Orange Cassidy defends the International Championship against Swerve Strickland on tonight's AEW Dynamite.
Cassidy's string of title defenses continues against Swerve, who defeated Big Bill and Trent in a triple threat match on last week's episode.
A TBS title defense is also set for the show, with Kris Statlander defending against Anna Jay.
The issue between Ricky Starks and Bullet Club Gold continues, with Starks taking on Jay White in a match where both Juice Robinson and FTR are banned from ringside.
JungleHook reunites in tag team action on the show, with "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry and Hook teaming against Dralistico and Preston Vance in a tornado tag bout.
BCC's Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta face Trent, Chuck Taylor, and Rocky Romero of CHAOS in trios action.
World Champion MJF will speak on tonight's show, plus Tony Khan will also announce the main event for the June 17 debut of AEW Collision.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz, as they immediately throw to our opening title match of the evening.
Orange Cassidy defeated Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) to retain the AEW International Title
(A phenomenal opening contest and title defense number 24 for Cassidy, who again managed to survive by the skin of his teeth. Cassidy ultimately out swerved Swerve as we’re building to a presumed six man tag with Sting & Darby as Cassidy’s backup.)
Cassidy tried early mind games with his little kicks, but Strickland did a good job scouting by grounding the champion. Cassidy answered with a relaxed submission into a head scissors, sending Strickland to the floor. Strickland mocked the pocket pose and suckered Cassidy to the floor where he gained control, slamming the bad hand of Cassidy into the post. Back inside momentarily, Cassidy did a victory roll over the top back outside, where Strickland held on and Cassidy hit the roll into the barricade followed by a dive. They return to the ring where Cassidy got a two off a top rope cross body, until both fought up the ropes where both slammed down head first on the turnbuckle to send us to break. I should point out during commercial, an ad for Collision was shown saying it will be the second coming of CM Punk.
Strickland gained the advantage during picture in picture, as Cassidy battled out of the JML Driver; tried Beach Break, Cassidy’s back seized up, but did manage a Stundog Millionaire. Cassidy charged, but Strickland countered into a rolling Flatliner. Cassidy tried the light strikes, ultimately planting Strickland with a DDT for two. Cassidy was cut off and planted with a DVD on the apron, but scooted away before a double stomp could follow. With Strickland backed up onto the steps, Cassidy connected on a diving DDT from the apron the floor. Back inside, another diving DDT off the top for a close near fall.
Cassidy countered a pop up powerbomb into a hurricanrana pin, but couldn’t hook Strickland’s leg due to his bad hand. Prince Nana tried to run distraction, as Strickland collided with his manager into a Cassidy Orange Punch and Beach Break, but Strickland kicked out, bailing outside. Cassidy tried another DDT dive, but Strickland caught him into a brainbuster on the floor. Back in the ring, Strickland hit the House Call kick and Swerve Stomp, but Cassidy kicked out and Strickland couldn’t believe it. Cassidy rolled through a JML Driver, as both men tried roll ups with handfuls of tights, as Cassidy got the last laugh, getting the three count. Strickland cheated first, but Cassidy cheated more effectively in the end.
Mogul Embassy hit the ring to immediately beat down Cassidy when the lights went out and when they returned, Darby Allin & Sting were in the ring as everyone else had bailed to the ramp.
-A video package highlighting Switchblade Jay White & Ricky Starks is shown ahead of their match tonight. That will be the main event this evening.
Bryan Danielson makes his way to the commentary table ahead of the next match and we get a video package of Danielson challenging Kazuchika Okada during the Dominion show earlier in the week and Okada accepting the fight for Forbidden Door. When Okada steps in the ring with Danielson, he’s stepping foot in the desert and there will be no rain for the Rainmaker.
**********
Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) defeated CHAOS (Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero)
(This was an action packed six man with the CHAOS boys getting off a lot of offense in this, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to overcome Moxley, Castagnoli and Yuta, who are on a whole other level right now. I have really enjoyed how much of a killer they’ve turned Yuta into over the course of the last few weeks.)
Excalibur mentions for those unaware how Best Friends are members of CHAOS along with Romero, as the faction is head up by one Kazuchika Okada. Taylor & Beretta chucked chairs at Yuta & Moxley immediately, as Romero hit a dive onto Castagnoli. Beretta followed with a superplex on Yuta to start the match, as Taylor hit a snap piledriver on the man he trained for a near fall. The match broke down with brawling on the outside, as Taylor hit a somersault dive on Castagnoli leading to CHAOS giving the people what they wanted with a triple hug. Sole Food half and half suplex on Moxley led to Yuta tripping Taylor to lead to a Moxley cutter to gain control. Danielson was insulted Best Friends didn’t attempt a pin attempt before the BCC took over during picture in picture.
Taylor was worked over the entire break, eating a Yuta snap German suplex, but ultimately Taylor hit a knee to make the hot tag to Beretta who ran wild on Moxley. A blind tag to Romero, who ran wild a bit himself until Roppongi Vice hit a double jump knee on Moxley, who was hung up and hit with double team offense for two. Beretta blocked a Gotch Piledriver from Moxley, as Best Friends connected with Strong Zero for a close two. Romero sank in a cross arm breaker, as Beretta tried a moonsault to the floor on Castagnoli, who hit an incredible uppercut in mid air. Yuta clocked Taylor with a Busaiku Knee, as Moxley countered the submission from Romero into a Bulldog Choke for the victory. Yuta was relentless on his attack on Taylor post match as a smiling Danielson gave his approval on commentary.
-The Hung Bucks are backstage talking about how next week is where Dynamite began in Washington DC. The Bucks & Hangman Page issue a challenge for a six man tag next week against Moxley, Castagnoli & Yuta, which Danielson accepted on behalf of the BCC.
**********
-A video package of Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay is shown, highlighting their incredible match at Wrestle Kingdom earlier this year. Ospreay wants revenge for what Omega put him through and with his victory over Lance Archer at Dominion; the match is official with Omega vs. Ospreay 2 happening at Forbidden Door.
MJF Found His Worthy Competition
(After defending his AEW Title three times and saying he was out of competition, MJF had an answer to the call and it led to a pretty strong back and forth promo. While you could say this went a little long, I was happy that Cole got in his promo and this wasn't just dominated by MJF talking the whole time. This should be a great match when it happens.)
MJF ran down the fans a bit, continuing to talk about how there’s no competition for him and says no one is on the level of the Devil. Adam Cole’s music hit, but before the crowd could say the Bay Bay line, MJF demanded the music be cut to loud boos. MJF said finally some competition, he said he’s a fan of Cole, as once CM Punk left him as a kid; he turned the channel to Ring of Honor, which he thought sucked, but was hooked on Cole’s work. MJF mentioned Cole’s time in CZW, traveling the indies, going to Florida to Shock the System as Shawn Michaels handpicked guy, which is Undisputed. MJF followed in Cole’s footsteps, going to CZW, becoming a name on the indies and signing with AEW, destined to one day feud with Cole. MJF was disappointed The Panama Playboy was gone, but The Panama Gameboy is here, more preoccupied playing video games with his balls always in Britt Baker’s purse. MJF said Cole is now so frail he makes crack whores jealous. MJF said the fans might think Cole isn’t utilized properly, but AEW has done everything they could to make Cole over, when all they have to do for MJF is ring the bell. MJF has the best Dog Collar, Iron Man, Four Way in AEW history. MJF said he heard a rumor that a certain individual in Titan Towers didn’t think Cole could make it and named Vince McMahon, who MJF is a big fan of. MJF thought the old man lost his marbles, but standing in the ring with Cole, Vince was right.
Cole asked if that was the best MJF got, as MJF is coming across like an internet troll. Cole questions MJF’s fascination on other people’s relationships and asks if that’s why his fiancé left him. Cole said MJF is world class, a world class douchebag. Cole in regards to his body of work, MJF couldn’t touch him and asked if they should go backstage, piss in cups and take tests to see who is natural and who’s not. Cole swears on his life no one backstage respects MJF, as everyone thinks he’s selfish, conceited and does bare minimum to get to where he’s at.
MJF said he’ll cry into his money and how that’s tough talk coming from Keith Lee’s manager. Cole said that’s typical MJF, creating a false narrative, calling him a coward for not wanting to fight. Cole said he’s better than MJF and the fans know it. MJF said he’d fight Cole anywhere as Cole smirked and said attaboy, champ, before hitting the Adam Cole Bay Bay pose.
-We see footage of the Buy In at Double or Nothing where The Hardys gained control of Ethan Page’s contract. Backstage, Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay introduce Page, who was ordered to apologize to Zay for injuring his neck last month. Page apologized, as Matt said he could make Page very talented. Zay moaned in Page’s ear and this storyline seems destined to go on forever.
Jack Perry & FTW Champion HOOK defeated Preston Vance & Dralistico (w/Jose the Assistant) in a Texas Tornado Match
(For a match that was only set up a week ago, this was a wild battle, as similar to the previous Texas Tornado Match, Preston Vance bled another gusher.)
Vance & Dralistico attacked Perry on the ramp during his entrance, as Jose threw in cable chords in the ring, as Vance tried to charge at HOOK ringside with a chain, but HOOK low bridged and brawled into the crowd. Perry choked Dralistico with the chord and ripped at the mask, as Vance & HOOK kept brawling into commercial.
Back from break, Dralistico hit a double stomp on Perry, who was tied up in the ropes. HOOK leapt off the barricade and popped Vance with a chain wrapped punch to bust Vance open badly. Perry tried a dive, but Vance caught him and Dralistico followed with a leap off the top to the floor. With two tables set up ringside, HOOK fought off a double choke slam and hit an overhead throw on Dralistico, whose mask is ripped apart from earlier by Perry. Vance hit a discus lariat on HOOK, wrapping the chain around the neck and went to the apron when Perry flew in with a chair shot to the head. HOOK hit a nasty T-Bone suplex off the apron through the tables as Perry spiked Dralistico with a DDT in the ring, but Jose made the save, took his shirt off and hulked up, only to be choked out by REDRUM. Perry sank in the Snare Trap on Dralistico and Jungle HOOK got the double tap to win it.
Tony Khan’s AEW Collision Announcement
Tony Khan is backstage with what has become his weekly announcement. Khan said AEW Collision starts June 17th and says the main event for the debut show will be Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson & Samoa Joe will battle AEW Tag Team Champions FTR & CM Punk.
Konosuke Takeshita (w/Don Callis) defeated Damon Ace
(This was another week of nuclear heat for Callis & Takeshita and it’s simply wonderful.)
Takeshita charged at Ace with strikes as the fans are just letting Callis have it with boos. Ace got off one strike until Takeshita leveled him with a shot followed by a running knee strike to win it. As the entire match went on, the big screen repeatedly played Callis turning on Kenny Omega.
Callis took the microphone and said unlike last week, he will be heard. Takeshita took the mic and spoke Japanese briefly before Callis said everything Omega had in his life was because of him. Omega defeated Will Ospreay because of Callis and Omega has become a cancer in Callis’ body, so he cut it out. Callis and his family will cut The Elite from AEW for good.
**********
-Alex Marvez was backstage at Christian Cage’s locker room where commotion was heard. Cage came out and said he was the uncrowned TNT Champion, something Arn Anderson cost him. So Cage revealed that Luchasaurus had bloodied Arn’s son, Brock and said it was an early Father’s Day present.
Kris Statlander defeated Anna Jay A.S. (w/Matt Menard) to retain the TBS Title
(Daddy Magic in his glorious David Puddy Seinfeld jacket, seemingly interfered as frequently as Elaine & Puddy would break up. Statlander chalked up another defense with Jay looking good even in defeat. We are clearly headed for Statlander taking on Taya, who is bitter about how Statlander became TBS Champion.)
Both ladies traded offense on the ground early until Statlander hit a back suplex out of a Jay headlock. Jay took a powder, tried to start a chase, as Menard ran distraction, but Jay’s kick from the apron was blocked. A thrust kick back inside led to a missed charge by Statlander with Jay hitting a spin kick to the back.
Jay controlled the entire break, but Statlander turned it around with corner charges and powerslam. For the second week, Taya Valkyrie is shown annoyed backstage watching on, as Statlander went to the top, was distracted again by Menard to allow Jay to plant Statlander for a near fall. Jay sank in the Queen Slayer, but Statlander powered up, whipped Jay down, hit a backbreaker and a Tombstone Piledriver for the win. Valkyrie was shown furious about Statlander’s title defense.
**********
Click Here: cheap nike air jordan shoes
Jay White defeated Ricky Starks
(This was a fun main event until the finish, which kind of sucked the air out of the crowd, not because of who won, just how it happened. The ref bump looked ridiculous and people weren’t sure what to make of the interference finish. Perhaps there are two new members of BC Gold? It certainly would be a weird choice in my opinion if so.)
Starks sprinted up the ramp to attack before the bell, as both men brawled ringside until Starks hit a high back drop and searched for something under the ring. This allowed White to crawl up the ramp, where Starks tried to throw him off the ramp, but White raked the eyes. White took way too long to follow up, as Starks countered a suplex with one of his own on the floor. That advantage was short lived, as White regained and remained in control during commercial.
White lit up Starks with chops until Starks woke up and fired off strikes until White crotched him trying a Tornado DDT. White connected on a massive superplex, signaled for Blade Runner, which Starks battled out of with a leaping lariat and the Tornado DDT. A full nelson slam only got Starks two, as he tried Roshambo, which White countered into a Uranage. Both traded strikes until Starks leapt for a Spear, but White countered with a pump knee. Starks floated over a suplex and hit the Spear the second attempt, as he hit Roshambo, but referee Paul Turner got clipped by pretty much the toe of White, so he bumped. The Gunns showed up and laid out Starks with 3:10 to Yuma, as White connected with Blade Runner for the win.
Post match, Juice Robinson ran out to celebrate as commentary assumes The Gunns interfered since they have a history with FTR, who are currently feuding with Bullet Club Gold.
AEW Rampage 6/9/23
· The Lucha Bros & Bandido take on Ethan Page, Big Bill & Lee Moriarty
· Powerhouse Hobbs in action
· The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass vs. Spanish Announce Project (Serpentico, Luther & Angelico)
· Dr. Britt Baker vs. Skye Blue vs. Mercedes Martinez vs. Nyla Rose with the winner getting an AEW Women’s Title match on Dynamite next week
AEW Dynamite 6/14/23
· MJF vs. Adam Cole in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match
· Toni Storm defends the AEW Women’s Title against the winner of the Rampage 4 Way
· Mogul Embassy (Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony) take on Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Sting & Keith Lee
· The Young Bucks & Hangman Page take on Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
AEW Collision 6/17/23
· CM Punk & AEW Tag Team Champions FTR vs. Switchblade Jay White, Juice Robinson & ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe