Who are the real stars of AEW?

Kenny Omega continues to take a stand against The Elite, and leads Mark Briscoe, “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight in an AEW All-Star 8 Man Tag!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: Kenny Omega, Mark Briscoe, “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight VS Ricochet, Kazuchika Okada & The Young Bucks; Ricochet, Okada & The Bucks win.
• Six Man Tag: The Opps VS Nick Comoroto, Rhett Titus & Myles Hawkins; The Opps win.
• AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator: Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Miyu Yamashita; Toni wins and denies Miyu a title opportunity.
• ROH World Television Championship: Nick Wayne VS Jay Lethal; Nick wins and retains the title.
• 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinals: Hangman Page VS Kyle Fletcher; Hangman wins and will advance to Double or Nothing.

PLAY BY PLAY

8 Man Tag: Kenny Omega, Mark Briscoe, “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight VS Ricochet, Kazuchika Okada & The Young Bucks!

The Cleaner is back and he’s ready to clean up the mess The Elite have made. The Sussex County Chicken, Speedball & Jet are with him, but will they stand tall? Or will The One & Only join The Rainmaker & The EVPs in throwing a Superkick Party?

The teams sort out and the fans fire up as Omega and Okada are right in each other’s face! The ref has the teams calm down but the fans are already losing their minds! The bell rings, and we get not only AEW International Champion VS AEW Continental Champion, but the revival of perhaps the greatest rivalry in NJPW history. Maybe even in world history! Okada and Omega circle as the fans fire up even more. Norfolk is on Omega’s side and Okada is annoyed. Okada tags out to Nicholas Jackson and the fans boo. Omega says that’s fine, he wants after one of his old pals. But Nick calls out Speedball, so Omega says okay.

Omega turns, but then Ricochet & The Elite all attack! The fans boo as they BLAST Omega’s team off the corner, then they stomp away on Omega! The ref reprimands but The Elite & Ricochet soak up the heat. Nick CLUBS Omega, drags him up, but Omega CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Omega wrenches Nick for a wristlock. But Nick pokes Omega in the eye! Nick knuckle locks, CHPOS, then goes up, up, and shouts “LUCHA LIBRE~!” before the FLYING ARM-DRAG! Omega is up, but Nick arm-drags again, then has the armlock. Omega fights up but Nick wrenches and YANKS the arm! Nick hands the arm to Matt for ELBOW BREAKER after ELBOW BREAKER!

The fans boo, but Okada tags in and he wrenches Omega’s arm to CLUB it! And YANK it! The fans rally for Omega but Okada hands him off to Matt again, for MORE ELBOW BREAKERS! Okada wrenches Omega, tags Ricochet in, and Ricochet goes up to DOUBLE STOMP Omega’s arm! Ricochet wrenches the arm, gives an ELBOW BREAKER of his own, then he brings Matt over for even MORE ELBOW BREAKERS! Okada says one more time! Ricochet agrees, but Omega wrenches Ricochet’s arm! Ricochet fights and flails, Omega hands Ricochet off to Matt for ELBOW BREAKERS! Okada and Nick tell Matt to stop, that’s not Omega!

Matt slows to a stop, and then reaches up to touch Ricochet’s head. Being bald confirms it, that’s not Kenny! Ricochet argues with Matt, then pushes him! Matt SLAPS Ricochet on his bald head! And Omega SLAPS! Omega then reels Ricochet in for an atomic drop! Ricochet staggers into Matt! Matt falls, Ricochet staggers back to Omega, and Omega bumps Ricochet off buckles! Tag to Bailey and the fans fire up! Bailey & Briscoe BLAST The Bucks! Briscoe runs in and LARIATS! Knight hits a SPLASH! Bailey runs up to CHOP! Omega runs up to ELBOW! Ricochet staggers, drops to his knees, and Bailey tags Knight.

The fans fire up for #JetSpeed as they double whip, BODY BLOW, then ROUNDHOUSE! UFO SPLASH! They double whip, DOUBLE HIP TOSS, then cartwheel and double basement DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Knight brings Ricochet over and wrenches to then tag Briscoe. They bring Ricochet around and Briscoe CLUBS Ricochet’s arm! Briscoe clinches but Ricochet JAWBREAKERS free! Briscoe staggers, Ricochet hot tags Nick! Briscoe dodges Nick to CHOP and fire a flurry of forearms! Briscoe whips, Nick reverses but Briscoe slides under! Briscoe ROCKS Nick, then kicks low, runs, and BOOTS Nick! Nick staggers, so Briscoe BOOTS him again!

The fans fire up as Briscoe whips but Nick reverses. Matt gets a cheap shot in but Briscoe DECKS him for it! Nick kicks and whips but Briscoe reverses, and Bailey gets a cheap shot in! Bailey avoids Nick’s haymaker, and Briscoe scoops Nick to SLAM him! The fans fire up, but Nick avoids the elbow drop! Matt runs up, but Briscoe avoids the elbow drop! Bailey runs in, Matt avoids the elbow drop! Okada runs in, Bailey avoids the elbow drop! Knight runs in, Okada dodges the elbow drop! Ricochet jumps in, Knight avoids the elbow drop! Omega is in, Ricochet avoids the elbow drop! Nick is back, but Omega avoids the elbow drop!

All eight men scramble to their feet and the fans are thunderous! Then the brawl is on! Okada has Knight in a corner, Matt brawls with Bailey, Briscoe TOSSES Ricochet and Nick TOSSES Omega, only for Briscoe to go after Nick! Ricochet and Omega brawl on the outside, The Bucks whip Briscoe & Bailey but they both reverse it! The Bucks dosido, but then Briscoe & Bailey dodge to also dosido! Then Briscoe & Bailey both hit the crane stance! The Bucks hesitate, and they get DOUBLE CRANE KICKS! The fans are thunderous again, and Dynamite goes picture in picture!

The brawling continues on the outside as Briscoe keeps after Nick. Bailey whips Matt into barriers, Knight SMACKS Okada off the desk, and then Briscoe whips Nick hard into a corner! Nick flops down, and we see Bailey raining down fists on Matt! The fans count along and Bailey goes all the way to TEN! Then he KCIKS Matt down! Briscoe gives punches to Nick! He goes all the way to TEN, then reels Nick in for a BIG suplex! The fans fire up with Briscoe, Knight gives Okada TEN, then Omega sets up Ricochet! The fans fire up again as Omega gives Ricochet his TEN! Bailey tags in and he KICKS Nick in the back!

Bailey aims as Nick rises, SOBAT, and AX KICK, and BUZZSAW! Nick sputters while Bailey aims from a corner. Matt slides in but then bails right out as Bailey kicks at him! Bailey runs at Nick, but Nick avoids the Shooting Star! Hot tag to Okada! Okada storms up on Bailey, but Bailey KICKS him first! Bailey runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Okada scowls and goes to cover, TWO! Knight was a step away, but he backs off now that Bailey’s escaped. Okada brings Bailey over to the Elite corner, tags in Ricochet, then Okada scoops and SLAMS Bailey for Ricochet’s KNEE-BOARD SENTON! Ricochet struts, covers, TWO!

Ricochet is annoyed, but he stays between Bailey and his team to stomp away! The ref reprimands, Dynamite returns to single picture, and Ricochet reels Bailey in. The fans taunt Ricochet with “BALD! BALD! BALD!” as he lifts Bailey. But Bailey slips free of the bomb! Ricochet dodges Bailey’s lariat to BLAST Bailey’s team! But Bailey waistlocks, only for Ricochet to standing switch. Ricochet spins Bailey around and reels him in, NORTHERN- NO, Knight makes the save! Matt runs in, he dodges Knight, and then he fires off kicks! Ricochet kicks and knees Bailey, and they coordinate to STEREO NORTHERN LIGHTS!

The Polar Express is on two tracks now, another NORTHERN LIGHTS for Knight while Ricochet hits a BRAINBUSTER on Bailey! They both kip up, they fist bump, and then Ricochet poses with Matt in such as way as to make it like Matt’s hair is Ricochet’s hair! The fans chant, “You’re Still Bald!” as Ricochet tags Nick. Nick drags Bailey up and reels him in. Nick calls his shot and suplexes, but Bailey fights it! Nick CLUBS Bailey for it, then tags Matt. Matt drags Bailey up, he calls his shot, but Bailey fights the suplex! Matt tags to Ricochet, and Ricochet decides to try the same. Bailey KNEES Ricochet down!

The fans fire up while both men crawl, tag to Okada! Okada CLUBS Bailey, brings him around, and Okada decides to call his shot! Okada suplexes, but Briscoe & Knight jump in! They save Bailey from the brainbuster, The Bucks & Ricochet attack, and Omega gets in! The Elite all have a guy, “BRAINBUSTEEER~!” But Omega’s team all hit counter suplexes! The fans fire up for Omega’s team while The Elite bails out! All four men take aim, QUADRUPLE PLANCHAS!! The fans are thunderous as The Elite all goes down! Omega high-fives some fans, then Bailey puts Okada in the ring. Briscoe keeps after Matt, Knight runs in at the corner, SPLASH!

“This is Awesome!” as Knight then tags Bailey. Bailey goes up, he and Knight coordinate, MISSILE DROPKICK! Nick tags in, Bailey tags Knight, so Knight LARIATS Nick! And LARIATS again! Knight whips, Nick reverses, Knight goes up and over to LARIAT again! The fans fire up and Knight runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Nick goes up, but Knight enters the UPPER ROOM! Cover, TWO! Nick survives, Knight runs up, but into a JAWBREAKER! Nick runs, but Knight scoops and SLAM! Knight aims to UFO SPLASH, but only knees! Nick crawls, Ricochet runs in and BLASTS Briscoe, BOOTS Bailey, and SUPERKICKS Omega!

Nick tags Matt and the Bucks haul Knight up. They DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Knight lands out! Omega hurries and tags in! The fans fire up as Omega rallies on The Bucks with Polish Hammers! Okada avoids Omega, so Omega spins on Matt! Matt dodges, the Bucks kick low. They double whip but Omega KICKS Matt! Omega full nelsons Nick but Matt runs up, so Omega shoves Nick away to catch Matt. But Matt fights free to waistlock. Omega ELBOWS free, then runs the ropes, only for Matt to DUMP him out! Omega is on the apron, but Okada & Nick anchor the legs! Matt SUPERKICKS Omega! Omega falls, but Nick & Okada catch him!

Bailey runs up, Matt dodges and SUPERKICKS! Matt puts Bailey in the ropes, Okada keeps Omega dangling off the apron, and now Ricochet joins in! Ricochet and Nick coordinate, Nick gives Omega a DRAPING SWANTON to the floor while Ricochet hits Bailey with a DRAPING 450!! The fans boo but The Elite soaks it all up while Dynamite goes back to picture in picture.

Okada stands over Omega while Omega sputters. The ring count climbs, Ricochet taunts Omega, and Omega manages to stand and SMACK him! Nick CLUBS Omega int he back! Okada pushes Omega into the ring and Matt is there to mockingly applaud. Matt fires hands on Omega in the corner, tags Mick, and then Nick tags Okada. Matt sends Nick in, but Omega TOSESS Nick out! Matt runs up, Omega TOSSES Matt out! But The Bucks are on the apron, and Okada runs up, BACK ELBOW DOUBLE ENZIGIRI COMBO! Omega should recognize that combination. Okada tags Ricochet, and Ricochet sets up to KOKESHI HEADBUTT!

Ricochet laughs at the fans as he has embraced the baldness! Cover, TWO! Omega stays in this and Ricochet grows frustrated. Ricochet clamps onto Omega with a chinlock, and even digs his knee into Omega’s back. Ricochet pulls on the arms and makes this a motorcycle stretch! Omega still endures, fights up, but Ricochet CLAWS Omega’s back! The ref reprimands, but Dynamite goes to break.

Dynamite returns as Matt mockingly claps along as the fans rally behind Omega. The rest of the Elite holds Omega back in their corner, Matt runs in, but Omega BOOTS him away! Omega fights off the others, then goes up and over Matt! But Nick & Okada YANK Omega’s team off the corner! The fans boo, but then Matt feints Omega out to DDT! “Damn I’m good!” Matt tags Ricochet and Ricochet springboards, but Omega avoids the 450! Omega comes back to SLAM DUNK Ricochet down! The fans fire up and Omega’s team rises! Omega crawls his way over, but Ricochet crawls for his corner, too! Hot tags to Matt and Briscoe!

The fans fire up as Briscoe wrenches Matt to UPPERCUT! Nick runs up, he gets an UPPERCUT! Briscoe CHOPS Matt, fires hands on Nick, but Matt waistlocks! Nick runs up, Briscoe BOOTS Nick and PELES Matt! The fans fire up as Knight LARIATS Nick up and out! Bailey LARIATS Matt up and out! Okada CLUBS Bailey, BOOTS Knight, and he kicks Briscoe. Okada whips but Briscoe uses that to BOOT Ricochet! Briscoe then BOOTS Okada, Knight & Bailey HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg kick! Okada tumbles, Bailey goes up and GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS onto Ricochet! Knight FLIES over the corner to take out The Bucks!

The fans are thunderous and Briscoe hooks a leg, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Briscoe points to the sky! Briscoe calls his shot, reels Okada in for the underhooks, but Okada fights that to an Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada drags Briscoe into a drop zone, goes up a corner, and he MACHO ELBOWS! Okada stands, the fans boo, but Okada winds up… for the MIDDLE FINGER! He especially gives it to Omega! The fans boo, but Bailey is back in! He KICKS the finger, then HEEL KICKS Okada! Nick runs up, Bailey dodges but then Nick ducks a kick! Bailey ducks a kick, but Nick goes Matrix to avoid the thrust kick!

Matt runs up, Bailey hooks Matt’s kick with his leg! But that lets Nick SUPERKICK Bailey! The Bucks kick Knight, double whip, but Knight leaps over the lariats to DOUBLE PELE! Ricochet runs in to DOUBLE STOMP Knight down! Briscoe clinches Ricochet, EXPLODER! Okada SHOTGUNS Briscoe! Okada stares Omega down and the fans fire up again! Omega tells the ref to stand down. Omega steps in and the fans lose their minds again! Omega and Okada start throwing forearms! Omega fires a flurry, but Okada UPPERCUTS! Okada whips, Omega avoids the dropkick, and then Omega Electric Chair Lifts!

Okada fights free, ROLLING- NO, Omega ducks the lariat to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Okada goes to ropes! Omega aims, BANG! Omega runs, but Okada is up to DROPKICK after all! Ripcord, but Omega dodges the Rainmaker, only for DOUBLE SUPERKICKS to find him! Briscoe is back, Okada DDTS him down! Ricochet kicks Knight, The Bucks scoop Bailey and Omega. Ricochet scoops Knight, he SLAMS Knight into the drop zone, same as Nick with Bailey. Ricochet and Bailey climb while Okada gut wrenches Briscoe! Okada and Matt set up over Bailey and Knight! The fans boo as we get a DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK SENTON T K DRIVER CHIMERA!!!

Okada covers Briscoe, TWO?!?! Briscoe survives and The Elite cannot believe it! Ricochet and Matt argue with the ref but Nick calls to Matt. E V P- NO, Briscoe ducks and knees collide! Briscoe then DUMPS The Bucks out, and then TOSSES Ricochet out onto them! Okada ripcords Briscoe, but Briscoe dodges, kicks, and underhooks! JAY DRILLER!!! Cover, RICOCHET BREAKS IT! The fans boo but Ricochet goes to the apron. Ricochet HOTSHOTS Briscoe, then climbs a corner. The ref reprimands, but Bailey ENZIGIRIS Ricochet! Electric Chair Lift, and Knight says it is time! Knight DROPKICKS Ricochet down onto The Bucks!

The fans are thunderous again, and Omega rises! Omega builds speed and FLIES! Down go The Bucks, Bailey & Knight! The fans fire up as Briscoe sets Okada up again! Fireman’s carry and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Briscoe hurries up top, but The Bucks distract the ref so Ricochet can SHOVE Briscoe down! RAINMAKER!! Cover, ELITE WIN!

Winners: Ricochet, Kazuchika Okada & The Young Bucks, by pinfall

Ricochet smiles as he gives Okada an assist that was outta this world! Will Ricochet feel right at home with with The Elite? Will Omega have to rethink how he battles his former friends?

The Hurt Syndicate arrives backstage.

And very excited staff and AEW prospects greet them with “We Hurt~ People! We Hurt~ People!” MVP says yeah, that’s real fun to say, huh? But y’know what’s even more fun? When they actually do it! MVP JAMS the one guy with his walking stick, then Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley beat down the rest! One guy gets dumped into a laundry basket! The AEW World Tag Team Champions pick up their title belts, and MVP says that first guy broke his cane. But hey, let’s address the elephant in the room. Lashley smirks and Shelton says hey, he was skeptical about MJF, too. But this isn’t about them trusting MJF. This is about them trusting MVP.

Shelton says c’mon, Lashley, he has to admit MJF is also funny, and that he liked that car. Lashley says he can buy his own cars. MVP says of course, of course. But this is what this is about: MJF can help The Hurt Syndicate. Has MVP ever steered them wrong before? And… If MJF screws them, then they will hurt him like he’s never been hurt before. Alright? They fist bump, and MVP says alright, time to get some work done. Will this finally be the night the All Mighty accepts the Scumbag?

Six Man Tag: The Opps VS Nick Comoroto, Rhett Titus & Myles Hawkins!

Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs not only took the AEW World Trios Championships from the Death Riders, but they put the Death Riders and all of AEW on notice. The Opps are #NeverLacking, but how much more powerful will they become?

The trios sort out and Titus starts against Joe. The bell rings and the fans sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” Joe smirks, then he ties up with Titus. Joe wrenches and wristlocks, but Titus breaks free to CHOP! Titus runs, but Joe CHOPS him off his feet! Joe JABS, JABS, and JABS Titus into the corner. Joe fires off more hands, then stomps a mudhole in! The fans fire up and Joe whips Titus corner to corner. Joe ELBOWS Titus, PELES him, then brings him around to tag Shibata. Shibata CHOPS Titus, then shoves him to his corner. Shibata dares someone to tag in, so Comoroto tags in. The Freak Beast storms up to shove Shibata, but Shibata CHOPS!

Comoroto CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth again and again! Shibata then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Comoroto KNEES low, whips, but Shibata ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT! Comoroto falls, Hawkins tags in, but Shibata KNEES him low! Snapmare and KICK! The fans fire up while Hawkins writhes! Shibata bumps Hawkins off buckles, and he tags in Hobbs! The fans fire up as Hobbs stomps Hawkins, then fires knee after knee! Hobbs whips Hawkins to a corner, but Hawkins BOOTS back! Hawkins runs up, but Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up as Hobbs stands tall.

Hobbs runs and SPLASHES Hawkins in a corner! Then LARIAT! LARIAT! LARAT! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs reels Hawkins in for a short arm LARIAT! Hobbs brings down the straps, the fans fire up, and Hobbs gives Hawkins a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, The Opps win!

Winners: The Opps, by pinfall

Hobbs took care o’ town bidness, and now the trios champs stand tall. Will nothing and no one stop Joe from taking the AEW World- WAIT! The Death Riders attack! Wheeler Yuta CLUBS Shibata down, then runs away from Hobbs while Jon Moxley CHOKES Joe and stomps away! Hobbs grabs Yuta and fires hands! The fans fire up but now Claudio is here, and he UPPERCUTS Hobbs against railing! Claudio then goes after Shibata while Marina Shafir stomps Hobbs. But Joe DECKS Moxley! Moxley bails out, Joe pursues, and Joe fires hands! Joe has the COQUINA CLUTCH!! Moxley sputters, waves to his people, but that’s a signal to Claudio!

Claudio has a chair set up upside-down! He reels Shibata in, and Joe sees that! Joe lets Moxley go, but he can’t make it back in time! FULL METAL NEUTRALIZER onto the chair legs!! The same thing that did Hook in! Joe is furious but The Death Riders retreat, having done the damage. Moxley grins, but Joe grabs himself a mic. “MOX!!” The Death Riders leave, not caring what Joe has to say. Joe says fine. It seems to him that Moxley likes to come out here and ask like he’s the boss. But when they start throwing hands, Moxley’s just a little b*tch! Joe tells Moxley that he came out here weeks ago and begged for Joe 1v1! All Joe is trying to do is give Moxley what he wants.

Unfortunately, it just seems like Moxley doesn’t really want that… But Jon… You’ve already made your request! And Joe says he’ll give the people what they want, and that is very simple! If Joe is gonna fight Moxley for the AEW World Championship… Then that cowardly SOB Moxley will have to do it inside a steel cage! The fans fire up for that one! “Because my name is Samoa Joe, and I will be your next AEW World Champion!” Joe has raised the stakes on The Maniac, will there be no surviving Beach Break for the Death Riders?

Backstage interview with Mercedes Mone.

Renee Paquette has a sit-down interview with The CEO and thanks her for taking this time. Mone thanks Renee for having her. Renee says in preparing for this, she thought back to the first time they did this in AEW. Something Renee kept coming back to is how Mone says she is a global superstar on a global mission. Yes, and one year later, she is a global champion! NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion, and of course, the GREATEST AEW TBS Champion of all time. Renee says let’s talk the Owen Hart Tournament. The finals are set for Double or Nothing: Mone VS Hayter. The winner goes to All In: Texas!

Mone says she could go on and on about honoring the legacy of Owen Hart and the Hart Family. The Harts have a special place in Mone’s heart, but let’s be real. This isn’t about them, this is about Mone! Just over a year ago, Mone won her first AEW title at Double or Nothing, so what makes you think this year will be any different? Renee says okay, let’s talk Jamie Hayter. A former AEW Women’s World Champion, 11-2 on the year, and even that aside, just look at the tale of the tape. Physically, Hayter is bigger and stronger. Is Mone underestimating Hayter? No, of course not. But Mone has been in AEW for over a year, and what is she? UNDEFEATED!

So if we’re talking records, let’s talk about that. Renee says yes, true, 25-0 in singles competition, impressive indeed. Yes, it is! Mone has beaten the very best here in AEW, and even all over the world. Mone IS the best! Mone IS the greatest! She is #FourBeltsMone, and the world runs on Mone Time! Because every time Mone steps into the ring, she changes the game! And she has to give props where it is due, Hayter is really, really good. Tough, scrappy, and reminds Mone a bit of herself. Except for the terrible Scooby Doo style! Hayter wants to be a champion, but a champion can’t look like a friggin’ cartoon.

Renee says Double or Nothing is not one to miss. She wishes Mone luck and Mone just smiles. Will The CEO add the Queen of Harts belt to her collection? Or will she learn that no matter how Jamie looks, Hayter Hits Hard?

Backstage interview with The Patriarchy.

AEW returns as Renee is now with Christian Cage, Kip Sabian, Mother Shayna & the ROH World Television Champion, Nick Wayne. Renee says Nick is headed to Japan next week to enter the Best of the Super Juniors. What does it mean to him to be part of that tournament representing AEW in NJPW? Christian speaks up to say as The Patriarch and leader of this family, he prefers all questions being directed to… Jay Lethal steps in? What can Christian do for him? Lethal says actually, there’s nothing Christian can do. Because he is here to talk to the champ. Lethal knows it is no secret that many people here believe Nick is incredible in the ring, because he is.

But Nick is also young and has a lot to learn. In fact, he has a lot to prove. So how about Nick proves something tonight? The longest reigning ROH World TV Champion, Jay Lethal, and the youngest ROH World TV Champion, Nick Wayne, 1v1! Nick says he doesn’t know. He isn’t really warmed up or prepared. He was hoping to focus on BOSJ. Christian says, “He accepts!” Lethal says, “See you out there, champ.” Lethal heads out, and Christian says if Nick wants to be a champion, then he needs to get his head in the game. The Patriarchy leaves with Captain Charisma, will Nick have no choice but to prove something to Lethal and “Father Christian?”

AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator: Toni Storm w/ Luther VS Miyu Yamashita!

While Double or Nothing puts the Owen Hart Cup on the line, The Timeless Champion is still looking for someone worthy of being her “costar.” Will the Pink Striker soon go for AEW gold? Or will she not pass her “screen test” with Toni?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Toni. Toni offers a handshake, Miyu accepts, and the fans applaud the sportsmanship. The two circle, tie up, and go around. Miyu waistlocks, Toni headlocks, but Miyu wrenches free to wristlock then headlock. The fans sing for “Toni! Toni Storm~!” as she powers Miyu down to a knee. Toni slips out the back, wrenches, then wristlocks. Miyu rolls, wrenches, and then KICKS a leg! And KICKS! KICKS! KICKS! Toni hobbles but she has the ROPEBREAK! Miyu lets go, but then she KNEES low! Miyu whips but Toni hits a THESZ PRESS! Toni rains down fast hands and the fans fire up!

Miyu guards, the ref reprimands about closed fists, but Toni lets off to fire up with the fans. Toni drags Miyu up, scoops her, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Toni drags Miyu up and snap suplexes her! Then Toni goes to a corner, climbs up, and the fans rally. Miyu springs up to ROUNDHOUSE! Toni flops to the apron then the floor, and Miyu fires herself up. The fans rally with her and she goes to the apron. PENALTY- NO, Toni blocks the kick and trips Miyu! Miyu hits the apron, Toni climbs up and gives us a closeup. But Miyu avoids the hip attack! Toni gets stuck in the corner, and Miyu takes aim! The fans fire up as Miyu literally kicks Toni’s butt!

Miyu KICKS Toni’s butt again and again and again! Luther protests and Miyu backs off. Luther makes sure Toni’s butt is okay, but then Miyu KICKS Luther! The fans are torn as Miyu CLOBBERS Luther, then she ROUNDHOUSES Toni’s butt! Toni falls off the corner and Miyu soaks up both cheers and jeers while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Miyu drags Toni up, then whips her hard into barriers! Toni hobbles away but Miyu pursues. Miyu fires the fans up before she runs up and KNEES Toni against railing! Miyu then brings Toni around with a headlock, and she KICKS Toni against barriers! And again, and again, and again! Miyu fires up, but Toni THRWOS her into barriers to CHOP! CHPO! And CHOP! Toni brings Miyu around, but Miyu puts Toni in the ring first. Miyu storms in, stands Toni up, and fireman’s carries, only for Toni to fight free and clamp on a SLEEPER! Miyu flails, wrenches free and THROWS Toni down! Then she BUZZSAWS Toni! Toni sputters, Miyu covers, TWO!

Toni stays in this but Miyu stays cool as she stays on Toni. Miyu stands Toni up again but Toni ROCKS Miyu! And CHOPS! Miyu fires up to BODY BLOW! Miyu wrenches and whips Toni to a corner, then runs up for a KNEE! Miyu brings Toni around, goes up and up and GAMANGIRIS! Miyu fires up and the fans seem torn. Miyu drags Toni into a COBRA CLUTCH, then throws KNEE after KNEE into Toni’s back! Toni stands up but Miyu KNEES and SAYANAGIS, while keeping the COBRA CLUTCH! Toni endures, Luther rallies the fans, and Toni fights around. Miyu pushes Toni to a cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO!

Miyu holds onto the submission even as she pushes Toni down, TWO! Toni fights up, fires body shots, but Miyu KNEES her in return! Dynamite returns to single picture as Miyu looms over Toni. Miyu stands Toni up again, whips her to a corner, and then KICKS! Miyu goes up the corner again, but Toni avoids the kick this time! Toni runs up to ROCK Miyu! Miyu shakes that off and ROCKS Toni! Toni ROCKS Miyu! The forearms go back and forth and Norfolk fires up! Toni fires a flurry and the fans cheer! But Miyu leans into the shots! Miyu backs Toni down like that! Toni swings again, but Miyu slips around to waistlock.

Toni ELBOWS free, but Miyu BLINDSIDE ROUNDHOUSES! And SUPERKICKS! And then ROUND- NO, Toni blocks that one to SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up and Toni aims from the corner. Another closeup and SWEET- SKULL KICK!! Miyu hits Toni, but she falls back herself! Miyu crawls over to cover, TWO!! Toni survives, but Miyu will not let her go! Miyu drags Toni up, goes to run, but Toni reels her in! Miyu smirks, and she swings, only for Toni to duck and SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO! Miyu survives but Toni hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect and Toni is frustrated.

Toni storms around and the fans rally up. Toni brings Miyu in, Miyu fights the lift, and Miyu fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! But Miyu isn’t done, she BUZZSAWS again! Miyu fires up and runs, but Toni dodges! SNAP GERMAN!! Miyu flounders to a corner, Toni tries one more time! Take three for this closeup! SWEET HIP MUSIC!! Then STORM ZERO!! Cover, Toni wins!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall (denies Miyu a title match)

Cut, print, that’s a wrap! Toni is an undefeated 10-0 in eliminator matches, but wait! The CEO is make her way out here. Mone shows off her four belts, and then has a mic to say, “Norfooooolk~! Shut the Hell up and say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. But Mone tells, “Toni, darling, good to see you. After I beat Jamie Hayter at Double or Nothing and win the Owen Cup, I’m coming for what I deserve: The AEW Women’s World Championship, darling~!” But wait! Speaking of the Hayter and she appears! Hayter tells Mone to say that to her face! Mone takes a swing instead! But Hayter blocks that, and DECKS Mone!

Hayter hauls Mone up, but Mone dodges the Hayterade! Mone runs away and Toni is rather surprised. Mone left her belts behind, but will she still grab the Cup? Or will we finally get a sequel to Storm VS Hayter at All In: Texas?

The Don Callis Family speaks.

Don Callis himself asks, “You know what I like? I like writing history. I like making history. And last week on Dynamite, Takeshita & the Canadian Assassin, Josh Alexander, they made history! They had one of the greatest tag team matches I’ve ever seen, and they put down Will Ospreay and the great Brody King. I loved it. I loved it so much, I wanna make history again this week with The Family. And this week, we’re going to, because Kyle Fletcher is going to dismantle The Hangman. And then, Kyle, it’s on to Double or Nothing for the Finals of The Owen, where you will finally put to rest the legend of Will Ospreay. And I can’t wait! Go get ’em tonight, kid.”

Kyle Fletcher says, “After I beat Hangman Adam Page tonight, after I beat Will Ospreay at Double or Nothing, I go on to All In, I TAKE the AEW World Championship. The Don Callis Family takes its place at the top of the mountain of AEW. You will have NO choice but to say… my… full… name.” Callis says he’ll do it. “Ladies and gentlemen… The Protostar, Kyle FLETCHER!!” Callis is all fired up while Fletcher is locked in. Will the Aussie Arrow shoot down the Cowboy to then aim at the Aerial Assassin? Or will one Buckshot be all it takes to go Double or Nothing?

The Hurt Syndicate heads to the ring.

The fans sing “We Hurt~ People!” and at least they won’t get beat up for it as MVP, Lashley & Shelton go to the ring. MVP has the mic to say, “Attention AEW viewing audience. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Syndicate. Now, as you know, we’ve been discussing adding a fourth member to our ranks. And according to our corporate bylaws, in order to do so, that prospect must receive a unanimous three thumbs up. Now, I had a conversation with the Standard of Excellence, and of course The All Mighty, and we’re gonna try this one more time. So please join me in inviting MJF to join us in the ring.”

Norfolk cheers as Maxwell Jacob Friedman makes his entrance. MJF already has a mic of his own, and he has them cut his music. The fans cheer MJF on and MVP says this is kinda to his point. MJF tells the fans, give it up for Shelton! Look how great he looks! Like c’mon! Standard of Excellence! Montel, what can MJF say that he hasn’t already said? A living legend, and one of MJF’s oldest friends. The fans chant for MVP, and then MJF looks to “Bob.” Lashley is annoyed that the fans chant for “BOB! BOB! BOB!” MJF asks if Lashley had a good car ride here. MVP says let’s just get to the vote already.

We all know MVP’s position, and remember the discussion. MVP says thumbs up. Shelton again says thumbs up. Lashley… Well, he thinks about it, looks to the others, and sticks out his hand. The fans cheer and MJF waits patiently as Lashley still thinks on it. Eventually, he says thumbs… DOWN!! MJF frowns and the fans boo, but Lashley just doesn’t wanna give in. MJF says, “Y’know what, Bob? I think I’m about sick of your s*it!” WHOA~! MJF asks what is it Lashley wants. MJF has given him women, helped him win a match, gave him money and a car. What intrigues Lashley? Maybe some Rogaine, “you big bald SOB!”

The fans fire up hearing that, and now MVP steps back. Lashley grabs MJF by the head and puts him in a corner! MJF shouts for MVP but Lashley reminds MJF that they hurt people! If MJF wants to impress Lashley, then go hurt someone. MJF says okay, okay, he’s sorry! Lashley’s made his point, MJF will do that! MVP has Lashley stand down and MJF can breathe again. MVP has Lashley & Shelton leave MJF behind, and can only tell MJF that he tried. MJF has to prove what he’s capable of, who will he hurt as part of his initiation?

ROH World Television Championship: Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy VS Jay Lethal!

The Patriarchy’s Prodigy was given his shot thanks to, well, The Patriarch. And while Nick won it on his own, Christian acts like he owns part of that title. As such, Christian put Nick in this position to face one of if not THE best ROH World TV Champion ever. Will Lethal ruin Nick’s momentum going into NJPW Best of the Super Juniors? Or can Nick prove he doesn’t need “Daddy” helping him anymore?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really championship material!

The Code of Honor is not upheld as Nick kicks Lethal’s hand away. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Lethal headlocks for the takeover, Nick headscissors but Lethal kips free. Nick hits the headlock takeover, Lethal headscissors, but Nick kips free. Another headlock takeover from Lethal and another headscissors from Nick, so Lethal kips free again. Another takeover from Nick and another headscissors from Lethal, so Nick kips free again. Nick bails out to stop the cycle, and Christian coaches him up. The fans rally as Nick storms up the steel steps. Lethal opens the ropes for Nick, but Nick chooses to enter from the other end.

Nick and Lethal circle, approach, and Nick kicks low! Nick ROCKS Lethal, CHOPS him, then the fans chant for “NICK’S MOM! NICK’S MOM!” Kip tells them to stop that, but Lethal puts Nick in the corner to stomp and CHOP! Lethal blows a kiss to Mama Wayne, but Nick CHOPS back! Lethal turns things around to CHOP again! Nick sputters and staggers and Christian swipes at Lethal. The ref has The Patriarchy back off, but then Nick kicks Lethal low. Nick whips Lethal to a corner, Lethal reverses, but Nick goes up, only for Lethal to stay back! Nick is confused, turns around, and Lethal arm-drags him!

The fans fire up as Lethal arm-drags again! Lethal then dodges Nick to waistlock. Nick fights, Lethal shoves him, hip toss and cartwheel, basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up for Lethal and he lines up his shot. But then Nick bails out, so Lethal changes his plans. Lethal DIVES and takes Nick down at the ramp! Lethal hurries after Nick, but Nick springs up to RANA! The fans fire up and Christian tells Nick to get up. Nick rises as the ring count climbs. Nick hurries into the ring just to refresh the count. Nick goes back for Lethal, and RAMS him into the steel steps! Lethal writhes and Nick soaks up the heat while Dynamite goes to break.

Dynamite returns and Nick whips Lethal corner to corner hard! Lethal drops to his knees, Nick soaks up heat, but Christian wants Nick to keep on him. Nick again whips Lethal hard corner to corner! Lethal falls to his knees, Christian nods, and Nick whips corner to corner again. Lethal stops himself short, then ELBOWS Nick away! The fans fire up, Lethal rolls Nick up, TWO! Lethal turns Nick to backslide, TWO! Lethal steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!! Nick escapes, swings, but into the LETHAL COMBINATION! The fans fire up while Christian worries and Lethal covers, TWO! Nick survives but the fans rally for Lethal.

Lethal rises, calls his shot, and Lethal goes up a corner. Nick rises to trip Lethal up! Lethal CLUBS Nick in return, but Nick ROCKS Lethal! Nick climbs up, brings Lethal to the top, but Lethal fights with body shots! Lethal DECKS Nick, then takes aim again! The fans fire up for the MACHO ELBOW! But Nick rolls it into a cover! TWO!! Lethal is up, he blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! And then a “WOO~” and FIGURE- NO, Nick cradles Lethal, TWO! Lethal dodges, handsprings, but Nick rolls Lethal up! TWO!! Lethal escapes, fireman’s carries, but Nick CLAWS the eyes! Lethal runs up, Nick trips him into the buckles!

Nick runs up to ROUNDHOUSE! Nick then hooks and hoists Lethal up with the PRODIGY PLEX!! Cover, NICK WINS!

Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)

With the family watching, Nick gets the job done all on his own! But then Christian brings in the belt, and again holds onto it as if it is his. Christian then has Nick turn around, and Christian puts the belt on Nick. The fans boo this backhanded way of complimenting his “son,” but will Nick make the Patriarchy even prouder through the BOSJ?

BREAKING NEWS for Beach Break!

With that special event just weeks away, Tony Khan has agreed with Samoa Joe’s idea! Samoa Joe and Jon Moxley will now battle for the AEW World Championship inside the steel cage!! Will Moxley even survive with his Death Riders locked on the outside?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

Live this Saturday but on TBS, Collision is in Atlantic City, so Toni Storm is gonna roll the dice! She gives Lady Frost a Championship Eliminator, will Frost have Lady Luck on her side? Or will Toin heat things up as we get closer and closer to Double or Nothing? Then given what Callis had to say about him, Brody King is coming back for revenge! Will the King of Death destroy Callis’ Canadian Assassin? Or will Josh Alexander prove he is a Walking Weapon?

2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinals: Hangman Page VS Kyle Fletcher w/ The Don Callis Family!

The Cowboy is no stranger to this position. He was a finalist in last year’s Owen Hart Cup, only to fall short because of his many distractions and obsessions. But will Hangman return to the finals and redeem himself? Or will we get Ospreay VS Fletcher once more?

The bell rings and the two run up to tie up! They go around, Kyle puts Hangman in a corner, but the ref counts. Kyle pie faces Hangman as he lets go, and Callis joins commentary. Callis brings up the saying, “Virginia is for lovers,” but he’s gonna love seeing Hangman be exposed by Kyle tonight. Kyle wrenches Hangman’s arm, wristlocks, then cranks on the hold. Hangman rolls, slips through and wrenches to hammerlock, snapmare, and then CHOP! Kyle staggers back and the fans fire up! Hangman stares daggers at Kyle but Kyle bails out. Kyle walks off that shot while soaking up heat from the fans. The ring count climbs and Hangman paces.

The fans rally for #CowboyS*it, but Kyle storms back to the ring at 7 of 10. Kyle steps in, he and Hangman circle, then Kyle slips around to waistock. Hangman wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kyle works on an escape. Kyle ELBOWS free, then headlocks. Hangman powers up and out, but Kyle pulls hair to have the headlock again! The ref reprimands and the fans boo but Kyle just grins. Kyle grinds the hold, Hangman powers up, but Kyle wrenches Hangman to wrangle him down. Kyle has a hammerlock, and he says, “Cowboy S*it? More like ride ’em, cowboy~!” Kyle pretends he’s at the rodeo, but Hangman slips out the back to trip Kyle up!

Hangman SPANKS Kyle and Kyle is stunned! Hangman then ROCKS Kyle, ROCKS him again, and then bumps him off buckles. Hangman fires haymakers in the corner, the fans count along, but the ref also counts. Hangman gets seven as the ref goes to 4, but then Kyle kicks low! Kyle headlocks but Hangman powers up and out. Kyle rolls over the dropdown, Hangman handsprings back up, and then Hangman BOOTS Kyle right in the face! Hangman goes right to the apron, but Kyle bails out fast! Archer & Callis applaud the quick thinking, but Hangman suddenly runs in and LARIATS Kyle into the timekeeper’s area!

The fans fire up for Hangman and he revels in it while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Hangman refreshes the ring count, then storms into the timekeeper’s area to fetch Kyle. The ref has Archer stay back while Hangman drags Kyle up. Hangman then whips Kyle hard into barriers! Kyle falls in a heap, Hangman talks trash on Callis & Archer, then Hangman goes back to Kyle. Hangman again refreshes the ring count, then he stands Kyle up to whip him hard into railing! Kyle falls over again but Hangman drags him back up. Hangman puts Kyle in the ring, storms in after him, but Kyle bails out the other side. Hangman is annoyed but Kyle goes to Archer & Calls. Callis coaches Kyle up but Hangman storms over. Kyle SUPERKICKS Hangman down!

Archer applauds, and we see Kyle has a bloody cut on his lower back, and that’s quite literal. Kyle still hobbles over to Hangman, stands him up, and whips him hard into barriers! Now Hangman slumps down and takes a seat. Kyle leaves Hangman behind, but Hangman drags himself into the ring. Kyle runs up and BOOTS Hangman into the corner! Kyle stomps Hangman down, then stomps again and again! The ref counts, Kyle stops at 4, but he sneaks some kicks in there. Kyle then notices the blood on his back. Hangman stands to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! Hangman runs, but Kyle hits a kitchen sink knee!

Kyle rains down fists and elbows, then stops to seethe. Dynamite returns to single picture and the fans rally for Hangman. Kyle double checks his bloody back, and then tastes his own blood! The fans tell Kyle he’s sick, and Kyle goes back to Hangman. Kyle stands Hangman up to scoop and SLAM! Hangman writhes but Kyle aims. Kyle KICKS Hangman, but Hangman just seethes. Kyle says okay, and he KICKS again! Kyle scuffs Hangman, KICKS, but Hangman blocks! Kyle fires hands but Hangman fires them in return! Hangman whips, Kyle reverses to break and BOOT! Kyle runs, but Hangman BOOTS him!

Kyle rebounds, into an Alabama Lift! Kyle sunset flips, high stacks, TWO and Kyle deadlifts Hangman! Hangman slips free, dodges, but then Kyle dodges, only for a LARIAT to flip Kyle upside-down! The fans fires up for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” while Kyle sputters and Hangman catches his breath. Both men rise up, and Kyle ROCKS Hangman! Hangman frowns, and he ROCKS Kyle! And ROCKS him again, again, and again! Hangman whips Kyle to ropes, then BACKDROPS him! The fans fire up for that serious hangtime, and Kyle goes to a corner. Hangman runs in and LARIATS! Snapmare and SLIDING LARIAT!

Hangman slashes his throat and brings Kyle back up! Fireman’s carry, but Kyle fires elbows! Kyle half nelsons, Hangman elbows free, then Hangman runs, but Kyle leaps! Only for Hangman to catch him! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives and Hangman snarls, but the fans rally up again. Kyle sputters and goes to a corner, but Hangman storms right up on him. Hangman winds up and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And LARIATS again! And again! Again, and again, and again! Hangman winds up after nine for number TEN!! Kyle slumps down and Hangman seethes while the fans fire back up.

Hangman stands Kyle up, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, only for Kyle to go up and over! Kyle comes back but Hangman catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kyle flounders away to the apron, Callis is worried, and Hangman kips up! Hangman then runs to triangle jump LARIAT! Down goes Kyle and Callis is even more worried. Hangman climbs the corner, the fans fire up, but Kyle hurries to anchor Hangman’s feet. Hangman kicks Kyle away, runs up, but Kyle blocks the boot to ENZIGIRI, SUPERKICK, and he reels Hangman in! Kyle suplexes, APRON BRAINBUSTER!! Both men are down and the fans lose their minds!

Callis says Kyle is going to roll into the finals with that one! The ref checks both men, and they’re somehow okay to continue. Kyle drags Hangman up and they’re on top of the barriers now! The fans fire up as Hangman fires body shots, then he blocks a kick! Hangman trips Kyle and Kyle SMACKS off the barriers! Kyle staggers back to his feet, and Hangman sets up to ASAI MOONSAULT! Into an inverted suplex! TOMBSTONE on the floor!! The fans lose their minds as now Hangman returns fire, and Dynamite goes back to picture in picture!

The ref has to again check both men, and both men are still in this somehow. The ring count climbs, the fans rally up, and both men slowly sit up. Hangman springs in at 9, Kyle springs in at 9.5!! The fans fire up as both men stay in this! Hangman and Kyle slowly sit up and crawl on their knees. Hangman throws the first punch! Kyle comes back to throw one, but there wasn’t any sauce behind it. Kyle flops back down, and Hangman scowls. Hangman sits Kyle up to throw another punch! Kyle comes back to throw another shot, and that one had something! The two stand and the haymakers keep going! Hangman ROCKS Kyle again and again!

Kyle ends up in a corner and Hangman HAMMERS away! The ref backs him up, and then Kyle SUPERKICKS Hangman! Hangman staggers to the opposite corner and Kyle smirks. Kyle storms over to Hangman, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Hangman fires body shots but Kyle still brings Hangman to the very top! SUPER- NO, Hangman slips free, and he SHOVES Kyle onto the crossbar! Kyle is stuck up there, so Hangman climbs up after him. Now Hangman brings Kyle to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Dynamite returns to single picture right as they crash land on the mat!

Norfolk is thunderous, and a standing count begins. The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but someone has to go face Ospreay at Double or Nothing! Both men rise up, and they again throw haymakers from their knees. They stand, throw more shots, and Hangman fires a flurry! Hangman whips, Kyle reverses, but Hangman ROCKS Kyle! Kyle shakes that off to BOOT Hangman! Kyle runs, Hangman rebounds, and Hangman LARIATS! Kyle staggers around but he stays up. Hangman storms up on Kyle to whip again, but Kyle reverses, wrenches, and SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES! Hangman staggers to a corner and Kyle takes aim!

Kyle runs, but Hangman POP-UP SIT-OUT POWERBOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and Hangman is beside himself! Hangman slashes his throat, vowing to end this! Hangman stands Kyle up, Alabama Lifts, but Kyle fights it! Kyle tries to lift Hangman, but Hangman kicks and flails! Hangman tries the Alabama Lift again but Kyle slips through! Hangman ROCKS Kyle, then ROLLING- BOOT from Kyle! Kyle reels Hangman in, hoist shim up, but Hangman slips free of the bomb! Alabama Lift and DEADEYE!! Kyle flops, Hangman covers, TWO!?!? Kyle survives and Hangman is shocked! Callis is very worried now but the fans rally up.

Hangman stands, paces, and then goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the MOONSAULT, but into BOOTS! Kyle runs up, reels Hangman in and hoists him up, LAST RIDE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Callis knows the problem was Kyle didn’t have the arms trapped. Kyle seethes, but he watches Hangman go to the corner. Kyle runs in again, GAMANGIRI! Then a suplex for the- NO, Hangman slips free, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Hangman goes to the apron! Hangman BOOTS Kyle away, but Kyle GAMANGIRIS again! Hangman sits down on the apron and Kyle goes back out there. Kyle grins as he brings Hangman up!

Kyle reels Hangman in, but Hangman wrenches free! Alabama Lift, APRON DEADEYE!!! The fans go nuts, Kyle slumps to the floor, and Hangman climbs! ARIHARA MOONSAULT!! Hangman hurries to put Kyle in, and he takes aim! Kyle rises, but he pushes the ref right as Hangman slingshots in! LOW BLOW intercepts the Buckshot!! The fans boo but Kyle suplexes, BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, TWO!??!!? Hangman survives and shocks everyone, especially Kyle! Callis is furious and he jumps off commentary to argue the count! Norfolk is electric for “COWBOY SH*T! COWBOY SH*T!” Kyle runs corner to corner again, GAMANGIRI!

Kyle hoists Hangman to the top, climbs up, but Hangman fires body shots! Hangman LARIATS! Kyle holds onto ropes for dear life, but Hangman LARIATS again! Hangman gets Norfolk to fire up, and that energy powers Hangman up for another LARIAT!! Kyle falls back, but he rolls and stands again. Hangman slingshots off the corner!! BUCKSHOT!! And then he goes to the apron, BUCKSHOT!!! Cover, HANGMAN WINS!!

Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall (advances to Double or Nothing)

Virginia is for lovers, but it’s also for fighters! Norfolk cheers as their Cowboy rides on to the finals, but will this be Hangman’s year? Or will he fail to win “the big one” as he has before?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite, and good moves towards not just Double or Nothing but also Beach Break. Well, to be fair, a lot more matches will surely be announced next week, it’s still just the world title match for now. But after The Opps of course squashed Comoroto, Titus & Hawkins, it makes sense for the Death Riders to ambush them. Shibata suffering that chair spot is surely so the World Trios Championships won’t be defended until closer to Double or Nothing, probably giving Pac time to recover so he can team with Claudio & Yuta again. But a Steel Cage for the world title is great stuff, though that doesn’t necessarily change the odds into Joe’s favor.

Awesome opening 8 Man, and it felt like all these guys were bringing that PWG energy. In the end, The Elite with Ricochet win out because for one, Ricochet needs some wins to stay strong. Two, The Bucks win to get heat and build themselves up, and Okada couldn’t take the pin because we’re still on some long route to Okada VS Omega. We’ve got a month, so I’m sure we’ll see those two interact more and perhaps have Omega issue the challenge first. I don’t know if title unification really needs to happen, but one way or another, we’re going to get another instant classic from these two.

Very good promo from Mercedes Mone to play up just how stuck up her Heel persona is. Great match from Toni VS Miyu, and I do appreciate Toni is being a fighting champion right now. I hope that’s not a sign that she’s gonna lose to Mone at All In… Hayter had a great response to Mone’s promo with her physicality, and Toni enjoying Hayter’s music was great stuff. I still hope Athena comes back around past Double or Nothing to build something for All In, and part of me still hopes it is Athena VS Mone, the ROH Women’s and AEW TBS titles on the line. At this point, Mone is on the level of someone who can stop Athena and vice-versa, that’ll be a great match.

Very good promo from The Patriarchy with Lethal, and great match of Nick VS Lethal. Great win for Lethal to build some momentum going into BOSJ, and I can’t wait to see how Nick does in that round robin. Great stuff with Hurt Syndicate and MJF, and of course MJF can’t help but get mad when Lashley rejects him again. Lashley telling MJF to go hurt somebody, MJF will definitely try that. It might even happen as soon as Collision on Saturday, perhaps costing some random Face a good win. That can also be a good opportunity for whoever that is, as they can have a match with MJF and maybe even a story with the Hurt Syndicate.

And very good stuff going into the main event. Good promo from The Don Callis Family, and awesome main event match of Kyle VS Hangman. Given last week’s go-home math, it makes sense Hangman would win here. Plus, MJF saying Hangman would choke, this gives Hangman that chance to prove MJF wrong. Ospreay VS Hangman is also a fresh match-up for an awesome Owen Hart Cup Finals. It still feels like Ospreay is going on to All In given he helped kick off this year’s Owen Hart Cup build, and Ospreay will finally get in on the Death Riders story like he and Darby Allin talked about months ago.

My Score: 8.8/10

Who goes into Best of the Super Juniors as champion?

With Best of the Super Juniors on the horizon, NJPW has both IWGP Junior Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships on the line!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Masatora Yasuda; Tanahashi wins.
• Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Katsuya Murashima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
• 10 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Yuya Uemura & Taka Michinoku; Shota, Ishii, Taichi, Yuya & Taka win.
• 10 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; No Contest.
• Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Great-O-Khan VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS YOH & Master Wato; Yoh & Wato win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Templario; Despy wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

After 10 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture…

Sanada was about to break the rules by giving “Drilla” Moloney a Smash Hit, but David Finlay beats him to it by giving Sanada a SMACK with a cookie sheet! The referee rules this a No Contest because of all the madness! The Rebel doesn’t care, he tells his guys to fetch something! Gedo gets him a TABLE! Evil is furious but Finlay puts the table in a corner. Finlay reels Sanada in, but Evil CLOBBERS Finlay! The House regroups and Dick Togo CHOKES Finlay! Yujiro hits him with the PIMP CANE! Then then Drilla and the boys come back with weapons of their own! The House retreats so Finlay grabs a mic!

“Hey, hey, hey, hey! Where do you House of Torture p*ssies think you’re effing going?! Evil, if I understood you correctly, you want us to up the stakes of the Dog Pound Steel Cage match! You want me to put it all on the line! You wanna make it… Loser Leaves Bullet Club!” The fans are fired up to hear that! Finlay says as the one true leader, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Then Evil CHUCKS the guitar case at Evil! And then he CHUCKS the table! The War Dogs want to keep fighting, but The House got what they wanted, so they take their leave for now. Saturday May 3rd, who will truly be THE Bullet Club?

NJPW World Television Championship: Great-O-Khan VS El Phantasmo w/ Jado!

After he and Callum Newman won the vacated IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, The Dominator is now a DOUBLE CHAMPION! But the Headbanga is looking to change that in 15 minutes or less! Will this once again be The ELP Show? Or will Khan continue to conquer NJPW World?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the star of the show!

The bell rings and the fans rally already. Khan and ELP circle, Khan gets a leg takedown and cover, ONE! ELP and Khan clinch, Khan pushes ELP down but ELP moves around. Khan waistlocks to bridging cover, TWO! Khan backs up to pose with arms behind his back and the fans cheer. ELP stands, Khan eggs him on, so ELP ROCKS Khan with a forearm! Khan shakes that off, comes back, and he ROCKS ELP! The fans rally as the forearms keep going back and forth! They go faster and faster, and then Khan ROCKS ELP again and again! Then MONGOLIAN CHOP! But ELP RAMS down low! ELP pumps up but Khan grabs his hair!

The ref counts, Khan lets go, but ELP has the PURPLE NURPLES! The fans fire up but uh, is Khan enjoying it? ELP stops and Khan swivels his hips! ELP kicks low, TOSSES Khan out, and then takes aim. The fans rally up, ELP PLANCHAS, but Khan dodges! Khan then kicks ELP, scoops and SLAMS him on the apron! ELP writhes and the fans rally up. Khan cools himself off and then pushes ELP into the ring. Khan drags ELP into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! The fans rally while ELP endures, and ELP fights around to the ROPEBREA!K The fans cheer while Khan lets go, but then Khan stands ELP up, just to hit a fireman’s carry takedown!

Khan stands ELP up again, for a MONKEY FLIP! Khan drags ELP up for a SAYANAGI! Cover, TWO! ELP stays in this and the fans rally. Khan stays on ELP with the MONGOLIAN CHOPS! ELP falls, Jado coaches him up, and ELP rises again. But the MONGOLIAN CHOPS knock him back down! ELP rises again, MONGOLIAN feint and an UPPERCUT! ELP ends up in a corner, the fans rally behind Khan, and Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The ref reprimands but the fans cheer. The ref counts so Khan hops down and brings ELP out. ELP CHOPS, Khan eggs him on, so ELP CHOPS again! And again! And again!

ELP CHOPS and CHOPS and whips, but Khan reverses. ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls off Khan’s back to RANA! Khan tumbles, ELP handsprings up, and ELP LARIATS Khan up and out! The fans fire up and ELP aims again, PLANCHA! Direct hit this time and down goes Khan! The fans fire up, and ELP slides into the ring. ELP builds speed and DIVES! Khan hits railing and both men are down at the five minute mark! ELP raises his finger to say one more time, and the fans rally again. ELP rises up, climbs the corner, and from the very top, ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Khan again! The fans fire up as ELP rises again!

ELP keeps the crowd going and he drags Khan into the ring. ELP then climbs the ropes to SWANTON BOMB, and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Khan survives the combo but ELP keeps his cool. The fans rally up again, and ELP reels Khan in. But Khan shifts to grab the leg! ELP fights free, Khan waistlocks, and Khan GERMAN SUPLEXES! ELP goes flying and the fans fire up again! Both men stir, and Khan rises to his feet. Khan drags ELP up, clinches, HITSUJIGOROSHI! ELP endures, so Khan shifts to FLATLINER! And then a roll into the IRON CLAW! And from there, ELIMIN- NO, ELP fights free and CHOPS!

ELP runs, dodges, and springboards, but into the IRON CLAW! ELIMIN- NO, ELP flips through! ELP then ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up and leaps, but into an IRON RIGHT! Then the IRON CLAW, for an ELIMINATOR!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! ELP’s long leg saves him and Khan is stunned! The fans fire up but Khan shoves ELP to the outside. Khan then goes out and he looks under the ring. ELP sputters while Khan brings out some chairs! Khan sets them both down, flat on the floor. The ref reprimands but Khan vows he’s gonna end this! ELP is deadweight, but Khan drags him up and reels him in! POWER- DDT COUNTER!!

Both men fall on the chairs and the fans fire back up! ELP and Khan writhe, and ELP crawls to the railing. ELP sits up but flops over as the ring count starts. ELP stands again at 9 of 20, leaves Khan behind, and Khan is still down at 13! The fans rally, Khan grits his teeth to sit up, but we’re at 17! 18! Khan springs in at 19! ELP is on him and tucks the arm! C R 2!! Cover, TWO!??! Khan survives and the fans fire up! ELP is frustrated, but Jado coaches him back up. We’re at 10 minutes as ELP tunes up in the corner. Khan rises, ELP aims, SUDDEN- NO, Khan blocks the kick and spins ELP to scoop! But ELP slips free to scoop! T T D!! Cover, ONE?!?!

The fans fire up as Khan survives the move he took from Tenzan! ELP throws hands but Khan rises up! ELP SUPERKICKS, but Khan stays up! Khan laughs, then dares ELP to hit him again! SUPER FEINT to a mule kick! Then SUPERKICK! Khan goes to ropes, ELP SUPERKICKS again! And again! And AGAIN! Khan staggers around, ELP goes to the apron and climbs, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! Then he goes back out, back up, THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!!!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World Television Champion)

The Headbanga certainly banged Khan’s head with all those kicks! And now, ELP is a TWO-TIME NJPW World Television Champion! No more double reign for Khan, will this be a bad omen for the Empire?

ELP waits for Khan to exit before getting the mic. ELP tells Saga, “Arigato gozaimashita.” The fans cheer, and ELP says, “I have one thing that I want to say tonight: Takeshita-chan. I don’t wanna wait until Resurgence. Fukuoka, Dontaku, you are my first challenger, Konosuke Takeshita! And then, Resurgence, we do it for your title, the NEVER title! And you will never beat me again!” Jado translates that The Headbanga is aiming at the Alpha, though he kinda keeps it simple. Will ELP make himself a Double Champion? Or will Takeshita take this title for the Don Callis Family?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita VS YOH & Master Wato!

The Ichiban Sweet Boys fought hard to get these belts, and they’ve fought hard to keep these belts. But with the Best of the Super Juniors around the corner, can The Sniper of the Skies & The Japanese Young Punk stay strong? Or will Direct Drive & Way of the Grand Master find a way to make The Mighty kneel?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who tastes sweet victory!

The teams sort out and Wato starts against Eagles. The fans rally up with the bell, and Eagles encourages them to get louder. Eagles and Wato circle, with Wato getting a strong response from the fans. The fans duel and Eagles nods. Eagles and Wato feel things out, knuckle lock, then Eagles kicks one apart. Eagles wrenches, wrenches, then hammerlock, but then Eagles pushes Wato away. Eagles and Wato reset, tie up again, and Wato headlocks. Eagles powers up and out, but Wato runs him over! The fans applaud, Wato keeps moving, and Eagles drops down, hurdles, but Wato leaps over! Eagles arm-drags! Wato arm-drags!

Wato runs up, Eagles sweeps and covers, ONE! Wato sweeps and covers, ONE! Dropkicks cancel out and both men kip up! The fans fire up, Wato blocks a kick to give a kick. Wato whips, Eagles reverses to go up, around and arm-drag! Eagles keeps moving, he hurdles over Wato and RANAS! The fans fire up, Wato runs in, but Eagles WHEEL KICKS him down! Eagles kips up and the fans cheer! Eagles kicks at Wato, drags him up, and Eagles CHOPS! Eagles blows a kiss to Yoh, CHOPS Wato, then whips. Wato reverses, Yoh slips in, and they bypass Eagles to DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! Fujita runs in, he gets kicks and a DOUBLE BULLDOG!

The fans rally as the Sweet Boys regroup outside. Wato & Yoh aim, DOUBLE PLANCHAS, but the Sweet Boys slide in! Yoh & Wato land safe on the apron, counter punch the Sweet Boys, but then the Sweet Boys DOUBLE DROPKICK in return! Yoh & Wato sit down on the apron now, and Eagles DOUBLE DROPKICKS them both! The fans rally up again as Fujita springboards to SUPER CANNONBALL! Down go Wato & Yoh and the fans fire up with Fujita! Fujita stomps Yoh, then stomps Wato. Fujita fetches Wato and puts him in the ring for Eagles to cover. ONE, but Eagles stays cool. Eagles brings Wato up by his ear!

The ref reprimands but Eagles bumps Wato off buckles. Eagles CHOPS Wato, tags Fujita, and Fujita wrenches to whip Wato into a corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP Wato, and Wato falls to his knees! Wato crawls but Fujita brings him up to CHOP him back down! The fans cheer and Fujita stands Wato up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fujita stays on Wato and stands him up again. Fujita suplexes, but Wato fights free! CALF KICK! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Wato tags in Yoh! Yoh goes up to CANNONBALL! Yoh then runs to BLAST Eagles off the apron! The fans fire up with Yoh and he brings Fujita around.

Yoh scoops and SLAMS Fujita, takes a moment to soak up the cheers, and then… ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives the string of attacks but Yoh brings him back up. Yoh kicks Fujita, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! Yoh wrenches and whips Fujita, but Fujita reverses to sweep the legs! Eagles runs in and KICKS Yoh in the side! Fujita somersault SENTONS, then Eagles basement DROPKICKS! Wato runs in, but he gets DOUBLE ELBOWS, then the Sweet Boys split the wishbone before DOUBLE PENALTY KICKS! The fans fire up while Fujita goes back to Yoh.

Fujita stands Yoh up to CHOP, then CHOP again! Yoh goes to an open corner but Fujita stomps and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans rally up while Yoh sits down in the corner. Fujita stands Yoh up, wrenches and whips him into the corner. Tag to Eagles and he brings Yoh around. Eagles pulls Yoh’s hair to get him into a Camel Clutch while also starting up a “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” Eagles slaps Yoh around to the rhythm, then scuffs him. Yoh goes to the ropes but he eggs Eagles on.

Eagles eggs Yoh on, so Yoh stands and fires forearms! Eagles CHOPS Yoh down, then stands him up to whip to a corner. DOUBLE KNEES and Yoh sits down! Eagles runs back in, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Yoh stays in this and the fans rally up. Eagles drags Yoh around by a leg, steps through, but Yoh kicks him away! Eagles comes back, but Yoh wrenches and underhooks, only for Eagles to BACKDROP! Yoh sunset flips through, but Eagles rolls free and has the leg! RON MILLER SPECIAL! Yoh endures, reaches out, crawls, but Wato runs in! Fujita intercepts to have the drop toehold! Wato fights the rest and shoves Fujita onto Eagles!

The fans cheer as all four men are down! Wato drags Fujita up but Fujita TOSSES Wato! Fujita CHOPS Wato, and Eagles sits Yoh up. Eagles KICKS Yoh in the back! The fans rally, Eagles tags Fujita, and they drag Yoh up. Yoh fires forearms and kicks! But he gets DOUBLE CHOPS for it! The Sweet Boys double wrench, and MAXXIE- DOUBLE DDT!! Yoh turns things around and the fans rally up! Yoh crawls, hot tag to Wato! The fans fire up more as Wato RANAS Eagles! Then he scoops to BACKBREAKER Fujita! Scoop and BACKBREAKER for Eagles! Wato stands Fujita back up and whips, but Fujita reverses.

Fujita runs up, but into a BOOT! Wato goes out, GAMANGIRIS, then he aims. Springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! The fans fire up while Fujita bails out and regroups with Eagles. Wato builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up again! The ring count starts, Wato puts Fujita in at 9 of 20, and then he wrenches to hook Fujita up. Fujita fights free, only for Wato to duck his chop! BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Wato stays cool and he waistlocks. Fujita fights with an elbow, switches with Wato, but Wato wrenches, fires strikes, then runs. Fujita dodges the dropkick to PENALTY KICK!

Wato snarls as he stands right up. Wato fires more kicks, but Fujita ducks the roundhouse! GAMANGIRI! Both men are down and the fans rally back up. Wato and Fujita crawl for their corners, hot tags to Yoh and Eagles! They fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up! Yoh fires a rally, but Eagles knees low! Eagles KICKS Yoh down, then stands him back up. Eagles cravats, Yoh fights free, and Yoh JUMP KNEES! Yoh suplexes but Eagles knees Yoh in the head! Eagles wrenches but Yoh ROCKS him with a right! And a ROLLING ELBOW! The fans fire up while Eagles falls! Yoh tunes up and the fans rally again.

Eagles staggers up, but he blocks the kick! But Yoh fights the Turbo Backpack to USHIGOROSHI! Then ANACONDA VICE!! Yoh shouts out Tenzan and Eagles endures! Eagles fights up to his feet, reaches out, but Wato blocks the ropebreak! ENZIGIRI! ANACONDA SLAM!! Wato BLASTS Fujita while Yoh pulls on the hold! Eagles endures, kicks around, and he fights back up! Yoh lets go to underhook, DIRECT- NO, Eagles wrenches free and cravats, ASAI DDT!! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Eagles and Yoh crawl, hot tag to Fujita! Fujita runs over to BLAST Wato, then goes out to ASAI DDT!

Wato is down, Fujita hurries back up, and the fans rally. Yoh stands, Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Fujita calls to Eagles and the Sweet Boys stand Yoh up. They double wrench, and MAXXIE BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita coordinates with Eagles again but the fans rally behind Yoh. Feed to Eagles, but Wato makes the save! Only to get CHOP after CHOP! Double whip, but Wato reverses, only to get a HEEL KICK PELE COMBO! The Sweet Boys get Yoh up again, scoop and- NO, Yoh slips free! He shoves Eagles into Fujita! Eagles falls, Yoh SUPERKICKS Fujita away!

Eagles ROCKS Yoh, Yoh ROCKS Eagles, but Eagles BOOTS Yoh! Yoh rebounds to FLYING FOREARM! But Eagles uses Yoh’s trick, I’ll Be Back ROUNDHOUSE! And SUPERKICK! And PELE misses! Yoh full nelsons, but Eagles breaks it and switches, SNAP SAIDO!! The fans fire up as Fujita is back and the Sweet Boys wait on Yoh! Yoh stands, Eagles gives Fujita the boost, FLYING DDT!! Cover, WATO BREAKS IT! Eagles TOSSES Wato, then DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up! Fujita vows to end this, and he hauls Yoh back up. Fujita suplexes, but Yoh turns it into a cradle!! TWO!! Fujita holds on, to ABANDON-

NO, Yoh slips free, O’Conner Rolls, FIVE STAR CLUTCH DENIED! Fujita pushes Yoh down, has his legs, NEMOS SPECIAL SURFBOARD!! Yoh endures, the fans fire up, but Fujita adds the CROSSFACE! Yoh pries at the fingers! Fujita lets the crossface go, but he still has the legs! Yoh scrambles and claws at the mat, but Fujita grabs the arms! Yoh gets the ROPEBREAK with his mouth!! Yoh bites at the ropes, the ref counts, and Fujita lets go in frustration. Fujita then gets Yoh up with a deadlift! Eagles is up top, but Wato hurries to GAMANGIRI! Yoh RAMS Fujita into a corner. Wato runs in and LARIATS!

Wato sets up for Yoh, POETRY IN MOTION! Wato runs back in, Yoh puts him on the apron, and then Wato tags! Yoh hoists Fujita up, FALCON ARROW! Wato hits a DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!! Cover, EAGLES SUPERKICKS WATO!! The fans fire up again as this continues! Yoh whips Eagles, Eagles reverses, but Yoh grabs the ropes. Yoh BOOTS Eagles, but Eagles BASEMENT 619s! Then SNIPER DROPKICK to the leg! Eagles runs up, Wato blocks Hyperion! Wato SUPERKICKS Eagles into Yoh’s POISON-RANA!! Eagles tumbles out and the fans fire up for Yoh & Wato! Fujita rises up, into a SUPER- NO, he dodges!

Fujita CHOPS Wato, KNEES Yoh, then uses Yoh as a step to GAMANGIRI Wato! The fans rally, Fujita wrenches Yoh and SNAP GERMANS! Wato flounders and Fujita roars! Fujita waistlocks to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita feeds off the energy and he drags Wato back up. Fujita vows to end this! ABANDON- DROPKICK to the legs! Yoh & Wato coordinate, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Fujita! Eagles springboards in, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! The fans are thunderous as Yoh & Wato have Fujita! HIGH LOW LARIAT & LEG KICK!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Fujita survives but Yoh roars! Wato drags Fujita up, feed to Yoh for the suplex! CHASING THE DRAGON!?!? Cover, WATO & YOH WIN!!!!

Winners: Yoh & Master Wato, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

What most certainly is an odd couple makes for a winning combination! The electricity and the torrent, this stormy duo now reigns over the Junior Heavyweight Tag Division! Will they use this massive moment as momentum going into BOSJ 32? Will Eagles & Fujita use that same tournament to rise back up?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Templario!

The Rogue Luchador is the 2024 Best of the Super Junior winner, finally having his name down in the history books. But he has also been an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion many times, so he knows how to carry this weight. But the Lion Warrior has been a CMLL World Middleweight and Mexican National Middleweight Champion, so he is no stranger to gold. We saw new Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions crowned, will we see the same happen here? Or will Desperado prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who enters the tournament as the number one seed!

The bell rings and the fans rally. Despy offers a handshake, Templario takes it, and the fans applaud the sportsmanship. Despy and Temp circle, tie up, and then break. Then they tie up, and Temp puts Despy on the ropes. Red Shoes counts the break, Temp lets go and pats Despy on the shoulders before he rolls back. The fans applaud and so does Despy as he resets with Temp. They circle again, feel things out, and Despy facelocks to then waistlock. Temp wrenches free to hammerlock, but Despy reaches back to headlock. Temp wrenches free of that, and he wrangles Despy with a top wristlock. Despy fights up, wrenches and wristlocks, then hammerlocks again.

Temp reaches back to headlock for the takeover, but Despy headscissors. Temp handstands, then falls onto Despy for a headlock! Despy rolls Temp to a cover, TWO! Temp tries, ONE, and the two stand up. The fans cheer the standoff, and the two circle again. They feel things out, then Temp trips Despy! Temp runs, Despy stays low but Temp handsprings over! Temp keeps moving and he rolls off Despy’s back. Despy runs, Temp hurdles, but then Despy sunset flips! Temp rolls through but Despy avoids the basement dropkick! Temp avoids the kick, rolls Despy, but Despy rolls through! Despy avoids the knee, Temp avoids the lariat, and the fans cheer the new standoff!

Despy and Temp circle, the fans rally up, and then Despy eggs Temp on. Temp CHOPS and Despy takes a step back. The fans rally, Despy returns and CHOPS Temp! Temp nods, and he CHOPS Despy! Despy CHOPS, Temp CHOPS, repeat! They CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, fast ‘n’ furious, then Temp ROCKS Despy with a forearm! Despy is frustrated but the fans fire up with him. Despy comes back and he CHOPS! Temp CHOPS, Despy CHOPS, and the CHOPS fly fast ‘n’ furious again! The fans fire up as Despy CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Temp winces, but then he fires back up! Temp steps to Despy, and CHOPS! The CHOPS just keep going!

Temp fires a flurry of forearms, then runs, but Despy ELBOWS him! Despy runs, but Temp blows past to go up, up, and springboard MISSILE DROPKICK! Despy tumbles out and the fans rally as Temp builds speed! DIVE and Despy hits the railing! The fans fire up and Temp comes back for Despy. Demp CHOKES Despy with camera cable, then he drags Despy around to bring him into No Man’s Land! Temp SMACKS Despy off the railing, then SLAMS the gate shut on Despy’s arm! The fans are torn but Red Shoes reprimands. Temp drags Despy up to just SLAM the gate shut again! The fans rally while Despy writhes and we pass five minutes.

Temp grabs Despy’s bad arm, bends it against the railing, but Red Shoes reprimands. Temp stops torturing Despy to stand him up. Temp hammerlocks the arm and POSTS Despy! Despy hobbles away, but Temp brings him through the other gate. Red Shoes reprimands, Temp says okay, he’ll stop. But then he SLAMS the gate shut anyway! The fans rally for Despy while Temp throws up the crown. Temp drags Despy up and into the ring, then he stands on the bad arm! Despy grabs at Temp but Temp STOMPS the arm! And SPLASHES it! And SPLASHES! Temp then drags Despy up to facelock and wrench, for an ARM CODE BREAKER!

Despy writhes but Temp covers, TWO! Temp is a bit annoyed but the fans rally up. Despy pushes Temp away but Temp still stands him up. Temp hits Despy with forearm after forearm, but Despy comes back to return those shots! Temp ROCKS and whips Despy, but Despy reverses, only for Temp to ROCK him again! Temp brings Despy’s bad arm through the ropes to pull on the hammerlock! Despy shouts and Red Shoes reprimands, so Temp lets go at 4. Despy writhes and crawls away but Temp storms over to him. Temp stands Despy up to KICK the bad arm! And KICK it again! Despy blocks the next kick, and CLUBS the leg!

That was double-edged and Despy shakes out the bad arm, then Temp grabs said arm! But Despy ROCKS Temp with his good arm! Temp JUMP ELBOW STRIKES! Temp whips, Despy reverses and SPINEBUSTERS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Temp crawls away to a corner while the fans rally, and Despy rises. Despy runs in, blocks a boot, and he KICKS Temp’s other leg! Despy then has that other leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Temp hobbles around, Despy runs up, but Temp puts Despy on the apron! Despy HOTSHOTS Temp down! Despy drags Temp to the outside, SMACKS him, then whips, only for Temp to reverse! Despy hits railing hard!

Despy staggers, Temp RAMS him into railing in front of commentary! Temp fires up and the fans rally with him. Temp whips, Despy reverses and FLAPJACKS Temp off the apron! Despy then slides in, builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit and Despy grazes the railing! The fans fire up for Despy as he shows he’s okay, but then he falls back to catch his breath. We hit ten minutes while Red Shoes checks both men. They’re both okay, so Despy sits back up. Despy huffs ‘n’ puffs as he stands back up, and the fans rally again as he brings Temp to his feet. Despy puts Temp in the ring, but Temp gets back on the apron.

Despy meets Temp there, and Despy mentions how he doesn’t like fighting on the edge. Even so, he CHOPS Temp! Temp CHOPS in return! Despy CHOPS again, and again, and again! Despy brings Temp in, but Temp suplexes first! APRON GOURD BUSTER! Despy falls, and this is why he hates the apron edge! Temp slides in, builds speed, and Temp SASUKE SPECIALS! Down goes Despy and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks both men again, and they’re still in this. A ring count starts, both men are still down at 5 of 20, but Temp sits up at 6. Temp stands at 8, hobbles over to Despy and stands him up at 10. Temp puts Despy in at 11 and the fans applaud.

Temp takes a breath, then aims from the apron. The fans rally as Temp climbs the corner, tightrope walks, and CROSSBODIES into a SPEAR! Despy’s antiair wasn’t the cleanest but it did the job! Despy has Red Shoes move aside, and Despy goes up a corner! But Temp hits the Templarooni! Temp then ROCKS Despy, goes to the outside, and he climbs back up the corner. Temp CLUBS Despy, ROCKS Despy, then fires more shots. Temp stands on the very top, brings Despy up to join him, and SUPER DUPER STEINERS!! Despy flounders away but Temp is also down! The fans fire up while both men writhe!

Temp crawls his way over to Despy, manages the cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans fire back up! Temp is too sore to be upset, and the fans rally again. Temp fires himself back up, drags Despy up, and fireman’s carries. Despy fights free, but Temp SOBATS! Front KICK! ENZIGIRI! Fireman’s carry and GUT BUSTER- NO, Despy blocks to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then STRETCH MUFFLER! Temp flails and reaches out while Despy thrashes the leg! Temp fights his way forward, but Despy grabs an arm! Temp fights off Numero Dos to reach out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Despy lets go in frustration.

Despy fires himself back up as we hit 15 minutes, and he drags Temp into the gut wrench! Temp fights free, for an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Despy fights back by clasping hands and pushing up, and he wants Temp’s leg! Temp slips around to use his leg in hooking Despy’s arm into a hammerlock! Temp then gets Despy’s legs and ties them up, and he shows off his llave techniques with this modified Deathlock Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Despy flails with his one free arm, but Temp traps Despy’s legs with his leg. Temp grabs that free arm, and pulls it back so he can RECLINE on it! Despy is completely caught, but he flails and thrashes around to get his arm free!

Despy uses his core muscles to move forward and crawl around! Temp gets the free arm back for another RECLINER! Despy is caught but he refuses to quit! Despy shakes around, pops free, and has the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while Temp lets go in frustration. Despy slowly rises, but Temp reels him in for a fireman’s carry! GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans rally up again. Despy drags himself up with the ropes but Temp is right on him. Temp RIPS at Despy’s mask, but Red Shoes reprimands! Temp stops that and spins Despy around, but Despy fights the lift!

Despy CLUBS Temp’s legs, then CHOPS him again and again! But Temp V-TRIGGERS Despy down! Temp then wheelbarrows and GERMAN SUPLEXES in one go! Cover, TWO!!! Despy barely survives and the fans fire up! Temp stays cool as he drags Despy back up. Temp fires up, CLUBS Despy, then brings him up, only for Despy to slip free! PINCHE LOCO!! But Despy can’t make the cover! Despy crawls, falls on the cover, TWO!! Temp survives thanks to the delay, but the fans rally up for Despy. Despy feeds off that energy and he brings Temp back up! Despy underhooks again, for a JAY DRILLER!

Despy holds on and he drags Temp back up, but Temp fights the underhooks! Temp ROCKS Despy, ROCKS him again, but he’s also running out of steam! Despy stands Temp up, but Temp fires more haymakers! Despy LOCO MONOS, then underhooks! PINCHE LOCO!!! Cover, DESPY WINS!

Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Templario proved he is a warrior with the heart of a lion, but it just wasn’t enough to take down the Rogue Luchador! Will the BOSJ be his way back to the title?

As for Despy, he grabs the mic to say, “There’re this many people in Saga? It’s a nice building, but I didn’t think there’d be enough people to fill it.” The fans laugh and Despy tells Templario,” Amigo, thanks for coming. I’ve very pleased to have faced you. Do you nkow about this? The rookies here are called ‘Young Lions.’ A rookie lion. You’re the Lion Warrior, aren’t you? The lion is the mark of NJPW. You’ve got the same symbol. I think I’ve found a good friend. Do you agree? Muchas gracias.” The fans applaud and Temp nods in agreement. Despy asks if Temp has something to say, and then hands him the mic.

The fans applaud, and Templario says, “I’ve dreamt of this day for years. I came a long way for this. I’m so grateful to NJPW. You’ll forever be in my heart. I’ll return anytime you’d have me. Japan is a home for me now. Thank you.” The fans applaud, and Despy shakes Temp’s hand. Temp takes a bow and then leaves with the United Empire. Despy takes the mic again and translates for the fans. That is how special NJPW is to the world! The fans applaud that, and Despy says it is great to see people work their asses off to be here. Despy is also glad so many traveled to little Saga just to fill the arena. The fans again laugh at being such a small town.

Despy says if he’ll stop, it’ll go dark and someone will call him out. Can he finish with no interruptions? Well, Despy is again grateful to have faced such a great wrestler in such a venue, and also… This is the last time he’ll see Naito & Bushi in the ring, huh? Well, anybody who’s a fan will know we’ll see them again down the road. The fans applaud that. “Hasta la vista, amigos! Gracias!” The fans applaud, and now Despy heads into the tournament as the one to beat! Streamers fly, but will Despy still be the Best of the Super Juniors in 2025?

My Thoughts:

Another great “detour” on this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, just like Wrestling Redzone a few days ago. Good stuff in the tune-ups, and I like that War Dogs VS House of Torture ups the ante. But if it comes down to “Winners are THE Bullet Club,” I feel like the War Dogs have to win. The House of Torture could’ve and should’ve just been a faction all their own at some point before this, so this can be their out. Plus, the War Dogs are great Tweeners that the fans certainly accept as the Faces in this story, they should win to be undefeated in their own signature “Dog Pound” match.

Great title matches here, and I’m a little surprised that ELP won the NJPW World TV Championship back. But at the same time, Khan already checked off the accomplishment of being a double champion, and I suppose it’d be too American pro-wrestling to make Khan do double headers on a show. Khan can focus on the tag titles, ELP can face all sorts of people with the TV title, it’s just best for NJPW business. The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match was awesome, and I’m rather surprised Yoh & Wato won. Great for them, as Wato hasn’t had a lot on his list of accomplishments, so a second tag title run is a nice addition.

And of course, awesome main event from Despy and Templario. Despy winning makes sense, though, he’s going to attempt a back-to-back BOSJ tournament win, and having the title with him also adds some drama to every match he’ll have. Everyone always puts up their best against the champ in hopes of getting some golden tickets, and Despy definitely likes being the guy with the target on his back.

My Score: 9/10