The Continental Classic is almost over!

Before battling at AEW Worlds End to be the Continental Triple Crown Champion, the FIVE semifinalists battle on a Dynamite New Year’s Smash! Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland or Jay White, Bryan Danielson or Eddie Kingston, what combination becomes a reality?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic Gold League Semifinals Triple Threat: Jon Moxley VS Swerve Strickland VS Jay White; Moxley wins and advances to Worlds End.
• AEW Continental Classic Blue League Semifinals: Bryan Danielson VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins and advances to Worlds End.
• Kris Statlander VS Skye Blue; Skye wins.
• ROH World Tag Team Championships: MJF & Samoa Joe VS The Devil’s Minions; The Devil’s Minions win and become the new ROH World Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW Continental Classic Gold League Semifinals Triple Threat: Jon Moxley VS Swerve Strickland VS Jay White!

The Maniac could not stop the Switchblade, so now they AND The Realest must fight it out in quite the unique semifinal match. With the odds drastic go down, who defies the 33 and one third chance of winning to head for Worlds End?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” White sees Swerve and Moxley and says they can settle this first. White bails out but Swerve’s right there to meet him! White steps back in, but Moxley clothesline him up and out! Swerve slides in to roll Moxley up, ONE! Moxley says okay, and the two get face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! Fans fire up, Moxley knees and HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS then KNEES again! Moxley runs but Swerve tosses him out! Swerve pursues, CLAWS Moxley’s back, then he fires off haymakers. Moxley turns things around to CHOP! And CHOP!

White storms up but Moxley ROCKS him! Mox & Swerve TOSS White up and over railing, then Moxley TOSSES Swerve! Fans fire up as Moxley goes out after them both, throws hands with Swerve, then headlocks. But Swerve RAMS Moxley into railing! White CLUBS Swerve, CHOPS Mox, but Mox CHOPS back! Moxley headlocks and brings White around with a headlock. Fans fire up and Moxley crotches White on railing! Swerve CHOPS Moxley, brings him around, and makes him take a seat in an open chair. Swerve BITES Moxley’s forehead, goes back for White, and CLUBS White down. Swerve runs up to BOOT Moxley out of the chair!

Fans fire up while Swerve stands tall! Moxley staggers up, ends up heading for White, but Swerve pursues> Moxley kicks White, Swerve BOOTS White down, then Swerve continues after Moxley. Moxley kicks low, headlocks, then ROCKS Swerve. They go towards steps, and go up into the stands! Fans fire up as Moxley ROCKS Swerve! Fans rally and duel, White returns but Moxley HEADBUTTS him! Moxley fires knees on White, Swerve CLUBS and ROCKS Moxley, and they go back to ringside. Moxley TOSSES Swerve over, flips him off, but White runs up from behind to CHOP BLOCK Moxley! Fans boo but White sends Swerve into railing!

The ref insists this finally get back in the ring, but White rains down fists on Moxley, then CHOKES him! White lets off to bring Moxley around, HALF HATCH into railing! White storms off to get Swerve with a CHOP! Fans “WOO~” while White puts Swerve in the ring. Cover, ONE!! Swerve hangs tough but White CHOPS him again. White then CORNER HALF HATCHES Swerve! Cover, TWO! White is annoyed, but the fans continue with “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” White catches Moxley before he gets in, to APRON GOURD BUSTER! White leaves Moxley behind but Swerve BOOTS White off the apron!

Swerve builds speed and he FOSBURY- NO, White moves, kicks Swerve low, then APRON GOURD- NO, Swerve slips free! And SLIDING KNEES from the apron! Swerve hurries to get White up and in, the fans are thunderous for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” but White CLAWS Swerve’s face! White mocks the chants but Mox BOOTS White down! Swerve DECKS Moxley! And again! Swerve whips Moxley to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Moxley CLAWS Swerve’s back now! Then Moxley flips Swerve off, so Swerve BITES that finger! Moxley knees low, runs, but Swerve dodges to LARIAT!

Fans fire up as Moxley goes to a corner and Swerve runs in. UPPERCUT, snapmare, then Swerve goes up, FALLING UPPERCUT! Swerve hits the Griddy! Fans fire up, Swerve grabs White by the hands as he gets in, and drags White to STOMP the fingers! Then Swerve swing and SPLASH! Then from the apron, Swerve BOOTS White down! But Moxley gets Swerve in the ropes! Swerve back drops Moxley onto White! Fans fire up as Swerve goes up the corner, steadies himself, and CROSSBODIES them both! The fans are thunderous again as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

The ref checks all three men, and they’re all okay to continue. Swerve sits up first but Moxley and White follow. Swerve KICKS Moxley, KICKS him again, and KICKS him against railing! Swerve stalks White, sits him up to look into the camera, but Moxley storms up to CLUB Swerve! And CHOP him! And CHOP him, and CHOP him! Moxley whips Swerve but Swerve reverses and sends Moxley into steel steps! White CLUBS Swerve, SMACKS him off the apron, and again! White RAMS Swerve into the railing, and then Swerve stumbles into the ring. White storms in to cover, TWO! Swerve is still in this but White pushes him around.

White goes for a leg but Swerve holds off the takedown to smother White and throw down elbow after elbow! Swerve then pulls on White’s arm, and SPLASHES the arm! White writhes, clutching the shoulder, but Swerve drags him around. Swerve slaps White around, White flounders, and White goes to the apron. Swerve steps out after White, brings him up, but White throws elbows and a CHOP! Dynamite returns to single picture as Swerve CHOPS back! Swerve fireman’s carries but White claws Swerve’s face! The fans boo, Swerve drops off the apron and White again mocks the chants. but Swerve TRIPS White!

White hits apron, Moxley DIVES onto Swerve! Fans fire up again and Moxley puts Swerve in the ring. Moxley runs up to clothesline int he corner! Moxley climbs up and he rains down fists! Fans count to TEN, then Moxley BITES Swerve’s forehead! Moxley reels Swerve in, PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives but Moxley throws HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then the KIMURA! The fans rally as Swerve endures and fights up to a corner. Moxley grinds forearms into Swerve’s face, then puts him up top. Moxley CHOPS, climbs up, but Swerve fights the suplex. Swerve throws body shots then he CHOPS Moxley!

Moxley staggers away, Swerve leaps, into a kick! PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, TWO!! Swerve survives and Moxley seethes. Moxley storms around, follows Swerve out and he clears off the timekeeper’s table! Moxley reels Swerve in but White SMACKS Moxley with a chair! And then SMACKS him again! White finally uses the No Disqualification stipulation, and he SMACKS Moxley’s leg! White SPITS at Moxley, storms after Swerve and puts him in the ring. White then SMACKS Moxley one more time before going back in himself. White taunts Swerve, but Swerve drags him into a cradle, TWO!!!

White escapes, Swerve stands, but White CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! White grabs the tights, Swerve uses his leg to get free and he ROCKS White with a straight right! Swerve storms up on White as fans rally for him, and Swerve whips. White reverses, ELBOWS Swerve, then runs, but Swerve ROCKS White! Swerve runs but he fakes White out to kick a leg out, and HOUSE CALL!! Fans fire up, Swerve snarls and he drags White up and in. Swerve hits the POWER JACKHAMMER! Swerve goes up, to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Moxley CURB STOMPS Swerve!! Fans are thunderous as all three men are down, and Dynamite goes back to picture in picture!

The fans fire up while the ref checks all three. Moxley huffs and puffs while the other two sit up. Moxley fires up but that bad leg just about gives up on him! Moxley sits in a corner to shake out the leg, then he crawls his way to center. The fans rally up as all three stand again. Moxley fires forearms, Swerve hits back, then so does White. Swerve hits White, Moxley hits Swerve, White CHOPS Moxley! Swerve BOOTS White, Moxley CHOPS Swerve, White kicks and CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS Moxley! Moxley gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX White! Swerve GERMAN SUPLEXES Moxley! All three men are down again!

Moxley flounders back to a corner, Swerve grits his teeth, and White crawls. Moxley tells the ref to NOT take him out of this match. White and Swerve throw shots, White HEADBUTTS Swerve down, then White DROPKICKS Moxley’s bad leg! Moxley leans on the buckles, White ROCKS Swerve and then gets Moxley’s bad leg. White wraps the leg around ropes and pulls! White throws elbows into Moxley’s face, then he CHOPS Swerve away. Moxley hobbles up to CUTTER White!! Dynamite returns to single picture again as the fans rally back up. Moxley forces himself to stand, but Swerve storms up.

White wobbles as he stands, and he JABS Moxley! Moxley JABS Swerve! White JABS Moxley, Swerve JABS White, Moxley JABS Swerve! White kicks and CHOPS Moxley, Swerve BOOTS White! Moxley ROCKS Swerve, Swerve returns it, White SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEXES Swerve! Moxley has a SLEEPER on White, REAR NAKED CHOKE!! White is caught in the body scissors, fights free of those, but Moxley leans on the hold. HOUSE CALL!! Fans fire up and Swerve hauls White up, but White clinches! Swerve slips around to half nelson. White switches and feeds Swerve to the KING KING LARIAT! Then White clinches Moxley, BLADE RUNNER!! Cover, SWERVE BREAKS IT!!

The fans are thunderous again as all three men are down again! Fans hope these three “FIGHT FOREVER!” and with no time limits on this one, they just might! White gets that chair, though! SMACK for Moxley on the back! And another SMACK! Then White JAMS Swerve! White dares the ref to do something, then he wedges the chair into the corner. White storms up to Swerve, drags him up, and he aims for the corner. Swerve turns it around, White hits chair!! Moxley runs up to SLEEPER Swerve! Swerve drops, victory rolls, TWO!!! Moxley escapes, Swerve is furious, but Moxley is just as raving mad!

They get at each other with SLAP after SLAP, haymaker after haymaker, and the fans are electric! They start firing shot shots, Swerve rolls and runs up to BOOT! Swerve keeps moving, he BOOTS again! Moxley stays up, Swerve DISCUS LARIATS!! The fans are all behind Swerve as he hauls Moxley up. Half nelson, but Moxley BITES the fingers! Swerve ripcords to whip Moxley into the corner! Moxley falls back, Swerve goes up! White SHOVES Swerve down!! White hauls Moxley up, BLADE- NO, Moxley slips free to KING KONG LARIAT!! Moxley then hauls White up, DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, Moxley wins!!

Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (Gold League Finalist)

Swerve can’t believe how close he was to taking this, but in the end, he misses his shot! Moxley is ready to keep on fighting until the wheels fall off, will he make it across the finish line at Worlds End?

Backstage interview with Swerve & Prince Nana.

Tony Schiavone is with “a very angry” Swerve. It was a tremendous match, but Moxley moves on. Swerve says they don’t give him time to rest, they don’t give him time to gather his thoughts. He has to do this while all sweaty and his arm’s falling off his body right now, because of those two men! Swerve wanted that win so badly. Schiavone knows, Nana knows, the fans, the company, knows how bad. Swerve said the Continental Classic was injecting life back into pro-wrestling, the entire industry, and he meant that! And he swears to God, he wanted to win SO badly. He proved he’s one of the best, if not THE best.

But he didn’t get pinned. White got pinned. In fact, let’s go over to someone on Collision that says something about tearing down houses brick by brick. KEITH LEE!! You say Swerve is “him?” Then that’s the first thing they’ve agreed on in over a year. Keith wants Swerve, so guess what? Swerve’s got nothing to do now, he’s free for Saturday in Long Island, so bet! Swerve will be there. Will Keith be? HUH? Yes, Keith is here tonight, and he wanted to be sure that in case they didn’t see each other, here’s a contract for that match. Nana didn’t approve this! Why would someone print this without Nana’s approval? Well, this is FOR his approval.

Swerve tells Nana it’s fine. We’ll se who shows up on Saturday. Nana & Swerve take the contract, will The Realest #BaskInHisGlory at Worlds End?

Renee Paquette is on stage.

Joining her now is a woman who has generated so much buzz since arriving to AEW, it’s Mariah May. Toni Storm’s biggest fan walks out to join Renee, and Renee says Mariah has an important announcement. But first, let’s go back to last week, when Mariah brutally attacked Riho. Can she walk us through her actions? Well, hi, Renee, how are you? Mariah’s good, thanks for asking. But what you call “brutal” is her supporting the greatest star of our time, Toni Storm! Fans cheer that. Mariah says that is something we could all do more of. But moving on, we’ve all waited so patiently for Mariah’s in-ring debut, and she’s here to tell us when it happens.

Mariah didn’t really feel like 2023 had the best energy. Not enough glamor. So her debut is gonna be… Next week, the first Dynamite of 2024! Fans boo but Mariah says 2024 will be all about Mariah! But oh hey, it’s Riho! Riho storms up on Mariah and Mariah goes running! They end up in the ring, and Mariah begs for mercy. But here comes Toni Storm! Riho dodges Storm’s cheap shot to fire off forearms! Storm shoves Riho, runs up, but into a drop toehold! Riho dials it up, Luther hurries to get Storm outta there! So Riho just climbs up, and CROSSBODIES them both down! Fans fire up, Mariah panics, but will there be a NEW leading lady in AEW?

Top Flight speaks.

Dante Martin is with his brother, Darius, and their friend, Action Andretti. Dante says they just wanted us to know, though these three came up short against The Acclaimed, they won’t take it to heart. There are plenty of other trios to go against. Ya bois heads are up, and they’re just getting started. This is an open challenge- Okay, alright. Orange Cassidy sees where this is going. He walks in and has Roppongi Vice, Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta, with him. Trent says these three were throwing out a challenge while Best Friends was five feet away. Clever move. So see you guys on Rampage. What? Rocky says this is what happened with him last week. But see you Friday.

Well then, Friday, Rampage, challenge accepted. Action then speed chugs a bottle of water. Well, he’s hydrated. But will the full Top Flight trio be ready to do, uh, whatever with Freshly Squeezed, Azucar & #JustTrent?

Christian Cage, Nick Wayne & Shayna Wayne are backstage.

Captain Charisma and his adopted family are with Lexi Nair, preparing for the sit-down face-to-face interview with Adam “Edge” Copeland. Christian asks who Lexi even is, then asks if Edge is even showing up. Or is he just gonna keep the champion waiting? At least one of them is professional. Lexi doesn’t have any answers, so we’re all just waiting. What will these former friends turned bitter enemies have to say just days before their No Disqualification rematch for the TNT Championship?

Miro speaks.

“What am I doing? I’m not even sure anymore. I thought wrestling poisons her, but maybe it’s she that poisons me.” He made his promise to spare Andrade El Idolo from his wrath for CJ Perry’s sake, but only so long as Andrade was in the running for the Continental Triple Crown. Andrade is out, and Miro is done showing mercy to those who doesn’t deserve it! Miro may not pray to God, but he advises Andrade to start. The Redeemer and the Latino Idol clash at Worlds End, who survives this clash?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He hopes everyone has had a great holiday season and is getting ready for both the New Year and for Worlds End this Saturday. Tonight, we are holding a celebration for “Boxing Week.” For that celebration, please welcome… The Don Callis Family. Fans boo as creepy Callis has Will Hobbs, Konosuke Takeshita and the NEW ROH World Television Champion, Kyle Fletcher, with him. They go to the ring, the fans tell off Callis, and Callis is rather offended. Schiavone is sure we all understand the sentiment, but then Callis snatches the mic right from him! Fans boo but Callis has something important to say.

“As you may or may not know, there’s been a lot of stuff going on outside the wrestling business the last couple of weeks, family stuff. And I just wanna say it’s been a very difficult two weeks for me.” Fans boo, is he trying to get sympathy for what Kenny Omega is going through? Callis knows that his guys know, at times like this, you need your family. And he couldn’t have gotten through this without his family. And as a way of saying thanks and honoring Canada’s Boxing Week, Callis got them some wonderful gifts to show them his appreciation.

For Powerhouse Hobbs, check it! It’s an oil painting of Hobbs and Callis reppin’ the West Side! Callis says that looks just like them on the weekend. Maybe if Callis put his head on someone else’s body. Then for Takeshita, he has given Callis great support, this is for him. Their picture is of them with dragon tattoos on their arms and Takeshita wielding a katana like they’re both Yakuza. And then for Kyle, this is Kyle & Callis go to Australia. They’re boxing against kangaroos, and winning! It feels so good to be here tonight, because the Don Callis Family feels complete! But wait! SAMMY GUEVAR is here!

Fans actually cheer, and Callis apparently forgot about the Spanish God. Sammy makes his way down to the ring, and Callis says it’s Christmas all over again! But then Sammy stops Callis? Fans rally for Sammy as he takes the mic to say, “Long time no talk, Don.” What? What’s he talking about? Didn’t he get the gift Callis sent for Sammy’s kid? Maybe the Canadian postal system isn’t reliable. But Sammy, it’s good you’re here. Callis has a gift for Sammy, not that he knew he’d be here. Callis was holding onto this for almost two months in the off-chance Sammy would actually show up to work.

So please, here, a custom painting just for Sammy. Look, look! Sammy is unsure about this, but he unveils… Sammy, the baby, and the Don Callis Family all together. See? They’ve got an extended family now! But who the hell told Callis to put Sammy’s baby on that? N-no one, but c’mon! Look! Sammy’s whole family is there together! And let’s be honest, Sammy isn’t exactly mentally capable of being a father so he’ll need all the help he can get. Oh, Callis is worried about Sammy’s parenting skills? Be more worried about leading the group! Hobbs beat Jericho, Takeshita beat Omega twice, but no one remembers that because Callis makes everything about himself!

Fans cheer that! Sammy says people he’d never expect to, asking him how he’s doing since getting concussed. But who has never sent Sammy a message? CALLIS! Callis says okay, sorry, he just gave Sammy a nice present but if Sammy wants to crap all over him, fine. Here it is: Sammy is disappointed Callis didn’t call? How about Callis’ disappointment? Callis is disappointed that Sammy blew the greatest opportunity he ever had! Callis is disappointed that Sammy didn’t show up for FIVE MONTHS just for being hurt and having babies, going on maternity leave!

So to get to brass tacks, Sammy has a choice to make. Sammy can choose that other family, or he chooses The Don Callis Family. But Sammy, you may be a hot head, but think about this. Think carefully. If Sammy chooses wrong, he will be remembered as just as big of a failure as a wrestler, as he’s about to be as a dad. Sammy SHOVES Callis! So Hobbs CLUBS Sammy! Hobbs, Takeshita & Fletcher stomp away on Sammy! Callis hobbles out of the way, but here comes JERICHO! The Wizard rushes out here with Floyd the Baseball Bat! And Jericho fires off on Hobbs and Takeshita while defending Sammy!

Fans fire up as Jericho SMACKS the paintings one by one! Then he gives Floyd to Sammy, and Sammy SMASHES that last one! The fans are thunderous and they want these two to “HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!” The Don Callis Family retreats as Jericho and Sammy… HUG!! Jericho never gave up on Sammy, and now it seems Le Sex Gods are reunited! But then RICKY STARKS & BIG BILL ATTACK! The Absolute AEW World Tag Team Champions aren’t about to let Sammy step in for Kenny! Fans boo but Bill beats down on Jericho and Ricky stomps away on Sammy! Bill digs his boots in, Starks does the same, then they let off.

Starks uses one of the stands to CHOKE Sammy! Bill stomps Jericho, digs his boots in again, but then the lights go out!? And when they come back up, IT’S STIIIIIING! And Darby, too! They’ve got beef with Starks & Bill, so Sting CRACKS Bill with his bat while Darby SHOTGUNS Starks! The tides turn as Jericho and Sting use their bats on Bill to go yard! Starks scrambles away, Bill flops out of the ring, and now Le Sex Gods and Relentless Icons are face to face. The fans are losing their minds, but what does this mean for the AEW World Tag Team Championship opportunity Jericho won back at Full Gear?

Backstage interview with Roderick Strong.

Renee is with the Savior of the Backbreaker as he asked for this time. And she’s nervous to even ask why. “RENEEEE~!” Roddy is so thankful for this time. He and The Kingdom have been working on something the past five days, and he cannot wait to share! The Kingdom take the veil away to reveal Roddy’s “MJF is the Devil” conspiracy board! Looks like that meme from Always Sunny… Roddy points that Hangman: NOT Devil. Shawn Dean: NOT Devil. Swerve and his bad teeth: NOT Devil at all. BUT all roads lead back to MAX IS THE DEVIL!

Roddy tells Max to listen and listen good. Roddy is gonna prove MJF is the Devil! Be it tonight, tomorrow, it doesn’t matter! MJF will eventually be exposed, because MAX IS THE DEVIL!! Roddy, Taven & Bennett are obsessed to say the least, but are they a lot closer to the truth than we realize?

AEW Continental Classic Blue League Semifinals: Bryan Danielson VS Eddie Kingston!

With Jon Moxley already set for Worlds End, he will end up facing either a man who is his friend, or a man who was his friend. But that is Saturday. Right here tonight, these two men are looking to not just turn it up from their previous showdown, but they’re looking to tear the other man to shreds! Will the American Dragon prove the Mad King is just a bum? Or will his arrogance be his undoing against a determined and desperate Eddie Kingston?

The bell rings and the fans are already fired up for Eddie. He and Bryan feel things out, Bryan staying by ropes. Bryan uses those as defense to back Eddie off and fans boo. Eddie stays cool as he and Bryan circle. They feel things out again, test the waters with jabs and kicks, but neither man falls. Bryan plays around a bit, Eddie throws hands but Bryan stays back. They block kicks with kicks, but then Bryan uses ropes again. Fans boo, Eddie smirks, and the two reset again. They feel things out, Bryan fires some shots, but Eddie firs back. The fans still cheer Eddie on, and Bryan goes to ropes again. Eddie is annoyed but Bryan smirks.

Eddie tells Bryan to do something already, and they feel things out. Bryan KICKS, headlocks, but Eddie SAIDOS right out of it! Bryan bails out but Eddie DIVES! Direct hit but both men hit railing hard! Eddie checks his own head as he gets back up. Eddie shakes out the stars, then CHOPS Bryan! Bryan hobbles away, Eddie storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! And again! Fans fire up, the ref tells Eddie to get this in the ring, but Eddie whips Bryan into railing instead! Then CHOPS him again! And again! And again! Bryan falls over, Eddie brings him back up, and Eddie whips again, only for Bryan to reverse!

Eddie hits railing, but comes right back to CHOP again! Eddie snarls, he puts Bryan back in the ring, then storms up on Bryan in a corner. Eddie JABS, CHOPS, repeat, but then Bryan claws Eddie’s eyes! The ref reprimands, counts, but Bryan lets off at 4. Bryan CHOPS and KICKS on repeat! Bryan whips corner to corner, but Eddie comes back to DOUBLE CHOP! Fans fire up while Bryan bails out to the apron. Eddie goes out after Bryan, drags him up, and half nelsons! Bryan holds ropes for dear life, so Eddie HEADBUTTS Bryan from behind! Bryan mule kicks a leg! APRON DDT! Eddie staggers to his feet but Bryan FLYING KNEES him down!

Bryan says “HE’S! A! BUM!” and soaks up the heat while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Bryan looms over Eddie, drags him up, and digs his fingers into Eddie’s forehead. Bryan CHOPS Eddie, Eddie shoves back, so Bryan CHOPS again! Bryan puts Eddie in the ring, paces as Eddie sits up, and then Bryan clamps onto a shoulder! Eddie endures, so Bryan ELBOWS him down, then drops a knee! Cover, ONE!! Eddie goes to ropes but Bryan keeps his cool. Bryan stalks up on Eddie, KICKS him, and KICKS him, then KICKS him again! Eddie snarls as he stands up but Eddie KICKS him down! Bryan taunts Eddie, drags him from ropes, and turns him over to hook up the legs. Bryan stands on the legs while he soaks up the heat!

Bryan says Eddie is a BUM, repeats it as a chant, “HE’S A BUM!” but Eddie reaches for ropes. Bryan STOMPS the legs! Bryan then rains down fists! The ref reprimands but Bryan throws down more shots. Bryan lets off just so he can chant “HE’S A BUM! HE’S A BUM!” Dynamite returns to single picture as Eddie sits up, and Bryan CHOPS! And KICKS! And repeat! Eddie roars as he rises, to CHOP, CHOP and CHIOP! Bryan grabs an arm, wrangles Eddie down, and has the omoplata! Eddie scrambles around, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, Bryan lets off at 4. Bryan reminds us, he has ’til 5!

Bryan taunts Eddie, eggs him on, then scuffs him. Eddie scowls, even as Bryan scuffs him again. And again. Bryan KICKS! And KICKS! Eddie falls over as the fans duel now, “HE’S A BUM!” “NO, HE’S NOT!” Bryan rubs that in, kicks Eddie around, then runs, but into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans are thunderous and Eddie rises! Eddie aims, Bryan stands, but Bryan blocks the Uraken! So Eddie makes it a DDT! Both men are down, the fans rally up for Eddie, and Bryan goes to a corner. Eddie peels off finger and wrist tape, then runs up to clothesline! MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! The fans fire up as Eddie CHOPS Bryan down!

Eddie stands Bryan up to reload and CHOP some more! Bryan fires up, he SPITS at Eddie, so Eddie CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Bryan sits down, Eddie still CHOPS, then he stands on Bryan’s head! The ref counts, Eddie lets off at 4, and the fans are loving this! Eddie hauls Bryan up, but Bryan drags him down to the omoplata! LEBELL LOCK!! Eddie endures as Bryan pulls back on the hold! Eddie fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Bryan lets off at 4. Bryan storms up on Eddie, kicks him in the side, then drags him from the ropes. Bryan wrenches the arm, ELBOW BREAKER! Then SNAP HALF HATCH!

Bryan soaks up the cheers and jeers as he climbs up a corner. Eddie stands and runs up to trip Bryan up! And he CHOPS again! Eddie CHOPS again, shakes out his hand, then CHOPS again! Eddie climbs up after Bryan, goes to the very top, but Bryan slips under to shove Eddie! Eddie lands on the crossbar, and Bryan brings him into the Tree of Woe! Bryan KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Eddie over and over, then Eddie flops out of the Tree! Bryan soaks up the heat, goes to the corner and runs back in, basement dropkick! Bryan hauls Eddie back up to the top rope, climbs up behind him, HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS on the top rope!

Bryan then lifts Eddie, for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX CROSSBODY COUNTER!! Bryan clutches his bad eye socket while a standing count starts, and Dynamite goes back to picture in picture.

The standing count is 5 of 10 while both men stir. Bryan crawls to the ropes by 7, and drags himself up. Eddie does the same, and they’re both up by 9! Bryan and Eddie stare down from across the way, and they storm up to each other. Bryan CHOPS! Eddie wobbles, but he CHOPS back! Bryan wobbles, but he CHOPS again! Eddie goes to ropes, huffs and puffs, and CHOPS Bryan again! Bryan seethes, and comes back to to CHOP! Eddie CHOPS, Bryan CHOPS, and Eddie is stinging. Eddie CHOPS Bryan, and now Bryan takes a moment to catch his breath. Fans rally up, Eddie brings down the straps, and Eddie eggs Bryan on!

The fans fire up as Bryan comes back, and he SPITS at Eddie! Eddie chuckles, Dynamite returns to single picture, and Eddie CHOSP! Bryan CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! Neither man is backing down this time as the CHOPS keep flying! Bryan stings from that last one, though! But he shakes his head, to kick the leg! Then CHOP! Then kick! Then CHOP! Repeat! Bryan has Eddie on his knees and he CHOPS again! And again! But Eddie rises to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Bryan drops to his knees now, and the fans are thunderous! Eddie CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Bryan starts falling back and Eddie just throws more CHOPS!

Fans fire up as Eddie winds up, but Bryan blocks! SHOUDLER CAPTURE SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Eddie is still in this, Bryan’s chest is ground beef, but the fans fire up as Bryan snarls. Eddie sits up, into KICK after KICK after KICK! Eddie glares at Bryan, Bryan SPITS at him again, and just KICKS from all sides! BUZZ- NO, Eddie ducks, half nelsons, but Bryan arm-drags free! Eddie ends up in a corner, Bryan runs in, but only gets buckles! Then a LARIAT!! Eddie hauls Bryan up to scoop, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Eddie is beside himself! The fans rally up, “This is Awesome!”

Bryan and Eddie sit up, chests red and perhaps even bleeding from busted skin. Eddie drags Bryan up and reels him in, but Bryan turns bomb into rana! Cover, TWO! Eddie sunset flips it, TWO! Bryan aims, ROLLING- NO, Eddie ducks it! Bryan ducks a lariat, returns to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!? Eddie survives and the fans are thunderous again! The fans rally behind Eddie but that amuses Bryan. Bryan looms over Eddie, and he sits Eddie up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Eddie scowls but he starts to ragdoll! Bryan throws more shots, then says “It’s time to kick his head in!” Bryan grabs the arms, for DRAGON STOMPS!

Eddie is dazed with every single stomp, and so Bryan lets the ref check Eddie. Eddie FLIPS BRYAN OFF! Fans fire up again and Bryan grins. Bryan aims from a corner, runs up again, but into an URAKEN!! And then HALF ‘N’ HALF!! And then URAK- NO, Bryan ducks to ROUNDHOUSE! URAKEN ANYWAY! Eddie wobbles, but he URAKENS AGAIN!! And then the lift and KAWADA BOMB!! High stack, EDDIE WINS!!!

Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (Blue League Finalist)

Eddie is NOT a bum! He is moving on to Worlds End! And now, Eddie fights to not just keep his ROH World Championship and NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, but to become the INAUGURAL AEW Continental Champion! But wait, here comes Moxley. Moxley first checks on Bryan, then he stares down Eddie. Moxley gets a mic while fans chant for Eddie, and Eddie tells Moxley to speak his mind. Moxley says all he’s ever asked of Eddie, when he’s stuck his neck out for Eddie and put his reputation on the line because he believes in Eddie, all Moxley has ever wanted is 100% of Eddie’s best.

“And for a guy who’s angry at the whole world and thinks the whole world’s against him, you sure do got a lot of people that love you, man.” The fans cheer that! Moxley tells Eddie to listen. Everybody here in Orlando tonight loves Eddie Kingston. AEW fans all around the world love Eddie Kingston. Every single person on Worlds End in New York is gonna love Eddie Kingston. So it doesn’t matter if Eddie wins or loses, but everyone deserves the very best of everything Eddie has in his heart and his soul. They deserve his maximum effort. The fans start to applaud, but Moxley says the problem is, he knows Eddie better than Eddie knows himself.

Moxley knows Eddie can’t beat Moxley, and Eddie knows he can’t beat Moxley. So for Moxley’s money, Eddie’s already lost, already given up, and already making excuses. But that won’t fly this time. A couple years ago, Moxley gave Eddie the shot of a lifetime, then let him off the hook and go out on his shield and die a warrior’s death. Moxley didn’t have to, but he wanted Eddie to come back stronger because Moxley believed in Eddie. This time, Eddie is not getting one single favor. If Eddie wants to be a Triple Crown Champion like all his heroes, he is gonna have to EARN every inch. Eddie nods and fans cheer that.

Moxley wants to keep going but Eddie tells Moxley he’s talked enough. Eddie will tell Moxley something! Don’t come out here and treat him like his little b*tch, Yuta, cuz Eddie ain’t no Young Boy. “Remember something, dawg, I’m your senpai. I broke into this before you. You’re lucky I let you breathe. But I’m gonna tell you something. You’re right, dawg. You’re right. I’m one of the most down people. I hate myself more than I hate anybody else. But on Saturday, the King of the Bums is gonna push you. You told me one time when I wanted to quit AEW, you said, ‘You are not allowed to quit, because we need people like you around to shape the younger guys.'”

Fans cheer that, and Eddie continues, “So, is that what you want, Jon? I’m gonna give you everything I have. You better show your fighting spirit, cuz I’m gonna show you mine. And I’m gonna bust you up and enjoy it. That’s my out line, Topher.” The music hits, and the battle is set! Will the Maniac prove Eddie doesn’t measure up? Or will the Mad King soon be wearing a Triple Crown?

We return backstage to Lexi, Christian and his “family.”

Captain Charisma is losing patience. Edge is doing this to Christian, the Face of TNT? Really? A crew member says Edge is here, and Christian says good, get him in here! They’ve got stuff to do! The TNT Champion and the Rated R Superstar will be face to face one more time before Worlds End, after the break.

AEW returns as Lexi introduces Christian, Nick & Shayna. Christian interrupts to say you introduce them as Mother Wayne and “The Prodigy,” and they have been waiting all night just Edge to show up, so where- OH NO! Edge comes running in, Nick intercepts but gets TOSSED into a road case! Christian and Edge brawl, but Edge SMACKS Christian off the road case then throws him at a wall! Security runs in, Edge fights them off, then he gives chase! Edge throws Christian around the hallway, the AEW roster rushes in to stop this, but Edge and Christian get loose to throw hands! The roster gets Christian outta there, but Edge still pursues!

Things are chaotic going down the halls of the arena, but Top Flight and the Von Erichs get Edge away from Christian. Edge shouts that Christian is all his on Saturday! Christian says Edge is a coward for jumping him from behind! Who will be left standing after these two battle with nothing holding them back?

Kris Statlander VS Skye Blue!

Stokely Hathaway has joined commentary, having stirred things up between The Galaxy’s Greatest and Willow Nightingale. He claims that he just wants the AEW Women’s Division to thrive, but what is Stokely plotting? And Stokely aside, Kris battles a former friend in Skye, who has truly gone to the dark side. Will Kris make sure the Skye is falling? Or will Skye have a strong finish to her 2023?

The bell rings and the two stare down. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Kris powers Skye to a corner. The ref counts, Kris lets off and Skye runs up. They tie up again, Kris arm-drags Skye away, then arm-drags her again! Skye gets around, waistlocks, but Kris throws her away. Fans fire up as Kris flexes, but Skye get sup to pie face her. And then SLAP her! Kris whips Skye and runs her over! Fans cheer as Kris scoops and SLAMS Skye, then taunts her. Skye stagger sup, into an other scoop and SLAM! Fans cheer while Skye stands back up. Kris scoops again but Skye slips free! Skye shoves, follows, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA, but Kris handsprings through!

Skye soaks up the cheers, completely unaware, and she turns around into a SHOTGUN! Kris hurries to cover, TWO! Kris is annoyed but Skye goes to a corner. Kris runs up, Skye throws her into buckles! Skye stomps a mudhole into Kris, then lets off as the ref counts. Fans boo, Skye soaks up the heat, and she goes to suplex. Kris blocks that to suplex Skye, and hold her up! Fans fire up and Stokely says that’s beautiful right there. Kris then SLAMS Skye down! Fans fire up and Kris runs up at the ropes, but Skye drop toeholds her to ropes! Skye runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Skye runs up again, to BOOT Kris!

Skye goes to the apron, has Kris in the ropes and KNEES her down! Kris sits up but Skye is on her. Kris shoves Skye away, but Skye hits an APRON FACEBUSTER! Skye swaggers, then stomps Kris, as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Skye SMACKS Kris off the apron, pushes her around, but Kris throws body shots in return. Kris CHOPS Skye, throws her into the ring, but Skye CLOBBERS Kris! Skye hammers away on Kris, puts her on ropes and CHOKES her! The ref reprimands, Skye lets off at 4, and Skye swaggers around. Skye puts Kris in a corner, CHOPS her, then stands Kris up. Skye puts some stank on the CHOP! Skye smirks and shakes her hand out, but Kris ROCKS Skye in return! Kris CLUBS Skye to a corner, whips corner to corner, but Skye reverses. Kris hits buckles hard, Skye pushes her to a cover, TWO! Skye is frustrated but she KICKS Kris in the back.

Skye storms around, drags Kris up and CLUBS her down! And again! And again! Skye then HIP DROPS Kris, wraps her up, and has a straitjacket stretch! Kris endures being bent back against Skye’s knee, powers up to fight the hold, but Skye throws her down by her hair! The ref reprimands, Skye “apologizes” then throws more hands. Kris throws hands, Skye hits back, and they fire forearms back and forth! They go harder, then Skye kicks low! Skye fires shots as Dynamite returns to single picture. Skye whips Kris to a corner but Kris comes right back to CLOBBER Skye! And again! And again! Fans fire up with Kris while Skye goes to a corner.

Kris runs up, UPPERCUTS, then goes side to side to KNEE Skye! O’Conner Roll, CHAOS THEORY! Skye flounders, Kris drags her to a cover, TWO! Skye is still in this but Kris fires back up. The fans rally while Skye goes to a corner. Kris runs up but Skye dodges. Skye waistlocks, full nelsons, but Kris breaks free. Skye ducks the roundhouse to SUPERKICK! Kris wobbles, drops to a knee, and Skye runs! CODE BLUE!! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Skye is shocked! Skye scowls and CLUBS away on Kris. Skye then lets off, goes to a corner, and she wants Kris to get up. Skye hops up the corner, leaps, but Kris blocks the Rana!

Kris gets Skye up again, Skye throws hands, and Skye ranas, but Kris rolls through to deadlift POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Skye survives and Kris is furious! The fans fire up, Kris drags Skye back up and bumps her off buckles. Kris CHOPS Skye, hoists her up top, and ROCKS her! But Skye CLUBS back! Kris and Skye brawl, Kris CHOPS, then Kris climbs up. Skye still throws shots, but Kris CLUBS Skye now. Skye resists the lift, throws hands, and then drops down, sending Kris into buckles! But Kris still kicks Skye away. Skye grabs at the ref, and JULIA HART slithers out from under the ring! Julia CLUBS Kris, and Skye hits CHEEKY NANDOS!

Skye climbs up after Kris, hops on, SUPER CODE BLUE!! Cover, SKYE WINS!

Winner: Skye Blue, by pinfall

Stokely is disappointed in how that went, but the Princess of the Black Throne is helping her new friend. Skye then beats up on Kris for the hell of it! Fans boo, but Skye sits Kris up for Julia to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then Skye has the DRAGON SLEEPER! BUT HERE COMES WILLOW!! The Babe with the Power is still Kris’ friend, and she CLOBBERS Julia! And CLOBBERS Skye! The spooky duo bails outta there, and fans fire up as Willow helps Kris up. Stokely says there are still unanswered questions about who is really friends with who, but then ABADON is here! The Living Dead Girl won’t let Julia forget their match this Saturday!! Will the House come falling down at Worlds End?

Backstage interview with The Outcasts.

Renee is with Saraya & Ruby Soho and says that this Friday on Rampage, Ruby takes on “The Problem,” Marina Shafir. How does she feel taking on someone like Marina? Ruby starts to answer but Saraya interrupts, because she “can’t keep this in.” Saraya is so sorry about this, but Ruby’s birthday is next month, and Saraya’s been giving Ruby a lot of early gifts, so here’s one for Rampage. She got Ruby “a little helper!” It’s Harley Cameron! She’ll do anything. Seriously, anything. And she’s great with her hands. Yeah, Ruby’s heard. But see, just in case- Oh, a phone call? Is that Angelo Parker? Yeah, uh, tell him Saraya says hi.

Ruby heads out, Renee wants to know how this new partnership came about. Saraya says it’ll be easier to show you. Harley has a KNIFE?! No, no, the other thing, Harley. Oh, right, sorry. Saraya says they’ll show us next week. Saraya ushers Harley along, just what is happening within The Outcasts?

BREAKING NEWS for Rampage: New Year’s Smash!

After the incident with the Don Callis Family that reunited Le Sex Gods, we will hear from Chris Jericho! Then Wheeler Yuta is in action as he defends the ROH Pure Championship against Matt Sydal. Will the Decoder still be golden going into his FTW Rules match with Hook? And then the trios match that was made earlier tonight. Best Friends VS Top Flight! Will the New Year be Freshly Squeezed?

BREAKING NEWS for Worlds End!

The Zero Hour will have a 20 MAN Battle Royal, the winner earning a guaranteed TNT Championship match anytime, anywhere! Who will survive the field to then have a golden ticket in their back pocket? And plus, that aforementioned FTW Rules match happens as Hook puts up his FTW Championship against Yuta! Will Yuta come to regret ever calling out the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil?

And speaking of that incident earlier tonight, the Ricky Starks & Big Bill will team up with the Don Callis Family’s Kyle Fletcher & Will Hobbs to take on Le Sex Gods & The Relentless Icons! Will Jericho, Guevara, Darby & Sting put all their enemies in their place?

ROH World Tag Team Championships: MJF & Samoa Joe VS The Devil’s Minions!

After the mind games, the questions and the doubts, Maxwell Jacob Friedman again teams up with his most dangerous challenger to fight for the greater good of their AEW World Championship match. Will #M-JOE-F make it to Saturday? Or will the ROH World Tag Team titles be the price for MJF’s sins?

The introductions are made, but uh, where’s Joe? Joe was supposed to have MJF’s back. OH NO, someone’s attacked Joe! He clutches his leg and grits his teeth, and he’s shouting for someone to warn MJF not to go out there! But MJF is so furious, he still wants to do this match! The fans fire up with MJF, but is this wise when MJF has no one by his side? The belts are still raised, and we see if the People’s Scumbag can pull off another handicap match miracle!

The bell rings, MJF throws his jacket at the big minion and stomps away! MJF stomps a mudhole in, the ref counts but fans fire up! MJF lets off to DECK the small(er) minion, then he TOSSES the first one into buckles! Fans fire up and MJF shakes out the bad arm. MJF wants to see who this is, and he goes for the mask! The big man fights away, tags in his partner, and that guy HOTSHOTS MJF! Fans boo but the second minion runs up. MJF TOSSES the guy up and out! Fans fire up with “HE’S OUR SCUMBAG!” and MJF goes out after the minion. MJF sends that guy into the steps, then POSTS him!

MJF stalks this guy, and he asks Orlando, “Who wants to see who this POS is, huh!?” The fans cheer, and MJF goes for the mask! The big guy distracts the ref, and a THIRD minion appears from under the ring! He CRACKS MJF with a steel pipe!! The second minion puts MJF back in while fans boo, and then tag to the big guy. That guy drags MJF up to steal the HEATSEEKER! They’re using MJF’s own move, and the ropes to cover! THE MINIONS WIN!!!

Winners: The Devil’s Minions (NEW ROH World Tag Team Champions)

A travesty for MJF to lose, and now the minions come outta the woodwork to stomp away on MJF! Fans boo, but Joe still storms out here!? He has a chair! Joe is on one good leg but his anger powers him to the ring! The minions run away, the mission complete. But just who the hell are these guys that now own the titles? Joe helps MJF to his feet, just as The Devil himself is on the tron. And a new message appears: “Pleasure doing business with you.” What? JOE SMACKS MJF!!! It was all a set-up!!! Joe SMACKS MJF again!! Joe made a deal with The Devil, and now he has Joe all to himself! “I did this to you!”

Joe puts MJF up, tucks him in, MUSCLE BUSTER!!! MJF is down and out and the fans boo! Joe holds up the AEW World Championship, the prize Joe wanted all along! Is this going to be how Worlds End ends?

My Thoughts:

A great go-home Dynamite here, and they actually pulled off a twist in that ROH World Tag title match I didn’t see coming. Now Joe stands tall going into the AEW World Championship match, so that surely means MJF finds a way to retain the title. I just hope the two guys under the masks that won the ROH World Tag titles are the actual guys Tony Khan wants to put those belts on. Otherwise this is gonna be very Vince not knowing who Retribution is gonna be so he just put different people in the costumes every week. And I would really hope it’s The Kingdom so that they can have those titles like they wanted.

Speaking of, great Pepe Silvia conspiracy board promo from Roddy & The Kingdom, and I appreciate they even threw Shawn Dean on there to reference beef with MJF during MJF’s feud with CM Punk. The Kingdom should be the two minions that won tonight, and then we just have to figure out who the other two are, and then Adam Cole can still be The Devil himself, hopefully to be revealed Saturday night. Or like I said before, this could be a collaboration so that it isn’t just Cole but multiple Devils, Jack Perry being the other.

Good promo from Top Flight to end up with a Trios match for Rampage. I feel like maybe Rocky or Trent takes the loss so that Top Flight can build back up after losing to The Acclaimed. The segment with Mariah, Storm and Riho was good but felt rather last minute and obligation just to put heat on the AEW Women’s World Championship match. Good promo from Saraya, Ruby and Harley, especially since now we know what Harley’s doing post-QTV. She seems to be dipping a bit into Harley Quinn territory with the whole knife thing, but maybe she’ll tone it down and find a nice middle ground between who she was on QTV and this “unhinged Harley” idea.

Really good match from Kris and Skye, with good Heel assist by Julia so Skye can win. But also good to have Willow make the save and Abadon make an appearance. Skye won so we can’t really say Julia stood tall, but I’m not sure of Abadon’s chances of winning. Good recycling of Miro’s promo now that we know we’re getting Miro VS Andrade, that match will be great stuff. Great Don Callis Family promo segment, with Callis of course giving us more of those weird portraits. I should’ve figured they’d go the Sammy Face return route, even if it’s a bit lazy. I guess with Paul Wight down and out, Sammy gets to be the new Big Show in how he turns Face and Heel so easily. The 8 Man Tag they set up will be fun but I was kinda hoping they’d just get right to the title shot.

I should’ve figured that when Edge “kept Christian waiting” on the face-to-face, it was just gonna turn into a brawl. It was a good brawl, but Edge standing tall doesn’t bode well for him winning the title match. However, that 20 Man Battle Royal, and the use of “a title match anytime, anywhere,” I really hope Luchasaurus makes a big return, wins that match, and then uses that MITB style fine print to take the title off Christian, finally standing up for himself and being his own man-dinosaur. And with the news of Hook VS Yuta for the FTW Championship happening at Worlds End: Zero Hour, I hope Hook retains so that then he and Yuta can have a match for the Pure title in return.

And of course, awesome stuff in the Continental Classic semifinals. Way too much space between the matches, though. Many of the promo segments tonight were between the Triple Threat that opened and Bryan VS Eddie that followed. And while the fans were all 100% behind Swerve winning, I figured it’d be Moxley so that we’d also finally get Swerve VS Keith. And Eddie is of course the right choice for Blue League’s winner. Eddie VS Moxley is going to be awesome stuff, just like that promo they had right after that match. I really hope it is Eddie winning, he’s been the one talking about showing up to the shows and putting in the work, so he’d get to be on ROH TV, NJPW Strong, and perhaps AEW Collision (since ROH is filmed same night), defending the Triple Crown on all three shows.

My Score: 8.9/10