Live from Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | Ft. Wayne, IN | Crowd Size: 13,299
SEGMENT ONE
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Boots hit the concrete, each footstep splitting the silence like a hammer on bone. The camera stays low, almost cowardly, as it crawls upwards at an excruciating pace.
We slowly see clinched fists. Leather. Denim. Finally, the camera tilts to reveal Becky Lynch. Her hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her eyes pierce the screen. Her face is drowned by the natural shadows of the background, half of it in darkness, the other half in just enough light to show you she’s smiling, but just barely.
Becky Lynch: At Aftershock 2, I kicked out right at three. You all saw it. I know you saw it! But the referee? Didn’t care. Management? Didn’t care. Toni Storm didn’t seem to care either. The story was over. The Man lost, cue the next shiny thing.
She smirks, almost laughing to herself, but her reaction is bitter.
Becky Lynch: That new shiny thing? Jade Cargill. She bursts onto the scene, and suddenly The Man’s phone stopped ringing. I sat by it, waiting. Waiting for someone to tell me when I’d get my rematch.
She shakes her head, scoffing in disgust.
Becky Lynch: But that call never came. A whole month went by. Suddenly, the company that just had to have me after the draft wanted nothing to do with me! All the while, Toni Storm droned on about being timeless, and Jade whined about being bounced from company to company. Quite frankly, I got tired of their whining, and I got tired of waiting.
Becky Lynch: So… I laid them both out at All Out. While they went to the hospital after the show, I went back to my tour bus. Poured myself a shot of tequila. Called my husband, and basked in my brilliance. Because he and I have learned something this year… if no one else is gonna give us our shot, we’ll just take it for ourselves!
She pauses, her tone steady and her voice lowering.
Becky Lynch: If I’m not here to win world championships, why the hell am I here at all? So, imagine my surprise at the internet’s reaction to what I did at All Out… to how those idiots in Chicago showered me in boos! They called me selfish! They called me a greedy opportunist!
Her lips curl slowly into a cold, mocking grin.
Becky Lynch: Fine. If that’s what you all think of me? Then that’s exactly who I’ll be. You want to see what happens when The Man runs around unrestricted? When the gloves come off? Then watch closely. Because I’m coming for the Knockouts Championship — and this time, nobody’s stopping me.
In the hallway, the camera follows as the AEW World Tag Team Champions, the Harlem Turtles, Stevie R and Booker D, drag a flailing Shocker, the Acting Director of Operations, down the concrete corridor.
Shocker looks totally disheveled from being manhandled by his nephews, and his expression is swinging between indignation and total fear.
Shocker: Hey! HEY! Easy! You don’t have manhandle me like this! We’re family, damn it! If Benny wanted to see me, all he had to do was ask!
The Turtles don’t answer. They stay stonefaced, pulling Shocker along like two executioners marching a prisoner to his fate.
Shocker: Come on! What the hell is this about?
Stevie R shoves open a metal door, and Booker D. hurls Shocker forward. He stumbles, crashing into the office of the BWM Inc. Founder Benny Mouse! Seated behind his large desk, Benny looks menacing as the room is dimly lit, shadows sprawling the walls from a single lamp. Behind Benny stands Danhausen, his eyes unblinking.
Benny’s demeanor is calm, but something about him feels off. His voice is low and deliberate, almost as if he’s thinking out loud.
Benny Mouse: [to the Turtles] Close the door, boys.
The door slams shut, echoing like a cell door.
Shocker: What the hell is this, Benny? You send your muscle to drag me down here like some sort of criminal? What’s going on?
Benny leans back in his chair, studying Shocker as if he’s a bug under glass.
Benny Mouse: That’s funny, Shocker. That’s exactly what I wanted to ask you. What’s going on?
Shocker blinks.
Shocker: I—I don’t know what you mean.
Benny Mouse: I think you do. I’m sitting here, minding my own business, trying to keep this ship from sinking… trying to prepare for what’s coming, and I see a memo come across my desk. Says tonight you booked a Ladder War. For a shot at the tag titles.
He tilts his head, waiting for an explanation.
Shocker: Huh? I was just doing my job! The division is out of control, and we need a contender—
Benny Mouse: [interrupting, sharply] Your job? Your job is to carry out my orders, and to do the things I don’t have time for! I didn’t think I needed to spell that out for you.
He gestures towards the door, where the Harlem Turtles are still undoubtedly waiting outside in the hall.
Benny Mouse: The Harlem Turtles? They’re my guys. That means they’re untouchable. Nobody climbs a ladder to take what’s theirs. Not unless I say so.
Shocker’s breath quickens.
Shocker: Benny, it’s too late, the match is booked… this isn’t how—
Benny Mouse: Silence! Don’t you dare start with some speech about morality. You’re here to keep the lights on, handle the day-to-day. Nothing more. Don’t forget who’s really in charge around here!
He rises slowly from behind his desk. Danhausen remains motionless, but his faint grin widens.
Benny Mouse: And see, if this was just about the Ladder War… maybe I’d let it slide. But you went ahead and gave Jade a Knockouts Title shot at All Out.
Shocker: I… she… Benny, the fans wanted…
Benny Mouse: [snarling] I explicitly told her she’d start from the bottom, or nowhere at all! She embarrassed me. She made BWM Inc. look like fools earlier this season! Hell, we’re still feeling the fallout from the JadeTrade scandal!
Shocker starts to protest, but Benny puts a hand up, cutting him off.
Benny Mouse: You’re walking a very fine line, Shocker. Don’t make me remind you what happens when people start feeling too independent… too emboldened.
He steps in close to shocker, whispering into his ear. Shocker recoils at Benny’s breath on his ear.
Benny Mouse: You remember what I had the Turtles do to your brother, don’t you? When he forgot who he answered to?
Shocker’s face drains of color. His mouth opens, but no sound comes out
Benny stares at him a moment longer, then sighs and waves him off dismissively.
Benny Mouse: Get the hell out of my sight.
Shocker hesitates.
Benny Mouse: NOW!
Booker D opens the door, and Shocker stands out, stumbling out of the office, utterly broken. As the door shuts, Benny sits back down, fingers drumming on the desk.
Benny Mouse: [to Danhausen] We’re running out of time, Danhausen.
Danhausen leans in close to his ear, whispering something inaudible but sinister. Benny’s lips curl into a faint, knowing smile as the scene fades.
Match #1 | AEW Knockouts Hardcore Championship
Bianca Belair (C) vs. ‘The Problem’ Zoey Stark
Zoey Stark is out first, to a hostile reaction from the fans in Ft. Wayne. Arn Anderson says that Zoey Stark, a top 10 draft pick for AEW back in June, debuted earlier this season with a target on the back of the EST Bianca Belair. Kelly says that by winning the Knockouts Hardcore Championship back in August, she became the first woman to win the division’s Grand Slam, having held both of the division’s championships.
Arn Anderson: Zoey Stark calls herself The Problem. Tonight, we’re about to see if Bianca Belair has the solution. This one has been building for months, Kevin, and we’re finally going to settle it!
As Belair makes her introduction, Stark leaps out of the ring and charges towards her! Kelly says that because the belt is defended under 24/7 rules, we don’t even have to wait for the bell! Belair, seeing Zoey running at her, does the same, and the two collide in fisticuffs on the ramp!
Belair doesn’t take long before she incorporates her signature braid, using it to whip Zoey like a government mule! The cracks echo throughout the arena, as the crowd gasps with each strike. Belair winds it up and goes for the killshot, but Stark leaps over the braid and spears her on the stage!
Kevin Kelly: Zoey Stark coming out of the gate like. wrecking ball! She wants that title, Arn, and she wants it now!
Zoey grabs Belair by the braid, yelling something inaudible before planting her on the ramp with the an Air Raid Crash! Belair rolls down the ramp towards the ring in agony, as Zoey stalks her like prey. At ringside, Zoey pushes Jane Mouse out of the timekeepers area and grabs a steel chair. She jabs it into Belair’s ribs, once, twice, and a third time!
Arn Anderson: That’s cold, Kevin. Zoey’s not just trying to take her belt, she’s trying to hurt Bianca Belair!
Zoey smirks at the camera, but the second she turns back to Belair, she’s met in the face with a flying chair! Zoey collapses, clutching her head. Belair grabs the same char and lashes it over Zoey’s back, once, twice, three times!
Kevin Kelly: The EST is done playing defense!
Arn Anderson: Pound for pound, Bianca Belair is probably the best women’s wrestler in the game today. I have it on good authority that the WWE wanted to sign her badly back in the summer, and I don’t doubt that ULW had a similar interest.
Belair tosses Zoey over the barricade, into the crowd. She runs for the clothesline, but Zoey doges it, and Belair crashes shoulder first into the first row seats!
Arn Anderson: That’s the danger in these types of fights… you miss by an inch, you crash by a mile.
They spill back over the barricade toward the ring. Zoey whips Belair into the steel steps, and then unloads with a series of stomps to the back of Bianca’s head. Zoey reaches under the ring as Belair clutches her head. She starts tossing chairs into the ring with reckless abandon — three, four, five of them, each landing with a metallic crash!
Zoey rolls Belair into the ring, as Anderson notes that this is the first time since this match has began that they’ve both gotten into the ring. Zoey rakes Belair’s face, setting her up on the top turnbuckle. The Problem climbs to the middle rope, hooks her arms, and superplexes Belair off the top onto the pile of steel chairs!
Kevin Kelly: Good God! A superplex onto the steel! That could end a career!
Arn Anderson: Zoey’s got a mean streak, and if I’m one of the Knockouts in the back, this would serve as pretty big deterrent to messing with her!
Zoey climbs atop Belair and hooks the leg!
1…
2…
Belair kicks out!
Zoey snarls, frustrated. She heads back to the outside, reaching under the ring. She pulls out a ladder, as Anderson notes that we’re going to be seeing plenty more ladders tonight with the tag team Ladder War. Stark shoves it into the ring, but when she turns around, Belair springs to life and hits a bulldog into the ladder!
Belair whips Stark into the corner, and flies at her with the double knees into the corner! She grabs the ladder and uses it to trap Zoey in the corner. From the opposite side of the ring, Belair launches herself and connects with a handspring dropkick into the ladder! The ladder bounces and crashes into Zoey’s face, cutting her across the forehead!
Kevin Kelly: The challenger is busted open!
Arn Anderson: That’s not a paper cut, Kevin! That’s the kind of gash that changes your night!
Belair bites down on her bottom lip, fury in her eyes, before Zoey fires back with a superkick from out of nowhere! Zoey follows it up with a flatliner into the ladder, leaving Belair writing in pain!
Belair is busted open upon impact, and now both women are bleeding. Zoey climbs the ropes slowly, looking to put an end to it. Belair kips up and meets her on the top rope. She hooks Zoey and delivers a brutal Death Valley Driver off the top rope, as Stark lands hard in the center of the ring!
Belair covers…
1…
2…
2.999!
Stark stays alive!
Belair retrieves a lone steel chair from the pile in the center of the ring and sits it up right. She lifts Zoey, dropping her with a DDT onto the chair! Stark is left draped over it, as Belair follows up with a curb stomp onto the seat of the chair!
Kevin Kelly: Bianca Belair is fighting like a woman possessed!
Arn Anderson: She’s running on adrenaline, and a pure will to put an end to The Problem!
Zoey rolls onto her stomach, blood smeared across her forehead and into her hair. She refuses to stay down. Belair looks to the crowd with a, “dafuq am I gonna have to do to her?” look before retrieving a small black bag from under the ring.
Belair pours it out… the crowd pops huge for thumbtacks!
Zoey gets to her feet and lunges forward, trying to strike Belair, who counters it and sends her crashing face first into the turnbuckle. Zoey stumbles out of the corner only to walk right into a sitout gut wrench powerbomb ONTO THE THUMBTACKS!
The arena explodes into a “Holy Shit!” chant as Zoey screams, thumbtacks embedded in her back!
Kevin Kelly: Zoey Stark has to be regretting the day she first messed with Bianca Belair!
Arn Anderson: That’s as real as it gets! You don’t fake gravity, and you can’t fake pain like that!
Belair covers her once more…
1…
2…
2.999!
Belair can’t believe it, and neither can the crowd! Anderson says like her or not, Zoey is showing some real grit tonight. Belair gets back to her feet, exhausted, covered in her own blood and Zoey’s as well. She grabs Zoey by the wrist, but the challenger reverses it, slamming Belair to the mat with a crossface!
Kevin Kelly: She’s got the crossface locked in! She’s trying to make the champ tap!
Belair rolls through, and Zoey rolls back into the tacks! She screams again, releasing the hold. Both women are crawling now, desperate. As they use the ropes to get to their feet, Stark catches Belair with a wild superkick!
Both women crash to the mat, as the camera lingers on Stark’s back.
Arn Anderson: Zoey Stark is a human pin cushion!
They both slowly return to their feet and Belair charges at Stark. Stark sidesteps it, and catches Belair with a Dragon Suplex! Belair rolls through, landing on her feet!
Stark turns and eats a kick to the gut, as Belair lifts her up… K.O.D. onto the pile of chairs!
Belair covers!
1…
2…
3!!!
Kevin Kelly: She’s done it! Belair survives the carnage!
Arn Anderson: What a war to open Dynamite!
Belair rolls off Zoey, blood and sweat mixing on her face, clutching the AEW Knockouts Hardcore Championship to her chest. The crowd rises in applause, chanting “That was awesome!”
Kevin Kelly: In one of the most brutal matches of the Knockouts Hardcore division thus far, Bianca Belair is still your AEW Knockouts Hardcore Champion!
Winner: Bianca Belair
Match Time: 17:00
Arn Anderson: Zoey Stark may call herself The Problem, but tonight, Bianca Belair proved she’s got all the answers!
SEGMENT TWO
The scene opens mid-conversation, as Kenny Omega is pacing back and forth in front of The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson. They’re sitting on a bench in their ring gear, getting ready for the upcoming Ladder War. Kenny’s tone grows sharper, and more animated.
Kenny Omega: — we can’t look backwards, alright? That’s the whole problem. Every time we start getting momentum, someone wants to stop and reminisce. We’re not living in the past anymore. We keep moving forward.
He stops pacing and points toward the floor, emphasizing each word.
Kenny Omega: Hangman’s off somewhere throwing another fit. Took his ball, went home, like the rest of us were just background noise in his story.
Matt shifts uncomfortably. Nick glances toward him but stays silent.
Kenny Omega: While he’s out there finding himself — again — we’re gonna keep doing what we said we’d do from the beginning. Run this place.
He grabs a folding chair, spins it around, and sits on it backward, leaning over the backrest. His voice drops lower, colder.
Kenny Omega: Tonight, you two have a chance to win a shot at the tag titles. Whether the bosses like it or not. That’s what matters. Not where Adam is. Not when he’s coming back.
Matt opens his mouth to speak, but Kenny cuts him off with a raised hand.
Kenny Omega: I’ve known Adam for a long time. He always gets like this. It’s like watching a toddler lose at a game — throws his toys, stomps his feet, blames everyone else. Then he disappears for a while, licks his wounds, and comes crawling back like nothing happened.
Nick exhales quietly, shaking his head.
Nick Jackson: Kenny, you sure this is the way to handle this?
Kenny Omega: [manic] You think I want this? I’ve carried that kid on my back more times than I can count. But I’m done babysitting feelings. This—this—is my show now. I’ve been playing the supporting actor for too long. And isn’t this what you guys want, too? You didn’t come here to be his lackeys, right?
He looks between them, eyes wide, burning with determination, but he starts speaking again before either of them can answer.
Kenny Omega: Stop worrying about the ghost of Hangman Page and start thinking about those tag belts. Because when the dust settles, and the smoke clears, it won’t matter what some obscure tag team called themselves in PWI. We are the true Elite. And it’s only a matter of time before we’re all decked out in gold!
He walks past the camera, his hand brushing the lens just enough to send it slightly off focus as he exits.
Matt and Nick exchange a long, uneasy glance — the weight of Kenny’s words hanging in the air. The sound of the door slamming shut echoes as the scene cuts to black.
Inside Hulk Hogan’s Florida restaurant, Hogan’s Hangout, Midget Hogan is seated at a table. Candles light the table, and he’s dressed in a baby-blue tuxedo with a large bow tie. He stands from his chair as Lady Love enters, looking glamorous and totally unimpressed.
Midget Hogan: [leaping to his feet, spilling his drink] Lady Love! My sunshine, my moonbeam! You came!
Lady Love sits down, and stares are him coldly.
Lady Love: Let’s just get this over with.
Midget Hogan: Look babe, I know I messed up. I panicked when I found out you hand a son… this wasn’t anything against Young Crock, I’m sure he’s a great kid. I just wasn’t ready to be a father.
Lady Love: Bullshit! You weren’t ready to be an adult! You’re 56 years old, if you’re not ready now, when would you be?
She looks around at their surroundings, unimpressed.
Lady Love: And you brought me here to win me back? The one place you knew our meals would be comped?!
Midget Hogan: [hands clasped] Please, babe. Please give me another shot. I’ll be in Young Crock’s videos! I’ll take him to the gym, to brunch, to therapy! Whatever he wants! I’ll even buy him a ring light!
Lady Love: You think forgiveness comes with a coupon code? You humiliated me. You turned me into a punchline.
Midget Hogan: [voice cracking] I’ll be the punchline if it means I get you back! I’ll wear a diaper on Dynamite! I’ll let Savage elbow-drop me through catering! I don’t care what takes, I need you!
Lady Love: [folding her arms] You need professional help.
There’s a long, awkward silence.
Midget Hogan: [softly] Please… Lady Love… if I lose you, there’s no gimmick left!
Lady Love: You can’t charm your way out of this one, Midgey. I thought you were different than all the other men I’ve been with, but… there’s no comeback promo. No reunion tour… you crossed a line that can’t be uncrossed. We’re done.
Midget Hogan: [voice breaking] So that’s it? You’re just gonna walk away?
Lady Love: Yes.
She starts to stand, a single tear rolling down her face. Midget Hogan’s face shifts as well, his sadness hardening into panic.
Midget Hogan: I hate that it’s gonna come to this…
Lady Love: What? Divorce?
Before he can answer, a crash erupts from behind. A table overturns, silverware flying. Jesse Hash, wild-eyed and grinning, charges toward them.
Lady Love: [panicked] Oh no, you didn’t…
Midget Hogan: [jumping up frantic] Jesse, wait! I didn’t mean now!
Jesse lunges towards Lady Love, violently assaulting her as Hogan stands and watches in total disbelief. His face slowly turns from shock to approval, as Hash body slams her through the restaurant table!
Midget Hogan: Somebody cue the commercial! Cue the commercial, brother!
Security rushes in, and the scene cuts to black in the midst of the chaos!
Back at ringside, Anderson and Kelly are stunned by what we just witnessed. Anderson says Midget Hogan has lost his mind, and Kelly says Love has a way of doing that to a man. Arn asks if he’s seriously blaming Lady Love for Midget Hogan’s actions, and Kelly says he said last year at their wedding that there’s only one way a romance with Lady Love ends, and that’s in total disaster!
Match # 2 | Ladder War [Number one contenders match for the AEW World Tag Team Championships]
The Acclaimed (Caster & Bowens) vs. The Attraction (Teo & Attitude) vs. The Briscoes vs. Pretty Deadly vs. The Young Bucks
The bell sounds and the match erupts in pure chaos from the jump, with all five teams in the ring. The Briscoes clear house first, sending ladders flying and laying everyone out with chairs. Jay Briscoe clothesline Attitude over the top rope, while Mark Briscoe hits a cannonball off a ladder onto a pile of bodies at ringside.
Arn Anderson: Since the Briscoes arrived in AEW, they’ve had two shots at the tag titles, and each of those shot ended with them getting screwed by the total chaos of this division!
Kevin Kelly: I can’t recall a time in BWM Inc. history where so many tag teams had a legitimate claim to the World Tag Team Championships!
Pretty Deadly sneak back in and double suplex Mark onto a ladder bridge before posing dramatically and blowing kisses to the crowd — earning a superkick sandwich from the Bucks for their troubles.
The Acclaimed regroup and clear the ring, as Bowens slams Nick Jackson onto a steel rung. Teo cuts him off with a springboard dropkick and an absolutely wild corkscrew senton onto Caster on the floor! The Bucks capitalize, double-teaming Teo with the Risky Business combo before they and Attitude fight for control of the first climb.
Kevin Kelly: There’s no love loss between The Attraction and The Young Bucks. Two of the most iconic teams of the modern era, but tonight, only one will secure a title shot!
Matt gets his hands on the contract early, but Mark Briscoe shoves the ladder and crotches him on the top rope. Jay brings in a second ladder, bridging it between the apron and guardrail, then suplexes Nick onto it!
The Briscoes go for the contract once mroe, but Pretty Deadly shove the whole structure over, sending both brothers crashing through the ropes to the floor.
Arn Anderson: Welcome to AEW, boys!
Pretty Deadly climb together, trying to pull the contract down as if posing for a photo shoot, but The Attraction springboards up from opposite sides to knock them down with stereo cutters off the ladder!
Caster and Bowens reappear, hitting Fameasser and Arrival on Attitude, followed by Mic Drop off the ladder from Caster.
Kevin Kelly: The former tag team champions have an opening here!
Arn Anderson: Ever since joining the Hurt Syndicate, Caster and Bowens have been so ruthless, so dangerous.
The Bucks return and superkick everything that moves, including a cameraman by mistake.
They double powerbomb Bowens through a ladder propped in the corner, but Jay Briscoe is back to hit a Death Valley Driver on Matt onto that same ladder. Teo and Attitude climb together, only for Pretty Deadly to tip the ladder into the corner and dump them both outside.
Elton Prince sets up a taller ladder in the center while Kit Wilson holds off traffic. They almost have it until Mark Briscoe springboards from the top rope to the ladder and punches Elton square in the jaw. The crowd goes wild as both men slug it out twenty feet in the air. Bowens tips the ladder, sending both crashing through a table stack on the floor!
Arn Anderson: My God, there are bodies everywhere!
Nick climbs, but Teo scales the opposite side and nails an insane Spanish Fly off the ladder, leaving both down.
Caster sees his chance, setting up a smaller ladder bridge and climbing for the belts, but Attitude meets him at the top. Bowens climbs up behind them, powerbombing Attitude off the ladder and into Teo on the floor. The crowd chants “Holy Shit!”
Pretty Deadly try to sneak back up again, but Jay Briscoe spears Kit through a ladder while Matt Jackson cracks Elton in the face with a superkick mid-climb.
The Bucks and the Briscoes end up trading shots atop twin ladders — Nick with a roundhouse, Jay with a headbutt, Mark with a steel chair to Nick’s back. Matt and Jay punch each other until both ladders teeter. Matt leaps off his ladder, hitting a flying elbow through Mark on a ringside table!
The Attraction return for one final burst, Teo wiping out Bowens and Caster with a springboard moonsault, while Attitude climbs. The crowd rises as he grabs at the contract — but Nick springboards from the apron to the ladder and blasts him with a knee strike mid-air!
Both Bucks are up now. They hit BTE Trigger on Attitude, knocking him clean out, then reset the ladder.
The Briscoes and Acclaimed stir, but it’s too late — the Young Bucks climb together, reaching the top and unhooking the contract for the win!
Winners: The Young Bucks
Match Time: 25:08
Arn Anderson: The Young Bucks have done it! They’ve just earned their first AEW World Tag Team title shot!
Kevin Kelly: Another absolutely chaotic match, and you have to wonder if Kenny Omega’s speech about being the true Elite of pro wrestling got through to them? With Hangman gone, the Bucks are finally stepping out into the spotlight!
Arn Anderson: These two men had a lot of expectations placed on them, remember Kevin, they were AEW’s second and third draft picks – a highly unusual move in the World of Wrestling Draft, where tag teams are mainly drafted together.
Kevin Kelly: Folks, don’t go anywhere. When we return, the AEW World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, as the Almighty Bobby Lashley and the Kinslayer Sean Olson clash for the gold!
SEGMENT THREE
Match #3 | AEW World Heavyweight Championship – No Disqualifications
The Almighty Bobby Lashley (C) w/ MVP vs. The Kinslayer Sean Olson
As the broadcast fades from commercial, it opens on a tight shot of a locker room door marked “The Kinslayer.” The camera follows as Sean Olson steps out, in a hoodie that reads, “All For Blood.” Paul Heyman follows him a few paces behind, his voice low and urgent as he whispers last second reminders to Olson as they make their way toward the curtain. Olson’s pace is deliberate — head down, jaw set, wrapped fists flexing at his sides. His eyes don’t blink once.
Arn Anderson: That’s a walk I’ve seen before, Kevin. That’s the look of a man who’s already decided this is his night. Sean Olson’s not walking out there to survive Bobby Lashley, he’s walking out there to dethrone him!
Kevin Kelly: It’s a big fight atmosphere here tonight in Ft. Wayne, and you can feel the gravity of this one. Since coming to AEW, Sean Olson has done everything he said he’d do. He ended his brother’s career. He took his advocate. And now, he’s marching towards one of the most dangerous champions the industry has ever seen with no fear on his face.
The shot transitions to Lashley’s locker room. He’s silent as MVP hypes him up— telling him this is “just another payday.” The camera follows the champion through the hallway, spotlights glinting off his title belt. He stops at the gorilla position, does a final bounce in place, and strides through the curtain as pyro ignites behind him.
Kevin Kelly: There he is, the Almighty AEW World Champion! Lashley looks like he was sculpted for nights like this.
Arn Anderson: It’s taken Lashley a decade to get to this point, but in 2025, no one can deny his dominance. The Hurt Syndicate arrived in the spring, and they’ve dominated ever since.
At ringside after the introductions, Jane Mouse gives both men the classic championship bout introduction. The bell sounds, and Lashley immediately bull-rushes Olson into the corner, driving shoulder after shoulder into his ribs. Olson fires back with forearms and catches Lashley with a sudden jumping knee to the jaw that sends him staggering. Olson explodes out of the corner with a lariat, sending the champion to the mat early.
Arn Anderson: Sean Olson isn’t trying to outmuscle Lashley, he’s trying to outpace him. Quick shots, quick covers. That’s how he survives the Almighty.
Olson connects with a DDT, gets a one-count, then immediately transitions into a side headlock.
Lashley powers out, sending Olson flying with a release belly-to-belly suplex. The momentum flips. Lashley hoists Olson up into a vertical suplex — he holds him for a full ten seconds — then plants him.
MVP applauds from ringside. Lashley stalks Olson, methodically driving knees into his back, then applies a tight rear chinlock. The crowd chants for Olson to fight up, and he does, elbowing his way free before ducking a clothesline and hitting a snap German suplex. He holds on for a second… then a third. The crowd comes alive.
Kevin Kelly: One of these men will stand across from the Aerial Assassin Will Ospreay in two weeks at Sympathy for the Devil.
Arn Anderson: And let’s not forget, it was only a week ago that Lashley had an absolute war with Cody Rhodes at All Out!
Olson goes for the Olson Plunge, but Lashley counters it into a powerslam. He covers…
1…
2…
Olson kicks out. From ringside, MVP shouts at the referee to count faster.
Lashley signals for the spear. Olson barely dodges, sending Lashley shoulder-first into the ring post. Olson immediately hits a running knee to the temple!
1…
2…
Lashley kicks out with authority.
They brawl to the outside, where Lashley regains control by slamming Olson over the barricade. He throws him back inside and lines up for another spear, this time connecting flush!
1…
2…
Olson kicks out!
Kevin Kelly: I thought that was it! How in the world did Sean Olson kick out?
MVP hops onto the apron, yelling at the referee. Lashley drags Olson up again, but Heyman climbs onto the opposite side, shouting that MVP’s interfering. The referee moves to deal with Heyman. MVP slides the title belt into the ring — clearly for Lashley.
From the crowd, MJF emerges, sliding into the ring.
Kevin Kelly: Not this again!
Arn Anderson: This is what cost Cody Rhodes the match at All Out!
MJF grabs the belt, smirking, and winds up to hit Olson — but Olson ducks! CRACK! The belt hits Lashley square across the skull!
Arn Anderson: MJF just nailed Lashley!
Heyman screams at Olson to capitalize. He drills MJF with a superkick, and then grabs Lashley by the neck, dragging him up the ropes…
OLSON PLUNGE!
He covers!
1…
2…
3!!!
Kevin Kelly: What did we just witness? The Kinslayer has shocked the world!
Arn Anderson: The Almighty’s reign ends not with domination, but with disaster, thanks to the “help” of MJF!
Heyman slides into the ring, eyes wide, clutching his head in disbelief before breaking into a grin. He rips the title from the mat and presents it to Olson, who drops to one knee, overwhelmed. The crowd gives him a mixed response that slowly turns to cheers; not because they like him, but because of the shocking moment.
Kevin Kelly: Sean Olson has slayed his brother. He has stolen his advocate, and now he has dethroned the Almighty! What a year this man is having!
Meanwhile, MJF stands on the ramp, realizing what he’s done—hands on his head—as Lashley glares at him from the ring, blood trickling from his temple.
Winner and NEW AEW World Heavyweight Champion: The Kinslayer Sean Olseon
Match Time: 16:33
With the sounds of the roaring crowd echoing in the distance, the camera follows Shocker as he exits the building. His hood is pulled up, and he has a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He pauses, glancing over his shoulder, as if expecting someone to follow.
He sighs, before heading to his car. He fumbles for his keys, his hands shaking slightly. He drops them, the metallic clatter echoing in the quiet lot. He exhales sharply, crouching down to grab them, muttering to himself.
Shocker: Come on… get it together…
As he stands and turns toward his car door — he freezes. The camera pans up to reveal Splidder, standing in the beam of a flickering light.
Shocker: [startled] Jesus! You scared the shit outta me, man!
Shocker exhales again, trying to calm his racing pulse.
Shocker: What are you doing here? Where’s the rest of the Guilty Remnant? This isn’t an ambush, is it?
Splidder: They’re not here tonight. This is a solo mission.
He steps closer, his tone lowering to something almost philosophical.
Splidder: You need to remember why you’re here, brother. Are you here to serve the masters? Or are you here to help rid this place — and this industry — of the corruption that’s poisoned it for too long?
Shocker shifts uncomfortably, clutching his keys tighter.
Splidder: The Guilty Remnant will purge those who aided and abetted. But you still have time to change course.
Shocker: And what would you have me do, huh?
Splidder studies him for a long, silent beat, then gives a faint, disappointed smile.
Splidder: That’s actually why I’m here. My loyalties lie with the Remnant… but blood is blood. And I’m here to keep my promise.
There’s a faint sound in the distance, as footsteps approach, slowly growing louder. The camera pans as Splinter steps into the light, wearing a long coat, his expression unreadable. Shocker drops his bag instantly and rushes to him, pulling him into an embrace.
Shocker: [relieved] You’re alive! Where the hell have you been the past two months?!
Splinter: [softly] I’ll explain later. Right now, I need something from you.
Shocker: Anything.
Splinter locks eyes with him, voice steady but urgent.
Splinter: I need you to book a match for Sympathy for the Devil. Danhausen… versus Sami Zayn… the rematch…
Shocker blinks in disbelief, glancing between his brothers.
Splidder: Do it. End this… before it’s too late.
Shocker looks down at his keys, then back toward the arena entrance, clearly torn. He mutters under his breath.
Shocker: They’re going to kill me for this.
Splidder: It’s time they meet their reckoning.
The camera slowly zooms in on Shocker’s face as he exhales, finally nodding. The flickering parking lot light buzzes overhead as the wind picks up. The brothers disperse, as Shocker is left alone. The screen fades to black on his conflicted expression, keys still trembling in his hand
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 