The Forbidden Door is in sight!

Four days before Forbidden Door, Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland will each be in action to sharpen their teeth before fighting for The Owen Cup!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta w/ Marina Shafir VS #BRODIDO y Mistico; Moxley, Claudio & Yuta win.
• AEW TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest Qualifier: Harley Cameron VS Marina Shafir; Harley wins and advances.
• Will Ospreay VS El Phantasmo; Ospreay wins.
• Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Daniel Garcia; Swerve wins.
• Zack Sabre Jr. VS “Jungle” Jack Perry; ZSJ wins.
• The Young Bucks VS Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito; The Bucks win.
• AEW TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest Qualifier: Red Velvet VS Queen Aminata; Aminata wins and advances.
• AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ricochet w/ The Demand; Konosuke wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Death Riders and Will Ospreay prepare backstage.

Jon Moxley says, “We might go down sometimes, but we don’t stay down.” Moxley pats Ospreay on the chest, so Daniel Garcia also pats Moxley on the chest. Moxley says tonight, live TV, pro-wrestling, the sport of kings, this is what they live for! Have your teammates’ back, don’t stop moving forward! Let’s go! The others bring Ospreay in for the rugby huddle and they fire up! Ospreay falls over, though… Ospreay laughs it off as Marina Shafir helps him up, and now Moxley and the team heads out. Will AEW once again belong to The Death Riders? Or will there be a major hiccup before Forbidden Door?

Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta w/ Marina Shafir VS #BRODIDO y Mistico!

The trios sort out and The Decoder starts against The Most Wanted. The fans cheer for Bandido already, but also for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this match. The two tie up, clinch, and Yuta slips through, spins Bandido, and wrenches to a cording hold. Bandido fires body shots, then steps over to flip up and over! But Yuta gets the cording hold back! Yuta arm-drags Bandido to then grab a leg for the HALF CRAB! Bandido endures but Yuta ties the legs up and drops an elbow onto his back! Yuta puts pressure on the leglock but Bandido drags him down. Bandido stands Yuta up to arm-drag, and arm-drag again!

Yuta avoids the third and the fans boo. Yuta soaks up the heat, goes for an arm, but Bandido kips up to wrench and handspring! Bandido whips, hurdles, then drops down! Yuta leaps over but Bandido handsprings! Yuta gets clear, but the finger gun stares him down! The fans cheer that, and things keep moving! Bandido RANAS through and the fans fire up! Yuta scrambles, Bandido dares Moxley to step up, and the fans cheer for that. Yuta tags Moxley and we get a preview of the Continental Championship match this Sunday. They tie up, Moxley waistlocks, but Bandido switches. Moxley switches, Bandido headlocks, but Moxley steps on Bandido’s leg.

Moxley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Bandido goes to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Moxley shoves but Bandido shoves back. Moxley kicks low, puts Bandido in the corner, then fires hands. Tag to Claudio and he stomps a mudhole away! The ref counts, Claudio stops at 4, but that lets Yuta pull hair! The fans boo, but Marina gets a shot in, too! Claudio ROCKS Bandido, whips corner to corner, and Claudio pops Bandido up, but Bandido RANAS! The fans fire up as Bandido hot tags Mistico! Mistico dodges, springboards, and FLYING ELBOWS! Mistico keeps going, but Claudio puts him on the apron. Mistico blocks a shot to GAMANGIRI!

Claudio shakes it off, runs back up, but Mistico GAMANGIRIS again! Mistico springboards, but into a BACKBREAKER! The fans are torn as Claudio looms over Mistico. Claudio grabs the legs, YANKS Mistico up, but Mistico lands out to arm-drag Claudio! Then Mistico ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DEJA VU RANA! The fans fire up, and Mistico tags Brody! The fans bark as Brody storms up to his rival. The fans fire up as the forearms fire back and forth, fast ‘n’ furious, hard ‘n’ heavy! But then Yuta & Moxley CLOBBER Brody, then BLAST Bandido y Mistico! The fans boo but Brody CHOPS Yuta, then CHOPS Moxley!

Brody CHOPS Claudio, too, then knuckle locks with Claudio and Moxley! Brody goes up the ropes, and ARABIAN  PRESS DOUBLE ARM-DRAGS!! The fans are thunderous as Brody shows he can lucha, too! Mistico y Bandido jump in, and with Brody, they all build speed! TRIPLE DIVES onto The Death Riders! The fans are thunderous again as Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Bandido taunts Marina because she can’t do anything to them. Brody then fetches Claudio into the ring, and he whips Claudio to a corner. Brody CHOPS Claudio, then calls to the team. Mistico tags in, he winds up and CHOPS Claudio! Claudio is stinging but Mistico tags Bandido. Bandido winds up, and he CHOPS, CHPOS, CHOPS! Bandido goes all the way to nueve, then winds up, but Claudio CLOBBERS him first! Claudio tags Moxley and Moxley slides to get Bandido’s legs. Moxley drags Bandido over, tags in Yuta, and they split the wishbone! Yuta steps over for the spinning toehold! Then Yuta ties up the legs in a DEATHLOCK!

Yuta stands to put on the pressure, and he even talks trash. Bandido endures, bridging to keep his shoulders off the mat, and then he CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Yuta bridges to put on more pressure! Tag to Moxley and he stomps Bandido down! The ref reprimands but Yuta bails out while Moxley drags Bandido up. Moxley takes Bandido’s hand, he wraps the arm around ropes, and pulls! The ref counts, Moxley stops at 4, and Bandido drops back. Moxley slaps Bandido around to toy with him, then stomps the bad hand! Bandido flounders but Moxley drags him up. Bandido CHOPS Moxley! Moxley CHOPS Bandido! Tag to Claudio and he kicks low.

Claudio stomps Bandido, UPPERCUTS, and Dynamite returns to single picture. Claudio tags Moxley but both Moxley and Yuta step in, and they start up the Cycle of Violence! UPPERCUT, LARIAT, ELBOW, repeat! The fans rally for Bandido but Yuta tops it off with a BIG suplex! Moxley covers, TWO! Bandido toughs it out but Moxley DECKS him with a forearm. Moxley waits on Bandido, eggs him on, and Bandido CHOPS! Moxley DECKS him again! The fans rally, Moxley talks trash, but Bandido rises again. Bandido CHOPS, but Moxley DECKS him! Bandido rises again and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, but Moxley just KNEES low!

Moxley runs, but into a DROPKICK! Moxley staggers around, he hobbles his way over, hot tag to Claudio! But then hot tag to Mistico! Mistico springboards to CROSSBODY! Mistico keeps going, he dodges Yuta and sends Claudio into him! Yuta ends up on ropes, then he dodges Claudio to 619 Yuta! Then a springboard and FLYING RANA on Claudio! Mistico just keeps moving, and he RANAS Yuta outta the ring! Mistico ducks ‘n’ dodges Claudio to then SUNEST BOMB! Cover, Moxley breaks it! The fans boo but Moxley hurries away. Claudio scoops Mistico, Mistico slips free, tag to Brody! Brody ROCKS Claudio!

Claudio goes to a corner, he dodges Brody, hot tag back t Moxley! Moxley dodges to jump on Brody’s back for a SLEEPER! The fans rally as Brody endures, and he RAMS Moxley into a corner! Brody stomps a mudhole, the fans fire up, and Brody barks it up. Brody runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Moxley sputters, Brody brings him up, but Claudio hurries in! Claudio UPPERCUTRS Brody! Bandido runs up but Claudio ELBOWS him! Claudio reels Bandido in, but Bandido powers up to suplex Claudio! The fans fire up again, but Yuta slides in and BUSAIKU KNEES! Mistico DROPKICKS Yuta out!

Moxley TOSSES Mistico but Brody LARIATS Moxley! The fans fire up again, and Brody looms over Moxley. Brody reels Moxley in but Marina gets on the apron! This lets Claudio BELT SHOT Brody!! The fans boo but Moxley rolls Brody, Death Riders win!

Winners: Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta, by pinfall

The numbers game wins it for The Death Riders again, letting them rebound from that loss last week. However, when it is truly 1v1, will Moxley be able to escape The Outlaw? Or will Bandido make himself the NEW double champion?

Backstage interview with Team Briscoe.

Renee Paquette is with Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin & Konosuke Takeshita as she brings up the huge weekend ahead with Forbidden Door, the 6v6 inside the steel cage. Do they feel ready for that? Darby says he’ll be real, he doesn’t feel ready at all. But the truth is, they don’t have time to waste. This is Mark’s opportunity to become world champion. Darby told them all he’d do anything he could to make sure they win. He hopes they all do the same. Roddy says of course. And Don Callis Family, as much as Roddy hates you, he doesn’t hate you nearly as much as he does MJF! He will never forgive MJF for what he did to ADAAAAM~!

Orange adds that he’ll make sure they all have backpacks for the match, and they can put whatever they want in ’em. Pretty sure Konosuke will have the International Championship inside that backpack, especially after he beats Ricochet tonight. And that’s kinda it. Kyle asks wait, where is Mark? Where is the man leading them into battle this Sunday? Kyle is being rhetorical as he tells us, “Oh don’t you worry, sickos. Mark will be in the middle of that ring tonight to give the whole world a piece of his mind.” The team heads out, though Cassidy lingers. Is he okay? It’s fine. It’s fine. Wait, as in…? Cassidy and Renee both hurry away, will a certain Problem Child show up tonight?

AEW TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest Qualifier: Harley Cameron VS Marina Shafir!

The Wild Aussie watched Kris Statlander win her way into the TBS Championship match, and now she hopes to do the same. But first, Harley has to solve The Problem that is Marina Shafir. Will Rio Rancho #FeelTheWrath? Or will Marina look to add the TBS Championship to the Death Riders’ collection?

But Harley isn’t even in the ring before Marina KICKS her in the stomach! So much for that Supergirl inspired ring gear, Marina might be Harley’s Doomsday or something here. Marina storms after Harley, the bell rings, and Marina whips Harley to then KICK her down! Marina hushes the fans while Harley coughs and sputters. Marina kicks Harley to ropes, brings her around, and whips her to ropes. Harley ducks under a kick, waistlocks, but Marina shifts to SAYANAGI! Marina then top mounts, and she tells Harley to just relax. Marina SMOTHERS Harley, but  Harley kicks free! Harley gets the leg, HALF CRAB!

The fans fire up as Marina turns over, and she BOOTS Harley away! Harley goes to the apron, Marina pursues, but Harley KNEES Marina down! The fans fire up as Harley builds speed, and she WRECKS Marina with a dropkick! The fans fire up for Harley, she looks to the title, then she gets another running start off the apron! CROSSBODY! Down goes Marina again and the fans fire up with #SuperHarley! Harley then brings Marina up, puts her in the ring, and climbs a corner. The fans cheer but Marina KICKS the legs out! Marina KICKS Harley while she’s up top, then she fireman’s carries for a DEATH VALLEY BOMBS!

The fans boo but Marina soaks up heat from while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Marina taunts Harley, then takes off her boots. Marina is in barefoot mode, and she digs her foot into Harley’s face! The ref counts, Marina steps off, and Harley coughs and sputters from having toes in her nose. Marina goes to whip but Harley blocks by holding ropes. Marina KICKS and trips Harley! Harley flounders away but Marina is after her again. Marina ties up the legs, then reels Harley into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW STRETCH! Harley endures, pops free, and covers, ONE! Marina BOOTS Harley! Harley flounders again but Marina brings her back up. Marina CHOPS Harley to a corner, then KCISK her in the butt!

Marina is toying with Harley now as she steps on her in the corner. The ref counts, Marina steps off at 4, and she talks some trash. Marina CLAWS Harley’s face, the ref counts, but Marina counts along. Marina stops at 4, and she lets Harley flounder away again. Marina stalks Harley to ropes, scowls as she stands over her, then stands her up. Harley fires a forearm but Marina eggs her on. Harley fires more shots but Marina says DO BETTER! Then she SMACKS Harley! Harley sputters, but Marina whips her corner to corner. Harley hits buckles hard then falls to the mat. Marina stays close, a smirk on her face.

Marina pushes Harley to the corner, stands her back up, and climbs up to rain down fists. Dynamite returns to single picture, but Marina only goes to five before she SAYANAGIS Harley! And SAYANAGIS again! And again! Marina continues to throw Harley around, until Harley can’t even stand! Marina is amused, and she shakes Harley’s hand before she KICKS her! Marina KICKS Harley again, and again, and again! But Harley ducks to PUMP HANDLE BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up but Marina is already up! Marina drags Harley up, but Harley ROUNDHOUSES! The fans fire up as Harley then runs in and SPLASHES!

Harley climbs up, and she rains down fists! The fans count, and Harley fires a flurry WAY PAST TEN! The fans fire up with every extra shot, and Harley finally stops to whip. Marina reverses but Harley LARIATS! The fans cheer as Harley rises and goes to a corner. Harley runs up on Marina, but into a BOOT! Marina brings Harley around, KNEES her again and again, and again, then lets Harley fall to the mat. Marina paces around, a shark with blood in the water. Marina says feel this wrath. But Harley DRAGON SCREWS into a HALF CRAB! Marina endures, fights her way around, REAR NAKED CHOKE! But Harley rolls it back with a leg hooked! HARLEY WINS!!

Winner: Harley Cameron, by pinfall (advances to the TBS Championship match)

Marina is surprised, but also impressed. Survival of the Fittest isn’t solely about strength and skill, but the will to survive. Will that heart help Harley finally have gold all her own?

AEW hears from the Women’s Owen Hart Tournament finalists.

Maya World says, “From my teacher to my idol. Mercedes, I’ve been waiting my whole career for this moment.” But The CEO “congratulates” Maya on this accomplishment, reaching the finals by beating her teacher, Athena. But Mone is NOT her teacher, she is her boss, b*tch! And this may be Maya’s dream match, but this will not be her Cinderella story. Maya says she IS “The It Girl,” and this is it! Mone says there will be no sympathy cards, no happy endings. Dreams don’t win championships, Mone does. Both women are ready, but who will win The Cup at Forbidden Door?

Well before then, we have a tag team tune-up on Collision! Mone teams with Athena while Maya’s friend, Hyan, steps in! Will the #CEOverlords crush Maya’s dreams already? Or can she and the Renaissance Woman derail the Money Train before reaching San Jose?

Will Ospreay VS El Phantasmo!

Speaking of the Owen Hart Tournament, one of the Men’s Tournament finalists is ready to tune-up and lock in! Will the Aerial Assassin be ready for whatever Swerve Strickland is going to throw at him? Or will the Headbanga prove he’s better than All Elite?

The bell rings and the fans fire up. The two shake hands to show there is sportsmanship, and they tie up. ELP wrenches, hammerlocks, then cravats. Ospreay breaks free and the fans applaud. The two go again, knuckle lock for a Test of Strength, but ELP kicks one open to wrench the other. ELP wrenches again and again, but Ospreay rolls, spins, and slips through to wrench and wristlock back. ELP rolls, trips Ospreay, then flips him over to tie up the legs. ELP has the BOW ‘N’ ARROW but Ospreay pops free quickly! Cover, ONE, and Ospreay arm-drags into the armlock. ELP headscissors, Ospreay kips free, and Ospreay sweeps to cover, ONE!

ELP ducks the buzzsaw, but Ospreay goes Matrix to avoid Sudden Death! The fans cheer as the two former rivals stand off. Ospreay and ELP reset, the fans duel, and the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. ELP headlocks, Ospreay powers up and out, but ELP RUNS him over! Only for Ospreay to kip up! Ospreay CHOPS ELP and ELP is stinging! Ospreay whips ELP, ELP grabs ropes, and ELP BOOTS Ospreay. ELP blocks Ospreay’s shot to CHOP back! ELP then goes up, up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS, but Ospreay handsprings through! The fans fire up as Ospreay then DROPKICKS ELP outta the ring!

The fans fire up again as Ospreay shouts “OI! OI! OI!” Ospreay aims, PLANCHAS, and down goes ELP! The fans fire up even more, Ospreay high-fives fans, then he puts ELP on the apron. The fans know “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay reels ELP in. ELP resists the lift, BACKDROPS Ospreay on the apron, and Ospreay slumps down. ELP goes up, up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Down goes Ospreay and the fans fire up again! ELP is feeling it now as Dynamite goes to break.

Dynamite returns as ELP has a chinlock on Ospreay. The fans rally as Ospreay endures and fights to his feet. Ospreay fires body shots, ROCKS ELP, but ELP THROWS Ospreay down by his hair. Only for Ospreay to kip up and ENZIGIRI! ELP wobbles and stumbles to the ropes, but he comes back, only for Ospreay to fire forearms! Ospreay whips, ELP reverses, but Ospreay handsprings to RED DOT KICK! Both men are down but Ospreay crawls to a cover, TWO! ELP toughs it out but Ospreay nods as the fans rally up. ELP goes to a corner, Ospreay goes to the other, and the fans cheer Ospreay on. Ospreay runs in, but ELP dodges to GAMANGIRI!

ELP goes up the ropes to then FLYING DDT! And he rolls through to suplex Ospreay, but into STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! But ELP is right up to INVERTED SUPLEX, and OSAKA STREET CUTTER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! A standing count begins, both men stir, and the fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this match possible, too! Both men rise at 5 of 10, and ELP crawls over to Ospreay. ELP gives him a junkyard dog headbutt, then a forearm! And another forearm! And another! Ospreay stands up and eggs ELP on. ELP ROCKS Ospreay, Ospreay DECKS ELP! The fans fire up as for that shot!

Ospreay paces around, he waits for ELP to sit up, then he ROCKS him with another forearm! And another! ELP grins and laughs it off. ELP stands but Ospreay fires another shot! ELP SLAPS Ospreay! Then he fires more palm strikes from all sides! Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks in return! And a CHOP! ELP staggers to ropes, the fans cheer, and Ospreay whips ELP to ropes. ELP reverses but Ospreay handsprings again! Only for ELP to catch him, steady himself, and have the torture rack! BURNING- NO, Ospreay lands out! Ospreay full nelsons, ELP elbows free, but Ospreay HOOK- NO, ELP ducks the kick! ELP mule kicks, but runs into the Tiger Wall Kick!

But ELP ENZIGIRIS first! ELP runs, but Ospreay catches him, SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay powers up the arm, takes aim, but ELP RANAS Ospreay down! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay stands, into SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives and ELP has a wild look in his eyes. The fans fire up again as ELP calls his shot. The fans are dueling as ELP tucks the arms, lifts, but Ospreay BACKDROPS free! ELP sunset flips, Ospreay rolls through to high stack, TWO! But into STYLES CLASH! The fans are thunderous and Ospreay aims again! HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, Ospreay wins!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

ELP gave as good as he got, but not quite on the level of Will Ospreay! Ospreay shows respect to ELP with a fist bump, but will Ospreay leave respect at the door when he faces Swerve on Sunday?

Well, speaking of, The Realest decides to make his entrance while Ospreay is on his way out. The fans are torn but now Swerve wants his turn. Will he show Ospreay that whatever he can do, Swerve can do better?

Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Daniel Garcia!

The bell rings and Garcia eggs Swerve on already. Swerve is amused, but then Garcia goes for a leg. Swerve stops the takedown, floats over and gut wrenches Garcia to facelock. Garcia fights up while the fans cheer “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Garcia powers up and out, but Swerve RUNS Garcia over! Garcia gets right up, shoves Swerve, but Swerve laughs it off. Swerve pie faces Garcia, Garcia pie faces, and then Swerve SLAPS Garcia! Garcia SLAPS right back! Swerve trips Garcia, CHOPS him while he’s down, then stomps and rains down shots! The fans rally while Swerve brings Garcia up and around.

Swerve whips Garcia hard into the corner, and Garcia slumps down. Swerve storms up on Garcia, BODY BLOWS, then follows him to a corner. Swerve ROCKS Garcia, stalks him to a corner, then CLAWS his back, just like the Death Riders would! Swerve CHOKES Garcia on the ropes, fishhooks his face, but stops as the ref counts. Garcia sputters, Swerve fireman’s carries, and Swerve HOTHOTS Garcia off the ropes! Then he runs to BOOT Garcia down! The fans fire up again while Garcia bails out, and Swerve goes to the apron. Swerve aims but Garcia blocks the kick1 swerve CLUBS away on Garcia, but Garcia trips him into the apron skirt!

The fans boo as Garcia WINDMILLS away on Swerve, then he grabs the leg! DRAGON SCREW! The ref reprimands Garcia while Swerve hobbles his way to the steps. Garcia CLAWS Swerve’s back, then has him take a seat against the barriers. Garcia fires forearms, then winds up to ROCK Swerve! Garcia gets space, then he runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Swerve into the railing! The fans are torn but Garcia goes back to the far side. Garcia takes a moment to refocus, and he runs back in, but Swerve FLYING HOUSE CALLS! The fans fire up as Garcia slumps down, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Swerve paces around while the ref tells him to get this in the ring. Nana argues with the ref, and Swerve brings Garcia over to the steel steps. Swerve puts Garcia’s hand on the steps, and stands on it! Garcia tries to fight free but Swerve STOMPS the hand first! Garcia clutches his fingers as he scrambles away, but Swerve goes after him at the railing. Swerve CLAWS Garcia’s face, then puts Garcia in the ring. Garcia flounders away but Swerve stalks him. Swerve brings Garcia up, fishhooks his face, but stops as the ref counts. Garcia sputters in the corner but Swerve KICKS his leg! Garcia flounders, Swerve stomps him and KICKS him again!

Swerve brings Garcia up by an ear, brings him around, and wrenches the arm to CHOP him down! Garcia sputters as he sits up but Swerve is right on him again. Swerve smothers Garcia to a cover, TWO! Garcia shakes his head as he toughs it out, but swerve says alright, keep fighting then. Garcia CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS as Dynamite goes to break!

Dynamite returns as Swerve is up top, and he aims at Garcia on the outside! The fans fire up, but Garcia moves, the stomps only hit the apron! Swerve hobbles, Garcia grabs a leg, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW in the ropes! The fans are torn but maybe so is Swerve’s leg! Garcia goes out, reels Swerve in, btu Swerve fights the driver! Swerve fireman’s carries Garcia, APRON DEATH VALLEY! Garcia sputters but the fans fire back up! Swerve still hobbles as he goes back for Garcia and pushes him into the ring. Swerve slides in, gator rolls, and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Garcia toughs it out, and now Swerve is more annoyed than amused.

Swerve says this is what Garcia gets for running his mouth so much. Swerve kicks Garcia around, scuffs him, but Garcia just gets mad. The fans rally for “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” but Garcia stands. Swerve DECKS him! Swerve eggs Garcia on, Garcia rises, and Swerve DECKS him again! Garcia rises again, but Swerve ROCKS him! Garcia rebounds to LARIAT! Swerve stays up, eggs Garcia on, and Garcia runs again. Garcia LARIATS, but Swerve doesn’t budge. Swerve wags his finger, Garcia goes again, but he fakes Swerve out! DROPKICK to the leg! Then a LARIAT! The fans are torn as both men are down! Garcia rises up with help of the ropes while Swerve goes to a corner.

Garcia runs up, blocks a kick, but Swerve powers through. Swerve ELBOWS Garcia, then somersaults, but into a FLAPJACK! And ANKLE LOCK! Garcia puts on the pressure but Swerve endures! Swerve reels Garcia in and ELBOWS him again! Swerve snarls, swings, but Garcia bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHPO BLOCK! Garcia brings Swerve up, reels him in, but Swerve fights the lift. Swerve grabs Garcia’s leg, weaves through, and BACKBREAKER! Then the lift and POWER POWER SLAM! Cover, TWO! Swerve is frustrated now as he glares at Garcia. Swerve hobbles to the corner, but he still takes aim. “Whose House?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”

Swerve runs, but the bad leg gives out! And Garcia puts up his dukes! Garcia reels Swerve in, lifts, and tucks the arms?! STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Garcia isn’t quite Phenomenal, but he goes for the legs! Swerve stops the step-through and BOOTS Garcia away! Swerve somersaults and FLATLINERS! The fans fire up as Swerve goes to the corner again. HOUSE CALL!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nana is shocked and Swerve is furious as Garcia survives! Swerve wants to climb, but then he looks to Garcia. Garcia sits up, Swerve mocks Ospreay! HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, Swerve wins!

Winner: Swerve Strickland, by pinfall

Swerve sends a message to Ospreay with how he ended things tonight! But now Swerve wants more! He HAMMERS away on Garcia, then traps an arm! Swerve grabs the other, but Ospreay rushes in! Swerve and Ospreay throw hands while the fans are thunderous! Swerve swings, misses, and the HOOK KICK finds him! Ospreay aims, runs up, but NANA trips him! HOUSE CALL!! The fans boo but Swerve drags Ospreay up and reels him in! The turn and- NO, Garcia saves Ospreay from the Vertebreaker! But then Swerve just scoops Garcia into the Inverted Gory Especial! VERTEBREAKER for Garcia!!

Ospreay is pissed, and he has a CHAIR! Swerve gets outta there now, and he points to the Owen Hart Cup. Will nothing stop Swerve from becoming the Most Dangerous King of Harts? Or will nothing stop Ospreay from living the All In: London dream?

Team #DCMJF speaks.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman is with Kevin Knight, Jake Doyle, Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher, Andrade El Idolo, Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, and the Jackal himself, Don Callis, as Callis says, “Only four days away until Forbidden Door, where the greatest all-star team of talent ever assembled, The DCMJF, shows all the cretinous humanoids in San Jose and around the world why we’re the best. Starting with big Jake Doyle, baby! He’s a killer! And then of course, the newest member of the Don Callis Family, the TNT Champ, Kevin Knight. Tell ’em, Jet.” The Jet asks Darby Allin if Double or Nothing was not enough for him.

If Darby skates his ass down to Forbidden Door, Knight swears he will send him back to the ER. And Max, once this playdate or whatever is over with, Knight wants his title shot. MJF says yeah, sure, kid, whatever you want. Callis says then, let’s not forget the greatest wrestler of the last FIVE THOUSAND YEARS, The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada! What’s Okada gotta say? Okada looks at the camera and says, “B*TCH!” And of course, Kyle Fletcher’s turn. The second that door is locked, The Protostar is after Konosuke Takeshita! And he will prove why the family never needed Konosuke, and why Kyle is the NEW Alpha!

Callis goes to introduce El Idolo, but MJF says yeah, we get it, Andrade’s next. MJF tells Mark Briscoe that the gap between the two of them is bigger than the gap between Mark’s teeth. And he’s not just talking about inside the squared circle. He’s talking about in life. MJF has never gone to bed hungry, he’s never worked a 9-to-5, hell! He’s never really had to work. No matter where MJF goes on Planet Earth, wherever he sits down, they put a napkin across his lap, put a 45 ounce porterhouse steak in front of him, and the hottest waitress you’ve ever seen is slipping him her number. And do you know why?

Because MJF was born with a white collar, and white collar always wins. Briscoe is just a blue collar b*tch! Sure, sometimes Briscoe gets lucky. MJF heard that “fat old p*ick,” Tony Schiavone, point out how MJF has never kicked out of the Jay Driller. But guess what? That is true, but that’s because MJF has never had to! He’s never let Briscoe hit the Jay Driller on him when the Triple B is on the line, and frankly, Briscoe never will. MJF and Callis have assembled the greatest team- MJF then finally notices RPG Vice. He asks why they’re here, and even Callis tells RPG Vice to shoo. Rocky & Trent are upset but they do as told.

And speaking of not being on the same page, MJF wants to bring up last week, where they were NOT on the same page. He will not name names, *cough* Andrade, but… They have figured out the perfect way to get them all working together as not just a team, but as a family. Callis claps for the production crew member, and he brings a duffel bag over. And from within the bag, TADA~! A “Team DCMJF” shirt! And it isn’t just a logo, it’s another of Callis’ overly muscular portraits, now of him and MJF. They’re all gonna be wearing one to the ring on Sunday! The team is… not sure about that…

Will this “all-star team” be able to work together better when there’s no need to tag in or out? Or is everything going to fall apart worse than last week?

Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS “Jungle” Jack Perry!

The Front Man accepted the challenge from Jungle Jack out of the same respect Jack spoke about when Jack was in NJPW. But will Tarzan Life be in full swing in Rio Rancho? Or will ZSJ make Jack #JustTapOut?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. ZSJ and Jack circle, feel things out, and clinch. ZSJ waistlocks, spins Jack, then cravats. Jack endures, rolls, but ZSJ keeps a facelock. Jack wrenches free, ZSJ rolls, and they go around and around. ZSJ wrenches the arm, wristlocks, and he smirks, Jack rolls, spins, and trips ZSJ to then float to a headlock, only for ZSJ to slip out the back. ZSJ traps one arm, turns Jack over to a cover, TWO! Jack escapes but ZSJ struts around him. The fans applaud while Jack gets back up. The two reset, and they circle again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and ZSJ brings Jack down to stand on a hand!

ZSJ grinds and twists Jack’s other arm, then turns him around for a standing surfboard. Jack endures, turns things around, but ZSJ turns it back around! Jack BITES the ropebreak! The fans cheer, ZSJ lets go quickly, and the fans rally up again. The two reset, feel things out, and tie up. Jack waistlocks, schoolboys, TWO, but Jack flips ZSJ while hooking a leg! TWO, Jack headlocks, but ZSJ powers up and out. Jack blocks the hip toss to body blow and flip over! Then an arm-drag to the cradle, roll, ghost pin! TWO!! ZSJ narrowly escapes, then he bails out, and the fans cheer while ZSJ applauds Jack’s skill level.

ZSJ paces while the ring count climbs. ZSJ steps back in while the fans rally up, and he resets with Jack. They knuckle lock, but then Jack CHOPS! Jack goes to the ropes, ARABIAN PRESS, but ZSJ stops the rest to drop down for the ARMBAR! Jack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but ZSJ STOMPS the arm! The ref reprimands but ZSJ doesn’t sweat it as he follows Jack outside. ZSJ grabs the arm and hammerlocks it. ZSJ aims but Jack sends ZSJ into the POST! Jack then uses the post to TIGER FEINT KICK! ZSJ falls but Jack hurries to get him in the ring. Jack fires up and the fans are with him ash e climbs the corner.

Jack deadlifts but ZSJ fights the superplex! ZSJ wrenches and PELES the arm! Jack falls back, ZSJ traps the arm in the ropes, and he BOOTS it! ZSJ says these are big boy tekkers, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

The ref checks Jack but his arm seems good enough to continue. ZSJ brings Jack up by his hair, UPPERCUTS him to the corner, then stands him up again. ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, but Jack CHOPS back! ZSJ snarls, grabs a leg, and he trips Jack up. ZSJ then shifts to get an arm, bend the fingers, and twist the wrist! Jack kicks but can’t get away as ZSJ bends and SNAPS the fingers! Jack clutches his hand while ZSJ soaks up cheers and jeers. ZSJ kicks Jack around, eggs him on, but Jack CHOPSS! ZSJ KICKS in return! And KICKS again! ZSJ stands Jack up, wrenches, but Jack fires forearms. ZSJ holds on, then wrenches through to step over! ZSJ traps that arm, and TWISTS!

Jack writhes while ZSJ paces around. The ref checks again but Jack doesn’t want this to stop the match. ZSJ waits on Jack as he shakes out the bad arm. ZSJ then brings Jack up and around, twists the wrist, but Jack fires body shots! ZSJ twists the wrist again! ZSJ spins Jack around to then wrench, hook a leg, and put on the pressure! Dynamite returns to single picture as Jack endures his arm being bent around, and his own hand being jammed into his side! The fans rally as Jack stands, but ZSJ PELES the arm! The fans rally, ZSJ runs up, but Jack ELBOWS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Then cravat for a SLICED BREAD!

The fans fire up as Jack shakes out the arm again. Mikey Nicholls coaches ZSJ, but Jack builds speed! Jack slides, wheelbarrows, but ZSJ turns that into an ARMBAR! Jack flails but ZSJ bends the fingers! The ref reprimands, this won’t win on the outside! ZSJ doesn’t seem to care, he just wants to do damage! The ref counts, ZSJ stops, and the ref tells him to win this in the ring! ZSJ takes a bow in apology per Japanese culture, then he tells the fans to calm down. ZSJ drags Jack up, bends the arm against the apron, then- NO, Jack avoids the stomp! ZSJ jams himself up, but then Jack ELBOWS ZSJ! Jack cravats again, APRON SLICED BREAD!!

The fans fire up for Jack as he goes up, up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULT! A hard landing but the fans fire up with Jack as he rises up! Jack puts ZSJ in the ring, slaps the bad arm, then runs for the- NO, ZSJ ducks the lariat to have the IRON OCTOPUS! ZSJ drags Jack down, GROUND OCTOPUS! Jack endures, flails, rolls, but ZSJ shifts to have the TRIANGLE HOLD! ZSJ squeezes tight, but Jack manages to stack! TWO, but Jack deadlifts ZSJ! The fans fire up as Jack lifts ZSJ for the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives, the bad arm could not do its part! “This is Awesome!” as Jack drags ZSJ up and reels him in.

Jack shakes the arms, tucks ZSJ, but ZSJ fights the lift. ZSJ slips around, SLEEPER! Jack drops back to roll to a cover, TWO! ZSJ has the victory roll, TWO! ZSJ has it again, ONE!! But into the SNARE TRAP!! The fans fire up as ZSJ endures! ZSJ wags his finger, he fights against the hold, and even eggs “Jungle Boy” on. ZSJ bends the bad arm, turns things over, and shifts to a double wristlock! Jack fights up and they go around. ZSJ whips, Jack hits the COMEBACKER! Jack then hurries to tuck ZSJ in, PACKAGE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again and Jack is frustrated. But he still has his legs!

Jack says time for a sacrifice! But ZSJ snatches the knee to turn things over! KNEEBAR and HEEL HOOK! Jack CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, but ZSJ shifts the angle, HALF CRAB! Then he grabs an arm and pulls it back! FUJIWARA CALF KILLER COMBO!! Jack QUITS, ZSJ wins!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, and they don’t go easy even on those they respect! ZSJ gets his win tonight, but will he get his win on Sunday? Well, it seems The Young Bucks want to change TMDK’s fortunes as they make their entrance already. Will Matt & Nick Jackson throw a Superkick Party on the doorstep of Forbidden Door? Or will Mad Mikey & Bad Dude Tito keep the momentum going?

The Young Bucks VS Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito!

Dynamite returns from break and this match finally begins. Matt and Mikey circle, but then Tito storms in and CLOBBERS Matt! Mikey BLASTS Nick while the fans boo, but TMDK fires off on The Bucks. They have The Bucks in corners for forearms, then they coordinate. TMDK whips, The Bucks dosido, and The Bucks DOUBLE DROPKICK! Then they LARIAT, dosido, and LARIAT again! Then high-five DOUBLE BULLDOG! The fans fire up with The Bucks as they focus on Tito. They double kick, then Nick runs to get the boost for the DROPKICK! Tito tumbles out and The Bucks DOUBLE LARIAT Mikey out to join him!

The fans fire up for The Bucks, they take aim, and DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down goes TMDK and the fans cheer again! The Bucks put TMDK back in the ring, then RAM shoulders into TMDK. The Bucks double slingshot, then they dodge, for STEREO ELBOWS! The Bucks kip up, the fans fire up, and Nick scoops Tito to SLAM him! Matt brings Mikey up, he scoops and SLAMS, and the fans rally up again. The Bucks climb up the corners, but TMDK gets back to their feet! Mikey trips Matt up while Tito catches Nick off the top! Tito then hits an EXPLODER! Nick tumbles away, Mikey LARIATS Matt in the corner! Tito adds an UPPERCUT!

Tito feeds Matt to Mikey for the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for The Bucks but Matt drags Matt up. Tito tags in, TMDK double whip, then they DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Not the cleanest but Tito covers, TWO! Tito drags Matt up, brings him around, and he tags Mikey back in. Tito back suplexes, Matt lands out! Mikey back suplexes, Matt lands out! Matt dodges Tito, fakes Mikey out to DDT, and the fans fire up again! Matt crawls, reaches out, hot tag to Nick! Nick goes up to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Nick then rallies with right hands back and forth. Tito kicks low, he and Mikey double whip, but Nick flips through the double hip toss to give them a meeting of the minds!

Nick knuckle locks Tito, CHOPS, then goes up, up, “LUCHA LIBRE~!” FLYING RANA ARM-DRAG COMBO! The fans fire up again as Nick hurries, tag to Matt! The Bucks aim at Mikey, “SUPERKICK PARTAAAY~!” Nick kicks a leg, Matt kicks a leg, then Nick SUPERKICKS Mikey down! Tito is back, he blocks a kick, but Matt ducks the spin! Nick sweeps Tito, and DOUBLE BASEMENT SUPERKICKS connect! Mikey is back but The Bucks dodge, then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Nick goes out to PENALTY KICK Tito! Matt scoops Mikey, Nick springboards, MELTZER DRIVER! Cover, Bucks win!

Winners: The Young Bucks, by pinfall

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can fall! But will The Bucks keep this party going when they face CMLL’s Mistico y Mascara Dorada and NJPW’s Shingo Takagi & Titan? OH NO, TMDK comes back for revenge! The fans boo as ZSJ helps mug Matt & Nick! Tito stomps away on Nick while ZSJ has Matt in a straitjacket stretch, but wait! KENNY OMEGA is here! The fans fire up as The Cleaner rushes into the ring! Tito runs up, but Kenny dodges to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Jack is back, too, and he CLOBBERS Mikey with his icepack! Kenny stares ZSJ down while the fans fire up! Then the forearms start flying!

The Bucks and Jack handle Tito & Mikey on the outside, and Kenny dodges ZSJ to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! The fans fire upas Kenny says BANG! Kenny runs up, but Tito saves ZSJ from a V-Trigger! TMDK retreats, but Kenny gets a mic. “Well, wasn’t that just a bit of good fun? Hey! Nothing personal, Zack, I just take that as a warm-up. This Sunday, Forbidden Door, it’s gonna be you and eye, one on one, may the best man win. And I mean that truly, because once I do win, Zack, I’m up for redemption. So enjoy these next few days, because when it comes to Sunday, everyone’s gonna forget about ya like they did last year.”

The fans like that burn, but ZSJ says hold on, let him talk. ZSJ tells Kenny, “Try to stay out of the hospital, alright, darling?” ZSJ leaves it there, but will he make sure the Best Bout Machine has the worst night of his life? Or can Kenny kickstart his climb back up the mountain with this mighty showdown?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

While Kevin Knight wants to be #Jet2Belts, he still has to defend the one he has! The TNT Championship is on the line as Knight takes on Dezmond Xavier, but will that title still join Knight at Forbidden Door? Or will Dez be on an all new high as the Face of TNT? And speaking of wanting multiple belts, Persephone is in Survival of the Fittest for next Wednesday, but she will defend her CMLL Women’s World Championship against Billie Starkz! Will Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths make Athena proud? Or will the Goddess of the Underworld simply use her as an appetizer before fighting for the TBS Championship?

AEW TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest Qualifier: Red Velvet VS Queen Aminata!

The Secret Ingredient is looking to spice things up, but the One True African Queen is still searching for her crown. Will the ROH Women’s World TV Champion be one step away from a second title? Or will Aminata finally be in reach of her first?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and these two go around. The fans duel as Aminata puts Velvet in a corner, but she backs off quickly. The two tie up again, Aminata wrenches an arm to wristlock, but Velvet rolls, kips up, only for Aminata to trip her. Aminata tries a stack, ONE and Velvet slingshots her way up and over Aminata for a sunset flip! TWO, and Aminata blocks an arm-drag! Velvet slips around to roll Aminata up, TWO! Velvet wheelbarrows Aminata, then swings around to sunset again, TWO! Both women stand, run up, and Velvet swings through to straddle Aminata. Aminata fights that but Velvet whips her to ropes.

Aminata reverses, Velvet goes up and around to arm-drag again! Aminata ends up on ropes, Velvet runs in, but Aminata dodges the knees! Aminata waistlocks but Velvet fights the lift. Aminata still GERMAN SUPLEXES Velvet away! The fans rally and duel as Aminata runs up, PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Velvet just manages to get out of that, but Aminata brings her up. The fans rally, Aminata snap suplexes Velvet back down, and another cover, TWO! Aminata is amused as she brings Velvet up, but Velvet swings! Velvet narrowly avoids Aminata’s headbutt, and the fans cheer. Aminata says it was that close!

Aminata offers a hand, and Velvet takes it. Aminata helps Velvet up, only for Velvet to roll her up! TWO, and Aminata hurries to a corner. Velvet runs in, Aminata dodges, and Aminata LARIATS! The fans fire up as Aminata climbs, but Velvet POWERBOMBS her down first! Velvet runs, and SCISSOR KICK! Cover, TWO! Aminata survives but Velvet stays focused while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Velvet kicks Aminata around, then Aminata goes to the corner. Velvet runs up to ELBOW Aminata in the back, then runs up to DOUBLE KNEE! Velvet drags Aminata back to cover, TWO! Velvet is annoyed but she keeps on Aminata with a KNEE to the back! And another! And another! Cover, TWO! Aminata toughs it out but Velvet stays close. Velvet drags Aminata to center, steps on her, then LEG DROPS! Aminata flounders, but Velvet ELBOW DROPS! Aminata scrambles to the ropes but Velvet drags her back. Velvet pushes Aminata around, stomps her, then STANDING MOONSAULTS onto Aminata’s back! Cover, TWO!

Aminata is tougher than that, but Velvet still brings her around. Aminata powers out but Velvet kicks low. Velvet then hooks an arm, only for Aminata to slip through the Slice! Aminata clinches, hooks a leg, and FISHERMAN SCREWS! Both women are down, but Aminata manages to crawl to the cover, TWO! Velvet toughs it out now and Aminata grows frustrated. Aminata rallies the fans, then brings Velvet up. Aminata runs, but Velvet CALF KICKS her down! Cover, TWO! Aminata survives but Velvet puts her on the ropes. Velvet runs to DOUBLE KNEE! Velvet says eat it up. Velvet pushes Aminata, rolls her, then hammerlocks the arm.

Dynamite returns to single picture as Aminata endures the hold, and picks Velvet up to RAM her into the buckles! Aminata is free, she runs the ropes, but Velvet dodges! Velvet wheelbarrows and BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Aminata survives and Velvet shrieks in anger! Velvet slaps Aminata on the back, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! The fans rally as Aminata BOOTS Velvet! Aminata runs, Velvet dodges, but then Aminata catches the calf kick! Aminata spins but Velvet slips free, only for Aminata to standing switch. Aminata dragon sleepers Velvet, puts her on the top rope, and INVERTED SUPLEXES! The fans fire up while both women are down!

Velvet snarls, she runs up on Aminata, but Aminata dodges! Aminata LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then RUNNING FACEBUSTERS! The fans fire up as Aminata has Velvet in a corner. BOOT WASH! Aminata then puts Velvet in the drop zone, goes up the corner, and DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Not quite the coup de grace Aminata was looking for, but she is not deterred. Aminata stomps Velvet, goes back to the corner, and climbs back up. But Velvet grabs the legs! Aminata kicks Velvet away but Velvet ROCKS her in return! Velvet goes up, up, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Then SUPER CASADORA! Aminata flounders but Velvet goes back up!

Velvet aims for the FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Aminata is digging deep to stay in the fight, but Velvet CLUBS her! And CLUBS her! And she rips the KT tape away! Aminata DECKS Velvet for it! Aminata roars, but Velvet fires back! Aminata is mad, and she fires forearm after forearm! But then Velvet SMACKS back! Velvet kicks low, then SUPERKICKS! Then Velvet says sorry but she has to win. But then Aminata ducks the heel kick! Aminata shoves Velvet and HEADBUTTS! Velvet is on the ropes, Aminata runs up, OFF WITH HER HEAD!! Cover, Aminata wins!

Winner: Queen Aminata, by pinfall (advances to the TBS Championship match)

It was hard fought and well earned, Aminata is now in the Survival of the Fittest! But will the Queen finally reign in AEW? And who will be the sixth and final participant in the match?

Backstage interview with The Young Bucks.

Renee Paquette is with Matt & Nick and brings up the special Triple Threat Tag match, how do they feel they’re gonna do? Matt says the momentum is on their side! Tonight, The Bucks are on their way back to the top of the tag division! Nick says on Sunday, they’re gonna superkick that Forbidden Door down! But wait, something is going on just around the corner. The camera looks over, and brawling down the stairwell is Cope & Cage with The Dogs! The Rated R Superstar & Captain Charisma are beating Clark Connors & David Finlay down, right into the interview space, and The Dogs run away!

The Bucks ask C&C if they’re alright, and Cope says yeah, they’ve got this. See ya, boys. C&C pursue The Dogs and now they brawl further into the backstage area! Finlay ends up sitting in a wheelchair, and C&C wheel him into the wall! Then they go back for Connors, but he uses a lady from the makeup department as a shield! Cope saves her while Cage CLAWS Connors’ face! But then Finlay uses hairspray to SPRAY Cope & Cage in the face!! Connors LOW BLOWS Cage, then he and Finlay THROW Cope into the wall! And from there, they CHOKE Cope with a power cable, then CHOKE Cage! Finlay asks who’s teaching lessons now?!

Finlay says Sunday will be C&C’s final goodbye! Connors says watch and learn! The Dogs stop choking Cope & Cage out, and Connors says today’s lesson was that anything they can do, The Dogs can do better. And that includes the Five Second Pose! Will Finlay & Connors be unstoppable in taking those AEW World Tag Team Championships? Or will Cope & Cage find a way to muzzle these Dogs?

AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Ricochet!

The Alpha was recruited to Team Briscoe so that he could get his revenge on The Don Callis Family, but The One & Only claims the champ has been ducking worthy contenders like him. Though, let’s not forget that Ricochet is himself a friend and business associate of Don Callis, so maybe this is Ricochet doing a favor for the family? Either way, will Ricochet make this title #OuttaThisWorld? Or will Ricochet be barely a speedbump on Konosuke’s road to Forbidden Door?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really the International superstar!

Oh, and as an added bonus, EVERYONE is banned from ringside, so not even Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona can be out here to “support” their leader. The bell rings and the fans taunt Ricochet as “BALD! BALD! BALD!” Ricochet throws his jacket at Konosuke to then V-TRIGGER him out of the ring! Then a FOSBURY FLOP and down goes Konosuke! Ricochet puts Konosuke in, springboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Konosuke tumbles out, Ricochet handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans cheer as Ricochet puts Konosuke in, then he springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Konosuke survives the aerial assault and Ricochet is upset.

Ricochet drags Konosuke up, brings him around, and puts him on the ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ricochet stops, and he has Konosuke in a corner. The fans chant, “You’re Still Bald! You’re Still Bald!” Ricochet runs up to ELBOW Konosuke, then flicks his sweat at the fans. Ricochet runs up to ELBOW Konosuke again, then he runs the ropes. But Konosuke breaks through the chop to BOOT Ricochet! Konosuke whips, Ricochet reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE finds him! The fans fire up again as Konosuke rises. Ricochet goes to a corner, Konosuke runs up, but Ricochet sends him into buckles! Then he WEST COAST POPS!

Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Then the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Konosuke toughs it out but Ricochet soaks up the heat while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Ricochet throws up the Demand hand sign before he stomps Konosuke. Then he runs to stomp Konosuke again. Ricochet pulls Konosuke’s hair, the ref counts, and Ricochet stops. Ricochet brushes the hair off his hands, then he HAMMERS Konosuke with forearms to the back of his neck! Ricochet kicks at Konosuke, eggs him on, and brings him up for a KNEE! Ricochet snapmares Konosuke back down, then stands on his hair while he pulls the arms! The ref reprimands, Ricochet lets go, and he drops a knee on Konosuke’s face! And another! Ricochet mocks the fans, struts around, then storms up on Konosuke at the ropes.

Ricochet CHOKENS Konosuke, but stops as the ref counts. Konosuke coughs and sputters while Ricochet argues with the ref. Ricochet drags Konosuke up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then pie faces him. Ricochet talks trash, CHOPS Konosuke, then eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke winds up and fires a forearm, but Konosuke is the one who has to sit down. Ricochet eggs Konosuke on again as he kicks at him. Konosuke snarls as he rises up, and Ricochet fires forearms. Konosuke eggs Ricochet on, then fires a flurry in return! Konosuke runs, Ricochet hurdles, then drops down to DROPKICK! Ricochet soaks up heat before he covers, TWO!

Ricochet is annoyed, but he kicks Konosuke to a corner as Dynamite returns to single picture. Ricochet CHOPS, whips, but Konosuke blocks by holding the ropes. Ricochet KICKS a leg, then CHOPS and KICKS on repeat! Ricochet whips again, but Konosuke reverses! Konosuke runs up, but Ricochet ducks down! Konosuke’s knee hits buckles and he tumbles up and out! Ricochet waits on Konosuke to get up, then he TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICKS Konosuke down! Ricochet goes up, out, and soaks up heat from the apron. Ricochet stomps Konosuke against the apron, then BOOTS him! Konosuke staggers, Ricochet aims, SHOOTING STAR ATTACK, but Konosuke catches Ricochet?!

Konosuke has Ricochet for the EXPLODER on the floor! The fans fire up while Ricochet writhes, and Konosuke rises up. Konosuke puts Ricochet in the ring, builds speed, but Ricochet BOOTS him! Konosuke still runs up, but Ricochet ducks the lariat to wrench and DREAMCAST KICK! Konosuke wobbles, Ricochet handsprings, but into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives but Konosuke stays focused. The fans rally behind Konosuke as he rises again, and he brings Ricochet up. Ricochet breaks free, and he fires a forearm! And another! And another! Konosuke slaps himself to fire back up, and the fans are with him!

Konosuke fires boxing elbows on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Konosuke runs, but into the TIGER WALL KICK! SOBAT! FRONT KICK! ROLLING- NO, the ALPHA ELBOW hits first! But Ricochet SUPERKICKS back! Ricochet dragon sleepers Konosuke, but Konosuke drops into the victory roll, TWO! Ricochet rolls it, dragon sleepers, but Konosuke powers up to gut wrench! Konosuke tucks Ricochet in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Then the deadlift WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! Ricochet goes to a corner, Konosuke runs up, but Ricochet dodges! ENZIGIRI! And then he goes up, up, and QUEBRADA! Dragon sleeper for the VERTIGO DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!!

Ricochet is shocked but the fans are electric as Konosuke survives! Ricochet huffs ‘n’ puffs as he drags Konosuke up, and he tells this title belongs to him! Konosuke SLAPS Ricochet! Ricochet says fine, and he brings his kneepad down! Ricochet steals WAGAMAMA KNEE! Then he goes up, up, and SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up again as Konosuke survives! Ricochet has no idea what to make of this, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Ricochet goes back to the corner, snarls, and he climbs back up. Konosuke is still down, but then he springs to life! Konosuke trips Ricochet up on the top rope!

The fans rally as Konosuke climbs, then CLUBS away on Ricochet. Konosuke goes to the very top, waistlocks, and SUPER DUPER GERMAN SUPELXES!! But Ricochet lands out!! And SPIRIT- NO, Konosuke dodges to ALPHA ELBOW!! Then a true WAG- NO, Ricochet jumps up, but then Konosuke stops the rana! Konosuke swings Ricochet back up, for a LAST RIDE!!! High stack, TWO!??! Ricochet survives, but Konosuke goes to the corner. The fans fire up for Konosuke and the WAGA- NO, Ricochet uses the ref as a shield! RISING HEADBUTT!! Then the fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE KICK!! A fitting move for Dynamite, and Ricochet “RICOSAULTS!!” Cover, TWO?!?!?

The fans are thunderous again as Konosuke finds a way to survive! Ricochet hobbles to a corner, Konosuke goes to the other. Konosuke stumbles and falls, Ricochet locks ‘n’ loads. Ricochet runs up for the SPIRIT- LARIAT from Konosuke!! The fans are electric as now Konosuke brings his kneepad down! WAGAMAMA KNEE!!! But Konosuke isn’t done, he reels Ricochet in! RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, KONOSUKE WINS!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)

Despite what anyone thinks of Ricochet, he did prove himself a worthy challenger. However, he did not prove himself worthy of the title as Konosuke pulls through! And then Mark Briscoe appears! The Sussex County Chicken tells Konosuke that’s how you do it! Konosuke returns to the back while Briscoe makes his way to the ring. Briscoe has a mic to say, “Now, Sunday night at Forbidden Door, it’s gonna be Steel Cage warfare. It’s gonna be 12 men, one cage, and me and my buddies, we ready to have some fun. We ready to throw down in Cali, live on PPV, baby.

“Now let me remind y’all that my crew, we got a bit of a reputation in this type of match. We’ve got bodies, if you will. Lemme take you back to the most recent rendition of Blood & Guts. The Conglomeration, The Death Riders. The toughest group in professional wrestling, The Death Riders. And after a knockdown, drag-out war, we stood victorious! And that night, it was all about the thrill of the fight. It was all about the thrill of battle. But at Forbidden Door, the implications are a little bit more consequential. Should we be victorious at Forbidden Door, I will have my shot at the AEW World title.

“A championship held by none other than the Scum of the Earth himself, Maxwell Jacob Friedman.” Some fans boo, but some fans do cheer that name. Briscoe tells MJF that he never thought he would say this, but he agrees with MJF and what he said. That is that they are nothing alike! MJF is nothing like Briscoe, and thank God that Briscoe is nothing like MJF! Because MJF is nothing but a privileged, entitled, soft lil’ baby boy, and Max, “I’m a grown ass man!” The fans cheer that! Briscoe says if he wants something, he earns it! Just like he’ll earn the title shot. But he knows what MJF will say, because he sounds like a broken record, and he sounds stupid!

MJF says Briscoe is not world title material. Well, that’s aight! This is AMERICA! You can say what you want, have any opinion that you want. But let Briscoe state facts real quick. The last time they faced off 1v1 in this ring, Briscoe beat MJF’s ass and MJF knows Briscoe can do it again! The fans cheer that, too! Briscoe says at Forbidden Door, he walks onto the battlefield, shoulder to shoulder with his brothers who he loves, who he would die for, and they would die for him! And Max, who you got? Oh, right, the Don Callis “Family.” The fans boo that name, and Briscoe says some mighty talented individuals are in the Don Callis Family.

But Max, let Briscoe reassure you, they don’t give a DAMN about you! Matter o’ fact, if you caught fire, if started to spontaneously combust, Briscoe doubts the Don Callis Family would piss on him to put him out! Speaking of Callis, he is here and asks if Briscoe is crazy with all this rambling. Briscoe tells Callis he done go this boy in a lot of trouble. Max, if you can hear this, when Briscoe wins this title, he- MJF ATTACKS FROM BEHIND!! The fans boo as MJF beats down Briscoe! But Briscoe turns it around on MJF! Then he underhooks the arms! But KYLE FLETCHER slips in! SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! The fans boo but Kyle grins.

Kyle reels Briscoe in, BRAINBUSTER!! The Aussie Arrow hits the Mark quite literally, but then Konosuke is back! He ALPHA ELBOWS Kyle down! Then he reels Kyle in, for RAGING FIRE!! But now Okada has Konosuke for a RAINMAKER!! Okada grins, but then Kyle O’Reilly is here! He shoots in and gets the leg for an ANKLE LOCK! Okada flails around, but Knight springboards in! FLYING LARIAT! Down goes O’Reilly, but Darby has Knight! SCORPION DEATH DROP! Darby fires up, headbutts the buckles, then goes up the corner! But Jake Doyle catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs up, but into the BOSS MAN SLAM!!

Roddy CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Then he fires elbow after elbow! But Jake LARIATS Roddy! Jake breaks the trend, but turns around into an ORANGE PUNCH!! Jake wobbles, Roddy gets Jake up, ORANGE PUNCH into the ANGLE SLAM! The fans fire up as Orange puts his sunglasses back on, but MJF LOW BLOWS Cassidy! The fans boo but Briscoe gets MJF! Briscoe underhooks, but Andrade LARIATS Briscoe! The Real Latino Man saves MJF not because he wanted to, but because he had to. But while MJF tells him to stand Briscoe back up, Andrade says do it yourself! They start arguing, but Callis tells them both to calm down! Remember: MONEY!

Andrade sighs, then drags Briscoe to his feet. MJF has the Dynamite Diamond Ring, puts it on his pinkie, but Briscoe ducks! The Diamond Ring DECKS Andrade!! MJF blames Andrade for it, but Briscoe kicks low! And he underhooks! JAY DRILLER!!! The fans are thunderous as Briscoe and his team regroups! The Conglomeration and friends are all fired up, and Briscoe holds up the AEW World Championship. Will Briscoe finally have his shot at the gold? Or will #DCMJF protect the Triple B at Forbidden Door?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite as part one of the go-home, though a lot of this made me wonder if they had a hard time booking enough for both this and Collision. While ZSJ VS Jack 1v1 was great, and Bucks VS Tito & Mikey was just above a squash, we could’ve had a Six Man Tag of Jack & Bucks VS TMDK to save space on the card. Though I suppose ZSJ needed momentum separate from The Bucks getting their own momentum, because well, we’re getting a Triple Threat Tag just for the fun of it. Ironically, the Six Man Tag for the Death Riders is exactly the idea for Jack & Bucks VS TMDK. Moxley gets momentum towards his match with Bandido, but what does that mean for the Continental Championship?

Good stuff with the Death Riders to start off, too. Ospreay is slowly being accepted into the group, and it is paying off. Great match for Ospreay VS ELP, and great match for Garcia VS Swerve. It works that both Ospreay and Swerve won their match, and that Swerve had a slightly harder time with Garcia than Ospreay did with ELP. For one, that helps Garcia look great even in the loss. Then we get the confrontation between Ospreay and Swerve at the end. While go-home math would make for Swerve to win, there might be one last segment on Collision for Swerve to stand tall. Because let’s be honest, Ospreay needs to make it to All In or London is gonna be pissed.

Great TBS Championship qualifiers, both sponsored by Supergirl though the LED barriers never really turned on right away. Harley wearing Supergirl colors should’ve been a giveaway she was winning, but it was a great surprise/upset either way. Aminata VS Velvet was a little clunky to start, though it really has been a long time since they were 1v1 with each other. With Velvet still ROH Women’s World TV Champion, it makes sense for Aminata to win so she can be in this big spotlight match. Good promo from Maya and Mone to hype up their match, which will be awesome, but if Thekla’s still gonna be champ by All In, I feel like Mone is her challenger.

Unique move in having C&C just out and brawling with The Dogs, only for them to lose that brawl. But that obviously means C&C retain at Forbidden Door, and Dogs can move on to the feud with Bang Bang Gang. Great stuff in the world championship story, and an awesome International Championship match. Very good promo between MJF and the Don Callis Family, very good promo from The Conglomeration, and a good promo from Briscoe after the main event. Not sure how much he had planned going out there, but Briscoe’s got a better gift of gab than most.

Great brawl to close the show, too, but now the math is showing Team Briscoe loses on Sunday. That’s a bit odd, but I suppose there is still story to mine in MJF VS Andrade given how things went tonight. Redemption being the new July PPV, that’s likely where MJF VS Briscoe or MJF VS Andrade happens, and MJF will likely cheat whoever it is so that he and Ospreay can have an awesome Wembley match.

My Score: 8.9/10