For auld lang syne, my dear!

As 2024 comes to a close, AEW Rampage gives us a New Year’s Smash! But will Anthony Bowens cut down The Learning Tree with his powerful scissors?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Anthony Bowens w/ Max Caster; Jericho wins.
• Private Party VS Alec Price & Leo Sparrow; Private Party wins.
• Thunder Rosa VS Leila Grey; Rosa wins.
• Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy; Hook wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Anthony Bowens w/ Max Caster; wins.

“All hail the King of New York!” At least, that’s what the new introduction for The Learning Tree says. He comes out once again wearing that weird Statue of Liberty headgear, but also holding up a cheap torch of liberty as he walks to the ring, ROH World Championship still around his waist. Will the Nueve get another 1-2-3 in Hammerstein? Or is the Scissor King about to cut Jericho down?

But as always, Platinum Max has a diss track! “I don’t mess with The Learning Tree. Chris Jericho’s so high, guys, I think he’s burning trees. We wreckin’ you guys! Anthony Bowens and the Best Wrestler Alive!” Caster gets up in the camera before he hands the mic over. Bowens tells, “HAMMERSTEEEEIN, BALLROOOOOM~! The Acclaimed have arrived!” No Daddy Ass but The Acclaimed scissor it up! The bell rings and Jericho waves, “Hi, guys~!” The fans boo, but then Bowens throws up the scissors and the fans cheer. Jericho waves, the fans boo. Bowens puts up the scissors, the fans cheer. And then repeat!

Caster applauds while Bowens and Jericho circle. Jericho wants to scissor? Bowens slaps those away to CHOP! And CHOP! CHOP! And then Bowens fires haymakers! Bowens has Jericho in the corner, fires more shots, then DECKS Jericho! The fans rally for Bowens and he storms back up. Bowens CHOPS Jericho, brings him out and knees low. Bowens fires forearms and elbows again and again and again! Bowens then CLUBS Jericho down! Bowens tells Hammerstein that “Everyone! Loves! The-” Caster gets in the shot! Bowens tells Caster to move and gives him a push. Caster shrugs that off to get a reluctant high-five from Bowens.

But Jericho pokes Bowens in the eyes! Bowens goes to a corner, Jericho fires forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Jericho runs up to LARIAT, then he snapmares Bowens down. Jericho soaks up heat acting like it’s cheers, then he brings Bowens up for a BIG back suplex! Cocky cover, ONE! Jericho waves to the fans, then he goes back to Bowens. Jericho CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! And then CHOPS again! Bowens staggers but Jericho bumps him off buckles. Jericho CHOPS again, whips corner to corner, then runs to BULL- NO, Bowens puts Jericho in the corner! Jericho sputters as he gets out of the ropes.

Bowens CHOPS, Jericho CHOPS, repeat! Jericho whips, Bowens reverses to CHOP, KNEE, and then CHOP on the back! Bowens sits Jericho down for a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Bowens gets frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Bowens clinches, knees low, then whips. Jericho grabs ropes to avoid the dropkick! Jericho waves to the fans, then goes to ropes, but Bowens disrupts the Lionsault! DRAPING SIDEWINDER! Cover, TWO! Jericho survives but Bowens stays focused. The fans rally up and Bowens brings Jericho around. But Jericho wrenches out and trips Bowens up! Jericho has the legs!

Jericho turns Bowens over, WALLS OF JERICHO! Bowens endures, even as Jericho sits deep! Bowens powers up as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Bill rallies for Jericho but Bowens keeps fighting. Jericho wants Bowens to quit but Bowens refuses! Caster rallies the fans for Bowens and Bowens crawls, but Bill pulls the rope back!? Jericho then drags Bowens away from the ropes! Bowens still fights, the ref reprimands Bill, and now Bowens turns things over! Bowens throws hands from below! But Jericho pokes him in the eyes again! Jericho turns Bowens back over and sits even deeper on the Walls of Jericho! Bowens endures, Bill and Caster each cheer as hard as they can, and Rampage returns to single picture. Bowens fights, claws, crawls, and Caster pushes ropes closer! ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer as Jericho lets Bowens go, and Caster coaches Bowens up. Bill claims there was a tap but the ref ignores him. Jericho storms up, and Bowens ROLLING ELBOWS! Jericho wobbles, Bowens runs up, FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Bowens grows frustrated. Bowens grits his teeth, clutches his back, but Bill grins on Jericho’s behalf. Bowens goes to the corner, climbs up, and fans ironically cheer on Bill. Jericho ROCKS Bowens, then climbs up. Jericho brings Bowens up to CLUB away, but Bowens throws body shots! Bowens DUMPS Jericho to the apron, and then Jericho flops to the floor!

Bowens adjusts his position up top to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Jericho & Bill! The fans are fired up and Caster joins in on cheering. Bowens puts Jericho in, goes back to the corner, and he climbs back up! The fans rally, but “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith shows himself! Keith distracts the ref, but Caster hurries in! Caster scoop SLAMS Jericho! Now Keith’s distraction is only helping as Caster opens Jericho up! Bowens says why not. SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Bowens is beside himself, but Jericho wouldn’t be champion if he wasn’t this tough. Speaking of, Keith grabs the championship!

Bowens brings Jericho up, but gets a CODE BREAKER for it! Cover, TWO!! Bowens survives and Jericho gets mad at the ref! Keith sneaks around with the belt, and he tells fans to shut up. Jericho aims, runs up on Bowens, but Bowens ducks! Bowens fires off Rock, Paper, Scissors SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives again but Bowens barely has the energy to be upset! Now Bill gets on the apron! The ref argues with Bill but Keith has the belt! Caster storms in to stop Keith! They tug-o-war, Bowens shouts to Caster to just stop, but Keith lets go first! The belt SMACKS Bowens in the face!! Caster panics, Keith TACKLES him out of the ring!

The fans boo as everyone is down, but Jericho crawls over! Cover, JERICHO WINS!!

Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall

Caster can’t believe how badly he messed up, and now the “King of New York” trumps the Scissor King! Will anyone ever cut down The Learning Tree when his Branches keep getting in the way? Is The Acclaimed going to be on the rocks after this mess?

Private Party walks through their New York.

They help out the homeless man at the subway station by stuffing his cup full o’ fifties, hop on a train headed to Main Street, hang out with their adoring fans and even the media, then arrive at 34th Street in time for the show. How they keep it so clean? Shots, of course. Everyone they meet welcomes them back, and every camera that sees them snags a picture. Brother Zay tells NYC, “Your champs is home.”

Private Party VS Alec Price & Leo Sparrow!

Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy know Lio Rush & Action Andretti want their “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” at these belts, so it’s time to tune up! Will these real New Yorkers show how champions do it in the Big Apple?

The teams sort out and fans chant “Yeeeah~!” for their guys. Zay starts against Price and the two circle. Price kicks low, mocks the “Shots! Shots! Shots!” then ROCKS Zay! Price whips, but Zay flapjack DROPKICKS! Zay kips up, tags Quen, and they get Price up for an atomic drop and ENZIGIRI! Then a CATAPULT for Price into the corner while Zay hits a triangle jump STUNNER on Sparrow! Quen sets up, Zay runs up, PARTY IN MOTION! Zay then puts Price up top before Quen FLIES out onto Sparrow! Zay ROCKS Price, then Quen runs in! Quen goes up for some GIN & JUICE! Cover, Private Party wins!

Winner: Private Party, by pinfall

A tune-up? That was more like a workout for Quen & Zay! The AEW World Tag Team Champions are ready, but wait! Here come Lio & Action! The Bad Child & The Sight to See egg Private Party on with those cocky smiles, so here comes Private Party! The brawl is on at the ramp! Quen has Lio, Action has Zay, and the fans fire up for the scrap! But then here comes the Top Flight OGs! Darius & Dante pick up Lio & Action to RAM them into Quen & Zay! The fans are going wild as we get a three way brawl! Security hurries out here, but stopping six men is easier said than done! Refs rush out here, right as Action CLOBBERS Dante!

The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Leila Grey is needing to get in the ring for her match! Will Private Party have to double book with Lio, Action and the Martins?

“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs speaks.

“It’s signed, it’s sealed, it’s delivered. At Worlds End, Takeshita VS Powerhouse Hobbs for the AEW International Championship. Y’see, Don, whenever I hear your name, I think about all the times you didn’t call me, you didn’t check me, you didn’t text me, you didn’t send a pitch in, whatever, when I was injured. But you failed, Don, cuz you constantly tried to replace me. You’ve walked the streets of Oakland with me, you’ve been to my neighborhood. I’ve introduced you to people. So what’s gonna happen at Worlds End? I’m gonna take that championship from Takeshita, and I’m gonna bust his head to the white meat.

“But hey, the New Year’s upon us. But for you, Don, Takeshita, the whole Don Callis Family, it is gonna be a Worlds End.” Hobbs gives the thumbs down, will he tear down The Alpha and bring the whole family with him?

Thunder Rosa VS Leila Grey!

The chaos has been cleared from ringside, just in time for La Mera Mera to make her way to the ring. Rosa is getting ready to fight Mariah May in a Tijuana Street Fight, will the Top Flight Attendant simply be an appetizer?

The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans cheer the show of respect, and the two circle. They tie up, Rosa waistlocks, then she trips Leila to cover, ONE! Rosa waistlocks but Leila fights up. Leila switches but Rosa wrenches out. Rosa headlocks, spins, waistlocks again, but Leila wrenches out to step over and spin Rosa. Leila wrenches, snapmares, and then clamps on a chinlock. Rosa fights up while fans cheer, and Rosa snapmares free. Rosa clamps on a chinlock, then puts Leila in a corner. Rosa CHOPS and the fans cheer. Rosa whips corner to corner but Leila reverses. Rosa goes up and over, then arm-drags Leila around!

Rosa wrenches Leila, snapmares and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Leila survives that but Rosa brings her right up. Rosa scoops to SLAM, then asks, “One more time?” The fans cheer yes! Rosa scoops but Leila victory rolls! TWO, and Rosa runs up, but Leila ROCKS her first! Leila fires more shots, kicks low, kicks again, then kicks a leg out! Leila runs to SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Leila storms over to Rosa. Leila stands Rosa up and reels her in, but Rosa fires body shots. Rosa CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Rosa whips, Leila reverses, but Rosa DROPKICKS Leila down! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises!

Rosa stomps Leila around, brings her up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Rosa bumps Leila off buckles, turns her around, and CHOPS her again! Rosa puts Leila on ropes, then puts some stank and even a little Latina Heat on the DOUBLE CHOP! Leila sputters, but Rosa whips her to ropes. Leila reverses, drop toeholds, and she hooks a leg! Rosa endures but then Leila rolls to tie up the legs, INVERTED FIGURE FOUR! But then Rosa fights to turn that over! Now Rosa puts the pressure on, and she pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Rosa lets go of the hair, but Leila rolls and rolls, and they both fall to the floor! Rosa rises first, and she stomps Leila around. Rosa drags Leila up but Leila fires body shots!

Rosa whips Leila hard into steel steps! Rosa storms over, Leila fires more body shots! Leila CLUBS Rosa, SMACKS her off the steel steps, then CHOPS her! Both women go into the ring and Leila goes to a corner while Rampage goes to break.

New Year’s Smash returns and the fans duel as Leila fires forearms on Rosa in the corner. Leila brings Rosa out to snap suplex, then roll through for a GOURD BUSTER! The fans rally up while Rosa sputters. Leila storms back up to drag Rosa up and fireman’s carry. But Rosa fires elbows to get free! Rosa BOOTS Leila, CHOPS her, then UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! And bumps off buckles! Rosa fires up, runs corner to corner and back again, A-LIST LARIAT! Leila flops down, Rosa SWINGING DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Rosa has Leila on the ropes. Rosa throws off her elbow pads and the fans fire up!

Rosa runs in to DROPKICK Leila against ropes! Cover, TWO! Leila stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa stands Leila up, underhooks, but Leila fights out to fire a forearm! Rosa fires back, but Leila catches Rosa to a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Rosa survives and even roars! The fans rally up and Leila reels Rosa in. Leila underhooks but now Rosa fights the lift! Rosa backdrops free! Leila flounders, Rosa runs up to DOUBLE STOMP her down! Rosa shouts, “You can’t kill me!” COBRA CLUTCH STRETCH!! Leila TAPS, Rosa wins!

Winner: Thunder Rosa, by submission

Message sent to Mariah May, and Rosa says there are two things in life that matter most: respect and family! And Mariah crossed the line on both! Will Rosa make sure to cross out Mariah once and for all? Or will The Woman From Hell win this street fight with glamour?

BREAKING NEWS for Worlds End: Zero Hour!

The action kicks off at 6:30 PM Eastern time, and we have a grudge match from ROH Final Battle! Jeff Jarrett made sure QT Marshall didn’t cheat Jay Lethal, and now he looks to settle up personally! Will The Last Outlaw get one more win in 2024? Or will QT bring the DOOM to Orlando? Then, as Toni Storm continues her… “debut” in AEW, she takes on Leila Grey 1v1! Will it be Toni Time one more time? And in a massive 8 Man Tag, Top Flight teams with The Outrunners to take on Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd help Dante & Darius hit top speed? Or will The Murder Machines help The Bad Child & Sight to See make sure #EverybodyDies?

Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy!

This battle of second generation stars is all stemming from Christian Cage’s cowardly attack on Taz, and then escalated when The Patriarchy tried to convince Hook he was better off with him. The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil may have his arm in a cast, but will The Patriarchy’s Prodigy need much more than that? Or will Wayne’s World #SendHook home without anything to show for it?

Christian says hello to commentary and is of course asked his plans for Worlds End given his Casino Royale contract allows him to cash in anywhere and anytime. Christian of course refuses to comment. In the ring, Hook is nonchalant as ever, so Nick runs up to attack from behind! The bell rings and Nick fires off on Hook in the corner! The fans boo but Nick soaks it up. Nick says he’s just that smart. But no he ain’t since he turned his back on Hook! Hook storms up and then TOSSES Nick to a corner! Hook fires off on Nick with body shots and a CHOP! But then he throws a left out of instinct and feels the pain!

Nick BOOTS Hook down, then shakes off the damage. Nick storms up, but Hook clinches! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while Nick writhes, and Hook gets the fans fired up more. But Nick BOOTS Hook again! Nick hurries to snap suplex! Nick soaks up heat from Hammerstein while Mother Shayna says, “He’s perfect! Perfect!” Nick stands Hook up, snapmares him, then drops a leg fast! Cover, TWO! The fans boo Nick but Nick just smirks. Nick talks smack on the fans, but then Hook DUMPS Nick out! Nick smacks off the apron as he goes! Hook then hurries out after Nick, SMACKS him off the apron, then whips him!

Nick reverses and Hook hits steel steps hard! Hook writhes, Nick goes into the ring to go after a buckle pad, and the ref hurries to stop him. But this is all so Kip can put Hook’s cast hand on the steps, and Christian uses the contract’s binder to SMASH it! The fans boo while The Patriarchy acts innocent. The ref can tell something went on, though, so he decides to EJECT The Patriarchy! The fans cheer and Christian is furious, but the ref says don’t even try it! Nick is beside himself but now it’s finally a fair fight! The fans cheer “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Hook checks his bad hand, and it’s still working. But then Nick storms out, grabs that hand, and SLAMS it off the steps! Hook writhes all over again while Nick looms over him. Nick drags Hook up to whip him hard into railing! Nick soaks up the heat while he flexes, then goes back for Hook. Nick throws Hook into the ring, goes to a corner, and he swaggers over. Nick eggs Hook on, drags him up by the bad hand, then snapmares so he can isolate that arm! Nick soaks up the heat and STOMPS the arm! Hook writhes, Nick pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nick mockingly applauds Hook’s toughness, then grabs the bad hand.

Nick turns Hook over, pulls on the bad arm, and bends the fingers! Hook endures, but Nick BITES a finger! The ref reprimands, Nick lets off, and says that was finger licking good. Nick soaks up more heat, then stands Hook up to SMACK the bad hand off buckles! Hook sits down in the corner, but Nick drags him back up. Nick SMACKS the hand off buckles again! Then Nick snapmares Hook so he can STOMP the hand! Cover, TWO! Nick is annoyed but he cools off. Nick stands Hook up but Hook fires body shots! Hook runs, but Nick ELBOWS him down! Nick pulls on the bad hand as New Year’s Smash returns to single picture.

Wait, Nick doesn’t just pull at the hand! He RIPS the cast open! Nick TOSSES it to the crowd, free souvenir! Nick drags Hook around by the bad hand, then stands on it! Nick STOMPS the hand again! And then again! And then he fakes the stomp, to scuff Hook! The fans boo but Nick stands Hook up. Hook hits another EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Hook can still use the good arm for that! Nick rises up, Hook runs in and he KNEES low! Hook then hooks Nick for the IPPON! Then a LARIAT int he corner! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Nick writhes and flounders away, but Hook runs up! Hook stops the boot, and reels Nick in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

The bad hand kept that from being perfect, but Hook stays focused. Hook storms up on Nick, waistlocks, and the fans rally up. Nick fights with elbows! Nick is free, but then swings into the waistlock! Nick CLUBS the bad hand! Nick baits Hook into a corner and sends him into buckles! Nick storms back up, and he drags Hook by the bad arm. Nick puts Hook’s arm against the second rope’s crossbar, and then stands on it! The fans boo but Nick soaks up all the heat! The ref reprimands and counts, but Hook YANKS Nick down! Nick hits off the top rope before going to the apron! Nick crawls along the apron, but Hook hurries out after him!

Hook waistlocks while the fans rally up, but Nick grabs the ropes! Nick pries the hold open, then has Hook’s hand to bend those fingers back! ELBOW BREAKER, and then Nick goes up! WAYNE’S- NO! Hook catches Nick for an APRON GERMAN!! Nick flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Hook also flops down and the ref starts a ring count. The fans rally as Hook rises, and Hook drags Nick up to put in at 3 of 10. Hook hurries to cover, TWO! Nick stays in this but Hook snarls. Nick goes back to the apron but Hook grabs him. Nick BITES the bad hand! The ref reprimands, Nick stops at 4 to HOTSHOT Hook!

Nick hurries up top while Hook is down! Nick mocks RVD, then aims to FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Hook survives, Nick is not one of a kind after all! Nick seethes and he scuffs Hook. Nick stomps Hook, kicks him, then stands over him with arms crossed, a pose done by Hook’s other mentor, Katsuyori Shibata. Nick drags Hook up, then lifts him, for an EXPLODER! But Hook’s right up! Hook LARIATS Nick inside out! The fans fire up and Hook slowly rises. Wait, Christian & Kip return? This isn’t allowed! Well wait, speaking of Shibata, here he comes! And he’s armed with a 2-by-4! Hacksaw would be proud!

Shibata chases Christian & Kip all around the ringside area, then back up the ramp! The fans cheer “HOOOOO~!” and Hook has Nick! RED- ELBOW BREAKER! Nick aims for a corner, but Hook grabs him again! Nick slips free to get around and roll up, with tights! TWO!! ROUNDHOUSE!! Nick goes up, up, and WAYNE’S- REDRUM!!!! Nick sputters, flails, but fades! Nick is OUT!! Hook wins!!

Winner: Hook, by submission

The Patriarchy tried every trick in the book, but they could not break Hook! But will Hook make sure to break Christian Cage for what he did to Taz?

Marina Shafir has commandeered a camera!

The Problem makes sure we all see that The Death Riders have just mugged Darby Allin backstage! The Maniac has Wheeler Yuta & Pac stand Darby up, then tells him, “You left me no choice. No choice.” Moxley looks to Claudio and tells him to do it. Moxley then hits Darby with a BODY BLOW, and Claudio has a chair! Claudio puts the chair around Darby’s neck, just as he did to Bryan Danielson and to Chuck Taylor! Darby is pushed down onto the floor, and Claudio hops up onto a road case! Claudio jumps down to STOMP the chair!! Moxley then kicks Darby down stairs!! Darby tumbles all the way down to the bottom!

The fans boo this literal crime caught on tape, but The Death Riders leave Darby behind. Darby is down in the basement, will he ever rise back up?

Rampage returns and…

Moxley and Marina are in the ring, and Moxley has a mic to say, “If you’re showering me with hate right now, I forgive you. And I would ask you to look inward. Maybe this isn’t about me, this is about you. I’ve had to make some tough decisions, I’ve had to make some difficult choices. I’ve made some unpopular decisions. There are a lot of people in AEW who don’t like me, who have a problem with me, who have a problem with the things that I do, the things that I say, the things that we do. We do things that need to get done, and there’s a lot of people who have a problem with that.

“I think right now is a good time, here at the end of the year, to say that if anybody, anybody back there, if there is anybody in this buliding that has a problem with me or my people, or what we do, then you come out here right now and you tell me all about your problem. You tell me all about the problems you ahve with what you think we’re trying to accomplish. You come out here, tell me exactly what your problem is.” Moxley drops the mic and waits in his chair. And first out is KOMANDER! He definitely has a problem, he was one of the first to get hit by the Death Riders! Well, now he gets CLOBBERED by Claudio!

The Swiss Superman sprang outta nowhere, and he owes Komander for the Continental Classic on Christmas! The Death Riders put Komander in the ring and stomp away, but here comes Top Flight, another of the Death Riders’ victims! That’s still not enough, they get mugged 4v2! The fans rally for “A E DUB!” in hopes more heroes will appear. ORANGE CASSIDY IS HERE! Freshly Squeezed saunters out here, and Marina stands in his way. Well, turns out he’s not alone, because here comes Willow Nightingale! And the Babe with the Power runs up, dodges Marina, then fires off on her! Cassidy walks to the ring while the ladies handle things.

Wait, Hangman Page sneaks in from the crowd! And Jay White, too! The challengers to Moxley’s AEW World Championship are united against their common enemies and the tides have turned! Moxley stays back while his Death Riders fight the challengers, but then that leaves him open to Komander! The fans fire up as now Top Flight is back up, this is 7v4 in favor of Team AEW! And now let’s add Lio, Action, and even Konosuke Takeshita and Lance Archer! They may not get along with each other, but they all hate the Death Riders! Now Beast Mortos and The Butcher are here! And wait, Deonna Purrazzo and Harley Cameron are here!

Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa head out here, to go after Deonna and Harley as they’re trying to help Marina! Security hurries out here, but now we add Private Party and Daniel Garcia! They definitely hate The Death Riders! Rocky Romero is here to represent Conglomeration! Shibata joins in! Wait, wait, the spotlight finds Christian Cage watching from the upper deck! And he smiles, because all this chaos simply benefits him and his Casino Royale contract. MORE security and now Christopher Daniels head out here, the Fallen Angel wants to restore order! The Death Riders find an opening to slip away, and they grab a pipe!?

Pac uses that pipe to SMASH at the control board at ringside! They’re trying to end the show by any means necessary!! Pac BREAKS the board, and 75% of the lights go out! The brawling continues in the darkness, but it is clear the Death Riders are in retreat! Marina makes sure a cameraman follows them, too. They head right for the exit, Moxley says he’s done with this s*it. Things slowly calm down in the ring, and we stick with the Death Riders… as they get into the production truck?! Moxley shoves the head producer and mockingly asks how anyone’s supposed to do their jobs with all this chaos going on!

Moxley says, “They’re all fighting for scraps! But I will put an end to the chaos on December 28th, and I will clear the playing field, and I will bring peace to my people! And right now, what I’m gonna do is I’m gonna put an end to Rampage. CUT IT! CUT IT RIGHT NOW!” The team does as told, and we’re off the air. If this is how Moxley plans on running things, is AEW only going to fall apart under his rule? Or can Cassidy, White and Hangman free AEW from his reign of terror?

My Thoughts:

An awesome Rampage here, especially when this is to be the last Rampage for the foreseeable future. I do like how they kayfabe’d it to be Moxley cancelling the show, not a corporate decision to focus more on Dynamite, Collision, and even ROH. It parallels how Jericho was the kayfabe reason for Collision being made, not the combination of Warner Brothers Discovery giving AEW more and CM Punk needing a place to go that was separate from The Elite.

They did a great job with how they “shut down” Rampage, though. Well, first they give us another kayfabe attempt at murder, and this is actually the second time Darby Allin has been kicked down stairs in AEW. The Men of the Year, Scorpio Sky & Ethan Page, did that to him in 2020, and now The Death Riders have done it here. Obviously this is to make it seem like Darby Allin won’t be around for Worlds End, but I bet he does show up in an attempt to keep Claudio, Yuta & Pac from screwing over Cassidy, White & Hangman. I could just feel Moxley’s promo leading to a huge brawl, and it was a really fun one because we also got women involved going after Marina and each other.

Fun fact: Christian Cage opened the first episode, and he helped close the last episode. Speaking of Christian, and therefore The Patriarchy, very good match from Hook VS Nick Wayne, great bit of overbooking, including Shibata bringing out the Hacksaw Jim Duggan wood. Great win for Hook, and I’m pretty sure the story continues so that Hook stops Christian from his cash-in at Worlds End, setting up their own 1v1 match. Private Party’s match was so quick, but then it worked out that we got brawling from them with Lio & Action, and even with Darius & Dante. The tag champs are oddly taking Worlds End off, but we are seeing Top Flight and Lio & Action in the Zero Hour, so maybe the tag title match is going to be on Fight for the Fallen or even “Maximum Carnage” near the end of January.

Good segue from Private Party’s stuff with Top Flight to give us Leila VS Rosa, and that was really good match. Rosa of course won, but I’m still not confident in her chances of beating Mariah May. At best, it is 50-50 because the Tijuana Street Fight will allow them both to go wild, but with Toni Storm’s story going on, it’d be natural if they wanted Rockstar Toni to become a contender. Then we would see if Toni Time really did reset or if it’s all an act. And while Mercedes Mone has a busy next couple of weeks with Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship rematch, then WrestleKingdom/WrestleDynasty next week, I could see Rosa shift gears and finally get that TBS Championship should Mone retain through Worlds End.

Another interesting fact is that Jericho was on the first Rampage as “Le Champion” commentator Jericho, and he opens this last Rampage with a full-on “King of New York” gimmick, even though AEW is gonna leave New York. We still got great stuff out of The Acclaimed and their dysfunction. Caster was both helping and not helping Bowens, and so naturally Bowens loses. Jericho moves on, waiting for Bandido to be okay from that concussion he suffered at Final Battle (landing out of a springboard missile dropkick), and maybe biding his time with some other good midcard Faces at the same time. As for Acclaimed, Caster could try and apologize, or maybe he tries and brushes this off. Either way, Bowens gets mad at Caster, and the team is right on the edge of breaking up.

RIP Rampage, you served us well for the 177 or so episodes you had.

My Score: 8.9/10

It’s a Continental Classic Christmas!

It’s AEW Dynamite on 34th Street, and the greatest Christmas gift is a ticket to the Continental Classic semifinals at Worlds End this Saturday in Orlando! But who reaches the goal while the others get coal?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Brody King; Ospreay wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Komander; Komander wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins.
• Toni Storm VS Taya Valkyrie w/ Deonna Purrazzo; Toni wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kyle Fletcher VS Daniel Garcia; Kyle wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Taz is back on commentary!

That’s right, the living legend is back from that awful attack by The Patriarchy, and what better place than the Hammerstein Ballroom? But will Taz have something to say about Christian Cage’s cowardly actions?

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

Claudio Castagnoli: 3-1, 9 points
Ricochet: 3-1, 9 points
Will Ospreay: 2-2, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-2, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Mark Briscoe: 3-2, 9 points
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Daniel Garcia: 2-1-1, 7 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-2, 6 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-5, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Brody King!

The Aerial Assassin wraps his run on Christmas against the King of Death, and both men are in a must-win situation! Will Ospreay be headed to Orlando for Worlds End? Or will the House Always Win?

The bell rings, we’re on the clock, and Hammerstein barks it up for Brody. Brody and Ospreay circle as the fans cheer “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” Ospreay kicks to test the waters but Brody shrugs it off. Ospreay kicks again, Brody is annoyed, and the fans sing for “Ospreay~ Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” Ospreay gives more kicks but Brody powers him to a corner. The ref counts, Brody lets off, but Ospreay avoids a chop to CHOP! Ospreay whips but Brody blocks! Brody whips, runs up, but into a BOOT! Ospreay runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RAN- NO! Brody stays up, brings Ospreay up, but Ospreay fires hands!

Brody puts Ospreay back in a corner, then TOSSES him across the way! The fans fire up while Ospreay gets right back up. Ospreay fires forearms, then runs, but Brody CLOBBERS him! Brody barks, the fans join in, and Brody runs in at the corner. Ospreay dodges, and goes to scoop!? Brody is up but he’s too big, Ospreay falls over! Cover, TWO! Brody scoops Ospreay to SLAM him, then he runs to SENTON, onto knees! Ospreay saves himself, and he calls his shot! OSC- NO, Brody CLUBS Ospreay, then has him in a Crucifix! But Ospreay pops up to RANA! The fans fire up while Brody tumbles out!

Ospreay aims, PLANCHAS, but Brody dodges! Brody runs up, Ospreay dodges and then baits Brody. Brody runs up, and Ospreay dropkicks the legs out! Brody hits steel steps with his face! Brody staggers up, Ospreay runs in, but Brody picks him up! SPINEBUSTER on the steps! And perhaps that’s quite literal, as it looked like the edge or even corner of the step got Ospreay in the back. The fans bark it up while Ospreay writhes and Brody checks his teeth. Brody drags Ospreay up to SHOVE into barriers, and then he CHOPS Ospreay down! Brody stands Ospreay back up, and whips him hard into more railing!

The fans fire up as Brody CHOPS Ospreay down! Brody gives thumbs up and a fist bump to the fan in the wheelchair and the fans cheer. Brody puts Ospreay in the ring, storms up on him, and clamps on with a neck wrench. Ospreay endures, the fans rally and duel, but Brody leans on the hold. Ospreay fights with elbows, but Brody CLUBS him again. Brody hauls Ospreay up but Ospreay fires forearms! Brody ROCKS Ospreay right back! Ospreay wobbles but he shakes his head as he stays standing! The fans fire up as Ospreay fires back, but then Brody ROCKS him again! Ospreay SOBATS, then runs, but into a BIG backdrop!

The fans fire up while Ospreay writhes, and Brody still checks his teeth. The fans rally up but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Brody storms around, drags Ospreay up, and TOSSES him out of the ring. Brody goes out after Ospreay and brings him up, fora  CHOP! Ospreay almost teeters over the railing, but then Broody whips him into more railing! Brody gets space, barks it up, then runs back in. Ospreay moves, Brody stops short, and Brody BOOTS Ospreay! Ospreay staggers to the far side, and Brody smirks as he storms over. Ospreay comes back to fire a forearm! Brody ROCKS Ospreay! Brody refreshes the ring count, but Ospreay fires a forearm! Brody ROCKS Ospreay again! And then CHOPS him! Ospreay scrambles away into the ring.

Brody storms in to SENTON! Direct hit this time and Brody covers, TWO! Brody is annoyed but Ospreay’s a former IWGP World Champion, he’s tougher than that. Brody waits on Ospreay, scuffs him and kicks him, then CHOPS him! Ospreay grits his teeth and rises up, then he fires a forearm! Brody CHOPS Ospreay again! Ospreay wobbles and leans back, but he comes back with a forearm! Brody CHOPS again! Ospreay falls over, but Brody stands him up for a BEARHUG! Dynamite on 34th Street returns to single picture as Ospreay fires forearms. Ospreay is free, but Brody then clamps on a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!

Ospreay endures, fights to get his own facelock, but Brody fights the suplex! Brody FISHERMAN BUSTERS in return! The fans fire up while both men are down. Brody rises, then storms up on Ospreay. Brody reels Ospreay in, but Ospreay uses that to slide under! Ospreay then dodges a lariat to handspring and NEURALIZER KICK! Brody staggers then tumbles out of the ring! Brody returns to the apron but Ospreay BOOTS him back down! Ospreay goes up a corner and climbs, to then SKY TWISTER! Direct hit and the fans fire up for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” giving this as the opener! Ospreay hurries to put Brody in, then aims again.

Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Brody survives but he again checks his jaw. The fans rally up and Ospreay brings Brody around. Ospreay reels Brody in, but Brody backdrops free! Ospreay is right up and all fired up! Ospreay BOOTS Brody, but Brody just glares at Ospreay! The fans bark and Brody winds up to CHOP! Ospreay grits his teeth to stay up, and he CHOPS in return! Brody shrugs that off!? Ospreay CHOPS, Brody barks! CHOP! Bark! CHOP! Bark! Brody corners Ospreay and dares him to bring it! Ospreay fires shot after shot, then eggs Brody on. Brody DECKS Ospreay with one shot!

Brody puts Ospreay on the top rope, and puts some stank on this CHOP! Ospreay tumbles to the apron and then to the floor! The fans bark even louder while Brody goes out after Ospreay. Brody hauls Ospreay up, ROCKS him, and makes him take a seat. Brody walks to the far side and comes back, CROSSBODY against railing! Both men are down but Brody snarls as he rises up already. Brody puts Ospreay in, Ospreay goes to a corner, so Brody just runs in to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives and Brody grows frustrated. The fans rally up while Brody reels Ospreay in, but Ospreay is a ragdoll.

Brody pushes Ospreay around, stomps him, then steps on him. Ospreay grits his teeth as he pushes up! The fans rally up, but Brody BOOTS Ospreay in the face! Ospreay just gets mad! Brody BOOTS Ospreay again! Ospreay rises and he fires a forearm! Brody fires back! Ospreay staggers but he comes back with another forearm! Brody fires back! Ospreay CHOPS, Brody CHOPS, repeat! Ospreay leans against Brody, but Brody keeps him from falling! Ospreay fires up with that and he CHOPS! Brody CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” with every CHOP! Ospreay roars and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Brody CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS!!

Ospreay sputters as he drops to a knee, and Brody says one more time! RIPCORD- HEADBUTT from Ospreay! Kawada Kicks! BOOT! SUPERKICK! But Brody ROLLING ELBOWS! Ospreay wobbles, but he HOOK KICKS right back! HOOK KICK again! Ospreay springboards, but Brody DECKS him outta the sky!! The fans are thunderous as Brody LAR- NO, Ospreay slips through and he lifts Brody up! To then pop into position! STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay throws off the elbow pad and he loads up! Fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but there’s still a time limit!

Ospreay runs up, but Brody LARIATS!! Brody hauls Ospreay up to scoop, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives but Brody just LARIATS again!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and Brody is beside himself! The fans rally as hard as they can and Brody hauls Ospreay back up. Scoop and- NO, Ospreay slips free, ducks ‘n dodges, FLYING HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, ONE?!?! WHAT?!? But Ospreay just reloads and runs in, HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? The fans are electric and Ospreay stands Brody up! Ospreay underhooks him, STORM BREAKER!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!!

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

A powerful and triumphant victory for Ospreay, but don’t call this a Christmas Miracle just yet! Ospreay still needs Claudio Castagnoli and Darby Allin to lose or this will be all for naught! Can Ricochet and Komander come through for Ospreay so that he can have a spot in the semifinals? Or will there be no golden ticket to Orlando for the Aerial Assassin?

The Hurt Syndicate arrives backstage.

And waiting for them are Christopher Daniels and AEW security. Renee Paquette is also here to note that tonight, there are huge C2 stakes as Shelton Benjamin faces Kazuchika Okada. As for MVP and Bobby Lashley, she has been asked to inform them that they have been banned from the building tonight. Montel Vontavious Porter repeats, “Banned from the building?” The Standard of Excellence says he’s about to get a nice little warm-up in before his match. Daniels asks they not do that, and MVP has his associates “step off the gas just a little bit.” MVP says out of respect for Renee, they’ll honor the request.

MVP fist bumps Shelton, as does Lashley, but he’s still staring down Daniels. MVP wishes Renee a Merry Christmas, he and the All Mighty leave. The Fallen Angel then lets Shelton enter, will Shelton be one of Blue League’s semifinalists? Or will Okada look to make it rain at Worlds End?

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

Back to it, we know that The Relentless One feels he needs to win this tournament as a way to oppose The Death Riders, but The Only & Only only cares about The One & Only. Will Ricochet make sure the C2 continues to be #OuttaThisWorld? Or will Darby take out two high-flyers with one Coffin Drop?

The bell rings and the fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Ricochet for how he cheated Ospreay just last Saturday. Ricochet tells the fans off because a win is a win. Darby storms up on Ricochet, Ricochet backs away to a corner, and now fans taunt Ricochet with, “Why You Bald?” Ricochet and Darby circle, tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Ricochet finds a point of leverage but Darby turns things around to put Ricochet in a corner. Ricochet complains Darby is pulling hair, and the ref says what hair? Ricochet’s bald! The fans sing, “OH~ We Want Samantha~!” Darby and Ricochet reset, tie up again, and Darby waistlocks.

Darby wrenches, headlocks, but Ricochet powers up, only for Darby to hold on tight. Ricochet fights up, Darby hits a takeover, and the fans rally up. Ricochet fights up to his feet, pushes Darby back to power up and out, but Darby runs him over! Ricochet kips up, but Darby hits a headlock and takeover! The fans cheer but Ricochet rolls to a cover, ONE! Darby holds on, Ricochet fights to roll him again, ONE! They stand now, and Ricochet puts Darby in a corner. Ricochet then throws Darby away, runs back up, but Darby gets him in another headlock takeover! Ricochet kicks and flails in frustration while he endures the grind.

The fans rally as Darby leans on Ricochet, but Ricochet fights up. Ricochet rolls to another cover, ONE! Darby keeps that headlock on tight, but Ricochet powers his way to a corner. The ref counts the break, Darby lets go slowly, but Ricochet JABS! The fans boo that cheap shot and the ref reprimands, but Ricochet just soaks up the heat. Hammerstein reminds Ricochet that he’s “BALD! BALD! BALD!” while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ricochet storms back up on Darby, brings him around, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Darby writhes and Ricochet soaks up more heat. Ricochet flips off the fans while Darby goes to a corner. Ricochet runs up and he CHOPS Darby down! Ricochet then scoops Darby for another BACKBREAKER! Darby writhes but Ricochet stands on him, then springboard stomps him! Ricochet stomps Darby more, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Darby crawls along ropes, Ricochet storms up, and Ricochet blocks a boot! Ricochet YANKS Darby from the ropes to SLAM him down! Then Ricochet CLAWS at Darby’s face!

The ref reprimands, Ricochet lets off, and Ricochet soaks up more heat. Ricochet kicks Darby around, taunts him, then BOOTS him down! Ricochet is in control while Dynamite goes to break.

Dynamite on 34th Street returns as Ricochet has Darby in a corner. Ricochet whips Darby corner to corner hard and the fans boo. Ricochet soaks it up while Darby flops out of the ring. Ricochet then goes out to the apron, and he has another of those toilet paper “streamers” from Saturday! Ricochet does the threatening step to one fan, then CHUCKS the TP to the upper deck. A fan catches it with ease, and Darby trips Ricochet up! The fans fire up and Darby hobbles over to Ricochet. Darby tosses the TP to the THIRD deck, but Ricochet BOOTS Darby into railing! The fans rally as hard as they can as Ricochet then RAMS Darby into more railing!

Ricochet stalks Darby, stands him up, and whips him again, but Darby reverses! Now Ricochet crashes into railing! The fans fire up as Darby runs up, COFFIN SPLASH but only into railing! Ricochet comes back to SUPERKICK Darby down! Ricochet hurries to put Darby in the ring, then takes aim. Springboard and FLYING LARIAT! Ricochet keeps moving, LIONSAULT! Ricochet tells the fans to “SUCK IT!” then covers, TWO! Darby stays in this and Ricochet says okay, fine. Ricochet paces around Darby, drags him to a drop zone, then goes to the corner. The fans rally for Darby while Ricochet climbs up.

Ricochet aims, and 450- NO, Ricochet bails out to land on his feet! TIGER WALL KICK, but then Darby shoots around! Waistlock, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Springboard and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Darby hurries to ghost pin, TWO! Darby steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!! Ricochet narrowly escapes, but Darby SHOTGUNS him to the outside! The fans fire up and Darby fires up with them! Darby builds speed to DIVE but into a KNEE! Ricochet shoots Darby outta the sky, then he brings out a table?! Ricochet isn’t thinking about the win right now, and he hauls Darby up. Ricochet RAMS Darby into the apron, then RAMS him in again!

The fans boo as Ricochet pushes Darby onto the table and throws down hands. The ref says don’t do this, they have to end this in the ring. Darby CLAWS at Ricochet but Ricochet rains down fists! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Ricochet lets off. The fans again chant “BALD! BALD! BALD!” Ricochet goes into the ring, climbs up the corner, and he aims at Darby! Ricochet 630 ONTO DARBY AND THE TABLE!!! The fans lose their minds and the ref is furious, but the ref is letting it play for the integrity of the C2! Ricochet talks trash, even as he drags himself to steel steps, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Darby is still down by the wreckage while Ricochet stands up. Ricochet talks more trash on fans, then leaves Darby behind. Doc Sampson checks on Darby, as does the ref, and Ricochet says to just call it. Darby stirs and is conscious, but is he able to continue? The ref has Ricochet calm down and stay back while Doc keeps talking with Darby. Darby clutches his lower back while the ring count climbs. Darby slowly sits up, but then Ricochet goes out to fetch him! And THROW him into railing! Darby slumps down but Ricochet drags him back up, just to throw him back into railing! Ricochet leaves Darby behind and Doc checks him again.

Darby grits his teeth and crawls, but he doesn’t get very far very fast. The ring count is climbing, Ricochet paces, but Darby is up at 7! Ricochet goes out right as Darby slides in! Ricochet then drags Darby out to RAM him into the apron! And RAM him again! Ricochet leaves Darby behind once more, and Doc again checks Darby while Dynamite on 34th Street returns to single picture. Darby drags himself up with the apron skirt, and he slides in at 4 of 10! The fans rally but Ricochet stomps away on Darby! The ref reprimands as Ricochet tears at the tape! Ricochet stops for just a moment, then tears at the tape again!

Ricochet stomps away on Darby’s back, no mercy for Darby’s bad back. Ricochet backs off to go to the apron, then springboards over the ref to DOUBLE STOMP Darby!! The fans boo but Ricochet is merciless! He fires shots on Darby’s back in the corner, stops as the ref pulls him back, and the ref checks on Darby. Darby says he’s not giving up! The fans rally for Darby but Ricochet says this is what he gets then. CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Ricochet stops as the ref counts 4, and Ricochet puts Darby up top. UPPERCUT! The fans boo but Ricochet CHOPS again! Darby wobbles up top and Ricochet climbs up to join Darby.

Ricochet ROCKS Darby, but Darby growls! Ricochet fires another shot, but Darby fires back! Darby fires again and again, Ricochet drops back! But then Ricochet GAMANGIRIS! And SLAPS! Ricochet climbs up, but Darby fires body shots! Darby CLAWS Ricochet’s back and the fans cheer! The ref still reprimands but Darby sumps Ricochet off buckles again and again! Darby then climbs on for a SUPER CODE RED!! And then he hops on, another CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but the fans fire up for Darby. Darby hurries to drag Ricochet into a drop zone, and then he goes back up top!

The fans boo as Ricochet rolls far, far away. Darby hops down, hobbles his way over, and he has Ricochet on the apron. But Ricochet HOTSHOTS Darby! And HOTSHOTS again! And HOTSHOTS again! Darby flops back and Ricochet aims again. Springboard 450 FLOPS as Darby moves! Darby hurries to clamp on with a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Ricochet endures, even as Darby bends fingers! TWO MINUTE WARNING!? Ricochet reaches out, but Darby drag shim back! Darby bends those fingers while holding onto that Fujiwara, but Ricochet moves around with his legs! Ricochet fights his way over, reaches out, but Darby gets BOTH arms!

The fans fire up for this INVERTED RINGS OF SATURN! Ricochet still has his feet and he kicks his way over! ROPEBREAK!! Ricochet survives by a literal foot, and the ref counts as Darby holds on. Darby lets off at 4, and we’re at the literal last minute! The fans rally as hard as they can for Darby as he drags Ricochet into a corner. Darby CHOPS, runs, JUMP KNEE from Ricochet! Ricochet hurries to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and deadlift, but Darby slips through! Dragon sleeper, SCORPION DEATH DROP!! But Darby can’t make a cover! The countdown! Darby climbs, COFFION DROP!! Cover, TIME’S UP!!!

Time Limit Draw; both men earn 1 point

The fans are disappointed, and the toilet paper returns! Darby only getting one point means he only has 7 points, while Ricochet as 10! Ricochet is guaranteed a spot in the semifinals, so now it is only a matter of first or second seed. Will Komander bring Claudio down so Ricochet can be on top? Or will The One & Only be joined by the Swiss Superman at Worlds End?

Wait, speaking of, Komander makes his way out here! The NEW ROH World Television Champion locks eyes with Darby, and Darby tells him and Alex Abrahantes to get this done! Can the Commander of the Skies pull off the greatest upset in C2 history?

Jay White speaks.

“Well, we are well and truly on the road to Worlds End, and I have been stomped out and choked out by the Death Riders, led by their obviously appointed ‘One True King,’ the AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley. A man that to some seems unbeatable, but Jonny knows the truth. That the biggest threat to him and his reign is a one-on-one match with me. That is why we find ourselves in this 4 way for the championship. Jon Moxley, no matter how you crowd the room, I will find my way to you! And I will find my way to the AEW World Championship.” The Switchblade is ready to cut down The Maniac, but will AEW soon Breathe with The Switchblade?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Komander!

Dynamite on 34th Street returns, and Claudio has made his entrance. The bell rings and the clock starts on this moment of truth. The fans rally for Komander as he and Claudio stare down. They feel things out, but then Claudio kicks low and CLUBS away on Komander! Claudio CHOPS Komander, CHOPS again, and Komander flops against ropes. Claudio CHOPS again and Komander almost flops out of the ring. Claudio whips, Komander ducks the boot, then he UP KICKS! Claudio stays up and he BOOTS Komander down! Claudio drags Komander up, TOSSES him to a corner, then runs up, but Komander dropkicks legs, sending Claudio into buckles!

Komander hurries to the outside and he climbs a corner! The fans fire up as Komander tightrope walks to ARABIAN PRESS- NO, Claudio stops the DDT to hit a RUNNING SUPLEX! The fans boo despite the impressive nature of that move. Claudio runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, ONE!! Claudio hauls Komander up to scoop and SLAM, then he clamps on a neck wrench. Komander endures and fans rally up. Komander CLUBS at Claudio’s leg, but Claudio whips him to ropes. Claudio then tilt-o-whirl scoops Komander for a BACKBREAKER! Claudio then holds on and lifts Komander back up, to then pop him up into a fireman’s carry!

Fans boo while Claudio goes to a corner and climbs up! Claudio gorilla presses Komander, to SUPER GUT BUSTER!! Komander flounders, Claudio covers, TWO!! Komander survives and the fans fire up! Claudio looms over Komander while he seethes, and then he stalks Komander to a corner. Claudio UPPERCUTS again and again, sits Komander down, then stomps him. The ref counts, Claudio lets off, and Claudio brings Komander up. Komander fires KICKS and forearms and CHOPS! But then Claudio UPPERCUTS him down! Then DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans boo, Claudio covers, TWO! Claudio is annoyed but he stalks Komander.

Claudio sits Komander up to clamp on a chinlock, but the fans rally as Komander fights up. Komander fires body shots, Claudio whips, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ RAN- NO! Claudio blocks the rana, and he swings Komander back up! But Komander slips around, POISON- NO! Claudio stops that rana, but Komander gets back up! They go to ropes, Komander RANAS Claudio up and out, but Claudio holds onto Komander! Claudio then ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAMS Komander on the apron! Komander staggers and sputters but Claudio pushes him back in. Claudio hears the fans chant “BALD! BALD!” at him while he steps inside.

Claudio stands Komander up but Komander fires body shots! Komander KICKS away on a leg, then runs side to side! Komander goes up, up, and FLYING RANAS! Claudio is sent into the POST! The fans fire up as Komander then RAMS Claudio into steel steps! Komander has Hammerstein behind him like they were for Final Battle, but then Claudio THROWS him into railing! Komander sputters, Claudio runs up, but then Komander dodges! Claudio crashes into the railing and Komander hurries into the ring. Komander runs corner to corner and back again, to then go up, up and AWAY! Saluting swanton takes Claudio down!

The fans fire up with Komander, this is starting to feel like Final Battle! Komander puts Claudio in, then runs and runs, but into a POP-UP, NO! Komander lands in a way to have the ELEVATED COBRA TWIST! The same move he used on Brody King last Rampage! But Claudio RAMS him into buckles! Claudio then runs up, but into a BOOT! Komander runs, rolls, and FACEBUSTERS! The fans fire up while Claudio is down, and Komander goes to a corner! Komander climbs, but Claudio hurries to trip him up! Komander flops to the mat and Claudio catches his breath. Claudio then hauls Komander up, to CROTCH him on the ropes!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Claudio BOOTS Komander to the floor! Claudio drags Komander up, but the ref reprimands him again. Claudio argues with the ref, but Komander looks under the ring? He finds Darby’s pink jacket! Is this the thing Darby really whispered to Abrahantes earlier!? Komander looks in the pockets, and surprise! BRASS KNUCKLES! Just like what Claudio used to win against Darby! Claudio storms back over, and BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Komander hides the evidence then goes up a corner! The fans are thunderous for CIELIETO LINDO!! Cover, KOMANDER WINS!!!

Winner: Komander, by pinfall (gains 3 points, Claudio earns 0)

No one is allowed ringside, but they said nothing about someone leaving something behind at ringside! And with that, Komander pulls off the spoiler! And now Gold League is sending Ricochet and Will Ospreay! Will they end up meeting at the end of the Continental Classic to fight for it all?

Wait, speaking of a fight, The Death Riders attack Komander and even run off Abrahantes! The ringside ban is lifted with the bell, but the fans boo as Yuta & Pac stomp away on Komander. Marina fetches a chair and brings it into the ring! But here comes Jay White! We knew he was here tonight, so the Switchblade wants him a piece of Moxley’s minions! Oh, well, add Orange Cassidy to that as he runs in from the crowd! Freshly Squeezed DUMPS Claudio up and out, then DUMPS Yuta! Pac takes a swing, Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges to DIVE onto Yuta! White slides in, and he gets The Bastard with an URENAGE!

The fans fire up as Yuta returns for White to UPPERCUT! Cassidy adds a BEACH BREAK! White and Orange nod, they seem to agree that for the greater good, they gotta work together against The Death Riders. But wait, as Cassidy checks on Komander, someone else slides in! That’s Moxley with the championship briefcase! Moxley CLOBBERS White from behind!! The fans boo but then Cassidy gets in! BRIEFCASE SHOT from Moxley! The fans boo while Moxley storms around.

Moxley grabs a mic to say, “As long as my heart is still beating, this is the closet you two will ever come to the AEW World Championship, and you are delusional if you think either one of you even deserves to lay eyes on it!” The fans boo more, but here comes Hangman Page! The Blackhat Cowboy glares right at The Maniac as he storms down to the ring. Moxley keeps his eyes locked on Hangman, but Cassidy and White are each getting up! Moxley sees he is surrounded by his challengers! The fans fire up again, and Moxley takes a swing! Hangman dodges, Cassidy hits an ORANGE PUNCH on Moxley!

Hangman loads up on the apron, BUCK SHOT!! Moxley staggers back up, into a BLADERUNNER!! The fans fire up as Moxley is sent rolling! And then White grabs the briefcase, only for Hangman to stand on it. The challengers are united against Moxley, but still have a lot of beef with each other. Cassidy has them all back up, and Cassidy puts on his sunglasses. Will these three keep level heads long enough to take off Moxley’s head? Or will this title be far too tempting for any alliance to stand?

BREAKING NEWS: AEW is bringing MAXIMUM CARNAGE to Cincinnati!

That’s right! AEW Dynamite & Collision in Cincy will be the brand new special, AEW: Maximum Carnage! Ticket presale begins this Friday, but the question is: When AEW returns to Cincinnati, will hometown “hero” Jon Moxley still be AEW World Champion?

AEW Homecoming 2025 is set!

AEW returns home to Jacksonville, and it will be a Collision on Saturday, January 25th! Everyone has one month to prepare, who will have the sweeter Homecoming when we get there?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Kazuchika Okada!

The Standard of Excellence was already put in a fighting mood by Christopher Daniels laying down the law, and he might just need that when he’s taking on arguably THE best tournament wrestler today. Will Shelton be able to rebound from losing to Daniel Garcia? Or will the Rainmaker secure a spot in the semifinals and truly defend the Continental Championship?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Fans chant, “We Hurt~ People!” to go with the Hurt Syndicate’s song, but Shelton offers a handshake. Okada is hesitant, but he takes it. There is respect here and the fans cheer that. Okada and Shelton circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Okada slips around to waistlock. The fans are on Okada’s side but Shelton wrenches out to a wristlock. Okada reaches for ropes but Shelton keeps him away. The fans start to duel, Okada rolls and wrenches and wristlocks in return. Shelton drops to arm-drag Okada away! The fans cheer the standoff, and the two reset.

Okada and Shelton feel things out, tie up again, and they’re in another deadlock. Shelton finds a point of leverage to push Okada to the ropes. Okada turns things around while the ref calls for the break. Okada lets off slowly, but then fakes the chop, to pat Shelton on the shoulders. The fans cheer that and Shelton stays cool. The fans duel, “We Hurt~ People!” “O-KA-DA!” Okada dares Shelton to take a shot, and Shelton runs up, but Okada gets around to waistlock. Ripcord, but Shelton ducks the lariat! Shelton then clinches, but Okada fights free of the exploder! Okada dodges a shot, and he arm-drags!

Shelton gets up to arm-drag back! Okada and Shelton have another standoff and the fans cheer. Shelton and Okada reset, circle again, and the fans rally up. Okada and Shelton feel things out, but Okada backs off to bail out. The fans boo but Okada just grins. Okada walks around the outside while he catches his breath and thinks on what’s next. Okada goes to the apron but he wants Shelton to back up. Shelton rushes out instead! But Okada kicks low and DDTS to the floor! The fans are torn but the ring count starts. Okada brings Shelton up and into the ring at 4 of 10, and the fans rally up as Okada steps back in.

Okada stands Shelton up to scoop and SLAM, then the standard formula leads him to the corner. Okada climbs, but Shelton springs up! And climbs up like a cat! Then he SUPER ARM-DRAGS Okada down! The fans fire up and Shelton covers, TWO! Okada stays in this but he rolls away while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Okada goes to the apron then the floor, but Shelton storms out after him. Shelton drags Okada up to SHOVE into the apron, then the railing, then the apron! Then he sends Okada into the steel steps! Okada goes down in a heap while Shelton leaves him behind. The ring count begins again but Okada stirs at 3. Shelton slides out to fetch Okada and ROCK him with a forearm! The count restarts but Shelton brings Okada around to the ramp side. Shelton ROCKS Okada again, then follows him around the way. Shelton RAMS Okada into the railing, then puts him in the ring. Shelton paces around Okada, and he mocks the Rainmaker Pose!

The fans seem torn on that, but it’s not like Okada does the pose anymore. Shelton rains down fists on Okada, then clamps on a chinlock. Okada endures while Shelton squeezes tight and leans on the hold. Okada fights up to his feet, but Shelton wrangles him back down! The fans rally as Okada fights up again, and Dynamite on 34th Street returns to single picture. Shelton CLUBS Okada, then ROCKS him with a right! Okada fires forearm sin return! Shelton fires some forearms of his own, then taunts Okada. Okada shakes his head and he fires forearms! Shelton ROCKS Okada again and again, then whips, but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges!

Okada comes in with the BIG ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shelton goes to a corner, Okada to the other, and then Okada runs up! BACK ELBOW! Kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelton stays in this, but Okada drags Shelton up. Shelton kicks, Okada blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP comes around! Shelton hurries back after Okada to scoop, but Okada fights free! Okawa waistlocks, Shelton rolls to pick an ankle! ANKLE LOCK! The fans fire up as Shelton uses what Kurt Angle has passed down to him! Okada endures, the fans duel, and Okada fights his way forward! Okada turns over and BOOTS Shelton away!

Shelton comes back but Okada catches him into a MONEY CLIP! Shelton endures and flails around, but Okada has him caught! Shelton is fading already and he drops to a knee. Okada cranks on the hold but Shelton claws at Okada. Shelton RAMS Okada into the corner, but Okada holds on! Shelton RAMS him in again and is free! But then Okada pops Shelton up into an Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while and Okada nods. Shelton sits up in a daze but Okada drags him to his feet. Okada scoops and SLAMS Shelton, and now he goes up the corner. The standard formula is back again, MACHO ELBOW!

Okada stands and the fans fire up! Okada winds it up, and Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada brings Shelton up, but Shelton fights the ripcord, so Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! Okada holds onto Shelton and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Okada roars as he drags Shelton up again! The fans fire up and Okada ripcords! RAIN- NO, Shelton ducks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Shelton roars and the fans fire up! Shelton waits on Okada, waistlocks again, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Okada goes flying out of these release Germans and the fans want it “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” Shelton will oblige, GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up as New York City becomes Suplex City! Shelton runs corner to corner, STEP-UP KNEE! And then a clinch, but Okada cradle counters! TWO!! Okada BOOTS Shelton, but Shelton stays up and Okada falls! Shelton shakes his head and he fires forearms! Shelton runs, but Okada DROPKICKS! Okada brings Shelton back up, ripcords, but Shelton hits PAYDIRT! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Shelton stays focused, and the fans rally up even harder. Okada rises but Shelton has him! But Okada sips around, ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, OKADA WINS!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 3 points, Benjamin earns 0)

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, The Continental Champion stands at 10 points, and he is guaranteed a spot in the semifinals! The main event pits Kyle Fletcher against Daniel Garcia, will it be The Protostar that joins The Rainmaker? Or will both Continental and TNT Champions be heading for Orlando?

As for Shelton, he started the match showing respect, and he ends this showing respect. He offers a handshake, Okada considers it, and then Okada raises his fist… to then shake hands! Shelton at least earned that much from Okada, but Okada does sneak a middle finger as he scratches his face. Will the Standard of Excellence still be eyeing something shiny and gold in the New Year?

Backstage interview with Swerve Strickland.

Renee Paquette is now with The Realest, who is also accompanied by Prince Nana. Renee says Swerve is coming off an incredible 2024, in which he at one point captured the AEW World Championship. As this year comes to a close, what does 2025 have in store for Swerve? Swerve asks Renee if she hears the fans. The fans are indeed audibly chanting, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Renee nods, she hears that. Swerve says hearing the people, this is the type of connection you gain when you have the 2024 that he had. Championship winner, history maker, franchise definer. Nana says, “That’s right!”

But Swerve says not to get him wrong. He has lost a lot this year, too, but it doesn’t compare to the amount that he has gained. And in 2025, Swerve plans to rebound and- Wait, Ricochet walks in laughing, much to Swerve’s annoyance. Ricochet asks if Swerve saw what Ricochet did. No, no, he knows Swerve saw how Ricochet beat Darby’s ass out there. And just like Ricochet said he would, “ya boi” is going on to Worlds End, and he will do what Swerve could not. Ricochet will WIN the Continental Classic, Stefan. NOW Swerve is pissed. Swerve steps up and Ricochet asks if he’s good.

Swerve clenches his fist, but he chuckles and says Ricochet has this all wrong. Swerve is not rooting against Ricochet. If they all succeed in AEW, then AEW succeeds. And trust Swerve when he says he wants AEW to succeed. “But don’t blow it. Because if you do… I’m going to embarrass you. And I’m going to make it big. HAHA~!” Swerve throws that laugh back at Ricochet then heads out, and Ricochet says that’s why he doesn’t have a house anymore. But will Ricochet have anything at all after he goes through Worlds End?

Chris Jericho speaks.

The “King of New York” is once again live in New York with his New York Minute. “And here on 34th Street, in the heart of Historia, I’m still feeling the Christmas spirit. Can you feel it?” Big Bill feels it! Jericho says that is why he has one more Christmas miracle to grant, one more gift to give, and that is to Anthony Bowens. Bowens challenged Jericho on Collision, Jericho was not ready then, but he’ll be ready this Friday night on Rampage. Jericho VS Bowens, and Jericho hopes things get better for Anthony, as he doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends anymore. Isn’t that right, Scissor King?

Let’s hope Bowens didn’t bite off more than he can chew here in “The Grand Apple.” So that’s it, another New York Minute! See you Friday, Anthony! Merry Christmas, everybody, and to all a good night! Jericho waves bye, but will Bowens make sure to cut down The Learning Tree for New Year’s Smash?

Toni Storm VS Taya Valkyrie w/ Deonna Purrazzo!

The Portrait of a Rockstar: A new psychotic break in the already fractured mind of the former AEW Women’s World Champion? Or just a new timeless ruse? It doesn’t really matter to The Vendetta, so long as they can take down said former Women’s World Champion. Will Taya prove there’s only room on the roster for one crazy blonde? Or will it be #ToniTime for Christmas?

The bell rings, and Toni wants a handshake? Taya takes it, just to reel Toni in for a knee down low! The fans boo but Taya stomps Toni, kicks her to ropes, then stands her up. Taya CHOPS Toni, CHOPS again, then whips. Toni reverses but Taya reverses back to mule kick, knee lift, and LARIAT! Taya soaks up heat while Toni stands. Fans chant “She’s a Rookie!” so they’re either playing along or enabling the delusion. Taya blocks a kick, trips Toni, and then floats around a la Johnny TV to rain down fists! The fans boo but Taya soaks up heat. Toni goes to a corner, Taya runs up and Taya ELBOWS Toni!

Taya LARIATS, then she sits Toni down. Taya scowls then smirks, before she HIP ATTACKS! Then she rubs it in with a STINK FACE! The ref reprimands, Taya grins as she lets off, then comes back with a METEORA! Taya drags Toni to a cover, ONE!! Toni shows that toughness, but Taya whips her to another corner. Toni comes back to CLOBBER Taya! And LARIAT! Toni runs in at a corner, but Taya dodges! Toni ELBOWS Taya back, but Taya distracts the ref so Deonna can grab Toni’s foot! Toni kicks free, but Taya runs up to slide and trip Toni! Taya YANKS Toni back into the post, then SLAMS the legs into the steel!

The fans boo but The Vendetta soaks it all up while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Taya goes back for Toni, drags her out of the ring, and ROCKS her with a right. Toni staggers away, Taya pursues, and the ring count is climbing. Taya whips Toni hard into steel steps! Toni writhes and Taya soaks up more heat. Taya gets Tomi up to then snap suplex to the floor! Toni crawls away but Taya stalks her. Taya KICKS Toni in the side, then puts her in the ring. Taya stands on Toni in a corner, soaks up more heat, then steps off as the ref counts. Taya CLUBS Toni, but Toni fires body shots in return! Taya CLUBS Toni down, then drags her by a foot. Taya stomps away on the leg, then drops an elbow on the knee!

Taya has the toehold, throws down more elbows, but Toni endures. Taya fires more elbows into the leg but Toni fires forearms into Taya’s back! Taya cranks the leg, turns Toni over and ties those legs up. Taya pulls on the legs, throws down elbows, and has an INVERTED BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Toni endures, Taya is pulling hair so the ref counts, and Taya stops. She reminds the ref she has ’til 5. Dynamite on 34th Street returns to single picture as Toni turns bow ‘n’ arrow into ghost pin! TWO, and Toni stands to ROCK Taya! Taya ROCKS Toni, then fires a flurry! The fans fire up as Toni fires more shots in the corner!

Deonna protests, the ref counts, and Toni stops. Toni runs up but Taya slips out to the apron! Taya slides in, sunset flip, TWO! Toni is up, Taya ducks a kick to trip Toni up! But Toni kicks Taya away! Toni blocks Taya’s boot now, but Taya breaks free to KNEE back! Taya runs, redirects, and LARIATS Toni down! Taya roars but the fans boo, and Taya goes back for legs. Taya ties the legs up but Toni crawls to the ROPEBREAK! Taya argues with the ref, and Deonna gets a cheap shot in! Taya then lets off, runs up, but Toni sends her into ropes! Then THESZ PRESS! Toni rains down fists and the fans fire up!

Toni lets off and Taya goes to a corner. Toni runs in to HIP ATTACK! Toni drags Taya right up and in, STORM- NO, Taya fights the lift to wrench and SLAP! Toni is upset, but then she SLAPS back! Deonna says KILL HER! Taya runs up to SPEAR! Taya then talks trash on Toni, saying the real Toni is pathetic! Taya drags Toni up, reels her in, but Toni cradle counters! TONI WINS!!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall

In Toni’s mind, this is a huge upset for an “AEW Rookie” over a woman who has 600 matches in her career! Will The Vendetta ever live this down? Will Toni ever realize the truth about herself?

Backstage interview with Hangman Page.

Renee is with the Cowboy and says we’re literally days away from Worlds End, but we have no idea what’s going on. Are Moxley’s challengers working together? What is happening? Hangman says he will tell us exactly what is going on. At Worlds End, Moxley walks into Orlando for the last time as AEW World Champion. But then in steps Daniels, and he says he has to tell Hangman something. Daniels says Hangman was right last time. Daniels doesn’t know what he’d do if he’d gone through what Hangman’s gone through. The last thing Hangman needs is someone talking at him, telling him what to do.

But when Worlds End comes, if Hangman needs anything- Hangman stops “CD” there and asks why he would need help “from an ineffectual office stooge” like him. Daniels does his best to laugh that off, saying that is fair. But see, these other guys have groups: Bullet Club Gold, Conglomeration, and Death Riders. Daniels knows Hangman thinks he stands alone, having absolutely no friends, but Daniels can relate. SCU is not here anymore, Matt Sydal’s gone (surgery on an old injury), so Daniels is alone in the locker room. But Daniels has known Hangman for 15 YEARS, and they’ve been AEW before AEW was even a thing.

All Daniels is saying is that he knows Hangman better than he thinks. And at Worlds End, if Hangman needs a friend, Daniels will be there. Daniels leaves to let Hangman think on that. Hangman says the interview’s over, it’s Christmas. But will the Cowboy call upon the Fallen Angel in his time of need?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kyle Fletcher VS Daniel Garcia!

The last round robin match is here, and it’s for that final spot in the semifinals! The Protostar could advance with even just a draw, so he might just play defense the entire time. Will that work out for the Don Callis Family’s pride and joy? Or will Red Death be headed for even more gold?

The bell rings and we are once again on the clock. The two tie up and Kyle puts Garcia right in a corner. The ref counts, Kyle lets off with a roll back. Garcia shrugs that off and the fans duel as the two reset. They tie up, Kyle’s height again helps him push Garcia back, but Garcia turns things around in the corner. The ref counts, Kyle protests, but Garcia lets off with a roll of his own. And then Garcia puts the dukes up, to DANCE! Kyle bails out to says he isn’t playing that. The fans boo but Garcia waits for Kyle’s return. Kyle takes his time, then runs up. They tie up, Garcia headlocks, but Kyle blocks the takeover!

Kyle brings Garcia up to shove away and then CLOBBER him! The fans boo but Kyle soaks up that heat. Kyle stomps Garcia and Garcia goes to ropes. Kyle drags Garcia up, the fans tell Kyle off, but then Garcia slips out of the scoop! Garcia waistlocks, Kyle bucks the O’Conner Roll, but then Garcia ducks the lariat! Garcia goes for drop toehold but Kyle stays up! Garcia avoids a stomp, goes for a leg, but Kyle steps over that to BOOT him! Kyle mockingly asks if Garcia wants to do his dance. This isn’t dancing, this is wrestling! Garcia ROCKS Kyle and then fires more shots in the corner! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Garcia lets off.

Garcia comes back and climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count along, but Kyle DUMPS Garcia out at 7! Garcia slips buckle on the way to the apron and floor! The fans boo and the ref checks Garcia, but Garcia manages to sit up. The fans insult Don Callis and he isn’t even here. Kyle storms up but Garcia CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Right in front of the sign that says Kyle “only likes Home Alone 3.” Garcia rains down fists on Kyle against railing, but Kyle picks him up at 7! APRON POWERBOMB!! Kyle soaks up the heat while Garcia’s down in a heap, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Kyle soaks up even more heat while paces around, and then he mockingly “checks his watch.” Time is going to be on Kyle’s side the whole 20 minutes, but he still puts Garcia in now. Kyle stands Garcia up to then put through ropes, and Kyle brings Garcia out along them! Garcia fights but Kyle doesn’t even feel it while he imitates the Legend Killer. DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO! Kyle shrugs that off while he soaks up more heat, but Garcia goes to a corner. Kyle storms over to Garcia, stomps and scuffs him, but stops as the ref counts. Kyle then drags Garcia up, whips him to ropes, and ELBOWS him down!

Kyle pushes Garcia over for a cocky cover, ONE! Garcia is tougher than that but Kyle lets him go to ropes. Kyle soaks up more heat, then brings Garcia around to ROCK him with a right. Dynamite on 34th Street returns to single picture while Garcia flops to the ropes. Kyle stands on Garcia, the ref counts, and Kyle steps away. Garcia reaches out to the crowd and the fans rally up. Kyle brings Garcia up and ROCKS him again! Garcia again flops against ropes, but the fans rally for “D G! D G!” Kyle stands Garcia up to ROCK him, but Garcia stays on his feet! The fans fire up but Kyle hits him again! Garcia roars and he fires back!

The fans fire up as Garcia throws hands, whips, but Kyle reverses. Garcia ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT! Kyle stays up! Garcia dodges Kyle’s lariat to run and LARIAT again! Kyle staggers, Garcia runs, but into a BOOT! Kyle runs, but into a LARIAT! Garcia takes Kyle down and the fans fire up! Garcia reels Kyle in, TWIST- NO, Kyle slips through to reel Garcia in! Kyle suplexes, but Garcia fights free! Garcia goes to a corner, Kyle runs up, but Garcia dodges! Kyle tumbles up, over and to the floor! The fans fire up while Kyle flounders. Garcia goes out the side, runs in, and he DROPKICKS Kyle against railing!

The fans fire up for Garcia and he puts Kyles in the ring. The fans rally again, and Garcia steps in, only for Kyle to snatch him! But Garcia slips free of the ropes to put Kyle in! Now Garcia does his best Viper imitation with a DRAPING TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives Garcia’s fusion of Viper and Ace, but Garcia drags him back up. Kyle fights the suplex, CLUBS away, but Garcia reels him back in! Kyle standing switches, and SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Garcia goes to a corner, Kyle runs in, GAMANGIRI! Then suplex and- NO, Garcia counters to a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK, with the body scissors!

The fans fire up as Kyle goes to ropes, and he TOSSES Garcia out! Garcia holds onto ropes, then he catches Kyle! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK in the ropes! The ref reprimands but fans fire up! Kyle steps out onto the apron, and he powers through to suplex! APRON BRAINBUSTER!! The ref checks Garcia but Kyle shoves him in! And he isn’t done, either! LAST RIDE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Garcia survives two horrible impacts and Kyle is beside himself! The fans rally for Garcia as hard as they can, and Garcia rises to his feet! Kyle runs in, Garcia trips him! Garcia has the legs, steps through, but Kyle kicks him at the ref!

The ref takes cover in a corner, Kyle runs up to LOW BLOW Garcia!!! The fans boo but now Kyle hits a SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? HOW?!?! Garcia shocks everyone but he must have literal stones down there! Kyle seethes, slaps Garcia’s hands away from him, but he drags Garcia back up by those hands. Kyle puts Garcia in a corner, then puts him up top, and UPPERCUTS! Garcia wobbles, but Kyle UPPERCUTS again! Kyle says that was for the fans! Kyle climbs up, taunts the fans more, and he has Garcia on the very top! But Garcia slips around to get a SLEEPER! Kyle tries to hold onto ropes, but they both fall to the mat!

The fans rally while the ref checks. Kyle and Garcia both stir so they’re still in this, but what about the clock? The fans rally up again and Garcia sits up slowly. Garcia nods, he feels the energy building behind him. Kyle and Garcia go forehead to forehead, they talk some smack, and they rise up to fire hands! The fans cheer Garcia and boo Kyle! “YAY! BOO! YAY! BOO!” Garcia windmills haymakers, then runs, but into a BOOT! But Garcia clamps onto Kyle’s neck! Kyle breaks free but Garcia CHOPS him! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Garcia winds up, but Kyle SUPERKICKS! Then SUPERKICKS again!

Garcia wobbles, Kyle runs, but into a body scissor capture! Roll and step through! DRAGON TAMER!!! Kyle endures while Garcia sits deep on those legs! Kyle flails, powers up, reaches out, but Garcia drags him back! Kyle is flat on the mat at center, and he grits his teeth as he thinks about it. Garcia then leans way back on the hold!! Kyle flails, grits his teeth, claws at his own forehead, but he CLAWS at Garcia’s face! Kyle DRIBBLES Garcia’s head off the mat and is free! The fans boo but that’s the flaw of bridging back that far. Kyle goes to a corner, takes aim at Garcia, and Garcia sits up. Kyle POWER DRIVE KNEES!

Kyle borrows a move from Don Callis Family member, Konosuke Takeshita, but now he hauls Garcia up. But Garcia fights the driver to trip Kyle! Jackknife bridge! TWO!!! Kyle escapes, LARIATS Garcia, but Garcia goes to a corner! Kyle runs in, BOOT!! Kyle says goodnight, Garcia! ANOTHER BOOT!! And then Kyle puts Garcia back up top! TOP ROPE BRAINBUSTER!!!! Garcia flops to the apron and Kyle almost goes with him! Kyle manages to drag Garcia back in and covers, Kyle wins!

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

An insane ending to one wild Christmas night, and the Aussie Arrow shoots down Garcia. Kyle dominates Blue League and stands at 12 points, meaning he is the one seed and Okada is the two seed! But look at how the semifinals take form: Gold League #1 VS Blue League #2, and Blue League #1 VS Gold League #2. That means we will see Ricochet VS Kazuchika Okada, and Kyle Fletcher VS Will Ospreay! As such, here comes the Aerial Assassin! Worlds End is about to give us a rematch from Full Gear, can Kyle crush Ospreay once and for all? Or will Ospreay redeem himself in the biggest way possible?

Jon Moxley speaks.

The Maniac was on his way out but he says he almost forgot. “It’s three for the price of one at Worlds End, that’s a hell of a deal. Everything’s just working out in my favor, just like it’s supposed to, just like it has to. Even if it isn’t always pretty, even if it isn’t always comfortable, I’ve accepted that. On Saturday night, I separate the weak from the chaff in triplicate. And then we continue our work. There’s a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it in. We continue our crusade against ego! Against delusion! Hangman Page, Jay White, Orange Cassidy, they lack will, they lack spirit, they lack heart!

“Up and down AEW, at every level, around every corner, NOBODY WANTS IT! They say they do, they think they do, but they don’t really, really want. Extraordinary things, extraordinary feats, require extraordinary sacrifice. And if you are not willing to sacrifice, if it’s too hard for you, if you can’t take that much time to look up from your phone while tanks are rolling in… well, then I will sacrifice you. These guys, they think the AEW World Championship you can win, a goal you can achieve, it’s something you can be awarded, it’s something you can hold in your hands. No. It is something you are. It’s who you are, it’s in here!

“It’s not for me to parade trophies around, showing off my gold, get in a limo with my belt, take Instagram pictures with my belt, sit by the pool with my big, shiny, fancy belt. Everybody, look at me! Look at my big shiny trophy! I can wear what I want, I can do what I want, I can say what I want, cuz I know exactly who I am. When I speak, they listen. When I’m on the move, they get the hell outta the way. I am the king. I was born to be king, and born for all the things that come with it. And I am the only king there has ever been.” The Maniac “King” heads out, but will he still meet his end at Worlds End?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite, even for being recorded and a go-home towards Worlds End. Toni Storm VS Taya Valkyrie was really good stuff, and great win from Toni using a quick pin, the signature win of the “underdog/newer wrestler” beating a “veteran.” I feel like we’ll get Toni VS Deonna next to help extend this story of Toni’s scrambled brain. Good “New York Minute” from Jericho, and I guess I should’ve expected one more of those while Jericho’s still going on about being the “King of New York.” Bowens VS Jericho will be really good, and as I said last week, it’ll be used mostly to further split The Acclaimed. We probably get a Six Man Tag, Learning Tree VS Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, and that can even be the moment the split happens.

Awesome stuff from the final Continental Classic matches tonight, and while I expected the “Final Four” we were given, they did great work in putting drama on it all. Excellent opener from Ospreay VS Brody with the big win for Ospreay, and good stuff going right into Darby VS Ricochet. Awesome match there, great win for Ricochet to join Ospreay as the Gold League entries, and a good promo from Ricochet with Swerve. Ricochet adds to his Heel persona with that uncalled for final jab about the housefire. This is of course going to be a top feud in 2025, even without the Continental Championship involved, can’t wait to see it.

Good segue from Darby VS Ricochet to Komander VS Claudio, and what a clever move having Darby leave his jacket and the brass knuckles waiting for Komander. It was perfect to leave the “spoiler” win for this last round, but of course Death Riders would go after Komander over it. Great save by Moxley’s challengers, but clearly with them standing tall, Moxley will find that way to retain. Very good promos from everyone, even Moxley’s “post credits scene” we got here. Moxley words it as if there’s still some “outside force” compelling Moxley, but hard to say if that’s still where they’ll go with this. And I still think Worlds End is a great opening for Christian Cage to cash-in his Casino Royale contract.

Great Blue League stuff, such as Daniels standing firm as the last EVP standing, and Shelton VS Okada was awesome stuff, a real dream match, or at least a match we would not have thought possible even a year ago. Great win for Okada to make sure he moves on, because you gotta let the Continental Champion have a chance at actually defending his title. And then just an instant classic from Garcia and Fletcher, two young stars who are already incredibly talented and at the top of their Face and Heel heat levels. Great bit of cheating from Kyle and quite the surprising false finish with it.

But that did give Kyle reason to turn up the violence as he likes to do, making for a powerful finish. Good stare down between Kyle and Ospreay, the C2 semifinals are going to set a high bar for Worlds End, as will whatever combination we get in the title match. I’m going to bet on Ospreay VS Okada because again, Okada should go down swinging if he’s gonna lose his title. That’s a big “if” but Ospreay’s bested Okada before, why not here?

My Score: 9.1/10