AEW’s final PPV of 2023 Worlds End took place from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York. The main event featured MJF defending the AEW World Title against Samoa Joe. Jon Moxley faced Eddie Kingston to crown the first AEW Continental Classic Champion.
Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Mark Briscoe & Daniel Garcia def. Jay Lethal, Jay White, Brodie King & Rush
Matt Menard was on commentary. The babyface team Mark Briscoe, and especially Bryan Danielson received great reactions. Nigel McGuinness was going full heel on Danielson on commentary. Rush started quickly catching Claudio with a snap German suplex. Claudio responded rocking Rush with a clothesline. Rush used Claudio’s momentum launching him to the floor. Briscoe and Lethal exchanged big chops. The crowd chanted YES as Danielson and White tagged in. Danielson went for a LeBell Lock but White placed his foot on the ropes. White battled back rocking Danielson with huge chops. Danielson responded rocking White with a running dropkick. Danielson followed hitting a super hurricanrana. The crowd booed as Garcia tagged into the match. Garcia rocked King with strikes. King stopped Garcia catching him with a Bossman Slam. King got in Menard’s face calling him a B*tch. Garcia was bleeping from the nose. Garcia battled his way out of the heel’s corner getting Briscoe the tag. Briscoe connected with a flying cannonball to Lethal on the floor. Briscoe followed hitting a flying elbow from the ring apron to Rush on the floor. Briscoe connected with a fisherman’s buster to White for a two count. White used Briscoe’s momentum launching him to the floor. Lethal connected with a superplex to Briscoe. Briscoe avoided King getting Claudio the tag. Claudio rocked King with a rolling uppercut. Claudio planted King with a stalling suplex but Rush made the save. King and Rush delivered opposite corner strikes to Claudio and Danielson for a two count. Claudio and Danielson delivered a Giant Swing/dropkick combo to King but White made the save. Lethal caught Garcia with the Lethal Combination. Lethal placed Garcia in a Figure-4-Leg Lock. Briscoe delivered the Froggy Bow to Lethal to make the save. The action broke down as Danielson rocked Rush with a Buisuke Knee. White got Danielson with a Bladerunner. Claudio rocked White with a Popup Uppercut. King rocked Claudio with a discus lariat. Garcia planted King with a stalling Saito suplex which got a nice reaction. Lethal called for Lethal Injection. Garcia countered catching Lethal in a jackknife cover for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) – This match felt like it was just thrown together to get the rest of the participants of the Continental Classic onto the PPV card. I thought this was still a really good action packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. The story of this match was to rebuild Garcia who the crowd can take seriously as a top level wrestler. This was a nice moment for Garcia getting the win for his team. This was another match where Lethal took another L. I’m really not sure how Lethal taking so many L’s going to help him. (***½)
The crowd cheered as Briscoe and Garcia danced after the match. King apparently gave Menard a cheap shot but wasn’t shown on camera. Sonjay Dutt tried to motivate Lethal after losing for his team. Danielson and Claudio gave Garcia a begrudgingly respectable look.
Miro def. Andrade El Idolo (with CJ Perry)
Miro wasted no time attacking Andrade before the match began. Andrade used Miro’s momentum launching him to the floor. Andrade went for a Figure-4-Leg Lock but Miro broke free. Miro took the lead launching Andrade with an overhead Saito Suplex. Miro and Perry yelled at each other. Miro went for a suplex but Andrade landed on feet. Miro caught Andrade coming off the ropes planting him with a spinning slam. The action moved to the floor as Miro dropped Andrade onto the announcers table. Andrade battled back sending Miro over the announcers table. Miro stopped Andrade from climbing the ropes. Miro planted Andrade with a superplex. Andrade and Miro exchanged big strikes. Andrade responded catching Miro with a Dragon screw against the ropes. Miro rolled to the floor as Andrade went for a double knees. Andrade hit a flying moonsault to the floor. The crowd booed as Andrade and Perry hugged. Andrade delivered a double moonsault for a two count. Miro stopped Andrade’s momentum catching him with a Machka Kick for a two count. Miro called for Game Over! Miro applied the Camel Clutch but Andrade reached the ropes. Andrade battled back catching Miro with a Dragon screw against the ropes. Andrade rocked Miro with a spinning back elbow for a two count. Andrade applied a Figure-4-Leg Lock but Miro reversed the hold. Andrade maintained control as he transitioned into a Figure-8-Leg Lock. Perry broke the hold with the referee distracted. Miro rocked Andrade with a Machka Kick. Miro called for Game Over. Miro placed Andrade in the Camel Clutch for the submission win. (Amin’s Thoughts) – There were lots of moving pieces happening here. The match itself was good as both Andrade and Miro worked hard. I thought CJ Perry’s involvement worked to not only cost Andrade the match but also continue the slow build to get Miro and Perry together on-screen. The big news came before the show actually took place. There were reports online before the show that this was Andrade’s last match in AEW. I was glad to see AEW just didn’t have Miro squash Andrade on his way out. I was happy to see Andrade get a chance to work a good match with Miro before going back to WWE. (***¼)
“Timeless” Toni Storm [c] (with Luther) def. Riho – AEW Women’s World Championship Match
The screen turned black and white as Toni Storm made her entrance. The crowd was fully behind Storm. Riho fired up rocking Storm with a rising knee strike. Riho followed with a bulldog for a near fall. Luther stood in Riho’s way who went for a dive. Riho went for a dive but Luther caught her in-front of the referee. Luther handed Riho into Storm’s arms. Storm took control delivering a scoop slam on the floor. Storm delivered a pair of scoop slams for a near fall. Riho went for a scoop slam but her back gave out. Storm delivered a Sky High Spinebuster for a two count. The crowd chanted “Toni” as she was in complete control. Storm applied a half crab but Riho grabbed the ropes. Luther placed Storm on her shoulders as she launched Riho to the floor. Storm applied a Texas Cloverleaf. Luther pulled the ropes away. The crowd booed as the referee sent Luther to the back. Riho made a comeback catching Storm with a head scissors. Riho followed with a Tiger Feint Kick. Riho connected with a flying crossbody. Riho planted with a scoop slam that didn’t look good for a two count. Riho hit a flying crossbody to the floor. Riho delivered a Dragon suplex for a two count. Storm avoided a running strike. Storm went for a hip attack but Riho moved. Riho went for a sunset flip but Storm rolled through into a Storm Zero for a two count. Riho responded catching Storm with a rolling cradle for a two count. Storm yanked Riho off the ropes. Storm delivered an over-the-back DDT which looked really bad for the win to retain the title. (Amin’s Thoughts) – This was another strange match. They laid out the match the right way building to Riho’s big babyface comeback. Here’s the problem, the crowd didn’t turn or Riho but they really didn’t react to her as well. The crowds love Toni Storm’s new onscreen character as they were complete behind her. The crowd booed when the referee sent Luther to the back. This didn’t change anything as Storm ended up winning clean. I thought the match itself was fine as Riho and Storm worked hard. The build for the match wasn’t great. Riho was just the December challenger there to lose to Storm on PPV. The AEW Women’s Division continues to be a mess. (**½)
The screen turned black and white. Mariah May came out after the match and showered Storm with a bucket of pedals.
Lexi Nair interviewed Dante Martin backstage. Martin said he’s doing good but noted he should be doing great. He spoke about winning the six-man tag on Rampage. He spoke about being so close to pinning Orange Cassidy. Orange appeared and accepted Martin’s challenge for an AEW International Championship match on Dynamite. Martin said Orange has his respect but mentioned he needs the title. Orange told Martin to try and take it.
Swerve Strickland received a great reaction from the crowd. The camera showed people in the crowd doing Prince Nana’s dance. Keith Lee was originally scheduled to face Strickland. Lee wasn’t cleared to compete. Dustin Rhodes was announced as the replacement. Strickland played complete heel attacking Rhodes before the match began. The crowd chanted Swerve’s House as he was playing heel attacking Rhodes. Strickland rocked Rhodes with a running dropkick into the ring steps. Prince Nana placed a cinderblock on Rhodes leg. Strickland delivered a double stomp smashing the cinderblock onto Dustin’s leg. AEW medical team came out to check on Rhodes. The crowd chanted Swerve’s House. The camera focused on Strickland who had a look of anger and disgust on his face. Referee’s helped Rhodes to the back Rhodes refused the help as he made his way back into the ring and wanted the match to star.
Amin’s Thoughts: The decision for having the injury angle but then have Rhodes want to still do the match was really questionable. The reason being the crowd wanted to cheer for Strickland but was positioned as a full heel.
“Swerve” Strickland (with Prince Nana) def. Dustin Rhodes
The crowd was complete quite as the match got underway. Strickland worked over Rhodes leg hitting a running dropkick. Rhodes battled back rocking Strickland with head butts. Rhodes connected with a flying crossbody for a two count. Rhodes caught Strickland with a Canadian Destroyer. Rhodes followed hitting a snap powerslam for a two count. The crowd was still quiet. Rhodes set Strickland in position for the Shattered Dreams. Prince Nana stood on the ring apron distracting the referee. This led to Rhodes giving Strickland the Shattered Dreams. Rhodes rocked Prince Nana with a right hand. Rhodes planted Strickland with a piledriver. Rhodes followed hitting Cross Rhodes for a two count. Strickland battled back hitting a rolling flatliner. Strickland applied a Stretch Muffler but Rhodes grabbed the ropes. There were small portions chanting Swerve’s House. The crowd was mostly quiet. Rhodes gave Strickland the finger. Rhodes spat in Strickland’s finger. Strickland rocked Rhodes with a pair of House Calls. Strickland snapped Rhodes arm. Strickland stood on the ropes delivering Swerve Stomp for the win. The best part came after the match with Strickland doing the belt gesture. (Amin’s Thoughts) – I was completely baffled watching this match. Why would you have Rhodes work an even back-and-forth match after the injury angle? The worst part was Rhodes was a replacement for this match. This would’ve been so much better if Strickland just ran thought Rhodes. This match didn’t ruin Strickland’s momentum. This match just did nothing for me. (*½)
Darby Allin, Sting, Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara def. AEW World Tag Team Champions Ricky Starks & Big Bill, Powerhouse Hobbs & Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis)
Chris Jericho’s music played as the crowd sang along to Judas. The crowd began booing immediately as Judas stopped playing. There was a news report before the show regarding Jericho. You can check Twitter for yourself. The crowd gave Darby Allin a great reaction. Sting received an awesome reaction. The crowd chanted F—U Callis as Hobbs and Takeshita came out. Guevara shined early catching Takeshita with a flying crossbody for a near fall. The crowd booed Jericho as he tagged into the match. The crowd booed more as Jericho and Guevara posed. Takeshita rocked Jericho with a flying clothesline. Starks tagged in gave Jericho the finger. Hobbs tagged himself into the match. Hobbs rocked Jericho with a shoulder tackle. Big Bill just tossed Jericho into the air. Darby caught Big Bill with a missile dropkick. Darby connected with a springboard crossbody to Takeshita for a near fall. Darby connected with a Code Red to Takeshita for a two count. Callis distracted Darby as he went to climb the ropes. Takeshita took advantage hitting an avalanche Blue Thunder Bomb. Big Bill and Hobbs launched Darby across the ring. Starks went for a Stinger Splash but Darby moved. The crowd cheered as Sting ran wild delivering Stinger Splashes to Starks and Takeshita. The crowd immediately booed as Jericho got into the match. Jericho and Sting delivered stereo Stinger Splashes to Big Bill and Hobbs. The crowd chanted NDA! Big Bill took Sting to the mat. Starks delivered a rope walk axe handle smash to Sting. There was a really awkward spot as Sting went for a hotshot but missed his spot as he dropped Starks to the mat. Guevara just tagged himself into the match. Sting looked completely out the match as he stood on the ring apron. Guevara caught Starks with a flying cutter but Big Bill made the save. Big Bill planted Guevara with a Bossman Slam coming off the ropes. The crowd booed loudly as Jericho delivered a Codebreaker to Big Bill who no-sold it. There was another awkward spot as Big Bill was going for something but just slammed Jericho to the mat. The crowd cheered as Big Bill mounted Jericho with strikes. More boos for Jericho as he delivered a missile dropkick to Big Bill. The crowd cheered as Hobbs gave Jericho a Spinebuster. Hobbs went for a pair of Worlds Strongest Slams but Darby made the save hitting a springboard Coffin Drop. Takeshita launched Darby with an overhead German suplex. Takeshita delivered a double German suplex to Darby and Guevara. There was another awkward spot as Sting and Takeshita ran the ropes into the each other. Takeshita went for a jumping knee but Sting countered into a Sharpshooter. Callis entered the ring with a baseball bat. The crowd chanted F—U Callis. The crowd quickly began booing again as Jericho placed Hobbs in the Walls of Jericho. Starks rocked Jericho with a superkick. Darby connected with a tope to Big Bill on the floor. Starks caught Guevara with a spear for a two count. Starks delivered a modified Roshambo but Guevara kicked out at two. Guevara battled back hitting a superkick. Guevara rocked Starks with the GTH. There was a light chant of CM Punk as Guevara stood on the ropes. The chant was drowned out by boos. Guevara delivered a Shooting Star Press for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) – They went with an idea to get Guevara the win to set up a tag team title match. That sounds good on paper. The crowd at the show had another idea in mind. The crowd completely hijacked the match every time Jericho got involved. This just felt like another match that was thrown onto the PPV card. I’m not sure if Sting got hurt. Sting looked out of the match. Overall, I thought there was some fine action. There was also lots of clunkiness and miss-timed spots. (*½)
Sting’s music played after the match. The crowd gave Sting a standing ovation which was nice to see.
Julia Hart [c] def. Abadon – House Rules TBS Championship Match
Julia Hart’s entrance is awesome. The crowd chanted “This is Spooky.” Abadon shined early catching Hart with a cutter. Abadon rocked Hart with combination lariats in the corner. Abadon caught Hart charging with a Bossman Slam for a two count. Hart caught Abadon with a crucifix for a two count. The crowd was quiet as Abadon and Hart crawled around the ring. Hart tossed Abadon out of the ring. Hart took control planting Abadon with a suplex on the floor. Hart placed Abadon with a sleeper against the ropes. Abadon responded bitting Hart’s hand. Abadon made a comeback rocking Hart with a running double knees. Abadon followed hitting a low Codebreaker for a two count. Hart stopped Hart from climbing the ropes. Hart connected with a superplex for a two count. Hart applied the Hartless. Abadon countered in a cradle for a two count. Abadon rocked Hart with a sliding knee strike for two. Hart distracted the referee. Skye Blue appeared yanking Abadon off the ropes. Adadon sat up like The Undertaker which got no reaction. Abadon grabbed Blue from underneath the ring. Hart took advantage slamming Abadon into the ring steps. Hart delivered a flying moonsault which completely missed. Hart covered Abadon for the win to retain her title. (Amin’s Thoughts) – This was a really slow paced match. The moonsault finish that missed was a fitting end for a match that wasn’t good at all. This felt like another throwaway match to give Hart a win on PPV. (*)
Adam Copeland def. Christian Cage [c] (with Nick & Shayna Wayne) – TNT Championship No Disqualification Match
Copeland received a big reaction and firework display. Copeland was wearing gear similar to his WWE WrestleMania 22 gear he wore in his match against Mick Foley. Copeland attacked Cage during his entrance. Copeland long darted Cage into the led board. They made their way ringside as Copeland told Nigel McGuinness on commentary to shut up. The crowd chanted for tables and TLC. Copeland went to stomp on the ring steps but Cage moved. They brawled into the crowd. Copeland stood on a platform as he delivered a flying crossbody onto Cage and Wayne on the floor. The crowd chanted “This Is Awesome.” Copeland delivered a flying clothesline to Cage on the floor. Cage moved as Copeland charged into the ring post. Cage stomped on Copeland onto the ring steps. Copeland was bleeding from the eye. Cage whacked Copeland with a kendo stick. Cage sat on a chair placing Copeland in a Boston Crab. Copeland responded whacking the back of Cage’s head with a kendo stick. Copeland used a metal pipe to place Cage in a Crossface. Cage grabbed hold onto the ropes. Copeland grabbed a ladder. The crowd chanted TLC. Cage battled back whacking Copeland with a kendo stick. Cage went to climb the ladder. Copeland chased Cage up the ladder. Cage caught Copeland with a Sunset Bomb off the ladder for a two count. Cage and Wayne brought out a pair of tables. The crowd chanted for fire. Copeland went for a spear but Wayne pulled Cage away. Copeland connected with an Impaler DDT onto a chair. Copeland went for a Con-Chair-To but Wayne made the save. Cage delivered a low blow with a chair. Cage applied a rollup for a two count. Cage went for a spear but Copeland moved. Copeland launched a chair into Cage’s face. Copeland speared Cage through a table which got a big reaction. Shayna pulled the referee out of the ring. Nick attacked Copeland with the TNT Title. Nick delivered Wayne’s World Cutter as Copeland’s face grazed the edge of the table. Cage delivered the Killswitch but Copeland kicked out at two. The crowd went nuts as Cage and Wayne sprayed lighter fluid on the table. The crowd went nuts as Nick lit the table. Copeland caught Cage with a spear. The flames went out on the table. Copeland sprayed more lighter fluid on the table. The crowd went nuts as Copeland lit the table on fire. Copeland delivered a Powerbomb to Nick which missed the flaming table. Nick instead landed on his head on the floor after missing the table. Cage went to use the TNT Title. Copeland caught Cage with a low blow. Copeland delivered a spear to win the title which got a great reaction. (Amin’s Thoughts) – This was a really good match. I really liked how Cage and Copeland worked a grudge match as this was a really good brawl. I didn’t get why Copeland wanted the No DQ stipulation because it worked in Cage’s favour. This was the second straight PPV match where fans wanted to see fire in a stipulation match. To the credit of Cage and Copeland they had a spot with involving fire planned. The flaming spot didn’t look good. Copeland winning the TNT was cool to see. Copeland doesn’t really the title. I’m curious to see how long Copeland holds the title. Overall, this was a really good match which got me back into the show. (****)
The crowd cheered as Copeland celebrated with the TNT Title. Killswitch appeared from behind. Kill Switch rocked Copeland with a lariat to the back of the head. Killswitch planted Copeland with a chokeslam. Killswitch delivered a second chokeslam to Copeland onto a chair. Killswitch won a battle royal on the Zero Hour show to earn a TNT Title match at anytime. Killswitch went to hand the TNT Title contract to the referee. Cage told Kill Switch to hand him the contract. Killswitch refused. Cage whispered something in Kill Switch’s ear. The crowd booed as Killswitch handed the contract. Cage signed the contract.
Christian Cage def. Adam Copeland [c] – TNT Championship Match
Cage delivered a spear to Copeland and won the TNT Title. (Amin’s Thoughts) – I would’ve waited till Dynamite to do this angle. I didn’t mind Cage getting the TNT Title back because Copeland didn’t really need it.
Eddie Kingston def. Jon Moxley – AEW Continental Classic Finals
Eddie Kingston received an awesome reaction from the crowd. Moxley got a great reaction. Bryan Danielson joined commentary for the match. Huge Eddie chants from the crowd. Kingston and Moxley exchanged big chops. Kingston took early control catching Moxley with a jumping enzuigiri. Moxley rolled out of the ring. Kingston went for a dive as he crashed into the barricade. Moxley stopped Kingston catching him with a German suplex. Moxley took control hitting a Paradigm Shift DDT on the floor. Moxley connected with a piledriver for a two count. Moxley applied an STF but Kingston broke free bitting Moxley’s hand. The crowd popped as Kingston delivered a huge chop which brought Moxley to his knees. Kingston and Moxley gave each other the finger as they exchanged more chops. Kingston caught Moxley with an Exploder suplex. Moxley no-sold but then gingerly got to the ropes. Kingston rocked Moxley with a huge spinning back fist. Kingston rocked Moxley with rapid fire chops. Moxley stopped Kingston’s momentum catching him with a cutter. Kingston responded with another spinning back fist. Moxley responded right back with a King Kong Lariat. Kingston responded hitting a Northern Lights Bomb for a two count. Kingston went for a Bulldog Choke. Moxley countered placing Kingston in a Bulldog Choke. Moxley transitioned into a sleeper but Kingston reached the ropes. Kingston battled back hitting a spinning back fist for a two count. Kingston connected with a Northern Lights Bomb for a two count. Moxley responded rocking Kingston with a huge lariat. Kingston and Moxley exchanged head butts. Kingston and Moxley got into each other’s face as they exchanged huge slaps. Kingston caught Moxley with a huge spinning back fist. Kingston covered Moxley for the win to win the Continental Classic. (Amin’s Thoughts) – This was a great back-and-forth hard hitting match. The strike exchanges were awesome seeing Kingston and Moxley wanting to bring the best out of each other. Danielson on commentary added a nice touch to the match. This was a great moment seeing Kingston win the Continental Classic. (****)
Kingston had an emotional look after the match. The referee handed Kingston the ROH World Title, NJPW Strong Openweight Title and the new Continental Classic Title. Kingston placed his titles on the mat. The crowd chanted “You Deserve It!” The crowd cheered as Moxley gave Kingston a hug. Moxley left the ring. Kingston celebrated with his titles. This was a nice moment.
Samoa Joe def. MJF [c] (with Adam Cole) – AEW World Championship Match
The crowd chanted for Samoa Joe as he made his entrance. They aired a great video package putting over MJF in Long Island, New York. MJF received a huge reaction from the crowd. MJF shoulder was heavily taped as he was wearing a harness. The crowd chanted “He’s Our Scumbag.” MJF sat on the turnbuckle as he was smiling. MJF pointed to the entrance ramp. The music played as Adam Cole came out to a big reaction. Cole was wearing all black. Cole came out in a walking boot in crutches. MJF got a huge reaction during the ring introductions. MJF started quickly stomping away at Joe in the corner. Joe stopped MJF’s momentum planting him with a huge Uranage Slam. The crowd chanted F—U Joe. Joe connected with a leg drop to MJF’s injured arm. Joe connected with a back senton to MJF’s injured shoulder. Joe went for a Muscle Buster but MJF broke free. MJF used Joe’s momentum sending him to the floor. MJF caught Joe with a series of pinning combination for near falls. The crowd cheered as MJF called for the Kangaroo Kick. Joe blocked as he catapulted MJF into the ropes. MJF went to spin-the-cat. Joe delivered a sliding boot sending MJF to the floor. Joe took the lead hitting a tope to the floor. Joe connected with a Death Valley Driver for a two count. Joe planted MJF with a German suplex. Joe followed hitting a Dragon suplex. Joe followed hitting a Straitjacket German suplex. MJF placed his foot on the ropes to stop the count. Joe planted MJF with a Muscle Buster onto the ring apron which looked crazy. Joe covered MJF for a two count. MJF chants from the crowd. MJF battled back hitting ramming Joe into the turnbuckle. MJF rocked Joe with corner strikes and then bit Joe’s face. MJF went for a Kangaroo Kick but Joe blocked. MJF went to carry Joe but couldn’t get him up. Joe went for a charge but MJF saw it coming. MJF connected with a flying double stomp. MJF followed hitting a Heat Seeker but Joe kicked out at two. MJF went for a second Heat Seeker but Joe blocked. Joe went for an Alabama Slam but MJF countered into a rollup for two. MJF went for Salt of the Earth. MJF tried to use his wrist tape for leverage but the referee saw him. Joe countered into a Fujiwara Arm Bar but MJF reached grabbing hold onto the ropes. Joe went for a sleeper hold. MJF broke free running Joe into the referee. The crowd popped as MJF smiled. MJF caught Joe with a low blow. MJF carried Joe on his shoulders and delivered an F-5 which got a huge reaction. MJF chants from the crowd. MJF had a visual pin but the referee was out. The referee finally counted but Joe kicked out at two. MJF asked Cole to give him the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Cole was slow to give MJF the ring. Cole gave MJF the ring. This led to Joe catching MJF in the Coquina Clutch. MJF ran off the ropes applying a reverse rollup for a two count. Joe transitioned into the Coquina Clutch. MJF’s hand went down three times. The referee had a shock look. The referee said to ring the bell. The crowd was stunned and quiet as Joe won the AEW World Title. (Amin’s Thoughts) – I have lots of thoughts. The match itself was very good. I really liked the layout with Joe playing the badass taking most of the match. MJF was tremendous selling his injury and making a great babyface comeback. I though the finish of the match worked. Cole not giving MJF the ring right away gave Joe the chance to take advantage of the opportunity. This was a nice moment seeing Joe win the World Title. They made Joe look really strong winning the World Title making MJF pass out. I was surprised MJF lost the title the reason being they teased a match with Strickland. MJF losing the World Title was the right move if his injuries are really bad and needs time off. MJF losing the title makes things very interesting. I’m pretty sure MJF has likely re-signed with AEW and this Bidding War story is just a work. This could be a way to play the Bidding War story with him not being on TV because he’s recovering from injuries. Once, MJF has recovered from injuries he can make his return. (***½)
Adam Cole Is The Devil
Joe left the ring with the AEW World Title and walked to the back. Adam Cole entered the ring and spoke to MJF. The crowd loudly chanted “Bulls*it.” MJF got to his feet. The Devil’s masked men surrounded the ring. The masked men entered the ring and held both Cole and MJF down. The masked men grabbed chairs. Cole said to hit him with the chair. MJF said to hit him with the chair. The masked men lifted the chair. The lights went out for a long time. The lights turned on. Adam Cole was seated on a chair with his hair down. The masked men were standing behind Cole. They removed their masks. It was revealed as Roderick Strong, Mike Bennett, Matt Taven and Wardlow. MJF looked confused asking why Cole did this. Strong rocked MJF with a stiff jumping knee strike. Wardlow gave MJF a powerbomb. Cole opened his hoodie and took out MJF’s Devil’s Mask. Cole smiled holding the Devil mask. Cole placed the Devil Mask on MJF. Cole celebrated with his new faction as the show ended.
Amin’s Thoughts: I’m glad they finally gave us the payoff for the Devil storyline on this show. Adam Cole make the perfect sense for The Devil role. Cole was the one who convinced MJF to give Joe the AEW World Title match. Wardlow being part of the group makes sense after all the hints he mentioned about The Devil. I’m curious to see what explanation they give to Cole being friendly with Strong and The Kingdom again. The other question is where do they go from here with both Cole and MJF being injured.
Overall Thoughts
There was lots of newsworthy stuff coming from the show. It will be interesting to see what happens going after the news of Jericho came out on Twitter. There was also news about Andrade leaving AEW before the show started. They crowd a new AEW World Champion in Samoa Joe. They also crowned the first AEW Continental Classic Tournament winner in Eddie Kingston. There was also The Devil reveal on the show. Let me talk about the PPV matches itself. The first two matches on the show were strong. Starting from the third match till the TNT Title match was a compete mixed bag. The matches were either fine or just didn’t belong on the PPV card. The last three matches were very good as the show ended on a strong note. AEW had some great PPVs in 2023. I attended AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door 2 live and it was one of my favourite shows of the year. Overall, AEW Worlds End was the weakest PPV show of the year.
