All Elite Wrestling comes our way from The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. Last week, CM Punk was happy to be on commentary. Adam Cole defeated Jungle Boy. Kenny Omega tried to dodge a rematch with Bryan Danielson, but Danielson (and all his friends) would not be deterred. Arn Anderson fired Cody Rhodes and (maybe) admitted to being a murderer. To kick off spooky season, Moxley and Kingston teamed up with Allin and Sting. In Brodie Lee’s honor, the Dark Order & Orange Cassidy took on The Hardy Family Office in a 16-man tag match. Lio Rush is All Elite (again). Anna Jay & Tay Conti (in matching ring gear) defeated Penelope Ford and The Bunny. MJF and Darby Allin exchanged words. And Sammy Guevara defeated God’s favorite (former) champion, Miro, for the TNT Title.
This Week’s Headliner:
It’s AEW 2 year anniversary (kind of). What better way to celebrate than with ladder-based chaos and violence? None better!
Tonight a Casino Ladder Match for a World title shot will take place and will feature Andrade El Idolo, Jon Moxley, Lance Archer, Matt Hardy, Orange Cassidy, PAC, and “THE JOKER.” These competitors bring different elements to the ring and would be interesting to see in the title scene (well, except Matt Hardy). Andrade El Idolo was an exciting signee but has yet to find his footing in AEW, and having a main title feud could solidify his standing more. Jon Moxley was screwed out of the championship by Kenny before, and you KNOW he is still pissed about it. Lance Archer is FINALLY on the right track to becoming an actual murder hawk monster threat in AEW (thanks Suzuki!) and could spell trouble for The Elite. Matt Hardy is there to fill out the numbers. Orange Cassidy would be an interesting choice because the crowd loves him, and we know he’s a great wrestler despite him telling us otherwise. Everyone loves an underdog story, especially an orange-flavored one. Finally, PAC has unfinished business with Omega, and we know from history that Omega and PAC have INSANE in-ring chemistry. But the real mystery, as with all matches carrying the title of “Casino,” is who will be The Joker? The obvious answer is that it should be Hangman Adam Page. He’s the one we’re all waiting for after all. He’s the horse-riding savior that will come and take the belt from Omega. But is it too soon for his return? Everybody pray to Malaya because we need our cowboy back!
The Title Scene:
Sammy Guevara defeated Miro to become the new TNT Champion, and in true fighting champion form, he isn’t taking a week off to celebrate. Tonight he makes his first TNT title defense against beloved indie star and former NXT wrestler Bobby Fish. Don’t expect Guevara to lose - it is his first title defense after all - but that doesn’t mean he’s getting off easy. Bobby Fish has a lot to prove, and while it is unlikely that he is walking out a champion, he is walking out an opponent Sammy Guevara, and the Dynamite crowd won’t soon forget.
How do we book our champions and our new signees without constantly putting titles on the line? A eight-man tag match, that’s how! (Also known as “how do we keep Kenny Omega busy until we can get Hangman Page back?”)
The Elite (aka The World Champion Kenny Omega, The Tag Team Championships, The Young Bucks, and Adam Cole) take on Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage & Jurassic Express. This one will be full of crazy spots, nonstop action, and, of course, a messy, shenanigan-filled finish.
The World Women’s Champion has had a good couple of weeks despite having a Ruby Soho shaped bump in the road. Britt has kicked Ruby to the back of the line, but something tells me it’s not going to stick. The threat of Ruby Soho, plus Jade Cargill’s winning streak, has to have the champ on edge. So tonight maybe we’ll learn who her next big challenger will be.
Other things to keep an eye on:
-Hikaru Shida is looking to claim her 50th win against the Woman of 1,000 holds Serena Deeb.
-CM Punk being happy.
-Jack Evans’s new haircut.
Tune into AEW on TNT at 8pm ET to see how all this plays out.