Will the Maniac survive his homecoming?

Jon Moxley is back in Cincinnati, but Powerhouse Hobbs is back for revenge! Will the Book of Hobbs finally have a chapter as the AEW World Champion?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kenny Omega VS Brian Cage w/ The Don Callis Family; Omega wins.
• Six Man Tag: Mark Briscoe & Private Party VS The Hurt Syndicate; The Hurt Syndicate wins.
• Christian Cage w/ The Patriarchy VS Hook; Hook wins, by disqualification.
• AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s Casino Gauntlet: Toni Storm wins and will challenge Mariah May for the title at Grand Slam: Australia.
• AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley w/ The Death Riders VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; Moxley wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kenny Omega VS Brian Cage w/ The Don Callis Family!

It’s a battle of machines to begin Maximum Carnage! The Cleaner won at WrestleDynasty, then returned to AEW last week to assure us that while he may not be the Kenny Omega he once was, he’s still going to fight until he’s back on top! But will that comeback begin tonight? Or will not even the former AEW World Champion be better than Cage?

The bell rings and the fans fire up. Callis is on commentary complaining that Omega “assaulted” him last week when Callis simply wanted to welcome Omega back. Omega and Cage tie up, and Cage pushes Omega to a corner. Cage takes a swing but Omega dodges. Omega fires hands in return, then ROCKS Cage, and CHOPS him! Cage snarls, Omega grins, and Omega CHOPS again! Cage eggs Omega on so Omega CHOPS! Omega kicks and CLUBS Cage, whips him to ropes, but Cage reveres. Omega dropkicks a leg out! Omega keeps moving, dropkicks the other leg, and Cage goes to a corner. The fans fire up as Omega runs in and ELBOWS Cage.

Omega goes to fireman’s carry but Cage is a meaty man. Cage CLUBS Omega, the fans boo, but Cage ROCKS Omega. Cage whips, Omega KICKS him away, then Omega reels Cage in! But Cage is still too meaty for a bomb lift! Omega still wants it, but Cage BACKDROPS him away! The fans boo but Cage scoops Omega for some bicep curls! The fans boo more, but Cage FALL AWAY SLAMS Omega! Callis admires Cage’s muscles as Cage flexes. Cage stalks Omega, RAMS him into the corner again and again. The fans tell off Callis, and Omega facelocks! Cage BACKDROPS free again, then aims from a corner.

Omega hobbles to his feet, but Cage LARIATS him into a corner! The fans boo more but Cage stands Omega up. Cage whips corner to corner, runs in, but Omega BOOTS him! Cage comes back, Omega goes up and over, rolls, but Cage stops the rana to BOMB Omega! Cage deadlifts Omega up, but Omega RANAS free! The fans fire up as Cage tumbles out! The fans cheer Omega on as the Terminator Drums begin! Omega builds speed, but Lance Archer stands in the way! The fans boo, but Omega BOOTS Archer down! But then Cage LARIATS Omega! Callis is proud of his guys while Cage soaks up the heat. Cage drags Omega up and TOSSES him out.

Cage soaks up more heat while Omega staggers around. Cage goes out to whip Omega hard into railing! Cage mocks the fans, “Who’s the Best Bout Machine now?” Cage brings Omega up while the fans boo, and SMACKS him off the apron! The ref starts the ring count, but Cage hoists Omega up! Cage aims, and he PRESS SLAMS Omega on the desk! The fans boo but Callis nods. The ref argues with Cage, Archer & Callis mug Omega! The fans boo, Callis gets away with all that, and Omega is busted open from hitting the desk hood, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Archer taunts Omega, the ref reprimands, but The Callis Family soaks up the heat. Omega stirs, but Cage goes out to refresh the count. Cage drags Omega from the desk to then RAM him into the apron! The ref reprimands but Cage CHOPS Omega! Cage brings Omega around to then whip hard into more railing! The ring count is climbing again, but Cage digs his boot into Omega’s face! Cage lets off to go into the ring, and Archer mockingly cheers Omega. Maximum Carnage returns to single picture and Omega makes it to the ring. Cage climbs a corner and he deadlift SUPERPLEXES Omega in! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Omega stays in this, but Cage grows frustrated. Cage does his Terminator Drums but the fans boo. Omega rolls from apron to ramp as it is flush with the ring. Cage storms out after Omega, brings him up, but Omega fires body shots! Cage BODY BLOWS in return! Cage sputters, Cage brings him around, but Omega fires hands! The fans fire up, Omega CHOPS, but Cage knees low! Cage winds up but Omega BOOTS the lariat, then V-TRIGGERS Cage’s face! Omega whips, Cage reverses, POP-UP- RAN- NO! Cage blocks the counter to his bomb, and he POWERBOMBS Omega into the ring after all!

Cage storms in, fireman’s carries, F5! Cover as Callis laughs, TWO!! Omega survives but Cage stays on him. Cage pump handles but Omega fights with elbows! Omega goes to a corner, BOOTS Cage in return, then runs, SLAM DUNK! Omega grits his teeth and the fans fire up. Omega MOONSAULTS, but onto Cage’s knees! Cage then PUMP-HANDLE FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! omega survives but Callis shouts for Cage to stay on him! Cage looms over Omega while the fans rally up. Cage drags Omega to his feet, RAMS him into a corner, then RAMS into him again! Cage puts Omega up top, then CHOPS!

Omega drops to the apron but Cage climbs up. Omega SLAPS away on Cage’s face! The fans fire up as Omega then springboards, to SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMB! And then V-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!! Cage survives and Callis is relieved! The fans rally up as Omega rises and Cage goes to ropes. “This is Awesome!” as Omega aims, BANG! V0 NO, Cage dodges and GERMAN- NO, Omega slips free! Omega BOOTS Cage, full nelsons, but Cage snapmares free! Omega ducks the discus, Cage ducks the lariat, but the V-TRIGGER hits! Cage ends up on ropes, V-TRIGGER again! And then Omega stands Cage up, and Electric Chair Lifts!

The fans fire up as Omega brings Cage around, for the ONE WINGED ANGEL!! Cover, Omega wins!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall

Just as his new theme says, Omega has risen like the phoenix! But wait! Archer attacks, and Kyle Fletcher shows up to join in! The fans boo as the Callis Family mugs Omega! BODY BLOW!! The fans boo again, but here comes OSPREAY! Ospreay fires hands with Fletcher, and he LARIATS Fletcher up and out! Archer choke grips Ospreay! CHOKE- NO, Ospreay slips free and ENZIGIRIS! Archer staggers around, into a V-TRIGGER! Ospreay adds a HIDDEN BLADE! The fans fire up as Aerial Assassin and Best Bout Machine stand together again! Callis is furious, and then Ospreay BOOTS Fletcher off the apron! PLANCHA!

Wait, wait, wait! Now Konosuke Takeshita is here! The Alpha has returned from his trip to Japan, and he shows off both belts! Omega just shows him both fists! The fans fire up for this brawl, but Fletcher slithers in! SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF on Omega! Takeshita hits a LARIAT on Omega! Ospreay returns to fire hands and CHOPS! But Kyle CLAWS Ospreay’s eyes! ALPHA ELBOW from Takeshita! The fans boo but now Kyle and Konosuke get Ospreay and Omega up! STEREO BRAINBUSTERS!! The fans boo as the Callis Family stands tall, though it helps that it was 4v2 in the end. But will the Family leave their former brothers in arms dead and buried in the past?

MVP speaks.

“I’m not just adept at managing the affairs of the Hurt Syndicate. I am an expert in managing how much oxygen you can breathe. For the first time in two-and-a-half years, MVP’s taking off the suit and lacing up the boots. We are the Hurt Syndicate…” Shelton Benjamin finishes the line with, “And we hurt people.” Will they do just that against Mark Briscoe & Private Party? We find out just after the break.

Chris Jericho speaks.

“Hi, guys~! Welcome to another New York Minute. I hope everybody’s enjoying Dynamite tonight right here in Cincinnati, in the heart of the Bluegrass State. But you’re gonna enjoy yourselves even more this Saturday on Collision, as we get ready for one of the biggest, most anticipated matches in Collision history. It’s gonna be The Learning Tree and Jon Moxley’s Death Riders VS Rated FTR, The Outrunners, and Powerhouse Hobbs.” Bryan Keith says, “That’s a dozen mother effers!” Jericho and Big Bill both give a concerned sideways glance, then Bill continues by saying, “As the Learning Tree always says, ‘Size matters.'”

Jericho says yes it does indeed, Redwood! And they also know all about their opponents, especially Rated FTR! The Learning Tree has already shown that Cope is a Dope, and Harwood is No Good! What’s Jericho got for Cash Wheeler? Uh… Wheeler… is a Kneeler! Get it? Like, he’s kneeling at the feet of the King of New York! Sick burn, LT. Jericho knows everyone is asking why Jericho and Moxley are tagging together, how could they possibly get along? Well, Jericho will say this. He has known Moxley a long time, and he can guarantee that they will be on the same page. Right? That’s it! Another New York Minute! Thanks, guys~!

Well, it is certainly a star-studded 6v6 set up for Saturday, but will things go Jericho’s way? Or will the #RatedFTRunners and The Book of Hobbs be the ones to punctuate Maximum Carnage?

“Everyone, show some love for… Ricochet!”

What? The fans boo as The One & Only makes his way out here, golden scissors in his lapel pocket. Those are the very same scissors Ricochet used to assault Swerve Strickland like a complete psycho! Ricochet tells the fans to hush before he steps into the ring, then he grabs a mic. The fans chant “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Ricochet is very annoyed by this, and he asks they all quiet down. The fans boo instead. Ricochet wants to speak but he’s rather flustered. The “SWERVE’S HOUSE” chants return and that riles Ricochet up a bit more. Ricochet paces, and says, “Y’know what? It’s okay. That’s how it’s gonna be? Listen. A picture is worth a thousand words.” And so on the tron is the image of Ricochet holding a bloodied Swerve up by his dreadlocks.

But then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The man himself is here! Ricochet says okay, he’s ready. But no he’s not, cuz Nana slides in from the crowd! Nana SMACKS Ricochet on the back, then does his dance! The fans cheer as now the Most Dangerous Man walks his way out here, chain draped over his shoulders. Ricochet scrambles away before Swerve can lash him! Ricochet runs away into the crowd but Swerve is in pursuit! Swerve shoves security out of his way, but Ricochet’s escaped to the cold streets of Cincinnati! Will Swerve get his hands on his new target next time?

AEW shares “A Day in the Life of a CEO.”

That is to say, we’re following Mercedes Mone as she does her media rounds. “First, we make money.” Mone was a special guest on the Sherri Shepherd show shortly after winning even more gold at WrestleDynasty. Sherri got to admire the “Queen of Southside” Championship that comes along with the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, both of which Mone won off Mina Shirakawa. Mone signed autographs, took pictures with fans, and Sherri promised that she’ll be there whenever Mone’s in town. “Then, we shop.” Mone bought herself some new jewelry with the money she surely earned becoming a FOUR BELT CEO.

“Them, we train.” Mone knows it is a New Year, and she is dripping with gold! She also knows having four belts puts an even bigger target on her back, but she stays ready! Whoever wants to jump on the Money Train next, let’s go! #MoneChangesEverything, but will she continue to stack dollars and collect titles?

Six Man Tag: Mark Briscoe & Private Party VS The Hurt Syndicate!

The Sussex County Chicken was not a chicken when it came to facing down any of the men in the Hurt Syndicate, but that’s why he ended up getting beat up 3v1! Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy came to Briscoe’s rescue, especially since they were told to their faces that the Hurt Syndicate wants the AEW World Tag Team Championships. Will MVP, the Standard of Excellence & The All Mighty begin on their New Year’s Resolution to hurt people? Or can Briscoe, Quen & Zay #ManUp and take the fight to them?

The trios sort out, but the Syndicate just attacks all at once! The bell rings, Briscoe and MVP stay in the ring but Lashley & Shelton drag Private Party out of the ring! And send them into railing! MVP UPPERCUTS Briscoe to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, then ELBOWS Briscoe down. MVP fires hands, then reels him in for a suplex. Briscoe slips free to CHOP! And ROCK! And CHOP again! Briscoe whips corner to corner, MVP reverse, but Briscoe goes up and out! Briscoe SWATS the haymaker to UPPERCUT back! Briscoe goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!! MVP shows his own grit but Briscoe stands him up.

Briscoe UPPERCUTS MVP, throws hands, then fires more hands in the corner. Briscoe whips, MVP reverses, but Briscoe avoids a boot! Briscoe runs up, but MVP BOOTS again! The fans are torn but MVP looms over Briscoe. MVP drags Briscoe up, then ROCKS him! MVP brings Briscoe around, TOSSES him out, then tags to Shelton. Shelton storms over to Briscoe, and sends him into railing! And then into the apron! And back to railing! And back to apron! Shelton scoops and SLAMS Briscoe on the floor, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Shelton leaves Briscoe behind to the mercy of the ring count, but Briscoe stirs already. Briscoe crawls, but Shelton tags Lashley, and Lashley drags Briscoe up. Lashley RAMS Briscoe into the apron, APRON URENAGES, then shoves Briscoe in. Lashley fires up, runs in, and RAMS Briscoe in the corner! Lashley then brings Briscoe around for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Lashley is frustrated but he drags Briscoe into a chinlock. Lashley tags MVP, and they mug Briscoe while he’s down. The ref reprimands but MVP fires knees into Briscoe again and again. MVP then scoops to SLAM Briscoe down!

MVP runs to drop a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Briscoe stays in this but MVP covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! Briscoe is toughing it out but MVP brings him over. Tag to Shelton and now they mug Briscoe in the corner. Shelton fires hands on Briscoe against the ropes, then snapmares him. Shelton clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Briscoe down. Briscoe endures, fights up, and fires body shots! Briscoe runs, but into an ELBOW! Shelton tags MVP, and MVP looms over Briscoe. MVP stomps Briscoe, then brings him up again. Briscoe fires body shots and forearms, but MVP ROCKS him! Briscoe CHOPS back!

Briscoe fires hands on Shelton & Lashley, but MVP ROCKS Briscoe! MVP drags Briscoe up, reels him in, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Maximum Carnage returns to single picture as MVP has Briscoe up again. Briscoe fires more body shots, then firearms! MVP throat chops, then SMASHES Briscoe off his knee! The fans are torn but MVP feels it. MVP runs to “BALLIN~!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Briscoe stays in this but MVP drags him up. MVP hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but the fans rally. Briscoe fires forearms on MVP, MVP hits back. MVP whips, but Briscoe ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER MVP!

The fans fire up while MVP and Briscoe are both down! Briscoe and MVP crawl, Private Party is fired up, and we get hot tags to Shelton and Zay! Zay ROCKS Shelton, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Zay then bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Shelton shoves Zay but Zay pop-up DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Zay, he tags Quen. MVP runs in, Private Party dodges to DOUBLE DORPKICK! Shelton’s back up, but he gets DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Lashley storms in but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Lashley rebounds, but into DOUBLE DORPKICKS again! Lashley falls out and fans fire up!

Private Party holds the way open for Briscoe to DIVE! The cannonball tope takes Lashley out! But MVP & Shelton both back suplex! Private Party lands out, and they both dodge! Quen PELES Shelton, Zay QUEBRADAS MVP! The fans fire up again as Private Party focuses on MVP. Quen whips Zay and Zay LARIATS MVP and himself up and out of the ring! Shelton spins Quen around to kick low! Shelton brings Quen up but Quen fights the bomb! Quen then hits a JUMPING FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Quen almost hit Paydirt on the Standard of Excellence, but we see Lashley THROW Briscoe overhead and to the floor!

Quen calls to Zay and then sets up. Zay runs in, PARTY IN MOTION! Zay brings Shelton around, Quen kicks low! TWIST OF- NO, Shelton stops that, and feeds Quen to a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Zay leaps, into Shelton’s arms! GERMAN SUPLEX! Private Party ends up at the ropes, Lashley runs to SPEAR Zay! Quen staggers up, MVP BOOTS Briscoe for good measure! Shelton brings Quen in, GERMAN SUPLEX! Then a SUPERKICK! Cover, Hurt Syndicate wins!

Winners: The Hurt Syndicate, by pinfall

MVP raises the hands of his associates, and they just got a pin on the AEW World Tag Team Championships! Will nothing stop Shelton & Lashley from taking those titles off of Private Party?

BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!

After Swerve Strickland almost got his revenge on Ricochet, these two will have THREE WEEKS to prepare themselves for a showdown! Dynamite will be in Atlanta, Georgia on February 5th, who will survive this grudge match?

Jeff Jarrett is here!

Cincinnati cheers as Double J makes his way to the ring, and he grabs a mic to say, “What’s up, Cincinnati? Y’know, the last few weeks, I mean, they sure have been humbling for me.” But then before he can say more, MJF makes his way out here! The fans are torn seeing the Wolf of Wrestling strut out here, and he has them cut his music. MJF steps into the ring with Jarrett, throws his gum into the crowd, and says, “Humbling? Jeff Jarrett, you have yet to learn the definition of the word. Last week, I gave you the opportunity of a lifetime, bud. And you had the audacity to turn me down?”

Jarrett tells Max to not even get started. MJF was too lazy to enter the gauntlet, so he came up with some scheme- MJF shouts for Jarrett to NEVER interrupt him!! The fans boo but MJF cools off. He just wants “Jeffery” to get real. This is MJF. If MJF retired tomorrow, he’d go into the AEW Hall of Fame! He’s a living legend! Jarrett walks around like he is one, too, and he sure has the “dumb shmucks” convinced. But allow MJF to “school all the simple-minded folk on the real legacy of The Last Outlaw. Emphasis on ‘Last,’ because Jeff Jarrett is the last thing you see before your favorite wrestling company dies.”

The fans boo but Jarrett laughs that off. MJF tells Double J that this last year with the possibility of him winning  MJF’s Triple B would be “a whole lot cuter and warmer and fuzzier” if Jarrett wasn’t “literally the definition of a pro-wrestling grim reaper.” The fans boo, MJF says he is talking, so what’re they doing? Shut up! MJF continues by saying that when he thinks on Jarrett’s career, it is enough to make him wanna drink. Oh… Sorry, MJF took it way too far. He knows Jarrett is a raging alcoholic. Recovering! Sorry, MJF meant recovering. But hey, MJF just had a great idea! “Listen to me, you fat skank, I’m talking, shut your fat mouth!”

The fans boo but MJF goes on to say he has a great idea. How about for the health of AEW and for Jarrett, MJF sends Jarrett packing back to rehab where he belongs. But hey, do MJF a favor before then. Make sure that sexy wife of his, Karen, sticks around. MJF happens to be a big fan of hers. But hey, he’s not a monster, he’s the Salt of the Earth. So when MJF’s “through with her,” he’ll ship her back to Tennessee for Jarrett. That way, Jarrett can be the first man in history to know what a generational talent and an Olympic gold medalist’s nuts taste like!! The fans boo but Jarrett still laughs MJF off.

“Max, Max, Max… Not only everything you just said was crude and stupid, but it’s all been said before a thousand times. It’s all been done before a thousand times. But let’s get to the heart of the matter, Max. Let’s get to business.” Jarrett knows the best years of his career are behind him. But last Summer, when Jarrett entered the Owen Hart Cup, the AEW fans awakened a passion in him. The fans cheer that! The fans awakened a desire Jarrett didn’t even know he still had. And Jarrett will do everything in his power to keep that fire going, to keep that passion going, because it’s the one thing that puts him on track to the AEW World Championship.

The fans cheer again, and Jarrett tells Max, back to that shtick. MJF thinks he can just poke fun at Jarrett, have his zingers, and hurt Jarrett’s feelings, right? Oh, Max, Jarrett was MJF before MJF was MJF! Everything MJF can say or do, Jarrett has done. He did it before MJF, and he did it better than you. But hey, hold on! Before we get all bent out of shape, MJF kinda confused Jarrett. Jarrett isn’t sure if MJF’s a dumbass or a scumbag. But knowing where MJF comes from, maybe it’s all the above. Because hear Jarrett out, there are days where Jarrett feels sorry for MJF. The fans chant, “He’s Our Scumbag!” and Jarrett agrees.

But see, Jarrett has some family history on this scumbag. MJF had a tough upbringing. It must’ve been tough being raised by a call girl for a mother. And MJF’s ambulance chancing attorney of an old man, well, it must be tough being raised by that. Jarrett knows for a fact that when Mr. Friedman knocked Mrs. Friedman up, she still made him pay for that. MJF is seething but Jarrett tells him to hold on. The old saying goes, “We all marry our mommies.” So that’s very fitting for MJF when his old lady is nothing but a Canadian call girl.

And oh, one final thing. This very ring, the night MJF was tearing the house down with Will Ospreay, that was just his version of 60 Minutes Through. At the same time, in the back parking lot, his old lady was doing her version of 60 Minutes Through, with about ten other wrestlers! Max, look at Jarrett! MJF needs Jarrett, and he doesn’t even know why. But it’s because MJF is drowning in his own s*it! MJF may be lazy, entitled, and a pr*ck, but deep down, he’s a scared little boy. MJF was scared to enter the enter the gauntlet, scared that at just 28 years of age, his best years are behind him, and he’s scared of ever getting back on top.

And like Jarrett said last week, MJF is scared of becoming a one hit wonder! The fans chant “One Hit Wonder!” at MJF, but MJF says no no no! One Hit Wonder? Scared? MJF is NOTHING like Jarrett! MJF didn’t need his daddy to make him a top guy, MJF didn’t need to start his own company to be a top guy, because MJF made MJF! We saw in the past what happens when Jarrett is “King of the Mountain,” but let’s talk about when MJF is king. MJF is the only man to thank for the biggest pro-wrestling show of all time: 82 THOUSAND, Wembley Stadium, AEW All In! MJF is the one to thank for the record PPV buys, record TV ratings, and record ticket sales!

MJF was the BEST IN THE WORLD! The fans do cheer that. MJF says Jarrett can laugh all he wants, because then MJF got screwed. Screwed out of his world championship! His name, his legacy, his reputation, dragged through the mud to this day! The same people who put MJF on a pedestal now have willingly, with a smile on their face, taken it out from under and treated him like nothing! MJF ain’t nothing! And MJF will tell Jeff something! MJF doesn’t want to win the world title, he NEEDS to win it so he can shove it down every single one of their throats! But instead, MJF has to wait in line for Jeff Jarrett?

MJF laughs and say should on here. With all due respect, the people aren’t very bright. And with all due respect, no wrestling fan has ever given a single, solitary s*it about Jarrett. But y’know what really pisses MJF off, Slapnuts? The fact that “just because” Jarrett was best friends with Owen Hart, Jarrett thinks he his owed a grand finale? Jarrett may have had all these stupid, simple-minded shmucks convinced, but MJF sees through Jarrett’s BS. During the Owen Cup, Jeff saw through the “carny succubus.” Jarrett is nothing more than a LEECH, riding the coattails of his DEAD FRIEND!

Oh, did MJF strike a chord now? He thought Jarrett was all tough. Or does he just not like it when MJF talks about his old pal, Owen Hart? JARRETT DECKS MJF! Jarrett rains down fists and the fans fire up! Security rushes out there and they drag Jarrett away, but Jarrett throws them all away! Jarrett CLOBBERS MJF, but Karen rushes out here! Karen gets Jeff to stop, but then MJF grabs Karen in a SLEEPER! The fans boo, MJF throws Karen at Jeff, then runs away. The Wolf of Wrestling is again a worm, will The Last Outlaw make sure to exterminate him once and for all?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

Maximum Carnage this Saturday was already big, but now we add some gold! Kazuchika Okada faces former Chaos teammate, Tomohiro Ishii, in a defense of the Continental Championship! Will the Rainmaker make it rain in Cincy? Or will the Stone Pitbull sink his teeth into an AEW title?

Christian Cage w/ The Patriarchy VS Hook!

Captain Charisma still has his All In Casino Gauntlet contract, but that’s because he hasn’t had a clear path to a cash-in just yet. He wants to add to his “family” first, can Christian convince the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil to be his new son? Or will Hook make sure Christian can’t even hold that contract in his hands?

Well speaking of, Hook attacks Christian during his entrance! The fans fire up as Hook rains down fists, his real dad, Taz, watching on commentary! Shayna Wayne steps to Hook, but that’s just a distraction so Christian can run away into the ring. Hook storms in, the bell rings, but Christian bails back out! Christian wants a timeout but this ain’t that kind of match! Hook runs out to CLUB Christian, SMACK him off the apron, and he fires hands! Hook’s busted hand seems back to 100%, he has no problems throwing shots! But Christian puts Hook on barriers to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! But Hook turns things around to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP!

The ring count is climbing, Christian pushes past to slide into the ring, but Hook storms after him. Hook ROCKS Christian and has him on ropes! Hook CHOKES Christian, but he lets off as the ref counts. Hook fires shots, whips Christian, but Christian bails out! The fans boo as Christian wants to just run away! Hook pursues up the ramp and to the tunnel! They brawl in there, Hook CLUBS Christian back down the ramp, but Christian turns things around. Christian UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS! Christian runs up, but Hook BACKDROPS him into the ring! Hook storms in, and Christian wants mercy! The fans boo, but Christian tries to explain.

Christian still tries to recruit Hook to his side, saying he’ll be a better father than Taz. Hook looks Christian in the eyes as Christian promises he can take Hook to a higher level. They hug?! The fans are torn, but then Hook hits a BELLY2BELLY! Hook got one over on Christian, and now throws down hands in the corner! The fans count along, Hook goes all the way to TEN! Hook hops down, then whips Christian back into the corner! Christian bounces off buckles, falls back, and then falls out of the ring! Mother Shayna is there to comfort him, and the fans boo while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Hook paces while the ring count climbs. Christian catches his breath, but then here come Kip Sabian & Nick Wayne. Hook stares Christian’s “sons” down, but Christian slides in to CLOBBER Hook! Christian stomps away at the ropes, then stands on Hook! The ref counts, Christian steps off, and he soaks up the heat. But wait! Katsuyori Shibata is here! The Wrestler is still a friend of Hook’s, and he coaches Hook up. Christian protests but the ref says it is only fair with The Patriarchy all at ringside. Hook storms up to Christian, fires body shots, and he backs Christian into a corner! Christian bumps Hook off buckles, CHOPS, then reels him in! REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO!

Christian stays on Hook by CLAWING his face! The ref reprimands, Christian stops, and Christian soaks up the heat. Christian CLUBS Hook down, stands on that bad hand, then stands Hook back up. Christian CLUBS Hook down again, steps on the hand, then drags Hook. Hook drags Christian down into a cradle, TWO! Christian CLOBBERS Hook! Christian puts Hook on ropes, then CHOKES him by standing on his back! The ref counts, Christian steps off, and Shibata coaches Hook while Christian hugs his “family.” Hook rises up, Christian brings him around and hits a snapmare. Christian has a chinlock, but he’s also smothering Hook!

The ref counts, Christian shifts into a legal chinlock, but Hook endures. Hook fights around, Maximum Carnage returns to single picture, and Hook throws body shots! Hook runs, but Christian ELBOWS him at the ropes! The fans boo but Christian paces around Hook. Christian stands Hook up in a corner, climbs up, and now he rains down fists! Christian stares Taz down between punches, but Hook brings Christian off the corner with a fireman’s carry! Christian grabs ropes in desperation, so Hook TOSSES him out! The fans and Taz all fire up! Christian staggers, Hook FLYING FOREARMS from the apron!

The fans fire up while Kip & Nick coach Christian. Hook SMACKS Christian off the steel steps! And then runs up to KNEE Christian against the steel! The fans cheer as Hook puts Christian’s hand on the steps! Hook steps up to STOMP- NO, Christian avoids getting his hand crushed! And then he YANKS Hook off the steps! Hook lands bad on his lower back, but Christian pushes him into the ring. Christian climbs the corner, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Hook survives and the fans fire up! Christian snarls and goes back up the corner. FROG SPLASH again!! Christian says one more time, and he climbs back up!

Christian leaps again, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Hook survives and Christian argues with the ref, but the count was fair. Christian runs corner to corner, but Hook KNEES the spear away! Both men stagger, Christian rebounds, SPEAR!! Cover, ONE?!? Hook shocks everyone, especially Christian! Christian storms up on Hook again, brings him up, but Hook fires body shots! Hook whips, Christian reverses, but Hook LARIATS! And LARIATS again! And KNEES low! Hook UCHIMADAS Christian to a corner, then LARIATS! Hook reels Christian in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!

Christian survives, rises up, but Hook storms up. Christian kicks low, dragon sleepers, but Hook slips through to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Not quite perfect, but both men are slow to get up. The fans rally, Christian hobbles around, but Hook clamps on! REDRUM!! Christian reaches out, has his legs on the ropes, and he climbs up! Hook drops Christian at 4! The fans cheer, and now Hook throws down crossface forearms! Then RED- NO, Christian slips out the back, and he CLAWS the eyes! Christian POSTS Hook, then argues with the ref. This lets Kip & Nick creep up, but Shibata storms over!

Shibata tells Kip & Nick to stay back, but Christian slides out to get Shibata! REVERSE DDT to the floor!! The fans boo but Hook ROCKS Christian! And KNEES Nick! And LARIATS Kip! Hook pursues Christian into the ring, RED- NO, Christian slips free! Chicken wings and KILL- NO, REDRUM!! But Christian RAMS Hook into buckles! Hook lets go, but hops up to jump on! REDRUM BACKPACK!! Christian falls, he calls in his boys! They attack, that’s a disqualification!

Winner: Hook, by disqualification

The fans boo as Kip & Nick stomp away on Hook! The Patriarchy won’t let Hook have his way, and Taz can’t believe it! Christian tells his boys to fetch him some things, and they bring in chairs! The fans boo as Christian wants to go Rated R like Cope! But Taz gets off the desk to say this ain’t happening! And wait! HERE COMES SAMOA JOE! The fans fire up as Joe is finally back! He TOSSES Nick, then he storms up! Kip is the only one who doesn’t know! Kip turns around into CHOPS and JABS! The fans fire up, but Nick returns! Nick runs in, Joe casually steps aside, and the SPLASH hits Kip! Then Joe TOSSES Nick out to his mommy!

SNAP POWERSLAM for Kip! The fans fire up as Joe and Shibata have Kip set up for a PENALTY KICK! Joe, Shibata and Hook have reunited, will they tear The Patriarchy apart?

AEW hears from the Men’s Casino Gauntlet participants.

Roderick Strong tells “JAAAAY… White,” that Roddy should’ve won that #1 spot in the Casino Gauntlet, but he wants White to know that Roddy’s not done with him yet. The Switchblade’s response is that Roddy Strong shoulda-coulda-woulda. If Roddy wanted to win so badly, he should’ve tried harder. As for Wheeler Yuta, he was the one to stop White. So if Yuta wants White’s attention, then fine! He’s got it! As for Adam Cole, he said that match had the best of the best. It had Hangman Page, it had Daniel Garcia, and- Kyle O’Reilly stops Cole there. Danny Garcia? Really? Kyle doesn’t see it. Not everyone is as good as they say they are, Adam.

Garcia himself says people keep saying that Garcia is stretching himself just a little bit thin. If he’s TNT Champion, why’s he in the Continental Classic? Why’s he in a Casino Gauntlet? Garcia wants to fight every single week! So if you want a shot at Garcia’s gold… Cole says The Undisputed Kingdom IS as good as they say they are, and in 2025, they promise us… #LetsGetIt! The Kingdom will get their hands on gold, and that is undisputed! Everyone’s gunning for someone, but who gets what they want? And who gets just what they deserve?

Backstage interview with Jeff Jarrett.

AEW returns as Renee Paquette is with Double J, and she brings up that confrontation between him and MJF. Jarrett said the AEW audience has awoken the passion in him, and that MJF is scared. But then MJF got under Jarrett’s skin, so where do they go from here? Jarrett takes a moment to think, but then Dustin Rhodes steps in! The Natural says what MJF said pissed him off, too. Dustin asks Jarrett, “How many years have we known each other? How many years have we driven up and down these roads, grinding our asses off because of the passion and love for this business? A lot. He doesn’t know a thing about that, and you know that.”

Dustin says MJF’s been in this business a minute, yet he’ll dictate to Jarrett and disrespect him? THAT pisses Dustin off! Dustin is 110% behind Jarrett, and wants Jarrett to fulfill the dream of becoming AEW World Champion. Max doesn’t know everything that guys like Jarrett and Dustin have been through. Knocked down, dragged through s*it, and then gotten back up, because that’s what they do! MJF has no clue! Whatever MJF does to Jarrett, Dustin knows Jarrett’s been through it. Just like Dustin has. But remember this: You’re Jeff Jarrett! A 12-TIME WORLD CHAMPION, and that means something!

Jarrett is the Last Outlaw, and outlaws never die. So please, just remember this. The two of them, they are the very last of their kind. Will this motivation from the dual ROH World Tag Team & ROH World Six Man Tag Champion be fuel on the fire that Jarrett uses to reach the mountaintop?

Mariah May is here!

The Glamour brings her AEW Women’s World Championship to commentary as she prepares to watch the women’s division fight for their shot at her.

AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s Casino Gauntlet!

The gentlemen had their fun, now the ladies finally get to roll the dice! The first-ever Women’s Casino Gauntlet will send one woman to Grand Slam: Australia, who faces “The Woman From Hell” when AEW goes Down Under?

Kris Statlander is first, a right she earned when she defeated Willow Nightingale and Toni Storm in last week’s Triple Threat. But who starts with her? It’s JAMIE HAYTER! Hayter Hits Hard, but will she punch her ticket to Australia? The bell rings, we’re on the clock, and Mariah thanks commentary for having her. She also asks Taz that now that he’s got a new knee, wanna roll around later? Taz says he is happily married but he’s flattered by the offer. Oh, she meant in the ring. Well, Taz is also retired, so he can’t. Meanwhile, Hayter and Kris tie up, go around, go along the ropes, and the fans duel.

Mariah says Hayter is the best woman to come out of Britain not named Mariah May. The ref counts a ropebreak but Hayter and Kris move off ropes. Hayter headlocks, Kris powers up but can’t pull out as Hayter holds on. Kris tries again, gets free, and they RAM shoulders! The fans cheer as neither woman budges. Hayter runs, RAMS Kris again, then kicks low! Hayter runs, Kris dodges and she runs Hayter over! The fans fire up while Kris flexes, but Hayter stands up. Hayter runs up, Kris avoids a boot but Hayter ducks a roundhouse. Hayter ripcords, Kris ducks the lariat and comes back, but now Hayter dodges!

Both women run in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither woman falls, but then Hayter BOOTS Kris! The fans fire up and Mariah says she might actually prefer fighting someone tonight so she won’t have to fly down to Australia. Hayter CLUBS away on Kris, kicks her down, then brings her up for a suplex. Kris slips free, shoves Hayter, but Hayter rebounds. Hayter ducks a lariat, the countdown is here, but Kris kicks low! FISHERMAN BUSTER! But number three is here, and it’s… MEGAN BAYNE!? Even Mariah is shocked to see “The Megasus” return to AEW after quite the stint in Stardom, GCW, and has even won the HOG Women’s Championship!

Mariah laughs in disbelief, is Bayne even eligible for this match? Where’s her “is All Elite” graphic? Go ask Tony Khan where that tweet is! Bayne still steps into the ring, and she stands face to face with Kris! The fans fire up as the forearms fly! Bayne ROCKS Kris, RAMS her into the corner again and again, then CHOPS! Bayne whips corner to corner, runs up, and SPLASHES! Then she whips again, but Kris reverses! Kris UPPERCUTS Bayne, runs corner to corner, but Bayne LEAPING LARIATS! The fans fire up and Bayne hauls Kris to her feet. Bayne suplexes, Kris fights that to suplex, but Bayne fights back!

Bayne suplexes to FALCON ARROW! Cover, Hayter breaks it! The fans fire up as now Hayter stares Bayne down. Hayter fires forearms, but Bayne is not impressed! Hayter runs, but Bayne kicks her low! Bayne reels Hayter in, suplexes, and she holds Hayter up! The countdown is back, but Hayter counters with a DDT! The fourth woman is here, and it’s… JULIA HART! The Princess of the Black Throne got a win off Hayter not that long ago, and she dares Hayter to come back for more! They brawl at the ramp! The fans fire up as Hayter CLUBS away on Julia, then snap suplexes her on the ramp! Julia writhes, Kris and Bayne brawl ringside, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Mariah is only a little worried, but Hayter CLUBS away on Julia in the ring. Bayne sends Kris into barriers! Hayter and Julia fire fists, then Hayter ROCKS Julia! Hayter whips, Julia reverses and wrenches to STO! Cover, Kris breaks it! Kris drags Julia up but Julia JAWBREAKERS free! Julia fires forearms, then whips, but Kris reverses. Kris runs in at the corner, but Julia STOMPS her down! Julia storms around, goes to the far corner, then runs back in. But Kris hits a SNAP POWERSLAM! Kris drags Julia up, TOSSES her out, and Bayne is there to scoop Julia! SLAM to the floor! Julia writhes but Bayne storms into the ring.

Kris and Bayne meet again, and Bayne pie faces Kris! Kris pie faces back! The pie faces go back and forth, then turn into forearms! Kris and Bayne fire fast ‘n’ furious shots, then Bayne ROKCS Kris! Bayne runs, but Kris ROCKS her! Kris runs, but Bayne follows to ROCK her back! Bayne runs, but Kris UPEPRCUTS her! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS! Repeat! Kris keeps on Bayne again and again, then runs, only for Bayne to fireman’s carry! Kris fights free, ROUNDHOUSES Bayne, then PELES! Kris roars, runs, but gets caught! EXPLODER! Bayne fires up, and Julia POSTS Hayter! Julia stomps away on Hayter, Bayne brings Kris up, and snap suplexes her!

Maximum Carnage returns to single picture as Kris flops out of the ring. Julia CLUBS Hayter, and the countdown is back! Bayne waits on the fifth woman, and it’s… WILLOW NIGHTINGALE! Mariah sighs, but the Babe with the Power steps right to Bayne! Willow BOOTS, but Bayne just frowns. Willow fires forearms, then whips, but Bayne reverses to ROCK Willow! And BOOT her down! Kris returns to waistlock Bayne, but she ducks an elbow! JAWBREAKER, HAYMAKER, then Kris CLUBS away on Bayne! Hayter turns things around on Julia and whips her hard into barriers! Willow & Kris work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX Bayne!

The fans fire up, and Kris & Willow smile as it’s like the old days. Mariah mocks the “friendship” while the two square up. Willow CHOPS Kris, Kris CHOPS back, repeat! The fans “WOO~” as each CHOP echoes out! Willow ducks a chop, shoves Kris, then runs to POUNCE~! PERIOD! The countdown is back already, and the sixth woman is… TONI STORM! The Rockstar “Rookie” is back, and Mariah really hates seeing this. Toni storms in in but willow fireman’s carries! Toni sunset flips, TWO! Willow storms up but into a snapmare! Toni RUNS Willow over, snapmares Julia and runs her over!

Hayter is back, Toni snapmares her to run her over! Then a snapmare and shoulder tackle for Kris! The fans fire up with Toni and Mariah mockingly plays along, “What a great rookie!” But Bayne CLOBBERS Toni! Bayne fireman’s carries Toni, then THROWS her out onto Kris! The fans rally, “She’s a Rookie!” Willow CLOBBERS Bayne! Hayter BOOTS Willow! Julia kicks Hayter to DDT! Willow LARIATS Julia! The fans fire up as Willow stands tall, and she goes to the apron. CROSSBODY onto Bayne! Willow smiles and poses, the fans cheer, and Willow drags Bayne up. Bayne and Willow throw hands, but Kris is on the stage?

The fans fire up as Kris SUPER CANNONBALLS! Down goes Willow & Bayne, and the fans fire up with Kris! But Toni HIP ATTACKS Kris off the apron! Julia BLASTS Toni! Julia and Hayter are all alone, Cincy fires up for “Women’s Wrestling!” but also the countdown! Julia and Hayter fire fast ‘n’ furious fists, but the seventh woman is… HARLEY CAMERON! Mariah sighs again as everyone now will FEEL THE WRATH! Harley runs up to ROCK Julia, then bump her off buckles! Harley goes up, in, and dodges Julia to ENZIGIRI! Cover, Hayter breaks it with a deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Hayter snarls but Julia runs up to clinch!

Hayter wrenches free, clinches, and HAYT-BREAKER! But Harley rolls Hayter up! TWO!! Hayter escapes, Harley ENZIGIRIS! “FEEL THA WRATH~!” Harley runs, but into a HAYT-BREAKER! Hayter pumps up, for the HAYTER- NO, Harley ducks the lariat! But Julia’s BLACK MIST hits Harley full in the face! Then SUPERKICK for Hayter! Julia runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! But Toni snatches Julia into a cradle! TONI WINS!!

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

Mariah is mockingly happy for “the rookie,” and Toni herself is stunned that she’s getting a world title match in her home country! This is quite the remake of a timeless classic, but will they flip the script on the original? Or will it still be All About Mariah?

AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley w/ The Death Riders VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!

The last time The Maniac was in the Book of Hobbs, it was AEW Homecoming, and it was for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Moxley didn’t so much win as he did retain, given Hobbs went down with injury rather quickly. But while Moxley traded NJPW’s top title for AEW’s, Hobbs only has a bigger chip on his shoulder. Will Hobbs come through on his promise to make Jon Moxley his b*tch? Or will Moxley make sure his homecoming is a victorious one?

The introductions are made, but Moxley delays getting in the ring so that the rest of the Death Riders can flank the ring! Hobbs sees Pac, he sees Claudio, but then Moxley runs in and CLOBBERS Hobbs! The bell rings, the fans boo, but Moxley fires forearms in a corner! Moxley doesn’t stop as the ref counts, the ref tries to back him off, but Moxley gets in the ref’s face about it. Hobbs storms up to hoist Moxley up! OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Hobbs fires hands on Moxley now, the fans fire up, but the ref counts. Hobbs ROCKS Moxley, then stalks him to a corner. Hobbs CLUBS Moxley in the chest, then stalks him to another corner.

Hobbs pushes Moxley against buckles, CLUBS him again, then paces. The fans rally, Hobbs whips, but Moxley KCIKS and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hobbs just scowls, so Moxley fires forearms! Moxley runs, but Hobbs RUNS Moxley over! The fans fire up, but there are some Moxley fans still in Cincy. Hobbs goes out after Moxley and ROCKS him! Moxley dangles over barriers, but Hobbs CLUBS him! The ref wants this in the ring so Hobbs pushes him in. Hobbs storms in, Moxley fires kicks, then fires forearms! Moxley runs, BOOTS Hobbs, and he has Hobbs in the ropes!

Moxley runs, BOOTS Hobbs again, then he runs! Moxley DIVES and hits Hobbs into barriers! Moxley pursues, they go around the timekeeper’s area, and now they brawl in the crowd! The fans fire up, Hobbs CHOPS Moxley, but the ref wants this in the ring! Hobbs pursues Moxley, CLUBS him, then keeps after him. They go back to ringside, Hobbs CLAWS Moxley’s back, then shoves him over barriers! Hobbs stalks Moxley back into the ring, Moxley wants Hobbs to hold on, and then Moxley CLAWS Hobbs’ face! Then he BITES Hobbs’ face! Moxley has Hobbs in a corner and rains down fists! The fans count to TEN, then Moxley flips Hobbs off!

Cincy is all fired up, both for and against Moxley, but Hobbs just glares up at him. Moxley talks trash, but Hobbs carries Moxley from the corner! Moxley fires elbows, but Hobbs RAMS him into buckles! Hobbs puts Moxley up top, climbs up after him, and he pulls on that earring in Moxley’s left ear! Hobbs tells the ref to back off, and then he BITES Moxley’s ear! And then BITES it again! Is he trying to eat the earring?! The ref counts, Hobbs lets off and lets Moxley tumble while fans tell him he’s sick. Moxley staggers up, but Hobbs BLASTS him off the apron! The fans rally while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Hobbs snarls, just a bit of blood in his teeth from biting Moxley. Hobbs paces while Marina Shafir checks on Moxley. Hobbs then goes out the side, storms around the way, and he looms over Moxley. Hobbs whips Moxley into barriers! Moxley tumbles over and into the timekeeper’s area! Hobbs is after Moxley with a rain of fists! The ref reprimands, Hobbs stops and goes back to the ring. Hobbs then goes back out to fetch Moxley. Hobbs BITES the ear again! Moxley pushes Hobbs away and staggers around, that ear definitely bleeding. Hobbs storms up to BITE the ear more! Hobbs is going savage, but Moxley dares him to do more!

Moxley fires a forearm, but Hobbs juts ROCKS Moxley! Moxley staggers away, Hobbs pursues him to the steel steps, and they both go back to the ring. Moxley staggers around a little more, and Hobbs pumps up! Hobbs ROCKS Moxley again! Moxley bounces off ropes then falls over! Hobbs stalks Moxley, drags him up, and he ROCKS Moxley again! Moxley wobbles but stays up, even with that ear bleeding. Moxley fires a forearm, but Hobbs shrugs that off. Moxley fires another forearm, and another, and another! Hobbs ROCKS Moxley again! Moxley falls over, the ref checks him, but Moxley is already rising back up.

Moxley pounds the mat, and he eggs Hobbs on. Hobbs BOOTS Moxley down! Moxley rises, the blood from his ear making more a crimson scarf than a mask. Hobbs BOOTS Moxley again! Moxley roars, so Hobbs BOOTS him again! Maximum Carnage returns to single picture as Moxley rises up. Hobbs BOOTS him, but Moxley SLAPS Hobbs! Hobbs runs, but into a CUTTER! Moxley lured Hobbs into a trap, but both men are down! The fans fire up as Moxley crawls, and Moxley dares Hobbs to bring the fight. Both men stand, Moxley fires a forearm, but Hobbs returns fire! The fans are torn as the forearms go back and forth!

Hobbs runs, Moxley TOSSES him out! Moxley distracts the ref so that Marina can BOOT Hobbs! The fans definitely boo that, but Moxley goes out to drag Hobbs up. Moxley puts Hobbs in, takes aim, and then underhooks Hobbs! Hobbs powers up, breaks free, then CLOBBERS Moxley! Moxley flounders to a corner, the fans rally and duel, and Hobbs feeds off the “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs runs up to CLOBBER Moxley! Moxley rises, Hobbs LARIATS again! Mox is back up, Hobbs SPLASHES in the corner! Hobbs winds up to fire point-blank LARIATS in the corner again and again! The fans rally, Hobbs stops at the ref’s count.

Hobbs scoops, Moxley slips free! Underhook and- NO, Hobbs scoops Moxley! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives, Marina is relieved, but Hobbs puts Moxley on the top rope. Hobbs climbs, scoops, and lifts Moxley for a SUPER SWINGING POWERSLAM! But Moxley rolls through to have the ARMBAR!! Moxley pulls on the arm, Hobbs endures, and the fans duel even harder! Moxley pulls but Hobbs manages to clasp hands! Hobbs turns and has the ROPEBREAK! Moxley lets go, but then he has Hobbs for a KIMURA int he ropes! The ref counts, Moxley stops and Hobbs crawls to the ramp.

The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this show has to end somehow. Hobbs rises, and WHEELER YUTA BUSAIKU KNEES!! The Decoder finally shows himself and it was at the most opportune time! The fans boo as Yuta then slithers away, and Moxley goes out after Hobbs. Moxley drags Hobbs into the ring, then vows to end this! But Hobbs hits a SPINEBUSTER!! The fans fire up and Hobbs brings down the straps! Hobbs snarls, brings Moxley up into a torture rack, but Moxley slips free! SLEEPER! Hobbs goes to the ropes, BUCKS Moxley, but then Marina SMACKS Hobbs with the title briefcase!!

The fans boo again but Moxley rolls Hobbs up! TWO?!?! Hobbs survives another cheap shot and the fans fire up! Moxley underhooks, PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, TWO!??! Moxley is furious but he clamps on the BULLY CHOKE!! Hobbs endures, but he fades out! Moxley wins!!

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

Hobbs lost only because this turned into a 5v1 handicap match! And speaking of, that’s what’s happening again as The Death Riders mug Hobbs! They stomp away, then sit Hobbs up. Claudio has a chair! But Hobbs THROWS Yuta, CHOKES Pac, but Claudio CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg! Claudio pulls the leg brace off while Pac & Mox CHOKE Hobbs! Yuta adds stomps, and Moxley SMASHES the bad leg! Claudio puts the chair around the bad leg, they want to put Hobbs back on the shelf! Claudio STOMPS the chair!! But here comes Rated FTR!! A little too late, unfortunately, and The Death Riders retreat.

Adam Copeland, Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood check on Hobbs, but there’s a chance the 12 Man Tag just turned into a 6v5 Handicap Match. Will anyone ever be able to stop Moxley’s reign of terror? Or will the carnage not end with Collision?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for AEW, though I’m not sure on their own claim of “It’s like a PPV on TV!” I only say that because we got the usual TV level shenanigans in a few of these matches. Omega VS Cage was a great match for Omega’s return to AEW, but Omega VS Gabe at WrestleDynasty is a hard act to follow. Great win for Omega, but of course The Don Callis Family beats him up. A little surprised they also got the better of Ospreay, but when it was 4v2, that made sense. I’m sure we’ll get Omega & Ospreay against like, Archer & Cage, that’s a win, and then Omega & Ospreay face Kyle & Konosuke. Maybe that’s another win, maybe not, but it feels like they want Omega VS Konosuke for something big, especially while Konosuke is a double champion.

Very good promo from MVP before the Six Man Tag, but did we need a New York Minute with Jericho? Well, I guess it had to happen some time so Jericho could get his digs in on Rated FTR, but maybe it could’ve been after the Six Man Tag? We got that promo and the Mercedes Mone vignette between MVP’s promo and the Six Man Tag and it seemed like an odd choice. Mone’s promo was still good stuff, and an idea of Mone VS Athena is floating around the fandom. I feel like they’d save that closer to All In: Texas, as Athena is from Texas. That’s months from now but I could still see both Mone and Athena having the belts they have now going into that match.

Great Six Man Tag but I figured the Hurt Syndicate would win. And while we got a good promo from all the different Casino Gauntlet entries, I really hope TK isn’t pivoting away from Garcia VS Shelton for the TNT Championship. Granted, Kyle O’Reilly VS Daniel Garcia would make an awesome one-off. Jay White VS Roddy Strong will also be a really good 1v1 match, but I would think White sticks to going after Yuta and the Death Riders. Very good promo from Ricochet, in that he barely got to say anything because of the Heel heat he’s got. Swerve & Nana getting the drop on Ricochet was good stuff, too, but I have no idea why we’re waiting THREE WEEKS for their match when it won’t even be on Grand Slam: Australia or anything.

Okada VS Ishii for Collision is great stuff, but I don’t understand when that promo they showed happened. Did I somehow miss it last Saturday on Collision? Or was that supposed to be part of tonight’s show that they had to trim for time? And I think I can see why they’d have to trim it: MJF and Jeff Jarrett took too damn long to get to the point. Both guys made good points, but they either played to the crowd too much, or Jarrett was searching for the words to insult MJF back. Dustin having a part was good, too, but I don’t see him factoring into the rest of the story.

Great match from Christian VS Hook, and I suppose the disqualification finish protects both sides. Was Joe out that long for injury? It’s the only thing that would explain why Joe never returned to finish things with Jericho while it was still relevant. Now, Joe, Hook & Shibata are feuding with Patriarchy instead Great stuff with the Women’s Casino Gauntlet, such as Megan Bayne making a great return to AEW. Though I’m sure they could’ve added a couple more entrants to beef this up a bit more. Again, maybe time constraints because of MJF and Jarrett. But in the end, what a clever way to get us back to Mariah VS Toni. There’s literally a month left to build this, I can’t wait to see the promos from “new girl” Toni with “veteran” Mariah.

And of course, a great match from Moxley VS Hobbs, especially with Hobbs going for ear blood. But of course The Death Riders got involved all over the place to screw Hobbs out of that win. At least Hobbs still got to look strong surviving as many cheap tactics as he did. But I really hate the trope of a Face rescue that’s “a little too late.” If Rated FTR was here, and they were seeing this happen, why not get out there before Hobbs’ knee gets chair guillotined? I understand them wanting to put the cliche “pressure” on the Faces for Collision, as Hobbs is the strongest part of that team and now he’s far less than 100%, but c’mon. Also, pretty sure The Death Riders will abandon The Learning Tree to have them lose to Rated FTRunners, as they’re above such a mess of a match.

My Score: 8.7/10

Will Fraxiom continue to survive?

Nathan Frazer & Axiom defend the NXT Tag Team Championships against Bronco Nima & Lucien Price! Will Fraxiom get #OutTheMud?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Stephanie Vaquer VS Shotzi Blackheart; Shotzi wins and will challenge Fallon Henley for the title.
• Ethan Page VS Dante Chen; Ethan wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Lash & Jakara win and will challenge Bianca Belair & Naomi for the titles.
• Kelani Jordan VS Cora Jade; Cora wins.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS OTM; Frazer & Axiom win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Oba Femi is here!

NXT is home in Orlando, and the Orlando fans fire up for The Ruler as he struts to the ring as the NEW NXT Champion! Oba grabs the mic to say, “Dread it, run from it, destiny will always arrive. Just like I have arrived! And now it’s time for me to take my rightful place upon the throne. Many a men will win something as big as this, and they will come out here and say, ‘I never believed I could do it~!'” The fans laugh at Oba mocking the American accent, and then Oba says, “I ALWAYS believed I could do it!” The fans cheer that! Oba says ever since he came here, he said he was always backed by destiny.

Others said it was a catchphrase, a gimmick, a joke, but no! He was backed by destiny all along. He was backed by destiny when he won the Breakout Tournament! He was backed by destiny when he became NXT North American Champion! He was backed by destiny when he became the longest-reigning North American Champion! And he was definitely backed by destiny when he became THE NXT Champion! The fans cheer that, too, and Oba says all this is his now. It belongs to The Ruler! And Oba shall rule how he sees fit. The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” but Oba wants to talk about Trick Williams first.

Trick put a lot of hard work into the title, and broke records doing it. But like a lot of others back there, Trick has a ceiling! Oba has NO ceiling! And as for Eddy Thorpe, well, he’s a piece of work, isn’t he? He’s a rat! A deceiver! Like a roach that won’t die! Or the gum on the bottom of your shoe that you just can’t get rid of. That is Eddy. But Oba will issue Eddy his first and final warning. Eddy can annoy anyone else he wants in the locker room, but- Tony D’Angelo interrupts! The Don tells Oba, “my guy, how you doing? Congrats on the win, by the way. You’re in the big seat now.” Tony joins Oba in the ring as champion and champion.

Tony says he was in the back and the Family was listening to Oba list all the accomplishments. But Tony’s personal favorite was Oba being the longest-reigning North American Champion. Because, in Tony’s opinion, when it comes to the North American Championship, it is The Don: 2; Oba Femi 1. See, there is no question: Oba is The Ruler. But just remember: Tony is the one man to defeat him. And when Tony decides to go for the NXT Championship, we all know he walks away the Double Title Don. Oba sees Tony found his confidence. Good for him, that’s amazing. But last time we checked… Didn’t Tony get dropped by Santa Claus?

So if Oba was Tony, he’d start worrying about his own title more, and leave Oba alone. Tony says no one gets one on the done without consequences. Tony will take care of Ridge Holland. Speaking of, here comes Ridge Holland! Ridge says hi, Tony, good to see you again. Tony’s looking in better shape than last time they saw each other. Oh, and here is a belated Christmas gift. A framed picture of that night in Philly. Tony says really funny, he’ll come sign it for him. Tony rushes out to go after Ridge, but Ridge takes a swing! Tony dodges the framed picture to then TACKLE Ridge! The fans fire up as these two brawl, but refs hurry out to stop it.

The fans boo, they wan tot “LET THEM FIGHT!” WAIT! Eddy slithers in to CLOBBER Oba! The fans boo but Eddy dropkicks the legs, then hits a DDT! The fans boo more but Eddy has a leather strap! Eddy wraps it around his arm, so he can LEATHER LARIAT! The fans boo as Eddy holds the title belt over Oba! Will the Alpha Wolf finally sink his teeth into the gold he’s been hunting?

Oro Mensah talks with Dante Chen backstage.

Main Man Mensah wants the Singapore Warrior to understand they can- All Ego interrupts. Ethan Page says it’s been a big week for the biggest star in NXT. If you guys didn’t see last week, Ethan’s interaction with “DJ,” aka The Rock… Hey, Dante, what’d you do last week? IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU DID! Oh, haha, Ethan… Ethan sniffs something and says he honestly smells… the jealousy in this locker room. Dante says no one is jealous of Ethan, because he’s just obnoxious. After what he did to Je’Von and Cedric, no one wants Ethan here! Aw, and Ethan always cared so much about what others think.

What was it, exactly, Dante? That Ethan broke Je’Von’s jaw? Or that Je’Von can’t eat solid foods? No, no, it was last week, having to hear Je’Von talk through the wires. Dante gets fired up and he shoves Ethan! The others step in to keep this from getting violent. Dante says fine, he’ll go to Ava to get this made. Ethan says good! Dante heads out, will he be the one to avenge the Young OG & Uncle Ceddy?

NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Stephanie Vaquer VS Shotzi Blackheart!

The Dark Angel overcame Cora Jade, Lola Vice & Kelani Jordan to earn a golden ticket to facing Fallon Henley, but then The Wild Child pinned that toxic cowgirl personally. Now these two will battle to see who is truly number one! Who will Fallon have to worry about more in the near future?

NXT return as Shotzi makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Vaquer waistlocks, Shotzi switches, but Vaquer switches. Shotzi trips Vaquer, Vaquer trips Shotzi, and Vaquer covers, ONE! Vaquer facelocks but Shotzi wrenches out and covers, ONE! Shotzi has a cording hold, then wrenches to a wristlock. Vaquer rolls, handsprings, then wrenches to a wristlock. Shotzi rolls, spins, wrenches from below and has the wristlock again. Vaquer reaches back, drops down, and then rolls to wrench back. Shotzi rolls, trips, and spins Vaquer. The two stand up and the fans fire up!

Shotzi and Vaquer nod, then fist bump in respect. They circle, tie up, and Vaquer wrenches to then slips under and arm-drag! Shotzi goes to a corner, goes up and over, then comes back. Vaquer blocks the arm-drag and smiles. She goes up, Arabian Press and arm-drag! Shotzi stumbles up, Vaquer rolls her up, and bridges! TWO! Shotzi runs up to wheelbarrow, victory roll, TWO! Both women are up again, but Vaquer trips Shotzi. Vaquer has a leglock, rolls it, ties the legs up, then moves around, but Shotzi just powers Vaquer down! Shotzi ties Vaquer’s legs up for a modified Deathlock! Shotzi grabs Vaquer’s arms and has an INVERTED SURFBOARD!

The fans rally and duel, the two roll and it’s a cover, TWO! Shotzi swings but Vaquer ducks! Vaquer swings but Shotzi ducks! Shotzi kicks, Vaquer blocks, but Shotzi ENZIGIRIS! Shotzi brings Vaquerl around, whips her to a corner, and then goes up the corner. Shotzi headscissors to then go along the ropes, HANING TRIANGLE! The ref counts, Shotzi lets go at 4, and Vaquer sputters. Shotzi climbs up fast to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this and Shotzi grows frustrated, but she hurries to bring Vaquer up. Shotzi whips, Vaquer reverses, but Shotzi BOOTS her! Vaquer frowns, blocks the next boot, and DRAGON SCREWS Shotzi!

Vaquer sits Shotzi up and the fans fire up for the headscissor DRILLER! Vaquer stops at seven, Shotzi flounders out of the ring, and the fans fire up while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Shotzi GAMANGIRIS Vaquer up top! Shotzi then climbs up, and roars before she hits a SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up and Shotzi aims from the corner. Shotzi runs up to KNEE Vaquer, then ROLLING ELBOW! Then QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi hurries to cover, TWO! Vaquer survives that onslaught, but Shotzi brings her up. Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, SUPERKICKS, then wrenches for EAT DA FEET! Shotzi flounders while the fans fire up. Shotzi is in the corner, Vaquer runs in, but Shotzi dodges! Vaquer hits buckles, Shotzi comes back to CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Shotzi waistlocks!

Vaquer grabs the ropes, but Shotzi clamps onto the arms! Shotzi chicken wings Vaquer for a TIGER PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Vaquer narrowly escapes and Shotzi can’t believe it! The fans rally while Vaquer goes to a corner. Shotzi runs in again, but Vaquer HIP TOSSES her into the buckles! Vaquer scrubs Shotzi’s face with her boot, then roars! The fans fire up again, Vaquer hits a METEORA! Vaquer then drags Shotzi out, covers, TWO! Shotzi survives and now Vaquer’s a bit stunned! Vaquer drags Shotzi up, tucks her in, but Shotzi escapes! Shotzi ROCKS Vaquer, Vaquer ROCKS Shotzi, repeat! Wait, is that Jacy Jayne?

Jacy shouts at Vaquer and Shotzi from the apron, but they both grab her! They drag Jacy in, and they DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Jacy falls, but then Vaquer HEADBUTTS Shotzi! Vaquer puts her on ropes, runs, but FALLON hits Vaquer with the blet! Shotzi doesn’t know it, she rolls Vaquer up! SHOTZI WINS!

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s North American Championship)

Fallon & Jacy influence this match, and they make sure La Primera will have to wait her turn. But will Shotzi make sure Fallon doesn’t leave Atlanta with the gold? Or will Fallon shine bright on Center Stage?

The Women’s Division talks about New Year’s Evil.

Sol Ruca tells Kelani Jordan that she was a split-second away from victory. Things will turn around. Just don’t change what got her here. Zaria has to disagree. The Agent of Change says Kelani was the North American Champion just a few months ago. Kelani knows that. Then just change the tide! Use loss as motivation. But Cora Jade isn’t so sure about that. Of course she wouldn’t… Cora says Kelani can just motivate herself to the back of the line. If Kelani wasn’t in the match, Cora would’ve won. Oh don’t even get Kelani started. Yeah? Or what? Cora has no doubt that Cora will win a title before Kelani does.

Kelani can have all the attitude she wants, she’s still just the same little girl from Michigan State- KELANI SLAPS CORA! And she tells Cora that she is NOT the same “little girl.” Kelani storms off, will she prove to Cora that this is NOT The Generation of Jade?

Stephanie Vaquer returns backstage.

NXT is in picture and picture right now, but it is clear The Dark Angel is hunting for The Fatal Influence. They may have messed her up in the match, but she won’t let them get away with it! She even pushes past some people to make her way down the hall. She finds Jacy being checked on, and pushes her against the wall! Vaquer demands to know where Fallon is, Jacy says she doesn’t know, so Vaquer THROWS Jacy down! Vaquer storms back up the hall, back the way she came, and then comes across Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin. She asks them, and they assure her, they don’t like the Influence any more than her, but they have no idea where to look.

Vaquer continues on, only getting frustrated with every person that says they haven’t seen Fallon. Refs tell Vaquer to calm down, but she isn’t hearing it. Ethan Page is headed to gorilla, he says to cheer up. Her glare tells him to keep walking, so he does. The hunt continues, will La Primera find her prey?

Oba Femi enters Ava’s office.

He interrupts her talk with Robert Stone & Stevie Turner, and she asks what she can help him with. Oba said he already warned Eddy and everyone else that he would eliminate Eddy once and for all the next time they saw each other. Ava says she understands that, and would love to see that. Oba says if Eddy wants his title match, then they give him the title match. No, they don’t do anything. Ava is not rewarding Eddy for anything. Oba says it’ll be Eddy’s last shot one way or another. Stone says Oba needs to hold on. Big Guy, champ, if you don’t know this or not, but Eddy’s playing you like a fiddle! Don’t let him do that to you!

Oba picks Stone up and pins him against the wall! Oba is the champion, so if he wants Eddy, he gets Eddy! Ava tells Oba that as fun as this is, put Stone down! Then they can talk about this. Oba drops Stone, and Ava says fine, Oba VS Eddy will be next week. Oba heads out, will Eddy regret coming back for more?

Ethan Page VS Dante Chen!

All Ego’s ego has only grown since The Rock gave him a pseudo seal of approval, and it’s only gotten on everyone else’s nerves. Will the Singaporean Warrior make sure Ethan really does lose his smile? Or is the ego only going to grow exponentially?

Dante winds up for his pose, but Ethan CLOBBERS him! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ethan throws down fists and stomps! The ref gets Ethan to back off, then asks if Dante wants this match. Dante says YES! The bell rings and Ethan runs up! Dante dodges to fire off in return! The fans fire up for Dante as he and Ethan scrap! Dante ROCKS Ethan, bumps him off buckles, then runs. Ethan dodges but Dante ELBOWS, UPPERCUTS, and SUPERKICKS! Dante runs to BOOT Ethan down! The fans fire up and he powers up again. The fans join in, but Ethan hurries away from Dante.

Dante pursues but Ethan YANKS him into ropes! Ethan drags Dante up, for a TWIST OF FATE! Cover, ETHAN WINS!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall

Between Dante’s anger and Ethan’s cunning, Ethan takes Dante out fast! But now Ethan rains down fists on Dante again! The fans boo but Ethan drags Dante to the apron. Ethan pulls Dante’s boot off his foot, then he YANKS Dante to the floor! Ethan puts Dante’s leg between steps and post! The fans boo, Ethan says Dante wanted this! Ethan DROPKICKS the steps!! Dante writhes, that was his repaired leg! Refs rush out here to tell Ethan to leave, but Ethan takes his time admiring the pain he just inflicted. All Ego is going all psycho, BUT JE’VON IS HERE! Je’Von goes after Ethan with fast hands! Those aren’t broken!

But then Ethan ROCKS Je’Von in the jaw! Ethan grins as he asks Je’Von, “Gimme a smile now!” Je’Von tried to be a hero but Ethan made him pay for it. Will anyone in NXT be able to stop Ethan?

Oba Femi walks the halls.

Dion Lennox walks over and congratulates Oba on the win. Oba thanks Dion, and Dion says one day he’ll be challenging Oba for the title. Oba says sure… Oba moves on, and meanwhile, we see Shawn Spears talking with Adriana Rizzo. Rizzo says she’s seen and heard enough of Spears and she’s done with him. But Spears says that while Rizzo understands the value of family, The Family doesn’t understand her value. Does Rizzo feel Tony appreciates her? Izzi Dame says she’s so sick and tired of Spears. She told Spears that she doesn’t need him, and Rizzo definitely doesn’t need him!

Spears says he isn’t so sure about that. Spears heads off, Rizzo says she had that handled, and Izzi says, “Sure you did.” But make sure to tell “Don Don” this makes them even. Tell him yourself! These two go their separate ways, and now we see Ashante THEE Adonis talking with Karmen Petrovic. Karmen says she got his text, and he says no more playing games. And he chooses her. Adonis offers her a rose, she takes it, and she says about damn time. She kisses Adonis! Adonis smiles and these two head out. Victory for #Adonivic, will love conquer all of NXT?

Backstage interview with DIY.

Sarah Schreiber is with the WWE Tag Team Champions, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa, and asks what brings them back to NXT. Ciampa says first off, it is TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions. And what brings them home is #Fraxiom. They’ve heard so much about those guys. There are people saying Fraxiom is the greatest tag team in NXT history. But as the BTTITW, Best Tag Team in the World, DIY is at the top of the mountain. That means they have to be ten steps ahead. And they know that one day, DIY will step in the ring with Fraxiom, and the world will rejoice.

So Gargano asked his “good buddy, Heartbreak” for some tickets to tonight’s show so they can watch Fraxiom up close and in person. Ciampa assures us that they are not here to cause any problems, you can trust them. Can we…? Or will Frazer & Axiom just become the next DIY project?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Match: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

Bianca Belair & Naomi are the newEST championship duo, but that means they need new challengers. Will The Unholy Union use every trick in the book to make it back to the gold? Or will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson show what the Meta Girls can really do?

NXT returns and the wicked witches make their entrance. The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Alba. The two circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Alba and Jakara go around, Alba wrenches and wristlocks. Jakara endures, Alba snapmares Jakara and covers, ONE! Alba wrenches Jakara again, YANKS the arm, then wristlocks. Jakara wrenches back but Alba wrenches right away! Alba keeps Jakara from Lash, so Jakara uses the ropes to flip through! Jakara wrenches Alba but Alba breaks free to CHOP! The fans fire up and Alba grins, but Jakara ROCKS Alba right back! Jakara fires body shots, but Alba shoves her!

Alba swings, Jakara blocks to knuckle lock and CHOP! Jakara goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Then DROPKICK! Jakara tags Lash but Alba tags Isla. Isla runs in but Jakara dodges and Lash runs Isla over! THen Lash runs Alba over! Lash wrenches Isla, knuckle locks, and straight arm levers! The fans fire up for the power, then Lash throws Isla. Isla dodges, waistlocks, but Lash ELBOWS her! Lash brings Isla around to THROW to the corner! Lash runs up to SPLASH, then tag to Jakara. Jakara taunts Alba, runs and back body blocks Isla! Jakara then wrenches and wrangles Isla to step over the arm.

Jakara hooks Isla to drag her into a cradle, TWO! Jakara storms up but Isla RAMS her! Isla ROCKS Jakara, whips, but Jakara reverses. Jakara then dodges to SLINGBLADE! The fans are torn as Jakara runs, HANDSPRING ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Isla stays in this but Jakara keeps her from Alba. Tag to Lash, they whip and scoop! Lash LSAMS Isla, then Jakara wheelbarrows with Lash, WHEELBARROW SPLASH! Lash covers, TWO! Isla survives but Lash keeps her from Alba. Lash fireman’s carries, but Isla fires forearms! Isla fires fast hands, but Lash DECKS her with one! The ref checks Isla, Alba HOTSHOTS Lash!

Lash takes a swing on Alba but Isla jumps onto Lash! SLEEPER! Alba tags in, the Unholy Union mugs Lash! The ref reprimands, Alba digs her boots in, but Alba lets off at 4. Isla fires hands, then ELBOWS Lash in the corner. Isla RAMS into Lash, Lash shoves Isla, but Alba tags in. Alba digs her boot in again, but stops at 4. Tag back to Isla, and Alba feeds Lash to the TARANTULA! Lash BOOTS Alba, then throws Isla away! Lash fires knees into Alba, but Isla jumps back on! SLEEPER! Lash stays up, and she FLINGS Isla off her! Tag to Jakara, and Jakara climbs up onto Lash’s shoulders! But Alba CLIPS Lash, Jakara falls to hit buckles!

Isla hurries to drag Jakara out, and she METEORAS to the floor! Lash whips Alba, but Alba RANAS Lash! The fans fire up with Alba, and she builds speed to go up, up and ESCALARA SWANTON! Down go the Meta Girls, and the fans fire up with Alba & Isla while NXT goes picture in picture.

Alba & Isla drag Lash up, whip her hard into the apron, then they mug Jakara! Isla pushes Jakara into the ring, covers, TWO! Isla keeps on Jakara, CLUBS away, then pulls hair! The ref counts, Isla lets go, and then Isla brings Jakara over. Tag to Alba, Alba reels Jakara in, GOURD BUSTER! Isla hits another METEORA! Cover, TWO! Jakara stays in this but Alba stays on her. Alba DECKS Jakara, then steps over her arm. Alba taunts Lash by holding the hand out, only to bend the fingers back! Alba then kicks Jakara down, and she drags her up. But Jakara rolls Alba up! TWO, and Alba LARIATS! Cover, TWO!

Jakara toughs it out but Alba drags her over. Tag to AIsla, and a feed to the TARANTULA! Then a SUPERKICK! Jakara falls, Isla covers, TWO! Isla drags Jakara up just to SMACK her off the mat! Isla clamps on a chinlock and stretches Jakara. Jakara endures, Lash coaches her up, and Jakara stands. Jakara fires body shots, but Isla CLUBS her on the back. Isla digs her boots in, the ref counts, and Isla stops at 4. Isla argues with the ref, and that lets Alba CHOKE Jakara! Isla then runs in, but Jakara BOOTS her away! Jakara dodges Isla, Isla grabs her legs! Jakara BOOTS Isla away! Alba tags in and she drags Jakara back!

Jakara stands, hops and hops,  and she ENZIGIRIS Alba! NXT returns to single picture as Lash tags in! Lash DECKS Alba, DECKS her again, then wrenches and scoops Isla! The fans fire up as Lash SMACKS Alba using Isla, then hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Lash kips up, the fans fire up, and Lash FLAPJACKS Alba onto Isla! Lash is all fired up and the fans are with her! Lash choke grips Alba for the SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! Cover, Isla breaks it! But then Lash is just mad! Isla backs off, but Alba CHOP BLOCKS Lash! Isla goes up, Alba hits a TORNADO- NO, Lash powers out of the DDT and she LARIATS!

Lash catches Isla and SLAMS her! Tag to Jakara and Jakara climbs back onto Lash’s shoulders! They try this again, META CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Alba survives for her team and Jakara grows frustrated. Jakara drags Alba up, but Isla goes after Lash on the outside! Alba JAWBRAEKERS Jakara, then BLASTS Lash! Alba tags Isla and they get Jakara up. BACKSTABBER and SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Lash BARRELS through Alba to break it! The fans fire up, but Isla hits a CODE BREAKAER on Lash! Jakara DECKS Isla! Alba SUPERKICKS Jakara! Lash runs up, but the Unholy Union DUMPS her out!

The fans are torn, but Jakara grabs Alba in a SLEEPER! Alba throws her away, Isla SUPERKICKS Jakara! Isla ROUNDHOUSES, then back suplexes, but Jakara lands out! EDGE-O-MATIC! Both women crawl, but Lash is still down! Hot tag to Alba! Alba taunts Jakara, blocks a kick, then hooks her up! But Lash returns to sneak the tag! She BOOTS Isla down! Jakara sunset flips Alba and Lash wheelbarrows her! Jakara runs up, META CUTTER!! Cover, Meta Four wins!!

Winners: Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)

Alba & Isla put Lash & Jakara to the test, and the Meta Girls passed with flying colors! Will Lash & Jakara soon prove that they are the strongEST team in the WWE? Or will they just feel the StrongEST Glow instead?

Lexis King finally adds his plaque to the Heritage Cup.

The Drama King tells the guy to secure it nice and tight so it doesn’t go anywhere. This is awesome. Ava congratulates the champ, and Lexis says that coming from the “Final Boss of NXT” makes it so official. Just look at this. This is four months of hard work and dedication. Charlie Dempsey & Wren Sinclair walk over and Dempsey also congratulates Lexis. He finally went and did it. But Wren brings up Lexis hit Dempsey in the- Wren, please, no excuses. Lexis won, his name is on the cup. Wren says it isn’t an excuse, it’s about the rematch. We all saw Lexis hit Dempsey in the-

Lexis says no, that was all an accident. Well, she doesn’t believe him. Wait, do you all hear that? Wren hears “Rematch! Rematch!” Wren does the chant and a dance, but Ava says she should get her hearing checked. But also, she does agree, there should be a rematch. Wait, what just hit the garage door from the outside? Ava hurries outside, and we see Ridge brawling with Tony! Security separates these two but things are clearly not getting any less chaotic in NXT! When and where will the Yorkshire Grit get his shot at the North American Championship?

Kelani Jordan VS Cora Jade!

Speaking of North American Championships, the inaugural Women’s North American Champion is sick and tired of everyone looking down on her or thinking that she’s just “the girl next door.” Will The Standout finally stand out and head back for the title she lost? Or will Cora once again make things all about her?

NXT returns and we see the NEW TNA Knockouts Champion, Masha Slamovich, watching this from the crowd. Cora makes her entrance, seems to take notice of of TNA’s best, then goes to the ring. The bell rings and Cora talks trash on Kelani. Cora shoves Kelani, but Kelani shoves back! Kelani then blocks a punch to SLAPO Cora! Then she dodges Cora’s lariat to DROPKICK, kip up, and slingshot arm-drag! Cora stands, Kelani TAKLCES her and rains down fists! The fans fire up, Cora pushes Kelani away and bails out. Kelani goes to the ropes, but bails out of the plancha as Cora moves. Kelani chases Cora around the outside!

The fans cheer but Cora rolls into the ring. Kelani slides in, drops down, then hurdles over Cora. Kelani ELBOWS Cora down, then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Cora stays in this, Kelani goes to the apron. Cora storms up but Kelani RAMS into her! Kelani then goes up, but Cora trips her up! Cora TOSSES Kelani off the top, and then laughs at her pain. Cora storms up on Kelani, stomps her at the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Cora drags Kelani up, brings her into the ropes, and fires forearms! The ref counts, Cora lets off, but she CHOPS! Cora runs, and she DROPKICKS Kelani down! The fans boo but Cora taunts Kelani more.

Kelani goes to ropes, Cora runs to IMPLODER STOMP! Cover, TWO! Cora drags Kelani up, puts her back on ropes, and then CHOKES her! The ref counts, Cora steps off and runs, but Kelani moves! Cora runs into ropes, then Kelani snatches her for a cradle! TWO, and Cora swings. Kelani dodges to CHOP, CHOP, and whip. Cora reverses and SHINING WIZARDS in the corner! Cora shoves Kelani down to cover, TWO! Cora is immediately frustrated, and she clamps onto Kelani with a chinlock. The fans rally as Kelani endures, and Kelani fights up to fire body shots. Kelani wrenches and hits a BIG back suplex!

The fans fire up while both women are down. Both women stand, Cora fires a forearm, but Kelani fires back! The forearms go back and forth, Kelani kicks low, but Cora wrenches out. Cora ROCKS Kelani, kicks, but Kelani blocks! And she ducks the enzigiri! Kelani runs to CLOBBER Cora! And CLOBBER her again! Kelani reels Cora in, SPLIT-LEG DDT! Cover, TWO! Kelani grows frustrated now, but she unleashes some DRAGON STOMPS! The fans fire up and Kelani snarls. Kelani stalks Cora to a corner and stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kelani stops at 4, and then she jukes to fire off fast hands!

The fans fire up for Kelani but the ref backs her off! Cora CLAWS Kelani’s eyes! The fans boo but Cora underhooks Kelani, FUTURE SHOCK! Cover, Cora wins!

Winner: Cora Jade, by pinfall

Kelani unlocked her aggression, but Cora steals this one from her all the same. Will Cora make her way to the title now? Will Kelani figure out what she needs to do if she’s to get back to gold in her own right?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

Via his Instagram, The Alpha Wolf smiles and laughs. “It feels good. I’ma wait, cuz I’ve got some stuff to say. I’ll take my time. You wanna see? Look at that. Full moon.” The first full moon of the New Year, aka the Wolf Moon. Eddy says it’s so pretty out here. And what a good night at work! He set the bait, again, and Oba took it, again. Just like Eddy knew he would! It was so easy, so predictable! And shoutout to GM Ava for making the match happen. It almost makes up for Ava calling him a liar last week. Almost. But that’s all behind him now. Soon enough, all will be well when he is crowned the NEW NXT Champion!

Eddy tells Oba that Oba may call himself The Ruler, but next week, he will be overthrown. One more week. In the meantime, Eddy’s gonna go celebrate. You have no idea how good he feels right now. The Alpha Wolf is smiling like a coyote, but will he still have the last laugh?

Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura talk with Nathan Frazer & Axiom backstage.

Briggs says he and Inamura went about this all wrong. What’s Briggs talking about? Fraxiom has their tag title match in like two minutes. Inamura says, “EXACTLY!” Briggs reminds them that a few months ago, they saved Fraxiom. Briggs & Inamura pulled them out of that wild brawl int he parking lot. Yes, which they appreciated. But- But it didn’t get their attention, did it? Because they were defending their titles against OTM then. So while Briggs & Inamura didn’t have their attention then, they have it now. So Briggs will say this to their faces: Briggs & Inamura got next, understand?

Oh, OTM understands. Bronco Nima & Lucien Price walk in, and Nima says Briggs & Inamura are talking to the wrong ones. Cuz after tonight, Fraxiom won’t be the champs. Frazer says we’ll see about that. Fraxiom heads out, and Nima tells Briggs & Inamura that OTM’s been chasing the belts since day one. And when they get it, they ain’t giving it up. Got that? Price promises that if you step to them, you get dragged through the mud. Inamura asks, is that mud wrestling? Inamura will pass. Oh, Inamura’s got jokes? Is he some kinda comedian? Inamura says he’s NO comedian. But he is about CHAOS!

Inamura throws hands, he and Briggs brawl with OTM! Refs and security rush in, OTM has to make their main event match! Will OTM be able to focus on Fraxiom with this fight going down?

Trick Williams tweets.

The former NXT Champion simply says, “Need to figure out what my next move is gonna be.” Will Trick return to NXT to make it Tricky Times Three? Or will he consider the Transfer Window to main roster an option?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS OTM!

Fraxiom had quite the wild 2024, with each of them splitting their focus from time to time, yet (almost) always finding a way to hold onto these titles. They once again have a run-in with Bronco Nima & Lucien Price, will they finally hit a wall? Or will they continue to #NeverSlowDown?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if this is where rubber hits the road!

The teams sort out and Price starts against Axiom. The bell rings, Price runs up, but Axiom goes up and over! Axiom CHOPS Price, fires hands, then gets away. Price pursues, corners Axiom, but Axiom dodges to CHOP! Price leans into the CHOPS and he backs Axiom down! Axiom and Price circle, knuckle lock, and Axiom KICKS a leg! And KICKS it again! Axiom then headlocks Price, but Price powers out. Frazer tags in, Axiom jukes Price, and Frazer RAMS Price! Price doesn’t budge, so Frazer runs, redirects, redirects again, then slips around to come back, only for Price to RUN him over! Price drags Frazer up, tag to Nima.

OTM double whip, DOUBLE ELBOW, then Nima FALLING AX HANDLES! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer because they see DIY up in the perch! Nima wrenches Frazer to RAM shoulders, then he SMASHES Frazer off his knee! Nima puts Frazer in the corner, RAMS into him again and again, then talks trash. Frazer fires body shots and haymakers, but Niam BODY SHOTS! Nima TOSSES Frazer to the corner, fires body shots, then knuckle locks. Nima goes up the ropes, tags Price, then FLYING STOMPS Frazer! Price covers, TWO! Frazer stays in this but Price ROCKS him. Frazer kicks in return, but Price YANKS him up from the ropes!

Frazer lands on his feet to PELE! Tag to Axiom, they fire forearm after forearm, then basement DDT! Nima storms in, but he gets a mule kick and boosted DROPKICK! Axiom KICKS away on Price, but Price snarls! Price blocks a kick, THROWS Axiom, then LARIATS him down! Price roars, fans are torn, and even DIY is impressed. Price nods as he looms over Axiom, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Price LARIATS Axiom in a corner! Price throws Axiom down, tags Nima, and Nima clamps onto Axiom with a standing crossface! The fans rally while Axiom endures, but Nima thrashes him around. Axiom fights up, Nima KNEES low, then he whips Axiom to the corner. Axiom ROCKS Price, BOOTS Nima, then goes up to BOOT Nima again! Axiom goes up and up to CROSSBODY, but Nima rolls through! Nima deadlifts Axiom, pops him into a fireman’s carry, but Axiom makes that a crucifix takedown! TWO, and Nima swings! Axiom dodges, hot tag to Frazer! Price tags in, but Frazer springboards to FLYING LARIAT!

The fans fire up as Frazer runs to forearm again and again! But Price scoops Frazer, only for Frazer to slip free! Frazer ELBOWS Price away, then runs to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Nima is back, he blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer runs to SHOOTING STAR Price! Cover, TWO! Price stays in this but Frazer puts him in the drop zone. Frazer goes up and up and PHOENIX- NO, Price moves, Frazer rolls through the splash! Price hauls Frazer up to URENAGE! Tag to Nima and the fans rally! POP-UP EXPLODER! Cover, Axiom breaks it! The fans fire up and DIY nods, still impressed.

Price TOSSES Axiom, then he tags back in. OTM whips Frazer to FLAPJACK- NO, Frazer ROCKS Nima in midair! Frazer then PELES Price! Price wobbles, Frazer goes to his corner, but there’s no Axiom! Price runs up, Frazer BOOTS him! Axiom returns to sneak the tag! Price returns but Frazer clinches, FLATLINER GAMANGIRI COMBO! Then they hook Price up and Axiom climb! MISSILE DORPKICK HIGH-LOW!! Frazer SUPERKICKS Nima, Axiom covers, TWO!! Price survives, but Axiom has the ARMBAR! Frazer DIVES onto Nima! Nima hits desk, Axiom shifts to keep Price down! Nima is back, Frazer intercepts with a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!

OTM endures submissions, the fans duel, and both Price & Nima stand! They’re fading, but they head for each other! Nima GOURD BUSTERS Frazer onto Axiom! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” while all four men are down! Axiom and Price crawl, but Axiom brings Price up. Axiom CHOPS! CHOPS! And CHOPS! Price still stands, but Axiom kicks the chop away! Axiom runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up the ropes and tags Frazer. Price CHOPS Axiom out of the sky! But then Axiom avoids the boot! Axiom kips up, but Price catches him to a dragon sleeper! Frazer leaps in, but Price catches him! UREANGE DDT COMBO!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Frazer survives! Price hurries and tags in Nima! OTM gets Frazer up, Canadian Rack and BOOT YOYO COMBO!! Cover, TWO!?! Frazer survives but Nima HAMMERS him down! Price goes out to CHOP Axiom! Nima hoists Frazer up, Price CHOPS Axiom again! Price clears off the desk! The fans fire up and Price goes back to Axiom. Price grins as he clinches Axiom, but Axiom fights free! SUPERKICK! Price is on the desk, and Frazer ROCKS Nima! Frazer puts Nima up top, but Nima shoves him away! But then Frazer springs right back up! Axiom sneaks the tag, Nima SHOVES Frazer away!

Frazer backflips to land out, and Axiom ENZIGIRIS Nima! Frazer goes to an adjacent corner, and he SUPER FROG SPLASHES Price through the desk!! The fans are thunderous and Axiom hits a SPANISH FLY on Nima!! Then GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!

Winners: Nathan Frazer & Axiom, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)

Another match, another instant classic, and another incredible victory for Frazer & Axiom!

A car pulls into the parking lot.

But who is this that’s just arrived? We don’t get to see who, will we get to see before the end of the night?

Roxanne Perez is in the ring.

The Prodigy has the mic, and she says, “When I first won the NXT Women’s Championship for the second time at NXT Stand & Deliver, no one expected that I would hold it for 276 DAYS.” The fans cheer that! Roxie says that she had nine title defends, and with every single one, the NXT Women’s Division continued to rise. Roxie was making history, and that is because all she ever wanted to do was to make Women’s Wrestling special. The fans cheer that, too. Roxie says all she wanted to do was make a Women’s Division that could main event, that the fans could be proud of, and she feels she did that. The fans cheer in agreement there, too.

Roxie says NXT attracted the best women from all around the world, because this is the BEST Women’s Division in wrestling today! But… Here she stands without the title because unfortunately, last week, Giulia was the better woman. So yes, congratulations to Giulia, and to all the fans, because as sad as it makes Roxie, it is what they wanted. But you wanna know what’s even sadder? The state of the Women’s Division without Roxie as champ! You really think Giulia can take NXT to the heights that Roxie did?! NO ONE is gonna love this Women’s Division more than Roxie!

And that feeling you get when you say, “Women’s Wrestling is changing! Women’s Wrestling is the focus! NXT has the best Women’s Wrestling!” Well, go ahead and kiss all that goodbye, because without Roxie, this division will be lost. The fans boo, but Roxie says NXT no longer deserves her. The fans no longer deserve her! And as much as fans love to live in nostalgia, trust her, it will not be the same. In the past, the fans NEEDED the Four Horsewomen. But this generation only needed- WAIT, is that Bayley!? The fans go wild and Roxie is stunned silent as The Role Model returns to NXT!

Bayley heads to the ring, mic in hand, and she says, “Ding dong, Roxanne! Happy Tuesday Night, Rox.” The fans chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Bayley thanks them and is excited to be back. She had to come back, because she knew Roxie would not be happy about her title loss last week. But hey, where Bayley sees it, this is a crossroads in Roxie’s career. So Roxie can either keep acting how she is now, or adapt to the situation. Roxie says she didn’t ask for Bayley’s advice. Oh… Well, Bayley was sure Roxie’s been asking for advice since the day she walked into the WWE, and since they met back when Roxie was a little bit shorter than she is right now, which is crazy!

That was when Roxie was just 14 back in Austin, Texas. Bayley loves NXT, they all know how much this place means to her. And Bayley has been following Roxie’s career and how much she’s believed in her. But sis, the division’s gonna be fine. Kelani, Jaida, even Cora, they’ll all be fine without Roxie. And that doesn’t mean what Roxie did wasn’t important. It just means that NXT is bigger than that. Roxie’s title run was amazing, one of the best- Roxie says this is just like Natalya and CM Punk! And Roxie hates that Bayley is trying to tell her the same things. Y’know what that shows? It shows that Bayley is just like everyone Roxie used to look up to.

Why is Bayley even here? What? Bayley thinks NXT owes her something? Yeah, Bayley set records, but guess what? Roxie broke them. Let’s face it, Bayley, you were Roxie’s role model. Maybe Roxie can be Bayley’s. Bayley tells “Rox” that the biggest difference between the two of them is that Roxie’s gonna be stuck in her own way all along, while Bayley goes on to WrestleMania after winning the WWE Women’s Championship this Friday Night SmackDown! But then Roxie SLAPS Bayley! So Bayley TACKLES Roxie!! These two scrap on the mat while the fans fire up, but NXT has to go off the air! Will Bayley come back to settle things with Roxie after she’s settled things with Tiffany Stratton?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of NXT to not just turn the corner from New Year’s Evil but apparently start some NXT VS main roster stories. Great tag match of Meta Four VS Unholy Union, and a great win for Lash & Jakara. Lash & Jakara VS Bianca & Naomi will be great stuff, and depending on how they want to play this Jade Cargill story, the reveal of “It was Naomi!” (again, that’s the going theory) that could cost Bianca & Naomi the titles. Awesome tag title match in the main event, but I suppose DIY showing up to call out Fraxiom was foreshadowing that Fraxiom would win. Fraxiom VS DIY can be some awesome stuff, and I would think happens at Vengeance Day next month.

Roxie had a great promo to close the night, especially with Bayley making a surprise return. Their brawl to finish the show is also clearly a sign they’ll have a match, probably also at Vengeance Day. I don’t see Bayley bring a title to that, but this match doesn’t need that. This is a generational showdown as one of the more underappreciated Four Horsewomen takes on a true prodigy of her generation, and definitely a great way to bring Roxie to the main roster. Trick having just a tweet is good stuff, it adds some mystery to his next step, but I would think he goes to the main roster with a Royal Rumble debut.

As for more NXT centric stories, Briggs & Inamura putting the tag teams on notice was good stuff. I suppose them brawling with OTM was also a level of foreshadowing that Fraxiom would win. Briggs & Inamura VS OTM will be some good stuff, too, and that can help give Briggs & Inamura momentum going into a title match. Perhaps DIY is the reason why Fraxiom loses the titles, and it’d be great for Inamura as a Pro-Wrestling Noah wrestler getting a title here in NXT. For that matter, great cameo from Masha Slamovich to restart the NXTNA crossovers. We really need a Worlds Collide style event so we can get proper interaction of both companies.

Great stuff in setting up both an NXT Championship and NXT North American Championship match, though I’m surprised there wasn’t an odd “can they coexist?” tag match where Oba and Tony would have to work together against Eddy and Ridge. At the same time, I’m actually okay with that because clearly Tony and Oba would clash and that’d cost them, giving away that they’re both retaining the titles. Now, there is a chance someone loses a title, but it’s more likely Tony loses to Ridge than Oba does to Eddy, even with Eddy doing some great Heel work. And good taking advantage of the Wolf Moon for the Alpha Wolf.

Speaking of great Heel work, Ethan Page is perhaps the top Heel. Good promo with the midcard Faces, and good on Dante Chen being the one to step up. Ethan VS Dante was good but quick, and then Ethan goes and makes Dante his third victim. Great return spot from Je’Von, but yeah, with that jaw still nowhere near 100%, Ethan easily knocks Je’Von back down. Maybe NXT can give us their own take on an “Unsanctioned” match, seeing as how (in kayfabe) Je’Von isn’t 100%, and probably won’t be for months. It’ll even work as the Vengeance Day main event given the name, and Je’Von obviously wants vengeance.

Great promo with Oba with Ava, Stevie and Stone. While Stone is right, Oba picking him up with ease was funny. And then they did a great string of promos in one backstage segment, with Oba shrugging off Dion, Izzi and Rizzo finding a common annoyance in Shawn Spears, and then the surprising climax of the Karmen & Adonis love story. I still feel like Vengeance Day could be big for them since it’s right after Valentine’s Day and we could get a really fun Mixed Tag where they settle things with like Nikkita Lyons and a male superstar who could use the spotlight.

Very good promo segment to set up Kelani VS Cora, such as Sol and Zaria being opposing opinions. Those two probably need to have a 1v1 match or two, as well. Cora cheating to win makes sense, it brings her up the ranks while also adding to Kelani’s story of sharpening that edge. Vaquer VS Shotzi was a great opening match, but I should’ve figured the Fatal Influence would get involved. I almost didn’t recognize Jacy with her hair down and no hat or anything. Vaquer going on her rampage backstage was a good picture-in-picture bit, and I’m sure Vaquer will have a match or two with Jacy & Jazmyn in the background of Shotzi VS Fallon. That said, I would think Fallon wins, perhaps even with some help, but then ultimately loses to Vaquer at Vengeance Day.

My Score: 8.9/10