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LECLAIR’S AEW WRESTLEDREAM 2025 REPORT
OCTOBER 18, 2025
ST. LOUIS, MI AT CHAIFETZ ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON MAX PAY-PER-VIEW (U.S.), TRILLER.TV (Int.)
Announcers: Excalibur & Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness
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-Fireworks exploded from the stage at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. Excalibur welcomed the audience to the show and introduced his broadcast partners, Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness. In the ring, the tag team match from the pre-show continued. FTR scored the win over JetSpeed about 10 minutes into the main show broadcast. The announcers admonished FTR for stealing the win as the heel duo jawed with fans up the ramp.
-At ringside, Excalibur set the table with Schiavone and McGuinness. He said they were scheduled to go live on the air with Jamie Hayter vs. Thekla, but the tag team match spilled over onto the main card. He confirmed that per Tony Khan, the upcoming match will have no outside interference. He tossed to a video package.
Tony Schiavone interviewed Charlie Thesz, wife of the late Lou Thesz, seated at ringside. She said it was great to be back in St. Louis for the first time in a long time. Excalibur said one of the best things about AEW is that they embrace wrestling’s past.
-Thekla headed to the ring for the official opener. Jamie Hayter followed to a decent reaction. Her gear paid tribute to Antonio Inoki. Excalibur talked about Hayter’s recent history, and why Thekla’s attack on her was so personal.
(1) THEKLA vs. JAMIE HAYTER
Jamie Hayter tackled Thekla out of the gate, peppering her with a series of sharp right hands. She pulled her to her feet and drove an elbow into her face. Hayter worked Thekla against the ropes with a series of chops, sending her for a brief reprieve on the outside. Excalibur noted how dangerous Thekla has been. Tony said she’s out of control. Thekla made her way back to the ring and ate a quick boot from Jamie. Thekla caught Hayter with a headscissor. Jamie popped to her feet and booted Thekla to the mat. Thekla rolled to the floor again. This time, Hayter gave chase. She drove Thekla into the ringside barrier, then ran her into the LED board on the opposing end. Hayter slammed Thekla against the steel steps at ringside, then broke the referee’s count at six.
After draping Thekla against the barricade right in front of Charlie Thesz, Hayter gave the Toxic Spider a number of hard chops. Thekla recovered quickly, hit the ring and dove onto Hayter from the top rope at 3:45. Thekla dragged Hayter around ringside by the hair. She tossed her into the barricade repeatedly. She offered a handshake to Thesz, but quickly pulled away to a chorus of boos. Back in the ring, Thekla delivered a Snapmare and kick to the back of the head for a trio of covers and two counts. A chant for Jamie built among the St. Louis crowd. Thekla caught her with a knee in the corner, then a modified tarantula on the ropes. Hayter used her core to lift Thekla back in the ring in Electric Chair position. Thekla managed to pull her down, choking her with her thighs. Jamie managed to reach the bottom rope to break the hold at 6:20.
Thekla continued to beat Hayter down. She choked her against the middle rope, using all of referee Bryce Remsburg’s count. She worked Hayter into the corner and gave her some hard forearms to the chest. She posed to the crowd, they booed her appropriately. Thekla dragged Hayter back to center and continued to taunt the crowd. Hayter fought back with a couple of desperate rights, but Thekla quickly cut her off. Jamie finally sprang to life with a series of tackles and an Exploder Suplex. She dropped Thekla with a dropkick off the middle rope for a cover and two count. Hayter hoisted Thekla for a stalling Suplex. Thekla caught her with knees to the crown of the head. She flipped free and headed up top. Hayter avoided a dive. Thekla hoisted her to the apron. Jamie fought back with a flurry of right hands. She climbed the southeast turnbuckles.
An open handed strike rocked Hayter on the top turnbuckle. Thekla sat on top with her. Hayter dropped her to the mat with a headbutt. She went for another dropkick, but missed. Thekla hit a thrust kick and hit the ropes. Hayter picked her off with a thrust kick of her own. Hayter hit a neckbreaker on the back of the knee at 11:50. Both women struggled on the mat, reaching knees at a count of six. They traded forearms. Hayter went for a short-arm lariat, but missed. Thekla spin around into an Octopus stretch. Hayter stood up tall, trying to walk her opponent to the ropes. She managed to break Thekla’s grip and plant her with a back backer.
Hayter tried to catch her breath. Thekla pounced, trying to apply the hold again. Hayter slipped free. Thekla tried to remove her belt to use as a weapon, but Remsburg stopped her. It allowed Hayter to recover and give Thekla another back breaker. Thekla popped up and hit Jamie with a spear. She covered, but Hayter’s left foot was splayed out under the bottom rope. Thekla leaned back on her hands, spider-walking to the corner. She charged, but Hayter caught her with the lariat out of nowhere for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Jamie Hayter in 15:36
(LeClair’s Analysis: Fine opener, but relatively methodical given its spot on the card. Hayter is still desperately trying to recapture some of the momentum she once had, and hopefully a big singles victory on Pay-Per-View is enough to set that in motion. She just hasn’t been featured prominently or consistently enough to really stand out among the crowd. Thekla was a solid feud and opponent for her here, I just don’t think they gelled quite as well as was probably hoped.)
-Excalibur tossed to a video package for the $500,000 tag team match.
The Young Bucks entered first to no music, just a computerized voice saying “insufficient funds, transaction denied.” They were introduced by an on screen graphic calling them “The $32.17 Bucks.” They offered to take a picture with a fan at ringside for $20. Others tried to hand them dollar bills.
Jurassic Express entered next to a solid reaction, the crowd waving along to their theme song. Jack Perry soaked in the positive reaction. A big “Luchasaurus” chant broke out.
(2) THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. JURASSIC EXPRESS (Jack Perry & Luchasaurus) – $500,000 Tag Team match
“Jungle” Jack Perry began the match with Matt Jackson. They locked up. Matt forced Perry into the southwest corner and gave him an arrogant shove. They traded pushes and slaps. Matt tagged in his brother. The Bucks tried to double team Perry, but Jack overcame both of them. He tagged in Luchasaurus and fed Nick to him for a big clothesline. Nick repeatedly thwarted attacked from Luchasaurus, eventually sliding under his legs and raking his back. Luchasaurus spun around, grimacing. Nick tagged out and the Bucks tried to double team Luchasaurus, but he caught Nick in the air and tossed him onto his brother.
Referee Rick Knox argued with Jack Perry as he moved his tag rope to the adjacent turnbuckle. The distraction allowed Luchasaurus to bite Nick Jackson on the ear. Jack tagged back in, looking to dive onto the Bucks on the floor. They safely evaded him, but got caught by a Moonsault from Luchasaurus instead. Perry gave Matt some chops. Matt retaliated with a Jawbreaker, then tagged in Nick. Matt kicked Luchasaurus to the outside, then ate a kick to the gut from Perry. Jack dove through the ropes onto both Bucks at the match crossed 5:25. Jack asked a fan to hold Matt in place for a chop. She obliged. She handed him a Jurassic Express sign and he bent it over Matt’s head. Jack returned to the ring and got taken down by Nick. Matt caught Luchasaurus with a Sliced Bread on the outside.
Excalibur noted that this is only the 2nd tag team match for Jurassic Express in three years. The Bucks began to isolate Perry, trading tags and hitting him with Sentons from the apron. Matt covered Jack for a one count. Matt hit a Backbreaker and Nick flew in with a springboard guillotine leg drop. Perry fought back, flipping over Nick’s back and catching Matt with an Enziguri. He crawled desperately toward Luchasaurus, but Nick managed to catch him with a knee to prevent the tag. Matt downed Perry and covered him for a two count. The Bucks flexed over Perry. Nick covered him for two.
“Oh, you’ve got no money!” the St. Louis crowd taunted the Bucks. Matt hit Jack with a DDT for a cover and two count at 10:40. Perry managed to counter Matt into a ‘rana and make a diving tag to Luchasaurus. The dinosaur went to work, quickly cornering the Bucks on opposite ends. He gave them both big clotheslines, then posed to a big reception in the southwest corner. Luchasaurus grabbed Matt and Nick by the throat. The fought free and kneed him to the mat. They posed over him again, but Luchasaurus grabbed them by the throat again. He sprang to his feet and kicked Matt in the face, then Chokeslammed Nick onto him. Luchasaurus hoisted Perry over the top so he could give Matt a ‘rana to the floor. He tossed Nick into the air and Perry caught him with a cutter. Luchasaurus covered for a very close near fall.
Luchasaurus hoisted Nick into Electric Chair position and tagged Perry. Jack flew in the ring, but Jackson ducked. He tagged his brother. The Bucks gave Perry a German Suplex, then Nick choked him against the ropes. Matt Superkicked his exposed head, then hit a sit-out Powerbomb for a cover and near fall at 14:30. The Bucks went for a tandem Superkick, but Perry held onto the ropes. They tossed him to the apron. Matt pulled him into an Electric Chair. Luchasaurus hoisted Nick. Jackson and Perry traded blows. Matt gave Luchasaurus a Blockbuster Nick flew in with a Destroyer to Perry on the apron. All four men were down.
The Young Bucks returned Jack Perry to the ring. Jack tried to fight back with some weak chops. Matt hit back harder, forcing Perry to cover up on the mat. Perry pushed Matt into Nick on the apron and rolled Matt up for a two count. Matt popped to his feet and pulled Perry in for a package Piledriver/double stomp combo with Nick. Nick dove onto Luchasaurus on the floor while Matt covered Perry for a near fall.
“After everything we’ve done for you, Jack!” Matt admonished Perry. They went for the BTE Trigger, but Jack ducked. He went for a double DDT, but the Bucks blocked it and hit the Trigger. They covered, but Luchasaurus broke it up at the last possible moment. The Bucks set up Perry for More Bang For Your Bucks, but Jack rolled free. Luchasaurus returned and gave Matt a Chokeslam. Perry hit a Destroyer on Nick off of Luchasaurus’ back. Jurassic Express hit Matt with the Doomsday Device for a leg hook and very close near fall just after 20:00. Perry gave Matt a closed fist gut shot, then tagged in Luchasaurus. They hit Matt with the T.K. Driver, but Nick broke up the pinfall attempt. Perry tagged back in. Nick kicked him in the back of the head. The Bucks caught Luchasaurus with double Superkicks. Perry flew off the top and ate the same fate. The Bucks hit the BTE Trigger on Perry and Matt covered for a very close near fall.
Nick headed to the apron, calling for the T.K. Driver. Matt hoisted him into position. Luchasaurus caught Nick in the air by the throat and tossed him aside. Jurassic Express hit the Countdown to Extinction for a cover and three count.
WINNERS: Jurassic Express in 23:06
Jack Perry offered the Bucks a small consolation prize from the bag of money. Before they could accept, Perry and Luchasaurus were attacked from behind by Lance Archer, Josh Alexander, and Mark Davis. The Bucks simply left the ring and began to walk away. Kenny Omega’s music hit. He parted the Bucks and hit the ring, attacking the Don Callis Family. Perry and Luchasaurus recovered enough to join him. Together, they fought off the family.
(LeClair’s Analysis: Good match that could have benefited from a bit of editing in the middle. On a show that is destined to go long, there were several minutes of this one that felt a bit over indulgent. The closing sequence was great, and it’s fantastic to see Jurassic Express back together. It’s unquestionably a better use of both Perry and Luchasaurus, and the crowd is undoubtedly excited to have them back. It’d be great to see both of these teams be focal points in the rebuilding of the AEW tag team division.
The post-match angle served its purpose, getting Omega in front of the live crowd and continuing the tease of the reformation of the Elite. )
-Excalibur tossed to a video package for the upcoming tornado trios match.
The Hurt Syndicate headed to the ring first. They were jumped from behind by The Demand halfway down the ramp.
(3) THE HURT SYNDICATE (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin & MVP) vs. THE DEMAND (Ricochet & Bishop Khan & Toa Liona) – Tornado Trios Tag Team match
The referee called for the bell right away. Bobby Lashley was able to briefly fight off the Demand, but was quickly overcome. The crowd pelted Ricochet with a big “bald” chant. Toa Liona beat down Lashley on the outside while Bishop Khan and Ricochet worked over Shelton Benjamin and MVP in the ring. Lashley eventually pushed Liona to the side and grabbed Khan by the leg, pulling him to the floor and delivering a big overhead belly-to-belly. Liona flew into frame, flattening Lashley.
Ricochet pulled a table out from underneath the ring and ordered Liona to lay Bobby across it. Gates of Agony re-positioned the steel steps and climbed them, carrying Benjamin with them. They gave him a double Razor’s Edge onto Lashley and through the table. MVP was left alone in the ring as the match crossed 5:00. Gates of Agony swarmed him, beating him down with ease. Ricochet barked orders. Excalibur noted that G.O.A. are the first team in AEW to score a pinfall victory over Lashley and Benjamin. MVP gave Ricochet a hard right to the jaw. Khan and Liona overwhelmed him immediately. All three members of the Demand took turns giving MVP clotheslines out of the corner. Ricochet hit a Shooting Star Press off of Liona’s back and covered MVP for a near fall.
Benjamin returned to the ring, but was immediately beat down and tossed back to the floor. Ricochet charged at MVP, but the veteran hoisted cleanly up and over the ropes and out of the ring. Liona and Khan spilled to the outside, trying to stifle a comeback. Lashley took them down. He hit the ring and and gave Ricochet a massive shoulder into the corner. Lashley caught Bishop and Toa and gave them a DDT/STO combination. He hit Ricochet with a Terminator for a cover and near fall at 8:30. Bobby hoisted Ricochet onto the top of the northeast turnbuckles. He hooked him for a stalling Superplex, but Gates of Agony slid in underneath him and pull him to the mat. Ricochet still took the brunt of the punishment. MVP rushed in and covered Ricochet, but it was broken up at two.
Khan and Benjamin squared off with right hands. Bishop dropped Shelton, then dove onto Lashley and MVP on the floor. Ricochet recovered and dropkicked Benjamin in the back of the head. He tried to dive onto a collection of wrestlers on the floor, but Benjamin cut him off. He gave Ricochet a release German Suplex over the ropes, onto the pile of wrestlers below. They all sauntered back to their feet. Benjamin flipped over the top onto all of them.
“We hurt people” echoed through the arena. Benjamin hit Khan with a thrust kick. Ricochet pulled the ropes to send Shelton careening to the floor. MVP gave Ricochet a knee to the face. He hit the Ballin’ Elbow, then a bridging Fisherman Suplex for a cover broken up by Toa Liona. The big man tried to apply a clutch on Lashley, but Shelton broke it up with a knee to the face. Bobby hit Liona with a Spear. Ricochet was left alone in the ring with the full Hurt Syndicate. Bishop Khan pulled him to safety and took his place. Benjamin gave him a knee. Lashley hit him with a Spear and covered him for a three count.
WINNERS: The Hurt Syndicate in 13:24
(LeClair’s Analysis: This was a fun trios match. I would argue heavily in favor of dropping the trios titles entirely, but if they’re going to be around, it’s at least admirable that they have a big number one contender’s match between two legitimate trios teams. The Hurt Syndicate continue to be an enjoyable act unlike anything else in the company. They stand out – in a good way. Ricochet and the Gates of Agony have served as solid foils for them to play off of, but this feud has definitely run its course.)
-After a video package, Mark Briscoe headed to the ring for his TNT Championship match. Kyle Fletcher followed, trailed a minute or so later by Don Callis. Excalibur talked about the history between Fletcher and Briscoe, standing at 2 wins a piece. Callis joined the commentary team for the match.
(4) KYLE FLETCHER (c, w/ Don Callis) vs. MARK BRISCOE – TNT Championship match
“Dem Boys!” St Louis chanted, trying to hype up Mark Briscoe. He bobbed along to the cadence of the chant, stepping to Kyle Fletcher and initiating a lock up. Kyle immediately took wrist control. Briscoe turned it around and the two traded positioning. Fletcher worked to his feet, broke Briscoe’s headlock and then dropped him with a shoulder tackle. Callis called Fletcher “everything he could ask for in a son.” Briscoe tossed Fletcher to the floor and prepared to dive, but Kyle waved a finger and rounded the ring to avoid him.
Mark stood poised, waiting patiently for Fletcher to return to the ring around 3:30. Kyle clubbed at his challenger’s back. Briscoe chased him to the ropes and clotheslined him to the floor. He hit a leaping splash to the floor. Don Callis took off into the crowd. Briscoe walked Fletcher around ringside, hitting him with slaps, bites, and chops. He gave him a Suplex on the floor, then a diving elbow from the apron. A chair was tossed in the ring, but referee Paul Turner immediately tossed it aside. Briscoe brought Fletcher back into the ring, then booted him right out of it. Mark set up the chair in the ring, preparing to use it as a catapult. Kyle wisely pulled it out of the ring, but still ate a scissor kick through the middle rope.
The challenger sat Fletcher in a chair at ringside. Briscoe returned to the ring and dove through the ropes on the champion, crushing the chair in the process. He returned Kyle to the ring and covered him for a two count. Mark tossed Kyle to the floor and went for a Blockbuster off the apron, but Fletcher ducked. Briscoe landed violently on his hip. Kyle dropped Briscoe with a pin-point Superkick to the jaw. He flipped the steel steps on their side, then gave Mark a Powerbomb onto them. Fletcher flexed to a chorus of boos.
Kyle Fletcher posed in the ring, letting Briscoe expend his energy returning to the ring to break the referee’s count. He gave Mark violent stomps in the corner, using the ropes for ultimate leverage. Fletcher gave Briscoe a picture perfect body slam and continued to jaw at the crowd. He gave Briscoe a sit out body slam for a cover and two count, then followed up with a high angle back drop for another. Kyle grabbed a seated chin lock. Briscoe fought to his feet slowly, breaking the grip of the champion with elbows to the ribs. Briscoe ate a flurry of forearms to the chest. Each man ducked a clothesline attempt, then hit high boots and lariats. Both were down in the center as the match hit 12:00.
After returning to their feet, champion and challenger traded blows. Fletcher worked Briscoe into the corner with body shots. Mark returned the favor with hard chops to the chest. mark hit a flying lariat off the ropes, then flipped over Fletcher’s back. He caught Kyle with an Enziguri, then a Fisherman Buster for a cover and near fall. “Tactical error, he should’ve held onto the leg!’ Callis said. Briscoe set up for the Death Valley Bomb, but Fletcher slid free. He caught Briscoe with a Half & Half Suplex, then a hard side kick against the ropes. Fletcher hit the sit-out Last Ride for a cover and near fall.
“He spiked him so hard, it broke Briscoe’s belt!” Callis claimed. He told Fletcher to remove the belt and beat Briscoe with it. Kyle caught Mark with a hard kick to the jaw in the corner. He hoisted him to the top turnbuckle for a Brainbuster. Briscoe flipped over it. He hooked Kyle’s arms for what looked like an Avalanche Razor’s Edge. Fletcher slipped free and worked back into position to deliver a Superplex. “The whole ring jumped!’ Callis said in reaction to the move. Briscoe rolled to the outside as the match crossed 17:30. Fletcher tried to catch him with a P.K., but Briscoe caught the boot. Kyle caught him with the other leg. He tried for a Brainbuster on the apron, but Briscoe blocked it. He connected with a Jay Driller on the edge of the ring.
Briscoe collapsed to the floor with Fletcher in a heap. Kyle wiggled his fingers, searching for feeling. Excalibur said he may have a stinger. Mark tossed the champion back in the ring and climbed the turnbuckles. He went for Froggy Bow, but Fletcher rolled to safety. He caught Briscoe with a heavy boot, then hoisted him atop the northeast corner. Briscoe fought back with body shots and a bite. He laid Kyle across the top rope and hit the Froggy Bow. Fletcher spilled to the floor. Briscoe hit another one, this time to a standing champion. He rolled Fletcher back inside and called for one more, hitting it. Mark hooked the leg for a very close near fall at 20:35.
Fletcher countered a Jay Driller attempt and rolled Briscoe up for a two count. Mark turned it into a backslide for two of his own. Mark hit an Exploder, then hooked Kyle for the Jay Driller. Fletcher spread his legs wide to shift all his weight and block the attempt. Briscoe broke and gave him a lariat to soften him up. He hit the Jay Driller, but delayed in making the cover. Fletcher got a single finger on the rope to break the count. Mark set Kyle up for a Cutthroat Driver, but Fletcher grabbed onto the referee’s collar to create some chaos. He slid free and hit Mark with the Brainbuster for a cover and very close near fall.
Shock overtook Fletcher’s face. He hit Mark with a running kick, then hurriedly hoisted him to the top. He connected with the turnbuckle Brainbuster and made the slow crawl to a cover and three count.
WINNER: Kyle Fletcher in 24:42 to retain the TNT Championship
(LeClair’s Analysis: Really good match that captivated that crowd from the start. Kyle Fletcher continues to impress in big ways on Pay-Per-View, and Briscoe has quietly built an impressive resume for himself as a singles competitor. Like the tag match earlier in the night, I do think this could’ve been served by some minor edits – namely because Fletcher has been presented as such a significant up-and-comer. I understand that there’s a certain level of investment in Mark Briscoe, but he is still more or less defined as a mid-card act. After going nearly forty minutes with Hangman Page last month at All Out, I just think it would be beneficial for him to defeat Briscoe in shorter order, even if its still a competitive match. For better or worse, that’s just not the way AEW books any of these acts.)
-Excalibur threw to a video package for the AEW Women’s World title match.
Toni Storm’s entrance was preceded by a brief narrative vignette. She marched to the ring, stylized in black and white. Excalibur said she seems naked without the Women’s World title. Schiavone said she’s frazzled. The champion received her own vignette, narrated by Harley Cameron. Statlander headed to the ring. Excalibur called her entrance “intergalactic.”
(5) KRIS STATLANDER (c) vs. TONI STORM – AEW Women’s World Championship match
Kris Statlander and Toni Storm stood in their respective corners and stared each other down as the bell rang. They approached center and locked up. The champion gained the initial advantage and broke against the ropes. Champion and challenger traded headlocks and take downs. Statlander turned a headlock into a press cover for two. She transitioned out of the headlock, leaped over Toni and took her down with an arm drag. Toni spun and grabbed a headscissor. Stat stepped over in a headlock.
“Great technical exchanges to start the contest,” Nigel said. Toni kipped to her feet, but got swept down by the champion. Kris frustrated her challenger with multiple kip ups and takeovers. She gave Toni a shoulder tackle, but Toni sent her to the apron with one of her own. Storm drove Stat to the floor with a hip attack. Kris quickly recovered and catapulted Storm into the apron. Stat hit a standing Shooting Star off the apron onto a standing Toni Storm. She hoisted Storm onto her shoulders and walked her up the ring steps and into the ring as the match approached 5:00. Kris vaulted over the ropes with a Senton for a cover and two count.
Following a scoop slam, Statlander delivered a sliding clothesline and covered Storm for two. She crossed her legs across the ribs of Storm. Toni tried to battle free with back elbows. Toni rolled to her knees, but Stat stayed on her back. She broke the hold and dropped Toni with a big clothesline. Storm caught Stat with a booth out of the corner. Kris ate it and gave Toni a backdrop, then a middle rope elbow for a two count. Kris stepped on Toni on her way to the ropes for a middle rope splash and another two count.
“Once again, targeting the body of Toni Storm,” Excalibur said of the champion’s offense. McGuinness said Statlander is in firm control. Just then, Stat played to the crowd just a beat too long, setting up Toni for a comeback. She worked Stat against the ropes with elbows, then ducked a roundhouse kick. Kris recovered quickly with a driver and an uppercut. Toni ducked a knee in the corner and hit a Tornado DDT. She followed up with a Tiger Driver for a cover and near fall just before 9:00. Toni set up for Storm Zero, but Kris blocked it. Toni managed to pull her in for a sit-out Hammerlock Driver. She covered for a near fall.
Champion and challenger spilled to the apron, trading knees. Statlander worked Storm back through the ropes and caught her in an arm and neck hold. Storm pivoted with her left hip to get a foot on the bottom rope. Storm spun her body around and applied the TCM Chicken Wing. Stat turned her body just enough to return the favor with a foot on the rope. A dueling chant broke out in St. Louis. Stat tried to apply a Mexican Stretch, but Storm turned it into a cover for two. Stat popped up and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb, then a Fisherman Arrow for a near fall. Both women rose slowly, trading kicks. Stat looked for Saturday Night Fever, but Storm blocked it. She caught the champion with the hip attack in the corner and went for Storm Zero. Stat blocked it with her hands on the mat. She climbed to the top and hit the 450 Splash for a very close near fall at 13:20.
Statlander inverted Storm, but the challenger slipped free, popped up and finally delivered Storm Zero. She hooked the leg for a near fall. Toni pounded the mat in frustration. Stat pulled her into the Seatbelt pin again, but this time, Storm kicked out. Toni popped up for a release German Suplex. Stat shook it off and gave Storm Saturday Night Fever. She hooked the leg for another near fall. Stat immediately transitioned into a guillotine choke with her legs. Toni began to fade. She pushed up on her hips in a bridge, trying to get air into her lungs. “Kill me!” Storm begged the champion. Kris broke the hold and gave Toni another Saturday Night Fever for a cover and three count.
WINNER: Kris Statlander in 16:31 to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship
(LeClair’s Analysis: I really liked this match. An unorthodox approach where both women successfully showed off their technical prowess. They weren’t afraid to slow the pace and trade long form submission attempts and counters. Storm is one of AEW’s biggest success stories, and I have no issue with the company using some of the good will she’s built to help get over some other acts that have, at times, struggled to maintain momentum. Statlander’s title win last month felt a little out of left field, coming in a four way match, but this was sufficient follow-up – a clean, one on one match where Statlander gets a clean, and clear pinfall victory. I liked the closing sequence a lot, with Storm essentially begging to be put out of her misery, knowing she’d been defeated. Statlander is still really struggling in the character and promo department, but hopefully a decisive win over Storm will build her confidence.)
Mercedes Mone’s music cut off Statlander’s victory celebration. She congratulated Stat on her victory, and told her to get the hell out of the ring. Statlander gave Mone a look, but, ultimately, obliged. Mercedes asked “who wants to ride the Mone train?” Excalibur noted that she’d extended the challenge last night, hoping to gain another title. Mina Shirakawa answered the call.
(6) MERCEDES MONE (c) vs. MINA SHIRAKAWA (c) – TBS Championship & Interim ROH Women’s Television Championship match
Mina Shirakawa took Mercedes Mone down by the leg right out of the gate. She quickly applied the Figure Four. Mone screamed in agony, rolling desperately toward the ropes and to the floor the break the hold. A dueling chant broke out. Mone returned to the ring and quickly hit the ropes, but Shirakawa dropped to her knees and taunted her. It pulled Mercedes in, and Mina scored a two count off of a roll up. Mone tried to transition into a Statement Maker, but Mina broke it up. She gave Mercedes a quick headscissor, then a Russian Leg Sweep. Mina applied the Stretch Muffler, then slapped at Mone’s back.
Shirakawa looked to dizzy Mone with a series of kicks. The second one missed wildly, and Mone was able to pull her challenger into the Statement Maker. Mina got her fingers in between her own jaw and Mercedes’ grip to prevent full application. Mone broke the hold and gave Shirakawa a Backstabber, then a Lungblower for a cover and near fall just before 3:00. Mone worked Shirakawa into the corner, posted her across the middle turnbuckle and drove her into the mat with double knees for a cover and two count. Mercedes worked Mina against the ropes, then gave her a standing Meteora for another two count. Mone took a beat to catch her breath, but got caught with some hard elbows from Mina. Mone blocked a Suplex attempt, then pulled Mina to the mat with a hair pull. She initiated the Three Amigos, hitting all three. She walked over Mina repeatedly. Mone hit another standing Meteora, then went for a top rope frog splash. Shirakawa got her knees up. She gave Mercedes a snap Suplex.
Mone and Shirakawa traded blows in the center. Mina took control with a missile dropkick off the ropes, then a torque of the knees. Nigel said it will help her secure the Figure Four later. Shirakawa toppled Mone, then worked to the apron. She hit a tornado splash back into the ring for a cover and two count. Shirakawa ascended the northeast turnbuckles and hit a Slingblade off the top, covering for a near fall at 9:30. Mina went for a reverse DDT, but Mone flipped over it. She went for the Mone Maker, but Shirakawa blocked. She missed with a Tornado DDT, but connected with the Glamorous Driver for a close near fall.
“Just as she began the match, Mina is looking for the Figure Four!’ Excalibur exclaimed. Mina locked it in. Mone bashed at her knees, trying to free herself. The women traded slaps to the face. The TBS Champion rolled to the safety of the ropes, forcing a break on the apron. Shirakawa pulled her to her feet, but Mone exploded with a Codebreaker and Meteora on the apron. She rolled Mina back inside for a cover and near fall of her own. Mone hit another Meteora, this time off the middle rope. She followed up with a sunset bomb right into the turnbuckles. Mercedes went for double running knees, but Mina moved. She caught the champion with rolling elbows and roundhouse kick.
Excalibur wondered if this would be the final day of Mone’s 510 day TBS title reign. Shirakawa tried for the Figure Four again, but Mone fought it off. She tripped Mina into the turnbuckle, then rolled her up and put her feet on the ropes. The referee caught her. Mone poked Mina in the eyes and rolled her up for two, transitioning right into the Statement Maker. Mina reoriented her body toward the ropes, but Mone rolled her into a cradle for two. Both women popped up and Mercedes hit the Mone Maker. She covered, but Shirakawa grabbed the bottom rope.
The TBS Champion was incensed. He lip quivered in fear, then rage. She adjusted her knee pads and rose to her feet. She went for another Backstabber, but Mina stumbled free against the turnbuckle. Mone hooked her for the Mone Maker, but Mina bashed her against the corner repeatedly. Mone still managed to catch her in a backslide. She got a foot on the rope. This time, the referee didn’t see it and she scored a three count.
WINNER: Mercedes Mone in 16:09 to retain the TBS Championship and win the Interim ROH Women’s Television Championship
Mone celebrated, but Statlander rushed to the ring and cut her off. She sent Mercedes to the floor and then mocked Mone with her Women’s World title.
(LeClair’s Analysis: Another really good match, I just question its length and necessity on a card this loaded, with the undercard matches going as long as they have. Shirakawa was a good opponent, and gave Mone a great match, but it’s nothing anything we haven’t seen before. This may have been better served for Dynamite, with Mone and Statlander just having a face off on this show instead, teasing their inevitable showdown. The belt collector gimmick does very little for me overall, especially when the Interim ROH Television title is among the list.)
-After a video package for the tag team title match, Kinosuke Takeshita headed to the ring, flanked by Don Callis. Kazuchika Okada followed. Brodido was out next to a warm reception from the crowd. Callis took a seat back at the announce desk. Schiavone asked him if he’s been able to patch up the problems between Takeshita and Okada yet. Callis said it’s just “competitive spirit.”
(7) BRODIDO (c, Brody King & Bandido) vs. KINOSUKE TAKESHITA & KAZUCHIKA OKADA (w/ Don Callis) – AEW World Tag Team Championship match
Bandido began the match with Kazuchika Okada. Bandido offered a handshake and Okada just gave him the finger. They locked up. Okada worked Bandido into the ropes, but Bandido turned it around. He broke on referee Aubrey Edwards’ request and gave Okada a headscissor take down. Okada sidestepped an elbow and hit one of his own, then tagged in Kinosuke Takeshita. Bandido caught Takeshita with a couple of elbows, then the two traded Irish whips. Bandido caught Kinosuke with a headscissor, then launched him to the corner and tagged in Brody King. The big man held Takeshita in place for Bandido to connect with a pointed dropkick to the side of the head.
Kinosuke and Brody traded forearm strikes and elbows. King’s rolling elbow flattened Takeshita. King set him up for a Razor’s Edge, but Takeshita slid down the back and pushed Brody into the corner. King knocked Okada to the floor. Takeshita dropped King with a Heluva Kick in the corner. Kinosuke gave Okada a lackadaisical tag, staring him down. Kazuchika worked Brody into the southwest corner and beat him down. He gave him a running elbow, then walked him to the heel corner. He gave King a neckbreaker, then spun and knocked Bandido off the apron at 4:40. Okada tagged in Takeshita.
Nigel and Excalibur continued to talk about the tension between Takeshita and Okada. Callis waved it off. Okada kneed and slapped King antagonistically. Takeshita entered and the duo began chopping and kicking Brody. King shrugged it off and dropped both opponents with a clothesline. He sent Takeshita careening to the floor, then tagged in Bandido, who hit a torpedo splash onto Okada. Bandido knocked Kazuchika to the floor, then sent Takeshita to join him. King assisted Bandido in walking the ropes and diving onto their opponents below. Brodido sat their challengers in chairs on opposite ends of ringside. King launched his body into both of them off of running splashes.
The tag team champions returned Takeshita to the ring and peppered him with chops and Superkicks. King hit a lariat, then helped Bandido gave him a splash. Bandido hyped up the crowd and they started to do the Macarena. Bandido got attacked from behind by Okada. He gave the crowd double middle fingers and did the Macarena himself. Kazuchika and Kinosuke worked over Bandido in the heel corner while King recovered on the outside. Takeshita applied a hammerlock and repeatedly drove Bandido’s injured shoulder into the turnbuckles. Okada dragged Bandido to the floor and rammed him into the ring post while Takeshita provided cover with Edwards.
Okada tossed Bandido in the ring and delivered a rolling Senton. He stared down King on the apron and smiled arrogantly. Takeshita applied a grounded hammerlock and drove the point of his elbow into Bandido’s shoulder. Another tag at 13:00. Takeshita took King off the apron and drove him into the barricade. In the ring, Okada hit an elbow from the top rope. “What an athlete Okada is!” Callis said. Okada gave the hard camera the middle finger, but Takeshita thought it may have been meant for him. He covered Kazuchika’s finger, and the pair got attacked by Bandido, who managed to leap to his corner and tag in Brody King.
King gave Okada an explosive back Suplex, then delivered a sidewalk slam to Takeshita. He hoisted Okada onto his shoulders and deposited him onto Takeshita in the corner. Then, he gave them both a running cannonball for a cover and two count. Brody placed Okada on the top of the southwest corner, but the Unified Champion leaped over him and delivered his signature Neckbreaker. Both men were down as the match crossed 16:00. Kazuchika reached Kinosuke for a tag. King reached Bandido. The ROH World Champion caught Takeshita with a Dragon Screw, then a Code Red for a near fall. Bandido no-sold a release German Suplex, then dropped Takeshita with a rolling back fist. He went for the 21-Plex, but Takeshita baited him for a Wheelbarrow Slam. Bandido flipped through it. He gave Bandido a Poisonrana, but Bandido popped up and hit one of his own. King gave Okada a knee into the corner, then a rolling Senton. Bandido covered Takeshita for a close near fall.
Don Callis checked on Okada on the outside. He said he was concerned about his neck. Okada gave him a thumbs up. In the ring, Bandido’s shoulder gave out and Takeshita slid down his back. He worked over the arm as the match crossed 20:00. Takeshita went for a pop-up Powerbomb, but Bandido turned it into a Hurricanrana. Takeshita rolled to his feet and caught Bandido with a violent knee strike to the face. He lowered his knee pad, but Okada tagged himself in. Kazuchika went for the Rainmaker, but Bandido ducked and gave Okada a stomp. He tagged in King.
Brody caught Okada with a big boot. Bandido flipped over King’s body onto Takeshita on the floor. King worked Okada into the northwest corner. He and Bandido chopped at Kazuchika, then hit corner clotheslines. King hit a sit-out Tombstone off a back kick. Takeshita broke up the cover just in time. Tag to Bandido. Okada caught him with a boot. Bandido shrugged it off and leapt to the top rope. Takeshita cut him off and hooked him for a Superplex. Brody slid underneath him in Electric Chair position. Kinosuke fought free, shoving King into Bandido. Takeshita spiked King on his head, then gave him a German Suplex. Brody popped up and clotheslined Takeshita. Bandido flew off the top for a clothesline, but Okada picked him off with a dropkick. He went for the Rainmaker, but Bandido blocked.
All four men wound up leaned against the ropes, clutching each other for German Suplexes. Brody King lifted all three men to deliver the move. Okada and Takeshita rose to meet King in the center, taking him down with a dropkick and knee combination. They gave Bandido stereo big boots. Bandido slid under a bicycle knee from Takeshita. Okada went for a Rainmaker, but Bandido ducked. Okada hit Takeshita. He stood over him, grinning. Bandido kneed Okada in the face. He went for the 21-Plex, but his shoulder gave out. King returned, hitting Okada with a driver. He dove onto Takeshita on the floor. Bandido finally hit the 21 Plex and covered Okada for a three count.
WINNERS: Brodido in 27:32 to retain the AEW World Tag Team Championships
(LeClair’s Analysis: Great match. This thing had it all – an ascending babyface tag team against two strong characters in Takeshita and Okada, a crowd ready to pelt Callis and his cohorts with boos, a story of dissension among the heels, and an injury angle to overcome for Bandido. All four men were on their A-game, and Okada seemed far more impressive in this outing than he has in most of his singles matches with AEW. It was almost comical the number of championships that came to the ring for this match, but, such is life with AEW.)
-Renee Paquette approached a dejected, downtrodden and nearly catatonic Toni Storm backstage. She was slumped against a stack of road crates, silent. Mina Shirakawa stumbled into view and knelt beside her friend. Toni said they’d lost everything. “We have each other,” Mina said. They hugged.
-Excalibur tossed to a video for the AEW World title match.
-Samoa Joe headed to the ring first. The crowd chanted along to his theme music. Excalibur said that Joe said he thinks the fans are “clamoring for another Samoa Joe title reign.” Adam Page marched to the ring confidently with Joe looking on, stoic. Justin Roberts delivered Championship introductions.”
(8) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE (c) vs. SAMOA JOE – AEW World Heavyweight Championship match
Samoa Joe used his size advantage to work “Hangman” Adam Page into the corner, then the ropes out the gate. A “Joe is gonna kill you” chant built in the crowd, and Joe winked at the champion. Page broke out of a strong headlock from Joe, then hit the ropes. He gave him a hard shoulder, but Joe didn’t budge. He chased after Page and gave him a violent blow, sending Page crashing to the floor. “It ain’t levels, it’s leagues!” he barked at Hangman. Page shook off the cobwebs and hopped back in the ring, quickly cornering Joe and catching him with quick blows. Page grabbed at the heavily taped left arm of Joe and worked it against the ropes, utilizing referee Paul Turner’s full count before breaking.
Page toppled Joe to the outside where the challenger quickly grabbed control, tossing the champion into the barricade and then crushing him against the timekeeper’s area. He returned Page to the ring, but Hangman leapt up and dove onto Joe on the floor. Joe didn’t go down, only stumbled. Page climbed the turnbuckles. Joe skirted around the ring post, giving Page pause. Hangman tried for a Moonsault, but Joe casually moved out of the way. Page landed on his feet, unbeknownst to his challenger. Hangman hit Joe with a driving missile dropkick as the match crossed 7:00.
A dueling chant built in the Chaifetz Arena. Champion and challenger returned to the ring slowly. Page charged Joe, but got caught with an STO in the corner. Page was bleeding from the mouth. Joe kicked the champion’s face violently. Joe turned Page inside out with a kitchen sink. He settled in to a seated chin lock. Page fought to his feet, but ate a Manhattan Drop and standing Senton from the challenger for a cover and two count. Hangman battled back to his feet and hit the ropes, but Joe picked him out of the air with a snap Powerslam for another two count.
Excalibur said that Samoa Joe has a “calm and collected approach” to the match. Joe struck the champion with short jobs to the jawline. Page absorbed each one and shook with rage. He hit Joe with a series of chops, then an Enziguri. Joe shrugged it off and gave Page a German Suplex. Hangman rolled to his feet and gave Joe a back drop. McGuinness said the champion is finding his second wind as the match crossed 12:00. Joe rolled to the apron. Page gave him a big boot to the floor. Adam ascended the turnbuckles from the apron, but Joe tricked him again by sliding into the ring. Page went for the Moonsault, but over-shot and only connected with his forearms. He covered for a quick two count.
Hangman called for a Deadeye, but Joe blocked it and gave him a Powerbomb stack for a two count. He floated over right into the STF in the center. Page dragged himself toward the bottom rope, so Joe transitioned into the Crossface to take Page’s nearest arm out of the equation. Page rotated his lower body and got a foot on the bottom break to force a break. Joe walked Page to the southwest corner and set him up for the Musclebuster. Page blocked. Joe grabbed a front facelock on the top. Page chopped himself free, then hit a Sunset Bomb off the top for a cover and near fall at 15:45. Hangman tried for a Deadeye gain, but Joe blocked it with kicks. He tried for the Coquina Clutch, but Hangman broke free and careened to the apron. He went for the Buckshot Lariat, but Joe caugh him and pulled him down into the Coquina Clutch on the mat.
“Look at Joe clinging onto the champion!” McGuinness exclaimed. Page was fading, hand limp. He extended his arm, then his leg, and reached the bottom rope. Joe looked on at the champion. He hoisted him into position for the Musclebuster, delivering a series of headbutts on his way. Page slid free and finally hit Deadeye. He covered for a very close near fall at 18:30. Page hit three consecutive Buckshot Lariats and covered Joe for a three count.
WINNER: “Hangman” Adam Page in 18:59 to retain the AEW World Heavyweight Championship
After the match, Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata joined their Opps cohort in the ring, helping him to his feet. Hangman Page offered his hand to Joe, and Joe accepted it. He raised Joe’s hand, and Joe dropped him with a clothesline. The Opps immediately began stomping away at him. They placed Page on the top rope and Joe gave Page a Musclebuster. The crowd pelted him with boos as he posed to each side of the arena.
Page was helped out of the ring and to the back by members of the security team.
(LeClair’s Analysis: Very enjoyable title match from the jump. This was very clearly a “B” level title defense for Page – the feud seemed rushed and relatively under built, but Samoa Joe has been protected well enough by AEW to serve more or less as an evergreen challenger to the World Title in a pinch, and that’s exactly what happened here. These two had a heck of a fight by all appearances, which tends to be the case with Joe’s big matches. Page continues to in his title defenses, too.
The post match turn for Joe creates a rematch for Page if they need it, but it also creates a clear heel and babyface dynamic for the upcoming trios title match between the Opps and newly established number one contenders, the Hurt Syndicate.)
-Excalibur threw to Mercedes Mone backstage. She said Kris Statlander disrespected her, and now she’s coming after the AEW Women’s World Championship. She challenged her to a match at Full Gear. Afterward, Excalibur teased Wednesday’s Dynamite and then threw to a video for the main event.
Jon Moxley stood in a nondescript backstage hallway, bathed in red light. Marina Shafir hyped him up. Moxley sauntered past the camera, which turned toward the opening in the lower bowl. Moxley and Shafir made their way into the crowd, Jon jawing with fans as he paced back and forth. Darby Allin headed to the ring with a backpack hanging limp at his side. Schiavone said he this one of the few times he wished they had their old desk atop the stage back. Nigel said it doesn’t feel like there’s going to be safety anywhere in the arena. As Allin’s music faded out and the house lights came on, the crowd chanted “we are nervous.”
(9) JON MOXLEY vs. DARBY ALLIN – I Quit match
Darby Allin pulled out an AEW flag from his backup and laid it out in the center of the ring. Jon Moxley walked over it and kicked it aside. Allin hit him with a missile dropkick. Moxley fell to the floor. Allin immediately dove through the middle rope, toppling Jon. He fought Moxley against the barricade. Jon shoved him away and slid in the ring. Marina Shafir grabbed at Allin’s leg, stifling his approach. Moxley kicked him in the head. Jon choked Allin against the middle rope.
“It only goes downhill from here, Darby” the leader of the Death Riders said. He wrapped a chain around his fist and hit Darby in the forehead with it, then turned his focus to the jaw and teeth. Excalibur wondered if Allin could even quit with a broken jaw. Blood poured from Allin’s mouth less than 3:00 in to the match. Moxley choked Allin with the chain, then yelled at the crowd. Mox stomped at the bloody face of Allin against the bottom rope, then ripped at his ear. Darby fell to the floor, grabbing frantically at his ear. It was bleeding profusely. Tony said it was near sheered off. Moxley slammed Allin against the steps. “How far you willing to go?” Jon asked him. He said he’s willing to do this all night.
Allin crawled around ringside in agony, Moxley in plodding pursuit. Marina Shafir retrieved a bundle of skewers and delivered them to Mox. Jon laid Darby’s arm across the steel steps and stepped on his wrist. He drove the skewer under Darby’s fingernail and tapped on the opposite end. Allin screamed, but refused to quit. Darby checked his hand to see if his fingernail was still attached. Moxley grabbed the finger and bit it. Remsburg checked on Darby, but he gave an emphatic, profane “no.” Moxley tried to whip Darby into the ring steps, but Allin leaped over. He charged Mox and hit a missile dropkick.
Both men slid back in the ring. Jon clubbed Allin in the face, dropping him to his knees. Jon invited contact, understanding his advantage. Allin struck wildly, but Mox just ate the blows and hit his own. Allin hit a headbutt to the midsection and then delivered a Code Red. Moxley was rung. Darby grabbed the AEW flag and wrapped it around Mox’s throat. He tossed him over the ropes, choking him. Moxley kicked wildly, eyes popping out of his head. He thumbed Darby in the eye to break himself free. Mox was laid out on the apron. Darby climbed the turnbuckles, looking for a Coffin Drop. Shafir pulled Moxley to safety. Darby crashed and burned on the edge of the ring.
Mox rubbed at his throat, barking orders to Shafir. He tossed Darby back in the ring as the match crossed 10:30. He pulled Allin’s belt off his shorts, gave it a good crack and then began the whipping. “This is inhumane,” Nigel said. Moxley stepped on Darby’s head and cracked the belt over and over. Welts formed across Darby’s whole back. Moxley delivered a stalling Piledriver, then demanded Darby stand up for more punishment. He whipped him some more. Allin used the ropes to steady himself, then bent against the ropes, exposing his back to Jon for more punishment. Moxley unleashed, losing control of the belt in the chaos. Blood pooled on Darby’s back.
With a flurry of energy, Darby charged at Mox and caught him with several strikes. Mox shrugged them off and gave him a release German Suplex. Allin rolled to the corner near his backpack. He pulled out a bottle of lighter fluid and squirted it in Moxley’s face, then all over his body. Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli rushed to the ring, but Darby shot lighter fluid at them, too. The distraction allowed Moxley to pull the bottle away. Marina tossed him a towel and Mox dried himself off. He found a taser in Allin’s back. Shafir gave Allin a low blow, allowing Jon to tase him. Castagnoli tossed a chair to Mox. Jon applied the grounded sleeper on Allin, knocking him out.
Meanwhile, the Death Riders had set up a pair of tables on the outside. Claudio entered the ring and pressed Darby over his head. He looked poised to toss him through the tables below, but changed course and threw him over the top and onto the announce desk instead. Allin’s body bounced violently and slid to the floor. Pac was there waiting for him. He dragged Allin’s lifeless body around ringside and back into the ring. Moxley hooked him and delivered a Paradigm Shift off the apron, through the two tables at ringside.
“This is murder!” the crowd chanted as the match approached 19:00. Remsburg checked on Allin, who refused to quit. Moxley said he’s out of his mind and no one cares about him. “He’s going to get himself killed. I care about him!” Moxley yelled. He shook his head regretfully. He told Allin he didn’t want to do this, but Darby has disrespected him for too long. Meanwhile, the Death Riders brought a fish tank into the ring and filled it with gallons of water. Schiavone said they’ve gone too far. Shafir dragged Darby toward the fish tank. Moxley gave Darby one final warning, then drove his head into the water. He pulled him up. Allin gasped for air. “He wants more!” Shafir screamed. Mox drove his head in the tank again. The crowd murmured uncomfortably.
Suddenly, the lights shot off. “This is not good,” Schiavone said. When the house lights returned, Moxley was down on his knees and Sting was standing over him with a baseball bat. Sting choked Mox with the bat. Claudio hit the ring and ate a bat shot. Pac suffered he same fate. Sting smashed the fish tank with the bat, soaking the mat. Moxley returned to his feet, looking like he’d seen a ghost. Sting tossed the bat to Darby, then left the ring. “Thank you, Sting!” the crowd chanted. Shafir got in his face. Sting threw her over his shoulder and left ringside.
Darby walked through the puddle of water, bat pointed at Mox’s skull. Jon invited it. Darby hit him in the ribs, then the gut, then the knee. Glass went flying. Darby choked Moxley with the flag again. He gave him a Scorpion Death Drop, then a Coffin Drop at 25:45. Allin applied the Scorpion Death Lock in the center of the ring. Moxley was laying in the pile of water and broke glass. He quit.
WINNER: Darby Allin in 26:05
(LeClair’s Analysis: As strange as it is to say, this almost felt…tame? At least compared to my expectation for violence based on the history between these two and the steps of escalation along the way. Don’t get me wrong – the simulated drowning was a lot, but visually, not as striking as some of the other stunts they’ve pulled. The crowd seemed to react to this whole thing with a cautious skepticism, with murmurs of discomfort in the latter stages. I thought Sting’s appearance was well done, and a crucial turning point to give Darby the tide-turning moment leading to his victory. I could have certainly done without the lights out spot, even though it’s Sting. It’s just overused to such a ridiculous degree that it loses its effect. Overall, a fitting end to this blood feud that I think it’s time to move on from.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: My usual gripes with AEW’s Pay-Per-View format are largely in tact – too long and over-indulgent, and too many damn titles. I applaud and appreciate the restraint shown on the undercard, though, shying away from hyper-violence and hardcore stipulations to really drive home the depravity of the main event. The wrestling, as it almost always is, was strong up and down the card. This was a strong show held back by length, a consistent and seemingly deaf ears critique.
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