaw!
The fans fire up while Kyle bails out, he needs to slow things down. The ring count starts, fans sing for “Ospreay~ Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” Kyle takes his time but he returns at 6 of 10. The fans rally up again and Ospreay circles with Kyle. They feel things out but Kyle backs off as fans cheer Ospreay. They go again, Kyle kicks low then ROCKS Ospreay. Kyle CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” and Kyle mocks the Ospreay fans. But Ospreay CHOPS Kyle! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ospreay has Kyle in a corner, fires hands, then follows him to another corner. Ospreay swings but Kyle dodges to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Kyle ignores it.
Kyle whips, Ospreay grabs ropes then dodges to LARIAT Kyle up and out! The fans fire up and Ospreay aims to PLANCHA! Kyle moves so Ospreay lands on the apron. CANNONBALL! And Ospreay even lands on his feet! The fans are thunderous and Ospreay gives a little salute. Ospreay then takes his time to go bring the steel steps around. The fans rally, the ring count is 5, but Kyle BOOTS Ospreay! Kyle storms up on Ospreay and whips, but Ospreay LEAPS over the steps! Then comes back to FLYING RAN- NO! Kyle makes that an APRON POWERBOMB! Ospreay falls in a heap, Kyle refreshes the ring count, and he looms over Ospreay.
Kyle scoops, and he aims to run and LAWN DART Ospreay into the LED barriers! Kyle grins and soaks up heat while standing on the barriers. Kyle even flexes on ’em before he goes back to Ospreay. Kyle snatches a fan’s sign, rips it, and wipes his butt with it! But that guy has a second copy of his sign! Kyle says “SUCK IT!” then refreshes the ring count. Kyle stalks Ospreay, drags him up, and says he loves seeing Ospreay busted open! Fans tell off Kyle but he SMACKS Ospreay off the steps! Kyle soaks up more heat, then he stalks Ospreay. Kyle puts Ospreay in the ring, paces, and Ospreay reaches out in a daze.
Ospreay stands but Kyle BOOTS him down! The crimson mask is already pretty much colored in, and Ospreay sputters back up. Kyle stands Ospreay up to give him Kawada Kicks! Ospreay’s blood paints those nice new white boots! Ospreay staggers back but Kyle TASTES the blood! The fans tell Kyle he’s sick, but Kyle goes over to Ospreay. Kyle climbs up and he rains down fists! The fans boo but Kyle goes all the way to TEN! Kyle again tastes the blood, but Ospreay YANKS Kyle down! Kyle hits buckles, and Ospreay ROCKS Kyle with haymakers! Ospreay whips, Kyle blocks and swings, but Ospreay dodges! Handspring, but Kyle catches him!
LAWN DART into buckles! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but even he has to check it was two. The ref checks on Ospreay, that blood is flowing. Kyle wants the ref to call this but Ospreay refuses to give up. Kyle kicks at Ospreay, eggs him on, but Ospreay CHOPS! There wasn’t that much behind it, but Ospreay CHOPS again. Kyle eggs Ospreay on but Ospreay fires a forearm! Kyle BOOTS Ospreay! Ospreay wobbles, Kyle soaks up heat, but then Kyle runs in at Ospreay! Ospreay LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! Ospreay storms back up to fire off fast hands! Ospreay whips, BACKDROPS, and he brings Kyle righ tup!
Ospreay bumps Kyle off buckles, then scoops him, for a LAWN DART! Payback there, then a BOOT! The fans fire up as Ospreay steadies himself, STANDING SKY TWISTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay has to blink the blood out of his eyes while he goes to the apron. Ospreay aims, springboards, but Kyle gets under! Mule kick to a leg, SUPERKICK to the face! Kyle reels Ospreay in for a suplex, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! The fans fire up and Ospreay rises! But Kyle snatches his arms! SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Ospreay staggers up, Kyle runs in, but into a STANDING SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Ospreay has a wild grin!
The fans rally and sing for Ospreay as he drags Kyle up and reels him in. Kyle resists but Ospreay gives him Kawada Kicks! Ospreay stands Kyle up to CHOP! Kyle staggers and drops to his knees, but Ospreay eggs him on. Kyle stands, and he nods to then CHOP! Ospreay nods, and he CHOPS! The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth! Ospreay roars, and he CHOPS again! Kyle goes to ropes and grits his teeth. Ospreay puts his hands back, daring Kyle to take another shot. Kyle says bet, but then Ospreay blocks the superkick! HOOK KICK! Ospreay runs but then Kyle dodges! Ospreay slips through the lariat to lift!
Kyle slips free, he lifts, but Ospreay pops out the back! Ospreay dodges to springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and the fans fire up as Ospreay aims from a corner. HIDDEN- LARIAT! Kyle takes Ospreay down, but hauls him right up! Scoop and “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay POISON-RANAS! Kyle steals HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down on the blood painted canvas, the fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for giving us this artwork of violence! The ref has a standing count, but both men are rising at 4 of 10. Kyle and Ospreay go forehead to forehead, then give junkyard dog headbutts!
Kyle has Ospreay’s blood painting his forehead, but they keep going! They stand, and they keep giving these headbutts! Ospreay runs to HEADBUTT, but Kyle returns the favor! They shift to shoulders, Kyle FLYING- SUPERKICK!! Ospreay takes Kyle outta the air! The fans fire up again and Ospreay aims from a corner. Ospreay runs in, but Kyle rolls him! Kyle uses the ropes! The ref sees that and says nope! Kyle says the ref should just do his job and count! The ref says hell no, not like that. Kyle shoves the ref, the ref shoves Kyle, HIDDEN BLADE from Ospreay!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives but Ospreay takes off the elbow pad!
Ospreay aims again but Kyle uses the ref as a shield! Then SUPERKICK! Ospreay goes to a corner, Kyle GAMANGIRIS! And then suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives and Kyle is furious! So he POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Ospreay survives and Kyle is livid! The fans are loving this, though, as Ospreay crawls to a corner. Fans rally for Ospreay and again say, “This is Awesome!” Kyle seethes, but he runs in for an ENZIGIRI!! Kyle keeps Ospreay on his feet, and he tells him this is what he gets! GAMANGIRI!! Then suplex and STUN DOG RANA!!!
Ospreay rolls through and high stacks into a STYLES CLASH!!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
Kyle put Ospreay through so much, and not just here tonight, but Ospreay perseveres! And now, he’s one of tonight’s finalists! Will Ospreay battle THE Continental Champion, Kazuchika Okada? Or will it be The One & Only Ricochet that meets his old rival in the end?
AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Ricochet VS Kazuchika Okada!
This here is now the flipside, as the top seed in the Gold League takes on the second seed in the Blue League. HOWEVER, Ricochet must make it through THE Continental Champion, THE greatest tournament wrestler, THE Rainmaker! Will THE defending champion make it to the finals of this tournament? Or will THE One & Only make sure the C2 is #OuttaThisWorld?
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Ricochet and Okada circle, the fans cheering on “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” Okada and Ricochet tie up, and Okada puts Ricochet in a corner. Ricochet turns things around, then lets off fast to back up. Fans taunt Ricochet with “BALD! BALD! BALD!” Ricochet and Okada tie up again, and Okada again puts Ricochet in a corner. Ricochet again turns things around, but Okada pulls an ear! The ref counts, Okada lets go, and Ricochet protests. Okada says this is for Ricochet pulling hair earlier. Ricochet swings, Okada dodges to kick and headlock. Ricochet powers up and out but Okada runs him over!
Ricochet kips up and stares Okada down. Okada kicks low, whips, but Ricochet rolls over Okada’s back. Okada runs up, Ricochet dodges to roll back and RANA! Ricochet kips up then DROPKICKS! Okada bails out and fans boo Ricochet, but Ricochet just blows a kiss. Ricochet runs but Okada gets in, to BOOT Ricochet right down! The fans fire up while Ricochet flounders around. Okada stalks Ricochet to a corner, then ELBOWS him! Ricochet staggers but Okada stalks Ricochet to another corner. Okada throws another ELBOW, then brings “BALDIE! BALDIE!” around to snapmare. Okada hushes the fans, and he runs and runs and runs, to then redirect!
Okada runs more, then SLAPS Ricochet on the back of the head! The fans fire up and Ricochet goes to a corner. Okada whips Ricochet corner to corner, then runs in, but Ricochet goes up and out! Ricochet slingshots but Okada DECKS him! Okada goes to the apron but Ricochet rolls back in. Okada stands Ricochet, DECKS him, then steps in, but Ricochet grabs the leg! HOTSHOT down low! The fans boo but Ricochet talks trash. Ricochet then builds speed and DIVES! Right into the desk! “What’s good now, huh?!” Ricochet flicks his head sweat at the fans! Ricochet soaks up more heat, then he puts Okada back in.
Ricochet springboards, and he FLYING LARIATS! The fans boo more but Ricochet covers, TWO! Okada stays in this but Ricochet KNEES him in the back again and again! Ricochet hears the fans laughing at him and singing “Hey Hey Hey~, You’re Bald~!” Ricochet drops an elbow, BOOTS Okada, then steps on him. Ricochet clamps onto Okada with a GROUND COBRA TWIST, and he even digs his knuckles into the ribs. Ricochet shifts to a ghost pin, TWO! Ricochet keeps Okada down with a basement SHOULDER TACKLE! And then another! Ricochet swaggers but fans boo. Ricochet taunts Okada and pulls his hair!
Ricochet flicks the hair on his hands at the ref, and he mocks the Okada fans. “This is the great Okada, huh?” Okada scowls as he sits up, and the fans rally as Okada stares Ricochet down. Ricochet CHOPS, but Okada rises up. Ricochet CHOPS, fires a forearm, but Okada winds up to fire back! The fans rally, Okada whips, but Ricochet goes up and over! Ricochet keeps moving, but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges! Ricochet TIGER WALL KICK! Forearm, SOBAT, and- FLAPJACK! Okada turns things around but both men are down while the fans fire up! Okada glares at Ricochet, then fires forearms. Okada whips, Ricochet reverses, but Okada ELBOWS him down!
Ricochet goes to a corner, Okada runs up and ELBOWS him again! Okada kicks low then hits a DDT! Ricochet gets stuffed! Cover, TWO! Ricochet toughs it out but Okada looms over him. Okada eggs Ricochet on, then runs up, but he blocks a boot! Okada ROCKS Ricochet again, but Ricochet fights the gut wrench! Ricochet RAMS Okada into buckles, then runs in. Okada puts Ricochet on the apron but Ricochet RAMS into him! Ricochet springboards, Okada dodges and gets under the handspring! But Ricochet gets around to back suplex! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!
Okada toughs it out but Ricochet drags him to a drop zone. Ricochet soaks up heat while he climbs up top, then 450- NO, he has to roll through as Okada moves! Ricochet comes back, but Okada pops him up into the Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet stays in this but Okada stays cool. Okada brings Ricochet up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Standard formula means Okada goes to the corner and climbs up. Okada aims for the MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up with Okada, and Okada brings out the Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada brings Ricochet up to ripcord, but Ricochet fireman’s carries!
Ricochet says “Sorry!” DETONATION- NO, Okada blocks the kick! But Ricochet slips through the lariat to fireman’s carry! Okada slips free, Ricochet ELBOWS him and runs, but into Okada’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Okada scoops! Ricochet slips free, dragon sleeper and suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!?! Ricochet hurries up to a corner! SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Ricochet is a bit stunned. Ricochet goes to a corner, he loads up and takes aim. SPIRIT- NO, Okada ducks! Okada BOOTS, Ricochet HEEL KICKS! And V-TRIGGER! ROUNDHOUSE! Okada DROPKICKS back!
The fans fire up while both men are down again! The ref starts a standing count, and both men stir at 3 of 10. Ricochet goes to ropes while Okada grits his teeth. Both men stand at 6, and Okada runs up, but into a KNEE from Ricochet! Ricochet reloads, SPIRIT- Scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Okada then ripcords, RAINMAKER!! Cover, OKADA WINS!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
And now the Continental Championship is set! Okada will have his chance to defend his title, and we’ll see him face off with a former disciple! Will Okada teach Ospreay that no matter what, The Rainmaker is still the greatest tournament champion?
Wait, someone throws a toilet paper streamer into the ring! And then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up as The Realest makes his way out here! Swerve has a mic but he hears the fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve says Ricochet got about as far as he did in last year’s C2. But didn’t Ricochet vow he was gonna win it all? And Swerve being a man of his word… He said if Ricochet blew it, as he just did… Swerve was going to embarrass Ricochet in a big way. Ricochet did everything Swerve knew he would, and that was run his mouth. Interviews, internet, and he even said if not for Ricochet, AEW wouldn’t exist!
Ricochet’s talked a lot of mess, and Swerve is gonna be the one to clean up a mess. What’s the best way to clean up a mess? Prince Nana brings out a wheelbarrow of toilet paper! He hands out rolls to the fans! Swerve says the front row here, let’s help Ricochet. They want a “clean slate” for Ricochet, right? They’ll forget 2024 and move on to 2025, right? So with the “instruments” Nana is handing out, let’s wish Ricochet a Happy New Year. On the count of three! One, two, THREE! HAPPY NEW YEAR~! The TP goes flying into the ring, and everyone cheers! Ricochet seethes while covered in TP, but Swerve says, “Happy New Year, Trevor.”
Swerve & Nana leave Ricochet behind, will Ricochet ever live down being number two in AEW?
Backstage interview with Will Ospreay.
The trainer finishes patching up Ospreay’s bloody forehead as Renee walks over to congratulate him. Now standing across him in the finals is his former mentor, Okada. Has Ospreay ever been in a situation like this before? Well, he doesn’t look to bad right now, does he? Is there something on his face? But in all seriousness, Ospreay thought to himself, “It don’t matter!” There’s a lot of wrestling tonight, everyone will be exhausted, but by the time Ospreay goes back out there, well, he has faced Okada about 10 times, but lost 8. So there is one thing Ospreay needs from Orlando: carry him through this!
That’s right, promise Ospreay you’ll get up off your asses and tell him that he can do this! Ospreay will fight every single inch, because he lives for this s*it! Okay, he’s a little lightheaded. He feels like he got run over by a truck. But hey, this is his former mentor, his “big brother,” so after Ospreay beats Okada, Ospreay is going to freakin’ DISNEYWORLD! In the immortal words of Tony Khan, LET’S EFFIN’ GO!! Ospreay is still banged up and bloody, but will he be golden after tonight?
AEW Women’s World Championship Tijuana Street Fight: Mariah May VS Thunder Rosa!
The Glamour claims she has “killed” the AEW Women’s Division because no one can stop her, but La Mera Mera promises this division still lives. And Rosa also has her father in the crowd for this, bringing dirt from the graveyards of Tijuana to give her strength. Rosa vows to take Mariah’s title and maybe even her soul, but will she have it all going into 2025? Or will the Woman From Hell make Rosa regret ever even trying?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and with nothing holding them back, we see how far these women are willing to go!
Mariah gets too close to Papa Thunder, and Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah for it! Then she fires hands and CHOPS her! Rosa puts Mariah in the ring, then runs up to wrench and snapmare, then SLIDING LARIAT! Rosa keeps moving, goes side to side and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Mariah stays in it after that fast ‘n’ furious start, but Rosa brings her up. Mariah throws Rosa down, rains down fists, and then CHOKES Rosa with her own bandanna! The fans boo but Mariah stands Rosa up and runs, only to miss the shotgun! Rosa puts Mariah on ropes to CHOKE her! The fans cheer as Rosa runs side to side, and UPPERCUTS Mariah in the back!
Rosa stomps around, the fans rally up, and Rosa runs again, to DROPKICK Mariah against ropes! Rosa drags Mariah to a cover, TWO! Mariah stays in this but Rosa kicks her around. Rosa goes out and starts looking under the ring. Rosa brings out chair after chair while Mariah crawls! Rosa even checks another side, and finds herself a trash can, another trash can, and she chucks one into the ring! Mariah avoids getting hit, then she bails out ot go up the ramp! But there’s no count outs and Rosa runs up to CLOBBER Mariah! Rosa drags Mariah up, but Mariah ROCKS Rosa! Mariah DDTS Rosa on the stage! Cover, TWO!
Mariah seethes but she goes for some of the decorations. Rosa grabs herself a big bottle of tequila! She takes a sip, and she SPITS it in Rosa’s face! Not even a spray, just straight up spit! Rosa gets pissed, and she TACKLES Mariah through the wall! Cover, TWO! Rosa CLUBS away on Mariah, then finds herself a trash can. Rosa has a wild grin and the fans cheer. Rosa turns around but Mariah SHOTGUNS the can and her! Then she chucks the trash can at her! Rosa tumbles down the ramp, returns to ringside, and the fans rally up. Mariah storms down to ringside, but Rosa SMASHES a beer bottle on Mariah’s head!!
Mariah goes down in a heap, the ref checks her, but Rosa covers, TWO!! Mariah survives getting smashed but the fans rally for Rosa. Rosa puts Mariah in the ring, hurries after her, and Rosa stomps Mariah around. Rosa has Mariah on ropes, bumps her off buckles, and then she digs her boot in! Rosa lets off to bring Mariah around and SMACKS her off a chair! Mariah writhes but Rosa digs the chair into Mariah’s neck! Rosa tells Mariah that she’s gonna regret hitting on her dad! Rosa stands Mariah up, but Mariah HEADBUTTS!! Mariah then runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Rosa stays in this but Mariah stomps her around.
Mariah grabs a chair, and SMACKS Rosa on the back! Mariah then fires a forearm, but Rosa comes back with one of her own! The forearms go back and forth, the fans cheering Rosa and booing Mariah! Rosa fires a flurry, then kicks low and fireman’s carries! Rosa AIRPLANE SPINS Mariah to then hit a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Mariah is still in this but Rosa looks at her options. Fans want tables but Rosa goes for the pinata! The fans don’t mind that, because Rosa busts the thing open, to pour out THUMBTACKS!! Mariah freaks out but Rosa just steps over to stomp her! Rosa hauls Mariah up and brings her in!
Rosa tucks the arms, lifts, but Mariah fights! Mariah ROCKS Rosa, fireman’s carries Rosa, and hits MAYDAY on the tacks!! Cover, TWO!! Both women are hurting from the tacks sticking into them, but Rosa gets herself out of the ring. Mariah storms out after her, whips her, and Rosa is sent into the steel steps! Mariah then grins at Papa Thunder as she walks back over. Mariah takes his CANE of all things! Mariah mocks the old man, talks trash on him, then goes looking under the ring. Mariah brings out BARBED WIRE! Mariah wraps that around her leg, and she runs up on Rosa! Rosa dodges, Mariah crashes into steps!
Mariah writhes, Rosa covers, TWO! Mariah survives her double-edged tactic, but Rosa stands her up. Rosa whips Mariah into the railing right in front of the Thunder Family! And y’know what? Dad’s cane is now Rosa’s weapon! She SMACKS Mariah with it again and again, then drags her back up. Rosa puts Mariah against the apron to CHOP! Mariah falls in a heap, and Rosa brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up as Rosa brings that around and sets it up. Rosa stands Mariah up, fires forearms, and then lets her wobble. Rosa uses the table as a ramp! FLYING SHOTGUN DROPKICK! The fans are thunderous from that impact!
Rosa drags Mariah up, puts her in the ring, then storms up to cover, TWO! Mariah is still in this but Rosa goes for the steel chain! Rosa uses it to CHOKE Mariah! Rosa is digging her boot into Mariah’s back for leverage! Mariah endures, reaches out, but she has to crawl through tacks to get anywhere! Rosa lets go of the chain so she can grab that chair first! The fans fire up as Rosa sits the chair up. Rosa SMACKS Mariah off the seat! Then it’s back to the chain! Rosa CHOKES Mariah, drags her around like a dog on a leash, and the ref checks. Mariah finds a black bag, TIJUANA GRAVEYARD DIRT!!
Mariah drags Rosa up and to the apron, there’s a table waiting for them! PILEDRIVER down through the table!! Cover, Mariah wins!!
Winner: Mariah May, by pinfall (still AEW Women’s World Champion)
Mariah grins, having used Rosa’s good luck charm against her! Will no one stop the reign of glamour that Mariah is on?
AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring: MJF VS Adam Cole!
These two were the unlikeliest of friends, but that’s apparently because they were never truly friends at all. The Wolf of Wrestling angrily confessed that he was a snake all along, but he still thinks the Panama City Playboy is in the wrong for pulling the trigger first. Will Maxwell Jacob Friedman have the final say on The Ballad of Better Than You Baybay? Or is Cole about to shine like a diamond when he takes away the one thing MJF has left?
The introductions are made, The Kingdom guard the diamond ring, and we see who is really the hero here!
The bell rings and Cole stares down with MJF. Cole then rushes up but MJF bails out. MJF smirks and says we do this on his time. But Cole BOOTS him down! Cole rains down fists, then drags MJF up to throw into railing! Cole tells SOB MJF to get up! Cole puts MJF in the ring, goes up a corner, but MJF hurries out the side again. The fans boo but Cole hops down to then follow MJF. MJF wants mercy, but then he YANKS Cole into the steel steps! MJF rolls in and rests. The fans chant, “He’s a Scumbag!” while MJF slowly stands up. MJF says if he needed their help, he’d ask for it! STFU!! The fans boo MJF instead.
Cole sits up and he’s busted open! MJF mockingly asks if Cole is okay. MJF slaps Cole around, then runs him into a POST! MJF stares down the fans flipping him off, and he does the step. MJF sits Cole up to CLAW Cole’s face, all while staring the fans down. MJF puts Cole in the ring, mocks the “BOOM!” then flips fans off. MJF does push-ups and then clamps on a headlock. MJF fires hands, the ref reprimands, but MJF lets go to soak up more heat. MJF goes back to Cole, and Cole’s not bleeding as bad as Ospreay was. Cole JAWBREAKERS, then he fires haymakers! Cole runs but MJF throws him down by his hair!
The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but MJF clamps onto Cole. MJF BITES the forehead! The ref counts, MJF lets off to spit, and says that tastes like crap! The fans tell MJF he’s sick, but MJF clamps onto Cole with a SLEEPER! Cole endures, the fans rally up, but MJF grinds Cole to the mat. The fans rally up more, Cole gets his second wind and he fights to his feet! Cole fires body shots, then forearms! Cole whips, MJF reverses, but Cole leaps! MJF catches Cole for a POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cole survives and MJF argues with the ref. The ref says the count was fair, so MJF drags Cole to a corner.
MJF goes up and he looks to parody Cole again. “M J F, BAYBAY!” LONG ISLAND SUN- SUPERKICK! Cole takes MJF down, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Cole rises, MJF runs up, but Cole dodges! LARIAT! ELBOW! BOOT! Cole then waistlocks but MJF switches. Cole breaks free to PELE! And then BACKSTABBER! Cole suplexes for the GHOST BUSTER! Cover, TWO! MJF survives but Taven & Bennett tell Cole to keep going. Cole goes to the corner and he climbs up. MJF rises, into the PANAMA- NO, MJF ducks under, and Cole’s leg jams! MJF CHOP BLOCKS that leg! The fans boo but MJF takes advantage of the bad leg!
MJF stands on the bad foot, and then he STOMPS it! The fans boo while Cole writhes, but MJF tells them all to shut up. MJF then stalks Cole, drags him up, and he puts Cole in a corner. MJF puts the leg around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, MJF lets go, and MJF seethes as he goes around. MJF goes to Cole again, whips corner to corner, but Cole falls in a heap! Cole is upset with himself, and MJF says Cole is a joke, just like all the fans here! The ref check with Cole, Cole says he’s not giving up, so MJF slides out and brings Cole to the corner! MJF SWINGS the bad leg into the post! MJF talks trash to the fans, then goes back for Cole.
MJF SWINGS the leg back into the post! The ref reprimands but MJF refreshes the count. MJF struts around, then soaks up more heat from Orlando. MJF goes back to Cole, grabs the leg, but Cole YANKS MJF into the post! Cole rolls away, shakes out the bad leg, and The Kingdom cheers Cole on! The fans rally for Cole, too, and now MJF is busted open! MJF and Cole have matching crimson masks now, and MJF flounders into the ring. MJF staggers against the ropes, but he storms up on Cole all the same. MJF throws hands but Cole throws counter punches! Cole fires shot after shot, then fires off in the corner!
Cole climbs up, and he rains down fists! The ref counts but so do the fans, and Cole goes to nine, then winds up, “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” And then Cole BITES MJF’s bloody forehead! Cole snapmares MJF down, then goes up the corner! PANAMA CITY SUNRISE!! And then THE BOOM!! Cover, TWO!!! MJF survives and shocks Cole! The Kingdom is surprised, too, but they and the fans rally for Cole. Cole stands, and he brings down the kneepad! Cole runs again, but MJF drops on his face! Cole is annoyed, but he drags MJF up. Cole tells MJF that this ends when Cole says so. Cole runs again, but MJF stands to CHOP BLOCK!
Cole flounders around and MJF crawls to the far side. The fans rally up while both men glare at each other. They talk trash, and MJF claims he never cared about Cole! MJF runs up, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up, and Cole gets the edge! Cole has MJF on his knees, but MJF SPITS at Cole! So Cole SUPERKICKS! Cole roars, runs, but MJF CHOP BLOCKS again! Step through, and FIGURE FOUR!! The fans rally as hard as they can while Cole endures! MJF roars as he puts as much pressure on as he can! MJF thrashes around, Cole falls back, and it’s a cover! TWO as Cole sits up! MJF thrashes more, but Cole flips him off!
The fans rally as Cole works to turn things over! MJF resists, but Cole still flips the hold! MJF endures now, but he crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK! The hold is undone and MJF goes to the apron. Cole sits up slowly while The Kingdom coaches him from afar. MJF sits up on the apron while the ref checks on Cole. MJF sees The Kingdom, they dare him to try something. MJF SMACKS the steps and pulls an Eddie Guerrero! The ref thinks The Kingdom did it!? The fans defend the Kingdom’s innocence! The ref still EJECTS The Kingdom!! The fans boo but MJF smirks. MJF slithers his way to the diamond ring!
MJF has the diamond ring on his finger! MJF runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Cole sees the ring on MJF’s finger, slips it off, and puts it on his own! So now The Kingdom argue to distract! Security ushers The Kingdom away, but MJF LOW BLOWS Cole!! MJF puts Cole in ropes, and hits a HEATSEEKER!! Cover, MJF wins!!
Winner: MJF, by pinfall (still Dynamite Diamond Ring Bearer)
MJF grins as he steals another win! But this win won’t be enough, MJF grabs a chair! MJF runs off the ref, has them cut his music, and he wants everyone hear it when he breaks Cole’s leg!! MJF puts the chair around Cole’s already repaired ankle, and he grins as he aims. But wait, The Kingdom returns? No, wait, it’s RODERICK STRONG! Roddy runs down the ring, MJF runs away, but wait! KYLE O’REILLY is here! MJF feels stuck between rock and a hard place, and yep! Kyle sends MJF into the ring! MJF panics, but he ends up in the TOTAL ANNIHILATION! Kyle & Roddy take out MJF, and they help Cole to his feet!
The fans cheer as the Undisputed OG all have MJF! Cole has the ring still on his finger, DYNAMITE DIAMOND PUNCH!! Cole SPITS on the ring and says MJF can have the damn thing. Cole leaves MJF behind, without a single friend in this world, as he celebrates with all HIS friends! Will Cole, Kyle, Roddy, Taven & Bennett make 2025 undisputed?
AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!
We know The Don Callis Family isn’t really a family, or else they never would’ve forgotten about such a big part of their success like they did The Powerhouse. But will Hobbs make sure no one ever forgets his name ever again? Or will Takeshita prove why HE is The Alpha of AEW?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind!
The bell rings and Callis joins commentary to say this is all to prove a point, and that point is Takeshita is the best bell-to-bell wrestler. Takeshita fires a forearm, but Hobbs fires back! Fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as the shots keep going back and forth! Hobbs gets the edge, he ROCKS Takeshita, then he whips. They RAM shoulders, then run again. Hobbs RAMS Takeshita, then dodges a lariat to POUNCE him! The fans fire up as Takeshita bails out and Callis panics! Hobbs paces while the ring count climbs, but then Hobbs goes out after Takeshita. Hobbs tells Callis to watch this. He ROCKS Takeshita again!
Hobbs ROCKS Takeshita again, and he signals he’ll be champ soon. Hobbs hauls Takeshita up, scoops him, and APRON POWERSLAMS him! Then APRON POWERSLAMS again! And then APRON SLAMS again! The fans tell off Callis and Hobbs agrees. Callis cowers behind Schiavone but Hobbs pushes Takeshita into the ring. But Takeshita CLAWS Hobbs’ eyes! Takeshita goes out to the apron and he brings Hobbs around. Takeshita says thumbs down, and he fireman’s carries! Hobbs fights, but Takeshita hits an APRON KNEE BREAKER!! Callis says ichiban (number one) and Takeshita nods.
Takeshita storms up on Hobbs, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the apron! Takeshita puts Hobbs in the ring, then drags him to a corner. Takeshita SWINGS Hobbs’ leg into the post! The ref reprimands but Takeshita SWINGS the leg into the post again! Takeshita then ELBOWS the knee! Hobbs dangles off the apron but Takeshita brings him around. The fans rally but Takeshita puts Hobbs back in. Takeshita tells them all to calm it down, then rolls in after Hobbs. Takeshita drags Hobbs by his leg, and hits a FOOT DDT! Hobbs writhes but Takeshita grins. Takeshita drags Hobbs by the leg, but Hobbs fires hands!
Takeshita FOOT DDTS again! Hobbs clutches his knee while the fans rally up. Hobbs goes to ropes, Takeshita storms over, and Takeshita wraps the bad leg around ropes! The ref counts, but Takeshita stands on the leg! The ref counts more, Takeshita steps off at 4, and Takeshita drags Hobbs up on the apron. Hobbs fights the suplex! Hobbs fires body shots, and he suplexes! Takeshita fights that to suplex Hobbs up and over! The fans fire up, that was definitely impressive. Takeshita looms over Hobbs to taunt him, then brings him up. Hobbs CHOPS! Takeshita shakes his head, but Hobbs stands. Hobbs ROCKS Takeshita!
Takeshita CLAWS Hobbs’ face! The ref reprimands, but Takeshita whips. Hobbs blows through the lariat to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Hobbs huffs ‘n’ puffs as he drags himself up with ropes. Hobbs hobbles, but he gets the fans chanting, “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs runs to LARIAT Takeshita in the corner! Hobbs throws LARIAT after LARIAT, “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs lets off as the ref counts, then throws more “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs roars, Takeshita hobbles, and Hobbs reels him in! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Takeshita survives and Hobbs grows frustrated.
Hobbs slaps his leg into working and the fans rally up again. Hobbs stands, Takeshita also stands, and Hobbs runs up to fire more forearms! Hobbs whips, then SPINE- NO, Takeshita CLUBS free! Takeshita whips but Hobbs blocks! Hobbs grins, then he ROCKS Takeshita! Scoop and- NO, Takeshita slips free to scoop back! And then he tucks Hobbs in! BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives being crunched and the fans rally up. Takeshita huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Hobbs LARIATS, Takeshita LARIATS, repeat! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Then Hobbs gets the edge, only for Takeshita to duck!
Takeshita waistlocks, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up and Takeshita takes aim! POWER DRIVE- NO! Hobbs blocks, not enough power! Takeshita ALPHA ELBOWS! Takeshita runs, but Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Both men rise fast, and they both roar! They both run up, HOBBS LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!!! Takeshita survives and Hobbs is beside himself! Callis is relieved, but the fans rally up for Hobbs. Hobbs hobbles but he stalks Takeshita. Takeshita rises, Hobbs gets him up, but Takeshita slips free! CHOP BLOCK! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, ONE?!?!
The fans are shocked, Callis is freaking out, but Hobbs short arm LARIATS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Takeshita survives and Callis can breathe again. Takeshita is in a drop zone, and Hobbs climbs!? The fans are fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” but Takeshita hurries to anchor Hobbs! Takeshita climbs, Hobbs CLUBS him, but Takeshita still goes to the very top! Hobbs’ bad leg won’t let him stay up so he drops to the apron! Takeshita hops down, too, both men are running on fumes. Takeshita crawls into the ring, and he storms up to the corner! Takeshita drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires hands from below!
Fans chant “Please Be Careful!” as Takeshita hauls Hobbs back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Takeshita pulls it off, and then he goes up a corner, SUPER SENTON!! But Takeshita isn’t done, he aims from another corner! Hobbs slowly rises, into the POWER DRIVE- SPINEBUSTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Takeshita survives and Hobbs is shocked! The fans rally for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Hobbs stands. Hobbs brings down the straps and the fans fire up even more! Callis fears what’s next, but Takeshita goes to the apron. But Hobbs storms over, and now Hobbs is bringing Takeshita up the corner! Callis is afraid again.
But Takeshita CLAWS Hobbs’ eyes! The fans boo but Takeshita goes up, only for Hobbs to clinch! SUPER POWERSLAM!! Both men are down as the bad leg doesn’t let Hobbs cover! Hobbs loosens the knee brace while fans declare “This is Awesome!” The ref helps Hobbs with the brace, and Hobbs hobbles over to Takeshita. Hobbs hauls Takeshita up, but Takeshita kicks the leg out! And then ALPHA ELBOW!! Hobbs wobbles, Takeshita runs up, POWER DRIVE KNEE! And now a FRONT GUILLOTINE!! Hobbs endures, the fans rally, and Takeshita squeezes tight! Then he suplexes, RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Takeshita wins!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)
Callis sighs in relief as his Alpha survives! Takeshita embraces the title, but now he is headed for the TokyoDome! Will Takeshita make it through the WrestleKingdom-WrestleDynasty double header still the AEW International Champion? Or will Takeshita’s 2025 start with him losing it all?
Backstage interview with Kazuchika Okada.
Renee is with The Rainmaker and congratulates him on the win. He is now in the C2 Finals, facing Will Ospreay. Renee brings up how Ospreay mentioned their long relationship. How does it feel for Okada to be facing Ospreay again? Okada tells Ospreay that he is Okada’s younger brother, his “little” brother. Ospreay is on another level, but not Okada’s level, “b*tch!” Will nothing stop the greatest tournament winner from being Continental Champion?
AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone VS Kris Statlander!
It is a rematch from Full Gear, and while The Two Belt Boss hasn’t lost any of her confidence, the #BornAgainKristen has a renewed sense of who she is. Will Kris remind us all she IS The Galaxy’s Greatest? Or will the Defeater of the Undefeated once again fail to defeat The CEO?
The introductions are made, the teal belt is raised, and we see if Mone stays perfect on the year!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as these two stare down. They circle, tie up, and go around. Kris SHOVES Mone down and the fans cheer! Mone composes herself, she should remember that Kris is the physically stronger. They tie up again, and Mone gets around to then headlock. Kris powers up and out and she CLOBBERS Mone! Kris flexes, the fans cheer, and Mone gets annoyed. Mone runs up, Kris dodges and scoops, but Mone tilt-o-whirls! Kris cartwheels through the rana, but Mone dodges the shotgun to DORPKICK! But Kris kips up! The fans cheer the standoff, and Mone also applauds. Mone offers a handshake, Kris takes it, but Mone throws a cheap shot!
Mone whips but Kris reverses, and then Kris fireman’s carries! Kris hits a swing but Mone arm-drags free! Kris tumbles out of the ring and fans rally up. Mone builds speed to WRECK Kris with the baseball slide dropkick! The fans rally while Mone soaks up the heat. Mone drags Kris up and SMACKS her off steel steps! Mone refreshes the count, stalks Kris, and then knuckle locks to go up and up to FLYING ARM-DRAG Kris into the barriers! Mone isn’t done, she METEORAS Kris against the LEDs! Mone then hops up and stands on the barriers. She soaks up heat for a moment before she LEAPS, but into Kris’ arms!
Kris carries Mone around the way, and even up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength, and Kris SLAMS Mone on the apron! Mone rolls into the ring, Kris covers, TWO! Mone flounders away and Kris is annoyed, but she aims again. Kris runs up at the corner but Mone sends her into buckles! Roll up, TWO! Mone runs up, but Kris pops her up! Mone RANAS, covers, TWO! Kris hurries up but Mone wrenches and reels her in! But it’s Kris who suplexes! But Mone cradle counters! TWO!! Kris escapes, swings, but Mone dodges! Only for Kris to SNAP POWERSLAM! And then she deadlifts Mone for a BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up as Kris is turning things up a notch! Another deadlift, and a FALL AWAY SLAM! Mone flounders out to the apron while fans fire up. Kris storms over, brings Mone up the corner, and fans duel as Kris has Mone on the very top! Mone fires body shots, so Kris adjusts to a fireman’s carry! Mone still fights, CLUBS away on Kris again, then she slips under! Mone has Kris for an APRON POWERBOMB! Kris flops to the floor and the fans fire up! A ring count starts but Mone rolls into the ring. Kris is still down at 3 of 10, and Mone grins as she lets it continue. Kris rolls into the ring at 6, but Mone dropkicks her! Cover, TWO!
Mone is frustrated already, and she KNEES Kris in the back again and again! Mone clamps on a chinlock, but the fans rally for Kris. Kris fights up, fires body shots, but Mone knees low! Mone whips Kris to a corner, soaks up some more cheers and jeers, then runs in, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Mone keeps calm. The fans rally and duel, but Mone stands Kris up. Mone whips Kris back to the corner, then whips her in again! Kris comes back to LARIAT! And ELBOWS! Kris drags Mone up, back suplexes, but Mone lands out! BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Kris survives again and Mone shrieks.
Mone shakes her head but the fans rally up again. Mone stalks Kris, talks trash, and then drags Kris up by her hair. Mone grabs the arms for a straitjacket stretch! The fans rally again as Kris endures, and Kris fights to her feet. But Mone hits another BACKSTABBER! Mone keeps the straitjacket on to hit another BACKSTABBER! And now Mone bends Kris against the knees! Kris endures, fights to loosen the hold, and the fans rally up! Kris stands, and she RAMS Mone into buckles! And then in again! But Mone throws Kris down by the hair! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Mone hops up the corner.
Mone leaps, but Kris turns Meteora into POWERBOMB! The fans fire up while both women are down again! Mone and Kris stir, and Mone crawls to ropes. Kris rises, dodges Mone, and she short arm LARIATS! Then short arm LARIATS again! And again! Kris whips Mone to a corner, roars and runs in, UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side to KNEE! O’Conner Roll, CHAOS THEORY! Cover, TWO!! Mone survives but Kris keeps calm. The fans rally as Kris stands, and she vows to end it here! Kris hauls Mone up, gut wrenches her, but Mone fights around! But Kris stops the suplex to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Mone survives and Kris grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Kris brings Mone around by her arms, hauls her up to the top rope, and then CHOPS! Mone wobbles, Kris backs up to run up, but Mone BOOTS! Mone then adds DEADLY NIGHTSHADE, and shouts, “I hate you, Kris!” TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Mone is beside herself! The fans duel as Mone rises again. Mone brings Kris up and in, snap suplex! Una Amiga and Mone goes up again. Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! But wait, Mone isn’t done, she hits QUATRO! CINCO! Fans fire up as we get SEIS! SIETE!
The fans cheer as Mone gives us Seven Amigas before going to the corner. The fans chant “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Mone climbs. FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Mone has no idea what’s going on! The fans rally up while Kris flounders to the corner. Mone pounds the mat in frustration but goes to the far side. Mone scowls, revs up, and runs in, METEORA only gets buckles! Backslide! Roll through, but then Kris turns Mone again! Flip and tuck! PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Mone survives and now Kris is shocked! The fans rally but Kris drags Mone back up. Kris suplexes, Mone slips out!
Mone hits a JAWBREAKER! JAWBREAKER! JAWBREAKER! Mone ROCKS Kris, but Kris ROCKS Mone! Mone fires another forearm, but so does Kris! The fans are leaning towards Kris as the forearms keep going! Mone SLAPS and fires off palm strieks! But Kris gets around, waistlocks, but Mone runs to the apron! They both tumble out and even bring the apron skirt with them! The fans fire up as they both stand, and Mone ducks a shot to Gory Especial! MONEY MAKER to the floor! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks, they’re both okay to continue, so now a ring count starts.
Mone and Kris stir, and Mone sits up at 4 of 10. Mone rises at 5, staggers around, and she rolls in at 6. Kris sits up at 7, Mone grins as we hit 8! But then Mone decides to go out at 9! She doesn’t wanna win like that, but then she puts Kris’ leg in the ring mat threads! Mone KICKS Kris’ leg, and now Mone wants the count! Kris is stuck! She fights to get free, but Mone goes out to METEORA to the floor! Mone rains down fists, the ref reprimands and counts, but Mone just HAMMERS away on Kris! Mone stops as the ref continues to reprimand, and Mone leaves Kris behind. Mone again wants the count, but Kris is untying her boot?!
Kris frees herself from the ring, but the count is 5 of 10! Kris hobbles up at 6, so Mone goes back out! METEOR- NO! Kris catches Mone for an APRON F5!! Mone flounders, Kris storms in! Fireman’s carry for another F5!! Cover, TWO!!! Mone survives and the fans cannot believe it! Kris is completely frazzled over this, but she drags Mone to a drop zone. Kris goes up the corner and the fans fire up! But Mone hurries up to KICK the legs out! Kris is stuck on the top rope, so Mone goes out and drags her into an APRON TOMBSTONE!!! The fans lose their minds because that was a rough landing for Mone, too!
The ring count climbs, and technically Mone isn’t in the ring just yet. Mone rolls in from the apron at 6, but Kris is still down! It’s 7! 8! 9! KRIS SPRINGS IN AT 9.99!! And Mone is right there to be absolutely shocked! Kris glares up at Mone in defiance and the fans are thunderous! Mone asks, “Why won’t you die?!” Mone SLAPS Kris, then rolls her into the STATEMENT MAKER CROSSFACE!! Kris endures, reaches out, fights around, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Kris claws her way forward, but Mone shifts to the bare foot! STF!! Kris endures all over again, but she still fights her way forward! ROPEBREAK!!
Mone shrieks while she holds on, but she still lets go at 4! Mone demands Kris just give up already, but fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Mone says Kris will never be champion again, and she SLAPS Kris down! Mone runs, but Kris LARIATS!! Kris hauls Mone up, tucks her in, STATURDAY NIGHT- NO, Mone victory rolls through! ANKLE LOCK!!! Kris flails, reaches out, rolls, and Mone ends up on ropes! Kris O’Conner Rolls her in, TWO! But then another roll! TWO!! Kris has the waistlock! Mone fights, wrenches, rolls, lateral press but then a float, into the SEATBELT!! MONE WINS!!!
Winner: Mercedes Mone, by pinfall (still AEW TBS Champion)
Kris still could not overcome Mone, and now The CEO is going to go to Tokyo with two belts. Will Mone return with both those belts when she has to take on Mina Shirakawa at WrestleDynasty?
As for Kris, the fans cheer her incredible effort. Kris gets her other boot back, but will she ever get a belt back around her waist?
It’s time for the Revolution!
March 9th, Los Angeles, the world will set its eyes on AEW! Who will make it there to prove they ARE the Revolution?
AEW Continental Classic Finals: Will Ospreay VS Kazuchika Okada!
Round after round, point after point, it all comes down to this! The Aerial Assassin said it himself that he’s very rarely ever overcome his “big brother.” Will Ospreay make this another of those times and take the title? Or will The Rainmaker solidify his legacy as the greatest tournament wrestler today?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s finally time for the 2024 C2 finale!
The bell rings and the fans are already losing their minds just seeing this showdown happening in an AEW ring. The fans fire up more and more and Ospreay encourages it. Ospreay and Okada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada powers Ospreay to the ropes, but the ref counts. Okada lets off slowly, and he fakes the chop to pat Ospreay on the shoulder. But then he really DECKS Ospreay! The fans are torn but Ospreay staggers back up. Okada ROCKS him, but Ospreay fires back! They go back and forth, then Ospreay CHOPS! Okada is stinging, but Ospreay CHOPS him again! Ospreay whips Okada to a corner, runs in, but Okada BOOTS him!
Okada whips, Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up while Okada bails out, and Ospreay runs up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Okada and the fans fire up! Ospreay has to steady himself, that head is still beat up, but at least it’s bandaged up. Ospreay stalks Okada, the fans sing and cheer Ospreay on, but there is dueling between the Ospreay and Okada fans. Ospreay fires a forearm, then UPPERCUTS him! Ospreay refreshes the ring count, then he whips. Okada reverses, Ospreay goes up the railing, then hops into the front row! Ospreay ROCKS Okada, goes back up, but Okada gets under the jump!
Okada kicks and DDTS to the floor! The ring count climbs but Okada refreshes it. Okada drags Ospreay up while the fans rally. Okada puts Ospreay in the ring, but has him out on the apron! DRAPING DDT to the floor! Okada strikes like a Viper but the fans are torn. Okada soaks up cheers and jeers, but he sneaks a middle finger while scratching his head. Okada leaves Ospreay behind to the count, he can retain with this. Ospreay flounders but we’re at 5 of 10. Ospreay slips in but Okada hauls him up, another DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay stays in this but Okada stays calm. Okada paces while Ospreay slowly rises, and the fans rally up.
Okada scuffs Okada, kicks him, and mockingly asks if he’s alright. Ospreay CHOPS, so Okada kicks him again. Ospreay stands, he fires a forearm, but Okada eggs him on. Ospreay fires more forearms, but Okada knees low! And then NECKBREAKER! Ospreay sputters, Okada picks up some of the bloody tape and gauze, and he wipes his sweat away with it! The fans tell Okada he’s sick, but Okada kicks Ospreay around. Okada snatches what’s left of the tape, and he wears it like an armband! Okada flips Ospreay off, throws the bandages away, but Ospreay CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Okada knees low again!
Okada CLAWS the bloody forehead, then whips Ospreay to a corner. Okada runs up and he ELBOWS! Okada kicks and D- NO, Ospreay suplexes first! Okada sits up, face showing both shock and pain! The fans rally up while both men rise to their feet. Ospreay fires a flurry of forearms, then whips, but Okada reverses. Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans are thunderous and Ospreay goes to a corner! Springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Ospreay rolls to the cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Ospreay prepares that elbow pad. Ospreay slaps himself to fire back up! The fans rally with Ospreay as he goes to a corner.
Ospreay aims as Okada rises, HIDDEN- NO, Okada FLAPJACKS Ospreay! Ospreay got some air from that, and both men are down again. The fans rally back up while Ospreay rolls to a corner. Okada runs up but into a BOOT! Okada returns but Ospreay BOOTS him again! Ospreay goes up, but Okada DROPKICKS Ospreay! Ospreay ends up in a Tree of Woe on the outside! The ref hurries to help Ospreay free, and Ospreay tumbles to the floor. Okada grins as he has Ospreay where he wants him. Okada slides out and stalks Ospreay. The fans duel but Okada drags Ospreay up. Okada has the bad leg for a SHIN BREAKER!
Ospreay hobbles, the ring count climbs, but Okada rolls in just to refresh the count. Okada brings Ospreay around, gut wrenches, but Ospreay fights free! Ospreay RAMS Okada into railing! HOOK KICK! Then Ospreay uses the railing, OSCUTTER to the floor! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! The ring count starts against, and the fans rally as Ospreay crawls to the corner. Ospreay rolls in at 4, Okada is still down at 5. Okada sits up at 6, but he doesn’t stand until 9! Okada slides in at 9.5, but Ospreay hits a COAST2COAST! The fans fire up and Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!
Okada survives and the fans rally up again! Ospreay slaps himself again and then reaches out for Okada. Ospreay brings Okada up, underhooks, but Okada fights the lift! Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks, then CHOPS! Okada drops to his knees, but Ospreay reels him in! But Okada Alabama Lifts, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada scowls now, and he goes to the corner. “This is Awesome!” as Okada climbs, for the MACHO ELBOW! Okada stands and he winds it up again, Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay RAMS him into a corner! But Okada BOOTS, and SHOTGUNS!
Ospreay flounders to the corner, Okada hauls him up! Okada whips but Ospreay avoids this dropkick! SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Okada whips and DROPKICKS through! The fans fire up for the ripcord and- NO, Ospreay POP-UP POWERBOMBS, and then pops Okada into the STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives what finished Fletcher, but the fans are thunderous! Ospreay roars as he throws off the elbow pad! Ospreay goes to a corner, takes aim, HIDDEN- Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Then a ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone, Okada most of all!
Okada shakes his head but the fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” But it has to end somehow, there’s still the main event! Okada hauls Ospreay up but Ospreay fires elbows! Ospreay hobbles, but Okada ROCKS him! Ospreay drops to his knees, but he reaches out in a daze. Okada stands Ospreay up to UPPERCUT! The fans duel while Ospreay manages to stay on his feet. Ospreay leans against Okada, but Okada UPPERCUTS! Ospreay droops down, flops forward, but Okada gives him scuffing kicks! The fans boo but Okada hauls Ospreay up, just to DECK him! Ospreay falls towards ropes, but he refuses to give up.
Ospreay slowly rises and the fans rally. Okada dares Ospreay to take a shot. Ospreay stands and the fans fire up again! Ospreay storms up, but Okada ducks the free shot to GERMAN SUPLEX! And then ripcord and middle finger, RAIN- SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay, crimson mask renewed, rises up as the fans fire up! Ospreay aims from a corner, Okada sits up, HIDDEN- DROPKICK! SUPERKICK from Ospreay! OSCUT- DROPKICK!! Ripcord, RAIN- NO, Ospreay ducks to STEAL RAINMAKER!! And now STORM BREAKER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Okada survives and Orlando is erupting!
Ospreay rises, he brings Okada around, and he calls is shot! Underhooks and TIGER- NO, Okada flips free to LARIAT!! Okada holds onto the wrist while the fans are rallying up again. Okada drags Ospreay back up, to LARIATA! Ospreay stays up and he roars at Okada! Then he BOOTS, HOOK KICKS, and loads up! HIDDEN- NO, Okada ducks that! And he ducks the buzzsaw! But Ospreay slips through the Rainmaker to STORM- NO, Okada arm-drags free! They both run, they both dodge, HIDDEN- NO! Okada clinches and ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (2024 Continental Classic Winner, still AEW Continental Champion)
Continental Classic? Nah, INSTANT classic! Okada wins the C2, he holds onto the title, and he ties Masahiro Chono in major tournament wins! Will anyone ever be better than Kazuchika Okada? But bigger than the win, Okada shows Ospreay respect by shaking his hand. But now, what is next for Ospreay now that he isn’t a champion?
Wait, Christopher Daniels makes his way out here, mic in hand. The Fallen Angel congratulates Okada on winning the C2, as well as continuing his reign as champion. The fans applaud that, too. Daniels says that normally, this would be where he comes down to present Okada with the title belt, but he can’t do that. What? That’s because as of tonight, Daniels is no longer an EVP for AEW. But THIS man is! IT’S KENNY OMEGA! The fans are thunderous as The Best Bout Machine finally returns, having survived diverticulitis and making a full recovery! The fans cheer on “KENNY! KENNY!” as he holds up the belt and brings it to Okada.
Fans lose their minds again seeing Omega and Okada in the same ring again. Okada holds up the Continental Championship, and Omega applauds the champ. Omega takes his leave, having to prepare for his own match at WrestleDynasty. Will the Best Bout Machine take care of Gabe Kidd to prove he’s back and better than ever?
AEW World Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jon Moxley VS Orange Cassidy VS Jay White VS Hangman Page!
The moment the Blackpool Combat Club turned on Bryan Danielson, we all should’ve known AEW would change for the worst. The Maniac has said a lot of things during his reign of terror, from how he is the only one willing to do what is necessary, to how no one else is worthy of even looking at the title. Freshly Squeezed almost had Moxley at Full Gear, but now things have gone above and beyond what anyone was expecting! Moxley ended Rampage by saying he would bring peace to AEW, but is he confusing “peace” with “quiet?” Or will there be an end to the madness with a new champion?
The introductions are made, the belt-, Well, no, the briefcase supposedly containing the title is raised, and time to see who is truly fighting for the greater good!
The bell rings and Marina makes sure briefcase is secured. But then White and Hangman argue over who gets Moxley first. Moxley drops out of the ring to let them argue, and Cassidy tries to calm them down. White & Hangman shove Cassidy away, so Cassidy just DIVES onto Moxley! The fans fire up as Cassidy fires hands! Hangman and White storm out there to join in, they mug Moxley 3v1! The fans cheer as Moxley is pinballed around ringside! They SMACK Moxley off the apron, and then stomp him against railing! The mugging continues, the ref has Marina stay back, but here come Claudio, Yuta & Pac!
Claudio drags Moxley up and over the railing, but that just means Moxley’s challengers pursue! The fans fire up as there’s a brawl in the crowd! Hangman fires hands with Claudio, Cassidy has Moxley in the bleachers, but Marina goes after Cassidy! The fans fire up, Moxley throat chops Cassidy! Moxley TOSSES Cassidy back to the floor, then sends him into more railing! Moxley fires forearms, the rest of the Death Riders brawl with Hangman and White, but then Moxley BOOTS Cassidy! Moxley “apologizes” to fans as he brings Cassidy up and TOSSES him over railing! Moxley and Cassidy go to the ring while Yuta, Hangman, Claudio and White brawl!
Security drags Claudio and Yuta away, no more brawling out there. Moxley mocks Cassidy by giving him those “devastating” kicks! Then Moxley kicks away on Cassidy for real! Moxley runs, but Cassidy bails out! Moxley pursues and he drags Cassidy up to put in the ring. But then Cassidy rolls out the far side! The fans cheer but Moxley gets annoyed. Moxley goes out the side, storms up on Cassidy, but Cassidy says wait, wait, wait. Hands in pockets! Moxley grins, but then surprise! Hangman & White are back to grab his arms! Cassidy runs up to ORANGE PUNCH Moxley! The fans fire up as now they bring him to the Spanish announce desk!
Fans fire up as White & Orange haul Moxley up for Hangman, TRIPLE POWERBOMB through the desk!! The fans fire up for that Shield shoutout, does that make Cassidy and the others the Elite Hounds of Justice? But now with Moxley down, Hangman DECKS White and whips Cassidy into railing! Hangman puts White in the ring, Aalbama Lifts, but White silps fere! White clinches, Hangman fights free! Both men dodge the big haymakers but Hangman LARIATS White! Cassidy is back, but Hangman scoops him, FALL AWAY SLAM into buckles! Cover, White breaks it! White ROCKS and CHOPS Hangman, but Hangman CLAWS White’s eyes!
Hangman whips White hard into buckles, then he BOOTS Cassidy! Cover, TWO! Wait, we get a glimpse at The Patriarchy watching from the skybox. Christian Cage has his Casino Royale contract, is he just waiting for this to finish? Hangman CHOPS White down while fans point at the other skybox. That’s Hook! Hook dares Christian to try so he can screw him up! Hangman sees all this, but then shrugs it off to go after White. Hangman whips White to railing, then he runs up, to BOOT White down! The fans are torn but Hangman BOOTS Cassidy! Hangman taunts fans, then whips Cassidy back into railing!
Hangman stands Cassidy up, and whips him hard into steel steps! But White CHOPS Hangman! Hangman DECKS White, and we see Marina checking on Moxley. Hangman whips White hard into railing, then he goes back for Cassidy. Hangman puts Cassidy in the ring, watches him go to a corner, but fans taunt Hangman with “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Hangman LARIATS Cassidy in a corner, then tells Orlando to shut up! Cassidy BOOTS Hangman! Cassidy goes up but Hangman ROCKS him! And CHOPS him! Hangman goes up but Cassidy fires body shots! Cassidy shoves Hangman down, leaps, FLYING LARIAT!
Cassidy keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls, but Hangman stops the DDT! Suplex, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! White is back but Cassidy elbows him away. But White spins Cassidy around, suplexes, STUN- NO! White stops that to CUTTHROAT SUPLEX! White ducks the sliding lariat, blocks a kick, but Hangman ROKCS White! White CHOPS Hangman, runs, but into a POP-UP- RANA! White then LARIATS Hangman up and out! But Moxley is back! He KNEES White down! Cassidy has Moxley! BEACH- NO, Moxley sunset flips! Cassidy rolls through to PENALTY KICK! ORANGE- CUTTER from Moxley!
Moxley stands, and he has a bloody wound on the back of his head! But he doesn’t care, he sees Hangman step up! The fans fire up as these two step up, and fans wanna see #CowboyS*it! The forearms start flying back and forth, but then Moxley fires knees and a forearm! Moxley runs but Hangman ROCKS him! Hangman runs, Moxley LARIATS! Cassidy runs up but is put on the apron! Cassidy ROCKS Mox first, but Moxley CLUBS him back! White rolls Moxley up! TWO!! Clinch and BLADE- NO, Moxley rolls White, TWO! Hangman is back to BOOT Moxley! White blocks a boto to DRAGON SCREW! Moxley LARIATS White!
Cassidy is back, tilt-o-whirl DDT! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Cassidy goes to one corner, the others stand, and all four men stare down. The fans fire up, but then Cassidy falls over! White CHOPS Moxley, ROCKS Hangman, repeat! White CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS< then he fires shot after shot! White catches Moxldey to a CDUTTRHOAT PLEX! DISCU SLAREITR for White! DEADEYE for Moxley! ORANGE PUNCH for Hangman! BLADE- NO, Cassidy slips out to ORANGE PUNCH! And then Cassidy runs at Moxley, tilt=-o-whirl, but Mxoley stops that! Cassidy fights the underhooks to ORANGE PUNCH!!
The fans fire up, Cassidy falls on the cover, but Hangman YANKS the ref out!! The fans boo but Hangman doesn’t care, there’s no rules but to win! And he aisma t Cassidy! BUCKSHOT!! Hangman reloads, he BOOTS White away, then takes aim! BUCKSHOT!! Hangman sees Moxley but Moxley kicks first! Gotch hold, but Hangman lifts first! DEADEYE!!! All four men are down again and the fans fire up! Hangman slides out to the apron, reloads, but Yuta is back to grab Hangman’s foot! Hangman BOOTS Yuta, but Marina sneaks a chair in! Moxley has the chair, but Hangman BOOTS! And now BUCKSHOT!! Cover, but the ref is still out!
Hangman shouts for a new ref, any ref, but Cassidy gets Hangman in a ghost pin!! TWO!!! Hangman escapes, and he CHOKES Cassidy! Cassidy breaks free, but Hangman LOW BLOWS! But White hits a BLADERUNNER!! Hnagman flounders away, but Moxley is back! So White gives him BLADERUNNER!! Cover, YUTA CLOBBERS THE REF!!! That’s two refs as collateral damage, and fans boo the little sneak! White glares at Yuta, the fans tell him off, but Yuta dares White to do something! But Marina is int he ring now! She spins White around, but he hits her with BLADERUNNER!!! The fans fire up but Yuta’s back in!
Yuta runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE on White!! Moxley hauls White up to underhook! DEATH RIDER!! Claudio shoves the first ref back in, and the ref counts, MOXLEY WINS!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion)
Hypocrisy, thy name is Moxley! No ego? Peace? Worthiness? Moxley isn’t the champion, the entire team of the Death Riders are, because it took them all to screw over three men! Cassidy is beside himself because his plan was working, if not for Hangman pulling the trigger too soon. But now The Death Riders drag White up, and Moxley has a chair. But wait! FTR is here! Dax & Cash warned that the Death Riders would face the consequences of their actions, and then the lights go out! “RATED FTR?!” YES!! Because here comes ADAM COPELAND!!! The fans are thunderous as now Team AEW has an edge over The Death Riders!!
Christian is in as much shock as anyone, and the fight is on! FTR brawls with Yuta & Claudio, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! But then FTR TOSSES Claudio & Yuta! Cash DIVES and he wipes out Claudio! Yuta returns, but into the SHATTER MACHINE!! Copeland steps into the ring, and from one maniac to another, he stares Moxley down. The fans are thunderous as these two start swinging! Edge dodges to SPEAR!! Moxley flounders, Edge throws off the jacket, and Christian says time to go. Edge grabs that chair from earlier, and he busts off the crossbar! THE DEAL!! Moxley endures the bar in his mouth!
Moxley flails but he fades! Fans chant “You Deserve It!” but Claudio drags Moxley out of the ring! Edge gets a mic, and once it turns on, he tells Moxley, “You look at me when I talk to you, kid! Yeah, I called you ‘kid’ because you were growin’ pubes when Is tarted doing this! You’re ALL MINE!! Rated FTR, we’re taking it all!!” Well, Moxley has the world title, and the Death Riders have the World Trios Championships, but are their days numbered now that Edge and the #TopGuys are after them?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Worlds End, though with just a few things to critique. We got another great Zero Hour, and it flows much better with just three matches, as it allows the matches to breathe while also giving time for preshow stuff like the panel discussing things and some interview promos on top of it. Great win for Toni and good stuff from Deonna throwing the “bad memory” act back at her. Toni VS Deonna will be great stuff for New Year’s Collision, and I would think it’s another win for Toni. Great win for Jeff Jarrett, and I like the announcement tease. The implication is Jarrett will retire but no, he’s definitely thinking he can go for a title.
Very good 8 Man Tag, and very good win for the Heels. I do like that Lio & Action sniped the win for themselves, that gives them momentum going into their tag title match with Private Party. I don’t think they’ll win, though, as Private Party’s reign has still only just begun. Very good intro video, and I guess TK really likes Guns ‘n’ Roses. Opening with the Continental Classic semifinals was the logical move, given the winners would need time to rest. It also worked out to fire up the fans, those four guys are just that good. Ospreay may have cut himself a bit too deep, though, that blood drip was a bit much.
Ospreay beating Kyle and Okada beating Ricochet were the right choices, especially the latter. Okada was of course going to be defending the title in the finals, and that really was an instant classic. Okada getting a moment with Omega was also great, that really teases what we could be getting in 2025. Swerve getting fans to throw toilet paper was great stuff, that really let the fans express the Heel heat (bordering on Go Away heat) Ricochet has gotten. Ricochet VS Swerve is going to be great stuff whenever we get it, can’t wait to see who wins out. Though at the same time, did TK really just pull another “dropped story” of Swerve with Lashley…?
Mariah VS Rosa was great, but it felt shorter than it should’ve been. I figured Mariah was going to find a way to win no matter what, but they could’ve pushed it another three minutes or so to really build some drama going into that finish. In the end, it just seems like another instance where the AEW Women’s World Championship gets overshadowed by the TBS Championship, because Mone VS Kris Round 2 was incredible. Now I will say, Mone wanting the ring out count was weirdly handled, like she went out there a couple more times than she probably had to. And really, Mone winning here is a bit of a shame because Kris is 0-2, and for what reason? Well, aside from maybe Kris moving up to the world title now.
MJF VS Cole was great stuff, but MJF retaining the diamond ring is another questionable choice to me. MJF has had that stupid ring for long enough, and it was a perfect pun of Cole and diamond waiting to happen. But fine, Cole gets the moral victory because Roddy returned, and both Roddy & Kyle helped Cole beat up MJF so that Kyle would stand tall with Undisputed Kingdom. I don’t think Kyle would leave Conglomeration for Kingdom, but whatever Kyle chooses could create drama between those factions. But that said, all the more reason Cole should have the diamond ring, and it could corrupt him like the One Ring from Lord of the Rings, and Cole uses it to win matches just like MJF used to.
Great match from Hobbs VS Takeshita, and great selling from Hobbs on his knee. Takeshita winning is only somewhat surprising, because going back to WrestleKingdom & WrestleDynasty, Takeshita is taking on Shingo Takagi. Takagi is still NEVER Openweight Champion, so now it will be Winner Takes All! And then, whoever is dual NEVER Openweight & AEW International Champion takes on Tomohiro Ishii in another Winner Takes All. I suppose it’d be awesome for Takeshita to return from Japan as dual champion, or even for Ishii or Takagi to show up as dual champion and defend both titles on NJPW events, but it just seems like Hobbs could’ve gotten this win to continue things with the Don Callis Family a little longer.
And of course, great stuff in the main event. It started how I figured, i.e. The Death Riders starting a fight with the challengers, them brawling all over, and then things turning into 3v1 on Moxley. At the same time, we of course knew the alliance was not lasting long, but it works that Hangman was the one to turn on the others. Great detail having Christian and Hook present, it was just as I figured last night where Hook was keeping Christian from cashing in. Moxley of course wins because of The Death Riders, but what a great moment with Copeland’s return. Rated FTR VS Death Riders on Fight for the Fallen will be great stuff, and maybe another opportunity for Christian to cash in. I can’t believe I actually want to see Christian cash in just to shake things up…
My Score: 9.4/10
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AEW Coverage
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/27/24)
Rampage in the Hammerstein Ballroom!
For auld lang syne, my dear!
As 2024 comes to a close, AEW Rampage gives us a New Year’s Smash! But will Anthony Bowens cut down The Learning Tree with his powerful scissors?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Anthony Bowens w/ Max Caster; Jericho wins.
- Private Party VS Alec Price & Leo Sparrow; Private Party wins.
- Thunder Rosa VS Leila Grey; Rosa wins.
- Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy; Hook wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Anthony Bowens w/ Max Caster; wins.
“All hail the King of New York!” At least, that’s what the new introduction for The Learning Tree says. He comes out once again wearing that weird Statue of Liberty headgear, but also holding up a cheap torch of liberty as he walks to the ring, ROH World Championship still around his waist. Will the Nueve get another 1-2-3 in Hammerstein? Or is the Scissor King about to cut Jericho down?
But as always, Platinum Max has a diss track! “I don’t mess with The Learning Tree. Chris Jericho’s so high, guys, I think he’s burning trees. We wreckin’ you guys! Anthony Bowens and the Best Wrestler Alive!” Caster gets up in the camera before he hands the mic over. Bowens tells, “HAMMERSTEEEEIN, BALLROOOOOM~! The Acclaimed have arrived!” No Daddy Ass but The Acclaimed scissor it up! The bell rings and Jericho waves, “Hi, guys~!” The fans boo, but then Bowens throws up the scissors and the fans cheer. Jericho waves, the fans boo. Bowens puts up the scissors, the fans cheer. And then repeat!
Caster applauds while Bowens and Jericho circle. Jericho wants to scissor? Bowens slaps those away to CHOP! And CHOP! CHOP! And then Bowens fires haymakers! Bowens has Jericho in the corner, fires more shots, then DECKS Jericho! The fans rally for Bowens and he storms back up. Bowens CHOPS Jericho, brings him out and knees low. Bowens fires forearms and elbows again and again and again! Bowens then CLUBS Jericho down! Bowens tells Hammerstein that “Everyone! Loves! The-” Caster gets in the shot! Bowens tells Caster to move and gives him a push. Caster shrugs that off to get a reluctant high-five from Bowens.
But Jericho pokes Bowens in the eyes! Bowens goes to a corner, Jericho fires forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Jericho runs up to LARIAT, then he snapmares Bowens down. Jericho soaks up heat acting like it’s cheers, then he brings Bowens up for a BIG back suplex! Cocky cover, ONE! Jericho waves to the fans, then he goes back to Bowens. Jericho CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! And then CHOPS again! Bowens staggers but Jericho bumps him off buckles. Jericho CHOPS again, whips corner to corner, then runs to BULL- NO, Bowens puts Jericho in the corner! Jericho sputters as he gets out of the ropes.
Bowens CHOPS, Jericho CHOPS, repeat! Jericho whips, Bowens reverses to CHOP, KNEE, and then CHOP on the back! Bowens sits Jericho down for a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Bowens gets frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Bowens clinches, knees low, then whips. Jericho grabs ropes to avoid the dropkick! Jericho waves to the fans, then goes to ropes, but Bowens disrupts the Lionsault! DRAPING SIDEWINDER! Cover, TWO! Jericho survives but Bowens stays focused. The fans rally up and Bowens brings Jericho around. But Jericho wrenches out and trips Bowens up! Jericho has the legs!
Jericho turns Bowens over, WALLS OF JERICHO! Bowens endures, even as Jericho sits deep! Bowens powers up as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Bill rallies for Jericho but Bowens keeps fighting. Jericho wants Bowens to quit but Bowens refuses! Caster rallies the fans for Bowens and Bowens crawls, but Bill pulls the rope back!? Jericho then drags Bowens away from the ropes! Bowens still fights, the ref reprimands Bill, and now Bowens turns things over! Bowens throws hands from below! But Jericho pokes him in the eyes again! Jericho turns Bowens back over and sits even deeper on the Walls of Jericho! Bowens endures, Bill and Caster each cheer as hard as they can, and Rampage returns to single picture. Bowens fights, claws, crawls, and Caster pushes ropes closer! ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer as Jericho lets Bowens go, and Caster coaches Bowens up. Bill claims there was a tap but the ref ignores him. Jericho storms up, and Bowens ROLLING ELBOWS! Jericho wobbles, Bowens runs up, FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Bowens grows frustrated. Bowens grits his teeth, clutches his back, but Bill grins on Jericho’s behalf. Bowens goes to the corner, climbs up, and fans ironically cheer on Bill. Jericho ROCKS Bowens, then climbs up. Jericho brings Bowens up to CLUB away, but Bowens throws body shots! Bowens DUMPS Jericho to the apron, and then Jericho flops to the floor!
Bowens adjusts his position up top to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Jericho & Bill! The fans are fired up and Caster joins in on cheering. Bowens puts Jericho in, goes back to the corner, and he climbs back up! The fans rally, but “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith shows himself! Keith distracts the ref, but Caster hurries in! Caster scoop SLAMS Jericho! Now Keith’s distraction is only helping as Caster opens Jericho up! Bowens says why not. SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Bowens is beside himself, but Jericho wouldn’t be champion if he wasn’t this tough. Speaking of, Keith grabs the championship!
Bowens brings Jericho up, but gets a CODE BREAKER for it! Cover, TWO!! Bowens survives and Jericho gets mad at the ref! Keith sneaks around with the belt, and he tells fans to shut up. Jericho aims, runs up on Bowens, but Bowens ducks! Bowens fires off Rock, Paper, Scissors SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives again but Bowens barely has the energy to be upset! Now Bill gets on the apron! The ref argues with Bill but Keith has the belt! Caster storms in to stop Keith! They tug-o-war, Bowens shouts to Caster to just stop, but Keith lets go first! The belt SMACKS Bowens in the face!! Caster panics, Keith TACKLES him out of the ring!
The fans boo as everyone is down, but Jericho crawls over! Cover, JERICHO WINS!!
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall
Caster can’t believe how badly he messed up, and now the “King of New York” trumps the Scissor King! Will anyone ever cut down The Learning Tree when his Branches keep getting in the way? Is The Acclaimed going to be on the rocks after this mess?
Private Party walks through their New York.
They help out the homeless man at the subway station by stuffing his cup full o’ fifties, hop on a train headed to Main Street, hang out with their adoring fans and even the media, then arrive at 34th Street in time for the show. How they keep it so clean? Shots, of course. Everyone they meet welcomes them back, and every camera that sees them snags a picture. Brother Zay tells NYC, “Your champs is home.”
Private Party VS Alec Price & Leo Sparrow!
Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy know Lio Rush & Action Andretti want their “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” at these belts, so it’s time to tune up! Will these real New Yorkers show how champions do it in the Big Apple?
The teams sort out and fans chant “Yeeeah~!” for their guys. Zay starts against Price and the two circle. Price kicks low, mocks the “Shots! Shots! Shots!” then ROCKS Zay! Price whips, but Zay flapjack DROPKICKS! Zay kips up, tags Quen, and they get Price up for an atomic drop and ENZIGIRI! Then a CATAPULT for Price into the corner while Zay hits a triangle jump STUNNER on Sparrow! Quen sets up, Zay runs up, PARTY IN MOTION! Zay then puts Price up top before Quen FLIES out onto Sparrow! Zay ROCKS Price, then Quen runs in! Quen goes up for some GIN & JUICE! Cover, Private Party wins!
Winner: Private Party, by pinfall
A tune-up? That was more like a workout for Quen & Zay! The AEW World Tag Team Champions are ready, but wait! Here come Lio & Action! The Bad Child & The Sight to See egg Private Party on with those cocky smiles, so here comes Private Party! The brawl is on at the ramp! Quen has Lio, Action has Zay, and the fans fire up for the scrap! But then here comes the Top Flight OGs! Darius & Dante pick up Lio & Action to RAM them into Quen & Zay! The fans are going wild as we get a three way brawl! Security hurries out here, but stopping six men is easier said than done! Refs rush out here, right as Action CLOBBERS Dante!
The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Leila Grey is needing to get in the ring for her match! Will Private Party have to double book with Lio, Action and the Martins?
“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs speaks.
“It’s signed, it’s sealed, it’s delivered. At Worlds End, Takeshita VS Powerhouse Hobbs for the AEW International Championship. Y’see, Don, whenever I hear your name, I think about all the times you didn’t call me, you didn’t check me, you didn’t text me, you didn’t send a pitch in, whatever, when I was injured. But you failed, Don, cuz you constantly tried to replace me. You’ve walked the streets of Oakland with me, you’ve been to my neighborhood. I’ve introduced you to people. So what’s gonna happen at Worlds End? I’m gonna take that championship from Takeshita, and I’m gonna bust his head to the white meat.
“But hey, the New Year’s upon us. But for you, Don, Takeshita, the whole Don Callis Family, it is gonna be a Worlds End.” Hobbs gives the thumbs down, will he tear down The Alpha and bring the whole family with him?
Thunder Rosa VS Leila Grey!
The chaos has been cleared from ringside, just in time for La Mera Mera to make her way to the ring. Rosa is getting ready to fight Mariah May in a Tijuana Street Fight, will the Top Flight Attendant simply be an appetizer?
The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans cheer the show of respect, and the two circle. They tie up, Rosa waistlocks, then she trips Leila to cover, ONE! Rosa waistlocks but Leila fights up. Leila switches but Rosa wrenches out. Rosa headlocks, spins, waistlocks again, but Leila wrenches out to step over and spin Rosa. Leila wrenches, snapmares, and then clamps on a chinlock. Rosa fights up while fans cheer, and Rosa snapmares free. Rosa clamps on a chinlock, then puts Leila in a corner. Rosa CHOPS and the fans cheer. Rosa whips corner to corner but Leila reverses. Rosa goes up and over, then arm-drags Leila around!
Rosa wrenches Leila, snapmares and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Leila survives that but Rosa brings her right up. Rosa scoops to SLAM, then asks, “One more time?” The fans cheer yes! Rosa scoops but Leila victory rolls! TWO, and Rosa runs up, but Leila ROCKS her first! Leila fires more shots, kicks low, kicks again, then kicks a leg out! Leila runs to SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Leila storms over to Rosa. Leila stands Rosa up and reels her in, but Rosa fires body shots. Rosa CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Rosa whips, Leila reverses, but Rosa DROPKICKS Leila down! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises!
Rosa stomps Leila around, brings her up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rosa bumps Leila off buckles, turns her around, and CHOPS her again! Rosa puts Leila on ropes, then puts some stank and even a little Latina Heat on the DOUBLE CHOP! Leila sputters, but Rosa whips her to ropes. Leila reverses, drop toeholds, and she hooks a leg! Rosa endures but then Leila rolls to tie up the legs, INVERTED FIGURE FOUR! But then Rosa fights to turn that over! Now Rosa puts the pressure on, and she pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Rosa lets go of the hair, but Leila rolls and rolls, and they both fall to the floor! Rosa rises first, and she stomps Leila around. Rosa drags Leila up but Leila fires body shots!
Rosa whips Leila hard into steel steps! Rosa storms over, Leila fires more body shots! Leila CLUBS Rosa, SMACKS her off the steel steps, then CHOPS her! Both women go into the ring and Leila goes to a corner while Rampage goes to break.
New Year’s Smash returns and the fans duel as Leila fires forearms on Rosa in the corner. Leila brings Rosa out to snap suplex, then roll through for a GOURD BUSTER! The fans rally up while Rosa sputters. Leila storms back up to drag Rosa up and fireman’s carry. But Rosa fires elbows to get free! Rosa BOOTS Leila, CHOPS her, then UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! And bumps off buckles! Rosa fires up, runs corner to corner and back again, A-LIST LARIAT! Leila flops down, Rosa SWINGING DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Rosa has Leila on the ropes. Rosa throws off her elbow pads and the fans fire up!
Rosa runs in to DROPKICK Leila against ropes! Cover, TWO! Leila stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa stands Leila up, underhooks, but Leila fights out to fire a forearm! Rosa fires back, but Leila catches Rosa to a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Rosa survives and even roars! The fans rally up and Leila reels Rosa in. Leila underhooks but now Rosa fights the lift! Rosa backdrops free! Leila flounders, Rosa runs up to DOUBLE STOMP her down! Rosa shouts, “You can’t kill me!” COBRA CLUTCH STRETCH!! Leila TAPS, Rosa wins!
Winner: Thunder Rosa, by submission
Message sent to Mariah May, and Rosa says there are two things in life that matter most: respect and family! And Mariah crossed the line on both! Will Rosa make sure to cross out Mariah once and for all? Or will The Woman From Hell win this street fight with glamour?
BREAKING NEWS for Worlds End: Zero Hour!
The action kicks off at 6:30 PM Eastern time, and we have a grudge match from ROH Final Battle! Jeff Jarrett made sure QT Marshall didn’t cheat Jay Lethal, and now he looks to settle up personally! Will The Last Outlaw get one more win in 2024? Or will QT bring the DOOM to Orlando? Then, as Toni Storm continues her… “debut” in AEW, she takes on Leila Grey 1v1! Will it be Toni Time one more time? And in a massive 8 Man Tag, Top Flight teams with The Outrunners to take on Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd help Dante & Darius hit top speed? Or will The Murder Machines help The Bad Child & Sight to See make sure #EverybodyDies?
Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy!
This battle of second generation stars is all stemming from Christian Cage’s cowardly attack on Taz, and then escalated when The Patriarchy tried to convince Hook he was better off with him. The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil may have his arm in a cast, but will The Patriarchy’s Prodigy need much more than that? Or will Wayne’s World #SendHook home without anything to show for it?
Christian says hello to commentary and is of course asked his plans for Worlds End given his Casino Royale contract allows him to cash in anywhere and anytime. Christian of course refuses to comment. In the ring, Hook is nonchalant as ever, so Nick runs up to attack from behind! The bell rings and Nick fires off on Hook in the corner! The fans boo but Nick soaks it up. Nick says he’s just that smart. But no he ain’t since he turned his back on Hook! Hook storms up and then TOSSES Nick to a corner! Hook fires off on Nick with body shots and a CHOP! But then he throws a left out of instinct and feels the pain!
Nick BOOTS Hook down, then shakes off the damage. Nick storms up, but Hook clinches! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while Nick writhes, and Hook gets the fans fired up more. But Nick BOOTS Hook again! Nick hurries to snap suplex! Nick soaks up heat from Hammerstein while Mother Shayna says, “He’s perfect! Perfect!” Nick stands Hook up, snapmares him, then drops a leg fast! Cover, TWO! The fans boo Nick but Nick just smirks. Nick talks smack on the fans, but then Hook DUMPS Nick out! Nick smacks off the apron as he goes! Hook then hurries out after Nick, SMACKS him off the apron, then whips him!
Nick reverses and Hook hits steel steps hard! Hook writhes, Nick goes into the ring to go after a buckle pad, and the ref hurries to stop him. But this is all so Kip can put Hook’s cast hand on the steps, and Christian uses the contract’s binder to SMASH it! The fans boo while The Patriarchy acts innocent. The ref can tell something went on, though, so he decides to EJECT The Patriarchy! The fans cheer and Christian is furious, but the ref says don’t even try it! Nick is beside himself but now it’s finally a fair fight! The fans cheer “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Hook checks his bad hand, and it’s still working. But then Nick storms out, grabs that hand, and SLAMS it off the steps! Hook writhes all over again while Nick looms over him. Nick drags Hook up to whip him hard into railing! Nick soaks up the heat while he flexes, then goes back for Hook. Nick throws Hook into the ring, goes to a corner, and he swaggers over. Nick eggs Hook on, drags him up by the bad hand, then snapmares so he can isolate that arm! Nick soaks up the heat and STOMPS the arm! Hook writhes, Nick pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nick mockingly applauds Hook’s toughness, then grabs the bad hand.
Nick turns Hook over, pulls on the bad arm, and bends the fingers! Hook endures, but Nick BITES a finger! The ref reprimands, Nick lets off, and says that was finger licking good. Nick soaks up more heat, then stands Hook up to SMACK the bad hand off buckles! Hook sits down in the corner, but Nick drags him back up. Nick SMACKS the hand off buckles again! Then Nick snapmares Hook so he can STOMP the hand! Cover, TWO! Nick is annoyed but he cools off. Nick stands Hook up but Hook fires body shots! Hook runs, but Nick ELBOWS him down! Nick pulls on the bad hand as New Year’s Smash returns to single picture.
Wait, Nick doesn’t just pull at the hand! He RIPS the cast open! Nick TOSSES it to the crowd, free souvenir! Nick drags Hook around by the bad hand, then stands on it! Nick STOMPS the hand again! And then again! And then he fakes the stomp, to scuff Hook! The fans boo but Nick stands Hook up. Hook hits another EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Hook can still use the good arm for that! Nick rises up, Hook runs in and he KNEES low! Hook then hooks Nick for the IPPON! Then a LARIAT int he corner! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Nick writhes and flounders away, but Hook runs up! Hook stops the boot, and reels Nick in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
The bad hand kept that from being perfect, but Hook stays focused. Hook storms up on Nick, waistlocks, and the fans rally up. Nick fights with elbows! Nick is free, but then swings into the waistlock! Nick CLUBS the bad hand! Nick baits Hook into a corner and sends him into buckles! Nick storms back up, and he drags Hook by the bad arm. Nick puts Hook’s arm against the second rope’s crossbar, and then stands on it! The fans boo but Nick soaks up all the heat! The ref reprimands and counts, but Hook YANKS Nick down! Nick hits off the top rope before going to the apron! Nick crawls along the apron, but Hook hurries out after him!
Hook waistlocks while the fans rally up, but Nick grabs the ropes! Nick pries the hold open, then has Hook’s hand to bend those fingers back! ELBOW BREAKER, and then Nick goes up! WAYNE’S- NO! Hook catches Nick for an APRON GERMAN!! Nick flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Hook also flops down and the ref starts a ring count. The fans rally as Hook rises, and Hook drags Nick up to put in at 3 of 10. Hook hurries to cover, TWO! Nick stays in this but Hook snarls. Nick goes back to the apron but Hook grabs him. Nick BITES the bad hand! The ref reprimands, Nick stops at 4 to HOTSHOT Hook!
Nick hurries up top while Hook is down! Nick mocks RVD, then aims to FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Hook survives, Nick is not one of a kind after all! Nick seethes and he scuffs Hook. Nick stomps Hook, kicks him, then stands over him with arms crossed, a pose done by Hook’s other mentor, Katsuyori Shibata. Nick drags Hook up, then lifts him, for an EXPLODER! But Hook’s right up! Hook LARIATS Nick inside out! The fans fire up and Hook slowly rises. Wait, Christian & Kip return? This isn’t allowed! Well wait, speaking of Shibata, here he comes! And he’s armed with a 2-by-4! Hacksaw would be proud!
Shibata chases Christian & Kip all around the ringside area, then back up the ramp! The fans cheer “HOOOOO~!” and Hook has Nick! RED- ELBOW BREAKER! Nick aims for a corner, but Hook grabs him again! Nick slips free to get around and roll up, with tights! TWO!! ROUNDHOUSE!! Nick goes up, up, and WAYNE’S- REDRUM!!!! Nick sputters, flails, but fades! Nick is OUT!! Hook wins!!
Winner: Hook, by submission
The Patriarchy tried every trick in the book, but they could not break Hook! But will Hook make sure to break Christian Cage for what he did to Taz?
Marina Shafir has commandeered a camera!
The Problem makes sure we all see that The Death Riders have just mugged Darby Allin backstage! The Maniac has Wheeler Yuta & Pac stand Darby up, then tells him, “You left me no choice. No choice.” Moxley looks to Claudio and tells him to do it. Moxley then hits Darby with a BODY BLOW, and Claudio has a chair! Claudio puts the chair around Darby’s neck, just as he did to Bryan Danielson and to Chuck Taylor! Darby is pushed down onto the floor, and Claudio hops up onto a road case! Claudio jumps down to STOMP the chair!! Moxley then kicks Darby down stairs!! Darby tumbles all the way down to the bottom!
The fans boo this literal crime caught on tape, but The Death Riders leave Darby behind. Darby is down in the basement, will he ever rise back up?
Rampage returns and…
Moxley and Marina are in the ring, and Moxley has a mic to say, “If you’re showering me with hate right now, I forgive you. And I would ask you to look inward. Maybe this isn’t about me, this is about you. I’ve had to make some tough decisions, I’ve had to make some difficult choices. I’ve made some unpopular decisions. There are a lot of people in AEW who don’t like me, who have a problem with me, who have a problem with the things that I do, the things that I say, the things that we do. We do things that need to get done, and there’s a lot of people who have a problem with that.
“I think right now is a good time, here at the end of the year, to say that if anybody, anybody back there, if there is anybody in this buliding that has a problem with me or my people, or what we do, then you come out here right now and you tell me all about your problem. You tell me all about the problems you ahve with what you think we’re trying to accomplish. You come out here, tell me exactly what your problem is.” Moxley drops the mic and waits in his chair. And first out is KOMANDER! He definitely has a problem, he was one of the first to get hit by the Death Riders! Well, now he gets CLOBBERED by Claudio!
The Swiss Superman sprang outta nowhere, and he owes Komander for the Continental Classic on Christmas! The Death Riders put Komander in the ring and stomp away, but here comes Top Flight, another of the Death Riders’ victims! That’s still not enough, they get mugged 4v2! The fans rally for “A E DUB!” in hopes more heroes will appear. ORANGE CASSIDY IS HERE! Freshly Squeezed saunters out here, and Marina stands in his way. Well, turns out he’s not alone, because here comes Willow Nightingale! And the Babe with the Power runs up, dodges Marina, then fires off on her! Cassidy walks to the ring while the ladies handle things.
Wait, Hangman Page sneaks in from the crowd! And Jay White, too! The challengers to Moxley’s AEW World Championship are united against their common enemies and the tides have turned! Moxley stays back while his Death Riders fight the challengers, but then that leaves him open to Komander! The fans fire up as now Top Flight is back up, this is 7v4 in favor of Team AEW! And now let’s add Lio, Action, and even Konosuke Takeshita and Lance Archer! They may not get along with each other, but they all hate the Death Riders! Now Beast Mortos and The Butcher are here! And wait, Deonna Purrazzo and Harley Cameron are here!
Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa head out here, to go after Deonna and Harley as they’re trying to help Marina! Security hurries out here, but now we add Private Party and Daniel Garcia! They definitely hate The Death Riders! Rocky Romero is here to represent Conglomeration! Shibata joins in! Wait, wait, the spotlight finds Christian Cage watching from the upper deck! And he smiles, because all this chaos simply benefits him and his Casino Royale contract. MORE security and now Christopher Daniels head out here, the Fallen Angel wants to restore order! The Death Riders find an opening to slip away, and they grab a pipe!?
Pac uses that pipe to SMASH at the control board at ringside! They’re trying to end the show by any means necessary!! Pac BREAKS the board, and 75% of the lights go out! The brawling continues in the darkness, but it is clear the Death Riders are in retreat! Marina makes sure a cameraman follows them, too. They head right for the exit, Moxley says he’s done with this s*it. Things slowly calm down in the ring, and we stick with the Death Riders… as they get into the production truck?! Moxley shoves the head producer and mockingly asks how anyone’s supposed to do their jobs with all this chaos going on!
Moxley says, “They’re all fighting for scraps! But I will put an end to the chaos on December 28th, and I will clear the playing field, and I will bring peace to my people! And right now, what I’m gonna do is I’m gonna put an end to Rampage. CUT IT! CUT IT RIGHT NOW!” The team does as told, and we’re off the air. If this is how Moxley plans on running things, is AEW only going to fall apart under his rule? Or can Cassidy, White and Hangman free AEW from his reign of terror?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Rampage here, especially when this is to be the last Rampage for the foreseeable future. I do like how they kayfabe’d it to be Moxley cancelling the show, not a corporate decision to focus more on Dynamite, Collision, and even ROH. It parallels how Jericho was the kayfabe reason for Collision being made, not the combination of Warner Brothers Discovery giving AEW more and CM Punk needing a place to go that was separate from The Elite.
They did a great job with how they “shut down” Rampage, though. Well, first they give us another kayfabe attempt at murder, and this is actually the second time Darby Allin has been kicked down stairs in AEW. The Men of the Year, Scorpio Sky & Ethan Page, did that to him in 2020, and now The Death Riders have done it here. Obviously this is to make it seem like Darby Allin won’t be around for Worlds End, but I bet he does show up in an attempt to keep Claudio, Yuta & Pac from screwing over Cassidy, White & Hangman. I could just feel Moxley’s promo leading to a huge brawl, and it was a really fun one because we also got women involved going after Marina and each other.
Fun fact: Christian Cage opened the first episode, and he helped close the last episode. Speaking of Christian, and therefore The Patriarchy, very good match from Hook VS Nick Wayne, great bit of overbooking, including Shibata bringing out the Hacksaw Jim Duggan wood. Great win for Hook, and I’m pretty sure the story continues so that Hook stops Christian from his cash-in at Worlds End, setting up their own 1v1 match. Private Party’s match was so quick, but then it worked out that we got brawling from them with Lio & Action, and even with Darius & Dante. The tag champs are oddly taking Worlds End off, but we are seeing Top Flight and Lio & Action in the Zero Hour, so maybe the tag title match is going to be on Fight for the Fallen or even “Maximum Carnage” near the end of January.
Good segue from Private Party’s stuff with Top Flight to give us Leila VS Rosa, and that was really good match. Rosa of course won, but I’m still not confident in her chances of beating Mariah May. At best, it is 50-50 because the Tijuana Street Fight will allow them both to go wild, but with Toni Storm’s story going on, it’d be natural if they wanted Rockstar Toni to become a contender. Then we would see if Toni Time really did reset or if it’s all an act. And while Mercedes Mone has a busy next couple of weeks with Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship rematch, then WrestleKingdom/WrestleDynasty next week, I could see Rosa shift gears and finally get that TBS Championship should Mone retain through Worlds End.
Another interesting fact is that Jericho was on the first Rampage as “Le Champion” commentator Jericho, and he opens this last Rampage with a full-on “King of New York” gimmick, even though AEW is gonna leave New York. We still got great stuff out of The Acclaimed and their dysfunction. Caster was both helping and not helping Bowens, and so naturally Bowens loses. Jericho moves on, waiting for Bandido to be okay from that concussion he suffered at Final Battle (landing out of a springboard missile dropkick), and maybe biding his time with some other good midcard Faces at the same time. As for Acclaimed, Caster could try and apologize, or maybe he tries and brushes this off. Either way, Bowens gets mad at Caster, and the team is right on the edge of breaking up.
RIP Rampage, you served us well for the 177 or so episodes you had.
My Score: 8.9/10
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