Winter is cold, unless you have gold!

Ricky Starks is coming for everything MJF has! Will we see an ABSOLUTE Dynamite Diamond Ring Bearer and AEW World Champion? Or is Maxwell Jacob Friedman still better than you, and you know it?

OFICIAL RESULTS

• AEW World Trios Championship Best of 7, Match 4: Death Triangle VS The Elite; Death Triangle wins and leads the series 3-1.
• Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry; Jack wins.
• Six Man Tag: The House of Black VS QT Marshall, Cole Karter & Aaron Solo w/ The Factory; The House of Black wins.
• Chris Jericho VS Action Andretti; Andretti wins.
• Ruby Soho VS Tay Melo w/ Sammy Guevara; Soho wins.
• AEW World Championship & Dynamite Diamond Ring Winner Takes All: MJF VS Ricky Starks; MJF wins and retains both title and diamond ring.

PLAY BY PLAY

AEW World Trios Championship Best of 7, Match 4: Death Triangle VS The Elite!

The series is 2-1 in favor of The Bastard & The Lucha Brothers, but this could be the night Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks tie it all up! Will the Elite’s comeback continue? Or will Pac, Penta y Fenix be one step closer to closing this series?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and it’s a hot start to Winter is Coming!

The trios sort out, Nick Jackson starts against Penta El Zero Miedo while Don Callis joins commentary. Fans fire up with “CERO! MIEDO!” as Penta and Nick circle. Then Penta says, “Listen! CERO! MI-” Nick blocks it! Penta trips Nick, things speed up, Penta hooks Nick to bring him up into a headlock. Nick powers out, hurdles, rolls, but Penta leaps over. Nick leaps over, blocks the chop to knuckle lock and CHOP! But Penta keeps Nick from getting away to kick low and tuck him in! Nick fights free to CHOP, go up and up and “LUCHA LIBRE~!” Fans fire up, Nick DROPKICKS Penta down, and then Nick throws his headband aside.

Penta hot tags Fenix, Nick tags Matt, Nick drop toeholds Fenix and Matt slingshot leg drops! Matt bumps Fenix off Omega’s boot, then feeds him to a forearm from Nick. Nick tags back in, Matt give shim help up to FLYING RANA! Fenix flounders, Pac tags in, but the Bucks run Pac over! Tag to Omega and fans fire up! Matt reels Pac into a wheelbarrow and Omega runs, BOOSTED KOTARO KRUSHER! Cover, ONE!! Pac is hanging tough but Omega CLUBS him. Omega brings Pac over, bumps him off buckles, and tags in Nick. Nick and Omega double whip Pac as fans rally, but Pac holds ropes. Nick runs in but Pac puts him on the apron.

Pac runs at Omega but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Nick adds double stomps! Matt runs in to BLAST the Lucha Brothers! Matt and Omega DOUBLE PLANCHA the Lucha Brothers, then Nick goes up and up to ESCALARA! Direct hit on Pac at the ramp! Fans are thunderous but Nick checks his leg. Nick is fine enough and he puts Pac in the ring. Nick stomps Pac but he does start to wince as he walks. Tag to Matt, Matt wrenches Pac and tags in Omega. Omega hops up to AX HANDLE! Omega brings Pac around, wrenches again, and tags Matt. Matt climbs up to DOUBLE STOMP Pac’s arm!

Brandon Cutler sprays the leg down for Nick while fans rally and duel, “CERO! MIEDO!” “THE ELITE!” Matt ROCKS Pac, tags Omega, and they bring Pac out to double suplex! Cover, ONE!! Omega is annoyed, but also worried for Nick. Omega drags Pac up, bumps him off buckles, and he digs his boot into Pac’s neck. The ref counts, Omega lets off and tags in Matt. Doc Sampson is checking Nick while Matt and Omega mug Pac. Matt fires off haymakers, then runs, but Penta gets a cheap shot in! Matt swipes at Penta but Penta gets away. Pac waistlocks Matt, Matt holds ropes, Fenix tightrope walks to PENALTY KICK Matt into Pac’s GERMAN SUPLEX!

Omega rushes in but Penta jumps off Pac for a SLINGBLADE! Fenix builds speed while Omega bails out, and Fenix DIVES to take out Omega! Pac STANDING MOONSAULTS on Matt, TWO! Matt stays in this and fans rally up. Matt kicks Pac, throws hands, but Pac kicks back! Pac puts Matt in a corner, Nick is brought to the back for further examination, and AEW goes picture in picture.

Penta tags in while Fenix and Omega brawl ringside. Penta CHOPS Matt, and then swaggers around as fans rally up. Penta hears the “CERO! MIEDO!” and he tags Fenix. Fenix wrenches Matt to put him against ropes, for a CHOP! Fenix then fireman’s carries, dumps Matt down, and Penta is up top! QUE PASO! Fenix covers, TWO! Fenix clamps on and traps an arm to then put the other in a top wristlock. Fenix endures, fans rally, and he fights up. Matt tries to power Fenix to the Elite corner but Fenix facelocks and throws knees! Fenix has Matt in the Death Triangle corner, ROCKS him with a body shot, and tags in Pac.

Pac stomps away on Matt, kicks him out of the ring, and the Lucha Brothers ROCK then SUPERKICK Matt down! Fenix drags Matt up and into the ring, then Penta tags in. Pac keeps Matt from Omega, Death Triangle all hop in to TRIPLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Penta swaggers up, dares Omega to do something, then drags Matt away. Penta KICKS Matt in the leg, and Matt hobbles along ropes. Matt swings on Penta, misses, and Penta KICKS the leg out! Penta taunts Omega, drags Matt away, and tags in Pac. Penta holds Matt so Pac can BOOT him down! Tag to Fenix, Pac puts Matt in the corner for Fenix to RAM into!

Fenix backs up and RAMS his shoulder in again. Fenix brings Matt around, AEW returns to single picture and Fenix CLUBS away on Matt. Fenix shoves Matt to a corner to forearm smash! Fenix runs corner to corner but into BOOTS! Matt reaches for Omega but Fenix powers him back into the corner! GAMANGIRI! Fenix snapmares Matt, somersaults, but into the NORTHERN LIHGTS! The Polar Express starts up! But Fenix slips off the suplex, only for Matt to standing switch. Penta tags before the O’Conner Roll, but Matt catches him to a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Matt covers both Lucha Brothers, TWO!!

Fans fire up as Penta hot tags Pac! Pac storms up to drag Matt away! Matt flails, reaches out, but turns over to kick Pac away! Hot tag to Omega! Fans are thunderous as The Cleaner goes up top to CROSSBODY! Omega CLOBBERS Pac, spins but Pac dodges! Pac kicks low, whips, but Omega reverses to fireman’s carry! “YOU! CAN’T! ESCAPE!” ROLLING SENTON, and then the MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Omega drags Pac up, full nelsons, but Penta rushes in! Omega pushes Pac aside to get around Penta, SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Pac BOOTS Omega, he and Fenix double whip. Omega KICKS Pac away, blocks Fenix’s haymaker, but Fenix ducks so the ENZIGURI gets Pac!

Fenix swings, misses, and a SNAP DRAGON sends him tumbling away! Omega drags Pac up, SNAP DRAGON!! Pac sits up in a daze, Fenix crawls back in, but fans are thunderous for “KENNY! KENNY!” Omega takes aim as Pac crawls to ropes. BANG, and Omega runs side to side, into a KICK from Penta! Omega DECKS Penta, Fenix runs in but Omega TOSSES him out onto Penta! Omega decides to activate the Terminator! Omega builds speed as the fans drum it out, but Pac trips Omega up! Pac slingshots, for a CUTTER! Pac fires up, runs corner to corner, and BOOTS Omega! Pac keeps moving, Omega follows to back elbow!

Omega reels Pac in, GERMAN SUPLEX, but Pac lands on his feet! Pac SOBATS, reels Omega in, but Omega suplexes instead! Fans fire up while both men are down! Omega crawls, Pac crawls, but Penta KICKS Matt in the back! Penta drags Matt into the APRON FEAR FACTOR!!! Pac tags Fenix, Fenix runs in, ROLLING SOBAT! Penta runs in to GAMANGIRI! Penta hoists Omega up top, Fenix goes up after him, INVERTED SPANISH FLY! And then a feed to the half nelson and pump handle! MADE IN JAPAN!! Fenix is up top, INVERTED SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Omega survives and fans are thunderous again!

Fenix drags Omega over, tags in Pac, and Pac goes up top! BLACK ARROW FLOPS as Omega moves!! Fans are thunderous again, and NICK returns?! Michael Nakazawa says he shouldn’t but Nick doesn’t care! He’s going to the ring! Omega and Pac crawl, hot tags to Fenix and Nick! Nick rallies on the Lucha Brothers with big haymakers! Nick DECKS Penta, CLOBBERS Fenix, but Pac kicks low! Pac runs but into a LRAIAT! Fenix runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but springboards into a CUTTER! Nick shakes the ropes and the fans are electric! Nick aims from a corner, Fenix stands up, SUPER- NO, Fenix blocks! Pac distracts the ref, and Penta has a hammer!

Penta CLUBS Nick’s bad leg with the hammer!! Fans boo and even Fenix is stunned! The hammer is put away, Fenix clamps on a KNEEBAR!!! Omega grabs at Nick, Pac keeps Omega away with a BRUTALIZER!! Nick endures but he can’t, he TAPS! Death Triangle wins!!

Winners: Death Triangle, by submission (the series is now 3-1 in favor of Death Triangle)

Nakazawa protests, but the ref didn’t see the hammer so he can’t factor it in! With this win, and the damage done to Nick’s foot, is this series all but done? Or can The Elite fight through the pain to come back three-in-a-row?

Wait, Omega gets on the mic! Omega has the music stop, and says, “There’s going to be enough talking in this show as there is, so what I’m about to say, it’s not for you guys.” It’s not for the people at home or the fans here. This is for Death Triangle and he wants to make sure they hear it. Anyone who knows sports, a 3-1 deficit is pretty bad. Every single match that Death Triangle won was when they used a hammer. Cute. But how about the next match, Death Triangle’s match point, how about we make the hammer legal? Omega can’t lie, he isn’t one to lay down hammers, so let’s not just make the hammer legal, let’s make all weapons legal!

The Elite is sick of playing by Death Triangle’s rules, so let’s make it so there are no rules at all! Omega wants match five to be NO DISQUALIFICATIONS!!! But he won’t just make the decision himself. He wants everyone to have a say. What do the fans want? They are fired up! Well then, back to regularly scheduled programming, as Omega was not formatted to say this. But for now, he bids you adieu. Good-bye, mwah! And good! Night! BANG!! Omega has raised the stakes as we go into the Holiday Bash, will match five be the end of it all? Or will it be just the beginning of a truly extreme comeback story?

Backstage interview with MJF.

Alex Marvez is with the AEW World Champion to get his thoughts on tonight’s massive main event. MJF VS Ricky Starks, for both the Dynamite Diamond Ring, and the “biggest prize in all of professional wrestling, the AEW World title.” MJF applauds Starks for finally cutting his first great “oratory expedition!” MJF knows everyone is rooting for Starks. They all see the great potential in Starks. Do you know what they’re calling last week, Marvez? “A star-making performance!” Isn’t that cute? But do you know what? The first time MJF ever appeared on Dynamite, he was already a star! And after that, he just hit homerun after homerun, and is batting a thousand!

MJF is just curious, though. How many at-bats did Ricky have before he hit the homer? Oops. Well, then Starks got the people claiming Starks made himself a star, when that couldn’t be further from the truth, “Richard.” MJF is the one who made himself a star! Because at 26 years old, he is the most talked about name in this business! He is a star maker, so you’re welcome for the rub, “Rick.” MJF figured Starks would talk about his rough upbringing. “Oh~, I had it so hard~! I grew up poor, I had to leave and move into the dumpster fire known as Texas! I grew up with a bobblehead that was so much bigger than my body! I had to live out of my car and eat out of dumpsters with raccoons! WAH~!

“I don’t care! None of that matters! The only thing in his lifetime that matters is are you or aren’t you the AEW World Heavyweight Champion? And of course, the smooth brained simpletons at watching home love you, Ricky. It’s because they relate to you. Because much like you, their lives suck! But instead of fixing it, all they do is whine and moan and complain. ‘Why me? Why me?’ It’s because you all suck!!” And then there’s MJF. Starks says MJF had it easy. Guess what? He was right! He grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth! He was born rich, handsome, funny, witty, pretty, and better than you and every single putrid person on this planet and MJF isn’t apologizing for it!

And then, Starks wants to talk about taking pressure off MJF’s plate. Granted, it took Starks a minute to get to his point, he was meandering and mumbling for about seven minutes, and every time he got lost, he’d just go, “GiMmE a BwEaK~!” How about you give MJF a break! Pressure? MJF is under none. He is already “the guy.” He already has the Dynamite Diamond Ring AND AEW World Championship. Everyone hates his guts, everyone wants to see his downfall, and no one is rooting for him, so he has no one to let down. But Starks, ooh… Ricky Starks, MJF does not envy you even a little bit!

Everyone around the world wants to see Starks win the big one! Starks’ mom, family, friends, fans, GOD wants Starks to win the big one in his adopted home state of Texas! But can Starks do it?! Or will he let everyone down? Now that is pressure. And tonight, we see what happens when pressure is applied to The Pebble. Will he become the diamond everyone claims him to be? Or will he simply turn into dust? MJF looks to test The Absolute, but will he end up absolutely devastated?

The Acclaimed is here!

Fans fire up as the AEW World Tag Team Champions and Billy Gunn head to the ring! And of course, Max Caster has a rap on deck! “Acclaimed in the house, if you need a reminder, we brought the belts back like Brittney Griner! All the fans agree on us. Other teams getting booed like they’re Elon Musk! The world champs, who can stop it?” Wait, Satnam Singh just CLOBBERS Billy on stage! Jay Lethal & Sonjay Dutt blindside Caster & Bowens! Fans boo as Sonjay kicks Caster around while Satnam drags Billy down the ramp with a headlock. Jeff Jarrett struts out, guitar held high, and he goes to the ring.

Satnam sends Billy into steel steps, Lethal sends Bowens over the timekeeper’s table! Satnam puts Caster in the ring but Caster DECKS Sonjay! Lethal DECKS Caster, then stomps him down! Fans boo as Team Double Jay all gather to mug Caster! Jarrett has his guitar, for a SMASH HIT!! Caster goes down and Jarrett gets the mic. “Yo! Yo, yo, Acclaimed!” Fans cuss Jarrett out, but Jarrett asks if they have The Acclaimed’s attention now! “Hey, you little bitch! Why don’t you scissor this, Slap Nuts?” Jarrett drops the title belts onto Caster, and laughs as he and his team raise their hands in victory. Will Jay & Double J take those titles from Caster & Bowens?

Backstage interview with the Jericho Appreciation Society.

Tony Schiavone is with Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia, Jake Hager, Angelo Parker and Sammy Guevara. He notes that Jericho is the now former ROH World Champion, after tapping out to Claudio Castagnoli’s Giant Swing. Jericho says Schiavone must love that, huh? Schiavone says he’s just stating facts. Well then let Jericho state some facts! “The Giant Swing is barbaric!” Parker says it is inhumane! Jericho says that move should be BANNED! And Jericho will take his frustrations out on some jobber in a tune-up match as he prepares for a rematch with Claudio to regain the ROH World Championship! He is still the OCHO!

Claudio as champion is just as much a flash in the pan as Joe Exotic or Ricky Starks. Schiavone does have to point out that Daniel Garcia lost his ROH Pure Championship to Wheeler Yuta. Garcia says when it comes to- Jericho stops Garcia there to say it himself: Garcia should’ve never lost that title. Garcia is better than that, but it’s okay. Garcia just needs a little bit of advice and mentorship and experience. From now on, Garcia can shadow his elder, Sammy Guevara, and do whatever Sammy says. Sammy says, “That’s right, little buddy! And you can start that this Friday on Rampage. Because while this stuff with the JAS and the BCC is over, it’s not for me and Jon Moxley!”

Sammy keeps Garcia close with a shoulder hug as he promises Moxley that he will kick Moxley’s ass! Moxley punched Sammy in his face so Sammy will knock Moxley out! Sammy’s wife, Tay Melo, kicks Ruby Soho’s ass tonight! Big matches coming up, and Hager shouts, “I LIKE THIS HAT!” Will things truly, truly be over between the Jericho Appreciation Society and Blackpool Combat Club after these next rematches?

Brian Cage w/ Prince Nana VS “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry!

From fighting Luchasaurus in a steel cage to facing The Machine called Cage! Will Jungle Boy Jack make it through to the holidays next week? Or will one third of the NEW ROH World  Six Man Tag Team Champions get payback from the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal?

The bell rings and Cage swings, but JB wrenches and CHOPS! And CHOPS! JB goes up and up and springboards, but Cage blocks the arm-drag! Cage whips, JB ducks ‘n’ dodges but his shoulder tackle bounces off Cage! Cage taunts the fans, runs, but JB drops then hurdles. Cage catches JB to a fireman’s carry, but JB pops up to RANA Cage to a corner! JB runs in but is put on the apron. JB GAMANGIRIS, goes up top, and JB FLYING RANAS! Cage stagger sup into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up as JB kips up, but he winces from the pain in his neck. Makes sense, “Big Bill” Morrissey did choke slam him against the apron.

But JB shakes out the arms, runs corner to corner, but Cage picks JB up! Cage RAMS JB into the corner, then CHOPS! Cage drags JB up to whip him corner to corner, then he runs in. JB slips out, ducks the punches but Cage blocks the kick to ROCK and KICK JB! Cage climbs up the corner, and he deadlifts JB into the SUPERPLEX! Fans boo but Nana and Cage soak up the heat. Cage flexes, he drags JB up, and Cage scoops JB to use him for bicep curls. Cage TOSSES JB overhead, then asks, “Who betta than Cage?” Fans boo but Cage just struts around as AEW goes picture in picture.

Cage stalks JB to ropes, CHOKES him on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Cage drags JB up, ROCKS him with a forearm, and then storms up on JB. JB kicks Cage, and again, but Cage grabs the leg! Cage YANKS JB into a BACKBREAKER! Cage paces, digs his boot in at the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts again. Cage drags JB up but JB throws body shots. Cage HEADBUTTS JB down, then drags him back up. Cage whips JB to ropes, scoops and tilt-o-whirl SIDE SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Cage is annoyed, he looms over JB in the corner, and he taunts the fans. JB CHOPS Cage! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Cage JUMP KNEES JB back down!

Cage CHOKES JB against buckles! The ref counts, Cage lets off, and then he whips JB corner to corner hard! JB bounces off buckles and writhes, but Cage soaks up the heat. Cage even does push-ups to show off! Cage drags JB up from the apron and bends him against the rope to CLUB him in the chest! And again and again! Cage drags JB up to TOSS him back into the ring! Cage then clamps on with a chinlock and he leans on the hold. JB endures, fights up, throws body shots, but Cage knees him away! AEW returns to single picture, he mockingly applauds, and then runs in, into a BOOT from JB!

JB goes to another corner, Cage runs in but JB dodges! Cage hits buckles, JB ELBOWS Cage away, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS Cage with a forearm! JB whips, Cage reverses, but JB FLYING FOREARMS in return! Cage staggers around and JB runs in again to FLYING FOREARM! Cage stays up but JB roars! Fans fire up and JB runs, but Cage sidesteps, only to take the COMEBACKER! But Cage is still on his feet! Cage deadlifts JB, but JB SATELLITE DDTs Cage down! Nana is freaking out but the fans fire up! JB and Cage stir, they go to opposite corners, and JB runs in at Cage!

Cage dodges, UPPERCUTS, GAMANGIRIS, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! JB flounders, Cage hauls him up into a full nelson, and SWINGS JB into a SLAM! Cover, TWO!!! JB survives and Nana is furious! Cage drags JB back up, reels him in, and slashes his throat. Cage suplexes, but JB turns Drill Claw into a victory roll! TWO!! SUPERKICK from JB staggers Cage! JB runs, but Cage DISCUS LARIATS! And then a fireman’s carry, to the F- DESTROYER?!! JB pulls that one outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!!! But into the SNARE TRAP!! Nana distracts the ref! Cage is tapping but the ref doesn’t see it! Fans freak out, but JB lets off to swipe at Nana!

Nana shouts at JB, Cage fireman’s carries JB, but JB slips off! JB waistlocks but Cage switches! Cage ripcords but JB ducks, the LARIRAT hits Nana! O’Conner Roll! JB WINS!!

Winner: “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry, by pinfall

Fans sing for Jungle Life, and Jack gets the mic! “Hold on a minute! At Full Gear, I beat Luchasaurus. Right now, I beat Brian Cage! Well I want the biggest bitch of them all! So Big Bill, get your punk ass out here!!” Fans fire up and here comes Stokely Hathaway instead. Stokely tells JB that every time he sees JB’s face, “it pisses me off. It pisses me off to the highest level of pisstivity! And if you keep messing around, tonight you’re gonna see two things. One: The bottom of Big Bill’s boot. And number two: the back of my hand. Because you a little ho.” JB storms out of the ring and up to Stokely, but Lee Moriarty runs out to brawl with JB!

Fans fire up as JB gets the edge on #TAIGASTYLE, but here comes Morrissey! He CLUBS JB, CLUBS him more, and now The Firm mugs JB! Stokely says this is the kind of beating he likes: no background music! RIP Newjack. But The Firm drags JB up and whips him into the steel steps! JB writhes and Stokely tells him to stay down. Fans boo but Morrissey drags JB back up. Morrissey puts JB in the ring, Moriarty takes aim from a corner, and he forearm smashes in the corner! Morrissey runs to SPLASH! Choke grip, and SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM!! Fans boo but wait! Here comes HOOK!! The fans go nuts for the FTW Champion!!

Hook storms to the ring, he knows Moriarty wants him so here he is! But then Morrissey & Moriarty retreat at Stokely’s orders. The Firm will do this on The Firm’s time, but Hook helps JB to his feet! Fans fire up as JB and Hook stand tall! Will we see a new dream team form in order to tear down Taiga Style and the towering Big Bill?

The Blackpool Combat Club speak.

Jon Moxley says, “If you’re a little confused about what’s going on with us, well I’ll keep it real simple. Last week, I said we were gonna make a statement. At Final Battle, my man Wheeler here elbowed Daniel Garcia’s face into oblivion! Claudio here swung a grown man around by his ankles like a child until he wanted to puke and pass out and soil himself, and he begged for mercy. I choked Takeshita unconscious. Like a big sack of potatoes, he fell to the mat, he did. That’s a small statement of what we can do, of what we will do.”

Claudio says that in 2023, they’re putting everyone on notice! Dynamite, Rampage, Dark, Elevation, wherever you want to pick a fight! You think you’re good, you will know the BCC is better! Yuta adds that if there’s one thing Moxley and Claudio have taught him over the past year, it’s that if you wanna win, if you wanna achieve greatness, if you want a title, then you gotta fight like you’re already dead! And Yuta is locked into that mindset. If you wanna come get some, you know where to find them.

Moxley says, “Oh, and one last worm to stomp out from those JAS boys. Sammy Guevara, you are a gutsy kid. So gutsy, in fact, I think you will show up this Friday night on Rampage. And I promise, I will stomp your face into a bloody mess and leave you for dead. That’s what we do. And Hangman Page, I always say, you know where to find me. Bring your little Dark Order buddies, too. Y’know, if you want.” The Maniac, the Swiss Superman & The Decoder are calling out everyone! Will it take everyone to stop the BCC from taking over AEW?

Swerve Strickland speaks.

“It’s funny. The more you give the loved ones, the less they give you back. I’ve given you everything, Keith. From my efforts, from my in-ring skills, to my partnership to my friendship, and you threw it all in my face. Next week in San Antonio, we will have our meeting face-to-face. But you’re not a friend, you’re not a partner, we’re not family. I have no friends, I have no family in this industry. I have affiliates. See you soon.” Swerve ditched Keith Lee at Final Battle, but he didn’t get what he wanted. Will he get what he wants for the holidays? Or just what he deserves?

Six Man Tag: The House of Black VS QT Marshall, Cole Karter & Aaron Solo w/ The Factory!

Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews made statements of their own when they returned, and then again after the All-Atlantic Championship’s Lumberjack match. Will they continue to demolish everyone in their path back to the top? Or will The Factory avenge that ambush from almost a month ago?

The trios sort out but Comoroto, who isn’t even in the match officially, steps up. But then Julia Hart steps up in return? AEW doesn’t do coed competition, but Comoroto still throws his lollipop stick at her. So Julia SPITS MIST IN RETURN!! Comoroto goes down, and then Brody & Buddy CLOBBER Karter & Solo! QT is stunned, Brody and Buddy go out to keep after Solo and Karter, and Brody even DECKS Big Shotty Lee Johnson! QT isn’t sure what to do as Buddy RAMS Karter into the apron! And then Buddy RAMPS Karter into railing! Brody BOOTS Solo down! Buddy ROCKS Karter, Brody makes Solo take a seat in the corner of the railing.

Fans bark it up while Buddy smacks Karter off the timekeeper’s table. Brody runs in to CROSSBODY Solo into the railing! Johnson tries to help Karter but Buddy gets him for MURPHY’S LAW onto Karter! QT is looking around in a panic as the bell rings, and he’s all alone with Malakai! But then Buddy and Brody flank QT, and Malakai stands up. QT says what the hell, and he rushes up to Malakai, into the BLACK MASS!! Cover, the House of Black wins!

Winners: The House of Black, by pinfall

Statement: made! They vowed to “punish” those who think they are safe. Will all of AEW be sentenced to this kind of brutal punishment?

AEW takes a closer look at Hayter VS Shida.

The Regina di Wave Champion tells Jamie Hayter, “You are a good wrestler. But you are not the one who is a history-maker.” But Hayter tells Shida, “Congratulations. You won the opportunity of a lifetime to wrestle me for this belt, next week on Dynamite. You’re gonna understand that I’m not fun to be in the ring with. It’s all go.” #HayterHitsHard! Shida says she will teach Hayter the real Joshi Strong Style, and will take that AEW Women’s World Champion! Will we see a new era of #TwoBeltsShida? Or will she hate Hayter after their showdown of champions?

Backstage interview with Britt Baker.

Renee Paquette is with The Doctor and Rebel as she brings up the title match. And Britt has Renee stop right there. “Let’s stop acting like Shida beating Jamie is ever gonna be a thing. It’s not a thing, it won’t be a thing ever, so stop trying to make it a thing, got it? In fact, the only thing that Shida is famous for around here is breaking my nose. I defeated Shida for the AEW Women’s World Championship, and Jamie-” Skye Blue walks in and gets Britt’s attention. Okay, how can Britt help her? Britt says the audacity it takes to walk into her interview time is sky high!

Skye says she couldn’t help but hear Britt talking from a mile away. She’s pretty sure the entire AEW roster can hear Britt when she talks. Now, Skye will give Britt credit, she is good at talking. But let’s see if Britt can wrestle as well as she runs that mouth. Skye isn’t doing anything this Friday, and she’s pretty sure Britt isn’t either. So let’s prove it on Rampage! Britt can’t believe that’s Skye Blue. But yes, she will be the Face of the Women’s Division by kicking Skye’s ass! Will the Dentist put her money where her mouth is this Friday?

Chris Jericho VS Action Andretti!

The Wizard is no longer Le Champion, but he swears that he is still #THEOCHO! But then will this match help Jericho get the momentum to become The Nueve? Or will this tune-up be more than what Jericho expected for Winter is Coming?

The bell rings and fans chant “YOU TAPPED OUT!” at Jericho. Jericho flips the fans off but that doesn’t stop them. Jericho and Action circle, and Jericho gets in Action’s face. Jericho SLAPS Action, then taunts him. Jericho SLAPS Action again, then he soaks up the heat. Fans boo but Action SLAPS Jericho back! Jericho ROCKS Action, fires off forearms, then has him in a corner! Jericho stomps away on Action, the ref counts and Jericho stops at 4. Jericho soaks up more heat then goes back to Action. Jericho CHOPS Action, whips him corner to corner, and then clotheslines! And again! And then he digs his fingers into Action’s face!

Fans chant, “Let’s Go, Jobber!” while the ref counts. Jericho backs off, but he storms back up to ROCK Action in the face! Action counter punches to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Jericho BOOTS Action down! Fans boo but Jericho drags Action up. Jericho whips Action into the corner to fire off more clotheslines! The fans count to “OCHO!” but Jericho goes to ten. Jericho snapmares Action, CHOPS him against ropes, then CHOPS again! Jericho whips Action to ropes, CLOBBERS him, then soaks up more heat. Jericho runs but Action keeps up! Action hurdles, but Jericho CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again!

Jericho whips, Action ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Fans fire up for Action, and Action runs to springboard and TWISTING SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Jericho is pissed now and he CLOBBERS Action! Jericho drags Action up, fireman’s carries, and he hits a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Fans still rally for Action but Jericho aims. Action staggers up, into a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!?? Jericho’s cocky grin is now a shocked scowl! Fans are thunderous for Action Andretti as AEW goes picture in picture!

Jericho stares at Action as he crawls to ropes. Fans are still rallying for Action as he drags himself up the ropes, and Jericho storms up after him. Jericho stands Action up, stares him right in the eye, and ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! Jericho fires off more and more, the ref gets the gloves because Action’s got a bloody nose. Jericho drags Action up to throw him out, and then goes out the side. Jericho storms over to Action, stands him up, and RAMS him into steel steps! Action writhes on the floor but Jericho paces. Action clutches an arm and works on the shoulder, but Jericho drags him up and puts him in the ring.

Jericho paces around the ring while fans rally back up. Jericho drags Action up for a BIG back suplex! Jericho pushes Action down for a cocky cover, TWO! Jericho is annoyed with Action Andretti but the fans are continuing to rally. Jericho throws down fists and forearms right across Action’s face! Jericho CHOKES Action on the ropes! The ref counts, Jericho lets off, and Action sputters. Jericho comes back to CHOKE Action again! Jericho CLUBS away on Action’s neck and back but the ref backs him off. Jericho soaks up the heat as AEW returns to single picture. Fans sing, “OH~ Let’s Go, Jobber~!” but Jericho STRADDLE ATTACKS Action down!

Jericho paces around as the fans continue to sing, but he drags Action up to CHOP! Jericho CHOPS Action to the corner, CHOPS him in the corner, then CHOKES Action! The ref reprimands, so Jericho CHOPS again! Jericho whips Action corner to corner, runs in but into a BOOT! Action CHOPS and CHOPS and fans are thunderous! Action CHOSP and CHOPS and CHOPS but Jericho pokes him in the eyes! Jericho DECKS Action, paces around and soaks up the heat. Jericho whips Action to ropes but Action FLYING FOREARMS back! And LARIATS! Fans fire up as Action spins Jericho around, clinches, BACKBREAKER to the NECKBREAKER!

Fans fire up and Action goes up the corner! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT onto knees! Jericho saves himself and fans boo! Jericho looks to end this now, JUDAS- NO, Action gets around to roll Jericho up! TWO!! Action keeps moving, SPRINGBOARD FLYING KICK!! Fans are thunderous, Action clotheslines Jericho up and out of the ring! And then he slingshots and ARABIAN PRESSES Jericho down!! Fans are losing their minds over how well Action is doing! Maybe Jericho really did sleep on the “jobber!” Action aims and springboards, but Jericho catches the legs! Jericho grins, as he turns Action, but Action makes it a cradle! TWO!!!

Jericho escapes, but Action dropkicks back! Fans fire up as Action kips up! Action runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Jericho blocks it! Jericho pops Action up, but Action RANAS free! Jericho is down, Action STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, ACTION WINS!!!

Winner: Action Andretti, by pinfall

Jobber nothing! Action Andretti just scored the biggest win of his career! Fans are stunned, and Jericho is speechless! Action Andretti’s first win in AEW is in his debut, and it was over THE OCHO!! Does that make Action THE UNO? No offense to Evil Uno.

Backstage interview with Ricky Starks.

“I woke up this morning smelling the Lonestar air, knowing exactly that I am the man. Me, Ricky Starks. Tonight, I finally get my shot at the AEW World Championship against ol’ Maxi Pad. And I think it’s pretty fitting that it happens in my backyard. I feel just as prepared as I did the first day that I stepped foot into AEW. And there’s been a long road for me since I’ve been here, and I can acknowledge that. When I had my neck broken and I thought this was the end of it, I sat at home and I made sure that I would stand right here to be the guy to tell you at home, ‘Hey, I’m doing it tonight! I’m winning the AEW Championship, because I have no other options!

“I have grinded! I have paid my dues for the last 11 YEARS, and guess what? All that comes to a head tonight. Max, you wanna talk about a star-making performance? Guess what, last week was nothing new to me! I’ve been doing that in my sleep. I’ve been letting people know who I am since day one. You have to find validation in your stupid ass ratings, and ‘Oh, I’m such a draw!’ Nobody gives a damn, pal. But what they do care about is seeing me, Ricky Starks, stomp your little ass tonight.”

Starks knows he has a lot riding on the line, and he has a lot of people looking up to him. MJF may think of that as a joke, only because he has no one supporting him, no one who actually want to be behind him! But Starks does! Make fun all you want, but Starks is a reflection of what MJF wants to be! From the top of Starks’ head to the bottom of his feet, he IS the man! And after tonight, he proves to MJF and everyone else why Starks is the “coldest MF’er you have ever seen!” Why he is “the most stylish MF’er you have ever seen!” And why he is ABSOLUTELY the AEW World Champion! Ricky Starks, A to Z, remember the name! Because no one else will forget this match.

FTR speaks.

Dax Harwood knows a lot of people are calling FTR VS The Briscoes “the greatest trilogy of all time.” He isn’t so sure, but Saturday night was definitely the hardest match of their careers. As they stood in that ring and got the adulation from the fans, the thousands in attendance, it seems a couple more people wanted their attention, and that’s The Ass Boys, Austin & Colten Gunn. Dax won’t call them “Ass Boys” anymore, they’re just Austin & Colten. Those are their names, and not just stage names. Those are their real names. And they wanna take the shine away from FTR, from Dax & Cash, well that ain’t gonna happen.

Cash Wheeler says Austin & Colten want to “kill” FTR’s legacy. They have done just about everything they can, like costing FTR matches and jumping them after the most grueling match in their careers, the Double Dog Collar match. That was maybe the most vicious match Cash will ever be in for his entire life. But now the Gunns are desperate for attention from someone because they have daddy issues. They want FTR’s attention? Well now they have it, because FTR will kick the Ass Boys’ asses.

Dax said Austin & Colten have tried for months to get FTR’s attention with nothing to offer in return. FTR is building a legacy. But if building that legacy has to go through the Gunn Sons, then okay! They have FTR’s attention now. Will Austin & Colten regret writing checks their asses can’t cash?

Jericho is throwing a fit backstage!

He kicks things, throws things, hits things with a chair, and then throws those things he just hit! The Ocho shouts and yells all the way to his locker room, but will he ever get over losing to “a jobber?”

Tonight’s main eventers prepare backstage.

Ricky Starks works with a resistance band while MJF lounges while getting a shoulder rub. Will this difference in preparedness reflect how the main event goes?

Ruby Soho VS Tay Melo w/ Sammy Guevara!

The Runaway went after the Brazilian Goddess as part of her return, proving nothing is settled between them! Will Soho show the sports entertainer has #NoFuture? Or will Melo make the Jericho Appreciation Society proud after all the stumbles for the group lately?

But as Ruby gets on the apron, Tay BLASTS her down! Fans boo but Tay talks trash as she mocks Ruby. Tay goes out to fire off forearms but Ruby gives them back! They brawl, the ref reprimands but Ruby smacks Tay off the apron! Ruby ROCKS, CHOPS and ROCKS Tay, then whips her into railing! Fans fire up as Ruby stomps away on Tay! The ref says to get in the ring but the match isn’t officially underway so there are no real repercussions! Ruby ROCKS Tay but Tay ROCKS Ruby, then CLUBS away on her! Tay whips Ruby into the railing now! Tay drags Ruby up, whips her again, and Ruby hits more railing!

Tay drags Ruby up to whip again, and Ruby goes into steel steps! Fans boo but Tay puts Ruby in the ring. The ref has Tay stay back and she checks with Ruby. Fans rally behind Ruby and she says she wants this match! The bell rings, Tay runs in, but Ruby gets around to SAIDO! Fans fire up as Ruby clinches Tay again, for another SAIDO! And then a third SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Ruby rains down fists on Tay but the ref has her back off. Tay staggers up, Ruby brings her around but Tay swings a back elbow! Ruby wrenches around, NO FUTURE! But Tay bails out! Ruby is frustrated as Tay goes to the ramp. Tay doesn’t want any more, but Ruby pursues!

Ruby storms up after Tay and brings her back from the ramp! Fans fire up as Ruby clinches, but Tay fishhooks Ruby’s face! DDT to the ramp!! Fans boo and the ref checks Ruby while AEW goes picture in picture!

Tay mocks Ruby right in her face, then tells the ref to back off. Tay drags Ruby up, CLUBS her to ringside, and then argues with the ref. Tay puts Ruby on the apron to smack her off it. Ruby crawls away, Tay follows and she KICKS Ruby to a corner. Tay gets in Ruby’s face again to talk more trash, but the ref has her back off. Tay talks trash to the fans then storms after Ruby, Ruby mule kicks, CHOPS and ROCKS Tay! Tay ROCKS Ruby back! Tay CHOKES Ruby on the ropes! The ref counts, Tay lets off at 4, and then Tay talks more trash. Ruby sputters and Tay argues with the ref again. Tay goes out to get in the face of fans, and she snatches a sign that says “My Ruby!” Tay RIPS that sign up!

Tay smiles as she throws the pieces of paper away. Tay gets in the ring, tells the fans to shut up, but Ruby trips Tay up! Ruby fires off fists! Tay pushes Ruby away, then ROCKS her with a forearm! Tay storms up to drag Ruby up and around. Tay kicks at Ruby just to taunt the fan. Ruby ROCKS Tay! And again! And again! And again and again and again as AEW returns to single picture! Fans fire up as Ruby just doesn’t stop with the forearms! Ruby then reels Tay in for a short arm LARIAT! Ruby bumps Tay off buckles, then goes side to side! YAKUZA KICK! Tay staggers, Ruby runs side to side to YAKUZA KICK again!

Ruby keeps moving, Tay dodges, but Ruby goes up to bring Tay in, DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby dribbles Tay off the buckles all the way past “OCHO!” Fans cheer but the ref has Ruby back off. Ruby snarls as she stalks Tay. STO! Cover, TWO! Ruby drags Tay into a drop zone and then climbs up the corner. Fans fire up as Ruby is up top, for the SUPER SEN- NO, Ruby bails out as Tay moves. Tay comes back with a BOOT!! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives and shocks Tay! Fans rally up, she drags Ruby up but Ruby CHOPS! Tay CHOPS! Ruby CHOPS! Tay CHOPS! Ruby shakes her arm out to CHOP again!

Tay CHOPS again! Ruby snarls and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And puts some stank on the- NO, SAYANAGI from Tay! Tay reels Ruby in, Gotch lift, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fans are fired up and Tay is shocked again! Tay drags Ruby up, Gory Especials, but Ruby blocks the knee to KNEE back! Tay staggers and clutches her nose! Ruby brings Tay around, DESTINATION UNKNOWN!! Cover, Ruby wins!

Winner: Ruby Soho, by pinfall

But here comes Anna Jay! The Star of the Show storms into the ring to CLOBBER Ruby! Anna rains down fists on Ruby, and then she helps her bestie back up. Anna hooks Ruby up for a GORY BOMB! Ruby clutches her repaired nose and Tay says that is what she gets! Fans boo but TayJay soak up the heat. Will the JAS redeem themselves by any means necessary?

Alex Marvez is waiting backstage.

He waits on a medical update for Hangman Adam Page after hitting a ring post head first last week. The Dark Order is also here and Evil Uno is trying to sort out the whole Preston Vance betrayal thing. But Hangman says if they want a medical update, that if he still has migraines in the mornings and gets dizzy in the shower. Or do they wanna know when he’ll be cleared to face Jon Moxley? Because at this point, Hangman doesn’t know, it probably isn’t any time soon. Is that what everyone wants to know? Marvez says yes, given that Moxley called Hangman and The Dark Order out, daring them to show up on Rampage.

Uno says Hangman shouldn’t do it, but Hangman says he has a status update. This is the one he gave in October, when Hangman was “face down on the mat, snoring for 60 seconds.” They rolled him over, put him in an ambulance, and he came to along the way to the hospital. He started getting them right after awhile. The date was October 18th. Where was he? Cincinnati. Who was he wrestling? The AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley. And they said that Hangman had 100 missed calls and texts on his phone, so they asked if he wanted to see them. He had to unlock the phone, but the screen light was so bright to him.

The medics saw a picture of Hangman’s son and said he’s so cute. What’s his name? Hangman couldn’t remember. Those green eyes looked back up at Hangman, and he didn’t know. For an entire hour, Hangman didn’t know. Hangman went through hell. If Moxley wants to fight Hangman on Friday, then he will fight! He knows where the ring is. But if Moxley wants to send Hangman back to hell, Hangman’s taking Moxley with him. The Cowboy is fired up, will he get his payback on The Maniac?

Dustin Rhodes and the Best Friends speak.

The Natural tells Orange Cassidy, Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor & Danhausen, “We’re in Texas, boys. Do you know what that means? That’s home for me. Kip Sabian, Trent Seven, Butcher, Blade. This Friday night on AEW Rampage, I’m with The Best Friends and… this spooky boy over here. We’re gonna flatten you! This is MY backyard, and I’ll be damned if we’re gonna lay down for you, cuz we’re gonna flatten you.” Trent says hands in, and everyone puts their hands in. They tell Kip and crew they’ll see them on Friday. Will this all-star team be able to put away Sabian’s Superbad squad?

BREAKING NEWS on the World Trios Best of 7 series!

It is official! Match 5 will be NO DISQUALIFICATIONS! Now the hammer, and just about anything else both teams want to use, will be legal! Plus, Tony Khan has planned ahead. Should match 6 be needed, it will be under Falls Count Anywhere! And, as unlikely as it may be, should the seventh and final match be needed, it will be as a LADDER MATCH! Can The Elite get the comeback on track to then take on Escalara de la Muerte?

AEW World Championship & Dynamite Diamond Ring Winner Takes All: MJF VS Ricky Starks!

Maxwell Jacob Friedman had The Firm steal the Casino Ladder Match Poker Chip so that he could face Jon Moxley for the title at Full Gear. Then he had Lord William Regal hand him the brass knuckles so he could win the AEW World Championship. But The Absolute actually put in the work to get through the World Title Eliminator Tournament and win the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal so that he could go after both prizes at once! Will MJF hold onto #TripleB, the Big Burberry Belt and his prized $50,000 ring? Or will Starks take everything away from MJF and leave him out in the cold?

The introductions are made, MJF quite literally gets in Starks’ face with the belt, but then runs off as Starks storms up on him. Fans taunt “MAXI PAD! MAXI PAD!” while the ref holds up Burberry belt and diamond ring. Winter is Coming to an end, but will MJF’s reign of terror end before it begins?

The bell rings, fans fire up and Starks stares down with MJF. They approach, talk a little trash, and fans are thunderous already. MJF and Starks circle, fans rally up, and the two approach, only for MJF to kick low! MJF headlocks, Starks powers out but MJF runs Starks over! Starks gets up in a huff but MJF mocks the pose. They tie up again, MJF headlocks, Starks powers out but MJF runs him over again. Things speed up, Starks swings but MJF ducks ‘n’ dodges. Starks drops down but MJF stops himself to then strut over Starks. Fans boo but MJF soaks up the heat. Starks rushes in, things speed up again!

Starks ducks ‘n’ dodges but MJF hurdles, only for Starks to shoulder MJF right out of the ring! Starks hits his pose and fans fire up! Starks waits on MJF but MJF hops over the railing! MJF slaps a fan’s popcorn out of their hands then paces around while he vents. Fans tell MJF to go back to the ring, so MJF storms his way back to ringside. The ring count is climbing, MJF glares at the fans, but MJF slides in at 7 of 10. Fans keep taunting “MAXI PAD! MAXI PAD!” and MJF rushes Starks, but Starks arm-drags him away! And then hip tosses! Starks whips MJF to ropes then back drops him high and hard!

MJF writhes, rises, but Starks sunset flips! TWO, Starks ducks the Penalty Kick to schoolboy! TWO, but Starks backslides, TWO!! MJF swings, into a cradle! TWO!! MJF narrowly escapes, but Starks LARIATS him down! Fans fire up as Starks watches MJF crawl to a corner. Starks runs corner to corner but MJF uses ropes as a defense! Fans boo, the ref backs Starks off, but that allows MJF to poke Starks in the eyes! Fans boo more as MJF bumps Starks off buckles. MJF RAMS into Starks, whips him corner to corner hard, and Starks bounces off buckles! MJF gets up on the corner just to soak up the heat.

MJF storms up to Starks now, brings him up to snapmare and rear bearhug. Starks endures, fights up, and fans rally. Starks throws back elbows on MJF, gets free to run, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Starks flops out of the ring, clutching his ribs, and AEW goes picture in picture.

MJF lets the ring count climb so he can catch his breath. Starks stirs, MJF says to count faster, but Starks stirs at around 5 of 10. The count climbs, fans rally, and Starks stands at 8 to slide in at 9! MJF storms up to bring Starks around, GUTBUSTER! MJF paces around while Starks crawls to a corner. MJF is after Starks with a stomp! MJF stomps a mudhole, then digs in a boot! The ref counts, MJF lets off to glare at the ref, then he goes back for Starks. Starks CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Starks runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! MJF covers, TWO! MJF stalks Starks to ropes, KICKS him, and then stalks him to a corner.

MJF stands Starks up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Starks bounces off buckles again. Starks clutches his ribs but sits up in the corner. MJF is after Starks with a fishhook to the nose! The ref reprimands, MJF lets off, and MJF drags Starks up. Starks throws body shots, forearms, and goes to run, but MJF throws Starks down by his hair!  The ref reprimands but MJF drags Starks up to whip him to ropes. Starks turns knee into roll-up, TWO!! MJF narrowly escapes again, but he whips Starks away, and catches him into a cobra twist! Starks endures but MJF digs his knuckles into the ribs! MJF even BITES Starks’ side!

MJF CLUBS Starks but Starks still endures. AEW returns to single picture and fans rally for Starks. MJF reaches out, to hold the rope! Fans boo but Starks endures as MJF adds even more leverage! MJF lets go before the ref notices, and then he tells fans to shut up. Fans boo more, but MJF reaches out again. MJF holds the ropes for more leverage! The ref almost catches MJF this time, but MJF denies using the ropes. MJF flips off the fans without even looking, but the ref catches the cheating this time! The ref KICKS MJF’s arm! And then Starks hip tosses MJF away! Fans fire up, Starks brings MJF up, but MJF blocks the whip!

MJF whips Starks to the corner but Starks returns to LARIAT! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! The ref starts a standing count, and it climb to 5 of 10. Starks stands at “OCHO!” MJF rushes in, Starks slips around to hit a JAWBREAKER! Starks runs to DROPKICK MJF to the corner! Starks keeps moving, he goes corner to corner to back elbow! And then LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up and Starks shakes the ropes! Starks storms up on MJF to TORNADO DDT!! MJF staggers and wobbles, Starks brings him around to get him up! MJF RAN- NO, Starks blocks the rana to go again! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!

MJF actually shows some toughness surviving that, and Starks grows a bit frustrated. Fans rally again, Starks runs corner to corner but MJF moves! Starks hits buckles face first! Starks staggers away, MJF goes up the corner and aims. DOUBLE STOMPS to an arm! Starks clutches the elbow but he refuses to let this stop him. MJF is after the arm but Starks kicks him! Starks underhooks, but MJF wrenches out to go after the bad arm! Starks switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! MJF has it with tights! TWO!!! Starks escapes, MJF runs, Starks jumps up, but into a POWER BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!!!

MJF is furious that Starks survives but fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise. MJF brings Starks around to SLAM the bad arm on the mat! MJF snarls while Starks clutches his hand. MJF stalks Starks, gives him kicks to the side, and then he stomps the bad hand! Fans boo but MJF gives Starks more toying kicks. Starks scowls as MJF starts slapping him around. MJF slaps and slaps, Starks SLAPS! Starks and MJF start firing off fast hands and the fans are thunderous! Starks blocks a kick but MJF pokes him in the eyes again! Fans boo, MJF runs, but Starks BOOTS him back!

MJF rebounds, ROLLING ELBOW! Starks rebounds to SPEAR!! But Starks’ own ribs hold him back! A standing count starts again, both men are still down at 5 of 10. And they’re still down at “OCHO!” Starks crawls at 9, covers, TWO!!! MJF has the SALT OF THE EARTH FUJIWARA!! Starks endures, reaches out, claws for the ropes, but MJF even BITES the hand! Starks still fights over, so MJF shifts to a full grapevine! Starks fights, but MJF bends that arm back!! DOUBLE REVERSE ARMBAR!! Starks endures, reaches with a leg, but MJF grabs the leg, too!! Starks’ one free leg gets the ROPEBREAK!!

MJF lets go and fans are thunderous all over again! MJF staggers up and is frustrated, fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow. MJF grabs Starks’ arm, but Starks rolls him up! TWO!! MJF hits a headlock takeover but Starks headscissors! MJF kips free but Starks hits a headlock takeover! MJF headscissors. Starks kips free to a jackknife bridge! TWO as MJF bridges up! He can’t maintain it, the cover is on again, TWO as MJF finishes the bridge! MJF turns around, Starks slips free to SUPERKICK! Starks reels MJF in, but MJF fights the lift! Starks underhooks, lifts again, but MJF slips free!

MJF uses the ref as a shield! Fans boo, Starks storms up and moves the ref aside, MJF LOW BLOWS Starks!!! MJF then hits a cradle, MJF wins!!!

Winner: MJF, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion AND Dynamite Diamond Ringbearer)

The reign of terror continues, and not just with the Big Burberry Belt but with the Dynamite Diamond Ring! MJF goes four years running with that ring on his finger, he gets through his first defense to keep that belt on his shoulder, and he storms right up the ramp to get outta Dallas. But wait! BRYAN DANIELSON IS HERE!! And he is PISSED about what MJF did to William Regal! Bryan chases MJF back to ringside, around the ring, and then into the crowd! MJF manages to jump over the railing and run right up the bleachers! Bryan glares from the ring, the American Dragon is coming for MJF! Will Bryan get to kick Max’s MJF’ing head in?

My Thoughts:

A great night for AEW with this year’s Winter is Coming. For one, just an awesome Trios match to continue the Best of 7 series. Great little hero bit from Nick coming back out after hurting his ankle (all kayfabe of course), but I was surprised that moment didn’t help The Elite win. And I like Omega blurring the lines since we all know he is an EVP. He didn’t just say next time was No Disqualification, he left that to THE boss, Tony Khan, as well as the public opinion. And being told all the stipulations to come, if it wasn’t clear we were going all the way to match number seven, it is now. However, The Elite winning No DQ and Falls Count Anywhere is a bit heavy handed. But the seventh and last match being a ladder match really could let things go either way, that will be an awesome match to finish this off with.

That said, next up is of course The House of Black. They decimated The Factory before the match, then poor QT had no chance during the match. The House of Black are also going to have a match with Eddie Kingston & Ortiz at some point given the promo we got from Kingston & Ortiz, can’t wait to see what comes of that. Then the House of Black will simply be considered #1 contenders by the “rankings,” and they’ll go right after the winner of that ladder match as soon as the end of that match. The Elite will have a great match with The House of Black, and I wouldn’t ever say The Elite are transitional champions given this Best of 7, but I am saying there’s a chance The Elite puts the House of Black over.

Good segment from The Acclaimed and Team Double Jay. While Team Double Jay using “sports entertainment” tactics to jump to being challengers, obviously we’re going to see these teams face off anyway. Kinda exposes the bad handling of their own ranking system, but AEW isn’t going to bring in Jeff Jarrett just to have him level grind on Dark and Elevation. And while FTR had a great promo to call out Austin & Colten, I again bring up how they didn’t really do the best with building the Gunns into facing FTR. But I guess a grudge match is fine compared to a title match we knew the Gunns weren’t winning anyway.

Great match from Brian Cage and Jack Perry, and I do like that JB is self aware about becoming a giantslayer. He called out Morrissey, got Morrissey and Moriarty, but I love that Hook came out. Now, Morrissey accepting Stokely’s orders to back off from Hook when Morrissey is as big as three Hooks is really too pro-wrestling convention. Morrissey should’ve wanted after Hook and Stokely struggling to stop him and then security and referees had to stop this. But I sensed Hook and JB teaming up so I’m happy it’s happening. But between the two, Moriarty is the one taking the loss in that tag match, and then we get Jungle Boy VS Big Bill 1v1 later.

Good promo from the Blackpool Combat Club to call out anyone and everyone, and for Moxley to again call out Hangman. Great promo from Hangman to share his experience of going through that concussion. And you can bet, win or lose against Sammy Guevara, Moxley and Hangman are going to brawl, and the Dark Order will be dragged into things to go up against the BCC by default. Good promo from the JAS, and I actually like that Jericho is forcing Garcia into a Young Boy role with Sammy Guevara as his senpai. This will get us back on track to what we should’ve got with Garcia’s internal conflict of pro-wrestler VS sports entertainer. And maybe this time, he lands on pro-wrestler.

Jericho putting over Action Andretti was awesome stuff, especially making that match so great. Jericho’s tantrum backstage was also awesome, and I hope they do something big with Action Andretti in 2023 after this. Good promo from Dustin and Best Friends to set up taking on Sabian, Seven, Butcher & Blade. That 8 Man could go either way, but we all know it sets up Cassidy VS Sabian for the All-Atlantic Championship. Good promo from Hayter and Shida to hype up their title match, good promo from Britt and Skye to set up a match for Rampage. And a very good match from Ruby and Tay. Ruby of course wins to help build her return, but I should’ve figured Anna Jay would attack. Not sure who Ruby gets as a partner, but I bet there’s another tag match from this.

And of course, great promos from both MJF and Starks to hype up the main event, and that main event was awesome stuff. That match in itself felt PPV worthy, but at the same time, I just knew somewhere in this match, MJF would use a low blow kick. MJF retains all his prizes, as I also expected, but it makes so much sense for Bryan to step up now. Bryan probably has to go through MJF’s usual rigmarole of challenges, especially since MJF went on about not defending the title unless on PPV, or in this case, big time episodes. MJF will insist on waiting until after Holiday Bash and New Year’s Smash, and then Revolution isn’t until March, so there might be eight different things MJF makes Bryan do if he wants to be the next challenger.

My Score: 8.9/10