MJF puts the Dynamite Diamond Ring up for grabs against Juice Robinson tonight in Philadelphia.
Robinson won the Dynamite Dozen battle royale last week to earn a shot at MJF's ring. MJF will look to keep the ring for a fifth consecutive year in this week's AEW Dynamite main event.
Hikaru Shida will defend the Women's World Championship against Ruby Soho. Shida defeated Soho's Outcasts cohort Saraya to win the title.
The Elite will defend their ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championship as The Young Bucks & Hangman Page defend against The Hardys & Brother Zay.
Swerve Strickland will have a message to deliver to Page on the show as the feud between the two continues.
NJPW's Kazuchika Okada will team with Orange Cassidy against Blackpool Combat Club's Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli.
Rob Van Dam will return to action as he teams with Hook against Dark Order's Alex Reynolds & John Silver.
A week after Sting announced his impending retirement, Tony Khan will give the icon a gift on tonight's show.
A sit-down interview with Renee Paquette & Chris Jericho is also scheduled.
The show begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Renee Paquette, who is backstage with MJF calling Adam Cole on the phone, who answers this time. MJF got about two words out before we hear “ADAM!” and Roderick Strong is wheeled in with Mike Bennett & Matt Taven. After MJF hangs up on the phone, Strong said despite knowing MJF is behind the Devil mask, they’ll help him in his 8 Man Tag with Bullet Club Gold. MJF shoved Strong in the wheelchair out of the shot and said tonight after everything Juice Robinson has said about him, he has a bullet with Robinson’s name on it and tonight in Philadelphia; he’s not going to miss. We then see the camera cut to the Devil, who stares at the screen before shoving it away.
Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as we head to our opening contest of the evening.
AEW World Champion MJF defeated Juice Robinson (w/The Gunns) for the Dynamite Diamond Ring
(The match itself I thought was very good, with MJF being able to out scumbag Robinson when it was all said and done, retaining his Diamond Ring for the fifth year. Now, the post match felt longer than this match as so much was crammed into it and I think we could’ve cut some of it. There will be an 8 man tag next week, a ROH Tag Title match at Full Gear and most notably a World Title match on Collision this Saturday.)
MJF shot a quick double leg and unloaded offense in the corner with the Philly crowd going nuts. To the floor they went, as MJF repeatedly launched Robinson into the barricade and over the timekeeper’s table. After spitting water into Robinson’s face, he set him up on a chair, broke the count, flipped the ref off and hit a charging boot sending Robinson into the front row. A slingshot into the post busted Robinson open and MJF was about to stomp Robinson face first onto the steps when The Gunns distraction was enough for Robinson to pull MJF into the steps and hit a DDT on the apron. With Robinson in firm control, Switchblade Jay White came to the stage and joined commentary as MJF was worked over the entire commercial break.
MJF was about to be choked with his scarf, but MJF turned the tables, only to be caught by referee Bryce. MJF started firing up with corner punches and biting the noggin of Robinson before signaling for a Kangaroo Kick and connecting. MJF’s mouth is covered in Robinson’s blood and it’s pretty gross, as The Gunns trip up MJF allowing Robinson to hit an axe kick for two. Both men took turns with eye pokes until Robinson spat in MJF’s face, hit a right hand and powerbomb for two. A double stomp to the left arm connected for MJF, but Robinson escaped the Heat Seeker, allowing MJF to hit a dive to take out both Gunns. Robinson got a low blow and the Juice is Loose DDT for a close near fall.
The Gunns repeatedly tried to get in the ring, distracting Bryce, as both MJF & Robinson put on their rings, with MJF connecting with his punch first. MJF decked both Gunns before dropping Robinson with the Heat Seeker for the victory. Post match, The Gunns attacked MJF but The Kingdom made the save to fight them off briefly, but were easily dispatched. White joined the beat down and Robinson was about to hit a home run shot when The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass ran to the ring to make the save.
On top of the ramp, White said despite everything that just happened he’ll pummel his face in the ground and MJF will breathe with the Switchblade. Colten Gunn then issued a challenge for the ROH Tag Titles at Full Gear. MJF told The Ass Boys to shut up and accepted the handicap match, but said next week it’ll be an 8 man tag and White will be forced to give back the Triple B. Roderick Strong screamed that Max was going to pick them, but MJF told them all to roll off a cliff. Max Caster said that means MJF is picking them, but MJF said even if he was on fire, he wouldn’t team with Caster. Despite all that, Caster still wanted to scissor, but MJF rejected it.
As MJF was walking up the ramp, Kenny Omega’s music hit and he had a faceoff with the AEW Champion. Omega said MJF has something he wants, but Omega has something MJF wants as well. MJF said how about Collision this Saturday for the AEW World Championship? Both men shook hands as MJF hit his go home line, but Omega said his as well before whispering “3 days, bitch.”
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-A vignette for Wardlow is shown talking about how he was sent into a dark place at home all while MJF was becoming the face of AEW and everyone supporting him. Wardlow sat at home watching MJF main event the biggest show in wrestling as World Champion and said there is nothing left for MJF to take from him, but now Wardlow will take everything from MJF.
FTW Champion HOOK & Rob Van Dam defeated John Silver & Alex Reynolds (w/Evil Uno)
(This was the match of the night that a lot of the action took place during commercial, so the offense we did see was primarily from HOOK & RVD.)
Reynolds tried trash talking HOOK to start and was immediately taken down as a result. RVD made the tag along with Silver, as RVD hit his monkey flip and a double clothesline sending Reynolds & Silver to the outside into commercial. HOOK was briefly isolated during break, but hit an Exploder on Silver before RVD made the hot tag. RVD dished out a series of kicks and a Rolling Thunder, but Reynolds saved his partner. Referee Aubrey just let Reynolds & Silver double team, but RVD fought them off to allow HOOK to hit cross face shots. The match broke down, as Evil Uno jumped in with a chair, but RVD clocked him with a Van Daminator. Reynolds was planted with a Five Star Frog Splash, as HOOK slapped on REDRUM to force Silver to tap.
-RJ City let us know he was not Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz when Toni Storm appeared and sent it to picture in picture and her third movie, “Hold The Butler!” We were informed by Excalibur that Storm will be getting a Women’s World Title shot at Full Gear against the winner of Hikaru Shida & Ruby Soho later tonight.
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Tony Khan’s Big Surprise for Sting
Tony Schiavone welcomes Darby Allin & Sting to the ring, as Allin has his right arm in a sling. Sting thanked the Philadelphia fans for all the memories and also thanked Allin for being the best tag team partner he’s ever had. Sting also thanked Tony Khan for making a phone call 4 years ago to give him a chance to go out on his own terms. Sting gave the mic to Tony, Schiavone that is, which popped Excalibur & Taz like crazy. Schiavone said it was 35 years ago; Sting put pro wrestling on the map on TBS, so Schiavone introduced the surprise on behalf of Tony Khan.
Ric Flair’s music hit and The Nature Boy walked out to a massive ovation. Schiavone welcomes Flair to AEW and Flair said in life there are moments that are magical. 35 years ago, Sting & himself made history at Clash of Champions against Wrestlemania. Flair put over Sting huge, calling him one of the greatest wrestlers in the business and the nicest guy he’s ever known. Flair said when he got an invitation by Mr. Khan to be part of this, if Sting would have him, he wants to ride wagon with him. Sting accepted and wanted a Flair chop for old time’s sake.
Christian Cage’s music hit and the TNT Champion walked out with Luchasaurus & Nick Wayne. Cage said Tony Khan is a billionaire, but his present was a suit, gold chains and black liver. Cage said Flair is moving pretty well and doesn’t feel like he’s watching Weekend at Bernie’s at all, which was a great line. Cage knows Ric Flair isn’t dead and knows there isn’t a God, because if there was, Flair would’ve been dead 20 years ago, which got loud “F You Christian” chants. Cage said Allin still has sour grapes losing to him, took a shot at the Philadelphia Phillies and said he doesn’t want to wait until Revolution for Sting to be gone. Cage issued a six man tag challenge for Full Gear with Sting & Allin finding a partner, even though Flair was there, he’s a superkick away from turning to dust. Sting sneezed, said he was allergic to jackasses and accepted the challenge.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Chris Jericho earlier today for a medical update following the destruction by Powerhouse Hobbs a few weeks ago. Jericho can’t remember ever being beaten down that badly in his career and what hurts the most is his ego. Jericho asked if it was time to hang it up potentially or is it time to get even stronger and gain revenge? Don Callis has a large family, but Chris Jericho has friends as well, bigger than even Will Hobbs, so maybe it’s time to give them a call.
The Elite (Hangman Adam Page and Matt & Nick Jackson) defeated The Hardys (Matt & Jeff) and Brother Zay to retain the ROH Six Man Tag Team Titles
After a fast opening sequence, Zay found himself double teamed by The Bucks before Page made the tag, as did Matt Hardy, who slapped Page, clearly remembering their feud a few years ago. After a scuffle, both sets of Matt’s slugged it out before Jeff blindsided Matt Jackson with a knee to allow Matt Hardy to hit a Side Effect. Zay took out Nick & Page outside, as Matt & Zay mocked The Bucks pose and stayed in control during picture in picture.
Matt & Zay posed too long, allowing Matt Jackson to hit stereo Northern Lights suplexes. Page made the hot tag, ran wild with a fall away slam on Zay and slingshot cross body on Matt outside. Zay kicked out of a nasty Death Valley Driver and was about to hit Dead Eye when Jeff made the save and did the Silly String move Private Party used to break out. Nick fired off a series of superkicks before some 15% miscommunication from The Bucks allowed the Hardys & Zay one final attempt to take control, but ultimately backfired, as The Bucks connected with a BTE on Zay to retain the titles.
Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana were shown on the big screen inside a home we learn is Hangman Page’s, as Page sprinted out of the ring. Strickland said they owe him something, as he tore up Page’s children’s paintings on the fridge and Nana ate some chocolate berries. They heard a noise before Strickland said it wasn’t just Page who will pay for his actions, it’s his loved ones. Strickland stood over Page’s child’s crib and said he’s forever indebted to Strickland and it’s his father’s fault. Strickland put one of his shirts in the crib as Nana told him they needed to go. This was super intense and I can only imagine how violent this feud is about to get.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Adam Copeland when Darby Allin & Sting approached and told him he knows Copeland wants to end his career, riding off into the sunset with Christian, but that’s not the world they’re living in. Copeland stopped Allin when Sting interrupted and said for Copeland to stop having blinders on. Sting said he learned from Ric Flair, the dirtiest player in the game, to see through guys like Christian Cage and demands that Copeland is hearing him before its too late. They go way back, don’t mess it all up now, get with it.
Hikaru Shida defeated Ruby Soho to retain the AEW Women’s Title
(I thought their match on Rampage last month blew this one out of the water, as it felt like both ladies were on different pages multiple times. It resulted in a pretty clunky match, so if I were to recommend a match between these two, I’d say go watch that Rampage match, which I thought was excellent.)
After some early strikes, both ladies blocked back slides and Shida got just enough of a cross body out of the corner. Soho avoided the corner punches, sweeping out the leg with a back heel trip until we got a crucifix roll from Shida for two. This time, Shida managed to get the ten corner punches and missile dropkick before Soho bailed outside. Soho pulled Shida off the apron into a No Future kick to take control during break.
We return to a slugfest before Shida applies a Torture Rack and sliding elbow for two. Soho rolled through a cross body into a cradle, but couldn’t hold on, as she stripped away the middle turnbuckle pad. With ref Aubrey distracted, Soho grabbed a spray paint can, tossed it to Shida and acted like she was sprayed. Soho grabbed the women’s title, charged, but Shida sprayed it. For some reason, this upset Shida, allowing Soho to choke Shida and hit Destination Unknown for a close two. Ref Aubrey just watched Soho try to slam Shida into the exposed buckle, as Soho hit No Future, but Shida fell back into the Kitana knee for two. Shida avoided No Future, clobbered Soho with a knee, but they traded near falls and Soho ran into the exposed buckle and Shida hit another knee for the win.
Post match, Timeless Toni Storm walked out to the stage and posed for the crowed with her new butler, who is Luther from Chaos Project, as this all just made Taz giggle. I would've preferred RJ City as the butler, but I digress.
-Renee Paquette is with MJF backstage and asked him about everything he has on his plate when Samoa Joe walks in applauding. Joe said he will be MJF’s friend since he doesn’t seem to have any. MJF gladly accepts, but Joe said under one condition, he gives him an AEW World Title shot in return. Joe said don’t worry, he’s sure he’ll have his answer soon enough. The challengers for MJF's World Title are coming from every direction.
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Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli defeated AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy & Kazuchika Okada
(I really enjoyed how this match was mapped out, as we got our interaction with Okada & Danielson for just a little bit without giving away everything for a rematch. I was pleasantly surprised Castagnoli picked up the win for his team, as it gives us our next challenger for Cassidy’s International Title next week. The post match, as I said in the write up, felt very awkward, as I know what they were trying to do, but the crowd was nearly silent. It’ll be interesting to see where they go from here, especially with the injury angle for Danielson.)
Danielson zoned in on the left arm of Cassidy immediately to start the match, as Cassidy briefly played dead, but Danielson tagged Castagnoli, who showed his power off and also mocked Cassidy with the little kicks. Cassidy just stood up and tagged Okada to a loud ovation as Okada hit a drop toe hold and elbow to the back of Castagnoli before sprinting at Danielson, who retreated. A forearm and uppercut exchange with Castagnoli & Okada occurred before a bodyslam by Okada hit and Cassidy hit the most nonchalant top rope splash. Castagnoli wasted no time peppering Cassidy with forearms and hung him up on the top rope to allow Danielson to hit a diving knee drop into picture in picture.
After being isolated the entire commercial, Cassidy used his quickness to send Castagnoli outside, but the race to make a hot tag took too long and Castagnoli cut Cassidy off. Castagnoli tried to pull Cassidy up by the neck, but it was countered into a DDT for the double down. Finally, Danielson & Okada slowly stepped in the ring to “Holy Sh*t” chants before chops and forearms were dished out in bunches. Okada ducked a series of strike attempts and hit a charging back elbow and DDT that spiked Danielson for two.
Okada signaled for a top rope elbow, the move that broke Danielson’s arm, but rolled through and hit a flapjack. Danielson countered a Tombstone, stomped the arm and yelled he’s going to break Okada’s arm and delivered a series of kicks. Okada ducked the home run shot, but Danielson countered a school boy into a LeBell Lock. Okada got a roll up for two, as both men rose, Danielson missing a Busaiku Knee and Okada missing a Rainmaker. A violent back and forth of chops and forearms before both men collided in the center.
Cassidy & Castagnoli made the tags and Cassidy hit a cross body off the top for two before dishing out stiff kicks. Castagnoli powered out of the tilt a whirl DDT and tried a Giant Swing, but Cassidy countered into Stundog Millionaire and Tornado DDT for two. Danielson made the save as he & Okada spilled outside. Cassidy went for Orange Punch, but Castagnoli countered into a Giant Swing in mid air, which was unreal. Sharpshooter was applied, but Okada broke it up and hit the Air Raid Crash on the knee. Okada connected on his top rope elbow drop, did the Rainmaker pose, which was joined by a Cassidy hug. Danielson broke it up with a top rope dropkick, but Okada got the ripcord applied, Cassidy hit an Orange Punch into a Rainmaker, but Castagnoli made the save. Okada was planted with a springboard uppercut by Castagnoli, who followed that up with a massive pop up uppercut on Cassidy to get the win.
Post match, Danielson clutched his face in pain after suffering the Orange Punch & Rainmaker, as doctors, Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta attended to him, while Best Friends, Kris Statlander, Rocky Romero & HOOK were all out to check on Cassidy. Everyone had an intense staredown, including Yuta & HOOK, as we’re told Cassidy & Castagnoli will face off next week for the International Title. The show ended pretty awkwardly and quiet, as the fans I think believed Danielson was seriously hurt.
AEW Rampage 10/27/23
· Mike Santana vs. Ortiz
· We hear from MJF & Kenny Omega ahead of their World Title match on Collision
· Skye Blue vs. Willow Nightingale vs. Anna Jay vs. Abadon with the winner receiving a Women’s World Title match on Collision
AEW Collision 10/28/23
· MJF defends the AEW World Title against Kenny Omega
· Hikaru Shida defends the AEW Women’s Title against the winner of Blue/Nightingale/Jay/Abadon
AEW Dynamite 11/1/23
· Orange Cassidy defends the AEW International Title against Claudio Castagnoli
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