TNA star Joe Hendry is really popular, and we mean really popular with fans at the moment!
His surprise appearance on NXT this past Tuesday was welcomed with millions of views across WWE’s social media properties, including a whopping five million on WWE’s X account alone. On Facebook, it got over 1 million plays and the Instagram video has over a quarter of a million likes. On the NXT TikTok account, it has nearly 330,000 plays, way way more than other NXT videos which very surpass 100,000 and the same goes for the YouTube clip, which far outreaches any other recent NXT video.
The Scottish star has seen a meteoric rise recently and continues to capitalize on his popularity. Last week, he bought space on a digital billboard across from the SSO Hydro in Glasgow which showed a picture of his face as over 10,000 fans were in the area for Clash at the Castle.
Judging by how over he was, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this was not the last time we see of Joe Hendry in NXT.
Mika Rotunda, the sister of Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas, reflected on the Wyatt Sick6 faction debut on Monday Night Raw.
Mika wrote that on Raw it was the first time that Uncle Howdy was there without Bray Wyatt and that this was their dream, their vision, and their fairytale to fulfill.
“He carried this on his back. But more importantly in his heart,” Mika said of her brother Bo, real name Taylor Rotunda. “As siblings, we’ve always had a strong cord attachment to one another. As the lights when out in the arena and I watched from my TV, my pulse raised. My eyes welled. I felt every ioata with him. While also feeling this warmth, that can only be described as Windham. I’m so incredibly proud of Taylor.”
She said that honoring the memory of Windham while navigating the path of grief is a profound and personal journey but their family has been on a stage with the outside world to see inside it since that August 24, 2023 day.
She described her brother as the greatest story teller she’s ever known and while they all embrace the moments of sorrow, there is a duty to uphold which is to keep finding ways to express his madness and genius.
“Upholding Windham’s homage can be a source of comfort and strength. We hurt. We heal,” she continued. “In doing so, we keep their spirit alive and find solace in the impact they had on our lives.”
Mika also thanked WWE’s Rob Fee and Jason Baker from Callom Studios for their work in bringing all this to life.
Two more matches have been added to the Forbidden Door pay-per-view, bringing the total number on the card to eight although this show is expected to have matches in double digits.
With Bryan Danielson seemingly in no important program at the moment, his Owen Hart Cup tournament match against Shingo Takagi of New Japan Pro-Wrestling will happen on the PPV rather than on AEW’s weekly TV shows.
Last month, Danielson said that winning the Owen Hart Cup tournament might be his last chance at getting a shot at the AEW World title as his in-ring career is set to wrap up this year.
Also, the returning MJF, who had his first match in six months yesterday on Dynamite, will be taking on Hechicero. The announcement of this match was done by AEW President Tony Khan on social media.
The brackets for the men and women Owen Hart Cup tournaments were published yesterday just before the quarter final matches kicked off on Dynamite.
In the men’s tournament, PAC defeated Claudio Castagnoli to advance. Bryan Danielson vs Shingo Takagi is the other match on the left side of the bracket while Rey Fenix vs Jay White and Jeff Jarrett vs a Wild Card is on the right side of the bracket.
The women’s tournament also started with Kris Statlander defeating Nyla Rose to advance. The other match on the left bracket sees Willow Nightingale vs Serena Deeb. The right side of the bracket has Deonna Purrazzo vs Hikaru Shida and Mariah May vs Saraya.
Both winners of the tournament will earn an AEW title shot at All In.
AEW announced that they will be holding Dynamite and Collision tapings in Cardiff, Wales, as part of All In week.
This is the first time that Dynamite and Collision will emanate from outside North America and follows the latest WWE model of having a TV taping overseas when they have an international premium live event.
The August 21 tapings will be done at the Utilita Arena, not anywhere close to Wembley Stadium in London, with tickets going on sale on Friday, June 28 at 10AM BST at Ticketmaster.co.uk.
“We are excited for the historic United Kingdom debuts of AEW: Dynamite and AEW: Collision in Wales at Utilita Arena Cardiff on August 21,” Tony Khan said. “The event will serve as the perfect kick off to what will be an amazing week for AEW fans in the United Kingdom, culminating with All In London at Wembley Stadium on August 25.”
No intro again other than MJF’s music. Max’s jacket even more leather than ever. Crowd chanted along loudly with his name being announced. Excalibur said Rush has been ‘here, busting heads’ for ‘months.’
Lies make Baby Jesus cry.
MJF vs Rush
Backstory: Rush is annoyed that MJF got opportunities right away when he’s been here ‘every week’ (except he hasn’t); they brawled almost inseparably last week
Rushing middle at the bell, they immediately brawled, Rush dropped down; Max strutted over the top and posed so got slapped. What a babyface. They took turns teeing off, Rush arms behind the back, offering his chest, Max working the crowd several times before poking the eye and posing again.
Beginning to seem like he hasn’t changed anything other than the look.
Rush headbutted him, this was supposed to be a heel thing, fans did boo, but dude just had his eye poked, turnabout is fair play. A back body later and Max was lying on his back, bleeding, Rush seemed to lick some of the blood.
Max got two via sunset flip but was then knocked the F out with a big right. To utter silence. MJF’s getting his ass whooped fair and square, this is not what fans want from returning babyfaces. Crowd chanted for him as Rush did the fake-out Bull’s Horns back into his pose.
Max rushed him with a leg dive but Rush immediately turned him over and kicked his ass again. A rebound German and low dropkick followed, for two. Another in the corner saw Max escape, both down, crowd chanting for MJF. Who hooked an inside cradle for two.
Backslide for the same, thrust kick, hammerlock elevated ddt for the same again. Max raked the back when Rush lowered his head, Max jammed his knee but recovered to hit a piledriver for two again. Then showed his knee was fine. But ran at Rush and was belly to bellied into the corner, something of a dueling chant now. That’s not good for Max first time back against a guy who isn’t exactly pushed.
MJF seemed to slip off the middle ropes and was wiped out with a right and a piledriver for two. A superman punch sent him through the ropes, Rush did his usual beat-the-guy-around-ringside stuff.
Max down, still bleeding slightly from his nose as Rush grabbed a chair and the ref happily played a dog – go get it boy! – so Rush could choke MJF with a rope. It sure took that ref a long time. Rush tore a fan’s sign then set MJF on a chair against the barricade but took a drop toe hold into it.
They fought on the apron, Max was belly to bellied off to the floor. Then set against the buckle, Excalibur made it obvious the upcoming Bull’s Horns would miss as MJF nailed a lariat on approach. A spinebuster and shots from the mount, Rush introduced to the buckle, ten in the corner, heatseeker through into a delayed brainbuster.
For the win. Wow that didn’t seem like a finish. Couldn’t get into this. 50/50 booking in the sense the obvious loser took most of the match before losing. Max just isn’t doing it for me, a few of the more extreme things have been dropped like the kangaroo kick, otherwise it’s the same ol’ shtick dressed up in a leather jacket.
Winner: MJF
Swerve’s dregs and Hechicero appeared on the screen. The Bucks have sent Cero after MJF or something. Cero threatened to break MJF’s arm. The crowd were silent. Excalibur said that isn’t official until Tony or CD sign off on it. We’ll see how long they keep that story straight.
The match was never officially announced.
*****
They showed the qualifiers so far for the TNT ladder match and Jack Perry winning last week. Highlights making his win look much more convincing than the match did.
*****
The four babyfaces for later were with Renee, Orange basically told her that Mark Briscoe should do the promo. Mark vowed that after losing last week that wasn’t happening again, today’s word is vengeance, and redemption, there are two words of the day, crowd laughed.
He was putting over all the guys when Jack Perry just walked through and glared at them. They ignored him.
Mark told him to get his ass out. Crowd laughed again. The other faces left with Kyle saying he’d follow Mark anywhere. Orange stayed with Renee and was sad again. He gave her a bracelet.
Man AEW’s writers sure do love them some comedy lately. And Briscoe’s good at organically putting it in his promos but it would’ve been nice if someone wanted to kick Jack Perry’s ass.
*****
Ospreay’s music hit and the crowd went ape. They actually have enough people tonight to light the damn place and it makes such a difference. They were even able to pan out to a wide shot. Should add a nice element to this exchange. Which you might have thought they’d have hyped. Heavily. Maybe even saved it for the end of the show.
Strickland was plenty over too, though probably a little less than the Brit. He was very serious, as befits the story. Dueling chants, some not joining in with ‘Swerve’s house!’
Ospreay reminded Swerve he’d told him he couldn’t carry both belts last week. But he insisted he’s very capable of doing so. He once held three different belts from three different continents at the same time. He’s about to test Swerve, Swerve’s about to find out what the world knows, that Ospreay’s the best wrestler in the world.
Swerve was quick to correct him – he’s the best. But they’ve taken different career paths the last five years. They’ve both had belts, Swerve’s done it all by himself, he wondered whether Will would have to call Don Callis to ‘try… and I do mean try’ to take the title from him. Like he did with Kenny last year.
Ospreay asked the crowd whether they tought he needed Callis. He insisted he could do it himself, the Fam were shown watching backstage. Ospreay said beating Omega was only the start of ‘The Summer of Ospreay.’ He beat Okada, then Shingo, then Jericho: ‘while you had a Hit Row, I had a hit list and I didn’t miss one of them.’ Crowd oohed.
He wondered whether at Forbidden Door Swerve will feel that pressure of facing the best in the world: everyone’s here to see him, ‘what if that killshot is just centimetres off?’
Is Swerve feeling ‘that confident cause I won’t hit that one move?’ He listed all of his various finishes and the damage they did. Yet that pain won’t equal when he has to walk out after FD and acknowledge he lost his belt to the better man.
But then, if he uses the tiger driver, Swerve won’t be able to walk out.
Swerve said Ospreay keeps saying ‘if.’ Pointing out that this is ‘your first pay-per-view main event period, bruv.’ Ospreay has a lot of friends; he doesn’t have any, ‘they are bodies now,’ he got rid of them to become who he is. What if he breaks Will’s arm or leg, who is Will Ospreay then? You can break Swerve’s legs, arms but he can leave and become a rapper or podcaster.
He took off his shades to emphasize the need for sacrifice. You have to sacarifice yourself, your wife, your son. Osp cut him off, told him not to mention his kid again: ‘Don’t make this personal, bruv.’
Nana cut the tension by saying they needed to save it, ‘all you got,’ for when they meet for the world title. He yelled, ‘Whose house!?’, Ospreay yelled ‘My house!’ and left, his music started to play. He started to leave.
Swerve cut it all off, and said ‘what if I do make this personal?’ He told Will to send his regards to ‘Al’ and ‘Harry’(the names of his ‘missus’ and son). Ospreay swooped back into the ring and they jawed face to face.
This was killer. A couple quibbles – Swerve talking about the need to sacrifice for the business while also basically saying he didn’t need it was contradictory. Though did help position him as the subtle heel in the feud. And the ‘don’t mention my kid!’ stuff is so totally played out. AEW do it far too often to spruce up feuds that don’t have anything. And this ain’t one of those.
But mostly, this was intense, this felt real, this felt like two big stars who each wanted the biggest prize in the company, had an ego and felt they were the better man. Loved Ospreay talking about the various means he had to finish Strickland, and the pressure. All felt like a real sporting event, like a big Finals clash. Excellent, excellent stuff.
*****
Back to the Callis Fam. Trent was blathering about Ospreay betraying them. The faction he joined two weeks ago. Callis said it’d all be fine. The rest left, Fletcher looked conflicted or upset.
I generally want them to show this Callis Fam stuff but this was so not the time. That previous exchange needed to be left to breathe. We didn’t need distracting from it. It was the best build to a world title match since at least last August (Max and Cole did do a couple good serious exchanges along with the other BS).
Kyle O’Reilly, Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe & Dante Martin vs Roderick Strong, Zack Sabre Jr., Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher
Backstory: Shoves a bunch of feuds together, most of whom are in the TNT title match @ FD
Zack out first to minimal reaction. Scratch that, all the heels came with. Slightly weird. Especially shocked Tony didn’t insist on Roddy getting his own entrance. The faces all came out to Briscoe’s music. The announcers made a point of noting Callis isn’t out here, perhaps dealing with Family business. In some nice follow-up to the last segment.
The other six brawled outside, Orange and Zack took their time getting to scrapping, Zack waiting as Orange took all his gear off. So long that Briscoe and Fletcher returned to boot them from the ring. Fletcher hit a tope to Briscoe, Kyle came off the apron with both knees to Fletcher, Strong tried a cheap shot; Kyle got a leglock through the ropes. Takeshita took great pleasure in cutting off Briscoe going for the off-the-chair cannonball.
Aubrey just left the chair there in the ring so they could do some spots around it. Zack got an octopus on Orange as Briscoe hit said cannonball onto the guys remaining at ringside. Dante rana’d Take outside then springboarded his way onto all the other guys, very happy at taking out his own teammates as he mugged for the camera.
Ads.
To Orange and Zack, they worked around Orange trying to get the pockets, Zack trying to block it, very slick, Sabre reversed a crab into a cradle for two then got a cravate, holding on until a blind tag saw Takeshita utterly end Orange from behind with a right.
Strong tagged himself in, Take wasn’t happy, they shoved, Kyle just came in, guess he must’ve tagged, he took out both heels but was grabbed by one of the Kingdom geeks so took a backbreaker. ‘I just don’t get all this,’ said Schiavone of that story line. He’s been good on this stuff.
They brawled, exchange of chops, Kyle drove Strong shoulder-first to the mat, Dante and Zack in, the latter without a tag, Dante took down both via rana, he avoided and took out all of the heels, Fletcher took a springboard attack so Take didn’t have to.
Then swept the youngster off the ropes before supplying him up to Take on the buckle for an avalanche bomb for two. Strong and Takeshita weren’t too happy with e/o again.
Ads.
Briscoe fighting off Fletcher and Strong, enziguri sending Strong outside, Takeshita sneaking in behind Briscoe, gouging the eyes but swept up into a rolling dvd, to the top, Froggy Bow, Kyle and Dante following with moves from the top after blind tags, Orange too, three splashes in a row, the other heels broke the pin.
Punch coming with Orange and Take left, Zack grabbed the boot, Take left Orange on the deck, Sabre in to manipulate joints until Briscoe mocked him then flung him outside. Everyone took out everyone until Strong hit a cheap shot backbreaker to Kyle, all ending with Orange being caught by Take but countering back into stundog, the faces all hit Take, Dante cannonball before diving onto the Kingdom, Briscoe hit his apron blockbuster, Sabre blocked an Orange tornado ddt and stundog, Orange countered back behind, rollup into a pin, Zack countered back into a european clutch for two.
Kyle sacrificed himself so Orange could nail a Punch on Strong to win.
This made last week’s six-man look like a time-limit draw from the 70s. Which is not to praise or criticize it, just depends on your POV. Apologies since I undoubtedly missed a lot here. Rapid.
Jack Perry cheapshotted Dante (I think), the other TNT guys brawled to the back. Zack and Orange jawed before the latter symbolically got the pockets for the first time all match. Sabre left. Orange/Zack stuff was good.
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe & Dante Martin
Dude this show is a blur. To another Mercedes package. Mone sounded mockingly, dismissively arrogant as she talked about beating Zeuxis. Slipping in the word ‘bitch’ aimed at Stephanie (sigh).
They showed Mone working hard in the ring as she emphasized that contrary to what Vaquer claimed, she’s been working her ass off. Along with all the red carpet stuff (Mone said something like Vaquer wasn’t invited to or couldn’t pull off). She said it isn’t arrogance; it’s confidence (if Mercedes Varnado really believes that; someone needs to tell her). She called herself ‘the Boss’ (in Spanish).
Pretty good as these Mercedes packages go. It’s important to emphasize she’s a hard worker to mitigate her arrogance. If indeed she’s supposed to be a babyface.
*****
To Rush backstage after his loss. A hand landed on his shoulder. It was Callis. He said he had an opportunity for Rush then left. Rush was still pissed after losing.
Finally figured it out – the Family are a euphemism for AEW as a whole – they keep recruiting people despite not even being able to feature the guys they already have.
*****
Bucks out, guess Pac/Claudio’s the main event. Caster’s mic cut out on his rap, the Bucks acted all innocent. Crowd booed. They showed Okada smashing buttons backstage then mockingly saying he was sorry before dropping the now obligatory ‘…bitch.’ Which never fails to be hilarious. He’s so good at comedy heel stuff.
Perhaps too good. He’s getting trapped in that character.
Young Bucks vs Acclaimed (Tag Title Eliminator)
Backstory: Made last week; Bowens continued the strange storyline by vowing to take back the company along with their belts; Caster thought this was for the tag titles, because even AEW’s wrestlers get confused by these eliminators
They brawled around ringside until finally hitting the ring, crowd flat. Make that very flat. The Acclaimed went for scissor me timbers. And hit. Matt tagged in, Nick hit a cheapshot from the apron but Caster shook it off to continue dominating though Bowens was knocked off the apron. Caster crashed and burned (intentionally) on a dive.
Ads.
Bowens hot tag, rights, thrust kicks and a fameasser. He’s milking a leg injury. Maybe from when he fell off the apron. The injury allowed Matt to hit a superkick. Then target the leg again, holding Bowens in the ropes for a Nick senton as Caster saved the pin.
But was sent back out. The Bucks readied an EVP Trigger, Bowens blocked it and fought back with another flurry until the numbers and injury saw him tripped down into a superkick party, the Bucks pumping up their Reeboks (more fans laughed than booed, by a lot) before another party. Caster again broke the pin.
But Bowens was quickly 1:2 again. Matt hit a low blow with the ref distracted, they prepped another Trigger, hit, Caster saved again at 2.9. This match is weird: flat and repetitive. To wit, the heels sent Caster outside again then hit a double-team sliced bread. Bowens kicked out again.
We get it, he’s a babyface fighting against the odds. The fans couldn’t care less.
Matt tried a belt shot, Bowens ducked, the ref removed the belt, the Acclaimed nailed a belt shot with the other belt – arrival, Mic Drop, win. To the guys’ credit, fans did pop for the finish.
Though it should concern AEW how little fans cared about ostensibly the top heel act in the company. Nor were the crowd exactly hot for the Acclaimed. Billy Gunn raced out to soak up some of the glory.
Very similar to MJF/Rush – losers dominated the match.
Winner: The Acclaimed
To Joe and Hook. Again we missed some of it because the sound wasn’t good at the start. It seemed Joe was giving advice about living arrangement vs vicinity to good food places. He told Hook he wanted him to be ‘extra’ as they prepared to launch into a locker room.
They barged in. A note was left – Mark Sterling had challenged them for Collision. Joe asked if they were all in, Hook said ‘bet,’ Shibata did more lame comedy via his phone. He was the cameraman.
Hook/Joe remains good stuff, the former seems a little more like a real person each week while Joe does the heavy lifting.
*****
To Mariah May in the ring to announce the contract signing. She sang Mina’s name in introducing her. Fans clapped along with Mina’s theme before May and Mina did a couple euro-style smooches on the cheek. Storm came out, she deliberately did more kisses than Mina.
May said she knew what they were both capable of and that she loved them both. ‘No matter what happens…’ she started. Mina snatched the mic and told her to shut up. She told Storm in Stardom she was a legend. In AEW she became a star but as champion, ‘you… got… soft.’ Crowd oohed.
‘You… got… weak. Everybody says – we want Mina.’ She smiled self-satisfactorily. Crowd cheered a little. Clearly enjoying Miss Shirakawa. She signed the contract. Crowd chanted lightly for her.
Storm vowed to slap her tits off if she raised her voice to Mariah again. Then made more ‘comedic’ innuendo. Then her stupid line which she jams into everything without it making any sense whatsoever.
May was about to close things when Mina demanded May ‘choose.’ Saraya came out, yelling as usual. There was a third ‘bitch’ of the night. Anna Jay attacked from behind. The crowd could not have cared less. At least until the heels propped a table in the corner.
They were going to put May through it till Storm saved her, taking them all out. But put herself through the table when Saraya avoided a hip attack. As Mina and Mariah cuddled atop the ramp.
Generally intriguing. Fans were into the May/Mina/Storm stuff more than anything in a while. Shirakawa particularly over here; unsurprising as she was very entertaining and put the feud and match over in a way Toni Storm just seems totally unwilling to do if it means sacrificing her stupid comedy and catchphrases.
Saraya’s clearly a vehicle to prolong May ‘choosing.’
*****
Package for Pac/Claudio. Claudio put them both over and said they should put on a show for ‘wrestling.’ Pretty good.
*****
Brackets for the Owen:
Danielson vs Shingo, Fenix vs White, Jarrett vs Wild Card.
Willow vs Deeb, Nyla vs Stat, Deonna vs Shida, May vs Saraya
Assuming that ‘Wild Card’ is someone returning to wallop Jarrett in seconds like Kenny did Joey Janela a few years ago, those are decent brackets. Though AEW can never quite commit to putting all the top guys in, which is very weird when the world title’s on the line. It’s more ‘good matches’ stuff.
Though they have at least baked some feuds in. Particularly with the women. May vs Shida could be fun if it happens too.
Schiavone talked about Jarrett being a longtime friend of Owen Hart. Being ‘real’ is good when it supports what you’re doing. Putting sympathy on a heel isn’t on that list.
Kris Statlander vs Nyla Rose
Backstory: QF of the Women’s Owen Cup
Nyla very over here, think she’s in her home state or something. Very little reaction for Statlander.
Each tried to knock the other over till Nyla succeeded. Stat kipped back up, avoided Nyla in the corner, Nyla got a boot up and hit a cross body out of the corner. Stat rolled outside.
Ads.
Back to almost silence, Stat on Nyla’s back maintaining a sleeper. Until being crushed in the corner, lariat, Stat down again, cannonball in the corner for two. Stat fought out of the Beast Bomb, axe kick for two. Nyla avoided a top-rope attack and bagged two. Before heading upstairs herself.
But being crotched. Stat hit a running boot then hauled her off the top into Wednesday Night Fever. Cool finish. Crowd actually made noise.
Same old conundrum: are we trying to get fresh heel Statlander over or have ‘good matches’? Especially since we all knew Nyla didn’t have a chance. But as with every other match all night, the loser took most of it.
Stokely talked trash to Willow. Until the latter appeared on the big screen. She congratulated Stat but promised to beat Serena Deeb, then ‘there will be no more running,’ she’ll ‘whoop’ Stat’s ass and get a step closer to her goal of Wembley.
Nice stuff. Glad they haven’t forgotten Willow. Stat yelling ‘I won!’ after was fun heel stuff.
Winner: Kris Statlander
Renee with Private Party after they showed them taking advantage of Jericho last week. The latter interrupted with his usual loud overenunciating. He advised them on how to take on luchadors. Since they’re facing some on Friday.
For the second week in a row, he slipped a ‘that doesn’t work for me brother,’ into things, while basically saying he always refused to take piledrivers in Mexico. He left, Bill said PP had made the wrong impression last week and they were looking forward to Saturday. Bryan Keith was angry.
Isiah made fun of Jericho’s ‘thanks guys.’ Not as excruciating as past weeks.
Daniel Garcia vs Rhett Titus
Backstory: NONE
They are not leaving long for the main event. Matt Menard on comms.
Garcia won quickly with his new finish. Boy I sure feel like he deserves a title shot now. Swerve’s ex-minions and Hechicero attacked. The crowd whispered ‘boooo.’ Until MJF came back out.
Unfortunately, for the second time tonight, Max got his ass utterly and completely kicked. He was in an armbreaker until Will Ospreay came out. He cleaned the ring; Max helped, they ended up back-to-back, spinning on one-another in a face off.
Fans chanted ‘holy shit.’ Until Max left.
Generally like teases; nothing should be watering down Ospreay/Swerve given how well that’s going. Will helped Garcia up. Garcia made clear he wanted Ospreay’s belt.
Winner: Daniel Garcia
Not saying this to complain but to emphasize how much stuff they’ve jammed in – my arm is killing.
*****
Ospreay backstage. Renee asked what he and MJF was about. Brian Cage tried to attack him but was held back. They yelled at each other, Ospreay called him a ‘wanker’ but also gave him a title shot Saturday.
Yeah, if that’s all it takes Garcia prolly does deserve one. Chalk up another pointless match for Collision!
Claudio Castagnoli vs PAC
Backstory: QF of the Owen Cup
Pac launched a shotgun at the bell, to the top, another, they brawled outside where Claudio took over until Pac reversed a whip to the barricade. Danielson’s on comms btw.
Back to the ring, Pac back up top, another shotgun, Claudio bailed back outside, Pac followed and took a back body out there. Nasty spill. Guess that means CC’s the heel cause…
Ads.
Fans quiet for this too. Not been that into the matches most of the night. After selling his hip earlier, Claudio hurt his shoulder missing a charge in the corner. Pac hit a ‘rana off the apron, Asai moonsault following. Very pretty – Danielson basically masturbated. He’s always very good on comms.
Pac continued the assault with a tornado ddt outside then shoved Claudio in, springboard elbow drop for two. Tony said he’d never seen Pac do that before; for once he might be right 😉. Claudio trying to fire up, Pac talking smack as they brawled to their feet. Pac ebound German, CC popped up, a flurry of kicks ending with a thrust knocked him right back down.
Damn Pac’s good.
To the top, Black Arrow coming, he landed on his feet when Claudio moved, right into a Claudio running uppercut for a near fall. Repeat, Danielson’s excellent at announcing.
Swing coming, several rotations, Pac dizzy, a sucker for a big running lariat, Ricola coming, nope onto the shoulders, Pac slipping into a Brutalizer from the back of the big fella.
Claudio almost to his knees, dragging himself to the ropes, Pac tried to roll into a cradle, Claudio countered into a sharpshooter, nowhere near the ropes, great selling from the Geordie, screaming, arms captured, Claudio rolling through back middle into a crossface.
Until Pac pinned his shoulders and Claudio had to break the hold. Each sought pins, inside cradle traded back and forth as each grabbed twos, another series of pins until Pac got the W with a crucifix.
Because that’s the only way names ever pin other names in AEW. Though at least the winner here mostly dominated the match too. After being all sporting in the pre-match promo, Claudio left the ring in a huff as Danielson said it (losing) happens to all of us.
They then jammed in a bunch of stuff for Collision and Dynamite literally as the show ended. Almost as if they’d forgotten to do it. Including an Okada title defense. Man that dude’s an expensive afterthought.
Ultimo Guerrero vs Kazuchika Okada (Continental Title)
Next Dynamite:
Jay White vs Rey Fenix (Owen QF)
May/Mina/Storm vs Saraya/Jay/Aussie lady
Swerve & Ospreay vs Gates of Agony (This WWE-style ‘enemies team!’ thing is getting old very fast)
Brackets for the Owen:
Danielson vs Shingo, Fenix vs White, Jarrett vs Wild Card, Pac advanced
Willow vs Deeb, Stat advanced, Deonna vs Shida, May vs Saraya
Thumbs Up/Down
Finishes were a little less predictable than usual
Swerve/Ospreay was excellent again
Mina/May/Storm was pretty good, largely thanks to Mina who AEW should probably sign if they get the chance
It was generally an entertaining show – none of the wrestling was outstanding; it was mostly good
*****
Owen brackets weren’t a total negative but still disappointing considering they’re for a title shot at the biggest show of the year – it’d be like no top guys wanting to be in the Rumble
And it’s hard to see anyone but the Wild Card being competition for Danielson, making for no drama over finishes as usual
MJF, for reasons listed above, yet the way he was booked was even worse – arse handed to him over and over against guys who aren’t exactly top stars
Appreciate you reading. Hope you’re having a good week.
Dynamite will start with no commercials for the first match tonight, a match which will feature MJF taking on Rush. This is MJF’s first match since his Worlds End loss to Samoa Joe in December 2023.
The Owen Hart Cup tournament kicks off on Dynamite as well with PAC vs Claudio Castagnoli and Nyla Rose vs Kris Statlander in the first two matches. An AEW Tag Team title eliminator match will also pit The Young Bucks vs The Acclaimed an eight-man tag team match is on the card with Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, Orange Cassidy and Dante Martin vs Kyle Fletcher, Roderick Strong, Konosuke Takeshita and Zack Sabre Jr.
Plus, Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa will have their contract signing for the AEW Women’s title at Forbidden Door and AEW champion Swerve Strickland and his challenger Will Ospreay come face-to-face.
With no NBA to go against them, AEW will be looking at a rebound in the viewership after last week’s low.
Coming off the Clash at the Castle: Scotland PLE and the debut of the Wyatt Sick6 faction, Monday Night Raw drew 1,746,000 viewers this week, up 138,000 viewers from the previous week. Raw went up the final game of the NBA Finals which drew over 12 million viewers.
Hour one of the show started strong with 1,860,000 viewers, then decreased to 1,730,000 in the second hour, and rounded up the night with 1,650,000 viewers for the third hour. That third hour number was the most-watched since April 15.
Raw was #1, #2, and #3 on the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic with an average of 0.55 rating, up 0.05 from last week. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
In today’s world, energy optimization is a critical focus for both individuals and businesses.
With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, finding efficient and sustainable energy solutions is more important than ever. One such solution is investing in solar installation. Solar energy offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond just cost savings.
This article explores 11 key benefits of investing in solar installation for energy optimization, highlighting why it is a smart and sustainable choice.
1. Cost Savings on Energy Bills
One of the most immediate and compelling benefits of installing solar panels is the reduction in energy bills. By generating your electricity, you can significantly lower or even eliminate your dependence on the grid, leading to substantial savings over time.
This is especially beneficial in areas with high electricity rates. The initial investment in solar panels pays off as you begin to see a decrease in your monthly energy expenses. Many homeowners have reported saving thousands of dollars on their energy bills over the lifetime of their solar panels.
2. Increased Property Value
Investing in solar installation not only contributes to sustainable energy practices but also enhances the value of your property. Homes with solar panels not only appeal to buyers due to the potential for decreased energy expenses and environmental benefits but also showcase a commitment to eco-friendly living.
Research indicates that properties featuring solar installations tend to have a competitive edge in the real estate market, selling quicker and often at premium prices when compared to properties without sustainable energy solutions.
3. Environmental Impact
Renewable energy is awesome – it’s clean, renewable, and way better for the environment than fossil fuels. Making the switch to solar can shrink your carbon footprint and help combat climate change.
It’s a key move towards energy efficiency, matching your power use with eco-friendly practices. Plus, solar energy doesn’t pollute our air, water, or soil like other sources do, making it a healthier choice for our planet and communities.
4. Energy Independence
Solar panels give you a level of energy independence that traditional sources can’t match. By creating your sustainable power, you rely less on outside suppliers and are shielded from energy price ups and downs.
This freedom brings peace of mind and financial stability, which help during energy crises or price hikes. Plus, generating sustainable power on-site cuts down long power lines and lowers the risk of outages. This is super useful for remote areas without reliable electricity grids.
5. Government Incentives and Tax Benefits
Many governments give perks and tax breaks to push for renewable energy use. These perks like tax credits, rebates, and grants can cut the upfront cost of solar panel setup by a lot. Making use of these can lower solar energy costs and speed up your ROI.
Plus, some governments have net metering rules. This lets homeowners sell extra solar energy back to the grid for a credit on their power bill. It’s a money-saver and supports the energy grid too.
6. Low Maintenance Costs
Solar panels are famous for being super durable and easy to maintain. Once you’ve got them up, they pretty much take care of themselves – just need a little cleaning and checking now and then.
This means less money and stress in the long run, making solar power a chill and cost-friendly choice for keeping your energy game strong. And hey, with warranties usually lasting 20-25 years, you know your investment’s got your back for the long haul.
7. Technological Advancements
The solar industry is continuously evolving, with advancements in technology making solar panels more efficient and affordable than ever before.
Modern solar panels are capable of converting sunlight into electricity with greater efficiency, meaning you can generate more sustainable power with less space.
Additionally, innovations such as solar battery storage systems allow you to store excess energy for use during cloudy days or at night, further enhancing energy optimization.
8. Job Creation and Economic Growth
The growth of the solar industry has led to the creation of numerous jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. By investing in solar installation, you are supporting local economies and contributing to job creation.
This economic growth can have a positive ripple effect, benefiting communities and fostering a more sustainable future. Furthermore, with the increasing demand for solar energy, job opportunities in this field are projected to continue growing.
9. Energy Optimization for Businesses
For businesses, solar installation offers unique benefits in terms of energy optimization. Companies can cut their operating costs by making their own electricity. This can increase their profits.
Also, businesses that adopt solar energy show a commitment to sustainability. This enhances their brand and attracts environmentally conscious customers.
10. Improved Grid Security
Solar energy is a game-changer for grid security, easing the pressure on the electricity grid, especially during busy times. Rooftop solar panels and other small installations are key. They stabilize the grid and prevent blackouts.
This decentralized energy approach is crucial for a robust and efficient energy system. Also, solar power cuts the need for fossil fuels in grid energy. This makes the system more secure and less tied to unpredictable global markets.
11. Long-Term Investment
Solar panels are a long-term investment that can provide returns for decades. Most solar panels come with warranties that guarantee their performance for 25 years or more. Solar panels can produce a lot of electricity over their lifespan. They are a reliable and sustainable energy source.
According to solar panel experts from Blue Raven Solar, this long-term perspective makes solar installation a wise financial decision that can contribute to sustained energy optimization.
The Path to Sustainable Energy Optimization
Investing in solar installation offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond mere cost savings. Technology keeps advancing. Government incentives are still available. There has never been a better time to switch to solar energy. By doing so, you can enjoy the immediate advantages while also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
In conclusion, solar installation is not just an investment in your home or business, but an investment in the planet. Embrace the benefits of solar energy today. It’s a big step towards energy optimization and a greener tomorrow.
Be sure to check out some of our other posts while you’re on the site. You never know what you might find.
The 15th week of WWE on A&E featured just one episode of Biography on Sunday night, an episode focusing on Extreme Championship Wrestling.
Titled ECW: Birth of Hardcore, the episode drew 288,000 viewers, the same number of viewers the previous episode on Eddie Guerrero did. The show had a 0.05 rating in 18-49, down 0.03 from the prior episode. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
TrillerTV announced that it has made available all the AEW pay-per-views on their platform to purchase a la carte and as part of special PPV bundle packages.
Starting from All In in 2018 and up to World’s End 2023, the archive features a total of 25 events, each available as a standalone PPV purchase and in yearly bundle packages.
With the purchase of these PPV events or bundles, fans are granted unlimited on-demand access regardless of their purchase choice. Visit the AEW PPV Bundles page on TrillerTV for a full list and purchase options.
The PPV archive from 2019 to 2023 is available for purchase without a subscription, with worldwide availability excluding Iran, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The 2024 PPVs are offered as a special discounted bundle exclusively for AEW Plus subscribers and will not be available for standalone purchase. AEW Plus subscribers also have access to a curated selection of classic AEW pay-per-views, including All In 2018, AEW Full Gear 2019, AEW Revolution 2020, AEW Revolution 2021 and AEW All In London.
Je’Von Evans won the 25-man battle royal last night on NXT and became the number one contender for the NXT title, a title shot he will receive at the upcoming Heatwave premium live event in Toronto next month.
Evans, Dragon Lee, Shawn Spears, and Frankie Kazarian were the final four of the battle royal and Evans eliminated Spears last to claim the victory.
But his victory was rather short-lived. Ethan Page, who at the beginning of the match was taken out by Oro Mensah, was never eliminated from the battle royal and complained to NXT GM Ava. Page then went on to defeat Evans in the main of the show, although his #1 contendership was not on the line and Evans will still go on to headline Heatwave.
Apart from the ones listed above, the battle royal’s participants also included Angel, Apollo Crews, Berto, Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp, Dante Chen, Eddy Thorpe, Edris Enofe, Joe Coffey, Joe Hendry, Lexis King, Luca Crusifino, Malik Blade, Myles Borne, Nathan Frazer, Ridge Holland, Tank Ledger, Tavion Heights, Tony D’Angelo, and Tyler Bate.
The one-year anniversary episode of Collision this past Saturday night on TNT drew 431,000 viewers, up 43,000 viewers from the prior week. That was the best number since the May 18 episode. The show had a 0.13 rating in 18-49, the same number of the prior week. Cable rankings are not available at the moment. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
TNA stars Joe Hendry and Frankie Kazarian participated in the 25-man battle royal to become the #1 contender for the NXT title at Heatwave.
The two were the only ones from a “different locker room” as Cody Rhodes said last week, with the rest all being part of NXT or WWE.
Hendry got a big ovation with fans in the Performance Center singing along to his theme.
“Say his name and he appears, Joe Hendry is here in NXT,” he said on the mic, with the Scottish star saying this is no 25-man battle royal, but 24 men and one sensation because he’s going on to win the NXT title and bring it to TNA.
When the bell rang, almost everyone ganged up on Hendry and he was quickly eliminated by fellow TNA star Frankie Kazarian.
Fans did not appreciate the move and chanted “bullshit.”
Kazarian had a better outcome and lasted until the final four.
A new number one contender for the NXT title will be decided tonight as a 25-man battle royal will determine Trick Williams’ next opponent at the NXT Heatwave premium live event.
The news of the battle royal, announced last week by WWE champion Cody Rhodes, had a big twist to it though as Rhodes said that some wrestlers from “different locker rooms” will be in it as well, throwing a curve ball to the champion.
Also set for tonight is Kelani Jordan’s first NXT Women’s North American title defense against Michin and a triple threat tag team match with Roxanne Perez and Lola Vice vs Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson vs Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx.
Rampage this past Friday on TNT drew 334,000 viewers, up 78,000 viewers from the prior week despite going head-to-head with the final part of the NBA Finals game. The show had a 0.12 rating in 18-49, up 0.03 from the prior week and actually placed #4 on the top 50 cable chart. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
Fans in France “activated” the fireflies for Jey Uso at Backlash and that trend continued for his entrance since then, but now, Uso is happy to give the fireflies “back” to the Wyatt Sick6!
“I mean I want no smoke with them, for all I care they can have the fireflies back,” Uso told Catherine Kelly backstage in a post-show interview.
Jey said that he’s happy they brought back the fireflies for him but it’s a different story now.
“His family is here now…that means, I gotta go,” Uso told Kelly before yeeting out!
In May, Jey revealed that Bray Wyatt’s fiancee JoJo Offerman sent him a text message after he came out for his Backlash match to tell him how emotional it was watching him come out with all the fireflies in the stands.
“I hope it sticks with me. I never asked for it. They did it and I just wanna keep it with me now,” he said at the time.
CM Punk has been officially announced to appear on Smackdown this coming Friday live from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
While Punk is a Raw guy, this was said to be a “one-time” only thing since the show happens to be from his hometown and Punk will announce that he is cleared to resume in-ring action.
It is going to be a packed house again at the Allstate Arena, where over 13,400 tickets have already been distributed according to WrestleTix and more sections opened behind the stage. While not the full arena is open, it’s going to be one of the largest Smackdown crowds this year and with Punk now officially on the card, hundreds of more tickets will be sold in the next few days.
WWE held Raw at the same arena on March 25 and packed in over 15,000 fans so to hold another show in the same place just three months later and still be able to nearly match the same number is pretty impressive.
The first two qualifying matches for Money In The Bank took place on Raw last night.
In the first match, former WWE Women’s champion Iyo Sky defeated Kiana James and Zelina Vega to advance and later in the evening Jey Uso beat Rey Mysterio and Finn Balor to punch his ticket to Toronto.
Qualifying matches will continue this Friday on Smackdown with two more triple threat matches featuring Kevin Owens vs Andrade vs Grayson Waller and Randy Orton vs Tama Tonga vs Carmelo Hayes.
For Raw next Monday it will be Chad Gable vs Braun Strowman vs Bronson Reed in another qualifier and Lyra Valkyria vs Shayna Baszler vs Kairi Sane.
Current AEW World champion Swerve Strickland is the subject of a new documentary from brothers Kenny and Keith Lucas and Mookie Thompson according to a report by Deadline.com.
The documentary will explore the “unexpected creative partnership” between Strickland and rapper Derek “Flash Garments” Shaw.
Work on this documentary kicked off after both were released from WWE and Kanye West’s team respectively and the two teamed up to collaborate on Swerve’s theme song which he currently uses in AEW.
“Flash Garments and I were introduced to one another at very interesting times in our lives,” Strickland told Deadline. “We knew we were meant to make history with one another by collaborating hip hop and pro wrestling on a different level. The Lucas brothers captured it in the best light possible.”
The Lucas Brothers said that as lifelong hip-hop and wrestling fans, they were instantly captivated by Swerve and Flash’s groundbreaking work in AEW.
“In an era where the media often portrays black men in conflict, their partnership is a beautiful example of the incredible things that can happen when African American men work together. We believe their story needs to be told.”
