The Word of the Day is Opportunity!

The Continental Challenge Cup continues, and Conglomeration is on a Collision as Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly clash!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW World Trios Championships: Hangman Page, Bandido & Brody King VS The Lethal Twist; Hangman, Bandido & Brody win and retain the titles.
• AEW Continental Challenge Cup: Hechicero VS Brian Cage; Hechicero wins and advances.
• Divine Dominion VS Rachelle Riveter & Mazzerati; Divine Dominion wins.
• AEW Continental Challenge Cup: Nigel McGuinness VS Katsuyori Shibata; Nigel wins and advances.
• 8 Man Tag: Lio Rush & The Rascalz VS Jeaux Braxton, FrescoMatic, Watson & Ice Williams; Lio & The Rascalz win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Hurt Syndicate & Shane Taylor Promotions VS Sonico, Jake Redondo & The Montana Brothers; Hurt Syndicate & STP win.
• Mercedes Mone VS Zayda Steel w/ Christopher Daniels; Mone wins.
• AEW Continental Challenge Cup: Roderick Strong VS Kyle O’Reilly; Kyle wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW World Trios Championships: Hangman Page, Bandido & Brody King VS The Lethal Twist!

The Good, The Bad & The Brody are fighting champions, and while The Demand wants their rematch, Ricochet is willing to let Jay Lethal, Blake Christian & Lee Johnson get first crack. Will The Franchise, Vanilla Baby & Big Shotty end the reign already? Or will Hangman and his amigos ride off into the sunset?

The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and we see who wins this Sin City shootout!

The trios sort out, and Hangman starts against Blake. They circle, tie up, Blake waistlocks, but Hangman switches. Blake pries free, rolls under Hangman, then shoves him, only for Hangman to RUN him over! Blake blocks a stomp, spins Hangman around, then RANAS! Hangman avoids the dropkick, but Blake avoids the sliding lariat! Blake kips up but Hangman headlocks. Blake powers up and out, hurdles, but into Hangman’s arms! Hangman SLAMS Blake down and the fans cheer. Hangman brings Blake up, but Blake pulls hair! Tag to Lethal and they mug Hangman. The ref counts, Lethal tags Lee. They double whip Hangman but Hangman KICKS the backdrop away!

Hangman fireman’s carries Lee, kicks Lethal, then DUMPS Lee so he can DROPSAULT! Cover, TWO! Lee toughs it out and the fans rally up. Hangman brings Lee up, scoops and SLAMS again, then goes to the apron. Slingshot SENTON! The fans cheer and Hangman tags Bandido. Bandido slingshots for a KNEE-BOARD SENTON! The fans cheer as Bandido tags Brody, and Brody sets up. The fans bark but Lee rolls away. Brody runs in and SENTONS anyway! Cover, Lethal breaks it! Brody chases Lethal off, then he goes back to Lee. Brody CHOPS Lee to the corner, tags Bandido, and Bandido stands Lee up.

Bandido whips, Lee reverses, but Bandido BLASTS Lethal first! Lee CLOBBERS Bandido, tags Blake, and Blake vows to rip the mask off! The Swirl stomps a mudhole into Bandido, then Blake climbs up. Blake claws at the mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Blake stops. Bandido slips free, YANKS Blake down, but Blake shoves him away. Bandido rolls over Blake, whips, but Blake reverse. Bandido handsprings, Blake dodges, but then Bandido aims his finger gun! The fans cheer, Blake takes a swing, but Bandido dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Lee tags in, Bandido dodges to then military press! Lee slips free and puts Bandido on the ropes!

Lee puts Bandido in a Tree of Woe, Lethal DROPKICKS Brody off the corner! Lethal eggs Hangman on, and leads him into a trap! Lee puts Hangman on the apron, Blake headscissor holds Hangman in place, and Lee DROPKICKS Hangman down! Blake then BASEMENT 619s Bandido, and Lee DROPKICKS him outta the Tree! Blake goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT Hangman down! The fans do cheer that impressive sequence, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Lee bumps Bandido off buckles, whips him to ropes, then ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Bandido is tougher than that, but Lee brings him up to bump off buckles again. Tag to Blake and he fires body shots. Lethal distracts the ref while Blake CLAWS at Bandido’s mask! Bandido CLAWS at Blake’s face! But Lee grabs Bandido so Blake can mug him. They stomp Bandido down, then Blake taunts Hangman. Lethal gets a shot in during the distraction, then they pretend to tag! Lethal brings Bandido up, stomps away, then struts. Lethal then reels Bandido in, suplexes, but Bandido fights it! Lee tags in, Bandido fires CHOPS on him and Lethal!

Lethal slips under, Lee snap suplexes Bandido! Cover, TWO! Lee taunts Hangman by pretending to swing a lasso and ride a horse, then he tags Lethal. Lethal brings Bandido up, snapmares, and clamps on a chinlock. Bandido endures as Lethal grinds and twists the hold. Lethal shakes his head as Bandido fights up, and Bandido fires body shots! Lethal bumps Bandido off buckles, then ROCKS him! Collision returns to single picture as Lethal whips corner to corner. Lethal runs in, but into a BOOT! The fans cheer, but Lethal comes back! Bandido UPPERCUTS, then goes up, TORNILLO! Down goes Lethal and the fans fire up!

Bandido and Lethal crawl, even as a standing count climbs. Hot tags to Brody and Lee! Brody rallies on the entire Twist with forearms and CHOPS! The fans fire up with Brody, he LARIATS Blake and Lethal in one corner, then LARIATS Lee in the other! Then he triple stacks, for a TRIPLE SPLASH! The fans fire up as all three members of Lethal Twist sit down. TRIPLE CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Brody drags Lee to a cover, TWO! Lee survives but Brody drags Lee up to tag Hangman. Brody fireman’s carries, Hangman climbs up, but Lee slips free! Hangman leaps over both Lee and Brody, then ROCKS Lee with haymakers!

Hangman whips, Lee reverses, but Hangman grabs ropes. Lee runs up, Hangman puts him on the apron, and then TRIANGLE JUMP LARIAT! Down goes Lee and the fans fire up! Hangman aims as Lee stands back up, the PLANCHA knocks him right back down! The fans fire up, but Lethal BOOTS Hangman! Lethal whips, Hangman reverses, and Lethal hits railing! Bandido then adds a JUMP KNEE! Brody sends Blake into railing elsewhere, then gets Lee up. Brody sends Lee into railing, right next to Blake! The fans bark for Brody as he runs up, DOUBLE CROSSBODY against the railing!

The fans fire up as Hangman now climbs up! Brody sets The Swirl up while Hangman goes up to the upper deck! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes The Swirl, they put Lee in the ring, and Hangman goes up again! Hangman hits a MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives and Hangman’s shocked! But he tags Bandido, Bandido tags Brody, and the three amigos coordinate. But Blake jumps over the hammock to DROPKICK Brody! Then he SUPERKICKS Bandido! Hangman ROLLING ELBOWS Blake! Lethal SUPERKICKS Hangman! Brody is back, but Lethal & Blake DUMP him back out! Blake then ASAI- NO, Brody catches him!

But Lethal DIVES! Brody stumbles, Blake has the dragon sleeper! Lee is on the apron, FROG SPLASH DDT COMBO! The Twist gets Brody in, Lee goes up! FROG SPLASH! 450 SPLASH! Double cover, TWO!! Brody survives and the fans are fired up! “This is Awesome!” even as The Swirl mugs Brody with a strike fest! Blake JUMP KNEES and Brody stumbles to a corner. Lee runs up to CHOP! Lee then goes to Blake, MONKEY FLIP- BUCKSHOT!! Bandido is in, he scoops Lee to torture rack! Hangman BOOTS Lethal off the apron, Bandido serves up the X KNEE! Lee falls, and now the amigos try their new idea!

Bandido & Hangman hammock swing Lee into Brody’s arms! Bandido & Hangman DOUBLE SUPERKICK Lee, then they DOUBLE DIVE onto Blake & Lethal while Brody hits the GONZO BOMB!! Cover, amigos win!

Winners: Hangman Page, Bandido & Brody King, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Champions)

The Lethal Twist gave the new champs quite the first defense, but then The Demand interrupts. Ricochet says, “That’s enough, that’s enough. Everyone sit back down and shut up!” Ricochet says he absolutely loves to rain on parades, and just like he told everyone on Dynamite, if the right hand doesn’t get you, the left hand will. The Gates of Agony attack from behind! The fans boo as Liona & Kaun TOSS Brody out, send Bandido into railing, and then Kaun SHOTGUNS Brody down! Liona runs up to CLOBBER Bandido! Hangman is still down and the GOA circle him. But then Hangman fires off forearms! Only for The Twist to get back in there!

The fans boo as Ricochet’s goons mug Hangman 5v1, Brody hurries to shield Hangman, but that’s just 5v2! Then CLOSE THE GATES on Hangman! Ricochet says what these boys need to remember when you are in Demand, you can make demands. Kaun adds if you don’t follow demands… Liona shouts, “You get put down!” Ricochet laughs, did The Twist do their job in softening the champs up for The Demand? Or are they all putting gasoline on the fire and they don’t even know it?

Backstage interview with The Don Callis Family.

Lexy Nair is with Lance Archer, Brian Cage, Hechicero, and the man himself, Don Callis, as she brings up Cage and Hechi are facing each other tonight in the first round of the Continental Challenge Cup. Is Don worried this match could cause dissention within the family? Callis says that’s a mighty big word for an interviewer. But well, one’s man dissention is another man’s competition. And Callis knows mathematically speaking, there is a 100% chance of the Don Callis Family advancing. So in the spirit of competition, let’s shake hands. Hechi says he is ready to bring the family more gold. Callis loves that.

Hechi and Cage shake hands, and Cage speaks in Spanish to remind Hechi, “Yo soy Machina. Hasta luego.” Callis claims Cage says he loves the family. Tonight, nobody dies, Archer, okay? Callis & Archer follow Cage and Hechi out, but who will be moving on in the C3 and who will be left out?

Backstage interview with The Conglomeration.

Collision returns as Lexy is now with Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly. She notes that a lot is on the table for them as Roddy and Kyle face off in the first round of the C3. Cassidy has already advanced, are any of them feeling the pressure? Cassidy says yeah, a bit. Cuz whoever wins tonight, Cassidy could face them in the next round, or not. Kyle says his friendship with Roddy has been a roller coaster. Kyle admired Roddy from afar, studied the tapes. Kyle saw Roddy go from enemy to mentor to tag team partner, and most importantly, to the closest friend Kyle has in this business. So no matter what happens tonight, that friendship’s never gonna change.

Roddy says he appreciates that, he really does. And Roddy never treated Kyle any different along the way. So don’t expect him to do that tonight, just as he doesn’t expect Kyle to do. May the best man win. Kyle wouldn’t have it any other way. Kyle asks Cassidy to help him warm up, and they head out. Lexy wishes them both good luck, but who wins the Conglomeration Collision in tonight’s main event?

AEW Continental Challenge Cup: Hechicero VS Brian Cage!

We return ringside, and while this is about friendly competition, the CMLL World Heavyweight Champion is taking on Las Vegas’s hometown Machine! Will “Mr. Nevada” prove there’s nobody betta? Or will Hechicero be one step closer to claiming another title for the family?

The bell rings and the fans are dueling already. The two tie up, Cage waistlocks, but Hechi wrenches and drop toeholds. Cage stays up, brings Hechi around in a headlock, but Hechi uses a leg trip to wrangle Cage the other way. Hechi then hits a SPINNING TOEHOLD! Cage kicks at Hechi, turns him over, then whips him into the corner. Cage CHOPS, ROCKS, and repeat! The fans cheer as the forearms and CHOPS keep going, but the ref counts. Cage shouts, “Who betta than Cage?!” Cage whips corner to corner, but Hechi goes up and over to roll and RAM Cage! Cage shakes his head as he shakes that off while the fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!”

Hechi LARIATS again, but Cage stays up! Hechi sighs, then kicks low! Hechi runs, but into a scoop! Hechi slips free, Cage bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Hechi DROPKICKS the legs out! Then BASEMENT DDT! Cover, ONE!! Cage toughs it out but Hechi kicks him around. Hechi CLUBS away on Cage’s chest, then steps over an arm to TWIST! Cage clutches the elbow, but Hechi grabs the other arm to YANK it back! Cage crawls to a corner but Hechi eggs him on. Hechi CHOPS, then runs corner to corner. Cage stops the knee and fireman’s carries, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans fire up while Hechi flounders to a corner.

Cage runs corner to corner, but Hechi BOOTS him! Cage still LARIATS, then sits Hechi down for a BOOT WASH! Cage scuffs Hechi outta the ring, the fans fire up, and Cage brings Hechi up! The fans cheer for the deadlift SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up again while Hechi writhes, and Cage flexes that bodybuilding championship level muscle while Collision goes picture in picture.

Cage goes back to Hechi, RAMS him into the corner, then RAMS again, and again, and again! Cage whips Hechi to ropes, then ELBOWS Hechi down! Cage rallies the fans as he paces around Hechi, then brings Hechi back up. But Hechi CHOPS! And CHOPS! Then CHOPS again! Cage JUMP KNEES Hechi down! Cage calls his shot, runs the ropes, and hits a 619! Cage fires up, and he covers Hechi, TWO! Cage clamps onto Hechi with a chinlock and squeezes tight. Hechi endures, but Cage just holds on tighter as Collision goes to break.

Collision returns as Cage fires a flurry of forearms, then an UPPERCUT! Cage runs, but Hechi follows to SLEEPER in the ropes! Then he hooks up the arms! The ref counts, Hechi lets go at 4, then he goes back to the sleeper! The ref reprimands, but Cage drags Hechi in, over the top rope! Cage fireman’s carries, then facelocks, DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up, Cage covers, TWO! Hechi survives but Cage drags him up again. Cage puts one out, then lifts, SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Hechi survives and the fans fire up again! Cage rises, he brings Hechi up, and pump handles for the scoop! But Hechi ranas through!

Hechi ties the legs up to have a standing cradle! TWO, but into a REVERSE FIGURE FOUR! Hechi THRASHES around, but Cage endures, reaches out, and he makes the ROPEBREAK! Hechi lets go, but runs corner to corner, STEP-UP KNEE! Hechi keeps moving, but then the DISCUS LARIAT finds him! The fans fire up as both men are down, and a standing count begins. “This is Awesome!” as both men stir. Both men sit up, they start throwing forearms, and the fans rally up. Hechi fires a flurry, then runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Cage reels Hechi in, vows to end this now, and suplexes, only for Hechi to slip free!

Hechi shoves Cage, BOOTS him, then dodges the discus to HEADSCISSOR GUILLOTINE! Cover, TWO!! Cage survives but Hechi rolls around and reels him into a ghost pin! With a stack!! HECHI WINS!

Winner: Hechicero, by pinfall (advances to the second round)

The Alchemist of Lucha Libre found just the right formula to defeat The Machine! Cage is a little annoyed with how it ended, but he leaves it at that. Will Hechi be able to concoct a solution to whoever he faces in the next round?

Darby Allin speaks.

“My biggest fear in life is that when this whole 15 minute ride is over, I’m gonna look at myself in the mirror and not know who I’m looking back at. It’s scary, it’s really scary. Cuz there was a time in AEW when I thought I had to change everything in order to make it to the top. I’d have to sacrifice everything I stood for. But it wasn’t until I met Sting that he taught me that you don’t have to change one thing. And then I look at you, Kevin. Man, have you changed. I hope you like it at the top, because the foundation you’re building your house on isn’t gonna last.

“When you hear the world, ‘family,’ Kevin, what do you think of? Because the Don Callis Family isn’t family. When I think of family, I think of Sting. I think of Sting’s sons, Steve & James Borden. And like all those years ago, when I saw potential in you, Kevin, I see that in Steven. And you got my word, now until Wembley, I’m not gonna sneak attack you, I’m not gonna have any explosives, because I wanna beat the very best Kevin Knight at Wembley. You’re already one of the greatest TNT Champions who ever lived. But after All In, when you look at yourself in the mirror, you’re not gonna recognize who you’re looking back at.

“Because, Kevin, I’m gonna beat you within an inch of your life! Oh, it’s so scary.” The Relentless One is ready to do anything, but what will it take to take back the TNT Championship?

The Rascalz speak.

In a smokey room somewhere backstage, Zachary Wentz is getting hyped! They’re refueled, refreshed, and riding high off the tag win last week! But Myron Reed says he’s not rolling. Dezmond Xavier says don’t call them out like that. Myron will get his win. That was a great match with Speedball. Myron says forget that, he appreciates them setting up tag action for them, cuz Myron needs a win. They’re rolling, he’s not rolling. Wait, timeout. They didn’t set up a match, they thought Myron did. No, he didn’t, he though it was Zach. Zach didn’t set up… But then… LIO RUSH!? Lio says “he” needs friends! Well, yeah, everyone needs friends.

Listen, listen! The rain! What? No, they’re The Rascalz. He has ’em all! Yeah? Yes! Myron’s not so sure about this. Dez says Lio has ’em all! Lio says it’s fine! It’s fine~! But will their 8 Man Tag really go that smoothly? Or are they all about to have that crash after the high?

Divine Dominion VS Rachelle Riveter & Mazzerati!

Megan Bayne & Lena Kross attacked The Brawling Birds last week, then made a mess of the pub on Wednesday, trying to send a message. Now they’ll make their point more clear with this match. Will they make quick work of their opponents tonight? Or are they going to be caught off guard again?

The teams sort out, Lena starts against Rachelle, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock until Lena SHOVES Rachelle back. Rachelle runs up, slips around, and waistlocks. But she can’t lift Lena, she’s too tall! Lena trips Rachelle, but Rachelle avoids the stomp! Rachelle taunts Lena, jukes her, then runs up to tilt-o-whirl, only for Lena to stop that! Lena swings Rachelle back around for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Lena drags Rachelle up, bumps her off buckles, then SMASHES! Lena ELBOWS Rachelle, tags Megan, and they both run side to side! BOOT after BOOGT, then Megan GERMAN SUPLEXES Rachelle away!

The fans fire up while Rachelle tumbles all the way to her corner. Mazzerati tags in, fires off on Megan, but Megan blocks a shot. Mazzerati BACKHANDS, then runs, but Megan LARIATS her down! Megan drags Mazzerati up, tags Lena, and DIVINE INTERV- NO, Rachelle makes the save! But then Megan & Lena ROCK each of them! They both stalling suplex Rachelle & Mazzerati! SLAM for Mazzerati, GOURD BUSTER onto Mazzerati for Rachelle! And now DIVINE INTERVENTION! Cover, Divine Dominion wins!

Winners: Divine Dominion, by pinfall

The tag team champions look unstoppable, but here come The Birds! Windsor & Hayter get payback with forearms, then they DOUBLE LAIRAT Megan up and out! Then they DOUBLE HEADBUTT Lena! The fans fire up as The Birds storm out and they move the steel steps around! They get Megan up, bring her over, and the fans fire up as they lift Megan! But Lena saves Megan from her own Divine Intervention! The Birds give chase, but the champs run away! Is it that Megan & Lena can dish it out, but they can’t take it? Or will they find a way to break The Birds in Wembley?

Backstage interview with Zayda Steel.

Renee Paquette is with The Real Deal as she has a huge opportunity against Mercedes Mone. Zayda says she is excited for this match! She’s been studying, training, and looking forward to this for over ten years. But then Mone steps in and laughs at Zayda. How cute! Another fan! Nice to meet you, but who even are you? Zayda says Mone knows her, but if she needs a reminder, this is The Real Deal, Zayda Steel. And yeah, Zayda did look up to Mone and admire her. But after what she did to Willow Nightingale, attacking from behind, Zayda’s lost all respect. Zayda lost respect for Mone? Mone DECKS Zayda!

Mone asks if Zayda really thinks if Mone cares! She’ll teach Zayda some respect! Nice to meet you, b*tch! Mone storms off, but will The CEO pay for her bad behavior?

AEW Continental Challenge Cup: Nigel McGuinness VS Katsuyori Shibata!

While the British icon is preparing to go all or nothing with Lee Moriarty for the ROH Pure Championship, he’s also looking to go All In with this tournament! Will Nigel prove that he’s still got it and then some? Or will he fail to get past The Wrestler?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for this dream match. Shibata offers a handshake, and Nigel is a bit wary. Nigel accepts, and the fans cheer this Code of Honor, as it were. The two circle, knuckle lock, and Shibata rolls to wrangle Nigel., Nigel headscissors, Shibata moves around, and he pops free to have a toehold. Nigel endures, keeps his shoulders up, and he slips free to turn over, reel Shibata in, and hit a takeover. Shibata headscissors, and even pushes up to put on the pressure. Nigel kicks, kicks, but can’t kip free! Nigel moves around, headstands, and he pops free this time! But Shibata avoids the float to get a chinlock!

Nigel fights off the hold, the fans duel, but Shibata manages a top mount. Shibata then shifts to a cover, TWO! Shibata keeps on Nigel with an armlock. Nigel stands up but Shibata wrenches. Nigel spins through, hooks a leg, and he hooks Shibata up with an armlock of his own. Shibata wrenches, hammerlocks, but Nigel works on the escape. Nigel rolls, spins, and uses his legs to push Shibata so he can stretch that arm. Shibata brushes the feet away to float and wrench to another armlock. Nigel fights around, slips free, and the fans applaud as the two reset. They tie up again, collar ‘n’ elbow, and Nigel wrenches to hammerlock.

Shibata wrenches to hammerlock back, but Nigel slips through. They end up on the ropes, the ref counts, and Nigel KICKS the ropes to jam Shibata up! The fans cheer Nigel bending the rules, but Shibata scowls. Nigel apologizes and offers a handshake. Shibata accepts, but he kicks Nigel low! Shibata CLUBS Nigel, snapmares him, and KICKS Nigel in the back! The fans cheer and Shibata says one more! And he KICKS Nigel in the back! Nigel says try the ropes then! Shibata runs, but Nigel ducks the Penalty Kick! Nigel says he’s too smart, but then Shibata CHOPS him on the back! Evidently Nigel’s not that smart…

Nigel gets up, he RAMS low, and he snapmares Shibata into the ropes! Shibata clutches a leg, Nigel does another snapmare into the ropes, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Nigel stretches out his back while he walks over to Shibata. Nigel grabs a foot, TWISTS it, then YANKS the leg! Shibata hobbles and flounders, but Nigel is right back on him. Nigel pulls on the leg Shibata kicks at him with the other. Nigel shifts his grip to then turn Shibata over, Nigel has the stepover toehold! Shibata endures as Nigel puts on the pressure, then reaches forward to add the crossface! But Shibata stops it from being a full STF, has the FUJIWARA, but Nigel has the ROPEBREAK! Shibata brings Nigel up, but Nigel stomps Shibata’s foot! Then Nigel scoop SLAMS Shibata down! Nigel has the leg, YANKS it again, then twists the foot.

Shibata endures, so Nigel changes legs, turns Shibata over, and ties the legs up in a DEATHLOCK! Nigel bridges, but Shibata grabs him in a headlock first! Nigel lets the legs go so he can have the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets go, but he brings Nigel up to UPPERCUT! Nigel staggers around, almost falls into the ref, and he goes to ropes. Collision returns to single picture as Shibata brings Nigel up, but Nigel UPPERCUTS first! Shibata fires a forearm, Nigel feints a punch to stomp a foot! T he fans are torn but Nigel UPPERCUTS again! Nigel runs, but Shibata BOOTS him! Nigel wobbles, Shibata brings him up, but Nigel RAMS low!

Nigel whips, but Shibata catches Nigel for a GIULLOTINE FACELOCK! Nigel flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as he’s fading! Shibata squeezes tighter, but Nigel still stomps a foot! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” as Nigel snap suplexes free! Nigel applauds himself, and the fans rally up. Nigel stands up, brings Shibata around, and headlocks. Shibata powers up but Nigel UPPERCUTS before Shibata can power out! Nigel headlocks again, but Shibata powers up and out! SLEEPER! Nigel flails, but Shibata brings him down! Body scissors are locked in! Nigel flails, reaches out, but he’s fading!

Nigel sits up, and he uses his legs to BEND Shibata’s legs! Shibata flails, crawls back and drags Nigel along to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Nigel lets go, and he reminds everyone, “I have ’til five!” The fans cheer the tribute to The American Dragon! Nigel stalks Shibata, stomps Shibata’s foot, then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Shibata gets angry! Nigel ELBOWS him back! Nigel brings Shibata up to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Nigel puts Shibata up top. Another throat chop, and Nigel has Shibata stuck on the top rope. Nigel cravats, but Shibata holds onto the ropes. Shibata slips free, then BOOTS back! SLEEPER!

Nigel flails again, reaches out, but Shibata just squeezes tighter! Shibata sits Nigel down, KICKS him in the back, then runs to PENALTY- NO, Nigel counters the kick with a kick! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans again hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” Nigel steps over, has the ANKLE LOCK, but Shibata is already fighting up! Nigel drags Shibata back! Shibata turns over, Nigel ties the legs up, a crisscross toehold?! Then Nigel runs, but Shibata dodges! They RAM shoulders, Nigel yoyos, but Shibata ducks the lariat! O’Conner roll, TWO!! Shibata PENALTY KICKS on return! But his bad foot holds him back! Shibata hurries to cover, TWO!!

Shibata clamps onto an arm! Nigel fights off the armbar but Shibata pulls! Nigel uses that to roll Shibata up, TWO!! Nigel floats around to SLAP away on Shibata! Shibata guards, then he pushes Nigel down! Shibata turns things over, he has a half straitjacket just so he can SLAP away on the unguarded side! Then he clamps on a SLEEPER! Nigel stands, but Shibata becomes a backpack! Nigel is turning red as he reaches out for ropes! The fans rally as Nigel is gasping for air! Nigel drops back, but rolls it back to a cover! NIGEL WINS!!

Winner: Nigel McGuinness, by pinfall (advances to the second round)

Shibata is shocked, but he got caught off guard! Even Nigel seems a bit surprised that worked out! Will this same combination of savvy and skill carry him all the way through to the finals? Or will his split attention cost him both of his dreams?

Backstage interview with Will Ospreay.

Renee Paquette is with the Aerial Assassin and says this Wednesday in Baltimore, he must find two tag partners to take on three members of The Don Callis Family. Obviously, the Death Riders are now out of the picture, and he’s running thin on friends. What is Ospreay going to do? Ospreay says it is 2026, and yet Don Callis is still taking credit for Omega and Ospreay. Laughable, it really is. But yes, there’s a history there. One Ospreay is not proud of. But he knows he needs to deal with them. There’s a difficult phone call he has to make, but he will call his boys from Japan, The United Empire.

Ospreay knows Henare’s good, Francesco Akira’s good, but it’s “little brother” Callum that he’s worried about. There’s a conversation they need to have. But he’s sure it’ll be alright, hopefully. Renee wishes him luck, but just who in the Empire will come to Ospreay’s aid?

8 Man Tag: Lio Rush & The Rascalz VS Jeaux Braxton, FrescoMatic, Watson & Ice Williams!

The ROH World Television Champion says it’s fine, but Myron Reed feels the need to finally get a win. Will they, Dez & Zach all be riding high in Vegas? Or are they not ready for the Lights Camera Faction?

Wait a minute, Lio takes off the “It’s Fine” poncho, and reveals his ring gear matches the Rascalz’s gear! Lio then welcomes Lights Camera Faction to the ring, but they say “CUT!” They huddle up to talk this over, but Lio gremlin runs to DIVE onto them all! The fans fire up, Lio puts Ice Williams in the ring, and the bell sounds. Lio runs up, redirects, and LARIATS! The fans fire up, but Ice tags in Jeaux! Lio dodges Jeaux, then STUNNERS! Jeaux falls back, Lio tags Zach! Zach runs to KNEE Jeaux, then he tags Dez. Dez jumps in, rolls, and he runs to UPPERCUT! Myron runs up, Dez pops him up for the CODE BREAKER!

Myron holds Jeaux for Dez to SENTON! The fans fire up, but here comes Watson! But Dez & Zach fire off strikes, ENZIGIRI, but Jeaux hot tags Fresco! LIO LEAPS OFF WATSON! The fans fire up as Lio BITES Fresco! Then The Rascalz give Watson the TRIPLE DROPKICK! Lio serves Fresco up, blocks a chop, and BITES the hand! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands. The Rascalz TRIPLE SUPERKICK Fresco! Then they TRIPLE PLANCHA the rest of LCF! The fans fire up, and Lio drags Fresco to the drop zone. Zach goes up, Myron tags in before the SWANTON BOMB! Myron goes up but Dez tag sin before the 450 SPLASH!

Dez goes up, and he hits the SKY TWISTER! Tag to Lio, but he doesn’t wanna go up? He clamps on the DARK CHANCERY! Fresco TAPS, Lio & Rascalz win!

Winners: Lio Rush & The Rascalz, by submission

Lio lets go of the hold, and he shakes hands with The Rascalz. Is Lio going to be part of the crew now? Wait… The Hurt Syndicate is here! Lio is suddenly very wary as Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin & MVP step out on stage. But will The Hurt Syndicate and Shane Taylor Promotions prove to be an even more dangerous combination?

8 Man Tag: The Hurt Syndicate & Shane Taylor Promotions VS Sonico, Jake Redondo & The Montana Brothers!

The teams sort out and Shane says Lashley & Shelton can go ahead. The Hurt Syndicate BLASTS Sonico & The Montana Brothers off the apron, then Shelton THROWS Redondo into the ring! Redondo writhes, but Lashley SPEARS one of the Montanas! Sonico runs up but Shelton gets him for a GERMAN SUPEX! The other Montana brother rushes Shelton but he whips Montana to the corner! STEP-UP KNEE! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Lashley SPEARS this Montana, too! The fans sing, “We Hurt~ People!” MVP says, “Yes, we do!” Redondo is all alone, but then the Syndicate steps aside. MVP says they did their part, deuces.

Lee Moriarty jumps in and BOOTS Redondo down! Then he DIVES and takes Sonico out! The fans fire up, and Shane brings Redondo up. He tells Redondo to bring it. Redondo swings, Shane bobs ‘n’ weaves, then HEADBUTTS! And then the tuck for the MARCUS GARVEY DRIVER!! Cover, STP & Hurt Syndicate win!

Winners: The Hurt Syndicate & Shane Taylor Promotions, by pinfall

It was almost like two different matches at the same time, but it was all destruction and dominance! But will STP have to keep coughing up cash if they wanna keep Hurt Syndicate on their side? Or will it be better to cut out the middle man and just rumble, bad man, rumble?

Tommaso Ciampa speaks.

“All roads lead to Wembley. And this year’s Casino Gauntlet is the biggest in AEW history. The stakes couldn’t be higher: One man will leave London with a guaranteed shot at the AEW title. The big belt. The reason I came to AEW in the first place. The title that lets the world know that you are the very best professional wrestler in this industry. Andrade, MJF, I understand that you are the first two entrants in the gauntlet. If you believe in a God, pray that I’m not number three. I’ll see you boys at Wembley.” The Psycho Killer heads out, will the odds be in his favor against The Devil and El Idolo?

Mercedes Mone VS Zayda Steel w/ Christopher Daniels!

We saw how The CEO confronted, insulted, and assaulted The Real Deal, but now it’s time for a fair fight. Will The Money Train continue to pick up speed towards Wembley Stadium? Or will Zayda humble her former hero?

Mone is already talking trash again as she holds up the belt and pushes Zayda. The ref has them both back off, the bell rings, and the fans cheer for “C E O! C E O!” The two circle, tie up, and Mone waistlocks. Zayda powers Mone back but Mone sends her into the corner. Mone pie faces Zayda while she talks trash, but Zayda slaps back! Zayda then dodges to fire a forearm! Zayda eggs Mone on, then snatches her to a takedown and cover, ONE! Mone ROCKS Zayda, whips her to ropes, but Zayda reverses to go up and around and arm-drag! Zayda then runs up, and slingshot arm-drags for a cover, TWO! Mone toughs it out, but Zayda headlocks.

Mone powers up to THROW Zayda down by her hair! The ref reprimands, but Zayda avoids Mone’s elbow drop! Zayda goes to the apron, Mone runs up, but Zayda slips inside! Zayda then KICKS Mone in the ropes, and hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mone toughs it out but Daniels coaches Zayda to keep going. Zayda clinches, Mone fires elbows, and Mone shoves free. Zayda dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Mone stops the rest to hit CIPHER UTAKI! Mone grins while Zayda writhes and the fans fire up. Mone revels in it, then rains down fists. Mone THRASHES Zayda around, then covers, TWO!

Mone paces around Zayda, drags her up, and snapmares her down for a chinlock. Zayda endures, even as Mone leans on the hold. The fans rally, Zayda fights up and fires body shots. Mone shoves Zayda, but Zayda returns to wheelbarrow ands swing around to roll Mone up! TWO, and Mone DROPKICKS Zayda! The fans rally as Mone stalks Zayda to a corner, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Mone digs her boots in, then stands on Zayda before she SWINGING METEORAS! Mone drags Zayda to a cover, TWO! Zayda toughs it out but Mone shouts at Daniels. Mone mocks the clapping for Zayda, too, and she drags Zayda up. Mone scoops, SLAMS, then stands over Zayda. Mone brings Zayda around by her hair, puts her on the ropes, then sits on her to CHOKE her! Mone also fishhooks Zayda’s face to make her smile, then she talks trash, probably on Willow. Mone still lets off as the ref counts, then she drags Zayda up. Mone snapmares Zayda, snapmares her again, and snapmares again! Then METEORA! Cover, TWO!

Mone is annoyed as Zayda survives, but Daniels pounds the apron to rally behind Zayda. Mone stomps Zayda against the ropes, CHOKES her, then runs to METEORA again! Mone sits on Zayda to rub it in, but Collision goes to break.

Collision returns as Mone has Zayda in a straitjacket stretch. Zayda fights up, up, and mule kicks at Mone! Zayda then hits a STUNNER! Mone stumbles, takes a swing, but Zayda dodges to THESZ PRESS! Zayda rains down fists, but Mone shoves her away! Zayda hurries after Mone, counter punches again and again, then fires a flurry! Zayda SOBATS, whips, but Mone reverses! Zayda hits the STO! The fans fire up and Mone goes to a corner. Zayda runs in and RAMS Mone! Zayda slips outside, the fans fire up, and Zayda climbs! Mone stands, into a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Mone survives!

Zayda is frustrated, but she clamps onto Mone’s arms. Zayda turns Mone, but Mone turns that into a BACKSTABBER! Then the Gory Especial, the MONEY MAKER into the STATEMENT MAKER! Zayda flails, but she TAPS!

Winner: Mercedes Mone, by submission

Mone fishhooks Zayda again to make her smile! Mone mocks Zayda and Willow in one go, but lets go so she can hold up her Queen of Harts belt. Daniels gets in and checks on Zayda, but Mone CLOBBERS Daniels!! Then she LASHES him! And she LASHES Zayda! The fans boo Mone being a sore winner, but here comes Willow! The fans fire up as The Babe with the Power makes Mone run for the hills! Willow grabs a mic to shout if Mone wants Willow so bad that she wants to attack her, attack others?! Then why not fight her here and now!? Yeah, Mone wants to get crazy, right? It’s because Mone knows Willow can beat her!

Mone gets on the apron, but then bails again. The fans boo but Willow says, “I’m still smiling, b*tch!” The CEO may have won the battle, but will she fail to win the war when she and Willow go All In?

AEW shares footage from after Dynamite.

“Jungle” Jack Perry sat in a stairwell, and he said “they” told him to go to the doctor, cuz he’s bleeding. But he doesn’t have time to bleed, because he needs to prepare himself. Jack WILL be AEW World Champion! It may not look it right now, but he’s never been so confident in that in his entire life! Jack thanks Moxley for this. He thanks Moxley for showing him what it takes. He thanks Moxley for showing him what it’ll take to get to that next level! They say iron sharpens iron. What Jack needs to do is face everyone who has been on that level. Samoa Joe, Hangman Page, even his friend, Kenny Omega.

Jack even points to someone just off camera. And in steps Swerve Strickland! Yes, just like him, And the list of people Jack named off, Swerve’s beat all of them, too. The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, Hangman Page. That fight with Moxley was a tough one, that’s someone even Swerve hasn’t figured out yet. But looks like Jack’s not quite ready to walk up to killers like them. Yet. Swerve turns to go but Jack steps in his way. Jack shows the blood on his hands and says he thinks he is. Swerve says careful bringing a knife to a Swerve fight. Now Swerve leaves. Will Jack discover what he needs to bring out of himself to be just as dangerous as the Most Dangerous Man in AEW?

Kenny Omega speaks.

“The Don Callis Family… The crap stain on the underpants on that which is my life. See, normally, I wouldn’t really complain about a weakened Will Ospreay. But here’s the thing, I don’t like you, and I don’t like bullies. So here’s what we’re going to do: Next week, list three guys, any three guys, I’ll get two of my friends, and we’ll see you boys in Six Man Tag team action next week.” The Bucks are there already, and they say THE Elite, back in action! They’ve got his back as they always do. But then Christian Cage & Adam Copeland walk by. Christian says speaking of having backs, what happened in Mexico?

Cope asks about them having a trios match next. Aren’t they preparing for the tag title match? Are The Bucks sure they’re focused? Omega says this is a little personal between these guys so he’ll go. Matt says if we’re talking about distracted, what about Moxley rolling Cope up? Oh, after Cope had Moxley pinned but The Bucks were tapdancing and doing flips on the outside? Okay, listen… They have all been doing this a long time, so they all know things happen. Cope asks how old they even are. Nick says he’s 37. Yeah, so then Nick was three years old when Cope started. Matt says yeah, true, they were little kids watching C&C on TV.

But the thing is, they’re both very old, so… Yeah but Cope’s still got a sweet 619. Matt says sure, but they’re like, old enough to be their father. Christian says who says he’s not? Let him know when Cope’s done trusting The Bucks. Cage heads out, Cope follows. Nick says no, he’s not their father! But will The Bucks really be able to focus on one match when they’re having another?

BREAKING NEWS regarding the Continental Challenge Cup!

While Nigel McGuinness won out against Katsuyori Shibata just earlier tonight, there is now concern over an injury Nigel suffered in the match. The details are still coming in, and AEW promises to have more by this Monday’s Quarterfinal Selection Show on YouTube and social media.

AEW Continental Challenge Cup: Roderick Strong VS Kyle O’Reilly!

Just like the Don Callis Family, The Conglomeration must clash to see who heads into the next round! The Savior of the Backbreaker and The Violent Artist are such good friends that they both promise to give it everything they’ve got. If it’s, “May the best man win,” then who proves they’re the better between the two?

The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two circle. They circle, tie up, and go around in the collar ‘n’ elbow. The fans cheer “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” They end up on the ropes, Kyle backs away, but Roddy CHOPS! Kyle goes for another tie up but Roddy CHOPS! Kyle KICKS, Roddy CHOPS, repeat! Then they shift to forearms! Kyle KICKS a leg, then avoids a takedown to waistlock. Roddy switches, Kyle switches, and they go around. Roddy slips away to the ropes, and the fans applaud. Kyle waits on Roddy as he rises up. Roddy runs up but Kyle DECKS him! Kyle ROCKS Roddy, KICKS, then snapmares Roddy.

Kyle clamps onto Roddy with a Ground Cobra Twist! Roddy endures, but Kyle’s even trapped Roddy’s legs in a figure four! Kyle digs his knuckles into Roddy’s side, then rolls to a COBRA CRADLE! TWO, and Roddy stands! The fans duel as Roddy fires forearms, but Kyle KICKS and SLAPS and KNEES! Then a KICK and a LEG SWEEP! Roddy scrambles but Kyle storms up again. Kyle wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then he hits the ELBOW-KNEE VICE on the arm! Kyle snapmares Roddy down, and KICKS him in the back! Roddy goes to ropes, but Kyle is on him with more knees. Kyle has the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK now!

Roddy endures, pushes on Kyle’s face to pry free, then he clinches for an URENAGE BACKBREAKER! The fans cheer while Kyle writhes, and Roddy brings Kyle back up. Roddy bumps Kyle off buckles, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! Roddy snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Roddy keeps Kyle down with a chinlock while the fans rally again. Kyle fights up, fires body shots, but Roddy KNEES low! Roddy runs, but Kyle KNEES- NO, Roddy catches Kyle and DUMPS him outta the ring! Roddy then runs to WRECK- NO, Kyle blocks the dropkick for an ANKLE LOCK! Roddy kicks free, then hobbles as he builds speed again, only for Kyle to dodge!

Kyle is on the apron, but Roddy dodges the flying knee! Roddy picks Kyle up, BARRIER BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Roddy hobbles, then brings Kyle up to put back in the ring. Roddy pushes Kyle over to a cover, TWO! Kyle toughs it out, but Roddy clamps on with a chinlock stretch! Kyle endures as Roddy puts on the pressure, then Kyle fights around. Kyle sunset flips, TWO! Both men stand, Roddy LARIATS Kyle down! Roddy hurries to bring Kyle up, reels him in, and puts him in a corner. Roddy CHOPS, but Kyle fires back! Roddy CHOPS, Kyle ROCKS him with a forearm, but Roddy BOOTS Kyle! And BOOTS him again! Kyle falls over, but Roddy brings him back up. Kyle trips Roddy, and rolls to have the ANKLE LOCK! Roddy endures, so Kyle STOMPS Roddy’s foot!

Kyle hurries to KICK at Roddy’s leg, then ties the legs up for a figure four TWIST! Roddy clutches his knee but Kyle clutches his back. Kyle hobbles after Roddy, KICKS him in the corner, KICKS him again, then stalks him to a corner. Kyle KICKS the legs, KICKS Roddy in the chest, then follows him to another corner. Kyle KICKS Roddy’s leg, then KICKS him in the chest! Collision returns to single picture as Kyle KICKS, whips, but Roddy reverses. Kyle BOOTS back, goes up, and FLYING KNEES! Kyle runs, but Roddy catches him for a BACKBREAKER! But the leg is hurting, too! Roddy crawls to a cover, TWO!

The fans rally for “Both These Guys!” again as Roddy hobbles. Roddy drags Kyle up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS! Roddy brings Kyle around, suplexes, but Kyle knees free! Roddy CHOPS again, runs, but Kyle kitchen sink KNEES him down! The fans cheer, and Kyle hobbles his way back over. Kyle stands Roddy up but Roddy CHOPS! Kyle KICKS, KICKS, then runs up, but into a clinch! URE- No, Kyle slips free, ELBOW BREAKER, then a hammerlock and GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Roddy endures, but he falls forward, and Kyle shifts to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Roddy tries to stack but Kyle trips him to the ANKLE LOCK! ROPEBREAK!

Kyle lets go and Roddy goes to the outside. Kyle goes to the apron, and he FLYING KNEES Roddy down! The fans cheer as Kyle puts Roddy in the ring, then climbs up. Roddy hurries to GAMANGIRI! Roddy goes up, turns Kyle around, and picks him up! TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Kyle writhes but Roddy still has to check his ankle. Roddy crawls to a cover, TWO! Kyle survives and the fans rally up again. Roddy drags Kyle up, but Kyle fires a forearm! Roddy fires back, and the shots go back and forth. Roddy fires boxing elbows, then a BACK ELBOW! Kyle rebounds, LET’S KILL IT LARIAT! The fans fire up as Kyle staggers to his feet!

Kyle suplexes Roddy, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! But into an ARMBAR! Roddy clasps hands, but Kyle laces his leg inside to put on the pressure! Roddy holds on as long as he can, but the ARMBAR is in! Roddy hurries to shift, stack, TWO! Kyle lets Roddy go, then the forearms fly! Kyle fires a strike fest, but Roddy fires in return! Kyle ROLLING ELBOWS, but Roddy STRONG KNEES! Both men are down as the fans fire up again! Roddy crawls to the cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and the fans fire up again! They hope these two “Fight Forever!” but someone has to advance. Roddy drags Kyle up, but Kyle wrenches out!

Kyle ROCKS Roddy, Roddy ROCKS Kyle, repeat! They go back and forth, harder and harder, then Kyle winds up. Kyle KICKS, steps, but into the UREN- NO, Kyle slips free to waistlock! Roddy switches, Kyle switches, repeat! The fans rally as they keep switching, then Kyle rolls to wrangle Roddy to a cover! KYLE WINS!!

Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, by pinfall (advances to the second round)

In the blink of an eye, Kyle snatches the win, and Roddy SHOVES Kyle for it!? The fans boo, this was supposed to be friendly competition! Roddy cools off, apologizes, and he helps Kyle up. They hug it out, the fans cheer, and Roddy raises Kyle’s hand in victory. And now, AEW will shuffle the deck and deal out the matches this Monday! Orange Cassidy greets his guys at the stage, but will Cassidy and Kyle meet in the next round? Or will they have to worry about that in the semifinals?

My Thoughts:

A great Collision, though it was again filled to the brim. Lio Rush suddenly joining The Rascalz for an 8 Man Tag was really odd, but Lio’s great at this persona in every situation. Plus, they did a great segue into Hurt Syndicate & STP having their own 8 Man Tag. I feel like they kinda undercut their own story, though, with Syndicate just tagging out and bailing out before the end. Are they trying to fast track something for All In with these teams? If anything, Hurt Syndicate willing to work with STP until All In would’ve been way more dramatic, because it would seem so sudden after great interactions week after week.

Divine Dominion of course won a squash, but good on Brawling Birds to have a response. Good match from Mone VS Zayda but of course Mone won, and good response from Willow to go after Mone. Not sure what more they can do, and there’s still two weeks to go. Good promos from Ospreay and Omega to each establish a Six Man Tag against Don Callis Family, and those will be good matches that I would think both Team Ospreay and The Elite win out. Good promo from Jack Perry and Swerve, and a match of Jack VS Swerve right now would be really good. At the same time, it feels like we’re just waiting on Swerve to get teammates to get in the trios division.

Very good Trios title match tonight, and I figured Hangman, Bandido & Brody would win. I also figured The Demand would go after them afterward and put them on the defensive. There’s a chance Swerve gets his team together in time for All In and we get a Triple Threat Trios match, because All In feels like the right place for a lot of that. Very good promo from Ciampa, but it’d be a bit too easy if he entered the Casino Gauntlet third. And great C3 matches, though hopefully Nigel is able to continue. Honestly, if he can’t continue in the Cup then there’s no way they can let him compete at Death Before Dishonor since that PPV is first.

Brian Cage VS Hechicero and Roddy VS Kyle were also great on the level that it was factionmates competing against each other. Hechi and Kyle each getting the win in quick pins helps protect Cage and Roddy just a bit, there was no tapping out or finisher knockout to speak of. It’d be too easy to put Cassidy and Kyle against each other in the next round, but perhaps they want to get it out of the way to keep things more unpredictable in the next round.

My Score: 8.8/10