Collision paves the road to New York with gold!

While the AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator continues, Jon Moxley and Kris Statlander each issue open challenges for their championships!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS Action Andretti; Moxley wins and retains the title.
• AEW TBS Championship Open Challenge: Kris Statlander VS Robyn Renegade w/ Charlette Renegade; Kris wins and retains the title.
• 8 Six Man Tag: Bullet Club Gold VS Gravity, Metalik, Aerostar y Dios Del Inframundo; Bullet Club Gold wins.
• Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Angelico w/ Serpentico; Fenix wins.
• AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament, Semifinals: Roderick Strong w/ The Kingdom VS Darby Allin; Strong wins and advances to the finals.
• AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament, Semifinals: Samoa Joe VS Penta El Zero Miedo w/ Alex Abrahantes; Joe wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

Samoa Joe speaks.

“When you’re hunting the devil, sometimes you gotta pick a fight with a demon. Penta tonight, I’m coming for you.”

Penta El Zero Miedo speaks.

“I’ve been tag team champion. I’ve been trios champion. And at Grand Slam, I become the NEW AEW World Champion. Samoa Joe, welcome to the Cero Miedo Zone!”

Roderick Strong speaks.

He tells The Kingdom that tonight, “The March to Max continues. And Darby Allin, you’re the unfortunate body in my way. Bad neck or not, tonight I break your back.”

Darby Allin speaks.

“Roderick Strong, what do you call yourself? The Messiah of the Backbreaker? Well tonight, it’s your lucky day, because my back is destroyed. But when have I ever been 100%? That does not matter. Whenever a championship opportunity is on the line, I’m gonna leave my body in the ring, and tonight, it’s no different.” All four men are ready for a fight, but who survives the Collision on the way to the finals?

AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS Action Andretti!

The Maniac put out the call for another challenger, and he didn’t have to wait long for a response! Will Moxley put Action away to have his second defense in the books? Or will Action make this one a Sight to See?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Moxley really is ready any time, anywhere!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as Moxley circles with Action. They feel things out, tie up, and Moxley wrenches to a hammerlock. Action switches the hold onto Moxley but Moxley switches it back. Moxley puts Action in a corner, but he lets off slowly, to then CHOP Action down! Action bails out and fans fire up while Moxley paces. Action dusts himself off, Moxley waits on Action, and Action slides in. The two knuckle lock now, and go shoulder to shoulder. Fans rally as Moxley then wrenches and wristlocks. Action rolls, handsprings, wrenches, but Moxley ROCKS Action! Moxley CHOPS Action and follows him to a corner, to CHOP him again!

Moxley whips Action corner to corner, but Action goes up and over to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! But Moxley just eggs him on! Action CHOPS, Moxley BOOTS him down! Action bails out again but Moxley pursues. Moxley headlocks and he brings Action around, to then punch him in the head! Moxley puts Action in the ring, fans fire up, but Action handspring kicks Moxley down! Action then DIVES and sends Moxley into railing! Fans are torn but Action CHOPS Moxley! Moxley goes around the way, Action pursues, but Moxley DECKS him! Moxley HEADBUTTS Action again and again and again, and then again!

Action flounders but Moxley brings him up and into the ring. Moxley climbs, leaps, but Action gets under! Action runs in and ROCKS Moxley! And KICKS! And ROCKS! Action fires forearms, whips, but Moxley reverses. Action ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA! And DROPKICK! Fans boo but Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO! Moxley bails out, hobbles, but Action WRECKS him with a dropkick! Action then ARABIAN PRESS SAULTS! Down goes Moxley and fans are torn again as Action fires up. Moxley pushes Action to CHOP him! Moxley then runs in, but Action sends him into steel steps!

Fans rally while Moxley is down, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Action drags Moxley up, ROCKS him, then puts him in the ring. Action covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Action is annoyed but he stalks Moxley. Action scoops and SLAMS Moxley, covers, TWO! Moxley hobbles but Action storms up to KICK the leg out! Action HIP DROPS Moxley’s leg! And then again! Action drags Moxley out to the apron to SLAM the leg on the edge! Moxley hobbles away but Action pursues again, to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Action pushes Moxley around, has the leg, and turns him over for a HALF CRAB! Moxley endures, fans rally, and Moxley powers out! Action comes back to dropkick the leg again!

Moxley clutches the knee as he sits up and goes to ropes. Action storms up to CHOP! Moxley hobbles, Action KICKS the bad leg! Moxley falls over but Action stays close. Action stands on Moxley’s leg, flexes at him, and lets off to STOMP! Collision returns to single picture as Cleveland rallies for Moxley. Action fires forearms, whips, but Moxley holds ropes. But Action clotheslines Moxley up and out of the ring! Action builds speed to DIVE, but Moxley slides in! Moxley then DIVES onto Action! Fans fire up while both men are down! The ring count starts but Moxley sits up and brings Action around to put in the ring.

Action goes to a corner, Moxley runs in to clothesline! Moxley climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count along and Moxley stops at six to BITE Action! The ref reprimands, Moxley lets off and he whips corner to corner. Action reverses to run in, but Moxley puts him on the apron! Action GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, into a CUTTER!! Fans fire up as Moxley covers, TWO!! Fans fire up more and Moxley feeds off that energy as he drags Action up. X PLEX, but Action lands on his feet! Action ROCKS and CHOPS Moxley, whips him to ropes, but Moxley reverses. Action handsprings, into a SLEEPER!!

Action flails, reaches out, but he’s fading! Moxley lets off to run, into a BOOT! Action runs, but Moxley pops him up, so Action DROPKICKS! Action kips up, fans are torn, and Action runs to SHOOTING- NO, he has to bail out as Moxley moves! Roll up, Action rolls through, SLIDING LARIAT! Action suplexes for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally up and Action goes to a corner. Action climbs up, but Moxley CLUBS Action down! Moxley climbs up to bring Action up, SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Action lands on his feet?! Moxley is shocked but he throws hands, only for Action to throw them back!

Action UPPERCUTS, PELES, and fires up! Action runs, to SHOTGUN Moxley into buckles! But Moxley stands right up to SHOTGUN right back! Fans fire up as Moxley hobbles, runs in, but Action moves! Moxley POSTS himself, Action slingshots and goes up, up and TORNILLO CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Action throws off the wrist tape. Action has the wrists, to steal DRAGON STOMPS! Fans boo but Action keeps going, only for Moxley to pop him around into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!!! Action flails, taps, Moxley wins!

Winner: Jon Moxley, by submission (still AEW International Champion)

Moxley stands to hold up the belt but he still hobbles a bit. Maybe he’s seeing a bit of what Orange Cassidy went through to hold onto this belt. Will Moxley be the worse for wear the longer he wears this title?

Roderick Strong speaks on his friendship with Adam Cole.

“14 years ago, my friendship with Adam started. It started as me mentoring him in the ROH locker room, and moved on to celebrating birthdays together, hang out with each other’s family. Adam was such a fun, caring and loving friend. No matter what I needed, he was there for me. And Adam, you know I was there for you, because I love you. And we’ve always said we’re not just friends, we’re brothers. And to hear you say that about someone else, it just tears me apart. Adam, I need you to realize something: I’ve always been here for you, and I’m still here for you. I’m not the one that’s changed, Adam, you’re the one that’s changed.

“Adam, when I needed you the most, you’ve let me down time and time again. And you know. You know how that makes me feel. You know how being alone makes me feel, you know what it does to me. But it’s fine, Adam. IT’s totally fine. Cuz I’m gonna go on to win the Grand Slam Tournament, then I’m gonna go on to beat Max, and then I’m gonna be the NEW AEW World Champion. But I still won’t be happy. Cuz I just want my friend back.” Will the Savior of the Backbreaker get what he wants here tonight?

AEW TBS Championship Open Challenge: Kris Statlander VS Robyn Renegade w/ Charlette Renegade

The Galaxy’s Greatest wants to keep proving she’s just that, so she is issuing her own Open Challenge! She’s undefeated in 2023, but will this Renegade catch her by surprise?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Mama Kris can put this one to bed!

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally, the two tie up, and Kris waistlocks to SLAM Robyn! Kris facelocks, Robyn fights up, and Robyn wrenches and wristlocks. Robyn talks trash but Kris wrenches through to fireman’s carry! Kris grinds the armlock, but Robyn fights up. Robyn throws a forearm but Kris hits back! Kris whips Robyn to run her over! Fans cheer as Kris flexes. and then things speed up. Kris DROPKICKS Robyn and fans fire up more! Kris whips but Robyn reverses, only for Kris to go up and over and then run in. Robyn dodges to DOUBLE- NO, Kris blocks those knees! Kris carries Robyn but Robyn fights free!

Robyn rushes up but Kris ducks the enziguri! Kris waistlocks to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up again and Kris aims. Kris runs in to UPPERCUT Robyn, then she runs side to side, only for Charlette to trip her up! Robyn then BOOTS Kris down! Robyn CLUBS Kris while fans boo, but Robyn SMACKS Kris off the mat! Cover, TWO! Robyn CHOKES Kris on ropes! The ref counts, Robyn lets off at 4 and fans boo. Charlette CHOKES Kris now! The ref misses it all and Robyn brings Kris around to clamp on a straitjacket stretch! Kris endures, fights up, and powers out but Robyn kicks low! Robyn snarls and she whips Kris to a corner.

Kris rebounds to CLOBBER Robyn! And CLOBBER her again! Robyn blocks a kick and spins Kris but Kris uses that to ROUNDHOUSE! Kris fires up and the fans are with her as she runs to UPPERCUT Robyn in the corner! Kris goes side to side to BOOT WASH! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlette is in the ring but the ref gets her to exit. Charlette talks trash on Kris, Robyn rolls Kris up! TWO!! Kris swings, Robyn gets under, HALF NELSON FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Robyn is beside herself! Charlette says Kris should just stay down, and Robyn runs in. Kris dodges the boot!

Kris Electric Chair Lifts Robyn, to SLAM Robyn down! Charlette gets on the apron, Kris DECKS her for it! Kris drags Robyn up, Robyn switches but Kris goes to ropes and switches at the same time so she can O’Conner Roll, and bridge! KRIS WINS!

Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall (still AEW TBS Champion)

But Charlette CHOP BLOCKS Kris!! The sore loser sisters beat Kris down! Fans boo but here comes JADE CARGILL?! The inaugural TBS Champion is back and fans go wild! The Renegades smile and they set Kris up for her, but Jade DECKS the Renegades! And then she BOOTS Charlette! And she choke grips Robyn to CHOKE SLAM! Fans are thunderous as Jade stands tall over everyone! Jade then offers a hand to Kris, helps her up, but reels her in! Chicken wings for JADED!!

Jade holds up the TBS Championship, and Mark Sterling appears to say Jade is the REAL TBS Champion! Will Jade end Kris’ reign fast and become a historic TWO-TIME TBS Champion? Or will Kris be able to cancel “season two” of #ThatBitchShow?

Backstage interview with The Outcasts.

Renee Paquette is with Ruby Soho and the AEW Women’s World Champion, Saraya, and brings up what Toni Storm had to say. Toni was dismissive, and apparently forgetful about what happened at All Out. Ruby says that’s cute that Toni “forgot,” because Ruby hasn’t forgotten what her “friend” did to cost her the TBS title! Ruby remembers very clearly! Saraya calms Ruby down and says Toni’s “not with it,” she’s gone nuts! That’s no excuse! Saraya says she went by the makeup department earlier, and apparently Toni was using mayonnaise for a face cleanser. She’s lost her mind! So they gotta just smack some sense into her, maybe shove the shoe where the sun don’t shine.

Renee pivots the conversation to Grand Slam and Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Saraya will be defending her title, how is she feeling about that? Saraya feels fantastic. She just wants to say Renee is so much prettier than Lexi Nair. The Outcasts can’t stand Lexi, she’s such a pot stirrer. But anyway, yes, Saraya’s “re-debut” in Arthur Ashe, because that is where she first joined AEW. This time around, Saraya walks in and walks out AEW Women’s World Champion. Saraya & Ruby head out, Renee wishes them luck, will the Outcasts get through this with or without Toni Storm?

Tony Schiavone has a sit-down interview with both Claudio Castagnoli and Eddie Kingston.

With the ROH World Champion to his right and NJPW Strong Openweight Champion to his left, Schiavone thanks them both for their time. This has been an issue that has been a very bitter one both in AEW and ROH. Claudio, what is going on between you two? Weren’t you two once very, very close? Claudio says that’s more a question for Eddie to answer, because honestly, Claudio doesn’t even remember. Eddie says of course, play that card, like he’s better than Eddie or something. This is what Eddie was talking about, with being judgmental and crap that Claudio and even Bryan Danielson pull.

Eddie says Claudio knows what he did: he left the independents without doing business with Eddie, who considered him a friend, and then he goes off to “the Land of Make Believe.” Claudio says sometimes the right choice is not the easy choice. Oh c’mon, don’t give Eddie that! You know what Eddie’s gone through! They lived together, Claudio met Eddie’s parents, so he knows what Eddie went through! Eddie dares Claudio to say something about that. Claudio says he is what Eddie’s parents wish Eddie was like. Eddie says since Claudio’s so confident, then in New York, “embarrass” Eddie again, with Eddie’s family watching, for THE ROH World Championship!

Actually, even better! Eddie will sell some tickets right here! He will put HIS NJPW Strong Openweight Championship on the line! A title that means so much to Eddie, one he would die for. Claudio says okay, but under one condition: Eddie still owes Claudio a handshake and the respect that comes with it. Oh, so Claudio does remember? Because of that one missed handshake 15 years ago! Claudio says that at Arthur Ashe, Eddie will shake Claudio’s hand and tell him he respects him. Because Claudio vows to only lose the ROH title to a better man than him. That has never been Eddie Kingston, and it never will be Eddie Kingston.

Claudio leaves, and Eddie says there you go. Start selling tickets. And so, it will be Winner takes all, with respect on the side! Who walks out of Grand Slam with two titles on their arms?

Six Man Tag: Bullet Club Gold VS Gravity, Aerostar y Dios Del Inframundo!

This was meant to be an 8 Man Tag, but that’s not Jay White, that’s just #Cardblade. Well, wherever the Switchblade is watching this from, will his boys make him proud? Or will this now trio of luchadores use the powers of space, time and the supernatural to bring down the Bang Bang Gang?

Juice helps park “Cardblade” at commentary, and has Kevin Kelley and Nigel McGuinness show off his new award: The perennial Collision Cowboy of the Month! The trios sort out and Gravity starts against Austin Gunn. Fans taunt the “ASS~ BOYS~!” as Austin and Gravity tie up. They go around, Austin puts Gravity against ropes then knees him low! Austin whips, Gravity turns hip toss into a n arm-drag! Gravity kips up, things speed up, Austin trips Gravity then hits a ROLLING CUTTER! Tag to Colten and he drags Gravity up. Gravity CHOPS back! And then rolls Colten up, to ENZIGURI! Gravity tags out to Dios Del Inframundo!

Dios storms in but Colten CLOBBERS him! Colten says that’s the best right hand in the business! Then he hits a SPLASH in the corner! Colten does a little dance, then brings Dios up. But Dios kicks, kicks and KNEES! Dios runs, into a LARIAT! Tag to Juice and he JABS! JABS! JABS! JABS! JABS! JABS! LEFT HAND O’ GOD! Fans fire up and Juice mocks the luchadores, but Andrade El Idolo is watching backstage. He seems upset that the luchadores aren’t doing well right now. Juice suplexes Dios but Dios slips free to SUPERKICK! Tag to Gravity and then he and Aerostar both jump in.

Gravity KICKS Juice, Aero stomps him, fans fire up as these two fire off kicks! Gravity CHOPS, Aero0 CHOPS, and then they DOUBLE DOUBLE CHOP! Or, quadruple. They double whip, but Austin saves Juice! Colten slides in to CLOBBER them from behind! Juice rains down fists on Gravity then tells the ref to back off. Rock Hard Juice puts Gravity in the corner, the fans taunt the “ASS~ BOYS~!” more and Collision goes to break.

Juice stomps away on Gravity, the ref counts and Juice lets off, then tags to Austin. Austin stomps away on Gravity now, but lets off to soak up heat from the fans. Austin CHOKES Gravity, lets off as the ref reprimands, and Austin tags in Colten. The Gunns keep Gravity from his corner, and Colten suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Colten keeps Gravity from his corner, bumps him off buckles, then stomps away! Colten then DECKS Gravity with a haymaker! Colten drags Gravity up, tags Juice, and Colten scoops Gravity to SLAM him! Juice hits a SENTON! Juice grins and he brings Gravity around, but Gravity throws hands as Collision goes to break!

Collision returns and Juice has Gravity down in a chinlock. Gravity endures, fans rally, and Gravity fights up to his feet. Gravity throws elbows, then jumps to hit a BIG JAWBREAKER! Hot tag to Colten, tag to Austin, and the Gunns intercept Gravity! They whip him away, Austin runs in, but Gravity BOOTS him down! Gravity dodges Colten, hot tag to Aerostar! Aero goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Aero dodges Colten, runs him over, then dodges Juice to DROPKICK him down! Fans fire up as Aero goes up, springboards and somersaults, to STUNNER! Cover, TWO! Tag to Dios and he brings Austin up to whip.

Austin whips Dios and hits a QUICK DRAW! Austin taunts Dios, but Aero runs in. Austin sends him away, Colten gets him for a FULL NELSON SLAM! Gravity CHOPS Austin, CHOPS Colten, repeat! Gravity fires up, runs, but into the 3:10 TO YUMA!! Tag to Juice and the Gunns set Dios up. They feed him to the LEG LARIAT! Juice then gets Dios up, JUICE IS LOOSE!! Cover, BCG wins!

Winners: Bullet Club Gold, by pinfall

Andrade is watching, a bit torn on this. But while BCG heads after FTR, again, will El Idolo have plans of his own in the works?

CJ Perry speaks.

“I was the first casualty on your righteous road. You left me! You said you weren’t going to return until you got gold. Miro, when you lost the TNT Championship, you lost yourself. Last week at All Out, all I wanted to do was surprise you and prove I have your back in helping you become champion again. God, you are so stubborn. Not the good stubborn, the bad stubborn. The more I think of it, you have forsaken your God, your gold, and your hot, flexible wife. Oh, Miro. Do you really wanna go down this path? I respect that. But I’m gonna have to go down mine. I’m torn. I’m so torn. I am so torn!

“I sat on the sidelines for two YEARS, tearing myself down, breaking myself apart, and asking myself, ‘Do I have what it takes?’ And every fiber of my being is YELLING that. Don’t leave ’til you find out. Once was the coldest manager in all of wrestling, and I think wanna do it again.” Will Miro’s wife get through to him one way or another?

AEW presents a special message.

“Is this really what it’s all about? Trading in your hard-earned money to wear a catchphrase or someone else’s face? Don’t you wish you could support something with meaning? With purpose?” The Dark Order steps in! John Silver says your support means something to them. Alex Reynolds says you mean something to them. Evil Uno asks, “You wouldn’t want to be supporting the bad guys now, would you?” Be good, like them. They’re waiting for you to #JoinDarkOrder.

The Acclaimed speaks.

Billy Gunn welcomes us and says they are here to let us know they’ve been Trios Champions for THIRTEEN DAYS! And they’re here on Collision to announce the start of their world tour. It technically began in London where they won these titles. But then they went to Chicago to unveil these new belts. And they also had two successful title defends and hung out with Dennis Rodmen! That makes them really cool! The Acclaimed World Tour is heading to New York, where Arthur Ashe becomes the House of Ass, and they return to the building where The Acclaimed became AEW World Tag Team Champions for the first time.

Now they return as AEW World Trios Champions, ready to bring the biggest scissor party to a city near you! Not only will they go to New York City, they’ll go to North Carolina, to Oklahoma, to North Dakota, to Washington DC to take over the wrestling world! Now scissor me, Daddy Ass~!

Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Angelico w/ Serpentico!

The Immortal Firebird rises from the ashes and is back in action two weeks after the Blackpool Combat Club tried to tear him down! But before he can get revenge on the BCC, will he bring down the South African Stud?

The bell rings, the two circle, and fans rally up for Fenix. Fenix and Angelico tie up, break, then Fenix SOBATS! Fenix whips, Angelico reverses but Fenix tiger feints. Angelico ducks the kick, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fenix builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up! Serpentico checks Angelico but then he taunts Fenix. Fenix shoves SNAKEMAN away, but Angelico CLUBS Fenix! Angelico knees low, whips Fenix at the ring, but Fenix goes up to FLYING CHUCK! Fans fire up and Fenix puts Angelico in the ring. Fenix springboards in, Angelico gets under but Fenix CHOPS him!

Fenix knuckle locks, CHOPS again, then he goes up and up and tightrope walks, but Angelico trips him up and brings him down! Angelico cording holds, but Fenix fights it. Angelico grabs the other arm to twist it! Fenix knees low but Angelico wrenches to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fans boo but Angelico stomps Fenix down! Fans rally, Angelico does his dance, and Angelico isolates an arm. Fenix resists, he KICKS Angelico, but Angelico hooks the arms to trap them in his legs! Angelico twists Fenix’s head but Fenix kicks! Fenix is free, kips up, and he RAMS into Angelico! Fenix goes to a corner, Angelico runs in but only gets buckles!

Fenix ENZIGURIS, then he pushes Angelico down to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! And DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix goes back up to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Angelico survives but Fenix brings Angelico up. SUPERKICK! Angelico goes to a corner, and Fenix snapmares him down to BUZZSAW! Fenix brings Angelico up but Angelico slips around to waistlock. Fenix switches, Angelico elbows free but Fenix shoves him. Angelico goes up and over and hooks Fenix, rolling Russian Leg Sweep, and then a ghost pin! TWO!! Fenix escapes and Angelico argues the count. Fans rally and Angelico keeps on Fenix.

Angelico winds up to DECK Fenix! Fenix kips up to SUPERKICK! Angelico falls, Fenix goes up! Serpentico distracts but gets a tightrope PENALTY KICK for it! Fenix then aims at Angelico, and he somersaults and STUNNERS! Cover, TWO!? Fenix hurries to fireman’s carry Angelico, BLACK FIRE DRIVER!! Cover, Fenix wins!

Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall

Fenix is back and he is back on the winning track! Will Moxley have to watch his back with Fenix hunting for a title shot?

Backstage interview with FTR.

Schiavone is with Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler and says they’ve faced all comers to still be AEW World Tag Team Champions. Cash wants to run that list down: The Briscoe trilogy; The Gunns; Jarrett & Lethal; Jay White & Juice Robinson in a 58 minute classic; and arguably their biggest match, them and the Young Bucks at All In London! So now the question is, who is next? Dax says along with that, he doesn’t feel FTR likes being off Collision. This week, they need to be in the main event as the best tag team in the world, but to be the best of all time, they need more contenders.

That is why Dax is putting forward the “FTR World Tag Team Challenge.” Starting next week, any young tag team that wants to step up and prove their worth to FTR and AEW, here you go. The titles will even be on the line! Good stuff, right? Schiavone got a partner? No, not against FTR. Who will step up to this huge title open challenge put forward by the Top Guys?

AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament, Semifinals: Roderick Strong w/ The Kingdom VS Darby Allin!

We’ve heard the lament of the #NeckStrong Savior of the Backbreaker, but now he goes head to head with a man who doesn’t care what’s hurting, so long as he’s breathing. BUT WAIT! As Darby makes his entrance, Luchasaurus grabs him by the neck and THROWS him into the garage door! And then torture racks to bend that damaged back! Christian Cage walks over and asks what’s up. Darby grabs at Christian but Christian grabs the arm first. Next time Darby tries that, Christian will bite a finger off. Christian tells Darby to listen. Darby probably got in on this tournament because he realized he’s never gonna win Christian’s TNT Championship!

Christian has news for Darby: will Darby not only never be TNT Champion again, he’s not gonna be any champion ever again, period! Not as long as Christian is in AEW. Understand? Now, finish him! Luchasaurus lets Darby down to then scoop him, and LAWN DART him into the garage door! Darby falls in a heap, did Roddy just advance by default!? A ref and some staff check Darby, but Darby’s still getting up on his own. Roddy & The Kingdom already celebrate, fans boo, but wait! Darby hobbles his way out on stage! Nick Wayne walks with Darby, telling him that this is what Christian wants. He wants Darby to lose, but they won’t give him the satisfaction!

Darby throws his jacket off, Nick gets the fans going, and Darby hobbles his way down to the ring! Roddy doesn’t care, he just feels he has this in the bag. Roddy STOMPS away on Darby the second he’s in the ring! The bell rings, Roddy stomps Darby more, then talks trash on him. Roddy YANKS Darby up into a BACKBREAKER! Darby writhes, Roddy stands him up and CHOPS him! Roddy makes everyone look at Darby in pain, and then he CHOPS Darby again! Darby falls over but Roddy hauls Darby up. Darby fires off haymakers from all sides! Darby runs, Roddy reels him in, but Darby turns back suplex into sunset flip! TWO!

Roddy and Darby stand, Roddy runs in but Darby dumps him out! Darby DIVES! Direct hit into railing and fans are thunderous as Collision goes picture in picture!

Roddy writhes, the ref checks him because of his neck and he checks Darby. Darby is already up, The Kingdom is upset, and Darby stands Roddy up to RAM him into railing! Darby runs up again to put Roddy in the ring, and then Darby CLOBBERS Roddy! Darby fires fast hands, Roddy pushes him away and catches him for a GUTBUSTER! Darby flounders to a corner but Roddy pushes him to ropes. Roddy JUMP STOMPS, then he drags Darby up. BACKBREAKER! Darby writhes and Roddy mocks the fans rallying. Darby crawls to a corner but Roddy JUMP STOMPS him again! And then stands on Darby’s back!

The ref counts, Roddy lets off and Nick coaches Darby up. Roddy drags Darby up, CHOPS him, and Darby staggers before he falls over. Roddy paces around Darby, kicks him in the side, then stands Darby up to CHOP him back down! Roddy talks trash, but Darby kicks back from below! Roddy stomps Darby, hauls him up and hits another BACKBREAKER! Roddy flexes and paces around, then he YANKS Darby up into a fireman’s carry, for a GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Darby survives by a literal foot but Roddy storms out after him. Roddy drags Darby up and Collision returns to single picture.

Darby trips Roddy up! Roddy hobbles, Darby POSTS him! Fans fire up as Darby CLOBBERS Roddy by the railing! Darby CLUBS away on Roddy, fires off hands, and then runs in again! Roddy clinches to POST Darby in return! Roddy holds Darby up to then TOSS him into railing! Darby falls in a heap again and The Kingdom keep that neck loose. Roddy drags Darby up again, puts him in the ring, and fans chant “ADAM LEFT YOU!” Roddy tells them to shut up, and he stalks Darby. Roddy stomps away on Darby, tells the fans off, then he runs up on Darby. Darby kicks the legs out and Roddy ends up on ropes!

Darby skins the cat to have a GUILLOTINE in the ropes! Roddy flails and the ref counts, but Darby lets go at 4. Darby slides in, O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! Roddy escapes but Darby runs back in, into a half nelson! But Darby swings around to ghost pin! TWO!! Darby hops on, CODE RED! Cover, TWO!! Darby holds on, he uses the same inverted motorcycle stretch he used on Nick! But Roddy powers through to STF!! Darby endures being bent back, fights his way forward, and reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Strong lets go at 4, and fans fire up! Roddy drags Darby up, CHOPS him to the corner, then follows him to another corner.

Roddy puts Darby up top, climbs up after him, but fans taunt Roddy more. Darby fights the superplex and he CLUBS Roddy on the back! Fans fire up as Darby CLAWS Roddy’s back! Darby shoves Roddy down and fans are thunderous as Darby adjusts! But Roddy SHOVES Darby onto the post! Roddy then climbs up to bring Darby back up, but Darby holds onto the buckle! Darby throws elbows, but Roddy CLUBS away on Darby’s back! Roddy then tries again, half nelson, TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER!!! Fans lose their minds as Darby falls to the apron and then the floor! Nick checks Darby but The Kingdom says that’s it! It’s over!

Roddy drags Darby up, puts him in the ring, and Collision goes back to picture in picture.

Roddy covers, TWO!! Roddy is beside himself, but Darby is somehow still in this! Roddy says this is on Nick for helping Darby out here, and Roddy gets the legs. BOSTON CRAB! Darby endures being bent back, and he SLAPS himself to fire back up! Darby reaches out but Roddy sits deep on the hold! Darby still powers his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Roddy lets off at 4, and he drags Darby back up. Darby holds ropes so Roddy STOMPS him down! Roddy tells the fans off, even as they continue to chant at him. Roddy drags Darby up to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP and CHOP!

Darby flops over and Roddy tells the fans off one more time. Roddy pushes Darby around, eggs him on, and Collision goes to break.

Collision returns and Roddy has Darby on the apron. Roddy fireman’s carries, but Darby fights with elbows! Darby shifts to THROWBACK STUNNER! Roddy falls to the floor but Darby still clutches his own back. Darby goes up the corner?! SUPER COFFIN SPLASH!!! Direct hit and both men are down at the ramp! Nick coaches Darby, but The Kingdom creeps up on him. But AR Fox is here! Nick asks what Fox is doing here but Fox says he’s got their back! He’s Team Darby now! Nick still hasn’t forgiven Fox, but Darby puts Roddy in. Roddy runs in, but into BOOTS! Darby runs, but into a SICK KICK!!

Roddy hauls Darby up, END OF- NO, Darby slips free to SCORPION DEATH DROP!! Fox and Nick both coach Darby up now, The Kingdom coaches Roddy, and fans rally up. Darby crawls towards a corner, but Taven gets on the apron! Nick YANKS him down, sets him up for Fox, and Fox goes up the corner to MOONSAULT, but Mike shoves Nick in the way!! Fox takes Nick out by accident but Darby still COFFIN DROPS, but onto Roddy’s knees!! END OF HEARTACHE!! Cover, RODDY WINS!

Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

The Kingdom come through as insurance and they put the neck brace back on Roddy. Roddy is now heading to Dynamite’s finals, but who will it be he faces? Meanwhile,  Nick and Fox get in the ring to check Darby, but Nick shoves Fox! Nick asks what the hell, and Fox defends it was an accident. Nick doesn’t wanna hear it, but the ref keeps these two from fighting it out. What is Darby to do with friends fighting and enemies all around?

“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs speaks.

“Every man has his limit. I took the Redeemer to the limit. I proved I pray to no man, but I look to this book for guidance. Last Sunday, we saw who stood tall. We saw who the real winner was. But this book, this chapter is still unwritten. And everyone will fall to the Book of Hobbs.”

Backstage interview with Keith Lee.

Lexi Nair is with the Limitless One and says Keith has had plenty of success in the AEW Tag Division. He’s even a former tag team champion. But from the sound of it, he wants to do things solo? Yes, as he proved with his first match on Collision not too long ago. However, there are certain individuals that are avoiding him anyway, so if he has to get this done, he’s here with the… Colliders? Now that Keith is here, understand that Keith IS The Collision! He is the one! So his advice to you: run. Will the Limitless One soon have All Elite Wrestling in his hands?

The Righteous speak.

Vincent snaps his fingers and says, “Hello, AEW.” Dutch says, “Here we are! Ol’ Dutch ‘n’ Vincent. And now, Mr. Grayson.” Dutch says we’ve all got the power in our hands to hurt. But there are those too afraid to use it. Those who are not afraid control life itself. Stu says take what you need for the pain, but Vincent says this is brand new. If anyone wants to do something about it, then come on then! If not, just get off the road. You dig what he’s saying, man?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

And he welcomes the man with a big win last Sunday at All Out, it’s the American Dragon, Bryan Danielson! Fans fire up as Bryan makes his way to the ring, all patched up from that brutal Strap Match with Ricky Starks. Schiavone says Bryan won and put Starks completely out. So the question is, what is next? Bryan says, “What’s next? So, I told my daughter that once she turns seven, I would start finishing up on my career.” Fans are disappointed, but Bryan says his daughter is six. He keeps his promises, especially to those he loves. So guess what? Time is running out. Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!”

But Bryan says with all that said, he will NOT go gently into that good night! If you think he will, then you don’t know who the hell he is! Bryan is Odysseus and he is gonna fight that cyclops! You’ll have to tie him to the mast to resist the siren song, and then he will kick EVERYBODY’S head in! Fans fire up for that! Because if this is Bryan’s last year, then this will be Bryan’s greatest year ever! Fans love the sound of that! And guess what? Bryan is calling his shots! Right now, his next shot is… October 1st! Seattle, Washington! AEW WrestleDream! And he wants to fight the guy who calls himself the best technical wrestler in the world: ZACK SABRE JR!!

Fans fire up even more, but wait! Ricky Starks walks out, Big Bill by his side. The fans boo but Starks says he had the same reaction when he arrived in Ohio. So it is fitting that Bryan is on Collision while Starks is stuck in catering again. This is what he was talking about! The attention always falls on the other person. It’s why he whooped Steamboat in the first place! To get some attention around here! And after Sunday, he thinks he has everyone’s attention! He put everyone on notice! Starks says after Sunday, he immortalized himself as THE MAN, THE FACE of Collision, as THE PERSON who will do things that Bryan couldn’t have done in his entire career!

Starks talked a lot about how he was given bread crumbs and he wanted a full course meal. He realized that when Bryan did NOT tap Starks out, when Starks woke up in a crimson mask and looked at the blood wash off and go down the drain, Starks realized that he went from hungry to being greedy. Starks will take, take, take, and take, because it is in his nature and it is what he does! Bryan tells Starks that he wishes Starks would’ve been patient. Because Bryan wasn’t done yet. Bryan was in there, he saw what Starks did, he saw what is in Starks! And y’know what? Bryan approves.

Bryan knows the BCC says that if you wanna be with ’em, you gotta bleed with ’em. Bryan has a shirt ready, but Big Bill DECKS him first!! Starks is a little surprised, and he gets Bill off Bryan! Then Starks fires off on Bryan! Bill grins and Starks rains down shots, but here comes the BCC! Moxley jumps on Bill’s back! Fans fire up but Bill TOSSES Moxley and BOOTS him down! Bill beats up on Mox, Starks keeps on Bryan, and CHOKES him with that BCC shirt! Fans boo as Starks makes Bryan pass out! “YOU STILL SUCK! YOU STILL SUCK!” Starks doesn’t care what anyone says, he just strikes his pose!

The Absolute then mocks the old “YES! YES! YES!” stuff, then he and Bill take their leave. Will they regret rejecting and angering two stone cold killers?

BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!

After that encounter between Starks & Bill with Bryan & Moxley, Moxley is putting his International Championship up against Big Bill! Will Moxley tear down the giant and humble him?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Collision!

The open challenge was issued by FTR, and there’s already an answer! Beefy ‘n’ bulky, jacked ‘n’ juicy, The Iron Savages want a taste of gold! Will Bronson & Boulder bring down the Top Guys? Or will Dax & Cash manage to bring down their physically biggest opponents yet?

Backstage interview with Big Bill.

As we just heard, Bill gets a title shot for Jon Moxley’s International Champion! “Oh, Jon Moxley~! He’s the toughest guy we’ve got.” Bill rolls his eyes and says that he just went out there and beat Moxley’s ass! So Wednesday night, in Moxley’s hometown of Cincinnati, Bill is gonna beat Moxley’s ass again to become the NEW International Champion. But then The Lucha Brothers walk over and Fenix tells Bill to relax. Moxley is Fenix’s to break. Just because Bill is big doesn’t mean he skips the line. Fenix has a score to settle, HE will be the next champion. Okay, back of the line. Worry about your brother since he’s gonna get manhandled by Samoa Joe.

Abrahantes says that is true. They have bigger things to deal with. But will Bill be right about his title match with Moxley? Or will Moxley make it past the human skyscraper to take on the firebird?

AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament, Semifinals: Samoa Joe VS Penta El Zero Miedo w/ Alex Abrahantes!

We know Roderick Strong is waiting, but given the history between them, will he want the King of Wrestling Television to meet him on Wednesday? Or will neither be given the choice when Penta unleashes the power of Cero Miedo?

The bell rings and fans fire up as Penta circles with Joe. The two tie up, Joe shoves Penta away, but Penta comes right back to get in Joe’s face. Penta shoves Joe, Joe shoves Penta, so Penta says, “Listen. CERO! MIEDO!” Penta pie faces Joe, Joe HEADBUTTS Penta! Joe runs, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta says it again “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs but Joe runs him over! Joe stalks Penta, brings him up and CHPOS him to a corner! The Kingdom and Roddy are watching backstage as Joe DECKS Penta! Joe JABS, JABS and JABS! Joe CLUBS Penta down, fans rally up, and Joe brings Penta up. Joe whips but Penta KICKS back!

Penta runs to DROPKICK! Joe tumbles out of the ring and fans rally up with Penta. Penta builds speed to slide, but Joe moves! Joe thinks he got away with something but he turns around and Penta hits a SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up with Penta and he goes back for Joe. Penta KICKS Joe in the leg, follows him around the way to CHOP, but Joe CHOPS back! They CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Joe HEADBUTTS again, refreshes the ring count, then whips Penta into railing! Penta goes down in a heap and Joe soaks up cheers and jeers. Joe drags Penta up, brings him around, and POSTS him! Then CHPOS him!

Penta turns things around to COHP Joe! Joe turns it around to CHOP again! Penta turns things around to CHOP again! Joe pokes Penta in the eye! Joe refreshes the count again, but Penta KICKS the leg! Penta whips Joe into railing! Fans fire up, Penta and Abrahantes bring out a TABLE! Fans fire up and Collision goes picture in picture.

The table is propped up against the railing, then Penta CHOPS Joe! Joe staggers, but he CLAWS Penta’s eyes! Joe puts Penta in the ring, slides in after him, and drags Penta up to HEADBUTT! Penta ends up in a corner and Joe fires off JABS! Joe CLUBS Penta down, then digs his boot in! The ref reprimands and counts but Joe lets off at 4. Joe drags Penta up and throws him out. Penta hobbles up at the ramp, Joe storms up and CLUBS him! Joe whips Penta into the steel steps! Penta slumps down, Joe brings him around and CLAWS at the mask! The ref reprimands and counts, Joe lets off and he looms mover Penta.

Penta kicks from below but Joe stomps him! Joe drags Penta up to put him in the ring, then he covers, TWO! Penta is still in this and Joe is annoyed. Joe KNEES Penta, KICKS him, and KICKS again! Joe DECKS Penta with a forearm, and Collision returns to single picture. Fans rally and duel, “CERO! MIEDO!” “LET’S GO, JOE!” Joe ROCKS Penta, ROCKS him again, but Penta turns it around to GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI! Joe falls, Penta goes up, and fans join in saying “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta leaps but Joe moves to avoid the diving stomps! Joe then runs in to CLOBBER Penta! Cover, TWO!

Joe clamps onto Penta with a neck wrench! Penta endures as Joe twists his head! Fans rally up, Penta fights up, and Penta throws elbows! Penta is free, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Penta whips, Joe reverses but Penta goes up and over, only for Joe to catch him! SNAKE EYES! Penta slumps down in the corner, but Joe snapmares him to a motorcycle stretch! Penta endures the knee in his back, fans rally up, and The Kingdom continues to watch. Joe pulls back on the arms but fans rally harder! Penta fights up, but Joe HEADBUTTS! Joe snapmares Penta to CHOP him in the back! Then PENALTY KICK! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Joe is annoyed but he clamps back onto Penta. Penta fights up to throw body shots, but Joe HEADBUTTS! Joe whips Penta to a corner, runs in and back elbows to then PELE! Joe revels in the cheers and jeers, and he watches Penta stir. Joe paces around, then he drags Penta up. Joe hoists Penta up, tucks him in, but Penta fires shots! Penta ROCKS Joe, jumps and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up as Penta KICKS, whips, but Joe reverses. Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up again and Penta brings Joe up. Penta reels Joe in, but Joe wrenches out to kick low!

Joe whips, runs in but into a SUPERKICK! Penta runs but into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Penta survives and Joe grows frustrated. Fans rally and Joe reels Penta in but Penta wrenches out to ENZIGURI! Penta clotheslines in the corner, GAMANGIRIS, then trips Joe to run and SUPERKICK! Fans fire up and Penta covers, TWO!! Joe is still in this but Penta keeps his cool. Penta waits on Joe to rise, and he ROUNDHOUSES! Then snapmare, to run and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Joe is still in this but Penta wants that arm! Penta CLUBS away on Joe’s sides, hooks one arm up and pulls the other, but Joe powers out!!

Joe hits an atomic drop, then runs to BOOT Penta down! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta is still in this but Joe keeps his focus. Joe HEADBUTTS, runs, but Penta dodges! Joe tumbles out of the ring, Penta builds speed and Penta again fakes Joe out! Penta SUPERKICKS from the apron! Joe wobbles, Penta slingshots and runs, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Joe! Fans fire up again and Penta hurries back into the ring. Fans fire up, Penta builds speed again, to FLY! But Joe moves and this time, it wasn’t a fake out! Penta CRASHES THROUGH THE TABLE!!! Fans lose their minds and Joe drags Penta from the wreckage.

Joe puts Penta in, covers, TWO!!! Penta survives his own mistake and Joe cannot believe it! Joe stands Penta up to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Joe runs, Penta catches him, tucks him in, but Joe pops out to get the COQUINA CLUTCH!!! Penta flails, but he’s caught! Penta taps, Joe wins!!

Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission (advances to the finals)

And so the match is set! Roddy VS Joe! Joe hurt Roddy’s neck and sent him on this path, will Joe break what is left of Roddy to then go after MJF? Or will the Savior of the Backbreaker settle one score before settling another?

My Thoughts:

A great Collision here, but it just felt a bit talky this time, and not all of it was even really needed. That vignette for The Righteous was literally the same one from the August 18th Rampage. Instead of letting us know The Righteous is coming to AEW, have them show up. But we still got good promos, like Saraya & Soho coming to terms with Storm losing her marbles, CJ Perry and Will Hobbs each having their own thing to say about the match with Miro on Sunday, and the sit-down interview with Claudio and Eddie. I love that we’re getting Winner Takes All between Claudio and Eddie, and that match could go either way. And I just hope CJ isn’t going to be Hobbs’ manager, too many parallels back to the Rusev-Lana-Lashley story in WWE…

Great action with the midcard titles on the line again. Moxley of course beats Action, and I like we’re getting some story blending with him, Bryan, Starks, Bill, and so on. Moxley VS Bill will be good stuff, and I would think Moxley wins so he can have this feud with Fenix. Bryan letting us all know he has no more than a year left in his wrestling career was a great promo, and great to see that after it didn’t happen for Forbidden Door either year, WrestleDream is going to give us the dream match of Bryan VS ZSJ. I also like that Bryan was actually considering of expanding BCC to add Starks, but of course Starks turns him down. Starks wants to be his own man, not one in a crowd. Bryan VS Starks round 2 can be a big part of like Full Gear, or even sooner as part of a build to WrestleDream.

Kris VS Robyn Renegade was alright, though I don’t know why they kept the opponent a secret when it’s only Robyn Renegade. Or is it really more they had absolutely no idea who was facing Kris until now? But either way, Kris was still going to win, and I suppose Jade Cargill was still going to make her way back to AEW. For Kris’ sake, I hope she retains against Jade. Jade’s great at character work and good enough in the ring for being She-Hulk in real-life, but I just don’t think the TBS Championship needs another reign of terror from Jade. Maybe Jade will start poking around the top title after we get past the Outcasts’ story.

Great Six Man Tag, though they didn’t acknowledge this was downgraded from an 8 Man, so I hope Jay White and/or Metalik are both okay. That said, great match, but of course the Bang Bang Gang wins out since they’re on a roll. And while BCG won against FTR, they might be aiming for Trios titles eventually. Good promos from Acclaimed and Dark Order, I hope we also get that as a trios championship feud since they made a point of having an Acclaimed necklace as the merchandise they focused on.

Great stuff out of the contender’s tournament, too, with Christian & Luchasaurus of course being part of why Darby didn’t win tonight. But at the same time, they did a good job in playing up the tension between Nick and Fox. And just as I said last night on Rampage, I just felt Joe VS Strong was going to be the finals. There is history there between them, as well as each part of the Better Than You Baybay brochachos. One way or another, Cole is going to get involved because Roddy basically won’t give him a choice. AEW can’t go wrong with who wins the finals, but I feel like if they want to keep the story with MJF and Cole going, they can give us MJF VS Joe for the world title, then Cole VS Roddy separately in a grudge match of sorts.

My Score: 8.8/10