Monday Night Raw
Date: October 13, 2008
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Attendance: 8,500
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler

We’re coming up on Cyber Sunday and the Raw main event has already been announced. Chris Jericho will defend the World Title against Batista but there are some options for guest referee. That should make for a main theme this week, though the pay per view will need a bit more than that one match. We’ll probably get some of it here so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Chris Jericho is in Mike Adamle’s office and complains about the Cyber Sunday title match. Adamle isn’t having this and says that he’s making another decision. Tonight, Jericho and Batista are both going to wrestle and they get to pick the other’s opponents. Jericho isn’t impressed and threatens McMahon involvement, but Adamle says Shane and Stephanie turn their phones off during Raw (Since when?). With that no longer an option, Jericho storms off and runs into Jamie Noble with Candice Michelle and Mickie James. The women are both texting someone and Jericho…keeps walking.

Here is Jericho in the ring to complain to Shane and Stephanie McMahon about Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin as the options for guest referee. None of those are fair to him and he knows Austin would Stun him to take the title away due to all of the times he’s bragged about beating Austin and Rock in one night (fair).

After a quick slip by saying he shouldn’t have an unbiased official (though he does save it so quickly that it was barely noticeable), Jericho calls the whole thing unfair but here is Shawn Michaels to interrupt. Michaels is rather serious and says he would love to say he’d be a perfect referee so he could count Jericho as the winner and then beat him for the title. The reality though is that he would make Jericho’s match a nightmare. For now though, he’s going to do what Barack Obama and John McCain would love to do to each other, and the beating is on. Jericho bails and makes Michaels vs. Batista for tonight. Makes sense.

You can pick the stipulation for Kane vs. Rey Mysterio at Cyber Sunday. Your choices are No Holds Barred, Falls Count Anywhere and 2/3 Falls. That’s more like it as No Holds Barred or Falls Count Anywhere could both win.

Rey Mysterio/Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry/Kane

Hardy strikes away at Henry to start and even gets in the middle rope elbow to the back of the neck. The Twist Of Fate is blocked though and Kane gets in a distraction so Henry can run Hardy over. The neck crank goes on and the villains get to take some turns beating on Hardy. Kane’s chinlock is broken up and Hardy gets in a DDT, allowing the tag off to Mysterio. The basement dropkick hits Kane and a spinning reverse DDT puts him down again. There’s the 619 but as Henry and Hardy fight to the back. Mysterio tries a dive off the top but gets booted out of the air for the pin.

Rating: C+. I love seeing two feuds advanced at once and they did it well here. Hardy vs. Henry is probably about to wrap up while Kane vs. Mysterio seems to still have some juice left. That should make for a good double feature at the pay per view, assuming Henry is the one getting the title shot.

Batista thinks Chris Jericho was smart to pick him as Shawn Michaels’ opponent. He respects Michaels as a competitor, but if Michaels tries to take him out, he’ll beat Michaels to the punch.

Here is JBL for a match but first, he wants to thank Congress for their recent bailout. He’s so happy because there will always be poor people but the rich must be taken care of at all costs. JBL is a rare American success story and a real American. I think you know where this is going.

John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Haas Hogan

JBL punches him down like the diminishing joke that Haas is but gets dropped by three right hands and a big boot. The Clothesline From JBL finishes Haas in a hurry.

Some of the Jackass guys are here and have no idea how various content making fun of the Great Khali made it onto their website. Now bring on the midgets!

John Cena is recovering from surgery and a lot of wrestlers think he’s rather spiffy. Oh and his brother likes him too.

Here is Randy Orton for a chat. He finds it interesting that he didn’t get kind words like that when he was injured. Sure he finished his match with HHH with a broken collarbone but no one cared because he’s not John Cena (“Thank God”.). He doesn’t want you to vote for him so he won’t get hurt so close to his return. Either way, he’ll be World Champion again, like it or not. Well that’s not how these things usually go but it does fit for Orton.

Batista vs. Shawn Michaels

Hold on though as Chris Jericho pops up on screen to say this is going to be a lumberjack match. A bunch of villains surround the ring and we’re ready to go. Well after a break that is and we’re joined in progress with Batista knocking Michaels outside, only for Michaels to come back in for a Figure Four.

That’s broken up so Michaels chops away in the corner, earning himself a heck of a clothesline. A powerslam gives Batista two and he grabs a rear naked choke. Michaels slips out and hammers away, earning himself one heck of a backdrop for two. The choke goes on again before Batista just hits him in the back for a change.

Michaels grabs a rollup for two and tries a superkick but gets caught in a tilt-a-whirl slam for two instead. Batista sends him outside for a bearhug from Mark Henry and we take a break. We come back with Batista holding his own bearhug, only to miss a charge out to the floor. Batista beats up various lumberjacks and comes back inside, where Michaels knocks him down. They both crash out to the floor though and the lumberjacks swarm for the double DQ.

Rating: B-. The match was fine but you knew the lumberjacks were going to do something. You don’t want either of them to lose (especially Batista) so having a bunch of people run in was a good save. On top of that, Jericho would be happy for the two of them to get beaten up and that was probably his plan all along.

Post match the brawl is on with Batista and Michaels clearing the ring before showing each other some respect. Chris Jericho is rather annoyed in the back.

Here are Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix for a chat. Marella isn’t thrilled with having to face Goldust, Roddy Piper or the Honky Tonky Man at Cyber Sunday. They’re all perverted you see. Eh kind of yeah. That brings Marella to the Jackass stars at ringside, with Marella inviting them into the ring. Johnny Knoxville refers to Phoenix as a dude because…well because she needs a reason to slam him (and not very well either, which I’m assuming is due to Knoxville not being a wrestler).

Marella and Phoenix leave so here is Hornswoggle as this is going to be an odd segment. Hornswoggle tadpole splashes Knoxville so here is Big Dick Johnson to dance, with one of Knoxville’s friends stripping and dancing as well. Cue the Boogeyman of all people to give said friend the worms. Knoxville gets up and here is Great Khali for the chokebomb. This was in fact a Jackass WWE segment and it went on for a good while.

JTG finds and keeps a Mighty Ducks hockey mask in the back.

Here are Miz and John Morrison to “rap” about Cryme Tyme. They even throw in Jillian Hall to sing as only she can (thank goodness). And yeah Miz and Morrison get that she’s bad.

Cryme Tyme/Kelly Kelly vs. Miz/John Morrison/Jillian Hall

Hall forearms away at Kelly to start so Kelly springboards away for a clothesline. Miz comes in to catapult JTG into a forearm from Morrison, whose neckbreaker gets two. JTG fights up and brings in Gaspard to clean house as everything breaks down. Everything breaks down and JTG hits Morrison in the back with the hockey mask to give Gaspard the pin.

Rating: C-. It was short, it wasn’t very good, and it was mainly about the hockey mask, which was just there for the sake of playing to the local fans. Miz and Morrison vs. Cryme Tyme is funny enough because Miz and Morrison know how to make themselves look like morons but the Kelly vs. Hall stuff isn’t exactly as thrilling. At least it was short though.

Chris Jericho vs. ???

Non-title and Batista’s handpicked opponent is….CM Punk. Oh and hold on because here is Batista himself to be guest referee. Punk grabs an early rollup to start so Jericho tries to leave, earning a trip right back to the ring. That’s fine with Punk, who ties him up with a choke in the ropes and Batista is fine with leaving him alone.

Punk knocks him down again but gets pulled off the ropes to give Jericho a breather. The chinlock goes on for a bit but Jericho’s running bulldog is shoved into the corner. The GTS is blocked as well though and a Codebreaker gets two…as Batista has something in his eyes. Batista, who is of course blind, Batista Bombs Jericho and Punk gives a “sure why not” look before getting the pin.

Rating: B-. This went well enough for a short match where you knew exactly what was going to happen. That’s not a bad thing either, as they didn’t bother hiding the idea and just rolled with it. Batista got his revenge on Jericho and Punk didn’t look like a loser so I’ll take this to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. They were in a rough spot here and they made it work out well enough. The problem with Cyber Sunday is you have so many details being officially set up the night of the show, even down to some of the matches themselves. That makes building things up a bit tricky, but they did a good enough job with the World Title picture. It’s certainly not a show you need to see, but it could have been a lot worse.

Head over to my website at kbwrestlingreviews.com with thousands of reviews from around the world and throughout wrestling history.

AAA On FOX
Date: July 4, 2026
Location: Foro GNP Seguro, Merida, Mexico
Commentators: Rey Mysterio, John Bradshaw Layfield, Corey Graves

It’s a holiday in America and that probably means absolutely nothing for this show, which is doing quite well without the American side of things. The big story coming out of last week continues to be whomever is attacking the Psycho Circus. Other than that, we have a former World Champion here and that should be making for an interesting situation. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Rey Mysterio for a chat. Mysterio talks about how he wants to bring the best to the fans in Mexico so join him in welcoming former WWE World Champion, Damian Priest! JBL: “As an old guy in a cowboy hat used to say, business is picking up!” Priest runs down some of his resume and says he’s dominated in WWE but never in AAA.

He isn’t here to make friends and doesn’t care if you’re good or bad, because he’s ready to destroy. Priest tells us to rise because El Campeon is here. This was a nice moment and Priest should fit in well around here. If nothing else, it’s nice to see him doing the serious stuff instead of paling around with R-Truth.

Lady Shani vs. Flammer

Non-title and the rest of Las Toxicas are here with Flammer. Shani armdrags her down to start and they shove each other a bit, with Shani getting the better of things. Flammer trips her to the mat and hammers away, followed by a kick to the leg in the corner. A spinebuster puts Shani down and Flammer shakes her head a bit, followed by the choking in the corner.

Flammer sends her into another corner but Shani reverses into a choke. An armdrag sends Flammer into the corner for a facewash, followed by some kicks to the head. Shani grabs a bodyscissors and rolls her around into a cradle for two. Flammer is back up with a hammerlock drop for two so she goes outside to grab the title. Cue La Catalina to cut that off and Shani grabs a Backstabber. An Iconoclasm is enough to pin Flammer at 8:56.

Rating: C+. This was a way to set things up for later and it’s a nice enough way to make that happen. The thing I like here is that it wasn’t the cleanest finish in the world, with Flammer costing herself rather than just getting beaten on her own. Someone has to end that title reign and while it feels like Catalina is an option, Shani at least feels like a serious challenger.

We look at Pagano being attacked last week and Psycho Clown begging his forgiveness while swearing vengeance.

We recap El Grande American saying he wanted the Mega Title and then being beaten down by the reformed Los Perros del Mal.

El Grande Americano didn’t see that coming and challenges Los Perros del Mal to show up and meet him next week. He just won’t be alone.

Dinamico/Drago vs. Money Machine vs. Mr. Iguana/La Parka

Plata and Iguana start things off, with Plata offering to buy Yesica. Iguana steals the money instead runs runs up the corner for a hurricanrana. Drago tags himself in and flips around a bit, only to get dropkicked by Oro. That’s shrugged off so Drago can hit a running shooting star but it’s off to Dinamico, who gets dropped by Parka.

Money Machine double teams Parka down, with a spinning splash getting two. The two of them are sent outside though and Drago shooting stars onto them as well. Parka flips Dinamico outside as well, leaving Drago to high crossbody Iguana for two. Money Machine takes over on Parka but get dropped by a springboard dive from Dinamico. Back in and Drago dives into a cutter from Parka, who hits the Bone Bender for the pin at 6:57.

Rating: B-. This was about all you needed it to be as they had a fast paced and high flying match. You pretty much know what you’re getting with a match like this and they did exactly what you would have expected. The fans still seem to love Iguana and Parka so giving them a win in a match like this makes perfect sense.

We look at a three way match from Verano de Escalando in 2009.

Rey Mysterio says Damian Priest is from Puerto Rico but represents the culture. As for next week, both Priest and Dominik Mysterio will be here.

Abismo Negro Jr. vs. El Fiscal

Fiscal fires off the clotheslines to start and hits a Backstabber. Back up and Abismo’s hammering doesn’t get him very far as Fiscal hits a clothesline to the floor, setting up the big suicide dive. Abismo misses an elbow off the steps and gets sent into the post but manages to escape a tombstone. They clothesline each other and here are Los Perros del Mal go jump both of them for the double DQ at 4:24.

Rating: C+. These two have quite the story and commentary explained it again rather easily here. It felt like we could be in for a big fight but the ending was more about setting things up for later. Hopefully they get the chance to have their big match at some point in the future because it feels like they’ve earned it.

Los Perros beat the heck out of both of them (though more Fiscal) to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This was definitely more about setting things up for the future than doing much here. That’s not a bad thing either as I want to see what is going to happen with most of these stories. Now all they have to do is actually make those stories work and we should be in for something good. AAA continues to be the easiest show to watch anywhere and hopefully that gets even better on the way to TripleMania.

Results
Lady Shani b. Flammer – Iconoclasm
Mr. Iguana/La Parka b. Money Machine and Dinamico/Drago – Bone Bender to Drago
Abismo Negro Jr. vs. El Fiscal went to a double DQ when Los Perros del Mal interfered

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Mid-South Wrestling
Date: November 16, 1984
Location: Irish McNeil Boys Club, Shreveport, Louisiana
Commentators: Jim Ross, Joel Watts

Another week, another Mid-South as the WWE Vault is actually trying to air something regularly for a change. The good thing is that it’s one of the best weekly shows ever, with Jim Duggan and Butch Reed coming together to fight Skandor Akbar and the eternal battle between the Midnight and Rock N Roll Expresses. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Before the show went on the air, Buddy Landell was in the ring to complain about Butch Reed attacking him last week. Landell gave him the chance of a lifetime and today, he’s going to embarrass Reed on TV.

Ted DiBiase vs. Magnum TA

Skandor Akbar is here with DiBiase, who works on Magnum’s arm to start. Some dropkicks send DiBiase outside to vent the early frustration. Apparently Butch Reed just hurried out of the building as DiBiase is back inside so Magnum can punch him in the jaw. Magnum grinds away on a headlock but gets reversed into a belly to back suplex.

DiBiase chokes and knees away but the piledriver is reversed with a backdrop (as usual, DiBiase does a great flipping bump). The comeback is on with the belly to belly connecting but DiBiase gets the foot on the rope. Cue North American Champion Magnum TA for a distraction though and DiBiase loads up the glove. The right hand knocks Magnum cold for the pin at 5:43.

Rating: B-. They didn’t have a lot of time here but it definitely felt like one of the bigger matches on the show in the last few weeks. Magnum definitely had that charisma to him that made him feel like an absolute star and he was against one of the biggest villains in the promotion. I would assume they had far longer matches on the house shows, but this was a nice little preview.

Apparently Butch Reed’s brother has been in an accident so he had to go deal with everything. As a result, the match isn’t happening, but here is Brickhouse Brown to volunteer to take Reed’s place.

Buddy Landell vs. Brickhouse Brown

Brock avoids a charge into the corner to start and hits a crossbody for an early two. Landell misses a charge into the corner and Brown hammers away, with a middle rope…we’ll say fist getting two. Landell avoids a charge though and drops the wind up elbow for the pin at 2:30. Well that was quick.

It’s time for the football helmet match but Ted DiBiase comes out to challenge Jim Duggan, who he accuses of living in the past. DiBiase wants to face Duggan man to man right now Cue Duggan, who throws his helmet away and we’re ready to go.

Ted DiBiase vs. Jim Duggan

Duggan slugs away to start and fires off the shoulders in the corner but DiBiase stomps him down. The flying headbutt drops DiBiase and Duggan chokes away but here is Steve Williams in full football gear. Duggan, ever the genius, hits Williams in the pad and injures his hand. Hercules Hernandez comes in to jump Duggan as well and it’s a DQ at 1:20.

Post match the big beatdown is on, with Williams looking ridiculous in his full gear, and a bunch of wrestlers (including Shawn Michaels) making a failed save attempt. Some bigger names rune in for the real save.

Master G. vs. Hercules Hernandez

Hercules looks…odd as a Sheik and has Skandor Akbar with him. They trade some shoves to start as commentary talks about Williams and company destroying Duggan. G. misses an elbow and Hernandez’s crossbody gets two. Back up and some slams send Hernandez begging off in the corner, followed by a collision to put them both outside. Hernandez wraps the knee around the post a few times, followed by a shinbreaker. The half crab makes the referee stop it without G. giving up at 3:45.

Rating: C+. There was something fun about these two beating on each other, with Hernandez looking like an absolute monster. That’s the entire point with someone like him (his name is HERCULES after ll) and the ending made him look even more devastating. I can go with G. not giving up, as it keeps him protected while having the referee cut it off for his safety.

Rock n Roll Express vs. Jim Horton/Thomas Ivy

Non-title. Ivy gets knocked down by Morton to start so it’s off to Gibson, who takes Horton over for the tag on purpose. The double dropkick finishes Ivy at 1:10. That’s a long match for the Express.

Post break Butch Reed is back…because apparently there was no accident with his brother. Now he’s back and found out that Jim Duggan was attacked by “them three stooges and a camel jockey”. Revenge is promised.

TV Title: Adrian Street vs. Bill Dundee

Street, with Miss Linda, is defending. Dundee starts with an early headscissors but Street takes him down by the leg without much trouble. Street pokes him in the jaw a bit, only for Dundee to come back up with some stomping. Back up and Street forearms him into the ropes and uses one of them for a choke. A rollup gives Dundee a quick two but they collide for a double down. Street hits a piledriver but Dundee is right back up (oh we’re certainly not in Memphis) for some shoulders in the corner. A middle rope crossbody gives Dundee the quick pin and the title at 5:11.

Rating: C+. This was a nice quick title change and made Dundee look like quite the star. He’s not the biggest guy in the world but, in his words, he wrestled big and that was showing here. I liked what we got here and Dundee basically caught him at the end, meaning we might be seeing this one again. I’ve heard worse ideas.

Chavo Guerrero/Hector Guerrero vs. Lee Ramsey/Art Crews

Crews and Ramsey actually start fast with some early dropkicks but we settle down to Chavo vs. Crews. A snapmare takes Crews down and it’s off to hector for a butterfly suplex to pin Ramsey at 1:33, though it doesn’t seem to have gone as planned.

Post match the Guerreros beat them up some more…and that’s a reversal for the DQ so Ramsey and Crews win.

Magnum TA is at the commentary booth and wants either Ted DiBiase or Ernie Ladd in a cage match next week.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: B-. You can feel things building up here and the stories might be slightly predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. The interesting thing is I’ve been watching for about a month now and already feel like I know everything I need to know about this show. That’s an impressive sign and makes it so much easier for fans to join in. I’ll definitely keep looking at this stuff, as it’s a good example of how to do this week to week.

Results
Ted DiBiase b. Magnum TA – Loaded right hand
Buddy Landell b. Brickhouse Brown – Wind Up Elbow
Hercules Hernandez b. Master G. via referee stoppage
Rock N Roll Express b. Jim Horton/Thomas Ivy – Double dropkick to Ivy
Bill Dundee b. Adrian Street – Middle rope high crossbody

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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WWE Vault Grab Bag VI
Commentators: Lenny Leonard, Rob Niemi, Tony Schiavone, Lord Alfred Hayes, Vince McMahon, Byron Saxton, Jim Ross, William Regal, Lenny Leonard, Rod Trongard, Jim Ross

So I’m up to another one of these and after last time, I’m rather intrigued by what that could mean. There are some absolutely great things available but since it’s all random choice, I have no idea what I’m going to pull. That makes it all the more fun so hopefully it works out. Let’s get to it.

From Evolve 99. We actually get a special intro from World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, who says this is what wrestling is supposed to look like.

Walter vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Sabre’s Evolve Title isn’t on the line. Sabre tries to go around him to start and is quickly taken into the corner, earning himself a front facelock. That’s broken up and we get some nice applause, followed by a rather aggressive headlock takeover to Sabre. Walter easily powers him down by the arm and a test of strength goes badly for Sabre as well. They go to the test of strength again and Sabre can’t break the bridge.

Walter can break Sabre’s though, only for Sabre to pop back up in quite the impressive visual. The big chop gives Walter two and he doesn’t like Sabre trying to chop him back. A big slam sends Sabre flying as this is pretty one sided thus far. Sabre finally pulls him down and stomps the arm but Walter uses the good arm to knock Sabre’s soul into the next county.

Another one turns Sabre inside out and a right hand drops him again. Back up and Sabre kicks at the leg to pull Walter into a kneebar. Walter gets to the rope and they head outside where he hits another hard chop. Lane: “I don’t know exactly how much money Sabre owes Walter but I’d be happy to lend it to him.” More chops have Sabre staggering around so he tries a chop of his own, earning himself one heck of a boot to the face. Back in and Walter wins another strike off, even shrugging off a middle rope elbow to the jaw.

Sabre does manage a DDT out of the corner though and they’re both down. Sabre’s PK is cut off so he kicks at the arm and gets an abdominal stretch. With that broken up, Walter busts out the dropkick out of the corner and it’s another double down. Back up and Sabre tries another chop and gets kicked into the sleeper for his efforts. Some suplexes give Walter two but Sabre is back with the Octopus.

That’s reversed into a failed Tombstone attempt and now the PK connects, leaving Sabre down for a breather. Back up and Sabre tries to chop again and gets dropped with a single shot to the face. Sabre tries a European Clutch, which is countered into Walter’s sleeper, which is countered into the Clutch for two. Back up and Sabre grabs a guillotine choke but Walter reverses into a suplex.

They get up again and Walter chops him down again, with commentary pointing out how the striking has been a REALLY BAD IDEA for Sabre. Walter chops him down again but a clothesline is countered into a cross armbreaker. That sends Walter over to the rope and he chops his way out a triangle choke. The powerbomb only gives Walter one so he hits a second for the pin at 17:58.

Rating: B. This was kind of an odd match, as Sabre was trying to come up with a way to get around Walter’s chops and never getting close. The idea seemed to be that he was trying to get through with a hold but Walter never came close to feeling like he was in serious trouble. It was more Sting vs. Vader from the 1992 Great American Bash, with Sabre getting smashed in the end for quite the emphatic win. Either way, those chops were devastating and Walter looked like a smashing machine, as has often been his custom.

From the First WWF Event In London (that’s pretty much what it was called) on October 10, 1989 in a match I’ve seen a bunch of times.

WWF Title: Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage

Savage, with Sherri, is challenging while Hogan has Elizabeth. We get the bell and Savage immediately hits the stall button, as he has a tendency to do. The lockup goes to Hogan, who shoves Savage hard into the corner for another breather. A running shoulder drops Savage again and they go outside, where Sherri goes after Elizabeth. Back in and Savage gets knocked to the floor again, where he grabs the mic and promises to take the title.

This time Sherri gets inside with him for a double beating, which Hogan shrugs off again and knocks Savage outside. Sherri is sent outside with him but it’s enough for Savage to rake the eyes and FINALLY get a breather. Hold on though as Savage goes after Elizabeth on the floor, allowing Hogan to jump him again. Back in and some choking draws Sherri to the apron, where Elizabeth actually knocks her over the top.

Hogan goes outside to stalk Sherri, allowing Savage to get in another shot to take over again. The top rope ax handle gets two and Savage grabs a sleeper, as he just never learns. Hogan fights up and hits some running shoulders before they clothesline each other for a double down. Savage grabs a rollup with trunks for two and the sleeper goes on again.

That’s broken up and Hogan makes the comeback like he’s a superhero fighting out of a sleeper but Savage snaps his throat across the top. Sherri slips in the loaded purse for a top rope shot to the head, only for Savage to pull him up at two. Naturally the top rope elbow brings Savage to his feet and the comeback is on. Sherri comes in to no avail and it’s the big leg to retain (with Elizabeth cutting Sherri off) at 14:03.

Rating: C+. Maybe it’s that I’ve seen this match so many times or that it’s another example of Savage looking like a moron against Hogan, but this didn’t do much for me. Savage had lost to Savage so many times by this point that it stopped mattering, though the London fans hadn’t seen it yet so at least it was new to them. If nothing else, Savage winning once, even off a fluke of some sort, would have made things feel more dramatic. I’m just not sure when that could have happened.

Post match we get a lot of posing, with both Elizabeth and the fans seeming to enjoy it.

From January 20, 1998 in a dark match before Raw, described as “The Attitude Era’s WILDEST Dark Match”.

Erin O’Grady vs. Vic Grimes

O’Grady is better known as Crash Holly and Grimes was one of Da Baldies in ECW. The fact that this has SLP and various other VCR buttons included tells you all you need to know here. O’Grady strikes away in the corner to start but gets shoved out with ease. Grimes tosses him out of the corner but O’Grady nips up in a rather impressive athletic spot. Some running dropkicks stagger Grimes and a missile dropkick gives O’Grady a delayed two.

A top rope hurricanrana drops Grimes again but he’s back up with some big shots in the corner. Grimes, who weighs about 300lbs, misses a charge in the corner and crashes out over the corner, allowing O’Grady to hit a nice springboard dive. Back in and O’Grady runs the ropes until he gets spun into a heck of a side slam. A torture rack dropped down into a backbreaker has O’Grady in even more trouble and a reverse sitout powerbomb plants him again.

They head outside, where Grimes grabs a chair to hit himself in the head a few times. O’Grady is sat in the chair and Grimes goes back inside for a running flip dive over the top, which only hits the empty chair. Back in and O’Grady gets his throat snapped across the top but Grimes misses a Swanton of all things. A missed charge in the corner lets O’Grady grab a tornado DDT and he slingshots forward to grab a hurricanrana. O’Grady tries it again but gets caught in a powerbomb, with Grimes flipping him up into a cutter for the pin at 7:02.

Rating: B+. Yeah it’s really that good, with O’Grady pulling out a bunch of stuff that had me thinking of AJ Styles. These two had worked together a bunch of times in California (where this took place) so it was no surprise that they had great chemistry together. It’s also no surprise that they both got developmental contracts immediately after this match. Check this out, as it’s genuinely a very entertaining match and by far the best I’ve ever seen from O’Grady.

From January 28, 1992 in Amarillo, Texas, a dark match at a Superstars taping.

Hulk Hogan/Randy Savage vs. Berzerker/Jake Roberts

Well dang the boys are back together. Berzerker is substituting for Undertaker, which makes me think how a Hogan vs. Berzerker run would have gone. Not well, but the idea would have made sense. Berzerker backs off from Hogan to start before hammering away. A dropkick of all things misses though and Hogan knocks him out to the floor. Back in and Hogan pokes him in the eyes, allowing Savage to come in for a change.

That lets Berzerker take him into the corner, allowing Roberts to send him crashing out to the floor. Mr. Fuji (of course he’s here) gets in a cane shot before Savage is thrown back inside for a Berzerker style beating from Berzerker. Roberts gets in a few shots of his own before handing it back to Berzerker, who is knocked away without too much trouble.

It’s back to Hogan for the usual house cleaning, including a big boot to send Berzerker over the top. Hogan beats on Roberts (that’s a weird visual) before handing it back to Savage to slug away. The top rope ax handle sends Roberts outside and he takes a walk but here are Undertaker and Paul Bearer to cut him off. Back in and Hogan gets a rollup for the pin (with Savage counting as well) at 8:16.

Rating: C. The action was nothing to see as it was a post show dark match, but dang the star power was high here, with the red hot Roberts, the freaking MEGA POWERS and Undertaker. Oh and Berzerker, who actually didn’t take the pin, which is kind of a shocker. This is the kind of thing I love seeing from the Vault (or the Savage Unreleased DVD) as it legitimately feels special and makes you wonder what else is hidden in those archives.

From New York City, New York on May 4, 1981 and this is a classic.

Sgt. Slaughter vs. Pat Patterson

This is the Alley Fight, which basically means street fight. We get an intro from Slaughter, explaining that this stems from the Cobra Clutch challenge, where Patterson (an interviewer) was offered $10,000 to get out of Slaughter’s Cobra Clutch. It led to a fight (of course) and they had a match which went to a double DQ. Therefore, it was time to go violent.

Slaughter goes over the entire match and even explains the ending, as Slaughter knows how to drag anything out. Apparently Slaughter had to get his passport photo when his head was still bandaged and people knew it was from the Alley Fight. I’m sure that’s the case Sarge. After a nearly EIGHT MINUTE intro from Slaughter, we’re ready to go.

The fans get rather excited at the announcement of the match and Patterson is in jeans and an I Heart New York shirt. Slaughter has the Grand Wizard Of Wrestling with him and Patterson jumps Slaughter as he gets inside to start fast. Patterson kicks and stomps away in the corner before pulling off the belt. The whipping is on, followed by some choking, but Patterson is backdropped out to the floor. Back in and Patterson whips away again before kicking Slaughter in the ribs with those big cowboy boots.

Slaughter gets in a shot of his own though and wraps the belt around Patterson’s mouth. Some choking has Patterson in trouble but he flips Slaughter out to the floor to escape. Back in and a middle rope knee hits Slaughter so Patterson does it again. Slaughter kicks him down and drops a jumping knee of his own before going up top but thinking better of it.

Patterson gets in a shot of his own to bust Slaughter open and the catapult sends him into the post to make it even worse. Patterson’s comeback is cut off with a low blow but Slaughter can barely stand up. He slowly hammers on Patterson, who gets his own cowboy boot and starts hammering away. The blood is so bad that the Wizard throws in the towel to give Patterson the win at 14:13 and blow the roof off the place.

Rating: B. This was a heck of a fight and it lived up to the expectations. The key here was that it came off like an actual fight with two guys wanting to hurt each other. Patterson was way past his prime here but he worked hard and had a heck of a performance. I dug this one quite a bit and it’s more than worth a look to see two guys beating the daylights out of each other without needing a bunch of insane weapons.

From October 17, 2012, a dark match at an NXT taping.

We’re joined in progress with Kassius Ohno attacking CM Punk for the DQ in a match against Antonio Cesaro. Cue Seth Rollins for the save so the fans want a tag team match. Works for Punk and we’re ready to go.

Kassius Ohno/Antonio Cesaro vs. CM Punk/Seth Rollins

Aksana is here with the villains. Ohno and Cesaro try to leave but get dragged back to the ring for the opening bell. Rollins takes over on Ohno and grabs a cravate, allowing Punk to come in and strike him down for two. The Muta Lock goes on to put Cesaro in trouble and he has to grab the rope. It’s back to Rollins for a dropkick to Ohno but Aksana grabs the leg, allowing Cesaro to get in a big boot.

Rollins gets his legs snapped with some wishbones for two and it’s back to Cesaro to send him hard into the corner. Rollins finally fights back against Cesaro and gets over for the tag to Punk. House is quickly cleaned, including the running knee in the corner to Ohno, followed by the bulldog right back out. The top rope elbow…I guess connects as we cut to the crowd, meaning it was a likely botch of some sort, as Cesaro makes a save. Rollins is back in for a Sliced Bread to Cesaro and Punk adds the GTS for Ohno for the double pin at 10:33.

Rating: B-. This was a perfectly fine match, though I’m a bit curious about the likely botch on the elbow. Commentary didn’t act like anything was wrong so I’m wondering what we missed in there. Either way, this was a good way to send the fans home happy at the end of the night. Punk was a mega star and Rollins was the NXT Champion, along with Cesaro being the US Champion so this was quite the star studded event.

From Corpus Christi, Texas on December 2, 1991, a dark match at a Wrestling Challenge taping.

Ric Flair/Jake Roberts/Undertaker vs. Randy Savage/Jim Duggan/Roddy Piper

Mr. Perfect and Paul Bearer are here with the former. Oddly Undertaker would have been the WWF Champion here but is neither announced as the champion nor brings the belt with him. Flair backs Piper into the corner to start and gets slapped down, with Piper backing him into the other corner. Back up and Flair actually busts out a leapfrog before being knocked out to the floor. It’s off to Roberts, who wants Savage, which has Piper declaring Piper stupid.

Savage wrecks Roberts so Undertaker comes in and gets to beat on Duggan. Naturally the fans chat USA, despite the one non-American in the match being on the good side. Duggan fights out of the corner to hand it off to Piper, who explodes on Flair with the rapid fire punches in the corner. Some slower punches are cut off by the referee, allowing Flair to get in a cheap. The villains take turns beating on Piper, who slips away without much trouble. Everything breaks down and Savage drops the elbow for the fast pin on Flair to get out of there at 8:43.

Rating: C+. Totally acceptable send the fans home happy match here and that’s all it needed to be. It’s about getting some star power out there with the good guys going over in a match that doesn’t mean much. Duggan felt like the odd man out in there but those big right hands work on anyone. Fun stuff here.

From Wrestlemania XXVII Axxess.

Zack Ryder and Tyson Kidd introduce us to a tag match. Apparently they got a text at the last minute asking them for this match, which aired on MTV. Kidd considered it was an honor to be put in Piper’s sleeper.

Zack Ryder/Tyson Kidd vs. Roddy Piper/Rob Dyrdek

Piper comes out before Dyrdek and talks about how this is for the Make A Wish Foundation (ah there we go). He asks if Ryder and Kidd are having a good day before threatening to make it worse. Piper brings out a pair of unknowns and then Dyrdek, who skateboards down a ramp and goes over the top for quite the entrance. Kidd says that doesn’t make Dyrdek entertaining and no one wants to see a Johnny Knoxville wannabe team up with a broken down has been.

Somehow Kidd thinks insulting Piper is a good thing and Piper talks about fans coming here to see him 27 years ago. Now they’re here to see Dyrdek (or Kid Lightning), though Ryder isn’t convinced. Dyrdek praises Piper and says that the other two don’t know when lightning is going to strike. Piper (thankfully wrestling in a shirt) starts with Kidd and, after some stalling, drives him into the corner. Kidd shoves him away and actually goes for a handshake, allowing Piper to get in some slaps.

Piper works on the arm and spits at Ryder before handing it off to Dyrdek to stay on the arm. Ryder comes in so Piper and Dyrdek take turns working on his arm as well. Dyrdek actually gets knocked down and Kidd gives him a backbreaker, only to miss a middle rope elbow. Piper comes back in to fire off right hands and eye pokes but gets taken into the corner. One of the unknowns shoves Ryder down and Dyrdek comes down the ramp on his skateboard to dive into a crossbody for the pin on Ryder at 3:47.

Rating: C. The ending alone was far better than I was expecting (I would have bet on this being the basic rollup pin) but this was pretty much exactly what it should have been. Piper is old and Dyrdek isn’t a wrestler and the heels are just warm bodies for their sake. It’s perfectly fine as a way to give the Axxess fans a treat and there is nothing wrong with that.

From a WWA event (billed as a Funkin Dojo showcase event) in Quincy, Massachusetts on August 22, 1998.

Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage

Dory Funk Jr. and Jim Cornette are here too. Angle is wearing basic workout shorts and tennis shoes for a weird look. A fireman’s carry lets Angle ride him on the mat a bit and he picks the leg to do it again. Cage actually wrestles him down but can’t do much on the mat. A headlock takeover has Cage in more trouble and Angle grinds away on a headlock. Back up and Cage stomps away in the corner before dancing around a bit.

Cage sends him outside for a tennis racket shot to the back and Funk has to help Angle back inside, as a manager tends to do. We hit the chinlock back inside, followed by the layout reverse DDT for two. Back up and Angle rolls some German suplexes before a belly to belly gets two (with the mat sounding like they’re crashing hard every time). Cage is back with a powerslam but misses a top rope splash, allowing Angle to grab a rolling three quarter nelson for the pin at 8:45.

Rating: C. The key thing to remember here is that Angle debuted TWO DAYS before this, making this his third ever professional match. Of course he’s not any good yet and has no idea what he’s doing. This was all about Angle getting his toes wet (he’s not ready for feet) and there is nothing wrong with that. The match is hardly anything good, but it was a way for Angle to do his basic stuff and get used to being in front of a crowd. The fact that he was about a year and a half away from being the Eurocontinental Champion and having a heck of a match with Benoit and Jericho at Wrestlemania is nothing short of remarkable.

From Dragon Gate USA’s Mercury Rising 2010.

Warriors vs. World-1

That would be Cima/Gamma/Dragon Kid vs. BxB Hulk/Masato Yoshino/Naruki Doi. Kid and Yoshino start things off with Yoshino’s wristlock not lasting long. Instead they run the ropes until Kid snaps off a headscissors. We’re clipped to Gamma rubbing Hulk’s face in the corner and chopping him in the head. Kid comes back in and drops some knees with Doi making the save.

We’re clipped again to Gamma coming off the top with a kendo stick for a low blow to Hulk. We’re clipped again to Cima double stomping Hulk and tying up his legs while suplexing Doi at the same time. Kid is back in for the save as everything breaks down and we’re clipped again to some stereo Black Widows going on, with Kid and Yoshino chopping it out while still holding said octopuses. Kid gets two off a DDT with Yoshino having to make a save. Cima puts Yoshino in the Tree Of Woe but misses a Coast To Coast, allowing Yoshino to come back with a missile dropkick/top rope backsplash (not bad for the same time).

Kid gets release German superplexed and Yoshino adds a Michinoku Driver for two more. We’re clipped again to Yoshino getting triple dropkicked but Doi kicks Cima into a cradle for two. Hulk slams Cima for two but Gamma catches him on top. Yoshino is back in with the nasty kendo stick shot to Hulk (the ref doesn’t mind) and Kid grabs a super poisonrana for the huge crash.

A West Coast Pop gives Kid two and we’re clipped again to Yoshino grabbing a nasty choke on Gamma with Hulk cutting off the save as Gamma passes out at 7:45 shown. The whole match is almost half an hour so I won’t rate it, but if you’ve seen Dragon Gate six man tags, you know they’re absolutely insane and a blast every time.

From an AWA show in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 13, 1983.

Hulk Hogan/High Flyers vs. Jesse Ventura/Bobby Heenan/Ken Patera

Oh this could be fascinating. The High Flyers are Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell, the top good guy team of their day in the AWA. Heenan goes for a cheap shot to start but the villains are quickly cleared out, as you might expect. Hogan steps on Ventura’s bandanna and they’ll officially start, with Trongard even admitting that it’s going to break down sooner than later

Hogan takes over on the arm and snaps it over the top for quite the bump from Ventura. That’s already enough for the tag to Patera, who is quickly slammed. Gagne comes in to work on the arm and hands it off to Brunzell for more of the same. We get the required Heenan time and he actually takes over on Brunzell before being sent hard into the corner.

Gagne comes back in and takes out the other two before backing Heenan into Hogan, which would happen quite a few times over the years. The villains get Gagne into the wrong corner for some choking from Ventura and, like a schnook, Hogan tries to come in and makes things even worse. Patera comes in for the bearhug and Ventura does the same (imagine Ventura copying from a strong man with blond hair). The Argentine backbreaker has to be broken up so Heenan grabs a front facelock, with the referee not seeing the tag off to Hogan (what a nitwit).

Patera’s….we’ll say piledriver is countered into a backdrop but it’s still too early for the tag. Gagne slides between the legs though and it’s back to Brunzell for the house cleaning. Heenan breaks up the Indian deathlock so it’s off to Hogan for the real comeback. Hogan drops Patera and slingshots Heenan inside as everything breaks down. The legdrop (with Heenan having to flip into place as he realized what was coming) is enough to give Hogan the pin at 14:03.

Rating: C+. The AWA is the definition of an acquired taste and rarely does itself very well with one off, stand alone matches. The big idea was getting into the promos and characters, which only went so far here. Hogan getting to wreck people always worked and you could see what would become his usual stuff in there. Verne Gagne did screw up with him, but there was absolutely no way Hogan was staying there long term.

Post match the brawl stays on until the villains are cleared out again.

From World Championship Wrestling (the show and the company), May 20, 1989.

Terry Funk vs. Eddie Guerrero

Guerrero is 21 here and Funk insists that he get his chaps off before receiving a proper introduction. Guerrero rolls away from Funk to start and hits an enziguri to the floor (and of course Funk is willing to bump like crazy for him). Back in and Funk drives him into the corner for the chop as JR talks about Funk injuring Ric Flair. Guerrero flips over him in the corner but gets caught in a giant swing of all things. Funk misses a charge into the ropes and Guerrero gets in a headscissors but misses a dropkick.

One heck of a toss over the top isn’t a DQ for some reason (JR doesn’t get it either) and Funk follows him, only to clothesline the post by mistake. Guerrero gets in a heck of a high crossbody to the floor but misses a slingshot dive. Funk runs the ropes a few times and hits a dropkick through the ropes, followed by the piledriver on the floor. What is left of Guerrero is thrown inside, knee dropped and pinned at 5:13.

Rating: B-. Terry Funk is the perfect example of someone put onto this planet for the purpose of being a professional wrestler. There is something about watching him in the ring that is so unique and so out there that it is absolute fascinating to see. You could tell he wanted to do something with Guerrero here and gave him A LOT of offense, which makes sense given Guerrero’s family. This is a pretty well known match and it’s not just for the name value, as they had some entertaining chemistry.

Overall Rating: B-. As usual, these things are all over the place and while I’ve seen a few of them before, there was enough in here that was either new or new enough to make this fun. The Alley Fight and that shockingly awesome O’Grady vs. Grimes match are the highlights and while there was no run away entry, it was a great look at “huh, so that happened”. That’s what I love about the Vault and it was on full display again here.

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Ring Of Honor
Date: July 3, 2026
Location: WJCT Studios, Jacksonville, Florida
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman

It’s a rare Friday night show due to the holiday throwing everything off. I’m not sure what we’re going to be seeing here, but there is a Ring Of Honor World Title match set for an upcoming Collision, because of course. Other than that, we do have a title match from CMLL, because that’s where the Tag Team Titles belong these days. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Hook vs. Nick Comoroto

Comoroto powers him into the corner to start so Hook trips the leg for a takedown. A missed charge leaves Comoroto having to skin the cat so Hook grabs a front facelock. Hook gives him a t-bone suplex and an ax handle gets two but Redrum is blocked. Comoroto gets in a powerslam but misses a backsplash, allowing Redrum to make him tap at 4:27.

Rating: C. He’s still Hook and he’s still pretty much the same thing he’s been for a long time now. The suplexes and chokes are nice and Hook has something of a presence to him. The problem is the Opps stuff, which just feels sad without Samoa Joe. It’s almost like people pretending to be a stable without having anything that makes it work. There is still a reason to try with Hook, but dang he needs a new direction.

We recap Beef being beaten down by the Premier Athletes, which might have been an initiation.

Keagan Garland/LJ Cleary/Aaron Dallas vs. Premier Athletes/Beef

Beef and Garland start things off with Garland flipping around to reverse a wristlock into one of his own. Garland backs him into the ropes so Dallas can get in a shot of his own, with Cleary pounding away as well. Beef fights out of the corner and hands it off to Daivari to hammer away. Nese adds an uppercut and Beef’s top rope splash finishes at 3:03.

Rating: C. So I guess Beef is the new odd man out in the Premier Athletes, which might not be a big move but it is at least SOMETHING. If the Athletes just have to be around here every single week (and apparently they do), at least give them something other than “we insult the crowd and win a nothing six man tag”. It’s something and I’ll take that after all the months of them running on a treadmill.

We look at Mercedes Mone beating Maya World to win the Women’s Owen Hart Cup at Forbidden Door. Athena was really not impressed with World either.

Trish Adora/Robyn Renegade vs. Maya World/Hyan

Hyan and Adora start things off with Hyan elbowing her in the face. A gator roll is countered into a small package but World gets a blind tag to send Adora outside. The stereo suicide dives connect with Adora and Renegade before Hyan comes back in with a hurricanrana to Renegade. A Christyan XO distraction cuts Hyan off though and Adora cranks on both arms.

Hyan breaks out and makes the pretty easy comeback to bring in World for the house cleaning. Renegade reverses a Tombstone into a rollup for two as everything breaks down. A swinging suplex drops Hyan but World is back up to put Adora down. Something like Chasing The Dragon drops Hyan but World shoves Adora onto the pile for two. The running knee gives World the pin on Renegade at 9:28.

Rating: B-. This was a rather fun match that I wasn’t expecting. They were all working hard, with World and Hyan breaking quite the sweat to pull out the win. At the same time, Renegade and Adora worked well together for a random team and I liked this for a nice surprise here.

The Premier Athletes don’t think much of Beef’s contributions to their win. Beef challenges Dalton Castle and the Outrunners for the Six Man Tag Team Titles but Mark Sterling calls it the worst promo he’s ever heard. Daivari says the exact same words and gets praised, just in case you didn’t get the idea.

We look at Lio Rush getting involved in the cage match at Forbidden Door.

Rush touches the TV Title and a bunch of smoke comes up. Rush says it’s his.

Action Andretti vs. Alex Reynolds

Andretti won’t shake hands but he will hit Reynolds in the face to start fast. Reynolds flips out of a belly to back suplex and clotheslines Andretti to the floor. Back in and Reynolds hammers away again, only for Andretti to use to use the referee for a distraction to get in a cheap shot.

A corkscrew Vader Bomb gives Andretti two and the pumphandle Side Effect gets the same. Reynolds sends him outside and kicks him off the apron, with Andretti being whipped into the barricade a few times. Back up and some kicks stagger Reynolds and a Falcon Arrow gets two. A tiger driver gives Reynolds two more, only for Andretti to Stunner him over the top rope. The springboard 450 finishes for Andretti at 8:45.

Rating: B-. This was another acceptable match but Andretti is another person on a long list of people who can do athletic moves and have almost nothing that makes them stand out. I’m not overly interested in seeing his feud with Lio Rush because Cru never mattered in any significant way but tag teams must feud because of reasons. This was completely ok, but the people involved aren’t so interesting.

Post match Andretti kicks him down again and grabs a chair but Jon Silver runs in for the save. Andretti leaves but Lio Rush pops up with an umbrella to scare him on the way out.

Mance Warner doesn’t care what rules he’s wrestling under because he doesn’t know rules. He’s here to punch people in the face and hit the pay window. This sounded like the old Warner from his original MLW days and I like hearing that again.

Kiran Grey vs. Anthony Ogogo

Ogogo shoves away a handshake offer and runs him over with a shoulder to start. A running elbow puts Grey down again and Ogogo gets two off a powerslam. Grey gets in a forearm to the back and some running clotheslines but Ogogo hits a big clothesline of his own. The Right Angle sets up the big right hand to Grey and the referee stops it at 4:32.

Rating: C-. Well, Ogogo can in fact still do pretty much exactly what he’s done since he got here several years ago. He can punch and do a few other moves, which doesn’t exactly make me want to see him. As usual, with so many people on the roster, it feels like a bit of a waste of time to see someone who has been here so long and is basically in the same place. I get that he’s some kind of a project, but how interesting is it that he won a bronze medal fourteen years ago?

Caprice Coleman sits down with the Infantry, who talk about their military backgrounds. In the ring, they’re rather dangerous and bring in an American flag to explain how much they have studied every member of the ROH roster.

Cassie Lee vs. Zayda Steel

Steel knocks her down to start but gets sent into the corner for a rub of the head. A headscissors works a bit better for Steel and la majistral gets two. Some armdrags have Lee down again and they head outside, where Red Velvet has to chase Jessie McKay off. The distraction lets Lee ram her into the apron to take over, with the stomping in the corner keeping Steel in trouble. A hard whip into the corner puts Steel down again and a fisherman’s suplex gives Lee two. We pause for the pose though and that’s enough for Steel to hit the Real Deal for the pin at 6:11.

Rating: C+. I approve of Steel getting a win and having the IInspiration in singles match is at least a bit of a fresh way to use them. Steel still feels like someone who could go somewhere if she is given the chance and while this isn’t that yet, it’s better than another loss. She’s looking more comfortable in there and if that keeps growing, it’s a good thing.

Action Andretti wants the TV Title. He doesn’t like Jon Silver or Lio Rush and promises to beat the latter with Rush’s own umbrella.

We look at Jon Moxley beating Bandido at Forbidden Door. Next week, Bryan Keith gets a World Title shot. Why? Like Ring Of Honor knows.

Tag Team Titles: Sky Team vs. La Faccion Ingobernable

La Faccion (Sammy Guevara/The Beast Mortos) is defending and we’re in Arena Mexico for CMLL. Mistico’s entrance in this place does indeed feel special and that’s quite the sight to behold. Dorada (as in Mascara, Mistico’s partner) armdrags Guevara down to start and it’s Mistico springboarding in with a hurricanrana to Mortos. The stereo dives put the champs down but Mortos runs them over back inside.

Guevara takes over on the floor and yells at a camera before Mortos gives Dorada a pop up Samoan drop back inside. Guevara goes for Mistico’s mask and Mortos holds Mistico in the ropes for a top rope double stomp. Dorada is back in with a pop up hurricanrana and Mistico is back up to…not do anything to Guevara, who is pulled out to the floor. The champs run away from stereo suicide dives and we settle down to Guevara vs. Dorada with the latter grabbing a rather springboardy armdrag.

Mortos is sent outside as well, meaning the Faccion wants a time out. Mistico comes back in to clean house and get the rather spinning headscissors takeover to Mortos. Guevara grabs the GTH for two on Mistico so Dorada gives Guevara a super hurricanrana. Mortos’ super gorilla press drops Dorada so Mistico makes the save and everyone is down. A spear drops Mistico but he and Dorada are back up with big dives. Back in and Mistico la majistrals Guevara for two, earning himself a low blow. Dorada is back up with a springboard crucifix bomb before La Mistica makes Mortos tap the titles away at 19:13.

Rating: B. This lucha style takes some getting used to but you can tell that the four of them know what they’re doing. Mortos was good as the power guy to mix things up a bit, but Sky Team is the classic high flying team that the fans can get behind. While Sky Team is rather talented, the most important thing here is that ANYONE who can actually defend the titles on the regular ROH show won the belts. Having them sit in holding for so long was such an annoying situation and it’s not like La Faccion was some kind of special team. This is a great result to see and it was cool to see it in such a different environment.

Sky Team gets the big title presentation to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. The main event was the best part of the show, as not only was it a good match but it also solved a rather annoying problem. At the same time, the show was a bit shorter than it had been in most of the last few weeks and that takes away a lot of what feels like filler. I’ll also take what seems like an actual story over the TV Title after so many just random matches (like Bandido defending against Bryan Keith next week). This show did a better job of avoiding some of the regular problems and that’s a nice thing to see in any given week.

Results
Hook b. Nick Comoroto – Redrum
Premier Athletes/Beef b. Keagan Garland/LJ Cleary/Aaron Dallas – Top rope splash to Cleary
Maya World/Hyan b. Trish Adora/Robyn Renegade – Running knee to Renegade
Action Andretti b. Alex Reynolds – Springboard 450
Anthony Ogogo b. Kiran Grey via referee stoppage
Zayda Steel b. Cassie Lee – Real Deal
Sky Team b. La Faccion Ingobernable – La Mistico to Mortos

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Smackdown
Date: July 3, 2026
Location: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re stateside for Smackdown and the big story this week is that Sami Zayn is the new World Champion, having beaten Gunther and reigning champion Cody Rhodes on Saturday at Night Of Champions. That means we have about a month to go before Summerslam and a lot of ground to cover so let’s get to it.

Here is Night Of Champions if you need a recap.

Here is Sami Zayn to quite the strong reaction to get things going. Zayn talks about how a lot of people are here to ride or die with the last real good guy. He appreciates the reactions he has gotten and gives the fans a genuine thank you. It’s funny though, because a lot of those people booed him and jumped on and off of the bandwagon. He won’t say he told you so though because he’s a good guy who won that title the right way.

We’re here to celebrate him and he will forever be known as a Wrestlemania main eventer and a Grand Slam Champion, but also as a WWE Champion. Nothing can ever take that away from him but here is Cody Rhodes to interrupt. Zayn asks what he wants to talk about but Rhodes wants to just congratulate him. Rhodes goes to leave but Zayn tells him to just say what he really wants one time. This brings out Jey Uso to give Zayn a big hug and say that he deserves it.

As much as he respects Zayn, Uso, has to do his business and bring the title back to the family. Rhodes asks what year it is because bringing it back to the family sounds ridiculous. Uso is already a former World Champion but we’re here to talking about Rhodes’ rematch. Zayn isn’t happy with Rhodes saying Zayn would never take the title from him, and as far as Uso is concerned, the title is still in the family.

They can both stay away from him, but here is Adam Pearce (acting GM as Nick Aldis is on leave due to an incident with Gunther) to interrupt. Pearce says it’s his job to find Zayn a challenger, but Zayn says he should have some say in who he faces at Summerslam. Pearce says no one is talking about Summerslam, because Zayn is defending the title this Monday on Raw, and tonight Rhodes and Uso have a #1 contenders match tonight. They’re certainly not wasting time with Rhodes, but Zayn very well could be like Mick Foley, as winning the title itself is what matters rather than a long reign (which is ok).

Charlotte says she cost Jade Cargill at Night Of Champions because Cargill cost her. Alexa Bliss pops up to say it would have been nice to have been told Charlotte would be there but Charlotte says Bliss didn’t tell her she would be teaming with Tiffany Stratton. This brings in Stratton, who says she didn’t need Charlotte but Chelsea Green comes in to have Stratton’s back and….awkwardly say she’ll see Charlotte out there.

Charlotte/Chelsea Green/Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill/B-Fab/Michin

Stratton and Cargill start things off with Michin quickly coming in for a sunset flip. It’s quickly off to Charlotte to kick Michin down and send B-Fab flying with a suplex. A Cannonball off the apron hits Michin but Cargill is right there with the clothesline to Charlotte as we take a break.

We come back with Cargill sending Charlotte flying and even throwing in a mocking victory dance. The splash misses in the corner though and it’s B-Fab coming in to cut off the tag attempt. Charlotte fights back and Green comes in to clean house, with a Rough Ryder getting two on B-Fab. The Unprettier is loaded up but Cargill reverses into Jaded, which is reversed into a rollup. B-Fab offers a distraction though and Jaded finishes Green at 8:51.

Rating: C+. Cargill gets to look dominant again, Green isn’t hurt by the loss (or by any loss really) and Charlotte continues to kind of annoy a lot of people. Michin continues to be a solid hand in the ring and B-Fab is acceptable enough as a lackey. Just don’t ask her to do much of anything else.

We look at the Gunther/Nick Aldis incident, leading to both of them being sent home and Adam Peace being put in charge of Smackdown for the time being.

Pearce is on the phone with Aldis and doesn’t seem pleased. Then he runs into Sami Zayn, who isn’t happy with the situation. Pearce suggests that he’ll bring some Smackdown stars to Raw for a supershow and Zayn will have an opportunity. Zayn is annoyed but goes over to Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, saying he might not have won without Gargano being there for him. Zayn even has a reluctant LeRae take a picture of them together.

AAA Cruiserweight Title: Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo del Vikingo

Fenix is defending and Vikingo’s Latin American Title isn’t on the line. Vikingo snaps off a spinning headscissors to start but Fenix kicks him away. A springboard frog high crossbody gives Fenix two but Vikingo ties him in the ring skirt for a dropkick. Vikingo’s dive drops Fenix again and we take a break.

We come back with Fenix hitting his rope walk kick, setting up a frog splash for two. Vikingo is back up with his running knees in the corner, followed by his flipping hurricanrana out of the corner. A super spinning poisonrana (how do you even do that) drops Fenix again but he knees Vikingo back. That’s enough to set up the Mexican MuscleBuster to retain at 8:55.

Rating: B. “And then he did THIS and it was AMAZING!” That’s basically Vikingo in a nutshell and yeah that’s always going to work. This was the definition of a flippy match and as usual, it did its job. The fans get to have fun and it’s not like this is going to hurt either of them in AAA. In other words, it’s a nice use of some TV time.

We look at Blake Monroe attacking Giulia last week.

Giulia is happy to put Kiana James behind her and would love to fight Monroe face to face anytime. James comes in to say it would be like Giulia to bite the hand that feeds her, but here is Monroe to jump Giulia from behind. Not to be unfair, she jumps James too in a bit of a surprise.

We look at the Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns showdown from Raw, setting up their Summerslam title shot.

Jimmy Uso is talking to Jacob Fatu when Royce Keys comes in to say Fatu has been ignoring him. Did Roman Reigns not give him permission? Uso says they’re here to find Solo Sikoa and asks if Keys can help them or not. Keys says that blood doesn’t make you family (check). He’s been there for Fatu for fourteen years and that makes them family. Uso disagrees and leaves with Fatu.

Here are Trick Williams and Lil Yachty for a chat but here is Carmelo Hayes to interrupt. Hayes says he deserves another title shot and accuses Williams of turning that title, a title Hayes helped make, into an accessory. He can get Williams a discount code on WWE Shop if Williams just wants something to hold, so put the title on the line.

Yachty isn’t impressed and asks if we should give this “young small man” a match. Apparently the match is on for next week…but not for the title. That has to be earned and Williams knocks him down. Yachty and Williams go to leave but Hayes takes them out with a big dive.

Danhausen is on the phone (seemingly from the 30s) as Miz and Kit Wilson are there in the background. Matt Cardona comes in to say hello but Danhausen says he has a match with JD McDonagh at Saturday Night’s Main Event and has help coming in from New York. He was just on the phone with them, but Cardona points out that the phone isn’t plugged in

Danhausen says don’t worry about it and has Cardona twist a nob. It seems to fry Wilson and Miz even more, with Danhausen blaming Judgment Day and telling Cardona that he’s in charge of the two of them. Cardona mentions spiking your hair and Wilson might say AWESOME. Oh dear this won’t end well.

Brie Bella vs. Lainey Reid

Paige and the rest of Fatal Influence are here too. Bella takes her down by the arm to start fast but gets sent throat first into the middle rope. Reid misses a wind up elbow though and Bella sends her arm first into the corner. Some shots to the face slow Bella down but she fires off the YES Kicks. Bella pulls her down by the arm and rolls into the YES Lock, with Page cutting off Fallon Henley from interfering. Jacy Jayne gets posted but Henley is back up, with Bella going outside for the save. That lets Reid hitting a running knee for the pin at 3:19.

Rating: C. This was as standard of a booking trope as you can get on your way to a Women’s Tag Team Title match. That’s a good thing too, as I could go for Fatal Influence being the ones to end this title reign. Commentary hyped up Bella not having a singles match on Smackdown in years and while that’s true, it’s quite the stretch for something to brag about here.

R-Truth beats Nathan Frazer in a hot dog eating contest. Damian Priest wants ketchup but the War Raiders come in to say Priest and R-Truth should be focused on their challenge. R-Truth gets annoyed at Ivar eating Priest’s wiener but the match is on for some time in the future. It’s just going to take place on Smackdown, with R-Truth promising to take the masks too. There are no masks.

We look at the Brock Lesnar/Oba Femi segment from Raw, resulting in their match being set for the Cell.

Cody Rhodes is coming to the ring and runs into Finn Balor. Rhodes apologizes for not saying it yet but welcome to Smackdown. Balor says one of the reasons he came here was to face Rhodes and he wanted it to be for the title, so go start getting it back. Tama Tonga comes in to say he went to the family elders for guidance. Then the Tongas jump Balor, with Tama saying he’s closing the books on his past, with Balor being next.

Jey Uso vs. Cody Rhodes

For a shot at Sami Zayn on Raw. An early superkick and Cross Rhodes are both avoided so Uso sends him outside for the suicide dive. We take a break and come back with Rhodes hitting a Cody Cutter for two but Uso gets in a Samoan drop. Rhodes rolls outside where he cuts off a spear but gets sent onto the announcers’ table. Uso’s suicide dive is blocked as well and they go back inside for a double clothesline.

We take another break and come back with Uso hitting a Superfly Splash. Rhodes is up with another Cody Cutter for two of his own but Uso gives him a spear for two more. Another Superfly Splash misses though and Rhodes hits a spear, followed by Cross Rhodes for his own near fall. Uso knocks him down and tries a Superfly Splash, which hits raised knees. A sleeper works a bit better for Uso and they go into the corner where Uso tries…I’m not sure (neither is commentary). Rhodes slips away and grabs Cross Rhodes for the pin at 15:33.

Rating: B. There was just enough of a reason to believe that Uso could win here to keep things interesting. At the same time though, Rhodes is the right choice to move on to the title match, as either he gets the belt back and sets up a match with CM Punk or Zayn gets the big win in the singles match. This was a good main event though and it still helps to have Rhodes beat another former World Champion.

Overall Rating: B. Oh sweet goodness did losing an hour help this show. One of the most annoying things in wrestling is a show that just keeps going and Smackdown has been doing that since the show was extended to three hours. Switching back allowed it to feel much tighter with far less filler. It still has problems, but I wasn’t sitting there dreading how long it was going to go and that’s a great feeling. They’re flying through the World Title scene though and that almost has me worried for what they have planned at Summerslam. At least I’m wanting to see what it is though so they must be doing something right.

Results
Jade Cargill/B-Fab/Michin b. Charlotte/Chelsea Green/Tiffany Stratton – Jaded to Green
Rey Fenix b. El Hijo del Vikingo – Mexican MuscleBuster
Lainey Reid b. Brie Bella – Running knee
Cody Rhodes b. Jey Uso – Cross Rhodes

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: July 2, 2026
Location: Broadview Center, Albany, New York
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with Slammiversary and the big story is Nic Nemeth winning the World Title from Mike Santana, who might be done with the company. Other than that, the Hardys are the Tag Team Champions again due to the Hardys must be champions no matter what. We’re on the way to Lockdown, or possibly something between now and then, so let’s get to it.

Here is Slammiversary if you need a recap.

We open with a long Slammiversary recap.

Here is Ryan Nemeth to introduce the best wrestler of the last 35,000 years, his BIG BROTHER Nic Nemeth. Nic is rather pleased with how Slammiversary went and has Ryan pull out a scroll, listing various names he has beaten. The list includes Randy Orton, Ultimo Dragon, Kane, Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, Johnny Nitro, Johnny TV, John Morrison and John Cena, among several others.

This brings out KC Navarro to say he wants to talk to Nic, but Ryan says not so fast. Nic cuts that off and offers to let Navarro face Ryan tonight. Other than that though, anyone can come at him and they will be put down. Navarro as a first challenger will be a fine way to burn off a few weeks before we get closer to Lockdown.

Leon Slater says that Cedric Alexander stole the X-Division Title at Slammiversary and Slater is still coming for it. As for tonight, he’s going to teach Eddie Edwards a lesson in the main event as part of his path to becoming the biggest star in TNA. I’m not sure if he will, but Slater getting into the World Title picture isn’t out of the question. He might not be the next big thing, but it’s a distinct possibility.

We look at the announcement of the Knockouts TV Title and the tournament to crown the first champion.

Knockouts TV Title Tournament First Round: Tasha Steelz vs. Mara Sade

They trade some early rollups for two each and Steelz is sent outside, where Sade’s dive connects. A dropkick off the steps connects and Steelz bails again, only to manage to trip Sade on the apron. Back in and Steelz fires off some clotheslines but misses the top rope splash. Sade sends her outside again and hits a slingshot dive, followed by a Sling Blade back inside. A sitout powerbomb gives Sade two but Steelz’s neckbreaker gets the same. Steelz tries a springboard but gets kicked out of the air, allowing Sade to go up. That takes too long too and Steelz misses a charge, allowing Sade to hit the moonsault for the pin at 7:43.

Rating: C. Sade is a good example of someone who came into TNA with almost no reputation and wound up becoming a nice surprise. She’s one of the better stars in the division and has a presence to her. While she’s a long way off from going after Xia Brookside, she’s a good choice for a heck of a run in this tournament.

Post match Order 4 comes out and doesn’t seem pleased with Steelz.

Rich Swann gives BDE a pep talk, even though they’re both in a six way scramble for an X-Division Title shot.

BDE vs. Rich Swann vs. Fabian Aichner vs. Mr. Elegance vs. Jason Hotch vs. Home Town Man

They pair off to start until BDE and Swann are left alone for a respectful slugout. An exchange of rollups gets two each and it’s a standoff until Elegance breaks it up. Aichner drops Elegance with a clothesline and a butterfly superplex gets two on Swann. Hotch comes in to take over but the Man is right there to quite the reaction.

BDE hits a dive, followed by an even bigger one from Swann. Back in and a Tower Of Doom sends Swann flying into a Phoenix splash onto Hotch in a rather cool sequence. Swann hits a Lethal Injection on Hotch but Elegance makes the save. BDE splashes Elegance but gets caught in Aichner’s sitout powerbomb for the pin and the title shot at 5:28.

Rating: B-. As usual with matches like this one, it was a bunch of people flying around doing stuff with Aichner basically catching someone in the end. That’s not a bad thing either, as Aichner has been teased as a challenger for the title since he debuted. BDE continues to play his role of jobber to the stars who can do moves rather well and the rest of the people…well they were there too, as this was mainly about Aichner.

Ricky Sosa meets First Class and isn’t impressed.

Mustafa Ali does not want to hear Order 4’s excuses.

Here is Ricky Sosa for a chat. He’s new around here and the win on Sunday is just the beginning. This brings out the Righteous, who see the potential and offer him a spot on the team. Cue the System, who make an offer of their own, citing the team’s recent successes. Eddie Edwards sums it up by asking if Sosa wants to be a champion or join a cult. Sosa turns both of them down and the brawl is on, with Leon Slater running in for a failed save attempt. As has been the case, TNA needs fresh blood so trying Sosa out is worth a shot.

Elijah is happy to have his music back (despite never losing it).

Knockouts TV Title Tournament First Round: Heather By Elegance vs. Allie

M is here with Heather and Rosemary is here with Allie. Heather jumps Allie to start fast but gets sent into the corner for a running elbow. A trip to the floor goes badly for Allie as she gets her throat snapped over the top rope and a dropkick gives Heather two back inside. Allie shrugs that off to make the clothesline comeback and the Upside Down makes it even worse for Heather. Rosemary cuts off an interfering M but the distraction lets Heather hit a top rope double stomp for the pin at 5:34.

Rating: C. I’m not overly surprised that one of the likely challengers for the Knockouts Tag Team Titles beat one of the champions, but at least it was set up in a different way for once. Allie losing is a bit disappointing but the Elegance Brand has been too big of a deal to not have them go somewhere in the tournament. And it even involved some cheating for the protection.

Here is new Knockouts Champion Xia Brookside for a chat. She gets right to the point with the I TOLD YOU SO, as Lei Ying Lee was jealous and holding her back. Now we’ll get to see how good Brookside is and here she is as the new Knockouts Champion. The title doesn’t belong to the people because it belongs to her. This brings out Lee, who doesn’t see a champion, but rather a fake b****. The rematch is officially on for next week and Lee wants it to be No DQ, with the threat of Warrior’s Way sending Brookside running. Simple and to the point here.

Mustafa Ali begs Daria Rae for a Tag Team Title shot for the Great Hands. Sure. Next week.

KC Navarro vs. Ryan Nemeth

Nic Nemeth is here with Ryan. Navarro runs the ropes to start and hits a Sling Blade but Ryan pulls him off the top. A neckbreaker puts Navarro down on the floor and the chinlock goes on back inside. Navarro fights up for a tornado DDT but gets sent into the post to give Ryan two more. The hip swiveling neckbreaker takes too long though and Navarro comes back with the 305. The running neckbreaker finishes for Navarro at 4:19.

Rating: C+. I had thought that the match was going to be Nic vs. Navarro so it was nice to see Navarro get a win, even over a weasel like Ryan. Navarro is probably going to be getting a shot at Nic in a few weeks and that’s not a bad way for both of them to go. If nothing else, it’s getting Navarro a chance to showcase himself some more and it’s been working fairly well thus far.

Post match Nic lays Navarro out.

The Hardys are ready for the Great Hands but I’m not sure if calling the fans the Die-Hardys is going to work.

Leon Slater vs. Eddie Edwards

Alisha Edwards is here with Eddie. Hold on though as Alisha insists that Slater’s fans cheer for Eddie instead. They aren’t interesting so Slater’s music starts again (as he’s doing everything but YEETing) so we’re ready to go. Slater hits an early leg lariat before hammering away in the corner.

A poke to the eye cuts Slater off but he’s right back with a handspring elbow. Eddie cuts him off with a backbreaker and a hard whip sends Slater upside down in the corner. A backdrop gives Eddie two and Alisha gets in some choking from the floor. Eddie misses the moonsault though and Slater scores with a spinwheel kick.

The high crossbody gives Slater two but Eddie is back with the Backpack Stunner for the same. They trade shots to the face until a tiger driver and tiger bomb give Eddie two, leaving him looking rather stunned. Slater is right back with the toss Blue Thunder Bomb but Alisha gets on the apron. Cedric Alexander comes in and gets taken out, allowing Eddie to grab a rollup with tights for the pin at 7:34.

Rating: B-. Slater is getting more and more time in these main event spots and that means he’s going to lose on occasion. Losing to a multiple time World Champion is hardly the worst result, though Slater is going to need some help to fight back against the System. There are some options for that spot, but Sosa seems to be a likely choice.

Post match the beatdown is on but Ricky Sosa runs in for the save, much to Slater’s appreciation to end the show. Ah there we go.

Overall Rating: B-. TNA is in a rough spot right now as they aren’t likely to have Mike Santana anymore, along with a few other names. That means they are going to have to be tight with what they have and build up some fresh stars at the same time. While they didn’t take any huge steps forward here, they did a good enough job starting things off after Slammiversary. The post PPV shows have been an issue for TNA in recent years so it was nice to see things go in a different direction for once. They have a long way to go but it’s at least a good first step.

Results
Mara Sade b. Tasha Steelz – Moonsault
Fabian Aichner b. BDE, Rich Swann, Mr. Elegance, Jason Hotch and Home Town Man – Sitout powerbomb to BDE
Heather By Elegance b. Allie – Top rope double stomp
KC Navarro b. Ryan Nemeth – Running neckbreaker
Eddie Edwards b. Leon Slater – Rollup with tights

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Collision
Date: July 2, 2026
Location: Viejas Arena, San Diego, California
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness, Excalibur

It’s a rare Thursday show as there isn’t much of a point of airing in the usual 4th Of July time slot. The big story here is the rapid fire build towards Redemption, but we also have an extra push towards next Wednesday’s World Title match between MJF and Kenny Omega. Let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

Death Riders vs. Shingo Takagi/Drilla Moloney

Pac and Takagi fight over arm control to start with Takagi getting in a headlock takeover. After a bit of a breather, Pac grabs a headlock of his own, followed by a running headscissors. Moloney comes in to shoulder Castagnoli down and some chops put him in the wrong corner. A rolling neckbreaker drops Castagnoli again and we take a break.

We come back with Moloney in trouble but jumping over Pac into a dropkick. Takagi comes back in and gets knocked down, only to drop Pac just as fast. An enziguri puts Pac down again and it’s back to Castagnoli vs. Moloney. A spinebuster drops Castagnoli and a top rope elbow gives Moloney two, with Takagi celebrating early. Everything breaks down and a powerbomb leaves everyone down again.

The Swing into the dropkick gets two on Takagi with Moloney making the save. Moloney is taken to the floor, where Daniel Garcia pops up to choke him from the crowd. That leaves Pac to clothesline Takagi for two as this match is still going. Moloney’s piledriver to Garcia on the floor is broken up and Takagi clotheslines Castagnoli. Garcia comes in for a distraction and Castagnoli rolls Takagi up for the pin at 18:12.

Rating: B-. Well that was long. I’m really not sure if we needed to keep up something set up with a bonus match thrown onto the Kickoff Show but AEW does some odd things. The match was good enough, though it seemed a bit slow paced until things picked up at the end. Hopefully this wraps it up though, as the Death Riders feuding with another stable sounds very tiring.

The Conglomeration is upset about Tomohiro Ishii and Mark Briscoe being out and injured. They’re still scared of Lio Rush (though he might like them), but Konosuke Takeshita wants to face El Phantasmo.

Andrade El Idolo vs. Brian Cage

Andrade jumps him to start fast and they trade the rather hard chops in the corner. Cage gets in a slam into a legdrop but Andrade knocks him outside for the corkscrew drive. We pause for the picture with the fan, allowing Cage to hit the apron superplex as we take a break. We come back with Cage charging into a knee in the corner, setting up the double moonsault to give Andrade two.

Three Amigos connect for Andrade but Page is back with a 619 into the sitout powerbomb for two more. Cage gets knocked off the top and it’s a frog splash to give Andrade another near fall. The running knees in the corner connect for Andrade, with Cage popping back up for an F5. Cage’s big clothesline is countered with the spinning elbow, setting up the DM to give Andrade the pin at 13:21.

Rating: B. I liked this fairly well as Andrade continues his roll around here. I’m not sure where it goes and I really don’t need to see Andrade running through the Family again (it’s been done) but the fans are way into Andrade right now. Giving him a bunch of matches on TV isn’t a bad idea and if it winds up making him more popular, great.

Post match Andrade hits the catchphrase.

Gabe Kidd is ready to come back and hurt people. You know, Gabe Kidd stuff.

Thunder Rosa/Mina Shirakawa vs. Zara Zakher/B3cca

Shirakawa dances a bit to start and a rollup gets two on B3cca. Everything breaks down rather quickly though and Rosa wins a slugout. Some running shots in the corner crush B3cca/Zakher, with Shirakawa adding a running basement dropkick. A Tijuana Bomb finishes for Rosa at 2:22.

Here is Thekla to brag about beating Starlight Kid and stealing her mask. After the show, she made Kid go to the strip club and dance for her. Stardom is dead so long live the Toxic Spider and she’s ready for anyone who shoots at her at All In. She’ll catch the bullet with her teeth.

Skyflight officially offers Matt Sydal a spot on the team and he….I think accepts? Either way he has their backs.

Shane Taylor Promotions vs. Bang Bang Gang/Adam Copeland

Ok then. Colten takes Moriarty down to start but comes out of the corner with a dropkick. Copeland comes in for a double hiptoss and the Edge O Matic drops Bravo. A double Quick Draw puts Bravo down again and Copeland seems rather pleased. Austin is pulled outside for the big beating and we take an early break.

We come back with Dean hitting a Bronco Buster on Austin, who fights up without much trouble. White comes back in for the dragon screw legwhips and the 3:10 To Yuma hits Moriarty. Taylor is back in to clean house but White saves Copeland from a middle rope splash. A double superplex brings Taylor crashing down and it’s a spear to Bravo. The Blade Runner finishes for White at 10:43.

Rating: B-. This was the fun match of the show and it went rather well, with the focus being getting White back in the ring. White looked good as usual when he’s in there, but the problem is keeping him in there. The feud with the Dogs should be enough to keep them busy, with Copeland and Christian Cage being another possibility.

Post match the Dogs come out for a staredown but the Death Riders run in to beat down the Bang Bang Gang. The Dogs join in on said beating, with David Finlay hitting White with the shillelagh.

Willow Nightingale is still training for a return. Her method this week: buying Billy Joel music.

The Demand vs. Sonico/Chris Nastyy/Jordan Oasis

An assisted cutter and frog splash have Nastyy in trouble as Liona’s eye is cut open BAD. His blood is all over Oasis, who is knocked out to the floor. Nastyy gets crushed and a springboard Doomsday Device finishes for Ricochet at 1:48. Total destruction.

Post match Ricochet says he doesn’t like Matt Sydal and says the three of them have been in demand for over a year. They get to make the decisions around here. Of all the people in AEW, Sydal is getting a focus? Really?

Athena vs. Rina

Non-title and for the #1 spot in next week’s Casino Gauntlet match. Rina fires off some dropkicks to start but Athena is up with a running uppercut. The flipping clothesline misses in the corner though and Rina is back up with a middle rope dropkick for two. They head outside with Athena taking over as we go to a break.

We come back with Athena getting pulled out of the air and Rina throwing her down by the hair. Athena grabs a quick Fujiwara armbar, which is turned into a rollup to give Athena two. Another Fujiwara armbar is broken up and Rina grabs a Gory Bomb. Double knees from the top and a cradle get two on Athena, who is right back with a shove onto the barricade. The O Face is broken up but a second attempt finishes Rina at 13:41.

Rating: B. They had a hard hitting back and forth match here and it’s nice to see Athena getting a win in AEW. At the same time, Rina was another example of “here’s a new person, she’s awesome, end of description”. I’m not saying she’s bad or anything close to it, but it can get a bit tiresome having so many people come in for the first time or their first time in a good while and just be expected to roll with them hanging against a top star.

Kyle Fletcher is ready to get the TNT Title back.

Mistico/Mike Bailey/Bandido vs. Rascalz

Reed dropkicks Bandido into the corner to start so it’s off to Bailey for the bouncing kicks. Bailey gets knocked down and a stomp to his back gets two, only for Wentz to miss a charge to the floor. That means the parade of suicide dives can commence but Bailey’s is cut off. Reed hits the big running diving cutter onto the pile as we take a break.

We come back with Wentz and Bailey getting a double tag to bring in Bandido and Reed. Everything breaks down and Mistico hits a springboard double elbow, followed by a springboard double dropkick. Xavier springboards into Bandido’s X Knee and, with Mistico and Bandido hitting dives, the 21 Plex finishes Xavier at 8:19.

Rating: B-. This was another match that felt like it was a way to get Mistico onto the show in any form. I’m really not sure why all he does is get thrown into tag matches, unless it’s some kind of a mandate from CMLL. The match was the usual bunch of flips and dives and as exciting as you would have expected.

Megan Bayne and Lena Kross think they’re too dominant for any team and say address them from your knees, because it’s easier to bow down.

Rush vs. Jordan Cruz

Rush knocks him outside to start and sends him into the barricade. Back in and some facewashes have Cruz down before the Bull’s Horns finishes at 1:38.

The Opps want an ROH World Title shot for Katsuyori Shibata. You mean AEW wrestlers can challenge for ROH titles? And yes, the match will be on Collision instead of Ring Of Honor (where Shibata wrestles as well). Anthony Bowens tries to get some enthusiasm going and is shot down.

Julia Hart vs. Maya World

For the #2 spot in the Casino Gauntlet. World takes her down for an early backsplash to start but they’re quickly on the floor where Hart fires off some chops. A Tarantula has World in more trouble and we take an early break. We come back with Hart grabbing Hartless but World stacks her up for the escape. A double stomp gives World two but a Shining Wizard is cut off with…something that involved a bunch of camera cuts. World’s tabletop suplex gets two but Hart knocks her off the top. The moonsault hits raised knees though and World’s Shining Wizard gets the pin at 9:48.

Rating: C+. It’s good to see World getting a win, though it isn’t going to mean much if she doesn’t win something that actually matters. That would mean beating Athena or possibly even Thekla and I don’t know if I can see the latter happening. Beating Athena should be a major moment and that’s a lot to put on someone like World, who hasn’t been around that long. It’s not a terrible idea, but it might be too soon. Either way, she definitely looked more confident out there and that is great to see.

Video on Tommaso Ciampa vs. Chris Jericho.

Video on MJF vs. Kenny Omega.

El Phantasmo vs. Kyle Fletcher

Don Callis is on commentary. They trade early rollups for two each to start, with Fletcher freaking out at a VERY near fall. An armdrag takes Fletcher down again but he’s back up with one heck of a big boot. We take a break and come back with Phantasmo hitting a crossbody into a Lionsault for two more. A DDT puts Fletcher, whose knee is banged up, down again but he’s right back up with a Michinoku Driver for two of his own.

Fletcher’s running charge misses and he crashes to the floor, with Phantasmo hitting a moonsault. That earns him a lawn dart into the barricade and Phantasmo has to dive back inside. A heck of a sitout Last Ride gives Fletcher two and he can’t believe the kickout. Some rollups give Phantasmo two each but Fletcher is back up with a running boot in the corner. The brainbuster finishes at 11:54.

Rating: B. They beat each other up and Phantasmo continues to feel like someone who could give almost any opponent a run for their money. It made for a good match as Fletcher has turned into one of the more dependable stars in AEW. I could go for more of Phantasmo, like say having him win a match.

Post match Callis gets in the ring and talks about the disloyalty of Konosuke Takeshita. Starting on Dynamite, the Family is taking everything from him, including the International Title. Takeshita comes out to chase Callis off to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. There was good action throughout the night but you could feel the extra half hour baked into this. A bunch of the matches felt like there were being dragged out for the sake of filling time and since Collision isn’t exactly known for its heavy emphasis on storyline development, this was a long show. Certainly an entertaining two and a half hours, but 10+ hours in five days from any promotion is quite taxing and I was ready for this show to end a lot earlier than it did.

Results
Death Riders b. Shingo Takagi/Drilla Moloney – Rollup to Takagi
Andrade El Idolo b. Brian Cage – DM
Thunder Rosa/Mina Shirakawa b. Zara Zakher/B3cca – Tijuana bomb to B3cca
Bang Bang Gang/Adam Copeland b. Shane Taylor Promotions – Blade Runner to Bravo
The Demand b. Sonico/Chris Nastyy/Jordan Oasis – Springboard Doomsday Device to Nastyy
Mistico/Mike Bailey/Bandido b. Rascalz – 21 Plex to Xavier
Rush b. Jordan Cruz – Bull’s Horns
Maya World b. Julia Hart – Shining Wizard
Kyle Fletcher b. El Phantasmo – Brainbuster

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

I get the lack of audience.

https://411mania.com/wrestling/halls-wcw-superbrawl-iv-review/

When there is too much wrestling.

https://www.smarkdownsblog.com/wrestling-oversaturation