AEW returns to Daily’s Place for a blast from the past!

Before continuing the tour, AEW returns to Daily’s Place! And it’ll surely be rocking with the THIRD Labour of Jericho: JUVENTUD GUERRERA!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• The Third Labour of Jericho, Jericho Must Win with Top Rope Move: Chris Jericho VS Juventud Guerrera; Jericho wins and advances to the Fourth Labour.
• Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston & Darby Allin w/ Sting VS Danny Garcia & 2.0; Moxley, Kingston & Darby win.
• Christian Cage VS The Blade w/ The Bunny; Christian wins.
• AEW TNT Championship: Miro VS Lee Johnson w/ Dustin Rhodes; Miro wins and retains the title.
• NWA Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: The Bunny VS Leyla Hirsch; Hirsch wins and will challenge Kamille for the title.
• Cody Rhodes VS Malakai Black; Malakai wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Third Labour of Jericho, Jericho Must Win with Top Rope Move: Chris Jericho VS Juventud Guerrera!

It’s a blast from the past for The Demo God as MJF brings one of Jericho’s biggest WCW rivals to AEW! And given the challenge of a top rope move for the win, will Jericho be able to put away the Juice? Or will Juvi get his revenge 20 years later?

Of course, MJF walks out to join commentary, but makes sure to rip up a fan’s sign just because it mocks him. The bell rings and Juventud goes right at Jericho! Juvi fires off haymakers, CHOPS, uppercuts and more CHOPS! Juvi whips Jericho corner to corner, runs in, but Jericho puts Juvi on the apron, only for Juvi to throw Jericho down by his hair! Juvi climbs, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! Jericho doesn’t go far but he lands hard, and Juvi CLOBBERS him! Juvi stalks Jericho, goes up the corner ahead of him, and leaps into another headscissors! Jericho staggers and Juvi clotheslines him out of the ring! MJF wants to talk about himself as Juvi goes up top.

Juvi LEAPS to CLOBBER Jericho and fans go nuts for that one! Juvi gets space, goes back after Jericho and puts him in the ring. Juvi climbs as Jericho stands and Juvi leaps for a missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Juvi keeps his cool and he gets Jericho up to scoop, but Jericho slips out. Juvi elbows Jericho, runs in but is put on the apron again. Jericho runs and RAMS Juvi off the apron! Fans fire up for Jericho as he goes out after Juvi. Jericho CHOPS Juvi in return, and again! Jericho follows Juvi around the way to smack off the timekeeper’s table! Jericho puts Juvi in the ring, climbs up top, and hits a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Juvi escapes and MJF says that wasn’t gonna cut it anyway.

Jericho throws hands, CHOPS, and whips. Juvi kicks back, mule kicks, uppercuts and mule kicks again on repeat! Juvi runs but into double forearms from Jericho! MJF claims that’s a throat chop but Jericho runs, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Juvi drags Jericho up. Juvi CHOPS, whips but Jericho sunset flips! Juvi rolls through, fakes the buzzsaw to BUZZSAW the second time! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives but Juvi wants the Rings of Saturn! Jericho endures and fans rally up. Jericho gets an arm free, punches and headbutts then gets free. Juvi CHOPS, then CHOPS Jericho in the corner.

Jericho sits down, Juvi goes corner to corner, but Jericho gets up to run him over! Jericho rallies with more shoulders, Juvi dodges to put Jericho on the apron. Jericho fakes Juvi out now to ROCK him with the second punch. Jericho climbs up again, and DOUBLE AX HANDLES! Cover, TWO!! MJF gets mad at Juvi, calling him a “Masked moron,” and then he calls Aubrey Edwards a floozy over her “fast count.” But then MJF denies saying any of that when Schiavone calls him on it. Jericho throws hands on Juvi, gets him up and back suplexes, but Juvi lands on his feet! Jericho still spins Juvi around for a Tiger BACKBREAKER!

Jericho covers, but Aubrey reminds him, Jericho can only win with top rope moves! Jericho sighs but he rains down fists. Jericho rips at Juvi’s mask! Fans are torn as Jericho keeps pulling! Juvi kicks Jericho away, gets up and fires up as Jericho stands. Jericho runs at Juvi in the corner but gets a flapjack to buckles! Juvi puts Jericho up top, climbs up to join him, rains down fists, then jumps up, but Jericho blocks the Super Steiner to get the WALLS OF JERICHO! And this is allowed to count, because they came off the top first! Juvi endures, Jericho sits deep, MJF calls the Jacksonville fans a bunch of fat seals, but Juvi gets the ROPEBREAK!

Jericho lets go, Juvi kicks back and wrenches to a facelock and SPIN OUT NECKBREAKER! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! “This is Awesome!” and just the first match of the night! Juvi gets up, runs, but into a kick! Jericho reels Juvi in, but Juvi turns bomb into DDT! Juvi gets Jericho back up to scoop, JUVI DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!! MJF is losing his cool on commentary but fans rally up. Juvi rains down rights, runs, but into the JUDAS EFFECT! But Jericho can’t cover off this! Jericho hurries to get up top, Juvi stirs, FLYING JUDAS EFFECT!? Cover, Jericho wins!!

Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall (advances to the Fourth Labour)

MJF is fuming again, vowing that there’s no way Jericho makes it to the fifth! Wardlow attacks Jericho from behind! Wardlow digs his boots in at the corner, then drags Juvi up to punish him for failing MJF! F10!! Wardlow gets Jericho back up, has him on the top rope, and drapes him out for the CASUALTY OF WAR! MJF then says, “Oh no~. I’m so sorry, guys, did we ruin that moment for you?” Fans tell MJF he sucks, but MJF tells Jericho that if he thought he was every gonna be happy during these Labours, then Jericho’s as dumb “as every one of these scum sucking idiots here in the arena tonight.”

And if Jericho hasn’t figured it out, the Fourth Labour is a match against Wardlow! And the stipulation will be that there will be a special enforcer! It’ll be someone who will make sure this match is fair and square! The Salt of the Earth, who’s better than you and you know it: Maxwell Jacob Friedman! MJF is making himself the authority, but is this a sign that he’s getting desperate? Not to mention, scared of Jericho?

Backstage interview with the Lucha Brothers.

It was supposed to be Death Triangle in full but now PAC is missing. And Alex Abrahantes has exactly why Pac isn’t here. It’s convenient that Pac’s travel got cancelled, much like the Lucha Brothers before. And who do you think did that? Oh, well, Andrade El Idolo walks in right now! “Hey, kids, ninos. Where are my thank yous for the limousine last week?” Chavo Guerrero says they went through a lot of trouble to get them here on time last week. Thanks to El Idolo, you could be having first class airfare, limo service, all the steak, lobster and champagne you could want. It’s a pretty good offer, right? What do they say? Si or no?

They told you before. They don’t work for El Idolo or anyone. Penta fires up and rants in Spanish, but Alex calms him down, then translates, “Penta says, ‘No.‘” Death Triangle leaves but Chavo is convinced they’ll come around. What will it take for Death Triangle to get the message through Andrade’s head?

Backstage interview with The Dark Order.

Tony Schiavone notes last week’s loss to The Elite, and with that, no world title shots of any kind for them. John Silver says that was the biggest match of their lives and- Wait, Hangman Page pops in and says he’s just here to get a drink. But the Dark Order has him wait, and they ask why he hasn’t responded to their calls. Hangman was meant to be part of this interview. Hangman apologizes. He cost them their shots. They tell him it was all their faults, but Hangman says it’s on him. The problems with The Elite were problems Hangman created. He has to fix them. But they have his back!

No, he has to stop looking over his shoulder to know they’re there. He has to do this on his own. Maybe they should part ways. But they’re his friends! Yes, he knows, and he loves them all, but for now… It’s done. Done…? Hangman sulks off, and Evil Uno says they should give him his space. Will the Anxious Millennial Cowboy be able to find what he needs to get past The Elite on his own?

Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston & Darby Allin w/ Sting VS Danny Garcia & 2.0!

Matt Lee, Jeff Parker and #RedDeath Danny Garcia called out some of the hardest hitters and craziest fighters in AEW to make a statement! But will they not like the response they’re going to get from the Maniac, the Mad King and the Relentless One?

The trios sort out, Darby and Danny tie right up! They break, circle, feel things out, and they tie up with knuckle locks. Darby rolls to get a headlock, Garcia powers out to a hammerlock and trips Darby to a cover. ONE, Garcia sweeps the legs to ghost pin, ONE! Darby jackknifes, TWO! Garcia kicks and uppercuts and then suplexes, but Darby lands on his feet to waistlock. Lee tags in off the O’Conner Roll, Darby gets sent into a forearm! Garcia kicks Darby, Lee gets him up for big forearms! Lee whips Darby corner to corner then runs in, but into boots! Darby leaps over, gets around, and Kingston tags in. Fans fire up for Eddie as he and Lee circle.

Lee shouts, “You wanna take a swing at me?!” then CHOPS Kingston! Kingston CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Then he runs in to knee Lee in the corner, and stomp a mudhole! The ref counts, Kingston keeps going but the ref pulls him away. Moxley digs his fingers into Lee’s face! Moxley lets off before getting caught and Kingston CHOPS Lee again. Kingston whips, Lee reverses and Parker gets a cheap shot in. Parker avoids Kingston’s retaliation and Lee chop blocks a leg! Tag to Garcia and he stomps Kingston down as AEW goes picture in picture.

Garcia YANKS on a leg, covers, ONE! Garcia headlocks, Parker tags back in, and he drops a fist on Kingston. Parker stomps Kingston, scrapes his laces off Kingston’s face, then gets him up to bump him off buckles. Tag to Lee, and 2.0 mug Kingston. Lee CHOPS Kingston, and CHOPS, and Kingston just scowls at him. Lee ROCKS Kingston with a forearm, tags Garcia, and they mug Kingston, Garcia brings Kingston out to CHOP but Kingston CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Garcia kicks a leg out, runs and BOOTS Kingston down! Cover, TWO! Garcia anchors Kingston’s leg and tags in Parker, and Parker drops another fist!

Parker rains down right hands on Kingston’s head then gets Kingston up. Parker whips Kingston to a corner, tags Lee, and 2.0 whip to whip to forearm smash! Drop toehold to BOOYAH Elbow! Lee covers, TWO! Lee cover again, TWO! Lee tags Parker back in, hands off the facelock, and Parker cranks back. Kingston endures, reaches for his corner, but Parker gator rolls him away. Kingston fights up, fights free and CHOPS away on Parker! Parker ducks the Uraken as AEW returns to single picture, and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES knock both men down! Fans fire up as Kingston and Parker crawl, Lee gets in but the ref stops him, only for Garcia to get in and KICK Kingston down!

The ref notices Garcia, he bails out, but Moxley CLOBBERS him on the outside! Moxley whips Garcia HARD into railing! Parker hurries to get Kingston up but Kingston throws him out! Lee checks on Parker, but both of them see Sting! Lee pushes Parker aside because he’s so excited to see The Icon in person! But he doesn’t see Darby building speed! Darby DIVES and takes Lee out! Darby gets Parker up and in, Kingston gets up and ENZIGURIS! Hot tags to Garcia and MOXLEY! Fans are thunderous as Moxley tosses Garcia out, clobbers 2.0, throws Parker back out then gets around Lee to SNAP GERMAN! Lee gets up into Moxley’s LARIAT! And X-PLEX!

Fans are fired up as Parker hits Moxley, but Moxley doesn’t flinch. URAKEN from Kingston! Garcia flies in, into a kick, and PARADIGM SHIFT! Tag to Darby and he’s up top, COFFIN DROP!! Cover, Darby and team win!

Winners: Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston & Darby Allin, by pinfall

Garcia and 2.0 might’ve bit off more than they could chew with these three! Will the new kids think a bit more before doing whatever they want?

AEW looks closer at Team Taz.

“Guys, where do we even begin?” Brian Cage says Taz didn’t bring him to AEW, The Machine was busting his ass for 15 years and got himself to AEW. But what Taz did do is cost him a world title match! But don’t worry, Taz has a great idea, a consolation prize in the FTW Championship. Ricky Starks says Cage is selfish. As the NEW FTW Champion, Starks will do bigger and better. He will not only outclass, outshine and outwork Cage, he’ll prove what a real champion is all about. Cage says he never wanted the FTW title, never asked to be Team Taz, never even asked to be with Taz himself! But Taz says Cage will find out it’s better to be with them than against them.

But being with them didn’t do anything for him! What Cage did to Starks’ little celebration was just the beginning of the destruction that he will bring! At the end of the day, who betta than Brian Cage? Nobody! Will nothing stop the Path of Cage now that he has nothing to lose?

The Elite goof off backstage.

Karl Anderson spins a basketball, and apparently the others are counting how long this has gone. 2012 for Mr. 2012! Then they play some hot potato with the ball and Nick Jackson makes a basket from behind the board! Gallows says if the Dark Order wants to fight the Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championships next week, bring it! It’ll be the same ol’ recipe: Magic Killer, 1-2-3, and two more sweet ass robes for them! Anderson likes robes! Nick then says, “After last week, I have to beg the question to the AEW Tag Division. What, is there no one else?” Is that from Troy? Shut up, Brandon, but yes it is.

Matt has an answer: There is NO ONE left. The Elite has proven they are collectively the greatest group of champions in this business, “and they’re gonna have to retire our dang jerseys up high in the rafters, because they’re gonna have to bury us with these belts.” Matt passes the ball to Kenny Omega but Cutler intercepts and tries to go on his own little monologue. They stop him and let Omega take it. Hangman, old buddy, you sure had the crowd rooting for you. But not matter how many shots he took in that match, as Omega makes a shot with the ball, no matter how many times Hangman had The Elite reeling, when it came down to the game winner, the buzzer beater, BRICK.

Hangman blew it and now he has no friends, no title opportunity, and the people don’t have a main event. Omega would feel bad, but he doesn’t. There’s only one thing left to do, and Cutler climbs a ladder to cut down the net. Nick caws like a bird and Omega says, “C is for cookie, mother fathers, and that’s good enough for me!” What time is it? GAME TIME! But will there be challengers who defy the arrogance of The Elite and challenge them for All Out?

Christian Cage VS The Blade w/ The Bunny!

Captain Charisma’s feud with Big Money Matt’s Hardy Family Office continues! Hardy’s most vicious mercenary got Christian with a brass knuckle cheap shot last week, will he get even with the Killswitch?

Blade doesn’t even get down the ramp as Christian rushes him! Christian fires off hands, throws Blade into the ring, and then the bell rings. Blade knees low, CLUBS Christian then rips up Christian’s shirt! Blade wipes the sweat from his brow with the shirt, then prepares it like a garrote! Christian avoids the shirt attack to kick and kick, and then use his shirt to CLOBBER Blade! Christian rains down fists, Blade bails out, but Christian hurries after him. They go around the way, Bunny blocks Christian’s path, and Blade gets around, only for Christian to sense it and DECK him! Christian whips Blade into railing and fans fire up!

Christian puts Blade in the ring, shoulders in and climbs up top. But Bunny grabs at Christian’s foot! So here comes LEYLA HIRSCH! She and Bunny are going to fight it out later, but Leyla figures why wait? They brawl up the ramp as Blade drags Christian out on the rope. Christian slips out and around to REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Christian keeps his cool, whips Blade to ropes but Blade reverses to kick low. Blade suplexes to hang Christian out to dry! Christian flops down and fans boo The Blade as he stomps Christian down. Fans rally up for Christian as AEW goes picture in picture.

Blade scowls and gets Christian back up to suplex again. He again hangs Christian out to dry, and grins as Christian flops back down. Blade stalks Christian to ropes and digs his knee into Christian’s head! The ref counts, Blade lets off and then eggs Christian on. Blade stomps Christian and digs a knee into Christian’s back while putting on a chinlock. Christian endures and fights the hold, so Blade shifts to a rear bearhug. Christian still endures, fights his way up, pries at the hold and elbows Blade! Then ROCKS him with an uppercut! Christian runs, ducks and dodges, but gets a kitchen sink knee! Blade is still in control as AEW goes to break.

AEW returns as Blade stands on Christian’s face and flexes. Blade kicks Christian to the corner, stomps him over and over, but lets off as the ref pulls him back. Blade pushes past the ref to fire off hands on Christian then dig his knee in! The ref gets Blade to back off again, Blade runs back in, but Christian evades and POSTS him! Blade flops out of the ring, fans fire up and Christian climbs the corner! Christian LEAPS to take down Blade! Fans chant, “YOU STILL GOT IT!” as Christian gets up again. Blade flounders about, gets in the ring, and the two stand. Christian and Blade stagger into each other, and the hands start flying! Christian ducks to fire off uppercuts until Blade falls over!

Christian gets Blade in a corner, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count all the way to 10, then 15! Christian hops off, Blade tries to get out through ropes but Christian kicks those ropes to get him low! Christian has Blade on ropes and stands on him for a choke! Then slingshots to uppercut! Christian gets back in, mule kicks Blade and goes up to FLYING SUNSET FLIP! Cover, TWO! Christian stays fired up, goes back up and leaps, flying uppercut! Blade gets up again, Christian reels him in to hook the arms, but Blade pushes out of the Killswitch. Christian back elbows from the corner, climbs up again and reels Blade in for a TORNADO-

NO! Blade tosses Christian and then runs in, but Christian avoids the boot! Only to run into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Blade is furious but he gets Christian up. Suplex to GOURD BUSTER! Running KICK to the side! Then Blade goes after a buckle pad?! The ref stops him from undoing it, but Blade gets his bag of tricks! The brass knuckles! But Christian SPEARS Blade first! Cover, Christian wins!

Winner: Christian Cage, by pinfall

Still undefeated in AEW and Captain Charisma is still the number two contender! Will this lead him to becoming the contender to the AEW World Championship?

AEW looks back at last week’s match, FTR VS Santana & Ortiz.

Santana says, “When you got to war, you gotta come to the realization of two possibilities: one, you’re gonna shed blood; two, y’all may not make it out alive.” Ortiz says that no matter the outcome in North Carolina, they were gonna leave scars on FTR. It happened, as Cash Wheeler knows very well. Dax Harwood says he almost saw his best friend die, as Cash’s forearm was ripped open and blood came pouring out! “This shit ain’t worth it.” But it is worth it to have one last match with Proud ‘n’ Powerful, because they caused Dax’s best friend to be in a pool of his own blood, suffering all week physically and mentally, wondering if he was ever coming back! But if death couldn’t stop Cash, what can Santana & Ortiz do? Ortiz shouts, “This is far from over!” But then, how does it end?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He is honored to introduce the AEW Women’s World Champion, Britt Baker, DMD! Britt walks out with Rebel following behind and they join Schiavone in the ring. He knows she’s excited about Pittsburgh next week, but she has to be excited for the reception here as part of Homecoming. Britt says if he’ll recall, it was right here in Jacksonville, Double or Nothing 2021, that she became THE AEW Women’s World Champion! But before she can continue, Red Velvet interrupts! The Chef goes right to the ring and Schiavone says this is the champion’s time. What business does Velvet have here?

Velvet says that first off, red is NOT Britt’s color. And she’s here because she wants a piece of D M D. She gives Britt a nudge, and Britt says she’s happy “Red” came out to join them. Because remember what happened between them right here in Jacksonville? Britt beat Velvet’s ass in three minutes! So whatever challenge her eager little heart desires, she’s got it? Oh, is that the best Britt’s got? She feels so~ good beating Velvet when she was just “enhancement talent,” like that proves something? Things have changed, “sweetheart,” and now Velvet’s record is 22-4 with seven straight wins, and she didn’t have to cheat to get them!

Britt frowns and says that’s impressive, but Britt’s also a very different wrestler now. She’s Britt Baker, DMD, THE AEW Women’s World Champion! But Velvet made her case and has her title shot! Assuming Tony Khan approves, which he will, because Britt’s the golden girl. And they’ll do it on a big stage, just to see if Velvet can hang. It’ll be the PREMIERE of AEW Rampage, Pittsburgh, PA, next Friday! Britt then offers a handshake, but Velvet kicks it away! And then Rebel swings her crutch! Velvet was ready, though, and she ducks it! Velvet then kicks Rebel down, snatches the crutch, only for Britt to kick her down and CURB STOMP her!

Britt digs the crutch into Velvet’s face to add insult to injury, but lets off to hold up her title. Will she still be holding the gold as AEW does it big in #Brittsburgh?

Backstage interview with Andrade El Idolo.

Dasha points out the Lucha Brothers rejecting his job offers, but he’s still requested this time to speak. Chavo jumps in and says that while the Lucha Brothers said they won’t work for Andrade, no worries because Chavo found someone who will. It’s Fuego Del Sol! And Chavo tells young Fuego that he has something special for him. Andrade needs him to shine his shoes. His shoes…? Yes, his shoes. But that’s not the job Chavo told him! Well things change, and they need someone to shine his shoes right now. Andrade emphasizes the “now” part. But when Fuego hesitates, Andrade KNEES him low and throws him into the door! And again! And stomps him down!

Chavo says this should be Pac right here! Chavo tells Fuego to do the job he is given! And he tells the Lucha Bros that if they keep working for Pac, they will never be champions! Will this only prove to Lucha Brothers that something needs to be done about El Idolo’s ego?

Schiavone is back in the ring.

He already has Hangman Page out there with him, and notes that Hangman got away before he could really be asked any questions. Could Hangman clarify what was going through his mind? Well- But then the Elite come out, with Matt going, “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Also Anderson is back to spinning the ball. Hangman tells them that he’s actually glad to see them. There’s something he’s needed to say to them for some time. Omega joins the Bucks at the front as Hangman says he’s needed to clear this up for awhile. Omega wants Hangman to wait a moment as they get in the ring.

So, Hanger, Omega sees what’s going on here. He’s trying to make new friends, find some self worth, and take Omega’s title. And correct Omega if he’s wrong, but this is a plea to rejoin The Elite. That is the last thing he’d ever do. Well considering all his recent failures, it just seems that Hangman shares a lot in common with these people: “You’re a tryhard.” Omega says The Elite have stayed up, late at night, thinking about maybe forgiving Hangman’s sins, vices and personal demons. But then, as Omega thinks about what the Elite was and what they are now, Hangman no longer fits the bill.

Look Omega in the eyes as he says this: Cowboy or not, the Elite does not have any losers in the group. No failures, no second fiddles, no- Hangman DECKS Omega! The rest of the Elite goes after him! They stomp and punch Hangman, get him up and hit MAGIC KILLER! Who does he think he is, huh!? Get him again! But the Dark Order is here! Wait, wait, Uno and Stu stop Angels and Silver from getting in!? Uno and Stu are trying to honor what Hangman said before, and Omega is laughing at them! The Dark Order leaves, and the Young Bucks hit a B T E TRIGGER! And ANOTHER! And ANOTHER!! Omega doesn’t want this to stop, he’s having fun!

But then FRANKIE KAZARIAN rushes out! He’s not Dark Order, he’s ELITE HUNTER, so he doesn’t have to stop! Kaz CLOBBERS Gallows, throws out Anderson, fires off on Omega, but gets mugged by the Bucks! Omega has the Bucks throw Kaz out and Anderson whips Kaz into Gallows’ BOOT! Omega says he’s pissed off now! But all these flashes from the past, he’s also getting a little sentimental. So Omega will give Hangman one last good look at the thing he’ll never have, the AEW World Championship! BELT SHOT!! The Elite gloat as they stand over Hangman, all their belts in the air. Will no one ever be able to dethrone them?

AEW hears from American Top Team’s Dan Lambert.

“Do you know what hurts more than a 6’8″ Murderhawk giving you an elbow to the face and then a Blackout? The truth! Put on your big boy britches next week, because I’m gonna finish that truth. And I’m bringing back-up.” Sounds like Lambert and American Top Team are returning to AEW! Will he get to finish running down the product? Or will he just get run over by Lance Archer?

AEW TNT Championship: Miro VS Lee Johnson w/ Dustin Rhodes!

The Redeemer, God’s Favorite Champion, and one of the most brutal champions already in AEW history, vows that Big Shotty has no chance of surviving this match. Miro says holding the TNT title is his divine right, and no one will change that! But can Johnson prove God doesn’t choose favorites, and that all reigns come to an end?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and both providence and fighting spirits will be tested!

Miro and Johnson circle slowly, then Johnson rushes in, only for Miro to CLOBBER him! Miro nods, drags Johnson up and DECKS him! And again! And then stomps him around. Miro puts Johnson in a corner, RAMS his shoulder in again and again, then brings Johnson out to EuroUpper him down. Fans rally and duel as Miro looms over Johnson. Johnson throws body shots but Miro just eggs him on. Johnson keeps throwing hands but Miro DECKS him! Miro whips Johnson to a corner, Johnson goes up but Miro catches him! Johnson fights free and kicks Miro’s leg! Johnson fires off haymakers, but Miro doesn’t flinch! Miro throws Johnson through the ropes but Johnson stays on the apron.

Miro storms over, into a GAMANGIRI! Miro just scowls so Johnson GAMANGIRIS again! Miro staggers, Johnson gets in the corner and boots back! Johnson hops up, leaps, but Miro catches him again for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Miro scowls and shouts, “GAME! OVAAA!” Stomp but Johnson scrambles away! Miro chuckles as it was that close, and AEW goes picture in picture.

Dustin coaches Johnson but Miro goes out after him. Johnson CHOPS but Miro eggs him on. Johnson CHOPS more and more but Miro CHOPS him off his feet! Miro snarls and scowls and drags Johnson up to bearhug and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Miro goes into the ring to soak up all the cheers and jeers. Then he goes back out, runs off Dustin, and gets Johnson back up. Miro RAMS Johnson into railing! Miro drags Johnson up while shouting at the camera, then he DECKS Johnson with a forearm. Miro puts Johnson in the ring, wanting to finish this definitively. Johnson flounders up but Miro drags him to the corner to again shout at the cameras.

The ref counts, Miro lets off at 4 and still shouts at the camera. Miro looms over Johnson, encouraging fan to get loud. Johnson chops from below but they do nothing. Miro CLUBS Johnson right down! Miro gets Johnson up, whips but Johnson kicks back! Johnson runs but into a bearhug! Miro thrashes Johnson around as AEW returns to single picture and fans rally up as Johnson endures! Johnson throws elbows, Miro let shim free and dares him to keep going. Johnson chops and chops and throws hands, but Miro whips him to pop him up, only for Johnson to DDT! But Miro gets right up!? Wait, he’s staggered! Johnson KICKS the leg, throws hands, and fans fire up!

Johnson dropkicks Miro and Miro staggers! Johnson dropkicks a leg out, Miro gets up but Johnson dropkicks him out of the ring! Johnson builds speed to DIVE! Miro is sent into barriers and Johnson keeps going, to DIVE again! That’s two, Johnson wants the hat trick! Johnson runs and FLIES! Direct hit, Miro tries to stay up but they both fall over! Johnson is back up as Miro gets into the ring. Johnson climbs up, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!! Miro is getting mad and Johnson is shocked! But fans rally up and Johnson gets up. Johnson runs in to clothesline but Miro stays up. Johnson kicks a leg, then clotheslines again!

Miro’s still up so Johnson runs, but Miro gets around to waistlock, spin and GERMAN SUPELX! But Johnson lands on his feet to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK!! Miro is wobbling as Johnson hits a FOURTH SUPERKICK! Miro blocks the fifth to put Johnson in a corner! Miro runs in but Johnson dodges! Miro staggers back, Johnson hits another SUPERKICK!! Miro is down!! Johnson’s already done what no one in AEW has! Johnson climbs up top, leaps, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Miro still has so much power to get out of that! Fans are thunderous as Johnson fires himself up!

Johnson gets Miro up but Miro grabs Johnson’s beard. Johnson clubs Miro’s arms to break free, and he ENZIGURIS! Miro wobbles, Johnson fireman’s carries, but Miro slips off! Miro shoves and hits a BEST KICK! Miro’s rage is boiling up and fans are fired up with him! “GAME! OVAAAAA!” Stomp and camel clutch! DEEP STRETCH! Johnson is OUT, Miro wins!!

Winner: Miro, by submission (still AEW TNT Champion)

Miro lets Johnson go quickly to pat Johnson on his head and “forgive” him. But undefeated, undaunted, and still champion, will anyone stop Miro’s divinely ordained reign?

The AEW Rampage announce team is revealed!

Excalibur and Taz will be joined by Chris Jericho and Mark Henry to call the action AEW will bring every Friday!

Backstage interview with Christian Cage.

Schiavone is with Captain Charisma and notes he is still undefeated in AEW. Tony Khan has done the rankings and now Christian Cage is number one contender! Christian thanks Schiavone for that news, and he says he’d be lying if that didn’t feel good. Leyla Hirsch kept The Bunny at bay, will Christian return the favor to keep The Blade from interfering? Christian appreciated Leyla’s help, so he did offer it, but she said, “Thank you for being a friend~.” Okay, she didn’t sing, but she did say thanks, she already has a friend. She has best friends to help her.

As for being new #1 contender, Christian said it from the start that he didn’t just come here to slap his chest, look for his Peeps, and have some feel good moments. He’s back to take back what was taken from him seven years ago. He came back to cement his legacy and win championships. Next week, he’ll be in Pittsburgh, for Dynamite and Rampage, and he’s known to stir up some trouble. But he’s not just good at it, either. He’s… Hmm, what’s better than good? Oh, he’s got it: “I’m elite.” A subtle hint at what Christian has in mind, will he be able to stir up a whole lot of trouble next week?

NWA Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: The Bunny w/ The Hardy Family Office VS Leyla Hirsch w/ The Best Friends!

It isn’t just The Blade but Private Party and The Hybrid2 accompanying Allie to the ring. But #LEGIT Leyla wasn’t lying, she has Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, Kris Statlander and Wheeler Yuta backing her up! With things even outside the ring, will Bunny fare all that well inside the ring?

The bell rings, the two get face to face, and Bunny shoves Leyla. Leyla fires off forearms, Bunny hits back but Leyla gets an arm to give it a CODE BREAKER! Leyla wants her armbar but Bunny bails out! So Leyla DIVES out after her! And she gives a thumbs up to Cassidy! Leyla gets Bunny up and in, gets the arm to hammerlock and RAM Bunny into buckles! And then she drags Bunny down, wanting a Fujiwara Armbar! Bunny resists so Leyla shifts grip to wrench the arm and top wristlock! Bunny pulls hair but the ref reprimands and counts. They end up on ropes, the ref gets between them, and Bunny storms up to Leyla, only to get a back elbow!

Leyla kicks, Bunny blocks and puts the leg in ropes, for a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Fans boo Bunny as she drags Leyla up and throws her out! Bunny snarls while Leyla drags herself back up. Bunny goes out to run and SHOTGUN Leyla into barriers! The HFO applauds, but NWA Women’s World Champion, Kamille, is in the front row! She plays dumb as she asks Bunny, “Oh, is this what you’re after?” She motions to the title belt around her waist, and Bunny smirks. Bunny gets Leyla up, puts her in the ring, and stomps her down as AEW goes picture in picture.

Bunny gets Leyla up, bumps her off buckles, then CHOPS her! And CHOPS! And laughs, and CHOPS again! Leyla gets around to get the arm around ropes and HOTSHOT it! Bunny staggers away, Leyla storms after her, but Bunny BOOTS her down! Bunny covers, TWO! Leyla gets to ropes, Bunny stalks up behind her and has the arms, motorcycle stretch STOMP into the corner! Leyla sits back up, Bunny gets her arms again, and STOMPS her in again! Bunny grins as she paces around, then sets Leyla up for a corner to corner SLIDING FOREARM! Bunny laughs like a hyena again as she covers, TWO! Leyla is still in this, and Bunny is getting mad.

Bunny stomps Leyla, CLUBS her, but Leyla ROCKS Bunny with forearms! Bunny knees low, runs and knee lifts Leyla down! Bunny covers again, TWO! Leyla shakes her head, but Bunny KNEES her down! Bunny stomps Leyla, goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Leyla hits her with an uppercut! Leyla climbs up, fires off hands, Bunny hits back, but Leyla gets Bunny up for a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down but fans fire up! Wait, Nyla Rose has appeared in the front row, too. Perhaps the Native Beast is just as interested in the NWA Women’s title. Statlander looks over at Nyla and Nyla asks her what’s the problem.

Leyla and Bunny sit up, Leyla throws a forearm! Bunny forearms back, they bralw on their knees! They stand up and Leyla gets an edge, but Bunny knees low! Bunny pushes Leyla around, but Leyla just gets mad! Leyla digs her forehead into Bunny’s collarbone, they shove each other, and Bunny rushes in, only for Leyla to get her with a GERMAN! Bunny flounders into another GERMAN! Leyla runs and foreamrs Bunny in the corner, then runs to METEORA! And swings to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! CROSS ARMBREAKER!! Bunny clasps hands, rolls it to a cover, TWO! Leyla shoots in to get the leg, trip her up, and KNEE Bunny down!

Leyla isn’t done there, she spins Bunny around and runs, to go up and up and MOONSAULT! But BUnny evades! SUPERKICK, fireman’s carry, RUNNING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO!! Bunny is furious and slapping herself over that near victory! Bunny gets Leyla up, dragon sleeper, but Leyla slips around to drag her down, ARMBAR!! Bunny uses her leg to hook and kick, but Leyla shrugs that off to keep the grip! Bunny moves, Leyla transitions for leverage, and pulls the hands apart! ARMBAR!! Bunny taps, Leyla wins!!

Winner: Leyla Hirsch, by submission (NEW #1 contender to the NWA Women’s World Championship)

That armbar is still too legit, and Bunny had to quit! Kamille goes to the ring and welcomes Leyla to try and take the title. The size difference makes this a David VS Goliath story, but will that mean #LEGIT Leyla will topple the powerful giant?

Mark Sterling and Jade Cargill speak.

A lot of people have been asking why Jade hasn’t been wrestling, but Mark will be honest, they’ve been busy! They’ve been diversifying the portfolio, connecting with top brands like Shop AEW, wineries, news agencies, and of course interested parties in Hollywood. They made #JadeBrand so successful, they’re back and ready to wrestle. Jade does whatever she wants, and her big return match will be Dark: Elevation. That is perfect, because the sky is the limit for #ThatBitch.

AEW has the card for next week’s Dynamite.

After that tense stand-off between them, the Galaxy’s Greatest Alien and the Native Beast will be going 1v1! And just as the Good Brothers offered, the Impact Tag Team Championships will be on the line in AEW as they take on Evil Uno & Stu Grayson! Will the Dark Order be able to shift from one title chase to another?

Cody Rhodes w/ Dustin Rhodes VS Malakai Black!

The American Nightmare caught the evil eye of The Dark Father, and must fight to stay alive as an in-ring competitor! But the House of Black shows no mercy, will Malakai put “the tired horse” out to pasture?

AEW returns as Cody makes his entrance. He gives his weight belt to some young fans at ringside, fires up as he gets in the ring, and only now does Malakai move. The bell rings, fans are thunderous already, and Cody takes a moment to soak it all in. Then he and Malakai tie right up, Cody waistlocks but Malakai switches, and he shoves Cody away just to mess with him. They circle, go again, and Cody gets a leg. They end up on ropes, the ref calls for the break, Cody lets Malakai go and Malakai KICKS him in the leg! Cody hobbles but he elbows back! Cody waistlocks, Malakai switches and lifts but Cody elbows free. Cody’s leg jams a bit as he lands on his feet, and Malakai shoots in!

Malakai gets Cody down and wants a kneebar but Cody moves around and looks to turn this into a Figure Four! Malakai rakes Cody’s eyes! Malakai fires off strikes against the ropes, gets the leg, but Cody ENZIGURIS! Malakai drops to a knee, Cody gets up but Malakai sweeps the legs! Malakai rolls Cody to a HALF CRAB! Malakai has the leg going sideways as he sits deep! Cody endures, fights towards ropes, and Cody gets ropes! The ref counts, Malakai lets go at 4, and fans are still fired up as Malakai watches Cody drag himself up. Malakai is almost salivating, then he runs at Cody, but Cody gets around to dragon sleeper! But Malakai knees free!

Cody goes to the apron, Malakai rushes over but Cody ROCKS him with a haymaker! Cody goes up top, steadies himself, but Malakai steps up to KNEE Cody! Cody flies off and crashes through the timekeeper’s table!! Fans lose their minds and medics check Cody in the wreckage. Malakai wants the count out and the ref begins. “This is Awesome!” as Cody drags himself up and Malakai sits in the center of the ring. Cody gets a little closer to the ring at 7 of 10, is still down at 8, but springs to life and gets in at 9.5! Malakai is annoyed, but he waits for Cody to stand. Cody staggers, hops on one leg, into the BLACK MASS!! Cody is down and Malakai stands on him for the cover, Malakai wins!!

Winner: Malakai Black, by pinfall

Daily’s Place erupts as The American Nightmare has been devastated! Malakai just shrugs, because he said this would happen and no one wanted to believe him. Medics check on Cody again, and Schiavone goes to the ring. Crutches are brought to the ring and Schiavone hopes Cody can get to his feet. Schiavone recaps what just happened, but gives Cody time to compose himself. “Legacy is a funny thing. When I got into wrestling when I was 15, I was a referee. All I wanted to do was win back the title they took from my daddy in The Garden. And God, that was the goal then, but goals change. Time flies, I’ve had so much fun.”

Cody works to get up and Schiavone helps steady him. Cody gets to his feet, some fans already start singing, “Hey hey hey, good-bye~!” Cody thanks Schiavone for the help, and continues where he left off. “An unprecedented thing happened. I fired them and they didn’t fire me, and I didn’t know what was gonna happen. I met Matt, Nick, and Kenny. Believe it or not, folks, three years ago, people were laughing at us when we said we were gonna be a revolution. They literally did, some of them.” The fans chant “A E DUB!” for Cody as he says now, it’s commonplace that this is destination viewing, not just an alternative. They ARE competition, and they set the table!

Now, new people can eat. For three years, Cody’s face has been on everything, he is so lucky to be the one waving the banner. And sure, maybe some outside interests came his way, maybe there was infighting among the EVP’s, but the truth is, he still loves those guys and will be forever tethered to them. But with all respect to the name, “Daily’s Place,” to Cody, it is the AEW Amphitheatre. Fans like the sound of that! Cody continues to say there is no better place than here, and no better time than now, as Cody says this with absolutely no bitterness in his heart. He thanks the fans so much, loves them so much, they have made his life incredibly special.

Cody goes back to kneeling, to undo his boots?! Fans don’t want this but Cody takes one boot off, then starts on the other! But Malakai is back to SMACK Cody with the crutch?! The House of Black is merciless, and he snatches the one boot Cody took off! Is that going to be Malakai’s trophy for ending the American Nightmare?!

My Thoughts:

What an awesome episode! I was surprised the Labours of Jericho opened the night, but seeing what we got for the main event tonight made it make sense. Jericho and Juvi had a great match, and I’m surprised a flying Judas Effect didn’t come to Jericho before. Wardlow being the next opponent makes sense, and I honestly expected it sooner than fourth, but of course MJF is going to add himself to things. He’ll definitely try and screw Jericho over but there’s a good chance he’ll fail so that we’ll get the Fifth Labour. We got good stuff from Lucha Brothers and Andrade, especially Andrade making an example out of poor Fuego.

We also got great stuff from The Dark Order, Hangman and The Elite. It all seemed a bit fast, going from Hangman wanting time apart to The Elite getting in his face and the Dark Order arguing with each other over helping him. Hangman’s story had perfect pacing until AEW changed plans, but they can still make up for it as AEW Dynamite enters year three this Fall. Also, bringing the Impact Tag titles into the AEW ring is an interesting move, but I suppose it’s because Uno & Stu can’t travel to the Impact Zone since Impact records episodes in handfuls at a time. For that same reason, the Good Brothers will retain, but it’ll be a great match all the same.

We got a great Six Man Tag, Danny Garcia and 2.0 (formerly Ever-Rise in the WWE) had a great AEW debut, but Moxley, Kingston and Darby had a great win. They make quite the trio themselves, so this was a great moment for AEW and the fans to see them working together. We also got a pretty good segment from Team Taz and Brian Cage, though it just feels like Cage might’ve been trying to spin things a little too much. Either way, the rematch for Cage VS Starks is going to be really good. I don’t say “title rematch” because as Cage said in his promo, it feels like he doesn’t want the title anymore and is going to move on to other gold.

Miro VS Johnson was exactly as I hoped: it was an awesome match with a great showing from Johnson, but in the end, Miro wins out. Miro rolls on and could take on anyone, and I almost thought they were going to set up Miro VS Dustin at the end there. That’d be a great match, honestly. Dan Lambert saying he’d be back to finish telling “the truth” is a great way to say he’s coming back to kayfabe hate on AEW. And it will surely set up AEW’s first wrestling-MMA crossover match, Lance Archer VS an American Top Team fighter. Then we got a very good match out of Christian and The Blade, and it’s clear that the plans have switched from Omega VS Hangman at All Out to Omega VS Christian.

I also liked the tie-in to Bunny VS Leyla that we got out of Christian VS Blade, and Bunny VS Leyla was a great match. A nice surprise seeing Kamille ringside, but Nyla being there was just awkward. I guess they couldn’t find a better way to get Nyla VS Statlander to happen, other than I dunno, just making it happen? Isn’t that just how stuff can happen in wrestling? It’ll still be a real good match, this just seemed one of the clunkier moves by AEW. We got a good promo from Sterling and Jade, and while I thought her in-ring return would be her first loss, that’s not happening if she returns on Dark: Elevation, so it’s a missed opportunity really.

Malakai Black’s entrance was awesome stuff, and Cody VS Malakai was just as it should’ve been, too. Malakai was aggressive, turned things around every time Cody got going, and in the end, the Black Mass is so powerful. The fans loved it, I loved it, Cody did a great job selling the finish because honestly, that heel kick would rattle anyone and everyone it hits. Cody got really heartfelt with his promo, and then Malakai makes sure he doubles down on Heel Heat by attacking Cody as he’s essentially announcing retirement. Though, what heat does he have when the fans were still eating it up? He is both top Heel and top guy and it only took a month!

My Score: 9.4/10