Where does AEW go from here?

AEW made it through Worlds End, and not only is there a NEW World Champion, but we hear from The Devil Himself, ADAM COLE BAYBAY!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Dante Martin; Cassidy wins and retains the title.
• Mariah May VS Queen Aminata; Mariah wins.
• Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis; Takeshita wins.
• AEW Continental Crown Title Eliminator Fatal 4 Way: Trent Berretta VS Brian Cage VS Bryan Keith VS El Hijo Del Vikingo w/ Alex Abrahantes; Trent wins and will challenge Eddie Kingston for the titles on Collision.
• Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Daniel Garcia; Swerve wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW shares footage from after Worlds End.

The NEW AEW World Champion, Samoa Joe, said, “I am not a prophet. But I gave you the future. I am not a seer, but I saw what the future held. And it was the championship. I am not a man who makes declarations, I’m a man who keeps promises. MJF, not too long ago at Grand Slam, you used everything within your power to steal from me my rightful championship. And you thought somehow, someway, that I would be like the rest of the scumbags here in New York and appreciate you for what you do. No, MJF. No, Maxwell Jacob Friedman. What you do to me I revisit upon you a thousandfold!

“You embarrassed me, you cheated, and you used everything within your disposal to take this from me. And I turned everyone you loved against you. I showed up to your neighborhood, in front of your friends and family, and I took everything from you. You may be a scumbag, MJF, but I’m a heartless SOB. And in a world that is not big enough for men like you and I to occupy at the same time, I will always, ALWAYS… take what is mine. I am Samoa Joe, I am the AEW World Champion. And I will take everything from anyone who tries to take this from me.”

Adam Cole is here!

Newark, New Jersey is torn as the pyro goes off, but then the music changes. For Adam Cole is… UNDISPUTED! He is accompanied by his treacherous cohorts, Roderick Strong, Mike Bennett, Matt Taven & Wardlow, as he walks down the ramp, still on crutches. Cole shows off the devil mask he took from MJF, has the “BOOM!” and then joins his henchmen in the ring. They set up a chair for him to take a seat, and Roderick has the mic. Roddy tells “Everybody, shut up, and listen to my best friend, ADAAAAAM!” Fans boo even harder but Cole takes the mic to say, “What? You guys don’t have sympathy for me?”

Cole finds it so, so ironic that so many people were disgusted, appalled, and shocked by what happened at Worlds End. Which to Cole means two things. One: you’re all STUPID! And two: you don’t understand right from wrong. You all think COLE is the villain? That these five are the villains because Cole betrayed MJF? MJF, the guy who has created more enemies in AEW than anyone ever? The guy who for YEARS, has run his mouth about every person in that locker room, and the fans, but then Cole is the villain? If that makes Cole the Devil of AEW, then buy him a first class ticket straight to Hell.

Fans tell Cole he’s an A-Hole, but Cole says MJF is a narcissist. “The only person that MJF cares about is MJF, and MJF, he’s had his claws hooked into AEW for far too long. And I think it’s about damn time that there was a change.” Fans chant “He’s Our Scumbag!” Cole says that one day, and a lot of people already do now, but the rest of that locker room will THANK Cole! Even the FANS will thank him! And even TONY KHAN will thank Cole! Because the fact is, MJF is gone and he’s never coming back! Fans boo that, but Cole mocks them. “How could you, Adam?” There’s a lot of reasons why he did.

The second MJF felt he didn’t need Cole anymore, he would’ve done the exact same thing. Cole just beat MJF to the punch. That’s the keyword, though: “Need.” Adam Cole never needed MJF, MJF needed Adam Cole. Cole sacrificed everything within that friendship! For God’s sakes, that’s how Cole broke his ankle! Cole is the one who lost something, NOT MJF. “MJF needed Adam Cole. As a matter of fact, none of you would be cheering or chanting for MJF without Adam Cole. Better Than You Baybay made you fall in love with MJF, that’s ME!” Cole saved MJF’s world championship reign, and then he ended it.

“Because in the beginning, this was all about the AEW World Championship. But then it turned into something so, so much more. This is about destroying a man to his core. This is about ripping out a man’s heart and bringing him to his knees. Because you can chant all you want, but boys and girls, MJF is DEAD.” Fans tell Cole to STFU but Cole holds up the devil mask. He’s telling us now who is very much alive, and that is the Undisputed Kingdom! Fans boo but Cole says aside for their disdain for a guy who doesn’t work here anymore, they have one united desire, and that is championship gold.

Cole says we have the ROH World Tag Team Champions, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Then Cole’s REAL best friend, Roderick Strong, will be aiming for the AEW International Championship. And Wardlow, finally with a group of people who actually respect him, is going to go after THE AEW World Championship. And when the time is right, and Cole is 100% healed, Wardlow will do the right thing and forfeit that title to him. That sounds familiar. But Cole says speaking of that title, congratulations to Samoa Joe. Joe, it was an absolute pleasure doing business with you. It was no problem taking out Hangman Page for him.

But Cole does sincerely mean this. He hopes that by the time Wardlow is ready to challenge for the title, Joe is not the champion. Because it’d really suck to hurt a friend. Cole grins and continues to say that self-esteem is built on action, and they took action. They were sick and tired of waiting for things to change, so they took action! AEW needed change, and they’ve given it to you. The Undisputed Kingdom starts a new chapter here in AEW. And The Devil is here to stay, baybay. Mic drop and the mission is clear. Will AEW soon be ruled by the new devil in town?

Wait, Bullet Club Gold is here?! Jay White has a mic of his own and he has the music cut. Switchblade says, “My good friend, Adam Cole Baybay! Or as he’s now known to be, The Devil, huh?” White admits, he’s impressed. He’s happy that Cole didn’t lose his edge. And that was hell of a plan. White’s a big fan of what they did to ol’ MJF. But what White doesn’t like is being collateral for Cole’s cause as the catalyst in this. They all jumped White when he was all by his lonesome. But now we know it was Cole under the mask, and White ain’t alone. Here come The Gunns! Wardlow gets Cole outta there, BCG brawls with Roddy, Taven & Bennett!

Fans fire up as BCG has the edge but then Wardlow returns to tip the scales 4v3! Cole cheers his guys as they stomp away on White, Austin & Colten, but here comes THE ACCLAIMED! They were also beat down by The Undisputed Kingdom, and they run them all off! Unlikely allies stand against Cole and his henchmen, but then they all stare down. The fans chant for them to “SCISSOR! SCISSOR!” but no, BCG bails out. They’re not willing to work with Acclaimed & Daddy Ass against their common enemies, so who gets their shots at The Undisputed Kingdom first?

AEW shares more footage from after Worlds End.

AEW Media asked if the Continental Classic “changed” Eddie Kingston. The Mad King says yeah, of course it did. It gave him this weird thing he didn’t know he have: confidence. A highlight reel plays of his run, starting 0-2 but making the huge comeback over Claudio, Garcia and Andrade to then beat Bryan in the semifinals. They are all some of the best wrestlers he’s ever seen. But the best part was that it came down to him and Moxley. Beating his brother in arms, Eddie now has so much confidence that it’ll take someone special to take these titles from him.

Well, speaking of, there will be a Continental Title Eliminator FATAL FOUR WAY! Trent Berretta, Brian Cage, Bryan Keith and El Hijo Del Vikingo all battle it out for their shot at the crown this Saturday on Collision! Who makes it through that star-studded match to go after The Mad King’s throne?

Daniel Garcia speaks.

“I dunno if it’s just me, but this feels like a little bit of a mission statement for AEW, putting the two youngest, hottest stars up against each other for the first show of the year. Swerve Strickland VS Daniel Garcia. And Swerve, your theme song, ‘Big Pressure,’ that’s what it’s called, right? The big pressure you apply. But what happens when you apply pressure to somebody that doesn’t fold. To somebody that doesn’t break. To somebody that, no matter how much life throws at him, he keeps going forward and keeps fighting and keeps pushing and keeps doing his thing. When you apply pressure to that, let’s see what happens.

“Swerve, it doesn’t matter how much pressure you try to apply to me, I will not fold and you will not beat me. Because tonight, first Dynamite of the year, Daniel Garcia fights through the pressure and beats Swerve Strickland.” Red Death is ready, but will he make it through entering whose house?

AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy VS Dante Martin!

The Undisputed Kingdom just issued their warning to all champions, but Cassidy is a fighting champion! Will he be the one facing down the Savior of the Backbreaker? Or will giving out this opportunity to Angel Dorado come back to bite him?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if 2024 is Freshly Squeezed!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Cassidy and Dante slowly circle, tie up, and Cassidy clinches to throw Dante. Dante lands on his feet but Cassidy rolls him up, flips him over, and ties up the legs. Cassidy then goes for an arm but Dante kips up and arm-drags! Cassidy ends up in a corner and takes a moment to cool off. Dante waits on Cassidy, they tie up again, and Cassidy slips around, hooks an arm and hits an arm-drag to a lateral press, TWO! Dante has the ghost pin, TWO! Cassidy ties the legs up again, then pulls Dante into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Dante pops out to a cover, TWO! Cassidy hits a headlock takeover!

Fans rally, Dante fights up, and Dante wrenches out to top wristlock. Dante wrenches, wristlocks again, then knuckle locks. Cassidy reaches for ropes but Dante keeps him away. So Cassidy raises that hand, only for Dante to knuckle lock it, too! They go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength, and fans rally as they’re evenly matched. Cassidy then MONKEY FLIPS! It’s a double cover, Cassidy rolls back but Dante blocks the cover and BOOTS Cassidy! Dante whips, drops, then hurdles, but Cassidy shoves. Dante rolls off Cassidy’s back, but Cassidy holds his hands up. But Dante keeps them out of pockets!

Dante turns Cassidy around, throws him up and over, then whips. Cassidy reverses but Dante holds ropes. Dante mocks the lazy thumbs up, Cassidy rushes in, but Dante jumps up and over! Dante then slips around, backslide, TWO! Cassidy is up but into a cradle! TWO!! Cassidy escapes, bails out, and fans rally up. Dante gives another lazy thumbs up while Cassidy goes around the ring. The ref counts but Cassidy takes his time. Cassidy raises his hands, but then Dante rushes outside! Cassidy dodges him, then ROCKS Dante on the apron! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Dante is sent into railing hard!

Fans fire up and Cassidy whips Dante into more railing! Cassidy brings Dante around, to send him back into railing! The fans rally for the Dusty cosplayer, and Cassidy puts up his hands! And into the pockets! Cassidy jogs around the ring to “build up speed,” and fans fire up as Cassidy comes back in to SHOTGUN Dante down! Fans fire up as Cassidy stands back up. Cassidy refreshes the ring count while fans tell him he’s sick. Cassidy goes out, brings Dante around and reels him in. But Dante suplexes first! Fans fire up while both men writhe and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Dante stands Cassidy up, puts him in the ring, and then climbs a corner. But Cassidy hurries up after him! SUPERPLEX! Both men writhe but Cassidy sits up in a huff. The fans rally up as Cassidy brings Dante up and around. But Dante suplexes first again! Dante hurries to get Cassidy up again, but Cassidy suplexes in return! Cassidy storms up on Dante, stands him back up, but Dante suplexes again! Cassidy wastes no time to get Dante and suplex him! So Dante suplexes again! Both men clutch their backs, then Cassidy storms up. Dante blocks the suplex, blocks again and again, then he suplexes. Cassidy blocks!

Dante and Cassidy fight for suplex control, going back and forth with trying and blocking. Dante almost has Cassidy but then they both stop because their backs are killing them. Then Cassidy reels Dante in to suplex! Dante fights it off, keeps trying, and Dynamite returns as Cassidy again hoists Dante up! Dante fights that off, suplexes one more time, STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Cassidy fires up as Dante goes to a corner, and he runs in. Dante slips out, Cassidy hits buckles, then Dante goes up and around to GAMANGIRI! Dante springboards, Cassidy gets under and bails out, but Dante DIVES! Direct hit in front of the desk!

Dante puts Cassidy back in, springboards again, FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Cassidy hangs in there and the fans rally up again. Dante stalks Cassidy, drags him up in a half nelson but Cassidy throws elbows. Cassidy ROCKS Dante, but Dante has Cassidy hold on. Dante “chops!” He’s doing the Cassidy sloth style, and fans tell him he f’d up! Cassidy “chops” back! Dante “fires” those shin kicks off! Fans fire up with every shot, but Cassidy smirks. Dante winds up, but then Cassidy dodges the serious superkick to SUPERKICK! Dante ends up in a corner and the fans are loving it! Cassidy “fires” those kicks now! Then actually stomps!

The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Cassidy lets off. Cassidy then winds up, runs up, but Dante boots him away! Dante then goes up and over, hurdles and scoops, but Cassidy tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, TWO! Dante survives but is dazed. Cassidy seethes, goes up a corner, but Dante springs up after him! Dante CLUBS away on Cassidy but Cassidy gives body shots. Cassidy ROCKS Dante with a forearm and Dante staggers away. Cassidy adjusts, but Dante JUMPS right up! Cassidy shoves, Dante backflips through! Only for Cassidy to DEEP IMPACT! Cover, TWO!! Dante survives another DDT and Cassidy is frustrated.

Cassidy throws off the elbow pad, takes aim from a corner, and he runs up, but Dante dodges! So Cassidy Alabama Lifts! Dante turns that around to lift but Cassidy fires hands! Dante blocks the rana to pop-up and KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is still in this and Dante is shocked! Dante hurries to the corner and climbs up! But Cassidy slow rolls to the other corner. Dante hurries to hop down then SENTON Cassidy! Dante goes back up, but Cassidy slow rolls the other way! Fans fire up and Dante changes tactics. Tightrope, SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Dante is furious, he hauls Cassidy up and half nelsons.

But Cassidy turns swing into ghost pin, TWO! Cassidy swings, Dante ducks and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Dante runs up, but Cassidy avoids the shotgun! ORANGE PUNCH!! Cover, Cassidy wins!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)

Both men turned it up a notch, but it was still Cassidy with the hot hand to win it! #HookHausen and Top Flight make their way out to check on their guys. Cassidy shows Dante respect by helping him up and shaking his hand. Dante came close, will he, Darius and Action still make 2024 their breakout year?

“Oh my God, is that Private Party?” WHAT? Yes! Marq Quen is back from injury, rolling with his tag partner, Isiah Kassidy! Private Party is crashing the party as it were to celebrate their reunion! Kassidy gets fans to echo, “YEEEAH~!” Quen then says, “Allow me to reintroduce ourselves. This is Zay, and I’m Quen. And we been keeping tabs on the Tag Division. It’s kinda been lacking.” The fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Quen smiles, and continues by saying “The Tag Division’s been missing some…” Zay says, “Flava.” “The Tag Division’s been missing some…” “Excitement.” “And most importantly, the Tag Division’s been missing PRIVATE PARTAAAY~!”

Fans cheer that and Private Party enters the ring. Zay says with all that said, Private Party is putting every team on notice. That means OrangeHookHausen, that means Top Flight, and that means FTR, Young Bucks, and even the Hardys. But hey, listen. They say, “New Year, New Me.” Nah, this is New Year, New Champs! If y’all feelin’ that, give Zay a “HUHN~ YEAH~!” “HUHN~ YEAH~!” Zay & Quen are ready to finally have some gold to call their own, what will Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” have to say about that?

Backstage interview with “Timeless” Toni Storm.

Renee is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and butler, Luther, and Renee congratulates Storm on retaining her title at Worlds End. But now, the New Year! What does 2024 have in store for Storm? Storm first wants to say Renee’s perfume is very overwhelming. And secondly, Storm was very excited to come here, until she realized it isn’t New York but New Jersey. It’s just not really her scene. She belongs on Broadway. So she has decided to call it a night, will head to Manhattan, go to Sardi’s, and hold a seance for Stephen Sondheim. Uh, okay. But up next is Mariah May’s in-ring debut, and has been practically begging for Storm to watch her.

Oh, darling, Storm doesn’t watch wrestling. Besides, how hard can it be? Mariah has to pay her dues, so what better way to do that than wrestle in New Jersey? Luther, scoop. Luther scoops Storm up into his arms, and Storm says, “And remember: Chin, tits, shoe!” Storm just kicks one of her shoes off and it flies overhead! Luther takes Madame Storm away, but will Storm’s number one fan have her first win in AEW even without her hero around?

The House of Black speaks.

Malakai and Buddy walk out from the shadows, and Malakai says, “So you wanna fight us? So you wanna challenge us? Okay. Alright. Challenge accepted. But um… We’ll do it in a place where we can cut you deep.” Buddy says it’ll be in North Carolina, in front of FTR’s friends and family. In front of Dax’s daughter, Finlay, his wife Maria, and well, if Cash has found anyone that loves him, bring them along, too. However, if the House wins, FTR must walk up to their family and disown them. Then they will have to watch Dax & Cash walk back with their new family.

Malakai tells Finlay, don’t worry. The tears that daddy Dax will cry will not be of sadness. They will be tears of joy as he realizes he is finally home with a family that truly, truly loves him. Will the House grow after this coming Collision? Or will the Top Guys tear them down?

Backstage interview with Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana.

Renee is now with The Realest and his right hand man, and brings up tonight’s main event. Swerve will be facing a man who has also been garnering himself quite a lot of attention lately in one Daniel Garcia. How does Swerve feel about Garcia being his first opponent of 2024? Nana says they get it, okay? Garcia is a very respected competitor. But does he realize who he’s getting in the ring with? The Boss of the Bosses! “Right, boss?” Swerve chuckles and says Garcia was a Blue League guy, they never got to face off in the Continental Classic, but Swerve saw him have a good showing.

The reason Garcia is getting this match is because Swerve respects the fact Garcia is after the same things Swerve was after in 2023, and that was championship gold. Garcia was talking about big pressure and not folding or whatever. But the thing is, big pressure isn’t about making diamonds. It’s about bringing pain, and that is what Garcia goes through tonight. Now, talking about 2024, Swerve wants to accomplish something he wasn’t able to in 2023, and that is to get championship gold. And not just any gold. At first, Swerve thought he’d be addressing MJF, but seems MJF’s body couldn’t take it anymore.

So now it is up to you, Samoa Joe. Swerve will be coming for that championship, so be ready. Swerve smiles, Nana asks, “Whose house?” Everyone is aiming for the King of Wrestling Television, but will it be Swerve that gets the killshot?

Mariah May VS Queen Aminata!

The former Stardom star, the superfan of Toni Storm, is finally ready to show her own skills to AEW. Will she follow right in the footsteps of Storm? Or will she fail to live up to those expectations?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. New Jersey hails their Queen, and she steps to Mariah. Aminata talks some trash, but Mariah SLAPS her! Fans boo, but then Mariah kicks Aminata low, then ROCKS her! Then throws her down by her hair! Mariah soaks up the heat, drags Aminata up, but Aminata throws body shots! Mariah dodges the chop to CHOP, then CHOPS again! Mariah whips, Aminata reverses but Mariah tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Mariah runs to SHOTGUN Aminata down! Cover, ONE!! Aminata shows her toughness but Mariah puts her on ropes. Mariah hooks her up in the ropes, then runs to SHOTGUN Aminata int he back!

Aminata tumbles to the floor and Mariah smiles. Some fans have been won over and Mariah blows kisses while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Mariah walks around to soak up the cheers and jeers, then opens the ropes for Aminata. Aminata staggers to her feet, Mariah goes out after her, and Mariah SMACKS Aminata off the apron. Mariah puts Aminata in the ring, stalks her, then drags her up to bump her off buckles. Mariah CHOPS, then CHOPS, then stalks Aminata to another corner. Mariah CHOPS Aminata again, and follows her to another corner. Mariah CHOPS Aminata, stomps a mudhole into her, then snapmares for a straitjacket stretch. Aminata endures, fans rally up, and Aminata fights around. Mariah throws her down to thrash her around!

Aminata bridges up, but Mariah kicks low! Mariah snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Aminata is hanging in there but Mariah keeps her down with a chinlock. Mariah leans on the hold, Aminata endures and fights up to throw body shots. Aminata runs but Mariah LARIATS her down! Mariah hurries over, kneels on the cover, TWO! Mariah is frustrated but she drags Aminata up to bump her off buckles. Dynamite returns to single picture, Mariah puts Aminata up top, and Mariah puts some stank on her DOUBLE CHOP! Aminata sputters, Mariah goes corner to corner and runs up, to STRATUS-

NO, Aminata blocks! She pushes Mariah back, BOOTS her, then bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP! Fans fire up and Mariah is furious, btu Aminata SLAPS and SLAPS and then ducks to DOUBLE CHOP! Aminata LARIATS, spins, snapmares and KICKS Mariah in the back! Fans fire up as Aminata RUNNING KNEES! Mariah flounders to a corner, Aminata runs in, BIG forearm! Aminata hooks Mariah up, puts some stank on her DOUBLE CHOPS! Then Aminata runs corner to corner, another BIG forearm! Aminata keeps moving, but Mariah SLINGBLADES! Fans fire up, Mariah stands Aminata up and fireman’s carries. MAY DAY!! Cover, Mariah wins!

Winner: Mariah May, by pinfall

A powerful debut for Mariah, will she prove herself worthy of a title opportunity in the New Year?

Renee appears to interview Mariah in the ring and says after much anticipation, congratulations on the first win, how does it feel? Mariah says, “I can’t believe it! I won my AEW debut! I wanted to be a wrestler since I was a little kid, so the fact that I’m in this ring, on AEW, is surreal to me. And I hope Ms. Toni Storm, wherever she is, is watching and she’s proud. Because it’s the first Dynamite of the New Year, and it’s all about Mariah! But… My only regret is we had to do this in New Jersey.” Fans boo, they were just starting to like her! But wait! DEONNA PURRAZZO is here!? The Virtuosa and New Jersey’s own is now in AEW!

Deonna goes down to the ring to rain on Mariah’s parade, and Renee makes the official introductions. “Deonna, it is incredible to see you here in AEW.” The fans chant for Deonna, and she tells Renee that while Renee knows this, but uh, Deonna’s from New Jersey. And if Toni Storm doesn’t wanna be here, well then they don’t want her here, either! But Mariah… Here’s a message to pass along to Ms. Storm. It doesn’t matter where she Storm runs or hides, Deonna will find her. Because Mariah, Deonna IS All Elite! The fans fire up for that news! And now, this is the Age of the Virtuosa! The fans cheer for “NEW JERSEY!” as Deonna smiles.

Mariah says okay, then, Deonna. But she’s not a messenger, so tell Storm yourself, b*tch! And then she SLAPS Deonna! So Deonna SLAPS and BOOTS Mariah down! Fans fire up as Mariah scrambles away. Will the leading lady have to watch out that the spotlight doesn’t move on to a new shining star?

Christian Cage is here!

New Jersey is oddly excited to see Captain Charisma and The Patriarchy making their way out here. The now TWO-TIME TNT Champion is here with “Mother Wayne,” Nick Wayne, and Killswitch/Luchasaurus. Tony Schiavone is in the ring to say Christian has put himself in some legendary company, prestigious even, by becoming TNT Champion a second-time, at Worlds End. Shayna takes the mic first, and fans boo. She is offended that they’d boo her! A mother?! How DARE you! She demands you people get on your feet right now and pay respect to the “greatest TNT Champion that’s ever lived,” The Father, The Patriarch, Christian Cage!

Christian tells them all to keep it down while he conducts business. But to answer the question, Schiavone, yes. It has been 200 DAYS since Christian won this title on the very first episode of Collision. It has been a historic run for sure. No, no, wait, that- Schiavone, if you interrupt Christian again, he will have Mother Wayne bend Schiavone over her knee and discipline him here in front of all these “sweat hogs” in New Jersey. Actually, these sweat hogs could use some discipline themselves. Sit down and shut up! Fans boo but Christian says it is no secret that he went through a war to defend this championship, and he feels there are some people he needs to thank.

First off, Christian will thank Mother Wayne, the Matriarch, for being so loving, so nurturing and so understanding. A mother’s work is truly never done. Secondly, Christian would like to thank his “pride and joy,” his boy, Nick Wayne, who so selflessly put his body on the line. Adam Copeland put this young man through a flaming table, and tried to end his career at just 18 years old! Fans cheer that, that was wild. But Nick sucked it up, stayed in the fight, so Christian just wants to say, he loves ya, son. They hug, and Christian says lastly, but certainly not least, he will thank the man that sealed the victory at Worlds End.

Christian thanks the man that put the final nail int he coffin that is Adam “Edge” Copeland. Christian thanks himself! Fans boo and Luchasaurus feels foolish for thinking Christian meant him. The fans chant for Luchasaurus, which surprises him. Christian ignores that to say it is his duty to address Adam Copeland for what he hopes is the final time. Christian has beat Edge twice! 2-0, and it is now to the back of the line. No more title shots for you, Edge! Christian could stand here and make light of the fact that Edge grew up without a father. How Edge’s mother is no longer with us.

But the fact is, Edge must now wake up every morning, look himself in the mirror, and realize what Christian has been saying for years: Christian Cage is SUPERIOR to Edge!! Fans boo more but Christian won’t deny that Edge brought the fight. They beat the crap outta each other, dragged each other through the mud, and left a little bit of their souls in the ring that night. But the difference is, one of them doesn’t have a soul! That’s why Christian stands here and still TNT Champion! Fans boo but Christian puts out a warning to anyone who has eyes for his TNT Championship. What happened at Worlds End was just a glimpse, the tip of the iceberg, of what he’s willing to do to hold onto this title!

Christian doesn’t want anyone to forget that this title was thrown on the scrapheap, and he picked it up and has now made it the most prestigious title in ALL of AEW! The fans still chant for Luchasaurus but Christian tells them to shut up. That man’s name is Killswitch! Christian continues to say that the TNT Championship is now the most important title in all of AEW! And Christian will remain TNT Champion for as long as he wants, until he decides it is time to hand it off to his Prodigy, Nick Wayne, to carry on the family legacy. No one will ever forget that THIS is the Patriarchy, they run AEW, are the Faces of AEW now, then and forever!

Fans continue to boo as Christian holds up the title. But with Luchasaurus being shoved into his shadow, what will it take for Luchasaurus to stand up for himself and be his own man?

Backstage interview with The Outcasts.

Renee is with Saraya, Harley Cameron & Ruby Soho, and she congratulates The Runaway on her win last week. Though a little helping hand from Harley. Harley says more like a helping face. And Saraya says she was right, wasn’t she? Harley even looks the part. Yeah, she is committed to this role. No, it’s not a role, Harley. But what does Ruby think? Does she love it or does she love it? Ruby says she has to admit, she thought this was just another blonde out of her mind joining the team, that didn’t work so well last time. Saraya says this is a different kind of crazy. But Ruby does appreciate the help.

Harley wants them to know she will prove herself. She is so ready to be an Outcast. She would do anything for either of them. And she means anything. Right, Saraya? Well, Saraya said Harley would be helpful, not sane. But anyway, let’s all get going. Saraya thanks Renee, and tells Harley to cool it, she’s gonna give it away. Renee asks what is going on here, but Saraya says she loves Renee, but please. They all leave, and Renee is as confused as the rest of us. Is this about more than just adding a new teammate?

Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis!

The Relentless Icons and Le Sex Gods won big at Worlds End against the combined forces of the Don Callis Family and the AEW World Tag Team Champions. However, the battles never end, and now Darby battles The Alpha 1v1. Callis joins commentary, will he keep from affecting this outcome?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Darby waistlocks, but Takeshita switches. Takeshita lifts and SLAMS Darby, but Darby gets back up. Darby hobbles a bit, shakes it off, and the two tie up with knuckle locks. Darby wrenches, WRINGS, steps over, La Magistrol, TWO! Takeshita goes to a corner, dodges the Coffin Splash, but then Darby goes up and over as Takeshita returns. Takeshita still chases after Darby but Darby slips around to waistlock, only for Takeshita to buck the O’Conner. Takeshita then rolls back, reaches up, and headscissors into a victory roll, that he then turns into a WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Darby lands on his feet?!

The fans are thunderous and even Callis admits that was good. Darby eggs Takeshita on and they circle. They tie up, Takeshita knees low then CLUBS Darby. Takeshita whips, and he back drops Darby HIGH! Darby writhes but Takeshita storms up on him. Takeshita headlocks and grinds Darby down. Darby fights up, but Takeshita hits a takeover. Darby endures as Takeshita grinds the head and traps an arm. Darby fights up, the fans rally, and Darby claws Takeshita’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Darby powers out of the headlock. Takeshita turns things around to whip but Darby springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG!

Fans fire up again as Takeshita bails out. Darby builds speed and he DIVES into a KNEE!! Fans lose their minds and Takeshita snarls while Darby sits up in a daze. Takeshita drags Darby up, puts him in the ring, then drags him back out hard! Darby hits the ramp, crawls around, and fans boo as Takeshita soaks up the heat. Takeshita then lines up a shot, deadlifts him and takes him further up the ramp, to O’Conner, and O’Conner, and CHAOS THEORY down the ramp! The fans lose their minds again, and tell Takeshita he’s sick. Takeshita hauls Darby up and puts him in as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Takeshita covers, TWO! Darby is still in this and Takeshita is frustrated. Takeshita looms over Darby, drags him back up and digs his knee into Darby. Darby endures, but Takeshita pushes Darby down to then BULLY CHOKE! Darby endures as Takeshita bends him! The ref reprimands, it’s starting to be more like an actual choke! Takeshita lets go in frustration and argues with the ref. Darby coughs and sputters but Takeshita stalks him to a corner. Takeshita stomps Darby, digs his boots in, then lets off as the ref counts. Takeshita drags Darby up but Darby pushes Takeshita away and flounders to another corner.

Takeshita follows Darby, bends him against the ropes, and lets go as the ref counts. Darby sputters, but Takeshita storms up on him again. Darby kicks back but Takeshita eggs him on. Takeshita kneels, Darby crawls his way over, and Darby SLAPS Takeshita! Takeshita eggs Darby on, Darby SLAPS him again! Takeshita DECKS Darby! Takeshita roars and surely fans boo, but Takeshita hauls Darby up to throw him into a corner. Takeshita hoists Darby to the top rope, then climbs up after him. Takeshita drags Darby up and over into position, but Darby fights! Dynamite returns to single picture as Darby flails and shifts around!

Darby turns this into a SUPER THROWBACK STUNNER!! Takeshita sputters as he bails out, but Darby DIVES! Direct hit into the railing!! Fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Darby is practically foaming at the mouth, but he gets Takeshita up and into the ring. Darby runs up to fire palm strikes, a headbutt, then hops in, but no Code Red! Takeshita spins things around, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and fans declare “This is Awesome!” Takeshita rises, watches as Darby crawls, and Darby makes it to the other corner. Darby heaves, sits up, and Takeshita runs in, only Darby to slip out of the ring!

Takeshita stops from hitting buckles, then goes out after Darby. Takeshita runs up again, but Darby dodges and Takeshita hits railing and tumbles right over! Callis checks Takeshita, Darby goes back to the apron, and Darby climbs a corner! Takeshita manages to stand, only to get a SUPER COFFIN SPLASH!! The fans fire up again, Callis can’t believe this, and Darby gets in the ring. The ring count is past 5 of 10, Takeshita is still down! Callis coaches Takeshita, we pass 7, then 8! Takeshita stands at 9, staggers over, and slides in! Darby hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Takeshita survives and fans are fired up!

Darby hurries to go to a corner, he climbs up, and COFFIN DROPS onto knees!! Takeshita saves himself and Callis loves it! Takeshita hobbles after Darby, waistlocks, and deadlifts to GERMAN SUPLEX! Takeshita shakes his head, he is not done with Darby. Darby crawls, Takeshita storms up and waistlocks again, deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Darby flounders, Callis says the ref should just call it. But Darby is still moving so Takeshita storms up again. Takeshita deadlifts but Darby counters to a cradle! TWO!! CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Takeshita LARIATS outta nowhere!!

The fans boo but Takeshita takes aim. Callis stands up to tell Takeshita to finish this! Takeshita aims from a corner, Darby flounders back up, HELLUVA KICK!! And then Takeshita puts Darby up top, climbs up behind him, and he drags Darby to the top rope! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!!! But that’s still not the end!? Darby sits up and eggs Takeshita on. POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, Takeshita wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

Callis joins his Alpha in celebrating the victory! Takeshita adds a former TNT Champion to the list of victories, will he become a champion in his own right in 2024?

Backstage interview with The Don Callis Family.

Renee walks over while Callis is congratulating Takeshita. Renee also congratulates him, what an impressive win over Darby Allin. How is Takeshita feeling? Takeshita says in Japanese that he told everyone that he is The Alpha! Darby Allin, sucks to be you. Callis says next week, it’s back to where it all started: Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Sting’s 25-0 in AEW, but the Don Callis Family is making a challenge! Darby, go get Sting, because Callis & Takeshita are bringing “Powerhouse” Hobbs! They’ll make it 25-1! Sting & Darby have one more match together as the Relentless Icons, will it be their final match together?

AEW Continental Crown Title Eliminator Fatal 4 Way: Trent Berretta VS Brian Cage VS Bryan Keith VS El Hijo Del Vikingo w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Eddie Kingston is ready to defend all THREE of his belts all over the world, so that means determining the first #1 contender! Eddie is even joining commentary for this one, will it be #JustTrent, The Mogul Embassy’s Machine, The Bounty Hunter or the AAA Mega Champion that steps to The Mad King’s throne this Saturday on Collision?

The bell rings and Cage runs Vikingo over! Bryan runs up, dodges Cage to BOOT him, but Trent CHOPS Bryan! Cage DOUBLE LARIATS them both! Vikingo is back up, he dodges Cage to DREAMCAST KICK! Cage bails out, Vikingo builds speed and Eddie is already worried. Vikingo DIVES to send Cage into the desk! Cage says there goes Taz’s Coke Zero! Trent and Bryan throw forearms back and forth, Trent ROLLING ELBOWS Bryan down! But Bryan is right up! HE fires boxing elbows on Trent, but Trent throat chops! Trent whips Bryan, Bryan reverses and drops, bypasses and BOOTS Trent down!

Fans fire up and Trent bails out. Vikingo is back, he BOOTS Bryan, SOBATS him, then whips. Bryan reverses, Vikingo handsprings over the trip! Fans fire up more, and Eddie even likes the superhero landing. Things keep moving, Bryan sidesteps but Vikingo MOONSAULT ARM-DRAGS! Bryan returns, Vikingo dodges and SPINNING RANAS! Bryan bails out, Cage DECKS him! Cage returns and he swings. Vikingo dodges, RANA- NO, Cage blocks that! Cage gets Vikingo up but Vikingo sunset flips. But Cage stays up, and deadlift OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Fans boo but Cage turns around. Trent runs in, but Cage trophy lifts him!

Trent slips free, waistlocks, but Cage switches and ripcords. Trent dodges to JUMP KNEE! Then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Cage bails out, and Trent aims. PLANCHA takes down Cage, then Trent rains down fists! Trent storms up on Vikingo but Danhausen is ringside to cheer his friend on. But then Cage kicks Trent low to suplex and BRAINBUSTER to the floor!! Trent writhes, fans boo, but Cage hauls Trent up and puts him in the ring as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Cage storms in after Trent but Bryan is there to fire off hands! Bryan runs, but Cage scoops him! Vikingo is up top, he SEATED SENTONS, but Cage doesn’t budge! Cage hits a POWERBOMB POWERSLAM COMBO!! Cage storms up on Vikingo, scoops him and uses him to do bicep curls with him! Then Cage TOSSES Vikingo up and over, then flexes. Fans cheer the show of strength, but then Bryan CHOPS and ROCKS Cage on repeat! Bryan whips, Cage reverses, then UPPERCUTS and GAMANGIRIS, to then wrench and SAIDO! Bryan tumbles away but Trent returns! Trent runs up to SHOTGUN Cage into buckles!

Trent huffs and puffs and runs back in to BACK ELBOW! Trent keeps moving, but Cage LARIATS Trent down! Cage asks, “Who betta?!” Cage storms up on Trent, pushes him down to a cover, TWO! Cage clamps on a chinlock and he squeezes tight. Trent endures, fans rally up, and even Abrahantes is on Trent’s side for this. Trent fights up, throws body shots, and is free. Trent runs, into an ELBOW! Vikingo runs up but Cage knees him low! Cage UPPERCUTS Vikingo, CLUBS him, then Dynamite returns to single picture. Cage whips, Vikingo scarecrow rebounds and HEEL KICKS! Fans fire up as Cage goes to a corner!

Vikingo whips corner to corner but Cage reverses. Vikingo slips out, Cage hits buckles, and Vikingo springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Vikingo, he runs up, METEORA in the corner! Then Cage is in the drop zone and Eddie knows Vikingo’s gonna do something crazy. Vikingo goes up but Bryan RISING HEADBUTTS! Fans fire up with the Bounty Hunter and Bryan goes up after Vikingo. The fans rally for BK but Vikingo fights him! Bryan HEADBUTTS Vikingo and Vikingo falls to the floor. But Cage GAMANGIRIS! Cage climbs up after Bryan and brings him up to the very top! But Trent joins in!

Trent SUPER GERMAN SUPLEXES Cage down! Trent then fires up, runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, but Vikingo 450 SPLASHES outta nowhere! But Bryan LARIATS Viking down! The fans are thunderous and Bryan rises first! Bryan hauls Cage up, underhooks, but Cage powers up and out! Cage RAMS Bryan, fireman’s carries, and F5!! Bryan bails out so Cage has Trent, POP-UP POWERBOMB! And deadlift into the SITOUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Trent survives, but Cage slashes his throat. Cage drags Trent up, but Danhausen jumps into the ring!? Fans fire up as Danhausen CURSES Cage!

Cage grabs Danhausen in a fireman’s carry, but Bryan SUPERKICKS Cage! Vikingo SUPERKICKS Cage! Fans cheer as Vikingo goes up and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Cage down! Bryan runs up to GAMANGIRI Trent! Then SAIDO! Bryan runs up and BATTERING RAM HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Trent survives again but Bryan isn’t done! Bryan underhooks Trent’s arms, but Trent powers up to Alabama Lift, STRONG ZERO!! Cover, Trent wins!!

Winner: Trent Beretta, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Continental Crown Championship)

Eddie says see you on Collision, Trent! Will the Mad King be ready for his first massive defense? Or will three titles soon belong to #JustTrent?

Backstage interview with Matthew Menard.

Renee is with Daddy Magic, he will be joining commentary for the main event of Swerve VS Garcia. But then Hangman storms in! Is this where they’re doing interviews? Hangman will give us an interview! A few weeks ago, Samoa Joe had a bunch of goons put him through a car windshield, so he is here tonight to beat somebody’s ass! If he can’t find the AEW World Champion, then it’ll be Adam Cole. And if he can’t find Adam Cole, it’ll be someone else! Hell, it might be Daddy Magic! Hangman DARES someone to give him a reason! The Cowboy is furious, will he get his revenge one way or another?

Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Daniel Garcia!

The Realest didn’t get to fight for the Continental Crown, he didn’t get to settle things with Keith Lee, but he vows to no longer have his time wasted. Will he make quick work of Red Death to then go after Samoa Joe? Or will Garcia be unbreakable in 2024?

The bell rings and the fans fire up as these two stare down. The fans chant “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The two tie up, Swerve headlocks but Garcia powers out. Swerve runs Garcia over but Garcia’s right up. Swerve grins, then he headlocks again. Garcia fights the hold, powers up and out again, but Swerve runs him over again. Things speed up, Garcia hurdles but Swerve stops the monkey flip to then ghost pin, ONE!! Swerve sunset flips but Garcia stays up, sits on the cover, ONE!! Swerve Eddy Gordo RANAS and fans cheer. Swerve grins but Garcia dares him to bring more, while having his leg guard ready.

Swerve and Garcia feel things out, Garcia drags Swerve down, and wants a LeBell Lock! Swerve scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Garcia lets off, then SPANKS Swerve! The fans fire up, Swerve gets mad and he pie faces. Garcia pie faces! They pie face back and forth, Swerve headlocks but Garcia powers out. Swerve KICKS Garcia, dodges him, but Garcia kitchen sink knees! The fans fire up and Menard wants Garcia to stay on Swerve. Garcia goes for legs but Swerve gets the ROPEBREAK! Garcia lets go, runs side to side, and he BLASTS Swerve off the apron and into railing! Garcia then goes out, and he sends Swerve into more railing!

Fans fire up but Nana shouts at Garcia. Garcia smirks as he looks at Nana, and the fans are losing their minds over this! Nana does the Swerve When I Drive! Garcia puts up his dukes, to DO HIS DANCE! Nana hits the Cowboy Swerve! Garcia does more of his two step! Swerve runs up, grabs Garcia, but Garcia knees him low! Garcia POSTS Swerve, then puts him on the apron. Garcia climbs up after him, reels him in, but Swerve grabs the ref! The ref tries to shake loose, and Nana grabs Garcia! Garcia kicks free, but Swerve BOOTS Garcia! Menard protests, but Swerve fireman’s carries, for an APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!

Garcia falls to the floor, the chant of “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” echoes out, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Menard coaches Danny up but also warns Nana to stay back. The ref warns Nana, too, but Swerve tells Menard to shut up. Swerve stomps Garcia, drags him up, and RAMS him into railing! Swerve then brings Garcia around, to RAM him into an apron! Swerve puts Garcia in the ring, stomps him, and flexes. Swerve storms up on Garcia but Garcia CHOPS! And CHOPS! Swerve trips Garcia to then sit him up, CHOP him down, and drop a knee on him! Then Swerve KICKS Garcia in the chest! Swerve drags Garcia up by his nose, and CHOPS him to a corner. Swerve snapmares Garcia, goes up the corner, and FALLING UPPERCUTS!

Swerve hits the Griddy, mocks Garcia’s dance, then grins as he stalks Garcia. Swerve CHOKES Garcia on the ropes, with Nana talking trash! The ref counts, Swerve lets off, and he then digs his boots into Garcia at the ropes. Swerve drags Garcia up but Garcia ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Swerve drop toeholds Garcia and clamps on a chinlock. Swerve traps an arm and almost has a crossface chicken wing. Garcia endures, fights up, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Garcia moves around, and he lifts, but Swerve thrashes the headlock. Garcia powers Swerve into a corner and gets free, only for Swerve to BOOT him down!

The fans rally for Swerve again and he storms back up. Swerve UPPERCUTS, rolls, runs in and UPPERCUTS again! Another roll, more mocking of Garcia’s dance, then another UPPERCUT! Garcia just gets mad! Fans fire up as Garcia stalks up behind Swerve. Swerve senses something, takes as swing, but Garcia counter punches! And again! And then he bobs ‘n’ weaves, fires fast hands, and then stomps a mudhole in the corner! The ref counts, Garcia lets off, and Garcia BOOT WASHES! Garcia whips then SHOTGUNS Swerve, then reels Swerve in for a stalling SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Swerve is still in this but Garcia drags grabs legs.

Swerve pops Garcia into a sunset flip! TWO, and Garcia kicks. Swerve blocks, slips around, BACKBREAKER! Swerve runs, into a choke grip! Swerve fights free, Garcia SLAPS him then runs, but Swerve catches him! Inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives and fans rally up again. Swerve drags Garcia out of the ring, to send him into railing! Menard tells Swerve to keep this in the ring. Swerve shoves Menard, Menard gets frustrated, and Swerve taunts him, “Whatcha gonna do about it?” Garcia RAMS Swerve into railing! The fans fire up as Garcia HAMMERS away on Swerve!

Menard gets out of the way as Garcia clears the desk! For that matter, Excalibur, Taz and Schiavone move aside, too. Garcia tosses armchairs aside so he can get up, and he has Swerve’s legs! DRAGON TAMER on the desk, but Swerve drags Garcia down with him! They both hit the floor and fans say someone f’d up! Swerve scrambles away while he can but Garcia also crawls for the ring. They both get in the ring, Menard says things get messy out here. Garcia storms up but Swerve ROCKS him! Swerve climbs a corner, but Garcia ROCKS him again! Garcia even rising HEADBUTTS! Garcia climbs up, brings Swerve to the top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!

Wait, Swerve rolls it through to BRAINBUSTER!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! Nana coaches Swerve, Menard coaches Garcia, and a standing count starts. Swerve sits up with a scowl on his face, and he half nelsons Garcia. Swerve drags Garcia up, but Garcia throws elbows! Garcia SAYANAGIS, then reels Swerve in to KNEE him down!! Garcia runs to BOOT Swerve! But swerve somersaults, COMPLETE SHOT! Swerve runs up, HOUSE CALL!! Cover, TWO?!? Garcia survives and no one can believe it! Swerve is furious, he sits Garcia up again, and goes up a corner.

“This is Awesome!” as Swerve hits the KILL STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?!? HOW?!?!?!? Nana and Swerve are stunned, and then Garcia ghost pins! TWO!!! HOUSE CALL!!! And then the half nelson, J M L DRIVER!!! Cover, Swerve wins!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall

Garcia survived more than most, but he couldn’t survive the entire arsenal! Will this first win of 2024 be just the first of many? And surprisingly, Swerve shows Garcia respect by holding out a hand. Garcia takes it, only for Nana to LOW BLOW him!! Menard is furious, he storms up into the ring and he fires off hands on Swerve! But then Swerve LOW BLOWS Menard! Nana has a mic to say yeah, there you go! Get them outta here! Swerve literally kicks Menard out of the ring, and Nana says, “Ladies and gentlemen, you’re looking at your next AEW World-” HANGMAN!? The Cowboy said he wanted to fight someone, so he figures why not his rival?

Hangman gets in the ring to stare Swerve down while Nana runs away. Swerve chuckles and grins, but then the hands start flying! Fans are thunderous as these haymakers go back and forth, and then refs and security rush out! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but these two are kept apart. But then Hangman busts free to fire off more shots on Swerve!! The security drags Hangman back again, only for Swerve to get loose and attack!! Now they drag Swerve back, but neither man is cooling down! Will these two go another round before either gets the target they want?

My Thoughts:

A great first Dynamite for 2024 but also just a great Dynamite to follow Worlds End. Really good cold open promo from Samoa Joe, and great opening promo from Adam Cole to introduce the now “Undisputed Kingdom.” And that thing about Wardlow handing over the title to Cole is (perhaps) more tongue-in-cheek about how MJF tried to do that with Wardlow and the TNT Championship. But I like that because of all the enemies The Undisputed Kingdom made, we essentially have Face Bullet Club Gold, or at least Tweener. The tension when BCG and Acclaimed were in the ring together was good stuff, too. Also feels like we could get a Trios Triple Threat or something, BCG VS Acclaimed & Billy VS Roddy, Taven & Bennett.

Great International Championship match with Dante looking great even in defeat. But what an interesting moment to send out Private Party. Great to see that Quen is back all the same, can’t wait to see them finally get towards the titles. Great promo from Toni Storm before she of course leaves and doesn’t watch Mariah’s match. Mariah had a really good match with Aminata, but wow, Deonna Purrazzo showing up was a wild surprise. Deonna is clearly going to be Storm’s next challenger with this, just not sure they can stretch it to Revolution. Unless they actually use the ranking system again and make Deonna go on a win streak first.

Good promo from the new and improved(?) Outcasts. But I do like the hint at this just being a plot to keep Ruby away from Angelo Parker. It’s definitely going to blow up in Saraya’s face, though. Good promo from House of Black to call out FTR and put the unofficial stipulation on the tag match this Saturday. I’m not really sure what’ll come of either result, though. If FTR wins, House of Black can try and just tear FTR down completely. But if FTR loses, are they really forced to join The House of Black?

Awesome match out of Darby VS Takeshita with a great win for Takeshita, but it seems like the Don Callis Family is all about not letting go of feuds. Relentless Icons VS Takeshita & Hobbs will be great stuff but I dunno, it still feels like Sting wins again. At the same time, this might be to keep Jericho out of the spotlight while sorting out the allegations, so Don Callis Family has to shift gears to another target. Great promo from Eddie Kingston, and awesome Fatal 4 Way to determine a #1 contender, but uh… Is the title officially named the Continental Crown Championship and not just the Continental Championship? That makes it very confusing when there’s also this triple crown stuff going on.

I do find it intriguing that Trent’s starting to show some Heelish tactics, I wonder how this affects the Best Friends faction. Great inclusion of Danhausen in that match, too. Great promos from Garcia and Swerve ahead of their awesome main event, and even from Hangman wanting after pretty much all the top Heels in AEW right now. Hangman VS Swerve a third time after Swerve’s already won twice seems a bit strange, but I suppose it won’t be disappointing. With Cole still unable to wrestle because of his bad ankle, I would think Swerve gets his shot at Joe first, maybe at Revolution after getting through Hangman and maybe even Wardlow.

And great promo segment from Christian Cage and his faction. They cut Schiavone off a little too soon, but it was clear Christian considers his reign still continuing, no interruptions just because Edge beat him and then Luchasaurus gave up his own title shot. Classic bait ‘n’ switch of Christian making it sound like he was thanking  Luchasaurus but then thanking himself. Luchasaurus just has to lose his cool and beat the crap out of Christian so that they have a title match. As great as Christian has been, Luchasaurus should’ve won at Worlds End, and so he should win whenever and wherever they have this title match.

My Score: 8.9/10