We’re at the Forbidden Doorstep!

Before battling over the AEW World Championship, Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay have the official title match weigh-in! But is all this just a pretense for getting in some final words, and taking some final shots?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Orange Cassidy & Tomohiro Ishii VS Shane Haste & Robbie Eagles; Cassidy & Ishii win.
• Stephanie Vaquer VS Lady Frost; Vaquer wins.
• Open Challenge: Serena Deeb VS Kelly Madan; Deeb wins.
• Hechicero VS Kevin Blackwood; Hechicero wins.
• Daniel Garcia VS The Butcher; Garcia wins.
• 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Cup Quarterfinal: Deonna Purrazzo VS Hikaru Shida; Shida wins and advances.
• Face of TNT Six Man Tag: Mark Briscoe, Dante Martin & Lio Rush VS Konosuke Takeshita, Jack Perry & El Phantasmo; Konosuke, Perry & ELP win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Orange Cassidy & Tomohiro Ishii VS Shane Haste & Robbie Eagles!

Freshly Squeezed has been loading up this week! He just faced both Outrunners last night, and now he’s teaming with The Stone Pitbull tonight to take on some of Zack Sabre Jr’s pals in TMDK! Will Ishii help Cassidy make it to Long Island? Or will they both learn that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The teams sort out and Cassidy starts, but both Eagles and Shane want after him. They talk it out while the fans rally up, and Shane gets the start. Shane and Cassidy slowly circle, but Shane asks what is in those pockets. Cassidy says nothing. Shane storms up, Cassidy headlocks him. Shane powers out, Cassidy RAMS him, but neither man falls. Shane checks real quick, there really is nothing in those pockets. Shane whips Cassidy, RAMS him, and Shane wants to make sure the other pocket is empty. Shane checks, Cassidy whips, Shane reverses, but Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tags out to Ishii!

The fans fire up as Ishii runs up to RAM Shane! They RAM and RAM, then get forehead to forehead. They both egg the other on, then Ishii runs. Shane kicks low, runs, but Cassidy switches places with Ishii! Ishii then ROCKS Shane, then Cassidy runs to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Eagles runs in, but Cassidy sends him into Ishii! Ishii CLOBBERS Eagles, the fans fire up, but Shane fires hands on Cassidy & Ishii. Shane whips Cassidy, Cassidy stops himself, then he dodges. Cassidy & Ishii CLOBBER Shane together and the fans fire up! Ishii drags Shane up to CHOP him to a corner. Then he CHOPS again, and again!

Ishii brings Shane over, bumps him off buckles, and he tags Cassidy. The fans rally as Cassidy goes up. Shane gets away, and Eagles tags in. Cassidy hops down, he and Eagles talk some smack, then Eagles shoves Cassidy. Cassidy comes back, Eagles trips him up! Things speed up, Cassidy hurdles, Eagles leaps over, then they keep going. Cassidy whips but Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Eagles keeps going, he hurdles Cassidy again to then RANA! ANd arm-drag! Cassidy arm-drags back! Then Cassidy avoids Eagles’ arm-drag! The fans cheer, and Cassidy- NO, Eagles stops the hands going into pockets!

Cassidy slips around, wrenches, and snapmares Eagles to then thumbs up! Then ghost pin! TWO! Cassidy headlocks, Eagles powers up and out, but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Eagles off buckles, SUPERKICKS Shane, then bumps Eagles off buckles again and again! The fans count all the way to nine, then Cassidy winds up for TEN! The fans cheer, Eagles falls back, but Shane YANKS Cassidy down, for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans boo but then Eagles DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Cassidy! Shane BLASTS Ishii for good measure, and TMDK stands tall while Collision goes picture in picture.

Cassidy sputters, Eagles goes out to get him. Eagles CHOPS, stalks Cassidy around the way, then brings him around into the ring. Eagles hurries to drags Cassidy from his corner, stomps him down, then drops a knee on the knee! Eagles whips Cassidy to the corner, tags Shane in, and Shane taunts Ishii before he runs in at Cassidy. Shane UPPERCUTS Cassidy, snapmares him, and Eagles basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Shane stays on Cassidy with a leglock, and he pulls on the leg with a Quarter Crab! Cassidy endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Chane holds until 4, then gets an arm.

Shane pulls Cassidy around, KICKS that arm, then shakes out the stanky leg. Cover, TWO! Shane looms over Cassidy, kicks him around, then scoops him for a SLAM! Tag to Eagles and he climbs up. The Sniper of the Skies sees Cassidy crawl away so he hurries to get him back! Eagles rains down forearms, stomps him down, then goes back up. But Cassidy rolls away again! Eagles tags Shane, and as Collision returns to single picture, Shane BLASTS Ishii down again! Eagles & Shane stomp away on Cassidy but the ref reprimands. Eagles stands down, Shane scoops Cassidy, but Cassidy slips free! Cassidy shoves Shane into Eagles!

Shane hurries to stop Cassidy from reaching Ishii, and whips him into the corner, but that just sends him into Eagles! Shane runs in, Cassidy dodges, and Shane avoids hitting Eagles to anchor Cassidy again. But then Cassidy BOOTS Shane into Eagles! Hot tag to Ishii! The fans fire up as the Pitbull ducks ‘n’ dodges Shane to run him over! Eagles gets in, but he bounces off Ishii! Ishii ROCKS Eagles, whips him, but Eagles reverses, only for Ishii to come back and CLOBBER Eagles! Shane BOOTS Ishii, but Ishii just roars! Ishii ducks a kick to SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shane stays in this but Ishii drags him back up.

Ishii bumps Shane off buckles, and he tags in Cassidy. Ishii ROCKS Shane, Cassidy “chops” him! They go back and forth, forearm and chop, and then Cassidy puts some juice into it! Eagles runs up but gets run over! DOUBLE LARIATS hit Shane, then Ishii suplexes! BRAINBUSTER! Cassidy is up top, for a FALLING ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives but Cassidy takes off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims, Ishii keeps Eagles out, ORANGE- NO, Shane gets around, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Hot tag to Eagles and he aims. ROUNDHOUS! SUPERKICK! PELE!

Cassidy wobbles, Eagles SWEEPS Ishii’s legs! Eagles reels Cassidy in, suplexes, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! Cassidy runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Eagles stops that to fireman’s carry! TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, ISHII BREAKS IT! Just in time, too! Shane fires off UPPERCUTS, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Shane ROUNDHOUSES, but Ishii LARIATS! Those two fall and now Eagles finds Cassidy. SOBAT! Cravat, but Cassidy powers out! Eagles avoids the punch, schoolboy with bridge! TWO, and Eagles KICKS away on Cassidy’s leg! Spinning toehold! Eagles steps through but Cassidy kicks him away! Cassidy then Alabama Lifts, BEACH BREAK! Cover, Cassidy & Ishii win!

Winners: Orange Cassidy & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall

The Mighty Don’t Kneel but they do get beat! Cassidy is all revved up, but will he be ready to take on TMDK’s Front Man? Or will “Orange Bollocks” be made to #JustTapOut?

BREAKING NEWS for Forbidden Door: Zero Hour!

There will be a HUGE Fatal 4 Way Tag match as we see Private Party, The House of Black, Ishii & Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong & Gabe Kidd battle it out! Who makes big inroads towards not just the AEW World Tag Team Championships but also the Unified NJPW Tag Team Championships? Plus, the stars of Stardom join in as Tam Nakano joins Willow Nightingale against their respective rivals, Momo Watanabe & Kris Statlander! With Willow VS Kris in the Owen Hart Cup on the horizon, whose star will shine brightest in Long Island?

Then in a big time Trios match, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Titan, Yota Tsuji & Hiromu Takahashi take on the Lucha Brothers and CMLL’s Mistico! Will Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo be able to work with a lucha rival? Or will LIJ make everything tranquilo?

Someone walks the halls.

The same halls that a certain Mogul broke into and violated. This house is no longer a home, and the Cowboy is back to his old ways. When and where will The Hangman return to All Elite Wrestling?

Chris Jericho and friends arrive backstage.

The Learning Tree reminds the cameraman to keep it steady. But like he was saying, Buffalo is the 79th most populous city in the entire United States, and that’s pretty big. Big Bill admires the building’s architecture, and Jericho says high to this random wrestler in the back. Who did the tape for his wrists? The trainers did. Well, that’s not right at all! Jericho leads the way into the trainer’s room and says hi. But Jericho just wanted to let them all know that when they tape up someone’s wrist, make sure to go around three times for more support. Don’t forget! Thanks, guys!

And here’s a veteran tip from the Learning Tree: Every time you got into the trainer’s room, take a roll of tape and put it in your bag. That way, you get free wrist tape. Hee hee hee! Bad Apple takes the whole dang box! Well, not all lessons are good ones. But will The Learning Tree keep throwing his advice out to anyone who can hear him?

Stephanie Vaquer VS Lady Frost!

La Primera makes her AEW in-ring debut, and she’s getting ready to defend the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against Mercedes Mone tomorrow night. Will she be all warmed up after this Collision in Buffalo? Or will she feel herself freeze up against a familiar foe in Lady Frost?

Wait. Of course Mercedes Mone needs to make her presence known not just to us but to her opponent. The TBS Champion struts her way down to the ring, hoping to get in Vaquer’s head already. The bell rings and the fans rally for the “C E O! C E O!” Vaquer circles with Frost, who tells her to focus. They tie up, Vaquer gets around to waistlock and SLAM Frost. Vaquer facelocks, Frost wrenches out, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back. Vaquer arm-drags Frost, Frost comes back, but Vaquer body scissors her down into an STF! Frost endures, reaches out, but Mone says that won’t happen to her.

Frost reaches out, crawls forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Vaquer lets off, and she kicks Frost to a corner. Vaquer whips corner to corner, runs in, but Frost puts her on the apron! Vaquer swings, Frost counter punches! Frost then ROUNDHOUSES Vaquer down! Vaquer staggers, Frost goes out and Mone says she likes that. Frost whips, Vaquer reverses, but Frost goes up the steps to then FLYING ARM-DRAG! The fans and Mone cheer, and Frost gets Vaquer up. Vaquer whips Frost away, Frost headstands on the apron, but Vaquer SUPERKICKS her down! Vaquer stares Mone down but Mone says to wait until Sunday.

Collision goes picture in picture while Vaquer turns back to Frost. The ref tells Mone to watch herself, but Vaquer SMACKS Frost off the apron. Vaquer puts Frost in the ring, then kicks her around. Vaquer drags Frost up, bumps her off buckles, and then bumps her off more buckles! Vaquer scrubs Frost’s face over and over and over! Mone says no thank you, but Vaquer drags Frost up. Vaquer snapmares Frost, clamps on a headscissor squeeze, and then drills Frost’s head into the mat again and again and again! Cover, TWO! Frost stays in this but Vaquer stays calm. Vaquer brings Frost up but Frost throws forearms!

Vaquer knees low, HEADBUTTS Frost down, then drags Frost back up. Vaquer whips Frost to ropes, but Frost sunset flips! Vaquer stays up, then DOUBLE STOMPS, and Collision goes to break!

Collision returns and Vaquer grinds Frost down with a chinlock. The ref sees she’s fish-hooking and reprimands. Vaquer lets go to go back to the headscissor and drilling! Vaquer drags Frost up, reels her in, tucks the arms, and PACKAGE- NO, Frost slips free to run and LARIAT! Mone likes to see that, and she cheers Frost on. Vaquer rises, but she ducks the spin kick! Frost blocks Vaquer’s kick, and ROUNDHOUSES back! Vaquer staggers to a corner, Frost runs up, GAMANGIRI! Vaquer sits down, Frost fires up and she goes corner to corner, handspring and CANNONBALL! Frost drags Vaquer to the drop zone then goes up!

The fans fire up for Frost but Vaquer stands. Frost still SKY TWISTERS! Cover, TWO! Vaquer survives and Mone says keep going, Frost! Soften her up! Frost says Mone will owe her, but then Vaquer JAWBREAKERS! And SUPERKICKS! And she spins Freost around, DDT, into the somersault clutch! TWO!! Frost survives and Vaquer is frustrated. Frost goes to a corner, Vaquer runs up to SMASH! Vaquer runs, Frost follows to RAM her! Frost runs up again, misses in the corner, and Vaquer blocks boots. Frost fights free to BOOT again, then runs, cartwheels over, and SHOTGUNS from behind!

Mone is pleased as Frost storms up on Vaquer again. Vaquer bumps Frost off buckles, then fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT!! Vaquer likes wearing ram horns for a reason. Vaquer runs, blocks boots, and now she DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! Frost writhes, Vaquer hauls her up. Vaquer stares Mone down as she tucks Frost in. PAKCAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

Mone is disappointed, but not surprised. This is who she will be facing in 24 hours, both the AEW TBS and NJPW Strong Women’s Championships on the line. The two get face to face in the ring, Buffalo on Mone’s side. Vaquer backs off, willing to wait until Sunday. But then ZEUXIS ATTACKS! Vaquer’s teammate, who Mone also beat a few weeks ago, gets some revenge! But then Mone gets up to turn things around, BACKSTABBER! Vaquer gets in to SUPERKICK! So much for waiting! Vaquer grins as she tucks Mone in, PACKAGE BACKBREAKER!!

The fans boo and Mone writhes, but the CMLL Women’s Tag Team Champions stand tall. Are we going to see the birth of the Quatro Crown Queen at Forbidden Door? Or can The CEO turn things around and finally have the title she was “always meant to have?”

Backstage interview with the Lucha Brothers.

Lexy Nair is with Fenix, Penta & their Hype Man, Alex Abrahantes. She notes the Forbidden Door announcement, and Abrahantes confirms, Death Triangle has something you’ve never seen before. Fenix says that is right. This is something special! Penta, Fenix, and… Wait! In steps El Inmortal, Titan! And he says tranquilo, he isn’t alone. Because in steps The Timebomb, Hiromu Takahashi! Hiromu says he is super excited to say that they’re ready for LIJ VS Fenix, Penta & PAC! Are they ready? No, no, you see, Pac is focusing on the Owen Hart Cup. But they have a special gift for LIJ!

For the first time ever, the Lucha Brothers will team up with CMLL’s Mistico! Hiromu is stunned! He just faced Mistico, and now he’s panicking! But Titan says LIJ is ready! Then see you in Long Island! But then Hiromu’s panic gives way to excitement! He loves this idea and can’t wait! Will LIJ kick down the Forbidden Door in the Zero Hour and take over the Big Apple?

Open Challenge: Serena Deeb VS Kelly Madan!

The Professor of Professional Wrestling put it out there that she wants competition, and so the open challenge was made. Will Deeb’s Dojo show no mercy to Madan? Or will #KarmaKelly make Serena regret leaving it up to chance?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, they tie up, and Deeb powers Madan to a corner. The ref counts, Deeb stomps and UPPERCUTS, and repeat! Deeb CHOPS, whips corner to corner, but Madan reverses. Madan runs up but blocks a boot, only for Deeb to reel her in and KICK! Deeb then goes out, baits Madan into the ropes, and turns her for a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Madan staggers away, Deeb storms up and hammerlocks, for a PEPSI TWIST! The fans fire up with Deeb and she brings Madan in. Deeb tucks the arms, for the DEEB-TOX! Cover, Deeb wins!

Winner: Serena Deeb, by pinfall

Deeb made quick work of Madan, but she gets a mic to speak. “Listen, I know how this story goes. Yes, I fell short in my quest to become AEW Women’s World Champion. But I refuse to be put into wrestling purgatory! This is AEW, where the best wrestle! And guess what, Buffalo? I am the freakin’ best! Bell to bell in between these ropes, I prove that every single time I’m in this ring. So c’mon, AEW, give me someone to wrestle that’s on The Professor’s level!” Another Open Challenge? So soon? Well here comes RIHO! The fans cheer as the inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion makes her return, and waves hi to Deeb.

Riho steps down to the ring and Deeb welcomes her back. The fans cheer for this showdown, but Deeb doesn’t even shake Riho’s hand. When and where will we see the Professor put the Wrestling Idol to the test?

Jericho and friends keep moving backstage.

Jericho says he needs to check something. Someone walks out of the bathroom, and Jericho asks the guy, “Did you wash your hands? Germs spread really easily at this time of year, y’know.” The guy does go back in to be thorough, and Jericho says, “Thanks, guys.” Hygiene is important, but what won’t Jericho give unwanted advice about?

Collision returns and…

Jericho, Bill & Keith continue walking around. Bill again goes on about how this is a finely constructed building, but Jericho agrees. And they play hockey here. He’s been playing hockey since he was five years old, so he’s really good. Do you guys know what that is called? That’s a Zamboni. It was invented in 1949 by Frank Zamboni to properly clean the ice. If you respect Chris Jericho, you ride that Zamboni. Jericho says that’s right, they should check with the crew to see if they know proper Zamboni protocol. But when Jericho opens the door, it’s Samoa Joe, Hook & Shibata waiting for them! Joe says, “Hi, Chris!” and Jericho says, “Oh crap!”

The brawl is on! Joe SMACKS Jericho off the Zamboni, then throws him against a vending machine! Hook & Shibata brawl with Bill & Keith, but Keith can’t do much with only one good arm! This brawl moves towards the stage area! The fans fire up as things move through the stands! Keith manages to CLUB Hook with his good arm, but Joe TOSSES Jericho over barriers! Bill and Shibata fight off in some corner, and Hook puts Keith in the ring! Joe puts Jericho in, too, and the JABS and stomps fly! Joe JABS away on The Learning Tree, stomps him down, and now Shibata and Bill join in!

Hook & Shibata mug Bill, Joe stomps Keith for good measure, then he goes back for Jericho. But JEFF COBB shows up!? Cobb TOSSES Hook overhead! Shibata kicks, Cobb blocks and reels him in, ATHLETIC PLEX! Joe finally realizes what’s going on, and he turns around to see Cobb! The fans fire up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Joe and Cobb start throwing hands! Joe HEADBUTTS, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! The Imperial Unit stands tall while the fans lose their minds! Is this the third man Jericho mentioned recruiting on Rampage? It seems so as Cobb stands tall with The Learning Tree.

Jericho mockingly waves to everyone, but will he, Big Bill and big bad Cobb crush Joe, Hook & Shibata?

Zack Sabre Jr. speaks.

“Well, usually I’m somewhat of a condescending and sarcastic person. But I have quite a lot of admiration for Orange Cassidy. I called out Orange Bollocks for a very particular reason: I’m returning for some unfinished business. You’re one of the top names in AEW. I know it makes a statement when you tap out. I will tap out ol’ Orange Bollocks, and then I will undoubtedly be known as the best technical wrestler in the world, but you will have to call me the best wrestler in the world.”

Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.

Lexy is with Freshly Squeezed to get his response but he already knows. The thing is, things aren’t going great for him right now. HIs world is falling apart, and tomorrow, he has a fight against the best technical wrestler in the world. And where is he? Because Cassidy was on Dynamite watching ZSJ VS O’Reilly. But where is ZSJ tonight while Cassidy was wrestling his “Mighty Meal” guys? That is the problem. ZSJ doesn’t respect Cassidy, but- Oh, well, NOW he shows up. ZSJ steps in to tell “Orenji” to calm down. ZSJ asks why he’s banging on about respect. Of course ZSJ respects Cassidy. Hell, Cassidy isn’t just one of the best in AEW, he’s one of the best in the world.

But ZSJ didn’t need to watch that match. He knows Cassidy’s tricks. Every time, ZSJ has had answers for everything Cassidy throws at him. Cassidy is out of ideas. ZSJ has waited a YEAR to beat Cassidy. Well, then ZSJ has waited a year for Cassidy to pin him with his hands in his pockets. Oh really? Then do it now. Why not do it now? They get face to face, but then ZSJ says it’s fine. He’s already won. ZSJ leaves, Cassidy seethes, will Freshly Squeezed end up peeled and thrown away by the end of their match tomorrow night?

Hechicero VS Kevin Blackwood!

The Alchemist of Lucha Libre is preparing to face the Wolf of Wrestling, aka one Maxwell Jacob Friedman. Hechicero promises to tear off one of MJF’s arms, will he prove he can against Buffalo’s Aesthetic Killer?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, the two tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Hechi facelocks, drags Blackwood down to a cover, ONE! Hechi still facelocks but Blackwood rolls to cover Hechi, ONE! Hechi goes from facelock to leglock, and he rolls Blackwood. Blackwood facelocks but Hechi pushes his way to a spinning toehold! Hechi CHOPS Blackwood, spinning toeholds the other leg, then has an ANKLE LOCK on the first leg! Blackwood endures, so Hechi stands him up to wrench and wristlock. Blackwood breaks free, CHOPS, fires hands, then a KICK! Blackwood whips, Hechi reverses.

Hechi runs up to STEP-UP KNEE! Blackwood wobbles, Hechi fires off fast hands of his own! Hechi CHOPS, gets space, and then FLAPJACKS Blackwood! Blackwood checks his face, but Hechi clamps onto one arm to hammerlock. Then Hechi throws elbows, then shifts over, ARMBAR! Hechi stomps Blackwood, spins him around and hauls him up, hammerlock and SWING! MAD SCIENTIST BACKBREAKER! Hechi watches Blackwood writhe, then he hooks him up, rolls through, and has the RINGS OF SATURN! Blackwood quits, Hechi wins!

Winner: Hechicero, by submission

The Alchemist tortures Blackwood to send a message to MJF! But will Hechi be able to do even worse to the former AEW World Champion? Or will Long Island’s favorite scumbag have an answer to the dangerous arsenal aimed at him?

Backstage interview with The Patriarchy.

Lexy is with Christian Cage, Mother Shayna, and “sons,” Nick Wayne & Killswitch/Luchasaurus. Lexy says Christian has made it crystal clear that he has his eyes set on the Trios Championships. Yes, very observant, Lexy. His eyes are squarely on those titles. The Patriarchy, more specifically Christian himself, has carried this company for the past year. And as the uncrowned world champion, Christian deserves to be celebrated and recognized as such! And there is no better way to do that than to… Wait, how many of those belts are there? Nick says there’s nine belts. Nine. Then those nine will all look great on the shoulders of The Patriarchy!

But then the Bang Bang Gang steps in. Jay White says hold on, is someone talking about the Trios Champions? Christian surely can’t mean himself, he must be talking about them, the Bang Bang Gang! But it is nice to finally meet him. Though, has Christian apologized to his “family” for setting such a poor example? What kind of dad says, “I quit?” But hey, this is about redeeming himself, rebuilding himself in front of his new wife and dinosaur. But it can be hard to tell the two apart, huh? Luchasaurus gets mad and White says that must be the wife. But let’s not even get started on the kid.

White says just between him and Captain Charisma, it’s a shame the mom had to drink so heavily during her pregnancy. But hey, White gets what’s going on here. They’re riding the coattails of the Catalyst, to see if he can be the spark that reignites the career of Christian Cage! But Mr. Charisma, sir, that Switchblade spotlight burns too bright even for Christian. But hey, at least he’ll get to breath with The Switchblade. And if they’re not down with any of that, White’s still got two words for ya: GUNS UP. Bullet Club Gold has put The Patriarchy on notice, what will The Patriarchy look to do in retaliation?

Daniel Garcia VS The Butcher!

The fans fire up because it’s a Battle of Buffalo! Will Red Death be red hot going into his Beach Break battle with Will Ospreay? Or will he get rocked by the beefy Andy Williams?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” Garcia and Butcher circle, feel things out, and tie up. Butcher powers Garcia back then shoves him down! Garcia gets up in a huff and Butcher eggs him on. They reset, tie up again, and Butcher again powers Garcia back. The ref counts as they end up in a corner, but Butcher lets off at 4. Garcia shrugs that off, and the fans rally up again. The two tie up, go around, and Butcher powers Garcia to another corner. Garcia digs his heels in and he pushes Butcher back! But Butcher puts Garcia in a corner to stomp a mudhole!

The fans fire up as Butcher storms around, then he goes back to Garcia. Garcia puts Butcher in the corner to fire off hands and stomps! The ref counts, Butcher pushes Garcia away, but Garcia dropkicks the legs out! Garcia runs to SHOTGUN Butcher down! Garcia is all fire dup, as is Buffalo, and he whips Butcher. Butcher reverses then follows to CROSSBODY! That was a hockey body check right there! Butcher TOSSES Garcia out, revels in the cheers and jeers, then goes out after Garcia. Butcher brings Garcia up and RAMS him into barriers! The fans rally for Garcia but Butcher stalks him. Garcia ROCKS Butcher, CLUBS him, then makes him take a seat.

Garcia goes to the far side and high-fives the fans, to then go back in and SHOTGUN Butcher into barriers! The fans are thunderous for their boys, and Garcia goes again! SHOT- NO, Butcher catches Garcia, for a BARRIER BACKBREAKER! Garcia writhes, Butcher dusts himself off, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Butcher returns to Garcia, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the back. Garcia staggers away, Butcher storms up behind him, and CLAWS his back! Butcher leaves Garcia behind to let the ring count handle this. Garcia rises, so Butcher goes back out and CLUBS Garcia again. Garcia scrambles into the ring but Butcher storms around again. Butcher runs corner to corner at Garcia, to SPALSH! Butcher then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Then he snap suplexes hard! Cover, TWO! Garcia shakes his head, he won’t go down so easy! Butcher clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock and he digs a knee in.

Garcia endures, the fans rally and Garcia fights to his feet. JAWBREAKER! Garcia then ROCKS Butcher, but Butcher LARIATS in return! Butcher KNEES Garcia in the back, storms around, and he gets Garcia’s legs. Garcia kicks and throws hands, but Butcher still gets him in a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Garcia endures as Butcher sits deep on the hold! Garcia claws his way forward, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Butcher let off, and he stomps Garcia down. Butcher storms around, brings Garcia up, then DECKS him! Butcher mocks Garcia’s dance! Garcia gets mad and gets up to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Butcher ROCKS Garcia, scoops him, and SLAMS him!

Butcher looms over Garcia as Collision returns to single picture. “This is Awesome!” as Butcher drags Garcia up. But Garcia SLAPS! Butcher SLAPS back! Butcher scoops, but Garcia slips free to waistlock. Butcher switches, CLUBS Garcia, and HALF NELSON BACKBREAKERS! Then a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives but Butcher stays close. The fans rally up, Butcher puts Garcia in a corner and whips corner to corner. Butcher runs up to SPLASH, then he goes corner to corner again. SPLASH! The fans rally, Garcia huffs ‘n’ puffs and gets in Butcher’s face! Butcher shoves, Garcia BOOTS!

Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then BOOTS! Butcher stays up so Garcia KNEES low! Garcia reels Butcher in, but Butcher suplexes! Garcia fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans are thunderous again and Garcia snarls. He’s foaming at the mouth like a mad dog! Garcia fires forearms on Butcher, then BITES him! The ref counts, Garcia lets off to climb up. Garcia rains down fists and fans count along! But Butcher stops that at 5! Garcia still fires hands, gets free, and LARIATS! Butcher shakes his head as he stays up! Garcia runs to LARIAT again! Still not enough, so Garcia runs. Butcher BOOTS Garcia, runs, but Garcia LARIATS him down!!

The fans are thunderous again as Garcia fires himself up! Garcia drags Butcher up, reels him in, and STUFF PILEDRIVERS!! Cover, Garcia wins!!

Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall

A powerful win for Garcia and his family celebrates in the front row! And best of all, Garcia shows respect to Butcher as brothers of Buffalo. But will Garcia get an even bigger win against Will Ospreay for the International Championship, and possibly even THE AEW World Championship?

Backstage interview with Will Ospreay.

Lexy asks the Aerial Assassin that, in the wake of what we saw on Wednesday, the animosity between him and Swerve is clearly at a boiling point. Tonight is the official weigh-in, is it safe to say things are deeply personal now? A little bit, yeah. But Ospreay is willing to wait another 24 hours before he caves Swerve’s head in. But then Don Callis walks in and says tonight is gonna be so great! The Don Callis Family is with him, and Callis says this’ll be just like when he helped Ospreay beat Kenny Omega. Ospreay and Callis hug and Callis has some ideas. No, Don, hold on. Like Ospreay said last week, he can do this on his own.

Ospreay appreciates the offer of help, but he has this. Callis says okay, go and do your thing. Ospreay does talk to Kyle Fletcher. They all know Swerve will have Nana and his posse out there, Ospreay would appreciate it if someone was watching his back tonight. Kyle says yeah, sure, and Callis approves. Ospreay & Fletcher head out, Callis tells Trent & Takeshita that it’s all good. But then someone pats Callis on the shoulder. Rush is here! El Toro Blanco doesn’t say anything, but he surely has an answer to Callis’ offer from before. Is it “si” or “no” on El Ingobernable joining the Family?

Backstage interview with Jack Perry.

Lexy is with the Scapegoat, and says at Forbidden Door, he has the opportunity to become the NEW TNT Champion. Tonight, the six men in that match are in a Trios Match, but then Jack speaks up. He never agreed to be a part of this match. He doesn’t want to team with any of those guys. The only guys he teams with are The Elite. But tomorrow night, he WILL be the Face of TNT. But then in steps Christopher Daniels! The Fallen Angel apologizes to Lexy for interrupting but he tells Jack there is a problem with his train of thought. By all means, Jack can back out of any match he wants, but there will be repercussions.

Meaning, if Jack refuses to wrestle tonight, then he’ll be removed from the ladder match at Forbidden Door. So make whatever decision you feel is best. Daniels leaves it up to Jack, will the “sacrifice” Jack has to make be one of ego rather than effort?

2024 Women’s Owen Hart Cup Quarterfinal: Deonna Purrazzo VS Hikaru Shida!

The Virtuosa said just last night on Rampage, past accolades mean nothing here, it is all about what you’ve done lately. Will Deonna therefore prove she’s worthy of the AEW Women’s World Championship by taking down the THREE-TIME former champion? Or will Shida get back on track by putting Deonna in her place?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Shida and Deonna tie up, break, and then go again. The two tie up, Shida wrenches to a wristlock, but Deonna spins, slips through and wristlocks back. Shida rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, but Deonna wrenches back to headlock and takeover. Shida headscissors, Deonna kips free, and the fans cheer. The two reset again, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Deonna wrenches, wristlocks, but Shida stays up. Shida powers her way through to wrench and headlock, but Deonna powers her into a corner. The ref counts, Deonna lets off, but then she kicks low!

The ref reprimands, Deonna just whips corner to corner. Shida reverses, Deonna goes up and under then keeps moving. Shida follows, they RAM shoulders, and the fans cheer. Shida ROCKS Deonna, Deonna ROCKS Shida, repeat! The fans rally as the forearms fly after and faster! Shida gets the edge, winds up, but Deonna catches the arm! Shida fights off the takedown to then ENZIGIRI! Deonna flounders to a corner and the fans fire up. Shida storms over, climbs up, and fires up before she rains down fists! The fans count, Shida goes all the way to TEN! Shida then brings Deonna around to TOSS her out!

Shida goes to the ropes, and CROSSBODIES! Down goes Deonna and the fans cheer Shida again! Shida gets Deonna up and in, then on the apron. Shida CLUBS Deonna, gets some space, and she runs in, but Deonna avoids the knee! Deonna then FLYING STOMPS an arm! And she BOOTS Shida down! The Virtuosa soaks up the heat while Collision goes picture in picture.

Deonna stands over Shida, brings her up, and then puts her in the ring. Deonna stalks Shida, clamps onto an arm, then KICKS that arm! And KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Shida scrambles away, Deonna stalks her, but Shida throws body shots. Deonna stomps Shida down for that, then drags her back up. Deonna has both arms, kicks them again and again, then snapmares Shida for a short arm scissor! Deonna pushes up for leverage, then shifts around so she can pull on the arm! Shida endures, kicks at Deonna, then fights up. Shida stacks Deonna, but Deonna kicks her back down! ARMBAR! Shida fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Deonna lets go at 4, and Shida clutches her arm. Deonna storms back up, gets the arm, and wraps it around the ropes. The ref reprimands but Deonna KICKS the arm as she lets off. Deonna then drags Shida up, CHOPS her to a corner, and CHOPS again! Deonna ROCKS Shida, Shida ROCKS Deonna! But that was the bad arm! Deonna BOOTS Shida, goes for the arm again, but Collision goes to break.

Collision returns and Shida fires forearms on Deonna! Deonna kicks, Shida blocks, and Deonna apologizes. Shida just fires more forearms! Shida ignores the pain in her arm to keep after Deonna’s head and neck! Shida then runs to KNEE Deonna down! The fans fire up as Shida stands Deonna up, short arm LARIAT! Shida gets Deonna up to short arm LARIAT again! Shida whips, Deonna BOOTS first! Shida JUMP KNEES! Shida runs to JUMP KNEE again! Cover, TWO! Shida fires up and the fans are with her! Shida drags Deonna up, but Deonna fights the suplex! Deonna wrenches out, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS!

Deonna shifts around, Shida rolls, but Deonna avoids the Penalty Kick! Deonna rolls Shida up but Shida rolls through! SLIDING- FUJIWARA!! Deonna turns lariat into armbar, and she pushes up for leverage! Shida endures, the fans rally, and Shida moves around! Shida reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Deonna lets go at 4, and Deonna says time to end this. Deonna runs up but Shida dodges the boot! Deonna is stuck in ropes, Shida goes up and up to FLYING CHUCK! Shida hurries to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, but Deonna turns it into a victory roll! TWO, Shida has it, TWO! KATANA KNEE!! Cover, SHIDA WINS!

Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Deonna was right, it IS about what you’ve done lately! And everyone Deonna did to get to this point no longer matters now that Shida has taken her down! Will the Shining Samurai make her way to the Cup and- WAIT! Deonna CLOBBERS Shida from behind! The Virtuosa is a sore loser as she stomps away on Shida! Deonna grabs Shida’s kendo stick, holds it the wrong way, but here comes Thunder Rosa! La Mera Mera runs Deonna off before she can do any more damage, but Deonna brushes it all off. Will Rosa find a way to finally humble The Virtuosa when they go another round?

Jeff Jarrett speaks.

“The Owen means more to me than anything I’ve ever done. To get the opportunity to win three matches, and stand in the middle of the ring in Owen’s hometown, I’m absolutely going to do it.” Karen Jarrett says Jeff’s never had a friend closer than Owen Hart. And this moment didn’t come around by chance. Surely, Owen’s spirit is at work. Jay Lethal says Jeff is the only person in this tournament who actually knew Owen, and was even his best friend. Jeff HAS to win this one! Satnam Singh says that while Jeff has to do this on his own, the team’s hearts are with him.

Sonjay Dutt adds that while Jeff doesn’t know who his opponent is, and he won’t have his team with him, the team knows Jeff has this. Who will Double J meet next Wednesday for Beach Break? And will even that Wild Card say, “Ain’t he great?”

Toni Storm speaks.

Not only that, but the Leading Lady steps on the broken glass of the champagne bottle! “Not like the brazen Mina of Japanese fame, with conquering thighs that stride from post to post, here on our bloodstained, sweaty mat shall stand a mighty woman with a belt, who shines as the impassioned lightning, and her name…! The Champion of Exiles! From her beacon hand glows worldwide stardom. Her piercing eyes command the entrant stage that twin tunnels frame. ‘Keep, pro-wrestling, your mediocre men,’ cries she with ruby lips. Give me your time! Your bored! Your idle masses yearning to be entertained!

“The wretched fans of your teeming arena, send these the audience, your tempest, tossed to me! I lift my title inside the Forbidden Door!” The Leading Lady has become pro-wrestling’s Lady Liberty, but will she keep her title free of the Fighting Gravure Idol’s selfish ways? Or will Mina Shirakawa take the belt from her, just as she has taken Mariah May?

Face of TNT Six Man Tag: Mark Briscoe, Dante Martin & Lio Rush VS Konosuke Takeshita, Jack Perry & El Phantasmo!

The ROH World Champion has been part of a rather eclectic conglomeration as of late, but now he’s got something special on his hands tonight. Will he, Angel Dorado & The Bad Child be able to #ManUp and take over the Big Apple? Or will The Alpha, The Scapegoat and The Headbanga be the ones leading the way through The Forbidden Door?

The teams sort out and there’s some tension, but Lio starts against Jack. The fans boo Jack, but then he tags out to Konosuke anyway. Konosuke and Lio step up, and Konosuke shoves the shorter Lio away. Lio shoves back, but Konosuke doesn’t budge! Konosuke grabs at Lio but Lio runs, redirects, dodges then BOOTS in the corner! Lio goes up and leaps, but Konosuke catches him and pops him around! But Lio swings through to sunset flip, TWO! Lio gets up, but Konosuke BOOTS him down! Konosuke rains down fists, talks trash on Lio, then looks at his corner. ELP reaches out, so Konosuke tags him hard!

ELP frowns but he steps in. ELP brings Lio up, whips, but Lio reverses! ELP reverses back, Lio goes up and around with the ropes, then whips again! ELP rolls through, comes back, but Lio DROPKICKS him! Lio facelocks, tags Dante, and then Dante tags Mark. Dante & Lio whip ELP to a corner, Dante sends Lio in to lariat! Dante runs in to clothesline, and Mark runs in to CLOBBER ELPL! Mark snapmares ELP so Lio & Dante can DOUBLE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mark drags ELP up, fires forearms, then has ELP in the corner. Mark throws more shots, tags Dante, and they mug ELP. Dante tags Lio, and now they mug ELP.

Lio ROCKS ELP with a haymaker, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! ELP stays in this but Lio stays on him with a facelock. ELP powers his way forward but Lio slips around to a waistlock. Lio wrangles ELP, tags Dante, and Dante stomps ELP. Dante gets ELP up, reels him back in, and tags Lio again. Dante throws knees, Lio helps out tp double whip ELIP to the corner. ELP ELBOWS Mark, goes up and over Lio, then fakes Dante out to go low! Dante drags ELIP back but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Dante flounders, Lio hurries to block ELP’s path! ELP THROWS Lio at Dante! ELP has a clear path, but Jack leaves him high and dry!

The fans boo as Jack is only on Jack’s side, but then Mark WRECKS him with a dropkick! The fans fire up either way, but then Konosuke DECKS Mark while Collision goes picture in picture!

Konosuke looms over Mark, soaks up the heat, and ELP fires hands with Dante in the ring. ELP ROCKS Dante to the corner, ROCKS him again, but it looks like it’ll be 3v2 from now on. Jack just had to start the match, Daniels didn’t say he had to stick around. ELP CHOPS Dante, ROCKS him again, then CHOPS again. ELP offers, Konosuke reaches out, so ELP CHOPS Konosuke for the tag. Call it a receipt, if you will. Konosuke CLUBS Dante, then digs his boots in. Dante endures, lets off as the ref counts, and Dante sputters as he sits down. Konosuke SMACKS ELP for the tag, so ELP steps back in. ELP stands on Dante’s leg, then CHOPS Dante down.

ELP and Konosuke tag like you’re supposed to, and Konosuke CHOPS Dante down! Tag back to ELP, he drags Dante up and suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Tag to Konosuke, he deadlift suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER! ELP mockingly applauds as Konosuke keeps trying to one-up him. Konosuke gets Dante up, THROWS him into the corner, then tags ELP. ELP stands Dante up to ROCK him! Collision returns to single picture and Konosuke brings Dante around. Konosuke ROCKS Dante, and Dante sits back. ELP and Konosuke argue and shove each other. They then get Dante up and reel him in, DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! But Dante lands out, to DOUBLE RANA!

The fans fire up as Dante flounders forward! Dante grits his teeth, hot tag to Mark! Mark dodges ELP, then fires off on both ELP and Konosuke with Redneck Kung-Fu! CHOPS and forearms on repeat, but Konosuke ducks under to waistlock. Mark BOOTS ELP away, then PELES Konosuke! The fans fire up as ELP runs up but Mark dodges to CHOP! CHOP and whip! ELP hits buckles hard, then Mark runs up to LARIAT! Mark suplexes for the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, Jack gets in to break it! Now Jack cares! Jack then bails out, only concerned with his team not losing, not with helping them win.

Mark drags ELP up and reels him in to underhook. JAY- NO, ELP fights free, gets around, and SUPERKICKS! Lio tags in to run up but ELP shoves him. Lio goes up and over, SUPERKICKS back, and then Konosuke gets up! Lio HANDSPRING KICKS Konosuke down, to then DIVE onto him at the ramp! The fans fire up with Lio, but then ELP DIVES to take Lio out! But now Dante DIVES, and he takes ELP out! Dante hurries to get ELP in, then he helps Lio into the ring. Lio tags Dante, and Dante goes up. Lio joins him, FINAL HOUR to the MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, Jack breaks it again! The fans are torn but Mark gets Jack by the hair!

Mark TOSSES Jack out, then goes to the apron! CANNONBALL FLOPS as Jack moves! Jack smirks but Lio & Dante double whip ELP. Double leap frog but ELP gets Dante for the atomic drop! Lio waistlocks, ELP switches and shoves Lio into Dante! Both men fall over, hot tag to Konosuke! Lio & Dante stand, but the LARIAT wipes out Dante! Konosuke blocks Lio’s kick, FLIPS him, but Lio lands on his feet! Lio slips under but Konosuke catches him by the tights! DEADLIFY GERMAN SUPLEX, and Lio goes flying! The fans fire up but Dante springboards in, only for Konosuke to get around! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Dante lands out!

The fans are thunderous as Dante dodges Konosuke, but then Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke goes up, but Dante LEAPS up! SUPER STEIN- NO! Konosuke stops that, brings Dante back up, but Dante still SUPER STEINERS!! Dante fires up, the fans are thunderous, and Dante climbs, only for Jack to SHOVE Dante down! Dante flounders to his feet, but he comes back to GAMANGIRI Jack! Konosuke runs up, Dante leaps, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! And then POWER DRIVER KNEE!! Cover, Konosuke’s team wins!

Winners: Konosuke Takeshita, Jack Perry & El Phantasmo, by pinfall

Don Callis says get used to seeing that, i.e. The Alpha on top. But then Jack CLOBBERS Konosuke with the TNT Championship! The fans are torn as the Scapegoat turns out to be a Jackass! But then ELP says SUDDEN DEATH for Jack! ELP picks up the title, but then Lio runs up! RUSH HOUR!! Lio and Dante grab the belt, and the two friends are of course at odds over who will be the champion. But then Mark Briscoe BULLDOZES them with a ladder! The Sussex County Chicken is raising the stakes already! Mark sets that ladder up while all the others regroup outside. The fans fire up for “DEM BOYS!” as Mark climbs with the belt!

And then Mark says catch! The belt is dropped down into the cluster, and then Mark SUPER SWANTONS onto them all!! Buffalo is thunderously losing its mind as the Chicken flies! The Briscoe theme song says, “Reach for the sky, boy!” Will Mark do just that to become a double champion? Or will someone else rise above to become the new Face of TNT?

Prince Nana is on stage.

The fans cheer and Nana says, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official weigh-in for the Forbidden Door main event tomorrow night!” All brought to you by yours truly, Prince Nana. Introducing first, the challenger, the AEW International Champion, the Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay! The fans fire up as Ospreay makes his entrance, Fletcher accompanying him. Ospreay gets right to it by throwing off his shirt, kicking off his shoes and pulling down his track pants. Ospreay stands on the scale, Nana looks at the readout, and reports in, “Ladies and gentlemen, the official weight for Will Ospreay is… 220 pounds!”

Ospreay steps away, and Nana introduces next, the reigning, defending, AEW World Champion…! Swerve Strickland! The fans fire up for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The Realest makes his way out, accompanied by his rap mogul entourage, just as Ospreay knew he would. Westside Gunn holds onto the title for Swerve while he takes off his fur coat. Swerve’s already in boxer shorts, so he just kicks off his shoes to step on the scale. Nana looks at the readout, and reports, “the official weight for your world champion in AEW… is 230 pounds!” Swerve has ten pounds on Ospreay, and now we have the official photo op.

Ospreay and Swerve stand face to face, and very close at that. Both men are talking a bit of smack, but then they both step back to get their belts. Swerve and Ospreay are both ready in body and mind for this match, and Nana asks for any final words before this match. Ospreay says yeah, Swerve’s got 24 hours until Ospreay knocks those dirty ass grills out of his mouth! Ospreay is gonna usher in a new era! One where the best wrestle, and the one where the best wrestler is THE world champ! Swerve will find out why he is Will Ospreay, and that he is on, another, level!! Nana then asks Swerve if he has any final words.

Swerve says let’s just hurry up. Ospreay keeps saying the pressure’s on Swerve? No, it’s on Ospreay! Swerve is the world champion, he’s been here, Ospreay hasn’t. Swerve’s been in the main events, Ospreay hasn’t. Ospreay says he’s on another level? No, it’s Swerve who is on another level! Look how Swerve handles business! Ospreay comes out here dressed like a bum! Swerve is here like a business man. Swerve handles his business like a champion. And as such, Swerve will handle more business. He’s gonna offer Ospreay’s wife a contract- Ospreay pie faces Swerve for saying that! Security and posses jump in to stop this, and Fletcher’s ready to swing!

Ospreay says he’s fine now, he’s calmed now. But then he jukes security to FLYING HIDDEN BLADE Swerve right down!! That was a killshot to be sure! Ospreay snatches both belts up off the ground, and says look at him now! The fans are thunderous, Nana is stunned, and Swerve is in a daze! Will this be exactly how it goes in just 24 hours at Forbidden Door? Or will Ospreay’s anger get the better of him when he steps inside Swerve’s House?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Collision, especially as a go-home, but I was surprised to see they organized the card in such a way where all the filler type stuff happened in the first hour. Hechicero did win his match tonight, because he’s of course losing to MJF tomorrow night. Serena Deeb’s open challenge was kinda put together like an afterthought by ol’ TK, it being just a squash win here and then we set up something bigger like Deeb VS Riho. Cassidy & Ishii VS Shane & Eagles was a solid opening match, but naturally Eagles took the loss. Good promo from Cassidy with ZSJ, and I do appreciate that Cassidy is now, on occasion, showing nerves and anxiety.

As for the match of Cassidy VS ZSJ, it could go either way, but it’d be more fitting in story if ZSJ won. He gets his win back from last year, more of stressed Cassidy could be good story going forward, and we could have another match between the two at All In Wembley. Vaquer VS Frost was a good match, but of course Mone had to be out there in person to share that spotlight. But it wasn’t that big a deal, I suppose. I did say just the other night that Vaquer was guaranteed to win, and then Mone getting attacked by Zeuxis and beat down by Vaquer does work in the go-home math. Mone is of course winning the NJPW Strong Women’s title, she’ll be going back and forth between AEW and NJPW Strong for however long while Vaquer probably focuses on her CMLL titles.

The Learning Tree stuff is still really goofy, but Bill and Keith help it work. Plus, getting a big brawl with them and Joe’s crew to then bring out Jeff Cobb was good stuff. Cobb was not someone I saw being the third man, but he’s of course a great choice. That said, I still feel like Joe’s team wins out, perhaps with Bill taking the loss. Jericho has Suzuki coming for the FTW Championship, maybe we get a dream match of Cobb VS Joe for the NJPW World TV Championship. And the best part is that with the 15 minute time limit, they could take that to a time limit draw and Cobb retains that way.

Great match from Garcia and Butcher in this Battle of Buffalo, and of course Garcia was winning. Garcia now has momentum going into Beach Break and what is certainly just an International Championship match. The reason for that is because Ospreay clobbered Swerve at the end of that weigh-in. Pro-wrestling has only ever sparingly done weigh-in segments and they’ve almost always been just so someone can stand tall to sway the math in the other person’s advantage, and so that tradition continues. And with Swerve retaining, he’ll go on to All In to face the Owen Hart Cup winner.

And as such, while Triple J is super confident in Jeff Jarrett, I fear that means he’s losing to this Wild Card, who has got to be Hangman. That teaser of his return was really well done, and The Elite did say they’d be the ones choosing the Wild Card. What better way for Hangman to return than to beat Jarrett, get that Heel Heat, win the whole tournament and then once again face Swerve for the title. And then with it being at Wembley Stadium, which is quickly becoming AEW’s biggest show of the year, that’ll be one awesome match. Good promo from The Patriarchy and Bang Bang Gang. White did a good job putting Christian in his place a bit there, and their eventual title match is going to be great stuff, but we’ll need to see more before the math locks in.

And then what an awesome Six Man Tag of all the TNT Championship participants. Jack played up his part perfectly, everyone got to shine, and in the end, the one standing tall is Mark Briscoe because he doesn’t need to win. He has the ROH World Championship, he can focus on that going towards Death Before Dishonor in July. Therefore, it has to still be Jack Perry winning. Then The Elite can become the Golden Elite again, at least for a time as The Bucks still have to defend the tag titles and Wild Card Hangman still has to go for the world title.

My Score: 8.9/10

One step closer to the Forbidden Door!

Before facing Bryan Danielson 1v1 in Long Island, Shingo Takagi battles Dalton Castle! Will The Peacock survive the Rampaging Dragon’s first Rampage?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 2v1 Handicap Match: Orange Cassidy VS The Outrunners; Cassidy wins.
• Gabe Kidd & Roderick Strong w/ The Kingdom VS The Infantry; Gabe & Roddy win.
• AEW TNT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: AR Fox VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins and advances to Forbidden Door.
• Shingo Takagi VS Dalton Castle; Takagi wins.
• Queen Aminata VS Skye Blue; Aminata wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

2v1 Handicap Match: Orange Cassidy VS The Outrunners!

Freshly Squeezed knows he has quite the challenge ahead of him with Zack Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door, so he’s looking to really test himself tonight. Will Cassidy be able to take down both Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd in one go? Or is he overdoing it this close to facing The Submission Master?

The Outrunners sort out and Truth starts. The bell rings and the fans rally behind “Freshly Squeezed! Freshly Squeezed!” Cassidy and Truth circle, tie up, and Truth wrenches to a wristlock. Cassidy endures, spins, wrenches, spins some more and then WRINGS Truth’s arm! Truth staggers up and asks what the heck! Tag to Turbo and he flexes. The fans boo but Cassidy flexes back. The fans cheer Cassidy, but then Turbo really pumps up the biceps. Cassidy returns the favor and Turbo is frustrated. Turbo calls for a test of strength, Cassidy obliges by putting his hands up, but then reaches for his pockets!

Turbo stops the hands, but Cassidy turns that around into a hammerlock, ripcord, wrench and wristlock to headlock. Turbo pulls hair, headlocks back, but Cassidy powers up and out. Turbo runs Cassidy over then flexes again. Turbo soaks up the heat from Allentown, then he runs the ropes. Cassidy stays low, slow rolls, then just relaxes! Turbo stops himself, runs up, but Cassidy avoids the elbow drop! Turbo hurries to tag Truth and Truth runs up, but Cassidy avoids another elbow drop! Turbo gets the legs to anchor Cassidy and Truth tries again, but Cassidy sits up to avoid the elbow! Cassidy BOOTS Turbo away, then avoids Turbo’s elbow!

The fans fire up and Cassidy raises his hands, to put them in his pockets! The Outrunners regroup, run up, but Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges their double lariats, to then leap over! DOUBLE SHOTGUN DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Cassidy kips up, but Turbo gets the arms! Truth winds up, but Cassidy slips free, the CHOP hits Turbo! Cassidy runs up, Truth dodges, the CHOP hits Turbo again! Truth runs up, Cassidy dodges, another CHOP hits Turbo! Truth apologizes to his friend, but Cassidy eggs them both on. The Outrunners run up but Cassidy dodges, and they almost run into the ref! The Outrunners apologize, but then Cassidy runs in!

The Outrunners dodge the double Orange Punch, and Cassidy stops from running into the ref. Cassidy HUGS the ref! The fans cheer, but the Outrunners reel Cassidy in! DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Cassidy is still in this but Truth drags him up. Tag to Turbo, the Outrunners mug Cassidy, and then Turbo DECKS him! Tag back to Truth, and he goes up the corner. Turbo holds Cassidy down for the FLYING STOMP! Truth stalks Cassidy, snapmares him, and runs to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cassidy stays tough but Truth tags Turbo. The Outrunners haul Cassidy up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Turbo tags Truth back in, and he stalks Cassidy. Truth eggs Cassidy on, flexes, but Cassidy huffs and puffs and rises up. Truth ROCKS Cassidy, but Cassidy shakes his head. The fans rally, Truth ROCKS Cassidy again! Cassidy gets mad now! Truth swings, Cassidy counter punches again and again! Turbo runs up as Cassidy DECKS Truth! Turbo KNEES low, whips Cassidy to a corner, but Cassidy dodges the splash! Truth ROCKS Cassidy, and then Turbo scoops! But Cassidy slips free to shove Turbo into Truth! Truth falls, Cassidy runs, ducks Turbo and DIVES onto Truth! Cassidy is right up, he ROCKS Turbo!

Turbo flounders away, Cassidy goes up! CROSSBODY! Truth returns, Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! And a kip up! ORANGE PUNCH for Turbo! The elbow pad comes off, ORANGE PUNCH for Truth! Cover, Cassidy wins!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall

Cassidy outran the Outrunners, and yet BREAKING NEWS, he still has another match before Forbidden Door! It’ll be a Collision of Orange Cassidy & Tomohiro Ishii VS TMDK’s Shane Haste & Robbie Eagles! The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will they end up Freshly Squeezed?

Backstage interview with Chris Jericho, “Big Bill” & Bryan Keith.

Renee Paquette is with The Learning Tree, The Redwood & The Bad Apple, and she says they need to talk. After Collision last week and Dynamite just last Wednesday, Bryan Keith is out with an arm injury. Then Minoru Suzuki rejected their offer to team up again, Forbidden Door is days away, what’re they going to do? Bill says, if he may, as “The Sensei of the Sickos,” Chris Jericho would often say, “When all the cards are down, you just get a new deck. Ain’t that right, Chris?” Well, Chris is on the phone with someone, so all he gives is, “Uh-huh.” Keith says if you wanna play poker or pinochle, you better respect Chris Jericho!

Jericho is done with his phone call, says, “Hi, guys~! We got him! He said yes! We have a partner for Forbidden Door!” Renee asks who they got, and Jericho says she’s not a Branch just yet, so she’ll have to find out on Collision like everyone else. But trust Jericho when he says you won’t be disappointed. This guy’s a real “ring-a-ding-dong dandy!” Thanks, guys~! Then who will this new third man be, brother?

Gabe Kidd & Roderick Strong w/ The Kingdom VS The Infantry w/ Trish Adora!

The #WarReady NJPW Strong Openweight Champion is an absolute Mad Man, and yet the Savior of the Backbreaker is willing to work with him if it means they dominate AEW, ROH and NJPW all at once. But will this War Dog prove even too much for The Kingdom? Or will Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo just take them all to Boot Camp?

The teams sort out and Gabe starts against “Bad News & Tattoos.” The bell rings and Gabe runs up to BOOT Bravo! Gabe headlocks but Bravo powers up and out. Gabe runs Bravo over, talks trash, then keeps moving. Bravo stays low, but Gabe just BLASTS Dean off the corner! Gabe UPPERCUTS Bravo, bumps him off buckles, then he UPPERCUTS! Gabe HEADBUTTS Bravo again and again, then tags in Roddy. Roddy stands Bravo up to CHOP! Gabe says hold on, and he CHOPS! Roddy CHOPS again, then he and Gable decide to “get ‘im.” They DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Bravo lands out! Bravo gives dirty birds then dodges them both!

Dean gets in, The Infantry DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe & Roddy! The fans fire up and Bravo brings Strong around. Tag to Dean, they whip Roddy to BODY SHOT, BOOT and DDT! Dean covers, ONE!! Roddy is tough but Dean drags him up. Dean scoops to SLAM, then he signals. “OORAH!” Dean runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE!! Roddy is still in this but Dean brings him up. Roddy shoves Dean away, and Gabe KNEES Dean in the back! Roddy KNEES Dean in the gut, then IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKERS! Gabe runs up to BLAST Bravo off the corner, and he talks trash on Allentown while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Roddy soaks up the heat, tags Gabe in, and they bring Dean around into the corner. Gabe CHOPS, Roddy CHOPS, repeat! Gabe HEADBUTTS Dean, snarls and talks more trash, but Dean CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe just DECKS Dean! Cover, TWO! Gabe is annoyed but then talks more trash. Gabe BOOTS Dean back down, tags Roddy in, and they bring Dean around to whip. Dean holds ropes, then KICKS Gabe! Dean DECKS Roddy, but Gabe CHOPS Dean back! Gabe suplexes, Dean slips free and ENZIGIRIS! Gabe falls, Dean hurries for his corner, but Roddy YANKS Bravo down! Gab CLUBS Dean and Rampage returns to single picture.

Gable bumps Dean off buckles and The Kingdom likes what they’re seeing. Roddy KICKS Bravo down just because, and then Gabe tags him in. Roddy scoops Dean for a GUT BUSTER! Dean sputters and writhes, Roddy shouts, “Who’s the man?!” Roddy stands Dean up to CHOP! Tag to Gabe, he and Roddy suplex Dean, but Bravo makes the save! Roddy DECKS Bravo, Gabe BOOTS Dean, then Gabe & Roddy double whip Dean. Dean ducks the lariats, hot tag to Bravo! Bravo rallies on Gabe and Roddy with forearm after forearm! Bravo wrenches Gabe to ROLLING ELBOW! Bravo blocks Roddy’s boot to slip around and NECKBREAKER!

The fans fire up and Bravo fires up, too! “OORAH!” Bravo runs to juke and CARLIE CROSSOVER on Roddy! Bravo goes after Gabe but Gabe tosses him to the apron! Bravo ROCKS Gabe first! Bravo slingshots to CUTTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up again, and Bravo watches Gabe rise. Dean tags in, Bravo SCISSOR KICKS! Bravo then PLANCHAS onto Roddy! Dean FLYING SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives, that’s why he’s NJPW Strong Champion! The fans rally, Dean calls for it! Tag to Bravo and they get Gabe up. Bravo runs, but Roddy trips him! The ref missed that, and Gabe hits a SAIDO on Dean!

Dean flops out of the ring, Gabe hauls Bravo up. Bravo fires forearms and JABS, but Roddy gets in! Bravo DECKS Roddy! Gabe ROCKS Bravo! Roddy STRONG KNEES, and Gabe hits a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Gabe & Roddy win!

Winners: Gabe Kidd & Roderick Strong, by pinfall

The NJPW Strong Champion and Roddy Strong make for a strong team, but will they both stay strong through the Summer? Or will the heat start to get to them soon enough?

AEW TNT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: AR Fox VS El Phantasmo!

The final spot in Forbidden Door’s Six Pack Challenge is finally about to be filled! Will that sixth man be the Whole Fox’n Show? Or is the Headbanga about to finally get himself some singles gold?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two fist bump to show there is respect here, then they tie up. ELP wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Fox rolls and kips up. Fox wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, but ELP powers out. Fox runs ELP over, things keep moving, and ELP hurdles. Fox leaps over, ELP runs up but Fox sidesteps. ELP RANAS Fox, DROPKICKS him, and the fans fire up! Fox goes to a corner, shakes out that arm, but ELP runs up to CHOP! The fans “WOO~” but Fox goes to chop! ELP blocks, CHOPS again, and then goes up, up and jumps around the ropes to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as ELP kips up!

Fox goes back to a corner, ELP runs corner to corner, but Fox puts him on the apron. ELP RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox gets away! ELP’s senton misses, but Fox’s slingshot senton hits! ELP bails out, Fox builds speed, and Fox FLIES! Direct hit and Fox almost crashes into the barriers! Fox gets ELP up, puts him in the ring, and then goes up the corner. The fans fire up and Fox SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO! ELP stays in this and Fox grows frustrated, but the fans rally up. Fox eggs ELP on, kicks him around, but ELP eggs Fox on in return. ELP stands, he and Fox trade forearms, then Fox kicks low.

Fox fires more forearms, then whips ELP. ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to then CLOBBER Fox! Both men are down but the fans rally up. ELP kips up, the fans fire up, but Fox also stands. ELP atomic drops, then mocks the pain. Fox swings, ELP gets around and atomic drops again! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ELP hurries to a corner, goes up and FALLING AX HANDLES! The fans fire up again and ELP aims from a corner. ELP tunes up, going from Hitman to Heartbreak Kid. Fox ducks a superkick to BOOT! Fox whips ELP but ELP goes up and over and handsprings away! ELP dodges Fox, springboards, CROSSBODY! Somersault and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally and duel between ELP and Fox, and ELP hauls Fox up. Fox trips ELP, jackknife bridge, TWO! ELP sunset flips, TWO! Fox goes Matrix to avoid a lariat, then PELES! Fox suplexes, for ANARCHY! Fox hurries right up top, and he 450 SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and shocks Fox! The fans fire up, though, and they rally up again. Fox drags ELP up, puts him on the top rope, and then fires forearms. Fox then gets space, comes back, but ELP FLYING DESTROYERS!! ELP tunes up, Fox rises in a daze, into SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP roars, he’s not done there! ELP reels Fox in, tucks those arms, C R 2!! Cover, ELP WINS!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (advances to Forbidden Door)

And with that, The Headbanga is rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’ into Long Island! Will ELP step through the Forbidden Door and become the new Face of TNT?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

On top of Cassidy & Ishii taking on Shane Haste & Robbie Eagles, we’ll see Hechicero in action. Will the Alchemist of Lucha Libre build momentum going into his match with MJF? Plus, Stephanie Vaquer is looking to tune up before facing Mercedes Mone. Will she get the warm-up she needs against Lady Frost? Or will even La Primera freeze up before Forbidden Door? Then, in a “Battle of Buffalo,” it is Daniel Garcia VS The Butcher! Will Red Death take down a big behemoth before battling Will Ospreay at Beach Break? And now, with all six spots filled, there will be a Face of TNT All Star Trios Match! Mark Briscoe, Dante Martin & Lio Rush VS Jack Perry, Konosuke Takeshita & ELP! Which side gains some last minute momentum before Sunday?

Serena Deeb issued the Open Challenge last week, time to see if anyone answers the call! And in a Women’s Owen Hart Cup opening round match, Hikaru Shida returns to AEW to take on Deonna Purrazzo! Will the Shining Samurai be sharp enough to take down The Virtuosa? Or will Deonna get it done and head to the semifinals? Finally, before they battle over THE AEW World Championship, Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay have one last face to face in a title match weigh-in. But will the tale of the tape simply be pretense for them to get in some final words, and final shots?

Backstage interview with Deonna Purrazzo.

Lexy Nair is with The Virtuosa and brings up her opening round match in the Owen Hart Cup. It is against Shida, and Deonna stops her there. Deonna was hoping Lexy would ask how it made her feel to make Thunder Rosa pass out in their No Disqualification match. But Deonna gets it. They don’t rely on past accomplishments here, right? Some people are so far behind in the race, they actually think they’re leading. Deonna tells Shida that she has done a lot in AEW already, but what has she done lately? Has she beaten Rosa twice in a row? Has she won 12 outta 14 matches? Or was she sitting at home, (kendo) stick in hand, watching Deonna do all that?

Deonna then says The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament is NOT for “part timers,” Lexy. It was made for THE Virtuosa. And Shida, you can’t hold that cup up with a broken arm anyway. Deonna says Vafanapoli, but will she be the one embarrassingly kicked out in the first round instead?

Shingo Takagi VS Dalton Castle!

At Forbidden Door, The Rampaging Dragon will take on The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson, in not just a dream match but in a Men’s Owen Hart Cup match. However, standing in his way is one fired up Peacock! Will Castle slay this dragon to ruin his momentum? Or will Takagi prove that his time has truly come?

The bell rings and the two feel things out. They tie up, go around, and Castle puts Takagi on the ropes. Castle lets off, but Takagi storms up. They tie up again, and now Takagi puts Castle on ropes. The ref counts the break, Takagi lets off, but Castle avoids the chop! Castle headlocks, Takagi powers out, but Castle RAMS Takagi. Takagi rebounds to run Castle over! The fans are torn, but Takagi pumps up to ELBOW DROP! And ELBOW DROP! And then SENTON FLOP as Castle moves! Takagi bails out fast as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Castle goes out the side and storms in around the way, to CLUB Takagi! Takagi RAMS Castle into the apron! Takagi RAMS Castle in again, then stalks him him. Takagi sends Castle into the ring, but Castle tiger feints to RANA! The fans fire up with Castle and he puts Takagi in. Castle SPLASHES down, covers, TWO! Castle keeps Takagi down with elbows to the neck and shoulder, then brings Takagi up for haymakers. Castle runs, into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Takagi huffs and puffs, then wags his finger at the camera. Not time yet. Takagi TOSSES Castle out, goes out after him, and stomps Castle around.

Takagi brings Castle up to SMACK off the apron, then follows him to the steps. Takagi fireman’s carries Castle, to SNAKE EYES off the apron! Castle falls over, the fans applaud and Takagi stalks Castle again. Takagi snap suplexes Castle to the floor! Castle writhes, staggers away, and he grabs the chair to HCUCK it! It hits the steps, but Takagi storms up to clamp on a chinlock. Castle elbows free but Takagi KICKS Castle in the back. Takagi puts Castle in the ring, stands on his back, but the ref counts as Rampage goes to break.

Rampage returns and Castle ROCKS Takagi! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! Castle headlocks, but Takagi hits a BIG back suplex! The fans rally, Takagi steps on Castle then SENTONS! The fans continue to rally, and Takagi sits Castle up. Takagi talks a bit of smack before he rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer as he taunts the BCC and Bryan Danielson with each one! Takagi then runs, but Castle flops over! Takagi shrugs, the fans boo, and Castle flounders away. Takagi gives scuffing kicks, then brings Castle up. Castle shoots in to get a leg, for an EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Castle seethes and rises!

Castle flexes and the fans fire up more! Castle stands Takagi up but Takagi fires elbows. Takagi winds up, Castle dodges, but then Takagi dodges! Castle blocks a lariat to ELBOW! But then Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- NO, Castle LARIATS first! The fans fire up again as Castle goes to a corner. Takagi goes to the other, and Castle runs in to JUMP KNEE! And clothesline! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Takagi is tougher than that, but Castle CLUBS Takagi in the side. Castle waistlocks, Takagi fights the lift with elbows, but Castle ducks! Alabama Lift, BANGA- NO, Takagi fights through the spin to Gory Especial! NOSHIGAMI!

Both men are down and the fans rally up! Castle goes to the ropes, Takagi rises, and he gets going with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans join in, and Takagi runs in at the corner! Takagi blocks a kick to LARIAT through! Takagi whips to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Castle flounders, the fans fire back up, and Takagi rises. Takagi drags Castle up, but Castle trips him to a jackknife bridge! TWO!! Takagi escapes, Castle BOOTS him, but Takagi rebounds to PUMPING BOMBER!! Castle staggers to his feet, Takagi roars, and he reels Castle in. Pump handle, torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! Cover, Takagi wins!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion conquers the former ROH World Champion, and now has a clear path to The Forbidden Door! But will Takagi rampage through the former WWE World Champion on his way to the Owen Hart Cup? Or will the American Dragon make sure he’s not the one slain on Sunday?

The Outcasts speak.

As Harley Cameron gives her a calming shoulder massage, Saraya claims that the only reason she lost on Wednesday is because she wasn’t by herself. And she is sorry to Harley and Anna, but it is true! Mariah May can’t beat Saraya. Toni Storm can’t beat Saraya. And if Mina Shirakawa ever had the privilege of being in a 1v1 match with Saraya, she would lose, too! Because they’re all a bunch of losers! Harley says the opening round of the Owen Hart Cup is going to be part of Zero Hour, and the “real” Forbidden Door is when Mariah gets to face “this unproblematic icon!” Saraya says if Mariah wants to be the “Brit It Girl,” too bad! That seat is taken!

Saraya has a Cup, a championship, and an entire country waiting for her to come home. Champagne! Someone hands them glasses from off camera, and Harley says they will toast to the Woman of Wembley, the Allstar of All In, and the smitten of Britain. Saraya thanks Harley, and then tells Mariah, “See you Sunday, slag.” Then Harley just full mouth downs the glass… Saraya is a bit speechless, but then she smiles. Will she and Harley be toasting again after taking out Toni Storm’s protege? Or will Mariah be unstoppable on her mission to face her mentor in Wembley?

Queen Aminata VS Skye Blue!

The One and Only African Woman is chasing The Fallen Goddess and her ROH Women’s World Championship, but has yet to be given that golden opportunity. Will Aminata stay sharp and pivot back to Billie Starkz and the ROH Women’s Television Championship? Or will the darkening Skye rain on that parade?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, Aminata dodges Skye’s dropkick and covers, ONE as Skye goes Matrix! Aminata rolls Skye up, ONE! Aminata runs up, Skye ducks the boot to roll Aminata, TWO! Skye kicks, Aminata ducks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Aminata smiles and the fans fire up as she storms up on Skye. Aminata drags Skye up, waistlocks but Skye fights the suplex this time. Skye goes to run, Aminata reels her in, but Skye wheelbarrows to victory roll through! TWO! Aminata has the roll up now, TWO! Skye runs up, Aminata wrenches and reels her in, to snap suplex!

The fans fire up and Aminata just smiles again. Aminata asks if the fans want another, and they say yes! So Aminata snap suplexes again! Aminata says hold on, she’ll get another one. But Skye cradle counters! TWO!! Aminata escapes, but Skye SLAPS her! Aminata swings back, Skye ROCKS Aminata! And mule kicks! And SUPERKICKS! Aminata falls, Skye covers, ONE!! Aminata is tough but Skye is mean, so she brings Aminata back up. Skye runs, but into a SLAP! Aminata says that’s what Skye gets. Aminata runs, but Skye runs up to SHINING WIZARD at the ropes! Skye gets moving again and she BOOT WASHES Aminata outta the ring!

Aminata crawls on the outside but Skye stalks her. Skye goes up a corner, and she SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Aminata hard and Skye roars as she rises up! The fans rally up, Skye sneers and leaves Aminata behind to refresh the count. Skye then comes back for Aminata, and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Skye fires forearms, brings Aminata up, and whips her hard into barriers! Skye smirks and swaggers while Aminata writhes. Skye drags Aminata up, SMACKS her off the apron, then stalks her, Aminata shoves Skye, but Skye ROCKS Aminata! Aminata ROCKS Skye back! Aminata then puts Skye against barriers, to CHOP! Aminata refreshes the ring count, then she stalks Skye around the corner. Aminata follows Skye to railing, and CHOPS! Skye sputters as she falls over, and Aminata smiles as she poses for pictures. Aminata stalks Skye, but Skye turns around to body shot! Skye throws Aminata down by her hair!

Skye stalks Aminata, grabs a chair and makes Aminata take a seat. Skye CHOPS Aminata, then tells the ref to cool it. Skye runs in, to SHINING WIZARD Aminata against barriers! Skye puts Aminata in the ring now, covers, TWO!! Aminata is toughing it out, but Skye kicks her around. Skye pie faces Aminata onto ropes, then CHOKES her! The ref counts, Skye lets off, but she CHOPS Aminata down. Skye goes corner to corner and back again, but Aminata BOOTS her away! Skye comes back, but Aminata goes up and over! Aminata scoops to BACKBREAKER! Aminata KICKS Skye in the back, covers, TWO!

Skye shows her own toughness, but Aminata hauls her up. Skye CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands, but Skye BOOTS Aminata down! Skye storms up on Aminata, ROCKS her against ropes, then snapmares for a full nelson. Aminata endures, fights up, but Skye wrangles her back down. Aminata fights up again and Rampage returns to single picture. The fans rally, Aminata throws body shots, but Skye fires a forearm! Aminata ROCKS Skye right back! Then Aminata DOUBLE CHOPS Skye down! Skye flounders back up, into a spin and cravat, snapmare and PENALTY KICK! Deep stack, TWO!!

Aminata is frustrated but she fires herself back up. The fans rally with her, and Aminata sits up at the ropes. Aminata runs in to BOOT WASH!! Skye flops out to the apron and Aminata goes out after her. Aminata gets the fans fired up again as she hauls Skye up. APRON GERMAN SUPLEX! Skye flounders and flops to the floor, and Aminata also staggers a bit. Skye sits up against the steps, and Aminata runs in! HIP ATTACK hits the steps!! Skye avoids disaster and Aminata clutches her lower back! Skye hurries to get Aminata up, brings her up the steps, and she has a sinister look in her eyes…! SUPERPLEX OFF THE STEPS AND TO THE FLOOR!!

The fans lose their minds while the ref checks both women. Skye snarls as she rises up and brings Aminata around. Skye puts Aminata in the ring, covers, TWO!! Aminata survives and Skye is furious! Skye drags Aminata up by her hair, full nelsons, and SKYE FALL!! Cover, TWO?!? Aminata survives and Skye is losing her cool! Skye drags Aminata up again, runs and hops on, CODE- NO, Aminata pops free to QUEEN’S CROWN HEADBUTT!! Cover, Aminata wins!

Winner: Queen Aminata, by pinfall

Skye falls and Aminata stands tall! The Queen still shows respect by helping Skye to her feet and hugging it out with her. But then Skye SUPERKICKS! There’s no respect from Skye and she beats Aminata down! The fans boo but Skye clamps on the DRAGON SLEEPER! Wait, here comes Red Velvet! The Chef is Aminata’s ally and she runs Skye off! Velvet is also itching for a fight, will she satisfy her appetite by taking a bite out of Skye?

My Thoughts:

A very good Rampage here, though I still don’t know why they’re trying to shove five matches onto this show. I do appreciate the women’s match was the main event, but it seemed rather outta nowhere that it was Aminata VS Skye. It was a really good match, and a really good win for Aminata, but I was hoping for some brand integration with ROH. Billie Starkz could’ve showed up to go after Aminata and that would still bring Red Velvet out, but I guess AEW is AEW and ROH is ROH, even though this is Forbidden Door season. But whatever, Red Velvet VS Skye Blue is a natural rivalry here, might as well do something with it.

We got a good promo from Saraya & Harley to announce that Forbidden Door Zero Hour is going to have matches that matter. Despite Saraya’s confidence, I’m pretty sure Mariah finds a way to win because the story of Mariah VS Storm has been building practically since Mariah showed up in AEW. Really good promo from Jericho and friends, and I am curious to see who this new partner will be. While someone from NJPW would be an obvious choice, maybe it’ll be someone from CMLL since CMLL’s moving up to replace AAA as an AEW partner. Though at the same time, it feels like this third man will take the loss, Joe, Hook & Shibata are all too strong to take a pin, even on PPV.

Good Handicap match for Cassidy but of course he was winning. However, with the news that Cassidy & Ishii are taking on Shane & Robbie, this match seems unnecessary for a tune-up. Gabe & Roddy beating Infantry was also an interesting match since it also didn’t set anything up for anything. I honestly feel like we should be getting Roddy VS Gabe for the NJPW Strong Championship, but maybe something more happens on Collision to add to the Zero Hour. Speaking of Collision, Vaquer’s obviously winning, Hechicero’s obviously winning, and Garcia’s obviously winning. Deonna VS Shida will be really good, though, and could probably go either way.

AR Fox VS ELP was a great TNT Championship qualifier, and I think Riccaboni just loosely confirmed Hikuleo is leaving NJPW. He noted ELP is the “last Guerilla of Destiny standing,” so he’ll definitely have to find himself as a singles wrestler in NJPW. He’ll be a great part of tomorrow night’s Six Man Tag, and a great part of the ladder match, but again, pretty sure Jack Perry is winning the whole thing. And then a great match of Takagi VS Castle. Both guys are great even without being champions, and Takagi of course wins to have momentum going into his PPV match. Takagi VS Bryan is going to be great, but again, I’m thinking Bryan wins, faces Pac, and possibly even makes it to the finals of the cup.

My Score: 8.8/10