Live from Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center | Charleston, WV | Crowd Size: 13,502
SEGMENT ONE
The opening video plays, recapping Aftershock, AEW’s record-setting PPV. The pyro explodes and Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly welcome us back to Dynamite, from beautiful Charleston, West Virginia, the site of the 2024 World of Wrestling Draft and Starrcade. The two rundown tonight’s show, including the Dynamite-debut of Will Ospreay as he takes on Darby Allin in Allin’s first match of the 7th Era, as well as our main event as we run back the pairing that started All Elite Wrestling in 2022, with the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes taking on the Spanish God Sammy Guevara!
As commentary continues their discussion, the camera widens out to reveal the ring, adorned in red and gold banners and balloons. They’re interrupted as World’s Apart hits, and the Chairman of BWM Inc. and AEW World Heavyweight Champion Sami Zayn emerges, ready for an impromptu celebration! The AEW World Heavyweight Championship shines on his shoulders as Zayn makes his way to the ring, showered with boos from the good people of West Virginia.
Sami Zayn: Ah, what a glorious night, isn’t it? Aftershock is in the rearview, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a chance to brag on the fact that we set the all-time ratings record in front of yet another sold-out crowd! The wrestling community is still buzzing about the show, and why? Because once again, I, Sami Zayn—your world heavyweight champion—executed a master plan that no one saw coming!
Sami takes a moment to relish in the boos, his smirk widening as they audience showers him with hate.
Sami Zayn: You see, they said it couldn’t be done… They said that Brock Lesnar was unbeatable… unconquerable! But look at me! I didn’t just slay the beast—I rid AEW of him! And I did it with style, with finesse, and most importantly, with a plan!
Sami Zayn: Let me take you back for a moment. Because there was a time where I’d lost myself for a moment. I was moping around, haunted by bad luck, obsessed with a supposed “curse.” But then my wife Megan—my brilliant, beautiful Megan—she reminded me of who I really am. She inspired me to go back to my roots, to remember that I’m not just some guy who fell into this spot. No, I’m the guy who orchestrated and pulled off the biggest back to back heists in wrestling history!
Sami paces around the ring, the audience hooked on his every word in spite of their feelings for him.
Sami Zayn: First, I took this company from my father-in-law, Benny Mouse, and then I ended the career of that rodent Splinter! And then, I shocked the world once more when I took the AEW World Heavyweight Championship for myself at Retribution! I proved that Sami Zayn is the most cunning mind in the business! And at Aftershock, I pulled off another great heist! I rid myself of that ape Brock Lesnar, and I stand before you here tonight in Charleston as your reigning, defending AEW World Heavyweight Champion!
Sami raises the AEW World Heavyweight Championship high above his head, his grin now of shit-eating proportions.
Sami Zayn: But, of course, no great heist is complete without a few accomplices. So, allow me to say a few words of thanks. First and foremost to Liv Morgan… Now, Liv wasn’t actually a part of my great plan at Aftershock, but she proved her allegiance when she tried to take out Lesnar herself! Liv, I know that you and Megan have gotten off to a rocky start, but it’s time we put all of that behind us. You showed your loyalty, and for that, you deserve something special. So, as a token of my gratitude, I’m announcing that Liv Morgan will challenge for the Knockouts Championship on October 28 at Dynamite 40: Sympathy for the Devil!
The crowd boos again as commentary wonders out loud how Sami’s wife Megan Mouse-Zayn will react to that decision.
Sami Zayn: And then, there’s the Ring General, the AEW Television Champion, Gunther, and his loyal associate Ludwig Kaiser. Now that—that—was part of my plan. Gunther, you and I, we understand each other. You helped me when I needed it most, and I owe you a debt that will be paid in full. Rest assured, your loyalty will not go unrewarded.
Sami pauses a beat, taking a beat as he looks out at the crowd, his confidence unshakeable.
Sami Zayn: As far as I’m concerned, I’ve got every reason to celebrate here tonight. I’m the World Heavyweight Champion, I’m leading the number one wrestling organization in the world to new, unfathomable heights, and I’ve put everyone who’s tried to get in my way down. From Brock Lesnar, to Johnny Lawrence, and yes, even to Danhausen if it comes to that! Still, I’ve been hearing the whispers… the rumors swirling over the last two weeks about how Dynamite ended… People are saying, ‘Sami, aren’t you worried about Benny Mouse escaping? Aren’t you afraid?’ And to that, I say… no. I’m not worried.
Sami Zayn: You see, I didn’t take this company from Benny because I hated him, in fact, it’s quite the contrary. I loved Benny Mouse like a father. I learned a lot from him during our time together. Benny was an inspiration to me, I symbol of what I could become… but the sad truth of the matter is, Benny has a degenerative disease, people! He’s not the man he used to be, and he’s not going to get better! When his condition became impossible to ignore, I did him a kindness! Hell, I did what Benny himself would’ve done—and I took control of BWM Inc. to protect his legacy!
The boos continue, as Sami’s tone grows more self-righteous and more indignant.
Sami Zayn: Yes, I had him institutionalized against his will. But what else do you do with a sick, feeble old man who can’t admit that it’s over? And you’d all be lying if you tried to say that BWM Inc. wasn’t better off for it! Aftershock was the most watched wrestling program of ALL TIME, and we’ve continued our dominance in the 7th Era just as Megan and I promised that we would! So, to Benny Mouse, wherever he may be, I say this: Let it go, Benny. Let it go, and we won’t have anymore trouble. You hear me?
Suddenly, the arena lights go out and the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center is plunged into total darkness. Fans are quick to reach for their cellphones, their flashlights revealing an eery layer of fog slowly enveloping the ring. A strange, unsettling hum fills the air. The tron flashes static, before flickering to life, revealing the unsettling face of Danhausen!
Danhausen: [on the tron] Ah! Sami Zayn… greetings! It’s been quite some time, hasn’t it? I trust you’ve been well, keeping busy… dodging curses, and Boogeymen, and the like? Ignoring a curse, Sami—it’s a very dangerous thing to do. Yes, yes. Indeed. This curse isn’t a simple hex or quick parlor trick.
Sami’s confidence begins to waiver, as the facade begins to crack as Danhausen’s speech becomes more perplexing and somehow more unsettling.
Danhausen: [on the tron] This curse, Sami… it’s like a shadow, but not just any shadow! It’s the kind you see out of the corner of your eye, but when you turn, there’s nothing there. Or is there? So confident, so sure of yourself. But let me ask you, do you really think you’re safe? Who can you trust, really? Your dear wife, Megan? She’s always been so supportive, hasn’t she? But tell me, Sami. Has she been acting… different lately? Perhaps she’s just tired… or pehaps… she’s thinking about something else. Someone else. And what about Liv Morgan? Ah, yes, the seductress, the temptress! But she wasn’t part of you plan, no? But she helped you, didn’t she? Or did she help herself? Perhaps she has her own ambitions, her own… desires.
Sami’s expression is now one of growing dread, his mind racing to keep up with Danhausen’s cryptic words.
Danhausen: [on the tron] There’s a war coming, Sami… a war where the battles are fought not just with fists, but whispers in the dark! The kind that seeps into your dreams, and turns them to nightmares you can’t wake up from. Oh, and the nights… the nights, they’re growing longer, yes? And in that darkness you’ll start to wither. Bit by bit, you’ll fade. And by the time you realize it, Sami, you’ll be nothing more than a ghost, chasing after a past that no longer exists! Very nice, very evil!
The tron fades out as the arena is again plunged into the darkness, the fans going nuts over Danhausen’s shocking appearance. Suddenly, a bolt of lightening shoots from the sky towards the ring, and Sami leaps out of the way in a sheer panic! It’s followed up by a moment more of complete darkness, and fog again enveloping the ring.
When the fog clears enough to see through, the spotlight shines on the center of the ring, where Benny Mouse’s trademarked top hat is sat in the center. Sami’s bravado is now completely gone, as he stares at the hat in terror.
The crowd is silent as Sami cautiously approaches, his hand trembling as he reaches down for it. Sami musters the courage to pick up the hat, and as he does, a VHS tape is revealed beneath it.
Sami clutches the tape as if it’s a lifeline, as he looks around wilding before bolting from the ring, tape in hand. He scrambles up the ramp, desperately searching for a VCR as the scene fades.
The shot opens with a close-up of a flickering candle, shadows dancing across the room as a distorted guitar riff begins.
Please allow me to introduce myself
The scene quickly transitions to a close-up of a nondescript man in white wrestling boots, dripping with blood as he walks.
I’m a man of wealth and taste
We see quick flashes of AEW action; a shot of the Acclaimed going off the stage in the dumpster at Aftershock, a shot of a Will Ospreay’s aerial move against Bryan Danielson, and a shot of a cloaked figure, his face obscured by the shadows.
I’ve been around for a long, long year…
Stole many a man’s soul and faith…
The camera cuts back to the shot of the boots, walking through a dark corridor before widening out, revealing the cloaked figure.
And I was ’round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands, and sealed his fate
We see another quick flash of the cloaked figure, reaching for the hood, the whites of his sinister smile the only identifiable mark in the darkness.
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name!
The figure pulls down the hood, revealing a deranged looking MJF as the words “Dynamite 40: Sympathy for the Devil. 56 days away” fill the screen and the scene fades out.
As the teaser video ends, we cut back to ringside where Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss the chilling exchange we just witnessed between Danhausen and Sami Zayn.
Arn Anderson: Moments ago, we just saw Danhausen resurface for the first time since Cruel Summer, and Sami Zayn went from being on cloud nine, celebrating his success at Aftershock, to looking like he just saw a ghost! Apparently the curse is still alive and well, and we’ll follow up on Zayn later tonight, but right now it’s time to switch gears.
Kevin Kelly: That’s right, because we’ve got an exciting opening contest to get to as the Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay, fresh off his big win over Bryan Danielson at Aftershock, looks to capitalize on that momentum tonight as he takes on Darby Allin!
Arn Anderson: Darby ended the sixth era in a bit of a slump. Between being betrayed by the Brothers of Destruction and getting manhandled by Brock Lesnar, he’s had a rough go. And let’s not forget, his partner Sting was drafted to ULW. Darby’s been a man alone, but he’s got a chance to turn things around tonight in his first match of this new era.
Match #1 | Exhibition Match
The Aerial Assassin Will Ospreay vs. Darby Allin
The introductions are made and with both men in the ring, referee Lance Storm calls for the bell. Both men stare one another down, as Ospreay looks calm and Darby focused, sizing up his opponent. They circle one another as Ospreay throws a few probing punches that Darby narrowly avoids by darting out of the way. As the pace quickens, Darby lands a crisp dropkick that topples Ospreay to the outsides.
Darby wastes no time in following up, climbing to the top rope, looking for an early Coffin Drop to the outside. Ospreay shows his quick reflexes and his strength, catching Darby mid air, countering with a hellacious snap dragon suplex on the outside! The audience gasps as Darby’s body folds onto the mat.
Arn Anderson: A nasty counter by Will Ospreay! He’s not messing around tonight!
Ospreay doesn’t relent, scooping up Darby and tossing his lifeless body into the barricades. The sound of steel rattling draws another gasp from the crowd as Ospreay remains on the offensive, scooping him up once more from behind as he looks for a German suplex. By some miracle, Allin is able to reverse the hold, reaching up and dropping down quickly for a stunner. Storm works to get both men back into the ring, and Ospreay gets on the apron. Darby’s back up and hits the apron leg sweep, sending Ospreay face-first into the hardest part of the ring!
Ospreay rolls into the ring on impact, and Darby, clutching at his ribs, reenters the ring, attempting to maintain control. He rolls towards Ospreay, catching him with the Code Red flipping piledriver for a two-count, as Arn Anderson notes that Allin was a mere second away from picking up a huge upset.
With Ospreay stunned, Allin again goes to the top rope, this time diving at the Aerial Assassin with a flying crossbody block. Ospreay catches him and they two roll through, with Ospreay never letting go. On his feet, Ospreay spins Allin behind him, cradling his neck, and dropping him hard with an air raid driver!
Kevin Kelly: Will Ospreay is just a phenomenal athlete, and he’s again living up to that sizable contract and the hype in his Dynamite debut!
With Allin on the mat, Ospreay follows up with a standing shooting star press, which Allin narrowly avoids as he rolls out of the way sending Ospreay crashing to the mat. As Ospreay gets back to his feet, he twists his arm and ducks behind him, before launching at Ospreay with a Pepsi Twist lariat that nearly takes his head off! He follows up with a low cross body, getting a 2-count on Ospreay.
Darby sends Ospreay back to the outside, and follows him out much to the dismay of Lance Storm as he struggles to contain the two men. Ospreay grabs Allin by the hair and slams him head first into the steps. As Allin wobbles, Ospreay grabs the stairs and positions them near the apron. Allin charges at him, using the steps as a jumping off point, flying at Ospreay as he looks for a hurricanrana. Instead, Ospreay catches him and slams him spine first into the post before powerbombing him not once, but twice onto the apron!
Kevin Kelly: How much more can Darby Allin take after that brutal sequence?
Back in the ring, Darby barely beats the 10-count, rolling in to break the count before rolling back out. Ospreay follows, grabbing him and dropping him onto the exposed steps with the Stun Gun.
Arn Anderson: Will Ospreay is ruthless tonight, and Darby Allin is paying the price.
Ospreay sends him back into the ring and goes for a pin, but Darby kicks out. He drapes Allin over the rope and ascends to the top, drilling him with a picture perfect burning star press. Allin falls from the ropes upon impact, and Ospreay whips him into the corner where he falls to a seated position after hitting the turnbuckle spine first. Ospreay lets out a scream before following up with a missile dropkick! Ospreay goes for the sequence again, but this time Allin moves and Ospreay hits the post.
Arn Anderson: A desperation maneuver on the part of Darby Allin buys him a little more time!
Allin rakes the eyes before whipping Ospreay into the corner, following up with two Stinger Splashes in rapid succession. He drops Ospreay to the mat with the Scorpion Death Drop as Kelly notes that he still has a lot of respect for his friend and former partner Sting. Sensing victory, Allin climbs back to the top for the Coffin Drop, but he lands hard on Ospreay’s knees as he gets them up just in time!
Ospreay, beginning to show some frustration, drills Allin with an avalanche powerbomb that gets him 2.99! With a cold look in his eyes, Ospreay hoists Darby up, dropping him hard on his neck with the Tiget Driver ’91! Instead of covering him, he pulls Darby back to his feet and hooks him for the Stormbreaker!
Arn Anderson: That’s gotta be it!
Ospreay makes the cover, hooking the leg as Lance Storm counts… 1… 2… 3!!!
Winner: Will Ospreay
Match Time: 22:00
Kevin Kelly: What a match! Will Ospreay is on a roll. With wins over Bryan Danielson and Darby Allin, Ospreay’s already one of the most dangerous competitors in AEW!
Arn Anderson: Darby Allin gave it everything he had tonight, but the fact remains that Will Ospreay was the better man. Folks, don’t go anywhere, we’ll be right back from our first commercial break!
SEGMENT TWO
In the greenroom, Midget Hogan is seated on a couch surrounded by the rest of High Minded—Hulk Hogan, Matt Riddle, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Randy Savage—all gathered around, shooting the shit and laughing like old times.
Midget Hogan: [grinning] Boys, you wouldn’t believe the size of the python that kid thought he could flex next to me the other day. Tiny little thing, barely a garden snake!”
Kevin Nash: Speaking of pythons, when are you going to decide about the engagement, big man—uh, little man?
Midget Hogan: [suddenly serious] I dunno, brothers, it’s complicated.
Before anyone can follow up, the door swings open, and Lady Love strides in. She’s confident but slightly anxious, her 12-foot frame barely fitting through the door.
Lady Love: Sorry o interrupt, boys, but I need a word with Midgey.
The room quiets down as all eyes turn to Midget Hogan, who immediately shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
Lady Love: [to Midget Hogan, arms crossed] It’s been over a month since I proposed… I understand it’s a big decision, and I don’t want to rush you… but I’m not getting any younger. I can’t wait around forever.
The guys look to Midget Hogan expectantly, with Matt Riddle’s mouth hanging wide open in suspense as if he’s watching a Lifetime movie.
Scott Hall: C’mon, chico, say the words. She’s waiting for the ‘I do!’
Midget Hogan: [fidgeting] Look, I just need a little more time, okay? I promise, next Monday night, you’ll have my answer.
Randy Savage: Oh yeah, the cream always rises to the—
He suddenly stands up, a look of panic washing over his face.
Randy Savage: Oh no, uh, I gotta run! Something’s… happening in the gut, dig it?
Scott Hall: [raising an eyebrow] You mean…?
Randy Savage: Ohhhh yeah, brother, we’re talkin’ major… DIARRHEA!
He bolts from the room, leaving everyone stunned for a beat.
Matt Riddle: [completely unfazed] Bro, speaking of explosions… it’s time I come clean with something.
Midget Hogan: What is it now, Riddle?
Matt Riddle: [earnestly] I don’t actually understand how wind works, bro. Like, where does it even come from? And, oh yeah, my girlfriend sent me this weird pic yesterday… I thought it was a pregnancy test.
Hulk Hogan: Wait, what? And…?
Matt Riddle: Nah, she’s not pregnant, but she does have COVID. Wild, right?
Everyone stares at him in confusion. Kevin Nash slowly shakes his head.
Lady Love: [softly, to Midget Hogan] I understand you need more time. But please, don’t make me wait too much longer. I’ve got my own life to live. You’ve got one more week, Midgey. After that… I don’t know.
She walks out, leaving the room in a heavy silence. Midget Hogan slumps in his seat.
Scott Hall: Yo, little dude, what’s the holdup? She’s perfect for you! What’s with the hesitation?
Midget Hogan: [mumbling] It’s… complicated, brother. Real complicated.
Kevin Nash: [leaning in] Nothing’s ever that complicated, kid. Just say the words.
The group starts nudging and encouraging him, still completely oblivious to the deeper uncertainty brewing inside Midget Hogan.
Matt Riddle: Bro, she’s awesome! It’s like wind, bro, you just go with it—wait, no, bad example… Anyway, you know what I mean!
The camera lingers on Midget Hogan’s hesitant face as he contemplates everything, clearly overwhelmed by both the decision and the relentless pressure from his friends. The scene fades to black as the group continues to encourage him.
Back at ringside, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss what we just saw with Midget Hogan, Lady Love, and High Minded. Anderson jokes that he hopes Macho Man made it to the bathroom before the explosion, and that nothing is more romantic than diarrhea while you’re mulling over the biggest decision of your life. Kevin Kelly says he’s disgusted with Lady Love pressuring Midget Hogan, and says it’s just another example of how she brainwashes and manipulates men. Anderson says Kevin sounds like a more vengeful Ric Venom, and Kelly shrugs it off and says he’s a play-by-play announcer, he just calls it like he sees it.
Match #2 | AEW Tag Team Championship
A-Town Down Under (C) (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy Jack Perry & Luchasaurus)
As the teams are introduced, Arn Anderson provides an update on the former tag team champs, the Acclaimed, who were last seen taking a ride off the stage in a dumpster at Aftershock. Anderson says both men sustained injuries, and are expected to be out of action for four to eight weeks. Kelly wishes the former champs well on their recovery as the bell sounds and the match is underway.
It’s Jungle Boy and Austin Theory to start things off, as Anderson says Waller promised to help Theory get his career back on track, and now Theory’s holding gold for the first time since PWI Ascendants. We get some back and forth kicks between the two men, with the crowd firmly behind Jungle Boy. Theory attempts to take control, but Jungle Boy doges, hitting a series of arm drags and dropkicks followed by a flying headscissors that sends Theory reeling towards his corner. Waller tags himself in, to Theory’s frustration, as Waller hops over the ropes and drills Jungle Boy with a clothesline.
Arn Anderson: Jungle Boy has had a rough go of things the last year and half. He started as a co-WWE champion, but since arriving to AEW he’s just failed to find his footing. It’s gotta be frustrating for the poor guy.
With Jungle Boy back to his feet, Waller locks in a side headlock before Jungle Boy reverses it into a back suplex. He leaps towards his corner, making the tag to the fresh big man to a roar of approval from the crowd.
Kevin Kelly: The same could be said for Luchasaurus. He main-evented Starrcade in 2023, but has since suffered one loss after the other. In fact, I overheard Theory and Waller in catering earlier bemoaning the fact that Jurassic Express is even getting a title shot here tonight!
Arn Anderson: Well, that doesn’t surprise me. They just won those belts, of course they don’t want to defend them!
Luchasaurus wastes no time, leveling Waller with a massive big boot. Theory tries to come and make a save, but Luchasuarus catches him with a spinning back kick before lifting Waller and slamming him facefirst with a tombstone into a reverse flapjack he calls the Tombstone Age.
Kevin Kelly: Setbacks aside, Luchasaurus is a one-man wrecking crew in there at the moment!
Arn Anderson: Absolutely. A-Town Down Under is going to need a plan before this big man gets rolling… you can’t stop a freight train once it’s moving!
Luchasaurus follows up with an elbow drop, but Waller rolls out of the way at the last moment. He makes it to his corner, tagging in Theory. Theory, still frustrated with Waller’s earlier tag, storms into the ring and fires off a series of punches, attempting to take down the towering dinosaur. They trade blows before Theory hits the ropes, only to be caught with a spinning sidewalk slam from Luchasaurus!
Arn Anderson: We’ve said it before, but he’s shockingly agile for a big man.
Luchasaurus tags in Jungle Boy, who rushes into the ring only to be leveled with a dropkick from Theory. Back to his feet, Jungle Boy fires off some chops and an enzuigiri, bringing the crowd back into the match as they cheer him on. Jungle Boy leaps to tag Luchasaurus, but Theory hooks his heel, dragging him back into A-Town Down Under’s corner.
Arn Anderson: Textbook tag team wrestling from the champions. Cut the ring in half, isolate Jungle Boy, and they’ll have this one in the bag.
Referee Michael McMahon struggles to maintain control as Theory and Waller take turn wearing down Jungle Boy, each man seemingly trying to outshine the other. Waller hoists Jungle Boy up for a suplex, but he counters with a stunner-like move, rolling away and making it back to his corner. He tags in Luchasaurus, who comes in and immediately cleans house.
Luchasaurus roars as he lays out Theory with a big chokeslam. He tosses Waller into the corner, leveling him with a big splash. The champs look overwhelmed, as Waller sneaks another tag and hits a desperation dropkick on Luchasaurus, sending him to the mat.
Before Waller can capitalize on the dropkick, Theory tags himself back in, aggressively slapping Waller’s back. Waller turns, confused, shooting Theory a “what the fuck” look.
Kevin Kelly: What’s with the tension tonight between the champions?
Arn Anderson: That’s a great question, they’ve been on the same page all summer long, but tonight they’re seemingly trying to outdo one another. Someone should remind them that they’re on the same team, especially if they want to keep those belts!
Theory tries to catch Luchasaurus with a superkick, but he sidesteps it and fires back with a headbutt. He scoops Theory up from behind by the legs, slamming him with a wheelbarrow suplex! He goes to fire off another chokeslam, but Waller is back in to block it with a kick to the gut. Theory and Waller double team him, landing a series of tandem strikes. They manage to take the big man down with a double suplex, leaving him momentarily dazed.
Arn Anderson: Now that’s more like it, impressive teamwork from A-Town Down Under!
With Luchasaurus down, Waller sets his sights on Jungle Boy, who tries to climb the ropes for a desperate comeback. Jungle Boy leaps for a crossbody, but Waller sidesteps, sending Jungle Boy crashing to the mat. Theory willingly tags Waller back in, making him the legal man as they set up for their finisher
Theory lifts Luchasaurus into a fireman’s carry position while Waller lines up, executing a devastating diving cutter. Theory sends Jungle Boy to the outside, as Waller hooks Luchasaurus’ leg and scores the pinfall!
Winners: A-Town Down Under (Theory & Waller)
Match Time: 13:57
Theory and Waller grab their belts and make their exit, exchanging a few words as they go up the ramp about the tension throughout the match. The raise their belts high as they get to the top of the ramp, as the audience showers them with boos.
Back inside the ring, Jungle Boy reenters and extends a hand to Luchasaurus, who is still on the mat. The crowd cheers as Jungle Boy helps him back to his feet. However, the mood shifts as Jungle Boy, without warning, viciously slaps Luchasaurus across the face! The crowd gasps in shock as Jungle Boy paces around the ring, seething with frustration.
Jungle Boy: [off-mic, but audible on camera] We need to get our shit together! I’m done being the scapegoat for this team, Luchasaurus! We’re getting jobbed out every week because of you!
Luchasaurus, clutching his face in disbelief, stares down at Jungle Boy. The tension builds as the audience clamors for Luchasaurus to retaliate. Fans try to will Luchasaurus to fight back, and for a moment, it looks like he might. His hands clench into fists, and he takes a step forward.
Arn Anderson: Jungle Boy’s lost it, Kevin. I understand that he’s frustrated, but this is not the way to handle it.
Instead of fighting back, Luchasaurus’s shoulders slump. He looks away, clearly hurt—not physically, but emotionally. The audience’s cheers turn to boos as they watch Luchasaurus refuse to strike back. Jungle Boy, still furious, continues berating him.
Jungle Boy: [off-mic, but audible on camera] This is bullshit!
With Luchasaurus hanging his head, Jungle Boy turns his back on him, exiting the ring. Luchasaurus follows several paces behind, as the camera lingers on the two as they disappear backstage and the show cuts to commercial.
SEGMENT THREE
The camera pans to reveal Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley, casually sitting at a table in catering, enjoying chicken tenders. They’re lost in conversation, unfazed by the chatter that can be heard off screen around them.
Rhea Ripley: [teasingly] You’re gonna need a few more of these if you want to keep up your strength.
Dominik chuckles as Rhea feeds him a chicken tender. As he takes the bite, the doors to catering burst open, in the Knockouts Hardcore Champion Nia Jax walks in, cautiously keeping an eye on Ripley as she approaches the tables full of snacks for the wrestlers.
Nia is reaching for a slice of cheesecake when suddenly Raquel Rodriguez rushes in, attacking her from behind!
Dominik Mysterio: [mouth full of chicken tender] Whoa—what the hell!
Rodriguez grabs Jack by the hair and slams her head into the table, before doubling her over and position her for the Gory Slam. However, as strong as she is, Rodriguez struggles to hoist up the much larger Jax.
With a burst of energy, Jax counters and sends Rodriquez flying with a back body drop through the catering table, shattering trays and sending food flying everywhere! Dom ducks as a plate of mashed potatoes lands nearby.
Before anyone can react, Nyla Rose charges in out of nowhere, spearing Jax into a stack of production carts! The impact sends Jax backwards, toppling everything over.
Nya Rose: Still think your hardcore, bitch?
Jax lays stunned as Knockouts Official Kenzie sprints into frame, dropping down for a count as Rose covers Jax, looking to capitalize on the 24/7 rules of the division.
Kenzie: One! Two—!
Jax kicks out, just barely, sending Rose bumping into Kenzie, who scrambles away in a panic. Rodriguez suddenly reemerges, pulling herself out of the wreckage, as Rose gets back to her feet. They lock eyes for a moment before launching into a full-on brawl, throwing wild punches and slamming each other into the catering set up.
Rhea Ripley: [smirking] Dinner and a show!
As Rodriquez and Rose continue their brawl, Jax, seizing the moment, crawls towards her Knockouts Hardcore Championship. She also sees the piece of cheesecake that started this ordeal, and reaches for it before bolting out of catering before anyone can stop her.
Security finally rushes in, pulling Rodriguez and Rose apart as Dom leans over and whispers something to Rhea. They quickly exit as the camera cuts to the hallways, where Jax is running with her belt in one hand and the cheesecake in the other.
We cut back to AEW Correspondent Renee Young, who is standing by with Bianca Belair. Belair adjusts her braid as Renee begins.
Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with the EST of AEW, the one and only Bianca Belair! Bianca, welcome back! Two weeks ago you made your return for the first time since losing the Knockouts Championship to Athena Star at Retribution. In doing so, you cost Sasha Banks her shot at becoming the number one contender, and I’ve just got to ask why?
Bianca smirks, tilting her head slightly.
Bianca Belair: You wanna know why, Renee? Let me take you back to April and May, when Sasha Banks and her attack dog Chyna were runnin’ wild over this division, causin’ pain, leavin’ bodies in their wake. You saw it. I felt it. And so did Ronda Rousey.
Bianca Belair: Now, Ronda and I—we were never exactly friends, but I respected her, Renee. She’s a fighter, a trailblazer. But Sasha? I’ve got no respect for Sasha. She’s the reason Rousey isn’t here anymore. That might be just fine with Sasha, but for me? Nah, nah. I’ve got a score to settle.
Renee Young: Are you saying that part of this is about standing up for Ronda Rousey?
Bianca Belair: Look Renee, Rousey can fight her own battles, and I’m sure she’s much happier where she’s at now. But Sasha keeps runnin’ her mouth, actin’ like she owns this division just because she was in the main event at Starrcade, and because she’s got Chyna in her corner. Well, guess what, Sasha? You don’t own nothin’. And before I get back to my rightful place as Knockouts Champion, before I retake what’s mine from Miss Athena Star, I’ve got some unfinished business to tend to.
Renee Young: And how do you plan to put Sasha in her place?
Bianca Belair: It’s simple, Renee. This Friday night on Chaos, I’m challenging Sasha Banks to a match. No more games. Sasha’s been hidin’ behind Chyna for long enough. When she steps in the ring with the EST, she’s gonna learn real quick why I’m the strongEST, the fastEST, the toughEST, and the bEST! And when I’m done puttin’ her in her place, I’m gonna turn my attention to Athena Star, who’s been kind enough to keep that Knockouts Championship warm for me!
Renee Young: Well, there you have it! A huge challenge laid down by Bianca Belair for this Friday night on Chaos! Bianca, thanks for your time.
Bianca twirls her braid confidently.
Bianca Belair: The EST of AEW is back, Renee! And I ain’t stoppin’ for nobody!
As Belair walks away, Renee sends it back to ringside and the scene fades.
We cut back to ringside, where Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly are discussing what we just saw.
Arn Anderson: The challenge is on the table for this Friday night on Chaos. Will The Boss accept?
Kevin Kelly: I suppose only time will tell, but we’ve still got more action tonight to look forward to, including our main event between Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara!
Suddenly, the crowd erupts into boos as Dominik Mysterio comes sprinting down the ramp, his face filled with terror. In his hands, clutched close to his chest, is the Knockouts Hardcore Championship!
Kevin Kelly: What the hell? What’s Dominik Mysterio doing with the Knockouts Hardcore Championship?
Arn Anderson: I’m not sure, but he’s got trouble on his tail, Kev—
Before Arn Anderson can finish his sentence, Nia Jax comes barreling down the ramp like a freight train, storming after Dominik. Desperately, Dominik slides into the ring, hoping to escape. But Jax is hot on his tail, sliding in the ring after him.
Kevin Kelly: Dom’s trying to escape, but Jax won’t let up!
As soon as she enters the ring, she levels Dominik with a clothesline that sends him flipping inside out. The crowd gasps as she scoops him up, slamming him to the mat with authority with a brutal Samoan drop!
Arn Anderson: Good lord, she just crushed Dom like a bug!
Nia turns her attention towards retrieving her championship, bending down to grab the belt. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Rhea Ripley appears behind her with a steel chair in hand!
Kevin Kelly: Oh no, Nia, behind you! Look out!
Rhea swings the chair, and it lands with a sickening thud on Jax’s back. Nia stumbles, but Rhea doesn’t stop. She unloads one brutal shot after the another, the steel chair bending from the force of Ripley’s swings.
Arn Anderson: Rhea Ripley is out of control right now! She’s laying into Jax like a woman possessed!
The camera cuts towards the ramp, where Knockouts Official Kenzie is rushing towards the carnage. Rhea hollers for her to get her ass in there, as we’ve apparently got a title match on our hands!
Match #3 | Knockouts Hardcore Championship
Nia Jax (C) vs. Rhea Ripley
As Kenzie slides into the ring, Rhea unloads three more chair shots before stopping momentarily to soak in the boos from the audience as Dom smiles big from the apron, cheering his Mami on.
Rhea grabs Jax’s lifeless body by the hair and pulls her up, planning to take this assault to another level. With the audience gasping at her strength, she picks Nia Jax up and plants her with a vicious Riptide onto the chair!
Kevin Kelly: A riptide onto the chair! Are you kidding me!?
Ripley drops down, covering Nia Jax for the pin. Kenzie hesitates momentarily, shocked by the carnage, but quickly drops to the mat.
1….
2…
3!!!
Arn Anderson: It’s over! We’ve got a new Knockouts Hardcore Champion!
Winner: Rhea Ripley
Match Time: 2:59
As the bell rings, Rhea stands in the center of the ring over Jax’s unconscious body. Dominik quickly grabs the title and wraps it around Ripley’s waist. They share a passionate kiss above the carnage as the crowd showers them with boos.
Arn Anderson: These two just walked in, took over catering, and now Rhea Ripley’s walking out with the title! What madness are we witnessing here tonight!
Kevin Kelly: Don’t go anywhere, folks! Our main event is next!
SEGMENT FOUR
Match #4 | Exhibition Match
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes vs. The Spanish God Sammy Guevara
As we return from commercial break, we’re set for our main event of the evening, the long-awaited rematch between Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara!
Kevin Kelly: This is the match we’ve been waiting all night for! Cody Rhodes versus Sammy Guevara is tonight’s main event!
Arn Anderson: These two men hold the distinct privilege of wrestling in the first matchup of All Elite Wrestling. We never dreamed of a rematch until Sammy Guevara shockingly got involved in Cody’s match with Bryan Danielson at Cruel Summer.
Kevin Kelly: And that involvement cost Cody Rhodes a chance to compete at Aftershock, which was the first AEW PPV that didn’t include the American Nightmare. Sammy’s coming in tonight looking to make a statement.
Arn Anderson: That’s right, Kevin. Guevara said that he’s done waiting around for his chance, and he’s taking his moment. Getting drafted to ULW and seeing AEW trade four superstars to get him back gave him the confidence he’s been missing.
The bell sounds and Guevara charges at Rhodes, drilling him with a dropkick that sends Rhodes reeling! He quickly follows up by scooping Rhodes up, looking to for the Go To Hell (GTH), but Cody escapes just in time.
Arn Anderson: Sammy’s aggression is something else tonight. This is a side of the kid we’ve not seen before, and it could be just what he’s been missing!
Cody staggers out of the ring to regroup, clearly caught off guard by Sammy’s intensity. The crowd cheers Cody on, and he takes a moment to compose himself before getting back in the ring. Cody attempts to turn the tides with a Cody Cutter, but Sammy counters, dumping Cody back to the outside!
Sammy climbs the top rope and launches himself to the outside with an asai moonsault! Sammy scoops Cody up and drapes him on the barricade, as Cody grabs his throat upon impact clutching for air. He hits Cody with a bicycle knee before rolling him back inside.
Kevin Kelly: I cannot believe I’m saying this, but this match has been all Sammy Guevara in the early goings!
Sammy picks Cody up, but is stunned when Cody drops to the mat and drills Sammy with his patentend dropdown uppercut! Cody kips up and follows up with a brutal Alabama slam, knocking the wind out of the Spanish God. Cody doesn’t let up, following it up with a well-executed sit-down hip toss, followed by a short arm scissors submission, cranking up the pressure. Sammy writhes in pain, but Cody releases the hold. He picks Sammy up and drills him with a packaged piledriver!
Cody climbs to the top rope, looking for the moonsault. Somehow, Sammy manages to move out of the way, and Cody crashes hard on the mat! As Cody stumbles back to his feet, Sammy launches off the second rope, catching him with the springboard cutter! He covers him, but Rhodes kicks out at two!
Rhodes is back to his feet, and Sammy catches him with the Canadian Destroyer! He positions Cody in the corner and then goes to the opposite corner, ascending to the top rope.
Kevin Kelly: What’s Sammy looking for here?
Sammy then launches himself across the ring, nailing Cody with the coast to coast! Breathless and reeling, Cody rolls under the bottom rope and to the outside. The camera pans to Cody, who is trying to shake off the cobwebs, before panning up to reveal Guevara flying off the top to the outside, catching Cody with a breathtaking 450! The crowd chants “holy shit,” as both men are down.
Senior Official Michael McMahon is slow to start the count, as the announcers allude to the fact that no one wants to see this classic encounter end in a count out. As both men stumble to their feet, Guevara charges with a hurricanrana, but Rhodes reverses it into a powerbomb onto the announce table!
The table shatters and Cody sends Guevara back inside. Cody picks him up for the Cross Rhodes, but Sammy surprises everyone as he rolls Sammy up for a near fall! Cody, frustration building, picks Guevara up once more and this time the Cross Rhodes connects!
He covers as the referee counts.
1…
2….
2.9999!
The crowd breaks into a “this is awesome” chant as the announcers wonder how in the hell Guevara kicked out. Cody scoops Guevara up and sets him on the top rope. He follows to the top, looking for the reverse superplex. Sammy manages to land on his feet, and as Cody turns, he catches him with a GTH! He covers…
1….
2….
2.999!
This time it’s Cody who kicks out at the last second! Now Sammy’s frustrated, as he lifts Cody up only to send him crashing down with the code breaker! Sammy climbs to the top rope, and the crowd gasps as he nails a picture perfect 630 splash!
He covers, again only getting 2.999! Both men are exhausted, but somehow Cody manages to get a burst of energy, jumping off the ropes and launching after Sammy with the Disaster Kick. Guevara, however, telegraphs it and moves out of the way! He hoists Cody back up, GTH!
He covers Cody, and the ref counts, 1… 2… 3! Cody’s shoulders are up a hair after three, but it’s too late and the damage is done! Sammy roles out of the ring as Cody sits up in disbelief.
Arn Anderson: My God, Sammy Guevara has done it! He’s stolen one here tonight!
Kevin Kelly: Stolen? What you do mean, stolen? He’s earned this upset tonight! Like the man or not, he put on a helluva show tonight!
Winner: Sammy Guevara
Match Time: 28:00
The camera cuts to the back, where Sami Zayn is with the Head of Security, the Big Bossman. They’re walking towards the production truck, as Bossman tells the men in the truck to leave.
Sami Zayn: Com’n Rob, I’ve been waiting all night. I need that tape played now! This is crucial!
Big Bossman: Sami, it’s Bossman, not Rob. But never mind that, it took all night but I’ve found a way to play that tape.
They sit down at the control switch, but before they can play the tape Megan Mouse-Zayn bursts into the truck. She’s angry, and her face makes no effort to hide the fact.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: There you are! What is this about giving Liv Morgan a Knockouts Championship shot? What the hell were you thinking? You think you can just make impulsive decisions and expect me to ‘put it behind me?’ Why, just because you said so?
Sami, already on edge, turns to Megan with a rage she’s never seen from him.
Sami Zayn: You stupid woman! How can you be so short sighted! Can’t you see we’re under attack? The woman I fell for knew how to confront threats head on, no matter the cost! She’d step on her own father’s neck if it meant getting what she wanted! How can you not see that Liv is an advantage? A needed ally? A card we can play! Are you really so blinded by jealously?
Megan’s eyes widen in shock and horror at Sami’s words, her anger giving way to disbelief. She stares at him, struggling to find the words to respond.
Big Bossman: Sami, I’ve got the VCR set up. We can play the tape now.
Sami, still seething, barely registers Megan’s presence as he turns towards Bossman, telling him to play it. Megna’s eyes well up with tears as she storms out of the production truck, slamming the door behind her. Sami doesn’t even glance in her direction, is focus soley on the tape as Bossman presses play.
The screen flickers, before the tracking clears up, revealing a grainy, distorted image of Benny Mouse lying helpless in the center of the ring, blood coming from his mouth. The image appears to have come from Armageddon’s brutal betrayal of Benny, on the 26th episode of Dynamite last May.
Sami Zayn: What the fuck is this?
The screen glitches, Benny’s face distorting in and out of focus. A voiceover begins, a warped, crackling version of Benny’s signature voice, as if it’s struggling to break through the static.
Distorted Benny’s Voice: Betrayal… is an old friend… it creeps like the shadows of those who walk behind you.
The screen flickers again, showing Benny’s body decimated by Armageddon from several different angles. The voice continues, growing more ominous.
Distorted Benny’s Voice: The curse… cannot be undone. It was sown the day you turned your back. The day you dishonored those who gave you the world… who built it for you. The curse… the reckoning… you cannot escape it
Sami’s eyes narrow, leaning closer to the screen. He watches in horror as the footage changes, showing only a closeup on Benny’s hand as it points back at Sami through the screen.
Distorted Benny’s Voice: Honor thy father… the mother… for the blood runs through her veins, and their hands will be the ones that pull you… down.
The screen again flickers, the sound of a harsh static filling the room. As it clears, a final message appears, written in Benny’s handwriting, but glitched and jagged:
“November 17, 2024. Elite Warfare. 60 men. Three rings. The AEW World Heavyweight Championship!”
The tape suddenly cuts off, leaving the room eerily silent. Sami glances down towards his AEW World Heavyweight Championship, his breathing shallow. He looks around the production truck, as if expecting something—or someone—to strike. His knuckles whiten as he grips the championship tightly, as the show cuts to black with the weight of the message, and the curse, pressing down on him!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 