There can only be ONE #1 contender!

MJF will defend his AEW World Championship next week at Dynamite: Grand Slam, but will it be against Samoa Joe or Roderick Strong? We find out tonight!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Big Bill” Morrissey w/ Ricky Starks; Moxley wins and retains the title.
• AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Hikaru Shida VS Britt Baker VS Nyla Rose VS Toni Storm; Storm wins and will challenge Saraya for the title at AEW Grand Slam.
• Hangman Page VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana; Hangman wins.
• Darby Allin & Nick Wayne VS Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker; Darby & Nick win.
• AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament Finals: Roderick Strong w/ The Kingdom VS Samoa Joe; Joe wins and will challenge MJF for the title at AEW Grand Slam.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS “Big Bill” Morrissey w/ Ricky Starks!

The Maniac came to The American Dragon’s rescue on Collision, only to get thrown around by the towering man coming for his title! Will Cincinnati’s own break Big Bill for what he did to Bryan Danielson? Or will we already have another NEW International Champion?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Absolute’s client strikes gold!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Moxley. Moxley and Bill circle, Mox KICKS at a leg then fires forearms! Moxley has Bill in a corner but Bill shoves him away first. Bill ROCKS Mox, but Mox flips him off! Mox fires forearms back and fans fire up! Bill shoves Mox and UPPERCUTS! Moxley staggers and falls back, and Bill rains down fists! Fans boo but Bill lets off to soak up the heat. Bill storms back to Moxley and brings him around to CLUB him down! Bill scuffs Moxley to a corner, then stands him up. Bill CHOPS Moxley and Moxley staggers away. Bill storms up to CHOP Moxley again!

Fans rally for Moxley as he snarls, but Bill waits. Moxley CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Moxley runs, but Bill scoops him! Bill grins as he FALL AWAY SLAMS Moxley across the way! Fans boo but Starks is loving this as Bill SPLASHES Moxley in the corner! Bill keeps moving but Moxley ELBOWS him away! And LARIATS! Bill stays up so Moxley LARIATS again! Bill is still up, and he KNEES Moxley low! Bill runs now to BOOT Moxley out of the ring! Fans boo but Bill just soaks it up. The ref is distracted with Bill and Starks stomps Moxley! Fans boo more but Bill goes out to fetch Moxley.

Bill stalks Moxley around the way, fans rally up, but Bill CLUBS Moxley down! Moxley takes a seat and Bill fires off haymakers! Moxley staggers away, but Bill is on him again to ROCK him with another right! Bill whips, Moxley reverses, and Bill is sent into steel steps! Starks is upset, but Moxley flips him off! Moxley goes after Bill, drags him up with a headlock, and brings him around to punch! But Bill TOSSES Moxley over the timekeeper table! Fans boo but Bill and Starks soak it up as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Moxley is down, having taken the table with him. Starks and Bill high-ten, and then Bill goes back to fetch Moxley. Bill moves the table aside, ROCKS Moxley again, then stalks Moxley. Bill BOOTS Moxley into more railing! Fans rally as Moxley is slumped over, but Bill punches at Moxley’s bloody forehead! Moxley staggers into the ring but Bill pursues. Bill stalks Moxley as he’s punch drunk, and just ROCKS him again! Moxley falls against Bill, Bill soaks up the heat while his pants soak up some Moxley blood. Bill throws hands, but Moxley eggs him on! So Bill scoops and SLAMS Moxley down! Then he drops a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO!

Bill looms over Moxley as he reaches out for ropes, and Bill gets a taste of Moxley’s blood, literally! Bill swaggers like Jagger and then SLAPS Moxley! Moxley CHOPS back! Bill CHOPS and Moxley falls! Bill stands on Moxley’s neck! The ref counts, Bill talks trash but he steps away at 4. Moxley stands but Bill scoops to SLAM him again! Bill pumps up and runs, but Moxley avoids the elbow drop! Moxley hurries to RAM Bill into a corner, and he hoists Bill up top! Moxley CHOPS, then climbs, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Fans rally up as Moxley fires hands, and CLAWS Big Bill’s big back! Moxley reels Bill in, to SUPERPLEX!

Both men are down and fans are loving this! Starks, not so much. A standing count starts, Bill and Moxley stir, and fans rally behind Moxley. Moxley stands at 5 of 10 with his crimson mask growing! Moxley runs in, but into a BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives and Bill grows frustrated. Bill DECKS Moxley, then BOOTS him! Moxley sits up, so Bill BOOTS him again! Fans rally as Moxley sits up again! Moxley eggs Bill on more but Bill BOOTS him again! Moxley rises to his feet no! Moxley and Bill are forehead to forehead, then go forearm for forearm! Fans rally behind Moxley as he gets the edge!

Bill UPPERCUTS, runs, but Moxley blocks the boot, to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Bill survives but Moxley has him for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!! The Blackpool Combat Club favorite ragdolls Bill, and Moxley wraps on a SLEEPER! Starks shouts for Bill to get up, and Bill rises to his feet! Moxley hops on as a backpack! But Bill RAMS Moxley into buckles! Bill staggers away, catches his breath and returns, into a CUTTER!! Fans are thunderous as Bill bails out and flops against railing! Moxley sees that, and he goes up top, only for STARKS to shove Moxley down! The ref wonders what happened but fans boo!

Bill runs in, and he BOOTS Moxley down! Cover, TWO!!! Moxley survives and here comes BRYAN! Bryan CLOBBERS Starks and brawls with the Absolute! Bryan DECKS Starks, DECKS him again, and just keeps firing hands! Fans are thunderous and Bill is distracted, ROLL-UP! TWO!! Bill escapes, Starks whips Bryan into steel steps! Bill runs in but into a BOOT from Moxley! Moxley goes up, and he leaps, into a choke grip! SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Moxley survives and Cincinnati is electric! Bill rains down fists in frustration but fans rally as hard as they can for Moxley!

Bill flips the fans off with bloody fingers, then he mocks Moxley before he choke grips! But Moxley TRIANGLE HOLDS!! Bill fights to his feet, Starks is there but Bryan keeps him out of the ring! Bill still deadlifts Moxley, but Moxley squeezes harder!! Moxley drags Bill down, Starks says don’t, but Bill taps! Moxley wins!!

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

Starks is furious and he fires off on Bryan with fists! And Bill CLOBBERS Moxley! Fans boo and Starks gets in, to use a SHOE as a weapon! Bryan runs in to CLOBBER Starks! Bill CLUBS Bryan, CLAUDIO runs out! The Swiss Superman dodges Bill to then fireman’s carry!! Bill slips free to the apron and choke grips, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! The BCC regroups but Starks has Bill fall back. Starks is absolutely seething, but it’s not like the BCC is in a good mood, either! Will they settle things down the line? What about Moxley facing Rey Fenix next week at Grand Slam for the title? Will Moxley make it past the Immortal Firebird? Or will he burn for his past transgressions?

Backstage interview with Roderick Strong & The Kingdom.

Renee Paquette is with the Savior of the Backbreaker, as well as Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, and says tonight is the finals, Strong VS Joe, the winner moving on to next week’s Dynamite: Grand Slam to face MJF for the AEW World Championship. And the last time Strong faced Joe, Joe nearly put Strong on the shelf. Strong points out the keyword, “nearly.” But before Strong can say more, Adam Cole walks in! Adam wants Roddy to listen. This is a horrible, horrible idea. After what happened last time, Joe could break Strong’s neck! Oh, look, guys! NOW Adam cares about Roddy! Amazing.

But Roddy says The Kingdom believes in him, and the only person Adam seems to believe in is Max. But this time, Adam should be more worried about Max, because after Strong breaks Joe, Strong will break MJF’s back and become the NEW AEW World Champion! Because Roddy is a wrestling LEGEND! Let’s go, boys. Roddy leads his new friends away, but will Taven & Bennett be there to pick up the pieces after tonight?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

And he tells everyone that it is time for the “unveiling of a masterpiece,” and a celebration, too, apparently. So please welcome to the ring… Schiavone has to hold back a gag reflex… Don Callis. Fans boo as Dastardly Don and his “new son,” Konosuke Takeshita, head to the ring. And on the tron plays the highlights of Konosuke pinning Kenny Omega in back to back matches, the Six Man Tag at All In London, and the 1v1 match at All Out. Callis & Konosuke join Schiavone in the ring, and Schiavone says they got the welcome they probably expected. Callis snatches the mic away and fans boo more.

Callis says he and Konosuke beat Omega twice in one week, show some respect! But Callis learned a lot about Japanese culture from Konosuke. And he learned that the top wrestler in the promotion is referred to as “The Ace.” There have been a lot of great Aces, but Konosuke is better than all of them! Better than Rikidozan! Than Maeda! Than Sakaguchi! Than Toshu! Than Okada! And even INOKI! “So when you beat Kenny Omega once, they call you The Ace. But when you beat Kenny Omega TWICE in seven days, they don’t call you The Ace! They call you The ALPHA!!” Callis points to the tron and we see the logo for Konosuke’s new nickname.

Fans boo as confetti and streamers fly, while Callis says we will now refer to him as “The Alpha,” Konosuke Takeshita. And he’s a real alpha male, not a fake like Chris Jericho. A lot of people say they should feel bad for destroying Kenny, but Callis feels nothing. He’s never been good with “empathy,” it just felt like weakness. When you’re The Alpha, you don’t feel, you take! You take everything that can be taken, and then you take a little more. On that note, Kenny, beating you twice isn’t enough for them! They broke Kenny’s body, but now they’ll break his heart. Callis promised to reveal through his creation who the next target was, and who The Alpha is going to beat!

Callis tells Kenny that this one will “kill” him. For the next target is none other than the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the living, breathing heart of Kenny Omega, KOTA IBUSHI! Callis pulls the veil away and there it is, Callis pointing at Ibushi and Konosuke holding up a sword! Callis brings out the screwdriver and he tells Kenny that they won’t just beat Ibushi, they won’t just take him from Kenny and pin him. They’re gonna BUTCHER him! They’re gonna SKIN him! They’re gonna BURN him! And Callis is going to love the fact that while he and Konosuke are spilling Ibushi’s blood, Kenny will be at home, helplessly watching, “like the pathetic cuck that you are!”

And then Callis STABS the painting of Ibushi with the screwdriver!! Fans boo at the graphic foreshadowing, and then Callis gives Konosuke his flowers. Konosuke shoves those at Schiavone as a disrespectful allusion to a funeral for Ibushi! But will the Golden Star prove he’s not helpless at all?

Backstage interview with the Blackpool Combat Club.

Alex Marvez is with Bryan, Claudio and the still bloody Moxley and brings up the issues that continue to escalate between them and Ricky Starks. Yes, Bryan says that the BCC loves it when things escalate! They’re all about escalation! So here’s a challenge for Starks & Bill! This Saturday, AEW Collision, Starks & Bill VS Bryan & Claudio! But Marvez does bring up that there are big title matches for Moxley and Claudio just next week at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Moxley says yeah, those aren’t title matches, that’s a day off. That’s easy money right there! Claudio agrees, and says that Eddie-

Oh wait, Fenix storms over! Abrahantes and Penta have to hold him back as he shouts “I’m gonna beat you next week! I WILL beat you, do you hear?!” Refs and security rush over to get the enraged Fenix away, but Bryan says if they want escalation, they’re here for it! Eddie Kingston has also stepped in at this point, and he stares Claudio down. Eddie eventually smiles and says, “One more week.” Then he laughs as he leaves. The issues between these two are on a whole different level, who becomes a DOUBLE Champion next week in New York?

Backstage interview with Hook.

Dynamite returns as Renee is with the FTW Champion, and congratulates him on regaining the title at All In London. How does this title run feel different? But then Orange Cassidy walks in?! Renee says hi, and he says hey. What’s up? “I dunno. Just walkin’ around… I saw Hook here all mad about something, and what do you gotta be mad about? You’re here, you can wrestle. You don’t have tape all over your body. And you have a championship. I used to have a championship.” Hook says Cassidy was a great champion, though. Oh, thanks, man. You are, too. They fist bump. Then Hook leaves.

Renee asks if Cassidy is okay. He… is still so tired. Will Freshly Squeezed be able to make a comeback at some point? What will he aim to do when he does?

AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Hikaru Shida VS Britt Baker VS Nyla Rose w/ Marina Shafir VS Toni Storm!

Former champions all, these four top stars are battling for a Grand Slam opportunity against Saraya! But will it be the Shining Samurai, The Doctor, The Native Beast, or the bat crap crazy Lightning From Down Under that defies the odds and seizes the moment?

The bell rings and Storm immediately shouts “CUT! CUT!” She’s not ready for her scene! Storm storms out of the ring before either Shida or Britt can catch her, and then Nyla ruses them! Shida and Britt dodge to fire off on Nyla together, then double whip. Nyla DOUBLE LARIATS them first! Fans are torn but then Storm gets in to steal the spotlight! Fans cheer but Nyla tells her to cut that out. And then Shida comes back to CLUB Nyla and ROCK Storm! Britt joins in, Shida stomps Storm in a corner and Britt throws hands on Nyla. But then Nyla throws Britt out of the ring! But Shida dropkicks Nyla and Britt DUMPS Nyla out!

Fans rally, Shida and Britt have a tense moment but Storm RAMS into Shida, sending her into Britt, and then Britt falls onto Nyla and Shafir! Storm waistlocks but Shida switches to TOSS Storm! Fans fire up as Shida holds the ring, and she goes up the ropes! Shida SUPER CROSSBODIES everybody! Fans are all fired up as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Shida puts Storm back in the ring, and Shida has her in the corner. Shida climbs up to rain down fists! Fans cheer and count along, and Shida goes all the way to TEN! But then Nyla CLAWS Shida’s back! Nyla brings Shida around to scoop and SLAM! But then Britt gets in to CLUB Nyla! And fire off forearms! Britt whips but Nyla blocks! Nyla whips, Britt ducks ‘n’ dodges, to SLINGBLADE! Storm CLOBBERS Britt! Storm stomps Britt to a corner, then CHOPS her! Storm gets Nyla to work with her, and Nyla whips Storm in to SPLASH Britt! Storm then sends Nyla in to SPLASH Britt! Storm and Nyla applaud each other, but then Nyla ROCKS Storm!

Nyla fires forearms and she DECKS Storm! Cover, Shida breaks it! Shida hits Storm to a corner, then keeps on her. Fans rally up, Britt is on Nyla again with forearms, but Nyla blocks! Shida bumps Storm off buckles, Britt still fires shots but Nyla puts her in a corner for body shots! Nyla digs a boot in, while Storm turns things around on Shida for stomps of her own! The ref can’t stop anyone from digging boots in, so Nyla and Storm go a bit past five there. Storm and Nyla regroup, Storm still thinking they can work together, but Nyla stomps Storm’s foot! Storm falls over, and Nyla digs her boots in on Shida!

Nyla lets off Shida to flex and soak up the heat. Shida gets up to CLUB Nyla! And again! Nyla DECKS Shida! Storm brings Shida up while Nyla stalks Britt. Storm fires shots on Shida while Nyla does the same to Britt, and Nyla even CHOKES Britt! Dynamite returns to single picture as Shida and Storm go back and forth with forearms. Nyla DECKS Britt, soaks up more heat, and then Shida DECKS Storm! Storm gets up to BOOT Shida! Nyla stands Britt up, puts some stank on it, but Britt dodges the haymaker to SUPERKICK! Storm GERMAN SUPLEXES Britt! And SWEET HIP MUSIC for Nyla! Shida gets Storm for a BRAINBUSTER!

Shida and Britt turn to see each other, the tension rises between these once allies, but then Nyla and Storm CHOP BLOCK them! Fans boo as Storm stomps Britt, but then Nyla kicks Storm! Nyla reels Storm in, gets her up, BEAST BOMB!! Cover, TWO and Storm sits on the cover, only to get a TAMASHII KNEE! Nyla covers Storm again, but Shida breaks it! Shida and Britt work together to beat up Nyla but Nyla kicks Shida away, and CHOKE SLAMS Britt! Nyla reels Shida in now, but Shida back drops free! Nyla sunset flips it, but Shida sits back on it! TWO!! Shida runs, SLIDING KICK to the back on Nyla!

Fans fire up with Shida and she takes aim! KATANA!! Cover, Britt SUPERKICKS it apart! Every woman for herself! Britt runs, to CURB STOMP!! Storm rolls Britt up! STORM WINS!!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW Women’s World Champion)

Storm seems to shock herself with how she stole the scene, or rather the win, from Britt! But now, Storm is going to be set up against her “friend,” Saraya! Is this going to be a case of friendly competition? Tough love? Or anything but friendly?

Speaking of no longer friends, Shida is after Britt for costing her! Britt shoves free of Shida’s grip, but Shida pushes her around! Britt doesn’t get it, but she snatches away Shida’s kendo stick! Will these two have something to settle as things roll on into the Autumn?

Backstage interview with The Outcasts.

That is to say, Renee is with Ruby Soho & AEW Women’s World Champion, Saraya. Renee brings up that it will be Saraya VS Storm, but this time, how will things be different? Saraya does congratulate Storm for winning, and without them! They couldn’t be… prouder? Is that the word? Soho says sorta. But things are different. When Saraya walked in here a year ago, she was the “new kid” and Storm was the champion! But then Storm lost it, and she lost it all, to Saraya. She lost the title, her friends, her top spot as the biggest star, because that’s Saraya now. Oh, and she also lost her mind! Storm is CRAZY.

But y’know what? Storm’s also gonna lose at Grand Slam because Saraya will still be AEW Women’s World Champion, leaving Storm with NOTHING. The Knight is ready to take on The Lightning, will she hit a home run or be struck out in Arthur Ashe Stadium?

Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara are here!

Le Sex Gods head to the ring together, and Cincinnati sings Judas for The Ocho. They get the pyro, and then Jericho & Sammy continue to the ring. Jericho & Sammy get mics, and Jericho starts with, “Next week, right here on Dynamite, at Grand Slam in New York City, for the first time ever, it’s Le Sex Gods going one on one, Jericho VS Guevara, for the first time ever like I say. Lots of history behind this match. Sammy and I have been together for four years, since the first episode of Dynamite. We’ve been through highs and lows, ups and downs, and ups again. As a matter of fact, we wanted to remind you about some of the great memories and great times we’ve had over those years. Let’s check out the package that we put together for you guys here tonight, right here in Cincinnati.”

Jericho points to the tron and the video begins. First it was The Inner Circle, and Sammy said Jericho is like a father to him. Jericho once said they’re not just friends, they’re brothers. Celebration after celebration, hug after hug, goofing off together and Sammy singing Judas. Them using Floyd the Baseball Bat, but even having their rough patches as Inner Circle battled out feuds. But in the end, Sammy has always had Jericho’s back. Fans cheer the video package as we return to present, and Jericho said Sammy was like a little babby in those early years. Sammy has a confession, though. He still doesn’t know all the lyrics to Judas.

Sammy is still learning but Jericho says it’s fine, he wasn’t even in key anyway. Jericho says October 21st, 2018, Jericho was watching the NWA 70th Anniversary PPV, and on one of the prelim matches, there was this kid, Sammy Guevara. Fans cheer that, and Jericho says he was completely blown away to the point where he called Tony Khan and told him, “We need to sign this kid.” Jericho was blown away by the athleticism, the creativity, the way Sammy looked and the way Sammy carried himself. Jericho wasn’t blown away by the giant panda head but Jericho knew Sammy had what it took to be a big star, and Jericho knew he wanted Sammy around so he could help Sammy as much as he possibly could.

Fans cheer and Jericho continues to say that over the years, he has watched Sammy grow from a boy into a man. Seriously, he has matured, won titles, gotten married, and is preparing for the birth of a baby girl of his own. Fans cheer that, too. Jericho says he is really proud of Sammy these last four years, he means that. Fans cheer more and Sammy nods. Sammy thanks Jericho for that, and knows the typical wrestling thing is to talk trash on ya, brother, but he doesn’t wanna do that. Sammy and Jericho are friends, and Jericho inspires Sammy. As a kid, Sammy used to do Code Breakers in his mom’s backyard.

So, Sammy wants to be out here before one of the biggest matches of his life, to say thank you. Thank you, Jericho, for changing Sammy’s life, and so many other people’s lives. Because without Chris Jericho, there is no AEW. Fans cheer that, and Jericho is very touched. Fans chant “Thank You, Chris!” Sammy continues to say truthfully, he didn’t come to AEW just to be Jericho’s sidekick. He got into pro-wrestling to be the man, to be world champion, to have this company and these fans look at him the same way they do Moxley, the way they do Bryan, and the way they do Jericho! Fans do cheer that.

Sammy knows that in his heart, that won’t happen as long as he is in Jericho’s shadow. That is why he needs to beat Jericho next week. Jericho says yes, that is true, but let’s get this straight. Jericho never brought Sammy in to be his sidekick. Sammy was brought here to become a main event player, a money-making draw, and he is getting closer and closer every single week. That is why Jericho said months ago, to Sammy and Daniel Garcia, that if they wanna make it to the next level, they have to do it outside of Jericho’s influence. They have to do it on their own. Next week, Sammy has the biggest opportunity to do that.

Sammy is right, next week is one of the biggest matches of Sammy’s career. It’s even one of the biggest matches of Jericho’s career. And Sammy has to beat him to get to the next level. BUT, if Sammy is gonna beat Jericho, Sammy has to be the best Sammy Guevara he’s ever been, better than ever before, if he even has a chance of beating Jericho! Fans cheer that, and then Jericho says, “But I don’t think you’re ready to beat me yet.” Sammy says there it is! That is WHY Sammy has to beat Jericho! Because Jericho doesn’t truly respect Sammy like Sammy respects him! It’s just what Jericho wants, that is what it has been these four years.

But y’know what, Jericho? Next week, Sammy WILL beat him! And this Sammy! Not 2018 Sammy at NWA 70! Or Sammy with the panda head! The man standing right in front of Jericho is gonna beat him! And Sammy will earn Jericho’s respect, and then they shake hands, hug it out, and win those tag team titles! Fans cheer as Sammy offers a handshake and Jericho takes it. Jericho then pulls Sammy in to be face to face to show how serious he is about this. Jericho says he wants to make this perfectly clear to Sammy: Next week, Jericho gives you the match of your life. And he won’t go easy on Sammy. Jericho will beat the living Hell out of him!

Jericho will punch Sammy harder than he’s ever punched anyone in his life! And he expects the exact same thing from Sammy. Sammy says, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.” Fans fire up and the two nod. Will the protege prove he has surpassed his mentor? Will Jericho establish he is still the GOAT? And one way or another, will their friendship survive?

AEW shares footage from just after last week’s Dynamite.

Renee was with MJF in the medical trainer’s room, Adam Cole bringing ice packs over. The medic said that unfortunately, MJF’s neck is not good enough to clear him for even travel at this point, but MJF will be able to make it to Grand Slam. Adam apologizes to MJF but MJF says bro, he gets the week off while “these shmucks have to wrestle each other,” he’s great! Well, okay, but Renee says that Grand Slam will still see him defend the world title, so talk to us about the other competitors. “Let’s face it, if I’m a betting man, there’s two talents that I think are gonna make it to the finals. And also to be frank, there’s two talents I want to make it to the finals, because I hate their freakin’ guts.”

First, Roddy “The Simp” Strong. Cole sighs and looks away as MJF says we all know that Roddy is faking the neck injury. MJF’s neck, yes, it is screwy. But if Roddy makes it through, then on September 20th at Grand Slam, MJF rips Roddy’s head off and shoves it straight up his ass!! Though frankly, Strong beat MJF to it with how he’s been acting. Strong is an incredibly manipulative person. Sorry, Adam. It’s just true. But Strong is a wet blanket and a third wheel, so if MJF were him, just shake it off, “ya bland b*tch.”

Second, Samoa Joe. Joe thinks MJF’s afraid of him? No way. MJF learned at a young age that it is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog! And Joe may not realize this, but this New York Pitbull’s got a whole lotta bite. Joe better pray to God he doesn’t win the tournament, because MJF is gonna make him a promise that is crystal clear. “If you wrestle me, I am going to choke you out. I repeat, if you wrestle me, I promise on my life I am going to CHOKE you out! And if you don’t believe me, let me get it through your thick, fat skull with some simple math.

“Normally, when you go one on one with another wrestler, you got a 50-50 chance o’ winning. But I’m the Genetic Freak and I’m not normal! So you got a 25% chance at best at beat me.” Cole and Renee put it together what MJF is referencing as he continues. “Then you add my boy, Cole, watching my back to the mix, your chances of winning drastic go down. See, our match at Grand Slam, you got a 33 and 1/3rd chance o’ winning, but I got a 66 and 2/3rd o’ winning, cuz everyone in New York knows you can’t be me. So Samoa Joe, you take your 33and 1/3rd chance o’ winning minus my 25% chance, and you got a 8 and 1/3rd chance of winning at Grand Slam.

“But then you take my 75% chance of winning since we’re wrestling in my home state of New York, and then you add 66 and 2/3rd percent chance, I got a 141 and 2/3rd percent chance of winning at Grand Slam. See, Joe? Numbers don’t lie, and they spell disaster for you in Arthur Ashe!” Cole adds “DISASTER!” and they both add, “Because we’re better than you, BAYBAY.” Brochacho fist bump. Will bringing up the past have an impact on how this tournament plays out?

Hangman Page VS Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana!

For the third time ever, The Cowboy and The Machine battle it out 1v1, but this is all because Swerve Strickland had to go and push Hangman’s buttons. Will the Cowboy get back on the horse and stampede all over Cage? Or will Cage make things much, much easier for Swerve?

The bell rings and Hangman rushes Cage with forearms! Cage hauls Hangman up to RAM him into a corner! And again, and again! Fans rally for “COWBOY SH*T!” but Cage CHOPS! And then clotheslines, clotheslines, and clotheslines again! Cage soaks up the heat, whips Hangman corner to corner, but runs into a BOOT! Hangman runs, but Cage blocks a boot to ROCK Hangman! And then he reels Hangman in, back suplex! Hangman lands on his feet to BOOT Cage! Hangman runs, BOOTS again, but Cage rebounds to run Hangman over! Fans boo but Cage keeps moving. Hangman drops, then he dumps Cage out!

Cage drags himself up but Hangman triangle jumps, only for Cage to duck the lariat! So Hangman just keeps going, and he triangle jumps again to LARIAT! Direct hit this time! Nana freaks out but fans fire up as Hangman grins. Hangman then aims to PLANCHA! Cage catches him!? Cage then POSTS Hangman, and pops him up, to POST- RANA!! Hangman remembered back to 2021 and turned it around on Cage! Cage falls, Hangman slips back into the ring, and fans fire up as he reloads to PLANCHA! Down goes Cage and fans fire up! The Cowboy catches his breath, and he stalks Cage to then push him into the ring.

Fans rally, Hangman hurries back in but Cage LARIATS! Cage turns things right back around fast and fans boo! Nana says to keep it up, and Cage CHOKES Hangman on ropes. The ref counts, Cage steps off, and Cage soaks up the heat. Cage runs, but Hangman swings! Cage ducks, pops Hangman up but Hangman RANAS Cage onto ropes! Fans fire up and Hangman dials it up! 619!! Or in this case, the 434, the area code of Halifax, Virginia! Cage staggers away, Hangman says he never tried that before. Nana coaches Cage, but then here comes Swerve! Hangman sighs, Nana breaks it down to the song, band Cage SUPERKICKS Hangman!

Cage goes to the corner, drags Hangman up, deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans boo as Hangman flops out of the ring and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Swerve scowls as Hangman writhes, and Cage goes out to fetch the Cowboy. Cage talks trash then rains down fists! Cage drags Hangman up, RAMS him into railing, and Hangman falls over in a heap. Cage refreshes the ring count, Nana talks some trash, and Cage stands on Hangman’s face! The ref counts but Cage lets off to put Hangman back in the ring. Cage paces around Hangman, drags him up, but Hangman throws hands! Hangman ROCKS Cage but Cage BOOTS Hangman! Hangman ends up on ropes, Cage CHOKES Him some more, but the ref counts. Cage lets off at 4, KICKS the ropes to jam Hangman up, and the ref reprimands again.

Cage drags Hangman up while Swerve is still frowning on stage. Cage CHOPS Hangman in the corner, ROCKS him, then CHOPS him again. Cage sits Hangman down with a leg sweep, then he runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Cage drags Hangman out to a cover, TWO! Hangman is still in this but Cage clamps on a chinlock. Hangman endures as Cage leans on Hangman with all his weight. Fans rally up, Hangman fights to his feet, and Hangman throws body shots! Hangman throws forearms but Cage knees low! Cage ROCKS Hangman, and stalks him to ropes as Dynamite returns to single picture.

Cage whips Hangman, Hangman KICKS back, and then runs, but into a clinch! FULL NELSON SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Hangman survives and Cage is furious! Swerve doesn’t look happy, either, but the fans boo Cage as he paces around. Cage drags Hangman up but Hangman throws body shots. Cage ROCKS Hangman, Hangman ROCKS Cage, repeat! Fans rally behind Hangman as the forearms fly, and Cage gets the edge! Cage whips, Hangman slides under the boot to BOOT back! Hangman runs, but Cage POWERSLAMS! Cage then somersaults to the corner, MOONSAULT FLOP as Hangman moves!

Fans fire up and Swerve looks even more upset as both men are down. A standing count starts, Cage rises at 4 of 10 and he storms over to Hangman. Hangman ROCKS Cage, Cage ROCKS Hangman! Fans fire up with Hangman as he storms up but Cage ROCKS him again! Cage eggs Hangman on and Hangman fires off fists! Hangman whips, Cage reverses but Hangman ducks and clotheslines Cage and himself up and out of the ring! Hangman hurries up to the corner, and then climbs! Fans fire up as Cage stands, but he slides in first. Hangman adjusts to CROSSBODY, but Cage catches him again! Cage does curls, then he tosses Hangman, but Hangman CRUCIFIX DRIVERS!!

Fans fire up as Cage flops out of the ring and Nana panics! Hangman slowly rises as the ring count starts, and fans rally for “COWBOY SH*T!” Hangman builds speed to WRECK Cage with a dropkick! Cage hits railing, then Hangman goes up the corner! Cage staggers over, for the ARIHARA MOONSAULT!! Direct hit and Hangman hurries to get Cage in! Hangman goes up the corner one more time, for a CROSSBODY! Cage falls this time and Hangman covers, TWO! Cage is still in this but Swerve is still stoically seething. Cage and Hangman rise, fans fire up and Hangman Alabama Lifts! Cage CLUBS free, to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Hangman flops to the apron and Cage storms over. Cage drags Hangman up, “This is Awesome!” and Cage brings Hangman up. Deadlift- NO! Hangman fights the suplex to ROCK Cage! Cage holds on to the ropes but Hangman throws more shots! Then he TRIPS Cage! Fans fire up as Hangman loads up, but has to BOOT Cage first! Then BUCKSHOT- Fireman’s carry!! F5- CRADLE!!! Cover, TWO!!! Cage escapes, spins, but Hangman dodges to Alabama Lift! DEADEYE!!! Cover, Hangman wins!!

Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall

Swerve is still not happy. Hangman finally breaks the tie with Cage, and now he might have relit that fire Swerve said he was missing. Hangman gets the mic to say, “What passion! What drive! Just oozing out of your body tonight, Swerve, as you just brood at the top of the ramp and watch me kick this oaf’s ass” Last week, Swerve said he wanted Hangman’s spot. So that’s why Swerve sent Cage to fight Hangman instead of doing it himself. And last week, for just one second, when Swerve said some of those things, Hangman thought that Swerve had some balls. After tonight, we see Swerve is just keeping those stored away in Nana’s Burger King crown.

Swerve brings out a mic of his own, and he says, “What up, turd? Them sound like fighting words to me, Hangman.” Hangman thinks this little thing between them is gonna be soft? Then he must be dumber than the Cincinnati educational system. Fans boo but Swerve says they do this when HE says, and where he says! And it just so happens that Swerve is choosing the great state that birthed good ol’ Swerve Strickland. October 1st, in Seattle, Washington, AKA Whose House? SWERVE’S HOUSE! AEW WrestleDream! But uh… Swerve will make sure Hangman doesn’t get comfortable, so the Embassy’s gonna “tune you up.” Ain’t that right, boys?

Cage gets up to CLOBBER Hangman! Nana helps stomp Hangman, then Cage rains down fists! Swerve grins while fans boo, and Nana breaks it down again. But in comes The Young Bucks! They DOUBLE SUPERKICK Cage! Nana doesn’t realize it, so the Bucks mock his dance moves. Nana turns around, sees the Bucks, and gets DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for himself! Swerve is upset again as The Elite stands together! Will Matt & Nick Jackson have Hangman’s back against the Mogul Embassy’s host of behemoths?

Backstage interview with Daniel Garcia.

Renee is now with the Dragonslayer, and brings up what we heard from Jericho and Sammy. Daniel says he doesn’t wanna interrupt, but he just has to right here. He thought this was going to be about him, but just like everyone else, she’s asking about Jericho and Sammy. Why not talk about how the Arizona Cardinals were doing his dance after getting a sack? How about how Garcia went viral four times over in one month? Why not talk about the career Daniel Garcia is making?

Don Callis walks in and he says he’d love to hear about that career. Because Callis knows from being Jericho’s best friend for 34 years, that when you’re around Jericho, it is all about him. Jericho is the ultimate narcissist. But the Don Callis Family is aiming to create “a utopian meritocracy, whereby each member, for themselves-” Garcia stops Callis there. And does his dance! Garcia leaves, Callis says that’s money right there, let’s get that money! Well, wait. Was that Garcia saying yes to the DCF? Or saying no to it all?

BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!

After an impactful return at Collision last Saturday, Jade Cargill is back and she wants her belt! Will she reestablish herself as #ThatBitch? Or will The Galaxy’s Greatest refuse to let her reign be taken down by the woman she dethroned? Plus, the AEW World Trios Champions, The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, are in action, will the Scissor World Tour keep on rolling through Ohio? Plus, ROH invades Rampage as Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal take on The Kingdom in tag team action! And then, in a huge 8 Man Tag, The Lucha Brothers team with The Hardy Boyz to settle things with Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, The Butcher & The Blade!

Darby Allin & Nick Wayne VS Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker w/ Jake Hager & Anna Jay!

The Relentless One lost his match in the Grand Slam World Title Eliminator, all because Christian Cage used emotions against him. But will Darby & Nick rebound together to show Captain Charisma hasn’t won yet? Or will Daddy Magic & Cool Hand Ange give them just a taste of that sports… enner-tainment?

The teams sort out and Nick starts against Parker. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. Parker powers Nick back but Nick turns it around to put Parker on ropes. Fans rally for “DADDY MAGIC!” while Nick lets off slowly on Parker. Fans rally, but wait! Christian Cage’s music hits! Fans boo as Captain Charisma and his Right Hand of Destruction walk out on stage, and Parker uses that distraction to CLOBBER Nick! Parker rains down elbows, then he stands Nick up to ROCK him with a haymaker. Christian joins commentary while Parker scoops Nick. Nick slips free, he hobbles, but Parker BULLDOGS him first!

Parker tags Nick, they put Nick in the corner and stomp away! Fans are torn as they stomp mudholes, but then Menard hits a BACKBREAKER! Menard sucker punches Darby off the apron, then drags Nick up to bump off buckles. Tag to Parker, and then Parker throws body shots. Parker brings Nick around, says he’s having one hell of a hair day, then he snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Parker brings Nick up, tags in Menard, and then Parker whips Nick into the corner. Menard whips Parker in, Nick goes up and over but Menard catches him! Menard throws Nick back, Nick fakes Menard high to go low, but Menard grabs a leg!

Nick stands, ENZIGURIS free, but Anna distracts the ref so Hager can YANK Darby down and CLOBBER him! Fans are torn but Menard stomps Nick, to POWERBOMB him! Menard fires up and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Menard drags Nick back up, bumps him off buckles, and Nick sits down. Menard throws knees in, the ref counts, but Menard lets off at 4. Menard tags Parker, they put Nick on ropes and CHOKE him! The ref reprimands, Menard bumps Nick off Parker’s boot! Parker & Menard distract the ref so even Hager can CHOKE Nick! Parker drags Nick up, brings him around and CHOPS him to a corner. Nick is stinging but Parker throws hands. Nick counter punches! Nick ROCKS Parker again and again, but Parker ELBOWS Darby, then CLOBBERS Nick! Parker drags Nick over, tags in Menard, and they mug Nick.

Menard whips Nick to ropes, but Nick sunset flips! Menard stays up, and he CLUBS Nick down! Menard stomps Nick around, then he tags Parker. They CHOKE Nick on ropes again while we get a glimpse of Christian more than likely besmirching the name of the late Buddy Wayne. Parker drags Nick up but Nick holds ropes, so Parker CLUBS him down. Parker reels Nick in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Parker is annoyed but he drags Nick around, smothers him, and then stomps him! Tag to Menard, he drags Nick from the corner to cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Menard SLAPS Nick, then SLAPS him again and again!

Menard talks trash, drags Nick up and wrenches, then tags Parker. They mug Nick, Parker DECKS him, and then warps on a chinlock. Dynamite returns to single picture and fans rally up. Nick endures as Parker leans on him, and Nick fights up to throw body shots! Nick fights free, but Parker RAMS him into the corner! Christian says Nick is getting picked apart. “You gotta wonder if he had a better mentor, how things might be different.” Parker tags Menard, they double whip Nick, but Nick holds ropes! Parker runs in, Nick TOSSES him out, then UPPERCUTS Menard! Nick UPPERCUTS again and down goes Menard!

Parker slides in from the other side but Nick hurdles over, hot tag to Darby! Fans rally as Darby ducks, springboards and DOUBLE COFFIN SPLASHES Menard & Parker! Darby fires up, he has Menard & Parker in opposite corners, so he runs in to COFFIN SPLASH Menard, then COFFIN SPLASH Parker! And repeat! Darby eggs Menard on, then sends him into Parker, so he can SHOTGUN them both! Fans fire up with Darby and he dodges Parker to fire off fast hands and a HEADBUTT! Then CODE RED! Cover, TWO!! Parker is still in this for his team but Darby hurries to BOOT Menard! Parker kicks low, and reels Darby in.

Parker suplexes but Darby slips free to waistlock. Parker elbows free and switches, but Nick tags in before the O’Conner! Nick goes up and up, WAYNE’S WORLD!! Cover, Menard drags Nick outta the ring! Fans are torn but Darby takes aim, to DIVE onto Daddy Magic! Darby hurries up, tags Nick back in, and Darby goes up! Nick also goes up, they each take aim, ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto Menard & Hager while Darby hits the COFFIN DROP on Parker!! Cover, Darby & Nick win!!

Winners: Darby Allin & Nick Wayne, by pinfall

Christian is annoyed for the former Jericho Appreciation Society. He says he’s sick and tired of this, so he gets off commentary and gets a mic. Christian sarcastically says that was a “very impressive” victory for them. But Cincinnati, Christian is conducting business, so sit down and shut your mouths. Nick, after Christian went home last week, he was scrolling through his mom’s Instagram, and there were a few things that bothered him. The first: she doesn’t post enough bikini pics. But don’t worry, Christian sent her a special request on the side. But the other thing is that there is still a lot of talk about Darby Allin and Sting winning at All In London!

Fans cheer that but Christian says all that is pissing him off! “As the franchise player here, I gotta say, it’s kind of embarrassing. Not losing-to-the-Cleveland-Browns embarrassing, but embarrassing none the less.” Fans boo the jab at the Bengals, but Christian continues to say that as a reminder: he did NOT take the loss at All In; and Christian didn’t have his regular partner, now did he? So Christian thinks it is time to right that wrong. Next week, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Grand Slam, Christian is proposing this: Darby Allin & Sting VS Christian Cage and “the most complete big man in the business,” Luchasaurus! If Darby has the balls, then he’ll see you in New York!

Fans boo as Captain Charisma & Luchasaurus leave. Will the Relentless Icons have one more match in them? Furthermore, will they come out on top?

AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament Finals: Roderick Strong w/ The Kingdom VS Samoa Joe!

As if there isn’t enough animosity between these two given their own past, Maxwell Jacob Friedman added fuel to the fire by calling them both out. Bad neck or not, Samoa Joe is a dangerous opponent, will the Savior of the Backbreaker break through to then break MJF? Or will the ROH World Television Champion be too strong for Strong?

The bell rings and fans sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Joe and Roddy circle, tie up, and Joe wrenches an arm and wristlocks. Joe HEADBUTTS the hand to jam up the wrist and arm, but Roddy goes to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Roddy protests, and Joe lets off. The two reset, they circle and tie up again. Joe SHOVES Roddy away and Roddy flounders out of the ring. The Kingdom is there to coach him up, and they tell Joe to be careful with the neck. The ref starts the ring count, Roddy storms up but Joe meets him at the ropes, so Roddy backs away. The ref has Joe stand down, and Roddy returns.

Roddy and Joe circle, tie up, and Roddy goes for a leg. Joe THROWS Roddy away again! Roddy bails out to throw a fit but Taven calms him down. Joe waits patiently, and Roddy goes around the way while Bennett coaches him up. Fans rally for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” and Joe goes out after Roddy! Roddy runs away into the ring, and he CLBOBERS Joe on the return! Fans boo but Roddy COHPS Joe against ropes. And CHOPS again! Joe staggers, Roddy CLUBS him, then CLUBS him again! Roddy ROCKS Joe, runs, but Joe CLOBBERS Roddy! Fans fire up while Roddy writhes, and Joe stalks him to a corner.

Joe waits on Roddy to stand, and he JABS! JABS! And JABS! Fans fire up, the ref counts, Joe JABS until Roddy sits down! Joe then lets off with a smirk while Roddy flounders again. Joe CHOPS Roddy, Roddy staggers away but he comes back to CHOP! Joe CHOPS again, Roddy CHOPS again, fans “WOO~!” with each one, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

The CHOPS keep going, but then Joe HEADBUTTS Roddy down! Joe storms up to Roddy in the corner, ROCKS him, JABS him, then fires JABS high and low! Joe just hammers Roddy, then CHOKES him in the ropes! The ref reprimands, counts, but Joe DECKS Roddy out of the ring! Taven is there to help Roddy up and The Kingdom again protests. Roddy slowly returns, Joe storms up but Roddy RAMS into him! Roddy BOOTS, runs in and CHOPS, but Joe just scowls. Roddy CHOPS again, but Joe DECKS him! Joe HEADBUTTS Roddy, follows him to a corner, then snapmares him to CHOP him on the neck! And then PENALTY KICK! And ELBOW DROP!

Fans fire up, The Kingdom coaches Roddy, but Joe looms over Roddy. Joe sits Roddy up for a neck wrench! Roddy endures, flails, but Joe thrashes him around! The Kingdom is furiously protesting but there’s nothing they can do! Roddy manages to pry free, and he BOOTS Joe from below! Joe goes to a corner, Roddy runs up and he ROCKS Joe! And CHOPS! And stomps! Joe still glares at Roddy, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Joe CHOPS Roddy into sitting in the corner, then he lets off to bring Roddy back up. Joe kicks Roddy, JABS, and ELBOWS him back down! Then Joe stands Roddy up again, to KNEE him low!

Roddy staggers away but Joe storms up to JAB, JAB and ELBOW again! Joe CHOKES Roddy on ropes as Dynamite returns to single picture! The ref counts, The Kingdom is furious, but Joe lets off at 4. Roddy falls back into a corner, but Joe eggs Roddy on. Roddy drags himself up but Joe is on him. Roddy KNEES low! And again! And throws ELBOWS! Roddy BOOTS Joe down! Fans rally, Roddy runs and he BOOTS Joe down again! Cover, ONE!! Joe is up but Roddy clamps on with a chinlock! Joe endures now as Roddy squeezes tight. Fans rally, Joe fights up, and Joe throws body shots. Joe whips Roddy to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT!

Roddy goes up, leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Roddy hurries to cover, TWO! The Kingdom coaches Roddy and he pushes Joe around, to stomp Joe on his back! Roddy sits Joe up to use a neck wrench of his own! Fans rally, Roddy tells them to shut up, but Joe fights to his feet. Joe throws body shots, but Roddy CHOPS! Roddy runs, but Joe hits an ATOMIC DROP, then a BOOT! And a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Roddy survives but Joe keeps his cool. Joe drags Roddy up but Roddy knees low! And CHOPS! Roddy runs, but into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Roddy survives and now Joe is annoyed.

Joe drags Roddy up, reels him in, and fans rally up as Joe lifts Roddy up. Roddy slips out the back, BOOTS Joe, then ENZIGURIS! Roddy runs to FOREARM! And FOREARM! And FOREARM again! Joe falls and Roddy hurries to run in, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! But Joe CLUBS away on Roddy to fight the lift! Joe whips but Roddy LEAPING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Roddy grows frustrated but he pushes Joe around. Roddy gets the legs, but Joe fights the turnover! Roddy powers up, but Joe BOOTS him away! Joe runs in, misses in the corner, and Roddy returns, into the URENAGE! Fans fire up as Joe feels it now!

Joe puts Roddy in a corner, puts him up top, but Bennett gets on the apron! Joe CLOBBERS him for it! But Roddy hops down, to hit an OLYMPIC SLAM!! And then a SICK KICK!! Cover, TWO!!! Joe survives and Roddy is furious! Fans rally for Joe as Roddy goes to the corner. Roddy aims, runs back in, but into a LARIAT!! Joe drags Roddy into the COQUINA CLUTCH!!! Roddy is caught, he TAPS! JOE WINS!

Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship)

The Kingdom hurries to brace Roddy’s neck again, but now we have our title match! Joe gets the mic to say, “Oh, Maaax~! It seems my little prophecy has come true. And next week, I go to your backyard, and I’m coming for you. Because I’m gonna walk you down, I’m gonna beat you up, and I’m gonna take everything you have, kid. Everything.” The One True King of Wrestling Television has spoken, will he soon reign over two kingdoms?

As for Roddy, he stands up, the Kingdom tells him to put on the neck brace, but here comes Adam Cole! Roddy then plays like his neck is suddenly killing him! Maybe MJF is right about the faking and manipulating? Cole is sure confused, and the medics double check Roddy. The Kingdom say this is all Cole’s fault, and here comes a backboard and stretcher! The medics put a new brace on Roddy’s neck, refs calm The Kingdom down as they yell at Cole, and then the medics slide Roddy out of the ring with the board and put him on the stretcher. Roddy keeps calling for “ADAM~!” but The Kingdom say he’s done enough.

The arguing continues between the mutual friends of Roddy, and Roddy is wheeled out of the arena. Fans applaud, hoping Roddy really is okay, but The Kingdom keep trying to block Cole out as if this is all his fault. But then Joe grabs Cole! COQUINA CLUTCH!!! Joe shouts “EVERYTHING, MAX! EVERYTHING!! I’M TAKING EVERYTHING FROM YOU!!!” Joe chokes out Cole!!! Joe is a rabid beast, does MJF stand any chance of surviving Grand Slam?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite here to give some go-home stuff to Grand Slam next week. Great International Championship to open the show, as has been the trend. Moxley bleeding first, he is Face again, which fits the story given Bryan returned Face and the BCC is battling Heel Starks & Bill. Though Claudio can be more a Tweener still since he and Eddie have their story to settle. Great interaction between the BCC and the group of Eddie & Lucha Brothers, too, for that matter. Pretty sure Bryan & Claudio win, probably bringing Bill down so Starks isn’t hurt in the loss, and also so Claudio has momentum going into the Winner Takes All match with Eddie. And I think Eddie wins, he can have both belts going back and forth between ROH TV and NJPW Strong tapings.

Having the Women’s Fatal 4 so early was a good move to give it time to breathe. Great showing from all four women but I figured Storm would snatch this one away. Shida and Britt didn’t quite get into it as much as I thought they would, but they’ve got time to build that towards WrestleDream. Good promo from Saraya & Soho, Saraya VS Storm is going to be a lot of fun, can’t wait to see how that one turns out. And Kris Statlander VS Jade Cargill already set for this week’s Rampage is a surprise. That’s the fastest build-to-blowoff I’ve seen Tony Khan give a women’s division feud. There’s a good chance interference or some other disqualification happens, because this is another case of Tony booking big names into corners.

Great promo from Jericho and Sammy, including a fun little video package. I like that they were very respectful, and then really serious. I feel like this is the time for Jericho to put Sammy over to then add to his own woes of being on a losing streak. It feels like they’ll still try to be Le Sex Gods in the tag division, but the team probably still falls apart. Really good promo, though a touch disturbing in some ways, from Don Callis to share what’s next for him and Konosuke, and I should’ve realized he’d target Ibushi for his connection to Kenny. Konosuke VS Ibushi is going to be awesome stuff, but I would think Ibushi makes it harder than Callis expects to “kill” him.

And good interaction of Callis and Garcia, but I feel like the dance was a “No.” Callis will still probably try to recruit him, though, and honestly, Garcia should change tactics. We just saw Menard & Parker lose to Darby & Nick, even with Hager & Anna there helping. Christian being so crass about Nick’s mom was somewhat funny, while Christian challenging Darby to another tag match is a bit surprising. I almost thought he was teasing Adam “Edge” Copeland coming to AEW there, but Christian & Luchasaurus VS Darby & Sting will still be a good match, and Nick Wayne might end up another liability. Or he turns…!

Great match from Hangman VS Cage, though at a certain point, they should’ve given us like, picture in picture of Swerve’s scowling face and the action in the ring so they wouldn’t have to cut over so many times. Good promo from Hangman and Swerve after the match, and great save by The Bucks. I feel like the #HungBucks are gonna ride again to take on Cage, Kaun & Liona. Don’t put the ROH World Six Man Tag titles on the line, though, because then The Elite will have those belts when no one in ROH could take those off the Embassy. Hangman VS Swerve makes WrestleDream even bigger after already having Bryan VS ZSJ.

Great promo from MJF, but that’s standard. I cannot believe, and really love, that MJF busted out a remix of Steiner Math just to get on Samoa Joe’s nerves. The looks on Cole’s and Renee’s faces when he started on that was great, too. And of course, great match from Strong VS Joe, that’s why this was the right move to make. Joe wins, of course, to have the match with MJF, but then what great stuff after the match, too. Roddy flopped on a level worthy of soccer, and Cole still fell for it. I feel like The Kingdom has to be in on this to keep up the illusion, and then what a wild way to close it out with Joe choking Cole out. There’s a lot of heat going into the world title match, Cole might have a hard time holding himself back from attacking Joe during.

My Score: 8.8/10