Results
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/17/20)
One week until SummerSlam!
Raw is reeling this close to SummerSlam!
Everyone is in shock that The Viper’s viciousness turned on Ric Flair! Shawn Michaels returns to Raw, will he confront Randy Orton? Will he be the Legend Killer’s next victim?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Apollo Crews VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business; Apollo wins and bans The Hurt Business from ringside for SummerSlam.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Hurt Business Bail Out: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninjas VS Shelton Benjamin w/ Hurt Business; Benjamin wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Ivar w/ Erik; Garza wins.
- Natalya w/ Lana VS Mickie James; Natalya wins, by count-out.
- The Golden Role Models VS Asuka & Shayna Baszler; Asuka & Baszler win.
- Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan VS Peyton Royce w/ Billie Kay; Royce wins.
- Raw Underground – Erik goes 1-1, Ziggler goes 1-0.
- Raw Underground – Arturo Ruas VS Riddick Moss; No Contest.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Mid-Match Mayhem: Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business VS Cedric Alexander; Alexander wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Six Man Elimination Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali; The Hurt Business wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship: Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa; Alexander wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Dirty Business: Cedric Alexander VS Shelton Benjamin; Benjamin wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Raw Underground – Marina Shafir wins.
- Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Angel Garza; Ford wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The opening intro is all weird…
Rewinding, stopping, flipping around. Is Retribution taking over now, then and forever?
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The WWE World Champion is here and grabs the mic to address what we all saw last week. The Celtic Colossus was first on the scene after Randy Orton PUNTED Ric Flair in the head, and will be facing that very Viper this Sunday at SummerSlam. McIntyre says what Orton did last week “was completely unforgivable. Randy Orton brutalized Ric Flair.” Not just the legend, the 16-time world champ, two-time hall of fame inductee and icon for generation after generation. But a 71-year-old man. Ric is someone Orton grew up around for 20 years as a mentor, protector and friend. Last week, with a tear in Ric’s eye, he told Orton that Orton should be the one to break the record because of how much Ric loved him. And what did Orton do? “You kicked him in his damn skull!”
But here’s the thing. SummerSlam isn’t Orton and a defenseless old man. Orton is facing “a pissed off, 6’5″ Scottish fire-breathing dragon” that wants to hurt him! Not just for McIntyre, but for everyone Orton’s ever wronged, and especially Flair! Camera cuts are a bit weird and graphics are showing up randomly as McIntyre tries to take us down memory lane. Orton VS Foley, all the weapons! Yes, Orton took the torch from Foley that night. And we’re getting a replay of Dominik Mysterio taking those kendo stick strikes in a picture in picture. McIntyre tells Orton that SummerSlam will be a beating far worse than thumbtacks and weapons. “Screw that! Drew McIntyre IS a damn weapon!”
McIntyre wishes SummerSlam was now, and he knows Orton is hiding somewhere in the building. The graphics are going by so fast it’s a bit nauseating. A cameraman barges into the production truck to find Retribution members forcing the tech crew to do these things! Then they break the computers now that they’ve been found! McIntyre keeps talking about what he wants to do to Orton while Raw goes to break! Is this the end or just the beginning of the chaos for tonight?
Raw returns to the locker room assembled.
Much like the superstars last Friday Night SmackDown, Titus O’Neil, Mustafa Ali, Cedric Alexander, Ricochet, Humberto Carrillo, The Viking Raiders and even Riddick Moss all want answers. This was no hacker, and it wasn’t Akira Tozawa’s ninja clan. McIntyre comes in and says his stuff with Orton can wait. Is Ric okay? Yes, from what McIntyre’s heard. But Orton won’t be okay. Of course, that’s if we get to Sunday. Retribution keeps causing chaos and trouble, and McIntyre doesn’t appreciate them doing this. So they have tow choices: carry on and see what happens; or band together and stomp this out! But Seth Rollins come sin, laughing and applauding.
Rollins appreciates what McIntyre is doing. Yes, Retribution is a problem. But Monday night already has its Messiah, so there’s already a locker room leader. Okay, Rollins. You’ve been doing this song and dance for about five years now. If the boys didn’t respect you then, they’re not going to respect you now. Rollins gets it, McIntyre is the champion with a chip on his shoulders and thinks he’s the leader. But being a champion doesn’t make you a leader nor a teacher. Let’s not forget who taught McIntyre about being a champion. It was Rollins. Just like how Rollins taught Dominik what it takes to be a WWE superstar. Ricochet says Rollins is about to get his receipt for that, too. BURN!
Rollins asks if Ricochet has something to say. Just saying, Rey Mysterio going to be here tonight. Literally impossible. We all saw what Rollins did to Rey’s eye. But Alexander speaks up and says it’s still happening. Rollins doesn’t believe them but McIntyre asks if the Messiah is scared. He’s not! Rollins knows how to protect himself and those around him. Meanwhile, McIntyre couldn’t protect Flair from Orton. Get your priorities straight or you’ll end up the EX WWE Champion. Well Rollins could just come out and say it. If he wants McIntyre to drop him right here, McIntyre will gladly oblige! Buddy Murphy steps in and things get tense. McIntyre dares Rollins to step up, but Rollins and Murphy take their leave. Will everything blow up tonight before SummerSlam?
The Hurt Business is here!
It takes a moment to get the proper titantron and lights going, but MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin still head down to address business. “While Drew McIntyre is in the back, organizing some sort of buddy system,” they’re here to make a statement. “Retribution, wherever you may be. The Hurt Business is officially open for business.” MVP already knows what this is. While the rest of the WWE roster is “hand wringing” and worrying, the Hurt Business is calling Retribution out! Retribution thinks they’re tough for terrorizing from the shadows? That’s not tough! What is tough is Lashley, Benjamin and even MVP! A cameraman finally returns to ringside to get a better look.
MVP says in his life, he’s learned to follow the money. This is the same. Follow the path. Who benefits most from Retribution? Think about it. If you follow the trail, it leads you to catering, where you find Apollo Crews and “His band of merry pranksters,” Ali, Ricochet and Alexander. In fact, Hurt Business bets that they hatched this up while Apollo was home on the couch after the “Full Lashley” full nelson. TO cut to the chase, we all know Retribution showed up around the time MVP faced Apollo for the United States Championship! That’s not a coincidence! That was a ploy so that Apollo could still MVP’s US Championship belt that he paid thousands of dollars for! But here comes Apollo to respond!
Apollo has that very belt and a mic to say, “I knew that you would be out here making excuses.” But to accuse Apollo for leading Retribution? That’s low. No, what’s low is Apollo and his “masked dudes” pulling these “subversive actions.” No this is just MVP distracting from the match at SummerSlam. MVP can’t beat Apollo without help, just like Benjamin. Let’s real talk. Until Apollo had the title, he’s had more stops and starts than a used car. That made Apollo bitter and that’s why he has a crew of the same people. Apollo doesn’t fear MVP, but losing the title. Because as soon as he does, it’s back to catering.
Yeah, Apollo DOES fear losing. That’s why he FIGHTS. But if he was anything like MVP, he would’ve joined up with the Hurt Business months ago. Well if he was like MVP, he’d be smart and he’d understand this business! If he wants to talk business, then let’s talk business! If Apollo beats Benjamin, then both Benjamin and Lashley will be in catering banned from ringside, and MVP will have to go 1v1. MVP says Apollo is a child, and there will be no excuses when MVP puts Apollo over his knee. MVP sicks the Hurt Business after Apollo but Apollo ROCKS Benjamin and gets in the ring! Will Apollo even the odds for Sunday?
Apollo Crews VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business!
Raw returns with the match already in progress. Apollo clubs away on Benjamin then whips, but Benjamin reverses. Benjamin waistlocks but Apollo counters to a victory roll, TWO! Benjamin CLOBBERS Apollo! MVP tells Benjamin add on and he stomps away on Apollo. Benjamin puts Apollo in a corner, stomps away then clubs away. The ref backs Benjamin off, but Benjamin whips Apollo corner to corner hard! Cover, TWO! The crowd rallies up for Apollo but Benjamin waits. Apollo denies Pay Dirt then hits a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps his focus as Benjamin gets to a corner. Apollo waistlocks and brings Benjamin out, but Benjamin counters the Crews Missile to a DDT! Cover, TWO!!
MVP shouts for Benjamin to keep going, and Benjamin drags Apollo back up. Benjamin reels Apollo in, but is that R-Truth!? He’s running away because of Akira Tozawa and the ninjas giving chase! Benjamin has to shove the ninjas out of the way, Apollo trips him up to jackknife cover! Apollo wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall; Hurt Business banned from ringside for the WWE United States Championship match
But Lashley and MVP go after Apollo! No more concern for Apollo’s health this week, they’re just angry! They beat Apollo up but here come those friends! Ricochet, Ali and Alexander fight the Hurt Business back! Lashley puts Alexander on the apron but gets an enziguri! Springboard, but into the #FullLashley! But Ricochet and Ali save Alexander with a sleeper hold, SUPERKICK and BOOT! Apollo and friends dump Lashley out! The Hurt Business suffers another loss, will this finally be settled come SummerSLam?
Truth returns but Benjamin BOOTS him down! Cover, Benjamin wins the 24/7 Championship!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
MVP says “We are NOT going out like that! Not tonight!” They will not be disrespected by Truth the clown, a bunch of ninjas, and Apollo’s crew. How about Apollo choose two of those idiots and face MVP’s guys in a Six Man ELIMINATION Match?! Challenge accepted! Who steps up to hurt the Hurt Business all over again?
Angel Garza reunites with Demi Burnett.
Did she enjoy his match last week? Of course! Well here’s a rose. Thanks! But Ivar returns to charm her again. He really enjoyed their conversation last week about his hoop dreams. Damian Lillard has Dam Time, but now it’s Ivar Time. Would Demi like to be his guest at Raw Underground tonight? He presents her with turkey. Thank you, Ivar! She’d love to! Anything for such a beautiful lady. Oh and, Garza didn’t poison it this time. Did Garza poison Montez Ford? No! No one did! This is just Ford’s excuse so he won’t have to defend the Raw Tag Team titles! Garza says Ivar won’t be pretending in their match up next. And then he throws the turkey down! But Ivar calls it back like Mjolnir! Garza better put some respect on that name! Everything is fair in love and warbeards, but who survives to take Demi on a date?
WWE has a huge announcement!
With everything going on in the Performance Center, the venue for Raw and SmackDown is about to change! WWE turns the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida into the THUNDERDOME! SummerSlam weekend will be bigger than ever as far as a state-of-the-art “virtual fan” experience! Try it out for yourself starting this Friday Night SmackDown!
Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Ivar w/ Erik!
We return to the ring with everyone already here. Who will win the heart of Demi in the shadow of the biggest party of the summer?
The bell rings and Garza runs in, only for Ivar to side step him! Ivar waistlocks but Garza elbows free. Garza headlocks, Ivar powers out and fireman’s carries but Garza slips out. Garza waistlocks but Ivar bucks him off. Things speed up, Ivar cartwheels but Garza catches the heel kick to KNEE Ivar! Garza throws Ivar down by his beard! Off come the pants! Demi watches as Garza wraps Ivar up in a half nelson. Wait, Angelo Dawkins is saying hi to Demi! Garza turns the armlock into a part crossface, but Ivar endures. The crowd rallies, Ivar fights up but Garza throws knees and forearms. Garza whips, Ivar reverses and EXPLODERS Garza away!
The crowd fires up more as Ivar runs Garza over with a shoulder! Ivar waits for Garza to stand before he scoops and sidewalk slams! Then the BASEMENT SPLASH! Ivar fires up as Garza crawls away. Ivar stalks him to a corner, drags him up, and whips him corner to corner. Corner clothesline! Ivar whips the other way, another clothesline! Garza flops but Ivar is ready. Ivar scoops Garza but Garza slips out and shoves. Garza runs into the SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Garza survives and Vega is relieved. Ivar drags Garza up as the crowd rallies again. Ivar hoists Garza up top and climbs up behind him. Garza resists and elbows Ivar back. Garza bumps Ivar off buckles as he goes to the apron. But Ivar clobbers Garza with a clothesline!
Vega checks on Garza but Ivar builds speed! Vega stands in his way so Ivar slams on the brakes. Ivar goes out to get Garza and throw him into the apron! And then the Plexiglas! Ivar puts Garza in at 4 and glares at Almas. Almas stays back but Garza kicks Ivar down! Garza slithers around, and basement dropkicks! Cover, Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
The Lethal Lothario definitely lives up to the first half of his nickname. But Dawkins tells “Fabio” to look at the screen. Demi congratulates Garza on an awesome win. Wait, what is this? Chill, Garza, they were just talking. They were both saying how great the Raw Tag Team championship match is going to be. Demi was asking a lot of questions about Ivar and Garza. Dawkins will back his #VikingProfits brother all day, but the only thing Dawks knows about Garza is that he likes velvet sweats in the summer. Maybe they should ask someone who knows him a little better. Where’s Charly Caruso?
Garza says that’s enough! Mind your business, Dawkins! He’s just playing, fam. But mama always told Dawkins that you can tell a lot about someone from the crew he’s rolling with. And in this case, we really about to find out a lot about those three. What? The titantron changes but Garza hurries to the back!
Vega and Almas ask commentary what this is about. Samoa Joe says Retribution has caused the WWE to start an “intensive security review process,” and it seems they’ve gone over hundreds of hours of security footage. Joe is well-liked, but he was shown something rather interesting. He shared it with Dawkins, and it seems Dawkins now wants to share it with everyone. It’s one of those things that shows how far someone is willing to go, when they think no one is watching. Vega suddenly starts to worry. She and Almas leave, but just what are we about to see?
Raw returns as Garza finds Dawkins and Demi.
Dawkins gives Demi his phone but Garza warns her. If you see that number at 2 AM, delete it. Whoa, why does it gotta be like that? Vega hurries in and wants the phone because of the evidence. Back down, fam! Charly appears because of the commotion. She also wants to know what the video is. Dawkins tells production to roll tape! The video is of Vega up to something. She looks around to see the coast is clear of human eyes. If that is what it looks like, she DID spike Ford’s drink!! Vega defends that everyone is clearly blind, because that is not what she did. What did it prove? Maybe it was messed with!
Wait, Charly is behind this! What?! It’s because Charly is upset Garza “upgraded” to Demi! That’s what’s going on here! Dawkins shouts that Vega poisoned Ford! He told them once and will say it again. Dawkins says “Fam” a lot but Ford is family. Dawkins has been holding back, but it’s time to give them what’s owed. Ford wants that smoke! Ford is back as he and Dawkins brawl with Almas and Garza!! Garza and Almas run for it, but there is no running from this on Sunday! Will the Street Profits still have the gold after getting their payback?
Natalya w/ Lana VS Mickie James!
The Queen of Harts has her Ravishing Russian buddy ringside as she and the former six-time women’s champion both return to action. Will Mickie be able to make this comeback a big one?
The bell rings, Mickie rushes Lana as she hollers at her! Natty attacks from behind, stomps away in the corner, and Lana takes pictures for social media… Natty pulls Mickie against ropes, the ref reprimands and Natty lets off. Natty whips, Mickie reverses to back kick, front kick and run! Mickie dodges to Thesz Press! Mickie rains down rights as the crowd fires up! Mickie drags Natty up but Natty knees low and hard! Natty clubs Mickie down, looms over her then brings her up for a headlock. Mickie throws Natty off and headlocks back! Natty powers out, Mickie runs her over! Lana coaches Natty but Mickie tells her to shut it.
Mickie waits for Natty to stand, then she kicks low and reels her in! Natty powers out and spins, but a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE take them both down! The crowd fires up, loving the action between these two veterans! But wait, why is Seth Rollins coming out here? He and Murphy are after Samoa Joe and Tom Phillips! They want to know how Joe knows about Mysterio. Joe bets he does. Rollins wants to know Joe’s sources but Joe won’t tell. In the ring, Natty whips Mickie to a corner but Mickie comes back with a huricanrana! Mickie spins Natty around for a neckbreaker! Mickie kips up and Lana panics!
Mickie goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Lana gets on the apron! This slows Mickie down and Natty BLASTS her to the floor! Natty and Lana want the ring count while Rollins says Joe’s source is #FakeNews. The ring count rises above 5 on Mickie but she stirs at 7! She’s up at 9 but gets counted out! Natty wins!!
Winner: Natalya, by count-out
Natty celebrates and Lana mocks Mickie while Joe and Rollins finish their argument over sources. Lana gets this on film for TikTok and the ‘Gram, but the MICK KICK kicks the phone down!
Rollins keeps ranting at Joe, and says this: “If Rey and Dominik have the audacity to spit in my face and show up on MY show here tonight, it will be the last mistake either of them make, and neither of them will be making it to SummerSlam!” Rollins has issued his warning, but Joe doesn’t sweat it. Will the Mysterios only use this as motivation towards SummerSlam?
The Golden Role Models VS Asuka & Shayna Baszler!
Bayley and Sasha Banks will have to be very careful! Though the fact they both will face the Empress of Tomorrow at SummerSlam sounds like an advantage, tonight could jeopardize their momentum.
Before the match, the Role Models get the mics. “When you are the hardest working superstars in the WWE and have ll the gold, that’s enough to break anybody.” Being part of all three brands!? Give them a break! And now they both face Asuka!? They’ve had a few days, and… THEY CANT’T WAIT! They will get the night off! Asuka thinks she’s so smart getting into that Triple Brand Battle Royal. But the Empress of Tomorrow is more like the Empress of STUPID! She’s so dumb to think she has a chance in hell to win that double header!
But the real question is, who should defeat Asuka first? Sasha and Bayley think the other should, out of friendship. Bayley accepts that first match, so that she can do the heavy lifting and let Sasha win without even breaking a sweat! Bayley’s so sweet. Then they can finally CELEBRATE~! Because life is good and no one can stop the two of them. They’ll celebrate through Payback, too, as they successfully defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! The only question is: Who are going to be the losers? Bliss-Cross? The IIconics? Heck, event he Riott Squad. Better yet, Asuka and Kai- Oh… Kairi Sane is gone!!
Shayna shows up to say something herself. “No matter what happens at SummerSlam, whoever it is that has that Raw Women’s title… I got next.” Asuka shows up to say the Empress is here! And SummerSlam, her two title matches, she already tells Bayley that it’s IMPOSSIBLE for her to keep hers! And as for tonight, Asuka takes them both on, with Shayna on her side. They have to fight together, before they can fight each other. Shayna likes the sound of that, and it’s go time! Bayley and Banks bail out to keep things under control. Will Shayna and Asuka even leave anything of them to make it to Sunday?
The teams sort out and Bayley starts against Asuka. They circle, the crowd rallies, and Bayley gets Asuka to the corner! Tag to Sasha and the Role Models mug Asuka. Asuka kicks back, Sasha stomps her, then tags Bayley back in. They mug Asuka more and Bayley wraps Asuka up into a chinlock. Bayley bumps Asuka off buckles, tags Sasha back in, and Sasha toys with Asuka. Asuka kicks but Sasha blocks to KNEE her back! Sasha sucker punches Shayna, but almost gets the pop-up knee! Asuka turns things around for a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, Shayna gets up but someone knocks the Plexiglas over onto her!! It’s NIA!! Nia Jax is violating suspension to get after Shayna!! Nia stomps Shayna under the board!
Security rushes out and tells Nia to leave! Pat Buck is out in front to tell Nia to leave but Shayna goes after Nia! They brawl into the timekeeper’s area!! Nia shoves Shayna but Shayna comes back. Asuka reverses Sasha’s whip but Bayley keeps Sasha on the apron. So they BOTH get the hip attack! The Empress is all fired up, even if she is alone, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Bayley grinds Asuka down in a chinlock. The crowd rallies up but Bayley knocks Asuka down and stomps her to ropes. Bayley stomps more but Asuka kicks back! Asuka goes after the leg but Bayley stomps her back down. Bayley bumps Asuka off buckles, tags Sasha, and they double suplex Asuka up and over! Cover, TWO! Sasha toys with Asuka and Bayley mocks Asuka that she has no Kairi, no Shayna and no chance! Sasha drags Asuka up and clubs her down, but Asuka hits back again. Sasha whips, Asuka holds ropes and elbows back! Asuka kicks and sunset flips! Sasha slips out, basement meteora! Cover, TWO!
Sasha grows frustrated but she drags Asuka up. Sasha bumps her off buckles, tags Bayley and they mug Asuka again. Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley drags Asuka into a chinlock and digs a knee in. Asuka endures as the crowd continues to rally. Bayley thrashes Asuka around, digs her knee in harder, but pulls on hair. The ref counts, Bayley stops at 4, and continues to mock Asuka not having a partner. But Asuka fights back! Bayley clobbers her down, drags her around and tags Sasha back in. The Role Models drag Asuka up to crisscross and whip her into the corner. Sasha snapmares, covers, TWO! Asuka growls but Bayley tags back in. The Role Models double whip, double wrench and double back suplex! Cover, TWO!
Bayley and Sasha are growing frustrated but Bayley goes to a corner. Bayley climbs up top, leaps, but lands on BOOTS! GHOST PIN! TWO!! Bayley gets up, drags Asuka up, and Sasha tags in. Asuka BACK HANDS Bayley! Sasha spins Asuka for a BACKSTABBER! BANK STATEMENT!! Asuka is in the crossface but Shayna returns?! Shayna KICKS Sasha off the hold! Asuka and Sasha crawl, but Sasha keeps Asuka away. Asuka boots Sasha, hot tag to Shayna! The Queen of Spades rallies on The Boss! Corner KNEE! Sliding KNEE at the ropes! Shayna drags Sasha around, stands on her hand, but Sasha avoids the stomp to roll Shayna up! TWO and Bayley tags in! Shayna gets Sasha but Bayley gets Shayna! Shayna just grabs Bayley, but Sasha hits a BACKSTABBER! BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!?
The crowd is thunderous as Shayna survives and the Role Models are furious! Sasha tags back in, she and Bayley double lift Shayna but she knees free! Shayna throws Bayley, throws Sasha out, then rocks Bayley with a body shot to a gut wrench SLAM! And a KNEE!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Sasha kicks Shayna to save Bayley but Asuka sends Sasha out! Sasha shoulders into a knee! Asuka slides and gets Sasha in an ASUKA LOCK! Sasha is tapping, not that it matters. Shayna counters Bayley’s face plant into the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Bayley taps, Shayna and Asuka win!!
Winners: Asuka & Shayna Baszler, by submission
Both champions tap to hungry challengers! Asuka has to run the gauntlet while Shayna waits on the other side. Will Sasha and Bayley still be golden when this is all over?
Apollo talks with Alexander, Ricochet and Ali backstage.
The three of them are ready to face the Hurt Business, and he thanks them all for that back-up. That’s why Apollo accepted the challenge and chosen Mustafa Ali and Ricochet. Wait, what about Alexander? Apollo knows Alexander’s eager but he’s been going hard and should rest. Apollo needs to work off the rust because he was home for so long. Alexander doesn’t want that! He is in a tag team with Ricochet, they should go together. Ricochet assures Alexander it’s fine, they can get him in next time. The four friends head out, will Alexander at least be there for his friends for support?
Uh oh. Randy Orton walks into view now. The Viper seems to be contemplating something. Is he going to strike someone who least expects it?
Shawn Michaels finds Drew McIntyre backstage.
HBK checks in on the champ, because he knows what’s going through his head. Ric Flair meant a lot to everyone, including HBK. But McIntyre needs to understand that the anger and frustration will be used against him by Orton. McIntyre needs to focus and understand that he just needs to kick Orton’s head off. McIntyre has worked too hard and went down too rough of a road to lose now. McIntyre appreciates hearing that. Reflecting on his road back, McIntyre knows HBK was a huge part of that. Getting back through NXT, that was great because he got to spend time working with HBK. It wasn’t about the past but the future, and here he is now as world champion. But Orton has run roughshod over legends, and McIntyre feels like he’s let HBK down.
Let him down? McIntyre could never let HBK down. He is a Scottish Stud and there’s nothing stopping him! Yes, it’s tough. There are hills and mountains to climb, that’s what being a champion is. But all of that was tailor made for McIntyre. HBK remembers McIntyre didn’t take time for that torn bicep until he absolutely had to. He drove five hours every day to train, learn, build and grow. That’s the McIntyre HBK knows. The one who beat Brock Lesnar, a man who held the title hostage, and McIntyre set it free. The road McIntyre has traveled proves he has earned where he is. And now he’ll show everyone who he is all over again.
So promise HBK one thing: when HBK goes out there and he confronts Orton, McIntyre gives HBK that space. McIntyre promises that, and thanks HBK for the talk. But will HBK be put in the same situation as The Nature Boy tonight?
The IIconics confront Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan.
Aw look, it’s the “New and improved” Riott Squad. Will they trust each other today? Or will that change again? Billie Kay says her shoulder isn’t feeling so good so Peyton Royce is subbing in for Ruby in their match tonight. Right, Peyton? R-Right, of course! That’s what best friends do for each other. Though it seems like a surprise to Peyton. Liv says that’s surprising. Peyton asks if the “trash” has something to say, and that riles Ruby right up! Liv keeps Ruby calm and gets her to head for gorilla. The IIconics linger, and spot two people with Shayna. It’s Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke! Are the other MMA Four Horsewomen finally joining Raw?
Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan VS Peyton Royce w/ Billie Kay!
Raw returns as the IIconics finish their entrance, but Ruby is already in the ring. The bell rings and Ruby rushes Peyton right away! Ruby trips Peyton, rains down rights but Peyton gets up. Ruby keeps after her, ducks the heel kick and clothesline to STO! Ruby rains down more rights but Peyton gets away again. Peyton goes to ropes, Ruby goes after her but Peyton kicks her away. Peyton is on the apron, but Ruby runs and BLASTS her off! Ruby bumps Peyton off the apron, then whips her into barriers! Ruby refreshes the ring count to whip Peyton again, but Peyton reverses to send Ruby into barriers! Peyton puts Ruby in, waistlocks, but Ruby standing switches. Peyton bucks her off and KNEES her down! Cover, TWO!
Peyton and Billie are furious but Peyton drags Ruby back up. Peyton bumps Ruby off buckles then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Peyton lets up and throws close range clotheslines. Ruby slips out to fire forearms back! Peyton shoves her away but Ruby comes back with a BIG forearm! Ruby whips Peyton out then into the corner to hit an elbow! Ruby goes side to side for a running MULE KICK! Billie is worried while Peyton flops out of the ring. Ruby is on the apron and CROSSBODIES her down! The crowd is fired up as Ruby puts Peyton back in. Billie gets in Ruby’s face but Liv gets in Billie’s. Peyton shoves Ruby INTO Liv! Liv goes down, Peyton gives Ruby the DEJA VU!! Cover, Peyton wins!
Winner: Peyton Royce, by pinfall
The IIconics get another one by using the Squad against each other! Will Billie and Peyton head back to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships after sweeping Ruby and Liv?
It’s almost time!
Shane McMahon arrives at the door and Jordan Omogbehin knows what that means. Raw Underground is coming up! Who steps up to throw down?
Raw Underground begins!
And Erik is already throwing someone around! Erik clubs away but his opponent gets away. He throws hands but gets thrown by Erik again! Erik lets his man up to see if he can do more. Nope! Erik facelocks, knees away, and the ref calls it!
Winner: Erik
Ivar has to cool Erik off, because the damage is done! Shane talks with Dolph Ziggler, and Ziggler says he’s had a lot of fun here already. Now, we just saw a great fight from Erik, but question: how would Ziggler rate it? “I mean, it was pretty good.” 4/10 at best because his guy was only okay. Shane would go higher but he agrees it was still impressive. Erik of course hears this and dares Ziggler to try him. Ziggler says Erik doesn’t want that, but Shane this is a “call out.” Challenge accepted? Ziggler figures why not. What a match-up! Erik and Ziggler circle, test things out, and ZIggler gets a leg. Erik keeps him back, they move around, Ziggler has a leg! Erik stays up and ROCKS Ziggler with that right!
Ziggler slips around fast to avoid the facelock and gives the facelock. But Erik powers up to SLAM Ziggler down! Erik goes for the facelock, Ziggler fights it off and they clinch. Erik throws knees, forearms and elbows, then gets the leg. He lifts Ziggler again, but Ziggler fights free! Ziggler gets the sleeper! Erik rolls but Ziggler stays clamped on! Erik fights up, Ziggler thumbs him in the eye!! Ziggler puts Erik out and Shane calls it! Ziggler wins!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
The Show-Off celebrates but Ivar BLASTS him out of the ring! Ivar clearly didn’t take kindly to the thumb to Erik’s eye. Shane calms things down and we return to regular Raw.
Rey Mysterio IS here!
The King of Lucha and his son, Dominik, prove the rumors right! Dominik is still sore as he holds his ribs, given all the damage done from the kendo stick attack. And Dominik is still going to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam in what is now a STREET FIGHT! Rey says there is only one word that can describe how he’s felt since Extreme Rules: pain. And a lot of it. Pain for what Rollins did to Rey’s eye, and an even worse pain for what Rollins did to Dominik. “Having to witness my own flesh and blood in agony, not being able to do anything about it,” as he saw that savage kendo stick beating, made Rey feel a rage that he has never felt before. Rey wanted to be there to protect Dominik. He needed to be there to stop that beating, or even take it himself so Dominik wouldn’t suffer.
Rey may not be fully recovered from his eye injury, and there is a chance that may never happen. But there’s no doctor that can stop Rey from protecting his son! “So Seth, escucha me.” Listen closely, Seth. You will not repeat what you did to Dominik, because Rey will be in his corner as he watches Dominik kick Rollins’ ass in that Street Fight! Dominik thanks his father for all of that. Dominik knew what he was in for when he signed a WWE contract. He knows what he has to do to defend the Mysterio family, and will be ready. Father and son hug as the crowd cheers. Rey says Dominik has no idea how proud he is right now. Rey loves his son, and admires his son’s determination, as well as the will to defend the family name. If Rollins gets anywhere near them tonight, Rollins will be the one that won’t make it to SummerSlam.
“Well, well, well.” Rollins didn’t think they’d show up. Rey is a lot of things, some good and some bad, but Rollins didn’t think he was an idiot. Six days away from his son’s most important moment, and yet he’s put Dominik in danger. Why? For Rey’s own personal glory, because it’s always been about Rey! So selfish. What kind of father is he? Rollins can’t understand why Rey continues to put himself and his son in such preventable situations. Everyone has a role to play in the “greater good,” yet Rey resisted. This could’ve been avoided if Rey accepted his role. Rey got hurt, Dominik got hurt, yet they still haven’t learned. The most tragic thing of all is that it won’t just be Rey or Dominik, but the Mysterio name and legacy that will become the ultimate sacrifice.
Rey tells Rollins that if he’s the Monday Night Messiah, a man using big words, maybe he should show up and back them up. Rollins laughs and asks, “What is wrong with you, man?” Rey has one eye and Dominik can barely stand. But they asked for this. Don’t move from that ring. Rollins and Murphy are headed their way! The Mysterios wait, and Rollins and Murphy return to ringside. Rollins takes off his suit jacket and loosens his tie as he and Murphy go down the ramp. The Mysterios get out of the ring, and Rollins taunts them. Mysterio talked big but can’t back up his own words? If they want this, come get it! But is it because his boy is hurt?
Rey eggs them on as they egg him on, but Dominik gets kendo sticks!! And he SMACKS Rollins from behind! And then SMACKS away on Murphy! And more for Rollins! Rey gets the other stick and they both SMACK away on Rollins!! Front and back, just like Dominik took! They tie Rollins up in ropes, but Murphy runs back in, only to get the SMACKS for Rollins! Disciple and leader run away, but it won’t end here! SummerSlam brings us a Street Fight in the Thunderdome, who walks out not so much the winner, but the least battered and bruised?
MVP finds Cedric Alexander backstage.
“My, my, my, ain’t this a familiar scene.” What does MVP want? What does he have to say? Relax, man! MVP gets where Alexander is. Just a young man navigating the WWE, wanting to be in the ring rather than back here. But it wasn’t MVP’s friends who held him back. Alexander knows MVP is just stirring the pot again. But the difference is that Apollo is looking out for Alexander. What does MVP know of looking out for someone else’s best interests? MVP plays along, since Apollo was in the #FullLashley just like Alexander and can understand the pain. But it could be that Apollo thinks Alexander is the weak link. Ricochet must’ve spoken up for him, though, right? Well, maybe not. It must be really hard being in a tag with the the #OneAndOnly.
MVP says that offer is still on the table. Just think it over while you’re enjoying the “fine cuisine” of catering. Alexander grows frustrated as he thinks about it. Will he take that offer?
We return to Raw Underground!
Last week, we saw these two have impressive wins! It’s Arturo Ruas VS Riddick Moss! It begins! Rusas knees but Moss dodges! Ruas fires off hands and a boot but Moss hits a SPINE BUSTER! Moss rains down rights but Ruas pushes him away. Ruas Eddy Gordo kicks! Ruas has Moss on the defense with kicks at the legs and body shots all over. But Moss grabs Ruas by the beard and hammers away with forearms! Ruas pulls hair to give them all back! Moss and Ruas slug it out, Ruas SPINE BUSTERS this time! Ruas rains down rights, gets around to sleeper hold, but Moss powers up to his feet. Moss has Ruas as a backpack for the SENTON! Moss clubs away on Ruas, stomps away, but Ruas gets the kneebar on that leg!
Moss scrambles, fights back, they clinch on the mat but Ruas gets the heel hook! Moss rolls them out of the ring to break the hold! The crowd gets a bit handsie trying to get them back into this, and Ruas ROCKS the guy closest to him! Moss ROCKS the guy near him! Shane calls it because “that was sick!” Will things only get wilder on Raw Underground?
Six Man Elimination Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali!
MVP may not have Benjamin and Lashley ringside for SummerSlam, but the Hurt Business looks to get even with Apollo and his crew. Will the King of Flight and Beacon of Light help Apollo shine tonight?
The teams sort out and we start with Benjamin and Ali. They circle, tie up, Benjamin powers Ali to a corner but lets up to knee low. The ref reprimands, Benjamin whips Ali corner to corner. Ali goes up and over, arm-drags Benjamin around and then gets an armlock. The crowd rallies but Benjamin fights up. Ali wrenches and tags in Ricochet. Ricochet goes up and drops ax handles on the arm. Ricochet wrenches now, but Benjamin pushes him away. Ricochet dropkick-flips and enziguris! Cover, ONE! Ricochet tags Ali and Ali brings Benjamin to a waistlock. Benjamin elbows out and tags in Lashley, and Lashley runs Ali over to then hit Ricochet and Apollo out, all without slowing down!
Lashley drags Ali up for the Canadian rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, Lashley ELIMINATES Ali already!! The crowd boos but Ricochet runs in to go after Lashley with forearms. Lashley swings, Ricochet dodges to keep throwing hands. Lashley shoves Ricochet, Ricochet comes back into the MOUNTAIN HIGH SPINE BUSTER! Tag to Benjamin as Ricochet sits up in a daze. Benjamin taunts Apollo before he gives Ricochet the PAY DIRT! Cover, Benjamin ELIMINATES Ricochet!! Apollo’s crew is already done! Apollo steps in, Benjamin knees and clubs away, throws big forearms, but Apollo hits back. Benjamin whips corner to corner, Apollo dodges the splash, CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo ELIMINATES Benjamin!
Things are a bit more even as MVP steps up now. MVP and Apollo circle, but Alexander takes advantage of Benjamin being 24/7 Champion! Roll up, Alexander wins!!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
So much for that offer MVP made! Alexander snatches the title and runs for it! “What now, Hurt Business?!” Will Benjamin stay to support his team? Or will he chase after the Age of Alexander and the gold? We find out after the break!
Raw returns as MVP clubs away on Apollo and stomps in a mudhole. The ref counts, MVP lets off but Apollo chops back. MVP ROCKS Apollo with rights but Apollo hits back. MVP fires off in anger and clubs Apollo down. MVP whips Apollo to a corner hard, and Apollo bounces off buckles. MVP drags Apollo up, throws him out, then goes out to bring him up. MVP bounces Apollo off the apron, put shim in the ring and covers, TWO! MVP brings Apollo up, tags Lashley in and they mug Apollo. Lashley clubs Apollo, Apollo kicks back but Lashley fires off on him! The ref backs Lashley off but Lashley digs his boot into Apollo. Lashley lets up at the count to drag Apollo up and runs corner to corner, to RAM into Apollo!
Tag to MVP, MVP runs corner to corner and BOOTS Apollo down! Cover, TWO! MVP is annoyed and he drags Apollo back up. MVP throws body shots, whips Apollo out then in, then runs, only to get buckles! Apollo reels MVP in, CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo ELIMINATES MVP! But Lashley gets right on Apollo with big forearms! Lashley digs a knee into Apollo’s head, pulls on the arm and clubs the shoulder. Lashley drags Apollo around just to kick him while he’s down. The crowd boos as Lashley whips but Apollo comes back with big forearms! And an enziguri! Lashley wobbles into another enziguri! Apollo hits a basement enziguri, then a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO!
The crowd is thunderous as Apollo brings Lashley up. Lashley standing switches and wants his full nelson! Apollo resists, elbows free and throws forearms. They both run, Lashley SPEARS!! Cover, The Hurt Business wins!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by pinfall
But that isn’t enough for Lashley or Benjamin! They and MVP are all in the ring, but MVP keeps them from adding on. Will Apollo be able to fight back up with the title on the line? Or is that brand new belt coming back to its creator?
Shane talks with Shayna backstage.
The Queen of Spades confirms that Shafir and Duke are legit. Will the Horsewomen make their debuts not on Raw, but on Raw Underground!?
WWE 24/7 Championship: Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninjas!
Raw returns and the newly minted champion is already being put to the test! Will the former Soul of 205 Live be able to thwart the Stamina Monster like back in the day?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexander gets the arm, Tozawa rolls through to wrench back. Alexander rolls and handsprings to wrench back on Tozawa. MVP watches backstage as Alexander wrings Tozawa out and dropkicks him down! Alexander kips up and stalks Tozawa. Tozawa goes to a corner and wants a little mercy. But then Tozawa says, “Ninja! Ninja! NINJA POWAH~!” And his ninjas go into action, only for Alexander to ROCK one off the apron onto the other two! Tozawa dodges Alexander to back kick, swing, slide under and spin kick again! Alexander is in the drop zone, Tozawa heads up top! Tozawa leaps but has to bail out as Alexander moves. Alexander handsprings, NEURALIZER! LUMBAR CHECK!! Cover, Alexander wins!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)
The first defense is a success, putting an exclamation point on sticking it to MVP! But then Benjamin returns to hit PAY DIRT!! Cover, Benjamin wins!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
The Gold Standard has the gold back already, sticking it back to Alexander! Will Alexander think twice before trying to hurt the Hurt Business?
Raw Underground officially sets up a match next week!
After what happened between Ziggler and Ivar, the Show-Off will have to answer to the Warbeard! Will Ziggler sweep the Viking Raiders? Or will he be run over by the raid?
Speaking of, we return to Raw Underground!
And the deal has been struck, Marina Shafir has her first fight! She doesn’t even wait for Shane to give the go ahead, she throws her hat at her opponent and throws hands! The Supernova throws her opponent down, drags her back up by her hair, but her opponent SLAPS back! Shafir blocks and hits a takedown! Then she drags her opponent around. She cartwheels to avoid the kick to give a kick back! And then, heel hook triangle hold combo!! Her opponent taps, Shafir wins!
Winner: Marina Shafir
But then NIA JAX attacks Marina?! Jessamyn Duke jumps up but Nia knocks her down! The suspended Irresistible Force just doesn’t care, so long as she can go after Shayna and those connected to her! Shayna gets in and dares Nia to step up. Suspensions on Raw mean nothing to the Underground! They throw down, but Nia runs away! She kicks Marina on the way out, but the crowd chants, “She’s scared~! She’s scared~!” Will the Horsewomen make sure Nia pays for punking them out?
Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Angel Garza!
After the shocking reveal that wasn’t a surprise, #KingTez is back for revenge! Will he give El Idolo what he gets for having such a sneaky manager?
The bell rings and Ford circles with Almas. Almas rushes Ford but Ford dodges to fire off fast hands! Ford whips but Almas kicks him back. Ford just dropkicks Almas out! Almas checks himself but Ford FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Ford puts Almas in, climbs to the top but Almas trips him up. Almas throws forearms, CHOPS Ford back, then climbs up to join him. Almas wants the superplex but Ford resists. Dawkins makes sure Garza and Vega stay back while Ford fights back. Almas still hits the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ford grits his teeth while Almas sneers. Almas wraps Ford up in a chinlock and grinds him down.
The crowd rallies as Ford endures and fights his way up. Ford fights out with elbows but Almas rocks him with a right! Almas CHOPS Ford against the ropes then whips. Ford reverses to LARIAT! Ford whips, Almas reverses but Ford goes up and over the back drop to hit another lariat! Ford kips right up to standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Vega is stressing out as Ford watches Almas go to a corner. Ford runs in but Almas boots him down! Almas hops up, Ford comes back to NO HANDS RANA! Ford fires up with the rope shaking and he climbs up top. Vega is on the apron to distract and Almas ROCKS Ford with an uppercut! But Vega spots Bianca Belair! Vega leaps, into Bianca’s arms and a SLAM! Almas is distracted by this, Ford rolls him up! Ford wins!
Winner: Montez Ford, by pinfall
The Street Profits just got even with Vega’s team! But it won’t really be even until they’ve had their Raw Tag Team Championship match! Will things finally be settled at SummerSlam?
HBK heads through the backstage area.
Shawn says hi to Titus O’Neil, Humberto Carrillo and even R-Truth. HBK is headed to the ring, what happens when he calls out Randy Orton?
Shawn Michaels goes to the ring!
The crowd goes wild for the Heartbreak Kid as he gets himself a mic. He wishes he was here under a more exciting note. Footage of Orton’s shocking betrayal replays. Last week, with tears rolling down his face, HBK watched as Flair relived the worst 31 days of his life. Those 31 days where the Nature Boy was on his death bed, just wanting to tell those he loved how he felt. HBK wants us to know that Ric, more than anyone, loved performing inside this ring. If it wasn’t for guys like Ric, there would be no HBK, no HHH, no Batista, no Edge, no Christian, no Big Show and certainly no Drew McIntyre. There’s of course another guy on that list in Randy Orton.
But unlike the others, Orton doesn’t have the same gratitude or appreciation. Even though Flair was his mentor for YEARS, one of the best EVER, Orton didn’t appreciate that. No, Orton feels he was owed something like that. “Randy. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I can assure you it is going to happen. At SummerSlam, I don’t know if you’re going to meet your justice at the end of a Sweet Chin Music, or if you meet it from a Claymore,” HBK assures Orton that he will see it coming! HBK drops the mic and heads out, but Orton is there! RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! And then a PUNT as quick as that!! McIntyre shows up and is furious that he couldn’t help another legend! McIntyre makes sure HBK is okay, and shouts “get some help out here!”
Referees hurry out but Orton comes back! McIntyre throws haymakers! And then clotheslines Orton out! McIntyre pursues, throwing Orton into steel steps! And into Plexiglas! And then into more Plexigalas! And over the announce table! McIntyre glares down at the Viper before going back to HBK. Where are the medics?! Orton just slithers back in to RKO McIntyre!! Orton glares down at McIntyre but leaves it at this, because he wants that WWE World Championship. Will the Legend Killer end McIntyre before he even becomes a legend? Or can McIntyre deny Orton that next step towards breaking the Nature Boy’s reign record?
My Thoughts:
A really wild go-home tonight, though it almost felt too wild at times. First, and as I believe I said for SmackDown, Retribution is way more active on SmackDown. Yes, Retribution “messed” with the broadcast to start, but that was it, and was honestly more annoying than anything. But I think it was good for MVP to put it out there that there is a mastermind, more than likely within the existing roster. And I like the tiny detail that someone brought up this not being the forgotten SmackDown hacker. Hopefully SummerSlam takes a moment to give us some real progress on Retribution, both on the members and the motives. And please don’t let Tommaso Ciampa be any of that.
There was a LOT of Hurt Business going on, and oddly none of it in Raw Underground despite that first segment. I like that they made a match to determine if MVP can have Lashley and Benjamin ringside, and it is great that he can’t because now things will definitely be more of a blow off. There was a lot of back and forth with the WWE 24/7 Championship in regards to the Hurt Business, with Benjamin winning it, losing it, then winning it back all in one night. It was still pretty good, but it also felt like filler just to get it in before SummerSlam. It does help build things so that Alexander ends up the focus of the feud next. I wonder if there’s also a point where a faction heads for the Raw Tag Team Championships.
There was also a lot of development for the Raw Tag Team title story all over the night. Garza beats Ivar to “impress” Demi Burnett, but the reveal that Vega did “poison” Ford seemed like a letdown. It could’ve still been one of the two between Almas and Garza, but oh well. Also, I feel like they could’ve written this slightly different to make it better. It needed to be where Vega denies poisoning Ford, but there’s that twist of, “No one said he was poisoned.” And then the video evidence adds on and we still get to where we are now. Ford and Bianca get the better of Almas and Vega, but I still feel like the title match can go either way. And again, the winner can move on to take on either the Hurt Business or Apollo’s crew for the next stretch.
Poor Mickie James. Her return match ends up overshadowed by the Monday Night Messiah story. Of course, I don’t think anyone wants to be forced to focus on social media obsessed Lana trying to make Natty’s matches worthy of views and likes and all that. I hope Mickie gets someone to watch her back and counter Lana. No idea who, though. The Riott Squad being used against itself might be a bit rushed. It is fitting that Peyton’s finisher is Deja Vu for the pun, though. We got an AMAZING match out of Asuka & Shayna VS Golden Role Models. And it seems Nia is still going to be around. It just shows that security guards in wrestling mean nothing. Nia keeps getting in and out, the same as Retribution. Her first brawl with Shayna was fine, but I would’ve kept her away, as her retreating in Raw Underground makes her look weak.
As for Asuka, the WWE is her oyster with the three obvious routes she can take. She could win both, which would be amazing and well deserved. She could win the SmackDown Women’s Championship but be screwed out of the Raw Women’s Championship, and that moves Asuka over to SmackDown so Fox can have the incredibly popular superstar for a moment. Or she could somehow lose the SmackDown title match, probably because of cheap tactics, but then “redeems” herself by winning the Raw title, to then face Shayna for the rest of the year. There’s also the fact that Shayna and Asuka beat the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and they could get in the mix towards Payback. I doubt that’ll be the case, and it’ll be left to Riott Squad or IIconics, though neither of those feel like they could outright beat Sasha and Bayley.
Raw Underground is still going strong for just being around the last few weeks. I like that we’re already getting some serious competition between the established names. Erik and Ziggler had a great go around, and Ziggler VS Ivar next week is going to be great, too. For one, it’s a historic first for Raw Underground in scheduling a match rather than letting it be who wants in next. Also, I really like seeing Kona Reeves as that extra excited fan swinging his shirt while he sits way up high. Moss and Ruas had a great bit, but I wish they were allowed time to settle it. And while Nia basically hit and run, Marina Shafir was looking really good getting in the ring for Underground. This might be more her speed to get pro-wrestling ready, and the same for Jessamyn Duke.
McIntyre being part of the opening that gets “ruined” by Retribution was an odd move, but I suppose it needed to establish his mission for the night. It was pretty clear that with HBK waiting until the end of the night, and just showing up at all, he was going to get attacked by Orton. I feel like Raw didn’t let anyone stand tall for very long tonight, and not even McIntyre was exempt. HBK gave him that great talk backstage but Orton just doesn’t stop as he goes after McIntyre. I feel like that’s how Raw chose to keep the booking 50-50 on the night, so who knows who wins at SummerSlam. The same for Dominik VS Rollins. Now that it is officially a Street Fight, anything could happen, such as interference from Murphy or even a returning Austin Theory or Authors of Pain (though there hasn’t been any news on those three in any form). It’s hard to be sure if the Faces come away with this or not.
My Score: 8.4/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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A Fatal 4 Way determines the #1 contender!
Just as we will be, Aaron Rourke will be watching tonight’s Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match to see who comes after his WWE Evolve Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Karmen Petrovic VS Nikkita Lyons w/ Sloane Jacobs; wins.
- WWE Evolve Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Brooks Jensen VS Kam Hendrix VS Tristan Angels VS Dorian Van Dux; wins and will challenge for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will the Scumbag go Double or Nothing?
Darby Allin told MJF to choose: A Title VS Hair match, or no title match EVER! Will MJF be vain or greedy as we head for Double or Nothing?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 10 Man Tag: Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage & The Young Bucks VS Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, Clark Connors & FTR w/ Stokely Hathaway; Cassidy, Cope, Christian & The Bucks win.
- “Speedball” Mike Bailey w/ Kevin Knight VS Westbrook; Bailey wins.
- AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Kevin Knight VS Brian Cage; Knight wins and retains the title.
- Will Ospreay VS Ace Austin; Ospreay wins.
- Six Woman Tag: Hikaru Shida & The Brawling Birds VS The Triangle of Madness; Shida & The Birds win, by disqualification.
- AEW World Championship: Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita; Darby wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
MJF arrives backstage.
Renee Paquette is there to bring up tonight’s main event is Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW World Championship. If Darby Allin wins, MJF will then have to sign a contract for Title VS Hair at Double or Nothing. Darby has made it clear that if MJF doesn’t sign said contract, Darby will never allow MJF to face him for the title again. We all know how important the title is for MJF, but is MJF willing to put his hair on the line for it? MJF just chuckles and moves on, but he notices the very bald Rick Knox, Bryce Remsburg, and the head of security, David Aponte. And then various bald members of the production staff…
And then even Christopher Daniels & Sonjay Dutt are there! Daniels and Sonjay chuckle before moving on, and then MJF sees John Silver flexing. Brandon Cutler, some arena staff, and even Tommaso Ciampa, all bald. Then last but certainly not least, Ricochet! He tells MJF that don’t worry, he’ll look great. Just not as good as Ricochet. AHA~! MJF storms off, will he have no choice but to choose between gold belt and chrome dome?
10 Man Tag: Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage & The Young Bucks VS Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, Clark Connors & FTR w/ Stokely Hathaway!
While we know the AEW World Tag Team Championship match will be a conglomeration of I Quit Match and New York Street Fight, THE Conglomeration will be waiting on the other side for their own tag title match. And let’s not forget that Matt & Nick Jackson want their own shot at those titles again. With that, can Freshly Squeezed work together with C&C and The Bucks? Or will the Psycho Killer, the Dogs, and the Top Guys all stand tall on the road to Double or Nothing?
The teams sort out and the teams just brawl it out! The fans cheer as The Bucks have The Dogs, Cope is after Ciampa, Christian is after Cash, and Dax brawls with Cassidy! Dax bumps Cassidy off buckles but Cassidy ducks the haymaker to waistlock. The Bucks, Cope & Christian clear everyone else out, then take the brawl outside! Dax ROCKS Cassidy to send him out, and the fans fire up as Matt fires hands on 100 Proof right by commentary! Ciampa whips Cope but Cope reverses, sending Ciampa into barriers! Cash sends Christian into railing, then CLOBBERS Cassidy! Nick fires hands on Finlay, Cassidy sends Cash into railing!
Cassidy and Dax meet in the ring, Dax ROCKS and CHOPS Cassidy, but Nick sends Finlay into railing! Dax DECKS Cassidy, throws hands on Cope, but Cope fires back! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands! Cope DECKS Dax, and wait, Christian and Cash are brawling in the crowd! Same for Matt and Connors! Finlay CLAWS Nick’s face, Cassidy ROCKS Dax, and Cassidy whips. Dax reverses, Cassidy goes up and out to then SMACK Dax off buckles! Cassidy goes up, Ciampa BOOTS Nick, and Dax trips Cassidy. Dax CHOPS Cassidy, climbs up after him, and goes to the very top! The fans boo but Dax stands Cassidy up, SUPER DUPER PLEX!
Dax then rolls through to suplex again, but Cassidy STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRES! Cassidy runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS! Cassidy kips up, the fans fire up, but Finlay sends Nick into steel steps! #BigStoke grabs Cassidy’s foot, Cash CLOBBERS Cassidy! The fans boo but Dax puts Cassidy in the corner to tag Ciampa. FTR and the Psycho Killer mug Cassidy! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Ciampa stands Cassidy up. Cassidy blocks the chop! And he blocks another chop! The fans cheer but Ciampa kicks low and CHOPS again! The fans boo but Ciampa soaks up that heat. Ciampa drags Cassidy by a leg, turns him over, but Cassidy fights around!
Cassidy kicks and kicks but Ciampa drags him back! Cassidy turns to BOOT Ciampa away! Dax tags in and he CLOBBERS Cassidy! The fans boo but Dax flips them off. Dax whips Cassidy, runs up, but Cassidy dodges! Dax POSTS himself! Both men are down, hot tags to Cash and Nick! Nick rallies on FTR with haymakers, BLASTS Ciampa, but Cash kicks low! FTR whips, DOUBLE HIP- NO, Nick lands out, MEETING OF TEH MINDS! Then DOUBLE WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up as Nick then DROPKICKS Dax out! The Dogs run up, but Nick knuckle locks and CHOPS Finlay! Then Nick jumps over Connors, SUPERKICKS, and he goes for the corner!
Nick goes up, up, and “LUCHA LIBRE~!” FLYING ARM-DRAG RANA COMBO! The fans are thunderous and Nick tags Matt. Nick whips Finlay, Finlay reverses, but Nick goes up and over. Matt SUPERKICKS Finlay! Nick SHINING WIZARDS Connors, adds a GAMANGIRI, then The Bucks DOUBLE BULLDOG with the high-five! The fans fire up again as Matt winds up. Matt WRECKS FTR with a dropkick, then holds the way open, Nick FLIES onto FTR & Ciampa! But Connors back suplexes! Matt lands out, and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through, NORTHERN LIGHTS! The Polar Express is getting going, and Finlay joins the ride! DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS!
The fans are electric and it’s not just the volt green! Time for a SUPERKICK PARTAY~! Wait, Stokely grabs a foot each! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Stoke can’t even trip The Bucks up. The Bucks drag Stoke in! Stoke pleads for mercy, but FTR runs up! The Bucks dodge, mule kick, then SUPERKICK for Dax! SUPERKICK for Cash! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS on The Dogs! Then FTR is sent into The Dogs before DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Ciampa runs up to waistlock but Nick switches. Ciampa BOOTS Matt away, ELBOWS Nick, but Matt dodges, PSYCHO KNEE into Cash! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Ciampa!
The fans fire up again, and The Bucks see C&C. They point to Christian, and the fans cheer! Christian steps in, the ref reprimands but Cope argues with the ref. This distraction lets Christian LOW BLOW Cash! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Cash! Christian covers, TWO! Cash survives, the fans boo, but Christian rains down fists while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Christian puts Cash in the corner to CHPO, CHOP, and then rain down fists! Christian goes past TEN, maybe to fifteen, then stops. Cash sputters, Stoke talks trash, but Christian grabs Stoke! Cash CLUBS Christian, Ciampa HOTSHOTS the bad arm, and Ciampa hurries to tag in. Ciampa drags Christian around, SLAMS the bad arm off the mat, then SLAMS the arm again! Ciampa POSTS Christian, and Christian falls to the apron. The ref keeps his eyes on the rest of the team so they stay back. Ciampa goes out, and he SWINGS the bad arm into the post! Christian scrambles away, clutching the arm, but Ciampa taunts Cope with a wave.
Ciampa tags Connors, Connors tags Finlay, and The Dogs stomp away on Christian. Finlay clamps onto the bad hand, bends the fingers, then JAMS them into the mat! The ref reprimands but Finlay anchors Christian while he tags in Dax. Dax CHOPS Christian, DECKS him, then taunts Cope and The Bucks. The Bucks rally the fans, Cope coaches Christian up, but Dax brings Christian around. Christian blocks a shot to hit back, but then Dax kicks low! Dynamite returns to single picture as Dax UPPERCUTS Christian back to the corner. Stoke is on commentary suddenly to say Christian tried to steal Stoke’s watch, aka the watch Stoke stole from Christian.
But Christian fires back on Dax and the whole corner! Then he and Dax DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Christian crawls, but we can see Cash and The Dogs sneaking over! They and Ciampa YANK down Cope, Cassidy and The Bucks! The fans boo but Dax drags Christian back to center. Dax kicks and scuffs Christian, then talks trash. But Christian slips around to chicken wing the arms! Dax shoves Christian away, but Christian turns around, NOGGIN KNOCKER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Cope snarls as he rises up, hot tags to Cope and Connors!
The fans fire up as The Rated R Superstar rallies on everyone! LARIAT for Cash! ELBOW for Dax! Cope TOSSES Finlay out onto Ciampa and Cash! BOOT for Connors! The fans fire up again and Cope goes to a corner. Cope is feeling it, and he aims at Connors. But then Finlay grabs a leg! The fans boo, but Nick SUPERKICKS Finlay! Connors runs up, Nick RAMS him low! Then slingshot FACEBUSTER! And cartwheel ASAI MOONSAULT! COPE-O-SETIC for Connors, TWO! The fans rally as Cope keeps focus on Connors. Cope drags Connors up, whips him to the corner, then Nick runs up! Connors puts Nick out, then he puts Matt out!
But Christian is back, and he coordinates with The Bucks, LARIAT DOUBLE ENZIGIRI on Connors! Then Cassidy somersaults for a “powerful” back elbow! Finlay runs up, Cassidy kicks the legs out! Finlay hits buckles but Ciampa runs up! Christian sends him into Cash, then dragon sleepers Ciampa. Christian sees Dax run up, kicks him low, and gets him in the same hold, DOUBLE REVERSE DDTS! The fans fire up as FTR, Ciampa and Finlay are all in drop zones! “This is Awesome!” as Cassidy, Christian and The Bucks climb the corners. Connors runs up on Cope, but Cope snatches him into a facelock!
Cope acts as air traffic control as he coordinates everyone, QUADRUPLE MACHO ELBOWS before an IMPALER!! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives and the fans can’t believe it! Ciampa and Finlay get up, The Bucks BLAST them, then DIVE! Down they go at ramp side, then Christian and Cassidy bump into each other. The fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this the opener! Cassidy puts his hands up, but Christian stops him. Christian shakes his head, but then Cassidy makes Christian put his hands in his pockets! The fans fire up as Christian just THROWS Cassidy out onto FTR! Christian then goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES The Dogs!
Cope calls out a shot, runs, but into a SHATTER MACHINE!! FTR snatches Cope outta nowhere, Connors makes the cover, but Cassidy breaks it! The fans fire up as now FTR has Cassidy surrounded. But Cassidy “unleashes” his kicks! The fans go nuts with every shot, but FTR shoves Cassidy! SHATTER- DOUBLE SUPERKICKS on Cash! Cassidy fights free of Dax, but Dax blocks Nick’s Superkick! Dax sends it into Matt! Nick SUPERKICKS through after all! Finlay clinches, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER on Nick! Matt feints the kick to DDT! But then Ciampa KNEES Matt down! Christian chicken wings Ciampa, turns him around, KILLSWITCH!
Connors JEEP FLIPS Christian! Connors then stalks Cope while the fans boo. Connors lines up a shot, Cope rises to his feet, Connors runs in! But Cope jumps over Connors’ spear, sending it into Dax! The fans fire up, Stoke freaks out, and The Bucks join Cope in the ring. They TRIPLE SUPERKICK Connors! Cassidy is in, ORANGE PUNCH! SPEAR from Cope!! Cover, C&C Conglomeration Bucks win!
Winners: Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage & The Young Bucks, by pinfall
Another star-studded 10 Man Tag, and it was a huge win for all the hungry contenders. Christian doesn’t wanna celebrate, but he does signal that he and Cope will be champions. Will putting their tag team legacy on the line be enough to take the gold? Or will Double or Nothing be the last night that team reeks of awesomeness?
Will Ospreay continues to train with The Death Riders.
They’re outside this time, Claudio Castagnoli playing some wall ball with Marina Shafir and Pac. Daniel Garcia says, “Tonight is the night that we’ve all been waiting for: The Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay, is cleared and back on Dynamite. And rumor has it, the kid’s been working real hard and he’s got some new tricks up his sleeves. So Young Boy Billy, tonight you gotta show me something, c’mon.” Garcia gets a quick turn in on wall ball while cameras move over. Ospreay is maintaining a neck bridge while Jon Moxley uses Wheeler Yuta as a living dummy to show just how to push and pull and bend and twist on the various chinlocks and headlocks.
Use the right arm to push against the head, then snake in the left arm for the sleeper. Pry and shoot. Moxley asks how Ospreay feels. Ospreay lets off the bridge and says honestly, the best he’s felt in forever. Moxley asks if Ospreay remembers the night he won the Best of the Super Juniors. Yeah, 2019. AKA a lifetime ago. Ospreay was carefree, flew like a bird, for no other reason than that’s just what birds do. So simple back then, chasing that feeling, like no other feeling in the world. Can’t really grab it in your hands for more than a few seconds. The joy of doing it. Then everybody comes in and tries to make it so overcomplicated.
Years pass, life happens, a family starts, responsibilities show up, bad things happen, bad choices catch up to you, and it’s all weight on your shoulders. You feel like you can’t fly. But Moxley will tell you something: Nothing is different. Nothing has changed. All those things are still gonna be there, but you can still fly. You’re just more dangerous now. You’re a bird of prey. So tonight, when you got out there, don’t go out there to protect anything. Not your neck, your image, your reputation, or what you’ve built in your career. Go out there to give something. Moxley checks on Yuta and says dammit, if you’re gonna snap a headlock, snap the headlock!
Moxley storms off to instruct his pupil, but will Ospreay use everything he has been taught to great effect? Or will he have to fold against Ace Austin?
Chris Jericho speaks.
“You wanna face Jericho in a match of my own design, Ricochet? A spectacle so innovative, so imaginative, it cannot be contained, it can only be witnessed. Well, be careful what you demand, because you’ve made a few enemies yourself, Ricochet. And now a match designed specifically to settle scores without any, and I mean AAANY~, limitations has gotten even bigger.” Chris Jericho & The Hurt Syndicate were just looking for two more, but “Jungle” Jack Perry said he can bring four: himself, The Young Bucks, and KENNY OMEGA! Jericho tells Ricochet that this is no longer what he designed, but it is a devil’s dance of destruction! Ricochet’s destruction!
Ricochet got what he wanted, now can he handle it? Bald. The first-ever SEVEN VS SEVEN Stadium Stampede, who will even survive?
Ricochet & The Demand respond.
They stand with Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family and Ricochet says we all know Jericho does a lot of talking out of his ass while The Demand gets things done. Just like Davis did when he defeated Jack for the AEW National Championship at Fairway to Hell. Hold it with pride, Davis, Ricochet knows you’ll do it well. Davis says he’s got this. Ricochet says Davis has joined the dream team, but he’s not the only one. Because compliments to Ricochet’s golfing buddy, Don Callis, look who else he’s sending: Andrade El Idolo! Gracias, amigo. But it doesn’t stop there, the train keeps rolling. Ricochet was just approached by two guys who have an ax to grind with the superkick sidekicks.
These two wanna fill out the last two spots, so who is Ricochet to say no to The Dogs? Finlay & Connors storm in, and Finlay says to put it simple, they will fight The Bucks in the streets, in the ring, but guess it’s fighting at Double or Nothing! If they want violence, if they want carnage, if they want chaos, who better than The Dogs?! The Dogs bark and Liona roars, but will these seven stand tall in the Big Apple?
“Speedball” Mike Bailey w/ Kevin Knight VS BK Westbrook!
JetSpeed has a lot of momentum on their side, and as stated last week at Fairway to Hell, they’re looking to grab up all the gold they can. Will Speedball keep on rolling towards his own golden opportunity? Or will #Supastud prove his own worth?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two step up. Bailey bows in respect, offers a handshake, but Westbrook goes to roll Bailey up! Bailey stays on his feet, then steps over to sit down on a cover, TWO! Westbrook ducks a Penalty Kick, avoids the moonsault, and the sweep! Bailey dodges, Westbrook tiger feints through the ropes, but Bailey handsprings up and over! The fans fire up as Bailey ducks an elbow to whip. Westbrook goes up, around, but kinda fumbles his tumble. The fans cheer and jeer him for his attempt, but Westbrook blocks the boot! Westbrook FLIPS Bailey, springboards in, but Bailey dodges! TIME ADVENTURE!
Bailey pushes Westbrook down, goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the ULTIMATE WEAPON! Cover, Bailey wins!
Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall
Another fast ‘n’ furious finish, and Bailey’s on a hot streak! But now, the other side of JetSpeed looks to keep it up! But just who is Kevin Knight defending the TNT Championship against? It’s… BRIAN CAGE!? The Machine finally returns to action, and he has the Don Callis Family with him! Will Cage be able to ground Knight and take this title back to the family?
AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Kevin Knight w/ “Speedball” Mike Bailey VS Brian Cage w/ The Don Callis Family!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who betta!
The bell rings, Cage runs up, but Knight dodges! Knight fires haymakers, Cage shoves him, but Knight dodges. Knight CHPOS, but Cage doesn’t budge! Cage makes the pecs dance, so Knight CHOPS again! The fans cheer as Cage eggs Knight on. Knight urns, leaps, but into Cage’s arms! Cage uses Knight to do curls, then THROWS knight! Knight lands out, RAMS Cage, but Cage comes back! Knight RAMS Cage again, but it’s still not enough! Knight tries a bigger SHOULDER TACKLE, but Cage stays standing! Knight runs one more time, ducks ‘n’ dodges, SATELLITE- NO, Cage stops the DDT! Cage THROWS Knight away!
Knight staggers, Cage SUPERKICKS him down! “Who betta than Cage?!” The fans fire up as Cage storms up on Knight, stands him up, and bumps him off buckles. Cage RAMS into Knight, stands him up, then RAMS again! The ref counts, Cage CHOPS, and the fans cheer. Bailey rallies the fans but Archer coaches Cage, and Cage whips Knight hard into the corner! The fans are torn as Cage hauls Knight up. Cage ROCKS Knight, CHOPS him, then CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Cage stops at 4, then Cage stalks Knight. Cage stands Knight up, whips him to the corner, then runs in, only for Knight to BOOT! Cage still LARIATS!
Cage hauls Knight up, whips him to ropes, but Knight grabs ropes. Knight DUMPS Cage out, then DROPKICKS him down! Cage sputters, the fans fire up, and Knight builds speed to DIVE! But he bounces off Cage! Cage then fireman’s carries, APRON F5! Knight sputters but Cage goes up the steps to soak up cheers and jeers, all while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage refreshes the ring count, drags Knight up again, and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Knight writhes, Cage refreshes the count again, then he whips Knight into barriers! Knight practically falls into the laps of the front row! But Cage brings Knight around to CHOP him down! Cage soaks up the cheers and jeers before he brings Knight around again. Cage SMACKS Knight off the apron, then puts him in the ring. Cage storms into the ring, drags Knight by his legs, and ties the legs up into a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Knight endures as Cage sits deep! Knight powers up, fights his way forward, and he reaches to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Cage lets go at 4, but Cage brings Knight up. Knight CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Cage still doesn’t back down. Knight fires more shots, but Cage UPPERCUTS him down! Cage digs his boot into Knight at the corner, but he stops as the ref counts. Cage drags Knight up, puts him in a corner, and LARIATS! Cage wrenches to then SAIDO Knight away! Knight flounders to the apron, Cage soaks up more cheers and jeers, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Knight rises to fire forearms on Cage, but Cage ROCKS Knight in return! Cage slingshots Knight into a facelock, for a SPIRALING SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Knight survives and Cage is frustrated, but Cage decides to write Knight off. Cage drags Knight up, reels him in, and suplexes, DRILL- NO, Knight slips free to waistlock. But Cage ELBOWS Knight, whips, but Knight jumps up! SATELLITE- NO, Cage goes for ropes! Knight HOTSHOTS Cage for it! Then Knight springboards back in, MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! A standing count starts while the fans rally up. Cage goes to a corner but he runs up on Knight. Knight bobs ‘n’ weaves, fires off shots, then fires a flurry of haymakers! But Cage grabs and TOSSES Knight to a corner!
Cage runs up, Knight dodges, and Knight runs back in. Knight ducks ‘n ‘dodges, FLAPJACK DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Cage bails out! Knight builds speed and FLIES! Cage catches him?!? The fans go nuts as Cage lifts, but Knight RANAS Cage into POST! The fans cheer as Knight hurries to get space. Knight runs, goes up the apron, and LEAPING LARIATS! Down goes Cage! The fans fire up with Knight, he puts Cage in the ring, and he hurries up the corner. Archer creeps up, but Bailey SUPERKICKS him! The fans cheer, but Cage CLUBS Knight! Cage then climbs up, and he deadlift SUPERPLEXES! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Knight survives, but Archer guzels Bailey! Bailey fights free of the choke slam to mule kick Archer! Cage runs up, but Bailey springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes the Murderhawk Monster! knight springboards, Cage dodges, but Knight leaps the discus lariat! SATELLITE DDT finally lands! Cover, TWO!! Cage survives and Knight is beside himself! Knight hurries to run in at the corner, but Cage ELBOWS him away! Cage goes up, but into the UPPER- NO! Cage stops the rana! Cage YANKS Knight up to the top, for a SUPER- UPPER ROOM!! Knight still throws Cage, then goes up top!
Knight aims, MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!!
Winner: Kevin Knight, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)
The Machine was out for 14 months and yet no ring rust to be found! However, The Jet is just #2Fly2Stop! Bailey brings mics into the ring to say, “Congratulations to The Jet on a hell of a win!” Knight says much appreciated. But like he said, they’re red hot right now! And Brian Cage, welcome back! Cage took Knight to his limits, but The Jet is still standing as TNT Champion. But Knight can’t get over how last week, he couldn’t get the job done becoming #Jet2Belts. Bailey says forget last week. Knight IS a future AEW World Champion! Bailey says he knows it, and everyone here knows it! The fans cheer that!
Knight says he appreciates the support from Bailey and Ashville. Bailey is always in his corner, Knight is always in Bailey’s. And if Bailey keeps it up, he’ll be singles champion, too. Bailey says yeah, Knight got him thinking. Tonight, Darby VS Takeshita, BAILEY WANTS NEXT! Bailey says Takeshita was his greatest rival in Japan, but they’ve yet to have a singles match in AEW. And Darby, as much as Bailey wants to see MJF go bald…! Bailey is coming for Darby’s AEW World Championship! JetSpeed daps it up, will they become a 2 Fly 2 Man Power Trip?
AEW reveals the Men’s Owen Hart Memorial Tournament Brackets!
This year’s tournaments will go through Double or Nothing, and the finals will coincide with Forbidden Door 2026 on Sunday, June 28th in San Jose, California! The winner of each tournament will then challenge for THE AEW World Championship and AEW Women’s World Championships on August 30th at All In: London! And so, for the opening round, it will be: “Jungle” Jack Perry VS Mark Davis; Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King; then Double or Nothing has both Samoa Joe VS Will Ospreay, and Swerve Strickland VS Bandido!
“Jungle” Jack Perry speaks.
“Mark Davis… I’m sure you feel some congratulations are in order. But you’re not champion to me. You see, you’re built like an Australia grizzly bear, yet you still needed somebody to hit me in the back with a golf club for you to beat me. At Stadium Stampede, bring your friends, bring any weapon you want, and I will crack you over the skull with it. Because anything goes. But after that, it’s back to grass roots, because it is you and me, fighting for a shot at the world title at All In: London. And in the Owen Hart Tournament, I will prove to you beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’m a better wrestler than you. I am the FUTURE world champion!
“And if you don’t like that, F YOU!” Jungle Jack is sharpening his knife, but will his edge be razor sharp when it comes time to cut down Dunkzilla?
Will Ospreay VS Ace Austin!
We’ve seen the Aerial Assassin training with The Death Riders, he’s won gold with his old friends in The United Empire, and now he’s about to face a dangerous man at Double or Nothing. Will Ospreay be more than ready for Samoa Joe after tonight? Or will he fail to even get past The Inevitable?
The bell rings and the fans cheer Ospreay as he stares down with Ace. Ospreay offers a handshake, Ace accepts, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. They circle, tie up, and Ospreay wrenches to wristlock. Ace rolls, handsprings, and wrenches, but Ospreay rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Ospreay hammerlocks, Ace rolls to kip up and wrench to then armlock. Ospreay endures the grind, fights around, and he arm-drags Ace down. Ace endures, fights around, and rises up. Ace shoots through to waistlock but Ospreay switches. Ospreay hits the headlock takeover, Ace headscissors, but Ospreay kips free.
The fans cheer the standoff, and the two reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength. The fans rally as Ace pushes Ospreay back. Ace has Ospreay down for a knuckle lock cover, ONE as Ospreay gets his arm up. Ace pushes it down, cover, ONE as Ospreay gets the other arm up. Ace tries again, ONE as Ospreay bridges! Ace jumps up, but Ospreay holds the bridge! That training truly pays off! Ace jumps, Ospreay gets him for a MONKEY FLIP! The fans fire up as Ospreay then arm-drags! Ospreay wristlocks and he bends the fingers! Ospreay isolates the arm to then STOMP it!
Ace clutches his arm as Ospreay shows his training already. Ospreay wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then whips Ace. Ace reverses, he blocks a boot, but not the AX KICK! Ospreay headlocks, Ace powers up and out, but Ospreay RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Ace drop toeholds to ENZIGIRI! And basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Ace facelocks Ospreay, turns him, NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Ospreay ROCKS Ace, ROCKS him again, and again! Ace trips Ospreay, hooks up the legs, and he turns Ospreay over to tie the legs up! MUDA LOCK! The fans rally as Ospreay endures being bent back, and he crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Ace lets go. Ospreay checks his neck but he is alright to continue. Ace drags Ospreay up, reels him in, but Ospreay wrenches out to SOBAT! Ospreay whips, Ace reverses, but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAN- NO! Ace blocks to swing Ospreay up into a fireman’s carry! Ace does a squat for the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Ace flexes, covers, TWO! Ospreay stay sin this while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Ace is frustrated already, but he stalks Ospreay to ropes. Ace kicks Ospreay around, CLUBS him down, but Ospreay fires back. Ace bumps Ospreay off buckles, kicks and ROCKS him, then snapmares. Ace KNEES Ospreay in the back, then clamps on with a chinlock. Ospreay endures, even as Ace cranks the neck, and Ospreay fires shots from below. Ace DECKS Ospreay for it! Ospreay rises up, but Ace DECKS him again! Ospreay sits up again, so Ace BOOTS him down! Ace waits on Ospreay, then BOOTS him again! Ospreay goes to a corner, Ace CHOPS him, then reels Ospreay in for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Ospreay toughs it out but Ace drags him around.
Ace steps over, traps Ospreay in a headscissors, then grinds him down. Ospreay endures, even as Ace puts on the squeeze. Ospreay fights around, rises up, and Electric Chair Lifts Ace! Ace slips free to ROCK Ospreay in the back! Ace CLUBS Ospreay to a corner, then CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Ace backs off, and Ace CHOPS Ospreay! Ospreay ROCKS Ace! Ace ROCKS Ospreay! Ace KICKS the leg, CHOPS Ospreay down, then brings Ospreay back around. Ace rains down ELBOWS on Ospreay before he clamps on another chinlock. Ospreay endures as Dynamite returns to single picture, and the fans rally up.
Ospreay fires body shots, Ace puts him in the corner, but Ospreay BOOTS him away! Ospreay is on the apron, he springboards back in, PIP PIP CHEERIO! The fans fire up with Ospreay as he watches Ace rise up. Ospreay ducks a shot, atomic drops, then KNEES, ROUNDHOUSES, and STANDING SKY TWISTERS! Cover, TWO! Ace survives that quick string of moves, but Ospreay brings him back around. Ospreay wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS again! And again! But Ace blocks one to ROCK Ospreay! Ace whips, Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK!
The fans fire up while Ace bails out! Ospreay has the fans shouting “OI! OI! OI!” as he takes aim. But Ace avoids the plancha! Ospreay blocks the kick, only for Ace to handstand out of the sweep! Ace avoids another sweep, but Ospreay avoids the kick! Ace avoids yet another sweep by going up and over the corner! Ace WRECKS Ospreay with a dropkick, then aims to PLANCHA after all! Down goes Ospreay and the fans fire up! Ace drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay puts him int he ring! Ace rewinds to headscissor, but Ospreay pops Ace up to SUPERKICK the arm out! Ospreay then climbs up, takes aim, and BLINDSIDE FOREARM!
The fans fire up as Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO! Ace survives and Ospreay is stunned! Ospreay just shakes it off, goes to the corner, and takes aim. Ace slowly rises up, but he ducks the Hidden Blade to DOUBLE STOMP! Ospreay sputters, Ace falls back, and now Ace takes aim. Ace runs corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Then he LARIATS again and again! Ace hoists Ospreay up top, then slips outside to ENZIGIRI! Ospreay wobbles, Ace gets space, and Ace runs up! FLIPPING RANA! The fans fire up as Ace is ready to deal the winning hand! But then Ospreay pops Ace up, and gets him in position! STYLES- NO, Ace pops free!
Ace trips Ospreay, steps through, ties up the legs, TRAILER HITCH BRIDGE! TWO!! Ospreay escapes, but Ace KNEES, KICKS, and fireman’s carries! Ace tucks Ospreay to then swing him out, AIR RAID FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and Ace is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as Ace stalks Ospreay to a corner. Ace ROCKS Ospreay again and again, then hoists Ospreay up top. But Ospreay fires shots in return! Ace ROCKS Ospreay, goes up, but Ospreay pushes on Ace’s arm! Then he HOTSHOTS the arm as he drops down, and he tucks Ace in! CHEEKY NAN- NO, Ace dodges! Ace RAMS low, springboards in and FLYING- LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Ace survives again! Ospreay roars, the fans are with him, and he ROCKS Ace! Ace ROCKS Ospreay, and repeat! They go back and forth, then Ospreay KICKS! Ace fires another forearm, Ospreay kicks, then Ace CHOPS! They go back and forth again, but Ace CHOPS and ROKCS, until Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks! CHOP! Ace HEEL KICKS! Ace shakes out the bad arm, runs up, but Ospreay dodges to then ROLLING ELBOW! And HOOK KICK! Then the underhooks for the STORM- NO, Ace pops free, then goes to a corner. Ospreay runs up but Ace goes sideways! Ospreay hits buckles, Ace hits the FLYING CHUCK!
The fans fire up as Ace shuffles the deck, and runs up for the0 NO, Ospreay BACKDROPS Ace, but Ace lands on his feet! HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay isn’t done with just one, he aims from the corner and… Ace flops over! The fans boo but Ospreay shows no mercy. He just runs up to PENALTY KICK the bad arm! Then a FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Ace TAPS, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by submission
That might’ve been Ospreay’s first win by submission ever! He signals that his neck is no longer a problem, and he shows Ace respect for that fight. Ace accepts the handshake again, and Ospreay is moving on towards Double or Nothing with a great amount of momentum. But wait! SAMOA JOE is here! He and The Opps walk out on stage, and with mic in hand, Joe says, “Ospreay, Ospreay… OSPREAY, OSPREAY!” Joe is clearly mocking the chants for Ospreay, and the fans give genuine chanting and even singing in return. Joe says he just wanted to make sure Ospreay was listening, because these past few weeks, it seemed like Ospreay had a hard time hearing him.
Despite Ospreay’s best efforts, fate has put them on a collision course in the opening round of the Owen Hart Cup. The fans like the sound of that! Joe say she is here for one reason and one reason alone. He wants to speak about choices and consequences. Ospreay could’ve made the right choice and get a bye in this tournament, because that is what Joe would do for one of his friends. But Ospreay chose poorly. He could’ve been with the team that would do nothing but support and enhance Ospreay, but he decided to be a lapdog for Moxley and the Death Riders. The fans boo, Ospreay says he’s not a Death Rider.
Joe says Ospreay has made his choice, and come Double or Nothing, Joe makes Ospreay suffer the consequences. But Joe leaves Ospreay in peace tonight, for he has his date with destiny. But unfortunately, Joe’s friends, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens, still feel slighted, and he doesn’t put leashes on his friends. Shibata & Bowens storm down the ramp, Ospreay ready to fight them both if he has to. But then The Death Riders appear! Ospreay may not have officially joined the club, but the Death Riders aren’t going to let their investment go to waste! The Opps say they’re #NeverLacking, but that doesn’t seem to be the case now!
Shibata & Bowens back down while Moxley, Marina, Claudio, Yuta, Garcia & Pac all step up to support Ospreay. Joe says, “Soon. Soon.” The fans cheer the Death Riders, or at least Moxley, but Bowens promises Joe is gonna kill you, Ospreay! The dream match for Double or Nothing is on, but will the training with The Death Riders make Ospreay the new King of Harts?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
If you liked last week’s THREE HOUR block of AEW, then you’ll love this next one! Portland, Maine, the last Wednesday before Double or Nothing, Dynamite & Collision are combining forces again! Three hours all on TBS and HBO Max, make sure your DVR is set accordingly!
Backstage interview with Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita.
Renee is now with The Invisible Hand & The Alpha, saying tonight is a huge opportunity in the main event, Konosuke facing Darby Allin for THE AEW World Championship. Konosuke could be heading into Double or Nothing as a- Callis stops Renee there to say Konosuke will be heading into Double or Nothing as a DOUBLE champion! But then MJF steps in, apologizes for the interruption but says Renee’s doing a great job. The Scumbag tells Konosuke that while it’s been a minute since the two of them have talked, three years actually, back when MJF beat him… MJF has seen Konosuke develop into truly one of the best wrestlers in the world!
MJF believes that tonight, Konosuke beats Darby for the title, goes to DON to beat Okada, and MJF can’t think of a better match than Konosuke VS MJF Part 2 for the world title. How’s that sound? MJF offers a handshake, Konosuke shakes his hand, but in Japanese, Konosuke tells MJF that he’ll beat the crap out of him. Thankfully, MJF doesn’t know Japanese. Callis says that was a nice pep talk MJF just gave, and MJF says yes, he knows. That kid needs to win, okay? MJF can’t let Darby turn him into some disgusting, bald freak! No offense, Callis looks great. But look, there is only one foolproof way to know MJF won’t be put in that situation.
So if things get hairy… MJF hands over the Dynamite Diamond Ring! Callis smiles, and say she understands what to do with it. But then in steps Andrade. El Idolo takes off his hat to shake out his amazing head of hair, and smiles at MJF. MJF frowns and leaves. Callis says here’s the deal: Takeshita will bring the world title home to the Don Callis Family tonight! Andrade asks, “How you know?” Callis says aye dios mio, he seriously doesn’t know where Andrade learned English. Andrade says one way or another, the next time, that will be HIS title. Callis says yes, he knows, it’s all good. Callis is a man of many talents, but will his family be dripping with gold thanks to a diamond ring?
AEW now announces the Women’s Owen Hart Memorial Tournament brackets!
Double or Nothing will see Willow Nightingale, the reigning Queen of Harts, take on Alex Windsor, while we will see Persephone VS Hazuki, Skye Blue vs Sareee, and Mina Shirakawa VS Athena! Champions from around the world are gathering for this tournament, but who will be headed to Forbidden Door, and then All In: London?
Backstage interview with The Conglomeration.
Renee Paquette is now with Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, and Willow Nightingale. Renee commends Cassidy on his part in the 10 Man Tag victory. But it seems that there is even more business to attend to. Cassidy says yes, the team has a shot at THE AEW World Tag Team Championships. It doesn’t matter who it is, they’re getting their shot, but the thing is… They still haven’t decided on which two will be. Kyle says Cassidy & Roddy should go for the gold, but Roddy shouts, “KYYYLE~! Thank you.” Kyle says of course. But that’s cuz he’s got gold to chase for himself!
The same man that put Kyle on the shelf for months is the man that Kyle submitted twice, and will submit again. Jon Moxley, Continental Champion, when are we doing this? Willow says speaking of gold, she is still the TBS Champion. But she is also in the Owen Hart Cup. She won this tournament before, she’ll do it all over again, so that she can have all the gold for herself at All In: London. She knows she can, and she will! Then Conglomeration has it all in order? Cassidy says hold on, there’s something missing. They should do a Word of the Day. Why haven’t they done one in so long? Roddy shouts for “MAAARK~!” And yes, Mark Briscoe returns!
The Sussex County Chicken is all fired up, and he says the Word of the day is reunification! For Mark Briscoe is back with his boys and his girls, The Conglomeration! But he’ll put this plain and simple: Tommaso Ciampa! Next Wednesday, Briscoe’s after your ass, son! You hear him? But before that, Saturday Night Collision is in HIS hometown, Salisbury, Maryland! That’s just 4.4 miles from where Briscoe originated on this earth! They’re gonna conglomerate and it’s gonna be a a hell of a time! Are you ready!? Willow and Kyle are fired up, Briscoe goes wild, and the team heads out. Cassidy admits, that was a lot of yelling.
But while The Conglomeration is ready to go Double or Nothing, will they soon have even more gold in the collection? Or are these high and lofty a little too much even for them?
Six Woman Tag: Hikaru Shida & The Brawling Birds VS The Triangle of Madness!
With the news of both the AEW Women’s World Championship Fatal 4 Way for Double or Nothing, and the Owen Hart Cup brackets, this trios match is about much more than just settling scores! Will the Shining Samurai be just as sharp as Jamie Hayter going into that title match? Or will Thekla, Skye Blue & Julia Hart continue to bring them down by any means necessary?
The trios sort out and Jamie steps up against Thekla as both a rematch from their 1v1 title match, and a preview of what’s to come in the next. They circle, but then Skye CLOBBERS Jamie! Julia steps in, but so do Shida and Windsor! The Triangle throws hands on Shida & The Birds, then triple whip. But all three reverse, a BOOT for Thekla, a DDT for Skye, and a BACKBREAKER for Julia! The fans cheer as The Triangle bails out! Shida goes out to keep after Skye while Windsor goes after Julia. Jamie gets Thekla back in the ring while Shida and Windsor have the Sisters of Sin in the corners of the barriers. The fans cheer as they all rain down fists!
Windsor, Jamie & Shida all go to nine, then wind up for TEN! The fans cheer again while Thekla sputters. Jamie snap suplexes, but Skye ROCKS Shida! Jamie stomps Thekla, Windsor SLAMS Julia off barriers, and Jamie stomps a mudhole in the corner. The ref counts, Jamie lets off, but Skye and Windsor meet while tightrope walking the barriers! Skye and Windsor trade shots, they wobble a bit, then Skye DECKS Windsor! Skye keeps from falling into the crowd, but Jamie gets her! Windsor joins in and the Birds double gorilla press, SNAKE EYES off the apron! The fans fire up, but Thekla is up top! SUPER CROSSBODY onto The Birds!
The fans fire up again and Thekla is feeling it while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Thekla stomps Windsor, CLUBS Jamie, then helps Skye. But Shida runs up, only for Thekla to ELBOW her down! The Triangle has control again, they ROCK Jamie and Shida and Windsor, then send them all to the desk. The Triangle CHOP again and again and again! Then they wind up, but feint chops to SMACK all three off the apron! The Triangle soaks up the cheers and jeers before putting Jamie back in the ring. Thekla brings Jamie up, snapmares her down, then basement SUPERKICKS! Cocky cover, TWO! Thekla drags Jamie to the corner, tags Julia, and Julia runs up to LARIAT! Then she goes side to side to ELBOW Jamie down!
Julia snapmares Jamie to a cover, TWO! Julia is annoyed but she rains down fists. The ref reprimands, Julia stops, but then she sucker punches Windsor! And Shida, too! Julia then drags Jamie over, bumps her off buckles, and tags in Skye. Skye stomps Jamie around, then digs her boot in! The ref counts, Skye stops at 4, then she brings Jamie up. Jamie fires forearms and CHOPS, but Skye THROWS Jamie down by her hair! The ref reprimands again but Skye rains down forearms. Skye snapmares Jamie, mule kicks her, then covers, TWO! Skye frowns but she stomps Jamie down. Skye tags Julia while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Skye whips Jamie into Julia’s grasp, and Skye BLASTS Shida & Windsor while Julia tags Thekla. Julia has Jamie in the TARANTULA, and Skye sends Windsor in for Thekla’s HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Skye runs up to DOUBLE SHOTGUN The Birds! The fans are torn but Thekla says that’s how the Triangle does it, baby! Thekla then aims to MISSILE- NO, Jamie gest under! Thekla lands out, but Jamie BOOTS her down! Jamie looks at Shida, Shida is hesitant, but Shida tags in! The fans cheer as Shida sends Theknla to the corner, then JUMP KNEES! Shida keeps moving, she BLASTS Skye! Julia ROCKS Shida back!
Julia storms in but Shida kicks her and whips her into Thekla! Shida KNEES them both in the corner! Then Shida puts Thekla sideways in the corner, reels Julia in, and she snap suplexes Julia into Thekla! The fans fire up as Shida then suplexes Thekla high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shida stands Thekla up, Thekla swings but Shida ROCKS her first! And ROCKS her again! Thekla wobbles, swings, but Shida catches Thekla for another forearm! Shida runs the ropes but Thekla mule kicks! Thekla SMACKS Shida, then she dodges a boot to DECK Shida! Thekla talks trash on Shida, then drags her up to tag in Julia.
Julia tags Skye, then tag back to Thekla. The Sisters of Sin hit the DOUBLE GOURD BUSTER and DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Thekla hits the bridge, and she aims for the SPIDER SPEAR! Cover, but The Birds CLOBBER The Sisters of Sin onto it! The fans fire up a Windsor DECKS Skye and Jamie HEADBUTTS Julia! The Birds drag Shida to safety, Windsor tags in, and she CLOBBERS Thekla! Windsor CLUBS away, then fires the fans up. Jamie steps in, BOOT RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Basement LARIAT! And then Windsor lifts! Jamie runs up, but Skye trips Jamie! The fans boo but Skye sends Jamie into steel steps!
Thekla sends Windsor into buckles! Tag to Julia before Shida runs up, TAMASHII KNEE on Thekla! Skye SUPERKICKS Shida! Jamie is back to clinch and HAYTBREAKER! Julia runs up, slips around, SOLE FOOD! Julia kips up, but Windsor is there to whip Julia to ropes! Skye tags in before the SPINEBUSTER! Skye SUPERKICKS Windsor, then brings her up! Skye hops on, CODE- NO, Windsor pops free! Skye SUPERKICKS again, but Windsor HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up as Jamie joins in again, and they DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! Then they set Skye up, and Jamie says let’s try this again!
Jamie runs the ropes, but Thekla slides in, BELT SHOT on Jamie!! No question that the ref saw that! The Triangle is disqualified!
Winners: Hikaru Shida & The Brawling Birds, by disqualification
The Toxic Spider doesn’t care about this win, she just wants to do damage! Skye gets Windsor in a DRAGON SLEEPER! The ref stops Thekla from sing the title belt again, so Thekla just takes off her own belt! And she LASHES Windsor while Skye holds her down! More refs rush out here, but Julia MISTS the newbie in the face! Julia stomps away on Jamie, not caring about fines or consequences, either! The fans boo, and Shida is bailing on the Birds? Shida cares more about her chances in that Fatal 4 Way than anything else. But then Willow, Mina, and even Thunder Rosa rush out here! They chase The Triangle off with belts of their own!
The fans cheer as The Babe, the Fighting Gravure Idol & La Mera Mera save the day. But will Jamie make sure Thekla and Shida pay for this at Double or Nothing?
AEW World Championship: Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita!
They say “card subject to change,” and that is true even for the best in the world. Kazuchika Okada’s real family takes priority, but his Don Callis Family brother was more than happy to step up for this opportunity. Will The Alpha already have two belts by the time he and The Rainmaker battle over the International Championship? Or will Darby truly be relentless in his pursuit of being the best fighting champion in AEW history?
The introductions are made, THE belt is raised, and we see who goes to Double or Nothing on top!
Callis joins commentary to say that while Darby’s been breaking his own body, Konosuke has perfected “rejuvenation training,” aka relaxing on a beach and sipping sake! The bell rings, and Darby SHOTGUNS Konosuke out! Then Darby DIVES, but Konosuke catches him! Konosuke POSTS Darby, then THROWS him into railing! Konosuke THROWS Darby into the ring, the fans fire up for both guys, and Konosuke hurries to BOOT Darby off the apron! Darby falls in front of commentary but Konosuke gets him right back in the ring. Cover, ONE!! The fans rally as Darby shows his grit, but Konosuke snarls.
Konosuke drags Darby up, Darby fires forearms, but the ALPHA ELBOW knocks Darby down! The fans fire up while Konosuke looms over Darby. Konosuke stands Darby up, and THROWS him into a corner! Darby bounces off the buckles and is bleeding from the mouth already! Konosuke stands Darby up, hoists him up top, then he climbs up after him. But Darby BITES Konosuke, CLUBS him down, and leaps for a CROSSBODY, but he bounces off Konosuke! The fans fire up again as Konosuke whips Darby for a BACKDROP! Darby got serious hangtime there, and he flounders out of the ring. Darby coughs and sputters but the fans rally up.
Konosuke goes out after Darby but Darby SMACKS him! Konosuke KNEES low, KNEES him again and again and again! Konosuke KNEES Darby against the barriers, then refreshes the count. Konosuke whips Darby hard into railing! Darby sputters as he leans against the railing, but Konosuke positions the steel steps. Konosuke then fetches Darby, lines up a shot, but Darby fights the suplex! Darby CLAWS Konosuke’s back, then fires a shot. Konosuke DECKS Darby in return! Darby slumps against the steps, Konosuke runs up, but Darby dodges! Konosuke’s knees hit the steps and he tumbles over! Darby then runs up the steps to SHOTGUN Konosuke down!
The fans fire up while both men are down on the floor! Konosuke checks his knee before he crawls around, and Darby gets in the ring so he can build speed! Darby DIVES! Direct hit on Konosuke but Darby’s the one who hits the desk! The fans fire up while both men are down again, but Darby rises up to get Konosuke on the apron! Darby fires forearms, then goes up a corner! COFFIN- NO, Konosuke catches him for a SUPER BLUE THUNDER BOMB to the floor!! The fans go nuts again and Callis says that’s the end of Darby Allin, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.
The ref hurries to check Darby but Callis tells Doc Sampson to call it. Darby is somehow still in this, so Konosuke storms his way over. Konosuke drags Darby up, puts him in the ring, then paces around him. Konosuke runs the ropes to LARIAT! Darby flips inside-out, Konosuke covers him, TWO!! Darby still has fight inside but he’s also dazed. Konosuke clamps onto Darby with a chinlock and squeezes tight. Darby endures, even as Konosuke leans on him with his much-taller frame. Darby reaches out, fights around, and rises up, only for Konosuke to CANADIAN RACK BOMB! Darby sputters all over again while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke sits back as he watches Darby crawl to the apron. Konosuke storms his way over, but Darby RAMS low! Slingshot sunset flip, but Konosuke rolls through! Only for Darby to kick the legs out! Darby catches Konosuke to a GUILLOTINE! Konosuke endures the squeeze, fights up to his feet, and he powers out to THROW Darby! Darby lands out, fires shots, and RAMS low! Darby then hops on, but Konosuke stops Code Red! Konosuke swings Darby around, tucks him in, BASTARD DRIVER! And WHEELBARROW GERMAN! The fans fire up and Callis says that’s true power! Darby sputters again and Konosuke vows to end this.
Konosuke runs corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK!! Then he hoists Darby up top, climbs up after him, and goes to the very top! The fans freak out already for the SUPER DUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Callis is freaking out as much as the fans, and he protests the count! Konosuke is furious, but he aims for the WAGAMAMA KNEE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Darby survives by nanoseconds, and Konosuke is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” but now CLØN rushes out here! He distracts the ref, and Callis hurries to take the Dynamite Diamond Ring off his finger to put it in Konosuke’s hands! Konosuke thinks about it, but The Alpha has honor!
The fans cheer as Konosuke wants to do this his way! But then Darby runs up, cradles, TWO!! Konosuke escapes, ALPHA ELBOW!! Darby is down, dazed, but still moving! Konosuke drags Darby up again, goes back to the corner and back to the top rope. The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but it has to end somehow! Darby fights against the lift with headlock punches! Then he hops on, SUPER CODE RED!! Konosuke staggers up, Darby leg scissors, steps through, LAST SUPPER!! TWO?!?! Konosuke escapes again, then bails out! So Darby just goes up top! SUPER COFFIN DROP!! Direct hit and both men are down again!
The fans are thunderous as Konosuke and Darby stir. A ring count climbs, Callis complains that some people just gotta follow directions and run the play! Coach Callis pulled Konosuke outta obscurity, Konosuke would do anything! Now he’s got some gold, some fame, and gets a mind of his own! Callis complaining aside, the ring count is climbing! Darby drags himself in at 9, but Konosuke YANKS him back out! That refreshes the count, and Konosuke vows to end this for real now. Konosuke points to the steel steps, and he drags Darby up onto them with a deadlift RAGING- NO, Darby knees Konosuke, turns things around, and FULL METAL SCORPION DEATH DROP!!!
The fans go nuts again while Konosuke writhes! Konosuke flops off the steps, Darby crawls into the ring, and Darby just climbs the corner again! SUPER DUPER COFFIN DROP!!! Konosuke might be unconscious! Darby still hauls Konosuke into the ring, pushes him to a cover, TWO?!?!? Konosuke survives and Darby is furious! But Darby just reloads, COFFIN DROP but onto knees!!! Ghost pin, TWO!!! Darby escapes but the WAGAMAMA KNEE finds him!! Konosuke hauls Darby up, but Darby pops free! Trip, step through, and SCORPION DEATH LOCK!!! Konosuke endures, reaches out, but Darby sits deep!!
Callis says don’t even think about it! Konosuke almost does, but he bites his own thumb to ignore the pain in his back! Konosuke reaches out, crawls his way forward, and he fights to the ROPEBREAK!!! But Darby is right up top! COFFION DROP on the back!! Then Darby goes right back up, COFFIN DROP again!!! Cover, DARBY WINS!!
Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion)
Callis is steaming, but Darby overcomes Konosuke to avenge that loss in the Continental Classic! But it also took so much out of him just to do it! Darby still asks for a mic and one is brought to him. Darby sits up against the ropes, has them cut his music, and he tells MJF to get his ass out here! There’s a contract MJF needs to sign! The ring crew hurries to bring in a table and some chairs for that very contract signing, and MJF makes his entrance. MJF reluctantly makes his way down the ramp, and both men meet at the table. Darby grins with blood still in hiss teeth, and he signs his part of the contract without hesitation, unlike MJF.
The fans already chant “BALD! BALD! BALD!” at MJF, and Darby pushes the contract to his side of the table. MJF grabs the pen, reaches out, but then steps away. MJF scratches his chin as he thinks on this, and the fans just chant, “BALD! BALD! BALD!” again. MJF takes a mic to say he’ll explain something to Darby, looking like he has rabies. But see, MJF is happy for Darby, he hopes Darby’s had fun holding MJF’s AEW World Championship. The fans boo that, but MJF says deep down, there is a small part of him, like the size of a North Carolinian p*nis small. That small part of MJF feels bad for Darby, because he’ll never hold this again!
Darby’s got about a good a chance of holding this title as Hangman Adam Page does again. MJF says guys like Darby are a dime a dozen, here today and gone tomorrow, stuntmen who burn the candle at both ends. In this life, people like all these fans here like to pretend that life is about making friends and family and children. The only thing that matters in life is your legacy. And Darby’s legacy will be that of the kid who had his 15 minutes of fame. They’ll pretend like Darby made a lasting impact, but the fact of the matter is, he hasn’t. He hasn’t! They’ll know deep down that Darby Allin was just a little pr*ck who got lucky.
They’ll know that Darby was too reckless and stupid to stay on top. And after May 24th, Double or Nothing, in that sh*thole of Queens, New York, y’know what MJF’s legacy will be? He’ll go down as the guy who became a THREE-TIME World Champion at just 30 years of age, unprecedented in this sport. And MJF will go down, when it’s all said and done, as the Greatest of All Time! THAT is the difference between them! Darby Allin brags about climbing a mountaintop. But when it comes to professional wrestling, Maxwell Jacob Friedman IS the mountaintop! The fans boo but MJF soaks it up. Darby tells MJF to SHUT UP!
Only someone like MJF who is so vain would think that the number one most important thing in this world is his legacy. Darby doesn’t care about legacy, he cares about living in the moment! And in this moment, Darby just wants MJF to sign the contract. Then at Double or Nothing, Darby makes Maxwell Jacob Friedman a BALLD HEADED B*TCH!! MJF frowns but the fans cheer that! MJF grabs the pen again, and with no choice, he signs on the dotted line! Then he TACKLES Darby! The fans boo as MJF beats up Darby after the war he went through with Konosuke! MJF CHUCKS an armchair outta the ring, FLIPS the table, then picks up his Dynamite Diamond Ring.
MJF puts the ring on his finger like always, then winds up to DECK Darby!! The fans boo but MJF just soaks it all up. MJF throws off his jacket, picks up the belt, and he stands over Darby with it. But then MJF isn’t done with Darby, he puts Darby on the top rope! MJF climbs up to join him, and drags Darby into position! But wait! Kevin Knight runs out here to chase MJF off! The Jet still owes The Scumbag a receipt, but it seems we’ll all have to wait on that. Will MJF still take back the title at Double or Nothing? Or will Darby keep the belt and take MJF’s dignity?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode for Dynamite as things heat up towards Double or Nothing. Awesome 10 Man Tag to open, great win for the Faces, not that it added much to FTR VS C&C. Good promo from Jericho to look back on Stadium Stampede and hype up this year’s match. Good promo from The Demand with Davis and The Dogs, and I suppose this maximizes the feuds as well as the alliances throughout the locker room. Who knows who wins but the match will still be awesome, just as the original was. Good promo from Conglomeration, too, Cassidy & Roddy going after FTR while Kyle VS Moxley happens on the side, that’s great stuff.
Speaking of Moxley, great promo from him and Ospreay. Moxley’s semi-turn has really brought out his sage philosophical side. Great match from Ospreay VS Ace, and while Ospreay could always bring out his aggression, seeing him use more technical wrestling and even winning with a submission is good stuff. Good promo from Joe, and I liked Death Riders backing Ospreay up. Very good Owen Hart Cup brackets this year, Joe VS Ospreay is a great choice given this story, but I would think Ospreay wins that one. Good promo from Jack Perry to call out Davis, and I suppose Jack can win in the Owen Cup to then move on from the National title.
Great seeing Brian Cage back, he gave Knight an awesome match, but with JetSpeed wanting to go on a Two Man Power Trip, it makes sense Kevin won out. Same for Bailey beating Westbrook, even though Westbrook maybe went too hard on his own acrobatic escape. Great stuff in the Six Woman Tag, and I appreciate Shida didn’t ditch until after the match. Willow, Mina & Rosa might get their own Six Woman Tag with Triangle of Madness after that interaction, but also can’t wait to see if Willow can go back-to-back as Queen of Harts. For that matter, I personally would love to see Athena use the Owen Cup to move on from being ROH Women’s World Champion, but that depends on how Supercard of Honor goes this Friday.
And of course, another wild instant classic from Darby as he overcomes Takeshita. I knew the diamond ring would come into play with that reverse effect, good way of protecting Takeshita in the loss. Good stuff with MJF tonight, too, such as the opening segment’s parade of bald men to send the message to MJF. That was also a unique contract signing segment in that it came together so quickly after the main event match. Good stuff from MJF as always, and of course he attacks Darby. I feel like either Knight should not have made the save, or both parts of JetSpeed should’ve made the save. It just seems odd that only Knight cared about saving Darby. The closing moment was much better when it was MJF standing over Darby with the belt.
My Score: 9/10
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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4 Corners Podcast: Secretariat’s Family Tree
Patrick and Tunney discuss the NHL and NBA playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Did The Red Sox Panic?
Dave & Patrick discuss a seismic shift in Boston as the Red Sox clean house. Plus, NFL Draft thoughts and...
4 Corners Podcast: NHL & NBA Playoff Preview
Dave & PC Tunney preview the NHL & NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: The Masters, NBA & MLB
Join Patrick and Dave weekly as they explore the 4 Corners of the American sports scene.
4 Corners Podcast: College Madness
The guys recap the Final Four, discuss March Madness expanding, and discuss an Executive Order that the guys actually agree...
Bandwagon Nerds #340: Womp Womp!
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, episode 6 of The Boys final season,...
Bandwagon Nerds #339: Everybody Dies
Your favorite Nerds review Daredevil: Born Again and The Boys. Paramount, Disney and Oscars news. All that plus we take...
Bandwagon Nerds #338: Impossible Choices
Your favorite Nerds review the season finale of Invincible, as well as continuing their review of Daredevil: Born Again and...
Bandwagon Nerds #337: Parallels & Purpose
The NERDS continue to review Invincible, Daredevil, and The Boys. Plus, we take a look at the new trailer for...
Bandwagon Nerds #336: Invincible, Daredevil, The Boys… Oh My!
Don't miss the Bandwagon, NERDS!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/13/26)
Who's next?
Andrew Yang: WWE Stars Should Be SAG‑AFTRA Members, Echoing Kevin Nash
Andrew Yang weighed in after Kevin Nash suggested on his Kliq This podcast that WWE performers should consider joining SAG‑AFTRA...
Violent J: JCW aiming to expand beyond Juggalos, pursue “new goal”
Violent J told The Bryan and Vinny Show that Juggalo Championship Wrestling is “hungry for a new goal,” with plans...
Swerve Strickland Explains Storyline Reason for AEW Absence
Swerve Strickland posted a video to social media Wednesday explaining the storyline reason for his absence from AEW television. Strickland...
Sami Zayn Admits There Were “Strange Vibes” Around WrestleMania 42, But Was Glad to Make the Show
Sami Zayn recently acknowledged that there were some “strange vibes” surrounding WrestleMania 42, suggesting the atmosphere around the event felt...
Rey Fenix Wants Shot at Brother’s Intercontinental Title Ahead of Penta’s Defense vs. Ethan Page
Rey Fenix has publicly stated he wants his own opportunity to challenge his brother for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, throwing...
O’Shea Jackson Jr. Says Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Aware of WWE Ad Oversaturation
WWE superfan and actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. told Ariel Helwani that he raised concerns about the increase in advertisements with...
More WWE NXT Stars Expected To Be Called Up To Main Roster This Summer
A new report indicates that WWE plans to call up additional NXT talent to the main roster this summer, continuing...
Liv Morgan Vows To Prioritize Wrestling Over Hollywood
WWE star Liv Morgan has made it clear she sees herself as a professional wrestler first and a movie star...
Cody Rhodes Calls AEW EVP Stint a Failure, Eyes Return to WWE Executive Role
Cody Rhodes has candidly described his tenure as an executive vice president in All Elite Wrestling as a failure, acknowledging...
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