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

Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!

The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
• Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

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

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.

He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!

In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!

Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!

The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.

The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!

Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!

The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.

Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!

Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!

Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.

Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!

Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!

Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.

Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!

The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!

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

The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?

Adam Cole heads to the ring!

The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.

MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.

When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.

Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.

Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!

In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.

But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.

But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!

Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!

But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?

Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.

Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?

Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?

Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.

AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.

“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?

Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!

As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?

The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.

Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!

Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall

Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!

The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?

Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.

They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!

And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.

But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!

The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-

Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?

Backstage interview with The Vendetta.

Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message  last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.

Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!

This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?

The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.

Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.

Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.

Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!

Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!

The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!

Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!

“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!

Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)

A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!

The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!

After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!

Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!

Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.

Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!

The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.

Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!

Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.

Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!

Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!

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

And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?

Julia Hart speaks.

“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?

Backstage interview with Mariah May.

Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!

Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!

While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?

But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!

Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.

The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.

Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!

Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!

Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!

Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!

The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?

Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)

The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?

My Thoughts:

A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.

Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.

Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”

Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.

Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.

While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.

Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.

My Score: 8.8/10