Are MJF & Adam Cole really Better Than You, BAYBAY?

After making it work in the Blind Eliminator Tag Tournament, MJF & Adam Cole are on a Collision with FTR for the AEW World Tag Team Championships! Who will truly be the #TopGuys?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Ladder Match for Andrade’s Mask: Andrade El Idolo VS Buddy Matthews; Andrade wins and keeps the mask.
• Open Challenge: Darby Allin VS Minoru Suzuki; Darby wins.
• Samoa Joe VS Gravity; Joe wins.
• Six Man Tag: Juice Robinson & The Gunns VS El Hijo Del Vikingo, Action Andretti & Darius Martin; Juice & the Gunns win.
• Mercedes Martinez VS Kiera Hogan; Martinez wins.
• AEW World Tag Team Championships: FTR VS MJF & Adam Cole; FTR wins and retains the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Darby Allin speaks.

“Things ain’t going too good for me right now. I don’t care who it is, it could be Ricky Starks, it could be Christian Cage, Luchasaurus, AR Fox, Swerve, I’m walking down to that ring tonight and I expect a fight.” The Relentless One is calling out ALL his enemies, who will he get to answer the call?

Adam Cole & MJF speak.

“Who’s ready for story time with MJF & Adam Cole, baybay?” “Here’s the story, it’s got three parts. Part one, I’m gonna take my size 12 boot, and I am going to BASH Dax Harwood’s nuts in! Numero dos, we are going to hit a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE, and then we are gonna become your NEW AEW World Tag Team Champions.” Because they’re Better Than You, Baybay.

FTR speaks.

Cash Wheeler says “This ain’t the Pinnacle and we ain’t your brochacos. Tonight, and still top guys.” Dax Harwood says, “Tonight ain’t no dance routine, you’re in the ring with the absolute best tag team on this planet. Get ready for a fight. Top Guys, out.” But who will be out of luck leaving Collision without those tag titles?

Ladder Match for Andrade’s Mask: Andrade El Idolo VS Buddy Matthews w/ Julia Hart!

In lucha libre culture, masks are more than just masks. As Andrade said himself, the mask is a symbol of legacy, culture and honor! But will there be any honor in how the Aussie Juggernaut keeps the mask in the House of Black? Or will Andrade rise above the darkness and gain back what is his?

The introductions are made, the mask is raised high into the rafters, and we see if Andrade can bring down Buddy in order to bring down the mask!

The bell rings and fans rally up as Andrade steps to Buddy. “This is Awesome!” already and then Julia gets on the apron. Andrade warns her, but Buddy runs in! Andrade dodges to CHOP! Andrade fires off but Buddy hits him back! They brawl, Buddy bumps Andrade off buckles and CHOPS! But Andrade CHOPS in return! Buddy bumps Andrade off buckles, CHOPS him again, so Andrade CHOPS back! Buddy smothers Andrade, headlocks, but Andrade powers out. Buddy BOOTS back, but Andrade clotheslines Buddy out of the ring! Buddy ends up under a ladder, that might be some bad luck! Andrade goes up and out, but Buddy anchors him!

Andrade kicks at Buddy, kicks him away, and leaps! Buddy gets clear but Andrade lands on the ladder! Andrade KICKS Buddy away, then climbs! Fans fire up as Andrade ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and Buddy even falls into another ladder! Fans lose their minds already as Andrade leaves Buddy behind. Andrade puts a ladder in the ring, then puts in another. Andrade storms around to fetch Buddy, and he SMACKS Andrade off the apron! Andrade gets yet another ladder and he puts that in the ring. Andrade stands one ladder up in a corner, then puts another in another corner. But Buddy attacks!

Buddy whips, Andrade reverses but Buddy slips free! Buddy fires off strikes, KICKS, and stomps a foot! Andrade avoids the knee to whip Buddy into a ladder! Andrade then brings Buddy around, gives some Latino Heat, for UNO AMIGO! Fans fire up, DOS AMIGOS! Fans rally for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” Andrade grins, but Buddy throws him down! No Three Amigos and Buddy stomps Andrade! Buddy suplexes but Andrade slips free! Buddy ELBOWS back, runs in, but HIP TOSS into the ladder!! Buddy slumps to the mat and Andrade grabs a ladder. Andrade CHUCKS it into Buddy! Buddy sits down in a corner, and the ladder now traps him!

Andrade rallies the fans, throws off his shirt, and he runs corner to corner, but Buddy CHUCKS the ladder into Andrade!! Buddy stands that ladder up, shakes out an arm, and goes outside to talk with Doc Sampson. Fans rally for Andrade while Collision goes picture in picture.

Doc checks Buddy’s shoulder, maybe it just got jammed up. Andrade is climbing! Doc helps Buddy pull his arm and it seems better now. Buddy rushes in and he drags Andrade off the ladder! BUCKLE BOMB!! Andrade slumps down and Buddy shakes out the bad arm again. Buddy then picks up a ladder, puts it in the corner, and then THROWS Andrade onto it! Andrade bounces off, and Buddy puts another ladder in another corner. Buddy whips Andrade into that ladder now! Andrade slumps back down, and Buddy drags him up. Buddy wrenches Andrade’s arm, whips him hard corner to corner, and Andrade not only hits ladder, he tumbles up and out of the ring!!

Buddy goes out after Andrade, positioning the tallest ladder of all just right. Buddy looks around, and decides to incorporate a ladder from inside the ring in this. Andrade gets up but Buddy RAMS him down with the ladder! Buddy then puts this ladder through the ropes. Andrade tries to stop him again but Buddy seesaw SMACKS it into Andrade!! Andrade falls back. Buddy completes his ladder bridge, but he hauls Andrade up to RAM him into other ladders! And then SMACKS him off the commentary desk! Buddy then finds another ladder under the ring! Now there’s a second ladder bridge!

Andrade gets up and he CHOPS Buddy! Andrade then gets space, runs in, but Buddy FLAPJACKS him on the ladder bridge!! The desk takes almost as much damage, and fans duel, “We Want Tables!” “NO WE DON’T!” Buddy goes up to the apron, he brings Andrade with him, but Andrade fights the lift! Buddy CLUBS Andrade, Andrade ROCKS Buddy! Buddy V-TRIGGERS Andrade! Andrade wobbles, Buddy storms up, but into a fireman’s carry! Buddy slips free and CLUBS Andrade! Buddy fires forearms but Andrade holds onto ropes! Andrade hits back, they brawl, and fans rally up! Andrade still holds on, he fires boxing elbows, then slingshots, but into Buddy’s arms!

But then Andrade backdrops Buddy! Buddy holds onto the ropes, but Andrade ROCKS and CHOPS him! Buddy goes to buckle bump but Andrade gives it to Buddy first! Fans fire up and Andrade builds speed, to DIVE into Buddy, but Buddy catches him!! DRAPING DDT TO THE LADDER!!! Buddy may have just knocked Andrade out, but that’s not enough! Buddy brings out a TABLE!! Hartford is happy as Buddy puts the table in the ring and then in a corner. Buddy drags Andrade in, and SMACKS him off the table! And again! And again! Andrade falls back, and Buddy turns his attention to the ladder at center.

Buddy climbs, but Andrade rises! And Andrade tips the ladder! Buddy jumps off, boot feint to ELBOW!! Buddy is sent tumbling out onto the other ladder bridge! Fans fire up as Andrade rises again! Andrade goes out as fans chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade climbs up that tallest ladder all the way to the top! But Buddy rises from the other side! Andrade eggs him on, so Buddy climbs up after him! They brawl up top with forearms! Fans fire up behind Andrade as he SMACKS Buddy off the top! And again! Andrade then goes up and over, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB ON THE LADDER BRIDGE!!!!

Fans lose their minds and Julia is even freaking out after that crash landing! “This is Awesome!” as Andrade drags himself back into the ring. Julia checks Buddy, but Andrade starts to climb! Buddy rises, Julia tells him he has to hurry! Buddy crawls in, and Julia looks to be doing something on the outside. Buddy grabs onto the ladder but Andrade’s near the top. Buddy grabs a leg, Andrade kicks at him, but Buddy YANKS Andrade down to V-TRIGGER!! Julia rises and she has HANDCUFFS! Buddy beats down Andrade and Julia cuffs Andrade to the corner! Fans boo while Julia taunts Andrade with the key!

Buddy has a chair! Andrade BOOTS the chair into Buddy’s face! Julia drops the key as she hurries to check Buddy! Andrade grabs the key and frees himself! Andrade hurries in, but Buddy rises back up! Buddy grabs at Andrade, drags him out, but Andrade has the cuffs now! Andrade cuffs Buddy to the corner!! Fans fire up as Buddy is stuck! Andrade CHUCKS the key! Free souvenir? Andrade hurries up as Julia finds BOLT CUTTERS! Julia struggles to cut the chain but Andrade is climbing! So Julia gets in to drag Andrade down! AEW should’ve thought to ban HER from ringside, too! Andrade climbs with Julia on his back!!

Andrade reaches the top but Buddy cuts the chain! Buddy and Andrade brawl but Andrade SMACKS Buddy off the rungs again and again! Buddy falls, Andrade still has Julia on his back! Andrade brings her around, she SLAPS him! And SLAPS him! And SLAPS him! Julia looks worried as it doesn’t do anything. Andrade ASHVOES Julia off, she falls onto Buddy through the table!! Fans are thunderous as Andrade reaches up, and brings down his mask! Andrade wins!!

Winner: Andrade El Idolo (regains his mask)

Victory for lucha libre! Andrade regains the symbol of his family and culture! But will this be the end of things with the House of Black? Or will the Dark Father have more in store?

Backstage interview with Miro.

Tony Schiavone is with The Redeemer, and brings up the battle that is coming Miro alluded to a few weeks ago. What more does he have to say on that? But then AARON SOLO attacks Miro with a chair! Miro dodges, and he fires off haymakers in return! Miro is raging, and he SMACKS Solo with the chair! Miro shouts at Schiavone, but what was the reason for this unprovoked attack by QTV?

Open Challenge: Darby Allin VS ???

The Relentless One issued his challenge, and he’s heading to the ring for an answer! Who among the rogues gallery he mentioned will step up to him tonight? We find out, after the break.

Collision returns as Darby paces. Who accepted the Open Challenge? MINORU SUZUKI!? The Meanest Man in the World wasn’t even named, but he’s never one to shy away from a fight, either! Will Darby get more than he bargained for here in Hartford?

Darby attacks at the “KAZE NI NARE!” to knock Suzuki off the apron! And then Darby DIVES to wipe him out! Fans are torn but the ref reprimands. Darby stands Suzuki up to RAM him into railing! And then he stomps and knees away! Darby lets off, only to fetch a chair! Darby sits that up, makes Suzuki take a seat and he fires off forearms! And even BITES Suzuki’s head! Darby SLAPS Suzuki, goes to the apron, and MISSILE DROPKICKS Suzuki out of the chair! Fans fire up as Darby rises up. Darby drags Suzuki up and brings him around to put him in the ring. The bell rings, Darby covers, TWO!!

Fans rally and Suzuki scowls. Darby stares Suzuki down, SLAPS him, but Suzuki sits back up! Fans fire up as Suzuki stands and stares Darby down. Darby fires a forearm! Suzuki just scowls as Darby keeps throwing shots! Suzuki then DECKS Darby in return! Darby crawls to the apron, Suzuki drags him up, HANGING TRIANGLE! The ref counts, Suzuki lets off at 4, and he goes out to the apron. Suzuki runs in to PENALTY KICK Darby! Fans rally as Suzuki stalks Darby, brings him up, and RAMS him into railing! Darby sits down, Suzuki stomps Darby, and then chases Darby into the ring. Darby goes to a corner but Suzuki storms up!

Suzuki whips corner to corner, runs in and BOOTS Darby! Snapmare, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Suzuki looms over Darby, claws at the taped up ribs, and he grins as he rips the tape away! Fans fire up as Suzuki brings Darby around, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Suzuki stands Darby up, KNEES him in those ribs, and Darby goes to the corner. Suzuki still has the rib tape in hand as he stomps Darby! Darby kicks in return, but Suzuki blocks one! Suzuki trips Darby, turns him over, HALF CRAB! Darby gest the ROPEBREAK, but Suzuki holds on until 4! Suzuki looms over Darby, stomps him some more, then stalks Darby. Suzuki stands Darby up, to ELBOW him in the back! Darby staggers to ropes, but Suzuki is right on him. Suzuki stands Darby up to ROCK him in the back! Darby SLAPS Suzuki but then he falls over. Suzuki drags Darby up to ROCK him right in the back! Darby staggers and falls in a corner, and Collision goes to break!

Collision returns and Suzuki KNEES Darby at the apron! Darby is dazed as he dangles over the edge, and then Suzuki CHOKES Darby with the rib tape! The ref counts, Suzuki lets off at 4, but then he gets in the ring. Suzuki holds out the rib tape to the ref, but then throws it away. Suzuki stomps Darby, whips and KNEES him low! Darby falls over, fans rally up, and Suzuki whips Darby for another knee, only for Darby to make that a roll-up! TWO, and Darby CHOPS Suzuki! But Suzuki just glares at Darby! Fans say Darby messed up there, but Darby unwraps his hand a little, to CHOP! Suzuki just laughs!

Suzuki winds up, and CHOPS! Darby falls right down! Fans fire up with Suzuki, and he eggs Darby on. Darby rises, fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Darby CHOPS, but Suzuki just grins. Darby eggs Suzuki on so Suzuki CHOPS him! Again Darby falls over! Darby pushes himself back up, drags himself up with the ropes, and Suzuki waits on Darby with hands behind his back! Darby fires off fast hands, a HEADBUTT, then runs to hop on, sunset flip! TWO!! Suzuki and Darby go to corners, Darby runs in to COFFIN SPLASH! Darby whips corner to corner hard, then runs in, COFFIN SPLASH is caught into a SLEEPER!

Darby flails but Suzuki spins him around and reels him in, GOTCH- NO, Darby fights and back drops free! But Suzuki’s right up! Darby fires a shot, runs again, but Suzuki follows, gets around, SLEEPER, but Darby whips free! Suzuki reverses, but a COFFIN SPLASH hits! Darby hurries up top now! COFFIN DROP into body scissors! REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Darby flails, rolls back to a cover, and WINS!!

Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall

Darby snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and Suzuki is furious! Too bad there are no Young Lions in AEW for him to beat down. But Suzuki just snatches a chair! The ref tells him no, the match is down! Fans still cheer Suzuki and he takes his leave. Darby got that fight, he gets the win, but wait, now Christian Cage & Luchasaurus are on the tron. Christian mockingly applauds to congratulate Darby. “That was a hell of a win. It seems like you’re finally ready for your shot at the TNT Championship. On the surface, it would seem that way. But it seems to me that you’ve got a lot of other stuff going on, Darby. Namely, Swerve Strickland, and namely, your former friend, AR Fox.

“You’ve got a bit of a distraction going on right now, Darby, and you can’t be distracted when you’re vying for my- for our TNT Championship, Darby.” So things have changed, namely that Christian has it. This title has been more prestigious than it ever has in its entire existence! This title has never meant as much as it does right now on Christian’s shoulder! Darby is no longer qualified to be champion! Christian will send Darby back to the mall, to Hot Topic or wherever it is he came from, and Darby will never touch this title again, so long as it is in Christian’s possession. Do you understand?!

Captain Charisma has issued the message, but will Darby clear out the Mogul Embassy so he can finally get back to glory?

Toni Storm speaks.

“Shida, you dumb, stupid cow. You don’t deserve a shot at my AEW Women’s World Champion. Shida, you were the Pandemic Champion, and just like the Pandemic, we’re all glad that it’s over. The AEW Women’s Division has got me, and that’s the way it should be. Because I’m the best. AT Dynamite 200, without a doubt, me and Shida are going to beat the absolute piss out of each other, but I’ll tell you what’s not gonna happen. Shida, you even think about coming near me with that stupid kendo stick of yours, I am going to beat you so viciously, you’re going to need it, because you will use it help yourself get around.

“Your dream of becoming a two-time AEW Women’s’ World Champion, it’s never going to happen.” Will the Lightning From Down Under make sure the Shining Samurai fails to end #ToniTime?

Samoa Joe VS Gravity!

While the ROH World Television Champion waits on a contender to be named through ROH’s Contender Eliminator Tournament, the King of Wrestling Television has to stay sharp. Will he cut down Gravity in Connecticut? Or will not even Samoa Joe be able to defy Gravity?

The bell rings and fans sing “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Joe and Gravity circle, approach, and Gravity dodges to then slow-motion walk. Joe is not amused, and he rushes in. Gravity gets around, waistlocks, CLUBS away on Joe, then shoves! Joe stops himself, runs back in, but Gravity dodges to do more slow-mo! Fans boo, Joe is again not amused, and Joe kicks low! Joe whips, Gravity ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Gravity RANAS! Joe staggers around, Gravity runs in, he goes up and around to Arabian Press Arm-Drag! Joe staggers back up, SLAPS Gravity, and whips him to the corner. Joe runs in to SMASH Gravity! Joe whips corner to corner, runs in and ROCKS Gravity again!

Fans rally behind Joe, he whips Gravity corner to corner again, but Gravity goes up! Joe slow-mo walks out of the way of the crossbody! Fans cheer, and Joe SENTONS! Joe waits on Gravity, Gravity stands and Joe JABS away! Joe puts Gravity up top, tucks him in, and hits the MUSCLE BUSTER! Cover, Joe wins!

Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall

The champion wins, continuing his dominance! Gravity is still in that contender’s tournament, will he win himself a second chance? Will he want a second chance?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He wants us to welcome to Hartford, the Best in the World, CM Punk! Fans are torn as Punk heads to the ring, his red gym bag in hand. Schiavone notes the ovation, and says that since Punk’s return- Punk has us wait a second. Punk listens to the fans, then asks what Schiavone was gonna say. Well, since Punk’s return to action, there’s been a lot of “controversy” going, and that is mostly around one man, Ricky Starks. Plus, the red gym bag. What is in the bag? Punk smiles and says, “There has been a whole hell of a lot of things going on here in AEW, ladies and gentlemen. But before I talk about the bag, Hartford, how’re we doing tonight?”

The fans cheer, and Punk says it has been weeks “of rotten travel,” but he just showed up here about two hours ago. He would never let the fans down, he always makes his towns and he always shows up for the people in the building. The fans cheer for that! Punk says there’s a lot going on, on Collision, that no one wants to meet head on. No one wants to talk about certain things, so leave it to Punk to talk about it. So first off, WEMBLEY STADIUM! Is he the first AEW wrestler to mention that here? 80 THOUSAND strong, and they’re wondering if CM Punk is gonna go to Merry ol’ England! If CM Punk is gonna be in Wembley Stadium!

Maybe we know by the end of the night, but a lot of that has to do with what’s in the bag. So Ricky Starks has a lot to do with what’s in the bag. He’s beat Punk twice, once in a singles. Congrats, not mad, just disappointed. Then in a tag match. More mad about that for Darby than for himself, because Punk said it himself, he can take an L. Can Starks take a W knowing he’s just a cheater? Punk starts to pick up the bag, and it isn’t so much that he’s been carrying it, but that he was left holding it. Funny thing about responsibility, Schiavone, it sucks a lot of the time. Sometimes, you gotta wake up and do things you don’t want to, because you’re the adult in the room.

“So what’s in the bag?” Punk hears the fans echo that, and he encourages them to get louder. Punk says Starks is a cheater, and since Punk’s been back, Starks mistook Punk’s kindness for weakness. When Punk came back, holding this very same bag, he said he wasn’t gonna be nice anymore. So ladies and gentlemen, this is Punk not being nice anymore! Punk opens the bag, and says the truth doesn’t care about being nice, or about who thinks they’re right, but in the case, Punk IS right. HE is the champion. Punk brings out HIS copy of the AEW World Champion! This title has his name on it, not because he deserves it, but because he EARNED it!

“Nobody has pinned me or submitted me for this title. This title is still covered in my blood from last September when I beat Jon Moxley for it! And since then, nobody’s beaten me for it. It’s got my name on it, it’s got my blood on it.” Punk sets it down on the mat, and now he’ll put his symbol on it! Punk spray paints a black X right on the belt! Fans boo that, but Punk says this X has represented Punk since 1997! This X is the foundation Punk built his career on! This X means he’s straightedge, and that means he’s better than you! This title is Punk’s, it belongs on Collision, and it is not stolen, unlike his catchphrase. He is the RAEL World Champion!!

But Starks comes out to say hold on! And he wants a real entrance. Play the music, and y’all, act like you didn’t just see him. Starks goes backstage again, and the music hits! Nigel plays along on commentary, and the Absolute struts his way down to the ring. Fans cheer for Starks, Starks revels in it, and he gets a mic of his own. Starks says that was a great story Punk told. But to be honest, Starks is sold on gold right now. And the way he sees it, regardless of how Punk feels, he would’ve done the exact same thing, so Starks bit first before Punk could bite him. What Punk has- Okay, get this crap outta here. Starks kicks the red bag away!

What Punk has on his shoulder right now should belong to Starks! Starks is owed that! Whatever Punk has is Starks’! Starks has beaten Punk twice, and that is more than anyone else can say! The way Starks is here right now, honestly, not only is Starks the REAL World Champion, eh is also the Face of Collision! Fans are torn on that, but Punk asks if Starks is the Face of Collision, or the Face of Cheating. Did Starks beat Punk twice? Or did the refs beat Punk twice? Brother man, Stevie Wonder could be the ref and Starks would still win! The way Starks sees it, a win is a win, so that title should belong to ABSOLUTE RICKY STARKS, the MAN WITH THE PLAN!

Punk says that sounds like Starks wanting a title shot. No, he doesn’t want it, he DESERVES it! Fans fire up and Punk takes a second to think. Fans start chanting “RICKY’S TITLE!” “CM PUNK!” Punk smirks, and says Starks owes a big assist to two refs. Refs have a thankless job. But if Punk’s gonna give Starks this match, he needs a special guest referee. Oh, perfect! Starks would love that! Cuz it is no secret that Punk has no friends around here! Call a spade a spade. If Punk has to dig into his past to bust out whoever, maybe someone from Stanford, Connecticut (WWE), then go ahead!

Whoever it is, Starks doesn’t care. Because if Starks did it once, he can do it twice! Because Absolute Starks is so damn nice! Well, Punk did make a call. And they are gonna have someone from Punk’s past. Starks really wants his shot at the champ? Starks absolutely deserves a shot at “the champ!” Then he’s got it. They shake on it, and next week on Collision, it’ll be Punk VS Starks! But then Punk wants Starks to hold on. Schiavone, tell us who the referee is. Oh yes, in Greenville, South Carolina, the guest ref will be… RICKY THE DRAGON STEAMBOAT!! Starks is shocked that the original Ricky is coming to AEW! Does Starks stand a chance against that paragon of justice?

Six Man Tag: Juice Robinson & The Gunns VS El Hijo Del Vikingo, Action Andretti & Darius Martin!

Bullet Club Gold has been building up in AEW, and they’re still hungry for some titles! Will Rock Hard help Austin & Colten get on track in the Trios Division? Or will the AAA Mega Champion, the Sight to See and the Air Wolf fly overhead to start on their own trios journey?

The trios sort out and Colten starts against Darius. Fans taunt the “ASS~ BOYS!” and the two tie up. Colten pulls hair, Darius puts Colten in a corner, but Colten turns things around to ROCK Darius! Colten whips, Darius ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Darius fires off hands, Austin runs in but Action hits a THESZ PRESS! Action & Darius get up to DOUBLE DROPKICK the Gunns down! Fans fire up while Collision goes picture in picture,

Juice tags in, but Darius hits an arm-drag! Darius wrenches, he tags in Vikingo but Juice gets away. Vikingo steps up, Juice pushes him but Vikingo pushes back! Then BOOTS! And SOBATS! Vikingo whips, Juice reverses and tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Juice flounders, into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Fans rally up as Juice bails out, but Colten steps in! Viking DECKS Colten, runs, but he fakes out the Gunns to superhero land! But Juice runs in to SLIDE Vikingo out to eh floor! Then Gunns then YANK Action & Darius down, to send them into railing! Fans are upset but the Gunns bring out… a cardboard cutout of Jay White? Okay…

Juice shows off the abs on Cardboard Jay and gives him a kiss on the cheek. BCG has Cardboard Jay in their corner, and Juice scoops Vikingo to SNAKE EYES off the apron! The Gunns taunt Vikingo, and Juice drags him up to POST him! Vikingo writhes, Juice drags him up and brings him around to snapmare, and KICK! Juice is all fired up, and he puts Vikingo back in the ring. Juice stalks Vikingo, brings him up, talks some trash, and pumps up, but Vikingo SUPERKICKS him down! Colten tags in, runs at Vikingo and whips, but Vikingo reverses to TOSS Colten out! Austin runs in but Vikingo DUMPS him out!

Collision returns to single picture, Vikingo hurries up, but Colten anchors a foot! Austin sneaks up to YANK Darius down! Fans boo as Vikingo is all alone, Colten full nelsons, for a SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Colten argues with the ref but the count was fair. Colten stays between Vikingo and his corner, then sucker punches Darius! Vikingo wheelbarrows to victory roll, STOMP 182! Tag to Austin, but Viking goes Matrix to dodge the crossbody! Then Vikingo uses Austin as a step to fly and hot tag Action! Action runs in, he rallies on the Gunns, and BOOTS Juice for good measure! More forearms on the Gunns and fans fire up!

Action whips, Austin reveres, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up again and Action runs in to UPPERCUT Austin! Colten runs in, but SPLASHES into Austin! Action DECKS Austin, slingshots up and in and SPLIT-LEG, but Austin dodges! Action keeps moving to handspring and ENZIGURI Colten! Action then catches Austin for a SPANISH FLY! Cover, Juice SENTONS but only gets Austin! Action TOSSES Juice, fans fire up, and Action has the team gather. Vikingo goes up, then Action and Darius join him. They hep brace Vikingo, and Vikingo gets a boost into the SUPER SWANTON onto the BCG!!

Fans are thunderous as Vikingo takes out BCG in one go! Darius tags in, he and Action have Austin. They double whip, Austin reverses, then spins Darius to ROCK him! But Action SHOTGUNS Austin into Darius’ GERMAN SUPLEX! Colten returns, but into a SUPERKICK! Action torture racks but Colten rakes eyes! Colten shoves Action into Darius, and he JUMPING FOREARMS Action from behind!! Action flops out of the ring, Austin tags Colten! The Gunns go to Darius, double whip corner to corner but Darius reverses now. Action goes up and over, Darius hits buckles, and he turns around in 3:10 TO YUMA!! Cover, BCG wins!

Winners: Juice Robinson & The Gunns, by pinfall

Cardboard Jay stands tall with his boys to celebrate! Will the Bang Bang Gang soon snatch gold away from some champions?

Mercedes Martinez VS Kiera Hogan!

Two women rising the ranks in ROH return to AEW for a Collision! Will the OG Badass put out Kiera’s fire? Or will Kiera blaze a trail back up to a title opportunity?

The bell rings and fans rally up. The two shake hands for a Code of Honor, but then Martinez BOOTS Kiera down! And stomps her in the corner! Martinez stands Kiera up to ROCK her, and UPPERCUT her! Martinez whips Kiera to a corner, runs in, but into an ELBOW! And then a BOOT! And then two BOOTS! Kiera goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Kiera runs, wheelbarrows, but Mercedes makes it a FACEBUSTER! Fans rally up as Martinez paces, drags Kiera up, and suplexes! But Kiera fights it, so Martinez fires body shots! Martinez suplexes again, and SLAMS Kiera down! Cover, TWO!

Martinez mocks Kiera’s “Period~!” and drags Kiera up. Martinez CLUBS Kiera, CLUBS her again, and then fireman’s carries. Kiera fights free with elbows but Martinez blocks the boot. But Kiera kicks a leg out then ENZIGURIS! Kiera hurries to a corner and goes up, but Martinez UPPERCUTS her first! Martinez ROCKS Kiera, drags her out, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kiera hangs tough and Martinez is frustrated. Fans rally while Martinez stalks Kiera, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Martinez kicks Kiera around, and digs her boots in at the ropes! The ref counts, Martinez lets off and she taunts Kiera more. She also kicks Kiera more. Then she CHOPS Kiera in the corner, pulls her hair, and then wraps it around ropes to pull! The ref reprimands and Martinez lets off at 4. Martinez CHOPS Kiera, ROCKS her, then brings Kiera out to CLUB her down! Martinez taunts Kiera, drags her up onto ropes and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Martinez lets off at 4, and Kiera fights body shots! And forearms! Martinez pokes Kiera in the eye! The ref reprimands, Martinez “apologizes” and she keeps on Kiera.

Martinez UPPERCUTS Kiera, clinches, and LEG CAPTURE SUPLEXES! Kiera flounders away and Martinez fires up. Fans rally behind her, she eggs Kiera on, and Martinez Electric Chair Lifts Kiera to the top rope. Martinez CLUBS Kiera, brings her out with a crucifix lift, but Kiera sunset flips through! TWO and Kiera scrambles away while Collision goes to break!

Collision returns and Kiera runs side to side to SLIDING KICK Martinez at the ropes! Kiera drags Martinez to a cover, TWO! Martinez hangs tough, its’ why she’s a former champion. Kiera drags Martinez up but Martinez fires straight palm strikes! And then a scoop, but Kiera slips off! Roll-up, TWO! SUPERKICK! And BUZZSAW! Kiera drags Martinez up and reels her in, “PERIOD!” But Martinez fights the fisherman to SAIDO!! Martinez fires up and fans are with her as she runs, BLINDSIDE BAYONET FOREARM!! And then Martinez hooks up the legs, gets the arms, and drags Kiera up, up and into the BRASS CITY SLEEPER! Kiera taps, Martinez wins!

Winner: Mercedes Martinez, by submission

But she makes Kiera suffer for pushing her! The ref reprimands, Martinez lets go, because here comes KRIS STATLANDER! The TBS Champion doesn’t appreciate bullies, but then Martinez sneaks in behind her! BELT SHOT!! Martinez uses Kris’ own title to take her out! And Martinez says she’s coming for this one! But then Willow Nightingale rushes out! The Queen of Harts also doesn’t like bullies! Martinez bails out and takes her leave, but she asks who’s gonna stop the OG? Will that question have an answer as we approach All In and All Out?

AEW World Tag Team Championships: FTR VS MJF & Adam Cole!

It’s the moment of truth! Dax & Cash can’t stand Maxwell Jacob Friedman for who they know he is, and Roderick Strong has been warning the Panama City Playboy about the same. But from what we’ve all seen, MJF & Cole have made this a true bromance connection. Will MJF & Cole punctuate their journey together by winning these titles? Or will FTR ruin the feel good story of the summer?

The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and it is time to see who are truly AEW’s Top Guys!

The teams sort out and fans are already dueling, “DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!” “FTR!” Cole starts against Dax, the bell rings, and fans fire up. MJF gets the fans even louder than that, but Cash flips MJF off. Dax and Cole tie up, Cole arm-drags, and the two stand off. They reset, tie back up, and Dax headlocks for a takeover. Cole headscissors, Dax kips free, and the two stand off again. The dueling chants continue as the two reset again. They tie up, Dax headlocks and grinds, but Cole powers him to a corner. The ref counts, Cole lets off slowly, but Dax avoids the sucker punch to CHOP! Cole staggers away but Dax is after him.

Dax CHOPS Cole again, even MJF felt that! Tag to Cash, whip and SLINGSHOT SHOULDER from Cash! Cover, ONE!! Cash drags Cole into a headlock and he grinds Cole down. Fans rally, Cole fights up, rolls to a cover, ONE! Cash keeps the headlock, he grinds Cole some more, but Cole fights back up. Cole pries the hold open but Cash clamps it back on. Cole keeps trying, he powers out, but Cash runs him over! Fans boo but Cash smirks. Things speed up, Cole hurdles and PELES! Cash flops to ropes and fans fire up as MJF and Cole shout “DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!” Tag to MJF, they double whip but Dax saves Cash!

Fans boo and MJF sighs as he steps back out. Cole tags MJF in and fans are thunderous! But then MJF calls out Dax? Cash storms up but MJF bails out to strut around. Cole applauds, MJF steps back in, and Cash “struts” to tag in Dax. MJF says, “I’m gonna smash his nuts in!” Fans chant “SMASH HIS NUTS!” for MJF and he revel sin it. Dax and MJF tie up, MJF trips Dax but Dax avoids the elbow drop! MJF says it was that close. “Bash his what?” “NUTS!” “What?” “NUTS!” Fans cheer, the two tie up, and Dax headlocks. MJF powers out but Dax runs him over! Things keep moving, and Dax slides under to then scoop and SLAM!

MJF kicks Dax away, then scoops him to SLAM him down! But Dax kicks back! MJF blocks, but he misses the nut smash! Dax headlocks, MJF powers out, and he hurdles, but jams an ankle?! Fans boo, this is not what anyone wants! Dax doesn’t trust it, though, because he knows MJF. Dax storms up, but into a throat chop! MJF smirks, and he has the legs! MJF threatens it, the ref says don’t, but Dax scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! MJF lets off and the two stand up. Dax shoves MJF so MJF shoves Dax! Dax SLAPS, MJF SLAPS! Cash and Cole jump in, the ref tells them all to calm down, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Tensions are high, MJF and Dax shove again, and then the fists start flying! Cash DECKS Cole, Dax DECKS MJF, and then FTR chases them out! SMACK off railing for MJF, SMACK off the apron for Cash! Dax JABS away on MJF in a corner, Cash DECKS Cole! Cash SMACKS Cole off the apron, Dax SMACKS MJF off more railing! FTR high five their fans, then drag MJF up. FTR double whip MJF into Cole at the railing! Dax SMACKS MJF off the apron, slides in to refresh the ring count, but MJF trips Dax! MJF brings Dax to the post! But Cash rushes over! The ref has Cash stand down, and Dax YANKS MJF into the post!

Dax steps out to pace around, but he decides to leave MJF to the count. MJF stirs at 4 of 10, stands at 5 and slides in at 6. Dax drags MJF up to snapmare, and then he drops a leg! Cover, TWO! Dax stands over MJF, pulls MJF’s hair, and reels him into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Collision returns to single picture and Dax HIP DROPS MJF to keep him from Cole. Back to the Camel Clutch, but MJF endures. MJF claws his way forward but Dax HIP DROPS again! Fans rally behind MJF, but Dax drags MJF back into the CAMEL CLUTCH! Dax HIP DROPS, but blocks the nut smash! But then MJF BOOTS Dax away!

Cash tags in, he intercepts MJF and shoves him back. MJF ELBOWS Dax, Cash blocks a boot but MJF pokes him in the eye! MJF DECKS Dax but Cash kicks low! Cash CHOPS, whips, but MJF goes up and over Cash to then slide under Dax! Cash is there again, and MJF is separated from Cole! Fans rally as MJF leaps, but FTR catches him! Cole reaches but just can’t! So MJF fights to DOUBLE DDT!! Fans are thunderous as all three are down! MJF stirs, crawls for his corner, but FTR anchors his legs! FTR drags MJF away, fans boo, but FTR double whip! MJF ducks the double clothesline to hot tag Cole!

Cole rallies on FTR with forearm sane blows! And a BOOT for Cash! LARIAT for Cash, then an ELBOW! Then a BOOT! Cash wobbles and Cole fireman’s carries, but Cash fights free! Cash throws elbows, then runs, but into a BOOT! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up and duel again, and Cole drags Cash up in a waistlock. Cash switches, runs, Dax tags in as Cash bucks the O’Conner! Cash waistlocks Cole as Dax runs in, but then both Cole and Cash duck! Cole switches to BACKSTABBER Cash! Dax staggers into a victory roll! TWO!! Cole boots but Dax blocks! Dax whips, Cole reverses! Dax goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Dax waistlocks, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Dax hurries to whip, but Cole reveres. Dax goes up but leaps into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Dax survives and Cole can’t believe it! MJF rises and fans fire up again! They call their shot, tag to MJF! Double whip, DOUBLE- NO, Dax ducks it! Cash trips Cole, Dax rolls MJF with tights! TWO!! Cash tags in, but MJF gut wrenches! But Cash turns it around! Only for MJF to turn it around! Only for Cash to turn it around! Cole SUPERKICKS! MJF victory rolls, TWO!!! Cash survives and Dax runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK for Cash! MJF gut wrenches, SUPERKICK TOMBSTONE!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?

Cash survives and Hartford is shocked! As are Cole and MJF! MJF sits up, huffs and puffs and paces around Cash. Fans want it, MJF & Cole want it! Tag to Cole, but Dax is sneaking around! Dax drags MJF out to RAM him into railing! Dax avoids Cole’s boot, Cash rolls Cole up! TWO, Cash kicks and DISCUS LARIATS!! Cash hauls Cole up, Canadian Rack and he STAMPEDES Cole into the corner! Tag to Dax, but Cole fights off FTR! Cole DECKS Dax, fires off on Cash and then sends him down! Cole adjusts, takes aim at Cash, PANAMA- NO, Dax shoves Cash into Cole to disrupt that!

Dax climbs up, has Cole, and Cash goes to the other corner! SUPERPLEX for the Power! FLYING SPLASH for the Glory!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cole survives and shocks FTR! Fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as Dax drags Cole away from MJF. But then he changes his mind?! Dax wants MJF so Cole tags him in! MJF and Dax go forehead to forehead, they’ve been the instigators of this the whole time! They go forearm for forearm, then Dax CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOSP! Dax catches his breath, he blocks MJF’s kick, but MJF pokes Dax in the eyes! MJF grins and runs, but Dax ROCKS him! Dax runs, but MJF slips through the lariat?!

MJF lifts Dax, but Dax fights to back drop! MJF sunset flips, TWO! MJF swings, Dax ducks to backslide! MJF rolls through but Dax reels him in! REBOUND POEWRBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! MJF survives and Hartford is electric for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Cash returns, fans hope these teams “FIGHT FOREVER!” but there has to be a finish! Dax goes up a corner and copies Cole! But MJF distracts the ref and Cole trips Dax up! Cash runs over to go after Cole but Cole BOOTS him! Then FLYING LARIATS! MJF sees Dax is stuck, and the ref is yelling at Cole! So MJF runs in, BROKEN DREAMS!! Cover, CASH BREAKS IT!!!

MJF got to kick Dax in the nuts but he didn’t end this match with it! Fans fire up as Cole storms in to SUPERKICK Cash! And he brings down the kneepad! But Cash UPPERCUTS first! Cole is stuck on ropes, Cash gets Dax up. FTR waits on Cole, but MJF runs in! MJF takes the SHATTER- NO, MJF blocks it! He puts Cash in the ropes, but Dax O’Conner Rolls! With tights!!! FTR WINS!!!

Winners: FTR, by pinfall (still AEW World Tag Team Champions)

Hartford is as stunned as MJF! Dax used a very MJF tactic to defeat MJF! Cole doesn’t realize that, he shakes hands with FTR to show respect. Cash says to NEVER doubt FTR again! But they’re up against Big Bill & Brian Cage next week, will the Top Guys be able to thwart the BIG guys?

As for MJF, he is distraught! He wanted to win! And now HE blew it! Cole says no, the team blew it. Cole gets the world title and fans fire up as he hands it to MJF. Cole tells MJF he is THE AEW World Champion, so MJF has nothing to be ashamed of. But MJF took the pin! Cole says that’s okay! He loves MJF, they’re like brothers now! MJF is still struggling with that, but Cole wants the fans to cheer him on. Fans do cheer, and MJF… aims the belt at Cole?! Cole can sense it, too. He sighs, and feels he should’ve known. But even MJF is conflicted. Cole tells MJF, “Do what you gotta do.”

But wait! MJF looks at the belt, and he says no! He puts the belt down!! Cole turns around to see that, and fans chant “HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!” And they DO!!! MJF & Cole stick it out through their first defeat, and MJF picks the belt up. Cole holds MJF’s hand up in victory, and he applauds MJF. MJF stands on the corner and fans cheer their champion! MJF did promise Cole a title match, though, will the bromance continue even with this title between them?

My Thoughts:

A great Collision here, though still could’ve been better. Martinez VS Kiera was a great match to get them both back on AEW TV after they’d been off ROH TV for a few weeks. And Martinez getting the win makes sense if she’s going after Face champion Kris Statlander. But just seems a little much to have a Face make the save, only to get beat down and then have another Face make the save. Feels like Tony Khan has booked more of his top stars into corners, a la what he did with Wardlow and Will Hobbs. Tony wants both Kris and Willow to be featured, but he has no idea how to do that in more than one women’s segment at a time. Mercedes has no tag partner to call upon to face Willow and Kris, and I’m not sure how he’s going to segue this into Willow and Kris fighting over the TBS Championship.

And Samoa Joe squashing Gravity is in itself not bad, though it just kinda filled time tonight. And as I noted, and as Ian Riccaboni noted since he’s also ROH commentary, Gravity is in the contender’s tournament. How are we supposed to believe Gravity can win the tournament after losing to the champ? Or did Tony just not have an idea of who else he could feed to Joe for a squash? Though at the same time, I am expecting either Christopher Daniels or Shane Taylor to win the tournament rather than Tony Nese and Gravity.

Good promo from Toni Storm to call out Shida, and we already know that match is going to be great. Good promo from Darby to help open the show, I really thought is Open Challenge was going to be first. And a great surprise that it was Suzuki, he and Darby had a great match. Darby winning with the roll-up counter was a good move, it keeps Suzuki strong but still gives Darby momentum going into the TNT Championship match. Christian Cage also had a good promo telling Darby to settle things with the Mogul Embassy first. That feud should wrap up for the time being, maybe we see Darby & Nick Wayne take on Swerve & AR Fox. Darby can win that to get even more momentum, or Nick takes the loss to put Darby behind the proverbial 8 ball.

The ladder match for the mask was a great opening choice, but Andrade and Buddy always go so hard, there’s always a concern for them getting legit hurt. That bit where Buddy needed Doc Sampson to help with his arm being tonight’s example, but it hopefully won’t be an injury that keeps Buddy out of action. Andrade winning was the right choice, though, to give Andrade a big moment that he’s been needing. At the same time, there has to be more with him and Malakai Black directly, that should be some good stuff. Still not sure what the status of La Faccion Ingobernable is, haven’t seen even Jose the Assistant anywhere lately. But I would personally like LFI VS House of Black for the Trios titles, regardless of who goes over.

Great Six Man Tag, with a great win for BCG that wasn’t actually all that dirty at all. Maybe BCG gets into the Trios Division, too, also set to take on the House of Black at some point. I’d like that, just to see what BCG would come up with for the Open House Rules Dealer’s Choice stipulation. And of course, just an awesome main event for the tag titles. They kinda teased the possibility of MJF & Cole winning, but FTR winning because they pulled a sneaky tactic is a great way for FTR to win and retain without really hurting MJF. And everything after that match, MJF tempted to turn and Cole resigning to that, only for it to go the other way is great story telling. MJF and Cole are sticking together because they still have the world title match that will be an even bigger make-or-break on the team. I’m betting on “break.”

And of course, CM Punk and Ricky Starks have a promo together. Fans were definitely more in favor of Starks over than Punk, and we finally get to what we all knew: Punk had HIS world title in that bag. We plant the seeds for an eventual Undisputed AEW World Champion match, but it starts with Punk tightrope walking the line of Face and Heel as he either defaces or customizes the belt (your choice) to differentiate it from MJF’s Triple B. Punk VS Starks for the “real” world title is still going to be an awesome match, especially with getting Ricky Steamboat to show up and be their ref. That match could go either way as I see it, but it feels more appropriate if Punk is holding onto the “real” title going into the undisputed title match.

My Score: 8.8/10