Live from All State Arena | Chicago, IL | Crowd Size: 19,499
SEGMENT ONE
In the cold open of the show, we open on a dim bulb, setting an uneasy tone. The Executioner bursts through the door of Brodie Lee’s locker room, breathing hard, mask slightly askew.
Mr. Brodie Lee: What’s wrong with you?
Executioner: [panting] It’s King and Black… someone got to them, Brodie. They’re down. Bad.
Brodie slowly rises from his chair, eyes narrowing.
Mr. Brodie Lee: Where’s Splidder?
Executioner: [shaking his head] I haven’t seen him. Not since earlier
Brodie clenches his jaw, then storms past Executioner, coat trailing behind him.
Mr. Brodie Lee: Show me.
They move quickly down the narrow corridor, passing startled crew members. The air is tense, heavy with confusion and dread.
They turn the corner, and there they are. Brody King and Alistair Black lie motionless amid shattered equipment cases and toppled lighting rigs. The concrete floor is smeared with blood and broken glass.
Executioner kneels beside King, checking for signs of life.
Executioner: [low, grim] They’re breathing… but barely.
Brodie crouches, surveying the destruction, his expression unreadable
Mr. Brodie Lee: Who—
Before Lee can continue, there’s a loud cracking sound, as the camera pulls back. Randy Orton stands with a chair in hand, as he starts to unload on Lee as Executioner watches in horror.
Randy Orton: [roaring] You picked a fight with the wrong man, Brodie!
He swings again… CRACK! Then another, and another. The sound echoes down the hallway like gunfire. Brodie tries to rise, but Orton boots him square in the chest, sending him sprawling beside his fallen brothers.
Executioner lunges. BANG! Orton slams the chair into his head!. Orton barely hesitates. He unloads on him too, wild eyed and feral.
Randy Orton: You think you can send your dogs after me?! Huh?!
One final, crushing shot to Brodie’s skull leaves the chair warped and dented. Orton tosses it aside, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his face. He glares down at the wreckage of the Guilty Remnant, all laid out, motionless.
He takes a deep breath, runs a hand through his hair, and mutters under his breath.
Randy Orton: You wanted a war… now you’ve got one.
Orton steps over Brodie’s body and disappears into the shadows, leaving behind nothing but twisted metal, broken glass, and silence.
The opening video plays, the pyro explodes, and Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson enthusiastically welcome us to All Out, as AEW returns to PPV for the second time this season.
Match #1 | AEW Television Championship
LA Knight (C) vs. Logan Paul
Logan Paul is out first, to massive boos from the Chicago crowd. He’s carrying a bottle of Prime, taking sips as he walks to the ring, shrugging off the crowd’s negative response. Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss the road to All Out, and how this match came to be after Logan Paul returned from injury in August with his sights set on the champ. Anderson says Paul took offense to Knight’s billing as the “Megastar” and everything has gone down hill from there. Kelly recounts the horrifying drone attack from this past Monday, wondering what condition Knight will be in.
As Knight’s music hits, the ovation is deafening, as the champ struts to the ring, full of focus and determination. Anderson says Knight has beaten a “who’s who” of AEW superstars since he was drafted as the number one pick for BWM Inc. back in June, including Swerve Strickland and Bryan Danielson.
As Knight reaches the apron, he turns towards the crowd and undoes the belt from his waist. As Knight lifts the belt high, soaking in the crowd’s adulation, Logan Paul charges him from behind!
Knight hits Paul in the back of the head with a big boot, sending him tumbling to the floor. He follows him to the outside, and the crowd erupts in boos as Paul drives Knight into the steel steps, pounding on him with furious right hands.
Kevin Kelly: Logan Paul’s not wasting any time! The Maverick just sent Knight to the outside, and now he’s trying to make a statement!
Arn Anderson: Statement? That’s called a cheap shot, Kev. You don’t jump a man before the bell if you’ve got guts!
Knight fights back, whipping Paul into the barricade hard. His back slams into the LED barricade at ringside, before grabbing a fist full of Logan’s hair. He drags him towards Anderson and Kelly, and hurls him onto the commentary table! Papers fly and monitors scatter as Anderson and Kelly back up as far as they can.
Arn Anderson: And just like, the champ is fighting back!
Kevin Kelly: If they break our table, we’re going to be in for a long night!
The crowd groans as Logan grabs the Prime bottle, takes a sip, and spits it into Knight’s eyes. Knight tries to regain his vision as Paul gets off the table. Logan rocks LA Knight with a series of right hands, before further clearing off the commentary table. He turns back towards Knight, but Knight grabs him by the hair again and slams his head into the table!
Knight drags him onto the table with him, and hits Paul with a vicious neckbreaker onto the table! The wood bends, but doesn’t break, as both men crash to the floor, grimacing in pain!
Kevin Kelly: That table just refused to give way! Both men are down!
Arn Anderson: If the table doesn’t break, your body sure will!
Finally, Knight begins to stir. He again pulls a fist-full of Logan’s locks, directing him toward the ring. With both men finally inside, Knight screams at referee Lance Storm to ring the bell!
As the bell sounds, Knight lifts Paul for a hellacious atomic drop, as Kelly notes that a move like that could have you questioning your gender.
Arn Anderson: Is that what happened to you?
Paul tries to get back to his feet, but Knight rocks him with a lariat, into the cover!
1…
2…
Knight kicks out.
Knight goes for his signature elbow drop, but Logan gets his knees up! The champ clutches his ribs in pain, and Paul capitalizes. He sends Knight shoulder-first into the ring post, not once, but twice!
Arn Anderson: If you take out LA Knight’s shoulder, you disrupt his power game. It’s actually a really smart strategy from the former World Heavyweight Champion!
Kevin Kelly: Logan Paul has made such an impression in the near two-years he’s been here. The former champ is looking to add the TV title to his already impressive resume here tonight in Chicago!
Paul hits a running clothesline, then a big boot that levels Knight. He springs to the top rope and connects with a split-legged leg drop for two! After the kick out, he doesn’t hesitate — he lifts Paul off the mat dead weight and all, delivering a punishing gutwrench suplex!
Arn Anderon: We talked about the strength of LA Knight, but you can’t underestimate Logan’s strength, either. He’s a young guy, he’s got plenty of time to train, and each time he’s in that ring he shows us what he’s capable of!
Paul hits the ropes, but on the rebound, Knight pops up and catches him with a spinning powerslam out of nowhere!
Kevin Kelly: An explosive response from the champion! Knight’s showing he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank!
Arn Anderson: And take a look at Logan Paul’s right eye. It’s already bruising, Kev! Those shots from before the bell rang are leaving a mark!
Knight works Paul towards the corner, hammering him with right hands and stiff chops. The crowd cheers along with every shot. YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! Knight charges Logan with a running knee, striking him in the face before dropping him to the mat with the side effect slam! He climbs the turnbuckle, delivering a picture-perfect jumping elbow!
Kevin Kelly: LA Knight is kicking it into gear!
Knight covers him after the elbow.
1…
2…
2.999!
Arn Anderson: Paul with the shoulder up, staying alive!
Knight lifts Paul back up by the hair, as Storm admonishes him. As Storm breaks the hair pull, Knight’s totally caught off guard as Paul leaps off the ropes, connecting with a springboard clothesline! The force of the clothesline knocks Knight through the ropes, and he staggers off the apron onto the floor.
The crowd gasps as Paul, quick as lightning, leaps onto the top rope — hitting a springboard moonsault to the outside!
Kevin Kelly: Oh my God! What a move! That was unreal!
Arn Anderson: Say what you want about Paul’s personality, as unlikeable as he is, but there’s just no denying what he can do in that ring!
The move takes a lot out of both men, but Paul staggers back into the ring. Moments later, Knight joins him, and Logan immediately catches him with the backslide!
1…
2…
Knight rolls out of it.
Both men are back on their feet as Knight gets rocked by a hellacious right hand from Paul! Knight crumbles to the mat, as Paul hits the ropes. He nails his patented split-legged leg drop! He flexes as he covers!
1…
2…
2.999!
The arena roars as Knight stays alive, the frustration building on Paul’s face.
Paul stomps Knight a few times, leaving him on the mat as he climbs to the top rope. He drives off with the frog splash, getting unbelievable height on his jump! At the last moment, Knight rolls away, as Paul crashes chest-first to the mat!
Sensing blood in the water, Knight stalks him, waiting for him to get back up. As Paul starts to stir, Knight comes in behind him, looking for the BFT! Paul wriggles free, shoving him off.
Paul again goes up top, but this time, Knight meets him! Both men teeter on the top rope before Knight hooks him, superplexing him down! Both men crash violently, but Knight crawls over, hooking the leg!
1…
2…
2.999!
Paul gets the shoulder up once again!
Arn Anderson: That was close! But that impact took as much outta Knight as it did Paul.
Paul, desperate, rakes the eyes. The referee warns him, but Paul shoves the official aside. Knight retaliates with a boot to the gut, but Paul rams him into the ring post again.
Paul reaches into his tights, as the crowd groans as he retrieves his signature brass knuckles!
Kevin Kelly: Oh, come on! Not like this!
Knight hoists Paul up for another neckbreaker, but Paul nails him in the face with the knucks!
Knight’s legs buckle as Paul stumbles back, winding up for a Buckshot Lariat! Knight ducks! He spins Paul around — BFT attempt! Paul twists free, grabs Knight, and counters with the Paulverizer!
He covers him!
1…
2…
3!!!
The bell rings, the crowd erupts in boos. On replay, Knight’s foot is clearly on the bottom rope, but the referee never saw it!
Kevin Kelly: He had his foot on the rope! His foot was right there!
Arn Anderson: Doesn’t matter now, the ref didn’t see it. That’s the business, son. But Logan Paul just stole the AEW Television Championship, and he knows it.
Paul rolls out of the ring clutching the title, smirking through the jeers as medics check on Knight inside.
Kevin Kelly: Logan Paul has become the second man in AEW history to have held the Television Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship! By hook or by crook, Paul’s racking up a Hall of Fame worthy career.
Arn Anderson: The only other man to have held both titles is Paul’s former best friend and nemesis, MJF!
Winner and NEW AEW Television Champion: Logan Paul
Match Time: 15:52
As Paul retreats up the ramp with the gold, the camera lingers on a frustrated LA Knight. Knight’s seated, resting against the ropes, with blood at his mouth form the brass knuckles. The crowd chants “You got robbed!” as commentary concurs. Anderson notes that this is Knight’s first AEW loss after a hell of a summer, and predicts that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of these two.
SEGMENT TWO
The scene opens on Midget Hogan, sitting cross-legged outside of High Minded’s locker room. From the looks of things, High Minded isn’t here tonight, and the clubhouse is all locked up.
He looks awful, as if he’s not been sleeping. His signature bandana is crooked, his shades hang from one ear, and his expression is pure panic. A few crew members walk past, side-eyeing him like he’s contagious.
He stands up and starts pacing, his phone in his hand.
Midget Hogan: [to himself] Alright, brother… just breathe. You can do this. Just… leave the voicemail. She’ll understand once she hears the truth.
He exhales, hits the call button, and puts the phone to his ear. It goes straight to voicemail.
Midget Hogan: Hey, Lady Love… it’s me. Midget Hogan. Yeah, yeah, I know—you probably blocked me on everything but voicemail. Deserved. Totally deserved. But just… just hear me out, alright?
He glances awkwardly as another crew member walks by, carrying cables.
Crew Member: Are you talking to yourself?
Midget Hogan: Mind your own business, brother. I’m doing this for love!
The crew member just shakes his head and walks off. Hogan sighs and continues.
Midget Hogan: [into the phone] Look, I know things got… outta hand. And I know paying Hash to attack Young Crock wasn’t exactly, uh, stepdad of the year material.
He shakes his head, recalling his own actions.
Midget Hogan: [into the phone] Anyway, Lady Love… I know I messed up. I got kicked outta High Minded. Nash won’t return my texts, Riddle blocked me on Venmo, and Savage said if he sees me again he’s gonna “snap into my spine.” So yeah, things are bad.
He stops pacing, his tone softens.
Midget Hogan: [into the phone] But they don’t gotta stay that way. I just need five minutes with you—five minutes to explain what really happened. Meet me at Dynamite on Columbus Day. I’ll tell you everything.
He sighs, taking a beat, before wrapping up.
Midget Hogan: [into the phone] I know I broke your trust. But I still believe in us. You, me… the little Midgetamaniacs out there who still believe in love, brother. If you don’t meet me, I’ll understand… but if you do… maybe, just maybe, we can tag one more time.
He exhales, hanging up slowly as the scene fades.
Match # 2 | Winner to challenge for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at Sympathy for the Devil
Hangman Adam Page vs. The ‘Aerial Assassin’ Will Ospreay
During the introductions, commentary informs us that Shocker has announced that the winner of this match will go on to challenge for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at Sympathy for the Devil! Anderson notes that whoever survives tonight’s main event between Bobby Lashley and Cody Rhodes will go on to face The Kinslayer Sean Olson when Dynamite returns on Columbus Day.
Kevin Kelly: This feud, one of the most intense in AEW history, has been simmering since last season. We’ve been at a boiling point since Starrcade, and tonight, we’re finally going to find out once and for all who the better man is!
Arn Anderson: So many people have tried to pull Hangman Adam Page back from the dark side. Bryan Danielson, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega… none have been successful.
Kevin Kelly: These two men despise one another, and Acting Director of Operations Shocker has ordered that there will be no outside interference. We’re settling this thing tonight, one way or the other!
Arn Anderson: Let’s not forget that Hangman defeated Ospreay at Starrcade, thanks to the Young Bucks. And then it was Will Ospreay who cost Hangman the world title, in part, before Lashley executed the Gold Rush Ladder Match contract. There’s a good half a year of bad blood here!
As the bell sounds, the two lock up. Much to commentary’s surprise, the first few minutes of the bout are all chain wrestling — side headlocks, arm drags, shoulder blocks, counters. Neither man gives an inch. Things start to heat up as Ospreay flips out of a wristlock and slaps Page right in his face!
Page flips out, shoving him back into the turnbuckle. The referee tries to get between them, as Page leans in forehead-to-forehead, talking trash. The tension is molten.
Kevin Kelly: That stare tells the story. There’s no respect left here.
Arn Anderson: You slap a cowboy, you better be ready for the gun to go off.
As the ref directs them out of the corner, they again trade chain wrestling holds, with each man firing off cradles and roll ups for quick one-counts. Page begins to direct the pace of the match when he drills Ospreay with a back body drop.
Page lifts him for another one, but Ospreay rolls through. He quickly discards his elbow pad and rushes towards Page with the Hidden Blade. Page ducks it, before darting to the apron and going for the Buckshot! Ospreay evades and flips over Page with a hurricanrana!
The speed is insane, as Ospreay floors Page with a shoulder tackle, before hitting a standing Sky Twister Press! He covers, but Hangman is absolutely defiant and kicks out after one!
Page pops up and drills him with a forearm that echoes through the building. Ospreay stumbles into the corner. Page charges, but Ospreay springs up with a springboard forearm!
Page rolls to the floor, frustrated. Ospreay runs the ropes and soars with a slingshot dive over the top! The crowd roars! But Page snatches him midair and fallaway slams him into the barricade! The impact of which draws a “Holy Shit!” chant from the crowd!
Kevin Kelly: Oh! The spine-first impact! Page might’ve just turned the tide.
Arn Anderson: That’s the Page I’ve been talking about. He doesn’t care how — he just wants to hurt Ospreay.
With Ospreay still clutching his back, Page again tries to slow the pace. He sends him face-first into the barricade, before finally rolling him back into the ring. He waits for Ospreay on the apron, setting up for another Buckshot attempt!
As Ospreay rises to his feet slowly in the ring, Page goes for the Buckshot. Ospreay ducks it, and spins around Page, catching him with a sickening German suplex into the corner! Page’s neck lands disturbingly on the second turnbuckle!
Now it’s Ospreay who goes to the outside apron, stalking Page. As Page rises, Ospreay springboards in, but Page moves out of the way. Ospreay sees this mid-jump and rolls through, but once he returns to his feet Page counters with a belly to belly suplex! And then another!
Page lifts him up by the hair and goes for a vertical suplex, which Ospreay counters into the Stundog Millionaire! Page stumbles around the ring as Ospreay hits the ropes, catching him with a corkscrew kick! The impact sends Page to the outside.
Wasting no time, Ospreay dashes across the ring — Sasuke Special! He cartwheels, flips over the ropes, and crashes onto Page on the floor!
Kevin Kelly: The grace. The speed! The precision! He’s earned that moniker, the Aerial Assassin! Ospreay’s so dangerous when the speed picks up!
Arn Anderson: Grace don’t mean a damn thing if you can’t keep the cowboy down. He’s still breathing, Kev!
Ospreay tosses Page back inside, where he lifts him for the Torture Rack. When he has him in position, he spins Page into a devastating Rack Bomb! He covers!
1…
2…
Page kicks out!
Back to their feet, Page stuns Ospreay’s momentum with a big boot. He goes to the apron and springboards in with a lariat, the force of which sends Ospreay tumbling to the outside. Page climbs the top rope and hits a picture-perfect moonsault to the outside!
With the momentum still on his side, Page sends Ospreay back into the ring. He locks on a sharpshooter, as Anderson jokes that this must be in memory of the late great Owen Hart. The crowd wills Ospreay to stay alive as Page locks in the submission. Ospreay screams, and claws to the ropes. The break comes.
Page pulls Ospreay up for a belly-to-back suplex, but Ospreay flips out, dropkick! Enziguri! Page bounces off the ropes — clothesline to the back of the head! Both men collapse!
Kevin Kelly: Every move has consequence now. Every strike costs them something.
Arn Anderson: For as much as these two men hate one another, it’s about so much more than their blood lust. Both men are desperate to be world champion. Ospreay’s been talking about it all summer, and Page briefly reached the top of the mountain at Dynamite 50. They’re fighting for something much deeper!
They battle to their feet. Page nails an elbow strike! Ospreay retaliates with a hook kick! Page lariats him again, runs the ropes — Ospreay catches him! Spanish Fly! Both men are down!
At the corner, Ospreay lands a superkick to Page’s head. Page headbutts him right back, climbs up, and Buckshot Lariat off the turnbuckle! He covers!
1…
2…
2.999!
Page is seething as he lifts Ospreay back to his feet. Ospreay stuns him with another superkick! He leaps from the top — Shooting Star Press to the back!
Ospreay lines him up, going for the OsCutter! Page blocks it, and fires back with a tombstone piledriver! He covers him once more!
1…
2…
2.9999!
Page’s eyes go wild. He hauls Ospreay up and hits the Angel’s Wings!
Kevin Kelly: Adam Page has lost himself in his obsession to become world champion! He’s firing off every move in his arsenal!
Arn Anderson: Is Hangman wrestling Ospreay right now, or is he in there battling his demons?
With Ospreay on the mat, Page goes upstairs one more time. He looks for another moonsault, but Ospreay rolls out of the way! Page crashes to the mat! However, off of pure adrenaline, he gets back to his feet, only for Ospreay to hit him in the back of the head with the Hidden Blade!!!
Arn Anderson: Hidden Blade! Hidden Blade! Will Ospreay just about knocked Hangman’s head off!
Ospreay drapes an arm over Hangman…
1…
2…
2.999!
The crowd is deafening!
Both men return to their feet and battle to the apron. Ospreay hoists Page and drops him with a sickening thud with a powerbomb! Still on the apron, he lifts Hangman up and positions him… STYLES CLASH FROM THE APRON TO THE OUTSIDE!
The crowd breaks into a “THIS IS AWESOME!” chant, followed by, “FIGHT FOREVER!”
Kevin Kelly: What will these men even have left come Sympathy for the Devil, Arn?!
Arn Anderson: Will Ospreay’s sending Hangman a message! You want the dark side, Cowboy? You got it!”
Reluctantly, Michael McMahon starts a delayed ten-count, both men sprawled out on the floor. At seven, Ospreay returns to the ring. Just as it looks like Ospreay’s going to win via countout, Hangman somehow dives into the apron a millisecond before the 10 count!
As soon as Page returns to the ring, he’s met with Ospreay leaping off the ropes. OsCutter connects! He stalks Page, and when he starts to slowly arise, he drills him with another Hidden Blade!
1…
2…
2.999!
Kevin Kelly: By God, what a match!
Arn Anderson: These two men are the embodiment of All Elite Wrestling!
Ospreay smirks and points the finger gun, mocking Omega. He stuns Hangman with the V-Trigger! He lifts Page for the One Winged Angel! Page escapes and hits the JML Driver, a half-nelson into a wheel-barrow pile driver! He hooks the leg!
1…
2…
2.999!
Ospreay kicks out!
Page sets up for the Buckshot Lariat! The crowd’s on its feet — he springboards in, but Ospreay ducks under it! He hits a THIRD Hidden Blade to the back of Page’s head!
Ospreay hooks Page’s arms and drills him with the Stormbreaker! The crowd is going insane as Ospreay covers, counting along!
1…
2…
Thre—!!
Page kicks out again!!!
Kevin Kelly: HOW?! HOW IN THE HELL DID PAGE STAY ALIVE?!
Arn Anderson: I think it’s pure reflex at this point, Kevin! That tank has to be about emptied!
Ospreay screams in frustration. He stalks Page, eyes wild, then climbs to the top rope. Page stumbles up, defiant, middle fingers raised. Ospreay leaps — Oscutter from the top rope! With another frustrated scream, Ospreay lifts him… TIGER DRIVER 91! Page lands sickly on his neck!
1…
2…
3!!!
Winner: Will Ospreay
Match Time: 33:21
The crowd erupts as the bell rings.
Kevin Kelly: Will Ospreay has done it! Ospreay is going to Sympathy for the Devil!
Ospreay collapses to his knees, clutching his ribs, blood running from his lip. Page rolls to the ropes, dazed, staring at the lights — the fallen cowboy. As the referee raises Ospreay’s arm, the camera lingers on Hangman’s face… hollow, shaking, consumed with rage and disbelief.
Kevin Kelly: At Starrcade, Hangman Page had his hand raised. But tonight, Will Ospreay stands victorious! He’s going to face the AEW World Champion on October 27 at Sympathy for the Devil!
SEGMENT THREE
In their locker room, the Young Bucks are standing around, talking to Kenny Omega. Suddenly, Hangman Adam Page enters the room, sweat still dripping from his face and his hair totally wild. He throws his jacket onto a bench with enough force to send a water bottle tumbling to the floor.
Everyone turns towards Page, just in time to see him punch a locker.
Matt Jackson: Hangman—
Hangman Adam Page: [snapping] Don’t. Don’t even start with me right now, Matt.
There’s a long pause. Kenny stands up slowly, approaching him carefully, like one would a wild horse about to kick.
Kenny Omega: We’re not here to start anything, man. We just wanted to make sure you’re alright. That was—
Hangman Adam Page: —That was another loss. That’s what it was.
Page kicks at his chair, sending it skidding into the wall. The Bucks exchange uneasy looks. Page paces the room, breathing heavy, eyes unfocused.
Hangman Adam Page: Every time I get close — every damn time — I blow it. Ospreay tonight. Logan Paul before that. Brandon Lee, Bobby Lashley… it’s always something. I tell myself it’s fine, that I’ll get another shot, but it’s just setback after setback.
Nick Jackson: You were right there, Hangman. That match was—
Hangman Adam Page: Right there doesn’t mean a damn thing, Nick! You think I care about how good it looked? You think I care about magazine columns and rankings? You think anyone’s gonna remember almost beating Will Ospreay?
Page leans against the locker, rubbing his face, voice softening but full of frustration.
Hangman Adam Page: I worked my ass off to get back to that belt. And what did it get me? A two-minute world title reign. That’s my legacy right now. Two minutes.
Kenny sighs, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Kenny Omega: That’s not your legacy, Adam. Not by a long shot. You’re still—
Hangman Adam Page: No, Kenny. It is. Because that’s what sticks. You know it. I know it. Nobody remembers the climb, they remember how you fell.
Matt Jackson: So, what, then? What’s next?
Hangman Adam Page: I’m saying something’s gotta change. What I’m doing— it’s not working. I don’t know what the answer is yet, but I’m not gonna find it here, surrounded by the same walls, the same people telling me I’m fine when I’m not. You guys figure it out, I’m going home.
He slings the strap of his duffel tighter over his shoulder and heads for the door. Before leaving, he stops — not turning back, but his voice quieter now, reflective.
Hangman Adam Page: When I come back… if I come back… it’s gonna be because I know exactly who I am and what I’m fighting for. Until then, don’t wait up.
The door swings shut behind him. The Bucks stand frozen, and Kenny just stares at the empty doorway — the sound of Hangman’s boots echoing down the hall fading into the distance.
Match #3 | AEW Knockouts Championship
Timeless Toni Storm (C) vs. Jade Cargill
Jade is out first, to a tremendous ovation. Commentary discusses how Cargill has felt a little jaded by the resistance she’s found here in AEW, and they recap the so-called JadeTrade scandal from earlier in the summer. Anderson notes that as of tonight, Jade Cargill has become the first woman to challenge for the AEW Knockouts Championship, the WWE Women’s Championship, and the ULW Women’s Championship in under six months.
As Toni Storm makes her way out to a mixed but mostly positive reaction, commentary discusses her impressive reign as Knockouts Champion, reminding us that she won the title back at Exodus last season.
Kevin Kelly: You can feel the tension here, Arn. This is a different Toni Storm than the one who welcomed the challenge of Becky Lynch earlier in the season with open arms. When Jade arrived in AEW at Aftershock 2, Storm’s face told the whole story… she wasn’t excited for this match, she was fearful of it!
Arn Anderson: And that’s not a look we’ve seen from Storm over the past year, a year, mind you, that includes retiring the greatest women’s wrestler of all time, Miss Athena Star! We’ve seen Storm topple Star, Morgan, and Lynch. Will she add Jade Cargill to her resume?
As the bell sounds, they circle, then lock up in a collar-and-elbow. Both women jockey for position before Jade muscles Storm back into the corner, smirking as the referee separates them.
Arn Anderson: Two alphas of the ring. Both women have big personalities. And Kevin, you know what happens when two alphas clash! Somebody’s gonna get hurt!
They reset and go back to basics, including a series of headlocks, wristlocks, and reversals. Storm slips under for a waistlock takedown, floats over into a front facelock, but Jade powers out.
Storm rolls through, catching Jade with a sunset flip, but Jade rolls through and hits a short basement dropkick. Storm rolls to her feet, dusts herself off, and applauds sarcastically.
Arn Anderson: Toni Storm is trying her best to look unbothered. And don’t get me wrong, she’s pulling off that look. But you’ve got to know, somewhere in the back of her mind is the possibility that Jade is going to be the one to end her reign.
Storm catches Jade with a hip toss, and then into a drop toe hold. She looks to lock on the Venus de Milo (a double underhook crossface), but Jade muscles out of it. She lifts Storm up high for a military press, before turning toward the hard cam and flexing as the crowd pops.
Storm gets back to her feet and tries to shake off the hard landing. They again tie up, and Jade pushes her back. She flips into the corner and Jade charges with a baseball dropkick. Storm moves at the last moment and Jade crashes into the corner.
Storm positions her for the Storm Zero, but Jade flips her off into a back body drop. Jade fires back with a knee lift to the gut and drives Storm’s arm into the middle rope before wrenching it into an armbar. She uses her long legs to torque the hold until the referee counts four.
Arn Anderson: Smart from Jade—attack the arm, neutralize that strong left hook Storm likes to throw. And if Storm doesn’t have her arms, Jade’s not going to have to worry too much about Storm Zero.
She catches Storm with a snap suplex. She doesn’t let go, and shows off her impressive strength as she immediately hits another one. She still doesn’t let go, lifting her for a third suplex. This time, she holds her vertically, as the blood rushes to Storm’s head. Jade marches around the ring, showing off her strength once more, before hitting the third suplex!
Jade goes for the cover!
1…
2…
Storm kicks out! Jade then plants her knees into Storm’s back and pulls her arms back in a punishing surfboard stretch. Storm grimaces, flips through the pressure, and hits a double underhook backbreaker across her knee. Then a flatliner! The crowd comes alive.
Storm goes to the apron, punches Jade back, and springboards in with a missile dropkick! Jade tumbles out of the ring.
Storm smirks, blows a kiss, and dives through the ropes with a suicide crossbody!
Kevin Kelly: Vintage Toni Storm! The champ risked her own body on that one!
Arn Anderson: She may be Timeless, but she’s not invincible!
Storm drags Jade back to the apron, where they trade blows. Storm gets the upper hand, and goes for a powerbomb off the apron. Jade grabs a hold of the ropes, preventing the move. Jade fires back with a Blue Thunder Bomb as both women fall to the floor!
Arn Anderson: A sickening landing for the champion!
Kevin Kelly: I’m sure sure Jade landed much better!
Knockouts Referee Kenzie starts the count, but both women are back inside long before the 10. Jade goes to the top rope as Anderson notes this isn’t usually a part of Jade’s repertoire. She catches Storm with a flying cross body!
They roll through, and Jade scoops Storm up in an impressive display of strength. She hits her with the spinning powerslam, called the Eye of the Storm! She covers!
1…
2…
2.999!
Arn Anderson: I thought Jade had her with that one!
Jade sends Storm into the corner, and charges at her. Storm moves at the last second, and Jade crashes sternum first into the turnbuckle! Storm nails her with a German suplex! Both women collapse, breathing heavy!
Arn Anderson: That’s what I like to see! Two thoroughbreds trading heavy shots, no nonsense. This is a fight, plain and simple!
Kevin Kelly: And it’s going to come down to who wants it most!
They stagger up and trade strikes. Storm hits an uppercut, Jade hits a knee. Storm fires a European uppercut again, Jade answers with a belly-to-back suplex. Storm blocks Jaded, stomps on Jade’s ribs, and locks in the Venus de Milo!
Arn Anderson: Storm’s got the arms, Jade can’t reach the ropes!
Just when it looks as if Jade might fade, she powers up and gets to her knees, Storm hanging precariously off her back, the move still locked on! Jade charges backwards to the corner, but Storm doesn’t let go!
Kevin Kelly: The challenger is fading, Arn! How much longer can Jade survive this hold?!
Jade slams Storm into the corner once more, this time the force of impact forces Storm to let go! The crowd is on their feet, sensing Jade’s comeback!
Jade goes for a chokeslam, but she can’t lift Storm due to the effects of the submission on the arms! She instead fires off a rapid headbutt, followed by a roundhouse that nearly decapitates the champ!
Jade covers!
1…
2…
Storm kicks out!
Jade returns to her feet, the frustration beginning to show. Storm gets to her feet as well, and the two slug it out in the center of the ring. Storm hits the ropes, but on the rebound Jade hits her with a pump kick so hard that Storm flips inside out!
Kevin Kelly: We may be seconds away from a new Knockouts Champion!
Arn Anderson: If Storm doesn’t rally, she’ll be Timeless, but titleless!
Jade signals for Jaded. She lifts Storm., but Storm rolls through, nailling a stiff uppercut! She kicks Jade in the gut and positions her… STORM ZERO!
1…
2…
2.999!
Kevin Kelly: Jade Cargill just kicked out of the Storm Zero!
Arn Anderson: That move has beaten so many, and Storm looks absolutely beside herself!
Storm can’t believe it. She pulls Jade to her feet and smacks her across the face. Jade responds with a spinning Big Boot! Both women are down. The crowd’s roaring.
Storm drags herself to the corner, ripping off her gloves, eyes wild. She hits a running Hip Attack. Then another, then another! She tears off her knee pad for a final strike—
But before she can, the crowd erupts as someone slides under the ropes—it’s Becky Lynch!
Arn Anderson: What the hell is Becky Lynch doing out here?
Kevin Kelly: We’ve not seen her since Storm defeated her at Aftershock 2!
Becky rushes Storm and drills her with a forearm! Jade charges, but Becky ducks and clotheslines her over the top rope! Storm stumbles forward—Becky plants her with the Manhandle Slam!
Kenzie, with no choice, calls for the bell as Becky continues to assault both women!
Winner: No Contest due to Double DQ
Match Time: 16:12
After hitting both women with multiple Manhandle Slams, Becky finally relents as additional referees storm the ring. Becky throws her hands up defensively, like she doesn’t know what she’s done wrong as the crowd showers her in boos.
Kevin Kelly: A despicable display from The Man ruins what could have been an all-timer, Arn!
Arn Anderson: These two women were ready to leave it all in the ring, but Becky Lynch had another idea. It’s a shame to see such a great bout end this way, but you’ve gotta believe Becky’s just unleashed something in both the champ and the challenger!
SEGMENT FOUR
Match #4 | AEW World Heavyweight Championship
‘The Almighty’ Bobby Lashley (C) vs. The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes
Cody is out first to a massive pop from the Chicago crowd. Anderson says it was just six days ago that Rhodes lost the Dual Dominion Championship to Matt Cardona, thanks to the Hurt Syndicate. Kelly notes that no one has seen Cardona since, when he promised to take the belt to WWE as his ticket to the Rock.
Lashley is out next, as the crowd showers him in boos as he makes his way down the aisle. Cody paces in the ring, trying to fire himself up and calm his nerves.
Kevin Kelly: You can see the nerves on Cody Rhodes’ face right now, Arn. He feels the weight of this. He’s waited his entire career for this opportunity here in BWM Inc.
Arn Anderson: It’s an evening of firsts for the American Nightmare. His first one on one shot at a BWM Inc. World Heavyweight Championship. His first PPV main event. Will we also see his first world title victory? I’ll tell ya this, he’s going to have to be perfect tonight. The Almighty Bobby Lashley and the Hurt Syndicate have been running rough shot on everyone in AEW since they arrived last spring.
The bell sounds as the crowd is already fired up to an eleven. Cody opens with a quick hammerlock, forcing Lashley to the ropes for the clean break. Lashley shoves him away with that smug smirk. Cody circles back, hits a side headlock takeover, then transitions into a quick dropkick that staggers the champion. Lashley powers up, driving Cody to the corner with shoulder thrusts to the ribs before sending him flying across the ring with a release suplex.
In the front row, members of Cody’s family, including his wife Brandi and his brother Goldust, are seated at ringside. Lashley taunts them from inside the ring, which doesn’t sit too well with Rhodes.
Cody fires back with sharp jabs, hits the ropes, but Lashley catches him midair and drills him with a spinebuster! Lashley covers as MVP shouts words of encouragement from ringside.
1…
2…
Rhodes kicks out.
Arn Anderson: Cody’s not going to match Lashley’s power. He’s going to have to outwrestle him.
Kevin Kelly: And he’s going to have to do so while keeping an eye on MVP and the Hurt Syndicate!
Cody fights out of a chinlock, lands an uppercut, and sends Lashley over the top rope. Cody sprints, lands a suicide dive through the ropes that sends Lashley crashing into the barricade. The fans erupt. Cody climbs the apron, but Lashley sweeps his legs and hoists him up — body slam on the ramp! The crowd winces. Lashley tries another, but Cody slips behind and body slams Lashley on the ramp in return! Both men are down, as Senior Official Michael McMahon’s count ticks up. Cody drags Lashley back into the ring to stop the count.
Back in the ring, Rhodes launches himself off the ropes, looking for the Disaster Kick! Lashley counters it, catching Rhodes’ leg. Lashley hoists him up and drops him with a huge powerbomb! He covers!
1…
2…
Rhodes gets the shoulder up.
On the outside, Shelton Benjamin has come out, standing next to MVP, who continues barking orders at Lashley.
Moments later, as Cody hits the ropes, Shelton grabs his ankle. Lashley blasts him with a clothesline, flipping Cody inside-out. McMahon doesn’t see the interference but senses something, giving the Syndicate a warning.
Arn Anderson: This is the kind of shit they’ve been pulling all summer, Kev! Lashley doesn’t need the help, but he always seems to take it!
Lashley sends Rhodes into the corner head first, and Rhodes crumbles to the mat. Lashley, casually, dictating the pace of the match, rolls to the outside. He approaches the commentary table, and Anderson and Kelly immediately stand up and jump back. Lashley slowly starts removing the monitors.
Rhodes comes from behind and hits Lashley with a clubbing blow. Lashley doesn’t fall, however, and turns towards Rhodes. He hits a few rights before trying to position Rhodes for another powerbomb. This time, Rhodes reverses it into a backbody drop, and Lashley crashes through the table! The crowd is fired up, as Cody sends Lashley back inside. MVP watches along in horror as Rhodes covers!
1…
2…
Lashley kicks out!
Cody stalks him, and as Lashley returns to his feet he catches him with the spinning powerslam. As Lashley gets back to his feet, Cody catches him with the Cody Cutter from the second rope! Another cover!
1…
2..
2.999!
Lashley kicks out once more!
Rhodes is trying to not let his frustration show, as he sends Lashley to the outside with a dropkick. Cody charges, catching Lashley with a tope suicida! He drives Lashley spine first into the barricade, but turns as he sees MVP approaching.
Kevin Kelly: MVP has Cody’s weight belt!
MVP sneaks the weight belt into Shelton’s hands — CRACK! Benjamin whips Cody across the back. McMahon didn’t see it, but he heard it. The crowd erupts when the referee finally ejects both MVP and Benjamin from ringside!
Kevin Kelly: There goes the Syndicate! The champion’s all alone now!
Cody sends Lashley back into the ring, where he connects with a superkick! Lashley doesn’t fall, and instead stumbles around the ring. Cody catches him… CROSS RHODES!
1…
2…
Thre—
Lashley kicks out!
Cody looks stunned. The crowd is on its feet chanting “CODY! CODY!”
Lashley catches Cody with a jawbreaker, before taking Rhodes down with a short arm lariat. He sets up for the spear… he charges, and Cody leaps over him! Lashley hits the corner with a sickening impact, and as he turns around, Rhodes kicks him in the gut! Pedigree!
1…
2…
Lashley kicks out again!
The place is unglued. Both men stagger up. Cody goes for a Disaster Kick again — Lashley catches him midair with a Spear!
1…
2…
2.999!
Cody kicks out, barely. Lashley’s eyes go wide.
Cody lifts him again for the Cross Rhodes, but Lashley wrestles out of it. He gets behind him and locks on the Hurt Lock! Cody thrashes, fading, but somehow rolls through — he reverses the pressure and drives Lashley face-first into the turnbuckle!
As Lashley stumbles out of the corner, Rhodes hits him with the Bionic Elbow! He waits for Lashley to get up, and Cody hits the Final Cut!
Kevin Kelly: He’s paying homage to Dusty and Dustin!
Arn Anderson: Cody doesn’t need to be getting cute, he needs to end this!
Lashley barely manages to get back to his feet, as Cody lines him up… CROSS RHODES ONCE MORE!
1…
2…
Just as McMahon’s hand is about to hit the mat for the third time, MJF comes from out of nowhere and drags him out of the ring! The crowd explodes in boos.
Kevin Kelly: Damn him! Damn that MJF!
Arn Anderson: MJF has no business out here!
Kevin Kelly: These two men have such a history together, but I don’t think that’s what’s motivating MJF tonight. Don’t forget, he’s an honorary member of the Hurt Syndicate, and in exchange for helping Lashley, MJF gets himself the Hurt Syndicate’s protection if and when Lashley loses the belt!
Cody dives out and tackles MJF, unloading with punches before tossing him over the barricade. Rhodes leaps off the barricade and nearly decapitates MJF with the Disaster Kick!
Rhodes rolls back into the ring, only to immediately eat a spear from Lashley!
1…
2…
2.999!
Cody gets a shoulder up! Lashley is livid. He signals again for the Spear. Cody dodge… Cross Rhodes! He hooks the leg— one, two — MJF shoves Lashley’s foot on the bottom rope! McMahon again doesn’t see it! Cody starts to argue with the referee.
Arn Anderson: Can someone get Michael McMahon a pair of glasses?
Cody turns, just in time to see Max Caster hop onto the apron! Cody hits the Disaster Kick, sending him flying down to the mat, landing hard on Bowens, who also had emerged!
Just as Rhodes clears the Acclaimed, he turns to eat a full-speed spear from Lashley! The spear folds Cody in half, and he’s clearly out cold. Lashley doesn’t seem to care, as he hoists Rhodes back up and locks in the Hurt Lock in the center of the ring!
Kevin Kelly: By God, Rhodes is fading! Rhodes is fading!
McMahon checks his arm, and lifts it once… it flops. He lifts it again, same story. One the third time, it drops nearly all the way, before Rhodes somehow shows he’s still in this thing!
Cody fires up, crowd roaring. He runs up the turnbuckles, with the Hurt Lock still locked in. He flips over Lashley, and they roll through, but Lashley won’t release the hold! Cody collapses. McMahon has no choice. He calls it!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Match Time: 28:47
Kevin Kelly: He didn’t tap out, Arn! He didn’t tap! Rhodes passed out. Lashley survives, but not without every trick in the book.
Arn Anderson: Cody Rhodes just wrestled the match of his life, Kevin, and it didn’t matter. Bobby Lashley leaves as champion, thanks to the Hurt Syndicate and MJF!
Lashley poses with the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, flanked by a smug MJF on the ramp. In the ring, Cody sits up, exhausted, eyes fixed on the title that just slipped away. He mouths that he’s sorry to his family sitting at ringside, as MVP rejoins Lashley in his celebration.
Kevin Kelly: If there’s any justice in the universe, Cody Rhodes will get another shot at the belt, Arn.
Arn Anderson: But the field is growing increasingly crowded, Kevin. When Dynamite returns on Columbus Day, that man, the Almighty Bobby Lashley will defend against the Kinslayer Sean Olson, and whoever survives that is going on to Sympathy for the Devil, where Will Ospreay awaits.
Kevin Kelly: Folks, thank you so much for joining us, we’ll be back Columbus Day!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 