Live from Nissan Stadium | Nashville, TN | Crowd Size: 71,143
SEGMENT ONE
The official themecsong for AEW Aftershock 2
🎶 She cried to the southern wind 🎶
🎶 ‘Bout a love that was sure to end 🎶
The video package opens with a black screen, that slowly crackles into a grey static, that clears up by the time the lyrics of the theme song hit. We see a shot of Megan Mouse-Zayn rising from her wheelchair at Retribution 2024, as she drops Splinter through the table with the Mouse Slam.
🎶 Every dream in her heart was gone 🎶
🎶 Headin’ for a showdown 🎶
The video hard cuts to Sami Zayn at the coffee shop, his hood covering his face as he sits across from Splinter, before pulling back the hood slowly. Steam rises from a mug between them, curling upward until the frame melts away like fog into the next image.
🎶 Bad dreamer, what’s your name? 🎶
🎶 Looks like we’re ridin’ on the same train 🎶
Inside a sterile hospital room, Megan sites on the edge of her bed, pale and unblinking, starting into nothingness as Executioner and Zayn watch in horror.
🎶 Looks as though there’ll be more pain 🎶
🎶 There’s gonna be a showdown 🎶
We see quick cuts of Mr. Brodie Lee approaching Splidder with a note, followed by the Executioner, and then heading into the House of Black’s locker room. Smash cut to the men in white at ringside last week, as the Harlem Turtles attack Splinter.
🎶 And it’s rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Tonight, the longest night 🎶
We see shots of rain, as headlights cut through the night. Splinter and Shocker are shown in his car, riding in silence. The scene shifts abruptly to Danhausen addressing the Harlem Turtles last week on Dynamite.
🎶 She came to me like a friend 🎶
🎶 She blew in on a southern wind 🎶
We see Becky Lynch arriving on Dynamite 50, starring down Toni Storm. Storm smiles, as if she’s been waiting for Becky.
🎶 My heart is turned to stone again 🎶
🎶 There’s gonna be a showdown 🎶
There’s a shot of Toni Storm addressing Becky Lynch on the tron, that dissolves into their first-ever meeting face to face. Storm just barely escapes the DisArmHer.
🎶 Said save me 🎶
🎶 Oh, save me 🎶
🎶 It’s unreal, the suffering 🎶
🎶 There’s gonna be a showdown 🎶
We see clips of Ospreay about to put Hangman away at Starrcade, before the Young Bucks arrive to help Hangman win. We see a clip of Dynamite 50, and all of the chaos as Bobby Lashley cashes in on Page
🎶 And it’s rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Tonight, the longest night 🎶
We see clips of Brandon Lee at the gravesite of his mom and step-father, smash cut to Sean Olson lighting their childhood home on fire.
🎶 Rainin’, rainin’ 🎶
🎶 Rainin’, rainin’ 🎶
Lashley screams into the lights as he clutches the AEW World Championship. Randy Orton interrupts Will Ospreay’s promo — the two lock eyes. We see clips from their match, and Orton’s victory.
🎶 Rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 The longest night 🎶
We see rapid fire cuts of The Acclaimed storming Randy Orton, Sean Olson retreating to the fans after trying to distract Brandon Lee, and Toni Storm’s stage promo.
🎶 And it’s rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Rainin’ all over the world 🎶
🎶 Tonight, the longest night 🎶
The footage dissolves into a blinding flash, as the Aftershock 2 logo flickers in.
Match #1 | AEW World Heavyweight Championship
‘The Almighty’ Bobby Lashley (C) w/ The Hurt Syndicate vs. Randy Orton
The challenger, Randy Orton, is out to a massive ovation. As he makes his entrance, Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson note that for the first time in AEW history, the World Championship will open the show.
Arn Anderson: Bobby Lashley told management that he’s not getting paid by the hour. Tonight, he wants to prove why he’s the most dominant champion in pro wrestling.
Moments later, MVP leads out the champion, as Bobby Lashley appears, flanked by Shelton Benjamin and The Acclaimed. Lashley looks confident with the belt around his waist, like a predator ready to pounce.
Kevin Kelly: Max Caster and Anthony Bowens joined the Hurt Syndicate last week on Dynamite, and now with the numbers game, Lashley is out here with his whole posse to intimidate the challenger.
Before Michael McMahon can even ring the bell, he spots MVP and the rest of the Hurt Syndicate climbing onto the apron. This causes him to immediately confront them, as he dramatically points to the back!
The crowd pops huge as McMahon ejects the entirety of the Hurt Syndicate before the opening bell! MVP is furious, shouting at McMahon, but McMahon is unmoved as he sends them packing.
Kevin Kelly: McMahon is laying down the law tonight! There will be no Hurt Syndicate shenanigans, and this match is going to be one on one!
Arn Anderson: I respect McMahon for that. You’ve got two of the best wrestlers in the world, let them settle this like men without all the distractions!
The bell sounds and Lashley and Orton circle, before they tie up in the center, jockeying for control. Lashley muscles Orton into the corner and delivers a stiff forearm to the jaw. Orton fires back with a flurry of uppercuts, backing Lashley up, but Lashley shoves him halfway across the ring with brute force.
Lashley rushes Orton in the corner, but Orton moves and Lashley goes shoulder-first into the ring post. Orton immediately targets the shoulder, delivering some quick kicks before McMahon removes them from the ropes.
Orton goes for the Irish whip, but Lashley explodes off the rebound with a massive clothesline. Lashley mounts Orton and rains down heavy fists, before standing tall, absorbing the boos from the crowd.
Kevin Kelly: That’s what makes Bobby Lashley so dangerous — all it takes is one burst of power, and the tide completely turns.
Arn Anderson: Orton knows it, too. He’s gonna have to weather the storm and wait for his shot.
Lashley drags Orton up and drills him with a spinebuster for an early two-count. Without missing a beat, he hoists Orton over his shoulder and drives him back-first into the turnbuckles, following with repeated shoulder thrusts to the ribs.
Lashley taunts the crowd, giving Orton the opening to connect with a kick to the midsection. He goes for the draping DDT, but Lashley counters it, powering out and planting Orton with a release suplex that sends him halfway across the ring. Lashley covers once more…
1…
2…
Orton kicks out!
Lashley stalks Orton, looking for the Dominator. As he lifts him, Orton elbows out of it, landing on his feet. He spins around and cracks Lashley with the snap powerslam! The crowd comes alive as Orton calls for the RKO!
Orton leaps up, but Lashley shoves him off. Orton lands on his feet, but Lashley charges with a spear that folds him in half!
Lashley hauls Orton onto the top turnbuckle, looking for a superplex. Orton blocks it with some elbows, followed by a headbutt. Lashley stumbles off the ropes, as Orton launches himself off with a flying crossbody into the cover!
1…
2…
Lashley kicks out with authority!
Kevin Kelly: Randy Orton came into this match with a plan. He wanted to slow Lashley down, keep him guessing, and then pounce when the time is right. So far, he’s done just that.
Arn Anderson: So far so good, but you can’t take your eyes off of Lashley, even for a second. He’s like a damn freight train when he gets rolling!
Back to their feet, both men exchange right hands, before Lashley connects with a spinebuster that shakes the ring. He goes for a cover, but Orton kicks out just after two. Lashley looks for the Hurt Lock, but Orton twists free and drapes him over the ropes, planting him with the draping DDT! The impact of the move draws a big pop from the crowd.
Orton coils, pounding the mat, ready for the killshot. Lashley stumbles to his feet and Orton goes for it… connecting with the RKO!!
He covers!
1…
2…
2.9999!
The crowd is shocked as Lashley kicks out of the RKO.
Kevin Kelly: That was Orton’s best shot, Arn. If that didn’t beat the champion, what will?
Orton drags himself back to his feet, stalking Lashley once more. He goes for another RKO to finish the job, but Lashley launches him! Orton’s body connects with McMahon, and the ref is down!
Lashley charges again, looking for another spear. But in a last ditch effort, Orton connects with a stunning punt to the head, knocking Lashley out of mid-air!
Both men are down in the center of the ring, as Orton struggles to get to his feet. When he does, he notices that McMahon is out cold. He goes to the corner to try and revive him when suddenly, a man rolls out from under the ring in a hooded sweatshirt!
Kevin Kelly: Wait a minute, who the hell is that?
The man jumps in the ring and hits Orton from behind! He continues to stomp away at him, before picking him up for the Double Cross. He pulls down his hood, and revealing MJF’s face! The crowd is stunned.
MJF connects with the Salt of the Earth, before rolling to the outside.
Arn Anderson: What the hell is MJF doing?
Kevin Kelly: He’s been out with injury since Memorial Day. He’s back now, apparently, but you’ve got to ask yourself why, Max?
As MJF smirks from the floor, Lashley rises to his feet. He yanks McMahon to his feet, before lifting Orton up by his head. He locks on the Hurt Lock, and Orton is already out! McMahon has no choice but to call for the bell!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Match Time: 18:43
Lashley collapses to one knee, clutching his title as the referee raises his hand. MJF casually walks up the ramp, smirking ear to ear, never taking his eyes off Orton.
Kevin Kelly: I cannot believe what we’ve just witnessed! MJF just cost Randy Orton the AEW World Championship!
Arn Anderson: Lashley doesn’t seem bothered, either! He doesn’t get paid by the hour, and tonight, he’s walking out of Nashville with the gold still around his waist!
The camera lingers on Orton, fuming inside the ring, pointing at MJF, screaming for him to come back. MJF taps his temple, smirks, and disappears behind the curtain as Lashley raises his title high.
SEGMENT TWO
The camera is shaking slightly as it follows The Forgotten Brandon Lee down a dimly lit hallway. His taped fists are clenched, his breathing is steady but heavy, and his eyes burn with a mix of rage and focus. The air feels tense, like something catastrophic is looming.
Suddenly, Paul Heyman hustles into frame, clutching his phone, his expression frantic. He’s sweating, adjusting his tie, practically stumbling to keep up with Lee’s determined stride.
Pau Heyman: Brandon… Brandon, wait! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! We need to talk strategy before you go out there tonight—
Brandon Lee: [stopping dead in his tracks] No. There is no strategy tonight, Paul.
Heyman freezes, confused. He clutches his phone in his hand.
Paul Heyman: No strategy? What do you mean? Brandon, this isn’t some exhibition! This isn’t a friendly contest! This is a Last Man Standing Match!
Brandon Lee: Exactly, that’s why you’re not coming with me tonight. It’s just too dangerous.
Heyman takes a hesitant step forward, his voice softer now, pleading.
Paul Heyman: That’s exactly why I need to be out there!
Brandon Lee: No, Paul. Sean and I need to settle this alone, I can’t have him going after you as a distraction. My brother’s coming to end me, and I can’t have your blood on my hands if he decides to use you as another way to hurt me.
Heyman blinks rapidly, trying to hold himself together, but his lip trembles slightly. For once, the ever-confident advocate has no words.
Brandon Lee: Tonight, I walk into hell alone.
Match #2 | Anarchy in the Arena
Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, & Bryan Danielson vs. Hangman Adam Page & The Young Bucks
Kenny Omega and Danielson are out first, as Will Ospreay is out last for their team. As he’s making his way down the aisle, he’s ambushed by The Young Bucks and Hangman Adam Page! Ospreay’s music plays in its entirety, as there is never an opening bell. Omega and Danielson rush from the ring, and there’s a massive six man brawl in the aisle!
Hangman and Danielson throw fists, as Ospreay collides with Matt Jackson. Nick Jackson and Kenny Omega brawl over to Jane Mouse and the timekeeper’s area, and Omega tackles Nick Jackson through it!
Kevin Kelly: I wasn’t sure what to expect from this match. I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty, but I didn’t think we’d start the carnage so fast!
Arn Anderson: If I understand this correctly, we’re going to the first fall to the finish, with falls counting anywhere.
Within minutes, Hangman snatches a beer bottle from a fan, smashing it across Will Ospreay’s head! He drives a piece of the broken glass into Ospreay’s skull, and Ospreay’s pouring blood! The crowd chants “Holy Shit!” as Anderson notes that Hangman might want to stay away from the fans, as that’s what got him suspended following Dynamite 50.
Danielson grabs a wrench from under the rung and goes after Matt Jackson, cracking him above the eyebrow. Now, we’ve got multiple people busted open and the blood thirsty crowd in Nashville is roaring in approval.
Omega and Nick Jackson brawl into the stands, smashing into steel railings and knocking over a row of chairs. Nick springboards off a barricade, but Omega catches him with a mid-air snap dragon suplex onto the concrete!
Bryan and Hangman battle through the aisles, trading stiff kicks and forearms. Hangman sends Bryan into a concrete wall, grabs a trash can lid, and slams it repeatedly against Bryan’s head.
Meanwhile, Will Ospreay and Matt Jackson fight up the arena steps into a concession stand area, knocking over nachos, beer, and a merch table. Ospreay climbs onto a counter and moonsaults onto Matt and a handful of security guards below — the crowd around them goes insane chanting “HOLY SHIT!”
Back at ringside, Kenny Omega drags Nick Jackson into the ring, grabs a barbed-wire-covered chair from under the apron, and swings it full force into Nick’s ribs.
Kevin Kelly: When All Elite Wrestling launched, Hangman Adam Page, Kenny Omega, and Bryan Danielson were all friends. And though the Bucks and Ospreay haven’t been here as long, they’ve got longstanding ties with one another. There’s a sense of history here, and a real hatred that’s boiling over tonight!
Arn Anderson: The deeper the history, the more dangerous people get. They’re done playing games with one another, and both teams are looking to make sure the other doesn’t survive this battle!
Ospreay rejoins Danielson at ringside, and the two doble-team Hangman Page, hitting a vicious double superkick into a Hidden Blade combo that sends Hangman over the barricade and into the crowd.
On the other side of the arena, Matt Jackson sets up a ladder near the production area. He climbs halfway up, before launching himself at Kenny Omega with a 450 splash!
Hangman grabs a chain and wraps it around his fist, smashing it into Danielson’s skull until the Dragon is also busted open. Ospreay makes the save, hitting Hangman with a Spanish Fly on to the concrete! Ospreay grabs a can of gasoline as the crowd reacts with a “ooooohhhhhh.”
Kevin Kelly: What the hell is Ospreay doing?
Arn Anderson: He’s looking to burn Hangman to the ground!
Ospreay starts pouring the gas across a section of the entranceway. Nick Jackson comes out of nowhere with a superkick onto Ospreay! Meanwhile, Danielson regroups and takes out Matt Jackson with a roundhouse, before firing off his machine gun like kicks to the chest to everyone in sight! The crowd erupts into the “Yes!” chant!
Danielson sets up Hangman for the Busaiko Knee, but Omega suddenly stops him — holding Bryan back. Hangman says this one is personal, and he charges at his former tag partner, before suddenly stopping. He turns quickly and hits Danielson with the V-Trigger!!!
Kevin Kelly: What? What the hell did we just see? Kenny Omega just blasted the American Dragon!
Ospreay sees what happened, and charges Omega in a rage. But Kenny catches him, hitting the One Winged Angel! Hangman lights a match, and the entry way is on fire! He drops Danielson into the flames with a Deadeye!
Security rushes with fire extinguishers, as the Bucks, Hangman, and Omega turn their sights to Ospreay. The Bucks and Omega swam him, and they connect with the BTE Trigger!
They pull Ospreay back to his feet, and Hangman flips over the barricade with a Buckshot!
1…
2…
3!!!
Winners: Hangman Adam Page & The Young Bucks
Match Time: 27:10
As The Bucks celebrate, Hangman and Omega embrace in a hug, as the crowd erupts in boos! The camera lingers on Omega as the crowd is in shock, his expression cold as the scene fades to black.
SEGMENT THREE
Match # 3 | Last Man Standing
“The Forgotten” Brandon Lee vs. Sean Olsen
As the introductions are made, Anderson notes what we saw earlier tonight, when Brandon Lee told Paul Heyman not to come out for this match.
Kevin Kelly: After a lifetime of betrayal, revenge, and chaos, tonight the cycle ends. One man walks out on his feet, and the other man gets left in the wreckage.
Arn Anderson: Lee told Heyman it wasn’t going to be safe for him out at ringside tonight, and I believe him. This one has been so intense, so personal… these two brothers are ready to rip each other apart! If Olson really wants closure, he’s going to have to go through hell to get it.
As the bell rings, both men stand across from one another, their fists clinched. Kelly notes that Olson arrived in AEW by costing Lee the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at Dynamite 50, and since then, these two have verbally ripped one another apart. The time for talking is over.
Olson immediately explodes towards Lee, going for the spear. But Lee gets his knee up with a jumping strike, connecting to Olson’s temple. Lee conects with a tackle, which sends them both through the ropes and to the outside. All the while, fists never stop flying between the two!
Olsen grabs a fist full of Lee’s hair and sends him face first into the steps. He doesn’t let go, and continues to slam Lee’s head into the unforgiving steel, drawing boos from the fans. Desperate, Lee rakes Olson’s eyes, shoving him spine first into the barricade.
Kevin Kelly: Lee’s going to do whatever it takes, no matter how low, to survive tonight. He wants to rid himself of his half brother once and for all, and he’s not going to play by the rules in order to do so.
Olson recovers, whipping Lee into the barricade. The LED wall on the barricade goes out on impact, as Anderson notes those are expensive. Olson starts ripping up the protective ring mats on the outside, exposing the concrete.
Lee fights back with a knee to the gut, before whipping Olson towards the steel post. Olson reverses it, and Lee’s head again meets steel, this time in the form of the ring post! As Lee stumbles around, Olson gets on the apron and climbs to the top, hitting an explosive moonsault to the outside!
Olson whips Lee onto the announce table, as Anderson and Kelly scramble for safety. Olson clears the monitors from the Spanish announce table as Lee lays on primary desk.
From the primary desk, Olson goes for the Olson Plunge! He slams Lee face-first into the infamous yellow and black table… WHICH DOES NOT BREAK!
The arena erupts as junior official Lance Storm begins the 10 count. Olson returns to his feet at seven, with Lee making it back to his feet at nine!
Arn Anderson: That table just no sold the Olson Plunge!
Kevin Kelly: In all the wars we’ve seen, that table remains undefeated!
Arn Anderson: I’d argue the fact that it didn’t break was actually more devastating. Lee’s skull took the full force of that Olson Plunge, I don’t even know how he’s standing!
Frustrated that it wasn’t enough, Olson grabs a chair from ringside. As he lifts it and folds it into a weapon, Lee superkicks it straight into his face! Lee picks the chair up and smashes it against Olson’s ribs, before cracking it hard on Olson’s back!
As Olson collapse to the floor, Lee unfolds the chair as Storm starts the count. Lee takes a seat, yelling down at his brother, “You never should’ve come back for me, Sean!”
Olson survives the count, and stumbles to his knees. With the chair still folded, Lee gets up and runs towards it, leaping off it with a stomp! He narrowly misses decapitating his half-brother, as Olson gets out of the way. Olson picks up the chair and tosses it face first at Lee!
Olson drills Lee with a superkick, and as the camera pushes in, Lee’s face is bleeding. Anderson notes he’s not sure if it was the chair or the kick, or if he’s been bleeding since the Olson Plunge and we’ve just not noticed it due to his facepaint.
Olson scoops Lee back up, and Lee fires off some elbows. Lee tries for the the German suplex, but Olson pushes him off. He connects with a kick below the belt, and sets Lee up for a powerbomb!
He carries his brother, launching him towards the barricade, like a variation of a bucklebomb. For the first time all night, the crowd pops for Olson, but not because of the powerbomb. They pop because the impact of Lee’s body smashing into the LED barricade makes the screens work again, as Anderson notes he’s never seen anything like that before.
Storm begins the count, as it looks unlikely that Lee will return to his feet. Kelly says that powerbomb could be all, as Lee landed nasty on the back of his neck. Storm is at seven as Olson starts to celebrate, as he trash talks his brother, saying he’s just as big of a loser as his mother Elaine. Olson looks horrified as Lee gets back to his feet at nine!
Olson bails, running back into the ring. Lee grabs the chair and follows him. Olson catches him as he’s getting into the ring with a step up enziguri. He then drops Lee on his head again with an inverted DDT onto the chair!
Both men are down, as the crowd chants holy shit and Storm starts the count again. At six, Olson is back to his feet, with Lee rising at eight.
Olson, frustrated, begins tearing apart the ring apron, peeling back the mats to expose the wooden planks underneath it. Lee blindsides his brother with a low blow! He rolls to the outside, spotting a fan at ringside with a crutch. Lee asks for it, and the fan happily tosses it to him!
Lee gets back into the ring and snaps the crutch across Olson’s back! Over and over, until the crutch breaks in half! He lifts Olson up and drags him to the corner, taking him upstairs with him. He goes for the Spin to the End, but Olson counters it with the Olson Plunge onto the bare ring boards!
Storm starts the count once more, both men down.
1…
2….
3…
4…
5…
6…
Olson is up at seven, leaning onto the ropes.
8…
9…
Lee stumbles to his feet, collapsing onto the ropes as well! Both men are refusing to stay down!
They brawl back to the outside, fighting up the ramp. At the top of the stage, Lee sends Olson face first into the set’s massive screen. Olson fires back with another superkick, nearly taking Lee’s head off!
Spotting a security guard nearby, Olson approaches him, shoving him down! Anderson and Kelly express confusion, before they see Olson return with a pair of handcuffs!
Olson handcuffs Lee to the stage, screaming that “This ends now!”
He superkicks Lee again, and with Lee’s hands cuffed, he’s defenseless to it. Olson fires off a second, and then a third! Lee is dazed, but not out. He shouts back, “Do it, motherfucker!”
Olson takes a deep breath and charges, hitting Lee with a running knee to the face!
Lee’s head snaps back violently, and he slumps, his wrists still affixed to the stage. Storm has no choice to start the count, as the crowd boos.
1…. 2…. 3…. 4…. 5….
The crowd tries to will Lee on, but he remains lifeless.
6… 7… 8… 9…
Olson hocks a loogie onto his lifeless brother, just as Storm reaches 10!
Winner: Sean Olson
Match Time: 30:44
Kevin Kelly: Sean Olson may have just put Brandon Lee down for good!
Arn Anderson: Look at the ringside area, Kevin. Look at the ring, and the stage! These two men destroyed each other tonight, and neither of them will be the same. Sean Olson said the world would never forget when he did to Brandon Lee, and unfortunately for The Forgotten, Olson kept his promise!
Kevin Kelly: What a night. Folks, don’t go anywhere, the main event is up next!
SEGMENT FOUR
Before the main event begins, Arn Anderson says that Dynamite returns on Labor Day, and we’ve just been informed of a HUGE main event! The Attraction will defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships against the debuting Briscoes! Plus, we’ll hear from Logan Paul, who returned to Dynamite last week with his sights set on LA Knight and the Television Championship!
Match #4 | AEW Knockouts Championship
Timeless Toni Storm (C) vs. Becky Lynch
As the entrances are made, Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson discuss the importance of this match, six weeks in the making, as both women make history as the first ever Knockouts to main event a mixed-gendered BWM Inc. PPV. Becky’s out first, all business, to a massive response. Toni’s out next, also to a huge pop, in an extravagant vintage feathered Hollywood robe. Becky paces in her corner while Storm makes her walk down the aisle, laser-focused on dethroning the champion.
As the bell sounds, Storm circles the ring, smirking, before the two tie up in the center. Storm, the more powerful of the two, forces Lynch into the corner, before brushing Becky off with a dramatic pose and a sarcastic bow. This draws a pop from the crowd, but Becky doesn’t bite, she rushes storm, hitting her with a quick arm drag. Taken by surprise, Storm is quick to get back to her feet, but Becky hits another arm drag and wrenches the arm, transitioning into an early takedown.
Kevin Kelly: This is smart strategy by the challenger. Becky Lynch is forcing the pace, and she’s been very effective at shaking off Storm’s mind games over the last few weeks. She wants that championship tonight, everything else is just a distraction.
Arn Anderson: Becky Lynch is at her best when she forces her opponents to wrestle her match. Storm wants to drag Becky into deep waters, but Becky isn’t going to let her.
Storm bails to the apron to catch her breath, but Becky charges. Storm yanks her head down across the top rope and slides back in. She locks on a side headlock, but Becky pushes her off hard. They run the ropes, and Storm bests her with a crisp Lou Thesz Press into mounted punches. Storm stops briefly to blow a kiss to the crowd, as the arena breaks into “Storm” chants.
Storm pulls Becky back up by her hair, sending her into the corner. She fires off with the running hip attack, smashing her full force into Becky against the turnbuckles. Becky stumbles out of the corner, as Storm launches her with the fisherman’s suplex into the cover!
1…
2…
Becky kicks out.
Kevin Kelly: That hop attack has become one of Storm’s deadliest weapons, Arn.
Arn Anderson: No doubt, but somehow, Becky was able to shake it off and kick out of the Perfect Plex variation!
Storm maintains control, dragging Becky to the ropes by her head. She draws an admonishment from Knockouts Official, Kenzie, as she chokes her against the middle rope. She turns towards the hard cam and delivers a mock curtsy, but Becky fires up and catches her off guard with the reverse DDT! The crowd roars as both women are down.
Kevin Kelly: I must admit, I’m a little surprised by all the showboating from Storm tonight. She knows how dangerous the former PWI women’s champion can be, she can’t turn her attention away from her to please the crowd.
Arn Anderson: I think it’s just another mind game from Storm. She’s been waiting for tonight since Becky arrived in AEW following WOW Week. She wants to savior it, and it may end up costing her!
Both women rise in the center of the ring, trading forearms. Becky screams with every shot, winning the exchange and firing off rapid forearms before hitting the ropes, connecting with a flying forearm smash. She kips up into position, and Storm stumbles into her as Becky plants her with the Bexploder! She covers as the crowd roars.
1…
2…
2.9999!
Storm barely gets her shoulder up!
Becky doesn’t let off, immediately going for the DisArmHer! Storm scrambles quickly to the ropes, as Kenzie is forced to call for the break.
Arn Anderson: Becky has tried and failed now on two occasions to lock Storm into that DisArmHer. Once a few weeks ago on Dynamite, and again just now. Storm’s been able to avoid it, but you’ve got to wonder how long that luck can last?
Becky holds onto the hold for a moment too long as Kenzie pulls her back. Storm reaches up and grabs Becky by the tights, sending her shoulder first into the steel post!
Storm seizes on the opening, pulling Becky to the outside and slamming her hand into the steep steps repeatedly, targeting the wrist and the fingers.
Kevin Kelly: If Storm can neutralize that arm, she’s not going to have to worry about the DisArmHer catching up with her.
Arn Anderson: It’s smart wrestling, if you take away Becky’s submission, you take away The Man’s best chance at winning.
They return to the ring, where Storm traps Becky’s arm in the corner, delivering rapid fire boots to the shoulder joint! She unties her, draping her in the corner as she goes for another hip attack. This time, Becky sidesteps it and Storm crashes into the turnbuckle!
Becky capitalizes immediately, sliding to the outside and grabbing Storm by her legs, pulling her to the post. She locks on the figure four around the post as the crowd explodes!
Storm screams in agony as Kenzie starts the five count. Before she can get past four, Storm manages to kick Becky off, sending her into the barricade to break the hold. Storm slides out to meet Becky on the outside, but Becky launches herself off the barricade with a diving dropkick! Both women are down as the ref begins the count.
Arn Anderson: Kenzie is getting her workout tonight in her first PPV main event as a referee!
At seven, Becky is up and rolls Storm into the ring. She takes her to the corner and hits a superplex from the top rope! Becky covers!
1…
2…
Storm kicks out again!
This time, Becky doesn’t hesitate, as she smoothly transitions to the DisArmHer in the middle of the ring! The crowd is on their feet as Storm claws for the ropes, screaming in agony.
Kevin Kelly: Becky’s finally got it locked in! Storm might have to tap!
Arn Anderson: If Toni isn’t careful, she’s going to lose that arm!
Kevin Kelly: Storm said Becky would have to kill her to take the belt, and I think we’re about to witness a murder!
Storm gets close to the ropes, but she’s still inches away. She rolls her hips and rolls through, stacking Becky for a pinfall!
1…
2…
Becky has to let go to avoid getting pinned! Becky pops right back up, but Storm catches her with a German suplex that drops Becky on the back of her head. Shaking off the pain, Storm roars as she picks Becky up for the Storm Zero piledriver!
Becky blocks it and counters it into an attempt at a Manhandle Slam, but Storm slips free! She hits Becky with a headbutt that rocks her, before hitting the ropes and sending them both crashing into the corner with the second hip attack!
Becky collapses on impact, and Storm is quick to get back to her feet. She tucks Becky’s heads between her legs and plants her with the Storm Zero!
1…
2…
2.9999!
Becky kicks out!!!
The crowd explodes in disbeleif.
Kevin Kelly: How the hell did Becky Lynch just kick out of that Storm Zero?
Arn Anderson: Becky Lynch is showing how badly she wants that Knockouts Championship!
Storm screams in frustration, pulling Becky up again, looking for another Storm Zero. This time, Becky twists free, rolling Storm into the inside cradle!
1…
2…
Storm kicks out!
Storm grabs the arm she was targeting earlier, locking in a brutal cross armbreaker! Becky fights desperately, trying to claps her hands together, but Storm transitions beautifully into a modified hammerlock!
Becky struggles, before breaking free, flipping Storm over with a snapmare. Storm stumbles, before Becky catches her with a kick to the gut! She lifts her again for the Manhandle Slam, but her arm gives out and Storm falls to the mat.
Storm fires off a headbutt, followed by another, and another! She kicks Becky in the gut hard, before planting her again with the Storm Zero!
1…
2…
3!!!
Right as Kenzie’s had strikes the mat, Becky lifts her shoulder. But it’s a millisecond too late!
Kevin Kelly: My God, what a wrestling match! We’ve seen some absolute wars tonight, but these two left it all in the ring here at Aftershock 2!
Arn Anderson: Becky threw everything she had, but Storm survived. That’s why she’s the AEW Knockouts Champion!
Winner: Timeless Toni Storm
Match Time: 26:02
As the beol sounds, Storm is handed the Knockouts Championship and collapses to the mat, clutching the title. Her mascara is smeared and she’s breathing heavy, but she’s smirking through the exhaustion.
Becky rolls to the ropes, grabbing her arm. Kenzie goes to check on her, as Lynch rolls to the outside and begins her slow, pained walk to the ramp. The crowd fives her a respectful ovation, but Becky doesn’t acknowledge it. She’s clearly seething as she glances back once at Toni Storm in the ring, before disappearing through the curtain.
Inside the ring, Storm drags herself up with the ropes, still trembling from the 26 minute war she just survived. The Knockouts Championship is still clutched tightly aginst her chest. Her music should be playing, but it hasn’t started yet. Storm raises her hand anyway, forcing Kenzie to lift her arm inn victory as she soaks up the spotlight she feels she’s earned.
Storm spins dramatically, before throwing her free hand into the air, striking another pose as she mouths, “I AM TIMELESS!”
Suddenly, the lights cut out.
The crowd erupts in whispers and confusion. For a few seconds, there’s only darkness. Then, across the giant tron, a violent crack of blue lightening rips through the blackness. A second bolt follows, and then a third, each strike synced with an ear-splitting boom over the PA system.
Finally, booms over the PA system break, clearing the way for the words that come next…
“A STORM IS COMING!”
The crowd explodes as the familiar music hits, and Toni Storm freezes in the center of the ring. Her smirk is gone, replaced by a genuine, wide-eyed terror.
The spotlight hits the stage, and the crowd in Nashville reaches a crescendo as Jade Cargill steps into the light!
Jade’s presence is magnetic, calm, unshaken, and deadly serious. She doesn’t smile or pose, she just stares at Storm from the stage, radiating power.
Kevin Kelly: OH MY GOD, WHAT ARE WE WITNESSING?
Arn Anderson: We’re witnessing what Benny Mouse promised a month ago! There’s a storm on the horizon, and the champion knows it!
Toni takes a step back, clutching her title tight to her chest like a security blanket, her lower lip trembling just slightly. This isn’t the confident champion we’ve seen for months. This isn’t the self-proclaimed Hollywood goddess soaking in adoration.
This is a woman who just went to war… and now realizes her next battle could be her last.
Unlike when Becky Lynch arrived six weeks ago — where Storm’s reaction was smug amusement, mocking Becky’s “overhyped debut” — this is different. Storm isn’t laughing. She isn’t talking. She isn’t posing.
She looks horrified.
The camera cuts between Toni Storm in the ring and Jade Cargill on the stage, the crowd chanting “JADE! JADE! JADE!” as tension fills the air like static before a downpour.
Storm slowly raises her title belt over her head, forcing a smirk, trying to hide the fear creeping in. Jade doesn’t move, doesn’t flinch, doesn’t blink.
The final shot of Aftershock 2 is a split-screen: On one side, Jade Cargill, a storm brewing behind her icy, unshaken glare. On the other, Toni Storm, mascara smeared, clutching her Knockouts Championship like a lifeline, desperately trying to maintain her composure.
The screen fades to black with
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 