offical wwe thread

[jro]

AJ was always a terrible worker, kind of funny seeing a whole new generation being surprised by that. She's got a great personality and a ton of charisma but she sucks at actually wrestling. There was a good reason that Paige whipped her ass.

 

[norton9478]

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111gv

 

[Taiso]

AJ was always a terrible worker, kind of funny seeing a whole new generation being surprised by that. She's got a great personality and a ton of charisma but she sucks at actually wrestling. There was a good reason that Paige whipped her ass.

Yeh, she's not great in the ring. Maybe she was 'Divas era' good but the women competing at the top now have outpaced her. No fault of her own, she's been out for a decade and her craft hasn't been given an opportunity to evolve. Unlike Punk, she isn't really great at psychological storytelling in the ring, either.

I almost think her 'not aging' in the last decade has hurt her. As a contrast, Punk can spend most of the match on the mat taking offense and still find a way to make it work due to him slowing down somewhat and now performing with wrestlers that are better physical specimens. WWE is still the land of the jacked up big men only now, they're way more athletic. Punk had to adjust in order to 'succeed' in the 'E's current ecosphere.

AJ Lee is still just...AJ Lee. Doing AJ Lee things. Her deficiencies were apparent against Becky Lynch, whose character work has evolved and changed to cover her botchy offense in the ring. Character work is extremely important, especially for wrestlers that aren't on the technical level of, say, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles or Iyo Sky.

 

[jro]

Her and Nikki Bella are both just awful remnants of a very past its prime age trying to somehow be relevant again and it's just sad in both cases. Especially Nikki. Danielson ain't giving up that plum commentary job any time soon.

Edit Scott buddy you alright over there?

 

[Taiso]

I'm more confused by Nikki Bella coming back than AJ. At least with AJ, there's a storyline there. But in a booking sense, why is Nikki back?

 

[GoosehanX]

She has nice boobs and an alimony to pay.

 

[Taiso]

She has nice boobs and an alimony to pay.

I wish they'd make this a storyline.

Bring in the ex as the face.

 

[jro]

Nicki was supposed to feud with Liv Morgan, which might (might?) have been slightly less awful than all the terrible programs and matches she's been in instead.

Sounds like Brie would have been back as well if she wasn't married to AEW's second in command.

Nicki and AJ are both terrible. Paige is, imo at least, the dividing line from when women's divisions were generally awful to when they weren't. Bringing the first two back has only made that more obvious.

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 10-11-25

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

(1) BRONSON REED (w/ Paul Heyman) vs. ROMAN REIGNS – Australian Street Fight

​

Bronson Reed and Roman Reigns stepped to the center of the ring slowly, trading words. Reed threw the first punch, but Roman shrugged it off and blasted Reed into the corner. He worked Bronson around the ring, settling in the southeast corner and mounting him for ten punches. The crowd excitedly chanted along. Reigns clotheslined Reed to the floor. Barrett said that Reed could be “swallowed up by the moment” if he isn’t careful. Reigns caught Reed with a drive-by, then gave him an uppercut over the barricade and into the crowd.

Reed retreated through the aisle way on the floor, Reigns in pursuit. They brawled around the outer perimeter of the floor. Reigns cracked a filled trash can over Reed’s back. They worked back through the timekeeper’s area to ringside. Reigns pulled out a cricket bat and rugby ball. He threw the ball at Paul Heyman, then clocked Reed in the gut with the bat. Back in the ring, Reigns wound up and cracked Bronson again. The crowd showered him with a big “OTC” chant. Roman went to retrieve Reed, but he’d recovered. He threw his body into Reigns and began his attack. He retrieved a Kendo stick from underneath the ring and missed wildly with a swing. Reigns stole the stick and cracked it across Reed’s back. The crowd continued to sing to Roman. He grabbed a microphone.

“Perth! If you want tables, acknowledge me!” Reigns soaked in more cheers. He retrieved a table, but was attacked by Reed as the match crossed 7:00. Bronson slid the table back under the ring to a chorus of boos. Reed dislodged the steel steps from the ring post and ran them into Reigns. He worked him against the barricade before returning him to the ring. Reed grabbed a pair of chairs. He drove the head of one into Reigns’ ribs. Cole and Barrett talked about the injuries Reigns suffered a month ago at the hands of the Vision. Heyman taunted Reigns as Reed continued his assault. He opened up a chair. Reigns sprang to life and gave Reed a Samoan Drop onto the seat of the chair, covering him for a near fall just before 10:00.

Both men struggled to their feet. Reigns hit the ropes repeatedly, delivering short-arm clotheslines that barely staggered Reed. Cole said this is the most “focused and active” he’s seen Roman in months. Roman hit a leaping clothesline off the ropes. He punched the mat, looking for a Superman Punch. Reed blocked it and gave him a Death Valley Driver for a cover and two count. Reed beat Reigns with a STOP sign. The crowd told him to “read the sign.” Roman fought back with elbows. Reed shrugged them off and delivered a Uranagi for a cover and two count. He went for a Senton, but Roman rolled out of the way. Reed charged at Reigns in the corner, but Roman moved. Reed careened into the ring post.

Reigns finally caught Reed with the Superman Punch. He sized him up for the Spear, but Reed groggily rolled to the floor, saving himself. Roman followed, opting for a running start around ringside for the Spear. Just as he turned the southwest corner, Bron Breakker came flying off the barricade. He picked Reigns off with a massive Spear. Reed and Breakker gave Reigns a Shield Bomb through the announcers desk as the match crossed 16:00. Reed pulled the table back out from underneath the ring while Breakker played guard dog over Roman. Once Reed had the table propped in the corner, Bron dragged Roman toward the ring.

“Uso!” rang out and the crowd sprang to life. Jimmy and Jey marched to the ring. They dropped Breakker in the aisle with tandem Superkicks. In the ring, they beat Reed into the corner. Breakker returned, eating more Superkicks. They hit splashes into opposing corners, then gave Bron a 1-D. Jimmy pulled Breakker into position, and the brothers ascended opposing turnbuckles for splashes. Reed cut Jimmy off. Breakker popped up and pulled Jey off his perch, giving him a military press into double knees. “He took a 1-D less than a minute ago!” Barrett exclaimed. Jimmy stumbled to his feet on the outside. Breakker got a running start around the ring and speared him through the timekeeper’s area. Reed climbed the turnbuckles, looking to splash Jey Uso. Reigns cut him off with a Superman Punch.

Roman called for the Spear again. Breakker leapt onto the apron. Roman changed course, giving Breakker a Superman Punch to the floor. Reed scooped Reigns onto his shoulders. Reigns slid down his back. Jey Uso charged at Reed for a Spear, but Bronson moved. Jey speared Reigns through the propped table in the corner. Reed gave Roman Tsunami and covered him for a three count.

WINNER: Bronson Reed in 21:05

Reigns, Jimmy, and Jey sat in the ring as Reed’s music faded out. Roman wouldn’t even look at his cousins while he spoke to them. He said he told them he had to this on his own. “I love you, but I don’t want to see you until Christmas.” Reigns rolled out of the ring and sauntered up the ramp, talking to himself. Jey said told his brother that he’s out, too. He said Roman is always going to be about himself. Jey left Jimmy alone in the ring.

(Fun opener, albeit a bit formulaic by WWE “street fight” standards. This is a huge win and vote of confidence for Bronson Reed. It was inevitable that this one devolved into a multi-man brawl with Breakker and the Usos, but I thought the eventual finish made up for the predictability of the interference. Instead of the man advantage leading to a victory for Roman, turmoil between the cousins cost Roman the match and put Reed over in a big way. At the very least, I’m intrigued by the prospect of Roman, Jimmy, and Jey trying to recapture some of that Bloodline storytelling magic.)

(2) STEPHANIE VAQUER vs. TIFFANY STRATTON – Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match

A dueling chant broke out as the opening bell rang. Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton circled one another, then locked up. Stratton wrestled Vaquer back to her feet, but the World Champion quickly regained wrist control. Stratton turned it over into a headlock. Stephanie took her down, but Tiffany kipped up. She hit a cartwheel out of the hold, then rolled up Vaquer for a quick two count. The two rolled to their feet, staring each other down. Stratton offered Vaquer a handshake. Stephanie threw a kick. Tiffany caught it. She countered Vaquer into the corner and went for a handspring back elbow. Vaquer moved. She downed Stratton in the corner and drover her boot into the champion’s face.

Stratton missed with a missile dropkick off of an Irish Whip. Vaquer dropped her with an elbow and covered her for a two count at 3:30. Stephanie hit a leg drop for another two count. Barrett said this has all been “pleasant and polite” for several weeks, and he wants to see who is willing to take the gloves off first. Vaquer caught a kick attempt from Stratton and turned her leg over into a standing neck and leg hold. Tiffany punched free and gave Vaquer a back drop. Both women were down for a beat. Tiffany rolled to her feet first. She caught Stephanie with a short arm clothesline, then hit the signature handspring back elbow into the corner. Stratton hit her signature Alabama Slam for a stack cover and two count just before 6:00.

Tiffany went for a double stomp, but Vaquer blocked it and rolled her up for two. Vaquer sent Stratton to the corner and gave her a Dragon Screw, then double knees for a cover and two count. Vaquer ascended the northwest turnbuckles. Stratton rose and knocked her to the apron. Vaquer tried to bounce back in the ring, but Stratton caught her in the air and delivered a Backbreaker for a cover and two count. Stratton set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Vaquer popped to her feet and pushed her down. She gave Tiffany a high angle back drop. Vaquer tried to initiate the Devil’s Kiss, but Stratton blocked it. She climbed to the top and went for a Swanton Bomb. Vaquer got her knees up, connecting with the back of Tiffany’s head.

Vaquer called for, and executed the Devil’s Kiss. She covered for a two count. Stratton popped to her feet and gave Vaquer a rolling Senton. She leapt to the top rope, looking for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever again. Stephanie rolled out of the way. She immediately leapt to her feet and to the top rope, delivering the Corkscrew Splash for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Stephanie Vaquer in 10:05 to win the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship

(These two worked hard, and fast. It was clear they were trying to get a lot in here, and they mostly succeeded. It really felt like they could have used another few minutes, which would have allowed them to slow down a bit and let some of the bigger, athletic spots breathe for a moment or two. Stratton has continuously impressed on big stages, and Vaquer continues to get the best out of everyone she works with. The crowd seemed to respect this, and like both women, but it felt like they’re well aware of how forced the entire Crown Jewel concept feels and comes off in execution.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 10-11-25

(3) A.J. STYLES vs. JOHN CENA

A.J. Styles and John Cena circled quickly and locked up as soon as the bell rang. Styles grabbed a quick headlock. Cena broke it off against the ropes. Styles leaped over a drop down. Cena went for an arm drag, but A.J. held onto the ropes. A stalemate and second circling ensued. Cena grabbed a side headlock of his own. Styles leapfrogged him off the ropes, then caught him with an arm drag and dropkick. Styles threw his arms out and Cena just smiled. They locked up again. Styles worked Cena into the northeast corner. Both men broke clean. Another lock up. Cena worked Styles into the southeast corner, then broke clean.

A test of strength turned into an Attitude Adjustment attempt. Styles easily thwarted it. He gave Cena a fireman’s carry, then sliding clothesline for a cover and quick two count. He followed with a Snapmare and leaping clothesline for another cover and two count at 4:00. Cena pulled himself up in the southeast corner and ate a clothesline. Another cover, another two count. Barrett said it’s been “dominance from A.J. Styles in the early going. just like the Brock Lesnar match.” He wondered if Cena has hit a wall two months too soon. Styles charged Cena again, but John exploded to life with a clothesline.

Both men were down briefly. Styles missed a clothesline. Cena caught him with two shoulder tackles. Styles blocked the spin-out bomb initially, but Cena caught him on the second attempt. He initiated the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but A.J. kicked him in the face and rolled to his feet. Cena caught him with the spin out bomb a second time, and this time, completed the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He followed up with an Attitude Adjustment for a cover and near fall at 6:30. Styles stumbled to his feet with Cena waiting behind him. He went for another A.A., but Styles blocked it. He connected with an Ushigoroshi. Styles grabbed at his knee, trying to flex it.

A.J. rose slowly, Cena close behind. John caught Styles with a Skull Crushing Finale for a cover and two count. Both men battled to the northeast corner. Cena climbed to the top. Styles slid beneath him and pulled him off the turnbuckle into a torture rack. He spun him around for a Powerbomb and covered him for a two count. Barrett said they’re “in the deep waters now.” Styles gave Cena a running clothesline in the northwest corner and then a reverse DDT for a cover and near fall. A.J. called for the Styles Clash, but Cena picked his ankle and rolled into the S.T.F.U. Styles slipped free and turned it into a Crossface. Cena began to turn his body to relieve the pressure. He managed to roll Styles around and lock in the Accolade. A “Rusev Day” chant broke out in response. A.J. slid underneath it and applied the Coquina Clutch.

Styles tried to transition into the Calf Crusher, but Cena blocked it. He rolled Styles into a Walls of Jericho. A.J. grabbed at Cena’s leg, finally rolling him into the Calf Crusher. Cena got to a knee to the roll out and turn back into the S.T.F.U. After a brief struggle, Styles fought free. He kicked Cena in the gut and gave him a Styles Clash for a near fall at 13:00. A “fight forever” chant rang out as both men rose to their feet slowly. Styles headed to the apron, calling for the Phenomenal Forearm. Cena picked him out of the air, bent him backwards, kissed his forehead and delivered Sister Abigail for a cover and near fall. The arena lit up with fireflies. Cena smiled. He went for another A.A., but Styles blocked it. He gave Cena an Angel’s Wings and covered him for another near fall.

Cena and Styles traded blows in the center of the ring, both seemingly out on their feet. Cena ducked one, looking for the A.A. Styles blocked and attempted the Styles Clash. Cena threw him away. John hooked Styles for a Pedigree, but Styles lifted him up and dropped him on his head. Both men rose slowly. Styles charged Cena, but John side-stepped. A.J. spilled to the apron. John hooked him and gave him a draping DDT. He pounded the mat, signaling for an RKO. Cena hit it and hooked the leg for a near fall at 19:20.

“Two of the all time greats simulating some of the all time greats!” Cole exclaimed. Cena sized Styles up and charged for a punt. Styles moved. He pulled Cena into an Attitude Adjustment for a cover and near fall. Barrett said it’s like a video game with created characters where you give them everyone’s finishing move. Cole laughed. Styles called for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but when he bent down, Cena grabbed him by the throat. Cena gave A.J. a chokeslam for a cover and two count. The crowd chanted for a 619. Cena tripped A.J. into the ropes, looking for it. Styles cut him off with a clothesline. Cena went for an A.A., but Styles weight carried him to the apron. A.J. kicked Cena in the head. He hit a springboard 450 back into the ring.

John came up lame on one leg, shaking out his knee. He turned to eat Sweet Chin Music from Styles. He covered for another near fall at 23:30. Styles headed back to the apron and removed his elbow pad. This time, he connected with the Phenomenal Forearm. Cena kicked out at two. “They’re just running out of moves at this point, where do you possibly go?” Wade wondered. Styles pulled Cena in for another Clash. Cena blocked with another A.A. attempt. Styles elbowed Cena repeatedly. John sprang to life, hitting the A.A. He hooked the leg for a very close near fall.

The camera pulled back as a big “this is awesome” chant rang out. Cena hoisted Styles onto the top of the northeast corner. He dragged him into position for a Super A.A., but Styles fought free and knocked Cena back to the mat. He leapt into Cena’s arms. John caught him and spun him around into a Tombstone. Cena immediately followed up with an Attitude Adjustment for a cover and three count.

WINNER: John Cena in 27:11

(This was a fun one. I won’t knock anyone for disliking the sheer amount of move stealing here. I think you can fall in one of two camps, and neither are necessarily wrong. For some, they may view this as cheapening the moves of other greats. For others, it’s arguable that those greats simply execute the moves better and this is nothing more than an homage. In the case of this match, I think I fall closer to the latter belief. The crowd was so enamored with this, and it was such a special circumstance, that it felt appropriate. Both Cena and Styles appeared completely enthralled with the opportunity to work with each other one more time, and the crowd ate everything they did up. If I have one critique here, it’s that Cole and Barrett went a little too heavy handed on their praise during the course of the match.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 10-11-25

(4) THE KABUKI WARRIORS (Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. RHEA RIPLEY & IYO SKY

Asuka and Kairi Sane attacked Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley as soon as the bell rang. They tossed Rhea to the floor and began to double team Sky. Ripley returned quickly. Sky knocked Sane to the floor. Meanwhile, Asuka sent Ripley careening to the apron. She slammed her head into the ring post. Ripley fell to the floor in a heap. Asuka and Sky were left alone in the ring to begin the match by default. Sky ducked a charge from Asuka and dropkicked her into the northwest corner. Asuka battled free, then held onto the ropes to prevent an Irish Whip attempt. Asuka caught Sky with a hard elbow strike into the ropes. Sky charged her with a dropkick. Asuka rolled to the safety on the floor.

Iyo Sky dove through the ropes onto Asuka, but was immediately taken down by Kairi Sane. Ripley tried to intervene, but referee Jessika Carr held her back. Asuka returned to the ring first, answering Carr’s count. Sky followed a few beats later. Asuka stayed on the attack with stomps. She tagged in Sane, who gave Sky a boot to the face. Sane worked Sky against the ropes as the match crossed 5:00. She tagged in Asuka. The crowd began a “we want Rhea” chant as Asuka stepped on and walked over Iyo, jawing with Rhea as she did so. Asuka slapped Sky across the face and kicked her repeatedly in the back. Carr admonished Asuka, allowing Sane to attack Sky from the apron. Iyo fought back with short elbows. She reached out for a tag, but Asuka held her back.

Sky ducked a clothesline from Asuka and nearly made it to Ripley, but Sane managed to tag herself in and cut Iyo off. Sane gave Ripley a cheap shot on the apron. Rhea leapt in the ring and was immediately blocked by Carr. Asuka and Sane used the distraction to double team Sky. Asuka tagged back in, mocking Ripley with a dance. Sky had a flurry of energy, catching Sane and Asuka with quick kicks. Asuka shrugged them off and peppered Sky with kicks of her own. Sane tagged in and hit a double stomp from the corner for a cover and two count at 9:13. Asuka tagged back in and kicked Sky in the chest over and over. Iyo ate the kicks and invited more. She pushed Asuka away, ate some slaps, blocked a kick, then dropped Asuka.

Rhea Ripley stomped on the ring steps, bringing the crowd to life. Sky made a leaping tag to Ripley. Sane tagged in, too. Rhea dropped Kairi with multiple clotheslines off the hot tag. Asuka ran into a dropkick. Ripley gave Sane a flapjack, then a roundhouse kick to the jaw for a cover and two count. Ripley went for a Razor’s Edge, but Kairi slid free and caught Rhea with a back elbow. She followed up with a headscissor takeover and a sliding elbow. Sane tagged in Asuka, who caught Ripley with a Shining Wizard for a cover and two count at 12:15. Another tag to Sane. Ripley clotheslined Asuka, then ducked a forearm from Sane. Ripley tagged in Sky, then gave Sane a Razor’s Edge. Sky hit Sane with a missile dropkick off the top for a cover and two count.

Kairi recovered quickly, hitting Sky with an Alabama Slam. She knocked Ripley off the apron, then set up for the Insane Elbow. Sky popped to her feet and gave Kairi an arm drag off the top. Asuka attacked Ripley at ringside. Sane joined in. Sky hit a Moonsault from the ring onto both opponents. She tossed Sane back inside and hit the Bullet Train. Iyo hit the Over the Moonsault and covered, but Asuka broke up the attempt. Ripley returned and kicked Asuka in the face. She called for a tag and received it. Ripley hoisted Sane into Electric Chair position. Asuka knocked Sky off the turnbuckle. Ripley went for Riptide, but Kairi slid down the back and tagged in Asuka.

Asuka gave Ripley a spinning back fist. She bent her backward and Sane hit the elbow off the top. Asuka covered, but Sky broke it up just before 17:20. All four women were down. Ripley and Asuka rose to their knees, then their feet, trading blows. Asuka rolled Ripley into a backslide for two. Both women missed spin kicks. Ripley dumped Asuka headfirst on the southeast turnbuckle. She dragged her up the ropes and hooked her for an Avalanche Riptide. Kairi tagged herself in. Ripley gave Sane a big boot off the apron. She pulled her back inside and gave her a Riptide. Sky tagged in and hit the Moonsault for a cover and three count.

WINNERS: Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley in 19:54

Good match that may have overstayed its welcome by just a few minutes. Given the brevity of the women’s Crown Jewel match earlier in the night, I can’t help but feel as though both of these matches would have been aided by some editing – the former by addition, and this one by subtraction. The extended beat down of Sky at the start of the match went nearly 10 minutes, causing the crowd to grow a little restless. In any case, it was good to see Asuka and Kairi back on a big stage opposite two of the most over women in the company. I’m intrigued to see the plan with these two teams, especially with Flair and Bliss seemingly preoccupied with a number of challengers for the women’s tag team titles.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Crown Jewel PLE Results: 10-11-25

(5) SETH ROLLINS vs. CODY RHODES – Men’s Crown Jewel Championship match

Michael Cole noted that Seth Rollins is wearing pieces of the gear he wore in all of his one on one matches with Cody Rhodes. The two men locked up and quickly came to blows, trading quick holds and takeovers. Cody gained the initial advantage, hoisting Seth up for a stalling front Suplex. Seth rolled to the northeast corner, already exasperated by giving up the early advantage. He pulled himself to his feet and refocused, then slid out of the ring as Cody approached. Seth marched around ringside, hands on hips, breathing heavy. The crowd jawed at him and his temper flared. Cody encouraged it.

Barrett said that if Seth doesn’t lock in, this is going to go south in a hurry. Seth stepped back in the ring and got in Cody’s face. Rollins gave the WWE Champion a rolling elbow. Cody shrugged it off and hit a few punches of his own. He went for a quick stomp, but Cody easily blocked it. Seth looked for a Pedigree. Cody slid free, dropped to the mat and caught Rollins with his signature uppercut. Seth slid to the floor and pounded the desk in frustration. “This is going horribly,” Barrett said, “Seth Rollins is unraveling right before our eyes.” Seth pointed at Cole and Barrett, saying it’s on them. Seth pushed Cole into his chair. Cody intervened, slamming Seth off the desk and checking on Michael. The distraction allowed Rollins to recover. He caught Cody with a cheap shot and drove him into the ring steps.

Seth draped Rhodes over the ringside barrier and gave him a double stomp across the shoulder. He tossed Rhodes into the ring and covered him for no count. Seth hit a back drop and covered for a one count this time at 5:45. Cody whipped Seth to the corner. The World Champion bounced back with a big clothesline. Cody struggled to his feet. Seth looked for a Pedigree again, but Cody took him down. Seth kicked free of a Figure Four attempt. Rhodes went for the Disaster Kick, but Seth caught him in the air and delivered a sit out Powerbomb for a two count. Rollins went to work on Cody’s shoulder. He smiled as the crowd pelted him with boos. Seth fired shots with Cody on the apron, then gave him a Neckbreaker.

Rollins talked some trash, then ate a few punches. He shrugged them off and gave Cody a Dragon Screw. He did a Stardust cartwheel, taunting Cody. Rollins caught Cody with Rhodes’ own signature jabs. Cody blocked the last one and delivered them himself. Seth ducked a punch and pulled Cody to the mat, applying a Figure Four at 10:50. Rhodes was trapped in the center of the ring, but he managed to roll over after a struggle. Seth dragged his body to the bottom rope to break it.

A “CM Punk” chant broke out, taunting Rollins. The World Champion used the ropes to stand on the apron. He and Cody traded punches. Seth caught Rhodes with a guillotine, then tried to get back in the ring. Rhodes caught him with a kick to the jaw. He hoisted Seth up and delivered a Vertebreaker. Both men were down in the center. Cole reset the scene over a close up shot of the Crown Jewel title at ringside. Both men rose slowly. Cody hit a couple of clotheslines, then a snap Powerslam. He hit the ropes and connected with the Disaster Kick, followed by more jabs and the Bionic Elbow. Seth spilled to the outside. Rhodes dove onto him.

“It’s all going wrong for Seth Rollins,” Barrett said as the WWE Champion tossed Seth back in the ring. He delivered a Cody Cutter and covered for a near fall at 15:00. Rhodes went for another Disaster Kick, but Seth caught him with a kick to the gut and a Pedigree for a cover and near fall. Rollins went for a running clothesline, but Cody ducked. He hooked Seth for Cross Rhodes. Seth spun it around and hit Cross Rhodes himself. He hooked both legs for a two count. Seth pounded away at Cody, then ascended the northeast turnbuckles. He went for the Phoenix Splash, but Cody moved. Seth landed on his feet. Cody went for a top rope Cody Cutter, but Seth ducked. Rollins hit another Pedigree. He followed up with the Stomp. Rollins covered for a close near fall.

The World Heavyweight Champion looked at the referee in shock. He leapt out of the ring and sauntered over to the timekeeper’s area, retrieving his watch. Seth wrapped it around his knuckles and stared Cody down. Rollins thought better of it, putting the watch down in the corner of the ring. He slid back inside and ate a Superkick from Cody. Rhodes hit another Cody Cutter and a Cross Rhodes for a cover and near fall at 20:20. Cole wondered if Cody is beginning to question himself. Cody climbed to the top rope, but Seth pushed him. Rhodes fell into tree of woe position. Rollins stomped at his ribs and chest. Rollins had to be physically pulled away by the official.

Seth climbed the adjacent turnbuckles. He hit Cody with a coast to coast headbutt across the ring and covered for a two count. Rollins walked Rhodes to the northeast corner and hoisted him up. Cody clubbed at his opponent’s back, knocking him to the mat. Rollins recovered and leapt back up, hooking Cody and delivering a Spanish Fly. He pulled Cody up and delivered a Man-Handle Slam for a cover and near fall. Rollins was favoring his left arm. He shook it out and stood, pulling himself up the ropes again. Cody began crawling toward him, then popped to his feet and catching Seth with an uppercut.

Rhodes climbed the ropes from the apron, hooking Rollins for Cross Rhodes. He hit it and covered for another very close near fall at 26:15. Both men were down and spent. Rhodes delivered a few pointed rights. Seth returned some of his own, left arm hanging lame at his side. Seth went for kicks but couldn’t use his arm to block Cody’s return fire. Rhodes went for a Pedigree, but Seth escaped. He grabbed the watch from the corner of the ring. Seth pushed Cody into the referee. Rhodes hooked Rollins for Cross Rhodes. Seth clocked Cody in the face with the Rolex. He gave Cody a Stomp, but wasn’t finished. Seth perched himself on the middle rope and delivered a Super Stomp for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Seth Rollins in 29:42 to win the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship

(Good match. Unlike the women’s Crown Jewel match earlier in the night, this was built around a personal rivalry and intense history between the two wrestlers and it aided tremendously in adding gravitas to the situation. The championship was a mere afterthought – this was about Seth trying to exercise his demons, and it worked. I loved the opening salvo, with Rhodes, the crowd, and even the announcers clearly getting into Seth’s head, causing him to make crucial mistakes and nearly blow his chances early. These two then settled in to a strong WWE style main event with plenty of near falls and false finishes. As much as I would’ve enjoyed seeing what became of Heyman’s crew turning on Seth, I do think giving Rollins the win here was the right move, creatively. Seth’s character, while flawed, feels like it has more momentum that Rhodes’ right now, and a fourth loss wouldn’t have spoken very highly of Rollins, or the World Title for that matter.)

 

[famicommander]

gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

(and not in the fun way)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Wrestledream PPV Results: 10-18-25

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

(1) JAMIE HAYTER vs. THEKLA – Everyone Banned from Ringside

The bell rang 16 minutes into the your. They fought to ringside a couple minutes in where Hayter threw Thekla around ringside. Thekla took and threw Hayter into the ring where she scored a sequence of three two counts. Schiavone noted. He liked the rapid fire multiple pin attempts. Hayter landed a Hayterade ripcord lariat for a two count at 9:00.

Thekla took over and leaped off the top rope. Hayter avoided the leap and charged into the corner. Thekla moved. They battled on the second rope. Hayter headbutted Thekla to the mat. Thekla brushed it off seconds later and took over until Hayter kicked her in the head twice. (The first one showed light.) Hayter landed a fireman’s carry backbreaker next. Both were down and slow to get up. Thekla applied her submission mid-ring. Hayter broke it up with a backbreaker.

As Thekla started to take her belt off, the ref insisted she not go through with it. Hayter recovered and landed a backbreaker for a near fall. Thekla landed a spear, but Hayter’s foot was under the bottom rope so the ref stopped his count at two. Thekla did a crab walk and then charged at Hayter. Hayter hit her with two lariats in a row for the clean win.

Queen Aminata hugged Hayter afterward. Julia Hart joined a disappointed Thekla on the stage.

WINNER: Hayter in 16:00.

(A good opener. Not everything was crisp, but there was a lot of good in this in terms of pacing and hard-hitting moves and sequences.)

(2) THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. JURASSIC EXPRESS (Jack Perry & Luchasaurus)

The Bucks came out with a graphic showing they had spent nearly $500,000 already on frivilous stuff like a Velcro wall and sneakers and at the casino. No music played for them. A women offered $20 for a selfie photo. Nick took her up on it. Fans offered $1 bills as they headed to the ring. The bell rang 39 minutes into the hour. Fans chanted “Welcome back!” Excalibur recapped the history with Jack Perry and the Bucks. Matt and Perry shoved each other at the start. Matt battered Perry to the mat and then tagged in Nick. Excalibur noted that Jurassic Express have never defeated The Bucks.

Luchasaurus tagged in. The announcers talked about how little in-ring action Perry has had this year and how rusty he might be. The crowd popped big for a moonsault press off the top rope off the top rope onto the Bucks at ringside. A minute later, Perry landed a running flip dive onto the Bucks. He landed, sat up, and smiled. Perry chopped Matt at ringside and then bashed Matt in the head with fan sign.

The Bucks took over in the ring on Perry. Matt gave Sliced Bread to Luchasaurus at ringside. Matt smelled the bag of $500,000 cash at ringside going to the winner. Excalibur said this is only the second tag match by these two in over three years. The announcers were setting it up to seem like if the Jurassic Express win, it’s a miracle against all odds, or setting it up to be an excusable loss. Nigel said the Bucks had tough time giving up their lifestyle as EVPs in terms of their spending habits.

The Bucks took over against Perry at 8:00. They stood over Perry and struck their bicep pose. The crowd popped for a ringside chicken fight where Luchasaurus had Matt on his shoulders and Nick had Perry on his shoulders and they exchanged strikes. Matt landed a blockbuster on Luchasaurus and then Nick landed a piledriver on Perry on the ring apron. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” A minute later, Matt powerbombed Perry on the ring apron. Then they landed a package piledriver/top rope stomp combo on Perry for a near fall.

Matt yelled at Perry, “After everything we’ve done for you!” They set up a BTE Trigger, but Perry ducked and went for a double-DDT. The Bucks blocked it and hit double knees. Luchasaurus “broke up the pin” to stop the count. Perry caught both Bucks with huracanranas and then Luchasaurus landed a standing shooting star press on Matt. Perry then gave Matt a top rope Doomsday Device off of Luchasaurus’s shoulders for a believable near fall. A minute later, Perry delivered a stuff Tombstone Piledriver with Luchasaurus scoring a near fall, with Nick breaking up the cover. Nigel noted the timing by Perry wasn’t perfect on that.

Next, Matt superkicked Perry. The Bucks stereo superkicked Luchasaurus. He no-sold it. Perry leaped off the top rope at the Bucks. They stereo superkicked him and then landed a BTE Trigger for a believable, dramatic near fall at 21:00. Luchasaurus broke up the Bucks next move and then he and Perry delivered Countdown to Extinction for the clean win.

WINNERS: Jurrasic Express in 23:00.

(3) HURT SYNDICATE (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin & MVP) vs. THE DEMAND (Ricochet & Gates of Agony – Tornado Tag Match

As Hurt Syndicate made their entrance, The Demand attacked them. The brawl started 11 minutes into the second hour. GOA powerbombed Shelton onto Lashley on a table at ringside at 4:00. GOA then beat down MVP in the ring. Ricochet joined in a sustained beatdown of MVP. After Ricochet landed a Shooting Star Press, Shelton made his return to the ring and broke up the cover. Fans chanted, “We Hurt People!” Lashley clotheslined GOA at ringside and then nailed Ricochet with a clothesline in the ring. Ricochet flip-bumped. Lashley scored a near fall at 7:00. GOA caught Lashley trying to superplex Ricochet and powerbombed him to the mat. MVP tried to sneak a pin after the impact on Ricochet.

Bishop Kaun flung himself onto MVP and Lashley at ringside. Ricochet charged at Shelton, but Shelton caught him and overhead suplexed him into a crowd at ringside. Shelton then landed a running flip dive after milking the moment. MVP took some of the impact, which the announcers noted. Nigel called it “friendly fire.” Ricochet went after MVP in the ring, but MVP chopped him in the throat. He then stood over Ricochet and signaled for his Ballin’ elbowdrop. MVP landed a fisherman’s suplex for a near fall, broken up by Kaun.

Lashley speared Kaun who rolled to ringside. Hurt Syndicate isolated Ricochet three-on-one in the ring. The crowd loudly chanted, “We hurt people!” Lashley landed a spear on Toa and Shelton scored a three count. Excalibur said now Hurt Syndicate will get a shot at the AEW Trios Titles.

WINNERS: Hurt Syndicate in 13:00.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Wrestledream PPV Results: 10-18-25

(4) KYLE FLETCHER (w/Don Callis) vs. MARK BRISCOE – TNT Title match

Nigel said the opening to Briscoe’s theme – “Reach for the Sky!” – references his late brother Jay whom he has faith is watching him from above. The bell rang 30 minutes into the hour. Callis said he used to think he wanted kids until he had Kenny Omega, but now Fletcher has changed his opinion again. He said Fletcher is a perfect son. When Briscoe beat up Fletcher at ringside near the announcers, Callis fled into the crowd. Briscoe landed a Cactus Jack-style running elbowdrop off the ring apron onto Fletcher at ringside.


Briscoe set up a chair in the ring and was going to launch off of it, but Fletcher pulled it to the floor. Briscoe wrecking ball kicked Fletcher and then put him on the chair at ringside. Callis escaped into the crowd again when Briscoe got near him. Fans chanted, “F— Don Callis!” At 7:00 Briscoe went for a running Blockbuster off the ring apron, but Fletcher moved.

Fletcher scored a near fall in the ring a minute later after a Michinoku Driver. He followed with a leaping back suplex for a two count. He settled into a quick chinlock. Fletcher and Briscoe hit each other with high boots to the face and then they both went down and were slow to get up at 12:00 after simultaneous clotheslines mid-ring.

Fletcher got the better of Briscoe next and scored a near fall. He set up a turnbuckle brainbuster, but Briscoe slipped free and dropped Fletcher ribs-first onto the top turnbuckle. Briscoe then set up a Razor’s Edge off the top rope. Fletcher broke free and then stood on the top rope and delivered a superplex. Both were down and slow to get up again.

They battled on the ring apron next. Fletcher kicked Briscoe in the head and went for a brainbuster. Briscoe countered and landed a double-underhook Jay Driller on the ring apron. Excalibur said Fletcher was flexing his hands as if he got a stinger. Callis said he isn’t a doctor and shouldn’t pretend to be. Fletcher avoided a top rope Froggy Bow elbowdrop drop and then placed Briscoe onto the top turnbuckle. Briscoe knocked Fletcher onto the top rope back-first where he precariously balanced. Briscoe then landed a leaping elbowdrop. Fletcher fell to ringside. Briscoe then landed a flying elbow at ringside. He threw Fletcher into the ring and landed a top rope elbow.

Briscoe set up a Jay Driller, but Fletcher countered with a roll-up for a two count. Briscoe scored a two count with a backslide. Fletcher countered with a jackknife cover for at two count. Briscoe landed an exploder suplex. He then went for as Jay Driller. Fletcher blocked it and suplexed Briscoe onto the back of his head and neck. Briscoe no-sold it and popped up and then hit the Jay Driller for a near fall, but Fletcher draped his finger on bottom rope to interrupt the count.

Fletcher shoved Briscoe into the ref, then kicked Briscoe between his legs and seemed to have a certain pin, but Briscoe kicked out. “Briscoe’s alive! Briscoe’s alive!” declared Schiavone. Fletcher landed a running knee to Briscoe’s jaw for a two count. He followed with a running lawn dart into the middle turnbuckle and then a quick top turnbuckle brainbuster for the win.

Callis left with a limping Fletcher. Willow Nightingale, Tomohiro Ishii, Kyle O’Reilly, and Orange Cassidy came out to help Briscoe out of the ring.

WINNER: Fletcher in 25:00 to retain the TNT Title.

(Easily the best match of the PPV so far. A top shelf AEW style match that the crowd ate up. It was paced well and increased in intensity throughout. The big spots and kickouts in the end did enter into the “spamming finishers” territory, but this was an effective example of it as it didn’t feel like more moves for the sake of more moves.)

(5) KRIS STATLANDER vs. TONI STORM – AEW Women’s Title match

Storm made her entrance first. Statlander made what Excalibur called “an intergalactic entrance.” She was accompanied by two shirtless men (borrowed from Dalton Castle?). The bell rang 4 minutes into the third hour. Zero crowd noise early which was erie. At 3:00, Storm knocked Statlander off the ring apron with a hip attack. Statlander sent Storm into the ring apron with a catapult seconds later. Fans chanted, “Toni! Toni!” Statlander landed a standing flip splash onto a standing Storm at ringside. Statlander carried Storm into the ring on her shoulders. She then slingshot flip splashed onto Storm for a two count at 5:00.

Storm methodically hit a series of moves and scored some near falls. Statlander made a comeback and applied some matholds. Storm came back with chicken wing. A dueling chant of, “Let’s Go Toni! Let’s Go Stat!” broke out. Stat broke the hold by reaching the bottom rope.

Storm scored a near fall seconds later with a small package. Statlander landed a Michinoku Driver for a three count, but the ref only counted to two. Storm was slightly late kicking out. They cut to a wide shot of the crowd.

They rose together and exchanged strikes. Statlander set up a Saturday Night Fever, but Storm powered Stat head-first into the turnbuckle and then landed a hip attack. Statlander blocked a Storm Zero and took over. She then climbed to the top rope and leaped off with a 450 splash for a near fall at 13:00.

Statlander landed Saturday Night Fever and then applied a submission head scissors on Storm’s head and neck mid-ring. Storm seemed to be fading, but then waved her hand in the air to show a sign of life. Statlander lifted Storm and landed another Saturday Night Fever for the clean win. “That was a heck of struggle,” said Schiavone.

WINNER: Statlander in 16:00.

(Boy, the dead silent crowd early felt demoralizing for the wrestlers and any fans of this match, but they had a really hard to follow. They put together a respectable match by the end. They seem committed to building Statlander as a legit centerpiece babyface act in the Women’s Division with this outcome. She stills needs to figure out how to spark some kind of emotion out of the fans with her personality and promos, though.)

(6) MERCEDES MONE vs. MINA SHIRAKAWA – TBS Title vs. ROH Women’s TV Title match

Justin Roberts did formal ring introductions once both women were in the ring. Lots of back and forth stretches of offense for both. The crowd politely responded to the ebb and flow. They eventually chanted “Mina!” They went to the (dreaded) wide shot of the arena (the timeless symbol of the director realizing the match has stalled). Shirakawa went for a standing clover leaf, but Mercedes countered with a knee torque takedown. Mina avoided a charging Mercedes in the corner. Mina then slingshot herself onto Mone with a spinning splash for a two count. She smiled and played to the crowd to get them clapping. She then climbed to the top rope and landed a Slingblade on Mercedes for a near fall.

They countered each other again over and over until Mina landed her Glamorous Driver for a near fall. Mina applied a figure-four leglock mid-ring. Mercedes landed a Meteora on the ring apron and then rolled Mina into the ring and scored a two count. When she went for a running double knee in the corner, Mina moved. Mina landed two elbow strikes to the head and a roundkick followed by a headbutt. She then applied a figure-four mid-ring.

The ref got caught in the corner just like the Fletcher-Briscoe match leading to Mercedes poking Mina in the eyes for a two count. Mercedes applied a Statement Maker next. Mina leveraged Mercedes’s shoulders down for a two count. As Mina set up a figure-four, Mercedes turned it into a small package for a two count. She followed with a Mone Maker for a near fall, with Mina grabbing the bottom rope to stop the count. Mercedes eventually leveraged Shirakawa’s shoulders down with her feet pushing on the ropes for extra leverage for the win. Excalibur said it was a miracle Mina lasted as long as she did. Schiavone said Mercedes’s belt collection is an amazing story. Nigel called her a global phenomenon.

WINNER: Mercedes in 16:00 to retain the TBS Title.

-As Mercedes celebrated, Statlander returned to the ring. (Good, because she looked really weak slinking away on command before the match.) She slammed Mercedes to the mat. Mercedes rolled to ringside and retreated up the ramp.

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Wrestledream PPV Results: 10-18-25

(7) BRODIDO (Brody King & Bandido) vs. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA & KAZUCHIKA OKADA – AEW Tag Team Title match

Okada and Takeshita methodically dominated a long stretch early against Brody. Brody hot-tagged in Bandido at 6:00 and he went on a flurry. He leaped off of Brody’s shoulders onto Takeshita and Okada at ringside who looked more like they were catching him to save him from crashing onto the mat, but oh well, the crowd popped. Brody and Bandido took control at ringside. Brody whipped Bandido into Okada on a chair against the ringside barricade. Brody then ran and crashed into Takeshita on the other side of the ring. Fans chanted “Bro-di-do!”

In the ring, Brody hit Takeshita with a lariat and then he slammed Bandido onto him with a splash. Bandido played to the crowd. Nigel said, “This isn’t the time for this.” They did their Macarena routine. Okada shoved Bandido into Brody and took over. (Babyfaces are such unfocused unserious fools too often.) Okada then did some Macarena movements. Fans chanted, “F—, Okada!”

Takeshita and Okada got in sustained offense against Bandido. At 15:00 Brody got the hot-tag and rallied against both Takeshita and Okada. He drove Okada into Takeshita into the corner with a Death Valley Driver. He followed with a cannonball on both and scored a two count on Okada. Some fans chanted “Brody! Brody!” Okada countered Brody and drove Brody’s head onto his knee. Both were down and slow to get up.

Okada and Brody each tagged in their partners. Bandido gave Takeshita a Dragon Screw. Takeshita up-kicked Bandido, but Bandido hit a Code Red. Takeshita no-sold a hurancanrana driver by Bandido. Four-way action broke out. Takeshita landed a Blue Thunder Bomb. Callis checked on Okada at ringside as the Takeshita and Bandido were down in the ring.

As Takeshita set up a move in his corner, Okada tagged himself in to “steal the glory.” Takeshita shot him a look. Callis defended Okada. Brody took over against Okada. Bandido joined in and they chopped Okada together. Brody put Takeshita on his shoulders for a top rope move by Bandido, but Takeshita escaped and delivered a spike driver on Brody. He then flung Brody backwards. Brody no-sold it and popped up. Okada leaped at Bandido off the top rope. Brody back suplexed all three others as they were holding onto each other. He dropped down in exhaustion. Fans applauded, many stood. Excalibur exclaimed that AEW is home to the best tag team wrestling.

Takeshita and Okada doubled Bandido, but Okada mistakenly hit Takeshita with the Rainmaker. Okada laughed, though. Excalibur said Okada might’ve been waiting for that moment. Bandido then recovered and went after Okada. Okada went for a Rainmaker after blocking Bandido’s finisher. Brody then went after Okada. Brody dove through the ropes at Takeshita and then Bandido landed the 21 Plex on Okada for the three count despite selling one injured arm during much of the match. The announcers touted Bandido’s resilience and Brody’s encouragement of and belief in Bandido throughout the match. “Can you believe Okada got pinned?” said Schiavone. Bandido brought his young son in a Bandido mask into the ring to celebrate with them. Then Brody and Bandido did the Macarena together.

WINNERS: Brodido in 27:00 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles.

(Definitely longer than it needed to be, with two slow extended beat downs during the match by the heels against each babyface. Still, the peak moments were really good. Nobody thought it’d end without some tension surfacing with Okada and Takeshita, although it ultimately wasn’t what cost them. Brody and Bandido looked like idiots stopping the fight to retain the AEW Tag Titles to do the Mararena.)

(8) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE vs. SAMOA JOE – AEW World Title match

The bell rang 29 minutes into the fourth hour. Both got cheered during ring introductions. Excalibur said Hangman suffered from “imposter syndrome” during his first title reign. Schiavone said fans wanted Joe to get another title match. Joe largely overpowered Hangman in the ring and at ringside during the first eight minutes before settling into a mat hold mid-ring.Hangman fought back, but Joe kneed him in the gut as he charged at him.

They stood and exchanged chops mid-ring at 11:00. Hangman went for a shooting star press that didn’t land solid, but it led to a two count. The announcers talked about Joe trying to move out of the way. Hangman stood and elbowed Joe and then tried to lift him. JOe kneed Hangman several times and then powerbombed him for a two count. He then pivoted into an STF.

Joe set up a Muscle Buster next in the corner at 15:00. Hangman resisted. Joe shifted into a front chancery. Hangman slipped free and chopped Joe in the chest. Hangman had enough and yelled, “Come on, mother f—er!” as he swung wildly at him. He charged at Joe, but Joe ducked. He went for a Buckshot Lariat, but Joe ducked and applied the Coquina Clutch. Hangman leaned toward the bottom rope and eventually draped his leg over the bottom rope. Hangman then hit a Dead Eye for very near fall (actually, it was a three count as Joe was slightly late kicking out, but only by a sliver). “I thought for sure it was a three!” exclaimed Schiavone. Hangman hit the Buckshot, but Joe didn’t go down. He hit a second and then a third for the win.

WINNER: Hangman in 19:00 to win the AEW World Title.

(Solid match. A welcome match under 20 minutes, to be honest. They didn’t do multiple sequences of spamming finishers and near falls.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Wrestledream PPV Results: 10-18-25

(9) JON MOXLEY (w/Marina Shafir) vs. DARBY ALLIN – I-Quit match

The bell rang at the top of the fifth hour. Darby dove onto Mox at ringside. After Shafir grabbed Darby’s boot as he re-entered the ring, Moxley took over with a shotgun dropkick. He kicked the middle rope into Darby’s teeth. Darby went down and checked his outh for blood. Mox wrapped his fist with a chain and pinched his face. Darby’s mouth was bleeding. Mox looked at blood on his fist. He then pulled back on the chain in in Darby’s mouth. Fans chanted, “F— you, Moxley!” Mox lunged at the ropes and yelled at the fans. Nigel said Mox thinks everything he does is justified. Schiavone agreed. Mox said, “I tried to help him.” He knocked Darby to ringside and then followed him. He thew Darby back-first into the ringside steps.

Shafir supplied Moxley with wooden skewers. He jabbed it underneath Darby’s fingernails. Darby screamed in pain as he tapped it into it. Darby ran away as Mox admired the blood on the tip of the skewer. Excalibur said Darby was checking to see if his fingernail was still on his finger. When the ref asked if Darby quit, he yelled, “F— no!” Mox whipped Darvy toward the steps at ringside, but Darby leaped over them and then dropkicked Mox at 10:00. Fans chanted “Darby! Darby!”

They both returned to the ring and slapped each other a few times. Then they punched each other. Darby landed a sudden Code Red. Darby grabbed the AEW flag in the corner and wrapped it around Moxley’s throat. He hten hanged Mox from the ring apron. Mox gouged Darby in the eyes to break Darby’s grip on the flag. Darby mounted Mox and punched away at him. Darby went for a Coffin Drop off the top rope, but Shafir pulled Mox out of his path so Darby crashed on the apron himself.

Mox whipped Darby with a belt after Darby called on him to do it at 15:00. Darby popped up and leaped onto Mox’s back. Mox yanked him off and then landed a released German suplex. Darby crawled over to a backpack in the corner and grabbed something. He then squired Mox with lighter fluid. Excalibur said, “You can smell it from here.” Darby then reached into the backpack and pulled out a spray can. He sprayed Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia. Mox then caught Darby with a cutter. Mox called for a towel. Claudio tossed him one. Mox wiped off the lighter fluid.

Mox reached into the backpack and found a zapper. It was working. Mox jabbed at Darby, but Darby blocked it. Shafir gave Darby a low-blow and the Mox jabbed Darby with it. He then stomped on Darby’s head. He set up a chair and gave Darby a Paradigm Shift onto it. The ref checked on Darby. Meanwhile, Shafir and Yuta set up a table at ringside. Mox applied a Bulldog Choke next on the mat. Darby had a vacant look in his eyes. Darby gestured with middle fingers. Mox let go. Claudio entered the ring and pressed Darby over his head and then tossed him onto the announce desk. Darby landed on it and then bounced a foot into the air before falling to the floor behind it.

Pac dragged Darby to the other side of the ring. Mox then gave Darby a Death Rider off the ring apron through two tables at ringside. Fans chanted, “This is murder!” The ref checked on Darby at ringside. Mox kneeled down and said Darby is out of his mind. He said nobody cares about Darby but him. He yelled at Darby, “Quit! Quit! Quit!” Mox raged and ranted at Darby. Claudio and Pac set up the next spot in the ring. They brought an aquarium into the ring. Pac and Claudio poured water into it. Schiavone said they’ve gone too far.

Shafir dragged Darby to the aquarium. Mox splashed water in Darby’s face and then shoved his head into the water. He pulled him out after eight seconds and Darby wouldn’t quit. After ten seconds, he yanked him out of it. Mox yelled, “Just say it!” He shoved Darby’s head into the water again for a few seconds. The lights went dark ta 25:00. “This is absolutely not good,” said Schiavone. “What’s happening?”

Sting (66 years old with gray hair and a gray beard) showed up behind Moxley with a baseball bat in hand. He attacked Mox with the bat, then smashed the aquarium. He tossed Darby the baseball bat as Mox looked bug-eyed in shock at Sting’s return. Fans chanted, “Thank you, Sting!” Shafir got in Sting’s face. He lifted her and carried her to the back. Darby walked through the puddle of water and broken glass in the ring and pointed the bat at Moxley. Mox smiled. Mox offered his skull. Darby swung the bat into his abdomen and back and knee. Darby then smashed the aquarium again. He then wrapped the flag around Mox’s neck and gave him a Scorpion Death Drop. He followed with a Coffin Drop. He then put Mox in a Scorpion Death Lock mid-riing in the puddle. Mox tried to power out, but then quickly said, “I quit!” Schiavone declared, “We have seen it all! Darby wins!”

WINNER: Darby in 28:00.

(Sting’s return made sense as a way to settle this score. With everything they did, Mox quitting to a Scorpion Death Lock feels kinda silly but also a relief.)

 

[Arcademan]

Didn't watch it of course but a PPV over 4+ hours? You either thought it was way too long or they gave you a lot of wrestling for the cost of the PPV. Whichever floats your boat

 

[GoosehanX]

I downloaded it and watched maybe half of it. Meh. It's not that the matches are bad, but it feels like a marathon to get through one of these shows these days, and Dynamite sure hasn't done much to make me want to watch any of it. Briscoe vs Fletcher was the highlight.

 

[jro]

I haven't watched either company in maybe 2 months. I read the recaps and am reassured that it's still all just so bad. Frees up a lot of time in addition to the streaming fees.

 

[Taiso]

I haven't watched either company in maybe 2 months. I read the recaps and am reassured that it's still all just so bad. Frees up a lot of time in addition to the streaming fees.

Literally me.

 

[Arcademan]

I haven't watched either company in maybe 2 months. I read the recaps and am reassured that it's still all just so bad. Frees up a lot of time in addition to the streaming fees.

Join the club. Maybe I should post the weekly results along with the PLE and PPV results just like in the good old days at the start of this thread.

 

[Ralfakick]

Irwin R Schyster may not be with us much longer

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Saturday Night Main Event: 11-1-25

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

Note that the show was shown only on Peacock...

(1) CODY RHODES vs. DREW MCINTYRE – WWE Undisputed Title match

Cody Rhodes made his entrance first. Cole said Cody agreeing to waive the Champion’s Advantage could “bite him.” Wade Barrett said Drew is in his head and he has to keep his composure. Barrett talked about Drew’s belief that outside interference, blatant cheating, and terrible referee calls have cost him. He said there can be no excuses after this evening. Lilian Garcia handled formal ring introductions. She noted the lack of a Champion’s Advantage. Drew interrupted her and insisted she call him “The Real American Dream.” He smiled with smug pride knowing he was getting under Cody’s skin already. The bell rang 12 minutes into the hour.

Cody charged at the bell. Drew ducked. He got the better of Cody with some chops. Cody dropped Drew on his face in the ring. Drew rolled to the floor and then begged Cody to come after him. Cole noted Drew was looking for Cody to get counted out and thus lose his title. Barrett said Cody is more tense than usual and realizes he has backed himself into a corner. Cole said Cody might be overthinking everything he does out of his usual flow. Barrett said Drew has the champ rattled. Cody didn’t take the bait.

When Cody stomped away at Drew in the corner at 4:00, the ref counted and then pulled Cody away. Cody shoved the ref off of him, putting himself at risk of getting DQ’d. Cole said he believed it was inadvertent, and the referee understands the emotions and that everyone is on edge, so he’ll let “a little thing like that get by.” Drew shoved Cody into the ringpost and then into the timekeeper’s area near Garcia. Drew returned to the ring as the ref began counting Cody out. Cody returned at eight.

Drew mounted and pounded away at Cody’s head. Cole said Cody was a step off the entire match and said Drew has Cody off his game. Cody caught Drew on the top rope and set up for a superplex. Drew resisted, but Cody executed it off the top rope. Drew sold it and clutched his ribs. Cole called it a critical point in the match.

Cody landed a powerslam at 10:00. Then he connected with a Disaster Kick. He landed a Cody Cutter next and scored a two count. Cody did a tribute to his dad with a Bionic Elbow preceded by a Dusty crotch grab. It didn’t seem to get a pop. Drew countered Cody with a spinebuster seconds later into a jackknife cover for a two count. Drew landed a quick powerbomb for a two count.

Drew picked up the WWE Title belt and brought it into the ring. Cody snatched it away from Drew. Cole said Cody couldn’t use it. Cody tossed it to the ref. Drew caught Cody with a “flash” Claymore (without the usual wind-up and charging) for a near fall at 12:00. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” (Okay, calm down.) Drew took Cody to the floor, but Cody countered his attempt at a running kick against the announce desk. He threw Drew back into the ring. Drew knocked Cody off the ring apron through the table. Cole implored Cody to stand, cheering for him. (Cole’s advocacy for Cody was too much and came across as just blatantly unprofessional and distracting.) Cody beat the count at 9.

Drew set up a Claymore as fans chanted “Holy shit!” (Are they just pumping in stupid chants over the p.a. at this point or are the Utah fans just that “easy”?) Drew went for a running Claymore, but Cody moved. Cody blocked a Future Shock DDT and climbed the second rope in the corner but had to dodge the ref who was in his path. Then he stopped and favored his knee which buckled. The ref checked on him and backed Drew away. Barrett said this is all fair game. Cole said the ref was just being a human being. They replayed what happened but missed Cody making it back to his feet and hitting a running super cutter for a near fall. Barrett said he had huge questions about what just happened. Cody went back to clutching his knee in pain. Both were down and slow to get up. Fans chanted “Cody! Cody!” (That’s more like it.)

Drew upkicked Cody. Drew shoved Cody into the referee in the corner. The ref went down. Barrett said Drew didn’t see the ref. Drew gave Cody a Glasgow Kiss. Drew looked over and saw the referee was down. Drew then brought the WWE Title belt into the ring. He wound up and swung at Cody. Cody ducked. They collided mid-air with bodyblocks. Both were down and slow to get up. Drew crawled over toward the title belt. Cody DDT’d Drew onto the belt that was in Drew’s hands. Cody threw it out of the ring. The ref was still down. As the ref stood, Cody gave Drew a Crossroads for a three count.


Barrett said Cody should have been DQ’d. Cole said he doesn’t even think Cody knew the belt was there.

WINNER: Cody in 19:00 to retain the WWE Undisputed Title.

(A decent match, primarily centered around the special stip of the potential of a title changing hands on a DQ or countout. The sequence leading to Cody’s win gives Drew something to complain about, but it’s still another loss for Drew. The knee spot was curious as it didn’t seem to really play into anything.)

(2) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. JADE CARGILL – Women’s Title match

Jade’s entrance took place first. Stratton made her entrance next. Cole said this was her tenth title defense and she had only suffered one loss all year. Barrett said that loss was against Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. The bell rang 44 minutes into the hour.

Jade went right after Stratton’s knee. She landed a chokeslam next. Stratton avoided a charge in the corner, but she wasn’t able to climb the rope in the corner. Jade hung Tiffany upside down in the corner and battered her. She lifted her onto her shoulders at ringside and dropped her over the ringside barricade. Cole said Jade appeared to confident and relaxed. Tiffany side-stepped a charging Jade and sent her into the ringside steps.

Back in the ring, Jade knocked Tiffany off balance on the top rope. Tiffany fought back and landed a top rope Swanton splash. Jade came back with a clothesline and then Eye of the Storm for a near fall. Jade landed a sitout powerbomb a minute later for a two count.

Jade delivered two more powerbombs. Cole said it’s the most intense and ferocious he’s seen Jade. Jade then landed Jaded for the clean win. As Jade celebrated, Cole said Jade said she wanted to become a household name. He said she now is. Barrett said, “Jade Cargill, welcome to the very top tier.”

WINNER: Jade Cargill in 6:00 to capture the Women’s Title.

(That was decisive and came quickly. They really only trust Jade and Tiffany to deliver six minutes? Even casual fans are savvy enough to see Jade is being protected or just doesn’t have matches at the level of other wrestlers at her level on the card. I know they played up Tiffany’s knee being hurt going into the match and let everyone know Aldis wasn’t sure she should have agreed to the match in her condition, but it still felt like a weak showing for her.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Saturday Night Main Event: 11-1-25

(3) DOMINIK MYSTERIO vs. PENTA vs. RUSEV – Intercontinental Title match

Penta made his entrance first. Barrett said Joe Tessitore tells him he does the Penta strut in front of the bathroom mirror and asked if Cole does. Cole said he doesn’t and asked if Tessitore wears his toupé when he does that. Rusev made his entrance next. Dom wore his title belts to the ring – AAA Mega and WWE Intercontinental. Cole said it’s his 195th day as IC Champion. He said Dom has more title match wins than anyone else in WWE. Cole said that shocked him. Barrett said that’s because he’s a lifelong Dom hater.

The bell rang 4 minutes into the second hour. Rusev and Penta went after Dom aggressively at the start. Penta then chopped Rusev. Rusev fired back with a dropkick for a two count. Rusev caught Dom mid-air and one-arm slammed him. He followed with a gut-wrench suplex and a vertical suplex.

At ringside, Dom slipped out of Rusev’s arms and shoved him into the ringpost. Penta then landed a running leap onto Rusev. Dom then leaped over the top rope onto Penta at ringside. Penta made a comeback in the ring. Back at ringside, Rusev yelled at a kid in the front row and then threw Penta into the ringside steps. Dom dove onto Rusev, but Rusev threw him into the announce desk. Rusev showed fire and then told the IC Title belt, “I’m coming for you!”

Back in the ring, Rusev kicked Dom. Dom came back with a 619 attempt, but Rusev caught his legs. He then stomped on Dom and applied his Accolade. Penta broke it up and then began kicking Rusev. Rusev knocked him out of mid-air and then delivered a uranage for a two count at 7:00. Rusev set up a superplex, but Penta headbutted out of it. Rusev knocked Penta down. Dom entered the ring and tossed a chair to Rusev. The ref saw it and informed Dom there are no DQd in a Triple Threat match and just shrugged. Rusev then bashed Dom in the back with the chair. Penta kicked a charging Rusev and then launched off a kneeling Rusev with a Mexican Destroyer onto Dom. Penta delivered a tornado DDT next for a two count.

Rusev blocked Penta’s Mexican Destroyer and turned it into an Alabama Slam. Rusev charged, but Penta ducked and landed a Penta Driver for a near fall. Both were down and slow to get up. Penta got up and climbed to the top rope. Rusev kicked him out of mid-air and then applied an Accolade. Dom rang the bell at ringside, so Rusev released Penta. The ref looked confused. Rusev insisted the ref raise his arm. The camera cut to Dom who was holding the time keeper’s bell hammer. Rusev yanked Dom over the barricade to ringside and then threw him into the ringpost.

Cole said he didn’t understand what Dom was trying to accomplish since it only seemed to make Rusev angry. Barrett explained that Dom caused Rusev to release the hold because he thought he won. Cole conceded it was a great point. Dom threw Rusev into the ringside steps. Dom crawled back into the ring and reached for the bell hammer. Penta stepped on his hand and then picked up the hammer. Barrett pointed out (the absurdity) that the use of the hammer was legal (simply because there are three people in the match instead of two). Penta swung and hit Rusev by mistake. Penta expressed remorse. Dom threw Penta into the ringpost and then landed a leaping top rope frog splash on Rusev for the win.

WINNER: Dom in 13:00 to retain the Intercontinental Title.

(A decent match, but nothing special. Each wrestler got to play into what they’re known for, but it had a “house show going through the motions” routine match feel.)

(4) JEY USO vs. C.M. PUNK – World Heavyweight Title match (vacant)

Cole said Punk was dedicating the match to his one-time MMA coach, “Duke” Roufus, who died at age 55 two weeks ago. The bell rang 39 minutes into the hour. Punk gave Jey an intense stare in the corner. There was a dueling chant early. Jey rolled to ringside after blocking a Punk GTS at 4:00. They were pacing themselves for a longish match in the early minutes. Cole noted this is the first-ever one-on-one match between these two.

Punk set up a neckbreaker slowly but just fell backwards. Punk stomped Jey and then hit the neckbreaker on the second attempt. That was weird. Barrett said Jey seemed a little sluggish early. Jey gave Punk a Samoan Drop and then went for a spear. Punk blocked it and landed a neckbreaker for a two count. Punk landed a GTS a couple minutes later, but Jey rolled to the floor afterward from the momentum. The ref began counting out Jey. Punk poured water on Jey and threw him back into the ring. (Would Punk become champion if he beat by Jey by countout there?)

Back in the ring, Punk suplexed Jey and scored a two count. Punk expressed frustration. Some fans chanted “C.M. Punk!” Jey fought back with some punches a minute later. Cole said Jey was “starting to feel it now.” Jey tossed Punk into the corner and landed a running hip attack. Jey charged again, but Punk lifted him for a GTS instead. Jey slipped out and landed a superkick and a spear. He then climbed to the top rope and landed an Uso splash for a near fall.

Jey climbed to the top rope again. Punk met him up there and superplexed him to the mat. They were both down and slow to get up. Some fans chanted “C.M. Punk!” Punk and Jey exchanged strikes mid-ring. Punk whipped Jey into the ropes. Jey hit the ropes at half-speed and then ran into a weak-looking clothesline by Punk. Punk hit a back elbow and a leaping kick next. Punk hit Jey with a running knee and then landed a bulldog. He signaled for a GTS to very little crowd response. (The crowd came across as listless the whole night.)

Jey kicked Punk to the floor and then dove onto him at ringside. Both were down and slow to get up. Cole asked Barrett if he expected the match to be this physical. Barrett said he did. Jey broke the count and then returned to ringside. Jey and Punk each rolled into the ring to break the count. Punk rolled back to ringside to catch his breath. Jey went after him with a spear into the barricade in the timekeeper’s area. Cole said he was giving the ref credit for letting a lot go because it’s for the vacant title.

Jey went for a top rope splash back in the ring, but Punk lifted his knees. Punk then gave Jey a GTS for a near fall at 17:00. Jey landed a GTS on Punk a minute later. Jey went for a spear, but Punk blocked it and scored a near fall. Punk gave Jey another GTS. Jey bounced against the ropes and Punk lifted him for another. Punk fell backwards out of exhaustion. Jey quickly applied a sleeper. Cole said that’s how Jey beat Gunther at WrestleMania. Punk rolled out of it into an Anaconda Vice mid-ring. Jey reached for the bottom rope and grabbed it to force a break.

Punk dragged Jey back to mid-ring. Jey leveraged Punk’s shoulders down for a two count. He followed with a couple superkicks. When he charged, Punk kneed him. Punk gave Jey another GTS. He went for a second one and this time did not collapse. He connected with second one for a three count.

WINNER: Punk in 20:00 to capture the vacant World Heavyweight Title.

(All in all, it hit a nice crescendo in terms of the struggle to finish the match with counters and big spots. That said, nothing in the match looked great. Just about everything felt like two older wrestlers without in-the-prime crispness and strength to make the moves look good. Cole did a lot to raise the emotions in the closing minutes; the crowd did not. Well, the crowd got a bit more into it in the closing minutes, but they came across largely listless throughout.)