Posted on 7/06/125 by Bob Magee
Adam Cole Opens AEW Collision 100; Kyle Fletcher & Daniel
Garcia Set Stakes for Main Event
AEW Collision's historic 100th episode began in grand
fashion with TNT Champion Adam Cole taking center stage.
Welcomed to thunderous applause from the packed Toyota Arena
in Ontario, California, Cole was ready to celebrate the
occasion.
"Who's ready for storytime with Adam Cole, bay-bay?" Cole
energetically asked the crowd, drawing loud cheers. He
acknowledged the special milestone, expressing genuine
gratitude: "The strides that Collision has made in such a
short time have been so impressive, but really, I just
wanted to come out here and say thank you." Cole continued
warmly, "AEW has the best professional wrestlers on the
planet, delivering some of the greatest matches you've ever
seen. But damn it, you are the best pro wrestling fans I
have ever been in front of."
Cole's heartfelt words energized the crowd even further as
he proclaimed his dedication to his championship reign and
AEW's bright future. "AEW is built on the future," Cole
emphasized, "I'm excited about that future because right
now, I am your TNT Champion, and this title is going
nowhere."
Cole's celebratory mood was abruptly interrupted by Kyle
Fletcher, who emerged with pointed determination. Fletcher,
confident and confrontational, congratulated Cole in a tone
dripping with sarcasm: "Pardon me for the interruption,
Adam, but I just wanted to personally congratulate everybody
and especially you on such a huge milestone. 100 episodes of
Collision. That's huge. And you have had a fantastic run as
the face of TNT."
Fletcher quickly shifted his praise into a stark challenge.
"But the next 100 episodes of Collision and the entire
future of this company belong to me," Fletcher declared.
Addressing their history, Fletcher bitterly recounted All In
2023: "Do you remember All In 2023? Of course you do. You
main-evented the biggest professional wrestling show of all
time for the AEW World Championship. But earlier that night,
you faced a young, hungry Kyle Fletcher for the Ring of
Honor World Tag Team Championships. And while I'm sure that
was the greatest night of your life, it was the worst night
of mine. You took away the biggest accomplishment of my life
purely to stroke your own ego."
Intensity flared in Fletcher's voice as he underscored his
transformation since their last encounter: "I killed that
version of Kyle Fletcher. And I stand before you the most
perfect professional wrestler in the world." Demanding a
shot at redemption, Fletcher boldly challenged Cole, "At All
In, I want a shot at my TNT Championship, because everybody
in this world knows there is nobody more deserving of that
shot."
The tension was amplified further as Daniel Garcia's
entrance music hit, and the former TNT Champion confidently
entered the conversation. Addressing the Ontario crowd
directly, Garcia declared that when you talk about the past
and the future of Collision and the TNT title, you should
bring up one name—Daniel Garcia.
Garcia, unfazed by Fletcher’s bravado, set his sights
clearly on Cole, stating, "Fletcher, me and you, we got a
match later tonight. I'm not looking past you, but I'd be
lying if I said I'm not distracted. Because when I look into
that ring and see the person that beat me for the TNT title,
I can only think one thing to myself—I need that."
Cole responded assertively, reminding Garcia of their past
encounters: "Any time, any place you want a shot at this
championship, you got it. But do not forget—I beat you
before, and I'll beat you again."
Turning to Fletcher, Cole's tone grew sterner, "And for you,
Kyle—the person who's living in la-la land—you're lying to
yourself. The last time we faced each other, I had you beat.
I had you beat to the point where the Don Callis Family had
to come out and get involved because they knew you were
done. Most importantly, you know you were done. I had your
number then, and I have your number now."
Cole proposed an immediate solution, eliciting a massive
reaction from the crowd: "Kyle, you want a shot at my TNT
Championship? Danny, you want a shot? I'm a fighting
champion, so at All In, I'll face both of you!"
Fletcher immediately balked, saying that he had been screwed
once before, and moreover, he beat Daniel Garcia when Garcia
was TNT Champion, in the Continental Classic. Garcia replied
that beating Daniel Garcia of late isn’t that noteworthy, as
he’s been losing quite a lot. But every time he gets knocked
down, he gets back up.
Garcia then emphasized the competitive spirit of AEW: "I'm
not asking for a shot at the TNT title because I deserve one
—I want to earn it. Tonight, Kyle Fletcher versus Daniel
Garcia. The winner goes on to have the biggest match of
either of their lives at All In against Adam Cole for the
TNT Championship."
Cole was succinct, “If that’s how you want to play it, then
that’s how we’ll do it. Gentlemen, may the best man win.”
Timeless Toni Storm Issues Powerful Warning to Mercedes Moné
Immediately following the opening confrontation, AEW Women's
World Champion Toni Storm appeared in a prerecorded segment,
addressing her heated rivalry with Mercedes Moné, speaking
to a hypothetical young fan:
"This is a message for that little girl watching from home—
the one who begged her parents to buy All In so she could
sit in front of the television and watch the greatest
women's match of all time.
"It won't be. It'll be a lesson. And the lesson is this:
someone can only hurt you as much as you let them. And when
they can't hurt you anymore, if they hurt the people you
love—the damage done inside the ring—you have absolutely
every right to rip their bloody tits off."
Storm's language intensified, as she continued to address
that hypothetical young girl:
"Some things in life are not worth fighting for, but if
you're lucky, one thing in your whole life will be worth
every last drop of blood. Fortunately for me, that thing
happens to be the big shiny gold belt that I wear around my
waist. What you're about to witness will change you in
profound ways. Probably your mother too. It won't be nice.
It won't be pretty. But you'll remember it forever."
She concluded that there are two types of people in this
world, and that she knows which she is.
"Hopefully it'll discourage you from becoming a wrestler
yourself. Because there are only two kinds of people in this
world: the ruthless, greedy, power-hungry megalomaniacs who
will stop at nothing to have it all, and the people who end
them. Goodnight, darling. See you next week."
Kevin Knight Prevails in Thrilling Three-Way Battle Against
Shelton Benjamin and Nick Wayne
AEW Collision's landmark 100th episode continued with an
electrifying three-way contest featuring a fascinating clash
of generations and styles, as the powerful veteran Shelton
Benjamin, the dynamic young champion Nick Wayne, and the
explosive, high-flying Kevin Knight met in the squared
circle.
Shelton Benjamin made his way to the ring first, accompanied
by MVP, exuding supreme confidence and experience. Nick
Wayne followed, joined by his entourage, including the
calculating Kip Sabian and Wayne’s own notorious mother, who
garnered boos from the Ontario crowd. Finally, Kevin Knight
sprinted to the ring, accompanied by tag partner Speedball
Mike Bailey. Despite visible bandages from previous attacks
by The Hurt Syndicate, Knight showed unwavering intensity
from the outset.
The bell rang, and the action erupted immediately. Benjamin
swiftly leveraged his strength advantage against Knight as
Wayne scampered to the outside, landing powerful strikes and
dominating exchanges early. Nick Wayne, agile and
opportunistic, capitalized on momentary lapses in attention,
landing swift strikes and precise maneuvers, including a
pinpoint standing dropkick alongside Knight that sent
Benjamin staggering out of the ring. McGuinness praised,
"Incredible timing and athleticism from Nick Wayne—he may be
young, but he wrestles like a seasoned veteran."
With Benjamin momentarily incapacitated outside, Wayne and
Knight engaged in a lightning-fast exchange, after Wayne
made it seem as if he was going to enter into a temporary
alliance with Knight, then elbowed him in the mouth.
Benjamin re-entered the scene, asserting dominance once
more, including a thunderous powerslam on Wayne that shook
the ring and prompted McGuinness to exclaim, "Benjamin just
sent him into orbit with that slam!" MVP shouted
encouragement from ringside, arrogantly declaring to fans,
"That's why Shelton Benjamin is a champion—you're all
witnessing greatness!"
Sensing victory, Benjamin moved in aggressively on Knight,
who courageously battled back, employing swift leg strikes
targeting Benjamin’s knees. Knight then executed a
spectacularly precise standing moonsault. Schiavone praised,
"Kevin Knight showing amazing resilience and agility!"
With all three competitors visibly exhausted, the match
reached its frenetic climax. Benjamin lifted Knight onto the
top rope, locking in an Ankle Lock, only for Wayne to re-
enter the action, dramatically intervening with a superkick
to Benjamin. As the competitors recovered, Wayne attempted
his patented Wayne's World on Benjamin, aiming to secure a
critical win. However, Knight stunned Wayne with the UFO
Frog Splash to break up the pin and pick up the victory for
himself.
Later in the broadcast, it was announced that The Hurt
Syndicate would defend their AEW World Tag Team Championship
at All In: Texas against both JetSpeed and Nick Wayne and
Christian Cage.
Claudio Castagnoli Wants What is His Back From Powerhouse
Hobbs and The Opps
Following the explosive action on AEW Dynamite earlier in
the week, AEW Collision aired exclusive backstage footage
featuring Claudio Castagnoli of the Death Riders delivering
a focused, intense message directly to rival Powerhouse
Hobbs.
In the video, Claudio stood backstage, his presence imposing
and serious, the intensity etched clearly across his face.
His voice was measured and deliberate, filled with simmering
anger and frustration, a stark contrast to his usual
composed demeanor. Without preamble, Claudio addressed Hobbs
directly, his voice barely above a growl yet carrying
unmistakable authority:
"Hobbs, I'm not gonna scream. I'm not gonna yell," Claudio
began quietly, narrowing his gaze directly at the camera,
clearly visualizing his rival. "But I'm sick and tired of
you sticking your nose into our business."
"You want to be heroes, Hobbs? You and your crew, you claim
to be heroes?" Claudio questioned rhetorically, his tone
growing sharper with each word. "Well, I'm gonna give you
the opportunity to prove that you really are heroes. Because
at All In Texas, that Trios Championship—that's ours. It's
mine, and it's the Death Riders'."
He paused briefly, leaning closer into the camera as he
underscored his challenge with undeniable gravity as Yuta
chimed in that the belts were his, too: "At All In, we have
a score to settle,” Claudio finished.
Místico, Hologram & Mark Briscoe Win High-Flying Trios
Encounter vs. RPG Vice and Hechicero
AEW Collision’s 100th episode continued to electrify fans
with a high-octane trios match, featuring Místico, Hologram,
and Mark Briscoe battling against the Don Callis Family's
combination of Hechicero, Rocky Romero and Trent Beretta.
As the match commenced, Místico dazzled immediately with
agile offense, landing a big back elbow on Romero, followed
shortly thereafter by a breathtaking headscissors takedown,
prompting Tony Schiavone to exclaim, "Just incredible
agility from Místico!” Mark Briscoe tagged in, shifting the
style drastically with a barrage of stiff chops, forearms,
and rugged clotheslines, with Místico and Hologram nailing
stereo tope suicidas to the outside.
The pace intensified further with the entrance of Hologram,
showcasing his lightning-fast moveset. He escaped the Jackal
Driver by countering into a poison rana and executed a
standing Spanish fly on Hechicero. The Don Callis Family
briefly halted Hologram’s momentum with a stiff series of
triple-team moves, leading to Hechicero locking in an armbar
on Hologram.
Místico reclaimed the momentum with a top-rope hurricanrana
onto Hechicero, only for Trent to slow Hologram with a stiff
half-and-half suplex when Hologram tagged back in. Shortly
thereafter, with Hologram having recovered, he and Mark
Briscoe both set up chairs near the ring ropes to fly to the
outside and take out the Family.
The conclusion came dramatically when Místico delivered a
swift tilt-a-whirl transition into his signature finishing
move, La Mística. Romero immediately tapped, unable to
withstand the painful submission. Celebrating the triumphant
victory, Místico, Hologram, and Briscoe stood together atop
the turnbuckles as the crowd roared in appreciation,
recognizing the thrilling performance delivered by all
involved.
However, the celebration was abruptly interrupted when MJF
and MVP appeared on the arena's massive video screen,
immediately shifting the atmosphere. MJF sarcastically
applauded their victory, sneering dismissively, "Wow,
Ontario—did you see that win? So exciting, so fantastic."
Addressing Briscoe, MJF said that he’d consider a one-on-one
conversation, even though he typically rolls with his
clique, The Hurt Syndicate. MJF concluded the stark warning
by mocking the fan-favorites: "Now you two can go back to
doing whatever poor people do—count food stamps or
something. We'll see you next Saturday."
MVP, standing confidently beside MJF, amplified the threat,
directly addressing Briscoe and Mistico with sharp disdain:
"Mark, I appreciate your enthusiasm—I really do—but you're
way out of your league. And Mistico?” From there, MVP had
some choice words for the CMLL legend in Spanish, to which
MJF replied, “I don’t know what he just said. But when
you're in the Syndicate, it's not personal. It's just
business."
Scorpio Sky Makes Stunning Return, Defeats Max Caster in
Quick Fashion
The historic 100th episode of AEW Collision continued to
deliver memorable moments, as Max Caster stepped into the
ring to issue his “Best Wrestler Alive™ Five-Minute Open
Challenge.” With his typical cocky bravado, Caster stood
confidently in the center of the ring, microphone in hand,
addressing the Ontario crowd.
“You are looking live at the best wrestler alive,” Caster
declared, inciting immediate jeers. Taunting the local fans
further, he mocked, “I know that your lives here in the
Inland Empire are very boring and very horrible. However,
you people are allowed to have the best moment of your lives
when you get to chant my name.” But the audience didn’t live
up to Caster’s expectations, as he asked why they were
mocking his life work.
Caster, unfazed by the negative reaction, continued to
provoke the crowd, starting a mocking chant of his own:
“This crowd sucks! This crowd sucks!” Tony Schiavone, at the
commentary table, scoffed in disbelief, remarking, “I can’t
believe they’re chanting that.”
Just as Caster was demanding that the five-minute clock be
put on screen, a brief training montage and video package
with a familiar face and voice aired, drawing an immediate,
thunderous roar from the capacity crowd.
After nearly two years away from AEW television, Scorpio Sky
returned!
Sky stood momentarily at the top of the entrance ramp,
soaking in the deafening cheers. Accompanied to ringside by
a sharply dressed Christopher Daniels, his longtime SCU
partner, along with Leila Grey and Top Flight, Sky’s
intensity was palpable. “This is an incredible return,”
Nigel McGuinness proclaimed, clearly impressed by the
crowd’s passionate reception.
Sky swiftly made his way down the ramp, stepping into the
ring with determination etched into every movement. Caster,
visibly thrown off his game by the unexpected opponent,
hesitated briefly before regaining composure.
The bell rang, and Sky wasted no time in asserting
dominance. As Caster stepped forward, Sky struck
immediately, landing a sharp right hand followed by a rapid
flurry of punches and kicks that forced Caster back against
the ropes while the crowd chanted, “Welcome back!” Schiavone
excitedly called the action: “Sky coming out firing, not
wasting a single second!”
Sky quickly whipped Caster across the ring and caught him on
the rebound with a beautifully executed high-elevation
Manhattan Drop drop, before emphatically driving him down to
the mat with a flawless Cutter. With Caster down and
motionless, Sky promptly covered him for the pinfall.
Ricochet Continues to Open the Gates
In a backstage segment during AEW Collision's landmark 100th
episode, Ricochet was asked if he would like to share what
happened between him and the Gates of Agony, who decimated
AR Fox, last week. Ricochet immediately deflected the
inquiry: "Um, no. What the Gates and I talked about last
week is none of your—or anybody else's—business. But what
you can get from me are actions. Because actions speak
louder than words."
Without waiting for further prompting, Ricochet abruptly
gestured for the cameraman to follow him, tersely ordering,
"Come with me.” The camera hurriedly followed as Ricochet
marched down the backstage corridor, where the Gates of
Agony had taken out Blake Christian and Lee Johnson.
Ricochet stared Christian down, his voice sharp and
assertive: "You see, boys—if you want Ricochet’s respect,
you're gonna have to earn it. And that—that's not a request.
That's a demand."
Willow Nightingale Powers Past Vipress
AEW Collision continued with Willow Nightingale back in
action against Vipress. As Willow entered the Toyota Arena,
she drew her typical enthusiastic response from the Ontario
crowd. Tony Schiavone praised Nightingale's ever-growing
popularity as she energetically made her way to the ring,
remarking, "Willow Nightingale is impossible to dislike.
She’s always bringing joy, energy, and a relentless fighting
spirit to every match she competes in."
The bell rang and Vipress immediately tried to gain an early
advantage. However, Nightingale was prepared, deftly
sidestepping Vipress’ initial aggression. This match mostly
belonged to Nightingale, as she planted Vipress with a
devastating spinebuster, punished her in the corner, and
added a big-time pounce in the middle of the ring for good
measure, all while Wheeler Yuta and Kris Statlander watched
on a monitor in the back, with Statlander not wanting much
if anything to do with Yuta.
It didn’t take long before Nightingale was hosting Vipress
up for the "Babe With The Powerbomb." Willow quickly pinned
Vipress and earned the victory.
Anthony Bowens and Billy Gunn Try to Get on the Same Page
A revealing backstage segment further highlighted potential
escalating tensions between Anthony Bowens and Billy Gunn.
Following Bowens' recent disappointing setbacks, Renee
Paquette was backstage with Bowens, looking to clarify his
mindset heading toward AEW All In: Texas.
Renee addressed Bowens sympathetically, recognizing his
recent struggles: "Anthony Bowens, the Pride of Pro
Wrestling, unfortunately tonight did not go your way. I
mean, last week you were talking about this strategy that
you had heading into this match—"
Bowens cut Renee off, visibly frustrated yet trying to
maintain composure: "There's no room for negativity, Renee.
I'm the Pride of Pro Wrestling. Enough."
Billy Gunn then entered the scene, responding immediately to
Bowens' clear agitation and encouraging him to get up.
Bowens directly confronted Gunn, voicing frustration openly
and explicitly: "Thanks for the help out there!"
Billy Gunn reacted defensively yet somewhat bewildered by
Bowens’ anger, quickly retorting, "Well, I thought this
whole new strategy of yours was to not have me out there, to
see what you were doing on your own." Gunn clarified
further, visibly unsure, "Have me out there, don't have me
out there—I don't know where you're going with this."
Bowens was visibly incredulous, clearly upset by the
misunderstanding. He responded sharply, seeking immediate
clarity: "When was that a part of the strategy? I never said
I didn't want you out there! So where were you?"
Billy Gunn explained candidly, his tone becoming both
defensive and earnest: "That's what I heard! I was in the
back watching you do your thing." He softened his tone,
attempting reassurance: "I don't know if you know this, but
just because you turn into a singles doesn't mean you're
gonna be world champion tomorrow. There's gonna be some
bumps in the road, and we're just hitting a couple of them."
Gunn pressed further, genuinely attempting to calm the
situation: "We need to get back together and figure this
out, and it'll all be all right—I promise you."
Bowens, however, wasn't immediately convinced by Gunn's
assurances. His frustration boiled over as he made his
position unmistakably clear: "You've been saying that every
single week, Billy! Results need to happen now. All In's
around the corner. I have to win that gauntlet. I lost my
opportunity at being number two—so now what?"
Gunn calmly but earnestly reassured him one final time: "You
gotta trust me. Trust me."
Bowens remained silent momentarily, clearly weighing Gunn’s
words.
FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) Defeat The Outrunners
(Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) in Grueling Match
Early on, the Outrunners immediately captured the crowd's
support with their energetic presence, with the Outrunners
sending FTR crashing to the outside with big clotheslines
over the top rope. FTR took the opportunity to go by the
announce desk and mock Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness
before getting back into the ring.
Back in the ring, the Outrunners continued to lay in their
tandem offense against Cash Wheeler, until Wheeler was
temporarily able to fend them off and tag in Dax Harwood,
who went to work on Turbo Floyd, with Harwood and Wheeler
excellently cutting the ring in half and keeping Floyd
isolated.
Floyd's previously compromised knee became a constant focal
point throughout the match, dramatically limiting his
ability to mount an effective offense. Despite this
significant handicap, Floyd exhibited remarkable tenacity,
attempting several comebacks only to be continuously
grounded by FTR's coordinated assault.
Tony Schiavone painted a vivid picture of the Outrunners'
struggle: "Turbo Floyd, fighting courageously, but how long
can he realistically last with that clearly injured leg?"
Floyd made a desperate dive, managing to tag in his partner,
Truth Magnum, to roaring approval from the crowd. Magnum
burst into the ring, a furious whirlwind of offense,
delivering sharp clotheslines, rapid dropkicks, and a splash
into the corner that momentarily swung momentum in favor of
the Outrunners, although Wheeler was able to break up an
attempt at the double bionic elbow drop.
FTR regrouped outside the ring, and when we came back from
the commercial break, Truth Magnum was bloodied and being
beaten in the corner. FTR once again went to work with their
tried-and-true tag team tactics, grinding Magnum into the
mat. Magnum nearly made the tag to Floyd, only for Wheeler
to yank Turbo off the apron at the last minute.
Harwood continued to brutalize the bloodied Magnum, as FTR
hit a double-team flatliner. The crowd erupted as Magnum
rallied, blood visibly streaming from a laceration on his
forehead, fending off Wheeler on the top rope then hitting a
crossbody—only for nobody to be there when he went to make
the tag, as Floyd was incapacitated with his injured knee.
Despite Magnum's courageous offense, FTR soon regained
control with veteran cunning, hitting an assisted
neckbreaker for another two-count. But after dodging a
headbutt, Magnum finally made the tag to Floyd. Floyd fought
through the pain as best as he could, but every time he went
to lift Wheeler, Floyd damaged himself. Still, the
Outrunners managed to hit the double bionic elbow drop,
helping each other to their feet along the way, but Cash
kicked out.
After a back-and-forth involving all four men, the
Outrunners—yes, the Outrunners—hit the Shatter Machine, but
Dax Harwood made the save to avoid the indignity of FTR
losing to their own signature maneuver.
With Floyd incapacitated by severe knee damage and Magnum
severely weakened after a vertical suplex by Harwood to the
outside, FTR smelled blood in the water. Seizing the
opportunity, Harwood and Wheeler set up their devastating
Shatter Machine finisher. Harwood propelled Floyd into the
air as Wheeler delivered the finishing blow, decisively
planting Turbo Floyd into the canvas. Wheeler quickly
covered for the three-count victory while Big Stoke held
Magnum from breaking up the tag.
After their victory, FTR stood triumphant yet visibly
drained.
Athena, Megan Bayne, Thekla & Julia Hart Victorious in
Chaotic Eight-Woman Tag vs. Tay Melo, Anna Jay, Thunder Rosa
& Queen Aminata
The match opened explosively as Queen Aminata and Thekla
faced off first, reigniting their ongoing rivalry with
immediate intensity. Thekla started with a hurricanrana, but
Aminata rocked the Toxic Spider with a massive strike to the
face.
Julia Hart tagged in next, only to be hit with a huge
backbreaker and then Chocolate Kisses by Aminata, sending
Hart tagging in Athena, while Aminata tagged in Thunder
Rosa, the ROH Women’s World Champion’s opponent at Supercard
of Honor next week. Athena then scattered, tagging in Megan
Bayne. And momentum shifted dramatically with Bayne entering
the ring, as she smashed Rosa into the corner, only for Rosa
to recover for a shotgun dropkick from the top rope, then a
basement dropkick with Bayne leaning against the bottom
rope, setting up Aminata for a top-rope double stomp. Rosa
and Aminata then double-teamed Bayne in the corner with
chops to the chest.
Back from the break, Hart went for a sky-high moonsault on
Rosa, but Rosa got her feet up in time to rock Hart. Both
women made the tag to their respective corners, with Tay
Melo and Thekla coming in. Melo nailed a series of big pump-
kicks on Thekla in the corner, culminating in a knee to the
face of a downed Toxic Spider that led to a two-count. The
match descended into controlled chaos, with all eight
competitors eventually entering the fray.
Rosa and Athena again collided in the center of the ring,
before chasing each other to the back. Tay Melo and Anna Jay
looked to capitalize, however, Penelope Ford provided a
timely distraction. Capitalizing on the chaos, Megan Bayne
decapitated a vulnerable Anna Jay, who had become the legal
competitor amidst the confusion, before Bayne hoisted Jay
onto her shoulders with ease, delivering a devastating
Running Powerbomb, slamming Jay emphatically into the
canvas. Bayne confidently covered Jay, hooking the leg
decisively for the win.
Kyle Fletcher Secures TNT Championship Opportunity,
Defeating Daniel Garcia
The landmark 100th episode of AEW Collision concluded in
dramatic fashion, featuring a high-stakes main event between
Kyle Fletcher and Daniel Garcia, with the winner securing a
TNT Championship opportunity against Adam Cole at All In:
Texas. Adam Cole himself joined the commentary table
alongside Tony Schiavone, Nigel McGuinness, and the always
provocative Don Callis, amplifying the already charged
atmosphere.
Fletcher and Garcia started with a collar-and-elbow tie-up
in the middle of the ring, before Garcia drove Fletcher into
the corner and lightly taunted him with Garcia’s signature
dance.
The action intensified as Fletcher leveraged his superior
strength, taking Garcia to the mat with a headlock before
Garcia knocked Fletcher off his feet with a diving shoulder
tackle after rebounding off the ropes a couple of times.
Garcia mounted Fletcher in the corner for a series of
punches to the head, but Fletcher turned the tables with a
menacing kick to the face after coming out of the corner.
Garcia responded defiantly, evading Fletcher in the corner
then dropkicking him on the apron to the outside. On the
outside, Garcia sized up Fletcher for a big strike, but the
Protostar countered with another kick to the face before
Garcia could strike. A momentary lapse in concentration when
Fletcher taunted Cole gave Garcia an opening, but Fletcher
reclaimed the advantage with yet another kick to the jaw
before throwing Garcia into the barricade, bloodying the
former TNT Champion.
Yet Garcia wasn’t going to back down. Back in the ring, he
once again mounted Fletcher for punches, then locked in a
choke on the apron amid the ropes before suplexing the
Protostar onto the apron. Garcia followed that up with three
John Woo kicks to a seated Fletcher against the barricade.
Garcia hoisted Fletcher onto the top turnbuckle and landed a
seismic superplex for a two-count, Garcia flopping
lifelessly onto Fletcher.
When both men got to their feet, Fletcher seized the
advantage, landing a thrust kick on Garcia’s chin followed
by a massive powerbomb then vicious elbows to the top of
Garcia’s head and his nose, adding even more blood to
Garcia’s face.
Garcia, visibly pained yet determined, fought back
valiantly, dodging Fletcher’s corner charge. Garcia seized
the opportunity, swiftly locked Fletcher into his signature
Dragon Tamer submission hold, wrenching back deeply and
desperately screaming for Fletcher to tap out. After
Fletcher escaped, both men went crashing to the outside,
with Callis leaving the announce desk to check out the
carnage and encourage his star. Fletcher reversed a
potential suplex by Garcia into a half-and-half suplex of
his own, visibly rocking Garcia. Fletcher, staring directly
at Adam Cole, then planted Garcia with an apron powerbomb,
just as he previously had done to Cole several weeks ago.
As the match neared its climax, Cole tried to encourage
Garcia to get back into the ring, which Garcia finally did
just before the 10-count—only for Fletcher to kick Garcia in
the face one last time in the corner. Fletcher immediately
followed up with a devastating Brainbuster, violently
planting Garcia head-first onto the canvas for the win.
As Fletcher celebrated his hard-earned victory, Adam Cole
stood up from the commentary desk, locking eyes intensely
with Fletcher, who pointed at Cole’s TNT Championship.
Catch AEW DYNAMITE live Wednesday at 8/7c on TBS and
streaming on MAX from the Curtis Caldwell Center in Garland,
Texas, as All In Week is finally here!
Tickets On Sale Now! – www.AEWTix.com
And remember… We are AEW—Where The Best Wrestle!