offical wwe thread

[Arcademan]

WWE Night of Champions PLE Results: 5-27-23

(7) SAMI ZAYN & KEVIN OWENS vs. ROMAN REIGNS & SOLO SIKOA (w/Paul Heyman)

As the Bloodline made their entrance, Graves said if they win the tag titles, they’ll need a Brinks truck to make their entrance. Graves talked about Heyman managing the Samoan Swat Team decades ago and detailed the family lineage to the Bloodline today. KO came out first to his music. Sami followed and he looked emotional as he came out. Cole said Sami has family and friends present, just as he did in Montreal. Reigns sneered and then smiled as they entered the ring. Heyman did ring introductions for his team. Sami interrupted Mike Rome’s introduction of him and took the mic. He spoke in Arabic before the match. The crowd ate it up as Reigns looked bewildered.

The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. Cole noted how many Night of Champions-related hash-tags were dominating the top ten on Twitter. Cole and Graves talked about the amazing atmosphere and buzz in the stadium. Reigns yelled at Sami, “You wouldn’t know who you are without me!” Fans sang “olé” and Sami pointed at them as evidence that they determine who he is more than Reigns. Reigns tagged in Solo. Reigns yelled, “I should’ve never let you in!”

Sami and Solo locked up four minutes after the bell rang to officially start the match. When Sami and KO had Solo down, Reigns charged in and attacked them. Reigns rolled to ringside. Sami looked down at him. Solo hit Sami from behind. Cole acknowledged the success of Reigns’s strategy.

Reigns tagged in beat up Sami. Solo beat up Sami at ringside briefly before Reigns threw Sami back into the ring. Cole said Solo’s eyes are blank. Sami threw some punches at 10:00, but Reigns stayed in control. Fans chanted “You suck!” at Roman. Solo tagged in. Sami eventually hit a tornado DDT at 13:00. Both were down and crawled to their corners. Both KO and Reigns tagged in. KO went after Reigns aggressively. KO stomped away at Reigns, who rolled to the floor. KO charged at him with a clothesline at ringside followed by a running senton. KO superkicked Regns in teh ring, then knocked Solo off the ring apron. Reigns then caught KO with a clothesline. Graves said, “Just that quickly, the tide turns again.”

KO fired back with a Pop-up Powerbomb for a near fall. He followed with a top rope frog splash for a near fall. They cut to a worried and relieved Heyman at ringside. KO again turned to Solo on the ring apron. Reigns hit him with a Superman Punch for a two count. Reigns told KO he is going to become tag team champions now. He played to the crowd and they booed him. KO recovered and caught Reigns with a stunner, but Reigns fired immediately back with a spear. Both were down and slow to get up. Cole called it a critical point in the match-up.

Solo and Sami both tagged in. Sami landed a running flip dive onto Solo, which Cole compared to the Saudi National Bird, the falcon. Back in the ring, Sami landed a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Cole wondered who benefits from the match as it goes longer. Graves said, “The real winner is the WWE Universe.” Sami blocked a Samoan Spike and then suplexed Solo into the corner. Sami landed a Helluva Kick, but Reigns broke up the cover. Reigns told the ref to shut up as he went on the attack. The ref said that was his save, so now get out. Sami almost ran into the ref. Reigns went to spear Sami, but Sami moved and Reigns speared the ref. The ref was down on his back and not moving. Sami set up a Superman Punch of his own and hit Reigns. He set up a spear next, but Reigns swung with a Superman Punch (which showed tons of light). KO speared Reigns and punched away at him. Cole said without an official, all hell has broken loose.

KO threw Reigns into the ringside steps. He then cleared the Arabic announce desk and the English announce desk. The Usos then showed up and attacked KO. They stereo superkicked him. They dumped the announce desk onto Owens, then entered the ring and took turns superkicking Sami. They mistakenly stereo superkicked Solo just as Roman sat up and saw what happened. “Oh my God!” said Cole. Reigns entered the ring and asked what they were doing. Jimmy began to explain, but Reigns shoved him aside. Jey explained they were there to help. Reigns asked, “Why are you here?” Reigns shoved him. Jimmy superkicked Reigns. Jey asked Jimmy, “What are you doing?” He said he can’t do that. He was distraught. Jimmy told Jey to listen to him. He said he’s doing what Jey should’ve done a long time ago. He then superkicked Reigns followed by a celebratory yell. Jimmy engouraged Jey to join him. Jey looked down at Reigns who was out on the floor.

Jey told Jimmy they had to go. They left. Owens gave Solo a Stunner. Sami delivered a Helluva Kick and made the cover. A second ref ran out and counted the pin. Graves asked, “What did the Usos just do?”

WINNERS: Sami & Owens in 26:00 to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. (****)

(Major major angle there at the end. Well executed with tons of ramifications. The match was secondary to the angle and finish, but the match itself was really good too.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-28-23

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's complete report)

(A) MATT & JEFF HARDY & HOOK vs. AUSTIN & COLTEN GUNN & ETHAN PAGE

Deep into the match, Jeff climbed to the top rope but lost his footing and collapsed. The announcers talked about that being the results of being out faction for so long. He recovered and hot-tagged in Hook against Ethan. Hook forced an Ethan tapout to the Red Rum a couple minutes later.

WINNERS: Hardys & Hook.

(1) CASINO BATTLE ROYAL – International Title match

Participants: Orange Cassidy (c), Butcher, Blade, Ricky Starks, Bandido, Komander, Lee Moriarty, Big Bill, Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor, Penta El Zero Miedo, Ray Fenix, Kip Sabian, Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Keith Lee, and Dustin Rhodes

Taz said: “People ask why he’s called Big Big. It’s because his name is Bill and he’s big.” They did a near elimination spot with Jay White trying to take out Ricky Starks. Keith Lee and Brian Cage battled. They showed Swerve Strickland arriving late to the match. (Why would anyone put themselves at risk of elimination early by actually showing up on time? The “enter whenever you around to it” concept is so lazy and stupid.) When Strickland entered, he and Lee battled. Lee powerslammed Strickland. A few minutes later he threw him over the top rope onto the ring apron. Cage then tossed Lee over the top rope. Dustin Rhodes gave Cage a neckbreaker and threw him over the top rope onto the ring apron. Swerve then went after Cage.

Starks eliminated Juice, but then White gave Starks a high chokeslam. Penta and White squared off mid-ring next. Starks speared White and eliminated him. Juice attacked Starks at ringside. Back in the ring Big Bill and Starks battled. Bill eliminated Starks. Dustin eliminated Cage. Starks eliminated Dustin.

It came down to Swerve, Bill, Penta, and Orange Cassidy at 15:00. Bill eliminated Penta. Swerve and Bill double-teaming Cassidy. Bill and Swerve had a little tift. Cassidy eliminated Bill. Swerve threw Cassidy over the top rope, but Cassidy held onto the top rope. Swerve and Cassidy battled back and forth. Cassidy hit a Slum Dog Millionaire. They both ended up on their backs and were slow to get up. Fans chanted “This is awesome!”

Cassidy signaled for an Orange Punch, but Prince Nana tripped him. Swerve then landed a stomp and then held Cassidy as he talked to a ringside camera. Swerve put Cassidy’s hands in Cassidy’s pockets. Taz said he was mocking him. Cassidy countered Swerve into a tornado DDT followed by another DDT. He then landed an Orange Punch, that sent Swerve over the top rope. Swerve landed on the ring apron. Cassidy went for an Orange Punch. Swerve blocked it and tried to take Cassidy off the ring apron. Cassidy blocked it. Nana tried to interfere again. Swerve then leaped off the top rope toward Orange on the ring apron. Cassidy lifted his boots and then knocked Swerve off the ring apron to the floor to win.

WINNER: Cassidy in 22:00.

(A decent battle royal. Not much of note other than the Swerve-Lee, Starks-White, and Cassidy-Swerve sequences that were the focus at various times.)

(2) CHRIS JERICHO (w/Danny Garcia, Matt Mendard, Angelo Parker, Jake Hager) vs. ADAM COLE – Unsanctioned match

Garcia joined Jericho at the bell in attacking Cole. Sabu entered the ring and grabbed a chair, so Jericho and Garcia bailed out. Jericho entered with a chair and squared off with Sabu. They bashed their chairs against each other mid-ring. Sabu got the better of it and then struck his signature pose. Ross questioned whether Sabu could be considered a referee with what he was doing. Excalibur said he was a special enforcer to offset J.A.S.’s role. Sabu then dove off the top rope onto Parker and Menard on a table at ringside. Garcia then charged at Sabu and knocked him over.

Jericho and Cole squared off mid-ring. Ross said someone should send everyone to the locker room so they can see a one-on-one battle. A few minutes in, Jericho applied a Walls of Jericho. Cole grabbed the bottom rope, but the referee let him know there are no forced breaks in an unsanctioned match. Instead, Cole grabbed a fire extinguisher on the floor.

The match continued with various weapons being used. Eventually, Britt Baker ran out and hit Jericho with a kendo stick. Saraya ran out and brawled with Britt. Britt turned the kendo stick on her, so Saraya ran to the back. Britt followed her. They ended up chained together. Cole hit a Panama Sunrise, but rather than go for a cover, he wrapped his fist with the chain. The ref stopped the match as Cole was hitting Jericho over and over again in the skull and Jericho appeared to be out completely.

WINNER: Cole in 17:00.

(This got monotonous and a bit gratuitous, even without blood. The crowd wasn’t much into it, either. I think the melodramatic acting by Cole when Britt Baker – a pro wrestler who has been in bloodbath brawls before – got this feud off to a bad start.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-28-23

(3) FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) vs. JEFF JARRETT & JAY LETHAL (w/Sonjay Dutt, Karen Jarrett) – AEW Tag Team Title match

Mark Briscoe was special referee. He checked wrestlers’ boots for objects before the match, which Ross observed he hadn’t seen in a while. Taz said he often has his boots checked. Karen interfered from ringside and gave Jarrett an advantage several minutes in against Cash. Jarrett gloated and did the Fargo Strut. Ross said Jackie Fargo’s body lives in Jarrett’s body.

Dax got the hot tag eventually. Sonjay interfered. Mark Briscoe kicked him out. Fans sang “Na na na na, good bye.” Briscoe kicked Karen out too. jarrett swung his guitar at Dax, but Dax ducked and the guitar KO’d Mark Briscoe. Fans chanted “You f—ed up!” Lethal tried for a Lethal Injection on Dax, but Cash blocked it. Cash and Dax then gave Lethal their double-team finisher. Dax made the cover and fans counted along. Briscoe was out, though. Referee Aubrey Edwards ran out, but Dutt blocked her on her way to the ring. She shoved Dutt down. Karen then bashed Aubry with a guitar. FTR looked on from the ring, helpless. Lethal gae them both a Lethal Injection at once. FTR, Briscoe, and Lethal were all down in the ring. Fans chanted “F— you, Karen!”

Jarrett lifted Dax and held him as Lethal wound up with a tag belt supplied by Karen. Dax kicked the belt out of Lethals’ hands. Dax gave Lethal a piledriver. Jarrett, though, gave Dax a shot to the face with the tag belt. He followed with his Stroke finisher. Jarrett yelled for Briscoe to wake up. Briscoe counted to two before Dax kicked out. The crowd popped. Jarrett was fuming mad. Ross said he appeared to be having a nervous breakdown. He shoved Briscoe and then slapped him hard across his face. Briscoe slapped him back. FTR hit Jarrett with a sudden Shatter Machine. Briscoe made the three count. “There were a lot of moving parts in that thing,” said Taz. (He’s not wrong.)

WINNERS: FTR in 20:00 to retain the AEW World Tag Team Titles.

(It’s so strange that a match with all the old-school shenanigans and “moving parts” gets the most crowd heat of the night in a promotion that was launched ostensibly to be a more sports-like presentation of a pro wrestling “league.” Everyone played their parts well, if being campy was part of the goal since it got campy quite a bit of the time.)

(4) WARDLOW vs. CHRISTIAN CAGE – Ladder Match for the TNT Title

Christian got in some punches early. Wardlow took over quickly with a kick to the gut. He pressed Christian above his head. Christian ducked a wild swing and set up an early Kill Switch. They ended up at ringside. Wardlow beat up Christian then threw him back into the ring. Wardlow picked up a ladder, but Christian slidekicked it into Wardlow’s chest. When Christian slingshot himself at him over the top rope, Wardlow knocked him out of mid-air with the ladder. Wardlow set up two tables at ringside. Wardlow shifted to bridging a ladder at ringside. When Wardlow walked on the ladder toward Christian, Christian fought back and knocked Wardlow off balance. Wardlow made a comeback and threw Christian into a ladder leaning in the corner. Christian reversed a charging Wardlow into the ladder seconds later. He then set up a ladder in a corner at an angle on the second rope and catapulted Wardlow into it.

Christian climbed a ladder mid-ring and reached for the TNT Title. Wardlow recovered and knocked the ladder over. Wardlow pressed Christian above his head and spun him around a few times. He then dropped him onto a ladder. Christian rolled to the floor to try to recover. When Wardlow climbed a ladder mid-ring, Luchasaurus ran out and rolled Christian into the ring. Christian then knocked Wardlow off the ladder and drove his head into the mat with an inverted neckbreaker. Ross said that was “concussion territory.”

Wardlow catapulted Christian into a ladder and then went for a leaping senton, but Christian moved. Arn Anderson walked out and helped Wardlow up and whispered something to him. Wardlow leaped off the top rope onto a ladder mid-ring that Christian was climbing. The ladder bent when Wardlow landed on the rung. It was a high-risk malfunction. Christian landed safely, it appeared, and rolled to the floor. Wardlow clutched his shin, but brushed off the pain and climbed the broken ladder. The ref held it but told him it wouldn’t support him. Luchasaurus entered and chokeslammed Wardlow twice. Anderson entered and approached Luchasaurus from behind. He charged, but Luchasaurus turned and set up a chokeslam. Arn bit his thumb as a defense maneuver. Luchasaurus’s thumb was bleeding, altuough it looked like a Halloween prop. Arn dropped to the floor. Luchasaurus went after him again. Wardlow hit Luchasaurus with a chair from behind and then put him on a table at ringside.

Wardlow set up a ladder at ringside. Arn held it in place as Wardlow climbed it to the top rung. Wardlow then leaped off the ladder with a swanton splash onto Luchasaurus through the table. Fans chanted “Holy shit!” That was a wild stunt usually reserved for people like Jeff Hardy. Christian climbed a ladder, but Arn knocked him off the ladder. Wardlow caught him mid-air and powerbombed him. Wardlow then climbed the ladder and pulled the belt down to win.

WINNER: Wardlow to retain the TNT Title.

(There were a lot of big spots and high-risk situations. The ladder collapsing the riskiest, but that Wardlow swanton was amazing. I think we’ve seen so many big-spot high-risk stunt matches like this over the years, fans are somewhat numb to them where the risk might not be worth it considering how quick everyone moves on for the next big spot. But that match delivered well on what fans look for in ladder matches, and Wardlow scored some cred points there with some of the out-of-character spots he pulled off. Christian held up his end of things really well, too.)

(5) JAMIE HAYTER vs. TONI STORM – AEW Women’s Title match

Storm came out first. As Hayter came out onto the stage, Saraya and Ruby Soho attacked her, setting the idea that her right arm was damaged going into the match. Storm threw Hayter shoulder-first into the ringside railing and then the ringside steps. Saraya and Soho joined Storm in attacking Hayter. The ref checked on Hayter and she indicated she was good to do, so the ref called for the bell. Hayter went for a quick cover and got a two count.

Hikaru Shida saw enough interference and ran out with a kendo stick. She went after Soho. Some fans chanted “Shida!” Hayter then hit Storm with Haterade and scored a near fall. Hayter let out a yell and went back after Storm, but Storm surprised her with a Storm Zero for a three count almost out of nowhere for the win. Saraya and Soho leaped at Storm to celebrate with her mid-ring.

WINNER: Storm in 3:00 to capture the AEW World Title.

(With Hayter having an injury going into the match, I wasn’t surprised to see this go short and have an injury angle built into it.)

(6) HOUSE OF BLACK (Malakai Black & Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. THE ACCLAIMED (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) & BILLY GUNN – Trios Titles match

Caster rapped on his way to the ring. He asked how Malakai gets away with black face. He made a Ru Paul Drag Race reference. He asked how Buddy looks ominous “when he’s getting cucked by a kid named Dominik.” He asked how House of Black can not have any black guys in it in. He said they don’t need a special rule to beat their “Emo asses.”

When Black sat down early in the match, Bowens also sat down and stared at him. A few minutes in, Black applied an ankle lock on Bowens and then tagged in Matthews. Matthews landed a meteora. Gunn tried to jump into the ring, but the ref cut him off. Malakai tagged in and stayed on Bowens, who was grounded. Bowens leaped to tag Billy, but Brody yanked Billy off the ring apron before the tag. Bowens kicked Matthews out of mid-air and then tried for another tag to Billy. This one connected.

Gunn rallied against Matthews and Black as they charged at him. Brody then rammed Billy with a hard chop to the chest. Billy no-sold it and hit a Fameasser. Billy knocked Matthews out also with a Fameasser seconds later. Billy crotch-chopped him. Black then spun Billy around and landed a spinning kick for the win.

WINNERS: House of Black in 15:00 to retain the Trios Titles.

(That was a long stretch with Bowens taking a beating from House of Black. Solid match. Not sure about Billy Gunn no-selling Brody’s hard chops to his chest, but at least he took the pin in this one.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-28-23

(7) JADE CARGILL (c) vs. TAYA VALKYRIE – AEW TBS Championship match

Both women looked for their finishers out of the gate, but were easily blocked. Taya Valkyrie took control in the opening seconds, leading Jade Cargill to roll to the outside to regroup with Mark Sterling. Taya climbed to the top turnbuckle and dove. Cargill moved out of the way, but Valkyrie took out Sterling. She tossed Cargill back in the ring. Cargill went to kick her, but Taya moved. Cargill wound up stuck in the middle rope. Valkyrie slid under her for a nice looking German Suplex. She threw her arms up. and smirked.

Back in the ring, Cargill retook control. She tossed Valkyrie to the outside and gave her Suplex on the floor. The champion threw her arms out in similar fashion. She tossed Taya back in the ring and gave Valkyrie a big Spinebuster. She covered her for a two count at 3:30. Taya spilled to the outside. Cargill followed. She pounded at Valkyrie’s back, then lifted her onto her shoulders. Cargill slammed Taya into the ringside barricade. The referee implored Cargill to bring Taya back inside.

Jade tossed Taya in the ring. She stretched her arms and drove her boot in between Taya’s shoulder blades. Valkyrie worked herself back to her feet and the two traded right hands. Valkyrie knocked Cargill to the apron. Jade leapt to the top rope for some springboard offense, but Taya leapt into a Codebreaker in mid-air. They came down violently. Both women struggled to their feet to trade punches as the match crossed 7:00. Taya worked Cargill to the mat and turned Jade over for a stretch. She thought better of the submission, instead crossing Cargill’s legs and lifting her by the arms for a stomp. Taya covered for a very close near fall.

Cargill managed to roll up Valkyrie for a two count. Taya rolled to her feet and pulled Jade in for Road to Valhalla. She hit it, and hooked the leg for a very close near fall. The camera cut to Mark Sterling at ringside in shock. Cargill fought to her feet and hit Jaded for a cover and three count to improve to 60-0.

WINNER: Jade Cargill in 8:43 to retain the AEW TBS Championship

Mark Sterling cut off the music to celebrate Cargill’s 60th win. He said Jade is willing to fight anyone, anytime, any place, but “the problem is, there’s nobody left.” After a few moments of silence, Kris Statlander emerged. She signed “mama’s home.”

The referee rang the bell.

(8) JADE CARGILL (c) vs. KRIS STATLANDER – AEW TBS Championship match

Jade Cargill went for a pump kick, but Kris Statlander ducked it. She caught the champion with a roundhouse kick. Cargill stumbled to the corner. Statlander gave her a quick kick. She hoisted Jade up for a Suplex, but Jade slid down the back. Cargill caught her with a pump kick. She pulled her in for Jaded, but Statlander slid free. She trapped Cargill in position and hit Friday Night Fever for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Kris Statlander in 0:47 to win the AEW TBS Championship

Confetti fell from the sky around Statlander. Excalibur noted that it’s the first time anyone other than Jade Cargill has held the TBS title. Statlander slapped hands with fans along the ramp way.

 

[Arcademan]

Heading off for the night so you can check out the remainder of the PPV via your favorite wrestling site or wait until I post it tomorrow

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-28-23

(9) MJF vs. SAMMY GUEVARA (w/Tay Melo) vs. “JUNGLE BOY” JACK PERRY vs. DARBY ALLIN – AEW World Title match

Perry came out first. Then Guevara came out with Conti. He held up a sign that said they are having a baby. They smiled and kissed as the announcers congratulated them. Before Darby came out, they cut to a video skit where an Elvis impersonator was hosting a wedding. A guy in an MJF mask was standing there. Darby attacked him and then told Elvis he’d have to help him dispose of the body. Elvis agreed. Darby then made his live ring entrance. MJF then made his entrance. The arena darkened and they showed a camera angle where the only thing visible was the “UFC” letters lit up in red for a while. MJF then came out on a raised platform and a devil mask. “Oh my god!” said Schiavone. MJF sneered as he walked to the ring.

Excalibur explained that the first man to score a pinfall or submission becomes AEW Champion, which put MJF at a distinct disadvantage. Excalibur said he tried to game the system and it backfired. When MJF tried to stall, all three opponents cornered him and took turns striking him. When MJF took control a few minutes later, he played to the crowd. He teased doing a dive, but stopped short and then swiveled his hips.

Darby dove onto MJF at ringside. Perry then dove onto both of them. Guevara then landed a shooting star press on all three.

When Guevara had MJF against the ropes, MJF bit his face and then powerbombed Guevara before launching him at Perry in teh corner. He then took Darby out with a piledriver variation. They did a four-way spot out to the corner that led to all four down for a while.

The pace picked up with a variety of rapid-fire moves. After MJF cradle sitout bombed Darby for a near fall, the crowd applauded. After another series of spots, all four were down and slow to get up. An “AEW” chant broke out.

Perry hit Guevara with a Kill Switch. MJF then gave Perry a neckbreaker into a leverage cover for a near fall. MJF grabbed a mic from the announce table and entered the ring. He said, “Hold on.” He then pitched to Sammy and said he’s got a baby on the way, so he should just lay down now because he needs the money. “Do the right thing,” he said. “Think about the baby, Sammy.” Schiavone said, “Think about how much money you can make as world champion, Sammy!” (Good point!) Sammy said he’d lay down for him. Taz said kids cost a lot of money. As MJF moved in for the cover, Guevara small packaged him for a near fall.

They countered each other on the mat. Guevara put MJF in a Boston Crab. MJF grabbed the bottom rope, but Guevara pulled him back to the middle. Darby and Perry entered. Darby cut off Perry and put him in a Boston Crab. The ref checked to see if either MJF or Perry tapped. Perry and MJF broke out of the holds. Darby quickly put Perry in a figure-four. When MJF went after Guevara, Guevara put him in an anklelock. MJF reached over and put Perry in a chinlock.


MJF broke free as fans were chanting, “Fight forever!” Darby charged at MJF, but MJF caught him with an elbow. Darby countered MJF, but then Guevara gave Darby a Canadian Destroyer. Perry then took out Guevara and then scored a near fall on MJF after a Canadian Destroyer when he leaped off of Guevara’s back.

Perry and Guevara then battled mid-ring. Perry landed a sitout Tiger Driver for a near fall. Darby got Perry to the floor and charged at both Perry and MJF with a running clothesline, sending both over the barricade into the crowd. Perry climbed the ropes. Guevara knocked him off balance. Guevara and Darby then leaped off the top rope at the same time as Guevara gave Darby a Spanish Fly to the floor onto MJF and Perry on the floor. Fans chanted “Holy shit!”

All four recovered and stood and faced each other. MJF poked all three of them in their eyes and then gave middle fingers to the crowd. They firedback with a triple superkick. Perry and Darby held MJF as Guevara landed a leaping cutter. Darby hit a Canadian Destroyer. perry landed an elbow. They knocked MJF out of the ring and took turns rolling each other up to try to win the title. The crowd applauded after that series of clever leverage two count.

Guevara gave Perry a DDT. Darby then gave Guevara a Code Red. Darby set up a Coffrin Drop, but MJF knocked him off balance. MJF climbed to the top rope and powerbombed Darby off the top rope. MJF sold an arm injury upon landing to excuse not going for the cover right away as Darby was laid out on his back.

MJF hit Guevara with a low blow. Darby hit him with a skate board and then a Coffin Drop. He put MJF in a headlock takeover. Perry broke up the cover. Excalibur said if not for Perry, Darby would be AEW World Champion. When MJF was going to hit Perry with his title belt, Perry blocked it. Guevara clotheslined MJF over the top rope to the floor. Perry held and looked at the title belt. He then seemed to consider hitting Darby with it as Darby began to stand. Perry threw the belt to the floor. Some fans booed. Darby then caught Perry a leglock into a leverage pin for a two count. Guevara re-entered and rallied. He gave Perry a GTH and then climbed to the top rope. Darby knocked Guevera off the top rope. MJF put the belt on Perry as Darby hit the Coffin Drop. MJF then gave Darby the side headlock takeover for the three count.


WINNER: MJF in 28:00 to retain the AEW Title.

(One hell of a match. There was so much talent in that ring and so many personalities to play off of each other. The tease of Perry thinking of using the belt and turning it down could lead to second-guessing on his part and an actual turn. MJF was great throughout, totally in character and heelish and unlikable in his deviousness and demeanor, but also really smooth in everything he did and a great athlete who is credible in this top spot.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-28-23

(10) THE ELITE (The Young Buck & Kenny Omega & “Hangman” Adam Page) vs. THE BLACKPOOL COMBAT CLUB (Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli & Bryan Danielson) – Anarchy in the Arena match

Don Callis joined the announcers on commentary. Just a wild brawl in the ring for a while with several wrestlers bleeding early. Claudio and Matt battled outside the arena. Claudio piledrove Nick in the bed of a pick-up truck. They were on split-screen where Moxley and Hangman wrapped in a cable. Danielson threw Nick off the stage. Schiavone said The Elite might’ve bitten off more than they could chew. Hangman countered Mox on the ring apron and landed a piledriver. Omega, meanwhile, used a trash can lid as a weapon. Claudio blocked him and then gave him a lift-and-drop European uppercut. Nick landed a leaping hurancanrana on Claudio and then went to work on both Danielson and Yuta. Mox re-entered the ring and hit a King Kong Lariat and a Gotch-style pildriver on Nick for a near fall.

Mox had Nick in a Monst Crab as Yuta cinched on a headlock. Matt made his way back to the ring after recovering from the piledriver in the pick-up truck. He superkicked Moxley, but sparks shot off. Callis said, “That can’t be legal.” He then superkicked Yuta three times. Yuta rolled out of the ring. Hangman then hit Yuta with a Buckshot Lariat for a believable near fall.

A minute later, BCC tore off Matt’s boot. Claudio and Omega battled at ringside as Danielson and Yuta beat up Matt. Mox poured thumb tacks onto the mat and gave Matt a powerbomb onto the tacks. His bare foot had a ton of tacks stuck in it. He followed with the Death Rider for a very near fall. Danielson applied a kneebar. Nick landed a top rope senton Danielson, but Mox caught him with an immediate cutter face-first onto the tacks. Omega gave Mox a snap dragon suplex. Mox rolled to the floor. Claudio cut off Omega’s next move and then set up a powerbomb, but Omega escaped and landed a V-Trigger. Danielson caught Omega with a running psycho knee. He delivered another to Hangman.

Danielson then dropped elbows straight down onto Omega. Mox did the same to Nick and Yuta did the same to Hangman. Matt intervened as best he could. Yuta gave him a low-blow. Mox put a handful of tacks into Matt’s mouth and then Claudio gave him a European uppercut. Yuta gave him a German suplex into a bridge for a near fall, but Hangman broke up the cover. (He was late the ref stopped his count even though Matt’s shoulders were still down, technically.) Hangman and Omega looked at each other and psyched themselves up and then turned and went after Mox and Claudio. Omega clotheslined Claudio over the toprope. Danielson went after Hangman and Omega with roundkicks. Omega caught his leg and then Hangman gave him a Dead Eye. Omega then gave Danielson a One-Winged Angel. Yuta broke up the cover at two. “Have you ever seen anything like this in your life?” asked Schiavone. “And I’ve seen a lot of shit!” Taz said, “I’ve seen a lot of shit, too.”

Omega and Yuta battled mid-ring. Hangman joined in the attack. Hangman then leaped onto Claudio at ringside. Callis walked to ringside. Mox yanked Omega to the floor. Hangman went for a Buckshot, btu Callis handed Yuta a screwdriver. he hit Hangman with it. Omega ducked Yuta’s swing and set up a One-Winged Angel. Callis entered the ring. Omega dropped Yuta. A mystery person entered the ring and revealed himself as Takeshita. He took down Omega with a jumping knee. Yuta then hit Omega with a screwdriver and leveraged Omega’s shoulders down for the three count.

Afterward, Callis choked Omega with his belt as Takeshita watched. Excalibur wondered if Callis and Takeshita were part of the BBC. He said they’d find out more on Dynamite on Wednesday.

WINNERS: The Blackpool Combat Club in 26:00.

(Crazy wild match that fit what you’d expect from those eight in this situation. The Takeshita payoff had a good backstory so the payoff worked pretty well as the reason for the finish.)

 

[jro]

Kevin Patrick, Tony Schiavone, and Excalibur each bring uniquely terrible traits to wrestling announcing. Pls send all three to Impact and trade Hannifan and Rehwoldt accordingly.

Seriously, how in the hell is Patrick not produced to stop doing that bizarre thing where he starts every sentence whispering, then screams the middle, then whispers the end?

 

[Arcademan]

Forgot to mention this but the 4th season of Dark Side of the Ring began tonight and will air 10 new episodes every Tuesday night at 10 pm EDT on VICE.

 

[famicommander]

The Iron Sheik dead at 81.

FUCK THE HULK HOGAN

 

[Arcademan]

Jim Ross Apologizes For Collision Performance, Says He Will Step Away For A Bit

 

[famicommander]

He shouldn't be on commentary anymore and all you need is a two man booth anyway. Riccaboni and Coleman for Dynamite and ROH, Kelly and Nigel for Collision, Schiavone and Taz for Rampage. Excalibur can fuck off and Big Show can be a coach or a manager or an authority figure or whatever.

Let JR do those sit-down interviews he likes. They can control the circumstances on those. Use multiple takes, let him be clear and comfortable with his word choices, cut out the dumb shit, etc.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Forbidden Door PPV Results: 6-25-23

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's real time report).

(1) MJF vs. HIROSHI TANAHASHI – AEW World Hvt. Title match

Tanahashi made his entrance first and got a big ovation. MJF came out to a mixed reaction. MJF smirked during the ring introductions for Tanahashi as if to say “big deal” when fans cheered for Tanahashi.

MJF threatened to walk out on the match a few seconds in after Tanahashi got in the first shot. He returned and asked fans if they think he’s a coward. Fans cheered. He offered a handshake. Tanahashi accepted, but MJF went for a kick to the gut. Tanahashi caught his boot and then took over.

When Tanashi climbed to the top rope, the announcers talked about how the turnbuckles in AEW are different than in New Japan, which affected Tanahashi last week when he slipped. Taz said he appeared to have adjusted. He landed a senton splash for a two count.

MJF applied an abdominal stretch and did a bit where he grabbed the top rope and the ref, Bryce Remsburg, was blocked. The ref reacted to fans telling on MJF, so MJF released the grip on the rope. The ref returned to the same position and MJF grabbed the top rope again. This time, the ref caught him counted all the way to five. MJF asked what he was gong to do about it and called him an asshole. The ref kicked MJF’s hand off the top rope. Tanahashi then took over.

Excalibur noted that MJF had sent out a scheduled tweet saying he’d have won by now. MJF knocked Tanahashi off the top rope and crotched him. Then MJF landed a superplex for a two count. Fans chanted “Tanahashi! / MJF!” MJF went for a Heat Seeker, but Tanahashi shoved MJF off of him. MJF landed awkwardly on his knee and sold an injury. He then drove Tanahashi over his knee, but that aggravated the injury. Tanahashi took over.

Tanahashi climbed to the top rope and went for the High Fly Flow, but MJF lifted his knees. MJF was going to use his belt as a weapon, but the ref yanked it away from him. Tanahashi rolled up MJF, but the ref was late to count. Tanahashi took issue with the ref being out of position. MJF pulled out his Dynamite Diamond Ring and KO’d Tanahashi for the win.

WINNER: MJF in 14:00 to retain the AEW World Title.

(That was what that match needed to be – nothing more and nothing less. MJF was fully in his despicable character mode and Tanahashi put up a spirited fight.)

(2) C.M. PUNK vs. SATOSHI KOJIMA – Owen Hart Cup Tournament Quarter Finals Match

Kojima came out first to a nice reaction. Punk came out to a big reaction, mostly boos but definitely his supporters cheering too. Punk reacted to the crowd and seemed to be eating up the antagonistic aspects of the crowd reaction. He made a production of taking off his shirt before the bell. The bell rang 27 minutes into the hour. After some fighting at ringside a few minutes in, Punk took control. He cupped his ear and then landed a legdrop, doing a Hulk Hogan routine. Fans booed. Taz asked, “Did he just do a legdrop?!”

Kojima got up and got the better of Punk during a chop exchange. Punk kicked his leg and then mounted him in the corner and punched away at him. At 10:00 Punk landed a top rope elbowdrop for a two count. He then shifted into an Anaconda Vice mid-ring. Punk got that crazed look on his face. Kojima threw a flurry of ridge hands at Punk’s head to escape.

Punk set up a Go To Sleep next, but Kojima elbowed free. Punk got rubber legs as Kojima chopped away at his neck and then landed a Koji Cutter. Kojima took off his elbow pad. Kelly said, “If he hits his lariat, he wins; it’s that simple. Punk ducked and landed a neckbreaker for a two count. A “C.M. Punk!” chant broke out. Loud boos drowned it out seconds later.

Kojima blocked another GTS attempt and then landed a counter move for a near fall. He signaled for his lariat again. Punk ducked again and then landed a high roundkick followed by a GTS to the gut for the win.

Punk side-eyed the camera at ringside and then did push-ups to show he still had plenty of strength and endurance left. He stood on the second rope and smiled with his arms crossed as his music played. He then kneeled over Kojima who was still sellling being knocked out. Punk spoke to him and then helped him sit up and eventually stand. Punk raised Kojima’s arm and saluted him. He then left the ring.

WINNER: Punk in 14:00 to advance.

(Obviously the result was never in doubt, but it didn’t really matter because this match was about Punk’s first singles match since All Out last year and the crowd response. Punk looked good here and seems to be relishing getting this kind of intense crowd response, with a fun mix of pro and con. Punk has a swagger to him right now, which really was key to win over fans because his popularity was built around that self-confidence and brash attitude, plus looking really good in the ring. He’s checking those boxes.)

(3) ORANGE CASSIDY vs. DANIEL GARCIA vs. KATSUYORI SHIBATA vs. ZACK SABRE JR. – AEW International Title match

All four squared off as the bell rang 49 minutes into the hour. Cassidy did slo-mo kicks, but then went on a flurry of offense. Garcia took Cassidy down and applied a submission hol dmid-ring. Shibata broke it up. ZSJ then went knocked Shibata out of the ring and applied a hold on Cassidy. Garcia returned and kicked ZSJ. Shibata and ZSJ chopped each other. Garcia tried to join in, but Shibata shoved him away. Shibata and ZSJ had enough of Garcia and turned against him with a two-on-one attack.

A minute later, ZSJ and Shibata each applied abdominal stretches mid-ring, but they ended up chopping each other. They each applied sleepers, but ended up hitting each other. Fans laughed. Everyone took turns vertical snap suplexing each other. “Anything you can do, I can do better,” Kelly said.

A couple minutes later, Cassidy and Shibata sat mid-ring cross-legged and chopped each other. Kelly said this is an example of strong style and fighting spirit. Fans chanted, “This is aweosme!” When they stood, Cassidy put his hands in his pockets, but then leaped and hit an Orange Punch. Shibata took Cassidy down seconds later and scored a two count. Cassidy hit a Beach Break for a two count. Rapid-fire near falls.

SZJ then entered and stomped on Cassidy’s hand, which Cassidy was already selling was injured. ZSJ locked Cassidy in a submission hold mid-ring. Shibata broke it up and then applied a rear naked choke. Shibata kicked Cassidy off the ring apron and went for the PK, but ZSJ ducked. He leveraged Shibata’s shoulders down, but Garcia intervened. Garcia scored a two count with a backslide. Shibata gave Garcia a PK, but Cassidy knocked him out of the ring before he could make a cover and then leveraged Garcia’s shoulders down for the three count.

Garcia soaked up the loss in the corner, SZJ had some words for Cassidy after the match. Shibata held up Cassidy’s arms.

WINNER: Cassidy in 11:00 to retain the AEW International Title.

(That was a blast. They fit so much dazzling action into the 11 minutes, but it felt appropriate because of the four-way format. Everyone just went at each other. There was a little comedy, but it fit the tone of the match and incorporated the wrestlers’ personalities and key moves effectively.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Forbidden Door PPV Results: 6-25-23

(4) SANADA vs. “JUNGLE BOY” JACK PERRY (w/Hook) – IWGP Hvt. Title match

Taz said Sanada had some bad comments about Perry, asking why someone like Perry got a title match against him. The bell rang seven minutes into the second hour. Perry applied an early Snare Trap. Sanada crawled to the bottom rope. Sanada retreated to the corner and soaked up that Perry might not be a pushover.

Sanada set up a Paradise Lock at 4:00. Perry kicked out and went for it himself. Sanada broke free and the put Perry in it. Taz said it’s a whacky move, but it works. As Perry struggled to escape, Sanada played to the crowd. Taz said, “I’ve ever been put in that hold, and there’s a reason for that.” (Funny.) Sanada kicked Perry which broke the lock and then scored a two count. Kelly and Excalibur discussed what happens to the Jungle Hook tag team if Perry won. Taz said there’s no reason they’d have to break up.

At 7:00 both were down and slow to get up. The got up on their knees and exchanged strikes and chops to the chest. Perry scored a near fall with a backslide. He went for a crucifix, but Sanada escaped. Perry applied Sanada’s hold, the Skull End. Sanada draped his boot over the bottom rope to force a break. Sanada lifted Perry onto his shoulders, but Perry slipped free. Sanada hit a TKO for a near fall next.

Sanada gave Perry an inverted neck vice swing. Perry slipped free and landed on Sanada for a two count. Sanada landed a Poison Rana. He followed with a top rope moonsault for a three count. Clean and sudden. Kelly said his wife called that match the Handsome Battle.

WINNER: Sanada in 11:00 to retain the IWGP Hvt. Title.

(That was also the match it needed to be. Perry was competitive and looked like he belonged, but not made to look like he was at Sanada’s level. This wasn’t meant to present Perry as a threat to Sanada’s title reign, but a resume match for Perry without needing to sacrifice a bigger AEW name to Sanada on what amounts to a mid-card match having no bearing on the PPV buys.)

-Afterward, Hook helped Perry to his feet and then left the ring with him. Perry had trouble standing. Hook helped him up. Perry then nailed Hook with a clothesline out of nowhere. “What are you doing, Jack?” exclaimed Taz. Perry played to the crowd in a heelish way. Excalibur called it a cheap shot. Fans chanted, “You f—ed up!” Taz said, “Oh, you sure did. That scumbag.” Perry picked up the FTR belt and threw it at Hook. Excalibur called it an unsettling development. Fans chanted Taz.

(I like Perry going heel. He’s been cutting heel promos for years unintentionally, so this transition should be smooth. Perry vs. Hook could be good to get Hook to the next level after the feud, too.)

(5) EDDIE KINGSTON & TOMOHIRO ISHII & “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE & THE YOUNG BUCKS vs. JON MOXLEY & CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI & WHEELER YUTA & KONOSUKE TAKESHITA & SHOTA UMINO

Kingston came out first. Then Ishii separately. And finally The Elite members together. When Blackpool Combat Club came out, they came out to slower, more sinister sounding music, so that’s the end of “Wild Thing” probably until Moxley is a babyface again (or they’re just saving it for his singles matches). The bell rang 29 minutes into the second hour. Kingston and Claudio started the match.

Ishii and Takeshita squared off a minute later. Ishii no-sold Takeshita. Takeshita did the same to Ishii’s initial offense. They eventually ran the ropes and collided mid-ring several times. Both went down. It was a total stalemate. The crowd cheered. “The fans love this,” Schiavone said.

Next in were Kingston and Moxley. Fans stood and applauded with anticipation. Fans chanted “Eddie! Eddie!” Mox had some words for Kingston. Kingston’s response was great, as if saying “what a load a crap.” They took turns chopping each other. Kelly asked if there was any word on how Taz was doing. At 6:00 everyone charged into the ring and brawled. Schiavone said it was crazy and what they anticipated. The Bucks leaped off the top rope onto a crowd at ringside. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Kingston and Moxley exchanged chops. Hangman then hit a top rope moonsault onto Yuta and Claudio on the floor.

The heels isolated Kingston for a while. Takeshita applied a camel clutch on Kingston. Ishii broke it up. Takeshita nailed him with an elbow to the side of his head and where his neck would be if he had one. Ishii went down, but he wasn’t the legal man. The heels went back on the attack on Kingston. Kingston hit Claudio with a desperation lariat at 12:00. Moxley stopped Kingston from tagging and then taunted Moxley. They went back to chopping each other. They nailed each other with simultaneous lariats and both went down. Mox tagged Umino in as Ishii also tagged in.

Hangman and Takeshita officially tagged in at 15:00. Fans loudly chanted “Cowboy Shit!” Hangman knocked a flying Takeshita out of mid-air with an elbow. He took shots at other BCC members on the ring apron. He then overhead tossed Takeshita in the ring before launching himself onto Yuta at ringside. Hangman kicked Takeshita into the arms of the Young Bucks, who held up prone at ringside. Hangman landed a running shooting star press off the ring apron. “That was unbelievable!” shouted Schiavone. Hangman landed a top rope lariat on Takeshita back in the ring for a near fall at 16:00. Wild sequence meant to showcase Hangman, which it did.

The Bucks double-teamed Takeshita next. They went for the BTE Trigger, but Takeshita ducked after the Bucks took time to play to the crowd. He then dropped the Bucks on their heads and shoulders. The Bucks popped up and landed stereo superkicks on Takeshita and then a parade of BCC members. The Bucks set up Mox for a stereo superkick. Kingston knocked Mox out of the match. Excalibur said Kingston is so conflicted. Mox rallied against the Bucks. Takeshita then gave Matt Jackson a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Fans chanted “This is awesome!”


Matt fought back against Yuta and Takeshita. Takeshita, though, gave Jackson a piledriver. Yuta then German suplexed Matt into a bridge for a near fall. The BCC triple-teamed Matt. Mox hit the Hart Attack clothesline. Claudio then gave Matt his giant swing. On the final revolution, Yuta dropkicked him and then scored a near fall with a crowd of wrestlers breaking up the cover. A “Fight forever!” chant broke out.

The ring cleared of everyone but Yuta and Ishii. Kelly praised the ref for keeping track of who is legal in the ring. Yuta scored a near fall on Ishii, broken up by Matt. More chaos broke out. Mox hit a cutter on Kingston. The Bucks stereo superkicked him and then to Yuta. Yta ducked a Buckshot lariat. Ishii hit Yuta with a flying lariat. He gave Yuta his Drop Brainbuster for the three count.

Afterward, Takeshita left without BCC. Then a frustrated Kingston at ringside yelled at Mox and the Bucks. Excalibur said Kingston didn’t like having to inflict punishment on someone he respects as much as Moxley. Schiavone said he shouldn’t have taken the match, if that was the case.

WINNERS: Ishii & Young Bucks & Hangman & Kingston in 25:00.

(That lived up to expectations. Just wild and tons of fun. Such a mix of characters and so much physical sacrifice in that one.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Forbidden Door PPV Results: 6-25-23

(6) TONI STORM (w/Sarayah, Ruby Soho) vs. WILLOW NIGHTINGALE – AEW Women’s Title match

The match began at the start of the third hour. Willow landed an early bodyslam and let out a “woo!” She hard-whipped Storm into the corner. Storm reversed Willow. Willow popped out of the corner with a dropkick. When Storm retreated to the floor, Saraya and Soho confronted her. Willow kicked and puched them and then rammed their heads together. The fans sounded a bit winded and were polite, but not reacting a ton to these shots. Soho and Saraya then attacked Willow at ringside. Storm kicked Willow and then thanked her cohorts. Storm rammed Willow against the ring barricade before throwing her back into the ring.

Storm controlled Willow in the ring for a few minutes. Willow made a comeback and landed a corner splash and a kick. Storm retreated to the ring apron and then yanked Willow’s neck over the top rope. She set up a move on the ring apron, but Willow delivered a Death Valley Driver. Back in the ring, Willow landed a running Death Valley Driver for a near fall. When Soho rolled a spray paint can into the ring, the ref saw it and threw Soho and Saraya out of ringside. Soho threw a fit. Schiavone said, “We’ll see you Wednesday night, Ruby!” Willow went back on the attack. She went for a second rope moonsault, but Storm moved. Storm landed a running hip attack and then a DDT for a near fall. Storm had a bloodied nose or lip.


Willow came back with a spinebuster and then an Indian deathlock mid-ring. Storm countered and forced a break. Willow pounded the mat before the break and it seemed like she might’ve been tapping. Willow landed a pounce. Storm rolled to the floor. Willow threw her back into the ring and then threw a barrage of clotheslines at her in the corner. Willow showed fire and dropped her straps. As she charged, Strom pulled the ref in her path. She then gouged Willow’s eyes and landed Storm Zero for the win.

WINNER: Storm in 10:00 to retain the AEW Title.

(That was the surprise of the night and, I’d argue, a coming out party for Nightingale, who already had a lot of boosters seeing her as a rising star in the Women’s Division for a while. The crowd was ready to check out and catch their breath, and Willow just willed the crowd into staying into the match. Storm gets credit for her role in this, for sure. Soho and Saraya were good heels at ringside. Just an all around good match.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Forbidden Door PPV Results: 6-25-23

(7) KENNY OMEGA vs. WILL OSPREAY (w/Don Callis) – IWGP U.S. Hvt. Championship match

Ospreay came out first with Don Callis and two of his security guys. Omega came out alone. When fans began singing in support of Ospreay early, Excalibur said there are a lot of fans who traveled from Europe to see this. The announcers said Canadian fans were behind. Schiavone said fans everywhere love and respect both of the wrestlers.

Omega went for an early Snap Dragon, but Ospreay landed on his feet. He went for a kick, but Omega ducked. Fans stood and applauded as Ospreay looked down at Omega, who remained on the mat Inoki-Ali-style as Ospreay circled him. Fans chanted, “This is wrestling!” The announcers talked a lot about Callis early, establishing that he’s likely to be a factor in this match.

Omega set up a running dive, but Callis grabbed at his leg as he ran the ropes. Omega went after Callis, but Callis backed away and a security guy blocked Omega. The ref then ordered Callis to the back. Ospreay springboard dove onto Omega at ringside. Ospreay then threw Omega into the ringside steps and then the ringpost.

Ospreay controlled for a couple minutesl. Omega made a comeback, but Ospreay fought back and landed an enzuigiri and dropped Omega over the top rope. He then hit Omega, when he was teetering on the top rope, with a shooting star press. He then hit a cutter on the ring apron. Both were slow to get up. Ospreay rammed Omega’s head into the announce desk three times. Ospreay played to the crowd and received mostly boos. The announcers talked about Ospreay not being able to get over what happened at WrestleKingdom. Ospreay then rammed Omega’s now bloodied head into the announce desk cover which Ospreay had leaned against the ring. (The announcers were overselling the violence of Ospreay ramming Omega into the table.) Fans chanted “Still a wanker!” Exclalibur explained what the chant was since it wasn’t necessarily clear to everyone.

Ospreay then methodically attacked Omega. He licked Omega’s blood off his arm. Fans chanted “You sick fuck!” Ospreay dropped tor ingside and had somew ords for some kids as Omega lay on the ring apron. Ospreay grabbed a Canadain flag from ringside and waved it and then rubbed his crotch with it. Then he picked his nose with it. Omega recovered during this time and nailed him with a hard clothesline. Excalibur said, “I wouldn’t want to be Will Ospreay going through customs this week.” Omega wrapped the flag around Ospreay’s neck and tossed him across the ring twice.

Omega then tossed Ospreay over the top rope with the flag wrapped around his neck. Omega dropped to the floor and handed the flag to the kids at ringside that Ospreay talked to. The two boys were very excited, but I’d suggest the parents wash it in very hot water a few times. Omega delivered a running V-trigger to Ospreay against the ringside barricade. Omega rammed Ospreay into the ringside steps. Callis’s security guys lurked nearby. Omega came up bleeding heavily. Fans chanted “F— him up, Kenny, f— him up!” There was a puddle of blood on the ringside mat and a big spear on the steps. Omega then DDT’d Ospreay onto the ringside steps.

Back in the ring, Omega grounded Ospreay and wrapped him up at ringside. Ospreay stood and landed a leaping powerbomb to break Omega’s grip. Omega landed a German suplex. Ospreay fired back with one himself. Omega then set up a Snap Dragon, but Ospreay headbutted out of it. Ospreay landed a Spanish fly for a near fall. Ospreay’s face was covered in blood. Ospreay locked on a sharpshooter. Canadian fans booed.

They stood after a while and exchanged strikes. Ospreay got the better of him and Omega dropped to his knees. Ospreay went for an Oscutter, but Omega kicked him out of mid-air. Ospreay recovered and gave Ospreay a series of signature moves with a poison rana and spike piledriver for a near fall. Kelly said, “You can smell the blood in the air.” Excalibur called it, “The unmistakable smell of iron in our nostrils.” Omega set up a top rope Dragon Suplex, but shifted to lifting Ospreay otno his shoudlers at 30:00. The ring announcer said “30 minutes gone, 30 minutes remaining.” Ospreay slipped free and kicked Omega. He then leaped off the top rope with a Sky Twister Press onto Omega at ringside. “Holy shit!” chanted the fans.

Back in the ring, after some counters, Ospreay landed a LigerBomb for a near fall. Ospreay then landed an Oscutter for a near fall. “We’re seeing something special here, guys,” said Schiavone. Omega gave Ospreay a package piledriver. Both were down and slow to get up, Callis ran back to ringside. Omega stood and kicked Ospreay as Callis chatted with one of his security guys. Omega methodically kicked at Ospreay while pausing between to point at Callis. Callis said, “He’s out of his mind.” Omega landed a running knee to Ospreay’s chin. Excalibur said that one was dedicate to Callis. Callis jumped onto the ring apron to protect Ospreay as Omega signaled for a V-Trigger. Omega hit it anyway. Callis tried to pull Ospreay out of the ring. The ref got involved. Callis snuck Ospreay a screw driver. As Omega lifted Ospreay, Ospreay jabbed Omega with the screw driver. He then hit the back of Omega’s head and landed two more signature moves and scored a near fall. Omega draped his leg over the bottom rope. Omega sat up, bug-eyed.

Ospreay gave Omega a One-Winged Angel. Omega kicked out at one and then pounded the mat. The crowd exploded with enthusiasm. Ospreay stood and told Omega to bring it on. They exchanged strikes mid-ring. Omega landed a brainbuster and then a German suplex into a bridge for a near fall. A “Fight forever!” chant broke out. (Easy for them to say!) Omega lifted Ospreay for a V-Trigger, but Ospreay escaped and set up a Storm Breaker. Omega blocked it, but Ospreay dropped Omega on the back of his head and neck with a Tiger Driver ’91. I thought Omegra was paralized, but he kicked out. Ospreay landed his running elbow to the side of his head and then hit a Storm Breaker for the three count.

Kelly said they just watched two of the all-time greats battle to a virtual stalemate. He said he doesn’t want the history books to say it was Callis who caused the outcome because Ospreay fought through so much that Omega delt. Ospreay checked on Omega afterward. Omega was struggling to move and stand, but there’s no telling when watching if he’s just selling or actually injured from being driven onto the back of his head and neck (especially after the games Andrade and Buddy Matthews played regarding that last week. Omega was able to roll to the ring apron and sit up. He was helped to the back by Michael Nakazawa and Dr. Michael Sampson.

WINNER: Ospreay in 40:00 to capture the IWGP U.S. Hvt. Championship.

(Just an amazing match for the ages. I’m still shaken up by the impact on Omega’s head and neck late in the match. I mean, how does a show not conclude with that match? What can follow it?)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Forbidden Door PPV Results: 6-25-23

(8) CHRIS JERICHO & SAMMY GUEVARA & MINORU SUZUKI vs. STING & DARBY ALLIN & TESUYA NAITO

Guevara opened against Naito. Naito tossed Guevara to the floor and then struck a side pose in the ring. Darby tagged in and wanted to get at Guevara, but Guevara chose to tag out to Suzuki. Darby welcomed the challenge of absorbing some of Suzuki’s mid-ring strikes. Suzuki took Darby down a couple of times and then put Darby in a sleeper briefly. Darby slipped free and tagged in Sting. Sting (age 64) and Suzuki (age 55) circled each other. Suzuki tagged out to Jericho. “Let’s enjoy the moment,” said Excalibur. They exchanged some words. Suzuki hit Sting from behind, setting off a brawl with all six. The ring cleared of everyone but Sting and Jericho. Excalibur underlined that those two have never faced off in a match before. Sting put Jericho in a Scorpion Death Lock. Guevara broke it up with a top rope cutter. That looked awkward. The ref checked on Sting.

Guevara tagged Jericho in. They whipped Sting into the ropes and shoulder blocked him to the mat. They struck a pose. Guevara was bleeding from the mouth. Suzuki rested his elbow on Jericho’s shoulder and smiled. Schiavone said he’s now seen it all. Guevara punched away at Sting in the corner. As Guevara gloated, Sting dropped him face-first over the top turnbuckle. Darby tagged in and went after Guevara aggressively. He landed a Code Red for a near fall. Guevara came back and went for a Stinger Splash. Guevara moved. They collided into each other and both were slow to get up. Naito and Jericho tagged in.

All six entered a minute later and paired off. Sting tossed Suzuki to the floor. Darby then leaped through the ropes and tackled Suzuki. Jericho caught a flying Darby with a Judas Effect at ringside. Jericho pulled a table out from under the ring. Jericho put Sting on a table and wanted Guevara to dive onto him. Guevera didn’t want to, but Jericho insisted. Guevara then hit a 630 splash off the top rope onto Sting. (The announcers undersold that spot. They have to be exhausted at this point.)

Sting made way back to his corner through the ring rather than walking around ringside, which looked strange. He could barely stand up as he leaned on the top rope in the corner. He entered the ring and chopped Suzuki from behind. Then he hit a clothesline. Naito, the legal man, then covered Suzuki for the win.


Afterward, Jericho hit Suzuki with the bat in retaliation for him losing. Sting then yanked the bata way from him and jabbed Jericho with it. Jericho rolled out of the ring.

WINNERS: Sting, Darby Allin and Tesuya Naito.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Forbidden Door PPV Results: 6-25-23

(9) BRYAN DANIELSON vs. KAZUCHIKA OKADA

I'll get this later. Bell rang for this one 29 minutes into the 4th hour of the PPV and I need to go to bed

 

[jro]

Seems like a bunch of excellent matches with zero stakes, i.e. no one actually thinks Jungle Boy is winning the IWGP title or that MJF is jobbing. Collision has been way better than Dynamite but nowhere near good enough to get me to spend money on the product.

 

[famicommander]

I just read that Alex Shelley is the current Impact World Champion.

Probably still not gonna watch Impact but I'm happy for Shelley. He's been bouncing between ROH, Impact, and NJPW for 20 straight years doing nothing but putting on great matches in every division all up and down the card.

 

[famicommander]

Seems like a bunch of excellent matches with zero stakes, i.e. no one actually thinks Jungle Boy is winning the IWGP title or that MJF is jobbing. Collision has been way better than Dynamite but nowhere near good enough to get me to spend money on the product.

Even if I were gonna spend money on the product, who the fuck wants to watch a 6 hour event? PPVs should be 3 hours. The major ones can have a 1 hour preshow. Nothing more than that.

 

[Arcademan]

(9) BRYAN DANIELSON vs. KAZUCHIKA OKADA

Danielson came out to “Final Countdown.” Kelly said “the best in the world” argument might be settled tonight. (What does MJF and his character think of framing this match that way?) As they stood opposite of each other, a “Holy shit!” chant broke out. The bell 28 minutes into the fourth hour. After some exchanged on the mat, Okada got the better of Danielson at ringside. Danielson came back and landed a leaping knee off the ring apron. An “Okada!” chant started at 5:00. Danielson landed a flying knee to Okada’s arm. Danielson then applied Cattle Mutilation mid-ring. He shifted Okada’s shoulders down for a two count.

A few minutes later, Okada leaped at Danielson over the barricade and into the crowd with a flying bodypress. Okada threw Danielson back into the ring. Excalibur said no championship are on the line, but the title for best wrestler in the world is at stake. Okada dropped Danielson neck-first onto his knee. He then set up a top rope move, but Danielson broke free. Danielson knocked Okada off the top rope and then landed a top rope missile dropkick. Both were down and slow to get up. (The crowd just looked spent at this point, almost five hours into the in-ring action they were witnessing.)

As Okada and Danielson exchanged mid-ring strikes, an “Okada” chant started for a few seconds. Okada took Danielson down with a shotgun dropkick. Danielson made a comeback and landed a running kick in the corner. He followed quickly with another. Okada met his third attempt with a high Jim Brunzell style dropkick. He hit another. A “This is awesome!” chant started. Okada went for a top rope elbow, but Danielson caughthim upon landing into an armbar. He wrenched back on the arm, which Excalibur noted was the “Rainmaker arm.” Okada broke the hold and took over.

Okada landed a tombstone piledriver on the ramp and dragged Danielson back to the ring at 19:00. Schiavone noted that Danielson’s body was twitching or convulsing. Okada landed a top rope elbowdrop. He looked around at the crowd and signaled for the Rainmaker. Okada tried to lift Danielson, but the ref called him off and asked for the doctor to check on him. The ringside doctor checked on Danielson who was convulsing. Okada told the doctor to back away. He went after Danielson, but Danielson countered and landed a running knee. “What a ruse!” said Schiavone. Excalibur said Danielson knew exactly what he was doing. (That whole sequence didn’t work. It’s just terrible taste and it’s counter-productive.)

Okada went for a German suplex, but Danielson landed on his feet and hit a Psycho Knee for a near fall. Danielson, favoring his right arm, grabbed Okada’s arm and stomped away at him. He then tried for a LeBell Lock, but Okada reversed his shoulders to the mat for a two count. Danielson came back with a roundhouse kick to Okada’s head. Danielson let a “Yes!” chant with his left arm while his right arm dangled to his side. He charged, but Okada hit him with a dropkick. He landed a landslide and a Rainmaker mid-ring for a two count. A “This is awesome!” chant broke out.

Danielson had Okada grounded for a while and shifted into various submissions. Okada tried to reach the bottom rope with his boot. He dropped some forearms on Okada’s face and then applied another submission. Okada tapped out.

WINNER: Danielson in 27:00.

 

[Arcademan]

A couple of injury updates from last night:

Bryan Danielson sustained a broken forearm during his main event match with Kazuchika Okada at Forbidden Door on Sunday night.

Danielson revealed the news during his post-event media scrum appearance. Danielson said the injury occurred with 10 minutes to go in the match and happened on a top rope elbow drop from Okada. Danielson said that the injury will take six to eight weeks to recover from.

Danielson and Okada wrestled their dream match at the end of a five hour show in Toronto. Danielson forced Okada to tap out, giving him the win. Danielson celebrated with the Toronto crowd as the show went off the air.

Kenny Omega reportedly came away from his match against Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door without any significant injuries despite being dropped on his head near the end of the match.

Bryan Alvarez is reporting that that Omega is ok after the scary bump, but that it was unknown whether or not he was checked out by doctors or took x-rays. Omega addressed the match on social media, but didn’t comment on his status physically.

“I lost and Will was the better man tonight,” Ospreay wrote on Twitter. The US belt is in good hands. Keep Don away from it.”

Omega and Ospreay battled for over 40 minutes with Ospreay defeating Omega after a series of interferences from Don Callis. Their first match together was earlier this year at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Omega defeated Ospreay in that match to win the IWGP United States Championship.

 

[Arcademan]

Why in the world of June 2023, Sting and Jericho are the main event of a wrestling show?!! 25 years ago, probably. 15 years ago, stretching it. Now?!! Don't you have any faith in your younger wrestlers, AEW? A 64 and 52 year old wrestlers...that's over a century between the two

 

[Arcademan]

Darren ‘Droz’ Drozdov Passes Away At The Age Of 54

Darrem “Droz” Drozdov has passed away.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that Drozdov passed away at the age of 54. Drozdov played football in the NFL before he started his wrestling career. He worked on the independent circuit and started competing for ECW before he made his WWE debut in 1998. Drozdov memorably had a scene in Beyond the Mat where Vince McMahon asked him to showcase his ability to regurgitate on command.

Drozdov was featured on WWE TV, and as Puke, he was involved with the Legion of Doom. He was later featured alongside Prince Albert and Key. Drozdov suffered a career-ending injury on the October 5 taping of WWE SmackDown, where he landed badly on a powerbomb during a match with D’Lo Brown.

He fractured two vertebrae in his neck, and the injury initially left him a quadriplegic, though he later regained movement in his arms. Following the injury, Drozdov remained involved with WWE for several years.