On paper, tonight’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view from Los Angeles, California, looks to be one of the company’s best in history with seven title matches and nearly all of their big stars in action.
In what is assumed to be the main event, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will defend against Adam “Cope” Copeland while AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mariah May in an anything goes “Hollywood Ending” bout.
International Champion Konosuke Takeshita will defend against former World Champion Kenny Omega while TBS Champion Mercedes Money defends against Momo Watanabe.
AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate defend against The Outrunners, AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Brody King, and ROH World Champion Chris Jericho defends against Gravity on the pre-show.
Three grudge matches round out the main card as Swerve Strickland will take on Ricochet in a no. 1 contender’s match; Will Ospreay battles Kyle Fletcher in a cage match; and MJF goes one-on-one with Hangman Page.
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Zero Hour
The Wrestle Aunts, Renee Paquette & RJ City, alongside Jeff Jarrett & Paul Walter Hauser welcome us to Zero Hour with RJ already taking a shot at Conan O’Brien and the Oscars last week in California. Jarrett says tonight feels like a Game 7, while Hauser calls this the Power Hour as they run down tonight’s card. Damaris Lewis & Kelli Berglund, who play Babs Wingo & Nell Stewart respectively in Queen of the Ring joins the panel to talk about the film. Hauser asked if either would be interested in stepping in the ring and Berglund said she would. It makes sense seeing as she starred in Heels on Starz a few years ago.
Harley Cameron is out next with the crew and talks about Mariah May attacking Timeless Toni Storm on the red-carpet premiere of Queen of the Ring a few days ago. Tonight is a Hollywood Ending, but don’t know if it’ll be a happy one. Cameron brings in QT Marshall, who said no offense to Hauser, but celebrities should stay on the panel and not the ring. Hauser said if Marshall booked a role in Hollywood, he’d be happy for him, not say he didn’t belong. Marshall took jabs at Hauser wrestling in bingo halls and offered to train him, as he trained Cameron. Marshall asked for Hauser to lock-up and they did, as Hauser put him in a headlock. Marshall didn’t take it well and threw his drink into Hauser’s face before leaving. Hauser stormed out as we’re definitely getting that match eventually.
We go to ringside where Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Taz (who is cackling about what just happened) throw it to the ring for the opening contest.
Komander & Hologram (w/Alex Abrahantes) defeated Blake Christian & Lee Johnson
Johnson & Christian attack right at the bell, but friendly fire allows Hologram to use his speed with a nasty DDT/reverse brainbuster combo. Komander joined the party and hit double dives with his partner. Back inside, double team stereo shining wizards on Johnson got a near fall. Commentary talks about tonight being on Prime and Excalibur brings up Arli$$ and Tony Schiavone mentions the residual checks that still come in from his cameo on that series, which popped Taz. Johnson & Christian are able to ground Komander and keep him isolated until Christian tried a handspring, but was dropkicked out of mid-air.
Hot tag to Hologram, who had a crazy fast sequence with Johnson, ending with Collision Course moonsault fall away slam. Christian saved his partner long enough for Johnson to hit a somersault dive outside before rolling Hologram back inside, where Christian hit a springboard 450, followed with a corkscrew dive onto Komander, as Johnson nailed a Frog Splash for a near fall. Out on the apron, a really awkward missed attempt at a Poison Rana on the edge of the ring by Hologram on Christian, as Johnson hit a DVD on the apron until Komader flew off the top with a hurricanrana. Christian recovered enough to connect on a low tope to leave everyone down.
Back inside, Christian flew in with a slingshot cutter on Komander, but Hologram sprung in with a top rope dropkick to break up a submission. While Christian was in a fireman’s carry, Komander sprung off the back into a Destroyer onto Johnson, followed it up with scaling the ropes for a massive dive right as Hologram hit a 450 to win the match.
-Renee Paquette is on stage with Ash Avildsen, writer and director of Queen of the Ring, who said he wanted to honor the forgotten stories of women’s wrestling and Mildred Burke’s story is the perfect story to inspire those to never give up. He mentions how it’s a small independent film that has 4 days left to see it on the big screen, so gives one more plug for that and also The Hollywood Ending tonight. Taz said that guy should run for mayor.
TNT Champion Daniel Garcia & The Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) defeated Shane Taylor Promotions (ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty, Shane Taylor, Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean)
Daddy Magic Matt Menard joins commentary as Strong fired off quick chops on Bravo before O’Reilly tagged in for the double team, with Dean getting launched outside when trying to save his partner. Bravo kept using rope breaks to escape submissions until Cole tagged in and reigned down 10 corner punches. Garcia made the tag and was immediately popped in the face to allow Moriarty to come in and pick up where they left off last night on Collision. Garcia did his signature dance while having Moriarty’s legs locked up, but Taylor ran distraction long enough for Bravo & Dean to clean house, as Taylor was a locomotive ringside, squashing all Undisputed Kingdom members in his path. We see HOOK, Samoa Joe & Katsuyori Shibata up in a luxury box watching on as Garcia was being swarmed and isolated.
Garcia finally managed a back suplex on Taylor to lead to quick hot tags from the Undisputed Kingdom. Triple team on Moriarty before O’Reilly & Strong wiped-out Bravo & Dean with dives off the apron. Neckbreaker on the knee by Cole on Moriarty got a near fall, as a Ushigoroshi followed for another two. Cole wanted a Panama Sunrise, but Garcia made a blind tag and sank in a Dragon Tamer as Strong & O’Reilly wiped out the field with pump knees. Cole took out Taylor with a superkick, but kept his eyes locked on Garcia, visibly pissed that Garcia took the glory in this one as Moriarty tapped out. As Garcia celebrated with the fans, Cole, Strong & O’Reilly raised their hands in victory in the ring.
-Video package of The Hurt Syndicate training for their title defense tonight alongside C.T. Fletcher was shown
Chris Jericho (w/Big Bill & Bryan Keith) vs. Gravity never took place
Gravity’s mother and sister are seated ringside, as commentary told us worst kept secret in wrestling is Bandido is Gravity’s older brother. Before the match even begun, Jericho clocked Gravity with a baseball bat, as The Learning Tree put a 3 on 1 beatdown, as referee Aubrey Edwards called the match before it even began. Bandido rushed to the ring to try and make the save, but the numbers were too much, as he suffered the same fate. Bill hit a massive chokeslam on Gravity, as his mother & sister were crying ringside. Bill held Bandido, forcing him to watch, as Jericho repeatedly slapped Gravity before ripping his mask off. The crowd became furious at this, as Jericho beat him down with the baseball bat before hitting a Judas Effect. Referee Aubrey went and got the mother and sister to come into the ring, as they all tended to Gravity. Jericho teased using the bat again, as Bandido pleaded before being booted in the face. Jericho flipped off the crowd before leaving with Bill & Keith. This whole thing garnered a lot of heat and I look forward to seeing Jericho & Bandido doing battle once again.
-We go back to the Wrestle Aunts who are joined by Yung Gravy, as he said he’s siding with MJF tonight in his match with Hangman Adam Page. Paquette askes what Gravy has lined up and he said just chillin. Ok, then. The best part about this was when they went back to commentary, Tony Schiavone had to remind us it wasn’t just Gravy, but Yung Gravy, which popped Excalibur & Taz.
Big Boom AJ, Orange Cassidy & Mark Briscoe (w/Big Justice & The Rizzler) defeated MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) & Johnny TV (w/Taya Valkyrie)
Cassidy made his entrance alongside The Rizzler, who was dressed just like him, which was hysterical. Adam Devine & Tony Cavalero from The Righteous Gemstones welcomes them seated ringside as well.
Cassidy & Johnny kick things off with Johnny break dancing and Cassidy doing a little shuffle before putting his hands in his pockets. Cassidy ducked a springboard kick and hit his kip up dropkick before putting on his shades. Briscoe in to mow down Johnny with a shoulder tackle, hit 10 corner punches, AJ in with 10 of his own and Cassidy with 1 to end it. Madden in for an awkward stare down with Cassidy before Mansoor attacks from behind. MxM tease a dive, instead opting to strike a pose, which Cassidy comes back to join in a gifable moment until he joins The Rizzler & Big Justice to pose. Mansoor ripped a cookie out of their hands, as Cassidy hit a dive, shoved the cookie in Mansoor’s mouth, who cried that he’s on a diet. Valkyrie crotched Cassidy on the top rope to allow Madden to hit a Black Hole Slam for two.
Locomotion offense from MxM, ending with another pose as Johnny made out with his wife as Taz said he saw something similar to that on Rodeo Drive last night. Johnny tried a sunset flip on Cassidy, who casually broke free and made the hot tag to Briscoe, who ran wild with dives before Madden hit a huge chokeslam off the top leading to Johnny hitting the Superstation for two. They fought in the corner, as Briscoe hit a shotgun dropkick and tagged in AJ, who ran wild with rights and splashes on everyone. Mansoor leapt off the ropes into the clutches, as AJ hit a belly to belly. Madden wanted a chokeslam, but AJ fired up as Excalibur said The Boom with never die as he dropped Madden with a bodyslam for two. AJ wanted a powerboom, but Valkyrie ran distraction long enough for Johnny to attack from behind and make out with his wife more.
Harley Cameron appeared, pulled Valkyrie off the apron and slammed her into the barricade, as AJ hit a Powerboom on Johnny. Mansoor in with a thrust kick, as Cassidy & Cameron took the ref to allow Big Justice to come in and Powerboom Mansoor before hugging his dad complete with a camera zoom out. Madden took AJ’s head off with an Axe Kick, as he looked to punch Justice, but Briscoe & Cassidy made the save with an Orange Punch until a Triple Powerboom led to the pin by AJ on Madden.
Post-match, The Murder Machines, Lance Archer & Brian Cage, came to the ring and got on the apron, but Powerhouse Hobbs marched to the ring and laid out Madden with a spinebuster for good measure. Cassidy brought Adam Devine & Tony Cavalaro into the ring and they hit a double chokeslam on Mansoor before putting shades on and posing with Cassidy. Taz asks if everyone is a wrestler now and has anyone paid dues anymore? He begs them to play another song other than the Bring the Boom song.
AEW Revolution
Hangman Adam Page defeated MJF
(This was a damn good opener with the crowd fired up from the jump. The emotion of MJF showing towards the end, desperately wanting to know why the crowd wanted Page over himself was a nice touch, as was the brutal Angels Wings. I can only assume this feud continues, but this was as clean of a finish as you can get for Page stringing together his signature moves to win this. It wouldn’t take much for MJF to keep this going, though. I’d be all for it.)
Both men slug it out immediately with Page getting the upper hand early. MJF wrenched the arm and posed, which allowed a brief sleeper from Page, which MJF escaped with a jawbreaker. MJF did the signature running the ropes and pelvic thrust into the face, as this fired Page up. MJF spat in his face and got an eye poke, but Page clobbered him with a springboard lariat to the back on the apron and followed with a slingshot dive. Page wanted a Buckshot, but MJF collapsed to the outside, but Page met him with a huge moonsault off the post. Back inside, MJF again dodged a Buckshot, hit a thrust kick in the corner, Water Wheel Drop and wrist clutch DDT for two. Both trade small package counters, as MJF escaped Dead Eye, tried a piledriver, which Page immediately countered into Dead Eye for two. Knee lift between the ropes by MJF who wanted a Heatseeker, but Page escaped and hit a Buckshot, but MJF got his foot on the ropes.
MJF stumbled to his feet and spat again, so Page decked him with a right hand. Page wanted another Buckshot, but for a third time, MJF rolled outside. Page stalked him down, but missed a charge and ran into the steps. Page tried shaking out the arm as he rolled MJF back inside, fourth Buckshot attempt, this time MJF countered into Salt of the Earth transitioning into a Crossface, then reverse arm breaker. Page finally got his foot on the rope, as they went outside where MJF ripped Tony Schiavone’s headset off, called Page a zero and dropped some F Bombs for good measure. The delay allowed Page to try a Tombstone, but his arm wouldn’t allow it, so he did a Moonsault off the apron into position, but MJF floated over and hit a Tombstone on a set-up steel chair as doctors tended to Page, who just broke the count at 9.
MJF almost had tears in his eyes, as he screamed what’s so special about Page and not him? Why not MJF? Heatseeker attempt was countered, as Page walked his way into the ring for a Dead Eye in a cool spot, as followed with a violent Angels Wings for a homage to Christopher Daniels. Page skinned the cat into position, as MJF stumbled to his feet and Page hit the Buckshot for the clean pin.
Mercedes Mone defeated Momo Watanabe for the TBS Title
(Another really strong showing from Mone, who continues her fantastic run. The crowd really got into the second half of this and even though I don’t think anyone thought Watanabe was going to win, still got loud dueling chants and nice near falls. I wouldn’t mind if Billie Starkz is next in line for Mone, as they showed her multiple times in the suite taking notes, maybe for her or maybe for her former Head Minion in Charge, Athena.)
Nigel McGuinness replaces Taz at the desk, as Watanabe was having none of Mone’s dancing early, got a snap mare, faked a kick and just patted Mone on the head. Shoving contest led to Mone hitting a shoulder tackle, but danced too much as Watanabe hit a series of kicks. Overhand swipe from Mone, who scaled the ropes, tried an arm drag, but Watanabe sank in a Cross Faced Chicken Wing. Both traded pin attempts until Watanabe punt kicked Mone’s arm out before delivering a high kick for two. Watanabe wanted a Meteora, but Mone dodged and sank in a Crossface. Watanabe got the ropes, as both went to the apron, as it almost was if Watanabe wanted a Crunchy, but Mone countered into a powerbomb off the apron.
Back inside, Mone with a Meteora for two as we saw Billie Starkz up in the luxury suite taking notes, as commentary brings up her past association with ROH Women’s Champion Athena. Mone wanted a Mone Maker, but Watanabe rolled through into a Crunchy for two. Mone was able to recover and hit two of the Three Amigos, until Watanabe put on the brakes, hit two of her own before trapping Mone in the Tree of Woe, just wearing her out with kicks. Watanabe exploded with dropkicks into the corner for two before doing the CEO dance. Missing a high kick, Mone tried an O’Connor Roll, but Watanabe trapped her in a Chicken Wing, but Mone rolled into a pin attempt for two.
Both ladies up, as Mone hit a backstabber and Meteora off the second rope for a near fall, leaving Mone furious. Watanabe dodged another Meteora with a series of knee lifts on the apron, as Watanabe went to the second and nailed a Meteora on the edge of the ring for a close two. Back inside, both ladies traded Crossface and Chicken Wing attempts as the crowd is getting heavily into it as a powerbomb from Mone got two. Taking way too much time, Mone went up top, but was cut off with an Avalanche spinning Uranage for two. Release suplex from Watanabe, as she wanted Peach Sunrise, but Mone rolled out, only Watanabe held onto the wrist and fired off boots, catching Mone right in the face. Watanabe got the Buzzsaw Kick, but Mone just barely got the shoulder up. Watanabe went up top, but missed a Meteora, allowing Mone to hit a cross body for two. Mone Maker connected, but Mone spun into the Statement Maker for the submission win.
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated Ricochet to become #1 Contender for the AEW World Title
(Hell of a battle between these two, with the story of the Embassy robe being a real key factor down the stretch. Heel Ricochet continues to be one of the best characters in wrestling and I’m hopeful he stays in this upper tier of talent going forward. Strickland being next in line definitely makes sense, we just wait to see who it’ll be against.)
Ricochet was out wearing the Embassy robe he stole, as Strickland had a drum solo before his entrance, but it seemed off when pairing it with the actual theme. Lighting quick start, as each went for their home run shot until Strickland mowed down Ricochet, who took a quick powder. Back inside, Strickland caught Ricochet in a reverse Torture Rack rib breaker before paint brushing Ricochet repeatedly in the corner. Strickland slowly stalked Ricochet down, but was pulled into the corner, allowing Ricochet to mock Nana with the robe. Strickland was having none of that, as he was relentless in attacking Ricochet outside, as Nana tried to calm him down, but Strickland shoved Nana down, not realizing who it was. The distraction allowed Ricochet to walk the barricade and hit a huge House Call before a springboard lariat back in the ring, followed by a Lionsault got a two count. Nana opted to bail on the match, as Ricochet waved goodbye and Strickland couldn’t believe it.
Ricochet trash talked SNL alum Leslie Jones in the crowd, as McGuinness thought it was Prince Nana’s mother, but Excalibur had to inform him who she was. Taking too long in the corner, Strickland cut Ricochet off, both teetered on the top, but Ricochet did a springboard Dragon Rana, only for Strickland to roll through into a powerbomb and a powerbomb into a powerslam for a two in a great sequence. Both went to the apron and traded kicks until Ricochet managed a Poison Rana on the edge of the ring and luckily (not in Strickland’s case) had more success than Hologram earlier in the evening with Blake Christian. Ricochet brought Strickland to the Spanish announce table, but couldn’t get Strickland up, allowing Strickland to hit an amazing Vertebreaker on the table, which we’re reminded by Excalibur, is made of solid oak, so it didn’t break. Back in the ring, Strickland hit the Swerve Stomp, but Ricochet kicked out.
Ricochet tried a low blow, but was blocked, so he went to the eyes before hitting a Northern Lights into a brainbuster. Up top, Ricochet unleashed a 630 senton for two as Prince Nana ran back out and gained possession of the Embassy robe to a huge pop. As he put the robe on, Ricochet hit a suicide dive, wiping Nana out and put the robe on himself. Strickland tried a dive, but Ricochet hit a Death Valley Driver in mid-air. Ricochet got in the face of actor Ken Jeong, who is seated ringside with Paul Walter Hauser. Back inside, still wearing the robe, Ricochet hit Vertigo, but again, Strickland kicked out. Loading up, Ricochet wanted the Spirit Gun, but Nana pulled at the robe and wrestled with Ricochet over it. Strickland got a roll-up for two, but was sent into Nana, crushing him to the outside. Ricochet nearly stole a pin for two, but Strickland popped up and hit two House Calls for two. Big Pressure connected and Strickland won it.
Post-match, Strickland gained possession of the robe, dropped to a knee and presented it to Prince Nana before they both hugged and Nana did his Swerve dance placing the robe on Strickland in a great moment.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Brody King to retain the AEW Continental Title
(This was a good back and forth battle, but the crowd was cooling down the first half after the Strickland & Ricochet war. It almost felt like a TV main event, as King put up a great fight, but I don’t see Okada losing his title until at least All In, where they teased that match when Omega returned.)
Mind games from Okada early, as he barked at King, but foolishly tried a bodyslam, couldn’t get it, so King hit one of his own as Okada took a powder. King was out after, fired off chops, popped Okada with a stiff forearm, set him up on a chair against the barricade, but missed a charge, allowing an Okada DDT. Back inside, forearms in bunches from Okada, but King responded with more chops, turning Okada’s chest red. A corner charge from King missed, allowing Okada to hit his bodyslam, but took too long for his top rope elbow, as King cut him off with a massive superplex.
King was able to string together some offense, as he hit a big elbow suicida. Okada grabbed the Continental Title, but King easily got it away, set him up on a chair and successfully this time hit a running cross body against the barricade. Running senton back inside got a near fall, as King dared Okada to lay it in. They trade strikes, but Okada misses his dropkick, leading to King taking his head off with a lariat. King wanted a piledriver, but Okada powered into an Air Raid Crash on the knee, following with a top rope elbow and Rainmaker pose flip off to the crowd. King dodged a Rainmaker into a running corner Death Valley Driver and Cannonball for a close two.
King wanted a piledriver on the apron, but Okada got a backdrop followed by a shotgun dropkick against the barricade. Okada tossed a chair into the ring, but it was a diversion as ref Rick Knox took it away, allowing Okada to level King with the Continental Title, only to get a two. Okada wanted a Rainmaker, but King again hit a big-time lariat of his own. Okada avoided a Gonzo Bomb, King hit a gnarly headbutt, corner splash, but Okada fired out with his signature dropkick. Rainmaker finally connected flush and Okada retained.
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP) defeated The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) to retain the AEW World Tag Team Titles
(Floyd & Magnum had their hope spot down the stretch, but this was another dominating showing from The Hurt Syndicate, which, as much as I like The Outrunners, it needed to be one sided. I guess they were teasing Andretti & Rush being potentially next in line, which, I don’t like their chances, putting it mildly.)
McGuinness said if The Outrunners win the titles tonight, he’ll do commentary on Collision next week in his underwear, which Schiavone said now he doesn’t want new champs. Action Andretti & Lio Rush were shown watching ringside, as Magnum & Benjamin start, with Benjamin no selling early offense, so Floyd tagged in and decked Benjamin with a right hand. Benjamin avoided a roll-up, but missed a blind tag and was clotheslined to the floor. Lashley got his grips on Floyd, but Magnum sent him crashing outside as well, forcing MVP to regroup with his team. This fired Benjamin & Lashley up, who came into the ring and completely wrecked shop. Magnum was repeatedly sent between barricade to edge of the ring, as Benjamin was just having his way hitting a series of German Suplexes. Magnum tried a float over, but was caught and driven down by a Lashley powerslam for two.
McGuinness jokes about asking if Magnum was named after a condom and Magnum didn’t know what that was. Hot tag made to Floyd, who dodged a knee lift from Benjamin, hit a bodyslam, as Lashley was clocked by Magnum. Double Predator Elbow by Magnum & Floyd, as they got a pop and posed, but Lashley recovered and steamrolled both. Lashley tried a suplex on the steps, but Magnum sent him crashing into them. Benjamin fired off right hands, but Floyd started firing up, no selling and battling back. Floyd walked the top rope into an arm drag, but Benjamin popped up and decked Floyd with a right hand. Lashley back in with Magnum, who he planted with a spinebuster, as Benjamin hit the pop-up knee, Lashley hit a Spear, then they repeated the sequence on Floyd, allowing Benjamin to get the pin.
Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) defeated Mariah May to retain the AEW Women’s Title in a Hollywood Ending
(This was an unreal performance from champion and challenger. You know how Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker Lights Out match a few years ago was the most violent women’s match in AEW history, there’s a new holder of that honor. This was wild, bloody, emotional, everything you’d want in a Hollywood Ending and these two knocked it out of the park, not just tonight, but in this feud. While they go their separate ways now, I can’t wait to see their paths cross down the line. I assume May takes some time off after this, but when she returns, hopefully she remains in the upper echelon in the women’s division, she deserves it.)
Jim Ross joins commentary, as there is a set-up on the stage with a picture of May turning on Storm after winning the Owen Hart Cup last year. May is wearing a white veil, as she sprinted up the ramp at Storm (dressed as Bette Davis) during her entrance, spitting at Luther for good measure. Hard slap from May, who wanted a suplex off the stage, Storm tried a back drop, but May instead opted for a piledriver on the stage. May grabbed some flowers, but pulled out a taser from them, as Luther tried to get it away from her, so May hit a dropkick, launching Luther over a table set up. May did damage to herself in the process, as the delay allowed Storm to hit a Sky High off the stage through the production table for a two count.
They went to ringside, where May tried scurrying away, but Storm swept the legs out on the barricade and hit a draping DDT off of it. Storm missed a hip attack against the barricade, allowing May to hit Storm Zero on the steps, busting Storm open badly in the process. May tossed chains and chairs into the ring before rubbing her veil onto Storm’s bloody face. In the ring, Storm was trapped in the Tree of Woe and chair put against her face, as May hit a Sweet Cheek Music for two. Storm was able to reverse a German suplex, sending May to the floor, as both ladies grabbed buckets, each having shards of broken champagne bottles. Storm & May taped their fists up and dipped them into the glass and we have a Taipei Death Match on our hands. Storm decked May with a shot, busting May opened as well, as Storm poured glass all over the ring before jamming a piece of the bottle into the forehead. Storm went for a big kick, but May smashed a bottle between the legs of Storm to a wild reaction. They fight up the ropes, where May bit at the bloody head and hit head scissors onto the glass before following it up with May Day for two and we get an incredible overhead shot of a bloody Storm in the glass.
May tried pulling Storm up, but was met with a snap Storm Zero by Storm, who went to ringside to unveil the bloody shoe May used months ago. May crawled up the ramp to the AEW Women’s Title, but Storm stomped her head onto it before whipping away. Storm grabbed the shoe, but seemed to have brief pity long enough for May to hit May Day on the stage for two. Crowd is on fire, as both ladies go up above a table that read Hollywood Ending, as Storm got control of the shoe and repeatedly smashed May in the head with it before hitting Storm Zero through the table to win it in an amazing war. The words The End showed on the big screen, as Storm was left laying on top of an unconscious May.
Kenny Omega defeated Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) to win the AEW International Title
(This certainly lived up the hype and it’s still unreal that this was only Omega’s fourth match back from diverticulitis. These two crushed it and I assume this won’t be the last time they face each other in AEW. I’m not sure where Takeshita goes from here, but it’s nice seeing gold around the waist of Omega again in All Elite Wrestling.)
Don Callis joins commentary, as Excalibur mentioned how influential wrestlers like Omega & El Generico were on Takeshita growing up. Omega started hot, but was immediately cut off with a massive Takeshita-line. Omega answered with a suplex and corner splash, leading to a slingshot splash to the outside. Takeshita slammed Omega against the apron and barricade, as Callis got in a cheap shot at the announce table, with Takeshita remaining in control in the ring. Omega tried a cross body off the top, but no water in the pool, as Takeshita zoned in on the abdomen. Exploder connected, as Takeshita set up a table ringside, looked for a Blue Thunder Bomb off the apron, but Omega answered with a running face palm slam on the apron. Omega wanted You Can’t Escape on the floor, hit the rolling fireman’s carry part, but delayed too long for the moonsault and Takeshita launched Omega into the railing.
Takeshita kept Omega grounded inside, but Omega clapped the ears and successfully hit the cross body the second go around. Firing off strikes, Omega connected fully on You Can’t Escape for two, but Omega clutched at his midsection. Omega snapped off a hurricanrana, sending Takeshita to the floor, allowing Omega to signal for the Terminator Dive, but was tripped by Callis. The distraction allowed Takeshita to fly in with a clothesline over the top before hitting a release German suplex on the floor. Takeshita flipped the table over and hit a front face suplex onto it, then turned it on its side and did the same thing. After multiple sentons in the ring, referee Paul Turner checked on Omega, but the delay led to Takeshita trying another, but Omega got the knees up. Takeshita missed another senton off the second rope.
Omega fired up, dodged a Takeshita-line and hit a Snap Dragon, but as he went for it again, Takeshita escaped, faked a high punch, but connected on a punch to the midsection. Takeshita went to charge, but Omega fired off a V-Trigger flush for a near fall. Omega signaled for another, but Takeshita countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two of his own. Helluva Kick from Takeshita, who wanted an Avalanche Blue Thunder, but Omega escaped, only for Takeshita to waffle him with a lariat out of the corner to the floor. Takeshita climbed to the top, but Omega did a springboard sunset bomb for two. V-Trigger to the head, but Omega didn’t have the strength for One Winged Angel, as Takeshita nearly got one of his own, but they traded Tombstone attempts with Takeshita hitting one, held on and hit a Bastard Driver follow-up for a near fall. Takeshita hit the Power Drive Knee, but Omega kicked out at two, so Takeshita did it again, only this time, Omega kicked out at one and the crowd exploded and are on their feet.
Takeshita hit a wind-up forearm, missed Raging Fire, as Omega hit a ripcord knee and stuck piledriver for two. Repeated pump knees, as Takeshita dared Omega for more, but blocked a shot with some home run forearms, but Omega was there for a V-Trigger and Poison Rana. Callis left commentary again, as Omega hit another V-Trigger, but had a tug of war with Callis over Takeshita. The delay allowed Omega & Takeshita scrap and counter each other’s finisher attempt, until Omega got a crucifix for the flash pin and the title.
Post-match, Takeshita & Callis went to the back, as Omega was left standing tall with the Continental Title, as he got a bunch of pyro in celebration.
Will Ospreay defeated Kyle Fletcher (w/Don Callis) in a Steel Cage Match
(I almost put Ospreay survived Fletcher instead of defeated, as that would’ve been more fitting. One of the best cage matches I’ve seen, as the storytelling and callbacks throughout was fantastic. Folks wondered if they were going to get a big top of the cage spot and certainly weren’t let down. With this win, Ospreay must put the Don Callis Family feud behind him and start competing in the World Title picture. It’s a must. Also, even in defeat, Kyle Fletcher’s stock is at an all time high and AEW should capitalize on it.)
Fletcher scaled the cage and stood at the top before the entrance of Ospreay, who had a flashy On Another Level intro to his theme. Both men stared each other down from across the top of the cage in a pretty great visual to kick this off. Slowly climbing down, the bell rang and they held nothing back with a fast start. Snap hurricanrana from Ospreay, who realized he didn’t have enough room for Pip, Pip, Cheerio, so he wrenched at the fingers of Fletcher in the cage. Ospreay tried a handspring, but the cage didn’t allow for the spring and he clutched the ankle as Fletcher attacked. Stundog Millionaire response from Ospreay, who wanted an Os-Cutter, but was caught and darted into the cage, busting Ospreay open. Fletcher drove Ospreay’s head into the cage before licking it, as Callis loved it on commentary. You can imagine the chant that got. Ospreay answered quickly scaling the ropes off a whip attempt and hit a flying forearm before hitting a standing Sky Twister Press for two. Ospreay fired off so many hard chops that Fletcher’s chest is bleeding, as he signaled for Hidden Blade, but Fletcher got a big boot and half and half suplex for the reset.
Fletcher ripped away a buckle pad, but Ospreay dodged having his head rammed into it, but not his back. Fletcher sent him in, hit a charging boot before wanting his top rope brainbuster, but Ospreay escaped, Cheeky Nandos kick against the exposed buckle and catapulted Fletcher into the cage, busting his head open now as well. Ospreay took too long climbing the ropes and got crotched, as both fought up top when Ospreay drove Fletcher repeatedly into the corner of the cage. Leap of Faith connected by Ospreay for a near fall. Fletcher avoided a Storm Breaker, crotched Ospreay in the ropes before hitting a massive Liger Bomb for two of his own. Both men are exhausted, as Fletcher fired off Kawada Kicks, but was too busy licking the blood off his hand to realize Ospreay rose to his feet. Kawada Kicks from Ospreay, who returned the favor, licking his hand, as both trade Kawada Kicks this time, until Ospreay tried Hidden Blade, but Fletcher hit a thrust kick. Wild series of counters led to Fletcher wanting another Liger Bomb, but Ospreay popped into a snap DDT. Fletcher spun out of Storm Breaker and spiked Ospreay with a brainbuster for two.
Mark Davis is shown walking down the ramp with a bag of in his hands, revealing bolt cutters, as he got the door open. Ospreay pulled the door shut, but it was to sucker Davis to climb the steps so he could smash the door into Davis’ face. The bag Davis brought also had a barbed wire bat in it, as Ospreay wound up and leveled Fletcher in the ribs and back before raking it across the face as Ospreay let out a Bang Bang for Cactus Jack. Fletcher begged off, as he tried putting on a United Empire arm band and held up the hand signal, but Ospreay flipped him off, went for a home run shot, but Fletcher hit a diving low blow. Fletcher wiped the blood from his face with the arm band before shoving it into Ospreay’s mouth. Fletcher got the bat, missed a wild shot, as Ospreay took his head off with Hidden Blade followed by a Storm Breaker, but Davis showed up to break the count, as he’s bloody too from the door shot.
Davis helped up Fletcher, who screamed at Ospreay that he wanted this. Aussie Open wanted Coriolis, but Ospreay flipped up into a Poison Rana on Fletcher and punched a chair into the face of Davis. They got Davis out the ring before re-locking the cage, as Ospreay scaled the side of the cage, leapt off into a super Os-Cutter for two. Ospreay wrapped barbed wire around his arm, as Fletcher tried escaping by climbing the cage. Fletcher all of a sudden had a screwdriver and jabbed it into the head of Ospreay before licking it. Ospreay is bleeding even more, as Fletcher hit him in the ribs and the head again. Ospreay ducked a corner shot, wanted a Styles Clash, but Fletcher rolled through into a brainbuster. Fletcher set a chair up and similar to last Wednesday, hit a brainbuster through it, but Ospreay kicked out again.
Fletcher brought out a bag of thumbtacks and wanted another brainbuster, but countered into a Styles Clash onto them, only for Fletcher to somehow kick out at two. Fletcher escaped Hidden Blade by scaling to the top of the cage with Ospreay (screwdriver in his mouth) in hot pursuit. They battle over the screwdriver until Ospreay connected with a shot right to the head. They get in position, the crowd on their feet, as Ospreay hit a Spanish Fly off the cage in an unbelievable moment. Callis left commentary, as Ospreay wound up, Fletcher screaming “I F’N Hate You!” before getting his head taken off with a Hidden Blade. Ospreay picked him up and hit a Tiger Driver 91 to finally put Fletcher away for the win. On his way to the back, Ospreay was visibly limping, as I hope he didn’t seriously hurt his hip after that Spanish Fly off the cage.
-Tony Schiavone is ringside with Ash Avildsen, Damaris Lewis & Kelli Berglund to talk and make one final pitch for Queen of the Ring. Lewis said one thing she learned about pro wrestlers is they learn they’re going to win before anyone else does, so thank you. That was very random, just exposing the business real quick before the main event. You could hear someone on commentary snicker at the line.
Jon Moxley vs. Cope for the AEW World Title
The L.A. crowd sang along to Cope’s theme, but not as in unison as the Australia crowd at Grand Slam. Jim Ross re-joined commentary for the main event, as Moxley walked out, alone, with the briefcase in hand. Slugfest out the gate, as both traded stiff forearms for over a minute straight until Cope escaped a piledriver. Moxley sent to the floor, as Cope hit a baseball slide and top rope dive to follow. They continued their brawl around ringside, as Moxley shoved him back first into the post and drove his shoulder into it as well. Moxley came over to Jim Ross and said he saw the beginning of Cope’s career, tonight he’ll see the end of it, as Moxley repeatedly slammed Cope’s head against the barricade. Moxley kept targeting the neck back inside, as Cope tried fighting back, but was flattened with a Cutter.
Cope managed an Impaler, as we get a superplex spot for a reset. We see HOOK, Samoa Joe & Shibata watching on from the luxury suite, as Cope finally strung together offense with a series of lariats and Edge-O-Matic got a near fall before sinking in the Grind House, but Moxley got a rope break. With Moxley on the apron, Cope hit a Spear through the ropes to the outside. Moxley reversed a whip into the steps and told the camera he’s going to break Cope’s neck as he exposed the padding around ringside. Moxley wanted a piledriver, but Cope hit a back drop on the floor. Cope charged for a Spear, but ate a boot and Curb Stomp on the concrete. Cope escaped a Bulldog Choke back inside, but not a piledriver, which connected for two. Bulldog Choke applied, as Cope desperately fought for and got the ropes. Referee Bryce scolded Moxley for not breaking in time and really got in his face (maybe too much), as Moxley went to grab a chair. Bryce took it from Moxley, as Cope got a roll-up, but it was missed. Moxley sent Cope crashing into Bryce, taking him out, and followed by dropping Cope with a Paradigm Shift. Moxley grabbed two chairs and wanted a Con-Chair-To, but Cope kicked up the chair into Moxley’s face. Both got to their feet, only to collide with a double clothesline for a double down.
Wheeler Yuta walked to the ring, was left to make a decision, as he took out Cope with a Busiaku Knee, to the surprise of no one. Yuta grabbed the briefcase and gave it to Moxley, as Switchblade Jay White hit the ring to take out Yuta. White got the briefcase, swung for Moxley, but waffled Cope before brawling with Yuta to the back. Moxley made a cover as referee Bryce recovered, but Cope kicked out. Moxley again jaw jacked with Bryce long enough for Cope to hit a Spear for a close two of his own. Cope connected on a second Spear, then a third, as Bryce was about to make the count, but was pulled outside by someone in a hoodie, who was revealed to be Christian Cage, who smacked Cope in the head with his contract. Cage signed the contract, making this a 3-Way.
Jon Moxley defeated Cope & Christian Cage to retain the AEW World Title
Cage hit a Spear on Cope, but only got two. Cage connected on a Killswitch, but Moxley flew in with a Bulldog Choke. Cage had his hand briefly on Cope while in the choke for two, as Cage faded and went out cold, Moxley retains and the fans are pissed.
Moxley slowly left through the crowd, but before he could fully escape, Prince Nana appeared behind him and was reminded of who is next. They had to be separated by security, as Swerve Strickland was seen perched on the balcony, as he dove onto the pile with a Swerve Stomp. Strickland promises that he’s going to be the next AEW World Champion, as this is His House.
(You have to feel for Cope & Moxley, who tried their best to get the crowd, but were just spent after 3 incredible back to back to back classics. The story being told was simple, Moxley zoned in on the neck and wanted to end Cope’s career. Cope put up quite the fight and seemingly had this in the bag before Christian opted to cash-in on his briefcase, finally, after having it since All In last year. The Yuta decision was not shocking in the slightest and I was really hoping for more for White in this story, but it was one messed up briefcase shot and he was out of there. Thankfully the Strickland appearance at the end not only set the stage for presumably Dynasty, but had the crowd going nuts to end the show.)
