Fight the cold by fighting for gold!

Best friends no longer, Mina Shirakawa wants to take the AEW Women’s World Championship from Mariah May, and break her heart like Mariah broke hers! Who will truly be the ice queen of AEW?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jon Moxley & PAC w/ The Death Riders VS Orange Cassidy & Jay White; Moxley & Pac win, by disqualification.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins.
• Dynamite Diamond Ring #1 Contender’s Match: Adam Cole VS Kyle O’Reilly; Cole wins and will face MJF at Worlds End.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
• AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May VS Mina Shirakawa; Mariah wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 3-0, 9 points
Shelton Benjamin: 1-1, 3 points
Kazuchika Okada: 1-1-1, 4 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
Mark Briscoe: 1-1, 3 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

Claudio Castagnoli: 2-0, 6 points
Brody King: 1-1, 3 points
Will Ospreay: 1-0, 3 points
Ricochet: 1-1, 3 points
Darby Allin: 1-1, 3 points
Komander: 0-2, 0 points

Jon Moxley & PAC w/ The Death Riders VS Orange Cassidy & Jay White!

It was last Saturday that the AEW World Champion and his band of rogues almost poisoned Freshly Squeezed, if not for FTR saving him. And it was last Wednesday that Pac & Wheeler Yuta almost got one over on The Switchblade, if not for Jay White’s top tier toughness. But will tonight be the night The Maniac & The Bastard destroy their enemies once and for all? Or will unlikely allies be able to win another battle in this war for AEW’s soul?

The teams sort out and while fans cheer on Cassidy, White works to convince him that White should start. Cassidy isn’t so sure, but then he warns White! White turns around and he DECKS Pac first! Moxley runs up but Cassidy SHOTGUNS him down! The fans fire up as Cassidy kips up and DIVES onto Pac! White slides out to SMACK Moxley off the desk! White fires hands, SMACKS him off the desk again, then CHOPS! Cassidy sends Pac into railing, the fans fire up more, and Cassidy ROCKS Pac! White CHOPS Mox, then RAMS him into the apron! Pac is sent into more railing! Moxley is sent into railing!

The fans fire up but Pac whips, only for Cassidy to reverse! Pac hits more railing! Fans on the other side count along as White rains down fists on Moxley’s head! White stops at nine so he can BITE Moxley’s head! The fans fire up and Cassidy DECKS Pac! White CLAWS Moxley’s back, and Cassidy CLUBS Pac. Pac and Moxley stumble into each other, so White and Cassidy trade! White sends Pac into railing while Cassidy does the same with Moxley! The fans fire up more, and now Cassidy climbs up so he can rain down fists! The fans count along, and Cassidy is almost about to fall as he reaches nine! Cassidy uses that to his advantage, and he runs back up to BOOT Moxley!

White SMACKS Pac off the desk! Fans high-five Cassidy but Moxley turns things around! Moxley fires knees, then he sends Cassidy into steel steps! White gives Pac more SMACKS off the desk, then puts him in the ring. The ref has White hold on, and finally the bell rings! White then JABS, wrenches, and scoops Pac for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, Moxley breaks it! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Moxley steps back. Moxley tags in, he gets in White’s face and he ROCKS White with a forearm! White goes to a corner, Moxley storms up on him, but Moxley blocks a boot! So White kicks a leg! White fires hands and the fans fire up!

White CHOPS, but Moxley CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” as the CHOPS keep going! White CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Moxley snarls but White gives him more CHOPS! White CHOPS in the corner, then whips corner to corner. White runs up but Moxley ELBOWS him! Moxley storms up, but into a clinch! Moxley powers out, runs up again, but into a BOOT! Cassidy tags in and he runs to DROPKICK Pac! Cassidy then puts Moxley in the corner to fire off hands! Moxley shoves Cassidy, Pac sneaks a tag, and Moxley avoids an Orange Punch! Cassidy runs but Pac BOOTS him down! Pac kicks Cassidy out, then distracts the ref so Moxley can DESK BACK SUPLEX!

Cassidy slumps to the floor, Pac goes out to stomp away! White protests but this only lets Pac stomp Cassidy more! The ref reprimands Moxley & Pac but Moxley puts Cassidy back in. Pac stalks Cassidy, then stomps him down! Pac taunts White, goes back to Cassidy, and Pac snapmares Cassidy to the ropes. Pac stomps Cassidy right on the face! The fans boo but Pac stomps Cassidy again, then digs his boots into Cassidy’s face! The ref counts, and we get a glimpse of The Patriarchy up in a skybox! Captain Charisma is clearly in no rush to cash in his Casino Gauntlet contract, or else he’d be much closer to the action.

The fans boo as we see Christian Cage on the tron, but in the ring, Pac tags Moxley. Pac & Moxley drag Cassidy up to mug him, and Moxley CLAWS at Cassidy’s face! The ref counts, Moxley stops at 4, and fans boo more. Moxley kicks and stomps Cassidy, then talks trash, but Cassidy springs up to SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while both men stagger around! Moxley and Cassidy reach for their corners, hot tags to Pac and White! The Switchblade rallies on The Death Riders! Then he dodges Pac to BACKDROP him! The fans fire up with White, there are many Gold Members in Kansas City, Missouri!

White runs at Pac in a corner, and UPPERCUTS! White then CHOPS, whips, but Pac reverses. White comes back to wrench and DDT! Moxley runs in, but into a wrench and DDT! Moxley staggers, White tells Mox that he has his number! White runs up on Pac in the corner, but Pac BOOTS White down! Death Riders have turned the tides while Dynamite goes picture in picture,

Pac drags White up, TOSSES him out, and then he tags Moxley. Moxley goes after White and brings him around to crotch him on the railing! Moxley then runs up to BOOT White over! Moxley flips off Kansas City because clearly they boo him, and then he goes out after White in the crowd. White fights back! They brawl out there, but Moxley ROCKS and TOSSES White back to ringside. Moxley puts White in the ring, storms up on him, and paces around. Moxley stomps White’s hand, then tags Pac. They mug White, then Pac riles up the fans. Pac stomps White around, taunts the fans, but the fans rally up.

Pac BLASTS Cassidy off the corner! Pac goes back to White but White CHOPS him! Pac BOOTS White back down! Pac then CHOKES White by kneeling on his neck! The ref counts, Pac steps off to taunt Cassidy, then Pac drags White up to snapmare him to the corner. Tag to Moxley and he’s already up top! Moxley jumps down to STOMP White! Christian Cage is still watching intently as White fights from below. White CHOPS but he’s the one that falls over! Dynamite returns to single picture as Moxley puts White in another corner, and Moxley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans do count along, and Moxley goes PAST TEN to FIFTEEN!

The fans boo but Moxley hops down to KNEE White again and again! Moxley digs his knee in, but stops as the ref counts 4. Moxley drags White up and DECKS him! Moxley CLAWS White’s face, the ref counts, but Moxley pushes White down. The fans rally but Moxley drags White to the corner. Tag to Pac, Moxley stomps White in the stomach, and Pac drops knees on White’s face! Cover, TWO! White is still in this and Pac argues with the ref. The ref defends the count, and White rises up to CHOP! Pac eggs White on so White CHOPS again! Pac SOBATS and White falls! Pac mockingly asks, “Is this it?!”

Pac paces while White sputters and crawls. Pac drops down to have a headlock on White. The Patriarchy talks, and Christian has Nick Wayne, Mother Wayne & Kip Sabian head out, but for what purpose? White endures, fights around, and reaches out for a ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and Pac lets go, and then the ref makes sure Marina Shafir & Wheeler Yuta stay back. Pac checks with Moxley, then keeps on White in the open corner. Pac drags White over to bump him off buckles, then tags Moxley. Moxley pie faces White but White CHOSP! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Moxley HEADBUTTS White, then short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO!

Moxley clamps onto White’s legs to tie them up in a reverse deathlock! Moxley throws down crossface forearms, but White BITES Moxley’s hand! The ref reprimands, Moxley gets free and tags Pac. Pac KICKS White down, then KICKS him again! White shakes his head so Pac KICKS him again! The fans rally, Pac mocks them for it, and the fans boo Pac for that. Pac kicks but White blocks! White grins and hits a DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up while both men are down! White and Pac crawl, Moxley warns Cassidy, but we get hot tags to Cassidy and Mox! The fans fire up as Cassidy storms up on Moxley and the forearms start flying!

The fans are on Cassidy’s side, he fires a flurry, but Moxley fires a flurry of body shots and knees in return! Moxley JABS, ROCKS, and runs, but Cassidy doges to Alabama Lift! Moxley rolls through but gets a PENALTYO KICK fore it! Pac is back but Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ tilt-o-whirls for a DDT! Cassidy kips up while fans fire up, and Cassidy climbs a corner! But Moxley is up after him! Cassidy BITES Moxley! Moxley falls back, Cassidy hits DEEP IMPACT! Cover, TWO! Moxley stays in this but Cassidy fires back up! The fans rally, Cassidy pulls on the elbow pad, but Moxley sits up! REAR NAKED CHOKE!

Cassidy rolls back to have a cover, TWO as Moxley lets go! Cassidy builds speed, ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirl and DDT! Pac is back again, but Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ tilt-o-whirls, but this time Pac blocks! Pac powers through to suplex, but gets STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! White is back in and gives Pac a CUTTHROAT SUPLEX! Moxley BOOTS White down! Cassidy Alabama Lifts Moxley for BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO?!? Moxley survives and Kansas City is shocked! Cassidy rises up, the fans rally up, and Cassidy goes to a corner. But Yuta gets on the apron! The ref stops Yuta but Marina grabs at Cassidy!

Cassidy KICKS Marina away! And he runs up to ORANGE PUNCH Yuta!! Moxley runs up, Cassidy dodges, ORANGE PUNCH!! Off comes the elbow pad! The fans are thunderous and Cassidy aims, but HANGMAN PAGE SPEARS MOXLEY!!

Winners: Jon Moxley & PAC, by disqualification

This isn’t Cowboy S*it, this is BULL, because Hangman just handed Moxley the win! Granted, Hangman’s raining down fists on Moxley, but Cassidy is upset. Cassidy brings Hangman off but Hangman shoves him away! Hangman rains fists back down on Moxley, CHOKES him even, but now Cassidy is pissed! Cassidy drags Hangman away from Moxley, but Hangman punches Cassidy! So now Cassidy and Hangman are brawling! The fans are torn but Hangman ROCKS Cassidy! So White goes after Hangman! These rivals brawl it out, a score still to be settled, but then Hangman gets loose! Cassidy runs up, Hangman ducks, ORANGE PUNCH hits White!

Hangman swings, misses, ORANGE PUNCH for Hangman! BLADERUNNER for Cassidy!! The Death Riders are amused, because their enemies are doing their dirty work for them! And now the Death Riders attack Cassidy, White and Hangman! The fans boo but Moxley kicks Hangman out of the ring while Yuta digs his boots into Cassidy. Pac & Marina beat up White, the fans tell off Yuta, but Moxley has his crew head out. Will nothing and no one stop this literal reign of terror?

The Most Wanted is back!

The little western town sees Bandido arriving, and the sheriff’s men are ready for a fight! They tell Bandido that he’s wanted, so he’s under arrest. They can do this the easy way, or the hard way. What’s it gonna be? Bandido hops off his horse, puts his hat and cape aside, and so the hard way it is. The sheriff has his men apprehend Bandido, but Bandido TIGER WALL KICKS the sheriff, DOUBLE DROPKICKS his men, then kips right up! Bandido says bring it, so the sheriff runs up! Bandido BACKDROPS him away, grapples with his biggest man, and that guy fireman’s carries Bandido! He claims that reward is all his!

But Bandido slips free, SHOVES the man into the railing, and then with a finger gun, he says BANG! Bandido runs up, pommel horses off the big guy to DROPKICK the sheriff, and then he hits the BLACKJACK 21 GERMAN SUPLEX on the big guy! Bandido stands tall after the shootout, but where will we see him next?

The Death Riders regroup backstage.

Moxley says, “I’m a marked man. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being a marked man is the only way to live, it’s the only way to feel alive! The only way to live is with a knife to your throat, with the dynamite stick burning down to the end of the wick. That is the only way to live and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Moxley says these guys, their problem is their egos! They wall want that next title shot! Moxley mockingly runs around arguing with himself, “I want the next title shot! No I want the next title shot!” That’s the problem! YOUR EGOS RUN YOUR LIVES! EGOS RUN ALL ELITE WRESTLING!!

Moxley says none of this is about him, it’s about his people. They do not fight flesh and blood. He’ll give all three of them an “early Christmas gift.” Worlds End in Orlando, Florida, the AEW World Championship, FATAL 4 WAY!! Moxley heads out, Death Riders following, and the champ just raised the stakes on himself! Will The Maniac be able to win his own gamble? Or will there be a NEW AEW World Champion one way or another?

Christian Cage speaks.

Still up in the skybox, Captain Charisma tells Kansas City, “As I literally and figuratively look down on you, sit down and shut your mouths while I conduct my business!” The fans boo, but Christian continues. “So it’s a four way match at Worlds End, huh? Well, I have a problem, a very- SHUT UP!” Fans boo more but Christian says he has problem with every person in that match. Jay White cost Christian the world title at Full Gear, and so did Hangman Page when he didn’t live up to his end of the bargain. And while Orange Cassidy is just a pissant that gets on Christian’s nerves, Moxley is the real problem because he has what Christian wants.

The fans boo more but Christian says if Moxley happens to make it out of that match still the champion, know that Christian very well might be waiting on the other side. And if he is, then this time, Christian will not miss. Christian will send Moxley back into a tailspin, send him back to rock bottom, and Moxley will hear that little voice in his head saying, “It’s okay, Jon, do it. It’s okay, Jon, you earned it. Have that drink.” Christian vows to send Moxley back to rehab, and he will then rehab the world title! Until then, do not ever forget that Christian is THE face of TBS then, now and forever, and he is the reigning, defending, undisputed NEXT AEW World Champion!

The fans boo more but Christian adds one more thing. “Kansas City, before I leave, I just wanted to say… Go- HOOK!?” Hook SMASHES the door window with his arm that’s in the cast! It’s in that cast because of last week’s Con-Chair-to! Christian freaks out, runs away and goes to the bleachers, but Hook drags him back! Hook fires off on Christian in the skybox, and he dribbles Christian off the side of the cabinets! The fans fire up as Christian has no one to help him! REDRUM!! Christian flails while Hook drags Christian out into the crowd, and then goes to dump him over the balcony!! Christian flails and fights free!

Christian runs away but Hook keeps after him! Hook SLIDES Christian across the kitchen counter! And then does it again, right into a wall! Kip & Nick return to fight Hook, but Hook THROWS Kip into the table! And he KNEES Nick low! Christian has run for it but Hook pursues! Kip & Nick hurry after, will The Patriarchy regret getting on the bad side of the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Will Ospreay!

The Swiss Superman is leading this block after demolishing Ricochet and cheating Brody King. But while he’s on his third, The Aerial Assassin is on his second. Can Ospreay bring down Claudio and tie things up with him? Or will all the Death Riders be unstoppable?

The bell rings and both men run right in! SPANISH FLY from Ospreay!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio gets up and out but Ospreay builds speed! Ospreay handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! Down goes Claudio and Kansas City is already thunderous! Ospreay high-fives a fan and puts Claudio back in. Springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! The fans sing for “Ospreay~ Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” and he calls his shot! Ospreay springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Claudio drags Ospreay by his legs, but Ospreay flips and twists for a victory roll! TWO, and Claudio kicks low! Gotch lift, but Ospreay backdrops free!

Claudio lands on his feet, UPPERCUTS, but Ospreay HOOK KICKS! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! A standing count begins, the fans rally for Ospreay, and both men rise at 5 of 10. Ospreay fires a forearm, Claudio give sit back, and they go back and forth. Ospreay rises with a shout and the fans fire up! Ospreay fires another forearm, but Claudio wrenches to hit an ELBOW BREAKER! Ospreay still ROCKS Claudio, the forearms go back and forth, and Ospreay fires a flurry! Claudio hits another ELBOW BREAKER! And another! But Ospreay fires more shots! Ospreay whips, Claudio reverses and WRINGS Ospreay into buckles!

The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, and Claudio goes out after him. Claudio CLUBS Ospreay, and then pulls the steel steps from the corner. Claudio goes to Ospreay but Ospreay CHOPS, and CHOPS! But Claudio hits another ELBOW BREAKER! Claudio whips Ospreay at the steps, but Ospreay leaps up, onto and then off the steps! Ospreay quickly turns back around and he DROPKICKS the steps into Claudio! Claudio hobbles away and the fans fire up with Ospreay. Ospreay runs up the steps to leap, but into Claudio’s arms! FLAPJACK off the railing! Claudio refreshes the count, then shakes out his leg before going for Ospreay.

Claudio UPPERCUTS Ospreay down, then has the legs! Claudio swings Ospreay into the steps! The fans lose their minds while Ospreay writhes! Claudio then tips the steps over to be on their side. Claudio again refreshes the count because he wants to keep putting the hurt on Ospreay. Claudio puts Ospreay inside the steps, and he pulls Ospreay’s arm through a gap in the frame! Claudio pulls Ospreay into that frame, then climbs up to trap Ospreay’s arm on top of the steps! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but Claudio STOMPS Ospreay’s hand! Ospreay flops out of the steps, and Claudio pushes them over! Ospreay narrowly avoids being crushed!

Ospreay goes into the ring, Claudio pursues, but Ospreay CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Claudio TOSSES Ospreay out but Ospreay ROCKS Claudio from the apron! Ospreay springboards, but into another UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Claudio isn’t even annoyed as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Claudio grabs Ospreay’s legs, steps through, and he turns Ospreay over for the SHARPSHOOTER! Ospreay endures but Claudio sits deep on that hold! Ospreay reaches out with his good arm, pushes up as best as he can with the bad one, and he crawls forward, only for Claudio to drag him back! Claudio sits deep again, but Ospreay still endures! Ospreay pushes back up, fights forward, but Claudio reaches back to get the arm! CROSSFACE! And he rolls Ospreay away from the ropes, too! Ospreay endures all over again, but he has Claudio’s wrists in his face, blinding him to where ropes are! Ospreay fights, even as Claudio pulls him back!

Ospreay endures, Claudio pulls him back again, but Ospreay uses that o cover! TWO, and Claudio now shifts to the legs! Ospreay CLUBS away on Claudio’s legs, but Claudio still turns over, back into the SHARPSHOOTER! Ospreay endures this painful technical innovation as Claudio again sits deep on the legs and back! Ospreay fights, the fans rally, but Claudio does not let Ospreay gain an inch! Ospreay powers up to turn and tuck, and he slips under as Dynamite returns to single picture! Ospreay fires fists from below, Claudio knuckle locks, but Ospreay lifts Claudio! Claudio leans back but Ospreay uses that to spring up, springboard, and FLYING RANA!

The fans are thunderous and Ospreay gets moving! Handspring, NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and Kansas City fires up again! Ospreay runs up to BOOT Claudio in a corner! And then he reels Claudio in, but Claudio fights the suplex! ELBOW BREAKER! The fans sing for Ospreay again but Claudio reels Ospreay in. But it’s Ospreay who suplexes up and over! The fans fire up and Ospreay sets up, STANDING SKY TWISTER! Cover, TWO! Claudio stays in this and Ospreay grits his teeth as the fans fire up. Ospreay then takes off the elbow pad, gives a wink, and he aims from a corner. HIDDEN- BOOT from Claudio!

Claudio has the straitjacket, RICOLA- NO, Ospreay slips free, and he wraps Claudio up in the IRON OCTOPUS! Claudio endures, fights around, and goes to the ROPEBREAK! Ospreay lets go, but Claudio ELBOWS him! And he WRINGS the arm! Claudio runs to DOUBLE STOMP Ospreay! Claudio then deadlifts Ospreay into the GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives, “This is Awesome!” Claudio is a bit frustrated now but he watches Ospreay go to a corner. Claudio runs corner to corner, but Ospreay BOOTS him! Ospreay goes up but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio then climbs up, and goes to the very top!

Ospreay fires body shots, and he HEADBUTTS Claudio down! The fans fire up while Ospreay wobbles, and Ospreay resets up top! LEAP OF- NO, Claudio moves, Ospreay lands out, UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio is firmly frustrated now as Ospreay survives. Claudio scuffs Ospreay but the fans boo. Claudio kicks Ospreay but Ospreay gets mad! Ospreay sits up, Claudio kicks the bad arm, and Claudio eggs Ospreay on. Ospreay stands to fire a forearm! Claudio hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Ospreay fires a forearm! ELBOW BREAKER! Forearm! UPPERCUT! ELBOW! UPPERCUT! ELBOW! ELBOW BREAKER!

Claudio fires a flurry of UPPERCUTS, then runs, but Ospreay dodges and springboards! OSCUTTER!! But Ospreay can’t cover from the pain in the bad arm! Claudio rolls out to the apron, but so does Ospreay. Ospreay drags Claudio up, puts him back in, and he aims from a corner! HIDDEN- POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and Claudio is furious! Claudio drags Ospreay up, runs, and LARIATS him inside-out!! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives so Claudio hurries to Gotch lift! But Ospreay trips him, jackknife bridge! OSPREAY WINS!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Claudio earns 0)

Even Claudio is shocked! Ospreay serves him his first L this year, but Claudio is a sore loser! He CLOBBERS Ospreay, and hits the NEUTRALIZER!! Claudio storms off, but he comes back with a chair! WAIT! Here comes Darby Allin! And he has the baseball bat! Claudio runs away, he doesn’t want this one! The Relentless One makes sure Ospreay stays safe, because next week, Dynamite’s Holiday Bash, we get Will Ospreay VS Darby Allin! With Ospreay at 6 points and Darby at 3, will the dynamic of this Gold League change rather quickly for the holidays? Or will Ospreay make sure he’s headed for Worlds End?

Backstage interview with Ricochet.

Renee Paquette is with The One & Only, and she says he is 1-1 in the Continental Classic right now. He had an incredible win over Komander last week on Rampage, but tonight is about Brody King, who is also 1-1 right now. How is Ricochet preparing for a man like Brody? Well, see, this is why Ricochet came to AEW. This scenario is why! It’s the level of competition. And nothing brings that out quite like the Continental Classic. So tonight, ya boi Ricochet drew Brody King, and we’re seeing this for the first time anywhere! Brody’s big, bad and scary, perhaps one of the toughest guys in this entire tournament.

But do you know one thing Brody is not? He’s not Ricochet. And while both men are 1-1, after tonight… Ricochet glances at MVP’s business card…!? Ricochet says tonight, he’s holding all the cards! Ricochet heads out, but will he make the C2 #OuttaThisWorld?

A car pulls up backstage.

And reaching out is a hand adorned with the Dynamite Diamond Ring on the pinkie. It’s Maxwell Jacob Friedman! MJF is in KC, surely to watch the match between Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly. Will the Wolf of Wrestling have an effect on that match’s outcome?

Backstage interview with Matt Cardona.

Renee is now with “The Complete” Cardona, and brings up the incredible reaction he got when he arrived in AEW/ROH last week. Cardona says he’s #AlwayZReady, but given what we saw on Rampage last Friday, does he feel ready for Chris Jericho? Cardona says it is great to be back in AEW, and everyone was shocked about it. But who wasn’t shocked? Cardona himself. He’s been saying it for years, he is always ready, it even says so on his T-shirts. But for the past five YEARS, he has busted his ass to reinvent himself, going from “Indy Guy” to “Deathmatch King,” and at Final Battle, December 20th, the biggest opportunity of his career is against Chris Jericho.

On Rampage, Jericho and Bryan Keith laid him out, sent him a message, and he’s glad they did. Now he knows what he is in store for in New York City, but he isn’t gonna wait! Cardona calls out Keith for a match this Friday on Rampage! Cardona is always ready, but is Keith? As for Jericho, he better watch so he can get a taste of what’s in store for Final Battle! Will Cardona take a bite out of the Bad Apple before returning home to the Big Apple?

Dynamite Diamond Ring #1 Contender’s Match: Adam Cole VS Kyle O’Reilly!

It has been quite the tangled web of a roller coaster ride when it comes to the Ballad of the Brochachos. But after MJF relapsed into being the Scum of the Earth, the Panama City Playboy couldn’t keep himself from pursuing MJF. However, from the perspective of The Violent Artist, that same pursuit is what got Roderick Strong hurt. Will Kyle stop Cole from reaching MJF for his own good? Or will Cole have to be the one that hurts a friend to finally have vindication?

Before Kyle steps through gorilla, Renee is there to ask him about this match. These two are good friends with so much history between them, how has Kyle prepared himself for tonight? But before Kyle can answer, The Kingdom’s Matt Taven & Mike Bennett walk over. Taven tells Kyle that they don’t have to do this. Didn’t Kyle himself say a couple weeks ago that MJF is just playing them all? They’re all looking like idiots fighting each other when “that Melvin” isn’t even here! Bennett tells Taven to relax, and says the match is happening. Bennett knows Kyle is gonna go out there and fight, but he hopes Kyle remembers, they’re all family in the end.

Kyle says yeah, they are. But Kyle adds that they all should’ve thought about that before letting one of their brothers get hurt. Kyle gives a shrug before heading out, will Kyle take out his frustrations on Cole?

Cole steps forward and offers a handshake. Kyle slaps the hand, hard to say if that was respectfully or disrespectfully. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Cole wrenches an arm, then wristlocks. Kyle spins, drop toeholds, and he floats to a facelock. Kyle then floats to a waistlock but Cole fights up. Cole switches, the fans duel, and Kyle wrenches out to wristlock. Cole goes to the ROPEBREAK, and Kyle lets off cleanly. They circle again and tie up. Kyle headlocks and grinds Cole down, but Cole fights up. Cole powers up and out, but Kyle runs him over! Cover, ONE, and Cole sweeps the legs! Cover, ONE!

Kyle narrowly avoids the superkick and bails out of the ring. Cole lets Kyle have his time while the ring count climbs. Kyle goes up the steps and into the ring, and the two reset. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Cole headlocks. Kyle endures the grind to power up and out. Cole sunset flips but Kyle stays, to then drop into the ARMBAR! Cole clasps hands and hurries to stack Kyle! Cole steps through but Kyle turns leglock into cradle! TWO, and Cole narrowly avoids a roundhouse! Cole bails out and Kyle gives him time. But then he goes to the apron! Cole avoids the flying knee, but Kyle blocks the superkick!

Kyle fires a strike fest, then SWEEPS the legs! Cole falls hard and the fans fire up while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Kyle paces around, brings Cole up, and he puts Cole back in the ring. Kyle storms back into the ring, and he storms up to Cole to KICK him down! Cole goes to ropes, and Kyle KICKS a leg out! Cole crawls to a corner, then along ropes, but Kyle goes right after him. Kyle clinches to KNEE and whip, then he kitchen sink knees into a COBRA TWIST! The fans rally as Cole endures, and then Cole powers up to hip toss free! Both men go to ropes, and Cole storms up to fire forearms! Kyle shoots in and trips Cole, then he floats for some ground ‘n’ pound! Cole guards as best he can but Kyle lets off to pace around.

Kyle drags Cole up to wrench an arm, and he hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Kyle still holds onto that arm, and he wrenches for another ELBOW BREAKER! And then another wrench, a snapmare, and Kyle ties Cole up in a Figure Four seated COBRA TWIST! Cole endures being turned into a pretzel, but Kyle let shim up to wrench and kick! Kyle wrenches again as Dynamite returns to single picture, and Cole fires off forearm after forearm! Kyle fires another strike fest and Cole hobbles to a corner. Kyle runs up to forearm SMASH! Kyle runs side to side into a SUPERKICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

Cole drags himself up as the fans rally, and Cole then goes up the corner. Cole leaps, but Kyle KNEES him first! Kyle then reels Cole in, but Cole suplexes for the GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives and Cole is shocked! Cole rises, waits on Kyle, and Kyle stands into a 52 FAKE OUT! Then a fireman’s carry, but Kyle slips free! Kyle suckers Cole in, steps up and over, and kitchen sink knees hard! Cole bails out, Kyle goes to the apron, FLYING KNEE! The fans fire up as Kyle puts Cole back in, and then Kyle climbs! KING KONG- NO, Cole moves and the knee hits mat! But then Kyle ducks The Boom!

Cole returns, 52 FAKE- NO, Kyle SOBATS through! AX AND SMASH!! But THE BOOM returns!! Both men are down as Cole can’t make the cover! The fans rally up while a standing count begins! Kyle and Cole go to ropes on opposite ends, and they drag themselves up. They both run up and they both BOOT! And BOOT! Cole avoids a sweep to SUPERKICK! But Kyle yoyos in the ropes to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Kyle suplexes, FALCON ARROW into the ARMBAR! Cole fights that so Kyle grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK, then GRAPEVINE!! Cole fights to the ROPEBREAK! The fans are torn but Kyle lets go of Cole’s foot.

Cole crawls and Kyle hobbles, but the fans rally up again. Kyle hoists Cole up top, ROCKS him, then climbs up after him. Kyle has the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Cole fights but Kyle fires back! They brawl up top and the fans fire up! Cole HEADBUTTS again and again! And then AGAIN! Kyle falls back, Cole adjusts, and Cole leaps for the PANAMA SUNRISE!! Kyle flounders, Cole brings down the kneepad, but Kyle grabs the other leg!! ANKLE LOCK!! Cole flails, reaches out, but Kyle drags him back! Cole still fights, still claws at the mat, then Cole rolls! Kyle is sent outside, but Cole hurries to the ropes. Kyle trips Cole to drag him out!

Kyle reels Cole in to suplex, but Cole knees free! SUPERKICK! Cole drags Kyle back up, puts him in, and Kyle is punch drunk! Kyle staggers then falls, and the ref checks on him. Cole wants Kyle to get up, but wait! MJF SNEAKS OUT HERE! Cole sees MJF, dodges and SUPERKICKS him!! But Kyle rolls Cole up!! TWO!! Cole escapes to SUPER- NO, Kyle blocks to have the ANKLE LOCK!! Cole rolls to a cradle! COLE WINS!!!

Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall (advances to Worlds End)

The Wolf of Wrestling tried to weasel out of a match with Cole, and now he runs away like the coward he really is! But will Cole soon shine with that Dynamite Diamond Ring as the ultimate revenge on MJF? As for Kyle, Taven & Bennett have also joined them out here, and Cole wants that handshake. Kyle sighs, and bails out. Is Kyle letting this grudge against MJF ruin his friendship with Cole? Or is there something more to this frustration?

FTR speaks.

The Top Guys are backstage again, and Cash Wheeler says, “So as we were saying last week before we had to go stop an attempted murder… Asheville, North Carolina, January 1st, Fight for the Fallen, one of the most important shows, one of the most meaningful shows, that we’ll ever be a part of. Hurricane Helene hit Asheville, it hit the western North Carolina area, it washed away cities, it washed away towns, it washed away communities. And now, with the help of you, with the help of AEW, with the help of Fight for the Fallen, we get to help build Asheville up from the ground up. Because nothing is gonna stop North Carolina, come hell or high water.”

Dax Harwood adds that January 1st might be the biggest night in AEW TV history. Because for the first time ever, Dynamite will be simulcast from TBS and streamed on HBO Max. For the first time ever, AEW comes to Asheville, NC, and for the first time in five YEARS, FTR is bringing pro-wrestling back to their city. So a big event needs a big match. And what FTR suggests is that FTR shows up that night and has that big match. But before we get there, there was a miscommunication last week with The Death Riders. Dax & Cash don’t have a problem with them.

But if they’ve got a problem with FTR, then this Saturday night, on Collision, FTR will be in that ring. Moxley, Claudio, Yuta, Pac, show up, have a conversation with them. See you there. #TopGuysOut. But will Dax & Cash even make it home to Asheville if they start picking a fight with the Death Riders?

Chris Jericho speaks.

With Bryan Keith behind him, The Learning Tree says, “Hi, guys~! It’s Chris Jericho, The King of New York here, and this is a New York Minute. Earlier today, I was on the Staten Island ferry, going from Washington Heights to the meat packing district, and I heard about Matt Cardona’s challenge to Bryan Keith. Matt, apparently you’re not happy that we left you laying like a discarded Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure, also from New York, last week on Rampage, and you wanna challenge Bryan Keith!? Huh?! You wanna try and send a message to the King of the Big Apple by taking a bite outta the Bad Apple?”

Keith says he’ll take a bit outta Cardona, “dumbass!” Jericho says that makes it official. Cardona VS Keith on Rampage, with Jericho on commentary. But wait! There’s more. Tomorrow night on ROH, available on WatchROH.com, you can see Jericho and Cardona have their contract signing to make their title match at Final Battle official. See? Cardona’s getting everything he ever wanted. But be careful what you wish for. As Mayor Bloomberg once said, “New York City is where potential is realized, and where dreams are made.” But there’s a big difference between dreams and delusions.

But Cardona’s delusional if he thinks he’ll walk out of the Hammerstein Ballroom and Final Battle the NEW ROH World Champion! AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN! You are NOT ready for Jericho, NOT ready for The Nueve, and NOT ready for Bryan Keith. Keith says Cardona made a mistake. He put his crumby hands on the King of New York, so Keith’s gonna make him pay the damn price. That’s a Learning Tree lesson for you, Cardona. Jericho signs off, this has been a New York Minute. Thanks, guys~!

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

Winter is Coming, but only after coverage of the NBA on TNT wraps. That means an EARLY start time for the West Coast, so you better be ready! With that said, there will be MORE Continental Classic action as Blue League leader, Kyle Fletcher, goes up against Mark Briscoe. Can the Sussex County Chicken bring down The Protostar? Or will the Aussie Arrow hit the mark and be an unstoppable 4-0? Plus, Kazuchika Okada is back in action as he takes on The Beast Mortos! Will the Rainmaker make up for some lost ground? Or will the menacing minotaur drag him down into the dungeon?

Sit-down interview with Darby Allin.

Tony Schiavone met with the Relentless One before the show began, and brings up how he hasn’t really spoken to anyone since Full Gear’s ending and that wild car crash into the Death Riders’ truck. Does Darby feel his efforts to topple Jon Moxley failed? And if so, is his quest over? Darby says the quest is never over. When Darby thinks about Moxley, The Death Riders, and everything they’re doing to this place, they are slowly chipping away at what makes AEW great. Darby saw them put Bryan Danielson’s neck in a chair and essentially end his career. And thinking back to that, Darby thinks to how Bryan was the backbone of this place.

And Darby gets why the younger guys don’t wanna get involved. For many, this is the first time they’ve made a real living off of pro-wrestling. But the problem is, if they don’t do anything about this, it’ll just keep happening. People think Darby is reckless, impulsive… Darby punches himself and immediately draws blood! Darby says this does not bother him. Blood, pain, violence, that doesn’t bother him. What bothers him is if no one does anything about it. Schiavone understands, and says all of this is going on during the Continental Classic, the most important time of year for AEW.

Darby says that when he thinks on the C2, it is “everything that’s right” with AEW. People going out there, putting it all on the line for the love of the game, and for the love of AEW. Darby needs to win this tournament because it represents AEW. It represents the passion of AEW. And Darby isn’t stupid, he knows there’ll be collateral damage along the way. But Moxley thinks everything is so wrong in AEW and that it needs to be saved. But Moxley failed to remember that this is the company that gave his career a second shot. This is the company that let Sting go out on his own terms. This is the company that took a chance on Darby.

So Moxley keeps telling himself all these lies again and again and again. “But nothing fools you better than the lies you tell yourself, Jon.” Darby has called out The Maniac, but will he be able to focus on Will Ospreay and their Continental Classic Holiday Bash?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Ricochet!

Speaking of kings, The King of Death and the King of Flight are about to collide in a critical match for both men! They’re both 1-1 with 3 points, and only one can keep pace with Will Ospreay. Will Brody keep Ricochet grounded? Or will the C2 be #OuttaThisWorld?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Ricochet circle while fans bark. The two tie up, Brody SLAMS Ricochet down, and Ricochet backs right up to a corner. Brody waits on Ricochet and the two reset. They circle, tie up, and Brody TOSSES Ricochet to a corner! Ricochet comes right back to CHOP! Brody just grins. Ricochet ducks a chop to KICK and fire body shots, but Brody TOSSES him to another corner! Brody runs up, Ricochet goes up and over, and Ricochet CHOPS! Brody just stares Ricochet down. Ricochet runs, ducks ‘n’ rolls to roll back, and he RANAS Brody to a corner!

Ricochet runs up, Brody puts him on the apron, but Ricochet RAMS him! And GAMANGIRIS! Ricochet climbs, leaps, but he bounces off of Brody! The fans bark and Brody SHOVES Ricochet up and out to the floor! The fans bark more while Brody storms out to fetch Ricochet. Ricochet CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS back! Ricochet definitely felt that! But then Brody CHOPS again! Brody peels off the protective padding on the railing, brings Ricochet over, but Ricochet jumps up and off the railing! SUPERKICK! Brody wobbles, Ricochet goes to the apron, and Ricochet leaps, only for Brody to stop the rana!

Brody brings Ricochet up to APRON POWERBOMB! Ricochet writhes, but Brody hauls him up to whip hard into railing! Ricochet falls but Brody stands him up to CHOP! Ricochet takes a seat, he wants Brody to leave him be, but Brody runs up to CROSSBODY against railing! Ricochet falls in a heap and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Brody looms over Ricochet, but leaves him behind to refresh the ring count. Brody then hauls Ricochet up and into the ring, stalks him to a corner, then CHOPS! Ricochet sputters while he slumps down to the mat. Brody stands on Ricochet’s neck! The ref counts, Broody steps off, and Brody grabs at Ricochet. Ricochet shoves Brody back but Brody ROCKS him! Ricochet flounders along the ropes, Brody CLUBS him down, and then he digs his boots in at the corner! The ref counts, Brody steps off, and Ricochet sputters some more. Brody comes back, stomps a mudhole into Ricochet, then grabs the legs.

Brody YANKS Ricochet up for him to fall hard on the mat! Ricochet sits up but Brody clamps on with a neck wrench! Brody grinds his elbow into Ricochet’s head, then drags him up. Brody whips Ricochet hard into the corner! Ricochet falls back and Brody looms over him again. Brody drags Ricochet up and CHOPS him back to the corner! Brody then brings Ricochet up to suplex high and hard! And then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives the onslaught but Brody stays on him. Brody ROCKS Ricochet and Ricochet staggers on noodle legs. Brody brings Ricochet up to ROCK him again!

Ricochet stumbles about, Dynamite returns to single picture, and the fans bark again. Brody CHOPS Ricochet, eggs him on, so Ricochet musters up what he can. Ricochet fires forearm after forearm but Brody shoves him! Ricochet ducks and handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Brody covers, TWO! Ricochet is still in this but Brody looms over him again. Brody drags Ricochet up, CHOPS Ricochet back down, and he eggs on the King of Flight. Brody stands Ricochet up, so Ricochet fires forearm sand CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Brody runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS!

Ricochet spins to PELE!, and Brody wobbles! The fans fire up, Ricochet baits Brody in and DUMPS him out! Brody lands on the apron, Ricochet triangle jumps to ENZIGIRI Brody down! Ricochet then builds speed to FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Brody and the fans are torn. Ricochet drags Brody up and into the ring, then aims from the apron. Springboard 450 SPLASH! Cover, ONE?!? Brody shocks Ricochet with that toughness! Ricochet hurries to BOOT, but Brody just growls! Ricochet BOOTS again but Brody eggs him on! Ricochet KICKS, Brody just snarls! Ricochet runs up but Brody SWATS the kick! And he spins to LARIAT Ricochet! Cover, TWO!!

Brody is annoyed with Ricochet but he drags Ricochet up. Brody reels Ricochet in, hauls him up, but Ricochet fights free to sunset flip! TWO!! Brody escapes and runs back up, only for Ricochet to V-TRIGGER! Ricochet drops back to a corner, Brody runs up again, but into another V-TRIGGER! Ricochet tries to fireman’s carry!? Brody’s too much for that, and he CLUBS Ricochet! And then CHOPS him! Ricochet goes back to a corner for Brody to SPLASH! Ricochet sits down and the fans bark it up! CANNONBALL! Brody drags Ricochet out to cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Brody is more exasperated than frustrated.

Brody stalks Ricochet, hoists him up top, and he CHOPS! Brody climbs up, Ricochet fires body shots, and Ricochet CLUBS away! Ricochet adjusts, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Ricochet hurries back up top, for the SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! But then Brody reaches to grab Ricochet by his neck!! Brody rises like a zombie, but Ricochet CLUBS away on Brody’s arm! Brody spins Ricochet into the SLEEPER! Ricocher grabs the ropes! Th eref counts, Brody holds on until 4. Brody has the SLEEPER again, but Ricochet clibms the corner! Ricochet goes up and out to HOTSHOT Brody! Then he ROUNDHOUSES!

Brody wobbles, Ricochet slingshots, but into a DOUBLE CHOP!! Brody has Ricochet on the apron, drags him up and clinches, to then YANK him right up to the top! Brody climbs now, but Ricochet still fights back! DDT on the top buckle! Brody wobbles, Ricochet shrugs, and he KICKS the legs out! Brody hits buckles on the way down! Kansas City boos but Ricochet says BANG! SPIRIT GUN!! But Ricochet knows that’s not enough! Brody rises, Ricochet runs, SPIRIT GUN!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Brody earns 0)

Ricochet overcomes the biggest and meanest obstacle in his way, and now he is tied with Will Ospreay and Claudio Castagnoli! But given Ricochet lost to Claudio in the opening round, how much harder will he have to fight to become a finalist?

Private Party speaks.

Marq Quen says, “Good evening, everybody. We are your AEW Tag Team Champions, Private Partaaay~! And welcome to The Vault.” Isiah Kassidy says, “What happens in The Vault stays in The Vault.” Winter is Coming, and you know what that means! Santa is coming to town! But in step Lio Rush & Action Andretti, and they say this is rather interesting. What do Quen & Zay say to letting them have a taste of some of that? Oh, okay, Zay’s got ’em! All he had to do was ask. No, Action wasn’t talking about the shots. Lio says they want the gold on the table. That’s what they want this year from Santa Claus.

Well, Zay will tell ’em what HE wants from Santa. This year, a nice, thick, juicy a- And here comes Leila Grey & Top Flight! Leila wants to have a little chat after last week. Zay notes Santa came early this year. Darius & Dante ignore that to have that chat. Darius, remind Dante again, how many tag team matches have Action & Lio won to actually earn a tag title shot? Darius is pretty sure it was ZERO. Dante takes a sip of the good stuff while Private Party says, “Ooh~!” Lio asks Action to remind him who got eliminated from the battle royal. Action says let’s think. Oh, it was Darius & Dante! OOH~! The two sides argue, and Private Party has them both stop.

Zay says he has a perfect solution! Y’all can just face each other at Collision: Winter is Coming, and the winners can face the champs for the titles. That is good for them all. Lio offers a handshake and says, “No hard feelings, right?” Darius takes the handshake, pulls Lio in close, but pats him on the back. Leila leaves with the Martin brothers, and Zay says, “Thank you, Santa.” But then with the table set for Top Flight VS Bad Child & Sight to See, who will get their shot at Private Party?

Backstage interview with both Anna Jay and Mercedes Mone.

Renee welcomes both The Queenslayer and The CEO one week ahead of their AEW TBS Championship at Holiday Bash. Mone says, “Kansas Citaaaay~! Missouri or Kansas, Renee? Y’know what? It doesn’t matter! Just say hello to your C E O.” Renee thanks them both for being here, and for agreeing to no physicality. Mercedes has now defended the TBS title ten times, and today marks Day 200 as champion. But before getting into that match, Renee wants to talk Sunday, December 15th. In Long Beach California, it will be NJPW Strong Style Evolved, where Mone defends the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against Hazuki.

Mone says Renee is doing so good today, she is so proud. But she’s also really proud of Anna. Anna has been doing so well. Mone loves how gutsy Anna is, and how she went to Japan to train. Mone went to Japan, too. And Mone loves that Anna believes in herself, it is so cute. But Mone says Anna is only 26 and just getting started. By the time Mone was 26, she was a FIVE-TIME CHAMPION. And now she’s the greatest TBS Champion of all time. So next week on Dynamite, Mercedes shows Jay there is a price to pay when you mess with Mone. Anna tells her hold on, Mone is not going anywhere.

They may have agreed to no physicality, but they also agreed to a face-to-face. Mone is going to stay and listen to Anna. Mone is a living legend, and Anna does admire what Mone does in the ring. And Anna is aware she’s going into this the underdog. But that’s fine. Anna has been underestimated her whole life, her whole career, and she keeps proving people wrong. So go ahead, underestimate her, too. Because when Mone makes the first mistake, Anna will capitalize on it, because all she needs is 1-2-3 to shock the world and become the NEW TBS Champion. Anna leaves, Mone says we’ll see about that.

Confident as she is, the walls are closing in. Will Mone make it through the holidays with both belts still in her possession? Or will Christmas be cold when you don’t have any gold?

AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May VS Mina Shirakawa!

They met in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom and not only became tag team partners, but became best friends. But in the world of wrestling, we all know friendship can only last so long when both friends want to be the best in the world. The Glamour betrayed the Fighting Gravure Idol out of paranoia, but claims to still love her. Will this newest chapter in Mariah’s twisted story have a “happy ending” for her? Or will Mina make May pay?

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

The bell rings and the two run up on each other! They start throwing hands and the fans fire up! Mina HAMMERS away on Mariah, but Mariah shoves her back! Mariah SLAPS Mina! Mariah talks trash, too, but Mina SLAPS back! The fans fire up as Mina SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires more shots! Mariah cowers in the ropes but Mina keeps after her with hammer fists! The ref counts, Mina lets off, but then she SOBATS! Mina whips, dropkicks Mariah’s legs, then grabs a leg to kick away on it! The fans cheer Mina as she kicks and stomps Mariah around, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! The fans cheer and Mina drags Mariah around.

Mina steps through to have a FIGURE FOUR! Mariah hurries and rolls under the ropes, but Mina holds on! Then they fall to the floor! But Mina still holds on! Mina kicks at Mariah while letting off the hold, and the fans fire up while the ref checks Mariah. Mariah clutches her leg but she is still in this. Mina drags Mariah up while the fans rally, only for Mariah to wrench and whip Mina into the steel steps! Mariah brings Mina up to whip hard into railing! The fans boo, and we see Thunder Rosa in the front row! She holds up a sign that reads, “Mariah May??? You May Not!!!” Rosa herself says, “YOU SUCK! You’re not my champion!”

Mariah is mad, and she runs up to SHOTGUN Mina! Mariah stomps away on Mina, but the ref counts. The ref has to pull Mariah back at 4, and Mariah goes to the ring. Mina crawls and Mariah mocks the shimmy and shake. The fans boo but Mariah slaps her knee, both because she thinks she’s funny and to get it working again. Mariah then goes to the apron, takes aim, and as Mina rises, Mariah runs up! But Mina blocks the kick! Mina trips Mariah, brings her to the corner, and she SLAMS the leg against the post! The fans fire up and Mina ties those legs up! Mina stares Mariah down, and shouts “B*TCH!” before hitting the HANGING FIGURE FOUR!

The fans fire up while the ref counts, and Mina lets go at 4! Mariah screams in pain, but Mina shows no mercy as she SLAMS the leg into the post again! The fans fire up and Mina feeds off that energy while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Mina storms back over and stalks Mariah. Mina drags Mariah up to hook the leg, SHIN BREAKER! Mariah writhes but Mina kicks her around. Mariah goes to the ropes but Mina brings her back up. Mariah CLUBS Mina to stop the lift, and then she hits a SAIDO! Mariah grins while Mina flounders, The Glamour has her confidence back. Mariah then rains down fists on Mina! The ref reprimands about closed fists but Mariah lets off to hobble around. Mariah soaks up the heat from Kansas City, then mocks their crying. Mariah throws her armbands at Mina, stomps her around, but Mina throws them back!

Mariah kicks Mina, snapmares her, and she runs to SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Mina stays in this but Mariah storms around. Mariah soaks up more heat, then kicks Mina around. Mina goes to a corner, Mariah stands her up and she CHOPS! Mina staggers away to another corner, but Mariah is right on her at the ropes! Mariah CHOKES then stomps away, then CHOKES Mina again! The ref counts, Dynamite returns to single picture, band Mariah drags Mina up. Mariah snapmares Mina, steps over, and throws down fists! Mariah gives Mina one last kiss, then runs, but Mina dodges! FLYING CHUCK!

The fans fire up and Rosa cheers Mina on as she stands Mariah up. Mariah breaks free but mina still ROCKS her first! Mariah hits back, so Mina hits her again! Mariah ROCKS Mina but Mina ROCKS Mariah! The shots keep going, the fans cheer Mina on, but Mariah gets the edge! Mariah grins, runs, but Mina ROLLING ELBOWS! Mina runs, but into a HEADBUTT! But Mina URAKENS! Both women fall and the fans are thunderous! Mina and Mariah crawl, Rosa gets the fans even more fired up for Mina, and Mina DROPKICKS the legs out! Mina wants the legs but Mariah kicks her away! Mariah rises, but Mina wrenches and SAIDOS!

The fans fire up and Mina hurries to cover, TWO! Mina goes right to a corner and right up, only for Mariah to hit some STRATUSFACTION! Mariah then runs up, but Mina avoids the knee! URAKEN! Mariah stays up this time, takes a swing, but Mina catches her and spins her, dragon sleeper and REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up and Mina covers, TWO! Mariah survives but Mina just hauls her up! Mina suplexes Mariah to the top rope, for a DRAPING DDT!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Mariah survives by her fingertips! Mina grabs the legs, Mariah holds tight to the rope, and then Mariah YANKS Mina into the ropes!

Mariah rises up, runs up to KNEE Mina down! Mariah keeps moving, Mina rises, into another KNEE!! Mariah hauls Mina into a fireman’s carry, for the MAYDAY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Mina shocks Mariah and KC loves it! Mariah snarls but her former best friend would know how to survive Mariah’s best shot! Mariah drags Mina up, fireman’s carries again, but Mina hits a CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Mariah survives that sudden turnaround, but Mina hurries up top! Mariah stands, into a FLYING SLINGBLADE! Mina roars and the fans fire up with her! Mina drags Mariah up in the dragon sleeper!

Mina lifts, GLORIOUS DRIVER MINA!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Now Mariah shocks Mina for surviving her best shot! Mina tries again but Mariah HEADBUTTS! Mariah reels Mina in, STORM ZERO!!! Cover, MARIAH WINS!

Winner: Mariah May, by pinfall (still AEW Women’s World Champion)

It was a gritty battle, but it took the move of a different former friend to finish this! But even so, Mariah is still champion, or as Rosa’s second sign puts it, “You are NOT My Champ!!!” But wait! IS THAT TONI STORM!? And now Rosa has a sign that says “W T F?!” Because yeah, while this isn’t Timeless, this is STILL TONI STORM!! She’s gone back to her original identity, and everyone is going wild! Are we about to get one hell of a sequel to All In?

My Thoughts:

A great start to what is now Winter is Coming Week in AEW. And the only weak point for tonight might be the time constraints on the women’s match. It was great to make it the main event, and for what time they had, they made the most of it, but if you’re going to make it the main event, I feel like it needed more than 10 minutes. But at the same time, it seemed rather clear Mina was losing. Mina is already Rev-Pro Women’s Champion, she wasn’t going to become the other double champion in AEW. Plus, with Rosa wanting next AND Toni Storm returning, that’s big story stuff for Mariah. Also, it is incredibly clever for Toni Storm to return as rock ‘n’ roll Toni after “Timeless Toni” said she’d retire from wrestling. We all knew this was coming so great to see it happen.

Speaking of the double champion in AEW, good promo from Mone with Anna Jay, but as I said last week, Mone’s going to have two title defenses in one week. Either Mone has a great week by retaining both titles, or she could have a really bad week by losing both titles, it really depends on the plans for WrestleDynasty. I’m leaning towards Mone having a great week because I don’t think she’s going to lose at Strong Style Evolved, and I’m not so sure she loses on Holiday Bash. Mone is more likely to lose her TBS title at Worlds End, maybe even to Kamille once Kamille’s arm is all healed up. Also, I assume that was just a kayfabe injury to lead to the breakup we got.

And to my earlier point of time constraints, I feel like we got a few promos we didn’t really need, despite them still being good promos. For one, Bandido having his Hollywood Western fight scene. Again, really fun and very well made, and maybe it was to help some people learn/remember who Bandido is, but I thought last week’s “Most Wanted” was enough to let us know he’s on his way back. The other was Private Party with all of Top Flight. Given we had Top Flight arguing it out last week, we knew they were going to have a match, Dante & Darius VS Action & Lio. But that promo seems a bit redundant now with this one, setting up that same match, but now with actual stakes. AEW’s been a thing for five years and they still can’t iron out disjointed storytelling?

Though at the same time, they’re not good with pacing out stuff like this Jericho VS Cardona build. They obviously do it to get people to watch ROH Thursdays, and maybe the sooner they get that cable TV deal the better. If Rampage really is going away, they should just make ROH replace it, but keep it on Thursdays because I don’t need overlaps with SmackDown and how that is going to be three hours in 2025. But either way, good promos from both Cardona and Jericho, and we’ll get a very good contract signing segment and good tune-up match for Cardona on Rampage. Though again, what weird pacing since Rampage is being recorded right now yet ROH was more than likely last Saturday…

Really good stuff with this Death Riders story tonight. That was a great tag match to open, though rather long, especially with Hangman “ruining” it. If he was gonna do that, cut things down by 5 minutes because why would Hangman wait until the match was getting hot to go after Moxley? But to Moxley’s point right after with his ranting promo, the egos kept the other three guys from becoming a super team that the Death Riders would’ve certainly lost against. But hey, that Fatal 4 Way is gonna be awesome, and Christian Cage might get in on that. Though, great promo from him and great attack by Hook. I’m a little surprised we didn’t get a follow-up on that tonight.

Very good promo from Darby, though maybe another spot that could’ve been another night for sake of time. Darby still got his point across, and I think this was his best paced promo, no rushing through lines to get them out. Depending on how Worlds End goes, I feel like we could get a really good “Can they coexist?” 8 Man or even bigger, where Darby, White, Cassidy and Hangman work together to fight Moxley, Claudio, Yuta & Pac. They could even do a Stadium Stampede/Anarchy in the Arena (I forget if there’s any real difference other than what kind of venue they do it in), and that could even give us the return of Bryan Danielson for him to tip the scales in favor of “Team AEW.”

And of course, great stuff in the Continental Classic tonight, even though it was just two matches. Claudio VS Ospreay was awesome, and fitting that Ospreay would win to stay near the front. Darby watching Ospreay’s back was good, but also a reason Darby’s promo tonight could’ve waited for Collision. And Ricochet adds some intrigue by showing he still has MVP’s card. I almost thought The Hurt Syndicate would walk out there after he won, but maybe they’re waiting for Ricochet to take control of Gold League so that no matter what, the Syndicate has someone going to Worlds End. Plus, that’d be a big moment should Ricochet go to Worlds End, win the whole thing and become NEW Continental Champion with MVP, Lashley & Shelton backing him.

My Score: 8.8/10

The Continental Classic is Relentless!

Darby Allin took a lot of damage from Brody King in his first Continental Classic match, but he’s back to try again! Will Darby get on the board? Or will Komander redeem himself from Rampage?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Komander; Darby wins.
• WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup Qualifier Tournament: Willow Nightingale VS Serena Deeb; Willow wins and advances to face Jamie Hayter in the AEW Finals.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Kyle Fletcher; Kyle wins.
• The Beast Mortos VS Aaron Solo; Mortos wins.
• Mina Shirakawa VS Emi Sakura; Mina wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Daniel Garcia VS Mark Briscoe; Briscoe wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Komander!

Both the Relentless One and the Commander of the Skies are without points, despite putting up a fight in their first matches. Someone will finally get on the board, but who ends up stuck at the back of the pack?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as we’re on the clock. Darby and Komander shake hands and the two tie up. Darby slips around to waistlock, then he spins Komander to a headlock and takeover. Cover, ONE, but Darby holds onto Komander. Komander fights up, powers up but can’t power out as Darby holds on tight. Komander powers Darby to a corner, fires body shots, then wrenches to whip. Darby reverses, Komander goes up and over, then Komander arm-drags! But Darby has the headlock right back! The fans cheer while Komander fights up. Darby grinds the hold, but Komander powers up and out.

Komander runs up, Darby sidesteps and FLYING ARM-DRAGS, but Komander handsprings though! Things keep moving, Komander sunset flips but Darby rolls it to a sunset, TWO! Darby hurries to clamp on with a chinlock! The fans cheer as Komander endures and fights to his feet. Darby hits another headlock takeover, but Komander headscissors. Darby rolls Komander, rolls back, and has a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF right away! Komander crawls forward and grabs the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Darby lets go. Komander goes to the apron but Darby runs up, only for Komander to GAMANGIRI!

Komander goes up, tightrope walks, and ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAGS, but Darby counters to WRING Komander out! Darby rolls into a LA MAGISTROL, TWO! Darby clearly watched Rampage last night, and he makes sure to keep Komander grounded with another chinlock. Komander fights up so Darby throws him out! Darby builds speed but Komander DUMPS Darby! Then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Komander hurries to put Darby back in the ring, and the fans rally behind Komander. Komander aims from the corner, runs corner to corner, and goes up, up and PHOENIX SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Darby survives, but Komander clamps on a chinlock. Komander grinds Darby down, but Darby fights up to fire body shots. Darby runs, but Komander SUPERKICKS him out! Komander goes to the apron, then runs up to the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Darby and Komander goes to the apron again, CIELITO- NO, Darby dodges! Darby then SHOVSES Komander into the steel steps! Darby grabs a chair, but he sets it up to make Komander take a seat. Darby fires hands, then he rolls into the ring. Darby has a wild grin and he builds speed, to DIVE! But he only gets chair!!

The fans lose their minds while both men are down, and Collision goes picture in picture.

The ref checks Darby as Darby clutches his lower back. Darby is somehow still okay to continue, so Komander shoves him into the ring. Cover, TWO!! Darby proves he’s still in this so Komander stalks him to ropes. Komander stomps Darby, clamps on, but Darby has the ROPEBREAK! Komander steps back, then he drags Darby from the ropes. Komander drops an elbow on the leg! Komander stalks Darby to a corner, stomps him around, then brings him up. Komander CHOPS, then reels Darby in for a PANCAKE BRIDGE! TWO, and Darby flounders away. Komander stays cool and he stalks Darby again. Komander drops an elbow on the leg!

Komander stomps Darby, eggs him on, then CLUBS Darby back down. Komander kicks Darby out of the ring, then goes back to the apron. Komander jumps down to STOMP Darby on the back! Darby writhes while Collision returns to single picture, and fans boo Komander! Komander ignores that to whip Darby, only for Darby to reverse! Komander hits railing hard! Darby runs up, but Komander dodges and Darby hits railing hard! Then Komander GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” while Komander puts Darby in the ring. Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Darby writhes.

Komander grows frustrated but he aims from a corner. Komander runs up, Darby dodges, both men turn around, and heads collide! Both men fall back, and the ref starts a standing count. The fans rally and Komander shakes out the stars. Darby and Komander both stand at 5 of 10, then Darby fires shots! Komander gives those back, but Darby SLAPS Komander! Darby then blocks a kick, flips Komander, then fires hands! Darby RAMS Komander, runs and hops on, CODE RED! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and the fans declare “This is Awesome!” Darby hobbles is way to a corner, then climbs up.

Komander hurries to ROCK Darby first! Komander climbs, gives a short headbutt, then stands Darby up. Darby resists the superplex and fires body shots! Darby SHOVES Komander, Komander backflips through! Komander is right back up top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Darby survives by fingertips but the fans fire up with Komander! Komander goes to the apron, he slingshots, but Darby trips him up! Darby CLUBS and CLAWS Komander’s back! Darby then goes to the corner, climbs up, and GUILLOTINE COFFIN DROPS!! Komander flops to the floor, Darby builds speed! Darby DIVES, direct hit at the railing!

The fans are thunderous as Darby hurries to get Komander up and in! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Darby grits his teeth. Darby drags Komander up to whip corner to corner, then he runs in, but Komander KNEES Him away! Then POISON-RANA! Darby flops to the apron but Komander goes after him! APRON MONKEY FLIP!! Darby hits knees first then flops to the floor! Komander DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp again! Komander puts Darby in, goes up, and the fans cheer on the tightrope walk! CIELITO- NO, Darby dodges! Darby catches a kick, drags Komander down and around, LAST SUPPER! DARBY WINS!

Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)

The Relentless One gets his points and can finally keep pace with the league! But will he be ready for his Holiday Bash against Will Ospreay?

Backstage interview with The Don Callis Family.

Renee Paquette is with Don Callis himself, as well as The Alpha, Konosuke Takeshita. Things have been booming for the Family, but what is next after that big win on Ricochet at Full Gear? Callis says Renee needs to use more superlatives for Konosuke. Booming? This is domination! But then Will Hobbs steps in! Callis says hey, Powerhouse, welcome back! Hobbs stops Callis and tells him to back up. It seems Callis forgot Hobbs’ email, phone number, address, didn’t even think to check on him at all. Right? Right. So let’s keep this short and sweet: Hobbs wants what Konosuke has. Hobbs wants to be AEW International Champion!

Callis says hey, what is going on here? They have history! Hobbs is going to step to Konosuke? Duh. Well, okay, yeah, Callis admits Hobbs deserves a shot. Hobbs deserves better than what he’s been getting. But see, with all these international bookings coming up, Callis & Konosuke are going to Japan, to Portugal, all over. Callis will talk with his people, they’ll get back to Hobbs. Callis has Konosuke get going and says see ya later, but Hobbs grabs Callis’ arm! Hobbs tells Callis he better get back to him. Callis promises! Callis follows his Alpha out, but will Konosuke even come back from NJPW WrestleDynasty with a belt?

WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup Qualifier Tournament: Willow Nightingale VS Serena Deeb!

Speaking of WrestleDynasty, the best women from around the wrestling world are fighting to be part of that inaugural card and this inaugural Women’s Cup! But with Jamie Hayter waiting in the wings, will it be the Babe with the Power or the Professor of Professional Wrestling that joins her for Winter is Coming?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Willow. Deeb and Willow circle, tie up, and Deeb wrenches an arm to wristlock. Willow spins, slips around and waistlocks. Deeb fights the lift but Willow still SLAMS her down! Deeb floats out to facelock but Willow slips out to facelock back. The fans rally for Willow more as she wrenches, but Deeb rolls, rolls back, then spins to wrench and wrench. Deeb wrangles Willow with a wristlock but Willow headscissors. Deeb kips free, the two go again, and Deeb headlocks. Willow powers up and out, Deeb RAMS her, but Willow rebounds to CLOBBER Deeb! The fans fire up and Willow shimmies, shakes, and flexes!

Willow runs, Deeb stays low, but Willow avoids the armd-rag to Oklahoma Roll! TWO, and Deeb jackknife bridges! ONE, and Willow rolls to bring Deeb up! Deeb fights free to kick low and tuck the arms. But Willow backdrops free! Deeb sunset flips, but Willow stays up! HIP- NO, Deeb avoids the hip drop and rolls Willow into a ghost pin! TWO, and Willow brings Deeb up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Willow still smiles. The fans fire up and Willow has Deeb in the corner. Willow fires LARIAT after LARIAT, and goes all the way to nine! Then Willow runs up, but has to block a boot!

Deeb breaks free and KICKS Willow! Deeb goes out, baits Willow in, and catches her for a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Willow staggers away while Deeb soaks up the heat. Deeb then RAMS into Willow, slides under and BOOTS Willow out of the ring! Willow tumbles to the floor, Deeb soaks up more heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Willow clutches her back while Deeb taunts the fans here in Columbus, Ohio. Willow rolls in but Deeb is right on her. Deeb UPPERCUTS Willow, bumps her off buckles, but Willow blocks the whip! Deeb kicks and stomps away, then UPPERCUTS Willow again. Deeb whips corner to corner successfully, then runs up to LARIAT! Willow flops down, Deeb pushes her to a cover, TWO! Deeb keeps on Willow with an elbow drop on the leg! Deeb then rolls Willow over and has the SEATED SURFBOARD! Willow endures as Deeb rocks the boat! Deeb then lets go of legs to reel Willow into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Willow endures, even as Deeb fishhooks her!

The ref reprimands but this is clearly a shot at The DMD. Willow SLAPS at Deeb, but Deeb smothers her! The ref reprimands so Deeb lets go, steps through, and traps one arm while pulling the other! Willow endures this modified Ground Cobra Twist while Collision goes to break!

Collision returns and Willow fights out of an Iron Octopus! SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up while both women are down! Willow rolls away to the far side, both women rise, and then Willow runs up! Deeb swings, Willow dodges, and Willow LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up with Willow and she runs in, BODY BLOCK and LARIAT in a corner! Then a snapmare and BOOT! The fans fire up and Willow whips Deeb for a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Deeb survives but Willow has the fans behind her! Willow hauls Deeb up, gut wrenches, but Deeb fights it! Willow CLUBS Deeb, but Deeb slips under!

Deeb CHOPS, then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~!” and Deeb LARIATS! Willow stays up so Deeb runs, LARIAT! Willow is still up, Deeb gets frustrated, and runs again. Deeb ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans boo but Deeb full nelsons! Willow breaks free, Deeb shoves her! SNAP GERMAN! But Willow is on her feet! Deeb hurries to hammerlock and PEPSI TWIST! Cover, TWO! Willow survives and the fans rally up while Deeb snarls. Deeb stands and she brings Willow in! Deeb tucks the arms, but Willow powers up and lifts Deeb! Willow pops Deeb around, OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO!

Deeb survives but Willow just huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms around! Deeb goes to the corner, Willow runs in, but Deeb dodges! CANNONBALL hits buckles! Willow clutches her back but Deeb is right on the legs! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Willow falls, Deeb reels her back in! Deeb tucks the arms, lifts, DEEB-TOX!! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Deeb is beside herself! The fans fire up again as Willow rises up! Deeb drags Willow up, reels her in, but Willow wrenches out. Deeb dodges, dodges again, but Willow hits the POUNCE! PERIOD! The straps come down and the fans fire up! Willow gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (advances to Collision: Winter is Coming)

And now the AEW Finals are set! Jamie Hayter or Willow Nightingale, who survives next week’s Collision to head for the Tokyo Dome?

Backstage interview with Thunder Rosa.

Renee is now with La Mera Mera and brings up how Rosa’s keeping a close eye on Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa. Yes, let’s do the math: the last time Rosa was in the ring with Mariah May, Rosa won; last time Rosa was in the ring with Mina Shirakawa, Rosa won. So therefore, she is 2-0 against them, so Rosa is pretty sure she deserves the next shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship, regardless of who wins. And yes, Mina is an excellent wrestler, it would be an honor for Rosa to face her again. As for Mariah, well, Rosa brings out a looong list, and though it’s all Espanol, it’s all bad. The point is, it will be so much fun to beat Mariah until she cries!

Winter is Coming and the title match can go either way, but one thing that won’t change is that Rosa is La Mera Mera! Women’s Wrestling in AEW is alive and well! And as long as the fans believe in Rosa, she’ll scratch, claw, and fight until she gets the title back! So tell this to everyone: Good luck, you’re gonna need it. Rosa heads out, all fired up, but who will she look to burn after Mariah and Mina have it out?

The Death Riders are here!

Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir, Pac & Wheeler Yuta make their way through the GalaxyCon crowd to go right to the ring. Moxley grabs a mic and paces around. “People wanna talk? Then let’s talk, Ohio. Let’s talk about people who don’t wanna be AEW World Champion. And there’s a lot of them. There’s not a single soul in this building that wants to be AEW World Champion. They think they do, they say they do, but they don’t.” The fans chant for “Freshly Squeezed!” but Moxley says no, “they are not ready to make the sacrifices necessary. They are not ready to shoulder the weight. They are not willing to put themselves in harm’s way.

“Yeah, they wanna hold the belt and shine it up real nice, hold it up over their head and take pictures with it. They wanna strap it around their waists, but quite frankly, none of them deserve tot even lay eyes on the AEW World Championship, and it is MY responsibility to make sure that they don’t!” Is that why it’s been in the briefcase this whole time? Moxley says he’s talking about guys like Switchblade Jay White. Jay White is one hell of a competitor, one hell of a wrestler, and Moxley has a lot of respect for him. But Jay White is a child! Jay White doesn’t know the first thing about what it takes to be world champion!

The fans boo, but Moxley says Hangman Adam Page is self-destructive, miserable and insecure. He’ll probably take himself out of the game before he even sniffs another world championship! The fans cheer for #CowboyS*it, but Moxley says none of these guys really want it. And then there’s Orange Cassidy. “We found out at Full Gear exactly who Orange Cassidy was. He was not the guy. His peers hoped that he was, but he was not ‘The One.’ He was not the one foretold of in the prophecy. He did NOT have what it takes to get the job done! My only regret is that I let Orange Cassidy leave New Jersey with his skull intact!”

The fans boo and call BS, but Moxley tells Cassidy one last time, and he’ll tell the world one time so they better listen! “In a business full of pretend, full of talk, full of a bunch of talk and no action, I MEAN WHAT I SAY, and I don’t bluff.” If Cassidy pisses Moxley off one more time, Moxley takes him off the board for good. Well here comes Cassidy! Cassidy walks to the ring and Moxley already has a headache. Cassidy rolls into the ring, right past Pac, and then looks at the briefcase in Marina’s hands. Cassidy then looks Moxley up and down, then he brings out a mic from inside the jacket.

The fans cheer Cassidy on, and he says, “I can live without ever being the AEW World Champion. But see, what I can’t live with is you as the AEW World Champion. So I’m going to do whatever it takes, I’m never going to stop, until you are not the AEW World Champion.” The fans cheer that! Cassidy says the only way he stops is if Moxley kills him. Cassidy then throws his mic down at Moxley, then throws his sunglasses! And then his jacket! And his shirt! Cassidy eggs The Death Riders on, but it’s Marina who SMACKS him down with the briefcase! And then the gang all stomps away on him!

The fans boo, but Moxley rains down fists! Moxley CLAWS Cassidy’s eyes, then has Pac drag Cassidy up. Pac TOSSES Cassidy out, then Yuta goes out to tell him this is what he gets! Yuta and Pac drag Cassidy from ramp to the side of the stage! And then to the back? Moxley & Marina follow, where are The Death Riders taking Cassidy?

FTR speaks!

The #TopGuys are backstage as Cash Wheeler says, “So it’s funny, because for the better part of ten years, we’ve done everything we could to go down in history as the best. We have fought to be the most decorated, fought to go down in history as THE best tag team to ever do this. And then, a few months ago, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, and it’s not about wrestling anymore, it’s not about tag team gold anymore. Now, we fight for the fallen.” Dax Harwood says on Wednesday, January 1st, it is a monumental day for AEW. The first time ever, on TBS and streaming for HBO Max, it will be AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen!

But even more than that, it is a big day for FTR as they spearhead the event coming to Ashville, North Carolina, to save people, save lives, raise money and raise awareness. And perhaps most importantly, FTR is building a… Oh, what’s going on? OH, the Death Riders are dragging Cassidy through here! Marina fights off security and staff, and Moxley has another bottle of cleaning solution! He says he’s gonna make this one count! Pac & Yuta hold Cassidy’s arms back while Marina holds Cassidy’s mouth open! Yuta has a funnel! Moxley says this time, Cassidy will get the message! But FTR saves Cassidy!

Cash & Dax dare the Death Riders to do something with them around, wielding steel pipes! Moxley has his team stand down, and he says they’ll learn the lesson, too. The Death Riders retreat, but will they find a way to take the Top Guys out?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Kyle Fletcher!

The Rainmaker has 4 points with his one win and one time limit draw, but the Aussie Arrow is at a full six points from his 2-0 streak! Will the Protostar beat THE Continental Champion to have a definitive lead in Blue League? Or is this where Okada starts making his comeback?

The bell rings and the fans rally for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” Kyle and Okada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada shifts to a waistlock but Kyle pries the hold open to wrench and wristlock. Okada rolls, trips Kyle, and has a toehold. Kyle claws at Okada’s face, then uses a leg to hook him into an ARMBAR! Okada clasps hands, rolls to stack Kyle, TWO! The two reset and the fans cheer the opening exchange. Okada and Kyle circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Kyle then kicks, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Kyle spins Okada to snapmare and chinlock. The fans boo but Kyle grinds the hold and leans on Okada.

Okada fights up, pries at the hold, and the fans rally. Okada rolls to bring Kyle down into a headlock! Kyle endures, fights up, and pulls hair to put Okada on the ropes! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kyle lets go at 4. But then he snatches the headlock! Okada powers up and fires body shots. Kyle holds tight as Okada goes to power out! Kyle thrashes Okada around but the fans boo more. Okada powers up again and puts Kyle on ropes. The ref counts, Kyle lets go and Okada slowly backs away. The fans cheer and the two men reset. Okada and Kyle knuckle lock again and have a proper Test of Strength!

The fans rally as Kyle puts Okada on ropes, and Kyle lets off slowly. Kyle fakes the chop to pat Okada on the shoulders. Okada brushes off Kyle copying him and the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Okada puts Kyle on ropes, and then he slowly lets off. Okada fakes the chop, pats Kyle on the shoulders, then actually fires a forearm! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands as Okada fires more shots! Okada whips but Kyle reverses to scoop and SLAM! Okada grimaces while Kyle flexes, and the fans boo the Protostar. Kyle stomps Okada around, then has Okada on ropes. Kyle whips Okada, but Okada reverses and BOOTS!

The fans fire up while Kyle flounders to a corner. Okada storms up, throws a heavy elbow, then snapmares Kyle at the ropes. Okada runs side to side to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Kyle tumbles out and Okada pursues. Okada reels Kyle in, DDT to the floor! The fans rally up and Okada puts Kyle in the ring. Okada takes a moment since he has plenty of time, but then Kyle bails out the side! The fans boo but Okada pursues again. Okada drags Kyle up to UPPERCUT! Okada follows Kyle to the railing, then UPPERCUTS again! Okada puts Kyle in while the fans cheer him on. But Kyle snatches Okada in the ropes! DRAPING DDT!

Kyle strikes like a Viper but the fans boo even more! Kyle snarls paces around, and he soaks up the heat while Collision goes picture in picture.

Kyle takes his time stalking Okada, then drags him up. Kyle winds up to ROCK Okada! And then CHOP! Okada staggers to a corner but Kyle is right on him. Kyle traps the arms, and CHOPS Okada again! Kyle soaks up the heat while Okada leans against ropes. Kyle storms up, winds up, but then he CLAWS Okada’s eyes! Kyle stops as the ref counts so he can taunt the fans. Kyle mockingly pats Okada on the head, then runs up to KICK him down! Okada writhes and Kyle grimaces. Kyle covers his ears so he can ignore the fans taunting him. But then Okada gets up to fire off forearms! Kyle knees low, snapmares, and has a chinlock!

Okada endures as Kyle grinds him down. Okada fights up even as Kyle leans on him, and Okada fires body shots! Kyle KNEES low again! Okada drops to his knees, but Kyle KICKS him down! Kyle kneels for a cocky cover, TWO! Kyle clamps right back on with a chinlock! Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally up again. Okada fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS Kyle with a forearm! Okada runs, but into a CALF KICK! Okada flops over and Kyle soaks up more heat from the fans. Kyle says it is done now, but fans chant, “You Still Suck!” Kyle stands Okada up, and Okada ROCKS Kyle! And ROCKS him again

Kyle fires a forearm in return, and then fires another! The fans boo but Okada shakes his head. The fans fire up as Okada fires forearm after forearm, then an UPPERCUT! Kyle kicks low! Kyle whips, Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges, then speed sup to ELBOW Kyle down! The fans fire up while Kyle flounders to a corner! Okada rises and he has a clenched jaw! Okada runs to ELBOW Kyle! Kick and DDT! Kyle sputters, Okada covers, TWO! Okada stays calm and he brings Kyle back up. Kyle breaks free, Okada catches his arm, MONEY CLIP! Kyle flails, reaches out, but he’s already really red! The fans rally up and chant “TAP! TAP! TAP!”

Kyle fights, reaches out, but Okada pulls him back! Kyle CLAWS Okada’s eyes! Kyle arm-drags free, but Okada comes back! Only for Kyle to catch him, SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Okada flounders and Kyle snarls. Kyle fires himself up and he storms over to Okada. Okada slowly rises, Kyle takes aim and runs, but Okada FLAPJACKS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Okada rolls away to a corner, and he grits his teeth as he rises back up. Kyle is in the other corner, but he comes running in! Okada pops Kyle up, Alabama Lift and REVERSE NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Okada brings Kyle to his feet!

Okada scoops and SLAMS Kyle, then goes up the corner! MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up more, and Okada brings out the Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada brings Kyle up, ripcords, but Kyle ducks the lariat! So Okada DROPKICKS! But Kyle flounders out of the ring! The fans boo but Okada is just as frustrated. A ring count starts but Okada goes out after Kyle. Okada drags Kyle up and then gut wrenches! The fans fire up but Kyle fights free! Kyle half nelsons, HALF ‘N’ HALF to the floor!! Kyle rolls in at 6 of 10 but Okada is still dazed! Okada is at 8 of 10, but he springs to life to get in at 9.5! But Kyle’s right on him! LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans are thunderous and Kyle is furious that Okada survives! Kyle scowls as Okada goes to a corner. Kyle runs corner to corner, but Okada BOOTS first! Kyle flounders but comes back, into a KNEE! Kyle sputters, but he grabs at Okada. Kyle whips, runs up, and he forearm SMASHES Okada! Kyle takes another swing, but Okada blocks to spin and DISCUS LARIAT! Okada roars, and he brings Kyle back up! Ripcord and RAIN- NO, Kyle dodges to HAYMAKER! Okada BOOTS! Kyle SUPERKCIKS! Okada rebounds to SHOTGUN! Kyle is right up, swings, but Okada shoves him at the ref! Kyle avoids a collision, but Okada gets him again!

Okada ripcords, Kyle grabs at the ref! The ref cowers in the corner, Kyle blocks a kick to LOW BLOW Okada!! Maybe Okada was going for that, too, but it costs him! Kyle suplexes and BRAINBUSTERS!! Cover, KYLE WINS!!

Winner: Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Okada earns 0)

The Aussie Arrow uses another cheap tactic to win, but in the end, he still dominates Blue League with NINE POINTS! Will no one be able to stop the Protostar from heading for Worlds End?

The Beast Mortos VS Aaron Solo!

With Claudio Castagnoli not here, there is no Continental Classic action for the menacing minotaur, who desperate needs points to stay in the running. Will he simply stay hot by taking out The Most Talented?

The bell rings, Mortos rushes in but Solo dodges. Solo runs up to GAMANGIRI, then he fires off furious forearms! The ref counts, Mortos SHOVES Solo and CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and Mortos SLAPS Solo! Mortos whips, then tilt-o-whirls Solo into a torture rack! Solo fights free to DREAMCAST KICK! Mortos stays on his feet, so Solo runs, but back into the tilt-o-whirl! BACKBREAKER DROP! And then a gut wrench into a POWER BREAKER!! Solo writhes and the fans fire up with Mortos! Mortos aims from a corner while Solo rises, DISCUS LARIAT!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

This may not have been the C2, but Mortos didn’t need back-up to solo Solo! Now Mortos must prepare for Winter is Coming! He takes on Kazuchika Okada next week on Collision!

Backstage interview with Top Flight Airlines.

Renee is now with Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Leila Grey & The Martin Brothers. She needs to talk the Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal from last Wednesday. There came a point where they were not all on the same page, what happened? Leila would like to know that herself! What was that move about? Leila is of course referring to Lio & Action being united in turning on Darius & Dante before the end. Leila says that was crazy out there! This is supposed to be a team, but perhaps Lio & Action don’t understand that. Leila gets annoyed when Lio & Action don’t say anything, so she calls out Action directly.

Action says yeah, okay, he and Lio took Darius & Dante outta the match. But it was a battle royal! If you aren’t aware, but that’s how it works! Every man for themselves! Darius says yeah, they are aware. But he and Dante were just confused why Lio went along for the ride. It’s interesting how they wore matching gear. Last time Darius checked, all four of them were a team! When did it suddenly become some combination of Action & Lio? Lio says it became a combination of them because Darius & Dante kept losing everything for them! So the way Lio sees it, he and Action are going to be chasing the tag titles, not Darius & Dante.

Dante says if that’s all this was about, they could’ve just said so. They didn’t need to go stepping on toes just to get there, stupid! Well, maybe it needed to happen. For what? Lio’s ego? Action asks who these “Minnesota Morons” are calling stupid! MORONS?! Leila shouts, “ENOUGH!” If they’re gonna fight, fine, just not back here. Action says it sounds like they’ll settle this in the ring. Lio & Action go one way, Darius & Dante the other, with Leila stuck in the middle. Which half of Top Flight will find themselves as the top team?

Mina Shirakawa VS Emi Sakura!

We know Thunder Rosa will be watching this Wednesday, because Winter is Coming. But will the Fighting Gravure Idol be bringing the heat to Dynamite? Or will a match with the Queen of Joshi turn into a trap game?

Actually, Mina spots Rosa watching from the audience here and now. Mina stares Rosa down but Rosa says to focus on Emi. And Emi proves her right because she attacks Mina from behind! Emi uses her robe to LASH Mina and the bell rings! Emi drags Mina up to laugh and TOSS her! Mina flounders, Emi drags Mina up by her hair and CHOPS! Emi laughs again, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! CHOPS! Emi whips Mina, but Mina comes back with a LARIAT! The fans fire up and Emi sits up in shock! Mina KICKS Emi in the back! Mina then KICKS Emi again, and again! Emi goes to ropes but Mina KICKS again!

Mina whips, Emi reverses to CLAW the arms! Emi then CHOPS, and CHOPS! Mina drops to a knee but Emi wrenches and CHOPS agian! Mina falls but Emi stands her up to CHOP again! Emi drags Mina up to CHOP again! But Mina ducks the next shot to spin and SOBAT! Mina runs, but Emi DOUBLE CHOPS her down! Cover, ONE as Mina goes Matrix! Mina does her shimmy and the fans cheer. Emi is annoyed and she storms up on Mina. Mina dodges, and she KICKS Emi down! The fans fire up but Emi sits back up. Mina brings Emi to her feet, but Emi SLAPS Mina down! Emi drags Mina up, to CHOP again!

The fans rally and Emi stands Mina up. Mina KICKS! And KICKS! But Emi blocks the next one, to BITE the foot! The ref reprimands, Emi lets Mina go, and then Emi wrenches, to BITE the hand! The ref reprimands, Emi stops, and the fans boo Emi while Collision goes picture in picture.

Emi drags Mina back up, CHOPS her again, then CHOPS her again! And again! Emi brings Mina around to bump her off buckles. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Emi winds up to CHOP one more time! Mina drops to her knees, but Emi storms up on him. Emi tucks the arms, lifts, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! cover, TWO! Mina stays in this but Emi tucks Mina into the Paradise Lock! Emi sits on Mina to “sip tea,” then steps off to set Mina free. Emi taunts Mina, and Mina stands to fire forearms! There isn’t much behind those and Emi laughs. Emi taunts Mina, but Mina rises to KICK! That has something to it!

Emi KICKS Mina back, then BOOTS her in the face! And BOOTS, and BOOTS! Mina stands but Emi puts her in the corner. Emi puts Mina in ropes to bend her backwards! Mina endures, the ref reprimands, but Collision goes to break.

Collision returns and Emi has Mina down with a chinlock! Mina fights up as the fans rally. Mina RAMS Emi into buckles, then gets free. Mina goes corner to corner, but Emi DROPKICKS her first! Mina ends up back in a corner, but she dodges Emi! Mina steps in, goes up, and FLYING CHUCKS! Mina gets moving, another FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up with Mina and she crawls to a cover, TWO! Emi pulls hair even! Mina is upset but she drags Emi up in a dragon sleeper! Emi fights the lift, and Mina just drops Emi down. Mina KICKS Emi, but Emi CHOPS and CHOPS! Emi dragon sleepers for a TWISTING NECKBREAKER!

The fans rally up while Emi huffs ‘n’ puffs. Emi says she is Our Highness, and she drags Mina up again. Emi underhooks and TIGER STALLING BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Mina survives and Emi is frustrated. The fans rally, Rosa watches intently, and Emi drags Mina up. Mina fires a flurry of palm strikes and a SLAP! Emi CHOPS, then LARIATS! Emi runs, but Mina is up! ROLLING ELBOW! Mina fires up and climbs a corner! Mina leaps to FLYING SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Mina drags her up! Mina CLUBS away on Emi, then whips, but Emi uses the ref as a shield!

Mina puts on the brakes, Emi pushes the ref down but Mina avoids the cheap shot! Mina URAKENS Emi down! Then Mina uses the ref as a pommel horse to SPLASH onto Emi! The fans fire up and Mina goes up a corner! FLYING SLINGBLADE again! Mina covers this time, and Mina wins!

Winner: Mina Shirakawa, by pinfall

Mina locks eyes with Rosa and Rosa does commend this match. Mina even toasts herself with some champagne! But will Mina be toasting the defeat of The Glamour this Wednesday? Or will La Mera Mera be going after Mariah May?

AEW shares footage from after Rampage.

Renee had a backstage interview with both Mark Briscoe and Daniel Garcia, they just competed in the C2 that night but would have to turn around to face each other on Collision. The TNT Champion has 4 points, the Sussex County Chicken still has none. Mark’s been in this position before, how will he close the gap this time around? Mark says this time of year, many people go through a tough time. But Mark personally, two years in a row now, he starts with zero wins two rounds in on the Continental Classic. Sometimes, he sits around, gets down on himself, and thinks, “Man, I sure do suck at Continental Classics.”

But no, that ain’t the case! He just ain’t applying himself! What Mark has to do is simply apply himself, and that is what he plans to do! Danny G is Mark’s boy, no hard feelings, but Mark has to do it to him! Mark NEEDS this W. Garcia says yeah, no hard feelings. That’s what he respects about Mark. Mark stays positive, even in the hard times. When he gets knocked down, he gets back up. Unfortunately, the same goes for Garcia. Garcia has 4 points, and another win makes 7, and he could potentially lead Blue League. (We know now that no, he’ll just be a clear second place) Garcia says he’ll just have to knock Mark down.

Garcia says he’s gonna give Mark everything he’s got, so Mark better do the same. Mark says you already know. There is respect here in this match, but who will respectfully kick the other man’s ass to get those crucial 3 points?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Daniel Garcia VS Mark Briscoe!

The bell rings and the fans cheer as these two shake hands. Then they circle and tie up. Mark headlocks, but Garcia pries at the hold and wrenches out. Garcia headlocks but Mark powers out. Garcia sunset flips, Mark rolls through and has the headlock back. Garcia headscissors, Mark kips free, and the two have a standoff. The fans cheer and Garcia copies the crane stance. Mark and Garcia reset, tie up, and clinch, Garcia drop toeholds and then Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Mark runs up but into a trip and ghost pin! TWO! Mark stands up, is maybe a little frustrated, but the fans cheer as the two shake hands again.

Garcia and Mark reset, fans cheer on “Both These Guys!” The two tie up, Mark puts Garcia in a corner, but the ref counts. Mark lets off slowly, but then Garcia puts him in the corner! The ref counts again, Garcia lets off with a scuff from his forearm. Mark gets a bit riled up and the two reset. Garcia gives a playful pat on the butt, but Mark CHOPS him! Mark stares Garcia down, then stomps him! Mark brings Garcia up to CHOP! The fans fire up and Mark kicks low. Mark UPPERCUTS, then he brings Garcia around. Mark whips, Garcia reverses but Mark holds ropes. Mark ELBOWS Garcia and TOSSES him out!

The fans fire up as Mark builds speed, and Mark WRECKS Garcia with a dropkick! Mark gets back in, builds more speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and GalaxyCon is all fired up! Mark high-fives the fans, then he gives a nod to the Continental Championship. Mark drags Garcia up, UPPERCUTS again, then he hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Garcia writhes but Mark drags him down. The fans fire up and Mark climbs. BANG BANG, FOLEY- NO, Garcia gets in the ring! SLEEPER at the ropes! The ref counts, Garcia lets go and runs, to then BLAST Mark off the apron! Mark tumbles hard and the fans fire up again!

Garcia goes out after Mark, puts him against the apron, and he CHOPS! Then BOOTS! Garcia whips Mark hard into railing! The fans fire up and Garcia CLUBS away on Mark! Garcia refreshes the count, then storms after Mark. Mark CHOPS in return! Mark ROCKS Garcia, CHOPS him again, then whips him into railing! Mark BOOTS Garcia and Garcia takes a seat! Mark refreshes the count again and he runs up to BOOT Garcia! The fans fire up with Mark as he storms back up, but Garcia ROCKS Mark! Garcia makes Mark take a seat and he rains down fists! The fans count to nine, Garcia puts up his dukes, then he ROCKS Mark with the tenth!

The fans cheer as Garcia high-fives the front row. The dukes come up again, and he DANCES! Garcia then runs up to SHOTGUN Mark back down! The fans fire up again and Garcia revels in it while Collision goes picture in picture.

Garcia keeps the fans fired up, then he fetches Mark from around the corner. Garcia whips Mark hard into railing! Mark falls over but Garcia drags him back up. Garcia puts Mark in the ring, then stomps him down in a corner! The ref counts, but Garcia stands on Mark! Garcia steps off, runs side to side, and BOOT WASHES! Garcia scrubs Mark a couple extra times, then steps off. Mark stands up but Garcia fires body shots! Garcia whips but Mark sunset flips! Garcia rolls through, steps through, but Mark scrambles around! Mark fires shots from below, but Garcia drops back to have a FIGURE FOUR! Mark endures, Garcia kicks at him, and the two stand up.

Garcia and Mark storm up, and Mark CHOPS! Garcia sputters, but Mark CHOPS him again! Mark has Garcia and reels him in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this but Mark stays on him with a facelock. Garcia JAWBREAKERS free! Mark staggers to a corner, Garcia runs corner to corner, and Collision returns to single picture as Garcia LRAITS! Garcia whips corner to corner and LARIATS again! And then another whip, but Mark goes up to FLYING AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Mark stands Garcia up. Mark gives Garcia a Mongolian Chop! Garcia goes to a corner, Mark Mongolian Chops again! Mark Mongolian Chops again!

Garcia goes to another corner, but Mark hoists him up top. Mark CHOPS Garcia, then fires up! The fans fire up and Mark climbs. Mark brings Garcia up but Garcia fights the suplex! Garcia fires body shots, some real fast hands, and then he RAMS Mark! M ark hops back, then returns to UPPERCUT! Garcia holds onto ropes to stay up, but Mark goes up after him! The fans fire up as Mark aims for the outside! Garcia fights with more body shots, but Mark ROCKS Garcia! Garcia ROCKS Mark, Mark ROCKS Garcia, repeat! The fans rally and both men DECK each other! They hit apron then floor and the fans fire up again!

Mark pounds the floor as he rises up, and a standing count begins as both men stir. Mark and Garcia drag themselves up with the apron skirt, and they both slide in at 5 of 10! The fans fire up as these two storm up and start throwing hands! Mark eggs Garcia on so Garcia ROCKS Mark! Mark comes back to ROCK Garcia! Garcia rebounds to ROCK Mark! Mark fires up and he ROCKS Garcia! The fans rally as these two get heated, but they still shake hands! They fire forearm after forearm and GalaxyCon is thunderous! Mark gets the edge, Garcia dodges the last one, and he CHOPS! Garcia fires a flurry in the corner!

Garcia backs off, runs up, but Mark dodges! Mark CHOPS, then ROCKS, then CHOPS again! Mark UPPERCUTS Garcia, then runs, but Garcia LARIATS! Mark flips inside-out and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Mark goes to a corner. Garcia runs up to LARIAT! Garcia whips corner to corner but Mark goes up and out! Mark ROCKS Garcia, then he YANKS Garcia to the floor! BANG BANG, FOLEY ELBOW!! The fans fire up and Mark drags Garcia into the ring. The fans fire up as Mark runs, LARIAT! Garcia is flipped inside-out now, and Mark crawls to a cover, TWO! Mark stays fired up and he runs up to LARIAT!

Mark reels Garcia in, EXPLODER! Garcia flounders away to a corner and Mark runs up, LARIAT! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Mark doesn’t hesitate, h e fireman’s carries! But Garcia fights free! Garcia CLUBS Mark, reels him in, but Mark fights off the saido! Garcia shoves Mark away, but Mark fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, SLIDING LARIAT! Mark fires up and the fans are with him! Mark climbs but Garcia SMACKS Mark first! Garcia climbs up, but Mark fights off the superplex! Garcia goes to the very top, and he brings Mark up for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! AND ROLLS THROUGH! PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!

The fans are thunderous as Mark survives! Garcia grits his teeth, he bumps Mark off buckles, and he CHOPS! Garcia puts Mark back up, climbs after him gain, and he reels Mark in! Mark fights the lift, and he UPPERCUTS! Garcia falls back, and Mark rises! FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Garcia survives and the fans fire up again! Mark drags Garcia up and calls his shot! Underhooks and- NO, Garcia trips Mark, jackknife bridges, TWO!! Mark is free but Garcia runs up. Mark SLAPS Garcia! Garcia roars, ducks a shot, and then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up as Garcia CHOPS again, then SAIDOS!!

Mark rises?!? The fans are thunderous and Garcia’s seen a ghost! But then he BOOTS Mark to a corner! Mark fights the saido by holding ropes, then he fires in RIDGE HANDS! Mark waistlocks, but Garcia fires elbows! So Mark has a COBRA CLUTCH, then torture rack! CUTTHROAT DRIVER!!! Cover, MARK WINS!!!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Garcia earns 0)

What a wild one! Mark said he needed the points, and he got those points! Mark and Garcia still show each other respect, and now we all move on to Winter is Coming! Garcia is still even with Okada at 4 points, so second place is still up for grabs! Who manages to move up and capture that semifinals spot for Worlds End?

My Thoughts:

A great Collision and great go-home to Winter is Coming. Very good promo from Rosa, and a very good hype package for Mariah VS Mina that I skipped, and a pretty good match from Mina VS Emi. It was a little clunky at first, and maybe that finish was also a little strange, but Mina was of course winning. Rosa wanting in on the world title scene, I would think Mariah retains so we get Mariah VS Rosa at Worlds End. Good promo from Top Flight, Dante & Darius VS Lio & Action will be really good stuff, and I think Lio & Action win to set themselves up as potential challengers to Private Party. They might even leave Top Flight to join Hurt Syndicate together, but maybe not.

Awesome match from Willow and Deeb, and Deeb wearing a shirt that says “Nobody Cares” and the arrow pointing up at herself, kinda taking Britt’s insult and owning it. Perhaps they still circle back to that feud just to help both women bide time.  Willow winning was the right move, and I would think Willow wins next week because Hayter and Julia Hart have their feud that’s building. Mortos destroying Aaron Solo just because was pretty great, but he’s of course losing to Okada at Winter is Coming.

Speaking of Okada, I am rather surprised he lost, but I suppose Kyle cheating him like he did Shelton Benjamin is fine. Well, “fine” in that it keeps Okada strong, but Kyle should really be building himself up a bit more. We got an awesome match Darby VS Komander, too, and I figured Darby was getting the win, but it’s still annoying that the rounds are all lopsided, not everyone having competed in the same amount of matches as the others. As such, it doesn’t sound like Darby’s competing again until December 18th, but Ospreay’s gonna be at Winter is Coming AND Holiday Bash.

But that aside, Garcia VS Briscoe was an awesome main event, and Briscoe winning was a big surprise. Maybe they’re making Blue League more about a race for second place, since we’ll be getting big semifinal matches at the start of Worlds End, and the tournament finals are later. I would think Okada gets the second spot in Blue League so he can at least “defend” his Continental Championship at the PPV. And with this win over Garcia, Mark and Garcia could have a rematch for the TNT Championship at Worlds End, too.

My Score: 8.8/10