offical wwe thread

[Arcademan]

Late with the results since there was a power outage in my neighborhood...

WWE SummerSlam PLE Results: 8-3-24

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

(1) LIV MORGAN vs. RHEA RIPLEY (w/Dominik Mysterio) – WWE Women’s Title match

As Ripley and Dom walked out, Cole called Dom “Rhea’s boy toy.” He noted she never lost the title after holding it for 379 days. They went to Cole, Graves, and McAfee at ringside. Cole said over 50,000 were in attendance. He noted the referee is wearing a “referee cam.” It had a hard liquor sponsor. Liv then made her entrance. The bell rang 14 minutes into the hour. Liv ducked out to ringside early and then rolled back into the ring once Rhea went after her. Liv laughed. Rhea returned to the ring. Liv ducked out again.

Once Rhea got in some offense, Dom smiled and applauded. Ripley high-fived Dom, then licked his cheek. Cole said he can’t stand Dom, but he’s doing something right since he has Ripley. Graves said there should be an ordinance against the pheromones that he’s giving off. McAfee’s (odd and disconcerting) obsession with poop came up again. He rambled about a “pieces of crap” and said “people look like after a poop has happened and you get your butt wiped.” He said Dom is “a poop stain.” (Please stop.) Cole chuckled and said he was painting a picture.

Ripley headbutted Liv and drove her into the top turnbuckle. Liv threw Ripley into the corner turnbuckle and the grabbed her shoulder in pain. She said, “It’s out!” The ref asked if he should stop it. She shouted, “No!” Cole said the injured shoulders is probably dislocated. She fought off Liv and then rolled to the floor near Dom. Liv kicked Ripley into the ringside steps. Ripley kept holding her shoulder. Liv stomped on it and rolled her into the ring and scored a two count at 6:00.

Liv leaped at Ripley at ringside, but Dom shoved Ripley out of the way and so Liv landed on him. Ripley threw Liv back into the ring. She kept clutching at her shoulder. Ripley rammed her shoulder into the announce desk to knock it back into socket. Cole said he’s never seen anything like that. McAfee said it was mind-blowing. Graves compared it to something Finn Balor did at a Summerslam years ago. She went on the attack against Liv and scored a two count.

Liv countered a Rip Tide attempt with a DDT for a near fall. Ripley went on a stretch of offense with more two counts. Liv yanked Ripley’s arm over the middle rope and then grabbed a chair. Ripley battled back and finally landed a Rip Tide. Graves said that had to be cathartic. Ripley picked up a chair. Graves said if she swings it, “the gold is gone.” Dom stood on the ring apron and yanked it away from her. The crowd roared. Dom explained she can’t use it or she’ll get DQ’d. Graves said the fans should be applauding. Liv knocked Ripley into Dom, knocking her to the floor. She then hit Oblivion and scored a believable near fall. Fans popped and chanted, “Holy shit!”

Dom ran over and got the ref’s attention. Liv then gave Ripley an Oblivion onto the chair. Liv scored a three count. Cole said, “What the hell?” Dom smiled at ringside.

WINNER: Morgan in 16:00 to retain the Women’s Title.

-Dom then helped Liv up and kissed her. Cole exclaimed, “Dom, you sorry two-timin’ son of a bitch!” McAfee called him a piece of trash. Cole asked if it’s a been a ruse for months. They showed a fuming Ripley in the ring soaking up what happened.

(Not sure that made any sense. Rhea had multiple chances to win before Dom went far enough to cost her the match. Dom also clearly helped Ripley not get hit by a diving Liv and also helped Ripley not get DQ’d for using a chair. There was no guarantee that Dom would have a chance to actually cost Ripley the match because of how long he waited. The announcers also had to play dumb for way too long after the match considering Dom smiled right after the finish. This was on the lower end of logic and execution for an angle that has been built up for months. The match itself was solid, and Ripley did a great job selling the shoulder.)

(2) SAMI ZAYN vs. BRON BREAKKER – Intercontinental Championship

The bell rang 43 minutes into the hour. Breakker charged at Sami, who leapfrogged him, so Breakker crashed shoulder-first into the corner. Breakker dropped to the floor and clutched his shoulder. Sami then landed a running flip dive onto Breakker. Sami leaped off the top rope, but Breakker ducked and then clotheslined him.

Breakker gave Sani a Frankensteiner for a near fall at 3:00. McAfee made another reference to poop, saying he “pooped my pants” after Scott Steiner was angry with him for changing the name of the Frankensteiner. Breakker told Sami to quit. Sami slapped him back over and over. Sami set up a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Breaker blocked it. Breakker flipped out of a back suplex but almost landed on his head in the process. The announcers gasped. Sami then gave Breakker a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall.

Breakker caught Sami with a knee, but Sami countered with an exploder suplex. When Sami charged, Breakker speared him. Breakker then lowered his straps, ran the ropes, and speared Sami for the three count. “Welcome to the Bron Breakker ear!” exclaimed Cole. Graves said, “Get used to it!”

WINNER: Breakker in 6:00 to capture the Intercontinental Title.

(Good while it lasted, but it wasn’t formatted to be an epic fight. All in all, a bit anticlimactic given the nature of the feud, but they wanted to put Breakker over strong.)

(3) LOGAN PAUL vs. L.A. KNIGHT – U.S. Title match

Logan made his entrance first. He wore Cleveland brown and tore up a fan sign on his way to the ring. He was joined by MGK, a rapped out of Cleveland. Cole said he works with Jelly Roll. Logan arrived in Logan’s stolen sports-drink branded truck. Knight then bashed in the side window. He said he’s now coming for his U.S. Title. Graves said Knight is guilty of vandalism and grand theft auto and he should have been arrested. As Knight began to enter the ring, Logan knocked him to the floor. Logan went after Knight at ringside. Logan sprayed some of his energy drink into Knight’s face after Knight took time to yell at Knight’s crew at ringside.

Logan took the lid off the announce desk and cleared it of monitors, then tried to throw Knight on it. Knight fought back and rammed Logan’s into the table, although Logan’s hand clearly hit each time and his face didn’t connect. Knight then gave Logan leaping neckbreaker on the announce desk. The table didn’t collapse and they both hit hard. Cole said the match may never officially start. Knight threw Logan into the ring and the ref called for the bell 6 minutes into the second hour.

Knight delivered an inverted atomic drop and a clothesline for a two count. Logan made a comeback and threw Knight shoulder-first into the corner (three matches in a row for a variation of that spot). Cole noted Logan’s first match in WWE was at Summerslam 2022 and beat Miz, then beat Ricochet last year at Summerslam. Fans taunted Logan with a chant of “You suck!” Logan landed a splits legdrop for a two count. Knight fought back and they exchanged wild swings. Logan landed a gut-wrench suplex. He followed with an “overbomb” that looked more like Knight countering a powerbomb to land on Logan. Logan scored a two count.

Graves said Logan is controversial and gets the world talking. “You can pick a side, but you can’t question the talent and ability.” McAfee said he loves the business. Knight recovered and surprised a showboating Logan with a quick powerslam. Both were down and slow to get up. Knight landed a Side Effect. Knight landed a top rope elbowdrop for a two count. Knight lifted Logan onto his shoulders, but Logan slipped free and then landed a springboard clothesline to knock Knight off the ring apron to the floor at 7:00. Logan then landed an impressive springboard moonsault onto Knight at ringside.

Back in the ring, they countered each other including Logan scoring a two count with a backslide as a counter to a BFT. Logan nailed Knight with his right hand for a near fall. Logan looked up, wide-eyed in shock. Logan blocked a BFT attempt. Knight leaped and met Logan on the top rope and superplexed him quickly and scored a two count. The crowd popped for the kickout. Fans were standing at ringside.

Logan raked Knight’s eyes. Logan called for help from one of his followers at ringside. Knight slidekicked Logan. Knight yanked one of the hangers-on, Jeff, to ringside and stomped away at him. Logan threw Knight shoulder-first into the ringpost. MGK handed Logan brass knuckes that he had hanging around his neck on a chain. Knight pulled Logan onto the ring apron and went for a suplex, but Logan hit him with the knux. He got rid of the weapon, then went for a springboard flip clothesline. Knight side-stepped him and hit the BFT for the win.

WINNER: Knight in 12:00 to capture the U.S. Title.

(A lot to like about the match, but it also at times seemed to lose some steam. Besides the official 12 minutes, there was a lengthy brawl beforehand. The finish is a surprise, especially since brass knuckles tend to be decisive. Logan’s gotten some bad publicity lately. I’m curious if WWE officials will be glad he’s out of the mix for a while, assuming he is.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE SummerSlam PLE Results: 8-3-24

(4) BAYLEY vs. NIA JAX (w/TIffany Stratton) – WWE Women’s Title match

Jax came out first. McAfee talked about her having an aura. Cole noted Bayley and Jax haven’t had a one-on-one match in over five years. The bell rang 34 minutes into the second hour. Bayley wrapped Jax’s arm around the middle rope early and kicked it. Cole praised her gameplan. Jax shoved her down and then lifted her and set up a powerbomb. Bayley slipped free and hit a jaw-breaker. Jax then gave her a quick Samoan Drop.

Bayley side-stepped a charging Jax. Jax, though, attacked Bayley on the ring apron and went for a legdrop. Bayley moved and kicked Jax into the ringside barricade. Bayley leaped at Jax with a Thesz Press.

Bayley applied an overhead sleeper. Cole and Graves noted Bayley tapped Jax with that in 2015. Jax countered and slammed Bayley to the mat. Then she landed a rolling senton and a legdrop for a near fall. Jax went for a legdrop off the second rope. Bayley moved. Bayley then hit a Bayley-to-Belly for a near fall at 6:00. Jax came back with an Annihilator a minute later for a near fall. Jax rammed Bayley into the mat over and over, then headbutted and tossed her into the corner. Jax said, “I’m so reckless, I’m so clumsy.” Jax charged at Bayley, but Bayley moved and Jax went shoulder-first into the ringpost. (That’s four out of four matches with a spot like that.)

Bayley leaped through the ropes onto Jax’s shoulders. Jax turned it into a slam at ringside. Jax landed a hip attack in the corner back in the ring. She set up another Annihilator. Bayley stood and powerbombed Jax off the second rope, holding Jax up as she walked a few steps out of the corner. That was a feat of strength and balance. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Bayley then landed a flying top rope elbow for a near fall at 11:00.

Tiffany Stratton’s music played and she ran out with the briefcase. Bayley knocked her off the ring apron and then scored a two count on Jax with a stack leverage cover. Bayley leaped at Jax, but Jax turned it into a powerbomb. Jax followed with a released powerbomb. She followed with two Annihilators for the win.

Tiffany celebrated with Jax, holding up her custom Money in the Bank briefcase, but wisely not even hinting at a cash-in.

WINNER: Jax in 12:00 to capture the WWE Women’s Title.

(Good match. It did feel, though, that it wouldn’t end until Tiffany got involved in some way. Some impressive exchanges and big moves in that one definitely got the crowd popping and gasping after being a bit quiet for some of the early methodical action.)

(5) C.M. PUNK vs. DREW MCINTYRE – Seth Rollins Special Referee

Seth came out first. He had glittery pants and a bedazzled sleeveless ref shirt. Cole talked about Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s role as a special referee on two occasions at Summerslams. Drew then made his entrance. He told Seth all he has to do is call for the bell and count to three. Punk walked out in his signature hoodie. Cole said it was Punk’s first one-on-one match in ten-and-a-half years in WWE. He said they teamed together once, but have never wrestled each other. Graves said he’s never seen Punk more pissed off than the last two days and he’ll fight until his heart gives out tonight. Punk got in Seth’s face as soon as he entered the ring. Drew walked up to him. Seth rubbed Punk’s hoodie on his butt before throwing it out of the ring. The bell rang 6 minutes into the third hour.

They met mid-ring and swung away at each other. Seth pulled Punk out of the corner when he didn’t break on his comment. Drew then went after Punk as Punk was complaining to Seth. Seth pulled Drew out of the corner as he was kicking away at him. Seth yelled, “Just like I told him, I run this show.” Punk clotheslined Drew and punched away at him. Drew palmed Punk in the throat and then ran to the ropes. Punk clotheslined Drew over the top rope, then leaped off the ring apron and tackled Drew. McAfee said Punk was looking good. Graves said Punk was trying to add just a little bit of muscle. He said when you do that, though, cardio can drop. Punk took it to Drew in the time keeper’s area. Punk tossed. Then he shoved Drew into the ringpost. Fans chanted, “We want Tables!” Punk rammed Drew’s head into the metal stairs at ringside.

Drew swept Punk’s legs and tripped him on the ring apron. Then he swung his by his legs into the announce desk. Drew. catapulted Punk up from under the ring into the frame of the ring. Seth laughed and applauded. Back in the ring, Drew chopped Punk to the mat as Punk whiffed on a punch. Drew snap-suplexed Punk and went for a cover. Punk rolled out of the cover before Drew secured it. Drew blocked a running knee by Punk and slammed him to the mat for a two count. Drew powered up Punk and landed a sitout powerbomb for another two count.

Drew grabbed a chair from ringside. Seth eyed it. Drew said he should let him use it because “then both of our problems go away.” He said he’d take the industry to new heights. Seth turned his back, but then when Drew wound up, Seth grabbed it. Seth told Drew, “You embarrassed me at WrestleMania.” Drew pie-faced Seth. Seth swung the chair, but Drew ducked. Seth stopped short of hitting Punk. Punk then rolled up Drew as Seth was getting ride of the chair. Drew powered out when Seth turned around. Drew gave Punk a neckbreaker and then kipped up. Graves said this was much more one-sided than anyone expected, noting Drew was overwhelming Punk.

Drew pulled out Punk’s bracelet at 10:00 and signaled for a Claymore, but Punk met him with a kick. Punk then landed three running high knees in the corner and then a clothesline. Punk climbed to the top rope and smiled, then vlew Seth a kiss and landed a flying elbowdrop. He made the cover, but Drew kicked out. Punk went for an Anaconda Vice, but Drew blocked it at first. Punk pushed through and got it applied. Punk then pulled the bracelet off of Drew’s wrist. The fans popped. Drew stood and surprised Punk with a Claymore for a dramatic near fall.

Drew set up a Future Shock DDT, but Punk escaped. Drew charged, but Punk moved, and Drew went into the ringpost shoulder-first. (That’s five out of five matches.) Punk the called for the Go To Sleep. He lifted Drew, winced, and then dropped Drew and looked at Seth who had put on Punk’s bracelet. (Is Punk a cat?) Drew charged at Punk and knocked him into Seth, who rolled to the floor. Drew then hit Punk from behind and set up a Future Shock. Punk blocked it and hit a GTS. Seth was late and counted, but didn’t start until the fans had counted to eight first. Drew kicked out at two.

Punk told Seth, “You’re as good of a referee as you are a wrestler.” He asked if he’s messing with him or kidding him. Punk yelled in Seth’s face. Seth told him to listen to him because this is his ring and his company. “We don’t want you here!” he said. “Not everything is about you!” He told him to focus on his opponent, who’s down for his pickins. Seth called him an asshole. Punk gave Seth a GTS. Seth went down and stayed down as Punk bent over and took his bracelet back. Drew recovered and kicked Punk in the crotch. He followed with a Claymore (without counting beforehand) and made the cover. Seth crawled over and counted slowly to three.

The announcers said Punk couldn’t stay focused. “C.M. Punk cost himself this match tonight,” Cole said. Graves agreed. “Punk was blind with rage and Punk’s emotions got the best of him.” Drew took the bracelet back and put it around his wrist. He put his boot on his chest and raised his arm high with the bracelet on his wrist.

WINNER: McIntyre in 17:00.

(Given it was Punk’s first singles match in a long time, he put on a solid performance, but he did seem to struggling with cardio or getting his legs under him at times. A lot of the time it was more about Seth and everyone’s emotions than having an all-out fight to win, which maybe was by design to protect Punk a bit. I have mixed feelings about Seth’s storyline role in this. Punk looked undisciplined and unfocused when it appeared he was on the verge of beating Drew but turned to the bracelet. Not that it’s not important to him, but this wasn’t any match or any opponent. It was Drew, who in the last seven months was a much more bitter enemy than Seth. Drew gets credit here for his role in making this as good as it was considering how long it’d been since Punk wrestled, and there’s just no way to really get strong in-ring cardio without wrestling in front of crowds with the adrenaline and no net.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE SummerSlam PLE Results: 8-3-24

(6) DAMIEN PRIEST vs. GUNTHER – WWE Heavyweight Title match

As Gunther came out, they showed a skyboc with Diamond Dallas Page, Sean Waltman, and Kevin Nash sitting together. Also, Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, and Jacqueline. The bell rang 40 minutes into the third hour. Gunther charged. Priest hit him with a forearm to knock him backwards. Priest set up a South of Heaven, but Gunther chopped out of it. Priest gave Gunther a flatliner. Priest played to the crowd and got mild cheers.

Priest went to ringside and leaped at Gunter with a clothesline. Back in the ring, they exchanged strikes. Priest took Gunther down with a head scissors and a Broken Arrow for a near fall at 5:00. Gunther countered a Priest charge in the corner and then landed a running dropkick. He followed with a powerbomb for a near fall. Gunther took some deep breaths. He noticed from looking at the big screen that his chest was bleeding. It looked like a natural surprise reaction. He wiped the blood, then stood. Fans were cheering for something else going on.

They stood and chopped each other. Priest landed South of Heaven for a two count. Priest stood and fans rapid-clapped. He played to the fans and got a surge of cheers. He set up a Razor’s Edge, but Gunther escaped and chopped him. Gunther blocked a Priest kick and then took him down with a running clothesline and then another clothesline for a two count. A “This is awesome!” chant broke out as Gunther assessed the situation. Priest signaled for Gunther to bring it on. Gunther turned to the fans and they booed him. Gunther chopped Priest hard.

The crowd really got into Priest’s comeback a minute later. He turned it up and lifted Gunther and then delivered. Razor’s Edge. Gunther stood quickly and Priest gave him a South of Heaven. Guntehr rolled toward the bottom rope. Finn Balor ran out and put Gunther’s leg on the bottom rope. “What the hell?” exclaimed Cole. Priest watched Balor’s interference on replay. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” They cut to Balor who snarled at Priest. Priest leaned out of the ring toward Balor. Gunther then put Priest in a sleeper. Priest looked out of it but then showed life and leveraged Gunther’s shoulders down. Priest leaned out of the ring and grabbed Balor. Gunther then grabbed Priest and gave him a powerbomb followed by another sleeper for the win. Cole said this night will be remembered as “the implosion of The Judgment Day.”

WINNER: Gunther in 16:00 to capture the WWE Heavyweight Title.

(They really gave Priest an out in losing there, which didn’t feel like a trapdoor finish as much as making advancing the story of The Judgment Day a priority and giving Priest something to do after the title reign. I’m more understanding of Priest being unfocused because of Balor’s turn than I am Punk losing focus because Seth had the bracelet on his wrist. Punk wanted a win over Drew as much as Priest wanted to retain his title, or at least the stakes in both of their minds were probably emotionally similarly intense. The downside is Gunther’s win wasn’t the focus, but rather “the implosion of The Judgment Day.” Priest won over the crowd more and more as the match progressed. WWE has a solid babyface wrestler in Priest now and he’s coming out of this title reign stronger, even if it wasn’t a stellar reign on usual title reign merits. For whatever it’s worth, this was the first match of the night that didn’t involve a wrestler going shoulder-first into the corner and hitting the turnbuckles or ringpost.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE SummerSlam PLE Results: 8-3-24

(7) CODY RHODES vs. SOLO SIKOA – Undisputed WWE Title match

Solo came out alone. Cole said it took a hell of a lot of guts to make it a Bloodline Rules match because he loses every advantage as champion. They cut to Cody in his bus. He walked out and then took his dog’s leash and walked him through the parking garage with him. Graves said this is Faraoh’s final trip with Cody on the road. Cody then hugged Arn Anderson backstage. Arn said 54,000 people say he’s a great champion. (What about the other 3,000+?) He told Cody he put himself in a tough spot, but he still has pull and a couple of his friends on the way to make sure things remain fair. Cole gave a brief bio on Anderson’s history with the Rhodes family. Cody handed off Faroah to a handler and put on his jacket and a helmet with a skull mask and wings. He then made his entrance.

After formal ring introductions, the bell rang 25 minutes into the fourth hour. Solo had his back turned when the bell rang as he held the red necklace that Cole said represents the Tribal Chief. Fans chanted, “F— you, Solo!” A fan held up a sign that said, “Manifesting the return of Roman Reigns.” Solo countered some of Cody’s signature offense early and then methodically beat on Cody. Graves said he was surprised Cody didn’t try to pick up teh pace. Cody ducked a charging Solo, who landed on the ring apron. Cody landed a Disaster Kick and then he followed with a dive through the ropes, tackling Solo. He showed fire and went for another dive, but this time Solo punched him out of mid-air. He rammed him into the ringside steps.

Solo went on methodical offense with two Samoan Drops and a two count. Graves said Solo’s methodical pace could backfire if he gave Cody too much time to recover. Cody then landed a Cody Cutter. Graves said Solo indeed took long, taking time to “enjoy himself” when he had Cody down. Cody rammed Solo into the ringside stairs and then into the cart with energy drinks on it. Cody landed a Bionic Elbow, but Solo caught him mid-air and hit a powerbomb. Solo landed a hip attack in the corner, then bragged to the crowd at 10:00. Cody kicked Solo and set up a Pedigree, but Solo slipped free and almost hit the ref. Cody rolled him up for a two count. Solo then landed a one-arm slam for a near fall. He applied a nerve hold next.

Solo hung Cody upside down in the corner and landed two running headbutts to Cody’s chest and head. Cody avoided a third headbutt and then landed a top rope moonsault bodypress. Graves said it was ugly but effective. Graves said it reminded him of a Terry Funk moonsault. Cody landed a superplex a minute later. (There was little drama in these first 12 minutes not primarily because of the methodical pace or the length of the show approaching four hours, but because Bloodline Rules hadn’t been factored in at all yet and everybody knows that’s going to happen before the finish.)

At 16:00, Solo set up a Cross Rhodes, but Cody reversed it and it it. Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga then attacked Cody. Solo made the cover, but Cody kicked out. Graves said this could happen all night long. Kevin Owen’s music then played and he ran to the ring. He was quickly outnumbered. Randy Orton’s music played and he ran out next. (One at a time isn’t the best strategy here!) Owens gave Solo a Swanton.

Cody then gave Solo a Cross Rhodes for a near fall. Orton and Owens chased Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa through the crowd, so it was one-on-one. Solo was down and Cody assessed. Cody picked up the top segment of the ringside steps and threw it into the ring. He lifted it and bashed Solo with it twice.

Cody went for a third, but Solo speared Cody and scored a two count. Solo set up the stair segment in the corner and pushed Cody against it. He then charged with a hip attack. Cody moved and Solo hit the stairs. Cody then landed Cross Rhodes twice. As Cody set up a third, Jacob Fatu charged in and attacked Cody. Fatu landed a top rope moonsault. Cole said the referee couldn’t do a damn thing about it. Fatu dragged Solo onto Cody who kicked out at the last split-second. Fans were standing. and watching. Oddly, no “Roman Reigns” or “We Want Roman” chant yet. Fatu superkicked Cody at ringside and then cleared the announce desk. Solo began to recover in the ring and directed Fatu’s attack. Fatu leaped off off the top turnbuckle onto Cody with a frog splash. Fatu grabbed his right ankle in pain afterward. He stood, but his leg gave out. He threw chairs around and let out yells. He yelled at Solo to finish him.

Solo then leaped off the top rope with a splash for a dramatic near fall. That got a bigger pop than previous near falls. When Solo set up a Samoan Spike, Cody collapsed. (Everyone should do that!) Cody then hit Solo with a superkick and a top rope Cody Cutter, getting a surge of energy bordering on a Tommy Dreamer Comeback. Suddenly, the Head of the Table graphic appeared on the big screen and a remix of Roman Reigns’s music played.

Roman walked out at 27:00 “He’s here! He’s here! He’s here! Roman Reigns is here!” exclaimed Cole. “Holy hell, Roman Reigns has returned.” Graves said it’s the first time since losing his crown at WrestleMania. Cole said, “The question is: Why is Roman Reigns here? Who is Roman Reigns here for?” Roman entered the ring and hit Solo with a Superman Punch. Fans roared with cheers as he hit a Spear. “The Revival of the Roman Empire with a spear!” exclaimed Cole. “Holy shit!” chanted the fans. Roman looked at Cody and nodded, then left. Cody soaked up the scene as Reigns walked down the aisle. Reigns paused and watched as Cody picked up Solo and delivered a Cross Rhodes for the win. As Cody celebrated Cole said the real Tribal Chief is back and god help Solo.

WINNER: Cody in 30:00 to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

(Like so many Roman matches, this was paced to tell an elaborate story with the finish mattering more than the quality or pace of the action in the first 80 percent of the match. It worked to a great degree by the finish because the return of Roman was what this was all about. The crowd never bought into Solo as a threat to win despite a solid performance from him and help from his cohorts. Does Reigns overshadow Cody? How much is he around now? Does he explain himself and say he did it for Cody, against Solo, or for Paul Heyman, or all of the above.)

 

[Taiso]

Overall, I thought it was a great show. I didn't watch the preshow and I was going through my Gen Con gets while some of the matches were airing. Drew/Punk was the best thing from a storytelling standpoint as it advances that feud in new and interesting ways. Seth is now completely invested after Punk gave him a GTS. Punk is starting to look like an artifact out there. Today's breed of WWE wrestler is just too big, fast, athletic and physical for him to keep up with. Storytelling and psychology are his only means of keeping up. He' s truly an old school guy in this new era and it shows. But he still sells great. Reminds me of how Brett Hart would sell the physicality of the match as it went on. A lot of guys today don't know how to tell a story in the ring. It's just run run run, take a bunch of offense from the other guy and then get up like they haven't been going for 15 minutes. It was noticeable that Punk was a lot slower at the end than at the beginning. Cardio and conditioning may have something to do with that as well, but the greats know how to use their weaknesses as strengths.

Priest/Gunther was also pretty sensational. I have been a Gunther supporter for a very long time. That is a guy that fits in any era. Just big, strong, hardcore worker that can go, can dish it out and take it in equal measure. He literally works in any era and in any federation. He is timeless. Priest is the exact opposite, a product of modern wrestling with great ring presence, athleticism, physicality and speed. He is a wonderful hybrid of so many modern styles and I love seeing these contrasts go at it. Priest is a natural babyface in my opinion and I've been wanting this shift for a long time. He has a cool, easy swagger and is very charismatic. Kind of a modern Scott Hall minus all the personal demons plaguing him. And being a multicultural star means he has cache in a lot of Hispanic regions. He's a great spokesman for WWE on an international level.

I'm disappointed Bayley dropped the strap to Nya but I have to give the Queen her flowers. Ever since coming back, she's been an improved wrestler (minus injuring their top woman star). I feel like this division is Tiffany Stratton's to win or lose at this point. Bianca is still great but I'm kind of over her. Lyra Valkyria is great but I think that she's still too 'WWE new' to be taken seriously just yet. Thank God Alba and Isla kept the belts. They are a great tag team and deserve a long run. They have a gimmick. They aren't just two wrestlers thrown together like Bianca and Jade, who is still green as fuck and if this is the best she is going to get, they need to go back to the squash matches or they need to rethink the flow of her tag matches. Tag teams are a great way to hide weaknesses in wrestlers but she can't keep up with Bianca and they need to simplify her in ring work.

L.A. Knight has arrived. He was long overdue for a belt and I am greatly impressed with how his cardio and ring work have improved. He is clearly working hard to get better in the ring and it shows. I used to fear that top rope vaulting superplex but now I'm confident he can get up there every time. He still needs to work on the transition from the hop into the move as it's still not as smooth as it could be but overall, I believe that he has transitioned into a hybrid brawler quite well. His arc is very similar to the Rock's when he started mixing athleticism with physicality after he turned heel. I'm not saying he's of the Rock's caliber, just that he has made the shift. Knight is clearly a throwback to the attitude era and while dopes like Kevin Nash have criticized him for it, a lot of wrestlers have tried to copy the attitude era and failed. L.A. Knight has succeeded in absorbing some of that aggression and made it into his own. He's probably my favorite guy on the WWE roster right now.

Likewise, Bron Breaker has arrived. Love Sami but this is just Breaker's time. The man is going to be the biggest star in this company some day. I love that they acknowledge he's a Steiner. He's really like a mix between Rick and Scott in so many ways. The guy has everything it takes to be massive in this industry and I am happy for him. I even love that they reference Steiner math from time to time. Not sure where Sami goes from here but doing the favors for Bron was the right move. I'd love for Bron to ditch the fake name and just be a Steiner (yes, I'm aware that the name is really 'Rechsteiner').

Cody/Sikoa was...all right. Cody is absolutely the right guy right now but I fear that without the Bloodline there isn't much for him to do. I think they should pivot into a feud with Gunther. They had such fantastic chemistry in the Royal Rumble 2023 match and there is definitely a story they could tell there. The only problem is that they're on competing brands, even though that doesn't really matter. You could easily book a 'who is the best' match for Survivor Series, have Gunther win and then build to a blowoff at Wrestlemania. I was disappointed that Paul Heyman didn't return to wreak vengeance on the Bloodline by reuniting the OG bloodline or even bringing in Brock Lesnar (who I know is still kinda persona non grata due to the Jenelle Grant lawsuit that he wasn't named in) to whup some ass. I'm sure this is building to Wrestlemania. My theory: the Rock will join Solo's faction, assume control of it as he did the Nation of Domination and beat Cody for the belt. This will set up Roman to fight the Rock at Wrestlemania as the marquee matchup for all the marbles.

Rhea/Liv went exactly as I expected it would. Rhea should have known better than to fall for a convict. Dirty Dom's done hard time. You can't trust a hardened criminal. It's her own fault. The Judgement Day is over, I think. Without Priest and Rhea in there, it doesn't have any real star power. The rest of the guys are WWE famous but they aren't true superstars. Not even Finn Balor, who I like very much.

 

[Hot Chocolate]

I enjoyed the show, I do fear once away from The Bloodline( I acknowledge my tribal chief, Solo ) there isn't much for him to do since they haven't really built up any other opps for him outside of The Bloodline.

Dom made the right call, if a woman willingly buys you a PS5 and fifty chicken nuggets that means you either gotta marry that woman or knock her up.

 

[wataru330]

Kevin Sullivan has passed away.
@MSL you have my condolences.

 

[MSL]

Kevin Sullivan has passed away.
@MSL you have my condolences.

thank you so much. horrible day. really appreciate your message.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW All In PPV Results: 8-25-24

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

(1) HOUSE OF BLACK (Malakai Black & Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. THE BANG BANG GANG (Juice Robinson & Colten Gunn & Austin Gunn) vs. THE PATRIARCHY (Christian Cage & Nick Cage & Killswitch) vs. CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI & WHEELER YUTA & PAC – Ladder match for the AEW Trios Tag Team Titles

When the bell rang, Christian ran away from the ring. Nigel praised him. Wrestlers tried to climb the ladder early, but were yanked down quickly by others. Then came a series of dives. Pac got a pop for his sky twister off the top rope onto a crowd at ringside. Excalibur said Pac wasn’t able to be part of the show last year and he’s extra worked up about participating tonight. Nigel said he was looking for his Wembley Moment.

Christian saw an opening and ran to the ring to climb the ladder. Claudio and Brody pulled him down and threw him onto a crowd at ringside. Meanwhile, Mother Wayne set up the ladder and began climbing it gingerly in her high-heel boots. The Gunns re-entered the ring and she backed away. Killswitch then gave the Gunns double-chokeslams. He chokeslammed a variety of other wrestlers who charged in one at a time.

Nick Wayne landed a Wayne’s World onto Brody through a table at ringside. Back in the ring, Killswitch climbed the ladder and reached for the belts, but Christian wanted the glory and he paused him. Christain entered and reached for the belts, but Wheeler and Juice tipped the ladder over.

A few minutes later, Wayne landed a running flip over the top rope into a Destroyer on Black. Some fans chanted “Holy shit!” Juice set up the tallest ladder mid-ring and climbed it quickly. He had the belts in reach, but Christian tipped the ladder over and Juice crotched the top rope. Christian threw a ladder at Pac and then delivered a Killswitch on a chair. Yuta climbed a short ladder. Christian sprayed him in the eyes and then put a ladder on his back and bashed the ladder with a chair.

Mother Wayne tried to spray Juice with hairspray, but Juice blocked it with a chair and then sprayed Mother Wayne in the face. He then teased giving her a powerbomb off the ring apron through a table. Killswitch made the save and knocked Juice onto the table instead. Christian and Killswitch set up the tall ladder. Christian climbed it as Killswitch guarded him. Matthews snuck in and disrupted Christian.

Killswitch yanked Matthews down. Matthews then climbed a medium ladder, but Christian leaped off his ladder and delivered a spear on Matthews through a table below. Killswitch then positioned the tall ladder and pulled Christian over to climb it. Killswitch aided Christian. Pac climbed the other side and met Christian at the top and knocked him down. “What a moment!” said Schiavone. Pac pulled the ladders down to win.

As Pac celebrated, Malakai and Brody raised his arms in a show of respect.

WINNERS: Claudio & Yuta & Pac in 19:00 to capture the AEW Trios Tag Team Titles.

(Lots of crowd-pleasing big spots. Christian was the weaselly heel going for the glory and ultimately costing him and his teammates.)

(2) TONI STORM (w/Luther) vs. “THE GLAMOUR” MARIAH MAY – AEW Women’s Title match

Mariah made her entrance first. A camera view from up high hovered over the sections with the most empty seats for some reason for several seconds. The screen went black and white for Toni Storm. The camera again briefly showed major sections tarped off to the side and back of the entrance stage.

They stared each other down when the bell rang. They then went into a rapid-fire series of wild swings. Mariah landed a leaping knee off the ring apron onto Storm a few minutes in, then walked over and kissed Nigel. Excalibur called it a “thrill of a lifetime.” Storm then gave Luther a running a dropkick. Fans booed. Mariah slapped her own mother at ringside. Meanwhile, Storm recovered and went on the attack at ringside. Storm hugged Mariah’s mother at ringside, who was crying and clutching her cheek. Mariah came up bleeding from being thrown into the ringside steps. She crawled into the ring and cried.

Mariah made a comeback and landed several hip attacks. Storm came out of the corner with a running dropkick which led to a near fall. They both went down after headbutting each other. Mariah tried to bring a shoe into the ring, but Storm saw it and stepped on her wrist. Storm then picked up the shoe. The ref warned her not to use it. Storm wound up, but hesitated as Mariah begged off. Instead, she set up a Storm Zero, but Mariah countered with a roll-up for a two count. Mariah landed two running knees and then a Storm Zero for the three count.

As Mariah celebrated, they showed Shirakawa watching in the crowd. Nigel said he needed a break to regain his bearings after getting a kiss from Mariah.

WINNER: Mariah May in 15:00 to capture the AEW World Women’s Title.

(Good match that leaned into the personal backstory of the match and Mariah using Storm’s moves as part of her mirroring of Storm.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW All In PPV Results: 8-25-24

(3) CHRIS JERICHO (w/Big Bill, Bryan Keith) vs. HOOK – FTW Title match

Fozzy played live on stage for Jericho’s entrance. Jericho said, “I am the Learning Tree.” He then waved to the crowd and sang his song as he walked to the ring. Jericho got little reaction, then waved to the crowd and said, “Thanks, guys!” They showed Hook walking up the steps onto the stage from behind. Then his entrance theme played, but there wasn’t much of a reaction. Hook’s left eye was covered in tape.

Big Bill and Keith entered the ring as soon as the bell rang, which was legal due to “FTW Rules.” They triple-teamed Hook. Jericho landed a Lionsault for a two count. Jericho poured cricket balls out of a bag onto the canvas. Hook suplexed Jericho gut the balls had rolled out of the way. Hook pulled a cricket bat out from under the ring and hit Bill, Keith, and finally Jericho. Hook began using the bat to send balls at Jericho. He switched to throwing them. Hook choked Jericho with a cricket bat that said, “Hi Guys!” Hook gave Jericho a T-Bone. Keith entered and bashed Hook with a trash can lid. Jericho took control.

Jericho put Hook in a Walls of Jericho. Hook escaped and put Jericho in the Walls. Bill broke it up. Bill set up a table at ringside as Keith stomped away at Hook. Keith then pulled a barbed wire board out from under the ring and placed it on the table. Bill lifted Hook, but Hook slipped free and shoved Bill into the ringpost. Jericho then thumbed Hook in his one good eye.

Back in the ring, Hook swung wildly as if he couldn’t see anything. Jericho then took Hook down with a lariat. Jericho brought a trash can into the ring and bashed hook over the skull. Hook came back with a T-Bone. Hook yanked off the eye patch. Schiavone yelled, “He can see!” Taz said he was working everyone. (Why would he wait until that point to remove the patch when it cost him throughout the match up until that point?)

Bill held Hook on the ring apron and Jericho swung a pool cue. Hook moved and Jericho’s swing hit Bill instead. Bill bumped off the ring apron through the barbed wire table. Jericho shoved Hook toward Keith on the ring apron who hit Hook with Matha Hart’s belt. Jericho scored a two count (although Hook was late kicking out). Jericho charged at Hook, but Hook applied Red Rum. When Keith climbed onto the ring apron again, Taz got up and put Keith in a Tazmission. The crowd popped. Hook then got Jericho to tapout to Red Rum.

WINNER: Hook to regain the FTW Title.

(4) THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matthews & Nicholas Jackson) vs. FTR vs. THE ACCLAIMED (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens w/Billy Gunn)

FTR came out first. Then The Young Bucks. Finally, The Acclaimed. Max Caster rapped about the Bucks including mentioning FTR look like “members of the EDL” (a sensitive topic) and mentioned The Young Bucks’ penises.

Early in the match, the Bucks went on a flurry of offense as the announcers talked about their synergy. When Matthew yelled that they’re the reason the fans are there is because of them. Taz said it’s true because of their role in launching AEW. Schiavone said they’re not the sole reason fans are there, and Taz conceded to that point. Acclaimed took over and Bowens legdropped the crotches of both Bucks as Caster held their legs apart.

Dax took over on Bowens with unreleased German suplexes. Six-way chaos broke out afterward. The Bucks rallied. FTR took over and landed Shatter Machine on Matthew. Nicholas yanked the ref out of the ring during the count, then played innocent.

Caster and Bowens landed their finisher on Nicholas. Matthew broke up the cover. Dax knocked the Bucks into each other and rolled up Matthew. Nicholas hit him with a title belt. The Bucks then hit the EVP Trigger on Dax for the win.

WINNERS: The Young Bucks in 12:00 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles.

(On par with what you’d expect with a three-way tag match with these teams, getting in signature spots in the midst of a lot of chaos and a lack of structure.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW All In PPV Results: 8-25-24

(5) CASINO BATTLE ROYAL – Winner Receives future AEW Title match

Orange Cassidy’s ring entrance included a little video of him being dropped onto a stone paved road with a spotlight where he landed, then standing and dusting himself off as a cartoon image of him projected on the street. Then he came out live on the stage. Excalibur said being first is an advantage because, while there are 21 participants, the match can end anytime, long before everyone enters.

Kazuchika Okada came out second. The referee showed them the contract which said they can cash in a title shot anytime if they win the match. Okada offered Cassidy a hug. Cassidy was hesitant, but accepted. Okada then began bashing Cassidy. Excalibur talked briefly about the history between Cassidy and Okada in Chaos in Japan. “So much for being friends at one point, right?” said Schiavone. Okada began to set up an early Rainmaker, but Cassidy puts his hand in his pocket to block it. Cassidy then took Okada down with his hands in his pockets, then kipped up. Okada took over as the countdown clock indicated the third entrant was about to be revealed.

Nigel McGuinness entered third which got a huge pop from the crowd. He slapped Okada and then took Cassidy down with a lariat for an early fall. Nigel played to the crowd. Excalibur said Nigel wants to be the man to dethrone Danielson if Danielson leaves with the title.

Fourth out was Kyle O’Reilly. He went on a flurry of offense. Zack Sabre Jr. came out fifth. Excalibur noted he just won the New Japan G1 Climax tournament. Okada and ZSJ battled slone in the ring for a while. Okada gave the crowd the middle finger. ZSJ grabbed his finger and twisted it. O’Reilly returned to the ring and landed roundkicks to ZSJ’s chest. Zack put O’Reilly in an abominal stretch. Roderick Strong charged out next.


Mark Briscoe came out seventh. Strong and Okada went after him, but Briscoe fended them off. Fans were into his early offense. Briscoe dove through the ropes onto Okada at ringside.

A crazy-eyed “Hangman” Adam Page came out eighth. He went on the attack against Briscoe and O’Reilly and then let out a big yell. Jeff Jarrett came out ninth. Hangman powerbombed Jarrett over the top rope onto an awaiting crowd below. Hangman grabbed Karen as she stood on the ring apron.

Ricochet then made his AEW debut as the tenth entrance. Excalibur said they heard the rumors and they are true. The graphic said, “Ricochet: Out of This World.” Richcoet went on offense against Hangman. Taz said, “This dude is special.” He and O’Reilly went at it next. Excalibur said for years he has been the premiere high-flyer in all of pro wrestling. He landed a shooting star press off the top rope onto a crowd below. Taz said, “I feel Ricochet is going to fit right in.”

Christian Cage came out 11th. Hangman caught Ricochet with a Buckshot lariat. Okada nonchalantly broke up the cover. Hangman stood and turned to stare at Okada. Okada absorbed some forearms to the chest and landed a high dropkick. Hangman came back with a short-arm clothesline and then set up a Buckshot. Karen Jarrett grabbed his leg. Jeff Jarrett then bashed Hangman over the head with the guitar. Okada gave Jarrett a Rainmaker. (Who had that on their Pro Wrestling Bingo Card for 2024?) He then battled Zack Sabre Jr. Orange Cassidy hit Zack with an Orange Punch. Roderick landed End of Heartache on Cassidy. Briscoe and Nigel entered the fray. Nigel scored a near fall on O’Reilly after a Tower of London.

Christian caught Nigel with a spear. Fans stood, awaiting the next entrant. Killswitch, announced as Luchasaurus, ran out to the ring. Christian looked concerned. The announcers said Luchasaurus had enough after what went down in the ladder match earlier. Luchasaurus, though, attacked O’Reilly and then put Christian on him for the win.

WINNER: Christian in 26:00.

(It seemed like they were either setting up Hangman winning to “cash in” against Swerve or setting up Nigel winning to “cash in” against Danielson, but instead Christian gets the surprising win. The match was a blast with surprises. The format can lead to fans feeling let down when there’s a finish when they are excited about more potential surprises. The good part about this finish is that had either Hangman or Nigel won, it would have seemed to be a spoiler for the main event. Christian is a logical heel opponent for either Swerve or Danielson, whomever wins.)

(6) MJF vs. WILL OSPREAY – AEW “American” (International) Title match

A video package aired on Ospreay before his entrance. MJF came out to an over-the-top “patriotic” entrance with women waving American flags. MJF came out dressed up as Uncle Sam. Schiavone said MJF doesn’t care about America and he’s just acting. The announcers discussed MJF changing the name. Excalibur said it’s the International Championship.

After some early back and forth action, MJF gouged Ospreay’s eyes. He threw Ospreay to the floor and then stood on the second rope and played to the crowd, which booed. MJF tossed Ospreay around ringside.

MJF set up his Heat Seeker, but Ospreay blocked it and then springboarded at MJF with a flying forearm to the chest. Both were down and slow to get up. Ospreay kipped up and fired away at MJF. MJF countered with an eye poke. He turned his back and swiveled his hips. Taz said MJF was channeling Rick Rude. Ospreay went on the attack. MJF blew his nose on Ospreay. Ospreay went on the attack and landed a standing Sky Twister for a two count. MJF rolled to the floor.

MJF landed his Kangaroo Kick and was booed. Ospreay fired back with a springboard flying forearm. Ospreay played to the crowd and they cut to a wide shot of the impressive crowd. He then dove onto MJF, but MJF caught him and converted Ospreay into a leaping tombstone piledriver on the floor. Both were down and slow to get up. MJF stood and said, “Anyone can flip, you piece of shit!”

They battled back in the ring with big moves including an OsCutter and CrossRhodes. Ospreay eventually hit an OsCutter for a two count. Ospreay scored a two count with a small package a minute later. MJF landed a spinning elbow. Ospreay countered with a Storm Breaker for a near fall. Excalibur noted that fans were chanting “Tiger Driver” at Ospreay. He said Danielson told Ospreay to “do it.” Ospreay set up a Hidden Blade, but MJF rolled to ringside. MJF avoided an OcCutter on the ring apron.

After MJF landed a move on the ring apron, Ospreay was nearly counted out. MJF was excited about maybe winning by countout. Fans sang “Ospreay” to “Olé.”

Ospreay leaped off the ring apron toward MJF but hit a camera man instead. Ospreay checked on him. MJF grabbed his title belt. Ospreay eventually re-entered the ring, ducked MJF, and then charged with a Hidden Blade, but MJF hit him with the belt for a convincing near fall. MJF quickly followed up with a brainbuster suplex for another near fall. Ospreay knocked MJF into the ref inadvertently. Ospreay leaned out to check on the ref. MJF came up behind and then bit his forehead. MJF set up a Tiger Driver. Ospreay countered and set up a Tiger Driver. MJF gave Ospreay a low-blow. MJF put a foreign object on his hand. Daniel Garcia came out in a mask and knocked MJF down. Garcia unmasked to reveal himself. He stared down MJF. MJF said he’d get him for that and called him a “piece of shit.” Ospreay recovered and landed his Hidden Blade. With MJF on his back, Ospreay set up a Tiger Driver. He looked around at the fans and then delivered the move, dropping MJF onto the back of his neck. The ref returned and counted to three.

Justin Roberts announced Ospreay as the winner of the “American Title.” Excalibur said it won’t be known by that name much longer. Christopher Daniels entered the ring and handed Ospreay the International Title belt. Justin announced him again, this time as the International Champion. They went to an aerial shot of the stadium with fireworks blasting.

WINNER: Ospreay in 26:00 to capture the AEW International Title.

(Very good match. The Tiger Driver spot was finally paid off. Garcia showing up late sets up MJF vs. Garcia at All Out, giving MJF a place to pivot right away. Tony Khan has done a solid job setting up matches for All Out in the background that are manifesting in time for a line-up with some matches that will have been built up longer than just a couple weeks but feeling fresh and not having overshadowed the All In build.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW All In PPV Results: 8-25-24

(7) MERCEDES MONE (w/Kamille) vs. BRITT BAKER – AEW TBS Title match

Baker went for an early Lock Jaw. Kamille put Mercedes on her shoulders and lifted her back to the ring apron. Excalibur talked about career-threatening injures that both Mercedes and Britt have battled back from. Mercedes dropped Britt on the top turnbuckle with a side slam. Mercedes went on a long stretch of offense. She bodyslammed Baker while standing on the second rope. Baker attempted a comeback while selling a back injury. He landed a cutter Both were down and slow to get up.

Baker took over and scored a two count. She held up a red glove and put it on and then went for a Lock Jaw. Mercedes blocked it and then leveraged Baker’s shoulders down. They countered each other until Mercedes successfully landed a back stabber. Some fans chanted, “CEO!” Mercedes set up a top rope move, but Baker countered a powerslam mid-air and landed the powerslam herself for a near fall.

Kamille pulled Mercedes’s leg under the bottom rope to stop a subsequent pin attempt. As Baker leaned out to yell at her, Mercedes tried to hit Baker with the belt. She almost hit the ref, though. As the ref got rid of the belt, Kamille stood on the ring apron. Baker pretended Kamille hit her and tossed her the belt. The ref sent her to the back. (The ref so slow turning around, Kamille looked ridiculous standing there for several seconds holding up the belt instead of just dropping the belt and dropping to the floor.) Baker rallied including a running stomp for a near fall.

Baker applied the Lock Jaw, but Mercedes bit down. Schiavone said, “That’s a hell of a counter.” (Uh, yeah.) Mercedes then landed her Money Maker for the win.

WINNER: Mercedes in 17:00 to retain the AEW TBS Title.

(That did not feel epic. Something was just off and it never got the crowd pulled in. The sequences were choppy and the match just didn’t flow. The finish also came out nowhere and was anticlimactic.)

(8) JACK PERRY vs. DARBY ALLIN – Coffin match for the TNT Title

When Taz asked is Excalibur had seen a bodybag before, Excalibur said Darby has brought them out many times. He said Taz is forgetful and “it might be all those chairshots you talk about.” (That felt out of bounds, but also tone deaf considering what we’re likely about to see.) Excalibur said Grand Slam on Feb. 15, 2025 will be Grand Slam Australia in Brisbane at the SunCorp Stadium. Darby leaped at Perry as soon as he got to ringside and the ref called for the bell. Darby bashed Perry across his back with a chair several times. Darby had tacks glues to his face and then scraped them against Perry’s face. He then put Perry on a chair and landed a dropkick off the top rope. Darby tried to throw Perry into the casket early. Perry resisted. Darby then leaned the coffin up and dove toward Perry, but Perry moved and so Darby crashed into the coffin.

Perry took over at ringside. Then he poured broken glass shards onto the canvas. He extended his arms and took in a deep breath. Fans sang, “Oh, cry me a river!” Darby recovered and knocked Perry onto the glass. Darby climbed to the top rope, but Perry knocked him to the floor. Perry pulled a roll of tape out from under the ring and then wrapped Darby’s wrists and ankles.

Darby fought back and landed a Coffin Drop. Then he put Perry in the coffin, but Perry kicked his way out. Perry dragged Darby up the ramp and then tossed him off the stage onto tables below. He put Darby in a body bag and into the coffin. Darby stuck his head out, but Perry kicked him back in and then shut the coffin on him to win.

WINNER: Perry in 11:00 to retain the TNT Title.

(There was actual signs of restraint in terms of the chances they took in that match. The finish here also felt anticlimactic and sudden, probably just due to the usual length of matches like this and expectations that they had only done half of the big crazy spots they had planned.)

-Afterward, the Bucks came out and poured gasoline on the coffin. The lights went out and then Stiing made his return to AEW. The Bucks and Perry tried to triple team Sting. Sting no-sold a chairshot to his back. Perry rolled out of the ring. Sting then gave the Young Bucks a double Scorpion Death Drop. Sting’s music played as fans cheered. Sting pulled Darby out of the coffin.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW All In PPV Results: 8-25-24

(9) SWERVE STRICKLAND (c, w/ Prince Nana) vs. BRYAN DANIELSON – AEW World Championship match

A massive standing ovation followed the opening bell. Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland circled one another slowly. Schiavone quickly noted – Swerve was smiling, Danielson wasn’t. They locked up. Swerve applied a side headlock, Bryan wrestled him to the mat. Strickland kicked to his feet and slapped Bryan across the chest. They engaged in another brief take down exchange, then began trading hard chops. Strickland shot a glance toward Brie and Bryan’s kids. Bryan punched him hard, then kicked him at the elbow point. Strickland pulled his elbow in close, trying to rotate his shoulder.

Excalibur wondered aloud whether such a move would make the champion a sitting duck for the Labell Lock. Swerve tossed Bryan to the outside, then caught him with a stiff kick to the face. Strickland flipped over the top rope and landed on his feet. Bryan quickly leapt to the apron and caught the champion with a rolling cannonball. He tossed the champion back in the ring and ascended the southeast corner. He dropped a knee on Swerve’s outstretched arm. Taz said that Bryan will dissect and injured body part better than anyone. Strickland tossed Bryan toward the corner. Danielson flipped up and over him. Swerve caught him with a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker.

Strickland shook out his shoulder as Nana fired up a “Swerve’s House” chant from ringside. The champion caught Bryan with an elbow to the chest, then a kick to the open leg. Swerve sauntered around the ring arrogantly, pulling Bryan to the mat and driving both his knees into Danielson’s outstretched arm. J.R. said Swerve has to beat Bryan tonight to become the man he wants to be. Taz disagreed, calling Swerve the measuring stick as World Champion. Strickland ascended the southeast corner, but Danielson cut him off. They traded slaps as the match closed in on 6:00. Bryan applied a climbing arm bar while entangled in the ropes. Strickland hoisted him all the way over and walked him to the adjacent edge. Referee Paul Turner inadvertently ate a boot to the back of the head from Bryan.

Prince Nana retrieved the ring bell and placed it underneath Swerve. Strickland gave Danielson a Death Valley Driver onto the bell on the edge of the ring, out of view of the referee. Danielson came up bleeding profusely from the forehead and clutching his neck. The referee reached a count of seven before Danielson stirred. He answered the count at nine. Strickland talked some trash and kicked him in the face. “Why do we gotta do this? Why would he want to do this to his family?” he asked the camera. Strickland continued to stomp Danielson, then danced. He clutched Danielson’s wrists and got ready to stomp him, but he caught sight of Danielson’s family and thought better of it.

The champion tossed Bryan to the floor and dragged him closer to Brie. He stomped at Bryan’s face right in front of them. “You want your daddy to come home? I’m giving that to you!” he told Birdie and Buddy. Brie looked on stoically. Swerve tossed Danielson on the edge of the ring and dragged his knuckles across the open wound on Bryan’s head. He hoisted him onto the top turnbuckle and delivered a Super back drop. Birdie covered her eyes at ringside. Swerve climbed to the top, calling for the Swerve Stomp. He dove, but Bryan dodged. He immediately rolled Swerve into the Labell Lock. He couldn’t get all his weight across Strickland’s back, and so the champion was able to battle out quickly.

From a standing switch, Strickland caught Bryan with an up kick. Danielson stumbled into the ropes, then exploded out with a massive clothesline. Strickland rose slowly and missed wildly with an uppercut. Bryan pulled him into a backslide for a quick two count. Bryan pounded the mat, willing the crowd to their feet. Strickland retreated to the corner, rocked for the first time. Bryan hit him with one running kick, then two. On the third, Strickland met him in the center with a momentum-killing Flatliner. He covered Danielson for a near fall just after 13:00. Both men rose slowly. Bryan hooked both of Swerve’s arms behind his back, looking for Cattle Mutilation. Swerve blocked it, but Bryan hit him with a Tiger Suplex.

Danielson massaged his neck, blood still pouring from his face. He began his signature Yes Kicks. The crowd chanted along with each. He capped it off with the roundhouse. Swerve fall against the southeast corner. Bryan kicked at his back, then hoisted him to the top. Danielson hit an Avalanche Tiger Suplex from the very top, rolling into a cover for a two count. Bryan’s eyes grew wide. “I’m gonna kick his f—ing head in!” the crowd said it with him. Danielson clutched Swerve’s arms and stomped away, eventually turning over into Cattle Mutilation. Excalibur said the champion is in deep water now. Swerve struggled briefly, but was able to lift himself back to base. He hoisted Danielson into the air and delivered a Vertebreaker. Paul Turner immediately called for medical attention for Bryan.

“His arm is broken,” Nana said repeatedly. Swerve pushed the medical team aside and climbed to the top, delivering a Swerve Stomp for a cover and near fall just before 18:00. Strickland looked around at the crowd, visibly frustrated. Danielson writhed on the mat. Strickland dropped him with a House Call. Bryan continued to clutch at his neck. He blinked away the blood from his eyes. Swerve hit a second House Call. He leaned against the ropes, talking to himself as a “let’s go Bryan” chant swelled in Wembley.

Bryan rose to his knees, looking toward his family. “I’m sorry,” he mouthed. Swerve gave him another House Call to the back of the head. Strickland covered, but Danielson just barely lifted his shoulder. The crowd sprang to life. Strickland was incensed. He helped Danielson to his knees and began kicking him violently in the chest. With each kick, Bryan told his family he loved them. Swerve just kicked harder. Bryan slapped Swerve across the face and exploded with multiple kicks of his own. He pulled Swerve down into a Triangle. Strickland dead lifted him off the mat. Bryan slipped free and hit the corner, calling for the knee. He caught Strickland with the Busaiku Knee. Swerve completely shrugged it off. He hit Bryan immediately with another House Call.

Swerve turned Bryan around to face his family. He hoisted him up and delivered Big Pressure for a leg hook and very near fall just after 22:00. The crowd exploded. Excalibur said it’s the first time anyone has kicked out of the move. Strickland put his forehead against Danielson’s, speaking to him quietly. He began mocking the “Yes” taunt. The crowd screamed “no!” Commotion ensued at ringside. It was Hangman Page. He beat down security, then tossed Prince Nana to the floor. More personnel overwhelmed Hangman, dragging him away.

The American Dragon, in a last gasp, caught Strickland with another Busaiku Knee. He covered for a close near fall. Both men struggled to their feet, trading stiff kicks, then transitioning to chops, then to headbutts. Bryan lookced for the Labell Lock, but Swerve rolled free and shoved Danielson to the corner. Swerve rolled toward him, perhaps looking for a Monkey Flip. Danielson exploded out of the corner and caught him with another Busaiku Knee. Swerve rose to a knee. Bryan hit him again, this time from behind.

Danielson quickly rolled Strickland into the Labell Lock. Strickland looked poised to tap, but he began fighting off Bryan with the free hand. Danielson relinquished the hold, pulled Swerve’s hand above his head and snapped his fingers. He re-applied the hold with both arms pulled back tightly. Swerve tapped.

WINNER: Bryan Danielson in 25:59 to win the AEW World Championship

Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and Pac rushed to ringside. They helped Brie, Birdie, and Buddy over the barricade and into the ring. Taz mentioned that Swerve Strickland had never tapped out in AEW. Buddy danced happily amongst the confetti raining down. Danielson placed the AEW World Title on Birdie’s shoulders and the family continued to celebrate as the show went off the air.

 

[Taiso]

All In was a pretty stellar event. Lots of great little moments, two instant classic matches, a lot of feel good happenings. The only thing I didn't like was Luchasaurus helping Christian win the Casino match after the events of the six man tag match earlier. It felt like that was the moment to pull the trigger on his face turn.

Not sure how I feel about Jack Perry beating Darby Allin in the coffin match quite so decisively. It got to a point where it was just torture porn. It was nice to see Sting make the save when the Elite were about to set the coffin on fire. Just because he retired from in ring competition doesn't mean he can't still be involved in the angles as an onscreen character.

MJF and Ospreay delivered on every promise it made. I'd like to see MJF keep calling himself the American champion.

Danielson was the right choice in the title match. He deserves a run with that title. Swerve was at his shittiest heel best in this match. I felt that he shouldn't have turned face just because the fans were cheering him. Hangman Adam Page's beef with him is legit. Hopefully they can continue their feud. That bill needs to come due.

AEW's in ring product is still a little too overproduced and overchoreographed for my tastes but I appreciate that they are finally getting back to what makes them different: unpredictable finishes. They are also getting better at the character side of things again. Now get Okada out of the Elite or make him serious again. Stevie Richards said that it's pathetic that he's now the guy that comes out and says 'bitch'. It's the same as Ron Simmons coming out and saying 'Damn!' except that Okada isn't anywhere near the end of his career. He shouldn't be settling.

 

[famicommander]

Sid Eudy, best known as Psycho Sid and/or Sid Vicious, has died from cancer at age 63.

His career highlights:
2X WWF Champion
2X WCW World Heavyweight Champion
2X WCW United States Champion
1X CWA Heavyweight Champion
1X USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion
1X UWSA Texas Heavyweight Champion
1X NWA Northeast Heavyweight Champion

 

[Arcademan]

Sid Eudy (aka Sid Vicious & Sycho Sid) has died

Word is spreading online this afternoon (Aug. 26) that former WCW and WWE star Sid Eudy has died. The man who won the then-WWF belt as Sycho Sid, and the WCW World title as Sid Vicious, was 63 years old.

A true heavyweight billed at 6’ 9” and more than 300 pounds, Eudy started out in the last days of the territories era, working in North America and Japan in the late 1980s. He’d started working as Sid Vicious before joining WCW in 1989, where he spent some time as a Four Horseman before leaving for WWE in 1991. There, he wrestled as Sid Justice and feuded with Hulk Hogan before leaving after a failed drug test and disagreements about his booking in a program with Ultimate Warrior.

He briefly returned to WCW, then wrestled for Jerry Lawler in Memphis. In 1995, he was back with WWE, first as Sid Justice before adopting the Sycho Sid name. Under that gimmick he won the WWF championship twice — once from Shawn Michaels, and once (with a Steve Austin assist) from Bret Hart. Sid left while dealing with a neck injury and eventually made his way back to WCW.

In 1999, he played “The Millenium Man” and won the United States title and lost a feud with Goldberg. The following year, after ditching the turn-of-the-century gimmick, Eudy won the WCW World title from Kevin Nash. His career almost came to an end when he suffered a gruesome leg break during a 4way PPV title match in January of 2001, Despite early indications that he’d be limited in the use of the leg for the rest of his life, Eudy recovered to where he made brief runs internationally and for indie promotions, and guest appearances for WWE, until 2017.

Sid had been married since 1983; he and his wife had two sons. He was an avid softball player, even considering leaving wrestling to play full-time in the late 1990s.

 

[GutsDozer]

Man...... Sid was one of my favorites. I met him in Memphis once and he was a hell of a nice guy to boot. That sucks. Rest in power.

 

[Syn]

His son posted on FB about his father's passing.

 

[Syn]

Man...... Sid was one of my favorites. I met him in Memphis once and he was a hell of a nice guy to boot. That sucks. Rest in power.

My buddy delivered pizza to him once. It was ahead of time but Sid cussed my friend out and threatened him. My friend is the nicest guy too but it was baseball/softball season and he probably lost a game earlier is all my friend could think of as to why.

 

[GutsDozer]

My buddy delivered pizza to him once. It was ahead of time but Sid cussed my friend out and threatened him. My friend is the nicest guy too but it was baseball/softball season and he probably lost a game earlier is all my friend could think of as to why.

Sounds like he was high or drunk. That's pretty sad to meet someone like that and they act so dissapointing.

 

[MSL]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1829351118029144466

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Bash in Berlin PLE Results: 8-31-24

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

(1) CODY RHODES vs. KEVIN OWENS – Undisputed WWE Champion

Owens came out first. As Cody made his entrance, Cole said he asked around after Smackdown last night and no one would confirm Cody had a knee injury. Barrett said everyone is lying to cover for Cody. He added that he asked and found what KO whispered to Cody: “Don’t forget, you asked for this.” (That can be read as simply Cody asking KO to be his challenger, but it can also refer to KO justifying his turn on Cody at some point.) After ring entrance, fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes, Cody, Cody Rhodes!” The bell rang 14 minutes into the hour. During the staredown before locking up, fans cheered and the wrestlers soaked up the moment. “This place is rippling,” said Barrett. After a lock-up, fans loudly chanted “Kevin Owens!” It turned into a dueling chant of “Kevin Owens / Cody Rhodes!” Cole said Germany has been waiting forever for this.

They fought back and forth in the early minutes without sustained momentum. KO avoided a disaster kick at 4:00 and took over. When Cody dove through the ropes at KO at ringside, KO caught him and slammed him, then landed a cannonball. Cody landed a Disaster Kick and then successfully dove through the ropes and tackled KO at 6:00. He scored a one count back in the ring. Cole talked about all of KO’s singles titles in WWE and NXT, but added, “None of that has happened in the last seven years!” He said his title shot was at the Royal Rumble in 2023 against Roman Reigns.

Cody got in sustained offense and applied a figure-four at 8:00 mid-ring. KO escaped, threw Cody to the floor, and then landed a frog splash at ringside. He rolled Cody into the ring as fans chanted “KO! KO!” He scored a one count. Cole and Barrett began discussing Cody showing signs of exhaustion or perhaps injury as he was breathing hard and moving gingerly. Cole touted a crowd of over 13,000. Cody surprised KO with a sudden Cody Cutter just after Cole said Cody seemed “out of sorts.”

At 16:00, Rhodes countered a Stunner attempt with a Crossroads for a two count. KO countered Cody on the top rope and landed a fisherman’s brainbuster for a near fall. Cole went bonkers and said the crowd was going wild. Barrett said every pro wrestler has a livespan in the ring and eventually you start to lose it. He wondered if KO was in that category. They both stood and exchanged strikes mid-ring. Cody went for a step-up Cody Cutter, but his knee buckled when he reached the top rope. Cole said that’s the knee KO pointed out was injured. KO hesitated to seize the opportunity. Cole said KO didn’t want a tainted win. Cody rolled to the floor. KO went to check on him. Cody yelled, “I’m okay!” Cody hit KO. KO kicked Cody’s knee. Cole said the killer instinct was coming back for Owens. Owens set up a powerbomb on the ring apron, but then tossed Cody into the ring instead. Barrett yelled, “Where is the killer instinct?!” KO heard him and told him to shut up.

KO entered the ring and gave Cody a stunner. Barrett said, “This one should have already been put to bed!” He said the apron powerbomb would have been the end for Cody. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Barrett said the point of a match is to incapacitate your opponent so you can pin or submit them. Cody caught KO with two unreleased Cross Rhodes. KO escaped a third attempt and hit a stunner for a near fall.

KO went for a Swanton, but Cody lifted his knees. Cody hit a Cross Rhodes for a three count.

WINNER: Cody in 23:00.

-After the match, Cody leaned in for a handshake and to help a dejected KO up out of the corner. KO got up on his own and turned his back, but then turned back and hugged Cody. Cole said it looks like Solo Sikoa will be next and Cody could use all the friends he can get. KO raised Cody’s arm.

(Very good match start to finish with a Cody-style pace where it was more about story and milking the moves and moments more than the fast-pace and density of high spots. They told a great story with different chapters to the match. The key point is that KO didn’t pull the trigger on the apron powerbomb. Cole said that cost him the championship. Barrett said the reason KO hasn’t won a title in seven years is that he’s lost his killer instinct. This can justify in KO’s mind turning heel because he got “soft” and needed to get that killer instinct back to win a title. It doesn’t mean it will come at the expense of Cody, and it also could be part of a longer story arc that involves KO resisting cheating when someone else, such as Orton, doesn’t. It also could play into Cole’s closing line that Cody is still facing The Bloodline and he could use friends like KO backing him.)

(2) ALBA FYRE & ISLA DAWN vs. BIANCA BELAIR & JADE CARGILL – WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match

During Jade’s entrance, Barrett said when they make action figures, usually they try to make you look better than you actually look, but there’s no improving on Belair. Cole joked that his action figure had a beer gut. The bell rang for the second match 51 minutes into the hour. Belair got in some showy athletic offense early and played to the crowd. Fyre and Dawn made a comeback and Fyre landed a dive on Jade at ringside. They double-teamed Belair at ringside next. The ref ordered Jade to get back to her corner when she came over to try to aid her partner.

Back in the ring, the heel duo controlled Belair. When Belair went for a tag, Fyre yanked on her braid to stop her. Belair fought back a minute later and crawled back toward her corner, but Fyre got to her and pulled on her arm this time. Fyre gave Belair a tornado DDT, which included Belair’s legs knocking Jade off the ring apron. That led to a two count. Belair avoided a charging Dawn in the corner, then backdropped Fyre over the top rope as she interfered. Belair suplexed Dawn and crawled over to Jade and leaped to make the tag.

Jade entered at 8:00 and went on a flurry of offense against both Fyre and Dawn including power moves. She gave Fyre a fallaway slam and then kipped up. Fans applauded. She hit running elbowed in opposite corners to both opponents. She then gave Dawn a jackhammer for a two count. Fyre tagged in and Jade didn’t notice, which helped the heels take control. Fyre and Dawn slammed Jade’s face into the mat with a signature double-team finisher. Jade interrupted the count and Belair raised her shoulder. Barrett said that is the move they’ve defeated everyone with, but not tonight.

Jade kicked Dawn to the floor. Belair and Jade lifted and dropped Fyre. Jade then slammed Belair onto Fyre. Dawn was late for the break-up of the cover, but Fyre kicked out anyway. Fyre headbutted Belair as she set up Dawn for a K.O.D. Dawn gave Belair a backstabber and then Fyre went for a top rope. Jade leaped and landed on her partner when Belair moved out of the path. She landed on Dawn’s knee, and Dawn held her knee afterward. Belair threw Fyre to the floor. Belair and Dawn then went on the attack on Dawn, landing their double-team DDT/German suplex combo for the win.

Cole praised Dawn and Fyre for their title reign.

WINNERS: Cargill & Belair in 11:00 to regain the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

(A largely well-executed match with a clean finish to move the belts back to the primary women’s tag team in WWE. This lacked the intense crowd enthusiasm of the previous match, which hurt a bit.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Bash in Berlin PLE Results: 8-31-24

(3) C.M. PUNK vs. DREW MCINTYRE – Strap match

Drew came out first. Punk came out with a serious look, then smiled at Drew when he got to ringside. Cole cited Punk’s success with strap matches going back to his OVW days. Punk stared at Drew until Drew turned his back to him. Drew turned and jumped Punk as Punk turned to look at the crowd. Drew went on the attack aggressively. Cole said the match hadn’t officially begun because they had yet to get attached to the strap. In the ring, Drew whipped Punk as the ref chastised him. Fans loudly chanted, “C.M. Punk!” Drew whipped Punk again, then attached his wrist. The ref called for the bell 17 minutes into the hour, but he didn’t look happy with Drew.

Drew took Punk down with a Russian leg sweep and began slapping the turnbuckles. Punk made a comeback and seemed to have an opening to hit all four turnbuckles but decided to dish out more of an attack on Drew. Drew took control at ringside and set up a powerbomb on the announce desk, but Punk backdropped out of it and then whipped Drew with the strap. Drew battled back and threw Punk into the ring. He then slammed him on a chair. Punk was bleeding from his forehead. Drew punched away at his forehead.

Punk took over again at ringside. Cole noted this is only Punk’s second match since the Royal Rumble. Punk set up a table, but it took a while. Drew rolled into the ring. Punk followed. Drew recovered enough to catch Punk with a Claymore. Drew slapped three turnbuckles, but Punk yanked Drew away and drove him into a chair he had wedged into the corner. Fans chanted, “C.M. Punk!” Drew lifted Punk and dropped him over the top rope through the table Punk had set up at ringside. Drew couldn’t touch the turnbuckles, though, with Punk at ringside attached to him.

Drew lifted Punk and carried him from one turnbuckle to the next, but every time Drew touched one, Punk also did. Punk and Drew struggled to reach the fourth. The lights above the turnbuckles were reset once they started hitting each other. “What a match-up!” said Cole. They hit each other rapid-fire and then kicked each other at the same time, with Punk blocking a Claymore with a kick of his own. Both went down. Punk sat up first. Punk applied a sharpshooter. Drew tapped, but it didn’t matter. He tapped away, but the ref ignored him and Punk held on. Punk then released the hold and slapped the turnbuckles. Drew pulled him away after he hit a second turnbuckle. Drew then landed a neckbreaker to reset the lights. Both were down and slow to get up. Drew eventually kipped up. Cole was amazed he could do that after being in the sharpshooter. (It wasn’t the best looking sharpshooter.)

-Drew pulled the bracelet out of his trunks and stared at it. Fans booed. Drew landed a Claymore as soon as Punk stood. Drew then began hitting the top turnbuckles. Punk interrupted and delivered a Go To Sleep to reset the lights. A loud “C.M. Punk!” chant broke out. Punk hit a second GTS and then slapped turnbuckles. He hit two, then decided to hit another GTS. He hit the third and hten paused before hitting the fourth. Instead, he gave Drew another GTS. He then took the bracelet off of Drew’s wrist and held it up. He hit the fourth turnbuckle to win.

Barrett celebrated with a UFC fighter at ringside. Barrett said that was the best version of Punk they’ve seen since his return.

WINNER: Punk in 20:00.

(A strap match typically has a different kind of drama and the strap itself can limit some of the usually options but introduce others. This was a good version of a strap match that played into Punk wanting to not just win, but also dish out punishment, with some big spots at ringside and drama in the ring. The match is, by nature, more deliberately paced as they play up the drama of the turnbuckle slaps, but the crowd was into Punk at the key moments.)

(4) DAMIEN PRIEST & RHEA RIPLEY vs. DOMINIK MYSTERIO & LIV MORGAN

As Priest and Morgan came out, Cole said, “Someone’s about to get their butts kicked.” The bell rang 53 minutes into the hour. Priest beat up Dom early. Ripley and Liv battled next and Ripley got the better of Liv. She taunted Dom before landing a vertical suplex. Liv tagged Dom in. Priest entered and yanked Dom into the ring. He clotheslined Dom over the top rope to the floor. Priest lifted and dropped Dom over the ring apron. Fans chanted, “Who’s your daddy?” Liv grabbed Priest’s boot. Dom knocked a distracted Priest to the floor and then drove him into the ringside steps.

At 8:00 Dom approached Ripley for a hug. Ripley elbowed Liv as she charged at her from behind. Ripley then attacked Dom. Fans went bonkers. They showed a dBA meter hitting 105 as Ripley beat on Dom. Liv went after Ripley again. She then set up a Riptide, but Liv interjected herself and landed a high kick and a Code Breaker. Liv hit a running knee in the corner next. Fans chanted, “Mami!” She scored a near fall with a slam into a roll-up. Ripley kicked a charging Liv in the face.

Priest and Dom entered. Priest went after Dom with a flurry of moves. He hit a clothesline for a two count, broken up by Liv. Ripley hit Liv from behind. Priest and Rhea hit stereo Razor’s Edges. Priest signaled for his finisher when J.D. McDonagh and Carlito showed up. Priest hit McDonagh and Ripley went after Carlito. Liv landed a sunset bomb on Rhea, sending her hard into the barricade. Dom leaped off the top rope, but Priest caught him. Finn Balor attacked Priest. Dom dropkicked Priest against the ropes and hit a 619. Dom then landed a top rope frog splash for a near fall as Balor looked on in frustration from ringside.


Balor looked down at Ripley, then told Dom to tag in Liv. Liv tagged in and dove through the ropes at Rhea. She overshot her for the most part, which Barrett pointed out. Rhea countered an Oblivion attempt with a backbreaker. McDonagh stood on the ring apron to distracted Ripley. Liv then gave Rhea a Cody Breaker variation. Priest attacked McDonagh, Carlito, and Balor at ringside with both women slow to get up in the ring. Dom attacked Priest and charged at Priest on the tables, but Priest clotheslined him as he charged.

Ripley stood up and stalked an unsuspecting Liv from behind. She smiled and then headbutted Liv as she turned around. She followed with a Rip Tide for the win.

WINNERS: Ripley & Priest in 14:00.

(That was exactly what it needed to be, with a lot of crowd-pleasing beatdowns of Dom and Liv, but heel interference to create some doubt late as to the finish. The crowd was into the peak moments at an intense level.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Bash in Berlin PLE Results: 8-31-24

(5) GUNTHER vs. RANDY ORTON – WWE World Hvt. Title match

Orton made his entrance first. Cole touted Orton’s history as a legend and sure-first Hall of Famer. Barrett said he has a serene calmness and looks ready. Gunther made his entrance. The bell rang 28 minutes into the hour. Fans sang enthusiastically for a minute. Orton applauded. They engaged in a collar-and-elbow hook-up at the start. Randy smiled and looked around as fans changed to another song. They circled each other at 3:00. Cole said Orton was enjoying the atmosphere. Cole said that JBL said if you were to build a “professional wrestler” from the ground up, it’d be Randy Orton. (No, JBL never said that. He said “sports entertainer.” But points for Cole for switching to pro wrestler. That makes me happy.) Gunther applied a chinlock at 4:00 which got the biggest pop for a chinlock in decades. Fans then started doing a wave, so maybe it wasn’t a pop after all, but rather fans entertaining themselves with a wave since the action was pretty slow to start this match.

Gunther took sustained, methodical control. Fans continued to sing various songs. Barrett said Gunther was unaffected by the fans. Gunther threw hard chops. Orton rolled to ringside. Gunther went after him and squeezed his head against the ringpost. Orton reverse-whipped Gunther into the ringside steps. Orton took over with a methodical attack of his own. Cole said this is the old Orton “with an absence of malice.” He slammed Gunther onto the announce desk.

Back in the ring Gunther countered an RKO with a sleeper. Orton fought out of it as Cole noted Gunther’s arm was injured during the ringside attack moments earlier. Cole said he wasn’t sure he had ever seen Gunther in this level of pain. Orton drove Gunther arm-first into the mat for another two count at 13:00. Orton choked Gunther over the bottom rope. Gunther teased a comeback, but Orton landed a snap powerslam to thwart it. Both were down and slow to get up. Orton stood first as Gunther rolled to the ring apron. Gunther chopped Orton and snapped him across the top rope. He then climbed to the top rope turnbuckle, still favoring his arm. Orton caught him up there with punches and a headbutt. Then Orton delivered a superplex.

They exchanged strikes. Orton stopped it with an eye poke. “Oh, Randy!” said Cole. “Randy went old school there.” The ref scolded Orton. Cole said the ref was letting a lot go there. Orton delivered a draping DDT at 19:00. Both were down and slow to get up. Fans chanted, “RKO!” Orton pounded the mat and went for an RKO, but Gunther blocked it and landed a back suplex. Orton struggled to stand. Gunther gave him a dropkick and then leaped off the top rope with a splash for a near fall. Gunther continued to favor his arm. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!”

Gunther set up a powerbomb, but his arm gave out. He clotheslined Orton instead. He showed fire and fans cheered. Gunther struggled but managed to pull off a powerbomb for a dramatic near fall at 24:00. Gunther went for another powerrbomb, but he couldn’t lift him. Orton hit a quick RKO instead for a dramatic near fall that popped the crowd. With both men down and slow to get up, fans chanted, “Holy shit!”

Orton setup the base of the steps near the German announce desk. He dropped Gunther onto it with a side suplex. Orton sat on the steps and rested, then moved slowly and picked up the top of the ringside steps. He stacked the top part to the base of the steps. Gunther, meanwhile, recovered on the ring apron. Orton broke the ref’s count with a quick roll into and out of the ring. Orton rammed Gunther into the steps. A “Randy Orton / Let’s Go Gunther!” dueling chant took place (although some fans were chanting both). Orton stood on the steps and slammed Gunther onto the German announce desk. Orton yelled at Orton to get Gunther in the ring to win the title. (No objectivity there from Cole!) Orton struck a pose on the steps. Orton eventually moved over to Gunther as Cole talked about the ref letting them fight rather than counting them out.

Orton rolled Gunther into the ring and then gingerly rolled into the ring himself. He stood and eyed Gunther, then extended his arms and played to the crowd. He pounded the mat and signaled for an RKO. He went for it, but Gunther blocked it by shoving Orton to the mat. Gunther then applied a sleeper on Orton. Orton flailed and stood and tried to power his way out. Gunther held on and locked it on tight mid-ring. Orton stood again and powered Gunther’s injured arm off of him. Gunther chopped the back of Orton’s neck hard and then applied another sleeper. He released it to drop some hard elbows and then applied the sleeper again. Orton seemed to fade, but then stood and showed some life. He leaped backwards and broke the hold. Gunther then sat up and applied the sleeper again. Orton faded. His arm dropped and the ref called for the bell.

WINNER: Gunther in 36:00 to retain the WWE World Hvt. Title.

-Gunther offered a handshake afterward as his music played and he had the belt wrapped around his waist. Orton shook his hand and looked at the belt and nodded in a show of respect.

(Mixed feelings on this one. It had an epic vibe at times with the crowd and the setting and just the clash of a rising veteran star in Gunther in his prime against a legend legacy star like Orton. The pace, though, was really trying at times. Orton seemed blown up or in no hurry too often to the point of looking old and broken down. This had some vibes of an old school main event 40 years ago before the rise of the modern workrate era kicked in in the 1980s.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW All Out PPV Results: 9-7-24

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

(1) MJF vs. DANNY GARCIA

A video package set the stage for the match including MJF’s brutal beatdown of Garcia leading to him being stretchered out and loaded into an ambulance. MJF made his entrance. Garcia attacked MJF. The ref separated them. Garcia charged at MJF, but MJF ducked and sent Garcia into the middle turnbuckle. Nigel said Garcia’s neck isn’t 100 percent. MJF went on a sustained beatdown. When Schiavone complimented the big crowd, Nigel said they were there to see the final match of Bryan Danielson’s career. As MJF vertical suplexed Garcia, Garcia shifted both of them over the top rope to the floor. MJF took a nasty fall, but entered the ring first. Garcia barely beat the ten count.

Garcia made a comeback. MJF made a comeback a few minutes later and delivered a nasty powerbomb of Garica onto his knee. MJF grabbed Garcia’s ears and bit at his face. After some punches to his forehead, Garcia began to bleed from his forehead. MJF set up a tombstone piledriver off the second rope. Garcia broke free and yanked at MJF’s jaw and nose. Garcia was bleeding heavily and caught glance of himself on the big screen. He then landed a diving DDT out of the corner. Garcia eventually crawled over and draped his arm over MJF’s chest. MJF put his boot on the bottom rope.

Garcia pulled himself and began seething. He shook off some of MJF’s attack and turned toward him. MJF spit at him. Garcia exploded with a barrage of strikes. MJF thumbed Garcia in the eyes. They each exchanged stiff German suplexes and then Garcia landed a lunging clothesline. Both were down and slow to get up at 18:00.

Garcia applied a couple submission holds, but MJF countered and applied Salt of the Earth and then a figure-four lock on Garcia’s arm. MJF torqued Garcia’s arms back in a wishbone hold. Garcia draped a boot over the bottom rope to force a break. “What a war,” said Schaivone. They zoomed in on bloody snot on Garcia’s face. (Yuck.) Garcia surprised MJF with a jackknife cover. Garcia stood and chopped MJF’s chest fiercely. He applied a front chancery. MJF’s arm dropped. Garcia lifted MJF’s arm so the match didn’t end. Nigel said it was a mistake. Garcia then delivered a jumping piledriver for a near fall at 23:00.

On the top rope, MJF bit Garcia to reverse momentum. After shifting the referee’s position, MJF then gave Garcia a low-blow and jackknife covered him for a leverage three count. Garcia and MJF lay on the mat afterward soaking up the moment.

WINNER: MJF in 24:00.

-After the match, MJF offered a handshake to Garcia. Garcia shook his hand and raised MJF’s arm. MJF tried to kick Garcia, but Garcia caught his boot and gave MJF a low-blow. He shook with intensity and then put MJF on the top turnbuckle. Garcia spit in MJF’s face, then delivered a leaping piledriver off the second rope. “Wooo!” exclaimed Menard. Nigel said, “What a sore loser.” Garcia smiled and shook MJF by his neck. He then kissed his forehead and walked through the crowd. The ringside doc checked on MJF. Another medic put a brace around MJF’s neck.

An excellent intense grudge match. Garcia appeared to potentially have MJF defeated when his arm was dropping. MJF was despicable throughout the match. If this match and feud was meant to move Garcia out of the silly dancing stage of his career and cast him as a rising young star with incredible fighting spirit, I think it succeeded.)

(2) THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) vs. CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI & WHEELER YUTA – AEW Tag Team Title match

Nigel talked up the Bucks and said that if not for them, Schaivone would be sitting at home this weekend. Yuta went on a flurry of early offense against Matthew. Claudio tagged in a few minutes in and rallied against both Bucks. Nicholas tripped Yuta which led to a double-team spot and a near fall on Yuta by Matthew. Nicholas flipped off the ring apron onto Claudio at ringside.

Claudio set up a Giant Swing, but the Bucks double-teamed him and landed a BTE Trigger for a near fall, broken up by Yuta. When they went for another BTE Trigger, Claudio blocked it. The Bucks set up a suplex, but Claudio countered by suplexing both of them. Claudio gave Matthew his Giant Swing mid-ring and scored a two count. Claudio superplexed Matthew, but Matthew lifted his knees when Yuta went for a top rope splash. Nicholas held Claudio back from making the save, and the ref counted to three.

WINNERS: The Young Bucks in 16:00 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles.

(A good match that delivered precisely what you’d expect from these two teams with a good amount of time to tell their story. It didn’t leap out as a particular important match or one that many will remember and easily could have been a nice match on a Collision.)

(3) WILL OSPREAY vs. PAC – International Title match

A video package set the stage for the match before ring entrances. The bell rang an hour into the PPV. They showed Ricochet watching on a monitor backstage. They went at each other with stiff, consistent back-and-forth action early that the crowd was into. Pac landed a top rope superplex for a two count at 5:00. Excalibur speculated Ospreay suffered a stinger. Pac settled into a side headlock. Ospreay folllowed Pac to the floor and landed a leaping forearm to the side of Pac’s head off the ringside barricade. The ref checked on Pac. Ospreay landed a handspring flip over the top rope on Pac at ringside.

Back in the ring, Ospreay landed a handspring corkscrew Pelé kick. Pac came back with a Liger bomb for a two count. they countered each other for the next minute. Ospreay went for a Hidden Blade, but Pac ducked. Pac then went for a German suplex, but Pac elbowed out of it. Ospreay then landed a springboard OsCutter. He was a little delayed making the cover which led to a two count. Both were slow to get up.

They battled on the ring apron. Pac suplexed Ospreay onto the back of his neck and head on the ring apron. Ospreay clutched his neck afterward. Pac then delivered a Poison Rana on the ring apron. Pac threw Ospreay back into the ring and applied a Brutalizer. Ospreay draped his leg over the bottom rope to force a break.

They exchanged big moves and near falls as the pace picked up. Pac landed another Poison Rana for a near fall and then a brutalizer at 17:00. Ospreay countered a Pac attempt at another Poison Rana and then landed a Hidden Blade for a believable near fall. Fans chanted, “Fight forever!” Pac went for a Poison Rana off the top rope, but Ospreay landed on his feet. He then hit a Hidden Blade for a near fall at 19:00. Ospreay played to the crowd as Schiavone said they’d never forget this match. Ospreay landed a top rope cutter, but Pac countered his Storm Breaker into a two count. Ospreay landed a Styles Clash and a Hidden Blade for a three count. Nigel called “the absolute pinnacle of our sport.” Excalibur called it a classic.

As Ospreay celebrated, they cut to Ricochet who smiled and applauded once he knew he was on camera.

WINNER: Ospreay in 20:00 to retain the AEW International Title.

( Spectacular battle between two world class athletes in their primes that the crowd ate up. Nicely paced, with increased pace and intensity as it progressed, with resets followed by flurries of big moves and counters, concluding at just the right time without belaboring the near falls.)