AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Review: “Hangman” Adam Page vs. MJF

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door
O2 Arena from London, England

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TAG TEAM MATCH
Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. Luchasaurus & Kip Sabian (w/Mother Wayne)

Adam Copeland made his entrance to a big reaction and firework display. The crowd sang along to Copeland theme which was cool. Christian Cage made his entrance to a strong reaction. Luchasaurus and Kip Sabian made their entrance to a heel reaction with Mother Wayne. 

Copeland started quickly rocking Sabian with a lariat. Copeland and Christian delivered a backdrop slam combo on Sabian. The crowd cheered as Christian rocked Sabian with strikes. Luchasaurus tagged into the match. Christian tagged Copeland into the match. Luchasaurus nailed Copeland with a SuperKick. Copeland used Luchasaurus momentum sending him to the floor. 

Mother Wayne caused a distraction. This led to Luchasaurus launching Sabian into Copeland. Luchasaurus planted Copeland with a Chokeslam onto the ring apron. Sabian connected with a missile dropkick to Copeland for two. Luchasaurus launched Sabian into Copeland with a corner Cannonball. Mother Wayne calmed Sabian down. Sabian was busted open around the eye. Sabian yelled at Luchasaurus. This led to Luchasaurus sending Sabian into the ring. Luchasaurus assisted Copeland to delivering a Doomsday Device to Sabian. 

Christian tagged in rocking Luchsaurus with strikes. Copeland dropped Luchasaurus onto the ring apron. Christian hit a flying splash to Luchasaurus on the floor. Copeland planted Christian with a PowerBomb. Christian hit a flying head butt on Luchasaurus for two. Sabian tagged into the match. Copeland and Christian hit a double DDT on Luchasaurus. Copeland speared Luchasaurus through the ropes on the floor. Christian launched Sabian into a Popup Spear from Copeland. Christian covered Sabian for the 1-2-3 win. 

WINNER
Adam Copeland & Christian Cage

➤Christian offered a handshake. Copeland shook Christian’s hand. Copeland wanted a hug. Christian didn’t give Copeland a hug. They shook hands again.

Amin’s Thoughts — Good to see Luchasaurus back in action as he looked great. There were moments where Luchasaurs was going against Sabian so a babyface turn could be in the works. I would’ve saved Copeland and Christian first tag match together in AEW for the All Out PPV. They instead decided to rush the reunion to have Copeland and Christian team together on this show. This was still fun seeing Copeland and Christian together as a team. A fun opening team tag team match to start the show (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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TNT TITLE MATCH 
Kyle Fletcher (c) (w/Don Callis & Lance Archer) vs. Hiromu Takahashi

Hiromu Takahashi made his entrance to a solid babyface reaction. They showed the NJPW broadcast team on commentary. Kyle Fletcher made his entrance to a strong heel reaction alongside Don Callis and Lance Archer. 

Fletcher took control of Takahashi early hitting a pair of scoop slams for a near fall. Fletcher connected with a back suplex for a near fall. Fletcher slowed the match down placing Takahashi in a chin look. They showed Walker Stewart from NJPW joining commentary for the match. Takahashi caught Fletcher with a head scissors. Takahashi rocked Fletcher with a sliding dropkick for two count. Fletcher caught Takahashi with a Half-and-Half Suplex. Takahashi responded hitting a German Suplex. Fletcher responded with a Michinoku Driver for a double down. 

Fletcher caught Takahashi with a Super Spin Cycle for two count. Fletcher planted Takahashi with a Last Ride PowerBomb for two. Fletcher rocked Takahashi with a big boot. Takahashi kicked out at one and smiled. Takahashi responded planting Fletcher with a Face Buster onto the ring apron. Takahashi planted Fletcher with a Sunset Bomb on the floor. Takahashi connected with a running lariat for two count. Takahashi caught Fletcher with a Destroyer for two count. Takahashi delivered a Death Valley Driver for two count. 

Takahashi went for Time Bomb. Fletcher countered hitting a Tombstone PileDriver for two count. Fletcher rocked Takahashi with a pair of corner running kicks. Fletcher went for a BrainBuster. Takahashi countered with an inside cradle for two count. Fletcher maintained control delivering a BrainBuster. Fletcher covered Takahashi for the 1-2-3 win.

WINNER
Kyle Fletcher retained the TNT Title 

Amin’s Thoughts — The concept of having matches between two difference wrestling promotions in a cool idea. The problem here was Takahashi wasn’t going to beat Fletcher who’s a rising star in AEW. That’s problem number one. Problem number two is NJPW has cooled down. The level of excitement isn’t there when you see NJPW stars on AEW shows. What we got was a solid wrestling match on a PPV card. You get solid wrestling matches on Dynamite and Collision. Solid matches on PPV just doesn’t cut it when you can watch solid matches on TV every week (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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TBS TITLE FATAL-4-WAY MATCH
Mercedes Mone (c) vs. Alex Winsor vs. Bozilla vs. Peresphone

Alex Winsor made her entrance to a strong reaction. Bozilla representing STARDOM made her entrance to a solid reaction. Persephone representing CMLL made her entrance to a solid reaction. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone got a special entrance with men dressed as the Royal Guard holding all her title belts. Mercedes got a strong mixed reaction. 

Bozilla rocked Winsor and Persephone with a double clothesline. Bozilla launched Mercedes onto Mercedes and Winsor to the floor. Bozilla planted Persephone with a spinning slam. Mercedes and Winsor moved as Bozilla went crashing into the ring post. Persephone and Winsor planted Mercedes with a double flapjack. Bozilla planted Persephone and Winsor with a double back suplex. Bozilla planted Mercedes with a PowerBomb. Persephone and Winsor caught Bozilla with a double chop block. 

Winsor hit a flying cannonball onto Bozilla and Mercedes. Persephone hit a sloppy looking tope onto Bozilla and Winsor to the floor. Everyone exchanged rollups for near falls. Persephone caught Mercedes and Winsor with a double European Clutch. Bozilla launched Persephone with an overhead suplex. Winsor caught Bozilla with a flying clothesline. Mercedes hit a flying Meteora onto Bozilla. Persephone and Winsor made the save. There was a nice Tower of Doom spot. 

Mercedes caught Persephone and Winsor in a double Statement Maker. Winsor rocked Mercedes and Persephone with a double clothesline. Winsor went for a Double Sharpshooter on Mercedes and Persephone. Bozilla stood on Mercedes and Persephone hands. Persephone rocked Winsor with a Spear. Bozilla planted Persephone with a Chokeslam. Bozilla delivered a Flying Moonsault onto Persephone and Winsor. Mercedes made the save. 

Mercedes caught Bozilla with a Poisonrana for two count. Winsor planted Mercedes with a Fisherman’s Buster for two count. Persephone launched Bozilla with a Razor’s Edge. Winsor rocked Persephone with a lariat for two count. Winsor placed Persephone in a Sharpshooter. Mercedes caught Winsor with a Codebreaker. Persephone went for a Razor’s Edge. Mercedes caught Persephone with a Dragon Rana rollup for the 1-2-3 win. 

WINNER
Mercedes Moné retained the TBS Title 

Amin’s Thoughts — I’ve been a fan of Bozilla’s work from her time in Marigold. This was a showcase for Bozilla who looked awesome. Alex Winsor also continues to impress having another good showing. This was my first time seeing Persephone from CMLL and she had a fine showing. Persephone was placed in the Takahashi spot to take the pin in the match. Mercedes is presented as the biggest star in the AEW Women’s division. Mercedes losing the TBS Title should feel like a big deal. This wasn’t the match for Mercedes to lose the TBS Title. Mercedes looked great but this wasn’t one of her better AEW PPV matches. This was another match that felt like a PPV level title match. A fun match with had good action from start to finish (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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IWGP WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH 
Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Nigel McGuinness (w/Daniel Garcia) 

They aired a special video package of Nigel McGuinness meeting Johnny Saint in London playing some chess. Nigel McGuinness made his entrance to a huge reaction. McGuinness was accompanied by Daniel Garcia who was carrying a towel. McGuinness greeted Johnny Saint and Marty Saint ringside. The crowd sang for McGuiness. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. made his entrance to a strong reaction. 

McGuinness and Sabre were evenly matched to start. Sabre took McGuiness down with a wrist lock takedown. McGuinness responded taking Sabre down with a knee drop. McGuinness caught Sabre with a reverse rollup for two. Sabre responded catching McGuinness with a Pele Kick to the wrist. Sabre took control hitting a neck twist. McGuinness responded catching Sabre with an arm bar takedown. McGuiness yanked Sabre to the mat with a spinning takedown. 

McGuinness rocked Sabre with a corner uppercut. McGuinness caught Sabre with a lariat for two. McGuinness went for London Dungeon. Sabre’s foot was on the ropes. McGuinness went for Rebound Lariat. Sabre caught McGuiness in a Cross-Arm Breaker. Garcia went to pull the ropes close. The referee yelled Garcia’s way. McGuinness and Sabre exchanged European Uppercuts. Sabre was bleeding from the nose. Sabre caught McGuinness with a European Bridge for two count. McGuinness caught Nigel with a backslide for two count. 

McGuinness caught Sabre with a Rebound Lariat for two count. McGuinness rocked Sabre with a second lariat for two count. Sabre caught McGuinness with a Crucifix for two. McGuinness went for London Dungeon. McGuinness transitioned into a Triangle Hold. Garcia pulled the ropes forward again. Sabre placed his foot on the ropes. Sabre caught McGuinness with a Triangle Hold against the ropes. Sabre got in Garcia’s face. 

McGuiness connected with Tower of London. Sabre placed his foot on the ropes. McGuinness caught Sabre with a seated rollup. Sabre reversed catching McGuinness with a European Clutch for two count. McGuinness and Sabre exchanged rollups. McGuiness went for a Stack Rollup. Sabre caught McGuinness with a Sunset Flip for the 1-2-3 win. 

WINNER
Zack Sabre Jr. retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Title

➤Nigel McGuinness got the crowd to cheer for him and Zack Sabre Jr after the match. The crowd cheered as McGuiness and Sabre shook hands and shared a hug. Sabre left the ring. Sabre greeted Johnny Saint and Marty Saint. The crowd buzzed as Daniel Garcia entered the ring after taking his jacket off. Garcia gave McGuinness a hug. Garcia raised McGuinness hand. 

Amin’s Thoughts — My only nitpick was Daniel Garcia’s involvement which cooled down the match. Garcia didn’t factor into the finish and the post-match. Garcia wasn’t needed here. This match was one of highlights of the show. This was just so fun seeing both McGuinness and Sabre work a mat based technical style wrestling match. Danielson on commentary made his more enjoyable with his history with both McGuinness and Sabre. It was also great to hear Walker Stewart on commentary who’s been doing a great job in NJPW. I like watching different styles of professional wrestling. I really enjoyed this match (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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Tony Schiavone thanked the crowd for being part of Forbidden Door. They announced 18,992 fans at 02 Arena for the largest attendance. 

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The camera cut as Thekla and Queen Aminata were brawling backstage. Aminata and Thekla made their way ringside. Julia Hart and Skye Blue attacked Queen Aminata. The crowd cheered as Jamie Hayter returned from injury to a big reaction. Hart and Blue held Thekla away. The crowd cheered as Hayter posed. 

Amin’s Thoughts — This was great to see Jamie Hayter return back from injury. They had Hayter return from her back injury at Wembley Stadium on the Zero Hour pre-show last year. This was good as Hayter returned on the actual PPV card of the show. 

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AEW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE ELIMINATION MATCH
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) (c) vs. Brodido (Bandido & Brodie King) vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (w/Stokely Hathaway)

Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler made their entrance to a heel reaction alongside Stokely Hathaway. Bandido and Brodie King made their entrance to a strong reaction. AEW World Tag Team Champions Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin made their entrance to a strong reaction. 

FTR went after Lashley and Brodido went after Benjamin at the start of the match. Lashley launched Wheeler with an overhead suplex. Harwood sent Lashley into the barricade. Bandido hit a flying head scissors to Benjamin off the barricade. Bandido caught Harwood with a backslide for two. Lashley rocked Harwood and Wheeler with a double clothesline. Lashley planted Harwood with a Stalling Suplex. Harwood tagged Bandido into the match. 

Bandido caught Benjamin with a tope. Benjamin stopped Bandido with a face buster. Lashley planted Bandido with a spinning TKO. Wheeler made the save. This match was advertised as Elimination Match. Apparently, the match got changed. Benjamin ran Bandido into barricade and ring apron. Lashley went for a Hurt Lock. Bandido broke free. Bandido caught Benjamin with a flying Corkscrew Dive. 

Brodie ran wild planting Wheeler with a Bossman Slam. King planted Harwood with a Sky High for two count. King hit a double Cannonball on Harwood and Wheeler. King went for a Cannonball on Benjamin. The crowd buzzed as Lashley stood in Brodie’s way. Brodie and Lashley exchanged big strikes. Lashley caught Brodie with an impressive SpineBuster. The crowd cheered as Brodie no-sold to a big reaction. Brodie rocked Lashley with a lariat. 

Benjamin launched Harwood and Wheeler with German Suplex. Benjamin hit a Triple German Suplex on King. Wheeler and Brodie hit a Shatter Machine on Benjamin. Brodie hit a tope onto Benjamin, Lashley and Wheeler to the floor. Bandido hit a Super Moonsault Fallaway Slam to everyone on the floor in a crazy looking spot. Lashley rocked Wheeler with a Spear on the floor. Benjamin rocked Brodie with a rising knee strike. Lashley rocked Brodie with a Spear inside the ring. 

Two guys wearing NJPW tracksuits attacked Benjamin and Lashley outside the ring. Someone wearing a hoodie attacking Benjamin with a pipe. Harwood nailed Brodie with an Unprotected Chair Shot right to the head. This just sounded disgusting. The guys wearing the NJPW tracksuits removed their hoodies. It was revealed as Ricochet and Gates of Agony. Danielson on commentary mentioned Ricochet and Gates of Agony helping MJF on Dynamite. Excalibur did mention Hurt Syndicate didn’t accept Ricochet into the group. 

Bandido shoved Wheeler to the floor. Harwood delivered a SuperPlex to Brodie. Bandido delivered a Frog Splash to Harwood. King went to Monkey Flip to Bandido who was suppose to hit a 450 Splash onto Harwood. The problem was Bandido completely missed the 450 Splash. Bandido also lost control of Harwood on the pin attempt. The referee had to hold up his count. Wheeler was suppose enter the ring after the 1-2-3 count. Bandido spot was completely off. Wheeler was inside the ring. Bandido covered Harwood again for the 1-2-3 win. The finish was a complete mess. 

WINNERS
Bandido & Brodie King won the AEW World Tag Team Titles

Amin’s Thoughts — The match was going well and pretty enjoyable for the most part. I had so many questions coming out of the match. My first question is why are we still having unprotected chair shots to the head on wrestling shows in 2025. My second question is when they did decide to change this from an elimination match to a standard three way tag match. I just didn’t like how Lashley and Benjamin lost the tag titles without being involved in the finish. We have seen many matches in wrestling where champions have lost titles without being involved in the finish. This one raised eyebrows after reports of backstage heat with Hurt Syndicate. I actually didn’t mind Ricochet and Gates of Agony getting involved after Danielson on commentary explained their working alliance with MJF. They could make this work if revealed that MJF was behind Ricochet and Gates of Agony getting involved. The match completely fell apart in the finish. Bandido missing his spot and the referee holding up the count. The good part was the crowd did cheer for Bandido and Brodie winning the titles. The question now is does Brodido just drop the tag titles to FTR before All Out. They rushed the Copeland and Christian tag match for this show. The big attraction would be Copeland and Christian challenging for the AEW Tag Titles at All Out in Toronto. Or do we get another three way match. That would be three straight PPV three way matches for the tag titles. The finish did bring the match down. This was still a solid match (⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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Jim Ross joined Excalibur and Bryan Danielson on commentary. 

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AEW UNIFIED TITLE MATCH
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. “Swerve” Strickland 

“Swerve” Strickland made his entrance to a big reaction. Strickland had gear inspired from Mr. Terrific. AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada made his entrance to a strong heel reaction alongside Don Callis. Okada got a firework display. Okada also has a new theme song. 

Okada and Swerve were evenly matched to start. Swerve shined early connecting with a Fosbury Flop to Okada on the floor. Swerve sold his knee injury. Swerve planted Okada with a pair of neck breakers. Swerve connected with a flying uppercut. Okada responded catapulting Swerve over the ropes to the floor. Swerve sold his knee injury going to the floor. Swerve responded catching Okada with a Pump Handle slam onto the ring apron. Swerve went for a PileDriver. Okada countered hitting a DDT to Swerve on the ring steps. 

Okada caught Swerve with an Air Raid Crash for two count. Swerve responded catching Okada with a Flatliner. Swerve maintained control hitting a suplex. Swerve planted Okada with a Super Olympic Slam for two count. Swerve went for Swerve Stomp. Okada moved out the way. Swerve sold his knee injury. Okada took advantage hitting a Tombstone PileDriver on the floor. Okada connected with a signature elbow drop. 

Okada rocked Swerve with a pair of lariats. Okada went for the Rainmaker. Swerve countered hitting a House Call Kick. Swerve rocked Okada with a series of lariats. Okada stopped Swerve with a pair of standing dropkick. Swerve avoided the Rainmaker. Swerve planted Okada with a powerslam. Swerve connected with Swerve Stomp. Swerve sold his knee injury. This gave Okada the time to kick out at two. 

Okada poked Swerve in the eyes. Okada planted Swerve with a knee breaker onto the top turnbuckle. Swerve avoided the Rainmaker. Okada ducked the House Call Kick. Swerve went for Big Pressure. Okada escaped catching Swerve with a standing dropkick. Swerve bounced off the ropes hitting a House Call Kick. Swerve went for a second House Call Kick. Okada ducked. Okada delivered a Rainmaker for the 1-2-3 win. 

WINNER
Kazuchika Okada retained the AEW Unified Title

Amin’s Thoughts — There has been reports of Swerve dealing with a meniscus injury for quite sometime now. That could’ve been the reason which limited him in the match. Swerve is one great big match wrestlers whose matches always stand out. This one just didn’t have the same level of energy we’ve seen in previous Swerve PPV matches. They told a solid story with Okada working over Swerve’s injured knee which played into the finish. This was a good match. This just felt like another standard Okada match on AEW PPV level grading scale (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

➤The big angle came after the match. Okada placed Swerve’s foot between the ring steps. Okada grabbed a chair. Okada swung the chair into the ring steps into Swerve’s leg. Prince Nana ran down with a steel pipe. Okada backed off with Don Callis. The returning Wardlow was shown standing inside the ring. Wardlow rocked Prince Nana with a lariat. Wardlow rocked Prince Nana with mounted strikes. Security tried to stop Wardlow. This led to Wardlow delivered an F5 and PowerBomb to the security guards. Wardlow left the ring and gave Don Callis a hug. The rest of the Don Callis Family came out. Wardlow greeted the rest of The Don Callis Family. The crowd cheered as Konosuke Takeshita’s music played. Takeshita and Wardlow had a stare down. Takeshita and Wardlow nodded at each other. 

Amin’s Thoughts — This looked to be angle to write Swerve off TV who’s been dealing with a meniscus injury. Swerve has been one of my favourite wrestlers to watch on AEW TV. Wishing Swerve a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on TV soon. The big reveal was the return of Wardlow who’s been out of action for over a year. AEW has already dropped the ball once with Wardlow coming off his big win against MJF. It’s great to see Wardlow back in action. Not really thrilled to see Wardlow placed in The Don Callis Family. Apart from Kyle Fletcher, Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita, the rest of the members of the Don Callis Family are mostly just background players. You don’t want to see Wardlow become someone who’s just part of the group. The most notable part was Takeshita coming out last to greet Wardlow. The goal here should be to move Takeshita away from The Don Callis Family and have him be the one to beat Okada for the AEW Unified Title. I will give this time to see where this leads. Good to see Wardlow back in action. 

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AEW WOMEN’S WORLD TITLE MATCH
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (w/Luther) vs. ROH Women’s World Champion Athena (w/Billie Starkz) 

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena made her entrance to a strong mixed reaction alongside Billie Stark. AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm made her entrance to a big reaction. 

Athena avoided a running dropkick as the bell rang. Storm rocked Athena with corner strikes. Storm nailed Athena with a running dropkick. Storm connected with a hip attack sending Athena to the floor. Storm planted Stark with a Storm Zero on the floor. Athena delivered a Woo Dropkick sending Storm crashing into the barricade. Athena nailed Storm with a thrust kick for two count. Athena caught Storm with an STO. Athena rammed Storm face first into the ring post. Athena mocked Storm’s pose. 

Storm battled back rocking Athena with a running lariat. Storm planted Athena with a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Athena responded catching Storm with a leg sweep takedown. Athena planted Storm with a Butterfly Suplex. Athena went for O-Face. Storm avoided. Storm caught Athena with Sky High for two count. Storm went for Cross Face Chicken Wing. Athena broke free. Athena hit a back suplex. Storm responded catching Athena with a Tornado DDT. Storm connected with a Tiger Driver for two count. 

Storm rocked Athena with Mongolian Chops. Athena caught Storm with a Thrust Kick. Athena rocked Storm with a rolling elbow for two count. Stark distracted Storm on the ropes. Athena took advantage hitting a running dropkick. Athena connected with Flying Hurricanrana. Athena planted Storm with a Liger Bomb for two count. Athena launched Storm with an Alley-Oop Bomb. Athena placed Storm in a seated Octopus Stretch. Storm placed her foot on the ropes. 

Storm went for Cross-Face Chicken Wing. Athena broke free sending Storm to the floor. Athena hit a tope to Storm on the floor. Athena went for Storm Zero on the ring steps. Storm bit Athena’s knee. Storm rocked Athena with a head butt. Storm delivered Storm Zero for two count. Stark pulled on the ring apron. Athena grabbed hold on the ring apron.  

Storm went for Storm Zero on the ring apron. Stark pulled on the ring apron. Athena caught Storm with an O-Face on the ring ropes. The crowd cheered as Mina Shirakawa stooped Stark from using the chair. Storm caught Athena with Big Package for two count. Athena countered with a small package for two count. Athena went for O-Face. Storm caught Athena with a Cross Face Chicken Wing. Athena tapped out. 

WINNER
“Timeless” Toni Storm retained the AEW Women’s World Title

Amin’s Thoughts — The wrestling was solid as both Athena and Storm worked a well worked match. I like how Storm has different ways to win with the Storm Zero, Big Package and now Chicken Wing submission. My nitpick is with how Athena who recently just returned back to AEW TV lost in her first title match by way off tap out. We aren’t there yet but it’s reaching close to a bigger problem in the Women’s Division. Storm and Mercedes are the top champions and have just run through their challengers. The rest of the AEW Women’ division is stuck in the mid-card. This was AEW chance to put the title on Athena and showcase her on Storm’s level. The argument here is Athena is still the ROH Women’s Champion so she can work her way back for AEW Women’s World Title. That all remains to be seen. Jamie Hayter returned back from injury on the show. Hayter will likely first go back into a program with Thekla. The big title match they could be saving is Hayter and Storm as they have history together. The question if what does Athena do next after losing by tap out. A good match but didn’t reach great level (⭐️⭐️⭐️1/4)

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AEW WORLD TITLE MATCH
“Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. MJF

MJF made his entrance to a big mixed reaction. The crowd hummed along to MJF’s theme song. AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page made his entrance to a huge babyface reaction. Hangman got a big firework display.MJF made his entrance to a big mixed reaction. The crowd hummed along to MJF’s theme song. MJF got a firework display. AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page made his entrance to a huge babyface reaction. Hangman got a big firework display. MJF can win the AEW World Title via count-out or disqualification. 

Hangman started quickly rocking MJF with strikes around ringside. Hangman delivered a spinning lariat knocking MJF over the barricade. Hangman drilled MJF with a running boot on the floor. The referee Bryce Remsberg stopped Hangman from using the chair. MJF took advantage running Hangman into the ring post. MJF caught Hangman with a PileDriver for two count. MJF launched Hangman with a Hammerlock Suplex. Hangman responded bitting MJF in the face. 

Hangman battled back rocking MJF with a flying clothesline. Hangman launched MJF with a Fallaway Slam. Hangman connected with a Flying Moonsault onto MJF to the floor. Hangman planted MJF with a Sit-Out Powerbomb for two. Hangman called for Buckshot Lariat. MJF intercepted Hangman into the Salt of the Earth. Hangman reversed into a rollup for two. Hangman went for a Crossface. MJF reversed into a rollup for two count. MJF caught Hangman with a Slingshot Cutter. MJF planted Hangman with a Hammerlock DDT for two count. 

MJF placed a table outside the ring. Hangman stopped MJF from using the table outside the ring. Hangman caught MJF with a Tombstone Piledriver on the floor. Hangman delivered a Dead Eye sending MJF crashing through a table on the floor. Hangman covered MJF who placed his foot on the ropes. Hangman went for Buckshot Lariat. MJF rolled outside the ring. MJF hit a drop toe hold as Hangman went crashing into a chair. Hangman was busted open. MJF delivered a running Tombstone Piledriver sending Hangman crashing through the broken table. Hangman made it back into the ring. The crowd cheered. 

Hangman sent MJF into the exposed turnbuckle. MJF was busted open. The crowd cheered as Hangman and MJF stared at each other across the ring. Hangman and MJF exchanged strikes leading to a double down. Hangman and MJF exchanged rollups for near falls. Hangman caught MJF with a Dead Eye for a two count. This was a fun sequence. 

MJF placed the Dynamite Diamond ring for Hangman to use. Hangman refused. MJF spat in Hangman’s face. Hangman teased using the Dynamite Diamond Ring but stopped. Hangman spat in MJF’s face. Hangman went for Buckshot Lariat. MJF pulled the referee in the way. MJF shoved Hangman into the referee. MJF nailed Hangman with a low-blow. MJF delivered the Heat Seeker. Bryce Remsberg counted 1-2-3. Hangman’s foot was on the ropes. 

The crowd cheered as Mark Briscoe came out. Briscoe was held back by security. The referee caught MJF from pulling Hangman’s foot from the ropes. MJF and Remsberg shoved each other. Hangman rocked MJF with a lariat. Hangman went for Buckshot Lariat. MJF grabbed the referee. MJF gave Hangman a low-blow. MJF applied a stack rollup for two count. 

MJF placed the CMLL World Title into the ring. Remsberg took the CMLL World Title away. This gave MJF the opportunity to whack Hangman across the face with the steel case. MJF covered Hangman for two count. Remsberg stopped MJF from using the Dynamite Diamond Ring. Hangman whacked MJF with the steel cage across the face. Hangman delivered the Dead Eye to MJF. The crowd was going wild. Hangman rocked MJF with the Buckshot Lariat for the 1-2-3 win. 

WINNER
“Hangman” Adam Page retained the AEW World Title

Amin’s Thoughts — The build leading into the match was shaky at best. Hangman and MJF made up for the shaky built by having the best match on the show. I actually liked how they used the count-out and disqualification stipulation to make the match more fun to match. MJF was just tremendous playing heel doing whatever it takes to win the AEW World Title. Hangman was tremendous playing the fighting babyface champion. I didn’t mind Mark Briscoe’s involvement as it played of the Dynamite match finish with MJF. I could see MJF and Mark Briscoe having some stipulation match for the AEW World Title contract. Hangman winning was the right call to make. MJF shouldn’t win the title when he still has the World Title contract. This was a great World Title match which was very fun to watch (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

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Bryan Danielson noted he won’t be on commentary for the next match because of his “personal issues” with people in the match. 

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Ring announcer Justin Roberts noted the lights will go out ending the sanctioned event. Roberts noted the lights will turn on and AEW won’t be responsible for what takes place. 

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LIGHTS OUT STEEL CAGE MATCH 
Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. The Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) (w/Marina Shafir) The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) & Gabe Kidd

Darby Allin made his entrance first to a huge reaction. Hiroshi Tanahashi made his entrance next to a big reaction. Kota Ibushi made his entrance to a strong reaction. Kenny Omega made his entrance to a huge reaction. Omega got a big firework display. Will Ospreay got a special video package. Ospreay made his entrance to an incredible reaction and firework display. The crowd cheered as Ospreay climbed the cage. The crowd chanted Ospreay’s name. This was cool. 

The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) made their entrance. The Bucks theme was cut. They played The Young Bucks first theme song. This was funny. The crowd booed as Jon Moxley made his entrance alongside Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir and Gabe Kidd. 

This is basically AEW’s version of Hell in a Cell without a roof. The match began with a brawl between both sides. Ospreay hit a Sasuke Special onto Kidd. Darby hit a cannonball tope to Moxley and Claudio into the cage. The crowd popped as Golden Loves and The Bucks squared off. Ibushi and Omega delivered Golden Triangle to The Bucks. Darby handcuffed his hand to Moxley. Darby caught Claudio with a Code Red. Moxley was free of handcuffs. The Bucks hit Sliced Bread on Ibushi, Nickolas grabbed a bag from underneath the ring. It was revealed with Gummy Bears. 

Tanahashi hit a Slingblade sending Matthew into Gummy Bears. Ibushi and Omega hit a German Suplex/Powerbomb combo on Matthew. Claudio made the save. The Bucks used the ladder sending Ospreay crashing into the cage. The Bucks delivered a Powerbomb sending Darby crashing into the ladder. Darby was bleeding from side of the ear. Ospreay was also busted open. Ospreay hit a handspring kick sending the ladder into The Bucks. Ospreay placed the chair around Moxley’s neck. Kidd made the save. Kidd hit a Gotch Piledriver on Ospreay. 

The Bucks hit a Slingshot Powerbomb on Omega. Claudio delivered the Giant Swing on Omega leading to two count. The Bucks hit a TK Driver on Ibushi. Darby made the save. Claudio launched Darby into the cage which looked crazy. Tanahashi made his own comeback. Moxley stopped Tanahashi with a Paradigm Shift DDT. Claudio tapped Darby on a chair. Moxley grabbed a fork and jammed it into Darby’s ear. This was beyond disgusting and was uncomfortable to watch. 

Tanahashi went to send Moxley into the Bared Wire Table. Kidd made the save. Tanahashi hit Sling Blades on Moxley and Kidd. Claudio stopped Tanahashi with a Neutralizer. The Bucks delivered the BTE Trigger to Tanahashi. Ospreay made the save. Ospreay covered Tanahashi to protect him. Ospreay tackled Moxley through the Barbed Wire Table. 

Omega hit Snap Dragon Suplex on everyone in a cool spot. Ibushi and Omega hit stereo Snap Dragon Suplex. Omega hit an awesome Terminator Dive to the floor. Tanahashi’s team stopped him from climbing the ladder. This was a cool spot. Ospreay climbed the cage. Ospreay hit an incredible Flying Moonsault off the cage. This was awesome. 

Omega nailed Kidd with a V-Trigger. The Bucks welcomed Omega to The Super Kick Party. Everyone hit big moves in another cool spot. Ospreay rocked The Bucks with a pair of Hidden Blades. Ospreay hit Styles Clash on Kidd. Omega and Ospreay hit a Hidden Blade/V-Trigger combo on Kidd. Claudio and The Young Bucks made the save. There was another sequence of awesome big moves. Omega hit One Winged Angle on Moxley. Claudio The Young Bucks made the save.

Yuta helped pulled Moxley outside the cage. Darby launched Yuta who went flying off the cage crashing through the table. Darby climbed the cage. Marina pulled Moxley out of the way. Kidd nailed Darby with a low-blow. Darby raked Kidd in the eyes. Darby delivered a Coffin Drop from the top the cage sending Kidd crashing through a stack of table on the floor. This was crazy. 

Ibushi hit a Half-and-Half Suplex on Claudio. Omega followed with a ripcord V-Trigger to Claudio. Ospreay delivered a Storm Breaker to Claudio. Omega and Ibushi hit a Golden Trigger on Nicholas. Ospreay leaped off Nicholas hitting a Hidden Blade on Matthew. Omega and Ospreay hit a Hidden Blade/One Winged Angel combo on Matthew. Tanahashi delivered a High Fly Flow onto Matthew for the 1-2-3 win. 

WINNER
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Darby Allin, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi 

Amin’s Thoughts — Moxley use of the fork in Darby’s ear was the most disgusting moment of the match. That’s what separates AEW from WWE when it comes to weapons matches. AEW really does go all out and works for their fan base. All credit goes to Will Ospreay still wanting to put on a show for the fans despite his serious injury that he’s dealing with. They gave the crowd a nice moment with Tanahashi getting the win for his team in last match in the UK during his retirement tour. A pretty wild and chaotic match to watch with non-stop action (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)

➤The babyface team celebrated their win. Kenny Omega checked on Darby Allin. The babyface team shook Ospreay’s hand. Ospreay stood in the middle of the ring. Ospreay soaked the crowd’s reaction. Ospreay’s music played. AEW closing graphic came up. Claudio nailed Ospreay with a running uppercut. Ospreay’s team was outside the cage. Moxley delivered a series of Paradigm Shift DDT to Ospreay. Marina Shafir climbed into the cage. Claudio wrapped a chair around Ospreay’s neck. Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs ran down. Moxley delivered a stomp to Ospreay’s neck. Ospreay lied motionless in the cage. The cage was eventually raised. Doc Sampson and the rest of the team checked on Ospreay. The crowd chanted for Ospreay’s name. The show ended. They went to black. They returned back. Ospreay was stretchered out. 

Amin’s Thoughts — It was a nice moment seeing Ospreay stand inside the ring and hear the crowd cheer. They went to the big closing angle on the show. It’s wrestling where the heel in Marina Shafir was shown climbing into the cage. The babyface team couldn’t enter the cage. That aside. This angle was done to write Ospreay off TV as he’s been dealing with two herniated discs to undergo neck surgery. I just want to wish Will Ospreay all the very best for his health.

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