The camera pans to the ring where Taz and Renee Young stand ready to welcome the audience back to AEW Dark. Before they can speak, the arena erupts with the entrance music of Miss Athena Star, the number one contender for the Knockouts Championship.
Taz: Well, would you look at that, Renee! Athena Star is here on Dark! We truly never know who is going to show up!
Athena Star enters the ring, and grabs a microphone as the crowd showers her with cheers.
Athena Star: Ladies and gentlemen, 2024 has been quite a ride for me. Sure, I had a setback with that injury sidelining me for six weeks, but here I am, back and stronger than ever. At the start of the year, I told you all that this might just be the final chapter of my historic career. And in just under three weeks, I have the opportunity to cement my legacy by taking on Bianca Belair for the championship I made famous.
Athena Star: Now, let me make one thing clear. My respect for Bianca is immense. But when it comes down to it, I have every intention of pinning her shoulders to the mat for three seconds at Retribution and taking everything she holds dear. It’s not personal, she just so happens to be standing in the way of my goals.
Before Star can continue, the arena is filled with the music of another titan of the Knockouts Division — Ronda Rousey.
Ronda Rousey: 2024 hasn’t been the greatest year for me, I’ll admit it. I’ve hit some rough patches. But before I bid farewell to this hell hole next month, there’s one thing I want to do: beat your ass one more time, Athena!
Athena Star: [laughs] Ronda, darling, it’s been a while since you’ve had a win that actually mattered, hasn’t it? That said, I’m not one to turn down a challenge. It’ll be my pleasure to send you packing for the World of Wrestling Draft, Ronda. Consider it done. I’ll see you Monday on Dynamite!
The camera opens to a heavily populated city landscape, with skyscrapers towering overhead and crowds of people moving briskly through the streets. Among them strides Grayson Waller. He stops in front of the camera, front and center, ready to speak his mind as people continue to move in the background.
Grayson Waller: You see all this? The hustle, the bustle, the energy of the city? That’s exactly where I belong. Because I’m not just another face in the crowd—I’m Grayson Waller, and I’m here to take over.
As Waller speaks, the camera follows him through the streets, capturing the attention of bystanders who stop to watch.
Grayson Waller: All Elite Wrestling signed me because they know I’m one of the hottest free agents in the world. They know I’m the future of this industry. But you know what’s holding me back? Timing. The brass are hesitant to showcase me right now because of some damn draft.
He shakes his head in frustration before he continues.
Grayson Waller: Should I be exempt? Damn right I should. But do I count on management to pull their heads out of their asses and make that call? Not a chance.
Grayson Waller: So, here’s the deal. I’m holding off on my debut until this summer, after the draft chaos has settled. And wherever I land, mark my words—I’m gunning to make a big impression. Because I don’t just want to be a name on the roster. I want to be THE name. The one you can’t ignore, the one you can’t forget.
Grayson Waller: So, get ready, because the 7th Era is coming. And I’m going to own it.
With a final confident smirk, Waller strides off into the urban landscape, leaving behind a trail of anticipation for his impending arrival in the wrestling world.
Match #1 | Exhibition Match
‘Big Poppa Pump’ Scott Steiner vs. Jake Hagar
The opening contest of Dark features a clash between Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner and Jake Hagar. The bell rings, and Steiner wastes no time asserting his dominance over Hagar, showcasing his impressive strength.
Taz: Steiner is a force to be reckoned with, especially now that he’s aligned himself with MJF. He’s the muscle behind the operation, and he’s looking to make a statement tonight.
As the match progresses, Steiner unleashes a relentless assault on Hagar, overwhelming him with power moves and devastating blows. On commentary, Young says Hagar has had a rough time asserting himself in AEW since Jericho’s departure and the fall of the Inner Circle.
After a one-sided bout, Steiner secures the victory with his signature Steiner Recliner submission hold, forcing Hagar to tap out in defeat.
Taz: Steiner came in with a game plan tonight, and he executed it to perfection. Monday night, he’s got an even bigger challenge ahead of him as he faces off against the #1 contender, Roman Reigns.
Winner: Scott Steiner
Match Time: 5:05
The camera fades in to reveal Darby Allin sitting cross-legged in the center of a dimly lit room, his face obscured by shadows except for the illumination cast by a lone overhead light.
Darby Allin: Monday night… Brock Lesnar, you and I are going on a journey – a journey straight to hell. And I’m not afraid to take that trip, even if it means I have to drag you down with me.
Darby Allin: You think you’re untouchable, Lesnar? You think you’re the beast incarnate? Well, Brock, I fear no man, and I fear no beast. I welcome the pain, the chaos, the brutality. Because when it comes down to it, that’s where I thrive.
He leans forward, his gaze piercing through the darkness.
Darby Allin: Lesnar, you won’t make it to Retribution to face Sting. Because I’m going to end your career Monday night in our Falls Count Anywhere match. I’ll push you to your limits, I’ll test your resolve, and I’ll make damn sure you regret ever crossing paths with me.
Darby Allin: And after Sting and I are through with you, Lesnar, we’re coming for gold. Tag team gold. We’re here to dominate. And nobody, nobody, is going to stand in our way.
The camera fades out as Darby cracks a twisted smile, seemingly looking forward to his violent clash with Lesnar Monday night.
Match #2 | Exhibition Match
Matt Riddle vs. Scorpio Sky
The main event of Dark features a thrilling showdown between Matt Riddle and Scorpio Sky. The match is fast-paced and hard-hitting, with both competitors giving it their all.
As the match reaches its climax, Riddle manages to secure the victory with his devastating Bro Derek finisher, pinning Scorpio Sky for the three count.
However, the celebration is short-lived as the arena is suddenly filled with the ominous presence of Yokozuna and Umaga. The two behemoths storm the ring, launching a vicious assault on Riddle.
Renee Young: It looks like retaliation for the recent attacks on the Usos by High Minded!
Taz: This is despicable, Renee! But it seems like Yokozuna and Umaga have a message to send!
As the show comes to a close, Taz receives a message through his earpiece, his eyes widening in surprise.
Taz: Hold on a second, Renee! I’m getting some breaking news here! Monday night, the Bloodline’s Samoan Connection will take on Matt Riddle and Hulk Hogan!
Winner: Matt Riddle
Match Time: 9:11
With the Taz’s announcement hanging in the air, Dark fades to black, leaving fans eagerly awaiting Monday’s Dynamite!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 