The Freshly Squeezed fighting champion keeps on fighting!

The All-Atlantic Champion continues to defend against whoever, wherever, whenever! But will Big Shotty turn Orange Cassidy into pulp?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, Opening Round: Dante Martin VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana; Cage wins and advances.
• AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, Opening Round: Rush w/ Jose VS Bandido; Bandido wins and advances.
• “AEW TBS Championship” Open Challenge: Nyla Rose w/ Vickie Guerrero & Marina Shafir VS Kayla Sparks; Nyla wins and “retains” the title.
• AEW All-Atlantic Championship: Orange Cassidy w/ Best Friends & Danhausen VS Lee Johnson w/ The Factory; Cassidy wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Christian Cage & Luchasaurus are here!

Captain Charisma and his Right Hand of Destruction are in Boston to respond to the challenge put forth by “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry! They go to the ring and Christian gets the mic to say, “So ‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry has a challenge for me, but ‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry only makes his challenges face to face. Well, Jack, we’re standing right here, waiting to hear what it is that you have to say.” And so, Jungle Boy makes his entrance! Boston sings along with Jungle Life as JB makes his way to the ring. Christian and Luchasaurus give JB room to enter the ring, and Christian says Jack must be from Boston. “It’s obvious you’re not very smart, and you think you’re a tough guy.”

Fans boo as Christian says JB is throwing around challenges, but here’s one for JB: become a challenge! In case anyone forgot, Christian squashed JB in less than ten seconds at All Out, and then Luchasaurus pinned JB in Christian’s hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Fans boo because they know how those losses went down. But Christian says he and Luchasaurus were done with JB, and they want titles. And the first chance Luchasaurus had, which he was dominating by the way, JB sticks his nose in and cost Luchasaurus that match.

JB says, “So you are out here right now to bitch and to whine and to complain because I cost you one match? Is that right? One match. When the two of you cost me everything! My friendships, two of the most important matches of my entire life. You (Luchasaurus) wasted three years of my life that I will never get back! And every single time that I have had a chance to fight back and to get some revenge, the two of you have found a way to stack all of the odds against me, and it’s worked every single time. So y’know what? I’m gonna go ahead and take that power away from you. And I’m going to stack all of the odds against myself.

“Because at Full Gear, I want you (Luchasaurus) one more time, inside of a Steel Cage!” Fans like the sound of that! Christian wants them to hang out. They cost JB everything? Well just maybe, JB has finally realized he’s not as good as people said he was. Maybe JB realized his success was because of Christian! Maybe JB realized he isn’t a Pillar of AEW after all! The real pillar is to Christian’s left, the Right Hand of Destruction, Luchasaurus! “It’s obvious to me, Jack, that you’re not gonna go away no matter how many times I put you down. So we’re gonna have to put you down for good! So guess what? We accept your challenge!

“Just do me a favor: make sure your mom is cozied up at ringside like she usually is at all the PPVs. But make sure this time she realizes once and for all that thankfully, you have your father’s Hollywood good looks. Because just like your father, you’re all looks!” JB CHOKES CHRISTIAN! But Luchasaurus DECKS JB with an uppercut! JB’s shoe flies off from that! Luchasaurus CLUBS JB down while fans boo, but Luchasaurus then rips JB’s shirt off to CLUB him harder. Christian slides a chair into the ring, sits it up, and Luchasaurus brings JB over, CHOKE SLAM onto the chair!! JB writhes while that chair’s seat is bent!

Fans boo but Christian and Luchasaurus stand over JB. Will Jungle Boy Jack survive stepping into the steel jungle with the wrestling dinosaur?

Backstage interview with Death Triangle.

Lexi Nair is with Alex Abrahantes and the AEW World Trios Champions. Rey Fenix almost became Double Champion, but failed to take the AEW All-Atlantic title. What’s next for him? Before Fenix can answer, Pac speaks up. “I tried to tell you this before, but you didn’t listen to me. There’s a reason for all of this, gentlemen. And there’s a reason you’re not All-Atlantic Champion, Rey. And there’s a reason, Penta, there’s a reason you’re not the world heavyweight champion. There’s even a reason why your ‘best friend,’ Eddie Kingston, isn’t in the Eliminator Tournament anymore.

“We have to be smart, boys. And we have to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. We’re on the top of the mountain now, and we’ve got a huge target on our backs.” And they must defend their Trios titles “by any means necessary.” He taps his belt with the ring bell hammer he still has, but the Lucha Brothers don’t say anything back. Will they end up doing things the Bastard’s way?

AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, Opening Round: Dante Martin VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana!

Angel Dorado may be #INHUMAN, but The Embassy’s alpha male is a MACHINE! Will speed or strength win out when a chance at THE AEW World Championship is on the line?

The bell rings and Dante SHOTGUNS Cage! Dante fires off in the corner but Cage shoves him away. Dante comes back, is put on the apron, but he GAMANGIRIS in return! And GAMANGIRIS again! Dante springboards and CROSSBODIES, but into Cage’s arms! Cage uses Dante to do bicep curls, then throws Dante overhead! But Dante lands on his feet to kick away on Cage’s leg! Cage choke grips but Dante breaks free to fire off forearms! Cage swings, Dante dodges and comes back to ROCK Cage! Dante runs, ROCKS Cage again, then goes a third time. Cage follows, Dante dodges, ducks and DROPKICKS!

Cage tumbles out but he comes back, into a BOOT from Dante! Boston fires up and Dante builds speed, to DIVE, into a SUPLEX! Strength is standing tall as AEW goes picture in picture!

Dante writhes while Cage goes into the ring. Cage paces and the ring count starts. Cage flexes, smirks, and Dante is still down at 5 of 10. Dante slowly sits up while Cage does peck flexes. Dante slides in at 8 of 10 but Cage stomps away on him! Cage drags Dante up, puts him in a corner and RAMS into him! And again! Cage CHOPS Dante and Dante staggers away. Cage brings Dante around to whip to ropes, then he ELBOWS Dante down! Cage looms over Dante, drags him back up, but Dante throws body shots. Dante JAWBREAKERS as Rampage returns to single picture! Dante runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Cage POWERSLAMS Dante! Cover, TWO!

Nana is upset but the count is fair. Cage mocks Dante as fans rally up. Cage drags Dante up, bumps him off buckles, and then YANKS Dante right up into a fireman’s carry! F- DDT!! Dante turns cyclone into driver and Boston is fired up! The standing count starts, Cage is up first, but Dante ROCKS Cage with forearm after forearm! Dante fires off a flurry and fans fire up even more! Dante whips but Cage blocks! Cage whips Dante into a corner, runs in but Dante slips outside! Dante then slingshots around Cage and GAMANGIRIS! Dante goes right up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Boston rallies as Dante goes to the apron.

Dante aims as Cage rises. But Cage stops the springboard, trips Dante, then drags him right in to deadlift suplex! Dante knees free, flips up and over, and Cage tumbles out! Dante builds speed, jumps up and FLIES! The huge crossbody takes out Cage and fans are thunderous! Dante puts Cage in, goes up top, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Almost five stars but not enough for a three! Cage staggers up to his feet, Dante hurries over but Cage puts him back on the apron. Cage blocks the enziguri, CLUBS Dante, then climbs up the corner. Cage talks trash on Boston, but Dante wrenches and GAMANGIRIS!

Cage falls down and Dante hurries up top! 450, but Dante has to roll through as Cage moves! DISCUS!! Full nelson, SWINGING SLAM! Cover, TWO!?! Dante survives and Boston is fired up again! Cage snarls, he drags Dante back up, and he puts one out. Canadian Rack enters the Gory Especial, and then the hook, WEAPON X!! Cover, Cage wins!

Winner: Brian Cage, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Boston may not like the Machine, but we all have to accept that he’s moving on! Who will be betta than Cage? Nobody?!

Backstage interview with Lee Moriarty & Stokely Hathaway.

Lexi Nair says Moriarty had a huge showing against Jon Moxley, but what exactly did he learn from that defeat? Moriarty says what he learned was that his confidence is at an all time high. Because even though he didn’t beat Moxley, he proved he could hang with the very best AEW has to offer. So now it’s time for #TAIGASTYLE to get back on track and collect some gold. It doesn’t matter who got it! Stokely says, “You heard him! He wants any champion here in AEW. So if you…” Oh, the FTW Champion, Hook, steps in! Stokely has Moriarty step up. Moriarty grins at Hook, but Hook just looks him up and down before leaving. Will #TAIGASTYLE regret wanting AEW to #SendHook?

The House of Black sends a message.

With a montage of their ominous entrances, the Dark Father speaks. “I have shown too much of my human self. I allowed it to wreak havoc inside of me. Constantly fighting the battle between mercy and agony.” The funeral rituals continue as the voice says, “This is where it starts. This is where I will walk the Earth, creating misery with every step.” Now the highlights show the defeat at All Out at the hands of Miro, Darby Allin, Sting and Great Muta’s mist. “A kingdom of violence. A kingdom of pain. Until the world is covered in ash.” Brody King, Buddy Matthews and Malakai Black all rise again! Just what horrible deeds will be done to rebuild the House of Black?

AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, Opening Round: Rush w/ Jose VS Bandido!

El Toro Blanco guaranteed Preston Vance that should he win this tournament, and then win the AEW World Championship at Winter is Coming 2022 in December, Preston Vance will be the first one to have a title shot. But will Rush’s promise come true? Or will the newest signee to the full-time roster make good on the contract?

But as Bandido makes his entrance, Rush FLIES out from the ring! Direct hit at the ramp and Rush drags Bandido up to RAM him into railing! And then RAM him into more railing! And then even more railing! Fans boo but Rush drags Bandido up to finish the lap with the fourth side of railing! Rush then drags Bandido up to CHOP! Rush brings Bandido around to CHOP again! Bandido falls over, and Rush grabs the bright green spare cable! Rush gathers up a bunch of slack to LASH Bandido! And then he CHOKES Bandido! The ref reprimands, but Jose says this isn’t a match so what’s the problem?

Rush puts Bandido in the ring and fans boo while Rush gets a drink of water and pours some on his head to cool off. Rush finally gets back in the ring, the bell rings, and Rush grins as he soaks up the heat. Bandido sits up but Rush drags him up. Fans rally for Bandido but Rush whips and clotheslines in the corner, then corner to corner to clothesline again! Rush stomps away on Bandido, runs corner to corner, and jumps just to BOOT Bandido! Fans boo more but Rush rolls back to tranquilo as AEW goes picture in picture.

Rush soaks up more heat, paces around with a big grin, and then he tells Boston to shut up. Bandido stands, only for Rush to ROCK him with a forearm! Bandido drops to a knee, Rush eggs Boston on, then goes back to Bandido. Bandido throws chops but they’re not enough. Rush CHOPS, Bandido CHOPS, it’s a CHOP fight! But Rush ROCKS Bandido! Bandido fires off forearms in return! Bandido runs but into Rush’s SHOTGUN! Rush tranquilos again, then stalks Bandido to a corner. Rush stands Bandido up, goes to the far corner, and he runs in, but into Bandido’s BOOTS! Bandido goes right up to TORNILLO! Direct hit!

Things keep moving as Bandido dodges Rush and RANAS him out of the ring! Bandido builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Bandido sits Rush up to stomp him down. Bandido then gets in the ring, builds speed again, and FLIES! The Fosbury Flop makes contact and Bandido is all fired up as AEW goes to break!

Rampage returns and Rush is down while Bandido is up top! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Rush survives and Bandido can’t believe it! Bandido gives some Latino Heat while fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” Bandido drags Rush up, gives a little more Latino Heat, and suplexes! But Rush knees free! Rush waistlocks, wags his finger, and shoves Bandido to then follow and CHOP! CHOP! SUPERKICK! Rush reels Bandido in but Bandido KNEES! Bandido runs, into a ROLLING ELBOW! Fans boo while Rush has a cocky cover, TWO! Jose argues that was three, but fans join Bandido in saying “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Rush sighs and he drags Bandido up. Rush throws heavy body shots, whips Bandido to a corner, but Bandido puts Rush on the apron. Bandido swings but Rush blocks to SLAP Bandido! Rush goes up top, Bandido staggers, into the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Rush is annoyed and argues with the ref but the fans again say, “DOS! DOS! DOS!” Rush kicks Bandido around, then kicks him harder. Bandido takes it, but Rush mocks the finger guns. Rush runs, into a trophy lift! Bandido shows that crazy strength as he lifts Rush for a MILITARY PRESS SLAM! Cover, TWO! Rush survives but fans argue, “TRES! TRES! TRES!”

Bandido and Rush stand, Bandido runs in but Rush sidesteps to SNAP GERMAN! But Bandido rolls through to his feet to SNAP GERMAN Rush! Rush stands, waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bandido is up and he gets around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! But Rush is right back up! Only to run into a POP-UP FACEBUSTER! Bandido runs but into a WHEEL KICK! Both men are down and Boston is loving this! A standing count climbs, Rush and Bandido stir at about 4 of 10. Fans count in Español, “CINCO! SEIS! SIETE!” Bandido powers Rush to a corner at ocho, and then he counts to nueve, and he CHOPS at diez!

Bandido whips, Rush reverses, then Rush runs in to SPLASH! Rush reels Bandido in, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?! Rush can’t believe it but that was “DOS! DOS! DOS!” Rush has Jose go looking and Jose brings out a chair! The ref stops that, but this allows Jose to CHOKE Bandido, and pull at his mask! But then THE DARK ORDER hurries out here! John Silver won’t let this go on any longer! He DECKS Jose! Rush is pissed but Bandido rolls him up! BANDIDO WINS!!!

Winner: Bandido, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

That was TRES! And that means Bandido is moving on to the semifinals! Will Bandido be able to get another uno-dos-tres over All Ego, Ethan Page?

Backstage interview with Claudio Castagnoli.

At least, that’s what Renee Paquette was planning on until Jake Hager walked in. Hager tells Claudio, “I’m glad I found you.” Hager offers a handshake but Claudio is hesitant. Hager says, “C’mon, forget about the last couple of weeks. C’mon. We go way back. We were a great team once, you can’t deny that. You’re an incredible wrestler, but you’re an even better sports entertainer, alright? Maybe you should think about sports entertaining again. No, no, no, no. Don’t answer now. Just think about it.” Hager also says he likes his purple bucket hat. Hager heads out, and Renee asks if Hager even knows what he’s talking about. Will the Swiss Superman not turn to the dark side so easily?

“AEW TBS Championship” Open Challenge: Nyla Rose w/ Vickie Guerrero & Marina Shafir VS ???

The reason for the quotes is because the Native Beast only holds the literal belt of the AEW TBS Championship. As THE champion, Jade Cargill, has said time and time again, Nyla is just parading around with the belt to taunt Jade. But Nyla still insists she is THE champion, so she is holding this challenge for the belt. But then, if The Spice Ranger, Kayla Sparks, does pull off an upset victory, will she go to Full Gear to face Jade Cargill?

The introductions are made, the belt is handed over to Shafir since it isn’t really on the line, and we see if Sparks exposes the farce!

The bell rings, Nyla and Sparks circle and approach, and Nyla kicks Sparks’ leg out! Nyla KNEES Sparks down, then BOOTS her a la Jade’s pump kick! Nyla continues to mock and copy Jade by using the “crossover” dribble and ELBOW in the corner! Sparks flops down and Nyla flexes. Nyla has her taste, and she reels Sparks in, but then spins Sparks around so she can chicken wing! JADED!! Cover a la Jade, too, Nyla wins!

Winner: Nyla Rose, by pinfall

The Native Beast had her fun and got her win, but here comes The Baddies! Jade, Kiera and Leila storm down to the ring, but Nyla CLOBBERS Kiera, CLOBBERS Leila, but Jade ROCKS Nyla! The brawl is on! Jade kicks then BOOTS Nyla! Jade dares Nyla to keep playing games! But Shafir gets away with the belt, and now referees and security block Jade! The belt is still with the Vicious Vixens, but will it go back to where it truly belongs after Full Gear?

Mark Henry talks with tonight’s main eventers!

The World’s Strongest Man says that ever since attacking Danhausen and joining The Factory, Lee Johnson has had a new attitude. Does he think that new attitude will help him win the title tonight? QT Marshall says Johnson didn’t join The Factory, he came home! And after tonight, Big Shotty brings home the first of many titles in the All-Atlantic Championship. Johnson says that it’s simple: he said that tonight, Shotty starts the party, and that party starts with Orange Cassidy. Johnson knows Cassidy is a world-class competitor and not some “cosplaying dinky-ass” like Danhausen.

Danhausen of course takes offense, telling Johnson, “I’ll rip your teeth out!” Cassidy has Danhausen calm down, and he brings out a mic of his own. “It looks like there’s been enough talk.” Mark Henry stops Cassidy there. That is still not Cassidy’s line. Henry will do this. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s time for the main event! Will Big Shotty hit the mark and take the title? Or will he be shooting blanks against Freshly Squeezed?

AEW All-Atlantic Championship: Orange Cassidy w/ Best Friends & Danhausen VS Lee Johnson w/ The Factory!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Cassidy being a fighting champion continues to pay off!

The bell rings and fans rally up for “Freshly Squeezed! Freshly Squeezed!” Cassidy puts his hands up but Johnson rushes him! They tie up, go around, Cassidy shows off his technical ability as he wrenches, slips around, spins Johnson, wrenches again, and WRINGS Johnson out! Fans fire up but Johnson gets up in a huff. Cassidy puts his hands up again but Johnson rushes in again! Cassidy dodges, headlocks, but Johnson fights the takeover. Johnson powers out, things speed up, Johnson hurdles but Cassidy runs him over! Cover, ONE, but Cassidy headlocks! Cassidy grinds the hold but Johnson slips out the back.

Johnson headlocks, Cassidy powers out, things speed up, and Cassidy hurdles, only for Johnson to run him over on the return! But Cassidy kicks him away, and arm-drags him around! Then Cassidy avoids an arm-drag from Johnson! Fans cheer but Johnson is frustrated. Cassidy puts his hands in his pockets! Cassidy unleashes “devastating” kicks on Johnson’s back! Cassidy powers up, but he sees Cole Karter get on the apron! Cassidy SHOTGUNS Karter down, then kips up! But Johnson DROPKICKS Cassidy down! Fans boo but Big Shotty says that’s what happens. Cassidy goes to a corner, Johnson runs in and clotheslines.

Johnson whips corner to corner while fans chant, “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” Cassidy tumbles up and out, ducks the haymaker and bumps Johnson off buckles! And then more buckles! Johnson blocks the third time but Cassidy ducks the haymaker to bump Johnson off buckles! Fans fire up as Cassidy calls his shot. QT gets on the apron to distract, but Trent & Chuck trip him up! Karter backs QT up, but Nick Comoroto trips Cassidy up! And TOSSES Cassidy into the front row! Fans get closer to the action than they expected as AEW goes picture in picture!

Cassidy crawls around, Best Friends hurry to help him, and Danhausen CURSES Comoroto! The Freak Beast laughs that off, and QT LOW BLOWS Danhausen! QT brings Danhausen around, to PILEDRIVE Danhausen onto the steel steps!! Danhausen flops over and QT mocks the Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord. Best Friends rush back to ringside to check Danhausen now. Cassidy gets help from fans to stand up and go back to ringside. Danhausen is taken to the back by medics, Trent goes with him while Chuck stays to coach Cassidy. Cassidy gets in the ring, and Johnson is there to stomp away on him!

Johnson drags Cassidy up, bumps him off buckles now, then DECKS him with a right hand! The ref has QT back off, and QT plays innocent. Johnson whips Cassidy corner to corner hard! Johnson poses and flexes, then mocks the Orange Cassidy lazy thumbs up. Johnson drags Cassidy up, but Cassidy clamps onto a leg. Johnson CLUBS Cassidy, but Cassidy still holds on. Johnson CLUBS Cassidy more, suplexes, but Cassidy fights it! Cassidy suplexes but Johnson fights it. They fight for suplex control, Johnson gets Cassidy up and over! Cover, ONE!! Johnson is annoyed but he storms up and drags Cassidy up.

Cassidy pushes Johnson away and sits back down. Johnson throws hands and keeps Cassidy down. Johnson then drags Cassidy up, but again Cassidy pushes him away. Cassidy then gets around to schoolboy, TWO! Cassidy bobs ‘n’ weaves to duck the haymakers, then runs to duck ‘n’ dodge, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Rampage returns to single picture as the standing count starts. Boston is all behind “FRESHLY SQUEEZED!” The count reaches 5 of 10 but Cassidy drags himself up the ropes. Then Comoroto CLOBBERS Chuckie T for no reason! Fans boo as The Factory keeps taking away Cassidy’s support!

Johnson whips Cassidy but Cassidy holds ropes. Cassidy TOSSES Johnson out onto Comoroto! QT & Karter hurry over, and Cassidy goes to the apron. SPRINGBOARD SENTON onto QT & Karter! Fans fire up as Cassidy lands out on his feet! Cassidy drags Johnson up and puts him in the ring, then he goes up top, CROSSBODY! Cassidy keeps moving, tilt-o-whirls but Johnson stops the DDT to shoot around and BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Johnson is furious and he argues the count. Cassidy slow rolls out as fans chant, “DOS! DOS! DOS!” But Comoroto scoops Cassidy off the apron!

Comoroto trophy lifts Cassidy, but Trent SPEARS Comoroto down! Trent’s back to support Cassidy, but he brawls with QT now! And Karter! The Factory mugs Trent, but Chuck FLIES from ring to ramp to take them out! And Best Friends HUG! You GOT to give the people what they want! Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges Johnson to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Johnson flounders while Cassidy kips up! Off comes the elbow pad! Cassidy slashes his throat, runs in, but Johnson gets around! Schoolboy with feet on the ropes! TWO!! The ref questions what was going on there, Cassidy ducks a punch but not the BACK ELBOW!

Johnson SUPERKICKS, runs, dodges the Orange Punch, and SUPERKICKS again! Johnson reels Cassidy in, gets him up, but Cassidy slips out of the bomb to Alabama Lift! BEACH BREAK!! Cover, Cassidy wins!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall (still AEW All Atlantic-Champion)

The Factory couldn’t take this belt from Cassidy, but Karter rushes in to attack! But Cassidy dodges, to ORANGE PUNCH! Boston fires up as Best Friends join Cassidy in the ring, Trent even standing on Karter. The Best Friends and Cassidy HUG! Again, you GOT to give the people what they want! QT is upset, but he can’t do anything 3v1. Karter wobbles up, and he ends up in an even BIGGER HUG! Got to give…? Hmm… Karter’s for it, oddly. And then he gets double choke grips, into a TRIPLE POWERBOMB!! No one likes a flip-flop friend, Karter. But will the Freshly Squeezed Reign continue all the way through Full Gear?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Rampage with a lot of good story progression. For one, we got two great World Title Eliminator Tournament matches. Dante VS Cage went about as expected, with Dante looking awesome as always, but Cage winning out because he’s just that strong. Cage is clearly going to be Ricky Starks’ opponent in the next round, given their history. Starks VS Archer would’ve happened this week except he wasn’t cleared to compete. That’s part of why Archer and Starks had that interaction on Dynamite. And then Bandido VS Rush was great stuff, and I like that Johnny Hungy helped Bandido by stopping Jose. Bandido getting that win is great, especially since he is #AllElite now. Bandido VS Ethan will be great stuff, too, but as I said Wednesday, Ethan feels like a shoe-in for finalist.

Good promo from Moriarty and Stokely, and Hook being the champion Moriarty faces is a good move. This will finally be a feud that brings out more of what Hook can do, or rather, shows Hook can have longer matches. Hager and Claudio had a good interaction, with Hager of course referencing their time as The Real Americans. But if the Blackpool Combat Club is falling apart, I don’t think it’s because Claudio is the one turning. I’m leaning towards Yuta getting fed up with Bryan. And that House of Black vignette was really well made. I don’t know who the narrator is supposed to be, but he’s a great part of these. Not sure who they’ll feud with first, but perhaps the vignette showing Darby, Sting and Miro, those would be the options.

Nyla “defending” the TBS title was of course a glorified squash match, but it was clever for her to copy all of Jade’s signature moves. But of course Jade fails to grab the belt back because that’s the whole point of Full Gear. At this point, with Nyla always getting the better of Jade, it’s pretty clear Jade’s going 42-0 and getting the physical title back. Jade’s definitely getting to 50-0 before losing at this rate.

And then we got great stuff out of the main event. Cassidy trying to finish the interview segment himself is always funny. And then the match was awesome stuff. I remember back when we got Lee Johnson VS Ben Carter (Nathan Frazer in NXT) during the early days of both pandemic era and AEW Dark that Johnson is part of the future of pro-wrestling. I may have jinxed him back then, between him being part of a tag team with Brock Anderson that was only ever midcard level, and then him getting hurt here and there. But now that he’s back, now that he’s cocky Big Shotty Heel with The Factory, and having a match like this with Cassidy, I think that future is coming.

My Score: 8.6/10