Dynamite
Date: November 5, 2025
Location: Bayou Music Center, Houston, Texas
Commentators: Excalibur, Bryan Danielson, Tony Schiavone

We are a week away from Blood & Guts and therefore this week’s show is going to focus on setting up the two cage matches. In this case that means determining who will have the advantage in the matches, which can be rather important. Other than that, we’ll have some more build towards Full Gear, which isn’t very far away. Let’s get to it.

Here is Collision if you need a recap.

Tony Schiavone is in the ring and….there is going to be something called the National Title introduced. Cue the Opps to interrupt, with Samoa Joe not being happy with Schiavone for the deal with Hangman Page at the end of last week’s show. Cue Page for the save, with Eddie Kingston and Hook joining him. They’re already set for a six man tag tonight and Hook thinks it should be a Trios Titles match. Works for a ticked off Joe.

Men’s Blood And Guts Advantage Series: Orange Cassidy vs. Claudio Castagnoli

First of a three match series. Cassidy fires off the suicide dives before the bell and the ten right hands connect against the barricade. Castagnoli manages a ram into the ropes though and gets inside for the opening bell. A tornado DDT cuts Castagnoli off but they go outside with Cassidy being dropped over the barricade. Castagnoli grabs a suplex and walks him up the steps (because that’s something a human can do) to throw him back inside.

Cassidy’s sleeper goes on and Castagnoli can’t even swing him off. It’s finally reversed into the regular swing and Cassidy is in trouble as we take a break. We come back with Cassidy putting his hands in his pockets, which earns him a gutwrench suplex in a smart move from Castagnoli. Cassidy puts his hands in his pockets again and shrugs off a string of punches in the corner.

Castagnoli is sent outside for a diving tornado DDT before planting Castagnoli for two back inside. A sitout powerbomb gives Castagnoli two and he grabs a crossface. That and a basement uppercut give Castagnoli two but the apron superplex is countered into a super Stundog Millionaire (that was great). An Orange Punch rocks Castagnoli but he’s right back with Swiss Death for the pin at 12:21.

Rating: B-. I was worried that Cassidy would survive that kind of a beating and win on a fluke so it was nice to see Castagnoli get a clean win like this for a change. He’s been just a guy in the Death Riders for a long time now and it’s good for him to have something other than just another loss. Cassidy is just kind of floating around at the moment, but he’ll be fine given the way the fans care about him.

Mark Briscoe is in the back with Kyle Fletcher, who hasn’t responded to Briscoe’s challenge for Full Gear. Briscoe lost to him at WrestleDream thanks to a low blow so let’s do it No DQ next time. Don Callis has an idea though: if Briscoe loses, he joins the Family.

The Young Bucks haven’t officially joined the Don Callis Family but Callis offers Kazuchika Okada as a testimony on what it means to join.

Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament First Round: Willow Nightingale/Harley Cameron vs. Mercedes Mone/Athena

The villains jump them to start fast as we hear about Queen Aminata being injured and therefore out of Blood & Guts. Mone chokes Cameron on the ropes a bit but Cameron manages a belly to back suplex. Nightingale comes in for a middle rope dropkick as the house cleaning is on. It’s already back to Cameron, who gets dropped onto Mone for two. Everything breaks down and a Meteora drops Nightingale, leaving Athena to drop Mone onto Cameron for two.

We take a break and come back with Mone taking too long on Three Amigos, allowing Cameron to escape. The big tag brings in Nightingale to clean house, with a Cannonball hitting Athena for two. Athena cuts her off with a hard forearm and everything breaks down. A double Codebreaker sets up the Statement Maker on Cameron so Nightingale Pounces Athena into the two of them for the save.

Nightingale clotheslines Mone down but Athena is up with a spinning knee to the head. Athena puts Nightingale into a fireman’s carry and then fall away slams Cameron at the same time (geez). Cue Athena’s minion Billie Starkz to hand Athena a title but Kris Statlander cuts her off. The Babe With The Powerbomb into That’s Her Finisher to pin Athena at 12:44.

Rating: C+. Odds are that sets up Cameron as the next victim for Athena and I’ve heard worse ideas. One such bad idea would be to have Mone get closer to winning a tag team title in addition to all of her singles belts so at least they did the right thing here. The tournament has me wondering who is going to wind up with the titles so they’re certainly off to a nice start.

Tony Schiavone is in the ring to announce a Casino Gauntlet Match for Full Gear for the inaugural National Title. Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, the first entrants, come out with MVP for a chat. MVP talks about the history of the National Title, which apparently will have lineage with the original NWA version.

Cue the Demand to interrupt, with Ricochet mocking the Syndicate for being old. MVP is ready to fight but Ricochet says he’ll be the next National Champion. I’d hope that they don’t go any further with the lineage/heritage of the National Title, as the NWA, which still sanctions it to this day, might have some issues.

Jurassic Express leaves the Young Bucks $100 to deal with their money issues.

Men’s Blood And Guts Advantage Series: Darby Allin vs. Daniel Garcia

If Garcia wins, the Death Riders clinch the advantage. Allin rolls around to start and grabs a headlock takeover. That’s broken up and Garcia chokes in the corner, only for Allin to put Garcia’s arm into the post (as in the hole on the top). Some biting keeps the arm in trouble before Allin sends him into the barricade. Garcia hits a big boot to the head to cut Allin off though and we take a break.

We come back with an exchange of chokes, with Allin backflipping onto him for two. Garcia takes him up top for a superplex but Allin rolls through into a Scorpion Death Drop. They head outside, with Garcia putting Allin’s arm between the steps and post for a running dropkick. Cue Pac for a cheap shot with a clothesline and Allin has to dive back in to beat the count. The bleeding Allin is put in the Sharpshooter but manages to reverse it into the Scorpion Deathlock for the tap at 13:26.

Rating: B-. There wasn’t much in the way of drama here as not only was it the second match in a best of three series, but Garcia wasn’t likely to beat Allin in any way. At least they didn’t do anything too nuts here, as Allin gets to go through and win a match he should have. Now just get him away from the Death Riders already, because the story needs to be done.

Post match the Death Riders run in for the beatdown, with Orange Cassidy’s save attempt getting cut off as well.

Here is FTR to call out Bandido/Brody King for a chat. The champs don’t show up though and we see their locker room door locked. Back in the arena, Harwood goes over to meet Bandido’s family with some less than great Spanish. Harwood mocks Bandido’s grandmother for being too old and does the keep pulling his microphone away before she can say much. She finally slaps him and Bandido’s brother jumps the barricade for the brawl. We cut to the back where Brody King punches through the wall and grabs Stokely Hathaway so the champs can escape for the save.

Video on Blood & Guts as narrated by….Dean Malenko?

Women’s Blood And Guts Advantage Series: Mina Shirakawa vs. Megan Bayne

Toni Storm is on commentary. Bayne shrugs off some shots to the ribs to start so Shirakawa gives her a running dropkick to the floor. Back in and Shirakawa kicking her in the head out of the corner but Bayne grabs an impressive release German suplex. Shirakawa fights back and hurricanranas Bayne into the corner. Cue Marina Shafir to jump Storm for the brawl, which distracts Shirakawa. The running Liger Bomb finishes for Bayne at 9:36.

Rating: C+. Bayne getting to wreck someone else is a good thing and this was little more than a preview for the big match next week. They’re almost putting everyone of note in the division into Blood & Guts, which is certainly a way to go. It has me interesting in what’s going to happen though and Bayne getting to be a smashing machine is a fun thing every time.

Post match the beatdown is on until Storm makes the save with a chair. Most of the rest of the teams come in for a brawl, with Mercedes Mone stopping short. Kris Statlander comes out to jump her from behind and the heroes stand tall.

Trios Titles: Opps vs. Hangman Page/Eddie Kingston/Hook

The Opps are defending. Joe does the really played out “yeah I’ll start but I’m tagging out before I make contact” deal and hands it off to Shibata. A quick slugout goes to Page and it’s Hook coming in for a suplex. Hobbs comes in for some backbreakers but Hook manages a nice overhead suplex to get a breather.

We take a break and come back with Joe putting Kingston in a nerve hold. That’s broken up and Page comes back in to clean house, including posting Hobbs on the floor. The top rope moonsault press gives Page two and it’s back to Kingston, which brings in the banged up Hook. Hobbs drops Page onto the apron and decks Kingston into a German suplex from Shibata. Page is taken up to the stage for a World’s Strongest Slam through the table, leaving Joe rather pleased. The injured Hook tries to make the save with Redrum, only to get reversed into the torture rack to give Hobbs the submission at 12:03.

Rating: B-. Hook being there to take the fall was fine, as this was about Hobbs and Page having a nice angle before Page defends against Joe at Full Gear. That’s the kind of thing that the Trios Titles can do rather well, as it gives them another reason for them to fight. Now just make the Joe vs. Page rematch a bit more interesting and they’ll be in business.

With about three seconds left in the show, Hobbs vs. Page, falls count anywhere, is announced for next week.

Overall Rating: B-. The majority of this show was built around setting up Blood & Guts and that’s not a bad thing. The show is going to be one heck of a detour on the way to Full Gear, so giving it a week mostly dedicated to preparation is a smart move. Full Gear is going to need some work in the last week after Blood & Guts, but there is a good chance those matches will build towards the pay per view. Good enough show here, with the really important ones coming.

Results
Claudio Castagnoli b. Orange Cassidy – Swiss Death
Willow Nightingale/Harley Cameron b. Athena/Mercedes Mone – That’s Her Finisher to Athena
Darby Allin b. Daniel Garcia – Scorpion Deathlock
Megan Bayne b. Mina Shirakawa – Running Liger Bomb
Opps b. Hangman Page/Eddie Kingston/Hook – Torture rack to Hook

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

Collision
Date: November 1, 2025
Location: Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg, Texas
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness

It’s Fright Night, meaning it’s time to have something a bit scarier around here. However, we also have quite the stacked lineup, with the Ring Of Honor World Title on the line, plus Mercedes Mone defending…well one of her many titles. Other than that, we are in the middle of the Women’s Tag Team Titles tournament so let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

The opening video focuses on the Dia de los Muertos and looks at the card.

Opening sequence.

Max Caster/Anthony Bowens vs. Kazuchika Okada/Konosuke Takeshita

Don Callis is on commentary and the match is having so he can prove his Family works well together. Takeshita and Bowens trade arm cranking to start before chopping it out. Bowens knocks him down and Caster comes in to knock the Family outside. Bowens teases a dive off the top but Caster takes them down with a slingshot dive instead, much to Bowens’ annoyance.

Back in and Caster gets beaten up in the corner, setting up Okada’s falling top rope elbow. Okada’s middle finger to Takeshita lets Caster get two off a rollup so Okada gives him the Air Raid Crash onto the knee for two. Caster is able to slip over for the tag off to Bowens, whose house cleaning is quickly cut off by Okada as we take a break. We come back with Bowens striking away at Okada and flipping away from Takeshita.

That’s enough for Caster to tag himself in, meaning it’s time for some claps. Everything breaks down and Takeshita hits a Tower Of Doom, including a powerbomb to Okada. Bowens plants Okada but Caster tags himself in to load up the top rope elbow. They argue again and Okada Rainmakers Bowens, leaving Takeshita to take himself in for Raging Fire on Caster (ignore his shoulder being on Takeshita’s leg and therefore up during the pin) for the pin at 14:02.

Rating: C+. The action was fine, though I was having flashbacks to something out of a Battlebowl here. Having both teams fighting among themselves didn’t make for the most exciting match and that’s what we had here. Takeshita still seems likely to leave the Family soon, which would be a better move, just because this is quite the odd usage of the IWGP World Champion.

Post match Callis makes them raise their hands together but they aren’t happy.

Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale are a team because they have matching gear. You can take the babes out of the wrath but you can’t take the wrath out of the babes.

Video on Toni Storm/Mina Shirakawa.

CMLL Women’s Title: Olympia vs. Mercedes Mone

Mone is defending and Kris Statlander is on commentary. They pose at each other to start before Mone takes her down and dances. That earns her a whip into the corner and some running knees into a dance from Olympia. Mone gets thrown down again and Statlander is rather impressed. A superplex is broken up and Mone sends her outside for the Meteora off the apron.

We take a break and come back with Mone getting two off a fisherman’s suplex but an armbar is countered into a sitout powerbomb. Mone tries some rollups but gets muscled into a sitout F5 for two. That’s enough for Mone to go outside where she gets in an argument with Statlander. Back in and Mone easily gets the Statement Maker to retain at 10:56.

Rating: C+. Again, you knew what you’re going to get from Mone, as the matches are usually fine but it’s almost impossible to imagine her losing anything. Yes it happened once and that does help, but at the same time, Mone having so many titles and defending a few of them on TV is a lot to take. Either have her lose some titles or just stop with the belt collector deal, which still isn’t that interesting.

Post match Mone has to run away from a charging Statlander.

We recap Dynamite.

The Young Bucks are distraught when Don Callis comes in. He’s gotten them a six man tag at Full Gear, where they can team with Josh Alexander against the Jurassic Express and Kenny Omega. The prize for the winners: $1 million. Question: why would Tony Khan keep giving the Bucks these chances? They’ve abused his money and power for years and are under contract, so why would he keep letting them try to get back on their feet?

Miranda Alize/Nixon Newell vs. Marina Shafir/Megan Bayne

Jon Moxley is on commentary. Alize and Newell jump them to start fast and Bayne misses a charge in the corner. Double superkicks stagger Bayne again but she German suplexes both of them at once. It’s off to Shafir to slam both of them at once and everything breaks down. Bayne gives Newell the running Liger Bomb for the pin at 2:26 while Shafir gives Alize Mother’s Milk.

We unveil the lineups for the women’s Blood & Guts match:

Triangle Of Madness/Megan Bayne/Marina Shafir/Mercedes Mone
Jamie Hayter/Queen Aminata/Willow Nightingale/Harley Cameron/Toni Storm/Kris Statlander

So just about every woman on the roster of note.

La Faccion Ingobernable vs. The Conglomeration

Strong and Guevara go with the grappling to start, with Guevara actually getting the better of things. Komander comes in to fire off the chops before flipping over Dralistico. They trade armdrags and legsweeps into a standoff and it’s off to Mortos to shoulder Briscoe. Guevara even jumps in on commentary to brag about his teammates before Mortos gets in a big backdrop. Briscoe strikes away to take over and it’s back to Komander for a spinning anklescissors.

La Faccion is sent outside for stereo dropkicks through the ropes from Briscoe and Strong. Guevara cuts Komander down though and we take a break. We come back with Dralistico hitting a springboard spinning Canadian Destroyer for two. Komander gets in a faceplant though and it’s Strong coming back in to clean house. Mortos comes in to deck Strong, who gets over to Briscoe to strike away. Briscoe adds a big dive to the floor but Mortos breaks up the Jay Driller. Komander is back in with a springboard poisonrana though, leaving Briscoe to Jay Driller Dralistico for the pin at 11:56.

Rating: B-. This was the usual AEW six man tag, with everyone flying around and getting in their stuff. Briscoe gets a win as he’s trying to find something else to do, which is always appreciated. LFI doesn’t have anything going on anyway (yes that includes being ROH Tag Team Champions) so put them out there and let them get at least a bit of exposure.

We recap the Hangman Page attack on Samoa Joe from the end of Dynamite.

Eddie Kingston was checking on Hook after his loss to Samoa Joe but doesn’t have much to say.

Here is MxM TV for their Casting Call.

MxM TV vs. Bang Bang Gang

Austin and TV start things off and everything breaks down rather quickly. Gunn cleans house and Austin hits a running flip dive to the floor. Back in and Austin flips out of a double belly to back suplex, allowing the tag off to Robinson. The forward DDT hits TV and a powerbomb gets two on Mansoor. A double suplex drops Madden and it’s the Fold to finish TV at 3:32.

Rating: C. They didn’t have much time here and it was nice to see the Gang getting back on track. Granted it helps when you have an actual three man team rather than the leftovers of the original version. If nothing else, Austin getting time on a bigger stage is nice to see, as he’s certainly good enough to get a shot.

Here’s what’s coming on various shows.

We recap Mascara Dorada challenging Bandido for the Ring Of Honor World Title. They had a classic in their first title match so we’ll do it again.

Ring Of Honor World Title: Mascara Dorada vs. Bandido

Bandido is defending and they fight over arm control to start. Dorada takes him to the mat and tries a surfboard, with Bandido standing up to escape. That works so well that they switch places and do the exact same thing for another standoff. Stereo handspring flips leave them staring at each other again but Bandido sends him outside. A dive misses though and Bandido’s shoulder is banged up again as we take a break.

We come back with Dorada elbowing him down for two but getting taken down with a spinning high crossbody. Bandido slams him with one arm and Dorada is knocked outside for an Alley Oop onto the apron. The big dive connects but Bandido goes head first into the announcers’ table for a nasty crash. Back in and a monkey flip sends Dorada into the corner so the frog splash can give Bandido two. A spinning DDT gives Dorada two and they go to the apron, where Bandido hits a pop up cutter to the floor.

We take another break and come back with Dorada hitting a springboard high crossbody. A hurricanrana sends Bandido outside for the running corkscrew dive, followed by a shooting star. Back in and Bandido’s running knee gets two but Dorada reverses a DDT into a suplex. A pop up powerbomb gives Bandido a breather and they trade running boots for a double down. Dorada’s shooting star press hits raised knees but he’s fine enough to catch Bandido on top. A running super hurricanrana is countered into a sunset bomb for two, followed by the 21 Plex to retain Bandido’s title at 22:44.

Rating: A-. Yeah this was great, as Bandido is on the roll of rolls this year. He’s seemingly incapable of having a bad match and it’s awesome to see what he does no matter who he’s out there against. Dorada has turned into a star as well and he had an outstanding performance of his own here. Great stuff, though it would be nice to have it actually on Ring Of Honor instead of elsewhere.

Respect is shown to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. The main event helped the show a lot and that’s a good thing, as the rest of this week was just decent. It was a lot of focus on less than interesting stuff, including the Don Callis Family and Mercedes Mone. Blood & Guts and Full Gear coming up will help a lot, though it would be nice if something more interesting happened around here. Bandido can only do so much, and while the main event was great, it’s still just the Ring Of Honor World Title.

Results
Konosuke Takeshita/Kazuchika Okada b. Max Caster/Anthony Bowens – Raging Fire to Caster
Mercedes Mone b. Olympia – Statement Maker
Marina Shafir/Megan Bayne b. Miranda Alize/Nixon Newell – Running Liger Bomb to Newell
The Conglomeration b. La Faccion Ingobernable – Jay Driller to Dralistico
Bang Bang Gang b. MxM TV – Fold to TV
Bandido b. Mascara Dorada – 21 Plex

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

Collision
Date: October 25, 2025
Location: Boeing Center At Tech Point, San Antonio, Texas
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness

We’re done with WrestleDream and it’s time to start getting ready for Full Gear. That could make for some interesting issues around here, though we already have something special this week. This time we’ll be seeing the Young Bucks teaming with FTR in an attempt to win $400,000, which is a thing again here. Let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Hangman Page for a chat. Page talks about how you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. That’s what the Opps did after spending a year fighting the Death Riders. After all of those battles, Page gave Samoa Joe a World Title match where he beat Joe, just as he promised. Then the Opps stabbed him in the back and now Page is ticked off. Page promises to ruin Joe’s life to wrap it up. This was pretty much a big recap.

Pac promises to hurt Tomohiro Ishii.

Pac vs. Tomohiro Ishii

Thank goodness they had a match scheduled. Otherwise Pac might have had trouble fulfilling his promise. The Death Riders are here with Pac, who trades forearms with Ishii to start. They both miss big shots and that’s good for an early staredown. Ishii’s suplex sends Pac out to the apron, where Daniel Garcia offers a distraction so Pac can take over. A missile dropkick drops Ishii again and we take a break.

We come back with Ishii chopping away and running him over, setting up a delayed vertical superplex for two. A powerbomb gives Ishii two but Ishii comes up favoring his arm. Pac snaps the arm across the top rope and they trade German suplexes. They knock each other down before Pac gives him a Tombstone into another German suplex. Pac’s brainbuster gets two more and he sends Ishii outside for the running knee from Wheeler Yuta. That’s enough for Pac to hit a running clothesline for the pin at 12:10.

Rating: C+. This was pretty much exactly what you would have expected it to be, with both of them hitting the other hard. Pac cheats with the Death Riders and the designated jobber of the Conglomeration loses again. It was entertaining, but absolutely nothing out of the norm from these guys.

Thekla vs. Mina Shirakawa

Shirakawa dances a lot to start but misses a charge into the corner. A running dropkick works better for Shirakawa and we hit the surfboard. Some dancing stomps onto the hands have Thekla in even more trouble but she cuts off another dance and throws Shirakawa down. That’s broken up and Shirakawa starts in on the leg as the Sisters Of Sin come out to watch.

Thekla uses the distraction to knock Shirakawa outside and we take a break. We come back with Shirakawa hitting a Sling Blade and running knee to take over. A slingshot corkscrew splash gives Shirakawa two but it’s too early for the Figure Four. Thekla catches her up top with the spider superplex but Shirakawa strikes her down again. The spinning backfist drops Thekla for two and the top rope Sling Blade gets the same. That’s enough for the Sisters to offer a distraction, allowing Thekla to hit a spear into the Death Trap for the tap at 13:55.

Rating: C+. The ball of charisma that is Shirakawa loses again, as tends to be her custom in recent weeks. That’s not exactly encouraging, though she should be fine when she teams with Toni Storm coming up. Thekla needs the win to build her up for the likely spot in Blood & Guts (lineups would be nice) so I guess there was no choice than to have Shirakawa lose again.

Anna Jay and Tay Melo have been getting ready for the Women’s Tag Team Titles for years. Cue Miranda Alize and Nixon Newell (Tegan Nox) to issue the challenge for a tag match. Game on.

Here is MxM TV for their Casting Call. First though, Mansoor mocks the ring announcers’ weight, because reasons. Anyway, the match.

Taya Valkyrie vs. Olympia

Valkyrie isn’t happy and gets stomped in the corner to make it worse. A running seated senton crushes Valkyrie again, leaving Olympia to dive onto the rest of the team. Back in and a sitout F5 (with squats) finishes Valkyrie at 2:35.

On Dynamite: Hook vs. Ricochet vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Samoa Joe for the World Title shot at Full Gear.

Ace Austin vs. Bryan Keith

Feeling out process to start with Austin kicking away. That’s broken up and Keith fires away before sending Austin out to the apron. Austin’s springboard high crossbody connects and they head outside with Austin winning a strike off. The handstand on the apron sets up a kick to Keith’s chest but Keith knocks him right back down. Keith boots him in the face on the floor and we take a break.

We come back with Austin rolling through an exploder suplex and striking away again. A Russian legsweep gets two on Keith, who is right back up with a running headbutt. Austin is right back with a kick to the head though and the Fold (running Blockbuster) finishes Keith at 11:40.

Rating: B-. That’s what we needed to see here, as Austin needs to be established around here and winning matches is the way to make that happen. Austin might not be the biggest guy but he can hang with the more talented stars. If nothing else, the Fold continues to be a sweet finisher that he can hit on just about anyone, so there is some potential here.

Don Callis talks about how families have issues at times and that is the case with Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita. He’s in charge though and the Family is having a summit on Dynamite.

The Outrunners and Dalton Castle are interrupted by the still bickering Anthony Bowens and Max Caster. The Outrunners mumble a lot, which Castle says is the secret to their success.

Hook vs. Griff Garrison

Eddie Kingston and the Frat House are here too. Garrison works on the arm to start and gets taken down with a quick suplex. Hook takes him to the mat and hammers in some forearms to the face but Garrison is back with a running boot. That’s shrugged off and Hook grabs Redrum for the tap at 2:08.

Olympia wants the CMLL Women’s Title and challenges Mercedes Mone for Collision.

Jamie Hayter and Queen Aminata are ready to take out the Sisters Of Sin and win the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Here’s what’s coming on various shows.

Young Bucks/FTR vs. Jet Speed/Jurassic Express

Perry brings a beach ball with him, which Wheeler crushes with a chair (good man). Matt headlocks Knight to start and gets dropkicked for his efforts. Bailey comes in off a blind tag for a double hiptoss so it’s off to Wheeler. Some kicks take Wheeler down just as fast but he’s able to drop Perry with a clothesline. It’s off to Harwood, who gets backed off by Luchasaurus. Some slams drop FTR as everything breaks down, with Bailey missile dropkicking Matt. The non-dinosaur good guys hit dives to the floor, leaving Luchasaurus to grab a chokeslam back inside.

We take a break and come back with the villains cleaning house and Wheeler hitting a dive of his own. A standing Sliced Bread to Perry sets up Harwood’s Sharpshooter, which is broken up rather quickly. Knight comes back in to clean house and Jet Speed hit stereo slingshot dives to the floor. A super hurricanrana sends Matt into Bailey’s sitout powerbomb for two but Nick throws powder in Knight’s eyes. Matt superkicks Knight for two and we take another another break.

We come back with Knight fighting his way out of trouble and handing it back to Luchasaurus. Everything breaks down and Perry hurricanranas Matt off the apron onto Harwood. Back in and the PowerPlex drops Luchasaurus into a 450 for two. The Bucks and FTR hit a Shatter Machine apiece but the double EVP Trigger misses. The Countdown To Extinction hits Harwood and the tornado kick gives Bailey the pin at 20:33.

Rating: B. Hey look: the Bucks are still broke. I wonder if they’ll be given another chance to make a bunch of money in a match because they’re oh so wacky with their money. I have no idea why this is supposed to still be entertaining because the joke has been told multiple times now. I’m also pretty much over seeing the Bucks and FTR interact, as it’s been done enough already.

FTR and the Bucks argue.

One more thing: these four teams will be in a four way match on Dynamite for a Tag Team Title shot at Full Gear. Well of course they are.

Overall Rating: B-. This was certainly an episode of Collision, with the usual action and little being done other than having some matches announced for Dynamite. That’s often the featured attraction for this show, unless you want to see Olympia built up before she gets to lose to Mercedes Mone next week. Run of the mill show here, meaning it’s fun if you watch it but nothing you need to see.

Results
Pac b. Tomohiro Ishii – Running clothesline
Thekla b. Mina Shirakawa – Death Trap
Olympia b. Taya Valkyrie – Sitout F5
Ace Austin b. Bryan Keith – The Fold
Hook b. Griff Garrison – Redrum
Jet Speed/Jurassic Express b. FTR/Young Bucks – Tornado kick to Harwood

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

Dynamite
Date: October 22, 2025
Location: Boeing Center At Tech Point, San Antonio, Texas
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Bryan Danielson

We’re done with WrestleDream and the big story coming out of the show is Darby Allin managing to make Jon Moxley quit. That’s quite the way to go and in theory it should end the feud between the two of them. Other than that, Mercedes Mone is coming after Kris Statlander and the Women’s Title. Let’s get to it.

Here is WrestleDream if you need a recap.

We run down the card.

WrestleDream recap.

After successfully defending the World Title, Hangman Page promised to ruin Samoa Joe as soon as he saw him.

Trios Titles: Opps vs. Hurt Syndicate

The Syndicate is challenging. Shibata headlocks Benjamin to start but Benjamin reverses into one of his own. They go to the mat for a second, only for Benjamin to come up with a clothesline. Lashley comes in for a staredown with Hobbs but Joe tags himself in. That’s fine with Lashley, who knocks Joe into the corner and hammers away to take over. Benjamin comes back in and goes up, with Joe doing the walk away. Everything breaks down and a series of strikes leaves most of them on the floor. Hobbs powerslams Benjamin and we take a break.

We come back with Shibata stomping on Benjamin in the corner before handing it off to Joe for the chinlock. Benjamin fights up and slaps away, followed by a DDT for a knockdown. Lashley comes back in to clean house and now we get the big showdown with Hobbs. The Hurt Lock attempt is blocked and Shibata comes back in to PK Lashley for two. MVP comes back in and hits Ballin for two but cue Ricochet for a distraction. That’s enough for Joe to get the Koquina Clutch to finish MVP at 12:31.

Rating: B-. So we’re not done with the Syndicate vs. the Demand? Fair enough, but it felt like the feud was pretty much done. That being said, I do like the idea that the Opps don’t lose the titles just a few days after turning heel at WrestleDream. Beating the Syndicate is a big deal as they’re one of the most dominant factions around here so this was a logical and correct way to go.

Post match the Syndicate chases Ricochet off, leaving Tony Schiavone to get in the ring for a chat with the Opps. Samoa Joe is glad to be in San Antonio because Powerhouse Hobbs enjoys the fat women around here. Joe talks about how he’s always hunting for titles and is ready to take out Hangman Page anytime. The Opps stand in opposition to everyone and they are always ready. This would be better if Joe hadn’t been pinned clean on Saturday.

Kris Statlander is happy to have stripped and cuddled with Toni Storm but now she’s ready for Mercedes Mone. The title match is set for Full Gear and Statlander wishes her a happy celebration tonight.

Here is Darby Allin for a chat. Allin lays out the flag he took to the top of Mt. Everest and talks about how people said he was irresponsible for climbing the mountain. Instead it meant that he would take AEW to places it has never been before. Allin was never going to quit on Saturday, no matter what was done to him. He knows the Death Riders aren’t going away and he won’t be far behind. So this whole thing was to say the feud isn’t over?

Jurassic Express is happy with beating the Young Bucks. They’re back.

Penelope Ford/Megan Bayne vs. Sisters Of Sin vs. Harley Cameron/Willow Nightingale vs. Queen Aminata/Jamie Hayter

The winners get to pick their first round opponents in the Women’s Tag Team Title tournament and the Sisters are Julia Hart/Skye Blue. Nightingale knocks Blue down to start and drops Cameron onto her for two. Ford comes in to take Cameron into the corner and everything breaks down until Hayter comes in to slug it out with Bayne. Hayter knocks her into the corner and hands it off to Aminata…so Bayne suplexes both of them at once. Bayne and Ford hit big dives to the floor and we take a break.

We come back with Hart going Old School on Aminata but she sends Blue into Hart. That’s enough to bring Nightingale in to clean house as everything breaks down. Nightingale has to escape Bayne’s Doomsday Device and they fight to the floor. Hayter comes back in with Hayterade to finish Ford at 9:34.

Rating: C+. It’s a unique setup for the first round and I can go with something like that for a change. If nothing else, it’s nice to see some actual teams for the tournament, though we still need to see the other half of the field. While I still don’t think the titles need to exist, it’s nice to see them being put together in a thought out way.

Post match Hayter gets right to the point by picking the Sisters for the first round.

The Young Bucks try to talk to Tony Khan because they need a match for money. Khan comes out and says he’ll give them a chance in a four on four match, with the Bucks facing Jet Speed and Jurassic Express. They can team with these guys, and FTR walks out of his office. The Bucks are a bit nervous, but Stokely Hathaway gives them a few dollars.

Renee Paquette is in the ring for Mercedes Mone’s celebration. We get the parade of belts….and Mini Mone pops up from beneath the table. She makes Renee do the Mone dance until Mone herself comes out to interrupt. After sending the belts, and Renee, to the back, Mone rants about how Harley Cameron is so pathetic. Tonight is about her and she is tired of the disrespect. Mini Mone is sent into the cake…but she’s being held by Kris Statlander. Mone is sent into the cake and through the table.

Jon Moxley talks about how Darby Allin’s strength was his destruction and now it is time for the Death Riders to get back to being themselves.

Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jon Moxley

They go technical to start and that’s good for an early standoff. Back up and they trade knees to the body up against the ropes until O’Reilly tries a cross armbreaker. Moxley has to rake the boot over the eyes for the break before sending O’Reilly outside. We take a break and come back with O’Reilly kicking him to the floor, followed by a running dropkick for a bonus.

Back in and O’Reilly starts in on the arm, setting up a triangle choke. Moxley powers him into the ropes and catapults O’Reilly’s throat into the bottom rope for a creative escape. O’Reilly is right back on the knee and gets two off a Boom. The cross armbreaker goes on but Moxley is quickly out with a piledriver for two. The bulldog choke sends O’Reilly over to the ropes and the Stomp misses, allowing O’Reilly to go right back to the leg. That’s broken up and Moxley tries another choke, only to get reversed into the ankle lock. Moxley is in trouble so he decks the referee for the DQ at 11:58.

Rating: B. The idea here was that Moxley didn’t want to give up again so he punched the referee instead. That’s a good enough idea and plays into the idea of Moxley’s toughness starting to crack, though I could have gone with a break from seeing Moxley in action. If the loss at WrestleDream was such a big deal, maybe have him away longer?

Post match the Conglomeration runs in so the Death Riders come in for the brawl.

Conglomeration vs. Death Riders

Cassidy and Yuta fight over crucifixes for a string of near falls each until Garcia comes in to take Cassidy down. Garcia stops to yell at the crowd, allowing Briscoe to come in and strike away. It’s off to Strong to chop away at Castagnoli, plus a half nelson backbreaker on Garcia. Castagnoli is sent outside for a drop onto the barricade but he’s fine enough to drop Strong throat first onto the barricade as well.

We take a break and come back with Strong giving Castagnoli an Angle Slam. Cassidy comes in to clean house, including a Stundog Millionaire to Castagnoli. It’s off to Briscoe to clean house, including the big running flip dive to all three Riders. Back in and a fisherman’s buster gets two on Garcia but Briscoe gets caught in the wrong corner. Some running clotheslines set up the running knee for two on Briscoe but Cassidy makes the save. That’s enough for Briscoe to hit the Jay Driller for the pin on Yuta at 12:51.

Rating: B. These matches often work well and it’s nice to see Briscoe branching out a bit. He should be able to beat people on the level of Yuta and Garcia so this was a nice result all around. Briscoe could still be a big player around here, but at some point he’s going to need to win big matches a lot more frequently.

Post match Pac runs in for the brawl but Tomohiro Ishii makes the save. The Death Riders jump Cassidy but Darby Allin is there with a baseball bat for the save. You mean this feud is STILL GOING?

Mercedes Mone is freaking out about the cake but Athena comes in to pitch a tag team. Mone is in.

Here is Kyle Fletcher, with Don Callis, for a chat. Fletcher brags about beating Mark Briscoe and says their series is done, because he is the better man. Cue Briscoe to say Fletcher doesn’t need to talk so much. Briscoe isn’t going to let Fletcher run his mouth, because Briscoe needs one more shot. Callis brings up Briscoe having a bunch of kids to feed and he’s sounding desperate. Therefore, the answer is NO. I’d like to believe that, as this is another feud where they both need to move on.

Here are the brackets for the Women’s Tag Team Title tournament:

Queen Aminata/Jamie Hayter
Sisters Of Sin

Willow Nightingale/Harley Cameron
Mercedes Mone/Athena

Alex Windsor/Riho
Toni Storm/Mina Shirakawa

Megan Bayne/Penelope Ford
Tay Melo/Anna Jay

Mina Shirakawa says she and Storm fight and love together but Thekla interrupts to mock her. A match is made for Collision.

Unified Title: Bandido vs. Kazuchika Okada

Only Okada is defending. They trade headlocks to start and Bandido ducks the Rainmaker. Okada gets sent outside, where he avoids a baseball slide and starts in on Bandido’s arm. Bandido manages an armdrag on the floor though and we take a break. We come back with Okada flipping off the crowd and getting caught with the spinning corkscrew high crossbody.

Okada is sent outside for a big dive, followed by an Eddie Guerrero dance inspired frog splash. Back up and Okada snaps the arm over the top rope, followed by a shoulder breaker. Bandido needs to go over to the trainer but Okada throws him back inside. The X Knee is blocked but the second attempt connects.

The 21 Plex gets a very delayed two, only for Okada to hit a heck of a dropkick. Another Rainmaker attempt is countered into the same thing from Bandido, setting up the X Knee. The 21 Plex is loaded up again but Okada cuts him off and hits the Rainmaker to retain the title at 14:24.

Rating: B. There was only so much drama here as it is hard to believe that anyone not named Takeshita is taking that title from Okada. At the same time, they have the out of the Continental Classic to get the title off of him if necessary. Bandido’s incredible year continues and it has been great to see him blossom so much now that he is finally healthy.

Post match the Don Callis Family comes out to celebrate but Konosuke Takeshita comes out to glare to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. On one hand, the action this week was a blast, with the last three matches all more than delivering. It made for a very entertaining how and I could go for more of that. At the same time, seeing so many of the feuds seemingly continuing on from WrestleDream is less than thrilling, as some of the people involved really need to move on. All that being said, the wrestling more than carried things here, making this a better than usual show.

Results
Opps b. Hurt Syndicate – Koquina Clutch to MVP
Jamie Hayter/Queen Animata b. Penelope Ford/Megan Bayne, Sisters Of Sin and Harley Cameron/Willow Nightingale – Hayterade to Ford
Kyle O’Reilly b. Jon Moxley via DQ when Moxley punched the referee
Conglomeration b. Death Riders – Jay Driller to Yuta
Kazuchika Okada b. Bandido – Rainmaker

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

Ring Of Honor
Date: September 25, 2025
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman

We’re a few months away from Final Battle but before we start the build towards the biggest show of the year, we actually have a title match with some build this week. The Tag Team Titles are on the line, as Sammy Guevara and Rush are going to be defending against the Von Erichs. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening sequence.

We run down the card.

At All Out, Bandido and Brody King talked about how much they’re willing to do to defend their titles. Their AEW titles.

Bandido vs. Dralistico

Non-title Proving Ground match, meaning if Dralistico (with Rush) wins or lasts the ten minute time limit, he gets a future title shot. Dralistico flips him off to start and bails out to the floor, with Bandido following but getting sent into the barricade. Back in and a superkick cuts Bandido down again and Dralistico hammers away in the corner. Bandido slugs back and snaps off a running hurricanrana, followed by the gorilla press for two. Rush trips Bandido and gets tossed as a result. Well that was done quickly. Rushed even. Bandido grabs a rollup for two, followed by the X Knee for the pin at 5:20.

Rating: C+. They got in a decent amount of stuff in their limited time, but there is only so much that can be done with this kind of a match. Bandido is turning into a pretty big star in AEW as well as ROH and it’s nice to see him treated as something important on both shows. It makes this feel a bit more important, and it worked fine enough here.

Post match a masked man runs in to jump Bandido and it’s…Blake Christian, who is joined by Lee Johnson to beat him down. Hologram, with the returning Kommander, run in for the save.

Premiere Athletes vs. JD Ink/El Magnifico/Rebecca Scott

Nese wrestles Ink down to start and grabs a headlock. A legsweep and legdrop have Ink in more trouble but he flips out of a belly to back suplex. Magnifico comes in and is quickly clotheslines into the corner by Daivari. It’s off to the rather tall Denali so Scott jumps on her back for a choke. Denali kicks her down and hits a spinning kick in the corner. A chokeslam finishes Scott at 3:38.

Rating: C. This was about Denali getting to clean house and that worked well enough. The key thing here was to have Denali get in there, do her dominant stuff and then leave without being exposed. That’s exactly what they did so they couldn’t have done it much better. It’s the first interesting thing that has happened with the Athletes in probably years, likely because it has nothing to do with the two of them.

The Blue Meanie joins the Frat House by doing various frat style things. Sweet goodness can we get away from ECW country already? And the Frat House for that matter?

Viva Van vs. Deonna Purrazzo

Pure Rules, but still not a tournament match because we need to keep waiting. They go technical to start as the fans seem split. Purrazzo goes for the Fujiwara armbar and Van goes to the ropes for her first break. Back up and a rolling kick to the head lets Van take over but Purrazzo drops her in the corner with ease. Purrazzo snaps the arm and a cross armbreaker makes Van burn off her second break. A spinning backfist takes Purrazzo down but she hits Van in the face. The short cradle piledriver gives Purrazzo the pin at 3:49.

Rating: C. It’s another match that means pretty much nothing when it comes to the tournament and could have been under regular rules with no change. Once again, they felt like they are trying to put together a division after establishing a tournament and title. You know, assuming we ever actually have a champion crowned.

We look at Mina Shirakawa winning the Interim Women’s TV Title about four and a half months ago. It’s time for her first title defense.

Interim Women’s TV Title: Mina Shirakawa vs. Lacey Lane

Lane, better known as Kayden Carter in WWE, is challenging in her ROH debut (just go with it). Lane actually takes her down to start and does a bit of dancing. That’s reversed into a double leg stomp, with Shirakawa dancing as well. Back up and a kick to the head gives Lane two but Shirakawa fires off even more kicks to take over. A Russian legsweep sets up the Figure Four on Lane, who makes the rope.

Lane pops back up with more dancing into a springboard spinning legdrop. The Glamorous Driver is broken up and Lane hits a hammerlock Downward Spiral for two. Lane goes up top but gets dragon screw legwhipped back down. A top rope Sling Blade gives Shirakawa two so she strikes Lane down again. The Figure Four makes Lane give up at 6:33.

Rating: B-. Nice match as tends to be the case with Shirakawa, with Lane more than holding up her side. At the same time, there is pretty much zero reason for this title to exist. Red Velvet hasn’t defended the title since May 1 and this was the first defense of the Interim Title two and a half months into the reign. There’s another title on the way (eventually) so why does this thing need to be around?

Tag Team Titles: Rush/Sammy Guevara vs. Von Erichs

The Von Erichs are challenging and get jumped to start the brawl fast. They get inside with the Von Erichs getting splashed in the corner but Marshall manages a suplex on Guevara. Ross comes in for a Falcon Arrow but a Rush distraction lets Guevara dropkicks him out of the air.

Rush’s cocky kick connects in the corner but he misses a charge in the corner. Marshall comes in to clean house, including on the cowboy hat wearing Guevara. The Claw has Rush in trouble and the belly to back suplex gives Marshall two as Guevara makes the save. That means the Bull’s Horns can hit Marshall and Guevara’s Swanton connects to retain at 8:30.

Rating: C+. Thank goodness. The Von Erichs have become some of the weakest parts of the AEW/ROH roster, with that promo they gave a few weeks ago making them feel so pathetic. Guevara and Rush aren’t much of a tag team but they’re miles better than the Von Erichs, who have been around for years and barely improved in the slightest.

Deonna Purrazzo is proud of her win but Shane Taylor Promotions offer a distraction. Cue Trish Adora to jump her from behind. Adora promises to win the Pure Rules Title.

Women’s Pure Rules Title Tournament First Round: Olympia vs. Billie Starkz

They go with the grappling to start and fight over wrist control. That’s broken up and Olympia kicks her in the leg and goes with the top wristlock on the mat. Olympia rolls her around but Starkz grabs the rope, which counts as a break. She has to go to the ropes again to escape some forearms on the mat before things reset a bit.

Starkz knocks her to the floor but misses a dive, allowing Olympia to hit a springboard. Starkz’s leglock sends Olympia to the ropes for a break and then outside, meaning Starkz can hit a suicide dive. Olympia’s leg is wrapped around the post and Starkz cranks away back inside. A snapmare out of the corner gets two but Olympia reverses a suplex into a small package for the same.

Olympia sends her into the corner for a handstand Bronco Buster and another near fall. That works so well that she puts Starkz against the ropes for a skin the cat Bronco Buster (that looked great). Olympia ties up the legs for a standing leglock so Starkz hits her in the face for the official warning. Starkz hits a Last Shot for two and a crucifix gives her the pin at 10:46.

Rating: C+. Gah I’m not surprised by the result, but I’m not exactly thrilled. Olympia was a lot more impressive than Starkz, but Starkz is the star so she needs to advance. At the same time, this tournament was announced about five and a half months ago and we’ve had two matches. Yeah there were injury issues, but either drop the whole thing or just find some different people. It’s not that hard, but somehow we’re probably going until Final Battle in December to get the first champion. Because of course.

Overall Rating: C. This Pure Rules stuff is so uninteresting and could not feel much less important. Rather than just getting to the point with the title tournament, we have to have what are basically preview matches for the people involved. It’s stretching the whole thing out even longer and my goodness just get on with the stupid tournament already. Other than that, the Von Erichs getting beaten up is nice to see, but that’s only so helpful. Another frustrating show, as Ring Of Honor continues to feel like the least important show around.

Results
Bandido b. Dralistico – X Knee
Premiere Athletes b. JD Ink/El Magnifico/Rebecca Scott – Chokeslam to Scott
Deonna Purrazzo b. Viva Van – Short cradle piledriver
Mina Shirakawa b. Lacey Lane – Figure Four
Rush/Sammy Guevara b. Von Erichs – Swanton to Marshall
Billie Starkz b. Olympia – Crucifix

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

Dynamite
Date: September 24, 2025
Location: Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Excalibur, Taz, Bryan Danielson

We’re done with All Out and only so many things came out of the show. There is only so much coming out of the pay per view, which saw Hangman Page retaining the World Title, though Kris Statlander won the Women’s Title in a huge upset. We’re coming up on WrestleDream in less than a month so let’s get to it.

Here is All Out if you need a recap.

Hangman Page praises Kyle Fletcher for his efforts at All Out and warns him to not waste his chance. As for tonight, he’s facing Lee Moriarty, who better be ready.

Tag Team Titles: Gates Of Agony vs. Bandido/Brody King

Bandido/King are defending and before the match, Ricochet promises that the Gates will win. King and Liona start things off but Bandido wants to come in for a loud chop. That just seems to annoy Liona, who takes Bandido into the corner so Kaun can come in. Kaun runs him over and gives him a slam, followed by Liona coming in to do the same. Bandido manages to slip away from Liona though and it’s back to King to power away on both Gates.

Kaun can’t get King in a fireman’s carry so King hits a hard clothesline. The Gates get back up for a middle rope elbow/Backstabber combination for two and we take a break. We come back with a double belly to back slam and a pair of backsplashes getting two on King. Liona is sent into Kaun in the corner and King manages a Cannonball. The much needed tag brings in Bandido who…dances and gyrates his hips? Liona misses a charge into the corner and Bandido GORILLA PRESSES Kaun into him (ok that got me) for two.

Liona blocks the 21 Plex and Bandido is put on top, where King electric chairs the Gates down. King takes Liona outside for the crossbody against the barricade but…well we’re not sure as the camera misses it, but we do see Liona throwing King over the barricade. Bandido misses a frog splash so Ricochet tries to bring in a chair, which is quickly cut off and earns Ricochet an ejection. Kaun drops Bandido with a clothesline and Open The Gates gets two, with King making the save. King dives onto Liona, leaving Bandido to hit the 21 Plex to retain the titles at 14:55.

Rating: B. This was a hard fought match, though I’m not sure why you would have the Gates win on Saturday and then lose here. The team’s biggest issue is that they rarely win in big matches so once they get a big win, they’re right back to losing in another big match. It was another good win for Bandido and King, though I’m almost scared to know who is going to be coming after them next.

The Conglomeration is ready to take out the Don Callis Family tonight and they have a surprise partner. The WORD OF THE DAY is MYSTERY but ORANGE you glad they have so many options to pick from. However, you will not be able to SQUEEZE this JUICY information out of him. Their future is so bright that they have to put on their sunglasses. Kyle O’Reilly calls the interviewer Jane, asks where his mind is, and whistles as he leaves. It’s going to be Jerry Sags isn’t it?

Hologram’s clone video plays.

Kris Statlander (with cheerleader Harley Cameron) is sore from her match but happy to win the title. She needs to face Mina Shirakawa tonight because someone needs to be first. As for being associated with the Death Riders, she says you can make fast decisions.

Video on Lee Moriarty.

AEW World Title: Hangman Page vs. Lee Moriarty

Page is defending. They shake hands to start (as Moriarty is a good guy for one night only) as Danielson gets in his regular praise for Blue Panther. Moriarty takes him down into a headscissors, which is broken up rather quickly for a standoff. A test of strength takes Moriarty down but Page lets him up and hits a big boot.

We take a break and come back with Moriarty landing on the apron, where he hits a springboard clothesline for two. They lock hands and strike it out until a fall away slam sends Moriarty falling away. Moriarty counters a Deadeye into an Octopus and then the Border City Stretch. That’s broken up in a hurry though and Page hits a quick Deadeye to retain at 9:55.

Rating: B-. This wasn’t exactly a match where there was supposed to be doubt about the win and it was good to Moriarty basically dropping Shane Taylor Promotions for one night. If he’s the hometown star, you don’t want to see him lose while as a villain so this was the way it should have gone. Page winning a quick match like this is fine, though hopefully it isn’t something that happens too often, as the title being on the line should feel special.

Back at All Out, Adam Copeland was rather nervous about what happened to his wife Beth. Copeland said he can’t do this anymore because it’s not the first time his family has been hurt. He has to go take care of his family and he isn’t sure if he’ll be back. Christian Cage said he doesn’t have a family anymore so Copeland can go take care of his. Copeland says Cage does have a family and offers a handshake, which Cage accepts. Are we doing this thing again where Beth is destroyed by a single move? I’m guessing we’re just forgetting that she’s a Hall Of Fame wrestler who has survived a lot before but this just wrecks her.

Here is FTR, with Stokely Hathaway, for a chat. Cash Wheeler talks about how what happened at All Out was never supposed to happen. They wanted to get rid of Copeland and Cage and move back towards the Tag Team Titles. What happened was ALL Copeland’s fault and Hathaway forgives Beth for what she did. He was coming out to introduce himself and he ALLOWED her to spear him.

The reality is Copeland and Cage needed her to win and that b….that BETH doesn’t even work here. Dax Harwood isn’t going to apologize for attacking Copeland, but he would never hurt Beth on purpose. The reality is he was blinded because his eyes were watering and he gave her a piledriver by mistake.

This brings out Willow Nightingale, who suggests that they are in fact LYING. She’s here to talk about Beth Phoenix, who is one of the reasons she became a wrestler. Women like Beth are the reason that women like her don’t take s*** from guys like Harwood. Hathaway tells her to watch the Proud Family and go to sleep so Nightingale goes after him. FTR grabs her but Jet Speed runs in for the save.

After All Out, MJF talks about how he was the biggest star in the world. Then he lost everything and went away for a bit and while he’s glad he accomplished so many things, he’s been doubting himself so much. The tacks in his back represent doubts and he’s going away for awhile. He’s not coming back until he can be back to his old self. And he’ll do it his way.

Here is the Don Callis Family for the six man tag, but first Don Callis wants to unveil his new painting. The painting is wheeled out and it’s….destroyed by the returning Orange Cassidy! Dang it I was really hoping for Jerry Sags. Anyway the fight is on fast.

Don Callis Family vs. Conglomeration

Cassidy dropkicks some of the Family down to start until Briscoe makes the save. The good guys clean house with dives, with Cassidy adding a fall off the top. That’s enough of the pre-match stuff so we actually get the opening bell. Cassidy and Hechicero start things off before it’s off to Briscoe to rain down right hands in the corner. Hologram gets to do the same, with Cassidy getting to put in one punch for a funny moment.

We settle down to Hologram coming in but getting taken down by Hechicero, who grabs a crossarm choke. A cutter plants Hologram again and we take a break. We come back with Hechicero going after Hologram’s knee but Hologram is back with a rather spinning headscissors. Okada comes in to run people off the apron but Hologram ducks a tag and brings in Briscoe. A fisherman’s buster gets two on Okada and Cassidy adds a Stundog Millionaire.

Everything breaks down and Cassidy hurricanranas Takeshita and Okada at the same time. Hechicero is back in with a headscissor driver to Hologram but Briscoe suplexes Okada. Takeshita gives Hologram a kneeling tombstone but Hologram is right back with a Canadian Destroyer. Cassidy gives Hechicero an Orange Punch and Hologram’s spinning torture rack bomb finishes him off at 10:36.

Rating: B-. This was the usual fun stuff and it was nice to have Cassidy back. Like him or not, he’s one of the most popular stars in AEW and having him back was a big upgrade for the show. He’s someone who is going to be slotted into an important spot almost immediately and now we get to see what is next for him, and maybe even Hologram. And Briscoe, who won a big match and is put into a six man where the focus was on his mystery partner.

Post match here is Kyle Fletcher, who says he will be World Champion one day. He felt terrible on Sunday and he’s going to become the greatest TNT Champion ever. That can start next week against….Hologram. Well it’s about time someone brought that up.

Mina Shirakawa is worried that she hasn’t heard from Toni Storm, but tonight she’s going to fight for the title.

Video on Jurassic Express, who reunited after a LONG time apart at All Out.

Claudio Castagnoli vs. Powerhouse Hobbs

Hobbs comes through the crowd and hammers away to start, meaning it’s time for a slugout. That leaves both of them staggered but Hobbs is back up with some slams. A belly to back suplex doesn’t do much to Hobbs, who slams him a few more times. Castagnoli’s chinlock doesn’t work as they crash out to the floor, where they slug it out again. Hobbs misses a charge into the steps though and Castagnoli sends him over the barricade.

That’s not enough so Castagnoli drops him onto the barricade and we take a break. We come back with Hobbs powering out of a camel clutch but getting knocked back down for two. Hobbs gets back up for the slugout and some running splashes in the corner have Castagnoli in more trouble. Castagnoli is able to catch him on top with a superplex though and that’s quite the big crash from someone like Hobbs.

A snap powerslam plants Castagnoli though and the corner clotheslines rock him again. Two more slams plant Castagnoli but he blocks the third and tries some clotheslines. That just wakes Hobbs up for a clothesline of his own and a slam, but here is Pac for a distraction. Castagnoli gets a small package for the pin at 11:36.

Rating: B-. There was something fun about watching two big strong guys like this beat the fire out of each other and it was a solid performance for Hobbs. The interference helps protect him, though Pac looking like an overly muscular Austin Aries isn’t helping him. It’s good to have him back for the time being though, even if it isn’t likely to last long.

Post match Samoa Joe chases Pac off and Hobbs clotheslines Castagnoli to the floor. The Death Riders run in for the beatdown but Hangman Page makes the save (returning a favor to the Opps).

President Tony Khan has a big announcement: the introduction of Women’s Tag Team Titles. Renee Paquette gets to unveil the new titles. The division has some teams so it’s not out of nowhere, but there are SO MANY titles already and so much else going on that there is barely time for everything AEW already has going on. If that isn’t fixed, these titles are going to get lost in the shuffle really, really fast.

Women’s Title: Mina Shirakawa vs. Kris Statlander

Statlander is defending and Wheeler Yuta is at ringside. A shoulder puts Shirakawa down to start and a standing moonsault gives Statlander two. Shirakawa ducks a clothesline and does her dance, earning her a quick belly to back suplex. Statlander misses a charge into the corner though and Shirakawa starts in on the knees. Said knees are sent into the apron and steps but Statlander drops all of her onto the apron as we take a break.

We come back with Shirakawa hitting a Sling Blade, followed by a dancing double knee stomp. Statlander is able to get back up for a high kick into a Falcon Arrow for two but Shirakawa takes the knee out again. A top rope Sling Blade gives Shirakawa two and she rolls into the Figure Four. The rope is reached so Shirakawa strikes her down for two but Statlander is right back with the seatbelt to retain at 11:07.

Rating: B. Putting Statlander out there for a win is fine, though dang it feels like Shirakawa loses a lot. In theory Statlander is going to get a rematch with Toni Storm sooner than later, and that’s the kind of win that’s going to really make her a big deal. Assuming it happens of course.

Post match Yuta gets in the ring to celebrate but here is Harley Cameron to even things out. The Death Riders, including Jon Moxley, show up as well and Statlander seems to join the team…only to clothesline Yuta. She even flips off Moxley and runs off into the crowd. Eh it’s close enough to DDP and the NWO that I’ll take it. Cue Darby Allin with a flamethrower to scare the team away. Allin issues a challenge for an I Quit match at WrestleDream. Oh that could go very badly.

Overall Rating: B+. This was quite the show, with solid action throughout and some stuff being made for upcoming shows. Hopefully they can keep the momentum going after a good pay per view and a rather strong Dynamite. The ending made Statlander look like a fresh star and that is something the women’s division has been needing for a good while. Throw in Cassidy being back and anything involving Pac vs. Joe and AEW has me interested going forward.

Results
Bandido/Brody King b. Gates Of Agony – 21 Plex to Kaun
Hangman Page b. Lee Moriarty – Deadeye
Conglomeration b. Don Callis Family – Spinning torture rack bomb to Hechicero
Claudio Castagnoli b. Powerhouse Hobbs – Small package
Kris Statlander b. Mina Shirakawa – Seatbelt

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

All Out 2025
Date: September 20, 2025
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Bryan Danielson

It’s back to pay per view and the show is looking decent at best. The main event, or at least the World Title match, is Hangman Page defending against Kyle Fletcher, whose TNT Title isn’t on the line. Other than that we have Darby Allin facing Jon Moxley in a coffin match, which could go in a few ways. Let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: Opps vs. WorkHorsemen

Henry strikes away at Hobbs to no avail to start and gets slammed down a few times to start. Drake breaks up the seventh or so slam, only to take it himself. It’s off to Joe for the snap jabs to the seated Drake but Henry comes back in with a DDT for two. Joe is right back with a powerslam and it’s back to Hobbs to run both WorkHorsemen over. Drake tries a dropkick and Joe walks away, setting up the Koquina Clutch for the tap at 5:22.

Rating: C-. This is a good example of a match that works fine if it starts ten minutes before the pay per view to warm the fans up a bit. Instead, it’s one of four matches with a team who is two thirds of the Trios Champions beating a team that means absolutely nothing in AEW. This added nothing other than content for the sake of content and that’s not the most thrilling start.

Kickoff Show: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Daniel Garcia

Marina Shafir is here with Garcia. Shibata charges in and boots him in the face to start fast as they’re quickly out on the floor. Garcia gets sent into the barricade as Shibata is more aggressive than usual here. We actually take a break and come back with Garcia ignoring Matt Menard (smart move) and dropkicking the steps into Shibata’s head. A basement forearm gives Garcia two and they trade forearms, as is their custom.

An exchange of German suplexes leaves Garcia down in the corner but he escapes a triangle choke. They go to the apron with Garcia hitting a Death Valley Driver and we take another break. We come back with an exchange of slaps leaving both of them down. Another exchange of forearms lets Garcia get a front chancery into a piledriver for two. Shibata is back up with the sleeper and Garcia taps but Shafir has the referee. The distraction lets Garcia hit a Gotch style piledriver and a curb stomp for the pin at 14:48.

Rating: C+. Well, Garcia is now a villain and getting to do matches like this. I mean, nothing is really different about him and he’s still about as dull as he was before, but now he has Shafir helping him win. He’s perfectly acceptable as a midcard guy, but if AEW tries to push him beyond that, I don’t see it going well.

Kickoff Show: Hologram/Paragon vs. Frat House

The Frat House jump the good guys to start but that’s broken up in a hurry. Strong suplexes Hologram onto Vance but a distraction lets him send O’Reilly throat first into the ropes. O’Reilly is right back up for the tag off to Hologram to clean house and a triple strike puts Vance down. Hologram hits a big dive and a top rope double stomp finishes Garrison at 3:18.

Rating: C. It was a match you might see on any given edition of Ring Of Honor, though I can appreciate just getting them in and out rather than wasting time on something where the result was never in doubt. The Frat House means nothing in AEW (and have barely ever wrestled here) while Hologram never loses (and never moves up the card). At least Paragon didn’t lose again, though I’m sure they will in the next match that matters in the slightest.

Kickoff Show: Megan Bayne/Penelope Ford/Triangle Of Madness vs. Harley Cameron/Mina Shirakawa/Queen Aminata/Willow Nightingale

Tornado Tailgate Brawl, basically meaning a street fight. Cameron and company get into a football formation to start and throw something, which is enough of a distraction for them to run over the villains. Bayne isn’t having that and starts throwing people to the floor before getting a slugout with Nightingale. Everyone gets back in and it’s a quadruple suplex for Bayne’s team to get sent flying. It’s time to bust out the weapons and we take an early break.

We come back with Nightingale being powerbombed onto…I think it’s a cooler? Shirakawa and Aminata come back in and swing a cooler each to take over. Ford is put in a trashcan for a handspring elbow in the corner before Nightingale Pounces Bayne. The Triangle is put in a barbecue grill, leaving Ford to get caught in the Babe With The Powerbomb for the pin at 11:29.

Rating: B-. I had fun with this as it was a big themed brawl, but more importantly, the match had been set up in recent weeks. This was the biggest match on the Kickoff Show and it made things feel more important. It’s also nice to see Nightingale get a win, though I’m more curious about what is next for Bayne, as she is kind of lacking anything to do at the moment.

And now, the show proper.

The opening video looks at the bigger matches on the card, with a theme of going north. To Canada you see.

Bryan Danielson comes out for commentary.

We recap Adam Copeland/Christian Cage vs. FTR. The Canadians don’t really like each other, but they’re agreeing to get back together to help each other with their respective problems.

Earlier today, Copeland and Cage arrived and ran into some Toronto Maple Leaf legends. And a guy in a messed up mask with a makeshift title belt named the Green Bastard. That last one was a bit odd.

FTR vs. Adam Copeland/Christian Cage

Stokely Hathaway is here with FTR and Harwood has a broken nose. Fans: “OH F*** THE REVIVAL!” Cage backs Harwood into the corner to start and it’s an early clean break. Harwood takes Cage down and walks on his back, only to be sent into the post for his efforts. Copeland comes in for a double hiptoss and Wheeler comes in for a change. Wheeler grinds away on a headlock, which is reversed into a Thesz press so Copeland can fire off some right hands.

It’s back to Cage, who bites Wheeler in the corner as the fans sing about wanting Cage to be their a******. Wheeler stomps on Cage’s back to take over and we hit the chinlock. Harwood takes Wheeler’s place but Cage fights up, only for Wheeler to distract Copeland in a simple but classic move. Back in and Wheeler’s Vader Bomb hits raised boots, which is enough for the big tag off to Copeland.

The Edge-O-Matic gets two on Harwood, who is sent into the post. Copeland even returns the favor from a recent Smackdown with a Five Knuckle Shuffle, which gets the fans chanting for someone who will be wrestling on another company’s show later tonight. Cage cuts off a Hart Attack to Copeland and it’s a double Sharpshooter, with Hathaway having to offer an assist for the save. Stokely gets scared on the floor and the brawl heads outside with the Canadians taking over again.

Back in and a Twist Of Fate is broken up, with Harwood sending Cage into Copeland for the crotching on top. The Shatter Machine is broken up and Copeland/Cage use each other’s finishers to put FTR down again. Hathaway has to pull the referee…which brings out Beth Copeland (Phoenix) to drop him with a spear. Wheeler brings in the ring bell but Copeland cuts him off. Harwood begs Copeland’s forgiveness before Cage is sent into the announcers’ table.

A bell to the head and a spike piledriver get two on Copeland but he’s right back with a pair of Impalers. FTR is back with the Shatter Machine for two as the kickouts are getting ridiculous again. Another Shatter Machine connects…and Copeland staggers up for a spear to Wheeler for the pin at 18:03 as Cage cuts Harwood off.

Rating: B-. The fan reaction was fun and really made this better, as did the Beth interference, but WOW that ending was ridiculous, as Copeland got hit with a bell, a spike piledriver, and two Shatter Machines but popped back up with his finisher for the win anyway. The match was good but never reached some higher level, though it felt like it was more for the live fans than anything else. Seeing Copeland and Christian together again was fun though, and a run at the titles shouldn’t be out of the question.

Post match Mother Wayne and Nick Wayne come out for a distraction, allowing FTR to jump Cage and Copeland from behind. Copeland gets handcuffed to the ropes as Kip Sabian comes in to help with the beatdown, including a spike piledriver. Beth fights back as well but gets caught in a spike piledriver of her own.

We recap Big Bill vs. Eddie Kingston. Bill randomly started calling Kingston out as Kingston had been out of action for almost a year and a half after a leg injury. Now Kingston is back and that’s about it.

Big Bill vs. Eddie Kingston

Bryan Keith is here with Bill. Kingston, in a CLAUDIO SUCKS EGGS shirt, gets a big reaction and chops away at Bill to start fast. A big boot drops Kingston in a hurry and Bill mockingly pounds him down, with Kingston telling him to bring it. Bill’s clothesline gets two but Kingston catches him with a backfist.

The exploder sends Bill flying but the spinning backfist is countered into a not so great swinging Boss Man Slam. A better version gets two but Kingston DDTs his way out of a chokeslam attempt. The spinning backfist gets one and Bill kicks Kingston down again. Bill misses a charge into the corner though and another spinning backfist (which really didn’t seem to connect) finishes for Kingston at 7:25.

Rating: C-. This wasn’t the greatest return for Kingston, as the feud pretty much came out of nowhere and then the match itself wasn’t exactly smooth. Kingston looked banged up and slow and the ending came out of absolutely nowhere. Not much to this one, as while it’s nice to have Kingston back, it wasn’t a good return.

Post match Keith comes in for the beatdown but Hook comes in for the save.

We recap Mark Briscoe vs. MJF. They hate each other and have cost each other title shots. MJF wants to fight Briscoe so much that he’s allowing Briscoe to pick the stipulation. Therefore, it’s a Tables And Thumbtacks match, which can’t possibly go well.

Mark Briscoe vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman

Tables And Tacks with wins coming by pin or submission and MJF is in white so you know what’s coming. MJF immediately heads to the floor, leaving Briscoe to pour out a bunch of tacks. Then he pours out even more but MJF stalls even more, which is enough for MJF to come outside and start hammering away. A low blow gets MJF out of trouble and they get inside, with the tacks scaring MJF again.

They slug it out and tease slams onto the tacks before trying to send the other’s face into the tacks. MJF gets the first slam to send Briscoe into the tacks and then presses him head first into the tacks. It’s time for the first table, which MJF puts right back under the ring. Back in and an Alabama slam sends Briscoe into the tacks again and MJF drags him over the tacks. MJF puts some tacks into Briscoe’s mouth for a right hand but Briscoe is back with a backdrop.

As MJF looks like he wants to cry, Briscoe rips off MJF’s shirt and then powerbombs him onto the tacks for two. It’s too early for the Froggy Bow so MJF rolls outside, where Briscoe (with tacks in his back) hits a running flip dive. The table is set up and MJF is quickly put through it and it’s already time for another table. MJF is elbowed through that one as well so Briscoe sets up a third one, only for MJF to throw tacks into Briscoe’s eyes.

Briscoe powerbombs him onto the tacks again and it’s time for a thumbtack chair. MJF takes it away and hits Briscoe to the back, followed by a Tombstone onto the tacks for two. With Briscoe down, MJF puts a table up in the ring and pours more tacks on top. They go up top, where Briscoe knocks him down and then puts him through the table. The Froggy Bow sets up the Jay Driller onto the tacks to finish MJF at 19:23.

Rating: C+. What is there to say about this? They used the tacks and then they used the tacks and then they used the tacks and then they used some tables and then they used tacks on a table and then they used more tacks. It was fun to see MJF get hurt, but it was really hard to get interested when it was the same weapons time after time. I don’t care for this kind of match in the first place and this wasn’t an interesting way to go either.

Earlier this week, Jerry Lynn got the former Acclaimed a tag match for next week because he knows they work well together. They don’t want to do it but Lynn threatens them with suspensions.

We recap the Gates Of Agony/Ricochet vs. the Hurt Syndicate. The Gates and Ricochet coat them the Tag Team Titles and now the Syndicate wants some revenge, with MVP even getting in the ring.

Gates Of Agony/Ricochet vs. Hurt Syndicate

Ricochet and the Gates are known as “The Demand”, as the names for teams actually get worse around here. MVP and Kaun get things going but MVP wants Ricochet. That’s exactly what he gets but Ricochet bails out to the floor for the always dumb “my time” response. Kaun comes in and gets drop toeholded, followed by a jumping knee. Benjamin comes in and is having none of Kaun’s clothesline before grabbing an ankle lock.

That’s broken up so Lashley comes in to take over on Ricochet. The delayed suplex connects, with Ricochet’s foot hitting MVP on the way down. Ballin hits Ricochet for two and MVP exploders him out of the corner for the same. Liona comes in off a distraction though and kicks MVP’s knee out to put him in trouble for a change. A clothesline puts Ricochet down for a breather and MVP sends him to the apron, allowing the tag off to Lashley.

We get the Lashley vs. Liona showdown but it’s quickly back to Benjamin to send Ricochet flying. Benjamin German suplexes Kaun and Ricochet at the same time (because that’s a thing) and Lashley’s spear cuts Kaun down. Ricochet makes the save with a springboard 450 and Kaun hits a Backstabber into a running elbow.

Everything breaks down and Benjamin hits a step up knee on the floor, only for Ricochet to hit a big running flip dive over the post to take Benjamin down as well. Liona is sent into Lashley and Benjamin but MVP suplexes Ricochet anyway. The Playmaker is broken up with a chop block though and the Spirit Gun finishes for Ricochet at 13:46.

Rating: B-. It was a fun and pretty wild match, with MVP being the weak link in the team, which shouldn’t be a stunning result. It is kind of a stunning result to see Ricochet and the Gates win, as the Gates aren’t exactly known for winning a big match. I’m not exactly convinced this is leading to something big, but it’s certainly a surprise win for a change.

We recap Riho challenging Mercedes Mone for the TBS Title. Mone is defending because she is the eternal champion and Riho is challenging because she exists and therefore must get title shots after being gone for long stretches.

TBS Title: Riho vs. Mercedes Mone

Mone is defending and comes out with a team of guards, all wearing her titles. Riho doesn’t like being shoved in the face to start so she rolls Mone up and goes after the leg. Mone’s arm is tied up in the arm and Riho stops to mock her dance. A 619 puts Mone on the floor and a double stomp off the apron has her in more trouble.

Riho hits a second off of the announcers’ table but she misses a third off the top. A crucifix bomb gets two on Mone but she’s back with a ram into the announcers’ table on the floor. The Meteora off of said table gets two and Mone hits a dropkick, with Mone’s boot hitting Riho in the throat. Mone stomps her down but gets pulled into an armbar, followed by a crossface.

That’s broken up so Riho hits a double stomp to the banged up ribs and a German suplex gets two. Mone is back up with Three Amigos because we needed another Eddie Guerrero tribute. The frog splash hits raised knees and Riho hits the top rope double stomp for two. Mone is back up with the running knees in the corner but Riho ties up the leg again. The leg is grabbed for the escape so Riho switches to a northern lights suplex for two. Mone goes to the eyes and the Moneymaker retains the title at 15:53.

Rating: B-. Hey look: Mone wins again. She lost her one match to Toni Storm and now it’s back to what it always is: her bragging about all of the titles she’s won in promotions that mean absolutely nothing, followed by keeping the TBS Title in a pretty good match. She’s been champion for about a year and a half now. Find something else for her to do already.

We recap the Unified Title match. It’s a rather unnecessary tournament to set up a triple threat for the title, with the champion having to win a qualifying match to earn the right to defend his title.

Unified Title: Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Mascara Dorada

Okada is defending. Dorada is sent outside and runs back in to split the other two up, making it all the clearer that he doesn’t need to be in this match. Takeshita takes over with a boot to put Dorada down as Don Callis and Bryan Danielson explain Japanese wrestling culture, because we apparently need to know that to understand the match. Back up and Okada is sent to the floor, followed by Dorada’s hurricanrana to send Takeshita outside.

Dorada’s dive is cut off though and he gets dropped hard on the floor, setting up a camel clutch back inside. That’s broken up and Okada comes in for a DDT, with Takeshita not being happy on the cover. Dorada uses the distraction to send both of them outside, with a big dive taking Takeshita down. Back in and Dorada takes over, with Excalibur wondering if Dorada can defeat “the greatest tournament wrestler of all time.”

As I cringe so hard at the fact that someone in this company thinks that’s a good moniker, Dorada gets two off an electric chair flipped into a neckbreaker. Takeshita is back up with a Blue Thunder Bomb for two on Okada but Dorada is back with a running Canadian Destroyer for two. Okada and Takeshita go up top so it’s a double springboard hurricanrana from Dorada, which even has Callis impressed. That earns Dorada a double big boot to put him back down so the other two trade forearms.

An exchange of suplexes put them both down so Dorada moonsaults both of them for two. Takeshita is back up with a Last Ride but Okada blocks a knee lift. Back up and Takeshita German suplexes both of them at once, but Dorada manages to stick the landing. A hurricanrana gets two on Takeshita and a DDT puts Okada down on the apron. Back in and Takeshita gives Dorada Raging Fire but Okada makes the save and hits the Rainmaker to pin Okada and retain at 20:57.

Rating: A-. Dorada looked great in there and Takeshita was his usual awesome self. At the same time, hearing about Okada being “the greatest tournament wrestler of all time” is every bit as dumb as it was in the first place. Putting together some nothing qualifying matches to officially make this a tournament is as much of a stretch as you can get, as having that many tournaments is hardly some kind of a great idea. All that being said, match of the night by a lot here, with Dorada getting an absolute star making performance before we get to Okada vs. Takeshita down the line.

We recap Darby Allin vs. Jon Moxley in a coffin match. They hate each other, Moxley is violent and Allin likes coffins.

Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin

Coffin match and Allin jumps him in the crowd to start fast, with a Coffin Drop from a balcony dropping Moxley again. Moxley manages to cut him off for a drop onto the barricade and they fight to ringside, with Allin going after the ear. Moxley knocks the coffin over but Allin puts him inside for a near close.

That seems to freak Moxley out so he hits a Crash Landing to put Allin onto the coffin for a nasty crash (landing). Cue the rest of the Death Riders to help the bleeding Moxley put the coffin inside. Moxley actually sends the team to the back and mockingly kicks Allin, who whips out a fork to stab Moxley in the head. Allin twists the fingers around and hits a Coffin Drop before finding a pipe.

More ear assaulting continues, with Allin biting said ear. Moxley drops him onto the coffin again but Allin blocks the lid from being closed. Allin hits him with a pipe and whips out a plastic bag to choke Moxley out. Fans: “THIS IS MURDER!” Cue Pac for the save (of course) and a toss Razor’s edge over the top onto the other coffin. Pac puts Allin in a body bag and Allin is put in the coffin (by Pac) to give Moxley the win at 19:16.

Rating: C-. The action was fine, but good grief I can’t stand this nonsense. Between the fork, the ear nonsense, the plastic bag over the head, and of course HAHA MOXLEY WINS AGAIN, I was getting more and more annoyed watching the match. It’s more stupid stunts and violence for the sake of stunts and violence and the good guy doesn’t even win after his big return because Moxley has to instead. Just more nonsense and incredibly annoying.

Mark Briscoe and the Conglomeration are happy with their wins so Briscoe issues a challenge for a six man tag against the Don Callis Family. We even get a tease of the return of Orange Cassidy.

We recap the Women’s Title match, with Toni Storm defending against three challengers in a big movie.

Women’s Title: Toni Storm vs. Thekla vs. Kris Statlander vs. Jamie Hayter

Storm is defending. Wheeler Yuta comes out to give Statlander her usual applause before leaving again, making things that much better. Statlander clears the ring rather quickly to start and moonsaults off the apron to drop Hayter. Storm and Thekla crash outside as well (with one of them asking if the other is ok) before Storm is put on top back inside. A spider suplex takes her down and Hayter gets the same treatment.

Storm is back up with some running hip attacks but Hayter fires off some hard clotheslines. Statlander comes back with some kicks and forearms until Hayter and Storm team up to get rid of her. Staturday Night Fever plants Thekla on the floor but Storm hits a hip attack and Storm Zero for a fast two. Thekla is back in with a leg choke on Storm (naturally Danielson is right there to explain the physics behind the move) until Hayter breaks it up. Thekla hits a heck of a spear to knock Hayter off the apron…and Statlander uses the seatbelt to pin Storm and win the title at 11:59.

Rating: B. They kept the energy going here and it was a rather nice good match as a result. It’s a fine example of a match where they got in, did their thing, and got out before it went too long. The ending is a bit odd, but Statlander is instantly launched up the ranks and that’s a great thing to see. Much better than I was expecting here.

We recap the Tag Team Title ladder match. There are champions and three sets of challengers. Since it’s a ladder match, tagging means nothing so it’s time for another car crash.

Tag Team Titles: Bandido/Brody King vs. Young Bucks vs. Don Callis Family vs. Jet Speed

Bandido and King are defending in a ladder match. The Family cleans house to start until Jet Speed come in to take them out. The Bucks get to take over until Bandido breaks that up, including an X Knee to Matt. King comes back in and German suplexes three people at once before bringing in the first ladder.

Bailey is there to take them out with a dive so the Family sends him into a ladder in the corner. Alexander is sent into a ladder as well and has to get checked out, leaving the Bucks to beat up Bailey. King comes back in and tries a dive, which is cut off with a ladder to the head. Nick hits a dive to crush King on the ladder but Knight is back in to make a save. Jet Speed goes up so King cuts them off, only for Bailey to fire off the kicks.

Alexander ankle locks Bailey as he climbs the ladder so they both go up. Hechicero is back in and bridges a ladder into the standing one. Bailey knocks him down and hits moonsault knees before it’s time to set up tables on the floor. The Bucks and Hechicero hit a bunch of dives to put people through tables, with Bailey and King getting the worst of things as they went through a ladder. Knight is one of the few people left standing and go up, with Matt going up for the slugout.

That’s broken up and King climbs as well, until Alexander pull shim down for a crash. Knight goes up again so a bunch of people pick up the ladder and carry him over to the ropes for a crash through a table. The Bucks hit the BTE Trigger and go up until King turns the ladder over. King hands the ladder to Bandido to flip onto a pile of people, leaving him to go up and retain the titles at 24:36.

Rating: B. It’s fun, the spots were good, and I’m rather happy the champions retained. I’m just sick of ladder matches, especially ones where they have this many people. Either way, it’s the definition of “turn your brain off and have fun” and I’ll absolutely take it over the tacks and screwdriver and all that nonsense.

Post match everyone but the Bucks leave…and Jack Perry is back. He flips them off and takes out an interfering Rocky Romero but gets superkicked by the Bucks. The lights go out and we see a car coming to the arena…and a video shows Perry reviving Luchasaurus. The Jurassic Express is back, as that’s apparently a thing again.

Jon Moxley is in the back with the coffin and sends the Death Riders off. Allin pops out of the coffin and fights back to put Moxley in a body bag. Which he lights on fire. Because of course he does.

Tony Khan will have a big announcement on Dynamite. Oh geez.

We recap the main event. Hangman Page won the World Title but Kyle Fletcher wants to prove he’s ready. Page sees potential in him but wants to avoid interference so Fletcher can prove what he can do. Works for Fletcher and we’re on.

AEW World Title: Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher

Only Page is defending and the Don Callis Family is barred from ringside, though Callis himself is on commentary. The lights appear to go blue here (I kind of like it) as Fletcher takes over on the arm to start. They chop it out until Fletcher head fakes him into a superkick for a smart move. Fletcher takes Page outside and sends him over the barricade for a big running dive.

Back in and Fletcher elbows away at the neck, followed by a powerbomb onto the apron. The table (because we haven’t had enough of those tonight) is loaded up but Page fights out of a brainbuster from the apron. Instead Fletcher grabs a hanging DDT for two, followed by a Michinoku Driver for the same. The Boston crab keeps Page in trouble but he manages to fight up and hit a backdrop.

A fall away slam sends Fletcher into the corner for two but Page keeps favoring his neck. Page grabs a pop up powerbomb for two and tries a middle rope moonsault, which is superkicked out of the air. A sitout powerbomb gives Fletcher two and they head outside, with Page managing a Tombstone on the floor. Page’s hanging DDT onto the floor has Fletcher in more trouble (Danielson: “An eye for an eye and a neck for a neck!”) and they get a double breather.

Fletcher kicks him down and hits a brainbuster through the timekeeper’s area. The brainbuster gets two back inside and they trade hard shots to the face. Page is back up with the Deadeye off the apron and through the table (at a scary angle) for the big double down. Back in and Fletcher collapses as Page tries the Buckshot Lariat and they’re both down again.

Page is up with a V Trigger but the One Winged Angel is broken up. Instead Page hits a Deadeye for two and then plants him for two more. The Buckshot is countered into a brainbuster for another near fall, which has Callis and Danielson losing it on commentary. With nothing else working, Fletcher pulls off a turnbuckle pad and takes Page into the corner. The super brainbuster is blocked though and it’s a super Deadeye into the Buckshot to retain the title at 38:07.

Rating: B+. Really good match here, though my goodness get over it with the tables and the weapons and all that jazz. You have two people here who can have a great match without them but they’re involved anyway. All that being said, this was a lot better than I was expecting as Fletcher more than hung in there with a much bigger star. Solid main event, albeit at the end of a very long show.

Overall Rating: B. The show is good overall with most of the big matches delivering, but they have got to cut back on the garbage wrestling/weapons stuff. It’s choking the life out of these shows as it feels like putting things in the matches for the sake of having them there. The Unified Title match and main event are both worth seeing, but there is still a lot that could be cut off the show. I liked it, but as usual I’m exhausted and not wanting to see AEW for a long time, which is always the case on these pay per views.

Results
Opps b. WorkHorsemen – Koquina Clutch to Drake
Daniel Garcia b. Katsuyori Shibata – Curb stomp
Hologram/Paragon b. Frat House – Top rope double stomp to Garrison
Harley Cameron/Queen Aminata/Willow Nightingale/Mina Shirakawa b. Triangle Of Madness/Megan Bayne/Penelope Ford – Babe With The Powerbomb to Ford
Adam Copeland/Christian Cage b. FTR – Spear to Wheeler
Eddie Kingston b. Big Bill – Spinning backfist
Mark Briscoe b. Maxwell Jacob Friedman – Jay Driller onto tacks
Ricochet/Gates Of Agony b. Hurt Syndicate – Spirit Gun to MVP
Mercedes Mone b. Riho – Moneymaker
Kazuchika Okada b. Mascara Dorada and Konosuke Takeshita – Rainmaker to Dorada
Jon Moxley b. Darby Allin – Allin was put in the coffin
Kris Statlander b. Toni Storm, Thekla and Jamie Hayter – Seat belt to Storm
Bandido/Brody King b. Young Bucks, Don Callis Family and Jet Speed – Bandido pulled down the titles
Hangman Page b. Kyle Fletcher – Buckshot Lariat

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

It’s time for the next pay per view and the show isn’t exactly feeling like a hot one. In addition to having come off of an only so good Forbidden Door, there are a lot of big names missing due to injuries or health issues. That’s going to make for a bit of a messy show, but the wrestling can often pull them out of the fire. Hopefully that’s the case again here so let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: Opps vs. WorkHorsemen

This was reportedly set for the show though I didn’t see it officially announced. I can’t blame AEW for not publicizing it more because…well would you really want to see it? The WorkHorsemen are another team that has a bigger guy who can move around fairly well and that’s about it for their appeal. They’re a team who aren’t bad at all but they don’t really stand out, which makes their addition to the show a bit unnecessary.

There is a grand total of no doubt about the winners here, as Joe and Hobbs can get a nice victory in what should be dominant fashion. I say should be because it won’t be, because this is a match that will likely get way more time than it needs. Joe getting to smash people is always fun though and that’s the appeal here, as he’s really good when he gets to do his thing.

Kickoff Show: Daniel Garcia vs. Katsuyori Shibata

It’s the third match in a trilogy where the first two matches were only so interesting in the first place. This is also coming just after Garcia joined the Death Riders so he’s going to be even more evil and….whatever you call the Death Riders. Shibata is likely going to be his usual self and that’s going to mean a lot of cool looking stuff without a ton of charisma behind it.

I have no reason to believe that Shibata is winning here as Garcia can get his revenge and get off to a nice start as part of the Death Riders. That’s a good way to go as beating Shibata still feels like an impressive feat. Garcia needs to show that he has gotten something out of his turn and this is as good a chance as he is going to have to start off pretty fast.

Kickoff Show: Harley Cameron/Mina Shirakawa/Queen Aminata/Willow Nightingale vs. Megan Bayne/Penelope Ford/Triangle Of Madness

This is likely going to be the Kickoff Show main event as it’s a Tornado Tailgate Brawl, which is the latest term for a hardcore/weapons match. The good thing is that these teams have been fighting for a few weeks now so there is at least a story to the whole thing. I’ll take that over another randomly thrown together match and there will at least be some nice violence to start things off.

I’ll take Bayne and company to win here, likely beating Aminata in the process. Cameron’s team is a bunch of more fun people rather than tougher stars, which is going to be a problem against a monster like Bayne. Either way, there should be some fun spots in here and it feels a good bit more interesting than some of these things that we have seen over the previous shows.

Hurt Syndicate vs. Ricochet/Gates Of Agony

This is a rare instance of MVP getting back in the ring and that’s one of the only reasons to believe that the Syndicate is in danger. The Gates Of Agony are not going to be threats to Lashley and Benjamin, as has been proven before, so the only real chance the team has is to take out MVP. I’m not sure what is where it is going to go, but it makes for the only interesting option.

I keep wanting to say Ricochet sand the Gates win but I’ll take what feels like the more reasonable pick and say the Syndicate. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them move up to something more important in the near future (they might want their Tag Team Titles back) and that doesn’t involve losing here. Either way, it should be a nice power brawl, with MVP being able to hold up his end despite not being in the ring in a good while.

Big Bill vs. Eddie Kingston

So this one is just kind of happening, as Kingston has been gone for about a year and a half due to his injuries and didn’t have any major issues with Bill. Then one day Bill just randomly started talking about Kingston and the match was set. I kind of like the idea of mixing up a return rather than having Kingston show up to end a show for a change, but this is kind of out there.

Again, I don’t see any reason to believe that Kingston is losing here, as you don’t bring him back to lose in his first match. At the same time, I kind of wish it wasn’t Bill getting stuck with a loss as he’s been doing well, but the match is so random and out of nowhere that it’s not like they have another choice. Kingston wins here, because there is pretty much no reason for him to lose.

Tag Team Titles: Bandido/Brody King(c) vs. Young Bucks vs. Jet Speed vs. Don Callis Family

Hey look: a ladder match for the titles. It’s another match where they can do all of their stunts and dives without having to really put together a coherent match and that’s what always tends to happen. In this case we have the Bucks getting back into the title hunt because they’re the Bucks, Jet Speed because they’re the new tag team that AEW wants to push and the Family because…well there are so many of them that they have to go somewhere.

I’ll take the champs to retain here, as they haven’t had the belts for very long and could use a big win. While it would be better to have them beat some teams clean in a regular match where they can tear the house down, the best we’re going to get is this kind of a thing because AEW really likes having ladder matches. You knew this was coming so just enjoy the popcorn style match because it has to be checked off a list.

Unified Title: Kazuchika Okada(c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Mascara Dorada

This is two matches in one as you have the “get it before it’s gone” portion as the Unified part will be taken away for the sake of this year’s Continental Classic, along with the “here’s a match that would be better with two people but we’re doing three” with Dorada added. My guess is that AEW needs an excuse to talk about Okada being “the greatest tournament wrestler of all time” even though this has been a tournament only in the loosest sense of the word.

While Takeshita is the red hot hand at the moment, I’m thinking they keep the title on Okada so we can get Takeshita’s moment later on, perhaps in the tournament final. As in the other tournament final later this year with the Continental Classic. Dorada is likely there to take the fall as this keeps stretching out, despite it being the perfect time for Takeshita to end Okada’s however long reign with whatever title you say he has at the moment.

TBS Title: Mercedes Mone(c) vs. Riho

It’s time for the annual Riho push as she’s back from her hiatus for whatever reason it was this time and of course she’s right in the title picture. At the same time, Mone is coming off her loss to Toni Storm and needs another victim, so we’ve been lucky enough to have Riho get moved up to the front of the line. This match has felt entirely tacked on and yet it gets a pay per view spot anyway because Mone is a major star or something.

This feels like the next regularly scheduled victory for Mone so we’ll say the title stays in one place for the time being. I have no idea who is supposed to take the thing from her but hopefully she drops it sooner rather than later. Her matches are good but just watching her stack up her eleventy billion belts from places like BestYa Wrestling (yes that’s a real place) isn’t exactly interesting. Either way she retains here.

Women’s Title: Toni Storm(c) vs. Thekla vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Kris Statlander

Here we have another match that feels like it should be a singles match as Thekla has been coming after Storm for a few weeks now but Hayter and Statlander are just kind of here too. That makes for another messy match where they can trade off on occasion, though I’m wondering if Willow Nightingale is going to get involved and cost Statlander the match in some way.

I’ll go with Storm retaining here, as she has been champion for a long time now but I’m scared that we’re building up to Mone taking the title from Storm in a rematch. For now though, it’s going to be a wild match with a bunch of things going on and people flying around, but Storm probably retains here. It still should be Thekla vs. Storm, though why do that when you can put more people into the match?

Adam Copeland/Christian Cage vs. FTR

This is a match that is about as much of a layup as you can get on paper, but somehow they’ve managed to make it feel less important. The problem here is that FTR has been doing their side feud with Adam Priest/Tommy Billington and had trouble beating them in two straight matches. Then they jumped back to Copeland and Cage, which just kind of made FTR seem weak leading into their huge match.

That being said, I’ll of course take Cage and Copeland to win here, as there is no reason to have them lose. It isn’t like FTR is doing much of note at the moment so having them lose to the legendary team is a smart way to go. Hopefully they don’t bother trying to do anything ridiculous for the sake of heat, as this should be one result without veering off the path no matter what.

Darby Allin vs. Jon Moxley

Well at least Moxley isn’t champion anymore. This is a coffin match, which is now Allin’s signature deal and hopefully a way to write Moxley off for a bit. In short, AEW needs a breather from Moxley, who has dominated the company for far too long. He’s no longer the World Champion but now he gets the chance to beat Allin for good and wrap up their feud that started like a year ago and then stopped for the sake of mountain climbing.

There’s no reason for Allin to lose here so we’ll go with Moxley losing to hopefully start the downfall of the Death Riders. There is little reason to even consider Moxley winning here, as he dominated the company for so long that he needs to lose some big matches for a change. While I’m scared that Moxley might get the win to set up some final showdown with Allin, I’ll take the logical move of Allin winning.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Mark Briscoe

This is a Tables N Tacks match because reasons of tables n tacks need to be a thing. It’s supposed to be little more than violence and Briscoe getting revenge on MJF for everything he has done, which will work out well enough. At the same time though, it’s hard to believe that Briscoe is going to win here because Briscoe is just not the kind of person who wins big time matches.

So yeah, I’ll take MJF to win here, as it’s one of those matches that seems to be set up for him to lose, only for him to pull off the win in the end. It’s the kind of thing that makes the most sense, with MJF getting to head back to his World Title feud with Page, while Briscoe heads back to being the kind of weird guy who pops up and beats midcarders but loses to bigger opponents. It makes sense, even if I could go for Briscoe getting a nice win for a change.

AEW World Title: Hangman Page(c) vs. Kyle Fletcher

I’m liking Fletcher more and more in recent weeks, but at the same time I’m nowhere near close enough to seeing him as a viable World Championship challenger. He feels like someone who is being thrown out there because we need someone to face Page. The idea of having Fletcher doing this on his own is a good move, but I’m not sold on the idea that the Family stays out.

I can’t imagine this actually closes out the show but either way, Page wins to retain the title. He’s likely going to be moving on to the next challenger, whomever that might be, as Fletcher is dispatched in a long match. That’s where it should go at least and I can’t imagine it being much of anything else. Fletcher is going to be fine after the loss, though I have no idea how he is the best option available as a reigning champion.

Overall Thoughts

I’m still not feeling this show, as a lot of it feels like it should be featured on a big time TV special rather than a pay per view. There are some parts that look good, but a lot of it feels like they threw things together without many better options. The action will wind up being very good as every AEW pay per view is, but I’m not overly interested in seeing this show and that’s not a great feeling.

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

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

Collision
Date: September 13, 2025
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness

It’s finally the last show in Philadelphia and we’re also just a week away from All Out. That means the show is pretty much officially coming together and now we get to see some of the last pieces of the buildup. In this case, we’re seeing FTR vs. Adam Priest/Tommy Billington II because…I’m really not sure. Let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring to start and brings out MJF for a chat. MJF gets right to the point: Ian is to stand there while he does the talking. He talks about how stupid the fans are, which is somehow as stupid as Mark Briscoe. MJF brags about his recent and future successes, which make him ok with Briscoe picking their All Out stipulation.

Cue Briscoe on screen to say he hasn’t been this excited since he was a kid waiting on Santa Claus. That’s why he’s been thinking about things, like the fact that they’re in Philadelphia. This city is known for its love of tables, so we’ll make that the first piece of the puzzle. We’ll throw in thumbtacks as well, and he means tens of thousands of them. He’ll even throw in a wedding present, which involves Briscoe running in and jumping MJF, who escapes a Jay Driller onto the thumbtacks.

We look at Daniel Garcia joining the Death Riders.

Hologram and Paragon (complete with the corrupt file thing) yell about Garcia turning on his friends. Paragon is ready to give the Death Riders a beating.

Unified Title Tournament First Round: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Anthony Bowens

Takeshita strikes away to start and hits a running clothesline. Bowens is back with a running faceplant and a neckbreaker gets two. A dragon screw legwhip in the corner has Takeshita in trouble and Bowens sends him into the post. Bowens hits a big dive to the floor and we take a break.

We come back with Bowens striking away for two but Takeshita snaps off a poisonrana. Bowens pops up for a running Fameasser and a middle rope neckbreaker gets two. The Mollywop knocks Takeshita outside but he’s right back in with a Blue Thunder Bomb. Raging Fire finishes Bowens at 9:10.

Rating: B-. Well, the latest unnecessary tournament is on and I’m really not sure why. Was anyone buying Bowens, who is known for losing, having a chance here against one of the hottest stars in the company? That’s not a great sign, but at least the whole tournament, as much as it is one, is only going to be four matches.

Mascara Dorada is ready for The Beast Mortos on Dynamite.

Video on Riho vs. Mercedes Mone.

Triangle Of Madness/Megan Bayne/Penelope Ford vs. Harley Cameron/Kris Statlander/Tay Melo/Anna Jay/Jamie Hayter

For $500,000 and Toni Storm is on commentary. Earlier today, Cameron and company got in an argument, with Hayter and Statlander in particular not getting along, despite Cameron’s cheerleading. Cue Wheeler Yuta to cheer for Statlander, who wants to start with Bayne but Hayter comes in instead. They fight over the lockup to start and neither can get a hiptoss.

Instead Bayne powers her into the corner and it’s off to Cameron, whose shoulders don’t get very far. A headscissors works a bit better though and it’s off to Jay as everything breaks down. Cameron and company rain down right hands in the corner but get reversed for some quadruple stomping. Ford sends Melo into the ropes for a running shot to the back and we take a break (and yes Storm throws us to commercial).

We come back with Bayne hitting a Falcon Arrow for two on Hayter, with Statlander making the save. Everything breaks down again and the Triangle starts taking over. We hit the parade of knockdowns until it’s down to Bayne vs. Hayter for the slugout. The double tag brings in Thekla to spear Jay for the pin at 9:13.

Rating: C+. This was the latest All Star tag match and not much different than last week’s version. Storm was funny on commentary and it’s smart to give Thekla the pin as she’s still getting established around here. I still don’t buy Storm in much danger in the title match but at least they’re building up one of the challengers.

Post match the brawl stays on but Queen Aminata and Mina Shirakawa run in with…a spatula and a cooler for the save. Storm gets in a dive of her own and counters Thekla’s spear into Storm Zero to clear the ring.

Here’s Max Caster for another open challenge.

Max Caster vs. Big Bill

Even Caster seems to know this isn’t good. Bill knocks him into the corner to start and talks a lot of trash, including about Eddie Kingston. The beating is on in the corner and, after mocking Caster’s clap, Bill finishes with the swinging Boss Man Slam at 1:58.

Post match Bill calls Eddie Kingston out again, saying he’s tired of people yelling at him for not showing Kingston respect. Bill doesn’t care about Japanese wrestling and the challenge is on for All Out. He doesn’t think Kingston will show up.

Jerry Lynn talks to Anthony Bowens again but Bowens jumps Max Caster and they brawl into the arena. Caster fights back but gets choked down, drawing Lynn out to break it up. Lynn remembers how good of a team they were but then they wanted singles runs. Neither of them are doing anything but here is the Swirl to interrupt. Blake Christian is tired of Lynn trying to become Billy Gunn II and jump him but Caster helps Lynn fight back. Bowens runs in as well and the Swirl is cleared out. Neither caster nor Bowens seem to want any part of a reunion though.

Mistico is cut off by MJF, with a guy who looks like a short Abraham Lincoln. MJF is ready to take Mistico’s mask for the better of wrestling. The Lincoln guy runs his mouth and gets slapped.

FTR vs. Tommy Billington/Adam Priest

Stokely Hathaway is here with FTR. Billington and Wheeler lock up to start before Billington runs him over a few times. Harwood comes in and gets taken down as well, only to come up with some right hands in the corner to Priest. Back up and Priest starts in on Harwood’s arm, with Billington coming off the middle rope with an elbow to said arm. Billington gets caught on top though and a belly to back superplex brings him down.

We take a break and come back with Priest cleaning house but Wheeler low bridges him to the floor. Priest gets dropped onto the apron and some double teaming knocks him back inside. A backbreaker lets Wheeler taunt Billington a bit and Priest’s slap just makes Wheeler angrier. Priest Saito suplexes his way out of trouble but Harwood is there to backdrop Billington on the apron. Priest makes the comeback on his own, including a kick to the leg to set up a half crab.

That’s broken up so Billington missile dropkicks Harwood into the post. The snap suplex drops Harwood again but he catches Billington up top. Priest is back up with a tornado DDT to plant Wheeler on the apron and there’s a suicide dive to drop him again. Stereo flying headbutts get two on Harwood before Priest and Wheeler crash out to the floor. Billington crossfaces Harwood but a foot on the ropes gets him out. Wheeler catapults Priest into a post and the spike piledriver finally finishes Billington at 17:11.

Rating: B. It was a good match and absolutely should not have been happening here. Just like last week, the idea is that FTR is going into a dream match and one of the biggest challenges of their career. This week though, rather than using their experience against this brand new team, it takes them even longer to win. These matches haven’t made FTR look like they’re ready for a huge match, but rather that they’re not as sharp as they used to be.

Post match FTR celebrates and we’re told about a four way ladder match for the Tag Team Titles at All Out.

Various teams are ready to qualify for the ladder match.

Unified Title: Michael Oku vs. Kazuchika Okada

Okada is defending and this is part of the tournament as well because…..oh let’s just move on. Okada strikes away to start but Oku knocks him to the floor for the Fosbury Flop. Back in and a frog splash misses for Oku and Okada knocks him to the floor as we take a break. We come back with Oku kicking him away and hitting a superkick. The top rope Lionsault gets two but the half crab is broken up. Okada’s Rainmaker is countered into a small package for two but Okada Tombstones him into the Rainmaker to retain at 9:16.

Rating: C+. Let me see if I can remember this. Okada just won this match to qualify to defend his title in a three way a few months before it is vacated for the Continental Classic, during which the Unified Title will be split, making it no longer unified. Did I get all of that right? Either way, there was no reason to believe Oku was going to win here, making it just another not exactly inspiring Okada match.

Post match Konosuke Takeshita comes in for a staredown.

Video on Kyle Fletcher vs. Hangman Page.

Death Riders vs. Paragon

Garcia, now in black shorts, takes O’Reilly down to start and it’s quickly off to Strong for a change. Strong wins a wrestle off and Paragon chases Garcia outside for a series of strikes against the barricade. Back in and Moxley has to break up a cross armbreaker so Strong goes after him, only for Garcia to take out the leg. A Figure Four around the post has Strong in more trouble and we take a break.

We come back with Moxley working on O’Reilly’s leg but O’Reilly fights out and brings Strong back in. Strong’s belly to back faceplant gets two on Moxley and the top rope superplex puts him down again. Naturally Moxley, who just got superplexed from the top, is able to grab a choke from his back, followed by the big clothesline.

The Riders get stereo holds but Paragon gets out and strikes away at Moxley for two. O’Reilly dives onto Moxley with a dropkick against the barricade, followed by the cross armbreaker to Garcia. That’s broken up and the Dragontamer on the bad leg makes O’Reilly tap at 12:48.

Rating: B-. The team that loses pretty much every important match they have loses an important match. Let me show you my big surprised face. Paragon matches can be entertaining as they work well together, but egads it would be nice to have had some double about the result. Garcia is now a villain and…yeah he’s the same not very interesting wrestler that he’s been for years, but now in different gear. What a thrilling adjustment.

Post match Matt Menard yells at Garcia, who just leaves to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. As much as I liked last week’s show, this was a show that you could easily skip and not lose much of anything. It was a bunch of matches that had no realistic question about the winners or no real consequences (I’m sure the winning women’s lives will be changed by the money), with the only important changes to All Out being….a thumbtack/tables match and of course, a ladder match. I was bored throughout a lot of this, as it was a show that made me realize just how long Collision can feel a lot of the time.

Results
Konosuke Takeshita b. Anthony Bowens – Raging Fire
Triangle Of Madness/Megan Bayne/Penelope Ford b. Kris Statlander/Anna Jay/Tay Melo/Jamie Hayter/Harley Cameron – Spear to Jay
Big Bill b. Max Caster – Swinging Boss Man Slam
FTR b. Adam Priest/Tommy Billington – Spike piledriver to Billington
Kazuchika Okada b. Michael Oku – Rainmaker
Death Riders b. Paragon – Dragontamer to O’Reilly

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

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

Collision
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness, Matt Menard

We’re still in Philadelphia and still on the way towards All Out, which only has so much officially set. That’s going to need to be addressed, though I’m not sure how much is going to take place here. The big feature match this week is another All-Star tag match, this time including eight women. Let’s get to it.

Here is Dynamite if you need a recap.

Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia

Marina Shafir is here with Moxley. Garcia takes him into the corner to start and Moxley ducks into the ropes, where he dares Garcia to hit him. Moxley kicks him in the back but Garcia is right back with the forearms in the corner. That’s broken up and Moxley goes after the fingers before going after the head with right hands. Moxley takes him to another corner and keeps up the beating but Garcia is out with a dragon screw legwhip.

Garcia sits down on the leg and the wraps it around the post. The Figure Four around the post keeps Moxley in trouble until Shafir sends Garcia into the announcers’ table. We take a break and come back with Moxley heading to the apron, where Garcia elbows his way out of a fireman’s carry. Garcia piledrives him onto the apron (Moxley is back on his feet in thirty seconds) and Slugs away back inside as the fans greatly approve.

Moxley’s quick Sharpshooter attempt is countered into a rollup for two and Garcia hits a top rope superplex for two more. Moxley is right back with a Death Rider for two of his own but the bulldog choke is countered into the Dragontamer. The rope is grabbed so they pull themselves up and yell at each other, which fires Garcia up. Moxley’s suplex over the top leaves them both crashing before they get back inside for a slugout. Garcia’s rollup is reversed into Moxley’s rollup for the pin at 16:41.

Rating: B. The fans helped carry this one as they wanted to see Garcia get the big win. That being said, Garcia losing makes for a more interesting situation as he’s going to need to go back to the drawing board again and perhaps actually change something for a change. Moxley is all but guaranteed for a big match against Darby Allin at All Out so the result makes perfect sense for him.

Post match Garcia looks crushed and takes the mic from Tony Schiavone. He’s tired of making the same mistakes but he keeps getting back up. It’s been a good five years but sometimes good isn’t enough.

We look at the Dynamite main event and post match beatdown, with Kenny Omega being laid out by the Don Callis Family.

We run down the rest of tonight’s card.

Big Bill talks about hitting rock bottom in this building and the fans here gave him nothing. That doesn’t surprise him because he comes from a real city in New York. Someone else around here does that too, so he’s officially calling out….Eddie Kingston.

FTR vs. Tommy Billington/Adam Priest

Stokely Hathaway is here with FTR. Priest and Wheeler go to the mat to start with neither being able to get the advantage. They try it again and that gets the same result so Wheeler chops him instead. Harwood comes in to headlock Billington but Priest comes back in for a double elbow. Some clubberin in the corner has Priest in trouble but Billington makes the save. Stereo snap suplexes have FTR in trouble so they slap Priest as we take a break.

We come back with Priest and Billington cleaning house, with Billington getting a crossface. That’s broken up and Priest is dropped across the barricade, leaving Billington to miss the Swan Dive. The PowerPlex is broken up so Billington and Priest hit stereo Swan Dives for two on Harwood. Back up and Harwood blasts Priest with a left hand and FTR grab stereo German suplexes for two each. Billington is sent outside and the PowerPlex finishes Priest at 14:04.

Rating: C+. The action was good, but this was the wrong way for the match to go. FTR is on the way to a huge grudge match in two weeks. Why are they needing almost fifteen minutes to beat a makeshift team against a jobber in Priest and someone coming off a big injury in Billington? There’s no need to have it go this long other than to fill in TV time and that’s not a good thing.

Post match the beating continues as Hathaway talks trash about Adam Copeland and Christian Cage.

The Outrunners are getting back to nature but run into….some Boys. They also find Dalton Castle, who is ready to break some hearts. Well that’s random. Awesome, but random.

Jon Moxley talks about how simple minded it is to think that belts matter and now he’s ready to get rid of Darby Allin for good. The match is on for All Out with Moxley promising to put him in the ground.

Triangle Of Madness/Megan Bayne vs. Toni Storm/Mina Shirakawa/Kris Statlander/Harley Cameron

Wheeler Yuta comes in to offer some advice to Statlander but realizes he’s not wanted here and leaves. Mina slides away from Thekla to start and does the dance but Thekla is waiting for her with the spider pose. Hart comes in and gets splashed by Cameron, followed by Mina’s sling blade for two. Everything breaks down and Bayne hits a middle rope clothesline as we take a break.

We come back with Hart tripping Mina down and hitting a standing moonsault for two. Mina fights out of trouble and ties up Blue’s leg while DDTing Hart at the same time. Storm comes in to clean house as the fans certainly approve. Statlander helps Mina hit a big dive to the floor and it’s time for the parade of knockdowns. Statlander clotheslines Bayne, who pops back up with a spear. We settle down to Blue and Cameron trading forearms until Hart gets an Octopus on Statlander. That’s reversed into an electric chair faceplant and a Wheeler Yuta seatbelt pins Hart at 12:03.

Rating: B. This got rather awesome by the end, with the tag structure being thrown out for the sake of everyone going nuts and hitting whatever they thought of as fast as they could. It continues to be the junk food style that AEW uses very often, but dang it is entertaining. I’ve long since stopped caring about the Statlander/Yuta deal but it’s still going anyway.

Post match the fight continues with the Triangle laying everyone out (again). Jamie Hayter runs in for the save so Storm asks if they want to get nuts. She’s ready for Hayter. Thekla and Statlander at All Out.

Video on Ace Austin.

The Bang Bang Gang is tired of all the bad luck so they’re done with the cardboard cutouts. Now it’s time to find out what is next. This should come together sooner than later.

Mercedes Mone isn’t happy with Riho, so how about Riho and Alex Windsor face Mone and Riho’s mentor Emi Sakura on Dynamite?

Here is the Don Callis Family (with Kyle Fletcher rocking a pink suit) to brag about what happened on Dynamite. Josh Alexander is ready to take out Hangman Page in their grudge match next week. Fletcher isn’t impressed with Mark Briscoe, who won’t win tonight anyway, so now he needs to find out what is next. Maybe he’ll just win the World Title instead. Say at All Out. It’s where Page got his first World Title shot so Fletcher sees it as poetic.

The red Hologram is coming soon.

Paragon and the Conglomeration is in the back, with Kyle O’Reilly thinking it’s awesome that WE’RE CLONING LUCHADORS. Roderick Strong doesn’t want to hear it and is happy that Tomohiro Ishii is going back to Japan. O’Reilly says they’ll get back together and conglomerate later.

Anthony Bowens is bragging about what he’s been doing lately but Jerry Lynn comes in to say Bowens has been slipping. It’s time to find out what is missing.

Mark Briscoe vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Josh Alexander is here with Takeshita…who sends him to the back because he has this on his own. That’s another sign for Takeshita. They fight over arm control to start with Takeshita sending him into the corner and we take an early break. We come back with Takeshita hitting a hanging DDT to the floor and the chinlock goes on back inside. Briscoe fights up as one tends to do out of a chinlock, setting up a fisherman’s buster for two.

A Blue Thunder Bomb gives Takeshita two and we get a quick breaker. Takeshita sends him outside for one heck of a flip dive but Briscoe low bridges him to the floor. The apron Blockbuster connects for Briscoe and a sliding lariat gets two back inside. A double clothesline leaves them both down and we take another break. We come back with Briscoe winning an exchange of forearms and hitting a Death Valley Driver.

The Froggy Bow is broken up so Briscoe gives him a sunset bomb and now the Froggy Bow…hits raised knees. Takeshita hits a Helluva Kick but Briscoe drops him with a hard lariat for two more. The Jay Driller is blocked and Takeshita hits a kneeling tombstone for another near fall. Briscoe is taken up top but headbutts his way out of a superplex. Callis offers a distraction so here is MJF to shove Briscoe off the top. Raging Fire gives Takeshita the pin at 17:56.

Rating: B+. This got awesome rather quickly and that’s not a surprise at all. I’m a bit surprised that Briscoe lost as it seemed like they were setting up Briscoe vs. Fletcher at All Out. Now it seems to be Briscoe vs. MJF, which should work rather well too. Good stuff here, with Takeshita continuing to be outstanding.

Post match Takeshita is NOT pleased with the interference but Briscoe and MJF have to be held apart. MJF says pick the time and the place and even the stipulation. Briscoe picks All Out and he’ll get back to him on the stipulation.

Overall Rating: B+. Pretty awesome show here with the wrestling being a strong highlight. There was nothing close to bad on the whole show and I was rather wrong about nothing being set up for All Out. This was one of the better Collisions in a good while and I had a heck of a time with it, which is always a nice surprise.

Results
Jon Moxley b. Daniel Garcia – Rollup
FTR b. Adam Priest/Tommy Billington – PowerPlex to Priest
Kris Statlander/Harley Cameron/Toni Storm/Mina Shirakawa b. Triangle Of Madness/Megan Bayne – Seatbelt to Hart
Konosuke Takeshita b. Mark Briscoe – Raging Fire

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

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