Post by sethisthegoat on Jun 22, 2022 8:56:24 GMT -5
AEW Dynamite: Road Rager
June 22, 2022
June 22, 2022
Live from Atlanta, Georgia
We get a special intro package, followed by shots of the crowd and then close in on the announce table.
Taz - “Welcome to a special episode of AEW Dynamite: Road Rager! We are on the road in Atlanta, and we have a doozy of a show for you.”
Coach - “I’m not sure I’ve ever heard you say ‘doozy,’ Taz, so that must mean you’re excited. We’re going to remind the fans that tonight’s show is presented with limited commercials, and we can thank Coca-Cola for that! So pop open a Coke, sit back and enjoy the show!”
Taz - “The path to Road Rager has been long and winding for some of our competitors tonight. Perhaps none more winding than Matt Riddle’s journey to tonight’s AEW World championship match with Jeff Jarrett.”
Coach - “These two have been on a collision course since Week 1 of Dynamite, when Riddle clearly was just trying to make a friend. Let’s watch this before we head to the ring for our first match of the night!”
A recap of Riddle and Jarrett’s feud airs, from Riddle gifting Jarrett a guitar, to Jarrett hitting him out of nowhere with The Stroke. We see Jarrett’s title victory and defense over Jeff Cobb, and Riddle coming to Cobb’s defense. The video ends with Jarrett’s guitar shot on Riddle last week, leaving the challenger laying.
Match 1 - World Title: Jeff Jarrett © (6-0) vs. Matt Riddle (3-2) (30 minute time limit)
We’ve got a big match feel as the bell rings and Riddle goes straight after Jarrett, who hops out of the ring and starts to walk up the ramp. Riddle follows and hits him with a flying forearm, then drags Jarrett back to the ring. Riddle keeps on the offensive with a series of leg and knee strikes. He locks in an arm bar and keeps the hold. Jarrett grabs Riddle’s hair, which breaks the hold.
Jarrett takes control next with a swinging neckbreaker, followed by a dropkick and a clothesline, before locking in the Figure Four. Riddle is able to turn the move over and get out, but Jarrett keeps the upper hand after raking Riddle’s eyes. Double underhook facebuster to Riddle, and Jarrett heads to the middle rope. Diving elbow to the back of Riddle’s head gets 2. Jarrett goes for the Stroke, but Riddle wriggles away and hits a Pele kick. He grabs a stunned Jarrett and hits a Fisherman buster, followed by a rolling senton, and covers Jarrett. 1…2…Jarrett kicks out!
They exchange punches while standing, then Riddle Irish Whips Jarrett, who returns and hits a running DDT. Jarrett locks in another Figure Four! Riddle reaches for the ropes, but Jarrett is able to drag him away. He’s got the hold locked in for a long time, but Riddle won’t tap. He sits up and punches Jarrett until the hold is broken. Jarrett, clearly frustrated, goes to lock the hold in again, but Riddle wraps him up in a small package. 1…2…No! Jarrett kicks out again. Riddle goes for the Bro To Sleep, but his legs buckle due to the Figure Fours. Jarrett lands the Stroke and goes for the pin. 1…2…No! Jarrett tries another pin, hooking the leg, but Riddle kicks out again. Jarrett rolls out of the ring and grabs the championship. He re-enters the ring and goes to hit Riddle with it, but catches a knee to the face instead, and the belt drops to the ring. Riddle loads up the BroDerek when the sound of a can opening plays over the speakers, followed by “Beer! Money!” and a familiar song…
Bobby Roode and James Storm walk out from backstage with smiles and cans of beer. They’re wearing shirts that say “The Apex” on the front. Storm’s shirt has “Beer!” on the back, while Roode’s has “Money!” They start to approach the ring, as the ref slides out to tell them to go to the back.
In the ring, Riddle has dropped Jarrett and turned his attention to Roode and Storm, yelling at them to join him in the ring. Jarrett picks up the championship and spins Riddle around, then clobbers him straight in the face with the belt, which he slides out of the ring. Jarrett hit another Stroke on Riddle as Beer Money retreated and the ref returned to the ring to count the pinfall at 19:23. And Jeff Jarrett is STILL AEW World Champion.
Roode and Storm come to the ring to celebrate with Jarrett, while he grabs a mic. JBL and Shawn Spears also come out to celebrate.
Jarrett - “I’d like to introduce everyone to the final members of The Apex, Beer Money!” They all grab a can of beer and toast each other before having a drink and celebrating the win.
—
Match 2 - Fight for the Fallen Qualifier: Sammy Guevara (3-2) w/ Tay Conti vs. Colt Cabana (1-3)
Guevara comes to the ring with Tay Conti. He and Cabana go back and forth at first, then Cabana gets a couple of bigger moves in - a Cradle DDT, followed by an inverted cloverleaf. This brings Conti to the ring apron, and the ref asks her to get down.
The distraction allows Guevara to get out of the hold, and he hits a back suplex, followed by the Go To Hell and a 630 Degree Sention for the victory in 3:45. Guevara and Conti celebrate afterward with a mini makeout session.
—
We get a recap of the nascent Paige VanZant vs. Serena Deeb feud. Serena attacked Paige at Double or Nothing, which knocked Paige out of the women’s gauntlet match. Paige responded by choking Serena out after a match against Riho. They tossed out the challenge for Road Rager, and both are ready for a fight.
Match 3 - Paige VanZant (2-2) vs. Serena Deeb (2-1)
Paige goes straight for Serena, but gets reversed by an arm drag, then a belly-to-belly suplex. Paige blocks the next move and hits a forearm to Serena’s face, followed by a clothesline that knocks her down. Paige stomps on Serena repeatedly until Serena locks in the Serenity Lock out of nowhere, and holds it on Paige for a long time. Paige eventually drags Serena to the ropes and breaks the hold, but has too much damage already been done?
Serena starts to work more methodically, kicking Paige’s already damaged leg. She takes her to the corner and drapes the leg over a middle rope, then pulls on the leg. Coming out of the corner, Serena executes a leg drag and then continues kicking the leg. She locks the Serenity Lock in again, but Paige is able to roll through after a full minute and kick Serena off. As they stand - Paige gingerly - Serena comes in with a spear and goes for the pinfall, but Paige kicks out at one.
Serena lifts Paige up into a Fireman’s carry. Paige reverses and comes down behind Serena. She locks in a rear naked choke! And drops to the mat. Serena struggles to get out of the hold, but Paige locks it in further, and they’re in the middle of the mat. Serena continues to struggle, but eventually fades and passes out. The ref raises her arm three times before calling an end to the match, giving Paige the win at 8:12. Afterward, Paige hobbles to the back as Serena is still out. On her way up the ramp, Paige’s leg buckles under her and she falls to the ground. Medical personnel come to her assistance and help walk her to the back.
—
The screen goes dark and fuzzy. It comes a little more into focus, and looks like a child’s swing at a playground. Slightly unhinged laughter, followed by the ticking clock getting closer to midnight.
—
A package airs showing the American Wolves earning the title shot by defeating SCU. We then see Eddie Edwards’ promo about retiring the Steiners, followed by his sledgehammer shot to Scott Steiner’s face a couple weeks ago. Then Edwards lost to Jungle Boy and Scott beckoned Eddie to hit him in the face, before Eddie bailed from the ring.
Match 4 - Tag Titles: Steiner Bros © (2-0) vs. American Wolves (4-0)
Scott and Eddie are in the ring to start. But Eddie backs off and tags Davey in. He and Scott circle, then lock up. Davey tries a side headlock takeover, but Scott doesn’t budge and shoves Davey away. Davey runs straight to Scott, who clotheslines him. He’s back up and runs into another clothesline; back up and Scott hits a belly-to-belly suplex that sends Davey over the top rope and onto the floor! Scott tags in Rick, who jumps to the floor and stomps on Davey. He rolls Davey into the ring, and continues working on him.
Scoop powerslam, running knee drop and Rick locks in an STF. This brings Eddie in on a springboard elbow drop to break up the hold. He stomps on Rick, then double-teams with Davey for a vertical suplex. Eddie gets tagged in legally and goes to work on Rick with a Shining Wizard, followed by a running knee to the face that knocks Rick down. Springboard moonsault connects into a pinning attempt for 1.
Eddie then locks in the Beast Choker. Rick is able to drag Eddie to the corner as he loses strength. Scott reaches and tags in just in time, as Eddie releases the hold and dashes back to tag in Davey. Scott and Davey go back and forth - Davey hit a variety of kicks, only for Scott to respond with a suplex. Davey gets a bit of the upper hand after hitting a Snap DDT, followed by a Shooting star press that gets a 2-count. Scott fights back with a Tilt-a-whirl slam, then goes to tag Rick.
Rick controls the next portion of the match with some mat wrestling to ground Davey, locking in a camel clutch. They get up and fight to the corner, where Eddie gets a blind tag. Rick hits the Steiner Driver (Death Valley Driver) on Davey that knocks him out and he rolls to the floor, but Eddie is right in with a Double knee facebreaker from the top rope. He hits a variety of kicks to bring Rick down, then a double stomp to Rick’s back and another springboard moonsault. Eddie locks in the Beast Choker again. Rick fights back and breaks the hold, getting a hot tag to Scott.
Eddie goes to his corner to tag Davey in, but finds Davey still on the floor. He turns to face Scott, who has a huge smile on his face. Steiner-Line; Northern lights suplex; Exploder; Military press drop. Scott lifts Eddie up to the top turnbuckle and hits a Frankensteiner! He goes for the pin as Davey has finally recovered. Rick cuts Davey off, and Scott gets the 1…2…3 as the Steiners retain the championships at 13:23.
—
Match 5 - Fight for the Fallen Qualifier: Gable Steveson (2-0) vs. Dean Malenko (1-4)
Malenko is outmatched and gets dominated by Steveson in short order. Gable hits the Olympic Slam and gets the pinfall at 1:42. Gable walks backstage with a big smile, while Malenko looks distraught in the ring.
—
We see a brief recap of the budding feud between the New Day and LAX, which started with Kofi and Xavier beating up Konnan in WCW/NWO Revenge on the N64. Konnan then cost New Day and Los Parks a match against LAX/5150. Last week, Homicide and Hernandez attacked New Day to set up this match.
Match 6 - New Day (4-1) vs. LAX (2-2)
Woods and Homicide start off, with Woods getting the upper hand with a series of punches, capped by a right hook that knocks Homicide down. Then an arm drag into an armlock. Homicide pops up and misses a dropkick; Woods with a standing leg drop, then a tag to Kingston, who springboards in with a flying crossbody to a pinfall attempt that gets 1.
Russian Leg Sweep to Homicide. When he gets back up, Kingston springboards off the middle rope and hits a Tornado DDT that gets another 1 count. Irish Whip to Homicide, who slides under Kingston and dives to tag in Hernandez.
The big guy takes immediate control with a running shoulder block. He lifts Kingston up into a choke, then suplexes Kingston behind him. He whips Kingston into the corner, then runs and jumps into Kingston, who falls to the bottom buckle, Hernandez stomps on him for a bit, then pulls on Kingston’s legs and lifts him up into a powerbomb, slamming Kingston into the turnbuckles.
Homicide tags in and continues the assault with a Bronco Buster. He lifts Kingston into a vertical suplex; rolls through for another one; then another, ending it in a Falcon Arrow that gets a 2 count. Homicide hits the Gringo Killa and then locks in an STF and Kingston is fading fast.
Woods breaks the hold. Homicide tags Hernandez in and they keep Kingston in the match. He hits a powerbomb, then a delayed vertical suplex, and Kingston rolls out of the ring. Woods hops down to check on him. As Kingston gets up, Hernandez dives over the ropes to the outside, but Woods pulls Kingston out of the way and Hernandez crashes to the ground.
Kingston gets in the ring and tags Woods in. He goes to the top rope and hits a flying elbow drop onto the floor! He continues to stomp on Hernandez for a bit, then rolls him into the ring when the ref gets to 8. He lifts Hernandez up to his knees and hits a DDT. As Hernandez gets to his knees, Woods hits a running Shining Wizard. They do it two more times, then Woods covers. 1…2…No! Hernandez broke up the pin by bench pressing Woods off of him.
Hernandez stands, lifting Woods over his head, then drops him from there. Hernandez boots Kingston off the apron, then hits Woods with the Border Toss. 1…2…3! 11:34. LAX gets the win! Konnan is in to celebrate, and he locks the Tequila Sunrise on Woods, while 5150 stomps on Kingston. Until Los Parks come out and chase them away.
—
We get a big video package before the main event, recapping the major moments in the Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes feud, from Black kicking Cody in the head on the debut episode of Dynamite; then a hooded figure costing Cody his spot in the championship qualifier match; the birth of the House of Black, which cost Cody the win in their first singles match; the cage match, featuring Cody’s moonsault off the cage and Black handcuffing Cody to the cell before climbing out. We see Cody’s attacks on Kidman, the Butcher and the Blade, and then his challenge for the Dog Collar Match and Malakai’s response.
Coach - “I’m getting goosebumps, Taz. This feels like a big deal. The final showdown between The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black.”
Taz - “It feels like a big deal because it is a big deal, Coach. These two have been at each others’ throats for three months now, and Black has been a step ahead the whole time. Can Cody finally overcome the demon that is Malakai Black?”
Coach - “We’ll find out that answer really soon. It’s time for the match next. Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black in a Dog Collar Match! And TNT has let us know that this match will be aired in its entirety. The time limit has been waived. I’m going to open another Coke, and see what happens. It’s also nice to see Cody’s family in the crowd, including his dad Dusty Rhodes and brother, Dustin, visiting from the NWA.”
Taz - “Absolutely! They’ve got a big six-man tag coming up at the huge Ultimate Wrestling Alliance show in a couple weeks. Hopefully Cody survives tonight!”
Cody’s music hits and he comes out to a huge ovation. He walks down the aisle, then goes over to his dad and brother sitting at ringside. They hug over the barricade, then Cody gets in the ring.
Malakai Black comes out next, alone, wearing his deer skull mask.
The competitors are standing across the ring from each other. The ref clasps the collars around each of their necks, and the bell rings.
Main Event - Dog Collar Match
Malakai Black (4-0) vs. Cody Rhodes (2-2)
Cody immediately yanks on the chain to bring Malakai to him, but Malakai does the same. They have a brief tug of war as the crowd chants “Cody! Cody! Cody!” and he wins the tug of war, bringing Malakai to him. Cody clocks Malakai in the head with a fist wrapped in the chain, then jumps on him and continues to wail on Malakai. He busts Malakai open already!
This seems to jumpstart the leader of the House of Black, as he pokes Cody in the eyes. They both stand and exchange punches, with Malakai pushing Cody into the corner. Body punches to Cody, then Malakai wraps the chain around Cody’s neck, puts his foot to Cody’s neck and uses the top rope for leverage. After about 30 seconds, Malakai stops and yanks the chain to toss Cody by the throat across the ring. Malakai moves over quickly and locks in a Dragon Sleeper with the chain still around Cody’s neck. Cody is fading fast, but is able to grab a hold of the chain and yank on it, causing Malakai to break the hold. Cody slowly gets to his feet and turns into the Black Mass! Malakai pins Cody. 1…2…No! Cody kicks out!
Malakai lines up for another Black Mass, but Cody ducks it, then spring. Cody mounts Malakai again and digs the chain into Malakai’s open wound on his face. He drags Malakai to the turnbuckle and lays his head on the bottom pad. Cody runs straight into Malakai with his knee, then puts his boot to Malakai’s face. Cody slides out of the ring, then pulls on the chain to drag Malakai out to the floor. Irish whip into the metal stairs. Then Cody hits an Alabama Slam on Malakai on the floor! Malakai is out, and Cody picks him up to move him back into the ring. Malakai comes to and elbows Cody. They exchange punches at ringside, then Malakai hits a DDT to the floor.
Malakai gets in the ring and pulls on the chain to drag Cody up to the middle rope and into the ring. Malakai hits an inverted DDT on Cody and goes for another pinfall that gets 2. Cody stands and Malakai hops on his back and locks in the Anti-Cross, putting pressure on Cody’s arms. Cody won’t give up, and he falls backward to break the hold.
They exchange fists, then Cody whips Malakai into the corner, then Cody lets out a primal scream and runs toward Malakai, hitting a big corner splash. Malakai stumbles away, then Cody springboards off the ropes and hits a cutter. Cody heads to the top turnbuckle and gets in position for a moonsault. But Malakai yanks on the chain and Cody falls down and gets caught upside down in the Tree of Woe position.
Malakai dropkicks Cody's stomach, then ties his legs up more in the ropes. Malakai slides out of the ring and wraps more of the chain around Cody's neck, then yanks back to choke Cody out. The ref checks on Cody, but he won't give up. He grabs the chain and pulls on it, which brings Malakai face first into the ringpost and breaks the hold. Cody gets out of the tree of Woe and recovers on the mat.
Malakai slides in the ring, and Cody hits a quick DDT and goes for a pin that gets 1. They exchange a few punches and Malakai hits the Black Mass again. Instead of going for the pin, he heads to the top rope and hits a flying double leg stomp to Cody's chest. Malakai pins Cody. 1…2…No! Cody kicks out again!
Malakai picks Cody up into a Tombstone Piledriver position. Cody wiggles his legs and reverses the move. Both men are laying down, recovering from the match. This brings out the rest of the House of Black from the back.
They walk down the ramp as Malakai and Cody come to their feet. As the House of Black nears the ring, Dusty and Dustin Rhodes hop the railing and get in front of the Butcher, the Blade and Billy Kidman. Malakai and Cody look on at the confrontation. Bionic Elbows by Dusty and Dustin to all 3 members of the House of Black! In the ring, Cody spins Malakai around and hits the Bionic Elbow. He lifts Malakai up and hits a CrossRhodes, then keeps it locked in and hits another. And then a third, before finally pinning Malakai. 1…2…3! Cody Rhodes beats Malakai Black at 26:12! The ref unlocks their dog collars, and Cody's family joins him in the ring to celebrate as the show comes to a close.