AEW heads to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, for tonight’s first-ever AEW Redemption pay-per-view with an earlier start time.
AEW World Champion Kenny Omega defends against TNT Champion Kevin Knight in Omega’s first title defense of his second reign while Thekla defends the AEW Women’s World title against Willow Nightingale with Mercedes Mone waiting in the wings.
Future World title challenger Will Ospreay teams with Jon Moxley against the Young Bucks while AEW World Tag Team Champions Adam Copeland & Christian Cage defend against PAC & Claudio Castagnoli.
Other title matches include International Champion Kyle Fletcher against Bandido, TBS Champion Hikaru Shida against Maya World, and National Champion Mark Davis against Andrade El Idolo.
In a double chain match, Jay White & Juice Robinson take on David Finlay & Clark Connors and in another violent bout, Chris Jericho rematches Tommaso Ciampa under no DQ rules.
A six-way ladder match will determine the next challenger to the International title.
The pre-show will feature a celebration of the Rougeau wrestling dynasty and The Conglomeration defending the AEW Trios titles against The Lethal Twist at 6 pm Eastern.
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The Buy In
Renee Paquette & Mick Foley welcome us to the Buy In before quickly throwing it to Excalibur, Nigel McGuinness & Tony Schiavone ringside, as they run down tonight’s card. Jeff Jarrett joins up with Paquette & Foley, officially welcoming him to AEW as this is the first time they’re on camera together. They throw it to multiple video packages for tonight’s title matches.
Celebrating 80 Years of The Rougeau Wrestling Dynasty
Daddy Magic Matt Menard (who is rocking a sweet Expos jacket) gets a hometown pop and introduces The Rougeau Brothers, as Jacques & Raymond come out to a strong ovation, as they shake hands with virtually everyone ringside. Raymond said this has been an 80-year love story of the Rougeaus and pro wrestling, going over the history of the Rougeau Family in wrestling. Including first generation Eddie Auger, second generation Jean & Jacques Rougeau Sr., third generation Raymond, Jacques Jr. & Armand and the fourth-generation Jean-Jacques, Cedric & Emile Rougeau. He thanks AEW & Tony Khan for giving their family this moment this evening.
Jacques takes the mic and thanks the haters, telling them to kiss his ass before starting a Rougeau chant. He thanks the fans in Australia, Japan, all around the world, who booed them like their haters. He had the crowd turn the lights on their phones, as the lights turn down in the arena and we get an Ole Ole chant.
The Don Callis Family music hits, as out walks Rocky Romero, demanding everyone shut up and stop celebrating the Rougeau’s like they’re something special. The only family that matters is the Don Callis Family. If Romero had a roll of quarters, before he could finish, Jacques slapped the taste out of his mouth, held him, as Raymond wound up for a thrust kick to the ribs. Jacques & Menard double clothesline Romero out and the three stand tall.
-The Demand are announced, as Ricochet will be joining commentary for the upcoming match.
The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) vs. The Lethal Twist (Jay Lethal, Blake Christian & Lee Johnson) for the AEW Trios Titles
Strong (whose birthday is today, happy birthday Roddy) wasted no time chopping everyone in his path before taking Lethal to his corner, as locomotion corner punches were dished out, ending in one solid shot from Cassidy. Lethal Twist escaped a trifecta of corner punches, as multiple do-si-do spots led to Strong using Cassidy as a battering ram, leading to a Snake Eyes double DDT on The Swirl. Cassidy took way too long to decide which rope to jump off of, allowing Christian to fly in and attack. Strong was ready with more chops, but Lethal planted him with a snap suplex, leading to quick tags from The Swirl, as Christian flew in from off camera with a flying clothesline, keeping Strong isolated.
Strong was able to fight off a rebound strike from Christian and make the hot tag to O’Reilly, who ran wild with kitchen sinks and Ankle Lock on Johnson. Lethal flew in with a kick to break the submission, as he & Christian hit an assisted enzugiri, leading to a Johnson John Woo dropkick, only it launched O’Reilly to Cassidy for a tag. Diving cross body connects on Lethal, as he goes to the pockets into a double dropkick on The Swirl. Lethal traps Cassidy (hands still in pockets) in a Tree of Woe before wiping out Strong & O’Reilly with a Tope. Christian comes in with little kicks, as a Tiger Feint Kick hits and Strong was planted with a reverse DDT/splash combo outside. Quickly back inside, springboard 450 from Christian connects for a close near fall, which had Ricochet biting at the false finish. Lethal blocked a boot up from a top rope elbow attempt and sank in a Figure-Four, but O’Reilly broke the hold.
Lethal slowly went for the top rope elbow again, was swept out by Strong, who was met with a wild corkscrew Tope, O’Reilly off the apron with a flying knee, Johnson over the top with a dive, as back inside, Lethal blocked a Stundog, but Cassidy connected with a Satellite DDT. Cassidy signaled for Orange Punch, but flew into a Lethal Combination, as Lethal tried the top rope elbow, but leapt into a crucifix for two. Johnson ran distraction with the Trios Title, as Cassidy hit Lethal with a Stundog, Christian missed a belt shot of his own, as Lethal connected on a Lethal Injection for two. Lethal tried another Lethal Injection on Strong, who dodged and hit a High/Low with O’Reilly before throwing Cassidy on top of him for the pin, as O’Reilly had Johnson locked in an Ankle Lock. The Demand applauded ringside, as they clearly made their intentions known.
Match Result: The Conglomeration defeated The Lethal Twist to retain the AEW Trios Titles when Cassidy pinned Lethal
AEW Redemption
Jungle Jack Perry vs. El Clon vs. Nick Wayne vs. Komander vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Speedball Mike Bailey in a Ladder Match for a future AEW International Title shot
(Everyone delivered in this one, as it was absolute chaos to kick off the main show. Everything Bailey did was met with a heroes welcome, so I’d say the right decision was made on who took this. This was filled with holy sh*t moments and I hope that these guys are all featured more on AEW TV moving forward, as I’m glad that Mortos & Clon are back, Perry is always solid, Komander has proven why he’s a highlight and Wayne especially I’d like to see get more of a push.)
The contract is hanging above the ring, as the bell sounds and all hell breaks loose immediately, as everyone has a fast-paced interaction with one another. Clon actually hit a GTS on Perry, who responded with an enzugiri, only Clon slowly kipped up into one of his own. Mortos comes in with a ladder and mowed down both, spiking Clon with a rough looking pop-up Samoan Drop. Mortos took forever to set up a ladder, as Bailey & Komander cut him off, quickly scale the ladder, but crash hard by Mortos, who placed a ladder in the corner and gorilla pressed Bailey onto it. Drop toe hold by Komander on Mortos on the ladder before following with a snazzy springboard splash. Clon with a nice leg sweep and knee lift, placing Komander on the ladder, vaulting off the top for a one-legged moonsault. Perry flew in with a monkey flip onto the ladder, but was blindsided by a Wayne Sliced Bread.
We get a series of Topes, ending in Clon getting caught by Mortos, only to roll through into a double DDT onto Wayne & Komander. Synchronized offense from Bailey & Perry, who hit a springboard moonsault/cazadora bulldog respectively. Both went to the stage for the big ladder, where Perry cut off the hometown hero and got booed as a result. Everyone battles up the ramp, where Bailey hit a massive moonsault off the top of the ladder onto the pile, leaving only Perry standing. Perry debating if he should follow suit and did just that, hitting a moonsault of his own before taking the ladder to the ring. Bailey & Perry slug it out on the apron to Yay/Boo chants, as Perry tried a Destroyer, Bailey held on, but Wayne flew in with a Wayne’s World on the apron. Perry set-up the huge ladder, but Mortos came in with a Gorilla Press onto a pile to the outside. Mortos makes the climb, but Komander is seen standing on the top rope, does a rope walk and dropkicks Mortos off. Trapping Mortos under the ladder, Komander got fingertips on the contract, but Mortos pushed up the ladder, causing Komander to hit a Tornillo on Clon & Bailey.
Tornillo outside by Mortos, as everyone slowly starts trickling back into the ring, where we get a 5-way slugfest on three ladders. Perry & Wayne crash first, then Bailey & Komander, but Mortos was slow to recover, as Perry cut him off and multiple folks set-up tables ringside. Perry hit a hurricanrana off the apron on Mortos through one table, Clon hit a wild double stomp off the top onto Bailey through another, as finally, Komander rope walked the top into a crazy dive on Wayne through the third with the crowd going nuts. Clon, Komander & Perry slug it out in the ring, until Mortos has recovered somehow and took out Perry with a buckle bomb on a ladder. Mortos charged at Clon, who hit a crazy impressive tilt-a-whirl back breaker on the big man. Clon set-up a ladder bridge, as he fights with Komander on hit, as Clon hits a wild leg trapped Made in Japan off it.
Wayne flew in with a Crucifix Driver, positioned Clon on a table ringside before climbing a big ladder and hitting a picture-perfect Phoenix Splash through it. Wayne & Perry slug it out climbing up a ladder in the ring, as Perry chose to hit a Destroyer off it on the ladder bridge instead of grabbing the contract. Bailey & Mortos remain, with Bailey hitting multiple wheel kicks, placing Mortos on a ladder in the corner, where he hit a Shooting Star double knee. Bailey repositions a ladder, the crowd is going nuts, as he grabs the contract.
Match Result: Speedball Mike Bailey defeats Jungle Jack Perry, El Clon, Nick Wayne, Komander & The Beast Mortos to win an AEW International Title shot
Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Will Ospreay w/Marina Shafir) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
(The action is a no brainer, of course it ruled, but I thought the storytelling in this match was excellent, as Ospreay showed he didn’t have the killer instinct Moxley hoped to instill in him after all. The promo a few weeks ago with Moxley telling Ospreay the time will come where he’s going to have to make a difficult decision to put someone away came to ahead here and I look forward to seeing the follow-up, as there’s still some work to do for the Death Riders & Ospreay, if he wants to win that World Title at Wembley.)
Lighting quick opening sequence from Ospreay & Nick, who hit his Lucha Libre arm drag and dropkick to humble Ospreay early. Pop-up hurricanrana by The Bucks, who hit a slingshot enzugiri and double stomp on Ospreay for two. Nick & Ospreay knock heads on a float over in the corner and seem to really stagger one another. Matt tried to take over for his brother, tending to him outside, as Ospreay met them with a slingshot dive and told referee Rick Knox to check on Nick, as Moxley ordered Ospreay to go back in and go after Matt. Cheap shot by Moxley, as Ospreay tried a wall walk, but Matt had it scouted into a DDT. Baseball dropkick and slingshot dive by Matt onto Moxley, as Shafir swept the leg on the apron, as she drove Matt into the steps, as Ospreay had the referee distracted. Matt is isolated, as Shafir gets another shot to the midsection for good measure. Excalibur said Nick Jackson looks clearly off while on the apron after getting his bell rung earlier.
Matt tried desperately to leap for a hot tag, but Moxley pulled the legs out from Nick just in time and hit a piledriver on the floor. Pip, Pip, Cheerio and a sit-out Liger Bomb on Matt for a near fall, as Ospreay went for Death Ground, only Matt rolled in and powered up. Matt caught Moxley on the apron with a shot, fought off both, scurried to try and tag his brother, but Nick really looked dazed and didn’t reach much. Matt laid out Ospreay with a cazadora facebuster into the double down, as Nick demanded a tag, as it was Matt who was hesitant, but Nick tagged himself in. Flying corner splash on Moxley, cazadora Stunner on Ospreay with a near fall. Quick tag back to Matt, as we get The Bucks hit the MMMBop Drop on Ospreay. They signal for the Meltzer Driver on Moxley, but Matt flipped right into a waiting Ospreay and we get stereo Styles Clash/Piledrivers from the Death Riders for two. Locomotion corner attacks lead to a Moxley Cutter on Nick, as Ospreay went up top for a Sky Twisting Tornillo on Matt outside. Nick fired off a Superkick on Moxley, who bounced back into a lariat that turned Nick inside out for the double down.
Nick tried clearing the cobwebs, fought off a Bulldog Choke, as Ospreay flew in with Pip, Pip, Cheerio, clocked Moxley in some friendly fire. Insane sequence with Ospreay trying a double Oscutter, flipped out, friendly fire by The Bucks, floated over Nick, tried a powerbomb, but Nick countered into a Facebuster. The Bucks tried More Bang for Your Buck, but Ospreay crotched Nick, as Moxley had Matt in a Sleeper. Nick kicked free, hit a 450 on Moxley, Ospreay hit a 450 on Nick, Matt flew in with a Destroyer, Moxley ate a BTE Trigger, Nick launched face-first into the corner as Ospreay waffled Matt with Hidden Blade for the full reset. A very groggy Nick tags in and collapses right at Ospreay, as Knox just lets the match continue and never even checks the guy. Nick opted to start a strike exchange and Ospreay settles for punches to the midsection before a rolling elbow, thrust kick and hook kick lands flush. Home run forearm connects, as Moxley is hyped ringside with Shafir, as he orders Ospreay to pull the trigger.
Ospreay shoves Knox out of the way and similar to how he put away Adam Brooks on Collision a few weeks ago, as about to throw violent forearms, hesistated, allowing Matt to protect his brother. Moxley tagged himself in, chucked Matt outside, hit a Curb Stomp on Nick, who kicked out. Bulldog Choke applied, he released it and started firing off forearms. Matt made the save, was pulled outside by Ospreay, as he threw a Superkick, which Shafir took flush. Nick nearly rolled up Moxley inside for two, as Moxley popped up and spiked him with two Paradigm Shifts and a Death Rider before grabbing a chair ringside. Moxley shoved down Knox with it, went to put Nick out of his misery, when Ospreay took the chair from him, but ate a Superkick from Matt. The Bucks regroup, hit BTE Trigger on Moxley, who flipped both off defiant, so The Bucks ramped up a Superkick Party for the win, as Ospreay laid motionless.
Match Result: The Young Bucks defeated Death Riders when Nick pinned Moxley
Kyle Fletcher vs. Bandido for the AEW International Title
(This should surprise no one that this was insane and both knocked it out of the park. This was yet another time where Bandido got a singles title shot and came up short, despite being ROH World Champ and I can only hope they go back to Brodido being a solid tag team going forward, as despite matches like this being phenomenal, you have Bandido lose so often, it’s rough. That said, no way should Fletcher have lost here, as there’s nothing scarier and more entertaining than a healthy Protostar.)
Each tried home run shots early, but had it countered, as Bandido got the closest near fall imaginable within a minute of the match. Fletcher took a powder, as back inside, Bandido hit an awkward Stun Gun, as a tilt-a-whirl head scissors sent Fletcher packing. Took too long to follow-up, Bandido ran into a big time bodyslam, giving Fletcher time to pose in the corner. It was all Fletcher, who took Bandido to the outside, gave a shrug to the crowd before planting Bandido with a powerbomb to the edge of the apron, soaking in the boos. Crowd chant at Fletcher in French and he says he literally has no idea what they’re saying. Fletcher locked in a Full Nelson back inside, but Bandido got a rope break. Bandido tried to start a forearm battle and got his head knocked off as a result for a Fletcher near fall. Bandido battled back off a brainbuster attempt ito a stalling vertical suplex for the reset, as the crowd are loudly behind the challenger.
Corner punches dished out by Bandido who followed with a Tornillo and Superman Punches leading to the one-armed gorilla press slam. Frog Splash connects, but Fletcher just managed a shoulder up. Bandido up top again, Fletcher cut him off, tried a brainbuster, but Bandido nearly got another press slam, only to be turned inside out with a Fletcher lariat. Gnarly brainbuster connects on the apron, leaving a big smile on Fletcher’s face and Bandido in a whole bunch of pain, as he just broke the count, but rolled right into a massive Liger Bomb for two. Half and Half by Fletcher, who for it again and Bandido hit a snap German, held on, Fletcher tried to get free, but Bandido turned it into a 21-Dragon Plex for two. Bandido signaled for a 21-Plex proper, Fletcher slid out, took it to the apron wanting another brainbuster, Bandido slid out, wanted a wild sunset Destroyer, thankfully Fletcher held on initially, but Bandido got his powerbomb outside and Fletcher went splat. With Fletcher still down ringside, Bandido hit an insane Frog Splash off the top and resulted in an even bigger thud.
Back inside, Bandido connects on a Shooting Star Press, but Fletcher just got the shoulder up. Bandido wanted 21-Plex, Fletcher held on, reversed, tried a Half and Half, Bandido landed on his feet, both exchange thrust kicks, Bandido avoided a Lawn Dart into a pop-up twisting DDT for the double down. Both up to their feet, Fletcher screams at Bandido to bring it, as he does, looking for X-Knee, which Fletcher blocked into a home run forearm. Lowering the knee pad, Fletcher mocked Konosuke Takeshita, charged, right into a Bandido pop-up Flatliner for two. Both fight up in the corner, where Bandido connects with the Revolution Fly, only Fletcher got his wrist on the ropes. Bandido hits X-Knee flush, hits 21-Plex, but Fletcher somehow kicked out. Fletcher baited Bandido into trying it again, resulting in a lariat that turned Bandido inside out, as Power Drive Knee hit, followed by a Sheer Drop Brainbuster, but this time, Bandido kicked out and the crowd goes nuts.
Fletcher wants his Avalanche Brainbuster, but got hung up stomach first after Bandido slid out. Fletcher caught Bandido with an Avalanche Michinoku Driver, Bandido kicked out, so Fletcher hit the Lawn Dart, flying corner kick and Avalanche Brainbuster (which he missed the top turnbuckle and Bandido took it off the ropes) to finally put Bandido away in a thriller. A giddy Don Callis ran out and celebrated with Fletcher in the ring and up the ramp.
Match Result: Kyle Fletcher defeated Bandido to retain the AEW International Title
Bang Bang Gang (Switchblade Jay White & Juice Robinson) vs. The Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors) in a Double Chain Match
(I feel the stipulation hampered this match at times, as they could’ve had the same result as a standard hard hitting tag match. That said, these four beat the hell out of each other and that moment where Finlay delivered a Dominator to White was terrifying and I hope White winds up being ok, as it seemed like he recovered as the match went on. It was necessary for The Dogs to get the dub here, especially with this feud continuing, as they needed numbers to even the odds in their feud with the Bang Bang Gang and the Death Riders young guns allow that moving forward.)
The Dogs attack before the opening bell even sounds and right after honorary Baha Man Nigel McGuinness made a “Who Let the Dogs Out?” joke, the crowd started singing the song. Match begins, as Robinson & White hit double clotheslines, sending Connors & Finlay crashing outside. Robinson & Connors and White & Finlay are chained by their wrists respectively, as The Dogs get whipped relentlessly in the ropes. The Dogs gain control, as Robinson was launched over the commentary table, as Finlay brutalizes White with a chain shot repeatedly to the back. Everyone goes back to the ring, where The Dogs continue their onslaught, choking and whipping White & Robinson for an extended time. White battled back on Finlay, Connors, tried a charge, but Robinson pulled him back before he could throw a punch. White violently hit a Dragon Screw on Finlay, as Robinson ramped up the jabs, Connors ducked Left Hand of God, but turned right into a White DDT and Robinson senton to follow. Uranage spiked Finlay for two, as White wrapped the chain around his neck, but Finlay got free with a big backbreaker, as Connors planted Robinson with a snap powerslam into the reset.
Robinson gets whipped repeatedly and choked out by Connors, as Finlay threw White over the top and pulled back so White couldn’t reach his partner to break up the choke. White started powering his way up and won the tug-of-war, pulling Finlay to the outside and saved Robinson with a Half and Half to Connors. White looked for Blade Runner, but was pulled away by Finlay long enough for Connors to hit a Spear. The Dogs hit a High/Low on White, but Robinson pulls Connors away while ringside to break the count. Finlay delivered a brutal Dominator that almost spiked White right on his head in a scary moment for a near fall, as The Dogs went for Full Clip, Robinson prevented it, White floated over, Robinson pulled Connors off the top onto the steps and we could just hear him going splat from the camera angle. White wrapped the chain around Finlay’s throat and hit a Cutthroat Suplex, as he & Robinson whip the hell out of Finlay with the chain. White holds Finlay in position, as Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta hit ringside, pulling White to the outside and hit a leg sweep/Busiaku Knee combo.
The Gunns & Ace Austin sprint out, as Austin hit a leaping lariat on Yuta and Colten with a Fame-Asser on Garcia as they all fought to the back. As this all went on, Marina Shafir snuck in and handed Finlay his shillelagh, as Robinson charged and ate a shot flush to the face to give Finlay the pin.
Match Result: The Dogs defeated Bang Bang Gang when Finlay pinned Robinson
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Will Ospreay and brings up the condition of Nick Jackson during the tag match. Ospreay brings up Nick having a history of head trauma, he didn’t want to act on it. Jon Moxley walks in, as Ospreay said he’s not trying to kill anyone or take anyone out, blowing their brains out. Moxley says it’s a tough way to make a living, welcome to pro wrestling, Nick. It’s not about tonight, they’ll win the next one, but it’s about Wembley, Ospreay has one chance to ride that wave, open your eyes, after everything you’ve been through, look around, there’s no friends at the top. Moxley doesn’t want to be there when Ospreay learns this lesson the hard way, so if Ospreay won’t pull the trigger, Moxley will. Moxley storms out, as Paquette was left patting Ospreay on the shoulder.
Hikaru Shida vs. Maya World for the TBS Title
(What a birthday gift for World to pull off the upset, as I don’t think the crowd thought we’d get a new champ here, but she got the huge win here. The crowd was quiet at times, but down the stretch, they really started getting behind World. I didn’t see this title reign ending for Shida so soon (she now has the shortest Women’s & TBS Title reigns in the division), but I’m happy they’re doing something with World in AEW, as they seemingly teased her going for the ROH Women’s Title last month. I’m glad this means she’ll be showcased more on AEW TV.)
Both ladies wasted no time slugging it out, until Shida fired off a high knee to win the exchange, sending World reeling outside. Meteora off the apron by Shida, both ladies traded punches on the apron, as Shida dodged a double stomp, but World battled back with a snap dropkick back inside for two. World played to the crowd too long, allowing Shida to trap her leg, almost into a Stretch Muffler while seated in the corner. Shida released the hold and bit at the forehead before keeping World grounded. World fought back with a desperation hurricanrana, as Shida went to the eyes and got an inside cradle for two. In the corner, World tried a sunset flip, but came up limping, allowing a Shida missile dropkick. Shida tried a Falcon Arrow, but World countered into a cradle for two, quickly up into a double stomp for the reset, as World is clutching her leg. World battled back on one leg, able to kick out of the corner and hit a moonsault off the second rope for two. Shida dodged a Shining Wizard and sank in a Half Crab, as World scrambled to the ropes, but Shida met her with a Meteora for two. Both ladies trade near fall attempts, rise to their feet to slug it out into a double clothesline for the reset.
Discus forearm dropped Shida, as World connects with the Shining Wizard and another to the back of the head. World signaled for the end, lowered the knee pad, went for a third and clobbered Shida, who frantically rolled outside, grabbing her kendo stick. Referee Paul Turner wrestled it away from her, leading to World kick it away from both and hit a Tope Suicida. Bringing Shida back inside, World whiffed on a moonsault from the corner, as Shida got her boot up just enough, but World kicked out. Kitana knee from Shida lands flush, but World just got a shoulder up by about an inch. Shida went for a Falcon Arrow, World escaped, both trade rights, World blocked an eye shot into a school girl for two. Shida maintained wrist control and hit a nasty Cutthroat Tombstone, but again, World kicked out. The TBS Lock applied, World was about to tap, but Shida cut it off for some reason and opted for a snap German. Three running knees crumbled World, as Shida went for a fourth, but Turner held her back, so Shida shoved him away and hit the Falcon Arrow. World got a rope break and Shida couldn’t believe it, grabbing Turner by the shirt, charged at World, who hit a bridging Fall Away Slam for the shock pin and the title.
Post-match, Shida had a meltdown with her kendo stick ringside and had to be ushered to the back by security and referees, as pyro went off for the new TBS Champion.
Match Result: Maya World defeated Hikaru Shida to win the TBS Title
-The Demand are backstage and congratulate The Conglomeration on defending the Trios Titles tonight, but demand a title shot this Wednesday.
-Taz tags in for Nigel McGuinnes & Justin Roberts for Arkady Aura going forward
Cage & Cope (Adam Copeland & Christian Cage) vs. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli & PAC) for the AEW Tag Team Titles
(I’d say the first 85% of this match were handicap matches with Castagnoli & PAC taking turns beating the hell out of the tag champs for a long period of time. Once Cage & Copeland were able to battle back, the crowd got behind the Canadian duo and popped huge for the final few minutes and finish. Post-match, the dream match many assumed would happen at Wembley was made official.)
Castagnoli & PAC attacked Copeland during his entrance before the fans could sing along, as Cage ran out and suffered a beatdown ringside as well. Copeland says he’s ok to go, as the bell sounds to start the match and he continued to get his ass kicked as a result of that decision. Copeland got a sleeper for about 10 seconds, before Castagnoli escaped into a back suplex. Copeland back dropped out of a Neutralizer, Castagnoli landed on his feet and both got a head of steam, colliding with a double clothesline. Cage finally recovered to get to the apron and a hot tag, as he’s limping from the attack in the early going. Still doesn’t stop him from hitting corner punches, biting PAC, who sold a Tornado DDT like a champ. Castagnoli was driven face first onto his partner, as Cage backdropped PAC onto Castagnoli outside. Quickly back in the ring, top rope headbutt by Cage for a near fall. Castagnoli was able to recover and deliver corner punches and bite Cage for good measure, but Cage answered with a superplex. PAC made the blind tag and flew off the top with an elbow drop for two. Right as Copeland got to his feet, he was clobbered with a PAC clothesline to seemingly continue this handicap match.
Castagnoli got a running start ringside and uppercut Copeland over the barricade, as Castagnoli launched him into the railing. Back inside, PAC tried a Shooting Star Press, Cage got the knees up and a cradle for two. Giant Swing and dropkick combo from the Death Riders for two, who signaled for their tag team Neutralizer before they spot Copeland crawling back over the barricade. Castagnoli sprints out, but was backdropped into the front row by Copeland, as Cage spiked PAC with a Killswitch for two. Copeland just crawled up in time to make the tag, as he fought off both PAC & Castagnoli with backfists and double clothesline. Buckle Bomb on PAC into Castagnoli, as both took Impaler DDTs for two. Castagnoli crashed outside, as PAC tried a schoolboy with his feet on the ropes, but referee Bryce caught him. They shoved each other, as Copeland planted him with a neckbreaker for the reset.
Crowd amp up Copeland, who charged for Spear, PAC leapfrogged, Castagnoli back in for the assisted Neutralizer, but Cage dives in from off camera to break it up. Castagnoli & Cage fight to the floor, as PAC lowers the straps, gets a head of steam for a lariat, but Copeland dodges into a Crossface, but Castagnoli fights off Cage to make the save. Locomotion corner attacks from Death Riders, until Copeland & Cage respond with multiple Spears, as a pop-up one to PAC by Copeland gets the win.
Post-match, the crowd were seemingly psyched they’d get to sing-a-long to Copeland’s theme, but were cut short by The Young Bucks, who came to the ring and pointed to the Tag Titles and a graphic is shown on the tron that it’s official for All In, Cope & Cage vs. The Young Bucks. Copeland shakes both Matt & Nick’s hands, as Cage refused.
Match Result: Cage & Cope defeated Death Riders to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles when Copeland pinned PAC
“The Painmaker” Chris Jericho vs. Tommaso Ciampa in a No Holds Barred Match
(I know this was No Holds Barred, so of course this was going to be violent, but this exceeded even my expectations and we got Jericho’s most violent match arguably of his career. This was insane and I don’t know how else to say this officially ended aside from attempted murder? I’m not sure if we get a rubber match from this or not, but I can only assume we aren’t done yet. Then again, maybe they are, how can they follow this up?)
Jericho is wielding a barbed wire back and Ciampa a chair, as both swing for the fences early, with Ciampa winning that exchange. Ciampa swung wildly, Jericho ducked into a Code Breaker for one. Jericho brought out a bag of sand from his pants in reference to their Beach Break match and blinded Ciampa before taking the fight outside. Ciampa reversed a whip into the barricade, as Excalibur tells us if Ciampa chooses to actually use a drill, there’s nothing stopping him from using it. Jericho used a fire extinguisher to blind Ciampa again, bringing him up to the apron, as a table is right under them. Ciampa battled back with a Fairy Tale Ending off the apron, causing the table to explode, but Jericho kicked out at two back inside. There’s a kid ringside telling Ciampa to light a table on fire, as Taz hilarious says that’s fine, it’s Canada.
Ciampa starts throwing weapons into the ring and a hockey stick gets a huge pop from the Canadians. Ciampa put on a Boston Bruins jersey and starts beating up a stuffed animal of Youppi! the Montreal Canadiens mascot with a hockey stick, even giving it a lungblower for good measure. Jericho made the save for the mascot and posed with it before dumping a back of thumbtack covered hockey pucks into the ring, something I can’t believe I just typed. We get an all-out hockey fight, as Jericho pulled the jersey over Ciampa’s head and suplexed onto the pucks. Jericho brought out sand paper and raked the forehead of a now bloodied Ciampa, our first gusher of the night. Jericho put the Bruins jersey into a trash can, as the crowd yelled to light it on fire, but Jericho opted to pull out a barbed wire table. That delay allowed Ciampa to chuck the can into Jericho’s face back in the ring and drive one of the tack covered pucks into Jericho’s head.
Ciampa lowered the knee pad and clobbered Jericho with a running knee, as Jericho’s forehead has a tack still in it. Ciampa went out for a black bag of his own, revealing an elbow pad covered in tacks. Jericho swept out the legs and sank in a Walls of Jericho, forcing Ciampa to crawl through the tacks to get the barbed wire bat and smacked Jericho in the back with it repeatedly. Raking it on the forehead, they fought to the apron, where Jericho responded with a Death Valley Driver off the apron through the barbed wire table. Ciampa kicked out back inside, as Jericho took him up in the corner and stabbed him repeatedly in the leg with what Tony Schiavone told us was a pencil? Jericho brought a huge mirror into the ring, made a bridge with two chairs and put the mirror between them. Jericho went to stab at Ciampa again, who hit a low blow and followed with an Air Raid Crash onto the mirror, but Jericho, whose back is carved up, kicked out.
The doctor’s checked on Jericho, as Ciampa pulled out a drill to the sounds of “This Is Murder” from the Montreal crowd. Ciampa went to use it, when Jericho turned into Great Muta, sprayed green mist and hit the Judas Effect, but Ciampa kicked out. Jericho brought out another mirror, this one covered in barbed wire, as he smashed it on Ciampa’s back. Jericho put on the thumbtack covered elbow pad and hit the Judas Effect, but again, Ciampa kicked out. Jericho grabbed the drill and was appeared to use it briefly on the forehead, as referee Aubrey I think (thankfully) called the match. Either that or Ciampa (also thankfully) quit and he scurried up the ramp with a towel clutched to his forehead.
Match Result: “The Painmaker” Chris Jericho defeated Tommaso Ciampa
-We go backstage to Mick Foley standing by with Divine Dominion, who offer him a seat and tell him to shush. They ask him if he’s seen two women more dominant than they are? Foley says maybe the Crush Gals, but not recently. They ask who is left for them to beat and Foley says The Brawling Birds. Kross & Bayne asks if he truly believes they stand a chance in hell against them and while he’s sitting he should bow down. Foley hilariously starts barking, as he sends it back to ringside, as that was something else.
Mark Davis vs. Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Title
(It’s interesting, there were stretches of this match where the crowd was very quiet and others where the crowd were going nuts for Andrade. The finish especially really got the crowd on their feet and Andrade’s quest to defeat everyone in the Callis Family continues. These two fought very hard in a physical match, with Davis, even in defeat, continuing to look like a beast and I hope he doesn’t get lost in the Callis Family shuffle, he’s more than proved he can hang with the upper tier in AEW. I’m interested in seeing who Andrade targets next in the Callis Family as we head to Wembley.)
Andrade made an entrance accompanied by multiple ladies at his side, as Renee Paquette was ringside pre-match, saying Andrade told her he’s already took out Jake Doyle & Brian Cage and he’ll continue his Callis Family pilgrimage by beating Davis. Bell sounds and Andrade clobbers Davis with his spinning back elbow for a close two, as Davis fights off The DM with a sleeper, but Andrade fights free with a snap hurricanrana. Davis answers with a bodyslam and big time senton before pouring down forearms. Andrade hooked in a cross armbar in the ropes, released it, Davis bailed on a dive, but Andrade landed on the apron and hit a leaping hurricanrna. Classic Andrade, took time for a mid-match selfie ringside and this time, also took a sip of someone’s drink and sprayed it at Davis, who just got pissed from the antics. Back inside, Davis hit a sliding forearm in the corner and even struck a pose. Davis locked in a Half Crab as Andrade is hung up in the ropes and slowly continues to pick him apart. Andrade battles back with a chop battle, but Davis never went down, until finally, a flying forearm led to the double down.
Andrade kipped up, despite the bad wheel, took way too long to capitalize, as Davis steamrolled him, tried a gut-wrench, but Andrade hit a reverse neckbreaker (almost like a GTR) and the double knees in the corner for two. Davis still had fight in him with a spinning gut-wrench slam and wild home run forearm for a near fall of his own. Davis waffled Andrade with his bounce back lariat and pull-up piledriver for a close two. Sleeper on the apron, as Andrade gets a jawbreaker to escape, pulls Davis to the apron with him, as Davis tried a piledriver, but Andrade countered just enough into a hurricanrana that sent Davis into the buckle. “How You Know?” chants from the crowd, as Andrade hit a massive moonsault to the floor, clearing the post. Back inside, Andrade up top again for his second try moonsault before pulling his britches off to pop the crowd. Taz says he needs pants with the Velcro gimmicks, as it took him forever to get them off. Taking way too much time, Davis got his knees up on a Frog Splash, but Andrade was up and smoked Davis with the spinning back elbow and The DM to win the title.
Match Result: Andrade El Idolo defeated Mark Davis to win the AEW National Title
-Lexy Nair is backstage with Speedball Mike Bailey, who asked when he’s calling his International Title shot? First, Bailey congratulates Andrade for taking a title from The Callis Family and says this is one of the best nights of his life, as he lived the dream standing atop the ladder in front of his people. Bailey said he’s calling his shot August 5th at AEW Grand Slam Mexico. He & Kyle Fletcher have one win apiece between them and third time is a charm, he’s feeling lucky.
Thekla vs. Willow Nightingale for the AEW Women’s Title
(I can’t believe this was only the second singles match these two have had with one another. These two worked incredibly well with each other and aside from the brief interference spot at the end, I thought this was an excellent match, one of the best of the year in the women’s division. All roads now lead to Nightingale & Mone and it’ll be very interesting to see who walks away Women’s Champion when that show is said and done. I personally wouldn’t take it off Nightingale so soon, but then again, Mone has never been Women’s Champion. I want to also give credit to Thekla for a strong first title reign and hopefully this won’t be the last for her, she’s proven she can be the top heel in the division.)
Mercedes Mone is watching I assume a suite up in the crowd, as we get big match intros from Justin Roberts. Bell sounds and we get a spinebuster and punches in bunches from Nightingale, as she fired off corner clotheslines, but Thekla chop blocks the knee and wails away at the back. Misdirect Pounce launched Thekla outside, where she’s lit up with chops. Thekla calls for a timeout, but instead, Nightingale gives her a vertical suplex on the floor. Nightingale missed a cannonball into the steps, as Thekla hit a Curb Stomp to give her time to regroup. Back inside, Thekla ripped at the stitched-up ear of Nightingale, busting it opened quickly, as Thekla bit at it. Almost a Lockjaw variation, which Nightingale bit her way free from, so Thekla tried a charging knee to the ear while on the apron, but got smoked by a Nightingale lariat. Series of clotheslines back inside from Nightingale, who pulls Thekla up by her ear and wails away with corner clotheslines and shotgun dropkick for two.
Dueling chants from the crowd, as Thekla rolled through a top rope dive, was mowed down by a Nightingale shoulder tackle, only Thekla answered with a Black Widow submission. Nightingale powered out into a nice backbreaker, as both ladies fought up in the corner, as Thekla hits her Spider Superplex, only Nightingale no sold, trapped Thekla in a Tree of Woe and hit an Oklahoma Stampede. Thekla fought back and was walloped by a desperation Nightingale lariat for the double down. Nightingale traps the legs, forcing Thekla to fight from the bottom, as she bit the ear to get free. More clotheslines in bunches from Nightingale, but Thekla met her with a drop toe hold into the ropes into a Muta Lock, forcing Nightingale to smile in the process. Nightingale got the ropes, but again, Thekla went back to the ear as Nightingale rolled to the apron, where she pulled Thekla out with her. Thekla fought out of a DVD into a DDT, spiking Nightingale in the process.
Thekla up top now and hit her diving cross body to the floor before a two count back inside. Spider pose from Thekla, who went for her Spear, but Nightingale hit a snap Sunset Flip for two and Death Valley Driver follow-up for two. Thekla avoided the Doctor Bomb, got a roll-up, hands on the ropes, which referee Mike Posey caught. Nightingale hit another Spinebuster, pulling Thekla into position as she went for a Moonsault off the top, but nobody was home. Thekla tried a Spear, but leapt right into a gut-wrench powerbomb, as Nightingale made the cover, but Skye Blue appeared and put Thekla’s foot on the ropes right in front of the ref, who had to act like he didn’t see it. Nightingale squashed Blue ringside, but rolled into the ring to a Thekla Spear. Thekla went for a Curb Stomp, missed, Nightingale got a backslide for the flash pin and the title.
Post-match, The Conglomeration come to the ring and celebrate with Nightingale as pyro goes off. Mone holds up her Owen Hart Foundation title and we get the match graphic making it official for All In on the big screen. Orange Cassidy presents Nightingale with her own custom backpack and she puts the Women’s Title in it, as The Conglomeration do a collective high five.
Match Result: Willow Nightingale defeated Thekla to win the AEW Women’s Title
-We’re told The Conglomeration defends against The Demand this Wednesday night on Dynamite and also Renee Paquette will sit down with The Young Bucks and Cope & Cage.
Kenny Omega vs. TNT Champion Kevin Knight for the AEW World Title
(Yes, it’s been talked to death how this was originally supposed to be Omega vs. MJF, but they changed course and we got Knight exceling in his first PPV main event, even in defeat. Huge amount of credit to Knight, who held his own on a big stage like this and despite the loss, his stock is still incredibly high in my opinion.
Now, the post-match, what high level drama this ended up being. Full steam ahead for Wembley, as we now know that Ospreay is fully anti-Death Riders after he simply couldn’t be the monster they hoped he’d become. It’s going to be very interesting to see where Moxley fits into the picture at All In, with Omega, Ospreay & The Bucks all having matches announced, who could be there to have a match with, potentially Hangman? This left a lot of questions unanswered, especially with Omega’s actions when it was all said and done. Some very intriguing shows coming up on the road to Wembley. I’m very much looking forward to it all.)
Knight attacked during Omega’s introduction and choked him with his wrist tape as the match officially begins with Omega fighting back with knife edge chops. Big time dropkick from Knight connects, as he zones in on the midsection with body shots. Omega floats over in the corner into a snap hurricanrana, as he ramps up for the Terminator Dive, but Knight met him with a kitchen sink and clothesline outside. Slingshot crossbody flattens Omega before smashing him repeatedly into the commentary table. Opting to trash talk allowed Omega to return the favor, as Knight backflipped off the barricade and sprung off the commentary table into a huge clothesline. Knight controlled the action back inside, as Omega missed a senton and Knight connected with a leaping splash for two. Omega battled back, but Knight met him with a leaping hurricanrana in the corner to show off his athleticism for another near fall.
Knight starts targeting the left leg, started posing, allowing Omega to pick the ankle, forcing Knight to scramble to the ropes. Crowd starts a “Speedball’s Better” chant, as Knight tries covering his ears while keeping Omega grounded. Omega mounted a comeback, hit the first part of You Can’t Escape, but Knight got the knees up on the moonsault portion. Omega wouldn’t be stopped and hit a Poison Rana for the double down. Knight was clobbered with a V-Trigger, as Omega wanted One-Winged Angel, Knight rolled out, missed a lariat and Omega connects on a Snap Dragon. Omega wants another on the apron and gets just that, causing Knight to scramble away over the commentary table. Omega politely handed over the monitors to Excalibur before hitting a third Snap Dragon, sending Knight flying as a parched Omega drank some water. Back inside, Omega told Knight he’ll never be him before taking his head off with a knee. Crowd chanted “One More Time” and Omega kindly obliged before trying a powerbomb, which Knight quickly rolled through into a DDT flush for the reset.
Omega screamed at Knight to fight back and got his wish, as both trade stiff forearm shots with Omega begging for more. Forearms turn to punches, until Knight goes for the eyes, so Omega blasts him with a knee, only to run into a Sky High. Omega rolls outside, as Knight tried a springboard dive, but Omega hit a dropkick in mid-air to the leg. Back inside, Omega with a Foley-esque Pulling Piledriver for two, as both fight up in the corner, where starts chopping at the shoulder blade, but Knight leapt right back up, bit Omega, who slipped to the apron, repositioned into a wild springboard Sunset Bomb, then high stack powerbomb and V-Trigger for a great near fall. Omega brings Knight back up in the corner and calls for an Avalanche Snap Dragon, which Knight thankfully fights off, traps Omega in a Tree of Woe and follows with the Coast to Coast to the shoulder.
Referee Bryce checks on Omega, as Knight, limping, goes outside to grab both the World & TNT Title (which he hid under the ring skirt). He made Bryce to go fetch for the World Title, missed a TNT belt shot initially on Omega, but hit a Uranage on it, throwing away the evidence for a close two. Knight quickly up top for the UFO Splash, but Omega got the knees up. Knight flipped out of One-Winged Angel, tried to hit a leaping clothesline, but was hit with a V-Trigger in mid-air, as Omega won it with One-Winged Angel in a very good main event.
Post-match, Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta, PAC & Claudtio Castagnoli hit the ring to attack Omega, as Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir slowly walk around ringside. The Young Bucks rush out but they’re beaten down for their troubles, as Moxley launched both over the time keeper’s table. Shafir brings a chair into the ring, as Castagnoli puts it over Omega’s neck. They’re about ready to Pillmanize him, when Will Ospreay sprints out and screams for them to get out. Yuta tries to calm Ospreay down and hugs him, causing distraction, as Castagnoli went to deliver the stomp, when Ospreay turned back and shoved him down, taking the chair from Omega’s neck and swinging it at the Death Riders, who bailed. Moxley steps into the ring, hands behind his back, as Ospreay is incredibly conflicted as Moxley slowly takes the chair and throws it out of the ring.
Moxley tells Ospreay he needs to make the tough decision and brings out the plastic bag they’ve used in the past on Bryan Danielson, handing it to Ospreay. Montreal crowd chants “No!” as Ospreay is really contemplating it, but rips it apart, slowly turning back to Moxley and popped him with a forearm. Shafir, Yuta, Garcia & Castagnoli all low bridged, as PAC took a Hidden Blade. Moxley restrained Castagnoli from going in with a chair, as Taz questions this is how Ospreay treats Death Riders for all they’ve done for him? Ospreay throws away the knee pad he wore with the Death Riders logo on it before spotting the AEW World Title. Slowly picking it up right as Omega picks up the remains of the plastic bag. Ospreay holds out the AEW World Title, as went to take it and there was brief resistance from Ospreay before both shake hands. Omega went to walk away, but Ospreay held on, telling him that title is his come Wembley.
Both pose at separate corners and the graphic is shown for the main event of All In as we think the show is about to end, when Omega instead spikes Ospreay with One-Winged Angel and looks at the plastic bag. The Young Bucks get in the ring and talk with Omega, who holds the AEW World Title high in the air as Matt & Nick somewhat reluctantly pose with Omega to end the show with Omega telling the doctor to check on Ospreay as he poses atop the ramp.
Match Result: Kenny Omega defeated Kevin Knight to retain the AEW World Title
Ryan Howard
Since 2022, Ryan has been the Recapper/Reviewer for both AEW PPVs & Dynamite for F4WOnline & the Wrestling Observer. Previously, he recapped AEW Dark from 2021-2022 for PWTorch.
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