Live from the Family Arena | Saint Charles, MO | Crowd Size: 12,000
SEGMENT ONE
AEW Dynamite kicks off with the camera jerking wildly, rushing through the backstage area, capturing a full-blown war in progress. Logan Paul and MJF are locked in a savage brawl with the monstrous Armageddon. The air is thick with the sound of brutal impacts.
Logan Paul slams a steel chair across Armageddon’s back with a sickening crack. Armageddon barely registers the blow, his 800-pound frame absorbing the impact like a tank. He turns, eyes blazing with rage, and swats Paul away, sending him crashing into a stack of crates.
MJF, his face awash with rage, charges Armageddon with a lead pipe, swinging it with every ounce of strength he has. The pipe smashes into Armageddon’s ribs, and the giant finally grunts in pain, staggering back a step. MJF seizes the moment, unleashing a torrent of vicious strikes, each blow accompanied by a string of expletives.
MJF: You cost me my title, you piece of sht! I’ll fucking kill you!
Armageddon growls, his eyes locking onto MJF with a murderous intent. He lunges forward, grabbing MJF by the throat with one massive hand, lifting him off the ground with terrifying ease. MJF struggles, his face turning red as Armageddon squeezes, but before the giant can crush him, Paul comes flying in, smashing a fire extinguisher over Armageddon’s head. The extinguisher explodes on impact, the metal shattering, white powder filling the air.
Armageddon roars, dropping MJF as he staggers back, momentarily disoriented. Seizing the opportunity, MJF stumbles to his feet, blood dripping from his nose, and spots a parked car nearby. His eyes narrow with a deadly resolve. Without a second thought, he sprints to the car, jumping in and revving the engine.
MJF: You’re dead, you son of a bitch!
MJF slams the pedal to the floor, tires screeching as the car hurtles towards Armageddon. The giant barely has time to react as the vehicle bears down on him, the headlights reflecting in his eyes like a deer caught in the middle of the road. Just as the car is about to make impact, a squad of security guards swarms the scene, pulling Armageddon out of the way by mere inches.
The car skids to a halt, narrowly missing its target. MJF leaps out, his face a mask of deranged fury, and charges at Armageddon once more. He breaks through the security line, his knuckles already raw, and delivers a flurry of savage punches to Armageddon’s face. Blood sprays from Armageddon’s nose and mouth as MJF’s fists connect with bone, his rage driving him to the brink of madness.
MJF: I’ll make you bleed, you fucking monster! I’ll make you suffer!
Armageddon roars in pain, his hand swiping at MJF, but the guards finally manage to wrestle him away, dragging him back as he continues to struggle, his eyes wild and feral. MJF, bloodied and breathless, spits at Armageddon, the saliva mixing with the blood on the ground.
MJF: This isn’t over! You hear me? This isn’t fucking over! I’ll see you Sunday!
The camera zooms in on Armageddon’s face, now bloodied and bruised, his expression twisted into something terrifyingly cold and vengeful. As the security team drags MJF and Logan Paul away, the show cuts to the opening video package.
As the pyro explodes, we get a shot of commentary as Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly welcome us to beautiful St. Charles, Missouri tonight for the 32nd installment of AEW Dynamite!
Arn Anderson: Welcome back to Dynamite, folks! We’re just six days away from Aftershock, and as you just saw, things are heating up on the road to what promises to be the hottest event of the summer!
Kevin Kelly: That’s right, Arn. And what a way to kick off the night—it’s the American Dragon, Bryan Danielson, going one-on-one with Hangman Adam Page!
Arn Anderson: These two have a lot of history, Kevin. Former friends, now bitter rivals. Danielson’s betrayal of AJ Styles at Genesis started this whole downward spiral, and last week, we saw Kenny Omega reach out to Danielson for help with Page. But Danielson wasn’t having any of it.
Kevin Kelly: And that led to Hangman challenging Danielson to this match on Chaos, after Danielson called him a drunk. All of this while Danielson is preparing for his showdown with the IWGP World Champion, Will Ospreay, at Aftershock. Talk about high stakes.
Match # 1 | Exhibition Match
‘The American Dragon’ Bryan Danielson vs. ‘Hangman’ Adam Page
As the introductions are made, Hangman is out first. Kenny Omega attempts to accompany him to the ring, but we see a verbal exchange between the two before Omega suddenly turns to head backstage, looking dejected. Anderson and Kelly discuss the drama between the former AEW Tag Team Champions, and say that a win tonight for Page could finally be the catalyst he needs to turn things around.
Danielson makes his way to the ring, showered with boos from the raucous crowd in The Family Arena, as Arn Anderson notes that Danielson’s personality has been off-putting for fans, but there’s no denying that he’s one of the best wrestlers on the planet. They discuss his classic match with Cody Rhodes just a few weeks back, in which he won the right to challenge Ospreay in his debut at Aftershock. Anderson says the former AEW World Heavyweight Champion has been on a roll the past three weeks, and is heading into Aftershock with momentum we haven’t seen from him since Dragon’s Fury last winter.
As the bell sounds, Bryan Danielson and Hangman Adam Page circle each other in the ring, the tension in the arena thick. They lock up, neither man willing to give an inch. Page muscles Danielson into the corner, but Danielson slips out, reversing the pressure and landing a quick series of kicks to the midsection. They separate, eyes locked as the crowd buzzes with appreciation.
Kevin Kelly: This is a feeling-out process here, Arn. Both men know what’s at stake, and neither wants to make the first mistake.
Page shoves Danielson back and then charges, taking him down with a hard tackle. He mounts Danielson and starts hammering away with heavy right hands. Danielson scrambles, using his technical skills to escape and get to his feet, but Page is relentless. He drives a knee into Danielson’s gut and sends him crashing to the mat with a snap suplex.
Arn Anderson: Page is coming out with a lot of aggression here tonight. You can see his frustration boiling over. It’s been a rough few months for the cowboy.
Danielson rolls out of the ring to create some distance, but Page is right on him. He grabs Danielson and whips him into the barricade with a sickening thud. The crowd gasps as Danielson clutches at his neck, clearly in pain.
Kevin Kelly: And there it is—Danielson’s neck, a known weakness after years of battles. Page is targeting it early.
Danielson, ever the ring veteran, senses an opportunity and catches Page with a kick to the gut as he approaches. With Page staggered, Danielson dives back into the ring and, without hesitation, charges back toward the ropes, launching himself through with a suicide dive! The move connects, but Danielson lands awkwardly, grimacing as he grabs his neck.
Arn Anderson: A high-risk maneuver from Danielson, but you have to wonder if that neck of his can hold up to this kind of punishment. He’s had multiple surgeries on that neck over the years, and Page, a former close friend of the Dragon knows it’s a weakness.
Danielson rolls Page back into the ring and ascends to the top rope, looking for a missile dropkick. He leaps and connects, sending Page sprawling. Danielson pops back up, but as he charges at Page in the corner, he’s met with a hard boot to the face. Page seizes the moment, lifting Danielson and sending him flying over the top rope to the floor with a back body drop.
Kevin Kelly: Page just sent Danielson crashing to the outside, and you can see the toll this match is taking on both men! Two of the best in All Elite Wrestling, giving it their all tonight in our opening contest!
Page stalks Danielson on the outside, hitting him with a flapjack onto the steel barricade. The impact of which busts Danielson open, as the American Dragon gushes blood from above his right eye, quickly becoming a crimson mask. Page throws him back into the ring and seat him in the corner. He charges Danielson and hits him with a knee to the face as the blood trickles down his forehead. Page stomps away at him in the corner. The camera zooms in on Danielson’s face, a mix of pain and determination etched across it.
Arn Anderson: We’ve got a bloodied Bryan Danielson here, folks, and Page is just laying into him. This is getting ugly.
Page drags Danielson to his feet and chops him across the chest, the sound echoing through the arena. He whips Danielson into the opposite corner and follows up with a running clothesline. Danielson stumbles out, and Page hoists him onto the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex.
Kevin Kelly: Page is going for something big here. If he hits this, it could be lights out for Danielson!
But Danielson fights back, landing stiff elbows to the side of Page’s head. He slips out and, in a desperate move, grabs Page and hits a release German suplex from the top rope. Hangman tries to grab onto the turnbuckle to prevent the hold, but instead he rips the cover off. Both men crash to the mat as the turnbuckle pad goes flying, with Danielson clutching at his neck once again.
Arn Anderson: What a counter by Danielson! That German suplex could be a game-changer!
Kevin Kelly: It could be, but only if he can capitalize! He’s grabbing at his neck again!
Danielson slowly rises and signals for a swan dive headbutt. The crowd is on their feet as he climbs to the top rope. He leaps, but Page rolls out of the way at the last second, and Danielson crashes hard into the canvas. Page quickly locks in a crossface, wrenching back on Danielson’s neck!
Kevin Kelly: Hangman is targeting that neck with precision, Arn! Danielson is in trouble!
Danielson grits his teeth, his face contorting in pain through the crimson mask. He somehow manages to drag himself to the ropes, forcing the break. Page, frustrated, pulls Danielson to his feet and sends him face-first into an exposed turnbuckle that the referee missed earlier!
Arn Anderson: Page using every trick in the book here, and it looks like he’s going for the kill shot!
Kevin Kelly: What a match to kick off Dynamite!
Page signals for the end and delivers a devastating tombstone piledriver. He covers, but Danielson kicks out at two and a half! The crowd explodes as Page’s eyes widen in disbelief.
Kevin Kelly: How in the world did Danielson kick out of that? This man is unbelievable!
Arn Anderson: He’s the only guy I see that comes out to a chorus of boos, but after the crowd sees what he can do in that ring, everyone’s on their feet!
Frustrated, Page grabs Danielson by the hair and tosses him to the outside. The crowd rises to their feet as Page climbs the top rope, launching himself at Danielson with a picture perfect moonsault! Page scoops Danielson’s lifeless body up, nailing a brutal piledriver on the floor! Referee Lance Storm begins the count, but Danielson barely makes it back into the ring at nine, dragging himself under the bottom rope!
Arn Anderson: Page is doing everything he can to put Danielson away, but the Dragon just refuses to die!
Page, growing desperate, begins to stomp away on Danielson, again targeting his neck. He pulls Danielson up, but Danielson suddenly springs to life, nailing a running dropkick that staggers Page. Both men collapse to the mat, completely spent. The crowd chants “This is awesome!” as the announcers concur.
They both struggle to their feet, and Page goes for a German suplex, but Danielson flips out of it. He spins around and catches Page with a Busaiku Knee, the force of which sends Page flying backwards and into Lance Storm! With the official down, Page sees his chance. He removes his belt and starts whipping Danielson across the back, the crowd booing loudly.
Arn Anderson: Page has snapped! This is a side of Hangman we’ve never seen before! He’s taking this too far!
As Lance Storm comes to, and slowly rises back to his feet, Page throws his belt to the outside to avoid getting caught. He goes to the apron, looking for the Buckshot Lariat. As he flips into the ring, Danielson, running purely on adrenaline, counters and grabs Page’s arm, yanking him down into a roll-up. Still groggy, Storm counts the three, his hand striking the mat the third time just a millisecond before Page kicks out!
Kevin Kelly: He got him! Danielson with the roll-up out of nowhere!
The bell rings, and Danielson quickly rolls out of the ring, clutching his neck as the referee raises his hand in victory. The crowd roars in approval as Danielson backs up the ramp, a smirk on his bloodied face.
Arn Anderson: What a match! Bryan Danielson, against all odds, picks up another big win here tonight!
Kevin Kelly: You have to wonder what this means for Hangman Adam Page. This loss could send him even further down that dark path!
Winner: ‘The American Dragon’ Bryan Danielson
Match Time: 23:53
As Danielson reaches the top of the stage, he reaches for a microphone. Breathing heavily and with a sick grin spread across his crimson mask, he raises the microphone to his lips, his voice ragged but defiant.
Bryan Danielson: I’m the best wrestler in the world, and I prove it time after time! In six days, at Aftershock, I’m going to silence the critics once and for all, and I’m going to send Will Ospreay back to the minor leagues of Japan where he belongs!
Suddenly, the lights go out, plunging the arena into darkness. The faint glow of cell phones and camera flashes light up the sea of fans as anticipation builds. The first haunting notes of an unfamiliar theme song begin to echo through the arena—a chilling piano melody that sends shivers down the spine. The music builds slowly, eerie and foreboding, as a spotlight begins to seep into the darkness, bathing the stage in an ominous glow.
Arn Anderson: What in the world…?
Smoke rises from the entrance ramp, swirling like a specter in the dim light. As the music intensifies, the camera cuts to different parts of the crowd, capturing their wide-eyed expressions. The drums kick in, pounding like a heartbeat, syncing with the increasing tempo. Suddenly, a sharp electric guitar riff slices through the air, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The spotlight snaps to the entrance stage, where a silhouette emerges from the smoke.
Kevin Kelly: No… it can’t be…
The figure steps forward, revealing none other than Will Ospreay! The crowd erupts in a massive pop, the atmosphere electrifying. Ospreay stands still for a moment, soaking in the reaction as the music reaches its crescendo.
Arn Anderson: I can’t believe my eyes, Kevin! We weren’t supposed to get our first look at Ospreay until Aftershock, but he’s here tonight on Dynamite!!
Danielson’s expression shifts from confident to shocked, as if he’s seen a ghost. He begins retreating down the ramp, his earlier bravado replaced by a visible fear. Ospreay, sensing his moment, charges down the aisle, his eyes locked on Danielson. The two meet at ringside, and chaos ensues as they begin to brawl around the ring!
Kevin Kelly: Here we go! Ospreay and Danielson are tearing into each other just days before their showdown at Aftershock!
The brawl is intense, with both men exchanging stiff strikes. Ospreay, fueled by the crowd’s energy, begins to gain the upper hand. He lines up Danielson, ready to hit his signature move, the Hidden Blade. The crowd holds its breath as Ospreay charges—but at the last second, Danielson ducks and dives over the barricade, escaping into the crowd!
Arn Anderson: Danielson just barely escaped the Hidden Blade! He’s running for his life!
Kevin Kelly: Nobody expected the IWGP World Champion here tonight in St. Charles, especially not Bryan Danielson!
Ospreay stands tall at ringside, the crowd roaring as he raises his arms in triumph. Danielson, retreating through the fans, glances back, his face a mix of fear and anger. Ospreay smirks, knowing he’s gotten inside Danielson’s head.
Kevin Kelly: If this is a preview of what we can expect at Aftershock, then these two are going to steal the show, mark my words!
Arn Anderson: What a wild, dramatic start to Dynamite! Folks, don’t go anywhere, we’ve got more action to come right after this commercial break!
SEGMENT TWO
In the checkout aisle of the grocery store, Midget Hogan and Lady Love are standing in line, both pushing their own carts. Lady Love’s cart is full-sized, and Midget Hogan’s cart closely resembles the ones children push along with their parents while shopping.
As usual, Lady Love is dressed to kill, her outfit practically screaming “goddess on a grocery run.” Midget Hogan, barely tall enough to see over her cart, starts angrily tossing items onto the conveyor belt. The cashier, a young man whose eyes keep darting up to Lady Love and then back down to Hogan, is clearly flustered.
The cashier, trying to remain professional as he studies the odd-couple pairing, grabs a plastic divider and places it between their groceries. Hogan’s eyes narrow as he stares up at the clueless cashier.
Midget Hogan: [snapping] Hey brother, we’re together! Same order!
The cashier looks genuinely surprised and then lets out a nervous chuckle.
Cashier: Oh, uh, sorry. I just thought you were… you know, some creepy dude stalking this Amazonian goddess.
Lady Love, towering over the scene, gives a coy smile, her cheeks subtly reddening. Hogan, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to explode. He slams a can of beans onto the conveyor belt, sending it rolling off the edge.
Midget Hogan: [fuming] Creepy? You think I’m some kinda creep? I’m Millionaire Midget Hogan, damn it!
Hogan throws his tiny arms up in frustration, practically vibrating with anger.
Midget Hogan: [turning to Lady Love, ranting] This is what I’ve been saying! You know why I haven’t answered your proposal yet? Because every time we go anywhere, I’m either invisible or mistaken for your damn pet leprechaun! People think I’m your stalker or worse, your son! What am I, brother? Three feet tall and thirty years too young to pull that off!
Lady Love, still basking in the glow of the cashier’s awkward compliment, tries to soothe Hogan’s volcanic temper. She bends down slightly, bringing her face closer to his.
Lady Love: [voice low but booming] Midgey, baby, don’t be so dramatic. Some men would kill to have a woman like me on their arm. Besides, I can’t help it if I’m fabulous! It just happens!
Hogan spins around to face her, his short stature making his fury all the more absurd as he furiously wags a finger at her.
Midget Hogan: [outraged] Fabulous?! Maybe if you didn’t dress like you were auditioning for ‘Fifty Shades of Whatever-the-Fuck,’ this wouldn’t keep happening! You spent an hour and a half getting ready to buy milk! You’re strutting around like it’s Fashion Week, and I’m out here getting treated like a fucking garden gnome!
The cashier, desperately trying to pretend he’s not listening, accidentally scans the same item twice. Lady Love crosses her arms, a towering figure of frustration.
Lady Love: [exasperated] Wow, Midgey, do you hear yourself? You’re sounding like an insecure little incel! Maybe if you had a shred of confidence, people would know we’re together! Instead, you act like you’re ashamed to be seen with me! It’s not my fault men can’t resist me – it’s what you loved about me in the first place!
Hogan throws his hands up in dramatic defeat, looking ready to burst into tiny, furious flames.
Midget Hogan: Confidence?! I’m fucking Midget Hogan, brother! I don’t need confidence, I need a break! I’m tired of proving I’m not your chauffeur, your bodyguard, or – God help me – your kid! Maybe this wedding is a bad idea! Maybe I should go find a girl who doesn’t make me look like a fucking sidekick from a bad fantasy flick!
Hogan grabs a few bags and storms out of the store, nearly knocking over a display of Honey Nut Cheerios as he goes. The cashier glances nervously at Lady Love, whose eyes are welling up with tears. She sighs, pulling out her wallet to pay.
Lady Love: [frustrated] You just had to get him started, didn’t you? Now I’ve gotta chase down my fiancé, or ex-fiancé, whatever he’s calling himself after that shit show!
The cashier, still flustered, gives a sympathetic nod.
Cashier: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble. You’re just… stunning. Like, really stunning. So unique looking… I mean, it’s like looking at a Greek statue… but with better legs!
Lady Love: [sighing] Unique isn’t always easy, kid. But thanks…
Lady Love grabs the rest of the groceries, practically having to fold herself to fit through the exit, and rushes outside. As she reaches the parking lot, Midget Hogan is standing by the car, angrily fumbling with the bags, muttering about “disrespect” and “damn leprechauns” as she rolls her eyes and the scene fades to black.
Back at ringside, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss the trouble that’s apparently brewing in Midget Hogan and Lady Love’s “paradise,” as they switch gears for our next match.
Match # 2 | Number One Contenders Match
F.T.R. (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) vs. A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller)
As the introductions are made, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss what is at stake with this match – the winners to earn the right to challenge the AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed at Aftershock.
Arn Anderson: Both of these teams have been on a roll lately, as the tag division – much to Max Caster’s annoyance – has been heating up the last month and a half.
Kevin Kelly: Absolutely, Arn. FTR arrived to AEW at Starrcade, and the immediately made their intentions known that they’re gunning for the AEW Tag Team Championships. But A-Town Down Under has been on a roll of their own thus far, the unlikely duo are undefeated as they’re hoping to continue that to earn their first shot at the gold!
The bell sounds and Dash Wilder and Austin Theory start things off, circling each other cautiously. They lock up, and Wilder quickly takes Theory into a headlock, wrenching it tightly. Theory backs him into the ropes and shoots him off, but Wilder comes back with a shoulder block that sends Theory to the mat. Wilder follows up with a quick small package, getting a close two-count.
Kevin Kelly: Wilder is trying to end this one early. FTR are the veterans here, they’ve got the experience and the know-how. You have to believe that Max Caster and Anthony Bowens are watching this one closely!
Theory scrambles back to his feet, shaking off the surprise pin attempt. They lock up again, and this time Theory takes control, pushing Wilder into the corner. He gives a clean break, but Wilder immediately tags in Dawson. The two double-team Theory with quick strikes before Dawson takes over with a side headlock.
Grayson Waller reaches out for a tag, and Theory manages to escape, tagging in his partner. Waller charges in and meets Dawson with a running knee, knocking him back into the ropes. Waller whips Dawson across the ring, but Dawson ducks a clothesline and takes Waller down with a hard chop to the chest. Waller staggers back, holding his chest as Dawson follows up with a snap suplex, floating over for a quick two-count.
Arn Anderson: These quick tags and pin attempts are classic FTR strategy. They’re looking to wear down A-Town Down Under and control the pace.
The match continues with FTR maintaining control, using their tag team experience to isolate Waller. They work him over in their corner with hard strikes and quick tags, keeping him away from Theory. Eventually, Waller manages to create some space with a dropkick to Wilder, giving him the chance to tag in Theory.
Theory comes in like a house of fire, taking down both Wilder and Dawson with clotheslines. He hits a rolling dropkick on Wilder, sending him out of the ring. He then turns his attention to Dawson, lifting him for a suplex, but Dawson slips out the back and shoves Theory into the ropes. Theory rebounds and hits a leaping clothesline, sending Dawson to the mat.
Kevin Kelly: Austin Theory showing off that explosiveness he’s known for!
Arn Anderson: He’s a star on the rise, and Grayson Waller has thus far been a great counterpart for him.
The match continues to swing back and forth, with both teams exchanging control. Theory and Waller show great chemistry, hitting a series of double-team maneuvers, including a backbreaker/elbow drop combo on Dawson that nearly gets the three-count. But FTR refuses to stay down, with Wilder making a crucial save and Dawson digging deep to kick out.
As the match progresses, things begin to break down. All four men end up in the ring, trading blows in a chaotic brawl, seemingly keeping in with tradition of tonight’s theme. The referee struggles to maintain order as the action spills to the outside, where Theory sends Wilder crashing into the barricade with a hard Irish whip. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Dawson and Waller continue to battle.
Arn Anderson: This is turning into an all-out war! Neither team can afford to make a mistake, and you can feel the desperation with that title shot on the line!
Waller manages to hit a springboard stunner on Dawson, but as he goes for the pin, Wilder pulls him out of the ring. Theory dives through the ropes with a tope suicida, taking out Wilder.
Back in the ring, Dawson and Waller struggle to their feet, both exhausted. Dawson grabs Waller for a suplex, but Waller counters with a roll-up. Simultaneously, Dawson counters into a roll-up of his own, and both men’s shoulders are down as the referee counts… 1… 2… 3!!
The bell rings as both teams roll away, confused. Senior Official Michael McMahon consults with the timekeeper and ring announcer Jane Mouse, before making the call: it’s a double pin!
Kevin Kelly: Wait a minute, Arn, what just happened? Did we just see a double pin?
Arn Anderson: I think we did! Both men had their shoulders down!
The crowd erupts in mixed reactions as the referee raises the hands of both teams. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller look frustrated, while Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson shake their heads in disbelief. The ring announcer makes the official announcement.
Jane Mouse: Ladies and gentlemen, the result of this match is a double pinfall! As a result, I’ve just been informed by Megan Mouse, both teams will face The Acclaimed for the AEW Tag Team Championships at Aftershock!
Kevin Kelly: What a turn of events! Both teams are going to Aftershock to challenge The Acclaimed!
Arn Anderson: I can’t believe it, Kevin. We’re going to see a three-way tag title match at Aftershock! The odds just got stacked against the Acclaimed in a way you know the champs weren’t expecting!
Winners: Draw
Match Time: 18:34
The camera cuts to shots of FTR and A-Town Down Under staring each other down, both teams knowing they’ve just secured their spot at Aftershock.
SEGMENT THREE
We return from commercial as the camera catches a look into the hallway, revealing Sami Zayn, the AEW World Heavyweight Champion and Chairman of BWM Inc., muttering to himself as he paces frantically. His eyes dart around, his face twisted in paranoia and frustration. He flinches at every sound, like he’s expecting something—anything—to go wrong. As he rounds a corner, his wife, Megan Mouse-Zayn, steps into frame. Her expression is a mix of concern and growing frustration.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: [exasperated] Sami, what the hell is going on with you? Is this how it’s going to be now? Are you just going to mope around and jump at shadows?
Sami stops abruptly, his eyes wide with a mix of anger and desperation. He runs his hands through his hair, tugging at it as if trying to keep his thoughts from spiraling out of control.
Sami Zayn: [voice shaking, almost hysterical] Megan, you don’t get it! You don’t understand! This isn’t just in my head—this curse that Danhausen put on me, it’s real! It’s all real! If you need more proof, look at what happened last Monday! AEW Dynamite lost the ratings war for the first time, and the Boogeyman—THE BOOGEYMAN—showed up and made me eat worms! Worms, Megan! WORMS!
Megan throws her hands up in frustration, her patience clearly wearing thin. She steps closer to Sami, her tone sharp.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: Sami, you’re letting this curse nonsense get the better of you! This isn’t the man I married! Where’s the confidence? Where’s the brains? The Sami Zayn I fell in love with would never let some ridiculous curse or bad ratings get to him! He’d take the hits and then he’d get back up, with a plan! But now… now you’re a wreck, and for what? Because of some clown’s curse? Get it together!
Sami’s eyes flash with a mix of guilt and desperation. He opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, Liv Morgan saunters into the scene, her presence immediately causing tension to spike. She smirks, leaning in towards Sami with a playful glint in her eye.
Liv Mogan: [teasingly] Hey there, Sami. I just thought I’d—
Sami Zayn: [snapping, almost pleading] Liv, just go away! I can’t handle any more bad luck! I don’t need you making things worse!
Liv looks taken aback, her playful demeanor faltering as she realizes just how unhinged Sami has become. She tries to explain, but Megan steps in, her frustration boiling over.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: [angrily] I’ve had enough of this! Whatever you’re here to say, Liv, just save it! We don’t need any more of your games!
Megan pushes Liv back, her eyes blazing with anger. Liv stumbles, shocked by the sudden aggression, before regaining her balance and glaring at Megan.
Liv Morgan: [sarcastically, with a shrug] Fine, whatever. I guess I won’t warn you then.
Liv turns and walks away, her exit filled with indifference. Megan turns back to Sami, ready to continue her rant, but before she can get a word out— CRASH!
Brock Lesnar bursts into the scene with a terrifying roar, his presence dwarfing everything around him. Before anyone can react, he grabs Sami and hurls him into a stack of nearby equipment with a devastating belly-to-belly suplex. Sami hits the equipment with a sickening thud, crumpling to the ground. Megan screams in horror, her frustration quickly turning into panic.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: [screaming] Brock, no! Somebody help! Sami!
Lesnar ignores her completely, his focus locked on the champion. He hauls Sami’s limp body up and delivers a brutal German suplex, followed by another. Megan rushes forward, but Lesnar sends her staggering back with a cold glare. He then lifts Sami up for the final blow, an F-5 that sends Sami crashing through a nearby table, splintering it to pieces!
Megan stands frozen, tears welling in her eyes as she watches the man she loves, now motionless amidst the wreckage. Lesnar, breathing heavily, picks up the AEW World Heavyweight Championship. He looks at it longingly, almost reverently, before dropping it onto Sami’s chest with a smirk.
Brock Lesnar: [menacingly, to Sami’s unconscious body] See you at Aftershock, champ.
Lesnar walks away, a dark chuckle escaping his lips as he leaves the scene. Megan rushes to Sami’s side, her panic turning into desperation.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: [pleading, voice-cracking] Sami! Somebody help, please!
The scene fades as the Head of Security, Big Boss Man, arrives with a team of EMTs. They quickly attend to Sami, who remains unresponsive, as Megan watches on in shock.
Match # 3 | Number One Contenders Match
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm vs. ‘The Boss’ Sasha Banks
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm’s music hits first, as she confidently strides to the ring, the entire entrance is shown in black and white. Draped in her vintage-inspired ring gear, Storm exudes the aura of a Hollywood starlet from the golden era, her ‘Timeless’ persona captivating the audience. She takes her time climbing into the ring, soaking in the spotlight as she awaits her opponent.
Kevin Kelly: Two weeks ago on Chaos, we witnessed a classic between these two incredible athletes, Arn. That match ended in a time limit draw, and tonight, they get the chance to settle the score once and for all!
Arn Anderson: Both of these women have been on an absolute tear lately. Toni Storm’s ‘Timeless’ persona has taken AEW by storm, no pun intended, and Sasha Banks… well, she’s been nothing short of a boss ever since that big win over Alexa Bliss at Starrcade.
Kevin Kelly: I see what you did there!
As Kelly finishes, the familiar strains of Sasha Banks’ theme echo through the arena, signaling the arrival of ‘The Boss.’ The crowd erupts as Banks makes her entrance. She saunters down the ramp, flashing her signature ‘Boss’ rings at the camera before pointing directly at Storm in the ring. Sasha slides in, immediately locking eyes with Storm, the tension thick. Outside of the ring, Sasha’s imposing bodyguard, the 9th Wonder of the World, Chyna stands menacingly.
Kevin Kelly: Sasha Banks is one of the most decorated competitors in the industry, and tonight, she’s looking to add a possible second reign as AEW Knockouts Champion to her already impressive resume. But before she can get to that, she’ll have to go through Toni Storm!
Before the bell sounds, Knockouts Official Kenzie steps out of the ring, approaching Jane Mouse in the timekeeper’s area. She whispers something to Jane, who grabs a microphone as Kenzie climbs back into the ring.
Jane Mouse: Ladies and gentlemen, by orders of Knockouts Referee Kenzie, Chyna has been banned from ringside!
The crowd cheers as Chyna is forced to head to the back, clearly frustrated. Storm smirks, knowing she won’t have to worry about Chyna’s interference tonight.
Arn Anderson: Smart move by Kenzie here, making sure this is a fair fight. Chyna got involved in their match on Chaos, and we don’t need a repeat of that tonight.
The bell finally sounds and the two circle each other briefly before locking up in the center of the ring. Banks quickly transitions into a wrist lock, but Storm rolls through and reverses into a hammerlock. Banks, not to be outdone, flips forward, breaking the hold and immediately hits Storm with a dropkick, sending her backpedaling into the ropes.
Kevin Kelly: Both of these women are so evenly matched, and after going 30 minutes on Chaos, they know each other’s move sets well.
Storm shakes off the dropkick and charges at Banks, but Sasha sidesteps, sending Storm into the corner. Banks follows up with her signature double knees to the midsection, then climbs to the top rope, looking for a Meteora. Storm, however, sees it coming and rolls out of the way, causing Banks to crash and burn.
Arn Anderson: Toni Storm’s instincts in the squared circle are so good, so refined. She knew what was coming and she got out of dodge!
Storm seizes the opportunity, grabbing Banks and delivering a vicious snap suplex, followed by a quick cover. Banks kicks out at two, and Storm immediately transitions into a grounded headlock, slowing the pace and wearing down her opponent.
Banks struggles but manages to fight to her feet, driving elbows into Storm’s midsection to break the hold. She hits the ropes, looking for a running crossbody, but Storm catches her in mid-air and delivers a brutal backbreaker, dropping Banks hard across her knee.
Kevin Kelly: Did you hear that sickening thud? Sasha won’t walk right for a week – it’s like me during Mardi Gras!
Arn Anderson: Will you stop!
Storm doesn’t waste any time, dragging Banks to her feet and setting up for her Storm Zero piledriver. As she lifts Banks, Sasha counters with a hurricanrana, sending Storm crashing to the mat! Banks quickly follows up with her signature Bank Statement submission hold, locking Storm in the center of the ring.
Arn Anderson: Bank Statement! Bank Statement! Will Storm tap??
Storm writhes in pain, desperately clawing at the mat as she tries to reach the ropes. The crowd is on their feet, cheering as Storm inches closer and closer, finally grabbing the bottom rope to force the break. Banks, frustrated, releases the hold at the referee’s count of four, her eyes narrowing as she realizes how close she was to victory.
Kevin Kelly: Toni Storm is showing incredible resilience here, but how much more can she take?
Sasha pulls Storm up, looking to finish her off with a Tornado DDT. As she spins, Storm blocks it and counters with a vicious headbutt that staggers Banks. With Sasha dazed, Storm hits the ropes and connects with her running hip attack, sending Banks crashing into the turnbuckle. Storm then hoists Banks onto the top rope, setting up for a superplex.
As Storm climbs the ropes, ready to deliver the move, the crowd suddenly erupts as Bianca Belair, the former AEW Knockouts Champion, emerges from the crowd and hops over the barricade, her presence causing an immediate distraction. She shouts something at Banks, who momentarily takes her focus off Storm.
Arn Anderson: Wait a minute! What is Bianca Belair doing here?!
Kevin Kelly: We haven’t seen Belair since Retribution!
With Banks distracted, Storm seizes the moment, delivering a brutal superplex from the top rope! Banks crashes to the mat, and Storm quickly follows up with her Storm Zero piledriver, driving Banks into the canvas with authority. Storm hooks the leg for the cover as the referee counts.
Kevin Kelly: Storm Zero! It’s over! Toni Storm’s going to Aftershock!
Kenzie’s hand hits the mat for the three-count, and the bell rings, signaling Storm’s victory. The crowd erupts as Storm’s music plays, but the focus quickly shifts to Bianca Belair, who is smirking at ringside, clearly satisfied with the outcome.
Storm celebrates in the ring, her eyes locking with Belair’s as she realizes what just happened. Banks, still reeling from the loss, glares at Belair, furious that she cost her the match.
Arn Anderson: I can’t believe it! Bianca Belair just handed Toni Storm the victory, and now Storm is heading to Aftershock to challenge Athena Star for the Knockouts Championship!
Kevin Kelly: But what does this mean for Sasha Banks? You’ve got to think she’s going to be looking for payback after what just went down!
The show fades out with a shot of Storm standing tall in the ring, the number one contender’s spot secured, while Belair and Banks exchange a tense stare from across the arena.
Winner: ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm
Match Time: 14:40
In a dimly lit hallway of a memory care unit, the flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the wall as a nurse, dressed in all white, slowly walks down the corridor, the echoes of her steps booming as screams can be heard from various rooms she walks by.
She carries a tray of medicine as the camera shoots her from behind, at a high angle so we only see the back of her head and the tray full of pills. As the nurse reaches the end of the hallway, she arrives in front of a closed door. The nameplate on it reads “Mr. Benny Wade Mouse.” She knocks twice, the sound unnervingly loud in the stillness. Without waiting, the nurse turns the knob and enters the room.
Nurse: Mr. Mouse, I’ve got your meds ready…
Her voice trails off as she steps inside the room. The camera follows her, revealing an unsettling scene in the room. The bed, nearly made, is empty. An open window allows the curtains to blow slightly in the evening breeze. But what grabs the viewer’s attention most are the items scattered throughout the room.
Lit candles flicker ominously on every available surface, casting long, dancing shadows. Strange trinkets are spread around the room, and odd symbols cover the wall in spray paint. On the bed is a small voodoo doll, which mirrors the likeness of Sami Zayn!
The nurse’s eyes widen in shock and panic as she takes in the scene, panic setting in as the reality of the situation hits her.
Nurse: Mr. Mouse??
Her voice is shaky, fear creeping in as she frantically searches the room, hoping to find him hiding somewhere. But the room is empty, save for the sinister items the camera already took in.
She turns back down the hallway with purpose, the camera following her as she runs.
Nurse: Code Yellow! I repeat, we’ve got a code yellow! Mr. Mouse is gone!
The camera zooms out, capturing the full chaos of the scene. The candles flicker violently as the wind picks up through the open window. The show fades to black, as we hear the nurse’s panicked cries for help. A symbol matching the face of Danhausen flashes briefly on the screen before the feed cuts out entirely, and the show concludes!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 