Original subtitles

What was once an unheard of scenario.

Few of pro wrestling's biggest powerhouses coming together to give you

like you've never seen before.

Became an inevitable reality.

AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling present The Forbidden Door.

And now has grown into something more.

Adding in the partnership with CMLL and Stardom, it takes the event to a

completely new level.

A massive event with global implications.

We are featuring absolute legends from New Japan Pro Wrestling, CMLL, Stardom,

all here tonight. The best professional wrestlers in the world in dream matches

you can only imagine.

CMLL is looked at as the gold standard of lucha libre. New Japan Pro Wrestling

is seen as the gold standard of Japanese professional wrestling. For a major

American wrestling promotion like AEW to have a global partner in New Japan Pro

Wrestling, in CMLL, that is something that has really not been done on the

of what AEW is doing and what Forbidden Door has become.

Hope is back!

Hope, find yourself.

You get your friends.

I'll get my friends.

Right now.

From every corner of the world.

To the O2 arena.

Welcome to London, Bob.

As long as you want to keep saving a new championship around my face, I'm going

to want that.

Nigel McGuinness.

That's David Jr.

For the IWGP heavyweight title.

In London.

At the O2 arena, no door is forbidden to me, Tony.

The main character and the main antagonist.

The professional wrestling world together like never before in history.

Global stars on a global stage.

This.

It's Forbidden Door.

And now, live from London's O2 Arena, AEW and New Japan Pro

Wrestling presented Forbidden Door.

It's Sunday!

You know what that means!

All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling present for...

from a sold -out all -two arena in London, England.

I'm Excalibur, joined by Tony Schiavone, the American Dragon, Brian Danielson,

and we are off to a rocket start here tonight.

First of all, Ontario, Canada, weighing 241 pounds, the rated R

superstar.

From the moment Adam Copeland

put in all elite wrestling tony he had one mission one goal and that was to

with christian cage once again before the end of their respective careers

christian in so many words said no but now

they find themselves teaming together for the first time in more than a

decade and christian just did a u -turn right there but

Seeing them together for more than 14 years being apart, this is quite a

for all of us. Wouldn't you say, Brian Daniels?

Yeah, I mean, this is so much fun to see. What an atmosphere here at the O2.

Amazing.

And their opponents, being accompanied by Mother Wayne, the team of Kip Fabian

and Kill Switch.

Brian, it was the surprise return of Kill Switch this past Wednesday night.

Dynamite and Glasgow Scotland. We learned that Nick Wayne, out injured,

not compete in this match.

But Kip Fabian had a backup plan. Boy, did he ever. Yeah, and I mean, Kill

Switch, you have to think.

of everything that Kiltwitch has been through with Christian.

I mean, he put him down at every single turn, including Kiltwitch winning the

TNT championship, and Christian just taking it from him.

Yeah, very conflicted with Kiltwitch on Wednesday night.

That may have been feigned conflict for Kiltwitch, I think. He was, because of

the abuse, he suffered at the hands of Christian Cage time and time again.

He saw his opportunity.

Well, he would almost have to, one would think, but he looks in phenomenal

shape, does kilt switch, and he's going to be a force in this match.

Let's see how Cope and Cage work together.

I mean, it should be easy, right, you would think, but it's been a long time.

Well, I don't know. I don't know. If I'm Adam Copeland, I don't know if I trust

Christian in this match.

I mean, I would let, see, Adam is starting the match. I would have let

Christian. Start the match. And I'd almost force him to kind of prove

just to show that he's truck -worthy.

Because there's not a man in this match that Christian hasn't burned at some

point.

The first match of Forbidden Door underway.

Adam Copeland, Kip Sabian starting things off. And Sabian introduced to the

logo.

Embellished on the center of the ring.

Sabian now throwing right hands, backing the Rated -R superstar into the corner.

18 ,000 -plus joining us here at the O2 Arena, the largest pro wrestling crowd

this arena has ever seen is Copeland.

Copeland hanging tight with Sabian. He's faked, and Sabian paid the price.

There's just some things you can't count for if you don't have the experience of

Adam Copeland.

Yeah, not many people do. Kip Sabian, though, certainly had his success at

And we think about him winning the very first singles match ever at AEW. And so

there's the teamwork.

And now Christian Cage. He can go for a pin. Now throwing right hands down on

the head of his former protege.

Or his former son, shall we say, Kip Sabian.

Now look at this crowd like you were talking about Excalibur and Kip Sabian,

local product from Norfolk. It's about 120 miles from here.

Now just up the coast, along the east coast of England. But right now,

Killswitch tagging in.

Killswitch, he's had a lot of time to think, to plot his revenge on

Christian Cage.

Oochasaurus ringing out through the O2. That feels almost like a lifetime ago,

Tony. It was a lifetime. Oh, wow.

It was a lifetime. Look at the face of Cope on this.

See, this is what I'm talking about with Christian. If I'm Adam Copeland, I

don't know if I can even trust him yet.

Clearly, Christian is afraid of Killswitch after everything he's done to

Yeah, is this the same Christian Cage that Adam Copeland found?

record -setting success with as a tag team?

I don't know. I mean, does that still dwell with inside Christian Cage? I

we're about to find out.

Oh, my goodness.

Thrust kick. Oh, got rocked by that one. Not only a thrust kick, a thrust kick

with great timing. He timed that perfectly off the rope. And perfect

right under the jaw.

You know, that's one of the places where it's easiest to get knocked out.

Take a listen.

I think that was the teeth of Adam Copeland flapping together. That was the

sound you heard. Oh, my goodness.

Slow motion is even worse. That says it all, Brian, doesn't it?

And Adam Copeland, like Christian Cage, both men at one point thought their

careers were over with.

Though they've found this second act, and they've found success in this second

act. Both men, former TNT champions, as Killswitch bending the barricade.

Isn't it amazing we have not seen Killswitch since All In, which was last

here in London at Wembley? Oh, now Shane and Wayne.

Not ever again.

Not ever again.

Oh, wait.

Oh, by God.

Kip Sabian over, Killswitch caught him and then just powerbombed his own

into Cope.

Of course, the injury to Nick Wayne. Oh, wait a second. Tough slam on the apron

by Killswitch.

The injury to Nick Wayne was caused by when Christian Cage hit the ring.

It was Nick Wayne, Kip Sabian attacking Cope. Christian Cage intervened. He had

Spike in his hand, that terrifying Spike bat.

Wing at Nick Wayne. Wayne thought he avoided it. His foot clipped the spikes

the bottom of the back. It was a puncture, a fracture of the foot. Nick

out of action, but kill switch into this match.

Brian, take nothing away from Nick Wayne, but the ferocity of kill switch,

something of an upgrade.

I don't know if that was a smart idea by Kip Sabian.

And I agree with that. Kip's fired up, though. I mean, look at this, looking at

his former father.

But he's home, so to speak, so he wants to make the best joint he can.

Yeah, but the way he tagged in Killswitch, it was almost like he

with the same disrespect that Christian used to treat him with. Great point.

Now elbow strikes, rocking the jaw of Adam Copeland. Copeland driven headfirst

into that top turnbuckle pad.

Savion the hammer throw and typically follows this up to cannonball in the

corner Cope had it scouted Cope you can see still moving maybe a step

slow from that thrust kick earlier Yeah, when you get rocked like that, I mean

it's hard to recover from that Also slammed on the apron, it's not going to

anything, especially when you have spinal problems like he said throughout

career

Cope able to kick out, immediately reaching for the tag to Christian Cage,

Kip Sabian doing everything he can to prevent that.

And look at the tag Kip Sabian just did to Killswitch again.

Yeah, very aggressive tag, and I guess the bullying continues for Killswitch.

I think what we're seeing is Kip wants to take charge of this crew now, now

Christian Cage is no longer the Patriot.

Kill switch.

The assisted cannonball. Kip didn't seem ready for it. That's a great move,

right? Don't talk about it. Go ahead and make it.

And now kill switch. The cover. The leg is hooked.

Cope able to kick out.

He's running the mother there at the bottom of your screen.

It's Kip Sabian.

I know.

I know.

Mother Wayne hurt her.

What a mother she is.

Big boys at home with a broken foot, and here she is in London at Forbidden

Door. Exactly. I agree with that. Okay, guys, look at this. Look at Christian on

the apron.

He's got his hands just resting on the ropes.

You know, his partner's in trouble. He's not reaching out for a tag.

That's a great point, Brian. I think because he doesn't want to get into the

ring with a pissed -off kill switch.

I don't know what you guys think. I mean, Kill Switch has always been a

strong man, but when he came back on Wednesday, He looks in phenomenal shape.

He certainly does, Brian.

As Christian Cage and Copeland found out firsthand the strength that Killswitch

possesses. It was a pair of choke slams, one for each man.

Killswitch made it known that he was ready to return.

And right before Killswitch ran into that corner, he looked towards Christian

Cage.

I don't know what that meant.

Oh, he comes so close.

We'll reach further. Come on, man.

I shouldn't try to do any coaching, I know. But it seemed like, I don't know,

looked like he was short -arming him. I mean, it did look like he was short

-arming him, and he wasn't using the full reach of the tag rope. Right,

Now, kill switch.

Side slam. Looks like Kip Sabian may have been left open by something over

left eye.

Oh!

You wanted a tag. You got it, Kip.

Yeah, don't bully that big man.

Oh, my goodness. Look at this. Oh, my goodness.

I'm not sure what it was.

It opened up his eye, it looks like. Yeah, that caught Sabian, but... What

you doing?

They got his tag, and while Kip and Killswitch are arguing, Adam Copeland is

coming closer and closer to tagging in Christian Cajun. Oh, Mother Wayne

grabbing the boot of Christian Cajun. No!

Kip Sabian well aware of the neck issues, not just Adam Copeland has had

throughout his career, but the neck issues that his former father figure,

Christian Cage, has endured as well.

Well,

they stand here and run a very uncomplimentary song for Kip Sabian.

What's going on here?

Kill switch now.

What? Kip on his shoulder.

He'll quit.

I'm not sure if that was intentional or not, Tony.

Well, he's rolling out of the ring right now.

But Christian Cage trying to make his way back up to the corners. We take

another look.

Cope the spear for Kip Sabian as he was seated on the shoulders of his tag team

partner. Ryan, I call that intentional, don't you? I mean, he was just standing

there waiting for Cope to come off the top.

Yeah, I mean, I would think so.

I'll be interested to see if Christian's more willing to tag in with Kip Sabian

in the ring.

A bloodied Kip Sabian trying to prevent Cope from making the tag. Kip sent back.

Oh, Kip, this is what he wanted.

And it sounds like it's what the fans wanted as well.

Cheap shot.

I'm saving on the outside from Christian Cage.

Watch right into the hand of Killswitch with Christian.

He is laying those in.

Discipline from the father, I guess.

Killswitch just lowered the head and cracked Christian Cage in the butt.

Yeah, if I'm Killswitch, I probably have a lot of pent -up aggression that I

want to let out on Christian Cage.

May have been thinking that long dart into the corner, but... Christian Cage

the sidestep.

And the added momentum sending Killswitch shoulder -first into the

post.

Okay, Sabian trying to sneak in.

Sending tips, Sabian crashing to the floor. Christian Cage with the

And Bryan for seeing Christian Cage, Adam Copeland, compete as a tag team for

the first time in more than a decade. How would you say things are going for

them right now? I mean, I think things are going well.

You definitely say that Christian Cage is fired up.

Yeah, taking a huge risk there.

I'm not kidding. That's something else to take that risk.

Jumping over top of the ring post for crying out loud.

Yeah, I would say things are going well for Adam Copeland and Christian Cage.

But also, there seems to be a lot of dissension with Killswitch and Kip

This is Christian Cage.

Diving headbutt.

Now, cover, lateral press, kill switch out.

Barely a one count.

It's going to take a lot more than that to keep kill switch down. You're right

about it being deafening here.

These crowds in the U .K. are just absolutely wonderful.

Oh, my God, he's got both of them.

Kip Sabian tagging himself in.

Did the referee see it?

Double impaler by Koch and Christian.

Oh, he did see the tag. He did see the tag. And now Kip Sabian on the roll. Oh,

so close. That was a great move by Kip Sabian.

The reverse DDT.

Christian Cage now primed to deliver the spear.

He ran the wrong way.

Saw a kill switch up on the apron.

No

matter

how strong you are, you can't prepare for that.

And Christian Cage just saw his life flash before his eyes when he was in the

grip of Killswitch. But now the spear to Sabian counters it, though.

Sabian with Boyce to deliver a Killswitch of his own.

Christian reverses.

Teamwork, wasn't it?

For Colton Cage.

Adam Copeland, Christian Cage for the first time in more than a decade.

Victorious as a tag team to kick off Forbidden Door tonight

in London.

And Brian, I think the dissension.

Between Kip Fabian and Killswitch played a large part in this victory.

Christian and Cope, they weren't always on the same page either.

Yeah, but trust is something that's easily broken and hard to put back

once it breaks.

Many thought we would never see Tony. A little bit too much for Christian.

Didn't want to hug.

But, yes, it is a great sight, Nick Scalabert, Brian Danielson.

Coming up next, Kyle Fletcher representing the Don Callis family puts

championship on the line against the Taiba Hiromu Takahaki of New Japan Pro

Wrestling.

Kyle Fletcher, when you've got the gold, you control destiny.

New Japan, I want you to send your pound for pound back to face

me for the TNT Championship.

Oromo Takahashi answering the challenge. One of the most decorated athletes of

his generation making a statement here.

He is a risk taker. He is the wild card.

This TNT Championship reign is only just getting started.

And it will not be over for a very long time to come. So Horomu, you are just

another name to be added to the list of legends that I have mopped the floor

with.

Introducing the challenger from Tokyo, Japan, 2194 pounds, time

bomb, Harold

Takahashi!

Not the only member of the New Japan Pro Wrestling Broadcast team to join us.

Also immediately to the right of our English announced desk, we have Haruo

Murata, Miki Matoi in the middle, and El Desperado on the right -hand side.

And we want to thank the fans for joining us.

in Japan for Forbidden Dwarf as a first member of the New Japan Pro Wrestling

contingent. A challenge for an AEW title here tonight on the main card.

From Sydney, Australia, weighing 249 pounds, he is the N3 champion,

the brutal star, Kyle Fletcher!

Kyle!

Kyle Fletcher, the TNT champion, won that title

via the brutal, brutal Texas death match

with the natural Dustin Rhodes.

I'm not sure how you pulled this off, Walker.

But we are joined here at the English in that set.

Fly like a fox, very stealthily by Walker Stewart.

I didn't even know this. Well, hello, hello.

It is the honor of my career to represent both New Japan Pro Wrestling

up here at the Forbidden Door. We're live tonight, TNT Final Acts. I'm

Excalibur.

Walker joining us here alongside myself, Excalibur, the American Dragon, Brian

Danielson, and the odious Don Callis, who seems poised to take his position to

our left.

We await the commencement of this TNT Championship match.

Like Lance Archer passing from medicine glass and glances at Walker and myself,

Brian.

He avoided the ire of Lance Archer.

Yeah, I'm fortunate for that.

Don, I'm surprised you didn't bring the oil painting of you and Kyle. I wanted

to see it in person. I'm working on one with you, but it's your headstone.

Oh. Well, that's not very kind. That's nasty.

Working with Don Callis in a nutshell, Brian. Welcome to the show.

It's actually a great pleasure to be out here with Brian Danielson, one of my

favorites. You would have been a great member of the Don Callis family.

Yeah. Do you know what?

As much as I disapprove of some of your methods, I will have to say since Kyle

Fletcher has joined the Don Callis family, he has been something else. I

in my opinion.

He's the fastest rising star in AEW and without a doubt a future AEW World

Heavyweight Champion.

Shouldn't have said it better myself.

Walker, you are very well acquainted with Hiromu Takahashi, the self -styled

time bomb.

Unpredictable, I think is the word that best encompasses him. Well, if there is

any word whatsoever to describe Hiromu Takahashi, it's going to be that one.

know, there's a little bit of Forbidden Door history between these two and

Hiromu and Kyle Fletcher. That's Forbidden Door 2023.

United Empire taking on Los Ingobernables de Japón in multi -man tag

action. Now two years down the line, Hiromu Takahashi is not in LIJ. There is

LIJ. Well, Kyle Fletcher has reinvented himself under you, Don Callis.

If I had a son,

and I never wanted a son because family disappoints you, but I'd want him to be

just like me.

Takahashi. That's true, too. Finding himself in the grips of Kyle Fletcher.

Now Hork and Rana attempted by Hiromu, but Fletcher showing off that size, that

power that he has put on recently.

Oh, now he's stomping on a boot.

And that's the unpredictability of Hiromu Takahashi.

Hiromu is a dynamic athlete. I called many of his matches in New Japan, and he

is a shockingly agile individual.

Oh, Fletcher, the high boot.

delivered by the TNT champion, the Australian Kyle Fletcher. And fans, as

announced by the Daily Telegraph in Sydney and the Courier Mail in Brisbane,

returning down under in 2026 for the first time ever.

AEW heads to the Kudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia for AEW Grand Slam

Australia on Saturday, February 14th. And we'll return to the Brisbane

Entertainment Center for AEW House Rules Brisbane on Sunday, February 15th. You

can scan the QR code on your screen to sign up for...

Early access tickets right now.

Looking forward to returning to Australia. And you know that Kyle

like nothing more than to carry that TNT championship. I mean, not just through

the rest of the year, but into February. Well on, well beyond as we return to

Australia.

Yeah, I'm really impressed by Kyle Fletcher. He's put on a lot of size and

strength, but doesn't seem to have lost any of his quickness or speed.

I mean, he must have changed his training regimen, you know, relatively

since joining the Don Callis family. We have a team of specialists that work

with Kyle at all times, and I supervise all of it.

I would say this, he's still fast, but he's not as fast as Hiromu.

Back elbow shutting down. Hiromu Takahashi is Kyle Fletcher.

Walker, wait a second, cover here. Lateral press, and Hiromu able to kick

Two count only from referee Paul Turner -Walker.

Kyle Fletcher asked for the pound -for -pound best New Japan Pro Wrestling has

to offer. Hiromu typically competes in the junior heavyweight division, though

he has made tremendous accountings of himself with New Japan's heavyweights.

Yeah, you're absolutely right about that. Recent challenges for the Never

Openweight Championship currently are once held by a heavyweight talent. Back

February of 2024, Hiromu Takahashi has a lot of recent history with

heavyweights, including winning New Japan's heavyweight world tag league

late last year with one Tetsuya Naito.

I just want to point out the tremendous power that Kyle Fletcher just got on

that body slam.

I think Kyle Fletcher has actually one of the best body slams in all of AEW.

It's a very basic move, but the way Kyle Fletcher does it. Look at this.

The impact of every single body slam. Now, near leg is hooked, and Takahashi

able to kick out. But, yeah, it's that emphatic finish on the body slam that

makes it so impressive. Such a simple move.

So effective.

I like my men to be bred to win.

I like my men to be tall.

I like my men to be lean. I like my men to be athletic.

And Kyle Fletcher is all of that plus.

Talk about marketability.

Handsome man as well, Brian Danielson.

I mean, I can't deny it. You know, I heard rumors that there was interest in

Kyle Fletcher from Taylor Swift.

Where'd you hear that one?

I don't know.

From Don.

Watch what you get when you listen to Don.

Takahashi driven down.

And Fletcher making the cover. Far leg is hooked this time. Hiromu able to kick

out. Yeah, I got to tell you, Excalibur, Hiromu's not looking too great right

now. But truth be told, it's been a heavy, heavy schedule for Hiromu

the past few weeks.

AEW back to Japan for the G1 Climax 35 final. Now back to London again. And

going to be going back to Japan in just a few more minutes.

This is professional wrestling.

Danielson here, laid it on the line everywhere in the world. He didn't care

about busy schedules. Come on, Walker. All right. Quit working the people.

Give me a break. So, Walker, in your opinion, what does Hiromu need to do

to counter the strength of Kyle Fletcher? It's always speed. It's always

agility. And as we said before, it's unpredictability with Hiromu Takahashi.

that is something Fletcher has faced before, albeit just a few years ago.

Now Fletcher with a series of knee strikes.

Hiromu getting a bit battered, but Hiromu, nice quick step behind. Steps up

a camarada.

See, that's exactly what I was talking about right there.

Fletcher didn't have it scouted. Hiromu is going to start that roll sometime

sooner rather than later. And for AEW, fans are seeing Hiromu Takahashi compete

for the first time here tonight. Walker, I'd say a close analog would be AEW's

own Darby Allin to Hiromu Takahashi in terms

of the toughness.

The ability to endure punishment, to dish out some dangerous shots of their

Yeah, there's certainly no other comparison more apt than Hiromu and

in this context for certain.

Hiromu turning on afterburners, the dropkick, and Hiromu covers.

Not a great cover, Brian.

Yeah, but I think he's still worn down from the beating. Kyle Fletcher gave him

a little bit earlier.

But I've always been impressed when I watch how resilient Hiromu is.

Now Takahashi hoping to press his advantage on Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher

using the assistance of the ropes to steady himself.

Zero chance he gets him up.

Hiromu, his favored finishing technique, the time bomb, though he's modified it,

Walker, I understand, for heavyweights. That time bomb cue as in heavy cue in

Japanese, meaning heavyweight.

For those familiar with the weight class divisions in New Japan Pro Wrestling,

100 kilograms, 220 pounds, indeed, separates the junior heavyweight and

heavyweight class.

Hiromu, it's not about heavyweight, junior heavyweight. It's about no

And Hiromu Takahashi has never known a single limit in his career that he could

not defy, but Kyle Fletcher could be the one to stand in the way tonight.

See, I think that's a really smart game plan, going after Kyle Fletcher's leg.

And specifically his knee, it was like an arm trap dragon screw.

Now Hiromu able to, looking to get Fletcher. Watch out now. Just

but now Hiromu moving with speed and purpose.

Oh, yeah.

The half and half with the resilience of Hiromu on display.

Do not count this man out for a moment.

Kyle trying to get his feet under him.

Oh, Don, you're a play -by -play guy now, too. I can do it all.

Never thought I'd say this, but I missed Metric Jones himself, the human suplex

machine tag.

Come on, Kyle. Get up.

Get up. Come on, Kyle.

Walk us through this, Don.

Kyle Fletcher has got snap in everything he does.

That's not just a Michinoku driver.

That's a Protostar driver.

The Protostar driver, very effective there is referee Paul Turner.

Up to five.

On the 10 count, Fletcher, first to make it to his feet.

Yeah, if I'm Hiromu, I don't want to trade bombs with Kyle Fletcher.

I think that's a battle you're going to lose.

Fletcher, maybe think another. No.

Scoop and the slam by Fletcher. And Fletcher, this could be an error, Brian.

Heading to the top.

Definitely got the strength advantage on Hiromu. Doesn't he need to test himself

with a flying?

No!

Yeah, sometimes things are just ego.

I kind of wonder if Kyle Fletcher just wanted to prove he could do the high

flying stuff just as well as Hiromu.

Well, absolutely. That's psychology, right, Brian?

Uh -oh. Uh -oh.

Hiromu's in a bad way here.

Kazudora from the ropes, but instead Fletcher. Oh, no.

Wait a second. Fletcher.

Suplex from the rope. The cover is made.

Two. Whoa.

Hiromu. The referee is incompetent. Hey, watch Fletcher now, though.

Fletcher.

Emphatic Liger bomb.

Two. Whoa.

Hiromu.

Still not enough to put down the ticking time bomb.

A pair of late kickouts for Hiromu Takahashi as the TNT champion pulling

the stops.

The avalanche back suplex. But not just a regular avalanche back suplex. I did

an avalanche back suplex. I could have never done that.

And then the Liger bomb.

But Hiromu.

2 .99 deep.

Every time I see him, I am so impressed with Kyle Fletcher.

He's the greatest TNT champion of all time.

Oh, come on now. 24 days in.

It's been 24 great days.

Sending a message all the way to Tokyo right now, toying with Hiromu.

Kyle Fletcher can't be concerned with what's going on in Tokyo. He needs to be

concerned about this man who is standing across the ring from him in London,

England.

Hiromu's just laughing it off. Yeah, and this is one of the reasons he's one of

the greatest ever IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions.

Oh, he didn't laugh that one off.

Yeah, not going to be able to do so.

Fletcher is battering Hiromu.

But Hiromu still, that wry smile on his face.

Hiromu accelerates.

Grit your teeth, kid.

Cover.

The resilience, the toughness, that's why he draws so many comparisons to

Darby Allin.

But Fletcher, a chorus of boos, greeting

the TNT champion here in London.

Yeah, he still kind of got that smile on his face.

He's out of his mind, Brian.

That's what it is.

Yeah, there are some of us who just kind of enjoy the pain, I guess.

Well, we're going to get one.

Oh, no.

Never count out the Robo Takahashi.

The Robo reversing Kyle Fletcher, and now it's Takahashi.

Looking for the.

anything tonight to become TNT champion, Hiromu Takahashi.

Now Hiromu, the far leg is hooked and Fletcher's turn to beat the count.

Look at how Hiromu was able to turn the table on Kyle Fletcher and then...

breaking the floor. Yeah, right on his neck. And then to follow it up with that

clothesline.

Oh, and look at Kyle grabbing his shoulder. I think his neck is really

him. Yeah, maybe a stinger.

Could this be the time bomb cue?

He's looking for it.

But instead, no.

Fletcher counters with a boot thrust, kicked by Hiromu.

Fletcher really reared back and delivered that one with a plumb.

Hiromu.

In the grip of the TNT champion.

Fletcher could be thinking another legger bomb, but no.

A nail

biter here for Kyle Fletcher. You

gotta worry about Kyle Fletcher's neck at this point.

Hiromu Takahashi's wondering about himself.

Draped in gold here tonight. It could be...

And taste his lunch again all at the same time.

We're going to go from tasting lunch to tasting gold here tonight. It's the goal

for one, Hiromu Takahashi. They become the first New Japan pro wrestler to win

TNT gold tonight.

Hiromu trying to set up Fletcher. But instead, oh, well, Fletcher, that's the

strength difference.

But Hiromu turns the tables. Fletcher desperately trying to win.

Kick those legs in now.

Fletcher!

Jumping Poopstone!

One, two, straddle!

Come on!

That was three.

Don, if I were you, I would instruct Kyle Fletcher to put more weight on

shoulders. He left a little bit too much space on that left shoulder.

And Hiromu, you can't give him that kind of space. He's too resilient.

What are you angling to be brought in for a... Session or something? A

session? Hey, hey. I charge a pretty hefty fee, but I'll do it.

I can imagine.

Right now, Kyle Fletcher charging.

To the back!

To the back of the head!

Romo is dazed.

Almost certainly is Kyle Fletcher.

Creates distance and then closes it.

Here we go.

And Fletcher.

Looks like sheer drop. Brain buster for Romo.

champion, the Brillo star, Kyle Fletcher.

Well, Kyle Fletcher remains TNT champion,

but Walker, Fletcher asked for the best pound -for -pound wrestler that New

Japan has to offer, and boy, did he get his wish tonight. Yeah, certainly so. It

was a tough, tough loss. Hiromu Takahashi is going to suffer in victory.

of championship matches coming up on the docket for Horobo Takahashi, not just

in New Japan, but also all over the wrestling sphere from NOAH to other

independents as well. Horobo in an unaffiliated status with NJPW wrestling

This has been incredible.

What a matchup.

Kyle Fletcher remains TNT champion.

But from the home of collision, we turn our attention to the home of...

dynamite as the tbs championship is on the line next in a four -way but

-bonnet will have to contend with persephone as gml alec quinzer

aew and bozilla representing japan's stardom promotion

in an unprecedented clash

forbidden door is even more chaotic for the tbs champion mercedes -bonnet Nine

Belts Mané is looking to shape off her all -in loss by taking on three women

from three different companies. On the AEW side is England's Alex Windsor. The

O2 is just 115 miles from her hometown, and she was Reds Pro's longest reigning

undisputed women's champion.

Only two British women have held AEW gold. Alex would become the third.

DMLL's Persephone is no stranger to our map.

She has a 2 -0 Ring of Honor tag team record, teaming with Thunder Rosa to

Athena and Red Velvet at Global Wars Mexico.

Last year, Perception became the fifth winner of CMLL's Universal de Amazonas

tournament.

Finally, from stardom, Bozilla.

Six feet tall, 201 pounds, and only 21 years old.

She is the biggest, but also the youngest competitor in this match.

She is a second -generation wrestler, daughter of German football hermit. She

has only been in Stardom for two months, but has deployed everyone in her path.

At the O2 Arena, Mercedes' title reign has never been in more jeopardy.

I hate to kick a man while he's down, but Justin Roberts, you know, coming off

those two superkicks from Matt and Nick Jackson, even...

Get the pronunciation right. Takara Shibata really nailed the Windsor.

Ah, the Windsor.

Hey, so glad I missed Don Callis. But great to be back with you. And Walker

a great job. What an announcer.

Great to have him with us. And let's see what Mercedes can do with three other

ladies. This will be a challenge, right?

Yep, it is.

Don't nod at me. I need to hear you talk.

Okay.

Next. From Hanover, Texas, Bozilla!

Bozilla!

Bozilla making her AEW debut here tonight, representing Stardom. As you

Renee Paquette lay out, a second -generation wrestler.

Though the youngest competitor in this match, Brian, but she has all the tools

to make the most of this opportunity.

Yeah, and I mean, she had an incredible five -star Grand Prix over in Stardom in

Japan. She made it to the quarterfinals.

And I can't tell you how impressed I am with this woman at such a young age.

She's obviously learned a lot from her father.

Yeah, her father, Al Kerman, great German professional wrestler in his own

right. That's where she began her training, then going to almost a

training with the Don Kells family.

Josh Alexander.

From Mexico City, Mexico, Persephone!

Persephone!

Tony, you can see the poise, the confidence of Persephone as she stepped

this four -way match. But Persephone, not all that unfamiliar with the

competitors here in AEW as we saw her.

take part in that Ring of Honor Global Awards event just a couple months ago.

2 -0 in Ring of Honor, and, of course, that includes a win over two current

Ring of Honor champions, Athena and Red Velvet.

Yeah, I'll be interested to see Persephone's strategy here because

Mexico, she's the strongest woman in the ring. But in this match with Bozilla

out here, I don't think she will be.

Now, Bozilla's only been in the...

In this sport for three years, Brian, that may be a disadvantage for her.

Listen to the chant.

And from Boston, Massachusetts, C -E -V -T

-P -S champion, the CEO, Mercedes

Money!

C -E -V -T -P -S champion, the CEO, Mercedes!

Mercedes -Benz needs a royal guard to carry all the hardware that she has

accumulated, but there is only one title that is the focus of this match, that

is the focus of her three opponents, and that is the DCS Championship.

That was an intro of a star.

My goodness.

Fanfare.

Mercedes Benet, truly a worldwide sensation. But, Brian, she's going to

contend with worldwide opposition here tonight.

And if I had my guess, I would say that Alex Windsor, and from Norwich, just 100

-some miles from here, could definitely be the hometown favorite.

Yeah.

Yeah, I mean, she definitely has the home field advantage here.

And I think the negative for Mercedes, the real problem that Mercedes has

herself into is that she doesn't have to be pinned to lose her TBS championship.

The champion does not need to be pinned or submitted. A title can change hands

at the first successful pinfall or submission.

And the other three ladies did a great job getting rid of Mercedes.

And get in the ring, and maybe they can win it without her being here. Already

the strength of Bozilla coming into play.

Look at the power.

Oh, wait.

Mercedes looking to roll up Bozilla.

Not going to be taken down that easily. Brought up to her feet is Mercedes

Bozilla, whipping Mercedes into the corner. Tony, you mentioned only three

of experience for Bozilla, but she is somebody that is.

spent her entire life around the sport of professional wrestling. And that

a lot, Excalibur. You are right. That means a lot that you spend your life

around it. You know all about it. You know the ins and outs.

Look at this.

Bozilla very easily with the TBS champion.

Fireman's carry position.

Oh, is she going to press her?

That's Bozilla. Oh, my God.

Delivers the press and delivers the TBS champion.

To Persephone, and now it's wins on the floor.

See, Mercedes, she's wrestled the last two nights. She actually won another

championship on Friday, which puts her at nine. I kind of question that when

have such a big match today here at Forbidden Door.

She's overworking herself.

Maybe that's overconfidence on the part of the TBS champion. But right now,

Persephone finding herself in the grip of Bozilla. Bozilla.

There's strength, and now Alex Windsor.

Everyone here is struggling with the power of Bozilla.

Windsor.

She bounced off.

The champ bounced off. And now Mercedes getting sandwiched by

Alex Windsor and Bozilla in the corner.

Bozilla.

Overcommitted and paid the price there.

See, I think that's just inexperience coming into play.

In four years, she won't make that same mistake.

A double Irish whip attempt by Mercedes -Benz. I'm not sure what the champion is

thinking. And neither does Persephone and Windsor.

Double flapjack, Windsor and Persephone. Both women up to her feet. Windsor

heads up, move there.

Going for the pinfall.

You're right Excalibur heads up make the pinfall get it over with and now

they're gonna go at it First Stephanie step up work on Rana takes down Alex

Windsor for seven he can move so can Alex Windsor Japanese arm drag their

haponesa as Peddlers and CMLL would call it.

Yeah, I'm impressed with both of these women. They're both very strong very

agile Already back

With both Persephone and Windsor.

Double back suplex by the German native.

Big smile on their face. I agree. I think the strategy is get Mozilla down

her feet. Or do something to her to get her out of this match.

She's the dominant figure right now.

Now Mercedes.

Rethinking her life choices.

As Mozilla drives Mercedes into the corner.

Persephone.

Leapfrog over.

Back elbow.

Persephone.

Now, monkey flip into the waiting grip of Bozilla. Bozilla brings Mercedes up.

And Mercedes, though, hammering Bozilla with those right hands.

The powerbomb was delivered, but now Bozilla being dragged to the outside.

Attempted drag to the outside by Windsor and Persephone. So I don't know if you

guys know this, but...

Persephone and Alice Windsor have actually teamed together before. You can

it in something like that. I think they teamed together in Mexico.

Now Persephone drags Bozilla to the outside.

Hit very hard. Looked like on the base of her spine that time on the floor.

Did Bozilla. The cross body.

But Bozilla. Wait a second. Now Windsor to Sinton.

Taking out both Mercedes and Bozilla.

And needless to say, Alex Windsor is the favorite here. Of course, being not too

far away, her hometown.

Persephone!

Got caught up on the ropes, but her momentum was such that it carried her

through to take down Windsor and Bozilla.

Persephone throws the Lariat attempt.

Could be the moneymaker, no.

Persephone changes the grip, the overhook, and now Persephone, the

over the top.

Mercedes able to kick out.

Both women looking for a strike, but it was Mercedes that struck first. Now

Mercedes arm drag.

Persephone up in the corner, though.

Mercedes.

It'll be burning daylight there, Brian.

Yeah, I'm not sure now is the time to dance.

Mercedes comes through. T. Harris attempted.

No. Rolls through.

The roll up. And Windsor comes in. One, two.

Persephone. A crucifix. Two. No.

Back and forth pinfall attempts.

Windsor. We've seen her use that sharpshooter to great effect. But

looking for the moneymaker. But instead, Mercedes sits down.

Pinfall. Two. No.

Oh, my God. They both have it. To Bozilla there.

Waking up the pinfall.

That was almost it.

And now bear hug by Bozilla.

Compressing the spine of Persephone.

Mercedes right now and Windsor need to take Bozilla off her feet. Never mind.

Yeah, easier said than done.

I mean, everybody in this match has had a real problem getting Bozilla down and

keeping her down. That's the key.

And you hear the crowd in London, 18 ,000 plus. We are sold out

here on the O2.

Cheering on Bozilla just three and a half years into her pro wrestling

Already turning heads on this massive stage.

Yeah, and turning heads, I know, but right now, someone needs to get her

Brian, just like you said, and she's dominating this match. Yeah, I mean,

taking them apart one by one. That's a smart strategy for Bozella, especially

given that all three women were teaming up on her early.

Yeah, that time Alex Windsor got her.

Oh, and got her down. Yeah, the Larian. Oh, but she doesn't stay down. Look,

she's getting right back up. Exactly.

Stephanie delivers the drop kick, but Bozilla again back to her feet. Refuses

stay down.

Here comes the champ.

And... Meteora from the TVS champion.

Two, no.

See it so many times in a four -way match like this. You try to make a pin,

you cannot.

Get it done because others are in the ring. Many saves. Look, we see

and Alex Windsor teaming again.

I don't know if that was a wise strategy by Persephone knocking Alex Windsor

down.

They could have taken out Mercedes and Bozella together.

But it's Windsor.

She's got a great opportunity here, Excalibur. Get it done.

Windsor finding her footing on the ropes. No.

Just as I said, that commentator's purse kicks in. Mercedes sweeps out the legs.

And Windsor, inverted position for her as Persephone now climbs the ropes.

Oh, no, but so does Bozilla.

What in the world? Bozilla climbing the ropes. This is dangerous for all four

ladies. Look at Alex Windsor down below.

She won!

the worst of it. Alex Windsor drank.

You know, I kind of wonder if in doing that, look at Alex Windsor.

Her knee got caught up there.

She's had knee injuries in the past.

I think a torn meniscus in ACL and then a dislocation on the other side.

How important is this moment for Alex Windsor?

Just weeks into her AEW career.

She could be on the verge of claiming the TBS championship for Mercedes -Benz.

But Persephone, the roll -up.

Mercedes has only suffered one singles loss in her AEW career.

That was the hands of timeless Toni Storm last month at All In Texas. But

crucifix.

Now, Windsor.

Double submission by Mercedes.

Double statement maker.

Only obviously only one has to tap here.

As Persephone and Alex Windsor finding themselves in jeopardy. You see Windsor

trying to engage in some hand fighting.

Breaks the grip of the TBS champion. But Mercedes now.

The cover.

Reversal.

Persephone able to kick out. Statement maker. No.

Windsor charges.

Two for one for Windsor. Bozilla is still on the floor thanks to Alex

She took her out.

Yeah, I think that's what everybody's been trying to do from the beginning.

And Windsor could be thinking double sharpshooter, double scorpion death

She tried it. Oh, she's got it on.

Stay with it.

Windsor undaunted.

As champion and fellow challenger, a light trap.

Oh, Bozilla's back, guys.

Yeah, you can see him walking into the camera shot.

Bozilla quite literally looming large. Just stepping on Mercedes' hands.

Trying to prevent the tap out by Mercedes and Persephone.

Well, that's sadistic is what that is.

But it's also smart, Tony. Of course.

As Bozilla.

Bozilla unconcerned with her reception here in London.

And that's after this crowd was chanting for her earlier in the match.

She doesn't care. She just wants to be TBS champion.

Bozilla singles out Alex Windsor.

And now close.

Wow. I mean, Bozilla is just laying it in here. Those remind me of Vader.

Wow. Holy cow.

Bozilla charges in.

Persephone finds the spear.

Don't get up.

And watch out.

Bozilla. Hand around the throat of Persephone.

Bozilla. Plants Persephone. And now Windsor and Persephone stacked up next

one another.

What's Bozilla going for here?

I'm shocked seeing her up there.

Is she going to moonsault?

Moonsault.

Bozilla won.

Two Mercedes in time to save her title.

time to save her title she was a fraction of a second away from losing

championship and look at bozilla stare down mercedes monet she is not

intimidated at all 21 years old and a look of fear in the eyes of the tbs

champion the ceo mercedes monet bozilla she likes that big liger bomb

mercedes may be about to experience it for herself no mercedes

able to kick out. Barely. That was an incredible counter move by the champ.

And Mercedes joined.

Digimon Buster.

Alex Windsor, two.

And Mercedes able to kick out.

Oh, Mercedes has proven a lot tonight, guys.

She's overcome Bozilla.

I mean, she has thus far, Brian.

But it's still anyone's match, I think, as wins her.

The waist lock. Oh, my gosh.

Use your hips.

The German suplex. It's Bozilla.

Bozilla. The German suplex. Too much power. Too much power. As she would call

it, just a suplex.

Oh, that's just a suplex by a 6 '1 woman with unbelievable strength.

I meant because she was German, but.

Yeah, I got the reference. That was very cool. Thanks, Tim.

Bozilla, though.

Is she the one that's burning daylight?

Just ran Windsor over with the lariat.

And the more you burn daylight, the more you give the champion a chance. See, I

think it was a mistake by Bozilla there to not cover after that clothesline.

Look and take every opportunity you have to try to pin an opponent.

It's just three seconds away from claiming the TBS championship from...

who, quite frankly, has been dominant in AEW since she first set foot in this

company in Mercedes -Benz.

Yeah, and she had the ring cleared.

She had the ring cleared there, and now she's antagonizing Persephone.

Perhaps a tactical error by the young competitor, Bozilla.

Persephone.

Oh, wait. Oh, my goodness.

Look at how strong Persephone is. Wow!

That's the move of the match, but she needs to try to get a win.

But, yeah, it was a little too close to the rope anyway.

Oh, wait a second, Alex.

Windsor!

One, two, no!

Persephone kicks out.

Now Windsor steps through.

The sharpshooter cinched in. It is in tight. It is in deep.

Here comes the kick.

But Mercedes.

The lung blower breaks up the submission hold.

And now the pinfall, the high stack.

Persephone.

Maybe think a moneymaker of her own.

Nope.

Instead. Incredible power.

No, Mercedes the reversal.

One, two, three.

champion, the CEO, Mercedes Mone! An amazing

performance.

Well, Persephone distraught Bozilla,

and Alex Windsor, likewise frustrated, as Mercedes Mone

remains TBM champion.

But now the biggest prize that New Japan Pro Wrestling has to offer is on the

line in our next contest as Nigel McGuinness challenges champion Zack

for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Zack Sabre Jr. and me, one -on -one in the ring.

You often don't get these dream matches, different generations.

Nigel McGuinness.

Sabre Jr., a who's who, a professional wrestler. I always remember him saying

me, if you ever fancy lacing up the boots, I would love to wrestle you

I just remember saying, Zach, that ship has well and truly sailed.

That moment, face to face, unrisked look.

Never would I have dreamt that a decade later, that ship has come back to port.

It would

be

my honor. You would stand in my corner.

Two men.

find what it means to call yourself a British wrestler in two different

generations now swearing off.

That's Sabre Jr.

and Nigel McGuinness faithful for the IWGP heavyweight title at the O2 Arena

London. What dreams may come.

Yeah, I thought Nigel McGuinness receiving counsel from British wrestling

Johnny St.

earlier today.

on how to deal with Zack Sabre Jr. It'll be interesting to see how this match

goes.

Technical wrestling is a lot like chess.

You have to think three moves ahead.

You have to give up a hole to get

a better one.

You know, Johnny, when you were world champion, you were untouchable.

Yeah, but everyone...

is vulnerable.

Now

you're

getting it.

The forbidden door.

Do it again.

The second ball is for the IWGP, the world heavyweight

setback.

Introducing the challenger, being accompanied by Daniel Garcia from

Nigel McGinnis!

Well,

much like the greatest rock and roll band of all time, Oasis is enjoying a

resurgence around the world. Is this the second act that Nigel McGinnis has been

looking for?

His biggest opportunity to date.

in his hometown of London, England.

As there we see the embrace

with Johnny Saint and Marty Jones at ringside.

Yeah, two British wrestling legends.

If you aren't familiar with either Marty Jones or Johnny Saint, I invite you to

go to YouTube and just check them out.

I mean, the stuff that they did revolutionized professional wrestling.

And a whole generation of wrestlers, Nigel McGinnis, myself included, have

studied them, have learned from them.

They've just been an incredible aspect of professional wrestling that not a lot

of Americans have seen.

Yeah, just like we heard in that video package. Nigel McGinnis, Zack Sabre Jr.

defining two different generations of what it meant to be a professional

wrestler. Johnny Saint and Marty Jones did exactly that.

From the Isle of Shipping, Texas, England, weighing 95 kilograms, it is

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion,

Zack Sabre!

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre!

joined at the announced by the English -language voice of New Japan Pro

Wrestling, Walker Stewart. Walker, you're here for a big one, man.

It's going to be an incredible night. It already has been thus far. The two best

technical wrestlers in the world active today in the sport go one -on -one for

the richest prize in professional wrestling overall.

Well, we'll see about that, Walker. I like a little friendly competition, huh?

Zach Sabre Jr., Nigel McGinnis. But the importance of this match, Walker, is

that shots at that title, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, do not come

easily. They do not grow on trees.

Yeah, you're right about that. I mean, it was last year around this time we

talking about what Zach Sabre Jr.'s plans would be as a U1 Climax winner.

of G134 last year. Now in 2025, Zach Woodsoper is back in a loss of the G1

semifinal and to a first defense here tonight.

against Nigel McGuinness, a match 14 years plus in the making.

Of course, winner of this year's G1 Climax 35 tournament, want to send our

congratulations.

Even though I question his choice in representation, joining the Don Callis

family, Konosuke Takeshita, the alpha, defeating evil.

Literally and figuratively, we win the tournament. Sure, and there's a big

conversation to have about that regarding AEW, New Japan, and DDT.

Takeshita contracted between those three organizations. Zack Sabre Jr., if he

makes it past Nigel McGinnis, has to look toward a man like Kunosuke

as a potential next challenger in New Japan pro wrestling's landscape. But the

landscape of New Japan will change substantially if Nigel McGinnis pulls

one off tonight.

Absolutely, Nigel McGinnis.

Each of these men rolling through the snapnaires to lessen the effect.

You know, it's really crazy.

Life has a way of coming full circle. I'm going to commentary while Nigel

McGuinness competes for a major championship on pay -per -view.

I think I'll try something a little different for Nigel and not bury him for

entire match.

But Nigel is in tremendous shape.

He sees the opportunity in this. And he knows this is his chance.

To be a major world champion. To be the IWGP heavyweight champion.

And I don't think he's going to do anything here that's going to jeopardize

that.

Zach Tabor Jr.

To me, the greatest scientific wrestler in the world today.

And I've been in the ring with both these guys. Sorry to cut you off.

conversation to have there regarding the way that Nigel McGinnis approaches

technical wrestling as chess, where Zack Sabre Jr. looks at it as classical jazz

music. Do you have a way to respond to that, Brian? Yeah. I mean, you can tell

the difference.

Nigel is very tactical.

Everything he does. You see him when he comes on commentary.

He has a list of jokes. He has the things. When he comes to the ring,

he has a game plan, a very specific game plan.

When you wrestle Zack Sabre Jr., look at him wrestle now. Look at this. He's

just riffing. This is when he's in his element.

He will surprise you. And look at that wrist lock takedown. Yeah, that's

beautiful, Brian. You're seeing it right here live in living color at Forbidden

Door in London.

Vicious wrench of the arm by the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre

Jr., the IWGP International Wrestling Grand Prix, the governing body of the

prize in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Zack Sabre Jr., the 13th champion overall of that title, but it was just a

years ago that the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the

IWGP Intercontinental Championship were unified.

The lineage of this title goes back more than four decades, Walker. You're

right. New Japan Pro Wrestling kicking off in 1972. How about it, Brian? Do you

see what Zack Sabre Jr. is doing here? I think it's very important for Zack

Sabre Jr. to keep Nigel McGuinness grounded in this match.

Nigel McGuinness is not just good at technical wrestling. He also has an

incredible lariat.

And so that's one of the things that if I'm Zack Sabre Jr., I want to keep Nigel

McGuinness on the ground like he is right here.

This is where Zach Sabre Jr. has the advantage.

Zach taking the high ground, keeping Nigel on the mat. You mentioned the roll

through on the snap. We also saw it on the arm as well because Nigel knows he

does not want to have his palm pinned to the mat like Zach Sabre Jr.

is attempting to do because Zach likes to.

deliver that stomp to the tricep, which not only just affects the tricep, but

the bicep, the shoulder as well. And that is a stomp, of course, that injured

the previous IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Hiroki Goto. It's how Zaber

won the title 56 days ago. May look for a first defense with it. Now he's in the

rematch with Goto. Of course, Zack defeated earlier this year by Hiroki

lose that title. But Zack once again on top of New Japan Pole Wrestling. But

Nigel McGinnis.

Right now is most certainly in the conversation as you saw Daniel Garcia at

bottom of your screen trying to urge on this crowd here in London.

Oh. Zach.

Wants to throw a right hand. Nigel.

Counter. And.

Now attacking the arm. You know, those little acts of indecency from Nigel

McGinnis. Zach Sabre Jr. is not one who's going to take lightly to it.

you found that out back in Osaka last year in your career.

Yeah, and I mean, sometimes.

I think it's good to get Zack Sabre Jr. a little riled up because with his

riffing style of pro wrestling, I think you can take him off balance a little

bit by getting him angry. He does better when he's calm, cool, and collected.

Nigel with the arm.

Both arms of Zack captured. And Nigel looking to bridge backwards perhaps.

Trying to put pressure on the shoulders.

So I know Nigel McGinnis has said.

Into a pinning predicament here. And Zack.

Able to kick out.

I know Nigel McGinnis has said a lot of negative things about me on commentary

over the years.

One of the things I'm going to say about Nigel is that I am very impressed.

You know, he stopped wrestling in 2011 and didn't wrestle for 13 years. And

he is just a year later in an IWGP championship match.

He's definitely.

In the ring against somebody who's scientifically superior to him.

But he's holding his own right now. Yeah, Brian, in the last 18 months or

you've been in the ring with both of these men. You've felt what they have to

offer in 2025.

And right now, Zack Sabre Jr.

appears to be a step ahead of Nigel McGinnis. Yeah, I mean, I just think he

the advantage of having been in the ring so often.

with high -level competitors.

And I know Nigel McGinnis won the technical spectacle, and he did a

job in that match.

Wait a second, here's that stomp!

See, and he's attacked the neck, now he's attacking the arm.

This is one of the things I love about watching Zack Sabre Jr., is he'll attack

a bunch of different body parts and see what opens up to him, see what's the

best course of action.

You see Nigel McGinnis coming into this match with the tape on both shoulders.

Walker, I would have to imagine Zack Sabre Jr.

was licking his lips the second he saw Nigel coming into this match. There are

no worse athletes to step in the ring against when you have a visible injury

than the technical masterpiece that is Zack Sabre Jr. Prove it exactly why he

is. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. And gentlemen, let's not forget, this is

not just a match about the IWGP gold. This match goes all the way back to 2011

where Zach first met Nigel McGinnis on his retirement tour all those years ago.

Knew that he'd never be able to step in the ring with McGinnis up until we were

in London last year. And they collided in that gauntlet matchup. Yeah, the

casino gauntlet match one year ago at Wembley Stadium.

We'll be making our return to Wembley one year from now with AEW all in

Right now, Nigel McGuinness just walking, backing Sabre into the ropes to

the break from referee Stephon Smith.

I mean, it really is incredible, gentlemen, how, you know, Zach Sabre Jr.

inspiration in Nigel McGuinness. He found inspiration from Johnny St.

and Marty Jones. That through line of technical wrestling going all the way

through to Billy Robinson, of all people. I mean, this is a match for

wrestling fans tried and true.

I think there's an opening for Nigel McGuinness with that spin out.

You know, when you don't roll through when somebody spins out on the front

block like that, you jam your shoulder really bad. Oh, Nigel, the combo.

See, and that's why Zach has to keep Nigel off of his feet.

Yeah, Nigel McGinnis, a very potent striker in addition to being a

technical wrestler. And Walker, great reference there by Billy Robinson, the

snake pit up in Wigan, really the birthplace.

of the catch -as -catch -can style of professional wrestling that has

so many wrestlers. Nigel McGuinness, Zack Sabre Jr. alike, but also Bryan

Danielson as well.

I mean, Zack Sabre Jr.

has not only kept that style alive in Nigel McGuinness' absence, but he has

brought it to the front a four -fold of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the biggest

wrestling organization in the country of Japan.

Oh!

What anticipation!

Incredible beheading!

of Zach Saberg Jr.

Now the near leg is hooked. The cover was in deep, but Zach able to kick out.

thought it was a mistake for Nigel McGinnis to play to the crowd, but he

just playing possum. I think that's what the tactics he planned for this match.

Yeah, did you notice that his head was cocked a bit to the side? I think he was

looking out of the corner of his eye, his peripheral vision, and he caught

coming in. Now he'll lock in that London Dungeon, but...

Sabre, the boot on the bottom rope, the clean break, but a stomp, a parting gift

for Zack Sabre Jr.

Ryan taking a page out of your book. He does have till five.

Yeah, he sure does. You know, I know there's a lot of animosity between me

Nigel, but I've got to be honest, I'm rooting for him in this match.

Apparently not a two -way street then.

Could be thinking Tower of London here.

But instead.

Zach finds his feet.

Lays in at the... Anticipation there by Zach.

Jujigatame locked in. Cross arm breaker. But Nigel doing a good job trying to

defend. Zach attacking the grip of Nigel. A slight misstep. An inch turning

mile. That is what has made Sabre Jr. a two -time world heavyweight champion in

New Japan.

The leg captured now.

Yeah, he's got a toehold here on top of also having an arm bar.

This is incredible.

This is why I'm talking about him being the best scientific wrestler in the

world. Look at Garcia pushing the rope forward, trying to help Nigel. Garcia

needs to be careful, though.

Referee Stephon Smith is watching this one closely, but Zack Sabre Jr.

Talk about that. He's still trying to help him. The difference of what we talk

about between... Chess, technical wrestling, and freelance jazz artistry.

way Zack Sabre Jr.

has long described technical wrestling and his style.

Yeah, the improvised jazz on display.

Garcia.

Garcia getting an earful from Stephon Smith.

Oh, how upset would Nigel be if he got disqualified because of Daniel Garcia?

Daniel Garcia, himself, Lee Moriarty, Mexico's Hechesero.

were the other three competitors in that technical spectacle. That was won by

Nigel McGinnis.

See,

this will be an interesting challenge.

I'll be interested to see who has the better uppercut between Zack Sabre Jr.

Nigel McGinnis. It is a question 15 years to making.

I will have to say my uppercut is better than both of theirs.

Of course you would.

And Walker.

You've seen the growth of Zack Sabre Jr.

as a striker firsthand, of course.

He's very comfortable throwing those kicks, but the uppercuts, the upper body

strikes beyond the uppercut, not something that Zack likes to do, but

he's been forced to embrace in New Japan Pro Wrestling. And that goes all the

way back to his days in Pro Wrestling NOAH and the dojo underneath.

Well, a litany of incredible talents in that regard, but Sabre Jr.

in New Japan Pro Wrestling stands at the top for a reason.

and is not going to be looking to fall to anyone, let alone Nigel McGinnis

tonight.

Both men very unsteady on their feet.

But sometimes you see Zack Sabre Jr.

doing this, and he's goading his opponent into something. Yeah, your rope

-dope situation, if you will.

Sabre.

Sabre, who's bleeding from the nose. Is he bleeding from the nose?

I believe so.

One of those uppercuts may have caught him flush on the face.

But nonetheless.

Both men undaunted. Both men continue on. But for how long?

Yeah, I don't think this is a great strategy for Zach Staber Jr.

Like I said, he's going to do better if he takes Nigel down to the mat.

Beautiful from Sabre Jr.

into the bridge. No.

Oh, now.

Backslide is attempted.

Whoa. Very close there.

Zach escaping the pinfall and escaping with his championship, at least for the

moment. Oh, both men.

A similar idea. Both men.

It could be over here.

The cover made.

And Zach again with the escape.

Nigel McGinnis has not won a career singles matchup since the year of 2011.

Talk about a career ascension, a resurgence unlike any other if he wins

gold tonight. I don't like the way Zach Sabre Jr.'s head hit the mat after that.

You're going to like that even less.

Nigel swinging for the fences too.

But see, this is one of the areas Zach Sabre Jr.

has really improved upon since the first time I met him in 2008, is that he has

become much more resilient.

And also, Brian, Zach has been competing regularly. I mean, he's just coming

off. Wait a second. The crucifix is in tight, and Nigel, able to escape, has

been competing regularly. So he has those reps inside the ring. I mean, not

as... A competitor in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but in the G1 Climax, that

punishing month -long tournament that he just completed.

Yeah, keep in mind, we are right off the back of that tournament. Zach has to be

feeling every single bit of that pressure.

Certainly applied on the lower spine here by Nigel McGinnis. The lower spine

the arm. I would say one thing that's saving Zach Scaper Jr. right now is his

mobility. Zack Sabre Jr. has incredible mobility.

Oh, and into the triangle choke.

The triangle as Zack Sabre Jr. was able to extricate himself

from that hold. Now Daniel Garcia.

What is Daniel Garcia doing?

Garcia's pushing too many buttons here tonight. He's chirping with referee

Stephon Smith, but meanwhile. Oh, did Nigel just break Zack's finger?

He very well could have, and Zack.

Oh, if he could move his finger, I don't think it's broken.

Two men who are akin to digit manipulation are Nigel McGinnis and Zack

Zack maneuvering himself to the bottom rope to force the break. It was that

London Dungeon.

It was how Nigel McGinnis won that four -way match to earn the right to kill for

this. But now Zack Sabre Jr.

The four count from referee Stephon Smith.

Now Nigel up on his feet and Sabre to the ropes wait

a second

by Zach Sabre Jr.

Tremendous ring awareness to get the boot on the bottom rope.

With the up kick from Zach and now into a pinning predicament.

Oh, no, no, no. Wait a minute. Zach reverses. European clutch to Poole.

Zach could be so trippy with those pins.

No matter how much you think he's out, he can catch you at any moment.

Not quite the European clutch, Walker. I think had he sent it, that might have

been it.

Zach reverses. It's quick. It's over.

It's over.

That was a beautiful pinfall.

And this is IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zach Tabor Jr.

Well, the situation is not getting any lighter for Zach Tabor Jr. tonight.

Zach Tabor Jr.

remains IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

took was a lapse of a fraction of a second for Nigel McGinnis, and Zack

Jr. was able to leave London as still champion. Yeah, I wouldn't even call

a lapse. I would call that a beautiful pinfall, because you see a lot of people

in that sunset flip position, and watch Zack Sabre Jr., the difference to what

he did. He arched up, put all the pressure of his feet on the arms, on the

shoulder blades.

That's a nearly impossible situation to kick out of. And also Glockner with the

arm through the leg to almost anchor Nigel McGinnis to the championship and

the canvas and make a defense of his championship here tonight. The better

won here tonight. There is no disputing that.

And even Nigel McGinnis showcased that here on the evening.

Great show of sportsmanship, respect.

from champion and challenger alike.

Well, Zack Sabre Jr. is going to be getting ready very soon in New Japan Pro

Wrestling on the Road to Destruction. Gets it off in September.

But for tonight, and still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, the frontman,

Dennis J.

Zack Sabre Jr.

most likely in the future going to have to contend with Kanosuke Takeshi, the

winner of the G1 Climax Tournament. But as Sabre pays his respects to...

The great of British professional wrestling.

Wait a second. Tony Schiavone was about to deliver a special announcement.

Daniel Garcia.

Consolation prize there for Nigel McGinnis. But right now, let's go to the

Tony Schiavone for the special announcement.

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight here at the O2, we thank you for being...

Being a part of Forbidden Door.

And tonight, you are part of the largest pro wrestling crowd ever in

the O2.

18 ,992 fans.

Thank you very much for tonight.

Many great matches still to come.

A great record.

We certainly would have in pursuit of that round number, but there is nothing

like being a part of all elite wrestling, whether we're in North

whether we're here in the UK, or we're heading back to Australia.

AEW is truly a worldwide sensation, and we thank you for joining us. But right

now, Tecla and Queen Aminata, we saw them battling out of that match on the

Forbidden Door Zero Hour, and I guess the battle has continued.

All this while is Tecla and Aminata. Now, look at this, coming through that

curtain.

The physicality between these two women, the animosity between these two women

just cannot be contained.

The intensity of these two's rivalry.

Now, Tecla clubbing Aminata.

How long have they been fighting?

They've got to be exhausted.

But they are pulling all the way to the ring.

Amanata and Tecla has the chance to fight forever.

Oh, Amanata delivers the headbutt.

Guys, this is no doubt one of the most explosive rivalries that we've had in

women's division in over a month. Now, watch out.

Sky Blue, Julia Hart trying to look madness.

Having the back of the third. Third point on that triangle.

Tekla and... Man, now perhaps a three -on -one situation for Queen Aminata.

could be trouble.

That's Tekla.

She's been out of action with injury for the last few months.

But now is back in explosive fashion. The former women's world

champion challenging all three guys. How about that?

And the triangle of that is...

How does it contend?

With a fresh and fired up J .D. Hayter.

Return.

Wow, J .D. Hayter.

My fans, coming up next, the three -way match for the AEW World Tag Team

Championship.

Bandito and Brody King.

In this tournament, we took out the monsters that are Gates of Agony. We

the Young Bucks.

You're nothing, okay? You're a stepping stone to the hurt for me. But look at me

now. The almighty Bobby Lashley, the standard of excellence Shelton Benjamin.

we look like we care who wins?

These are four incredible wrestlers.

Gato Frog!

Flash! But no.

Shatter! Machine!

No running!

30 seconds remaining.

Dash over the top, Bandito.

Ladies and gentlemen, the time limit has expired.

Therefore, both teams will be facing the Hurt Syndicate for the AEW World Tag

Team titles at Forbidden Door.

The reason I wake up every single day is to become the AEW World Tag Team

champion. This is only the beginning of Bravito. We're better than we've ever

been.

We are champions.

And we'll stay that way.

in the Challengers first, being accompanied by Stokely from Asheville,

Carolina, at a combined weight of 443 pounds.

Catch the Axe Horror.

Catch Booyah FTR.

Well, FTR, Stokely Hathaway, heading into this match as you saw by

virtue of the time limit draw with Brody King and Bandito in the finals of the

AEW. World Tag Team Championship Eliminator Tournament, and these men,

Dax and Cash, could be on the verge of capturing their third

AEW World Tag Team Championship, a record currently held

by Matt and Nick Jackson, the Young Bucks.

You know, I take a look at these two guys who we all respect as professional

wrestlers. And it just, it's beyond me, Ryan, why they have turned the way they

turned. And only two other wrestlers, but to the fans, we saw what that just

did.

Yeah, I would argue this, though. Since they've joined with Stokewood, they

haven't lost a match yet. Yeah, there you go.

Nick, hurry, baby.

Yeah, the amount of success these men have had in a very short time just

speaks to their ability to adapt, to improvise.

Yeah, and I think you're dead on, Tony, is how well they complement each other.

They wrestle completely different styles, but between the two of them,

cover so much ground, it's really hard to prepare for. Brian, I don't argue

that, but the Venn diagram overlaps a little bit more than you're willing to

on because...

Bandito, we've seen him use that power much like Brody King does, but we've

Brody King take some incredible risks.

Yeah, he sure does.

If I was that big, I would just ball people.

Luke Libre includes a Brody King career.

Speaking of balling people.

The mission statement is simple and clear.

We hurt people.

And since Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley have come together as a duo,

have been unstoppable.

I think they also intimidate people.

Yeah, these are two scary dudes.

Yes, they are.

And, you know, I think they're almost invincible.

And sometimes it may take two teams to beat them. We're taking a look at two

teams going against them. Well, but, Tony, in this three -way match,

The Hurt Syndicate may not even play a role in defending their AEW World Tag

Team Championship.

FTR, Bandido, and Brody King, they can end this match without the champions

being involved.

Just like we saw earlier, Mercedes Monet took it on her shoulders, made the pin,

and got the win.

Felton Benjamin, Bobby Lassley.

Dominant as champions.

Yeah, they also have an advantage because FTR and Bandito and Brody King

wrestled to a 30 -minute draw on Wednesday.

Put their body through a lot. We saw how much blood Brody King had on Wednesday.

Yeah, that laceration that opened up on the top of his forehead.

This is a three -way match. There is no disqualifications, no tags required, and

now FPR singling out Bobby Lashley. Likewise, Bandito and Brody singling out

Shelton Benjamin across the ring.

Yeah, I think that's a smart strategy for both teams.

You isolate each member of the Hurt Syndicate, and that's your best shot.

We talked about the newness of the team of Brody King and Bandito. How far have

they come in a very short time?

As Shelton Benjamin just fending off the combined attack by

Bandito and Brody.

FTR, of course, their tag team history is no secret.

But Bobby Lashley, this AEW World Tag Team Championship alongside Shelton

Benjamin, that is the first tag team championship of Bobby Lashley's two

-long career.

Oh, FTR just taking out Bobby Lashley on the steps.

And just to our right, Bandito.

Seems to have neutralized Shelton Benjamin.

As we take another look at this, the Hork on the run of Benjamin. Taking down

now back into the ring, Bandito. Dax Harwood picking up right where they left

off Wednesday night. And that just happened right after Brody King took

out by missing that chair.

I think he caught the chair. He missed something, Benjamin. Right. That's a

call.

Bandito. Great body control there by Bandito, Brian.

And now the backslide. One, two.

We've seen in the past, Brian, how FTR, they like to be able to shut down

luchadors to prevent the high -flying offense, but that may be their Achilles

heel. Yeah, I think it is, and that's one of the reasons they always try to

it down.

The FTR, Dax, and Cash, they're better when they've got you grounded, when

they're in control, when they can put you in a corner.

But when it's open, and especially when somebody has athletic as Bandito. Look

at Bobby Lashley.

Smart move by Lashley, getting the blind tag.

Yeah, that's when they tend to struggle.

I don't need to say that, tell you that Lashley is an incredible athletic

specimen. And look at this. How hard is it to take him down? My God.

Not only take him down, but keep him down.

Not only is he strong, he's got incredible conditioning.

Yep.

Lashley's vertical suplex.

Dax. One arm.

Oh, boy. That's showing Bandito.

And he can do it, too.

It is not a position Dax Harwood finds himself very often. Staring right at

Bandito Excalibur.

Quick tag out. Shelton Benjamin.

We have to offer a correction.

Their tags are part of this match. However, it is still no disqualification

because it's three -way.

Yeah, that kind of makes you wonder why you don't just get in the ring and jump

everybody, right? Right. I was thinking the same thing. Just jump in there.

Shelton Benjamin now.

Sending Dax Harwood across the ring. And Dax.

Clinging on to the ropes, tags out to Bandido. I'm not sure Dax wanted to, but

it was self -preservation there. But Bandido, Gamadiri, staggers Shelton back

towards center.

Talked about how Bobby Lashley captured his first championship, tag team

championship of his career. Shelton Benjamin, perhaps one of the greatest

team wrestlers of his generation.

And now, Bandido with Shelton on the outside.

And Dito, the top ace with Dito.

Vandito caught him just at the right time. Had Shelton Benjamin got a firm

with his feet, I don't think that would have happened.

Shelton back into the ring.

Vandito, Vandito crashes down.

Yeah, and Shelton certainly wasn't going to let him hit him with that twice.

Now Bobby Lashley in.

Lashley drives Vandito down. Cover is made.

Cash Wheeler there to break up the pinning predicament.

Likewise, for the champions to maybe not play a role in the decision of this

match, FTR had Bobby Lashley pinned Bandito there. That would have been it.

FTR's chances go up in smoke.

Yeah, I think one of the keys for FTR here is going to be to prolong this

as long as possible.

When it comes to conditioning, I think they have the best conditioning in the

ring of all three of these teams.

And Dito certainly being tested here, bounced off the barricade multiple

and the apron as well by Shelton Benjamin.

This is at a point when you're FTR, you want them to get close to your corner so

you can do a blind tag and tag yourself in so you can get involved in this. My

goodness. He's just two and Dito.

I guess ragdolling. Yeah, I mean, I've been in the ring with a lot of strong,

powerful men.

I've never been in the ring with anybody as strong as Shelton Benjamin. I've

heard many people say that. Yeah, I mean, the way that he just lifts you up

makes it feel like you're weightless. He just tosses you.

That said, I've never been in the ring with Bobby Lashley.

He might be even stronger.

Look at the force there, Excalibur.

Driving his shoulder into the midsection of Bandito.

And Lashley just hammering him with those right hands.

Now stepping on the back of the neck of Brody King.

Brody on the exit from the ring got caught by Lashley.

It's a great move by Lashley. Knew he had his man down.

Just hammer Brody in time to go back and make a tag.

You know, we talk so much about the power and intimidation, but they are a

that is seamless tagging in and out. Yeah, you're dead on, Tony.

The way they tag in and out, their communication.

Brody King very frustrated watching this match from the outside, but you have to

imagine, as are FTR.

Trying to look for an opportunity to tag themselves back in.

Try to play a role.

Oh, now.

Maybe not.

Yeah. I don't think they want to get in the ring with Hertz Indicate. You know,

the Hertz Indicate has said this about a lot of the top teams in AEW. They have

said that the top teams of AEW don't want to get in the ring with them. Well,

there's an illustration right there, if you will. I think it's a big mistake,

Ryan. I don't think there's any question.

I guess Spear Trump's wanting to win the title.

Yeah, but I think they think if they can stay on the apron, they can break up

any pin that happens in the ring. There you go. And like I said, I think one of

their things is to try to take this as long as possible. They have deep trust

their conditioning.

Nearly 19 ,000 fans here in London. The record -setting crowd at the O2 saying,

we want Brody, but the Hertz Syndicate denying them.

The smart, if unpopular move, Tony. Yeah, and not only that, we just saw

Lashley taunt Brody looking at him as he tried to elevate his partner.

Whoa!

Bandito!

Oh, and Lashley, looking for that hurt lock, but instead Bandito gets the boot

into the face, and now making the crawl.

Lashley tags in Benjamin, and...

Bandito couldn't make it that final foot to tag in Brody King.

There's that seamless tag team wrestling we were talking about from the Hurd

Syndicate. Yes!

A thrust kick awaited Shelton Benjamin.

Whoa!

Torneo caught Shelton high. I think the knee of Bandito may have hit Shelton in

the face.

Here at the O2, these people are excited to see Brody King.

Outside it is Dax. And Cash going to be to see Brody King.

Not very as Brody.

Throwing some heavy shots here, Cash.

Stripping down.

Benjamin and Lashley go down Brody. King.

The cover.

Two.

Dax able to kick out. No finesse in Brody King. Just raw power.

Taking care of both members of FTR.

Hacks of cash stacked up in that corner. Brody.

The splash.

Oh, Brody. About to line up that cannonball. Shelton Benjamin intervenes.

now Shelton in that corner. Brody. The splash.

Brody. Cannonball.

He's got Shelton Benjamin lined up, but he also has Bobby Lashley standing in

his path.

Whoa!

I wanted to see this matchup! Bring some on their feet!

Bobby Lashley, the first.

First to change levels, the knee to the midsection.

Brody sent into the corner.

Shoulder tackle. Oh, Lashley again changes levels. That's time to chop

the throat.

Lashley, the hammer throw sends Brody into the corner, but the elbow staggers

Lashley towards center.

that we've just witnessed by both men.

Brody King sends Lashley out to the floor, but Shelton Benjamin strikes with

thrust kick.

Shelton, driven suplex.

One for Dak, one for Cash.

Bandito, the boot lands on his feet. Backs himself, oh, Paul Curtis very

got caught, but Shelton Benjamin caught Bandito flush with a damn Brody King.

What an athlete Shelton Benjamin is.

Is he unbelievable?

Maintains control.

The collegiate wrestling standout now.

One half of the A .W. World Tag Team Championship.

Suplex Brody King. A monumental task in its own right, Brian. Absolutely.

And you can see Brody King, especially after that 30 -minute match from

Wednesday. Oh, I thought he was worn down. He's still ticking.

A shatter machine!

Inadvertent shatter machine by Brody King and Cash Wheeler.

Do we know who's legal here?

Is it Cash and Brody? No, we don't.

I lost track.

Bobby Lashley sent crashing back down to the floor.

Brody sends Cash Wheeler in. Cash.

Topes to his seat of it. The Hurts Syndicate.

Well, not to Cash, but... For a big

man like Brody to move like that is unbelievable.

Like a 747 touching down at Heathrow.

Brody King. Oh!

As Bandito was on the ascent, Dax cut him off.

goodness. Wait, Bandito and Dax.

This is Bandito's territory, not Dax's.

Oh, no. Very precarious position.

Well, referee Paul Turner, the first man out to the floor to check on all six

competitors.

And it seems like the Hertz Syndicate, who were on the outside of the pile, the

first to their feet, but... Oh!

Beer by Lashley!

Super kick by Shelton!

Who looks like Hurst Syndicate is just going to start taking over here. You

right. They were on the outside of the pile. They took less of the brunt of

than anybody else.

Yeah, and now both of them against Brody here.

Brody's in big trouble. He has no recourse. Nobody to tag out.

The step -up knee strike has Brody King rocked. And so does the spear from

Laxley.

What is this?

Two guys in New Japan pro wrestling tracksuits.

Who is two guys from New Japan attacking the Hurts? They're all masked up.

Inside the ring, Brody King was able to just kick out a Dash Horowitz

pinfall attempt.

What's going on?

I don't know, but there's a champion in the news here by Stokely. Big Stoke.

Giving the chair to Dax Harwood and... Oh!

Bandito!

Catches Dax as Cash sending Bandito out to the apron and... Gommagirian. Oh!

Oh, did somebody have a pipe?

Oh, what a counter there by Cash Wheeler as they hurt Seneca trying to contend

with these masked assailants.

Ricochet. Yeah, months ago. No, but the Gates of Agony, they were with MJF this

Wednesday.

Bobby Lashley said if MJF won the world title, he was going to come after them.

I wonder if that's why they're here.

That's a great point. I was thinking even back to when Ricochet offered his

service to the Hurts Syndicate, and he was rejected.

Maybe an axe to grind going back all the way that far, but... Oh, Brody King's

in a bad way.

An amazing story here, Brian. It really is.

Just to show you athletic ability. Sometimes trumps being together for

while.

Yeah, I'm shocked. I mean, how resilient is Brody King after taking that tear

shot to the head?

Well, with the gates of agony and Ricochet attacking the hurt syndicate

tonight, playing an outsized role in the proceedings.

Congratulations to Brody King and Bandito as now we turn our attention to

AEW Unified Championship title match.

The best big match wrestler in the history of the business.

The type of match that he's had, the type of battles that we've seen, him and

Tanahashi, him and Naito.

Ask Ospreay.

Ask Kenny. Ask him all.

Okada is a once -in -a -generation wrestler. But he's facing off against

never been seen before, and he'd never be seen again.

And that is me, the most dangerous man in all of the wrestling sports, Jekyll.

The balance of power had shifted.

The Young Bucks getting involved in my championship opportunities had paid the

cost to pay the lesson.

This is another one of those lessons I'm going to have to teach.

Now we'll stand in the middle of the O2 arena over the defeated body that is

Kazuchika Okada.

Who's house?

It's my house.

Bitch!

This match is big because of me.

I am the big match.

It's a big match for you because you are facing off against the most dangerous

man in all of the league, Wesley.

You have been witness to history.

The most dangerous man in A .W.

Swirstrickland is only afraid of one thing, and that is myself.

Whose house?

Well,

Swerve Strickland drawn inspiration from Mr. Terrific here tonight.

He cannot afford to be anything less than terrific as he challenges

the Rainmaker Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified Championship, and right now

is my honor.

to welcome the Hall of Fame voice of professional wrestling, good old J .R.

Ross, to the announce desk here at Forbidden Door. Thank you.

Thanks very much. And, boy, what a crowd.

What a night for AEW and for all the fans around the world. And this match is

going to be a classic, in my opinion.

I know you hear us say that a lot. This is not pontification.

It's fact.

Swerve Strickland, Brian, as we've seen over the last few weeks, coming into

this match.

with what we can only assume is an injury to his knee, something that

Okada has seized upon numerous times.

Yeah, and, you know, Okada's not one to let somebody pass with an injury.

He's going to attack it. I know that for certain. I had to wrestle Okada with a

broken arm. He broke my arm, and he also fractured my arm a little bit.

From Aichi, Japan, weighing 236 pounds, he is the

AEW Unified Champion, The Real!

Just a few

years ago at Forbidden Door that Kazuchika Okada was defending his then

World Heavyweight Championship representing New Japan Pro Wrestling.

crossed the Pacific.

He has joined AEW. He is the first ever AEW Unified Champion.

And he is a part of the Don Callis family. The thought still to this day

my stomach, J .R. Yeah, I'm with you.

Don Callis hurts a lot of stomachs.

Well, he's about to hurt the three of ours and everybody listening at home if

joins us at the desk. He's sat down by me. What did I do to deserve this,

Excalibur?

Well, he did draw straws backstage and pulled the short ones.

It's all right, kid. I got you. Oh, thanks, Don.

You see the AEW Unified Championship.

It was the match at All In Texas, Brian, between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada

to crown the first ever Unified Champion. And this match contested under

continental rules. There can be absolutely no interference from the

I love that. What are you looking at me for?

Taking advantage of the technicalities. Joining us here at the broadcast desk.

I'm a broadcast journalist in this moment.

We're glad you confirmed that. Right, Dan?

There you go.

What's that?

Fantastic. We were wondering why Callis is going to be here. Now we know.

He's a broadcast journalist.

Got my credentials and everything.

Oh, big right hand.

You can hear that one.

And, Brian, much like the match with Zack Sabre Jr.

and Nigel McGinnis, you've also been in the ring with both Kazuchika Okada and

Swerve Strickland within the last 18 or so months.

Yeah, these are two of the toughest opponents I've ever had, like I said.

Okada broke my arm the first time I wrestled him. And then he fractured my

orbital bone in a tag team match on Dynamite.

And then Swerve. I can't say enough about Swerve Strickland.

Swerve. Drop kick. Okada.

Put on the brakes. Okada going for a drop kick of his own. Swerve.

A step quicker. Hip toss.

Executed center of the ring. Swerve. Maintains control of the wrist. Rolls

into suplex position. Okada though.

Finding his feet. Reversing out.

Drop kick delivered by Swerve Strickland. His 18 ,992 fans

here in the O2 in London. The record -setting crowd offers their opinion of

Callis.

People are ignorant.

No, they're not, Don. They just have good taste.

Swerve. Driving Okada into the ring apron. That kick.

Catching the champion on the jaw.

And Swerve.

Swerve Strickland is a phenomenal athlete.

The problem he has is for some reason.

What's his problem, Don? He doesn't look like he has many problems right now to

me. Actually.

Hold on, Brian.

That knee that has been...

But

it looks like he shook off his

knee a little bit. It seems to be doing better now.

Swerve returning the champion to the ring. And Don, I know you are loathe to

divulge any plans.

the Don Cal's family may have formulated, but I think it would be

guess that maybe a big part of the game plan for this match was to attack the

knee of Stuart Strickland.

Well, I would be remiss, and I would be respecting people like the great Brian

Danielson if we didn't go after a knee. Brian, would you agree? I mean, is it

off limits? I mean, what is this? This is professional wrestling, isn't it?

Yeah, I would definitely not. It's definitely not off limits, and I think

smart tactical decision to go after the knee.

And to test it a little bit, part of what makes Swerve so good is his

ability, his ability to jump from just about anywhere and kick you right in the

head like he's about to do right now.

Swerve to the middle. Copper cut in between the shoulder blade.

I think Swerve is a lot better out here without Nana. Would you agree,

Excalibur?

He's a classic nepotism hire, in my opinion.

I would have to say that Swerve is.

Wrestling a little more focused, though.

That could be due to the magnitude of the task at hand. You better be focused

against Okada, Jim Ross.

Do you agree with that?

Yeah, of course, Don.

I'll agree with you.

Now Swerve, fireman's carry.

Has the champion up on the shoulders.

And Okada, face first. That top turnbuckle pad.

Swerve accelerates.

The boot caught. Okada sweeps with the leg.

And now Okada, the cannon bolts.

Okada pulls, excuse me.

Swerve twisted his knee coming over the top rope. Did he ever.

Man, he's in trouble. Oh, my goodness. Away from me. And Okada is the kind of

guy that will exploit it. And who can blame him? Okada. Oh, my God.

Just about took his head off.

Yeah, strikes.

The sliding drop kick.

As Swerve, we saw him.

Brian, both of you and I caught a good look at Swerve's face. He was grimacing.

He was gritting those teeth.

Jamming his knee. Look at his knee here.

Normally that's an easy landing for Swerve. He's very athletic, but... Yeah,

that vault over the top rope is something that has been reliably part of

Swerve's repertoire.

And something that I think maybe was second nature to him, Brian, to try to

that, but the damage to his knee just couldn't support the body weight. Yeah,

absolutely.

And I think you see him moving slowly right now, even though he's turned it

around.

Oh, but even that strike, he's a great striker. Even his strike isn't having as

much power as it normally does.

Those will show you how important your legs are when striking.

Yeah, absolutely. Even when you're punching, all your power is coming from

feet.

From your hips, from your legs.

This is what makes Swerve so special is he can change gears and go into more of

a brawling style as we're seeing here.

That's how he earned that reputation as the most dangerous man in AEW, if not

all of professional wrestling. Oh, my goodness. What is he going to do here?

I don't know, but it's not going to be a good landing.

Swerve thinking potentially pile driver on the step.

Smartly going to the inside of that right knee.

Good God almighty. How much damage was just done?

Well, now, if the knee issue was not enough for Swerve Strickland to contend

with, now a potential neck injury as well.

I've always admired Swerve's toughness.

And that proves just how tough he is if this match continues.

Swerve took a risk by trying to use the steps.

And I think that knee just wasn't where it needed to be allowed Okada to do what

he did.

Yeah, you could see Okada attacking the knee to transition out of that pile

driver attempt by Swerve.

See, and that's one of the things.

Okada's very patient. And that's why I think he's become the best big match

wrestler in professional wrestling.

is because he's so patient. A lot of people, they want to get to the finish

quickly. They want to pin their opponent as quick as possible.

That's not Okada. Okada is very patient.

He will take his time.

He will make sure an opportunity is completely open before taking advantage.

Okada, we saw at the end of last year, becoming, without

a doubt, Don, the greatest tournament wrestler of all time.

No question, Excalibur. No question.

And now the first ever AEW Unified Champion looking to fend off Swerve

Strickland, a former AEW World Champion in his own right.

Very formidable opposition, but Swerve, the elbow, and now Okada.

Great anticipation.

Great counter by the Rainmaker.

Could be over right here.

Now the leg hook. Cover is made. Swerve able to kick out.

Phenomenal counter by Okada.

Yeah, and Swerve is just a little bit slower than he normally is when he does

that move.

Smart strategic plan by Okada.

And I would have to assume you're a part of that, Don.

Well, you know, we've talked for weeks about just such an occasion.

And Okada knows what to do. He's been in big matches almost since he got into

wrestling.

I had the privilege of calling many of those matches in his early part of his

career.

He hasn't slowed down. He is an amazing athlete. And as Excalibur said just a

few moments ago, he may be the best big match wrestler of all time.

Swerve Strickland.

The elbow strike.

Changing shots with Kazuchika Okada center of the ring.

Yeah, this isn't a battle I'd want to get in if I were Okada.

Yeah, the viciousness of Swerve Strickland is unparalleled.

Swerve to the midsection. A series of shots now. Swerve rolls through.

Black liner.

Here we go. Well, no. I thought Swerve was going to go for the cover.

Float silver.

Suplex. And now the whole momentum has changed again.

Sometimes you can get overconfident thinking, I can always go back to the

I can always go back to the knee. But you don't want to give Swerve momentum,

which is what he has right now.

Well, JR, in addition.

to swerve, being able to attack the knee, or Okada being able to attack the

of swerve. Okada also has that rainmaker, that ripcord lariat that can

the match seemingly within the blink of an eye. And all the fans sitting at this

desk now have seen that happen on more than one occasion.

It's explosive, and it wins for him.

Now, Brian, would you agree that if you're having knee issues, getting up on

those very unstable ropes is not a good situation for your knee? Yeah, I think

this is poor decision -making by Swerve.

You know, I know part of him being the most dangerous man in AEW is his

willingness to take risks and to go to dark places in his mind and to not back

away from pain. But then there's one thing about being tough, and then

another thing being stupid.

But this looks like it's going to pay off for him if he can hit this. Swerve.

Strickland takes Okada down, but you see Swerve.

He came up clutching his neck. Here we go. The cover's been made, too.

So we've now established it's not only the knee, it's also the neck, which

started, Brian, with those stares earlier tonight.

Absolutely.

Just watch the impact when both men's bodies hit the mat. But Swerve.

Oh, you can see Swerve bracing.

Bracing after the impact.

Okada smartly stepping out of bounds here.

He was embracing Bryan.

Uh -oh, uh -oh. Looking for the swerve stop on the outside, but instead.

Oh, tombstone!

And just like that, momentum has shifted.

Okada, there is no delay on that tombstone. No time for swerve to think

it. Just impact.

Swerve's head.

driven into the floor. You know, I'm seeing this, and I know I've called

the most dangerous man in AEW.

He's called himself the most dangerous man in AEW.

But I kind of wonder if Okada isn't actually one of the most dangerous men

AEW. He's hurt me, he's hurt Kenny, and now it looks like he's hurting Swerve. I

mean, look at what he's done to not only Swerve's knee, but Swerve's neck.

We're taking a lot of pieces, Brian, off the chessboard, if you know what I

mean.

Swerve Strickland now flat on his back as Kazuchika Okada decides to drop the

elbow. Big risk, high reward.

You have the same moves that caused Kenny Omega to spit up blood.

Now the wrist

clutch, the Rainmaker.

Rainmaker at least avoided by Swerve. The back elbows backslide.

Nope. Swerve.

Rolled through, but Okada was ready for him, J .R. He sure was.

It was good strategy, but it was not looking good right now for Swerve

Strickland. Okada's got great grip strength, J .R., and allows him to

wrist control.

And that wrist control is so important.

There was the beginnings of the rainmaker.

That was a great counter. Even I could say that.

Swerve's ability to fight through pain, I would say, is second to none.

But, Brian, the thing I question is, oh, wait a second, Swerve maintains control

of the wrist of Okada. He switched.

He actually switched grips.

Okada had the wrist, and then he switched the grip.

Now Swerve with a dazed Kazuchika Okada, and it's his turn, Swerve, to deliver

the lariat.

Needs to go back to that knee.

I think Swerve has to be careful stepping around like that with all of

different pivots.

Wants Lyle to catch up with him at any time, Brian.

You have to wonder how effective those Larrys with the left arm are because

Swerve is an orthodox striker, JR. Yes, he is, and he is so tough.

He doesn't know how tough he really is, but we all may find out tonight.

Because it's going to take amazing toughness to beat Okada.

As good as you'll ever see.

Okada could feel the impending house call. Countess with the dropkick,

Avoids the Rainmaker, but doesn't avoid the second dropkick. Right in the jaw,

or maybe the throat.

Great vertical leaping ability by Okada.

Rainmaker avoided once again. Swerve pops Okada up.

Swerve, tremendous.

Good one.

The door is open.

And pops right back up to his feet.

Are we looking at the next AEW Unified Champion?

Swerve Strickland.

To the top.

And the Swerve.

Delivered.

His knee got delivered as well.

Swerve makes the cover too.

That extra hesitation may have cost him.

the championship, Brian Daniels, without a doubt. Yeah, absolutely.

Absolutely. I was thinking that the moment he landed.

Okada, look how smart.

Rolling out to the apron.

JR like a quarterback stepping out of bounds.

Yes, he was.

One of the highest IQ wrestlers I've ever been in the ring with.

There is no out of bounds with Swerve Strickland is the problem.

Yeah, but at the very least, outside, you can't get pinned or submitted.

Great point.

Okada interrupting the ascent of Swerve Strickland. Now catching the eyes.

Oh, oh, oh, no. That's a horrible position for Swerve Strickland right

it ever. Worst place that Swerve could be in. The worst place.

Swerve with that ankle pinned underneath the middle turnbuckle. All of his body

weight.

causing the torque to come down, concentrate on his right knee, and now

weight on his leg. Now we're going to find out just how injured that knee is.

Okada's got a hold of that leg.

Watch out. Oh, the knee breaker on the top turnbuckle.

The last thing that Swerve wanted to see or feel was the knee breaker. Swerve

has now had his knee torqued by Okada, and he's had an impact blow on the top

turnbuckle. That was a really smart move by Okada.

But Okada offering Swerve an opportunity to rise to his feet under his own

power.

But now the rain. No.

It didn't rain.

Reversal by Swerve. Another house call. This time missed.

Rolling out. No.

Swerve. Great counter. Guess we're looking for big pressure there, but

dropkick again.

You can hear that all over this part of England.

Okada can't see him.

Oh, now Okada. Wait a second. Okada.

Referee calling for the bell.

I mean, the match is over. This is completely unnecessary, Don.

What's the point of this, Don?

Why didn't you go after Okada, Brian?

And the point would be taking chess pieces off the chessboard.

brutalizing the knee of Swerve Strickland after the match was over,

successfully defended the unified championship.

You can tell the guy had a successful amateur baseball career as he swings

back, back.

And now trying to prevent any further harm coming to Swerve Strickland. But,

I have to believe the damage was already done. I think you're right about that.

It's a smart strategy to exploit what you assume is a very injured knee.

And I think we can safely say that Swerve has a very injured knee. To what

extent, we don't know.

Swerve Strickland most certainly going to require some medical attention.

If he's injured so many people, and if he's injured, the most dangerous man in

AEW, does that not transfer the title to Okada as the most dangerous man in AEW?

Oh my!

raining down on Nana and Swerve, powerless to do anything about it. There

the security, but they're outnumbered, even though they got a man advantage.

Security trying to restrain Wardlow. Look at the smile on the face of that

staring directly at Swerve Strickland.

Man, this is chaos out here.

Look at the grip of the security.

Wardlow is a monster.

And after Swerve had his knee brutalized by Kazuchika Okada, Wardlow, the

shocking appearance.

This is just a demonstration in front of Swerve Strickland, who doesn't appear

to be able to move out of that corner.

You have Swerve with all the damage that's been done, forced to be.

Nothing more than a spectator to the spectacle.

Ward -Lobos made everyone here a spectator.

I pray for them.

A spectator it is.

As Doc Stanton, our ringside physician, attending to Swerve Strickland.

Can you imagine Ward -Lobos and Doc Stanton?

That's an incurable disease.

I think that's all the confirmation we need, Brian.

Don's accumulated so much gold, he's had to buy an insurance policy in Wardlow.

The Don Cowell family continues to grow, but in very dangerous

ways, J .R. And Strickland looks perplexed, as if, I don't have an answer

this. And the rest of the family out to welcome the newest member, Wardlow.

Kyle Fletcher still a TNT champion. This is a group, a family, that has a

unified championship, the TNT championship.

The Murderhawk Monster, Lance Archer, and now Wardlow.

Yeah, and after this coming Friday, Hector Tell might be Ring of Honor World

Champion. As long as they come out, the worst it gets.

Oh, wait a second.

And the G1 winner, Takeshita. The Alpha Canoete Takeshita.

The man who just a week ago won the G1 Climax Tournament.

Now their teammates earned the right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight

Championship at Wrestle Kingdom in January. He said he didn't want to wait

January. And now family members with Wardlow.

Man, what a unit this is.

From the AEW Unified Championship to the AEW Women's World Championship, Athena

challenges Silas 24 next.

I am the fallen goddess, the minion overlord, the American Joshi. I am the

symbol of fear, prestige, and unapologetic power. I am the forever ROH

Athena. Athena, by virtue of winning the Women's Casino Gauntlet Match at All In

Texas, she has that contract which she can execute at any time.

Why don't you sign that contract and come to this ring and fight me right

now, darling?

Live on pay -per -view, baby, it is going to be the forever ROH champion

defeating... Toni Storm in London.

Since winning the Ring of Honor Women's Championship in 2022, Athena has had the

longest title reign in Ring of Honor history.

Athena, you are a history -making, record -breaking woman.

But holy, you are annoying.

Athena, you're the good enough.

Pick All Elite Wrestling is where the best wrestle. Why is this bitch sitting

the top?

world champion. Two world champions.

But between you and I, I don't think you've got the ovaries.

No door is forbidden to me, Tony.

Athena.

Big company by Billy Storks. From Dallas, Texas, he is the ring of honor.

Who is his world champion?

The Fallen Giant, Athena!

Well, JR tagging out. Tony Schiavone tagging back in for this one.

Athena, exercising that contract.

The open contract first shot at the AEW Women's World Championship.

That's she won in the Convino Gauntlet match last month at All -In Texas.

And now, one victory away from adding the AEW Women's World

Championship to her already impressive resume. She is so confident. She is so

cocky. And I guess she has the right to be.

988 days to win about a Women's World Championship. Here she comes.

She's timeless.

And for awarding, from Stage 7 at Warner Brothers Studios, she

is the AEW Women's World Champion,

Timeless Toni Doerr.

The 14th AEW Women's World Champion.

Winning the title for the fourth time earlier this year at Grand Slam

Has made four successful defenses in this reign, most recently against

Mercedes Monet. Handing Mercedes her first AEW career single block at all in

Texas.

But now a very different type of opponent, Brian, than Mercedes Monet.

Athena is a much more powerful and perhaps much more vicious

challenger. Yeah, I mean, I'm really excited for this match because I think

it's, to me, this was the hardest match to call of the entire show because

you've got, Toni Storm has had a long, successful championship run, but Athena

has had an even longer, more successful championship run with the ROH World

Championship.

She just had 30 Ring of Honor Women's World Title defenses against 25

opponents.

67 -0 in Ring of Honor, but that doesn't matter to Toni Storm right now. As you

mentioned, almost a 1 ,000 -day title reign. It's amazing, isn't it? Yeah,

unbelievable. Less than two weeks, just 12 days away.

Now Tony Storm avoids the dropkick from Athena and now hammering her. And Amazon

is now making it easier to connect with your favorite AEW merchandise.

Sure, shop the show in your Amazon shopping app for access to the AEW

merchandise store.

This title match has started off much faster than I would have expected.

Tony Storm, hip attack, sends Athena crashing out to the floor.

Billy Starks, irate.

at how this match has begun and tony heard the footsteps wait a second that

may be it for starks that may be it for her

that was a great move by athena incredible drop kick while

tony storm's attention was diverted and you could see the impact from tony

storm's body striking that monitor that led board completely shorted it out that

was the force

With which Athena hit Timeless Tony Storm?

Yeah, Athena's a very compact, powerful wrestler.

Look at that!

Athena delivers the dropkick, and that's the viciousness.

You know, I was in the medical room earlier today talking to Doc Sampson,

was worried about Tony Storm.

After that pile driver, she took on the steps on Dynamite.

And she's still recovering after a drop kick like that into the barricade.

And there you see Athena still working on the head.

Yeah, a grazing blow, but still you could see Toni Storm feeling the effects

from it.

Athena.

Athena's going to have to stay focused on Toni Storm. Can't turn her attention

to referee Aubrey Edwards. But look at her directing the attention on the net.

You know, I think Athena knows that Toni Storm's neck is not doing good after

what happened on Dynamite. That pile driver on the steps. Athena shoots the

for the cover. I mean, I think the pile driver on the steps, that may be the

cherry on top. I think it's the accumulation of punishment over this

reign as AEW Women's World Champion that Toni Storm has endured. I mean, she's

wrestling at an incredibly brisk pace in terms of not just title defenses but

tag team matches as well. Yeah.

Yeah, it seems like she's never taken a week off.

Brian, you know all about that. I can tell you, you obviously wrestled many,

many times on all of our television shows and our pay -per -views, so you

how the cumulative effect can have an impact on you. Yeah, but, I mean,

pluses and minuses to it, too.

The more that you're in the ring, the more comfortable you feel in the ring.

You know, that's why, you know, that's why I think Toni Storm does it.

Backheel trip there by Athena and Fenton. No.

Toni Storm rolls out of the way.

Nice jawbreaker there, but still Toni Storm putting her own neck and head on

line with that one.

Hammer throw to the corner.

Athena! There's the power.

From the fallen goddess.

Anyone that's wrestled her will tell you. She may be the hardest hitting

That we have seen in a long long time. Look Billy Stark still down.

Oh my goodness.

I'm not sure I've ever seen that. Where Athena driving the head.

Of Toni Storm.

And now.

Storm repeatedly.

Being driven into the steel ring post.

Athena.

Already celebrating.

She knows she can celebrate. She knows she can take her time. Repeated shots on

the ring post will keep your opponent down for quite a while.

We talked about the frequency of wrestling and how that can be a benefit

Nigel McGuinness was challenging Zack Sabre Jr. earlier in this broadcast.

Nigel not competing quite as regularly and it really seemed to catch him to

him. Tony Storm and Athena both on very equal footing in terms of the frequency

in which they compete. Yeah.

Yeah, but one of the things that I think is that when you're the world champion,

everybody's gunning for you.

Every single week in every tag match, every singles match, Tony Storm has done

how many eliminator matches, and all of those women are gunning for it. They

want to beat Tony Storm because they want a shot at the AEW Women's World

Championship.

You know, one of the things Athena has mentioned is that she's borderline

insulted by Toni Storm, just her very persona.

The whole idea that she thinks that Toni Storm is a joke, and she wants to

introduce some more violence into the AEW women's division, and we're seeing

that here with the way that she's attacking Toni Storm's neck.

A lot of posturing, a lot of celebrating here.

Tony Storm, the roll -up. Shoot.

Athena able to kick out, but Tony Storm telegraphing that or maybe not trying to

get Athena into the position to hammer down with those elbows.

Athena off the ropes. Oh, Tony Storm face first in the middle turnbuckle.

Great move that time by Athena when it looked like Tony Storm was mounting

somewhat of a comeback.

That would not be the case here. You can tell just by the facial expression, the

body language of Tony Storm that she is in a world of trouble. Athena.

With the AEW Women's World Champion at a disadvantage, and now mocking the

champion, Athena may be looking to deliver a hip attack of her own, but

Storm coming out, countering out of the corner.

Toni Storm, Richmond Suplex, the bridge, two.

Yeah, Athena is wrestling this match like she doesn't respect Toni Storm, and

think that's a mistake. I think one of the things that Toni Storm does so well

is that she's got this peculiar side for sure, but I think it disarms her

opponents to not taking her as seriously as they should.

Now, Athena said going into this match she thought Toni Storm was so overrated,

which obviously is not the case. I mean, you can't... Nice trip by Athena as

Toni Storm getting turned around.

Neck breaker.

And butterfly suplex.

Delivered by Athena. Yes, he is just full, brimming with confidence here.

Yeah, but I think she's not taking Toni Storm seriously enough.

Yeah, full was right there, Excalibur. Full of.

Athena to the top.

Could be poised to deliver the O -face to that already compromised neck. Uptime

with Toney. Scores, but Toney turns it around.

One, two.

No.

Here she comes.

Oh, there she went.

Slamming the mat. Got to her feet, but went right back down quickly.

Yeah, I have to think her neck is really bothering her.

The accumulative damage of all the matches that she's done. The pile driver

Wednesday. All the attacks Athena's done on her neck thus far in this match.

Oh, but the cross -faced chicken wing.

Yeah, that TCM chicken wing, as Tony likes to call it, Athena rolling

But, oh, wait, Storm.

Searching for Storm. Zero Athena.

And stand back suplex.

Right on the back of the neck again.

Yeah, Tony Storm holding the back of her neck, and she got up. But look at her

get up. Tony counters.

DDT Athena.

Almost cartwheeling off the top of her head. And now Tiger Driver. One.

Two.

And Toni Storm moving with some urgency. Dare I say desperation, Brian.

Yeah, I definitely think it's desperation.

Look at how long it's taking her to get up. Even after she was just on offense.

And she's clutching at her neck.

Yeah, she's in a lot of pain. And you can tell. So as somebody who's had a

history of neck issues, you can tell when somebody, she's not using her right

arm as much as she normally does.

And I wonder if she's getting that pain shooting down her right arm. So, Brian,

when you have this neck pain and you're wrestling for a big, big match in a big

arena, what do you do to get yourself back into it? Is there anything you can

do? I mean, you just hope the adrenaline comes through.

And then you've just got to tough it out. I mean, you have to become one with

the pain. And I think Toni Storm has been very good at that. Becoming one

the pain. We've seen it in the matches that she's had this year.

Where she's been beaten bloody and bruised. And she still comes out to win.

Athena changing levels with the attacks. Toni Storm changing tact with the

Mongolian chop. Athena tried to escape between the legs of Toni Storm. Does so,

but finds herself on the receiving end of yet another Mongolian chop.

And Storm went for the boot. Athena avoids. Oh, thrust kick on target. Storm

dazed. And now, perhaps the knockout below. Two.

And whoo.

Athena was maneuvering over along the left side of Tony's body. And Tony got

right side up. The power in that elbow. And that landed flush on the jaw of Tony

Storm.

Billy Starks back up to her feet.

Storm Zero Piledriver in the early moments. This was an incredibly

combination by Athena.

Back into live action. We saw Toni Storm clutching that neck.

See, you don't see Athena playing around now.

She knows how serious this match is.

oh tony storm anticipation up to the apron

flying in almost like a rider kick into the teeth

of tony storm athena

from the ropes but athena landed on her feet and now pinning for dickerman

athena not done yet showing her power

Storm able to break free. Strong legs did that.

Now.

Whoa. Oh, my God.

And look at this. Directly into the submission, Athena.

There's a reason why Athena has been the ROH Women's Champion for almost 1 ,000

days. Yeah, we're seeing it. We're seeing it right here.

She's taking Toni Storm to school. A version of the Koji Clutch cinched in

tight. Toni Storm, she's got her eye on the bottom rope, but can't she make it?

Can't she make the desperate crawl to force the break?

Oh, she did. Just rotated her hips to the left.

And now Toni Storm was able to get Athena into a pinning predicament, but

ultimately that's what forced Athena to break the hold.

It's been a great women's match, and needless to say, I think right now

has been mostly in the driver's seat here. Wouldn't you guys agree? Oh, yeah.

She's taking... control of 70 % of this match.

Uppercut avoided.

Chicken wing cinched in.

Now Athena, though.

Yeah, you can tell, though, there wasn't much strength behind that chicken wing.

You know, that's what happens sometimes when your neck gets attacked for so long

is you start losing strength in your arms.

And now Athena.

To a seat of full extension by the fallen goddess.

Oh, is she going for another pile driver on the steps? Exactly. Great call. This

is what hurt Toni Storm.

I mean, that pile driver on the steps on Dynamite, that was brutal.

Less than a week ago.

Oh, biting. There you go. Biting that knee.

Toni Storm.

Athena had the boot caught in the face of Athena going down into the steps.

And now Athena's turn to meet the parent. And that fixed everything.

Huge save by Toni.

She needed that. She needed that to turn things around.

And Athena returned to the ring. Toni Storm.

She needs to move fast to try to press this advantage on Athena. Athena so

nimble. Finds her feet. Toni Storm though.

Headbutt. Athena's dagger. Storm zero.

That's got to do it.

That was a monumental kick out. Tony can't believe it.

Yeah, but she needed that Storm Zero to equalize the playing field here.

If I were her, I'd go right after Athena's neck right now.

Don't waste your time. Go right back to that cross -faced chicken wing and

attack the neck.

Yeah, she went to the other ropes, did Tony, and that enabled Athena to go

outside. Yeah, she might not be thinking straight, to be honest.

Athena trying to prevent herself from being pulled to the center of the ring.

But Toni Storm.

Now Toni Storm dragging Athena out. And, Brian, this may be the continued

assault on the neck of Athena.

As Billie starts. Look at that. Disrupts the footing.

Oh, come on. I didn't touch you. I didn't do anything.

You did this yourself.

She said she didn't touch Toni Storm.

Oh, look at Athena. What's Athena going to do?

Athena.

Tony needs to try to stay on the outside if she can.

It's all coming over. Athena coming down like a guillotine across the neck

of timeless Tony Storm.

Tony Storm looks out.

Athena's hurt as well, apparently.

Mina Shirakawa, as soon as Billy Stark brought the chair from underneath the

ring, Shirakawa intervened.

Foot race for Billy Sarks to try to get free from Mina Shirakawa. Right now,

Athena, the challenger with the advantage.

Yeah, Mina might have just saved Tony from permanent injury.

Reverse. Two.

And. Oh, uppercut.

Underneath the jaw. Time was Tony Storm, but the hammer throw reversed.

Athena coming in looking for her old face. No. Oh, she caught it. Look at

Chicken wing.

Oh.

Storm! What an incredible performance by Toni Storm!

Got him through the neck injury!

Tremendous poise, perseverance shown by the four -time and

still AEW Women's World Champion, timeless Toni Storm!

Her 18th win here in this calendar year.

Great effort. You have to agree, Brian Danielson. Bye, Athena.

Well, from the AEW Women's World Championship to the AEW Men's World

Championship.

Coming up next, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, MJF, will

challenge Hagman Adam Page for the richest prize in our sport.

of the world.

A changing landscape.

The most hated man in professional wrestling has his contract.

There are a line of men in front of you for a chapter four championship. One of

them, someone named Mark Briscoe. You would have to look me in the eye and

me you were executing your casino gauntlet contract.

I'd rather be looked at as the devil than be paraded around and be a false

like you. Because unlike you, I am real. He's trying to goad Hangman into giving

him that shot, keeping that contract as an insurance policy. Sign your contract,

but you won't take your shot because you are afraid.

Forbidden door, I execute that contract.

I have always looked up to the Briscoes. You are at your most vulnerable when

you're angry. Say hello to your vulnerability.

So here are the three demands.

Number one, the title can change hands via disqualification. Number two, the

title can change hands via count -out. And number three, I do not have to use

contract in order to get my match at Forbidden Door.

We're going to find out if the people like it when MJF lights things on fire

much as they do when their hero hangman goes. Fine, you got it!

MJF! You know that you don't have what it takes to take...

This championship away from me. You insecure, gutless pal.

the former AEW world champion, the man who owned the longest

reign in the history of that title, Maxwell Jacob Freeman, MJF,

using very, very underhanded tactics

to get this match with Hangman Adam Page.

a match where MJF was able to accept the stipulations himself.

The AEW World Championship typically can't change hands on count -under

disqualification.

But Hagman had a page. He was forced to agree to that stipulation and also the

stipulation that MJF didn't have to do that open contract.

to challenge for the AEW World Championship, all because of the

MJF, ricocheting in the gates of agony, had Mark Briscoe in.

What a great champion Hangman has been.

But right now, to make it official, let's head to the ring, and the Dapper

Yapper, Justin Roberts.

the title can change hands on a count -out or disqualification.

Introducing at this time, the challenger from Plainview, Long Island, New York,

weighing 226 pounds, he is the CMLL World Champion,

next with Jacob Friedman, MJ!

The man that finally broke the grip of Jon Moxley from

around the neck of all elite wrestling just over a month ago now

could be on the precipice of losing the AEW World Championship to one of the

most odious individuals to ever walk the earth.

MJF told Vice recently, he said, I feel like this is the reason God put me on

this earth.

To be a champion.

Well, you get a chance here to prove it.

Yeah, he wants to be champion, but without actually having to earn it.

That's one of the things that I'm most disgusted by about MJF.

Yeah, one of them.

There's a lot of things to be disgusted of.

Yeah, I mean, that's why, you know, I sought out Hangman Adam Page earlier

today, and I leveled with him, and I said, hey.

You're a great champion, but here's where you're vulnerable.

And this match is designed to hit all those points where you're vulnerable.

Don't lose your temper.

Don't let him get under your skin. That's all he's going to be trying to do

here. That's right, because Hangman Page, I mean, his temper is very widely

known, Tommy, that Hangman possesses a very formidable temper. But if his

gets the better of him in this match, Hangman gets disqualified.

The title will change hands. MJF will be the next AEW world champion. Likewise,

if he gets counted out as well.

Yeah, and that's a great point. And once again, Hangman's temper. We've seen

what it's done.

We've seen in the battles with Swerve what it'll do to him.

And, oh, just stay in there, Hangman.

Hangman Adam Page and 18 ,992 looking on this record -setting crowd for

professional wrestling in the O2.

were at least for a few moments frustrated by the antics of MJF. And now

Hangman pouring it on, but he has to be careful as we covered, Brian.

If I'm Bryce Remsburg, I'm a little bit lenient with Hangman here.

If I'm Bryce Remsburg.

You know, one thing MJF will do, he will hook himself in that corner. He'll take

punishment, hoping that...

Hangman will disqualify himself.

Yeah, and I think Hangman has to be very careful out here on the floor because

he can be on top. And as soon as it starts getting close to 10, you might

MJF switch it around and then just try to slide in the ring and get a count

victory. Well, MJF sent chest first into those steel ringside barricades. Now a

second time.

MJF driven down hard as Hangman rolled.

underneath the bottom rope to reset the count from referee Bryce Remsburg.

Yeah, that was smart of Hangman to go in there and break the count.

He has to be very diligent about watching the count during this entire

Brian, we know how powerful that buckshot lariat can be. You know

powerful that can be if MJF suffers any damage.

To his upper chest from those tosses into the barricade.

Hey, if I'm Hangman here, I wouldn't be opposed to go in the ring and get MJF

counted out right now. I agree. Get in the ring.

It would serve him right.

MJF sent over the barricade.

Fans at ringside with a potential souvenir to take home, but I can't

anybody would want to bring MJF home with them.

Hangman returning to challenger.

Into the rink and suplex.

MJF rolls out to the floor. See, MJF, this is part of MJF's strategy.

He's taking it to the floor.

Hope he can get Hangman in a vulnerable position so that he can go in and get a

count -out victory.

Or anger him enough so that Hangman gets disqualified.

Hangman went outside, which kind of surprises me.

I guess he doesn't want to take the count out victory.

Hangman charging at MJF.

And delivering a forceful boot to the jaw of the challenger.

See,

and I think one of the reasons why MJF wanted these stipulations is because

is Hangman's type of match right here.

You know, brawling on the floor. He's such an incredible brawler. He can take

much punishment.

Oh, see, this is what I'm talking about.

Bryce Remsburg was in the ring and closer to 10.

MJF could have gotten the victory right there. Well, yeah, but now MJF, after

driving Hangman face first into that steel ring post, repeated shots to the

head.

It all started when MJF grabbed the belt of Hangman.

Of course, Hangman's head to collide with the steel.

Think about how different these stipulations are between this match and

Hangman won the title at All In at Globe Life Field.

Yeah, completely 100 % opposite styles of matches.

You've got to really not think about how you won it back in Texas.

See, that's one of the things. You know, he's such a talented and capable

wrestler. But MJF might be the most insecure person I've ever encountered in

walk of life. And think of the ground that that covers.

Wow.

Yeah.

That's staggering.

Pac -Man got to his feet, but MJF, a handful of hair, drags the champion

Insecure, cowardly, these are all words that describe MJF. But also a tactician,

an incredible professional wrestler. That can also describe MJF. I hate to

it, but it's true. No one is denying MJF's ability.

No one has ever done that.

Brian, you battled MJF for more than one hour.

And it was, shall we say, MJF ingenuity that proved to be a difference maker. I

think you probably have a different word for it. Yeah, and I wrestled each of

these men for an hour.

MJF reversing.

And the difference is, when Hangman beat me, he beat me.

And when MJF beat me, he used whatever tricks he could to pull out the victory.

Oh, stop, pile driver. This is the thing that's frustrating. One, two.

He can do things like that and yet tries to take as many shortcuts as

possible.

It's infuriating. Yeah, you see feigning the left knee injury, stepping over,

and just a quick, swift, forceful pile driver.

Yeah, Brian, you were exactly right. That was just a tremendous move by MJF.

Look at that big hammer throw, would you?

And then when he gets advantage like this, he's so good at taking control,

being very deliberate, being very tactical.

You and I were on the call in 2019 when Hangman Page and MJF met in the match

that would determine.

The first ever winner of the Dynamite Diamond Ring. It was MJF that got the

better of Hangman that night. And that Dynamite Diamond Ring has played a

pivotal role in so many of MJF's victories over the last nearly six

Dynamite Diamond Ring, which only he has held through all these years.

And that makes you think that, well, would he use it tonight? Of course he

would. Should the opportunity present itself.

I'm sure MJF would show no hesitation as the back elbow waiting for Hangman. And

that stomps on the arm. And MJF, that salt of the earth arm bar.

The Fujiwara arm bar.

Has proven vital as now.

Taking over the top.

Yeah, he's such a gifted wrestler. That's what's so infuriating.

is that if MJF would put in a little bit more work and not take as many

shortcuts, he could be one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all

I think he is what he is, Brian. I don't think that's ever going to change with

him. It's his makeup.

Whether it comes from upbringing or what, he's just not a good person. Some

people like that.

MJF, fighting handman.

And Hangman has to be very careful right here to not get angered by this in a

way that would get him disqualified.

MJF is looking to continue to attack the left arm of Hangman Page. But now

Hangman.

Okay.

Turnabout was fair play.

That's the best you can say about that, buddy.

The headbutt sends MJF back. Do you know what I say about it? I say I like it.

There you go, Brian. I like it.

MJF. Who was begging off moments ago.

Hammer throw. Reversed. Hangman.

Picks up MJF. Always slam.

Awkward landing for MJF that time.

Hangman feeling it here.

Del Clariat sends MJF over the top.

Hangman's got to be careful. He likes that Orihara moonsault, but it is

of a very, very high risk.

Here it comes.

Orihara moonsault. It pays off for the champion.

Yeah, perfect placement of the moonsault right there.

I mean, Hangman Adam Page right now is showing you why he is the AEW world

champion.

MJF hit very hard. Hangman could roll in, get a 10 -count win, maybe.

Yeah, but that's not how Hangman Adam Page wants to beat MJF. You're right.

Yeah, and that's not the kind of AEW champion that I want either.

MJF, swing, the miss.

MJF kicking out. We mentioned, Tony, their first encounter back in 2019.

MJF came away with the victory. It was earlier this year at Revolution.

Hangman Adam Page defeating MJF.

This match, the rubber match, and it seems to be going the way of the

the way of the Eagle World Champion.

Yeah, Hangman is right now, I don't know.

He's up in a position for the buckshot lariat, but his opponent is not in

position. But he's waiting. Look at this.

Oh,

MJF. Smart move by MJF there, getting too close.

Closing the distance so Hangman can't hit the buckshot.

That's a smart move by MJF.

An even smarter move by MJF, targeting that left arm.

Now MJF, maybe thinking the heat seeker, but no.

Once again.

Oh, buckshot here.

Buckshot, no.

Oh, good counter. Sold to the earth, center of the ring.

That may be the best counter I've ever seen for that buckshot, Larry.

Yeah, MJF was waiting for it. I think he once again feigned a knee injury to

lure Hangman in, and now MJF, a Fujiwara armbar center of the ring,

Hangman. But Hangman's so tough.

I mean, when you look at the matches that he had with Jon Moxley, the things

that he survived, the things that he got through, smart move by MJF.

Hangman here, the roll -up.

And MJF now finds himself in a crossface courtesy of the AEW world champion.

MJF now.

Another great counter by MJF.

He's back into a chin lock.

MJF has the champion.

Yeah, that was more of a sleeper. I'm not sure.

I'm not sure he had it on completely tight.

Whoa.

Beautiful knee.

Great anticipation by MJF.

The heat seeker once again avoided.

But now MJF launching Handman in. Catch him in the cutter. The hammer lock. And

a DDP.

MJF lateral press. No.

Yeah, when he gave me that DDP, it sent shivers down my spine.

That momentum shift from the top rope and then the DDT.

Yeah, he drives your head straight into the mat with that.

Him having one of the arms hammerlocked makes you unable to protect yourself.

That entire sequence we just saw in replay shows you what type of athlete

Hangman Adam Page is. Now, MJF putting in the contract.

And what he calls the CMLL World Championship on the floor, clearing the

timekeeper's table.

MJF.

I mean, I don't understand the thought process here.

He's on top.

If he gets disqualified, the match is over.

No championship.

Yeah, those are all great points, but it is hard to even fathom what goes

through MJF's mind on a regular day.

Much less in this situation, but you're right. Yeah, good point, Tony. I would

never be able to think like MJF.

We've seen MJF take some crazy risks when he has an opponent on the table on

outside.

Yeah, he hit me when we wrestled in our Ironman match He hit me with an elbow

drop off the top rope through the time keepers table, right?

And now hangman. Oh, no hangman up to his feet And Jay up there raking the

trying to back hangman off

Hangman making MJ up eat those words

and eat a boot at the same time Hangman

That could do it.

Great sequence of events for Hangman Adam Page, but you could see the damage,

the fatigue preventing him from taking full advantage of the opening.

And, O 'Brien, you said you wouldn't want a champion to win it by a countout,

but I think the time is right now for Hangman. I really do.

Yeah, yeah. I mean, this is an opportunity, but that's not who Hangman

person or as a champion.

Hangman. Broke the count. Look at this.

Hangman having some second thoughts.

Oh, come on.

You're the champ, Hangman. Make him wrestle your match.

Don't get... Hangman, I think this is a

tactical error.

You've got MJM hurt.

Get him in the ring and beat him.

AF has done, I mean, not just to Hangman, but to Mark Briscoe as well.

everybody loves Mark Briscoe.

Hangman.

Oh, my God.

Okay,

you did it. Now get him in the ring and pin him.

Get him in the ring and pin him.

Fans think so. Many are standing here at the O2.

They think the moment is now.

Yeah, it is.

Dragging dead weight here, though.

Hangman Adam Page could be just three seconds away from defending his title.

Got too close to the rope.

Yep.

The referee noticed the boot on the bottom rope. That was not the case just

few weeks ago when Mark Briscoe got his boot on the bottom rope.

Yeah, Bryce Rinsberg took a lot of heat for that, but he was right on top of

this one.

Mighty. Dead eye on the table.

Oh. Wait a second. Hangman lining up.

MJF for the buckshot lariat, but MJF.

Smart. Just fall down, man. Roll out.

Trying to put some distance between himself and the world champion, but.

Yeah, Hangman's got to close the distance here. Get it back in the ring.

Take advantage of the injury that MJF has right now.

Hangman. Oh, no.

Smart. It worked for Hangman once before, but now this time MJF was

him. The drop toe hold, and Hangman went face first in that step. Excuse me, in

that chair.

Take another look at this.

MJF just so savage.

And now MJF gets in the ring. He'll take a count -out win.

That's why he wants the count -out win. He wants the easy way out. It was an

accident.

Now,

this surprises me. He rolled in, then he rolled back out.

Maybe he thinks that he wants to make sure, right?

Yeah, but, you know, we talked about MJF being insecure.

I think one of the things that he's cautious about, I think he wants to beat

Adam Page to prove people wrong.

And he's using that as a backup plan in case he needs it, in case he can get

Hangman counted out, in case he can get him.

Just like you, he fucking sucks!

We apologize for the language of Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

Yeah, it's, you know, I would love to just go in there and punch him in the

right now.

Hangman. We'd love to see you do it, but I understand.

No, but I think that's what he wants. He wants somebody like me to go in and

punch him in the face.

Hangman the match. Yep, Koth Hangman the match, and all of a sudden he's the

world champion.

You see some blood pouring from the head of Hangman Adam Page. I'm not sure if

that was from the ring post earlier or if it was that.

driven into that steel chair at ringside, but either way, Hangman is

open. I think it was in that drop -toe hold on the chair.

Is he going to choke someone on that broken table? On the half of the table.

Well,

now, they need to check on Hangman

right now. The referee is. He's right there.

As MJF, though, Brian, that was not without its own cost to MJF's own needs.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't, you know, it may have felt like a good idea at the

time.

Sickening thud as MJF rolls into the ring, instructs the referee to begin the

count. Yeah, I mean, Hangman's got to get up here.

Bryce Rebsburg's in a count of three.

Guys, I don't think he can get up. I would be very, very surprised.

Shot, actually.

If Hangman can get up. Come on, Hangman.

The count.

Come on, Hangman.

Already half the count. Has he left? Seven now.

Need a surge of energy right now.

He's getting there. Come on. Hangman finally starting to rise.

No. Oh, no.

He's insecure, he's cowardly, but he is devious.

Yep, look at what he's doing now.

Exposing the steel of the turnbuckle.

No, MJ.

Hoisted by his own petard.

Come on, hangman. Get up, now's your shot.

And that's hopefully easy to say, Brian, but you've been in this predicament

too, right?

Everything you can do just to pull yourself to will yourself to your feet.

Yeah, but I've got to say this.

I've been in the ring with a lot of tough men. I don't know if I've ever

the ring with anybody tougher than Hangman. Oh, MJF. Oh, brother, hit that

turn, steel turnbuckle. Yeah, the blood flowing freely in the face of the

challenger as well.

Almost like a reset here.

As well, champion and challenger.

You see the most hated man in professional wrestling. He's breathing

And that breath is only going to become harder to come by, Brian, the more the

blood flows.

Yeah, absolutely.

And now is Hangman's chance.

Hangman was busted open earlier, but I think his cut is starting to close up.

Look at these two giants just staring at each other.

These two men, over six years ago, were earmarked as

foundational pieces of all elite wrestling.

And now here setting records in London, England for professional wrestling at

the O2.

Battling it out for the AEW World Championship.

They're slowing down.

Both men looking for that rolling elbow strike. Both men connect.

They're just leaving it all in the ring.

If I'm Hangman, if I'm Hangman, this is the kind of fight I want. Because when

it comes to guts, if you're judging between Hangman and MJF, Hangman's going

win the guts battle every single time.

MJF, he loathes to be referred to as a coward, but

his actions show that he deserves that title.

Well, some of his actions, and then sometimes he gets up like he's getting

now after a war like this.

And you can't help but have a smidge, just a smidge of respect for him.

Yeah, but Hangman Adam Page, he had the moral fiber when he realized that he had

strayed from the righteous path, that he had done something wrong, that he

couldn't look himself in the mirror, he couldn't look his children in the eyes

if he kept walking that path.

It has been quite an effort, quite a journey for Hangman and A .W. Look at

O .M .J .F. reverse says, shoot!

Able to reverse.

Neither man able to get the advantage after that exchange.

Sunset flip.

Hangman.

Nearly 19 ,000 on their feet.

They

talk

about a battle of attrition. Holy smokes.

right understandably so after all the punishment he's sustained oh

look

at this he's inviting him to biting hangman to hit him in the head which

a disqualification that aforementioned dynamite diamond ring played a pivotal

role in so many of mjs victories over Over the years, Hangman. No, no, no, no,

no, no. No, just throw it away.

Don't do it.

Don't do it. It's going to cost you. Come on, Hangman.

Yes!

Hangman tossed the ring to the floor, and now MJL is once again looking for

heat seeker. Once again, Hangman able to counter.

the sky boy look at the face of mjf that one pistol coming

out to make sure i think he's coming out to make sure that hangman doesn't get

wrong but he did mjf the man

brother jay about what he did this past wednesday night briscoe obviously

instead at the injustice we may have witnessed yeah because he

was lost the exact same way but i don't know i mean i haven't oh wait a second i

just spotted the boot of hangman and now

dirty tricks that carried him to the AW World Championship and now throwing that

title that he calls the CMLL World Championship into the ring. He wanted

referee to grab it.

heard it hit our broadcast table and now that right hand

I hate to be the downer, Tony, but MJF still has that open contract to

to the AEW World Championship any time you want. Well, it's obvious we have not

seen the last of MJF when it comes to the World Championship.

But, man, Brian, what a struggle we saw tonight for the title. Yeah, and I think

MJF is going to really hesitate to sign that contract any time soon because

Hangman has it.

and that he is the deserving AEW world champion.

Yeah, well, the contract is still active, but it's got a big dent on the

side of it.

Yeah, hangman, just send me the message today to MJF.

Anytime you want it, buddy. Come at me. The result will be the same. Hangman

Adam.

match wrestlers that we've ever seen. When it's on the line, man, he can come

through.

Absolutely.

I am so proud to have Hank Van Adam Page as our AEW World Champion.

An incredible victory tonight for Aaron's Creek, Virginia's

own and all of our AEW World Champion.

This December, the best wrestlers in the world return to the United Kingdom when

AEW presents Dynamite and Collision. Feel the real just days before World's

and ring in the holidays with AEW in the UK.

First, AEW Collision from Utilia Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

Then, AEW Dynamite.

and co -op live in manchester england

well

we had such a great time in the uk this week we couldn't wait till next year to

come back a return to cardiff and then our debut in manchester coming up this

december but brian danielson thank you for joining us tonight here at the desk

but i understand that you Have some news about the next match.

Yeah, I'm going to have to recuse myself from commentary for this match because

of personal issues I have with people in the next match. And so I just hope

everybody stays safe here. I hope people don't get injured. And, yeah, I'll see

you guys on the flip side.

You're the man, Brian.

Yeah, Brian, we appreciate your commitment to professionalism. Due to

unsanctioned nature of this match, as you see the steel cage that's been...

looming large above the O2 all night long begins to scent.

Because of the unsanctioned nature of this match, it is anything goes.

There are no disqualifications, no count -ups, no rules, and all elite wrestling

takes no responsibility for what happens next.

It is the main event. It is wiped out.

It is ten men locked inside a solid steel cage at the O2.

In London.

messing with me.

It's all much for subtlety. Last week I got given the worst news and it's all

because of what a deaf writer said to me. You don't want to take Darby up.

got a better idea.

You get your friend.

I'll get my friend.

Meet me in London.

All hell is about to be won.

Let's go.

The match that AEW nor any commission on planet

earth. With sanctions, we find out who they are.

Casualties of harassing war.

Before they take a scalpel to me, I will take a pound of flesh.

We do not tolerate mercy.

We want revenge from Osprey. You and your boys tried to snap my neck, so in

return, I'm going to snap yours. If you want to get rid of me, do it yourself.

Garvey! Every single one you got right will have you dead.

The Bushi!

Well,

for one final time this evening, let's throw it down to the Dapper Yapper,

Justin Roberts.

Ladies and gentlemen, the lights are about to shut off, ending tonight's

sanctioned event. When they come back on, AEW will not be responsible for what

takes place.

Now, anything goes, and the only way to win is by pinfall or

submission. In this light, out!

See you.

After tonight final match they're joined back at the desk by Jim Ross and JR

I'm a little nervous about this one, if I say so.

You should be.

We all should be.

Lights out means they got a clear shot, a legitimate honest shot to do whatever

the hell they want. These men I'm talking about.

Yeah, when Justin said AEW gym would not be responsible for what happened, that

means you enter at your own peril here. That's right.

Exactly right.

Anything goes.

And by God. We mean anything goes.

Darby Allin, who at the end of December of last year was thrown down a flight of

stairs by the Death Ladders. He was taken out of action for a heart attack.

And then returned like a bat out of hell. That all infected him. I'd say

Allin is very, very resilient.

Next. Appearing in the UK's World Finals. Time to next.

From Ogati, Gifu, Japan, weighing 223 pounds, this

is Hiroshi

Tanahashi!

Final time, Hiroshi Tanahashi is out, but he will retire January 4th, 2026, at

the New Japan Pro Wrestling Wrestle Kingdom event at the Tokyo Dome.

Whoever imagined that the last time we would see Tanahashi compete in England

would be in a lights -out 10 -man steel cage match.

That's Kenny. Go, Ace.

Run a legend.

one of the most decorated wrestlers to ever step foot inside a kneecap

ring, JR.

This type of match, though, not exactly his forte.

No, it isn't. And I'll tell you, he didn't become an eight -time IWGP

for nothing. He's tough, he's resilient, and he's got all the experience in the

world.

One of the most inventive wrestlers to compete.

In the sport, over the last few years, or over the last few decades, I should

say, Kota Ibushi is someone that seems to take a mischievous delight in

coming up with new ways to risk his body in pursuit of competing inside a pro

wrestling ring.

From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, weighing 224 pounds,

he is Jay O

'Neal!

wrestling. A man who, after the injury, he sustained at all instances at the

hands of Kazuchika Okada and the Don Talis family.

We questioned when we would see him again.

But, because of the unsanctioned nature of this match, because it's wiped out,

he did not have to be medically clear to compete.

Right. Good point.

He is here tonight.

because of what the Death Riders, of what the Young Bucks, and of what gay

are trying to do to all elite wrestling.

And

just

like Kota Ibushi is a creative and inventive risk taker, Kenny Omega, a

Cut from the very same clock.

Will, you are going to be great tonight.

Because that is who you are.

I've heard the crowd chant your name.

I've watched you win championships.

But to me, the biggest victories were the way you carried yourself.

Through pain, through setbacks, through nights you wandered, you could keep

going. You taught me that no mountain is too high, no opponent too strong, if

your heart refuses to fit.

When I look at you, I don't just see Willoughby the

wrestler.

I see the man who kept chasing the impossible.

You make England proud.

You make our family proud.

And if you're not afraid of what's next, then neither am I.

I love you, Billy.

Always.

225 pounds!

The Aerial Masked Captain... ...Will...

...Are... ...Strengthening!

Thank you for the attention, alien officers.

And if the woman in that video seems familiar, that was a love letter

and written by Will Ospreay's partner, Alex Windsor, as he stepped into the

tonight in a match that could very well not just

be career -altering, but life -altering.

He told the Metro here in UK, Will Ospreay, and look at the face there,

told the Metro that, you know what?

I don't feel hurt, and I know he doesn't.

So, man, things could change in your life when you step out of that cage

tonight. I was raised on a lot of south answers.

Mid -south restaurants. Anything can happen. And here's the deal, folks.

It's all legal.

It's a dual sale.

Hold me accountable if you want, but it won't count.

As you can see, this cage takes up much of the ring.

side area

the motel crowd, Ospreay has lit everyone here on fire.

Jim, how about that talent on one side of the ring? Is that amazing?

It's amazing what Tony Khan is doing to acquire the greatest wrestling talent in

the world.

And that's just one half of the teams that we're talking about. Absolutely.

They made the demand earlier tonight that they wanted their own old music

Little did they know it was going to be their first ever music. First ever

music. Well, that takes you back, right, Excalibur?

I thought many, many matches for the Young Bucks.

This was the anthem that led them to the ring.

They do not seem too pleased about throwing back here tonight in London.

Well,

embarrassing theme music aside, JR, Matt and Nick Jackson, three -time former

AEW World Tag Team Champions, and met that up until just over a month ago,

called themselves...

Executive Vice Presidents of All Elite Wrestling. That was taken away by Swerve

Strickland and Will Ospreay.

Golda, the IWGP Global Wrestling Rating Champion Day 2, Claudio

Cassini -Uli and...

FIAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

John Monsley coming into this match with a mercenary, the hired gun from New

Japan Pro Wrestling, gave in.

And his emissary of violence, Claudio Castagnoli, locked inside the cage with

him. But then also Marina Jafir and Wheeler Judah outside of the field cage,

still fully capable of playing a role in this match. Count on it. Next count,

Tony. Count on it.

Hey, this steel cage, we're taking a look at it right in front of our

position, is one solid piece of cage, I can tell you that.

Man, this could do some harm.

Take a look at this crowd, would you?

What a night this has been. What a night for AEW.

What a night for pro wrestling.

18 ,992. The record -setting crowd in the O2 here tonight.

And as we just announced a few moments ago, we'll be returning to the UK this

December. And then next August 26th for the return

to Wembley Stadium and all in London for all elite wrestling.

I wouldn't...

Wait too long to get my tickets for any of those big events. I can tell you that

right now. As you can look at this arena and see, AEW is red hot.

I got a big cheer from the fans when they found out that we were returning to

Cardiff and we were going to Manchester for the first time.

As you mentioned, here we go. Gabe Kenta first to breach the cage for the

opposition. And now we are off to the races. Remember, it's lights out. It's

unsectioned. Anything goes from here on out tonight.

No easy way out in this arrangement.

Oh my God, Darby starting things off. Darby had that vendetta against Jon

since last year. He said he was going to take everything from Jon Moxley

when he returned last month at All In Texas.

And now inside the ring, the president of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the ace,

Hiroshi Tanahashi, finds himself fighting off three attackers.

He was very emotional today.

Yes,

he was. And he realized it. Great drag and screw the leg rip that time. But,

man, Gabe Kidd.

What a mercenary he has been.

He's got a thorn in the side of Hiroshi Tanahashi as they've competed in New

Japan Pro Wrestling.

Whoa.

You can hear that flesh on flesh.

And now the two Englishmen doing battle.

The center of the ring, Gabe Kidd, changes levels.

And referee Rick Knox, he's the 11th man locked inside the steel cage. And he's

only there to count a pinfall or to decide a submission or to record a

submission.

Aside from that, he is just an innocent bystander. We saw Will Ospreay hit

himself in the neck as if to say, it's ready, it's ready to go.

We know about his neck problems.

Ospreay, it's a game special.

Man, what a chance.

Ospreay just took. That's what this match means to him and everybody

this death match.

Now Darby Allin returned to the ring by Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley. Tony,

to your point, Will Ospreay, he very heavily implied this past Wednesday at

Dynamite that after this match, no matter the results, he may need neck

Absolutely. He's mentioned that. And...

He can do the steal from that. What a car crash.

Familiar faces meet in adversarial times.

The golden lovers, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, the Young Bucks, Matt and Nick

Jackson. This is not their first rodeo. These two teams know one another

extremely well.

They've been teammates.

They know what's in each other's head.

Young Bucks at one time, one of the most popular duos ever in pro wrestling.

They're still popular with their legion of fans.

But now because of how they've conducted themselves as EVPs, abused their power

to the most reviled men inside the AEW locker room and by the fans as well.

Trouble outside for Darby, and you know that's exactly what...

Is Darby trying to anchor Moxley to try to prevent him from entering the ring?

But meanwhile, everybody will take every chance available to

them.

I think Darby has been handcuffed to Jon Moxley.

Oh, my God.

Yeah, but who handcuffed who?

That's Moxley hammering Darby with those right hands.

Moxley calling Claudio in.

Oh, he's already wide open for that kick to the ribs.

Is Claudio trying to break the handcuffs?

I mean, Claudio's tremendously strong, but is he that strong? Oh!

Come red on Claudio! Moxley goes down as well, and finally, the handcuffs, the

link has been broken.

And maybe a wrist as well.

Moxley is hurting.

There's going to be a lot of hurting going on.

Before this match is all said and done.

Remember, lights out, anything goes.

It's non -sanctioned.

And because it's unsanctioned, Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, they didn't need

be cleared to compete tonight. They are taking this risk on their own accord.

It's a hell of a time to be hurt when you're sitting inside a giant steel

Bring in a trash can.

Omega wasted a little too much time.

You can't take much of that on the midsection, I can tell you that.

Face first.

Great counter there.

Great counter.

Ibushi. Nope.

Breaks the grip of Nick.

Jackson. Nick comes in with a knee strike.

And assisted sliced bread from the Bucs. Bucs looking good, fellas. That's their

best.

Absolutely. They've been at their best.

They've been at their best since what happened with their EVP status.

I think it took the combined efforts of Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland.

Two greats of their generation to defeat the Young Bucks back in Texas. This is

like calling an All -Star game.

Yes, it is. Good call.

Well, look at this.

An All -Star game with a whole lot of plunder involved.

Sounded like a dream.

He plundered a little bit of himself.

Boy, did he ever. And now... Nick Jackson, he demanded...

Demanded from the production team the most...

Dangerous implements they could find.

Apparently all they could find were some gummy bears. That's some dangerous

gummy bears, apparently.

Oh, Moxley.

Oh, the Death Riders are angry. Look at Moxley. Goes right at Moxley.

Right in the face.

Got to make him blink.

Oh, boy.

Will took a hard shot that time, guys. Yeah, corkscrew kick by Nick Jackson.

Kenny Omega back into the fray. Drop to Holt.

Well,

that won't leave a mark, but they may be stuck on the floor.

This is wonderful.

And now Omega.

A handful of the gummy bears.

What is it? Anything goes. Yes, anything.

Just French earned flavor.

That was gummy bears, not teeth.

The next time it may be teeth.

Omega and Ibushi. The first pinfall attempt of the match. And Claudio

breaks it up.

Claudio is always Johnny on the spot. Or Claudio on the spot, if you will.

And Claudio.

Taking the fight to both Omega and Ibushi.

Ospreay. Elbow strike back. Claudio up.

See, the ladder's been put in by the Bucs.

They love the ladders. So do the fans.

Oh, my God.

Will cannot take much of that. I can tell you that with that bad neck.

Now the ladder again.

It's the face of Omega.

And Ibushi.

Ibushi driven down the Young Bucs.

They are very familiar with how to wield that ladder.

Implement of destruction.

They've taken out a couple of men already with the ladder.

And they're not done.

No, they've got designs on the back of Darby Allen. My God, here it comes.

Powered off.

It's fine first. It sounded bad. It looked bad. It is bad.

And Darby, he reached back. I think the back of his head may have, or his ear

may have hit that ladder and been lacerated.

No, you could, you know, with a shot like that, you could just bite through

tongue.

Oh, the senton, Darby. The midsection crushed. That's a massive chance

taken by the Bucs because if somebody would have moved, that could have ended

the match because how do you respond from that? How do you go spine first

ladder off the ropes and survive it?

No, Ospreay busted open, I think, either by the ladder, by how his head struck

the steel cage.

Well, Ospreay had told Sports Illustrated earlier this week, if it's

smallish chance that I'm not going to be the same afterwards, I'm going to go in

there and just be Will Ospreay, maybe for one last night.

You know, I saw his personality change during this very day.

We had a couple of conversations.

But you feel like after you've been in it so long, you know how far to go as

you're questioning.

I went far enough.

I saw what I needed to see.

I heard what I needed to hear.

And this is a very personal night for Will Ospreay.

As a kid growing up in the U .K. What

an incredible,

inventive move.

Ospreay, JR. Yeah, he is willing to take every chance that he can create.

Oh, wait a second. Moxley swinging for the fences with a chair.

Ospreay disarms him.

And now Ospreay.

You're right in that cage of the spine.

Even worse.

Yeah, it was John Moxley. It was the Death Riders. They were targeting the

of Ospreay. Ospreay has not forgotten about that.

Oh, but Gabe Kidd.

Oh, no.

Ospreay better fight out of this.

Kid, kid.

Stalling. Oh, pile driver.

Oh, no.

Blood drifting from the head of Will Ospreay. Now it's just a matter of time,

is it? But the blood, I think the least of Ospreay's problems, the pile driver

on that already compromised neck. He may be done, Excalibur. Ospreay, that is,

may be done.

He's holding his neck, his throat.

Kenny's not done, though. Look at this.

Kenny Omega, Gabe Kidd, battled earlier this year in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

He's setting the tone for 2025 and this rivalry between Kidd, the Bullet Club

War Dogs, Kenny Omega, and All Elite Wrestling.

Man,

what a night.

What a historic night we're, all of us are involved in.

It's sensational.

Tremendous offense by the Bucs, and Claudio Cacchioli there to deliver the

swing. All on Don Leo Jonathan.

That giant swing works every time.

And Nick Jackson leaps over, left over Omega.

And blasted Mabushi on the outside, gave Kidd the drop kick.

And... Let's go!

Now the catapult for Omega into the waiting thrust kick from Matt Jackson.

There's brotherly teamwork here.

A teamer between the Bucs, the Death Riders, the Bullet Club, War Dogs, all

the same match. The cover.

And Omega, referee's hand was coming down for the fatal three count.

You just got to wonder after the attack by Okada with that elbow on the

midsection. Remember that and the blood spewing out of Kenny's mouth. What does

Kenny have left?

I know he's an amazing athlete, one of the greatest of all time, but man.

I'm concerned about him. Yeah, Kenny, he fought through the pain, fought through

the injury in that AEW Unified Championship match at All -In Texas

Kazuchika Okada.

Oh!

Paris superkicks for Kota Ibushi. Now if the Bucks can follow up quickly, they

may have it won here.

No.

T .K. Driver, Ibushi, driven down. This match could be over right here.

Two, and now Darby breaks it up.

I think we can say the Bucs have been the dominant factor in this match so

They've been the difference.

You're right, Tony. And now the Death Riders and Gabe Kidd singling out Darby

Allin.

Kidd, who just a few moments ago was ranting like a madman just in front of

desk.

Look at this.

Oh, no, no.

Once again, J .R., look at this.

It's slow motion.

That's amazing.

It's amazing if Darby is able to continue.

He's being checked on.

Oh.

Now Hiroshi Tanahashi trying to stand his ground.

Gabe Kidd, he doesn't want to see Tanahashi make it to January 2026.

Uh -oh. You hear the impact of that.

Solid contact to the head.

Twist and shoot.

Up with Moxley.

Oh!

Not sure if it was a paradigm shift or it was a DDT.

But either way, it was extremely effective for Moxley.

Dragging a seamless, lifeless body into the ring. And that's Darby Allin, of

course.

Chairs and tables.

Oh, my.

Oh, man.

And Kendall sticks and ladders. Gee whiz.

Moxley battering Darby Allen with those right hands. Gabe Kidd is gouging at the

eyes of Darby.

That was a trash can on the spine.

Yeah. Dakota Ibushi, you can see at the bottom of your screen, that's Darby

Allen. The blood leaking from his ear.

Oh, look at this.

Claudio Castagnoli, the duct tape.

Restraining Darby to the chair.

It's a very embodiment of what it means to be lights out. Anything goes.

And Moxley with the fork. We saw this at all in, remember?

Yeah, Moxley, he was on the receiving end at all in. This time, perhaps ready

dish out the punishment.

There's no way to stop this, Tony. It's lights out.

He spit right in Moxley's face.

He spit in Moxley's face after what happened.

Oh, my God.

Straight to the chair.

Darby Allin could be done for.

Jim, we've seen a lot. I've never seen that.

That's just gruesome. And now Moxley, how do you respond? How do you come

Calling to troops.

Outside of the cage.

Well, they got, as you can see, Marina setting up a table. Wheeler Yuta.

And Moxley now turning his fury on the ace, the president of New Japan Pro

Wrestling, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Well, since the cage is locked, Jim, it's pretty apparent what Moxley wants

do. He wants to take someone up to the top and throw them off the top of the

cage outside. And if given the opportunity, that's exactly what could

And if it does happen, good night, nurse.

Oh, the blood flowing freely.

That is from the ear of Darby Allen.

Yeah, there's some blood loss here.

Barbed wire table.

You kind of had to figure that somewhere along this treacherous journey, the

barbed wire would come into play.

Tables would come into play.

Look, they're going to stack it three.

It's Darby Allen that they want to put on. This is all retribution for what

Darby has been doing. To John Moxley. But Darby completely justified what the

Death Riders did to him last year. Of course he is. Look at Darby digging his

fingers into the flesh of Claudio Castagnoli. Darby trying to do anything,

everything in his power, not to be brought up to that cage. Darby is still

standing, which amazes me.

Oh, my God.

Oh, the kick.

Sends Darby down and right in front of our broadcast position, Omega was just

sent head first of the steel cage by Jon Moxley.

I just noticed Will Ospreay, the bottom of the screen, Ospreay has not moved

since that pile driver by Gabe Kidd.

Tanahashi trying to fight off Matt and Nick Jackson.

Tanahashi.

Oh, Tanahashi.

Moxley, face full of barbed wire for Mox.

Oh, Moxley fighting with everything left in him to prevent himself from being

driven further into that barbed wire.

And one for

Moxley as well.

Look at the blood all over the canvas for this match.

That's blood from Darby Allin's ear.

The ring looked like a crime scene.

But right now, Claudio Castagnoli, neutralizer on Tanahashi.

The P .T.

Springer for Tanahashi.

Now the cover.

One, two, a spray!

A long two.

How about that? Just calling in and headbutting the save.

Potentially a last -ditch effort.

By Will Ospreay.

To prevent the opposition from taking the match.

Yeah, and you see him holding the back of his head here, Excalibur. He just

sacrificed himself.

Because he realized that they are going to go after him now.

You do the math.

You look at the odds.

The odds right now are in favor of that man.

I just looked up off the monitor. I noticed Wheeler Yuta.

Prowling around the ring.

Which he's legal to do, unfortunately, for his acquisitions. His adversaries, I

should say.

Look at this.

Moxley gripping the neck.

Thumbs in the spine as he pulls him up on the neck.

He knows. We all know.

Spine first into this barbed wire laced table.

Will Ospreay is incredible.

Kinney, Kinney, Kinney.

Big snap drive in that time.

He did for a moment. Yes, he's still in this thing.

Omoxley and Omega, there are many, many battles.

But Kota Ibushi now.

A potent, powerful kick.

That snap.

Dragon.

Man, this is getting deadly.

It is deadly.

Ibushi throwing his body at the box.

It's amazing some of these men can still, function this deep into this

with all that's going on.

Adrenaline can do a lot.

Superhuman effort by everybody.

And Omega taking every chance in the book is Omega.

What the hell? They're saying, no caution to the wind. I know it's cliche,

that's what they're doing.

Just wonder about the blood loss for Darby.

Look at the body. Can you just look to his left?

Looked around.

Saw the body.

He's got blood all over him.

Uh -oh.

Oh, here we go, Jim.

Yeah, you got to admire his courage and his resilience.

After the punishment he endured.

He's still in it.

I was going to say, I mean, in Texas, to come back to a match like this is, wait

a second, Hiroshi Tanahashi, what is he?

Who's he at, Alfred?

Get down there.

Tanahashi is, he's living. He wants... Tanahashi realizes

that it's livelihood.

has been adversely affected.

He should have realized that when he signed the contract. Wait a second,

Ospreay.

My God.

Ospreay climbing up to the cage.

Wheeler, you to... Ospreay's going to risk the career once and for

all here.

Wow!

Ospreay! A muscle from the top of the steel cage!

It took out a bunch of men, as they say in Oklahoma, a bunch of them.

and every chance in the book, the little definition of self.

And let's also say, you can see Ospreay is down. He's got to use the ring, start

to pull himself up on the outside.

Oh, but look at Gabe Kidd, a man who can make himself a star here tonight.

I mean, he's had a tremendous battle with Omega to kick off 2025.

He's a man with so much violence.

He's vitriol towards Kenny Omega.

There's no doubt that this man is a little bit off balance.

The gay kid may be concussed.

He may be concussed or he may just be crazy.

You're right about that.

He feels that Omega bit straight.

New Japan Pro Wrestling. Right in the throat.

Uppercut to the throat. You're right.

Wildly behind Kenny Omega, as you can hear. Prepare super kicks to their

brother in the elite.

Tanahashi trying to get screwed.

Tanahashi is so proficient at the dragon screws.

Claudio counters the twist and shout from Tanahashi.

But Ibushi, the back flipping kick.

Darby using that scorpion death drop. The smallest dog in the fight. He's

fighting like he's a super, super heavyweight.

And one for Matt Jackson as well.

Oh, but he caught one from Gay Kid.

Gay Kid has been very opportunistic.

that make us say, man, you've got to keep everybody down, and that's so

difficult to do.

Look at this crowd, man, and the blood and the sweat.

These guys are putting their careers on the line.

Anybody that would argue that point is not looking at the fact I'm looking at.

Over 18 ,000 fans pinning this is awesome, and they're absolutely correct.

Now, Nick Jackson.

Bocchini to Ibushi.

Driven down, but will Ospreay.

Cutter.

These guys are going for the professional kill here.

What are we

witnessing here?

We are witnessing a spectacle that we have never seen before.

And we've seen some crazy stuff.

in aw maybe we're witnessing a slobber knocker tony yes now the two of the

original adversaries of all elite wrestling yeah john moxley the first

nothing 2019 emerged from the crowd and had one target in mind kenny oh my god

what impact right on the front of this mark great call on that if scaliber i

remember that from las vegas

how much more can moxley take omega

again

with so many men going at it at the

same time in so many bodies it's very difficult to get a one two three because

of the saves and everybody jumping back in the ring how's it going to end what's

it going to take do you think I shudder to think, Tony, I shudder to think what

it's going to take to end this contest.

See a beleaguered Moxley.

He's looking outside.

I don't know what he's... Moxley.

There's Wheeler Uta there you see on the outside.

Wheeler wants to get more involved than he deserves.

Wait a second.

Moxley and Uta climbing the cage on opposite sides.

He's trying to bring Wheeler in.

Remember, anything goes to Wheeler.

Moxley and Yuta battling right above the...

Darby. This is

dangerous.

Moxley on the outside now.

But wait a second, Yuta.

The Japanese team better watch out here because these two men are just... Crash

and burn.

Spine first.

Wood wins.

Taking out the Japanese announcer.

Darby's not done.

Now Darby, outside of the cage, he's spotted Moxley.

Remember, the only way to win is by pinfall.

We're in very close quarters here because the cage pressed against the

El Desperado for the Japanese announcing he had nowhere to go. No, he didn't. As

Yuta fell from the cage.

As ringside position attending to Desperado and Yuta alike.

But right now, Dr. Michael Sampson was Johnny on the spot.

Wait a second. Look at these kicks. Darby.

He's got Moxley sandwiched underneath the tables.

And he's going to go up the freaking top of the cage.

You talk about taking the ultimate risk.

The big challenge.

It's feast or famine. Marina Shafir just pulled Moxley out of harm's way.

And Gabe Kidd coming up from behind. And Darby doesn't realize it.

Oh, low blow.

Which is as legal as a headlock.

A low blow with Darby perched atop the cage.

As now Kidd.

Kidd ascending to the top of the cage with Darby Allin.

Nearly incapacitated. Oh, just a headbutt to the base of the neck.

Darby is addled.

His equilibrium is screwed.

Kidd with a grip around the neck.

Oh, but Darby. Rick in the eyes.

Wrenching at the face.

God almighty, you're talking about crash and burn.

Body's on the line.

Remember, it's one fall and only one fall in this matchup. I don't think

going to see Darby and Gabe Kidd anytime soon in this match.

And now it may come down to Kota Ibushi and Claudio Castagnoli deciding this

match for their teams.

Oh, look at those shots.

They're both giving it all they have. Who's going to weaken?

Claudio getting the better of Ibushi. He's bigger and he's stronger.

And he's laying him in, man.

Swarming Ibushi with those shots.

Ibushi, a half and half.

He ate every one of those shots and came with that half and half.

Kenny walking like Frankenstein.

Omega, the record.

The V -trigger, Ospreay.

make the difference or be the difference in this one fall encounter.

Golden Lovers avoiding the attack from Nick Jackson.

He was out of desperation, but it was seamless.

This crowd of over 18 ,000 just going crazy here tonight.

There's nobody to save Matt Jackson. Everybody else is outside.

Hiroshi Tanahashi scoring the pin. How about that?

In his final match ever in the United Kingdom. You know, after Australia

this year, I wasn't sure we'd ever see Osprey and Omega working together again.

But they did. To great effect. They changed.

They shifted the...

I love this match.

They shifted the tide, and it took the fact that divided conquered.

That's exactly what happened. Nobody could save Matt Jackson. Nick was down,

there are your winners.

Raise those hands high.

You earned it. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kenny Omega.

What a hell of a man, ladies and gentlemen.

We all witnessed here together.

Kota Ibushi, Will Offray, their hands raised, and their partner, Darby Allen.

receiving medical attention outside of the cage well fans just nearly just

under 19 000 people joined us here tonight the o2 in london the

crowd for professional wrestling historic hundreds of thousands joining

around the world from your home and we thank you all for joining us

And what a great audience.

What great fans we have here in AEW. They stood and they roared.

Almost 19 ,000 in attendance.

There's Jon Motley.

And Darby, oh, Darby on his feet. What a great fight after that.

After that crack and burn.

Darby Allen, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

For the final time in the United Kingdom.

For the final time in the United Kingdom. And Will Ospreay.

Two proud warriors.

Warriors, that's the right word, man. These gentlemen provided Will looking

those home crowds.

He's got a road ahead of him, doesn't he?

Absolutely. And this whole crowd recognizing the efforts and the

Of Will Ospreay here tonight.

Yeah, whatever comes next for Will Ospreay, we wish him all the best.

He was very candid on Wednesday night, this past Wednesday night,

about what could be waiting in his very near future.

That's the courage and commitment that you get from a star.

Commitment.

Willing to pay the price.

Well, Fancy, thank you for joining us tonight for Forbidden Tour.

Again, best wishes to Will Ospreay for whatever life throws at him next, man.

Oh, God almighty.

Are you kidding?

Wait.

And now they're locking him.

Ospreay's teammates have left the cage, which is customary when these matches

are over.

Darby Omega.

My God, they're going to try to end this man's career. Look at him holding the

back of his freaking head.

Come on.

Repeated.

Repeated shots from Moxley.

Paradigm shift.

Just one after another. This is unconscionable.

This is.

No, not again.

Landing solid on his head. And that is Will Ospreay.

He's out, guys. Right now, he's out.

And helpless.

And Marina's climbed in. Look at this.

What's the point of all this?

Osprey, they're evil people, Excalibur. They're just goddamn evil.

They don't care.

Enough is enough. We're crying out loud.

Enough!

We may

have

just witnessed the end of Will Ospreay's career.

I don't mean to be hyperbolic.

They're screaming, raise the freaking cage.

Samoa Joe demanding that the cage be raised.

Why? Why do this?

Look at him scurrying under the cage like rats.

Not those guys.

Talk about Death Riders. Death Riders, yeah, the Bucs.

This is a very delicate scene here. Yeah, it is.

I mean, any movement on Osprey at this point could end

his career.

Or it could be life -altering. Life -altering, you're right.

It's a sad ending to an amazing main event and an even more amazing tape

here in London.

Cage raises up. I'm sure that there's a stretcher, a backboard, a mobilizer for

the neck, and we're out to the ring.

Put a damper on the wonderful night, eh?

You got the head. There you go. Okay, now wrap it around.

There we go.