BJ Whitmer Reportedly Headed To All Elite Wrestling

BJ Whitmer recently left Ring of Honor, a company he had been with for the majority of his career. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Whitmer is expected to join All Elite Wrestling in 2019.

“Whitmer did a little bit of everything behind the scenes,” Dave Meltzer wrote. “Helping produce matches, was part of the booking team, trained wrestlers, did commentary at times, ran the Gorilla position and at some points was Bernard the Business Bear. He’s expected to be headed to AEW in a similar role.”

Tyson Smith previously reported that Whitmer left Ring of Honor this month amidst frustrations with the promotion. Whitmer was frustrated when ROH wouldn’t let him accept an invitation to be a guest coach at the WWE Performance Center. Instead, ROH asked him to sign a non-compete agreement after being informed of his invitation to WWE’s developmental facility.

Whitmer is reported to have sent an email to all ROH employees prior to leaving.

“In leaving ROH, I want to say thank you and it’s been a pleasure working with all of you,” Whitmer wrote. “I wish everyone nothing but the best and I’m certain I’ll cross paths with most of you again.”

All Elite Wrestling Files For New Trademark

The LLC “All Elite Wrestling” has filed for a new trademark. The trademarked term appears to be for a potential charity wrestling event. Both the term “Fight For The Fallen” and an accompanying logo were filed on Friday.

Previously filed trademarks for All Elite Wrestling also include:

All Elite Wrestling and AEW

Tuesday Night Dynamite

AEW Double Or Nothing

AEW All Out

One of the bigger questions surrounding the newly formed LLC is if wrestlers from the Elite will be permitted to perform for both NJPW and a new wrestling promotion based in the United States that isn’t Ring of Honor.

“Obviously, both AEW and ROH will want a business relationship with New Japan,” Dave Meltzer wrote recently in the Wrestling Observer.

“New Japan has blocked its talent from working for Impact, even though Don Callis is an announcer for New Japan, because of the ROH relationship,” he continued. “They have not blocked people from working for MLW.”

As it stands now, several members of the Elite have matches scheduled at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Kenny Omega will face Hiroshi Tanahashi, the Young Bucks will be in a 3-way for the heavyweight tag titles, and Cody will face Juice Robinson.

BJ Whitmer Departs ROH Amidst Frustrations With Company

BJ Whitmer is no longer with Ring of Honor. The 40-year-old tendered his resignation earlier this week. According to a report from Pro Wrestling Sheet, Whitmer was unhappy with the company, leading to his departure.

“We’re told BJ had been unhappy with management for months and that was his reasoning for quitting,” wrote Ryan Satin.

According to PW Insider, Whitmer sent an email to ROH employees which was critical of the company. He said he had been treated with “utter disrespect” by ROH in the email. The report from PW Insider would continue to say an incident involving a WWE PC guest-coaching spot may have been the catalyst for these events. ROH evidently would not let Whitmer accept a guest-coaching spot with WWE. Such temporary positions are often offered to industry veterans for a few days at the Performance Center in Orlando.

“In leaving ROH, I want to say thank you and it’s been a pleasure working with all of you,” Whitmer wrote to ROH employees. “I wish everyone nothing but the best and I’m certain I’ll cross paths with most of you again.”

ROH has declined comment on the matter.

The Elite Bids Farewell To Ring Of Honor After Final Battle

Members of The Elite bid farewell to Ring of Honor after the conclusion of Friday night’s Final Battle pay-per-view from New York City.

The Young Bucks, Cody, Hangman Page and S.C.U. (Christopher Daniels, Kazarian and Scorpio Sky) were all in action on the card. All of them are rumored to be departing Ring of Honor and all of them lost their matches Friday night. You can check out our full breakdown of the Final Battle pay-per-view here. The main event saw the Briscoe Brothers defeat the Young Bucks and S.C.U. in a Ladder War to capture the ROH world tag team championships for the 10th time.

After the show went off the air, The Elite hit the ring to address the live crowd. Matt Jackson thanked everyone for their support and said the Manhattan Center is their favorite venue to wrestle in. Fans chanted, “January 1st” in reference to The Elite teasing a major announcement regarding their future after the new year.

Jackson said this was not going to be some emotional farewell speech or anything like that, which brought on more supportive chants. The Young Bucks started in Ring of Honor 10 years ago and this past 2-year run as best the best time of their lives. They thanked Ring of Honor executives and their families for joining them each step of their journey.

Matt Jackson then asked, “We’re all elite, right?” He said “the timer is ticking” and something big is about to go down. He encouraged everyone to stay tuned and keep watching their Youtube series, Being the Elite, for details on their next moves.

Fans chanted “Double or Nothing” as The Elite signed off and promised they will return to New York City again.

Update On The Evolving Landscape Headed Into 2019

As we head into 2019, there are plenty of unanswered questions surrounding what the pro-wrestling landscape will look like in the new year. One of the most burning questions is where will members of the Elite end up?

Cody, the Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and eventually Marty Scurll (he’s under contract to ROH until the spring) are expected to form the nucleus of the All Elite Wrestling. Still, many members of the Elite are hoping to continue working with New Japan Pro Wrestling next year.

What could possibly prevent the Elite from returning to NJPW, is the promotion’s approach to talent-sharing deals. This issue was addressed in the most recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

“Obviously, both AEW and ROH will want a business relationship with New Japan,” Meltzer wrote. He would continue to say every promotion in the United States would like to have such a relationship.

“New Japan has blocked its talent from working for Impact, even though Don Callis is an announcer for New Japan, because of the ROH relationship,” he continued. “They have not blocked people from working for MLW.”

The question then becomes whether NJPW will allow their talent to work for All Elite Wrestling as they do for MLW or if they will block them from doing so, as they have done with Impact Wrestling.

A possible sign the Young Bucks could be staying occurred this week, however. The popular tag-team announced they are finally being flown first-class to Japan for NJPW shows. This was something the brothers had complained about on their YouTube series in recent weeks.

“New Japan could work with both AEW and ROH,” Meltzer concluded. “The ball really is in their court.”

We expect to hear some big announcements out of the Elite camp after New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 event on January 4th.

Dynamite Kid

 

One of the legendary wrestlers from the 1980's passed away today, "The Dynamite Kid" Tom Billington.

Billington gained notority teaming with his cousin, Davey Boy Smith as the tag team The British Bulldogs in WWF.  They won the WWF Tag Team Championship once, defeating Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake at Wrestlemania II.

Before joining the WWF, Billington wrestled in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.  He was active in the Junior Heavyweight division and had legendary matches with Tatsumi Fujinami and the original Tiger Mask.  He won the WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship in Febuary 1984 while NJPW had a working relationship with WWF.  He defeated The Cobra in a tournament.  He vacated the title on November 6, 1984 when he left NJPW to return to WWF full time.

The British Bulldogs were a prominant tag team when I first started watching wrestling in the mid 1980's.  I used to love watching them because they had the bulldog, Matlida, and thought it was cool that they would bring their dog to the ring.  I loved to watch Billington wrestle because of how technically solid he was in the ring and how he flew with off the top rope and delivered the swandive headbutt.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  He was 60 years old.

Cody & Brandi Rhodes Watch Jackson Jaguars Game In Owner’s Box

Cody and Brandi Rhodes spent an NFL Sunday inside the Jacksonville Jaguars’ owner’s box yesterday. The NFL franchise is owned by the billionaire Khan family. The Jags also share the same registered address as All Elite Wrestling.

Cody didn’t publicize the trip on social media as he does for most things, however. Brandi, on the other hand, felt it necessary to discuss her choice in wardrobe with her followers.

Cody recently traveled to Australia for a tour with World Series Wrestling. Despite having a torn meniscus, Cody worked the tour doing Meet and Greets. He also defended the IWGP United States title on 3 occasions by defeating Joey Ryan in a staring contest. During the tour, he told fans to expect an announcement regarding All Elite Wrestling in January.

“At a meet and greet in Melbourne, Australia, Cody was asked about a new promotion and said to wait for January as an announcement will be made, and said the announcement would be bigger than anyone expects,” Dave Meltzer wrote in this week’s Wrestling Observer.

Last Tuesday, Cody put out a Tweet asking “Who are some of the hottest male/female independent acts not signed anywhere?” Fuelling speculation the Elite is looking to bring in unsigned talent to their new promotion.

Young Bucks Comment On All Elite Wrestling Trademarks

From our first report to being an actual registered company who is preparing for its official launch next year, All Elite Wrestling has traveled very far in the last couple of months.

However, the main people involved with the promotion are still playing with the report. Some of them are like Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes who are just having fun.

Then there are people like the Young Bucks who also have legal limitations since they are still under contracts.

However, this is not going to stop people from discussing it. It also means that whether or not they can answer the questions, the people who are involved with the promotion are still going to be asked about it.

This was the case during the latest episode of Wrestling Perspective podcast, where the host Petey Williams talked to the Bucks about the promotion, asking them what they can say on the situation.

Answering the question both the brothers tried to protect the information and work around the question.

Matt Jackson said that they are in a situation where they don’t really know what they are going to do. Though he accepted that after All In they have offers from investors which they are still thinking about.

Nick Jackson took a slightly different route and accepted that they have offers from every major company in the world. He explained that they have not said no to anyone since they are keeping their options open.

Although whether or not they accept it, AEW has already become one of the hottest topics of discussion among fans. It doesn’t look like these discussions will be cooling down anytime soon.

Cody Hints “All Elite Wrestling” Announcement Coming In January

Cody, the Young Bucks, Marty Scurll, and Adam Page are all finishing up commitments in ROH and NJPW at the moment. When 2019 hits, however, it’s looking as though the group will be part of a new promotion, All Elite Wrestling.

Cody was asked recently at a Meet in Greet for World Series Wrestling in Australia about the promotion. He indicated an announcement would be made in January. Cody also stated the announcement will be bigger than expected.

Cody’s answer to the question was covered in this week’s Wrestling Observer:

“At a meet and greet in Melbourne, Australia, Cody was asked about a new promotion and said to wait for January as an announcement will be made, and said the announcement would be bigger than anyone expects,” Dave Meltzer wrote.

Cody has also doubled-down on his statements that he will be finishing up with Ring of Honor after Final Battle. He has said his title match with Jay Lethal will be his final match with the promotion. The angle is if Cody wins he’ll bring the title with him into free agency.

Cody also appears to be scouting talent. He sent the following out on Tuesday evening:

"Curious. Who are some of the hottest male/female independent acts not signed anywhere?"

What top unsigned talent would you like to see Cody bring to All Elite Wrestling??

Jim Ross: All Elite Wrestling Will Be Big – If They Secure A TV Deal

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has provided some new commentary on All Elite Wrestling. Ross, who has been involved in the early stages of the upstart promotion, calls it a “feast or famine” proposition whose success is predicated on securing a meaningful television deal.

On the latest Jim Ross Report podcast, Good ‘ol JR addressed the recent development that All Elite Wrestling trademarks have been filed by the Khan family:

“I certainly want to address the trademark issues filed by the Kahn family,” Ross said.

“If this thing happens, it’s going to be one of two things, in my opinion. It’s either going to never happen, because a television deal could not be acquired, or the television deal is going to be finalized, and it’s going to be big,” Ross said.

Later in the show, while interviewing Dave Meltzer, Ross again addressed the possibility of an All Elite Wrestling promotion.

“Two things you have to have to start a wrestling promotion: television, and talent. In that order,” Ross said.

“If you don’t have viable television, I’m not talking about Pop TV, I’m talking about a real television outlet, a major cable entity that everybody has access to, you damn sure don’t need any talent.”

“This company, if it ever happens, it’s an idea right now. If they don’t get TV, there is no company.”

Ross also addressed his potential involvement with All Elite Wrestling:

“I’ve been rumored to be in every role with this company. It’s just eye-rolling. At one point it’s Jericho and me, which I thought was really stupid. Me and Jericho are going to spend all the money we’ve made over the years to get in the wrestling business? Are you crazy? Are you nuts?”

Ross continued, “And then we’re not involved at all, it’s these other guys that are really the movers and shakers. There ain’t nothing to move here, folks. There ain’t nothing to shake.”

It’s worth noting that Ross never went so far as to deny his potential involvement with the proposed company, despite all of his bluster. He only stated that the company may not get off the ground.

CM Punk Open To Working With All Elite Wrestling

Former WWE Superstar CM Punk is aware of All Elite Wrestling and would consider working for the upstart promotion if they made him a solid offer. During an interview with MMAFighting, Punk said, “If those guys all go and start their own thing, more power to them,” Punk said.

When asked directly if he’d entertain an offer to work for All Elite, Punk replied, “I would always listen. I would listen to them because … I like the Young Bucks, I text with Matt on and off. But business is business.”

Prior to All In, there was speculation as to whether or not he would be involved in that show. Cody Rhodes stated at one point that they reached out to CM Punk to appear, but Punk says an official offer was never made.

“I know Cody was out there in the media saying that an offer was made,” Punk said. “An offer was not made. Calling me up or texting me saying, ‘Hey, if you want to come to the show and do something, we would love that’ is not an offer. That’s not an offer.”

While the signing of CM Punk would be a huge deal for All Elite, Punk is pretty adamant that his pro wrestling days are most likely behind him.

“There are a couple more loose ends that I’m still trying to tie up to fully absolve me from the world of pro wrestling,” Punk stated. “I feel like I’ve still been attached to it since the day that I left it and that’s mostly because of fugazi lawyers and such. But we’re wrapping all that up and that’ll come to an end. And once I’m truly free, we can explore the world and just float and hang out and I can walk my dog and drink coffee and do commentary for Dave Sholler and continue to train at Roufusport and do all kinds of stuff. I’ve earned it, I’ve paid my dues.”

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Trademarks Linked To New Promotion

An entity called ALL ELITE WRESTLING, LLC has filed several new trademarks linked to a new upstart wrestling promotion launching next year.

Last month, I broke the news that a new wrestling promotion is in the works involving members of The Elite (Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks), Jim Ross, Chris Jericho, agent Barry Bloom with financing by the billionaire Khan family. There were denials by the parties involved, there was skepticism, but I have uncovered trademarks that provide a lot more information about what’s coming next.

Based on the trademarks filed November 5th, the new promotion will be known as All Elite Wrestling (AEW). All Elite Wrestling, LLC is based out of Jacksonville, Florida with the same address as TIAA Bank Field, the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Jaguars are owned by the Khan family, co-owner Tony Khan heavily involved in AEW’s formation. The company also owns AllEliteWrestling.com.

The trademarks held by AEW’s parent company include:

All Elite Wrestling and AEW

Tuesday Night Dynamite

AEW Double Or Nothing

AEW All Out

Tuesday Night Dynamite indicates the promotion will be going with a weekly television series. As noted in my original report, AXS TV was fast-tracking plans to work with this new upstart wrestling organization. A rep from AXS TV denied this aspect of the report and I do not have any further details regarding the television home of AEW.

The following artwork was also trademarked for AEW: Double or Nothing and AEW: All Out (presumably events that will be taking place in 2019):

2019 is already shaping up to be a very interesting year for pro wrestling fans. I’ll keep you posted as more details are available regarding this new promotion.

Jim Ross Comments On The Elite Potentially Leaving ROH & NJPW

On the latest episode of The Jim Ross Report, Good Ol’ JR gave his take on the likelihood of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks leaving the ROH and NJPW promotions in January.

“As I said early on, the card for the Ring of Honor Madison Square Garden Show, with New Japan, will probably look entirely different then, compared to what one would assume it look like if it was booked today,” Ross said. “I think there’s gonna be a lot of movement with some of the biggest stars in the game.”

While not betraying anyone’s confidence, Ross implied that his opinion is informed, and not just speculation. “Just picking up a little bit here, a little bit there, and I’ll keep you apprised,” Ross said.

“I’m talking to a lot of these cats that have opportunities to do other things, casually… I think some people’s motors are running and the wheels are turning,” he said.

Jim Ross & Chris Jericho Working With Billionaire To Launch New Wrestling Promotion

The groundwork is being laid for a new wrestling promotion. It involves some of the top players in the industry and financial backing from a billionaire family already involved in professional sports.

Jim Ross and Chris Jericho have been working with renowned agent Barry Bloom in putting the pieces together. JR’s contract with WWE expires shortly and he has declined an offer to renew. He has been sending out feelers to select WWE performers, while Jericho has been handling the New Japan side. Bloom was recently in Japan taking meetings related to this deal.

The project is being financed by the Khan family. Shahid Khan, the patriarch, is one of the wealthiest men on the world (and a colorful personality). He owns the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C. of the English Premier League. Shahid’s son, Tony, is a big wrestling fan and has been hands-on with getting this off the ground. He follows a few wrestlers on Twitter, including Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and Marty Scurll.

Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks are on board, as are Hangman Page and a few others. Kenny Omega’s status is unclear. For what it’s worth, Bill Goldberg is a client of Barry Bloom, along with JR and Jericho. When The Elite has talked about sticking together next year, this is what they’ve been alluding to. Jim Ross has been coy about this on his podcast, vaguely teasing something big on the horizon without showing his cards.

With the A-level talent they are getting commitments from, the group will burn through a ton of cash quickly. They are moving forward with the understanding that significant losses are expected for the first couple years.

Talks are underway with AXS to secure a TV deal. AXS TV executive Adam Swift is fast-tracking this.  AXS currently airs New Japan Pro Wrestling and recently announced Jeanie Buss’ Women of Wrestling premieres in January. Sinclair Broadcasting, which provided logistical support for All In and has been acting in good faith, has been in the dark about this story.

The timeline for this going live is 12-16 months from now (late 2019 / early 2020).

All In PPV Results

Here are the detailed results of the All In Pay-Per-View from last night in Chicago, IL.

Ian Riccaboni, Exaclibur and Don Callis welcome us to the historic All In pay-per-view.  They recap the card and send us to the ring to get the action started.

SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian & Scorpio Sky) vs. The Briscoes 

Frankie Kazarian and Jay Briscoe will start things off. Jay knocks Sky off the ring apron. The Briscoes are putting the boots to Kazarian. The Briscoes with a double shoulder tackle. Jay uppercuts Kazarian. Jay tags in Mark. Kazarian decks Jay with a Back Elbow Smash. Kazarian side steps Mark into the turnbuckles. Sky connects with a SpringBoard HeadScissors TakeOver. Sky ducks a clothesline from Jay. Sky with a Standing Double Foot Stomp. Sky dropkicks Mark. Kazarian follows that with a Rebound Dropkick. Kazarian with a forearm smash. Kazarian with a Side Russian Leg Sweep for a two count. Kazarian applies a wrist lock. Kazarian tags in Sky. Sky with a Flying Double Sledge. Jay is running interference. Sky starts throwing haymakers at Mark. Jay clotheslines Mark. Mark kicks Sky in the face. Mark with a SlingShot Double Foot Stomp. Mark blasts Sky with a Knife Edge Chop. Mark tags in Jay. Jay kicks Sky in the gut. The Briscoes are cutting the ring half.

Jay repeatedly stomps on Sky’s chest. Jay is choking Sky with his boot. Mark applies a rear chin lock behind the referee’s back. Mark punches Sky in the ribs. Mark with a Vertical Suplex for a two count. Mark is lighting up Sky’s chest. Jay dropkicks Sky. Sky continues to be trapped in The Briscoes corner. Following a snap mare takeover, Jay applies a rear chin lock. Sky gets back to a vertical base. Sky with shots to the midsection of Jay. Sky creates distance with a Hurricanrana. Sky tags in Kazarian. Kazarian ducks a clothesline from Jay. Kazarian delivers a ShotGun Dropkick. Kazarian follows that with a Spinning Leg Lariat. Kazarian drops Jay with a Float Over DDT. Kazarian with a Northern Lights Suplex/O’Connor Roll Combination for a two count.

Jay reverses out of the irish whip from Kazarian. Up and over goes Jay Briscoe. Jay goes for a Shoulder Block, but Kazarian counters with an Guillotine Leg Drop. Sky with an Over Head Belly to Belly Suplex which sends Mark crashing into his brother. Kazarian with a Beautiful Hurricanrana on the floor. Sky lands a SomerSault Plancha. Sky rocks Jay with a SlingShot Cutter. SoCal Uncensored locks in Stereo Dragon Sleepers. Jay rakes the eyes of Kazarian. Jay tosses Sky out of the ring. Kazarian and Jay are trading back and forth shots. Jay with a Running Back Elbow Strike. Mark follows that with a Forearm Smash. Jay kicks Kazarian out of the ring. Mark with a BlockBuster off the ring apron. Jay with a Delayed NeckBreaker for a two count.

The Briscoes are double teaming Kazarian. The Briscoes hits Redneck Boogie for a two count. Mark places Kazarian on the top turnbuckle. Sky runs Jay into the steel barricade. Sky with a Top Rope FrankenSteiner to Mark. Kazarian with an Assisted Tornado DDT. SoCal Uncensored connects with a Uranage Slam/Lung Blower Combination for a two count. Mark applies a side headlock. Jay rocks Sky with a Big Boot. Jay nails Kazarian with The Jay Driller. Kazarian kicks out of Froggy Bow. Jay transitions into a ground and pound attack. The Briscoes pick up Kazarian for The Doomsday Device, but he counters with a PowerSlam in mid-air. Sky lays out Jay with a Jumping Knee Strike. Kazarian hooks the leg to pickup the victory.

Winner: So Cal Uncensored via Pinfall 

This was a hell of a way to start off this Pay-Per-View event.  Scorpio Sky has so much potential to be a big star in the wrestling industry.

Over The Budget Battle Royal. The Winner Will Get An Automatic ROH World Title Match 

1.) Marko Stunt eliminates Moose

2.) Ethan Page eliminates Brandon Cutler

3.) Punishment Martinez elimates Best Friends (Chuckie T and Trent)

4.) Brian Cage eliminates Rocky Romero

5.) Ethan Page eliminates Hurricane Helms

6.) Colt Cabana eliminates Ethan Page

7.) Bully Ray eliminates Tommy Dreamer

8.) Billy Gunn eliminates Jimmy Jacobs

9.) Austin Gunn eliminates Punishment Martinez

10.) Bully Ray eliminates Austin Gunn

11.) Brian Cage eliminates Billy Gunn

12.) Jordynne Grace eliminates Brian Cage

13.) Bully Ray eliminates Jordynne Grace

14.) Bully Ray eliminates Colt Cabana

15.) Chico El Luchador (Flip Gordon) eliminates Bully Ray

Listen, I love to watch a good Battle Royal as much as the next person, but trying to describe what went on in the match is just too much to type out.  All you need to know is that Chico El Luchador, er Flip Gordon was taken out during the match at ringside and stayed out until the very end when Bully Ray eliminated Colt Cabana and celebrated.  Then Chico El Gordon slid in the ring and eliminated Bully Ray.  Flip El Luchador then took off his mask to reveal his identity (glad this event didn't take place in Mexico or he would have been run out of the building) and celebrated because he was going to face Jay Lethal for the Ring of Honor World Championship later that night.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Matt Cross 

Cross brings the fight to MJF in the early stages of this match. Cross rolls MJF back into the ring. MJF is trying to create separation. MJF with a Forearm Smash to Cross. MJF drives Cross shoulder first into the steel ring post. Following a snap mare takeover, MJF with a Senton Splash for a two count. MJF stomps on the left wrist of Cross. MJF applies an arm-bar. MJF dodges a chop from Cross. MJF with a GutWrench PowerBomb for a two count. MJF argues with the referee.

MJF has Cross perched on the top turnbuckle. MJF slaps Cross in the face. Cross with clubbing blows to the back of MJF. Cross with a Top Rope FrankenSteiner. Cross fires up with multiple clotheslines. Cross with a HandSpring Back Elbow Strike. Cross with a SpringBoard Crossbody Block for a two count. MJF rocks Cross in mid-air. MJF with a Package ShoulderBreaker for a two count. Cross and MJF are trading back and forth shots. MJF pie faces Cross.

MJF gives the Chicago crowd the middle finger. MJF pokes Cross in the eyes. Cross responds with a Pump Kick. Cross with a Roll Through Double Foot Stomp. MJF with a lateral press for a two count. MJF applies an arm-bar. Cross rolls MJF over for a two count. MJF sends Cross to the ring apron. MJF attacks the injured arm of Cross. MJF connects with an Pendulum PileDriver for a two count. MJF goes for a MoonSault, but Cross ducks out of the way. Cross hits a HandSpring Cutter. Cross lands The Shooting Star Press to pickup the victory.

Winner: Matt Cross via Pinfall 

MJF is a classic arrogant heel.  I've followed Matt Cross' career since 2014 when he showed up on Lucha Underground as the masked superstar, Son of Havoc.  I loved this match.  It gave me everything I could ask for as far as entertainment.

Christopher Daniels vs. Stephen Amell 

Special Referee:  Jerry Lynn

After the wrestlers are introduced, ring announcer Justin Roberts announces that the referee for the match is "The Whole Ref'n Show" Jerry Lynn. Amell shoves Daniels. Daniels spits at Amell. Daniels ducks a clothesline from Almas. Daniels grapples around Amell. Daniels walks over Amell’s back. Daniels and Amell are trading knife edge chops. Amell ducks a clothesline from Daniels. Amell with a Waist Lock TakeDown. Amell shows Daniels extreme amounts of disrespect. Daniels responds with a chop/forearm combination. Daniels repeatedly stomps on Amell’s chest. Amell kicks Daniels in the jaw. Amell dropkicks Daniels. Amell follows that with a Step Up Enzuigiri. Amell clotheslines Daniels over the top rope. Amell runs Daniels into the ringside barricade. Amell slams Daniels head on the table. Amell goes for a Uranage Slam, but Daniels blocks it. Amell is choking Daniels with his boot.

Amell argues with the referee. Daniels with a Belly to Back Suplex. Daniels repeatedly kicks Amell in the back. Daniels with a hammerlock gut punch to Amell. Daniels is mauling Amell in the corner. Daniels with a GutBuster for a two count. Daniels applies a waist lock. Amell with three sharp elbow strikes. Daniels drives his shoulder into the midsection of Amell. Daniels with a SpringBoard MoonSault. Daniels goes for a Suplex, but Amell counters with a Hip Toss over the top rope. Amell clotheslines Daniels. Daniels fights out of Cross Rhodes. Amell drops Daniels with a Big Boot. Amell hits The Falcon Arrow for a two count. Amell whips Daniels to the corner. Amell lands The Coast To Coast for a two count.

Daniels dodges a leg lariat from Amell. Daniels connects with The BME for a two count. Daniels and Amell are trading back and forth shots. Daniels is laid flat on the table. Amell goes for a Diving Elbow Drop, but Daniels ducks out of the way. Lynn rolls Amell and Daniels back into the ring. Daniels is pissed. Lynn throws his referee t-shirt at Daniels. Daniels shoves Lynn. Amell with a schoolboy rollup for a two count. Daniels is throwing haymakers at Amell. Amell tells Daniels to bring it. Daniels kicks Amell in the gut. Daniels goes for Angel’s Wings, but Amell blocks it. Daniels with a Uranage BackBreaker. Daniels delivers another BME to pickup the victory.

Winner: Christopher Daniels via Pinfall 

I enjoyed watching their tag team match at Ring of Honor's Survival of the Fittest show in San Antonio last year.  When this match was announced, I couldn't wait to see what these two would do in a singles match.  The addition of Jerry Lynn to the match as the referee was great.  It allowed Daniels to get the cheap heat by being physical with a referee who wasn't afraid to stand his ground.  This was a very physical match that I enjoyed very much.

Tessa Blanchard vs. Chelsea Green vs. Madison Rayne vs. Britt Baker in a Four Corners Survival Match 

Rayne shakes hands with Baker and Green after the bell rings. Blanchard drops Rayne with a forearm smash. Green is playing games with Blanchard. Blanchard whips Rayne into the ringside barricade. Baker and Green are trading pinning combination. Green with a La Magistral for a two count. Green knocks Blanchard off the ring apron. Baker lands two deep arm-rags. Baker applies a side headlock. Baker goes for a Hip Toss, but Green blocks it. Green applies a wrist lock. Green delivers an Mexican Arm-Drag. Green goes for a Bronco Buster, but Blanchard counters with a Spear. Blanchard clotheslines Green over the top rope. Blanchard dropkicks the chest of Baker. Blanchard follows that with a Running Forearm Smash. Baker kicks Blanchard in the face. Blanchard decks Rayne with a Back Elbow Smash. Blanchard with a Draping CodeBreaker. Rayne responds with multiple pinning combinations.

Rayne with a Tilt-A-Whirl HeadScissors TakeOver. Blanchard drops Rayne with a straight right hand. Blanchard sends Rayne crashing into Baker and Green. Green with a Bicycle Kick to Baker. Green plays to the crowd. Green lands a Suicide Dive. Blanchard with Clubbing Forearm across the jaw of Green. Blanchard wipes out the field with a Twisting Crossbody Block. Rayne wraps this sequence with a Flying Crossbody Block off the steel ring post. Rayne with the cover for a two count. Baker fires up with Three SlingBlades for a two count. Baker whips Green back first across the turnbuckles. Rayne with a Ripcord Cutter for a two count.

Blanchard with clubbing blow to the back of Rayne. Blanchard with a Delayed Vertical Suplex. Baker sends Blanchard crashing into the steel ring post. Green blasts Blanchard with The Broski Boot. Baker responds with a Saito Suplex. Blanchard goes for a HammerLock DDT, but Baker blocks it. Blanchard with a Swinging FlatLiner. Rayne responds with a Tornado DDT. Green lands a Missile Dropkick. Rayne is throwing forearms at Baker. Rayne has Baker perched on the top turnbuckle. Rayne connects with an Avalanche Cutter for a two count.

Green SuperKicks Baker. Blanchard hits a Flying Magnum. Baker SuperKicks Blanchard. Baker with the lateral press for a two count. Blanchard rolls Baker over for a two count. Standing Switch Exchange. Blanchard with a Nasty Elbow Smash to Baker. Rayne with a Crucifix Bomb for a two count. Baker with a Ripcord Forearm Smash to Rayne. Baker follows that with a Fisherman’s NeckBreaker for a two count. Green drops Baker with The Unprettier for a two count. Green is displaying her frustration. Green kicks Blanchard in the gut. Blanchard kicks out of The Canadian Destroyer. Blanchard hits The HammerLock DDT to pickup the victory.

Winner: Tessa Blanchard via Pinfall

I'm a big fan of both Tessa Blanchard and Madison Rayne, so to get them both in a match as the same time was very enjoyable.  I haven't watched TNA / Impact in a while now, so I found Chelsea Green's character to be a bit confusing.  First time I have seen Britt Baker in the ring and I was impressed.  She has the "it factor" and could be a big star in this industry.

Hangman Page vs. Joey Janela w/Penelope Ford in a Chicago Street Fight 

Janela ducks a clothesline from Page. Page drops Janela with a Big Boot. Page follows that with an elbow strike. Page tosses Janela out of the ring. Page lands a Suicide Dive. Page rolls Janela back into the ring. Janela regains momentum with a tope of his own. Page with a Running Boot to Janela. Page delivers a Triangle MoonSault. Page kicks Janela in the face. This leads us to a forearm exchange in the center of the ring. Page connects with an PumpHandle Fallaway Slam on the steel chair for a two count. Page is caught off guard by Joey Ryan chants. Janela drives Page back first into the cracker barrel. Janela with a SomerSault Senton off the cracker barrel.

Janela brings Page back to the ringside area. Page leapfrogs over the cracker barrel. Janela unloads two forearm shivers. Page responds with a Buckshot Lariat on the floor. Page brings out a table from under the ring. Janela levels Page with a Leaping Palm Strike. Janela with a Running Death Valley Driver into the turnbuckles for a two count. Janela puts a ladder on top of the cracker barrel. Page gets Janela trapped in a Torture Rack Position. Page with a Burning Hammer on the ladder. Ford applies a sleeper hold. Ford slaps Page in the face. Ford shows off her athleticism. Ford drops Page with a Stunner. Ford follows that with a Diving Crossbody Block. Ford transitions into a ground and pound attack. Janela with a Flying Elbow Drop through the table.

Janela clotheslines Page on the ramp. Janela is trying unhook the steel guard rails. Janela and Ford sets up two tables in tandem. Page SuperKicks Janela. Page with a Running PowerBomb off the ramp. Page rolls Janela back into the ring. Page removes his elbow pad. Page lands another Buckshot Lariat. Page connects with The Rite Of Passage for a two count. The cursed boots fall out of the black garbage bag. Page blasts Ford with a Bicycle Kick. Janela SuperKicks Page for a two count. Janela brings more weapons into the ring. Janela is favoring his neck. Janela climbs up the ladder. Page is throwing haymakers at Janela. Page repeatedly hits Janela with the same telephone that killed Joey Ryan. Page plants Janela with The Rite Of Passage off the ladder through the table to pickup the victory.

Winner: Hangman Page via Pinfall 

Following the match Joey Ryan rises from the dead with the help of his phallic druids and lays out Hangman Page

First time I have seen Joey Janela or even heard of him.  He looks like a young Chris Jericho, but is as crazy as Jeff Hardy.  Hangman Page is someone that you can build a company around.  Alright, I get that Joey Ryan is a comedic pornstar wannabe wrestler, but mocking the Undertaker and using "Dick Druids" was a bit much for me.

Jay Lethal (c) w/Lanny Poffo vs. Flip Gordon w/Brandi Rhodes For The ROH World Championship 

Lethal and Gordon adhere’s to the code of honor.Lethal applies a waist lock. Gordon easily breaks free from the hold. Lethal is treating Brandi like Elizabeth. Lethal drives his knee into the midsection of Gordon. Gordon lands a deep arm-drag. Gordon slides under Lethal. Lethal blasts Gordon with a knife edge chop. Gordon responds with a Crossbody Block. Gordon drops Lethal with a shoulder tackle for a one count. Gordon skins the cat. Lethal clotheslines Gordon over the top rope. Brandi is attending to Gordon on the outside. Lethal chases Brandi around the ringside area. Lethal presses Brandi up on his shoulders. Brandi taps Lethal on the shoulder. Lethal is now back in a stable condition.

Lethal is lighting up Gordon’s chest. Gordon kicks Lethal in the jaw. Lethal responds with a Hip Toss. Lethal goes for a Basement Dropkick, but Gordon ducks out of the way. Gordon with a Standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. Gordon is playing mind games with Lethal. Gordon with a low bridge which sends Lethal crashing to the outside. Gordon delivers Two Tope’s. Gordon follows that with a Corkscrew Plancha. Gordon rolls Lethal back into the ring. Gordon with a Reverse High Fly Flow for a two count. Neither man can deliver a back body drop. Lethal rolls Gordon over for a two count. Lethal with a back slide cover for a two count. Lethal blasts Gordon with a Pump Kick. Gordon responds with a spinning heel kick. Gordon with a Standing MoonSault for a two count. Lethal and Gordon are trading back and forth shots.

Gordon hits The Kinder Surprise. Gordon goes for a 450 Splash, but Lethal ducks out of the way. Lethal connects with The Lethal Combination for a two count. Lethal drops Gordon with a brutal chop. Gordon with an O’Connor Roll for a two count. Gordon rocks Lethal with a Jumping Knee Strike. Gordon follows that with a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Gordon goes for a SpringBoard Cutter, but Lethal counters with The Torture Rack. Poffo helps Lethal re-channel his inner macho man. Lethal bodyslams Gordon. Lethal with a series of Macho Man Elbow Drops for a two count.

Gordon hulks himself up. Gordon points at Lethal. Gordon with rapid fire haymakers. Gordon drops Lethal with a Big Boot. Gordon thrust kicks the midsection of Lethal. Gordon lands a Pele Kick. Gordon hits a Star Spangled SlingBlade. Gordon dives over Lethal. Gordon with an Samoan Pop. Gordon with a Running Shooting Star Press. Gordon wraps this sequence with a Twisting Splash for a two count. Gordon has Lethal perched on the top turnbuckle. Gordon goes for another Kinder Surprise, but Lethal counters with a Leaping Cutter. Lethal plants Gordon with The Lethal Injection to pickup the victory. After the match, Bully Ray attacks Gordon, Lethal and Lanny Poffo. Colt Cabana Spears Bully. Cabana transitions into a ground and pound attack. Cabana, Gordon and Lethal puts Bully through a table with The Cerberus PowerBomb.

Winner: Still ROH World Champion, Jay Lethal via Pinfall 

Wow!  What a match!  So much back and forth action!  I loved seeing "The Genius" Lanny Poffo at ringside with Jay Lethal and seeing him bring back "Black Machismo".  Lethal gave me exactly what I wanted out of a championship match.  Gordon surprised me and showed he has the talent to compete in main event matches.

Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr 

Pentagon reminds Omega that has zero fear. Omega slaps Pentagon in the face. Pentagon responds with a Spinning Back Kick. Omega leapfrogs over Pentagon. Pentagon kicks Omega in the ribs. Pentagon rolls Omega back into the ring. Pentagon is throwing forearms at Omega. Omega reverses out of the irish whip from Pentagon. Pentagon with a Rebound LungBlower to Omega. Pentagon is playing mind games with Omega. Omega fires back with a Hurricanrana. Omega plays to the crowd. Pentagon ducks a clothesline from Omega. Pentagon hits The SlingBlade. Pentagon follows that with a SomerSault Plancha.

Pentagon attacks the left hamstring of Omega. Pentagon slaps Omega in the chest. This leads us to a nasty chop exchange on the floor. Pentagon runs Omega into the ringside barricade. Pentagon PowerSlams Omega. Pentagon is controlling the pace of the match. Battle of chops in the center of the ring. Pentagon with a Corner Clothesline. Omega responds with a Rolling Senton. Omega goes for a MoonSault, but Pentagon gets his knees up in the air. Omega ducks a clothesline from Pentagon. Omega drops Pentagon with a Tornado DDT. Omega with a SpringBoard Crossbody Block. Omega dropkicks Pentagon. Omega connects with Aoi Shoudou for a two count.

Omega goes for a V-Trigger, but Pentagon counters with a SuperKick. Standing Switch Exchange. Pentagon goes for a German Suplex, but Omega lands back on his feet. Omega hits a Snap Dragon Suplex. Omega goes for The One Winged Angel, but Pentagon counters with a Power LungBlower for a two count. Pentagon dives over Omega. Omega clotheslines Pentagon. Omega with a Death Valley Driver for a two count. Omega blasts Pentagon with V-Trigger 1. Omega has Pentagon perched on the top turnbuckle. Pentagon decks Omega with a Cheeky Nandos Kick. Pentagon with a Flying Double Foot Stomp for a two count. Pentagon goes for a Package PileDriver, but Omega lands back on his feet. V-Triggers 2 and 3.

Pentagon tells Omega to bring it. Omega obliges with a PowerBomb. Omega drops Pentagon with V-Trigger 4 for a two count. Pentagon fights out of the Electric Chair Position. The action spills to the ring apron. Omega with a Big Boot to Pentagon. Pentagon blocks a Running Boot from Omega. Pentagon kicks Omega in the gut. Pentagon connects with Fear Factor on the apron. Pentagon follows that with another Flying Double Foot Stomp for a two count. Omega fires back with a Swinging Fear Factor of his own for a two count. Omega nails Pentagon with V-Trigger 5. Omega goes for The One Winged Angel, but Pentagon counters with The Sacrifice. Omega kicks out of The Fear Factor. Omega blocks a SuperKick from Pentagon. Pentagon unloads multiple leg kicks. Omega responds with V-Trigger 6. Omega with a Reverse Hurricanrana for a two count. Omega lands V-Trigger 7. Omega plants Pentagon with The One Winged Angel to pickup the victory.

Winner: Kenny Omega via Pinfall 

Following the match, the lights go out.  The lights come back on and Pentagon is still laying in the ring.  Omega is looking around checking everything out when Pentagon gets up and drops Omega with a....CODEBREAKER???  Pentagon unmasks and its...CHRIS JERICHO!  

This match and the main event were the two matches I was incredibly excited for when they were announced.  It didn't disappoint.  Omega showed why he is "The Best Bout Machine" and Pentagon showed why TNA / Impact had faith in him to make him their world champion, even though he doesn't speak English.  Jericho swerved everyone by continually saying he wasn't going to be in Chicago, only to have him show up like this was classic.  How they kept his appearance a secret is beyond me.  I hope this will set up an Alpha vs. Omega II in the future.

Marty Scrull vs. Kazuchika Okada 

Collar and Elbow Tie Up. Okada backs Scrull into the ropes. Okada pats Scrull on the chest. Back to the collar and elbow tie up. Scrull flexes his muscles. Scrull ducks a clothesline from Okada. Scrull applies a hammer lock. Scrull with a pinning combination for a two count. Okada applies a wrist lock. Scrull reverses the hold. Scrull transitions into a side headlock. Scrull goes for a shoulder tackle, but Okada stands still. Okada is not impressed. Okada towers over Scrull. Okada drops Scrull with a shoulder tackle. Okada obviously has the strength advantage. Scrull kicks Okada in the gut. Scrull goes for The GhostBuster, but Okada blocks it.

Scrull bounces Okada head on the top turnbuckle pad. Scrull with chop/uppercut combination. Scrull argues with the referee. Okada is throwing forearms at Scrull. Okada decks Scrull with a Back Elbow Smash. Scrull side steps Okada into the turnbuckles. Okada with a Vertical Suplex. Following a snap mare takeover, Scrull unloads two running european uppercuts. Scrull SuperKicks Okada. Scrull lands a Suicide Dive. Scrull is lighting up Okada’s chest. Scrull rolls Okada back into the ring. Scrull with a wrist lock takedown. Scrull stomps on the left elbow of Okada. Okada responds with a FlapJack. Okada with a NeckBreaker for a two count. Okada with a Nasty DDT on the floor.

Okada wraps this sequence with a SlingShot Senton. Scrull repeatedly slaps Okada in the chest. Okada is subtly displaying his fighting spirit. Okada rocks Scrull with a forearm smash. Okada applies a straight jacket hold. Scrull gets back to a vertical base. Scrull creates distance with a LungBlower. Scrull dropkicks Okada. Okada reverses out of the irish whip from Scrull. Scrull with a Step Up Enzuigiri. Scrull follows that with a Swinging DDT for a two count. Okada negates The Graduation. Okada with a Leaping Elbow Strike in the corner. Okada kicks Scrull in the gut. Okada with a Spike DDT for a two count. Okada goes for a Reverse NeckBreaker, but Scrull rolls him over for a two count. Scrull and Okada are trading back and forth shots.

Scrull hits a Brain Buster. Scrull throws up the two sweet hand gesture. Scrull starts favoring his back. Okada with a Reverse NeckBreaker for a two count. Scrull levels Okada with a Leaping Uppercut. Both men are jockeying for position on the top rope. Scrull connects with a SuperPlex. Scrull brings his combination offense to Okada. Following a long pinning exchange, Scrull hits one of his signature moves for a two count. Okada regains momentum with a ShotGun Dropkick. Okada with a Flying Missile Dropkick for a two count. Okada with clubbing blows to the back of Scrull. Okada goes for a TombStone PileDriver, but Scrull counters with a Swinging DDT.

Okada finally hits The TombStone PileDriver. Okada does signature Rain Maker pose. Scrull snaps the fingers of Okada. Okada dropkicks Scrull. Okada goes for The Rain Maker, but Scrull counters with The ChickenWing. Okada rolls Scrull over for a two count. Scrull shoves Okada into the referee. Scrull blasts Okada with The ALL IN Umbreall. Scrull drops Okada with The Rain Maker for a two count. Scrull goes for The ChickenWing, but Okada counters with The Rain Maker. Scrull wants more punishment. Okada obliges with a series of forearm shivers. Scrull is not backing down as he paint brushes Okada. Okada with a Discus Rain Maker. Okada plants Scrull with The Signature Rain Maker to pickup the victory.

Winner: Kazuchika Okada via Pinfall 

It was a coup for this event to get Okada on it.  The Rainmaker showed why he is considered to be one of the best in the world and make people wonder how TNA / Impact could fuck up the opportunity they had with him in 2010-11.

Rey Mysterio, Fenix and Bandido vs. The Golden Elite (The Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi) in a 6-Man Tag Team Match 

Matt Jackson and Bandido will start things off. Quick shoving contest. Matt and Bandido are exchanging haymakers. Matt applies a side headlock. Bandido reverses the hold. Bandido with a Twisting Crossbody Block. This leads us to a standoff in the center of the ring. Bandido with a HeadScissors TakeOver. Bandido with a Twisting Plancha. Bandido rolls Matt back into the ring. Nick made a blind tag. The Bucks with a Double Hip Toss. The Bucks with Stereo Basement Dropkicks. Bandido tags in Fenix. Fenix with a Springboard Crossbody Block. Nick blasts Fenix with a RoundHouse Kick. Fenix responds with a HandSpring Cutter. Ibushi and Mysterio are tagged in. Ibushi leapfrogs over Mysterio. Mysterio with a Step Up Hurricanrana. Ibushi catches Mysterio in mid-air. Mysterio dodges The PK. Ibushi is having a hard time landing his leg kicks.

Ibushi ducks a clothesline from Mysterio. Mysterio kicks Ibushi in the chest. Ibushi responds with a Buzzsaw Kick. Ibushi applies a front face lock. Ibushi tags in Matt. Mysterio with a Roll Through Tornado DDT. Mysterio tags in Fenix. Fenix brings the fight to Matt. Matt with an Inverted Canadian Destroyer. Ibushi brings his combination offense to Bandido. Bandido sweeps the legs of Ibushi. Bandido goes for a Standing MoonSault, but Ibushi ducks out of the way. Ibushi hits The PK. Ibushi with a Standing MoonSault for a two count. Fenix and Bandido are double teaming Ibushi. Ibushi creates distance with a Double Back Flip Kick. Ibushi tags in Nick.

Following a flurry of strikes, Nick connects with a BullDog/Lariat Combination. The Bucks takes out Fenix and Bandido with Stereo Dives. Mysterio responds with a SpringBoard MoonSault. Bandido wraps this sequence with a Corkscrew Splash off the steel ring post. Nick kicks Bandido in the gut. Matt Jackson with a Cannonball Senton off the ramp. Nick tags in Matt. The Bucks hits their Buckle Bomb/Enzuigiri Combination. Matt throws Bandido into a German Suplex from Ibushi for a two count. Bandido regains momentum with a Triple Hurricanrana. Bandido tags in Mysterio. Mysterio with a SpringBoard Seated Senton. Mysterio turns a Sunset Flip into a Leg Lariat. Mysterio shoves Matt into his brother.

Mysterio goes for the 619, but Matt blocks it. Bandido and Fenix negates The Meltzer Driver. Bandido with a Flying Hurricanrana off the ring apron. Fenix with a Package PileDriver to Matt. Bandido connects with The Canadian Destroyer. Fenix and Bandido takes out Nick and Ibushi with Stereo Topes. Mysterio lands a Frog Splash for a two count. Fenix and Mysterio has Matt perched on the top turnbuckle. Bandido with a Standing Enzuigiri. Bandido follows that with an Avalanche Back Flip BlockBuster. The SuperKick Party arrives in Chicago. Golden Elite with a Trifecta MoonSault for a two count. The Bucks plants Bandido with The Meltzer Driver to pickup the victory.

Winner: The Golden Elite (The Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi) via Pinfall 

If you like action, this match was for you.  What a pace these six men were able to carry!

Nick Aldis (c) w/ Kamilla Kaine vs. Cody Rhodes w/ Brandi Rhodes For The NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship 

Collar and Elbow Tie Up. Aldis applies a wrist lock. Rhodes backs Aldis into the ropes. Rhodes cartwheels around the ring. Aldis is not impressed. Back to the collar and elbow tie up. Rhodes applies a hammer lock. Aldis transitions into another wrist lock. Rhodes reverses the hold. Rhodes applies a side headlock. Rhodes slides under Aldis. Aldis drops Rhodes with a shoulder tackle. Nasty Open Hand Chop Exchange. Aldis applies a side headlock. Aldis delivers another shoulder tackle. Rhodes responds with a dropkick. Rhodes lands a Suicide Dive. Following a quick forearm exchange, Aldis connects with a Snap Vertical Suplex on the floor. Aldis drives Rhodes back first into the steel ring post. Aldis rolls Rhodes back into the ring. Aldis is lighting up Rhodes chest.

Aldis whips Rhodes back first across the turnbuckles. Aldis with a Fisherman’s Suplex for a two count. Aldis applies a rear chin lock. Rhodes gets back to a vertical base. Rhodes with shots to the midsection of Aldis. Aldis reverses out of the irish whip from Rhodes. Aldis unloads multiple haymakers. Aldis with shots to the midsection of Rhodes. Rhodes decks Aldis with a Drop Down Uppercut. Both men are knocked down after a double clothesline. Rhodes SuperKicks Aldis. Aldis negates Cross Rhodes. Aldis goes for a Back Body Drop, but Rhodes lands back on his feet. Aldis is trying to regain his composure on the outside.

Rhodes goes for a SpringBoard Crossbody Block, but Aldis counters with a Forearm Smash in mid-air. Rhodes is busted open. Rhodes dives over Aldis. Rhodes PowerSlams Aldis for a two count. Rhodes applies a front face lock. Rhodes kicks Aldis in the jaw. Rhodes goes for a MoonSault, but Aldis ducks out of the way. Aldis drives his knee into the midsection of Rhodes. Aldis with an Avalanche Fallaway Slam. Aldis with a Flying Splash for a two count. Rhodes fights out of the Texas CloverLeaf. Rhodes with a double leg takedown to Aldis. Rhodes gets Aldis trapped in a Figure Four Leg Lock. Aldis reverses the hold. Rhodes grabs the bottom rope to create separation. Rhodes blocks The PK. Aldis with a Running PowerSlam on the floor.

Aldis rolls Rhodes back into the ring. Aldis blasts Rhodes with a knife edge chop. Rhodes responds with a Swinging Alabama Slam for a two count. Rhodes is tuning up the band. Aldis avoids The Beautiful Disaster Kick. Aldis PowerBombs Rhodes for a two count. Aldis locks in a Texas CloverLeaf. Rhodes refuses to quit. Brandi is trying to wake up her husband. Aldis with a Spike PileDriver. Aldis inadvertently lays out Brandi with a Flying Elbow Drop. Aldis with the lateral press for a two count. Rhodes rocks Aldis with The Beautiful Disaster Kick. Rhodes follows that with Cross Rhodes for a two count. Aldis and Rhodes are trading back and forth shots. Rhodes goes for The VerteBreaker, but Aldis blocks it. Aldis goes for a sunset flip, but Rhodes counters with a pinning combination to pickup the victory.

Winner: New NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Cody Rhodes via Pinfall

An excellent match.  Seeing the title put around Cody's waist and him then hitting his knees in tears was the perfect way to end the evening.

All In - Results

AEW All In

Date: 01.09.2018

Promotion: All Elite Wrestling

Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA

Arena: Sears Centre Arena

Attendance: 11.263

Commentary by: Don Callis, Excalibur, & Ian Riccaboni

Tag Team Match

SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian & Scorpio Sky) defeat The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (12:33)

ROH World Title #1 Contendership 15 Man Over Budget Battle Royal

Chico El Luchador (Flip Gordon) defeats Austin Gunn and Billy Gunn and Brandon Cutler and Brian Cage and Bully Ray and Cheeseburger and Chuckie T and Colt Cabana and Ethan Page and Hurricane Helms and Jimmy Jacobs and Jordynne Grace and Marko Stunt and Moose and Punishment Martinez and Rocky Romero and Tommy Dreamer and Trent (17:06)

- Marko Stunt eliminates Moose

- Ethan Page eliminates Brandon Cutler

- Punishment Martinez eliminates Chuckie T and Trent

- Brian Cage eliminates Rocky Romero

- Brian Cage eliminates Cheeseburger

- Ethan Page eliminates Hurricane Helms

- Colt Cabana eliminates Ethan Page

- Bully Ray eliminates Tommy Dreamer

- Billy Gunn eliminates Jimmy Jacobs

- Austin Gunn eliminates Punishment Martinez

- Bully Ray eliminates Austin Gunn

- Brian Cage eliminates Billy Gunn

- Bully Ray eliminates Marko Stunt

- Jordynne Grace eliminates Brian Cage

- Bully Ray eliminates Jordynne Grace

- Bully Ray eliminates Colt Cabana

- Chico El Luchador eliminates Bully Ray 

Singles Match

Matt Cross defeats Maxwell Jacob Friedman (10:07)

Singles Match (Special Referee: Jerry Lynn)

Christopher Daniels defeats Stephen Amell (11:45)

Four Way Match

Tessa Blanchard defeats Chelsea Green and Dr. Britt Baker DMD and Madison Rayne (12:44)

Chicago Street Fight

Hangman Page defeats Joey Janela (w/Penelope Ford) (20:09)

ROH World Title Match

Jay Lethal (w/Lanny Poffo) (c) defeats Flip Gordon (w/Brandi Rhodes) (14:24)

Singles Match

Kenny Omega defeats Penta El Zero M (17:47)

Singles Match

Kazuchika Okada defeats Marty Scurll (26:07)

Six Man Tag Team Match

The Golden Elite (Kota Ibushi, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) defeat Bandido, Rey Fenix & Rey Mysterio (11:43)

NWA World Heavyweight Title Vs. Cody's Ring Of Honor Match

Cody Rhodes (w/Brandi Rhodes) defeats Nick Aldis (c) (w/ Kamilla Kaine) (22:02) - TITLE CHANGE !!!

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart

The wrestling world lost another great one today.  Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart passed away after suffering a head injury following a seizure.

Neidhart toured New Japan in 1985 when they had a working agreement with WWF.  He returned in 1992 following his release from WWF, competing in the 1992 G1 Climax, Super Grade Tag League II and Battle Final.

I was lucky enough to meet The Anvil in 2010.  I ran into him at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.  He was super nice and very gracious with his time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  He was 63 years old.

Flip Gordon Signs New Contract With Ring of Honor

One of the fastest rising prospects on the Ring of Honor roster has re-signed with the company.

According to a report from PW Insider, Flip Gordon has just reached a deal with Ring of Honor which will keep him in the promotion through to 2020. He still has yet to reach a deal with Cody and the Young Bucks to participate at All-In on September 1st, 2018, however.

It has been a big year for Gordon. Not only has he re-signed with Ring of Honor but Gordon also made his debut in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in Japan this spring. His new deal with ROH means he’ll likely find himself in the tournament again next year. His new contract also ensures he will be with the promotion when they run Madison Square Garden over WrestleMania weekend next year.

Gordon began his pro-wrestling career in 2015 and found himself on the Ring of Honor roster in 2017.

Earlier this year, Gordon spoke with reporter Chris Van Vliet about his attempts to join Bullet Club. “I tried. Kenny and Cody didn’t want me in there,” Flip said. “So if The Bucks can convince them then sure.”

Earlier this summer, Gordon spoke with the New York Post about being positioned as a little-brother type character on Being the Elite.

“It’s kind of funny because I’ve never been the little brother,” Gordon said. “I’ve always been the oldest brother out of my family. I’ve never had an older brother. I always looked to my cousins or other people that I looked up to as big brothers. So it’s kind of funny. I guess that is kind of my character because the Young Bucks, Marty, all them are like big brothers to me.”

Ring of Honor will be back on the road in mid-August. They’ll run shows from Edinburgh, Doncaster, and London before returning to Philadelphia on August 25th.

Juice Robinson Says He’s Never Going Back To WWE

IWGP United States Champion Juice Robinson has publicly addressed a report from this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter stating WWE is interested in signing him. Robinson, who wrestled as CJ Parker for former WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling and later NXT from 2011-2015, isn’t going anywhere.

“That’s in the rearview mirror now,” Juice said. “I ain’t going back, I ain’t ever going back.”

Robinson made the comments backstage from Night 8 of the G1 Climax 28 tournament. He has lost every single match in the tournament thus far, likely due to competing with a broken hand.

Earlier this summer, Juice spoke with Uproxx about his frustrations while with WWE.

“You know, I loved NXT. Just, I just knew I was dead in the water, so I had to get out,” Juice said. “So it wasn’t that it was bad, it was (that) I turned it bad because I got sad. You know what I mean? So what was happening to me on a daily basis… it wasn’t like I was going home every night and crying in my room.”

He would continue to say that in NXT anytime he would try and lighten the mood, he would be told to get back in line. This was under the old head-trainer, however.

“But they’ve got a good guy there now, and everything’s really – I think it’s fun again,” Juice said in reference to current NXT head trainer Matt Bloom. “It’s good to hear. But I’m having more fun, so, haha.”

WWE is not Juice’s only option other than NJPW. Don Callis of Impact Wrestling has made it clear they would make Juice a big part of their company if he ever jumped ship.

“Juice is a tremendous performer with unlimited likeability and unlimited charisma,” Callis said on his Killin the Town podcast earlier this month. “He definitely is a rock star.”

“I really like him a lot,” Callis continued. “He’s a guy you build a company around.”

Chris Jericho Says He Has No Restrictions In NJPW

Chris Jericho says there are no restrictions to what he can do in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). The reigning IWGP Intercontinental Champion has only wrestled 3 matches in 2018, but he has remained one of the most talked about wrestlers in the world.

Jericho made waves when he wrestled Kenny Omega in the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, 2018. He appeared at WWE’s big Raw 25th Anniversary just a few weeks later, his first appearance for the company since he started working for New Japan.

In April, he was back in WWE competing in the Greatest Royal Rumble. By June, he was the IWGP IC Champion after dethroning Tetsuya Naito at Dominion.

“It’s very cool to go back to Japan, where I started, and be part of this worldwide growth of New Japan,” Jericho said to Sports Illustrated recently. “There are no real restrictions on what I can do in New Japan.”

Jericho would continue to talk about the restrictions in WWE versus NJPW.

“We did the original beatdown with Kenny and got some blood going, which you never see in the WWE nowadays,” Jericho continued.

“We did the press conference where I was swearing and attacking reporters. You can’t do that in WWE, but you can in Japan. Just to have those shackles released, it just felt like all of these things led to more of a Bruiser Brody character than a Shawn Michaels-type vibe.”

Jericho has always said he would never wrestle for a company other than WWE on American soil. Events which have unfolded this year may test his commitment to this, however.

When asked by a fan on Twitter if he still intends to stand by his earlier claims, Jericho gave an answer some fans will find surprising.

There’s been speculation that Jericho is interested in working for Impact Wrestling. Jericho responded, “Of course!” when asked if he’d consider ‘going to’ Impact.

This October, Chris Jericho is hosting the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager cruise, which departs out of Miami on October 27th and travels to the Bahamas.

Talent from WWE, Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor will be appearing on the ship. Very few people can pull off something like this. Chris Jericho is among a rare breed of performers who makes his own rules in this business.

Hiromu Takahashi Still In Hospital Following G1 Special In San Francisco

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Hiromu Takahashi, is believed to still be in hospital 19 days after his match with Dragon Lee at the Cow Palace.

Takahashi was dropped on his head during a cradle-suplex spot on the July 7th card. After finishing the match, Takahashi is said to have collapsed backstage. He was taken to a local hospital and then was transported back to Japan a few days later.

“He’s still in the hospital,” Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio last night. “He’s in good spirits but it’s 18 days and he’s still in hospital. That’s not a good sign to me, at all.”

The day after his injury, NJPW updated fans on his condition by stating he was awake and able to sit and talk.

Dragon Lee also reacted to Hiromu’s injury. “Hiromu is the most important rival I’ve ever had,” Lee said. “The most beautiful matches of my career have been against him. [Hiromu’s] injury was a wrestling-related accident. Though he is my rival, he is in my prayers.”

Juice Robinson also commented on Takahashi’s injury while on Jim Ross’ podcast.

“When you hear broken neck people think (the person is paralyzed) but that’s not with every broken neck,” Juice said. “Hopefully his broken neck is just you know time off. Even though that still sucks but that beats the alternative. After seeing it, this is probably the best case scenario cause that looked like it could’ve been the last bump he ever took.”

Sean Waltman, who has a history of neck problems, made the following comments:

“I’ve had my neck broken twice in the ring. 2nd time had it surgically repaired. I was able to make a full recovery & return to Wrestling for the most successful run of my career,” Waltman Tweeted. “Takahashi walked out of the ring on his own. He’s not done yet. Mark my words.”

Champion Challenged To Double-Title Match At All In

Only two matches have been officially confirmed for All-In so far. Cody will challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (likely against Nick Aldis) and Marty Scurll will take on Kazuchika Okada.

Another championship match may appear to be in the works. Madison Rayne just challenged Tessa Blanchard to a match which could have title implications for multiple belts.

Rayne sent the following message to Tessa Blanchard recently:

This made Tessa ponder the idea…

Blanchard captured a title recently for the Crash promotion in Mexico. She is also the RISE champion, WSU champion, PCW women’s champion and the list goes on.

Madison Rayne and Tessa Blanchard have met twice recently on Impact Wrestling. Both times Rayne used a pinning combination to score the upset victory over Blanchard. Those are the only two losses on Blanchard’s Impact record so far.

Partially as a result of the victories, Rayne has been granted a title shot against Su Yung. She’ll take on the champion July 22nd at Slammiversary. Should Rayne be victorious on that night she’s challenged Blanchard to a champion vs champion match at All-In.

Blanchard just signed a new deal with Impact reported to be 2-years in length. The contract with Impact will keep her from competing for the second year in a row in the Mae Young Classic. She lost to Kairi Sane in the 1st round of the tournament last year.

On a recent Impact Wrestling media call, Blanchard had this to say about how she’s glad she didn’t sign on with WWE last year or after her initial tryout with the company.

“These life experiences, these personal experiences through wrestling, if I was signed on (with WWE), my entire path would be different,” she said. “I’m very blessed for things to have played out the way they have.”

Masa Saito

 

Masa Saito, the Japanese wrestling legend, passed away today from complications from Parkinson's disease.

I was first introduced to the man I knew as Mr. Saito in 1990, when he teamed up with The Great Muta for the Pat O'Connor Memorial Tag Team Tournament at WCW's Starrcade.  Yes he did play the traditional salt-throwing Japanese heel, but what made him memorable was his physical style.

Saito is credited with being the innovator of the Scorpion Deathlock / Sharpshooter and the Saito Suplex.  During his time in prison from 1985-1987, Saito created a hold called Kangokugatame, which translates to Prison Hold.

Saito had a legendary feud in New Japan with the legendary Antonio Inoki.  In 1987, to settle their feud, the two competed in an Island Death match.   The match lasted two hours and went all over the island.  Inoki was eventually victorious defeating Saito by TKO.  Saito won the IWGP Tag Team Championship twice during his career, once with Riki Choshu and the second with Shinya Hashimoto.

Saito wrestled his last match in 1999 against Scott Norton.  Following his retirement, he stayed with New Japan as a commentator until 2003.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  He was 76 years old.

Daniel Bryan: I’ll Likely Re-Sign With WWE

Much has been made of Daniel Bryan’s WWE contract expiring later this year. September 1st is believed to be the final date on his current deal with the company. Based on comments he made during WWE’s recent stop in Tapei, however, Bryan won’t be leaving the company anytime soon.

“The wrestling world is an interesting world right now,” Bryan said. “But I love working with WWE and my wife (Brie Bella) is a part of WWE and so there’s a good chance I’ll re-sign.”

“The drive is always to do something better,” he continued. “I want to create a performance next that’s better than any performance I’ve ever done. And when you talk about that, you talk about the high points of my career like main-eventing Wrestlemania 30. That’s the highest you can really get. How do you create things that are as creatively, mentally and emotionally satisfying as that? And that is what I am in the pursuit of.”

Rey Mysterio Booked For NJPW Event Next Month

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced Rey Mysterio will return to the promotion next month. The famous luchador is scheduled to have a match on the final night of the G1 Climax 28 show from the Nippon Budokan on August 12th, 2018.

Mysterio’s opponent for the show has yet to be named, however. His only match for NJPW to date was at last month’s Dominion. On that night, he teamed with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Jushin Liger in a losing effort to Cody, Hangman Page, and Marty Scurll.

Mysterio originally challenged Jushin Liger when he first appeared in NJPW. A match between the two legends for Strong Style Evolved was eventually scrapped last year, however. Mysterio was forced to withdraw from the event due to a torn bicep.

It’s possible Liger is named later as his opponent, however that is only speculation.

ROH & NJPW Book Madison Square Garden For April 6th, 2019

In a landmark announcement, ROH and NJPW have just announced a super-card from Madison Square Garden.

“ROH and NJPW are proud to announce that on April 6th, 2019, the companies will join forces to present the ultimate wrestling event,” an ROH press release reads. “G1 Supercard, to fans from around the world, LIVE from Madison Square Garden in New York City!”

It had previously been reported that talks between ROH and the historic venue had broken down.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ring of Honor Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling to Madison Square Garden for the much anticipated G1 Supercard,” said Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President, MSG Marquee Events. “We expect April 6th to be another memorable night of wrestling at The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

“This is destined to join a long list of historical wrestling moments and where better to hold it than at Madison Square Garden,” ROH Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff said.

Koff would continue to say that this would not be possible without the tremendous fan support they enjoy.

Tickets will go on sale August 8th, 2017 at 10AM ET for Honor Club VIP subscribers. They will go on sale to the general public August 10th.

Hiromu Takahashi Injury Update

New Japan Pro Wrestling has sent out an update on the condition of Hiromu Takahashi. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion collapsed backstage at the Cow Palace Saturday. He is believed to have suffered a broken neck during a triangle to a cradle-suplex spot where he landed on his head.

“It is reported Takahashi, after the match was immediately taken to a nearby hospital,” the statement reads. “He is currently undergoing a thorough evaluation, Takahashi is conscious, and is able to sit and talk.”

Takahashi indicated to the referee after the botched move that he was OK to finish the match despite the injury. He even performed his Time Bomb finisher without looking as though he was in much discomfort. Takahashi walked to the back on his own after winning the match as well.

I will keep you up-to-date with any news regarding Hiromu Takahashi’s condition.

Hiromu Takahashi Taken To Hospital With Possible Broken Neck Following G1 Special

Hiromu Takahashi is believed to have suffered a broken neck during his match with Dragon Lee last night in the Cow Palace. The injury is believed to have been suffered during a cradle-suplex where Takahashi was dropped on top of his head.

“He finished the match, retained the championship and I guess he collapsed backstage or something. They took him to the hospital and the preliminary word is they thought that he had a broken neck,” Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio last night. “Hopefully, it’s not as bad as that but that’s the word we got.”

Takahashi would continue the match. Red Shoes checked on him after the spot and then backed off as if everything was ok. They did several spots after the injury, including Takahashi giving Dragon Lee the Time Bomb for the win.