The opening match on Dynamite this week featured Joey Janela teaming with Private Party against Matt Hardy and the Young Bucks. At the end of the match, it appeared as though Marq Quen was injured and needed assistance getting to the back. Hardy ended up helping his opponent from the match to the back and leaving the Young Bucks alone in the ring.
Quen was not actually injured in the match, however, the worked injury was just a way to get Hardy out of the ring so Butcher and the Blade could attack. This then led to FTR’s Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler making their AEW debuts.
Matt Hardy Praises Private Party
Hardy took to Twitter to praise the members of Private Party. He noted that Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen remind him of a young Hardy Boyz team.
“Glad you’re injury wasn’t too severe, Marq Quen. The bond that you & your partner Isiah Kassidy share reminds me of a young me & Jeff Hardy. Very happy that you 2 have this great opportunity at AEW,” Hardy Tweeted.
Wednesday night was not the first time Matt Hardy has been in the ring with the members of Private Party. Just 1-year into the pro-careers of Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen, Private Party and the Hardy Boyz wrestled a couple of times for House of Glory. On August 9th, 2016, the Hardyz defeated Private Party for the HOG tag team titles. Each team was then involved in fatal 4-way for the belts later that year. Santana & Ortiz won the titles in that match.
Viewership data is in for this week’s battle in the WWE NXT vs. AEW Dynamite Wednesday Night War.
AEW won the night in total viewers and in the key 18-49 demo, but both shows were up. Here is the breakdown of the live and same-night DVR viewership, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:
WWE NXT Viewership
NXT on the USA Network averaged 731,000 viewers, up from last week’s 592,000 In the 18-49 demo, they drew a 0.19 rating, up from 0.13 last week.
The episode featured Matt Riddle vs. Timothy Thatcher with Kurt Angle as the special guest referee in a Cage Fight, Drake Maverick vs. Kushida vs. Jake Atlas in a Triple Threat to determine the Group A winner of Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, and Charlotte Flair & Chelsea Green vs. Io Shirai & Rhea Ripley.
AEW Dynamite on TNT was watched by 827,000 viewers, up from the 701,000 viewers last week. In the 18-49 demo, Dynamite pulled in a 0.32 rating, up from the 0.26 rating that the show did last week.
AEW Dynamite featured bouts such as Matt Hardy and The Young Bucks vs. Private Party and Joey Janela, A Battle Royal will take place to determine the first contender for the AEW TNT Championship, and a pep rally for The Inner Circle that led to a brawl with Mike Tyson.
Chris Jericho says the stage is set for boxing legend Mike Tyson to compete inside an AEW ring. “Iron” Mike and his entourage of UFC legends have garnered mainstream attention for their brawl with the Inner Circle on this week’s AEW Dynamite.
During the discussion, Jericho said it was amazing to have Mike Tyson in AEW. He called the chaotic brawl was the perfect chance to re-introduce Tyson to wrestling fans and pave the way for additional appearances.
“It was totally wild and woolly,” Jericho said. “It just shows that now more than ever Iron Mike Tyson is someone who’s very buzz-worthy.”
Mike Tyson has been hinting at a return to the boxing ring. The 53-year-old has released several training videos to the amazement of fight fans across the world. Jericho says Tyson is in great mental and physical shape. He wants to be in the spotlight gain and AEW has the buzz Tyson is looking to latch on to.
Mike Tyson in AEW
Chris Jericho was asked directly if we will see Mike Tyson is able and to compete inside an AEW ring. Le Champion responded in typical Jericho fashion.
“It’s not up to him, that’s up to me,” he said. “Of course, he’s capable. Wrestling is all shapes and sizes and there’s a lot of different ways to do it. If he’s agreeable to doing something with us, then we work to his strengths and eliminate his weaknesses that’s what wrestling’s all about.”
A wrestling match involving Mike Tyson would require a lot of smoke and mirrors. Even if Tyson is heavily protected and simply throws a few of his signature knockout punches, a special attraction bout of this magnitude could be major business for AEW.
Visit DigitalSpy to read their full interview with Chris Jericho.
Outspoken pro wrestling personality Jim Cornette recently reviewed AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV on his Drive Thru podcast. As you may have guessed, Cornette wasn’t exactly a fan of what he saw on the PPV itself.
It wasn’t just the content on the actual show that Cornette took issue with. Before the event AEW President Tony Khan tweeted out an image featuring himself, Mike Tyson, The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Arn Anderson, Jake Roberts and Lance Archer.
The photo (see below) shows all of the stars, including the on-screen rivals Cody and Archer, smiling for the camera displaying the new AEW TNT Championship.
We’re minutes from our biggest show of the year #AEW Double or Nothing! It’ll be one of the best PPVs you’ve seen in a long time, I promise, it’s a great card with huge wrestling matches, some great stories + the return to ppv of @MikeTyson! Order if you can, you won’t regret it! pic.twitter.com/OBymriutfN
Cornette, as an old school style of wrestling promotor, took massive issue with this. “As I mentioned, I was not looking forward to seeing this show” Jim Cornette said on his Drive Thru podcast.
“Part of the reason why? We cannot forget about this, to preface the programme? Apparently they tweeted out a picture of Tony Kahn, Lance Archer, Cody and Arn [Anderson] on one side with The Young Bucks and Mike Tyson in the middle and Lance Archer and Jake Roberts on the other side. All mugging and smiling for the f*cking camera.”
Jim Cornette
Cornette would describe why he had an issue with on-screen rivals being part of the promotional image like this.
“After what Jake what two weeks ago? He dry humped Cody’s wife and put a snake on her! But because Mike Tyson’s star power is so magnetic, he was able to bring these two feuding entities. These two blood rivals together to mug for a picture and smile so they could tweet it out right before the f*cking show because they were so proud of that hubcap f*cking belt.”
Are you a fan of the new TNT Championship? Let us know in the comments
Chris Jericho’s Rock N Rager at Sea is still scheduled to set sail in 2021. Jericho gave a big update yesterday on the cruise that is currently scheduled to happen on February 1st to 5th, 2021.
The cruise is now advertising 4 days of wrestling matches, 3 Fozzy concerts, an event titled “Family Feud with Chris Jericho,” autograph sessions, live podcasts and more. Jim Duggan, Ted Dibiase, Bully Ray, and more are already confirmed for the event.
Those who have sailed on the cruise before can prebook now. First-time cruise-goers can sign up for presale here.
Last year’s cruise featured the taping of an episode of AEW Dynamite branded “Bash at the Beach.” The promotion stated after last year’s event that they would air Dynamite live from the cruise in 2021.
“We recognize we’re in the midst of uncertain times right now – times that call for extra flexibility, special value, and an absolute assurance that your health and safety are being closely looked after,” reads ChrisJerichoCruise.com.
Several new protocols will be coming to the cruise industry following the resumption of their businesses. The cruise line Jericho uses for the Rock N Rager at Sea has already stated they will no longer be greeting guests with high-fives.
“We expect new protocols to continue changing and the planning for your event will continue evolving right alongside them. One measure we’ll implement right away is saying goodbye to our beloved welcome high-fives. However, you can still count on a friendly Sixthman face upon your arrival to greet you and welcome you to the party!”
More information about health protocols for the cruise can be found here.
Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite from Daily’s Place Amphitheater featured prominent branding for HBO Max, the new streaming service from WarnerMedia.
HBO Max launched this week and includes programming from TNT and other WarnerMedia properties. HBO Max logos appeared all over the ringside area on AEW Dynamite, including the ring apron, turnbuckles, ring posts, announcers’ booth and more.
There has been some speculation that AEW programming, either Dark or show, could end up on the streaming service as well.
Kevin Reilly is the chief content officer for HBO Max and also the President of TNT, TBS, and truTV. He spoke with Variety following the extension of AEW’s deal with TNT. During the discussion, Reilly spoke highly of AEW and noted that AEW Dark could be moved off of YouTube and onto a WarnerMedia property.
“We just figured, ‘Let’s bring it onto the network and make it a place where you truly plant up and coming talent,’” Reilly said regarding Dark. “I think we’ll start doing more packages there and filming some behind-the-scenes stuff, not for the matches that night but with other talent to plant stories and grow things that could eventually become another show in and of itself.”
AEW President Tony Khan also wished WarnerMedia luck on the launch of HBO Max yesterday. He wrote on Twitter, “Thank you all who watched Double or Nothing & made it a huge success 2 years in a row! We’ve officially been in business for 1 year now & we owe it all to great fans supporting us + Kevin Reilly & our partners at WarnerMedia! Good luck on the big #HBOMax launch today, my friends!”
Get your free trial for HBO Max at HBOMax.com. A trailer for the new streaming service can be viewed below. WarnerMedia’s vast catalogue of films and TV shows are included.
After being called out by Chris Jericho last night on Dynamite, Mike Tyson walked to the ring flanked by numerous MMA fighters. Tyson’s entourage included several notable former champions and one recently retired double-champion.
When Tyson’s crew came out, Henry Cejudo was one of the first visible big names to appear on the screen. Cejudo is coming off of defending the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 249 against Dominick Cruz. The 33-year-old announced he was retiring after the fight, though there are some who feel this is just a negotiating strategy. Cejudo is an Olympic gold-medalist and a 2-division champion in the UFC, having held both the flyweight and bantamweight belts.
Also in Tyson’s crew was Vitor Belfort. The 43-year-old is a former UFC light heavyweight champion. He also won the UFC heavyweight tournament at UFC 12.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAt5ZfmByVL/
“Suger” Rashad Evans was also in Tyson’s crew on Dynamite last night. Evans is also a former UFC light heavyweight champion. Additionally, Evans won the Ultimate Fighter season 2 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019.
Actor Mickey Gooch was also part of Tyson’s entourage.
Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler debuted on AEW Dynamite last night.
Following the night’s opening match, the Young Bucks were attacked by the Butcher and the Blade. Harwood and Wheeler then drove into the stadium and acted as if they were going to attack the Bucks before then beating down the Butcher and the Blade.
The Young Bucks then extended a handshake offer to FTR but Harwood and Wheeler turned their backs on them and left.
FTR’s AEW debut can be seen in the player below:
Shortly after their segment last night, Harwood & Wheeler (as well as ShopAEW) posted to Twitter and revealed what “FTR” actually stands for: “F*ck The Rest.”
Harwood and Wheeler received a Cease and Desist letter from a tag-team named the Revolt. In response, FTR’s attorneys noted that their team name is FTR and what that stands for can change based on storylines.
“Our clients do not intend and have never intended to call themselves FEAR THE REVOLT,” Harwood and Wheeler’s attorney responded to the letter. “They have at all times and in every way made it clear that their tag team name would be FTR, and that FTR can and would mean different things depending on their storyline and creative. They are not responsible for and cannot be held responsible for dirt sheets and others incorrectly attributing to them a name other than the name they have chosen, FTR.”
The May 27th edition of Dynamite aired live from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. It was the first episode of Dynamite following AEW Double or Nothing. The Revival debuted as FTR tonight and Chris Jericho called out Mike Tyson at the end of the show.
Dynamite Results (5/27)
Young Bucks & Matt Hardy def. Private Party & Joey Janela
Brian Cage def. Lee Johnson
Hikaru Shida def. Christi Jaynes
Kip Sabian & Jimmy Havoc def. SCU to earn a shot at the tag titles next week
Jungle Boy won the Battle Royal & will face Cody next week for the TNT Title
Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s Dynamite:
FTR Made Their Debut
Matt Hardy and the Young Bucks faced Joey Janela and Private Party in the first match of the night.
Match Recap: Matt and the Young Bucks dominated early and isolated Joey Janela in the corner of the ring. Isiah Kassidy tagged in and knocked Nick to the apron. Marq Quen tagged in and hit Nick with a Hurricanrana off the apron. Janela planted Nick with a Death Valley Driver outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Kassidy tagged back in and continued to beat Nick Jackson down before locking in an Abdominal Stretch. The action spilled outside the ring and Nick accidentally hit Blade with a Superkick. The Young Bucks brawled with Butcher and Blade as Jim Ross joked (shot at WWE) that the wrestlers could be stuck behind plexiglass.
Kassidy and Matt Hardy tagged in and Isiah connected with an Enziguri. Janela hopped in the ring and walked right into a Side Effect. Joey battled back and knocked the Young Bucks out of the ring with a Dropkick. Private Party flipped onto the Young Bucks outside the ring as Joey was hung up in the ropes. Marq tweaked his knee and Isiah returned to the ring. Young Bucks then hit a couple of Splashes to win the match.
Butcher and Blade attacked Young Bucks after the match. FTR (formerly The Revival in WWE) then showed up in a truck and saved Matt and Nick. FTR then walked away from a handshake to end the segment.
Opinion: AEW’s tag team division was already excellent and it just got even better. I hope Marq Quen’s injury isn’t serious because Private Party are extremely entertaining.
Match Recap: Cage launched Lee across the ring and followed it up with a Splash in the corner. Brian connected with a release German Suplex as Taz watched along from the entrance ramp. Brian Cage hit a Buckle Bomb and then the Drillclaw for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Taz told Moxley that he respects him and he is the top guy. Taz stated that Moxley is dealing with a machine at Fyter Fest and Cage will rip Jon’s heart out of his chest at the PPV.
Britt Baker came to the entrance ramp in a wheelchair and Tony Schiavone joined her. Baker listed the rules of being a role model. Rule #3 was don’t hurt the role model, and said that her broken tibia was a conspiracy. Britt said she is close personal friends with the top executives and without her there is no women’s division.
Baker added that Statlander being an alien is a crock of shit and called Shida a fraudulent champion. Britt accused Nyla Rose of being a conspirator as well because she usually leaps off the top rope with precision.
Baker then showed several pictures and stated that referee Aubrey Edwards was the mastermind behind all of this because she is always there when she gets injured. Baker announced that she will be back All Out. Baker then rolled away and it was revealed that “Roll Model” was written on the back of her wheelchair.
Tony Schiavone interviewed TNT Champion Cody tonight. Cody said that Tom Brady is his favorite QB because he wasn’t the first pick. Cody said when Tony Khan started AEW he wasn’t the first, second, or third call but it doesn’t bother him because he is the first champion of America’s greatest network.
Cody said his mother taught him everything he needs to know and that this isn’t about talent. He vowed to outwork anyone and that he is about to cut a schedule like no wrestler before. Cody announced that he will stand out her every week for an Open Challenge every week on Dynamite.
Jungle Boy Will Face Cody Next Week For The TNT Championship
Jungle Boy
Orange Cassidy took his time getting to the ring for the Battle Royal. Earlier in the night, Orange Cassidy walked through a backstage promo with Inner Circle. Jericho got pissed off and Santana & Ortiz got revenge by attacking Cassidy during his entrance.
Match Recap: Luchasaurus eliminated Luther by Chokeslamming him onto the floor and to the outside. MJF elimated Sonny Kiss and then beat him down some more outside the ring. Billy Gunn eliminated Colt Cabana and Colt couldn’t believe it. Dark Order handed Cabana a flyer as Dynamite went to a break.
Marko Stunt eliminated Christopher Daniels and went for a Crossbody but Wardlow caught him. Wardlow then launched Marko onto Daniels to eliminate him. MJF and Wardlow teamed up on Luchasaurus and beat him down. Wardlow and MJF then eliminated Billy and Luchasaurus.
Jungle Boy, MJF, Wardlow, and Orange Cassidy were the final four wrestlers in the match. MJF put on the Dynamite Diamond Ring and tried to hit Cassidy but he ducked and hit Wardlow. Jungle Boy then eliminated MJF and then teamed with Orange Cassidy to eliminate Wardlow. Cassidy hit two Superman Punches and knocked Jungle Boy to the canvas. Jungle Boy battled back and sent Orange Cassidy over the top rope to win the Battle Royal. It was then announced that he will face Cody next week for the TNT Championship.
Inner Circle held a Pep Rally to lift their spirits following their loss to The Elite in the Stadium Stampede match at Double or Nothing. The Jaguars cheerleaders performed on the entrance ramp and were then joined by Vickie Guerrero. Vickie introduced the members of Inner Circle as they came down to the ring.
Jericho said it has been a rough time for Inner Circle but they will rise again. Chris handed out shirts that had Inner Circle as the winners of the Stadium Stampede match on it and the wrestlers started throwing them back in the ring. Sammy stated that they didn’t win the Stadium Stampede but match but they participated.
Guevara handed them trophies and Santana gave out food, Vick’s Vapor Rub, Timberlands, and a picture of Marc Anthony to Jericho. Chris gave Sammy a scooter and Hager read a poem he wrote entitled “Happiness”. Hager’s poem turned dark very quickly and Jericho stopped him.
Chris said that he wanted Mike Tyson’s head on a platter and that he has been dreaming about getting his hands on Tyson’s fat head. Sammy stated that he got Jericho a cheese platter and A Little Bit of the Bubbly but most of it was eaten.
Mike Tyson and his entourage (Henry Cejudo, Vitor Belford, Rashad Evans) came down to the ring and started trash talking with Inner Circle. Jericho said he has been dreaming of this for ten years ever since Tyson turned on him. Chris demanded an apology but Mike Tyson ripped off his shirt and flexed in front of Jericho instead. A brawl then broke out before the AEW locker room broke it up.
Opinion: This was completely ridiculous and I couldn’t help but laugh at Jericho shouting “Tyson!” at the top of his lungs as he was being held back. I have no idea where this is all going but it should be a fun watch. Mike Tyson struggled to rip his shirt in half and it was hilarious. Dynamite was another fun show this week and next week should be great too with two title matches already announced.
Cody Rhodes has announced an ‘open challenge’ that will see him defend the new TNT Championship each week on AEW Dynamite.
The first challenger to the TNT Championship actually circumvents the Open Challenge stipulation. During Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Jungle Boy won a Battle Royal to earn a shot at the TNT title next week (June 3rd).
The final four participants in the Battle Royal were Jungle Boy, MJF, Wardlow, and Orange Cassidy. You can see footage from the Battle Royal here:
TNT Championship Open Challenge
The Open Challenge format creates some very interesting scenarios for the TNT Championship. Instantly, the belt has something unique that sets it apart from the AEW World Championship. It presents Cody as a ‘fighting champion’ and establishes the TNT title as a ‘workhorse’ belt that is defended frequently on television.
The Open Challenge format also presents the scenario of mystery opponents each week. Former WWE Superstar Zack Ryder, for instance, took notice.
Rhodes just became the inaugural AEW TNT Champion when he beat Lance Archer in the tournament finals at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event on Saturday night. Boxing legend Mike Tyson presented the championship.
Fan reactions to the title’s design were mixed after it was presented by Tyson. Tony Schiavone had mentioned on the broadcast that due to the pandemic, the title wasn’t actually finished yet.
It’s a simple title belt design with a red strap and silver plates. The center plate has TNT in the middle while the side plates have a house on it, which is actually a replication of Ted Turners’ mansion.
The Revolt, formerly known as The Revival, has made their debuts in All Elite Wrestling.
The former WWE stars did so on Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT after the opener that saw Matt Hardy and The Young Bucks vs. Private Party and Joey Janela in a six-man tag team match.
Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, formerly Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder, arrived in the arena in a truck and walked down to the ring after The Butcher and The Blade had attacked The Young Bucks. Wheeler and Harwood made the save for The Young Bucks.
They hit a spike piledriver to Blade then hit their finisher to Butcher. The segment ended when they had a staredown with Matt and Nick Jackson.
WWE released the former WWE Tag Team Champions from their contracts in April after they had requested to be let go. The Revival potentially going to AEW when their deals with WWE were up has been speculated about for over a year now.
Now, it’s a reality. The Young Bucks and FTR have talked about wanting to work with each other for years.
AEW has released new top-5 rankings for its men’s women’s and tag team divisions. MJF is now the #1 ranked men’s single’s competitor in the company.
AEW Men’s Single’s Rankings
AEW World Champion: Jon Moxley (12-0) TNT Champion: Cody (10-1)
MJF (6-0) (previously unranked)
Lance Archer (5-1)
Brodie Lee (5-1)
Kenny Omega (4-0)
Darby Allin (6-3)
As Cody is now the TNT Champion he leaves the single’s rankings and is replaced by his rival, MJF. #1 Maxwell Jacob Friedman returns to the rankings following having been removed as he dealt with various injuries. MJF defeated Jungle Boy at Double or Nothing and Marko Stunt on last week’s Dynamite. Cody defeated #2 Lance Archer in the finals of the tournament at Double or Nothing.
The rest of the division’s rankings remain unchanged.
Brian Cage may not appear in the rankings but he has earned a title shot against Jon Moxley. Cage debuted at Double or Nothing and won the Casino Ladder match. Moxley and Cage will headline Fyter Fest 2020.
#3 Brodie Lee picked up his first loss in AEW at Double or Nothing when he lost his title shot against Jon Moxley.
#4 Kenny Omega wrestled in the Stadium Stampede match won by the Elite. #5 Darby Allin was in the Casino Ladder match but failed to win.
AEW Women’s Division
Champion: Hikaru Shida (10-1)
Nyla Rose (5-2) (previously champion)
Kris Statlander (4-4)
Britt Baker (4-4)
Yuka Sakazaki (1-1)
Penelope Ford (3-3) (previous unranked)
There is a new AEW Women’s World Champion. Hikaru Shida defeated Nyla Rose at Double or Nothing to win the title. #1 Nyla Rose drops to the #1 contender spot as a result.
#2 Kris Statlander picked up a victory over #5 Penelope Ford at Double or Nothing.
#3 Britt Baker was injured in a tag match on Dynamite last week. She is scheduled to address her injury on tonight’s show.
#4 Yuka Sakazaki hasn’t wrestled since the AEW Dark that was filmed at Revolution on February 29th.
#5 Penelope Ford debuts in the rankings for the first time. She lost to #2 Kris Statlander at Double or Nothing but defeated KiLynn King on Dark. Ford also defeated former champion Riho on Dark back in March in what was quite the upset at the time.
AEW Tag Team Division
Champions: Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (6-0)
Best Friends (9-3)
The Natural Nightmares (4-0) (previously unranked)
Private Party (4-2)
The Dark Order (5-0) (-2)
The Young Bucks (2-2) (-1)
#2 QT Marshall and Dustin Rhodes made a huge leap this week in the rankings. The Natural Nightmares defeated Alex Reynolds and John Silver from the Dark Order on Dark this week for their 4th straight victory. Allie was shown eating QT Marshall’s apple ominously in the crowd during the match in what could be the beginning of an angle.
#1 the Best Friends have likely earned a title shot after securing their top-ranking in a match against #3 Private Party on the Kickoff show this week.
#4 The Dark Order fell 2 spots this week, likely due to inactivity. With travel restrictions between the US and Canada for athletes being eased soon, we could see Evil Uno and Grayson back shortly, however.
#5 The Young Bucks fell one spot, likely due more to the Natural Nightmares moving up so highly in the rankings more than anything else. They were on the winning end of the Stadium Stampede match at Double or Nothing.
The Jurassic Express fell out of the tag rankings this week.
The ‘Murderhawk Monster’ Lance Archer recently appeared on the Talk Is Jericho podcast. The former TNA, WWE and New Japan performer would discuss a number of topics from his career; including how he would end up leaving Japan after eight years to join All Elite Wrestling.
“So everything was a whirlwind” Lance Archer began, discussing the transition back to the United States. “We literally just finished the World Tag League last year, I got home on December 9th I think? AEW was coming to Dallas on the 11th so I got home on a Monday and AEW was in Dallas on the Wednesday.”
Lance Archer would elaborate further, saying “I know Billy [Gunn], so many of the guys like Trent, who was getting ready to work with Moxley. I know Kenny Omega and all these guys, they’re friends of mine.”
The Murderhawk Monster would then reveal that initially he was just going to the show to see friends, not actually looking for a job at the time.
“I was like I want to go see my friends, I’m not going looking for a job. I’m not going to bother anybody, I don’t want to be that guy going ‘hey man can you can you hook me up brother?’ I didn’t want to be that way you know? And things were good with me in New Japan so it wasn’t like I was in essence needing to do that at the time.”
Lance Archer
Lance Archer Meets Tony Khan
Lance Archer would then talk meeting AEW President Tony Khan for the first time. “So I just wanted to go see my friends and it was one of those situations where I got to meet Tony for the first time and we had a good conversation. He and I talked that night and we talked about the possibility of something in the future. It came to be that they found out that I didn’t have a full contract; I had never had a full contract working with New Japan for over eight and a half years. Or just eight years at that point.”
Chris Jericho was completely bemused at this, referencing how WWE had previously taken the likes of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Gallows and Anderson from New Japan. “Even after they raided Gallows and Anderson, AJ and Nakamura they didn’t sign you up to a contract!?” Jericho asked.
Lance Archer would then reveal that newer talent in New Japan are now signed to full contracts. “They did have guys and I’m absolutely blessed for those guys. The [Will] Ospreays and Juices [Robinson] and guys like that. They were all under contract, but I was a guy that had been with the company for over eight years and never was.”
Do you think that New Japan are going to miss having Lance Archer on their roster? Let us know in the comments
Kenny Omega recently defended AEW’s Women’s division from a detractor online. A user on Twitter stated that Deonna Purrazzo’s signing with Impact Wrestling was a missed opportunity for AEW and Omega responded.
“Truly happy for Deonna but I’m incredibly proud of our division and its athletes. You should try watching some of our matches. Start with the recent title match from a few days ago and then honestly tell me we need help,” Omega Tweeted.
Truly happy for Deonna but I’m incredibly proud of our division and its athletes. You should try watching some of our matches. Start with the recent title match from a few days ago and then honestly tell me we need help.
Hikaru Shida became the 3rd wrestler to hold the AEW Women’s championship at Double or Nothing. She defeated Nyla Rose to win the title after spending weeks as the #1 ranked contender in the division. Rose spent 101 days as champion. Her only title-defense was at Revolution on February 29th when she defeated Kris Statlander.
Inaugural champion Riho held the title for 133 days after defeating Nyla Rose for the vacant belt on the 1st episode of Dynamite. She successfully defended the belt against Britt Baker, Emi Sakura, Kris Statlander, and against Rose, Shida, and Baker in a fatal 4-way match during her reign.
Also at Double or Nothing, former title-challenger Kris Statlander defeated Penelope Ford. Britt Baker was originally scheduled to face Statlander but suffered an injury on last week’s Dynamite. Baker is scheduled to address her injury and timetable for return on tonight’s show.
Though she has since revealed that her boss Tony Khan did not mind the incident and she is allowed to attend WWE shows without facing any consequences.
During her recent appearance on the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Baker talked the other side of things and revealed if her boyfriend and the current NXT Champion Adam Cole is allowed to attend shows of their company:
“He [Adam Cole] originally was told he can’t come to our shows. For All In actually, he had a plane ticket booked, and then they told him you can’t go. So he still came to be support. He just watched it on his phone in the hotel room so he could be at the after party afterwards. We both wanted to go.
Recently, they’ve changed their tune, and he was able to come to our New Year’s show. And it’s great for him too because this is his family like The Young Bucks and Adam Cole go way back. They have been together long before Adam Cole and Britt Baker were together.”
The AEW star also talked about her relationship with the NXT champion. She revealed that the two talk about wrestling a lot and Cole helps her by critiquing her matches.
Apart from this Britt Baker talked about her wrestling career and during the episode, the co-host Tony Schiavone told a funny story about the NXT star.
Cody Rhodes became the first man to hold the AEW TNT Championship by defeating Lance Archer at Double or Nothing this past weekend.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson was on hand to present the championship belt to Cody. It was a historic moment that is etched in the history books. Iron Mike will appear live on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite on TNT.
Fresh off his appearance at AEW’s Double or Nothing Pay Per View, Iron @MikeTyson will make his #AEWDynamite debut LIVE THIS WED, May 27th at 8/7c on TNT!
AEW released a ‘first look’ at the TNT Championship prior to Double or Nothing. Early impressions from opinionated wrestling fans were mixed. During the pay-per-view, AEW commentators revealed that the belt was “incomplete,” with production slowed down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
AEW’s TNT Championship (v1)
The AEW TNT Championship belt was created by belt maker RED Leather. The company put out the following statement addressing the belt’s ‘in progress’ design:
“Unfortunately due to Covid-19 the platers I used are working on skeleton crews and can only work on respirators / emergency equipment. Once regular business resumes this belt will get some much needed highlights in nickel and gold as well as a relief TNT logo.”
During the AEW Double or Nothing post-show media scrum, Cody reiterated that the belt is still in progress and a final version will be unveiled as early as this coming week.
According to RED Leather, the following is “nearly exact to what the final belt will be.”
AEW TNT Championship render: “Nearly exact” to the final design, according to RED Leather
A Battle Royal will be held this week on AEW Dynamite to determine the #1 contender to Cody’s AEW World Championship.
Discussion: What do you think of the updated version of the AEW TNT Championship belt?
WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter offered up some congratulations to Jon Moxley on social media recently. Slaughter was responding to a thread on Twitter when he also made reference to legal troubles between him and WWE.
“Congrats” on ur life after leaving the Flagship @WWE VERY happy for U, especially since I was the 1st to go up against “The Emperor” & fight for MY FREEDOM. Luckily U got to by pass the lawsuits & courtroom appearances. Wishing U continued sucesss,” Slaughter Tweeted.
@JonMoxley “Congrats” on ur life after leaving the Flagship @WWE VERY happy for U, especially since I was the 1st to go up against “The Emperor” & fight for MY FREEDOM??Luckily U got to by pass the lawsuits & courtroom appearances?Wishing U continued sucesss
Slaughter and Vince McMahon had a falling out of sorts in the mid-80s. There are many reported reasons as to why Slaughter left the company in 1984. One that is detailed in the book “Chokehold: Pro Wrestling’s Real Mayhem Outside the Ring” states that Slaughter and WWF ended up in conflict when Slaughter disputed the amount he was being paid for royalties on merchandise.
Slaughter then trademarked the “Sgt. Slaughter” name, left WWF (or by some accounts was fired) and went back to the AWA. He filed suit against McMahon for merchandise royalties and the two parties settled out of court. There are also reports that Slaughter and WWF were at odds over a deal Slaughter would make with G.I Joe.
Slaughter would eventually return to WWF in 1990 and begin the “Iraqi Sympathizer” angle. He would win the title from the Ultimate Warrior at the 1991 Royal Rumble before dropping it at WrestleMania VII to Hulk Hogan.
Mike Tyson presented the TNT Championship to inaugural champion Cody Rhodes last night at AEW Double or Nothing. AEW has announced that Tyson will also appear this week – Wednesday night on AEW Dynamite on TNT.
Mike Tyson in AEW
Tyson would get involved in the action during last night’s TNT title tournament finals. He prevented Jake “the Snake” Roberts from bringing out his snake or causing any further interference. Now, Tyson is scheduled to be at Dynamite on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see if Roberts and Archer have anything to say to Tyson on the show.
Fresh off his appearance at AEW’s Double or Nothing Pay Per View, Iron @MikeTyson will make his #AEWDynamite debut LIVE THIS WED, May 27th at 8/7c on TNT!
Tyson has stated he plans to announce when he’ll make his return to boxing this week. The 53-year-old has said his team is in talks with multiple fighters about a comeback bout.
“Listen we’ve got so many guys that want to do this man. We’re in calls, we’re doing business with guys right now. You’re not going to believe the names when the names come out. Sometime this week we’ll have the contract done,” Tyson said on the Young Money Radio Show with Lil Wayne.
Tyson has also said that he doesn’t plan on keeping any money he makes from the fight either. He told L’il Wayne that he’s never felt this good in his life.
“I’m going to take this money and help these homeless and we’re going to help these addicted brothers. Because I’ve been homeless and I’ve been addicted so I know the struggle. Not many people have survived like I did.”
Fyter Fest will be returning in 2020 and the event already has a big title match booked for the event. At a post-event media scrum from Double or Nothing last night, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed that Brian Cage will challenge AEW World Champion Jon Moxley at the event.
Cage was the surprise entrant in the Casino Ladder Match and won the match by collecting the large gambling chip hanging above the ring.
AEW will announce the date for this year’s Fyter Fest on Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Last year’s Fyter Fest was held on June 29th, 2019 from the Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Florida. The event was held in conjunction with the CEO Fighting Game Championships.
Also revealed following Double or Nothing last night, is that Fyter Fest 2020 was originally supposed to be held in London for AEW’s UK debut. Those plans had to be scrapped due to the ongoing global pandemic, however.
The theme of the show last year was a spoof on the “Fyre Festival.” Multiple documentaries about the ill-fated music festival had been released just prior to the show.
AEW Upcoming Dates
While no date is currently known for this year’s Fyter Fest, AEW did reveal that All Out 2020 will happen on September 5th, 2020.
Main news out of the press conference is they will be having a second Fyter Fest show, Moxley vs. Cage main event, date will be announced Wednesday. Plan was for London, but obviously everything is in Jacksonville for the time being. But that was the original UK debut.
AEW Double or Nothing aired from Daily’s Place. Jon Moxley defended the AEW Championship against Brodie Lee. Nyla Rose put the AEW Women’s Championship on the line against Hikaru Shida in a No DQ match. Cody squared off against Lance Archer in the finals of the TNT Championship tournament and The Elite faced Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match.
Double or Nothing Results
Best Friends def. Private Party to become #1 contenders (Kickoff Show)
Brian Cage won the Casino Ladder match to earn a shot at the AEW Championship
MJF def. Jungle Boy
Cody def. Lance Archer to become the first TNT Champion
Kris Statlander def. Penelope Ford
Dustin Rhodes def. Shawn Spears
Hikaru Shida def. Nyla Rose to become the new AEW Women’s Champion
Jon Moxley def. Brodie Lee to retain the AEW Championship
The Elite def. Inner Circle in the Stadium Stampede match
Here are 6 takeaways from the PPV:
Brian Cage Made His Debut & Won The Casino Ladder Match
The Casino Ladder match kicked off Double or Nothing. The winner of the match will earn a future shot at the AEW Championship. Every two minutes another wrestler will enter the match.
Match Recap: Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky were the first two contestants in the match. Frankie and Scorpio locked up in the middle of the ring. Kazarian connected with a shoulder tackle before they locked up once again. Kip Sabian was the third wrestler in the match and was accompanied to the ring by Penelope Ford and Jimmy Havoc.
Jimmy hit Frankie and Scorpio with a ladder. Frankie battled back and Suplexed Havoc on top of the ladder. Sabian set up Scorpio on top of the steel steps and climbed to the top of a ladder. Kazarian set up a ladder in the ring but Sabian noticed and went after him. Darby Allin was the next wrestler in the match and went for a Double Stomp but wound up crashing through a ladder.
Orange Cassidy was next in the match and took his time getting to the ring. Cassidy asked Excalibur for the rules of the match before finally taking off his denim jacket. Orange finally entered the ring and slowly grabbed a ladder. Cassidy didn’t set up the ladder, instead just stood on top of it and hopelessly reached for the chip suspended above the ring.
Cassidy threw Sabian out of the ring and struggled with trying to figure out how to set up a ladder. Colt Cabana entered the match next and entered the ring with Orange Cassidy. Cabana knocked Orange out of the ring and quickly set up the ladder. Cabana started climbing but SCU tipped it over. SCU then launched Kip Sabian onto the ladder as Orange Cassidy got back in the ring.
Cassidy hit his sloth kicks and followed it up with a Dropkick that knocked SCU out of the ring. Orange Cassidy hit a Suicide Dive with his hands in his pockets before slamming Scorpio’s face into the ring post. Joey Janela entered the match next and took out SCU and Cassidy by diving off the stage. Janela hit Havoc with a Crossbody as Cabana once again set up a ladder in the ring.
Janela launched off the top rope and knocked Cabana out of the ring with a Dropkick. Janela hit Frankie with a steel chair but Scorpio then ripped it away. Scorpio hit Joey with a chair but got knocked out of the ring by Sabian. Kip then planted Frankie with a DDT. Luchasaurus entered the match next and cleaned house by Powerbombing Sabian onto everyone.
Luchasaurus Chokeslammed Frankie onto a ladder. Tazz then accompanied Brian Cage (making his AEW debut) to the ring. Cage launched Allin into the ring post before delivering a Powerbomb to Kip Sabian. Cage planted Scorpio with a Suplex before delivering a massive Suplex to Janela. Orange Cassidy tried for a Sleeper Hold but Cage started climbing with Orange on his back.
.@MrGMSI_BCage has arrived as the mystery participant in the Casino Ladder Match! Order Double or Nothing NOW on all major cable & satellite providers / @BRLive / @FITETV (Intl Fans Only) #AEWDoNpic.twitter.com/pj1EitB2EB
Everyone then teamed up on Cage and hit him with a ladder to the face. They then buried Cage under some ladders and a giant poker chip. Cassidy hit Frankie with a Superman Punch and then climbed to the top of the ladder with Sabian. Cassidy knocked Sabian on top of the ladder below. Penelope then got into the ring and climbed the ladder. Orange dropped Penelope on top of Sabian below.
Jimmy Havoc got into the ring and attacked Orange Cassidy. Best Friends rushed the ring and beat down Jimmy Havoc. Luchasaurus got into the ring and shoved the ladder over. Orange Cassidy went for a Chokeslam but Luchasaurus didn’t budge. Marko Stunt brought in a tiny ladder and Chokeslammed Orange Cassidy with Luchasaurus.
Frankie Kazarian botched a Hurricanrana attempt on Luchasaurus and both men awkwardly fell out of the ring. Joey Janela planted Orange Cassidy on top of the poker chip on Brian Cage with a Death Valley Driver. Scorpio hit Janela with the TKO and started climbing. Kazarian leaped onto the ladder and both members of SCU started trading punches. Luchasaurus shoved the ladder over and set up the ladder in the middle of the ring.
Cabana tried to get in the ring but Luchasaurus hit him with a big boot. Brian Cage emerged and got into the ring. Luchasaurus hit a big kick but Cage shrugged it off. Luchasaurus went for a Chokeslam but Cage countered and hit a massive Powerbomb on top of a ladder.
Darby Allin crawled back in the ring and slapped Cage in the face. Cage responded with a big Clothesline and followed it up with the Drill Claw. Cage then hurled Allin on top of several ladders outside the ring and grabbed the chip for the victory. Brian Cage earned a shot at the AEW Championship.
Opinion: I thought this match was a bit of a mess if I’m being honest. It wound up being just an exciting spot once in a while. Having said that, pairing Brian Cage with Taz is a great idea. I love AEW’s use of legends as managers/coaches. Brian Cage has already made a hell of an impact as he is already in line for a shot at the AEW Championship.
SOCIAL EXCLUSIVE @MrGMSI_BCage is the winner of the Casino Ladder Match and gets a shot at the #AEW World Championship!
Match Recap: Lance Archer and Cody refused to shake hands before the match. As soon as the bell rang, Archer planted Cody with the Blackout right away but Cody instinctevly rolled out of the ring. Tony announced that the TNT Championship is not finished due to Covid-19 and there will be some gold plating added to the belt.
Cody got back into the ring and went for the Cutter but Archer countered with a shoulder tackle. Lance then launched Cody to the floor outside the ring. Archer continued to beat down Cody in the ring as Mike Tyson sat ringside with a smile on his face. Cody lifted Archer up for a Suplex but opted to drop Lance on his face instead. Archer launched Cody over the ring post and to the floor outside the ring. Cody got back into the ring and walked into a Uranage from Archer for a near fall.
I think I love the ringpost camera almost as much as @LanceHoyt is enjoying how this match has gone. #AEWDoN
Cody battled back and locked in a Crossface as Mike Tyson cheered him on. Jake Roberts hopped on the ramp for a distraction but it didn’t work and Cody planted Archer with a DDT. Jake Roberts got pissed off that Cody used his finisher and tried to get in the ring but the referee stopped him. Lance Archer then used Arn Anderson’s Spinebuster on Cody.
Archer took some time to taunt Anderson and climbed to the middle rope. Cody booted Lance in the face and followed it up with a springboard Cutter for a one count. Cody connected with the Cross Rhodes but Archer kicked out at two. Cody hit Archer with the Stinger Splash but Archer shrugged it off and planted Cody for a near fall.
Lance Archer locked in the EBD Claw and bounced Cody’s head off the canvas several times. Archer walked across the top rope but Arn Anderson tripped him up and crotched him on the top turnbuckle. Cody planted Archer with a reverse Suplex before another referee (Paul Turner) came down to the ring and kicked Arn Anderson out. Jake Roberts was kicked out as well.
Jake Roberts grabbed the snake but Mike Tyson got in his face. Roberts retreated as Tyson trash talked with Archer. Lance set up for the Blackout but Cody countered into two Cross Rhodes for the pinfall victory. Cody is the first TNT Champion.
Opinion: Like most of Cody’s matches, this felt very old school and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Archer wasn’t hurt at all by losing this match and will likely find himself in the AEW Championship picture moving forward. Cody is the perfect TNT Champion and I’m looking forward to watching him elevate wrestlers on the roster in the weeks to come.
Shawn Spears came down to the ring in a suit for his match against Dustin Rhodes. Spears stated that all mediocre careers must come to an end and suggested that Rhodes was at home washing his tights. Dustin’s music played but nobody came down the entrance ramp. Spears then smirked into the camera and said he couldn’t help it.
Brandi Rhodes then came down to the entrance ramp and distracted Spears as Dustin entered the ring. Dustin hit Spears with a couple of right hands before Shawn battled back. Spears took off his belt and wrapped it around his hand. Shawn flipped off Brandi and Dustin capitalized with a Powerslam.
Dustin ripped off Spears’ pantsand pulled down his underwear. Dustin whipped Spears’ ass and it was revealed that Shawn was wearing boxers with Tully’s face on his groin. Dustin planted Spears with the Final Reckoning for the victory.
Opinion: Shawn Spears is capable of much more and embarrassing him to benefit Dustin Rhodes doesn’t make sense to me. It felt like a stupid WWE comedy segment and I have no interest in stuff like this making it’s way into the AEW product. This sucked and was just a way to kill ten minutes.
Nyla Rose defended her AEW Championship against Hikaru Shida in a No DQ match.
Match Recap: Rose brought a kendo stick down to the ring and beat the hell out of Shida to start it off. Shida battled back and connected with a knee to the face that knocked Rose to the floor outside the ring. Shida followed her out there and Nyla sent Hikaru flying through a poker table next to the entrance ramp.
Back in the ring, Rose connected with a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Splash for a near fall. Nyla hit a Clothesline that sent Shida out of the ring. Shida hit Nyala with a Crossbody and then a running knee to the back of Rose’s head. Hikaru dumbed Nyla over the barricade and right in front of Vickie Guerrero. Shida bounced Nyla’s head off a giant poker chip and followed it up with a Hip Toss onto the poker chips.
Hikaru Shida connected with a massive running knee that sent Nyla onto the poker chip once again. Shida sent Nyla over the barricade to the ringside area and grabbed a kendo stick. Hikaru hit Nyla with it and rolled her back into the ring to deliver a few more strikes with the kendo stick.
Shida planted Nyla with a Brainbuster on top of the kendo stick for a near fall. Nyla battled back with a Powerslam and then hung Shida on the top rope. Rose climbed to the top rope and connected with a Knee Drop for another two count. Nyla brought a table into the ring and set it up in the corner.
Hikaru tried to fight back but Nyla caught her with a Clothesline. Rose then planted Shida with a Powerbomb though the table and went for the cover but somehow Hikaru was able to kick out at two. Rose planted Shida with a Death Valley Driver and then beat the hell out Shida with the kendo stick. Nyla climbed to the top rope but Shida got up and hurled the kendo stick at the champ.
Shida joined Nyla on the top turnbuckle and hit a Falcon Arrow for another two count. Shida went for the running knee but Rose hit her leg with the kendo stick. Shida then connected with the running knee and went for the cover but Nyla kicked out at two. Hikaru hit Nyla with the kendo stick over the head and hit the running knee for the pinfall victory. Hikaru Shida is the new AEW Women’s Champion.
Opinion: I was looking forward to this match and I thought it completely delivered. Hikaru Shida is one of the better women’s wrestlers on AEW’s roster and hopefully she has a solid title reign as AEW continues to build up that division.
Jon Moxley Retained The AEW Title In A Great Match With Brodie Lee
Jon Moxley defended the AEW Championship against “The Exalted One” Brodie Lee tonight at Double or Nothing. Brodie came down to the ring with the stolen title and a security team.
Match Recap: Brodie started off the match in control and beat Moxley down in the corner. Moxley knocked Lee to the outside and hit him with a Suicide Dive. Brodie quickly battled back with a Suplex on the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Brodie connected with a Senton and followed it up with a couple Suplexes.
Lee knocked Moxley to the outside and hit him with a Suicide Dive of his own. Brodie set up the barricade against a wall and slammed Moxley on top of it. Back in the ring, Moxley and Lee traded punches in the middle of the ring. Lee hit a Suplex but Moxley battled back and hit a Clothesline. Jon planted Brodie with a Piledriver and went for a cover but Brodie kicked out at the last moment.
The action spilled out of the ring and Lee leveled Moxley with a Dropkick. Moxley went for a Powerbomb off the steel steps but Jon countered into a Back Body Drop through the bell table. Moxley brought Brodie back into the ring and made his way to the top rope. Brodie hit a couple of right hands and connected with a Superplex. Lee followed it up with a release Suplex into a card deck set piece that was ringside.
Back in the ring, Brodie hit a big boot and followed it up with a Powerbomb for a near fall. Moxley crawled up the entrance ramp and grabbed a poker chip. Jon launched it into Brodie’s face but Lee got right up. Moxley then planted Brodie with a Paradigm Shift through the entrance ramp as the wrestlers in the crowd chanted “holy sh*t!”.
Jon emerged from the ramp first and rolled into the ring. Brodie then emerged with blood pouring down his face and made his way to the ring. Jon hit another Paradigm Shift but Brodie kicked out at one. Moxley savagely went to work on the wound on Brodie’s face and hit another Paradigm Shift but Lee kicked out again. Moxley then choked out Brodie Lee to retain the AEW Championship.
Opinion: Just like Archer’s loss earlier in the night won’t hurt him, this loss for Brodie Lee won’t diminish his character in any way. This was a physical, excellent title match and it took everything for Moxley to prevail. He couldn’t keep him down and had to resort to choking him out to escape with a win. Absolutely perfect ending to keep Moxley as the champ and protect Brodie Lee in the process. Jon Moxley will likely now have to deal with Brian Cage next.
The Elite Defeated Inner Circle In A Wild Stadium Stampede Match
The Elite battled Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match in the main event. The Jaguars cheerleaders as Inner Circle came to the field wearing football jerseys.
Match Recap: The two teams sprinted to the ring set up at the 50 yard line and a massive brawl broke out. Inner Circle dominated the action early and Suplexed Nick Jackson on the football field. Hangman Page showed up with a horse and charged at Sammy but he escaped into the concourse area.
Nick Jackson stomped on Jericho in the ring as Hager beat the hell out of Matt Hardy outside the ring. Jericho went for the Judas Effect but Nick ducked and hit a Dropkick. Santana planted Matt Jackson with a Powerbomb as Kenny Omega rolled in the ring.
Omega planted Santana and Ortiz with a couple of Snap Suplexes but turned around into an Atomic Drop from Hager. Sammy jogged back onto the field and and hit Nick Jackson with a knee to the face. Guevara went for a Shooting Star Press but Hardy got out of the way. Matt hit Sammy with a Buckle Bomb and then a Twist of Fate.
Jericho dragged Omega out of the ring as Nick Jackson flipped onto Santana and Ortiz. Sammy climbed to the top rope and hit a massive Shooting Star Press onto everyone. Jericho launched Nick Jackson into the field goal post and Sammy did the same to Matt Jackson.
Young Bucks set up a giant ladder and Matt climbed onto the field goal post. Matt hit a Moonsault onto Jericho and Sammy for a near fall. The battle then spilled into the stands with Santana and Ortiz beating down Kenny Omega and Matt Hardy. Hager joined the party as Hangman Page was shown still looking for Sammy.
Hangman got off the horse and entered the East Club Lobby bar. Omega launched Ortiz into a couple of trash cans as Santana sent Matt into a barricade. Ortiz threw salt in Omega’s eyes and slammed through a barricade with a Powerbomb.
Santana and Ortiz then sent Matt Hardy into the pool. Ortiz shouted that he cannot swim but finally got into the pool. They then started drowning Broken Matt Hardy but Matt emerged as version 1 of Hardy (Pool of Reincarnation). They tried drowning him again and eventually left him in the pool. Broken Matt Hardy emerged from the pool and set up Ortiz on the table. Santana charged at Matt but wound up landing Ortiz and both fell through the table.
Hardy strapped Ortiz onto the chair of wheels but Santana attacked Matt. Hardy slammed Santana into the ice machine and then locked him inside. Jake Hager stumbled upon Hangman’s horse and a “horse!” chant broke out. Hager found Page at the bar and took a seat next to him. Hager took a drink before the two started brawling.
Page grabbed a pool cue and broke it across Jake’s back. Hager planted Page with a Uranage on top of the pool table. Jake dragged Page across the top of the bar and Hangman fell to the floor. Hager then Powerbombed Page through a table for a near fall.
Omega showed up and broke a bottle over Hager’s head and followed it up with the V-Trigger. Hangman Page hit Jake witha Buckshot Lariat and poured Kenny a glass of milk. Matt hit Sammy with endless Northern Lights Suplexes on the football field. Jericho grabbed a megaphone and shouted that Nick Jackson should have stayed at home. Nick started launching footballs at Jericho’s balls but Chris sent Nick into the mouth of the inflatable jaguar. Jericho then leveled the Jaguars mascot with the Judas Effect.
Jericho put a cone on his head and started laughing until Nick hit a Superkick out of nowhere. Matt then hit Sammy with the final Northern Lights Suplex in the endzone and spiked Guevara’s head onto the turf. Matt started dancing around and referee Rick Knox assessed him a penalty. Matt hit Knox with a Superkick and then set up Jericho on a table. Nick ran up the stadium steps and sprinted down for a massive Splash. Hangman then showed up the with the yard/line marker and rolled over Jericho’s crotch and face.
The sprinklers came on and blasted Sammy right in the face. Guevara was confused and thought he won the match but Matt and Kenny showed up in the golf cart again. Sammy hopped into the stands and Matt & Kenny chased him. Sammy threw a couple chairs and continued to run up the stands.
Neo-1 (Matt’s new drone) showed up and distracted Sammy. Omega hit Guevara with the V-Trigger and then a One Winged Angel from the seats and through several tables below for the pinfall victory. After the match, The Elite gave Kenny Omega a Gatorade bath.
Opinion: This entire match was fun as hell and it capped off one of the best PPVs of the year so far. I was slightly disappointed with the Casino Ladder match and hated the Spears & Dustin Rhodes segment. The rest of the show was awesome. Stadium Stampede, MJF vs. Jungle Boy, Shida vs. Nyla Rose, Cody vs. Archer, Moxley vs. Brodie Lee were all great matches. The Stadium Stampede was obviously the most entertaining because of how ridiculous it was.
What a match, what a show. Thank you to everyone that made it possible. #AEWDoN#StadiumStampede
The highly anticipated Stadium Stampede Match is in the books and what a sight it was at AEW Double or Nothing.
The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Sammy Guevara, Santana, and Ortiz) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Adam Page) was the main event.
As seen on the show, The Elite went over. The Inner Circle was wearing football jerseys with the Inner Circle logo on them. Each group had football entrances. The contest featured a series of wild spots. They started outside of the ring in the stadium.
Matt Jackson got on a goal post to hit a moonsault onto the Inner Circle. Page entered the stadium on a horse and chased Guevara into the tunnel. Santana and Ortiz tried to drown Hardy in the pool but Matt transformed into various characters.
Hardy put Santana into the icebox and put a stick through the doors to keep him there. Matt told him that it would help his inflammation. Hardy rang a giant bell with Ortiz underneath then put him in a wheelchair and duct-taped him to it while Ortiz was convulsing.
Page and Hager had a brawl fight that ended with Page and Omega drinking whiskey and milk. Matt Jackson hit a series of suplexes to Sammy across the field. Nick hit Jericho a series of times with footballs then super kicked Jericho through a kicking net. Jericho attacked the Jaguars mascot. Page got the line marker and walked over Jericho with it.
Omega hit the one-winged angel off the seating area through a platform to Sammy for the win. There were so many different funny spots in this contest.
Jon Moxley took on Brodie Lee for the top title in the promotion in what many considered to be a top match featured on the card.
Moxley made his latest title defense as the AEW World Heavyweight Champion against Brodie Lee at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event.
The match had some brawling elements as the referee allowed them to use objects around the ring as weapons. Moxley backdropped Lee off the steel steps through the table. Lee sent him through cardboard signs. Moxley threw a small poker chip at Lee.
The end of the match saw Moxley hit Lee a few times with his finisher before locking in a rear-naked choke for the win.
We knew that this was gonna be a fight! Both men are out to prove a point! Order the Double or Nothing reply NOW on all major cable & satellite providers / @BRLive / @FITETV (Intl Fans Only) #AEWDoNpic.twitter.com/alMWWHIg0S
Lee made his promotional debut back on the March 18th episode of Dynamite on TNT when he made an appearance. He was revealed as The Exalted One, the leader of The Dark Order.
The former Luke Harper requested his release from WWE back in April 2019. He remained under contract until December when WWE finally granted the request.
What are your thoughts on retaining Jon Moxley retaining the AEW World Heavyweight Title? Was this the right call by AEW officials? Sound off in the comment section.
Hikaru Shida has become the new AEW Women’s Champion as she dethroned Nyla Rose.
Shida did so when she beat Rose to win the title in a No DQ match at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place. They used some kendo sticks and Shida was even sent through a table at ringside. The finish saw Shida hit an Avalanche Falcon Arrow for the win.
Rose won the title back on February 12th episode of AEW Dynamite when she beat Riho on TNT.
All Elite Wrestling set up this contest on the May 13th episode of Dynamite when the promotion held a #1 Contender’s Match that saw Shida vs. Penelope Ford vs. Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander battle it out in a Fatal 4-Way contest.
As seen on the show, Shida ended up winning it. As a result, Shidaearned the right to challenge Rose for the AEW Women’s Title at the Double or Nothing PPV event.
The inaugural AEW TNT Champion has been crowned and it’s Cody Rhodes.
At the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place, All Elite Wrestling booked this championship match between Rhodes and Lance Archer that served as the tournament finals.
Archer controlled the first half of the contest. At one point due to outside interference, Arn Anderson, the coach of Rhodes, was tossed from ringside. Mike Tyson, who was there to present the title to the winner, scared off Jake Roberts, the manager of Archer, after Roberts teased bringing a snake into the ring.
The finish saw Cody hit Cross Rhodes twice for the win.
The eight-man tournament was announced on March 30, 2020 and kicked off on the April 8th episode of Dynamite to crown its inaugural TNT Champion.
Kip Sabian vs. Dustin Rhodes and Lance Archer vs. Colt Cabana was booked for the right side of the bracket while on the left side feared Cody vs. Shawn Spears and Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara.
The semi-finals of the tournament took place on the April 29th episode of Dynamite. The pair of matches saw Rhodes vs. Allin and Rhodes against Archer.
As seen on the show, Cody went over Allin in the opening match while Archer beat Rhodes in the main event.
As expected, the Casino Ladder Match was wild and featured the promotional debut of Brian Cage.
Cage ended up winning the contest at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday night.
All Elite Wrestling booked this contest that featured Darby Allin vs. Colt Cabana vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Fenix vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Kip Sabian vs. Kazarian vs. Luchasaurus vs. mystery man.
It turns out that the mystery competitor was Cage. Taz came out with him and the announcers questioned whether he was the manager or coach for the former Impact wrestling star.
A new wrestler entered the match every 2 minutes. Early on, Allin went to the top of the ladder and tried to stomp his skateboard onto Kaz but rather went through a ladder. He later briefly disappeared from the match after this spot.
A group of wrestlers grabbed a giant poker chip to put it on top of Cage as a way to keep him down. Cage managed to get back up and did some nice spots.
As a result of winning the contest, Cage has become the new #1 contender to the AEW World Heavyweight Title, which is currently held by Jon Moxley.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet as to when he’ll get the chance to challenge Moxley for the top title in the promotion.
.@MrGMSI_BCage has arrived as the mystery participant in the Casino Ladder Match! Order Double or Nothing NOW on all major cable & satellite providers / @BRLive / @FITETV (Intl Fans Only) #AEWDoNpic.twitter.com/pj1EitB2EB
