Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver Results & Report! (4/8/21)
TakeOver is far from over!
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver fires its second round!
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver finishes as Finn Balor defends his NXT Championship against a man who never lost it in Karrion Kross!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Preshow – NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contender’s Match: Breezango VS Killian Dain & Drake Maverick; Dain & Maverick win and will challenge MSK for the titles.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship Unification Ladder Match: Santos Escobar VS Jordan Devlin; Escobar wins and is THE NXT Cruiserweight Champion.
- NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell; Blackheart & Moon win and retain the titles.
- NXT North American Championship: Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed; Gargano wins and retains the title.
- NXT Championship: Finn Balor VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Kross wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.
- Unsanctioned Match: Adam Cole VS Kyle O’Reilly; O’Reilly wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the TakeOver Preshow!
Join Sam Roberts, Mickie James & ESPN’s Jimmy Smith in analyzing, discussing and predicting all of night two’s action!
Samoa Joe interviews Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux.
Joe thanks them for being here, and wants to take them back: TakeOver 30, Kross wins the title. But then he goes backstage, his injury is found, and he has to give the title up. What was that like Well it’s no surprise that he was pissed. Everyone sees it as a blink of an eye, Kross showing up, competing for the title. But that’s not how it is. Kross won’t give his whole career story, but it all led to that night at TakeOver. But for that injury to ruin it, it felt like it was all for nothing. Now some would say Finn Balor is the greatest ever. What will he do to take that title from Balor? Kross will light him up. To drag someone to deep waters, you need power. Balor doesn’t have power, Kross does, so this idea that Balor will control the pace is absurd.
Then let’s imagine to the end of tonight. Kross wins and is holding the title. Kross came here not to sit back but to become a champion. He will go after more titles even after this. Does Kross see what Balor says about him relying on emotions? Kross doesn’t give a damn what Balor has to say. Balor will say what he has to in order to play the mind games, but none of it will work. Joe appreciates having these two here, and wishes them best of luck. Kross heads right off stage, is he going to head right back to the top of NXT?
Joe now interviews Finn Balor.
These old rivals meet again, and when it comes to TakeOver, Joe knows personally that Balor is nearly spotless. He has a long streak of consecutive wins at TakeOver, with just one little blemish. But moving on to tonight, is this the type of man that Balor feels could add another blemish? Balor has proven time and time again that he can stand and deliver. If anyone has to deliver at TakeOver, it’s Kross. Last week, Balor and Kross found they shared similar paths. Ascending the ranks, grabbing the titles, but then letting them go because of injuries. Does Balor know how long it took for him to get back feeling like himself? Well, that was months, maybe even years. Going into this, Kross only just a few months back, that’s impressive.
Joe wants to touch on that. Kross has rushed back a bit, is this going to be a mistake on his part? Balor says underestimating Balor is a mistake. Kross should want to be 100% confident in his physical form if he’s going to take on the Prince at his peak. Now obviously, Kross is big and strong and ferocious. How does Balor defeat that? This isn’t that new to him. But what Balor does is drag them into territories they don’t want to be in, he takes them into the deep waters, and drowns them slowly but surely. JOe sees Balor speaking of Kross, this isn’t even how Balor was back when Joe faced him.
Balor says that he has proven himself over and over again for 20 YEARS but has to worry about someone unproven just pisses him off. How many times does he have to prove he is the best in the world? But now he’s an underdog at TakeOver? that’s a joke! That is what drives Balor! Balor promises us that tonight, he will do what he has done for those 20 years, and that is deliver on a promise to win. Will the Prince’s determination be what defeats Kross? Or will it be what defeats himself?
Backstage interview with Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon.
Candice is already tweeting she and Indi will win tonight, what are their thoughts? Shotzi laughs! Ember says The Way has lost their minds. But these two will not sweat this, because that’s not their way. They will #TCB, and steal the whole damn show! But time to get painted up for TakeOver! Candice, Indi, welcome to the FIRE PIT~! Shotzi howls to the moon, and she’s fired up enough for both of them! But will they burn down The Way or just crash ‘n’ burn at Stand & Deliver?
William Regal collects the Cruiserweight Championship belts.
Devlin gives his over easily, but Escobar is too busy getting taped up to even pick his belt up. These belts will be suspended high overhead in the Ladder match, who will be getting theirs back to start TakeOver?
NXT Tag Team Championships #1 Contender’s Match: Breezango VS Killian Dain & Drake Maverick!
With MSK as NEW tag team champions, that means we need new contenders! Tyler Breeze & Fandango have been on the outside looking in lately, will they get another chance to get back to the top? Or will the Belfast Beast and his little buddy finally be firing on all cylinders to get their first taste?
Breezango are fashionable pirates upon entering to go along with this year’s WrestleMania theme. The teams sort out, Dain starts with Prince Pretty, and the two circle. They approach, Breeze dodges to strike a pose. Dain takes the pirate hat and throws it away! Breeze runs but into a scoop! Breeze slips out, wrenches, tags Fandango but Dain throws them both around! Dain drags Dango over, tags Maverick and he climbs up to drop ax handles! Maverick headlocks, grinds Dango down, but Fandango powers out to run him over. Dango swivels hips, runs, but Maverick drops and hurdles. Dango sunset flips, Maverick stays up and swivels HIS hips!
Dango gets free as Maverick goes into overdrive. They push each other, Dain gets in and backs Maverick down but Maverick’s out for blood! Dain gets Maverick over to the corner and tags in rather sharply. Maverick has Dain wear the pirate hat! Dain isn’t amused but Dango uppercuts him! Dango fires off but Dain knees low and EuroUppers back! Tag to Maverick, and he’s a human weapon, snapmare body block! Maverick throws JABS on Dango, kicks low but Dango shoves him down! Maverick comes back but into a tilt-o-whirl SLAM! Cover, TWO! Dango looms over Maverick, drags him up and CHOPS him to the corner!
Dango brings Maverick around, bumps him off buckles, and then throws hands! Fans rally and duel, Breeze tags in, and Breezango mugs Maverick in their corner. Breeze brings Maverick around to DECK him, then brings him back up to whip corner to corner hard! Maverick writhes and Breeze drags him back over to kick him down. Breeze stomps Maverick and drops a leg! Cover, TWO! Breeze clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Maverick down. Fans rally as Maverick endures, but Dango keeps swiveling at Dain and that annoys him. Maverick fights up, Breeze CLUBS him then puts him in the corner to tag Dango.
Dango fires off, whips corner to corner hard and Maverick hits the mat. Cover, TWO! Dango drags Maverick up to ROCK him with an uppercut but fans rally up for Maverick. Dango suplexes and hangs Maverick out on the ropes, then tags Breeze. They make it rain, and then DOUBLE BOOT Maverick down! Cover, TWO! Breeze drags Maverick up, back suplexes, but Maverick lands on his feet! Maverick hits Dango, BOOTS Breeze, goes around but Breeze keeps him cornered. Maverick scrambles and gets past, hot tags to Dango and Dain! Dain rallies on Breezango, and DIVIDES Dango with the body block! Dain goes up and out and CLOBBERS Breeze! Dango runs into an URENAGE!
Dain slingshots to SENTON ATOMICO! Fans fire up with Dain, he fireman’s carries Dango but Breeze runs in! Dain catches Breeze, FALL AWAY SAMOAN DROP combo! Cover, Breeze breaks it! Maverick gets Breeze out and Dain whips Dango to a corner. Dain back elbows. Maverick runs in and is put out to tag in. They coordinate, BOOT ENZIGURI COMBO! Tag to Dain, Maverick climbs but has to leap at Breeze, into a SUPER MODEL KICK! Breeze saves Dang, mule kicks then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Cover, Maverick breaks it! Fans fire up as Breeze drags Maverick up to throw him out! Dango goes to a corner, Breeze gets Dain up but Dain throws Breeze into Dango!
Dain tags Maverick, and Maverick hurries up after Dango! SUPER STEINER!! Maverick dropkicks Breeze for good measure! Maverick and Dain look to high five, but instead it’s Human Weapon, ROCKSTAR SPUD BOMB! Cover, Dain & Maverick win!!
Winners: Killian Dain & Drake Maverick, by pinfall (NEW #1 contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships)
Well that was a unique way to win. Will the Beast of Belfast and Rockstar Spud show that Carter & Lee might be must-see, but they aren’t unstoppable?
Backstage interview with William Regal.
What are the thoughts of the NXT General Manager about TakeOver’s first night? Night one was incredible! Every match, every competitor, they gave it all they could. And now a new set are stepping up to do the same, and he couldn’t be more excited. Speaking of, we know Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly each arrived with their own security details. Does he care to comment as to why? Regal says he is taking every step to keep the peace because of how combustible this situation is. Has Cole been fined for that shot he got in on Regal? No, he hasn’t and will not. Is that because Regal thinks tonight will be punishment enough?
Samoa Joe interviews Kyle O’Reilly.
Very soon, it will be Kyle and Cole in an Unsanctioned match. So much has changed the last year, and now we’re in a world without the Undisputed Era. What does that change mean for Kyle? Well it’s hard to say. it’s been a rough time for the entire world. But Kyle has this internal struggle. He admits that it felt good to be in the UE. From their first moment arriving here to NXT, they were getting titles, wins, merchandise checks, it was euphoric. But something had to give. He lost a part of himself. If Kyle was to save his soul, he had to get away form that ‘gang mentality.”
But Kyle speaks of that, yet he and Cole have gone after each other anywhere they can. HIs words and his actions aren’t really matching. Kyle admits Joe is right. But when it comes to Cole, you fight fire with fire. If Kyle has to sink down to Cole’s level, then Kyle will do that. There’s obviously history, and a brotherhood that was betrayed. When does it stop? Kyle says he’s been struggling with that for the better part of a year. Ironically, it was Cole who made decisions for him. Cole would set Kyle free. Kyle found himself in interesting positions and opportunities that way. He lost his NXT Championship matches, but still felt like himself, because he fought with honor and intengirty, and on his own.
So having that ability, to fight with honor, but now in an Unsanctioned match, that quality doesn’t really coincide with it. Does Kyle have what it takes to beat Cole? Yes, he does. And the follow-up is of course, what are we in store for? Kyle isn’t here to set expectations. “This will be as one-sided as it gets.” Kyle wants to finish him as quickly and efficiently as possible. So does Kyle have what it takes? We’ll see after the match.
Now Joe interviews Adam Cole.
Joe has followed Cole’s career for a long time, and one thing he’s always seen is that Cole is calm, cool and poised. But lately, when it comes to Kyle, some of that poise falls away. This is very personal now. Joe is correct. Cole and Kyle have known each other for 12 years. Cole is offended because without Cole, Kyle doesn’t make it to WWE. And this is how Kyle repays him? SO that is why this is personal. An unfortunately casualty is the loss of the UE. Is Cole trying to prove he was the backbone of that group? That was already known, Cole has proven that, so of course it’s come to this.
Then what does victory look like tonight? When will Cole be satisfied? It’ll be when Kyle realizes after the match, after the beating he’s taken like no other, he’ll think to himself, “I really shouldn’t have messed with Adam Cole.” Win or lose, does Cole see a world where he and Kyle coexist again? Right now, that seems impossible, It’ll depend on how Cole feels. It depends on if Cole every feels like he can be around someone like Kyle. If Kyle apologizes and realizes how foolish he’s bene, then maybe. “As long as he knows he has an ass beating coming first.”
Poppy performs live!
NXT Cruiserweight Championship Unification Ladder Match: Santos Escobar VS Jordan Devlin!
Worlds collide and a mistake will be corrected! But there can only be one! Will the Leader of Leaders or the Irish Ace walk in the footsteps of the Heartbreak Kid and be the UNDISPUTED champion?
The introductions are made, the belts are already hanging overhead, and we see who rises above to stand atop the entire division!
The two fire off with fists at the bell! Devlin even gets a headbutt in there! He ROCKS Escobar, counter punches then whips, to then CLOBBER Escobar with an elbow! Devlin is fired up but Escobar headlocks. Devlin powers out, drops and hurdles, and arm-drags Escobar down! Escobar headscissors, Devlin pops free to jackknife but covers don’t matter. Escobar wrenches to underhooks but Devlin wrenches free to kick a leg. Escobar turns ripcord into headlock takeover! Escobar goes after legs but Devlin kicks him away. Escobar blocks the clinch with an elbow, whips but Devlin slips out of the tilt-o-whirl. Escobar kicks low, CLUBS Devlin, and fans duel as Escobar whips corner to corner.
Devlin goes up and over and dodges a boot to get the URENAGE! STANDING MOONSAULT! Fans are divided as Devlin fires up. Escobar bails out, Devlin aims and slingshots but Escobar moves. Devlin mule kicks him away to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and they bump into the announce desk! Devlin sits up and checks his head but he’s alright. Devlin drags Escobar up and puts him in the ring, then looks under the ring. Devlin brings out the first ladder, gets it on the apron, but Escobar runs over! Devlin lifts the ladder to avoid the baseball slide, and then yanks the ladder back to SMACK Escobar down!
Devlin puts the ladder in the ring, leaves Escobar behind, and stands the ladder up. Devlin climbs but Escobar hurries! Escobar yanks Devlin off the ladder then SMACKS him off it! Escobar gets the ladder and stands it up in a corner. Escobar stomps Devlin, whips him but Devlin stops short! Devlin turns around into a kick, Escobar gets Devlin up but Devlin fights free! Devlin kicks and whips Escobar, but Escobar reverses to send Devlin hard into the ladder! Devlin tumbles over and out to the floor and fans are fired up! Escobar goes out and goes around the way, talking trash that this is HIS bingo! Escobar runs in at Devlin, and CLOBBERS him against the Plexiglas!
Escobar’s fans are thunderous, and they cheer as Escobar brings out another ladder! Escobar leans the ladder against the boards but Devlin EuroUppers! Escobar bumps Devlin off the apron, stomps him down, then goes into the ring to fetch the second ladder. Escobar stands this one up under the belts already, but Devlin gets in. Escobar dropkicks the ladder into Devlin! And he lets the ladder fall on Devlin’s legs! Devlin staggers up, Escobar has the ladder and he RAMS Devlin in the gut! Devlin ends up in a corner, Escobar RAMS him again and again! And even as Devlin sits down! Escobar runs to DROPKICK the ladder into Devlin’s gut!
Escobar goes out and looks under the ring again. Escobar brings out a third ladder, puts it in, and then stomps Devlin down. Escobar stands the first ladder up, fans duel as he climbs, but Devlin anchors a foot. Escobar STOMPS him down for it! Escobar drags Devlin up to SLAP him down, then fetches the other ladder. Escobar sets that ladder up on the top of a corner, KICKS Devlin down, then grins as he taunts him. Escobar SLAPS Devlin again, whips him, but Devlin reverses and Escobar runs into the ladder!! Devlin scowls and drags himself up on ropes. Devlin sees the ladder standing up and heads that way, but Escobar DROPKICKS him down!
Fans rally and duel, Escobar rains down fists on Devlin and then catapults him! But Devlin uses that to get up! Devlin paws at titles but Escobar grabs at him! Devlin leaps for a FLYING DDT!! Fans chant, “This is Awesome!” as Escobar and Devlin writhe. Devlin pushes the ladder over to get at Escobar, but Escobar hip tosses him out! Devlin is by that second ladder, Escobar builds speed and DIVES! The Tope sends Devlin into that ladder! Fans shout, “That was Awesome!” as both men are down! Escobar says he’ll finish this now as he gets up and goes to the ring. Escobar stands the first ladder up again but Devlin hurries into the ring!
Escobar is frustrated and he pushes the ladder over. Escobar talks trash and KICKS Devlin while he’s down! He even calls him a cockroach! Escobar kicks Devlin around, chuckles and brings him up to reel him in. Escobar underhooks but Devlin fights the driver to back drop Escobar onto a ladder! Escobar clutches his back as he writhes, and Devlin flounders around after him. Fans rally and duel, the two head for each other, and they start throwing hands while on the mat! Fans fire up and duel as the two go back and forth! Devlin ROCKS Escobar, stands him up and throws more forearms, but Escobar comes back with his own!
Devlin fires off body shots and ROCKS Escobar, to then reel him in, only to get a KNEE! Escobar runs, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Devlin goes to a corner, dodges Escobar and lets him bounce off buckles to then hit a slingshot CUTTER! Fans rally and duel while both men are down. Devlin gets a ladder and brings it over to Escobar. Devlin stands the ladder up, but Escobar pushes it to a corner. Devlin HEADBUTTS Escobar down! Devlin climbs the ladder but Escobar hurries up the other side. They brawl at the very top, Devlin gets the edge and knocks Escobar down! Devlin adjusts as fans duel, Devlin is on the very top, as he SUPER MOONSAULTS!! Direct hit and fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while both men writhe on the mat!
Devlin drags the ladder to be under the belts, starts to climb it, and Escobar is somewhere on the outside! But here comes LEGADO! They tip the ladder over and Devlin falls right out of the ring! Escobar’s rabid dogs are after Devlin! If they couldn’t be tag team champions, they aren’t going to let their leader lose his title! They RAM Devlin into steel steps! Escobar drags himself over and thanks his men. They head back, Escobar gets in and stands the ladder back up. But Devlin is up again! Devlin hobbles around, and he TOSSES the other ladder at Escobar!! Devlin then stands that very ladder up beside Escobar’s, but Escobar tries to stop him.
Devlin CHOPS Escobar but Escobar clubs him back! They brawl and Escobar reels Devlin into a facelock. Devlin fights free to reel Escobar in for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Fans lose their minds while both men are down on the mat! “This is Awesome!” and far from over! Devlin drags himself back to the pair of ladders, sets one right under the belts, and begins to climb! Devlin is almost at the top but Escobar is back! Escobar climbs the other side, hits Devlin low, CLUBS him over and over and over, and reaches for the belt! Devlin headbutts Escobar then bumps him off the ladder! Devlin reaches, but Escobar HEADBUTTS Devlin off, and Devlin falls through the third ladder!!
Fans lose their minds and Escobar finally has the belts to himself! Escobar reaches up, grabs them, and brings them off the hook! Escobar wins!!
Winner: Santos Escobar (UNDISPUTED NXT Cruiserweight Champion)
The Leader of Leaders, the Champion of Champions, and now THE champion of the Cruiserweight Division! Granted, he had help again, but that in itself is proof of his legacy’s power! Will Legado del Fantasma reign over Cruiserweight and Lucha Libre wrestling forever?
Backstage with MSK.
The NEW NXT Tag Team Champions are feeling really good. It was hard to sleep last night because of how excited they are. They have side plates even! But they now have new contenders in Dain & Maverick. They’re ready to see what those two will be bringing. They faced them in the Dusty Cup, and now MSK are the champs. They’re not losing these belts. Not now, not ever! So any predictions on Balor VS Kross and Cole VS O’Reilly? Well okay. They say it together. One, two three… Coreilly. Wait, they disagree? Well uh… Okay, Balor VS Kross. One, two three… BROSS. Well one way or another, someone’s losing. Just not MSK!
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell!
TakeOver, welcome to the FIRE PIT! The Wild Child and Evolved Shenom are only the second-ever team to hold these belts, but they don’t want their run to end so soon. Will they not only Stand & Deliver but #TCB? Or will Candice & Indi Wrestling find a way to take those titles?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and one way or another, history is again being made on TakeOver!
The Way attacks the champs right away! Indi bumps Ember off buckles then scrapes her out while Shotzi and Candice brawl! Shotzi hasn’t forgiven Candice for what happened to Tank Mk I! Indi waistlocks and SLAMS Shotzi, Candice hits the step-up senton! Cover, TWO! Candice RAMS into Shotzi in the corner, digs her shoulder in, and lets off as the ref counts. Tag to Indi, Indi brings Shotzi around to fireman’s carry and Snake Eyes off Candice’s knees! Indi then adds a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Shotzi gets up but Indi kicks and whips her to CLOBBER her! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Shotzi but Indi is after her at ropes. Indi bumps Shotzi off buckles and tags Candice.
Candice runs in to back body block Shotzi, then snapmares her for the NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! Shotzi gets to the apron, Candice digs her boots in! The ref counts, Candice lets off, and Shotzi grits her teeth as she gets up. Candice grabs Shotzi but Shotzi headbutts low! Shotzi fires forearms, but Candice CLOBBERS her down! Another cover, TWO! Candice drags Shotzi into a top wristlock and thrashes her around. Shotzi endures, fans rally up and Shotzi fights up. Candice throws Shotzi by her hair! Candice drags Shotzi over, tags Indi in, and Indi stomps Shotzi down. Cover, TWO! Indi is annoyed, she kicks Shotzi at the ropes then drags her up.
Indi throws Shotzi through ropes and EuroUppers! Tag to Candice, Indi BOOTS Shotzi to the apron and Candice is there to stand on Shotzi! Candice lets off at the ref’s count to cover, TWO! Another cover, but Candice’s feet are on the ropes! The ref sees that so she doesn’t bother counting. Candice drags Shotzi up, bumps her off buckles, and The Way mugs Shotzi in the corner! Fans rally, Shotzi fights back, but Candice keeps her from Ember! Shotzi kicks Candice away, Indi tags in, and Indi drags Shotzi away from Ember! Another tag and Candice drags Shotzi up by her hair. Shotzi breaks free to ENZIGURI! Fans rally as both women are down and Shotzi goes to her corner. Hot tag to Ember!
Ember rallies on Candice, DECKS Indi for good measure, then wrenches Candice to kick, kick and fire off JABS! Ember pops, locks, and says, “SUCK IT!” Ember spins and DECKS Candice! Oh you didn’t know?! Fans are all fired up with Ember as she drags Candice up to throw her into a corner. Ember runs corner to corner to splash! Candice is down, Ember rises up top, but Indi is there to distract! Candice hits ropes to trip Ember up! Tag to Indi, the Way goes after Ember together but Shotzi rushes in to yank Indi down! Shotzi clubs Candice, climbs up behind her, but Indi gets back in! TOWER OF DOOM!! That was some kind of Super German Powerbomb Plex! Cover, TWO!!
Indi is shocked that Ember still lives! Indi stalks Ember to a corner, stomps her in, then drags her out. Cover, TWO! Indi stalks Ember, brings her up and whips her to ropes, for an IMPRESSIVE SPINEBUSTER! High stack cover, TWO!! Ember still lives, but Indi drags her over to tag in Candice. The Way coordinates, but Ember shoves Candice into Indi! Hot tag to Shotzi! Shotzi climbs, and CROSSBODIES The Way down! Indi bails out, Shotzi ROLLING ELBOWS Candice! Shotzi double chicken wings Candice for a TIGER PLEX! Candice flops out to join Indi, Shotzi tags Ember! Ember holds the ropes open, Shotzi builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit sends them all into barriers!!
Ember watches as Shotzi and The Way get back up. Ember hurries to a corner, climbs up, SUPER CANNONBALL to The Way! Ember puts Candice in, tags Shotzi, they coordinate, DOMINATOR CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Candice survives but Shotzi fires up! Shotzi drags Candice over but Candice rolls her up! TWO, SUPERKICK! Candice DECKS Ember for good measure! Candice tags Indi in, The Way drags Shotzi up and whips her, for a flapjack to the 3D!! Cover, Ember breaks it!! Fans are thunderous as Ember saves this, but Candice throws Ember to the apron. Candice kicks Ember down, Ember KNEES her back! Indi drags Shotzi up but Shotzi breaks free to ENZIGURI!
Hot tag to Ember! Ember climbs up, aims at The Way, Shotzi tags back in. DOUBLE ECLIPSE!! Shotzi climbs and aims at Indi! STAGE DIVE SENTON!! Cover, Shotzi & Ember win!!
Winners: Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)
No fear, no quit, and no losing just yet! Will the second-ever be the best ever as they continue on with these young titles?
NXT North American Championship: Johnny Gargano w/ Austin Theory VS Bronson Reed!
The Gauntlet Eliminator sifted through the potential to find the Colossal worthy of this opportunity! Will Reed bulldoze through Johnny TakeOver? Or will we all see that he is still Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling?
The introductions are made, and Gargano gets a little too into his. The title is raised, and one of Gargano’s biggest challenges in a long time begins!
Gargano circles around Reed, Reed corners him, and waistlocks to slam Gargano, then run him over! Reed whips, Gargano goes up and over, speeds up, ducks and dodges and RANAS, but Reed cartwheels through!? Things speed up again and Gargano leaps, only for Reed to SWAT him out of the air! Reed hauls Gargano up and military presses into the FALL AWAY SLAM! Reed stalks Gargano to a corner, clubs him then rams into him, then throws hands! Reed elbows Gargano down, then drags Gargano right up to the fireman’s carry! Gargano fights to get to the apron, he ROCKS Reed, snaps the ropes at him, then slingshots and SPEARS! Reed stays up!?
Gargano runs at him to fire off haymakers, but Reed CHOPS him down! Fans want that “One More Time!” so Reed CHOPS Gargano off his feet again! Reed sees Gargano get to a corner and he runs in, but misses! Gargano LARIATS but Reed stays up! Gargano runs to LARIAT again but still Reed stays up! Gargano kicks, but Reed scoops, only for Gargano to slip off and chop block! Gargano runs and leaps to LARIAT Reed down! Gargano drives elbows and knees into Reed, backs up and KICKS him to apron! Reed stands, Gargano WRECKS him with a dropkick! Gargano is targeting the stomach as he slingshots and PLANCHAS, but is caught!
Reed pops Gargano back up, but Gargano rakes eyes to get free! Gargano RAMS Reed into the corner of the announce desk, stomach first! Reed shoves Gargano away and hobbles around the way. Reed gets in the ring and he hobbles to a corner. Gargano runs in to RAM him in the corner! Fans say it’s still “Big Boy Season!” but Gargano fires off fists in the corner! Theory counts along but Reed stops it at 5. Gargano tries to sunset flip, but Reed stays up. Reed drops but Gargano avoids the sit-down! Gargano CLUBS Reed on the back, hops up and leaps to SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Gargano CLUBS Reed on the back, and again, and then straddle attacks him.
Gargano gets a cobra clutch and he grinds Reed down. Fans rally, Reed fights up, but Gargano throws in knees! Gargano wrangles Reed to the mat, he pulls on the hold, and drives more knees in! Reed fights up, Gargano leans on the cobra clutch, then becomes a backpack! Reed RAMS Gargano into buckles! Reed gaps for air, runs but Gargano boots him! Gargano hops up, leaps, but into a POWERSLAM! Theory coaches Gargano up as he and Reed slowly rise. Reed DECKS Gargano, and again! Reed whips and CLOBBERS Gargano with a body block! Gargano staggers to a corner, Reed SPLASHES him! Reed choke grips and CHOKE SLAMS him down!
Gargano flounders, Reed grits his teeth and storms over. The ref checks on Gargano and has Reed stay back. Gargano is alright, so Reed drags Gargano up. Reed suplexes, Gargano fights with knees but can’t get free! Reed gets Gargano back up to a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives the #JaggedEdge, but Reed keeps his cool. Gargano gets up, but stumbles and flops. Gargano rolls to the apron, Reed drags Gargano up and to a corner. Reed climbs, tries a deadlift suplex but Gargano resists and trips Reed up! Then Gargano GAMANGIRIS Reed, to hit a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!!
Reed crawls while Gargano slaps himself to fire up. Gargano throws more forearms at Reed but Reed choke grips! Gargano fights the two-hand choke slam, fakes the superkick to mule kick! Gargano goes for Standing Sliced Bread, but Reed turns that into a suplex SLAM! Fans fire up as both men are down! A standing count begins, Reed stands first and drags Gargano to a drop zone. Reed goes to the corner but Gargano rolls away. Reed hurries after, drops a senton, but misses! Gargano ghost pins, TWO!! Reed narrowly escapes but Gargano BUZZSAWS! Gargano runs, into a tilt-o-whirl and snapmare. Reed ducks the Buzzsaw to Electric Chair, but Gargano POISON RANAS!!
Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirl for the takedown! Reed resists the crossface but Gargano KNEES him in the ribs! Gargano puts on the GargaNO Escape!! Reed endures, fights his way over, drags Gargano with him, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Gargano holds on but lets off at 4 in frustration. Gargano sees Reed on the apron, aims from the ropes, and slingshots, but Reed ROCKS him! Reed hauls Gargano to the crucifix, for a COLOSSAL RAZOR’S EDGE! Gargano crash lands in the ring! Reed climbs back up, TSUNAMI FLOPS!! Gargano avoids guaranteed destruction, to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Reed survives and Theory is frustrated for Gargano, who is exhausted!
Gargano goes to a corner, and calls upon the powers of DIY! But Reed blocks the superkick! And HEADBUTTS, to short-arm LARIAT! Reed climbs up but Theory goes after him! Gargano grabs at the ref, Reed CLOBBERS Theory, but Gargano trips Reed up! Gargano throws haymakers, climbs up top, and SUPER STEIN- NO! Reed slips through it to haul Gargano up for a POWERBOMB!! Gargano flounders to ropes as Reed covers, Theory gives Gargano the ropebreak!! Reed knows Theory had something to do with that, and he goes out to storm after him. Theory plays dumb, which isn’t that hard, and Reed grabs him with both hands!
Gargano DIVES, but Reed catches him and uses him to BOOT Theory! Then he TOSSES Gargano at Theory! Reed goes into the ring, the ref starts a ring count, but Reed builds speed?! Reed DIVES!! Theory gets BLASTED into barriers! Gargano RAMS Reed into the barriers, puts him in and slingshots, but not One Final Beat! Reed catches Gargano to hit a CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!! Gargano is proving he is superhuman like he has in the past, but Reed drags Gargano up and reels him in. Reed gets Gargano up but Gargano fights and RANAS! Reed hits ropes in the stomach, Gargano SUPERKICKS! Fakes and SUPERKICKS again! Reed SUPERKICKS back?!
Reed goes up the corner, fans are thunderous as he MOONSAULTS but FLOPS! Gargano is on the apron, he slingshots in, ONE FINAL BEAT!! But Reed still sits up!? Gargano ONE FINAL BEATS again!!! Cover, Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
The Colossal did so much in just two days, from winning a gauntlet eliminator to taking NXT’s Iron-Man to his limit! But in the end, Reed hit his limit, and Gargano took over once again! Will The Way’s father figure continue on to again define NXT’s new era?
NXT Championship: Finn Balor VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!
The Prince, one of the greatest champions in this brand’s history. Mr. Doomsday, one of the fastest to reach the top title. Stamina, experience, strength, confidence, aggression, determination. This match has it all, and will determine the future of this brand! But will Balor keep his crown and cross Kross off his list? Or will he fail to Stand & Deliver, and instead #FallAndPrey?
The introductions are made as these two stare down face to face the entire time. The belt is raised, and we see if 20 years is enough to cancel the apocalypse!
Kross and Balor only back off for the bell, but get right in each other’s faces again. Fans rally and duel, Balor looks Kross up and down one more time before they tie up! Kross throws Balor down, Balor gets right back up, and gets right back in Kross’ face. They tie up again, Balor gets an arm but Kross shoves him away. Kross wags his finger, it won’t be that easy to get after the repaired arm. The two circle, Kross waistlocks but Balor goes after the arm. Balor wrenches, grinds the shoulder, but Kross grits his teeth. Kross fights up, scoops, but Balor slips off. Kross knees low and hard, but Balor just grins?! Scarlett asks what’s so funny, but Balor and Kross go again.
Balor headlocks, Kross powers up but can’t power out as Balor grinds. Kross pulls at hair but the ref reprimands. Balor grinds more, Kross powers up and finally powers out to run Balor over! Balor gets up and still grins! Fans rally behind Balor as he and Kross circle. Balor kicks but now Kross laughs at Balor. Balor’s power and strikes don’t scare Kross, even as he kicks and CHOPS! Kross TOSSES Balor for thinking he could match up! Balor grins all the same. Kross is getting annoyed as Balor just stretches and resets. Then Balor SLAPS Kross! Fans are fired up as Kross seethes. Kross roars, and RAMS Balor into the corner!
Kross RAMS into him again and again, then ROCKS him with a right! “Is this what you want?! Now you’re gonna get it!” Kross whips corner to corner then RAMS into Balor! Kross whips back the other way but Balor moves and Kross POSTS himself! Balor pulls the bad arm against the ropes! The ref counts, Balor lets off but just a moment before he pulls the arm into the ropes again! The ref counts, Balor lets off to then fire uppercuts on the arm! Balor wrenches, steps over and grinds the arm down. Scarlett coaches Kross as he endures and fans rally up. Kross fights to move around but Balor shifts to a chinlock. Balor even traps an arm for a modified half straitjacket!
Kross endures as Balor pulls back, and he powers up to make Balor a backpack! Kross RAMS Balor into buckles, then clotheslines, elbows and clotheslines again! Balor staggers and stumbles away, Kross gets the bad arm moving. Kross brings Balor around and snap suplexes him! Balor almost gets thrown more than anything! Kross stalks up behind Balor, drags him back up and puts him in the Tree of Woe! The ref reprimands, Kross stomps Balor then backs off, to run corner to corner and KNEE Balor! That was dangerously low! Kross looms over Balor, fans rally up but Scarlett says it won’t help. Kross hauls Balor up but Balor goes for a takedown! Balor gets an ARMBAR!
The bad arm is caught and Balor pulls on it as hard as he can! Balor’s sideways rather than on his back, but that helps with leverage! Kross fights up to bridge and rolls! Kross dead lifts Balor, but Balor shifts to get an ARMBAR DDT! Kross writhes, Balor is after the arm with a double wristlock! Balor hammerlocks the arm on the mat, and SNAP locks it! Balor grinds the arm, SNAP LOCKS again, and Kross is clutching the elbow. Balor CHOPS Kross in the corner, wraps the arm around the ropes, then stomps Kross down! Balor again has the arm on ropes, the ref counts, but Balor again lets off with a stomp! Kross walks along ropes, Balor stalking behind him.
Balor pushes Kross, CHOPS him, but Kross resists the whip. Balor mule kicks, Kross gets mad but then he crumbles to the mat! Is this another liver shot like with Kyle O’Reilly? Balor stomps away on Kross at the ropes, and fans fire up! Scarlett checks on Kross as Balor backs off. Balor gets Kross up, bends him back against the ropes, and crossface forearms to the GUT! The ref backs Balor off but he runs, into a KICK from Kross! Whatever pain Kross is feeling, he fights through it to get Balor up. Kross scoops, and RAMS Balor into buckles, then all the way to the other! But Balor slips out to ELBOW DROP DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up!
A standing count begins, Kross clamps onto Balor’s foot with his good arm! Balor kicks Kross but Kross holds on! Kross gets Balor up and clinches for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through to CLOBBER Balor! Kross drags Balor up, reels him in, Canadian rack to the BOMB! Cover, TWO! Balor survives but barely, and Kross grimaces as he clutches his stomach. Kross mocks the finger guns and then shouts, “DOOMSDAY!” Kross hauls Balor up but Balor GUILLOTINES! Balor throws knee after knee, then trips for the DOUBLE STOMPS! Balor runs to PENALTY KICK! Fans fire up, Balor gets Kross’ arm for a grounded cobra twist!
Balor punches away on Kross’ side, then gets a standing cobra twist! Kross endures, fans rally and Scarlett is furious! But Kross powers out to hip toss Balor away! Kross seethes, fires up and runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! Balor aims, runs in but into a LARIAT! Kross drags Balor right back up, and hits the DOOMSDAY SAIDO!! But Kross isn’t satisfied with that! He wants to end Balor! Time’s up, and Kross winds up. Kross runs, into a PELE! Balor runs to SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Kross staggers, Balor runs and SHOTGUNS Kross into buckles face-first! Kross is in a drop zone, Balor climbs up top, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, TWO!?!? And into the SLEEPER HOLD!!
Balor is caught but gets up, reaches for ropes, but Kross pulls him back! Balor rolls through to DOUBLE STOMP! Balor fires up and the fans are there with him! Kross groans in pain as Balor aims, and PUNTS him in the side! Balor fires off kicks and knees and elbows! Balor gets the cobra twist again, and drags him down to the mat! Kross sits up, Balor keeps his shoulders up and Scarlett coaches Kross. Kross endures, powers right out of the hold, and hammers away on Balor’s head!! Is Balor out?! Kross lets off before the ref can check, and dead lifts to GERMAN SUPLEX! Balor sputters but he’s awake. Kross storms over, drags Balor up, reels him in and DOOMSDAY SAIDOS!!
Kross still won’t finish it here, he wants to clean Balor’s clock! Balor staggers, Kross runs, BLINDSIDE FOREARM!! But that’s not enough, yet! Balor staggers up, into the DOOMSDAY FOREARM!!! Cover, Kross wins!!
Winner: Karrion Kross, by pinfall (NEW NXT Champion)
The Prince has been dethroned!! The apocalypse has returned!! Kross wins back the title that he never truly lost! But will he now get to finish what he started so long ago? Will ALL of NXT have no choice but to #FallAndPray?!
Backstage interview with Santos Escobar.
What a match for the title to become UNDISPUTED Cruiserweight Champion. That Devlin guy just kept coming back. It didn’t matter what he did, but Devlin kept coming back. Well he did have some help. Hey, Legado es familia. And Escobar will say this again so no one forgets: Escobar is the UNDISPUTED Cruiserweight Campeon, the Emperor of Lucha! Is it as simple as that? Or will Devlin still come back for more?
Unsanctioned Match: Adam Cole VS Kyle O’Reilly!
Who could have imagined it’d come to this? The Undisputed Era wasn’t the start of the friendship between these two, but it turned out to be the end. But with nothing holding these two back from leaving it all in the ring, just how does this end between the former Team Future Shock?
Extra security enters to keep these two from fighting before the bell. O’Reilly enters first to show off his new gear and rock out to his new theme song, now that he is purely Mr. Axe ‘n’ Smash! Cole also has new gear and a remix of the UE theme to go with it! The introductions are made, the bell rings, and TakeOver ends with the end of an Undisputed Era!
Cole and Kyle stare down, and then they just fire off! Kyle rocks Cole and back shim down, but Cole turns it around to fire off! Kyle ROCKS Cole, and again, and again! Kyle whips to BOOT Cole in the corner! Kyle whips the other way to BOOT him again! Cole flops against ropes but Kyle runs, into a BOOT from Cole! Cole runs but Kyle dumps him out hard! Kyle slingshots to PLANCHA! Direct hit and Kyle is right into an ARMBAR! Cole stomps Kyle to get free, then backs off as Kyle gets up. Cole then RAMS Kyle into Plexiglas! Cole brings Kyle up, brings him around and whips him into more Plexiglas! Fans fire up and duel as Kyle tackles Cole!
Kyle rains down rights, gets the legs and catapults Cole into the boards! Cole flounders away, Kyle stalks after him and whips him into more boards! Cole flops down and Kyle goes to fetch a chair! Kyle sits the chair up, knees Cole into having a seat, and then KICKS Cole as he sits up! And KICKS, and KICK- But Cole blocks to kick back! Cole brings Kyle over, but Kyle resists the lift to back drop! Kyle pushes Cole into the ring, hurries in but Cole RAMS him into a corner! Kyle gets a guillotine! No need for ropebreaks in this, either! Kyle climbs up, Cole pops free and shoves Kyle down to the floor!! The ref checks on Kyle because his neck isn’t even 100%!
Cole goes out, drags Kyle up and throws him into the barriers! Cole gets more chairs out and puts them in the ring. Fans rally and duel, Cole aims and JAMS a chair into him! Cole SMACKS Kyle on the back! “Is this what you want?!” Cole puts the chair in the ring, and then drags Kyle up to throw him into the girder! Cole puts Kyle in the ring, CLUBS him down, then digs a chair edge into the back of Kyle’s neck! Cole lets off and stalks Kyle around the ring. Cole brings Kyle up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Kyle bounces off buckles to hit the mat! Cole says Kyle ruined it, and he gets a chair that has the Undisputed Era’s CFOS logo on it!
Cole brings Kyle over to NECKBREAKER onto the chair!! “This is what YOU wanted!” Cole drags Kyle up again and whips him to a corner hard! Kyle falls, Cole drags him up and wrenches the neck! Cole throws crossface forearms, then drags Kyle up to waistlock. Kyle resists the lift, pries free and double wristlocks for a takedown! Kyle wants a Kimura but Cole throws knees! Cole fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives but Cole seethes even more. Cole tells Kyle, “I made you who you are! You would be nothing without me!” Cole pushes Kyle around, kicks him, but Kyle just grits his teeth! Kyle throws a forearm, Cole gives it back!
It’s a brawl, Cole knees low then runs but into a KNEE! Kyle runs but into a BOOT! Cole runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans fire up, Cole staggers up and Kyle clamps on to throw more knees! Kyle KICKS a leg, ROCKS Cole with palm strikes, then kicks to sweep the leg! Fans chant, “We Want Tables!” but Kyle glares at Cole as he gets a chair. Kyle sits the chair up, runs at Cole to forearm smash, then he hits an elbow breaker to a back suplex ON the chair! HEEL HOOK! Cole rolls and gets ropes but the ropebreak won’t work! Cole BOOTS Kyle off the ashigarami and gets away. Kyle stands on the apron, aims and LEAPS to DROPKICK Cole into the chair!
Cole is down but so is Kyle, and the fans fire up again! Kyle gets up first, drags Cole up and puts him in the ring. Cole gets a chair and aims, but Kyle KNEES low! Ax hits but Smash gets a chair!! Cole defended himself but still gets hit by the chair itself! Cover, TWO!! Kyle seethes as he looks at what’s available. Kyle goes outside, and brings out a CHAIN! Kyle brings it into the ring, but Cole gets Kyle in the ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER on the chain!! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives that hangman’s steel, but Cole gets the chain for his own now. Cole laces the chain around a rope, gathers up the rest and goes after Kyle’s head! Kyle defends, ROCKS Cole, but Cole hits back!
They brawl while also fighting over the chain! Kyle rebounds to DECK Cole! Kyle gets the chain back and ties it… around his own foot?! Kyle sits Cole up for STEEL KOWATA KICKS! Kyle has to reset the chain while Cole staggers, but Cole trips Kyle up! Cole steps through, the chain is part of the FIGURE FOUR! The Nature Boy never thought to do that! Kyle endures, Cole cranks and thrashes, but Kyle rocks the boat to reverse the pressure! Cole endures now, powers Kyle back over, but Kyle throws hands! They brawl while in the Figure Four and DOUBLE HAYMAKERS knock them both down! The hold is undone, fans rally up and Kyle sits up.
Cole follows, and he throws another forearm! Kyle knees, forearms, palm strikes and kicks! Kyle runs but Cole uses the chain to literally CLOTHESLINE Kyle! Cole then wraps Kyle up in chain for a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and Cole can’t believe it! Cole gets a chair, sits it up near a corner, and grins as he sets up another chair with it, back to back! Cole hobbles over to Kyle, drags him up and brings him to the chairs with a fireman’s carry. Kyle slips out, waistlocks, but the neck won’t allow the German Suplex! Kyle ROCKS Cole, Cole elbows Kyle away! Cole GERMAN SUPLEXES Kyle, Kyle ends up in the chair, SHINING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!!!
Kyle survives that tumble through steel but Cole keeps focus. Cole goes outside, pulls the steel steps apart, and drags Kyle over to the base! Cole’s used steps to devastate Kyle once before, is he going to do it again?! Cole drags Kyle up and around, suplexes, but Kyle slips out! Kyle GUILLOTINES Cole while he’s on top! The elevation makes for strong leverage! Cole is fading out, but Kyle lets off to KNEE Cole down! Kyle decides to use the steps now and he drags Cole back up! Kyle has Cole up but shoves him away? Perhaps Kyle doesn’t want ot sink to Cole’s lever. But then Kyle drags Cole back up, only for Cole to RAM him into barriers! Cole gets away but Kyle chases him down to BOOT him!
Kyle clears off the announce desk, and fans are happy to see this! After all, a desk is a table! Kyle puts Cole on the desk, climbs up to join him, but Cole ROCKS Kyle first! Kyle ROCKS Cole back, and they brawl up top! Cole throws forearm after forearm after forearm! Cole then brings Kyle up, assesses the area, but Kyle suplexes first for a BRAINBUSTER on the desk!! Cole flops to the floor while Kyle stays on the desk, but fans are thunderous! Cole manages to get up, and manages to crawl away past the timekeeper. “This is Awesome!” as Kyle gets up, paper notes stuck to him. Kyle stalks Cole, but Cole SMACKS him with a spare monitor!!
Cole drags Kyle up, puts him back in the ring, and Kyle flounders and flops. Cole brings out a TOOLBOX from under the ring! Cole opens it up, and dumps out everything inside it! Another chain, a tire iron, a monkey wrench and… A pair of pliers! Cole likes those, and he brings them to Kyle! Cole goes after Kyle’s face! Kyle blocks, Cole kicks low and stomps him down! Cole goes back for the tire iron! Cole aims, Kyle KICKS a leg out first! Kyle gets the tire iron but Cole PELES! Kyle yoyos to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Kyle and he brings Cole up to BRAIN BUSTER again! Cover, TWO!! Cole lives and the fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” again!
Cole flounders, Kyle gets that chain he tied to the ropes! Kyle wraps the chain around one of Cole’s arms, and gets a FULL METAL ARMBAR!! Cole endures this steel cross armbreaker! Cole fights up, but now he’s in a steel TRIANGLE! Cole endures, but he can’t dead lift! He’s fading fast, but he gets his second wind! And the TIRE IRON! Cole CLOBBERS Kyle’s ribs with it!! Kyle writhes and Cole grins as he’s free. Fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Cole and Kyle each get a chair, “Both These Guys!” use them to sit up, and “This is Awesome!” Cole and Kyle take seats in front of each other, and Cole talks trash to Kyle.
Kyle BOOTS Cole in the face! Cole throws a haymaker, Kyle throws a forearm! Cole returns the forearm, so Kyle gives him another! Cole and Kyle get out of their seats and start throwing more shots! Kyle gets the edge, but Cole LOW BLOWS!! Not illegal but not fair, either! Cole aims as Kyle sputters and crawls. Kyle gets up, Cole SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives and Cole is furious! The fans are thunderous again while Cole tries to figure out what he has to do to end Kyle. Cole gets a chair again, and he puts it around Kyle’s head! Cole gets another chair, the ref says he shouldn’t do this but Cole tells him to shut up!
The ref keeps insisting, but Cole DECKS him! “When I say, ‘Shut up,’ you shut up!!” The fans even tell the ref, “You Deserve It!” Cole goes back to Kyle, to a corner, and he climbs up. Kyle flounders up, Cole leaps, PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, but the ref is out so there’s no count! Cole would’ve won, as the fans point out by counting to 10! Cole tells the ref to get up now! “Are you stupid?! Get up!” Cole shoves the ref but he’s out cold. Cole looks back at Kyle, and figures if this has to continue, he’ll just do more damage. Cole stalks Kyle to the ramp, carrying a chair with him. Cole THROWS the chair at Kyle’s head!
Cole hobbles after Kyle as he flops off the ramp, and he RAMS him into the boards! And again! And again! But Kyle YANKS Cole into the boards now! Cole and Kyle get up, Kyle gets a GUILLOTINE! Cole stays standing to RAM Kyle back into the boards! Cole is free, fans rally up and Cole drags Kyle up. Cole gets Kyle back on the ramp, but Kyle gets the GUILLOTINE again!! Cole stays up, LEAPS, and both men CRASH THROUGH THE STAGE!! They fall through the steel grate and to the floor below!! Cole emerges first! Cole kicks THROUGH the side of the ramp, just to get at Kyle?! Cole drags Kyle through the hole and puts him back onto the top of the ramp.
Kyle crawls back towards the ring, and the ref has finally recovered. Cole hobbles after Kyle, one of his hands cut and bloody. Kyle stumbles and falls again, and Cole thinks he has easy pickings, until Kyle falls all the way out of the ring. Cole pursues, drags him up, and brings him back to the base steps! Cole suplexes, to BRAIN BUSTER Kyle onto the steel!!! Kyle even flops onto the toolbox on the other side! Cole drags Kyle, limp as he is, and puts him back into the ring. Cover, TWO!?!? Kyle BARELY gets a shoulder up but that’s enough to stay in this! Fans are electric while Cole is shocked! Cole gets to his feet, brings Kyle back up, and fans rally and duel as hard as ever.
Cole brings the knee pad down, takes aim and runs, but Kyle flops over! Cole sits Kyle up, again tells him he’s nothing, and again runs, but Kyle ducks the Last Shot! Kyle gets the leg and gets the HEEL HOOK!! Cole boots Kyle again and again, but that leg gets caught! DOUBLE HEEL HOOK!! Cole writhes and flails, but he gets the chain! STEEL KNUCKLE!! Cole is free, and he sputters over to a corner. Cole hops up and aims at Kyle. Kyle gets up, Cole leaps, PAN- NO! Kyle fireman’s carries to USHIGOROSHI Cole! PENALTY KICK! Kyle gets up, brings HIS knee pad down, and wants to show Cole his own LAST SHOT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cole survives but Kyle can’t even register frustration!
Kyle grits his teeth, gets a chair, turns it upside-down, and gathers up the chain. What is Kyle creating in his mind? Kyle brings the chain to the corner, piles it on, and then gets the chair. Kyle puts that chair around Cole’s leg, and then heads for the corner. Kyle flounders his way up the corner, but Cole gets up and uses that chair to SMACK Kyle off the top! Kyle falls to the mat, Cole gets sits the chair upside-down, and drags Kyle up. Cole puts Kyle in the ropes in the corner, gets around the corner and climbs up. Cole says he is always going to be better than Kyle! But Kyle LOW BLOWS Cole!! Payback for a moment ago, and Kyle gathers the chains again!
Kyle wraps his leg up in the steel, locks it in, and aims at Cole! Cole is on the chair, STEEL GUILLOTINE KNEE!!! Cover, KYLE WINS!!
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, by pinfall
Incredible! Kyle brought out every ounce of aggression he could muster, and he crushes Cole one and for all! And for that, Stand & Deliver’s Unsanctioned main event gets a standing ovation! But will either man be able to stand after what they’ve put themselves through? Kyle gets to his feet, but a neck brace, back board and stretcher are needed for Cole. Will Cole ever be the same again? Kyle leaves, having settled the score, but where does this win take him next?
My Thoughts:
Night one was already awesome, night two was pretty epic! We got another surprise kickoff show match in Breezango VS Dain & Maverick, but it was a really fun match. Dain & Maverick win to face MSK, but I feel like this is to continue the story with Imperium. Alexander Wolfe specifically will show up, maybe get in Dain’s head, and that costs him and Maverick so that Dain & Maverick can then shift over to face Imperium while MSK get their first defense in the books. We did get good interview promos conducted by Samoa Joe, but just for Balor and Kross. Those were still very good promos, and I hope Joe keeps coming back to do these for other big TakeOvers.
Opening with Escobar VS Devlin was a great choice, it was definitely a good ladder match and made great use of the Capitol Wrestling Center’s space. I again groan at Legado having to help Escobar, but it is as I sadly knew would happen: the majority of the Cruiserweight Division is in the US, and the world is still rather wary because of COVID, so it’s just easier for the wrestler who lives in the US to get the title. No offense to him or his literal legacy as El Hijo del Fantasma, but as far as I can tell, that is the reason he won tonight. I have no idea who steps up next, but hopefully they finally get to be the one that dethrones Escobar.
The NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship match was very good, but it was natural for Shotzi & Ember to win. However anyone feels about them snatching those titles right off of Raquel & Dakota, Shotzi & Ember need to keep their reign going a bit to really build these titles. The North American Championship was great, Theory was involved at just the right amount, and Reed still looked like a monster given he still had such a great showing after having a gauntlet eliminator last night. Reed not getting the title might hurt a little if he’s to ever move up to the top title, but who knows. With Lumis and Knight starting a feud, no idea who is next for Gargano, but that might be set up as soon as NXTuesday.
Balor VS Kross was awesome, probably Kross’ best match since coming to NXT. I am a little surprised Kross won but it does make sense. It is almost cliché for wrestlers to say they never lost whatever title they gave up while injured, but that’s only because it’s true, and so for Kross, it is great for him to get this belt back to give us what we would’ve gotten almost a year ago. Balor is still great so he can do whatever he wants next. Challenge Gargano? Finally face Walter? Either one, but especially the latter so that we also get what we would’ve gotten almost a year ago. Hell, Balor becoming the first man to hold prime NXT and NXT UK titles would be fitting of the greatest star in NXT history.
Then Cole VS Kyle in their Unsanctioned match, HOT DAMN that was awesome! They were very creative with everything used, and I figured Kyle would win this. Cole can be written off, maybe return to action on Raw or SmackDown, start relatively fresh and add to his great resumé. I’m pretty sure it’s rarified air as one of the only NXT Triple Crowns to then add any other WWE belt. Kyle has finally broken free, he can easily go after Gargano or Kross with this momentum. Hell, why stop there? Kyle is billed at 200 pounds, that’s a Cruiserweight, let Kyle the first and only THREE-TIME tag champ check off ALL three belts to be NXT’s first GRAND SLAM winner! Then one day, Kyle and Balor can circle back and we will have a battle to see who is truly the best in the NXT history books!
My Score: 9.7/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will Angel Dorado breathe with the Switchblade?
After battling in the Casino Gauntlet, and then over the Unified AEW & ROH Trios Championships, Jay White and Dante Martin are on a Rampage to go 1v1!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jay White w/ The Gunns VS Dante Martin w/ Top Flight; White wins.
- Rocky Romero VS Kyle O’Reilly; Kyle wins.
- Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS London Lightning; canceled due to time constraints.
- AEW TBS Championship Manitoba Massacre: Willow Nightingale VS Skye Blue; Willow wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rampage opens with Kenny Omega down in the ring.
As seen in the closing moments of Dynamite, The Cleaner returned home, only to be betrayed by The Young Bucks as they continue to become tyrants of AEW. FTR is with Omega, as is a medic, given the vulnerable and life-threatening state of his diverticulitis. The Elite leave, and Omega is helped to a stretcher. The fans cheer in support of Omega as he’s wheeled out, will he be alright physically and emotionally?
Wait, as the stretcher reaches the ambulance backstage, The Elite return to attack FTR! Matt & Nick mug Dax while Okada & Jack are after Cash! Omega is powerless to help the guys who just helped him! Now Okada throws uppercuts into Dax while Jack THROWS Cash! Then Dax is sent crashing into railing! But then The Elite all surround Omega! Omega is writhing in pain while Matt says he loves Omega to death. But this is just business, Kenny. They’ve gotta change the world, right? The world needs them more than it needs him. They SHOVE the stretcher over!! Omega falls right off, and then Matt almost mockingly says for someone to check on him.
Medics hurry to help Omega but have to be careful. Have this new and downright evil Elite all but forced Omega into retirement?
Jay White w/ The Gunns VS Dante Martin w/ Top Flight!
Don’t adjust your screens or worry about your eyes, Bullet Club Gold is carrying three sets of belts. That’s because they’ve brought back the classic AEW World Trios Championship belts while still parading around with the hot pink Acclaimed trios belts and the ROH World Six Man belts. But all the hardware aside, this battle is because The Switchblade and Angel Dorado were part of the wild Casino Gauntlet, and they want to settle the score! Will Dante earn his trio a golden ticket back to a trios title match? Or will Winnipeg soon Breathe With The Switchblade?
The bell rings and Dante CLOBBERS White to a corner! Dante fires off forearms over and over and over, but the ref backs him off. White bails out but Dante pursues to CHOP! Dante CHOPS again, but White knees low! White CHOPS now, then brings Dante around. Dante blocks a chop to CHOP back! Dante puts White in the ring, runs up, but White knees low again. White stomps Dante in a corner, then JABS, JABS and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and White whips. Dante rolls off White’s back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to then flip and RANA! White bails out again but the fans fire up with Dante. Dante goes out after White again to CHOP!
White shoves Dante but Dante flips up and into the ring! Dante DECKS White off the apron, then DIVES! Down goes White and the fans fire up with Dante! Dante stalks White around the way, brings him around, but White knees low. White CLUBS Dante, whips, but Dante goes up and backflips off the apron! Dante then JUMP KNEES White down! The fans fire up and Dante puts White in the ring. Dante runs corner to corner, but White puts him on the apron. Dante GAMANGIRIS, springboards, but White YANKS him down! Dante hotshots off ropes, calls for the ref, and White says call it off! The ref checks on Dante and we go picture in picture.
White mockingly asks if Dante’s done while Dante checks his face. White brushes the ref aside, stands Dante up, and CHOPS him to the corner! White CHOPS again, and Dante sputters. White brings Dante up again, whips corner to corner, and Dante rebounds into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! White keeps cool as he stomps Dante’s leg. White stomps and stomps, but Dante kicks at White from below! Dante goes to ropes but White gets the legs, ROPE GUILLOTINE! Cover, TWO! Dante is still in this and White is frustrated. White steps through to tie up the legs, into the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Then White swags his way back into the MUTA LOCK!
Dante endures, flails, but White fishhooks the face! The ref reprimands, but then Dante CLAWS White’s face! White lets Dante go and protests, but the ref says he just did that to Dante! White goes back, Dante cradles, TWO! Dante victory rolls, TWO!! White escapes, kicks low, but Dante dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! And run, but into an UPPERCUT! White UPPERCUTS in a corner, reels Dante in and scoops, for a SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dante survives again and White is growing frustrated. White clamps onto Dante and pulls hair to dig him into a knee! Then it’s a chinlock, and Dante endures.
Rampage returns to single picture, the fans rally and Dante fights up. Dante moves around but White CLUBS him! White snapmares and clamps on another chinlock. Dante endures again and the fans rally back up. Dante fights up again, throws body shots, but White CLUBS him! White keeps on the cravat, Dante throws hands, but White CHOPS! White snapmares but Dante rolls through and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dante pounds the mat while the ref starts a standing count. White and Dante rise, White runs up but Dante flips up and over! Dante CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS again!
Dante whips White, White reverses and runs in, but Dante slips out to go up and around! GAMANGIRI! Dante springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! White survives but Dante throws off his elbow pads! Dante snarls and storms up on White. Dante gets a leg, stands White up, but White has ropes! The ref counts but Dante clotheslines White up and out! The fans fire up with Dante and he goes out after White. Dante puts White back in fast, and then storms up, only for White to clinch and URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Dante survives, White shakes his head, and White clamps on a SLEEPER!
White drags Dante up, for the SNAP- NO, Dante throws elbows! White CHOPS Dante, CHOPS him again, and CHOPS him again! White eggs Dante on but Dante fires forearms! Dante CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! White CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands, White THROWS Dante out, but Dante is on the apron! White storms up, Dante HOTSHOTS him! Dante springboards again, to NOSEDIVE! Cover, TWO!! White survives and Dante can’t believe it! The fans fire up and Dante hurries to get White up! Waistlock, full nelson, but White slips free to SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX!! Dante staggers, into the BLADERUNNER!! Cover, White wins!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall
The Switchblade cuts down Dante, and he celebrates with all the gold! But then White then shows respect by helping Dante up. White says Dante has heart, and he raises Dante’s hand! The fans cheer, this is quite the surprise from Jay White. But then BRAINBUSTER for the hell of it!! Top Flight rushes the ring but White gets away! Will nothing stop The Bang Bang Gang from collecting belts and taking cheap shots here in AEW?
Backstage interview with Deonna Purrazzo.
Arkady Aura is with The Virtuosa, and notes that she attacked Thunder Rosa after losing the match to her last week. The question then is: Why? Deonna repeats, “Why?” Why what? She has a question for everyone else: When is enough enough? She’s not just some random girl who walked in and became All Elite. Deonna has been at this for 12 YEARS! She is a FIVE-TIME Women’s World Champion, and THE Virtuosa. And after last week, she’s starting to feel like herself. Time for the rest of the locker room to feel it, too. If Rosa doesn’t wanna heed Deonna’s advice, then they can make this personal!
Do you know what happens when you make things personal with a Jersey girl? Arkady does not. Then pray you never do. Deonna says vafanapoli with the hand gesture, will she stick it to La Mera Mera?
Rush speaks.
“For decades, my family has dominated Mexican lucha libre. The Munoz Dynasty is reflected in discipline. The discipline that my father taught us. And I became the first-ever Mexican ROH World Champion. Now, I am known as The Most Hated Man in Mexico. You will recognize that people like Rush is superior to you. And if there is a price to pay, you’re about to pay! I am El Toro Blanco, Rush, and you will put respect to my name. RESPECT, TO MY NAME!” The ungovernable is ready to take over, who will be gored by the Bull’s Horns?
Backstage interview with “Big Bill” Morrissey.
Renee Paquette is with the human skyscraper and says he made it abundantly clear that he’d like to be under Chris Jericho’s Learning Tree. Why at this point in his career does that feel like the right fit? Bill says that he believes, and always has believed, that he has all the tools necessary to make it to the top of this industry. The one thing that has always been missing is the proper guidance. Bill thinks Jericho is the guy to give him that guidance. Jericho is the guy to help him reach his full potential. Jericho is the guy that takes Bill to the Promised Land. Bill proclaims one more time, teach him, Learning Tree.
But speaking of, Jericho steps in! He waves hi to the camera and says he heard what Bill said. Jericho thanks Shibata for the match earlier tonight. Shibata is a great wrestler, he beat the crap outta Jericho, as shown by the red chest. But Jericho was able to retain the #ForTheWorld Championship, with the fans in his hometown cheering him on. It just gets louder and louder every single week. And Big Bill, the way you were cheering Jericho on, that made Jericho think and realize, Bill’s right. So Jericho would love to take Bill into the Jericho Vortex and make him a student of the Learning Tree, if Bill will have him.
Bill says Jericho will not regret this decision. This will be one of the best decisions Jericho has ever made, and Bill will not let him down. Jericho knows Bill won’t. Just like the fans never let Jericho down! And now with a “big redwood” by his side, Jericho knows The Learning Tree will hold onto the FTW Championship for a long time to come! Thanks, guys! Jericho waves bye and Bill is very excited, will these two really reach the top of AEW together?
Swerve Strickland speaks.
The AEW World Champion is backstage, icepack on his head after what The Patriarchy did to him during Dynamite. Swerve reminds Christian that Christian chose to team with him last year in Wembley Stadium because Christian knows what kind of man Swerve is. And so that means Christian’s forgotten something. Swerve is going to remind the whole family just who the hell Swerve is. Dynamite next week, they’ll have a little “talk.” And next time, Swerve won’t be alone. Swerve laughs sinisterly, is Captain Charisma going to regret stepping into Swerve’s House?
Rocky Romero VS Kyle O’Reilly!
This match was only just made earlier tonight, with Azucar wanting to strike out on his own from Best Friends. He and #CombatKyle both want to prove themselves worthy of championships, but who will be one step closer after tonight?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, feel things out, and they knuckle lock. Kyle gets around to waistlock, Rocky switches but Kyle switches back. Rocky switches again, Kyle switches again, and he SLAMS Rocky down. Rocky slips free to waistlock Kyle, but Kyle moves around to switch with him. They both get back and Rocky gives some Latino Heat. The two reset, tie up, and Kyle wrenches to wristlock. Rocky wrenches, Kyle wrenches, repeat! They go back and forth, wrench for wrench, but then Rocky reaches back to to wrench. Kyle slips under to wrench, then he cranks the wristlock.
Rocky endures, fights up, and he rolls. Kyle still wrangles Rocky with a top wristlock and the fans applaud. Rocky kips up, breaks free, but Kyle avoids the dropkick! Rocky avoids the Penalty Kick, and the fans cheer the newest standoff. The two reset again, fist bump, and then tie up. Kyle headlocks, Rocky endures the grind then throws body shots. Rocky powers out, but Kyle avoids the arm-drag! Kyle trips Rocky, steps on him, but Rocky stays low. Kyle BOOTS Rocky on the return, but then Rocky RANAS! Rocky goes into the ARMBAR! Kyle fights around, slips out and has an ANKLE LOCK!
The fans fire up as Kyle brings Rocky around. Rocky hops, kicks, but Kyle ducks the enzigiri, only for the REWIND HEEL to hit! Kyle bails out, Rocky DIVES! Direct hit and Kyle hits railing! Rocky keeps moving, and he DIVES again! But Kyle catches Rocky to FALCON ARROW on the floor! And then ARMBAR! The ref counts, they’re on the outside as it is! Kyle lets go at 4, snarls, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Kyle stomps Rocky, brings him up and puts him in, then brings him up. Kyle wrenches, CLUBS the arm, then hammerlocks. Kyle wrangles Rocky, KNEES him in the back, then throws down elbows! Kyle floats over to ELBOW and KNEE the other side! Kyle then runs to SLIDING KNEE! Rocky writhes and flounders to a corner but Kyle storms up on him. Kyle KICKS and KICKS, then wrenches for an ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle holds onto the arm to YANK it! Kyle wrenches again, but Rocky shoves him away. Rocky dodges Kyle to RUNNING SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Kyle stays in this but Rocky’s right on him for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK!
Kyle endures, fights around, but Rocky looks to drop into an armbar! Kyle clasps hands to fight that, but Rocky breaks the grip! Kyle rolls back, Rocky stands up to keep the wristlock, and he keeps Kyle from ropes. Rocky knuckle locks, goes up the ropes, and then METEORAS the arm! Kyle writhes now and Rocky storms up. Rocky brings Kyle around to CHOP! Kyle staggers, Rocky grabs the bad arm, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Rocky repays Kyle from earlier, then CHOPS! Kyle fires a forearm! Rocky gives it back! Kyle fires another forearm, but Rocky wrenches to another ELBOW BREAKER! And then Rocky YANKS the arm!
Rocky YANKS the arm again, but Kyle fires more forearm shots! Kyle gets free of the wristlock, but runs into an UPPERCUT! Rocky runs, but Kyle KNEES him against ropes! Kyle WRINGS the arm, Rocky writhes, and Rampage returns to single picture. Kyle stands to KICK Rocky! Rocky KICKS back! They KICK and KICK, each going after the other’s arm! KICK, KICK, KICK and repeat! The fans fire up with every shot, but then Kyle wrenches for another ELBOW BREAKER! Rocky wrenches Kyle’s arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! They both fire forearms, but then Kyle fires off a strike fest! Rocky jumps the leg sweep to JUMP KNEE! Kyle yoyos and LARIATS!
The fans fire up while both men are down! The standing count starts, both men go to corners. Rocky and Kyle stand at 6 of 10, then Rocky runs up, but Kyle puts him up top! Kyle CLUBS Rocky, climbs up after him, but Rocky fires hands! Rocky cravats to then SUPER SLICED BREAD!! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and Rocky is beside himself! Rocky fires back up, and he KICKS Kyle’s arm! And KICKS! And KICKS, but Kyle blocks, KICKS, steps over, and KNEES Rocky, to then AX ‘N’ SMASH!! Cover, TWO!! Rocky survives but he is dazed! Rocky goes to ropes, Kyle runs up, but Rocky UPPERCUTS! And HAYMAKERS! And then runs, into a KIMURA!
Kyle has the body scissors, but Rocky reaches for ropes! Rocky drops as Kyle cranks the arm! Rocky slips through, and has the ARMBAR! Kyle fights to stack, pop free, and KNEEBAR! Rocky makes it a cover, TWO!! Both men get up, Kyle takes a swing but Rocky makes it a backslide! TWO, but Rocky goes for the KIMURA! Kyle fights up, even as Rocky cranks the arm! They go around and around and around, Kyle rolls, but Rocky drops onto the hold! But Kyle victory rolls with crossed legs! KYLE WINS!
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, by pinfall
Even Rocky is shocked that he got caught! Kyle still shows Rocky respect, but will this momentum help Kyle go back for revenge on Roderick Strong? Or perhaps, given what we saw on Dynamite, is there a different title that’s caught Kyle’s eye?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
Rampage is once again live on a Saturday to follow AEW Collision next week on May 11th, and it’s all on TBS! Make sure your DVRs catch this so you don’t miss another THREE HOUR BLOCK of All Elite Wrestling!
Backstage interview with The Outcasts.
Arkady is now with Saraya and Harley, and she says this wasn’t scheduled, the Outcasts demanded time to speak. With that, the floor is theirs. Saraya says how could they not talk after that “disastrous” performance by, um, Mariah… May, is it? Yeah, but Harley has another name for her: Tiny Storm. Saraya likes that, because losers breed losers! Saraya beat Storm, was the champ at the time, and then Storm has found this “illegitimate daughter” of sorts. Mariah’s quite the chip off the old… box. Harley tells “Tiny Storm” that since she enjoys quitting so much, how about she does it all again next Wednesday against… Oh, Harley!
Saraya likes that idea! Like they say, what’s old is new. Yeah, and what’s new is old! And what’s old can’t be new because it’s old. And new can’t be old because it’s new! Harley, stop already. But no need to keep their chins up and tits out, they’ve got that covered. The Outcasts head out, but will they remember to watch for the shoe?
Backstage interview with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Rampage returns and Arkady is with Matt Taven, Mike Bennett & Roderick Strong. Arkady notes that Roddy’s AEW International Championship will be on the line against Will Ospreay at Double or Nothing. Taven interrupts with, “Jeez, Not Lexy.” But she corrects him, that’s his nickname for Renee. Well, Arkady ain’t Renee either! But there are more pressing issues here! #NeckStrong has been back and trending for over a week now, and Taven finds it disrespectful that the guy wearing a neck brace (Tony Khan) is too hurt to travel. Meanwhile, Roddy, a wrestling legend, would take his neck brace off, win a match and do it again over and over!
Roddy is truly #NeckStrong! Roddy thanks Taven for that. As for “Billy Boy” Ospreay, he’s “retired” the Tiger Driver 91, aka Storm Driver 93. It’s just dead? Well, get ready to resurrect it, because he’s facing The Messiah of the Backbreaker! And the Assassin is gonna need every bullet in the chamber! And as we celebrate the five year anniversary of AEW, we look back to where it started, what has happened, and where it stands now. But where is AEW going from here? The Kingdom decides! At Double or Nothing, WILL Ospreay will fall to the Messiah of the Backbreaker! Roddy is ready, but will he see it isn’t Billy Boy, it’s #BillyGOAT?
AEW TBS Championship Manitoba Massacre: Willow Nightingale VS Skye Blue!
The Babe with the Power heard the challenge made, and then upped the ante on Skye! This is now Falls Count Anywhere and Anything Goes! However, the EVPs took offense to what Stokely Hathaway had to say about them, so he and Kris Statlander aren’t allowed anywhere near ringside! Will Willow still find a way to win? Or is Skye about to take her place against Mercedes Mone at Double or Nothing?
Well, Kris can’t be with Willow at ringside, but she does see her off at the ramp, and hands her a smiley face trash can lid. Willow storms to the ring but Skye rushes her first, kendo stick in hand! Trash can lid becomes shield, and then Willow JAMS Skye up! The bell rings, Willow SMACKS Skye on the back, then Willow SMACKS her again! Willow RAMS Skye into barriers, then gets space to run up and LARIAT her against the barriers! Willow dumps Skye over, storms out after her, and CLUBS her on the back. They go around the back of the floor seats, and Skye hits back! Willow runs up to ROCK Skye and SMACK her off more barriers!
Willow stalks Skye, brings her around to CLUB her again and again, then shoves her towards ringside. Willow pulls off protective padding from barriers, and SMACKS Skye off them! Willow then drags Skye up, but Skye HOTSHOTS Willow off the barriers! Willow flounders against a chair, and Skye climbs the barriers. Skye leaps, into a CHAIR SHOT! Skye falls in a heap, Willow covers, TWO! Willow huffs and puffs but goes looking under the ring. Willow brings out another chair, and another chair, and then goes back for Skye. Willow stomps Skye, grabs another chair, and she sits that up. Willow ROCKS Skye then makes her take a seat.
Willow CHOPS Skye, then goes to the apron! Willow aims, the fans fire up, and Willow CANNONBALLS but only gets chair! Skye avoids disaster, Willow crashes ‘n’ burns, and the fans go wild as Rampage goes picture in picture!
Willow writhes, we get an instant replay, and then we see Willow stagger around. She finds her trash can lid, storms up on Skye and SMACKS her! And SMACKS her again! Skye leans against the desk, ROCKS Willow in return, then CLUBS her on the back! Skye takes the lid to SMACK Willow! And SMACK her right in the head! Willow falls over, Skye covers, TWO! Skye is frustrated but she puts Willow back in the ring. Skye kicks Willow around, bumps her off buckles sand digs her boots in. Skye is a little bloody already but she doesn’t sweat it. Skye lets off, she and Willow trade shots, and then Skye HAMMERS away on Willow!
Skye grabs a chair, sets it up, and then CLUBS Willow. Skye brings Willow over, reels her in, but Willow fights the suplex! Willow fires body shots, then scoops Skye to SLAM her on the chair! Skye writhes, Willow hauls her up to TOSS her out, then goes out after her. Willow grabs another chair, puts that in the ring, then grabs yet another chair. Chair after chair is put in the ring, but Skye ROCKS Willow first! Skye CLUBS Willow, takes a chair and puts that in the ring. Skye follows Willow around the way, but Willow throws body shots! Skye SUPERKICKS her down! Skye leaves Willow behind to go looking under the ring.
Rampage returns to single picture and Winnipeg wants tables. Skye just adds another trash can lid to the equation instead. But Willow POUNCES Skye right down, PERIOD! Willow puts Skye in the ring, RAMS her into a corner, then takes a chair to wedge it in front of her! The fans fire up as Willow goes corner to corner, but Skye CHUCKS the chair at her! Then SUPERKICKS her down! Cover, TWO!! Skye pulls at her hair in frustration, then goes out to find a black bag! Jericho’s had pucks earlier tonight, this one looks a bit different. Yep, it’s THUMBTACKS! Skye drags Willow up, but Willow RAMS Skye into the corner!
Willow puts Skye up top, climbs up after her, but Skye slips under! Skye tucks Willow in to CHEEKY NANDOS! Skye gets under but Willow throws down hands! Skye grabs a chair to CHUCK it at Willow!! Willow wobbles, Skye goes up, but Willow fires body shots! SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER onto the tacks!! Willow covers, TWO!! Willow ignores the pain and goes outside to fetch… a TABLE! The fans fire up as Willow sets that up on the outside, but Skye grabs a chair. Willow hurries in after Skye, but Skye JAMS her up! Skye hops on, CODE- NO, Willow pops free, kicks low, and SLAMS Skye onto that chair!
Willow goes up and up while Skye is down, MOONSAULT onto just chairs!! Skye avoids disaster again, then SUPERKICKS! Skye CLUBS Willow, BUZZSAWS her down, then goes outside. Skye looks under the ring, and she brings out a plank covered in barbed wire! The fans tell Skye she’s sick but she puts that right on top of the table. Willow ROCKS her first! Skye wobbles, Willow throws a shoulder, but into a KICK! Skye brings Willow to the apron, and fireman’s carries!? Willow fights free of that, and gut wrenches! BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB down through barbed wire and table!!! Cover, WILLOW WINS!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still AEW TBS Champion)
The stakes were at their highest, and their most dangerous, but Willow comes out the winner! Kris & Stokely hurry to ringside to help her to her feet, and now it’s on to Double or Nothing! Will the CEO find out first hand why Willow is the Face of TBS?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage right here. Now, doing three hours of AEW stuff on one night is always a lot, but following Dynamite on this night worked out great for Rampage. They got to have the bleed-over of the shocking segment with Kenny and The Elite, where The Elite did even more awful stuff for even more Heel Heat. As I said for the Dynamite article, Omega is surely in better health than his promo told us, and this is definitely also so he can take a few more weeks to get back in ring shape for whatever awesome matches are planned for the Summer. And then, great promo from Swerve to respond to what happened to him. He says he’s bringing people, is there going to be a Face turn for the rest of the Embassy? Kaun and Liona are pretty awesome in the ring, I think fans would like Face Gates of Agony.
But one drawback of Rampage being live after Dynamite tonight when things can go long, Konosuke got his squash match cut. Though, because it was obviously gonna be a squash match, nothing of importance was lost, Konosuke can just squash someone else next week and call out Moxley at the same time. Great match from White VS Dante, but I figured White would win. I did find it funny that Bullet Club Gold was going around with three belts just because they could. Honestly, they should dunk the hot pink belts in the trash in a reference to Alundra Blayze while also sticking it to Acclaimed, and then they just keep the black ‘n’ gold AEW belts and the silver ‘n’ black ROH belts.
Kyle VS Rocky was an awesome match, even for being “booked” the same night. Great quick pin win for Kyle, he’ll probably be primed for the TNT Championship on the other side of Double or Nothing. And really good promo from The Kingdom to call out Ospreay and hype up the International Championship match. Really good promo from Deonna Purrazzo to call out Rosa, they’ll clearly have a rematch post Double or Nothing, maybe make it a Submission Match or some other tough match. Really good promo for Saraya & Harley to call out Storm & Mariah, maybe we get a tag match of Outcasts VS #RoseGold, aka Mariah & Mina Shirakawa, adding to the mentor love triangle of Storm, Mariah and Mina.
And as with Dynamite, Rampage got to have the women in the main event and that’s great. As I’ve said, if they’re not gonna book more than one women’s match per show, make the one match they have matter. Willow and Skye went to some wild extremes, but Skye still needs to work on how she sneaks her blading and where. Another weaker forehead trickle here. But honestly, not even sure Skye needed to bleed from forehead with the tacks and barbed wire getting involved. Great win for Willow here, and so naturally Willow VS Mone is set, it wasn’t gonna be anything else.
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
What will The Cleaner have to say to The Elite?
Finally, Kenny Omega returns to AEW! But given how his friends, The Young Bucks, gave Tony Khan a piledriver, will his homecoming be a dour one?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW TNT Championship: Adam “Edge” Copeland VS A member of The House of Black; Edge wins and retains the title.
- Samoa Joe VS Isiah Kassidy; Joe wins.
- FTW Championship: Chris Jericho VS Katsuyori Shibata; Jericho wins and retains the title.
- Claudio Castagnoli VS Brian Cage; Claudio wins.
- Serena Deeb VS Mariah May w/ Toni Storm & Luther; Deeb wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Khan speaks.
“Welcome to AEW Dynamite. I’m here live in Jacksonville, Florida, and I’ll be producing tonight’s show here in the offices of the Jaguars. I wish I could be live there in Winnipeg for Kenny Omega’s return in his hometown tonight at a perfect time. Unfortunately I’m not cleared to leave Jacksonville, Florida, due to the actions of AEW’s Executive Vice Presidents, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, and the reinstated Jack Perry.” Something’s going wonky with Tony’s video as he explains the head and neck injuries suffered… And then The Bucks cut in to say they’re “losing” Tony. Technical difficulties. Sorry, TK, they lost connection.
But hey, Tony may not be here, but the Bucks are. And some of you may be asking, how is that cool after what they did last week? How are they not fired? Well, see, iron clad contracts, with a founder’s clause. They won’t get into the details, but let’s just say that they and their colleagues are not going anywhere. And in those same details, it says that if Tony Khan cannot physically be at an event, the EVPs would succeed him. In other words, The Bucks are in charge now! With that said, they’re going to run the new show open! It’s all Elite, as in all Bucks, all Jack and all Okada! They said they wanted to change the world, is that change just more of themselves?
Swerve Strickland is here!
Winnipeg cheers as Prince Nana leads the way for the AEW World Champion! Swerve takes the mic to say, “What’s going on, everybody? Three matches, three shows, in one week. That is the type of champion that All Elite Wrestling deserves, and that is the type of champion that Swerve said he was always gonna be.” The fans cheer that! Swerve says what AEW does not deserve are selfish, greedy, childish, power hungry EVPs that think they can just throw their weight around without any kind of consequences. Swerve stands on his words: What the Bucks did was a b*tch move. Now that’ll be handled at some point, but Swerve will get to business.
Who is going to be Swerve’s opponent for Double or Nothing? The fans ask “WHO? WHO? WHO?” and Swerve says he doesn’t know. Winnipeg doesn’t know. But whoever it is, come, present yourself. But wipe your feet before you step into whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” But then The Bucks interrupt on the tron. They tell the champ congrats. But guess who else are champs: The Bucks! And uh, they also wanted to stop by because something else has been bothering them. It seems that success has gone to Swerve’s head. The first time he talks after winning the big one, and he badmouths his bosses, the EVPs, on national television, and using curse words?
The network hated that, that is a fine. And maybe Swerve just needs a dose of humility. How do you do that? Well, how about The Bucks arrange the very best, the perfect opponent, for Swerve at Double or Nothing? This man happens to be one of the best Canadian pro-wrestlers of all time. He’s a former champion, and hasn’t been around. But he’s waiting at the go position, ready to meet Swerve! Hit the music in three, two, one. GO! It’s… Christian Cage?! The fans are a bit torn as they were hoping for a different Canadian star, but The Patriarch leads Mother Shayna, Nick Wayne & Killswitch/Luchasaurus to the ring.
Christian gets a mic as he goes up onto the apron. He steps inside, Shayna Wayne by his side, but Nick and Killswitchasaurus lurking outside. There are fans who cheer on Christian, and then he sucker punches Swerve with the mic!! Christian fires off hands and knocks Swerve down, and Nana can only cower in a corner! But Swerve gets up to fire back! And he DECKS Nick! And he BOOTS Killswitch! But then Shayna gets in Swerve’s face. Killswitchasaurus turns Swerve around to HEADBUTT him! And he CLOBBERS Nana! Christian snatches the world title, drags Swerve up, KILLSWITCH on the belt!!
The fans are again torn, but Christian then drags Nana up! He holds Nana in place so Nick can hit WAYNE’S WORLD! Christian then goes back to the mic, and he looms over Swerve to tell him, “There’s something you should know about me. I never forget. I haven’t forgotten that some months ago, you broke into my son, Nick Wayne’s gym and left him in a pool of his own blood. I haven’t forgotten- Keep it down while I’m conducting my business!” The fans boo but Christian says he didn’t forget that at one time, they were a tag team at the biggest show in the history of this business, and Swerve lost! Swerve embarrassed Christian!
Christian’s been waiting for the right moment to make him answer for those mistakes, and Swerve went and won the world championship. It seems like there’s no better time than right now to make Swerve pay for those mistakes. Christian will embarrass Swerve the same way Swerve embarrassed him. Christian will end Swerve’s reign before it even begins, and make him a footnote in the history of AEW! The fans boo more but Christian says he heard that speech last week, Swerve talking about his path to this title, how grueling it was and how he put every ounce of himself into it, to where his own daughter doesn’t even know him.
Christian tells Swerve that when he’s done with Swerve, Swerve’s daughter won’t want to know him! But Christian will promise Swerve this: Swerve’s daughter will have a father she can be proud of for the rest of her life! Christian tells Winnipeg that the same way the Colorado Avalanche walked into their house and took their championship dreams away, Christian will walk into Swerve’s House at Double or Nothing and rip this AEW World Championship from his hands. But Swerve, know this: “The pain has just begun.” And with that, Luchasaurus PULLS Swerve’s hair out of his head! Luchasaurus shows off the braid, will that only be the first trophy The Patriarchy takes?
AEW TNT Championship: Adam “Edge” Copeland VS ??? w/ The House of Black!
After defeating The Rated R Superstar, as well as Mark Briscoe & Eddie Kingston, at Dynasty, the House of Black has answered the call of the #CopeOpen. However, they’re going to keep us guessing until the very moment it’s time to fight! Malakai Black speaks from the shadows that everyone expected him to come out here, all the bells and whistles. But why should Malakai fight Edge now, when watching what he did to Edge infiltrating Edge’s mind is so much more rewarding? Malakai laughs, but then who is coming for the gold? It’s the Aussie Juggernaut, Buddy Matthews! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the House Always Wins!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as Edge and Buddy stare down. The two tie up, Buddy headlocks, but Edge powers up and out. They RAM shoulders and neither falls. The two reset, tie up again, and Edge headlocks. Buddy powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and again neither falls. The fans rally as the two circle, tie up, and Buddy headlocks for the takeover. Buddy holds off the headscissors but Edge powers through. Edge has the headscissors, Buddy kips free, but turns around into a headlock takeover. Buddy headscissors, Edge kips free, but Buddy sweeps to a cover! ONE, and Edge sweeps to a cover, ONE!
Buddy kip sup and stares Edge down and the fans cheer. Edge and Buddy circle, tie up, and Buddy waistlocks. Edge pries at the hold, switches back, and he CLUBS Buddy. Edge back suplexes, Buddy lands out and RANAS! Edge tumbles out, Buddy builds speed, but then he stops as Edge is ready. The two stare down, Edge eggs Buddy on, and Buddy kicks him. Buddy whips, Edge reverses and TOSSES Buddy out! Edge builds speed but Buddy hurries in, Edge DUMPS Buddy back out! Edge gets moving and DIVES! Down goes Buddy and the fans fire up! Edge shakes out his arms and gets to his feet as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Edge storms his way over to Buddy at the ramp, drags him up, and sends him into the steel steps! Edge refreshes the ring count, then stalks Buddy to the barriers. Edge brings Buddy around to whip him hard into the railing! The fans fire up as Edge storms over to Buddy, CLUBS him on the back, but then Buddy kicks back! Buddy SMACKS Edge off barriers, makes him take a seat, then runs to KNEE Edge into barriers! Buddy shoves Edge down, then brings him back up to ROCK him with a forearm! Buddy puts Edge in the ring, storms his way up the steps, and then storms up to Edge. Edge throws body shots and forearms in return!
Edge has Buddy in a corner, but Buddy shoves Edge away. Buddy runs up, into a kitchen sink knee! Buddy sits up clutching his stomach, but Edge pushes him down for a cover, TWO! Buddy bails out, Edge pursues, and Edge brings Buddy around to SMACK off steel steps! Edge ROCKS Buddy with forearm after forearm, but then Buddy WRINGS Edge’s arm into the apron! Buddy rolls into the ring, Edge drags himself back up, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Buddy runs up but Edge fires hands! Edge bumps Buddy off buckles, then HOTSHOTS him! The fans rally and Edge drags himself back up, to RAM into Buddy, only for Buddy to make it a DDT!
The fans rally while both men are down. Edge and Buddy rise up, and Buddy stomps Edge to a corner. Buddy stomps a mudhole in, the fans boo and the ref counts. Buddy stomps Edge more, then CHOKES him! The ref counts and fans boo but Buddy lets off at 4. Buddy drags Edge up, snapmares and KICKS him in the back! Edge writhes while Buddy soaks up the heat. Buddy sits Edge up, runs and stops to clamp on a chinlock! Buddy grinds Edge down, almost has a Bulldog Choke, but Edge endures. The fans rally up as Edge moves around, then rises to his feet. Edge RAMS Buddy into a corner, but Buddy holds on tight!
Edge flails, pries at the hold, and he RAMS Buddy into the corner again! Buddy won’t let go, and Edge starts to fade! The fans rally up again and Edge fights up. Edge RAMS Buddy in again, gets free this time, and comes back, but into a BOOT! Buddy runs up, but into a FLAPJACK! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Buddy rolls to the apron on one side, Edge goes to another. Edge finds Buddy at the corner, but Buddy fires hands! Buddy climbs up now, but Edge resists the lift! The fans fire up as Edge throws body shots then haymakers! Buddy gives those right back, they hockey scrum right up top!
Buddy HEADBUTTS and both men fall back! They both hit apron and then the floor! The fans fire up while the ring count begins. Both men stir at 4 of 10, flounder at 5, and sit up at 7! They stand at 9 and slide in! The fans fire up as this match continues, and the two start throwing forearms! Edge gets the edge, but Buddy still hits back! Edge stands, reels Buddy in but Buddy wrenches out to shove and FOREARM! Buddy runs, but Edge follows to FOREARM! Edge runs, Buddy swings, Edge dodges, but then Buddy dodges! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up again as both men are down!
The ref checks both men, Buddy sputters and has some blood in his mouth. Medics are called over, is Buddy already done for? He gets checked on while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
The ref double checks Edge, he seems alright. Buddy is still coughing for air, but there doesn’t seem to be any critical damage done, so the match continues. Both men stand, and they fire haymakers! The hockey scrum is back, Edge ROCKS Buddy then KNEES him low! Buddy backs to a corner, Edge whips him corner to corner hard! Buddy coughs for air again as he doubles over. The ref checks him, Buddy says he’s good to go so Edge digs his knee into Buddy’s face! The ref counts, Edge drags Buddy up, and Edge DECKS Buddy with a forearm! The ref again checks on Buddy, but he refuses to stay down, so Edge DECKS him again!
Buddy sits up in a daze, so Edge brings him up to DECK him again! The ref has Edge stay back to double check on Buddy, but somehow Buddy is hanging in there. Dynamite returns to single picture, and Edge CHOPS Buddy in the corner! And CHOPS again! Edge keeps Buddy standing, then climbs up the corner. Edge rains down fists and the fans count all the way to TEN! But Buddy YANKS Edge down into the buckle! And again, and again, and again! Then Buddy gets up and under Edge, for a SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives but Buddy is too sore to be upset. The fans rally up as both men stir, and Buddy rolls his way to the apron.
Buddy drags himself up, climbs a corner, but Edge runs up to trip him up! Buddy lands on the crossbar, and then Edge BOOTS him! Edge then climbs up the corner, he CLUBS Buddy on the back again and again, and he brings Buddy to the top rope. Edge fires a few more fists, but Buddy hits back! Buddy SMACKS Edge off buckles, then goes up and over to SUNSET FLIP! Edge holds onto the ropes so Buddy lets off. Edge mule kicks Buddy right in the chest! But Buddy comes back to UPPERCUT! Buddy climbs, Edge fights the superplex and shoves him away. Buddy comes right back to try again, but he just gets more body shots!
Edge brings Buddy up, for a SUPER IMPALER!! Both men are down as Edge can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous as Edge crawls over, cover, TWO!! Buddy survives, showing some serious toughness! The fans cheer on “A E DUB! A E DUB!” and then fire up as Edge rises! Edge takes aim from a corner as Buddy rises up. Edge runs in, but into a KICK! And a KNEE! And another KNEE! Buddy then suplexes, JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!! But into a CROSSFACE!! Buddy has Edge caught, but Edge endures and fights around. Edge reaches out, the fans rally as hard as they can, and Edge turns things into a cradle! TWO!!
Buddy swings, but into an OLYMPIC SLAM! We reach the 20 minute mark, time is running out! Edge finds the cover, TWO!! Buddy is still in this after everything he’s taken, but Edge aims to finish this. Buddy rises, Edge runs in, but Buddy sends him into buckles! Buddy then fireman’s carries, to GO TO SLEEP!! Buddy staggers back but he aims! Buddy runs up, but Edge dodges the stomp! Edge shoves and SPEARS!! Cover, EDGE WINS!
Winner: Adam “Edge” Copeland, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)
The Rated R Superstar retains, but in many ways survives this challenge! But there’s rage boiling over and he CLUBS away on Buddy! Edge goes out and looks around, and he finds two chairs! Everyone knows what Edge does with chairs, and he gets in the ring! Buddy flounders, stands, but Edge SMACKS him back down! Edge puts that chair under Buddy’s head, and then gets the other chair! Fans are torn, but is Edge really gonna do this? Edge seems to be conflicted, as well, but then the lights go out! When the lights come back up, MALAKAI BLACK is there! The Dark Father tells Edge to do it!? Do what he was going to! And even Buddy wants it!
Edge raises the chair, but then aims at Malakai! The lights go out again, and the House is gone. Was The Rated R Superstar about to give in to his darkness? Or will the guiding light of being TNT Champion help keep him safe against the House of Black?
Samoa Joe VS Isiah Kassidy!
The King of Wrestling Television may have lost his crown, but he hasn’t lost what made him champion in the first place. Will he get back on track with a win tonight? Or will Brother Zay earn a title shot (shot shot) of his own by pinning the former champion?
The bell rings and fans sing “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Zay brushes that off as he and Joe circle. They feel things out, but Zay gets back, and he grabs Joe’s towel! Zay mocks Joe, does a dance, and Joe smirks. Joe CHOKES Zay using the towel! The ref counts, Joe lets off, but Zay claws the eyes! Zay tells Joe he wants none of this! Zay runs, but Joe FLAPJACKS him! Joe then JABS! JABS! JABS! Joe fires off on Zay in the corner, then OVERHAND CHOPS! Joe applauds with the fans while Zay bails out. Joe builds speed, but he stops the dive as Zay slides in. Joe goes back to the apron but Zay runs up to triangle jump STUNNER!
Joe falls back, Zay fires up and builds speed, and Zay FLIES, but Joe just steps aside! Zay crashes ‘n’ burns as fans cheer Joe’s signature dodge! Joe drags Zay up, puts him in the ring, and the singing continues, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Joe drags Zay up, but Zay throat chops! The fans boo but Zay hobbles, runs, and flapjack DROPKICKS! Joe ends up in a corner, Zay hobbles over and rains down fists! And elbows! Zay MONKEY FLIP- NO, Joe is just too big for that! Joe puts Zay up top, HEADBUTTS, then tucks him in! MUSLCE BUSTER!! Joe drops into the cover, and wins!
Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall
Championship or not, Joe is still a dangerous man! Will all the champions of AEW have to watch out for Joe coming after them?
Skye Blue speaks.
“Willow Nightingale, my former best friend. You’re a damn fraud! You know last time one-on-one in that ring, I had you pinned. If it weren’t for that bald b*tch on a leash, Stokely Hathaway… And Julia and I, last time in Canada, we beat both you and Statlander in a Street Fight. So you know I have your number because I have proved it every damn week. And if you’re even half the woman that you say you are, come prove it tonight on Rampage, and put the TBS title on the line.” The Chicago Skye has made the challenge, will Willow go on a Rampage with her?
Orange Cassidy is here!
Winnipeg fires up for Freshly Squeezed, but surely he is in a sour mood after how the Parking Lot Brawl went. It wasn’t even that Trent Beretta beat Chuck Taylor and won. It was that after the match, Trent used a monkey wrench to all but shatter Chuck’s leg just because he could! Cassidy gets in the ring now and has a mic to say, “I hate this. See, I thought after Saturday, when my Best Friends, Chuck and Trent, got into a parking lot, beat each other up, and get everything out of their systems, we’d come back together, stand here in this ring together, as Best Friends. But see, that’s never gonna happen.
“I have been told that because of what Trent did to Chuck after the match… I have been told that my Best Friend, Chuck Taylor, will never wrestle again.” Fans are shocked and upset, and Cassidy takes off the sunglasses. “So now I’m standing in this ring alone, to tell you, Trent Beretta, that the next time I see you-” Trent interrupts! And he says wow, big surprise! Cassidy is making things about himself again! Trying to make somebody else’s career ending about himself! Cassidy rushes out but the security guards get in the way! Trent says Cassidy is too selfish! That’s why this all happened! Chuck’s career is over because of Cassidy, not Trent!
Cassidy is still pushing through the security guards so Kris Statlander hurries out here to stop him! Trent says Cassidy is the selfish one! Then Don Callis walks out here!? The fans boo as Callis talks Cassidy down, and whispers something to him. Trent says Cassidy is selfish, and Cassidy actually walks away with Callis?! Trent gives a mocking thumbs up, but just what is going on here?
Backstage interview with The Young Bucks.
Renee Paquette is with Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, and says tonight is a big night. Can the EVPs give her any nuggets as to what else is planned? Matt says first off, she’s killing it as always. How’s the family? How’s Jon? Oh, they’re all g- That’s great to hear. But they don’t really have time to talk right now, they’re looking for an old. Has she happened to bump into him yet? No? Okay. Well, they’ve had way too much TV time tonight already, let’s give some to their good friend, The Scapegoat, Jack Perry! Jack tags in for the interview and Renee asks him just what the hell was he thinking attacking Tony Khan last week.
Jack says he meant what he said last week. The only thing he wants is what’s best for AEW. And some people might not see it, but that’s what he did. The funny part to Jack is that Tony Khan is the one who made Jack into “The Scapegoat.” It hurt at the time, but he accepted it at the time because he realized that it was a sacrifice that someone was gonna have to make. But we all have to sacrifice, Tony. And thanks to you, we are entering a new era of AEW, under The Elite! Jack & The Bucks head out, what else is going to happen in their era?
FTW Championship: Chris Jericho VS Katsuyori Shibata!
The Learning Tree has not only changed his attitude and his song, but now he’s changed his look when it comes to his ring gear. All this along with how he has supposedly changed the meaning of the acronym. This is now the #ForTheWorld Championship, because he claims to be doing all this for the world! Well, will The Wrestler cut down The Learning Tree for the sake of the world? Or will even Shibata have something to learn from The Wizard?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the master!
The bell rings and Jericho claps along with the fans as they rally up. Jericho and Shibata tie up, Jericho arm-drags, then gets all fired up for himself. Jericho waves to the fans, then circles with Shibata. They tie up, Jericho waistlocks, but Shibata switches, snapmares, and clamps on a chinlock. Shibata then floats to a top wristlock, even as fans actually cheer on the “LEARNING TREE!” Jericho fights up, Shibata wristlocks, but Jericho has the ropes. Shibata lets off slowly, but Jericho CHOPS! Shibata CHOPS back! Jericho CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, repeat! The fans ‘WOO~” and Jericho CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS!
Jericho whips, he CLOBBERS Shibata, then LIONSAULTS legs onto legs! Cover, ONE!! Jericho stays cool as he goes out of the ring. Jericho looks under the ring, goes around the way, and he keeps searching. What does he want? It’s the trash can lid! Just like in his match with Hook! Jericho SMACKS Shibata down! Jericho goes back out and looks for something else. He brings out a black bag! Those are never good… Jericho brings the bag in and dumps out… HOCKEY PUCKS! The fans cheer that, because those are Winnipeg Jets pucks! But then Shibata hits an STO onto the pucks! Jericho writhes, and Shibata drags him up, to snap suplex onto pucks!
Jericho writhes, again suffering from his own idea. Shibata stomps Jericho, grabs that trash can lid, but puts it aside. Shibata brushes the pucks away with his feet, to CHOP! And CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” as those CHOPS echo out! Jericho stands, but Shibata CHOPS again! Jericho CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, and then Shibata eggs Jericho on! The fans fire up and Jericho nods. Jericho CHOPS, but Shibata CHOPS! Both men’s chests are getting redder as the CHOPS keep going! Jericho CHOPS, Shibata barely flinches! Shibata CHOPS, Jericho winces, but he still CHOPS! Shibata CHOPS and the fans are all fired up!
Jericho goes to a corner, grits his teeth and comes back to CHOP! Shibata CHOPS right before Dynamite goes picture in picture!
Jericho is starting to get frustrated, but he still CHOPS! Shibata CHOPS again! CHOP after CHOP, neither man is backing down! Oh, but Jericho does feel that one more than the rest! Shibata eggs Jericho on, and Jericho frowns as he looks around. Jericho stares Shibata down, then winds up to CHOP! Shibata CHOPS again! Jericho huffs and puffs but that one really stung. Jericho still CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS again, and this CHOP fight isn’t stopping! Jericho pumps up to COHP! Shibata pumps up to CHOP! Jericho takes a moment, his entire chest is red! Jericho gets in Shibata’s face, snarls and fires up the fans, to CHOP!
The CHOP fest hits another stride! Shibata CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then CHOPS again! Jericho ends up in a corner, he CHOPS back and they speed back up! Shibata CHOPS overhand and Jericho is sent reeling! Shibata doesn’t even seem to care that his chest is bright red! The CHOPS just keep going back and forth, over and over! Jericho needs to catch his breath from the impacts, but he doesn’t stop coming back for more! Winnipeg fires up as the CHOPS just keep going and Dynamite returns to single picture! The fans cheer on “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as the CHOPS just keep ringing out!
Shibata CHOPS, and CHOPS and then finally goes to forearms in the corner! Shibata gives one more CHOP, then he goes corner to corner, but Jericho CHUCKS a puck! Shibata takes it and comes back with haymakers! Jericho trips Shibata into the WALLS OF JERICHO! The fans go wild as Shibata endures! Shibata fights around, reaches out, but Jericho keeps him from ropes! Jericho sits deep on the hold, but Shibata pushes up, tucks ‘n’ rolls and gets the ankles to trip Jericho! Shibata steps through into a FIGURE FOUR! Now fans “WOO~” for a different reason! Jericho grabs another puck as he sits up, to CHUCK it into Shibata’s face!!
Shibata clutches his nose as he lets the leglock go, and Jericho has more pucks! The fans fire up as Jericho goes out to search under the ring. He brings out a kendo stick, and a trash can! Jericho is again recreating his match with Hook, but he also adds another kendo stick. Jericho puts the can around Shibata, then SMACKS it with the stick! And again! The stick is breaking as Jericho SMACKS away with those headshot strikes! Wait, Shibata is standing up!? Shibata is perhaps using the can as armor as he steps into the strikes! Jericho keeps hitting Shibata but Shibata keeps backing him down! Now Jericho’s cornered!
Jericho apologizes, but Shibata TRASH CAN HEADBUTTS him! Jericho sits down, Shibata kicks him, then takes off the trash can! The fans fire up as Shibata lets Jericho hold the can, then runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK it into Jericho! Jericho flounders, Shibata covers, TWO! Shibata clears some space, and he finds the kendo sticks! The fans fire up as Shibata dual wields, only to give one to Jericho! Shibata wants a fair fight, after all! Jericho and Shibata circle, but then Shibata sits down? So Jericho does the same. They square up, and Shibata SMACKS Jericho on the ear! Jericho SMACKS Shibata on the shoulder, Shibata returns fire, and the fans fire up!
The SMACKS go again and again, then they clash stick to stick! Shibata disarms Jericho to then SMACK away on Jericho’s leg! Then he gets around, KENDO STICK SAIDO onto the pucks!! Jericho writhes, Shibata goes out and looks under the ring. Shibata brings out a TABLE! The fans go wild seeing that! Shibata puts the table into the ring, props it up in a table, and he fires off JABS and CHOPS! Jericho wobbles with every shot, so Shibata CLUBS him again and again and again! Then CHOPS him! Jericho is against the table, Shibata runs, but into a CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Shibata survives!
Jericho aims from a corner, takes aim, JUDAS- SLEEPER!! Shibata has Jericho caught, but Jericho flails around! Jericho reaches for ropes, but Shibata grabs that arm, ripcords and CHOPS! Jericho falls and Shibata goes back to the table. The fans duel as Shibata takes this table and stands it up in the drop zone. “This is Awesome!” but wait! BIG BILL is here! And he BOOTS Jericho down!! The fans boo as Morrissey saves the Learning Tree and then SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAMS Shibata through the table!! Bill leaves it to Jericho, and Jericho crawls to cover Shibata in the wreckage. Jericho wins!
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall (still FTW Champion)
Bill saved Jericho #ForTheWorld, and Jericho seems to appreciate that. Will The Learning Tree take Bill under his wing- er, branches, and guide him to success?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
May the Fourth be with you as AEW takes Saturday night off for the Star Wars movie marathon!
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway.
Renee is with the TBS Champion, the Galaxy’s Greatest and #BigStoke, and she brings up last week’s confrontation with Mercedes Mone. It seemed there was major miscommunication there. Yes, Kris wants to apologizes. Mone had no right to interrupt, Kris was just trying to diffuse the situation, but it backfired onto Willow, Kris is so sorry. Renee pivots to later tonight on Rampage with another challenger in the form of Skye Blue. Yes, Willow will accept the challenge. Because lucky for Skye Blue, last week left Willow in a fighting mood. So Mone, don’t think Willow will forget about that cheap shot.
But Skye, if you want a fight, honey, Willow will mop the floor with you! With this title on the line, Willow will maim, massacre, right here in Winnipeg, Manitoba! Stokely speaks up, saying the worst part is what Skye said about him! And he can’t complain to nobody because those p*icks, the Young Bucks, beat up Tony Khan! And worst part about that is, they did it before payday! But then a technical aid brings Renee her phone. Oh, it’s a text from Matt & Nick… They tell her she’s doing a good job, though she could be smiling more. And let Stoke & Kris know that they are now BANNED from ringside during the TBS Championship! Any interference will strip Willow of the title!
Okay, aside from Stoke’s own words and actions, what’d he do to deserve this!? Kris and Stoke head out, and she makes sure he knows it was his fault. Renee wishes Willow luck, Willow thanks Renee, and she fires herself up. Will the Babe with the Power still be the Face of TBS after tonight?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
After checking Buddy off the list, and then almost taking him out for good, Adam “Edge” Copeland is moving on through the House of Black to face Brody King! Will the Rated R Superstar go two for two? Or will the House win out in the end? Plus, after the tense confrontation from tonight, Freshly Squeezed will look to avenge Chuckie T with his own two hands! Orange Cassidy takes on Trent Beretta, who will prove they were always the best Best Friend?
Claudio Castagnoli VS Brian Cage!
The Swiss Superman gave Swerve an awesome fight last week on Collision, and believes that he is the best not because he always wins, but because he always shows up, day after day after day. Claudio acknowledges he isn’t the “shiny new toy,” because he’s the one that’ll never break! Will he prove that even against The Mogul Embassy’s Machine? Or will the #Swolverine get his stuff in and take the win?
The bell rings and both men run in to DOUBLE LARIAT! They fire forearms back and forth as fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Claudio winds up to LARIAT! Cage stays up, and he LARIATS back! Claudio rebounds to LARIAT! Cage rebounds to LARIAT! The LARIATS go back and forth, then Cage UPPERCUTS! Cage suplexes high and hard! Claudio gets up in a huff, and he UPPERCUTS back! And UPPERCUTS again and again! Claudio reels Cage in for a BIG suplex! But Cage gets right up! Cage ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Claudio stands up, into a DROPKICK! Cage asks, “Who betta than Cage?”
Cage whips Claudio to ropes, but Claudio KICKS back! Claudio then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Cage drops, only for the hurdle to be caught! Claudio makes it a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Claudio roars, and Claudio drags Cage up. The fans rally as Claudio fires forearms, then he whips Cage to a corner. Cage goes up and over, schoolboy and BOOT! Cage storms up on Claudio, brings him up to fireman’s carry, but Claudio slips free! Claudio shoves Cage to the corner, runs up, but into an ELBOW! Cage runs up, but into a scoop! Claudio holds Cage up before the SLAM! Then Claudio ninja runs to DOUBLE STOMP!
The fans fire up and Claudio fires off on Cage in a corner. Claudio rains down fists, the fans count along, but Cage dumps Claudio over before five! Claudio hits back, ELBOWS Cage, but Cage GAMANGIRIS! Cage goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the deadlift SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up and Cage flexes while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage storms after Claudio, and he CHOKES Claudio on ropes! The ref counts, Cage lets off and stomps Claudio down, then stomps a mudhole. The ref counts again, Cage lets off at 4, and Claudio sputters. Cage drags Claudio up, but Claudio ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again and again! But Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage reels Claudio in to scoop and SLAM! Cage then runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Cage is annoyed but Claudio snarls. Cage pushes Claudio around, but Claudio CHOPS! Claudio goes to a corner, Cage COHPS him in return! Cage stalks Claudio to another corner, and CHOPS again.
Claudio goes to the fourth corner, but CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again, and again! Claudio whips corner to corner, Cage reverses and Claudio hits buckles hard! Cage stomps Claudio, soaks up the heat, then storms over to Claudio in the corner. Cage whips corner to corner, runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then spins to clothesline! Then wrenches for the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Claudio stays in this but Cage stays on Claudio with a chinlock! Claudio endures, even as Cage squeezes tight! Claudio fights up to his feet, but Cage wrangles him down with a leg sweep! Cage leans on the chinlock and grinds Claudio into the mat!
Claudio endures, fights back up, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Claudio throws body shots, then elbows. Claudio whips, Cage reverses and SUPERKICKS! Claudio ends up on ropes, Cage dials it up, 619! Claudio staggers, Cage DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives but Cage stays focused. Cage pump handles, lifts, but Claudio lands out! Claudio dodges to springboard, FLYING UPPERCUT! The fans fire up while both men are down! The standing count starts, Claudio rises at 3 and Cage is in a corner. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! Claudio UPPERCUTS again and again and again as the fans fire up!
The ref counts, Claudio lets off, but then jukes to UPPERCUT again! Claudio roars, runs and BOOTS! Cage BOOTS back! Claudio BOOTS again, so Cage kicks, Claudio blocks to UPPERCUT, SUPERKICK and then Cage is on ropes! The fans fire up as Claudio dials it up! SWISS-1-9!! Cage flounders up, into a DISCUS LARIAT from Claudio! Cover, TWO! Cage survives but Claudio keeps his cool. Claudio drags Cage up and reels him in, Gotch lift, but Cage Alabama Lifts, to ALABAMA BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives but Cage hauls him up! Fireman’s carry, but Claudio fights free! Claudio shoves, Cage ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Claudio comes back to POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Claudio calls for it! Claudio gets Cage’s legs, for the GIANT SWING!! Cage goes around and around and around, and the fans count along! Claudio goes all the way to nine, then steps through for a Canadian favorite, the SHARPSHOOTER! Cage crawls forward but Claudio drags him back! Cage is caught, he taps! Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by submission
The Swiss Superman proves tougher than the Swolverine, because that is the power of never stopping! Will Claudio not stop on his way back to a championship?
Backstage interview with Rocky Romero.
Renee is now with Azucar, and brings up the Best Friends tearing each other apart. Next week on Dynamite, Cassidy VS Trent, can she even ask Rocky who he sides with? Rocky says he doesn’t side with anyone in this. Who’s the real winner anyway? The whole thing has been tearing Rocky apart and he just can’t take it anymore. He’s done with it. He told Trent, Chuck, Kris and Cassidy that he’s out. Rocky Romero does his own thing from now on. And that thing is becoming a champion here in AEW. Rocky has been a champ in NJPW, in ROH, and in CMLL. The only way Rocky knows how to do that is by challenging the best.
And speaking of, there’s one guy that brings out the best in Rocky, and who he brings the best out of in return. Just a couple weeks ago, they brought the best out of each other when taking on The Undisputed Kingdom. Rocky tells Kyle O’Reilly that he wants to face him again, here tonight on Rampage, in the great city of Winnipeg! Rocky VS Kyle one more time, may the best man win. Renee wishes Rocky luck and he says thanks, he’ll need it. Will #CombatKyle give Azucar the best fight either man has ever had?
Serena Deeb VS Mariah May w/ Toni Storm & Luther!
The Professor of Professional Wrestling said last week that she is going to prove herself as THE best wrestler in the AEW Women’s Division, and that of course means becoming THE AEW Women’s World Champion. Will Deeb not only put the “understudy” to the test, but prove herself worthy of facing the leading lady?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Deeb headlocks, spins, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, and repeat! Then Deeb hits the takeover, but Mariah headscissors. Deeb kips free, the two stand off, and the fans applaud. The two reset, tie up again, and Mariah waistlocks. Deeb reaches up, slips her hand into the waisltock, then wrenches free. Mariah wrenches back, but Deeb rolls, rolls, then wrenches to wristlock and wrangle Mariah. Deeb then grabs a leg, has a standing toehold, and she smiles at Storm as she ties up Mariah! Mariah ends up in Paradise! Deeb shows it off to the fans and they cheer while Mariah is frustrated.
The fans rally, Deeb goes to a corner, and she runs up to DROPKICK Mariah outta Paradise! Mariah flounders to a corner, Deeb eggs her on, and Mariah runs up. Deeb dodges, spins Mariah, and snapmares to then run and run Mariah over! Things keep moving, Deeb turns Mariah’s hip toss into a takedown, then she gets the legs to turn her over, SEATED SURFBOARD! Mariah endures and the fans cheer! Deeb lets Mariah go to let her get away. Deeb runs in, Mariah goes up and over to ROCK Deeb! Mariah puts Deeb up top, then CHOPS! Deeb snarls as Mariah swaggers, then Mariah comes back with the STRATUSPHERE!
Mariah keeps moving, and she SHOTGUNS Deeb down! Deeb flounders to ropes, Mariah poses, and the fans cheer as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Mariah storms up on Deeb while Storm smiles with pride. Mariah digs her boot into Deeb, lets off as the ref counts, then snapmares Deeb so she can scuff her. Mariah stands Deeb up to CHOP her, and Deeb goes to ropes. Deeb CHOPS, but Mariah CHOPS again! Deeb CHOPS, CHOPS, but Mariah knees low! Mariah scoops to hit a SPINNING SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Mariah keeps cool as she keeps on Deeb with a chinlock. Mariah shows her own technical prowess with the grip as she grinds Deeb down. Deeb endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Deeb is free, she runs, but Mariah LARIATS her down!
Deeb staggers back up but Mariah is on her. Mariah scoops and carries Deeb around, for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Deeb stays in this but Mariah swaggers around. Mariah drags Deeb up, pushes her around, then SLAPS her! Mariah runs, but Deeb drops, sets up, and blocks the kick to SLAP and SLAP and SLAP Mariah in return! Then DRAGON SCREW! Mariah writhes and Deeb fires herself back up. Deeb again eggs Mariah on as Dynamite returns to single picture. Mariah runs up, Deeb dodges and UPPERCUTS! Mariah goes to a corner, Deeb runs in to clothesline! Deeb whips, Mariah reverses, and Mariah runs up.
Mariah blocks Deeb’s kick, but Deeb uses that to reel her in for a KNEE! Deeb goes out to the apron, catches Mariah and turns her, for a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Mariah flounders away, Storm is upset, but Deeb reels Mariah in. Mariah wrenches out, swings, but into a ripcord! Mariah ducks the elbow, but Deeb kicks low! Deeb reels Mariah in but Mariah wrenches out. Mariah facelocks but now Deeb wrenches out, and TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up with Deeb and she storms around the ring. The fans cheer on “DEEB! DEEB! DEEB!” Deeb brings Mariah up, reels her in, tucks the arms, but Mariah slips under!
Deeb ducks the roundhouse and UPPERCUTS Mariah! Deeb reels Mariah in, but Mariah breaks the full nelson and throws elbows! But Deeb shoves Mariah to the ropes and SNAP GERMANS on the return! Deeb hauls Mariah up, hammerlock and PEPSI TWIST! Cover, TWO!! Mariah survives but Storm is still worried. Deeb has the fans rallying again, and Deeb gets a leg. Deeb lets out a “WOO~” but Mariah denies the figure four! Mariah runs up, but Deeb puts her on the apron. Mariah ducks a shot to ROUNDHOUSE! Mariah goes up the corner, to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Deeb flounders away!
Mariah goes to the other corner, says kiss this, and she runs in, SWEET HIP MUSIC! Cover, TWO!! Deeb survives but Mariah runs, because IT’S GONNA KNEE MAY!! Cover, TWO!!! Deeb survives and Mariah is beside herself! May vows to end this, and she storms back up on Deeb. Mariah fireman’s carries, tucks, but Deeb uses that for an OCTOPUS STRETCH!! Mariah then shifts around, sunset flip, but Mariah sits on it! TWO and Deeb finishes the flip, TWO! Mariah swings, into a spin and spin and spin, and a little more spinning, for the backslide! TWO!! Mariah survives, staggers up, and HEADBUTTS a la Storm!
Mariah wrenches, for the SAIDO!! The fans fire up as Deeb goes to a corner! Mariah runs up, but into an ELBOW! Deeb hops up, Mariah returns, but Deeb turns Stratusphere into HALF CRAB!! Mariah is caught as Deeb sits deep! Mariah reaches out, Storm coaches her, and Mariah crawls forward! But Deeb drags her back! Storm panics as Deeb SMASHES the knee over and over! Then a DEEP CRAB!! Storm THROWS IN THE TOWEL, Deeb wins!!
Winner: Serena Deeb, by forfeit
Deeb smiles at Storm, because it shows she’s gotten in her head. And now, she’s gotten her match! The graphic goes up to show it is official, Deeb is the #1 contender and will have her match in Las Vegas! Storm is furious, but who wins when she and Deeb go Double or Nothing?
Backstage interview with Adam “Edge” Copeland.
Renee congratulates The Rated R Superstar on his win tonight, but asks if he’s okay. He seemed out of sorts out there. Edge says yeah, he’s… Uh, yeah, he’s okay. Kyle O’Reilly walks in and says to Edge that as a kid from Canada, Edge’s career has meant a lot to him. And now Kyle is sharing a locker room with him, watching his matches, and seeing what’s going on with The House of Black. Kyle doesn’t dig it, man. So if Edge needs back-up or something, Kyle will be there. Edge appreciates that. Brody King is up next, and uh, hey, eyes up here. Kyle gets caught looking at the TNT title, but Edge understands.
Edge also knows Kyle’s got Rocky Romero on Rampage, so good luck out there. Edge heads out, will he be able to handle the House alone? Or will he call upon #CombatKyle when the deck gets stacked?
And now…
“HE is a former AEW World Champion. HE is the only wrestler to hold the AEW World title, Tag Team titles and Trios titles. While most dream of reaching it, HE actually achieved the illustrious seven-star rating. HE is the pride and joy of NOOOOORTH~ CAROLINA~! However, HE is the Golden Boy of Winnipeg, Manitoba! Tonight, HE returns to AEW. Tonight, HE returns… home. HE is the Cleaner, HE is the Best Bout Machine, HE is a Founding Father of AEW. HE is… KENNY! OOOOOOOOOOMEEEEEEEEGAAAAAAA~!” The fans go wild as the man himself makes his way out to the ring, in a sharp suit and shades.
The pyro goes off for Kenny as he makes his way down the ramp and steps into the ring. Kenny gets the mic as the fans cheer him on, and he says they’re making this tough on him. He’s never been good at this sort of stuff. The fans chant “Welcome Home!” and Kenny smiles. Kenny says he’s never been good at talking about injuries, illness, weakness. A few months back, he was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Fans boo diverticulitis, it sucks, and Kenny says he’ll spare fans the gory details if they don’t know what that entails. But after spending 10 days in the hospital, the doctors told him, “You’re one of the lucky ones. You were 24 hours away from dying.”
So to that, Kenny said, “Cool story, Doc, can you patch me up and send me back to Dynamite?” The doc said it wasn’t that simple. They needed to get what’s in him outta him, and if they cut him open now, they’d have to filet him open, and give him a colostomy back for six months, maybe 12 months, maybe even the rest of his life. Kenny told the doctor, “And if I don’t?” The doc said that’s fine, but then for the rest of his life, Kenny will have a ticking timebomb right in his gut. He might not know where, when or why, but he might just one day wake up in the hospital, having the surgery anyway. Any sort of blunt force trauma to the stomach could kill him.
Kenny says since that day, he can’t lie. He had to stop… Kenny gets emotional here as he says he had to stop watching. He had to stop watching AEW because his hands would shake. He was scared. For the first time in his life, Kenny was scared. He felt pathetic, felt like a coward. Like maybe the point today, this whole thing, was to come out and explain to the fans that he’d have to retire. The fans don’t like the sound of that, but then Kenny did something. He turned on AEW for the first time the other day, and he watched Dynasty. Did anyone else watch Dynasty? The fans all cheer that!
Kenny says he saw Swerve make history! He saw Ospreay and Danielson put on one of the greatest matches he’s ever seen in his LIFE! And he wishes he could say he was happy. But he looked at his hands, they were shaking again. The tremors got worse. Kenny thought to himself, “Am I really scared of being a wrestler?” No, it wasn’t fear. When he came out here, hearing Justin Roberts’ introduction, and hearing every single fan chanting his name, it made Kenny realize something very important. Yes he was scared, but that’s life! Everyone’s scared of something! The reason he was shaking was from WITHDRAWAL! The fans cheer that!
Kenny knew he needed to be back in this ring. More than he wanted to breathe! Because living for Kenny is being in this ring! Being called the Best Bout Machine is what fuels him! And it hurt him, and he hated it, that all the best shows, the best PPVS, the best wrestlers on this planet are in the conversation, and Kenny’s being forgotten! So Kenny made a promise to himself, and he makes it to each and everyone watching. “This isn’t over until I exhaust every option! If there’s a 10% chance, a 5% chance, a 1% chance, bag or no bag, you guys aren’t done with Kenny Omega yet.” The fans cheer that!
Kenny says he made a mission statement, #ChangeTheWorld! And that brings him on to the second piece of business. Speaking of colostomy bags, let’s talk about two other bags of crap right now! “Matthew and Nicholas! You’ve been running roughshod over this company and embarrassing yourselves more than you’ve embarrassed yourselves ever before in the past. And you’re free to do that as EVPs. But what you forget… Is that there’s also one other EVP. I may be ‘fired’ from The Elite, but you can’t fire me as an EVP. So as far as I’m concerned, until someone says otherwise, a part of the power in this company belongs to the Best Bout Machine!”
The fans love hearing that! But then the coin drops, and Kazuchika Okada makes his way out here! The Rainmaker, the Continental Champion, is also in his own great suit, and has his own mic. Okada steps into the ring with Omega, these great rivals meeting once again. The fans lose their minds seeing this, and Omega tells “Ohh hisashiburi da na, Okada.” AKA long time no see. The Rainmaker, The Best Bout Machine. Funny, Omega and Okada had a rivalry in NJPW, right? How about Okada gives Omega a couple months, and they’ll settle things right here in AEW? The fans REALLY love the sound of that!
Okada thinks, then says, “I’m sorry, Kenny. I’M the Best Bout Machine now.” And then JACK PERRY ATTACKS FROM BEHIND! The fans boo as The Scapegoat takes a cheap shot, and then Omega gets a chair! Okada slides that in for Jack, and Jack swings on security! Guard after guard goes down, and then Jack aims at Omega! Omega dodges the shot to JAB! JAB! JAB! And then he ROCKS Jack, KNEES him again and again, then brings Jack into a full nelson! SNAP DRAGON! But Omega winces and clutches his gut. The fans rally for Omega but Omega is risking his life just doing this! Omega stands, takes off the suit jacket, and he fires up!
Omega rips his shirt open, takes aim at Jack, and BANG! Omega runs, but Omega trips him up just enough! Omega kicks at Okada, but then Jack JAMS Omega with the chair!! The gut shot takes Omega down! Fans boo but Okada grins and Jack smirks. Okada sputters, The Bucks hurry out here and are very upset. Though, they were also upset last week with the attack on Tony Khan… The Bucks have Okada and Jack stand down, Omega is still their friend. Omega sputters and coughs, the fans rally behind him, and he manages to sit up. But then the Bucks each take a hand, for an E V P TRIGGER!!!
The fans boo as hard as they can as The Elite close in on Omega again. But here comes FTR! Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood aren’t 100% either but they’re not gonna let that stop them! They run The Elite off to make sure Omega stays safe. Medical stuff checks on Omega, will he be alright? Will the Top Guys tear down this corrupt Elite once and for all?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of Dynamite here, especially following up the wild stuff from last week. I just knew the Bucks were going to cut Tony Khan’s opening promo off to give their own promo and make Dynamite all about them. Swerve calling them out on stuff again was good, and it was a good swerve to make us think the Bucks were outright making Omega the #1 contender and then give us Christian Cage. That beatdown from The Patriarchy is definitely going to rile Swerve up, this is going to be a good feud for Double or Nothing and a solid PPV defense for Swerve. But then perhaps the biggest shock of all was right there at the end where Omega wasn’t on The Bucks’ side of this, and they immediately retaliate for it.
Now obviously, if Omega’s able to take all these shots, with the extra stuff happening during the Rampage broadcast, he’s doing a lot better than his great promo would have us believe. But this is all great Heel heat for The Bucks, Okada & Jack Perry, and Omega can now be away for a few more weeks to get back into ring shape for whatever big move we have. Perhaps Blood & Guts, Omega, Hangman & FTR VS New Evil Elite, leading to some various title matches going into All In London 2024. It would be fitting if, one year to the day, Bucks VS FTR was again for the tag titles, and this time Jack was having a grudge match with Hangman or something.
Really good win for Samoa Joe in a return to action, and a great match from Claudio VS Brian Cage to follow up Claudio giving Swerve a great match. Awesome TNT Championship match from Edge and Buddy, but Buddy’s condition after that double crossbody spot was really scary. But of course Edge wins, and I do like the move they’re pulling is Edge being affected by Malakai’s mist. That’s been a very good, very consistent through-line for many feuds involving The House of Black, so I like the many possibilities they have with Edge here. Edge VS Brody will also be great stuff but obviously Edge VS Malakai is for Double or Nothing and will be the epic culmination of what’s going on with Edge after being hit by the mist.
Really good promo segment from Cassidy and Trent, but in a wild twist, Don Callis shows up to talk with Cassidy, not Trent! I don’t want Cassidy in the Don Callis Family. Why isn’t this Callis recruiting Trent? The man shattered Chuck’s leg and apparently forced him into retirement! But I do appreciate Rocky’s promo being about him cutting all ties with it, especially with what Trent did. Rocky VS Kyle for Rampage is going to be awesome stuff, though, and with Kyle having that promo with Edge, maybe a Heel Edge will take on Kyle for the title at All In.
Absolutely amazing FTW Championship match with Jericho and Shibata. I did not expect it to be quite as fun as it was with Shibata turning the trash can trap on its head. But just as I knew, Big Bill screws Shibata to help Jericho. And then in a great move, the main event match was Deeb VS Mariah. As I’ve said before, if Tony Khan’s not gonna book more than one women’s match a show, make the one match they’re getting feel important. Deeb and Mariah had a great match, and it was a great story for Storm to throw in the towel to save Mariah. Storm VS Deeb is now set, that is going to be a true clash of styles and personalities and it will be a lot of fun.
My Score: 8.9/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- Power Players [043024]
Hockey Talk reviews the action from the first round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs and looks forward to some intriguing...
Hockey Talk- 2024 NHL Playoff Preview [042224]
Hockey Talk previews the 2024 NHL Playoffs and discuss the stunning news that the Arizona Coyotes are moving to Salt...
Hockey Talk- Metro Mayhem [040924]
Hockey Talk looks at an absolutely wild playoff situation taking shape in the Eastern Conference while, out West, the battle...
The Pick N Roll: Sweet Sixteen
Join Patrick O'Dowd and PC Tunney as they breakdown the sweet sixteen of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Hockey Talk- Reverse Psychology [032624]
Hockey Talk looks at the resurgent St. Louis Blues & Washington Capitals. Plus, the Rangers stay hot, and can anyone...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/1/24)
The Gerudo Sisterhood is (not) fine.
Bandwagon Nerds #233: Superhero Madness- The Sweet 16
Superhero Madness continues with Sweet 16 matchups sure to spark a debate among all nerds. All that plus Deadpool, Wolverine,...
Bandwagon Nerds #232: Superhero Madness- A Top Seed Falls
Superhero Madness continues and sees the first #1 seed fall!. Plus, a trailer for a new Transformers movie, and a...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/20/24)
HPW looks to the horizon.
Bandwagon Nerds #231: Disney News & Superhero Madness
Round two of Superhero Madness begins this week. Cinema Con gives us plenty of Disney news and a trip to...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (5/1/24)
Jay White is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/1/24)
Kenny Omega returns!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/30/24)
Spring Breakin' is almost over!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/29/24)
The Draft wraps it up!
Mitchell’s Wrestling Satsuma no Kuni Results & Report! (4/29/24)
Kagoshima is fired up!
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Rural Revitalization continues!
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Trent Beretta's on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/27/24)
It's a slam dunk!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: What Happened Last Week?
After a two-week hiatus, DJ gets to the bottom of why there was no podcast last week. Then, we skewer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)
It's Draft Day!
