Live from Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls, SD | Crowd Size: 12,999
SEGMENT ONE
The streetlights from an unknown highway illuminate a sleek, black sports car as it slices through the night. The lights streak the reflection of the polished black hood.
Master Splinter, the Acting Director of Operations, sits behind the wheel, his hands steady on the wheel but his jaw tense. In the passenger seat, his younger brother Shocker leans slightly towards him, casually pointing out turns as if guiding him to an unseen destination.
Master Splinter: It’s good to see you back, brother. But I’ve gotta ask… why now?
Shocker: [eyes forward] I didn’t really have much of a choice. This is important. You were trying to ignore it.
Master Splinter: I wasn’t trying to ignore—
Shocker: You’ve always been a terrible liar.
Master Splinter: I’m just… stuck between a rock and a hard place. I want to do right by the industry, by the fans… you know that is true. But, I know what happens if I cross the man who signs my paychecks.
Shocker: [disappointed] The old Splinter wouldn’t have let that get into the way of doing what’s right.
Master Splinter: The old Splinter wasn’t living paycheck to paycheck. You know I made some unfortunate investments during the pandemic… and then I was cheated out of my retirement match in 2024. I didn’t have a steady income until I was offered this job… and now that I’ve got some financial security, everyone wants to judge me?
Shocker glances at the dashboard, lit up from all of the latest tech, touchscreens, GPS navigation, self-driving features. He sweeps his eyes over to the leather seats an the polished trim.
Shocker: [scoffs] Yeah, and those paychecks seem to be going to good use. Last time I saw you, your ride wasn’t half this flashy.
Master Splinter: I have deprived myself my entire career. Now that I’m in my twilight years, maybe it’s okay to spoil myself some.
Shocker: [sighs] Yeah, that’s usually how this starts. Brother, we are all corruptible, under the right circumstances. Truth is, none of this would be happening if you’d listened to what Splidder had to say at Starrcade, or when he came to your office.
Master Splinter: Where is he? Is that where we’re going? I tried to call him back after he blew up on me.
Shocker: He’s not talkin’ to anyone, now. Not after seeing himself in that footage from before the draft… That rattled him bad. There’s nothing scarier than losing your memory.
Master Splinter: Where are we going, Shocker?
Shocker: There’s someone you need to speak with. Someone who can help you understand just how deep this goes.
Master Splinter: [sincere] I’m sorry for dragging you into this… whatever this is.
Shocker: Nobody dragged me anywhere. Mom and Dad raised us to do what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. I was compelled. Unfortunately, it seems like you’ve forgotten that lesson as of late.
The low hum of the engine fills the silence that follows. Splinter keeps his eyes on the road, his hands on the wheel. Shocker stares out into the night, the tension palpable as the headlights pierce the darkness that lies ahead.
The opening video plays, the pyro explodes, and the camera pans over a sold out arena in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly welcome us to the show.
Kevin Kelly: It’s Monday, and you know what that means! Dynamite is live tonight from beautiful Sioux Falls, and we’ve got two massive matches as Dealer’s Choice returns!
Arn Anderson: That’s right, Kev. The AEW World Heavyweight Champion, the Almighty Bobby Lashley, will be in action tonight against the man handpicked by the number one contender Randy Orton, the former champion, “The Forgotten” Brandon Lee!
Kevin Kelly: Lee is just two weeks out from his anticipated showdown with his half brother, Sean Olson, the man who cost him the AEW World Heavyweight Championship!
Arn Anderson: But before we get there, we’re kicking things off with championship gold on the line!
Kevin Kelly: The AEW World Tag Team Champions The Attraction, Teo and Attitude, defend against Cobra Kai’s own Sensei Johnny Lawrence and Miguel Diaz! It’s no secret that Cobra Kai have been waiting for another crack at the belts, ever since they lost them last season to the Street Sharks.
Arn Anderson: We’re just two weeks out from the biggest show of the summer, and the card for Aftershock 2 is totally stacked! We’ll see Lashley defend against Randy Orton, Timeless Toni Storm defend the Knockouts Championship against Becky Lynch, Lee vs. Olson, and The Young Bucks settle their grudge with Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega!
Suddenly, “Kingdom” by Downstrait hits as the camera swings to the entrance ramp, and the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes emerges! He’s dressed in a sharp suit, the AEW/WWE Dual Dominion Championship buckled around his waist.
Arn Anderson: Well Kevin, we heard he’d be here tonight!
Kevin Kelly: The American Nightmare is making his first AEW appearance since winning the coveted Dual Dominion Championship at Starrcade! Cody’s spent the last month in WWE, successfully defending that championship and trying to end the reign of the WWE Champion, The Rock!
Cody steps into the ring, pacing slightly as the crowd reaction swells. He adjusts the Dual Dominion Championship slightly, before taking a microphone from ring announcer Jane Mouse.
Cody Rhodes: [smirking] So, Sioux Falls… what do you want to talk about?
The crowd pops, as they begin chanting his name. Cody pauses for a moment, soaking it in.
Cody Rhodes: Maybe it’s the fact that for the first time since Starrcade, I’m back home, where I belong! Or maybe, it’s the fact that I’ve unified two of the three biggest promotions in the World of Wrestling with this Dual Dominion Championship!
Cody smacks the plate of the belt around his waist.
Cody Rhodes: Or, maybe, it’s the fact that I was this close to ending the Rock’s WWE Championship reign of terror!
The crowd cheers as Cody continues.
Cody Rhodes: It’s no secret that I’ve worked and struggled my whole career for these types of opportunities. And my fans, you guys have supported me through every single step. Every loss, every setback, every hardship. And now? I can feel it. The tide is turning.
Cody Rhodes: You know, back in the days of the EWA, when I was first getting started, my dad used to tell me that sometimes you’ve got to step away and show your worth. I’ve thought about that a lot over the years, as I’ve scratched and clawed my way through the ranks. This summer, that’s exactly what I’ve done. I came within an inch of defeating Rock, and my business with the WWE Champion is unfinished.
The crowd continues to pop as Cody speaks.
Cody Rhodes: When I won this title at Starrcade, I made myself a promise. I promised I’d be a fighting champion. I’d let this belt open doors for me, and so far, I’ve kept that promise in WWE.
He taps the AEW logo on one of the side plates of the Dual Dominion Championship.
Cody Rhodes: But this belt right here, it means I’ve got to be the best in WWE and AEW. This belt has already helped me get to my first ever PPV main event, my first ever singles world title shot. It’s going to be my season, and this belt will continue to propel me to new heights, including a shot at the AEW World Heavyweight Championship!
Suddenly, heavy guitar riffs hit as “When the Lights Go Down” blares over the arena speakers. The crowd instantly breaks into loud boos. On the tron, bold white letters flash: ALWAYZ READY. Matt Cardona strides onto the stage, smug grin on his face, microphone in hand.
Cardona makes his way down the ramp, taking his time. He exchanges words with some fans at ringside, before stepping through the ropes and standing face to face with Cody Rhodes! The boos don’t stop. He waits a moment, smirking, taking half a step back, and raising the mic.
Matt Cardona: Cody, Cody, Cody! Did your farther fail to teach you the most important lesson of them all? Everyone knows that a belt doesn’t make the man. The man makes the belt! And while you’ve been off pretending to be a world champion, I’ve been out here winning REAL world titles.
Matt Cardona: I know we’ve never met before, but let me remind you of who I am. I spent 105 days as the ULW Undisputed Champion! I am the guy who retired Dragonfly! That is, until he whined that I “kicked his ass too hard,” and decided to come crawling back!
Cardona shakes his head in disgust.
Matt Cardona: Honestly, that really should come as no surprise. Because in an industry full of liars, the so called “greatest of all time” would be the biggest liar of them all!
Cody glares, but says nothing. Cardona shrugs.
Matt Cardona: But, I didn’t come to Shithole, South Dakota to air old grievances. No, no. You see, ever since the draft, everyone’s been wondering, “Where’s Matt Cardona? Why has he waited so long to show up on AEW television?” I’ve heard the critics, “Oh, he’s in the BWM Inc. abyss. He’ll be lucky to get any TV time!” Well, here’s a newsflash for you all… I’m Always Ready, and I’ve been waiting for you to come home, Cody!
Cody’s eyes widen in an exaggerated “ME?” reaction.
Matt Cardona: Because I’m going to take that Dual Dominion Championship from you, and then I’m gonna use it to punch my ticket straight to WWE, where I’ll do what you couldn’t! I’m gonna beat The Rock for the WWE Championship!
The crowd explodes into boos once again, as Cardona steps closer, his face just inches from Cody’s. Cody smirks, before raising his mic. The crowd quiets enough to hear him over the rumble of boos.
Cody Rhodes: Matt… Cardona… One of the most overrated wrestlers in the business today. And that’s not me being cute, that’s not me “working the crowd,” that’s me telling you the truth. You talk about belts making men when all you’ve done is collect trophies in promotions nobody’s ever heard of! You’re out here trying to coast off of year-old accomplishments, trying to piggyback off the work I’ve done this summer.
Cardona glares as the crowd pops.
Cody Rhodes: See, while you were counting your days as ULW Champ, whining about Dragonfly, and complaining about your place on the card, I’ve been out here solidifying my legacy. I’ve been out here popping ratings in TWO promotions, doing things never done before in this business! You see, Matt, you’re not the only one who’s always ready. I’m always ready, too. So if you want a shot at this Dual Dominion Championship? If you want to try and punch your ticket to WWE off my name? All you have to do… is ask.
Cody drops the microphone as his music hits, exiting the ring. Cardona smirks, his eyes never leaving Rhodes as Cody heads up the ramp.
Inside the BWM Inc. production truck, multiple monitors flicker with paused footage from last week’s Dynamite. The Big Boss Man, BWM Inc.’s Head of Security, leans over the console, his headset slightly crooked, scanning the images.
Matt Riddle lounges beside him, barefoot, his flip-flips hooked to his fingers like nunchucks.
Big Boss Man: Okay, Riddle, let’s roll it back to right before Young Crock got jumped.
On the monitor, the hallway feed plays. Boss Man pauses and zooms in, showing Riddle, slumped against the wall, his head on his duffle bag, fast asleep.
Big Boss Man: Why the hell were you sleeping in the hallway?
Riddle: Oh, yeah bro, I was just catchin’ a quick nap. I do that sometimes. I got super high and crushed a family sized bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. You know how it is… chips hit, eyes close.
Big Boss Man: Um, right. Watch this.
He hits play again. Just before the commotion starts down the hall, Riddle shifts in his sleep. There’s an unmistakable “pppffffttt” noise as Riddle’s eyes shoot open.
Big Boss Man: It seems you didn’t wake up because of the fight… you apparently work yourself up… by farting.
Boss Man zooms in, as Riddle mumbles on screen.
Big Boss Man: And, right here… you say, “We’re at war.”
Riddle shrugs.
Matt Riddle: Lots of people talk in their sleep, dude. Nothin’ weird about that!
Big Boss Man keeps the footage rolling. From down the hall, a commotion erupts. On the screen, Riddle slowly gets up, scratching his balls. He sniffs his hand and makes a face, before jogging out of the frame in response to the noise.
Moments later, Midget Hogan, Lady Love, and the Outsiders come rushing to Young Crock’s aid from the opposite direction.
Big Boss Man: See? You didn’t even round the corner until AFTER the assault! Unfortunately, there’s no footage of the assailant.
Matt Riddle: …hey, about me sniffin’ my hand… I normally enjoy my own brand, but that Cool Ranch fart must’ve soured my boys a bit.
Big Boss Man: We really don’t have to talk about that.
Matt Riddle: So, can I get a copy of that? I gotta show the boys in High Minded I didn’t attack Young Crock.
Big Boss Man gives him a long, suspicious stare.
Big Boss Man: …you’re not going to put this on your Insta story, are you?
Matt Riddle: No way, bro! Don’t act like you’ve never did the ol’ scratch and sniff, either. I see you judging me.
Boss Man ejects the tape and hands it to Riddle. As Riddle makes his exit, Boss Man is heard muttering that he “hates this job.”
Match #1 | AEW World Tag Team Championships
The Attraction (C) (Teo & Attitude) vs. Cobra Kai (Sensei Johnny Lawrence & Miguel Diaz)
As the introductions are made, Anderson and Kelly note that it was two weeks ago on Dynamite when The Attraction made their long awaited BWM Inc. return, shocking the audience by ending the title reign of The Gunns. They note that Cobra Kai have been waiting for a tag title shot since losing the belts last April.
The bell sounds, and Miguel Diaz kicks things off with the much larger Attitude. They open with some quick chain wrestling, as Diaz works his way around to take the back, looking for the waistlock. There’s a small, albeit audible “Cobra Kai Never Dies” chant as Diaz hits a quick headscissors, followed by a roll-up for a one count.
Kevin Kelly: Diaz isn’t showing any signs of nerves here tonight. For all his inexperience, the kid’s pretty smooth in the ring!
Arn Anderson: He’s definitely got talent, Kevin, but Attitude’s got the experience. Diaz has never really been in the big-money matches that Teo and Attitude have wrestled for years.
Attitude tags in Teo, and Diaz tags in Lawrence. Johnny charges with a shoulderblock, followed by another one. Teo barely budges. Teo goes for a hip toss, but Lawrence flips out. He catches Teo in the jaw with a martial arts kick. Teo stumbles, and Lawrence sends him into the corner with the Irish whip.
Teo starts to climb to the second rope, but Lawrence responds with a quick hurricanrana that sends him flying, and earns Cobra Kai a nice pop. Lawrence makes the quick tag to Diaz, and the two hit a double suplex as Diaz goes for the cover.
Teo kicks out at two. He returns to his feet and catches Diaz with a back elbow, before making the tag to Attitude. Attitude leaps over the ropes, connecting with the crossbody. He drives Diaz into the corner, before unloading with a series of uppercuts. Attitude lifts him like he’s looking for The Adjustment, but Diaz flips out of hit, responding with a ripcord neckbreaker! He charges Teo on the apron with a diving dropkick, sending Teo tumbling to the floor. He goes for a suplex on Attitude, but Attitude’s too strong, and reverses it with a flapjack.
Attitude cuts off the ring, isolating Diaz from his corner. Diaz tries to respond with a famouser. It connects, but Diaz tweaks his knee. Junior Official Lance Storm stops to check on him as he rolls to the apron. Attitude seizes the moment, shrugging, and shoving Diaz off the apron. Outside, Teo sends him crashing into the steel steps, as Lawrence rushes in, hitting a cranekick to Teo’s jaw!
Attitude rolls Diaz back inside, and begins working the tweaked knee. He drags him to the corner, and locks on a figure four utilizing the post! As Attitude hangs from the ring with the move locked in, Lawrence rounds the corner and hits a driveby, forcing Attitude to release the move!
Arn Anderson: Lawrence has done a good job of playing spoiler from the outside, but if Cobra Kai has a shot here, they’re going to have to get Diaz out of the ring and send in the fresher man!
Diaz tries to get to his corner, but Lawrence hasn’t returned yet. Attitude catches him with an STF, pulling him away from the ropes. Miguel fights through the pain, refusing to let Cobra Kai die. He scratches and claws towards the ropes as Attitude lets go, pulling him back, and attempting to lock the hold back on. Diaz counters with a roll up!
1…
2…
Attitude kicks out. Diaz gets to one foot, stumbling, and leaps to his corner. He makes the tag to Lawrence, as the crowd rises to their feet. He comes in like a house on fire, hitting a back body drop to Attitude, and then a lariat to the outside!
Teo joins Attitude on the outside, trying to help him regroup. However, they’re both taken down as Lawrence launches over the top with a tope suicida! Lawrence rolls Attitude back in the ring, and as he joins him, Attitude sends him flying with a spear!
He makes the tag to Teo, and Teo comes in with some quick elbow drops to Lawrence. He scoops him up, looking for the Fall from Grace! Lawrence wrestles out of it, hits the ropes, and nails a running knee! As Lawrence lifts Teo up to his shoulders, he hollers for Diaz. Diaz ascends the top rope, but before he can do anything, his knee buckles.
Teo flips off Lawrence’s shoulders, sending him flying into the corner. Lawrence connects with Diaz, who is draped up top. Diaz goes flying hard to the outside, landing nastily on the mat!
Lawrence watches in horror, only to turn to find both Attitude and Teo in the ring! They lift him up and fold him with a double suplex, as Storm sends Attitude back to the apron. Teo scoops Lawrence up, looking for the powerslam.
Lawrence shifts out of it, and connects with a shining wizard! Teo gets back to his feet, only to eat the Crane Kick! Lawrence covers!
1…
2…
2.999!
Teo gets the shoulder up! Lawrence is frustrated, and Diaz still hasn’t returned to the apron. He goes outside to check on his partner, who is still clutching his knee. Attitude rounds the corner and delivers a hellacious spear to Lawrence, sending him through the barricade!
The fans chant Holy Shit as Attitude follows it up with The Adjustment before sending Lawrence back inside.
Arn Anderson: The champions have been one step ahead of Cobra Kai at every turn!
Teo catches Lawrence with the Fall From Grace, as Kelly exclaims this is it! He covers…
1…
2…
2.999!
The count stops suddenly as the camera pulls back, revealing Diaz flying off the top and connecting with a moonsault to Teo!
Kevin Kelly: A tremendous save from the challengers, but you’ve got to wonder how much that took out of Diaz!
Attitude rushes back inside, hitting Diaz with a clothesline that sends both of them toppling to the apron. He scoops Diaz up and plants him with the Death Valley Driver right on the edge of the apron! Diaz lands horrifically, crashing from the apron to the floor.
Inside, Lawrence now finds himself alone with both members of The Attraction. A miscommunication from The Attraction keeps Lawrence alive, as Attitude inadvertently misses Lawrence and hits a spinning wheel kick to Teo. Johnny rolls Teo up, looking to steal one!
1…
2…
Teo kicks out with authority.
Attitude folds Lawrence with a spear, before hitting The Adjustment. Teo puts an exclamation point on it with the Fall From Grace, before finally covering Lawrence.
1…
2…
3!!!
Winners: The Attraction (Teo & Attitude)
Match Time: 14:37
Kevin Kelly: Cobra Kai came close, but in the end, the champs were just too much.
Arn Anderson: They showed guts, Kevin, but the Attraction’s chemistry and experience is on another level right now. As long as they’re this focused, those belts aren’t going anywhere!
Teo and Attitude stand in the middle of the ring, still breathing heavy from the fight. They hoist the AEW World Tag Team Titles high, soaking in the moment — until the lights drop to a dim, muddy glow.
On the tron, the screen sputters to life with distorted static, like an old VHS tape finally catching signal. The footage on the screen is rough, handheld, and raw, filmed in the dead of night. The camera lens is smeared, catching faint reflections of bare trees whipping by as an old dented truck rumbles down some lonely backroad.
Mark Briscoe leans in from the passenger seat, his face lit by the dashboard.
Mark Briscoe: Ain’t no more waitin’. You pretty boy champs been talkin’ ’bout how you’re the best. Well, best ain’t somethin’ you call yourself, boys. It’s somethin’ you prove.
The camera jolts as Jay Briscoe takes a hand off the wheel, pointing straight at the lens. His hands are dirty, and his knuckles are scarred.
Jay Briscoe: Teo, Attitude. We been watchin’ from down in Sandy Fork. Y’all been walkin’ ’round like nobody can touch ya. Well, guess what? DemBoys, we don’t walk. We stomp. And when we stomp our way into AEW, you’re the first pair of heads we’re steppin’ on!
The truck interior creaks as Mark reaches up and dangles something in front of the camera. Two beaten, half-ripped cardboard AEW tag belts, duct-taped together.
Mark Briscoe: These? This is what we see when we look at your belts… fake, flimsy, paper champs.
Jay revs the engine hard, the noise rattling the camera.
Jay Briscoe: But don’t worry, boys. We’re comin’ to give those belts some meanin’! Y’all better be ready to bleed for ’em, because we sure as hell are!
Mark Briscoe: Reach for the sky, boy!
The screen cuts dead, no music, no logo. In the ring, Teo stares at the screen with his jaw tightened. Attitude spits on the mat, shaking his head like he’s brushing off a bug, but there’s a twitch in his expression that says he knows the Briscoes are serious.
Arn Anderson: The Briscoes didn’t even have to lay a finger on them to get the champs rattled!
Kevin Kelly: Folks, Dynamite’s off to a helluva start, but don’t go anywhere, we’ve got more to come right after this commercial break!
SEGMENT TWO
The camera focuses on the wet pavement, before widening to reveal the glow of the city skyline of the Essex coast. Will Ospreay walks along near the shore, his hands in his pocket and his shirt collar popped. The camera trails behind him, with ambient sounds of traffic in the distance.
Will Ospreay: [voiceover] Sometimes, life just kicks the shit of you. Makes you wonder why you keep showing up. But, as I’ve found, you can always come home.
He pauses, looking out into the water.
Will Ospreay: [voiceover] After last week, after that loss to Randy Orton… my chance at the AEW World Heavyweight Championship… gone. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking. Really thinking. And it hit me. I was never going to beat Orton. I was never going to beat Lashley. Not as long as I’m still fighting this battle inside that’s been raging since Starrcade.
The camera shifts to a close-up of Ospreay’s face, his expression intense, haunted, but resolute.
Will Ospreay: [voiceover] That battle against Hangman Adam Page. I thought maybe being partly responsible for Hangman seeing his championship dreams crash and burn would be enough to satiate me. But it wasn’t. Not even close.
Ospreay stars walking again, faster. His boots as splashed as the tide slowly comes to shore.
Will Ospreay: [voiceover] I’m not going to move on from Starrcade until I prove to myself and the world that I can beat him. That I can put Hangman down when it matters.
Will Ospreay: [voiceover] That’s why I made a phone call to the powers that be, and I made my case. I got added to Omega and Danielson’s team. Just in time for Page’s suspension to expire, getting him added to the Bucks’ team.
The camera pans to the skyline, then softly cuts back to Ospreay walking away from the shore, back towards the city.
Will Ospreay: [voiceover] At Aftershock 2, it’s going to be the first ever Anarchy in the Arena match. And I’m going to put Hangman behind me once and for all, so I can finally move on to the next chapter.
Ospreay walks past the camera, back towards the city. The scene ends with a final shot of the waves hitting the shore.
Somewhere inside of the arena, the camera lingers in a dark hallway. Julia Hart stands perfectly still, hooded, her hands clasped loosely in front of her. Alistair Black emerges from the shadows, his every step deliberate.
Alistair Black: Julia.
Julia Hart: I know why you summoned me.
Alistair Black: Good. Because next week, you finish things with Liv Morgan. You destroy everything she represents. She thinks her ties to Sami Zayn and the Mouse family shields her, but nothing shields them from what we’re destined to do.
Julia Hart: I will be her reckoning.
Alistair Black: For far too long, everyone associated with that disgraceful family… they’ve hidden behind their influence, and their lies. Benny Mouse’s empire has corrupted everything it touches, every corner of this industry. It’s time for that to come to an end. As it’s written, “The wicked shall be removed from the earth; the righteous shall rise.” We are the instruments. We are the judgment.
Julia Hart: [nodding] Liv Morgan will know what it means to be marked by the House of Black.
Alistair Black: And after Morgan, everything else will follow. Their names. Their legacies… their empire. All will crumble.
Footsteps round the corner, and both Black and Hart turn to find Mr. Brodie Lee, silently approaching. His presence is imposing, the weight of it filling the hallway.
Alistair Black: [to Julia] We have been ordained to end them. All of them. And nothing will stop us.
As Julia makes her exit, Brodie is left alone with Black as the scene abruptly fades.
Match #2 | Dealer’s Choice
“The Almighty” Bobby Lashley w/ MPV vs. “The Forgotten” Brandon Lee
Lee and Heyman are out to a massive pop, as Anderson notes that it was five weeks ago on the season premiere that the ride of Lee’s career came to a halt at the hands of his half-brother, Sean Olson. Lashley is out next, accompanied by MVP, the AEW World Heavyweight Championship proudly displayed around his waist.
Kevin Kelly: As part of the Dealer’s Choice stipulation, Randy Orton handpicked Brandon Lee to face Lashley here tonight, just two weeks out from the Aftershock 2 main event.
Arn Anderson: Lee’s world title reign came to its end at Dynamite 50 thanks to his half brother, Sean Olsen, giving Lashley the opening to cash in the Gold Rush Ladder Match contract. And let’s not forget that these two men have quite the history, dating back to the Premier Athlete Tournament in PWI!
The bell sounds, and Lee immediately connects with a superkick that nearly takes Lashley’s head off! To his credit, however, Lashley pops right back up and catches another kick attempt into a legbar.
Lee wriggles free, clotheslining Lashley to the outside. MVP tries to shout words of encouragement to the champ, but Lee hits a baseball slide that topples both members of the Hurt Syndicate. Lee grabs Lashley’s arm and whips him into the steel steps.
Lee tries it again, but this time Lashley jumps over the steps! He turns and catches Lee with a hellacious clothesline, before sending him back inside. As Lashley reenters, Lee hits him with a chopblock before locking on a one-legged Boston Crab. Lashley easily kicks him off, sending him stumbling into the corner.
Kevin Kelly: Lee has been relentless since the bell rang, trying to wear Lashley down with everything he’s got!
Arn Anderson: Lashley’s just so strong. There’s really no other way to approach a match like this but to try and target a limb and wear him down.
Lee sends Lashley into the ropes with a whip, but Lashley answers with a spear that folds him in half. He scoops Lee up and sends him flying across the ring with an overhead belly to belly. Lashley waits patiently for Lee to rise, looking for the Hurt Lock.
Lee telegraphs it, however, and counters with a martial arts kick. Lashley responds with a devastating big boot of his own, busting Lee open right above his eye! Lashley lifts him for the delayed vertical suplex, letting the blood drip from Lee’s cut for a moment before he drops him hard.
Lashley sends him into the corner, and follows up with a shoulder thrust. He hoists Lee up top and climbs to meet him for the superplex. Lee fires back with some elbows, sending Lashley down to the mat. Lee launches himself for the crossbody, but Lashley catches him in an amazing display of power!
He hoists Lee above his head, dropping him with the military press slam. As soon as Lee stumbles back to his feet, Lashley folds him with another hellacious spear! He covers!
1…
2…
Lee gets the shoulder up!
MVP shouts that they’re not getting paid by the hour, as Heyman watches on from the opposite corner, his expression concerned. Lashley picks him up, looking for a dominator. Lee slides off his shoulders, hits the ropes, and counters with a bulldog!
Lee goes for the one-legged Boston again, but Lashley again kicks him off like he’s nothing, sending him toppling through the second rope and to the outside.
Lashley follows him to the outside, and looks for a third spear. Lee leaps over him, connecting with another superkick that lays Lashley out on the commentary desk!
Lee runs to the apron and ascends the ropes, launching himself with a twisting moonsault that sends both men crashing through the table!
Both MVP and Heyman rush to their respective men, trying to will them up as senior official Michael McMahon tells them to stay back. Both men manage to avoid the ten-count, getting back in the ring.
Lee drags Lashley to the corner, looking for the Spin to the End. Lashley throws him off, sending him flying across the ring. Lashley follows it up with a snap suplex, followed by a neckbreaker.
He covers Lee…
1…
2…
Lee kicks out.
Blood continues to pour from Lee’s eye, and McMahon tries to slow things down to stop the bleeding. However, Lashley is having none of it. He scoops Lee up, looking for the powerbomb. Lee counters it into an X-Factor!
With both men down, suddenly, Heyman’s attention is averted from ringside as Sean Olson comes through the crowd, grabbing a hold of him! Heyman screams, as Lee sees what’s happening and diverts his attention from Lashley.
He goes to save Heyman, but when Olson sees him coming, he lets go of Paula and retreats.
Just as Lee turns back to the match, he’s again folded with a hellacious spear! Olson smirks from half way up the arena stairs, as Lashley sends Lee back inside.
In the middle of the ring, he hits the dominator, followed by a second one!
Arn Anderson: Come on, enough’s enough! Lashley’s just toying with Lee at this point!
Kevin Kelly: The Hurt Syndicate has made their objective clear… they’re here to hurt the AEW roster!
Lashley scoops Lee’s lifeless body up, as MVP gives the nod. He locks in the Hurt Lock, and within seconds, it’s clear that Lee has been choked out cold!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Match Time: 15:33
Arn Anderson: Lee was just fed to Lashley like a lamb to the slaughter! Is there anyone who can stop The Almighty?
Kevin Kelly: And now, next week, Lashley’s going to get to pick Orton’s opponent!
Arn Anderson: Folks, we’re all of time. Next week, it’s part two of Dealer’s Choice, and Liv Morgan returns to take on the woman who cost her the Knockouts Championship, Julia Hart! Plus, in our highly anticipated main event, LA Knight defends the AEW Television Championship against Swerve Strickland! We’ll see you then!
On a desrted two-lane road, we see Splinter’s sleek sports car pull up to a deserted restaurant, its neon open sign flickering weekly in the darkness.
Shocker sits in the passenger seat, his eyes fixed ahead.
Master Splinter: What are we doing here, Shocker? Who are we here to meet?
Shocker: I need you to keep an open mind, brother. Sometimes in life, we find allies in the most unlikely of places.
Master Splinter: I need to know what I’m walking into… I need to know who I’m walking into.
Shocker: Just promise me, you’ll hear him out. After you do, you won’t want to shy away from standing up to Benny Mouse. Or even Danhausen, for that matter.
Splinter exhales sharply, pulling the car to a stop. The two of them step out of the car, Splinter more reluctant than Shocker. The camera pans slowly as they walk toward the restaurant’s entrance, the beaten door squeaking as Shocker opens it.
Inside the restaurant, a grizzled waitress who looks like she’s ending a 12-hour shift watches as they step inside, making their way to a table in the far corner. A man sits at the table, but from behind we can’t tell who it is.
Splinter and Shocker approach the table, and Splinter’s body language immediately changes as he sees who they are there to meet. He tries to stop in his track, but Shocker pushes him forward.
Master Splinter: What the hell?
Shocker: I told you… just hear him out.
The camera catches Splinter’s expression, twisting in rage at his brother’s assertion.
Master Splinter: I… you know that I can’t do that! Not after what he did to me!
Shocker: This isn’t up for debate, Splinter. You WILL listen to him. It’s what Splidder wanted. Listen first, judge later.
Splinter hesitates still, before he looks at his brother Shocker. He slowly walks to the table and sits…
Across from him, the man pulls down his hood, as we see it’s the man who ended Splinter’s career… Sami Zayn! The camera lingers on the two, a tense, charged silence between them as the scene fades and the show concludes.
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 