Will there be anarchy in New Mexico?

Before Double or Nothing and Anarchy in the Arena, Jon Moxley teams with The Young Bucks against Swerve, Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Hobbs!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs;  Swerve, Joe & Hobbs win.
• Ricochet VS Anthony Bowens w/ Billy Gunn; Ricochet wins.
• Mina Shirakawa VS Julia Hart; Mina wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring!

He brings up the Owen Hart Cup Finals, and the two men fighting for their chance at the AEW World Championship at All In. He introduces first, Hangman Adam Page! The fans fire up for the Blackhat Cowboy as he goes to the ring, and we notice the extra security already on hand. Schiavone then welcomes out the Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay! Albuquerque fires up again as Ospreay sports his new baseball jersey style merchandise. Schiavone says both men know what is at stake. One goes on to All In: Texas to fight for the world title, upon winning the Owen Cup. Schiavone then turns things over to Ospreay and Hangman.

Ospreay thanks Schiavone and wants everyone to hear him out. He understands why there is security, but he won’t get physical. Will Hangman get physical? No? Good. Then he excuses the security and assures them, he’ll make sure they get paid for their time. Ospreay thanks them as they exit, and Ospreay says he just wants it to be him and Hangman. The fans cheer Ospreay for the gesture, and Ospreay tells Hangman that he has one very important question: “Do you still drink?” The fans boo but Ospreay says c’mon, not in a bad way! He just means, Hangman loves a good beer. And to be honest, Ospreay owes him an apology.

Ospreay says that when they got jumped the other day, Ospreay did take a swing on Hangman. But to be fair, Hangman gave him a headbutt. But like Ospreay’s dad says, when he gets hit in the face, it is a drastic improvement. But Ospreay does have some beers for them. The ring crew brings those over, and Ospreay hands Hangman one. Ospreay wants cheers, but Hangman stares him down. The fans are torn, Ospreay takes a swig, and says it’s fine. Ospreay puts his aside, and says while they need to get things off their chest, there is something else Ospreay wants to do.

Ospreay wishes to petition to Tony Khan and the AEW Board of Directors that Ospreay VS Hangman on Sunday are the main event. The fans like that idea! Ospreay says surely some still think he’s crazy. Why would Ospreay wanna follow one of the most destructive and brutal matches AEW has in Anarchy in the Arena? Why would Ospreay wanna follow three hours of amazing professional wrestling? Ospreay says to those people, “You do not know what is at stake!” The fans cheer, and Ospreay says not only is this about winning the beautiful Owen Hart Memorial trophy, not only is this about going to All In: Texas on Saturday, July 12th…

But the winner of this match is the person with the responsibility of bringing back that beautiful gold belt! The fans cheer that! Ospreay says he really wants this. He wants this so badly! He feels the moment he stepped here, he has done everything the right way. He leaves his home country on a Tuesday, arrives here, makes seven to 15 HOUR flights every single week! He barely sleeps on Tuesday, he is constantly jetlagged, doesn’t really know where he is, but he puts on his “crime fighting pants,” and he says ring the bell, bruv! The fans cheer that! Ospreay says he wants to wear the title with pride! To show it around the world!

And most importantly, he wants to bring it home. Ospreay brings up August 24th, Forbidden Door in London, the O2, an arena just 30 minutes from his home. There are people that have supported Ospreay from the ballrooms and the halls. He has been a young, immature man who has grown up right in front of them, and he wants to wear that title in front of them while he thanks them for their support! The fans also cheer that. But the other thing is, every Tuesday when he flies to the US is that he leaves his six-year-old son at home, and he wants nothing more than to walk into that building so his son can see him as WORLD CHAMPION!

The fans cheer more, and Ospreay understands how much Hanger wants it. But Ospreay wants it just that little bit more. The fans cheer Ospreay on, but then the “COWBOY SH*T!” rises. Hangman tells Ospreay, “That is the difference between you and I. And that will be the difference between you and I on Sunday. Will, you want this, you want it bad. And I know that feeling, because I have lived it. And I know that you understand that in ALL of professional wrestling, there is no prize grander, there is no greater honor, than to be the All Elite Wrestling World Champion, I know you know that!

“But Will… For you, this could be a professional accomplishment. Granted, it is the biggest professional accomplishment either you or I could ever dream of having! But it is that: A professional accomplishment. For me, this is personal. I don’t want this opportunity, I need it.” The fans cheer that, too! Hangman says he has WASTED two years of his life, filled with nothing but grief, sorrow, and hate! In those two years, Hangman has not won a single tournament or a single championship. The one thing that Hangman did win brought him nothing but the same. The worst of it wasn’t even here. It was when he was at home.

It was last Christmas morning, when Hangman’s son sat on the floor… playing with his new toys, he looked up to see his dad staring out the window, looking for someone he knew would never come back! How many times in two years did his son look at Hangman and feel disappointment?! Hangman NEEDS this!! When Hangman goes home, he needs his wife to look at him and not feel pity! She needs to see the man she fell in love with all those years ago! For Hangman’s kids to look up to him, to know they have the father they deserve! And for all these people who supported him when he deserved it the least to know that he can be the kind of man that THEY can believe in!

And Hangman needs this for himself. Because Hangman needs to know that there can be some kind of light at the end of this two year tunnel through Hell… Hangman needs it, because he needs to know Ospreay was wrong when Ospreay said that for Hangman, this was too little, too late. Ospreay scowls a bit as the fans get fired up. Ospreay tells Hangman, “So what’re you planning on doing about it? You’re gonna wrap a chair over my skull? You gonna beat me so bad that I have to retire, like you did Christopher Daniels? I’m not going down that path. Cuz I’ve been there, and it took a lot for me to come back.”

As silly as this might sound, Ospreay says he is showing up, and he is doing his best. And sometimes, his best hasn’t been good enough. He’ll admit that he’s lost. Lost bad. But he’s never lost because he dragged the ref around to get an advantage. He’s never whined to his boss about not getting his way. If Ospreay has lost, he has lost leaving it all in this ring! And if he’s lost, he at least won the fans’ respect! The fans cheer that, and Ospreay says more importantly… He won their trust! Hangman asks if that’s enough! Is that enough for Moxley and the Death Riders? Ospreay doesn’t know!! He doesn’t know what it takes!

Ospreay wrestled Moxley twice, and he lost both times! He doesn’t know how to do it, but Hangman does! So then show Ospreay! Show THAT man on Sunday! That fire, that animal! Because of Ospreay can beat that Hangman, then Ospreay knows he can beat Moxley! The fans fire up more, and Ospreay says Hangman used to be a pure-hearted man, and he can also be a bad man! He is a Cowboy! The one we’re meant to look towards when times are hard! But he hasn’t been doing that! He’s been staring out of the window! Hangman’s been looking for Swerve! His attention hasn’t been on being The Guy, but on someone else.

And Ospreay gets it, when someone crosses the threshold from business to personal, you gotta handle it. We could give Hangman a month, two months, three, but an entire YEAR?! An entire year has changed Hangman! The kids don’t look up to him! The men, the boys backstage, they lost respect for him. And the women have screamed in terror when Hangman wanted to kill Swerve! Ospreay is not that guy. Ospreay is just the guy that’ll show up and do his best. But before writing Ospreay off, Ospreay’s best has beaten MJF, Bryan Danielson, Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, anyone else you can name!

Wanna know what? Because Ospreay is the best in the EFFIN’ WORLD!! The fans are really fired up now! Ospreay tells Hangman, he knows that when the bell rings, anything can happen. If it is Hangman, Ospreay will be happy for him. And if Hangman thinks he has no friends, then it’ll take more than one person off of Moxley. Ospreay says if Hangman needs a friend, someone watching his back, Ospreay will have his back. Ospreay hopes the same goes back from Hangman. If Ospreay wins, hopefully Hangman will have his back. Ospreay then offers the toast again. So what Ospreay is saying, Cowboy, “Meet me in the desert! I’m calling you out for a shootout, bruv!”

Ospreay chugs his bear, HHH spits some of it, and then tosses his bottle. Hangman chugs his beer down to the very last drop, and the duel is set! Which one of these gunslingers hits the mark to then take aim at The Maniac in Texas?

Jon Moxley walks into the building.

Marina Shafir follows the Maniac AEW World Champion, and he seethes all the way. “Tensions are rising in AEW. The spoils will go to those that embrace the anarchy.” Moxley goes from pavilion to bleachers as he makes his entrance. Anarchy in the Arena is no longer the main event, but will this appetizer make up for that?

Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!

The trios sort out, Joe starts against Moxley and they go right to throwing hands! The fans fire up as Joe gets the edge, “JOE! JOE! JOE!” Moxley throat chops, the fans boo, and Moxley runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! Moxley and Joe fall back, and both teams have their guys calm down. Hobbs tags in, as does Matthew Jackson. The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs and Matt tie up, and Hobbs SHOVES Matt down! Matt comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs then scoops Matt, brings him over, but Matt slips free! Nick GAMANGIRIS, then tags in!

The fans boo as The Bucks kick, run, and ALLEY-OOP DROPKICK! Swerve tags in, runs up, Nick sidesteps but Swerve flips with the ropes to come back! Swerve trips, laces the legs, then waistlocks. Nick fights with elbows, he runs but Swerve drops down, hurdles, and turns Nick’s leap over into a suplex! Swerve catches the superkick to hit a BACKBREAKER! Swerve runs at the corner, UPPERCUTS Nick and snapmares! Swerve goes up, Matt runs over, but Swerve DECKS him! Nick runs up, Swerve jumps over to HIP TOSS and gator roll! Swerve deadlifts for the suplex! The fans fire up, but Moxley and Matt attack!

The fans boo but Joe & Hobbs storm in! They all brawl, Moxley TOSSES Hobbs to the outside, and Nick RANAS Swerve! The Bucks regroup to DOUBLE PLANCHA, but Joe & Swerve pull the double “Nope!” Moxley builds speed, but Hobbs is in his way! Hobbs swings, Moxley CLAWS Hobbs’ eyes! Moxley shoves Hobbs down then runs to DIVE! Down goes Hobbs! The Bucks see Joe in the ring. Joe winds up and builds speed, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! The fans boo but Matt brings Joe out. Nick builds speed, but Swerve slingshots and somersaults! COMPLETE SHOT! Swerve builds speed now to FOSBURY FLOP onto Nick!

Joe throws Matt away, builds speed after all, and he DIVES onto Moxley & The Bucks! The fans are thunderous and Joe flexes while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Joe drags Nick up, SMACKS him off the apron, then follows him around the way. Marina can only glare while Joe puts Nick in for Swerve. Swerve drags Nick up, wrenches and whips him to a corner, then CHOPS! Swerve snapmares and goes up, FALLING UPPERCUT! And he hits the Griddy! The fans cheer and Swerve drags Nick up again. Tag to Hobbs, Hobbs ROCKS Nick, then he DECKS him! Nick flounders, Hobbs brings him around to suplex. Hobbs holds Nick up for a count of TEN before the SLAM! Hobbs flips off Moxley and Matt, then goes back to N ick. Hobbs has Nick in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, but Nick dodges!

Nick KIKCKS Hobbs in the leg, hot tags Moxley, and Moxley wraps Hobbs’ leg in ropes. Hobbs fights back but Moxley CLAWS Hobbs’ face! Moxley climbs up and rains down fists! The ref counts, Moxley stops, but that lets Matt get cheap shots in! Hobbs slumps down and Moxley DROPKICKS the leg! Tag to Matt, and Moxley stands on Hobbs’ leg! Matt stomps Hobbs, then HIP DROPS the leg! Matt bends the leg on the ropes but the stops as the ref counts. Matt drags Hobbs over, tags Moxley, and Moxley helps Matt split the wishbone! Moxley talks trash while Dynamite returns to single picture.

The fans rally, Moxley stands Hobbs up, and he climbs up again to talk more trash. Moxley rains down fists, but Hobbs SHOVES him away! Hobbs hobbles but Moxley CHOP BLOCKS him down! Moxley stomps away on Hobbs, then tags in Nick. Nick puts some stank on the CHOP! Hobbs just gets mad! The fans tell Nick he messed up, but Nick kicks low. Nick winds up to CHOP Hobbs on the back again! Hobbs just frowns. Nick runs but into Hobbs’ arms! Hobbs POWERSLAMS Nick! Tag to Swerve but Nick tags Matt. Swerve LARIATS Nick, LARIATS Matt, repeat! Swerve then wrenches Matt and turns him for a NECKBREAKER!

Nick springboards to RANA, but Swerve blocks! Swerve pops Nick up for a POWERSLAM of his own! Nick hobbles up, Swerve runs in, but Nick BOOTS him! Nick cartwheels to the apron, then eggs Swerve on. Swerve runs up, Nick backflips away, but Swerve handsprings through! The two stare down, then Swerve scoops Nick to BACKBREAKER! Moxley runs up, Swerve dodges, but Matt SUPERKICKS him! The fans boo but Matt soaks it up. Matt & Moxley get Swerve into the ring for Nick, and Nick tags Matt. They double whip, Swerve ducks a lariat to waistlock, but Matt backs him down into the corner.

Nick SHINING WIZARDS, then he helps Matt with SLICED BREAD! SHIING WIZARD again, then Matt covers, TWO! Swerve stays in this but Matt tags Nick. Nick climbs up and aims, to SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Swerve saves himself and the fans fire up! Swerve and Nick crawl, but Moxley runs up to BLAST Joe & Hobbs! Swerve BACKDROPS Moxley, but no one is there to tag! Matt runs in, Swerve puts him on the apron. Nick runs in, Swerve puts him on the apron. Moxley runs up, LARIAT DOUBLE GIRI COMBO! Then an X PLEX! Matt grins as he goes up the corner, and he CROSSBODIES onto Hobbs & Joe!

Matt hurries back in, sets Swerve up, and The Bucks coordinate, RISKY BUSINESS! Cover, TWO! Swerve survives and the fans fire up! Nick drags Swerve up, bumps Swerve off buckles, and tags Matt. Matt ROCKS Swerve in the back, then puts him in the ropes. Nick goes up, DRAPING SWANTON BOMB! Matt covers, Hobbs breaks it! The fans cheer and Hobbs coaches Swerve. Matt paces while Dynamite goes back to picture in picture.

Matt stomps Swerve around, ROCKS him, then throws hands. Matt bumps Swerve off buckles, tags Moxley, and Moxley throws hands. Moxley beats Swerve down then stands on him! The ref counts, Marina talks trash, and Moxley steps off at 4. Nick gets a cheap shot in while the ref is busy with Moxley. Moxley goes out to fetch Swerve and bring him around. Moxley makes Swerve take a seat, then he flips off the fans before raining down fists. Moxley BITES Swerve’s forehead but Swerve fires hands! Swerve fires more shots, and he backs Moxley down! But Moxley pokes Swerve in the eyes! Then Moxley RAMS Swerve into the steel steps!

The ref reprimands but Moxley just ignores him. Moxley puts Swerve in, dares him to go tag his team, but then stomps hm. Moxley clamps onto Swerve’s arm, bends the fingers, then drags him over with a facelock. Tag to Nick and they mug Swerve. Nick whips Swerve back into the corner, runs up, and SHINING WIZARDS! And then SHINING WIZARDS! Matt won’t let Swerve fall, and Nick SHINING WIZARDS again! Nick soaks up heat while Swerve sputters. Moxley tags in, the mugging continues, and Moxley puts Swerve in the corner. Moxley fires hands and Dynamite returns to single picture.

Moxley and the ref argue, but that lets Marina CHOKE Swerve! She’s once again a problem and the fans boo! Hobbs protests but Marina gets away with it. Marina warns Nana to watch himself, and then Moxley drags Swerve into a stalling, middle finger flipping PILEDRIVER! Cover, JOE BREAKS IT! Joe fires away on Moxley but the ref backs him off. The fans rally but Moxley clamps onto Swerve with a CROSSFACE! Swerve endures, the fans rally for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Moxley shifts into a RINGS OF SATURN, but Swerve still endures! Moxley shifts to a facelock then a full nelson, but Swerve still endures!

Swerve reaches out, fires elbows, and he is free! But Moxley has the waistband! Swerve uses his foot to get free, he ROCKS Moxley, but Moxley grabs the waistband again! Swerve HEADBUTTS and both men fall! The fans are thunderous as the teams call to their guys! Hot tags to Matt and Joe! Joe rallies on The Bucks and even Moxley! The Bucks kick and whip, then run up! Joe URENAGES Nick down, then he SNAP POWERSLAMS Matt! Cover, TWO!! Matt survives but Joe hauls him right up! Tag to Swerve, Joe sends him in for an UPPERCUT! Joe BACK ELBOWS, and PELES! Hobbs goes up!?

Hobbs aims to DIVING SPLASH!! Swerve covers, but Moxley AND Nick break it! The fans boo but Moxley backs away. Swerve snarls and the fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!” as Swerve gator rolls again. But Nick saves Matt from the suplex! They DOUBLE SUPERKICK Swerve, then dodge Hobbs to feint and DOUBLE DDT! They both kip up, Joe is in, but Nick SUPERKICKS him! Joe wobbles, so Matt SUPERKICKS! Joe still DOUBLE LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous, but Moxley hits Joe with a PARADIGM SHIFT! HOUSE CALL for Moxley! Then a FLYING STOMP onto The Bucks!! The fans are electric and Nana is loving it!

There is a ring count on Swerve and Matt while the fans rally up. Swerve and Matt crawl, Swerve puts Matt in at 8. The fans cheer as Swerve drags Matt over. Tag to Hobbs and then Swerve climbs. Hobbs brings down his straps, but Moxley is in! Moxley kicks Hobbs, underhooks, but Hobbs werernches out to then hit a SPINEBUSTER! Then SPINEBUSTER for Matt! Nick springboards in, but SPINEBUSTER onto Matt!! Hobbs handles town bidness three times over, then he tags Swerve back in! Swerve is up, but Moxley SHOVES Hobbs into him! Then CUTTER for Hobbs! Joe LARIATS Moxley up and out!

The Bucks DOUBLE SUPERKICK Joe!! The Bucks hurry after Swerve, DOUBLE SUPERPLEX!! Then the E V P- NO, Swerve ducks and knees hit together! COQUINA CLUTCH for Nick! O’Conner Roll for Matt!! Swerve & Opps win!!

Winners: Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Hobbs, by pinfall

But Moxley and Matt attack! The fans boo as now Yuta & Claudio join in, too! The Death Riders and Bucks mug Swerve & Opps, and Marina even mugs Nana! BUT SHIBATA IS BACK! The Wrestler fires off fast hands on everybody! Shibata whips and BOOTS Yuta in the corner! Shibata fires more forearms, but Claudio is back! Shibata ROCKS Claudio first! Shibata fires forearms in the corner, he is getting payback for that chair gut buster! But Marina LOW BLOWS Shibata!! The fans boo but HERE COMES WILLOW! The Babe with the Power has been a Problem solver, and she SPEARS Marina!

The fans fire up, because here comes KENNY OMEGA! The Cleaner is a missing piece to the puzzle, but he gives Yuta a SNAP DRAGON! SNAP DRAGON for Claudio! He blocks Matt’s superkick, Matt begs for mercy, but he gets a SNAP DRAGON instead! Matt is on the ropes, Omega takes aim, and everyone joins in with the BANG!! V-TRIGGER on the ropes!! But Omega isn’t done, he drags Matt up. Swerve says hold on a moment. Swerve brings out a TABLE!! The fans fire up and Omega likes that idea. Joe helps set the table up, Omega brings Matt to the apron, and the fans are thunderous! Omega Electric Chair Lifts, but Claudio saves Matt!

The fans boo but The Bucks & Death Riders retreat! Joe shouts, “OH NO NO NO NO NO! A sane man would realize I’ve got all your asses this weekend and I can wait ’til then. But y’know what? I’m not a sane man, and we don’t give a s*it! We’re coming after you tonight in Albuquerque, whether you like it or not!!” Joe has put The Bucks & Death Riders on notice, will this fight go all the way into Collision and the rest of the week?

Backstage interview with The Hurt Syndicate.

Alicia Atout is with Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin, Bobby Lashley, and their other lawyer on this very exciting evening. MJF is set to finally put pen to paper and join the team. How excited are they for this new chapter? MVP says yes, this is a momentous occasion. They are adding a fourth man. But regarding the excitement, you’d need to ask Max about that. “Oh, you can ask him, baby!” MJF steps in, wearing a brand new suit that is covered in gold leaf. Mark Sterling is also here, and MVP likes the suit. MVP says they’ll get some food, let his lawyer handle the legalese, and they’ll see MJF later.

MJF says absolutely. He fist bumps the Hurt Syndicate on the way out, and tells Alicia to scoot. MJF then tells Sterling that he did it! And a pleasure doing business with MVP’s lawyer, too. Sterling presents MJF with a pen, but Dynamite goes to break. Will it all be to MJF’s liking? Or will there be some fine print that bites him in the ass?

The Hurt Syndicate heads to the ring.

Mark Sterling already has a table set up as MVP & The AEW World Tag Team Champions enter, and MVP grabs a mic. “Attention AEW viewing audience. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Syndicate. Tonight’s a very special night. As you know, you’ve been following this drama as it has unfolded. We finally got the All Mighty to change his position, and tonight we officially induct our fourth member into the Hurt Syndicate.” The fans boo a bit, and MVP says hold on, they shouldn’t boo that. But he gets why they’re booing. Maxwell Jacob Friedman is better than all of them, and they know it.

So without further ado, the newest member of the Hurt Syndicate… Maxwell Jacob Friedman! M J F! The Scumbag makes his entrance, he has them cut his music, and he says he’d boo, too, if he was born and raised in Albuquerque. “Gentlemen, I gotta tell you, this reminds me of when I was a young little lad. My mother sat me down, and she said, ‘Son, the most important moment of your life is the day you marry the love of your life.’ And now that I’m older and wiser, I gotta say, clearly, that dumb b*tch never joined the Hurt Syndicate!” The fans boo, but MJF says, “Excuse me, I’m talking. Thanks, though, I appreciate the input.”

MVP also tells the fans to show respect to MJF. The only thing that sucks here is Albuquerque! They paid money to be here, so shut up and show respect to the young genius! MJF thanks Montel for that, and says he loves him. It is such a shame that such a great moment has to happen here, in a state nobody remembers exists. They don’t even have good sports teams here! Nobody cares about Albuquerque! Anyway, they’ve had their fun. Smart Mark, explain the legalese. Sterling assures that the contract benefits both parties. MJF will sign first, then MVP, Shelton & Lashley will sign to make MJF an official member of the Hurt Syndicate, LLC.

MJF tells the fans no one asked them, so please quiet down. MVP suggests booing their bosses when they go back to the jobs they hate. MJF finishes his part, then MVP signs his. Shelton signs, MVP tells more fans to shut up, and Lashley is last, much like he was with giving his thumbs up. Lashley hesitates, though. Now that it is really real, he might have second thoughts. Lashley double checks, MJF says he trusts “Bob.” MVP tells one fan in particular to shut up, men are conducting business! Lashley & Shelton check with their lawyer, MJF asks what’s the problem. Lashley goes back to the contract, and he works up the effort to sign his name.

The fans boo, but there’s nothing to it! MJF says this is the greatest moment of his life! He is now the newest member of- Wait, the Sons of Texas head out here? The fans cheer Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, aka the ROH World Tag Team Champions, aka the #1 contenders to the AEW World Tag Team Champions! Dustin has a mic but MJF says cut the music! And he tells them to look at him! Dustin & Sammy must be as dumb as these fans are ugly! He wants the White trash honkies to realize they have no right to interrupt this! Dustin tells MJF to shut up, “You stupid SOB!” All MJF does week in and week out is talk! MJF barely wrestles! He has no work ethic, grit, or even…

Well, Dustin will say this. Dustin hates MJF’s guts. He needs MJF to know that. MVP, you and Dustin do go way back. And Dustin has the utmost respect for MVP. He does. But it is in MVP’s best interest as businessmen to watch out for that snake in the grass. MJF says no, that’s not a thing. Dustin say she and Sammy are “day one guys!” Six years ago, Double or Nothing, they did something special! They changed the wrestling landscape! It was an unforgettable night. Fast-forward to now, this Sunday in Phoenix. They have an opportunity that they earned. They want more gold! They’re UNDEFEATED as ROH World Tag Team Champions!

The Sons of Texas have earned their AEW World Tag Team Championship match. Bobby, Shelton, Dustin wants you to look at him when he talks to you. Word is, they like to hurt people. Well, jump on Dustin and see if you can hurt him! He dares you! MVP says please, Dustin, be careful what you wish for. Dustin says there is nothing they can do to him and Sammy, bigger men have tried! And they may not know this, but Dustin & Sammy have both gone to Hell, looked the Devil in his eyes, and kicked his teeth in to claw their way out! They are day one, working around the clock, no off days! Do not think this will be a walk in the park, because it is not!

The fans cheer as Dustin says they fight with heart, honor, fire, passion, soul, and their work ethic is untouchable. One more thing: If Dustin were a betting man, he would bet on day one guys. See you at Double or Nothing. Mic drop from The Natural, and both he and the Spanish God are ready! But will they be able to topple The All Mighty & The Standard of Excellence? Or will Lashley & Shelton just have to hurt people?

Backstage interview with Kazuchika Okada.

Renee Paquette is with the Rainmaker and says last week, “Speedball” Mike Bailey called him out because he is eyeing the Continental Championship. Does he have an official response? “Yeah.” Then what is it…? “I’m the Continental Champion, I say what goes. Speedball, you do not call me out. I call you out! Double or Nothing, you find out why I’m then Continental Champion and you’re not.” Then it is official! But Renee notes that Speedball has yet to be pinned since arriving in AEW. Is Okada at all concerned? Okada says there is a first time for everything, trust him. Okada leaves, but comes back to tell Speedball, “Trust me.” Oh, okay…

The Rainmaker doesn’t hit his signature insult, but will he hit his signature move and be the first to beat Bailey? Or will Speedball be the NEW Continental Champion?

Ricochet VS Anthony Bowens w/ Billy Gunn!

The One & Only picked on Zach Gowen, then beat him in a match, only to beat him down after. Mark Briscoe made the save and then the challenge, so now Ricochet has a STRETCHER MATCH waiting for him on Sunday! Will Ricochet be too worried about that to focus on the 5 Tool Player? Or will Ricochet use the Pride of Pro-Wrestling as a tune-up?

The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. They feel things out, but Ricochet says hold on. He taunts Daddy Ass, but Bowens stops Ricochet from doing the crotch chop! Bowens then fires hands on Ricochet, ROCKS him, and CHPOS him in the corner! The fans cheer Bowens and he whips corner to corner. Ricochet reverses, Bowens goes up and rolls. Ricochet runs up, Bowens hurdles then headlocks. Ricochet powers out, Bowens hurdles, then Bowens FLOAT OVER DDTS! Ricochet flounders to ropes, Bowens LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up with Bowens again, and Ricochet gets in Billy’s face.

Billy steps and Ricochet flinches! Bowens is there to SLAP Ricochet on his bald head! Bowens whips Ricochet into railing, then he SCISSOR FINGERS~ with Billy! Bowens leaves Ricochet behind, Billy pushes Ricochet in, but the ref reprimands. Bowens runs up, Ricochet dodges, and then Ricochet comes back. Bowens puts Ricochet on the apron, GAMANGIRIS, then he brings Ricochet up. Ricochet fights the suplex, then he drags Bowens to the apron. Bowens BODY SHOTS, fireman’s carries, but Ricochet grabs at the ref! The ref shakes free but Ricochet slips down. Ricochet POSTS Bowens, then SWEEPS the legs!

The fans boo but Ricochet is all fired up, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ricochet taunts the fans, returns to the ring, and Billy helps Bowens. Ricochet CLOBBERS Bowens as he gets in the ring! Ricochet CHOKES Bowens on ropes, lets off, and he soaks up heat. Ricochet storms up and CHOPS! Bowens kicks Ricochet, CHOPS him, and then goes to a corner. Bowens runs up, Ricochet dodges and fires hands! Ricochet CHOPS, then he drags Bowens around. Ricochet taunts the scissor fingers and digs them into Bowens’ eyes! The ref reprimands, Ricochet stops, and he stands Bowens up to throw knees. Ricochet snapmares Bowens, runs, and then KOKESHI HEADBUTTS! Ricochet taunts the fans while Bowens writhes.

Ricochet goes back to Bowens but Bowens throws hands! Bowens rises, ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Ricochet taunts Billy, argues with him, then covers Bowens. TWO, but Ricochet stalks Bowens to a corner. Ricochet CHOKES Bowens on the ropes again, stops as the ref counts, and then taunts the fans again. Ricochet goes back to Bowens but Bowens KICKS from below! Bowens kicks again, but Ricochet blocks to YANK Bowens from the corner. Ricochet then headlocks and rains down fists! The ref reprimands, Ricochet stops, and Billy is frustrated on Bowens’ behalf.

Ricochet taunts Bowens, CLUBS him down, then stalks him again. Ricochet looms over Bowens and CLUBS him down again as Dynamite returns to single picture. Ricochet drags Bowens up, puts one out, but Bowens fights the lift! Ricochet CLUBS Bowens, UPPERCUTS him, and CHOPS him! The fans boo but Ricochet runs, only for Bowens to blow past! Ricochet ducks, Bowens dodges, and Bowens mule kicks! Bowens front KICKS, then runs, FAMOUSER! The fans fire up and Bowens has Ricochet for a torture rack! Swing and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and Bowens is frustrated but the fans rally behind Bowens.

Bowens waits on Ricochet, clinches, but Ricochet fights the Arrival with elbows! Ricochet spins but Bowens ROCKS him first! Ricochet hits back, Bowens ROCKS him again! The hand fly, Ricochet spins but into a BOOT! Bowens runs, but into a TIGER WALL KICK! SOBAT! FRONT KICK! But Bowens fires off the Rock, Paper, Scissors, SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Bowens grows frustrated. The fans rally, Bowens stalks Ricochet and waistlocks, but Ricochet slips out of the back suplex! V-TRIGGER! HEEL KICK! Ricochet goes to the corner, locks ‘n’ loads, and SPIRIT- NO, Bowens ducks it! Clinch and ARRIVAL!!

The fans fire up and Bowens signals the scissors! The fans join in, Bowens makes it a fist, MOLLY WHOP!! But Ricochet is sent out of the ring! Billy wants to fetch Ricochet for Bowens but the ref won’t let him! Ricochet crawls, Bowens brings him up, but RICOCHET HAS THE SCISSORS!! HE JABS BOWENS IN THE FORHEAD!!! The fans boo and Ricochet reloads! SPIRIT GUN!!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

Just as Ricochet stole Swerve’s coat, and just as he stole Zach Gowen’s prosthetic leg, Ricochet steals this win and he steals the title of “Scissor King” from Bowens! But wait! Mark Briscoe is here with a stretcher! The fans cheer as Mark sneaks up, and he gets Ricochet’s attention! Ricochet freaks out as Mark says this is where he’s going on Sunday! Mark RAMS Ricochet with the stretcher, fires hands, and then scoops him onto the stretcher! Mark positions it at ringside, goes up top, but Ricochet scrambles away! Mark hops down and he tells Ricochet there’s no running away at Double or Nothing! Will Ricochet #ManUp or shut up against the Sussex County Chicken?

BREAKING NEWS for Thursday Night Collision!

While it is official for Double or Nothing, Speedball has business to handle before facing Okada! Bailey teams up with Komander against La Faccion Ingobernable! Will Bailey & Komander wrangle these bulls? Or will they just get the horns? And before she battles Jamie Hayter for the Women’s Owen Hart Cup, Mercedes Mone must defend her AEW TBS Championship against CMLL’s Reyna Isis! Will The CEO lose her belt before going for the trophy? Or can #ThreeBeltsMone build momentum for Double or Nothing?

Stokely Hathaway & FTR speak.

#BigStoke says, “Look what we have here. A contract in my email for your tag match at Double or Nothing, live on PPV this Sunday. And here’s the thing. We could sign this through a dopey Acrobat, but when you look to my left, when you look to my right, you see two men. You see two men who respect and honor the tradition of professional wrestling. You see the greatest tag team alive today, F T R! So we’re gonna do something special. Because Nigel McGuiness, Daniel Garcia, they want to look you in the eyes before they sign this contract. They wanna make sure that this is something that you really want to do.

“And you can even bring along your buddy, Daddy Magic.” Stokely does the fake cough trick as he calls Matt Menard “Dick ass.” Dax gives Stokely a cough drop and Stoke says we will all have the privilege and honor of seeing Nigel sign the last contract he will ever sign in his wrestling career, tomorrow night on Collision, live on TBS. #TopGuysOut. Will Nigel & Garcia be ready for anything FTR might try to pull this close to Double or Nothing?

Renee Paquette is in the ring.

The fans cheer and she says that tonight, we’ve already heard from the Men’s Owen Hart Cup Finalists. Now it is time to hear from the ladies. Renee has chairs set up and reminds us that these two women want to beat the ever loving crap outta each other, so she’ll do her best to keep things in order. That said, please welcome out the Hardest Hitting Hayter there is, the former AEW Women’s World Champion, Jamie Hayter! The fans cheer as Jamie makes her way out to the ring. Hayter takes her seat on Renee’s left, and now we welcome out The CEO, Mercedes Mone. The fans aren’t as excited as Mone struts her way out in her 1990s pop art bodysuit.

Mone takes her seat to Renee’s right, the fans duel, and Renee wants to start with Jamie. Jamie has accomplished something in AEW that Mone has not yet, and that is to hold THE AEW Women’s World Championship. Now, Jamie was sidelined with an awful back injury, but she has fought her heart out just to be back here. But this match makes it seem like Jamie is the underdog. How does it feel to Jamie? Jamie says if she’s the underdog, then so be it. Jamie just hates when people look past her, not realizing how that is a surefire way to get yourself hurt. It doesn’t matter if Jamie is on top of the mountain or deep on rock bottom, she will crawl her way back every single time.

Jamie will fight again and again and again, because that’s just who she is! She’s not some obnoxious C E O~! She doesn’t have people running around doing her dirty work. And she doesn’t walk around here like she’s the best thing since sliced bread! The fans cheer that, and Jamie says yeah, she’s rough around the edges. She doesn’t have it like Mone has it. Jamie will admit to it. But she’s still a fighter. Every single person sat out here tonight, everybody watching at home, helped mold Jamie into just that! This means more to Jamie than it does Mone, and they both know it! It really, really does.

Jamie says this isn’t even about a title anymore. Not to Jamie! It is more than that. This is about not being forgotten. The fans cheer, and Jamie tells Mone that when the bell rings, the confetti falls, and the cup is lifted, if it ain’t Jamie doing it, then what the hell does that even mean for her? Is she just not good enough? Should she even come back? What’s her fight? What’s her why? Will anyone even care? Mone’s guess is as good as hers, but as always, Jamie’s back is against the wall. But what she does is she laces up her boots and she hits bloody hard! That just who Jamie Hayter is! The fans cheer that!

Renee turns to Mone and says Jamie is bringing a new level of intensity even in Mone. Is Mone worried Jamie will be the first woman to beat her in singles competition since joining AEW? The fans cheer that idea! Mone says, “Worried? Renee. Me, worried? Do you not know who the Hell you’re talking to? Jamie Hayter, you think you have me all figured out, but you don’t. Because I am more than just a champion. I’m a revolution. I am the Beyonce of Women’s Wrestling! And I’m not looking past you, I’m looking straight through you like the glass doll that you are.” The fans boo but Mone says she always gets what she wants.

And her destiny is our reality. And the reality is, she will be headed to All in: Texas to become THE AEW Women’s World Champion! The fans are torn, but Mone says Jamie wants to throw shade at her success. Mone is the greatest TBS Champion ever! 360 days and counting, 25-0 in singles competition! She didn’t get there by luck, but by hard work and dedication. So Jamie, at Double or Nothing, Mone will show you why she’s the CEO. It is more than just about winning, but about leaving her legacy. Jamie, Mone wants you to bring your best, to be the best, to be the fighter that you say you are.

Because Double or Nothing will not be where Jamie’s story begins, but where her chapter in Mone’s story ends! Mone laughs, the fans boo, but Jamie has a rebuttal. She wants to ask everyone here tonight, “Have you noticed something a little bit different about Mercedes? She’s looking a little bit lighter, if you will. Something’s missing, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.” Jamie looks Mone up and down, and then says she figured it out! Mone lost the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship! Jamie remembers because she watched Resurgence. That was Mone’s destiny, and Mone’s destiny is to now lose everything!

Mone SHOVES Jamie down! Mone rains down fists on Jamie, Renee bails out, and Mone shoves the chairs aside. Mone is pissed as she makes Jamie look at the belts she still has. But then Hayter grabs an arm, and gives Mone HAYTERADE!! But then Timeless Toni Storm is here! The fans cheer as THE AEW Women’s World Champion is here already, wanting to see her potential challengers before the big night. But at the same time, she’s going to watch her next challenger in person while on commentary! The Fighting Gravure Idol and the Princess of the Black Throne are in the main event, will it all be about #MinaNow?

Mina Shirakawa VS Julia Hart!

Dynamite returns as Toni continues to revel in the cheers before sitting down at commentary. With that, Mina makes her entrance, followed by Julia’s. The bell rings and the fans rally as Mina and Julia circle. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, and then Julia headlocks. Mina powers up and out, drops down, then goes to hip toss, but Julia blocks! Julia gets a leg up, FLIPS, but Mina swings! Julia dodges, wrenches, and YANKS on the arm! Julia goes to a corner, knuckle locks, and climbs. The fans duel as Julia tightrope walks, and she goes OLD SCHOOL! Down goes Mina, Julia runs, but Mina ducks the blindside lariat!

Mina shimmies and shakes, the fans cheer, and Mina blocks a kick to CLUB the leg! Mina CHPOS, and then says it is her turn! Mina goes up, up, and shakes before she goes OLD SCHOOL with a knee drop! Mina shakes more and the fans cheer more. Toni promises that she is not here to make innuendo, just dry sexual comments on occasion. Mina runs in, Julia dodges then comes back, but Mina dodges in return. Mina ROCKS Julia, goes up and FLYING CHUCKS! Mina runs, DROPKICKS the legs out, and brings Julia around. Mina steps through, Julia kicks and kicks, then runs! Mina slides to trip Julia up!

Mina waves to Toni, says she’ll be champion, and Toni asks, “Really? Be careful now.” Julia is there to ROCK Mina! Toni says she told her so. Julia RAMS Mina into the apron, CHOPS her, then pushes her into the ring. Toni is nonplussed, this is going as her “script” says it would. Julia storms in after Mina while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Julia steps on Mina, TWO, but Julia drops down to DRIBBLE Mina off the mat! Cover, TWO! Mina is tougher than that but Julia drags her around. Julia whips Mina to a corner, runs in and LARIATS! Then she stomps a mudhole into Mina! Julia digs her boot in, the ref counts, and Julia steps off at 4. Julia drags Mina up, brings her around, but Mina CHOPS! Julia CHOPS, then reels Mina in. Julia snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Julia is annoyed but she drags Mina into a chinlock. Mina endures, reaches out, then fights up. Mina fires body shots, but Julia KNEES low. Julia whips, ELBOWS Mina down, then paces.

Luther fans Toni given the New Mexico heat. Julia clamps onto Mina with the motorcycle stretch but Mina endures again. Mina fights to turn things around, only for Julia to wrap her in a straitjacket stretch! Mina endures, pushes back to a cover, TWO! Julia clamps onto Mina with a SLEEPER! Mina fights around, Julia shifts to become a backpack, but Mina fights up. Mina JAWBREAKERS free! Julia wobbles, but she ROCKS Mina in the back! Dynamite returns to single picture as Julia stands mina up. Mina fires forearms, Julia fires back, and the fans rally. Julia runs, but into a SOBAT! Mina runs to SLIDING KNEE!

The fans fire up and Mina waits on Julia. Julia stands, into a ROLLING ELBOW! Julia is back up, but Mina LARIATS! Mina grins, runs corner to corner, but she has to block a boot! DRAGON SCREW! Julia writhes, Mina storms up and has the leg. Mina steps through, but Julia BOOTS her away! Julia goes to a corner, Mina runs in, but Julia goes up! And she reels Mina into the TARANTULA!! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Julia lets Mina go. Julia steps in, but into an URAKEN! The fans fire up and Mina goes to the apron. Mina climbs, brings Julia in, and FLYING SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Julia survives and Mina grows frustrated. Mina drags Julia up, dragon sleepers, “This is Awesome!” as Julia fights through! STO! Julia then drags Mina to the drop zone and stomps her! Julia goes up, up, and HART SAULTS! Mina moves, Julia lands on her feet, and her leg jams! Mina DROPKICKS the leg out! Mina SMASHES the knee, then has the legs for the FIGURE- NO, Julia cradles! TWO, and Mina hurries to her feet! ROLLING ELBOW, and then URAKEN!! Julia falls, the fans fire up, and Mina drags Julia into the dragon sleeper! GLAMOROUS DRIVER- NO, Julia slips out, rolls Mina up, TWO!!

Mina has Julia’s arm! Chicken wing, roll, ghost pin! MINA WINS!!

Winner: Mina Shirakawa, by pinfall

Toni is impressed as Mina snatches another one! Mina taunts Toni, Toni tells commentary that she is not worried, but then Julia BLINDSIDES Mina! The fans boo as Julia throws hands! Mina shoves Julia, trips her up, and has the legs! FIGURE FOUR!! The fans “WOO~” while Julia suffers, but SKYE BLUE is here! Skye BOOTS Mina down, then rains down fists! The fans boo but Toni storms into the ring! Storm drags Skye off Mina, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Skye flops out, but Julia storms up! SLAP from Toni, URAKEN from Mina! The dark clouds have rolled away, and now Mina grabs the belt off the apron.

Mina brings the belt to Toni, but promises to take it from her on Sunday. They tug-o-war, Mina SHOVES Toni! Toni comes back, but Mina blocks the kick for a DRAGON SCREW! Mina puts Toni in a corner, ties up those legs around the post, HANGING FIGURE FOUR!! The ref reprimands, Luther calls for reinforcements, and the fans are going nuts! Mina lets go when she’s satisfied, and now Toni might be in trouble. Will it only get worse for Toni when it’s time to go Double or Nothing?

Backstage interview with The Young Bucks.

Renee gets a word from them as they’re on their way out. Nick says they don’t have time, they have a flight to catch. Matt says hold on, they can say this. Remember how earlier tonight, Joe and his crew promised to get their hands on The Bucks? Well, it is the end of the night, nothing happened, so that makes Joe a liar. See you at the PPV. The Bucks head for the exit, but Joe is there! He SMASHES them with a trash can! Hobbs joins in, the luggage is also a weapon, and things go to the backstage area! But the Death Riders are there! They brawl 5v2, but Willow joins in! Marina goes after Willow, Swerve shows up, and so do Shibata and Omega!

Swerve has a chain, Omega has a trash can, and now THIS is an appetizer! They brawl out onto the stage, using the tron and the railing as part of this! Marina is sent into railing! Omega CHUCKS a trash can into Moxley! Swerve CHOKES Nick and puts him in the ring! The fans rally as things go down the ramp, Dynamite’s theme song plays in the spirit of Anarchy in the Arena! Omega has Swerve’s chain and uses it to CHOKE Nick! Joe BOOTS Moxley against barriers! Omega CLUBS Nick, but Nick HOTSHOTS Omega! Hobbs has Claudio, Shibata puts Yuta in a trash can to SMACK away with a kendo stick!

The Bucks turn things around on Omega, beat him up 2v1, and Nick has the chain now! The fans cheer on “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Swerve and Moxley brawl! E V P TRIGGER to Omega!! Claudio SMACKS Hobbs with a chair, but that just pisses Hobbs off! Joe and Moxley brawl now, but the Bucks aren’t done with Omega! They get him up, but Omega slips free! Omega shoves Matt into Nick! Hobbs CHOKES Claudio, Omega SLAM DUNKS Matt! Swerve is in, BOOT for Nick! Omega and Swerve nod, but Moxley CHOKES Joe! Willow beats down Marina, Omega and Swerve have the Bucks! V-TRIGGER and HOUSE CALL in stereo!!

Joe powers out to turn things around on Moxley! COQUINA CLUTCH!!! Joe makes the AEW World Champion pass out! But GABE KIDD is here! He CLOBBERS Joe with the title briefcase!! The Mad Man slips in and CLOBBERS Swerve! And CLOBBERS Omega! He rains down fists on Omega, the fans boo, but Gabe says he wasn’t just gonna go back home! The Bucks bring out the TABLES! Things have turned around from earlier tonight as The Bucks drag Swerve to the table! Gabe CHOKES Omega, puts him on the outside, and now Omega is put on the other table! The Bucks climb the corners, Yuta makes Nana watch!

STEREO MACHO ELBOW AND FROG SPLASH, DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!! Albuquerque loses their minds, and the evil alliance of Death Riders and Elite stands tall! How much more chaotic will things get when it’s Anarchy in the Arena?

My Thoughts:

A great episode, even for being a go-home that was light on matches. But at the same time, it had more promos and build. Awesome face-to-face promo from Ospreay and Hangman, and even with the passion and bringing up the past, these guys stayed Faces and are keeping it at “may the best man win.” As such, that really keeps things up in the air. Either guy would make a great challenger for Moxley, especially if the story is that Hangman and Ospreay will work together to make sure it is a fair fight. Also a great promo segment from Hayter and Mone with how they brought some fire to that moment. Mone losing her cool over Hayter bringing up her loss was good stuff, but Hayter standing tall makes me think Mone wins now.

Great segue from Mone and Hayter to Toni watching Mina VS Julia. Great match for the main event, but naturally Mina wins to have momentum. Skye Blue showing up and Toni getting involved was also good stuff, but I’m a bit surprised Mina and Toni took it that far. Mina standing tall over Toni on top of her match momentum, clearly Toni retains at Double or Nothing. Then it will be Toni VS Mone, and I would think Mone retains her title against Reyna Isis tomorrow night. And since we’re not going double or nothing on titles, maybe we go all in, with Mone putting up her TBS Championship against Toni’s Women’s World Championship, with the winner becoming the first dual AEW Women’s Champion.

Good promo from Stokely & FTR to set up their contract signing on Collision, and that will be a good segment for the go-home. Pretty fun stuff with MJF and the Hurt Syndicate, but I feel like MVP adlibs his responses a little too much. He didn’t need to keep shouting down the fans unless someone was actually saying something offensive. I appreciated Lashley playing up like he was going to go back on the deal, but also they kept teasing how there might be someone other than MJF joining. Dustin & Sammy showing up was logical, but I feel like Dustin only had most of his promo put together. But as I’ve said before, I don’t see Sons of Texas winning this one. I wonder if MJF has a part to play, too…

Ricochet VS Bowens was a very good match but I’m a little surprised, and maybe disappointed, Bowens’ return push was sacrificed to Ricochet getting momentum going into Double or Nothing. But I suppose the “Scissor King” crown was good enough a reason to have a match. I would’ve waited until after Double or Nothing so that Ricochet and Bowens could have an actual feud going through the summer. Mark going after Ricochet was good stuff, but he kinda gave away the big spot he wants to do: Froggy-Bow to a stretcher. The math on this match is fairly even, but it’d make sense if Ricochet won to stay hot towards a title opportunity of his own.

Speaking of, good promo from Okada to set up Okada VS Bailey. I wonder if he chose to swerve us on saying “b*tch” or he was told to pull back a bit. It feels more like an Okada thing to make that move himself. Bailey & Komander surely find a way to win against LFI tomorrow, but I can’t be sure about Bailey VS Okada. I still think a great idea is to violate the Continental Rules by The Bucks ending up ringside. Given how tonight ended, I can see the Faces and Heels not wanting to wait to get Anarchy in the Arena started, so The Bucks either brawl their way ringside or are chased ringside, Bailey wins, but Okada retains as it is a disqualification and Champion’s Advantage is a thing.

But of course, great stuff with the Anarchy in the Arena field. Awesome Six Man Tag to open, great win for the Faces, but then the Heels stand tall to close the night, so the math is a wash. The stuff tonight was a great teaser, so that Anarchy match is going to be wild. It could go either way, really, but the result should also lend itself towards the next phase in the story. I don’t know if Darby Allin will be back in time for Sunday, because helping the Faces win AITA would be a great way to return, and it means one more ally for Team AEW to fight against the Death Riders.

My Score: 8.8/10

The round robin’s second half begins!

A Block takes center stage to start Best of the Super Juniors’ sixth round! But who will break away and stand alone in the spotlight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Nick & Daiki win.
• 8 Man Tag: El Desperado, MAO, Shoma Kato & Masatora Yasuda VS YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Katsuya Murashima; Yoh, Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Murashima win.
• Titan & Yota Tsuji VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Titan & Tsuji win.
• Six Man Tag: Kevin Knight, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toru Yano VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kanemaru wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Dragon Dia; Akira wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X; Wato wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings!

KUSHIDA: 3-2, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-2, 6 points
Robbie X: 3-2, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-2, 6 points
Master Wato: 3-2, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 2-3, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 2-3, 4 points
Clark Connors: 2-3, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-3, 4 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-3, 4 points

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Hiromu Takahashi!

The American Ninja and the Ticking Timebomb are both in the 2-3 half of this block, so they’re both one step away from the bottom! But who will it be that breaks even at 3-3?

The bell rings, Mack offers a handshake, and the fans rally. Hiromu accepts, the fans cheer more, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Mack pushes Hiromu back step by step. Hiromu digs his heels in so it is a deadlock once more. They break, the fans cheer, and Hiromu headlocks. Mack powers up and out but Hiromu runs him over! The fans cheer and things keep moving. Hiromu RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips through! But then Hiromu snatches him into TRIANGLE D! Mack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets off slowly. The two reset and Hiromu CHOPS Mack!

Hiromu whips Mack to ropes, but Mack grabs ropes to stop. Hiromu runs up, Mack dumps him out, kicks him low, and CLUBS away on Hiromu’s back. The fans fire up for “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack handsprings, NINJA- NO, Hiromu elbows Mack in the back! Hiromu hurries in and stands Mack up. Hiromu CHOPS Mack, has him in the corner, then CHOPS again! Mack CHOPS but Hiromu CHOPS, and then Hiromu whips corner to corner. Hiromu runs up, LARIATS, then snapmares to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!!

Mack is tougher than that and the fans cheer. But Hiromu clamps on with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Mack endures, the fans rally, and Mack gets an arm free. Mack crawls but Hiromu pulls him back in! The fans rally harder as Mack still endures, and he gets free of the grip! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu backs away. Mack crawls but Hiromu is right on him. Hiromu CHOPS, but Mack CHOPS back! Hiromu CHOPS back, Mack CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS, whips, but Mack reverses! Hiromu RANAS again, but Mack flips through again! Hiromu runs up to TRIANGLE D again!! Mack scrambles for the ROPEBREAK again!

The fans cheer and Hiromu is dead set on a technical win here. Hiromu eggs on Mack and Mack rises. Hiromu brings Mack around by his mask, but Mack fires body shots! Mack whips, Hiromu blocks, but Mack tries again. Hiromu fires forearms in return, then whips, but Mack reverses to TOSS Hiromu out! NINJA SPE- NO, Hiromu slides in and goes to the other side! But Mack just reverses course to NINJA SPECIAL!! The fans fire up as Mack once again pulls off something never before seen! Mack catches his breath and the fans cheer on “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack puts Hiromu in, Hiromu wants him to hold on, but Mack grabs the legs! BOSTON CRAB!

Hiromu scrambles as Mack holds on, ROPEBREAK! Mack lets go, but then he drags Hiromu back! Hiromu fights and THROWS Mack, but Mack cartwheels through to hold on! BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures again and reaches out! Hiromu powers up, crawls forward, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Mack lets go this time. Mack stalks Hiromu, waistlocks, and GERMAN- NO, Hiromu fights with elbows. Mack UPPERCUTS, ducks the superkick, then HADOUKEN! Mack runs, Hiromu ELBOWS him, but Mack follows to ELBOW! Mack runs again, but Hiromu stops the whip to SUPERKICK! Mack SUPERKICKS!

Hiromu returns but Mack SUPERKICKS! Mack fakes the run, SUPERKICKS again, then he reels Hiromu in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Hiromu survives. Mack drags Hiromu up in the waistlock again, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mack holds on but Hiromu switches to GERMAN SUPLEX! Hiromu holds on and drags Mack up, but Mack fights the lift to slip under! Mack waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Hiromu switches again to again GERMAN, but Mack lands out! Mack waistlocks, NIN-GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up!

A standing count starts while both men are down. The fans rally as Mack and Hiromu stir at 4 of 10. They crawl to each other at 6, and stand at 8! Mack pushes Hiromu down to CHOP, and then he goes to the corner. But Hiromu anchors Mack’s leg! Mack kicks Hiromu away, then goes up! The fans cheer, but Hiromu CLUBS Mack! Hiromu climbs, CLUBS Mack more, then lifts him into a fireman’s carry! But Mack fights to SUNSET FLIP RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up! Mack kips up, fires up, and he hurries back for the corner! The fans rally as Mack focuses, and jumps right up! NINJA BOMB into TRIANGLE D!!!

Mack is caught, he flails but can’t get anywhere! Mack TAPS, Hiromu wins!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)

The Timebomb shows he isn’t just explosive, he can be strategic and surgical! Will this new dimension to his style help Hiromu once again be the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Mack still make it to the top even though he’s at the bottom?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The Japanese Young Punk has stumbled a bit, but he is still near the front of the pack. Will the Heel Master change all that with the same old tricks up his sleeve? Or will we see even now, that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

Fujita climbs onto the corner as part of his introduction, and Kanemaru attacks! The fans boo as he shoves Fujita to the apron. The bell rings, Kanemaru runs up but Fujita RAMS him! And GAMANGIRIS! Fujita springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Fujita waistlocks! Fujita deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Kanemaru bails out. Fujita finally takes his shirt off, and he lets the ring count climb. Kanemaru sits up at 6 of 20, rises up at 10, but is still down at 15! Kanemaru rolls in at 18, but then rolls right back out. Kanemaru takes a walk around the outside and the count starts again.

Fujita slides out, but Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru suckered Fujita in, but Fujita still CHOPS! Fujita stalks Kanemaru, but then Kanemaru blocks a chop to SLAM the hand into the POST! Fujita clutches that hand, but Kanemaru wrenches the arm and WRINGS it into the floor! Kanemaru then hammerlocks Fujita’s bad arm for a scoop and SLAM to the floor! Kanemaru leaves Fujita behind while the ref checks him. The count starts again while Fujita clutches that arm. Fujita is still down at 10 of 20, uses the commentary desk to help stand at 14, and he hobbles in at 15! The fans cheer but Kanemaru is right back on the arm.

Kanemaru YANKS the arm again and again, then clamps on with an armlock. Kanemaru wrenches, cording holds, but Fujita scoops and SLAMS, only for Kanemaru to drag him down! The fans rally while Fujita endures the grind! Fujita fights up but Kanemaru YANKS the arm! Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru again and again! Fujita runs, but Kanemaru wrangles him right back down! Kanemaru wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER, then WRINGS the arm out again! The fans rally for Fujita but Kanemaru drops a knee on the arm! And another, and another! Kanemaru has the top wristlock but Fujita endures!

Fujita fights around, reaches out, and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Kanemaru holds on. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru stomps Fujita, then stalks him to the ropes. Kanemaru brings Fujita up, but Fujita fires forearms! The fans rally but Kanemaru KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS it again! Kanemaru hammerlocks and scoops for another SLAM! The fans rally but Kanemaru covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans applaud. Kanemaru drags Fujita up, CLUBS him on the bad shoulder, then taunts Fujita while kicking him. Fujita fires forearms, but Kanemaru CLAWS the eyes!

The ref reprimands but Kanemaru reels Fujita in. Fujita fights the suplex, Kanemaru still tries, but it is Fujita who lifts! The bad arm won’t let him follow through and Kanemaru kicks! Kanemaru whips but Fujita reverses to LEG LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita goes to a corner, Kanemaru to the other. Fujita runs up and CHOPS! Fujita whips corner to corner, runs in, but Kanemaru puts him on the apron. Fujita ROCKS Kanemaru, then springboards, but Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Fujita stops from dropkicking the ref, then pushes the ref aside. Kanemaru tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Kanemaru crawls to a corner and watches Fujita rise. Kanemaru runs up, but Fujita drop toeholds! DEATHLOCK, and Fujita wants arms! Kanemaru crawls, reaches out, but Fujita grabs that arm! And the other! Fujita pulls Kanemaru back into the SURFBOARD! Kanemaru endures, Fujita reaches further up, NEMOS SPECIAL!! But Kanemaru bends Fujita’s fingers back to break the facelock! The ref reprimands but both men let the other go! The fans rally as Fujita rises up, and he goes back for Kanemaru to waistlock! Deadlift, but Kanemaru fights free! Kanemaru kicks, runs, but into the waistlock!

Fujita pops Kanemaru around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives, Fujita roars, and the fans fire up! Fujita drags Kanemaru up and brings him around for a suplex. ABANDON- NO, Kanemaru cradles! TWO, and Kanemaru victory rolls Fujita! TWO, and Fujita HEEL KICKS Kanemaru down! The fans fire up again as Fujita brings Kanemaru up, but here comes Sanada! Cold Blooded has his guitar but the ref stops him! That lets SHO sneak in and LOW BLOW Fujita!! The fans boo, and Yujiro Takahashi even shows up! PIMP CANE ATTACK!! Down goes Fujita and now Sanada leaves the ref alone.

The fans tell the House to go home, but Kanemaru suplexes! TOUCH OUT BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Kanemaru wins!

Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)

Same old tricks indeed! The House of Torture helps the Heel Master steal this one away, will the deck just keep being stacked? Can Fujita rise back up and still make the finals?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Clark Connors!

The Time Splitter had a rough start but he’s turned it around to be one of the frontrunners in this race. Meanwhile, War Dog Racing has dropped back, but he isn’t done yet! Could Connors be the lucky dog that makes up his lost lap? Or will Kushida hit that 88 miles per hour Back to the Future?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, and Connors backs up to the corner. Kushida backs off, the two reset, and they circle again. They tie up, and Kushida manages to power Connors to a corner. The ref counts, Kushida lets off slowly, and then backs away. The fans cheer the sportsmanship while the two reset. They tie up again and Kushida trips Connors to have the legs! Kushida SLAPS and CLUBS Connors into giving up the arms, for the SEATED SURFBOARD! Connors endures, so Kushida stands and turns him over into the motorcycle stretch! Connors fights to the ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer and Kushida lets go. The two reset, and then Connors KNEES low! Connors CLUBS away on Kushida, then has him on the ropes. Connors KICKS the ropes to jam Kushida up, then Connors CLAWS at the eyes! The ref reprimands, Connors stops, and Kushida writhes. Connors drags Kushida up to CHOP, then he whips. Kushida reverses, hip tosses, and handsprings to basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, and Kushida scoops to SLAM! Connors writhes, his back still hurting from facing Hiromu. Kushida runs corner to corner, slides and trips Connors, then YANKS him into the post! Now Connors’ wild rhino will be hurting!

The ref reprimands as Kushida pulls on Connors’ legs. Kushida lets go, then stalks Connors on the outside. Kushida CLUBS Connors’ back, then brings him to a corner. Connors and Kushida tug-o-war, and Connors YANKS Kushida into the POST! Connors huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Kushida up. Connors snap suplexes Kushida to the floor! Rather double-edged for Connors and his bad back, but he just powers through. The ring count starts, Kushida crawls away, but Connors looks under the ring. Connors brings out Wheel-san! But Connors is wary of his little friend after what happened last time. The count is 10 of 20 but Connors refreshes it.

Connors runs up on Kushida, but Kushida FLATLINERS him onto a chair! Kushida goes for Wheel-san! The fans rally as Kuhida picks it up, but both ref and Connors tell him not to do it! Connors runs away as Kushida CHUCKS Wheel-san! Then Connors comes back to JEEP FLIPPER! Kushida hits the apron and the fans fire up! Connors looks to Wheel-san and decides he can trust the tire again. Connors brings Wheel-san around and JAMS Kushida up! And then he goes wild hitting the Young Lions with Wheel-san! Connors shouts, “WHEEL-SAN!” and the fans fire up. Connors then uses a Young Lion as a brake so he can stand Wheel-san up.

Connors drags Kushida over and pushes him down onto Wheel-san for a backbreaker rack! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands, and Connors lets go of Kushida. The ring count starts and Connors drags Kushida up at 5 to put in at 6. The fans applaud while Kushida crawls. Connors storms up, CLUBS Kushida on the back, and then has him against the ropes. Connors CLUBS Kushida again, but Kushida fires body shots. Kushida KNEES low, runs, but Connors SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans cheer while Connors has a wild look in his eyes. Connors goes to the corner, the fans bark, and Connors runs in. Kushida sunset flips the spear! TWO!!

Kushida stands, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Connors ducks ‘n ‘dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Connors rise, and Kushida KICKS away on Connors’ back! Kushida whips, Connors reverses, but Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Kushida hurries back up, runs in at the corner, and he SHOTEIS! Connors sputters but Kushida puts him up top. Kushida climbs and SUPER STEINERS! But Connors sunset flips through! TWO!! Kushida escapes, hurries to get a leg, ANKLE LOCK! Connors breaks free, goes to the corner, but Kushida returns, only for Connors to BOOT him!

Connors runs, Kushida drops down, HIP TOSS into the ARMBAR! Connors clasps hands, Kushida pries the grip free, and he has the ARMBAR!! Connors flails, fights around, but Kushida reels him into a TRIANGLE HOLD! The fans fire up as Connors endures and fights around! Kushida throws elbows and Connors fades! The ref checks, and Connors gets his second wind! Kushida squeezes as tight as he can, but Connors deadlifts, only for the bad back to give up! Kushida has the ARMBAR, then the DISARMER!! Connors reaches back, ROPEBREAK with a foot! Kushida lets go in frustration while the fans cheer.

Connors sputters against the ropes but Kushida goes to the apron. Kushida climbs, leaps, and KNEES Connors’ arm! Connors hobbles, Kushida runs up, but Connors avoids the Hoverboard! Connors fires body shots, but Kushida KICKS! And KICKS! And then somersaults, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up, but Connors puts one out! NO CHASER!! Cover, Connors wins!!

Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)

War Dog Racing comes through in the clutch! Will Connors still manage to make A Block 100 Proof? Can Kushida still reach the finish line after taking this hit?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira w/ Great-O-Khan VS Dragon Dia!

The Crown of Fire isn’t feeling so hot after losing to Master Wato, but neither is the Infinite Carat Diamond after being hit with a Hoverboard. Who reignites and shines bright here in round six?

The bell rings and Akira SHOTGUNS Dia down! The fans fire up as Akira stomps a mudhole into Dia, then stands him up. Akira CHOPS, fires up, and the fans are with him! Akira whips corner to corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him away! Dia runs, slides, and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Akira bails out, and Dia PLANCHAS! Dia stomps away on Akira now and the fans cheer! Dia CLUBS Akira, but Akira ROCKS Dia! Dia CHOPS Akira, but Akira CHOPS back! Dia felt that one! Akira eggs Dia on and the CHOPS keep going! Red Shoes reprimands but the CHOPS just keep going!

Dia whips Akira at the ring, but Akira Tiger Feint Kicks in return! Akira has fans clear out and he brings Dia up. The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as he BOWLS Dia into chairs! STRIKE! Akira drags Dia up from the chairs, brings him back to ringside, and pushes him into the ring. Cover, but Red Shoes is not one for shenanigans. Akira is annoyed but he clamps onto Dia with a chinlock. Dia endures, even as Akira wraps his arm up and grabs the other. Akira makes Dia into a RECLINER! Dia endures and the fans rally! Akira sits up but Dia has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets off. Khan coaches Akira and he drags Dia up.

Akira eggs Dia on, and Dia chops! Akira eggs Dia on, and now Dia CHOPS! And CHOPS! Akira CHOPS back! Akira then scoops, SLAMS, and covers, TWO! Akira STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Akira stays cool as Dia crawls. Akira kicks Dia, eggs him on, kicks him more, and Dia rises. Dia CHOPS, Akira fires up with that, and he tells Dia to bring it! Dia CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Akira CHOPS Dia down! The fans cheer while Akira paces. Akira stands Dia up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, only for Dia to BOOT and RANA! The fans rally while both men are down! Dia growls as he rises while Akira goes to a corner.

Dia storms up, CHOPS Akira, and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Dia whips corner to corner, runs in, but Akira puts him on the apron. Dia trips Akira up, then slingshots for the TORNILLO SENTON! The fans rally up and Dia dials it up, but Akira ducks the 619! But Dia SOBATS, LEG SWEEPS, and STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Akira moves! Akira STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS, and then Dia LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Dia and he goes to the corner. Dia climbs and watches Akira rise. Akira ROCKS Dia first! Akira climbs up, clinches, but Dia fires shots! They fight for control, and Dia CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!

Akira hops down, Dia BOOTS him away, then D D- NO, Akira dodges the 4D! Dia mule kicks, runs, and REPTILI- NO, Akira catches Dia! Dia fights through Speedfire to ENZI- NO, Akira ducks, runs, but into the ENZIGIRI! Akira rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks and both men stir. Khan coaches Akira and the fans join in, “A! KI-RA!” Akira drags Dia over, facelocks, and SPEED- NO, Dia fights the spin attack by hooking a leg! Akira KNEES him low, KNEES again, but then Dia sidesteps to roll-up! TWO, and into the ghost pin! TWO, and LA MAGISTROL stuffed! TWO!!

Dia SOBATS Akira in the face! Akira sputters, Dia roars, and the fans fire up! Dia climbs the corner again, takes aim, and D D D D- SUPERKICK!! Akira stops the 4D again, and he crawls away to a corner. The fans rally again, and Akira takes aim. Akira runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Then he brings Dia around, SPEED- NO, Dia slips free, REPTILI- NO, Akira slips free, SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Dia survives and Akira is in disbelief! Akira falls back to the corner, the fans rally up again, and Akira runs in! NOVA- NO, Dia PELES first! And then he runs up, slips around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!

Dia roars, runs, REPTILIAN, but Akira pops him off! Akira wants the Ground Tarantula! Akira drags Dia down into the twisted hold, and DIA TAPS! AKIRA WINS!!

Winner: Francesco Akira, by submission (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)

The Infinite Carat Diamond could not withstand the pressure, and the Crown of Fire even tells Nick Wayne on English commentary to watch himself. Will Akira conquer the whole A Block for the United Empire? Can Dia still shine in the light?

Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Robbie X!

The Way of the Grandmaster and Mr. X are both on the rise, but now they’re in each other’s way. Will Wato remind us why he was the 2023 Best of the Super Juniors? Or will there be no avoiding the X Express?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Robbie gets the fans to bark for the War Dogs, but there are plenty of “WATO! WATO!” chants. Wato and Robbie approach, back away, then feel things out. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, go back and forth, then Wato puts Robbie on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break but Robbie turns things around first. Robbie then pushes Wato and taunts him as “Master D*ckhead.” The two reset, tie up again, and they’re in a deadlock. Wato headlocks, Robbie pulls hair then powers out, but Wato RUNS him over! Robbie kips up smooth, and then CHOPS! And ROCKS, and CHOPS!

Robbie fires more forearms, then winds up, but Wato ducks the haymaker to SOBAT! Wato runs, Robbie drops down and hurdles, but Wato RANAS! Robbie flounders to a corner and the fans fire up. Wato runs in, Robbie dodges, but then Wato BOOTS Robbie! Wato BULLDOGS Robbie and the fans fire up again! Robbie checks his nose but Wato rolls him into the VENDEVAL! Robbie scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls the break, Wato lets go, but then Wato stomps Robbie! Wato brings Robbie up, CHOPS him to the corner, but Robbie eggs him on. Wato CHOPS, Robbie fires a forearm, repeat! Wato CHOPS then stomps Robbie down!

Wato whips Robbie corner to corner, runs in again, but Robbie puts him on the apron. Wato blocks a shot to ROCK Robbie, then he springboards, only for Robbie to trip him up! Robbie has Wato dangling on the ropes, and he KICKS Wato to the floor! The fans rally and Robbie goes out after Wato. Robbie tells fans to clear out, and he brings Wato up. Robbie whips and BOWLS Wato into chairs! STRIKE! The fans applaud and Robbie goes to fetch Wato. Robbie drags Wato up, and he tells more fans to move! Robbie brings Wato up, Wato fights back, but Robbie still runs and whips Wato into more chairs! STRIKE!

The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie fetches Wato again. Robbie fishhooks Wato, then drags him up. The ring count starts but Robbie SMACKS Wato! Robbie refreshes the count, then he SMACKS Wato off the apron! And now he wants the fans to again clear out? Robbie uses the aisle to run and DRIVEBY DROPKICK Wato! Wato falls and the fans applaud Robbie as he stands on the apron. The ring count starts again but Robbie drags Wato up at 7 of 20. Robbie puts Wato in at 10, the fans applaud as Robbie then stalling slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives the #SilverBullet and the fans rally up again.

Robbie winds the jack in the box to flip off fans, but Wato fires body shots. Robbie grabs Wato’s arm, steps over, and he BITES the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, Robbie stops at 4, and Wato clutches his hand. Robbie argues with Red Shoes, then he stands on Wato’s fingers! Red Shoes reprimands, but Robbie STOMPS Wato’s hands! The fans are torn but Red Shoes reprimands more. Robbie covers, TWO! Wato stays in this, but Robbie KICKS him in the back. Robbie kicks Wato around, CHOPS him again, and Wato falls! Robbie talks trash that Wato is nothing! Robbie runs, but Wato scoops and BACKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Wato clutches his hand, Robbie writhes, and the fans rally up. Robbie goes to the corner, runs up, but Wato DECKS him! And ELBOWS him! Wato whips to CALF KICK! The fans cheer and Robbie bails out, so Wato builds speed! Wato FLIES, and down goes Robbie! The fans fire up and Wato roars! Wato goes back to Robbie, stands him up and puts him in the ring. Wato aims, springboards, and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Wato brings Robbie up and wrenches. Wato hooks Robbie up but Robbie fights Recientemente! Robbie fireman’s carry, but Wato sunset flips it, into VENDEVAL!!

Robbie endures, even as Wato thrashes around! Robbie rocks the boat, fights his way around, and he refuses to give up! ROPEBREAK!! Wato lets go while the fans applaud. Robbie clutches his arm, but Wato fires up again! The fans cheer and Wato brings Robbie around. Wato whips but Robbie blocks by grabbing ropes! Wato ROCKS Robbie, whips, but Robbie reverses to SOBAT! Wato drops back to a corner, Robbie runs in, but Wato BOOTS! Robbie turns around to LARIAT! Robbie puts Wato’s leg in the ropes to KICK it, then he SPIN KICKS Wato! Robbie snapmares and STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Wato survives and the fans fire up!

Robbie huffs ‘n’ puffs and shakes out his arms. Robbie hobbles his way over, drags Wato back up, and reels him in. Wato fights the lift, Robbie stomps him down! Robbie stomps Wato again, then drags Wato up. Wato still fights the lift, wrenches out, but Robbie dodges to handspring! But Wato catches Robbie! Robbie ELBOWS free, ROCKS Wato, but runs into a BOOT! Wato avoids the Pele, to then tilt-o-whirl and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives and the fans fire up while both men are down! Robbie rolls away to the apron but Wato joins him. Wato drags Robbie up, but Robbie fires a forearm!

Wato fires a forearm back, but Robbie fires another! They brawl on the edge, and they are both running on fumes! The forearms keep going, the fans rally up, and Wato gets the edge! Robbie flips Wato off, but Wato KICKS him in the chest! Robbie flops into the ring, but then slingshots to APRON CUTTER!! Both men flop down, but Wato falls to the floor while Robbie rolls into the ring! The fans rally and the count starts. But then Robbie goes up, up, and ESCALARA! Down goes Wato and the fans fire up! Robbie hobbles back up, rolls into the ring, and he wants the ring count! Red Shoes starts the count while Wato writhes.

Wato is still down at 5 of 20, then at 10. Robbie wants it to go faster, but Wato stirs at 12. Wato slowly rises, but we hit 15! Wato stands at 17! Wato springs in at 19! Robbie springboards to COAST2COAST!! And then a lift for the SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives and Robbie can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Robbie drags Wato around. Wato is in the drop zone and Robbie goes up! The fans rally as Robbie vows to end this! X EXPRESS onto knees!! Wato saves himself, and he fires back up! The fans rally and Wato brings Robbie in, TSUT- NO, Robbie victory rolls, only for Wato to roll it back! TWO!!

Both men hurry back up, exhausted as they are, and Wato spins, but into Robbie’s SUPERKICK! Robbie handsprings, but into the roll-up! TWO!! Robbie is up, he ducks a roundhouse to PELE! Wato stays up, but Robbie adds his SPIN KICK!! Handspring, but Wato waistlocks! TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!? Robbie survives and the fans are thunderous! Wato roars, he vows to end this! Wato drags Robbie up and the fans are behind him! Wrench and clinch, RECIENTEMENTE SECOND!!! Cover, WATO WINS!!

Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)

Robbie put Wato to the test, and in the end, Wato solved for X! With Robbie and Connors both at 3-3, will the War Dogs fail to take the block?

As for Wato, he now leads the block! After he has the belt and the mic, he says, “Hold on a moment. Wato a second. Stay until the end here.” Wato wants to make sure Robbie and the fans don’t just exit. Wato thanks them for staying, and he thanks the fans for coming today. Wato says, “I’d like to make this declaration now.” Oh? “I couldn’t go back to back last year, but after one year off, I’ll win this year.” The fans applaud that! Wato says that along with the tag titles, there is one other thing he needs. The fans have an idea what that is, but Wato says, “The IWGP Junior Heavyweight title that El Desperado has. I will win this tournament and use that as my chance and come for you.”

The fans applaud Wato wanting after his old rival and teammate, and Wato says with the singles title wrapped around his waist, he will return here, sell out this place, and sell out every building on his way to the Tokyo Dome. He wants to see the best sights possible! The fans applaud, and Wato says, “It is us, the Junior Heavyweights, that will make NJPW the best it’s ever been, and I will be the man at the center.” And while it has been awhile, he will close with his signature. In English, “I will be the Grandmaster!” The fans applaud, are we about to see Wato prove he is truly the Best of the Super Juniors?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Master Wato: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-3, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-3, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-3, 6 points
Kosei Fujita: 3-3, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
KUSHIDA: 3-3, 6 points
Ninja Mack: 2-4, 4 points

My Thoughts:

A great night for NJPW, and I am very grateful they’re downsizing round 6 so that it is only one block. Ten matches on one card was a lot to get done. Hiromu winning by submission was a bit surprising, but I appreciate it. I once said for Kazuchika Okada adding Money Clip to his moveset, that can help with career longevity. No need to do the high impact moves all the time, the holds are ironically less wear ‘n’ tear on the body. And in the end, the block is looking pretty wild. Mack is the only 2-4, Wato is 4-2, and everyone else is 3-3 so there are still a lot of possibilities for semifinalists. Great win for Wato over Robbie, and it would be something if the 2023 and 2024 BOSJ winners met to see who becomes the 2025 winner.

My Score: 8.9/10