offical wwe thread

[jro]

WWE has released an official statement regarding Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of this week’s Monday Night Raw in Norfolk.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful confirmed that WWE released a statement regarding Banks and Naomi leaving the show. The statement is as follows.

Couldn't really stand either of them before but this makes me respect both quite a bit, though it certainly doesn't mean I want to see Naomi work.

Non-compete, Tony Khan, yadda at etc, if Ruby Soho can paid on AEW hopefully Mercedes can too.

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Womens Tag Team belts vacant, will host a tournament to crown new champs as both Sasha Banks and Naomi have been suspended indefinitely but not fired...for now.

 

[jro]

Apparently just going to freeze both their contracts like the last time Sasha took her ball, pretty much just desperate to not see them in AEW. Bizarre how Vince made up the thing about them not wanting to work DD because she's unsafe and Sasha basically calling bullshit.

Still the most interesting program in wrestling right now somehow.

 

[famicommander]

People are legit pissed at Ricky Steamboat for declining a match with Ric Flair, FTR, and the RNRE.

Steamboat pretty much said that he can't perform at the level he wants to anymore, so he passed. I mean, the dude is 69 years old. Declining to wrestle is absolutely the right move.

But the promoter (Flair's son-in-law, fatass Conrad Thompson) is pissed at Steamboat because he interpreted the refusal as Steamboat saying that Flair and the RNRE should hang it up too. And even though that's not what Steamboat was saying, that's the truth.

No god damn way anybody should license Flair to wrestle, let alone pay money to see him do it. The man is 73 years old, has a pacemaker, and was in a medically induced coma not long ago. It's fucking sad he's going to step into the ring again. Hopefully we don't have to watch him die in the ring because he's out of money after his sex assault allegations blew up his sixth marriage.

 

[famicommander]

Ric Flair apparently went to 40 doctors before one would clear him to wrestle.

But it's totally a great idea, right?

 

[sr20det510]

Ric Flair apparently went to 40 doctors before one would clear him to wrestle.

But it's totally a great idea, right?

Does he need the money?
Or is it the only thing he feels he is good at?

 

[famicommander]

Does he need the money?
Or is it the only thing he feels he is good at?

Both.

He got divorced for the umpteenth time and he had a #metoo thing that cut into his personal appearance fees.

He really needs to just fuck off but he can't because he's a drunk old man that can't stop spending money he doesn't have.

 

[herb]

Hopefully he bleeds bucket's

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-29-22

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com (direct link to Keller's real time report).

(1) MJF vs. WARDLOW

MJF came out first. The announcers didn’t hint about any issues with MJF regarding his contract or no-showing a Meet & Greet. MJF gave the fans the up yours arm gesture after taking off his robe. He looked more cut as he ever has. Then they showed Wardlow making his way out of a holding cell backstage, handcuffed and escorted by security to the stage. Ross said Bill Watts once told him athletic big men draw. MJF bailed out to ringside as soon as the bell rang. When Wardlow got his hands on him, he set up a quick powerbomb. MJF slipped free and dropped to ringside. Fans chanted, “He showed up!” to taunt MJF. MJF yelled at a woman in the front row. Ross said MJF is somewhat reminiscent of Roddy Piper in his heyday.

Wardlow grabbed MJF at ringside and set up another powerbomb in the ring. MJF bit Wardlow and then poked his eye. He smiled and applied a side headlock. Wardlow broke free. Fans chanted, “MJF – F— you!” MJF countered Wardlow with a huracanrana. MJF indicated he hurt his leg. Fans chanted “Bullshit!” MJF pulled his ring out of his trunks. The ref caught him in the act and took the ring. Wardlow came up behind a now-worried MJF, who begged off into the corner.

MJF wanted a handshake. Instead, Wardlow powerbombed him. Fans chanted “One more time!” MJF lay on his back as Wardlow played to the crowd. Wardlow gave MJF a second powerbomb. Ross said Wardlow is handling MJF “like a cruiserweight, whatever the hell that is.” Wardlow delivered a third powerbomb. Ross asked how dominating Wardlow will be as his career progresses. Wardlow gave MJF two more quick powerbombs for five total, then stood on his chest. The ref counted two. Wardlow removed his boot and shook his head no. The announcers took joy in his decision.

Wardlow then delivered yet another powerbomb. Ross said neither of these wrestlers will ever forget this moment for a long, long time. Wardlow powerbombed MJF again. Ross said he’s loving the payback. And another. And another quickly. He pulled his straps down and flexed, then delivered one more big one. He stood his chest for the three count. Excalibur said Wardlow is finally free. MJF was rolled from the ring onto a stretcher at ringside. They put him in a neckbrace.

WINNER: Wardlow in 7:00. (*3/4)

(The match that got the most TV build was a 7 minute one-sided squash. It was in some ways satisfying since they built up to it for so long, but it was anticlimactic that MJF was treated like he was beneath Wardlow and just easy fodder, which isn’t how MJF had been previously portrayed in the ring. This feels like a statement that AEW is shifting away from MJF as a top tier wrestler based on behind the scenes happenings in recent days and months. The announcers didn’t even allude to the controversy with MJF behind the scenes in AEW this weekend.)

(2) THE YOUNG BUCKS (Matt & Nick Jackson w/Brandon Cutler) vs. THE HARDY BROTHERS (Matt & Jeff Hardy)

Caprice Coleman joined the announcers. He said this is like The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express vs. Midnight Rockers (not really; they were of the same generation). The messed around early with some back and forth action,, but nothing too intense. The Bucks got an advantage on Jeff for a while. A few minutes later, all four were down and out at ringside after a Side Effect by Matt Hardy on Matt Jackson.

Back in the ring, Matt tagged in Jeff. Jeff landed a running leap off of Matt’s back with a flying leg to Matt Jackson’s chest. Matt Jackson catapulted Matt Hardy into Jeff. The Bucks then took over briefly. Jeff went for a Swanton a minute later, but Matt Jcakson avoided it and hit a Twist of Fate. Nick then landed a Swanton. Matt Jackson made the quick cover to score a near fall. Fans began chanting, “This is awesome!” The Bucks hit some superkicks next.

Matt and Jeff Hardy sat up kneeling. Matt Hardy trash-talked the Bucks. The Bucks then fired with more superkicks. Then they high-fived each other. The Hardys sat up again and gave them middle fingers. Matt and Jeff both let the Bucks stereo superkick them one after another leading to a near fall. Coleman said the Hardys were showing their hearts and the Bucks were starting to show their frustrations.

Matt Jackson beat up Jeff Hardy at ringside and put him on top of the ringside steps, which were tipped on their side. Nick Jackson climbed to the top rope. Jeff fought free. Matt Hardy gave Nick a sitout Razor’s Edge. Jeff put Matt Jackson on the steps, then climbed to the top rope. He leaped off with a Swanton onto Nick on the steps at ringside. Matt Hardy gave Matt Jackson a Twist of Fate for a believable near fall mid-ring a second later. Jeff landed a Swanton on Nick for the clean win a minute later.

WINNERS: The Hardys in 19:00. (***)

(Pretty good some of the time. Jeff Hardy seemed off somehow at various times, which is always concerning for various possible reasons. Some will like the match overall more than me, I strongly suspect. I’m not a fan of wrestlers just asking for superkicks and eating that many, then coming back to win. I suppose it’s more fair to enter this match looking forward to the novelty of these two iconic teams in the ring opposite each other rather than expecting a classic. There’s a lot of wear and tear on everyone in that right right now. That said, they paced the match well, built it smart in those early minutes, and hit some big crowd-pleasing spots late with dramatic near falls. So it worked well enough.)

(3) JADE CARGILL (w/”Smart” Mark Sterling) vs. ANNA JAY – TBS Title match

Cargill dominated early. Jay fought back and hit an awkward top rope flipping blockbuster. They fought to ringside seconds later. Keira Hogan and Red Velvet ran out and grabbed Jay, but Jay delivered a double DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Jade took over briefly, but Jay rolled through with a near fall. Sterling hadn’t appeared yet, but at this time he limped out with a crutch. he slipped it to Cargill. Jay, though, used the crutch as a weapon and scored a near fall. Sterling’s interference nearly backfired. Johnny Silver ran out and yanked off Sterling’s neck brace and then brainbuster suplexed him. Cargill, meanwhile, hit her Eye of the Storm for a believable near fall. He followed with an attempt at her finisher, but Jay slipped free and applied her signature Queen’s Slayer sleeper. Cargill stood with Jay on her back.

Jay climbed to the top rope. Cargill met her up there. Stokely (formerly Malcolm Bivens) Hathaway walked out, which distracted Jay. Schiavone said he hasn’t seen him since 2017. Ross said he’s never seen him. Cargill then finished Jay with her finisher.

WINNER: Cargill in 7:00 to retain the TBS Title.

(A lot of bells and whistles there to distract from what was otherwise a limited and clunky match.)

(4) HOUSE OF BLACK (Buddy Mathews & Brody King & Malakai Black) vs. PAC & PENTA & REY FENIX (w/Alex Abrahantes)

They took turns one on one in various athletic exchanges. Then they all stood opposite of each other and chaos broke out. Pac hit Matthews with a poison rana for a near fall. Fans chanted “AEW! AEW!” Penta and Fenix landed running flip dives at ringside a couple minutes later. A “This is awesome!” chant broke out. Pac and Fenix double-covered Matthews and King and for some reason the ref counted. It was only a two count. They built to a big spot with Brody who did a running flip dive over the top rope. He came up short and hit the back of his neck on the edge of the ring apron and also made contact with Pac. That looked dangerous. Chaos broke out in the ring with a Dante’s Inferno on Fenix, but the cover was broken up by wrestlers stumbling into the corner. All six were in the ring again and did rapid-fire moves. Fenix and Penta hit some superkicks. Pac joined them for a triple superkick. Black charged at Pac, but Pac gave him a brainbuster for a near fall, broken up by Matthews.

Penta gave Matthews a Canadian Destroyer on the ring apron. Next, Penta held Black in position for a DDT as Fenix dove of the top rope with foot stomp to add extra force on the DDT. Fenix and Penta set up a double-team move on Black, but Black escaped and landed his spin hook kick on Fenix. Pac landed a step-up enzuigiri followed by his Black Arrow attempt. Matthews cut him off, though. Pac fought off Matthews and then landed a 450.

Black came up behind Pac and delivered a nasty German suplex. Alex distracted the ref on the ring apron briefly. Pac then took Black down and climbed to the top rope. The lights went dark. When they came back on, Julia Hart was standing in the corner. She sprayed black mist into Pac’s eyes. Black then kicked Pac and got a three count.

WINNERS: House of Black in 13:00.

(All of those moves, nonstop start to finish, and the ending was a lights out schtich leading to black mist from a foreshadowed turn by Julia Hart? Okay then. The crowd reacted to the big spots, but there’s a numbness that comes from that many big moves, one after another, without any long-term selling or storytelling.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-29-22

(5) SAMOA JOE vs. ADAM COLE – Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Final

Cole came out first. He walked past a table with a trophy and two covered belts, one for the male tournament winner and the other for the female tournament winner. The announcers noted Joe and Cole have never wrestled each other. The bell rang 24 minutes into the second hour of the PPV. Ross said he had a chance to spend time with Martha Hart earlier and he said he cried. Schiavone said he knows where he’s coming from.

Cole invited Joe to engage in a test of strength, but Joe punched away at Cole instead. He pelted him into the corner, then played to the crowd. They battled at ringside at 4:00. Cole shoved Joe into the ring apron shoulder-first. The announcers talked about Joe having a preexisting injury to the left shoulder. The announcers talked more about their admiration for Owen the person and the wrestler. Joe countered a Cole attempt at a Panama Sunrise. Cole rolled to ringside to recover at 7:00. Back in the ring Joe went on a flurry of offense ending with a senton for a near fall. Joe powerslammed Cole and scored a near fall. Joe shook out his left shoulder and winced. Cole charged at Joe, but Joe leveled him with a clothesline for a two count.

Cole came back with a sudden high knee for a two count on Joe at 10:00. Cole hit a back stabber and then a crossface mid-ring. Joe blocked a superkick and countered into an STF of his own mid-ring. Cole wriggled away and then over to the to the ropes to force Joe to break. Bobby Fish leaped onto the ring apron. Joe turned to battle him. Fish yanked Joe’s bad arm over the top rope. Cole went for the Boom, but Joe ducked and applied a Kokina Clutch. Fish stood on the apron again. Joe dropped Cole and hit Fish. Joe turned and chopped Cole in the chest. Cole superkicked Joe’s shoulder and then superkicked him a few more times. He then hit the Boom and rolled Joe over for a three count.

WINNER: Cole in 13:00 to win the Owen Hart Tournament. (***)

(A nicely paced match that built well. The distractions at ringside have been so overplayed over the last couple years in pro wrestling, especially in WWE, that you just sort of groan now when that’s built in as the “out” for the babyface to lose, but the babyface has to needlessly drop everything to fight the person on the ring apron first.)

(6) BRITT BAKER vs. RUBY SOHO – Owen Hart Foundation Tournament final

Baker came out to Fozzy guitarist Rich Ward playing her entrance theme. Ruby came out to the band Rancid playing “Ruby Soho.” The announcers said it’s not often Baker gets upstaged, but that Rancid performance qualifies. After some back and forth action, Ruby hit a couple of clotheslines. Baker rolled to ringside to regroup. Ruby landed a leaping dropkick off the ring apron at Baker at ringside.

Baker took over in the ring after knocking Soho off the ring apron. The crowd settled down and seemed into the match, but not rabidly into the action. With both women down, they went to the obligatory wide shot of the crowd in the arena. Baker rallied with some kicks. Ruby countered with a Saito suplex and a top rope senton for a near fall. Baker knocked Roho off the top rope and it appeared Ruby’s head hit a turnbuckle on the way down. Baker landed a stomp and scored a near fall. Baker took out her glove and signaled for a Lock Jaw. She dropped down and applied it, but Ruby had time to recover and blocked it. Baker went for it again. Ruby blocked it and leveraged Baker’s shoulders down. Ruby hit her No Future move out of nowhere and then applied a sharpshooter. It was a bit sloppy looking and lacked leverage. Baker crawled to the bottom rope to force a break. Ruby landed a victory roll a minute for a near fall, but Baker rolled through and leveraged Soho down for a three count. Baker lifted Soho and showed some respect toward her before celebrating her win.

WINNER: Baker in 13:00 to win the Owen Hart Tournament. (**1/2)

Average largely forgettable match. I’m not sure Baker would have been on my top ten list of women in AEW who would gain the most from winning the Owen Cup.)

-Baker and Cole met Schiavone on the stage. Both, by the way, were wearing hot pink. They kissed. Schiavone looked away like a 11 year old kid around his parents showing affection toward each other. Schiavone introduced Martha Hart. Tony Khan led her out onto the stage at the podium. She stood at the podium and led a chant of “Owen! Owen!”

“Wow, thank you so much for that warm welcome,” she said. Fans applauded. She thanked the fans and then talked about her late husband Owen Hart. She also thanked a bunch of people. She said their partnership is a match made in heaven. She said Brit and Adam are a queen and king. “Heavy lies the crown,” she said. She said they have earned a place on the royal throne. She then presented Cole and Baker with the hot pink trimmed Owen Hart Foundation belts. Schiavone said it is moments like this that make you proud to be a fan of pro wrestling. When Baker and Martha hugged, fans chanted “DMD” briefly.

(Not that I was for Martha’s speech turning into an angle, but Cole and Baker were all smiles and so gracious, it just felt like they were turning babyface. It’s great to see Martha in a situation in pro wrestling where she seems genuinely proud and happy after years of taking heat from some fans resentful that she wouldn’t approve of WWE inducting Owen Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-29-22

(7) MEN OF THE YEAR (Scorpio Sky & Ethan Page) & PAIGE VANZANT (w/ Dan Lambert) vs. FRANKIE KAZARIAN & SAMMY GUEVARA & TAY CONTI – Trios tag team match

Scorpio Sky began the match with Frankie Kazarian. The crowd settled in, unsure of who to cheer for. Sammy Guevara blind-tagged in. Sky tagged in Ethan Page. Page gave Guevara some quick punches, then dropped him with a shoulder. “I’ve been waiting for this!” he yelled. He set Guevara up for the Ego’s Edge, but Sammy countered into a ‘rana. He followed up with a corkscrew dropkick that only made Page stumble.

Page recovered quickly and gave Guevara a Powerslam. He covered for a two count, then tagged in Scorpio Sky. Sammy tagged in Kazarian. The former partners traded quick strikes and kicks. Kazarian rolled over Sky’s back, then hit a springboard leg drop. He tossed Sky to the corner and tagged in Sammy. Kazarian and Guevara had a disagreement of Sammy’s showboating. Sky took control, peppering Guevara’s stomach with quick jabs in the corner. Tay Conti raked Sky’s back behind the referee. Guevara dropped the TNT Champion with a clothesline. Excalibur reminded the audience of the stipulation barring Guevara from challenging for the TNT title if he loses.

Guevara gave VanZant the middle finger. Paige tried to get in the ring, drawing the attention of the referee. Guevara and Conti double-teamed Sky. Guevara tagged in Kazarian. Kazarian gave Sky a Russian leg sweep. J.R. called attention to the fact that Conti and VanZant haven’t been tagged in. Guevara and Conti went full heel on the apron, taunting the fans. Sky hit Kazarian with a Flatliner as the match neared 6:00. Tay Conti rushed into the ring and hit Paige VanZant with a cheap shot. She and Sammy twirled at ringside with their tongues out.

Kazarian headed to the corner for a tag, but Sammy and Tay weren’t paying attention. Guevara tagged himself in while Kazarian had Sky in a hold. Frankie got in Sammy’s face. Sky knocked Guevara into Kazarian, causing Frankie to tumble to the floor. Sky tagged in Paige VanZant, bringing Tay Conti into the match. Conti shoved VanZant. Paige hit a double leg takedown, then drove her elbow into Conti’s face. Paige hit a number of quick forearms, then followed up with a back suplex.

VanZant connected with a back handspring into the corner, then scooped up Conti for a TKO. Sammy Guevara made the save, pulling Conti to safety. Paige punched Sammy in the gut, then gave him a spinning DDT. Paige gave Conti a drop toe hold into Sammy’s crotch. She followed up with a sit-out driver for a near fall. VanZant pulled Conti to her feet, but Tay caught her with a Judo takedown. She hit a pair of pump kicks in the corner, then a third to the face. Conti covered, but Paige kicked out a two as the match approached 10:00.

Sammy jumped onto the apron. Paige shoved him off, but Conti caught her with a slam. Conti and Guevara began making out again. Sky, Page, and VanZant cut them off. Kazarian returned, gave Guevara the finger, and left the ring. Kazarian tagged himself in and gave Sky a Cutter for a near fall. Conti began arguing with Kazarian. Guevara tried to kick him, but Kazarian ducked. Sammy kicked Tay square in the jaw. Page gave Kazarian a kick to the face. Sky finished him off with a TKO for a three count.

WINNERS: Scorpio Sky & Ethan Page & Paige VanZant in 12:04

(This one had its moments, but it went several minutes too long given how long the night has been already, and how much more is still to come. It suffered from a confused, tired, and largely disinterested crowd. Even the boos for Guevara and Conti felt a bit distant. Some of VanZant’s offense looked solid, and she carries herself much like an early version of Ronda Rousey in the ring. There’s certainly potential there, especially against quality opponents. This seemed to complete a full double turn. There’s no doubt that Guevara and Conti need to be full-fledged heels, and they were that and more tonight, but I wonder about Lambert’s ability to pivot, given how brash he’s been in the past. It would be tough to sell that change of heart against anyone other than Guevara and Conti. Sky and Page, can, of course, work either way. VanZant, too, seems to have the crowd invested in cheering her. Lots to work out coming out of this one.)

(8) KYLE O’REILLY vs. DARBY ALLIN

Darby Allin shot at Kyle O’Reilly, looking to pick the ankle. He failed twice, then ate a kick from O’Reilly that dropped him in his tracks. Allin and O’Reilly traded quick kicks and strikes, then Kyle managed to sweep Darby’s leg. O’Reilly twisted Allin’s arm and began working it over. He scooped him into a Bearhug, then a quick snap Northern Lights Suplex. O’Reilly covered for two. “Is this your hero?” he asked the crowd. Allin rose to his knees, bleeding from the mouth.

Allin created some separation with a dropkick to the knee, then a sunset bomb for a two count. Allin gave O’Reilly a chop block, then leapt into a hanging front face lock. Darby floated over Kyle’s head and delivered a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin went for a Coffin Splash, but O’Reilly caught him and worked him to the mat. He twisted the arm again, but Allin delivered quick kicks to block him. Kyle ricocheted between the ropes, then ate a stunner from Darby. O’Reilly tumbled to the outside. Allin hit the ropes, then dove. His feet clipped the rope, sending him cartwheeling awkwardly into O’Reilly in a nasty looking tumble.

Both men slowly returned to the ring. Darby tossed Kyle to the opposite end of the ringside. Allin dove through the middle rope, but O’Reilly caught him in a Kimura. O’Reilly broke the hold as the referee counted them both from in the ring. The two worked back to the ring and traded kicks. Darby rolled up Kyle for a two count. O’Reilly floated into a Brainbuster for a two count. He transitioned into an arm bar position. Darby blocked it, so Kyle transitioned to an ankle lock. He laid into it, but Allin turned it over into a strange looking Scorpion Death Lock. O’Reilly reached the ropes to break the hold as the match hit 7:25.

O’Reilly wound up on the apron. Darby caught him with a Dragon Screw. He climbed to the top rope and hit a Coffin Splash onto O’Reilly off the apron. Both men tumbled awkwardly on the apron and to the floor. Darby tossed Kyle in the ring and climbed to the top rope. He went for the Coffin Drop, but O’Reilly caught him in a cross arm breaker. Allin reached the ropes. Both men traded quick blows. O’Reilly delivered quick head kicks. Allin returned the favor with open palm strikes. O’Reilly grabbed the chain around Allin’s throat, choking him. Both men collapsed to the mat in a heap.

Kyle used the chain to lift Darby off his feet. The chain snapped and Darby collapsed. Kyle kicked him in the face and covered for one. O’Reilly kicked him again and got a two count. He climbed to the top rope and hit a diving knee to the back of Allin’s neck. O’Reilly covered for a three count.

WINNER: Kyle O’Reilly in 10:34

(Good, physical match with some predictably unnecessary risk-taking from Darby Allin. The crowd had a hard time coming alive for this one too, clearly burnt out, or saving their energy for the night’s remaining matches. Allin and O’Reilly brought it, and the crowd certainly appreciated the big spots, but this, like a lot of the mid-card tonight, suffered from the lack of strong reaction. I was surprised to see O’Reilly get a clean win here, though, I generally think keeping Cole’s faction strong is a good idea.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-29-22

(9) THUNDER ROSA (c) vs. SERENA DEEB – AEW Women’s Championship match

The two women circled the ring, then locked up. J.R. checked in on Excalibur, who was having mic troubles. His voice returned before long. The crowd opened a dueling chant off a lock up. Both women applied quick waist locks, but neither could gain control. Serena Deeb worked Thunder Rosa to the mat, but Rosa quickly bridged to her feet. They both executed a headlock takeover, then locked up again.

Rosa worked Deeb to the mat in a double wrist lock. Deeb quickly bridged and the two jockeyed for position. The champion scored a pair of two counts. Rosa transitioned into a pendulum submission. She rolled her over into a cover for two. Excalibur talked up Deeb’s flexibility. Rosa delivered a shoulder tackle. Rosa caught a deep arm drag, then a leg sweep. She covered for another two count. The two women locked arms for simultaneous backslide attempts. Rose broke free and elbowed Deeb. Serena stumbled to the corner. Rosa worked her to the apron, then dropkicked her to the floor.

Deeb and Rosa traded baseball slides outside the ring as the match crossed 5:00. Deeb got the champion to the apron and gave her a neckbreaker across the middle rope. She gave Thunder Rosa a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Deeb hoisted Rosa onto the top turnbuckle and clubbed her in the back repeatedly. Deeb stretched Rosa over her own back while hanging onto the ropes, initiating the referee’s count. She broke the hold at four, then immediately pulled Rosa into an abdominal stretch. The crowd willed Rosa to life. She connected with a hip toss. Deeb recovered quickly and the two traded elbows.

Thunder Rosa hit a pair of short-arm clotheslines, then a scoop slam. She whipped Serena into the corner. Deeb collided with the turnbuckle and snapped backward, checking her nose for blood. Rosa drove her knees into an unsuspecting challenger. She hit a Northern Lights suplex, but lost her grip on the bridge. She covered for a two count. Rosa and Deeb traded arm twists before Deeb caught the champion in an Octopus hold. Deeb released, but held onto the ankle. Rosa kicked her to the corner. Deeb hooked her and hit an overhead cutter from the middle rope. She covered for a two count.

Deeb pulled Rosa to her feet, but Thunder Rosa pulled her into a Russian Leg Sweep. She grabbed a hold, but Deeb rolled her into a pin for two. Deeb transitioned into a Stretch Muffler. Rosa rolled through it at 11:30. She slammed Deeb’s knee into the mat repeatedly. Deeb fought to her feet and the women took each other out with stereo clotheslines. The referee began counting both women down. Rosa rose at 5, Deeb shortly after. Rosa hit a double stomp to the back off the middle rope. She scooped Deeb up and hit a Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Champion and challenger battled on the mat. Deeb locked in a Figure Four, but Rosa sat up to relieve the pressure. They began slapping each other, then they rolled to the outside.

Rosa tossed Deen back in the ring and climbed onto the apron. Deeb caught her with a Dragon Screw, then hit a Detox in the ring. She covered, but Rosa got her foot on the bottom rope. Deeb set up for the Detox again, but Rosa held on. Deeb gave her a Powerbomb instead. She grabbed the legs and applied the Texas Cloverleaf. Rosa quickly reached the ropes. Each women got a quick roll up two count. Rosa backed Deeb into the corner. Rosa ran at her with a knee, but Deeb side-stepped her. Deeb climbed to the top rope and Rosa climbed to meet her. They traded punches in Superplex position. Rosa managed to hit a Superplex. She held on, floated over, and hit a Thunder Driver for a three count.

WINNER: Thunder Rosa in 16:50 to retain the AEW Women’s Championship

(Really good, competitive and technical match that lived up to the billing of a major women’s title match on a Pay-Per-View card. I’ve been highly critical of AEW’s Women’s division, and while this looked good on paper, I didn’t think the build did either woman much justice. The crowd, which had seemed exhausted to this point, came alive for Thunder Rosa and these two kept them mostly engaged throughout. The bout was crisp and hard-hitting, earning Rosa a much needed definitive win in a major defense. One of the all-around better women’s matches in company history from where I sit.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-29-22

(10) JERICHO APPRECIATION SOCIETY (Chris Jericho & Jake Hager & Daniel Garcia & Matt Menard & Angelo Parker) vs. BLACKPOOL COMBAT CLUB (Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley) & EDDIE KINGSTON & SANTANA & ORTIZ – Anarchy in the Arena match

The brawl began with haste. Moxley’s music was still playing while the J.A.S. left the ring and filtered into the crowd, trying to cut off the various entrances to the ringside area. Moxley’s music continued to play while Moxley tossed wrestlers into fans and over chairs. Eddie Kingston worked Chris Jericho into the lower bowl. Jericho fell over the barricade awkwardly. Moxley gave Matt Menard a suplex on the concrete floor. “Wild Thing” faded out, but then immediately started over again. The crowd erupted.

Jon Moxley pulled out a fork and raked it across Matt Menard’s face. Chris Jericho threw his arms up and tried to leave, but Moxley gave chase. He tossed him over a barricade near the back of the lower bowl. Jericho found a pair of sunglasses and stabbed Moxley in the eye with them. Jake Hager and Ortiz battled at ringside. Eddie Kingston walked a bloody Matt Menard down the lower bowl. Menard was bleeding heavily. Jericho found a scooter and tried to escape, but Moxley stopped him. He and Moxley brawled into the barricaded area with the crane camera. Moxley was bleeding.

In the ring, Santana and Ortiz gave Hager a double suplex. “Wild Thing” continued to play. Kingston and Menard made their way to the top of the lower bowl. Menard was spewing blood from his face. Jericho found the sound board and smashed it, cutting off “Wild Thing.” Moxley gave Jericho a double sledgehammer off a barricade. Kingston and Menard had worked their way into an open concourse with fans. Bryan Danielson walked Angelo Parker up some steps.

Back at ringside, Santana & Ortiz gave Hager a Street Sweeper over the top rope and through two tables at ringside. Kingston and Menard were shown in the concourse, covered in blood and mustard. Danielson and Parker stumbled into the fixed camera. Jericho seated Moxley near the hard cam and covered him with the black tarp. Daniel Garcia gave Ortiz a piledriver off the apron, onto the steel steps. Danielson punched Parker into covered seats near the hard cam. Menard beat Kingston with merch stands. Moxley dove on Jericho’s back from the lower bowl.

Jericho tried to return to ringside as the match passed 8:00. Moxley dragged him back into the crowd. Back in the concourse, Parker and Menard buried Kingston in merch stand scaffolding. Moxley found a cooler and threw it at Jericho’s head. Daniel Garcia found his way up to the concourse. He dragged Kingston to an open arena and beat on him. At ringside, Jericho applied Walls of Jericho on Jon Moxley atop the timekeeper’s table. The table broke under the weight, causing Jericho to land awkwardly.

Garcia tossed Kingston into the wall of the concourse. At ringside, Moxley applied a Figure Four on Jericho. Matt Menard made his way back to ringside. Bryan Danielson battled Jake Hager against a ringside barricade. He delivered a flurry of hard kicks to the gut. Moxley unscrewed a turnbuckle. Hager gave Danielson a Superplex on the ramp. Eddie Kingston rose from the dead in the concourse, white Yankees shirt stained red and yellow. He kicked Garcia and began his journey back to the arena.

Jon Moxley unscrewed the top rope and used it to crotch Chris Jericho as the match approached 13:00. Meanwhile, Daniel Garcia found Eddie Kingston in a freight elevator and a brawl ensued. Santana and Ortiz worked Parker and Menard toward some tables in the corner of the lower bowl. Moxley set up a table at ringside. The freight elevator closed on Kingston and Garcia. Santana and Ortiz tossed Parker and Menard onto the tables, then retrieved a ladder. At ringside, Moxley hit a running knee to a seated Jericho. He retrieved barbed wire boards from underneath the ring. Jake Hager applied an ankle lock to Bryan Danielson in the ring.

Santana & Ortiz climbed opposite sides of the ladder and hit tandem splashes on Menard and Parker. Jericho set off a fire extinguisher in Moxley’s face. Danielson and Hager struggled to stand in the ring, Danielson was bleeding. Moxley placed the barbed wire board on the table. He rolled in the ring with Jericho. Jericho, Moxley, Danielson, and Hager traded punches. The Combat Club quickly got the upper hand. Danielson grabbed a sleeper on Jericho. Moxley took down Hager. They began tandem elbows to the neck and shoulder of Jericho and Hager. Danielson rolled Jericho into the Labelle Lock. Moxley rolled to the outside with Hager.

Eddie Kingston emerged from the stage, carrying a can of gasoline. He poured it on Jericho, then pulled out a lighter. Danielson knocked it away. He and Kingston began to brawl. Moxley tried to break it up. Jericho cracked a chair over Moxley’s back,. then Danielson’s. Hager returned and shoved Moxley off the apron, onto the barbed wire board. The table toppled over, leaving Moxley stuck. Jericho hit Kingston with the Judas Effect.

Hager fed Danielson to Jericho. Jericho hit him in the head with the sharp end of the loose turnbuckle. Jericho covered for a near fall. Danielson psyched himself up, throwing wild kicks and punches at Hager and Jericho. The crowd came alive with big “Yes” chants. Danielson wound up for a big elbow. he caught Hager with a running knee. Jericho grabbed a chair, but Danielson kneed it back into his face. Danielson covered for a near fall at 21:05.

Schiavone said Tony Khan informed him they have their largest audience ever watching Double or Nothing. Danielson kicked Jericho in the chest repeatedly, he hit the wind-up roundhouse to the fan’s delight. “I’m gonna kick his f’ing head in!” Danielson yelled. Hager returned with Jericho’s bat. He hit Danielson repeatedly. Jericho grabbed the Walls of Jericho. Hager choked Danielson with the loose rope. Danielson passed out.

WINNERS: Jericho Appreciation Society in 22:41

(That was certainly something. Not to be outdone by previous, COVID-era Stadium Stampede matches, everyone involved made sure to make this a violent, bloody affair that satiated the segment of AEW’s audience that crave hyper-violent, GCW-lite style blood and guts. This was chaotic from the start, and I won’t say it wasn’t fun. The crowd ate it up, with massive spot after massive spot. It was hard to keep track of everything happening, and at some point, the announcers gave up trying. I wasn’t a big fan of the J.A.S. going over here, given the star power on the other side of the ring. In particular, I disliked Danielson taking the loss. He and Moxley are sort of a step above the rest of the wrestlers in the match, and I would’ve preferred they both be protected. Kingston could’ve eaten the loss and gotten a similar reaction out of the crowd, given their affinity for him. Something tells me it won’t be the only time we see some variation of this match, though.)

 

[Arcademan]

AEW Double or Nothing PPV Results: 5-29-22

(11) JUNGLE BOY & LUCHASAURUS (w/Christian Cage) vs. RICKY STARKS & POWEHOUSE HOBBS vs. KEITH LEE & SWERVE STRICKLAND – AEW Tag Team Title match

Taz joined in on commentary. A few minutes in, Lee caught JB and then powerbombed him onto his own partner Luchasaurus at ringside. A few minutes later, they built to Lucahsaurus, Hobbs, and Lee battling in the ring. Lee and Hobbs worked together to chokeslam Luchasaurus.Then they turned and faced off. Lee overhead tossed Hobbs over the top rope to the floor. Lee then landed a running flip dive into a crowd at ringside. He played to the crowd afterward. Starks and JB tagged in against each other next. The pace changed significantly to speed over power. Christian knocked Starks’s legs off the ropes during a pin attempt. Hobb threw Christian into the ringside steps. JB dove onto Hobbs at ringside. When JB re-entered the ring, Starks hit him with a sudden spear for a near fall.

Starks then delivered his finisher to JB, but Luchasaurus broke up the cover. Hobbs then landed a spinebuster on Luchasaurus. Swerve took over against JB. Luchasaurus went for a boot to Swerve’s face, but he kicked JB instead. Swerve and Lee then gave JB a top rope powerbomb combo for a near fall. Hobbs broke up the cover. Starks hit Lee with the FTW Title belt. JB superkicked Swerve. Starks then brought the belt into the ring. Christian yanked Starks out of the ring by hius leg. Swerve rolled up a distracted JB for a believable near fall. Swerve went for a Swerve Stomp, but JB moved. JB then went for a poison rana, but Swerve resisted. Luchasaurus entered and delivered a Jurassic Express finisher with JB to get the three count on Swerve. Taz said he was surprised by the outcome, but was proud of the performance by his guys.

WINNERS: Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy in 17:00 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles. (***1/2)

(Entertaining action from start to finish, with some distinct moments with different match-ups including the bigger wrestlers and then the smaller wrestlers changing the page. The near falls were well done.)

(12) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE vs. C.M. PUNK – AEW World Title match

The bell rang 11 minutes into the fourth hour. Schiavone mentioned he can’t wrap his head around Hangman saying he’s going to defend against what Punk stands for. A dueling chant broke out early. Great early intensity and facial expressions. Ross said it’s so great to be still calling great pro wrestling matches like this. He mentioned to Schiavone how lucky they are after all of these decades to still be doing this. At 4:00 Punk had taken control and smiled wide. A Punk chant shifted to a chant for Cowboy Shit. Punk listened and reacted by pausing mid-ring. Some boos rang out. Punk smiled and went back to work. Punk leaped off the ropes, but Hangman caught him and took over. An intense dueling chant broke out as they fought at ringside. Ross said the 50/50 audience is new to him in this era.

Hangman beat up Punk at ringside. Hangman absorbed some boos too back in the ring. They exchanged strikes. Hangman dropped Punk as he charged with a rolling elbow. Punk crumpled. The ref checked on Punk as Hangman played to the crowd. Schiavone said Hangman ought to just roll him over and pin him. Ross said it says something about Hangman’s mindset, but he thought he was wasting time for no reason. Schiavone said Hangman maybe wants to show him up.

Hangman set up a Buckshot Lariat, but Punk exploded at him with a flying elbow to knock Hangman to the floor. The announcers feel much more comfortable calling this match with some breathing space, pacing, and a story to tell drawn as much from body language between moves as the moves themselves. Hangman landed a top rope flying lariat for a two count back in the ring.

A minute later Punk charged with a running knee in the corner and then a running bulldog. Ross said Punk is getting in his offensive groove. Punk springboard clotheslined Hangman, then got fired up. Punk hit a neckbreaker. He climbed to the top rope next. Hangman popped up and knocked Punk down to the floor. Hangman then landed a top rope moonsault press on the floor. He favored his knee after he landed. Excalibur said he might have jammed his knee. Hangman set up a Buckshot Lariat again. Punk countered with a double leg takedown into a sharpshooter. Hangman reached the bottom rope to force a break.

Punk slipped up on an attempted Buckshot Lariat. It took the wind out of the sails of Punk’s moment. The announcers said he hasn’t mastered it. He scored a two count. He then sat up and signaled for a Go To Sleep. Hangman countered and went for his own GTS. Punk avoided it. Hangman then gave Punk a powerbomb out of the corner. Hangman landed a Dead Eye for a very near fall. Hangman’s cover was nonchalant.

Hangman stood and signaled for a Go To Sleep. He limped over toward Punk and set it up. Punk grabbed onto the top rope, then landed a high round kick to Hangman’s head. Hangman, though, hit a sudden GTS that looked great. Punk fell in a heap and Hangman made the cover. Fans thought it was over. Punk kicked out. A loud “C.M. Punk” chant broke out (better than “This is awesome!” or “Fight forever!”). Both were down and slow to get up. A “Cowboy Shit” chant broke out. Hangman crawled over and punched Punk. They exchanged strikes mid-ring at 21:00.

Hangman tried to run the ropes, but could barely move. Punk and Hangman tumbled over the top rope to the floor. Hangman threw Punk into the time keeper’s area. Hangman picked up his belt and yelled, “This is mind! You will never have it!” The ref yanked it away from Hangman. Ross said nobody wants a countout, so the ref should let them get back in the ring. Hangman threw Punk into the ring. Hangman then set up a Buckshot Lariat. This time Punk countered into a GTS attempt. The ref got knocked down. (A ref bump in AEW!) Hangman countered Punk.

With Punk down, Hangman went over to check on the ref. With the ref out, Hangman spotted the title belt. He got wide-eyed and picked up the belt. Hangman paused and Punk cowered mid-ring. Schiavone said Hangman looks conflicted. Hangman threw the belt down. Fans applauded. He then set up another Buckshot Lariat. Punk countered and landed a GTS for the three count.

Punk leaned against the bottom rope and got emotional as his music played. Excalibur said Hangman’s decision cost him the biggest prize in the sport. Punk clutched the belt emotionally as the show ended.

WINNER: Punk in 25:00 to become AEW Champion. (****1/4)

(They saved the best for last. No heel turn for Punk or even a hint of it. Hangman made a decision not to cheat, but he also made a decision to consider cheating rather than going on the attack. That was a rare AEW ref bump, and one with a purpose that gave Hangman a chance to milk making that ethical decision that changed his fate. I’m interested to see what happens with Hangman’s character next. Punk has a crazy number of compelling opponents to face for a potentially long title reign. He’s shown he’s up for it, and he brings a wisdom and maturity to the stories he tells the pace with which he tells them that is welcome amidst the excesses of AEW otherwise.)

 

[GohanX]

The good stuff was good but man that was waaaaay too long.

O'Reilly vs Darby was a banger that is probably going to get overlooked. Those two can really bring it in high stakes one on one matches. It reminded me a lot of the O'Reilly/Balor match on NXT a while back that nobody saw but was a match of the year contender, they nearly killed each other

 

[Arcademan]

After it was said and done...CM Punk announced he's injured and requires surgery on his foot. Bottom line: AEW title is now vacant and there will be a tournament held to see who will become the new Interim AEW World Champion.

 

[famicommander]

Why would you vacate the title if you're crowning an interim champion?

The literal purpose of an interim championship is to have a title to defend while the real champion is unable to defend it. It exists for the exact reason AEW finds themselves in: to make sure you don't have to declare a title vacant.

 

[BanishingFlatsAC]

He didn't vacate it. Jericho just fucked it up on commentary. They're having a battle royal to open Dynamite and the winner will face the number one contender in the main event. Meanwhile in NJPW Tanahashi and Goto will fight and the winner there will go to Forbidden Door to wrestle the winner from Dynamite for the Interim Heavyweight Title. When Punk returns he will wrestle the Interim title holder for a unification. Long story short, Tanahashi is gonna win the belt at Forbidden Door and the title will go to Japan until Punk returns.

 

[Arcademan]

Cody Rhodes reportedly has suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

According to a report by The Wrestling Observer, the injury took place while weight training. The report has not confirmed the injury, but that was the word going around backstage at the WWE live event in Champaign, IL. Cody is still scheduled to face Seth Rollins inside Hell in A Cell at the Hell in a Cell PLE.

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins 3 has been built up since WrestleMania Backlash. Rhodes currently holds two wins over Rollins since returning at WrestleMania 38.

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Hell In A Cell PLE Results: 6-5-22

Results courtesy of PWTorch.com

(1) BIANCA BELAIR (c) vs. BECKY LYNCH vs. ASUKA – Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat match

All three women circled one another to open up the match. Becky Lynch broke the circle and pushed Bianca Belair. Asuka grabbed Lynch and tripped her up. Belair dropped Becky again and shooed her to the outside. Belair and Asuka engaged in a quick nod, then they locked up. A dueling chant broke out. Asuka took Belair down with a snapmare. Belair shot to her feet and shrugged off a shoulder tackle. Asuka hit the ropes again, but Lynch grabbed her leg and pulled her outside.

Becky Lynch caught Bianca Belair with a pair of kicks from the apron. She climbed the ropes, but Belair recovered and pressed her to the mat. She covered for a quick two count. Belair flipped out of the corner and gave Lynch a dropkick. Asuka delivered one of her own to Lynch. She followed up with a double bulldog on both Belair and Lynch. Asuka began kicking both women in the chest. She dropped Belair with a kick to the face, then hip checked Lynch in the corner. Belair scooped Asuka up for the K.O.D., but Asuka slid free and grabbed an Arm Bar. Belair dead-lifted her off the mat and Powerbombed her into the corner.

Lynch returned to the apron and tossed Asuka onto Belair. She covered both women for individual two counts. Becky tossed Asuka into the ring post, then delivered a running leg drop to the champion for another two count. Belair pulled herself up using the ropes for leverage. Becky backed her into the corner, then draped her over the ropes. Lynch roughed up Bianca in the corner, then taunted the crowd at around 5:10.

Asuka returned to the apron, but ate a shoulder from Belair. Lynch tossed Bianca to the apron, draped her over the middle rope, and delivered a leg drop to the back of the neck from the middle rope. Becky covered for a two count. Lynch began toying with the champion, kicking her lightly in the head and daring her to get up. Becky set up for the Disarm-Her, but Belair blocked it. Lynch managed to hit the Bexploder. She climbed to the top rope and connected with a leg drop. Lynch covered, but Asuka just saved the pin.

Belair rolled to the outside. Lynch and Asuka began trading punches and kicks. Asuka got the better of the exchange and caught Becky with a snap German Suplex. Lynch stumbled to her feet and ate a spinning back-fist. Asuka scored a near fall. Lynch battled to her feet and tried to lock in the Disarm-Her. Belair returned and broke it up. She went for the K.O.D., but Lynch fought free. Belair hit her with a stalling Suplex instead, high-stepping with Lynch suspended in air. Belair cornered both her challengers. She hit ten punches to both women simultaneously. After the last one, Lynch slid between her legs and pulled her down by the braid.

The champion shook it off. She planted Lynch first, then Asuka. She hit a handspring moonsault on both women, then covered them for two. Belair rolled Asuka to the outside and pointed to Becky. She set her up on the top turnbuckle. Belair hooked Lynch up for the Superplex, but Asuka returned to spoil her plans. Belair backflipped over Asuka’s head. Asuka caught Bianca with a Codebreaker. Lynch dove, but Asuka gave her a Codebreaker too. Asuka tried covering both women, but only scored two counts.

Asuka put Lynch in an Ankle Lock. Belair tried to intervene, but Asuka tripped her up and twisted her ankle too. Belair and Lynch briefly worked together to roll Asuka out of the hold, freeing themselves. Belair and Lynch limped to center to meet each other at 13:15. Belair rolled Lynch up for two, then Lynch transitioned into the Disarm-Her. Belair kept a vertical base to avoid full torque. She lifted Lynch into the air with one arm, then moved her into K.O.D. position. Belair’s ankle gave out and she dumped Lynch to the mat.

Lynch climped the turnbuckle and dove, but Belair caught her for a flam. Asuka dropkicked Lynch’s back. Lynch hit Belair with the Man-Handle Slam and hooked the leg, but Asuka broke up the pin. All three women rolled around on the mat. Belair dropped to the outside. Lynch and Asuka traded slaps and punches. Becky went for the Man-Handle Slam, but Asuka blocked it. She kicked Becky in the face. Asuka hit Becky with a release German Suplex. Lynch rebounded into the ropes. Asuka charged for a Hip Attack, but Becky moved. Asuka got caught up in the middle rope. Belair returned to the apron and scooped Lynch over the ropes for a K.O.D., but Asuka broke it up.

Asuka and Becky traded roll ups for two counts. Asuka transitioned one into the Asuka Lock. Lynch rolled through it into a cover, but Asuka maintained her grip and got the shoulder up. Belair returned and broke the hold. Asuka kicked Belair in the face and whipped her to the corner. Asuka went for a hip attack, but Belair caught her and dumped her into the corner. Belair set Asuka up for the K.O.D., but Lynch broke it up and tossed Belair to the outside. Becky bit Asuka with the Man-Handle Slam and went for a cover, but Belair slid in the ring and tossed Lynch outside. Belair stole the pin for a three count.

WINNER: Bianca Belair in 18:55 to retain the Raw Women’s Championship

(Good match with an overplayed finish, but one that made sense for this story. Lynch did everything she needed to do to get the win, but ultimately, ended up being outsmarted by the babyface. While I don’t love the babyface stealing the pinfall, I do like that the finish made Belair look smarter than the heel Lynch. It played into Becky’s slow descent to madness, and should give her plenty to complain about going forward. Asuka felt like she was there to eat the pin, but her big spots went over well with the crowd and they seemed to buy into the idea that she could get Lynch to submit to the Asuka Lock deep in the match. It did appear as though Lynch got a few too many visual wins over Belair, who was saved at the last moment by Asuka. The announcers even pointed out that Belair owed plenty to Asuka should she go on to win the match eventually. Good way to open the show.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Hell In A Cell PLE Results: 6-5-22

(2) OMOS & M.V.P. vs. BOBBY LASHLEY – 2-on-1 Handicap match

M.V.P. started the match for his team. circling Bobby Lashley. As Lashley approached, Porter ducked into his corner and tagged in Omos. Lashley gave him some room to get in the ring, then the two locked up. Lashley grabbed a waist lock, but Omos broke it quickly. Lashley gave Omos a shoulder tackle, but Omos stood firm. Omos shrugged off another waist lock. Bobby circled the giant. Omos challenged him to a test of strength.

Lashley threw a punch instead. He charged at the big man and sent him stumbling. Bobby knocked M.V.P. off the apron. Omos recovered and crushed Lashley in the corner. Omos gave him a hip toss, then tagged in M.V.P. Porter stomped Bobby, then covered him for a one count. “This your almighty?” he asked the crowd. Lashley stood and began blocking M.V.P.’s shots. M.V.P. raked Lashley’s eyes to gain control. Porter tagged out. Lashley recovered quickly, dropping both Porter and Omos. Lashley set Omos up for a Suplex. Omos blocked it and gave Bobby a front Suplex instead.

Omos scooped up Lashley and delivered Snake Eyes to the turnbuckle. He crushed him in the corner again and again. M.V.P. tagged himself in. He gave Lashley a running boot in the corner. Lashley flew over the top rope and onto the floor. M.V.P. tagged in Omos. Omos dropped off the apron and charged at a recovering Lashley on the outside. He tackled Bobby through the time keeper’s area. Omos rushed back into the ring. The referee reached a count of nine before Lashley returned to the ring.

M.V.P. tagged in. Lashley crawled toward him. Porter dropped him and covered for one. M.V.P. mounted Lashley and threw a flurry of elbows as the match approached 6:30. Lashley recovered quickly and hit M.V.P. with a Spear. He covered, but Omos broke up the pin immediately. Cedric Alexander appeared on the top rope. Omos grabbed him by the throat and threw him to the outside. Lashley hit Omos with a Spear. Omos rolled to the outside. Lashley put M.V.P. in the Hurt Lock. Porter tapped.

WINNER: Bobby Lashley in 8:23

After the match, Lashley took a WWE Championship replica belt from a fan at ringside. Jimmy Smith said Lashley was sending a message. “I’m coming!” Lashley yelled.

(Not much to this one. Lashley did his best, but Omos is still unable to do much more than get from Point A to Point B. M.V.P.’s in-ring involvement was limited to quick flurry attacks when Lashley was already hurting. Alexander’s interference seemed telegraphed from the moment M.V.P. rejected him before the match. This just doesn’t help anyone. Lashley only won because of Alexander’s interference. Omos doesn’t eat the pin, but still loses. No one has come out of this feud looking good at all, and they certainly didn’t emphatically close the book on it tonight, either, even with Lashley’s not-so-subtle post match attempt to turn the page.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Hell In A Cell PLE Results: 6-5-22

(3) KEVIN OWENS vs. EZEKIEL

Kevin Owens looked around, annoyed. “You’re a damn liar,” Owens said. The crowd broke into a “Zeke” chant. Owens charged, but Ezekiel caught him with a leaping knee to the face. He climbed to the top rope and hit a big diving elbow for a near fall. Owens rolled to the outside to regroup. Ezekiel followed. The two men brawled back and forth around the announcers desk. Owens countered an Irish Whip, sending Ezekiel crashing into the ring post.

Owens tossed Ezekiel back in the ring and covered him for a two count. “That was three!” he argued. He stomped Ezekiel and gave him a Senton. Owens hit a leaping moonsault off the middle rope for a two count. “That’s Elias!” Owens pointed and yelled. He grabbed a chin lock. The crowd willed Ezekiel to his feet. Owens chopped him down again. Owens shoved Ezekiel’s face into the camera and pulled his lips apart to make him smile. “That face is Elias!” he screamed.

Ezekiel threw a weak looking punch, but Owens chopped him down again. Ezekiel pulled himself up and whipped Owens into the corner. KO took the corner flip bump and landed hard. He slowly rose and the two men traded right hands. Owens caught Ezekiel with a boot out of the corner and a Tornado DDT for a two count at 5:38. Owens climbed to the top rope. He went for a Senton, but Ezekiel got his knees up.

“You know who I am!” Ezekiel yelled at Owens. He shoved Owens into the corner. The crowd opened up a dueling chant of “he’s Elias/no he’s not.” Ezekiel gave KO a Spinebuster and covered him for a near fall. He dragged Owens to his feet. KO went for a Stunner, but Ezekiel shoved him away. He charged, but Owens gave him a Pop Up Powerbomb for a near fall of his own. “You’re Elias, admit it!” Owens slapped Ezekiel repeatedly. Ezekiel slapped him back. Owens went for Stunner again. Ezekiel blocked it and rolled Owens up for two. He hit Owens with a knee to the face and climbed to the top rope. Owens recovered and kicked Elias off the top rope.

Ezekiel slumped down into the corner. Owens backed up and hit a Cannonball. He dragged Ezekiel to his feet and gave him a Stunner. Owens covered Ezekiel for three, yelling “Elias” as he scored the pin.

WINNER: Kevin Owens in 9:20

(Nice to see Owens get a clean, decisive win here. The crowd was almost fully behind him, with the few “Zeke” chants seeming to come in almost jest. The match was slow and plodding, based mostly in the story of Owens slowly losing his mind while trying to prove his point. I know some people have enjoyed this angle, but I simply don’t find it compelling. I think it’s well beneath Owens, but I can appreciate the level of commitment he’s displayed throughout it all. Still, I think it’s time to move on. Ezekiel, meanwhile, seems to be approaching his very limited ceiling very quickly. There’s nothing to grab onto there, short of the joke that everyone is in on.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Hell In A Cell PLE Results: 6-5-22

(4) THE JUDGMENT DAY (Edge & Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley) vs. A.J. STYLES & FINN BALOR & LIV MORGAN = 6-Person Mixed Tag Team match

Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan began the match. Graves explained the rules. All four men in the match entered the ring quickly and a full brawl ensued. Ripley was left alone in the ring with Stylex, Balor, and Liv. Styles and Balor helped whip Liv toward Rhea. Ripley tried to counter into a Powerbomb. but Morgan turned it into a Hurricanrana. Ripley shrugged it off and gave Liv a vicious headbutt. Morgan checked her teeth.

Ripley gave Morgan a pair of Suplexes, stalling for a while on the second. She covered and scored a two count. Rhea slapped at Morgan, who covered up. Ripley whipped Morgan into the ropes, then drove her into the turnbuckles repeatedly. Liv caught Rhea with a kick and dropkicked her into the corner. Ripley teased a tag to one of her partners. Morgan beat her to the punch and tagged A.J. Styles. Edge instructed Damian Priest to enter. The crowd booed.

Priest threw a kick, but Styles caught it and chopped him. He hit a big dropkick, then followed up with a Pale Kick. Styles tagged in Finn Balor. Finn twisted Priest’s arm. Priest scooped Balor up, but Finn slid down the back, hit the ropes, and kicked Priest’s legs out. Balor worked over Priest’s leg and ankle in the corner at the 4:30 mark. Edge distracted Balor long enough for Priest to gain control. He tossed Balor to the outside, then tagged in Edge.

Edge elbowed Balor into the announcers desk. He slammed him from desk to apron, then tossed him back inside. Edge played to the crowd. They booed. Balor stumbled to the heel corner. Edge tagged in Priest, who kicked Balor in the gut. Priest caught Balor with right hands, then a leaping elbow. He hit a clothesline out of the corner and covered Balor for two. Priest tagged in Edge. They continued cornering Balor, cutting him off from his partners. Balor eventually fought out of the corner, but Edge cut him off with a face-plant and cover for two.

Damian Priest took over. He clotheslined Balor and grabbed a grounded chin-lock. Morgan and Styles tried to will Balor to life. Finn reached desperately for Styles. Priest pulled him into a spinning backbreaker for another two count. Priest mocked Balor, daring him to stand. Balor gave Priest a massive chop, then an overhead Pale Kick. Priest tagged in Edge. Balor tagged in Styles. A.J. hit a flurry of kicks and slaps. He gave Priest a sit out face-buster. He hit a leaping clothesline on Edge in the corner, then an Ushigoroshi for a near fall. Edge sent Styles to the apron. Styles kicked Priest in the head. He shoved Edge and set up for the Phenomenal Forearm. He hit it and covered, but Priest pulled Styles to the outside to break the count at 11:05.

Styles dragged himself back to the ring. He tagged in Liv Morgan. Rhea entered and took another ‘rana from Liv. Morgan hooked up Ripley and hit a Crucifix Driver for a two count. She jumped on Ripley’s back, but Rhea flipped her into a half-Suplex. Rhea covered for a two count. Ripley set up for the Riptide. Morgan slid out of it and tagged in Balor. Styles entered to meet Edge. Priest entered to meet Balor. The three babyfaces wound up in separate mounts, punching the heels.

The heels regrouped on the outside. Balor and Morgan flipped onto their opponents on the outside. Balor tossed Priest back in the ring and kicked him in the face. Finn climbed the ropes, but Ripley shook him off. She laughed maniacally from ringside. Priest tagged in Edge. Edge went for a spear, but Balor kicked him in the head. Priest gave Balor a Chokeslam. Styles, now bleeding from the head, hit Priest with the Phenomenal Forearm. Edge tossed Styles awkwardly into the ring post. Styles slid outside the ring awkwardly. Edge tried to spear Balor, but Finn rolled him up for a near fall. He caught Edge with a Sling Blade and climbed to the top rope. Rhea Ripley blocked him. Liv leapt on Ripley’s back and the two tumbled out of the ring. Balor went for the Coup De Grace, but Edge moved. Edge caught Balor with a spear and pinned him for a three count.

WINNERS: The Judgment Day in 16:02

The crowd was focused on the outside corner of the ring for much of the final sequence, where A.J. Styles was receiving medical attention. The camera briefly showed Liv Morgan looking concerned.

(Decent match that picked up in the final minutes. The early chunk of Balor being isolated by the heels dragged on a little long, and the crowd seemed to be growing impatient. There seems to be very little interest in the Judgement Day as a group, with Ripley and Priest both receiving little to no reaction. Edge received star cheers, but otherwise, there’s just very little investment there. It dragged the match down. Balor, Styles, and Morgan were all well-received, and their big spots got good reactions. Mostly, though, it just felt like there wasn’t much interest in this angle. I’ve been very vocal about my dislike of this character change for Edge, and I still think it’d be wise to pivot from it quickly. The dark, brooding theatrics seem so fake and put on, and it seems like the audience sees right through them. I’m inclined to think Liv Morgan’s pairing with Balor and Styles does far more for her than Ripley receives being associated with this low-rent community theater Judgment Day stable. As an aside, Styles appears to have been injured on the turnbuckle crash at the end of the match, or perhaps before. He was bleeding when he hit the Forearm on Priest, but seemed otherwise fine and coherent. Not sure what happened, but hope he’s okay.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Hell In A Cell PLE Results: 6-5-22

(5) HAPPY CORBIN vs. MADCAP MOSS – No Holds Barred match

Madcap Moss quickly knocked Happy Corbin outside the ring. The two men brawled up the ramp way and toward the stage. Corbin tossed Moss into one of the staging pieces. It flickered snow. Moss recovered. He and Corbin took turns slamming each other into the crowd barricade on their way back to the ring. They worked their way around the ring and toward the announcers desk. Corbin tackled Moss into the barricade. He grabbed a chair, teased using it, then tossed it aside. He tossed Moss over the desk instead.

Moss recovered quickly, throwing Corey Graves’ desk chair right at Corbin’s head. He slammed Happy into the ring steps. The crowd chanted “we want tables.” Moss chased Corbin around ringside with steel steps. Corbin leapt over the barricade into the crowd. He caught Moss with a clothesline, then Suplexed him on the barricade. Corbin drove his knee into Corbin’s upper back and shoulder repeatedly. Moss had developed some welts on his back. Happy began to retrieve a table, but quickly put it back, eliciting massive boos from the Chicago crowd.

Corbin teased throwing Moss into the fans. He tossed him into the ring instead and called the fans “idiots.” Corbin gave Moss a Chokeslam from the apron. He retrieved a steel chair. Corbin drove it into Moss’ ribs, then cracked it across his back. Corbin wound up and drove the chair into the back of Moss’ neck. The announcers called back to Corbin’s attack that injured Madcap’s neck. Moss managed a drop toe hold onto the chair, then he turned Corbin over for a neckbreaker. Corbin countered it into a Deep Six for a near fall at 5:45.

Happy tossed the bent chair from the ring and grabbed a fresh one. He choked Madcap with it. Happy wedged he chair between two turnbuckles. He whipped him toward the corner, but Moss caught himself. Corbin completed his ’round the turnbuckle run, but Moss ducked the clothesline and tossed Corbin head-first into the wedged chair. The crowd asked for tables again. Madcap retrieved a chair, the crowd booed. Moss hit Corbin with the chair repeatedly. He gave him a DDT on the chair and covered for two. Madcap speared Happy in the corner twice, then gave him a shoulder tackle over the top rope to the floor.

Moss got a running start around the ring, but Corbin gave him a chop block. Corbin tossed Madcap into the timekeeper’s area. He bent him over the announcers desk and punched him repeatedly. The crowd begged for tables. “You’re not getting any!” Corbin said. He grabbed another chair. He stuck Moss’ neck through the opening and rammed him into the desk. Moss collapsed with a vacant look on his face. The referee checked on him.

Corbin tossed Moss back in the ring and dragged in the base of the steel steps. Corbin set up for a Buckle Bomb into the steps, but Moss slid free. He gave Corbin a Fallaway Slam onto the propped steps. He followed up with the Punchline. Moss grabbed the chair and closed it over Corbin’s neck. He yanked the steps from the corner, lifted them up and slammed them on the head of the chair, choking Corbin. He pinned Happy for a three count.

WINNER: Madcap Moss in 12:04

(This was a serviceable walking brawl, but the crowd just didn’t care about either of these guys. They wanted to see a table spot, and they didn’t get one. Moss could’ve had a big moment here by obliging the audience and pulling out a table, but instead, they just ran through their litany of chair sports and went 4-5 minutes longer than the crowd had patience for. I get that they’re likely saving tables for the main event, but it hurt Moss here. It’s clear they see a lot in Moss, but they’re going to need to do a lot more with him. The generic music, plain black shorts and and shedding of any real personality he had with Corbin is bound to have limited upside. Hopefully this marks the end of this feud.)

(6) THEORY (c) vs. MUSTAFA ALI – WWE United States Championship match

A loud “Ali” chant broke out as soon as the bell rang. Mustafa Ali and Theory circled the ring, then locked up. Theory worked Ali’s arm. Ali flipped free using the ropes. He delivered a quick chop, then a big arm drag. Theory left the ring in a hurry to regroup. The championed returned and grabbed a headlock. He shot Ali off the ropes and delivered a shoulder tackle. Theory flexed his muscles. Ali popped up and hit a pair of quick arm drags. Theory left the ring again, slapping the announcers desk in frustration.

Theory returned to the ring at the referee’s count of five. Ali tried to grab him, but Theory left the ring again. Ali delivered a dropkick through the bottom rope and then climbed the turnbuckle. He connected with a cross body to Theory on the outside. Theory recovered and lifted Ali into the ringpost. He tossed the challenger inside and stomped away at him. Graves said Theory is displaying ruthless aggression. The crowd opened a loud “Theory sucks” chant.

Ali managed to trip Theory into the turnbuckle. He tried to leap to the top rope, but Theory swept his leg. Ali crashed to the floor, landing with a hard thud. Graves said he might have broken a rib. Theory brought him back inside and delivered a Fallaway Slam, covering for two. Theory grabbed a seated side headlock. The crowd willed Ali to his feet. Theory gave him a snapmare and stomp, snuffing out the rally.

Theory grabbed Ali by the leg, but Ali managed to spin free and catch the U.S. Champion with a heel kick. Theory stumbled into the ropes. Ali flipped over his back and hit a heel kick from the apron. Ali rolled through the middle rope and caught Theory with a neckbreaker. Theory shrugged it off and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Ali rose to meet him. Theory shoved Mustafa off the ropes, but he landed on his feet. Theory jumped and got caught with a Superkick. Ali got up favoring his leg.

Ali set up on the middle rope. Theory leapt to meet him and hit a Spanish Fly. He mounted Ali and began punching him, then rolled him up for a two count. He covered a second and third time, each time keeping Ali down for shorter counts. Ali battled back with a monkey flip. He climbed the ropes again, but Theory crotched him. He set up him up for the Cutter, but Ali countered into an STF. Theory reached the rope as the match hit 9:15.

Theory regrouped on the apron. Ali hit a tornado DDT through the ropes. He climbed to the top turnbuckle and went for a 450, but Theory rolled out of the way. He gave Ali a chop block to the injured leg. Theory scooped Ali up and connected with A-Town Down for a three count.

WINNER: Theory in 10:23 to retain the U.S. Championship

Theory grabbed his title and took selfies over Ali.

(Really good, competitive match. The crowd was heavily invested into hometown guy Ali. which certainly helped. It’s a shame they hadn’t done more with Ali prior to this moment, as the match could’ve felt quite a bit bigger. Impressive, clean win for Theory and a good showing for Ali, who certainly deserves a bigger spot on weekly TV. One of the better matches, if not the best match, on the show thus far. The announcers played heavily into the idea of Theory as an up-and-coming star, and his gear looked a bit like Kurt Angle’s from around the time John Cena debuted. Could be foreshadowing there.)

 

[Arcademan]

WWE Hell In A Cell PLE Results: 6-5-22

(7) SETH ROLLINS vs. CODY RHODES – Hell in a Cell match

Seth Rollins cackled at the sight of Cody Rhodes’ arm and chest. He challenged Rhodes to lock up. Cody slapped him hard. Rollins retreated to the corner and shook it off. Rollins stepped to Cody. Rhodes gave him some quick jabs. He hit a Disaster Kick. Rollins popped up. Cody hit the ropes and connected with the Cody Cutter. Rhodes immediately grabbed at his pectoral. He slapped the mat in obvious pain.

Rhodes set up for Cross Rhodes. Rollins broke free. Cody tripped Rollins up and applied a Figure Four. Rollins crawled desperately to the ropes. He slid his upper body through the ropes and reached under the ring, first retrieving a toolbox, then a Kendo stick. Rollins cracked the stick right on Rhodes’ torn pectoral. Seth drove the point of the stick into the bruise on Rhodes’ chest. He tried to crack the stick across Cody’s ribs, but Rhodes caught it and ripped it away. He leapt to the apron, but Rollins gave him a shove right off the apron and into the steel of the cell wall.

Rollins dove onto Cody outside in the ring. He tossed him into the cell wall. Seth backed Cody against the steel and drove the Kendo Stick into the pectoral again. He cracked it across Cody’s stomach. Rollins racked Cody’s face against the chain link as the match ticked toward 5:00. Rollins led Rhodes back into the ring. Cody managed some shoulder tackles. He tossed Rollins to the outside and shook out his injured arm. Cody headed outside, but Rollins met him with steel steps right to the bruised area. Rollins tossed him inside. The crowd booed.

Seth found Cody’s jacket at ringside. He put it on and laughed. Rollins pulled a back from underneath the ring. It contained a polka dotted weight belt with the word “visionary” on it. He cracked it over Rhodes’ exposed back. The crowd began serenading Rollins’ with his theme song. Rollins hit Cody with the belt a second time. Cody rolled over to protect his back. Rollins whipped the torn pectoral. Rollins covered for a two count.

The referee asked Rhodes if he could continue while Rollins retrieved a table from underneath the ring. “Thank you Rollins,” the crowd said. Cody dragged himself to his feet. Rollins raked his eyes. Seth hoisted Cody onto the top turnbuckle and gave him a chop. Cody managed to fight out and slide underneath Seth’s legs. He set up for a Powerbomb, but Rollins blocked. He pulled Cody down and gave him an elbow. Seth laid Cody out on the table and climbed the ropes. He went for a frog splash, but Rhodes moved. Rollins crashed through the table.

Cody picked up Rollins’ visionary belt, but tossed it aside. Instead, he retrieved a bull rope and cowbell from underneath the ring. He buckled one end to his good arm and challenged Seth to take the other end. Rollins contemplated, then obliged. Rhodes pulled Rollins in, got Seth caught between the rope and flipped him over. Seth picked up the cowbell, but Cody caught him with a Superkick. Rhodes cracked the bell over Rollins’ head. He hooked the leg for a near fall.

Rhodes dragged Rollins outside by the rope. Rollins kicked him and Cody collapsed against the cell wall. Rollins pulled him shoulder first into the ring post, then freed himself from the rope. Cody writhed on the floor as the match crossed 15:00. Rollins pulled out another table. He propped it up in the corner of the ring. Seth tried to to give Cody a Buckle Bomb through the table, but Cody slid free. He whipped Rollins toward the table, but Seth caught himself. Rollins stumbled in Cross Rhodes. Cody covered for a near fall.

The right shoulder of Cody gave out on a Powerbomb attempt. Rollins kicked him in the face. Seth connected with the Buckle Bomb through the table. He covered, but Rhodes powered out at two. Both men struggled to stand. Rollins returned to his knees first, looking dejected. He rolled to the outside and came back with a sledgehammer. Graves mentioned Seth’s comments from Raw and pleaded for the match to stop. Seth charged, but Cody kicked him in the gut. Rollins went for a Pedigree. Cody blocked it and hit the Pedigree himself. He covered for a believable near fall. Both men were laid out at 20:30.

Cody rose to a knee. His eyes caught the sledgehammer across the ring. Rollins sensed it and went on the run. Cody gave chase, but Seth baited him back in the ring and hit the Stomp. Rollins hooked both legs for a near fall. The crowd broke into a loud “this is awesome” chant. Rollins went for the Stomp again. Cody sidestepped. Rollins hit him with Cross Rhodes. Seth rolled Cody to his feet, looking to steal the move a second time. Cody countered into a Cross Rhodes of his own, but couldn’t make the cover. The crowd rose to Cody’s aid. Both men crawled desperately for the sledgehammer. Cody got to it first. Rollins kicked it out of his hand, but Rhodes hooked him and hit Cross Rhodes. He rolled through and hit it again. He tossed Rollins to the side and grabbed the sledgehammer. He hit Rollins with it and covered him for a three count.

WINNER: Cody Rhodes in 24:18

Rhodes celebrated in the cell, showing the wounds of battle. The camera showed Rollins on the outside, collapsed against the wall of the cell. Rhodes knelt in the middle of the ring and kissed the mat as the show went off the air.

(Really good, consistently entertaining, hard-hitting brawl. Rhodes’ pectoral tear was front of mind and on full display the entire match. The announcers sold it plenty, but they hardly needed to – it was visually stunning, and made Rhodes look like a valiant (but also crazy) badass. Rollins brought his A-game, as he’s done throughout this series of memorable matches. Rhodes gets a signature win in his first PLE main event. The look on his face after the bell told the story – it was a gritty, gutsy, and painful performance. My only minor complaint was giving Rollins’ the table moment. The crowd waited all night to see a table, and they should’ve let Cody be the one to pull it out. Small gripe in an otherwise excellent match. This was the only logical end to the match, and to the feud, and sets Rhodes up for a title match before too long, pending the recovery time for his injury. For Rollins, three consecutive losses make it hard to view him as a significant threat, but WWE will need to rebuild him quickly, because their lack of depth makes him a crucial piece of the puzzle, especially if Cody misses time. Ultimately, this match saved the show from falling into weekly TV fodder territory.)