AEW is heading into year three!

AEW caps off their second year in a historic manner! Hikaru Shida goes for her 50th win while Sammy Guevara defends the TNT Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: The Elite VS Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage & Jurassic Express; The Elite wins.
• AEW TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara VS Bobby Fish; Guevara wins and retains the title.
• Darby Allin w/ Sting VS Nick Comoroto w/ The Factory; Darby wins.
• Hikaru Shida VS Serena Deeb; Deeb wins.
• Casino Ladder Match: Lance Archer VS Jon Moxley VS PAC VS Andrade El Idolo VS Orange Cassidy VS Matt Hardy VS ???; Hangman Page wins and earns a future AEW World Championship match.

PLAY BY PLAY

8 Man Tag: The Elite VS Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage & Jurassic Express!

No time wasted getting to this HUGE grudge match! Adam Cole, the Young Bucks & Kenny Omega open tonight against the many enemies of the #SuperElite, but will year three be elite? Be, be elite?

Jungle Boy starts with Nick Jackson. They circle, tie up and Nick headlocks. JB powers out but Nick runs him over. Things speed up, JB hurdles, Nick leaps and JB ducks the kick to O’Conner Roll. Nick bucks it, JB runs in to rebound and arm-drag, then dropkick! Fans fire up but Nick throat chops! Tag to Cole and he bumps JB off buckles to then stomp a mudhole into. Fans fire up as Cole paces, but JB turns things around to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! JB whips corner to corner, Cole reverses but runs into a boot! JB gets Cole up to tag Christian in. Christian CHOPS Cole, then CHOPS him again! Tag back to JB and JB goes up to drop a CHOP!

JB wrenches, tags Christian back in, and he climbs up to drop an ax handle. Christian stands on Cole at the ropes and chokes him! The ref counts, Christina lets off to slingshot and uppercut! Christian then hooks Cole’s arms but Cole fights that off. Christian puts Cole in a corner to rain down rights! Christian goes way past 10, then hops down to drag Cole in. INVERTED DDT as Matt Runs in! Matt comes back into a FLAPJACK! Tag to JB, basement boot! Omega gets in but gets a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Nick goes to check on his brother while JB goes after Cole. JB CHOPS Cole against ropes, whips him but Cole reverses and Nick gets a cheap shot!

JB elbows Nick down but Cole BOOTS JB! Cole drags JB up, tags in Omega, and Omega springboards for the ax handle! Fans fire up as Omega taunts Bryan. Omega wrenches JB, tags in Nick, and Nick climbs to drop ax handles. Fans chant, “Kenny No Balls!” but Nick wrenches JB to an ELBOW BREAKER! Nick YANKS the arm, tags Matt, and Matt climbs to drop into a kick! JB wrenches Nick, KICKS Matt, but the Bucks kick back. Nick goes up but JB trips him up! JB CHOPS Matt, knuckle locks and goes up to bounce the rope! Nick suffers but JB mule kicks him down to then FLYING ARM-DRAG Matt! Another arm-drag and fans are all fired up!

JB wrenches, tags in Bryan, and the American Dragon throws EuroUppers and CHOPS! Then KICKS against the ropes and CHOPS! KICK, CHOP, KICK KICK KICK! Fans are fired up as Bryan kicks Matt to the apron! Omega jumps in but then jumps out as Bryan glares at him. Bryan wrenches Matt’s arm, bumps him off buckles, and he tags in Luchasaurus! Fans fire up more as Luchasaurus whips Bryan in to dropkick Matt! Matt staggers into a CHOP! Matt is stinging but Luchasaurus puts him in the corner t fire off hands. Tag to JB, JB runs to DECK Cole! Christina hits Nick, Bryan and Luchasaurus knock Omega down.

Christian RAMS into Matt! Bryan forearms! JB uppercuts! Luchasaurus SPLASHES! Matt is fed to a full nelson, TAIL WHIP FACEBUSTER! Cover, the rest of the Elite break it! Things break down into a brawl! JB clotheslines Nick out but Cutler saves Nick from the plancha! Matt whips but Christian reverses, Matt hits apron! But Michael Nakazawa SMACKS Christian with his laptop! Christian DECKS Nakazawa, but he gets cold spray from Cutler! The Bucks coordinate, SUPER INDIETAKER to the ramp!! Cutler sprays the Bucks down like the good lackey he is while Marko Stunt checks on Christian. The medics also check, is Christian’s neck okay after that one?

But then Matt SUPERKICKS JB down! The Elite want to keep this going, but Stunt won’t let them touch Christian. So Matt SUPERKICKS Stunt down! The Elite put JB in and Matt rains down fists! And even BITES his forehead! The ref reprimands but Matt drags JB up to bump off buckles. Tag to Nick, he runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Tag to Cole, tag to Matt, then tag back to Nick. Cole has the camel clutch on JB while the Bucks clear out the others. The Bucks run and run and run… to SUPER KISS~! Cole lets JB go and Nick drags JB up. Tag to Omega and he kicks JB down. Omega drags JB up and makes the cameras look at his face.

Omega talks trash as he reels JB in, but JB suplexes to a BRAINBSUTER! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Omega drags JB away but JB enziguris, only for Omega to duck! Omega says he’s too smart for JB, and he gets JB up for a full nelson. JB breaks free, Omega shoves him, COMEBACKER! JB and Omega are down but the lackeys trip up Bryan and Luchasaurus! But Luchasaurus and Bryan beat the crap out of them for it! But the Bucks get JB away from the corner and back suplex. JB lands on his feet, then does the same! He slides under Matt but Nick kicks low. The Bucks double suplex but JB hits a DOUBLE DDT! Fans fire up as all three men are down!

Hot tags to Omega and Bryan! Bryan ducks the Polish Hammer to BOOT Cole! Now it’s all down to Omega and Bryan! Fans are thunderous with “YES! YES! YES!” Omega throws a forearm, but Bryan gives it back. Omega, Bryan, Omega, Bryan, “BOO! YEAH!” over and over and over! But Omega kicks low! Omega whips, Bryan goes up and over and keeps moving to duck and dodge and LEAPING LARIAT! Omega gets to a corner and Bryan has the fans fire up more. Bryan runs corner to corner to dropkick! And YES Kick! Again and again and again! Bryan then hoists Omega up top, climbs up to join him and SUPER STEINER him across the ring!

Bryan goes back up top, aims and leaps, DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, the Bucks break it! Luchasaurus returns, the Bucks intercept! They double whip but Luchasaurus breaks the line to DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! But Cole comes back with a SHINING WIZARD! But JB SUPERKICKS! Omega ducks JB to SNAP DRAGON! Bryan waits, rolling- NO! Omega ducks, but Bryan switches to a TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! But Bryan gets the arms again, CATTLE MUTILATION! But Nick SWANTONS onto Bryan! “This is Awesome!” “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Omega and Bryan crawl. Hot tags to Luchasaurus and Adam Cole!

Luchasaurus rallies on Cole and the Bucks, putting Nick in a corner hard, then putting Cole in another. Matt runs in but into a FLAPJACK! Omega gets a knee and a BOOT! Luchasaurus starts giving out corner clotheslines and BOOTS to the Super Elite! Cole SUPERKICKS, goes up top, PANAMA- Choke grip! Luchasaurus grabs Omega, too, CHOKE SLAM SANDWICH! But he turns around, and handsprings under the double superkicks! TAIL WHIP for Nick! ROUNDHOUSE for Matt! Then he goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT Omega and Cole! Fans are electric but Nick PENALTY KICKS Luchasaurus! JB hits a FLYING RANA to the ramp!!

Matt WRECKS JB with a dropkick but Bryan DIVES to take out Matt! Bryan goes up but Omega knocks him back down. Terminator Drums start up, and Omega builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Bryan and Luchasaurus! Cole builds speed, but then just says, “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Luchasaurus gets in as Cole soaks up the cheers and jeers, JURASSIC CHOKE SLAM to MESOZOIC MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! “This is Awesome!” but far from over as Luchasaurus tags JB! Luchasaurus stands Cole up, but Omega V-TRIGGERS JB! Omega runs into a choke grip, the Bucks distract the ref, Cole LOW BLOWS Luchasaurus!

The Bucks set Luchasaurus up for Omega, but even with help from Cole, they can’t keep Luchasaurus up in the air! Fans boo the baby bomb but the Elite decide to try that on a smaller guy. But JB fires off forearms and elbows and CHOPS! Omega rakes JB’s eyes, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS from the Bucks! SNAP DRAGON to a PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, but Bryan barrels in to break it! Bryan fires off forearms now, fans chanting “YES! YES! YES!” with every shot! Bryan’s floored the entire Elite and Omega wants mercy. Instead, he gets YES Kicks! Kick after kick after kick, then the BUZZ- NO! Omega blocks, TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!!

The Bucks set JB up, SUPER B T E TRIGGER!! All four knees!! Cole covers, the #SuperElite wins!!

Winners: The Elite, by pinfall

Somehow, someway, Cole, the Bucks and Omega find a way to win! Will All Elite Wrestling always be The Elite’s company?

Jon Moxley speaks.

“Lately, I’m a little pissed off, I’m a little outta sorts. I’ve lost patience for anything that takes patience so let’s just get down to it. The fact is, no matter what anybody wants to say, there is no man in AEW that can pin me. There is no man in AEW that can submit me. But tonight, they want to play games with ladders? What, y’all think I’ve never been in a ladder match before?” This is Philly! Let’s get stupid with ladders! Moxley doesn’t know what’s what anymore cuz he has a three-month-old at home and she’s insane! But AEW is his company and that is HIS belt! Will the Maniac get crazy and climb back up to the top?

CM Punk is here!

Philly sings Cult of Personality for him as he high-fives commentary then heads to the ring. But he does take a crowd dive detour first! Punk then gets the mic to ask, “Who’s tired of this yet?” Not the fans here! Punk shows up thinking they will, but he’s not so he’ll keep the love fest going. Do you see his new Jordans? He comes from humble beginnings, moved to Philadelphia and lived here about three years. Punk wrestled on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, then ran a wrestling school the other days. He ate, slept and breathed pro-wrestling. He loves Philly so much cuz it gave him so much, so thank you.

And because of that money, Punk bought an iPod and a laptop, holy s*it did he feel rich! But not because of the money, but spiritually. He had everything he wanted. He did all of those things and immersed himself in a community, he really hopes no one is sick of it because he loves being immersed back in this again. And because Philly is and always will be special, Punk wants to give back. Outside of buying these animals cheesecake, or cheesesteak, whichever it is, well, they can have their pick. Does Punk wrestle or do they get cheesesteaks? Fans seem pretty torn, actually. Okay then, go buy yourselves cheesesteaks, he’ll wrestle!

Punk say someone tried to stop all this before it began, he’s talking to Daniel Garcia! If Garcia has the balls, he’ll meet Punk on Rampage! LET’S GO!! The Best in the World just called out Red Death, will fans be celebrating that match with some cheesesteaks? And what’s even bigger, Punk gives the young man cosplaying Orange Cassidy those very Jordans! Thumbs up!

Arn Anderson has lit a literal fire.

He’s burning a suit jacket! “This is symbolic of the same thing Malakai Black did, coming in an unlocked door to AEW…” Cody Rhodes walks out and sees Arn burning this in his backyard. Arn sarcastically says Cody’s finally aware. C’mon down, Cody. Everyone thought Arn walked out on Cody but here he is. Cody says that was an expensive suit. Arn says Cody can have hit TV shows and buy multi-million dollar mansions, and when he’s winning, everyone will go, “Damn right, man, I’m happy for you.” Cody’s looking good right now, huh? Arn asks for the tie and Cody hands it over. Why doesn’t Cody just paint a star on his face again and it’ll be alright?

Arn says this is just more excess. Cody doesn’t want Arn to throw the tie away but then Arn slaps him! Cody threw Arn away, so it’s only fair. Cody throws the tie in the fire. Will all of this get Cody to reignite his fire for pro-wrestling?

AEW hears from Bobby Fish.

“I’ve been an athlete and a martial artist my entire life. I’ve wrestled in front of 40,000 people in the Tokyo Dome, I’ve won title all around this world, and that brings me to AEW.” Spanish God, Sammy Guevara, is destined to go down as the shortest reigning champion in AEW history. And why? You’re looking at him. Will Fish make this an infamous title match?

AEW TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara VS Bobby Fish!

Fuego Del Sol was avenged when his best friend, Sammy, defeated Miro 1v1 just last week on Dynamite! But the Infamous One made his presence known during Rhodes to the Top! Will this debut be Fish’s road right to the top?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, history’s being made on the Dynamite Anniversary!

Sammy and Fish circle, they tie up, and Fish knees low then ROCKS Sammy with a forearm! Fish throws heavy shots, Sammy gives them back and even CHOPS! Fish throws more heavy hands, kicks Sammy to the ropes, then lets off to whip. Sammy holds ropes to avoid the roundhouse but Fish says it was that close. They circle again, tie up, Sammy waistlocks but Fish wrenches out to a wristlock, Sammy spins, flips and arm-drags Fish away! Things speed up, Sammy hurdles and back flips then dropkicks Fish down! And smoothly kips up, too! Sammy runs in to RAM Fish in the corner, ENZIGURI then fires up the fans as he goes up and around, but Fish KICKS the legs out!

Fish drags Sammy up, clinches and throws knees, then ROCKS him with a forearm. Snapmare and slingshot senton! Cover, ONE!! Sammy hangs tough but Fish drags him up to KICK him in the back. Sammy gets up to kick and snapmare, then KICK in return. Fish stands up, throws forearms and knees but Sammy gives that back. Fish knees low again, whips to ropes and CLOBBERS Sammy with an elbow! Fans rally as Fish drags Sammy up. Sammy throws body shots but Fish suplexes. Sammy suplexes and hangs Fish out to dry as AEW goes picture in picture.

Fish slumps to the apron, Sammy throws forearms on him. Sammy ROUNDHOUSES but Fish stays up! Fish throws body shots but Sammy throws forearms, Fish DECKS Sammy in return! Fish gets back in, stalks Sammy and brings him around to KICK in the chest! Sammy falls back and gasps for air, but Fish drags him up to throw more knees! Fish then KICKS Sammy off his feet again! Cover, TWO! Fish sits Sammy up, Sammy throws body shots, but Fish throws knees. Fish runs but into a BIG back elbow! Fish goes out to the apron again but Sammy is after him. Sammy drags Fish up, but Fish suplexes Sammy! Sammy lands on the apron and they throw forearms back and forth!

Fish kicks low, but Sammy KNEES back! Fish drops but Sammy jumps the leg sweep! Only for Fish to SWEEP on the return! Sammy hits apron then floor, and he flounders to the railing. Fish gets Sammy up to RAM him into railing. Fish throws body shots, drags Sammy up and into the ring, then covers. TWO, but Fish keeps his cool and drags Sammy up as AEW returns to single picture.

Fans rally, Fish scoops and SLAMS Sammy, then goes out to slingshot senton again, but onto knees! Sammy fires up and fans fire up with him! Sammy waits for Fish to rise, and he runs in to ELBOW him down! Then LARIATS! Sammy whips Fish to a corner but Fish reverses. Fish runs in but into another elbow. Sammy goes up and leaps, into a BOOT! But he comes back to KNEE! Fish blocks the clothesline to fire off kicks, and SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Sammy survives and fans rally up as Fish stands Sammy up. Fish throws even more knees, then BOOTS Sammy to a corner. Sammy BOOTS back, runs and wrenches to STANDING SPANISH FLY!!

Fish sits up in a daze, Sammy gets to the apron and drags himself up the corner. Fans rally, Sammy reaches the top rope, but Fish kicks his legs out! Fish sits Sammy up to ROCK him with a forearm. Fish climbs, brings Sammy up and throws body shots. They go to the very top and Fish SUPER FALCON ARROWS!! Fish has to crawl to the cover, though, TWO!! Sammy survives again and Fish can’t believe it! Fish drags Sammy back up, aims for the corner, EXPLODER into buckles! Cover, TWO!! Sammy still has life but Fish goes to the corner. Sammy slowly rises, Fish kicks but Sammy ducks! Torture rack and GTH!! High stack cover, Sammy wins!!

Winner: Sammy Guevara, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)

But wait a minute. Here come Dan Lambert, American Top Team and the Men of the Year! They’re targeting the Inner Circle now that Chris Jericho is on the sidelines. Paige VanZant is egging Sammy on, but that’s to distract him from the BLINDSIDE by Scorpio Sky! Then it’s just a mugging by Junior Dos Santos! Lambert taunts the fans and mockingly wonders where Jericho is. But here comes Fuego Del Sol! He goes after Scorpio but gets caught and beat down by the rest of American Top Team! Fans boo but Lambert revels in it, until CHRIS JERICHO is here!! Jericho and Jake Hager run in to run off Lambert, but they take the fight to the MMA meat heads!

Jericho DECKS Dos Santos, Hager takes out two at once! The Inner Circle will not stand for this would be invasion, but then Lambert tells Judas to stop. The fans still sing it, even more so because it annoys Lambert! Lambert wants to clear up some confusion on who’s calling the shots! Jericho’s been a big deal for a long time, and Tony Conman has all the stroke in the world when he goes on tour to sh*tstain towns like Philadelphia! But you see, next week, Rampage is in Miami! South Florida is American Top Team Country! The King of 305 is Jorge Masvidal, and if anyone has a say, it’s him! The Balls of Jericho aren’t as big as they think!

So Lambert makes a Six Man Tag match! The Inner City Jerkoffs VS The Men of the Year and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Junior Dos Santos! Homefield advantage goes to them, because Lambert and his baddest bodyguard on the planet are going to be ringside! And if you knee-d a reminder, well Jericho met him last week. Duh, it’s Jorge Masvidal! Jericho tells Lambert that he didn’t hear a damn thing he said! But he does know this! Wait, the mic cuts off? Oh, here’s one that works! Jericho says here’s what he does know! “We are going to beat the living SH*T out of you!!” AND that crap team! Then see you in Miami! Will things get downright ugly in South Beach?

The Acclaimed speak.

Or rather, Max Caster raps. “Yo, it’s the Acclaimed and we want the tag titles. Lucha Brothers ’bout to be dead on arrival. Fenix gonna burn up whenever we go off. If you ask Alex, Penta said no mas. You can’t handle the Acclaimed. Trust me, you wear those masks cuz you look so ugly. Friday, Rampage, see us in the ring, The Acclaimed winning the titles and doin’ our thang!” Anthony Bowens agrees, the Lucha Brothers are going to get their “Scooby-Doo villain lookin’ asses” stomped out and the tag titles are being taken away. And everyone will celebrate! Why? Because everyone loves The Acclaimed! And that’s a mic drop! But will Fenix & Penta really drop those titles like Caster does bars?

AEW returns with Tony Schiavone in the ring.

It’s Dynamite’s second anniversary and he heard from Tony Khan that the only way to celebrate that is in the great city of Philadelphia. Furthermore, two years ago that under the leadership of Tony Khan, AEW changed the wrestling business! The fans are to thank for that! And one year ago, AEW introduced the TNT Championship. We’ve had great TNT Champions since then. And on January 5th, 2022, AEW moves to TBS. Now that’s some old school stuff right there. As such, there will be a new championship! This title will be the TBS Championship, it will be in the AEW WOMEN’S DIVISION!

Aubrey Edwards gets to unveil the brand new AEW TBS Championship! It’s black with a blue ribbon and the TBS logo. There will be a tournament that culminates on January 5th with Dynamite’s move! Who will be in it and who will win it to start a new legacy in AEW?

AEW shares Jim Ross’ interview with Darby Allin.

Good ol’ JR appreciates that Darby wanted to have this time to talk. JR was uncomfortable listening to MJF speak last week, that guy was being a total arse. But JR is looking forward to tonight, Darby VS Nick Comoroto, a much, much larger man. But the meat of the matter here is Darby’s face paint. JR is sure Darby knows where this is going. Yes, Max made everything very public. But Darby will elaborate on why he paints his face. Max talked about Darby’s experience with his uncle when Darby was just five years old.

Yes, his uncle was drinking and driving, then passed away. That is what shaped Darby into who he is. He paints only half his face, because he feels half dead inside. Darby’s respect for people, his trust for people. It’s also why he has the words, “Nothing’s over until you’re in the ground,” tattooed on his chest. Darby did face death that day, but he’s still here. Max can say whatever he wants, and everyone can expect Darby to pop him in the face for it, but no. Mentally, physically, Max will not win this war. Max is a book Darby’s read a thousand times. No one has met someone like Darby, he guarantees it. Will Darby be relentless in toppling those who think they’re above him?

Darby Allin w/ Sting VS Nick Comoroto w/ The Factory!

The Icon is in Darby’s corner, but the Freak Beast has QT Marshall and Aaron Solo, so he has to be careful. Wait, nevermind, he LEAPS from the corner onto Comoroto and Solo! Down they go and Darby fires off on Comoroto! Comoroto scoops but Darby slips off to POST him! Darby puts Comoroto in the ring, the bell rings and Darby fires off! Comoroto blocks the whip, then whips Darby, only for Darby to leap frog and keep moving. Darby springboards to COFFIN ATTACK! And then a corner COFFIN ATTACK, to a SHOTGUN dropkick! Darby brings Comoroto around, fires off forearms but Comoroto shoves him.

Darby gets around to Throwback but no Stunner! COmoroto powers Darby to a POWERSLAM! Comoroto fires up and fans boo as AEW goes picture in picture.

Comoroto paces, QT applauds, and Darby drags himself to ropes. Comoroto drags Darby up, bumps him off buckles then throws body shots. Comoroto stomps Darby, digs his knee in, and the ref counts. Comoroto lets off, mocks the fans like he can’t hear them, then goes back to Darby. Comoroto TOSSES Darby across the ring! Comoroto taunts fans that Darby ain’t nothing, then he chokes Darby on the ropes. The ref counts, COmoroto lets off Darby and Darby gets to a corner. Comoroto whips him out then back in hard! Darby rolls and hits buckles, then writhes while Comoroto roars. Comoroto drags Darby up, scoops him, but Darby slips off to fire off forearms!

Comoroto knees low, whips Darby to a corner, then runs in corner to corner, only to RAM himself into buckles! Darby comes back to fire off forearms, but Comoroto shoves him away. Darby returns again but Comoroto lifts him up! Darby uses that to HOTSHOT Comoroto! But Comoroto comes back to drag Darby into the ring and back suplex! Darby lands on his feet, boots from the corner, then goes up to THROWBACK STUNNER! Comoroto is down, Darby fires up and climbs! COFFIN DROP!! Cover, Darby wins!

Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall

Sting gets in the ring with Darby to make sure The Factory doesn’t try anything. But then QT slips in and turns Sting around, DIAMOND CUTTER! But Sting gets right back up!? QT ain’t no DDP, and he turns around into a LOW BLOW! Sting gives QT a SCORPION DEATH DROP! Will The Factory learn to leave the relentless ones alone? Is Darby’s message to MJF loud and clear?

The Dark Order talks backstage.

Evil Uno knows he hasn’t made the best decisions lately. He knows that sometimes they’ve disagreed. But from here on out, it is now up to the group who makes decisions. Alex Reynolds says that the decisions should be made by all of them. The others agree, and they agree on a Dark Order democracy! John Silver likes that they all did the claw as part of raising their hands. So then, the first thing they should vote on is… Alan Angels putting the mask back on! Bro is way too ugly. Hey, man, don’t you read Twitter? He and Silver look exactly alike so if Angels is ugly… What? Angels has a bald head and a beard, he looks more like Stu Grayson. Wait, what? Stu doesn’t see it.

They start bickering about who is the balder and more bearded, but Anna Jay shouts over them. Are they all on the same page or not? Right, sorry. Claws up. Will the next thing they vote on is who goes after what titles? Or perhaps, who they look to have #JoinDarkOrder?

Schiavone is in the ring with Dante Martin.

Philly is chanting for this great young athlete and Schiavone says it’s great to have him here. Dante thanks Schiavone and then takes the mic. “The past couple months, I’ve been proving I’m a problem to everybody in that locker room.” Fans cheer because they agree, and he says he’s been in the likes of Kenny Omega. Not only has Dante held his own, he’s given them a run for their money. This goes out to the locker room: Dante is here to fight ANYBODY they bring. In that case, the lights go out! And when they come back up, MALAKAI BLACK is in the ring!! Schiavone bails but Dante turns around to see the Dark Father. BLACK MIST, to BLACK MASS!!

The lights go back out, just like for Dante! And when they come back up, Dante is long gone but Malakai has the mic. “The House of Black accepts.” Malakai has his eyes on Angel Dorado, will he make Dante fall back to Earth?

AEW returns and Ricky Starks is in the ring!

“This right here is the original FTW Championship! The same championship that was built down the road in South Philadelphia. This is the same championship that Taz had, because it represented an FTW mindset, and the reason why I am the FTW Champion is because I have the same damn mindset.” But Starks can’t say the same for the former champ, Brian Cage. There’s a reason Starks is out here. Starks wanted to make history and do good by the people, but good ol’ Cage didn’t show up to work! Yeah, really sucks. Starks wanted to wrestle and challenge Cage’s carny ass to a Philly Street Fight. But wait, here IS Cage! Cage DID show, and now he’s going to the ring!

Starks swings on Cage but Cage dodges to CLOBBER Starks! Cage chases Starks to a corner and fires off clothesline after clothesline! Team Taz bails Starks out and fans boo that this isn’t continuing! Will The Machine finally get his hands on Absolute and absolutely destroy him?

The AEW Women’s Division responds to the TBS Championship.

Thunder Rosa does whatever she wants, whenever she wants, and she wants that title! Skye Blue knows she’s the youngest and newest kid on the block, but she is in it to win it! Ruby Soho says when they knocked on her door and invited her to the tournament, she did not expect it to be for a title. “So ladies, expect the unexpected.” That TBS is the kind of flavor Ruby likes. Mark Sterling asks if Jade Cargill heard about this new tournament. You mean the one she’s gonna win? She is gonna take that title and make it into #ThatBitchShow. TBS knows comedy, but are they about to see a whole lotta action?

Hikaru Shida VS Serena Deeb!

Justin Roberts says it straight up: if the Full Metal Warrior wins here tonight, that is her historic 50th win! Shida will be immortalized as the first woman in AEW to reach that mark! But will the Woman of 1000 Holds hold Shida back from that benchmark in Philly?

The bell rings and the two circle as fans rally up. They tie up, Deeb arm-drags but Shida comes back. They tie up again, Shida arm-drags and Deeb gets a bit more serious. They approach, Deeb waistlocks, Shida switches but Deeb wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back to a wristlock. Deeb spins, breaks and trips to then drag Shida back up and wrench the knuckle lock to a takedown. Shida headscissors but Deeb kips free, and fans cheer the standoff. Shida offers a handshake, Deeb SLAPS Shida’s face! Shida and Deeb tie up, Shida headlocks and grinds, but Deeb powers out. Shida redirects and BOOTS Deeb down!

Shida bumps Deeb off buckles, climbs up top and holds up 5-0! She rains down fast hands, but only gets about 7. Shida comes back to use a headbutt and a dropkick to pay Deeb back! Shida then drags Deeb out to the apron, CLUBS her, then gets space for the RUNNING KNEE LIFT! Fans fire up as Deeb falls to the floor. Shida gets the chair out! She sets it up, fans rally but Deeb takes the chair away and puts it back under the ring! Deeb gets in the ring, Shida chases after, ducks the haymaker but Deeb gets her with a DRAPING GUILLOTINE! And then, a DRAPING NECKBREAKER as AEW goes picture in picture!

Shida hits the floor, Deeb paces around to soak up cheer and jeers, then she taunts Shida as she’s on the floor. The ring count climbs, Shida gets up but Deeb goes out after her to put her in the ring. Shida hits back but Deeb stands her up for another NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Deeb paces as Shida sits up. Deeb drags Shida up, Shida hits back again, but Deeb CLUBS her down. Deeb EuroUppers, then EuroUppers again. Deeb brings Shida around to DECK her with a EuroUpper! Deeb paces around, drags Shida back up, and whips her to then reel her in for a cobra twist! Shida endures as Deeb digs a claw into the ribs! Deeb then shifts to digging in an elbow as AEW goes to break.

AEW returns and fans rally up as both women slowly rise. Shida ROCKS Deeb with a forearm, then another! Deeb puts up her guard but Shida waits her out, to then ROCK her again! Shida reels Deeb in, guillotine SWING and TOSS! Fans fire up as Shida goes up top and Deeb slowly stands. Deeb turns around into a missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Shida keeps her focus and drags Deeb up. Deeb blocks the suplex by grabbing a leg, so Shida CLUBS her on the back. Deeb wrenches and hooks Shida up for an IRON OCTOPUS! Shida endures so Deeb changes to reel her in, arm tuck! No DeebTox as Shida powers out and ROCKS her again!

Deeb EuroUppers, then ducks the enziguri! GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Shida gets up to KNEE Deeb down! Deeb flounders to her feet but flops out of the ring! Shida doesn’t want this victory the easy way, she climbs the ropes to CROSSBODY! Shida puts Deeb back in the ring, but Deeb CHOP BLOCKS Shida in the ropes! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Shida flops, Deeb drags her around to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!! Deeb gets a leg, drags Shida around and then drops an elbow on the knee! Deeb does it again, but fans rally up for Shida. Deeb steps through, Shida boots her away then KNEES her in the corner!

Shida reels Deeb in, gut wrench but the leg gives up! Deeb escapes the Canadian rack but Shida dodges the chop block! ROUNDHOUSE! Then gut wrench to the DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!! Deeb survives and shocks Shida! Shida runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Then a suplex to the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Deeb survives and fans fire up! Shida takes aim, draws, KATA- NO! Deeb blocks the spinning knee, but Shida comes back with thrusting knees! “This is Awesome!” as Shida tries again! Deeb blocks again, CLUBS away on the leg, but Shida clubs Deeb’s back! Deeb rakes Shida’s eyes! Then DRAGON SCREWS with some extra torque!

Deeb drags Shida up, reels her in and tucks the arms, DEEBTOX! Cover, TWO?!? Shida survives but Deeb gets her arm and omoplatas, to then SMASH the knee over an dover and over! SERENITY LOCK!! Shida taps, Deeb wins!!

Winner: Serena Deeb, by submission

NO 50th here! The Woman of 1000 Holds takes the already-made award and CRACKS it on Shida’s head! Fans boo but Deeb soaks it all up. Will Deeb be far more than someone else’s stepping stone in AEW?

Backstage interview with Darby Allin.

Alex Marvez congratulates him but he informs Darby that MJF just asked for a match with Darby next week. Does Darby accept the challenge? Of course. He thought MJF would never ask. But then a limousine rolls up and Darby already knows it’s MJF. Only for someone to SMACK Darby from behind with a chair! Oh of course, that’s Shawn Spears! And Shawn grabs the camera to film as Darby is mugged by the masked versions of FTR and Wardlow! They LAWNDART Darby into a stop sign! Then they bring the railing around and stack them on top of each other. Wardlow drags Darby up to a fireman’s carry and F10 Darby onto the steel!!

Then a maxed MJF rolls up using Darby’s own skateboard, to then CHOKE Darby with it!! The Pinnacle truly become thugs as they mug Darby, but will this only make Darby more determined to break MJF’s never-pinned, never-submitted streak?

Rampage makes it all official!

After calling him out earlier, CM Punk gets his wish! Daniel Garcia will face the Best in the World! Plus, before the TBS Tournament Brackets are even made, we’re getting Skye Blue VS Jade Cargill! Will the new girl shock the world and end Jade’s undefeated streak? And Brian Cage gets his chance, he will be facing Ricky Starks in that Philly Street Fight, FOR the FTW Championship! Can the Machine take back the title Team Taz cheated him out of? And in a rare FOURTH match on Rampage, the Lucha Brothers look to shut up The Acclaimed! The AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line, has Platinum Max’s mouth written a check he and Bowens can’t cash?

AEW hears from Lio Rush.

“Yo, Dante. I know you probably can’t see right now, and your head is spinning a million miles per second, but I got to say that I am a huge fan.” Dante may not know him, but this is the Man of the Hour, Lio Rush. You can also him #LBOLio because he’s a businessman. Let’s talk business. Dante is hurtin’, and not just physically. Lio sees Dante and sees an undervalued commodity, a sleeping giant. Lio wants to take Dante to new heights. So here’s the proposal: If Dante takes the challenge from Malakai Black, maybe Dante needs a little guidance. Maybe Dante needs to #RiskRushRepeat and get dat money. So how about this? Lio can have his people call Dante, and they’ll talk soon.

Schiavone interviews Team Britt backstage.

Jamie Hayter & Rebel stand by AEW Women’s World Champion, Britt Baker, to discuss the NEW AEW TBS Championship. Britt is for one hoping for a Cartoon Network Title, but nonetheless, TBS is fantastic! Because now, all the jealous bitches can finally just fight amongst themselves instead of obsessing over her. Jealousy is in fact a disease, Britt has no cure for them, so have fun fighting in your little tournament. Britt will be watching from the top. Yours Truly, Dr. Britt Baker, DMD. Will Britt be watching one title race while overlooking those coming for her?

Medical update on Darby Allin.

Because of the blatant backstage assault by the poorly disguised Pinnacle, Darby is NOT medically cleared to compete next week on Dynamite. More will be said on Rampage this Friday, what consequences will there be for MJF and his minions?

Casino Ladder Match: Lance Archer VS Jon Moxley VS PAC VS Andrade El Idolo VS Orange Cassidy VS Matt Hardy VS ???

The innovative match type returns for another year of chaos and opportunity! All but entry number 7, the “Joker,” is known, and will be sent out at random. This match goes until someone brings down the giant poker chip and the opportunity for the AEW World Championship, but will it finish up fast or take all lucky seven to get it done?

First out, Freshly Squeezed Orange Cassidy, followed by The Bastard, PAC! These two know each other well, but what’re the odds it only takes these two?

The bell rings and Pac stares Cassidy down. Cassidy puts on his elbow pad, puts his hands up, but Pac keeps them from going in the pockets. Pac dares Cassidy to get serious, so the sunglasses are tossed aside. Cassidy and Pac tie up, Pac waistlocks and SLAMS Cassidy, then floats all over him to get a rear bearhug. Fans rally up and Cassidy stands up to switch and shove. Pac runs Cassidy over then mocks the fans. Things speed up, or at least they do for Pac as Cassidy just kinda lounges. Pac is annoyed, but Cassidy avoids his stomp and bails out. Pac pursues, Cassidy goes back in the ring but runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER!

Pac seethes, drags Cassidy up and throws him out of the ring. Pac then goes out to get a ladder and brings it into the ring. Cassidy gets in to slide the ladder back out? That’s not how a ladder match works! But Cassidy wants to put his hands in his pockets, until Pac rushes in! Cassidy dodges, comes back and tilt-o-whirls, only to be blocked! The clock hits zero just as Pac hits a BRAINBUSTER! The third entry is Andrade El Idolo! The Black Mask is ready to settle things and so is Pac! Andrade gets a tall ladder right from the get go, only for Pac to dropkick it into him! Pac then goes out to get his own ladder and put it in the ring.

Pac sets up his ladder, Andrade hurries into the ring, and he springboards to get to the top! Pac and Andrade throw forearms up top, Andrade SMACKS Pac off the top! Andrade skips the chip to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Pac down!! Pac is all folded up and fans lose their minds! Andrade hobbles up, puts Pac in a corner and then takes the ladder to wedge in Pac’s face. Andrade rallies the fans and he runs corner to corner, but Cassidy stands in his way! Hands in the pockets! “Vicious” shin kicks! Andrade puts his hands up, and he does have pockets on his pants, but he CHOPS Cassidy instead! Andrade grins but Cassidy dodges to no-hands RANA!

Another countdown as Cassidy SHOTGUNS Pac into the ladder! The fourth entry is Big Money Matt! More deep history as Hardy goes right at Cassidy, and he catches the Orange Punch to a SIDE EFFECT! Hardy gets the ladder to RAM down Pac, RAM down Cassidy and RAM down Andrade! Hardy sets the ladder up and climbs! Cassidy hurries to anchor Matt, then drag him down. Hardy elbows Cassidy away to then SMACK Cassidy off the side! The ladder is put down on its side as AEW goes picture in picture.

Hardy waistlocks Cassidy but Cassidy ducks as Pac’s SUPERKICK comes in! Hardy takes the hit, Andrade gets in to put Pac on the apron then DECK him! Cassidy runs, dodges, tilt-o-whirl becomes a SHOTGUN dropkick for Hardy, and a DDT for Andrade!! Cassidy is right back up to throw Hardy out to join Andrade. Pac sees those targets and climbs up top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto both Hardy and Andrade! All three men are down on the ramp and we have 15 seconds until the next entry! Pac hurries in the ring, he and Cassidy stare down but the clock strikes zero! The fifth entry is the Murderhawk Monster!!

Lance Archer and Jake the Snake already have some scrub from the back, and Archer is carrying him to the ring! Archer throws the guy at Andrade but Andrade ducks, only to get a BOOT! Cassidy DIVES but Archer catches him in a choke grip! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Pac runs into a shove, Archer scoops him for the inverted crucifix! Pac escapes the Blackout to KICK away on the leg! Pac runs but Archer goes sideways to DERAIL him! Hardy returns and CLUBS Archer, but Archer JABS Hardy, and ripcords for a ride on the HELLACOASTER! Archer just solo’d the field and he sets up a ladder! Archer then goes out to fetch another ladder to make a bridge.

Archer drags Cassidy up, puts him on the bridge he made, then he climbs up the corner for a SPLASH onto Cassidy! Everything topples over, then Archer BOOTS Hardy out! Archer sets up one of the ladders, taking a moment to consider his options. The countdown is already hitting zero so he watches the ramp. Of course, the sixth entry is Jon Moxley! The Maniac comes in from the crowd as always, so Archer goes out to meet him! The beef starts here as they brawl among the Philly fans! Moxley kicks and headlocks then uses a fan’s chair to SMACK Archer! Archer heads back to ringside so Moxley KNEES him in the back!

Moxley RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS Archer into railing! Moxley gets another chair and he runs in to THRWO it at Archer! Archer throws it back! Archer kicks Moxley around, then goes back to the ring to take the ladder and pick it up. But Cassidy gets in for an ORANGE PUNCH! Archer stays up but the ladder is now around his neck! Cassidy ORANGE PUNCHES through the ladder!! Archer is now doubled over, the ladder the only thing keeping him up and vice-versa. So Cassidy climbs Archer to climb the ladder! But Moxley yanks Cassidy down and whips him into the ladder! Archer staggers to a corner, Cassidy staggers into an X PLEX!

Moxley then runs to SHOTGUN the ladder into Archer! Moxley puts the ladder in a corner as a ramp but the countdown is up! The Joker this year is… HANGMAN PAGE!! The Anxious Millennial Cowboy makes his return in a big way, and is wearing brand spankin’ new gear! Fans are thunderous as Hangman goes to the ring and throws hands with Moxley! Moxley runs but into a BIG right! Hangman then clotheslines Moxley up and out! Hangman dumps Archer out to join him, then catches Cassidy’s crossbody for a FALL AWAY SLAM onto the ladder! Hangman uses the ladder to triangle jump and LARIAT Andrade!

Hangman sees Hardy getting another ladder, so he PLANCHAS the ladder onto Hardy! Hangman fires up and gets in the ring, but Pac SMACKS him with a chair! Pac stomps Hangman over and over, then seethes as he gets a ladder. Pac stands that up in a corner, throws the other ladder out of the ring, and fetches a TABLE! Fans fire up as Pac stomps Hangman then sets the table back up in the ring. Pac puts Hangman on the table, goes up the ladder, but Andrade hurries to CLUB Pac down. Pac kicks Andrade, Andrade hits back. They brawl up top, Pac HEADBUTTS Andrade and El Idolo falls onto a ladder on the outside!!

Hangman gets up and he grabs at Pac! Hangman climbs, fires off forearms on Pac, then Alabama lifts! Fans already go nuts as Hangman hits DEADEYE through the table!! Hangman roars and stands despite clutching his knee. But Moxley gets in the ring to kick low and PARADIGM SHIFT!! The Maniac doesn’t care about #CowboyShit as he stands the ladder up. But Cassidy surges into the ring! He climbs right up, fires off hands on Moxley, but Moxley BITES ORANGE! Hardy shoves the ladder over and both Moxley and Cassidy fall into HOTSHOTS off the ropes! Hardy rolls Cassidy out and then puts him on a table.

Hardy throws down hands, then climbs a ladder, he goes V1 with the SUPER LEG DROP through the table!! But Hardy may have just DELETED himself and Cassidy from winning! Moxley is climbing the ladder in the ring but Archer hurries after him! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Moxley off the ladder, then moves table wreckage out of the way. But Hangman BUCKSHOTS outta nowhere!! Hangman climbs, Moxley returns and uses a chair to SMACK Hangman on the back! Moxley climbs now but Hangman is still on the other side. Moxley throws haymakers to send Hangman down, but Hangman climbs back up!

Hangman fires forearms, Moxley gives them back, fans are thunderous! The two slowly down, and Moxley suddenly falls off! Hangman is all alone, he climbs to the top! Hangman takes the chip off the hook thing, and wins!!

Winner: Hangman Page (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship)

A wild return and a wilder win, the Cowboy is riding high already! He toasts to Philly, but when and where will Hangman get his revenge and his title shot on Kenny Omega?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for AEW and a lot of great stuff set up for the near future. For one, the TBS Championship as the women’s midcard is great, and even with a lot of great choices to face Britt Baker, there are just that many great choices to have the TBS title. Shida VS Deeb was a great match tonight, but I feel like they telegraphed Shida not winning with all the hype and already having the crystal trophy prepared. Both women should definitely be in the tournament, though, and it’d be great for Shida if she had the pressure of winning number 50 and a tournament match put on her so that she gives a big opening round win like Ruby Soho.

The 8 Man Tag was an epic opener, but of course The Elite needed some help from Cutler and Nakazawa to essentially eliminate Christian Cage. The Elite winning is fine, as Adam Cole is still new to AEW and needs to build his win-loss record. CM Punk has a good moment putting Philly and its love of pro-wrestling over, and he’ll have a very good match with Daniel Garcia. He obviously puts his feud with Team Taz on hold now that we finally get Starks VS Cage. The Street Fight is totally so Team Taz can get involved but I bet Cage gets to wreck everyone as he goes for the title. I have no idea if Cage wins the belt or not but it’s just good to see the FTW Championship defended period.

Darby Allin has a pretty good interview promo with JR, he has a very good match with Comoroto, and the attack from The Pinnacle definitely extends the feud with MJF. I am betting the match of Darby VS MJF doesn’t happen until Full Gear, so expect weeks of MJF defending his team’s innocence and still running Darby down. Dante Martin being Malakai Black’s next target is quite the great move, especially for Dante. Can the House of Black recruit the people Malakai beats up? Whenever it is Darius finally gets back, Top Flight being led and guided by Malakai would be really cool, to me. Malakai is a striker and very technical, they’re fast and high-flying, it makes a great dynamic.

I also like that Lio Rush is reaching out trying to do his own recruiting. AEW likes having stables and factions, so it makes sense Lio would want to have someone to team up with. Dark Order skips having a supreme leader to make this into a family democracy type deal, but I have a feeling this just leads to a new way they start disagreeing and end up electing a new leader after all. Arn basically sneaking onto Cody’s property and burning his clothes was an interesting way for Arn to get Cody to wake up and be a wrestler first, face of AEW second. I am a bit surprised they did something like this so soon, there should’ve been more Cody doing his own soul searching and Arn focusing on Lee Johnson.

The TNT Championship was great stuff, especially for Fish’s AEW in-ring debut. Sammy of course retains, he only just got that belt. American Top Team further going after Inner Circle through Sammy was a logical move, and I have a feeling this Six Man Tag is mostly a holdover so they can save something like Masvidal VS Jericho or the return of the MMA Cage Match in AEW for Full Gear. Still not really feeling this MMA VS AEW thing, but whatever, seems like plenty of other fans are still into it. Then the Casino Ladder Match was a great match, a lot of great destruction and mayhem, but as I said before, all the feuds and history cancelled out, the Joker won.

Now Hangman being the Joker was a great way for him to return, but it is so clear that this win was to make up for the All Out audible. We all know CM Punk and Bryan Danielson coming to AEW was big, but I still say it shouldn’t have changed the plan of Hangman winning the world title at the PPV he failed to get it before. Full Gear will be where Omega VS Hangman happens, and yet I have no idea if Hangman gets the title now. It would help make Full Gear big and give year three a big start if Hangman goes into the holidays as top champion. Anxious Millennial Cowboy Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, anyone?

My Score: 9.1/10