Live from Salem Armory Auditorium | Salem, OR | Crowd Size: 4,000
SEGMENT ONE
The show opens with a shot of High Minded’s locker room, where Hulk Hogan, Matt Riddle, Randy Savage, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash are attempting to comfort a stressed out Midget Hogan. They’re gathered around, listening to him vent as the scene begins.
Midget Hogan: It started so perfect, but everything’s been different since Lady Love flashed the world at Starrcade. Ever since everyone saw what she had to offer, her exes have been coming out of the woodwork, pining for her attention.
Matt Riddle: [dismissively] Dude, her breasts are hairy and disgusting. You could do so much better. I’m sure there are lots of girls who wanna explore your Amish Paradise.
Hulk Hogan: [sternly] Knock it off, brother. Don’t be transphobic. This isn’t the Olympics. I’m comfortable enough in my sexuality that I can admit Lady Love has a certain “it” factor about her.
Matt Riddle: [smirking] Yeah, a cock.
Midget Hogan looks hurt and frustrated, standing up from the bench.
Midget Hogan: I came to you guys for advice, not to make fun of my girlfriend. I want things to work out with her. I need to know how to get Saguna, Big Show, and Sonjay Dutt to quit calling.
Matt Riddle: I’m sorry, little man. I can see you’re in pain. I recently started seeing someone, and I wouldn’t feel very good about her getting calls from her exes.
Randy Savage: Oh yeahhhh? Who is it?
Matt Riddle: She doesn’t wanna public yet, she’s gotten some bad reactions in the past when she’s dated wrestlers. Besides, this is about little bro, not me.
Randy Savage: [nodding thoughtfully] Little Hog, you should be more worried about Ric Venom and Kevin Kelly. Those two are fighting back their interest for now, but they’re coming for her.
Kevin Nash: I’d be proud to have a girlfriend everyone wants to get with.
Midget Hogan sighs, looking more confused than ever.
Midget Hogan: I’ve got a lot to think about before I see her on Monday.
The scene fades as Midget Hogan sits back down, staring at the floor, while the rest of High Minded exchange glances, some looking sympathetic and others bemused.
The opening video airs and the pyro explodes as Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly welcome us to the second installment of Chaos! It’s the last stop before our first big episode of the season, the 30th installment of Dynamite “Cruel Summer!” They rundown the build for the four matches, recapping the tumultuous summer that Johnny Lawrence and Sami Zayn have had. The two will finally settle the score this Monday, in a no holds barred non-title match! Plus, it was on the season premiere that Zayn revealed the signing of the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, the international sensation, the Aerial Assassin Will Osprey! Both Cody Rhodes and Bryan Danielson want a crack at him at Aftershock on Aug. 25, the winner will earn the right to face him! They talk about the Television Championship bout next, with Gunther and Swerve Strickland looking to settle a feud months in the making! And finally, Dominick Mysterio will take on the man he attacked and hospitalized at Starrcade, Orange Cassidy!
Suddenly, the announcers are interrupted as Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the crowd erupts with cheers. Lesnar strides to the ring with purpose, grabs a mic, and addresses the audience.
Brock Lesnar: When I beat Roman Reigns a month ago, I sent him and that turncoat Paul Heyman packing. I also secured my shot at the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, a shot I’ve been deprived since Starrcade 2023. But since then, no one will confirm the time or place. So I’m taking things into my own hands. I’m exercising my contractually guaranteed title shot at Aftershock!
The crowd roars in approval. Suddenly, the music changes, and the Big Boss Man appears at the top of the ramp, flanked by a dozen security guards. The boos from the crowd are deafening.
Big Boss Man: [with authority] Lesnar, by orders of the BWM Inc. Chairman Sami Zayn, you need to leave the arena. Hell, if I were you, I’d leave the state of Oregon!
Lesnar smirks, his eyes narrowing as he assesses the situation.
Brock Lesnar: [calmly] I’ll leave, but not before kicking some ass.
With that, Lesnar tosses the mic and leaps over the top rope, crashing into the security guards. The crowd erupts as Lesnar starts picking off the guards one by one with German suplexes, sending bodies flying.
Kevin Kelly: The number one contender is on a rampage!
Big Boss Man tries to slip away, but Lesnar catches him, hoisting him up for a devastating F-5. The crowd is on their feet, chanting Lesnar’s name.
Kevin Kelly: Boss Man’s trying to run, but Lesnar’s got him! F-5! F-5!
Lesnar delivers the F-5, sending Boss Man crashing to the mat. Lesnar stands over the fallen guards and Boss Man, breathing heavily, a grin spreading across his face.
Lesnar exits the ring, leaving a scene of destruction in his wake. The crowd continues to cheer as the camera captures the carnage left behind.
Arn Anderson: Brock Lesnar has sent a message loud and clear!
As the ringside area is cleared, we get ready for our opening contest.
Match #1 | Exhibition Match
Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley vs. Pac
As the introductions are made, Anderson notes that this is Mysterio’s first singles match, and his first match on AEW programming after debuting with the company at Starrcade and winning the Gold Rush Ladder Match. Kevin Kelly says Dom spent the night in jail for his assault on Orange Cassidy, and has promised that he’s a new man – reuniting with Rhea Ripley, who said she went to WWE to bring Dom back to AEW with her.
The bell rings, and the match begins with Dominik and Pac circling each other. They lock up, and Pac quickly gains the upper hand, outmaneuvering Dom with chain wrestling and technical precision. Pac whips Dominik into the ropes and catches him with a high dropkick, sending Dominik crashing to the mat. He follows up with a series of rapid kicks, keeping Dominik grounded.
Arn Anderson: The former EWA X-Division Champion is making a good impression here tonight!
Dominik manages to roll out of the ring, catching his breath while Rhea Ripley offers some quick advice. Pac doesn’t wait and launches himself over the top rope with a suicide dive, taking out both Dominik and Ripley.
Kevin Kelly: Pac is refusing to let up on Dom!
Pac rolls Dominik back into the ring and climbs to the top rope, looking for a high-risk move. He leaps off with a 450 Splash, but Dominik rolls out of the way just in time. Pac crashes hard onto the mat.
Dominik seizes the moment, hitting Pac with a series of quick moves, including a hurricanrana and a springboard crossbody. He goes for the cover, but Pac kicks out at two.
Pac recovers and counters Dominik’s offense, locking him in a brutal submission hold. Dominik writhes in pain, struggling to reach the ropes. Just as it looks like he might tap out, Rhea Ripley distracts the referee, allowing Dominik to break free with an eye rake.
Arn Anderson: The distraction from Rhea Ripley just saved ex-con Dom!
Kevin Kelly: He’s using moves he learned in prison!
With the referee still distracted by Ripley, Dominik hits Pac with a low blow. He then climbs to the top rope and hits a perfect frog splash. He covers Pac, but the referee is still distracted.
Arn Anderson: Uh oh, Rhea’s distraction may actually cost him!
Ripley quickly realizes the situation and slides the briefcase from the Gold Rush Ladder Match into the ring. She climbs onto the apron, shouting at the referee. As the ref is distracted, Dominik grabs the briefcase and swings it at Pac, but Pac ducks, and the briefcase flies out of Dominik’s hands.
Pac hits Dominik with a snap German suplex, followed by a brutal running knee strike. He climbs to the top rope, ready to hit the Black Arrow. As he leaps, Ripley shoves the referee into the ropes, causing Pac to lose his balance and crash to the mat.
Kevin Kelly: Oh, come on! Rhea again with the interference!
With Pac down, Ripley grabs the briefcase and clocks Pac in the head with it while the referee is still dazed. Dominik seizes the opportunity, covering Pac as the referee regains his senses and counts the pin.
The bell rings, and Dominik is declared the winner. Rhea Ripley rushes into the ring, raising Dominik’s hand in victory as the crowd boos loudly.
Arn Anderson: Dominik Mysterio, with a lot of help from Rhea Ripley, secures the win against Pac!
Dominik and Ripley celebrate in the ring, basking in their victory as Pac slowly recovers, looking furious and frustrated. The scene fades as Dominik and Ripley make their way up the ramp, celebrating their hard-fought and controversial win.
Winner: Dominik Mysterio
Match Time: 13:23
SEGMENT TWO
A-Town Down is celebrating their recent victory over FTR. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller are in high spirits, laughing and joking around.
Grayson Waller: [smugly] See, Theory? I told you this tag team would work out. You shouldn’t have doubted me!
Austin Theory: [smiling] I’m happy with how things are going, but let’s not celebrate prematurely. Besides, had the Acclaimed not interfered, we might have lost.
Waller rolls his eyes.
Grayson Waller: Theory, buddy, you’re not seeing the big picture. With the Acclaimed distracted by FTR, it gives us the perfect chance to go after the tag belts. They’re too preoccupied to handle a team of our caliber.
As they talk, Kenny Omega walks into the scene, looking determined.
Kenny Omega: Hold on there, fellas. Adam Page and I have a rematch clause we can exercise against the Acclaimed when we’re ready.
Grayson Waller: Oh, really? Last I saw, Page was too busy drowning his sorrows away. Kicking you out of a bar and drinking himself stupid! Are we just supposed to wait around while you two try to sort yourselves out?
Kenny Omega: [defensive] Page is going through something, but even on our worst day, we’re better than A-Town Down.
Grayson Waller: [smirking] We’ll see about that soon enough.
Theory steps in, putting a hand on Waller’s shoulder, signaling him to back off.
Austin Theory: Com’n Grayson, let’s get outta here.
Waller gives Omega one last mocking grin before turning to leave with Theory. The scene fades with Omega staring after them, determination etched on his face.
Sami Zayn is pacing in his office, talking on his cellphone. The conversation is heated, though the identity of the person on the other end is unclear.
Sami Zayn: [into the phone] I’m willing to pay whatever it costs, as long as you agree to appear in person. It might not even come to that, but I always go into a fight with several options. (pauses) Great, I’ll see you Monday.
He hangs up the phone just as Megan Mouse-Zayn enters the office, her expression skeptical.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: Who were you talking to, Sami?
Sami Zayn: [shrugging] Just a contingency plan.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: [scoffing] How much is this going to cost us? Half a million? A million?
Sami Zayn: [calmly] Is this about Monday with Liv? For the last time, for the last time, I have nothing going on with Liv Morgan. She’s just a really touchy, feely type of girl.
Megan’s eyes narrow.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: She’s lucky she’s an employee, or else I’d kick her ass myself.
Sami Zayn: We can’t be wasting time worrying about this. We’ve got too many irons in the fire.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: What have you heard about MJF and Logan Paul?
Sami Zayn: Armageddon and the Street Sharks did a number on them. We shouldn’t have to worry about them any time soon.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: Is Boss Man any closer to finding out who was behind the fire?
Sami Zayn: [shaking his head] Nothing concrete yet, but my gut tells me it was Johnny Lawrence. If Johnny wants to burn my things, I’ll burn Johnny Monday night at Cruel Summer.
As they continue their conversation, the lights flicker before suddenly cutting out, plunging the office into darkness. The screen flickers, and the feed abruptly drops, ending the segment.
Backstage, Renee Young is standing by with Sasha Banks, as her enforcer Chyna stands menacingly in the background.
Renee Young: Sasha, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you in action, especially after your main event win against Becky Lynch at Starrcade. What’s next for you?
Sasha Banks: [smiling] Well, Renee, I’ve been regaining my bearings, resting up, and traveling the world. But the vacation is over. Now, I have my sights set on my old foe, the AEW Knockouts Champion, Miss Athena Star.
Suddenly, they’re interrupted as ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm wonders into frame, dramatically sizing up Sasha and Chyna. She first looks at Chyna.
Toni Storm: Oh, no, that won’t do… [looking next at Sasha] Oh, how quaint! Sasha Banks, still chasing old dreams. Listen up, everyone, I’m conducting a search for an understudy. Life is a movie, and I am the breakout star!
Sasha Banks: [rolling her eyes] You’re delusional, Toni. In no universe would I ever play second fiddle to a nobody like you.
Storm looks like she might attack Sasha, her face contorted with anger. But she suddenly changes her mind, a sly smile spreading across her face.
Toni Storm: Very well, then! The search for my understudy continues!
Storm exits the scene, leaving a tense silence behind. Sasha shakes her head in disbelief, turning back to Renee.
Sasha Banks: [exasperated] I’m surrounded by a bunch of lunatics.
The segment ends with Sasha and Chyna walking away, leaving Renee smiling at the camera.
Match # 2 | Exhibition Match
Jurassic Express (‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry & Luchasaurus) vs. S.C.U. (Scorpio Sky & Kaz)
Jurassic Express make their way to the ring, their usual high energy tinged with a more focused determination. The fans cheer wildly for the duo. Moments later, Scorpio Sky and Kazarian, representing S.C.U., are introduced to a more subdued reaction.
Arn Anderson: The tag team division in AEW is absolutely stacked right now, and every opportunity is the chance to make a statement.
The match starts with Jungle Boy and Scorpio Sky squaring off. They lock up, and Jungle Boy quickly takes control with an arm drag, followed by another and another, showcasing his agility. Sky rolls out of the ring to regroup with Kaz.
Sky slides back into the ring and they lock up again, but this time Sky gains the upper hand, delivering a knee to Jungle Boy’s midsection. He follows up with a snap suplex and goes for a quick cover, but Jungle Boy kicks out at one. Sky tags in Kazarian, who immediately goes on the offensive with a series of strikes and a swinging neckbreaker.
Kazarian keeps Jungle Boy isolated, tagging Sky back in. They hit a double-team move, a suplex followed by a springboard leg drop. Sky covers Jungle Boy, but he kicks out at two. The crowd rallies behind Jungle Boy, chanting his name.
Kevin Kelly: The audience is trying to will Perry back into this match.
Jungle Boy starts to show a more vicious side, fighting back with ferocity. He counters Sky’s attempted suplex with a jawbreaker and follows up with a clothesline. Both men are down, and the crowd erupts as Jungle Boy crawls towards his corner.
Arn Anderson: We’re seeing a different side of Jungle Boy tonight – I can’t remember the last time he’s showed so much aggression. He’s definitely trying to prove himself here tonight.
Jungle Boy makes the hot tag to Luchasaurus, who storms into the ring, taking out both Sky and Kazarian with big boots and powerful slams. He hits a chokeslam on Kazarian, followed by a standing moonsault for a near fall. The crowd is on their feet, roaring with approval.
Sky tags back in and tries to take down Luchasaurus, but the big man overpowers him, delivering a thunderous powerbomb. He tags Jungle Boy back in, and they set up for their finisher.
Luchasaurus lifts Sky into position, as Jungle Boy climbs to the top rope. Jungle Boy leaps off with a devastating diving elbow drop, connecting perfectly. He goes for the cover. The referee counts, 1… 2…
Kazarian dives in to break up the pin. Luchasaurus catches him with a spinning heel kick, sending him rolling out of the ring. Jungle Boy focuses back on Sky, who is slowly getting to his feet. Jungle Boy hits a vicious DDT, showcasing his new aggressive edge.
Kevin Kelly: Jungle Boy is showing no mercy tonight!
Arn Anderson: Can you blame him? He’s tired of losing!
With Kazarian neutralized and Sky reeling, Jungle Boy tags Luchasaurus back in. They hit their finisher, the “Thoracic Express”—a sit-out powerbomb combined with a diving cutter. Luchasaurus makes the quick tag, and Jungle Boy covers Sky for the pin.
The bell rings, and Jurassic Express is declared the winner. The crowd goes wild as Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus celebrate their hard-fought victory.
Arn Anderson: What a match! Jurassic Express showing a new level of intensity tonight. The tag team division has never been this deep, and the Acclaimed has a lot of capable teams gunning for them.
Winners: Jurassic Express
Match Time: 13:09
As Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy celebrate, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly thank the audience for tuning in, noting that we’ll be back Monday for Dynamite 30: Cruel Summer!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 