Will the Best of 7 end with 2022?

The AEW World Trios Championship series is in match six, and it’s FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Will this be where it all ends for The Elite? Or can they force this to round seven?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Ethan Page w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Bryan Danielson; Bryan wins.
• Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley VS Top Flight; Claudio & Moxley win.
• Hook VS Baylum Lynx; Hook wins.
• AEW World Trios Championships Best of 7, Match 6, Falls Count Anywhere: Death Triangle VS The Elite; The Elite wins and ties the series 3-3.
• Ruby Soho & Willow Nightingale VS TayJay; TayJay wins.
• AEW TNT Championship: Samoa Joe VS Wardlow; Joe wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ethan Page w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Bryan Danielson!

According to All Ego, HE is the current #1 contender and no one else! But while he did make it to the finals of the World Title Eliminator and made it to the end of the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal, we all know wrestling is about what you’ve done lately! Will Ethan defend his spot? Or will he fail to slay the American Dragon and lose out on another title opportunity?

But wait! Here comes Maxwell Jacob Friedman! “Cut my music, cut my music. Hey, brain-damaged Bryan! I’m up here, buddy!” MJF is in the VIP skybox, and MJF says he found the only hot chick in all of Colorado. Fans boo, but Ethan sucker punches Bryan! Bryan is down in the corner and the bell rings as Ethan stomps a mudhole! MJF grins while Ethan rains down fists! The ref counts, Ethan lets off, and MJF taunts Bryan, “I thought you were the best in the world. What happened, bud? What happened?” Fans boo, Ethan tells MJF to shut up, and Ethan drags MJF up to DECK him! Fans tell MJF off while Ethan scoop SLAMS Bryan.

Ethan snarls, drags Bryan up, and he throws body shots. Ethan headlocks, Bryan powers out, but Ethan runs Bryan over! Ethan scoops and SLAMS Bryan again, and fans boo as Ethan paces around. Stokely cheers as Ethan digs his boots into Bryan at the corner. The ref counts, Ethan lets off at 4, and fans rally up for Bryan. Ethan stands Bryan up, whips him corner to corner, but Bryan goes up and over and keeps moving! Bryan ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up with Bryan and he stalks Ethan to a corner. Bryan CHOPS Ethan, keeps him in the corner, and KICKS! Then CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Ethan turns things around to CHOP back! Fans boo while Bryan staggers away. Ethan dusts off his stinging chest to bring Bryan up. Ethan CHOPS again! Bryan CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And KICKS, KICKS and KICKS in the corner! Fans rally with ‘YES! YES!” and Bryan whips to kitchen sink knee Ethan down! Fans fire up more as Ethan sits up and crawls to the corner. Bryan storms up, drags Ethan by a leg, and he has a standing toehold. Bryan turns the leg and turns Ethan over with it. Bryan hooks up both legs and fans fire up as Bryan grabs at the arms! Ethan resists so Bryan fishhooks his face!

The ref reprimands, counts, but Bryan lets go, and STOMPS Ethan’s knees! Bryan turns Ethan over to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then back to the toehold! Bryan turns Ethan over, isolates the foot, and STOMPS it! Ethan clutches his ankle and fans rally up. Bryan paces, Stokely scowls, but Bryan KCIKS Ethan in the back! And again! And again! Bryan drags Ethan up, whips him to ropes, but Ethan reverses to ELBOW Bryan down! Ethan rains down fists and fans boo. Ethan lets off as the ref reprimands about closed fists. Bryan sits up but Ethan scoops him to SLAM him! Ethan soaks up the heat as fans boo more.

Ethan stalks Bryan to a corner, brings him up, and puts him on the top rope. Ethan throws hands, climbs up, and then throws forearms. Fans rally up, Bryan resists the suplex, then throws body shots! Bryan HEADBUTTS Ethan down off the corner! Fans fire up, Bryan stands up, and Bryan MISSILE DROPKICKS! And then kips up! Fans are thunderous for Bryan but Stokely gets on the apron! Bryan stares Stokely down, and he smacks the hat off Stokely’s head to reveal that sheen! Stokely is furious, but Ethan runs in! Bryan steps aside, Ethan stops himself from running into Stokely! Stokely hurries off the apron, Bryan runs in to BUSAIKU KNEE Ethan out!

Fans fire up, Bryan builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and Ethan hits railing! Bryan puts Ethan in, but Stokely gets up in Bryan’s face! Bryan backs Stokely down, but Ethan BOOTS Bryan off the apron! Stokely puts his hat back on and backwards as he talks trash on Bryan. Ethan fetches Bryan while AEW goes picture in picture.

Stokely throws his hat at Bryan while Ethan brings Bryan up to DECK him! Ethan paces, brings Bryan back up, and he POSTS Bryan! Ethan picks up the hat to put it on, and says that he IS AEW! Ethan then drags Bryan up to CLUB him on the neck, and he pushes Bryan into the ring. Ethan looms over Bryan, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. Ethan ROCKS Bryan, climbs up in the corner, and he rains down fists! Fans count, surely shouting “OCHO!” but Ethan goes way past 10! The ref reprimands, Ethan hops down, and Ethan drags Bryan back up. Ethan scoops and SLAMS Bryan down, then mocks him while the fans rally up.

Bryan sits up as Dynamite returns to single picture. Ethan talks trash, Bryan stands up, and Ethan DECKS Bryan again! MJF is still watching from the VIP box with his special lady friend. Fans tell Ethan off but Ethan talks trash on Bryan. Ethan brings Bryan up, suplexes, but Bryan slips out to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up and MJF looks annoyed now. A standing count starts, both men slowly rise. They stand at 4 and Bryan EuroUppers! Ethan forearms, Bryan EuroUppers back! They go back and forth, then Ethan rakes the eyes! Fans boo, Ethan runs in but Bryan drop toeholds Ethan into buckles! And then KICKS the buckles to jam Ethan!

Bryan CHOPS Ethan in a corner, KICKS him, then CHOPS again! Bryan repeats the process, fans chant “YES! WOO~!” Then Bryan puts Ethan up top. Bryan climbs up, SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Bryan feeds off that energy! Bryan aims from the corner while Stokely scowls. Ethan slowly sits up, Bryan KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! “YES! YES! YES!” And Bryan aims, but Ethan ducks the Buzzsaw! Ethan shoves, Bryan holds ropes, so Ethan rushes in but Bryan dumps him out! Bryan builds speed to WRECK Ethan with a dropkick! Fans fire up as Bryan is on the apron! FLYING KNEE, but Stokely pulls Ethan out of the way!

Ethan hurries to drag Bryan back up, and Ethan RAMS Bryan into steel steps! Ethan ripcords Bryan right up for a POWERSLAM! Ethan then drags Bryan back into the ring and waits for Bryan to stand. Step-in CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and fans fire up! Ethan rains down fists on Bryan, the ref reprimands, and Ethan lets off again. Ethan is frustrated but Stokely tells Ethan to end this. Ethan grabs Bryan’s hands, but Bryan trips Ethan up! Bryan has the wrists now, but Ethan KICKS away on Bryan from below! Ethan has Bryan down, ripcords again, but Bryan DDTs!! Fans fire up as Bryan aims, BUZZSAW!! Cover, TWO!!

But Bryan has Ethan in the LEBELL LOCK!! Ethan endures, flails, fans are thunderous, but Ethan gest the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo but Ethan survives, and Bryan lets him go. Bryan wobbles a bit but fans rally up behind him. Bryan goes to the corner and climbs up top. Ethan hurries over and trips Bryan up! Ethan then climbs up after Bryan, and brings him up onto his shoulder. But Bryan fights to throw down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” But Ethan grabs an arm, drags Bryan back onto his shoulder, for a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Stokely is shocked!

“This is Awesome!” as Ethan drags Bryan back up. Ethan reels Bryan in but Bryan is dead weight! Ethan drags Bryan up and grins, to gut wrench and crucifix! But Bryan fights free! Bryan duck’s ‘n’ dodges, BUSAIKU KNEE!! Fans are thunderous again but Bryan says this isn’t all! DRAGON STOMPS!! Then he ties up the legs, and adds a crossface! REGAL STRETCH!! Ethan is OUT, Bryan wins!!

Winner: Bryan Danielson, by submission

All Ego was deflated but THE ego that is MJF says it won’t matter! Bryan won using his mentor’s hold, will he avenge the Gentleman Villain by ending the reign of terror?

AEW hears from tonight’s main eventers.

Samoa Joe says, “Many people wondered what the impetus was behind the partnership between myself and Wardlow. It was very simple: I am a hunter by trade, and I study what I hunt. And I told everybody when I arrived in AEW, I was coming for all the championships. And that included yours, Wardlow. And every day we stood side by side, every day we stood in the trenches, we battled as compadres. But I took my notes, and I understood everything that made you tick. And eventually, I took what’s yours. And you’re desperately trying to take it back from me. You’ll see that you just didn’t do the homework.”

Renee Paquette interviews Wardlow, noting the powerful words we just heard from Joe. Tonight, they face off in the main event, so how is Wardlow feeling ahead of the title match? Wardlow repeats the phrase, “powerful words.” That in itself is the problem. There have been too many words. Tonight is about powerful actions. SAMOA JOE ATTACKS! He hits Wardlow in the leg with a pipe! And then again! “You want actions? This is your action! I did this to you! I DID THIS TO YOU!” Joe storms off and officials rush in. They call for help, but did the King of Television just cancel tonight’s main event?

Backstage interview with Hangman Page and The Dark Order.

One of the medical team is checking Hangman, and Renee asks if we can get an update. Hangman says of course Renee would wanna know. But then he apologizes, that was rude of him. But this is frustrating, and he isn’t sure what the update would be. It’s week to week but not looking promising. He hasn’t wrestled in over two months, that is frustrating, and he wishes they had a good answer right now. But they don’t. So then, he’ll surely be watching the next match, Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli VS Top Flight. Hangman stands up at the mention of Moxley but the Dark Order has him cool off.

The medic says Hangman has been following concussion protocol, making advancements in the right direction. If he keeps that up, then he can be back in the ring in potentially two weeks. Two weeks? Really? Yes, potentially. As in, in time for LA maybe? Potentially. But if he keeps getting riled up, going after Moxley every week, something is going to happen and he may never get back in the ring. Hangman says fine, he’ll go through with the check-up. The doctor examines Hangman’s eyes, but will that two week potential be light at the end of the tunnel?

Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley VS Top Flight!

The Swiss Superman & Maniac were part of the final four in the Three Kings Christmas Casino Trios Royale, but it was Darius & Dante Martin who won that $300,000 prize! Money is money, but this is about pride! Will the Blackpool Combat Club prove they’re the better team? Or will the Coldest Team in the Game score another win over two of the biggest names in AEW?

The teams sort out, but Top Flight BLASTS Claudio and Moxley off the apron! Darius builds speed to DIVE, but Moxley catches and THROWS Darius into railing! Dante PLANCHAS at Claudio but Claudio catches him! Claudio shakes his head, pops Dante up, and gives him SNAKE EYES off the railing! Moxley digs his forearm into Darius’ face, pushes him down, then puts him in the ring. The bell rings, Moxley stomps Darius’ hand, then wrenches that arm to bring Darius to the BCC corner. Tag to Claudio, BCC mugs Darius, and then Claudio rips the hoodie off Darius to EuroUpper and stomp!

Moxley tags back in, Claudio stomps more then steps on Darius to get out of the ring. Moxley drags Darius up to CHOP him down! Moxley runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Moxley has an arm, he double wristlocks it, and Claudio tags back in to gut wrench Darius! Fans fire up as Claudio carries Darius, before the SUPLEX! Claudio pulls the jacket off Darius and kicks it out of the ring! Darius throws body shots, uppercuts, but Claudio scoops him to SLAM him! Claudio wags his finger, tags Moxley, and they bring Darius up to KICK him! Moxley fires off knees to Darius’ head, then stalks Darius to a corner.

Fans fire up as Moxley digs his boot into Darius’ face! The ref counts, Moxley lets off to CHOP, and CHOP, and CHOP! Darius wobbles, Moxley climbs up, and Moxley BITES Darius’ forehead! Moxley drags Darius up to the top rope, then climbs up after him. Moxley claws Darius’ back hard and slow! The ref reprimands, Darius flails, and Moxley brings Darius up. Darius throws body shots, then forearms! Moxley drops back, Darius leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Hot tag to Dante! Dante springboards to CROSSBODY! Claudio rushes in but Dante ENZIGURIS him away! Moxley kicks, Dante blocks to fire off forearms!

Moxley shoves Dante away but Dante comes back with a SHOTGUN! Dante kips up to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Dante aims. Dante KICKS the leg, and again, and again! Moxley ROCKS Dante, then reels him in for a SAIDO! Dante sits up in a daze but Moxley drags him by his hair. Moxley rains down the HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Moxley then drags Dante around into a facelock. Darius CHOP BLOCKS Moxley down! Darius bails out while AEW goes picture in picture.

Dante hobbles to the Top Flight corner to tag Darius, then Dante BLASTS Claudio off the apron! Darius sets up while Moxley goes to the apron, and Dante launches off Darius to SHOTGUN Moxley down! Claudio storms in but the ref keeps him back. Darius hurries out after Moxley, drags him up and RAMS him into railing! Moxley ends up taking a seat, and Darius CHOPS him! And throws down hands! The ref reprimands but he still keeps Claudio back. Darius puts Moxley in the ring to stomp his arm! Then KICK him in the back! Cover, TWO! Moxley crawls but Darius keeps him from Claudio. Darius CLUBS Moxley, RAMS him into the corner, and tags Dante.

Dante runs, slides and comes back to A-LIST LARIAT Moxley! Darius snap suplexes Moxley, then Dante slingshot SENTONS! Great hangtime! Cover, TWO! Dante clamps onto an arm to keep Moxley down. Dante ties up Moxley’s legs, and he pulls on the legs in a cross between Texas Cloverleaf and ankle lock! Moxley endures, turns over, and BOOTS Dante out of the ring! Dante lands on his feet, hurries back in, and he tags Darius! Darius STOMPS Moxley’s bad leg! Darius drops knees on the knee, then stomps the leg. Darius drags Moxley up, ROCK Shim with a right, then goes after the leg to trip Moxley to a standing toehold.

Dynamite returns to single picture and fans rally. Moxley endures the toehold, kicks with the free leg, and Darius lets go. Moxley hurries up but Darius kicks the leg out! Fans rally, Darius covers, ONE!! Moxley flounders but Darius brings him up into a facelock. Fans rally, Moxley blocks the suplex, and then Moxley X-PLEXES Darius down! Fans fire up as both men crawl for their corners! Moxley does the back stroke to hot tag Claudio! Dante tags in but Claudio rallies on him! Whip corner to corner, EuroUpper! Another whip, another EuroUpper! And another! And another! And another! Claudio just isn’t stopping! Then he runs to DROPKICK Dante down! Cover, TWO!

Claudio keeps cool and the fans call for the swing! Claudio grabs Dante’s legs and obliges! But Dante scrambles and Darius grabs his brother’s hands! Only for Claudio to drag Darius into the ring! Darius ROCKS Claudio, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! AND THE SWING!! Darius goes around and around, fans count to “OCHO!” and Dante hops over like a Skip It! Dante gets around to O’Conner Roll! TWO! Darius gives Dante the boost up and over, then they work together, TORNADO DDT! Darius BOOTS Moxley, Dante SENTONS, cover, TWO! Claudio is still in this and the fans are thunderous!

Dante tags Darius, they drag Claudio up, but Claudio fights the suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX Top Flight! Dante flounders to ropes, Claudio runs in but Dante springboards up and over, and Dante GAMANGIRIS! Dante SUPERKICKS, Darius SPRINGBOARD COMPLETE SHOTS! Cover, but Moxley barrels in and pushes Dante onto it! All four men are down and fans are thunderous again! “This is Awesome!” as Moxley stands Darius up to ROCK him! Darius ROCKS Moxley, Moxley fires off forearms on Darius AND Dante! Moxley runs, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Claudio BOOTS Darius! Dante ROCKS Claudio!

Dante runs, ROCKS Claudio again, then keeps moving. Claudio ducks to pop-up, but Darius pushes Claudio aside to save his brother! Claudio returns, Top Flight dodges to DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Claudio wobbles, Top Flight double whip but he reverses to send Dante away, only for Dante to DIVE onto Moxley! Darius waistlocks, Claudio elbows free, but runs into a STANDING SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives that and Darius is beside himself! Moxley flips Darius off, Darius rushes over! Claudio runs in, Darius goes up and over but runs into the POP-UP- NO! Darius hooks the arm to turn uppercut into backslide! TWO!!

Claudio Gotch Lifts for the NEUTRALIZER!! Cover, TWO?!!? Darius survives and shocks Claudio! The fans are thunderous again and the ref confirms, that was two! Claudio argues the count, fans are losing their minds, and Claudio snarls. Claudio clamps on for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Dante gets in to BOOT Claudio! Claudio just scowls and keeps throwing down elbows! Dante grits his teeth, runs, but Moxley LARIATS Dante down!! Dante is down, Darius is a ragdoll! Claudio drags Darius up but Darius is dead weight. Moxley drags Dante out of the ring for DEATH RIDER to the floor!!

Moxley flips Dante off while Claudio drags Darius back up. Darius pushes Claudio away, even though he’s on wobbly legs. Claudio brings Darius up again, and Darius SLAPS Claudio! Claudio takes out his mouth guard to EUROUPPER Darius!! Cover, BCC wins!

Winners: Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley, by pinfall

Top Flight gave the BCC one hell of a fight, and the BCC made them pay for it! Brutal, but that’s how the BCC shows their respect. Will Moxley and Claudio continue to beat down whoever steps in front of them?

Backstage interview with Best Friends, but also Kip Sabian & Penelope Ford.

Renee brings up the Three Kings Christmas battle royal, in which Kip Sabian eliminated Orange Cassidy, and then brawled with him after his own elimination. Kip asked for this time, the floor is his. Mr. Superbad says, “Slayer of regrets, old and new, sought by many and found by few. Clementine, Zest Friends, Misunderstood. We’ve done this dance for far too long~! I mean, it was only last week that I eliminated you, again. It’s about time for the final act, where I peel that All-Atlantic Championship from your limp little-”

Trent stops Sabian right there. He’s forgetting that Trent eliminated Kip right after he got Cassidy. By that logic, shouldn’t Trent get the title shot? Cassidy says that does make sense. Trent should get his shot before Kip does. Trent asks if Cassidy is sure about that. Cassidy says yes. Kip says he looks forward to that. Good luck, gentlemen. Thanks. It’ll be on Rampage. And so, Best Friends will battle over the title, is this only going to end in Kip’s favor?

Hook VS Baylum Lynx!

The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil is still FTW Champion, still undefeated, and still a fan favorite wherever he goes! But will that all continue even as the year comes to an end? Or will #ElAnimal go wild, knowing that they decided to #SendHook?

The bell rings, Hook and Lynx circle. They tie up, Hook gets around and grabs a leg to shove Lynx down. Hook then drags Lynx up to bump him off buckles again and again! Hook fires off body shots, then he SLAPS Lynx! Hook knees low, then he TOSSES Lynx across the ring! Lynx stands up, Hook CLOBBERS him in the corner! Then he reels Lynx in for an EXPLODER! Lynx writhes, fans rally up and Hook circles around Lynx. Hook rains down crossface forearms, and then hooks on REDRUM!! Lynx taps, Hook wins!

Winner: Hook, by submission

And that’s 18-0! But Stokely gets Hook’s attention again! “You wanna know what’s crazy? Every single week, somebody, your father, wants to tell me and the entire world that you’re such a badass! But against us, you’re not gonna be able to get the job done. You are like the Southwest Airlines of AEW.” Timely reference. Stokely leads Lee Moriarty & “Big Bill” Morrissey to the ring, all eyes on Hook. But here comes JUNGLE BOY! Jack Perry was down in the dumpster, but he’s all fired up! He runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Lee Moriarty, and then they brawl! Fans sing Jungle Life while Morrissey and Hook get face to face! And Hook isn’t backing down!

Fans cheer on Hook but Morrissey smirks. Morrissey choke grips, but Hook breaks free! Hook clinches and lifts Morrissey! But Morrissey elbows free, choke grips again, but JB gets in, with a two-by-four! JB SMACKS Morrissey on the back! Morrissey lets Hook go, and JB JAMS Morrissey! And SMACKS him again! Morrissey runs away from the homerun shot! Fans are thunderous as Jungle Boy and Hook stand tall! The Firm retreats, but will they come up with a business plan to take down both of these young studs?

Chris Jericho speaks.

“Ricky Starks, you turned down the opportunity of a lifetime when you decided not to join the Jericho Appreciation Society. Instead, you mocked us. You mocked Chris Jericho. You called us jobbers, called us jazz holes. That was a good one. What I call you is foolish. I call you small-minded. And I call you exactly what I knew you are: a flash in the pan. Cuz Ricky, you have the arrogance and the confidence of a superstar, but you don’t have all the tools. I do. I’m one of the greatest to ever do this. And January 4th, in Seattle, I am going to school you, Ricky Starks. I am gonna take you from the top of the mountain, to the bottom of the ocean, and back, and you won’t know what hit you.

“I am The Wizard. I am The Ocho. I am Chris Jericho! And I always win! And if you have any doubt about that, why don’t you go check your little buddy, Action Andretti, who got a fireball to his face! Action, don’t come back to AEW. You did a great thing: you beat Chris Jericho. Enjoy that. It’s the highlight of your career. Go back to the indies and stay out of my face. And Ricky Starks, once again, in Seattle, you are going to pay the price, and I am going to embarrass you, and put an end to the Starks experiment.” The Influencer has spoken, but will The Absolute take any of it to heart?

Backstage interview with Mogul Affiliates.

Swerve Strickland is all smiles watching the highlight reel of last week’s brutal attack on Keith Lee. Renee says that was disgusting. He doesn’t really know who his associates are, but Swerve asks her what she’s talking about. What they did to Keith was beautiful work. Swerve “just got rid of somebody that didn’t believe in the same vision” Swerve had. Keith had to go and be replaced with two men who truly believe in him. Swerve knows we know Parker Boudreaux, and “this killer right here,” we’re going to learn about him real soon, he promises.

Wheeler Yuta walks in to say he shouldn’t be surprised that Swerve is insulting someone who isn’t here to defend themselves. But when he saw what went down at Final Battle, Yuta felt he couldn’t think anything less of Swerve, until last week. And it’s not about the violence, because the Blackpool Combat Club loves violence. But it was that Swerve needed a band of tattooed mystery men to get the point across. Well, get to your point, Yuta. What does he want? Yuta says if Swerve wants to get violent and dirty, how about they meet Friday on Rampage. Yuta heads out, and Swerve tells him to #SayLess. Will The Decoder’s actions on Friday speak for him?

AEW World Trios Championships Best of 7, Match 6, Falls Count Anywhere: Death Triangle VS The Elite!

The series is 3-2 and things have continued to escalate! This match can go anywhere in the arena, and the six men in the match can do anything they want to each other! Will The Bastard & Lucha Brothers put an end to the comeback? Or can Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks push this to the seventh and final round?

Wait! The brawl is already going down backstage! The Lucha Brothers have Omega and Nick Jackson, but Matt turns things around on Pac! The bell rings so this can officially start, but where in the arena will it end?

Omega DECKS Fenix and Nick turns things around on Penta, and now The Elite has control! But then Fenix throws Omega into the wall! They continue down the hallway as Matt throws hands on Pac. They move into the backstage area proper, with Alex Abrahantes holding onto all three trios titles as he cheers Pac on. Pac kicks Matt low, bumps him off road cases, and then Omega throws Fenix into the double doors! Pac throws Matt into some rack, Penta throws Nick onto a road case! We go double screen so we can see Matt SMACK Pac off a trash can while Penta fetches a trash can for himself.

Penta SMACKS Nick with the can! And then he SMACKS Omega with the can! And then he SMACKS Matt with the can! Fans fire up while Fenix brings Nick and Omega over. Penta ROCKS Omega with forearms, Pac storms up and brings Omega around. Pac suplexes Omega onto wood pallets! Both men writhe from that double-edged move! Penta SUPERKICKS Matt, Fenix SMACKS Nick with a trash can lid! Death Triangle coordinate, and Pac climbs the racks while the Lucha Brothers bring the Bucks together. Pac reaches the top, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on both Bucks and Penta shouts, “CERO! MIEDO!”

The Lucha Brothers move the catering table around, and then Penta smacks Matt off the tables! Matt throws body shots then smacks Penta off the table in return. Fenix runs in but Matt back drops him through the table! Not the cookies! Matt kicks Fenix down the way, Nick CLUBS Pac onto a road case. Nick throws down more hands then coordinates with Matt. Nick shoves the road case and Pac goes for a ride, into a SUPERKICK from Matt! Matt then covers on the case, but Penta SUPERKICKS it apart! Matt staggers around, Penta stomps him, and then smacks him off another table. But now Nick climbs up the racks!

Penta reels Matt in, shouts “CERO! MIEDO!” but Nick leaps to FLYING SEATED SENTON Penta through that table! Not the Doritos! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and Nick clutches an elbow from that hard landing. The Bucks coordinate again, they beat up on Pac, and then go after Penta. Where are Omega and Fenix? Penta throws a recycling bin at Nick! Matt brings Pac around to gorilla and throws haymakers! Matt brings Pac up the steps, Nick brings Penta, and fans fire up finally getting to see this with their own eyes! The brawling continues on the stage, but Penta KICKS Nick’s leg! Matt ROCKS Pac, Pac ROCKS Matt!

Wait! Fenix reappears! He’s on top of the tunnels! Fans fire up as Fenix takes aim, and Death Triangle shouts together, “CERO! MIEDO!” But the Bucks DOUBLE SUPERKICK Pac and Penta! Only to turn around and see Fenix! Fenix TORNILLOS!! Direct hit on everyone, and those five are down on the stage! Fans are thunderous, but here comes Omega! V-TRIGGER on Fenix!! Fans are electric as Omega CLUBS away on Pac! Omega brings Pac around, reels him in, gets him up, but Pac slips free! Pac kicks low, but Omega suplexes! Pac slips out, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES to the ramp! Bridging cover, but Matt breaks it!

Matt hobbles, he grits his teeth and drags Pac up. Pac ROCKS Matt, “This is Awesome!” as the brawling continues. Pac gets the edge, then swings, but Matt ducks to NORTHERN LIGHTS! And then the Polar Express starts down the ramp! Fans fire up as Matt goes again and again and again! Fenix runs in, but Matt just adds him to the clinch! Penta rushes up behind Matt, but Nick FLIES over to CLOBBER Penta!! DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS onto Penta! Bridging cover, TWO!! The Death Triangle survives and AEW goes picture in picture!

Michael Nakazawa appears and he checks on Omega while Brandon Cutler checks on Matt. Nick drags Fenix up and puts him into the ring. Nick then drags Penta and puts him in the ring, too. Nick gets in, followed by Matt. They have Penta and Fenix in corners, they both climb up, and they both rain down fists! Surely fans count to “OCHO!” but then Penta dumps Nick out before ten! Fenix dumps Matt at ten! The Lucha Bros go out after the Bucks while Omega and Pac make it to ringside. Pac smacks Omega off the apron hard! Omega clutches his nose while Penta and Nick fight into the crowd! Fenix CHOPS Matt while he takes a seat against railing!

Fenix CHOPS Matt again, and Penta KICKS Nick up the steps! Penta CHOKES Nick with a fan’s scarf! Pac puts Omega in the ring, fans want “Uno Mas!” from Fenix so he CHOPS Matt again! Pac CHOKES Omega on the ropes! Penta uses a fan’s CRUTCH to choke Nick now! Penta lets off, Pac digs his boot into Omega, and Fenix BITES Matt’s forehead! Matt breaks free and ROCKS Fenix! Penta returns to ringside, Pac storms up on Omega, but Omega CHOPS back! Dynamite returns to single picture as Pac SOBATS! Pac BOOTS Omega, Penta gets in the ring, and they bring Omega up. Penta KICKS Omega’s leg out!

Fenix knocks Matt down, and he goes looking under the ring. Penta fishhooks Omega while Fenix brings out a trash can. Fenix hands that to Pac, and Pac brings that over to Omega. They put the can on Omega! Then TRIPLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Omega is still in this but still in the can! Omega gets out of the can, fans rally up and Fenix BOOTS Matt off the apron. Fans chant and duel, “CERO! MIEDO!” “THE ELITE!” but Omega fights back with body shots. Penta eggs him on, then CHOPS him! Penta wags his finger, whips, but Omega reverses to send Penta out! Fenix runs in but Omega tosses him out, too!

Pac dodges Omega to SOBAT! Pac has Omega in the corner, whips him corner to corner, but Omega goes up and over and Nick returns with a SHINING WIZARD! GAMANGIRI! FOREARM! Penta returns to SUPERKICK the bulldog down! Penta runs again to SLINGBLADE Nick down! Matt returns, he dodges Penta to RUNNING DESTROYER!! But Fenix FROG SPLASHES!! But Omega CLOBBERS Fenix! Omega gets around Pac, SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Fans are thunderous again as Omega snarls! Pac sits up in a daze, Omega grabs the trash can! Omega SMACKS Pac with the can!

Pac drops to his knees, Omega puts the can on Pac now! Omega takes aim, BANG! Omega runs side to side, FULL METAL V-TRIGGER! Pac flops over, but Omega gut wrenches him back up! DOCTOR BOMB on the trash can!! Cover, TWO!?!? Pac survives and Omega is furious! Omega drags Pac up to the Electric Chair, but Penta trips Omega up! Omega and Pac fall, Penta drags Omega out and reels him in! Fenix is on the apron, “CERO! MIEDO!” DOUBLE STOMP FEAR FACTOR to the floor!! Cover, but the Bucks break it! Nick knees Fenix low, puts him in the ring, and the Bucks go after him together. But Fenix goes Matrix to avoid the superkicks!

Fenix ducks the double clothesline, Nick back drops Fenix but Fenix uses that to RANA Matt away! Fenix then somersault CUTTERS Nick! Fenix DIVES out onto Omega and Nakazawa!! Fans are thunderous all over again! Nick goes to the apron, Penta is there to SUPERKICK him! Penta reels Nick in, “CERO! MIEDO!” But Nick fights out with a back drop! Penta hits the apron, Matt brings him around to gut wrench! Nick runs in to flip, MELTZER DRIVER to the floor!! Cover, PAC BREAKS IT!! Nick drags Pac up but Pac knees low! Pac sends Nick into the railing! Pac puts Matt in the ring, and storms up to BOOT him in the corner!

Matt is down, Pac goes up! Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Pac is up top, SHOOTING- NO, Matt moves! Nick CHUCKS a chair at Pac’s head!! Matt gives the chair back, Nick CHUCKS it at Penta’s head!! Fans are torn but the Bucks sit Penta up, B T E TRIGGER!!! Cover, Pac breaks it again!! Fans are electric but the Bucks are freaking out! SUPERKICK to Pac! Nick goes to the apron, Matt has his choice. Matt drags Pac up, fans want tables, but Mat waves bye bye. Gut wrench, Nick jumps up, but Pac switches with Matt! Nick stops himself, Matt switches back, but Pac elbows free!

Nick grabs at Pac, Matt rushes in, Pac slips away! The SUPERKICK hits Nick!! Pac rolls Matt up, TWO?!?! INTO THE BRUTALIZER!!!! Omega has Fenix up over an entryway in front of the fans!! Matt endures, Omega Electric Chair Lifts! ONE WINGED ANGEL down through tables!!! Cover, THE ELITE WINS!!!

Winners: The Elite, by pinfall (the series is TIED, 3-3)

But wait, Pac and Matt don’t know this is over! Matt is still enduring the Brutalizer, he TAPS! But it doesn’t matter! Pac hears The Elite’s song and is PISSED!! Now this goes to the final round, ESCALERA DE LA MUERTE!! A ladder match in Los Angeles will settle this once and for all! Who will truly and finally be THE AEW World Trios Championships in the New Year?

The Acclaimed debuts a new music video!

Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn fire back at “Triple J!” “A lot of people wanna know, whatchu doing on a show when you haven’t been relevant since 2004? Spending my days working hard on the go. Yo, it’s Platinum on the mic, going hard on these hos. Hey, Double J, you a Double A-hole. Really thinking you can beat Acclaimed? No! ‘Bout to have you tapping like a Morse code. I stay scheming like I’m Global Force gold. You’re a carny, ripping people off every minute. … to the top of the mountain for this ass whooping. The Last Outlaw’s last match, last booking. Slap you so hard ’til my palms hurt. You’re the worst Jeffrey since Dahmer.

“Filling up words is just your way of life. And you stealing money like it’s Kurt Angle’s wife. R-A-S-S-L-E rassler, couldn’t draw a dime in my time, you a bastard. You’re a carny, Jeff, you’re the master. The Acclaimed, we always get the last word. I pimp slap you, turn your hat backwards. I’m a have you seeing stars like a password. Still here in 2020, what? That’s absurd. Got me laughing so hard, make my abs hurt.

“Wait. What do we have here? It’s Ring of Honor’s top guy from their bad years. Jay Lethal’s only known for imitating dudes. 20 year veteran and no one’s imitating you. Lost to Flair, he was 74. By the way, Jay, my elbow is better than yours. I got over, I didn’t have to copy Macho. When I’m on the top rope, you’ve been in TNA so long you’ve got Stockholm Syndrome. Split you like a wishbone. Jarrett, I’m a slap deez nuts on your chin bone. Carry the guitar, can’t play one lick. Only thing that you Stroke is your little ass-” Ohhh! “R-A-S-S-L-E rassler, couldn’t draw a dime in my time, you a bastard. You’re a carny, Jeff, you’re the master. The Acclaimed, we always get the last word.”

And last word they did get! But who will have the last laugh when The Acclaimed take on Jarrett & Lethal once and for all?

Ruby Soho & Willow Nightingale VS TayJay!

The Runaway wants revenge on the Jericho Appreciation Society’s snotty divas, and she’s recruited the powerhouse of positivity! Will Ruby & Willow both get even with #TayJayAS? Or will they not appreciate the sports entertainment shenanigans here tonight?

The teams sort out and fans fire up as Willow starts against Tay Melo. They circle, approach, but Tay dodges to do a dance. Fans boo but Tay and Willow go again. Tay dodges then twerks! But Willow waistlocks! Tay switches, Willow pries the hold open and smiles as she switches back. Willow THROWS Tay, then shows Tay how to twerk! Willow whips, Tay reverses but Willow kicks Tay away! Willow GRIZZLY MAGNUMS, then she runs, but Soho tags in. Willow stops, not happy Soho killed the momentum. Soho apologizes but she wants after Tay that badly. Tay eggs Soho on, but then runs away!

Fans boo and Tay takes her time returning. Tay tags Jay and Ruby says what the hell. They tie up, go around, end up on ropes, and Ruby throws Jay down! Ruby rains down fists! Fans fire up, Soho headlocks but Jay powers out. Ruby runs Jay over and then rains down the fists again! Fans fire up, Ruby headlocks but Jay powers out. Ruby reverses, puts Jay in the corner, and ROCKS Jay with a right! Willow reaches out, so Ruby tags her in! Ruby whips Willow in to clothesline Jay! Snapmare, PENALTY KIKC, and then Willow brings Jay around to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up, Willow tags Soho, and they combine, WHEELBARROW SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Jay survives but Soho bumps her off buckles. Tag back to Willow, Ruby holds Jay in place and Willow runs in to back body block! Willow snapmares, then BOOTS Jay down! Willow runs, and she SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Willow drags Jay up, but Tay trips Soho before the tag! Jay slips free to CHOP BLOCK Willow! Jay rains down fists, CHOKES Willow, but the ref counts. Jay lets off and drags Willow up to bump her off buckles. Jay bumps Willow off more buckles, then CHOKES her in the corner! Willow pushes Jay away but Jay UPPERCUTS! Tag to Tay but fans rally for Willow. Tay digs her boot in, lets off at 4, and then brings Willow out.

Willow fires off hands, waistlocks, but Tay fights the lift! Tay switches and CLUBS Willow down, and Tay taunts Soho while AEW goes picture in picture.

Tay kicks Willow around, taunts her, and then digs Willow’s face into the mat! The ref reprimands but then Tay rains down fists! Cover, TWO! Tay tags Jay, they bring Willow around and DOUBLE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Jay drags Willow up, bumps her off buckles, and she ROCKS Willow with a right! Jay digs her boot in, tags Tay, and then Tay ROCKS Willow! Tay CLUBS away on Willow, runs in, but Willow dodges! Tay’s boot hits buckles! Willow rolls Tay up, TWO! Tay hurries to BOOT Willow down! Jay applauds, then Tay CHOKES Willow on ropes! The ref counts, Tay lets off at 4, and AEW goes to break.

Dynamite returns and Willow fights Jay’s full nelson! Fans fire up as Willow breaks free, but Jay throws her by her hair! Jay bumps Willow off buckles, UPPERCUTS, then tags Tay. Jay whips Tay in to back body block! Tay tags Jay back in, Jay runs in to HEEL KICK! Willow falls, Jay covers, TWO! Fans rally but Jay is losing her cool! Jay drags Willow up but Willow throws body shots. Jay CLUBS Willow, but swings into a clinch! Willow LARIATS point blank! Fans are thunderous as Willow crawls, hot tags to Tay and Ruby! Ruby SPEARS Tay! Ruby rains down fists! Tay gets up, Ruby dodges her to ROCK her! Ruby bobs ‘n’ weaves, ROCKS Tay again and again and again!

Fans fire up as Ruby short arm FOREARMS! Tay goes down but Ruby fires up! Fans cheer as Ruby drags Tay up to whip her into the corner. Ruby runs in but Tay dodges! Ruby goes up to DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby then runs to scare Jay off! Jay runs away, gest in the ring, Ruby pursues, and she gets Jay for an STO! But Tay grabs at Ruby! NO FUTURE! Cover, TWO!! Tay survives Ruby’s kick! Jay DECKS Ruby! Willow CLOBBERS Jay! Tay BOOTS Willow! All four women are down and fans fire up again! A standing count starts on Tay and Ruby, all four women stir at 4 of 10. Jay drags Ruby up but Willow throws Jay out!

Tay kicks at Willow but Willow blocks it! Willow hands the leg off to Ruby, Ruby throws the leg down to KNEE Tay! Willow ENZIGURIS Tay into Ruby’s ripcord! ROUNDHOUSE and SAIDO!! Cover, Jay gets past Willow to break it! Willow drags Jay up but Jay throws Willow out now! Ruby reels Jay in to fire forearms, but Jay wrenches to HOOK KICK! Tay hits a DD TAY!! Cover, but Willow barrels in to break it!! Jay and Willow brawl outside, Willow has the edge! Willow suplexes Jay to the floor! Ruby CHOPS Tay! Tay CHOPS Ruby! Fans rally for Ruby as she CHOPS again! Tay CHOPS again! Ruby roars to CHOP!

Tay CHOPS! Ruby HEADBUTTS! Tay HEADBUTTS! Ruby and Tay DOUBLE HEADBUTT!! Tay falls, Ruby falls on the cover! TWO!!! Tay survives!! Jay and Willow still brawl, Jay POSTS Willow! Jay goes looking under the ring for something. Jay finds a chair! But Willow ducks the chairshot! Jay mule kicks Willow, but the ref grabs the chair from her! But Tay gets her own chair! Tay throws the chair at Ruby and Ruby catches it, so Tay BOOTS it into Ruby!! Tay hides the evidence, she drags Ruby up to Gory Especial! TAY K O!! Cover, TayJay wins!!

Winners: TayJay, by pinfall

Tay gives Ruby a kiss on the forehead to say goodnight, but it took a little help from weapons to get this one done. TayJay flip off the fans as they boo, will the Jericho Appreciation Society continue to do what they want how they want?

Backstage interview with Austin & Colten Gunn.

Lexi Nair catches them on their way out, and asks them why they’re leaving now. Oh, they have a reservation to catch. They’re still in party mode after proving they are THE best tag team in the world! Lexi asks if they mean that big win over FTR, and yes, they do. They will address that next week. The Gunns exit the arena, Lexi hopes they have fun. Will the Ass Boys party their asses off before getting back to business in the New Year?

Rampage has a huge New Year’s Smash planned, too!

On top of the All-Atlantic Championship of Cassidy VS Trent, and the 1v1 of Swerve VS Yuta, we are getting an AEW TBS Championship match! Jade Cargill VS Kiera Hogan! Will the former Baddie prove that #ThatBitch can be beaten?

Backstage interview with Ricky Starks.

Renee brings up the first Dynamite of 2023 kicking the year off with Starks VS Jericho, “arguably the toughest opponent of your career so far.” What are Starks’ feelings about that match? Starks says he feels a lot better than Action, “who was the victim of a fireball last week due to JAS. I mean, what do you expect from a group like that? So I’m gonna do for him what he can’t do for himself, and that’s get a little revenge in Seattle next week.” Starks tells Chris to understand this: He does appreciate the compliment, Starks IS a star. Obviously! But he’s a star Jericho can’t control, and that is what Jericho doesn’t like.

Jericho doesn’t like the fact that Starks can think for himself. Jericho is not putting an end to any Starks experiment, because there is no experiment to be had. But what Starks can say is that January 4th will be a master class of when Starks whoops Jericho’s ass! “The legend himself. Well legend to legend, let me tell you this: I have a big mouth and a bad attitude. Because I am Absolute Ricky Starks, and I am the one who is gonna take Chris Jericho down several notches. Why? Because I can.” The Absolute is confident, but will The Wizard have some tricks up his sleeve to break that spirit?

AEW TNT Championship: Samoa Joe VS Wardlow!

Once upon a time, two great singles champions became a dominant duo because they had to fight common enemies. But in an ironic twist, these two clashed over the common goal of total title domination! The Samoan Submission Specialist struck first, and that struck a chord with the Maestro of Mayhem. It was a sour note, and the music only grew more ominous after a Triple Threat allowed Joe to dethrone Wardlow without pinning Wardlow. But after the cheap shot with the lead pipe, will the self-proclaimed King of Television still reign over both AEW and ROH? Or will he find that no matter what, this is still Wardlow’s World?

The music hits, but where is Wardlow? Is the damage to the leg too much? Joe grabs the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is I, your one true King of Television. And unfortunately tonight, it looks like Wardlow is suffering from a little bit of stage fright and he won’t be out here right now.” Fans boo, they know what really happened. Joe says he asked around, scrambled to find a substitute opponent, he even called up the Denver Broncos to see if they wanted to send somebody. But let’s face it! Denver’s taken enough L’s this season as it is! WAIT! Here comes Wardlow!! Medics are telling him not to but he slaps one away!

Referees and production staff try to stop Wardlow now but he pushes them aside, he’s going right to the ring! Fans cheer on “WARD~LOW!” and he goes right after Joe! The bell rings and the fight is on! Wardlow fires off hands on Joe, Joe scrambles to a corner but Wardlow RAMS into him! And again and again! Wardlow ROCKS Joe, Joe tumbles! Wardlow hobbles, he CLUBS Joe, then whips Joe to ropes. Wardlow runs Joe over on one leg! Fans still sing “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” and Joe KICKS at the leg! And again! Joe runs, but Wardlow manages a SPINEBUSTER! Wardlow rains down fists from all sides!

Wardlow roars and fans fire up! Adrenaline must be helping Wardlow fight through the pain as he drags Joe back up. Wardlow ROCKS Joe with a right and Joe falls against ropes! Wardlow CHOKES Joe, lets off at the ref’s count, and Wardlow slaps his leg to keep it hot. Wardlow throws body shots, then goes corner to corner, but into the URENAGE! Fans fire up, Joe snarls and scowls as he looms over Wardlow. Joe drags Wardlow up to CHOP! Wardlow snarls, Joe CHOPS again! And again! Wardlow stands up! Joe runs, Wardlow LARIATS him down! Fans fire up and Wardlow CLUBS Joe!

Wardlow RAMS into Joe, and again, and again! Wardlow throws body shots and haymakers, but he lets off as the ref counts. Wardlow storms back up on Joe, whips him corner to corner but Joe reverses and he picks Wardlow up! Joe ties up the legs, for a KNEEBREAKER! Wardlow writhes as he clutches the bad leg, and Joe scowls as AEW goes picture in picture.

Wardlow flops out of the ring, Joe wants the ref to check him. The ref checks Wardlow, then he calls over Doc Sampson. Joe soaks up the heat as Sampson checks the bad leg. Wardlow is in pain but he doesn’t want it to end like this. The ref calls in more assistance, Wardlow may not have a choice. The medics from earlier are ringside and Joe smirks as he watches from the corner. Wardlow’s leg is in a lot of pain as they check him, but Wardlow drags himself up. The medics keep checking him, but Wardlow DECKS one! Wardlow snarls and he hobbles up the steel steps! Fans rally as Wardlow gets in the ring, and Joe is right on him!

The behemoths brawl, Joe wraps the bad leg around the ropes! The ref counts while Wardlow can only flail and endure! Joe lets off at 4, Wardlow falls to the floor! The ref has Joe stay back and Wardlow drags himself back up again. Dynamite returns to single picture and the ring count is 4 of 10. Wardlow stands at 5, Sampson still isn’t sure about this but Wardlow walks off the pain. Wardlow slides in at “OCHO!” and Joe stomps him for it! Joe stomps Wardlow more and more, going after the bad leg! Joe KICKS the bad leg, but Wardlow drags himself up the ropes. Joe KICKS the leg again!

Wardlow goes to the corner, Joe CHOPS him! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Joe smirks and he snapmares Wardlow, to then get the toehold! Wardlow endures, even as Joe punches the knee. Wardlow grabs the ROPEBREAK, Joe lets off quickly. Joe is toying with Wardlow at this point, and he stalks Wardlow to a corner. Joe HEADBUTTS Wardlow, then hoists him up top. Joe CHOPS Wardlow, JABS him, then CHOPS again! Joe JABS, CHOPS, repeat! The ref counts, Joe lets off, and then Joe climbs up. Joe positions Wardlow on the top rope, but Wardlow throws body shots! Wardlow HEADBUTTS Joe down!

Fans fire up and Wardlow adjusts. Wardlow gets his leg to work, for the SWANTON BOMB! But the leg keeps him from making the cover! Both men are down and fans rally as the standing count starts. The count hits 5 of 10 before either man sits up. They stand at 7, and Joe storms up to ROCK Wardlow! Wardlow ROCKS Joe! Joe ROCKS Wardlow! Joe fires off a flurry, then swings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX!! Wardlow somehow manages one, then he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Wardlow hurries after Joe, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to clothesline! Wardlow whips corner to corner again, Joe reverses, but Wardlow goes up!? WHISPER IN THE WIND!!

Fans fire up as Wardlow hits Joe! Cover, TWO!! Wardlow can’t believe it but Joe is still in this! Wardlow drags himself up the ropes and fans are rallying behind him. Joe staggers up, Wardlow winds up to- NO, Joe gets under the lariat to COQUINA- NO, Wardlow snapmares free! HEADBUTT! Wind-up, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives and Wardlow is frustrated. Wardlow throws up the Too Sweet, but Joe sweeps the legs! No shoutout to whoever Wardlow was signaling, and Joe smirks. Joe KICKS Wardlow in the side! Then CHOPS him in the corner! Joe hoists Wardlow back up, climbs up after him, but Wardlow slips under!

Wardlow brings Joe off the corner for a POWERBOMB!! Fans are thunderous again but can Wardlow get another one? Wardlow brings Joe up, reels him in, and tries to lift, but the leg gives out! Joe CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Joe then drags Wardlow into the COQUINA CLUTCH!! Wardlow flails, but he’s already red! Wardlow fades, he’s OUT! Joe wins!

Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission (still AEW TNT Champion)

We are still in the #TwoBeltJoe Era! Of course, Joe had to use some insurance with that lead pipe earlier tonight. Wardlow wakes up and is frustrated, but Joe looks at Wardlow as he drags himself up. Wardlow turns to see Joe, and Joe nods? But then Joe CLOBBERS Wardlow with the belt! Just when it looked like he was respecting his opponent, Joe doubles down! And then he goes looking under the ring! Joe brings out a toolbox!? And he brings out duct tape and straps, but that’s not good enough. Joe grabs scissors?! Joe smirks and he goes into the ring! Joe took the title from Wardlow, and now he’s going to take Wardlow’s hair!?

The ref tells Joe no but Joe HEADBUTTS him!! Joe is probably going to face a fine or even suspension, but he doesn’t care! He cuts off Wardlow’s top knot!! Joe is not a man of culture, and he’s not king! He’s a dictator! BUT HERE COMES DARBY ALLIN!? Joe watches for the Relentless One at the ramp, but Darby slides in from the crowd side! SKATEBOARD SMACK!! Fans are thunderous as Joe tumbles out of the ring! Darby dares Joe to come back for more, and he holds up the TNT title! Darby is coming back for the title that built him, but will he be able to tear down the tyrant of television that is Samoa Joe?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for AEW and especially as the New Year’s Smash final episode of 2022. Great promos from Jericho and Starks to set up their match for next week, the first episode of 2023 and the first episode of the new AEW look. I guess I’ll have to change my thumbnail to match, too… But Starks VS Jericho is going to be awesome stuff, and it can go either way while still pushing the story along. Good promo from Hangman and the Dark Order, with Hangman of course assuming Renee is that biased towards her husband, Moxley. Claudio & Moxley VS Top Flight was a great tag match, but of course the BCC wins. Moxley and Hangman are just building and building towards their match, that is going to be great stuff.

Bryan VS Ethan was a great opener, but of course MJF was watching from the skybox. Bryan of course won the match, but I did like that Ethan was shouting at MJF at a point, too. MJF has nothing but enemies, other than “the hottest chick in Colorado,” AKA Ms. Daddi Doom. But MJF will still be facing Faces more than Heels. MJF VS Bryan is going to be great stuff whenever it happens, but I have a feeling MJF makes Bryan jump through hoops like he has every other rival. And Yuta calling out Swerve is great, their match is going to be really good, but I don’t know why we didn’t get the name of the third man in Mogul Affiliates. Or an explanation as to why Parker left Trustbusters to join Swerve.

Good backstage promo from Best Friends and the Superbad Couple. I did find it interesting that Trent would bring up some kind of linear succession for contention, and that Cassidy was okay with it. Sabian is of course going to play them against each other and pick the bones of the winner, which I feel is going to be Cassidy. Then we can finally get Cassidy VS Sabian for the title, probably as part of the first Rampage of 2023. And then Cassidy finally beats Sabian and moves on to another feud. And great Acclaimed music video, Caster is so good, I had a hard time keeping up with him on this one.

Another good win for Hook, Baylum Lynx is a great name and he has a good look. But even more obvious than Hook winning was that Moriarty & Morrissey were going to go out there after him. But then Jungle Boy runs out to help him, and I like that he had a two-by-four rather than a chair or kendo stick. That much makes it more believable this time that The Firm backed down. As I’ve said, that coming tag match will be good stuff, and then we’ll get great singles matches after that. Decent promo from the Gunns, and it was best they didn’t call out FTR because FTR was at the AAA event, Noche de Campeons, AKA Night of Champions.

By the way, FTR have LOST the AAA World Tag Team titles, their 2022 ends with them having nothing. This will be all the more reason they go after Austin & Colten with a vengeance and then burn a trail back up to the AEW World Tag titles. And we got just an awesome, awesome Falls Count Anywhere Trios match. I liked that they brawled backstage to start this, and naturally it moved towards the ring. Great use of the ramp, too, with Matt hitting the Northern Lights Polar Express all the way to ringside, but also Nick jumping over Matt to hit Penta. And the finish was awesome stuff, with Matt lasting long enough for Omega to take out Fenix and get the win. Brilliant stuff, and that ladder match to finish this is going to be amazing.

Great tag match from Ruby & Willow VS TayJay, and I did like the minor moment of dysfunction from the new team. Ruby and Willow still meshed together well, but of course TayJay cheats to win as the Heels in the situation. Pretty sure we get another match, and maybe we get separate singles matches there, too. Meanwhile, while I’m glad we’re seeing Jade VS Kiera for the TBS title on Rampage, I’m disappointed they didn’t build a story to that. Where was the promo from Kiera telling us she and The Baddies protected Jade and Jade was ungrateful? Where was Jade snapping back at her? where was even one brawl to set this match up? Where’s the change in the Women’s Division booking?

I was a bit surprised the TNT title is the main event and not the Trios match. But Joe and Wardlow have been building this for some time, and the TNT title is still a big deal. And while Wardlow losing is a shame because of how much the crowd loved him tonight, this is that reverse psychology booking. Wardlow isn’t being buried, he’s being built back up because of how he almost overcame having his leg busted by that pipe. But in the end, Joe wins and adds insult to injury by chopping off the man bun! But at the same time, great attack from Darby to have Joe reeling. Darby and Joe are going to have a great feud, and that probably could go either way.

My Score: 8.9/10