AEW Dynamite: Homecoming 1/10/24
from Jacksonville, FL
*Pyro*
*Excalibur, Tony Schiavone and Tazz introduce the show*
The show comes on the air with The Butcher and The Blade already in the ring before "Wild Thing" begins to play, and the Blackpool Combat Club contingency of Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson make their way through the rabid Daily's Place crowd as they return from Japan. Mox flexes for the fans before hopping the barricade, The American Dragon trailing just behind before they slide in the ring and get the opening match underway.
The Butcher and The Blade vs Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson
Mox and Danielson take their lumps from The Butcher early, showcasing his dominant strength and ability to withstand strikes even from the likes of the Blackpool Combat Club's leaders. Danielson is eventually able to chop him down with some leg kicks, then deliver his signature "Yes" kicks to The Butcher's barrel-like chest. The Blade tags in and changes the pace effectively, speeding Danielson up and regaining the advantage for his team briefly. However, it becomes clear that Butcher and Blade are outclassed when Danielson manages to escape a vertical suplex attempt and slip behind Blade, tagging Moxley in one fluid motion, then quickly take Blade down on his stomach and look to lock in the LeBell Lock. Referee Rick Knox forces Danielson to break the hold before getting his team disqualified, as Moxley charges across the ring and knocks Butcher off the apron with a forearm. Without missing a beat, The American Dragon sprints towards the ropes and dives between them, running The Butcher into the barricade with a tope suicida. Moxley scrapes The Blade off the mat, essentially incapacitated by the LeBell Lock, and plants him with the Death Rider for the victory.
Moxley and Danielson soak in the cheers from the crowd, getting them off to a hot start while Excalibur mentions how most of Moxley's legendary first AEW Title reign took place in this very building. As BCC clears the ring, the camera sticks on the stage waiting for another wrestler's arrival...
YOU THINK YOU KNOW HIM
Daily's Place erupts once more as Adam Copeland makes his entrance for the first time in AEW's home base. The Rated R Superstar poses on the ropes for the crowd, his face showing sincere appreciation for the reception he's received. Copeland is handed a mic from ringside as he waits for the cheering to subside.
There's an air of confusion as the intimate crowd in Jacksonville waits for further explanation.
Copeland: I did things in that match that I would only dream of doing back when I had never tasted a major championship before. I put an 18 year old through a flaming table in front of his mother! And I realized that if I had the chance to do so, I would've taken Christian Cage, a man who I've called my best friend for over 40 years, and crushed his skull like a grape between two steel chairs...
Cheers now from the fans, as Copeland looks down at the mat in almost a state of reflection before raising his head towards the camera.
Copeland: ...and he would've deserved it. What Christian Cage has done in the last three months has invalidated any feeling of friendship or any brotherly bond that formed over the time I've known him. Christian Cage being the TNT Champion doesn't bother me, no. The fact that Christian Cage can even walk today drives me up a wall! I'll give Christian credit for one thing, though: he was absolutely right when he said I wasn't going to stop coming for him. I know that coward's not here tonight, but I hope he knows that the next time we share an arena together, winning a match isn't enough anymore. For what he's said about me, what he's said about my family... I'm going to hurt him the way he tried to hurt me.
Copeland goes to leave, but before his music can even start playing, the Don Callis Family exits the tunnel on the stage and unsurprisingly, Don Callis has something to say.
Callis: Not so fast there Adam, what's the big hurry? Don't you want to stick around and take up some more valuable time from all the young studs on the roster? From one Canadian to another, I know your game here. You aren't done with Christian Cage because that's what's comfortable for you. You know that if you got in the ring with a specimen like Powerhouse Hobbs, you'd never be able to wrestle again.
Copeland shakes his head in annoyance, retrieving the microphone he previously discarded and pointing out at Callis and his group from the ring.
Copeland: I've dealt with enough loudmouth dumbasses who run around with young stars who are too good for them since I got here, let's get this over with.
Hobbs starts stomping towards the ring as Copeland takes his jacket off, but Callis steps in front of Hobbs and gets him to stop.
Callis: I don't think so buddy! Not tonight! Not tonight! These ingrates in Jacksonville have watched Powerhouse Hobbs break enough spines to last them a lifetime, we'll give next week's Dynamite crowd the honor of seeing Hobbs put you out to pasture.
Copeland rolls his eyes at Callis, turning around to retrieve his jacket when Callis grabs Kyle Fletcher and shoves him towards the ring to get in a sneak attack on Copeland. The Rated R Superstar isn't fooled, though, ducking a wild swing from the ROH TV Champion and connecting with the Spear! Copeland kneels over a downed Fletcher and looks out at the Callis Family, while Hobbs clearly looks frustrated with Callis' brilliant plan not paying off tonight.
Dynamite heads to commercial and returns with Komander coming to the ring. There's a mood shift from Komander's entrance to the following arrival of Wardlow, who makes his way to the ring accompanied by a hobbled Adam Cole. Wardlow stands across the ring from Komander with his eyes locked on his opponent as Paul Turner calls for the bell.
Komander vs Wardlow w/ Adam Cole
Komander charges Wardlow in the corner right off the bat, landing a couple blows before getting tossed away. This would become a theme in the early going of the match, with Komander landing offense that just appears to sting Wardlow rather than cause significant damage to him. The War Dog has trouble connecting with anything significant on Komander too, though, thanks to his significant speed advantage. Wardlow proves that all it takes is one major move, though, as he manages to catch Komander's attempt at a springboard cross-body and drill him with the F-10. After that, Wardlow finishes the match with three powerbombs, switching it up from the Powerbomb Symphony by not releasing Komander between any of them.
Wardlow flexes his muscles for the jeering Jacksonville crowd, Cole seated on the apron in front of him and yelling into the camera at MJF, telling him that he needs to stay away for good if he doesn't want to be powerbombed through the mat again. Commentary tosses to the backstage area, where we see Renee Paquette standing with Darius Martin, Action Andretti and the new International Champion: Dante Martin.
Renee: First and foremost Dante, congratulations on your massive win last week, winning the first championship of your AEW career. How do you plan on putting your stamp on the International Championship after it gained so much prestige during Orange Cassidy's reign?Dynamite heads to commercial and returns with Komander coming to the ring. There's a mood shift from Komander's entrance to the following arrival of Wardlow, who makes his way to the ring accompanied by a hobbled Adam Cole. Wardlow stands across the ring from Komander with his eyes locked on his opponent as Paul Turner calls for the bell.
Komander vs Wardlow w/ Adam Cole
Komander charges Wardlow in the corner right off the bat, landing a couple blows before getting tossed away. This would become a theme in the early going of the match, with Komander landing offense that just appears to sting Wardlow rather than cause significant damage to him. The War Dog has trouble connecting with anything significant on Komander too, though, thanks to his significant speed advantage. Wardlow proves that all it takes is one major move, though, as he manages to catch Komander's attempt at a springboard cross-body and drill him with the F-10. After that, Wardlow finishes the match with three powerbombs, switching it up from the Powerbomb Symphony by not releasing Komander between any of them.
Wardlow flexes his muscles for the jeering Jacksonville crowd, Cole seated on the apron in front of him and yelling into the camera at MJF, telling him that he needs to stay away for good if he doesn't want to be powerbombed through the mat again. Commentary tosses to the backstage area, where we see Renee Paquette standing with Darius Martin, Action Andretti and the new International Champion: Dante Martin.
Dante: Well first I just want to say that I'm grateful to have beaten somebody as amazing and important to this company as Orange Cassidy to win my first championship in AEW, and it wouldn't be right for me to sit here and babysit the belt after he fought his ass off to keep it week in and week out. With that said, I'm looking for my first challenger. And I can't think of a better place to have that first title defense than right here in Jacksonville on Rampage. So whoever wants their shot, it's time to step up.
Renee: And Darius, as his brother, with the two of you having been through so much in terms of injuries and adversity since coming to AEW, how did it feel watching him become champion last week?
Darius: I just couldn't be prouder of him to be honest. Ever since he got hurt last year, I knew when he came back he'd be bett--
Darius is cut off by the arrival of Prince Nana, Brian Cage and the Gates of Agony. Nana laughing as usual, Cage standing behind him with the ROH Trios Title slung over his shoulder while Nana takes the microphone from Renee and shoos her into the background.
Nana: I couldn't help but hear that Dante said he wanted somebody to "step up" for a shot at the International Title. To me, that sounds like a money opportunity... and the Mogul Embassy don't pass up the money. You'll see Brian Cage on Rampage, my friend.
Nana dances away with Mogul Embassy, singing "we're in the money" as he does. As we return to the arena, Thunder Rosa makes her entrance to an expectedly warm reception, being that this was the venue for her legendary match with Britt Baker. Hikaru Shida gets a similar reaction, thanks to the majority of her first AEW Womens Championship reign taking place in this building. Both women shake hands just after the bell rings to get the match underway.
Thunder Rosa vs Hikaru Shida
A back-and-forth match as you would expect, neither woman is able to take a definitive advantage for the most part. Shida finds some success targeting Rosa's back, a savvy move considering Rosa's back injury kept her out for over a year as pointed out by Excalibur. Rosa fires back with a couple thunderous (no pun intended) strikes that clearly have Shida rattled, punctuated by a huge boot as Shida was coming off the ropes. Rosa's attempt at the Fire Thunder Driver is countered with a Victory Roll that only garners a two count for Shida, and Shida's ensuing try for the Tamashii is ducked under by Rosa, leading to a crucifix pin for a nearfall. When both women return to their feet, they take each other down with dueling clotheslines. As the crowd cheers them on, they get back up and start exchanging forearms, with Shida getting the better of the sequence until Rosa ducks under one and drops her with a lighting-quick Death Valley Driver. Looking to capitalize, Rosa ascends to the top rope and finds paydirt with a huge missile dropkick, and wastes no time retrieving Shida and hitting the Fire Thunder Driver for a crucial victory as Rosa looks to get back in the title picture.
Much like they did pre-match, Rosa and Shida embrace with a handshake. Before either of them can leave the ring, though, Julia Hart and Skye Blue appear on the stage and saunter towards the two exhausted competitors. Skye and Julia are jumped by Rosa as they step through the ropes, but quickly gain an advantage thanks to the numbers game. As they drive Rosa into the corner and begin stomping on her, Shida approaches them from behind, pulling Skye off the pile and dropping her with a wicked forearm. Julia turns to Shida and they exchange strikes, while Thunder Rosa leans under the bottom rope and sneakily grabs Shida's signature kendo stick from ringside. Upon noticing Rosa becoming armed, Skye bails out of the ring and Julia abandons her fight with Shida to get out of dodge herself, narrowly avoiding a swing of the weapon from Rosa. Rosa respectfully hands Shida's kendo stick back to its rightful owner, dueling messages sent from the TBS Champion and her presumptive next challenger.
Dynamite: Homecoming comes back on the air after commercial with Renee Paquette standing in the interview area with Daniel Garcia and 2point0, who receive a big cheer when shown on camera. Renee is beaming as she begins to ask her question.
Renee: Ever since the Continental Classic, it's felt like things have started to take a huge turn for you Daniel, but now it looks like that may have rubbed off on Daddy Magic and Cool Hand Ang as they picked up an impressive win on Rampage last week themselves. With all the momentum in the world seemingly building for you guys, where are you looking to go from here?Thunder Rosa vs Hikaru Shida
A back-and-forth match as you would expect, neither woman is able to take a definitive advantage for the most part. Shida finds some success targeting Rosa's back, a savvy move considering Rosa's back injury kept her out for over a year as pointed out by Excalibur. Rosa fires back with a couple thunderous (no pun intended) strikes that clearly have Shida rattled, punctuated by a huge boot as Shida was coming off the ropes. Rosa's attempt at the Fire Thunder Driver is countered with a Victory Roll that only garners a two count for Shida, and Shida's ensuing try for the Tamashii is ducked under by Rosa, leading to a crucifix pin for a nearfall. When both women return to their feet, they take each other down with dueling clotheslines. As the crowd cheers them on, they get back up and start exchanging forearms, with Shida getting the better of the sequence until Rosa ducks under one and drops her with a lighting-quick Death Valley Driver. Looking to capitalize, Rosa ascends to the top rope and finds paydirt with a huge missile dropkick, and wastes no time retrieving Shida and hitting the Fire Thunder Driver for a crucial victory as Rosa looks to get back in the title picture.
Much like they did pre-match, Rosa and Shida embrace with a handshake. Before either of them can leave the ring, though, Julia Hart and Skye Blue appear on the stage and saunter towards the two exhausted competitors. Skye and Julia are jumped by Rosa as they step through the ropes, but quickly gain an advantage thanks to the numbers game. As they drive Rosa into the corner and begin stomping on her, Shida approaches them from behind, pulling Skye off the pile and dropping her with a wicked forearm. Julia turns to Shida and they exchange strikes, while Thunder Rosa leans under the bottom rope and sneakily grabs Shida's signature kendo stick from ringside. Upon noticing Rosa becoming armed, Skye bails out of the ring and Julia abandons her fight with Shida to get out of dodge herself, narrowly avoiding a swing of the weapon from Rosa. Rosa respectfully hands Shida's kendo stick back to its rightful owner, dueling messages sent from the TBS Champion and her presumptive next challenger.
Dynamite: Homecoming comes back on the air after commercial with Renee Paquette standing in the interview area with Daniel Garcia and 2point0, who receive a big cheer when shown on camera. Renee is beaming as she begins to ask her question.
Garcia: Honestly, my one and only goal is to become the best wrestler in the world, and wherever that takes me is where I'm headed. Whether it's the International Title, the TNT Title, the Trios Titles... hell, maybe even the AEW Title. All that matters is that I don't squander the support I get from the fans and my boys right here.
Renee nods and smiles as she steps in closer to Daddy Magic who looks as crazy as ever.
Renee: And Daddy Magic with how vocal you've been in your support and belief in Daniel, plus getting back in the win column with Angelo, do you think a new life has been breathed into your AEW career?
Daddy Magic: Renee the only thing I can say to that is ABSOLUTELY! Daddy Magic hasn't felt this good in a LONG, LONG time! Through all the CRAP that the last year of my professional life brought me, one thing remained constant: I love THIS MAN (pointing to Angelo) like a brother, and I love THIS MAN (pointing to Daniel) like my son. And as long as I have the two of them, there ain't NOTHIN' that can bring me down. Whatever we have to do to get Daniel to the top of the mountain where he belongs, we'll be right there with him.
Daniel exchanges brotherly handshakes with both Parker and Menard before the three walk off together. When the camera comes back to ringside, Excalibur and Schiavone are moved by the display of friendship we just saw, while Tazz is openly revolted. The animosity on commentary is broken up by the entrances of Jamie Hayter and Nyla Rose, Hayter receiving a huge cheer for her arrival before Aubrey Edwards calls for the bell. Just as the bell rings, though, the music of "Timeless" Toni Storm hits and she comes to the top of the stage, which is situated on hard cam at Daily's Place. Luther follows behind her with a director's chair and sets it up for the AEW Womens Champion to sit in and observe her rival's match in. Toni takes a seat and produces a pair of theater binoculars from her robe, crossing her legs and using the binoculars to look at the ring that's no further than 15 feet from her.
Jamie Hayter vs Nyla Rose
Hayter and Nyla waste absolutely no time to begin throwing bombs at one another, each strike landing harder and louder than the last. Hayter connects with a huge lariat that fails to take The Native Beast down but does stagger her, then Jamie follows with another one that drops Nyla for a two count. This match becomes a certified hoss fight when Nyla catches a charging Hayter with a huge scoop slam and then a big senton for a nearfall of her own. The exchanging of blows continues with Jamie rocking Nyla with a discus elbow that sends her careening into the ropes, only for Nyla to bounce off with a body block that takes Hayter down. Toni Storm can be heard reacting from the stage as Nyla tries to lift Jamie up for the Beast Bomb, but Hayter manages to fight out of it with right hands causing Nyla to put her down. Rose ducks a lariat, but gets caught turning around with an impressive exploder into the corner from Hayter! This puts Nyla on wobbly legs, and Hayter uses the ropes for a running start before catching a stumbling Nyla Rose with a bone-rattling lariat for the victory.
Hayter gets her arm raised, but her gaze is focused solely on "Timeless" Toni Storm who is clapping elegantly for Hayter while the AEW Womens Championship rests in her lap. Hayter leaves the ring and approaches Storm, pointing at the belt as Toni begins to clutch it to her chest. Luther steps in between the two women, as Storm gets out of her chair and shuffles off to the back. Once Nyla Rose is cleared from ringside, "Jane" begins playing and Orange Cassidy comes to the ring to much fanfare. He looks even more resigned than usual, standing in the corner completely disinterested as he waits for his opponent. That opponent arrives in the form of "Pretty" Peter Avalon, who's been seen sparsely since the first year or so of AEW. Cassidy reluctantly removes his jacket, puts on his elbow pad and the bell rings.
Orange Cassidy vs "Pretty" Peter Avalon
Cassidy would normally be able to dominate an opponent like Avalon, but his laziness is cranked up to eleven here. His nonchalant strikes and low effort holds don't phase the AEW original Avalon, who manages to even get a couple of nearfalls with various rollups. Cassidy connects with a dropkick with his hands in his pockets, but fails to kip up afterwards. Regardless, Avalon has a backslide attempt countered into the Mouse Trap for the win for Cassidy.
Danhausen and Trent Beretta come out to celebrate the win with OC, but he doesn't seem interested. Trent puts Cassidy's sunglasses back on him, but rather than giving a thumbs up, Orange just slinks past his best friends to the back. Commentary tosses to the backstage area once again, where Lexy Nair is tracking down Eddie Kingston in the hallway. She stops him for an interview, which he's always willing to oblige.
Lexy: Eddie, last Saturday on Collision you came out of a tough match with Takeshita with your Triple Crown intact. With not just two, but THREE championships around your waist now, do you feel that you're under more pressure than ever?Jamie Hayter vs Nyla Rose
Hayter and Nyla waste absolutely no time to begin throwing bombs at one another, each strike landing harder and louder than the last. Hayter connects with a huge lariat that fails to take The Native Beast down but does stagger her, then Jamie follows with another one that drops Nyla for a two count. This match becomes a certified hoss fight when Nyla catches a charging Hayter with a huge scoop slam and then a big senton for a nearfall of her own. The exchanging of blows continues with Jamie rocking Nyla with a discus elbow that sends her careening into the ropes, only for Nyla to bounce off with a body block that takes Hayter down. Toni Storm can be heard reacting from the stage as Nyla tries to lift Jamie up for the Beast Bomb, but Hayter manages to fight out of it with right hands causing Nyla to put her down. Rose ducks a lariat, but gets caught turning around with an impressive exploder into the corner from Hayter! This puts Nyla on wobbly legs, and Hayter uses the ropes for a running start before catching a stumbling Nyla Rose with a bone-rattling lariat for the victory.
Hayter gets her arm raised, but her gaze is focused solely on "Timeless" Toni Storm who is clapping elegantly for Hayter while the AEW Womens Championship rests in her lap. Hayter leaves the ring and approaches Storm, pointing at the belt as Toni begins to clutch it to her chest. Luther steps in between the two women, as Storm gets out of her chair and shuffles off to the back. Once Nyla Rose is cleared from ringside, "Jane" begins playing and Orange Cassidy comes to the ring to much fanfare. He looks even more resigned than usual, standing in the corner completely disinterested as he waits for his opponent. That opponent arrives in the form of "Pretty" Peter Avalon, who's been seen sparsely since the first year or so of AEW. Cassidy reluctantly removes his jacket, puts on his elbow pad and the bell rings.
Orange Cassidy vs "Pretty" Peter Avalon
Cassidy would normally be able to dominate an opponent like Avalon, but his laziness is cranked up to eleven here. His nonchalant strikes and low effort holds don't phase the AEW original Avalon, who manages to even get a couple of nearfalls with various rollups. Cassidy connects with a dropkick with his hands in his pockets, but fails to kip up afterwards. Regardless, Avalon has a backslide attempt countered into the Mouse Trap for the win for Cassidy.
Danhausen and Trent Beretta come out to celebrate the win with OC, but he doesn't seem interested. Trent puts Cassidy's sunglasses back on him, but rather than giving a thumbs up, Orange just slinks past his best friends to the back. Commentary tosses to the backstage area once again, where Lexy Nair is tracking down Eddie Kingston in the hallway. She stops him for an interview, which he's always willing to oblige.
Eddie, dressed in a Yankees jersey and hat, considers his answer for a brief second before doing what he does best.
Kingston: It all comes with the territory, you feel me? I didn't sign up for professional wrestling thinking it was gonna be easy. I sure as hell didn't put both the ROH Title and the New Japan Strong Openweight Title up for grabs in the Continental Classic because I thought it was gonna be easy. Nah, I do everything I do because I love the grind. I said that when I first debuted in AEW in this very building three years and some change ago, and it ain't changed. I'm carrying three belts because I fight harder than anybody else around here, I hit harder than anybody else around here, and I ain't afraid of nobody. Takeshita, you probably coulda had me and I'm man enough to admit that. Good thing for me you decided to listen to that leech Don Callis, huh?
Eddie lets out one of his signature cackles before straightening his face and getting back into it.
Kingston: I showed everybody when I beat Danielson, I showed everybody again when I beat Moxley, and if you still didn't believe me, I showed y'all again when I beat Takeshita. This isn't a game to me, it never has been. I ain't the last of a dying breed no more, I'm the last of a dead breed, and I ain't going anywhere until somebody puts me in the dirt for good. Holla at me.
Eddie harkens back to a few of his independent wrestling monikers, namely the "Last of a Dying Breed" tagline. The shot returns to the arena as one of Eddie's closest friends, ironically, Penta El Zero M makes his entrance joined by Alex Abrahantes. Next comes Penta's opponent, Swerve Strickland, who is met with raucous cheering and dancing as a vast portion of the live crowd hits Prince Nana's dance.
Penta El Zero M w/ Alex Abrahantes vs Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana
Swerve gets outclassed off the bat, foolishly trying to throw chops with Penta who takes his glove off and clatters Swerve with an overhand chop that reverberates through Daily's Place. Swerve and Penta proceed to trade high-octane offense from there, both men landing impactful blows on one another. Penta at one point rocks Swerve's jaw with a gigantic superkick, but his attempt to follow up with a Canadian Destroyer is blocked as Swerve drops down and goes after Penta's leg. Swerve works over the right leg of Penta from there, keeping the luchador on the ground and constantly stomping on the limb. Penta tries to fight back but with his vertical base taken away, Swerve takes control for a stretch of a few minutes. With Penta confined to the mat, Swerve gets a bit greedy in looking to snap the arm of Penta, a hallmark of the latter's moveset. Penta manages to escape by tripping Swerve, then looks to trap Strickland's arm and return the favor, but Swerve is able to scramble to the ropes and take a breather on the floor. This breather is the opening Penta needs though, mounting some offense despite the pain in his right leg. He baits Strickland in, going over the top of a charging Swerve in the corner and connecting with a Backstabber that makes him grab his knee in pain. Penta signals "Cero Miedo" to the crowd before attempting to finish Strickland with the Fear Factor, but Swerve manages to free his arms and grab hold of Penta's injured leg, connecting with a lightning-fast dragon screw leg whip. Taking advantage of the opening, Swerve backs into the corner and sprints out, obliterating a hobbled Penta with the House Call. Flashing a sinister gold-toothed grin to the crowd, Swerve picks Penta up and hits the JML Driver to finish the match.
Nana gloats in Abrahantes' face while Swerve poses on the second rope, soaking in his victory. Excalibur can't help but admit that Swerve should be at the very top of the list of contenders for the AEW World Title after the run he's had the past few months as the show goes to its last commercial break of the night.
Upon returning from break, "The Icon" Sting makes a dramatic entrance for our main event. Bat in hand, The Stinger takes his time with the short walk to the ring, commentary acknowledging that this will be his last time wrestling in Daily's Place. Sting beats on his chest in the ring, firing up the audience as they wait for the entrance of the AEW Champion. Samoa Joe makes everybody wait just an extra beat or two before his music starts playing, and he stomps to the ring with the AEW Championship in his right hand and a towel in his left. As soon as Joe steps between the ropes, he launches the towel at Sting and they get straight into a hockey fight while Bryce Remsburg calls for the bell.
AEW Championship Match
Samoa Joe (c) vs Sting
Neither man slows down or backs down from the initial volley of fists, although Sting's attacks start coming in slower and slower while Joe begins to take over. The Samoan Submission Machine backs Sting into the corner, working The Icon's body with strikes before charging in and getting sidestepped. Sting fires up the intimate Daily's Place crowd before charging and connecting with the Stinger Splash! Joe stumbles out of the corner gasping for breath, finding his way to the ropes nearest the elevated stage where Sting clotheslines him out of the ring. The Icon follows, brawling with Joe up on the stage as Bryce Remsburg begins his count. When the count reaches six, Sting goes in and out of the ring to break it, providing Joe an opportunity to fire back on his opponent. Joe sends Sting ricocheting off the ropes violently with a body block, now bringing Sting around ringside and landing some hard shots in front of the audience. Joe breaks the count this time, rolling back out and getting tossed into the barricade by The Stinger. Sting wastes little time ascending the stage, using the space near the entrance tunnel to get a running start and launch himself off the elevated rampway onto the AEW Champion! The crowd explodes as Sting connects, and a fired up Icon picks Joe up and slides him into the ring. Joe is off balance, and he gets taken down with a remarkable spinebuster by Sting! A cover garners only a two count, but Joe quickly rolls to the ropes to get a little recovery time.
When Sting approaches, Joe sneakily thumbs him in the eye and relaunches his own attack, pummeling Sting with a hard forearm to the back of the head that takes him down and a flurry of frantic, unrelenting stomps. Joe picks Sting up only to drive him down into the mat once more with a Uranage, before hitting the ropes and connecting with a Senton. The ensuing cover only gets the champion a two count, but it is close. Joe starts to gain some confidence now, visibly taunting his much older opponent. He starts shouting "SHOWTIME" to the crowd as he walks Stinger to the corner and starts laying in right hands. Finally, Joe connects flush to Sting's jaw, but The Icon doesn't move. He stares blankly at Joe, who looks at him in disbelief. Joe goes to throw another, but this one is blocked and Sting reverses the momentum, tossing Joe into the corner and firing off punch after chop after punch after chop, battering the Samoan Submission Machine to uproarious cheers. Sting gives a signature "WOO" to the fans before getting a serious head of steam and hitting another Stinger Splash, this one sending a wobbly Joe stumbling towards the center of the ring. Joe tries to put his hands up but it's clear his equilibrium is off, as Sting grabs him and plants him with the Scorpion Death Drop!
1... 2... ... KICKOUT!
Just by the skin of his teeth, the AEW Champion lifts his shoulder off the mat, an audible gasp and then sigh let loose by the AEW faithful in Jacksonville. Sting doesn't wallow in the nearfall for too long, though, as he approaches Joe's legs and looks to lock in the Scorpion Death Lock. Joe uses his strong legs to struggle, causing Sting to lean far enough forward that Joe can connect with a closed-fist, straight right hand to the top of Sting's head. The crowd boos as Joe is reprimanded by Bryce, with Joe not even bothering to plead his case as Sting tries to get his wits about him. With Bryce walking over to check on Sting, Joe hurries out of the ring and grabs his AEW Championship belt. He stands across the ring from The Icon, who is leaning against the ropes on one knee while holding his head. Just as Sting begins to turn his head, Joe sprints at him with the championship belt, clearly resigned to a disqualification when Sting turns around and places the bat right under Joe's chin! Joe stops his momentum on a dime, while Bryce confiscates both weapons and Sting begins landing haymakers on the champion. Sting backs Joe against the ropes with furious punches, clubbing on Joe's back as he covers up. Bryce administers a count and eventually pulls Sting away, getting between him and Joe and pushing The Icon towards the center of the ring. Joe then charges, shoving Bryce straight into Sting and sending the two of them to the mat. Sting gets up pretty quickly, but that's more than enough time for Joe to scramble to the corner, grab Sting's bat and crack him over the head with it!
Despite Bryce only being down for about ten seconds, the next thing he sees when he turns around is Joe with an already unconscious Sting in the Coquina Clutch, the evidence tossed to the outside of the ring, and he has no choice but to call for the bell.
A shocked crowd can't believe they just witnessed Sting's first loss in AEW, as Joe holds the Coquina Clutch just a bit longer than he should. With Sting's paint rubbing off on Joe's arm, the Samoan Submission Machine looks down on his defeated opponent in both shock and disgust as he raises his AEW Championship belt. Joe leaves the ring, seemingly to leave the arena, but stops when he notices the bat that he just used to win laying at ringside. Joe approaches the bat and leans down to pick it up, but HANGMAN PAGE's music begins to play! With clearly unfinished business between them, Hangman charges out of the tunnel and sprints at Joe, launching himself off the apron onto the AEW Champion with an elbow that actually bloodies the champion just above his eye. Droves of security and AEW officials pour out of the locker room, separating the two men for the second week in a row as Dynamite goes off the air.
************
Confirmed for Rampage:
International Championship Match
Dante Martin (c) vs Brian Cage
Penta El Zero M w/ Alex Abrahantes vs Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana
Swerve gets outclassed off the bat, foolishly trying to throw chops with Penta who takes his glove off and clatters Swerve with an overhand chop that reverberates through Daily's Place. Swerve and Penta proceed to trade high-octane offense from there, both men landing impactful blows on one another. Penta at one point rocks Swerve's jaw with a gigantic superkick, but his attempt to follow up with a Canadian Destroyer is blocked as Swerve drops down and goes after Penta's leg. Swerve works over the right leg of Penta from there, keeping the luchador on the ground and constantly stomping on the limb. Penta tries to fight back but with his vertical base taken away, Swerve takes control for a stretch of a few minutes. With Penta confined to the mat, Swerve gets a bit greedy in looking to snap the arm of Penta, a hallmark of the latter's moveset. Penta manages to escape by tripping Swerve, then looks to trap Strickland's arm and return the favor, but Swerve is able to scramble to the ropes and take a breather on the floor. This breather is the opening Penta needs though, mounting some offense despite the pain in his right leg. He baits Strickland in, going over the top of a charging Swerve in the corner and connecting with a Backstabber that makes him grab his knee in pain. Penta signals "Cero Miedo" to the crowd before attempting to finish Strickland with the Fear Factor, but Swerve manages to free his arms and grab hold of Penta's injured leg, connecting with a lightning-fast dragon screw leg whip. Taking advantage of the opening, Swerve backs into the corner and sprints out, obliterating a hobbled Penta with the House Call. Flashing a sinister gold-toothed grin to the crowd, Swerve picks Penta up and hits the JML Driver to finish the match.
Nana gloats in Abrahantes' face while Swerve poses on the second rope, soaking in his victory. Excalibur can't help but admit that Swerve should be at the very top of the list of contenders for the AEW World Title after the run he's had the past few months as the show goes to its last commercial break of the night.
Upon returning from break, "The Icon" Sting makes a dramatic entrance for our main event. Bat in hand, The Stinger takes his time with the short walk to the ring, commentary acknowledging that this will be his last time wrestling in Daily's Place. Sting beats on his chest in the ring, firing up the audience as they wait for the entrance of the AEW Champion. Samoa Joe makes everybody wait just an extra beat or two before his music starts playing, and he stomps to the ring with the AEW Championship in his right hand and a towel in his left. As soon as Joe steps between the ropes, he launches the towel at Sting and they get straight into a hockey fight while Bryce Remsburg calls for the bell.
AEW Championship Match
Samoa Joe (c) vs Sting
Neither man slows down or backs down from the initial volley of fists, although Sting's attacks start coming in slower and slower while Joe begins to take over. The Samoan Submission Machine backs Sting into the corner, working The Icon's body with strikes before charging in and getting sidestepped. Sting fires up the intimate Daily's Place crowd before charging and connecting with the Stinger Splash! Joe stumbles out of the corner gasping for breath, finding his way to the ropes nearest the elevated stage where Sting clotheslines him out of the ring. The Icon follows, brawling with Joe up on the stage as Bryce Remsburg begins his count. When the count reaches six, Sting goes in and out of the ring to break it, providing Joe an opportunity to fire back on his opponent. Joe sends Sting ricocheting off the ropes violently with a body block, now bringing Sting around ringside and landing some hard shots in front of the audience. Joe breaks the count this time, rolling back out and getting tossed into the barricade by The Stinger. Sting wastes little time ascending the stage, using the space near the entrance tunnel to get a running start and launch himself off the elevated rampway onto the AEW Champion! The crowd explodes as Sting connects, and a fired up Icon picks Joe up and slides him into the ring. Joe is off balance, and he gets taken down with a remarkable spinebuster by Sting! A cover garners only a two count, but Joe quickly rolls to the ropes to get a little recovery time.
When Sting approaches, Joe sneakily thumbs him in the eye and relaunches his own attack, pummeling Sting with a hard forearm to the back of the head that takes him down and a flurry of frantic, unrelenting stomps. Joe picks Sting up only to drive him down into the mat once more with a Uranage, before hitting the ropes and connecting with a Senton. The ensuing cover only gets the champion a two count, but it is close. Joe starts to gain some confidence now, visibly taunting his much older opponent. He starts shouting "SHOWTIME" to the crowd as he walks Stinger to the corner and starts laying in right hands. Finally, Joe connects flush to Sting's jaw, but The Icon doesn't move. He stares blankly at Joe, who looks at him in disbelief. Joe goes to throw another, but this one is blocked and Sting reverses the momentum, tossing Joe into the corner and firing off punch after chop after punch after chop, battering the Samoan Submission Machine to uproarious cheers. Sting gives a signature "WOO" to the fans before getting a serious head of steam and hitting another Stinger Splash, this one sending a wobbly Joe stumbling towards the center of the ring. Joe tries to put his hands up but it's clear his equilibrium is off, as Sting grabs him and plants him with the Scorpion Death Drop!
1... 2... ... KICKOUT!
Just by the skin of his teeth, the AEW Champion lifts his shoulder off the mat, an audible gasp and then sigh let loose by the AEW faithful in Jacksonville. Sting doesn't wallow in the nearfall for too long, though, as he approaches Joe's legs and looks to lock in the Scorpion Death Lock. Joe uses his strong legs to struggle, causing Sting to lean far enough forward that Joe can connect with a closed-fist, straight right hand to the top of Sting's head. The crowd boos as Joe is reprimanded by Bryce, with Joe not even bothering to plead his case as Sting tries to get his wits about him. With Bryce walking over to check on Sting, Joe hurries out of the ring and grabs his AEW Championship belt. He stands across the ring from The Icon, who is leaning against the ropes on one knee while holding his head. Just as Sting begins to turn his head, Joe sprints at him with the championship belt, clearly resigned to a disqualification when Sting turns around and places the bat right under Joe's chin! Joe stops his momentum on a dime, while Bryce confiscates both weapons and Sting begins landing haymakers on the champion. Sting backs Joe against the ropes with furious punches, clubbing on Joe's back as he covers up. Bryce administers a count and eventually pulls Sting away, getting between him and Joe and pushing The Icon towards the center of the ring. Joe then charges, shoving Bryce straight into Sting and sending the two of them to the mat. Sting gets up pretty quickly, but that's more than enough time for Joe to scramble to the corner, grab Sting's bat and crack him over the head with it!
Despite Bryce only being down for about ten seconds, the next thing he sees when he turns around is Joe with an already unconscious Sting in the Coquina Clutch, the evidence tossed to the outside of the ring, and he has no choice but to call for the bell.
A shocked crowd can't believe they just witnessed Sting's first loss in AEW, as Joe holds the Coquina Clutch just a bit longer than he should. With Sting's paint rubbing off on Joe's arm, the Samoan Submission Machine looks down on his defeated opponent in both shock and disgust as he raises his AEW Championship belt. Joe leaves the ring, seemingly to leave the arena, but stops when he notices the bat that he just used to win laying at ringside. Joe approaches the bat and leans down to pick it up, but HANGMAN PAGE's music begins to play! With clearly unfinished business between them, Hangman charges out of the tunnel and sprints at Joe, launching himself off the apron onto the AEW Champion with an elbow that actually bloodies the champion just above his eye. Droves of security and AEW officials pour out of the locker room, separating the two men for the second week in a row as Dynamite goes off the air.
************
Confirmed for Rampage:
International Championship Match
Dante Martin (c) vs Brian Cage
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