Saturday is truly All Elite!

A very special Collision is also part two of the Continental Classic’s opening round! Will The Rainmaker be poised to hold onto HIS Continental Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Private Party & Mistico VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; win.
• The Outrunners VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; win.
• Hangman Page VS Wheeler Yuta; wins.
• Mina Shirakawa VS Leila Grey; wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kyle Fletcher VS The Beast Mortos; wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Juice Robinson; wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Daniel Garcia; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

The Continental Classic returns!

On Thanksgiving Eve, AEW heads for Worlds End with the 2024 Continental Classic! Who will look to take the title from Kazuchika Okada?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS Shelton Benjamin; Shelton wins.
• ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho w/ Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Tomohiro Ishii; Jericho wins and retains the title.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Ricochet VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
• WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup Qualifier Tournament: Jamie Hayter VS Queen Aminata; Hayter wins and advances to Winter is Coming.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Brody King; Brody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Hurt Syndicate is here!

Shelton Benjamin has Montel Vontavious Porter and Bobby Lashley with him as he makes his way out, because the Standard of Excellence is going to jump into the Continental Classic round robin tournament in mere moments. But first, MVP has the mic to call our attention to an official announcement from The Hurt Syndicate. “Tonight, AEW and the Hurt Syndicate are coming to you LIVE from the Wintrust Arena in Chicago!” The fans cheer that! And MVP says bien gin Chicago, then it is an appropriate analogy to say he has two of the greatest athletes to EVER grace a pro-wrestling ring! Two men who are head and shoulders above the entire field!

This is like being between Walter Payton and Michael Jordan! Chicago appreciates MVP’s comparison. MVP says no, it isn’t about him, it is about The Syndicate and the lessons that they teach. MVP will make it very plain: When he offers you a business card, an opportunity to join up, that is like a golden ticket! IT is your chance to change your life for the better, if you’re smart. Or if you’re like Swerve Strickland and you’re not, your youthful exuberance becoming arrogance… The fans still cheer “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Funny they feel that way, since the All Mighty Bobby Lashley beat the SNOT outta Swerve!

So if you’re confused on whose house this is, just look at the big screen. We get a highlight reel of that match from Full Gear, such as when Lashley Speared Swerve through the barriers, Speared him again, then clamped on the Hurt Lock. Fans are torn but MVP says Swerve is an amazing young man, a former world champion, but he is not the most dangerous man in AEW. Bobby Lashley is the most dangerous! He is a walking Armageddon! So to make this clear, the mission statement is that the Syndicate will take titles! Then they leverage the titles for money and power. That is the business, they are the Merchants of Misery! They are in the profession of pain!

And kicking off the C2 tonight will be The Standard of Excellence, Shelton Benjamin! MVP cannot make this any clearer. They are the absolute best at absolute misery! What do they do? They hurt people! The theme song says it again and again, will the Syndicate do that again and again until they’re on top of AEW? Or will the Sussex County Chicken #ManUp and make a big impact?

Mark makes his entrance while MVP & Lashley leave, as Continental Rules mean no cornermen for any side. We have a 20 minute time limit, and the winner gets 3 points, 1 point each in a draw. Who sets the pace not just for Blue League but the tournament as a whole?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS Shelton Benjamin!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Mark and #DemBoys! The two circle, but Mark offers a handshake. Shelton accepts it, but then uses it to whip! Shelton waistlocks, Mark grabs ropes, and Shelton lets go quickly. They tie up again, and Shelton powers Mark to a corner! Mark slips free to CHOP! The fans fire up but Shelton brushes that off. Mark kicks low, headlocks, but Shelton powers up and out. Shelton then CLOBBERS Mark with a big shoulder tackle! Shelton drags Mark up for an EXPLODER! Mark goes to ropes, Shelton drops a knee on him, then whips. Mark slides under and ROCKS Shelton!

Mark kicks, fires forearms, and the fans rally as he runs. Mark BOOTS Shelton out of the ring and fans fire up more! Mark runs to WRECK Shelton with a dropkick! Mark high-fives the fans in the front row, then goes back for Shelton. Mark CHOPS Shelton, and the fans fire up more as Mark runs up, but Shelton clinches! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY on the floor! Shelton drags Mark up, SMACKS him off the apron, then THROWS him into the railing! And repeat! Shelton sends Mark into steel steps and Mark goes tumbling. Shelton steps into the ring and lets the ring count handle this.

Mark rises as the fans rally, and Shelton grins. Shelton storms out to then scoop and aim. Mark slips free to POST Shelton, then he slides into the ring! The fans fire up as Mark DIVES! Down goes Shelton and Mark high-fives more fans! Mark then fetches Shelton and brings him around. Mark ROCKS Shelton, CHOPS him, then pushes him into the ring. The fans rally up and Mark climbs, but Shelton springs up after him, SUPER ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up for that feat of athleticism, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Shelton stalks Mark to a corner, digs his boots in, but lets off as the ref counts. Shelton drags Mark up, DUMPS him out, then goes out the side. Shelton storms over to Mark, drags him up, and short arm LARIATS! Shelton rolls back into the ring to watch Mark crawl. The ring count climbs, but Shelton decides to go back out. Mark fires hands on Shelton first! Shelton KNEES low, then whips him over railing! Shelton leaves Mark behind for the ring count to handle, but fans rally behind Mark. Mark stands, storms back to the ring, but Shelton meets him halfway with a BOOT! Shelton then brings Mark around, to TOSS over the railing!

Shelton leaves Mark behind but Mark is back up! Mark hurries up and over, and he grits his teeth as he storms back to the ring. Shelton waits on him, then gets him at the apron with a forearm! Shelton brings Mark up and suplexes Mark into the ring! Shelton knows that isn’t enough, and he watches Mark go to a corner. Shelton storms up to KNEE Mark low! Shelton brings Mark up but Mark fires hands as Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans duel but Mark ROCKS and whips Shelton. Shelton reverses, Mark ducks ‘n’ dodges, but a kitchen sink knee finds Mark! Cover, TWO! Shelton storms up on Mark and wrangles him to ropes.

Mark has the ropes but Shelton still has the chinlock. The ref counts, the fans rally, and Shelton lets go at 4. Shelton looms over Mark, drags him to a corner, and then talks trash. Shelton fires forearms but Mark glares at him! Mark shakes his head so Shelton fires more shots! Mark fights up and the fans fire up! Shelton fires more shots but Mark says hit him! Shelton fires more forearms, but Mark just fires them in return! The fans fire up with Mark but Shelton shoves him! Mark bobs ‘n’ weaves, leans back, and fires REDNECK PALM STRIKES! Mark ROCKS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Mark whips, but Shelton grabs ropes.

Mark runs up, Shelton BOOTS him, but Mark fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! And then SLIDING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Mark climbs a corner! FROGGY-BOW!! But that landing was hard on both men! Shelton rolls away and gets out of the ring! The fans boo but Mark isn’t frustrated, he just says BANG BANG! FOLEY ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up and Mark puts Shelton back in the ring. Mark climbs back up, “This is Awesome!” as Mark again FROGGY-BOWS! But onto knees!! Shelton saves himself, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Mark lands high on his shoulders, but Shelton hauls him up! GERMAN SUPLEX!!

The fans are going nuts as Shelton just throws Mark around! But Mark fights the third try! Mark fires elbows, breaks free, and he PELES! Mark brings Shelton up, underhooks, and the fans fire up! JAY- NO, Shelton fights it to backdrop! But M ark sunset flips! TWO!! Shelton kicks, Mark blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Mark goes to the corner, Shelton runs in to STEP-UP KNEE! And then SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans are thunderous! Shelton is annoyed but he waits on Mark to rise up. SUPERKICK!! Shelton isn’t done, either! He hauls Mark back up, and hits PAYDIRT!! Cover, Shelton wins!

Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Briscoe earns 0)

The Syndicate returns to celebrate with Shelton as he truly becomes the standard in this tournament. Who will be able to keep pace with Shelton? Will Mark be able to get back up before the round robin is through?

Some notes on the Continental Classic format:

While it is all round robin, this year will have a crisscross semifinals! First place in Gold League faces second place in Blue League, and vice-versa, the winners of those then facing off in the tournament finals. And bigger still, it all happens at Worlds End on December 28th! But in the end, the winner of this tournament will be THE Continental Champion, even without having to defeat Kazuchika Okada directly! Who will show some true grit and determination knowing there’s a doubleheader in their future?

PROGRAMMING NOTE for Saturday!

Not only will Collision and Rampage combine for a solid THREE HOUR BLOCK Saturday, November 30th, but it will be live coast to coast, and at an earlier time! 4 PM Eastern for Collision, 6 PM for Rampage, meaning the West Coast will get a lunchtime helping of AEW! Make sure your schedule and DVR are adjusted accordingly so you can catch it all!

Tony Schiavone is on stage.

He welcomes us back to the show, and he welcomes out the NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, the AEW TBS Champion, The CEO, Mercedes Mone! Kamille accompanies Mone, and she smiles as she’s handed the mic. Chicago boos but that’s because she’s from Boston. Mone says, “Chicagooo~! You better say hello to your C E O.” Schiavone says Mone turned the wrestling world on its head last Saturday with her win over Kris Statlander. The longest match in AEW Women’s Division history, and perhaps the Women’s Match of the Year. How does she feel? Mone says it feels like money!

But to be honest, if she could just say, Kris did give her one of the hardest fights of Mone’s career. Kris proved she is one of the very best. But Mone is THE BEST AEW TBS Champion of all time! At Full Gear, Mone showed the world how a real woman gets the job done. And since Kamille can’t get anything done right, she’s- Kamille grabs the mic to say, “SHUT! UP!!” The fans cheer Kamille as she stands up to Mone! Kamille says, “Are you stupid? Or are you dumb?” Mone can’t fire Kamille, because Kamille QUITS. Kamille hits the mic drop on Mone and storms off! The CEO has lost her Brickhouse, what will protect her from challengers now?

ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho w/ Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Tomohiro Ishii!

The Learning Tree, The Nueve, the TWO-TIME ROH World Champion, has defended this title against the Stone Pitbull in this very building two years ago, but he was a very different Jericho back then. As for Ishii, with no offense to Toni Storm, Ishii is timeless! Will the Age of the Nueve only last so long? Or will he continue on towards ROH Final Battle in December?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the true Face of ROH!

The fans rally up as Ishii and Jericho get face to face. So much for the Code of Honor. Ishii CHOPS, Jericho CHOPS, and we’re going right back to two years ago already! They CHOP and CHPO and CHOP, and the fans “WOO~” every time. The CHOPS build up speed and the fans love it! Both men’s chests are already so red, and they both step back to catch their breath. The CHOPS continue, and fans hope they “Chop Forever!” Jericho CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Ishii ducks one to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans cheer as Ishii runs up, but Jericho GERMAN SUPELXES! Ishii is up to LARIAT! Jericho LARIATS in return!

The fans fire up as Ishii and Jericho DOUBLE LARIAT! And then they both run, for Jericho to BOOT! Ishii rebounds to LARIAT Jericho down! The fans fire up while Jericho flounders to the apron. Ishii storms out to join Jericho, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Jericho pokes Ishii in the eyes! The fans boo but Jericho waves, “Hi, guys~!” Jericho then hits an APRON DDT! Ishii stands up on his head from that impact, and both Bill & Keith enjoy seeing that from commentary. The ref checks, Ishii is alright to continue, and Jericho waves to Chicago. Jericho then goes back to Ishii to stand him up and SMACK him off the desk!

The fans are torn, but Jericho SMACKS Ishii with the desk hood! Jericho puts Ishii in the ring, then stalks up behind him. Ishii CHOPS! Jericho frowns, then CHOPS back! Ishii CHOPS again! Jericho grimaces, but Ishii just CHOPS again! Jericho CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and now Jericho SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS back! They turn this into a SLAP fight! The SLAPS go back and forth from all sides! The fans fire up as this also picks up speed! Ishii ROCKS Jericho with that last one, but Ishii finally feels some of those shots. Both men step up to SLAP! Jericho has a bloody lip but he still SLAPS away on Ishii! Ishii SLAPS him again!

Dynamite goes picture in picture while Jericho backs off a moment. Jericho then frowns, steps back up, and the LSAPS just keep going! Ishii ROCKS Jericho again and again, but Jericho still comes back for more! The ref wants both men to be careful, but Jericho just fires up. Jericho SLAPS, Ishii SLAPS, and Jericho again steadies himself. The SLAPS keep on going, and then Ishii runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Jericho stumbles and leans on Ishii, but Ishii stands him up. Jericho eggs Ishii on so Ishii short-range HEADBUTTS! The SLAPS return, and they’ve got some stank on ’em! Ishii ROCKS Jericho again and again and again!

Jericho ends up in a corner, Ishii just fires off! The ref counts, Ishii rains down forearms, but he stops to roar and storm around. The fans love it as Ishii finally takes a breather. Jericho rises back up, he and Ishii step to each other, and Jericho SLOAPS! Ishii eggs Jericho on so Jericoh SLAPS more, an dthen ishii just SLAPS! The SLAPS keep going! Neither man is backing down but Ishii is again so much sturdier! The SLAPS are really hitting hard, and now Ishii wobbles! Jericho huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms back up, the SLAPS keep going! Ishii and Jericho both have rose red cheeks, but they’re not Santa Claus!

Dynamite returns to single picture as Jericho and Ishii just fire up and keep going! The fans love this, and then Jericho finally falls over! Ishii leans on ropes, perhaps some blood from his own cheek. Jericho’s busted lip is only worse, but he dodges Ishii! Jericho CHOPS, then he hoists Ishii up! Jericho climbs after Ishii, CLUBS away on Ishii, and then he brings Ishii up. SUPERPLEX! The fans are thunderous as Ishii rises up! Jericho is stunned! Ishii staggers his way back over, and Jericho fires forearms! Ishii just takes them, then ROCKS Jericho with one! Ishii runs, but Jericho BOOTS the lariat! Ishii SOUTHPAW LARAITS!

Jericho goes back to a corner and Ishii eggs him on! Jericho storms back up, and we return to the SLAP fight! Ishii swings, Jericho blocks, but then Ishii CLUBS Jericho again and again! Ishii swings, Jericho dodges, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ishii rises up, Jericho aims, but he CLOBBERS Jericho first! Both men fall and the fans are loving this! Jericho rises, Ishii follows, and Ishii runs up, into a BOOT! CODE- NO, Ishii stops that to fire boxing elbows! Ishii runs, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER, and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous again! Bill praises Jericho as both men rise back up.

Jericho blocks a lariat to JUDAS EFFECT! And CODE BREAKER! Cover, ONE?!? Ishii roars to his feet, but then stumbles and falls! The fans are fired up as Ishii rises, but Jericho trips him! WALLS- NO, Ishii THROWS Jericho away! Jericho runs up, but Ishii RAMS, HEADBUTTS, and BATTERING RAMS Jericho! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives all that damage, but then Ishii runs! Jericho avoids the sliding lariat, but Ishii is right up to steal CODE BREAKER!! The fans fire up as Ishii hurries back to his feet! Ishii runs and LARIATS Jericho down!! Cover, TWO!!! Jericho survives, and Ishii snarls through his bloody nose!

Ishii drags Jericho up, suplexes, but Jericho fights it! Jericho wrenches, but Ishii ENZIGIRIS! Jericho drops to his knees, Ishii runs, but into a JUDAS EFFECT!! Both men are down, Bill & Keith are sure Jericho has it now! Jericho and Ishii rise, ANOTHER JUDAS EFFECT!! Cover, Jericho wins!!

Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall (still ROH World Champion)

Chicago may not like it, but as The Bad Apple says, you have to RESPECT Jericho! Jericho toughed it out and won this one all on his own! Jericho is 2-0 against Ishii on Thanksgiving Eve, but will he make it through his Final Battle?

Backstage interview with Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana.

Renee Paquette is with The Realest and his manager, and notes that Saturday, Full Gear, that was one of the most brutal losses in Swerve’s career. How does he rebuild from that? Swerve says rebuilding is something he does very well. Win or lose, Swerve figures it out. But Bobby… Swerve has never been hit so hard by anybody. Max Caster walks by and chuckles as he says that was brutal. Swerve asks what’s so funny. Caster says what’s funny is Swerve. Swerve lost at the Prudential Center last Saturday. Wasn’t that the same place where Caster once beat Swerve for the AEW World Tag Team Championships?

But hey, let’s write some comedy, drop some bars. Because EVERYONE loves The Best Wrestler Alive. Swerve used to be a house of fire, like a hose fire! Swerve grabs Caster by the neck, then THROWS him onto a road case! Swerve hammers away on Platinum Max, then THROWS him down! To then PUNT Caster in the head!! Nana says they gotta go, and Swerve leaves. Will Caster learn to hold his tongue the next time he sees the most dangerous man in AEW?

Tony Schiavone is now in the ring.

He again welcomes us back to the show, and now he welcomes out Hangman Adam Page! The fans are torn as the Blackhat Cowboy makes his way out, and Schiavone wants to talk Full Gear. Hangman loses to Jay White, and that’s just stating facts. But then Hangman goes after White, punches out Christopher Daniels, then after the main event, shows up to go after Yuta and Moxley to help Christian Cage attempt his cash-in. Just help us wrap our heads around- Hangman snatches the mic! Hangman says first of all, if Daniels wants to get in Hangman’s business, Hangman will knock him on his ass again!

And as for Full Gear, Hangman made a deal and kept his end of the bargain. Christian Cage, if you’d been able to keep up your end, then Hangman would be home tomorrow in time for lunch, chowing down on a bowl of stuffing, as the NEW AEW World Champion! But Christian FAILED! So tonight, Hangman will do what he should’ve done in the first place, and he’ll make himself very clear. His intention is and always has been to be THE AEW World Champion! The fans do cheer that. Hangman says it should have NEVER been Swerve, it should NEVER have been Bryan, NEVER have been Moxley, and it damn sure NEVER will be Christian’s!

That title is and always has been HANGMAN’S! But wait! Here comes The Switchblade! The fans cheer as Jay White is on stage, and has a mic already. White tells Hangman, “Say it with us, Hanger. Guns up for my Chicago Gold Members~! See, this is perfect, Hanger! Because I have a question for you. I would love to know, please, do tell, Mr. Page, what happened in your match at with Switchblade Jay White at Full Gear? Perhaps that’s a bit hard for him. How ’bout this one, Hanger? What happened in your match with Switchblade Jay White at WrestleDream? Ah, see, you may have forgotten, but Chicago remembers: You lost BOTH those matches!”

Switchblade beat The Hangman again! So if anyone is going after the one true king, the AEW World Championship, it will not be Hangman! It will be Switchblade! The fans cheer but White does say if Hangman needs another reminder, if FIVE losses still isn’t enough, if he wants another taste, then White will give him that here tonight in Chicago! But wait! PAC YANKS WHITE DOWN! And THROWS him into railing! The Bastard taunts Hangman, but that’s so Yuta can CHOP BLOCK Hangman! The Death Riders mug Hangman, this is revenge for Full Gear! But White gets in and he TOSSES Yuta! And he HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES Pac!

Hangman LARIATS White! Marina Shafir BRIEFCASE SMASHES Hangman!! The fans boo as now The Problem stalks White! Marina winds up, but White dodges! And he clinches Marina! Moxley grabs White in a SLEEPER!! The fans boo as The Maniac chokes out White, and then Marina KICKS low! SAYANAGI! MOTHER’S MILK!! Marina smothers White and White is fading out! Marina throws White down, and then the Death Riders all stomp away! The fans boo these jackals, but then Pac has the case. Moxley stands White up, and he CLOBBERS White with it!! The Death Riders get revenge on their enemies, will the reign of terror know no end?

But the night isn’t over for The Death Riders, as the Swiss Superman steps out to ringside for his Continental Classic match. Will Claudio be the real workhorse that sets the pace for this tournament? Or will the C2 be #OuttaThisWorld?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Ricochet VS Claudio Castagnoli!

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Claudio knees low! Claudio scoops to SLAM, then he drags Ricochet right up to waistlock. Ricochet switches, headlocks, but Claudio powers out to RUN Ricochet over. The fans rally for Ricochet but Claudio drags Ricochet up. Ricochet KICKS, ROCKS, CHOPS, but Claudio shoves. Ricohet RANAS but Claudio is right up! Claudio blocks a kick, THROWS Ricochet ot a corner, but Ricochet goes up and over! Ricoche tducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA again! Claudio blocks a kick, FLIPS Ricochet, but Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges again! But Claudio blocks the rana this time!

Claudio hauls Ricochet up, but RIcochet sunest flips! Claudio pops Ricochet right up but Ricochet RANAS! Claudio bails out and the fans fire up as Ricochet builds speed. Claudio moves but Ricochet handsprings to superhero land! The fans fire up while Claudio scowls. Claudio storms up tot he apron, he RAMS into Ricochet and BACKDROPS Ricochet out! Ricochet alnds on his feet, runs up, but is put on the apron! Ricochet mule kicks, QUEBRADAS, but Claudio catches Ricochet to hit SNAKE EYES off the railing! The ring count climbs but Claudio refreshes in. The fans rally up with “BALD FOREVER!” Claudio hits SNAKE EYES again!

Claudio steps into the ring to leave Ricochet behind. The fans rally, Ricochet says he’s trying, y’all. Claudio hauls Ricochet up, and whips him hard into railing! And then UPPERCUTS him back down! Claudio paces while the ring count climbs, and he hauls Ricochet up. Claudio fireman’s carries to then TOSS Ricochet into the ring! Claudio storms up to the apron, but Ricochet BOOTS Claudio! Then triangle jump DROPKICKS! Ricochet then DIVES and hits Claudio into railing! The fans are thunderous and Ricochet puts Claudio in! The fans fire up as Ricochet springboards, but Claudio tripos him up!

Ricochet falls hard to the mat and Claudio wags his finger. Claudio then winds up, runs up, and UPPERCUTS Ricochet into the corner! Ricochet bounces off buckles and falls, Claudio covers, TWO! The fans rally while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Claudio huffs ‘n’ puffs before he stomps Ricochet’s hand. Claudio paces while Ricochet leans on the ropes. Claudio stands Ricochet up to fire forearms. Ricochet fires back, RAMS into Claudio, but Claudio scoops to TOSS Ricochet out of the ring! Ricochet writhes on the floor but Claudio waits on the count. Ricochet is still down at 5 of 10, but he starts to sit up. Claudio still waits as Ricochet slides in at 8! Claudio stomps away on Ricochet, then lets off to drag Ricochet into a seated armlock. Ricochet endures, even as Claudio leans on the hold, and then Claudio shifts to get a leg! Claudio has a HALF CRAB ARMLOCK COMBO!

Ricochet endures, Claudio shifts around to have the arm and chinlock, and Claudio twists Ricochet around! Ricochet endures, even as Claudio pushes on his head and neck! Ricochet fights up, fires body shots, and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans fire up as Ricochet ROCKS, CHIOPS, whips, but Claudio blocks! Claudio whips, Ricochet handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Claudio runs back up but Ricochet DUMPS him out! Ricochet then builds speed to DIVE, but Claudio manages to mitigate the impact with strength! Ricochet hauls Claudio up to put him in! Ricochet climbs the corner, and he CROSSBODIES! Claudio catches him!

Claudio spins Ricochet around to a BACKBREAKER! Claudio runs to BOOT Ricochet down! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and Claudio grows frustrated. Claudio sits Ricochet up, brings him around, and reels him in. But Ricochet drops to the mat again! Claudio is annoyed but he hoists Ricochet up again. UPPERCUT into a backslide! Claudio fights the move, swings, but Ricochet pops up to stand on Claudio! Then he backflips, ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt–whirl and DEJA VU RANA! Claudio tumblers out, the fans are thunderous and Ricochet builds speed! And he FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans are thunderous as Ricochet takes a look at the title.

Ricochet puts Claudio in the ring, springboards, and he FLYING LARIATS! Chicago fires up more as Ricochet LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is frustrated but the fans continue to rally behind him. Claudio rises, Ricochet goes to fireman’s carry, but Claudio fights it with elbows! Claudio back suplexes, Ricochet lands out to shove and SUPERKICK! ROUNDHOUSE! Ricochet springboards, into an UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Claudio is frustrated again but the fans are loving this! Claudio grabs the legs, but Ricochet kicks at him! Claudio rebounds to DOUBLE STOMP! And then he has the legs, for a SHARPSHOOTER!

Ricochet endures, even as Claudio sits deep! Ricochet claws at the mat, fights his way forward, but Claudio drags him away from ropes! Claudio sits DEEP, then shifts to a CROSSFACE! Ricochet rolls but Claudio holds on! Ricochet endures, rolls to a cover, TWO! Claudio UPPERCUTS Ricochet right down! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio hurries to straitjacket and RICO- RANA!! Cover, TWO!!! Claudio CLOBBERS Ricochet, then TOSSES him out! Claudio goes out to whip Ricochet hard into railing! The fans fire up as Claudio storms up, and he takes off the railing’s protective padding.

Claudio hauls Ricochet up to CROTCH Ricochet on the railing!! Claudio shoves Ricochet over then leaves him behind. Ricochet drags himself back up but we’re already past 5 of 10! Ricochet hobbles his way over, slides in at 9, but Claudio just runs to LARIAT!! Cover, Claudio wins!!

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ricochet earns 0)

The One & Only could not get even one point to open the tournament, and Claudio has set the pace for Gold League! Will Claudio not be denied like he was last year?

Backstage interview with Kyle Fletcher & Don Callis.

Renee is with The Protostar and his scumbag mentor, and she says Kyle is coming off the biggest win of his career with his victory over Will Ospreay at Full Gear. To her, it seems The Don Callis Family has been on a mission to destroy Ospreay. Callis says that’s because that is what you do to get ahead in this business! What business do you think we’re all in? This is pro-wrestling! They leave no stone unturned. And they didn’t just beat Ospreay, they DECIMATED him! They SKINNED him, and left him in a heap! Because they proved that Kyle is bigger, stronger, faster, smarter and better looking than Ospreay! And they’re just getting started.

They high-five and Kyle says yes, it was definitive, 100% certain, that Kyle is better than Ospreay in every single way. And the Continental Classic will be just anther way for Kyle to prove that, in case there were other skeptics. And it all starts this Saturday! Tune in because the C2 will belong to The Protostar. Kyle is confident as ever, but will he still be feeling good after a Continental Collision?

Adam Cole is here!

Chicago cheers as The Panama City Playboy makes his way out, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett flanking him now. The fans join in on “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” and then Cole grabs a mic. “I am so sick and tired of playing this game. Max, if you were half the man that you claim to be, than you’d be a man and fight me. But you’re not, because you’re a little b*tch! Max, after what you did to Roddy, I swear to God, hell! I swear on my own mother! When I get my hands on you, I am going to beat you within an inch of your pathetic life!” Taven & Bennett seem to be conflicted on this promise, but wait! Here comes Kyle O’Reilly!

Kyle steps into the ring, mic already in hand, and he tells Cole that with all due respect, Cole fought Max and it didn’t work out. That’s why they’re in this situation. So let’s try something a little different: Let Kyle fight MJF. Because while MJF isn’t here, if he has the guts to show up next week- Cole stops Kyle there, and tells him to listen. What Kyle said last week stuck with Cole. Cole does not want his friends to fight his battles. Cole wants to be the one to end things with MJF. Kyle says this isn’t about Cole. This is for Roddy. Cole and Kyle argue off mic, Taven & Bennett try to calm them down, but then the tron has MJF playing the piano!

MJF plays the, “Oh, didn’t see you there.” But guys, in regards to them both wanting to fight MJF, he has thought about it for the past, oh, twenty seconds, and well, he’s gotta say no. Sorry. Actually, his mind is rather focused on something far more important. See, next week is the traditional Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal, and so as far as dealing with Cole and Kyle… MJF is just thinking, uh, buh-bye! Let him play you off. MJF goes back to the piano, and of course it is his theme song he plays. Cole is seething already, but he tells MJF that he’ll be the first to officially enter that battle royal! Kyle says he’ll be the second!

Cole and Kyle argue again, but fighting over the Dynamite Diamond Ring could very well be a way to get after the Wolf of Wrestling. Will someone finally end MJF’s five year streak of being the Dynamite Diamond Ringbearer?

WrestleDynasty International Women’s Cup Qualifier Tournament: Jamie Hayter VS Queen Aminata!

January 5th in the Tokyo Dome, NJPW will be hosting a match of the best women’s wrestlers from around the world, with a title opportunity awaiting the winner! AEW, ROH, CMLL and Stardom are all putting up their most deserving, who will make their way into the history books?

The bell rings, Aminata and Hayter circle, then they tie up. Aminata powers Hayter back to ropes, but then Hayter powers her way back! Hayter puts Aminata in a corner, the ref counts, and Hayter lets off. Aminata storms up, they tie up again, and the fans duel as the two go around the ropes. Hayter puts Aminata in the corner, the ref counts, but Hayter lets off at 4. Aminata runs up and they tie up again. Hayter wrenches to WRING Aminata, and WRING her again! Hayter facelocks but Aminata endures the grind. Hayter gator rolls but Aminata rises up to HIP TOSS! Aminata has the headlock, and she pushes Hayter down.

Hayter rolls to cover, TWO! Both women stand, Hayter ROCKS Aminata! Hayter bumps Aminata off buckles, then bumps her off them again. Hayter stops as the ref counts, but then she CHOPS! Hayter fires up and the fans rally. Hayter CHOPS Aminata in another corner, then puts some stank on the next CHOP! Aminata turns things around to CHOP! Hayter turns it back to CHOP! Aminata CHOPS! Hayter CHOPS! Aminata ROCKS Hayter, CHOPS her, then gets in Hayter’s face. Hayter just CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Hayter swings, Aminata dodges, and Aminata DOUBLE CHOPS! Aminata whips, Hayter reverses and wrangles Aminata! SNAP SUPLEX INTO BUCKLES!

The fans fire up while Hayter catches her breath, and Aminata writhes to the apron while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Hayter waits on Aminata as the ref checks. Aminata seems alright to continue, but Hayter hauls her up into the ropes. Hayter has Aminata dangling for a DRAPING DDT! Hayter covers, TWO! Hayter drags Aminata up to snap suplex again! Aminata sits up but Hayter KNEES her in the back! And again! And again! Hayter clamps on the headscissor squeeze! Aminata endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Hayter lets go, and she storms back up to CLUB Aminata! And CLUB her again! Aminata shoves Hayter, but Hayter just CLUBS her again! Aminata fires more body shots, so Hayter BOOTS Aminata down.

Hayter puts Aminata on ropes to CHOKE her, but lets off as the ref counts. Hayter “apologizes,” then storms back up. Aminata kicks low! Aminata fires forearms, then runs, but Hayter CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Hayter drags Aminata up, but Aminata JAWBREAKERS! Dynamite returns to single picture as the forearms start flying! The fans rally up, the shots keep going, and then Hayter fires a flurry! The fans fir eup, Hayter runs, but Amianta ROCKSher! Aminata runs but Hayter ELBOWS her! Hayter runs but Amianta ROCKS her back! Amnianta gives an elbow, then runs, but into another ELBOW!

Hayter whips, Amianta reverses to wrangle her, but Hayter susnset flips through the cradle! TWO and Aminata sits on the prawn hold! TWO, and both women are up! Amianta ducks as lariat to SNAP SUPLEX! Hayter stands, Amianta rOCKS her, then DOUBLE CHOPS her! Hayter falls back onto ropes and Amiant atakes aim! Th efans fire up with Amianta as she runs, BOOT WASH! Hayter slumps all the way out as Aminata stares daggers into her! Aminata puts Hayter back in, covers, TWO!! Hayter survives by centimeters, but Aminata hausl her up! Hayter sunset flips through the Alabama Lift, then ripcords!

Aminata dodges Hayterade to then get under the boot! ALLEY-OOP!! Hayter sputters but Aminata stomps her! Aminata puts Hayter in the drop zone, then she climbs up the corner. The fans fire up as Aminata aims, but Hayter avoids the diving stomp! Hayter catches Aminata for the HATE BREAKER!! Hayter roars, drags Aminata back up, and she hits the- CRADLE from Aminata! TWO!! Hayter kicks a leg out! Then Oklahoma Roll! TWO! But Hayter rolls Aminata around to a ghost pin! TWO!! Aminata stays in this but Hayter stays on her, SLEEPER!! Aminata is caught in body scissors but the fans rally up!

Hayter drags Aminata around, Aminata rolls it back! TWO!! BOOT!! Cover, TWO!!! Aminata survives, but Hayter hauls her up! HAYTERADE!!! Cover, Hayter wins!

Winner: Jamie Hayter, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Hayter Hits Hard, and she punches her ticket to Winter is Coming Collision on Saturday, December 14th! Speaking of Collision, it will be the Galaxycon Saturday edition when Willow Nightingale and… Well, speaking of Julia Hart, the lights go out, and Hayter knows its the Princess! Hayter dares Julia to just show herself already, but no, Julia does things on her own time. Will the Princess of the Black Throne take down the Babe with the Power to then go after Hayter?

Sit-down interview with Mina Shirakawa.

Renee is now with the Fighting Gravure Idol and brings up Full Gear and the “chaos” in the breakup between her and Mariah May. Mariah swung on Mina, Mina tackled her, they both fall off the stage, and while we saw the physical damage, Renee can only imagine the emotional. And yet at the same time, it seemed like Mina was ready for this. Mina says yes, she knew that the day would come. She was waiting a long time. If Mariah could do what she did to Toni Storm, Mina knew Mariah could do that to her, too. Mina never wanted this to happen. Mina wished Mariah was the girl she thought she was. But she’s not… This is the REAL Mariah.

Mariah is so… selfish. Mariah has to kill anyone who gets too close to her. And if that’s the real Mariah May, then time to meet the REAL Mina! Yes, everyone wants Mina, but- OH NO!! Mariah SMASHES Mina with a bottle! And then LASHES her over and over with the belt! Mariah says, “I WANT MINA!!” The Glamour is ruthless, and now Tony Khan sends word! AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming, December 11th, it is happening! Mariah VS Mina for the AEW Women’s World Championship! Will Mariah prove she is truly coldhearted? Or can Mina heat things up when she brings out her own vicious side?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Brody King!

The Relentless One wants to tear down The Death Riders, but he’s also a glutton for punishment, so why not get in on AEW’s premier round robin? Will Darby be able to best Brody like he did at WrestleDream? Or will we all be reminded why Brody is the King of Death?

The bell rings and we get a better look at the tape all on Darby’s head, gut and leg. Darby and Brody shake hands and the two circle. They tie up, and Brody SHOVES Darby down! That hurts a lot more after all the damage Darby did to himself driving a car into the Death Rider truck. Darby still steps up and eggs Brody on! Brody blocks a kick so Darby SLAPS Brody! Brody FLIPS Darby a good 450 onto his back! And then he SENTONS! And SENTONS again! Cover, TWO!! Darby stays in this, but he is already gasping for air. Brody says this is almost ridiculous, but he drags Darby back up. Brody CHOPS Darby, then aims at the corner.

Brody runs up to SPLASH Darby, then he CHOPS! Brody TOSSES Darby across the way and the fans fire up! Brody wants the ref to just call this, but Darby is not out of the match yet. Brody storms up, Darby kicks Brody! And kicks! But Brody hauls Darby up, puts him on the top rope, and CHOPS him down! Darby falls to apron then floor and the fans hoot it up while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Brody goes out and he whips Darby hard into railing! Brody paces, Darby says he’s still in this, so Brody whips him into more railing! Darby slumps down while Brody revels in the hoots and barks. Brody storms around, DIGS Darby into the steel steps, then stomps him down! Brody paces, the ring count climbs, and Darby crawls. Brody hauls Darby up to THROW him into railing! Darby flumps down again while Brody refreshes the ring count. Brody hauls Darby up, puts him in the ring, but Darby rolls out the other side. Brody is annoyed, but he goes back out. Darby rolls back in, and now Brody is getting mad.

Darby flounders but Brody storms i n. Darby RAMS into Brody, fires hands, but Brody whips him. Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, only to run into a BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives again but Brody stands him up. Brody TOSSES Darby out, then goes out to CHOP him! Darby staggers away, but Brody swings on him. Darby ducks and Brody CHOPS POST!! Darby hops on for a SLEEPER! Brody RAMS Darby into railing, but he still clutches his bad hand. Brody gets some space, runs in, CANNONBALL but only into railing! The impact takes out a camera! Darby and Brody are both down as Dynamite returns to single picture.

The fans rally up while Darby snarls and crawls. We might have even lost commentary from that attack by Brody, but Brody hurries to the ring. Darby goes up, but Brody trips him up! And CHOPS him on the back! Brody puts Darby in the Tree of Woe, and the fans hoot along. Brody roars, runs in, CANNONBALL!! This time Brody hits Darby, and now Brody covers, TWO!! Darby survives again and Brody is further frustrated. Brody hauls Darby up, hoists him onto the top rope, and then climbs up. Commentary slowly comes back as Brody CLUBS away on Darby. Brody reels Darby in, but Darby bends fingers, then BITES them!

The ref counts, but Darby just BITES Brody’s face! Darby fires HEADBUTTS into Brody, and then he hops up! SUPER CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and the fans fire up again! The ref checks, both Brody and Darby are still in this, and Brody now goes to the outside. Darby rises up to build speed and DIVE! Direct hit into Brody and then into railing! Darby hurries up top, to SUPER COFFIN SPLASH!! The fans are thunderous as Darby fights his way back up! Darby climbs again, and he SUPER COFFIN DROPS!!! Both men are down again and the fans are loving it! The ref checks both men, and they’re both stirring.

Darby drags himself up and into the ring, then hewatches Brody crawl in. Darby’s up top again! COFFIN DROP, into a SLEEPER!! Darby rolls it to a cover, TWO!! Brody hauls Darby up, this is that familiar hanging sleeper! But Darby CLAWS Brody’s face! Brody just gut wrenches and GONZO BOMBS!!! Cover, BRODY WINS!!

Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)

Darby may be relentless, but even he has his limits! Brody leaves Darby behind, having earned his points. Wait, Claudio is here! And he has a chair! But Brody steps back in to stop Claudio from touching Darby! The fans cheer Brody on, and wouldn’t you know? Brody and Claudio are going to be opponents in round two! The biggest and the baddest will already battle it out, but who will get those precious points?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite to turn that corner from Full Gear to Worlds End, especially with doing the Continental Classic and even the International Women’s Cup tournament. I suppose with needing to stretch the Women’s Cup into December, the pacing of just one match a week is fine, but they could’ve surely found a way to do the opening round all this week. Then they give us a hype promo next week, that would then still lead to the AEW finals at Winter is Coming. That all aside, Hayter VS Aminata was great stuff, but I think they were pushing it a couple near falls too far because you could tell the ref had to cover for some not kick-outs. Hayter winning made sense, and then Julia does a teaser.

This kinda relates to what I’m saying, though. The matches could’ve been ALL this week, the mind games could’ve been next week, and then Hayter VS Hart happens at Winter is Coming. Speaking of which, I’m a little surprised that’s where we’re getting Mariah VS Mina. We got a very good segment from Mina and Mariah to officially establish the match, and I suppose them dragging this out to Worlds End would be too much. We already have the past relationship of Mina and Mariah to help us understand the heat behind this story, turning their friendship into hatred, and they’ll just tear it down in the ring either way.

And of course we got the ROH World Championship, as well, which was another great Strong Style match from Jericho and Ishii. They did even more heavy handed hitting than last time with the bloody lip, bloody nose, red chests and cheeks. But I figured Jericho would win, he has his promise to bring ROH to new prominence, and maybe that happens the closer we get to ROH Final Battle on December 20th. But even then, I don’t see anyone taking that title from Jericho, ROH hasn’t don’t a good job building top title contenders. Though, if they wanted Samoa Joe to finally make his return, I could see that being an instant story for the title and one amazing match.

Great promo from Mone with Kamille, mostly because it was Kamille shutting Mone up and quitting her job as bodyguard. Kamille should probably wait until after Worlds End, that seems to soon for her to earn a TBS Championship. Depending on what happens with the NJPW Strong Women’s title, I could see Kamille be more of  adding insult to injury by going after Mone after Mone’s lost the NJPW title. But even then, not sure the odds of Kamille taking the title, as much as fans liked Kamille putting Mone in her place here tonight.

Good promo from Cole with Kyle and MJF to add a bit more to this story. I figured Cole and Kyle would fight it out, but I suppose them fighting it out during the Dynamite Diamond Dozen Battle Royal is a good way to do multiple things at once. And I would hope that finally, even if it’s just for this year, someone other than MJF will have that ring. Cole can beat everyone else in the battle royal, get his match with MJF, and not only win to “get even,” but to take one of the few things MJF has left. Granted, MJF will want revenge for that and the feud will continue, but at least he won’t have the ring anymore.

Very good promo from MVP after Lashley’s big win at Full Gear, and great match from Shelton and Briscoe to start the Continental Classic. I figured Shelton would win this, Briscoe is already on a similar track to last year’s C2 where he was putting over the other guys. And very good promo with Hangman and White to of course tease another match between them, but also to tie them both back into this story with The Death Riders. It almost feels like White and Hangman will be unlikely allies against The Death Riders because how they both want the same thing: a shot at the world title.

Hangman and White will have to deal with Yuta and Pac as the pawns, and maybe both of them win to make a Triple Threat at Worlds End. With that, even if Moxley retains using White and Hangman against each other, it could leave the way open for Christian Cage to cash in. But as for the C2 itself, awesome match from Claudio and Ricochet with a great win for Claudio, and then a great main event from Brody and Darby. I did not think Darby would lose, but that kinda works in his advantage as the underdog. Brody VS Claudio next round will be awesome, and really could go either way with how early it is.

Also did you hear how Collision & Rampage are not just back-to-back but several hours earlier than normal? They only had Excalibur say it like a dozen times. But even with that all starting at 2PM here for me in El Paso, that’s when Survivor Series has its “Countdown,” so I’m still going to wait until later for AEW’s Saturday block.

My Score: 8.9/10