Live from the ExtraMile Arena | Boise, ID | Crowd Size: 14,022
SEGMENT ONE
We open on an exterior shot of the loading dock entrance of the ExtraMile Arena in Boise, as the sun begins to set. Headlights from the production trucks cast shadows over the concrete, and a drone camera takes us from outside of the building to inside the talent entry to the arena.
The camera catches Acting Director of Operations, Master Splinter, standing with his arms crossed. Beside him, towering over him, is BWM Inc. Head of Security, Big Boss Man. Boss Man chews on a toothpick as he leans against a metal barricade near the doors, his demeanor casual.
Master Splinter: Listen, if my brother arrives tonight, I need you to notify me immediately. No exception, understood?
Big Boss Man: Splidder?
Master Splinter: [nods] That is correct. Under no circumstances is he to enter this arena without me being made aware. This order comes from above, so there’s no room for mistakes on this one.
Big Boss Man: [with a mocking smirk] Oh… so you’re takin’ direct orders from Benny now? Man, how things have changed. What happened to the wise rat with the spine?
Spinter’s tone, to this point, had been composed and polite. Suddenly, it sharpens as he turns to Boss Man, his eyes narrowing.
Master Splinter: You still have a job here because I went to bat for you. I vouched for you when everyone would’ve been fine seeing you released. Do not make me regret it. You shouldn’t concern yourself with where my orders come from, only that you follow the orders I give without hesitation.
Boss Man looks to the floor, immediately put in his place as there’s a tense moment between the two.
Suddenly, a deafening sound breaks the tension, as a crash catches their attention. Metal clatters, and something shatters around the corner. Both Splinter and Boss Man immediately turn, ready to investigate.
Master Splinter: What the hell was that?
They rush around the corner, and the camera follows behind them, catching an overhead view of the chaos that’s unfolding.
The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, are in the middle of a brutal backstage brawl with Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson!
Production cables whip through the air, and a monitor topples. Nick Jackson tries to vault off a production crate, but Danielson catches him mid-air with a spear, as they both go flying through a production table!
Meanwhile, Matt Jackson and Kenny Omega are trading stiff punches, grunting with each strike. Welts are instantly visible on the cheeks of both men, as Matt Slams Kenny into a rolling cart. Kenny rebounds with a snap dragon suplex onto the concrete.
Big Boss Man: [speaking into his radio] We’ve got a Code Red backstage. I need all available security to the talent entry immediately!
Within seconds of Boss Man’s call for help, referees and security scramble into the frame. Boss Man starts physically pulling bodies apart, as it takes more than five men to restrain Danielson alone.
Splinter walks into the fray, fuming, his eyes darting between the chaos, the wreckage, and the shouting.
Master Splinter: Enough!
Security finally separates them into two corners, as all four men continue to try and push their way back to the fight.
Master Splinter: This cannot keep happening! You want to tear each other apart week after week? Fine! You’ll get your shot, August 24, Aftershock 2! And if you don’t want to end up sitting out a month like Adam Page, I suggest you find a way to contain yourselves!
He glares at the four men, all of which are heaving from the fight, bruises evident. As security begins to escort them from the arena, the scene fades and the opening video package rolls.
As the pyro explodes, the fans rise to their feet and Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson welcome us back to Dynamite.
Kevin Kelly: We are live from the sold out ExtraMile Arena in beautiful Boise, Idaho. I’m Kevin Kelly, joined by the living legend himself, Arn Anderson! And Arn, tonight we’re in for one hell of a main event showdown!
Arn Anderson: It’s one of those rare dream matchups we never even knew we wanted until it was promised to us! The Aerial Assassin Will Ospreay, and the Apex Predator of professional wrestling Randy Orton are squaring off for the first time ever!
Kevin Kelly: Last week, Ospreay sat down for a wide ranging interview with our colleague Chris Hyatte, and it’s clear to us all in the aftermath that the kid from Essex is looking to take his career to the next level. Unfortunately for Ospreay, one of the most dangerous legends in our sport stands between him and a shot at AEW World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley!
Arn and Kevin are interrupted before they get a chance to rundown the rest of the card, as Celtic Invasion hits and the crowd rises to their feet in excitement for The Man, Becky Lynch!
Becky marches to the ring with purpose. She doesn’t pose or slap hands as she comes down the aisle. She slides under the bottom rope, pacing like a caged animal as Jane Mouse hands her a microphone. The hard cam catches the intensity on the face of The Man as she lifts the mic to her lips.
Becky Lynch: Cut the music. Toni, you invited me here. Well, what are we waiting for?
The lights dim suddenly and a hush falls over the arena for just a moment, before the Boise crowd lets out a surprisingly loud pop for the Knockouts Champion, Timeless Toni Storm!
Toni momentarily smirks at the reaction, before replacing the smirk with a stone faced expression as she makes her way to the ring. The Knockouts Championship glimmers around her waist.
Toni grabs a microphone from the timekeeper’s area as she glances to the crowd as if she’s walked onto the set of a film noir. She steps through the ropes with theatrical poise, before coming face to face with Becky Lynch. Anderson notes tonight marks the first time these two titans have ever stood in the same ring.
Timeless Toni Storm: Hello, Becky. Fifty days ago, you were drafted to BWM Inc, and since then you’ve made it perfectly clear… you want something that belongs to me.
The crowd initially boos the idea of Becky taking Toni’s belt, before the reaction evens off.
Timeless Toni Storm: You want my spotlight. You want my championship. But for all you grand desires, you’ve never once given me the courtesy of a face to face. You’ve never introduced yourself, or tried to speak to me. I know you’ve been watching me. My rise to the top. My renaissance. My ascension. So tell me, Becky… what took you so long?
Becky takes a beat, letting the moment breath before stepping in closer.
Becky Lynch: Did you ever stop to think that maybe this isn’t about your legacy, Toni? It’s about mine! I didn’t come to AEW to whisper sweet nothings to mentally ill starlets backstage. Not when I remember you parading around as a punk rocker during our PWI days.
The crowd ooooohs at Becky’s dig, as Toni’s expression remains unchanged.
Becky Lynch: Do you not know who I am? I am The Man.
Timeless Toni Storm: You and I have so much in common. We both started so young. We both had to fight and claw for everything we have. But there’s one way in which we differ, Becky. When I left PWI and came to AEW, I evolved. You’ve never met anyone quite like me.
Becky Lynch: You’re right about that, you’re not the Toni I remember. But, I’m not the Becky you remember, either! I’ve walked through hell and I’ve made the devil my bitch! I’ve beaten the best the world has to offer, and at Aftershock 2, I’m taking the Knockouts Championship to cement my legacy as the greatest of all time!
Timeless Toni Storm: That’s where we differ, Becky. You want this championship to prove something to the world. You want this belt so they remember your name? But in this championship, I’ve found myself, Becky. Legacies are illusions. We all turn to dust! We are ALL going to die, Becky! All that matters is the moment!
Becky Lynch: Well then let’s make the moment count. Because at Aftershock 2, we are going to have the biggest women’s match of all time. And when that bell rings, I’m going to shatter your mystique. I’m going to kick your ass and take your title in front of the entire world!
The crowd erupts. Storm barely reacts, eyes glittering madness and serenity.
Timeless Toni Storm: You fear an ordinary life, Becky. That’s what drives you. But me? I only fear… an ordinary death. And in 20 days, you will etch your place in history as the woman who couldn’t win the big one. Becky, I truly believe you’re one of the greatest of all time, but unfortunately for you… I am TIMELESS!
Toni drops the mic and the two come nose to nose. The crowd is thunderous. Toni turns to leave, but Becky lunges at her for the DisArmHer! She grabs Toni’s arm, going for the submission, but Toni scrambles out of it just in the nick of time. She rolls under the bottom rope and onto the floor. Becky glares from the ring, intense and unblinking.
Toni backs up the ramp, brushing her hair out of face. She unbuckles her belt, raising the Knockouts Championship high as a smirk crawls across her lips.
Match #1 | AEW Knockouts Hardcore Championship
Molly Holly (C) vs. Bianca Belair
As the introductions are made, Anderson and Kelly discuss the explosive start to Dynamite, from the backstage brawl to the heated face to face confrontation we just witnessed between Toni Storm and Becky Lynch. Anderson says the show continues with Knockouts action, as Molly Holly defends her championship against the EST, Bianca Belair.
Kevin Kelly: It was Dynamite 50: Clash of Champions when Molly Holly kicked off one of the most unprecedented career comebacks in women’s wrestling history. The veteran, Molly Holly, is now up against the biggest challenge to her reign as champion in Bianca Belair.
Arn Anderson: Molly’s got something to prove tonight, Kevin. Last year she was wandering around with the Harlem Turtles, barely a footnote in the Knockouts Division after being one of the pioneers of the women’s wrestling revolution in the fourth era. She’s more focused than I’ve seen her in quite some time, and that’s when she’s most dangerous.
Kevin Kelly: Absolutely, but we cannot forget what’s one the line for Bianca Belair, the former Knockouts Champion. If Belair can topple Molly tonight, she’ll become the first Knockout to ever hold both of the division’s championships.
As the bell sounds, Bianca extends her hand in a show of respect to the veteran, but Molly slaps it away! She tackles her with a Lou Thesz press, unloading with thunderous rights and lefts to the face of Belair! Belair manages to get her legs up, kicking Molly off of her with a authority as she goes to reset.
As Bianca gets back to her feet, Molly charges her with a clothesline that sends Belair over the ropes and to the outside. They brawl on the floor until Belair whips Molly into the barricade. Belair charges her with a shoulder block, but Molly counters it into a flapjack, dropping Belair chest first over the barricade!
Kevin Kelly: A viscious counter from the champion! Molly’s scrapping like her whole career is on the line here in the early goings!
Arn Anderson: It wasn’t long ago that people were calling her washed up. Now, she’s in the best shape of her career, and she’s fighting like she’s twenty-five again!
Molly reaches under the ring and pulls out a trash can. She bashes it across Belair’s back, before rolling her back inside and bringing the can with her. She wedges it in the corner, and goes for the Irish Whip!
Belair counters it, sending Molly head first into the can, denting the aluminum with a sickening rattle. With Molly still in the corner, Belair waits for her to rise before launching and connecting with a handspring elbow, which sends Molly’s head back into the can.
Belair covers.
1…
2…
Molly kicks out!
Belair grabs her braid and begins to whip it across Molly’s back, the welts forming immediately on her skin. Molly fights back with a kick to the gut, before heading to the top rope.
Belair stays on her, however, and cracks her braid across her legs just as she attempts to stand on the ropes. The whack causes her to fall and crotch herself on the turnbuckle, as Belair climbs and meets her with a suplerplex!
Kevin Kelly: We talked about how determined Molly Holly’s been the last few weeks, but what about the determination of the challenger Bianca Belair?
Arn Anderson: Normally I’d oppose using that braid as a weapon, but in this division, it’s perfectly legal!
As Molly remains motionless in the center of the ring, Belair rolls to the outside. She pulls a folding table out from under the ring as the crowd rises to their feet. Kelly notes we’ve already seen one table break tonight and we’ve not even hit our first commercial break yet. Anderson says it’s been absolutely chaotic summer in AEW, the likes of which we’ve not seen before.
As Belair sets up the table, Molly gets to the apron. She measures her before running, leaping, and executing the Molly Go Round off the apron! But Belair, with her impressive strength, catches Molly mid air and drops her spine first onto the floor!
Kevin Kelly: My God, what a counter!
Arn Anderson: This one’s turning into a car wreck, Kevin!
As Molly writhes on the outside mat, Bianca reaches under the ring, retrieving a second table! The crowd is bloodthirsty as she sets it up on top of the first table, the two stacked in total nearly eight foot high.
Bianca rolls her back into the ring and goes for an overhead press, teasing that she’s going to drop Molly to the outside and through the tables. Molly escapes, however, and follows it up with a face crusher. She lifts Belair back up and looks for the DDT, but Belair counters it into a suplex.
Belair grabs Molly by the hair and tosses her into the corner. The crowd pops as Belair backflips, and then charges at her, connecting with the shoulder thrust in the corner! She follows it up with a dropkick, followed by another one! She grabs ahold of Molly’s hair and drops her to the mat with the spinning face buster! She covers!
1…
2…
Molly kicks out!
Frustration begins to show on Belair’s face, as she waits for Molly to rise. When she does, she charges at her for a spear, but no one’s home as Molly leapfrogs over Belair! Belair turns, only to eat a spinning heel kick!
Molly drags Belair to the corner, hoisting Belair to the top rope with her. Belair fights back with headbutts, as Molly falls from the top rope. Belair launches at Holly with a moonsault into a pinning combination!
Molly again kicks out at two, as commentary wonders what it’ll take to put the champion away! They both rise to their feet and trade blows, before Molly sends Belair over the top rope. She grabs ahold of Belair’s braid, and Belair dangles above the apron!
Scratching and clawing, Belair connects with a back elbow, causing Holly to release the braid. Holly steps through the ropes to join her on the apron, but immediately eats a big boot.
Belair scoops her up… KOD from the apron, through the two tables! The crowd exclaims “Holy Shit!” as both women lie in the wreckage momentarily, before Belair drapes her arm over Holly…
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner and NEW Knockouts Hardcore Champion: Bianca Belair
Match Time: 12:57
Kevin Kelly: What a match! And what a nasty landing for the cha— for the former Knockouts Hardcore Champion!
Arn Anderson: History has been made in Boise tonight as Bianca Belair becomes the first Grand Slam Winner in the Knockouts Division!
Bianca rises to her feet, blood on her elbow from her landing through the table. Outside, EMTs and trainers rush to the aid of Molly Holly.
Suddenly, the lights dim, as the tron and LED lights near ringside turn red, and the words “THE PROBLEM” flash on the big screen above the ramp. The crowd is stunned as Zoey Stark runs out, laying out the Knockouts Champion with ease!
She scoops Belair up as it appears she’s looking for a back suplex. Instead, she flips Belair backwards, connecting with a knee strike! Anderson says she calls that the Z-360. Belair’s nose is bleeding as Stark stands above her, holding the Knockouts Hardcore Championship. She drops it over Belair’s lifeless body as Anderson says Stark would be within her rights to call for a ref and cover, but apparently she’s not out here to take the belt, only to let Belair know she could if she wanted! The segment ends with Kevin Kelly noting that The Problem has just arrived in the Knockouts Division, and she just put everyone on notice!
SEGMENT TWO
As we return from break, we find ourselves inside High Minded’s locker room. Scott Hall is posted on a leather couch, sipping from a solo cup. Kevin Nash leans against a wall, cracking jokes with Randy Savage, who is dressed in full fringe and sunglasses despite being in doors. Hulk Hogan sits on a folding chair, looking confused by technology as he tries to unlock his phone.
On a loveseat, nestled up close, Lady Love and Midget Hogan are watching a livestream on her phone. Love is beaming ear to ear as she watches, and Midget Hogan does his best to look supportive.
Young Crock: [on the stream] What’s up my Crock-stars? It’s ya boy, Young Crock, out here livin’ and THRIVIN’ deep in the bowels of the ExtraMile Arena! And today’s stream we’re gonna talk about the reason for the season, because as you all know, it’s Trans History Month! And that means it’s time to give it up for the OG, the blueprint, the GOAT… my own mama, Lady Love!
Lady Love: [proud] Isn’t he so clever, Midgey! My boy, he’s a genius! THIS IS CONTENT, BABY! And my boy’s a star!
Midget Hogan forces a polite chuckle as he taps Lady Love’s knee in affirmation.
Midget Hogan: [grinning stiffly] Yeah, he’s definitely got… charisma. I’m sure the kids just eat it up.
Young Crock: [on the stream] She’s the reason we’ve got a whole slew of trans stars in pro wrestling, like Guyla Rose, Lilo, and Nyla Rose. Without her, Nyla wouldn’t be getting harassed by a 3-foot-tall masked man old enough to be her father. So y’all better put some respect on my mama’s name!
Young Crock: [on the stream] But here’s a question for you… if a trans lesbian married a bisexual, would we call them a BLT?
Lady Love nearly chokes on her drink from laughter.
Lady Love: Oh my God, he’s SO FUNNY!
Young Crock: [on the stream] Nah, I’m just playin’, but for real… how many trans people does it take to change a light bulb? One… but first, they gotta live in the dark for two years to be really sure they wanna change it. Then they gotta get two licensed electricians to sign off!
Everyone in the High Minded locker room laughs except Midget Hogan, with Nash and Savage doubled over, clapping like seals. Hulk looks to Midget Hogan, who forces an awkward smile.
Hulk Hogan: What’s wrong, brother? Even I got that one, and I don’t understand wifi!
Suddenly, the phone camera on the stream shakes violently. It tumbles from Young Crock’s hands and hits the floor, now only showing the arena ceiling. His voice turns from playful to alarmed.
Young Crock: [on the stream, but offscreen] What the hell—HEY! Yo, chill, bro! What are you—?
Grunting can be heard coming from the stream, followed by the sound of flesh hitting concrete, and then silence. The phone’s camera remains still, focused on the flickering lights overhead.
Lady Love stands up, as panic immediately washes over her face.
Lady Love: That wasn’t part of his bit. He’d never drop his phone on purpose! We’ve gotta go!
Midget Hogan jumps to his feet, looking concerned. The High Minded locker room empties in a chaotic rush, as Lady Love leads the charge. Midget Hogan tries to keep up, sprinting with surprising speed, but his little legs keep him a few steps behind Lady Love. The Outsiders follow them as well, as Hogan and Savage hang back, mumbling about “young people energy.”
They turn the corner to find Young Crock sprawled out on the concrete, bloodied, unconscious, his phone cracked and buzzing nearby. Lady Love drops to her knees beside him, devastated.
Lady Love: Somebody get a medic! BABY! Wake up! Look at me!
As the camera shakes from the chaos, Matt Riddle strolls around the corner, arms up like he just wandered into the middle of a movie shoot.
Midget Hogan: [pointing accusatorially] WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?
Matt Riddle: [blinking, stunned] Dude…. whoa… chill. I just got here. I didn’t see anything, I swear.
Midget Hogan: Bullshit! You’re mad I called you out last week! This you, Riddle? This what you do now?!
Midget Hogan lunges, but Hall and Nash quickly grab him and hold him back.
Scott Hall: Take a breath, little man. You ain’t got proof.
Matt Riddle: [hands up, backing off] I don’t need this shit. I had nothing to do with this.
Kevin Nash: [to Riddle] Do yourself a favor, bro, and get some air.
Riddle backs off slowly, face unreadable, as the group turns their attention back to Young Crock. Lady Love strokes his hair gently, voice cracking.
Lady Love: Somebody call the damn doctor!
The camera zooms in on Young Crock’s bloodied face, before fading out just as medical help arrives.
A wind rustles the yellowing leaves at the edge of a cemetery, as the late afternoon sun hangs low. The camera pushes in until we see The Forgotten Brandon Lee standing still between two modest gravestones. One reads “Elain Lee” and the other reads “Thomas Olsen.”
Brandon wears a long, black coat that turns up occasionally in the wind. His eyes are sunken, heavy with emotion, and his fingers tremble slightly as he crouches to place his hand on the earth.
Brandon Lee: Hey Mom. Tom.
He doesn’t look to the stones as he speaks, on to the ground. It’s as if he’s trying to speak directly to what’s buried beneath the dirt.
Brandon Lee: You always said you wanted us to push each other… that the best men are made when they’ve got someone nipping at their heels. I used to believe that. I really did.
He pauses, taking a deep breath.
Brandon Lee: But you didn’t raise competitors… you raised rivals. Me and Sean… we didn’t grow from the challenge. We turned bitter. We took the worst parts of each other and fed them like fire.
His jaw tightens.
Brandon Lee: And now, I’m afraid it’s gone too far. There’s no coming back from what he did to me at Dynamite 50. I had the AEW World Heavyweight Championship in my grasp. Finally. After twenty goddamn years, I was finally the biggest star in the business… and Sean…
His voice breaks. He turns his head away for a moment, staring at a distant tree. When he turns back, his voice is no longer soft, his tone sharpening and his volume raising from the whisper it once was.
Brandon Lee: He took it all from me… my own blood… my own brother.
He turns to the grave of Thomas Olsen, crouching lower.
Brandon Lee: Tom… I love you. I really did. You stepped up when my real dad didn’t. You gave our family stability, and you gave me love. But unfortunately, you also gave me Sean…
He spits out Sean’s name like it tastes sour in his mouth.
Brandon Lee: And that’s the worst part about all this, Tom. I can’t even think about you now without thinking about him… what he’s done to me. What he took from me… and what I’m going to have to do to him.
He stands slowly, and for a long moment he stares to the graves beneath him.
Brandon Lee: I never thought I’d say this… but for the first time ever, I’m glad you’re both gone.
He shakes his head in disbelief at his own words.
Brandon Lee: Because you two don’t deserve to see what I’m going to do to him at Aftershock 2.
A gust of wind blows flowers from the headstone. Brandon doesn’t move to fix them. He turns his back to the graves and walks away, the camera lingering on the empty space he leaves behind.
Match #2 | #1 Contender for the AEW Television Championship
Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet
Ricochet is out first, as Anderson notes that tonight marks his first Dynamite appearance since episode seven, where he suffered a loss to Kevin Nash. Kelly says he spoke to Ricochet earlier tonight, who says he’s putting his past in AEW and WWE behind him, looking to climb back up the ladder. Anderson says Ricochet is talented and capable, he’s just had a string of bad luck since his career began. He’s looking to offset that tonight.
As Swerve is introduced, commentary talks about how the former AEW Television Champion inadvertently helped LA Knight win the gold when he extracted his revenge on Shelton Benjamin. Anderson says Swerve’s been trying to find his way back to the championship since he lost it to Gunther almost a year ago to the date. Kelly says the winner will meet LA Knight in the main event of Dynamite in two weeks, the go-home show before Aftershock 2.
The bell rings and Ricochet goes for a quick roundhouse, but Swerve ducks it. Swerve teases the House Call, but Ricochet cartwheels out of the way. They both stop, staring each other down. There’s a slight grin from Ricochet, and a cold glare from Strickland.
Kevin Kelly: I’m not sure if you can really call this a feeling out process, as both men know each well from their time on the independents.
They lock up and Swerve muscles Ricochet into the corner, but Ricochet flips out behind him. Swerve rebounds with a shoulder block that floor Ricochet, as Ricochet rolls to the outside, placing his hands on his hips as he nods at Strickland.
Arn Anderson: Ricochet needs to catch his breath already, after that shoulder hit like a train. Everything Swerve does in that ring is designed to hurt his opponent.
Swerve follows him to the outside. Ricochet springs off the steps looking for a moonsault, but Swerve sidesteps it and sends Ricochet crashing into the barricade. He tosses him back into the ring and scoops him onto his shoulders torture-rack style, before sitting out for a Shock Treatment.
Kevin Kelly: That Shock Treatment just knocked the wind out of Ricochet.
Arn Anderson: If you keep Ricochet struggling for his breath, you pretty much eliminate his entire offense.
Swerve climbs to the second rope and waits for Ricochet to rise to his feet. He launches, connecting with a diving back elbow. He follows it up with a stiff European uppercut to the back of his head.
Ricochet surprises Swerve with a sudden shove into the middle turnbucke. He follows it up with a snap back suplex. Swerve stumbles, and Ricochet catches him with a boot to the face! Swerve crashes to the mat as Ricochet leans over him, slapping him in the face!
Kevin Kelly: Ricochet is showing some attitude tonight!
The slap enrages Swerve, who quickly gets to his feet and sends Ricochet to the outside with a lariat. He launches off the apron with a double axe handle. Ricochet stumbles, but then shocks everyone as he jumps on the barricade and hits Swerve with the House Call!
Arn Anderson: Attitude? More like disrespect! Ricochet just kicked Swerve with his own move!
Ricochet rolls Swerve inside and then springboards in with a clothesline. He runs to the second rope, connecting with the lionsault. He covers!
1…
2…
Swerve kicks out.
As Swerve rises to his feet, Ricochet shoves him chest first into the turnbuckle. He hits a running corner dropkick, before taking a beat to taunt some fans at ringside who mock him for being bald.
Arn Anderson: Hey, what’s wrong with being bald?!
Swerve explodes with an elbow, followed by a hard chop to the chest. Ricochet leaps off the ropes, looking for a cutter. Swerve counters it into a backbreaker, following it up with a precision dropkick to the jaw.
Swerve hits a pair of clotheslines, followed by a suplex for a two count. Ricochet fires back with a discus lariat, before stumbling to the top rope. Swerve cuts him off, and they brawl atop the turnbuckle. Ricochet slips, landing on the apron. He recovers with a step-up kick and a beautiful springboard hurricanrana for two!
Arn Anderson: Ricochet made that look easy. I promise you, there’s nothing easy about that!
As Swerve rises to his feet, Ricochet charges with a leaping leg lariat. Swerve catches him, dropping him int a cover with a powerbomb!
1…
2…
Ricochet kicks out!
Swerve whips him into the ropes, catching him with a spinning powerslam. Ricochet rolls under the rope and onto the apron. Swerve follows him, and Ricochet throws a back elbow. He hits a nasty poisoned rana on the apron as both men collapse to the floor!
Arn Anderson: If they keep this up, neither man is going to make it to the title match!
Ricochet is up first, as he hoists Swerve onto the Spanish announce table. Kelly jokes it’s been a rough night for tables, as Ricochet goes for a powerbomb. Swerve hooks his legs, halting Ricochet’s momentum. Ricochet release it and goes for a spinning kick, but Swerve catches him with a vertebreaker onto the table! Ricochet lands on the back of his head with a sickening thud!
Kevin Kelly: The table didn’t break, it just absorbed the violence!
Arn Anderson: Lance Storm needs to get control of this thing!
Storm threatens a count out as both men slowly get back to the ring. Swerve goes to the top rope and launches, connecting with the Swerve Stomp!
1…
2…
2.999!
Commentary is shocked that Ricochet kicked out, calling it a testament to his newfound focus on turning his career around. Swerve stalks him, waiting for him to rise. As he does, he gets into position for the House Call, but before he can go for it, Ricochet collapses to the mat!
Swerve walks over to him and picks him up, and Ricochet counters with a low blow that’s just barely out of Storm’s sight! Ricochet improvises, hitting a rolling northern lights into a brainbuster!
Kevin Kelly: My God what a counter! He dropped Swerve right on his head!
Ricochet climbs to the top rope… 630 senton connects!
1…
2…
2.999!
Arn Anderson: I don’t believe it! How did Strickland kick out?
Ricochet’s face twists in disbelief. He pulls Swerve up, but Swerve counters it into a roll up!
1…
2…
Ricochet kicks out! Both men get back to their feet as Ricochet hoists Swerve up, hitting a Death Valley Driver from out of nowhere!
The crowd boos as Ricochet mocks them, calling for his new finisher, the Spirit Gun (a baseball slide/running elbow combo) – he charges, but Swerve connects with the House Call! Ricochet stumbles on spaghetti legs, and Swerve hits another, sending him to the mat!
He gets behind him and lifts him for the Big Pressure (sort of an inverted Michinoku Driver) and drops Ricochet on his head. He covers…
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner: Swerve Strickland
Match Time: 17:10
Arn Anderson: Swerve Strickland is hungry, and he’s on a collision course with the AEW Television Champion LA Knight!
Kevin Kelly: What a match that’s going to be in two weeks. And credit where credit is due, I’m not sure anyone expected Ricochet to put up the fight we just witnessed. Folks, this is our final commercial break. When we come back, it’s main event time!
SEGMENT THREE
Match #3 | #1 Contender for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship
‘The Aerial Assassin’ Will Ospreay vs. Randy Orton
Before the introductions are made, the camera pans to a luxury suite in the arena, where the AEW World Heavyweight Champion, the Almighty Bobby Lashley, is with MVP and Shelton Benjamin. All three members of the Hurt Syndicate are dressed in sharp suits, looking like a million dollars. Anderson says it was two weeks ago on Dynamite when Will Ospreay and Randy Orton both interrupted Lashley’s championship celebration. Kelly says that tonight we’ll determine who will meet Lashley in the main event of his first title defense on August 24 at Aftershock 2!
Ospreay is out to a hero’s reaction, as Kelly says that his sit down with Chris Hyatte last week has galvanized a section of Ospreay fans who truly believe he’s the best wrestler in the world, and are waiting for his opportunity to prove it. Anderson says Ospreay arrived on the scene a year ago, and since then, all nine of his matches have been show stealers. After being screwed out of the title shot at Starrcade, tonight could be his final shot for the foreseeable future to avenge that loss.
Orton, however, is out to an even bigger reaction, as Kelly notes that Randy Orton’s name is synonymous with BWM Inc. The first EWA World Champion of both incarnations, we never thought we’d see Orton back in the company prior to the unexpected blockbuster trade during WOW Week. Kelly says this is Orton’s first singles bout since arriving back, and it gives him an opportunity to throw his name back into the world title mix.
With both men in the ring, the bell sounds and there’s no hesitation. Ospreay and Orton charge at one another, throwing wild punches.
Kevin Kelly: No warm-up needed tonight, these two men are the only thing standing in each other’s way of a world title shot.
Arn Anderson: Ospreay told Chris Hyatte that he respects Randy Orton, calling him a legend. But he also said legends fade, and new ones are made. Tonight, he’s looking to prove just that, and you’ve got to believe both men are motivated for their chance at the biggest prize in the industry!
Ospreay stuns Orton with a step up enziguri that sends Orton to the outside. Ospreay doesn’t waste any time, following him to the outside. He tries to suplex Orton onto the steel steps, but Orton blocks it and rams his back into the ring apron. He follows it up with a hellacious belly to back suplex onto the floor.
Orton rolls Ospreay inside, and stalks him like prey. He delivers a series of stomps to every limb in an effort to slow Ospreay down. He drapes him on the second rope as he spikes him head-first into the mat with the hanging DDT.
Kevin Kelly: Dare I say it, Arn? That’s vintage Randy Orton!
He goes for a cover, but Ospreay kicks out after one. Orton locks on a side head lock, grinding Ospreay to the mat. He grins as he wrenches it in, and Ospreay writhes in pain.
Ospreay, still in the headlock, wrestles back to his feet. He twists free and sends Orton into the corner, where he meets him with a running boot to the jaw! Orton stumbles, as Ospreay sends him to the outside.
Without missing a beat, Ospreay runs off the ropes and leaps over the top, connecting with a corkscrew plancha!
Kevin Kelly: If you’re Randy Orton, how the hell do you prepare for this type of offense?
Arn Anderson: That’s something Ospreay touched on with Hyatte, telling him he’s studied Orton, but Orton studying him would be a waste of time because he’s literally inventing new attacks in real time!
Ospreay rolls him into the ring and sets up on the apron. As Orton gets to his feet, he launches off the ropes with a springboard phenomenal forearm!
Kevin Kelly: Paying homage to the former AEW World Heavyweight Champion!
Arn Anderson: Hey, now! I agree with Danielson, there’s no reason to talk about that turncoat!
Kevin Kelly: Oh, will you stop it!
Ospreay picks Orton up and drops him hard with a torture rack powerbomb, hooking the leg for a cover.
1…
2…
Ospreay maintains his composure, and lines up for the OsCutter. Orton catches him mid-air with a vicious neckbreaker! Both men are down, and the crowd seems split down the middle.
Ospreay stumbles up first, but Orton catches him with a suplex attempt. Ospreay twists mid-air, countering into a stundog millionaire! The impact sends Orton flying back, and he topples to the outside through the second and tope rope.
Ospreay follows him to the outside, where he spikes his head with a brutal tombstone piledriver onto the mats! Orton doesn’t move.
Kevin Kelly: Good God, I think that might’ve broken Orton’s next!
Nearly a minute later, Orton is miraculously crawling up the steps. Ospreay climbs to the top rope, and waits for Orton to get to the center of the ring. He connects with the Spiral Tap (a twisting shooting-star press like maneuver) before hooking the leg for another cover!
1…
2…
Orton kicks out!
Arn Anderson: Orton won’t stay down!
The camera cuts back to the luxury suite, where the Hurt Syndicate is still watching on. Back in the ring, both men attempt powerbombs, and both manage to counter them. Orton sends Ospreay into the ropes, and Ospreay responds with a running Spanish Fly!
Orton’s legs are jelly as Ospreay again goes for the OsCutter, but Orton counters it again with his explosive, patented powerslam!
Arn Anderson: That was pure instinct from Orton!
Orton measures him, looking for the RKO. Ospreay wiggles out of it, catches him with a kick to the gut, followed by the Styles Clash!
1…
2…
2.999!
Orton kicks out again, and the crowd is unglued!
Ospreay measures him, lining up for the Hidden Blade elbow. Orton ducks it, responding with a snap powerslam. He again signals for the RKO. Ospreay pushes him off, before lifting him for the Stormbreaker!
Orton slides off his back, and the two slug it out to the apron. Ospreay sets up for the Stormbreaker again, and once more, Ospreay slides out of it. He charges him with the RKO! They both go flying off the apron, landing hard on the steel steps!
Kevin Kelly: That’s one of the sickest landings I’ve ever seen!
Senior Official Michael McMahon spends a good twenty seconds checking on both men, before reluctantly returning to the ring and initiating a 10-count. Orton’s up first, back in the ring at 7. A hush falls over the crowd as McMahon reaches 9, but at the last second, Ospreay somehow drags himself back in the ring!
Glassy eyed, Ospreay heaves on the mat as he narrowly avoids the countout. Orton is unforgiving, however, as he hits a sickening piledriver in the center of the ring!
1…
2…
2.9999!
Ospreay kicks out!
Kevin Kelly: HOW IS OSPREAY STILL IN THIS?
Orton lifts him up, looking for a shoulder breaker. Ospreay slides out, looking for the Tiger Driver 91. Orton manages to get back to his feet, Ospreay’s arms still hooked under Randy’s as Orton drives them both into the corner.
The impact shakes Ospreay off him, but Ospreay hits the OsCutter!
1…
2…
2.999!
This time it’s Orton who survives!
Orton rises in the corner, as Ospreay rushes for a Helluva Kick. Orton sidesteps it, and Ospreay crotches himself onto the ropes. Orton lifts him up… snap brainbuster onto the bottom turnbuckle!
The crowds’ gasps turn to Holy Shit chants followed by a hush.
Orton pulls Ospreay up by the hair, the Aerial Assassin showing he’s clearly dead weight at this point. Orton takes a step back and launches in with the RKO!
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner: Randy Orton
Match Time: 26:58
Kevin Kelly: Randy Orton has survived Will Ospreay, and now he’s headed to Aftershock 2 for a date with destiny: Bobby Lashley, the World Heavyweight Title, and one more shot at the top!
Arn Anderson: Ospreay made him earn it the hard way. Will gave him hell tonight, but Randy Orton’s just built different…
Kevin Kelly: Folks, we’re all out of time! We’ll see you next week!
The AEW copyright logo flashes at the bottom of the screen as we get a cool camera shot of Bobby Lashley looking down to Orton, the two never taking their eyes off one another as the scene fades.
Backstage near the loading dock entrance, we see production crew members bringing in cases to pack away everything it takes to run a live wrestling show.
By the door, Big Boss Man leans against the wall, keeping a watchful eye on thing. Acting Director of Operations Master Splinter approaches carrying his briefcase, as he heads out for the evening.
Master Splinter: You did good tonight. Kept things under control… or as close to it as we get around here. I appreciate it.
Boss Man gives a curt nod.
Big Boss Man: No problem. You out of here for the night?
Master Splinter: Yeah, I’m going home. Back to New York City for a few days before next week’s show.
He offers Boss Man a tired smile, before patting him on the shoulder. The camera follows Splinter as he exits the arena, pushing the double doors into the cool night air.
Parked outside is a sleek, low slung black sportscar, sleek angles, matte finish, red underglow. A far cry from the modest car he used to drive. Splinter approaches it slowly, the hum of the parking lot lights buzzing above.
He climbs in, shuts the door. The soft electronic chime of the ignition echoes as he adjusts the rearview mirror.
A voice, low, gravelly, and familiar, cuts through the silence.
Voice: We need to talk.
Splinter freezes as his breath catches.
His eyes snap to the mirror. A pair of dark, unblinking eyes stare back at him from the backseat.
The camera slowly pans to reveal Splinter’s brother…
Not Splidder.
Shocker!
Splinter stares into the reflection, paralyzed as the scene suddenly cuts out!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 