Nia Jax made her return to WWE last night and wiped both Raquel Rodriguez and WWE Women’s World champion Rhea Ripley in the main event of Raw.
As the final match under the McMahon-controlled WWE was climaxing, the former Raw Women’s champion jumped Raquel, allowing Ripley to once again defeat her to retain the title. But Jax did not stop there as after the match was over, she took down Ripley too, first with a headbutt, and then hit a leg drop while Ripley’s head was resting on the ropes. She finished Ripley with the banzai drop and WWE’s last image as its own company was Nia Jax smiling and blowing kisses to fans.
Jax was released from WWE in 2021 and made a brief return at this year’s Royal Rumble, entering at #30 before being eliminated by several women. At the time she said she was back, but she was never signed to a new deal until last month.
Main Event Jey Uso opens the show, he said it feels great to be out of the Bloodline and on his own and even better to be on Monday Night Raw. Kevin Owens quickly comes out to interrupt Jey.
Kevin said he knows exactly what he is going through, because he still has people that don’t like and respect him, but he doesn’t care, and Jey has a long way to go to prove he is not the same scumbag he was in the Bloodline.
The Judgment Day come out and Finn says Jey you don’t need to prove yourself to Kevin Owens and Priest says Owens doesn’t speak for the locker room and Jey, the Judgment Day is open for you all you have to do is walk through it.
As Dominik tried to talk the crowd booed him. Priest said enough of this, and Kevin Owens said he came out for a fight and Sami is not here and he will take on all three if he has to and Jey stopped him and said he is there and if he wants his respect and trust lets start there. Kevin agreed and Jey immediately superkicked Dominik. The Judgment Day jumped out of the ring.
Jey Uso & Kevin Owens VS. Finn Balor & Damian Priest
While Kevin is outside the ring Dominik takes a cheap shot of Kevin’s bad knee. Kevin went to stun Priest, but Priest pushes off and Jey went for a superkick which hit Owens. Balor then hit the Coup de Grace and gets the win.
Winners: The WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions Finn Balor & Damian Priest.
After the match Jey tried to apologize to Kevin but Kevin walked away.
Kevin Owens limping backstage and Jey Uso comes and tries to apologize again, and Kevin tells him to go to his new Bloodline they are in the Judgment Day’s locker room, and he knows all he needs to know already about Jey.
We are shown a car arriving and its Imperium all dressed up to celebrate Gunther’s record passing title reign
The Miz VS. Akira Tozawa
After three Skull Crushing Finales on a prone Tozawa the Miz finally pinned Tozawa.
Winner: The Miz
Byron Saxton interviews Raquel Rodriguez who challenges Rhea Ripley tonight for the Women’s World Championship, with Dirty Dom banned from ringside.
Jackie Redmond interviews Shayna Baszler. As Shayna was talking about her match last week, Chelsea Green comes in and asks Shayna to be her partner, Shayna then challenged her to a match. Chelsea says fine and she will find someone and turned right into Piper Niven and Piper grabbed one of the titles and said medically cleared.
Up next is Gunther’s championship celebration. As Gunther talked, Chad Gable comes out and talks about their match and congratulated Gunther. Gunther told him to come into the ring. Gable talked to Gunther about making his little girl cry and lit a fire under him that won’t be extinguished until he makes it right. He says he is getting another chance and he swears to God he is winning the championship and his daughter walking out with a smile on her face.
Gunther tells Gable he is a great athlete, but he is a terrible father and Gable lost his cool and attacked Gunther and Otis comes out to help and as the fight continues, Tommaso Ciampa comes out with a chair to help clear the ring of Imperium.
They showed an interesting conversation with Drew McIntyre and Xavier Woods which led to a match tonight.
Drew McIntyre VS. Xavier Woods
It was Drew with the Claymore getting the win.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes is out to the ring and asked the crowd what they wanted to talk about. He started by saying let’s talk about Main Event Jey Uso and he is quickly interrupted by Dirty Dominik Mysterio who comes out with JD McDonagh and the crowd continued to drown out Dom’s voice with boos. Dominik said he was going to look like an idiot and Cody couldn’t do anything about it and Cody attacks Dom. JD comes in but gets scooped up and over the top rope and Cody hit Dominik with Crossroads.
In the back, Drew yelled at Jey Uso and Drew said I am going to look you in the eyes and tell you I don’t trust you. Jey tells him to pull up next week. And Drew says you are on.
Shayna Baszler VS. Chelsea Green
Shayna hits her new move the exterminatus (Formerly known as Ronda Rousey’s Piper’s Pit) and gets the win.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
Piper Niven attacks Shayna after the match and Zoey Stark comes out and helps Shayna chase off the Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Out next is the WWE World Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Seth said he didn’t come here to talk, he came here to fight. Seth calls out Shinsuke Nakamura again for a title match, Shinsuke’s music plays but he does not come out and, in the back, it is shown Shinsuke beating up Ricochet and tells Seth he will take his title but not today because he knows he is not medically cleared.
Jey Uso walks in the back and Finn Balor stops him and Finn says they are good because they are professionals and what happens in the ring stays in the ring.
Tommaso Ciampa & Alpha Academy VS. Imperium
Gable catches Vinci with the ankle lock and Gunther tries to save him but Ciampa slid in and caught him in the Sicilian stretch and Gunther had to watch Vinci tap out.
Winners: Tommaso Ciampa & Alpha Academy
The Judgment Day talking in the locker room about Jey feeling alienated and will need them more and more.
Adam Pearce with Tiffany Straton and Becky Lynch walked in and Adam says he has a contract for both of them to sign for their match tomorrow night.
Rhea Ripley VS. Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women’s World Championship with Dirty Dom banned from ringside.
While Raquel had things going her way on the outside of the ring, Nia Jax made her return and Samoan-dropped Raquel on the floor and as Raquel got in the ring, Rhea hit Riptide and retained her title.
Winner and Still WWE World Women’s Champion: Rhea Ripley
After the match Nia attacked Rhea and left the champion laying in the ring.
With the WWE sale to Endeavor now complete, the new chain of command at TKO Group Holdings takes effect.
The new boss is 62-year-old Ari Emanuel, the founder of the Endeavor Talent Agency which later took over William Morris Agency in 2009 as well. Emanuel will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of TKO Group Holdings.
Vincent K. McMahon will serve as the Executive Chairman of the Board, basically overseeing WWE and the UFC as well.
Endeavor’s President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Schleimer, and Chief Legal Officer Seth Krauss will retain those roles in TKO Group Holdings as well.
Nick Khan will be the new WWE President while Dana White will continue his role of UFC President.
The board of directors of TKO consists of eleven members, five of whom come from WWE’s side and six from Endeavor.
Those on the board on behalf of Endeavor are Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor and TKO, Egon P. Durban, co-CEO of Silver Lake, Jonathan A. Kraft, President of The Kraft Group, Sonya E. Medina, President & CEO of Reach Resilience, Mark Shapiro, President of Endeavor, and Carrie Wheeler, CEO of Opendoor.
Apart from Vince McMahon, joining him on the WWE side are Nick Khan, WWE President, Steven R. Koonin, CEO of the Atlanta Hawks, Nancy R. Tellem, Chairwoman at Eko, and Peter C.B. Bynoe, Senior Advisor at DLA Piper LLP.
The New York Stock Exchange welcomed its newest ticker symbol, TKO, which replaced WWE with today’s trading session.
Current WWE shareholders will now reap the benefits of the UFC as well as TKO combines both the WWE and UFC businesses.
WWE went public on October 19, 1999 and originally started trading on NASDAQ at a price of $17. A year later, WWE joined the NYSE and had been trading there ever since.
WWE closed the trading day yesterday at $100.65 a share.
For the first time in its entire history dating back to 1953 as Capitol Wrestling Corporation, WWE is no longer owned and controlled by someone named McMahon, as today, the Endeavor takeover of WWE was completed.
Endeavor now owns a majority share of WWE with Ari Emanuel at the top of the pyramid and Vince McMahon no longer the boss. While he is no longer the boss, McMahon has been named as Chairman of the Board of TKO Group Holdings Inc., the company which will control both the WWE and the UFC, now valued at a whopping $21 billion.
Endeavor will hold a 51% controlling interest in TKO while existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49% interest in the new company.
Vince McMahon will own around 16% of the new TKO Group Holdings, valued around $3 billion, but the voting powers that he had at WWE will no longer remain in play.
WWE will continue running its operations from their corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, while the UFC will continue theirs from their HQ in Las Vegas. With the merge, a lot of people are expected to lose their jobs as the company will be consolidating a number of jobs.
Endeavor President and COO Mark Shapiro has targeted as much as $100 million in cost cutting measures, adding that anything from HR to finance to legal to communications, production, distribution and marketing will be subject to mass layoffs.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was front row during the Staud Spring 2024 Ready To Wear Runway Show at The Plaza hotel yesterday during New York Fashion Week.
What’s more interesting is that Levesque had Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos on one side and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel on the other side, as all three men checked out the runway!
There are rumors that Amazon are in the running to take Smackdown television rights from FOX as FOX is not looking to spend more money to keep the show on the network despite regularly ranking #1 in the 18-49 demo.
In related news, WWE’s Maxxine Dupri also walked her first New York Fashion Week for Jovani Fashion. She was listed under her real name of Sydney Zmrzel.
Hi all, did we know Triple H was front row next to Jeff Bezos for Staud Clothing at New York Fashion Week? #WWE#nyfwpic.twitter.com/sSv18oAHW3
WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is on the mend after undergoing emergency surgery last week following a public appearance.
His wife Debra wrote that Jim is now resting comfortably after successful surgery and he will be back on his feet soon.
“Thank you for your prayers, good wishes and messages. Hacksaw’s fans are awesome,” she wrote, also thanking Jake “The Snake” Roberts and his wife Cheryl for sending flowers to his room.
It’s unclear what kind of surgery Duggan went under as Debra never revealed why he was hospitalized on Friday night.
Zilla Fatu, the son of the late Umaga, has departed Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and is no longer associated with the promotion.
Booker’s hope for Fatu after a solid outing in his debut match on July 15 quickly faded after Booker said during his latest podcast that Fatu is out due to irreconcilable differences.
“I can’t tell you when you’re going to see Zilla again because he is now no longer a part of Reality of Wrestling due to irreconcilable differences, let’s just put it that way,” Booker said on his Hall of Fame podcast.
The 27-year-old started training in December of last year after he was released from prison in March 2022. He spent six years in for aggravated robbery.
Curious about how your past betting results can shape your future strategies? You’re in the right place. Leveraging past results isn’t just a smart move; it’s essential for any bettor looking to optimize their strategy and improve their chances of winning.
When you tap into your previous experiences, you’re not just guessing or relying on luck – you’re using hard data to make informed decisions. Your past performance can reveal patterns, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and provide valuable insights that can guide your future bets.
Remember, though, every bet is unique with its own set of variables. So, while it’s important to learn from the past, it doesn’t guarantee future success. However, understanding what worked (and what didn’t) will certainly give you an edge as you craft your next betting strategy.
Understanding Betting Strategies
Let’s delve into the world of betting strategies. It’s a fascinating realm where history, data analysis, and calculated risk coalesce.
Leveraging Past Results: An Introduction
You’ve likely heard the phrase “history repeats itself.” In betting, this notion can often hold water. When it comes to making informed bets, past results can be a goldmine of information. They offer insights into patterns and tendencies that might not be apparent at first glance. For instance, consider a football team that consistently performs well in home games. This pattern may influence your betting decisions when they’re slated to play on their home turf again.
Applying Historical Data in Future Betting Strategies
Historical data isn’t just about winning streaks or losing slumps; it delves deeper than surface-level observations. You’ll want to understand factors like player performance trends, head-to-head records between teams, weather conditions impact on game outcomes – the list goes on! Let’s say you’re studying horse racing stats for a particular racecourse such as horse racing stats; horses with previous wins at that venue could be a safe bet due to their proven track familiarity and comfort level.
Effectiveness of Leveraging Past Outcomes for Betting
But how effective is it really? While there are no guarantees in betting (after all, it’s called gambling for a reason), leveraging historical data can provide an edge over those who bet based solely on gut feelings or personal bias. A study conducted by Betfair found that punters who employed statistical models had success rates significantly higher than those who didn’t.
Importance of Past Results in Betting
Understanding the Significance of Past Bet Outcomes
You’ve probably heard the saying, “History tends to repeat itself.” It’s a concept that applies to many aspects of life, including betting. When you’re planning your next wager, it can be tempting to focus solely on upcoming events. However, taking a step back and considering what has happened before could give you an extra edge.
In betting, past results often provide valuable insights into future outcomes. They allow you to identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance:
A football team might have a strong track record against certain opponents.
A horse may perform exceptionally well on specific tracks.
A tennis player may consistently struggle in particular conditions.
Paying attention to these nuances can significantly increase your chances of predicting future bets accurately.
Analyzing Previous Results for Betting Success
Now that we’ve established why past results matter, let’s delve into how you can analyze them effectively. The key is looking at wins or losses and understanding the context behind each outcome.
Ask yourself questions like:
Was there a significant event (like an injury or change in management) that affected performance?
Did weather conditions play a part?
Are there any notable trends when this team or individual competes against similar opponents?
Armed with answers to these questions, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about where and when to place your bets.
Optimizing Future Bets Based on Past Performance
Having understood and analyzed past performances, it’s now time for action – optimizing your future bets based on this newfound knowledge. Here are some steps towards achieving this:
Identify Patterns: Look out for recurring patterns from previous games or races.
Consider Variables: Evaluate venue type and weather conditions influencing past performances.
Leverage Statistics: Use data analytics tools available online for deeper analysis if necessary.
Understand Opponents: Study how teams or individuals have fared against similar opposition in the past.
All these elements come together to form a more robust betting strategy – one grounded not just in hope or gut instinct but in solid evidence from the past.
NXT star Arianna Grace returned to the ring at an NXT non-televised live event this past weekend, her first match in nearly a year.
Grace suffered a serious knee injury last October which required surgery and she has been out ever since. Last month she participated in Miss Universe Canada ahead of her preparation to return to NXT.
“You heard it folks, back and better than ever,” Grace wrote on X. She showed up for her match against Fallon Henley with a tiara and a sash.
Grace is the daughter of Santino Marella and has been signed to the company since early last year.
On the same house show in Melbourne, Florida, Gable Steveson also returned when he took on Dante Chen.
Mika Rotunda, the sister of the late Bray Wyatt, wrote a post on social media publicly thanking Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for taking care of their family since Wyatt passed away two weeks ago.
“Publicly, my family would like to thank @therock for his kindness, condolences & love the past two weeks,” she wrote on X. “Like he did all people — Windham had a positive impact on him too. And DJ has kept our fridges and homes (yes plural), filled with meals and groceries. Love you, Ohana.”
When the news of Wyatt’s death made it public, Johnson wrote that he was really heartbroken as he had tremendous respect for him and his family. Johnson called Wyatt an “incredible shining star” who had a “very unique, cool and rare character.”
The two never wrestled against each other but they did come face-to-face at the biggest WrestleMania ever in Dallas, Texas at WrestleMania 32 for an in-ring promo. The confrontation led to The Rock quickly wrestle Erick Rowan in a less than a one-minute match.
WWE Superstar Matt Riddle had an incident with a Port Authority police officer at JFK Airport on Sunday, with Riddle claiming that he was sexually assaulted and harassed.
In a post on social media, now deleted, Riddle said, “Nothing like being sexually assaulted by an officer and harassed at the JFK airport, no means no and just because I’m nice doesn’t mean yes,” he wrote, adding the “asshole” at the end.
Riddle also took a photo of the officer and posted it, saying that usually he doesn’t care but this time it was “really weird and uncomfortable and they made a point to make me feel small and useless.”
He described the experience as one of the most uncomfortable travel days he’s ever had.
“Thanks NYC you’re so progressive and accepting,” he continued.
Riddle then posted another photo on X saying he was finally leaving JFK and he never wants to go there again.
TMZ added to the story that law enforcement sources tell them Port Authority officers received a call for a “disorderly person” who was deplaning, and it was Riddle. Riddle was talked to and so were other witnesses and they were all told they were free to go with no charges filed.
An internal probe has been launched by the Port Authority and WWE is also looking at the incident.
A title for title match will take place at AEW: Grand Slam but it was not specified if it will be on Dynamite or Rampage.
The match will feature ROH World champion Claudio Castagnoli taking on NJPW Strong Openweight champion Eddie Kingston, with the winner walking away with both titles.
A sit-down interview on Collision between the two moderated by Tony Schiavone led to the creation of this match as the friends-turned-enemies look to put their feud to bed.
The last one-on-one between these two came in March at the ROH Supercard of Honor when Castagnoli defeated Kingston.
Johnny Gargano returned to the ring last night at the non-televised live event in Uniondale, New York.
Gargano disappeared from WWE television and even from live events, with his last match coming on July 30 against Omos also at a house show. His return match was also against Omos, a match which he lost.
He has not wrestled on television since the May 15 episode of Monday Night Raw where he was part of a battle royal to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental title.
The former NXT champion was last seen on WWE TV when he informed his “family” that they might soon get some help, referring to Tommaso Ciampa who was out injured and about to return.
The effect of digital disruption is felt everywhere. Thanks to technology which seems to be sweeping everything along its path. As a result of the technological revolution, managers in different industries are coaxed to adapt to new ways of doing things. Online gambling is not left behind either. As exciting online gambling trends continue to surface, the more consumer habits tend to shift rapidly. Based on the current trend in the gambling industry, online casinos are such as Slot Casino is poised to become even more exciting.
Therefore the more you familiarize yourself with the emerging industry trends, the more you are likely to experience rewarding and exciting online gambling experience. Lucky for you, this article seeks to explore a list of some of the top trends in the world of online casinos. Below are the most influential trends in online gambling.
Image by YuliiaKa on Freepik
Infusion of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is gaining a lot of popularity across different sectors and the gambling industry is not left behind either. Since its introduction, Ai has remained one of the strongest driving forces of technology. With AI seeming to increase customer experience in many sectors, online casinos are trying to figure out how to incorporate AI technology into their service. Provided it is well utilized, AI can greatly enhance smart data collection thus improving customer experience. Based on the value accorded to the gaming data, the actual collection of this data needs to be predicted flawlessly. Integrating AI in the gambling industry can help you achieve this in a better way than a human brain. The AI is designed to predict patterns and trends more precisely. This can help you raise the standard of personalized customer service in the gambling industry.
Integration of virtual reality in the gambling industry
Virtual reality carries some great online gaming potential. Since various virtual reality tools are available in the market, more providers can now afford them. When the integration of virtual reality into the gaming site is done properly, players can easily visit casinos virtually and connect with other gamblers. As a result, many people will continue to gamble from the comfort of their homes despite any restrictions. to avoid losing customers to other technologically advanced casinos, most casinos will opt for VR gambling.
Crypto online gambling
The emergence of cryptocurrency has continued to stir the world in all different dimensions. The seepage of this digital currency is witnessed in the gambling industry. This is in response to their client’s attitude toward the highly debated currency. While there are several uncertainties accorded to cryptocurrency, Slot Casino are recognizing the anonymity that comes with this type of digital currency. Since the online casino is security-oriented, this level of anonymity means more secure transfers. Moreover, the volatility of crypto gives its users a chance to make greater gains.
Conclusion
With the current trends, it is evident how much technology is contributing to online gambling evolution. As a result, it is a must do for any online casino to incorporate these online gambling trends to better satisfy their customer needs.
After a few years, Bryan Danielson will get his wish to wrestle Zack Sabre Jr and it will happen in an AEW ring on Sunday, October 1 at the newest AEW pay-per-view.
It was announced last night on Collision that the match was made official and becomes the first one on the card. Danielson vs Sabre Jr was originally scheduled for the first-ever AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view last year but Danielson was injured and could not compete.
Instead it was the debuting Claudio Castagnoli who took on Zack Sabre Jr that night, winning his match after a near 20-minute classic.
This will be the third time that Danielson and Sabre Jr will meet in the ring. Their first match took pace in 2008 and their second a year later, both on the independent scene.
Jade Cargill made her return to AEW after a three-month absence from the promotion.
Cargill came out to a big pop from the crowd and took down The Renegades who were beating Kris Statlander. After clearing the ring, Cargill helped up the TBS champion but the pleasantries were soon over as Cargill took out Statlander with her Jaded finishing move. Cargill then held up the TBS title, kissed it, and dropped it on Statlander.
The 31-year-old was last seen at Double or Nothing at the end of May when a returning Statlander ended her 508-day reign as TBS champion.
Roderick Strong and Samoa Joe moved on to the final match of the AEW Grand Slam World Title Eliminator tournament yesterday on Collision after defeating Darby Allin and Penta El Zero Meido respectively in their semi final bouts.
The two will now be facing each other this coming Wednesday live on Dynamite where the winner will then get an AEW World title shot against MJF at Dynamite: Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 20.
The eight-man quick tournament had its quarter final matches on Dynamite and Rampage leading up to the semis yesterday.
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan was admitted to a hospital and had to undergo emergency surgery according to his wife Debra.
The WWE Hall of Famer was being honored by the Glens Falls Firefighters Association on Friday when afterwards he fell ill and was transported to a hospital in the evening. The surgery was done yesterday morning.
“We welcome your prayers and we will continue to provide updates,” his wife Debra said on X.
September 8 was “Hacksaw Jim Duggan Day” as proclaimed by Mayor Collins and Duggan was inducted into the Glens Falls Firefighters Association as an honorary member for his work in the 70s as a summer firefighter. Immediately following the ceremony, Duggan did a meet and greet with fans and raised $2,500 for the GF Nation Fund.
Duggan had several bouts with cancer over the past couple of years although it’s not clear why he was admitted to a hospital this time around.
AEW Collision tonight comes to us from the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Kentucky, OH. After last week drawing 345,000 & 0.11 in the 18-49 demo. Both of those are record lows. Certainly that’s not all Punk, guess we’ll find out how much of it is as we go. This lineup doesn’t scream that things’ll improve much.
*****
All of the semi-finalists vowed to win tonight. Roddy to target Allin’s (legit) injured back. Lotta new faces in the intro video; a prominent one gone.
Jon Moxley vs Action Andretti (International Title open challenge)
Backstory: After AR Fox got his 8th AEW title shot Wednesday despite only ever winning once, Andretti looked like Goldberg
Collision started almost exactly the same way Dynamite did as Wild Thing brought Senor Moxley to the ring. Kelly tried to put over the title’s importance – it main evented a ppv Sunday.
They tried to justify another open challenge by having an inset promo from Mox saying the BCC mean it when they say anytime, anyplace. And by reminding us Andretti beat Jericho. (The year is 2033 and Andretti is still getting title shots because he beat Jericho 11 years ago.)
Mox got a hammerlock, Andretti reversed it, Mox reversed it back, to the corner, big chop, Andretti bailed outside. Test of strength, Mox winning it, Andretti flipping and moving to try and escape but kipping up into a big right then being sent to the corner, he avoided Mox, fired chops, Mox ignored them, hit a big boot, Andretti ended up outside again, Mox in pursuit.
As they we re-entering, Andretti landed a tope suicida after knocking Mox off the apron. The champ came right back with a right and headbutts. To the top, he missed, selling his knee, Andretti decided not to target it for some reason, ducking and dodging while running the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, dropkick (barely brushed him), spinning springboard splash, count of two.
Mox headed outside for a breather, Andretti launched a springboard moonsault that would’ve missed badly if the champ hadn’t moved in the way to catch him (the announcers had to cover for it). Mox was flung into the steps, selling his arm now too.
Ads.
Crowd chanting for Mox, who had to wait to be clotheslined over the top, Andretti missed on a dive, Moxley launched a tope, crowd chanting for him as he sold his leg again (he’s favoring it so much without it being part of the match that it makes you wonder…). Ten in the corner, the usual bite to the head, Andretti reversed a whip, went to the apron, enziguri, caught out of a springboard into a cutter for two. Crowd liked that counter.
Andretti landed on his feet out of Mox’s suplex bomb, caught in the choke out of a handspring, Mox went for the KKL, Andretti landed a pop-up dropkick instead, booed by the Cleveland fans, missed his running shooting star, came back with a low lariat, Falcon Arrow, two.
Andretti went upstairs, caught and flung via avalanche German, landing on his feet, uppercut, enziguri, running shotgun, Mox responded with one of his own, the youngster down in the corner, avoiding a charge, to the top for a tornillo which again missed badly (Moxley had to try and run underneath it).
The champ down, Andretti captured the wrists, launching stomps to the face, booed, Mox got his feet into Andretti’s gut, kicked him up and span him into the Bulldog Choke, nighty night. As with Fox the other day, really liked the finish.
Otherwise, these two weren’t on the same page on many of Andretti’s aerials. Really hope Moxley’s knee is okay.
Winner: Jon Moxley
Roderick Strong video, the Kingdom by his side again, highlighting his long friendship with Adam Cole – lots of photos going back years. Cole was a loving friend, Strong loves him. They’ve always said they’re not just friends they’re brothers. He’s not the one that’s changed and when Strong needed him the most, Cole let him down. Cole knows what being alone does to Strong. But it’s fine cause he’s going to win the tourney and become champ. But still wont be happy – ‘cause I just want my friend back’.
The video Wednesday was amusing since I assumed it was deliberately exaggerating Strong’s past. It seems not. Strange to try to engender sympathy for a heel like this. And while this character is entertaining, Strong’s far too wooden for them to have gone to the well again three days later.
*****
Recap of the MJF/Joe segment from Weds.
Kris Statlander vs Robyn Renegade (TBS Title open challenge)
Backstory: That’s two open challenges in three days
So yeh, this is very déjà vu: the first two matches are Mox and Stat defending their titles against nobodies. Renegade didn’t even get an entrance.
Stat took her down, working the shoulder, whipped her in, big shoulder block, Robyn hit the deck. Then ate a running dropkick, was caught charging into the corner, fought free, missed an enziguri, deadlift German from Statlander, Charlette Renegade grabbed her leg (cameras missed it), Statlander stood still for a while without even really seeming annoyed at Charlette and was clubbed with a pump kick.
Then dropped face-first to the mat for one. Charlette then choked her in the ropes while the ref wrote a long letter home. Headlock on the mat, Stat fighting up, kicked back down, landed a big lariat out of the corner, back elbow, spinning kick to the face, charging elbow in the corner, knee following, blue thunder bomb, 1, 2… Charlette poked her head through the ropes and this caused the champ to break the cover for some reason. Though didn’t seem to bother the ref.
Statlander then fell prey to the most devastating move of the 2010s, the Distraction Rollup, but somehow kicked out at one, ate another face-first slam but kicked out at two. Avoided a kick in the corner, slammed Robyn off her shoulders, a standing switch saw her roll-up Robyn with a bridge to win.
The Renegades then attacked the champ until Jade Cargill’s music interrupted. The crowd chanted welcome back as if she were some stalwart so I guess they’re happy. They even cheered when Jade suckered Statlander into a handshake only to hook her into Jaded. Though some booed afterward because this was confusing. Yep, another character who performs babyface and heel actions in the same sequence.
Jade grabbed the belt and held it over Statlander’s face. They can’t possibly have Saraya and Jade hold their women’s titles at the same time can they? Good god the matches.
Hated everything about this match, infuriating booking.
If you don’t think a challenger is sufficiently believable without constant interference, probably shouldn’t book the match. If you want a challenger to be remotely believable without resorting to that particular crutch, maybe just give her an entrance? And if they’re out there simply to lose and not part of a storyline, have them lose convincingly to the champ’s finish. In short, make your minds up.
Winner: Kris Statlander
On the subject of Saraya, she and Ruby were with Renee. Who asked about Toni Storm. Ruby took the emotion level straight to 12 and was ranting about not forgetting Storm costing her the TBS title when Saraya cut her off. Starting with ‘babygirl’ – of course – she calmly explained Toni was ‘nuts’ and they’d have to smack some sense into her.
Renee asked Saraya about defending her belt at Grand Slam. Saraya said Renee was much better than Lexi. Then said she’d be making her ‘re-debut’ since Grand Slam was where she debuted last year (not how that works but sure…). She’d walk in the champ and walk out the champ.
Very much babyface Renee and very much heel Saraya then exchanged very genuine ‘I love you(s)’ as the champ left.
Well, they advertised this as ‘Saraya & Ruby speak’ and did strictly fulfill that promise.
*****
Finally something that didn’t feel like it was just filling time – Schiavone sat down with Claudio and Eddie Kingston. Schiavone asked Claudio what had happened between them, they used to be close. Claudio said he didn’t know and Schiavone should ask Eddie. Kingston was irritated – ‘You know what you did, you left the independents without doing business with me when I considered you a friend…’. Castagnoli said sometimes the right choice isn’t the easy one.
Kingston said they used to live together – ‘You know what I go through’ – Claudio even met his parents. Schiavone tried to calm things but gave up when Claudio asked Eddie who his parents ‘wish he would be like?’. Eddie said if he wants to play games then why doesn’t Castagnoli try and embarrass him in front of his mum and dad in New York for the ROH title?
He’ll even put his NJPW Strong title on the line. Claudio accepted under one condition – ‘you still owe me a handshake and you still owe me respect’. ‘So you do remember!’ Eddie interrupted – Kingston hadn’t shaken his hand 15 years ago when they split.
Claudio repeated what he wanted then said if he loses his title it’ll be to a better man, ‘and that has never been you, and that will never be you’. He left first, Tony told Eddie he had his match, Kingston told him to tell Tony Khan to start selling tickets (which is kind of a shoot, they aren’t selling well).
This was a god damn oasis. Forgetting the ‘doing business’ part, it felt serious, it had a backstory and stakes. Each man had a reason to want the match. Claudio’s facials were great, he just sneered dismissively for the entire segment.
Bullet Club Gold vs Gravity, Aerostar & Dios Del Inframundo
Backstory: None
Back to yet more filler, BCG were out next to Jay White’s music, even though he was present only in cutout form. Juice proudly handed the cutout and his ‘Collision Cowboy of the Month’ award – a ‘perennial’ one no less to the announcers so they could show it. He’d won it partly for ‘overall hardness’. I enjoy any kind of creative heel shenanigans so this was fun.
Bit naughty advertising ‘Bullet Club Gold in action’ then White not being there. Is he injured? Because this was advertised as an eight-man including Metalik. Either way this should’ve been clarified to ticket buyers. (Apparently he missed the show for personal reasons so fair enough.)
The faces came out together.
Gravity and Austin Gunn to start. The Luchador landed an armdrag but was tripped and driven face-first to the mat. Colten in, hit with an enziguri, tag to Dios (they never bothered saying his name, had to process-of-elimination this ish) and immediately ran in to a right hand then took a splash in the corner. Dios fired back with low thrust kicks but was blitzed by a lariat.
Juice in to chants of ‘Juiiiiiiice’. He aimed snapping rights then a big left, as Andrade was shown watching backstage. Dios slipped behind out of a suplex, the other two faces came in to launch a flurry of kicks. The crowd booed. Chops followed, the crowd didn’t care because they have no reason to like or care about the babyfaces.
Juice took Gravity down and launched shots from the mount. For some reason this is going through a break.
Fighting out of a chinlock, Gravity blocked a reverse suplex into a stunner but was cut off from tagging by the Gunns. But fought them off to tag Aerostar who came in from the top via dropkick, shotgun to Juice, rolling cutter for two. God came back in but was dropped by Austin, Aerostarr was sent to the buckle and nailed with a nice full nelson slam by Colten.
Bringing Gravity in to take 3:10 to Yuma. Robinson then hit a leg lariat and Juice is Loose to win. At least Gravity didn’t do his goofy walking during the match. Backstage, Andrade smiled.
Winner: Bullet Club Gold
The announcers talked about Hobbs/Miro Sunday. And the ‘mystery woman’ who turned up. A package played so we could ‘learn more’. The former Lana said Miro lost himself when he lost his title. All she wanted to do was prove she had his back and would help him reclaim his belt. He really has forsaken both his god and his ‘hot, flexible wife’. She ‘respect(s)’ that he’s chosen his path but ‘I’m going to have to go down mine’.
She then said she was ‘torn’ three times. She’s spent two years asking if she still has what it takes and everything in her is screaming that she can’t leave until she finds out. ‘I once was the coldest manager in all of wrestling, and I wanna do it again’.
They replayed Miro screaming ‘You’re not real!’ as she stared at the camera with an evil grin then walked off.
I’m no expert but often when places introduce brand new characters, they give them this thing called a name. Also, it’s weird hearing her speak with her normal accent. I’d stopped watching WWE by the time she dropped her ‘Russian’ one.
Tony Khan had said she wasn’t signed long-term so maybe that’s changed? Fairly interesting anyway and at least Miro’s in a storyline.
*****
A Dark Order ‘commercial’ played. While in a merch store, they cheesily told us we mean something to them and shouldn’t be supporting the bad guys so should be good like them. Silver finished by saying ‘We’re waiting for you’.
This came across – as was intended – like a cheap local infomercial for a corny law firm. No idea whether they’re supposed to be heels or babyfaces. A continuing theme.
*****
An Acclaimed and Billy Gunn video – they announced the start of their world tour. Which started in London, went to Chicago and is headed to New York City then a bunch of other places. Much like Saraya and Ruby, this fulfilled the bare-minimum requirements for ‘the Acclaimed speak’.
*****
They replayed the BCC’s vicious attack on babyface Rey Fenix two weeks ago. The heel McGuinness said ‘BCC cannot be trusted’. I’m getting a headache wondering who’s supposed to be what.
Alex Abrahantes and Fenix said they were out for revenge on Moxley.
Rey Fenix vs Angelico
Backstory: None
Crowd up for Fenix. Angelico was already in the ring.
Rey hit a spin kick to the stomach and a dropkick before firing himself at Angelico via tope. It took Serpentico less than a minute to interfere as he stood in Fenix’ way, Angelico hit a knee to the gut but was smacked with a spin kick off the apron. Open-hands to the chest followed but he was crotched on the ropes then snapped across Angelico’s knee out of a tilt-a-whirl.
Angelico began working Rey’s arm on the mat, Fenix kipped up, avoided a splash in the corner, springboard armdrag smoothly into a leaping stomp. Back up top to get froggy, two only. Thrust kick and snapmare to Angelico, kick to the spine, Angelico rolled Fenix up in a wacky Luchador pin locking Fenix’ legs with his own for two.
The crowd silent whenever Angelico’s on offense.
After taking a punch, Rey kipped up into a thrust kick, rope-walk punted Serpentico off the apron, rolling cutter to Angelico. Even Kelly assumed that was that but Angelico kicked out. Fenix then hit the Fenix Driver to win. Kelly said he’d love to see more of Angelico.
I’d like to see more of Rey. He’s awesome.
Winner: Rey Fenix
Schiavone with FTR. Cash listed all the teams they’ve beaten, including the Bucks in front of 81,000 people. Dax said they didn’t like being off Collision and should be main eventing. But there aren’t enough contenders. So he proposed the ‘FTR World Tag Team Challenge’. Anyone can challenge for the tag titles.
Please be a joke.
Darby Allin vs Roderick Strong (Eliminator Tourn SF)
Backstory: Winner faces Joe/Penta in final
The Kingdom gave Strong a pep talk as he walked backstage. Strong looked like he wasn’t listening. Allin was skating his way through backstage – which they never show – so you knew something was coming. Luchasaurus snatched him up, Cage asked if Allin was in the world title tournament since he couldn’t win the TNT title (It does seem easier to get a shot at at that based on who’s in this tournament). As long as Cage is in AEW, Allin will never win any title.
Luchasaurus then lawn-darted him into a garage door, Rey Mysterio-style. Strong was smiling in the ring. Kelly said it ‘eats away’ at Cage that he’ll never by loved like Darby is. Then pronounced Strong would win by default. Of course, Allin was shown stumbling down the ramp. Nick Wayne appeared beside him, encouraging Allin to the ring.
Strong immediately swarmed him, straight to a backbreaker, Allin threw some open-palms then got two via sunset flip. Before bridging Strong outside and firing himself via tope.
Break.
Still outside, Allin flung himself at Roddy, firing punches until being caught and rammed back-first against the ringpost then dumped against the barricade. An ‘Adam left you’ chant started, Strong sold it a bit, allowing Allin to snatch a guillotine using the middle rope, then a rollup for two, a crucifix after countering a suplex and a code red, both with the same result.
But was snatched into an STF until getting the rope break. Then placed atop the buckle. Strong thinking superplex. Allin raked the back, Strong fell, Darby was readying a Coffin Drop when Roddy shoved him. Then Rock Bottomed Allin across the top buckle, he crumpled all the way down to ringside, bumping against the apron on the way.
Another break.
Strong had Allin on his shoulders on the apron, Allin countered into his stunner then launched a Coffin Splash down to ringside. The Kingdom were circling, bringing AR Fox to ringside, he’s the one guy in AEW Wayne will stand-up to so they argued.
Back inside, Allin was blasted with the Sick Kick, but countered End of Heartache into a Scorpion Death Drop. Though remained down selling his back. About to head up for a Coffin Drop, Matt Taven decided to enter the ‘Be the 1000th heel tonight on the apron’ contest and was dragged off by Wayne. Fox went for his off-the-post moonsault but the heels shoved Wayne in the way (looked like Fox legit cracked the kid in the head with his knees).
All of which allowed Strong to get his knees up on the Coffin Drop then hit EoH to win. Strong celebrated with his neck brace back on. Wayne shove Fox away from checking on Darby and told him to leave.
Winner: Roderick Strong
After hearing from ‘that woman from Miro’s past’ (catchy, I like it), it was Will Hobbs’ turn. He said he took Miro to the limit. We saw who the real winner was but this chapter’s still unwritten and everyone will fall to the Book of Hobbs.
Also known as ‘Speak generically about the Book of Hobbs since we don’t know what you’re doing next’. The same thing poor Will’s been stuck with now for a year.
*****
Speaking of stuck in place for a year, Keith Lee with Lexi. Lee said he is the collision. ‘My advice to you (prospective opponents), run’.
Seriously, did the entire run sheet say ‘fill time’?
*****
Video package for three new guys called The Righteous who look like the Wyatt Family in white yet had the temerity to say ‘We’re brand new, everything we do is brand new’. They warned people to ‘get off our road’ then clicked their fingers.
*****
Schiavone called Bryan Danielson to the ring. Danielson told his daughter that once she turned seven he’d start finishing up his career. She’s six right now. And he’s a man who keeps his promises. ‘So time is runnin’ out.’ The crowd yelled ‘No!’.
But he’s damn sure not going out easily, he’s Odysseus returning from Troy and going to ‘kick everybody’s head in’. If this is to be his last year, he promised it’d be the most epic. So he’s calling his shot. At WrestleDream, he wants to fight the guy who calls himself the best technical wrestler in the world, Zack Sabre Jr (a ton of the NJPW guys are already working that night in Japan. Seemingly Sabre’s not one of them. Nor is Will Ospreay btw).
Ricky Starks interrupted along with Big Bill. A total heel again this week except for thanking a fan for clapping for him. He whined again about being left in catering while Danielson got time in front of the fans. On Sunday, he ‘immortalized myself as the man, as the face of Collision’ (they remember he lost right?).
Since he didn’t tap Sunday he’s graduated from being hungry to being greedy and is going to take and take and take and take. Because it’s in his nature. Danielson said he wasn’t done yet. He saw the fight Starks had and ‘I approve’. He was about to offer Starks a place in the BCC when Bill attacked.
Starks pulled him off but it was a SWERVE BRO! He attacked Danielson himself until Moxley hit the ring, climbing Bill’s back but being thrown off and booted. The announcers explained Moxley had already wrestled. Starks choked Danielson out with the BCC shirt in an homage to what got Danielson fired from WWE.
Starks mocked Danielson’s Yes! pose then left.
Effective angle. Starks’ facials, delivery and charisma are great, the content needs to catch-up. I get he’s a heel so acting as if he won Sunday would be fine if anyone bothered to call him on it.
His air-guitar playing is also effectively obnoxious. He lastly ran to either side of the crowd to fire the ‘up yours’ symbol. Nice touch.
*****
Big Bill with Schiavone. Bill sarcastically called Moxley tough since he’d just ‘beat his ass’. On Wednesday he’ll ‘beat his ass’ again. This was good – short and to the point. Until Fenix, Penta and Abrahantes interrupted.
The latter said Bill didn’t get to skip the line (he very clearly does since he just did) after Fenix said Moxley ‘est mio’. Bill told him to go to the back of the line and worry about his brother getting his ass beat by Joe.
Samoa Joe vs Penta (Eliminator Tourn SF)
Backstory: Winner faces Strong in final
JR joined on comms. They’ve gone away from the usual Collision formula here. This has about fifteen minutes, accounting for ads.
Lockup, Joe flung Penta away. And again. Penta gave him the ‘Zero Miedo’ treatment; Joe gave him a headbutt. Penta struck back with a thrust kick but was absolutely run over, as Strong was shown watching backstage.
Snapping jabs in the corner, Penta crumpled. Joe telegraphed a back body drop, took a punt, landed outside, tried to walk away from a Penta dive but the Mexican was ready, slid under the ropes then snapped Joe’s head via slingblade.
Penta posed, the crowd roared. They went back and forth with knife edge and overhand chops. Joe broke the count then ran Penta to the buckle. Before posing for the crowd himself. They cheered him too and chanted his name. The pair then took turns chopping each other against the ringpost until Joe poked Penta’s eye.
Penta back to his feet, he fired a kick to the quad then ran Joe into the barricade. Alex then helped him stack a table against it, as the ads arrived. Why anyone would risk being DQ’d from a world title opportunity by willingly bringing a table out wasn’t explained.
Back in the ring, Joe was in control until Penta landed a series of enziguris. He headed upstairs, took far too long, missed off the top and took a running back elbow strike as Joe got two. Then applied a head vice. Elbowing his way free, Penta chopped Joe back to the corner, tried to leapfrog a charging Joe but was caught and driven face-first into the buckle.
Slowing things down again, Joe snapmared him then applied a knee to the back with the arms captured. For a long time. Penta fought free but was quickly snapmared back down, chopped in the back, kicked in the face then had an elbow dropped on him for another two count.
Joe crushed him in the corner, hit his turn around enziguri then posed. The crowd were largely quiet by now, a few chanted for him. He sat Penta atop the buckle, the Mexican fought free, cross body from the top, leapfrog into a backstabber, two only.
Joe sent Penta to the buckle, took a thrust kick but hit a snap powerslam for two and was frustrated at not getting the win. Penta hit another enziguri, lariat in the corner, ‘nother enziguri, running thrust kick, Joe slumped in the corner, Penta hooked the leg nonchalantly for two. Then fired a kick to the head, another to the spine, another two. Before looking for the cross armbreaker.
Joe shook him free: inverted atomic drop, big boot, senton splash, two. But spilled outside as Penta avoided a charge, hit a thrust kick from the apron after Joe again tried to walk away, and a plancha. But Joe did finally succeeded in walking away from a second, Penta just happening to crash through the table he’d setup earlier. Ridiculously contrived.
Penta kicked out at nearly three, Joe countered Fear Factor into the Kokina Clutch, Penta tapped.
My mind is mush after this show so can’t really give a fair review. Seemed a little slow. Not as good as might be expected.
Winner: Samoa Joe
This was about thirty-minutes-worth of wrestling show stretched to two hours. More Collisions like this and they’re going to be in big trouble
Toni Storm vs Britt Baker vs Nyla Rose vs Hikaru Shida
Don Callis reveals his masterpiece (ie Takeshita’s next target)
Hangman Page vs Brian Cage
Roderick Strong vs Samoa Joe (Eliminator Tournament Final)
Jon Moxley vs Big Bill (International Title – Tony Khan ‘made this official’ right after that angle)
Next Collision:
FTR vs Iron Savages (Tag Titles)
Grand Slam Dynamite:
Chris Jericho vs Sammy Guevara
Saraya defends women’s title
MJF defends AEW title
WrestleDream:
Bryan Danielson vs Zack Sabre Jr
Thumbs Up/Down
Kingston/Claudio segment
Starks/Danielson segment continued Starks’ association with the big boys and he was very clearly a heel
*****
It felt like they cut and pasted Wednesday’s lineup except wrote ‘semi’ r/t quarter final
An awful lot of generic filler – matches and promos
Doing these ‘open challenges’ once a week was bad enough. And now the well-rehabbed tag titles are joining the party. It’s a crutch used by people either completely out of ideas or completely burned out. Was really hoping they’d decide to feature the top tag teams on the show now that Collision needs a new identity
Appreciate you reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
