AEW is in the City of Angels!

California knows how to party, and so does AEW! It’s match seven, and there WILL be Undisputed Trios Champions after ESCALARA DE LA MUERTE!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jon Moxley VS Hangman Page; Hangman wins.
• “Big Bill” Morrissey & Lee Moriarty w/ Stokely Hathaway VS #JungleHook; JungleHook wins.
• Bryan Danielson VS Konosuke Takeshita; Bryan wins.
• Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter w/ Rebel VS Saraya & Toni Storm; Britt & Hayter win.
• AEW World Trios Championships Best of 7 Series, Match 7 – Escalara de la Muerte: Death Triangle VS The Elite; The Elite wins and are the undisputed AEW World Trios Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jon Moxley VS Hangman Page!

The Maniac has been itching for this fight, but so has the Cowboy! We finally get to see the rematch from their AEW World Championship match, and we finally see if that concussive King Kong Lariat was right on the money or just a lucky shot!

The bell rings and the two fire off! Fans are thunderous already, Moxley ROCKS Hangman and fires off more shots. Moxley whips Hangman to a corner, runs in and clotheslines him! Moxley keeps moving but Hangman follows to BOOT him in the corner! Hangman hammers away now, the ref counts and he gets Hangman to let off! Fans are chanting for “COWBOY SH*T!” as Hangman storms around. Hangman runs back in, but he avoids the lariat! Hangman CHOPS Moxley, but Moxley CHOPS back! Hangman CHOPS, Moxley CHOPS, repeat! Moxley changes to a forearm, then a CHOP, and repeat!

Moxley eggs Hangman on, so Hangman CHOPS and forearms on repeat! Hangman whips, Moxley throws Hangman down by his hair! Fans are torn while the ref reprimands, and Moxley backs up. Hangman crawls to ropes but Moxley is right behind him. Hangman stands and Moxley digs his boot in. The ref counts, Moxley lets off at 4, and Moxley puts Hangman up top. Moxley climbs up, CLUBS away, and he claws AND BITES Hangman’s back! The ref counts and reprimands, but Moxley brings Hangman up for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, ONE!! But Moxley grabs an arm! Hangman clasps hands to fight off the armbar!

Fans rally and duel as Moxley pulls on the arm. Hangman rolls to cover, TWO, and Moxley still pulls the elbow joint. Hangman resists as best he can and fans rally up again. Hangman stacks again but Moxley kicks him away! Moxley drags Hangman up, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Hangman clutches his head while fans fire up again. Moxley storms up on Hangman, turns him, but then shifts from neckbreaker to GERMAN SUPLEX! Moxley of course goes after the target, and fans want that “One More Time!” Hangman fights the waistlock, throws elbows, and gets free. Moxley swings, into an EXPLODER!

Both men are down and fans fire up again. Hangman goes to the apron, but Moxley BLASTS him off the apron! Hangman hits railing and Moxley soaks up the cheers and jeers. Moxley goes out to drag Hangman up, to RAM him into the railing! Moxley grins, he puts Hangman in the ring, but Hangman comes right back to CLOBBER Moxley! Hangman puts Moxley in, Moxley goes to a corner, but fans fire up with Hangman! Hangman runs, into the KING KONG LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Another cover, TWO! Hangman is still in this, but Moxley rains down forearms and AEW goes picture in picture!

Moxley gets the wrists, and he fires off DRAGON STOMPS on Hangman! Moxley sits Hangman up, runs and BOOTS him back down! Hangman sits up to egg Moxley on! Moxley BOOTS Hangman again, but again Hangman sits up! Moxley BOOTS Hangman again, and Hangman flounders a bit but he gets to a corner. The ref checks Hangman as he goes to the apron and Moxley waits. Moxley storms over to Hangman, drags him up, but Hangman CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hangman fires up but Moxley hits a CUTTER! Moxley strikes outta nowhere but he doesn’t cover. The ref checks, Hangman is still in this, so Moxley turns him over to clamp on an STF!

Hangman endures, even as Moxley traps an arm in the hold! Dynamite returns to single picture and fans rally as Hangman reaches out. Moxley shifts to a facelock but Hangman fights up. Moxley shifts to a SLEEPER, but Hangman still fights up! Fans rally, duel, and Hangman reaches out. Moxley reels him in but Hangman uses that to hit a BIG back suplex! Moxley fires up, but runs into a LARIAT from Hangman! Both men are down, and a standing count starts. Fans count along as both men slowly rise. They sit up at 5, and then stand at 6. Moxley eggs Hangman on so Hangman fires a forearm! Moxley fires a forearm back!

The forearms go back and forth and fans rally up! Moxley BOOTS Hangman but Hangman just gets in Moxley’s face! Moxley runs, but into a scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up again as Moxley goes to a corner. Hangman pounds the mat, fans clap along, and Hangman kips up! Hangman runs in at Moxley to clothesline in the corner! Hangman reels Moxley in, short arm- NO, Moxley gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX, but Hangman lands on his feet! Moxley blocks the lariat, but the SOUTHPAW comes through! Moxley goes to the apron, and Hangman BOOTS him off it! Moxley stands, “This is Awesome!” as Hangman goes up! ARIHARA MOONSAULT!!

Fans are thunderous as Hangman takes Moxley down and hits the railing! Hangman puts Moxley in the ring, aims and slingshots, but Moxley slips under to underhook, DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO!?! Hangman survives Moxley’s best shot! But Moxley just goes after Hangman with HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans are torn, but they’re mostly booing Moxley as he clamps on the BULLY CHOKE! Hangman endures, fans rally up hard, but Moxley turns Hangman back into the HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL! And back to the BULLY CHOKE! Hangman continues to endure, and he fights his way back up to his feet.

Moxley grabs Hangman’s arm, brings him around, and lifts him for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, ONE?!?! Fans can’t believe it, but Moxley is rather amused that Hangman is still in this! Hangman sputters, but Moxley watches him sit up. Moxley fires off a KICK, and then a KICK, then he flips off the fans cheering Hangman on! Moxley kicks, Hangman blocks, and Alabama Lifts! But Moxley slips free to get a SLEEPER!! Fans boo as Hangman fades, but Moxley turns Hangman around, but Hangman lifts Moxley! DEADEYE!! But Moxley is back up! CURB STOMP!! Both men are down and fans are counting along again.

Both men stir at 4 of 10, sit up at 5, and Moxley crawls over at 6. Hangman turns around at “OCHO!” and Moxley throws a forearm! Hangman throws a forearm back! Moxley gives another forearm, but Hangman forearms back again! They stand, the forearms keep going, but then Moxley grabs the wristlocks. Moxley HEADBUTTS Hangman, and again, and again! Moxley wobbles while Hangman falls to his knees! Moxley says he’s going to end this, but Hangman RISING HEADBUTTS! And then SLAPS! Moxley SLAPS! LA is electric for the SLAP FIGHT!! But Moxley clinches and fires off knee strikes!

Hangman ROCKS Moxley back, runs, and LARIATS! But he doesn’t stop there, he goes to the apron! Slingshot, BUCKSHOT!! Cover, HANGMAN WINS!!

Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall

Hangman flips Moxley off as he rises back up and has his hand raised! Moxley is busted open and the ref checks him now, will Moxley start to respect the Cowboy now?

Doc Sampson gets in the ring and Moxley wants him to back off. Is Moxley now suffering from a concussion? Will he know how it felt for Hangman now?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

Schiavone says it’s great to be back in LA and the Kia Forum, but he takes no pleasure in welcoming our guest: ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!! Fans are thunderous as the King of Harts, the Undisputed One, makes his return! And of course, fans join in on the “BOOM!” and on the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole gets the mic and says, “Who’s ready for story time with Adam Cole, baybay? Seriously, you guys have no idea how badly I wanted to say that today. So I’ve been thinking all day, literally all day, about what exactly I was going to say when I came out here. And I think the best way to describe this conversation we’re about to have as this is a Good News, Bad News type situation.”

Fans already don’t like the sound of that, but he wants to start with the good news. After everything that’s gone on these past few months, he already has a better appreciation for both pro-wrestling and for his life. “When I was nine years old, all I ever wanted to do was be a professional wrestler. And I’ve gotten to do some really awesome stuff. One of them being, I’m here in AEW, the best pro-wrestling company on the planet, here in Los Angeles!” Fans do like the sound of that!

Cole continues to say that it also made him realize how much he missed getting to be here. “Because the past few months, I was really, really banged up, everybody.” Cole had a torn up shoulder, and more importantly, he had two back-to-back, very serious head injuries. To be honest, Cole was really scared. He was seeing doctors multiple times a week, having MRIs done to him, had headaches and dizzy spells. If he was in a car for more than 15 minutes, sometimes he felt like he needed to, and then sometimes did, vomit.

But the worst part was the sleep. Cole would lay there, emotions all over the place, and he couldn’t figure out why. He’d get up at 3, 4 in the morning, pace around, heart racing, and Britt would ask him what was wrong. Cole would look at her and say, with a tear in his eyes, “I don’t know what’s happening to me.” And the thing is, none of the fans really knew what was going on, either, but so many of them were there for him. Fans cheer, and Cole says every single day, he’d read comments like, “I miss Adam Cole. I hope Adam Cole is recovering alright. I don’t care if Adam Cole never wrestles again, I just want him to be okay.” And that meant the world to Cole.

Fans cheer again, and Cole continues with, “Because pro-wrestling, at the end of the day, pro-wrestling is a give and take situation. We give you everything that we have, the fights of our lives, and in return, you show us appreciation. I had given you nothing, NOTHING, for six months, but you were still there for me. For that, I am eternally grateful, thank you.” Fans cheer even more, and chant “ADAM COLE! ADAM COLE!” Cole says here is the bad news, and fans boo. “The thing is, the bad news is not for me.” Fans like the twist! “The bad news is for the AEW locker room, because Adam Cole is back! I’m not going anywhere!”

Cole says his career was over, he thought for sure he was finished. Instead, he stands before us today, saying, “No way, I ain’t done yet!” He has been one of the best damn wrestlers on the planet for 15 YEARS, and he will not stop! He will not stop until he is THE very best! He’s accomplished a lot of amazing things, but to get real, he hasn’t even scratched the surface. Cole wants everyone, both in the building and at home, to remember this day. “This is the day where a new Adam Cole is born! An Adam Cole who will make a promise. One day, no matter how long it takes, one man will be at the top of the mountain here in AEW. And Los Angeles, his name…” is ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!!

The Acclaimed speak.

Max Caster says, “Yo! Listen! This Friday on Rampage, the Acclaimed is in Hollywood, and we’re getting one of best honors you could get, we’re going to be among some of the biggest names in show biz history. We’re talking about Roseanne Barr! Alec Baldwin! And of course, ya boi, Donald Trump!” Anthony Bowens isn’t so sure, but Billy Gunn asks, “How about my boy, Johnny Depp?” Yeah! Bowens has them both stop now. What they’re talking about is that the Hollywood Walk of Fame Board of Directors have unanimously voted for The Acclaimed and Daddy Ass to receive stars on the THE Walk of Fame! These scissors will live in concrete forever! EVERYONE! LOVES! THE ACCLAIMED!!

“Big Bill” Morrissey & Lee Moriarty w/ Stokely Hathaway VS #JungleHook!

The Firm have been picking fights to try and get titles and clout, but they might’ve messed with the wrong ones! Will Bill and #TAIGASTYLE regret ever wanting AEW to #SendHook and Jack Perry? Or will The Firm ruin the homecoming of LA’s own?

The teams sort out and JB starts against Moriarty. They circle, tie up, and go back and forth. JB puts Moriarty in a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty turns it around to CHOP! Moriarty talks trash, but JB turns things back around to CHOP back! Moriarty turns it around, CHOPS, but JB turns it around again. Moriarty boots the chop, but JB ducks the haymaker to wrench and CHOP! JB knuckle locks, goes up and around and arm-drags Moriarty! Moriarty gets up into a DROPKICK! JB kips up and fans fire up as he dusts himself off. JB drags Moriarty up, tags in Hook, and fans fire up as #JungleHook double whip to double back elbow!

Hook drags Moriarty up to take him down with a tamatoshi, and then he clamps on a short arm scissor! Moriarty endures, clasps hands and rolls back to a cover, ONE! Moriarty is free but Hook runs him over! Hook tags JB back in, #JungleHook double whip again, then drop and hurdle to SAYANAGI and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! JB drags Moriarty up and snapmares, then he runs, only for Moriarty to distract the ref! Stokely trips up JB! JB glares at Stokely while fans boo, but then JB builds speed to DIVE! Only for Morrissey to catch him! Morrissey choke grips and lifts, but Hook WRECKS Big Bill with a dropkick!

Fans fire up as Hook and JB hurry back into the ring, but Moriarty EDDY GORDO KICKS JB! Forearm smash in the corner, tag to Morrissey. Fans boo as Morrissey mocks Tarzan Life, then DECKS JB! Morrissey tells LA up theirs, then runs in at JB. JB slips away and Morrissey hits buckles! JB ELBOWS Moriarty, ROCKS Morrissey, ELBOWS Moriarty again, but Morrissey BOOTS JB! Moriarty adds the FLYING KNEE! Stokely likes what he sees as AEW goes picture in picture.

Moriarty stands on JB’s head while mocking the Tarzan Life, and then he hands JB off to Morrissey. Morrissey bumps JB off the apron, stalks him around the way, and drags JB up at the railing, right in front of actor Ken Jeong! Morrissey CLUBS away on JB’s chest while staring Ken down! Morrissey lets off and talks trash to Ken, but the ref tells Morrissey to go back to the ring. Morrissey CLUBS JB down, drags him back up, and puts him back in the ring. Morrissey stays between JB and Hook, then he drags JB up to bump him off buckles. Tag to Moriarty and they mug JB. Moriarty throws knees, snapmares JB, then sucker punches Hook before the PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!

The ref reprimands about hitting Hook but Moriarty clamps onto JB with a top wristlock. JB endures as Moriarty pulls on the arm. JB stands up, but Moriarty throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands, Moriarty wipes his hands off the ref’s shirt, then clamps back onto JB with a chinlock. JB endures again, fights his way back up, and he throws elbows. JB powers out of the hold but Moriarty whips JB. Dynamite returns to single picture as JB swings, but Moriarty slips around the clothesline to hit a TRIANGL HOLD! Stokely is loving this, but JB deadlifts Moriarty for a POWERBOMB! LA is fired up as both men are down

A standing count starts, JB and Moriarty crawl, but Moriarty drags JB from Hook! JB BOOTS Moriarty, hot tag to Hook! The FTW Champion CLOBBERS Moriarty, ROCKS Morrissey, then wrenches Moriarty into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, but Morrissey stomps it apart! Morrissey looms over Hook as the ref reprimands, but Hook stands up! The two stare down and fans are thunderous! Hook LIFTS Morrissey! Morrissey CLUBS Hook, shoves him away, then runs in, but while Hook takes the SPLASH, JB GAMANGIRIS Morrissey! JB tags in, and hits a MISSILE DROPKICK! Morrissey staggers into Hook’s T-BONE SUPLEX!!!

Fans are thunderous and even Morrissey can’t believe what just happened to him! Fans are thunderous, but Moriarty sneaks in to O’Conner JB! With tights! TWO, JB rolls Moriarty, TWO, but JB has a leg! SNARE TRAP!! Hook CLOBBERS Morrissey off the apron, Moriarty TAPS! #JungleHook wins!!

Winners: #JungleHook, by submission

Hook raise JB’s hand in victory, the two handsome devils overcame The Firm! But what will be next for these two now that they’ve handled business?

Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy & Danhausen.

Renee Paquette is with the All-Atlantic Champion and his Very Nice, Very Evil Friend. Plus, fresh off a Golden Globes win, it’s Paul Walter Hauser! Walter Hauser is happy to see Renee again, he loved being on her podcast. And he’s also a big AEW fan, so he brought “the hardware.” Renee wants to see it, but Walter says let’s wait for Rampage. Danhausen asks “Walterhausen” what is in the box. Uh, it’s Walter Hauser. Ser, not sen. Yeah, sure, same difference. Yeah, maybe they’re related. But Cassidy, Walter Hauser’s a big fan, he just wants to know if everything is cool between Cassidy and the Best Friends, Trent & Chuck.

Cassidy says yeah, they’re good. And here they are! Trent & Chuck confirm, Best Friends are still Best Friends. Then we’ll see everyone on Rampage! Hands in! Walterhausen adds on, so on three, RAMPAGE! But if Best Friends are still united, what will be next for them all in 2023?

Bryan Danielson VS Konosuke Takeshita!

The American Dragon vows to get his shot at the AEW World Championship and Maxwell Jacob Friedman, but that means becoming #1 contender. Bryan has to have a singles win streak from now until February 8th, can he do it? Or will the Future ruin Bryan’s future of facing MJF right out the gate?

But wait! Before Bryan makes his entrance, MJF makes his way out! He has a mic, of course, and he says, “LA, I know you’re not bright here, but Daddy’s holding the microphone, okay? Thanks.” Fans boo but MJF says, “Konnichiwa, bud! What’s up? How’s it going? Look, look. I’m not gonna lie to ya, I’ve been watching on The Twitter and The Reddit, and these people seem to really think you’re a big deal, huh?” Fans cheer, Konosuke IS a big deal. MJF says he’s super proud of Konosuke and isn’t gonna lie, he hasn’t seen a lick of Konosuke’s stuff.

But hey, hey! Don’t take that personally, Konosuke. Whenever MJF watches the shows back, he fast-forwards to the only part that matters, and you’re looking at him. Fans are torn but MJF wants to get this right. Konosuke’s name is a bit tricky for him. His name is “Take a sh*t a?” Is that right? Well, do him a favor, Konosuke, and don’t take one in your pants tonight, MJF really needs you on this one. Understand? Konosuke tells MJF in Japanese, and LA cheers! MJF says, “Wow. And I thought Danielson was a bad public speaker.” MJF has a “pro-tip” as the world champ, and don’t listen to the people on this. “But around here, we speak American, okay?”

Konosuke tells MJF what he said in English: “KISS! MY! ASS!!” Fans cheer and MJF shoves Konosuke, but Konosuke shoves back! MJF gets even more flustered and tells the ref to back Konosuke up and out of the ring! Out of the ring or he faces a fine! Fans boo, MJF is the one interrupting the schedule! Konosuke stays back and fans taunt “MAXI-PAD! MAXI-PAD!” MJF says they can laugh all the want, LA is still a bunch of nerds! And hold on, there’s a rumor going on he has to address. People are saying MJF is afraid of Bryan, and afraid of that one hour Ironman match. MJF is afraid he can’t last an hour. Is that right? “YES!” “Yeah?” “YES!” “Yeah?”

Well then how about LA does MJF a favor, and go ask your mamas and your sisters and your skank girlfriends just how long MJF can last! MJF swivels the hips but fans boo, not believing he scored with any of those choices. MJF says he is the REAL Ironman of pro-wrestling. Unlike that nerd, Bryan Danielson, MJF is all about “pinning shoulders on mats and banging rats!” Fans boo but MJF says, “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I offend you people here? Or even worse, is it because you people actually like Bryan Danielson? Yes, you like Bryan Danielson? That makes sense, because much like Bryan, you’re all irrelevant!

“Speaking of irrelevant, we’ve got some celebrities in the house tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, Ken Jeong’s here.” Fans cheer for Ken but MJF says, “You may remember Ken from his role of Mr. Chow from The Hangover. Yeah. What was that, Ken, like 20 years ago? No no! But it’s okay, right? We can still see your hit comedy series on ABC, Dr. Ken! Oh wait, that’s right, we can’t. Because it got canceled!” MJF laughs at Ken, and then “Speaking of people I wish would be canceled, Freddie Prinz Jr. is in the house tonight.” Fans cheer Freddie and even chant his name. MJF can’t believe that. But okay, fans may remember him from She’s All That.

Not that MJF doesn’t, he was born in 1996, and unlike all of the fans, he’s not a dinosaur. The only thing he remembers Freddie from is when he played a supporting role to a CGI talking dog! So Freddie, with all due respect, you ain’t nothing more than a Scooby Dooby Douchebag! Freddie is actually surprised to hear that one. MJF says,
“The bottom line is: all your heroes suck! Danielson’s letting you down tonight, there will be NO one hour Ironman match. Not over my dead body. And do you know why? It’s because my name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman. And I’m better than you, and-” Bryan makes his entrance!

Fans fire up as Bryan rushes the ring, and MJF runs away! And runs fast! MJF says it doesn’t matter, he still has the belt and Bryan isn’t making it past week one! Konosuke returns, the bell rings, and Konosuke rushes in! Bryan avoids the knee, but Konosuke avoids the roundhouse! Konosuke headlocks, Bryan powers out, but Konosuke runs him over. Things speed up, Bryan hurdles, but Konosuke waistlocks. Bryan bucks Konosuke, runs, but Konosuke scoops him, only for Bryan to turn Blue Thunder into a headlock takeover! Konosuke headscissors, Bryan kips free, and the two stand off as LA fires up!

The two circle and tie up. Bryan wrenches to a wristlock, then grinds a shoulder. Konosuke endures, stands up, spins and slips through to wrench Bryan back. Bryan fights up, rolls, bridges, then slips through to wrench and drop toehold. Bryan hooks up the legs, fans rally up, but Konosuke resists. Bryan grabs at the arms, then fishhooks Konosuke’s face! The ref reprimands, Bryan gets the arms, and fans fire up for the up, up and ROMERO SPECIAL! Konosuke endures, but Bryan brings him down into a chinlock variation, to then get the DRAGON SLEEPER variation! Konosuke still endures, gets his legs free, and rolls to reverse the sleeper onto Bryan!

Konosuke hooks a leg and an arm but Bryan fights up. Konosuke wrenches, then ROCKS Bryan with forearm after forearm! That last one was sharp! Konosuke stands Bryan up but Bryan CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Konosuke nods, and he ROCKS Bryan with a forearm! And another! And then a CHOP! Bryan staggers, snarls, but he fires up! Fans fire up with him and Konosuke is ready! Bryan CHOPS, and CHOPS, and KICKS! Bryan eggs Konosuke on now so Konosuke comes back with boxing elbows! Konosuke whips, Bryan reverses but Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges to TAKESHITA LINE! Fans fire up as Bryan is down!

Konosuke drags Bryan back up, reels him in and suplexes, but Bryan blocks! Bryan wrenches out, wristlocks, and then SOBATS! And KICKS! Bryan hits a facelock to SNAP HALF HATCH! Float to the cover, TWO, but Bryan goes for an arm! Konosuke clasps hands as Bryan has the short arm scissor. Fans rally up, Konosuke rolls but Bryan rolls with him to then body scissor. Konosuke throws down forearms! Bryan shifts around, but Konosuke resists the LeBell Lock and reaches out with a foot, ROPEBREAK! Bryan lets off quickly, drags Konosuke up, and CHOPS him! And CHOPS him to the corner! And KICKS and KICKS and KICKS!

Bryan runs corner to corner, to DROPKICK! Bryan keeps moving, another DROPKICK! Bryan goes again, but runs into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and fans fire up, but Konosuke keeps his focus. Fans rally for Konosuke as he sits Bryan up. Konosuke CHOPS! Bryan nods, and Konosuke sits him up again. CHOP! And CHOP! Bryan goes down! Fans rally as Konosuke has Bryan in a corner. Konosuke whips Bryan corner to corner, but Bryan goes up and over! Bryan keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, to LEAPING LARIATS! But Konosuke staggers up to the ropes! Fans rally as Bryan stands up, a bloody spot on his shoulder.

Bryan CHOPS Konosuke, but Konosuke CHOPS back! Fans “WOO~” and the CHOPS continue, then AEW goes picture in picture.

Konosuke fires up! He CHOPS Bryan, but now Bryan fires up! Bryan CHOPS, Konosuke CHOPS, and Bryan has to sit down! Fans give a standing ovation as Bryan fires himself back up. Konosuke eggs Bryan on, and Bryan KICKS! And KICKS, and KICKS! Bryan whips Konosuke to ropes, but Konosuke KICKS Bryan back! Konosuke wins, but Bryan TOSSES him up and out! Bryan builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and Konosuke hits railing! Bryan hears the fans cheering him on, and he goes back for Konosuke. Bryan drags Konosuke up to put him in, then he climbs a corner! Konosuke stands up quick to ROCK Bryan with a haymaker!

Konosuke climbs up after Bryan, brings him up, but Bryan resists the superplex! Bryan slips under Konosuke to trip him up! Bryan then drags Konosuke into the Tree of Woe. Bryan KICKS and KICKS and KICKS away on Konosuke! Bryan sits Konosuke up, climbs up after him, but Konosuke throws down elbows! Konosuke stands up as Dynamite returns to single picture, and he SUPER LARIATS Bryan off the top rope!! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Konosuke can’t believe it! MJF is watching backstage, even he thought that was three. Konosuke fires up, fans chant for “A E DUB!” and Konosuke drags Bryan up.

Bryan fights and he RANAS Konosuke out of the ring! Konosuke stands but Bryan is on the apron. Bryan leaps, Konosuke tries to catch him, but they both fall right over to the floor! Bryan hurries to his feet, but Konosuke blocks the kick to suplex! AND BRAINBUSTER to the floor!! Fans are thunderous as Konosuke puts Bryan in! Fans fire up and Konosuke aims from the apron. Konosuke climbs the ropes, to SPRINGBOARD SWANTON onto knees!! LEBELL LOCK!!! Konosuke endures, pries at the grip, moves around and reaches out, but Bryan shifts to get the other arm! RINGS OF SATURN, but Konosuke gets the ROPEBREAK!!

Fans fire up as Bryan lets off in frustration. “This is Awesome!” as both men rise again. Bryan KICKS Konosuke, and KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Bryan powers up, but Konosuke blocks the Buzzsaw! Konosuke ROCKS Bryan with a right! Bryan shakes his head, snarls and ROCKS Konosuke right back! Konosuke and Bryan go forearm for forearm, but Bryan gets the edge! But then Konosuke gives those all back! Bryan ROCKS, spins, but into a HUGE forearm! Then Konosuke hits a DISCUS LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Konosuke stands, lets his hair down, and he aims from the corner. Konosuke runs, but Bryan avoids the knee!

Bryan hooks Konosuke up for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Konosuke catches those to a fireman’s carry! But Bryan pops out, VICTORY- NO! CRUNCHY!!! Konosuke wheelbarrows and deadlifts Bryan for a GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Bryan survives and fans can’t believe it! But Konosuke waistlocks to deadlift again! Bryan fights the suplex with elbows, but Konosuke CLUBS Bryan on the back! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Bryan lands on his feet! Bryan dodges Konosuke’s knee, runs and comes in, BUSAIKU KNEE!!! Cover, TWO!??!? Konosuke survives, the fans are electric, but Bryan is all fired up!

Bryan shouts, “I’m gonna kick his head in!!” Bryan gets the wrists, and he gives DRAGON STOMPS to Konosuke! Then he shifts Konosuke around, for the REGAL STRETCH!!! Konosuke is OUT, Bryan wins!!

Winner: Bryan Danielson, by submission

MJF is disappointed but Bryan shows his respect to the heart Konosuke showed. Will Bryan have to fight even harder than this to keep his #1 contender chances alive?

Backstage interview with Juice Robinson.

Renee says we’ve seen Rock Hard Robinson all over the world, winning championships and making a name for himself, but now he is here in AEW. What is it that Robinson is looking to accomplish? Juice says she has known him a long, long time, and has never known him to be a thumb-twiddler. He isn’t a complacent kind of guy, so he’s here for a few reasons. He’s gonna kick ass and take names, winning title along the way. So that brings him to “you,” Darby Allin! The TNT Champion is giving out open challenges, so here he is! Juice wants to challenge Darby on Rampage for that TNT title! “Let’s see if you’re as tough as you think you are.” Darby is Relentless, will he be more than ready for the Juice?

Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter w/ Rebel VS Saraya & Toni Storm!

Speaking of titles, the Doctor is alongside the AEW Women’s World Champion, facing some familiar foes in the Revolution and the Lightning! Will The Pillar & The Killer show us just whose house this really is? Or will Saraya & Storm get a golden ticket in the Forum?

The teams sort out and Storm starts against Hayter, meeting again after their Full Gear showdown. Fans rally up for Hayter but Storm shrugs that off. Saraya shouts, “This is OUR house!” and plenty of fans cheer, but plenty more boo. Storm and Hayter tie up, go around, and Hayter puts Storm on the ropes. Storm pushes back, they go around some more, then they break. Storm ROCKS Hayter, fires off more shots at the ropes, then lets off to whip. Hayter reverses to knee low and CHOP hard! And CHOP again! Hayter whips, Storm SHOTGUNS Hayter down! Storm runs to then HIP ATTACK Hayter to the floor!

Fans cheer and Hayter stands, Saraya tags in and CANNONBALLS her down! Fans fire up as Saraya puts Hayter in, and she has Hayter in the ropes. Saraya fires off knee after knee on Hayter! The ref counts, Saraya lets off and shouts, “This is MY house!” Saraya whips Hayter into the ropes and Hayter snaps back! And then Saraya does it again! Saraya whips a third time, drops to trip Hayter, and then pushes Hayter to a cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel, Saraya drags Hayter up to tag Storm. They go to double suplex but Hayter blocks! Hayter powers up to DOUBLE SUPLEX Saraya & Storm! Fans fire up, but Storm throws Hayter down by her hair!

Fans boo while Storm stomps Hayter, then Storm drags Hayter up. Storm whips, Hayter holds ropes and Britt tags in. Hayter BOOTS Storm, throws her out, and Britt trips Storm to then TWISTING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Rebel cheers and LA joins in, and now Saraya and Hayter brawl on the outside! Saraya whips Hayter into steel steps! Britt whips Storm into railing! Hayter gets up to whip Saraya into railing, too! Fans fire up as the Pillar & Killer stand tall, but here comes SHIDA! The Full Metal Warrior was snubbed by Saraya, but is she here to still back Saraya up? Britt POSTS Storm, slides into the ring, and Saraya sends Hayter into railing!

Britt watches Shida closely as she keeps on Storm. Saraya keeps on Hayter, brings her around and smacks her off the steps, but Britt fires off on Storm in the corner as AEW goes picture in picture.

Britt lets off Storm to run up and stomp a mudhole into her. Hayter knocks Saray adown and hurries back to her corner. Shida checks on Saraya while Britt hits a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Britt clamps onto Storm with a chinlock and grinds her down. Storm endures, fights up, but Britt bumps Storm off buckles. Tag to Hayter, and Hayter bumps Storm off buckles, then does it again! Hayter runs to BLAST Saraya, then she smirks as she swaggers over to Storm. Hayter SNAP JACKHAMMERS! Cover, TWO! Hayter is annoyed but she snatches Storm’s studded collar to put it on herself. Hayter taunts Storm while stomping her around.

Hayter drags Storm up but Storm CHOPS! Hayter CHOPS and Storm staggers to a corner while AEW goes to break.

Dynamite returns and Hayter has Storm’s legs. Storm kicks away at Hayter, BOOTS her to the corner, hot tags to Britt and Saraya! Saraya rallies on Britt, gives her short arm LARIAT after short arm LARIAT! Britt gets around to waistlock but Saraya fires off elbows to get free. Saraya whips Britt to a corner, runs in to KNEE Britt, and then she hits the KNIGHT CAP! Cover, TWO!! Britt survives Saraya’s take on the Lightning Spiral, but Saraya shouts, “This is MY house!” But Britt KICKS Saraya from below! Saraya drags Britt up and reels her in, but Britt wrenches out to kick low! Britt Alabama Lifts but Saraya sunset flips!

Britt rolls through but Saraya KNEES her again! Cover, TWO! Saraya is annoyed but she drags Britt up. Saraya whips Britt to the corner, runs in to back elbow, then tags Storm. Storm runs to BLAST Hayter, then runs in to HIP ATTACK Britt! Storm then reels Britt in for a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Storm ties up the legs and steps over for the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Only for Hayter to BOOT her right down! The ref reprimands but fans cheer. Hayter and Britt drag Storm to their corner, Britt stands Storm up and throws forearms. Hayter hops in, she and Britt stomp away, and then they hoist Storm up top.

Storm fights but that’s 2v1. Hayter pulls Storm’s hair, Britt climbs up, and Hayter BLASTS Saraya! Britt brings Storm up, SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Storm survives and Britt can’t believe it! Britt drags Storm up, tags Hayter, and fans fire up for the ripcord DOUBLE ROLLNGI ELBOW! And then feed to the HAYTE BREAKER! Cover, Saraya breaks it! Saraya gets mugged and thrown out, then Hayter drags Storm up. Ripcord, but Storm gets around to SNAP GERMAN! Then the reel in for the STORM ZERO PILEDRIVER! Cover, Britt breaks it! Saraya returns to CLUB Britt! Saraya drags Britt up but Britt throws body shots.

Fans rally, Britt CLUBS Saraya then spins her around, underhooks for the BUTTERFLY SLAM! But Storm SUPERKICKS Britt! Storm drags Hayter up, throws forearms, but Hayter throws them back! They brawl back and forth, both holding onto wrist control! The forearms fly faster and faster, then at the same time! DOUBLE FOREARMS knock them both down! Fans are thunderous, and Rebel is distracting the ref! Shida slides her kendo stick into the ring?! Britt brags it to SMACK Storm!! Hayter ripcords for the HAYTERADE!! Cover, Britt & Hayter win!

Winners: Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter, by pinfall

Shida realizes she just made a huge mistake! She meant to help Storm, not Britt and Hayter! Will Shida be able to make up for it? Or will The Pillar & The Killer continue to dominate the AEW Women’s Division?

Eddie Kingston & Ortiz speak.

The Mad King looks at “Monkey” and says, “There, we got the match. Are you happy? You gonna trust me now? We got the match Friday.” Ortiz responds, “I’m gonna trust you? Are you gonna trust me?” Eddie says Ortiz is only questioning him because of the weird riddles from the House of Black. Ortiz says, “Oh, I’m sorry, let me speak in riddles so maybe you’ll actually listen.” Eddie says to focus on the fact they have the match. They’ll get this done, Eddie is tired of those stooges, and he’s getting real tired of Ortiz’s attitude. Remember who he is, and where you know him from. But that’s Ortiz’s point!

Eddie just wants Ortiz to be there Friday. “Question me then, man. Play with me, watch.” Will Malakai Black & Brody King tear down Eddie & Ortiz by letting them tear themselves apart?

The Jericho Appreciation Society is here!

LA sings along with Judas as The Wizard leads the Spanish God, the Dragonslayer, Cool Hand Ange, Daddy Magic, Big Hurt, and TayJay out, all in matching golden tuxedo jackets and black slacks. And the slacks are tearaway to reveal black leather pants! Angelo Parker gets on the mic and he wants LA to take a good, long look! Now only is he having one hell of a hair day, he says the entire JAS looks good. Start calling LA their town, because they are the Saints of Los Angeles! Matt Menard gets the mic now to say, “Do you wanna know what makes Daddy Magic’s nipples hard? How about the fact that last week, Jake Hager powerbombed Ricky Starks through a table!?”

Jericho gets the mic to say, “You can boo all you want, but it’s true. This was one of the biggest weeks in the Jericho Appreciation Society’s history, man! Just a couple nights ago, we invaded PWG Battle of Los Angeles! The surprise appearance heard around the wrestling world, man~! And on Rampage, Friday night, Anna & Tay are gonna kick Ruby’s and Willow’s ass in a Street Fight!” Tay starts shouting about how she IS the Street Fight, and Jericho agrees! Tay Melo IS the Street Fight!! But most importantly of all, like Menard said, Starks got powerbombed through a table, and Action Andretti was sent back to the minor leagues. The JAS wins again, the Starks Experiment is OVER!

Fans boo but here comes Ricky! The Absolute is in LA and the fans are fired up! Because he also brought along Action Andretti! Starks has a mic to say, “Well, well, well. I’m looking at a group full of a bunch of idiots who couldn’t get the job done last week when you put me through a table, because guess what? Ya boy, Stroke Daddy, is standing tall right now!” Jericho says Starks might be standing tall, but what’s with Oliver Twist here? “Hello, sir, may I have some more~?” Go back to the minor leagues, Andretti! Action says, “Chris, SHUT! THE HELL! UP!! Before I come take that baseball bat and shove it up your ass!”

Daniel Garcia steps up, and he tells Action to never disrespect Jericho like that! Oh, sorry, Daniel. Action didn’t know his new babysitter, Sammy Guevara, gave you permission to speak! Sammy wants to say something but Garcia won’t let him. Action asks “Daniel” if he’s sure Sammy is a good guy to lead you by example. Sammy can’t even keep control over his own wife! Sammy throws off his jacket but Hager holds him back. Action also says, “He sure can’t keep control over where his wife’s hands go.” Because last week, those hands were right in between ACTION’S legs! Technically, that’s true. But Hager and Jericho both have to keep Sammy back now.

Garcia shouts at Action that he just told him to shut his Chia Pet looking ass up! Garcia says he remembers when he was just like Action: a young, naïve pro-wrestler. But now that Garcia has a sports entertainer like Jericho by his side, Garcia’s on top of the world! Sammy hugs Garcia but Garcia pushes him back. Starks says to put a muzzle on the little boy right now so Starks can talk to a certain someone. This isn’t about “Count Suckula,” and it isn’t about “JAS hole one and JAS hole two.” No. Do us a favor, Chris, the time ain’t on you. Move aside for Starks. Fans echo “JAS HOLE!” and that upsets Tay most of all.

Starks tells Jericho to move his wide body to the side! DO IT!! Jericho moves, and Starks is talking to “Gilligan” and his stupid hat! Hager realizes Starks means him. Starks tells the “6’5″ dumb, purple, helmet wearing idiot” that he has a lot to say! What’s funny is that Hager was a top collegiate athlete, but he gets with Jericho and now he’s the village idiot. That right there is a shame. And despite being with Jericho, Hager still has that dumb lisp! So here’s what Starks offers Hager: next week, Mr. Absolute Starks VS Jake Hager on Dynamite! That match is already official, but Hager responds, “I LIKE THIS HAT!!” Fans actually cheer that.

Hager tells “Lil’ Ricky” that he wears lots of hats. One of them says “professional undefeated MMA fighter.” And Hager knows Starks has balls, he can see them through those white pants. But Hager is twice Starks’ size, so he’ll slap Starks’ face OFF his face! Starks says that’s all good and well, but here’s the thing! Starks will do Hager one better and help him with that speech impediment! Next week, Hager gets in the ring with someone who is ABSOLUTE! Fans fire up for the coming showdown, will Starks be the one to put the hurt on the Big Hurt?

AEW World Trios Championships Best of 7 Series, Match 7 – Escalara de la Muerte: Death Triangle VS The Elite!

This all started with The Bastard using a hammer to retain the titles at Full Gear, and it has truly escalated ever since! But now, only the team that rises above the other can be THE AEW World Trios Champion! Will Pac & The Lucha Brothers hold onto the gold? Or will Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks complete the Elite Comeback?

The introductions are made, the belts hang high over head, and one way or another, this comes to an end in the City of Angels!

The bell rings, fans are thunderous already, and the teams stare down. Don Callis in on commentary while Alex Abrahantes, Michael Nakazawa and Brandon Cutler are all buzzing ringside. The Elite fire off the first shots! Omega throws out Pac while Matt has Fenix and Nick has Penta! Nick throws Penta out but Fenix throws Matt out. Fenix goes after Nick, whips him to a corner, but Nick goes up and out, then avoids the Tiger Feint! Nick fires off forearms on Fenix, but Pac and Omega both slide in. Pac and Omega both BOOT Nick and Fenix off the apron! Omega and Pac then fire off with forearms! Fans fire up, Penta hurries in and he hits a BACKSTABBER on Omega!

But Matt slides in and he hits a BACKSTABBER on Pac! Now Matt and Penta fire off hands! Callis would like to point out that Omega is on a 17 hour jetlag given his trip back from Japan. Penta SOBATS Matt, reels him in, “CERO! MIEDO!” But Matt slips out of the package piledriver and shoves Penta to a corner! Matt runs in but Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK! Omega SLAM DUNKS Penta, but Fenix MISSILE DROPKICKS Omega! Nick runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges to roll and FACEUBSTER! But Pac whips, only for Nick to reverse! Pac ends up on the apron, Nick runs in, but Penta catches him for a wheelbarrow! Pac slingshots in, WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER for Nick!

Fenix springboards to FROG SPLASH! Fans fire up while Nick flops out of the ring! Death Triangle coordinates and Penta goes out with Pac to fetch a ladder. But Omega runs in, only for them to lift the ladder up and over! Then they back up to RAM Omega with it! But then Fenix DIVES to wipe out Omega at the ramp! Only for Matt to WRECK Penta & Pac with their own ladder! Matt holds the ropes, Nick builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Fenix and Pac and fans fire up again! The Bucks get the ladder match in, they stomp Pac, then Matt sets up the ladder. Fenix hurries in after Matt to CLUB him while Nick has Penta.

Fenix whips but Matt wheelbarrows to VICTORY ROLL FACEBUSTER! Matt climbs, but Penta yanks him off the ladder and Pac kicks Matt low. They double whip Matt t ropes, Matt holds those ropes and he tosses Pac out! Matt runs to hit a DESTROYER on Penta! Matt climbs up, but Fenix springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG Matt off the ladder!! Matt writhes and Fenix hurries up top, only for Omega to yank him down! SNAP DRAGON! Penta keeps Omega from climbing, but Omega switches to SNAP DRAGON! Omega tips the ladder over and he starts up the Terminator Drums! LA drums along, Omega runs, but Pac MISSILE DROPKICKS him down!

Pac looms over Omega, drags him up, and suplexes, only for Omega to slip out! SNAP DRAGON! Fans fire up as Pac flops out, and the drums start up again. Omega builds speed again to FLY! BUT HE CRASHES THROUGH A TABLE!! Fans lose their minds but then Matt is up top! SUPER CROSSBODY onto Pac THROUGH A TABLE!! Fans are losing their minds all over again while AEW goes picture in picture!

Fenix hurries to check on Pac while Nakazawa checks Omega. Fenix shoves Nakazawa away, CHOKES Omega, then rains down fists! Nick meanwhile sets up the ladder in a corner. Penta gets in the ring, he and Nick stare down. Nick shoves Penta but Penta SLAPS Nick! We get some replays of the table spots, Fenix and Penta mug Nick in a corner. Penta CHOPS Nick, then Fenix KICKS Nick in the leg! They double whip Nick but he stops himself from hitting the ladder. Nick knuckle locks Fenix, CHOPS him, then hurdles Penta to go up and up and “LUCHA LIBRE~!” FLYING DOUBLE TAKEDOWN! Nick fires up, but he turns around into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!

Penta drags Nick back up, he and Fenix double whip Nick onto the ladder! Nick flops out of the ring as Omega returns, but the Lucha Brothers DOUBLE SUPERKICK him now! Omega falls down but Fenix sets the ladder in place against his butt! Penta is up top, “CERO! MIEDO!” FULL METAL QUE PASO!! Omega clutches his tailbone! Penta fires up and LA fires up with him. Penta moves the one ladder aside, Matt crawls into the ring, but Penta conducts the LA fans singing “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta KICKS Matt in the leg! Matt hobbles around, Penta rallies the fans, and then Penta KICKS the leg again!

Matt fumes as he hobbles to a corner, but Penta KICKS and CHOPS and CHOPS again! Matt BOOTS Fenix away, but Penta gets a shorter ladder in the ring. Matt grabs at the ladder, they tug-o-war over it, and Dynamite returns to single picture as Matt powers Penta to a corner. Nick runs in to SHINING WIZARD Penta! Fenix runs in but Nick tosses him up and out! Penta is stuck in the corner, Nick runs up the ladder to then springboard TORNILLO to take out Fenix! Penta gets free and he mule kicks Matt! Penta sets the ladder against the bottom rope, then he reels Matt in. “CERO! MIEDO!” But Matt slips out of the suplex to shove Penta, and back drop him onto the ladder!

Fans lose their minds while Penta spasms and writhes! Matt drags Penta up, sets him on the ladder, and Nick is there on the corner. Matt lifts the ladder to lift Nick, but Penta kicks Matt away! Fenix goes up after Nick to SUPER SETINER Nick onto the ladder!! Nick clutches his thighs and tailbone and fans lose their minds all over again! Cutler and Nakazawa check on Nick, fans hope these teams “FIGHT FOREVER!” But this has to end somehow, and Pac gets in. Pac grabs at the taller ladder but so does Omega from the outside. Pac STOMPS the ladder closed to crush Omega’s hand! And again, and again!

Omega gets his hand free, Pac drags the ladder over and stands it up. Pac climbs but Omega gets in to Electric Chair Lift! But Pac fights the tuck to POISON-RANA! Matt runs in but Pac side steps, SNAP GERMAN! Penta and Fenix have Omega, “CERO! MIEDO!” DOUBLE STOMP FEAR FACTOR!! Fenix then TORNILLOS out onto Nick!! Fans are thunderous as Penta hobbles to the ladder. Penta climbs, but Matt yanks him down to ROCK him with haymakers. Pac CLUBS Matt, Penta folds the ladder and leans it in  a corner. Pac brings Matt over, he and Penta reel him in, but Nick saves Matt from the suplex!

Nick mule kicks Pac’s leg out, then Matt does the same to Penta’s leg. Nick then SUPERKICKS Pac and Matt then SUPERKICKS Penta! Then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK Pac!! Fans fire up as Fenix springboards in, but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Matt starts up the Polar Express! And he NORTHERN LIGHTS Fenix onto the ladder! Nick has Penta on a table, then he climbs the corner! Nick says “YOU’RE DEAD!” 450 SPLASH THROUGH THE TABLE!! Both Nick and Penta are down in the wreckage but Omega and Nakazawa hurry to get Nick out. Matt climbs the ladder, but Fenix crawls after him!

Fenix CLUBS Matt’s legs but Matt kicks him away! Matt climbs, but ALEX tips the ladder! Matt falls to HOTSHOT off the ropes! But Cutler gets in to COLD SPRAY Alex in the face!! Omega runs in, V-TRIGGER for Alex!! Cutler sprays Alex more and kicks him out of the ring. Omega stands the ladder back up, but Pac runs in with a bell hammer! Pac SMACKS Omega’s hand! Pac kicks Omega out of the ring, reels him in, FALCON ARROW to the floor! Pac then hurries back into the ring and he climbs up the ladder! Fenix is on guard, but Matt gets past him to go up the ladder from the other side! Matt and Pac meet at the top!

Matt throws haymakers, but the Lucha Brothers set up a ladder bridge just below Matt! Pac and Matt continue to brawl, but Matt gets the edge! Penta walks the bridge and CLUBS Matt! Penta brings Matt around, tucks him in, and fans shout “CERO! MIEDO!” FEAR FACTOR on the ladder!!! Matt falls, Penta flops down, and fans are losing their minds all over again! Fenix climbs, but Omega hurries up! Omega fires off hands but Fenix hits back! Fenix shifts to that side, he CLUBS Omega, but Omega throws shots! Omega Electric Chair Lifts! ONE WINGED ANGEL OFF the ladder!!! But Pac shoots the BLACK ARROW onto knees!!!

Omega hurries to get the bridge out of the way, and then he hurries up the ladder! LA is going nuts as Omega reaches the top! Omega reaches out to grab a belt, and he pulls it down! THE ELITE WIN!!!

Winners: The Elite (win the series 4-3; NEW AEW World Trios Champions)

Not only was this an Elite Comeback from their time away, this was an epic comeback from being down 3-1!! With this series now behind them, what is next for the TWO-TIME AEW World Trios Champions?

My Thoughts:

An amazing Dynamite here, especially with a very fired up LA crowd. I will say that compared to most other times, this week felt like it had the right balance of talking and matches, in that the balance favored matches. The promos were still good, such as Cassidy confirming that Best Friends are just fine. And because they’re in LA, they of course find a way to get a celebrity involved, but I wonder who it’d be if Walker Hauser didn’t win a Golden Globe. Or maybe it would still be him and he’d just have no Golden Globe to show off. We also got a good promo from Juice to call out Darby, and that will be a great match. I still think we need to see Orange VS Juice, though.

We also got a very good promo out of JAS, Starks and Andretti. Starks had a lot of great insults, especially “Count Suckula” for Jericho, but I wonder if we got a right hand not knowing the left hand blah blah blah moment as Starks challenge Hager to a match that was already confirmed. But either way, Starks VS Hager fits what I was hoping for in Starks going through the rest of the JAS before a rematch with Jericho. Good promo from Eddie and Ortiz to play u their distrust while confirming their match with The House of Black. That is going to be good stuff, and I can’t wait to see if there is a turn and who it is that turns.

And of course, it was great to see Adam Cole back! He set up a good swerve in making it seem like bad news was that he was still going to be gone or even have to retire, but great to hear he will be back in action very soon. Who knows what story he’ll get into, but it’ll just be good to see him in the ring again. Cole is definitely a top title scene guy, but he obviously will have to wait his turn. MJF had another good promo as he gets involved with Bryan VS Konosuke. Bryan VS Konosuke was an awesome match, and fans were even getting behind Konosuke through the course of the match. Bryan of course wins, he wasn’t going to fail the first time out. And while Bryan winning all the way to February 8th seems a given and you’d think that’s boring, it won’t be if he gives us bangers like this one every single week.

Moxley VS Hangman was also a banger and one hell of an opener. They turned LA into Lariat City, a fitting story beat given the concussion from the King Kong Lariat at Full Gear. And Hangman winning here was great stuff, it essentially ties things at 1-1. Moxley apparently getting checked for his own concussion might be more kayfabe than shoot, as it’d be quite the way to turn the tables on Mox. They might be able to use that as a reason to delay Moxley VS Hangman 3 until Revolution, and maybe that ends up the Unsanctioned Match I thought we were getting here? It’d be the best way to blow off this story and have both men go their separate ways.

The Firm VS Jungle Hook was really good stuff, and of course everyone loved seeing Hook throw Morrissey up and over. Jungle Hook wins as I expected, but I still expect 1v1 showdowns. Hell, it might not even be JB VS Big Bill, it might now be Big Bill VS Hook for the FTW Championship at some point. Great tag match out of Britt & Hayter VS Saraya & Storm, too, and I like how Shida got involved in a slightly different way than I expected. It might’ve been too obvious to have Shida attack Saraya, so I like that Shida tried to help Saraya & Storm sneak the win, only for it to backfire. Saraya will likely confront Shida about it and that leads us to their match as opposed to an outright turn.

And of course, an amazing main event with Escalara de la Muerte. Those back-to-back table spots with Omega’s “missed” Terminator tope and then Matt hitting Pac with a crossbody were both so good, and they actually gave us some rather safe ladder spots for how rough they all looked. Well, Nick being sent at the ladder via a Super Steiner was risky, as I thought he was going to crack his legs on the side of it. But in the end, The Elite winning is the right move, given that their first reign ended because of suspension stemming from #BrawlOut #Scrumgate, something that never should’ve happened. Who knows who will be their first challengers, but it’ll all be great stuff either way.

My Score: 9.3/10