AEW WrestleDream 2024
October 12, 2024
Tacoma Dome
Tacoma, Washington
Watch: TrillerTV, PPV.com, YouTube & extra!
AEW Upcoming Schedule & Occasions
Meet our reviewers
Joey O’Doherty: Joey is an Irish contributor to the positioning who stays up late every week to look at AEW dwell. Observe Joey on X @awesomeojoe.
Sean Sedor: Earlier than this PPV began, Sean was watching the massive Penn State/USC recreation, which was nonetheless occurring by the point the Zero Hour began (USC received a giant lead early, however Penn State got here again and made it a aggressive recreation). He’ll most likely present updates because the evaluate goes on. You could find Sean on Twitter @SASedor2994. For those who’re excited by a few of Sean’s different escapades, you’ll be able to watch him play the System 1 video games on YouTube (simply search his title and also you’ll discover the channel), and you can even go to the Be The Booker boards when you’d like to take a look at Sean’s EWR Diary, the place he performs as WCW (began in 1998, at present in March of 2003)
AEW WrestleDream 2024 Zero Hour
ROH WORLD TELEVISION TITLE – BRIAN CAGE def. ATLANTIS JR. (c)
Joey: Final time I noticed Cage on PPV, he had a wardrobe conflict with Sammy Guevara, so I’m somewhat upset to see he hasn’t achieved the identical tonight with Atlantis Jnr. All jokes apart, whereas I’m not the Swolverine’s largest fan (what the hell is a Swolverine anyway?), I feel he’s within the splendid spot in AEW/ROH. He is a good gatekeeper and normally makes others look glorious within the course of. Atlantis Jnr and Cage had good chemistry right here, and this match actually did rock. Atlantis Jnr actually did shine right here and I used to be very stunned to not see him decide up the win right here after tipping him to win on the Preview. That mentioned, the best way the match went, I can’t deny Cage the win who additionally regarded unbelievable right here. An ideal, quick paced match to begin off. ***3/4
Sean: I believed the wrestling wasn’t going to begin till the highest of the hour, so this one is beginning somewhat early from that standpoint. The motion received began throughout the fourth quarter of the Penn State/USC recreation, which wasn’t precisely splendid (I’ll handle although). Brian Cage utilized his energy benefit proper from the leap to achieve management, and dominated Atlantis Jr. (who had a bunch of tape on his neck and higher again) for the primary couple of minutes. The champion lastly managed to seek out a gap within the type of a pair of rana’s, and adopted up with a collection of dives to the ground. It turned a extra even affair from there (with some large strikes from Cage). Whereas Atlantis Jr. did handle to keep away from the Drill Claw as soon as, he wasn’t in a position to keep away from a second one, and Brian Cage gained the ROH World TV Title! I definitely didn’t anticipate that end, although commentary did handle that Atlantis Jr. received injured in Mexico not too long ago, so maybe that’s why they modified the title right here. Regardless, this was a brilliant enjoyable match from begin to end. Didn’t set the world on hearth or something, but it surely was fairly good given the spot it was in. Brian Cage is a good particular person to place a mid-card title on, so I’m certain he’ll have loads of satisfying matches throughout his title reign. ***1/2
AEW WrestleDream 2024 Zero Hour
ANNA JAY def. HARLEY CAMERON
Joey: Two minutes into this match and all I may consider was “Does Sean like this shit?”. I’m certain he does. I wasn’t anticipating this match to blow me away, and it didn’t. Harley, to her credit score, wasn’t half dangerous for her sixteenth match in AEW and she or he’s already higher than Dana Brooke ever was. That mentioned, she’s nonetheless very inexperienced. She slows every little thing down in between strikes and her transfer set may be very primary. The group did its greatest to strive get into it however they got little or no to rally behind. Some vibrant spots included a pleasant baseball dropkick by Anna Jay and good Gory Bomb end which shocked the gang into life. **
Sean: Proper earlier than this match began, Penn State received an interception that stopped USC from driving down the sphere, which basically saved the sport by guaranteeing that they’d go to extra time. So my consideration was understandably somewhat cut up. Anna Jay was in management early after sending Harley Cameron to the ground and connecting with a suplex, although Harley was in a position to come again from being viciously stretched within the nook, and gained the benefit. Anna did handle to get better and put Harley away along with her Gory Bomb finisher. A superbly high quality match for what it was. Anna has positively improved after her tour with STARDOM, and I’m really very curious to see how she does as soon as she faces stronger competitors down the highway. As for Harley Cameron, she continues to be an unexpectedly strong addition to the ladies’s roster. **1/2
AEW WrestleDream 2024 Zero Hour
THE ACCLAIMED (ANTHONY BOWENS & MAX CASTER with BILLY GUNN) def. MxM COLLECTION (MANSOOR & MASON MADDEN)
Joey: One stale act one-dimensional within the Acclaimed towards a recent one-dimensional act in MXM. Max Caster’s gimmick as one of the best wrestler alive continues to be false promoting at its worst. I did pop somewhat for Rico however I didn’t pop for his yellow stained enamel in HD, yuk! I get that he and Billy Gunn have historical past, however their shared previous is healthier left unsaid contemplating how backwards the entire Billy and Chuck angle was. This match at all times had a low ground and never a lot of a ceiling. Its passible for a preshow match however neither staff must be anyplace close to a predominant card contemplating the opposite expertise accessible. The match wasn’t dangerous or offensive, but it surely wasn’t something price searching for out except your determined for some decrease card, WWE-level sports activities leisure. To be truthful, my expectations have been low and it was extra satisfying at instances than I anticipated, with Bowens and Mansoor’s exchanges delivering the highlights. The low lights being Billy Gunn yelling “Suck my dick” as he rocker droppers Rico. *3/4
Sean: So the Penn State/USC recreation was already in extra time after the Anna Jay/Harley Cameron match, and Penn State fortunately managed to place the sport away with a area aim to maneuver to 6-0 on the season (WE ARE!!). I needed to then drive dwelling from my dad’s place, so I missed this match dwell, however I did handle to return and watch it later. The large shock from MxM Assortment was….Rico! I’d name {that a} nice shock. Earlier than the match began, we did get a short promo from Billy Gunn that referenced the time that he and Rico spent collectively as a part of the Billy & Chuck act from 2002 (twenty-two years in the past, my goodness).
AEW WrestleDream 2024 Zero Hour
THE CONGLOMERATION (ORANGE CASSIDY & KYLE O’REILLY) & THE OUTRUNNERS def. THE DARK ORDER (ALEX REYNOLDS & JOHN SILVER WITH EVIL UNO) & THE PREMIER ATHLETES (ARIYA DAIVARI & TONY NESE WITH JOSH WOODS & MARK STERLING)
Joey: Keep in mind when the Darkish Order was a commonly featured act? One minute you’re a part of a pleasant trio with Hangman Web page, subsequent you’re staring on the lights for the Outrunners. A minimum of Uno gave me 98 Mick Foley/Mankind vibes along with his apparel.
A enjoyable match which was far more entertaining than the MXM/Acclaimed match it succeeded. The Outrunners are an amazing act and pairing them with OC was an satisfying expertise. ***
Sean: After I was trying by means of this card the opposite day, I used to be somewhat stunned that Orange Cassidy wasn’t anyplace on the present (particularly since he was on Dynamite and Rampage this week). Effectively, they did finally add him to the cardboard, as he and Kyle O’Reilly teamed up with The Outrunners to defeat The Darkish Order and The Premier Athletes in an entertaining eight-man tag. The babyface facet had the early edge earlier than interference from Josh Woods allowed the heel facet to isolate Orange Cassidy. They then labored him over for a bit till The Outrunners ran wild off a scorching tag. After Cassidy and O’Reilly took out Mark Sterling, Ariya Daivari received double-teamed and pinned by The Outrunners for the win. This was certainly not a stellar match, but it surely was enjoyable whereas it lasted. It additionally appeared to arrange a future match with Kazuchika Okada and Kyle O’Reilly, so signal me up for that one. ***
JAY WHITE def. “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE
Joey: I’ve missed Jay White and it will likely be fascinating to see how he works out as a Babyface with the Bang Bang Gang. Hanger is among the most fascinating acts in AEW and this match had me excited. Jay White labored nice from beneath, had loads of hearth when on offense and Hangman was his normally rage pushed self, battering White when in management. Some pretty spots such because the knee breaker on the stage, some pretty suplexes and suplex reversals, and an image good uranage. Additionally beloved the low blow denial by White, which was a pleasing shock (fuck you MJF). The cherry on high was the Buckshot try foiled by the sooner injured knee into a stunning Balderunner. Each males excelled, each males received over and White received the win, maybe setting him up for a future Moxley match ought to he win the title later tonight.
My solely quibble is that I may have watched it go longer, but it surely’s a minor nitpick. An ideal opener ****1/4
Sean: It’s cool to see Jay White again. He not too long ago made his return from harm to assist his Bullet Membership Gold (I can’t name them the Bang Bang Gang) stablemates towards Adam Web page, who had focused them over the previous few weeks. The group was actually booing Hangman within the opening moments, which is smart provided that they’re in Swerve Strickland’s yard. After White had the benefit within the opening moments, Web page gained management after clotheslining White to the ground. After a couple of minutes of Hangman having the sting, White managed to attach with a collection of chops, and went on an offensive flurry of his personal earlier than Hangman gave him a Demise Valley Driver on the ring apron. Extra battling close to the apron led to Hangman giving White a powerbomb on the metal steps that regarded completely brutal. White responded along with his personal large shot within the type of a shin breaker on the sting of the ramp! Can’t say I’ve seen that earlier than.
Again within the ring, and White received a nearfall off a giant Uranage. Web page managed to counter the Bladerunner with the Useless Eye, however couldn’t capitalize due to the harm to his knee. White then countered a Buckshot Lariat try and hit the Bladerunner to attain the victory. The end was fairly superior as the gang exploded when White prevented the Buckshot and hit the Bladerunner (which remains to be a brilliant protected end that just about no one kicks out of). This was an effective way to kick off the PPV. These two have had a variety of matches prior to now (each in AEW and in New Japan), however this may need been their greatest encounter so far. Web page continues to do effectively on this present function, and White was fairly superior right here as effectively. A few of these spots on the apron and on the ground have been loopy. I don’t assume Hangman loses something off this loss, and the win was a lot wanted for the returning Jay White. Curious to see the place each go from right here, however once more, a stellar option to begin this PPV. ****1/2
AEW WOMEN’S WORLD TITLE
MARIAH MAY (c) def. WILLOW NIGHTINGALE
Joey: Could’s reign has been nearly ice chilly since profitable in Wembley, whereas Willow is coming off a profession greatest match towards Kris Statlander at All Out, so no higher lady to assist The Glamour get her reign again on observe.
Mariah comes out to no pop, which actually signifies how her title reign has progressed, whereas Willow leaps off the display screen as a star, with the gang firmly behind her. She actually is every little thing Hugger Bayley ought to have been. Whereas her reign has been poor, Mariah Could can go when she has the precise opponent and Willow and herself had a greater match right here than their earlier match within the Owen. Each girls seem to have good chemistry collectively, whereas the recent crowd actually received into this from the get go. Highlights right here was a killer DVD into the nook which crushed poor Could, a sick operating Cannonball and a superbly missed Moonsault by Willow. Mariah and Nightingale each laid within the hanging offense right here too, with some neat forearms, headbutts and lariats. Simply Mariah’s greatest match as Champion and doubtless the start of Willows redemption story as she loses one more large match. Cherished it. Joey preferred this shit! ****
Sean: This can be a rematch of the finals of the Ladies’s Owen Hart Cup Event from earlier this 12 months. Mariah Could hasn’t precisely had a stellar title reign to this point, however this match with Willow has the potential to be one of the best match of this reign. Issues received off to a quick begin with Willow hitting a bodyslam and a pounce whereas Mariah related with a collection of operating dropkicks. The group was firmly behind Willow as she fought again towards the champion, and she or he managed to reply with a giant boot and a spinebuster for 2. She then locked Mariah in a leg submission, which commentary put over as one thing she picked up from her time wrestling in Mexico for CMLL. This was adopted by a enjoyable stretch the place Willow missed a moonsault, however one way or the other managed to outlive Mariah’s finisher, Could Day. Willow tried for the pounce after she recovered, however Mariah countered that with a giant headbutt that knocked each down.
Extra back-and-forth between the 2 adopted, and Mariah countered a counter from Willow on the highest rope with a giant rana, and adopted with a knee strike and the Storm Zero for the win. This was an superior match that featured some nice motion from begin to end. What actually made this work was that it was wrestled at a fairly quick tempo proper from the opening bell. That they had their foot on the gasoline they usually by no means actually let up. Willow continues to be the most effective girls’s wrestlers in AEW (if not one of the best), and she or he added one other unimaginable match to her spectacular in-ring resume (although she nonetheless struggles to win most of her large matches, which has been a pleasant story). As for Mariah Could, this was simply one of the best in-ring efficiency she’s had since coming to AEW, and a match she sorely wanted to offer this title reign some juice. Hopefully we get extra performances like this from her going ahead. I had a blast watching this one. ****1/4
TNT TITLE
JACK PERRY (c) def. KATSUYORI SHIBATA
Joey: Whereas Perry has been a lot improved each in-ring and character-wise, he nonetheless comes off as a pleasant man pretending to be imply slightly than be a killer, cut-throat dangerous ass. It’s simply not him and it’s laborious to get into his matches it doesn’t matter what he does.
That mentioned, that is most likely essentially the most I’ve loved him to this point in his heel run, so possibly he’s slowly beginning to develop into the function. He’s nonetheless removed from feeling real within the place, however this match gave me hope. Shibata was the right foil for Perry right here, and he excelled all through as he beat the shit out of the younger upstart. Shitbata teased me everytime he had Perry on his shoulders that GTS was imminent. Simply my fav Perry match since turning heel over a 12 months in the past. The end could divide folks, however I can get behind the logic and it labored for me. Perry squirms a win whereas in a submission and will get the warmth. Garcia making the save units up the following feud for Jack, one which certainly sees DG seize gold. ***¾
The aftermath noticed MJF make his return to confront DG, assault him and reduce a promo whereas Garcia was down. Then Adam Cole returned to run to the ring and I couldn’t assist however think about him reinjuring himself with the small dash he made to the ring. I’m not vastly excited by Cole in 2024. I nonetheless have a foul aftertaste from his earlier story with MJF in my mouth and he’s by no means been a favourite of mine anyway. Whereas Garcia could attempt to restore the sensation, Cole and MJF’s returns counteract it in spades.
Sean: We didn’t see Jack Perry driving up in his Scapegoat bus for as soon as. This one began off with Shibata making an attempt to go for some early submission makes an attempt. Perry would spend the early a part of the match making an attempt to reply with strikes, which Shibata simply disregarded earlier than responding with strikes of his personal. A couple of minutes later, the motion spilled out to the ground, and Shibata related with a NASTY suplex into the facet of the ring. Perry would reply in-kind with a DDT on the ground. As soon as they received again within the ring, Shibata went on an offensive flurry, and locked in a rear-naked choke, however then Perry pushed again and received an out-of-nowhere pin (the followers have been PISSED once they realized what had occurred) Whereas that got here off as a weak end within the second, it does match with Jack Perry’s character that he would get the win like that. A extremely robust match on the entire. Shibata was his standard nice self, whereas Perry was on the receiving finish of some unimaginable punishment. I do know he’s been hit-or-miss since he got here again because the Scapegoat, however the one factor you’ll be able to’t deny is that the person is keen to take some loopy bumps in spots like this. A pleasant bounceback for Perry after a disappointing match with Bryan Danielson at All Out. ****
Afterwards, Daniel Garcia saved Katsuyori Shibata from a post-match beatdown, which led to MJF making his return to confront Garcia. They got here to blows, with MJF getting the higher of him. He was then going to hit Garcia with the Dynamite Diamond ring (which he managed to get again), earlier than Adam Cole….seemingly as a babyface….got here out and chased MJF off. Clearly the MJF/Garcia feud was going to proceed after Garcia determined to stick with AEW, however Cole coming again to get revenge on MJF throws a….fascinating wrench into issues. Are we getting a three-way feud between Cole, MJF, and Garcia? What’s occurring with the remainder of the Undisputed Kingdom (who’ve been displaying indicators of a face flip as of late)? Quite a few questions that also must be answered for certain, and I’m curious to see the place this all goes.
AEW INTERNATIONAL TITLE – THREE-WAY MATCH
KONOSUKE TAKESHITA def. WILL OSPREAY (c) & RICOCHET
Joey: Whereas some will level out that Ricochet is in trunks once more, I used to be extra drawn to the massive downward arrow on his coat, which certainly signaled the place his profession path was the previous 6 years.
Now the match. It was simply superb. The timing of every man, the chemistry was off the charts, with all 3 males complimenting one another completely. The sequences right here have been off the chart, quick paced, creatively arrange and expertly nailed. The one factor I’ll say which can be controversial is that its uncommon that Will Ospreay is outshined. Ricochet, held his personal and stored up as he rehabs his picture in model, but it surely was Konosuke Takeshita who was the MVP of this match forward of the superior Ospreay. Will didn’t have an off evening, he was his standard close to good self, but it surely was the Alpha who shined brightest on this match. His laborious hitting however fast paced offense stood out all through this superb bout. He’s a star in each form and type, and to be the person of the match, forward of Will Ospreay who was firing on all cylinders is a testomony to his expertise.
My solely gripe is that the end wasn’t clear. It was at all times inevitable that there can be Callis household shenanigans and it does additional the story, however I really feel they might have achieved this one other time. Let Konosuke win clear right here and have a TV rematch with the shenanigans, then. I’ll not have beloved the end, however I did anticipate it and it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this utter basic. The end, that includes a Kyle Fletcher flip, continues the story properly. Kyle, trying extra beefed up with extra child oil than a Diddy freak-out, certainly is on his option to face Will in Oz in a number of months time.
A pleasure from begin to end. Fucking beloved it. *****
Sean: The large information right here is that Ricochet is wrestling in trunks, dropping the lengthy pants (for now). As quickly because the bell rang, Ospreay and Ricochet double-teamed Takeshita with a collection of kicks earlier than turning their consideration to one another. They did a shortened model of their well-known Greatest Of The Tremendous Juniors alternate that was shortly damaged up by Takeshita. This was adopted a short while later by Takeshita catching Ricochet on a Sasuke Particular earlier than Ospreay related with a Sasuke Particular of his personal. Extra unimaginable exchanges involving all three males adopted, together with a wild battle on the apron close to a desk that Takeshita had arrange earlier.
I reached a degree the place I simply gave up even making an attempt to say a number of the superb motion on this match. Every thing they’ve been doing is nothing wanting stellar. Ultimately, Takeshita tried to place Ricochet by means of the desk on the ground, and though Ricochet tried to combat it off, Takeshita did put him by means of it with the Bastard Driver. As soon as Takeshita received again within the ring, Ospreay went on the assault, and seemingly had the match gained till Don Callis pulled the referee. He then tried to go after Ospreay with the screwdriver, however Ospreay stopped him and tried for the Tiger Driver. Nevertheless, he was stopped by Kyle Fletcher, who stabbed him with the screwdriver, and allowed Takeshita to hit a operating knee to seize the title. This was adopted by Fletcher hitting Ospreay with the Tiger Driver. Whereas the best way the match ended stored it from reaching 5 star standing, this was nonetheless an unbelievable bout that was simply the match of the evening so far. The motion from begin to end was out of this world, and all three males busted their asses. They went on the market with the intention of getting one of many best three-way matches in wrestling historical past, and when the mud settled, it’s definitely up there. As I discussed earlier, there have been so many insane strikes and moments on this match that it’d take all day to go over all of them. On the subject of the end, they did handle to perform one thing with the Kyle Fletcher heel flip, so in that regard, it completely labored. It’s nice to see Fletcher getting extra of a highlight, so hopefully this flip will result in greater and higher issues for him. Takeshita FINALLY getting a championship was fairly cool as effectively, and hopefully he’ll have a robust title reign. Wonderful stuff all-around, and the continuation of the streak of nice matches on this PPV. ****3/4
SWERVE STRICKLAND RETURNS
Joey: All of us anticipated this to be the purpose the place Large Bobbo Lashley enters AEW and we didn’t get it simply but. MVP and Swerve had an excellent phase, but it surely felt anticlimactic with out Bobby Lashley debuting because it appeared the stage was set for Lashley to confront Swerve. One other time I assume.
Sean: As anticipated, Swerve received an enormous response in his hometown when he was launched by Prince Nana. Additionally as anticipated, MVP and Shelton Benjamin got here out and interrupted his promo. Swerve went backwards and forwards with a number of the professionals and cons of his relationship with Nana, and his historical past with MVP. He rejected MVP’s supply and solidified his loyalty to Nana. Swerve then received right into a shoving match with Shelton Benjamin that was damaged up by referees and Christopher Daniels. I assume the most important factor right here was that we didn’t get the debut of Bobby Lashley. Looks as if they’re saving that for a later date, I suppose.
TWO-OUT-OF-THREE FALLS MATCH
HOLOGRAM [2] def. THE BEAST MORTOS [1]
Joey: Happy this match didn’t get relegated to zero hour as that is the sort of match AEW must be about at its core. Two nice wrestlers doing cool shit and each getting over within the course of.
Undecided if the stipulation was wanted. Hologram unnecessarily loses his pin fall streak and Mortos received overwhelmed very simply for the primary fall. Absolutely an everyday singles match would have labored higher no? The group did wish to take pleasure in it. Whereas they did pop for the superior spots, they have been silent in between every cool transfer maybe in want of a piss break match (Jericho I’m you right here bud). Nonetheless lots to take pleasure in right here but it surely’s place on the cardboard coupled with the stip held it again from being higher. ***1/2
Sean: Whereas Hologram did wrestle on the All Out Zero Hour, that is his first look on the principle card of a PPV. After some wild lucha exchanges between the 2 to get this match began, Hologram gained the primary fall with a diving crucifix bomb after efficiently countering the wild Gorilla Press Slam off the highest rope that Beast Mortos normally does.
The second fall began with absolute domination from Mortos. After sending Hologram to the ground, Mortos gave Hologram a Gorilla Press Slam onto the ramp in a extremely brutal spot. He remained in management as soon as they received again within the ring, and whereas Hologram would reply with a moonsault to the ground, Mortos went on one other offensive flurry again within the ring, and managed to win the second fall. Mortos turns into the primary man to pin Hologram in AEW however, after all, the match isn’t over but. Hologram fought again throughout the third fall, and through a battle on the apron, he related with a wild reverse rana earlier than following up with an enormous springboard dive. Extra wild motion adopted, and after a collection of huge exchanges, Hologram secured the victory with the spinning Torture Rack Bomb. This was a extremely good match that most likely would’ve been nice if the gang (which had been superior all evening up so far) wasn’t nonetheless recovering from the loopy three-way match and (I assume) the Swerve phase. They each labored very laborious, and Hologram took some insane bumps all through this one. I believed the utilization of the two/3 Falls stipulation right here was effectively achieved, as Hologram technically stays undefeated, however Mortos does get the scalp of being the primary one to pin Hologram in AEW. It says one thing about this predominant card that that is the weakest match to this point. ***3/4
DARBY ALLIN def. BRODY KING
Joey: Darbs is the male equal booking-wise of Willow, dropping the previous few large matches and doubtless being groomed for a giant future win. Brody sadly gained’t eb established additional as a singles tsar, however he must be. Every time I see Brody King in singles competitors, I hope he by no means returns to trios hell with the two geeks of Black. Brody has all of the instruments to be a star and at all times excels when given singles alternatives.
He and Darby work so effectively collectively, and each males have been very artistic with the spots right here. Each are good for each other as Darby will get battered by the massive dominant man who actually seems like one large scary motherfucker and wrestles prefer it too, in contrast to some large males in wrestling (Ahem Wardlow and Braun). Darby is greatest working beneath and pairing him with King allowed him to be his greatest plucky babyface self. Merely put, King seems nice throwing folks round and its enjoyable seeing Darbs being rag dolled, so that they work effortlessly collectively.
Considered one of Darbs greatest qualities is that he’ll go to loopy lengths to get a match over. Normally whenever you see a possible loopy spot arrange, you assume nah they are going to simply tease it with most wrestlers however Darby you simply don’t know if the loopy fucker will comply with by means of, which makes you absolutely invested. Darbs will get the massive win right here which can kick begin his highway to the title. Brody will most likely return to being a 3rd wheel within the spooky faction, hopefully I’m fallacious.An ideal match that most likely may have gone longer. ****
Sean: Earlier than Darby Allin’s entrance, we received a video package deal that featured him skateboarding to (what I consider) was a model of his outdated EVOLVE theme. Proper from the leap, Brody went on the assault. After sending Darby to the ground, he grabbed him by his pants and simply tossed him into the barricade. Darby then tried to only launch himself off the steps, however he simply received clocked by Brody, who adopted up by crushing him beneath the metal steps. Again within the ring, Brody continued to toss Darby round. After Darby managed to keep away from a operating cannonball within the nook, he went on an offensive flurry as he simply threw his physique at Brody a number of instances.
We received a pleasant function reversal of the interactions these two have had within the Royal Rampage matches with Darby making an attempt to choke out Brody, however Brody simply dropped him off the apron to regain management. He tossed Darby round once more with some HUGE German Suplexes (together with off the highest rope). One other battle on the highest rope led to Brody taking a giant fall onto the steps earlier than Darby adopted up with a Coffin Drop. Brody simply barely beat the ten rely, however instantly ate one other Coffin Drop, and that was it. Completely no shock that Brody King and Darby Allin had an superior match. Each guys performed their roles to perfection as Darby scored a pleasant rebound win in entrance of his dwelling followers after the massive loss to Jon Moxley a number of weeks in the past. Brody regarded like an absolute monster tossing Darby round, and I hope he (sometime) will get a extra targeted push on this firm outdoors of the Home Of Black. ****1/4
AEW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES
THE YOUNG BUCKS (c) def. PRIVATE PARTY
Joey: Removed from the Bucks greatest match….. Maybe Non-public Celebration’s greatest match in AEW.
The quick construct didn’t do the match any favors, however the historical past of the match coupled with an enormous enchancment from Non-public Celebration in hyping the match within the quick construct did sufficient to get me invested. After a gradual begin it actually picked up, particularly within the closing stretch. Non-public Celebration labored laborious and stored up with the Bucks, but it surely suffered from a little bit of crowd burnout after so many cool matches beforehand. However it was nonetheless very satisfying and the precise staff gained as Celebration aren’t prepared for a giant win of their present type. ***1/4
Sean: Earlier than Non-public Celebration made their entrance, we received a cool video with Superb Purple hyping them up. A pre-match promo from Matt Jackson led to a brawl earlier than the bell that ended up on the stage, the place Quen related with a dive off one of many entrance tunnels. As soon as the match formally received going, Non-public Celebration continued to go after the champions till The Younger Bucks discovered a gap and took management of the bout. Zay did go on offensive after a tag, and managed to tug off some fairly cool counters (together with a counter to that new rope assisted powerbomb The Younger Bucks began doing). After the 2 groups did some spots involving the barricades on the ground, Nick managed to hit a loopy high rope cutter on Zay. A number of moments later, Non-public Celebration have been in a position to get a variety of large nearfalls (together with off of Gin and Juice in addition to Extra Bang For Your Buck). The Younger Bucks responded with a collection of huge double staff strikes, and whereas Non-public Celebration managed to outlive most of that tag staff offense, it finally wasn’t sufficient, and The Younger Bucks retained.
This was a extremely good match, however much like the Beast Mortos/Hologram match, that they had a tough time getting the gang into it, at the very least early on. They did finally get there, and the motion all through was actually entertaining (as The Younger Bucks proceed their return to type after a sluggish summer time). Nevertheless, this one simply fell shy of being nice, at the very least in my eyes. Maybe the gang would’ve been extra into it if the construct to this title problem by Non-public Celebration had been higher? Possibly if Moxley and crew hadn’t destroyed them within the weeks main as much as this, the viewers would’ve been extra invested on this match from the leap? Higher reserving may’ve made this a greater match, however alas, the reserving within the buildup was what it was. The digital camera lingered on Non-public Celebration within the ring after the actual fact, so I’m wondering what this implies for them going ahead. ***3/4
ROH WORLD TITLE
MARK BRISCOE (c) def. CHRIS JERICHO
Joey: Whereas I take care of Broscoe, Jericho and his Greg the Hammer Valentine physique have had go away warmth for me for a very long time and he has not felt vital for fairly a while, so this match was at all times going to be a tug of warfare for my affection. Fortunately, the early exchanges thrived because the power of Briscoe overpowered the staleness of the previous Ocho. The shenanigans on this match was a welcome shot within the arm because it stored the tempo up and allowed the gang to stay invested regardless of being pretty burnt out by this stage within the evening.
However Jericho took management and the match started to slowly die as he undid all the great work the energetic Mark Broiscoe generated. Issues weren’t helped with a confused JR fumbling by means of the encounter on commentary. Fortunately, Briscoe and his high-octane offense received me again into life each time he received on offense, carrying this match away from its lulls when Jericho had management and to his credit score, Jericho did his greatest to maintain up within the closing stretch which was much better than it had any proper to be. Completely happy Briscoe gained, as I had assumed Jericho was profitable to get a much bigger TV draw to move the ROH model because it seeks a TV deal. A greater than anticipated match that overcame its inadequacies. ***
Sean: Earlier immediately, I received the newest COVID vaccine, and I’ve to say that it’s most likely the worst response I’ve ever needed to a COVID shot, comparatively talking (it’s not horrible, however I’m feeling it somewhat greater than standard). Alas, we’ve arrived on the semi-main occasion as Chris Jericho seems to win the ROH World Title for the second time. He and Mark Briscoe went proper at one another when the match began, and Jericho really managed to hit an early Codebreaker. After the motion spilled out to the ground, Large Invoice received concerned whereas Jericho on the consideration of Aubrey Edwards, however Orange Cassidy managed to combat him off.
Briscoe and Jericho spent somewhat extra time preventing on the ground earlier than they finally received again to the ring. After a couple of minutes of in-ring exchanges, Jericho grabbed the eye of Aubrey Edwards once more so Bryan Keith may come out and hit Jericho with a baseball bat. Briscoe kicked out, after which adopted up with a dive to the ground that despatched each him and Jericho by means of a desk that Large Invoice arrange earlier. Jericho would reply with some large offense of his personal, together with a Judas Impact and a Jay Driller, however that solely fired Mark up. He went on the assault, hit the Froggy Bow, after which hit the Jay Driller himself to retain the ROH World Title. I used to be pleasantly stunned to see Mark retain the title right here, as I believed there was a fairly first rate shot that Jericho may win. This was one other match on this predominant card that was simply shy of being nice (a sample on this second half of the present). Mark Briscoe at all times places forth a robust efficiency, whereas Jericho did a high quality job enjoying his function because the heel. I do know Jericho has gotten a number of crap not too long ago (effectively, he has for the previous few years, however particularly as of late), and a good quantity of that’s positively deserved, however he did an excellent job on this spot, and had a legitimately good match right here with Mark Briscoe. This was definitely a giant query mark on this card, when it comes to how the match would play out, although as soon as the mud settled, this turned out fairly effectively. ***3/4
AEW WORLD TITLE
JON MOXLEY (with MARINA SHAFIR) def. BRYAN DANIELSON (c)
Joey: The one all of us have been ready for. The perfect wrestler prior to now 20 years, versus essentially the most compelling man on AEW TV the final 4 weeks and arguably the soul of AEW. Moxley appears targeted, motivated and appears like one million bucks since returning and I used to be actually trying ahead to this since he turned on Danielson at All Out.
This match begins in a flurry of chaos as Mox assaults whereas the music performs, which continues as each males kick the shit out of one another. What a begin and its moments like this that make AEW particular and separates it from the sports activities leisure bullshit of the market chief. And man did this scorching begin actually wake the followers up. Professional fucking wrestling!!! Danielson doesn’t wrestle like a person on the point of semi-retirement. Mox was not wrestling just like the disillusioned man some studies have been representing him to be. Each males appeared decided and motivated to ship from the get go. This had a giant combat really feel child.
Large respect to the man jaw jacking with Mox in a gloriously fashionable Ricky Martin shirt. A winner is definitely you, my pal.
The match itself is difficult hitting, with each males going balls to the wall to maintain the followers invested and make this combat really feel real. Mox is definitely very a lot refreshed since his lengthy overdue trip away from the AEW scene in the summertime, whereas Danielson is leaving all of it out within the ring as if it was his final match. The group was firmly behind Bryan they usually ate up all of Moxley’s dangerous ass heel bullshit like puppets on a string. Whereas I used to be rooting for Bryan, not eager to see him go away full time competitors simply but, I used to be extra excited by a Mox win and the way he would transfer ahead as champion along with his newly discovered mindset.
When Moxley and Danielson connected at Revolution 2022, it had a distinct story, a easy considered one of not so pleasant competitors. This one, whereas additionally having a simplistic story, had clear strains of fine vs evil, which allowed myself and the followers in attendance a transparent man to root for and towards, which gave this match much more juice than the Revolution bout. The house state crowd helped a bunch too, as did the stakes of Danielson retiring from full time motion.
I beloved this match, each males laid it in thick and the power was current all through, charming the as soon as drained crowd all the best way to the end. The top did come unexpectedly, which I personally beloved and it sucked the life out of the dwell crowd who couldn’t consider what they witnessed. Moxly wins and Danielson’s reign is over after 2 months. ****1/2
The aftermath noticed a Wheeler Yuta flip, lastly embracing the darkside by attacking Darby and taking Bryan down with a suffocation, earlier than Claudio will get the dying nail into Bryan’s full time profession. The face locker room got here out one after the other to assist and you’ll see Moxley’s subsequent few defenses line up as they stand as much as the brand new Champion(Jarrett, Cassidy, Allin…. Sure I mentioned Jarrett), and it’s now absolutely established that Moxley and his ragtag crew are the massive bads in AEW. Bryan will get the stretcher job and can presumably take a while off. Mox now leads AEW into a brand new section, whereas Bryan will get to take a while off. An fascinating finish to the stellar PPV.
Sean: It’s at all times a pleasure to listen to Bryan Danielson come out to The Last Countdown, however his entrance was interrupted by Jon Moxley earlier than it may hit its crescendo. This led to a wild brawl round ringside as The Last Countdown continued to play (citing recollections of Anarchy In The Area). Bryan managed to combat again, and went on the assault as soon as the match formally started, however then Moxley would reply not lengthy after with a nasty piledriver on the Spanish Announce Desk, damaging Danielson’s already injured neck. Moxley was in agency management as soon as they received again to the ring, with Marina Shafir getting her occasional photographs in (the gang was livid each time Marina went after Danielson). After avoiding a piledriver on the uncovered concrete, Danielson lastly managed a response with a collection of kicks within the nook, adopted by a Spider German Suplex.
After surviving a Moxley submission try, Danielson related with a piledriver of his personal. A standing strike alternate adopted, which Danielson gained, and he adopted up along with his operating knee for an in depth nearfall (after Shafir had been kicked out from ringside by Bryce Remsburg). Moxley lastly responded with a DDT on the uncovered concrete, however this wasn’t sufficient to maintain Danielson down. One more operating knee from the American Dragon, however Mox responded with some large lariats. Danielson kicked out at one after a Demise Rider, and delivered a defiant slap earlier than Moxley hit a Gotch Piledriver earlier than locking Danielson in a choke. Bryce Remsburg was compelled to cease the match, and that was it. Jon Moxley is the brand new AEW World Champion.
Danielson did every little thing he may, however finally, his greatest simply wasn’t sufficient, and his full-time profession is now over. This was a hard-fought affair, as you’d anticipate, and it was fairly nice. The group was into this one the entire means by means of, and the motion was superior from begin to end, with each males enjoying their roles excellently. It was simply one of the best Jon Moxley matches in an extended whereas (the match the place he beat Naito for the IWGP World Title is the final one which involves thoughts, however I believed this match was higher than that one, and I can’t consider the final nice Mox match previous to that Naito one in Chicago). In the meantime, Bryan Danielson provides yet another match to what has already been a stellar 2024 on his finish. ****1/2
The present got here to the shut with the previous BCC (together with Wheeler Yuta, who turned on Danielson right here) doing a significant beatdown of Danielson. This included Yuta choking Danielson with a plastic bag (whereas a tied-up Darby Allin watched helplessly) and Claudio stomping on Danielson’s head whereas it was wrapped in a chair. A number of the different babyfaces (like Non-public Celebration and Jeff Jarrett) tried to assist Bryan, however failed. The previous BCC didn’t go away the ring till a bigger contingent of babyfaces and safety drove them away. Fairly the best way to finish the present, as this angle will seemingly put Danielson out for the foreseeable future. I’m positively curious to see the place every little thing goes, now that Wheeler has turned and now that Moxley is the World Champion as soon as once more. Who will step as much as face Moxley and firm subsequent, and when will Danielson come again to get revenge? Time will inform.