Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Backstage, Derrick King and "The Gift" Ray Sanders try to come up with a third man. Sanders asks if King has an idea, and King says that he has an idea, but he might not like it.
Dustin Starr interviews Big John Dalton at the announce desk to start today's show. Big John says he is here today to kick some butt, then "Slick" Nick Scott suddenly shows up and says he liked Big John a lot more when he was at home taking care of his daddy. Big John Dalton immediately takes offense to this and slaps Slick Nick, and this leads to a match.
Big John Dalton beats "Slick" Nick Scott after countering a neckbreaker with the Bam Bam Slam. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews Big John Dalton again, and Big John Dalton says that this and every match afterwards is both for the fans and for Big Daddy, and that the WrestleCenter is his house and he is coming for championship gold.
It is announced that highlights of Kick Ass Wrestling are now available on the Memphis Wrestling YouTube Channel. We also see a a video package of KAW footage. (Kick Ass Wrestling would eventually become Memphis Championship Wrestling and become part of the WWF (now WWE) developmental system.) We then see a message from Kick Ass Wrestling founder Terry Golden, saying he chose to walk away on his own terms and that he wanted better for himself and his children. He announces that he will be here next week "with some of his old, broken down buddies" "who were kicked to the side" and that the blood will be all over the WrestleCenter.
We hear from Xya, who says that if Raven Black and Bobbi Thunder wants a fight, she will get it, and that she has friends, too.
We hear from Ally X (formerly Mama Ally and Mama Money), who says that "Mama Money" is gone and that the fans need to find out what happens when she has to fight for herself. She says that "Ally X" is here and that she is here to fight, and calls out anybody who wants to fight here so she can beat them in the middle of the ring. When Ally X heads to the ring, her open challenge is answered by C-Rex.
C-Rex quickly beats Ally X.
Backstage, Big Vito and The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock and Secret Service) look at the portraits on the wall. Big Vito says that King Cobra is going to go, and after he and The Hollywood Clique take over Memphis Wrestling for good, the portrait of King Cobra is going in the dumpster. After the commercial break, Blaylock looks forward to firing a whole bunch of people and bring in a whole new regime, and Big Vito hopes that Blaylock is ready for a big takeover as he also reminds Blaylock not to screw him.
Warwolf (formerly Bruce) beats Notorious Bradley with a schoolkid pin after Marrow scares Ruffshot Lamonte to the back.
It is announced that Kevin and Gavin White beat The Bizness Dawgs (Tim Grind and Lil' Homie) for the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships in Jackson, Tennessee and that there will be more details about this next week.
We see a man dressed as a clown make a balloon animal before popping it with a pin and waving hello to the camera before laughing.
Dustin Starr interviews Marko "Hangtime" Harris at the announce desk. Marko Harris says that he did what he said he would to VaShawn Harvey in Jackson, Tennessee, and now he wants Marko Stunt.
Marko "Hangtime" Harris beats Marko Stunt by disqualification after VaShawn Harvey runs into the ring and attacks Marko Harris before hitting him with the Memphis Wresting Internet Championship. Marko Stunt then hits Marko Harris with a shiranui.
We see a video package honoring the career of "The Best of the Best" Austin Lane, who is now retiring. Dustin Starr then interviews Austin and his wife, Nikki Lane, at the announce desk. Austin talks about how he watched Memphis Wrestling with his grandmother every Saturday morning and dreaming of being a wrestling superstar. He says that he met his wife and a lot of fans along the way and even had a few rivalries along the way in his 28-year career. He admits that when Memphis Wrestling was no longer on television and was dying as a result, he was ecstatic to see Dustin Starr and Matchmaker King Cobra bring it back. He mentions his accomplishments in Memphis Wrestling, then says that his neck is broken and that he no longer has feeling in his hands. Austin Lane thanks the fans for standing behind him and his wife for the last 28 years and says it was worth every minute, and says that he and his wife were the best of the best before thanking the fans. Tim Bosby suddenly shows up and asks who gives a damn if Austin Lane is retiring, and says he dropped Austin Lane on his neck multiple times before saying he is the new "best of the best" and that Austin is not the best wrestler in his marriage. Austin Lane slaps Bosby, and Bosby kicks him in the gut before sending him into the ring post. Bosby then grabs a metal folding chair, and when Nikki Lane tries to stop him, Bosby shoves her to the side before wrapping the chair around Austin Lane's neck. Mike Anthony shows up as Bosby is on the second rope, and Bosby retreats as the show ends.
Dustin Starr interviews "The Bounty Hunter" Bryan Keith at the announce desk. Bryan Keith says he is only here to do business, and business is good. He says he got with Tim Bosby, then tells Mike Anthony that this is nothing personal and just business. He says that when he gets the call, it is time to pay up. Bryan Keith then says that it is time to collect, and when Tim Bosby shows up, so does Mike Anthony. Bosby retreats to the ring while referees and security keep Bryan Keith and Mike Anthony apart.
We see more footage of Lil' Homie and Gavin White training at the WrestleCenter. When Lil' Homie hits a back elbow to get out of a standing switch, a brawl almost starts, and everyone else in the room has to intervene before things get worse.
"The Bounty Hunter" Bryan Keith vs. Mike Anthony is official for next week's main event.
We hear from The Modern Day Monsters (Bruce, Marrow, Sister Asa). Bruce says that Memphis has no idea what they have unleashed, as they are ready to feast on and maul them all.
Kevin White guests on commentary for the next match.
The Bizness Dawgs (Tim Grind and Lil' Homie) retain the Memphis Wrestling Tag Team Championships against Muddy Waters (Gio Savage and "The Judge" RJW) with a schoolkid pin from Lil' Homie to RJW. On the replay, it is noted that Lil' Homie grabbed the tights on the schoolkid pin. After the match, Dustin Starr interviews The Bizness Dawgs at the announce desk. Tim Grind apologizes to Kevin White for what happened at training and states that there are no issues between him and Kevin White.
We hear from "Cold Hearted" Colton Cage. Colton says Eli Knox stole something from him and says that Eli Knox's luck with him in matches have not been good, and had it not been for Moses, he would have become champion again. Colton says that Memphis Wrestling has been gracious enough to give him one more time, and that he is ready for Moses and will not be put down for a third time. That match takes place next week with the Memphis Wrestling Junior Heritage Championship on the line.
Diana Taylor beats Jae Pariah with a double DDT when KJ Rockett runs into the ring.
We see a woman dressed like a nurse looking into a mirror repeatedly saying "You're not crazy. You take care of people." All of a sudden, she sees a man behind her in the mirror who is not really there.
We hear from Eugene at the WrestleCenter.
Dustin Starr interviews The Hollywood Clique ("Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock, Jay Smooth, Kale) at the announce desk. "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock says he is here to make Memphis Wrestling great again, then says he could fire Dustin Starr or Maria Starr before stating that he is in touch with Vince Russo and that he is the boss now. As he states that Dustin Starr will soon be doing things his way, Matchmaker King Cobra, "The Gift" Ray Sanders and Derrick King show up. King Cobra says he is still in charge, but Blaylock says he has invested a lot of time and money and things are about to change.Blaylock also says that he can fire Matchmaker King Cobra, and King Cobra dares Blaylock to fire him. Blaylock proclaims that next week, he will be in charge.
We hear from The L.A. Hustlers (Notorious Bradley and Ruffshot Lamonte). Ruffshot Lamonte talks about the Memphis Wrestling tag team division, then Notorious Bradley slaps his hand on Lamonte and nearly scares him before the two of them agree that they are not scared of any monsters.
We hear from "Handsome" Jimmy Valiant at the WrestleCenter.
Eugene guests on commentary for the next match.
Marko "Hangtime" Harris vs. VaShawn Harvey for the Memphis Wrestling Internet Championship ends when Marko Stunt pulls Marko Harris off the top rope, which leads to Eugene tossing Marko Stunt into the ring where Marko Harris gives Marko Stunt a beating. When VaShawn Harvey makes the save for Marko Stunt, Matchmaker King Cobra shows up and puts Marko Stunt and VaShawn in a tag team match against Marko Harris and Eugene.
VaShawn Harvey and Marko Stunt beat Marko "Hangtime" Harris and Eugene after Marko Stunt punches Eugene with a chain around his fist while Marko Harris beats up VaShawn Harvey on the outside.
MJF heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says that everyone in the building is "inbred and incredibly stupid," and demands that everyone keeps their mouths shut. MJF calls Daniel Garcia "nothing more than a pawn," then says their match at All In was never going to happen, as he was always going to stab him in the back and break his neck, and says he is a "Make-A-Wish Kid" at best and was trying to grant him his wish even though it was not real and never answered. He then says Daniel Garcia will never wrestle again, much less make it to All In, then says he is here to talk to the fans. He replays his promo from the August 2, 2023 where he talks about his attention deficit disorder as well as his rejection sensitive disorder as well as how he was made fun of as a kid, then says he opened up to the fans and knew that if he did, it would tear his heart if the fans turned on him, and yet the fans did not give a damn. MJF says he did so much for the fans, but the fans repaid him after his friend stabbed him in the back and Samoa Joe took the AEW World Championship by chanting "Thank You Joe" after Worlds End while he was in physical therapy trying to regain movement in his left arm and cast him aside for other wrestlers. MJF says that what he did to Daniel Garcia was personal not between himself and Garcia, but between himself and the fans, and Garcia was just the tip of the iceberg. He says that he will take away everything that the fans love in AEW because everything they love sucks, and because the fans have ruined the company he loves with their "garbage tastes." He says that he will fix this by getting back on top, even though the fans want Will Ospreay (who he calls a "talented hack") and are too delusional to realize that he cannot help the company like he can because he is a child who only cares about putting on good matches and not ticket sales or making money. MJF says the only ratings Ospreay cares about are from "a guy named Meltzer" while the ratings he cares about are from "a guy named Nielsen." He then proposes that he and Ospreay "pop a number right here, right now" and threatens to get medieval on him, saying that he will sacrifice him like "the billy goat" that he claims to be. Will Ospreay's music hits, but Ospreay fails to show, and MJF grins before saying that Ospreay is not coming because he is a "two-faced, fickle, gutless coward" just like the fans.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly). O'Reilly admits they are "bummed out" after Forbidden Door, but Mark Briscoe says he is not despite, then says the word of the day is "epiphany" and that he had anepiphany that failure is a figment of one's imagination and nothing but a stepping stone to the throne. He says they are in the shadow of one of the most important cities in wrestling history - Memphis, Tennessee - and that they are about to bring a "historical ass whupping" to The Iron Savages (Boulder, Bronson, Jacked Jameson). Briscoe heads to the ring, and O'Reilly says Mark Briscoe knows how to pull a guy out of a dark abyss. Orange says "I don't care."
Before the next match, Jacked Jameson says everyone loves The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly) because they represent them, but they do not stand a chance. He says that Mark Briscoe is called "The Sussex County Chicken" because his bones are brittle, and Kyle O'Reilly and Orange Cassidy look like they belong on the bottom of an evolutionary chart. Shortly after this, Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) guests on commentary.
The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly) beat The Iron Savages (Boulder, Bronson, Jacked Jameson) in a trios match. After the match, Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) display their disapproval of Kyle O'Reilly being part of The Conglomeration.
We hear from "Scapegoat" Jack Perry, who says that the true cost of anything is what you are willing to sacrifice for it. He says that a long time ago, he was the first-ever challenger to the first-ever TNT Champion, but he was not ready yet because he did not realize how great that cost would be. Perry says that as of tonight, he is paid in full, and he wants to give that opportunity to sacrifice everything and take the TNT Championship from him to somebody else, because if they do not, he will sacrifice them. As he speaks, we only see his reflection in the center plate of the TNT Championship.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "Hangman" Adam Page. Adam Page says that his indefinite suspension has been ended out of convenience - not his, but The Elite's (Nicholas Jackson, Matthew Jackson, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, "Scapegoat" Jack Perry) - and that what was happening to him and his family did not matter to them at all, for at the moment that they thought that they could use him, they brought him back. He then says that even "he" knows that he is really here to burn through the rest of the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, head to All In and right a wrong that should have been righted a long time ago, and if it takes his last breath on Earth, he will right that wrong and he will burn "his" world to the ground. He then leaves when "Switchblade" Jay White and his inability to defeat him is mentioned.
"Timeless" Toni Storm beats Trish Adora.
We see a video package for Willow Nightingale vs. Mariah May in the finals of the women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament next week on Dynamite.
We hear from The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Killswitch, Mama Wayne). Christian says that last week, many people were left in awe when "Switchbalde" Jay White confronted The Patriarchy with his words and he seemingly let Jay White get away with it. Christian tells Jay White that he made it personal, as he promised his family the gift of the United Trios Championships for their loyalty to him over the past year, and says that The Bang Bang Gang (Jay White, "Rock Hard' Juice Robinson, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn) has been on such a run with the titles that he had to Google them to find out who they were. He says that Jay White's head is not in the game, or else he would not have entered the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Christian calls the tournament Jay White's "exit strategy" and says that he cannot blame him as he has surrounded him with a child and "genetic waste." Christian says he will do Jay White a favor and take the Unitied Trios Championships off his hands to revive them and make them the most important titles on AEW on the road to the AEW World Championship, and that it will make Tony Khan and the AEW fanbase happy, as the fans are tired of seeing The Bang Bang Gang consistently tread water while simultaneously getting the Jay White they thought they would get when he signed to the company. All of a sudden, Christian sees Kip Sabian, who says that he recently lost his father and that he meant no disrespect being near camera shot. Christian says he is sure that his father was a loser and that the apple does not fall far from the tree, then tells Kip Sabian that his day is about to get a whole lot worse as he sics Killswitch on him on the way out.
"Scapegoat" Jack Perry's challenger for the TNT Championship is Marko Stunt, who has not been seen in AEW in some time.
"Scapegoat" Jack Perry retains the TNT Championship against Marko Stunt.
We hear from The House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King). Malakai Black says they are asked about how they feel regarding Buddy Matthews, but they do not feel anything, as they do not sweat out their fevers like others do. He says that revenge is not a straight line and is more of an imbalanced scale waiting to be tipped back into perfect balance, as well as a shadow hiding in the dark waiting to be put back into the light. Brody King says that they feel nothing, Christian Cage will feel everything.
We see a video package for "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. the winner of "Switchblade" Jay White vs. "Hangman" Adam Page in the finals of the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
Claudio Castagnoli beats The Beast Mortos.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard. Menard says that he now has a concussion after earlier this week, and that Daniel Garcia is at home in Buffalo, New York, and while he has lost all strength in the left side of his body, he will make a full recovery and eventually get his hands on MJF when he is cleared, and when that happened, he will get "Red Death."
We see someone jumping into a portal.
We hear from Serena Deeb, who says that she is glad that Riho is back, and that people still talk about their match from Double or Nothing 2021. She says that if Riho wants a rematch, that is fine, but she is not the same person from 2021 and has evolved into the best in-ring wrestler in the women's division.
Riho beats Lady Frost with a new Kofi Kingston-esque SOS-style called the Runhei.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty, Anthony Ogogo), Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) and Action Andretti. Shane Taylor says that his team have given Top Flight and Andretti a pass and that they should have whupped their asses a few weeks ago for getting in their business had they not been playing with ladders, but Action Andretti says the wait is over and they will settle things on Rampage. Darius says they are not scared and that they are not ducking Shane Taylor Promotions, and if they want to rumble, they can go. Dante Martin says he earned a spot in the ladder match, then reminds them that Lio Rush cleaned house in their last encounter. Lee Moriarty gets ticked off and wants the match right now, which causes Shane Taylor to hold him back, while Anthony Ogogo says this is not Chuck E. Cheese's and that they will smash them up.
"Hangman" Adam Page beats "Switchblade" Jay White to advance to the finals of the men's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. During the match, Hangman throws Switchblade into referee Paul Turner, knocking him out, then removes his own leather belt and whips and chokes Switchblade with it. Jeff Jarrett shows up and takes the belt away from Hangman before another referee removes him from the match, then Christian Cage shows up from out of the crowd and hits Switchblade with the Spear. Paul Turner comes to and makes the three-count after Hangman hits Switchblade with the Buckshot Lariat.
Austin Lane beats K-Toomer by disqualification when K. Toomer does not let go of a Fujiwara arm bar on Austin Lane's hurt right arm and shoulder despite Lane getting his foot on the bottom rope.
Marko Stunt and The Posse (Simon and Lil' Chris) beat The Hollywood Horror Show (Jacksyn Crowley, Otis Crowley, The Revenant of Walker Hayes). After the match, The Hollywood Horror Show attacks The Poose from behind and knock them out with chloroform cloths. Marko Stunt catches wind of what is going on and decks "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock. The Revenant of Walker Hayes lays out Marko Stunt and hits him with a choke bomb.
U-Gene Dinsmore beats Johnny Dotson.
Rebel Kel beats BB Ryann in a rematch from last week.
Alan Steel retains the Memphis Heritage Championship against Mike Anthony and "The GunShow" Brett Michaels after Michaels inadvertently hits Anthony with the GunShow Lariat and Steel tosses Michaels out of the ring to pick the bones.
Jake "The Snake" Roberts guests on commentary for the next match.
Lance Archer beats "Outlandish" Zicky Dice, the latter of whom is making his AEW debut.
Matt Hardy talks with TheHybrid2 (Angelico and Jack Evans), saying that he is glad that they are back in still in the freelance business. He says that he has lined them up with a match on Dynamite against Christian Cage, and that he is willing to pay them $8450 and a spot in the Hardy Family Office - more than double the $4200 he is willing to pay them - to get rid of Christian, who he says he has made more money in wrestling than. TheHybrid2 accepts, with Jack Evans accepting very vocally, then Matt Hardy says that Angelico will be in the match. Angelico accepts the match.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next two matches.
Abadon beats Willow Nightingale.
Cezar Bononi beats the debuting Cyrus.
Angelico beats the debuting Matthew Justice with the Navarro Death Roll.
We hear from Dante Martin, who says that Matt Sydal is an inspiration to him and his style and that it will be an honor to face him in the ring tonight. He says he is coming in as a competitor, not as a fan or a friend, and says that while Matt Sydal is great, he is not Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin).
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next match.
Tay Conti beats Natalia Markova.
Chaos Project (Luther and Serpentico) beats JP and Tommy Daily.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela, who says that every time he is interviewed, his injuries are always mentioned and he wants to occupy his mind. He says that it it is "Bad Boy summer time," then talks about he and Alex Marvez went to "Big Mommy Milkers" last week (in which Marvez says there were "lots and lots and lots of jugs") before proposing they go to another go-go bar on Route 9 called "The Nip Factory." Sonny Kiss shows up and asks Joey Janela to be in his corner in his match against Aaron Solow, and Janela says he will be there. Janela then decides to go to the go-go bar with Marvez anyway, and when Marvez why it's called "The Nip Factory," Janela says "You have no idea."
Marko Stunt beats Ariel Dominguez.
Aaron Solow beats Sonny Kiss following the inadvertent distraction from QT Marshall. After the match, Solow and Nick Comoroto attack Sonny Kiss, and "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela fails to show up.
"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beats Missa Kate.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next match.
QT Marshall beats Bear Bronson.
Thunder Rosa beats Megan Bayne with the ankle lock.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks guests on commentary for the next match.
The Dark Order (Stu Grayson, Preston "10" Vance, Colt Cabana) beat Kit Sackett, Dan Barry and Justin Law.
Big Swole and KiLynn King beat The Sea Stars (Ashley Vox and Delmi Exo).
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews The Factory (QT Marshall, Nick Comoroto, Aaron Solow). QT Marshall makes Schiavone tell the world that he beat "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the middle of the ring last week.
Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) beat Storm Thomas and Demetri Jackson.
Shawn Spears beats Jessy Sorenson. After the match, Tully Blanchard hands Shawn a steel slug to place in his glove, then Shawn hits Sorenson with a loaded palm strike as Blanchard distracts referee Mike Posey.
Mel beats Red Velvet.
Before the next match, Lance Archer tosses a rather large man into the ring before booting him in the face.
Lance Archer beats D3.
Luther and Serpentico beat The Initiative ("The Librarian" Peter Avalon and Brandon Cutler) after Avalon inadvertently nails Cutler with a book.
"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beats KiLynn King after Vickie Guerrero shoves KiLynn King off the top rope. After the match, Vickie Guerrero says she loves a victory, and that everyone should be honored to be here and witness a picture-perfect vision of success, as she stands in the ring with a distinguished legacy as a manager with Nyla Rose, who signifies fear and destruction,. Vickie Guerrero then coins her and Nyla "The Vicious Vixens," and dares the women's locker room to come into the ring and play.
The Gunn Club (Billy and Austin Gunn) beat Frank Stone and Baron Black.
Penelope Ford beats Heather Monroe.
Proud 'n Powerful (Santana and Ortiz) beat The Metro Brothers (Chris and JC Metro). After the match, Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) run into the ring and attack Proud 'n Powerful, starting a brawl that goes behind the guardrail and into the parking lot.
"Absolute" Ricky Starks beats Shawn Dean.
Jake Hager beats Marko Stunt by submission. After the match, Hager grabs Marko Stunt, then Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus show up. Hager hits Marko Stunt with a knee, then Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy chase Hager out of the ring.
Frankie Kazarian beats "Superbad" Kip Sabian.
TheHybrid2 (Angelico and Jack Evans) beat Sonny Kiss and "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela.
The show starts with The Inner Circle coming out of a black limousine and being interviewed by Alex Marvez. Chris Jericho says that if you thought what they did to Vanguard-1 was bad, what they will do to The Elite will be even worse.
Before the next match, Brodie Lee addresses the fans at home after asking 10 to take a proper knee, saying that he does relate to the fans, as he sweats and put his pants on the same way they do. He says that it may be hard to fathom, but he is a man, not a god, who has come into possession with a "very, very special piece." He then says that that the difference between the Dark Order of then and the Dark Order of now is that he operates at a higher, elite level and that the Dark Order of now are "the lions of AEW," and that the results speak for themselves. He says that come Saturday, he has to win not only to satisfy his hunger and desire, but to pay off the loyalty and love of his men in the Dark Order. Brodie Lee then tells 10 that he knew that he was special, and that now is his time to shine. He calls him "a high knight of the Dark Order," then orders him to rise and hurt Jon Moxley for him.
Jon Moxley beats 10. After the match, Moxley rips off 10's left elbow pad, puts 10's left arm through a steel chair, then admits while he does not understand the message behind Brodie Lee stealing the AEW World Championship, he sees it as a punk-out and he will give Brodie Lee ten seconds to come out and correct his mistake before he breaks 10's arm. Brodie Lee shows up on the video screen, telling Moxley he has made his bed and that he will put him to sleep on Saturday. He says that all Moxley had to do was ask to have it back, and that Moxley has made it personal. He says that in these times, everybody has to make sacrifice, then says he is leaving with the Dark Order, sacrificing 10 in the process. Moxley says he will see Brodie Lee on Saturday, then smacks the steel chair wrapped around 10's arm with another steel chair.
MJF beats Marko Stunt with The Salt of the Earth. After the match, MJF congratulates Marko Stunt for lasting much longer than he thought they would, then proposes letting one of his rats kiss him before saying that nobody in the world would ever touch Marko's lips. Wardlow then picks Marko up so that Marko can kiss the Dynamite diamond ring, and MJF punches Marko in the face, knocking him down. Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus then run into the ring and chase MJF and Wardlow out.
Jake Roberts and Arn Anderson - the latter of whom has not been seen in months - set down at a table for a face-to-face meeting moderated by Tony Schiavone. Roberts says it is surreal to sit across the table from Anderson, as they have crossed paths through the years but never in the ring. He is also not used to seeing Anderson show up alone, either. He says that people have dreams and nightmares, and while those are not real, Lance Archer is and he has destroyed everyone put in front of him. He says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has "wormed his way around" to stay away from Archer, but he will have to come face-to-face with the truth that Archer is a "mean son-of-a-bitch who will rip his damn heart out." He then makes fun of the fact that Anderson has not been seen in months. Anderson says that Roberts almost made him believe him, and ponders what would have happened if they got in the ring years ago, and says they are so credible that if they told someone a pissant could pull a freight train, they would hook it up. He says that he can feel the evil in him that used to frighten people permeate from across the table, and he knew way back when that what is in his heart is what should be worried about. Roberts says he has been to Hell and back and that one more trip with him wouldn't be so bad. Anderson mentions "Iron" Mike Tyson is going to not only present the AEW TNT Championship, but that he may have free reign around the arena and questions if Robert will throw Archer at Tyson. Roberts says that whatever he throws at Tyson will knock him down, and that Archer is willing to knock Tyson out for fun and that he can do it. He then says that he expected Brandi Rhodes to present the title, and says he wouldn't mind running into her again. Anderson says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has to win the TNT Championship, not because he is a member of the Rhodes family, but because he has turned the wrestling world on its head in a year's time and made it what it is now, and that his leadership is being recognized and he has earned it. He also warns Roberts that he is "a vicious prick," and that he has one more tidbit of information. He tells Roberts that he had better be limber from his DDP Yoga when he plants him into the mat with a spinebuster and stick his head where the sun doesn't shine. Roberts overturns the table and wants to brawl with Anderson, but referees get between them and Roberts eventually leaves.
We see a black-and-white video package of Darby Allin climbing a ladder and playing poker with other people wearing masks that look like the faces of other AEW wrestlers.
We hear from PAC, who says that nobody is safe in these times. He says that while he has been forced to stay home and weather the storm, he no longer has to walk this path, and says that tonight is the night that Orange Cassidy will get over himself when Rey Fenix kicks his head off and sends him to his maker.
Rey Fenix beats Orange Cassidy. During the match, "Superbad" Kip Sabian shows up with a ladder, places it on the ramp, and climbs up to the top of the ladder to sit down and watch the match. This distracts Orange Cassidy and allows Fenix to hit a low blow behind the referee's back to get the win. After the match, Sabian flips Cassidy off, then Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky show up, test Sabian's adder for balance, then push the ladder down and topple Sabian off before fighting both Sabian and Jimmy Havoc, who has also shown up. Fenix then takes everyone else out on the outside, then Colt Cabana shows up and hits everyone with an Asai moonsault. Chuck Taylor and Trent then show up and check on Orange Cassidy before heling him take out everyone on the outside with an assisted Swanton Bomb. Cassidy then gives the thumbs up from the bottom of the ladder.
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. and "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose beat Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. After the match, Nyla Rose pulls a table out form underneath the ring, sets it up, places Shida on top of it and goes up top. Statlander stops Nyla, and Shida gets off the table and goes up top to put Nyla through the table with a superplex.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Jon Moxley, who says that in sports, business and life, everything is a reduction to violence, and that it only gets worse from here. He knows it will get very bad on Saturday when he hits Brodie Lee with a Paradigm Shift, and when Lee wakes up, he will have lost the match and the power he thinks he has, and all he will have is a three-piece suit and a bunch of guys in masks to repair his shattered ego.
Shawn Spears hosts "Shawn Spears News," and reports that "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes has decided to retire from professional wrestling at the behest of family and friends. He then congratulates "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for his actions, then says that retirement was not an easy pill for Dustin to swallow. He then says that swallowing pills wasn't all that hard for Dustin twelve years ago. Spears then asks why he does not have a match at Double or Nothing and asks himself who he has to piss off to get a match, and quickly realizes that he challenge Dustin to a match at Double or Nothing before joking that one can find Dustin at their local museum. The match is quickly made official.
Next week: a battle royal where the winner faces the AEW TNT Champion!
Matt Hardy beats Sammy Guevara. After the match, Chris Jericho appears on the video screen with The Inner Circle, who are tossing water on Kenny Omega and holding him down in front of a football goal post. Jericho then hits Omega with a baseball bat as Matt Hardy heads towards the stadium, then The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) show up and lay waste to The Inner Circle. This does not last long, and The Inner Circle turns the tables until the sudden reappearance of "Hangman" Adam Page, who runs across the stadium and hammers members of The Inner Circle, allowing The Young Bucks to get back into the fight. Matt Hardy shows up just in time for The Inner Circle to retreat.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
The show starts with a vignette for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin in the semi-finals of the TNT Championship Tournament. Cody says that Darby is able to hang with him, and says that he has lost so much earlier in his career and that he considers their draw a loss. Darby says that he lost to Arn Anderson, not to Cody, and that he represents the opposite of everything Cody represents. Darby says he will do whatever it takes to become a champion, while Cody says he cannot visualize anyone with the TNT Championship besides himself, as he does not exactly consider Darby championship material. Cody says there is no respect going into this match and that the both of them will take each others' heads off, and Darby asks what part of the story is the most important: the beginning, the middle or the end. Cody says that Darby is the future of AEW, but asks if he his a champion.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Darby Allin in a match that sees Brandi Rhodes temporarily helped to the back after Cody inadvertently whips Darby into her, Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. hitting Cody from behind the guardrail with a shoe and both men using each others' signature and finishing moves against each other to advance to the finals of the TNT Championship Tournament.
We hear from Scorpio Sky, who talks about joining "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian of SoCal Uncensored, not wanting to be the third guy in the group and the growth and opportunity that he earned while part of it, and how he is never satisfied until he is "a fucking legend."
We hear from MJF, who says that he was able to rehab his hangnail injury to the point that his nail doctor was in awe from his "overhealing" his nail to the point that it is the strongest nail in the world. He then says that while he was shaving in preparation for his return, the unthinkable happened, and after revealing the neck brace around his neck, he says that he nicked his neck and that he did not bleed out because he is a warrior. He says that he was looking forward to entertaining the fans, but says that he will be back not just for the fans, but for himself.
Wardlow beats Musa.
In the newest installment of "The Bubbly Bunch," Chris Jericho addresses Sammy Guevara winning the Flim Flam Challenge, while Guevara brags about his win on social media. Meanwhile, the rest of The Inner Circle is divided on who had the best flim flam between Jericho and Guevara, and Jericho says they should agree to disagree and stay strong with an "old-fashioned Manitoba melee." Jake Hager says it will hurt, but he is behind the idea as it will make The Inner Circle stronger than ever. Guevara wants to start the fight, but it is Santana who starts the fight by virtually headbutting Guevara. Somehow, "The Librarian" Peter Avalon, Jungle Boy, Sonny Kiss, Luther, Ted Irvine, Lou Ferrigno, Silent Bob, Soul Train Jones, Vickie Guerrero and a host of others also get involved. Afterwards, Jericho questions if he actually saw Lou Ferrigno with a taser (he did).
Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) beats Jimmy Havoc and "Superbad" Kip Sabian in a no disqualification, no-count-out match after Orange Cassidy outsmarts Havoc, Sabian and Penelope Ford.
We hear from Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. in her own office, and we get a behind the scenes look at how one of her segment on how to be a role model is set up. We find out that Rebel (whom Britt calls "Reba") does Britt's make-up, and that Dr. Britt Baker is in complete control of how everything is done. Britt then says that not everyone can be a role model, and says that glasses wearers, fat people, wannabes and people with a snaggle tooth cannot be role models, all the while making fun of Tony Schiavone's looks. She then says that some people are born to show people what not to do.
Shawn Spears beats Baron Black. During the match, Spears introduces a modified Sharpshooter, and it is with this moves that Spears beats Black.
Taz takes a closer look at Lance Archer's Blackout for this week's "Technique by Taz."
We see a video package where Marko Stunt says there are a lot of people who say that he does not belong, and while he is here and Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy, he has a job to do and he give it his all like he always does. On the subject of how much he can take, he says he can take more than what Lance Archer dished out last week.
Brodie Lee beats Marko Stunt.
We hear from Jon Moxley, who talks about how his AEW World Championship victory feels like a lifetime ago, and instead of being out in a crowd, everyone is watching at home. He says that everyone will get through this together and that he will be bleeding and sweating again, and that now is a good time to reflect on what one is thankful for, of which he has a lot, including his wife and steel chairs. He then says that AEW is live next week, and he will get in his truck, head east and be live on Dynamite next week. He knows that he has a big target on his chest on the way to Double or Nothing, and says that to take him on is to do so at one's own risk. He then tells everyone to be kind to their neighbor, support local businesses by ordering take-out, and not to forget to call their grandmother.
Next week: MJF returns! Frankie Kazarian vs. Jon Moxley! Kenny Omega and Matt Hardy vs. Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara in a Street Fight!
Lance Archer attacks a man on the way out from backstage and on the way to the ring before the next match.
Lance Archer beats "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes to advance to the finals of the TNT Championship Tournament after "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has to stop QT Marshall from throwing in the towel on Dustin's behalf.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
It is revealed that in the other half of the TNT Championship Tournament, "Superbad" Kip Sabian will face Dustin Rhodes while Lance archer will face Colt Cabana. The tournament will begin next week.
Kenny Omega beats Trent to a near-time limit draw.
Hikaru Shida beats the debuting Anna Jayy.
We see a video package chronicling the history Jake Hager's attack on Jon Moxley from AEW Dark. Moxley and Hager will square off in an Empty Arena No Holds Barred Match for the AEW World Championship in two weeks
Colt Cabana replaces "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes on commentary.
Before the next match, we see footage of Jake "The Snake" Roberts stating that Lance Archer is going to destroy whatever AEW has cooked up for him tonight and that AEW is only delaying the inevitable, as there are some people who should not be made mad. He feels that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is either smarter than he gave him credit for to be scared, or Brandi Rhodes - who is "wearing the pants" - is telling him not to go.
Lance Archer beats Marko Stunt in his AEW debut. Before the match - which begins and ends as a destructive blowout - Archer takes out a member of medical staff on his way to the ring. After the match, Archer throws Marko over the barricade and into two wrestlers sitting nearby.
We hear from Brodie Lee, who talks with The Dark Order as he welcomes the viewers to The Dark Order. He says that they know how everyone feels during these trying times, as he was once beaten down and downtrodden but is now The Exalted One. He asks a member of The Dark Order to stand next to him, and aggressively insists on being called "Mr. Brodie" before telling him to say "We are one." Another member yawns in his presence, and Brodie Lee chews him out for yawning in his presence, as tiredness shows weakness, and warns him not to yawn in his presence before telling him to leave the room. (This is supposedly another dig at Vince McMahon.)
The Natural Nightmares ("The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall) beat The Dark Order (8 and 9). After the match, Brodie Lee shows up, but instead of confronting The Natural Nightmare, he gets in the ring and powerbombs one member of The Dark Order in front of the other one.
We hear from Chris Jericho from the hot tub outside of his home, proclaiming that today is a holiday and that he has never met a bigger group of fools in his life than The Elite. As he makes fun of each member, Vanguard-1 approaches Chris Jericho's home. Jericho apologizes as only he can to Vanguard-1 for things he said to him last week, and offers the drone another chance at The Inner Circle, complete with a tiny Inner Circle shirt. Vanguard-1 then flies away, and Jericho unleashes a group of small dogs to chase after Vanguard-1.
Next week: Shawn Spears vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the TNT Championship Tournament! In two weeks: Lance Archer vs. Colt Cabana in the TNT Championship Tournament!
We hear from The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson). Matt has brought a wrestling ring to Nick, who says that he has no memory of who attacked him backstage or even being in an ambulance before practicing in the ring. He says that it is hard to say when he will return, but he will get ready for an in-ring return until then, and that nothing can be taken for granted. When Matt asks Nick if he is ready to get back in the ring, Nick says "Not yet."
Sammy Guevara and Shawn Spears beat "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Darby Allin after Guevara brings a steel chain into the match for Shawn Spears. When Darby Allin takes it away from him, Guevara takes it from Darby Allin, allowing Spears to win the match for his team with a schoolkid pin to Allin. During the match, Guevara and Spears bet money on how long they can keep Darby Allin in a delayed vertical suplex, Cody Rhodes is attacked by a few wrestlers acting as audience members when he is thrown over the guardrail, and Darby Allin hits Guevara and Spears with a Coffin Drop off the top of a pole in the arena to the outside. After the match, Darby Allin violently shoves Cody to the mat.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Jimmy Havoc beats Marko Stunt. During the match, Mel and Luther are seen on the stage watching Jimmy Havoc.
The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Stu Grayson) beat #Stronghearts (T-Hawk and CIMA).
"The Bad Boy" Joey Janela beats "Superbad" Kip Sabian in a Falls Count Anywhere Match with a Kendo stick shot to the back of the head.
Backstage, QT Marshall says it is an honor and privilege to team with "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes. Dustin says they have a special weapon tonight.
Before the next match, Peter Avalon is interrupted once again before he can say much. Afterwards, "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall's "secret weapon" is revealed to be Brandi Rhodes.
QT Marshall and "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes beats Shawn Spears and "The Librarian" Peter Avalon after Spears leaves Avalon high and dry for tagging himself in and Brandi Rhodes hits "The Librarian" Leva Bates with a Spear for attempting to interfere, allowing Dustin to hit Avalon with the Unnatural Kick.
