Who gets over their rough star in the round robin?

The Continental Classic cannot be contained to just Dynamite and Collision! Rampage brings us even MORE C2 action as Komander tags in for Juice!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Mark Briscoe; Okada wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Daniel Garcia VS The Beast Mortos; Garcia wins.
• The Vendetta VS Ella Elizabeth & Freya States; The Vendetta wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Ricochet VS Komander; Ricochet wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kazuchika Okada VS Mark Briscoe!

The Rainmaker, THE Continental Champion, only has one point after he and Daniel Garcia went to a time limit draw! But that’s still a bit better than the Sussex County Chicken and his definitive loss. Will Mark #ManUp and get a huge win tonight? Or will Okada reestablish himself as the frontrunner of this tournament?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally up as Mark and Okada circle. They tie up, Okada powers Mark to ropes, and the ref counts. Okada lets off slowly, then fakes a cheap shot to pat Mark on the shoulders. Mark stays cool and the two tie up again. Mark puts Okada on ropes now, and he fakes a chop to then hit the crane stance! Okada smiles, but then he takes a swing! Mark dodges, CHOPS, and the fans fire up! Mark fires forearms, whips Okada to ropes but Okada reverses. Mark slides under and he CLOBBERS Okada! The fans fire up and Mark brings Okada up for a suplex! Cover, TWO!

Mark stays close to Okada and brings him up. Mark ROCKS Okada, ROCKS him again, then brings Okada around. Mark kicks low, runs, and he BOOTS Okada to the apron! Okada tumbles to the floor and Mark builds speed to WRECK Okada! The fans fire up and Mark goes to the apron! Okada slowly rises, and Mark runs in, only for Okada to walk away! Okada soaks up heat, but then Mark storms up on Okada for more haymakers! The fans fire up as Mark fires shots and sits Okada down in the corner. Mark fires hands, then backs up to run in. Okada drop toeholds Mark onto the chair! Fans lose their minds and Okada grins.

The ref checks Mark and Mark is okay to continue. The ref wants this in the ring so Okada gets up and rolls in. Mark crawls but the count is climbing. Okada goes back outside so that restarts the count, and he SMACKS Mark off the steel steps! Mark sputters but Okada brings him around. Okada POSTS Mark hard! Okada leaves Mark behind to refresh the count, then he puts Mark in the ring. Okada at least wants to win this himself, and he scuffs Mark. Okada stands Mark up, just to DDT him back down! Mark is busted open, and Okada digs his heel into the wound! The ref reprimands, Okada steps off, and Mark goes to a corner.

Okada storms up on Mark, and Mark fires hands! Okada doesn’t flinch so Mark fires more shots! Okada just fires a flurry of forearms in return! Okada then HEADBUTTS, but that was a little double-edged! Mark rises but Okada is right on him. Mark CHOPS, ROCKS and CHOPS on repeat! Mark knees low, runs, but Okada FLAPJACKS him! The fans fire up but Okada is still his smug self, and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Mark flounders to a corner, and Okada takes aim. Okada waits for Mark to stand, and he runs up to hit an ELBOW! Okada whips corner to corner and ELBOWS Mark again! Mark falls and Okada soaks up both cheers and jeers. Okada walks back over but Mark eggs Okada on! Okada fires forearms on Mark, but Mark still stands! Only for Okada to ROCK him! Mark falls back in the corner, but he stands again to fire forearms in return! Okada UPPERCUTS and Mark staggers back. Okada paces, Rampage returns to single picture, but Mark fires body shots and forearms! Okada KNEES Mark low, then CLUBS him!

Okada whips corner to corner but Mark goes up and out, only for Okada to BOOT him! Okada drags Mark up to the top rope, then climbs up after him. Mark fights the suplex and fires body shots! Mark fires forearms, then he UPPERCUTS Okada down! The fans fire up and Mark rises. Mark leaps but Okada gets under! Mark rolls, comes back, dodges and dodges, then goes Matrix! Mark fires SUMO PALM STRIKES, then he bumps Okada off buckles! Mark CHOPS, CHOPS and whips, but Okada reverses, only for Mark to FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Mark rises, and he runs in to LARIAT at the corner!

Mark whips, Okada reverses, but Mark comes back! Mark clinches and EXPLODERS! The fans fire up with Mark while Okada crawls to a corner. Mark runs up, but Okada BOOTS him! Okada runs up, but into a LARIAT! The fans fire up as Mark hooks a leg, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Mark stays fired up! Mark brings Okada up to fireman’s carry, but Okada CLAWS the eyes! The fans boo but Mark runs up. Okada pops Mark up to an Alabama Lift, and a REVERSE NECKBREAKER! The fans rally as Okada brings Mark up, scoops him and SLAMS him! Okada goes up the corner, MACHO ELBOW!

Okada has the fans all fired up, for the RAINAMKER MIDDLE FINGER! Okada drags Mark up, ripcords, but Mark fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SLIDING LARIAT! Mark hurries up top, FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and the fans can’t believe it! Mark rises up and he calls his shot! Mark brings Okada up, but Okada back drops! And he sits on the cover! TWO and Mark sunset flips it! TWO, and Okada gut wrenches! TOMBSTONE!! But Okada can’t make the cover! A standing count starts, both men stir, and they both sit up. They fire forearms from their knees, going back and forth!

Mark rises, Okada follows, and the forearms keep going! Mark fires a flurry! The fans fire up with Mark and he runs, but Okada DROPKICKS! Okada hurries to ripcord, RAIN- NO, Mark ducks, wrenches, and kicks! Underhooks, but Okada backdrops free again! But Mark is right up! Only for Okada to block the lariat! But Mark kicks low! Okada drops down to fight the lift! Mark stands Okada up to CHOP, and ROCK, and underhook! JAY- NO, Okada fights it again! Okada ducks a lariat to ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Briscoe earns 0)

And with that, THE Continental Champion has four points! The top two of each league will face off at Worlds End, can Okada secure his spot in the semifinals? Will Mark ever get on the board at this rate?

Chris Jericho speaks from commentary.

The Nueve says he enjoyed that opening match, and he knows there are more on the way, but he has something he has to do first. Jericho wants to speak on Matt Cardona so he’s gonna go to the ring to do it! As Excalibur explains, “The Complete” Matt Cardona surprised everyone last night on ROH TV to confront Jericho. Jericho has a mic and his hat, and he steps into the ring while bragging about said hat. It is very expensive to fit the quality that Jericho is used to. But he has to say as The King of New York, last night on ROH, he challenged anyone from New York to face him for the ROH World Championship.

Jericho was interrupted by Matt Cardona! The fans cheer that name and Jericho asks, “You like Matt Cardona?! I’ll tell you this, though: Nobody touches a man’s hat! Us native New Yorkers don’t stand for that, Cardona. And you’re lucky I didn’t punch you in the face and knock your teeth down your throat when you accosted me and assaulted me on ROH last night!” In fact, Cardona, if you were here right now, you’d have no idea what Jericho would do to you! But wait! Cardona IS here! It’s like deja vu from just last night as Cardona goes into the ring and fans chant, “Always Ready!” Cardona tells Jericho, them at Final Battle, he says he’s always ready and the people know it.

But it is more than just a catchphrase or gimmick, it is the way Cardona lives his life. He is always ready for any opportunity. Final Battle may be the biggest opportunity of Cardona’s career. But he’s not the same kid Jericho knew 15 years ago. Cardona has been busting his ass for the past five YEARS to reinvent himself! The fans cheer that! Cardona says Final Battle, Hammerstein Ballroom, in Cardona’s backyard, his turf, it doesn’t matter about proving anyone wrong, it is about proving himself right. And that is what’ll happen when Cardona beats Jericho for the ROH World Championship!

Jericho nervously speaks up, saying he wants to make something clear here. Jericho respects Cardona, he really does. Because Cardona has reinvented himself! He is a way bigger star here and now in 2024 than he ever was before! That is true! So much respect for that. But it’s funny to Jericho. Even after all Cardona’s accomplished and all that he’s done, he’s still just “Zack.” And then Jericho SLAPS Cardona! Cardona SMACKS Jericho! Cardona TACKLES Jericho and rains down fists! But here comes Bryan Keith! The Bad Apple gets in and saves Jericho, only for Cardona to fire hands on him! Jericho goes after Cardona, it’s 2v1!

The fans boo as The Learning Tree and his Branch beat down Cardona! Jericho brandishes the belt, and he LASHES Cardona with it! And LASHES him again! Jericho stands Cardona up and Keith wraps the Calgary Stampede belt around his fist, buckle out! BELT BUCKLE PUNCH!! The fans boo but Keith tells them to shut up! Jericho shows Cardona the ROH title belt, vowing it’ll never belong to him. But even after this beating, will Cardona still be ready for his Final Battle with The Nueve?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Daniel Garcia VS The Beast Mortos!

In parallel to Okada and Briscoe to open the night, the TNT Champion has one point but the menacing minotaur has none! Will Red Death make sure this win is definitive? Or will Mortos maul Garcia to make La Faccion Ingobernable proud?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Mortos powers Garcia to a corner, but then Garcia avoids the lariat! Mortos storms back up, Garcia gets around and waistlocks. Mortos swings an elbow but Garcia ducks under to headlock. Mortos powers up and out and they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls, Mortos takes a swing, but Garcia catches that arm to wrench and wristlock. Mortos breaks free, Garcia dodges, and Mortos roars as he stares down with Garcia. The two tie up again, Mortos puts Garcia in the corner, then lets off as the ref pushes between them. But then Mortos SMACKS Garcia down!

The fans are torn as Garcia flops out to the apron and Mortos roars. Mortos drags Garcia back in, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Garcia goes up and over, but Mortos blocks the hip toss! Garcia avoids the lariat to BOOT, but Mortos shakes it off! Garcia BOOTS again, but Mortos is still up! Garcia runs to dropkick the legs, then he runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Garcia and he storms up on Mortos. Garcia brings Mortos up but Mortos fights the suplex! Mortos suplexes Garcia up and out of the ring! The fans are torn again while Garcia crawls to railing. Mortos goes out and runs in, but Garcia drop toeholds Mortos into the chair!

Garcia sits Mortos up, and then he rains down fists! The fans count to nine, Garcia puts up his dukes, and he ROCKS Mortos with TEN! The fans fire up as Garcia gets space, and he runs that full thirty feet, only for Mortos to CLOBBER him! Mortos puts Garcia in the ring, shoves him, and POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS! Mortos roars again while Rampage goes picture in picture.

The fans rally for Mortos while he drags Garcia up. Mortos SMACKS Garcia again and Garcia staggers to ropes. Mortos wraps Garcia’s arm around ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands and counts, but Mortos stops at 4. Mortos then fishhooks Garcia! The ref counts again, Mortos stops at 4 again, and then Mortos drags Garcia up. Mortos pump handles and lifts for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Garcia kicks at Mortos but Mortos CLUBS him down! Mortos then grabs a leg and turns Garcia over for a HALF CRAB! And then a DRAGON SCREW! Garcia scrambles away but Mortos is right on him, SLEEPER in the ropes!

The ref counts, Mortos stops, and Garcia sputters while Mortos rallies the fans. Mortos runs up but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia reels Mortos in, but Mortos fights the suplex! Mortos trips Garcia, then HEADBUTTS him in the gut! Cover, TWO! Garcia crawls away but he fires up as the fans cheer him on. Mortos stomps Garcia at the ropes, then puts him in a corner to SMACK him again! Mortos CHOKES Garcia, lets off as the ref reprimands, and Mortos CHOPS! Garcia staggers away while Rampage goes to break.

Rampage returns and Garcia works to suplex Mortos, but that’s a tall task! Mortos tries to suplex, Garcia fights, and then Garcia manages to suplex Mortos up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Garcia pounds the mat. The fans rally and Garcia rises! Garcia runs corner to corner and LARIATS! And then he fires a flurry of forearms! Mortos just shoves Garcia! Garcia fires more forearms, then fires hands high and low and from all sides! Garcia has Mortos in the corner but the ref backs him off. Mortos runs up to grab Garcia by the neck! Garcia breaks free, ducks a lariat, and manages a SAIDO! Cover, TWO!

Mortos stays in this and Garcia snarls. Garcia aims at Mortos in a corner then runs up, but into a BOOT! Mortos hits the SLING-DOG! Garcia stands, but into a SLINGBLADE! And then a SOBAT, KNEE, and ELBOW! Snapmare, and NECK TWIST! Garcia still stands, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Garcia survives but Mortos huffs ‘n’ puffs. The fans rally up and Mortos goes to a corner. Mortos climbs!? Garcia runs up to CLUB him first! Garcia climbs and fires hands, then roars at Mortos! Garcia drags Mortos up to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! And a roll through to the cover, TWO!! Mortos just barely survives!

The fans fire up as Garcia drags Mortos up. The fans rally and Garcia runs, but into a scoop and SHOULDER BUSTER! Then DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos is frustrated but the fans rally for “BEAST! BEAST!” Mortos climbs, and MARIPOSA LFOPS! Garcia ghost pins, TWO!! Mortos survives and SMACKS Garcia! Garcia CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Garcia winds up, but Mortos HEADBUTTS! DISCUS- NO, Garcia trips Mortos to a jackknife bridge! GARCIA WINS!!

Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)

Mortos is shocked, but Garcia finds a way to snatch this victory! Garcia stays even with Okada, will they both have to fight that much harder to break away in Blue League?

The Vendetta VS Ella Elizabeth & Freya States!

Taya Valkyrie & Deonna Purrazzo openly offer the AEW roster help with their problems, but were rejected by Anna Jay. Will La Wera Loca & The Virtuosa use The Scream Queen & Freya The Slaya as an example to why that’s a bad idea?

The teams sort out, Taya starts against Ella, and she THROWS Ella right down! Taya rains down fists on Ella, then stops to stare Freya down. Taya drags Ella up to whip her to the corner. Taya runs up to ELBOW Ella, CHOP her, then tag Deonna. Deonna stomps away on Ella, then stops as the ref counts. Taya CHOKES Ella, Deonna ROCKS her, then Deonna short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Ella survives but Deonna brings her up to fireman’s carry. Ella slips free and shoves Deonna, but Deonna uses that to BLAST Freya! Deonna BOOTS Ella’s lariat, then just BOOTS Ella! The fans cheer Deonna while she grins at Freya.

Deonna LARIATS Ella in the corner, sits her down, and tags in Taya. Deonna whips Taya in for METEORA to Ella! Deonna sucker punches Freya, Freya wants in, but the ref stops Freya. Taya stomps away on Ella, then drags her up. Tag to Deonna, then Taya CHOPS Ella! Feed to Deonna’s kick, and she reels Ella in, hoists her up, POWERBOMB!! Ella gets folded but Deonna isn’t done with her! Freya wants in, but Deonna runs up on her again! Freya stands her ground, but Taya YANKS Freya off the apron! Taya says do NOT talk to her boss like that! Freya doesn’t care and takes a swing, but gets a SPEAR for it!

Deonna nods, and she catches Ella to a SAYANAGI and FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Ella TAPS, The Vendetta wins!

Winners: The Vendetta, by submission

Deonna holds onto the arm a little longer, then finally lets go when she’s satisfied. Deonna & Taya stand tall, who in AEW will join them? And who will make sure to avoid them at all costs?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

On top of MORE Continental Classic action, such as Daniel Garcia VS Mark Briscoe, Komander VS Darby Allin, and Kazuchika Okada VS Kyle Fletcher, Mina Shirakawa will face Emi Sakura just days before the AEW Women’s World Championship match with Mariah May! Will the Queen of Joshi give the Fighting Gravure Idol quite the tune-up before Winter is Coming?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Ricochet VS Komander!

The One & Only could not overcome Claudio Castagnoli so he is 0-1, but the Commander of the Skies is stepping in for the injured Juice Robinson. Will Komander be the one to overcome the handicap he is facing? Or will Ricochet make the C2 #OuttaThisWorld?

The bell rings and per Continental Rules, Abrahantes must step away from ringside after escorting Komander out here. The fans rally up for Ricochet and Komander bows in respect to his world traveled opponent. The two tie up, Ricochet goes for an arm, slips around to the back, then wrenches to whip Komander to ropes. Komander rolls to stop, and he RAMS Ricochet. Things keep moving, Komander flips over the dropdown, but Ricochet kips up! Komander dodges a lariat but Ricochet denies the rana, and he handsprings over Komander’s back! The fans fire up for this opening exchange, but things keep moving!

Komander slips around Ricochet, shoves him, but Ricochet rolls over the drop down. Ricochet goes Matrix, kips up, then handsprings, but Komander dodges. Komander runs, Ricochet follows and Ricochet springboards! FLYING ARM-DRAG but Komander handsprings through! Ricochet kips up again and the fans fire up! Komander blocks a kick, spins Ricochet then blows past him. Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and DEJA VU RANA! The fans fire up while Ricochet flounders to a corner! Komander runs up but into a BOOT! Ricochet runs up, Komander blocks, wrenches, knuckle locks and CHOPS!

Komander goes up and up, jumps around and around, but Ricochet BODY SHOTS to stop the combo! Ricochet then changes hands in the knuckle lock so he can go up and up, then FLYING KICK! Komander tumbles to the floor, and Ricochet builds speed! Ricochet DIVES, down goes Komander! The fans are thunderous and Ricochet hurries to get Komander in the ring. Ricochet springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Komander stays in this but Ricochet stays focused, and Rampage goes picture in picture.

Ricochet stomps Komander again and again, then stands him up to CHOP! Komander falls back into the corner, Ricochet digs his boots in, but lets off as the ref counts. Ricochet stands Komander up, whips corner to corner hard, and Komander falls to the amt! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Ricochet stays cool and he brings Komander from the ropes. Ricochet drops a BIG elbow, then covers, ONE!! Komander is tougher than that but Ricochet says fine, be that way. Ricochet taunts Komander while stalking him, then he brings Komander up. Ricochet CLUBS Komander, then brings him up again. Ricochet scoops and SLAMS Komander down!

Ricochet looks side to side, and decides to be the most electrifying man in all of AEW! Ricochet runs side to side to hit the PEOPLE’S MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Komander survives but Ricochet says okay that’s fine. Ricochet clamps on to Komander with a chinlock, and digs a knee into Komander’s back. Komander endures, fires hands from below, then fights up to his feet. Komander fires body shots, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet shakes things off, and he comes back to KICK Komander in the back! Ricochet stomps Komander, stands him up, UPPERCUTS him, and Komander goes to ropes.

Ricochet storms up but Komander shoves him away. Ricochet ROCKS Komander, has him in a corner and CHOPS! Ricochet hears the fans saying something, and then shrugs and nods because they must be right. Ricochet goes back to Komander but Komander fires fast hands! Komander whips, Ricochet reverses, but Komander springboards, only for Ricochet to DROPKICK him outta the air! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives but Ricochet clamps on to throw down an elbow! Ricochet then has the arms for a motorcycle stretch, and Komander endures as Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Komander fights up, but Ricochet shoves Komander.

Komander rebounds, into a forearm to the back! Ricochet grabs a leg but Komander has the ropes. Ricochet YANKS Komander back but Komander uses that to swing around and sunset flip! TWO, and both men stand! Ricochet blocks Komander’s boot but Komander dodges the haymaker! Komander comes back to kick, whip, but Ricochet reverses. Komander springboards to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Ricochet bails out, Komander builds speed, and Komander goes up, up, SALUTING MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! The fans fist bump Komander and he hurries after Ricochet. Komander puts Ricochet in at 5 of 10, then goes to a corner.

Komander climbs, leaps, but Ricochet gets under! Komander keeps going, but Ricochet catches the Quebrada! Komander swings through but Ricochet also stops that! Ricochet powers up to NORTHERN LIGHTS, and bridge! ONE, but Ricochet rolls back to deadlift Komander into a BRAINBUSTER! Ricochet roars and the fans fire up! Ricochet RUNNING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Komander stays in this but Ricochet brings him up. Ricochet reels Komander in, but Komander RAMS him into a corner! Komander hobbles, comes back, but Ricochet puts him up top! Then GAMANGIRI! Ricochet CHOPS Komander, then climbs up.

Ricochet has Komander on the very top, but Komander fights free! Komander kicks the legs out and Ricochet hits buckles! Komander HOTSHOTS Ricochet, then goes up! Komander tightrope walks, leaps, and ARABIAN PRESSES back to the apron so he can GAMANGIRI! Ricochet staggers, Komander springboards and FLYING SPIKE RANAS!! Cover, TWO!!! Ricochet survives and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises up again! Ricochet stirs, Komander brings him up, but Ricochet suplexes! Komander slips free, ROCKS Ricochet, but Ricochet ROCKS Komander back! Komander ROCKS Ricochet again!

Ricochet UPPERCUTS! And ROCKS! Komander BOOTS! Komander then ducks a heel kick but Ricochet ducks a roundhouse! The HEEL KICK from Komander hits!! Komander hurries to a corner, runs corner to corner and goes up, up, and AWAY with the 450 SPLASH!! cover, TWO!!! Ricochet survives and the fans fire up! Komander is frustrated but he hurries to put Ricochet in the drop zone. Komander drops an elbow, then he goes up the corner! The fans fire up and Komander tightrope walks! CIELITO- NO, Ricochet goes to the apron! Komander lands on his feet, storms up on Ricochet, but Ricochet ROCKS him first!

Ricochet then brings Komander up and suplexes! APRON BRAINBUSTER!! Ricochet grits his teeth but he pushes Komander back into the ring, SPRINGBOARD 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?! Ricochet is shocked but he hurries to the corner. Ricochet runs up, AX KICK!! Then he reels Komander in for a lift, and fireman’s carry into a RUNNING DEATH VALLEY!! The fans fire up and Ricochet goes back to the corner. Ricochet locks ‘n’ loads, BANG with the SPIRIT GUN!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

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

This match was indeed #OuttaThisWorld, and Ricochet finally has points on the board! Will Ricochet be able to make up some lost ground and take over the Gold League?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage as they had the Continental Classic happen here and give Rampage something important going on, but there was still filler. I know it was a squash match and all, but no respect for The Vendetta or their opponents with how they got no entrances or introductions. That and Vendetta buried Ella & Freya cuz Freya didn’t even get in the match officially, she just got beat up on the outside. I still expect The Vendetta to be the ones that beat up Kamille on behalf of Mercedes Mone, and I could even see a Six Woman Tag of Mone, Deonna & Taya VS Kamille, Kris & Anna Jay to set up something big for the TBS Championship.

The other filler would’ve been Jericho’s promo to bring out Matt Cardona. It was certainly AEW admitting not enough of their fans watch ROH so they had to make sure the AEW audience understood Jericho VS Cardona for the ROH World Championship was happening at Final Battle. Still a good segment overall, but for a completionist like myself, it was redundant since I already knew about this from ROH. And I like the match of Mina Shirakawa VS Emi Sakura for Collision. Mina will get one more win before losing on Dynamite so that’s fine.

And of course, the Continental Classic matches were all great, even awesome, but with results I knew we’d be getting. Okada, Garcia and Ricochet were of course all winning, as the Continental and TNT Champions needed to get up, and Ricochet needed to rebound if he’s to be in the running over in Gold League. But I believe as happened last year, there are some guys who don’t have their second matches until others are on their third, and I think Darby Allin fell into that category. Darby’s second match is tomorrow for Collision, and while he’s facing Komander who is also on his second match, we have to remember Komander is coming in for Juice so Juice/Komander is already into the third round. Though sadly, it already feels like Komander is taking that big goose egg for Gold League.

My Score: 8.8/10

The Dynamite Dozen, the Continental Classic, and more!

As AEW prepares for Winter is Coming, the Continental Classic is only heating up as last week’s winners now face each other!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kyle Fletcher VS Shelton Benjamin; Kyle wins.
• Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal: Kyle O’Reilly & Adam Cole win and will face each other at Winter is Coming.
• Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Max Caster; Swerve wins.
• Jay White VS PAC w/ Wheeler Yuta; White wins.
• Anna Jay VS Penelope Ford; Anna wins.
• AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King; Claudio wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 1-0, 3 points
Shelton Benjamin: 1-0, 3 points
Kazuchika Okada: 0-0-1, 1 point
Daniel Garcia: 0-0-1, 1 point
Mark Briscoe: 0-1, 0 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

Brody King: 1-0, 3 points
Claudio Castagnoli: 1-0, 3 points
Will Ospreay: 1-0, 3 points
Ricochet: 0-1, 0 points
Darby Allin: 0-1, 0 points

After that opening round battle with Will Ospreay, Juice Robinson is unfortunately out with injury! So taking his place for the rest of the C2, it will be Komander! Granted, this means Komander is no longer in tonight’s Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal, but he’s going for an even bigger prize than that Diamond Ring! Can the Commander of the Skies overcome being down one to be THE one going for gold?

AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Kyle Fletcher VS Shelton Benjamin!

The Protostar slayed The Beast Mortos while Mark Briscoe learned why they call Shelton, “The Standard of Excellence.” Will Shelton hold Kyle under that same standard? Or will the Aussie Arrow hit the mark and score another three points?

The bell rings and the 20 minute time limit begins. The fans rally and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Shelton digs in his heels to power Kyle to a corner. The ref counts, Shelton lets off slowly, and Kyle says to back up now. Shelton chuckles and backs away while fans boo Kyle. Kyle and Shelton reset, tie up, and Shelton SHOVES Kyle down! Kyle scrambles to a corner and Shelton grins. The fans chant “FLETCHER SUCKS! FLETCHER SUCKS!” and Shelton chuckles again. The two reset, tie up, and Kyle headlocks. Shelton endures the grind while Kyle talks trash on the fans. Shelton powers up and out to CLOBBER Kyle!

The fans fire up and Kyle scrambles to a corner. Shelton waits on Kyle while the fans again taunt Kyle. Kyle paces on the apron, shakes his head as the fans continue to cheer on Shelton, and then Kyle steps in. They circle again, feel things out, and Kyle kicks low! Kyle CLUBS away on Shelton, the fans boo, but Kyle has Shelton in a corner! The ref counts as Kyle fires off again and again, but then Kyle lets off to soak up all that heat. Shelton runs up to CLOBBER Kyle! The fans fire up and Kyle bails out! Kyle paces while checking his chin, the fans taunt him more, “Ospreay’s Better!” Shelton holds the ropes open but Kyle refuses the invite.

Kyle goes around the outside while Callis on commentary says Indianapolis doesn’t know quality. Shelton waits on Kyle, and even lounges in the corner! The fans cheer, but Kyle returns the favor. The fans boo but Shelton storms over. Kyle and Shelton reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Shelton waistlocks, Kyle grabs ropes, and the ref counts. Shelton lets go slowly, then he CHOPS Kyle on the back! The fans cheer but Callis says that’s very disrespectful! Kyle and Shelton tie up, and Shelton knees low! Shelton ROCKS Kyle, but Kyle fires forearms in return! Shelton shakes his head, ducks a lariat, but Kyle fights the waistlock!

Kyle fires elbows, then runs, but Shelton gets around! Kyle panics as Shelton has the Gotch hold! GOTCH PLEX! Kyle lands pretty high and clutches his head as he sits back up. The fans fire up while Kyle goes to ropes, and Shelton runs up, only for Kyle to dodge! Kyle then LARIATS Shelton and himself up and out of the ring! The ref checks both men on the floor, and they’re both okay to continue, so this match continues while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Kyle rises first, grimacing as he clutches his back, but Shelton also stands. And Shelton ROCKS Kyle first! Kyle CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Shelton brushes those off, so Kyle winds up to CHOP! Shelton CHOPS and Kyle goes tumbling! Shelton storms up on Kyle, puts him back in the ring, and then storms up on Kyle. Shelton reels Kyle in to snap suplex! Shelton watches Kyle writhe, then he drags Kyle back up, to TOSS back out! Callis seems to complain while Shelton goes out to pursue Kyle. Shelton BOOTS Kyle down, then he glares at Callis. Callis backs up, he’s just here as commentary. Kyle CLOBBERS Shelton!

Kyle high-fives Callis and then drags Shelton up. Kyle puts Shelton in the ring, then stomps away in the corner! The ref counts but Kyle digs his boots in! The ref counts more, Kyle steps off at 4, and then Kyle flexes to soak up heat. Shelton sits up and fires body shots! Kyle snapmares Shelton into a chinlock and he grinds Shelton down into the mat! Shelton endures, sits up, but Kyle leans on the hold. Shelton still stands and he hits as BIG back suplex! Both men are down as Dynamite returns to single picture. Shelton and Kyle crawl to each other and the fans rally up. Kyle and Shelton go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm!

The fans cheer Shelton and boo Kyle, “YEAH! BOO! YEAH! BOO!” Kyle winds up to ROCK Shelton! But Shelton ROCKS Kyle! Kyle ROCKS Shelton, but Shelton ROKCS Kyle, repeat! Kyle gets the edge, then whips, but Shelton reverses. Kyle grabs ropes but Shelton LARIATS Kyle up and out! Shelton goes out to get Kyle and bring him around the way. The fans fire up as Shelton THROWS Kyle into railing! And then apron! Then railing! Then apron! Shelton  then throws Kyle into steel steps! Shelton leaves Kyle behind as the ring count passes 5 of 10. The fans rally, but then Shelton goes out the side. Shelton runs in, but Kyle moves, and Shelton POSTS himself!

Shelton sputters and Kyle slides into the ring. The count is fresh, and Shelton sits up at 3 of 10. Shelton wobbles as he goes to steel steps, then around to the ramp. We hit 5 of 10, then 7! Shelton’s staggering the wrong way! Shelton finds the ring, slides in at 9, but Kyle LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Shelton survives and the fans fire up! Kyle frowns but the fans cheer Shelton on. Kyle kicks Shelton around, then fires a forearm. Shelton fires back, they go forearm for forearm again, then Kyle gets the edge again! Kyle winds up, but Shelton dodges the superkick! Kyle dodges a superkick to run and CALF KICK!

Callis loves what he sees, and Kyle has a half nelson. Shelton elbows free, runs, but into a scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shelton survives and Kyle scowls. Kyle runs corner to corner to GAMANGIRI! Then a suplex, but Shelton wrenches out! Kyle blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! The fans fire up again while Kyle is dazed! A standing count starts, the fans rally up, and Kyle crawls over. But Shelton reels Kyle in first! Shelton hoists Kyle up to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, into a turnover! DEATHLOCK FACELOCK!! The fans are thunderous as Kyle endures and reaches out!

Kyle reaches out, and he finds the ROPEBREAK! Shelton lets go and Callis is confused as to why the fans are booing. Shelton waits on Kyle as he rises up, and then runs back up, but Kyle SUPERKICKS first! And SUPERKICKS again! Kyle hurries up a corner and takes aim, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Shelton survives and Kyle is furious! Kyle pounds the mat, then goes to the corner. Kyle takes aim, runs up again, but Shelton SUPERKICKS!! Callis can’t believe what he just saw, Kyle just ate that foot! Shelton then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Kyle! And then GERMAN SUPLEX! Indy is now Suplex City and they’re thunderous for it!

Shelton waits on Kyle, brings him back up, GERMAN SUPLEX!! Kyle flounders while the fans are electric! STEP-UP KNEE in the corner! Kyle flops out of the ring! Shelton drags him up on the apron, but Kyle RAMS into Shelton! Then slingshots to sunset flip! ONE!! Shelton runs up, Kyle gets around, roll-up, hand pushing against the ropes!! KYLE WINS!!

Winner: Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)

Kyle and Callis scurry away, knowing Kyle just stole that one! Not only did Kyle steal the win and those points, but he’s stolen the lead in Blue League! Will nothing stop The Protostar from becoming THE star of the Continental Classic?

Hook is here!

The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil is in Indianapolis with a mic in hand, and he goes right to the ring. The fans cheer him on as he calls out Nick Wayne. “I heard what you said this past weekend. So you wanna fight me in a couple weeks, in New York City? Well I got a better idea. I’d rather fight your ‘father’ in Hammerstein Ballroom and leave him in a worse condition than my father was left in by you guys!” The fans cheer that! Hook says as for Nick, how about he just come fight Hook right here, right now?! The fans like the sound of that! And here comes The Patriarchy! At least, Christian Cage and Mother Wayne step out on stage.

But that’s because Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian attack from the crowd side! They mug Hook, hold him up, but Hook BOOTS Nick and SAYANAGIS Kip! Then REDRUM for Nick!! The fans fire up but Mother Wayne gets on the apron! Hook throws Nick aside and tells Mama to stay back. But then Christian sneaks in! Hook sees Christian, but then Nick & Kip storm up! Hook steps to them, Christian CLOBBERS Hook with that contract clipboard! The Patriarchy stomps away 3v1, then Christian tells his “sons” to go fetch something from outside. Christian CLUBS away on Hook and Kip brings a chair! And Nick brings the other chair!

The first chair is put under Hook’s arm, and Nick holds up the other! CON-CHAIR-TO onto Hook’s hand!! Hook writhes, clutching his hand, and Christian says Hook needs to focus on what matters. They’ll talk later. The Patriarchy leaves, will Hook still get his revenge with only one good hand?

Backstage interview with Mercedes Mone.

Renee Paquette surprises The CEO, and perhaps annoys her, as Mone tells her that she knows better. No questions until Mone gets to say… “Indianapoliiiiis~! Say hello to your C E O.” Renee says after they spoke on Collision, Kamille was found attacked backstage during Rampage. Does Mone care to comment? Uh, didn’t Mone tell Renee to NOT bring up that name around her? Is Renee obsessed with Kamille? We all know Kamille quit, she is not working for Mone anymore, so Mone is no longer liable for what happens. And she is also not concerned with what happens to Kamille. But what concerns Mone is Anna Jay sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.

Mone says at Full Gear, she showed the entire world why she is the GREATEST TBS Champion of all time. And tonight, Anna has a match with Penelope Ford, which Mone will be watching very closely. And remember, ladies: There is always a price to pay when you mess with Mone. Will the Queenslayer make it through Mrs. Superbad to go after The Face of TBS?

The Hurt Syndicate regroups backstage.

Montel Vontavious Porter has the cameraman stay on them. MVP is angry at Shelton, and asks him, “What do we do?” Shelton answers, “We hurt people.” MVP asks him again, “What do we do?” “We hurt people.” Then why ain’t Shelton all over his man?! Why was he playing with Kyle, letting him stick around?! That’s NOT what they do! MVP loves Shelton, but he is just disappointed right now. This is not how they do things. MVP leaves, Lashley just shakes his head. A staff member bumps into Shelton, apologizes, but Shelton SHOVES him into the wall! And again, and again! Lashley goes to stop Shelton, security steps in and pulls them both back, but now Lashley throws security!

MVP joins in, and The Hurt Syndicate puts the hurt on everyone! MVP says, “THAT’S what we do!” Will this frustration fuel Shelton to run the rest of the table?

Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal!

Just as Juice Robinson’s injury changed the C2, Komander taking Juice’s place changes the field of this match just a bit. However, the goal is still the same! Brian Cage, Lance Archer, The Butcher, Lio Rush, Action Andretti, both Dante & Darius Martin, Evil Uno, Mark Davis, Rocky Romero, Kyle O’Reilly and Adam Cole BAYBAY all want to take that Dynamite Diamond Ring from MJF, but this is very personal for a few. The final two men in this match move on to Winter is Coming, and the winner of that match faces MJF at Worlds End with the ring on the line. Who survives to be one step closer to facing the Wolf of Wrestling?

The bell rings and the brawl is on! Lio is after Rocky, Dante is after Cage, Davis throws hands with Butcher! Kyle has Action and Archer has Darius! That leaves Cole and Uno just watching for a moment, before they spot each other. The fans know what’s up, Uno and “Budge” are pals! Uno says they can work together to clear out the field! Cole shakes his head, and Uno says okay then. They fire hands back and forth! Rocky CHOPS Lio, Cole whips Uno! Uno reverses, shouts STOP! Cole gets spooked and turns around, and Uno CLAWS Cole’s back! Uno throws Cole down by his hair, then mocks the pose! “EVIL UNO, BAYBAY!”

But Davis fireman’s carries Uno! Uno claws Davis’ face! Uno still ends up on the apron, but  he CHOPS back! Davis PELES and Uno falls, Davis ELIMINATES Uno! But then Butcher goes after Davis! Davis fights off his fellow big man, reels him in, but Butcher backdrops free! Butcher BOOTS Davis, but Cole SUPERKICKS Butcher! The Murder Machines hoist up Top Flight, Cage SLAMS Dante and Archer DUMPS Darius! Darius hangs on but Archer CLUBS away! Cage TOSSES Dante, but Dante RAMS into Cage! Dante HOTSHOTS Cage, Darius GAMANGIRIS Archer! Dante steps in and DROPKICKS Cage, Darius steps in to FLATLINER Archer!

The fans fire up while Cole rains down fists on Butcher. Butcher stops Cole at 9 to atomic drop him! Butcher hoists Davis up, Davis fights back, the other six are mugging Cage & Archer. But those monsters EXPLODE free! Archer fires off on Kyle., Cage CLOBBERS each member of Top Flight in turn! Archer hauls Darius up, Cage has Dante. Archer LARIATS Darius, CLUBS Davis, and Cage TOSSES Dante! Dante lands safe, and then Darius ends up beside him again! The Martins help each other, but Archer & Cage whip Action & Lio! Action & Lio stop from hitting Dante & Darius, then they redirect the monsters to STEREO SHOTGUN!

Archer & Cage end up in corners and then Action & Lio look to each other. They both shrug, and they both HANDSPRING KICK The Martins down! Action & Lio ELIMINATE Dante & Darius!! Well, it is every man for themselves, right? But then Davis runs up! Action & Lio dodge, but Davis DECKS Lio, DECKS Action, only for Kyle & Rocky to double kick! The Conglomeration double whip but Davis cartwheels and DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up with Dunkzilla as he goes after Butcher! Davis reels Butcher in, PILEDRIVER! But Cage runs up to LARIAT! Davis stumbles, but he fires shots in return!

Archer storms up, Davis fires off on him! Cage CLUBS Davis, then ripcords to ROCK him! Archer ROCKS Davis, Cage JUMP KNEES him, and Archer BOOTS him! Davis flounders, the Murder Machines run up, DOUBLE LARIAT! The Murder Machines ELIMINATE Davis, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Archer goes after Cole and digs a knee into him at the corner. Cole can only suffer as there’s no disqualifications! Plus, Archer’s talking trash the entire time! Action has Rocky in one corner, Cage has Lio in another, and that leaves Kyle to wrangle The Butcher into a COBRA TWIST! Butcher endures, and he powers up to TOSS Kyle! Kyle stays safe on the apron, gets back in, and Cole ROCKS Archer from the apron. Cole storms in but Archer almost dumps him back out! Lio ROCKS Cage, but Cage is too much for Lio to lift! Action tries to help out but Cage fights them both off. Archer CHOPS Cole, then laughs as he stands Cole back up.

Archer takes another swing, but Cole dodges! Cole hurries to hoist Archer up, getting a leg up on the ropes! Archer fights Cole off, then spots Lio down nearby. Archer stands on Lio’s leg! Lio flails in pain but Archer doesn’t have to step away! Archer eventually does, and storms over to Rocky. Rocky fires shots, but Archer DECKS him! Action stomps away on Cole, then he goes after Cage. Lio joins in and they mug the ROH World TV Champion with stomps! Cole gets up to stomp both Butcher and Kyle. Cage powers up to push Action over the ropes! Action lands on the apron and clings to the bottom rope but Cage stomps him.

Kyle shifts targets from Butcher to Archer and clamps on a SLEEPER! Cole turns Butcher for a NECKBREAKER! Cage gorilla presses Lio and aims for ropes! But Lio slips fere, and he DROPKCIKS Cage! Cage teeters on the ropes and Lio hurries to push him! Cage fights Lio off with elbows, then puts him in a corner. Cage CHOKES Lio on ropes, and Action fights back against Rocky. Rocky ROCKS Action, but Action ROCKS Rocky again! Dynamite returns to single picture as Rocky runs, but Action springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Action runs up, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS Rocky, only to go out and over with him!

Rocky gets back in, but Lio is there! Lio & Action DUMP Rocky out, mug him, but Kyle runs up! Action ROCKS Kyle, Rocky ROCKS Lio! Action and Rocky brawl again, and Rocky UPPERCUTS! But Action BOOTS Rocky! Kyle BOOTS Action and ELIMINATES him! The fans fire up but Lio rolls Kyle and spins to BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Lio then runs up on Rocky to HANDSPRING- NO, Rocky blocks the kick! Kyle KNEES Lio in the ribs! Rocky holds the ropes down, Kyle TOSSES Lio, The Conglomeration ELIMINATES Lio! No more Top Flight Airlines whatsoever, and then Conglomeration stares down the Murder Machines.

Archer & Cage run up, but Kyle & Rocky JUMP KNEE! But then the monsters CLOBBER The Conglomeration! Cage reels Kyle in, hoists him up, and Archer adds the choke grip! But Rocky KICKS Archer’s leg! Kyle slips free and ROCKS Cage! Archer LARIATS Kyle! Rocky SOBATS Archer! Cage POPS Rocky up, Archer joins in! They CHOKE SLAM BOMB Rocky out onto Action & Lio! The Murder Machines ELIMINATE Rocky! Then they go after Kyle and mug him in a corner. Butcher runs at Cole, Cole DUMPS Butcher out! Butcher ROCKS Cole, lifts, but Cole fires hands to get free! PELE and Butcher falls, Cole ELIMINATES Butcher!

We have our final four and the battlelines are clearly drawn! Cage runs up and CHOKES Cole into a corner! Archer swings, Kyle bobs ‘n’ weaves, then he baits Archer into the ropes! Archer’s boot misses and he’s stuck! Kyle KICKS the legs, DUMPS Archer, but Archer narrowly avoids touching the ground! Sometimes being that tall is a hazard! Cage blocks a kick, Cole dodges a lariat, and Cole SUPERKICKS! Cage gets mad, runs up, but Cole DUMPS him out! Cage clings to ropes, and he gets up to ROCK Cole! Cole fights off Cage’s suplex, but ends up on the apron with him! Cole kicks Cage’s legs out! Archer grabs Kyle by the neck, BUCKLE CHOKE SLAM!!

Kyle flounders away, Cole goes up, but Cage catches him! But Cole slips free to SUPERKICK! Cage flops down but he’s still on the apron! Kyle and Cole each run up on their respective monsters, SUPERKICK for Cage and DROPKICK for Archer! The Murder Machines fall, KYLE & COLE WIN!

Winners: Kyle O’Reilly & Adam Cole (advance to Winter is Coming)

Fans want the once and former Future Shock to “HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!” but Kyle has made it clear, he wants to spare Cole from his own obsession. Kyle pushes past Cole, and both men have one week to prepare. Winter is Coming, but who will be left out in the cold at Worlds End?

Julia Hart speaks.

“Jamie Hayter~. I see you. Had a comeback of a lifetime. It’s my turn to come back. I want… And show how strong I am. Stronger than you. It’s my turn. I see you~. Jamie Hayter…! I see you. Watch your back. The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne has spoken, Hayter is on her hitlist, but will Hayter hit harder?

The Acclaimed meet backstage.

It would seem Billy Gunn has a headache while Anthony Bowens is frustrated, but Max Caster says it is fine, it is fine. Just let him do the talking as The Best Wrestler Alive. Renee Paquette steps in for an interview, but asks if everything’s okay. Caster says yeah, everything’s great, thanks for asking. Daddy Ass says no, everything is NOT alright. They have been sitting the past hour trying to talk Caster out of this match. MVP is so far up Caster’s head, Caster is not thinking straight. What The Acclaimed has built, what they have become, is not by just one person. It’s not just Anthony, it’s not just Caster, and it’s not just Billy.

So yeah, Caster’s the best wrestler alive, and the guys have all the faith in the world in him. BUT Caster is going about this all wrong. Caster says no, c’mon! Billy says Caster isn’t listening to him, Bowens needs to try. Bowens looks Caster in the eyes and says, “You call yourself the Best Wrestler Alive? Go prove it.” Billy’s a bit surprised, but Caster says finally! Thanks for the support! He appreciates all of them being behind him. Hands in, break it down! On three. One, two, three, BEST WRESTLER ALIVE! WOO!

Cater heads out, Billy asks why Bowens is encouraging this. Bowens says nothing, but perhaps this is Bowens teaching Caster a lesson. If Caster gets what he wants, will he also get the humbling he deserves?

Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Max Caster!

Platinum Max already riled up The Realest with his insults but now he has a diss track on deck! “The Best Wrestler Alive is uncivilized. Swerve, how’d you lose the belt to a crippled guy? Signed a big contract, what you hidin’? I know you stealin’ money like Hunter Biden! Mom’s house burnt down, that’s too bad. She can move in with me, I’ll be your new dad! So step aside, cuz everybody loves The Best Wrestler Alive!” Indy boos but Caster gets on the apron to say, “Swervy Boy, that’s what we call a Mic-” Swerve BOOTS Caster! That’s a drop! Swerve goes out and drags Caster up to THROW him into railing!

The fans fire up and join Nana in on, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve THROWS Caster into more railing, then even more railing! Caster flounders but Swerve puts him in the ring. Swerve rolls in, the bell sounds and now it’s a match. Swerve storms up but Caster kicks low. Caster says “SUCK IT!” but no Famouser here! Swerve GERMAN SUPLEXES with a release a la Shelton Benjamin! Caster stumbles up, Swerve LARIATS him up and out! Caster staggers to his feet, Swerve BOOTS him from the apron! The fans cheer as Swerve looms over Caster. Swerve drags Caster up but Caster YANKS him into steel steps!

Caster stomps away on Swerve, throws down hands, then puts him in the ring. Caster huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes to the apron. Caster springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! Caster cheers himself, but HOUSE CALL outta nowhere!! Swerve is fuming as Caster sputters. Caster sits up, HOUSE CALL AGAIN!! The fans are thunderous for Swerve as he aims from the corner. Caster rises and Swerve has a sinister grin on his face. “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” HOUSE CALL!!! Cover, Swerve wins!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall

Former AEW World Champion, but still the most dangerous man in AEW! And yet, he’s not satisfied! Nana says it’s up to him, so Swerve goes to a corner. Swerve climbs up, and he has Caster dead to rights! KILL STOMPS!! Will this message get through to the Hurt Syndicate that Swerve’s still gunning for them? Will this get through to Caster that he’s not the Best Wrestler Alive?

MJF speaks.

First, he chuckles. “Oh, this is classic! You kinda deserve it, man. You remember Better Than You Baybay? We were white hot! Everybody in the company was happy! There wasn’t this madness going on! Me with the world title, you standing by my side, it was record breaking, Adam! And then you turned on me. For what? Cuz you thought I was gonna turn on you first? You don’t have any proof of that, man! And look at the butterfly effect that you’ve created for it. Because of your actions, your friend, Roderick Strong’s arm is broken.

“Because of your actions, now you’re gonna have to face your best friend, Kyle O’Reilly, and beat the s*it out of him, just for an opportunity to get your hands on me at Worlds End for my Dynamite Diamond Ring. And to make matters worse, because of you cheating me out of my world title, now Jon Moxley has picked it up and he has taken over All Elite Wrestling, and he rules with an iron fist! People are getting murdered every week, Adam, because of you! And I’m sick of it, Adam Cole. I am sick of you walking around pretending you’re the hero when really, you’re the villain. The jaundice infested villain who must be terminated.

“And you will be, Adam. Because I don’t think you can beat Kyle O’Reilly. In fact, I know you can’t beat him! And that will be proven next week on Dynamite. And for that, you can thank me later.” MJF kisses the diamond ring, but will he still have to kiss that ring goodbye no matter who he faces at Worlds End?

Jay White VS PAC w/ Wheeler Yuta!

The Switchblade is once again running solo as The Bang Bang Gang is all banged up. Even so, he is taking aim at the AEW World Championship and the tyrant that holds it. Will The Bastard breathe with The Switchblade? Or will he make sure Moxley never has to worry about Jay White?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. Yuta lurks up to the apron, the ref tells him to stop, and White rushes over. Yuta scurries away, Pac runs in, but White puts Pac in a corner! White CHOPS, then stares Yuta down as he CHOPS Pac again! White brings Pac around, bumps him off buckles, then bumps him off more buckles. White CHOPS Pac again, whips him to ropes, but Pac slides out. Pac and Yuta talk but White rushes out. Pac scurries away, slides back into the ring, then runs up on White. White puts Pac on the apron but Pac RAMS into White. Pac slingshots up and over, but White clinches!

Pac powers free and bails out again. Pac gets mad at Yuta?! Yuta asks what he’s supposed to do, and White dares Pac to get back in. The ring count climbs, Pac storms up to the apron, then he trips White! Pac brings White out but White ROCKS Pac! White puts Pac in, fans taunt Yuta, and White fires hands. White kicks Pac against the ropes, then UPPERCUTS! Pac goes to a corner. White makes sure the leg is good, and he JABS! JABS! And JABS! White whips, then BACKDROPS Pac! The fans fire up and White covers, ONE!! Pac’s tougher than that but White stays cool. White drags Pac up but Pac powers him to ropes.

The ref counts, Pac lets off slowly, and then kicks! White blocks, grins, and CHOPS in return! White whips, Pac reverses, but White grabs ropes. Pac blocks a bot now, swings, but into a clinch! EXPLODER! Pac is sent up and out to the floor! White goes out, has Yuta back off, and White drags Pac up by his hair. White APRON GOURD BUSTERS Pac, and Pac flops to the floor! White drags Pac back up, puts him in the ring, then covers, ONE!! Pac is still tough but White is still cool. White brings Pac up, but Pac powers him towards a corner! Pac runs up but into a BOOT! White reels Pac in to suplex, but Pac slips free!

Pac goes to a corner, White runs up, but Pac DUMPS him out! White ROCKS Pac, Pac distracts the ref, but Yuta YANKS White down! Yuta LARIATS White but the ref missed it all! Yuta coaches Pac while Indy chants, “YUTA SUCKS! YUTA SUCKS!” Pac goes out after White, drags him up, and whips him hard into railing! White slumps down and Pac eggs on the fans. Pac goes back to White, but he glares into the camera. The Bastard is in control while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Pac soaks up more heat before he stomps White back down. Yuta applauds but he’s the only one. Pac drags White up and into the ring, then storms in to stomp him again. Pac kicks White around, but White hits back from below. Pac smirks and stomps White again. Pac soaks up more heat, then goes back to White. White CHOPS, but Pac SOBATS! White sputters, flops against ropes than falls down. Pac tells the ref to back off, and then he stands on White’s head! The ref counts, Pac steps off, then Pac stands on White again! The ref counts, Pac steps away, but White throws hands from below. Pac toys with White, then stomps him back down!

Pac kneels on White’s head, then leans on him. Pac steps off just to soak up heat, and he brings White around into a chinlock. White endures as Pac grinds him down, and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally and White fights up to his feet. Pac ROCKS White, White ROCKS Pac, repeat! They go back and forth, faster and faster, then Pac kicks low! Pac whips White but White reverses. Pac goes up and over, handsprings then comes back, but into an ELBOW! White CORNER HALF HATCHES! Pac slumps down and the fans rally up again. White storms up to CHOP! And JAB! JAB! CHOP! JAB! JAB! CHOP!

The fans fire up and White brings Pac out, just to bump off buckles again! JAB, CHOP, kick, and whip! Pac reverses, swings, but into a spin and DDT! Cover, TWO!! Pac survives being spiked and Yuta is relieved. White wants after Pac but the ref has him hold on. Pac bails out, White pursues! White CHOPS Pac again! White puts Pac back in the ring, brings him up and clinches, but Pac fights the lift! Pac throws elbows, both men back up, but White runs in! Pac dodges to SNAP GERMAN! White staggers up, but he catches Pac to the URENAGE! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The ref checks, both men are still in this, so a standing count begins.

White and Pac stir at 2 of 10, then slowly push themselves up off the mat at 5. White crawls after Pac, Pac stands at 7. White rises right after, and runs up, but into a BOOT! White is in the drop zone and Pac snarls. Pac goes up the corner, takes aim, SHOOTING- NO, White moves so Pac lands out! White clinches! Pac slips free to waistlock! White switches! Pac elbows! Pac runs, but White ELBOWS! White runs but into a SOBAT! KCIK! SOBAT! Pac runs but White avoids the dropkick! HALF ‘N’ HALF, but Pac lands out!! Pac swings again, into the HALF ‘N’ HALF!! The fans are thunderous and White says guns up!

White clinches, BLADE- NO, Pac flips around, STANDING BRUTALIZER!! White endures that crucifix stretch, but he refuses to fall! The fans fire up as White, blood in the mouth, stands right up! White storms around, reaches out, but Pac pulls on the hold! White falls into the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, the fans fire up, and Pac holds until 4.5!! White is free, but Yuta drags him out again! BUSAIKU KNEE!! The ref is too busy with Pac, Yuta slides White in for Pac. The fans boo Yuta but then BLADERUNNER OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, WHITE WINS!!

Winner: Jay White, by pinfall

No one is more shocked than Yuta! Yuta thought he took care of White for Pac, but this is why White is NJPW’s only Grand Slam Champion! Yuta goes after White, but White hits BLADERUNNER!! Wait, now Marina Shafir is here! White has a Problem and he can’t do anything about it. And then MOXLEY CLOBBERS WHITE! The Maniac rains down fists on White, and he CHOKES White! Moxley tells White not to even think about it! The fans boo but now Marina sits White up for Moxley, and Moxley reels White in, PARADIGM SHIFT!! Moxley tells the Death Riders that it’s time to go. Marina follows Moxley, but here comes HANGMAN!!

The fans fire up as the Blackhat Cowboy stares Moxley down. Moxley has Marina stand down, because he steps to Hangman! Wait, who is this in the hood? They WRAP CABLE AROUND MOXLEY’S NECK!! SURPRISE! IT’S ORANGE CASSIDY!! Freshly Squeezed is squeezing the life outta Moxley! Marina goes after Cassidy, so Hangman goes after Moxley! The fans fire up as Hangman chases Moxley into the ring and beats him down! But Yuta & Pac go after Hangman! Cassidy DUMPS Marina, but Pac TOSSES Hangman! Cassidy ORANGE PUNCHES Yuta!! ORANGE PUNCH for Pac, too!! Moxley staggers up, Cassidy stares him right down!

The fans are thunderous, and ORANGE PUNCH for Moxley!! White joins in! BLADERUNNER!!! Moxley is down, and White tells Moxley what’s what! But now, what unlikely allies as White, Cassidy, and Hangman all stand tall. Cassidy and White say have at it. BUCKSHOT from Hangman to Moxley!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Wait, Christian Cage is watching from the stage, title match contract in hand. Will one or all of these men get their shot at Moxley before 2024 is over?

Jamie Hayter speaks.

“Julia, I can’t quite figure you out. But something I do know about you is you like to play these little mind games, don’t you? That doesn’t work for me, mate. I’m more of a face-to-face, or a fist-to-face, type of gal. So what’s this all about anyway? My triumphant return at Wembley~! Everyone and their mothers is pissed off about that, just like you. For whatever reason, I don’t know. I don’t know how many times I have to say this to you and anybody that will listen. I came back to right wrongs. I came back to settle scores. And that has nothing to do with you! I was on the cusp of something great. I could feel it in my bones, feel it in my gut.

“And for that to be ripped away from you, it changes you, man. That’s why this International Women’s Cup means a lot to me. I’m very determined to take it all the way. I’m ready to fight any time, any place. But you can’t fight what you can’t see! So how about this? I come find you. And on your comeback, you’re gonna lay knocked out, on the mat, and the last thing you see… is me.” Hayter hit back already, but will Julia have the heart to face her?

Chris Jericho speaks.

“Hi, guys! It’s Chris Jericho, the King of New York, coming to you live from Hell’s Kitchen in the Bronx with a New York Minute. And as the ROH World Champion, I am so excited about Final Battle happening on December 20th, live from the Hammerstein Ballroom. Get your tickets now, there’s not too many available! And while you’re in Bean Town, come check out the other two shows at the Hammerstein Ballroom on the 21st and 22nd, Christmas Collision and a Dynamite on 34th Street. You don’t wanna miss these shows, it’s gonna be a rock ‘n’ roll party!

“And speaking of a party, don’t forget about All In Texas, live Saturday, July 12th. Tickets are already available in the presale at AEWTIX.com with the general on sale going on Monday, December 9th, at 10 AM Central Standard Time. But if you’re wondering who the Nueve is gonna be facing in Sin City at Final Battle in the Hammerstein Ballroom, I’m gonna give you more information on that on a very special TV Time, live on ROH tomorrow night! You can watch that on WatchROH.com, don’t you dare miss it! And don’t you dare miss me, the King of New York, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in the Big Easy! Thanks, guys! I’m Chris Jericho, and this has been a New York Minute.”

Uh, so all the wrong nicknames aside, will Jericho be telling the truth when he announces who he’s facing for Final Battle?

A small town is on edge.

The sheriff is putting up a wanted poster, but gets spooked by someone calling him. Sorry, he thought this guy was “him. He cut ‘n’ run awhile ago. Rumor has it, he’s coming back to town.” Really? Cuz last this guy saw, “he” was just milling around. The sheriff really thinks “he” will come back around here? Well tell you what, that outlaw returns, this whole town is in trouble. Round these parts, he’s a wanted man. He’s most wanted. Bandido is set to return!! Will the lucha libre outlaw really shake things up when he rides back into AEW?

Anna Jay VS Penelope Ford!

Speaking of comebacks and making the most of opportunities, The Queenslayer has gotten on Mone’s radar, but she wants to get in Mone’s face. Will Anna be the the Star of the Show as she revives a rivalry with Mrs. Superbad? Or will Ford kick her comeback into overdrive?

The bell rings, the two circle, and Anna surprisingly offers a handshake. Ford kicks it away, then shoves Anna! Anna shoves Ford down! Ford gets up, there’s trash talk, and then the forearms fly! The fans rally up, Anna ROCKS Ford, then blocks Ford’s lariat! Anna fires KNEE after KNEE, then whips. Ford reverses but Anna CLOBBERS her! The fans fire up and Anna runs at the corner. Ford dodges to ROCK Anna! Ford fires off a flurry, then whips Anna right back into the corner! Ford struts around, runs back up, but into an ELBOW! Anna slips out the side, ROCKS Ford again, then reels Ford in! But Ford CLAWS Anna’s face!

The ref reprimands but Ford sweeps the leg! Anna falls onto the apron, and Ford slingshot DOUBLE KNEE DROPS! Anna sputters but Ford brings her around. The fans rally up and Ford CHOPS Anna against the railing. Ford then whips, Anna reverses, but Ford blocks to KICK! Anna falls, Ford refreshes the count, and Ford sends Anna into steel steps! Anna falls over and Ford hears the fans want that “One More Time!” Ford says okay, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ford drags Anna up, and fakes sending Anna into steps to RAM her into the apron! Ford trolls the fans and still does damage. Ford brings Anna around, but Anna puts Ford on the railing! Anna CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ford hits back with forearms, ROCKS Anna, and she whips Anna hard into railing! Ford again refreshes the count, then drags Anna up to send her into the POST! Anna falls over in a daze but Ford brings her back up. Ford puts Anna in the ring, storms up to cover, TWO! Anna stays in this and Ford grows frustrated. Ford drags Anna up to put her on ropes. Ford CHOKES Anna, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts.

Ford “apologizes” and storms back up to stand Anna up. Ford snap suplexes Anna, and Anna writhes. Ford drags Anna into a motorcycle stretch and pulls on the arms! Anna endures, even as Ford JAMS her in the back! Anna fights up to her feet, fires body shots, but Ford CLUBS her down! Ford soaks up cheers and jeers while she stalks Anna to a corner. Ford digs her boot in, and she slowly does the splits. The ref counts, Ford stops at 4, but then stomps away on Anna! The ref counts, Anna pushes Ford, but Ford just comes back to bring her up. Ford whips, Anna blocks, and Dynamite returns to single picture.

Ford ROCKS Anna, whips, and then CLUBS Anna in the corner! Ford struts corner to corner and runs back in again, handspring and BACK ELBOW! Ford LICKS Anna’s face! The fans are torn but Ford snapmares Anna down. Ford goes up, up, but Anna trips her up! Ford is stuck up top, and Anna ROCKS her! Anna turns Ford around, DANGEROUS HOOK KICKS, then ICONOCLASM! Anna runs to BASEMENT BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Anna is frustrated but she puts Ford in the ropes. HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Anna and she runs, but Ford BOOTS her! Ford runs, but Anna SUPERKICKS!

Ford wobbles, Anna runs up, but Ford goes Matrix! But Anna stops the cutter to QUEENSLAYER!! Ford flails, reaches out, but uses hair to THROW Anna away! Ford runs up to CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Anna survives and Ford is beside herself! Ford drags Anna to a drop zone and climbs back up. The fans fire up for the SUPERBAD SAULT FLOP!! Anna runs up to SHOTGUN Ford! Ford flounders, Anna reels her in! Gory Especial, but Ford fights free! Ford trips Anna onto the ropes! Ford runs to DROPKICK Anna in the back! Cover, TWO! Ford grabs legs, and she drags Anna around to step through!

Ford has the Deathlock, and she leans back, MUTA LOCK!! Anna flails, crawls, drags Ford with her to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Ford lets go at 4, and she argues with the ref. Anna stands, Ford storms up, but Anna YANKS her onto ropes! Gory Especial, GORY BOMB!! Cover, Anna wins!

Winner: Anna Jay, by pinfall

A hard fought fight, and in the end it is Anna on top! And she gets herself a mic to call out Mone! She knows Mone was watching, so just come out here now! The music plays and everyone watches the stage. Here comes The CEO! Mone has a mic of her own to tell Anna, “Yeah, I was watching. And lemme get one thing straight. If Kris Statlander, the biggest and the strongest woman on the roster, can’t beat me for this, then what makes you think that you can?” Mone goes to the ring and says people think she’s arrogant! Anna, Mariah must’ve kicked you a little too hard in the head. But Mone likes the confidence.

So if Anna wants her shot at the TBS Championship, then Mone thinks Anna needs to come back in ten years when she’s actually done something in this business! HAHAHAHA! Mone boops Anna on the nose, and Anna asks, “Something like this?” Anna SLAPS Mone!! The fans fire up and Anna eggs Mone on! Mone says okay, and off comes the jewelry! But then Mone looks at her watch and says no, she doesn’t have time for this. Mone leaves, and says this will happen on her time. But then BREAKING NEWS from the office of Tony Khan! It is happening when TK says, and TK says that Dynamite’s Holiday Bash is when and where this happens!

Mone and Anna now have two weeks to prepare for this showdown! Who will get to have some gold for Christmas this year?

Sit-down interview with Mariah May.

Renee Paquette is with The Glamour, and says we’re just one week away from her and Mina Shirakawa fighting for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Winter is Coming. But Renee wants to talk about the issues Mariah has with a woman she claims to still love. Mariah says what about Renee’s issues? Does Renee even have any friends here? Or does she just sit around and poke holes in the lives of people who actually accomplish things? Renee says she’s not doing this, but Mariah stops her from leaving. Mariah admits Renee is right, they don’t have to do this. They don’t have to have someone demand answers like Mariah owes any explanation for how she lives her life.

But as long as Mariah holds this title, anything she does is the right thing to do. So Renee can just sit there and listen. Mariah thinks giving a title shot to her best friend is a pretty generous gesture. Mina wouldn’t be getting one otherwise, as “shaking your tits only gets you so far. You have to go to work sometime.” And Mariah will make Mina work every single second she’s in there with her, because Mariah “believes” in Mina. And when they’re done, they’ll sip all the champagne in the world. Renee speaks up, saying, “This entire women’s division-” But Mariah cuts her off to say, “This entire women’s division is utter sh*t!”

Mariah brings up last week, Thunder Rosa holding up that sign that said, “Women’s Wrestling is Alive and Well.” Women’s Wrestling is dead and buried because Mariah is the one holding the shovel. Wait, Mina storms in, holding a bottle of champagne!! Renee gets outta there and Mariah cowers, expecting a hit! But Mina does NOT hit Mariah. She gives Mariah the bottle, and says, “Do it to my face. Winter is Coming. Make me work!” Mina puts the ball in Mariah’s court, will Mariah have the guts to end her best friend to stay on top?

BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!

Why wait for more C2 round two action? Friday night will see Daniel Garcia VS The Beast Mortos, Kazuchika Okada VS Mark Briscoe, and Ricochet VS Komander! Everyone here is looking for a win, who gets those crucial three points?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

The Continental Classic is building up even more speed as Saturday will mark some round three match-ups! Kazuchika Okada will take on Kyle Fletcher, Mark Briscoe takes on Daniel Garcia, and Komander will take on Darby Allin! Will Darby be in any shape after getting brutalized just last week?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King!

The Swiss Superman defeated The One & Only Ricochet while the King of Death once again took down the Relentless Darby Allin. And just as Claudio came looking to crush what was left, Brody actually defended Darby. Between that and how these two met in last year’s C2, this all just works perfectly! Who makes it through this match still leading the block while the other falls at their feet?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock! The two tie up, go around, and Brody powers Claudio back. Claudio powers Brody back, then headlocks. Brody fires body shots, then powers up and out. Claudio RAMS Brody but neither man falls! The fans duel, mostly behind Brody, and Claudio UPPERCUTS! Brody fires a forearm in return! Claudio UPPERCUTS, Brody forearms, repeat! The fans rally and Brody gets the edge! Brody ROCKS Claudio, but then Claudio dodges! Both men run and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls but the fans fire up! Claudio and Brody shake that off while fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!”

Claudio runs up, SWATS a lariat, and he wrenches the arm to ELBOW BREAKER! But Brody CHOPS Claudio down! The fans fire up, and Brody CHOPS Claudio again! Claudio goes along ropes but Brody CHOPS again! The fans fire up while Claudio goes to another corner. Brody swings, Claudio dodges, and Claudio knees low! Claudio wrenches for another ELBOW BREAKER! Then Claudio wraps the arm around ropes and YANKS on it! Brody still fires a forearm, but Claudio fires a forearm in return! Then Claudio UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! ELBOW BREAKER! Claudio runs, but Brody scoops and SLAMS!

The fans fire up and Brody runs to SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Claudio toughs it out but Brody runs in at the corner. Claudio dodges, then UPPERCUTS again and again and again! The ref counts, the fans rally, and Claudio backs off. Claudio “apologizes” to the ref, then jukes him, only for Brody to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Brody ROCKS Claudio, whips him to a corner, then runs up, but Claudio dropkicks the legs out! Claudio huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to DOUBLE STOMP in the corner! Claudio then goes to the apron, YANKS Brody into the post, then SLINGS the bad arm into the steel! And then SLINGS it again!

Brody flops to the apron, but Claudio SLAMS the bad arm on the edge! Brody rolls into the ring, Claudio soaks up cheers and jeers, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Claudio storms back in, but Brody takes a swing! Claudio blocks the shot to wrench and ELBOW BREAKER! Claudio UPPERCUTS Brody, wraps the arm around ropes again, and pulls! The ref counts, Claudio stops at 4, and Brody goes to another corner. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT again! Claudio scoops and SLAMS Brody! Cover, TWO! Claudio grabs at the bad arm and clamps on with a double wristlock! Brody endures, fights up, but Claudio STOMPS the hand! Brody goes to a corner, but Claudio is on him with forearms! Brody hits back, they go back and forth, but Brody CHOPS! That instinct costs Brody because that hand is hurting!

Claudio grabs the arm, wrenches, and hits another ELBOW BERAKER! Claudio storms up on Brody, Brody pushes him away, but Claudio BOOTS him back! Claudio pulls the bad arm against ropes, but the ref counts. Claudio lets go at 4, then brings Brody up. Brody fights but Claudio still wrangles him down to the mat. Claudio twists the wrist into a double wristlock, and the fans rally with barking and hooting as Dynamite returns to single picture. Brody endures, fights up, and he RAMS Claudio into the corner! Claudio fires uppercuts but Brody fires a forearm! UPPERCUT! FOREARM! Repeat! Brody winds up to CHOP!

Brody CHOPS again, but Claudio blocks again! Wrench and ELOBOW BREAKER! Brody fireman’s carries all the same! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Claudio survives and Brody snarls. Brody has a bloody cut on his nose but he just fires up! The fans fire up with Brody as he runs, but Claudio ducks a lariat! POP-UP UPEPRCUT!! Cover, TWO?!? Brody survives and Claudio is frustrated! Claudio waits on Brody as Brody goes to the corner. Claudio runs up, but Brody ELBOWS him! Claudio fireman’s carries!? DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives again but Claudio is right on him! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!

Claudio rains down those shots, but they just seem to power Brody up! Brody catches the arm, stands and shoves Claudio, to then short arm LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Brody is too tired to be frustrated and both men are down! The fans rally up, a standing count begins, and both men push up at 3 of 10. They sit up at 5, and they fire forearms on each other! They stand, fire more shots, and then Brody CHOPS with the left hand! Claudio fires another forearm, Brody CHOPS again! Forearm, CHOP, repeat! Then Brody fires forearms with the right arm! And a CHOP! That hurts Brody again, but he whips corner to corner.

Claudio reverses and runs up, but Brody dodges! Claudio hits buckles, Brody runs up to SPLASH! Claudio sits down, the fans bark it up, and Brody joins in! Brody comes back, CANNONBALL!! Claudio takes all of that, Brody covers him, TWO!! Claudio survives and Brody is beside himself. Both men rise, and Brody brings Claudio in. Claudio fights the lift, then dodges the lariat to springboard FLYING- FOREARM!! Brody takes Claudio outta the air, covers, TWO!! Claudio survives and bails out to the apron. Brody storms over, but Claudio HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Claudio hurries up top, but Brody CHOPS with the left hand!

Brody DOUBLE CHOPS, then he climbs up to the very top! The fans fire up already as Brody brings Claudio up! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Brody rises already and the fans bark it up! Brody brings Claudio in, brings him up, PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO?!?! Claudio survives again but he flounders away to a corner! The fans rally as hard as they can for both men, and Brody runs up on Claudio! Claudio dodges and bails out of the ring! Brody frowns and the fans boo, but Brody goes out after Claudio. Claudio kicks Brody, SMACKS the bad arm off the apron, but Brody CHOPS him right down! And then CHOPS again!

The fans fire up as the CHOPS keep going! Claudio is against railing, Brody ROCKS him! Brody makes Claudio take a seat, ROCKS him, and then gest space. The ring count is climbing, but Brody just runs up to SPLASH against barriers! Claudio bailed outta the way, and he comes back to UPPERCUT Brody over the railing!! Claudio hurries back into the ring! Brody flounders over railing, but we’re at 8! 9! Brody hurries up and in at 9.9!! Claudio is upset, but he roars! Claudio runs, but Brody LARIATS first!! Cover, TWO!?!? Claudio survives but Brody hauls him up! Canadian Rack, but Claudio CLAWS eyes!

Claudio slips free, grabs at the ref, and sneaks a LOW BLOW MULE KICK at the same time!! The fans boo but Claudio hurries to Gotch Lift! NEUTRALIZER!! Cover, Claudio wins!

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

Dirty as it was, this Death Rider is now leading Gold League! But BREAKING NEWS for Winter is Coming! Claudio’s next opponent? WILL OSPREAY! Can Claudio conquer even the Aerial Assassin? Or will Ospreay turn the tides and take over the tournament?

My Thoughts:

Another great Dynamite, but maybe not as great as last week with all the promos and set-up they had to do for the coming weeks. The promo from Mariah and Mina was still really good, and the namedrop of Thunder Rosa further indicates Rosa waits on the other side of next week’s match. Anna Jay VS Penelope Ford had a good match that could’ve been a bit smoother, but perhaps that’s just Ford’s ring rust working itself out. But obviously now we’re getting Anna VS Mone for the TBS Championship as part of AEW’s huge holiday week. Mone will also be coming off her NJPW Strong Women’s Championship match as Strong Style Evolved is the 15th, so she’s about to have two wins in one week as a Christmas gift to herself.

Good promos from Hayter and Hart, but I’m thinking Hart costs Hayter her match in the International Women’s Cup tournament so they can have their own match at Worlds End. And I guess Britt Baker was right, no one cares about Deeb VS Baker because it hasn’t happened and probably isn’t happening since Britt disappeared again. Great Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal, and I like how Lio & Action might break off to be their own tag team given how they essentially turned on Darius & Dante in this match. And while it was very obvious it’d be Kyle and Cole next week, the match itself was done in a way that kept things dramatic. Good promo from MJF that in some ways makes up for how he’s the Heel when Cole was Heel, and maybe we can just see it as two Heels fighting to see who’s worse.

One other thing about the battle royal is I hope Mark Davis is okay. His landing on the apron and floor was pretty hard since he got hit by both Archer and Cage, and I think I saw Doc Sampson stealthily check on him. Davis cannot afford another injury, the last one kept him out for so long, and he needs to be around so he and Fletcher can get on a story of their fallout. And speaking of fallout, I feel like one of the holiday specials is when Caster and Bowens break up. Caster is still so smug, and Bowens really did just let Caster go out there and get the ass kicking he deserves. That was also a great win for Swerve, he’s hot going into an inevitable rematch with Lashley.

Good promo from Hook to call out The Patriarchy and basically dismiss Nick Wayne as anyone worth his time. Of course, the Patriarch all beats him up and smashes that hand, which in a roundabout way makes Hook the underdog now. I’m pretty sure Hook will still fight Nick Wayne 1v1, certainly find a way to win, and he might even have to fight Kip before he gets after Christian. Christian of course still has his attention on the world title, but maybe Taz via a promo can goad Christian into putting the Casino Gauntlet title match contract on the line a la the few times WWE’s Money in the Bank contract gets put up. The incentive could even be that if Hook loses, he’s forced to join Patriarchy. Well, thinking about it now, that’s kind of a bad idea…

Great Continental Classic stuff as usual, with Fletcher VS Shelton as a great opener. Fletcher winning made sense, he needs to stand out as the up-and-coming guy in the Don Callis Family. Plus, it helped put some fire in The Hurt Syndicate, and them beating up on security was good stuff. Then we got an awesome main event out of Claudio VS Brody, I’m surprised that wasn’t 20 minutes because they did so much. Claudio cheating to win is actually a great move, because it puts Heel heat on him, as he should have given how The Death Riders are doing whatever they want to whoever they want. Plus this gives Claudio momentum going into matches like next week and his match with Ospreay, which will itself be an awesome match.

And speaking of The Death Riders, great match from White VS Pac, especially with White overcoming Yuta’s interference. Naturally, the rest of the group (minus Claudio because he was getting ready for his match) showed up to beat up on White, but Hangman showing up was good stuff. It returns the favor from last week, and it also helped distract Moxley from the surprise return of Cassidy! While we had a “Team AEW” kind of thing before with Top Flight and Dark Order and Conglomeration all wanting after The Death Riders, it is oddly this ragtag collection of Cassidy, White and Hangman that could put up the best fight. I’m not saying we see a Six Man Tag of them all with Death Riders, but something’s gonna influence a big Worlds End world title match.

My Score: 8.9/10