Is Swerve’s House #NeckStrong?

Roderick Strong convinced Tony Khan to see things his way, and now he has an AEW World Championship match with Swerve Strickland! Who will be meeting Will Ospreay at The Forbidden Door?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Orange Cassidy VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Jay Lethal VS Rey Fenix; Fenix wins and will challenge Will Ospreay for the title next week.
• AEW TNT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Mark Briscoe VS Brian Cage; Mark wins and advances to Forbidden Door.
• 8 Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Magnus, Volador Jr, Rugido & Esfinge; The BCC wins.
• Saraya w/ Harley Cameron & Zak Knight VS Mariah May w/ Toni Storm & Luther; Saraya wins.
• AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Roderick Strong w/ The Undisputed Kingdom; Swerve wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

MJF is here!

Loveland, Colorado is all fired up for The People’s Scumbag as he finally returns to Dynamite! MJF has them cut his music, and the fans chant, “He’s Our Scumbag!” MJF says for the folks watching at home wondering why his eyes are bloodshot and squinty, they’re in Colorado, baby! The fans cheer that, and MJF says he’s back! MJF is rocking the brand new merch, available at Shop AEW now, get yours today. Okay, he’s done shilling! He’s done. But folks, he’s here to put everyone on notice.

While he was out, nursing his wounds on his beautiful couch in his palatial estate in Long Island, New York–PS Forbidden Door is gonna be in Long Island and you can bet Daddy Max will be there, probably wrestling some rando from Mexico or Japan, doesn’t matter, get your tickets today, now done shilling… MJF was watching the show, seeing a bunch of children making bold claims on his show. One guy is saying he’s The Rainmaker. Making money, huh? Well, every time MJF sees that physique, it seems the guy can’t afford a gym membership. But then there’s another bold claimer swerving around, claiming he was the leader of the Mogul Embassy.

Hell of a leader there, getting his entire crew to turn on him. But that’s not the part that offended MJF. The part that did was Swerve referring to himself as a business mogul. Interesting. Swerverino Shane, bud, last time MJF checked, business moguls tend to go to business school. And if Swerve did, then he must’ve skipped the public speaking course. But that wasn’t even the most egregious claim! The most was from some “Cockney c*ck head, walking around saying ‘Oi! I’m the besht in the world, bruv!'” Fans do chant “BRUV! BRUV! BRUV!” and MJF says yeah, good stuff.

But really interesting, Willy, cuz last time MJF checked, Ospreay ain’t Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Cody Rhodes, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, or Hiroshi Tanahashi. But y’know who managed to beat every single man on that list? The fans already know! It’s on the tip of MJF’s tongue. Oh right, Maxwell Jacob Friedman! So the next time Ospreay wants to be on MJF’s show and lie through those “disgusting, British, crooked, yellow stained teeth,” Ospreay should watch his tone and check his mouth. Silly Billy ain’t the best in the world, bruv. MJF IS! MJF is the guy who did the impossible!

In just five short years of national television exposure, he became THE man and THE face of AEW! The fans cheer that! MJF created some of the greatest matches, moments, memories and interviews in the industry today. MJF became the most hated man walking this planet, only to become the most beloved. And that doesn’t happen by accident. So imagine how MJF felt when he went home to rest up from carrying this place, only to see people had the audacity to try and smear his name. The fans boo that, but MJF says that’s revisionists trying to revise his history, his legacy, and his- Wait! Here comes Rush!

El Toro Blanco did call MJF out last week, so here he is to see the Wolf of Wrestling in person. Rush has them cut his music, and he tells MJF, “Much like all these stupid, filthy, ugly Americans, you never, ever shut up!” The fans boo but Rush says to listen and listen well, perro! When MJF was gone, Rush was here working hard, wrestling, winning, and dominating, cabron! So now MJF comes back, gets a big celebration. Where was Rush’s celebration? Where was Rush’s big moment?! Rush deserves MJF’s spot, so now he’s gonna take it! Because when you mess with The Bull, you get the horns!

MJF says okay, okay, Rush, hold on. MJF didn’t get any of that, okay? But that’s not Rush’s fault. When Tony Khan, that mark, was running things, it was rough. But now that The Elite have taken over, it’s only gotten worse. MJF is pretty sure Brandon Cutler is in the production truck, MJF doesn’t know what’s going on anymore. MJF couldn’t hear Rush. Could the fans hear Rush? “NO!” Rush, run that by them again. OH WAIT, they don’t give a s*it!! The fans fire up and Rush seethes. MJF says Rush comes out here in his dime store suit, making his bank account look real dry. Y’know, like every woman he’s ever been with.

Oh, hold on! That was going too far. Hear MJF out, okay? MJF won’t stand here and pretend he doesn’t know Rush. At one point in time, MJF paid Rush handsomely to take out Bryan Danielson. MJF knows how talented Rush is, he is wrestling royalty. His father is also a lucha libre legend. Now granted, some might call Rush a “nepotism baby” because of that. Not MJF, though! Not him! And don’t chant it, fans. They still do. But MJF says Rush proved that wasn’t the case when he sold out arena after arena in Mexico. Rush proved he is an international star. He came to the US, and in record time, he became ROH World Champion.

Rush stepped into AEW, and he managed to beat some of the best. But the problem is this, Rush. MJF isn’t one of the best. MJF is THE best! And out of respect, love and admiration, MJF wants to tell Rush how interrupting him made him feel, but he doesn’t want there to be any miscommunication, so here goes. EY, CABRON! F U!! Me llamo Maxwell Jacob Friedman, y soy- uh oh! Here comes Rush! MJF is ready and they fire off hands! The fans fire up as they go back and forth! Security and Christopher Daniels rush out here! The two men are separated, but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rush gets loose to CLOBBER MJF!

MJF fights back, refs rush out here and the two men are separated, only for MJF to CLOBBER Rush! They fall over as they brawl, security hurries to pull them apart! The fans fire up for MJF as he tells Rush that if he wants it, he’ll get it! Interim EVP Daniels says it isn’t happening tonight, everyone needs to calm down. Then when and where will the Wolf of Wrestling and El Toro Blanco get to tear into each other?

Roderick Strong speaks.

“With every mountain I’ve climbed, there have been setbacks, stumbles and slip-ups. Every time I approach a new obstacle, I plan, I plot, but unfortunately I’ve been shown that even the best laid plans can go awry. I had to push myself to outrun the thoughts of doubt. It was something I had to learn to do all by myself. But if there’s one thing I can always say with pride is that nothing has ever knocked me back to the bottom of the mountain. As I stand just shy of the summit of the tallest mountain I’ve ever set my sights on, I can see the sun start to set. But the sun isn’t setting on me. The sun is setting on the AEW title reign of Swerve Strickland.

“And it’s coming to the end at the hands of a wrestling legend.” Roddy then shouts “SWEEERVE!” And as he takes off his glasses, he tells The Undisputed Kingdom, “Fellas… It’s showtime.” Taven cleans the glasses and Bennett nods, but will the Savior of the Backbreaker be the destroyer of Swerve’s House?

AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Orange Cassidy VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Jay Lethal VS Rey Fenix!

Will Ospreay may be going after the AEW World Champion, regardless of whose house it resides in, but he’ll still have to defend his International title next week on Dynamite! As such, the Freshly Squeezed former champion, the Violent Artist who almost had Ospreay last Saturday, the former two-time ROH World Champion and The Immortal Firebird are all fighting for that opportunity! Who gets a shot at the #BillyGoat’s gold?

The bell rings and Sonjay Dutt already has to distract Cassidy! Cassidy takes a swipe, Sonjay gets away, and Lethal TOSSES Cassidy right out! Lethal then rushes Fenix and Kyle but they dodge to fire off COHSP and forearm sand KICKS! Fenix runs but Lethal TOSSES him out! Kyle KICKS, whips, but Lethal reverses to ENZIGIRI! Kyle bails out, Lethal builds speed and the fans rally up, but then Lethal stops so he can Fargo Strut. The fans “WOO~!” with Lethal, but Cassidy is up top! FLYING LARIAT! Then Cassidy DIVES to take out Fenix! Cassidy returns to the ring, dumps Lethal out, but Lethal lands on the apron!

Lethal ROCKS Cassidy, but Kyle sweeps the legs! Kyle slides in after Cassidy and goes for the arm! Cassidy fights the double wristlock, so Kyle shifts arms! Cassidy fights that, and he has his hands in his pockets! The fans fire up while Kyle is annoyed. Kyle KICKS Cassidy down! Cassidy kips right up! Cassidy then dodges Kyle to SHOTGUN him down! Fenix returns, shoves Cassidy to a corner, but Cassidy puts him on the apron. Fenix fires off forearms, then goes up and up FLYING ARM-DRAGS! The fans fire up as Cassidy stagger sup, into a SOBAT! Mule kick! “ANIMO!” SHOTGUN! Down goes Cassidy but Lethal CLOBBERS Fenix!

The fans boo but Sonjay is all fired up! Lethal drags Fenix around to stomp him, then calls his shot. Lethal handsprings, but Kyle catches him to a waistlock! Fenix aims but Lethal ducks, the SUPERKICK hits Kyle! Lethal waistlocks Kyle, Cassidy slides in and waistlocks Fenix, but then Cassidy and Lethal end up back to back. Cassidy shoves Fenix away, Lethal spins Kyle around to ROCK him! Fenix tiger feint rewinds, but Cassidy ducks and the HEEL KICK hits Lethal! Kyle yoyos in the ropes but Fenix ducks, the LARIAT hits Cassidy! Fenix and Kyle ROCK each other, then DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSE!

All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! Loveland cheers for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Fenix goes to a corner, Kyle flops out of the ring. Lethal and Cassidy stand, Lethal runs up, but into a BOOT! Cassidy goes up, but Lethal ROCKS him! Lethal fires hands on Cassidy, climbs up after him, but Cassidy resists the lift. Kyle gets in to drag Lethal down and DECK him! Kyle goes up after Cassidy, but then Fenix somersaults and CLUBS Kyle on the back! Kyle drops down, Fenix ROCKS Cassidy. Fenix gets Kyle up but Kyle fires a haymaker! Fenix SOBATS and TOSSES Kyle out! Fenix then somersaults to SHORYUKEN Cassidy! Fenix climbs up after Cassidy, CHPOS him, but Lethal CLUBS Fenix!

Lethal drags Fenix down for a BACKBREAKER! Lethal goes back to Cassidy, climbs up after him, and calls his shot. But Cassidy fires body shots! Cassidy fires haymakers now, and Lethal falls! But Sonjay trips Cassidy up! The fans protest but Sonjay gets away with that. Lethal gets Cassidy up to SUPERPLEX! Both men writhe but Lethal crawls to the cover, TWO! Lethal drags Cassidy around to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Kyle kicks Lethal, throws knees, but Lethal knees back. lethal TOSSES Kyle out, stalks Cassidy, and brings Cassidy up. Lethal wrenches to kick low. Lethal then reels Cassidy in to suplex, but Cassidy fights it!

Lethal still tries to suplex, fires more body shots, and he lifts Cassidy up, only for Cassidy to still fight it off! Dynamite returns to single picture and Lethal lifts one more time, only for Cassidy to fight the suplex and wrench free. But then Lethal reels him right back in! Cassidy wrenches free again, slips around, but Lethal still reels him in! Lethal suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Kyle returns to suplex, but he gets STUN DOG- NO, Kyle turns that into an ARMBAR!! Fenix FROG SPLASHES! Cover, MACHO ELBOW from Lethal!! All four men are down again and the fans are thunderous!

“This is Awesome!” as the four men stir. Lethal shakes out his arm as he sits up, and Cassidy crawls back in. Cassidy gets up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Lethal drops him down! FIGURE FOUR! Cassidy endures, keeps his shoulder sup, but Lethal pulls on the legs! The fans rally, Fenix springboards in! Lethal narrowly avoids the double stomps, and Kyle catches Fenix into a GUILLTOINE FACELOCK! Fenix flails, Lethal thrashes, Kyle shifts to a SLEEPER! Lethal lets Cassidy go so he can CLUB Kyle, and CHOP BLOCK Fenix! Kyle kciks but Lethal blocks! DRAGON- ARMBAR!! Cassidy hobbles back over, and he “kicks” away on Kyle!

Cassidy “devastates” with those kicks, then he stomps, and stomps, and stomps and stomps and stomps! Fenix DOUBLE STOMPS! Fenix gives Cassidy those toying kicks before scraping Cassidy out. The fans fire up as Fenix brings Lethal around. But Lethal trips Fenix! Fenix kicks Lethal out of the ring! Sonjay panics, Cassidy runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and whirl and whirl and DDT!! Cassidy kips up, but Kyle knees low! AX AND- NO, Cassidy avoids the smash to ORANGE PUNCH!! But Lethal TOSSES Cassidy! Fenix somersaults over, but Lethal mule kicks a leg! Then he DRAGON SCREWS it!

Cassidy returns but Lethal dodges the Orange Punch to hit a LETHAL COMBINATION! The fans boo but Lethal handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION on Kyle!! But Fenix hobbles up, so Lethal gets his leg! Step through and- CRADLE COUNTER! FENIX WINS!!

Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship)

Lethal gets caught taking it too easy, and now Fenix has a shot at the gold! Will the Firebird be ready for the Aerial Assassin? Wait, Don Callis & Trent Beretta storm out here? Oh well of course, they want after Cassidy! Cassidy stands and sees Trent in the ring. But Callis brings a chair! Cassidy says fine, he’s got a CHAIN! The fans fire up as Cassidy wraps that on his hand! Callis says time to reconsider, but then Kris Statlander runs in? The fans boo, she can’t be trusted either! Stokely Hathaway comes out here and tells Cassidy that Kris is about to put her foot so far up his ass, Cassidy will be coughing up shoe leather.

Cassidy puts the chain down, not sure what to make of this. And then Kris SUCKER PUNCHES him!! The fans boo but Cassidy stands back up. AND HERE COMES WILLOW! The fans fire up as the Babe with the Power runs out here, and that sends Kris & Stokely running! Stokely piggybacks outta here, but will Willow & Cassidy both settle scores with their former friends soon enough?

Someone arrives backstage.

The SUV parks, and out walks The Learning Tree, Chris Jericho! He already waves hi to everyone, and thanks his driver. However, as the owner of a valid driver’s license for over 35 years, Jericho wants you to remember to come to a full and complete stop at every stop sign. Don’t ever forget that. Thanks! Jericho waves hi again as he regroups with Big Bill and Bryan Keith. What’s the cameraman’s name again? Larry? Lonny? Well, either way, Jericho’s been meaning to talk with him. As a veteran of being in front of the camera for over three decades, Jericho also knows what it’s like to be behind the camera, too. Larry’s camera work is a bit shaky.

Jericho takes the camera, and shows him how it’s done. Keep it level so The Redwood and The Bad Apple are perfectly centered in frame. Bill says the sun is shining. He loves the little things in life. Keith says this is disrespect! If Larry respected Jericho, he wouldn’t have a shaky camera! Jericho says that’s a good point. But y’know what? Jericho is sure he can use some practice. Follow them inside! Jericho waves and says hi to staff and wrestlers as he enters the building, will Loveland be ready for some TV Time with Chris Jericho?

Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.

Renee Paquette says we haven’t seen her since Double Or Nothing, the night she lost the TBS Championship, but was also viciously attacked by former best friend, Kris Statlander. Where is her head at? Willow says she’ll be the first to face facts. Willow lost. Mercedes Mone is now TBS Champion, so congrats are in order. But one day, there is a score to settle. Because Willow knows and Mone knows that Willow had Mone pinned for like, an eight count, if not for her… “friends.” Stokely, well, she wouldn’t trust him as far as she can throw him and ironically, that is a lot farther than you’d think.

But Kris? Stat was her girl! Willow would’ve trusted Kris with her life! And Kris betrayed that trust. Kris betrayed Willow when she was at her lowest. And Willow always talks about her smile, how it drives her, how it is her strength. But after being stabbed in the back, you don’t know how dangerous Willow can be. Cassidy then walks in and says hey. They fist bump, and clearly these two have something in common. When and where will Kris and Trent pay for their treachery?

Christopher Daniels speaks.

The Fallen Angel steps out on stage with a mic, and the fans cheer. “On June 30th, at Forbidden Door, we will crown a new TNT Champion in a Ladder Match!” Last week, the qualifying matches began, and we’re gonna have some more right here, right now, in Loveland, Colorado! And with that, here comes Mark Briscoe! The ROH World Champion is ready to add to the collection, will the Sussex County Chicken be flying high towards Long Island?

AEW TNT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Mark Briscoe VS Brian Cage!

The bell rings and the two run in! Cage runs Mark over, gets him up and bumps him off buckles. Cage fires point-blank clotheslines again and again, then lets off to ask, “Who Betta Than Cage!?” The fans boo but Cage drags Mark up to SLAP him down! Cage whips corner to corner, but Mark goes up and out! Mark then SWATS Cage’s lariat, to REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! Mark then RAMS into Cage, BOOTS him, then gets moving to BOOT Cage outta the ring! The fans fire up and Mark builds speed, to WRECK Cage with a dropkick! The fans fire up and high-five Mark in the front row. Mark hurries to get a chair, and he tosses it in the ring!

The ref catches that chair, tells Mark no, and slides it back out. The fans boo the ref but Mark goes back out. But then Cage CLOBBERS Mark! Cage snarls, stomps Mark against the steel steps, but then slides in to refresh the count. Cage whips Mark hard into railing! Mark writhes, Cage soaks up the heat, and then Cage RAMS Mark into the barriers. Cage brings Mark bring around, SMACKS him off the apron, then slides inside. Cage goes up the corner, brings Mark up, and fans boo as Cage deadlift SUPERPLEXES! Cage flexes while fans boo, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Cage stalks Mark to a corner, stomps him down, and digs his boot in. The ref counts, Cage lets off, fires forearms on Cage, but Mark hits back! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but Mark gets the edge! Mark runs but Cage CLOBBERS him! Cage soaks up more heat, flexes again, then stalks Mark to ropes. Cage scoops M ark to SLAM, then he runs to drop a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Mark goes to a corner but Cage digs his knee in! The ref counts, Cage lets off, and he drags Mark up. Cage RAMS into Mark, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Cage whips Mark corner to corner, runs up, but into an ELBOW!

Mark runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Cage LARIATS him on the return! Mark flounders to ropes, Cage flexes more and soaks up more heat. Cage storms over to Mark, drags him up, and brings him around for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mark toughs it out but Cage keeps him down with a chinlock. Mark endures, fights up, and fires body shots! Mark fires more and more and more shots, but Cage wrangles Mark right down with a headlock! Cage grinds Mark down, but Mark endures and fans rally up. Mark rises again, Dynamite returns to single picture, but Cage knees low! Cage reels Mark in, puts one out, but Mark slips outta the bomb!

Mark fires off forearms again and again, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then ROCKS Cage! Cage staggers around, Mark CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS! Mark fire sup to REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! Mark whips, Cage reverses but Mark CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up with Mark, but we see Don Callis and Konosuke Takeshita watching from the upper deck. Mark runs to BOOT Cage in a corner! Mark reels Cage in, but Cage wrenches out to swing, into the EXPLODER! The fans rally, Mark covers, TWO! Cage survives but the fans fire up with Mark. Cage slowly rises, staggers to a corner, and Mark runs up again, but into an ELBOW!

Cage goes up, but Mark UPPERCUTS! Cage flops to the apron then the floor, and the fans fire up again! Mark goes out and he goes looking under the ring! Mark finds himself a chair, slides that in, but the ref fetches it. Mark has a second chair! The Chicken is sneaky and he uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit on Cage, and Mark almost hits the desk! He does play with one of the AEW action figures for a second, though. Mark then storms up on Cage, drags him up and puts him in. Mark climbs, Cage stands, Mark MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Cage is still in this and we see Jack Perry watching.

The fans fire up with Mark, he drags Cage up and reels him in to underhook. Cage fights, wrenches out, and RAMS into Mark! Then ripcord and ELBOW! Pump handle, for the PUMP HANDLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Cage drags Mark back up, spin and POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans are thunderous! Cage slashes his throat, vowing to end this! Cage suplexes Mark, but Mark slips free! UPPERCUT! Cage roars, so Mark ROLLING ELBOWS! Mark runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Cage runs and ROLLING- NO, Mark ducks to SHOTGUN BOOT! And then a fireman’s carry, for the ROLLING DEATH VALLEY!

Mark goes up a corner and the fans fire up again! Mark aims, for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, Mark wins!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (advances to Forbidden Door)

The Chicken indeed does fly, and he gets himself that golden ticket to Long Island! The Alpha is ready, the Scapegoat is scheming, what happens when these stars fight to be the Face of TNT?

Speaking of Jack, he “congratulates” Mark. Mark’s officially qualified for the ladder match. But in the end, what’ll it matter? Jack’s already proven no one is willing to sacrifice more than him. Tony Khan can screw Jack over as many times as he wants, but Jack’s already proven that he can’t be stopped! The universe has already chosen Jack Perry, and one way or another he is the next TNT Champion. Mark and the fans heard that, and they all disagree. Will the ROH World Champion become Mr. Two Belt Briscoe?

Backstage interview with Samoa Joe & Hook.

Renee is now with the Samoan Submission Specialist and the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil. She says a lot of people have seen something special in Hook and it seems many want to take him under their wing. Is it safe to say Joe is the new mentor? Joe says he wouldn’t call this a mentorship, but- Joe gets interrupted by The Premier Athletes. Tony Nese cannot believe this. After all these years, you think Hook would stop eating junk food and take things more seriously. Hook counters by asking, after all these years, is Nese still losing matches? Nese SLAPS the Funyuns outta Hook’s hands, and Joe has to keep Hook from getting his hands on Nese!

Daivari talks trash now, saying Hook doesn’t have his daddy here to protect him, so he has to get a former champion. Joe again keeps Hook from tearing into people, and The Premier Athletes leave, saying “That’s what I thought! Punk!” Joe calms Hook down and says cowards like that don’t talk to killers like them unless they think they can get away with it. And it seems that with all this extra security around here, those guys knew what they were doing. But like Joe said, they will handle that, on their own time. Hook nods and fist bumps. When and where will Nese & Daivari learn not to mess with dangerous men?

Chris Jericho and crew continue on backstage.

The Learning Tree says look at here! Two of his favorite “branches,” Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker! Congratulations! After so much time with Jericho, both their careers and personal lives are better than ever. Daddy Magic’s taking over for Jericho as lead commentator on Rampage! Great job, but remember: face up and annunciate. Ann’nciate? Yesh, a-nun-see-ate. Then shove it up yer ass! Good one, Menard. And Cool Hand Ange! Beautiful new bride with a baby on the way! Jericho is an eight-time champ and a three-time dad, so he has some advice: When the baby gets fussy, just remember EASY.

That’s something to eat, an activity to do, then some sleep, and most importantly, you! It’s EASY! And when you do that, the baby will always be happy. Thanks, guys! See you later! Jericho leads the way, and Keith tells Parker to make sure the baby respects Chris Jericho. Sure… But will Menard & Parker prove they’re just fine doing things their way, not The Learning Tree’s way?

The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn are here!

Loveland fires up already, and Platinum Max Caster dedicates this one to The Young Bucks! “Acclaimed on the mic and I’m here to make the words hurt. The EVPs: The Extremely Vain Perverts! Extraordinarily Vapid P*nises! Far from the geniuses, wack with the leadership!” But wait, The Bucks interrupt via the tron! Matthew & Nicholas say sorry not sorry but they gotta cut this. The Acclaimed should know better. Did they not read their AEW Employee Handbooks? It clearly says do NOT disparage Your EVPs. So unfortunately, we won’t be hearing from The Acclaimed, nor will we be seeing The Acclaimed, either. This segment is cut!

Not clear the ring area! GET OUT! But hey, let’s have a great show. The fans boo and Bowens is beside himself! Caster tries to talk but the mic isn’t working anymore. The fans call BS, and Bowens makes sure the Bucks hear it. Caster says screw it, and the trio heads backstage. Will they have a way to get even with the egotistical EVPs?

Backstage interview with Swerve Strickland.

Renee is with The Realest, and Prince Nana, and notes that Swerve has had a lot going on as of late. Tonight, in the main event, the world title will be on the line against Roderick Strong, how is he feeling going into this match? Swerve wants to first say, welcome back to MJF! That little b*tch! Finally, he shows up to work, and he mentions Swerve. Swerve will deal with MJF in a way he won’t like. But second of all, he has in this folder the contract for The Forbidden Door main event, signed, sealed and delivered by yours truly. Nana, send that to Mr. Ospreay in the UK, right on his front door step. No worries, shipping is on Swerve.

But tonight, Swerve says he has his world heavyweight championship match with Roderick Strong. Roddy talks about climbing mountains and being knocked down over and over again. Understand you are dealing with THE mountain of pro-wrestling! And he won’t just knock Roddy off the mountain, he’ll bury Roddy under it! Since Roddy wants to make demands and all. But what’s been on Swerve’s mind is the EVPs, and their winning Anarchy in the Arena at Double Or Nothing. That’s a damn shame. Swerve witnesses Team AEW losing, he was rooting for them. They’d assembled a great group of talent.

But next time, make sure that when you assemble Team AEW, it better represent AEW with the AEW World Champion. Whose House? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The champ heads out, will he show Roddy who’s truly strong?

BREAKING NEWS for Forbidden Door!

While La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer, is coming for the AEW TBS Championship, Mercedes Mone raises the stakes! Mone wants that NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, the belt she would’ve won if not for Willow Nightingale. Who will walk out of Long Island a Double Champion?

Mercedes Mone speaks.

“Growing up watching wrestling as a kid was an escape for me to a whole new world. But watching Japanese wrestling, it was so captivating. The honor, the respect, the violence, it was beautiful and dangerous all at the same time. But watching the women, they were my superheroes. When I saw them, I knew exactly what I could be. So competing in NJPW, I knew that this was going to be an important part of my journey. So since money changes everything, they had to create a whole new title. And that clearly had my name written all over it.”

Rocky Romero adds that after Mone won the IWGP Women’s Championship, it was only natural to create the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship. NJPW Resurgence, May 21, 2023. Mone says wrestling Vaquer then was an honor, and Vaquer didn’t even know how good she was until facing Mone. Fast, fierce, violent, but Mone loved it. And we all know how the finals went. But Mone righted her wrongs and captured a title. Vaquer became NJPW Strong Women’s Champion along the way, and now, the title that was meant for Mone is on the line. When they step into the ring again, the world will see that Mone Changes Everything.

8 Man Tag: Blackpool Combat Club VS Magnus, Volador Jr, Rugido & Esfinge!

The BCC is finally back at 100% as Wheeler Yuta returns from injury! Will the Decoder, Maniac Moxley, Swiss Superman and American Dragon finally and truly settle things with CMLL?

The teams sort out and the fans duel between “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “B C C! B C C!” The teams stare down, and it’s Yuta who fires the first shot! The brawl is on, the bell rings, and the fans fire up! Bryan TOSSES Magnus, Moxley has Rugido and Claudio has Volador, leaving Yuta to brawl with The Sphinx! Things continue on the outside, though, and the ref tries to maintain order! Magnus sends Bryan into barriers, then stomps away! Claudio has Volador against barriers but Volador boots back! Moxley uses Rugido’s own jacket to smother him! Bryan KICKS back on Magnus but Magnus KICKS Bryan!

Yuta drags Esfinge up to send into barriers! Claudio trades with Bryan to ROCK Magnus! Rugido gets free and BOOTS Moxley! Bryan puts Rugido in the ring, then storms up, and we finally have a 1v1! The fans cheer as Bryan sends his shirt to the crowd. Rugido eggs Bryan on, so Bryan CHOPS! Rugido CHOPS! Bryan CHOPS again so Rugido CHOPS again! They CHOP again and again, Bryan waistlocks but Rugido switches. They switch again and again, then Bryan throws elbows. Bryan whips Rugido, Rugido ducks ‘n ‘dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up as Bryan bails out but Yuta gets in to BOOT!

Rugido tumbles out but Magnus CLOBBERS Yuta! Claudio runs in to LARIAT Magnus, but Volador CROSSBODIES! Claudio catches Volador with that super strength! Moxley runs up but Volador slips away! Moxley keeps from hitting Claudio, Volador runs to handspring and DOUBLE BACK- NO, Moxley & Claudio catch him first! But then Esfinge springboards in to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Esfinge builds speed. Volador coordinates with him, Esfinge DIVES onto Moxley, then Volador slingshots to FLYING RANA Claudio! The fans fire up as Bryan and Rugido return. Rugido whips Bryan into the ropes!

Magnus runs up to 619! Rugido covers, TWO! The fans rally and Rugido gets Bryan up. Rugido whips Bryan to the corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Rugido rolls back, dodges Bryan, and Yuta tags in! Magnus tags in, but Yuta runs him over! The fans fire up with Yuta and he runs. Magnus drops, hurdles, dodges, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Yuta tumbles to a corner but the fans are behind him. Magnus runs in but Yuta dodges to CHOP! Yuta BITES Magnus’ mask, The BCC BLASTS Team CMLL, then Yuta runs corner to corner to clothesline Magnus! Moxley runs up to add a clothesline! Bryan DROPKICKS, Claudio UPPERCUTS!

Snapmare and Magnus is down, but Moxley hauls him up! Bryan runs so they can HART ATTACK! Then Claudio gives Yuta the ROCKET LAUNCHER SPLASH!! The BCC stand tall and the fans fire up with some “YES! YES! YES!” while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Yuta puts Magnus in a corner, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again. And UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! And UPPERCUTS! Yuta brings Magnus around, snapmares, and then drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Yuta keeps on Magnus with a wristlock, then tags in Moxley. They mug Magnus, then Moxley clotheslines in a corner. Moxley bumps Magnus off buckles, climbs up, and he rains down fists! Moxley goes right to TEN, then he hops down as the ref counts. But Claudio makes sure to keep Magnus stuck int he corner! Claudio gets away with the sneaky move then tags in. Claudio CHOPS Magnus, then eggs him on.,

Claudio CHOPS Magnus, CHOPS again, and still eggs Magnus on. Magnus CHOPS back! Claudio CHOSP again! Magnus CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! He backs Claudio down but then Claudio RAMS Magnus in! Tag to Bryan and he KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! The ref counts, Bryan has the fans all fired up, but he still lets off. Bryan tags Moxley, Moxley drags Magnus to the ropes, and CHOKES him! The ref counts, Moxley steps away, and Yuta DRKICKS Magnus from ropes! Moxley covers, TWO! Dynamite returns to single picture as Moxley fires knees on Magnus. Moxley snapmares, then clamps onto an arm.

Moxley KICKS the arm, CLUBS it, repeat! Moxley eggs Magnus on, slaps him around, and Magnus stands to CHOP! Moxley pie faces so Magnus CHOPS, and CHOPS and CHOPS! Momxley knees low, scoops but Magnus slips free! ENZIGIRI! Hot tag to Esfinge! Claudio tags in, he wrenches and whips but Esfinge reverses! Claudio goes up and over but Esfinge ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICK for Moxley! Yuta gets in but he gets a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Bryan runs, but also into a BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Esfinge runs to get Claudio for a MONKEY FLIP! The fans fire up again, and Esfinge runs in for another MONKEY FLIP!

Esfinge gets the legs, steps through, and rolls Claudio into a deathlock, trailer hitch, BRIDGE! TWO!!! Claudio narrowly escapes that and the fans fire up! Esfinge brings Claudio up to fireman’s carry, and WASTELAND SLAM! Esfinge goes up the corner and the fans rally. Esfinge DIVING SPLASH FLOPS as Claudio moves! Esfinge staggers up, into a CUTTER from Moxley! But Rugido runs in to waistlock Moxley, GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs in, gets around, he SAIDOS! Magnus runs in, he shoves Yuta to a corner then clotheslines! Yuta sits down, Magnus goes corner to corner, METEORA! The fans rally and Magnus takes aim, only for Claudio to SPINEBUSTER!

Claudio has the legs and the fans fire up! Claudio shrugs and goes for the SWING! Magnus goes around and around and around, the fans count to TEN, then Moxley DROPKICKS at twelve! Volador goes up to FLYING RANA Claudio! And he SUPERKICKS Moxley! Volador keeps moving, roll and SUNSET BOMB on Claudio! Cover, Bryan breaks it! Bryan drags Volador up to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! “YES! YES! YES!” But Volador blocks a kick! Volador gets around Bryan, hot tag to Rugido! DROPKICK! Yuta tags in, he runs up, but Rugido dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Yuta survives but Rugido whips.

Yuta ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Rugido hits a BIG arm-drag! Cover, TWO! Yuta is still in this and Rugido is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Rugido rises. Rugido waistlocks Yuta, but Yuta fights the suplex! Yuta switches, feed to Moxley’s LARIAT! Esfinge springboards but into an UPPERCUT from Claudio! Magnus runs up, Claudio blocks the kick and gives Magnus over to the PARADIGM SHIFT! Volador ducks Claudio to SUPERKICK Moxley, and tilt-o-whirl, DEJA VU RANA on Claudio! The fans fire up and Volador runs, into a BUSAIKU KNEE from Bryan! Yuta and Rugido are left alone, but Rugido rolls Yuta! TWO!!

Yuta gets up, gets around, wrench and OLYMPIC SLAM! Then the SEATBELT! Cover, BCC wins!

Winners: The Blackpool Combat Club, by pinfall

The ROH Pure Champion pulls out the win using a technical hold! Will this return mean even bigger and better things for all of the BCC?

Chris Jericho and crew continue to catering.

He says hi to the branches, and as a guy who’s been enjoying chicken ‘n’ dumplings for many years, let Jericho show you how to properly scoop. You gotta go all the way to the top, then put it in the bowl. That’s the best way to get the most for your meal. Thanks, guy! Jericho moves on, what more “advice” is he going to give to AEW as the night goes on?

Daniel Garcia speaks.

“We’re here at Grappler’s Anonymous in Buffalo, New York, the place where a 18-year-old Daniel Garcia stepped into a wrestling gym for the first time, and wanted to be a professional wrestler.” When he comes here, it reminds him of who he was and what he is, and what has changed and what also hasn’t changed. It brings him back to being a 20-year-old pro-wrestler who’s just trying to make it. He was hungry, driving 12+ hours to Maine for no money, driving 6+ hours to Montreal across the border to try and get a chance. On the way back, he gets into a car accident, nearly dies, breaks both his legs, didn’t even know if he’d be able to walk again, let alone wrestle.

But Garcia is grateful for that moment. He realized life is too short to let opportunities come and go. H e has to go out and take ’em. So without asking for permission, he’s challenged Ospreay for the International Championship, hoping to bring out that old version of himself. That 20-year-old Garcia who didn’t know if he was ever gonna be able to do anything again. Garcia needs that side of himself, because you cannot out grit him, you cannot out grind him, and you cannot out work him. Will that Daniel Garcia return to take the gold?

The Acclaimed storm up to The Bucks backstage!

Security is there to stop Caster, Bowens & Daddy Ass, but Matthew & Nicholas sarcastically say, “Great segment!” “Sorry, guys, we’re slammed, no time for anymore meetings.” Bowens says that’s fine, they’re not here to talk. They’re here to let The Bucks know that sooner or later, they’ll have to be face to face with The Acclaimed, and the Bucks won’t like it. But thanks, guys, great show! Doing a great job, the company’s awesome. Jackasses… The Acclaimed are a bit fed up with their bosses, but will they become #1 contenders to those AEW World Tag Team Championships and force the issue?

AEW returns and we hear from The Bucks.

Nicholas says this show is running smoothly, but it seems they have more business to attend to. Matthew says hi to The Patriarchy, nice to see them again. How’s it going? Christian Cage sighs, and says if there is anyone he can trust to make the right decision, it’s The EVPs. It is no secret Christian got “screwed” out of the AEW World Championship at Double Or Nothing. Christian has carried AEW on his shoulders for the past year, and The Patriarchy deserves to be at the top, with gold! Christian wants another shot. Matt says he loves Christian, Nick loves them, this is one of the best stables in the entire company!

And hey, if they had it their way, Christian, Nick Wayne, Luchasaurus, they’d all have a belt! They all deserve one! But they tried to do that for their friend, Jack Perry, and Tony Khan & Christopher Daniels had to go screw that up. But hey, these two have some pull still. They will see what they can do, and Matt promises Christian will be happy. So how about some uh, you scratch their back, they scratch yours? Christian says that is a wise decision. They shake hands on it. What’s Christian’s shoe size? 12. Okay, they’ll get him some comp’d Reeboks. On to the next segment! Can they get some water? They’re parched!

Saraya w/ Harley Cameron & Zak Knight VS Mariah May w/ Toni Storm & Luther!

The Outcasts keep calling out The Leading Lady’s protege, but the AEW Women’s World Champion promises they will regret it! And to put a little spin on her Toni Storm cosplay, Mariah is wearing the green Outcast ensemble! Will Mariah rock the Rocky Mountains? Or will it be a Good Knight for Saraya instead?

Storm is on commentary, and Excalibur brings up how she threw out the challenge to Mariah’s other mentor, Mina Shirakawa, and how it has been accepted for Forbidden Door. Storm somewhat ignores that headline, and then Saraya already goes after Mariah! Saraya pulls the green jacket off Mariah, tosses it, and the bell rings! Saraya swings around the Outcast shirt she ripped off Mariah, then runs in at the corner. Mariah goes up and over, rolls and eggs Saraya on. Saraya runs up, but Mariah ROCKS her! Mariah fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! Mariah drags Saraya up, runs and SHOTGUNS her down!

The fans fire up and Mariah is fired up, too! Storm says she’s so gorgeous, isn’t she? Hard to tell if she means herself with the camera on her at the moment… But Mariah scoops Saraya for the SPINOUT SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up and Mariah stalks Saraya. Saraya bails out, she’s furious, and tells Mariah to stay away. Mariah chases Saraya around the outside, in and out of the ring, and the fans boo. Saraya taunts Mariah, Mariah chases her again, but Mariah still can’t catch Saraya. Mariah still tries, but then Harley runs up! Mariah dodges Harley but Saraya BOOTS Mariah down! The fans are torn while Saraya blows kisses.

Harley & Zak talk trash and Storm only just realizes Saraya’s brother is here. Saraya drags Mariah up and THRWOS her into railing! Storm is concerned for her girl, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Harley helps Saraya hydrate real quick, then Saraya drags Mariah up. Saraya THROWS Mariah back into railing! Saraya refreshes the ring count, gets Mariah back up, and brings her around to taunt Storm. Saraya then THROWS Mariah into more railing! Saraya again refreshes the ring count, Storm is still concerned for Mariah, but Harley helps Saraya hydrate again. Saraya leaves Mariah behind to swagger around, then she goes to fetch Mariah. Saraya taunts Storm more, but Mariah SLAPS Saraya! Saraya CLUBS Mariah, puts her in the ring, and covers. TWO and Saraya is upset. Saraya stalks Mariah while mocking the fans.

Saraya steps out to the apron, brings Mariah into ropes, and fires off KNEE after KNEE after KNEE! The ref counts, Saraya lets off, and Maria flops back. Saraya soaks up the heat, stalks Mariah to a corner, then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Saraya lets off, and she “apologizes” before going back. Mariah fires body shots, but Saraya CLUBS her down! Saraya whips, Mariah ducks ‘n’ dodges, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The ref checks while both women are down, Storm is concerned while The Outcasts coach Saraya. Dynamite returns to single picture as Saraya crawls to Mariah. Saraya fires a forearm, but Mariah gives it back!

Saraya fires another forearm, Mariah fires back! They go shot for shot, Storm is at a loss for words she’s so angry with Saraya. Mariah gets the edge, but Saraya pulls hair! Mariah pulls hair back! The fans fire up as the two glare at each other, then swing! Mariah dodges to HEADBUTT a la Storm! Mariah and Saraya goes to corners, and Mariah runs up to UPPERCUT! Then she hoists Saraya up. Mariah puts some stank on the DOUBLE CHOPS! Mariah then goes corner to corner again, STRATUSPHERE! Saraya staggers, Mariah roars and climbs! Mariah MISSILE DROPKICKS, down goes Saraya! Cover, TWO!

Saraya stay sin this and Mariah grows frustrated. Mariah drags Saraya to a corner, storms to the other side, and the fans fire up! Mariah says kiss this, and she runs in to SWEET HIP MUSIC! Cover, TWO!! Saraya survives and Mariah is losing her cool! The fans rally, Storm encourages Mariah, and Mariah reels Saraya in. Mariah CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! DOUBLE CHOP! Mariah reels Saraya in, underhooks, but Sayara wrenches out! Mariah wrenches back, but then Saraya wrenches again! KNIGHT CAP!! Cover, TWO!!! Mariah survives and shocks everyone, even Storm! The fans are thunderous and Storm says the training is working!

Saraya drags Mariah by her legs, steps through, and ties up the legs, but Mariah cradles! TWO!! Saraya and Mariah scramble up, Saraya SUPERKICKS! Saraya gets the legs, steps through again, QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH!! Mariah endures, Storm pleads with her to hold out, but Mariah can’t! Mariah QUITS, Saraya wins!

Winner: Saraya, by submission

Storm storms up, throws off her shoes, and gets in to comfort her protege. But then The Outcasts attack Storm! The fans boo as Harley & Saraya beat them both down, Zak intimidating Luther into staying back! But wait! Here comes Mina! The Fighting Gravure Idol storms in to URAKEN Harley! And she ROLLING ELBOWS Saraya! The fans cheer as Mina goes to her Mariah and comforts her! However, Storm sees that and is jealous! Storm storms over, and it’s chins up, tits out, and a fight for supremacy! Mariah gets between her mentors, and holds them both to her bosom!

However it is official, we are getting Storm VS Shirakawa in Long Island! Only one can leave Forbidden Door as THE AEW Women’s Championship, who leaves with gold around their waist and Mariah at their side?

Chris Jericho is still walking around backstage.

The Learning Tree now says hi to Private Party. He has some advice for Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen. “As a guy who’s been to a lot of parties, they’re always more fun when they’re not private. You should open your party up to everybody, like I’ve opened up the Jericho Vortex! Everyone’s invited! Maybe you should change their name to Public Party, guys! Hahaha!” Yeah… Thanks, but no thanks. Zay & Quen respect the OG in the game, but they don’t fit the dynamic. Respectfully. Keith says no, that’s disrespect! Nobody wants to come to their lame ass party anyway. Hey, Zay was talking to Jericho, not Keith.

Bill has the Bad Apple calm down. But remember: it’s the ones who need the advice the most that tend to not see they need it. Jericho agrees with Bill, and he is gonna help Private Party get what they desperately need, and that’s more time on Dynamite. Next week, they’re invited to TV Time with The Learning Tree! Think about it, hope to see you then. Thanks, guys! Jericho heads out, Zay mocks Jericho, but Quen says that might be kinda fun. Will they make it a party when they join Jericho for his talk show?

Bryan Danielson speaks.

“What a blessing this is, right? To see somebody like Wheeler Yuta return after being injured for four months, to go out there, fight like hell against the CMLL guys, and he comes out on top! He’s the one who gets the win! I couldn’t be prouder of Wheeler Yuta.” But as for himself, Bryan knows it was 8 months ago he said this would be his last year as a full-time wrestler. That it’d be the most epic year. But the truth is, it hasn’t been what he wanted. He fought for the TNT Championship against Christian Cage, and lost. He thought that’s fine, he’ll have other chances. Continental Classic came, he made it to the semifinals, and lost.

But then he got a match with Okada at Tokyo Dome! That was to be his vindication. But he lost. Then every big match since, he has lost and lost and lost. The straw that broke the camel’s back was losing Anarchy in the Arena. Bryan was pretty down about that. He was talking with Yuta, saw how fired up he was to come back. And so Bryan realized his last year as a full-time wrestler ain’t over yet. When TK said the winner of this year’s Owen Hart Cup gets an AEW World title shot at All In London…! Bryan got fired up one more time. This might be his last shot, but it’ll be the best shot he’s had his entire career, and he’s going out on top.

The American Dragon is ready, but will he retire with the greatest prize imaginable? Or will he go down in a blaze of glory?

BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!

Back at its regular time of 10 PM Eastern on a Friday night on TNT, we see Mina Shirakawa back in action against Serena Deeb! If Storm can beat the Professor, can the Fighting Gravure Idol do it even better? Plus,

AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Roderick Strong w/ The Undisputed Kingdom!

Speaking of the world title, The Realest is already planning on making it him and Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door. However, Roddy felt he was robbed of his chance when Ospreay ended that Casino Gauntlet just before Roddy could enter. Will Roddy change everyone’s plans right here tonight? Or will Long Island still enter Swerve’s House?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who stands at the summit of AEW!

The bell rings and the two circle as the fans rally. They feel things out, tie up, and go around. Swerve facelocks, Roddy waistlocks, but Swerve wrenches out to a wristlock. Roddy slips through, goes for a leg, but Swerve stays up using a clinch. They end up on ropes, the ref counts, and Swerve lets off, to then get a headlock. Roddy powers up but can’t power out as Swerve holds tight. Roddy fight sup, throws body shots, and powers out this time, only for Swerve to run him over! The fans cheer, things speed up, but Roddy trips Swerve! Roddy facelocks and grinds Swerve down. Nana keeps the fans fired up for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”

Swerve fights up, powers Roddy to ropes, and the ref counts. Swerve gets that headlock back but Roddy powers up and out. Roddy hurdles but Swerve handstand walks over the drop down! Then Swerve RANAS Roddy, hip tosses him, and gator rolls him to a suplex, but Roddy knees free! Now Roddy suplexes but Swerve slips free. Swerve avoids the Strong Knee, feints a kick to kick the leg out, but then Roddy bails out! The fans fire up while The Kingdom regroups and coaches Roddy. Nana keeps the fans fired up while Roddy takes his time returning to the ring. Roddy steps in, then he rushes Swerve and puts him in a corner!

Roddy CHOPS, ROCKS and CLUBS away, but Swerve turns things around to fire back! Swerve puts Roddy’s leg in ropes, CHOPS him, then runs to DROPKICK the leg! Roddy falls out of the ropes and clutches the knee! Swerve high-fives Nana, then he stomps away on Roddy. Roddy hobbles up, throws knees then CHOPS! Roddy fires forearms, whips corner to corner but Swerve reverses. Roddy hits buckles hard, then falls back! Swerve goes up but Taven distracts! Roddy trips Swerve up! Roddy climbs, turns Swerve around, then CHOPS! Then he scoops, for the TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Swerve falls to the apron then the floor!

Taven talks trash and Bennett is all fired up! Roddy storms out after Swerve, CLUBS him, then puts him in the ring. Roddy stalks Swerve but Swerve bails out the other side. Roddy builds speed to WRECK- NO, Swerve blocks the dropkick! Roddy BOOTS Swerve away, then CHOPS! Swerve trips Roddy to CATAPULT him into post! The fans fire up while Roddy is down in a heap! Nana laughs while The Kingdom checks their guy, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Swerve sits up, Roddy stirs, and The Kingdom coaches Roddy. Swerve stands, warns The Kingdom to back up, and then he puts Roddy in the ring. Swerve steps in but Roddy goes to the apron, so Swerve steps back out. Swerve leaps, but into an UP KICK! Roddy gets up, and he lifts Swerve, only for Swerve to fight free! Swerve fireman’s carries but now Roddy fights free! Roddy lifts for the APRON BACK SUPLEX! Swerve writhes, Roddy pushes him in and covers, TWO! Roddy stomps away, then clamps on with a chinlock stretch. Nana rallies the fans as Swerve endures. Swerve fights up, slips an arm through and throws elbows.

Roddy kicks Swerve then gets him for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roddy throws down fists then clamps on for a seated COBRA TWIST! Swerve endures being stretched out and the fans rally again. Dynamite returns to single picture, Swerve kicks and fights to his feet. Swerve fires body shots, but Roddy pushes back to KNEE low! Roddy fireman’s carries, for a GUT- DOUBLE STOMP!! Swerve turns things around on Roddy and the fans fire up! Roddy goes to a corner, Swerve to the other. Roddy runs up, Swerve dodges and UPPERCUTS! Swerve snapmares Roddy, goes up, and FALLING UPPERCUTS!

Swerve hits the Griddy and the fans fire up! Swerve storms up on Roddy, fireman’s carries, then HOTSHOTS Roddy off ropes! Swerve runs but Roddy dodges, only for Swerve to somersault and FLATLINER! Gator roll and deadlift into the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roddy survives and The Kingdom is relieved. Swerve scowls and the fans rally up. Swerve drags Roddy up, half nelsons, but then Bennett gets on the apron! Swerve swipes at Bennett but he gets away, and Roddy O’Conner Rolls! TWO! Roddy comes back but Swerve CLIPS the leg! Swerve gets Roddy up, POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Swerve is annoyed as Roddy survives again. The fans rally and Swerve takes aim. HOUSE- NO, Roddy bails out again! Swerve storms out to the apron, runs up, but Roddy blocks! Roddy TOSSES Swerve to The Kingdom! The fans boo, The Kingdom lets Swerve down, but Roddy RAMS Swerve into the steel steps! Then an APRON X-PLEX! Swerve has a rough landing, but Roddy puts Swerve in. Roddy covers, TWO!! Swerve survives and Roddy is beside himself! The fans rally as hard as they can but Roddy rises up. Roddy has The Kingdom cheering but that’s all, and he pushes Swerve around. Roddy fires forearms, but Swerve shoves him.

Roddy fires more shots, so Swerve SLAPS Roddy! Roddy fires ELBOW after ELBOW, but Swerve JABS, BOOTS, and somersaults, into a CODE BREAKER! Roddy runs up to go side to side, forearm after forearm! Then the OLYMPIC SLAM! Roll through, underhooks, TIGER BOMB! High stack, TWO!! But the SICK KICK hits!! Cover, TWO!!! Swerve survives again and The Kingdom is losing their minds! The fans rally up again as Nana coaches Swerve. Swerve goes to the apron, Roddy crawls after him. The Kingdom also lurks nearby as both men stand on the edge. Roddy brings Swerve up but Swerve elbows him!

Roddy CHOPS Swerve on the back! Swerve CHOPS Roddy’s leg! Swerve slips in, trips Roddy, and SUPERKICKS! Roddy dangles, Swerve SLINGSHOT STOMPS!! The fans are thunderous and The Kingdom panics! Swerve puts Roddy in, takes aim, “Whose House?!” HOUSE- NO!! Roddy denies another call, to STRONG- NO, Swerve throws the knee away to HOUSE CALL!! Cover, Swerve wins!!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion)

The third time was the charm, and The Realest breaks the Savior of the Backbreaker! And now, without question, it will be Swerve VS Ospreay for this title! But will Ospreay make it to Long Island with his International Championship? Or will Fenix be the one changing things next week on Dynamite?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite to establish more for Forbidden Door. I really like that we got another TNT Championship match qualifier, and Mark VS Cage was a great match as it was. Great win for Mark, and I’m pretty sure with Jack’s promo that followed, he still gets his own spot in that ladder match. He might even still find a way to win if House of Torture shows up at Forbidden Door. Great 8 Man Tag and great win for the BCC to get back on track as a faction. Yuta still has his ROH Pure Championship even though normally an injury would strip someone of a title. But TK doesn’t care about ROH so whatever. Bryan’s promo was great, and him getting in on the Owen Hart Cup, maybe even winning it, is going to be awesome stuff.

Great match for Mariah and Saraya, and while Saraya won, I figured we’d get Mina showing up to make a save. Forbidden Door is definitely a fitting PPV for them to do the Mentor VS Mentor story as it’s also AEW VS Stardom. And as I’ve been saying in thinking up this angle, I would think Storm retains the title, but maybe Mina steals Mariah away. Good promo from Mercedes Mone to help announce and hype up the Title For Title match. I am fully expecting Mone to become a double champion by winning the belt she technically was meant to win last year, but I would love if she lost and Vaquer would become a QUADRUPLE champion (I think she still has both her CMLL titles), and then that defeat infuriates Mone into being a selfish Heel.

Great stuff with Acclaimed and Bucks, with The Bucks “canceling” a segment to stick it to The Acclaimed for calling them out. Acclaimed will surely keep winning tag match after tag match until they’re #1 contenders set for a match at All In London. And good promo where The Bucks are still gonna be helping The Patriarchy. Maybe they try and feed an ROH title holder to The Patriarchy as The Bucks want Jack to be TNT Champion, Okada is Continental Champion, and it’d be redundant to do another AEW World title story with them. Maybe Yuta’s first ROH Pure Championship feud can be with Nick Wayne, who could also use something to do.

Great ongoing stuff with Jericho and his faction tonight. His over the top advice giving was pretty funny, and we’ve got some tag teams that will definitely want a fight with some combination of Jericho, Bill & Keith. Very good promo from Garcia to call upon his past to motivate this next phase. We got an awesome Fatal 4 Way to open the night to give us Ospreay VS Fenix, but it definitely feels like Ospreay will have to defend the International Championship against Garcia before having to face Swerve for the world title. Also good intertwining of stories where Cassidy was out there for Trent and Kris to go after, only for Willow to show up. Pretty sure that’s a Mixed Tag right there.

And of course, great stuff for the world title tonight. Really good promo from Roddy, good response from Swerve, and an awesome main event. Of course Swerve retains, he’s locked in now, can’t wait to see Ospreay VS Swerve happen.

My Score: 8.8/10