Who rides off into the sunset in the Mohegan Sun Arena?

AEW makes its Dynamite debut in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and it is a big night as Will Ospreay & Don Callis Family battle The Elite! But will the Aerial Assassin, Aussie Arrow & Alpha all stand tall over the champions they’re aiming for?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Orange Cassidy w/ The Conglomeration VS Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith; Cassidy wins.
• Hook VS JD Ink; Hook wins.
• Yuka Sakazaki & Queen Aminata VS Mariah May & Serena Deeb; Yuka & Aminata win, by disqualification.
• Ricochet VS The Beast Mortos; Ricochet wins.
• Six Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita VS The Elite; Ospreay, Fletcher & Takeshita win.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Blackpool Combat Club enters backstage.

Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Marina Shafir are here in Wilkes-Barre, but what will they get up to tonight?

Darby Allin is also backstage!

The Relentless One skates in, but will he look to confront The Maniac before their Grand Slam showdown? Or will it be the other way around?

Orange Cassidy w/ The Conglomeration VS Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith!

Freshly Squeezed was told to pay up that $7000, and he did. By DUMPING $7000 in spare change onto The Learning Tree’s brand new Bentley! Now Jericho wants to beat the pulp out of Orange to make him pay in blood, sweat and tears! Will this be the day Jericho truly gets even with Cassidy? Or can The Conglomeration finally escape the Jericho Vortex?

The bell rings and the fans fire up as the teammates all get on the apron. The ref reprimands but everyone steps into the ring! It is a six man brawl! Mark Briscoe TOSSES Bryan Keith, Bill TOSSES Kyle, but Cassidy fires off on Jericho! The brawling continues outside while Cassidy whips corner to corner. Jericho reverses, but Cassidy goes up and out to then SMACK Jericho off buckles. Cassidy then springboard CANNONBALLS to take out Bill & Keith! The fans fire up, Jericho swings on Mark but Mark dodges to DIVE onto Keith & Bill! The fans fire up but Jericho says he’s still got it! Jericho builds speed, to then say, “Hi, guys!”

The fans boo, but Jericho turns around into an ORANGE PUNCH! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and the fans rally behind Cassidy. Conglomeration and Branches brawl to the back, Cassidy takes off the elbow pad, but Jericho bails out! The fans boo, but Cassidy DIVES! Direct hit and Jericho hits railing! The fans fire up again, and Cassidy refreshes the count. Cassidy goes out to CHOP Jericho, then refreshes the count again. Cassidy CLUBS Jericho, but Jericho ROCKS Cassidy! And CHOPS! Jericho whips, but Cassidy hops over the railing! Jericho is upset, he runs up, but Cassidy ROCKS him first! Cassidy chases Jericho into the ring, and slingshot SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!

Cassidy hurries up a corner but Jericho CHOPS! Jericho climbs, he CLUBS Cassidy, but Cassidy hits back! Jericho falls down, but stands up, and Cassidy FLYING- NO! Jericho blocks the rana into a WALLS OF JERICHO!! Cassidy endures, fights it, and the fans rally! Cassidy tucks and rolls to cradle Jericho, TWO! Jericho and Cassidy stand, Cassidy ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Jericho powers through! Jericho runs to POWERSLAM! The fans boo but Jericho grins as he covers, TWO! Cassidy stays in this but Jericho drags him up. Jericho CHOPS, Cassidy falls, but the fans rally again. Jericho stands Cassidy back up, to CHOP!

Cassidy goes to a corner, Jericho soaks up the heat as fans chant “Please Retire!” Jericho stands Cassidy up, and CHOSP! But Cassidy fires body shots back! Cassidy fires haymakers, then puts Jericho in a corner. Cassidy whips, Jericho reverses, Cassidy goes up and out, only for Jericho to BLAST him off the apron! Cassidy hits barriers, Jericho soaks up heat, and the ref checks Cassidy. Cassidy is still in this, so Jericho goes out to fetch him. Jericho scoops Cassidy to SNAKE EYES off the railing! The fans boo, but Jericho takes the camera to record Cassidy himself. Jericho stomps Cassidy, then hands the camera back.

Jericho drags Cassidy up and into the ring, then goes up a corner. Cassidy stands, Jericho waves hi, and then leaps to AX HANDLE! Down goes Cassidy and the fans boo more. Jericho drags Cassidy up, SLAPS him, and SLAPS him again. Cassidy frowns, but Jericho SLAPS him again! So Cassidy fires off forearms! The fans fire up, Cassidy whips but Jericho avoids the dropkick! Jericho LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Cassidy survives and Jericho is frustrated. Jericho drags Cassidy up while the fans rally. Jericho suplexes, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! Cassidy scoops, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

Cassidy grows frustrated but he goes to a corner. Cassidy climbs, the fans fire up, and Cassidy says here goes! LAZY ELBOW onto knees! Jericho saves himself, then runs up, but Cassidy TOSSES him up and out! Cassidy catches his breath, builds speed, and he DIVES! But Jericho catches Cassidy, throws him down, then CATAPULTS him into railing! Cassidy is in a daze, and fans boo more as Jericho waves hi. Jericho drags Cassidy up, SMACKS him off the road case, and then he drags Cassidy up. The timekeepers move aside, anticipating what’s coming. Jericho and Cassidy brawl, Jericho scoops, BACK SUPLEX through the table!!

The fans lose their minds while the ref checks both men. Cassidy and Jericho stir in the wreckage, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Doc Sampson checks both men, too, and both Cassidy and Jericho moving is a good sign. Cassidy drags himself up and out of the timekeeper’s area first, but Jericho follows. Jericho stalks Cassidy as they both crawl around ringside. The ring count is climbing, we’re past 7! And then 8! Both men jump in at 9.9! The fans applaud as this one continues. Cassidy feels that energy and rises up. Jericho goes to ropes to drag himself up, and the two head for each other. Jericho CHOPS! Cassidy ROCKS! Jericho CHOPS! Cassidy ROCKS! Repeat! Jericho CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Cassidy ROCKS and ROCKS and ROCKS!

Cassidy whips, Jericho reverses, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down again and the ref checks. Cassidy and Jericho each reach up, and they slowly rise. Dynamite returns to single picture as the fans rally. Now Jericho and Cassidy trade forearms! The fans cheer Cassidy but boo Jericho. The forearms go faster, they each ROCK the other, and again! And again! Both men wind up but they both fall over! The fans cheer and the ref again checks. Jericho and Cassidy slowly sit up, grab at each other, and they trade forearms again! The fans cheer, but Jericho gets the edge! Jericho fires up, but Cassidy SUPERKICKS!

Jericho stumbles to a corner and Cassidy scowls. The fans fire up as Cassidy “stomps” Jericho. Then he stomps, stomps and STOMPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts, Cassidy stops the mudhole to go corner to corner. But Jericho LARIATS first! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy survives and Jericho grows frustrated. Jericho and Cassidy rise up, the fans rally more, and Jericho eggs Cassidy on. Jericho fires shots but so does Cassidy! Cassidy kicks and kicks, then goes up! But Jericho SLAPS him first! Jericho climbs up to CLUB away, only for Cassidy to fire body shots. Cassidy HEADBUTTS Jericho down! Jericho stands, into the CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up as Cassidy keeps moving! Tilt-o-whirl and- NO, Jericho stops the DDT again to have the legs! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Cassidy endures again, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Cassidy reaches out, grits his teeth, and really comes close! Cassidy refuses to give in, and he crawls his way over! Jericho sits deeper, but Cassidy army crawls forward, to the ROPEBREAK! Jericho lets go, argues with the ref, but a Big Bill BOOT hits Cassidy outta nowhere! How’d he get away from the others? Jericho covers, TWO!! Cassidy is still in this, and speaking of the others, they return! Kyle KICKS away on Bill’s long legs, but Bill UPPERCUTS!

Bill storms up, Kyle comes back for more, and those two brawl back to the back. Jericho drags Cassidy up, Cassidy cradles! TWO! Cassidy Alabama Lifts Jericho, but his back gives out! Jericho fireman’s carries for a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy survives and Jericho scowls. Jericho kicks at Cassidy all mockingly, in a very Cassidy way. Jericho then kicks, and KICKS! Cassidy grabs that foot, so Jericho SLAPS, and KENES Cassidy! Jericho runs, into a kick! And DDT! Cassidy fires up, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS! The fans fire up as that finally hits! Cassidy hurries up a corner, and then DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, TWO!!

Jericho survives but the fans continue to rally for Cassidy! Off comes the elbow pad! Jericho stands, Cassidy runs up, into a CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy survives again and Jericho is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” while Jericho rises and Cassidy crawls. Jericho runs up, JUDAS- NO, Cassidy gets around, gets under, BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy is too tired to be upset, but here comes the Bad Apple! But the Chicken is after him! Bryan and Briscoe brawl, but wait! Jericho has something in his hand. Is that a roll of quarters!? Seems he kept the change after all! But Cassidy kicks Jericho, and snatches the roll!

Cassidy gets moving, LOADED ORANGE PUNCH!! Cover, Cassidy wins!!

Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall

Jericho tried to get his payback by any means necessary, but he just gave Cassidy what he needed to get through this! Is The Conglomeration finally going to move on from the Jericho Vortex? Or will the Learning Tree fail to get past the past?

AEW shares footage from after last week’s Dynamite.

Claudio told Pac to go ahead and speak his mind. The Bastard told Yuta Wheeler, “Where ya been, man? We’re the Trios Champions, and we haven’t heard from you since the PPV. It’s very simple. Next week, we have a championship defense, so it’s time to come to work. Ya understand me? Pull your socks up, Yuta, and we’ll see you next week.” The Swiss Superman then says he isn’t mad at Yuta, he’s just disappointed. He thought he taught Yuta better. But obviously, Yuta is old enough to make his own decisions, but… Do them one favor and just show up next week to help defend these titles.

Moxley steps in and says he knows this is a lot to handle, but believe him, Yuta has the strength inside him to do the right thing. It’s Yuta’s choice. He’s free to leave the group. He is not trapped. Yuta can do whatever he wants. But he has a personal responsibility to the greater good. Yuta has to look himself in the mirror and ask, “What kind of man did we teach you to be?” This BCC then headed out, having given the ultimatum. But then, what is The Decoder’s response?

Backstage interview with Wheeler Yuta.

Alex Marvez catches Yuta as he’s apparently already leaving, and he thanks Yuta for this time. Alex brings up the BCC’s message that the AEW World Trios Championships will be on the line next week for Grand Slam. Yuta says yeah, he’s most certainly conflicted given recent events. He worked his whole career for a chance like this, to be a champion, and if they’re gonna showcase what they’ve got at WrestleDream, then- Oh, no, the defense is for Grand Slam. But then in steps a staffer, and he says Yuta almost forgot his World Trios belt. Oh, sorry, his mind’s been all over the place. Yuta takes the belt back.

Yuta says there is one thing Yuta’s learned from Bryan Danielson. It’s that you don’t change who you are just because those around you are changing. Yuta is a fighting champion, he takes pride in carrying this championship, so despite what the BCC wants, if they want this “favor,” if they want him to help defend the titles at Grand Slam, then Yuta will kick whoever’s ass he has to. Yuta heads out, but can he keep his feelings separate from business?

The Undisputed Kingdom joins commentary.

Roderick Strong, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett have snuck their way out to join Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Taz to watch this next match. Guess why.

Hook VS JD Ink!

Roddy shouts at “HOOOOK~!” but Hook ignores him and Roddy says that’s disrespectful. Roddy asks if Taz brought Hook up to disrespect living legends like Roddy. But the Cold Hearted Handsome Devil is about focusing on his work, no distractions. Will the man of 1000 tattoos get this work as an example to Roddy?

The bell rings, Ink talks trash, but Hook LARIATS him down! Then he drags Ink up to HALF HATCH! Ink writhes, Hook drags him up again, and then NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans rally as Hook clamps on a head ‘n’ arm, for another SUPLEX! The fans cheer but Roddy talks trash, how is Hook gonna throw Roddy with a broken back? Hook clamps onto Ink for crossface forearms! Taz throws those back at Roddy. Then REDRUM!! Ink taps, Hook wins!

Winner: Hook, by submission

Roddy says aw, look at “Hook Hogan” right there, brother! Hook gets the FTW Championship back, goes back up the ramp and Roddy says maybe Hook will pay attention now. Hook does look over, and tells Roddy he’s gonna get his. Roddy says yeah, because Grand Slam, the FTW Championship comes home with him! Roddy “thanks” commentary for their time, and The Kingdom heads out. Will the Savior of the Backbreaker break down the Cold Hearted Handsome Devil? Or will end up the one broken?

Alex Marvez has an update.

“Alex Scoops” says that Claudio, Pac & Yuta have now issued an Open Challenge for the World Trios Championship match, and that sounds like something up Private Party’s alley. Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy step in and they say Marvez already knows it is! Claudio, Mox, Pac, Brother Zay said this last week, and he’ll say it again so you slimy boys will understand! If you wanted a fight, all you had to do was ask. Quen says if you take away the fun, take away the shots, and what do you have? Two boys from Brooklyn that’re ready to fight! And speaking of New York, why not do this next week? Grand Slam, challenge accepted!

Zay says if BCC’s feeling froggy, then take a leap! Put those belts on the line. And don’t worry, they’ve got a guy for their third. And while they’re still here, Zay wants to get this off his chest. Moxley! Zay hopes you’re listening because he’s deadass serious right now. If Mox wants a war, let this be the first battle. Expected the unexpected! And Zay knows all your pages, boy. Swear to God! Private Party heads out ready to be fighters, but will they be ready to become champions in their own backyards?

Backstage interview with The Patriarchy.

Renee Paquette is with Christian Cage, Nick Wayne, Mother Shayna Wayne, and Killswitch/Luchasaurus. She brings up Christian Cage made it clear last week that with his guaranteed title shot contract, all he has to do is sign his name, execute it and- Christian cuts her off to say he’ll have an AEW World Championship match any place and time that he wants, yes. Hard-hitting journalism here, Renee, thanks. Christian says he could sit here and talk about himself all day long, but he’d like to take a moment to talk about his Prodigy, Nick Wayne. This Friday Night Rampage, Nick is in a Fatal 4 of him, Rocky Romero, Lio Rush and Kip Sabian.

The importance of this match cannot be understated, as this match is the start of Nick’s road to glory. This match will be Nick’s launchpad to glory. Christian decided that he and Nick will hold titles at the same time. That makes for a very unfortunate conversation in the Moxley Household, as Renee’s husband has some designs at the world title. The problem is… Moxley doesn’t have this contract. Now, be professional for once, Renee, and address him by his proper moniker. Do it. Renee says, “Ladies and gentlemen, Christian Cage, the reigning, defending, undisputed next AEW World Champion.” Nick heads offscreen and Christian notices something.

The camera pans over, and it’s Kip Sabian! Christian says turn the cameras off but Mr. Superbad just wants to say there are no hard feelings. Christian doesn’t care. He doesn’t know what Kip’s problem is with Nick, and he doesn’t care about Kip’s late father or anything else. None of that matters, it doesn’t affect Christian. What does is that he keeps seeing Kip’s face! If he sees it again, he puts Kip in the dirt right next to his dad. Got it?! Kip says okay, and then Christian pushes the cameraman. Just what is going on with Kip that he keeps hovering around The Patriarchy? Will it affect the outcome of Rampage’s Fatal 4?

Yuka Sakazaki & Queen Aminata VS Mariah May & Serena Deeb!

The Wrestling Magical Girl wants The Glamour’s gold, and the One True African Woman wants The Professor to take her condescending “lessons” and shove ’em! Will Yuka & Aminata both get what they want here tonight? Or will Mariah & Serena assert their dominance on Dynamite?

The teams sort out and Mariah starts against Yuka, but Mariah made it clear last Saturday that she doesn’t take Yuta seriously. But then Serena tags herself in, and while Mariah’s surprised by that, she allows it. Serena and Yuka tie up, go around, and Serena wrenches to wristlock and wrangle Yuka. Yuka reaches up to headscissor but Serena kips free. Yuka headlocks now but Serena powers free, and the two RAM shoulders. Serena rebounds to run Yuka over! The fans boo but things keep moving. Serena holds ropes to stop herself, then she blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW, only for Yuka to sit on it! TWO!!

Serena sunset flips, TWO! Yuka cradles, TWO! Serena cradles, TWO! The fans fire up as we get Collision revisited! Serena sweeps the legs, covers, TWO! Yuka sweeps, covers, ONE! The two have a standoff and the fans cheer. Serena and Yuka reset, circle, and Serena waistlocks. Yuka pries free, wrenches the arm and puts Serena on ropes. Yuka hits a snapmare and roll, to then KICK Serena right in the face! Tag to Aminata, she PENALTY KICKS! Yuka hits a rolling leg pick to sit Serena back up, for a SHOTGUN from Aminata! Mariah doesn’t even care, she’s just posing with the belt. Serena reaches out for a tag but there’s no one there!

Aminata runs up on Serena, fires forearms, but Serena pushes back. Serena blocks a kick, avoids the haymakers, then puts the leg on ropes! Serena goes to the apron, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Serena runs to CLOBBER Aminata from behind! Aminata falls back, clutches her leg, and now Mariah tags in. The Glamour sits Aminata up to run and SHOTGUN her down! Mariah then sucker punches Yuka for the hell of it! Mariah mockingly says, “Okay~!” a la Yuka, but the ref reprimands. The fans boo, Aminata ROCKS Mariah, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Mariah puts Aminata in the corner to CHOP! Mariah stomps Aminata, bumps her off buckles, then stomps her some more. The ref counts, Mariah digs her boot in, but she lets off at 4. Mariah brings Aminata over, tags Serena with some stank, and Serena stomps Aminata. Serena UPPERCUTS Aminata, UPPERCUTS again, then headlocks for a takeover. Serena quickly floats to tie up the legs, and she puts Aminata in Paradise! Serena sits on Aminata, soaks up the cheers and jeers, then rallies the fans as she gets space. Serena runs up to DROPKICK Aminata out of Paradise! Serena again soaks up cheers and jeers while Aminata clutches her cheeks.

Serena taunts Aminata, but Aminata fires body shots. Serena UPPERCUTS Aminata, reels her in, and short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Aminata toughs it out but Serena drags her back up. Serena hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Aminata is still in this, but she pushes Aminata around. Serena pie faces Aminata, pie faces her again, then eggs her on. Serena scuffs Aminata, but Aminata fires forearms! Serena fires back, then UPPERCUTS! Aminata pushes Serena, then ROCKS her! Serena SLAPS, ROCKS, then kicks Aminata as Dynamite returns to single picture. Aminata SLAPS back! So Serena SLAPS again!

The fans fire up, Serena reels Aminata in, but Aminata BACKDROPS free! Hot tag to Yuka, she goes up a corner, and she MISSILE DROPKICKS! Mariah runs in, Yuka dodges and RANAS! Mariah tumbles, Yuka runs up, GAMANGIRI in the corner! Yuka scoops Serena for a NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! Then she suplexes Mariah onto Serena! The fans fire up and Yuka covers Serena, TWO! Serena is still in this but Yuka aims. SUPERKICK and down goes Serena! Cover, Mariah drags Yuka up with a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Aminata gets in, she GERMAN SUPLEXES Mariah! The fans fire up but now Serena GERMAN SUPLEXES Aminata!

Wilkes-Barre fires up as they become Suplex City! But here comes Yuka to hammerlock, scoop and SPIN with Serena, for the MERRY-GO-DOWN! The fans fire up while Serena writhes, and Yuka shakes out the stars. Yuka sees everyone outside, so she goes up the ropes! MAGICAL GIRL SPLASH to the outside! Everyone falls and the fans fire up as Yuka says, “OKAY~!” Yuka puts Serena in, calls her shot, and then goes up the ropes. MAGICAL GIRL SPLASH! Cover, Mariah CLOBBERS Yuka, with the belt!! The ref sees it clear as day, he calls the disqualification!

Winners: Yuka Sakazaki & Queen Aminata, by disqualification

The Glamour doesn’t care, she just didn’t want anyone else having their moment. Mariah drags Yuka around, CLUBS her down, then picks up the belt so she can LASH her with it! And again! And again! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Mariah just grinds Yuka’s face into the belt! Mariah drags Yuka up, kisses her on the cheek, then pushes her down. Mariah doesn’t care that she’s a bad girl, because she’s the champion! Will she always be the champion when she’s willing to resort to the lowest of lows?

Mina Shirakawa speaks.

“Mariah May, I have not heard from you in months. I watched you win the AEW Women’s World Championship at Wembley Stadium! And now, you say you want Mina? You have changed, Mariah. I don’t know if I like what you’ve become. But… I still miss you! We had so many good times together, and we could have even more. In my heart, I want Mariah. So, you want to celebrate? Do you really want Mina? Does AEW really want Mina? Well, get ready, cuz Mina is coming~!” The Fighting Gravure Idol is on her way back, but will she celebrate with Mariah? Or will she slap some sense into her before Mariah goes off the deep end?

AEW looks at the storied rivalry of Bryan Danielson VS Nigel McGuinness.

Nigel says, “You hear ‘No one knows you were a wrestler’ enough, you start to believe it. Bryan and I always brought out the best, or some might say the worst, of each other.” Mark Briscoe says that rivalry was one of the things that put ROH on the map. Roderick Strong says they were both trying to prove something to the world and each other. It was the epitome of pure pro-wrestling. Jerry Lynn says Bryan is the best in the world, but maybe not if Nigel hadn’t been sidelined for so long. Roddy says Nigel saw he wasn’t valued like Bryan, so it gave him something to chase. Mark says Nigel felt slighted by how Bryan was the “golden boy.”

Nigel wanted people to see him the way they did Bryan. Nigel has always been Nigel’s worst enemy. Nigel knows he can’t go back and get back those lost years. But what he can get now, is redemption from the one man that everyone knows was a wrestler, perhaps the most famous wrestler in the world, The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson. That match is set for Grand Slam, but will Bryan be able to give Nigel the fight he wants?

Jon Moxley heads to the ring.

Leading the way for his Blackpool Combat Club, The Maniac makes his way from the back of the crowd to the ringside area. And despite what Moxley did to Bryan Danielson, the fans are still excited to see Moxley, only for Private Party to go after him! But with Claudio & Marina around, that’s a 3v2 fight! Private Party is TOSSED to the ring, but they get up to keep fighting! Claudio SWINGS Quen into railing! Moxley sends Zay into steel steps! Marina drags Zay up for Moxley to get in his face, and Claudio gives Quen a CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Quen sputters as Claudio pushes him down, and Moxley CHOKES Zay!

Claudio CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKERS again! The fans are going nuts as Moxley drags Zay up and throws him into steel steps again! Marina doesn’t let Zay rest, she stomps a mudhole into him against the railing! Moxley and Claudio just let Marina handle this as she SLINGS Zay into railing. Then Moxley sits Zay up for a SLEEPER, and Marina fires body shots and KICKS! They push Zay down, but Zay is still grabbing at Moxley! Wait, Komander is here! Private Party’s amigo has been teaming with them on Collision, so now he’s here to DROPKICK Claudio off the apron! Komander builds speed to DIVE, but into an UPPERCUT!

Komander sputters, Moxley says hold on, don’t forget Alex Abrahantes. Marina grins as she storms up on The Hype Man, and SWLINGS him down! She takes his mic, and Claudio TOSSES Komander into the crowd! Moxley brings out the toolbox from under the ring! Moxley grabs a hammer while Claudio TOSSES Zay into the stage lights! Moxley has the mic now, too, and he tells Private Party, “I could end your careers right now for what you just did. But I’m not gonna do that. I’m not gonna do that.” Marina & Claudio hold Zay down, arms outstretched, against the stage. Moxley knows Private Party’s been in AEW since the beginning. That’s five years!

But they’re in the exact same spot as they were five years ago! Why is that? Moxley gives them a bit of what they’ve been missing. He’ll give them some friction, some resistance, an obstacle to overcome. Consider this a gift! Then Moxley SMASHES Zay’s hand with a hammer!! Fans lose their minds and Zay writhes in pain! The fans tell Moxley he is sick, but then Darby Allin CLOBBERS Claudio from behind, with his skateboard!! The fans fire up, but Moxley TOSSES Darby into the ring! Moxley runs up, shoves Darby, but Darby isn’t backing down! The fans fire up as these two circle, waiting for the other to swing.

Marina has Claudio stay back, this is getting interesting. Darby runs up but Moxley bails out! Darby grabs the mic now and tells Moxley, “When’re you gonna realize I am NOT the same guy you knew five years ago!?” Darby is going to run through Moxley at Grand Slam, then he’ll walk into WrestleDream, in his home state, and he will become the NEXT AEW World Champion!! The fans are fired up for that! Will Darby make it through The Maniac to make his WrestleDream come true? Or will Moxley show that even a Relentless One has his limits?

Jack Perry drives in his Scapegoat Bus.

An All Points Bulletin is put out for the black bus with white lettering, and we get a highlight reel of his All Out match with Bryan Danielson. His words are repeated, “People like me are crucified in this life so we can be worshipped in the next.” We get a highlight reel of his TNT Championship defenses. He is fighting for something, and he can’t stop now. This is the beginning of his era, and those who hate him are those who can’t handle the truth. Then is the truth of AEW’s future going to be that no one is going to stop Face of TNT?

Ricochet VS The Beast Mortos!

The One & Only is on the tail of Will Ospreay and that AEW International Championship, but it seems that has brought him across the path of a menacing minotaur. One way or another, is this battle about to be #OuttaThisWorld?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for this one already! Mortos swings, Ricochet dodges and fires off fast hands! Ricochet backs Mortos up, kicks away in the corner, but the ref has him back up. Mortos RAMS Ricochet into the other corner! Mortos fires hands, then SMACKS Ricochet down! Ricochet shakes the stars out, but Mortos whips corner to corner. Mortos runs in to UPPERCUT, LARIAT, and GAMANGIRI! Ricochet sputters, Mortos fires up and the fans are with him. Mortos runs up, but Ricochet ELBOWS back! Ricochet then BOOTS, but that just makes Mortos mad! Mortos returns, but Ricochet dodges, and Mortos tumbles up and out!

The fans fire up as Ricochet DIVES! Direct hit and Mortos tumbles up the ramp! Ricochet says he’s too good! Ricochet then drags Mortos up, puts him in the ring, and aims. Springboard and FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Ricochet keeps moving, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Mortos is tough but Ricochet stays focused. Ricochet KICKS, whips, but Mortos reverses. Ricochet rolls off the back, rolls under, but Mortos deflects the handspring! Mortos runs, rolls off Ricochet’s back and arm-drags! Ricochet comes back to arm-drag! Ricochet runs, RANAS, but Mortos handsprings through!? Mortos RANAS, Ricochet handsprings through!

Ricochet sweeps, covers, ONE! Ricochet avoids the sweep to superhero pose! The fans are thunderous and Mortos is frustrated. Mortos and Ricochet circle while Mortos seethes. Mortos runs up, Ricochet BOOTS the lariat! Mortos returns, Ricochet dodges then ENZIGIRIS! Mortos tumbles out, but he hurries back up to the apron. Ricochet SUPERKICKS Mortos, builds speed, and he FLIES, but Mortos catches him, to APRON POWERBOMB! Ricochet writhes, fans lose their minds, and Mortos roars while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Mortos drags Ricochet up, SMACKS him again, and then puts Ricochet in the ring. Mortos stalks Ricochet as he flounders, and then clamps on for a neck wrench. The ref reprimands as Mortos fishhooks Ricochet, so Mortos changes to a chinlock. Ricochet endures, fights up, but Mortos throws him down by his head! Cover, TWO! Ricochet stays in this, but Mortos stays on him with a seated cobra twist! Mortos punches away on Ricochet’s ribs but Ricochet still endures. Mortos lets off the hold, soaks up the cheers and jeers, then drags Ricochet up. Mortos bumps Ricochet off buckles, then wraps an arm around the ropes to pull!

The ref reprimands, Mortos lets off, and he storms up on Ricochet, only for Ricochet to CHOP him! And CHOP! And whip, but Mortos reverses! Ricochet hits buckles hard and falls back. Mortos pushes Ricochet down to cover, TWO! Mortos is annoyed, but he drags Ricochet up to put him in a corner. Mortos SMACKS Ricochet down again, and he soaks up more cheers and jeers. Ricochet sits up in a daze, Mortos storms back over to him, and Mortos drags ricochet up. Mortos SMACKS Ricochet yet again, and Ricochet flops over! Mortos scares the ref before going back for more. Dynamite returns to single picture as Mortos clamps on another chinlock.

The fans rally, Ricochet endures and fights up. Ricochet fires body shots, but Mortos CLUBS him! Mortos drags Ricochet up, Ricochet fights free and fires forearms and CHOPS! Ricochet goes to run but Mortos stops him! Mortos whips Ricochet to a corner, runs in, but is sent into buckles! Corner 619 from Ricochet, and then he springboards in again! Mortos gets under, so Ricochet handsprings, only to get caught! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet hops up, Mortos slips free, and he shoves Ricochet to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, the ref says the shoulders aren’t down! Mortos shifts to get them down, cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Ricochet survives thanks to that delay. Mortos seethes, fans duel about the count, and Mortos drags Ricochet up. Mortos roars, then he gorilla presses Ricochet. Ricochet slips free, shoves and TIGER WALL KICK! Mortos blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL connects! Ricochet fires up, but Mortos HEADBUTTS him! Ricochet staggers back, Mortos runs up, MONKEY- NO, Ricochet TOSSES him up and out! Then Ricochet FLIES and he clips Mortos! Mortos gets Ricochet back up, but Ricochet SUNSET BOMBS to the floor! Both men are down, the fans lose their minds even more now!

The ref counts, Ricochet rises, and he hobbles at 5 of 10. Ricochet puts Mortos in at 7, wanting to win this in the ring. Ricochet springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mortos survives and Ricochet is beside himself! The fans fire up and Ricochet grits his teeth. Ricochet drags Mortos to a drop zone as the fans rally up. Ricochet goes up the corner, but Mortos trips him up! Ricochet lands on the top buckle, and Mortos goes out to the apron. Mortos SMACKS Ricochet, drags him up to the very top, for the SUPER GORILLA PRESS SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Ricochet survives and no one can believe it!

The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Mortos drags Ricochet up. Mortos slashes his throat, ready to end this! Mortos whips Ricochet, scoops him into the torture rack, but Ricochet makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ricochet roars, the fans are thunderous again, and Ricochet runs up to AX KICK! A clipping shot, but Ricochet dragon sleepers. Inverted suplex for the VERTIGO!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

The beast gave him one hell of a battle, but Ricochet is the One & Only for a reason! Will he soon be the number one contender to the Aerial Assassin’s International Champion?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

Given last week’s conclusion to Collision, in which The Outrunners helped FTR fight off the Grizzled Young Veterans,  a MASSIVE All Star 10 Man Tag match has been made! FTR and The Outrunners team with Hook to take on GYV, The Beast Mortos, Rush and Roderick Strong! Will Cash, Dax, Turbo, Truth and the FTW Champion stand tall as the “Youngest Top Guys Alive?” Or will Zack Gibson, James Drake, two bulls and the Savior of the Backbreaker teach them to #GritYourTeeth?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He welcomes out to the ring, Hangman Adam Page! Wilkes-Barre is torn seeing the Black Hat Cowboy make his way out here given everything he’s done the last two weeks. Hangman goes right to the ring, and Schiavone just wants a word with him. At All Out, Hangman got his win in what was perhaps the most violent match in AEW history against Swerve Strickland. But then a week ago, he went so far as to say that this is not over. Hangman has warned anyone and everyone who would support Swerve or be in Hangman’s way. What was he talking about? The fans are all over the place with “Swerve’s House!” and “Cowboy Sh*t!” as Hangman thinks on his words.

Hangman says he has watched and listened for a long time, because he knew a day like this would come. He knew the day would come when Swerve Strickland was dealt with, and he would be GONE! Hangman paces before saying, “And I knew that it wouldn’t be just Swerve who needed to pay what had happened to me. There would be dozens and dozens of people who stood behind him, people who protected him from me, and people who supported Swerve Strickland.” The dueling continues, but Hangman says apparently, he is surrounded by those people now! People here cheered Swerve Strickland all the way to the world championship!

Those people cheer now, and Hangman says they were people who would cheer Swerve through every defense, and even when he was finally locked in a steel cage with his fate! And when Hangman hears those voices, he is reminded of the four months he sat at home suspended. He heard all the cheering, and then he remembered. He seemed to hear another voice cheering Swerve on. He heard that voice loud and clear above them all. A voice coming clear from the commentary desk… Uh oh. Hangman looks right at Schiavone! Schiavone brings up Jeff Jarrett, but Hangman says Jarrett is not here now, is he? But Schiavone is…!

Hangman corners Schiavone, Schiavone wants to apologize, but wait! Jarrett IS here! The fans cheer as Double J storms down to the ring! And Hangman is right on him! Hangman HAMMERS away on Jarrett, gets him out of the ring, and then whips him hard into railing! Jarrett goes up and over into the crowd, but Hangman is right in him! Hangman TOSSES Jarrett back over! Jarrett grabs a chair but Hangman hits him first! Hangman keeps throwing haymakers on Jarrett, then SMACKS Jarrett off the railing! And then Hangman puts Jarrett back in the ring, and takes aim from the apron! But security grabs Hangman’s legs!

The fans boo but Hangman kicks free of the guards. Jarrett comes back for more! The security and refs get in there to separate them, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Hangman bails out of the ring, Jarrett wants to pursue, but Jay Lethal stops him! Lethal wants his teammate to think this through! The rest of Team Triple J is here, too, from Sonjay to Satnam to Karen Jarrett. Jarrett glares at Hangman from the ring, then asks for a mic. A mic is given, and Jarrett tells Hangman, “I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit back there and let you put one freakin’ finger on Tony Schiavone!” The fans cheer that!

Jarrett says in fact, there is an entire locker room that wants to beat the hell outta Hangman, and The Last Outlaw is first in line! “Hanger, as I have affectionately come to know you by that name, I’m gonna make a promise to you. If it’s the last thing I do in my career, somehow, someway, some place, The Last Outlaw is gonna kick your ass!” The fans fire up for that, too! When, where and how will we see that happen between these two wild cowboys?

Backstage interview with Ricochet.

Renee Paquette is now with The One & Only and congratulates him on the big win over Beast Mortos. But then in steps Will Ospreay! Ospreay apologizes to Renee, but asks for a word with Ricochet. Renee steps aside and Ospreay says he should’ve known things are always a little heated between them. He apologizes for before. Ricochet says no need to be sorry. But uh, since he’s here, there’s something Ospreay needs to know. Ricochet was thinking on what Ospreay told him. Does Ospreay remember what he said? That he needs to get wins. Yeah, that’s right. To go get wins and come see Ospreay, like Ospreay’s the big main event around here.

But here’s how it is from Ricochet’s point of view. From Ricochet’s perspective, the moment he stepped here in AEW, it has been nothing but everyone else going out of their way to call Ricochet out, like they gotta prove to the world that they’re better than Ricochet. So it seems like everyone here is more worried about him than he is of them. And it seems that everyone is more worried about Ricochet than they are of Ospreay. No one’s calling Ospreay out. So Ricochet will do the honors. He knows next week, Ospreay is busy, reuniting the United Empire with Kyle Fletcher or whatever, trying to win tag team gold. Ricochet wishes him nothing but the best.

But the following week, maybe Ospreay won’t be too busy. Because Ricochet took Ospreay’s advice. Ricochet talked with Tony Khan. And on October 2nd, Dynamite’s FIVE YEAR Anniversary, it will be Ricochet VS Ospreay for the International Championship! Ricochet knows he and Ospreay had matches against each other that literally changed the landscape of pro-wrestling. And over these past couple of years, sure, Ospreay has been #OnAnotherLevel. But Ricochet is still Ricochet, he is #OuttaThisWorld, and on October 2nd, Ospreay finds out why! See you soon. Real soon. Little brother.

Ricochet heads out, giving Ospreay a lot to think about. But can Ospreay focus on what’s ahead of him? The Six Man Tag main event is up, after the break!

Six Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita VS The Elite!

The Aerial Assassin reunited with The Aussie Arrow as a favor to the Don Callis Family, but he isn’t back in the family because of it. But even so, Ospreay & Fletcher still won the right to challenge The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Championships via the first-ever Tag Team Casino Gauntlet! At the same time, The Alpha wants to show the Fatal 4 Way at All Out proved nothing, and he is after Kazuchika Okada’s Continental Championship! Are the walls closing in on The Elite? Or can Matthew, Nicholas & The Rainmaker find a way through their own gauntlet?

The trios sort out and the fans sing for “Ospreay~, Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” but it is Kyle starting against Nick. They circle, feel out a knuckle lock, but Nick kicks low, CLUBS away, then headlocks. Kyle powers up and out, Nick RAMS him, but Kyle rebounds to RUN Nick over! Kyle flexes, the fans cheer, and things speed up. Nick hurdles, Kyle leaps over, then Kyle gets around. Nick headlocks but Ospreay tags in as Kyle powers up and out. Kyle & Ospreay DOUBLE HIP TOSS, then the split the wishbone! Then DOUBLE PENALTY KICKS! Nick scrambles away and tags to Okada! The fans go wild seeing Okada and Ospreay meet again.

Konosuke holds out his hand, but Ospreay tells him choto matte, hold on a moment. Ospreay and Okada circle, tie up, and Okada puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Okada lets off slowly, but he still gets Ospreay with the fake out. Okada pats Ospreay on the shoulder, but then he still kicks low! Okada headlocks, Ospreay powers up and out, but Okada runs Ospreay over! Ospreay kips right up! The fans fire up, Okada says good one. Bring it in for a hug. Ospreay says no thanks, but Okada kicks him again! Okada whips, Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! The fans fire up and Ospreay fires forearms on Okada.

Ospreay brings Okada over, reaches for Kyle, but Konosuke not only snipes the tag, he basically CHOPS Ospreay on the back for it! Ospreay gets mad, Kyle asks what the what, and Konosuke steps in to say Ospreay has to get out. But then Okada shoves Ospreay into Konosuke! Okada tags to Matt, and The Elite all go after the Don Callis Family! They all scoop and SLAM each man, and then they go to the apron. TRIPLE SLINGSHOT SENTONS! And then The Elite all pose together, Rainmaker Pose between the Bucks’ signature flexing! But The Family rises up, and they all CLUB and CHOP in return! The Family whips, The Elite bail out, and they pose more!

So The Family just TRIPLE WRECKING BALL DROPKICK! The fans fire up with “OI! OI! OI!” as we get TRIPLE PLANCHAS! Ospreay high-fives fans, he and The family stand tall, and Fletcher winds up to CHOP Matt! Konosuke SMACKS Okada off the apron, and then throws him into railing as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Kyle brings Matt around to send into railing, then he high-fives the front row. Konosuke has Okada in the ring, brings him over, and Ospreay CHOP tags! Ospreay ROCKS Okada, brings him around, but Okada RAMS him into the corner! Matt tags in and The Elite mugs Ospreay in the corner! The ref is busy keeping back Kyle as he protests, and Matt brings Ospreay up. Ospreay fires back with forearms! Ospreay ROCKS Matt, whips him to ropes, but Matt reverses. Ospreay handsprings, only for Nick to KICK him! Matt then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, ONE!! Matt clamps onto Ospreay with a chinlock, but Ospreay fights up.

Matt brings Ospreay around and around to TOSS him out! Ospreay staggers up, but Nick & Okada whip him into steel steps! Nick puts Okada back in the ring while the ref is busy with Konosuke. Matt stomps Ospreay, tags Nick, and then the Bucks coordinate. BACKBREAKER to slingshot LEG DROP! Cover, ONE!! Ospreay is still tougher than all that, but Nick stomps him around. Nick drags Ospreay down to scrape his soles off Ospreay’s face! Ospreay goes to a corner, Nick brings him around to scrape his face on the ropes! The ref reprimands, but Okada tags in. The mugging continues, and Okada snapmares Ospreay to run and basement DROPKICK!

Okada paces, taunts Kyle & Konosuke, then tags Nick. Nick CLAWS Ospreay’s back, CHOPS him, then brings him around again. Dynamite returns as Nick whips Ospreay into the Elite corner. Nick runs up, but into  BOOT! Ospreay fire elbows, dodges Nick, then hot tags Kyle! Kyle rallies on Nick with haymakers! Matt gets in to CLAW Kyle’s back! The Bucks double whip, but Kyle ducks the double lariats! He then breaks the second attempt, and then DOUBLE LARIATS The Bucks! The fans are thunderous as The Bucks go to corners. Kyle runs up, forearm SMASH for Matt! Nick runs in, is sent into Matt, then gets a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF for his troubles!

Kyle catches Matt for a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! The Bucks are back in the corner, Kyle runs in and GAMANGIRIS Matt! Kyle keeps moving, and he GAMANGIRIS Nick! Kyle suplexes Nick for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nick survives but the fans rally with Kyle. Kyle brings Nick up to scoop, but Nick slips free to ROLLING ROUNDHOUSE! Nick crawls, hot tag to Okada! And he BLASTS Konosuke just because! Okada grins, Alabama lifts Kyle, but Kyle CLUBS Okada! Okada UPPERCUTS Kyle! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Okada runs, but Kyle ducks the lariat to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Kyle crawls, but both teammates want in! Konosuke pushes Ospreay aside and takes the hot tag! Konosuke fires forearms on Okada, then ROCKS him! Konosuke whips, Okada reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE comes outta nowhere! The fans fire up as Konosuke ROCKS Okada in a corner! Okada drops to his knees, Konosuke deadlift suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Konosuke climbs up, shouts, “C’MON~!” and the fans fire up! SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Okada stays in this but Konosuke tells Ospreay now, choto matte. Konosuke lifts but Okada fights with a headlock and elbows.

Okada runs, Konosuke reels him in to back suplex! Okada lands on his feet, kicks low, and DDTS! The Bucks run in to BLAST Ospreay & Kyle! The Elite regroup, and Okada sends Nick at Konosuke. Konosuke TOSSES Nick up and out onto the apron! Okada sends Matt but Konosuke does the same! Okada runs in, but Konosuke dodges! The DOUBLEGIRI hits Okada! Then Kyle & Ospreay BLAST The Bucks! Ospreay whips Okada corner to corner, runs in to ELBOW! Kyle forearm SMASHES! They feed Okada to Konosuke, fireman’s carry, SIOUT F5! Konosuke keeps moving, and the whole Family TRIPLE BASEMENT DROPKICKS! Cover, The Bucks break it!

Ospreay & Kyle go after The Bucks but The Bucks throw hands first! Nick gets the boost to RANA Ospreay! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Kyle! Konosuke runs up, The Bucks dodge to DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Konosuke just says nope! DOUBLE LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous but then Okada SHOTGUNS Konosuke down! All six men are down and the fans are electric for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Okada goes to a corner and grits his teeth. Konosuke slowly rises, he runs up on Okada, but Okada pops him up into the Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Konosuke survives and Okada snarls, and Dynamite goes picture in picture once again!

Okada huffs ‘n’ puffs and then puts Konosuke in a corner. Okada whips corner to corner, runs in, and ELBOWS! Konosuke staggers then falls, and Okada tags Nick. Nick drags Konosuke around to rain down fists! The ref reprimands, Nick lets off to soak up heat, and it seems only Matt is applauding. Nick goes back for Konosuke to KICK him in the back! Konosuke writhes, but Nick scrapes laces off his face! Then a JAWBREAKER! Konosuke staggers to a corner, Matt tags in, and The Bucks double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Konosuke is down, and Matt drops a knee! Then he stomps Konosuke down! Konosuke writhes more but Matt looms over him.

Matt drags Konosuke up, wrenches an arm, and he tags Nick back in. Nick climbs, and he DOUBLE STOMPS the arm! Nick taunts Kyle, the ref has to keep Kyle back, and The Bucks put Konosuke back in the corner. Nick does his Macho Man impression, but Konosuke fires forearms! Konosuke ROCKS Nick, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Nick tags Matt, keeps Konosuke from Kyle, and The Bucks double whip Konosuke into the corner. Matt runs up, but into a BOOT! Nick tries, and he SHINING WIZARDS! GAMANGIRIS! Dynamite returns to single picture as Nick ROCKS Konosuke, then Matt cravats! ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Kyle breaks it!

The fans fire up but The Bucks TOSS Kyle and BLAST Ospreay! Matt drags Konosuke back, tags Nick, and Nick climbs. Matt sets up, RISKY BUSINESS! But then here’s a remix as Okada goes up, MACHO ELBOW! The fans boo but Okada says hold on. TRIPLE MIDDLE FINGERS! Okada grins, he never does the Rainmaker Pose when fans want it. Nick tags Matt, and The Bucks sit Konosuke up. E V P- NO, Konosuke ducks! Knees collide, and then the ALPHA ELBOW hits Nick! Konosuke swings, Matt ducks to waistlock, but Konosuke switches. Matt grabs Nick, Konosuke DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES The Bucks!!

The fans are thunderous, and Ospreay holds his hand out! Konosuke hesitates, Okada grabs lets! Konosuke BOOTS Okada away, hot tag to Ospreay! The Aerial Assassin springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO for Matt! Ospreay DECKS Nick, CHOPS Nick, then CHOPS more! Ospreay whips, Nick reverses but Ospreay handsprings, DOUBLE NEURALIZER for The Bucks! STANDING SKY TWISTER on Matt! Cover, TWO! Ospreay gets Wilkes-Barre fired up more, but Okada gets in to stop the cutter! Ripcord and- NO, Ospreay ducks Rainmaker, only to get DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Okada coordinates with The Bucks, and he hands Ospreay out to dry!

Nick goes up, DOUBLE STOMPS and Ospreay is flung into the LIGERBOMB from Matt!! Cover, Kyle breaks it! Konosuke goes after Okada but Okada TOSSES him out! Matt kicks Kyle out, “This is Awesome!” as The Bucks coordinate. Matt tags Nick, they pump up the #ReeBucks! But Ospreay blocks Matt’s kick! He sends it at Nick, Nick ducks! Nick tries but Ospreay blocks that to send it into Matt! Nick ducks Ospreay’s kick, kicks low, but runs into a TIGER WALL KICK! But Matt SUPERKICKS! And Nick SUPERKICKS! Then BASEMENT DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and the fans fire up!

The Bucks sit Ospreay up while fans sing for Ospreay. E V P- Kyle SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF for Nick! Matt kicks Kyle, but Ospreay goes to a corner. Matt runs up, Ospreay goes up and over! Kyle runs in to GAMANGIRI! Feed to Ospreay, double underhook, TIGER POWERBOMB! Ospreay has the jackknife bridge for the cover, OKADA BREAKS IT! Kyle CLUBS Okada, TOSSES him, then goes out. Ospreay tags Kyle in, and Kyle stalks Matt. The fans fire up as Kyle brings Matt up. Nick slithers in as Kyle scoops, and Matt slips free. Kyle switches with Matt but Matt backs him into a corner! Nick runs up, SHINING WIZARD!

Matt cravats, Nick gives him help, but Ospreay makes the save by catching Matt! Kyle SUPERKICKS Nick! Kyle goes up, AUSSIE ARROW!! Shoutout to Aussie Open! But Okada BOOTS Ospreay and FLAPJACKS Kyle! Konosuke is bsack, Okada dodges him and DROPKICKS! Then he ripcords, but Konosuke hits BLUE THUNDER!! The fans are electric as Okada bails out, and Konosuke FLIES! Down goes Okada, Kyle blocks Matt’s kick! Scoop and- NO, Matt slips free of the gut wrench! Matt shoves Kyle into Nick’s shoulder tackle! Slingshot FACEBUSGTER, to the cartwheel MOONSAULT for Konosuke!

Matt roars, he and Nick coordinate! Matt scoops Kyle now, but Kyle slips free! Kyle sends Matt into Nick, scoops Matt, TWISTING TOMBSTONE! Cover, Nick breaks it!! Nick aims, but Kyle blocks the superkick! Kyle ducks so Ospreay can HIDDEN BLADE Nick!! Then they get Matt up! CORIOLIS!!! Cover, The Don Callis Family wins!!

Winners: Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

The graphic even shows, United Empire took this one! Callis lets it be as he and Kyle shake hands and hug it out with Ospreay. Ospreay offers a handshake to Konosuke, but Konosuke just pie faces Ospreay! Callis says hey, it’s alright. They’re all going for gold, it’s all about the money. Crowns up from Ospreay and Kyle, but will they be holding the belts up after next week? Or will it be The Bucks that win this golden doubles in Arthur Ashe Stadium?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Dynamite as the go-home to Grand Slam, though not without some stumbles. The video package for Bryan VS Nigel had technical difficulties, but it happens, so that is fine. The video itself was great stuff, a bit like what you’d get for a PPV hype, and while they’re keeping us in suspense, you gotta know Bryan VS Nigel 2024 is still happening. The more confusing stuff is in the BCC Trios Championship story. The promo Pac did with the group was labeled “last week,” but Pac and Claudio each said the title match was to be “next week.” But then Alex Marvez says it’s for AEW Grand Slam. Was that backstage promo not recorded last week and just before the show tonight? Details like this matter, TK, so you need to iron them all out before airing these things!

Yuta’s promo was alright, on the level of his promo from Collision last Saturday. It is tricky to play conflicted and scatterbrained without just being awkward, so you can’t get too mad at him. But I do appreciate the bottom line being Yuta will separate business and personal, for now. At the same time, it’d be hilarious and clever if Yuta just let the other team pin him so he could piss off Pac and Claudio while establishing himself as Team Bryan. But another hiccup in the story was that the title match was made an Open Challenge. Pac acted like a #1 contender had been decided, but I guess you can’t get the story with Private Party & Komander if there was another team lined up, another detail that should be ironed out before going live.

I will say that Private Party & Komander stepping up, then getting beat down, was all good story material. Moxley literally hammering Zay’s hand, that brings the title match into question, but I have been wondering where Scorpio Sky is in all this. He had that one promo with Private Party, but Komander ended up their third man. But now that Zay can’t go, they need a new third man, so is this Scorpio’s way back into the story? Here’s hoping so, because Scorpio deserves to get back into a major story, and if his team does win the belts, that adds to Scorpio’s résumé. He’s an inaugural AEW World Tag Team Champion, an AEW TNT Champion, the Trios belts would mean he’s 3/4ths towards an AEW Grand Slam, so why not take advantage of the planets aligning?

Darby also getting his part with Moxley was great, and as he put forward, the winner goes on to WrestleDream in Tacoma, Washington, so I hope Darby finds a way to win out. We got a really good promo segment from The Patriarchy with Kip Sabian, we’ll get a great Fatal 4 Way, and something makes me think Kip’s going to turn and join The Patriarchy, so that they can go for a fully golden faction at some point. Also, good promo from Jack Perry, even inf most of the material was recycled. It would be so wild if Christian’s greed for more belts brought him into a feud with The Scapegoat, and somehow that is the catalyst for Luchasaurus finally breaking from Christian.

Very good tag team match from Yuka & Aminata VS Mariah & Serena. There was some logical dysfunction on the Heel side as everyone wants the title belt. And in the end, Mariah using that belt to throw the match and beat down Yuka of course gives us a title match there. Doesn’t sound like it’ll be for Grand Slam, but it could be for the Dynamite Anniversary. At the same time, Mina Shirakawa has a good promo to say she’s going to show back up on AEW. It feels like they could give us a big moment between Mariah and Mina on the Dynamite Anniversary show, and that sets up Mariah VS Mina for WrestleDream.

Great match from Cassidy VS Jericho with all the natural overbooking. I’m actually a bit surprised Cassidy won, I thought Jericho would win and compel another big stipulation match so Jericho could basically do what he’d been doing with the FTW Championship and use rather unique items to beat up on Cassidy. But who knows, maybe there’s an attack on Collision like there was last Saturday. JD Ink is definitely living the gimmick as he has a LOT of tattoos. Hook of course squashed him easily, and we got a decent encounter between him and The Kingdom. That 10 Man Tag for Collision is wild but I kinda like it.

Speaking of which, awesome match from Ricochet VS Mortos, but we were getting nothing less from those two. Very good promo from Ricochet with Ospreay backstage, with Ricochet kinda turning things around on Ospreay. Their Dynamite Anniversary match is going to be incredible, and honestly could go either way given these other moving parts in Ospreay’s story. The Six Man Tag was a great main event, maybe one spot longer than it needed, but I suppose they wanted to get all the Aussie Open moves in. Great win for Ospreay & The Don Callis Family, but that of course means next week, The Bucks find some sneaky way to win.

For one, they gave us the United Empire graphics, and that seems like a little too soon on purpose. It would’ve been a bigger moment if the graphic was put up after Ospreay & Kyle won, but if that’s not happening, they gotta get that shot in now. As I have been saying on previous Dynamites, it feels like Kyle will take the loss, Callis will get mad, Ospreay will defend Kyle, something else happens, Kyle is kicked out of Don Callis Family so that he and Ospreay really will bring The United Empire into AEW. Plus, what’s going on with Rush? Is he Don Callis Family or not? They kinda stopped that story once Konosuke returned from the G1, and I hope Rush is involved again, should Kyle actually be ejected from The Family.

My Score: 8.9/10

Time to Whoop Dat Ego!

With two weeks before NXT’s debut on The CW, Trick Williams and Ethan Page sit down to sign the contract for their NXT Championship showdown! Will things go smoothly? Or will this be like any other contract signing in pro-wrestling?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Wendy Choo & Rosemary VS Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley; Lyra & Tatum win.
• Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Hammerstone; Hammerstone wins.
• Ashante THEE Adonis VS Eddy Thorpe; Eddy wins.
• Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Je’Von & Cedric win.
• Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears VS Dion Lennox; Jensen wins.
• Lola Vice VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence; Lola wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ava Raine is in the ring.

The NXT General Manager says, “Two of the biggest nights in NXT history are quickly approaching, when NXT goes on the road to Chicago and St. Louis for our debut on the CW Network. Now, in St. Louis on October 8th, a very special someone will be making her NXT return. Sexyy Red! And also, in St. Louis, WWE superstar, Randy Orton, will compete in an NXT ring for the first time ever! But with all that said, now let’s talk about Chicago. On October 1st, when NXT heads to Chicago, CM Punk, who is here tonight, will also be there. Wes Lee and Zach Wentz will battle it out in a Street Fight!

“Now there will also be a very special edition of Miz TV, Roxanne Perez will take on Giulia for the NXT Women’s Championship, and finally, Ethan Page will defend his NXT title against Trick Williams. And that match is why I’m standing out here right now. So gentlemen, if we could please come, get this contract signed, starting with the challenger, Trick Williams.” Fans cheer and chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK! WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Trick gets a mic to let out a “WOOOOOOHOO~!” Hey wants us to get straight to business. Don’t let the shiny vest fool you. He’s in pain, hurting, after going to war last week.

But that doesn’t change anything. Pete Dunne is still a Butch. But for real now, Trick and Dunne went to work, Ethan Page tried to hold a brother down, but some how, some way, Trick was the Last Man Standing. And in two weeks, October 1st, The CW, in Chicago, where history is always being made, they’ll make more history when Trick wins that title. The fan swill be chanting, and tell ’em what they gon’ do! “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” But then Ethan Page just makes his entrance. Ethan says whoa, hey, why did they stop? Keep going! Do the chant, do the dance! Let’s have fun. Ethan can be Booker T. Whoop Dat Trick, uh-huh!

Trick says no one likes Ethan. Oh, they don’t? The fans sing, “Ethan Sucks! Believe In Joe! Ethan, Put On Some Clothes!” Ethan says he’s dressed like a million dollars! But Trick, he will compliment Trick where it is due. Trick has every right to be confident, because he is THE Trick Williams. But Ethan isn’t Pete Dunne. He is All Ego. And Ethan just happens to be Trick’s Kryptonite. Ethan has the receipts to back it up! The biggest one is this belt right here, THE NXT Championship. Trick says since Ethan stole that belt, Ethan’s been running. But come October 1st, there’s no more running when they’re face to face.

Oh, Ethan “stole” the title? Ethan laughs, but he takes off his coat. Trick thinks Ethan stole this!? This title right here?! He stole it? Trick, Ethan didn’t steal nothing! He EARNED this! He WON this! Wanna know what Ethan remembers most about the night he won? It was everyone’s faces when the ref counted 1-2-3! There was shock and surprise on everyone’s faces, including Trick’s. Trick, Ethan didn’t steal anything. And on October 1st, Trick will have a different expression on his face: DISAPPOINTMENT! You think you figured it out? You sure did not! Ethan will beat Trick to finally put an end to this.

But y’know what won’t end? The Era of Ego! And we will still be saying N-X-ME! Trick asks if Ethan is crazy. What even is NX-ME? The only thing everyone here knows is that when Trick sees Ethan in Chicago, that era is over, and we’ll be saying N-X- OH NO! Ethan kicks Trick low, reels him, and hits EGO’S EDGE through the table!! Ethan says Trick won’t even make it to Chicago! Ethan then tells Ava that this place has fallen apart since she became GM. She needs to get her act together. Ethan leaves, but no one put pen to paper! What will happen to the title match now?

Tony D’Angelo meets up with Hammerstone.

This was after NXT last week, and The Don says when he gave Hammerstone an envelope of cash to do a job, he’s supposed to get it done. Hammerstone says Oba Femi is a beast, alright? Tony of all people should know that. Tony does, that’s why he paid Hammerstone. So this is what they’ll do. Hammerstone will go talk to Ava, and he can ask for a rematch. And this time, Hammerstone takes care of it. Yeah, no, Hammerstone’s not doing that. Oh, he’s saying no to Tony? Does he know what happens to people who say no to him? Well, Tony is The Don, right? So why isn’t The Don taking Oba out himself?

Oh, okay, big mouth. Tony knows he’s The Don, but he paid Hammerstone. So maybe Tony will take care of Hammerstone instead. Is Tony getting himself stuck between a stone and a hard place trying to fight all these giants?

Ava regroups with Stone and Stevie backstage.

The GM says it would’ve been nice for one contract signing to go her way. And maybe if she’d had her “surprise” out there, this would not have happened. The assistants agree, the show will still work out. Je’Von Evans excitedly hurries over, apologizes for the interruption, and says that Chicago show is filling up real quickly. So he’s gonna shoot his shot for St. Louis. Ava says okay, she’ll think about it and get back to him. Okay, that’s not a no. Je’Von heads out, Ava heads for the training room. What “shot” will Je’Von find himself having when NXT arrives in The Gateway to the West?

Wendy Choo & Rosemary VS Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley!

The Sleepy Psycho and the Shadow Assassin have gone after champions and though who would stand in their way, but now they’ve got a duo coming after them! Will The Morrigan and unhinged powerlifter make the most of their reunion? Or will this “playdate” become a living nightmare?

NXT returns and the demented duo makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Rosemary starts against Tatum. These two step up, forehead to forehead, and they tie up in a rematch from last time. Tatum throws Rosemary down, but Rosemary roars back up! Rosemary grabs Tatum’s hair but Tatum returns the favor. Rosemary kneels low, waistlocks, and SLAMS Tatum down. Tatum fights, the fans duel, and Tatum pries the waistlock open so she can backflip to the switch! Tatum facelocks, tags Lyra, and they double whip Rosemary for a leg sweep, and handshake DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Lyra clamps onto Rosemary’s arm. Tag back to Tatum, she climbs up to AX HANDLE Rosemary’s arm! Tatum wrenches and steps over the arm, but Rosemary rolls her up! TWO, but Rosemary fires hands! Tag to Wendy, she wrenches Tatum toa n ELBOW BREAKER! Tatum still manages a waistlock and O’Conner Roll, TWO! Wendy rolls Tatum up, TWO! Tatum has the body scissors, and ROLLING ROLLING ROLLING CLUTCH! Cover, TWO! Wendy runs up, into a DROPKICK! Wendy ends up in the corner, Tatum CROSSBODIES! Tag to Lyra, she RAMS into Wendy, then NORTHERN- NO, Wendy fights it!

Wendy THROWS Lyra by her hair, then tags Rosemary. The demented duo double suplex, but Tatum makes the save! Tatum & Lyra dodge, then DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Tatum is especially excited, but Lyra gets her to focus. They both run, to DOUBLE DROPKICK again! Tatum & Lyra hug in the ropes, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Wendy wristlocks Tatum. Tatum fires forearms, reaches for Lyra, but Wendy holds on. Tatum breaks free, but Wendy blocks the kick! Wendy ducks the enzigiri, but Tatum BOOST her away! Rosemary tags in, Wendy GERMAN SUPLEXES Tatum! Rosemary hooks Tatum up and Wendy runs, LARIAT RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Tatum stays in this but Rosemary stays on her. But then Tatum ducks the lariat to ENZIGIRI! Wendy tags in and she stops Tatum again! But Tatum arm-drags free! Then she ducks a boot, hot tag to Lyra! The fans fire up as Lyra rallies on the demented duo!

Lyra ENZIGIRIS Rosemary, then SOBATS, RAMS, KICKS and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Wendy stays in this but Lyra stays on her. Lyra brings Wendy over, Wendy shoves her away. Tatum tags in, BOOTS Wendy, then BACKBREAKER! Lyra goes up, FLYING LEG DROP! Cover, Rosemary breaks it! Lyra grabs Rosemary but Rosemary TOSSES Lyra! Rosemary goes out and LARIATS Lyra! Tatum fireman’s carries Wendy, but twe4ndy fights free! Wendy shoves Tatum to  corner, Tatum BOOTS back, but Rosemary runs up! Tatum ROCKS Rosemary, but Wendy SHORYUKENS Tatum!

Wendy climbs up, brings Tatum up, but Tatum fights the superplex! HEADBUTT! Rosemary sneaks a tag, Wendy rises back up! SUPER BELLY2BELLY! Tatum flounders around, into a SPEAR!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Tatum survives and the fans fire up! Rosemary is furious, but she stands Tatum up. Wendy runs, but Lyra trips her up! Lyra drags Wendy up to HEEL KICK! Rosemary is furious, but Tatum hooks her up, TWISTED! Lyra goes up, for CHANGE OF FORTUNE! Cover, Lyra & Tatum win!

Winners: Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley, by pinfall

The reunion is a dream come true, and they take down the nightmare! But will this be the end of the story? Or will things only get spookier from here?

Backstage interview with Ava and Trick.

Sarah Schreiber catches up with the GM and #1 contender, and says this was clearly not how she wanted tonight to start. Ava says it is not. She doesn’t know why Ethan went that far, but the contract is getting signed tonight, one way or another. She excuses herself, and Trick says he definitely signs that contract. And when he sees Ethan, ain’t nothing, no one, and nada holding him back! Trick heads out, cleared by the doctor. Will Trick make Ethan sign his part even if he has to be forced?

The No Quarter Catch Crew prepares backstage.

Charlie Dempsey it is great to have Tavion Heights back. Tavion says he’s glad to be back. Dempsey says Tavion went to Japan, made a name for himself, and more importantly, he made Dempsey proud. Tavion says that experience in Japan was dope! He has lightbulbs in his mind going off. Dempsey says that’s what Japanese wrestling does. But now that Tavion’s back, he and Myles Borne can take the tag division by storm! The Heritage Cup is back where it belongs, and now the NQCC- Wren Sinclair interrupts by saying what Charles is getting at, is that they all missed Tavion. She can’t speak for Charles, he’s gotta be all grumpy, but-

Dempsey tells Wren she’s been wonderful, she really has. But uh, if she’s gonna be NQCC- Which she is! Yes… Well, then she needs to do things for herself. She needs to make a name for herself like the others have. She hears Charles loud and clear! He’s fired up, so is she! She CHOOPS Charlie and says let’s freakin’ go! Myles laughs, but then stops when Charlie frowns at him. But now that Wren is motivate, what is she going to do with that energy?

Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Hammerstone!

The Don made the deal, it didn’t go how he’d hoped, and now he expects the hitman to pay the consequences. Is this going to go about as well for Tony as when he took on Oba Femi? Or can he prove he has what it takes to topple mountains?

The bell rings and Tony ties up with Hammerstone. They go around, end up in a corner, and Tony fires hands! The ref repriamnds, Tony whips corner to corner, but Hammerstone comes back to CLOBBER him! Hammerstone eggs on Tony, the fans rally and The Family coach Tony. Tony rises, resets, and ties up with Hammerstone. Tony headlocks, but Hammerstone powers up. Tony squeezes tighter, but then Hammerstone throws Tony away! Tony grows frustrated, and we see Oba watching backstage. Hammerstone runs up, but Tony dodges to waistlock. Hammerstone swings an elbow, but Tony ducks to BELLY2BELLY!

Hammerstone gets up, Tony hits another BELLY2BELLY! And a SPINEBUSTER! Hammerstone goes to a corner, Tony storms over, but Hammerstone counter punches! Hammerstone whips, Tony KICKS him, but that just makes Hammerstone mad! Hammerstone roars, runs up, and he CLOBBERS Tony! And ELBOWS him! And then picks Tony up to RAM him into a corner! Hammerstone RAMS Tony again, fires forearms, then whips corner to corner. Hmaerstone runs up but intoa  BOOT! Tony runs up, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans rally, The Family coaches Tony, but Tony is conflicted.

Tony bails out, and he might be coming to terms with the differences in strength. Oba says Tony is broke, and chuckles as he leaves the viewing room. Tony paces on the outside, but the count is climbing! Tony lets it hit TEN!? Hammerstone wins!

Winner: Hammerstone, by count-out

The fans boo and even Hammerstone is upset. The Don just quit the match!? No one understands, least of all his own cousin, Rizzo. Is Tony losing his edge?

Zachary Wentz appears outta nowhere!

He apologizes for interrupting, but he has something he needs to show everyone. Last week, he and Trey were supposed to challenge for the NXT Tag Team Championships, and here is why. Evan in the truck, play the footage Zach sent you. It is footage from a parking lot in Dayton, Ohio, 10:12 PM on Sunday, September 8th. Trey is going to his car, putting his gear away, when outta nowhere, Wes Lee runs up and mugs Trey! And Wes even SLAMS the car door shut on Trey! Wes runs away, and Zach says we have no idea how long Trey will be out for. But what Zach does know is that Wes is an absolute piece of garbage!

Wes went to Trey’s hometown! How many rides together did they take in Trey’s car? Why is it Wes can’t handle Trey & Zach moved on? Or is it Mr. Big Solo Star is bitter that Zach got his hand raised at No Mercy? Wes deserves everything that is about to happen to him in Chicago! Wes thought losing at No Mercy was bad? Well on October 1st, the pain Zach puts Wes through in the Street Fight will be TEN TIMES WORSE!! The fans cheer that! Zach says this ends in Chicago! The Must-See Civil War comes to a head, who will stay standing after the smoke clears?

Ava Raine speaks with someone.

She has no idea why Ethan did what he did, but Ava’s already having a rough night. Ava’s “surprise” is Tyrese Haliburton! And he says as a long-time fan of WWE, contract signings never go well. He’ll handle this for her. Oh, really? Tyrese will get it done? Stevie scoffs and says no way. But Stone tells her that she clearly doesn’t know basketball. This is the two-time All Star from the Indiana Pacers and a gold medalist! Tyrese does have this! Now give him some, player! Uh, who is he? R-Robert Stone… The guy who picked Tyrese up at the airport…

Ava and Tyrese move on from that awkwardness, and Tyrese promises, he will get this done. Tyrese heads out, and then Ava looks at Stone. Stone said they were best friends! Stevie chuckles and Stone feels foolish. But will this special guest have any better luck convincing Ethan Page to sign on the dotted line?

Backstage interview with The Fatal Influence.

Sarah Schreiber is with Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx & Fallon Henley and notes that after a few confrontations, Jacy faces Lola Vice tonight. Jacy says, “Confrontations? No, I don’t think so. All we do is speak the truth. And you can either handle it like a mature woman, or go cry about it like the rest of the women in this locker room. Lola Vice? Great fighter. But in that teeny, tiny little brain of hers, she thinks she’s a way bigger star than she actually is, and tonight, I’m gonna prove it.” Sarah brings up Jaida Parker, and Fallon says, “Oh, you mean the next It Girl of NXT? Puh-lease! We left her laying flat two weeks ago.”

Jazmyn adds that Jaida acts tough, but if she wants to find them, she would’ve by now. Jacy says this women’s division is becoming The Fatal Influence Division. Not Lola’s, not Jaida’s, and certainly not that little cheerleader, Kelani Jordan, who by the way, has been ducking them. Sarah wants to counter that but Fallon says thanks, that’s enough. Let’s go, girls.

Lola was watching that…

Bigger star in her mind? After she breaks Jacy’s jaw, she won’t be able to talk anymore. Brinley Reece says everyone’s got a problem with Fatal Influence, just like Lola and Jaida. Lola says yeah, Jaida said she didn’t want help, and Lola doesn’t want hers. But Jaida walks in and says she knows Lola does not have Jaida’s name in her mouth again. But okay, Fatal Influence left the set? Bet. Lola says hold on. Where does Jaida think she’s going? Fatal Influence belongs to Lola tonight. Jaida may not want help, but Lola doesn’t need Jaida’s either. Jaida can do whatever she wants to them, after Lola’s had hers. Lola heads out, will she be serving Fatal Influence up on a silver platter?

Ashante THEE Adonis VS Eddy Thorpe!

They say all is fair in love and war, so the would-be ladies man shouldn’t be upset The Alpha Wolf didn’t give away his full game plan. Though, it might also just be a misunderstanding blown out of proportions. Whatever the case, will Ashante show that doing things Adonisly work better than doing things honestly? Or will he get dropped like Eddy drops the beat?

Ashante brings a rose with him, and he finds a young lady to give the rose to. Surprisingly, the lady accepts, and she kisses Ashante on the cheek! Guess there’s someone out there for everyone after all. Eddy then makes his entrance, and that’s when Ashante attacks! The ref reprimands, backs Ashante off, and Ashante says start the match then! The bell rings and Ashante runs back in, but Eddy dodges! Eddy CHOPS, takes his vest off, then stalks Ashante. Eddy ROCKS Ashante, CHOPS him, then bumps him off buckles. Eddy KICKS and KICKS and reels Ashante in for a BIG back suplex! Ashante staggers up, Eddy reels him in, but Ashante pushes free. Throat chop!

Ashante CLUBS Eddy, CHOKES him on ropes, but he lets off as the ref counts. Ashante stomps and kicks Eddy around, throws knees in, then talks smack. Ashante stalks Eddy to a corner, CLUBS him, then brings him up again. Eddy fires body shots! The fans rally, but Ashante knees low. Ashante whips and ELBOWS! Eddy writhes, Ashante drags him up, but Eddy CHOPS! Ashante ROCKS Eddy, Eddy ROCKS him back! They go shot for shot, Ashante knees low and CLUBS Eddy. Ashante fires forearms in Eddy in the corner, then goes corner to corner. Eddy ELBOWS Ashante, runs up and fires more forearms! Then Eddy swings, but into a drop toehold!

Eddy hits ropes and sputters as he falls back! Ashante drags Eddy up, but Eddy fires forearms again! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and then Eddy CHOPS! Ashante KICKS, but Eddy dodges the boot! Eddy KICKS, ROCKS, SOBATS, but Ashante waistlocks. Eddy ELBOWS free runs, but Ashante dodges the boot to HEEL KICK! Eddy PELES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! They slowly rise, and Eddy waistlocks. Ashante elbows free, goes to a corner, but Eddy runs up. Ashante puts Eddy on the apron then AIR DROPS him down! Ashante goes up the corner, to TORNILLO! Down goes Eddy, the fans fire up, and Ashante puts Eddy in.

Ashante goes up again, smiles at the lady who accepted his rose, then leaps, only to FLOP! Eddy hurries to get Ashante up, NEEDLE DROP! Cover, Eddy wins!

Winner: Eddy Thorpe, by pinfall

Ashante loses focus and that is why he loses out! Will he learn what really matters in this pro-wrestling life? Or will his attention continue to be divided?

Chase U speaks.

Thea Hail tells Ridge Holland, “You’ve given Chase U the biggest wake-up call we’ve ever had. We welcomed you in with open arms. We wanted to be the people that said that they got Ridge Holland wrong. That they didn’t know you like we knew you because they didn’t have the chance to. We wanted to say, ‘I told you so.’ Not the other way around. But seeing how you broke Mr. Chase… How you hurt Duke, I don’t know who that person is, and Ridge, you broke my heart.” Riley Osborne says he hates that he was right all along, and that Duke was right all along. Mr. Chase is hurt, and Ridge thinks eh can treat Thea like that?

They welcomed Ridge, they gave him a chance, but all Ridge did was show the world who he really is, and that is weak! Next week, Riley will make things right! For Duke, for Chase, for Thea, and to finally get Ridge out of our lives once and for all! But is Turbo Terry going to find that the real Ridge Holland is far too much for anyone to stop?

CM Punk is here!

The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as Punk walks out, and he says, “It’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk continues to the ring, high-fiving fans as he goes, and he grabs a mic on his way into the ring. Punk says he’s in a different mood than he was last night. Did they see Raw? Well, he wanted to get business out of the way on Raw because he knew he’d be here, and he didn’t wanna be in a bad mood. He wants to have fun. Do they want to have fun? “YES!” Punk says he watched NXT on USA, and sees all these beautiful people. But he has never been in this ring, in this building, surrounded by these “NXT Fanatics,” so this is pretty cool.

Punk says a few people here, he recognizes. They’re here almost every week. And when Punk was rehabbing, he would sneak in to watch, some would call him out. The fans chant “We Saw You!” and he says yes, he saw them seeing him. And he appreciates them. It’s just hard to hide and watch the show. He loves watching the show, seeing the blood, sweat and tears of every man and woman that comes out here. They’re on national television at an early stage, and Punk loves seeing that development. Now, selfishly, there is some scouting going on. One day, you’re rubbing elbows with CM Punk. The next day, you’re throwing elbows at CM Punk.

Punk is sure some time in the near future, he’ll butt heads with superstars like Lexis King. Did you see that beard? It is fantastic. Carmelo Hayes is already tearing it up on SmackDown. Ethan Page is here. And not to start any rumors, but sooner or later, Punk will be standing across the ring from Bron Breakker. The fans bark it up, but Punk says let’s keep it light. Punk was talking with Je’Von Evans a minute ago. Punk has T-shirts older than Je’Von! Punk loves NXT. HBK called Punk because he knew Punk loved NXT. HBK told Punk that NXT debuting on CW would be in Punk’s hometown of Chicago.

So Punk asked, or maybe begged, to be part of that. He loves Chicago, he loves NXT, so not only did HBK say Punk could be part of that show, “the reckless 1995 Shawn came out” and said Punk could do whatever he wants on that show. A very dangerous promise, but Punk came up with an idea. Wait, here comes Roxanne Perez. Roxie “checks her watch,” wanting to know if it’s still Clobberin’ Time. The NXT Women’s Champion goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and is a bit nervous. She apologizes for interrupting, she’ll let him get to the announcement about Giulia because no one can get enough of her.

But that aside, 13 year old Roxie would be freaking out sharing the ring with her favorite wrestler ever, CM Punk. Punk is one of the main reasons why she’s here in the WWE. She always looked up to Punk, followed in his footsteps. The Voice of the Voiceless was her voice. But uh… She always did prefer his wife. The fans cheer for “AJ! AJ!” But in all seriousness, Punk doesn’t get how happy she was when he returned to the WWE. Ten years! Roxie was impatiently waiting for his return, and now he’s here! So before he gets back to it, she just wants to say she finally realized… she should’ve been a Drew McIntyre fan!!

The fans go nuts hearing her say that! Punk frowns, and Roxie says she knows why Punk wants to be in NXT! Punk wants one last moment of glory before McIntyre ends him at Bad Blood! But hey, just stay home, Punk. Just stay home with Larry, because Roxie doesn’t want Punk there, or need him there. Everyone else might want Punk, but not Roxie. Because when Roxie beats Giulia, Chicago won’t be Punk’s town anymore. It’ll be Roxie’s. And Punk needs to realize this isn’t about him, or about Giulia, but about one person and one person only, and that’s Roxie! Roxie tells fans to shut up about Giulia, but Punk asks if he can retort.

Roxie says no, she wasn’t even done yet. Roxie sighs, and says she doesn’t really care how big Giulia is in Japan, Roxie is big around the world! She is untouchable!! Tell her when she’s telling lies. Because a wise man once said, “I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not.” Punk says Roxie is certainly on her way to being hated. And he feels she just assumes he’s upset, her stepping on his big announcement. But he kinda loves it! The “balls” on Roxie! Maximize your minutes. If anyone can appreciate an overconfident champion, it’s Punk. And that chip on her shoulder, he used to have one just like it. In fact, it was about the size of Roxie.

But uh, that chip is what made him the Best in the World. This chip here (the title) is what makes her the best. Maybe not just in NXT, but maybe in WWE. Because ladies and gentlemen, he was in Portland last night, and Bianca Belair VS Iyo Sky tore the house down! The entire time, Punk was thinking, “You know who would fit in here with these two badass ladies? Roxanne! You know who might be better than these two women? Roxanne!” But that won’t matter when Roxie gets her ass handed to her by Giulia! Punk didn’t come out to talk about Giulia, he doesn’t know Giulia. He does know Roxanne, but he wasn’t gonna talk about her, either!

If Roxie wants, they can talk about Giulia. Seems to annoy a certain someone. But surprise! Here comes Giulia herself! Roxie seethes as The Beautiful Madness makes her way to the ring. She has a mic to tell Roxie, “The countdown is on. You have two weeks left.” Mic drop! Giulia turns, and Punk stops Roxie from getting a cheap shot in! Giulia wags her finger at Roxie, then takes her leave. Will Giulia prove Punk right when she finally dethrones Roxie?

Backstage interview with Kelani Jordan.

Sarah is now with the NXT Women’s North American Champion, and says Fallon said Kelani is ducking Fatal Influence. Is that true? Kelani says, “Me… ducking them? Interesting.” But when it comes to Fatal Influence, no one is off limits. They will verbally and physically attack anyone they see. And Kelani is aware as a champion, she has a target on her back. But she’ll defend this title against those who excel in the ring, not those who excel at throwing insults. But just think about last week. Jordynne Grace was a badass defending her title in an Open Challenge. So it kinda inspired Kelani to try her own Open Challenge.

But if, or when, she does, she better see those Fatal Influencers step to the plate and put money where their mouth is. Wren suddenly pops in, tells Kelani that Charles “Charlie” Dempsey told her to make an opportunity for herself, so… SLAP!! She’s doing it now! Kelani glares and Wren runs away! Will Kelani make an example out of Wren that no one does it like Lani?

The D’Angelo Family regroups backstage.

They’re all a little worried about Tony, but here he comes. Stacks says they should go find Hammerstone. Tony says forget it. Then what about Oba? What about Oba? Well, there’s talk on the streets… Who cares about that? Stacks asks when Tony when he’s stepping back in the ring with Oba. Tony says there is a right place and a right time. But Tony’s the one who can beat him! Luca, you’re not thinking about all the angles. Rizzo asks what’s going on with Tony. Tony says it’s nothing, but Stacks asks if he’s hurt. Tony asks back what’s the matter with them. He’s fine! Then, what is it? Tony asks what they want him to say. Rizzo says the truth.

Then the truth is, Tony’s afraid! That’s the truth! Tony’s afraid, dammit! Tony’s supposed to be The Don, leading the family, afraid of no one and nothing. Never backing down from a fight, even one he can’t handle. Tony paces, and says it is different with Oba. Oba’s a machine, a destroyer, inhuman, and Tony can’t beat him! So there it is. HE said it. Tony then leaves the room. What will Tony do now if he’s already hit a brick wall?

Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander VS Myles Borne & Tavion Heights w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

The Young OG & PRIMED Alexander didn’t much care for how the NQCC’s returning member got himself involved in the Heritage Cup match last week. But that’s fine, because now the ball is in their court, and Cedric knows a thing or two about top level tag team wrestling. Will this former Raw Tag Team Champion help Je’Von get bouncy~? Or will Myles & Tavion take NQCC and the NXT Tag Division to new heights?

The teams sort out, and Je’Von runs up to SUPER PUNCH Tavion! The fans fire up as Je’Von fires hands on Tavion and Tavion fires back! Je’Von ROCKS Tavion, Myles runs in but he gets a CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Myles knees low, whips, but Cedric tags in. Je’Von LEAPS over Myles, trips him up, and Cedric basement dropkicks! The fans fire up, Cedric covers, ONE! Cedric drags Myles up, but Myles ROCKS him first! And UPPERCUTS him down! Myles brings Cedric up, tags Tavion, and NQCC double whip. They fireman’s carry Cedric for a DOUBLE DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Tavion clamps onto Cedric’s arm and grinds him down.

Cedric endures, the fans rally, and Cedric fights up. Tavion grinds the arm to bring Cedric back down, then he taunts Je’Von, Cedric fires body shots, but Tavion HIP TOSSES him down! Tag to Myles, but Cedric DROPKICKS Myles! Tag to Je’Von, but Myles fights back! Myles blocks a kick, spins Je’Von, but Je’Von cravats and Cedric gives him a boost! SLICED BREAD! Cedric adds a PENALTY KICK! Myles bails out, Tavion runs in, but Cedric gives Je’Von a boost to RANA Tavion! Je’Von DROPKICKS Tavion out! NQCC regroups, the fans rally up, and Cedric PL- NO, Wren stands in the way! So Je’Von FLIES over her to take out NQCC!

The fans fire up, Je’Von & Cedric regroup, and they taunt Tavion, Myles & Charlie while NXT goes picture in picture.

The NQCC slowly gets up and Je’Von waits. Myles runs in, but into an arm-drag! Je’Von has the armlock, but Myles fights up. Cedric tags in, he takes the handoff, then wrenches to UPPERCUT the arm! Cedric arm-drags to a cording hold and he grinds Myles down. Myles endures, fights up, and reaches out. Myles knees low, scoops, then SLAMS Cedric! Tag to Tavion and NQCC drags Cedric up. They double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tavion clamps onto Cedric, drags him up, and whips him to ropes, for a LARIAT! Tavion whips and LARIATS again! Tavion snapmares Cedric, but Cedrick’s right up to ELBOW!

Tavion staggers, Myles tags in, but so does Je’Von! Je’Von dodges Myles, CLOBBERS Tavion, but Myles whips. Je’Von ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Je’Von keeps going, he CLOBBERS Myles then whips. Myles reverses, and Tavion DUMPS Je’Von out! Tavion CLOBBERS Je’Von, then runs to LARIAT! Wren cheers, Tavion puts Je’Von in, and Myles stomps him. Myles kicks Je’Von to the corner, ROCKS him, then tags Tavion. NQCC brings Je’Von up to double whip, double SHOULDER TACKLE, then Tavion covers. TWO, and Tavion grows annoyed. Tavion drags Je’Von up, suplexes, then SLAMS! Cover, TWO!

Je’Von stays in this but Tavion stays on him. Tavion drags Je’Von back up, snap suplexes this time, then tags Myles. Cover, TWO! Myles clamps onto Je’Von with a chinlock, and NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally, Je’Von fights up, and he pries the hold open. Je’Von turns things around, but Myles knees low! Myles whips Je’Von to the corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Je’Von CHOPS Tavion, BOOTS Myles, then runs up, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tag to Tavion, Myles sends Je’Von and Tavion fireman’s carries. ASSISTED GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Je’Von is still in this but Tavion stays between him and Cedric.

Tavion fires forearms, but Je’Von is just firing up! Je’Von fires hands with Tavion, gets the edge, then dodges one to SUPER PUNCH! Je’Von crawls, but Tavion keeps him form Cedric! Tavion whips, Je’Von ducks ‘n’ rebounds to NEURALIZER KICK! Hot tag to Cedric! Cedric rallies on NQCC with haymakers! He blocks Myles’ kick, give sit to Tavion, then gets Tavion’s leg! DRAGON SCREW CHAIN! The fans fire up and Tavion goes to a corner. Cedric runs in to forearm SMASH! Snapmare, and basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Cedric brings Tavion in, but Tavion fights the suplex! Tavion fires body shots then whips.

Cedric reverses to scoop, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, Myles breaks it! Then Myles DECKS Je’Von! But Cedric TOSSES Myles! But Tavion LARIATS Cedric inside-out! Tavion crawls over, tag to Myles! NQCC drags Cedric up, fireman’s carry and facelock, TKO DDT COMBO!! Cover, TWO!! Cedric survives, that’s the level of a tag champ! The fans rally, Cedric fights off Mules, and he BOOTS Tavion! Cedric and Myles switch around, and Myles DDTS! Cover, Je’Von SPRINGBOARDS in to break it up!! The fans are fired up, and here comes Kelani! She’s caught up to Wren! Kelani DECKS Wren, then runs her off to the backstage area!

Mules is stunned, but then he gets a LUMBAR CHECK!! Cedric tags Je’Von, then DIVES onto Tavion! Je’Von goes up and up to SKY TWISTER! Cover, Je’Von & Cedric win!

Winners: Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

The payback has been paid, and uh oh! Randy Orton just put out a tweet that reads, “He Je’Von, wanna know who your opponent is? See you in St. Louis on October 8th, kid.” The Young OG wanted his shot at something big, and here it is! Will he be able to get bouncy even against the Apex Predator?

NXT Media catches up with Ridge Holland.

The reporter asks if he heard what Chase U had to say, and he says he already told everyone that he’d destroy Chase U. Andre Chase? Done. Duke Hudson? Done. Two down, one to go. And next week, Riley, Ridge’ll be seeing ya. Is Yorkshire Grit about to end Chase University once and for all? In the background, we see Brooks Jensen walking up, and Shawn Spears is already waiting for him. Spears wishes Jensen luck, and Jensen sighs. He asks Spears, are they doing this? Wait, does Jensen mean that? Yeah. Is Spears with him? Yeah. The Chair Man accompanies the conflicted Jensen, but will even Spears’ twisted guidance lead to victory?

Brooks Jensen w/ Shawn Spears VS Dion Lennox!

NXT returns as the buff bookworm makes his entrance, Jensen & Spears already waiting in their corner. The bell rings and Dion says he was just trying to help Jensen. Jensen storms up on Dion, powers him to a corner, then arm-drags him across the way! Jensen then runs up to TOSS Dion the other way! Jensen tries again, but Dion arm-drags instead! Then hip toss! And DROPKICK! Jensen bails out, smacks the desk in frustration, but Spears calms him down. Jensen runs in, but Dion SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Dion brings Jensen up, but Jensen hits a back suplex! The fans rally, Jensen snarls and CLOBBERS Dion!

Jensen rains down fists, the fans boo, but Jensen drops a knee on Dion’s head! Spears smiles as Jensen shows that aggression. Whip and WHEEL KICK!! Jensen isn’t done with Dion, he snap suplexes hard! Jensen also has a smile, because he sees Dion’s glasses. Jensen grabs the glasses, puts them on to mock Dion, then he shows them to Dion. Dion gets furious and he fires haymakers! Dion reels Jensen in for a LARIAT! Dino DECKS Jensen, whips him, and then backdrops him high and hard! But now Spears goes for the glasses! Dion stands on Spears’ arm and says not today! Jensen runs up, Dion rolls him up! TWO!

Jensen hurries to DDT low!! Cover, Jensen wins!

Winner: Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

Jensen comes away with a smile, as does Spears, because in their minds, they just overcame someone who is just holding Jensen back. Jensen & Spears shake hands, will this partnership bring them both to the top of NXT?

Wes Lee speaks.

The caption says, “I’ll find out who sent that footage in one day, but I told y’all I did it and there’s proof. #IMTHEREASON.” In the video message, Wes says, “Man, what the hell? Everyone’s upset about my vacation back to Ohio, and look, I had a great time. There was good weather, saw the family, even got to hang out with some old friends.” Wes knows Zach wants to say the attack on Trey was “uncalled for,” but Wes says that’s just taking out Zach’s insurance policy. Trey caught Wes slipping during No Mercy, so Wes caught Trey slipping in the parking lot.

Everyone does realize that if not for Trey at No Mercy, Wes would’ve sent Zach’s ass back to TNA, no more worrying about this. Sooooo~, Wes had to do it! And now, it is really 1v1, brother VS brother, and this Street Fight ends everything! See you in Chicago, bro.

Another social media exchange goes down.

A-Town Down Under, via Grayson Waller’s account, posts a video. They meet up, and Waller asks if Theory saw that #Fraxiom stuff last week. Fraxiom? Kurt Cobain and the Power Ranger? No, the “micro wrestlers” who are NXT Tag Team Champions. Same diff! But the only reason those two are champs right now are because of The Bloodline jumping The Profits. Waller & Theory won the WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania, but Waller misses having gold around his waist. Theory says he never got to be NXT Tag Team Champion, either. They gotta change that. Oh, hey, they can go to St. Louis! Neither of them has anything that night.

So then, ATDU will challenge Fraxiom for the NXT Tag Team titles in St. Louis! Oh, but those “little fops” would never say yes. How can they get them to accept? Oh, how about next Tuesday? Yes! They’ll give NXT the A-Town Down Under rub, put those fops on The Grayson Waller Effect, and then they’ll have to say yes! Genius! Theory tells Fraxiom to get ready, because those titles are going A-Town Down Under! See you soon, idiots! Well, being that this is social media, Fraxiom easily replied. Frazer said, “We don’t have to wait ’til next week to answer your challenge. We accept. Obviously.” Axiom adds, “And we will still see you next week. Mamarrachos!”

And as such, Ava has made it official! NXT in St. Louis gets that much bigger, will Fraxiom show A-Town Down Under that they have the superior chemistry?

Lola Vice VS Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence!

The Mayor of Vice City wants to tear down this toxic trio as badly as anyone, but when “Rockstar” Jacy has back-up in Jazmyn and Fallon, will this be anything but a fair fight? Or can Lola’s hands put Jacy to bed before the others can influence the outcome?

NXT returns and Lola makes her entrance. The bell rings and Lola BLASTS The Influence off the apron! Lola then fires hands on Jacy in a corner! The ref counts, Jacy shoves Lola back and BOOTS her! The fans fire up for Lola as she reverses the whip then KNEES low! Then SOBATS! Jacy tumbles out, Lola hurries after her, but Fallon & Jazmyn bark at her. Jacy then RAMS Lola into the apron! Jacy goes up to PENALTY KICK, then she puts Lola in. Jacy rains down fists on Lola, then sits her up to KICK! And SUPERKICK! Lola crawls to a corner while Jacy mocks the shadow boxing. Jacy mocks the hip shake, too, before the CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!

Jacy is annoyed already, but she drags Lola up. Jacy ROCKS Lola, Lola staggers to ropes, but she mule kicks! Lola kicks again, Jacy blocks, but Lola BODY BLOWS! Then she BOOTS the lariat, and ROUNDHOUSES! And KICKS! And KICKS! Jacy drops to her knees, Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! The fans fire up for the AX KICK! Jacy crawls to a corner, Lola says “I’m a Latina~!” And she HIP ATTACKS Jacy! Lola snapmares Jacy, but Jazmyn distracts! Fallon grabs at Lola, Lola kicks her away, but Jacy runs in !Lola dodges, URAKEN!! Cover, Lola wins!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall

Lola says buenas noches to Jacy, but Fallon & Jazmyn pounce! They stomp Lola, the fans boo, but the mugging continues. Lola BOOTS Jazmyn, ELBOWS Fallon, but Jacy is back to CLOBBER Lola! The Influence stomps away on Lola, but here comes Jaida! The fans fire up as Miss Parker throws big hands on all of ’em! HIP ATTACK for Fallon and she tumbles out! Jazmyn runs in but Jaida DUMPS her out! Jacy tries, but she gets an ELBOW! And then a GOURD BUSTER! Jaida runs, but the Influence saves Jacy from the Hipnotic! Lola storms up, spins Jaida around, and Jaida almost swings on Lola!

The two argue about not needing the other’s help, but refs rush in to keep these two from throwing hands. Will Jaida and Lola each realize that there’s strength in numbers when it comes to this toxic element?

Rizzo finds Tony D.

She asks if they can talk. He says sure. Rizzo says she’s afraid, too. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Tony says for him, there is! Rizzo got disrespected, The Family got disrespected, and Tony failed. Rizzo says if he believes that, fine. Because it doesn’t matter what the others believe, it’s Tony who has to carry that fear inside. Afraid to lose? Afraid he’ll be remembered as a coward? But it doesn’t matter what they think. When it’s all said and done, no matter what, he’ll always have The Family. Rizzo sees what this is doing to him. She knows him. She knows he doesn’t believe what he’s saying. And she knows he wants another shot at Oba.

Tony says yeah, he does. Okay. Then let’s do it! And if Tony loses? Then he loses. But at least he did it through the fear. All heart. She knows he’s okay with that. Stacks believes in him, Luca believes in him, and so does Rizzo. But Tony, you gotta believe in you. So what does he say? Tony says okay. Rizzo says they’ll do special training. He’s ready. When did Rizzo get so tough? Aw c’mon, she grew up with fighters! They hug it out, and The Don is ready to try again. Will Tony find a way to bring down the mountain that is Oba Femi? Or will he at least go down swinging?

Tyrese Haliburton is in the ring.

The fans have a mixed reaction since Tyrese is a Pacer and this is Florida. Tyrese explains that Ava tried earlier, it didn’t work, so now he will make sure Trick and Ethan get the contract signed. He didn’t come alone, though. He brought reinforcements of his own. The fans boo as the rest of the Pacers line-up is here. Tyrese says yeah, he’d boo too, if he had no choice but to be an Orlando Magic fan. But let’s not talk about that. Tyrese says let’s bring out the challenger, Trick Williams! The fans cheer and chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” again as Trick returns to the ring. Trick shakes hands with Tyrese and again has a mic.

Trick says first thing’s first, this must be a big deal if we’re bringing out the Olympic gold medalist. The fans boo but Trick says don’t be hatin’. Tyrese doing his thang. But Trick will be real. Just like Team USA went to Paris and got the gold. Trick’s going to Chicago to get his gold, too. Tyrese did his thang, believe that. But to be serious, Trick calls out Ethan Page to bring his ass out here to sign the contract, before Trick signs Ethan’s forehead with the bottom of his Gucci loafer. Tyrese says with that said, here is NXT Champion, Ethan Page. All Ego makes his entrance again, not very happy about this.

Trick goes ahead to sign his part, and Ethan says this is ridiculous! Trick, Ethan gave you an out earlier tonight. But Trick decided to come out here and stutter around anyways. But that’s fine! If this is what Trick wants, forcing Ethan to sign the contract, he’ll do it. But Ethan will put this in a way that Trick and his pal, Tyrese, will understand. When it comes to this championship, Ethan Page is the Boston Celtics. The fans boo that, they like that team even less! Ethan says when he beats Trick, Trick will feel like the Pacers. The fans do appreciate that burn. Ethan says Trick will have to watch him be victorious, carry this championship, and this entire company!

Then the Era of Ego will continue to make history! Now hold the contract so he can sign it. Tyrese does so, and Ethan signs his part. And there we have it. In two weeks, Trick Williams VS Ethan Page for the NXT Championship. And you know what time it is? Time to WHOOP DAT TRICK! That’s all we got. Oh, wait, one more thing. Hit the music. CM Punk makes his way back out here?! Ethan is a bit fearful with the Second City Saint making his way out here. CM Punk joins Trick and Ethan in the ring, mic in hand, and he stands between the two. Punk thanks Tyrese, he thanks the fans, and wants Ethan and Trick to calm down.

Punk brings up how earlier, he was rudely interrupted by the soon-to-be former women’s champion, Roxie. This is the match he was here to talk about! This is the match he had an announcement for. Because this match isn’t just about the NXT Championship. A match this big determines the direction the entire brand it goes. Two very special athletes, two very different men, with two completely different visions. A match this big doesn’t just deserve, it NEEDS something special. Fans are already anticipating a “REFEREE! REFEREE!” Yes, the people have spoken, this match needs a special guest referee!

CM Punk says ladies and gentlemen, he is that man! Live on The CW, NXT, the title determined in a match with the ref being C M PUNK! The only rule is you listen to the official, and that’s Punk. And since he is the official, y’all can fight right now. So the hands start flying! The fans fire up, security rushes out here, and Punk is just as disappointed. We want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but they’re separated just enough so that they can only shout at each other! Will the Era of Ego continue on through the Windy City? Or will the winds of change bring us back to the days of Whoop Dat Trick?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of NXT as the penultimate episode on USA Network. Great throughline of the NXT Championship contract story, and how it weaved into other stories tonight. Ethan attacking Trick and putting him to the table without signing the contract was a clever change of things. Punk also had a great promo segment with Roxanne and Giulia, with Roxie having line of the night on that “I should’ve been a McIntyre fan.” Good promos from Tyrese, and he was able to pivot not being accepted by a Florida crowd. I’m just a bit mixed on Punk being the special guest referee in what’s essentially a rehash of Seth Rollins getting involved as special ref for SummerSlam.

At the same time, Punk had to do something in Chicago, and he’s not gonna have a full on match himself, he has to save his energies for Bad Blood and Hell in a Cell. Punk being the ref could affect the outcome, namely if McIntyre tries going after him and creating chaos in the process, so that’s a lot of great intrigue going into the new era of NXT. As for Giulia and Roxie, I’m still leaning towards Giulia winning and Roxie moving on to RawDown even as soon as the Raw after Bad Blood. Though, there is some irony to how she’d be stepping into divisions as a very tiny, very sassy underdog Heel, because she could very well be stepping to a newly crowned Rhea Ripley, or a still-champion Nia Jax.

But I feel I need to take a detour to talk the choices for special guests that aren’t wrestlers. It’s great to have someone from Team USA basketball here, a rising name in the NBA, but like, it wasn’t someone from the Florida teams so of course Tyrese was gonna get booed. And NXT, stop trying to make Sexyy Red work, it’s not actually working. There was someone who visibly facepalmed in the crowd when Ava announced Sexyy Red’s return. And what did Red even do for Battleground a few months ago? She introduced the show, but that didn’t impact it in any way, shape or form. It’ll be the same for NXT on CW, because if wrestling fans aren’t already watching NXT, a non-wrestling guest isn’t gonna do it.

Moving on from that, good use of Twitter tonight to get stories going. ATDU cut a promo to set up a NXT Tag Team Championship match as well as a Grayson Waller Effect. Fraxiom is definitely retaining in St. Louis, though, the NXT Tag titles aren’t leaving for SmackDown with Waller & Theory. And while Zach had a good response promo to Wes’s promo from last week, Wes’s response promo to Zach kinda did point out how redundant it was to show the attack footage now, not last time. Either way, the Street Fight is going to be great stuff, and Wes surely will win. I don’t know if it “ends” the story, because then they’d be 1-1 and would need an even wilder tiebreaker as the blowoff.

Great promos from everyone in the Chase U story, but uh, pretty sure Ridge demolishes Riley. I’m still hoping for Mr. Chase to make a heroic return after that match so that he and Ridge can battle it out. Very good tag match from #Tyra against Rosemary & Wendy, and I’m rather surprised Lyra & Tatum won. There was no sign of Rosemary & Wendy coming back for more, but they could just be waiting to surprise us with that later. Ashante VS Eddy was good stuff, and it seems they’re following what I theorized last week: Ashante does find a lady who doesn’t mind his flashy approach. However, the twist is that she ended up a distraction to him. Not sure if they’ll keep it to the same exact lady, but it is story progress, at least.

Very good stuff intermingling some other stories tonight. NQCC had a good promo to official welcome Tavion back, and then Wren would have to go and misinterpret Charlie’s advice like that. That was a good ol’ slap, but then Kelani went after Wren in return, that is definitely a title match right there. Je’Von & Cedric of course win, but I can just see how Je’Von VS Randy Orton is gonna go. Je’Von is gonna springboard for his OG Cutter, only to get an RKO instead. But even so, Je’Von getting a match with Randy Orton this soon in his career is a great sign of everything WWE sees in Je’Von in regards to his bright future here.

Very good though very quick match from Jensen VS Dion, building both guys very well. Dion already has that “Game time mentality” thing going to give us the sense of a Bruce Banner becoming Incredible Hulk dynamic, and he got to show more of that here as Jensen taunted him with his own glasses. But of course, Spears distracted Dion just enough to tip things in Jensen’s favor. And more good stuff in this Fatal Influence story. Good promo from Lola and Jaida in the locker room, and good match. Lola winning out was great, and of course being jumped by The Influence brought out Jaida. Lola and Jaida are definitely going to realize their teamwork will be for the greater good of humbling The Fatal Influence, it’s just a matter of how long it’ll take for them to see it.

And very good stuff in Tony D’Angelo’s story. He gets mad at Hammerstone, fights Hammerstone, and what a clever move to give him the “Crisis of Confidence” during the match. He lets Hammerstone win rather than suffering a clear defeat, and we got a very good couple of promos with him and The Family. This feels very Rocky 3, Rocky being afraid of Clubber Lang, who would be Oba Femi in this case. This is good character work to help build Oba. Now, this probably leads to an upset victory over Oba when Tony is ready for his rematch, but hey, it’d free Oba up to go for THE NXT Championship.

My Score: 8.8/10