Live from Raising Cane’s River Center Arena | Baton Rouge, LA | Crowd Size: 10,400
SEGMENT ONE
As Dynamite opens, the camera follows BWM Inc. Chairman and the AEW World Heavyweight Champion Sami Zayn as he storms through the hallway en route to his office.
Sami’s face is gaunt and his eyes bloodshot; it’s clear that he still isn’t sleeping. He twitches at every little sound, unraveling from the stress off the curse.
Suddenly, a stage hand approaches, holding out a cup of coffee.
Sami Zayn: [jumping back in fear] Get away from me!
He swats the cup out of the stagehand’s hand, sending it flying as the poor worker scrambles away. Sami’s eyes dart around the hallway, as if he’s expecting something sinister to appear at any moment.
Sami Zayn: I said get away! Are you trying to poison me? Get the fuck outta here!
With the stagehand out of sight, Sami resumes his march down the hall as he mutters under his breath. Finally, he arrives at the door to the office he shares with his wife, Megan Mouse-Zayn.
Before he opens the door, he pauses, spotting a mirror hanging on the wall. He stares for a long moment at his reflection, trying to gather himself. He rakes his fingers through his messy hair as he exhales loudly.
Sami Zayn: Put it together… you’ve got this…
He looks to his feet, and then back to the mirror. This time, his breath catches in his throat. Behind him in the reflection is the Boogeyman, smiling with his maniacal grin, worms wriggling from his mouth!
Sami whirls around sharply, ready to defend himself. Except, no one is there! The hallway is empty and eerily quiet, save for Sami’s heavy breathing. He steps back, eyes wide and wild.
Mr. Perfect: [rounding the corner] Hiya, boss!
Without thinking, Sami reacts out of instinct and panic, delivering a brutal Helluva Kick straight to Mr. Perfect’s face. He crashes to the floor, groaning in pain.
Sami Zayn: [frantic] Why would you sneak up on me like that?
Sami shakes his head in disbelief at Perfect’s perceived stupidity, before turning to the door. He tries the handle, but it’s locked. Sami’s panic deepens as he pounds his fists on the door, growing increasingly unhinged.
Sami Zayn: [banging on the door] Megan! MEGAN! Open the damn door!
No response. He bangs harder, his voice rising with desperation.
Sami Zayn: MEGAN! OPEN THE GOD DAMN DOOR!
After several agonizing seconds, there’s still no answer. Sami slams his fists against the door one final time, cursing under his breath. He storms off down the hallway, clearly unraveling further.
On the floor, Perfect rolls to his back. He lifts his head, and shouts to Sami as he walks away.
Mr. Perfect: [laughing weakly through pain] So… close! You almost broke my neck. Want to try… again?
The scene fades to black as Sami disappears down the hallway, Perfect disappointed that he was oh so close to getting what he’s been wanting.
The opening video package airs, and the pyro explodes as Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson welcome us back to Dynamite, Monday’s most-watched wrestling show in the world! Tonight, the road to Sympathy for the Devil continues, and we’ve got a stacked card, including tonight’s main event as MJF takes on the Aerial Assassin Will Ospreay for the first time ever! Plus, Liv Morgan is paying the price for kissing Megan Mouse-Zayn’s husband Sami, as she’ll be pitted against the former Knockouts Hardcore Champion Nia Jax, who has been in a foul mood since her title was stolen after her encounter with Rhea Ripley! But first, we’ve got the Open Challenge for the AEW Tag Team Championships! All of this and so much, tonight on Dynamite!
Match # 1 | Open Challenge for the AEW Tag Team Championships
A-Town Down Under (Theory & Waller) (C) vs. ???
The champions are out first, as the live audience showers Theory and Waller in a chorus of boos. The champs take it in stride, smirking confidently as they await their challengers. Waller soaks in the boos as he struts around the ring, as Theory flexes, feeding off the negative energy.
Arn Anderson: Well, the champions seem to be in a good mood tonight, but I can’t say that I’m a fan of how they’ve been acting lately. This past Friday on Rampage, they hit on AEW correspondent Renee Young in the most uncomfortable way, then turned around and insulted her when she rejected them. No class at all.
Kevin Kelly: You said it, Arn. It’s behavior like that that gives champions a bad name. As we prepare to see who answers this challenge, it’s worth nothing that some wrestling pundits have even been critical of the open challenge trope, including our own Chris Hyatt. But you have to admit, open challenges do have their surprises. You never know who’s going to answer—
Suddenly, the lights go out, and the arena erupts into cheers as “Head Games” by Foreigner blasts through the speakers.
Kevin Kelly: Wait a second! Is this—?!
The lights come back on, and at the top of the ramp stands Sensei Johnny Lawrence and Miguel Diaz! The Cobra Kai duo haven’t been seen in nearly two months—Johnny since being attacked by the Street Sharks while trying to rescue his childhood love Ali Mills at Cruel Summer, and Miguel, who was injured on the series premiere of AEW Chaos in his match against Armageddon!
The roar of the crowd is deafening as Cobra Kai makes their way to the ring, their absence clearly felt by the AEW fans.
Arn Anderson: They’re back! Johnny Lawrence and Miguel Diaz! And they’re here to challenge for the titles!
Waller and Theory’s cocky expressions turn to anger as they realize who they’re facing. The bell rings, and the match is officially underway!
As soon as the bell rings, Waller tries to cheap shot Johnny Lawrence, but Johnny ducks under and takes him down with a quick leg sweep. Miguel follows up with a jumping forearm to Theory, and chaos ensues as both teams brawl wildly in the ring. The Cobra Kai duo gets the upper hand, sending the champions to the outside. Diaz and Lawrence exchange a fist bump, sending the crowd into a frenzy as they then hit the ropes and hit stereo planchas to the outside, taking Waller and Theory down!
Arn Anderson: Johnny Lawrence has a lot of pent-up rage, and you can see it right here. He’s been waiting for this moment!
Back in the ring, Johnny Lawrence tags in Miguel Diaz. They set up Theory in the corner, and Miguel hits a devastating corner kick, followed by Johnny coming off the top with a slingshot splash. Diaz goes for the cover—
But Theory is defiant, kicking out at 1! Meanwhile, Waller evens up the score as he levels Lawrence from behind, as Theory follows up on Diaz with a delayed vertical suplex. Theory works Diaz to A-Town Down Under’s corner, and we see a series of quick tags as Theory and Waller exchange places, pummeling the much smaller Diaz.
Arn Anderson: Classic tag team strategy from A-Town Down Under. Keep Diaz in their corner, away from his partner. I hate to admit it, but these guys know how to work the system.
After trading places a few times, it’s again Theory who’s the legal man, as he levels Diaz with a shoulder tackle, followed up quickly with the fallaway slam. He scoops Diaz back up from behind, only to drop him hard across his knee with the half nelson backbreaker! Theory showboats a moment, much to the dismay of the crowd, as he tags Waller back in.
Waller charges at Diaz, who is just getting back to his feet. Waller goes for the running high leg, but Diaz ducks under it! Waller turns around onto to be met with a kick to the gut, as Diaz musters every bit of energy he’s got for a Canadian Destroyer!
On the apron, Lawrence tries to will Diaz on to make the tag. Diaz is almost to his corner when Waller is back up, scooping him up for an electric chair into a belly to back suplex. Diaz flips through, lands on his feet, hits a spinning wheel kick and leaps to his corner! The crowd is electric as Diaz finally makes the hot tag, and Lawrence charges in!
Lawrence drills Waller to the ground with a tornado DDT, before hitting a jumping scissor kick that knocks Theory off the apron! Waller’s back up, but Lawrence rolls him into the school boy for a very near fall!
Both men get back to their feet, and Waller catches a superkick from Lawrence. He goes for the rolling stunner, but Lawrence dumps him to the outside! Theory rushes in, leveling Lawrence with a clothesline. Off-camera, Diaz has climbed to the turnbuckle, and we see him flying into frame as he levels the playing field with a senton splash!
Kevin Kelly: Incredible tag team action to kick off Dynamite!
Arn Anderson: Every company says it these days, but I truly believe All Elite Wrestling is leading the seventh era with the most competitive tag division of all time!
With Waller on the outside, Lawrence goes for another plancha. This time, Waller is ready for him, and nearly takes his head off with a brutal knee strike! He rolls Lawrence back in the ring, as he holds him up for Theory, who is back in illegally. Diaz tries to enter, but the ref sees and prevents it. Theory charges at the subdued Lawrence with a rolling blockbuster, but Lawrence manages to escape just in time, as Theory crashes into his partner!
Kevin Kelly: Friendly fire from Theory! The champs are falling apart here!
Lawrence makes it back to his corner, tagging Diaz back in. Lawrence lifts Theory into position, and Diaz drops him with a variation on the Heart Attack! Waller has rolled to the outside, and as Diaz makes the cover, he grabs ahold of Theory’s foot at the last possible second, breaking the count as he drapes Theory’s boot over the bottom rope.
Frustrated, Diaz goes to the top rope. Waller jumps on the apron, causing a brief distraction. This allows Theory to kip up, charging at Diaz with the avalanche Spanish Fly! Theory covers…
1…
2…
Lawrence dives in, making the save! Now Waller slides in, and referee Lance Storm has totally lost control of this thing! All four men brawl, exchanging blows. Lawrence goes for another superkick, but this time Waller pulls Theory in front of him, as he sacrifices his own partner to avoid the blow.
Arn Anderson: Waller using Theory as a human shield—he’s just thrown his own partner to the wolves!
As Waller turns back around, Diaz looks for the Crane Kick, but Waller dives out of the way as Diaz connects hard to Lance Storm’s face! Waller counters with the flipping unprettier, but the referee is out cold!
The crowd pops as the sirens hit, and the Acclaimed is back! With Storm out cold, Caster and Bowens rush the ring, picking up the tag belts from the timekeeper’s area as they slide in, leveling A-Town Down Under with their own belts!
Kevin Kelly: It must be a night of returns, because we’ve not seen the former champs since A-Town Down Under sent them off the stage in a dumpster at Aftershock!
Caster and Bowens grab Diaz and Lawrence, draping them over Waller and Theory. They shake Storm until he wakes up, and he slowly drops his hand for the count…
1…
2…
3!!!
Arn Anderson: Cobra Kai just won the AEW Tag Team Championships! I can’t believe it!
Kevin Kelly: With an assist from the Acclaimed, Cobra Kai just shocked the world!
Winners: Cobra Kai (Lawrence & Diaz)
Match Time: 16:07
Cobra Kai grabs the belt, celebrating their first tag title win as they make their way to the back. The camera cuts back to the ring, where it’s clear that the Acclaimed have not finished. Standing over the unconscious bodies of Theory and Waller, they exchange a quick knowing glance.
Kevin Kelly: Hold on, I don’t think the Acclaimed are finished here!
Caster and Bowens pick up Theory and Waller, draping them over their shoulders with a sinister grin as they haul them up the ramp. The crowd murmurs as Caster drops Theory, momentarily disappearing through the curtain.
Arn Anderson: Where’s he going? What’s Caster got in mind?
Moments later, the answer becomes clear as Caster bursts back onto the stage—pushing a dumpster through the curtains! The crowd erupts in support, knowing what’s coming next.
Kevin Kelly: Oh no, you’ve gotta be kidding me! This is exactly what A-Town Down Under did to The Acclaimed at Aftershock!
With no hesitation, Bowens and Caster scoop up the unconscious former champions, dumping them unceremoniously into the dumpster. They slam the lid shut, and the crowd is absolutely electric.
Arn Anderson: They say payback’s a bitch!
Caster and Bowens exchange a knowing nod, and with a shove, they send the dumpster flying off the stage, crashing 10 feet below onto the concrete floor with a sickening thud! The arena explodes with a chant of “HOLY SHIT!” as the camera zooms in on the dumpster lying motionless below, Theory and Waller inside!
Kevin Kelly: Oh my God!
The camera lingers on Bowens and Caster atop the stage, their trademark playfulness replaced by wild, revenge-filled looks in their eyes. The crowd continues to chant as the show moves to commercial.
SEGMENT TWO
A sleek black SUV sits idling in front of a grand mansion, bathed in the soft glow of the street lamps. The home, in a New York City suburb, is lit up as if someone is inside. Inside the SUV, the atmosphere is heavy. Booker D sits behind the wheel, with Stevie R in the passenger seat. In the back is Molly Holly. The three of them sit in silence, a stark contrast to the lively banter the Harlem Turtles are known for.
Booker D taps his fingers on the steering wheel, staring out at the imposing mansion. Molly’s expression is somber, her gaze calculating. Stevie R leans forward, eyes fixed on the mansion, unblinking.
Booker D: [quietly, almost to himself] I don’t know if he even wants to see us, man.
Stevie R, who hasn’t taken his eyes off the home, cuts in sharply.
Stevie R: It doesn’t matter what he wants. This isn’t about him. It’s bigger than that. The war is coming, and like or not, we need reinforcements.
Molly leans forward, her voice soft by steady.
Molly Holly: How’re we supposed to get around the Elite Total Anarchy stipulation? There’s no loophole here, Stevie.
Stevie R leans back, shaking his head as he exhales loudly.
Stevie R: Details aren’t our job, Molly. We’ve been tasked with recruitment, and that’s what we’re doing. They don’t care about the how, only the who.
Booker D glances at Stevie, before turning his gaze back to the mansion. His fingers stop tapping, and he points out the window, his voice low.
Booker D: [pointing] There. That’s his car.
The camera follows Booker’s hand, zooming in on a emerald green luxury sports car that’s gleaming under the streetlights.
Stevie R and Molly exchange a knowing glance, before the three simultaneously reach for their door handles.
Steve R: [quiet, determined] On with it, then. We convince him. No turning back now.
Molly nods.
Molly Holly: We’ve come too far to turn back empty-handed.
Booker D: Alright, let’s do this.
The doors open, the sound of them closing behind the trio like a drum through the silence. The camera lingers on them from where the SUV is parked, the trio moving quietly, but with purpose. The scene fades as they approach the door.
Hangman Adam Page sits in a sparsely populated, dimly lit bar, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. His hat is slung on the counter beside him, and the camera catches his reflection in the amber liquid, his face brooding and intense. He turns slightly, speaking directly to the camera, contempt heavy in his voice.
Hangman Adam Page: [slowly, bitterly] Kenny Omega. My former partner… my former brother. When I look back on everything, our reign as tag team champions… I can’t help but find one common theme. Kenny, you were always trying to change me. Always pushin’ your way of thinkin’ on me.
Page scoffs, shaking his head in disgust.
Hangman Adam Page: ‘Get help, Hangman. See someone about your drinking! Get your head straight.’ [exhales sharply] You always had some advice me, didn’t ya? Like you knew me better than I knew myself.
Hangman turns back to the bar, reaching for his glass. He takes a slow, deliberate sip of the whiskey, letting the silence linger for a moment before he slams the glass back on the bar top.
Hangman Adam Page: I was blind to it, but I see it all clearly now. You were trying to control me. To mould me into some version of myself that fit into your perfect little world. But that was never who I was, Kenny. And it sure as hell ain’t who I am now.
Page’s eyes narrow, filled with resentment.
Hangman Adam Page: You think that gettin’ the best of me at Aftershock proves you were right? That you were justified in all those times you tried to ‘fix’ me? Nah. You just proved what I’ve known all long… you’ve never given a damn about me, have you Kenny? You just wanted me to fit into the role you cast me in your story.
Hangman leans in, staring directly into the camera still, his voice low.
Hangman Adam Page: Well, Kenny, I’m done being the guy who needs fixin’. I’m done being the man who stands in your shadow.
He sits back briefly, his anger directed inward as well as out.
Hangman Adam Page: I’ll admit it—there were times I believed you. Maybe I was broken. But that version of me? He’s dead and buried.
He takes another swig of his whiskey, not savoring, but using it like fuel for his fire.
Hangman Adam Page: And Danielson… you were just collateral damage last week. Wrong place, wrong time. It’s unfortunate that you got caught in this storm, but this isn’t about you, Bryan. This is about me, my career. My legacy. And the two of you? You’re simply in my way.
Hangman Adam Page: So, let’s settle this. The three of us, at Sympathy for the Devil on October 28.
He stands up, reaching for his hat as he throws back the rest of his drink, like it’s nothing as his eyes are still locked on the camera.
Hangman Adam Page: Kenny, you wanted to change me? Well, too late. I’ve already changed. And you’re not gonna like what you see when you get to know the real me.
Hangman tosses a wad of cash on the counter, turning away from bar. The camera remains stationery as Hangman leaves, his silhouette disappearing into the shadows as he exits and the scene fades.
Back at ringside, Anderson notes that this side of Hangman is one we’ve not seen, as the usually unconfident Page has seemingly found his place in the dark side.
Match #2 | Exhibition Match
Jungle Boy Jack Perry w/ Luchasaurus vs. The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes
‘Kingdom’ hits and the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes is out to a huge ovation. Kelly says Rhodes has long been a fan favorite, noting many suspected he would breakout into the main event scene after dropping the Television Championship to Swerve Strickland, but has instead been detoured by a jealous, vindictive Sammy Guevara. Jungle Boy is out next with Luchasaurus, who somehow remains a fan favorite even with Jungle Boy getting showered with boos.
Kevin Kelly: Both of these men have had something of a reset lately, with Perry disbanding Jurassic Express and moving to singles competition, and Rhodes looking to rebound from a tough summer.
Before the bell can ring, Sammy Guevara’s music hits. He arrogantly strides to the ring, and Rhodes is ready for a fight. Instead, Guevara moves to take a seat at the commentary table, picking up the extra set of headsets.
Arn Anderson: Well, this is unexpected. What do we owe this pleasure, Mr. Guevara?
Sammy Guevara: Look, I want to know why we’re still wasting TV time on Cody Rhodes? I beat him! I’m the better man, and I proved it. Yet, this guy’s still out here acting like he’s relevant! Get real!
The bell sounds and Perry and Rhodes began circling one another, looking for an opening. Rhodes keeps one eye on Guevara as he and Jungle Boy circle.
Arn Anderson: You did defeat him a few weeks back, but from where I’m sitting the two of you are even.
Sammy Guevara: Oh, please! Cody’s yesterday’s news. I’m here, ready to work, and instead, we get a match no one asked for.
Both men lock up in the center of the ring, Cody gaining the upper hand with a rear waistlock, then slamming Jungle Boy to the mat. Jungle Boy quickly moves to the ropes, forcing the break. They reset, locking up again, and this time Jungle Boy reverses a headlock with a quick hurricanrana, sending Cody stumbling.
They run the ropes. Jungle Boy nails Cody with a roll-up, getting a near fall, then another, both resulting in two counts. Cody pops up and counters with a power slam as Jungle Boy attempts a crossbody. Cody follows up with a cover—1…2… kickout!
Kevin Kelly: Cody Rhodes is showing his experience, keeping Perry on the defensive.
Sammy Guevara: [scoffs] Experience? More like desperation! He knows he’s running on borrowed time.
Cody transitions to working Jungle Boy’s legs, setting up for a Figure Four Leg Lock, but Jungle Boy squirms to the ropes, forcing another break. Cody attempts a Disaster Kick, but Jungle Boy counters with a tornado DDT for a near fall.
The match spills to the outside. Jungle Boy hits a suicide dive, driving Cody into the barricade. He goes for a second, but Cody catches him mid-air and tosses him into the front row, crashing into a couple of guys at ringside. The crowd pops as Cody takes control again.
Sammy Guevara: This is how lawsuits happen! Where is the Head of Security when you need him? Those fans should sue! It’s obvious that Cody can’t even beat Jungle Boy without bending the rules.
Back in the ring, Jungle Boy targets Cody’s forehead, which has a small laceration from the earlier exchange. He unloads with punches to the cut, trying to force a stoppage. Cody fights back with a hip toss, but Jungle Boy responds with a dropkick, then a sunset flip for a two count.
Sammy Guevara: Cody needs to do everyone, including himself, a favor and tap out. He’s spent. This is why I beat him—he’s not focused, not like me.
Jungle Boy climbs to the top rope, looking for a high-flying move, but Cody cuts him off with a well-placed dropkick, then follows up with a delayed superplex, both men crashing hard. Cody covers—
1…2… another kickout!
With a fired-up crowd behind him, Cody removes his weight belt and throws it into the crowd, signaling he means business.
Cody locks in the Figure Four, but Jungle Boy kicks him off. Cody heads to the top rope again, but Jungle Boy cuts him off, and they both tumble off the top, crashing hard to the outside!
As the two men struggle to their feet, Sammy Guevara slides off his chair and heads ringside. He tries to distract the referee, giving Luchasaurus the perfect opportunity to interfere. The crowd boos as Luchasaurus approaches, but Cody uses the ring apron to counter, hitting Luchasaurus with a Cody Cutter!
Arn Anderson: Cody with the presence of mind to avoid that double-team attempt!
The action returns to the ring, as Sammy Guevara looks enraged. Cody signals for another Cody Cutter, but Perry telegraphs it. Perry attempts a running knee, but narrowly avoids it, spinning around and catching him with the Cross Rhodes!
Cody covers!
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Match Time: 12:32
Sammy Guevara, standing at ringside, looks furious as Cody rises to his feet, staring him down. Cody points at Sammy and mouths, “This isn’t over,” as Guevara, visibly frustrated, retreats up the ramp, shaking his head in disbelief.
Kevin Kelly: Sammy Guevara, under the guise of being a guest commentator, just tried to screw Cody Rhodes out of this match. But the American Nightmare telegraphed it, besting an attempted three-on-one assault for another big win.
Arn Anderson: As Rhodes himself just said to Guevara, this one isn’t over, not by a long shot!
SEGMENT THREE
As we return from commercial break, we catch a glimpse of MJF in his locker room, lacing up his boots. His face is intense and focused. The door opens and Logan Paul walks in.
Logan Paul: Max! Where ya been, bro? I haven’t talked to you since Aftershock. We still cool?
MJF turns around, his expression softening as he sees Logan.
MJF: Cool? Bro, we’re best bros for life! I gotta admit though, I’ve had one-track mind lately.
Logan leans against the door, crossing his arms.
Logan Paul: Yeah, I get it. Ever since that clown stole your title, you’ve sorta been in your own little world.
MJF: Ever since that fluke of a human being—Sami Zayn—stole my AEW World Championship, it’s been eating me alive. I felt a little better after kicking Armageddon’s ass, but Zayn still needs to get what he has coming. I’m counting down the days until Elite Warfare, I’m going to outlast 59 other jabronis and get back what’s rightfully mine.
Logan Paul: [grinning] Well, I’ve always heard from the ladies that you’ve got incredible stamina.
MJF chuckles, brushing the comment off with a sly smirk.
MJF: What can I say? It’s a gift… and a curse. But tonight? It’s not about 59 other men—it’s about Will Ospreay. And I plan on sending him back to whatever British bingo hall he crawled out of.
Logan Paul steps forward, taking a seat on the bench next to MJF.
Logan Paul: Well, I’m here to accompany you to the ring tonight. You know, moral support. Maybe throw a few distractions Ospreay’s way. I mean, come on—two megastars together? That’s a recipe for success.
MJF raises an eyebrow, shaking his head.
MJF: I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got this one. I don’t need anyone’s help to handle that dork Ospreay.
Logan Paul: Of course, bro. But what if things get a little messy? Who knows when Sami will try to take you out of the equation.
MJF: [scoffs] Have you seen him lately? He’s off his fuckin’ rocker. I’m not worried about him, not when he’s distracted by the vampire guy and the dude who eats worms. I do appreciate your offer, but I’m gonna prove to everyone—especially Ospreay—that MJF doesn’t need backup to win. I’m doing this solo.
Logan shrugs, realizing he won’t change MJF’s mind. He reaches into his pocket and discreetly hands MJF something (not visible on camera). MJF looks down with a grin, clearly recognizing what it is.
Logan Paul: Just keep this with ya, just in case. You never know.
MJF smirks, tucking the unseen item away.
MJF: You’re always lookin’ out for me.
Logan Paul: Always. Just don’t let that dweeb Ospreay show you up out there. Put him in his place, ‘bruv.’
MJF laughs, nodding confidently.
The two share a quick, friendly bro-fist before Logan heads toward the door.
Back at ringside, Anderson and Kelly speculate about what Logan Paul handed to MJF. Kelly says he’s surprised that MJF wants to go into tonight’s main event alone, as he’s previously welcomed opportunities for help wherever he can get it. Anderson speculates about his relationship with his bodyguards Wardlow and Scott Steiner, who we’ve not seen in over a month. Kelly jokes that MJF probably got fed up with their ineptitude and cut them lose.
Match # 3 | Exhibition Match
Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax
Jax is out to the ring first, storming down the aisle, still enraged at losing her Knockouts Hardcore Championship. Liv Morgan is out next, bouncing to the ring with her trademark seductiveness.
Arn Anderson: Nia Jax is in a foul mood, and it’s no secret why. Losing that Hardcore Championship to Rhea Ripley has put her in a rage, and Liv Morgan might be on the wrong side of that tonight.
Kevin Kelly: I’m pretty sure that’s the reason Megan Mouse-Zayn booked this match. After all, she’s not happy about Liv kissing her husband, the AEW Champion Sami Zayn. Nia’s here under direct orders, and Liv’s got a target on her back.
The bell rings, and immediately Nia charges at Liv, powering her into the corner with sheer force. Liv grits her teeth and fights back with a flurry of martial arts kicks, trying to fend off the enraged Jax. She nails Nia with a back elbow, then another, and rolls out of the corner looking for a third—but Jax drops her with a devastating clothesline!
Arn Anderson: Morgan doesn’t look scared, and I’m not sure that’s a smart strategy when you’re in the ring with someone as fierce as Nia Jax.
Nia, smirking at the destruction she’s causing, drags Liv to the corner, positioning herself to climb the ropes. Liv, refusing to go down that easily, yanks Nia back, driving double knees into her stomach. She then rolls out of the ring, trying to catch her breath. However, Nia is relentless, grabbing Liv and bouncing her off the announce table with a sickening thud.
Kevin Kelly: Nia Jax is never really in a good mood, but she’s even nastier tonight and Liv Morgan is paying the price.
Jax rolls Morgan back into the ring, but Liv gets to her feet and manages to turn the tide. She starts slamming Nia’s head into the ring post repeatedly. Morgan climbs to the second rope, but before she can capitalize, Nia clips her legs, causing Liv to crash down awkwardly. Nia quickly follows up with a Samoan Drop!
Arn Anderson: Jax just flattened her with that Samoan Drop! That’s 275 pounds just deflating the air for Morgan’s lungs!
Kevin Kelly: And now Nia with the cover!
1…
2…
No! Liv Kicks out!
Nia Jax’s frustration is growing as she drags Liv up, but Morgan has other ideas. With a burst of energy, she sends Nia face-first into the second turnbuckle! Liv hops up to the ropes and stomps down hard on Jax, delivering a brutal double stomp to the back. She hooks the leg.
1…
2…
Nia kicks out with authority, but Liv keeps her momentum going. She attacks Jax’s back, hitting the ropes for momentum—only to run right into a massive spinebuster from Nia!
Nia screams that this is her ring as she stands over the fallen Morgan. She drags Liv to the corner looking to wrap things up, but Liv refuses to stay down. She yanks Nia’s arm, smashing it into the ring post over and over, weakening the giant. With a burst of adrenaline, Liv POWERBOMBS Nia off the top rope!
Kevin Kelly: Oh my God!
Morgan hooks the leg and covers Jax as the ref counts.
1…
2…
2.999!
Nia barely kicks out, and Liv is visibly frustrated. Just as Nia regains control, she looks ready to finish Liv off—but suddenly, the titantron flickers to life. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio appear, Ripley wearing the Knockouts Hardcore Championship around her waist, smugly taunting Nia.
Rhea Ripley: What’s wrong, Nia? Still bitter about this? [Ripley pats the championship] Don’t worry, I’ve been taking really good care of it. Dom and I have been having the time of our lives, taking this title all over the country. And I wear it proudly while we do… unspeakable things.
Nia, livid, starts to exit the ring, her eyes locked on the screen as Ripley continues to goad her.
Kevin Kelly: Nia’s losing focus! She’s taking the bait!
Liv sees her moment and sprints to the ropes, bouncing off with a Codebreaker out of nowhere! The crowd erupts as Nia stumbles back. Liv follows up immediately, hitting obLIVion!
She covers as Kenzie finally counts the three!
The bell rings, and Liv Morgan rolls out of the ring, victorious. She looks back at Nia, still fuming and confused, as Ripley and Dominik laugh on the tron. Liv smirks, having pulled off the upset while Nia was distracted.
Winner: Liv Morgan
Match Time: 11:01
Kevin Kelly: Liv Morgan with another big win, thanks to an assist from Rhea Ripley!
Arn Anderson: Nia’s going to be furious, and I doubt Megan is going to be very happy about this one either!
Liv celebrates up the ramp as Nia stews in the ring, as we cut to our final commercial break of the evening.
SEGMENT FOUR
We return from break, and the camera is inside the office of Megan Mouse-Zayn, who is packing back and forth, absolutely livid over what just transpired during Liv Morgan’s match with Nia Jax. AEW Head of Security Big Bossman stands nearby as Megan’s frustration boils over.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: I can’t believe it! Liv Morgan—after everything she pulled last week—just got away with it again! And now Rhea Ripley thinks she can just waltz in, distract Nia, and help Liv escape punishment? Not on my watch!
Bossman, visibly concerned, steps forward in an attempt to calm her down.
Big Bossman: Megan, I get it, you’re upset. But take a deep breath—
Megan Mouse-Zayn: No, Rob, I’m done breathing! Rhea Ripley’s going to pay for this. She’s not walking around with my company’s championship, thinking she can interfere whenever she pleases!”
Bossman’s face drops as she calls him by the wrong name, but he doesn’t challenge her, knowing better.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: Here’s what’s going to happen. Rhea Ripley wants to play games? Fine. She’s going to defend her Knockouts Championship in a gauntlet match this Friday on Chaos! Let’s see how she handles that when she has to run through an eager division!
Big Bossman: Great call, boss! What about Liv?
Megan Mouse-Zayn: Oh, don’t worry, that bitch is going to get what’s coming to her too. There’s no escaping it now. I’m going to make sure she pays for every little flirtatious grin she’s thrown at Sami.
Bossman hesitates before speaking, lowering his voice.
Big Bossman: Megan… speaking of Sami… why didn’t you let him in earlier? I know things are tense right now, but he clearly needs you.
Megan shoots him a sharp glare.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: That’s really none of your business! You think you can just ask me personal questions? I pay you to keep things secure around here. You’re supposed to be doing your job, but clearly, you’re too distracted to stop Rhea from causing a scene!
Boss Man opens his mouth to respond, but before he can say anything, Megan points toward the door.
Megan Mouse-Zayn: Get the hell out of my office, and do your fucking job, Rob!
Boss Man stares at her for a moment, realizing there’s no point in arguing. He nods stiffly and exits the room as Megan collapses into her chair, seething with rage. The camera lingers on her furious expression as she mutters under her breath as the scene fades.
Match #4 | Exhibition Match
‘The Aerial Assassin’ Will Ospreay vs. MJF
Kevin Kelly: And here we go, folks! We’ve been waiting for this one for two weeks! Ospreay has been on fire since arriving in AEW, and he’s taken down some of the biggest names in the business.
Arn Anderson: You’re not kidding, Kevin. Ospreay’s got every tool in the box, and he’s got that undefeated streak looming large. But let’s not forget about MJF. The guy’s been a wrecking machine since Zayn took his title. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, and that makes him dangerous.
Ospreay and MJF stare one another down as the bell sounds. They lock up, but Ospreay quickly uses his speed to send MJF reeling with a series of strikes. MJF bounces off the ropes, but Ospreay takes him down with a hard forearm. Frustrated, MJF rolls out of the ring to catch a breather. With MJF on the outside, Ospreay doesn’t hesitate, launching himself into a beautiful Sasuke Special (a cartwheel across the ring into a flipping senton), sending MJF crashing into the barricade! The crowd roars, but MJF responds quickly with a vicious running boot to Ospreay against the barricade, turning the tide.
Kevin Kelly: MJF’s not afraid to get dirty here—quick to turn things back in his favor!
Arn Anderson: He’s not just a loudmouth, Kevin. When it comes down to it, MJF’s got the skills to back it up, and tonight, with that intensity we’ve seen ever since Retribution, he’s out to remind everyone why he’s a former World Champion.
Back in the ring, MJF goes for a quick cover after the boot, but Ospreay kicks out at two. MJF tries to hit the Oscutter, but Ospreay counters, and they trade near falls with a flurry of rollups, the crowd on the edge of their seats. The pace quickens as MJF catches Ospreay with a vicious powerbomb onto his knee, following it up with the trademark Kangaroo Kick, drawing boos from the audience.
Arn Anderson: Ospreay’s been a fan favorite since arriving, and you can feel the crowd rallying behind him now.
Kevin Kelly: And MJF? He doesn’t care one bit. He’s a master manipulator—he’s gonna do whatever it takes to win.
MJF, taunting the crowd with a hip swivel, wastes just enough time for Ospreay to hit a snap enziguri, leveling MJF! The momentum shifts again as Ospreay follows up with a stunning skytwister press, but MJF kicks out at two. Frustrated, Ospreay dumps MJF to the outside. He goes for a dive, only for MJF to catch him in mid-air with a devastating Tombstone Piledriver on the floor!
Kevin Kelly: Good Lord! A Tombstone on the outside! MJF is pulling out all the stops tonight to counter Ospreay’s unconventional offense!
Arn Anderson: He just bounced Ospreay’s head off the concrete like a basketball! I’m telling you from experience, that’s the type of maneuver that shortens a man’s career!
Senior Official Michael McMahon rushes to the outside to check on Ospreay. This infuriates MJF, who tells McMahon to do his job and to count him out. Sensing the opportunity to put this one behind him, he rolls back inside as McMahon hesitantly starts the count, some 20-odd seconds after MJF landed the tombstone. As McMahon reaches 8, Ospreay’s up and dives back inside, still reeling.
With Ospreay down on the mat, hoping for some more time to recover, MJF goes to the top rope, bringing the crowd alive. Everyone’s stunned when MJF launches himself off the top for a moonsault! However, Ospreay rolls out of the way, and scoops MJF up for the Spanish Fly!
Both men are down, and McMahon begins the 10 count once more. They’re both back to their feet at 9, stumbling around the ring. Exhausted, MJF charges Ospreay, who catches him with a stun gun, draping him over the ropes.
Ospreay climbs to the top rope, and the crowd reacts with “awws” as he delivers a stunning Shooting Star Press to MJF’s back! As MJF bounces off the ropes and lands on the apron, Ospreay covers!
1…
2…
MJF kicks out!
Kevin Kelly: Ospreay is throwing everything he has at the former champion, but MJF just refuses to stay down!
Arn Anderson: MJF’s got something to prove, Kevin. Ever since he beatdown Armageddon, he’s been on another level, just obliterating everything in his path!
Ospreay looks to finish things off, setting up for the Stormbreaker, but MJF counters it into the Double Cross! He counters, but this time it’s Ospreay who kicks out at the last second! MJF, growing desperate, hits a piledriver for another close two-count. The frustration is etched on his face as he tries to hit a follow-up, but Ospreay catches him with the Oscutter out of nowhere!
Kevin Kelly: Oscutter! This one’s over!
1…
2…
MJF kicks out again! Ospreay can’t believe it and signals for the Hidden Blade, but MJF wisely rolls out onto the apron. Ospreay tries to hit an Oscutter on the apron, but MJF moves and Ospreay crashes hard onto the edge of the ring, the thud echoing around the arena.
Arn Anderson: Ospreay just landed hard on the apron!
Kevin Kelly: I hear that’s the hardest part of the ring!
MJF senses an opening and nails Ospreay with a brutal Canadian Destroyer on the apron! Ospreay crumples to the floor, barely able to stand. As Ospreay struggles to get to his feet, MJF taunts the crowd, but Ospreay makes it back inside the ring, catching MJF with another Spanish Fly out of nowhere! Ospreay connects with a Stormbreaker, but the cover is interrupted when MJF gets his foot on the rope!
The two make it back to their feet, and Ospreay tries to hook the Stormbreaker once more. This time, however, MJF throws his head back, using it to catch Ospreay with a low blow! The ref can’t determine if it was intentional or not, and MJF takes advantage of it nonetheless. He loads him up for a bucklebomb, but Ospreay slides out!
MJF reaches into his tights, as Ospreay charges for the Hidden Blade. MJF, ever the opportunist, slips on brass knuckles that Logan Paul gave him earlier. Referee Michael McMahon misses it as MJF coldly decks Ospreay with the knucks!
Arn Anderson: The referee missed it! Logan Paul gave MJF an out here tonight, and he just took it!
Kevin Kelly: That’s how MJF operates, he’ll take whatever shortcut he can to get a win!
Ospreay crumples to the mat, and MJF quickly follows up with a brutal package piledriver. He hooks the leg.
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner: MJF
Match Time: 25:36
Kevin Kelly: What a match! MJF steals the victory after what was an incredible showing by Will Ospreay, but those damn brass knuckles!
Arn Anderson: We may not always love his tactics, but MJF is walking out of here as the first man to defeat Will Ospreay!
MJF raises his hand in victory, smirking as the crowd offers up a mixed reaction. Ospreay is left lying in the ring, having suffered his first AEW loss, but not without controversy. Anderson and Kelly say we’re out of time, and we’ll be back Friday night for Chaos!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 