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.
Showing posts with label Roderick Strong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roderick Strong. Show all posts
"The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher beats "Jungle" Jack Jerry via pinfall with less than one minute left in the match in the Gold League of the Continental Classic. "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher earns three points to end the league at nine points and move on to the semi-finals, while "Jungle" Jack Perry ends the league at six points.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Renee Paquette interviews Roderick Strong when Kyle O'Reilly shows up. O'Reilly says that he sees a shred of doubt in Roddy's eyes when he never doubted Roddy for a second. He says that he is the man he is because of Roddy and tells him that The Conglomeration are his friends and says that he came close to giving up in the matches with Jon Moxley that he won. He says that it will not take a Christmas miracle to beat Claudio Castagnoli, but it will be a Christmas miracle when he gets those three points, walks backstage with a smile on his face, looks in the mirror and sees the man that he sees.
"The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita beats Mascara Dorada via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita earns three points to end the league at thirteen points and move on to the semi-finals, while Mascara Dorada ends the league at six points and is mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic.
Roderick Strong beats Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic following a series of knee strikes, including one with the kneepad down. Roderick Strong earns three points, which end up being his only points in the Blue League as he is mathematically eliminated, while Claudio Castagnoli ends the Blue League with seven points. After the match, Roddy is attacked by Daniel Garcia and Wheeler Yuta while "The Problem" Marina Shafir chases the referee away, then Mark Briscoe shows up with a 2x4 and chases Garcia and Yuta out of the ring. Shafir distracts Briscoe only to be pulled off the apron and punched with a pearly necklace by "Timeless" Toni Storm, and Yuta and Garcia have to hold Shafir back. Briscoe and Toni shake hands before Briscoe kisses Toni's hand, then the two of them celebrate in the ring.
Backstage, we hear from Stokely Hathaway. He says that FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) accept The Bang Bang Gang's (Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn) challenge to a Chicago Street Fight at Worlds End, then asks how Austin can go to bed at night knowing that he is begging week after week for chance after chance when FTR would accept a loss like real men. He then says that FTR will not be held liable for what they do to The Bang Bang Gang.
We see a video package for Jamie Hayter vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's World Championship at Worlds End.
"The Jet" Kevin Knight vs. PAC in the Gold League of the Continental Classic ends in a draw. Both men score one point, and both men are tied for second with seven points each. As a result of this match, "Jungle" Jack Perry is mathematically eliminated in the Gold League.
Gabe Kidd suddenly shows up and talks about how he can picture what Darby Allin did to him as well as he is going to do to him, then says that the fans are not listening to him. He says that Darby is not indestructible and is stuck in the ICU, unable to move, and that prompts the question as to how Darby will answer his challenge. The lights go out, and when they come back on, Darby Allin is in the ring in fine condition. Gabe Kidd laughs before Darby pulls out Sting's black baseball bat, and Gabe escapes the ring when Darby swings. Darby says that this Saturday, it is Gabe's world's end.
We see a video package for Mercedes Moné and Athena vs. The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) for the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championships at Worlds End.
The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) beat Hyan and Maya World. After the match, Willow and Harley talk about how they (as "Hillow and Warley") made their way to New York City, saw all the landmarks (including Eddie Kingston's house) and even met Santa before the two of them declare that they will beat Mercedes Moné and Athena at Worlds End and stay AEW Women's World Tag Team Champions.
Jon Moxley beats Orange Cassidy via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic after countering a single leg crab with an inside cradle. Jon Moxley earns three points to move on to the semi-finals and mathematically eliminate Claudio Castagnoli (who has seven points), while Orange Cassidy ends the Blue League with six points and is mathematically eliminated.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey via pinfall in the Gold League of the Continental Classicwith a sit-down pin to counter a pinfall attempt by Speedball that is itself a counter of the Rainmaker. "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada to earn three points for a total of nine points, while "Speedball" Mike Bailey ends the league with six points and is mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic. As a result of this match, "The Jet" Kevin Knight and PAC are also mathematically eliminated from the Continental Classic. After the match, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita shows up as Don Callis congratulates Okada, and Takeshita and Okada briefly have a staredown while raising their respective championships to end the show before looking towards the crowd.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita beats Orange Cassidy via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita earns three points and leads the Blue League with ten points, while Orange Cassidy still has six points.
We hear from Gabe Kidd, who wants revenge against Darby Allin for what he did to him and demands a match against Darby at Worlds End.
Mascara Dorada beats Roderick Strong via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. Mascara Dorada earns three points for a total of six points, causing a three-way tie with Orange Cassidy and Jon Moxley. Roderick Strong is still scoreless and still mathematically eliminated.
We see a video package for AEW's recent Pro Wrestling Illustrated year-end award wins.
Renee Paquette interviews Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter on the stage. Statlander says she gave Hayter a shot at the World Women's title because she knows what it is like to have opportunity taken away, then tells her to stop focus on what was and focus on what could be. Statlander says she did just that and became World Women's Champion. She tells Hayter not to pity her for what she was, but to fear her for what she has become. Statlander tells Hayter that she may have beaten her before, but she is now facing "The Cosmic Killer," and tells her to show why she deserves the throne. Hayter suddenly goes for a Hayterade, but Statlander blocks it, and Hayter says the last time she hit it, Statlander did not get back up. Referees have to separate both women.
MJF quickly beats Dustin Waller by submission with Salt of the Earth. After the match, MJF grabs the microphone, but "Hangman" Adam Page shows up before MJF can speak. Instead of walking down the ramp, however, Hangman shows up from out of the crowd. Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana also arrive, showing up in the middle floor of the crowd. Hangman dares MJF to make another low-brow, 1990s, misogynistic, morally reprehensible joke. He also dares MJF to compare him and Swerve to one of the many sex pests in the news. Hangman, Swerve and Nana make their way down to a speechless MJF as Hangman dares him to make a joke about him before telling him he is getting his ass beat tonight. Hangman, Swerve and Nana make their way to the ring. The Opps' (Samoa Joe, Hook, Powerhouse Hobbs, Katsuyori Shibata) dojo students show up only to get dropped, then Samoa Joe shows up on the video screen and says his men were only there to expose Hangman and Swerve's true natures before stating that the hatred has spread further than anticipated. He tells Hangman, Swerve and MJF that he will come after all of them one by one and put their World title dreams to an end before saying he will see them soon. MJF tries to attack Hangman and Swerve from behind, but they see it coming and lay MJF out, with Hangman choking MJF with a chain while Swerve says that MJF like the fans regardless of where AEW goes as well as the attention that he gets because it feeds "his fragile little ego." MJF is choking as Swerve states he has never seen such a piece of garbage as him, then says that MJF's power in addition to all of his negative traits will make MJF more of a "Diddy" that he will ever be. He mentions all of MJF's victims throughout his time in AEW, saying they have all been worse off because of MJF, and says that he makes whoever he is in the ring with, whether enemy or friend, better. Swerve says he is a better human being than MJF will ever before telling MJF he will see him at Worlds End.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale). Harley says they will welcome Hyan and Maya World to a world of wrath, then Willow says that she has been needs a confidence boost after what they had been through in the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championship Tournament. Harley gives her just that, then both of them do the same for Renee before Haley tells Mercedes Moné and Athena that The Babes of Wrath are coming for them.
Bandido beats Ricochet to win the Dynamite Diamond Ring after Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona distract the referee to save Ricochet from the 21-Plex only for Bandido to pin Ricochet with an inside cradle for the win and the ring. After the match, Ricochet attacks Bandido in anger until Brody King shows up, forcing Ricochet to retreat.
Backstage, Jack Perry interviews Darby Allin. Darby says he has broken brick walls into door when Gabe Kidd shows up from behind and attacks Darby from behind. Darby is knocked into the camera, knocking out the visual feed briefly. Gabe Kidd takes Darby Allin up a flight of stairs to punch him in the gut and kick him back down to the floor, then says Darby has better things to worry about that him.
"The Problem" Marina Shafir beats Mina Shirakawa by submission with Mother's Milk. After the match, Shafir locks in Mother's Milk again, then "Timeless" Toni Storm shows up only to get booted in the face, causing her to fall right on top of Mina.
Arian Moayed of "Succession" is seen in the crowd.
In backstage footage from last Wednesday, Lexy Nair interviews The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson). Matt Jackson says they now have their money, but he and Matt will not be clear for the rest of the year. Omega says that The Elite are The Elite whether they tag together or not, then sees this as an opportunity to take care of something he should have done a long time ago.
"Jungle" Jack Perry beats PAC via pinfall in the Gold League of the Continental Classic after countering the Brutalizer by biting PAC's fingers and rolling PAC up for the pin and the win. "Jungle" Jack Perry earns three points for a total of points, leaving the Gold League in a six-way tie for first place. After the match, Luchasaurus shows up with a bag of toys as well as milk, cookies and deer antler headwear for Jungle Boy.
Jon Moxley beats Roderick Strong via pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. Jon Moxley earns three points and now has six points, while Roderick Strong still has zero points and is mathematically eliminated from winning the Continental Classic.
Backstage, we hear from Eddie Kingston. He says you either win or you learn, and while he did not win against Samoa Joe, he learned from it, and now his future opponents will see what he learned. He says he does not stop or quit and that professional wrestling is all he is. He says that he learns and moves forward, and that he will see everyone again, hopefully at Collision when somebody wants to step forward.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
The Elite (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Kenny Omega) beat The Don Callis Family ("The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, Rey Hechicero, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada) in a $1,000,000 (£750,000) Winner Takes All Trios Match. After the match, The Don Callis Family attack, then Okada and Takeshita get on the same page for once and Matt and Nick Jackson. After that, they start fighting again, but that does not last long when Omega gets back into the ring with a push broom and swings it at them. Takeshita and Okada flee, as does Don Callis, who also drops the bag containing $1 million.
Tony Schiavone is in the ring for a contract signing for the AEW World Championship match at Worlds End. "Hangman" Adam Page is introduced first, followed by Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana, followed by Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe shows up with Hook and Powerhouse Hobbs on his way to the ring. Joe says that when it comes to Hangman and Swerve, the sum is always volatile and unpredictable, and that his friends are here in case there is anything to trigger anyone into doing something stupid. Joe then signs the contract. Swerve says he came back to AEW for the World Championship, and if the finish of that match was different, he would be coming after Joe. He also notes that there is a bit of mutual respect between himself and Hangman despite what they have both done to each other. Swerve then mentions that he hates Joe just as much as he respects Hangman, all because Joe left him laying in a pool of his own blood in their last contract signing and he ended up beating him for the World title, which he plans to do again. He also hopes to leave a bootprint on Joe's face that will be uglier than the face tattoo he had in 2007. Swerve tells Joe and Hangman to bring their best to Worlds End, because you cannot kill a god with bullets. Swerve signs the contract. Hangman mentions that he and Joe once fought together to take the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley, but acknowledges that Swerve or Joe could have been champion. In the end, he ended up beating Moxley to become World Champion. Hangman says that he knew both Joe and Swerve would find a way to face him for the World Championship. He says he gave Joe that opportunity, but when he failed, he turned into something worse than Moxley. He says that Joe may be World Champion, but he has no self-respect, and that the title is all he has left. Hangman says he planned the World Championship against everyone who helped him, including Swerve. He says that if Swerve defeated him, he would have accepted that defeat and handed the title to him. Hangman says that Joe will not be leaving Worlds End as World Champion, as he has messed up by making enemies out of him and Swerve. Hangman signs the contract, and as Tony Schiavione announces that this is official, the lights go out. MJF's theme then plays, and MJF shows up for the first time in months. "Smart" Mark Sterling is on the outside to give MJF his Casino Gauntlet contract, which MJF signs. MJF cashes in his guaranteed World Championship match, making the match a four-way match. MJF says he is executing this contract and facing three men instead of one, then MJF takes what Hangman said about him being a coward and saying that he will beat him and his two greatest rivals in one fell swoop to really hurt Hangman. MJF tells Joe that he still hates Joe for taking the World title from him and making the fans turn on him in response, then says the fans dictate who goes down as an all-time great and says that he must go down as an all-time great. He tells Joe that his time has just run out and that he will make Joe fall back harder than his hairline, and at Worlds End - where Joe ended his title reign - he will end Joe's reign. Swerve tells MJF that if he should be afraid of anyone, it is him. MJF mentions the history that he and Swerve both have (while making light of Swerve's run in WWE) as well as Swerve's time in AEW, then says that Swerve is in his way and that AEW is his house and rent is due, and the Devil is here to collect. He then says he will handle all his family business in one night like Michael Corleone and win the AEW World Championship.
Backstage, we hear from JetSpeed. The two of them hope to be in the finals of the Continental Classic. Speedball hopes to keep his momentum going, and Kevin Knight hopes to beat Okada on Collision. It is announced that Collision has a special start time of 2:30 PM Eastern/11:30 AM Pacific this Saturday.
Marina Shafir, Megan Bayne, Athena and Mercedes Moné beat Timeless Love Bombs ("Timeless" Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa) and The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) in an All-Star 8-Woman Tag Team Match.
PAC beats "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher via pinfall in the Gold League of the Continental Classic. PAC wins three points and increases his total to six points, tying him with "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada and "Speedball" Mike Bailey.
Ricochet and Bandido are the last two participants in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal, and will face each other on next week's Dynamite, which has a special start time of 5 PM Eastern/4 PM Central.
PAC beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey by submission with the Brualizer in the Gold League of the Continental Classic. PAC earns three points.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Daniel Garcia, who says that tonight, he gets to drop off some dead weight in the form of "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard. Garcia admits he appreciates everything Menard has done for him and for being there for his big moments, but he wants Menard to bleed for him one more time.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Brodido (Brody King and Bandido). Bandido feels bad for losing the AEW World Tag Team Championships, and mentions that Brody King has taught him how to fight and that they will fight for the titles. Brody King says that unlike FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler), the titles are not the only thing that keeps him alive, and that he is proud of what they have done so far. He says that Brodido will be fighting for the tag team titles for a very long time, then says Bandido is still a champion and that he knows what to do to prepare for Final Battle and walk out Ring of Honor World Champion.
It is announced that Sammy Guevara, Hechicero, "Vanilla Baby" Blake Christian, Komander and The Beast Mortos will face Bandido in a six-man Survival of the Fittest Match for the Ring of Honor World Championship at Final Battle.
Jon Moxley guests on commentary for the next match.
Daniel Garcia beats "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard by submission and referee stoppage with a crossface. After the match, Mark Briscoe shows up and makes Daniel Garcia his first title defense, saying that he will finish him off like Thanksgiving dinner. As this goes on, Jon Moxley whispers into Garcia's ear. Garcia gets into Briscoe's face as if to accept the challenge.
We hear from The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona). Ricochet celebrates being National Champion and states that he sets the tone and knows what he is capable of. He says he has done what he has set out to do, then says he is thankful to be champion and that the fans should be thankful for having a champion like him who will travel the globe and represent AEW to the highest degree. He also is thankful to be aligned with Toa Lion and Bishop Kaun, for through them, the road to gold was realized. Toa Liona then announced that he has made a reservation for the finest five-star restaurant, even though it is in Nashville, Tennessee, and they will eat like kings regardless.
Tony Schiavone introduces FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Stokely Hathaway to the ring. Stokely Hathaway calls tonight the greatest night of his life, for FTR are the AEW World Tag Team Champions, and that Full Gear was nothing but a spectacle from top to bottom with their match with Brodido (Brody King and Bandido) being the one everyone talked about. He calls the match another classic in FTR's book, then briefly mentions the legend of FTR and states that he is humbled and privileged to introduce them. All of a sudden, the lights go out, and The Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn) make their entrance. Austin Gunn congratulates FTR on becoming tag team champions once again, then make it clear they do not want to hear about how good they are again. Juice Robinson mentions their recent $200,000 win and states that they want gold to go along with their green, then mentions their prior wins with FTR before proclaiming that The Bang Bang Gang will beat them again and do it for the tag team titles. As Dax Harwood tells Juice not to touch his title again, Austin Gunn smacks the title out of his hand before Juice and Austin state that next time is The Bang Bang Gang's time.
MxM TV (Mansoor, Mason Madden, Johnny TV, Taya Valkyrie) are in the ring with Mansoor and Mason Madden dressed as The Tin Man and The Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz for their casting call. The casting call is answered by The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) and Dalton Castle. Country music star Michael Ray is seen in the crowd before the next match.
The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) and Dalton Castle beat MxM TV (Mansoor, Mason Madden, Johnny TV) in a trios match. After the match, Ricochet shows up, with Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona showing up from the other side of the ring to decimate Castle and The Outrunners. Ricochet then demands the respect that he says he has earned. Ricochet then notices Michael Ray, calls him "Tim McGraw" at first, then pokes at him at the front row before getting shoved. Security and referees rush out to stop things from getting worse as Michael Ray jumps the barricade.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews the entire Don Callis Family. Everyone states what they are thankful for, then "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada says he is thankful he does not have to team with "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, which causes the rest of the family to prevent another potential conflict.
Eddie Kingston beats Katsuyori Shibata. After the match, Eddie Kingston says he will not speak on what Hook did because Hook is his friend and he made his decision, and now he has to pay with "Hangman" Adam Page and Swerve Strickland. He admits that he does what he does because he is pro wrestling, and when the fans say they love him, he says he loves the fans because they love pro wrestling. Eddie Kingston says he wakes up not knowing if he is going to live or die, then says he looks at the kids he inspires to become pro wrestling before telling them not to do it and then looks at Samoa Joe, who he says he once admired. He says that Joe will lead Hook down the wrong path, but before Joe can do anything to Hook, he demands that Joe defend the World title at Winter is Coming. He also says that the only peace he knows is when he is in the ring. Eddie then celebrates with a young fan before heading to the back.
We hear from Red Velvet, who says that Kris Statlander and Mercedes Moné put up a great fight at Full Gear before stating that Mercedes only beat her because she found an opening. She says that they are both fighting champions, then says she has never seen Mercedes at Ring of Honor, and demands a Women's World Television Championship rematch at Final Battle.
"The Toxic Spider" Thekla beats Tay Melo. After the match, Julia Hart and Skye Blue show up to attack Tay Melo, then Jamie Hayter rushes into the ring to make the save only to be surrounded. Hayter is soon joined by Kris Statlander, and that leads to Triangle of Madness (Julia Hart, Skye Blue, Thekla) clearing out of the ring.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita beats Roderick Strong by pinfall in the Blue League of the Continental Classic. "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita earns three points.
The Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn) beat FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) after Stokely Hathaway get chased to the back by Bandido and Gravity only for JetSpeed ("Speedball" Mike Bailey and "The Jet" Kevin Knight) to block FTR's escape route.
In backstage footage from after Dynamite, Renee Paquette interviews "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher says he was excited, but thinks he should be more concerned after he considers Mark Briscoe deranged enough to do anything to him. As he says that being part of The Don Callis Family can be the best thing to happen to Mark Briscoe, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada shows up and says that while Konosuke Takeshita is not here to support him, he is. He looks forward to the both of them being champions - and "Protokada" - after Full Gear.
"The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher retains the TNT Championship against Ace Austin.
We hear from Kris Statlander, who says that while Mercedes Moné has more than she does, she has more focus, and that the AEW Women's World Championship is not a side piece. She then says she will go through whoever she has to go through until Mercedes is focused on her, but even then, it will not be enough for Mercedes.
In backstage footage from after Dynamite, Don Callis and Kyle Fletcher meet with The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, Marina Shafir). After Callis shows pleasure with what they will do to Mark Briscoe, PAC says The Death Riders are done playing games and what he does to Briscoe is his prerogative. Callis then offers his services in case they need a favor, but Moxley makes it clear they do not need a favor from anybody.
TayJay (Anna Jay and Tay Melo) beat Hyan and Maya World.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Athena. Athena admits that she does not feel like a champion because she was pinned for the fifth time in five years because of Harley Cameron. She says that Harley is not special, and also blames Kris Statlander, Billie Starkz and Mercedes Moné for her loss. Athena then says that she will make a puppet out of Harley Cameron.
Jamie Hayter beats Skye Blue in the second women's Blood and Guts Advantage Match, forcing a third Advantage Match between Harley Cameron and "The Toxic Spider" Thekla. After the match, Julia Hart and Thekla show up and attack Jamie Hayter, but Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron arrive to even the numbers game. Security and referees both rush in to break up the brawl and restore order.
"The Toxic Spider" Thekla beats Harley Cameron in the third women's Blood and Guts Advantage Match to secure the one-woman advantage for her team.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews JetSpeed ("Speedball" Mike Bailey and "The Jet" Kevin Knight). Speedball says it is not over between them and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler), and while FTR are challenging for tag team gold, they will both be in the Casino Gauntlet Match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews "The Acclaimed." ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) Anthony Bowens tells Max Caster that they are never coming back and that he is sick of it. He says that he will be at the Tailgate Brawl, as does Caster. Lexy Nair reminds them that shows do better when they are together, as per Tony Khan, but Caster says he feels insulted, as does Bowens, who wants his match cancelled.
It is announced that Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair will be at next week's Dynamite.
Roderick Strong beats Jon Moxley in the third men's Blood and Guts Advantage Match by count-out to secure the one-man advantage for his team. During the match, Marina Shafir trips Roderick Strong on the outside, and when Kyle O'Reilly shows up to confront her, Wheeler Yuta shows up and hits him with a chop block. Yuta grabs a chair while Shafir gets on the apron, but the referee catches both of them and ejects them from ringside. As this goes on, PAC attacks Roddy from ringside, then sets up a table. Roddy fends off PAC, and when Daniel Garcia shows up to attack Roddy, Roddy puts him through a table. Roddy ends up knocking Moxley out of the ring, and when Moxley tries to get back in, a hand reaches out from underneath and keeps Moxley from getting back in the ring, giving Roddy the count-out victory. Afterwards, the hand shocks PAC with a taser, and Darby Allin crawls out from underneath the ring. The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, Daniel Garcia, Marina Shafir) are at Darby Allin's mercy while Roddy hits PAC with a huge drop kick to the outside as the show ends.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Kris Statlander and "Timeless" Toni Storm. Toni admits that she felt free losing the AEW Women's World Championship, but she felt nothing, and she has since dreamed of winning it back, even if it means winning it from someone she admires. She says that she does not know who she is without the title, and that she wants to know who Statlander is. Statlander tells Toni to remember who she has been all along and that she has yet to figure who she is, as she is a culmination of all she has been through and that she is different from the last time they faced off. Statlander tells that she will soon give Toni the rest that she deserves. Toni says that they will both find out the truth, but Statlander says Toni will have to learn to accept it. Both women then meet in the ring and go at it in a brawl. Toni then gets on her knees, hands behind her back, and gives Statlander a free shot, but Toni fights back. Statlander then does the same, and Toni rears back with the Women's World title at first before kissing Statlander on the forehead and handing the AEW Women's World Championship back to her.
Backstage, we hear from Jurassic Express ("Jungle" Jack Perry and Luchasaurus). Jack Perry carves a block of wood with a knife as he tells The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) that he actually likes The Young Bucks and will always be grateful for what they did for him, but when he needed them the most, they were not there. He then had to look into the past to find someone who would: Luchasaurus.
Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona) beat The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) after Ricochet throws MVP's cane into the ring to hit Shelton with a flying clothesline behind the referee's back. MVP clocks Ricochet with his own cane on the outside, but Bishop Kaun is able to get the win for Gates of Agony.
In footage from earlier today, Jon Moxley meets Darby Allin in an undisclosed location that looks like a prison visitation booth. Moxley wants to make sure that both men know the implications of an "I Quit" match and tells him that "the game is rigged in both directions." Moxley says the two of them both refuse to quit and that he is out of ideas as to how make this end, then tells Darby that if he wants to be on the . Darby says it is too late, and while he entertains the idea of joining The Death Riders and the cost of it, he does not respect Moxley due to what he did to Bryan Danielson. He asks why he would go to war with someone who considers family disposable. Moxley says that this is a war for the future of their craft and that hard decisions and sacrifices have to be made. Darby says that he realized AEW represented freedom at the top of Mount Everest and that Moxley is chipping away at what AEW represents, then says that before he looks at the flag every day to remind himself of that, he will wrap it around Moxley's throat and make Moxley realize that nothing he does mean anything when his empire comes crashing down. Moxley tells Darby that his opponent is not him and never has been; instead, he is fighting ghosts and spirits of the past, which he says never ends well. Moxley says that this is a selfish game and tells him once again that this is not about him before Darby is suddenly attacked from behind by PAC. Darby is bloodied and is heard coughing on his own blood, which also stains the window. Moxley then leaves the room.
The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Daniel Garcia, Marina Shafir) are seen entering the arena.
Claudio Castagnoli beats Roderick Strong.
In footage from earlier today, Don Callis celebrates with his family, who he says he is expanding because of power, and promises to get his family everything they need. "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher then plays a message from "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita, who says that he has won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for the family. Okada then turns the TV off and apologizes for pressing the wrong button, then everyone has a toast to family.
Before the next match, Don Callis welcomes Mark Davis back into his family as he introduces him, "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander (while bragging about Alexander snapping Kota Ibushi's leg like a twig), and Hechicero. Don Callis then guests on commentary for the next match.
Kenny Omega and Jungle Express ("Jungle" Jack Perry and Luchasaurus) beat The Don Callis Family (Mark Davis, "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, Hechicero) in a trios match. After the match, The Young Bucks run into the ring and superkick Luchasaurus before doing the same to Jack Perry. They soon go for the TK Driver on Jack Perry, but Omega stops and confronts them. Luchasaurus gets The Young Bucks from behind with a double lariat, then Omega and Jurassic Express clean house when The Don Callis Family tries to get back into the ring.
Jamie Hayter beats Skye Blue. After the match, "The Toxic Spider" Thekla shows up on the video screen and congratulates Hayter, then admits she attacked her months ago just because Hayter was "just there." She says that their match at WrestleDream will get "toxic to the core" before daring Hayter to impress her.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Mercedes Moné. Mercedes says she is here not to break records, but to smash them. then mentions her CMLL Women's Championship match against Persephone before becoming the longest reigning TBS Champion at 509 days. She then says she will be rolling into WrestleDream with ten championship belts before declaring that it is time to celebrate.
"Hangman" Adam Page guests on commentary for the next match.
The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata) retain the AEW World Trios Championships against La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico, The Beast Mortos). After the match, La Faccion Ingobernable attack Joe from behind as he stares "Hangman" Adam Page down, then Rush spits in Hangman's general direction. Hangman takes exception to his, leaves the commentary table, punches out Rush, and takes out La Faccion Ingobernable, with Sammy Guevara saving Rush from a Buckshot Lariat. Afterwards, Joe hands the AEW World Championship to Hangman before walking off.
Tony Schiavone oversees a contract signing for All Out to start tonight's show. Schiavone introduces "Hangman" Adam Page, followed by "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher and Don Callis. Callis says that he remembers when Hangman took the AEW World Championship from him when he beat Kenny Omega for it and that he has waited to get it back, and he has found someone who is bigger, faster and better than Omega. He says that there is nothing he can do to Fletcher, saying there is no one else like him, and that the World Championship is coming to the family. Hangman says he is glad they are in agreement that Fletcher does not need help on Saturday, as he and everyone is sick and tired of half the roster getting involved in World title matches and he has no problem putting the rest of Don Callis' family into the ground. He says he is doing this because he sees the potential in what Fletcher could be, as he is 26 years old and could be in AEW for decades and be someone others can look to one day to carry AEW into the future, and if he wants to be that, he will have to earn that worthiness.Hangman tells Fletcher that in the contract, it is written that if Callis interferes, he will not only lose the match, but he will be stripped of the TNT Championship as well. Callis almost loses it. Fletcher says that does not scare him and that Hangman could have put anything else in the contract, and that he still would have signed it. He says that this changes nothing and that he is still the best to step into an AEW ring. He states that on Saturday, he will fulfill his destiny when he becomes AEW World Championship, for he has become better than Hangman has ever been. He says AEW does not need Hangman or Omega anymore, and that it needs him. Fletcher says he will do Hangman a favor by letting him ride into the sunset, as both the championship and the company belongs to him now. Fletcher signs the contract. Hangman says he knows how it feels to be in Fletcher's shoes, for he has been there, yet Fletcher does not know it will feel the morning after, as it will crush, ruin and all but take every shred of confidence out of him. He is sure of it that Fletcher's best will not be enough and that what Fletcher does with that feeling will be what defends him, and tells Fletcher not to disappoint him in the long time that follows. Hangman signs the contract. Fletcher then stands up and hopes that by now, Hangman knows that he is a man of his word, and that there would be no physicality at this signing or interference in their match, but he promises he will leave a double champion, and tonight, he will leave Hangman beaten, bloodied and unable to walk out of this arena on his own two feet. He then tells Hangman to say his full name that until that moment comes.
We see a video package for Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin in a Coffin Match at All Out.
Jon Moxley beats Roderick Strong by submission with the Paradigm Shift followed by the Bulldog Choke after Kyle O'Reilly brawls with Daniel Garcia when the ladder grabs Roddy on the outside, causing referee Paul Turner to focus on that and allowing Wheeler Yuta to run out and trip Roddy from the outside, allowing Moxley to win the match.
We see a video package for Mark Briscoe vs. MJF in a Tables 'n Tacks Match at All Out.
In backstage footage from last Saturday on Collision, MJF meets with Tony Khan and vents his frustrations regarding the Casino Gauntlet Match contract and wants out of the Thumbs 'n Tacks Match, saying Tony Khan owes him one. Tony Khan says he owes him nothing and that his behavior regarding the contract was absolutely reprehensible. MJF hopes that Tony Khan is happy when another Briscoe is in the dirt and it is on him.
Bobby Lashley beats Toa Liona by submission with the Hurt Lock. After the match, Bishop Kaun and Ricochet rush into the ring only for MVP and Shelton Benjamin to give them a beating.
Tony Schiavone introduces Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, followed by Stokely Hathaway and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) for a face-to-face meeting in the ring. A dozen security guards lead Stokely and FTR to the ring. It is announced by Schiavone that there will be heavy fines if there is any physicality in this meeting. Stokely says that there will be a $100,000 fine if Copeland touches Dax or Cash and a $500,000 fine and a cancelled match if he touches Stokely, then says that Copeland and Christian will disappoint and allows FTR to speak first. Cash Wheeler talks about how he and Copeland became friends and how Copeland became his mentor, then says that Copeland opened the door for him only to kick it down. He says that in the last ten years, he and Dax have become living legends, then they helped Copeland back into the business only for Dynamite to become "The Cope Show" and for them to do all the work as supporting cast. After Cash says that he and Dax will take that away from him for good, Dax talks about how Copeland and Christian were once the best in the world only because "two mediocre teams" carried them to relevancy. Dax says that in the last eleven years, they have carried tag team wrestling on their backs and have become the best in the business as well as one of one, and says that this could be a dream match, but this is the hand they are dealt. Copeland yanks the microphone away and tells Stokely that he has no hoes and to keep Beth Phoenix's name out of his mouth, then says he helped FTR and expected nothing in return. He says that the only reason that FTR is not in the spotlight because the fans did not want them in it and wanted him in it instead, and while FTR is the best right now, he and Christian were here for 25 years and made tag team wrestling important again. Copeland then says that at All Out, two of the best teams will face each other in his and Christian's hometown, and when FTR is dragged into the deep end, they will understand why they are the better team. Christian says that $100,000 is a lot of money and that $500,000 would get Stokely some hoes, but at the risk of sounding like an asshole, $500,000 means nothing to him because he is rich. Copeland and Christian punch FTR in the face. Security gets in the ring only to get laid out, then both teams brawl until FTR roll out of the ring. Dax's nose is notably busted open afterwards.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Renee Paquette interviews The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson), who are now back from rags to riches and have paid off production to give them a better entrance. Matthew says that tonight is the beginning of their redemption and the road to becoming the first-ever four-time AEW World Tag Team Championships, then Nicholas gives Renee $10,000 to buy something with.
The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) beat The Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn) in an AEW World Tag Team Championship 4-Way Ladder Match qualifier.
We see the video package for the eight-woman tag team match at Saturday Tailgate Brawl: Penelope Ford, Megan Bayne, Julia Hart and Skye Blue vs. Mina Shirakawa, Willow Nightingale, Willow Nightingale and Queen Aminata.
Mascara Dorada beats The Beast Mortos in an AEW Unified Championship Eliminator Tournament Match. After the match, Don Callis and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada show up, but so does "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita. Takeshita is uninterested in Mascara Dorada, and has a staredown with Okada. Dorada then hits Okada with a dive off the top rope. Mascara Dorada and Takeshita then have a staredown.
"Timeless" Toni Storm appears on the stage. Toni admits she does not know how much longer she will be champion after winning the Women's World title back seven months ago, and says she has lived every day as if it were her last, and has defended against many powerful opponents and has loved every second of it. She says that if one is not willing to put their life on the line in the ring, then "[they aren't] shit." She then says she faces two others who are worthy of her mantle, and if this is the end of her reign, then it has been the honor of her life. She then says that if her opponents want to beat her, then they should burn her body to the ground, pack her ashes into a pipe and take a big, fat huff, as nobody can get them as high as she can. Jamie Hayter shows up and says that she is not a spotlight and tells Toni Storm to keep it, as Toni will not look as good without her title. She then tells Toni that he does not forget and that Toni invited her to this, then says she hits hard. Kris Statlander says that she may not have much of a claim to the Women's World Championship after not wrestling for it for four years, then says Toni and Hayter do not have the ovaries and cannot beat her. As Toni tells Statlander and Hayter to prepare for their match, "The Toxic Spider" Thekla shows up and outshines the three of them on her way to the ring for the next match.
MJF heads to the ring to start tonight's show, followed by "Hangman" Adam Page. The ring is surrounded by security. MJF talks about how he had the Casino Battle Royal won in 2019 until "Hangman" Adam Page cheap shotted him "like a gutless little worm" and forced him to fight his way back up to the top and beat some of the best in the process. He also brings up beating Hangman for the AEW World Championship on the way to becoming a six-time Dynamite Diamond Ring winner among other AEW accomplishments, including the longest-reigning AEW World Champion of all time. Hangman says he knows who MJF is and what he has done, and that MJF should be proud of this, then states MJF sounded angry about everything and could not be happy, as if there is still something MJF has not been able to win from the fans. MJF tells Hangman to shut his mouth, as he does not give a damn about the fans, as they decide who is morally redeemable and who is not, as they have with Hangman and not him, despite Hangman's questionable past actions. He says that in the fans' eyes, Hangman can do nothing wrong, and that the fans will chant "Cowboy Shit," then asks Hangman if he loves himself after everything he has done. When MJF mentions Christopher Daniels, Hangman says Daniels is ten times the man MJF is and that he would give him his own spine if he could, as Daniels gave his all for a 32-year career, went out like a warrior, and would not have wanted it any other way. Hangman says Daniels took care of the business when it did not take care of him and that Daniels represents "the best of us," and it is that selflessness and humility that seperates Daniels from MJF, who he says does not have the stomach for it. He asks MJF how he would be remembered if his career ended tomorrow, then says that he knows what is right and wrong and tells the truth about it, and while me may have lied a hundred times, he has never lied to the fans, and he has always handled problems eye-to-eye. Hangman says he has worked for and earned everything he has gotten in AEW while MJF has cheated and schemed his way to the top while treating those along the way as inferior, and hopes that MJF knows deep down he is not better than everyone else. MJF laughs and asks Hangman "Are you a child?" before stating that the history books do not care how the job is done, as he still earns everything, then says he cannot say the same for Hangman, as the powers that be chose to prop him up in the beginning. He says Hangman came in all the pomp and propaganda in the world while he showed up with a scarf and a microphone, and dares Hangman to name one thing he is better at than him. Hangman says "I...am real." MJF says Hangman can be the main character all he wants, as he has no problem being the bad guy. Both men then have a staredown in the middle of the ring, and security shows up and they are about to throw down.MJF looks around and backs off, then spits in Hangman's face. Hangman goes after MJF, and MJF gets out of the ring before security holds Hangman back. Hangman soon levels all of security, and Christopher Daniels shows up to pull Hangman back and almost gets decked by Hangman for it. Daniels says "This is what I was fighting for the whole time." He says they both know who he is, and not to listen to MJF.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong). Roderick Strong says that he and Orange Cassidy are destined to dance forever, and that not even being friends with Kyle O'Reilly will not stop him from beating Orange. O'Reilly admits his friendship with Orange Cassidy, but says that Roddy will have to "break that back." Adam Cole agrees that that Roddy must win.
The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hook, "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata) beat The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Kip Sabian) in a trios match by submission with Redrum from Hook to Nick Wayne as Shibata has Kip Sabian in a sleeper on the outside and Christian Cage wants nothing to do with Samoa Joe.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho. Jericho says there is now AEW without him and that he is treated with vitriol instead of respect, and that it is time for a history lesson. He gives Bandido a Ring of Honor World title shot and tears up the bounty, then says he will prove that people are getting too comfortable around him.
Powrehouse Hobbs beats "The Redwood" Big Bill in a street fight after sending Big Bill from the top of a set of ring steps on the stage down through a barbed wire table on the floor and Big Bill is unable to free himself from the barbed wire.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Murder Machines ("The Machine" Brian Cage and Lance Archer). Brian Cage says he and Archer had a face-to-face message for The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, but they are not here. Archer says that they know The Hurt Syndicate will be at Collision and that they want the tag team titles.
It is announced that AEW is returning to Arizona for Double or Nothing on May 25th.
"Timeless" Toni Storm and her butler Luther head to the ring. Toni delcares herself the new Women's World Champion and talks about how "The Glamour" Mariah May broke her heart, took her title and ruined her soul before calling her a "sick bitch," yet admits she is proud of her for giving her the fight of her life. She says that she beat Mariah with a small package and that good things come in small packages, then says she should have worn protection after being walloped with the biggest package she ever saw. She says that Toni Storm has been beaten, then plugs her next movie and says that if she is to be the best, she must face the best. Toni tells anyone who wants to face her that she is not hard to find, "for God is a woman and Her name is 'Timeless'."
We see a video package for Gabe Kidd, who is coming to Collision.
Backstage, Willow Nightingale takes offense to Jon Moxley attacking her, then fights Marina Shafir as soon as she shows up only for Shafir to hit her with her briefcase. Moxley then shows up, and the two of them head to the ring with Wheeler Yuta joining in. Claudio Castagnoli is noticed as Moxley takes the microphone and declares everything his and says nobody comes into his house and lays down a challenge. He says that he nearly popped Adam Copeland's head off his shoulders, and says that if Copeland shows up at Revolution, he will finish the job. "Switchblade" Jay White shows up, but PAC is soon behind him. After Switchblade notices PAC, Adam Copeland's entrance theme hits, and Copeland is behind Moxley. As he goes for Moxley and fights off everyone else in the ring, Switchblade hits PAC with Blade Runner and helps Copeland hit Claudio with a Spear. Copeland produces Spike from underneath the ring, which sends everyone running. Copeland goes after Moxley in the crowd, but Moxley escapes, and Copeland says the fans are his people, not Moxley's. He calls Moxley a coward, then declares that he will take out The Death Riders (Claudio, Yuta, PAC) one by one until it is man-to-man at Revolution when he kicks Moxley's ass.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Mercedes Moné. Mercedes says there is no stopping the money train, then we see a Lexy Nair interview from Grand Slam Australia with Momo Watanabe. Momo challenges Mercedes for the TBS Championship at Revolution and promises to stop the money train. Mercedes says that if Momo wants a title match, then she should show up at Dynamite and say it to her face.
Megan Bayne beats Kris Statlander after Penelope Ford shows up and shoves Statlander off the top rope. After the match, Penelope Ford beats up Statlander, then Thunder Rosa shows up with a metal folding chair. Bayne and Penelope dare Rosa to hit her before they walk away.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "Platinum" Max Caster, who issues another open challenge on Collision and proclaims that he will beat whoever steps up.
Ricochet heads to the ring. He calls Phoenix, Arizona "a poor man's Las Vegas," and says that he has a helicopter waiting because he wants to get out of Phoenix as soon as possible like Kevin Durant. He says the fans are "acting like ungrateful animals," then talks towards the camera to the fans at home, and says the fans and their boos do not matter, as booing a winner is booing a void of nothingness, and he is a winner. Ricochet says he proved it when he beat Swerve Strickland two weeks ago and has been proving it since he entered AEW, as he has been beating everyone's favorite wrestlers. He says that winners have something to show for their success and that so does he, then says he is not content with just wearing Prince Nana's robe when he can be wearing championship gold. Ricochet says he is the main name on the AEW roster and that he is here to win championship gold in 2025, as he is "too damn good lookin' not to be." Suddenly, Prince Nana shows up and gets in the ring with Ricochet, and says he has asked Swerve to stay home. He calls Ricochet out for wearing his robe, then mentions his own 30-year history and the robe that has been part of it. He says the robe represents pride, integrity and wrestlers past and presents. He says that whoever wears it has integrity and that Ricochet has not been given that opportunity, and if Ricochet really was a winner, he would give the robe back. Ricochet dares Prince Nana to take it, and tells him he is not getting it back before walking off.
Orange Cassidy beats Roderick Strong in a Revolution International Championship Series match. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Orange in the ring, but before Orange can say anything, Don Callis shows up wtih Mark Davis and Konosuke Takeshita. Callis says that Orange is nothing but "a red-headed hippie" and "a loudmouth punk" to him before he sics Takeshita and Mark Davis on him. As Callis kicks at Orange, Kenny Omega shows up and fights Mark Davis and Takeshita. Omega gets laid out at first, but Orange recovers, and he and Omega clean house. Omega then raises up the International Championship before having a staredown with Orange to end the show.
In backstage footage from Worlds End, Jon Moxley says everybody talks about what they are going to do, but when things get real, things get different. He says she has grabbed AEW by the strap during the pandemic and has dragged it to safety and has taken bullet after bullet for the company, and says he will destroy the AEW World Championship before anybody can take it from him. Moxley tells Adam Copeland that they are not rebels; instead, he is king who nobody has authority over while Copeland is the loudest guy in the room. We then hear from Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler). Dax and Cash are ready to fight, as is Copeland, who says he saw fear in Moxley's eyes because he knows he is sicker than him.
"Hangman" Adam Page beats Orange Cassidy with the Buckshot Lariat despite taking three Orange Punches. After the match, Hangman continues to attack Orange and hits him with the Deadeye not once, but twice. Officials rush into the ring, and Christopher Daniels confronts Hangman for his actions only to be struck by him.
We hear from "Switchblade" Jay White. He says 2025 is not starting as planned thanks to Wheeler Yuta costing him his moment, and that he will show Wheeler Yuta exactly how he feels. He says that next week in the Casino Gauntlet, he will make his way to Moxley, but first, he must go through Swerve Strickland and Roderick Strong, who he calls collateral on the way to the gold.
MVP guests on commentary for the next match.
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) beats The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) after Anthony Bowens gets irritated and leaves the ring apron when Max Caster tags himself in.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Prince Nana and Swerve Strickland. Swerve says he can still hear the fans and apologizes to them due to being distracted the past few weeks, but tonight, he gets back to doing what he does: proving that AEW is his house. Swerve realizes he has never been in the Casino Gauntlet due to being World Champion, then Prince Nana wishes everyone a Happy New Year.
Julia Hart beats Jamie Hayter after spitting red mist into Hayter's eyes when the referee takes Julia's arrow away from her.
We see a video package for Kenny Omega, who returns next week.
We hear from "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, who says that he made 2024 his era and proved he is the best tournament wrestler alive in the Continental Classic. He says "nice try" to Will Ospreay and tells Kenny Omega to stay out of his business.
Mercedes Moné heads to the ring for a TBS Championship celebration. Mercedes plays a video package of herself, then says that Wrestle Dynasty at the Tokyo Dome is the first stop on the money train and that Mina Shirakawa has more gold that she wants.
AEW asks fans to help those affected by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. First responders from Asheville are seen in the crowd. AEW donates $20,000 each to Asheville Dream Canter and Be Loved Ashville.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong). Adam Cole says they are complete and that 2025 will be their year, and Kyle O'Reilly says that they will dominate in all matches. Roderick Strong says he will enter the Casino Gauntlet, and it will be every man for himself.
"Switchblade" Jay White beats Roderick Strong and Swerve Strickland to enter the Casino Gauntlet Match next week at #1. After the match, it is revealed that Swerve is badly busted open. When Prince Nana confronts Ricochet, Ricochet points the scissors at him to keep him at bay before stabbing at Swerve's forehead again. Ricochet grabs a metal folding chair, and when Prince Nana tries to take it away, Ricochet shoves him into the ring steps, then hits him with the chair before bringing it into the ring and seating Swerve on it. Ricochet then hits Swerve with the Spirit Gun before fleeing when Undisputed Kingdom gets in the ring.
Backstage, Jeff Jarrett shows up as Alex Marvez interviews Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh. Jarrett says tonight is a big night, Jay Lethal says they are behind whatever Jeff wants to do, and Sonjay wants Jeff to be sure about what he is going to do. Karen Jarrett shows up and says the business has affected them, which makes Jeff's decision hard. She then says that whatever he wants, she wants, because they are unbreakable. She then hands Jeff a pair of red wrestling boots.
Backstage, we hear from Mariah May, who says that she cannot say anything negative about the women's division. She then says that she had more matches than anyone else in the division, who could not even reach the top ten, because she is so good at her job. She then says it is time for the division to prove themselves to her, as she is the woman from hell and she would love to see the rest of the division touch her.
Jeff Jarrett heads to the ring, which has a red guitar in it, and places his red wrestling boots in the middle of the ring. Jeff thanks the fans and says that he has so much to be thankful for in his career, and says that while it is sad to think about things coming to an end, it caused him to think about how his family got started in the business in 1946 and changed his family's life. He talks about how his grandmother and his father made high-risk, high-reward decisions to get to where they are and how he had to make the high-risk, high-reward decision of dropping out of college and trading basketball for pro wrestling. Jeff also talks about how he launched TNA, which has produced some of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and says that all of this brings him to tonight. He says that as a twelve-time World Champion and two-time Hall of Famer, he has to ask himself if he should ride off into the sunset, and then says the answer is "hell no," and announces that he has signed his final contract and has re-signed with AEW. Jeff says he wants not just "one more ride," but championship gold. He then makes a New Year's resolution: to win the Casino Gauntlet Match and the AEW World Championship.
We hear from Hook, who tells Christian Cage to ask "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne what it is like to be in Redrum and tells him that he is going to choke him out.
Powerhouse Hobbs beats Jon Cruz and Rob Killjoy in a two-on-one handicap match.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews "The Redwood" Big Bill and "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith. Bill and Keith say that Asheville, North Carolina is alright, but "The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho is not here. Big Bill then sees Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler). He then says he cannot tell who is more ashamed: Rated FTR for being fans of Asheville, North Carolina or Asheville being fans of FTR (Dax and Cash), and says the hometown heroes should be knocked down a peg. Adam Copeland calls Keith "a little tumbleweed" and that Big Bill's face is stupid, then challenges The Learning Tree (Jericho, Big Bill, Bryan Keith) to a trios match on Collision.
In memoriam: Sweet Daddy Siki, 1933 - 2024.
In backstage footage from Worlds End, MJF mocks Adam Cole for losing to him and saying that it took a whole army for Cole to beat him up. He then says that the "Better Than You Bay Bay" chapter has come to a close and that it is time for the next chapter. He says that it is time for retribution and that it is time to take the AEW World Championship back from Jon Moxley, and asks Moxley what a king is to a god, as nobody is on his level and Moxley knows better than anyone else. MJF says he has no problem with Moxley and that Moxley can burn AEW down for all he cares, as he just wants the World Championship, and says that regardless of who has it, he is getting his due and he is getting his title back.
Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler) beats The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta) in a trios match after "Switchblade" Jay White shows up and hits Wheeler Yuta with a Blade Runner as Jon Moxley is about to put Adam Copeland through the announce table. Before the match, it is now announced that Adam Copeland is now going solely by the name '"The Rated R Superstar" Cope.'
Before the next match, Jacked Jameson brags about their new gear, then says that The Iron Savages (Boulder, Bronson, Jacked Jameson) will take The House of Black's (Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews) spot in the four-way contender's series by beating them tonight and take the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews) beat The Iron Savages (Boulder, Bronson, Jacked Jameson) in a trios match. After the match, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) heads to the ring. Cash Wheeler says they are here on business, and Dax Harwood says he has it made it his life's goal to be AEW World Tag Team Champions and have put the titles above everything else. Dax says nothing changes except the obstacle, and that House of Black is the obstacle and that they have built Collision off the back of the tag team division. He then challenges House of Black to a tag team match on Dynamite. Malakai and Brody step up when Dax asks who they will face, then Malakai says "Good luck," before FTR head back to the back.
Backstage, we hear from Lio Rush, who says that there is a shift happening and that everyone in AEW is a part of it. He says that his past is creeping up on him and forcing him to make a decision, which is why he has held on to MVP's business card. He says The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin) conducts business in a way he used to agree with, then talks about his recent wins before saying he is here and about to be on fire. Lio says he feels great, but he wants to feel greater and even alive again, which is why he is calling out Swerve Strickland on Dynamite.
Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) watch the next match from the stage.
The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) beat Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) in a 4-Way Contender Series Match to move on to the Fatal 4-Way Match for the AEW World Tag Team Championships at Full Gear. During the match, both Turbo Floyd and Darius Martin nearly collide with Leila Grey, which irritates Dante and takes Top Flight off the same page. FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) are seen watching the match from backstage.
Backstage, we hear from The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens), who address La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico, The Beast Mortos). Bowens says they will go through them to become tag team champions again, and Max Caster asks LFI where their balls are at when The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin) shows up. MVP wants to know if The Acclaimed want to be serious and become tag team champs again, and brings up Caster's father playing in the NFL. Bowens tells them to watch what they say, and state that they are not interested. MVP tells Max Caster that he knows he still has the business card, and Caster shrugs it off.
Roderick Strong beats The Beast Mortos. After the match, Lance Archer runs into the ring and hits Roderick Strong with the Blackout while "The Machine" Brian Cage shows up to watch.
We hear from Mariah May, who says that she hates women's wrestling after not feeling that way before until she won the AEW Women's World Championship and realized she was surrounded by the worst and weakest women's division she has ever seen. She says she is the women's division and that everyone should be thanking her for standing on their necks, then says her talent is being wasted because nobody can touch her. She then says that she is the one who killed women's wrestling. Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Anna Jay, who says that she has done more than touch Mariah May and that she will choke her out until she pisses herself. She then challenges her to a no-disqualification match, and if she does not win, she will not challenge her for the title again. Anna says everyone wants Mariah's title and head, and that she plans to bring back both.
Kris Statlander beats Ashley Vox. After the match, Statlander is attacked from behind by Mercedes Moné, and referees rush into the ring to restore order.
Backstage, Rush, Dralistico and Jake "The Snake" Roberts confront The Beast Mortos for losing tonight, with Rush saying that they have an opportunity next week and that Mortos needs to show the beast that he is. Roberts says The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) are a bunch of squirrels playing around in a tree trying to find a nut, and that they will get no nut and more than they can handle.
"Scapegoat" Jack Perry retains the TNT Championship against Action Andretti in an open challenge. After the match, Daniel Garcia heads to the ring and confronts Jack Perry, saying he disagrees with him on a lot of things, especially the belief that they are alike, and calls him a multi-millionaire nepo baby who has had everything handed to him his entire life. Garcia says he fights for his friends and the fans while Perry does not care about anyone at all, and that he will never be anything like him before proclaiming he will be TNT Champion at Full Gear. Perry says Garcia can have the match at Full Gear, but he is not ready.
We see a vignette for Julia Hart confronting a veiled version of her House of Black self who shoots her with a bow and arrow. We then find out it is a nightmare.
We see The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) plug their gear at Shop AEW.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Daniel Garcia. "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard, who is nearby, tells Garcia that he is ready for Jack Perry, and all he has to do is prove his friends right and take the TNT Championship.
Before the next match, "The Prodigy" Nick Wayne mentions that tonight is the anniversary of AR Fox's father passing and that his father would disown him after what he does to him tonight before proclaiming that "The Prodigy never forgets."
"The Prodigy" Nick Wayne beats AR Fox. After the match, Nick Wayne has Kip Sabian hold AR Fox down so that he can staple a photo of AR Fox with his dad onto AR Fox's forehead with a staple gun.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews MxM Collection (Mansoor and Mason Madden). Mansoor says they have slid into Johnny TV's DMs regarding taking part in a trios match and are waiting for a response when he responds saying he has a match with Daniel Garcia and that they can join him at ringside. After Johnny TV approves of the picture of Mason Madden's hog - his pet pig - they try to leave Johnny TV style, but the backstage hand pushing the cart they are on accidentally goes the other way at first.
The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC) retain the AEW World Trios Championships against The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O'Reilly, Tomohiro Ishii). During the match, Jon Moxley and Marina Shafir show up, but so does Orange Cassidy and Rocky "Azucar" Romero. As O'Reilly has Wheeler Yuta in an ankle lock near theend of the match, however, Claudio slides a metal folding chair into the ring, allowing Marina Shafir to interfere behind the referee's back, allowing The Death Riders to retain. After the match, Orange Cassidy hits Wheeler Yuta with an Orange Punch before going after Jon Moxley starting a brawl on the outside that Orange Cassidy finishes.
Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) heads to the ring for their tag team title celebration as members of the locker room are at the entrance ramp and in the ring, with Tony Schiavone ready to interview Private Party. Kassidy says that they came into 2024 saying "new year, new champs," and while it took them a long time, they did it. Quen thanks The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) for making them earn the tag titles, as they have gotten better and better every time they get in the ring, and now Private Party has the titles to prove it. As for what is next for Private Party, they are willing to defend the tag team titles against anybody and everybody. They soon get in FTR's (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) faces, and Daniel Garcia has to play peacemaker while Truth Magnum is a night to celebrate, not to fight. Turbo Floyd says the past is in the past and that it is now Private Party's time, and that the sign outside says "AEW: Where The Best Wrestle." Kassidy says that this party is never going to end and that there is no party like a Private Party, "and that's a flex."
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens). Anthony Bowens congratulates Private Party on becoming tag team champions, but warns them that the best tag team to do it in AEW is coming for the titles. Max Caster says they have been at it all year and are not going to stop, but he is the best wrestler alive, and there is only one outcome when they meet in the ring. As he mentions that he has the friendship and the money of the fans, Bowens notices MVP's business card. Caster says he is undecided on whether they should join MVP, then the two of them say it is time for Private Party to nut up or shut up. It is noticeable that as they talk, Caster and Bowens finish each others' sentences, and that there is tension between them each time this happens.
Thunder Rosa beats Harley Cameron in a Day of the Dead Match.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett). Roddy tells Shane Taylor that he knows he is a bad man, but he is an obstacle on the way to MJF for Full Gear, and he wants to beat Shane within an inch of his life so that Adam Cole can finish the job. He also congratulates Taven and Bennett for winning on Rampage and Adam Cole for coming back better than ever. Taven says they have made the changes that needed to be made, and as they are about to take on some legends, "The Machine" Brian Cage and Lance Archer show up to tell them to watch what a real tag team can do.
Kyle Fletcher beats Komander. After the match, Fletcher goes for the ground and pound on Komander, then Mark Davis shows up, runs into the ring and confronts Fletcher before daring Fletcher to hit him. Fletcher walks away.
Backstage, we hear from "Scapegoat" Jack Perry, who says things are changing for better or worse in AEW when he is suddenly called out by Daniel Garcia, who says that Perry has had everything handed to him and calls him "a pretentious piece of shit." Perry says that he has believed everything Garcia wants to believe and earned everything that Garcia wants to think he has not earned, and that Garcia knows much like he does about how AEW and his heroes are. He then says that he is afraid to sacrifice everything that he loves, and that he is not ready. Perry then leaves with the TNT Championship.
"The Machine" Brian Cage and Lance Archer beat Joe Keys and Shaun Smith. After the match, Cage and Archer demolish their opponents with a Blackout on Shaun Smith and a Drill Claw on Joe Keys. Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) show up with metal folding chairs before Cage and Archer can do even more damage. Meanwhile, Kyle O'Reilly and Shane Taylor are watching what is going on from backstage in separate locations.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews AR Foxx when The Patriarchy ("The Prodigy" Nick Wayne, Kip Sabian, Mama Wayne) shows up. Nick Wayne says that things have changed in the last year-and-a-half and that Foxx made the biggest mistake of his life attacking him in his wrestling school. As Nick Wayne says that he does not know if Hook will show up for their match, Foxx challenges Wayne to a match on next week's Collision before telling Wayne not to sleep on Hook.
Backstage, we hear from Kris Statlander, who says that she has replayed Mercedes Moné's attack on her in her mind and says that if Mercedes is everything she says she is, then her coming for Mercedes' title should be no big deal and there should be no reason to hide behind her entourage. She says that Mercedes is scared because she is locked in and focused on her, then tells her to prepare herself because she is becoming the new TBS Champion.
Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir and Wheeler Yuta show up in the crowd. Moxley says that Orange Cassidy wants to be the king, but tells Orange that the game has already begun and does not begin at Full Gear, and questions if Orange can survive to Full Gear with body and mind intact. He entertains the idea of Orange brining the AEW World Championship home to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then says he has given the city something to be proud of as he has cut his teeth here in a city that produces champions. He says that the city produces wrestlers with honest, hard-working, unshakeable people with grit like Wheeler Yuta and that Wheeler knows how to fight for something bigger than himself and is "a Philadelphia hero" for it. Action Andretti shows up and heads to the ring, saying he is sick and tired of hearing all of this and that Wheeler Yuta does not represent what Philadelphia is about like he does and that Wheeler came "from Amish Town straight off the horse and buggy." He says that wrestlers from Philadelphia are all about action and that he is ready to throw down right now, then he is attacked from behind by PAC. Moxley, Shafir and Wheeler head to the ring before the next match.
PAC beats Action Andretti with a super brainbuster followed by the Brutalizer. After the match, PAC refuses to let go of the hold, even as Andretti is out cold. All of a sudden, Orange Cassidy shows up in the crowd. Orange reminds Wheeler Yuta of what he and Chuck Taylor did for him early in his career, then says that the Wheeler Yuta he is looking at is not the man that he knew and is being used by Jon Moxley. Orange says that at Full Gear, he will bring back the old Wheeler Yuta along with AEW and become the next AEW World Champion. When Moxley tells Wheeler to go after Orange, Wheeler is reluctant at first, and only does it when Moxley slaps him multiple times. Wheeler grabs a metal folding chair and confronts Orange, but cannot attack him until Orange takes the chair away when he is distracted. Wheeler swings at Orange, but Orange hits Wheeler with an Orange Punch and leaves through the crowd.
We hear from Malakai Black prior to his match with Adam Cole on Dynamite. He wants Adam Cole to be the one to beat him before he shows Adam Cole "the blackest black that he has ever seen."
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita. Fletcher says he is tired of talking about the past when he is looking at a future that looks like gold, then says it is time he and Takeshita jump back into the tag team division. Takeshita addresses Ricochet that he will end him, and Fletcher tells Ricochet that he can bring whoever he wants, as he does not care.
Lio Rush beats Ariya Daivari.
Backstage, Lexy Nair interviews MxM Collection (Mansoor and Mason Madden) and Johnny TV. Johnny TV says that fashion has saved more lives than doctors and says he has seen it all, and that MxM Collection has "it." MxM Collection feel honored, and Johnny TV says that if they want to collab, they can feel free to slide into his DM's.
Roderick Strong beats Shane Taylor. MJF is seen watching the match from his home during the match.
We see a vignette for Mina Shirakawa's return to AEW.
"The Glamour" Mariah May retains the AEW Women's World Championship against Anna Jay. After the match, Mariah fakes wanting to shake hands with Anna on the way out of the ring.
At the start of the show, Nigel McGuinness heads to the ring for a match, and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson's music hits and Danielson fails to show. McGuinness demands a ten-count and Danielson being stripped of the AEW World Championship is Danielson fails to show. In the middle of the count, "The Final Countdown" by Europe plays instead of Danielson's usual AEW theme, and Danielson shows up clearly fit to wrestle.
"The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson beats Nigel McGuinness with the Lebell Lock despite numbness in his right forearm, which causes Danielson to keep the hold locked in with his right wrist. After the match, Christian Cage shows up with his World Championship match contract. He opens the case, which doubles as a clipboard, to sign the contract, but Kip Sabian sneaks up on Christian and steals his pen. Christian runs into Claudio Castagnoli and PAC as he chases after Sabian.
Hook retains the FTW Championship against Roderick Strong after countering End of Heartache with Redrum. After the match, Roderick Strong shakes hands with Hook. Tony Schiavone interviews Hook after the match. Hook says all good things must come to an end, and on behalf of his family, he thanks every family who has faced him for the FTW Championship as well as the fans for their support. He then announces that the FTW Championship is official retired, and he hands the championship back to Taz before heading to the back.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) retain the AEW World Tag Team Championship against Kyle Fletcher and Will Ospreay. During the match, Don Callis hands Fletcher a screwdriver and distracts the referee so that Fletcher can use the screwdriver as a weapon, but Ospreay refuses to win this way, hands the screwdriver to the referee and gives Callis an earful. This allows The Young Bucks to hit Fletcher with the tag team championship belts followed by a Superkick Party and an EVP-Trigger to retain.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle Fletcher, Orange Cassidy) and Rocky "Azucar" Romero. Orange makes Romero an official member, then Mark Briscoe tells everyone to expect their cool new shirt. He then says he is wearing a classic "Dem Boys" shirt because he is feeling history, and tonight, they will give The Learning Tree a Conglomeration-style ass whupping. He also says the word of the day is "vociferous."
Tony Schiavone interviews Prince Nana on the stage. Prince Nana says it is good to be in New York in Swerve's house, then says that Swerve Strickland means a lot to him and that nothing can stop the most dangerous man in AEW. He then says that Swerve is not physically cleared to come back, yet he is fighting to get back in the ring for the fans. Suddenly, he is interrupted by MVP. MVP agrees that Swerve is the most dangerous man in AEW, then says is the most phenomenal talent to step foot in an AEW ring, and that his 2024 world title run will be studied by many. He says he has seen the highs and lows of Swerve's world title reign, then blames Swerve's failure not on Swerve, but on Nana, accusing him of caring more about selling coffee and dancing. He then tells Nana to give Swerve his business card when he is serious about getting back to the mountaintop again, and that when he is, he will be ready to talk business.
We see footage of "Scapegoat" Jack Perry in his van driving across a bridge in New York City.
"The Glamour" Mariah May retains the AEW Women's World Championship against Yuka Sakazaki. After the match, Mariah is about to hit Yuka with the Women's World title when Willow Nightingale runs into the ring to confront Mariah. All of a sudden, Mina Shirakawa's entrance hits, and Mariah hits Willow from behind with the title before embracing Mina. Yuka runs at Mariah, and Mina unknowingly stands between them.
Jon Moxley beats Darby Allin in a violent match to win Darby Allin's shot at the AEW World Championship following an avalanche Death Rider. After the match, medical staff checks on Darby, then "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson comes out of the crowd to choke Moxley with a blue necktie. Marina Shafir tries to choke Danielson at the same time, and Claudio Castagnoli and PAC show up to pull Danielson off so they and Shafir can all attack Danielson. All of a sudden, Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) show up to even the numbers game, and this leads to a brawl all over the ring. Claudio has to save Moxley from a Busaiku Knee from Danielson. Danielson says that if Moxley wants war, then he declares war. He says that if Moxley wants a shot at the AEW World Championship, he has it as WrestleDream, and he will "kick Moxley's fucking head in."
