Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/10/21)
A brutal battle before Backlash!
Raw rocks the ThunderDome just days before WrestleMania Backlash!
Though a Triple Threat is in their future, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre clash in a true WrestleMania rematch right here on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Woman Tag: Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke VS Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler; Asuka, Mandy & Dana win.
- Jeff Hardy VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky & Veer; Mahal wins.
- 8 Man Tag: The New Day & RKBRO VS AJ Styles, Omos, Elias & Jaxson Ryker; The New Day & RKBRO win.
- Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo; Sheamus wins, by referee stoppage.
- Cedric Alexander VS Shelton Benjamin; Benjamin wins.
- Asuka VS Rhea Ripley; Ripley wins.
- Damian Priest VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Priest wins and chooses Lumberjack Match for the stipulation in his match with The Miz at #WrestleManiaBacklash.
- Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Woman Tag: Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke VS Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler!
The Empress of Tomorrow joins forces with the #SexyMuscleFriends to stand against common enemies! Will Asuka prove the Queen is not ready? Or will the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions help Charlotte stand strong before the Triple Threat title match at #WrestleManiaBacklash?
The teams sort out and Nia starts with Mandy. Nia makes fun of Mandy’s poses and footwork as they circle. Nia rushes Mandy, Mandy dodges and fires off forearms but Nia shoves her away. Nia runs in but Mandy dodges again, to swing on Charlotte! Nia CLOBBERS Mandy for that, tags Shayna in, and they mug Mandy. Charlotte holds Mandy down as Shayna digs her boots in, but the ref counts. They let off, Shayna gets Mandy up to wrench to a double wristlock. Mandy endures as Shayna goes after different angles. Shayna waistlocks and drags Mandy down to then float to a facelock. Mandy fights up, powers up and RAMS Shayna into the corner!
Mandy rams shoulders in, Shayna swipes at Dana but Asuka tags in. Asuka stomps Shayna down, Shayna shoves her but runs into a waistlock. Shayna wrenches out to headlock but Asuka powers out. Asuka then follows and dropkicks Shayna down! Shaya bails out, Mandy and Dana take care of Nia and Charlotte! Reggie protests but flips away as Dana swipes at him. Nia, Shayna and Charlotte get in to argue with their opponents, but… Alexa Bliss shows up on stage? She and Lily sit on their swing set and she says, “Oops. Did we interrupt things? We’re sorry~! Well, I am. Lily’s not.” Lily and Alexa wanted to keep their eyes on a certain someone. Alexa laughs and everyone is confused, as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Charlotte stomps a mudhole into Mandy. The ref counts, Alexa is still watching from her playground, and Charlotte puts Mandy in headscissors to dribble her head into the mat! Charlotte squeezes tight, Mandy endures and her team coach her up, but Charlotte reaches out. Tag to Shayna, she stomps Mandy down, then drags her up while Alexa talks to Lily. Shayna wrenches the arm for a keylock and then a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Shayna stays between Mandy and her team to get another double wristlock. Shayna drags Mandy over, tags Nia in, and feeds Mandy to Nia’s scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Nia keeps on Mandy with a seated cobra clutch. Mandy endures as Nia leans on her and the fans rally up. Mandy fights up, hits a short jawbreaker then fires off forearms! Mandy steadies herself, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Mandy fights free, tags Dana, and Dana fires off on Nia! Nia DECKS Dana, tags Shayna, and Shayna kicks. Dana dodges to DECK Charlotte, then she LARIATS Shayna! Dana fires up, handsprings and back elbows to a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Dana keeps her cool as she keeps on Shayna, Shayna reverses the whip to get a swinging BACKBREAKER! Shayna drags Dana over but her leg jams! Hot tag to Asuka!
Asuka DECKS Nia, SHINING WIZARD to Shayna! Cover, Asuka’s team wins!!
Winners: Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke, by pinfall
But Charlotte BOOTS Asuka down before she can celebrate! A misstep from Shayna cost Charlotte, but Alexa laughs. Did she and Lily have something to do with this? Does the Women’s Division need an exorcism?
The New Day talk backstage.
Matt Riddle scoots in again and surprises them. He thanks them for the registration forms, because in a couple weeks, RKBRO will be official! You love to see it! Yes, it is a little known fact that superstars must register to be in the WWE Tag Division. Unlike the frauds, AJ Styles & Omos! Speaking of, what do they have planned for tonight’s match? Some #Bromatoes for Elias & Ryker? No, they ran out of those. But how about hitting them in the head with #Bronutts? Yeah, but Riddle’s out of those, too. Imagine if they could get Omos with just one big tomato! It’d be hilarious.
Almost as funny as last week when Randy Orton got hit with them. It was like a cartoon, like in SpongeBob when Squidward got hit with toma- What? What’s wrong? Is something behind him? Yes… Is it that creepy doll, Lily? No… It’s Orton! Oh hey, how are you, Randy? They were just talking about the funny thing that happened last week. Kofi apologizes that Orton ended up in the middle of things, but Kofi wasn’t that upset. If they knew Orton was going to get hit, Woods would’ve shielded him. Nah, it was priceless. Even Orton has to admit that was funny. Orton asks if Riddle really thought that was funny. A little.
Do you know what Orton finds funny? Ending careers, killing legends and kicking people in the head. Oh, and setting things on fire. See you guys out there. Wild. Let’s catch up later. Get it? HAHAHA! Okay laters! Will Riddle, Orton and the New Day be able to laugh about this down the road? Or will Styles, Omos, the Drifter and his follower ruin the fun?
MVP visits Braun Strowman’s dressing room.
MVP knocks on the door, listens to see if anyone is inside, and decides to walk in. Braun is talking with a staffer, but then turns around to see MVP. “Get out of my locker room.” MVP says he just wants to talk business. Well he doesn’t want to talk with MVP! Now hold on, MVP knows Braun is a smart guy so he should hear MVP out. Last week, Lashley didn’t beat Braun, McIntyre did. And the All Mighty knows that, too. Lashley says Braun is the strongest person he’s fought, and if not for McIntyre, Lashley might’ve lost. Braun doesn’t believe the BS and gets to business. MVP says if Lashley had to lose the title, not that he will, but he’d rather lose it to Braun than McIntyre.
McIntyre’s had the title, faced Lashley for it before, but Braun hasn’t. So if somehow, McIntyre got hurt and couldn’t compete at Backlash this Sunday, then it’d be a 1v1 match between the Monster Among Men and the All Mighty. Surely Braun sees how that can benefit all parties involved. Braun doesn’t like MVP. MVP gets that. But he doesn’t take it personal. This is business. MVP takes his leave, but will Braun see things his way?
BREAKING NEWS!
Just approved by WWE management, Damian Priest will look to settle things with The Miz once and for all! They will go 1v1 at #WrestleManiaBacklash! Speaking of which…
Damian Priest talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They both know they need the opinion of The Miz, too. Hence why Miz and John Morrison walk in. They ask why Priest is still in here. Shouldn’t he be busy drying off after “getting drenched by the most moist-see superstar,” Johnny Drip Drip? What? The reason for this meeting is that Priest had an idea that would work out for everyone. Why would Miz want to listen to Priest? Because Priest has beaten him and Morrison up nonstop and he has an idea how to make this more interesting. Morrison says he would’ve won if not for… Uh, y’know. Miz can’t believe him! They can all see Morrison pointing to Miz! Really? But he was being really subtle.
Miz says what matters is that Morrison will win tonight, and Miz will win at Backlash! Then let’s raise the stakes. If Morrison wins, he chooses the stipulation for Priest VS Miz. But if Priest wins, he chooses the stipulation. Why would Miz put his fate in someone else’s ha- Challenge accepted! John, do you realize what you’re doing?! Yes, he’s guaranteeing that they get to pick the stipulation! Fine… Morrison takes out his sunglasses and tells Priest to bring a coat. Tonight’s forecast calls for a light drizzle, courtesy of Johnny Drip Drip. What is up with him and “drip?” But will Morrison drop the ball and put Miz in an unwinnable situation?
Jinder Mahal speaks.
“I am Jinder Mahal, and nothing smells better than fresh competition.” The Modern Day Maharaja is excited to be back on Monday Night Raw! But he hasn’t come alone! He has allies in Veer and Shanky, and we will all be reminded why Mahal is a former WWE World Champion! Mahal and his new followers head to the ring, because we’re also going to see the return of the Charismatic Enigma, Jeff Hardy!
Jeff Hardy VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky & Veer!
Raw returns as Hardy makes his entrance. The bell rings and Hardy goes right after Mahal with haymakers! The ref backs him off but Hardy SHOTGUN dropkicks Mahal to a corner! Hardy fires off, whips, but Mahal reverses. Hardy kicks the back drop away but Mahal KNEES the jawbreaker, to then BOOT him down! Cover, TWO! Mahal stomps Hardy at the ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and he drags Hardy up by his hair. Mahal CLUBS Hardy on the back, stomps him down, then runs to drop a knee! Mahal gets Hardy up, throws more hands, stomps him down again, then drags him back up. Mahal reels Hardy in to suplex high and hard!
Veer and Shanky cheer Hardy on as Mahal throws down elbows and drives in knees. Mahal puts on a half nelson chinbar but Hardy endures. Hardy fights up but Mahal wraps on a chinlock. Fans rally, Mahal wrangles Hardy down, but Hardy still endures. Mahal cranks back, brings Hardy around, but Hardy fights up to fight out. JAWBREAKER! Mahal staggers, Hardy kicks but Mahal blocks, so Hardy spin back kicks! Hardy counter punches, throws haymakers, but Mahal shoves. Hardy dodges to DECK Mahal! Hardy wants an atomic drop but Mahal CLUBS him down! Mahal pushes Hardy to a corner but runs into boots!
Hardy goes up top, leaps, and ax handles Mahal down! Hardy fires up, throws off the shirt, and kicks low. Mahal denies the Twist of Fate to KNEE Hardy in the head! Mahal drags Hardy into the cobra clutch, for the KALLAS! Cover, Mahal wins!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall
One former world champion conquers another, and Mahal is ready to climb the mountain again! Will he and his mountainous allies soon tower over all of Raw?
Sonya Deville is on the phone.
She finishes up some business before Charlotte Flair walks in. Charlotte looks to be asking Sonya for something, is she bound to get her way again?
Elias and Jaxson Ryker meet up backstage.
And they’ve got more tomatoes! Ryker has enough to take out the New Day, Riddle AND Orton! Nice! But Styles asks what is all this. Ryker says they have a chance to get revenge for those rotten tomatoes weeks ago! Elias also has a song to honor this team-up! He plays a bit of it but Styles says no. No tomatoes, no songs, even though Elias is good. And yes, Styles shaved his beard down to more of a goatee so he’s more aerodynamic. But these are the Raw Tag Team Champions! Let’s take this seriously, alright? Right, of course. Styles tosses Omos a tomato, and Omos says this is gonna be their opponents! He squashes the tomato with just one hand! They hate tomatoes anyway.
8 Man Tag: The New Day & RKBRO VS AJ Styles, Omos, Elias & Jaxson Ryker!
No tomatoes, no songs, no fun and games! The Viper and the Phenomenal One agree that it’s time to bring the pain! But who will deal it and who will feel it after the break?
Raw returns and Orton makes his entrance, followed by the New Day. Orton and Riddle aren’t technically tag division official so them making separate entrances is still fine. Then Elias and Ryker enter, followed by the champions, Styles and Omos. The teams sort out, Riddle starts with Elias and the two tie up. Riddle goes for a leg, Elias blocks but Riddle shifts to knuckle locks and a monkey flip to ARMBAR! Elias scrambles to get a ropebreak with his legs! Riddle lets off and Ryker tags in. Riddle and Ryker tie up, Riddle hits a headlock takeover but Ryker headscissors. Riddle moves around, pops free and PENALTY KICKS! Ryker gets right up and Riddle eggs him on!
But now Omos tags in! Riddle goes after Omos with body shots but Omos just TOSSES him away! Riddle comes back but the kick is blocked and Omos FLIPS Riddle! Woods gets in, Omos BOOTS him! Kofi runs in but Omos clamps onto his head with both hands! Omos HEADBUTTS Kofi down, then drags him up to throw him to the corner! Orton tags in and Styles warns Omos to watch him! The Viper was ready, but the towering titan staring him down keeps him back. Orton regroups with his team as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Elias stomps Riddle down! Elias gets Riddle at ropes, throws forearms, but Riddle hits back. Elias throws body shots, stomps Elias to the corner but lets off as the ref counts. Tag to Ryker, he and Elias whip Riddle to elbow him down, drop ax handles and cover, TWO! Ryker gets Riddle up, tags in Styles, then hits Riddle with a BIG back suplex! Styles covers, TWO! Styles keeps Riddle from his team, Riddle fires off body shots, but Styles DECKS him with a forearm! Styles gets Riddle up, suplexes but Riddle slips out! Tag to Kofi! Kofi tags in Woods and both fire off kicks on Styles! BASEMENT COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!
Woods drags Styles up, Styles throat chops Woods! Styles whips, Woods dodges and Kofi tags in. Woods gets around Styles to shove him at Kofi and Kofi shoulders into him! Woods then rolls Styles, Kofi goes up and leaps, FROGGY CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Styles survives but Kofi keeps between him and his corner. Kofi whips Styles away, hits a splash and tags in Woods. Woods climbs, Kofi scoops, BACKBREAKER to Styles, but Elias KNEES Kofi down! The ref reprimands Elias but Styles gets away. Woods missile dropkicks Elias down! Styles gives a SPINEBUSTER to Woods! Tag to Ryker, he covers, ONE!! Woods is still in this but Ryker puts him in a corner for stomps!
Ryker lets off as the ref counts, Riddle protests, but Ryker drags Woods up to bump him off buckles. Tag to Elias, Elias whips Ryker in and Ryker CLOBBERS Woods! Feed to Elias’ SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Woods reaches but Elias stands over him. Elias drags Woods away, digs his knee into Woods’ back, then bumps Woods off buckles. Elias CHOPS Woods but Woods fires off hands and CHOPS of his own! Elias scoops Woods for a big SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ryker tags in and stomps Woods down, then drags him into a camel clutch! Woods endures, reaches out for his corner, and fights up as fans rally. JAWBREAKER!
Ryker wobbles, Woods crawls but Ryker reels him back in! Ryker CLUBS Woods down, whips him, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Woods has survived four spinebusters but Ryker tags Elias in. They mug Woods with shots to his ribs, then Elias CLUBS away on Woods’ back! Elias hits an ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Elias keeps on Woods with a chinlock but the fans fire up. Woods endures the knee in his back, Riddle and even Orton clap “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Woods fights up, Elias gets him up, but no spinebuster this time! Sunset flip, TWO! Elias boots but misses, hot tag to Riddle! The Bro gives Elias a FINAL FLASH!
Ryker gets in, he gets a BROSPLODER! Riddle DECKS Styles, forearms Elias, but Elias fights off the Brosploder with elbows! Elias whips, Riddle reverses, Elias goes up but Riddle catches him to a BRO DEREK!! Cover, Omos breaks it! Omos drags Riddle up, throws him to the corner, and Orton tags in! Riddle goes up, leaps, but Omos CLUBS him! Kofi trips up Styles, Woods dodges Omos to WRECK Styles with a dropkick! Omos is looking all around, and can only watch as the New Day play merry-go-round with Styles’ legs! Omos chases after them, Orton returns and RKO’s Elias!! Cover, RKBRO and New Day win!!
Winners: The New Day, Randy Orton & Matt Riddle, by pinfall
Veteran wisdom takes advantage of Omos’ inexperience! Riddle holds up Orton’s hand, but Orton glares at him. He isn’t one for celebrating so Riddle lets the hand down. Riddle celebrates with the New Day, but then Orton RKO’s Woods!! Kofi gets mad, storms over, into an RKO!! Riddle can’t believe what just happened! “How are we gonna have friends if you keep doing stuff like this?!” Surprisingly, Orton doesn’t RKO Riddle. Once a Viper, always a Viper, but will that be just what helps make Orton and Riddle future tag team champions?
Rhea Ripley talks to Sonya Deville.
Rhea wants to know what this meeting is about, and Sonya says she will explain once Asuka arrives. Asuka does shortly after, and Sonya keeps this from happening in the office. This will be a peaceful resolution, please and thank you. Sonya knows these two have been after each other for weeks, and she was given an idea on how to solve the problem. These two will resolve their issues so they can focus on Sunday. Tonight, they will go 1v1! And whose idea was this? Sonya won’t tell. This is Charlotte, isn’t it? She was in here earlier! She wants these two to tear each other apart so Charlotte can have an even easier time!
Asuka points out she already had a match tonight. But she will gladly do it again because she’s ready for Rhea! Rhea laughs and says fine. She’ll win tonight, just like she did at WrestleMania. Charlotte can have all the ideas she wants, it won’t stop Rhea from going after her this Sunday. Asuka says as much in Japanese, and the two head out. Is this all the Queen’s chess game making pawns out of the Empress and Raw Women’s Champion?
MVP talks with Bobby Lashley backstage.
Kevin Patrick walks over for an interview. He asks that with Lashley having beaten Braun last week, what does he look to prove against McIntyre tonight? MVP says Kevin is being very rude just walking into their locker room and then asking him questions like that. Maybe Kevin missed WrestleMania 37, where Lashley proved he IS the better man. This is a sequel to a movie with a foregone conclusion. Lashley Defeats the Scottish Warrior, Part 2. But then what about Backlash? Lashley says two week sago, he said he could beat both guys 1v1. He pinned Braun, he will beat McIntyre again. So how do you think Backlash will go?
Then MVP, what about the proposition he made to Braun so that they could get rid of McIntyre and turn the Triple Threat into a singles match? MVP does not comment on business negotiations that, unlike this interview, are ongoing. So it means what you think: GO! LEAVE! Kevin does leave, but will those “negotiations” go nowhere?
Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo!
The Fella has been a fighting champion who fights rather than defends his championship. But with Dale Gas always coming back for mas, will Carrillo finally bring the WWE United States Champion down a peg? Or will he just get another Brogue to the cabeza?
Raw returns and Sheamus gets a mic. There’s something missing in the little recap package of last week. Carrillo may have come out and attacked but Sheamus gave a Brogue Kick to him AND Mansoor, “two fellas who tried to take advantage of me,” and then showed how he is the “baddest fella on the planet!” Sheamus reminds us how Pearce invited Sheamus into his office to tell him the legacy of the US Championship, and how that, if Sheamus were to follow in the footsteps of the previous champions, he’d do an Open Challenge series for the title every Monday night on Raw. Why would he want to walk in the footsteps of all the has-beens? Sheamus can create a path and legacy of his own!
Those dopes in the past gave away title matches to anyone! Even that fella, Virk, who is out of depth on commentary, would have gotten a shot back in the day! But for Sheamus, you have to earn this! And if Carrillo and Mansoor think they can get their “grubby little hands” on Sheamus’ gold, they’ve got another thing coming. Both guys are so promising and talented, but they’re not on Sheamus’ level. Tonight, Carrillo will show up and try to earn this title opportunity, try and earn some respect. But the truth is, the only thing he’s gonna get is the Meme of the Weak, and a tasty Brogue upside the head! So “Dumbo” better be listening when Sheamus says come on out and get your comeuppance!
Carrillo makes his entrance and is fired up as he hits the ring. The bell rings, Sheamus pie faces but Carrillo shoves! They tie up, Sheamus headlocks and hits a takeover but Carrillo headscissors. Sheamus powers out, Carrillo headlocks but Sheamus powers out of that, too. Sheamus runs Carrillo over, things speed up again but Sheamus blocks the arm-drag to CLUB Carrillo down! Carrillo goes to a corner but gets EuroUppers! “Welcome to the big leagues, fella!” Sheamus ROCKS Carrillo, whips him to ropes, but Carrillo kicks back! Carrillo runs, springboards and flying arm-drags! Sheamsu staggers up into a dropkick!
Sheamus ends up outside the ring, he hurries to the apron, Carrillo triangle dropkicks! Carrillo runs, baseball slides, but Sheamus YANKS him down! Sheamus TOSSES Carrillo into the timekeeper’s area! The Celtic Warrior soaks up the heat from the ThunderDome screens as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sheamus grinds Carrillo down with a chinbar. Carrillo fights up, fires forearms and CHOPS, then runs, but into a BIG back elbow! Sheamus is growing annoyed with Carrillo and he KICKS Carrillo while he’s down! Sheamus puts Carrillo through ropes for more forearms, then Beats of the Bodhrain! Carrillo flops down after Sheamus lets off, and then Sheamus stands over Carrillo to put on the Dublin Smile! The ref reprimands, Sheamus talks trash on Carrillo, but Carrillo fights up. Carrillo throws body shots and hits a jawbreaker! Sheamus staggers, gets mad, but walks into a BOOT! Carrillo runs, Sheamus Alabama lifts for an ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Sheamus drags Carrillo up by his face, throws body shots, fireman’s carries, then climbs up the corner! Carrillo fights and gets to the ropes, for a SUPER STEINER! Sheamus is in a daze but the look of shock is clear on his face! Sheamus goes to an apron, Carrillo hurries over. Sheamus throws a hard body shot, drags Carrillo back up but Carrillo throws back elbows over and over! Carrillo slingshots to SUNSET POWERBOMB Sheamus to the floor!! Carrillo drags himself up from having Sheamus land on him a bit, and the ring count is climbing. The ref pauses the count to check both men, and Carrillo’s leg is definitely bothering him. The ref calls an end to the match!!
Winner: Sheamus, by referee stoppage
The Celtic Warrior won more by lasting longer than by putting Carrillo away, but will Carrillo be able to come back and try again?
Raw takes a closer look at Lucha House Party.
You may know the names, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik, and you may know their many, many masks. But for those who don’t, let them introduce to you who they are. They’re two men who have worked endlessly to inspire the fans and make an impression on their opponents. They’ve taken chances, made mistakes, hit some lows, but also their highs. They’ve always gotten up from getting knocked down. Life isn’t always a party, but that doesn’t stop LHP from doing what they came here to do. They’re always ready for a fight! They’re ready to show out, show off, and show you what it’s like to be #LuchaLit!
The #EvaLution is coming.
Eva Marie hopes she has your attention. She has thought about where she’s been, and where she’s going. There are twists and turns on the road of life, but she’s always worked to be the one in the driver’s seat. She has your attention, but she wants to be your inspiration.
Cedric Alexander VS Shelton Benjamin!
#PRIMED Alexander blamed the Gold Standard for their fall from grace, and now they’re fighting each other! This was a long time coming, but who comes out on top as a true survivor?
Raw returns as Benjamin makes his entrance. The bell rings, the trash talk continues, and Alexander shoves Benjamin. Benjamin swings on Alexander but Alexander ducks to get a waistlock. Benjamin elbows out, scoops Alexander, but Alexander slips out to throw a forearm! Alexander dodges, slides, and dropkicks Benjamin down! Alexander handsprings up and is fired up, then kicks Benjamin to ropes! Alexander whips, Benjamin reverses but Alexander sees the leap coming and bails out! Benjamin chases Alexander, it’s a little cat ‘n’ mouse, and Alexander gets a leg in the ropes for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Alexander grins as he watches Benjamin writhe. Alexander kicks the bad leg, gets a toehold and pulls on it, but Benjamin endures. Alexander chokes Benjamin, lets off, and Alexander argues that he was playing fair. Alexander kicks but Benjamin ROCKS him! Benjamin throws hands, Alexander body scissors and rolls Benjamin to a HEEL HOOK! Alexander keeps talking trash as Benjamin endures the leg lock! Benjamin powers up, stands over Alexander, and has the legs for a SHARPSHOOTER! Alexander scrambles to get the ropebreak! Benjamin lets go, hobbles a bit as he walks off the pain, and he comes back to throw more hands on Alexander!
Benjamin whips, Alexander reverses and dropkicks the legs out! Alexander smirks and wags his finger. Alexander dropkicks Benjamin out of the ring! Benjamin gets up, Alexander DIVES! Direct hit into barriers! Alexander keeps going, and he DIVES, into a KNEE!! Benjamin hurries in with one good leg, hobbles into position, and hits P- NO! Alexander rolls Benjamin up, TWO!! Alexander dropkicks Benjamin down, then says it’s time! Handspring and NEURALIZER! Alexander shouts right in Benjamin’s face that he’s better! HE tells commentary to tell us fans that Alexander is the best! Alexander digs his fingers into Benjamin’s face as he dares him to get up!
Alexander kicks Benjamin around, telling him to get up! Benjamin hits a T-BONE SUPLEX!! Cover, Benjamin wins!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall
And THAT is why Benjamin is a survivor! Will Alexander learn a lesson from this? Will Benjamin prove he was never the weak link in the Hurt Business?
Drew Gulak interrupts Angel Garza’s photoshoot.
Is this a big joke to Garza? Does Garza have any respect for the profession? Or is he too busy parading around like he’s auditioning for The Bachelor? Not that anyone would accept a rose from him. What Garza did to Gulak last week has never happened in the history of the WWE, and it both embarrassed and humiliated him. What’s Gulak’s point? Gulak gets in Garza’s face and Garza asks if he wants what happened last week to happen again. It won’t happen again. Then let’s say there is a next time. Maybe next time, the rose will be shoved down Gulak’s throat instead.
Asuka VS Rhea Ripley!
The Empress and the Nightmare did question how this match came to be, and clearly the answer is Charlotte Flair. But will that matter when these two are going to tear into each other in a WrestleMania 37 rematch?
Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. The bell rings, Asuka and Rhea circle, tie up, and go around. Rhea puts Asuka on ropes, but Asuka turns it around, only for Rhea to turn it back around. Rhea messes up Asuka’s hair before letting off. They go again, Asuka gets around but Rhea avoids the back hand! Rhea goes to ropes for defense and Asuka stays back. Rhea grins, blocks the back and and ROCKS Asuka, then dares her to take a shot. Asuka sweeps the legs! And basement dropkicks! Rhea gets up, Asuka is after her with TOSS! Asuka tries again but Rhea blocks to throw her instead! Rhea seethes, runs corner to corner, but dodges a kick! Asuka ducks a haymaker to ROCK Rhea!
Asuka BOOTS Rhea, drop toeholds but Rhea stays on her feet! Rhea stomps Asuka’s legs, drags her up, but Asuka throws Rhea for an ARMBAR! Rhea scrambles and gets a ropebreak! Asuka lets go, but chases after Rhea on the outside. Rhea goes into the ring, Asuka avoids the stomp and drags Rhea back out. Asuka spins Rhea on the apron but Rhea avoids the hip attack to WRECK her with a dropkick! Rhea goes out, bumps Asuka off the apron, but here comes Charlotte! The Queen distracts the champ and Asuka BACK HANDS Rhea down! Charlotte continues to strut down to ringside, saying she’s just here to watch, as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Asuka endures Rhea’s body scissor squeeze. Charlotte has joined commentary while Asuka fights the hold. Charlotte confirms she came up with this match idea because she loves seeing these two in action. Asuka powers back to a cover, ONE! Rhea dropkicks Asuka right down! Rhea sneers at Charlotte, drags Asuka up and bumps her off buckles. Rhea RAMS into Asuka again and again, digs her shoulder in and lets off as the ref counts. Rhea pie faces Asuka, puts her through the ropes and chokes her! The ref counts, Rhea stops, and Charltote is ignoring Rhea as she talks to Byron Saxton about haters gonna hate.
Rhea kicks Asuka’s leg, Charlotte says this title match at Backlash is because of her in the first place. Rhea grinds Asuka down, kicks her around, but Asuka kicks back. Rhea drags Asuka up to HEADBUTT her down! Asuka grits her teeth but Rhea reels her in for a LARIAT! And another! Asuka avoids the third, but Rhea reverses the reversal, and blocks a Code Breaker to BOOT Asuka down! Rhea and Asuka go outside, Rhea bumps Asuka off the apron then Electric Chair lifts. Asuka hops off to the apron to mule kick back! SLIDING KICK! Asuka fires up, puts Rhea in at 7 of 10 and hurries in after to cover. TWO, but Asuka drags Rhea up to chicken wing an arm!
Rhea resists the Asuka Lock and throws Asuka out of the ring! Asuka staggers towards commentary and notices Charlotte. Charlotte waves at her, Asuka talks trash, but Rhea HEADBUTTS Asuka down! Charlotte applauds Rhea being an opportunist and learning from the best, aka Charlotte. Rhea puts Asuka in, drags her back up, and fires off forearms! Asuka forearms, Rhea back elbows! Asuka gets up, Rhea NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Rhea is frustrated. Rhea pump handles, lifts, but no Riptide, CODE BREAKER! Asuka and Rhea are both down, Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO!
Rhea crawls out of the ring but Asuka follows her back out. Charlotte praises how tough both women are, but then she stares down with Rhea. “You wanna go?” Asuka runs on the desk to HIP ATTACK Rhea! Asuka puts Rhea in, climbs up top, missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Asuka sees Rhea get to a corner, runs in, HIP- NO! Rhea catches! Asuka elbows free but Rhea ROUNDHOUSES! RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
The Raw Women’s Champion wins against Asuka again, and Charlotte applauds. Will this all be playing into the Queen’s hand? Or will Rhea wreck the wrestling royals to stay on top?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Kevin asks McIntyre if he can shed some light on how he went after both Lashley and Braun at the end of last week’s Raw. Well he had no intention of getting involved last week, until Braun decided to get his putrid, disgusting hands all over him. And it wasn’t McIntyre’s fault Lashley nearly cut Braun in half with the Spear. But it was McIntyre’s fault that he put both down with Claymores. And as for MVP’s proposition, if it happens, he is toast. No one man can withstand an onslaught of both Lashley and Braun.
But McIntyre can’t worry about that now. He has to focus on Lashley. Tonight, McIntyre will do what he didn’t at WrestleMania 37 and that is connect with a Claymore to Lashley’s head. Then on Sunday, McIntyre will once again become WWE World Champion!
Damian Priest VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!
The Archer of Infamy has already beaten the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century together, separately, alternatingly, and frequently. But if he beats the Guru of Greatness again, he gets to decide how he beats The Hollywood A-Lister at Backlash! Will Priest hit the lights on Johnny Drip Drip? Or will things finally go Morrison’s way so that The Miz can have his way?
Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and Morrison gets through Priest’s dukes to ROCK him with a forearm! But Priest comes back to shove Morrison to a corner! Priest fires off big hands, the ref counts and Priest lets off with a stomp. Priest CLUBS Morrison down, drags him back up, and whips him corner to corner hard! Morrison staggers into a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Morrison with an armlock and grinds the shoulder. Priest also has a chinbar, Miz says Priest is cheating somehow, but Morrison gets up to get the ropebreak. The ref counts, Priest lets off as Miz barks about ropes, but Morrison whips to KNEE Priest low!
Morrison wrenches Priest’s arm, spins around and drags Priest down to the ground for some ground ‘n’ pound! Priest throws Morrison away but Morrison cartwheels right back to KNEE Priest down! Cover, TWO! Morrison clamps on with a chinlock and Miz talks trash on Priest. Priest endures as Morrison grinds him down. Miz says this is Tropical Storm Johnny Drip Drip! Priest fights up, powers Morrison into the corner, but Morrison holds on! Priest RAMS the corner again, is free, and he ROCKS Morrison with an uppercut! Priest whips corner to corner, runs in, but Morrison slides out to avoid the elbow!
Priest still elbows Morrison on the apron, but Morrison cartwheels to avoid the leg sweep! Morrison KICKS Priest in the face, Priest swings back but Morrison evades. Morrison evades again as Priest kicks, and Priest is stuck on the ropes for Morrison to EDDY GORDO KICK! Morrison springboards, but into a choke grip! Morrison gets free with his parkour style side flip, but he staggers a bit on the landing. Priest pops Morrison up to ROCK him with a right! Miz panics as Priest covers, ROPEBREAK! Morrison survives and Miz gets him out of the ring for a breather. Morrison is understandably dazed, but Priest goes out to get him up and into the ring.
Miz is mad and he talks trash on Priest. The ref counts, Miz is trying to distract Priest so that he misses it, and Raw goes to break as the two stand off.
Raw returns once again and Priest throws hands on Morrison. Priest whips to hit a leaping back elbow! Cover, TWO! Miz is relieved but he keeps talking trash to Priest. Priest gets Morrison up but Morrison ROCKS him, then clotheslines him out of the ring! The ref and Morrison argue, Miz BOOTS Priest down! Miz mockingly asks if Priest is alright as Morrison goes out. Morrison KICKS Priest around, Miz claims it’s slippery at ringside. Morrison puts Priest in, cover, ONE!! Morrison keeps on Priest with a chinlock but Priest fights up to throw body shots. Priest deflects Morrison’s kick with a kick, but Morrison comes back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!
Miz keeps talking trash on Priest, “Put him in a body bag, Johnny!” Get it? Morrison flips over for a modified Chancery on Priest, and Miz mockingly asks if it hurts. Fans rally, Priest fights up, and Priest powers out of the hold to BELL CLAP! ROUNDHOUSE! WHEEL KICK! Both men are down, but Priest gets up first. Morrison gets up to get KICK after KICK after KICK! ROLLING ELBOW! Priest runs in to back elbow in a corner! Then, BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Morrison survives but Priest goes to the top rope. Miz distracts for a moment, Morrison ROCKS Priest with a forearm! Morrison climbs up, Miz claps for him, but Priest resists the Super Spanish Fly with elbows!
Priest shoves Morrison down hard! Priest adjusts, leaps, FLYING WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! Morrison survives and Miz is starting to panic a bit more. Priest snarls as he watches Morrison stand. Choke grip to SOUTH OF HEAVEN- NO! Body scissors to a victory roll, TWO!! Priest kicks Morrison’s leg before the knee strike! Priest scoops Morrison to the dragon sleeper, but Miz distracts the ref! Morrison snapmares free, ghost pins, but the ref is late to the count! TWO!! Miz realizes he cost Morrison again! Priest CLOBBERS Morrison, drags him up, and HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Miz attacks! Priest may get the prize of choosing their stipulation, but Miz won’t let Priest feel good about it! SKULL- NO! Priest breaks the full nelson to shove Miz to ropes! Miz bails out to avoid the kick and runs for the hills! Priest drags Morrison up, for another HIT THE LIGHTS!! One down, one to go, and Priest has six days to decide how he seals Miz’s fate!
Braun finds Lashley and MVP backstage.
The two titans stare down, but they don’t say a word as Raw goes to break. Is Braun here to accept or decline MVP’s offer?
The #EvaLution reaches another level.
“I’ve finally reached a point in my life where I can say I’ve made it. I have seen levels of fame and fortune I could never have imagined at the beginning of my career. Some may see me as a super model, but I like to see myself as a super role model.” She has everything she’s ever wanted, and wants to see others achieve their dreams. But you have to put in the work. It takes 99 bad ones to get the right shot. Nothing’s perfect, but anything’s possible.
Priest meets with Pearce.
Seems the gamble paid off. Damn right! And Priest knows the stipulation he wants now! A Lumberjack Match! Okay, but why that? You saw what Miz was doing out there, right? Like he does every single time! Miz runs away. Priest will give Miz nowhere to run. You can bring superstars from Raw, from SmackDown, hell you can even bring zombies, aliens and whatever else. It doesn’t matter, because this Sunday, Miz has nowhere to run, and he will be dealt with. Then consider it done. Priest and Pearce shake on it, but is this truly going to be what ends things between him and the A-Lister?
Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre!
WrestleMania 37 went the All Mighty’s way thanks to one little misstep from the Scottish Warrior. But McIntyre vows to stay laser focused on Lashley this time. Will McIntyre make up for Mania and get momentum going into Backlash? Or is there no stopping the Rocky Mountain Machine now?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. He and Lashley stare down but the ref has them wait for the bell. The bell rings, and Lashley avoids a boot to go for the full nelson! McIntyre holds that off, Lashley gets a leg and trips McIntyre to a cover, ONE! Lashley headlocks, McIntyre fights up but can’t power out as Lashley holds tight. McIntyre pries at the hold, Lashley cranks it back on. McIntyre suplexes Lashley tot he apron but Lashley still holds on! The ref counts because this is a ropebreak situation, but Lashley hotshots McIntyre! Lashley gets in to run and RAM McIntyre into a corner! Lashley hits a NECKBREAKER! MVP says to punish McIntyre!
Lashley chokes McIntyre on ropes, the ref counts and Lashley lets off at 4. Braun is watching backstage as Lashley throws elbows into McIntyre. Lashley digs his elbow in, the ref counts but Lashley stops at 4. Lashley chokes McIntyre, throws more elbows, even haymakers, but McIntyre turns things around to fire off a windmill of haymakers! The ref counts, McIntyre backs off but Lashley kicks low to throw more forearms! Lashley goes side to side but McIntyre BOOTS him down! McIntyre shakes out the cobwebs, goes out after Lashley, but Lashley elbows him away. Lashley runs in, but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre stands and looms over Lashley as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more and McIntyre fires off hands and stomps in the corner! McIntyre stands Lashley up to CHOP him! McIntyre whips corner to corner, Lashley reverses and runs in, but McIntyre elbows back! McIntyre hops up but Lashley YANKS him down! McIntyre writhes but Lashley runs over to hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Lashley rains down fists and clamps on a chinlock. McIntyre endures as Lashley squeezes tight. Fans rally up, McIntyre fights up, and McIntyre throws body shots to get free. McIntyre CHOPS, runs, but Lashley follows. Lashley gets around, kicks low, reels McIntyre in, but McIntyre blocks the suplex to hit the suplex!
Both men are down, MVP shouts at Lashley to get up. Lashley crawls to a corner, stands up, and McIntyre runs in, but into BOOTS! Lashley looms over McIntyre, stomps him, then digs his forearms into McIntyre’s face. The ref counts, Lashley lets off to then dig his boots in! The ref counts again, Lashley lets off, and MVP reminds Lashley to be careful about the count. Lashley gets McIntyre up on the apron, runs, and BLASTS McIntyre off to the floor! A ring count starts now but Lashley won’t settle for that. Lashley goes out, brings McIntyre up for forearms, and bumps McIntyre off the apron. Lashley goes into the ring, McIntyre drags himself up the apron, and Lashley hotshots him again!
Lashley goes back out to bring McIntyre around to fireman’s carry. Lashley runs and POSTS McIntyre!! McIntyre is dazed, Lashley high-fives MVP, and MVP says to finish this. Lashley puts McIntyre in, aims from a corner with a grin, and McIntyre stands. Lashley runs in but McIntyre HIP TOSSES him into the corner!! Both men are down again and MVP coaches Lashley back up. McIntyre throws forearms, Lashley throws them back! They brawl from the mat to their feet! Lashley gets the edge, whips, but McIntyre reverses to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! Lashley staggers, swings, but McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER!
McIntyre kips up and fires up! McIntyre reels Lashley in, underhooks, but Lashley fights out of Future Shock! He gets a GLASGOW KISS instead! MVP warns Lashley with banging on steps, but McIntyre turns Spear into SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! Lashley survives, gets back up, but now McIntyre is aiming from a corner! But Lashley CROSSBODIES before the Claymore can take off! Lashley has the arms, HURT LOCK! No, McIntyre is holding it off as much as he can! Lashley throws knees, then he THROWS Lashley! CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! But here comes BRAAAAUN~!
The Monster Among Men distracts McIntyre with his music, to attack from the other side!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
MONSTER SLAM for McIntyre!! Is Braun taking MVP up on that offer after all?! But then Braun looks at Lashley. Braun offers Lashley a hand?! He helps Lashley to his feet, and Lashley pats him on the shoulder. They hug, but Braun scoops Lashley for a MONSTER SLAM!! MVP is freaking out, but clearly that’s a “no” to the plan! Braun gets McIntyre up for another MONSTER SLAM!! MVP gets Lashley out of the ring but that doesn’t mean he’s safe! Braun snatches MVP’s cane away and tells him he has to watch what’s gonna happen! Braun scoops Lashley, to MONSTER SLAM him through barriers!!
Braun goes back to the ring where McIntyre crawls over. Braun says he doesn’t side with anyone! HE’S THE MONSTER!! Braun scoops McIntyre up again, for ANOTHER MONSTER SLAM!! Braun roars and ThunderDome is roaring, too! Will Braun finally #GetTheseHands on THE WWE World Championship?!
My Thoughts:
What a great go-home Raw! IS WHAT I WOULD BE SAYING, if not for Go-Home Syndrome striking again. We got way too many recap videos for the history between McIntyre, Lashley and Braun throughout the night that were supposed to hype up tonight’s main event and Sunday’s Triple Threat. We also got too many commercial breaks. You can count this yourself but I typed “Raw returns and” 13 times, which feels like 5 times too many. What happened to Raw doing picture in picture? That would really help the flow of things because we’d still get to see matches during.
And can Raw not remember how to go to commercial without someone distracting someone else? Alexa Bliss showing up to mess with the six women in the Six Woman Tag completely killed the momentum of that match. We should’ve gotten Asuka trying to get Charlotte to participate, only for Charlotte to wait for when Asuka isn’t in the match. Asuka was only shown in the match twice! She started, and she finished! And do we really need Alexa to be the one who “interfered” with her powers? Alexa could’ve waited until we saw who won, she could use a promo to tease who she’s going after, the show flows better.
Then, while Rhea VS Asuka tonight was a very good match, it felt like copy and paste of the WWE World Championship build. But at the same time, Charlotte of course would want to pit them against each other. It would seem odd if she didn’t want to use the same tactics she sees from the men’s title scene, but it all just seemed forced into this episode because they didn’t pace this story properly. Asuka won and Charlotte lost the Six Woman Tag, Rhea won the 1v1, so the math comes out to be in Charlotte’s favor, but Alexa might be targeting her. I have a feeling Charlotte wins at Backlash, Alexa starts chasing her on the way to MITB.
I will say that Priest VS Morrison tonight, even with Miz being the “distraction so we can go to break” guy, was a very good match. Those two should’ve been the ones having a PPV match to have room to breathe, but I suppose a Lumberjack match is fine. Morrison can still be ringside for Miz, but I have a feeling this has to be the night Morrison and Miz break up. There are opportunities in this match for Morrison to do something that helps Miz and he chooses not to because of how Miz’s help screwed him over. Then we can get Miz VS Morrison, and I hope Morrison wins that so he can get into the US Championship scene.
Speaking of, Carrillo VS Sheamus was going so well, but I have a feeling that stoppage was real. The mistiming on the Sunset Powerbomb off the apron that resulted in Sheamus landing on Carrillo’s legs, it’s a shame. Hopefully Carrillo is alright, and I’m surprised we didn’t see Mansoor show up to flip things from last week. Maybe things build for Mansoor and Carrillo on the road to Money in the Bank, and one or both get a match with Sheamus. Mahal’s return to Raw was nice, and they established for us that Mahal has new henchmen, and getting a win off Hardy was good, but I feel like this could’ve waited until next week to get them all on the road to MITB.
The 8 Man Tag was also a lot of fun, even the backstage promos before it. I like the detail of Orton backing down from trying to RKO Omos. I wonder if Orton can even jump high enough to RKO Omos when he’s standing. It makes sense that the Faces would win, they are the ones who will get a title shot against Styles & Omos down the line, because that’s how almost everyone does wrestling. Orton hitting RKO’s on the New Day but not Riddle was also a bit telling in this story. Orton is willing to tolerate Riddle and stay a team since they’re still winning, but he doesn’t care about anyone else outside of that. This could be a point of dysfunction for RKBRO and the reason they break up, really adding some depth to the story.
Garza’s story on Raw has only just started, and I feel it’s already really weak. This started because Gulak mocked him for his failed romances, but I just feel this isn’t how something on Raw should be. From what I’m hearing about WWE Main Event on Hulu (which shouldn’t be on Hulu anymore, should be first on Peacock and WWE Network), Ricochet VS Mustafa Ali the sequel feud has been awesome. THAT should be on Raw. Ali and Ricochet can give us awesome matches worth filling three hours on Raw without even trying, except it’s WWE creative that isn’t trying! These two should be in the mix with Carrillo for the US Championship.
And then in the world title story, we got another great main event match, and Braun got to look like his old self again, but I don’t think any of it saved the show. MVP trying to make a deal with Braun so that Lashley could have an easier time is a logical move, and Braun swerving Lashley with it was also a logical move. But Braun standing tall tonight would make it seem like Lashley retains. I did wonder where T-Bar and Mace were tonight. Are they on Braun’s side after all? Will they show up during the Triple Threat to tip things in his favor? That could be something that makes Backlash a bit more memorable than just being a lazy copy-paste PPV.
My Score: 8/10
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The ROH World Championship is on the line!
While Mark Briscoe accepted Chris Jericho’s challenge for WrestleDream, he has to make it through The Kingdom’s Matt Taven first! Will The Sussex County Chicken still be headed to Tacoma, Washington?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH World Six Man Championships Proving Ground: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS The Premier Athletes; Dustin & The Von Erichs win and deny The Premier Athletes a title opportunity.
- Nyla Rose VS Katie Arquette; Nyla wins.
- Anthony Henry & BEEF VS Anthony Catena & Wes Barkley; Henry & Beef win.
- The Outrunners VS The Infantry; The Outrunners win.
- ROH Rewind: Samoa Joe VS Kenta Kobashi; Kobashi wins.
- ROH World Championship: Mark Briscoe VS Matt Taven w/ Mike Bennett; Mark wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
ROH World Six Man Championships Proving Ground: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS The Premier Athletes!
The Sons of Texas ride again, and onto The Proving Grounds! But while they’re facing The Premier Athletes, it isn’t the combo you’re thinking. “Smart” Mark Sterling again cuts off the introductions to give his own. “In order to get a Proving Grounds match tonight, the powers that be made ME be in this match! But that’s okay, because the Athletes have promised that NO ONE will lay a finger on me!” And since Sterling is a team player, he wants the fans to play along. When he says “Athletes,” you say, “Rules,” and nothing else! “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Got ’em again! But will Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari earn the team a title shot when it’s all on them?
The teams sort out and Marshall Von Erich starts against Ariya Daivari. They shake hands for the Code of Honor, and the bell rings. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Daivari headlocks. Daivari grinds the hold but Marshall fires body shots. Marshall powers out, and he RAMS Daivari! The fans cheer but Daivari talks trash to try that again. Marshall runs, and he RUNS Daivari over! The fans cheer again while Marshall looms over Daivari. Marshall runs again, blocks Daivari’s hip toss and gives Daivari a hip toss! The fans fire up with Marshall as he drags Daivari up. Tag to Ross, the Von Erichs whip to drop and DROPKICK! Ross covers, ONE!
Ross keeps on Daivari with a wrench, but Daivari wrenches and knees low! Daivari CLUBS away on Ross, and Mark wants in? Daivari tags Mark, and Mark scoops to SLAM Ross! But Ross gets right up, so Mark tags Nese. Nese runs up, Ross DECKS him, and he glares at Sterling. Sterling hops off the apron, Ross goes back for Nese and wrenches. Tag to Marshall and the Von Erichs whip to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Marshall covers, TWO! Marshall wrenches Nese’s arm, tags Ross back in, and Ross takes the handoff. But Nese pulls hair! The ref counts, Nese lets off to throw Ross down, then he clamps on with a facelock.
Nese whips, Ross stops himself, but Nese DROPKICKS him down! Nese bumps Ross off buckles, tag Daivari, and The Athletes mug Ross! The ref reprimands but Dustin & Marshall storm up. The ref stops them from getting involved, but that lets Mark CHOKE Ross! The fans boo but Mark gets away with it. Daivari tags Nese in and The Athletes mug Ross more. The ref reprimands as Nese fires haymakers, but Nese lets off. Nese stalks Ross to the corner, the fans rally up, and Nese brings Ross over to CHOP! Tag to Mark and Mark is all fired up as he stomps a mudhole in! The ref reprimands but Mark taunts Dustin.
Mark tags back to Nese, and he says, “That’s how you kick someone!” Nese taunts Marshall by holding out Ross’ hand, then he KNEES Ross down, and sucker punches Marshall! Nese taunts Dustin now, then shouts, “ATHLETES!” The fans reply, “SUCK!” Ross hits Nese but Nese CLUBS him! Nese whips Ross to the corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Ross DECKS Daivari, but Mark holds onto Ross’ arm to hold him back. Nese runs in, Ross slips free, Nese BLASTS Mark! Ross hurries, but so does Nese! Nese grabs a leg, Ross hops up and ENZIGIRIS! Hot tag to Dustin, and Mark?! Mark freaks out but Dustin runs up!
Dustin TOSSES Mark into the ring! Mark begs for mercy, but Daivari runs in! Dustin dodges to CLOBBER Daivari! And CLOBBER him again! Dustin whips, Daivari reverses but Dustin sees the backdrop coming and says, “Not today!” RHODES UPPERCUT! Nese runs up, into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Daivari tries, SNAP POWERSLAM! Nese CHOPS then whips, but Dustin comes back with a DESTROYER!! The fans fire up and Dustin catches Daivari to the dragon sleeper! But Mark runs in to CLUB Dustin! Dustin doesn’t fall and Mark is frustrated. Mark says he could pay them. The Von Erichs step in, and put Mark in a corner!
The Von Erichs open Mark up, Dustin thinks about it, but the Athletes get in! The Von Erichs fire hands on them, and put on DOUBLE IRON CLAWS! The ref reprimands the Von Erichs, so Dustin gives Mark SHATTERED DREAMS! Dustin says who wants it? FINAL RECKONING! Cover, The Sons of Texas win!
Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall (denies The Premier Athletes a title match)
The promise to Smart Mark wasn’t fulfilled, he and the Premier Athletes will just have to try better next time. But with Dustin, Marshall & Ross rolling on, will anyone be able to stop The Sons of Texas?
BREAKING NEWS for AEW WrestleDream!
Atlantis Jr. is still the ROH World Television Champion, but he’s also the target of The Machine! Brian Cage wants redemption from last year’s Survival of the Fittest Six Way match, can he finally win “the big one?” Or will we finally have an answer to “Who betta?” We’ll find out in Tacoma, Washington, on October 12th, in the WrestleDream Zero Hour!
Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.
Lexy Nair is with her besties, and says this is a very special Minion Empowerment Meeting, as MIT is planning a celebration for their Minion Overlord! Athena is now THE longest reigning champion in ROH history, man, woman or tag team! Lexy is thinking of inviting Ja Rule, or even Pitbull, and then they get balloons, confetti and- Athena says they’ll require EVERYONE in ROH to attend! She’ll talk with the Board of Directors, but they’ll get the entire Women’s Division. They’ll have cupcakes, whiskey, punch, and kittens. Lexy says yes, yes, of course. But then Athena notices Billie’s pout face and asks what is her problem.
Billie replies, “What’s my problem?” No, no, Billie, it’s just, Athena is getting tired of this. Sure, fine, Billie had to deal with Abadon. But Athena wouldn’t put her in a situation she couldn’t handle. This is Athena’s day, girl! It is about her and everything she has done, so it is about time she gets her flowers. And the last thing we need here is for Billie to have a problem. But Athena gets it, Billie is jealous. Billie is jealous of Lexy, jealous of Athena, upset that she lost Athena’s Women’s Television Championship, but it is okay. If Billie needs to talk, they are here for her. And the first step in getting over a problem is admitting you have one.
Billie shouts that SHE doesn’t have a problem, ATHENA has one! What does Athena not understand about this?! Athena left Billie alone out there! Billie always has Athena’s back! Oh, really? Did she have Athena’s back the first time Abadon showed up? Or at the PPV when Lexy had to step in? NO, she didn’t. Athena won’t do this today. Either Billie can be there to celebrate Athena’s day, after all the hard work Athena and Lexy put into MIT, and into the title reign, or Billie can just stay home. Billie says okay. Billie leaves, but which way did she mean that? Athena asks Lexy to go handle that, and then asks why is there always drama.
BUT ABADON SNEAKS IN BEHIND HER! Abadon reaches out, but Athena storms off before being touched on the shoulder. Abadon grins, and follows Athena. Is Halloween about to come early to ROH?
The Outrunners VS The Infantry!
While Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd have a truce with Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo, there can only be one team that stands as #1 contenders to the ROH World Tag Team Championships! Will the Youngest Men Alive take over the rankings? Or will Captain Dean lead Bad News & Tattoos back to the title scene?
The Code of Honor is upheld, and the teams sort out. Truth starts with Bravo and the fans rally up as they circle. The two tie up, go back and forth, but Truth puts Bravo in a corner. Truth lets off, does a spin and a flex, and the fans cheer. Bravo slips around to waistlock but Truth switches and hits a hip toss! Truth flexes again, but Bravo tags Dean. Truth tags Turbo and the fans cheer. Turbo and Dean circle as the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Turbo headlocks, Dean slips out to headlock back. Turbo powers up and out, thing hurdles. But Dean stops himself to arm-drag! And arm-drag! The two stand back and the fans cheer more.
Turbo and Dean circle, tie up, and Turbo wrenches to a wristlock. Dean rolls, kips up, and wrenches to wristlock back. Turbo slips through to wrench, hammerlock, and he puts Dean in a corner. The ref counts, Turbo lets off, but then he whips corner to corner. Dean reverses, Turbo reverses, but Dean goes up and over! Turbo hits buckles, Dean arm-drags him, but Turbo drags Dean right down to an armlock! The fans cheer, but Dean rolls back and stands up. Dean whips Turbo away, drops down, then hurdles. Turbo blocks hip toss to hit a hip toss! The fans fire up, Turbo covers, ONE! Turbo drags Dean over, and tags Truth.
Dean gets away, tags in Bravo, and Bravo runs up, but into an arm-drag! Truth has the armlock now, but Bravo fights around. Bravo grits his teeth, powers Truth to a corner, but he also pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Bravo lets off, but Truth dodges the cheap shot to CHOP! Truth whips Bravo, but Bravo blocks the hip toss! But Truth blocks the hip toss to backslide! TWO, and Truth gets around to O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Truth says it was that close. Bravo says no it wasn’t! Bravo ROCKS Truth, the fans boo that sucker punch, but Bravo tells fans to shut up. Bravo whips but Truth sunset flips! TWO, and Bravo is frustrated!
Bravo runs up but Truth wrenches him! Bravo ROCKS Truth, RAMS him into a corner, then tags Dean. The Infantry double whips, then DOUBLE HIP TOSS! They DOUBLE FIST DROP, and Dean covers, TWO! Truth staggers into the Infantry’s corner, and Dean tags Bravo back. The fans rally as Bravo stomps a mudhole into Truth. Bravo CHOPS Truth, puts him in the open corner, and CHOPS! The fans fire up, and Bravo drags Truth up. Bravo snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Tag to Dean, the Infantry mugs Truth, and the ref reprimands. Dean ROCKS Truth, ROCKS him again, but Truth fires hands! Truth DECKS Bravo, but Dean scoops and SLAMS!
Dean says “OORAH~!” The fans are torn but Dean runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Dean stays on him with a chinlock. Dean grinds Truth but the fans rally up for the Outrunners. Truth fires body shots, then JAWBREAKERS! Bravo storms in, but Truth avoids the scissor kick! The fans fire up and Turbo is chompin’ at the bit! Dean runs in at Truth but Truth dodges, the splash hits buckles! Truth is in Infantry territory! The Infantry run up, but Truth ducks the double clothesline! Hot tag to Turbo! The fans fire up as Turbo rallies with haymakers! Turbo DECKS Dean, DECKS Bravo, repeat!
Turbo scoop SLAMS Bravo! Then he scoop SLAMS Dean! Then he scoop SLAMS Bravo again! And then he scoop SLAMS Dean again! The fans are all fired up as Turbo flexes! But Bravo kicks low! Dean runs to BOOT Turbo into Bravo’s DDT! The ref reprimands the double teaming but Infantry says night night! Bravo runs but Truth trips him up! Truth runs in while Turbo scoops Dean! TOTAL RECALL! Cover, Outrunners win!
Winners: The Outrunners, by pinfall
The throwback continues to gain momentum! Truth & Turbo hug it out, and then look to The Infantry. The Outrunners offer the Code of Honor, what does The Infantry say? Dean & Bravo accept! But then that’s it as they push past The Outrunners. Even so, Turbo & Truth wind up, to MEGA POWER HANDSHAKE! Will The Outrunner’s win streak continue until they’ve got the gold?
Beef is backstage.
He has the cameraman follow him as he talks with Anthony Henry. Henry asks how Beef got all wet again, but Beef says it’s time to record a tag team promo. Y’know, like how teams are all, UGH GRR, YOU HEAR WHAT I’M SAYIN? Like that. Henry says no, because they’re not a tag team. What? But they’re 3-0 in ROH. No, no. Listen: Henry is in a tag team with JD Drake, they are the Workhorsemen. Henry & Beef are not a tag team at all. Beef says now that Henry mentions him, how is JD? No, let’s not do that. Aw c’mon! When is Beef gonna get to meet JD. Just give Beef his number. Henry keeps saying no, then shouts STOP!
What? No? Yeah, no. Okay. But then one more question. What are the chances of a guy like Henry would give a guy like Beef… JD’s number? What’re the chances!? Not very good! What? Like, 1 in 100? How about more like, 1 in a MILLION. Henry storms off, and Beef is a bit troubled. But then he says, “So you’re saying there’s a chance? YEAH!” Beef takes that 1 in a million to mean… BEEF! Beef follows Cousin Anthony, but will he ever be accepted?
ROH Rewind: Samoa Joe VS Kenta Kobashi!
We travel back in time to October 1st, 2005, the early days of Ring of Honor Wrestling! Two greats did battle in New York City, though the Samoan Submission Machine had yet to reach the heights he has today. How did Samoa Joe fare against The Absolute Champion, Mr. Pro-Wrestling? Let’s take a look back and see.
The introductions are made, the streamers fly for “KO-BA-SHI! KO-BA-SHI!” and the Code of Honor is upheld. The bell rings and the fans are already thunderous as these two circle. They feel things out, Joe KICKS! Kobashi doesn’t even flinch! The two circle again, feel things out, and Joe KICKS again! Kobashi nods, and they go again. They clinch, Joe powers Kobashi to ropes, but the ref counts. Joe lets off, to then SLAP Kobashi! The fans fire up and Joe eggs on Kobashi. Kobashi glares at Joe, the two circle again, and they tie up. Kobashi puts Joe in a corner, lets off slowly, but then he CHOPS! Joe feels that one and the fans are thunderous!
Joe comes back to push Kobashi, and they knuckle lock. They have a Test of Strength, “This is Awesome!” Joe gets under Kobashi to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Kobashi gets right up, but Joe RUNS him right over! Kobashi bails out, and Joe WRECKS him with a dropkick! Joe keeps moving, and he DIVES! Direct hit into railing and the fans are electric inside the ballroom! Joe is fired up, too, and he drags Kobashi up. Joe puts Kobashi in, covers, TWO! Joe drags Kobashi up, scoops and SLAMS him! Joe runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Joe clamps onto Kobashi with a chinlock, trapping one arm back.
The fans rally up for “KO-BA-SHI!” as he endures. Kobashi fights around, but Joe steps through to hook a leg, STRETCH PLUM! Kobashi endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Joe lets off, and the fans cheer. Joe paces, kicks Kobashi, drags him up, and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Kobashi just gets angrier! The fans are loving it as Kobashi steps to Joe. Joe CHOPS, but Kobashi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Joe staggers, but he KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! Then ENZIGIRI! Kobashi falls and the fans are thunderous again! Joe is ice cold despite how fired up everyone around him is.
Kobashi sits up, but Joe is on him for Kawada Kicks! The fans fire up, but Kobashi just gets fired up! Kobashi CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Joe fires more Kawada Kicks! Kobashi CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Joe fires KNEE after KNEE, and he KNEES Kobashi down! Joe rests against ropes and the fans are thunderous again! The fans cheer on “R O H! R O H!” while Kobashi pounds the mat. Kobashi sits up, Joe KICKS and CHOPS, then runs to KNEE DROP! Kobashi goes to the apron while fans are torn. Joe goes out after Kobashi, and brings him around to make him take a seat. Joe KICKS, then gets space.
Joe runs back in to BOOT WASH Kobashi! Kobashi falls off the chair, sputters against barriers, and the fans lose their minds! They say “OVER HERE! OVER HERE!” Joe drags Kobashi up and over, and yes, he makes Kobashi take a seat over there. Joe runs side to side again, but into a RIDGE HAND! Kobashi CHOPS Joe into taking a seat! Kobashi fire sup to then RUNNING CHOP! Joe falls over the railing! The fans are electric all over again for “KO-BA-SHI!” Kobashi storms over, drags Joe back up, and he DDTS Joe to the floor! The fans are rabid as Kobashi looms over Joe. Kobashi drags Joe into the ring and the fans cheer again.
Kobashi drags Joe up with a facelock, squeezes tight, but Joe endures. Joe fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, and Kobashi lets off. But then he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! The fans are thunderous as Joe falls over! Kobashi drags Joe up, whips, and KNEES low! And then whips again to KNEE low! Kobashi turns Joe to RIDGE CHOP! And then FALLING CHOP! The fans are electric for another FALLING CHOP!! Kobashi runs to JUMP CHOP!! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives but Kobashi drags him right into the facelock! Joe endures the squeeze, the fans rally behind Kobashi, “This is Awesome!”
Joe stands, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! Kobashi lets go, but then drags Joe up and reels him in. But Joe fights the suplex! Joe suplexes Kobashi up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down. Kobashi grits his teeth, but he and Joe rise. Joe steps up, into a CHOP! And another CHOP! Joe KICKS, Kobashi CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up with every shot! Joe joins Kobashi in going CHOP for CHOP! Kobashi gets the edge but then Joe fires CHOP after CHOP! So Kobashi fires CHOP after CHOP! Kobashi winds up to CHOP Joe off his feet!! The fans are volcanic and Kobashi covers, ROPEBREAK!!
Kobashi looms over Joe, drags him up, and reels him in for the COBRA TWIST! Joe endures as Kobashi twists and stretches him! Joe fights around, ROPEBREAK! Kobashi lets go and pushes Joe over. Kobashi lines up a shot, another FALLING CHOP! Cover, TWO! Joe stays in this, but Kobashi drags Joe back around, into a chinlock. Kobashi steps through to twist Joe around! Joe endures, the fans rally, and Joe fights around. Kobashi digs his knee into Joe’s back, then RIDGE HANDS him in the head! The fans fire up while Joe writhes, and Kobashi stalks Joe to a corner. Kobashi stands Joe up, to RIDGE HAND again and again!
Kobashi fires up, spins, but into an STO! And then Joe SENTONS! The fans fire up while Kobashi sits back up. Joe storms up to JAB, CHOP and repeat! Joe has Kobashi in the corner as he fires those JABS and CHOPS! The fans are thunderous as Joe brings Kobashi around and reels him in. Kobashi fights the lift! Joe fires more Kawada Kicks, then tries again. BUCKLE BOMB!! Kobashi is stuck in the ropes, then flops down, and the fans are thunderously losing their minds! Joe storms up to dig his boot into Kobashi! Joe scrapes Kobashi’s face again and again, then runs side to side, to BOOT WASH! The fans fire up while Joe huffs ‘n’ puffs.
Joe drags Kobashi up, and puts him up top! The fans fire up as they anticipate what’s coming! MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Kobashi survives and shocks Joe! Fitting, because the fans are electric! Joe KNEES Kobashi in the side, and KNEES him again! Then COQUINA- NO, Kobashi snapmares free! Joe BOOTS Kobashi, then POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO, but into the STF!! Kobashi fights the crossface, pries at the hands, and the fans rally up! Joe powers through to have the crossface part of the STF! The fans rally more, and Kobashi crawls his way forward, claws his way forward, but Joe shifts to a full CROSSFACE!!
Kobashi still endures, still fights, and the fans still rally behind him! Joe shifts to a RINGS OF SATURN!! Kobashi still endures, still kicks forward, ROPEBREAK!! The fans are thunderous as Joe lets go in frustration! Joe rises, takes aim as Kobashi goes to the corner, and Joe runs in, into a RIDGE HAND! Kobashi waistlocks, then shifts, HALF NELSON SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous after that heavy landing! A standing count begins, and both men are down at 5 of 10. Kobashi and Joe stir, and Kobashi rises first. Kobashi stands at 8! Kobashi hobbles over to Joe, and he SPINNING CHOPS! Joe ends up in a corner!
Kobashi fires up to fire off MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! The fans are thunderous seeing the originator use that move! And Kobashi reloads for more MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! The fans are volcanic as Kobashi goes the extra mile! Kobashi then just reloads again! Kobashi finally lets off with one last CHOP, and the fans are losing their minds! Kobashi DOUBLE CHOPS! Then DOUBLE CHOPS again! Joe sputters, Kobashi DOUBLE CHOPS him again! Joe sits down in the corner, Kobashi runs to DOUBLE CHOP again! Kobashi drags Joe up and reels him in, for the HALF NELSON SUPLEX!! Joe flounders, Kobashi storms over to cover, ROPEBREAK!!!
Joe survives because of Kobashi’s miscalculation, but Kobashi will not let that get him down. Kobashi drags Joe back up, but Joe fires a flurry of forearms! Joe runs, into a SLEEPER!! Kobashi squeezes tight, the fans rally as hard as they can, and Joe fights around! But Kobashi SLEEPER SUPLEXES!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Joe survives, and he flails until he gets free of Kobashi! Kobashi is frustrated but the fans are about to send this place into space! Kobashi drags Joe up, but Joe SLAPS, SLAPS, and SLAPS!! Joe runs, Kobashi SWATS a lariat, to URAKEN! And URAKEN! And URAKEN again!! Kobashi roars, runs, and BURNING LARIATS!! Cover, Kobashi wins!!
Winner: Kenta Kobashi, by pinfall
This instant classic reminds the world that both these men are among the best in wrestling ever! Kobashi shows Joe respect, and the fans cheer as Joe shakes his hand. At 22 years and counting, this is what ROH is all about! Will ROH only grow stronger to keep that legacy going?
ROH World Championship: Mark Briscoe VS Matt Taven w/ Mike Bennett!
Speaking of that legacy, The Sussex County Chicken is carrying both the legacy of this company and his family. And while Chris Jericho wants to step all over that (again), it seems The Kingdom wants to have their moment in the spotlight. Will Matt Taven once again be atop the ROH mountain? Or will he fail to dethrone Mark on the road to WrestleDream?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who holds the gold in the Steel City!
Mark offers the Code of Honor handshake, but Taven stalls. The bell rings first, and Mark offers again. Taven accepts it this time, to then spin Mark around and roll him up! With tights! TWO, and the fans boo Taven. Mark is also upset but Taven bails out. Taven is frustrated his trick didn’t work, but Bennett says he gets it, Mark isn’t very smart. Taven storms back into the ring, and Mark says he is better than that. Stop with the scallywagging, let’s just do this! Taven says alright, and the two tie up. Mark headlocks, Taven wrenches out and whips, but Mark reverses. Taven sunset flips, Mark rolls through, and jumps on for a headlock!
Taven powers up and out, ducks and hurdles, but then Mark wrenches and headlocks again! Taven powers things to a headlock, but Mark powers out. Taven goes up and over in the corner, keeps moving, and he slides under a lariat! Mark CHOPS and the fans fire up! Taven says okay, and he resets with Mark. Mark offers a handshake, Taven takes it and means it this time. Until he sucker punches Mark! The fans boo while Taven CLUBS away on Mark in a corner. Taven CHOPS, whips corner to corner, but Mark goes up and out! Mark SWATS a lariat, then REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! The fans fire up and Mark RAMS into Taven.
Mark snapmares Taven out hard, then builds speed to WRECK him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Mark gets spicy! BANG BANG, but Bennett stands in the way! Mark argues with Mike, and Taven sneaks up to waistlock! Mark breaks that and ELBOWS Taven away! Mike takes a swipe but Mark jumps over! Then Mark BLOCKBUSTERS Taven to the floor! The fans fire up with Mark, and he drags Taven into the ring. Mike and Mark argue again, and Mark goes up a corner. Taven stands, into a MISSILE DROPKICK! Taven flounders and the fans fire up again. Mark runs up but Taven BOOTS him!
Taven runs up, but Mark fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Mark goes up the corner again, to FROGGY- NO, Mark rolls through as Taven moves. Taven springboards, KICK O’ THE KING! Cover, TWO! Mark survives but Taven rains down fists! The ref reprimands about closed fists, but Taven tells Aubrey and the fans to shut up. Taven stalks Mark to ropes, CHOKES him, and fans chant “MAN UP! MAN UP!” The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4 and Mark goes to a corner. Taven storms up, reels Mark in, and suplexes high and hard! Then MOONLIGHT DRIVE! Cover, TWO! Taven is frustrated, but Mark is tougher than that.
Taven drags Mark up by his beard, and the fans boo while Aubrey reprimands. Taven clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Mark down. The fans rally, Mark fights up, and Mark fires body shots! Taven CLUBS Mark right down! Taven and Bennett mock the applause, then Taven whips. Mark reverses, Taven stops, rolls under, and ENZIGIRIS! Mark staggers, Taven reels him in, PURPLE THUNDER! Cover, TWO! Taven is frustrated with Aubrey’s count, but he vows to take this title and show what Jericho will do! LIONSAULT! But onto knees! The fans fire up with Mark as he rises, and he CLOBBERS Taven! And CLOBBERS him again!
Taven RKF UPPERCUTS and the fans fire up! Mark whips, Taven reverses, but Mark CLOBBERS him again! Mark fires up, the fans are with him, and he runs in at the corner, but into a SUPERKICK! The fans boo while Mark wobbles, but Taven goes up. Only for Mark to UPPERCUT again! Mark YANKS Taven down, into an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Taven shows he’s tougher than that, but Mark is not deterred! The fans rally again while Bennett coaches Taven. Mark whips Taven to ropes, but Taven reverses. Mark sunset flips, Taven rolls through, JUST THE TIP of the knee! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and The Kingdom is frustrated!
Taven climbs, aims, and FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives the “Aurora” and Taven is beside himself! Taven tells Mark he’s done this time! Taven climbs back up, for another AURORA BOR- NO! Mark’s knees hit him again! Mark goes back up, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW, but onto knees! Bennett is fired up for Taven but the fans rally behind Mark. Taven and Mark crawl to each other, lean on each other as they climb, and Mark roars! Mark ROCKS Taven! Taven roars and swings, but Mark wrenches, kicks and fisherman BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Mark won’t stop, he calls his shot! Mark underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (still ROH World Champion)
The Kingdom has fallen, and Mark borrows a fan’s banner to show off the honor of #DemBoys! Mark points to Heaven to shoutout Jay, and then he offers the Code of Honor to Taven. Taven takes it genuinely this time, and hugs it out with Mark. The Kingdom hoists Mark up to celebrate with him, because in the end, they’re still friends. With this, Tacoma and WrestleDream will have the ROH World Championship on the card! Will The Learning Tree #ManUp and fight honorably? Or will Jericho do whatever he has to in order to become #ElNueve?
My Thoughts:
A great ROH here, coming in at an hour and 20, but also airing an hour later than last week. Is that the new thing? Not sure how I feel about that, but it does create uniformity across not just AEW owned programming but across AEW and WWE so that no one has to adjust their schedule that drastically to watch something.
For anyone wondering why we just suddenly got Joe VS Kobashi, it was because ROH needed to make up for some time lost during taping. Sammy Guevara VS Serpentico was supposed to be part of this show, but Sammy got hurt during that, the match was called off, and while Sammy walked away later, he initially needed help to the back via a stretcher. Also, Lady Frost VS Kelly Madan had to be removed because Madan got knocked out and also needed a stretcher. So two matches that ultimately are filler were replaced by a classic ROH match. On behalf of The Chairshot, good to hear Sammy and Madan are alright, and I hope they’ll be fine by their next matches.
Sammy having been scheduled for this week’s show was clearly so we could have all four Sons of Texas, the full faction, all getting good wins tonight. Good stuff from Dustin & The Von Erichs beating The Premier Athletes, because of course they were when Mark Sterling was in the mix. Seems a little silly they bothered with this at all, because why are they protecting The Premier Athletes in a Proving Ground match? Just give us more Proving Ground matches that hit 10 minutes that then set up a future title match. For all we know, we get an ROH World Six Man title match for the WrestleDream Zero Hour, same as we are with Atlantis Jr. VS Brian Cage.
Nyla Rose of course wins her match, and I also figured Henry & Beef would win theirs. Side note: Anthony Catena’s overall look of a Scarface inspired merch shirt and his comic book tights were interesting. But very good promo from Henry & Beef backstage, though it didn’t really add much. I feel like the twist will be that, for all of Henry’s reservations, JD Drake will accept Beef into the fold, and Henry will be completely exasperated. Very good promo from Athena and Billie to further build their dysfunction, and great bit of Abadon almost snatching Athena up. I still feel Athena VS Abadon gets wonked by Billie, setting up Athena VS Billie at Final Battle.
Great match out of Outrunners VS Infantry, but given Tony Khan copy-pasted this story to give us #FTRunners on Collision, he must now change how the story here on ROH is going. Infantry borders on turning Heel over how Outrunners are doing better in the win-loss record and getting popular with the fans. As such, Outrunners win and Infantry storms off, it might take some other point of frustration to make The Infantry turn on The Outrunners. And then great ROH World Championship match just out of nowhere with Mark and Taven. Mark of course won, they weren’t going to make a match of Briscoe VS Jericho for the title to then take that away. But it was still good to have Taven & Bennett celebrate with Mark after, given the history of The Kingdom with The Briscoes.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Dynamite is doubling down on the celebration!
AEW Dynamite celebrates turning five by giving us double the dream matches! Ospreay VS Ricochet, Danielson VS Okada, with gold all on the line!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW International Championship: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ospreay wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- Hangman Page VS Juice Robinson; Hangman wins.
- Britt Baker VS Serena Deeb; Britt wins.
- Private Party VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; Private Party wins.
- AEW World VS AEW Continental Championships: Bryan Danielson VS Kazuchika Okada; Bryan wins, both he and Okada retain their titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Blackpool Combat Club speaks.
The Bastard says, “War is upon us. It’s time to choose sides. But you see, we know you. We know you’re not like the rest of them: A zoo creature, somebody bought to be paraded around. No, you’re more than that. You’re not a fluffy, cute animal, a creature, no. You’re a lion. So stop acting like you haven’t already chosen.” The Swiss Superman says, “I’m still the same guy. So is Mox. I guess I don’t understand what the problem is. If you wanna talk to me, you know where to find me. This is your home. We still have big plans for you, Wheeler.” The Problem steps up and speaks in Moldovan, but it’s clearly her telling Wheeler to figure it out.
The Maniac finally turns around to say, “I prayed every night you wouldn’t win the AEW World Championship, Bryan, but you did. So here we are. I’m gonna have that belt one way or another. There will be casualties. You’re gonna get a gift. A gift from the universe, a gift from me, not a lot of people get. I’m giving you the opportunity to go out on your shield, to die a warrior’s death, on your home soil. You will be buried in your backyard, peacefully, beautifully. Fate’s not gonna put a better offer on the table than that, man. On October 12th, when I officially relieve you of duty, I’m sending Daddy home for good.”
The BCC has issued their ultimatums to The Decoder and the American Dragon, will either of them heed the warning?
AEW International Championship: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
It has been a long time since The Aerial Assassin and The One & Only have faced off in the ring. Both men have held gold all around the world, but that’s not even what this battle is about. Ricochet wants to show us what he can really do, and Ospreay hopes he remembers how. Who will stand tall as AEW continues into a new chapter?
But as Ospreay prepares backstage with Kyle Fletcher’s help, Don Callis & Konosuke Takeshita step in. Callis says they need to talk about last week, but he wishes Ospreay the best of luck. Callis says the Family has to get going, they have a flight to catch. Ospreay is now without his good friend, but will this be more about his mental state? Ospreay makes his entrance and the introductions are made. The belt is raised, and we see if this anniversary show will be #OuttaThisWorld!
The bell rings and the fans are losing their minds already. Ricochet and Ospreay tie up, go around, and Ospreay puts Ricochet on ropes. Pittsburgh already declares, “This is Awesome!” as the two let off slowly. Ospreay takes a swing, but Ricochet dodges to hit a headlock takeover. Ospreay headscissors, Ricochet kips free, and roles reverse as Ospreay hits a takeover and then Ricochet headscissors. Ospreay kips free, trips, jackknife bridge, but Ricochet bridges up and out to backslide! TWO, and Ricochet headlocks. Ospreay powers up and out, but Ricochet runs Ospreay over! Ospreay kips up and the fans fire up!
Ricochet throws Ospreay down, things are chippy already. Things speed up, Ricochet handsprings but Ospreay gets under. Ricochet runs back in, goes up and springboard arm-drags, but Ospreay handsprings through! Ospreay runs, RANAS, but Ricochet handsprings through! Ricochet ducks, rolls, RANAS, but Ospreay handsprings through! The fans fire up as things keep moving, they both dodge, and they both handspring superhero land! The fans are thunderous seeing the iconic moment between these two recreated before their eyes! Ospreay and Ricochet stare down as they stand back up, and the fans are cheering “A E DUB!” for making this happen.
Ricochet ROCKS Ospreay! Ospreay grins while Ricochet talks trash. Ospreay applauds, then ROCKS Ricochet! Ricochet comes back to ROCK Ospreay, so Ospreay CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Ricochet ducks the next one to CHOP! Ricochet runs, and he catches Ospreay for a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Ospreay bails out, and Ricochet builds speed. Ricochet DIVES and sends Ospreay hard into railing! Ricochet drags Ospreay up, to CHOP! Ricochet follows Ospreay around the way, fires more forearms, then whips. Ospreay leaps up onto the railing! Ospreay has to hop down, but he turns around to ROCK Ricochet!
Ospreay then goes back up but Ricochet joins him! SUPER STEINER to the floor! The fans lose their minds all over again, and Ricochet storms over to Ospreay. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, slingshot SENTONS, then paces while Ospreay sputters. Ricochet KICKS Ospreay on the back, the fans rally and duel, and Ricochet drags Ospreay up. Ricochet CHOPS, and he puts Ospreay in a corner. Ricochet whips corner to corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Ricochet CHOPS back! Ricochet whips, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! The fans cheer on “BOTH THESE GUYS!” while they’re both down.
Ospreay goes to the apron, the fans fire up, and they join in on “OI! OI! OI!” Ospreay then springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is tougher than that, but Ospreay stays cool. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, reels him in, but Ricochet fights the lift! The fans rally, and they sing for “Ospreay~, Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” Ospreay gives a Kawada Kick, then a CHOP! Ricochet falls over, but hurries back up. Ospreay calls his shot, but Ricochet reels him in. Ricochet back suplexes but Ospreay lands out! Ricochet ducks a kick, Ospreay ducks a kick, Ricochet ducks a lariat to wrench and LARIAT! Ricochet runs to LARIAT again! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Ricochet keeps moving, but Ospreay rolls through the lariat! Ricochet slips free of the lift! Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then runs, but into a TIGER WALL KICK! ENZIGIRI! Ospreay keeps moving, Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! And LOW KICSK! SOBAT! Ricochet runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Both men rise, but Ospreay is up first. Ospreay calls his shot, but Ricochet SHOVES him to the apron! Ricochet then hurries to join Ospreay, and runs up, but Ospreay blocks a boot! Ospreay CHOPS and the fans fire up!
Ospreay underhooks?! Ricochet grabs the ropes to fight the lift, then shoves free. GAMANGIRI! Ospreay BOOTS! Ospreay runs up, but into a pop-up and fireman’s carry! Ospreay fights free, then HOOK KICKS! Ospreay goes up the corner, APRON OSCUTTER!! Both men fall to the floor and Pittsburgh is thunderous as we go picture in picture!
The ref checks both men and somehow they’re both okay to continue. Ospreay and Ricochet are down as a ring count starts, but Ospreay turns over. Ospreay rises, he drags himself into the ring, but Ricochet is still down at 7 of 10! Ricochet hurries and slides in at 9! Only for Ospreay to MISSILE DROPKICK him! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives, but Ospreay calls his shot again! Ospreay goes to ropes, only for Ricochet to fall over! Ospreay stops, and grins as he walks over to Ricochet. Ospreay looms over Ricochet while he tells him to get up. Ricochet slowly sits up, Ospreay eggs him on, and Ricochet sits up.
Ospreay pats Ricochet on the head, before he DECKS him! The ref checks Ricochet while Ospreay soaks up the cheers and jeers. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, Ricochet staggers to a corner, and Ospreay CHOPS! Ricochet sputters and staggers, but Ospreay stays close. Ospreay storms up but Ricochet CHOPS him! Ospreay eggs Ricochet on, so Ricochet CHOPS! And CHOPS! That one stung! So Ospreay DECKS Ricochet! Ospreay stalks Ricochet to a corner, puts him up top, and climbs. But Ricochet slips under to trip Ospreay up! Ospreay hits buckles, and Ricochet ROCKS him with a forearm!
Ricochet puts Ospreay up top now, and CHOPS! Ricochet climbs to the very top, and he brings Ospreay up. Ospreay fires headbutts and then SHOVES Ricochet over! Ricochet falls to the apron, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Ospreay brings Ricochet back up, but Ricochet hits back. Ricochet climbs, the two brawl up top, and Ricochet ROCKS Ospreay again and again! Ricochet adjusts, to SUPER DUPER STEINER! But Ospreay lands on his feet!! The fans are thunderous, and Ricochet cannot believe it! Ricochet runs past Ospreay, to steal OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives his own move and the fans fire up!
Ricochet drags Ospreay to a drop zone, then goes back to the corner. Ospreay anchors Ricochet’s leg, Ricochet kicks free, but Ospreay flips him off! So Ricochet BUZZSAWS! Ricochet goes up, takes aim, and 63- NO, he has to roll through as Ospreay moves! Ospreay runs up, HIDDEN- NO, Ricochet catches him into a Gory Especial! Backslide BOMB! And then a lift and PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and Ricochet cannot believe it! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is the beginning of the night! Ricochet drags Ospreay up, dragon sleepers, but Ospreay fires knees!
Ospreay is free, but Ricochet HEEL KICKS! Ricochet NORTHERN LIGHTS, rolls through and deadlifts, but into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ricochet wobbles, Ospreay runs up, HIDDEN- RANA!! But Ospreay rolls through to lift and STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives, he’s faced the Phenomenal One enough to know that move! But Ospreay hits an OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives again and the fans are thunderous! Both men rise, and Ospreay takes off the elbow pad! The fans fire up more, and Ospreay aims… HIDDEN- NO, Ricochet ducks to STEAL HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay is down, Ricochet goes up!
Ricochet aims to SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Ricochet aims, and runs to AX KICK!! Ospreay gets spiked but Ricochet isn’t done! VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to POISON-RANA!! But Ricochet is right up!? And he POISON-RANAS Ospreay!! But Ospreay is up to HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, but the ref hesitates as Ricochet also has an arm on Ospreay! DOUBLE cover, DOUBLE THREE?!? The fans boo, they don’t know what to make of this! The ref talks with Justin Roberts, and the decision comes in.
Justin Roberts lets us know that with both men pinned on the mat, this is ruled a DRAW.
Double Pinfall Draw; Ospreay retains the title
But even Ospreay and Ricochet don’t like that! They want to go again, and the fans even chant “FIVE MORE MINUTES!” The ref says sure, and even Tony Khan calls in to say let’s do it! The match is back on, let’s see who’s really the One & Only!
The two run up and fire forearms fast ‘n’ furious! The fans are thunderous as neither man is backing down! They are slowing down, though. Ospreay wobbles, but he fires back up to ROCK Ricochet! Ricochet comes back, both men BOOT! And BOOT! Ospreay blocks a kick, Ricochet blocks a kick, and DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES connect! Both men stagger, both men roar, HIDDEN BLADE from Ospreay!! BUT KONOSUKE ATTACKS OSPREAY?!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by disqualification (still AEW International Champion)
The fans boo more as The Alpha ruins all the fun! What happened to the Don Callis Family leaving? But now Konosuke aims, POWER DRIVE KNEE into Ospreay!! And then Konosuke aims at Ricochet, ALPHA ELBOW!! Then, RAGING FIRE!! The fans boo as Konosuke leaves Ospreay and Ricochet down and out, and then snatches the International Championship! Konosuke stands with that belt over both Ospreay and Ricochet while fans tell him off. Will Konosuke look to bring this gold back to The Family himself?
Mercedes Mone speaks.
The AEW TBS & NJPW Strong Women’s Champion is with her Brickhouse, Kamille, as well as Renee Paquette. Renee holds the mic so Mone can hold both her titles while saying, “Pittsbuuuuuuurgh~! Please say hello to your C E O.” Renee says tonight, we celebrate five years- Yes, and what a beautiful five years! Mone is so blessed to have played even just a small part of AEW Dynamite history. That is why she has put together a very special video package of Dynamite’s best moments. “Hit it, Money Mike.”
The video is played up, and if you can’t guess, it is all Mone’s moments in AEW. Her debut at Big Business in Boston, her winning the TBS Championship, and just winning in general. Mone smiles and asks if that was an amazing video. AEW’s best moments are all about her, because AEW is where the money resides, and AEW’s future is so bright, because Mone Changes Everything. And MVP steps in to say yes it does! He loves Big Business. Please, take his card, maybe they can talk. MVP heads out, will The CEO consider his offer?
Backstage interview with Austin & Colten Gunn.
Renee is now with The Gunns and brings up Juice Robinson facing Hangman Page 1v1 tonight. It was just last week, Grand Slam Collision, that Hangman tried to literally hang Juice. What can we expect tonight? Austin says Renee, and better yet, Pittsburgh, tonight, the Juice is loose! And- HANGMAN CLOBBERS AUSTIN FROM BEHIND! And then he brawls with Colten! Hangman sends Colten through a door, and then storms off. The Black Hat has left the Collision Cowboys writhing, will he cross off Juice later tonight?
“Big Bill” Morrissey is in the ring.
The Redwood has a mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, five years of AEW Dynamite!” The fans cheer that, but Bill wants us to remember. “As The Learning Tree always says, it is not about the destination, it is about who we become as people along the way.” Uh, sure… Bill says we can all agree that over the past 1,825 days, we have all become better people, all thanks to one man: The Learning Tree, Chris Jericho! The fans boo as Jericho makes his entrance, “The Bad Apple” Bryan Keith right behind him. They go to the ring, Jericho waves and says, “Hi, guys~! Congratulations on five years of Dynamite.
“And congratulations to the brand new television deal that AEW just signed. We made a lot of experts look like real idiots, hahahaha.” The fans cheer that at least. But there wouldn’t even be a new TV deal, or an AEW, if not for Chris Jericho, so you can thank him for that. The fans boo again but Keith wants a “Thank You, Chris!” chant. Say it, dammit! The fans do chant, “Thank You, Chris! Thank You, Chris!” Jericho thanks them, and says not only is this the fifth anniversary of Dynamite, but it’s the 34th anniversary of Chris Jericho’s pro-wrestling debut! To think he’s gone from Alberta, Canada to right here in Philade- Oops.
Jericho corrects himself, it’s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. But to also be an eight-time world champion is an unbelievable feeling. Right now, at Jericho’s stage in his career, he wasn’t quite as focused on winning titles as he is on nurturing The Branches, such as The Redwood and Bad Apple, and bringing as many young talents into the Jericho Vortex as possible, and of course getting as much TV time as he can. But over the past few weeks, Jericho had an epiphany. First, he headlined a sold out Arena Mexico, then he beat Mark Briscoe. So now, it is time Jericho brings a new Era of Jericho. No more Ocho, time for the Nueve!
So Mark Briscoe, Jericho is challenging you for the ROH World Championship, at WRESTLEDREAM! The fans are torn on that idea but Jericho asks if Mark accepts. Does he? Mark Briscoe makes his entrance! Flanked by The Conglomeration, The Sussex County Chicken makes his way down to the ring. Mark steps into the ring, grabs himself a mic, and he tells his boys to stand down, this is between him and Jericho. Jericho has his guys do the same, so it is just them in the ring. Mark tells Jericho that Papa Briscoe brought his sons up to behave like men. And to be a man is to not make excuses.
Mark could stand here and make excuses about how he had Jericho beat in New York City. Jericho was toast! He was fried chicken! The only way Jericho won on the ROH World Champion is because Big Bill snuck up on Mark, guzel’d him around the throat, and choke slammed him through a table so Jericho could roll his limp ass onto Mark. The fans cheer that! Mark says he could say that, but he won’t use the excuse because it was Tornado Tag rules. The choke slam was as legal as a wristlock. Jericho pinned Mark in New York, 1-2-3, in the middle of that ring. And y’know what else? Behaving like a man entails that you call it like it is. Call a spade a spade.
And here we are on Jericho’s 34th anniversary, so Mark will call Jericho what he is: Chris BAH GAWD Jericho has, over the past four decades, been one of the most influential and finest pro-wrestlers on the planet. Fans do cheer that. And Mark will tell you, that works out good for him that Jericho pinned him. Logically speaking, Jericho should get the title match. Because Mark would love to put that notch in his belt, if you know what he means! See, it is also very coincidental that the word of the day is, “consequential.” Because consequentially speaking, now Mark will get to put a legendary head on his wall! Because when Mark beats Jericho at WrestleDream-
Whoa, whoa, hold on. That is a tall task. Mark wants to beat the Learning Tree? He wants to beat the legendary Chris Jericho? He doesn’t think Mark can. Mark can’t beat Jericho! Maybe Jay could have. The fans don’t like Jericho going there. “But everybody knows… You’ll never be as good as Jay was.” The fans boo more, and Mark UPPERCUTS Jericho! The fans fire up now, but Jericho has Bill & Keith stay back. Mark tells Jericho if he wants to go there, he better get his brother’s name out of his mouth. At WrestleDream, Jericho gets a Briscoe style ass whooping! Mark accepts the challenge, and THAT is consequential!
The fans fire up as in just 10 days, we see Mark Briscoe VS Chris Jericho 1v1! Will The Sussex County Chicken not just cut down The Learning Tree, but burn it to ashes?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
With Briscoe VS Jericho set, there will also be further redemption for The Conglomeration after last week’s Collision. Orange Cassidy & Kyle O’Reilly take on Big Bill & Bryan Keith 2v2! Will Freshly Squeezed & The Violent Artist cut down The Branches before worrying about The Learning Tree?
Darby Allin speaks.
The Relentless One sits among junked cars, and he says, “I was 19 years old, I used to ride this metro bus, The 150, from Kent Station to Seattle. I used to ride it all the time, just daydreaming. This one night, I was in the back of the bus, and I felt something hit my head. And I turned around and I saw these three guys laughing at me. And it just donned on me that they were taking turns spitting at me. And I turned around and I just tried to mind my own business. There was three of them and one of me. And it was killing me inside that I wasn’t doing anything about it. And then I felt it again.
“And finally, I just turned around, and I got right up in the guy’s face, and he said, ‘What’re you gonna do about it, ya little b*tch?’ And I noticed he was holding up this switchblade. And I looked at him and I said, ‘Well, it looks like I’m getting stabbed tonight.’ I lunged toward him, and it didn’t take long for everybody on the bus to break up the fight. But it felt so good. It felt so good to actually do something about it. Weeks ago, when Jon Moxley said I wasn’t ready to be the face of AEW, all I could see is those three guys in the back of the bus. I wasn’t just gonna lay down and do nothing. I would rather get stabbed.
“You live by the sword, you die by the sword. I put everything on the line against Moxley, I was so fixated on proving him wrong. That night, it was supposed to be me and Bryan going on to WrestleDream. I keep saying that I’m ready to be the face of company, and I think people are starting to lose faith in me. The scary part about it is, I’m starting to lose faith in myself. But what else am I supposed to do? What else can I do except fight? I am going to be at Tacoma Dome, October 12th, at WrestleDream. Anybody in the AEW locker room, I’m putting out an Open Challenge. Anybody wants to build their name off of Darby Allin, step right up.”
Darby smashes a brick against a car, and he shouts he has nothing left to lose! October 12th, WrestleDream, Open Challenge. Step up. Darby is feeling desperate, but will that desperation be what he needs to reach that next level?
AEW shares news about Taz.
Earlier today, as the former Suplex Machine made his arrival, he was assaulted by unknown assailants in the parking lot. Taz was checked out by medics, referred back to his physician in New York, so he is returning home at this time. AEW wishes Taz a speedy recovery, and hopes to find out who attacked him and why.
Hangman Page VS Juice Robinson!
Speaking of new levels, the anger and rage has been increasing for this Black Hat Cowboy, and it doesn’t look to be stopping. Hangman won the Lumberjack Strap Match, then went after Rock Hard Robinson for the lashes he delivered. Will Hangman ever stop lashing out against the AEW roster? Or will Juice have to beat him to a pulp first?
Well speaking of, Hangman rushes Juice during his entrance! They brawl on the ramp, up to the stage, and then Hangman CLUBS Juice down. Hangman roars, the fans are torn, but Juice knees Hangman low! Juice snapmares and KICKS Hangman, then brings out a strap! Juice LASHES Hangman with it! Hangman writhes and Juice grins as he storms back up. Hangman slips down off the stage, but Juice LEAPS, into a body shot! Hangman tells the ref to shut up, and he LASHES Juice now! Hangman stalks Juice around the back to LASH him again! Hangman tosses the strap to the fans, free souvenir!
Hangman grabs railing and brings it over to SLAM onto Juice! Hangman stomps Juice, and fans fire up for “COWBOY SH*T!” Hangman grabs more railing, pulls it aside, and he SMACKS Juice off the chairs! Hangman grabs a table and brings it over! The fans fire up as Hangman sets the table up. Hangman kicks Juice, hauls him up, but Juice fights and BACKDROPS Hangman to the floor! The fans fire up for “JUICE! JUICE! JUICE!” as he stalks Hangman up the bleachers! They brawl in the stands, and Juice HEADBUTTS Hangman! Hangman fires back with haymakers! Hangman and Juice keep going up higher, and Hangman tells the ref to leave them alone!
Juice borrows a drink form a fan to SPLASH Hangman with it! Hangman sputters, and Juice HEADBUTTS him! Juice RIPS a “Hangman is FIRE” sign, then ROCKS Hangman. Then Juice borrows a fan’s popcorn to CLOBBER Hangman with it! The fans fire up as things return to ground level, and Hangman goes to ringside. Juice is munching some popcorn now, and then puts Hangman in the ring. The bell finally sounds to make this a match, and Juice takes off his own belt! He says time to hang the Hangman! Juice CHOKES Hangman with the belt, the ref counts, and Juice stops at 4. Hangman gets the belt away, and then he kicks low!
Hangman bumps Juice off buckles, stomps a mudhole, but the ref counts. Hangman lets off, soaks up the cheers and jeers, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Hangman stalks Juice to ropes, CHOPS him, then whips corner to corner. Juice reverses, and he FLAPJACKS Hangman down! Juice then hurries to clinch and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Juice fires up, blows some snot on Hangman, then smiles. Juice then SENTONS! Hangman sputters, but Juice ROCKS him! Juice puts Hangman in a corner, and he rains down fists! Juice goes all the way to TEN, gives thumbs up, then BITES Hangman on the face! The ref reprimands, but Hangman fireman’s carries to RUNNING DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Hangman argues with the ref but the count was fair.
Hangman paces, taunts fans for cheering Juice, and he flips them all off. Hangman drags Juice up, but Juice fires body shots! Juice fires hands, but Hangman knees low! Hangman whips Juice, but Juice reverses, only for Hangman to hurdle and clinch! BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Juice stays in this, Hangman argues the count, but the count is still fair. Juice goes to the apron, Hangman storms out after him, and he drags Juice up. Hangman mocks the pumping for “JUICE!” and then he JABS! And JABS! Juice ends up all stuck int he ropes! Hangman laughs, then he KNEES Juice in the side! And BOOTS him!
Juice flops out of the ropes, and Hangman drags him back up. Hangman hits an APRON DDT! Juice flounders away while Hangman soaks up the heat. Dynamite returns to single picture as Hangman storms up the corner. But Juice trips him up first! The fans rally as Juice climbs, and Juice fires up! Juice goes to the very top, brings Hangman up to join him, and SUPER DUPER PLEXES! Both men writhe while down on the mat and the fans fire up. Juice and Hangman rise, and then run up! Juice LARIATS Hangman, ELBOWS Hangman, then CHOPS Hangman! Juice JABS! JABS! JABS! Then CHOP!
Juice whips corner to corner, Hangman reverses, but Juice comes back to CLOBBER Hangman! The fans fire up, Juice takes aim, and Hangman rises, into JABS, JABS, JABS! Juice says happy five years, LEFT HAND O’ GOD! Hangman sits in the corner, Juice goes corner to corner, CANNONBALLÂ only gets buckles! Hangman drags Juice out to THROW him into railing! The fans rally as Hangman drags Juice up, fireman’s carries, and hits SNAKE EYES off the apron! Hangman refreshes the count, mocks the fans clapping, but the fans still rally up. Hangman runs in, but Juice hits an APRON SPINEBUSTER!
Hangman flounders away while Juice slumps against the apron. Juice sees Hangman, runs up, CANNONBALL through railing!! The fans lose their minds and the ref checks both men. Both men are moving so this match will continue. Juice drags Hangman up and into the ring, climbs a corner, but Hangman rises. Juice CROSSBODIES! But Hangman rolls through! FALL AWAY SLAM into a corner! Juice sputters in a daze while Hangman seethes. Hangman storms over, the fans rally up, and Hangman drags Juice up the corner. Hangman Alabama Lifts Juice, but Juice kicks and sunset flips through! RUNNING POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!!
The fans are torn as Hangman survives, and Juice is beside himself. Juice drags Hangman up, reels him in, JUICE IS- NO, Hangman powers up to Alabama Lift! Juice slips free, waistlocks, Hangman grabs for the ref, but only to MULE KICK LOW BLOW!! The ref misses what matters while Hangman goes to the apron. BUCKSHOT!! Cover, Hangman wins!
Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall
The Black Hat’s wrath grows, as does his propensity for cheating! But speaking of that wrath, he takes off his belt, to CHOKE Juice with it! The fans boo but Hangman drags Juice up, to TOSS him, and HANG him!! Juice flails, but WAIT! Jay White is here?! The Switchblade has been out for months with injury, but where is he? HJe runs in from the crowd! And he CLOBBERS Hangman!! The fans are thunderous as White rains down fists on Hangman! Hangman gets loose then runs away! White makes sure Juice is okay, and Hangman is running through the crowd! White pursues, and he fires hands on Hangman!
The fans fire up as Juice CHOPS Hangman, and CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Juice CLAWS Hangman’s eyes, then has him lined up with the table! White runs up to TACKLE Hangman through the table!! The fans go nuts while White rises from the wreckage! White says that’s what Hangman gets for messing with the Bang Bang Gang! Hangman got past one hated enemy in Swerve, but now one from his past is here! Will White force Hangman to breathe with The Switchblade?
PROGRAMMING NOTE for Dynamite!
Next week will be a very special Title Tuesday edition of Dynamite! Tuesday night will be golden starting 9 PM Eastern, so make sure your DVRs catch it!
Renee Paquette is in the parking lot.
Renee says we continue to celebrate the five year anniversary of Dynamite, and she is waiting on an AEW original, Jack Perry. The Scapegoat bus pulls up, and he steps out. But then Katsuyori Shibata steps in! And with text to voice, Shibata “says,” “You and me, the TNT Championship, WrestleDream.” Perry says he’ll think about it. The Scapegoat leaves, but then he sucker punches Shibata! Then he CLUBS Shibata, RAMS him into the front of the bus, and says, “I accept!” The Scapegoat punks out The Wrestler, but will he come to regret that?
Bryan Danielson speaks.
“All day long, I’ve had one sentence running through my head: F Jon Moxley. But then I realized, Mox, that no matter how bad you want it to be, this isn’t about you. This isn’t your world championship. Hell, this isn’t even MY world championship! This is AEW’s World Championship! FIVE YEARS! FIVE YEARS! And we’ve broken the entire system that wrestling was built on! This is where the best wrestle! And that is why I challenged Okada. Okada, me and you have wrestled twice. You’ve won one and I won one. You’ve broken my arm and fractured my orbital bone, but you have never broken my spirit.
“Tonight, we find out who’s the best! Your title’s only on the line for the first 20 minutes, but every single minute of this match, my title’s on the line, and my career’s on the line! And I wouldn’t want it any other way. AEW, this is for you.” The American Dragon is all fired up, but will he be able to set fire to the Rainmaker?
AEW wants to help the victims of Hurricane Helene.
AEW and Warner Brothers Discovery team up with American Red Cross, Save The Children and The World Central Kitchen. To donate, text “HELENE” to 707070.
Britt Baker VS Serena Deeb!
Steel City is once again #Brittsburgh as The Doctor has come home! But will The DMD get the 1-2-3 tonight? Or will the Professor of Pro-Wrestling bring down an AEW icon?
The bell rings and of course the fans are behind “D M D! D M D!” Britt and Serena circle, tie up, and Serena goes for an arm. Serena wrenches, wristlocks, but Britt spins and wrenches back. Britt wristlocks, Serena rolls, rolls back, then slips around to wrench and wrench and wrangle Britt. Britt fights around, rolls back, but Serena keeps the wristlock. Britt slips under, wrenches, and fireman’s carries for the takeover! Britt drags Serena by her arm, but Serena fights! Britt rolls to have the omoplata, RINGS OF SATURN, but Serena slips free! The fans rally, “Here We Go, Baker, Here We Go!” And then we spot Mariah May watching from the crowd!
Well, Mariah doesn’t look that impressed with Doctor or Professor. Britt and Serena circle again, and tie up. Serena headlocks, then slips around to hammerlock, headlock, and repeat. Serena keeps going around and around, hits the takeover, but Britt headscissors. Serena moves around, but Britt underhooks her. Serena fights the suplex, then trips Britt to have the HALF CARB! Britt endures and the fans rally. Serena sits deep on the hold, but Britt has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Serena lets go, and Serena soaks up the heat. Serena and Britt reset, circle, and Serena waistlocks. Serena headlocks, but Britt powers out.
Serena runs Britt over, taunts her, then keeps moving. Britt drops, then swings, but Serena whips. Britt reverses, sidesteps, and NECKBREAKER DROPS! The fans fire up and Britt storms up on Serena. Britt fires forearms then whips, btu Serena reverses. Now Serena bypasses to CHOP BLOCK! Britt clutches the leg but Serena drags her back up. Serena wrenches to hammerlock, and PEPSI TWIST, right as Dynamite goes picture in picture!
Serena covers, TWO! Britt survives, but Serena smiles as she paces around her. Serena grabs the legs, hooks Britt up, and she grabs at the arms! Serena pulls the arms back, then fishhooks Britt! The ref reprimands and counts, Serena lets off, but then fishhooks Britt again! The ref reprimands, Britt gets her arms free, so Serena STOMPS the legs! Britt writhes while Serena soaks up the heat. Serena pretends she can’t hear the fans, then drags Britt up. Serena UPPERCUTS, whips, and drops down to then CLOBBER Britt! Serena smirks as she stalks Britt to ropes, and brings her up to UPPERCUT! Britt falls back and Serena kicks her around.
Britt hits back from below, but Serena drags her up. Serena hooks Britt up into a COBRA TWIST! Serena digs her elbow into Britt’s side, but Britt endures. Britt CLUBS at Serena’s leg, fights around, fires body shots, then runs. But Serena ducks, so Britt sunset flips! Serena rolls through, and has the leg for the HALF CRAB! Britt endures all over again! Serena sits deep on the hold, but Britt claws her way to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Serena lets off, and she seethes as she drags Britt back up. Serena UPPERCUTS, but Britt hits back! Serena UPPERCUTS, Britt FOREARMS! They go back and forth, but Britt gets the edge!
Dynamite returns to single picture as Britt winds up to ROCK Serena again and again! Britt runs, Serena follows, but Britt dodges the chop block! SUPERKICK! Britt LARIATS Serena, LARIATS again, and then reels her in to ripcord and ROLLING ELBOW! The fans fire up with Britt, but she still hobbles from the damage to her leg. Britt drags Serena up, but Serena wrenches out, hammerlocks, and PEPSI- NO, Britt dodges to SLINGBLADE! Serena staggers up, Britt storms up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Serena stays in this, but Britt brings out the glove! The fans fire up as she puts it on and spells it out, “D! M! D!”
But then Serena dodges Britt, blocks a boot, and puts one leg in the ropes to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW the other! Serena drags Britt up, reels her in, and POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! But Serena still has the bad leg, STRETCH MUFFLER!! Britt endures, even as Serena pulls on that leg! Britt drags Serena into a cradle, TWO! SUPERKICK! Serena wobbles, Britt ripcords again, but Serena gets around! Serena full nelsons but Britt breaks free! Britt ELBOWS Serena, but Serena shoves her to SNAP GERMAN! Serena roars, the fans boo, but Serena runs into a SUPERKICK! Serena rebounds to LARIAT!
Serena drags Britt back up, reels her in and tucks the arms, but Britt powers up to AIR RAID CRASH! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Mariah still isn’t all that impressed. Britt crawls her way to Serena, covers, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Britt drags Serena into RINGS OF SATURN! But Serena slips free to get the leg! Britt fights the turnover to kick and kick and kick! Britt BOOTS Serena away, then runs up. Britt blocks a boot but Serena uses the British Reel to then KICK Britt! Serena goes out, ROCKS Britt, and climbs the corner! But Britt SLAPS Serena! Britt climbs, gets under Serena, and SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans can’t believe it and neither can Britt! Britt drags Serena by an arm but Serena rolls her up! TWO, and into the RINGS OF SATURN! Serena fights, but LOCKJAW locks in! Serena TAPS, Britt wins!!
Winner: Britt Baker, by submission
Steel City celebrates with Britt, and Mariah is maybe impressed. But then Serena CLOBBERS Britt! The Professor is a sore loser! Now this Mariah likes as Serena pulls that leg! Britt taps but here comes QUEEN AMINATA! She TACKLES Serena and rains down fists! The fans fire up as those two scrap now! Aminata runs Deeb off, then makes sure Britt is alright. Will The One True African Woman make sure Deeb’s Dojo is humbled? As for Mariah, she’s laughing at this, but what will happen should Britt earn her way to a championship opportunity?
Backstage interview with Hook.
Renee is with the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil and asks him about the attack on his dad, Taz. Hook is fuming, and he punches a wall. He says if someone starts s*it with his family, he will find them and take ’em out! Who would be foolish enough to #SendHook into a rage?
Christian Cage speaks.
“Pittsburgh, sit down and shut your mouths while I conduct my business. And the business at hand is the five year anniversary of Dynamite. And if all of you were in awe of everything I’ve accomplished in the first five years, you haven’t seen anything yet. Because I am the Face of TBS now and forever. I am the reigning, defending, undisputed next AEW World Champion. I am the Patriarch, I am your Father Figure. And soon enough, I will have it all, hook, line and sinker.” Captain Charisma has spoken, but will he look to strike during tonight’s main event? Or will he wait to ruin everyone’s WrestleDream?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Renee is now with The Glamour, and says it was quite the “tumultuous” Grand Slam last week for her. Mariah successfully defended the AEW Women’s World Championship against Yuka Sakazaki, only to have Willow Nightingale to come to Yuka’s defense after. And then, the return of Mina Shirakawa was short as she then returned to Japan to team with Toni- Mariah says Willow is the living definition of “Failing up.” How many titles does Willow get to lose? Willow lost the TBS Championship, gets into the Owen Hart Cup. Willow loses the tournament to Mariah, so she gets the CMLL Women’s title.
Willow then loses the CMLL Women’s title, and now she’s best friends with Yuka and just syphons herself a world title shot? Wow! Masterful plan, Willow! That’s shady. Just look at her, smiling all the time, trying to hide how pathetic she really is! But speaking of Willow, she storms in, confronting Mariah on all that trash. Mariah’s the shady b*tch here! These two start arguing, and Mariah says shut up! Mariah SLAPS Willow! Willow SLAPS back! Security rushes in, as does Christopher Daniels, and these two are separated. The Fallen Angel has Mariah taken away and tells Willow to calm down. But will the Babe with the Power take out The Glamour the first chance she gets?
Private Party VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson!
While Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy could not win the AEW World Trios Championships with the help of their amigo, Komander, they’re not going to give up now. A new theme song for a new attitude, will the party start to turn up? Or will they be forced to sip sauce and live hoss with Bulky Bronson & Beefcake Boulder?
The teams sort out, and Zay runs up on Bronson to fire hands! The fans rally, Bronson shoves Zay, but Zay bobs ‘n’ weaves. Zay BOOTS Bronson, DROPKICKS him, and Bronson staggers. Quen joins in to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Bronson falls, but Boulder runs in! Private Party dodges to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Boulder stays up and goes wild! Boulder runs up but Private Party DUMPS him out! Boulder staggers, Quen FLIES! Down goes Boulder at the ramp! Stokely Hathaway is watching this and seems to like what he sees. Bronson reels Zay in, back suplexes, but Zay lands out! Zay ducks ‘n’ dodges, DROPKICKS, and Bronson goes to a corner.
Zay kips up, fires up, and the fans are with him! Zay tags Quen, and then Zay runs up. Bronson BOOTS Zay, then goes up the corner, but Quen runs up! GIN & JUICE!! A supersized serving, Quen covers, Private Party wins!
Winners: Private Party, by pinfall
From the upset win on the very first AEW Dynamite to this shockingly fast win here tonight, Private Party’s new attitude is paying off! Zay gets a mic to get something off his chest. What’s up, Pittsburgh? But at the beginning of this year, these two walked in and said “New Year, New Champs,” and Zay swears to God, they meant every word! He doesn’t care if his hand’s bashed or if his shoulder’s messed up. Quen doesn’t care if his shoulder is just back from injury, Private Party WILL BE AEW World Tag Team Champions! Zay hopes The Young Bucks are listening. Private Party beat them once, and they promise they can do it again!
In fact, Zay is feeling froggy. Is Quen feeling froggy? Quen says yeah, he’s feeling it! They’re ready to jump! Young Bucks, FOOLS, why not do this right here and now?! The fans fire up, and here come the EVPs! Matthew & Nicholas Jackson appear from center stage, and Nick says, “Listen. You can’t have an anniversary show without the two people who built this damn company, your EVPs, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson!” Matt takes the mic to tell Private Party that they seem super confident. Matt has an idea. He heard there is a substantial overrun planned for tonight, so they have time for this particular idea.
How about The Bucks test that confidence? Why not put the tag titles on the line against Private Party, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, IN PITTSBURGH!? The fans love that idea! The Bucks head down the ramp, and Matt wants to make sure there’s still a ref. Oh, wait, no, The Bucks have “limited dates,” so they’re not wasting one on a crap town like Pittsburgh. The fans boo as The Bucks go back up the ramp. The Bucks “thank” everyone, but then Jack Perry attacks Private Party! The fans boo, but n ow it turns into a 3v2 as The Bucks DO get in the ring! But wait! Here comes Shibata! The Wrestler isn’t done with Perry!
The fans fire up as Shibata storms into the ring, but The Elite goes running! Shibata dares Perry to get in, but here comes Christopher Daniels! He says hey, Private Party has been a thorn in the sides of The Bucks since the very beginning of Dynamite, and Daniels for one would love to see Private Party piss The Bucks off. So here’s an idea! SIX MAN TAG: Private Party & Shibata VS The Elite, Friday Night Rampage here in Pittsburgh!! The Elite is pissed, but Daniels’ Interim EVP powers force their hand! Will Shibata be partying with Quen & Zay after they take it to The Elite?
Backstage interview with MVP.
Renee is with Montel Vontavius Porter, officially welcomes him to AEW, and understands he has a big announcement. MVP says yes, he does have an announcement, and what better occasion than the five-year anniversary of Dynamite. He’d like to take this moment to introduce to all of us- Wait, Prince Nana steps in. And he says last week, MVP was talking real spicy about him and Swerve. And another thing! Nana sees a lot of people are walking around here forgetting something. They’re forgetting that Nana used to be a wrestler himself! And yeah, he’ll lace up his boots right here in Pittsburgh just for MVP!
MVP says that sounds like a complaint. MVP doesn’t deal with complaints. But uh, he does. Who? SHELTON BENJAMIN!? MVP formally introduces AEW to his business partner, and the President of the Complaints Department, Mr. Shelton Benjamin. Nana is stunned, and Shelton says nice to meet you. He then takes Nana’s mug and drinks the coffee. Shelton says that’s pretty good. Nana is beside himself, but is he about to step into the ring with the Gold Standard?
AEW World VS AEW Continental Championships: Bryan Danielson VS Kazuchika Okada!
The American Dragon said it himself that he and The Rainmaker are 1-1, and why not make the tiebreaker part of the Dynamite anniversary? But as Bryan also said, this is only a double title match for the first 20 minutes. Can Bryan end this quickly to then bring two titles to Tacoma? Or will Okada wait out that first period to then strike and completely change AEW WrestleDream?
The introductions are made, both belts are raised, and we see who stands tall to end this historic night!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” with literally just one guy going “NO! NO! NO!” Okada and Bryan stare down, then slowly approach. The fans fire up more, and then they back up. The fans get even more fired up, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Okada powers Bryan back a step. Bryan pushes Okada back, the fans duel, and the two go back and forth. Okada powers Bryan to a corner, the ref counts, and Okada lets off slowly. Bryan turns things around, the ref reprimands and counts, and Bryan lets off cleanly. The fans cheer and the two reset.
Bryan and Okada circle again, feel out a knuckle lock, and they tie up. They go shoulder to shoulder, push each other in a “Test of Wills” as Bryan would put it, and Okada slips around to waistlock. Bryan wrenches out, wristlocks, but Okada rolls, trips Bryan, and has a toehold. Bryan goes for the ARMBAR, but Okada blocks. Bryan shifts to a short arm scissor, but Okada fights up. Bryan wrenches, whips, but Okada reverses. Bryan holds ropes to avoid the dropkick, but Okada avoids the buzzsaw! Okada ripcords but Bryan ducks the lariat! Bryan comes back, to arm-drag! But Okada headscissors! Bryan kips free, but now Okada hits a headlock takeover.
Bryan headscissors, Okada kips free, and it’s a standoff! The fans fire up again, but as Bryan steps forward, Okada backs up into ropes. The ref has Bryan stay back, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Bryan waits on Okada, and Okada takes his time leaving the ropes. Okada dares Bryan to try something, but then he backs off to ropes again. The ref reprimands Okada for stalling but Okada says okay, hold on. Okada steps back in, circles with Bryan, only for Okada to again back away to ropes. Bryan is annoyed, but he calls Okada out. Okada steps back in, circles with Bryan, and they tie up. Bryan headlocks, shifts around, hammerlocks, then headlocks. Okada hammerlocks but Bryan drop toeholds. Bryan waistlocks but Okada goes to the ROPEBREAK! Bryan lets off and Okada bails out. Okada claims hair pulling as he paces outside.
Bryan waits, and Okada steps to the apron. But Okada stays back as Bryan steps forward. Bryan does jumping jacks to taunt Okada. Okada steps in, they circle again, and knuckle lock. Okada rolls to wrench and wrangle Bryan, but Bryan slips around to wrench back. Bryan has the arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! Bryan keeps the wristlock but Okada snapmares. Bryan rolls through to hammerlock Okada on the mat. Okada sits up and shifts around, but Bryan wrenches for another ELBOW BREAKER! Bryan wristlocks, but Okada CLUBS, snapmares, and chinlocks. But Bryan slips out to have the hammerlock back, and Dynamite goes to break.
Dynamite returns and the fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” as Bryan waits on Okada. Okada and Bryan circle, feel things out, and they knuckle lock. Okada powers Bryan to the corner, lets off slowly, and then fakes the chop to pat Bryan. Bur then he ROCKS Bryan with sucker punch after sucker punch! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Okada lets off. Okada storms back up, but Bryan puts him on the apron! Bryan HAMMERS away with forearms! The ref counts, Bryan lets off, but Okada slips down. So Bryan WRECKS Okada with a dropkick! Bryan keeps moving, but Okada’s back! FLAPJACK! Okada grins while Bryan writhes.
Okada storms up on Bryan, drags him up, and turns him, for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada stays cool, the tape on Bryan’s neck and shoulders the clear target. Okada drags Bryan up, bumps him off buckles, and then stands him back up. Okada ELBOWS Bryan, ELBOWS him again, and then whips corner to corner. Okada runs up to ELBOW Bryan down! The fans are torn while Bryan clutches his neck. Okada taunts the fans, mocks the “YES!” chant, and then storms up on Bryan. Okada drags Bryan up, ROCKS him, and CLUBS him. Bryan UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and then runs, but Okada scoops!
Bryan kicks and slips tot he apron! Bryan HEADBUTTS Okada again and again, then bumps him off buckles. Bryan climbs, but Okada hurries to CLUB him! Okada goes up, CLUBS away on Bryan, but Bryan fires body shots! Bryan HEADBUTTS Okada down and the fans fire up! Bryan rises, to DIVING HEADBUTTÂ FLOP! Okada grins as he avoids disaster, and he drags Bryan up, into the MONEY CLIP! Okada leans on the hold but Bryan endures. The fans rally, Bryan fight sup, and he arm-drags free! Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges to kick low and DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Okada is annoyed, but he looms over Bryan.
Okada drags Bryan up, scoops him, but Bryan fights the scoop! Okada and Bryan fight for control, and Okada lifts Bryan! But Bryan fights with body shots! So Okada CLAWS Bryan’s face! The ref reprimands, Bryan goes to a corner, and Okada takes his time walking over. Okada brings Bryan around, whips him corner to corner, but Bryan reverses! Bryan runs up, but Okada dodges the elbow! Okada puts Bryan up top to DROPKICK him down! The fans fire up as Bryan tumbles to the floor! Okada goes out, grabs a chair, but just leaves it on the floor before he whips Bryan hard into railing! Okada then brings Bryan back around, to whip into more railing!
The fans rally, Okada refreshes the ring count, and Okada runs up to BOOT Bryan over railing! The fans fire up and duel as Bryan flounders. Okada drags Bryan up, but Bryan whips Okada hard into railing! Bryan refreshes the ring count, and he drags Okada up to whip into more railing! And then DROPKICKS him against them! Bryan hurries to put Okada in, then he climbs up! MISSILE DROPKICK! Okada tumbles all the way out of the ring! The fans fire up and Bryan builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Okada! The fans fire up as Bryan huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Okada back into the ring.
Bryan hurries up the corner again, and he BLINDSIDE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Bryan kips up, the fans fire up, but we’re at 15 minutes! Bryan KICKS Okada, KICKS again, and again! And again! And again! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan winds up, but Okada ducks the buzzsaw to roll Bryan, TWO! Bryan has the arm! Omoplata, LEBELL- NO, Okada tilts to a cover, TWO! Bryan has a cradle, TWO! Bryan UPPERCUTS Okada, but Okada UPPERCUTS back! The UPPERCUTS go back and forth, and the two stare down. The fans fire up more, and Bryan fires SLAP after SLAP! Okada fires those palm strikes back!
The fans fire up as the SLAPS keep going! Bryan whips, Okada reverses, but Bryan goes up and up and over! Bryan keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Okada’s DROPKICK hits first! The fans fire up again, and Okada brings Bryan up! Scoop and SLAM into a drop zone! Okada climbs, standard formula says MACHO ELBOW! Okada then winds up, for the MIDDLE FINGER! Okada grins, drags Bryan up, and ripcords for the RAIN- NO, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! TRIANGLE HOLD! Okada fights around, Bryan fires in elbows! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan shifts Okada around into the LEBELL LOCK!! Okada endures, fights, and we’re at the 19 minute mark!
Okada flails, reaches out, he just has to last 60 seconds to keep his title! But Bryan shifts, he steps over, JIM BREAKS SPECIAL!! A shoutout to Zack Sabre Jr! Okada flails, kicks, ROPEBREAK!! Bryan lets go, but he aims, BUSAIKU KNEE!! But Okada flops out of the ring!! The 20 minute mark is passed, Okada’s title is safe!
20 minutes elapsed, Okada retains the AEW Continental Championship
The fans boo but only Okada’s title is safe. Bryan sees Okada slide into the ring, but then Okada bails out! Bryan just SPRINGBOARD CANNONBALLS out onto Okada! Bryan wants to beat Okada, so he whips Okada into railing! And runs up, but into a scoop! TOMBSTONEÂ onto the chair!! Okada played the long game on that one, and the ref reprimands while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Bryan, and Okada grins as he leaves Bryan behind. Okada refreshes the count, drags Bryan back up and into the ring, then brings him out along the apron! DRAPING DDTÂ to the floor! The ref reprimands but Okada mocks the “YES! YES! YES!” Okada tells the ref to leave Bryan alone and start the count. Okada grins as the count does start, but Bryan already stirs at 3 of 10. Bryan drags himself up while the fans rally behind him, only for Bryan to flop over at 7! Bryan springs up at 9 and rolls in at 9.5! But Okada is on him with an Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Okada is frustrated!
Okada looms over Bryan, and gives him a mocking kick. And another. And another! Bryan huffs ‘n’ puffs as Okada kicks him around. Bryan rises to fire a forearm, but there wasn’t much behind it. Okada stands Bryan up to DECK him! Okada puts Bryan in a corner, puts him up top, and ROCKS him again! Okada climbs, brings Bryan up, and goes to the very top! But Bryan slips under to trip Okada up! Bryan then climbs up behind Okada, brings him to the top, and hits a SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! Dynamite returns to single picture right as they crash land! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!
The ref starts a standing count, “This is Awesome!” as both men stir. Bryan and Okada go to opposite corners, and then Okada runs in. Bryan dodges to then CHOP! And KICK! And CHOP! And KICK! “WOO~! YES!” Bryan then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, and runs. Okada follows to ELBOW Bryan in the corner! Okada runs but Bryan follows, to DROPKICK! Bryan runs, comes back, but Okada scoops! Bryan slips free, waistlocks, but Okada fights the lift! Okada has the ropes, but Bryan KICKS the arm! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada rises to SHOTGUN Bryan! Bryan is up, he feints a left buzzsaw to BUZZSAW with the right!
Okada sputters from the switch hit, and Bryan aims from a corner! BU- DROPKICK! Okada drags Bryan up, ripcords, but Bryan BOOTS Okada! And KICKS! And KICKS! “YES! YES! YES!” But Okada ROCKS Bryan! Bryan KICKS, Okada ROCKS, and both men wobbles. Bryan pushes Okada down, for DRAGON STOMPS! The fans fire up, “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan lets off and he goes to the corner to join in on “YES! YES! YES!” Okada sputters, rises, and Bryan BUSAIKU- NO, Okada gets around! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! But Okada falls away from Bryan, he can’t make the cover!! A standing count starts and the fans rally up.
Bryan stirs at 4 of 10, as does Okada. Okada grabs at ropes but sits up on his own at 6. Bryan and Okada crawl to each other at 7, so the count stops. The fans fire up as these two are forehead to forehead, and then Okada fires the first forearm! Bryan hits back! Okada hits again! Bryan hits again! They keep going back and forth, “YES! NO! YES! NO!” The two stand, the forearms keep going, and Okada ROCKS Bryan! Bryan drops to a knee, but Okada brings him up to ROCK him again, and again! Okada eggs Bryan on, and Bryan is powering up again! Bryan stands, and he fires forearms and pie faces on Okada! Then a ROLLING ELBOW!
Okada wobbles, but he BOOTS back! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bryan lands out! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Okada rebounds to steal BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives his own move but Okada drags him right up! Ripcord, but Bryan ducks! Bryan ripcords to steal RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives his own move and the fans are thunderous! Bryan drags Okada around, hooks him up, and rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Okada shakes his head?! Bryan just HAMMERS him more, but Okada blocks one! Okada fights to fireman’s carry, and LANDSLIDE!! But Okada won’t end it there!?!
Okada drags Bryan up, and short arm LARIATS! Wait, the fans are noticing something. The BCC is creeping in from the crowd! Claudio on one side, and Okada short arm LARIATS Bryan again! Okada roars, but he sees Claudio, too. And then Pac is on the other side of the crowd! Okada drags Bryan up, ripcords again, but Bryan ducks! Backslide, BRYAN WINS!!!
Winner: Bryan Danielson, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion)
The fans are thunderous, but Claudio just smiles. But then Okada ripcords to RAINAMKER!! Okada is a sore loser, and he flips off Claudio, and he flips off Pac! He blames them for distracting him just enough, and now he storms off with his Continental Championship. But wait, Claudio & Pac slither into the ring! The Swiss Superman & The Bastard drag Bryan to his feet, because here comes Moxley! Bryan tries to fight free but Pac & Claudio hold on tight. Moxley has a mic to say, “You think this is about me? Huh? Is that what you said? You think any of this is about me?! Let’s get something through your simple minded, blueberry pickin’ little brain!
“NONE OF THIS is about me! NONE OF THIS is what I wanted. I’m fighting for something much bigger than myself. Everything I’m gonna do is cuz I have to, cuz no one else will, no one else can. If any of this was about me, I’d have put you outta your misery years ago!” Moxley drops the mic, paces around, but here comes Yuta! Yuta runs off the entire BCC, with a hammer in his hand! The fans are fired up for Yuta as he dares someone to step in! So Moxley steps back in! Moxley and Yuta stare down, but is Yuta gonna take a hammer to Moxley? Yuta paces, gets fired up again, and dares Moxley to swing on him first!
Moxley doesn’t, so Bryan CLOBBERS Moxley! Claudio goes after Yuta, grabs the hammer, and Marina Shafir gets Moxley outta there while Claudio and Pac brawl with Bryan and Yuta! Yuta & Bryan turn the tables, and Claudio bails! Pac follows kind, and the fans fire up again! Yuta grabs a mic to tell Claudio & Pac, “I am sick and tired of the two of you treating me like a child. I’m not a child, I am my own man! I can make my own decisions, and I can fight my own fights. And speaking of fights, next week, Title Tuesday, if the two of you wanna get to Bryan Danielson, you’re gonna have to go through me, too.”
The fans fire up as Yuta drops the mic, but Bryan picks it up. Bryan says next week, Title Tuesday, Bryan & Yuta VS Claudio & Pac, what does everyone say? The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” and Tony Khan sends word that YES, it will happen! Will Bryan stand tall just days before WrestleDream? Or will the faction he helped create be his undoing?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Dynamite for not just to commemorate five YEARS of AEW, but to also hype up WrestleDream more. Though, the direction of a few stories are a little odd to me. It’s mostly the Don Callis Family story, as I thought Konosuke Takeshita was heading for the Continental Championship. But after an awesome match of Ospreay VS Ricochet, where we got all the hits, Konosuke has to “ruin” it all by going after Ospreay. I suppose Ospreay VS Konosuke was an inevitable match so why not do it, and it could be what makes Kyle Fletcher choose between Ospreay and Callis. Hopefully, he chooses Ospreay, but I suppose that depends on who is even Don Callis Family. Maybe Hobbs returns?
Speaking of returns, Jay White’s return was of course happening here, what with Hangman beating up the Gunns and then beating Juice. Great brawl that went up into the crowd and great match, but Hangman of course cheats to win. Great return for Jay White, but uh, what was the point of Darby Allin mentioning a switchblade in his story and Nigel having a line about a knife fight? Something about that felt like Jay White foreshadowing for Darby VS White, but now I’m thinking it’s Hangman VS White, and Darby is open to face just about anyone for WrestleDream. Not sure who it’ll be, but I’m sure it’ll be someone great.
Great match from Britt VS Serena, great win for Britt to get back in action again, but it was curious that Mariah was out there at all. If that’s foreshadowing that Britt will get back to the world title, a bit heavy handed and early for it. Mariah still has Willow, which we got a great promo out of the two of them, and then there’s also Mina Shirakawa. I suppose Britt can be thrown in to further stretch out this story of Mariah and Mina, so that there is more and more evidence of Mariah going down a dark path and Mina unable to tolerate that. But honestly, with how badly AEW has paced women’s division stories before, I kinda want Mariah VS Mina to happen sooner rather than later.
Very good promo from Mone with MVP, it feels like the “Hurt Syndicate” is going to expand into more than just the men’s division, something WWE really should’ve tried with the Hurt Business. Maybe The Elite should think to counter offer so that Mone is their female member, and that could be a fun story. Shelton Benjamin debuting in AEW is great, but I also love that Nana brought up his wrestling career in WCW given a classic image of Prince Nana has been circulating online. Though, I don’t see Nana facing Shelton. But hey, Hurt Syndicate picking on Nana would definitely motivate Swerve to accelerate his return, and Swerve VS Shelton could make a great WrestleDream match.
The return of TV Time with Chris Jericho was good stuff, because for one, Jericho took a jab at Eric Bischoff over Bischoff claiming the coming AEW WBD TV deal was BS. But also, it wasn’t just Jericho rambling on, he got to business calling out Mark Briscoe, and Mark Briscoe responded. I did not think Jericho was gonna bring up Jay Briscoe like that, but that does immediately add heat to this. I really hope Briscoe whoops Jericho, we do not need “The Nueve” nor do we need the return of “Ring of Jericho.” Plus, something needs to happen where Big Bill screws up, Jericho gets pissed, there’s the falling out they teased weeks ago.
Very good promo from Christian Cage just to keep his cash-in on our minds. I feel like something has to again go screwy so that Christian can’t snipe the title from Bryan or Moxley, especially with this story with Kip Sabian still needing to be settled. And we’re getting quite a curious story for Hook. They have Taz get off-camera beat up, because trust me, that’s not a shoot, that’s kayfabe. They wouldn’t even have Hook on camera tonight if it was legit. But I feel like the culprit is either The Kingdom showing their true colors over that loss to Hook, or someone they want to move up into a bigger spotlight.
Good promo from Perry and Shibata to officially set up their TNT Championship match, and good stuff building a tag title match. Private Party having a new theme song to go with new attitude and new gear, all good stuff, but I did not think they’d beat The Iron Savages so quickly. Good promo for Private Party to call out The Bucks, and great little brawl to give us a Six Man Tag. I feel like someone on Private Party is taking that pin, and we’ve still got go-home week to see who stands tall before WrestleDream. Shibata is great but I feel like Perry finds a way to “survive” like he did with Suzuki. As for Private Party, I would love for them to win, but The Bucks probably pull something sneaky to cheat them.
And then great bookending of the night with this Blackpool Combat Club story. Great opening promo though I wish they had subs for Marina’s part. We got a great promo from Bryan to not just hype up tonight and the PPV but also to sum up the five years of Dynamite. And of course, an awesome match from Bryan VS Okada, even if it seemed a bit odd to have two titles on the line while keeping their separate rules intact. I just knew when this was announced that it’d go past 20 minutes so Okada’s title would be safe, and then Bryan would find a way to win. That’s what happened, but it was still awesome, and now Bryan leads the series 2-1.
However, I should’ve figured BCC would make a move on Bryan after. Great promo from Moxley to further tease what’s going on with this change in him. Yuta showing up to run BCC off and stand with Bryan was great, too, and their tag match for Title Tuesday next week will be good stuff. I would think that Yuta takes the pin, though, so that Claudio & Pac can call him the weak link and we’ll get into a scenario where the Trios Championships are on the line, Pac & Claudio having to find a new third man while Yuta has to go and find two partners, and we’ll get a really good match there.
My Score: 9.1/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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