Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/1/24)
Pay up, pay up!
It’s the last chance to get in on Money in the Bank!
WWE is headed to Toronto this weekend, and the last spots in the Money in the Bank ladder matches are up for grabs! Who wins to get in on those golden opportunities?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Karrion Kross w/ The Final Testament; Woods wins.
- WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan VS Zelina Vega; Liv wins and retains the title.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Zoey Stark VS Dakota Kai VS Ivy Nile; Zoey wins and advances to MITB Toronto.
- Rey Mysterio VS Dominik Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus VS Ilja Dragunov; McIntyre wins and advances to MITB Toronto.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso walks through the concourse!
The fans back there are all fired up, and they “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Main Event Jey says hit his music. TD Garden erupts as Jey makes his way down through the crowd! Jey and Michael Cole low five a couple times, Corey Graves only gets one, then Jey gets a mic. The fans are all fired up and they “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Mon-JEY Night Raw! “YEET!” Jey says Money in the Bank is Saturday. “YEET!” Only one person gonna snatch that contract! “YEET!” Not Carmelo. “YEET!” Not Andrade. “YEET!” Not LA Knight. “YEET!” Not Chad Gable. You are looking at Mr. Mon-YEET in the Bank, and his name is Jey Uso!
But speaking of Chad, here he comes! Gable has a mic of his own to say, “Enough! Enough of that word, I don’t even wanna repeat it.” The fans boo but Gable says, “Really? Well, for your information, you Boston idiots, yeet isn’t even a word! You know what is a word? Miracle! Look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of Chad Gable right next to it. Because what I’ve done the past two weeks is nothing short of miraculous. I overcame an attack from The Wyatts, I overcame my family leaving me…” The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Gable but he says he overcome two more monsters to punch his ticket to MITB.
So on Saturday, get ready to feast your eyes on another miracle, because Gable is gonna climb that ladder, win the contract, and become Master in the Bank! Gable steps into the ring with Jey and Jey asks what Gable’s doing out here. Didn’t the Wyatts get him already? “Get” him? Do they think he’s scared? He’s not scared! Jey should be scared! He stole the fireflies! Come to think of it, Gable is innocent. He was left high and dry by his family. The Wyatts should be after Jey, the man who abandoned his family! Jey says he told Uncle Howdy, he could take the fireflies. He can take the mosquitos, the roaches, all that.
Jey doesn’t want smoke with the Wyatts. But if we’re talking family, the Academy just did what Jey did: get out from under a manipulative scumbag like Gable! Gable fires off on Jey! The fans boo but Gable snarls as he stands Jey up. Gable whips, Jey reverses, ROCKS Gable, then ROCKS him again and again! “YEET! YEET!” Pop, lock ‘n’ put some stank on the HAYMAKER! Then a SUPERKICK! Gable is down, Jey goes up! But Gable scrambles away to the outside! The fans boo but Gable says Jey is so stupid! He’s not gonna just sit still and get hit! Wait. The lights start going out!! Gable, Jey and the TD Garden all panic as the piano plays!
Gable looks around, the spotlight starts shining on him as the fog gathers. The fans are losing their minds again, but Gable gets far away from the ring. He even goes through the crowd! The spotlight follows him, though, and then the eerie light shines from behind the stage! Gable gulps and goes back around to where the ladders are, but then another shadow is there! Gable keeps moving until he’s on stage right, only for a third shadow to be there! Gable runs up into the stands to get away! The Wyatts are continuing to haunt Gable, but then Sister Abigail drops off another mysterious package… Will there be another VHS tape inside?
Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Karrion Kross w/ The Final Testament!
The New Day got played like a bad video game last week, because The Final Testament made sure each man was isolated. Doomsday struck Kofi in the ring, The Authors of Pain struck Woods backstage, but now Woods looks for payback! Will the Power of Positivity prevail? Or will time run out on The New Day once and for all?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Kross wants a handshake? Woods says nope! He CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Woods whips, Kross reverses then runs in to clothesline! Kross then ELBOWS and ROCKS Woods! Kross snarls, reels Woods in and hits an EXPLODER! Kross offers the handshake, but Woods refuses, so Kross stomps him down. Woods fires body shots but Kross CLUBS him! Kross CHOKES Woods while mocking Kofi, but the ref counts. Kross lets off at 4, Kofi coaches Woods, but Kross storms up. Woods shoves Kross, DUMPS him out, then aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Kross and the fans fire up!
Woods gets Kross up to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Kross snarls, Woods whips, but Kross reverses! Woods stops from hitting post, then dodges. Kross avoids the post, blocks a kick, and he reels Woods in, to POST BOMB him!! Woods falls hard on the floor, Kross mockingly asks if he wants to shake hands now, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kross has Woods down with a chinlock. The fans rally and Woods fights up. Woods moves around, throws body shots, but Kross ROCKS him! Woods ROCKS Kross! Kross ROCKS Woods, Woods CHOPS Kross! Kross CHOPS, Woods CHOPS, repeat! Woods CHOPS and CHOPS then fires off more CHOPS! The fans fire up and Woods whips but Kross reverses. Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides, to then ROLLING ELBOW! The fans fire up, Woods runs corner to corner, and he forearm SMASHES! Woods goes up to rain down fists! The fans count along, but Kross stops Woods at 5. Woods dodges back to SUPERKICK!
Woods reels Kross in, but Kross wrenches out to HEADBUTT! Woods falls and fans boo but Kross soaks it all up. Kross drags Woods up on the apron, but Woods GAMANGIRIS! Kross falls, Woods goes up, but Ellering shouts at Woods! Woods tightrope walks, leaps, but into a FOREARM! Kross soaks up the heat while telling Woods he could’ve just joined them. Kross drags Woods up, the fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” and Woods cradles! WOODS WINS!!
Winner: Xavier Woods, by pinfall
Kross got lost in the #Backwoods and The New Day is all fired up! But then AOP attacks! The fans boo but the sore losers TOSS Woods out, and Rezar drags Kofi up with both hands! Kofi lands out of the slam, Rezar runs up, but Kofi DUMPS him out! Kofi builds speed, into a KROSSHAMMER!! The fans boo but then AOP DOUBLE POWERBOMB Woods against barriers! Then Kross clamps onto Kofi’s arm with a top wristlock, and he just pulls! Kofi suffers at the Hands of Time, until Scarlett says that’s enough. The fans boo as The Final Testament stands tall. Woods drags himself into the ring to check on Kofi, but is this truly the end of The New Day?
Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio walk the halls.
El Campeon says yes, tonight is a big night thanks to Liv Morgan. Hopefully, Dom will be done with his dad once and for all. Now, before they go into the clubhouse, did Dom talk with Rhea? Dom says yeah, and she’s good, he’s good, it’s all good. Is Damian good? Yeah, he’s great. But y’know who’s not? Rhea, because Damian talked with her. She is PISSED, dude! Oh… Dom says he’ll handle this. Damian says Dom’s been saying that every week, and yet he does nothing. Just once, do what you say you’re gonna do. Dom says this isn’t even his fault. Dom grumbles but Damian asks what he said. Dom says nothing, no big deal.
Dom and Damian then step inside, and surprise! Liv is already here, watching the guys play some more WWE 2K. Liv welcomes the guys and says she was just leaving. After all, her match is next. And good luck tonight, Daddy Dom~. Liv leaves, Carlito says he was playing as Damian. Damian doesn’t care. Dom has Carlito go back to the game and Finn talks with Damian. Damian says Liv hanging out here is not cool. That’s gotta stop. Okay, sure. But Liv did help bring the tag titles back to The Judgment Day. The real issue here is Damian. What?! Finn says Damian put his spot with The Judgment Day in jeopardy!
And let’s not even get started on what Damian said to Seth Rollins last week. What was it again? The Judgment Day needs Damian more than he needs them? Like they’re just his sidekicks or something? No, they’re not his sidekicks. But Damian didn’t say anything that was wrong, either. Damian is world champion. Of course Judgment Day needs him more! It was the same as when Rhea was world champ, Judgment Day needed her. Now Finn is tag champ again, so how about this? They all need each other. And as far as Damian’s spot being on the line, he has faith in himself, he’s gonna beat Rollins. He knows he can, that’s what he’s gonna do.
Finn knows Damian will, and ash is brother, he’ll have Damian’s back. But he’ll also tell Damian the truth. Ever since winning the world title, Damian’s changed. Damian scoffs at that as Finn storms off, but does The Prince have a point about The Punisher getting a big head?
WWE mourns the loss of Leati “Sika” Anoa’i.
“Prestigious. Ferocious. Influential. Iconic.” There are countless ways to describe the Anoa’i Family, it is clear they stand as one of the most powerful dynasties in pro-wrestling. WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of the great Sika, a patriarch of this legendary bloodline, “who established a legacy of dominance with one of the most imposing tag teams of all time,” The Wild Samoans. Sika was born and raised in Samoa then moved to San Francisco. Trained by his brother, Afa, the two would then become one of the most world renowned tag teams. Even legends like Hulk Hogan had to admit they had intimidating presences.
In their 30 YEAR career, The Wild Samoans would hold 21 total tag team championships, becoming one of the most acclaimed teams of all time, and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2007. Mick Foley says those two were pillars of the Samoan Dynasty that leads to today. Sika instilled a relentless work ethic into the rest of the family, especially his own son, Joe Anoa’i, aka Roman Reigns. Roman is much like his father, a strong presence but a gentle soul, and has truly made his father proud.
The Anoa’i Family has created so many great Samoan superstars, and Sika will be remembered as a caring brother, loving father, and proud grandfather. Sika’s influence has ensured that the Anoa’i Family name will never be forgotten.
WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan VS Zelina Vega!
The Liv Morgan Revenge Tour isn’t done, but it has sure done wonders for Liv already. She helped Judgment Day get more gold, she’s all but has Dom wrapped around her finger, and most importantly, she has this title. At least, for now. Will La Muneca humble Liv and finally have some gold of her own? Or will the tour keep on rolling through the Summer?
Cathy Kelley is with Zelina backstage at gorilla, and brings up how Dom offered Zelina help in taking this title. Has she considered his offer? And how is she going to stay focused on Liv given all the chaos Liv’s caused? Zelina says like she told “Bootleg Rhea” last week, she’s not interested in chasing Dirty D. Now, she is interested in chasing that WWE Women’s World Championship. Zelina IS a champion, so Liv, and everyone who has ever doubted her, will see what a real champion looks like. Zelina makes her entrance, will she make good on that promise?
Raw returns and Liv makes her entrance, showing off the new shirt, “Liv’s Finally On Top.” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly on top of the Raw Women’s Division!
The bell rings and the two rush in! Liv throws Zelina down then laughs at her. Zelina sits up, Liv grabs at her but Zelina arm-drags! Zelina tries another but Liv blocks. So Zelina just goes the other way to arm-drag after all! Liv gets up, Zelina runs up, springboard and wheelbarrow to arm-drag again! Liv runs back up but Zelina KICKS a leg! Zelina whips but Liv reverses, and Zelina hits buckles hard! Liv grins as she storms up on Zelina and puts her through the ropes. Liv hops on for a SLEEPER! The ref counts, Liv lets off, but Zelina BOOTS her! Zelina goes up but Liv ROCKS her first! Liv and Zelina brawl, but then Zelina slips down!
Zelina YANKS Liv’s head into buckles, then 619s the legs out! Liv staggers awya, but she hurries after Zelina. Liv HOTSHOTS Zelina, then SHOTGUNS her down! The fans boo, because here comes Dom! Liv thinks he’s here for her, but that might not be the case. Liv goes out, and Zelina gets her for a TORNADO ARM-DRAG! Then a METEORA to the floor! The fans fire up with Zelina, and Dom applauds, but then here comes REY! The fans fire up and Dom is wary of his dad while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Zelina fights up from a chinlock, but Liv knees her low! Liv waves at Dom, reels Zelina in, and snap suplexes! Then she spins through, Una Amiga! And then Dos Amigas! Dom and Rey are both upset by this, but Liv hits THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives us some Latina Heat! Then she stands over Zelina, ties up the legs, and now she’s taunting Rhea with the PRISM TRAP! Zelina endures and fights around but Liv keeps her from ropes! Liv digs her heel into Zelina’s back, but Zelina still fights! Zelina powers her way forward, but Liv drags her back! Zelina rolls and she sends Liv into buckles! Then she rolls Liv, SCHOOLGIRL KICK!
The fans fire up as Zelina bumps Liv off buckles! And again, and again! And then JUMP KICK! Zelina pushes Liv down, AX KICKS her, then lifts her with a foot. Zelina BOOTS Liv down, stomps her around, then puts her in the drop zone. Zelina goes up, up and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and shocks Zelina! Rey coaches Zelina, she’s so close! Zelina watches as Liv slowly rises up. Zelina BOOTS Liv again, reels her in, CODE- CRUNCHY!! Liv sits on the cover, but Zelina manages to sunset flip! TWO, and Liv ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO!! Zelina survives but Liv has a crazy smile on her face…
Liv blows a kiss to Dom and Dom tries not to smile. Liv pushes Zelina around, puts her in a corner, then hoists her up top. Liv climbs, the fans taunt Dom, “SHAVE YOUR MUSTACHE!” Liv and Zeilna brawl up top! Zelina fires hands, CLUBS Liv again and again and again and again! Liv wobbles, Zelina SMACKS her off buckles! Zelina rises up and hops on again, SUPER CODE RED!! But Liv flounders and flops all the way out of the ring! The fans boo and Zelina is beside herself! Zelina hurries out after Liv, gets her back up, but Liv RAMS her into the apron! Liv storms up on Zelina, pushes her into the ring, then hurries in.
Dom and Rey both coach Zelina but they argue with each other. Rey SHOVES Dom! The fans fire up but Liv WRECKS Rey with a dropkick! Zelina hits 619!! And then tilt-o-whirl, TORNADO DDT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Liv survives! Zelina wants another cover, TWO!! Dom slides in a chair, but Zelina says no thanks! She SMACKS Dom with the chair! But Liv is pissed! ObLIVion!! Cover, Liv wins!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)
Dom can’t believe what just happened, even though it’s all his fault! At least, he did mean to help Zelina, not mess things up, right? Cathy Kelley interviews Liv to congratulate her, but also ask if she’s feeling like everything is going according to plan. Liv says she is the luckiest girl in the world! And her revenge tour is going exactly how she planned it. So she wants to dedicate her victory tonight, and all her future victories, to the most gorgeous man in WWE, Daddy Dominik! Liv kisses the belt, but will she ever kiss it goodbye?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
Wearing a #DMHunk shirt, he says, “I was screwed out of the World Heavyweight Championship by CM Punk, twice. And as a reward, I was sent right to the back of the line. The funny thing is, I’m at peace. And you wanna know why? Because I know if anybody gets between me and my goal from now on, I’ll do exactly to them what I did to Punk. And it starts tonight. Sheamus, and Dragunov. I’m gonna win. And then I’m gonna go to Money in the Bank this Saturday, and I do not care who is in the match. I know you’re full of hopes and dreams, guy, a lot of up-and-comers. You know who had hopes and dreams? Me.
“And they were ripped right out of my hands. And I’m gonna rip them outta your hands. And I’ll be justified. Because on Saturday, I’m gonna climb that ladder, retrieve the contract, and it is MY night. I will be World Heavyweight Champion. There’s not a thing anyone can do to stop me. Just ask the last guy who tried. Oh yeah! You can’t.” McIntyre shows off the bracelet he stole from Punk, but will he be holding onto something far more valuable in just a few days?
Seth Rollins heads to gorilla.
The Visionary is here, just days away from his own golden opportunity. He passes by Zoey Stark talking with Sonya Deville, and we see Shayna Baszler storm over there to stop that. Will Shayna get the Hunter to focus on her prey? Or will the Gladiator Gal finally get someone to listen to her ideas?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
TD Garden sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way out. Rollins even climbs a ladder for the fun of it before he continues down the ramp. Rollins gets a mic, then revels in the singing before saying, “BOOOSTOOON~! Welcome to Monday… Night … Rollins!” Rollins says he is a Visionary, a Revolutionary, and he is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! Green confetti flies in and Rollins points it out. It is a sign! A sign that next week, at this time, Rollins will be standing here, once again, WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! The fans like the sound of that!
Rollins wants to get real, though. He is sure Boston will understand. He has a secret for us. He hasn’t said this out loud before but he wants to share it with Boston because Boston is a championship city. The fans cheer as Rollins points out the Bruins, the Sox, the Pats, and judging by this leftover confetti, the 2024 NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics! The fans fire up for that, then they cheer on the Celtics. Rollins says it was well-deserved for an incredible season. Rollins says Boston understands this secret, this thing he was about to say. “I need to win back the World Heavyweight Champion.”
Rollins has to have it! He cannot settle for second best or anything less than a championship. If he doesn’t beat Damian Priest at MITB, then he doesn’t get another crack at Priest while he has the title. And then Rollins has to reevaluate, “Who IS Seth Freakin’ Rollins?” He has to reevaluate his legacy. But the thing about him, when the pressure is the highest, that is when Rollins is at his very best! So Saturday, MITB, when Rollins takes that title Priest has been keeping warm since WrestleMania, Rollins takes Priest from The Judgment Day. But what we need to understand, it is not Rollins’ intention to break up The Judgment Day.
But without The Judgment Day, Priest has the opportunity to be the best version- Wait, here comes Finn Balor! “Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to one half of your NEW World Tag Team Champions!” The fans boo but Finn says he should be in a good mood tonight. But he’s not. He’s in a bad mood. In fact, he’s in a real bad mood. Wanna know why? Because everything around Raw seems to be changing. What it means to be in The Judgment Day is changing. Damian Priest is changing. And Rollins is to blame! Rollins says shut up! Priest is his own man! He’s making his own decisions. Rollins doesn’t put words in Priest’s mouth.
And Rollins doesn’t even think Finn is actually mad. No, Finn is jealous that Priest has the one thing Finn couldn’t get, and that’s the World Heavyweight Championship. But here’s the deal, Finn. Rollins’ beef ain’t with Finn, it’s with Priest. But if Finn wants to get in Seth’s ring, then he’ll knock Finn’s teeth down his throat! Wait, here comes Priest now! There’s the trap! They’re on the same page for one more week, so let’s go! Priest tells Rollins not to be paranoid, this isn’t a trap. Oh? It sure looks like it to Rollins! Finn’s ready to attack, too! Priest says this isn’t a trap, this is HIS business, and no one else gets involved in his business.
Finn and Priest stare down, but Priest tells Rollins he’s right. This is about Priest and Rollins, and just them. Rollins wants ot say Priest’s days as champ are numbered, but Priest says Rollins couldn’t be more wrong. The idea that Rollins still runs Raw, those days are numbered. Is that how Priest feels? Priest nods and Rollins says if that’s the case, then why wait until Saturday? Let’s just do this right here and now! Priest says yeah, let’s! But then Finn runs up! Rollins DECKS Finn, he and Priest hesitate, but then Finn CLOBBERS Rollins! The fans boo but Priest stops Finn! Finn is confused, but then Rollins runs up!
Rollins SUPERKICKS Priest into Finn, then he DECKS Finn! CURB STOMP for Finn! But Priest is back up! SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM! Priest then makes sure Finn is alright. The Punisher & Prince get outta there with their belts, but will they both still be champion after MITB in Toronto? Or will Rollins force the issue of who truly needs who?
Ludwig Kaiser speaks.
“After weeks of continuous, hard fought battles, after proving what Ludwig Kaiser is capable of, after going toe to toe with Bron Breakker and being on the verge of beating him, here comes your fraud of a legend, Sheamus. To viciously attack me from behind, blindside me, purposefully trying to take me out, and ending up breaking my ribs. After so many years, Sheamus, so many accomplishments, so many people around the world looking up to you, you finally showed your true colors. You showed who you really are: You are nothing but a coward.
“Y’know Sheamus, before, it was about beating you. You were meant to be only one chapter in the story of The Rise of The Kaiser. But now…! Now, it’s more than that. Now, I will make it my only goal to come back not only to beat you but to embarrass you, to humiliate you, and to end The Celtic Warrior once and for all.” Then when and where will the Impeccable German return to go after The Fella?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Priest asks if Finn is okay and he says yeah. Priest is glad Finn is okay, but seriously, at MITB, the guys have to stay out of this. Priest has to do this on his own. Understood? Finn says yeah. Priest goes to get Finn ice, but if Finn (not) fine with that?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Zoey Stark VS Dakota Kai VS Ivy Nile!
One final spot in the Women’s Ladder Match, one final chance to chase that career changing contract. Will The Hunter capture her prey? Will #CobraKai strike with no mercy? Or will the Diamond Pitbull sink her teeth into a golden ticket to Toronto?
Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance, followed by Ivy’s. The bell rings and Dakota DECKS Ivy! Zoey ROCKS Dakota, whips, but Dakota reverses. Zoey goes up and over to GAMANGIRI, but Ivy LARIATS Zoey! Cover, ONE!! Ivy runs at Dakota, Dakota dodges and trips Ivy up! Dakota spins Ivy on the apron to BOOT her! Dakota grins, but Zoey WRECKS Dakota with a dropkick! Zoey gets Dakota up and in, but Ivy DROPKICKS Zoey! Dakota ROCKS Ivy, brings her around, but Ivy shoves her. Ivy sees Zoey get up, so she KICK PUNCH COMBOS! The fans fire up as Ivy hits two targets at once!
Ivy whips Dakota to a corner, runs in, and DROPKICKS! Ivy keeps moving but Dakota follows Around the World to BOOT Ivy down! But then Zoey MISSILE DROPKICKS Dakota! Cover, TWO! Zoey glances up at the briefcase, the fans rally up, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Zoey has Ivy up top! But then Dakota joins in! They’re all up top, and Ivy turns things into a DOUBLE SUPER BULLDOG! All three women are down but Ivy rises and fires up! The fans rally, Ivy ELBOWS Dakota, runs Dakota over, then reels her in to whip. Ivy runs at the corner, DROPKICK! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Zoey is up, Ivy dodges her to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX for Zoey! Ivy gets Dakota up, suplexes, and the fans fire up! But Zoey gets in there to bring Dakota down! Dakota waistlocks Zoey, Ivy waistlocks Dakota! DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover on Dakota, TWO!
The fans fire up as all three women are down! Ivy grits her teeth, rises up, and she fires forearms with Dakota! Zoey CHOPS Ivy! Dakota ROCKS Zoey! Zoey ROCKS Dakota! Ivy kicks, Zoey blocks, then ducks, the DRAGON WHIP gets Dakota! Zoey GERMAN SUPLEXES Ivy! Cover, Dakota breaks it! The fans rally while Dakota drags Zoey up. Zoey ROCKS Dakota, Dakota SCORPION KICKS in return! Zoey rebounds to roll Dakota, KNEE TRIGGER! Ivy ROUNDHOUSES Zoey, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Zoey escapes and the fans rally! Ivy aims from a corner, runs in, but Zoey SUPERKICKS!
Zoey stands Ivy in, springboards, TORNADO DDT! Dakota runs up, KAI-ROPRACTOR!! Cover, Ivy breaks it!! The fans fire up as all three women are down again! But wait! Kairi sane is here! She distracts Ivy, then gets away! Dakota whips Ivy out to the apron, then DOUBLE STOMPS her down! But then Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn CLOBBER Kairi! Dakota is distracted by that, leaves Ivy behind but Zoey SUPERKICKS Dakota! Then Z 360!! Cover, Zoey wins!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
Damage CTRL tried to improve their chances but got got by the wicked witches! Now the Hunter is moving on to even bigger prey! Will she bring down the briefcase and become the new Miss MITB?
The VHS is ready…
This week’s tape starts up, and we’re back with Bo Dallas and Uncle Howdy in their mysterious space. “How much longer are we gonna keep doing this?” Howdy smirks, and Bo asks, “What’re we even doing here?” Howdy asks if Bo honestly believes this is what he should be doing with his life. Bo says he was destined for this life. Does Bo think he’s special? Special? That implies others are not special, that there are those who are less than. That there ware those who deserve to be forgotten. “We’re the ones that everyone wanted to forget about. We’re the ones that everybody abandoned. We made them notice us.”
Howdy says, “There you are.” Then how does Bo believe he can bring “them” to life? Bo says they weren’t chosen. Just willing. Clay in the hands of the potter. Died to the flesh to become something beautiful. They have become a family. “We’ve become a family.” Howdy smiles, and Bo says even now, there are false prophets, belittling their family for their own gain! It is disgusting…! “They must pay for their sins.” And Bo thinks this is his responsibility? Bo says he is the Voice of the Reckoning. Howdy IS the Reckoning. They both say, “I am nobody. I am all of this. I set you free. I fere them from the cave. I AM NOBODY! I gave them a family! I made them beautiful! I am all of them!
“I am the reckoning!” And then Howdy’s just gone… Bo says he set them free. Then Bo becomes Howdy. “There you are.” The tape ends, but just what has Bo brought to life?
Chad Gable finds Otis in catering.
Gable sits with Otis but Otis wants to leave. Gable asks he hold on. Did they see that new Wyatt video? It sounds like they’re talking about Gable. Gable doesn’t know who else to turn to. Gable knows he was critical of Otis and his… choices. Gable called him a disappointment, a failure, and a blubbering idiot, but look. Those were hurtful, and Otis surely hates Gable. Otis says he doesn’t hate Gable. But he is not helping Gable. This is not the Academy’s problem, it is Gable’s. Yes, that’s true, but they’re after Gable now. Who knows who is next. It could be Tozawa, Maxxine, and even Otis.
Gable just wants Otis to know, if that happens, Gable will be there. Gable will have their back. Otis is still Gable’s number one guy. Maxxine & Tozawa walk over, Maxxine asks if everything is okay. Gable says yeah, everything’s okay. Gable pats Otis on the shoulder then leaves. Maxxine & Tozawa put their hands on Otis’ shoulder now. Will The Academy be alright without Gable? Will Gable be alright without The Academy?
Rey Mysterio VS Dominik Mysterio!
We saw these two have it out earlier tonight, and we’ve seen them go back and forth for years now. Could this be the last time father and son fight it out? Or will this only escalate the family feud?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Dom wrenches and wristlocks but Rey rolls and handsprings. Rey wrenches, whips, but Dom reverses. Dom drops down then DROPKICKS Rey down! The fans boo but Dom soaks up the heat. Dom and Rey reset, circle, and tie up. Rey headlocks, Dom powers up and out, then drops down. Dom hurdles, but Rey stomps Dom’s dropdown! Rey dodges Dom’s lariat to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Dom bails out, Rey goes to the apron, and he FLYING RANAS Dom into barriers! Dom writhes, but Rey dusts himself off and “kicks dirt” at Dirty Dom, while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Dom has Rey in a corner. The fans boo as Dom whips but Rey reverses. Rey runs up but Dom pops Rey onto the ropes! Rey sputters, Dom drags him down to a cover, TWO! Dom is annoyed with the ref but his count was fair. Dom stomps Rey around, rains down fists, and the fans boo as he shouts, “I run this b*tch!” Dom goes back to Rey, drags him up and whips him to ropes. Dom UPPERCUTS Rey down, then covers, TWO! The fans rally for Rey but Dom stalks Rey. Dom slaps Rey around, talks trash, then stomps Rey in the corner. Dom digs his boots in, the ref counts, and Dom lets off.
The fans chant “SHAVE YOUR MUSTACHE!” like they did earlier, but Dom ignores them. Dom CHOPS Rey, whips him corner to corner hard, and Rey falls back! Dom taunts Rey, stands on his neck, but then has a cocky cover. ONE, and Dom argues with the ref. Dom stalks Rey to ropes, brings him around and whips him to another corner. Rey ELBOWS back! Dom comes back, Rey drop toeholds Dom into buckles! Rey drags Dom up by his mullet to dribble him off the buckle! The fans count along, Rey goes all the way to TEN! Dom staggers around, Rey goes up the corner! FLYING SEATED SENTON!
Rey keeps moving, he springboards to CROSSBODY! A hard hit and even Rey is a bit winded. Rey gets Dom up, whips, but Dom sunset flips! Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Rey says time to go up and the fans cheer again. But here comes Liv! She won’t let Rey hurt “her daddy,” but Rey says go away. Rey RAMS into Dom, slingshots and sunset flips, but Dom rolls through to CATAPULT, and BOSTON CRAB! Dom makes Rey suffer, but Rey fights his way forward! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Dom lets go, and Dom asks why Liv is here. Liv cheers Dom on and he goes back to Rey. Dom reels Rey in, to suplex!
Dom turns over, that’s Uno Amigo! The fans boo but Dom hits Dos Amigos! Dom gets Rey up again, for THREE- NO, Rey kicks free! Then he dropkicks Dom onto ropes! The fans fi reup, Rey dials up, but Liv drags Dom to safety! The fans boo and even Dom asks what she’s doing. But then Rey DROPKICKS Dom into Liv! They fall over on each other, and Liv is all smiles. Dom wants to get away but Liv holds him down! Rey drags Dom up by his mullet! Rey puts Dom in, Liv asks what he has against their love! Rey gets in the ring, Dom SUPERKICKS him! Dom reels Rey in, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Rey survives, and here comes Zelina! THESZ PRESS and fast hands on Liv! Liv and Zelina scrap, Zelina RAMS Liv into barriers! Dom DROPKICKS Rey onto ropes! Dom dials it up, 619!! Dom goes up a corner, but Zelina is there! Liv SHOVES Zelina down! But Zelina YANKS Liv down! That trips Dom up and he lands on his Dirty D! Rey runs in to 619 Dom while he’s upside-down! Dom flops down, Rey DROPS THE DIME! Cover, Rey wins!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
In quite the bit of karma, Liv meant to help Dom and she cost him! Liv promises she can fix this but Dom doesn’t wanna hear it. What will Liv do to make it up to Dom?
Sheamus speaks.
“Last night was officially 15 years since the impossible dream was achieved by a pale skinned, redheaded, chubby kid from North Dublin. I got to step inside a WWE ring. I go to fulfill my dream and prove every single one of my doubters wrong. I got to step in there with legends, travel the world, and actually make a living beating people up. And tonight, I get a shot at another dream, by potentially becoming a two-time Mr. Money in the Bank. When I step in there with Ilja Dragunov and Drew McIntyre, two of the hardest hitting superstars in the WWE, make no mistake about it. This is going to be a war.
“Let’s talk about Ilja, too. A hungry young superstar from Russia, that reminds me of Sheamus 15 years ago, who’s tearing the place up. And Drew McIntyre, my so-called best mate who I know like the back of my hand, who’s constantly sticking his nose in my business. Friends like him, who needs enemies, yeah? Well, 15 years. Still as hungry as ever, and still putting on banger after banger! But tonight, I take one step closer to becoming World Heavyweight Champion for a fifth time when I qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match.” Sheamus gives a wink, but will the Luck of the Irish help him through the Russian and the Scotsman in his way?
Sami Zayn is here!
The fans fire up as the WWE Intercontinental Champion makes his way to the ring. He knows his match with Bron Breakker for that title is coming, what will he have to say about it? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Sami gets a mic. But instead of being in the ring, he is on the steel steps as he hears the fans chant his name. Sami says he feels pretty good here in Boston. It feels good to walk back into this arena as THE Intercontinental Champion! Sami now steps into the ring and says when he won this title, he said he wanted to defend it against anyone, anytime. And we know the next challenge is set: MITB, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker. Sami isn’t stupid. He hears the buzz and the chatter. It seems like a lot of people think Bron is going to run right through Sami.
And Sami gets it! He gets why people think that. Bron is an athletic freak, strong as hell, fast as hell, and is breaking guys in half every other week! So Sami will say this as plainly as he can just to make sure he is not misunderstood: Sami is going to beat Bron Breakker at MITB! The fans cheer, and Sami says he takes nothing away from Bron Breakker. But then here comes Bron Breakker! Bron gets himself a mic then steps into the ring with Sami. The fans bark and Bron tells Sami, “You gained a little bit of my respect last week, because everyone else back there is afraid of me. They see me coming in the hallway, they turn around, they go the other direction.
“But not you. You actually came to find me, and challenged me to a fight! You gave me an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship. Which tells me two things. One: you got guts. Two: you have no idea what you’re in for.” The fans bark again, and Bron says this Saturday, all the respect goes out the window. Because in this ring, Bron will beat Sami down, decimate him, and become the NEW Intercontinental Champion! Sami says, “Do you know how many guys have said that they’re gonna beat me down? That they’re gonna break me in half? Do you know how many times, how many guys have done that?”
Sami’s been beaten and broken a thousand times, and a thousand times, Sami puts himself back together. That is the difference between him and these other guys Bron runs through. Sami gets back every single time, and if you don’t believe him, the proof is right here! Bron wants this? Good! Sami wants Bron to want this! To try his very best to take this from him! But if Sami really has to stand in this ring and tell Bron who Sami is, that tells Sami that Bron hasn’t done his homework. Maybe Bron isn’t as smart as he thinks he is. And maybe, just maybe, Bron isn’t as good as he thinks he is. Sami will see you at MITB.
The fans cheer, Bron nods and backs away, to then run up and SPEAR!! The fans are torn between booing and barking, and Bron stands over Sami. Will Bron do that all over again when the title is on the line? Or will this just be the 1001st time Sami puts himself back together to come out on top? Wait, Bron sees Sami get out of the ring. And he runs in around the way! But then Sami hurdles over Bron, and Bron rams himself into steel steps!! The fans are thunderous and losing their minds as Bron stands up again. Sami fires off on Bron, SMACKS him off the desk, then rains down fists! Bron gets loose, gets back in the ring, then runs up! But into a CORNER EXPLODER!
The fans fire up as Sami now takes aim from a corner! Sami runs in at Bron, but into a SPEAR!! Bron rips his shirt off and throws it away! Even after Sami retaliated, he still got devastated! Bron picks up the belt to hold it over Sami, will this be what we see on Saturday?
Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.
Cathy Kelley points out that Dakota could not secure her spot in the MITB ladder match, does this impact Iyo Sky’s preparations at all? Dakota says no, not at all. The plan stays the same. Iyo wills till win the MITB briefcase, and Dakota is so sick and tired of people getting involved in DMG CTRL business! Alba, Isla, and speak of the devil, it’s Lyra. The Morrigan says they’re so confident when it’s all three together. But they can’t climb the ladder for Iyo. Lyra will just get up there faster and take the contract. Dakota says no, because Lyra won’t even make it to MITB! But then Katana & Kayden attack! The six women brawl, but producers and refs rush in!
Adam Pearce shouts for everyone to stop, but clearly there are rising tensions in the Raw Women’s Division! What will it take to settle the score Lyra & KC Squared have with DMG CTRL?
Ilja Dragunov speaks.
“The Money in the Bank contract can take you from the dirty grounds straight to the top of the mountain. And I know everything about fighting from the bottom. To grit my teeth, endure it and suffer on my way to the top. So now it’s my time to breathe the air of a new level. Because a career can be short, especially when animals like Bron Breakker are trying to end you. But this revenge is a story of a different day. Because tonight, I will fight you, Drew. I will fight you, Sheamus. And I will win, go to Toronto on Saturday, and win the MITB ladder match, or… Die trying.”
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus VS Ilja Dragunov!
We’ve heard from the Scottish Terminator, the Celtic Warrior and the Mad Dragon of Russia, but only one man’s brand of brutality can win out! Who stands tall to capture that final spot in the Men’s MITB Ladder Match?
Raw returns and Dragunov makes his entrance, followed by Sheamus. Sheamus and McIntyre stare down, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. McIntyre and Sheamus talk some trash, but Dragunov storms up. McIntyre just pushes him away! Dragunov gets mad, storms back up, but McIntyre shoves him away again! Sheamus and McIntyre still argue, but then Dragunov JUMP KICKS McIntyre down! Dragunov tells McIntyre not to disrespect him! Sheamus and Dragunov lock eyes now and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Dragunov waistlocks, only for Sheamus to throw him away.
The two tie up again, Sheamus shoves Dragunov but Dragunov BOOST Sheamus! Sheamus rebounds to LARIAT! Sheamus scoops Dragunov, but Dragunov slips free to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! Sheamus CHOPS, shoves Dragunov, but Dragunov BOOTS Sheamus! Dragunov CHOPS Sheamus in the corner, CHOPS again, then MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Dragunov BOOTS Sheamus down, digs his boot in then scrapes Sheamus’ face! And he scrapes Sheamus again! Dragunov goes side to side, but runs into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! McIntyre runs up, but also into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!
Sheamus BLASTS Dragunov off the apron, goes out after him, and brings him up. Sheamus UPPERCUTS Dragunov, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Sheamus! McIntyre TOSSES Sheamus into the front row! Dragunov CHOPS McIntyre! McIntyre scoops Dragunov, Dragunov slips free and POSTS McIntyre! Then Dragunov BOOTS McIntyre! Sheamus rises up behind McIntyre at the barriers! Sheamus clamps onto McIntyre for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along as Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, then keeps going! THIRTEEN and Sheamus lets off to fire up with his Boston Celtics fans, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and McIntyre has Sheamus. Sheamus fight sup to fire hands, then runs, but McIntyre CLOBBERS him! Dragunov is back and he ENZIGIRIS McIntyre! Dragunov fires boxing elbows but McIntyer RAMS Dragunov to a corner, to then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans rally up, McIntyre storms up on Dragunov for another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! McIntyre runs at Sheamus but Sheamus BOOTS him down! Sheamus then skins the cat to the top rope and fans fire up! Sheamus aims to FLYING LARIAT McIntyre down! All three men are down and the fans fire up more!
Sheamus and McIntyre rise up at center, Dragunov’s off to the side. Sheamus and McIntyre fire shots, LARIATS, and repeat! Dragunov CHOPS McIntyre, CHOPS Sheamus, repeat! McIntyre DECKS Dragunov but he springs up to PELE! Sheamus swings, misses, and Dragunov PELES again! Dragunov runs to KNEE Sheamus down! The fans fire up as Dragunov goes to a corner and climbs up. Dragunov aims at McIntyre to go COAST2COAST! Dragunov doesn’t stop there, he aims at Sheamus on the outside! H-BOMB to the floor! Dragunov hurries back to McIntyre, SUPER SENTON!! Dragunov goes corner to corner, RUNNING H-BOMB FOREARM!! Cover, TWO?!?!
McIntyre survives and Dragunov is beside himself! Dragunov fires up but Sheamus drags him out! Sheamus then whips Dragunov into barriers! The Fella sees McIntyre all alone now, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more, and McIntyre has Sheamus up top. But then Dragunov adds on! The fans fire up for the SUPER GERMAN SUPERPLEX COMBO!! All three men are down and the fans lose their minds! Dragunov covers McIntyre, TWO! Cover on Sheamus, TWO!! Dragunov is beside himself but the fans say “This is Awesome!” Dragunov goes after Sheamus but Sheamus elbows free. Sheamus whips, but Dragunov hits the CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Dragunov then rolls his way to a corner and aims at McIntyre! “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!” But the GLASGOW KISS hits first!! McIntyre aims now, “Three! Two! One!”
TORPEDO MOSCOW!! But then McIntyre tumbles all the way out of the ring! Dragunov is frustrated but he hurries out to the apron. Sheamus is back and Dragunov goes up! COAST2- BROGUE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Dragunov survives and Sheamus can’t believe it! TD Garden fires up with Sheamus as he resets in a corner! Sheamus beats his chest, the fans fire up, BROGUE!!! Cover, McIntyre drags Dragunov outta there! Just to TOSS him over the barriers! Sheamus and McIntyre stare down, it was always gonna come down to these two. The fans are thunderous as McIntyre steps in, and they start throwing haymakers!
The fans fire up, McIntyre ROCKS Sheamus then runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Sheamus puts McIntyre on the apron, and gives him MORE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! TEN this round, and then Sheamus aims! BRO- NO! McIntyre rolls Sheamus up, TWO!! KNEE CAPPER! Sheamus runs, into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Scottish Terminator continues on his path of redemption with this massive victory! Cathy Kelley interviews McIntyre in the ring, congratulating him on the win. McIntyre says he told us all he’d win this war, and that is what he did! Ready for more truths? McIntyre is walking into MITB this Saturday, and he is leaving Toronto the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! His mission is clear, but will McIntyre succeed and finally, truly, have his moment?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home for Raw to finalize things for MITB while still giving us great stuff for beyond that. More great stuff from the Judgment Day story. Priest catching Dom in his little lie was a good detail, and it gives the sense that Dom is starting to turn towards Liv in this raunchy little romcom. Dom of course plays a factor in Liv retaining her title, but nice turnaround as Liv then costs Dom against Rey. We might get a Mixed Tag out of that story at some point. Meanwhile, there’s tension growing between Finn and Priest over this “gentlemen’s agreement” Priest made with Rollins. Finn of course tries to still do things the Heel way but Priest wants to be honorable, which gets Finn beat up but Priest still stands tall. That go-home math makes me think that as far as Priest VS Rollins goes, Rollins finds a way to win.
With that, there’s a lot of moving parts in the MITB stories. Great promo to open with Jey and Gable each pointing a finger as to why The Wyatt Sick6 are targeting people, and that was a great way to bring out said Wyatt Sick6. Gable is definitely their prime target, and it was a good detail of him to again go scurrying back to Otis. Good on Otis to stay firm and say no, but Gable is doing that textbook toxic relationship thing where he promises to be better next time. I could see there being a Six Man Tag or even a Mixed Tag coming out of this, it’d make for a great way to get the Wyatt Sick6 going as in-ring talent again.
Another great promo from Bo as both himself and Uncle Howdy, who are of course revealed to be one in the same. This was a great continuation of last week, with the origins of this new Wyatt family being explained as a way for Bo to not only keep Bray’s legacy going, but for all the different superstars playing the parts of Mercy, Ramblin’ Rabbit, Huskus and Abby to keep their careers alive. Great promo segment from Sami and Bron, and Bron standing tall after three big impact moves back and forth was some good stuff. That indicates that Sami somehow survives Bron to retain. He already got Bron to “OLE” into steel steps, maybe he does that but with buckles in the ring to lead to a Helluva Kick.
Good match from Woods VS Kross but of course The Final Testament found a way to help Kross win that. That makes New Day 0-2 right now, and it feels like they need that missing piece back. Now, Big E may not be anywhere near cleared to wrestle, but he’s been traveling to do kickoff shows, so why not have him give his boys a pep talk so they can take the fight back to Final Testament? I think everyone would love that. Great Women’s Triple Threat tonight, especially with how it fed the other stories in the Raw Women’s Division. Zoey gets in because, well, she’s likely not winning but she’ll get a great showing. And then we got a very good brawl to set up a Six Woman Tag, DMG CTRL VS Lyra & KC Squared, though oddly Lyra, Alba & Isla makes a more logical trio to me.
And after some great promos to hype up the main event (including one where Kaiser gives as an injury update on his broken ribs; get well soon, Kaiser), we got an awesome main event Triple Threat. Dragunov got a great showing, but just as the match played out, it was very fitting Sheamus and McIntyre fought it out to finish. McIntyre winning was the right move, the clear move, and now there’s some real drama going into the ladder match. Sheamus will be fine, he can back track to the Intercontinental Championship because that’s still the one thing he needs to finish his checklist. But McIntyre could either win MITB, or get screwed by not just Punk but maybe even Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, as she wants her own payback for McIntyre making it so, so personal.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Time for a Beach Break!
Will Ospreay may not be AEW World Champion, but he’s still a fighting champion and man of his word. But will he still be champion after facing Daniel Garcia?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2024 Men’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal: Bryan Danielson VS PAC; Bryan wins and advances.
- 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal: Willow Nightingale VS Kris Statlander; Willow wins and advances.
- Six Man Tag: Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata VS The Cage of Agony; Joe, Hook & Shibata win.
- 2024 Men’s Owen Hart Cup Quarterfinal: Jeff Jarrett VS Wild Card; Hangman Adam Page wins and advances.
- AEW International Champion: Will Ospreay VS Daniel Garcia; Ospreay wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Renee Paquette welcomes us to the show.
She says AEW Dynamite is live from the heart of Chicago, Illinois, with an incredible show lined up. With that said, welcome the man who is quickly becoming the backbone of AEW, Daniel Garcia. Matthew Menard is with Garcia and fired up for him. Renee says tonight is huge for Garcia, as he could become the NEW International Champion, if he defeats Will Ospreay. How much pressure is he feeling? Garcia says he knows pressure, he and Menard are no strangers to it. They felt pressure from the first day they stepped into AEW together. But he’d be lying if he said this was anything but the most important night in his career.
Garcia tells Ospreay that he respects everything about Ospreay. Garcia respects Ospreay’s work, his motivation, and what he wants to do for AEW. But Garcia made a promise to himself and everyone around him, that he is not losing this. He puts that on his mother’s life, he promises that. And then MJF steps in! MJF applauds and says that is the winning attitude right there that will beat Will Ospreay. Garcia says he just wanted to ask MJF what MJF asked him, their match at All In Wembley. MJF says no, brother, hold on. Focus on one thing at a time. Tonight is about Garcia winning in the main event.
But MJF does have another question. He wants to be in Garcia’s corner. How does that sound? Garcia says he’ll see MJF out there! Garcia and MJF fist bump and then Garcia heads out. Menard tells MJF that he was wary of MJF still. But after everything MJF’s done for Garcia, MJF is alright by him. Menard and MJF shake on it and they both head out, will they both be there for Garcia’s big moment?
2024 Men’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal: Bryan Danielson VS PAC!
The American Dragon was able to slay the Rampaging Dragon, Shingo Takagi, but now he runs into The Bastard! Will Bryan keep up the momentum and already be through to the finals in Calgary? Or will Pac be just one step away from holding up the Cup?
The bell rings and the fans already lose their minds seeing this. Bryan and Pac circle, tie up, and Pac headlocks for a takeover. Bryan headscissors, Pac kips free, and the two reset. Pac and Bryan circle, feel things out, and tie up. Bryan spins Pac to wrench an arm and wrangle Pac down, but Pac headscissors. Bryan kips free, and the two reset again. The fans cheer for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Bryan and Pac circle. They knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder for a test of strength. They even go forehead to forehead. Pac kicks, wrenches, but Bryan rolls and hooks a leg. Pac fights the takedown but Bryan chinbars.
Pac wrenches again to a wristlock and Bryan drops to his knees. Bryan fights up, the fans say “This is Wrestling!” Bryan rolls, bridges, then stands to wrench back. Bryan wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS, then wrenches again. Pac endures as Bryan twists the wrist and pushes the elbow, but Pac moves around. Pac uses ropes to flip through, then he powers out to arm-drag! Bryan arm-drags back! Pac sweeps legs, covers, ONE! Pac then handsprings over Bryan’s leg sweep! The fans fire up and Pac DROPKICKS Bryan! Bryan is surprised by all that, but he shakes it off and stands back up. The fans duel as the two reset.
Bryan and Pac take a moment to catch their breaths, and they go again. Pac and Bryan go around as the fans agree they like “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” Pac puts Bryan in a corner, then CHOPS! Pac CHOPS again and Bryan staggers away. Pac storms up but Bryan CHOPS him back! And CHOPS again! Bryan whips, Pac goes up and over, and handsprings away! Pac eggs Bryan on so Bryan runs in, but Pac sidesteps. Now Bryan goes up and over! Bryan keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges but then Pac ducks ‘n’ dodges! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans are thunderous while both men are down!
Bryan shakes his arms out while fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” But this is also the opening match, it has to end somehow. Bryan storms up on Pac, but Pac fires forearms! Bryan UPPERCUTS, Pac fires another forearm! UPPERCUT! FOREARM! Repeat! Bryan UPPERCUTS again and again, but Pac DECKS him! Bryan goes to ropes, the ref checks him but Pac just fires off! The ref backs Pac off while fans boo. Pac jukes to BOOT Bryan down! Bryan bails out but Pac pursues! TOP ROPE ASAI MOONSAULT! Pac takes Bryan down but puts him back in while fans go wild! BRUTALIZER!! Bryan endures and fans rally as Pac pulls on the hold!
Bryan fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Pac holds until 4, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Pac seethes and paces around before he goes after Bryan. Pac digs his boot in, the ref counts as they’re in the ropes, and Pac lets off. Bryan again clutches his shoulder but Pac drags him around. Pac bumps Bryan off buckles, CHOPS him, then stands Bryan up. Pac TOSSES Bryan out, goes out after him, and CHPOS Bryan against railing! The fans fire up while Pac brings Bryan around. Pac CHOPS Bryan against the desk! Bryan staggers away, Pac has him against the barriers, and CHOSPS! Bryan staggers away and slides into the ring, but Pac pursues again. Pac stomps Bryan at the ropes, then stands on his neck!
The ref counts, Pac steps off, and Bryan drags himself to a corner. Pac taunts Bryan, soaks up the cheers and jeers, but he still waits on Bryan to stand up. Pac BOOTS Bryan in the corner! Snapmare and cover, TWO! Pac is frustrated with Bryan as he paces around him. Pac taunts Bryan, and Beach Break returns to single picture as Pac KICKS Bryan in the chest! Pac mocks the “Yes!” then KICKS! “Yes!” KICK! Bryan snarls as Pac KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Pac then fires forearms but Bryan fires back! The forearms keep going and Bryan gets the edge! Bryan wrenches to ELBOW BREAKER! Bryan then runs, but Pac sidesteps to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Bryan lands out!
Bryan ROUNDHOUSES Pac and both men are down! The fans fire up for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” making this match possible. Bryan snarls, rises up, and he KICKS Pac now! And KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan winds up, but Pac ducks then bails out! So Bryan builds speed! Pac avoids the baseball slide, but Bryan adjusts on the apron. FLYING KNEE! The fans fire up as Pac goes down! Bryan huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he drags Pac into a corner. Bryan KICKS Pac against railing again and again! The ref wants this in the ring but Bryan backs off. Bryan just runs back in, but into a SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up again while both men are down. Pac stands, but he goes onto the railing! Pac aims to MACHO ELBOW on the floor! Pac then gets Bryan in the ring, and he springboards for another MACHO ELBOW! Bryan hobbles up, Pac gut wrenches, and TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVERS!! Cover, TWO?!? Bryan survives but Pac covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Pac is pissed but the ref says the count is the count. Pac drags Bryan up but Bryan wrangles Pac into the LEBELL LOCK!! Pac is stuck, Bryan pulls on the hold, but Pac powers his way over! Pac reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Bryan lets go.
The fans rally up, still wanting these two to “FIGHT FOREVER!” Bryan CHOPS, KICKS and repeat! Then he runs corner to corner, but Pac follows to UPPERCUT! Pac runs but now Bryan follows, to DROPKICK! Both men fall but Bryan fires himself up! Bryan goes to the apron and the fans rally up. Pac crawls, Bryan climbs, and then Pac stands. Pac turns around, and he hits the ropes! Bryan falls onto his Yes Movement, and Pac goes up top to get him! SUPER DUPER BRAINBUSTER!! The fans are thunderous again and Pac crawls to the cover, TWO?!?! Bryan survives and Pac is furious! Pac drags Bryan into the drop zone, then climbs up!
The fans fire up as Pac aims, for the BLACK ARROW FLOP!! Bryan avoids disaster and the “YES! YES! YES!” wills him to his feet! Bryan runs in to BUSAIKU KNEE!! But Bryan can’t make the cover! Bryan and Pac both flounder around, and Bryan claws his way over! Bryan manages to cover, TWO!! INTO THE BRUTALIZER!! Bryan is caught and Pac even turns him over!! Bryan endures, kicks around, manages to push things back to a cover, TWO!!! Pac lets go but Bryan has the arm! Omoplata, LEBELL LOCK!!! Pac pushes it to a cover, TWO! Bryan ghost pins, BRYAN WINS!!
Winner: Bryan Danielson, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Chicago crowd gives this a standing ovation! And though he’s through to the finals, Bryan still gets checked by Doc Sampson. Will Bryan be alright to then fight for the Cup in Calgary?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee is with the 2023 Queen of Harts and says she is moments away from another Women’s Owen Hart Cup match. However, this is more than that, as she is facing her former best friend, Kris Statlander. This grudge match leads to the finals of the 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Cup, what is going through Willow’s mind right now? Willow reminds us of her catchphrase, “Nothing Matters, Smile Anyway.” She says it all the time, it is her mantra. She doesn’t just say it cuz it looks good on a shirt. It does, but that’s not the point. Willow lives by those words. Life can be so miserable, and Willow could just curl up into a ball and cry herself to sleep if she didn’t look on the bright side.
That catchphrase is the only real defense she has against this world that is full of pain and suffering. Willow does that for herself and for her fans. But Kris Statlander, Stokely Hathaway… Those two mock Willow because they don’t know anything about that, so they just laugh at Willow. Because that saying is for all the hard working people who never get any bit of appreciation. That saying is for Willow’s real friends. For the one fighting through depression, has the devil in his bloodstream, but is fighting and looking for light day after day just to make it to the next day.
That saying is for the little girl who wanted to become one of the best pro-wrestlers in the world. Sure, she got knocked down, but she got back up again. She may have lost her beloved TBS Championship, but she gave it the fight of her life! And so now opportunity is in front of her, and she will kick down that door and become the first-ever TWO TIME Owen Hart Cup winner! And she’ll go to Wembley and become the AEW Women’s World Champion! Willow is heading to the ring, she’ll kick Kris’ butt, and then make it all happen! Why? Because nothing matters, so smile anyway!
The Babe with the Power has that fire inside, will she use it to burn down the Galaxy’s Greatest Traitor?
Mark Briscoe is here!
The ROH World Champion asks Chicago, “What’s going on, baby? Now I come here tonight representing the baddest tag team this planet has ever seen, The Briscoe Brothers, AKA Dem Boys!” The fans cheer that, and chant for “DEM BOYS! DEM BOYS!” Mark continues to say that he is “Chicken,” but don’t get it twisted. He ain’t scared o’ s*it! Now, last week, Mark was within inches of becoming TNT Champion, but Jack Perry must’ve ate an extra bowl of Lucky Charms, and then shoved a horseshoe up his ass! Jack came out victorious at Forbidden Door. But that was last week! Mark ain’t worried about last week! He’s worried about this week, dammit!
And this week, is SHARK WEEK! The fans cheer that, and Mark says when he thinks of sharks, he thinks of blood. And when he thinks of blood, he thinks of Blood & Guts! And when he thinks of Blood & Guts, he thinks of three weeks from tonight, July 24th in Nashville, Tennessee! Team AEW VS The Elite! And right here, right now, Mark declares himself part of Team AEW! The fans love that! Mark says those boys don’t know what violence is! They don’t know what Blood & Guts is! But wait! Jack Perry slides in from outta nowhere to CLOBBER Mark with the TNT title! The fans boo as The Scapegoat stands tall over Chicken!
Kyle O’Reilly runs in outta nowhere, and he KICKS Jack down! Kyle fires off forearms on Jack in a corner, and the fans are thunderous! But then here comes Kazuchika Okada! He drags Kyle away from Jack, to ripcord and RAINMAKER!! The fans boo as Okada grins. Then Okada and Jack start beating down on Kyle and Mark, and then The Young Bucks walk out here, applauding their teammates while soaking up the heat. Matthew & Nicholas then sit Mark up for an E V P TRIGGER!! The AEW World Tag Team Champions stand tall alongside the TNT and Continental Champions, but then here comes The Acclaimed!
The fans fire up as Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn run off The Elite! The Elite run away now that things aren’t 4v2! But with Blood & Guts on the horizon, will four more men step up to put The Elite in their place?
Backstage interview with Toni Storm, Mariah May & Luther.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion, her protege and her butler, and congratulates them on their big wins at Forbidden Door. Storm says yes, and congrats to Renee on, uh, being there that night. Renee brings up that on Rampage, it will be Mariah May VS Hikaru Shida in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup semifinals, and Shida is very confident. How is Mariah feeling? Mariah is about to speak but Storm tells her to be ready. Shida is dangerous! The last person Storm would want to face. If Mariah loses, Storm will still love her.
But remember one thing: You are Storm’s Mariah May! Storm will be in Mariah’s corner, and Mina Shirakawa watching via satellite. Mariah will digest thunder and defecate lightning, there is nothing that can stop her! Renee wants to point out that if Mariah wins the whole tournament- Storm says baby steps, Renee, baby steps. And this baby is gonna step all over Shida! Now go ahead, say the line. Mariah looks to camera and says chin up, tits out, and watch for the SHOE~! Storm says “That’s my girl!” They hug, but Luther is getting a headache. Will Mariah make Storm proud by taking down the Shining Samurai? Or will Shida flip the script on their little story?
2024 Women’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal: Willow Nightingale VS Kris Statlander!
We heard from the Babe with the Power, and now she’s gonna put her money where her smile is! Will she avenge herself from that betrayal months ago? Or will the Galaxy’s Greatest Traitor just add insult to injury?
As Willow makes her entrance, Kris runs up the ramp! They brawl, the fans fire up, and then Kris ROCKS Willow! Kris swings, Willow dodges, and she comes back to POUNCE~! Kris tumbles all the way down the ramp and back to ringside! The fans are thunderous, Stokely is freaking out, but Willow storms right down after Kris. Willow stands Kris up to SMACK her off the apron again and again and again! The fans are loving it but the ref wants this in the ring. Willow brings Kris around, and she snap suplexes Kris to the floor! Willow stalks Kris as she crawls away, and she puts Kris in the ring. Willow follows, and now the bell rings!
Willow pushes Kris down and covers, TWO! Willow stands Kris up to ROCK her, CLUB her, then CHOP her! Kris falls over, the fans rally for Willow as she SMACKS Kris off buckles again and again and again! Willow roars, the fans fire up, and she brings Kris up, but Kris CLAWS eyes! Kris goes up and up and FLYING BACK ELBOWS! Kris seethes, stands up again, and the fans duel as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Kris fires off on Willow in a corner, CHOPS her, then huffs ‘n’ puffs as she stalks Willow to another corner. Kris throws Willow into a corner, fires off forearms, then snapmares to KICK Willow in the back! Cover, TWO! Willow toughs it out but Kris stalks her. Kris gets Willow up, Willow fires body shots, but Kris CLUBS Willow down! Willow goes to ropes, Kris brings her around to bump off buckles. Kris digs her boot in, the ref counts, but Kris lets off to CHOP! Kris whips corner to corner hard, and Willow falls to the mat! Kris soaks up the heat, drags Willow back up, and whips her hard into another corner!
Willow falls over again, but Kris stands her right back up. Kris whips Willow into yet another corner, but Willow comes back to LARIAT! Kris stands, into another LARIAT! And another LARIAT! Willow scoops, Kris slips free and ROUNDHOUSES Willow down! Cover, TWO! Kris is frustrated but she clamps onto Willow with a headscissor squeeze. Willow endures, fights around, but Kris shifts into a SLEEPER! Willow endures, even as Kris keeps her from ropes. Kris goes for body scissors but Willow pushes back to a cover! TWO!! Kris lets go in time, but she HAMMERS away on Willow’s neck and shoulders!
Kris goes back to the SLEEPER! Willow fights up, snapmares free, and CHOPS Kris right down! Kris goes to a corner, Willow roars and runs in to BACK BODY BLCOK! Beach Break returns to single picture as Willow fires point-blank LARIAT after LARIAT! Willow snapmares Kris, runs up and BOOTS her! The fans fire up with Willow and she hauls Kris up. Willow whips, Kris reverses but Willow reverses back! Kris ends up on the apron, Willow storms after her, but Kris HOTSHOTS her! Kris then drags Willow to the apron, SLAPS her, but that pisses Willow off! Willow ROCKS Kris with forearm after forearm, but Kris gets around her!
Kris waistlocks but Willow holds ropes! The fans fire up as Willow throws elbows. Kris lets go and falls to the floor! Stoke panics again but Willow grits her teeth. Willow then smiles, because Stoke better move! CANNONBALL onto Kris! The fans fire up and Willow puts Kris in. Willow goes up, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Willow then runs up to LARIAT Kris inside-out! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Stokely is relieved. Stoke is even thanking God for the miracle! Willow hauls Kris up but Kris fights the gut wrench! Kris wrenches, mule kicks, and runs to SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives but Kris hurries to get her up!
Kris GERMAN SUPLEXES! A rough one but Willow still stands. Kris waistlocks again but Willow fights with elbows. Kris CLUBS Willow, runs to go up and up, but Willow CLUBS Kris! Willow climbs, waistlocks, and then SUPER GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Kris gets folded up and the fans are thunderous! Willow aims from a corner, and climbs again! Kris UPPERCUTS first! Kris runs side to side to HELLUVA KICK! Scoop and tuck, but Willow victory rolls! TWO, Kris has it, TWO! Both women stand, DISCUS- NO, Willow gets under to fireman’s carry! Kris slips free to ROCK Willow! Fireman’s carry, F5!! Cover, TWO?!?!
The fans are thunderous, Kris is shocked, and Stokely is steaming! Kris argues with the ref but Stokely goes looking for something. Stokely brings out the steel chain! He sets that in a corner, then he distracts the ref so Kris can fetch the chain! Willow grabs at Stokely, Kris wraps her fist with steel, then she runs up! But Willow dodges! Kris keeps from decking Stokely! Willow then rolls Kris up, AND WINS!!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Willow has her saying, but it seems the phrase, “Cheaters Never Prosper” is also true! The 2023 Queen of Harts is back in the finals, will she finish strong by becoming a back-to-back Owen Hart Cup winner?
Backstage interview with Team Triple J.
Renee is now with Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett, Satnam Singh, Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal. Renee says this is already an emotionally charged match for Double J, but she also notes the added pressure of not even knowing who his opponent is tonight. How has Jarrett prepared? Jarrett doesn’t answer, he just heads out. Karen & Satnam go with Jeff, and Lethal says that the important thing is, Jarrett has never been more prepared for anything in his entire life. That is because tonight is about more than just a match for Jarrett. Tonight is about honoring one of his best friends ever in Owen Hart. Will the Last Outlaw be able to do just that, no matter who is dealt as the Wild Card?
Tony Schiavone is in the ring.
He welcomes us back to Dynamite: Beach Break, and he says there’s a reason AEW keeps coming back to Chicago. That is because some of the best wrestling fans are right here in the Windy City. The fans cheer that! Schiavone now welcomes back to Dynamite, the one and only Dr. Britt Baker, DMD! The fans cheer as the former AEW Women’s World Champion makes her way out to the ring, after surprising everyone by showing up at Forbidden Door. Britt and Schiavone hug for their reunion, and then Schiavone lets Britt have the mic and the ring to herself. The fans chant “Welcome Back!” and “D M D!” for Britt.
Britt says damn, she missed the fans. She thought way too long and way too hard about what she was going to say her first time back, but then she told herself, “Britt, shut the hell up, stop thinking.” So she’ll just talk to us if that’s okay. The fans cheer that! Britt wants to talk about three things we all have in life: a past, a present and a future. The past is our lesson. The present is our gift. And our future is our motivation. Let’s start with the past. For the last ten months, Britt is sure many have wondered where she’s been. And any time that question was asked, the answer was: “She’s injured.” Well, yeah.
But Britt knows the fans know her, and that it’d take more than something like a couple herniated disks and torn hip labrum to keep her from AEW. But back in November, Britt was physically banged up, sure. And mentally, she was running on empty. But every time she looked in the mirror, she said, “I’m good.” Until one day, she wasn’t. Because one day, she started feeling really sick. And the room was spinning. Her vision was blurry. And her right arm was tingling and numb, it just didn’t feel right. Britt kept saying she was good. She tried opening a bottle of water, and she couldn’t. Her entire right side just stopped working.
To sum it all up, Britt spent a week in the hospital with the diagnosis of a TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack. The doctors explained that it meant her brain was not getting enough blood for that moment, and that is a major warming sign for a stroke, to the point that those are nicknamed, “Ministrokes.” And in that moment, Britt realized she is NOT good. She told Tony Khan she had to stay home, get herself right, and TK said okay, just let him know when she’s good. The fans cheer that, and Britt now jumps to the present. She is here, she is cleared and she is healthy. But…! She has to be honest, in her entire wrestling career, she was never more nervous than Sunday night, Forbidden Door.
And why was that? All she did was stand on the ramp, right? But… She was never more unsure of herself. She never doubted herself more, because she wasn’t sure anyone was gonna give a damn. The fans cheer and say “We love you, Britt!” Britt says that cheering is because they’ve all felt that. They all know the fear of rejection. It is irrational at times, but it is persistent. That fear is worse than the actual rejection. But vulnerability is showing up even when you have no control over what’s gonna happen. Sunday night, when Britt needed pro-wrestling and All Elite Wrestling the most, when she needed the fans, they welcomed her back with opened arms and chants of DMD!
For that, Britt will always, always be in their corner. Because in the end, Britt’s just like one of them, and she means that. Now, to the future, her motivation. When you are going through a hard time, just go through it. Be present, feel all of it, because if you do, it’ll make it that much better when you get to the other side. Because they all possess the impulse to be elite. And speaking of Elite… Britt has to say this, because she heard we have a new female face of AEW. The fans boo, but Britt says it must be so rewarding for this woman to call herself that after shedding blood, sweat and tears in this ring and building this company from the ground up! That must be great, right?
And CEO? Wow, those three letters, this woman must’ve worked and studied so hard for a decade to earn something like that. It is brilliant to manipulate the fanbase into chanting those letters by piping them into your theme song. But hey, guys, Britt doesn’t think they need music to tell our “new friend” the only three letters that matter are D M D! Wait, who is honking up a storm as they pull into the parking lot? Oh of course, out steps the now DOUBLE Champion, Mercedes Mone. The CEO is greeted by The EVPs, and they say that from the EVPs to the CEO, they want to congratulate her on winning both belts! Nick says this is a CEO they can support!
And hey, that championship celebration is ready. Then let’s go! Mone heads out and Matt tells production to get the ring ready. Props, decorations, go go go! Keep that energy up, and let’s have a great show! But that means they’re clearing Britt out…? The brightly colored balloons are brought out, and here comes Mone! The fans boo, and yet Britt is standing her ground in the ring, even as more balloons are poured in. Mone steps up, shows off both the TBS and NJPW Strong Women’s titles, then swaggers into the ring. Mone gets herself a mic, but the “D M D!” chants are drowning out the “C E O!” chants.
Mone says, “Uhhh… Oops! Britt, did I interrupt something? Because Chicagoooo~! It’s time to celebrate with your Double Champion, Mercedes Mone.” The fans boo but Britt says she gets it. Britt took Mone’s moment at Forbidden Door, so now Mone is doing the same thing back. Mone says what Britt does is so irrelevant. But if you wanna get real, let’s talk about it. Forbidden Door is the place, the PPV, that Mone made famous by becoming Double Champion. But Britt came out to take the spotlight. The fans chant STFU at Mone but that just amuses her. Because Mone wants Chicago and Britt to get a real good look at what a real star looks like.
The fans boo more but Britt says, “All In.” That’s what she wants. Britt was at the first All In right here in Chicago. And she was the first female to go All In on AEW by signing her name on the contract. Britt wrestled at All In last year in London, while Mone was lookin’ like a broke ass bitch with a broken leg! So Britt wants to face Mone at this year’s All In. Mone says talk to the hand, and then pie faces Britt with it. Mone tells Britt that she’s never broke. And since she is a DOUBLE Champion, there is a long list of girls waiting in the back. So Britt needs to get to the back of that line, B*TCH! Britt tells Mone, “What line?”
Mone says Britt is surely a fan, so she should know what comes next. There’s a price to pay when you mess with Mone! Mone holds up both belts, taunts Britt with them, but will Britt just snatch both of those away in one fell swoop?
Backstage interview with Will Ospreay & Kyle Fletcher.
Renee is now with The Aerial Assassin and Aussie Arrow, and she says tonight, Ospreay’s International Championship is on the line against Daniel Garcia. Ospreay was confident that he’d be walking in here with two titles, but that is clearly not the case. Mentally and physically, how is he feeling ahead of this match? Before Ospreay can answer, Don Callis walks in. Ospreay glares at the man who more or less cost him the world title, but Fletcher keeps him cool. Ospreay asks Renee and Fletcher to step aside so he and Callis can talk. Renee obliges, but Fletcher asks if he’s sure. Ospreay says yes, and Fletcher steps back.
Ospreay says Callis doesn’t have to say anything. Because really, it isn’t Callis’ fault. It is Ospreay’s fault. Ospreay’s the one who knocked out the ref, and he couldn’t bring the Tiger Driver out. Ospreay knows what Callis is going to say, about how he should’ve just done it. But Ospreay doesn’t think he’s that guy anymore. Last year, Callis gave Ospreay a match with Kenny Omega, and gave him the tools to defeat Omega. And when Ospreay thought things couldn’t get any better, Callis gave him Chris Jericho at All In Wembley. Ospreay’s life has changed dramatically, he owes Callis so much. There’s a loyalty to Callis for that.
But at the same time, Ospreay lost out on Sunday, and his heart broke. Ospreay wants out of the Don Callis Family, and for good this time. Fletcher is surprised, and Callis is a bit taken aback himself. Callis says he’s not normally in the habit of letting people out of agreements. But… Well, Callis is just so proud of Ospreay and what he’s done here. Calli sis happy to do Ospreay this favor. And maybe one day, Callis will ask Ospreay for a favor. They hug it out, and Callis says Ospreay will be world champion one day. Callis wishes Ospreay all the best tonight, then tells Fletcher to follow him. Fletcher is conflicted, but he obeys.
Will Fletcher ever get out from under the Don Callis Family’s thumb? Will Ospreay be able to hold onto the gold he has now that he’s flying solo?
Chris Jericho is here!
The Learning Tree makes his way out, a clipboard in hand, and security right behind him? Security stands in front of commentary, or more specifically, Taz, and Jericho gets as mic. “Hi, guys~!” The fans boo but Jericho says he wasn’t scheduled for a match, so he figured he could come out here and be a guest commentator. After all, Jericho just has to have his TV time, right? Jericho says on top of that, he had to talk about what Hook did on Sunday. Hook broke the cardinal sin of the wrestling business by stealing someone else’s signature move, namely Jericho’s Judas Effect. That is the ultimate sign of disrespect, and that doesn’t work for Jericho, brother.
Jericho says even worse than that was Taz! Taz is supposed to be an unbiased announcer, and he instead stands and claps for Hook like a mark! If anyone knows about gimmick infringement, it’s Taz. That is why Jericho talked with Matthew & Nicholas. If Jericho is going to be on commentary, he cannot be anywhere near Taz because he cannot trust Taz! The EVPs granted Jericho this executive order that says Taz is relieved of his commentary duties for the rest of this evening, AND Taz must vacate the premises immediately! The fans boo and commentary calls BS, but that’s why security is here.
Jericho shows the document, then says, “Thanks, guys! Bye, Taz~!” Taz is escorted away, and Jericho takes Taz’s seat, just in time for this next match!
Six Man Tag: Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata VS The Cage of Agony!
Well, speaking of Forbidden Door, the trio that beat down The Learning Tree is right back in action. Will the Samoan Submission Specialist, the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil & The Wrestler keep up their momentum? Or will The Machine, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona reestablish their dominance in the trios division?
The teams sort out and the fans chant for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” as he starts against Liona. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Liona fires forearms but Joe gives those back! Joe runs, but Liona ELBOWS Joe down! Liona gets Joe up, fires body shot after body shot, and fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Liona has Joe against ropes as he fires more shots, but the ref reprimands. Liona whips, Joe reverses to CHOP! And CHOP! And JAB! JAB! JAB! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Joe runs corner to corner to ELBOW and PELE! Liona staggers, tags out to Brian Cage, but Shibata tags right in! The fans fire up as these two circle now.
Cage swings, Shibata dodges and comes back to KNEE low! Shibata bumps and BOOTS Cage, then fires off forearms in the corner! Cage sits down, Shibata goes corner to corner, but Cage gets up to CLOBBER Shibata! Cage then waistlocks Shibata, but Shibata leg capture for a toehold, HEEL HOOK! Cage has the ROPEBREAK, but Shibata drags him away! Hook tags in, they split the wishbone! Hook gets Cage up but Cage RAMS Hook into the corner! Kaun tags in, he stomps away on Hook. Kaun CHOPS Hook, whips corner to corner, but Hook reverses. Kaun reverses back then SPLASHES!
Kaun puts Hook on the apron, to HOTSHOT him down! Hook staggers back up, but Kaun BOOTS him down! Jericho says, “Hi, guys~!” as Hook flounders nearby, and Liona storms up to RAM Hook into barriers! Hook flounders some more as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Liona sits Hook in a corner, rains down fists, then CHOKES Hook! The ref counts, Liona lets off but then drags Hook into the ring. Liona storms up to knees Hook low. Liona tags Kaun, scoop SLAMS Hook, and then Kaun slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Kaun stalks Hook, gets him up, and scoops to fireman’s carry. Hook slips free, hot tag to Shibata! Shibata CHOPS Kaun, Kaun CHOSP back! They CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, then Shibata CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Shibata fires CHOP after CHOP against the ropes, then lets off to whip. Kaun reverses but Shibata holds ropes. Kaun runs to slide and trip Shibata up!
Kaun spins Shibata around on the apron, and Liona APRON SENTONS! The ref reprimands but Liona just smiles. Shibata flops to the floor, Kaun drags him back up and puts him back in. Cover, TWO! Shibata toughs it out but Kaun tags Cage. Cage drags Shibata up, whips him to ropes, then ELBOWS him down! Cage KICKS Shibata in the back, then puts him in the corner. Tag to Liona and they stomp a mudhole into Shibata! Liona then scoops Shibata to SLAM him, and runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Beach Break returns to single picture as Liona clamps on with a neck wrench. The fans rally as Shibata endures.
Shibata fights up, pries free of the hold, but Liona grabs at Shibata’s hair! Shibata drops, fires body shots, and then he UPPERCUTS! Shibata runs, into a POP-UP SAMOAN- NO! Shibata slips down into a SLEEPER! Liona has Shibata as a backpack and he flails around. Liona runs at a corner, but Shibata TOSSES him out! Tag to Hook, Liona hurries to tag Kaun! Hook dodges Kaun, DECKS Cage, then CLOBBERS Kaun! Cage gets in but Hook dodges him and LARIATS on the return! Kaun runs up, but into an EXPLODER! The fans fire up, Liona is back, and Liona is too big for the exploder! Liona gets Hook up, Hook slips free, but Liona UPPERCUTS!
Kaun fireman’s carries Hook for a GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!! Hook survives and Kaun is furious! Kaun drags Hook up, brings him over, and he tags Liona. Hook fights back, fires off on Cage, but Cage HOTSHOTS! Then the Gates DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER Hook! Cover, Joe breaks it! Kaun runs up but Joe kicks him and TOSSES him out! Joe runs, but Liona POUNCES!! The fans boo but Shibata jumps in to JUMP KICK Liona! Liona falls out, Cage gets in. Cage blocks a kick to KNEE Shibata, then fireman’s carry for an F5! Hook ELBOWS Cage, but Cage fireman’s carries! F5- DDT COUNTER!
The fans fire up and Jericho admits, that was an excellent DDT. Hook crawls, hot tag to Joe! Joe fires off on the Gates, SNAP POWERSLAM for Kaun! Liona runs in but Joe moves, the ELBOW DROP hits Kaun! Joe then whips Liona. Liona reverses, runs in, but into the URENAGE! Cage is back, Joe atomic drops! And BOOTS! Joe calls to his team, and Joe sends Hook in to forearm SMASH! Joe SPLASHES, then Shibata HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Shibata & Hook haul Liona up to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Joe SENTONS! Cover, Cage & Kaun break it! The teams brawl, the ref reprimands, but then Cage & Kaun ROCK Hook & Shibata!
Kaun, Liona and Cage each get someone up. Liona fireman’s carries Joe, Cage & Kaun suplex Shibata & Hook! But then all three men escape! SLEEPER on Cage, REDRUM on Kaun and COQUINA CLUTCH on Liona!! The Cage of Agony all fades out, Joe’s team wins!
Winners: Samoa Joe, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata, by submission
These three dangerous fighters are victorious, and Jericho mockingly applauds. But that’s so Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” can sneak in with chairs! The Bad Apple and Redwood SMACK Joe and Shibata, leaving Hook for Jericho! They brawl, but then Bill & Keith help mug Hook! The fans boo, Keith reveals his arm is 100%! He SMACKS Shibata again for good measure! Jericho CHOKES Hook with his pink blazer! Keith then puts Shibata’s arm through one chair and is handed the other chair by Bill! The fans boo but Keith CON-CHAIR-TOS the arm!! Jericho even LASHES Hook with the FTW Championship!
The fans boo as The Learning Tree and his Branches are still beating down Hook! Bill SMACKS Joe with a chair, against the steel steps! Jericho tells Bill to then get Hook up. Bill drags Hook off the mat, and Jericho gets the brass knuckles! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH right to Hook’s head!! The fans boo but Jericho mockingly waves to them all. “Thanks, guys~!” Wait, now Keith brings out a table?! Haven’t they done enough!? That table is put in the ring, set up at center, and Keith drags Hook off the mat. Bill smiles as he brings Hook around, and CHOKE SLAMS him through the table!!
Hook writhes in the wreckage, and Jericho stands over him, all while waving to the fans. What consequences will Jericho face for this? And not from the EVPs, but from Hook’s friends and his own father, Taz?
2024 Men’s Owen Hart Cup Quarterfinal: Jeff Jarrett VS Wild Card!
J, E, Double F, J, A, Double R, E, Double T. That is how you spell the name of The Last Outlaw, and one of the few people in AEW who knew Owen Hart personally. He wants to do this not for himself, but for the memory of his late friend. But then, who is this Wild Card the Young Bucks have handpicked? Well, none other than HANGMAN ADAM PAGE!! The former AEW World Champion is back, but will this be the same #CowboySh*t as before? Or will this be something more dangerous?
The bell rings and the fans are a bit torn between Cowboy and Outlaw. The two tie up, go around, and Hangman shoves Jarrett down. Hangman glares, Jarrett stands back up, and the two reset. They tie up, Hangman powers Jarrett to ropes but Jarrett turns things around. Hangman turns them back again and they end up in a corner. The ref counts, Hangman lets off, and then he ROCKS Jarrett! Jarrett ROCKS Hangman back! The fans fire up and the two fire off fast hands! The ref reprimands about closed fists, gets in there, but then Hangman cheap shot BOOTS Jarrett! Hangman HAMMERS Jarrett in the head over and over!
The ref reprimands again, but Hangman KICKS Jarrett while he’s down! Hangman KICKS Jarrett again and again, then paces around. The ref reprimands about the cheap shots and closed fists, but Hangman stands Jarrett up. Jarrett ROCKS Hangman first! And then he STRADDLE ATTACKS on the rope! Jarrett keeps going, but Hangman KING KONG LARIATS! The fans boo but Hangman glares at Jarrett. Jarrett flounders, Hangman scoops him, and hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Jarrett tumbles to the apron and Hangman storms over. Hangman gets up and under Jarrett, to then APRON POWERBOMB him!!
Jarrett falls to the floor, but Hangman SMACKS him off the steel steps again and again and again! The ref reprimands but Hangman lets off while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Hangman snarls, paces, then refreshes the ring count. Hangman drags Jarrett up the steel steps, reels him in, and hits a DDT to the steel!! Hangman leaves Jarrett behind while the ref reprimands. Jarrett somehow sits back up, and he drags himself up using the steps. Hangman storms back over, brings Jarrett up and into the ring, then he tells off the fans here in Chicago. Hangman storms back into the ring, paces while Jarrett stirs, and the fans rally up. Jarrett stands, but Hangman DECKS him! Jarrett stands again, Hangman CLOBBERS him again! And again! And again! Hangman has a cocky cover, TWO!
Hangman stomps Jarrett for not staying down, then he brings Hangman around. Jarrett fires body shots! And an UPPERCUT! Hangman ROCKS Jarrett, then whips him. Jarrett sunset flips, Hangman stays up and PUNCHES Jarrett right in the head! Hangman shakes out his hand, he might’ve hurt himself doing damage to Jarrett. But Hangman still goes back to Jarrett, for another haymaker! Jarrett gives it back! The two throw heavy shots, then Hangman KNEES low! Hangman whips, Jarrett reverses but Hangman ducks ‘n ‘dodges. Jarrett ducks the lariat! Beach Break returns to single picture as Hangman tumbles!
Jarrett storms out to the apron to get Hangman up. Jarrett UPPERCUTS, Hangman ROCKS Jarrett back! The shots go back and forth again, then Hangman BITES Jarrett’s face! The ref reprimands and counts, Hangman stops at 4! The ref reprimands more, but Hangman soaks up the heat from Chicago. Hangman then Alabama Lifts, but Jarrett slips free! APRON STROKE!! The fans are thunderous as both men fall to the floor! The ring count starts and the fans rally up. Both men are still down at 5 of 10, and Jarrett rises at 6! Jarrett stands at 7, rolls in at 8, and Hangman slides in at 9! Jarrett tells Hangman to get his ass up then!
Jarrett fires off haymakers and shots on Hangman, then ducks one to clinch and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Jarrett goes for the legs, but Hangman BOOTS him away! Jarrett kicks, Hangman blocks, but an ENZIGIRI hits! Cover, TWO! Jarrett keeps his focus, then reels Hangman back in! Hangman whips Jarrett away, Alabama Lifts, but Jarrett sunset flips it! And then he steps through, for the SHARP- NO, Hangman fires elbows from below! Jarrett staggers, into the Alabama Lift! DEADEYE!! But that’s not enough for Hangman?! This Cowboy is going full black hat, but the fans taunt him with “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Hangman throws off his elbow pad, goes to the apron, and takes aim. But then Jarrett flops over! Hangman is annoyed, asks the ref what’s up, and then he grabs Jarrett. Jarrett shoves Hangman out! Hangman hurries up, BOOTS Jarrett, then slingshots, but into a SPINEBUSTER! And step through, to SHARPSHOOTER!! The fans are thunderous as Jarrett uses the Hart family move, Owen’s favorite move, but Hangman flails and scrambles forward! ROPEBREAK! Jarrett lets go in frustration, pulling at his hair. The fans rally up as hard as they can, but then Hangman HOTSHOTS Jarrett!
Hangman goes out, loads up, BUCKSHOT!! And then he just HAMMERS away on Jarrett with fists! Another Alabama Lift, and another DEADEYE!!! Cover, Hangman wins!
Winner: Hangman Adam Page, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The fans boo, mostly because Hangman went the extra mile just to hurt Double J! And now, Hangman is going on to Collision to face Jay White! Will the Switchblade ruin Hangman’s return already? Or will this Wild Card deal another L on the road to the Owen Hart Cup?
Meanwhile, Team Triple J hurries out there to check on Jarrett, he is in bad shape. Is this the last we’ve seen of The Last Outlaw?
Trainers check on Hook.
But then Big Bill TOSSES one aside! Keith goes after Hook directly, but Hook fights him off! But then a FIREBALL gets Hook in the face! The Learning Tree brings out his old Wizard tricks! Keith says they told him to respect Chris Jericho! Jericho waves bye to Hook, did he just teach Hook one final lesson?
Backstage interview with Hangman Page.
Beach Break returns as Renee catches up with The Cowboy, and she welcomes him back, as well as congratulates him on the win tonight. But she has to ask, was that level of aggression really necessary? But in steps The Elite and they applaud Hangman’s return! So good to see him again! Matt tells Renee it’s okay, they have this. Renee steps away and Matt says Hangman could say thanks for this. They lifted the suspension and got him in The Owen, and he crushed it! Congrats! Now, they’ll continue to scratch his back, so long as he scratches theirs. Hangman scowls so Matt says he’ll just out and say it.
Blood & Guts is coming up, they need a fifth man. Will Hangman be The Elite’s fifth- Hangman grabs Matt by the lapels and gets in his face! Hangman tells Matt to listen to him and listen good. Hangman is not a child, and he is not a puppet. He is therefore not The Elite’s man anymore. Hangman does not need their BS games. He is in The Owen, and he will win The Owen. Understood? Nick tries to calm Hangman down but Hangman just pushes past him. What’s his problem? The EVPs do their best to shrug that off, and they tell production to cut away. Did The Elite miscalculate in their little “foolproof plan?”
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage: Beach Break!
El Toro Blanco wants to stampede up the ranks, so he is back in action against Komander! Will the Ungovernable bulldoze right through the Commander of the Skies? Plus, the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal of Mariah May VS Hikaru Shida, who moves on to face Willow Nightingale in Calgary?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
Toni Storm told Mariah May to do her proud, but she will also be stepping back into the ring against AfroPunk, Trish Adora! Will the Leading Lady remain unbothered on her road back to All In Wembley? Or will Adora score herself a golden ticket to her own time in the spotlight? And as we know, Hangman Page and Jay White will battle in the Men’s Owen Hart Cup Semifinal, renewing their rivalry from back in NJPW. Will The Cowboy or the Collision Cowboy be the one moving on to face Bryan Danielson in the finals?
AEW International Champion: Will Ospreay VS Daniel Garcia w/ MJF!
The Aerial Assassin admitted earlier tonight that he is the only one to blame for not winning the AEW World Championship. But at the same time, he is truly on his own in AEW after convincing Don Callis to let him go. Will the #BillyGOAT still shine as a man apart? Or will having the Wolf of Wrestling’s support help Red Death finally grab some gold?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly championship material!
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Ospreay and Garcia circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. “This is Awesome!” already as Garcia goes for a leg and Ospreay pushes Garcia to ropes. The ref counts, Ospreay and Garcia let off slowly, and then Garcia swings! Ospreay dodges, kicks low, and headlocks. MJF is already taking off his leather jacket while Garcia powers up and out. Ospreay runs Garcia over but Garcia is right up. Garcia shoulders into Ospreay again and again and MJF coaches him up. Garcia headlocks, snapmares, then KICKS Ospreay! Ospreay stands up to CHOP! Garcia goes to a corner while fans “WOO~!”
MJF hurries to Garcia’s side to coach him up. “That ain’t nothing. You’re Daniel Garcia, that ain’t nothing.” The fans rally up and Garcia stands again. Garcia storms up, Ospreay kicks and whips but Garcia reverses. Ospreay takes a swing but Garcia gets under. Garcia back suplexes, Ospreay lands out and headlocks again. Garcia powers up and out, ducks down then hurdles, but Ospreay shoves. Garcia KICKS the back drop away, then hip tosses Ospreay down. Ospreay up-kicks Garcia away, but Garcia comes back to headlock takeover. Ospreay headscissors, Garcia kips free, and roles reverse as Ospreay hits the takeover but Garcia headscissors!
Ospreay moves around, hops around, and headstands, but Garcia SHORT-DRIVERS him! The fans fire up and MJF pounds the mat in agreement. Garcia kicks Ospreay, ROCKS him, then fires body shots and forearms! Garcia cravats, but Ospreay swim moves free. Garcia dodge the lariat to cravat again. Garcia snapmares and basement dropkicks! Ospreay writhes, Garcia covers, ONE! MJF coaches Garcia, the fans rally, and Garcia has an inverted cravat. Ospreay fights up, swim moves free, but Garcia gets him again. NECKBREAKER! Ospreay goes to a corner, the fans fire up, and Garcia runs in to clothesline!
Garcia goes up, and the fans fire up as he rains down fists! Garcia only gets 5 as Ospreay slips under! Ospreay tucks Garcia in, for CHEEKY NANDOS! Garcia falls to the floor, Ospreay PLANCHAS to knock him down! The fans fire up with Ospreay but MJF coaches Garcia more. Ospreay and MJF then lock eyes and the ref says to back up. MJF steps aside, Ospreay drags Garcia up and Ospreay puts Garcia in at 7 of 10. Garcia takes a shot at Ospreay, so Ospreay CLUBS Garcia on the apron as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Ospreay storms into the ring, stalks Garcia as he crawls, and then stomps Garcia around. Garcia goes to ropes, Ospreay brings him up to scoop and SLAM! Ospreay drops a knee on Garcia’s head! Ospreay paces around, brings Garcia up but Garcia pushes Ospreay away. So Ospreay BOOTS Garcia! Ospreay has Garcia in a corner, fires body shots, and then CHOPS! Garcia flounders and Ospreay stalks him some more. MJF rallies the fans but Ospreay has a kneeling cover, ONE! Garcia glares up at Ospreay but Ospreay eggs Garcia on. Garcia stands to fire forearm after forearm! Ospreay UPPERCUTS back!
Garcia falls back and MJF is a bit frustrated for him. Ospreay scoops Garcia for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay drags Garcia up to ROCK him with a forearm! Ospreay brings Garcia around, wrenches an arm, and CHOPS Garcia down! Ospreay stands Garcia back up, to CHOP him back down! Garcia shakes his head and MJF coaches him up. Beach Break returns to single picture as Ospreay brings Garcia up again. Ospreay CHOPS, Garcia wobbles, and Ospreay CHOPS again! MJF rallies the fans but Ospreay CHOPS Garcia down! Garcia reaches out as he sits up, and Ospreay eggs him on. Garcia stands, into another CHOP!
MJF is frustrated but he gets the fans fired up. Garcia storms up on Ospreay, but Ospreay CHOPS him back down! Garcia shakes his head and rises up, but Ospreay CHOPS him in the corner! Garcia is getting mad now! Garcia fires off on Ospreay and the fans fire up more! The ref reprimands about closed fists and he backs Garcia off, but Ospreay BOOTS Garcia! Garcia roars, dodges Ospreay’s clothesline, and hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Garcia spins and brings Ospreay back up, for another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Garcia brings Ospreay up again, suplexes, but Ospreay slips free! Ospreay shoves, follows, but Garcia catches Ospreay to a DDT!
The fans fire up and Garcia hurries to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT again! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally behind “DANNY! DANNY!” and MJF nods. Garcia feeds off that energy, brings Ospreay up, but Ospreay RAMS him into the corner! Fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” but this is near the end of the show! Ospreay runs back in, Garcia ROCKS him first! Garcia whips, Ospreay BOOTS from the corner! Ospreay goes up, out and springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Ospreay hauls Garcia up to underhook, but Garcia fights the lift! Garcia gets free, Ospreay grabs at him, but Garcia shoves him away.
Ospreay KICKS Garcia in the side, then brings him around for Kawada Kicks! The fans are torn as Ospreay looms over Garcia. Ospreay eggs Garcia on, wanting to see that fighting spirit. Ospreay drags Garcia up, gives him more Kawada Kicks, but Garcia grits his teeth. The fans rally, Ospreay offers his own head. Garcia storms up, and he gives Ospreay the dance~! The fans fire up and then Garcia DECKS Ospreay! MJF likes that and Garcia gives more dance! Then a SAIDO! Ospreay staggers up, Garcia runs in, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives that sudden turnaround, but Ospreay takes aim!
Garcia stands, into the HOOK KICK! Ospreay kicks low, underhooks, but Garcia powers up! Garcia Alabama Lifts Ospreay, for a CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, MJF is frustrated but the fans fire up again, and both men rise up. Garcia reels Ospreay in but now Ospreay back drops! Garcia sunset flips but Ospreay sits on it, TWO! Garcia BOOTS Ospreay, runs, but into the TIGER WALL KICK and ENZIGIRI! Ospreay runs, but Garcia dodges, only for Ospreay to slip through the lariat! Ospreay gets Garcia up, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Into a STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Garcia survives again and Ospreay is stunned!
The fans are thunderous, MJF nods but he is still very concerned. Ospreay pulls the elbow pad away, and now he aims from a corner! Garcia rises, “This is Awesome!” “Fight Forever!” HIDDEN- NO, Garcia jumps on for a SLEEPER! Garcia has the body scissors, too! Ospreay fights up with Garcia as a backpack! Garcia slips around to a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Ospreay endures all over again, powers up and out and THROWS Garcia away! Then he underhooks, but Garcia wrenches free! Garcia has the Half Hatch, but Ospreay fights free of that! Ospreay dodges, springboards, OSC- NO! Garcia catches Ospreay!
Garcia flips Ospreay around, and lifts, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Even MJF can’t believe that’s real! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” making this one happen. Garcia looks to MJF, and MJF offers him the Dynamite Diamond Ring?! MJF wants Garcia to do things his way, and Garcia picks up the ring. Garcia hesitates, and Ospreay roll shim up! TWO, and Garcia has a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, Ospreay Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Garcia LARIATS Ospreay inside out! The fans fire up, and MJF pleads that Garcia use the ring! Garcia thinks about it, but then says no thanks, he’s got this.
Garcia turns around, into a HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)
MJF is beside himself! Did he just cost Garcia with that distraction? Garcia is certainly frustrated in himself now, but Ospreay goes to him and shows him respect. Ospreay wants Garcia not to be so harsh on himself, and even the fans are cheering for “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” Ospreay encourages Garcia that he has what it takes, he’ll get there some day. Ospreay leaves as MJF steps into the ring, and now MJF sits with Garcia. MJF says he takes the blame on this one. Garcia busted his ass, and the people still love him! The fans cheer in confirmation. MJF helps Garcia stand up, and MJF raises Garcia’s hand.
The fans cheer and MJF says Garcia will be champion. They hug it out, and then MJF LOW BLOWS Garcia!! The fans boo but we all should’ve known better. And then MJF puts the diamond ring on his finger?! Matt Menard hurries out there but MJF DECKS him! MJF SPITS on Garcia, then tells him to get up! Garcia rises, staggers around, and MJF DIAMOND RING DECKS Garcia!! A tiger can’t change his stripes, and a Scumbag is always a Scumbag. MJF tells the fans to shut up, but then we see Garcia is busted open! MJF stands on Garcia’s neck, but security hurries out here. MJF CLOBBERS every single one of them!
MJF then rains down fists on Garcia’s bloody forehead! MJF asks if he restored the feeling now! This is YOUR boy, AEW! And MJF punches away on that bloody forehead again! Red Death has a crimson mask, but MJF has a dark heart. MJF drags Garcia up, but he’s ragdoll, so MJF pushes him to a corner. MJF puts Garcia up top, climbs up after him, and he drags Garcia onto his shoulder. Christopher Daniels rushes out here to tell MJF to stop this, but MJF still SUPER TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVERS!!! Daniels asks why! What does MJF even think this will do!? Refs and medics hurry out here, but MJF shoves them all aside!
MJF rains down fists, but here comes Ospreay!! Ospreay is pissed that MJF would sully this otherwise great night, and then MJF runs away! The Wolf of Wrestling is more like a snake crossed with a weasel, and he even gets in the face of some fans! He throws garbage around, talks more trash with more fans, then storms to the backstage area. As for Garcia, medics have brought a neck brace, backboard and stretcher for him. Ospreay wants after MJF but Daniels says to let management handle this. Garcia is loaded to the stretcher, and wheeled away from ringside. Will Garcia ever be alright again?
My Thoughts:
This was a great Dynamite as both the follow-up to Forbidden Door but also as the Beach Break special that also ties into Shark Week for HBO Discovery. Though, they didn’t do that much shark related stuff, other than fans getting to have foam shark fin hats. I kinda wish there was at least one thing, though I suppose MJF being out for blood counts… After a really good promo of MJF saying he’ll be Garcia’s guy, and another really good promo of Ospreay being set free from the Don Callis Family, we got a PPV level title match in our main event. This was perhaps Garcia’s best match in his career so far, but still a great win for Ospreay.
MJF going back to being a Heel so soon after returning was part of the surprise, but he sure committed. He bloodied Garcia, he bloodied Menard, he kayfabe hospitalized Garcia, and now he’s got Ospreay after him. It clearly sets up Ospreay VS MJF for the International Championship at All In, so the next month and a half is gonna be them building that. And there’s a chance the Don Callis Family adds on because Callis himself said Ospreay will owe him now. Fletcher didn’t like the sound of any of that, and the favor might be giving Fletcher or someone in the Don Callis Family a shot at the International title first.
Great stuff in the ongoing story between Jericho and Hook, with Jericho of course having to pull something underhanded. Taz is banned from the building because Jericho, Bill & Keith were of course attacking. The Six Man Tag was great stuff, but it was a bit of a shame The Cage of Agony had to take the loss to put Joe, Hook & Shibata over. Jericho’s team beating down Hook’s team, then trying to burn Hook quite literally is some big stuff, but naturally this is to make the FTW Championship rematch of Hook VS Jericho even bigger and wilder than before. They might even be able to have this on the same night as Blood & Guts.
Speaking of, instead of announcing Team AEW all at once, it seems like the members are gonna volunteer themselves. Granted, I do like that, it feeds into the idea that not everyone is willing to risk their jobs standing up to their bosses. But Mark Briscoe is great, he’ll be a fun part of that match. The Elite going after him, bringing out Kyle O’Reilly and The Acclaimed, I feel like we might’ve just seen Team AEW in full. O’Reilly, Briscoe, Caster, Bowens & Daddy Ass, all to add some heat to all the different title matches. Acclaimed VS Bucks, Billy VS Okada and possibly Briscoe VS Jack Perry, that all feels like big stuff for All In.
Great stuff in the various Owen Hart Cup stories. Great promo from Willow to lead into her match with Kris, and I was surprised that Willow won here after winning the tag match at Forbidden Door. At the same time, the better story is perhaps Willow going for the Cup once again. Good promo from Storm to hype Mariah up, and Mariah’s match with Shida will be big. If Mariah wins against Shida, she’ll certainly win the whole thing, because they’re gonna go through with Mariah VS Storm, student VS teacher. And then Bryan VS Pac was a badass opening match, and I figured Bryan would win out, beat up as he is.
Now, Hangman was of course being the Wild Card given we also got a teaser vignette last week. Hangman VS Jarrett was great stuff, one of Jarrett’s better singles matches since being in AEW, and you really do feel for the guy, but Hangman was of course winning. At the same time, Hangman gets some real heat on him for going as far as he did, and yet he also refuses to be part of The Elite after The Elite tried to ditch him. Hangman is definitely the favorite in winning the Owen Hart Cup because that would mean he faces Swerve Strickland one more time. All In Wembley is being treated as THE top AEW PPV now, why not have one of the most vicious feuds in AEW history so far?
And then, a great promo segment from Britt Baker that also segued right into Mercedes Mone’s scheduled segment. Britt dealing with TIAs, that is some rough stuff, I really feel for her. Rather wild that she and Serena Deeb had that parallel of medical conditions taking them out. Now, Britt is of course the Face in this story, but that works for what I was expecting. Mone is better as a Heel, has been riding that line since showing up in AEW anyway, and her gimmick of CEO works with The Bucks being corrupt EVPs. In fact, The Bucks welcoming Mone, why not just make her the first female member of The Elite and make that group even more golden and star-studded?
My Score: 9/10
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The New Japan Soul is burning bright!
Tonight, it’s the G1 Climax qualifier semifinal round! Things are really heating up, but can Boltin Oleg pull off a huge upset against President Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Just5Guys VS Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & El Desperado; Just5Guys win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The House of Torture; LIJ wins, by disqualification.
Six12 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The House of Torture; LIJ wins.- G1 Climax 34 B Block Qualifier Semifinal: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Boltin Oleg; Oleg wins and advances.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block Qualifier Semifinal: Callum Newman VS KENTA; Callum wins and advances.
- G1 Climax 34 B Block Qualifier Semifinal: Taichi VS TJP; Taichi wins and advances.
- G1 Climax 34 A Block Qualifier Semifinal: Tomohiro Ishii VS YOSHI-HASHI; Hashi wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 34 B Block Qualifier Semifinal: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Boltin Oleg!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are once again NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions, but they all understand there’s an even bigger prize to be won! Will Tanahashi make up for losing at Forbidden Door on Sunday? Or will Oleg get another shocker and be that much closer to the Climax?
The bell rings, and the fans rally for Oleg! Oleg and Tanahashi tie up, are in a deadlock, but Oleg uses his size to tip the scales. They end up on ropes, the ref counts, and Oleg lets off slowly. Tanahashi kicks low! Tanahashi headlocks, but Oleg powers up and out. Oleg then runs Tanahashi over! The fans fire up and Oleg brings Tanahashi up. Oleg fires forearms, whips Tanahashi to a corner, but Tanahashi comes back to dropkick a leg! Tanahashi grabs that leg to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally up and Tanahashi stomps Oleg. Tanahashi drags Oleg up, bumps him off buckles, and kicks a leg. Tanahashi puts the leg in ropes, to kick again and again!
The ref reprimands, but Tanahashi lets off with a dropkick! Oleg falls over, crawls, but Tanahashi follows. Tanahashi grabs Oleg’s leg and stomps it. Tanahashi then steps through and sits down for a toehold, then adds the other leg. Tanahashi has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! The fans rally, Tanahashi eggs Oleg on, so Oleg CHOPS! Tanahashi holds on, Oleg CHOPS again! Oleg back strokes his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Tanahashi lets Oleg go. The fans rally as Tanahashi brings Oleg up. Oleg fires a forearm! And another! Tanahashi eggs Oleg on so Oleg keeps going! Tanahashi fires a strike fest in return!
Tanahashi runs, but Oleg DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down. Oleg shakes out the bad leg, storms his way over to drag Tanahashi up, scoop him and SLAM! Oleg runs to SPLASH down! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this but Oleg storms back up on him. Oleg drags Tanahashi up with a gut wrench! Shake, Rattle and THROW! Then a kip up! The fans fire up as Oleg storms after Tanahashi again. Oleg puts Tanahashi in a corner, fires forearms then whips corner to corner. Oleg runs in to SPLASH! Tanahashi staggers, Oleg scoops him and SLAMS him again! Then Oleg goes up and up and VADER FLOPS!
Tanahashi avoids Oleg’s impact and the fans fire up! Tanahashi rises, rallies the fans and waits on Oleg. Oleg rises, Tanahashi runs and- NO, Oleg fireman’s carries! Tanahashi slips free, and SHOTEIS! Oleg swings, but into TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi powers up again, runs, and SLINGBLADE! Down goes Oleg! Tanahashi covers, TWO! The fans fire up and Tanahashi hurries up top! Oleg stands, Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Oleg catches him!! Oleg pops Tanahashi to a fireman’s carry, for a LANDSLIDE! Cover, TWO?!? Tanahashi survives and Oleg fires up! Only for Tanahashi to catch him in a victory roll! TWO!!
The fans fire up as Oleg escapes, but Tanahashi dropkicks the leg! Tanahashi runs again, but into another fireman’s carry! KAMIKAZE SENTON!! And then Oleg scoops, fireman’s carries, and KAMIKAZE SENTONS again!! Cover, OLEG WINS?!?
Winner: Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Incredible! Unbelievable! Yet, it is true! Oleg shows President Ace great respect, and even hugs the ref. Oleg is heading on, will he soon be B Block’s tenth man?
G1 Climax 34 A Block Qualifier Semifinal: Callum Newman VS KENTA!
The Prince of Pace certainly surprised a few when he took down Tokyo Pimp, Yujiro Takahashi, last round. But now, he might have to pick up the pace if he wants to get past Fang Revived. Will Callum conquer this qualifier for the United Empire? Or will Kenta make him #GoToSleep?
Kenta attacks Callum in the corner before the bell! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Kenta fires knees and KICKS! The bell rings and this is on record as Kenta KICKS Callum again! Kenta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS in the corner, then dumps Callum out. Kenta goes out to bring Callum around and whip him hard into railing! Callum even tumbles up and over into the front row! Kenta drags Callum up, brings him back to ringside, just to whip him into more railing! Callum falls in a heap and writhes. Kenta KICKS Callum again, and again, then stalks him along the way. Callum stands, Kenta CLUBS him on the back!
Kenta brings Callum back around again, and POSTS him! The fans rally for Callum and the ref wants this in the ring, but Kenta KICKS Callum more and more. Kenta then puts Callum in the ring, soaks up the cheers and jeers, then follows, only for Callum to DROPKICK him back out! The fans fire up for Callum and he PLANCHAS! Direct hit, though maybe a little high, but the fans fire up with Callum again. Callum shakes out his arms, pops a finger back in place, then stands Kenta up to fire forearms. Kenta goes around the way but Callum follows, to whip him hard into railing! Now Kenta falls in a heap.
Callum kicks at Kenta now, egging him on. Callum drags Kenta up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then follows him to the corner. Kenta kicks back but Callum fires haymakers! Callum whips again, but Kenta stops himself, only for Callum to SHOTGUN Kenta down! The fans fire up as Kenta ends up in No Man’s Land! Callum storms after Kenta as the fans rally and duel. Callum asks for some room, and fans move aside, but Kenta resists the suplex! Kenta stomps Callum’s feet, and he suplexes Callum to the bare floor! Callum writhes on the tiles while Kenta stands. Kenta then KICKS Callum while he’s down.
Kenta KICKS Callum to get him to ringside, then he KICKS him against railing! The ref finally starts a ring count, and Callum eggs Kenta on! Kenta KICKS him again, then drags Callum up. Kenta puts Callum in, which the fans applaud, and Kenta gets in the ring. Callum flounders but Kenta stalks him. Kenta KICKS Callum, stomps him, then kicks him some more. Kenta scuffs Callum then stands over him. Callum guards and kicks back, but Kenta eggs him on. Callum kicks but Kenta KICKS! And KICKS! Callum bails out but Kenta waits on him. Callum sputters and slumps over, but Kenta goes out to KICK him!
Callum still eggs Kenta on? The fans rally up and Kenta KICKS! Callum flops over but he sits back up and eggs Kenta on. Kenta CLAWS Callum’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Kenta lets off, to POST Callum again! Kenta drags Callum up as the ring count starts again. Kenta KNEES Callum, SLAPS him, then brings him around into the ring. The fans applaud, and Kenta drops a knee on Callum’s face! Kenta then drags Callum up to snapmare and knee drop again! And again! And then again! Kenta pushes Callum to a cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Kenta clamps on with a chinlock. Callum endures and the fans rally up.
Callum is turning red already as Kenta puts on the pressure! Callum still reaches out, fights his way over, and has the ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets go and Callum sputters. Kenta kicks Callum around but Callum trips Kenta! Kenta gets up but Callum fires forearms! But then Callum flops over, his legs noodles under him. Kenta KICKS! And KICKS! Kenta eggs Callum on, so Callum fires a forearm! And then another! Callum wobbles but he comes back to fire more forearms. Kenta knees low, whips, but Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT Kenta down! The fans fire up as Callum has that second wind! Kenta goes to a corner but Callum rolls and springs up!
Callum runs up to DROPKICK Kenta in the corner! Snapmare and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Kenta is still in this but Callum keeps calm. Callum drags Kenta up, but Kenta ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum swings, Kenta shoves him into the ref! Callum ELBOWS back, but Kenta spins Callum around to reel him in. Callum fights free of the suplex, blocks a kick, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Kenta wobbles, Callum runs up, but Kenta ducks! The BOOT takes out the ref!! The fans freak out, Kenta kicks Callum low to DDT! Kenta sees he has an opening, and he goes out to fetch a kendo stick from under the ring!
The fans boo but Kenta brings the stick in. Kenta winds up and SMACKS Callum on the back! And again! And then in the front! Kenta SMACKS Callum on the back again and again, then at the side! But Callum catches the kendo stick! Kenta stomps Callum into letting go, and then he just tees off with the stick!! The fans boo as Callum’s body is marked over and over! Kenta throws the stick away as it starts to break, and then he goes to grab his Defy Wrestling Championship! Kenta gives the belt a kiss, then aims at Callum. Callum rises, but he dodges the belt shot to OSCUTTER!! Cover, but the ref still isn’t back!
Callum is stunned, he would’ve won this! Callum hurries out to fetch the ref and the fans cheer. The ref is still having a hard time shaking out the cobwebs, and Kenta LOW BLOWS Callum!! The fans boo as Kenta covers, and now the ref counts! TWO!!! Callum survives and Kenta is frustrated! Kenta aims from a corner, runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Callum survives again and Kenta is furious! Kenta fireman’s carries, GO TO- NO! Callum blocks the knee strike! So Kenta hits a RIGHT CROSS! And another! And another! Callum staggers, Kenta runs up, but into a JUMP KNEE! Callum runs in to HELLUVA KICK!!
Callum goes up and up and he DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Kenta on the back!! The fans are thunderous as Callum again OSCUTTERS!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Another incredible upset, with a shoutout to the Aerial Assassin! Callum not only pins the Defy Champion, he advances to the qualifier finals! But can Callum keep up this pace and reach the Climax?
G1 Climax 34 B Block Qualifier Semifinal: TJP VS Taichi!
The Public Enemy made it through Satoshi Kojima to make it here, but now he has the Holy Emperor in his way. Will TJP continue to punch above his weight class to get one step closer to the Climax? Or will Taichi end TJP’s Cinderella Story here and now?
The bell rings and the fans rally up and duel, “T J P! T J P!” “TA-I-CHI! TA-I-CHI!” TJP paces while Taichi stretches, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Taichi being the heavyweight, he puts TJP on ropes. The ref counts the break, Taichi lets off slowly, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two reset and circle again, then tie up. TJP gets around to waistlock but Taichi switches. TJP swim moves to get an arm and wrenches it. Taichi wrenches back, but TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels and drops back to TWIST SCISSORS! The fans cheer as TJP has Taichi down on the mat and keeps on the headscissors.
Taichi fights up, pushes TJP to a cover, TWO as TJP bridges! TJP then twists again and brings Taichi back down! Taichi fights around to headscissor TJP now! TJP bridges, moves around, and he headstands. The fans cheer as TJP stays upright, but Taichi is confused. TJP then pops free, but Taichi avoids the kick! Taichi rolls TJP, ONE! TJP DROPKICKS Taichi to a corner! The fans cheer as TJP runs in to ELBOW Taichi down! TJP gets the fans fired up and then he scrubs Taichi’s face! The fans cheer as TJP goes side to side, but Taichi bails out. The fans boo as Taichi denies the wash, but TJP just waits on him.
Taichi paces around the outside, but then TJP goes for the corner! Triangle jump and- NO, Taichi avoids the dropkick! And he AX BOMBERS TJP off the apron! The fans cheer while Taichi paces. Taichi goes back to TJP, drags him up, and brings him around to whip hard into railing! TJP drops to his knees, Taichi drags him up and through the gate to SMACK him off bleachers! The fans sitting there are excited to be closer to the action, and then Taichi brings TJP around to KICK! TJP falls over and the fans cheer, but the ref reprimands Taichi. Taichi leaves TJP behind and the ring count starts.
TJP crawls his way back, passes through the gate at 8 of 20, reaches the apron at 14, and the fans rally as he pushes himself up and in at 16. But then Taichi TOSSES him back out! TJP returns but Taichi TOSSES him out again! TJP slides in, dodges Taichi, but Taichi dodges TJP! GAMANGIRI in the corner! TJP sits down, the fans rally and Taichi has the ref check TJP. The ref does check but TJP seems fine. Taichi gives TJP scrubs of his boot to the face! The fans boo but that kick pad really gets TJP! Taichi then digs his boot into TJP’s head! The ref counts, Taichi lets off, and Taichi kicks TJP around. TJP fires body shots in return!
The fans rally up as TJP ROCKS and UPPERCUTS Taichi! TJP whips, Taichi reverses and wrenches to HOOK KICK! TJP falls, Taichi covers, TWO! The fans rally up but then Taichi clamps onto TJP with a chinlock. Taichi steps over an arm to have more leverage, but TJP endures. The fans rally up. TJP fights around and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Taichi lets off and the fans applaud. Taichi paces some more, then storms back over. Taichi gives TJP more face scrubbing! Taichi runs side to side, but TJP jumps up to DROPKICK! TJP then goes up and up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up while both men are down!
TJP and Taichi go to opposite ends, then stand up. TJP runs in, dodges Taichi and goes Spider-Man to then slide under and sunset flip! TJP then stacks Taichi, only to step over and trap an arm! TJP grabs the other, for the DARK SACRIFICE! Taichi writhes and the fans fire up with TJP! Taichi bails out of the ring and the fans rally behind TJP. Taichi rises, TJP runs corner to corner to triangle jump and DROPKICK! Direct hit this time and the fans cheer! TJP gets Taichi up, puts him in the ring, then goes up a corner. The fans rally again as TJP aims, for a FLYING FOREARM! TJP hurries to whip Taichi to a corner.
TJP runs in to BACK ELBOW, then he sits Taichi down! The fans cheer as now TJP gives some face scrubbing! TJP runs side to side, for the BOOT WASH! The fans fire up more and TJP goes back in for another round! TJP gives more scrubbing, then he runs side to side, for a BOOT WASH DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Taichi flounders, and TJP goes back up the corner. TJP aims but Taichi trips him up first! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, then climbs. Taichi fires another RIDGE HAND CHOP, but TJP wrenches an arm to a double wristlock! The ref counts, TJP slips under Taichi and SUPERKICKS the legs out!
Taichi ends up in a Tree of Woe, so TJP reels him in for a DRAPING FINAL CUT! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Taichi’s long legs give him that save, but TJP pushes him to center. TJP aims from a corner and the fans clap along, “T! J P! T! J P!” TJP aims as Taichi sits up, and he runs in to ONE BY- NO! Taichi dodges the knee! TJP BOOTS Taichi but Taichi GAMANGIRIS back! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Taichi rises, the fans are behind him now, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi gathers his energy, aims at TJP, but TJP ducks the kick! TJP drop toeholds but Taichi reels TJP into a cradle! TWO, and TJP BOOTS the Ax Bomber!
Taichi swings around but TJP gets under. TJP waistlocks, Taichi fights free, but TJP ducks the Pele! TJP gets a leg, steps over, PINOY STRETCH!! Taichi endures and the fans fire up as he fights forward! Taichi claws at the mat and reaches out, and he drags TJP along to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while TJP lets go in frustration. The fans continue to duel as TJP drags Taichi back up. TJP wrenches for an ELBOW BREAKER, then holds on to the arm. Taichi fires a forearm, but TJP wrenches for another ELBOW BREAKER! Taichi fires a RIDGE HAND, but TJP wrenches to another ELBOW BREAKER!
Taichi RIDGE HANDS, and RIDGE HANDS, and RIDGE HANDS again! But TJP’s grip does not break! Taichi RIDGE HANDS again, and then swings, but TJP gets around! IRON OCTOPUS!! Taichi powers out to DECK TJP! The ref checks TJP, but Taichi gets him up for a DANGEROUS SAIDO BRIDGE! TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up again! Taichi clutches his arm while he slowly sits up. The fans rally harder as Taichi paces around. TJP stirs and Taichi eggs him on. TJP sits up, into a BUZZSAW! Taichi then hauls TJP up to Alabama Lift, but TJP slips free to waistlock! Taichi gets free but TJP AX BOMBERS?!
Taichi URAKENS!! Taichi aims, but TJP SUPERKICKS first!! And then JUMP SOBATS!! Taichi roars and AX- NO, TJP catches him to a MOUSE TRAP! TWO!!! The fans are thunderous as TJP hurries to bring Taichi back up. Taichi breaks free to ENZIGIRI! TJP falls back over and Taichi hurries over. Taichi drags TJP up, runs, AX BOMBER!! Cover, ONE?!?!? WHAT?!? No one can believe it, but Taichi just gears up! TENSHO JUJIHOU!!! And then Alabama Lift, for BLACK MEPHISTO!!! Cover, Taichi wins!
Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
As talented and tenacious as TJP is, he just isn’t on that higher level yet! However, Taichi shows him respect, so is there a chance TJP will get there in the near future? And as for Taichi himself, he must now take on that Kazakhstan juggernaut, Boltin Oleg! Will Taichi have a real heavyweight fight on his hands in the qualifier finals?
G1 Climax 34 A Block Qualifier Semifinal: Tomohiro Ishii VS YOSHI-HASHI!
The Stone Pitbull and Head Hunter are allies under Chaos, have been NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions together, but just as we saw with Oleg and Tanahashi, the Climax means that much more. Who will put their all into this fight to head to the final round?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Hashi and Ishii slowly approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Hashi is taller but Ishii is stouter, and they each work to use those to their advantage. Ishii manages to push Hashi back a step, and then another step, and then onto the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, but Hashi ROCKS and CHOPS Ishii! Hashi CLUBS Ishii, CLUBS him again, then headlocks. Hashi grinds Ishii down but Ishii fights up. Ishii tries but can’t power out as Hashi holds tight. Ishii wrenches the headlock but Hashi just clamps it on tighter! The fans cheer as Ishii endures.
Ishii fires body shots, powers up but still can’t power out as Hashi holds tight! Ishii eggs Hashi on even now, so Hashi grinds and grinds and grinds! Ishii fights up, throws body shots, then powers out. They RAM shoulders and neither falls! The fans cheer as the teammates dare the other to bring it. Hashi runs, RAMS Ishii, but Ishii rebounds to RAM Hashi! Hashi rebounds to RAM Ishii, then he CHOSP! Hashi runs but Ishii runs him over! The fans cheer and Ishii catches his breath. Ishii kicks at Hashi and eggs him on. Hashi sits up, Ishii KICKS! And KICKS! Hashi gets on his feet but Ishii ROCKS him with a forearm!
Ishii eggs Hashi on again, then fires more forearms! Hashi leans into those like Ishii would! The fans fire up and Hashi ROCKS Ishii! Hashi whips Ishii but Ishii comes back, only for Hashi to run Ishii over! The fans fire up again while Hashi checks his neck. Hashi goes back for Ishii and kicks him around now. Hashi brings Ishii up, CHOPS, but Ishii doesn’t flinch! Ishii eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hashi ROCKS Ishii, snapmares and KICKS! Ishii grits his teeth and the fans rally up. Hashi SLAPS Ishii! Ishii gets mad and CHOPS Hashi high! Hashi falls and Red Shoes reprimands, that was too close to the throat!
Ishii drags Hashi back up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS again! And again! Ishii keeps those dangerously high, then he taunts Hashi while he’s down. The fans rally while Red Shoes warns Ishii. Ishii dares Hashi to get up, then slaps him around a little. Hashi stands up, and he fires a forearm! Ishii doesn’t budge, so Hashi fires more shots. Now Ishii backs Hashi down! Hashi fires forearm after forearm, but then Ishii CHOPS Hashi down! The fans fire up and Ishii finally feels those shots. Ishii goes back to Hashi, drags him up, and CHOPS again! And again! And again! Hashi fires a forearm! Ishii CHOPS again!
Ishii keeps those CHOPS going, Hashi flops over but Ishii just stands him up for more CHOPS! Hashi sits down, but Ishii makes him stand! CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Hashi drops to his knees a third time and Ishii eggs him on. Ishii drags Hashi up, reels him in, but Hashi headlocks to fight the suplex! Hashi CLUBS, ROCKS, BODY SHOTS and CHOPS Ishii! Ishii CHOPS right back! Hashi staggers around, Ishii storms up to CHOP, ROCK and repeat! Hashi is against ropes, Ishii whips him, but Hashi dropkicks the leg! Hashi gets that leg, to DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
Ishii rolls to a corner while the fans rally up, and Hashi goes to the other end. Ishii drags himself up with ropes, as does Hashi. Hashi runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Now Hashi ROCKS and CHOPS on repeat! The fans fire up as the CHOPS ring out! Ishii sits down now and Hashi catches his breath. Hashi drags Ishii up, whips him corner to corner, but Ishii comes back! Hashi CHOPS, mule kicks, and turns Ishii for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi goes to a corner. Hashi climbs while the fans rally, and Ishii stands, into the BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ishii is still in this but Hashi stays calm.
Hashi drags Ishii up, reels him in, fisherman and- NO, Ishii fights free to wrench and SAIDO! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Ishii rises, the fans rally, and Ishii watches Hashi go to a corner. Ishii runs up to LARIAT! Hashi shoves Ishii back! The fans fire up, and Hashi CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS! They go back and forth, CHOP for CHOP, and they only speed up from there! Ishii CHOPS high, finally feels the sting from Hashi’s chops, and the fans fire up again. Ishii mockingly asks what’s up, so Hashi CHOPS again! Ishii CHOPS again, and they start speeding back up!
It’s just CHOP after CHOP and the fans rally up! Ishii eggs Hashi on while Hashi grits his teeth, and Hashi CHOPS again! The CHOPS keep going, Hashi grits his teeth again, and then they CHOP some more! Hashi is starting to back Ishii down with his CHOPS! Ishii wobbles and the fans fire up! Hashi winds up to CHOP! And DOUBLE CHOP! Hashi roars, runs, and LARIATS! But Ishii stays standing! Hashi huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs again, to LARIAT! Ishii just CHOPS, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Ishii falls, springs up, and he LARIATS! Hashi springs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men lean on each other as they fall to their knees!
The fans are thunderous while both men slump down onto the mat. Both men stir, and Ishii growls as he pushes himself up. Hashi also rises, and they each take a swing! They each duck, then Ishii fires boxing elbows! Hashi CHOPS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Hashi runs up to SHOTGUN! Ishii gets up to SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans are thunderous again as both men stand! Hashi swings, Ishii blocks and then ducks Hashi’s backhand! Ishii runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Hashi roars and the fans are with him as he goes back for Ishii. Hashi drags Ishii up, reels him in, fisherman and KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!!
Ishii survives and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and duel as Hashi rises. Ishii follows and Hashi runs, to LARIAT Ishii down! But Ishii rises up again! Hashi runs in to LARIAT again! Ishii again falls, but Ishii again rises! The fans fire up and Hashi runs again. Ishii swings, Hashi ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Ishii is still in this and the fans fire up! Hashi rises, brings Ishii up to his feet, and then full nelsons. Hashi spins Ishii to the pump handle, but Ishii fights Karma! Ishii throws elbows, but Hashi LARIATS! Hashi resets, KAR- NO, Ishii slips free! But Hashi avoids the enzigiri! Hashi DOUBLE STOMPS Ishii on the back!
Hashi drags Ishii up again, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Hashi goes to a corner, comes back, but Ishii gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! The fans rally while Ishii rolls away to a corner. Ishii eggs Hashi on, then runs in, to LARIAT! But Hashi rises!? Hashi blocks a lariat, ROLLING ELBOWS, and Ishii falls! Hashi drags Ishii back up, gets his knee ready and runs, but Ishii LARIATS again!! The fans are thunderous and Ishii goes back for Hashi. Ishii drags Hashi up, reels him in, lifts him up, and RUNNING POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO?!?!
The fans are thunderous as Hashi survives all that damage! Ishii sits Hashi up to run and SLIDING- NO, Hashi dodges! CODE BREAKER! Ishii rebounds, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!! Hashi survives again! The fans are electric and Ishii roars! Ishii drags Hashi up, reels him back in and suplexes, but Hashi knees free! Hashi wrenches, gets around, pump handle! KAR- NO, Ishii slips free to suplex! But Hashi DDT COUNTERS!! The fans are thunderous again while both men are down! The fans rally as hard as they can while Ishii and Hashi go to opposite corners. Ishii and Hashi rise up, and Hashi roars!
Hashi runs in to LARIAT Ishii from behind! Hashi reels Ishii in now, but Ishii fights the lift! Ishii powers up to back drop Hashi away! The fans fire up but Hashi is right up! Hashi roars, and he SUPER- NO, Ishii blocks the kick to HEADBUTT!! Ishii drags himself to a corner, roars as he rises up, and the fans are thunderous again! Ishii runs but Hashi LARIATS first!! Hashi roars and he drags Ishii to his feet! Hashi reels Ishii in, hoists him up, but Ishii back drops, only for Hashi to make it a DESTROYER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ishii survives and the fans are electric! Hashi stays cool and watches Ishii slowly sit up.
Hashi powers up his arm, runs, and he LARIATS Ishii down!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Ishii survives again but Hashi just feeds off the energy of Korakuen Hall! Hashi drags Ishii to his feet, full nelsons, then spins Ishii tot he pump handle! KAR- NO, Ishii slips free to full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX!! Both men rise again, and Hashi runs up! Ishii ROCKS Hashi! Hashi CHOPS Ishii! Ishii PELES Hashi!! Korakuen erupts as Ishii roars! Ishii runs and LARIATS Hashi down!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Now Hashi survives, but Ishii vows to end this! Ishii suplexes, but Hashi slips free! DRAGON SUPLEX! Ishii rises, into the SUPERKICK!
Ishii just runs!? Hashi SUPERKICKS! And ROUNDHOUSES! And hops on, for EASY PICKINGS!! But Hashi knows that’s not enough, he has to top it off! Pump handle and KARMA!!! Cover, HASHI WINS!!
Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
A powerful showdown between teammates, and in the end, the Head Hunter was able to break through the Stone Pitbull! Ishii will miss out on the G1, but will there be something for him down the line?
As for Hashi, he gets the mic to say, “Ishii-san. Thank you very much. Sometimes, words find a way into people’s hearts. And a few words have that power. Ishii doesn’t say much backstage, but when he has talked to me, it has been something inspiring and profound. It is because of Tomohiro Ishii that Yoshi-Hashi is here today.” The fans cheer, and Hashi says that he has seen Ishii walk through the darkness and still carry a light. So that has inspired Hashi to move on to the G1 Climax. He hopes to face Ishii again some time, but for now, Hashi steps forward to the future. Some might not like it, but he will keep marching forward.
Hashi wants us to know that there was a point where he, Ishii and a few others, who he will not name, had to make a decision. But that next step is in the Tokyo Budokan on Friday! Hashi promises victory to earn his way into this year’s G1! So he hopes everyone will watch him then, and see what he can truly do! The Head Hunter is determined, will he always #GetBackUp until he has reached the top?
My Thoughts:
A great return to the New Japan Soul series, and while I didn’t cover the matches, I did appreciate they pulled a little something special with the LIJ VS House of Torture matches tonight. It was meant to be back-to-back Six Man Tag matches, but of course the House couldn’t let LIJ win cleanly so Evil’s trio stormed out there and beat up on Titan, Hiromu & Yota. That brought out Naito, Takagi & Bushi, Takagi was the one to make the challenge for the much bigger Twelve Man Tag, and that was fairly chaotic, but of course LIJ won again. And it seems that on July 5th, the New Japan Soul finale, we’re getting LIJ VS LIJ, Team Hiromu VS Team Naito to perhaps help tease some things in terms of the world title and the G1 Climax.
Speaking of the G1, great qualifiers tonight. Great surprise results in Oleg overcoming Tanahashi and Callum overcoming Kenta, this is definitely Tanahashi as President Ace saying the younger generation is ready to move up. Though at the same time, they do the right move in storytelling by having TJP not get the surprise victory. TJP’s story is struggling to win in much of anything while trying to be new team captain for The United Empire. TJP did great tonight, of course, but it shows that he’s still falling short of the example set by Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, and even the singles champions within the group, Henare, Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb.
Ishii VS Hashi was an awesome main event, and being that they’re good friends and teammates, they know each other so well and were referencing that from start to finish. Ishii is great, but Hashi is essentially the face of perseverance in NJPW, and he has for awhile now been on that push a veteran gets after sticking it out for so long. Both Oleg VS Taichi and Hashi VS Callum will be great finals, great generational match-ups, and I’m rather torn on who gets in. I feel like it’d be more exciting for NJPW fans if Oleg gets a third upset in a row while Hashi gets a win over the younger, faster guy.
My Score: 8.9/10
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