wrestling / TV Reports
Hunter’s AEW Collision Review 06.20.2026
Image Credit: AEW
Loading...HUNTER THE HUNGRY IS GON’ EAT (steak and potatoes for dinner, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, you sickos!)
Tonight on AEW Collision – here’s gonna be some RASSLIN’!
We are opening with SUPERKICK PARRRRRTY
The Elite (Young Bucks & Jack Perry) v Lethal Twist (Jay Lethal, Blake Christian, Lee Johnson)
Starting off TV with a Bucks crowd-pleaser is the smart play; shame they’re against some ROH jobbers.
What you would expect for the first few minutes of the match. Sorry for lack of detail, didn’t time my dinner properly! Anyways, human children have steak protein in front of them, as does this guy here. And whiskey! For me, not the offsprings.
What was I saying? Forced to watch on HBO MAX again with the help of a certain filthy. I’m sure it’s some sort of weird contract thing but it’s maddening that the international broadcast of any taped episode always airs an hour, sometimes more, later than the American cable/max feed. Been that way since Triller. Super annoying because it means I miss the awesome commercial break commentary on top of having to put up with this inane American commercials.
ANYWAY!
Back from break with the Lethal Twist in “control.” Not really impressed with how slow the heels are working this. Perry is playing Ricky Morton while the crowd half-heartedly “whoos” at Jay Lethal’s strut. Jungle Jack fights his way free — headscissors on Lee Johnson, from the apron to the floor! Back in the ring, cut off, Perry gets free, HOT TAG MATT JACKSON. Or not, Matthew immediately cut off. Double-team irish whip, Max Buck reverses and clotheslines both men! Here comes Nick! Double-team magic from the Bucks! NICK WITH THE LOCOMOTION NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEXES TO BIG BLANDO!
Bucks continuing their double-team action as Rick Knox “counts” but otherwise allows everybody to just run in and out of the ring. Which isn’t worth complaining about, that’s just how it’s gonna go when Knox referees for the Bucks. Stereoptic (thanks Nigel) … no, cut off! Swirl attempting … something… Bucks with sunset flips from the top! Powerbombs! STEREO SHARPSHOOTERS!
Jay Lethal cuts it off. Jack Perry and Jay Lethal going at it! LETHAL COMBINATION connects! He goes for the Lethal Injection… Matt cuts it off! More double-team action from the Bucks.
Nigel: “How is Rick Knox allowing this?”
NIGEL IS ALL OF US
It’s breaking down! I ain’t specifically typing out every move. Perry gets nailed by a three-way Lethal Twist sequence and… kicks out. Seriously lol? At least break up the fall instead of having Perry kick-out of everything. Crowd is bafflingly chanting this is awesome. JACK PERRY IS JUNGLING UP! Fighting all three… and friendly fire from Lethal takes out his partners! Bucks in, DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Johnson and Christian back, rapid knee strikes. Bucks cut them off! They’re on the elevated rampway… and LAUNCH Jack Perry over the top rope onto the opponents!
Perry with a DOUBLE REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER ON TWO MEN!
Moonsault to the outside on Lethal and Blake! TK/Meltzer/Whatever Driver on Lee Johnson! That gets the three for THE, ELITE, BE THE ELITE.
WINNERS: The Elite
TIME: Around 12 minutes (Remembered to START the stopwatch; forgot to STOP it)
RATING **1/2
THOUGHTS: Every Bucks trios match ever. This isn’t a bad thing because the style of match the Bucks can do in their sleep. Crowd-pleasing action and a good way to open any show. But very hard to get excited about their opponents. Blake Christian is a fantastic heel, Jay Lethal is a talented veteran, and Lee Johnson is more boring than Daniel Garcia… but the Lethal Twist are only successful in ROH, jobbers in AEW. Fine match, gets Bucks and Perry a TV win, nothing more.
* Backstage, Mina Shirakawa and Kris Statlander are with Lexy Nair. Harley is in the background, concerned about her two friends. Mina and Stat have friction. No, DiabloPepe, not that kind of friction.
COMMERCIAL BREAK i hate this =D
* WE’RE BACK! Lexy Nair is with the amazing Hikaru Shida! Shida talks shit about her confirmed and potential opposition for the upcoming Survial of the Fittest. She smacks the floor a few times with her kendo stick. Shida fucking rules.
* FEEL THE WRATH! The polymath from Aus is here for commentary as two of her best friends are about to COLLIDE. Mina makes here entrance. And here comes the Cosmic Killer, Kris Statlander!
QUALIFYING MATCH FOR TBS TITLE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST MATCH
(I can’t quite explain the weird blocks in the formatting shut up)
Basic back and forth action to start. Tony mentions the World Cup and plugs the (frankly awesome) AEW soccer jerseys. I seriously want to buy Bandido’s just because of how cool it looks. I love that Omega’s Canada kit isn’t just the basic ass black and white.
Anyway, two minutes in and we’re heading to commercial, I guess. AEW: Gutting women’s matches with commercial breaks, find a more iconic duo.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Back to action, both Mina and Stat on the outside. Harley Cameron on commentary. In the ring, Mina wins the exchange. Forearm to Stat’s back, then Mina loads up for a draping DDT off the top rope! That gets a two-count. Harley is excited! Nigel is on the edge of his seat, he said, slightly sarcastically.
Stat with a pump kick! Mina with a forearm! Stat nails a discus lariat! That isn’t enough, though, Mina sends Stat to the floor. To the top rope… cross body block from the top rope to Stat on the floor! Mina rolls Statlander in and once again climbs to the top rope. Kris Statlander staggers to her feet and gets nailed by a shotgun super dropkick. Mina rolls her up, kick out. Harley: “Schiavone, I think I found some gum under here that’s been here since 1986.”
Stat counters whatever Mina was going for with a thrust kick. Big slam! One, two, KICKOUT! Whoa! Statlander goes for STATERDAY NIGHT FEVER… countered! Backfist, countered, Mina rolls Stat up, kickout, Mina off the ropes, Hits… kind of a La Mistica! They throw pinning combinations back and forth, and Statlander gets the three-count.
WINNERS: Kris Statlander
TIME: 8ish minutes.
RATING **
THOUGHTS: Disappointing. It was fine, but considering Stat is one of the very best in the company, ESPECIALLY in terms of carrying opponents, and Mina is solid, this was just a match that happened. The story wasn’t really part of it. The finish was outta nowhere and anti-climactic. What I DID like is that this match was Mina v Stat, and it was going to hurt whichever woman ended up left out of the upcoming SOTF. This match had stakes, wheras it was brutally obvious that Persephone and Shida were winning their matches. Not sure how much I like having TWO former women’s world champions in the match – I hope the plan is to crown a NEW TBS champion who has yet to hold AEW gold.
* Post-match, Harley heads to the ring to play peacemaker. Mina is obviously disappointed but Harley raises the hands of both women.
* We get some VHS style video and the Bang Bang Gang… ARE ADVERTISING THEIR SPAY AND NEUTER CENTER! Oh Jesus. Hahahaha. They have some jobber in a giant doggy cone. I can’t even do this justice, it’s absolute beautiful goofiness. “So Dogs, I hope you’re paying attention, because YOUR APPOINTMENT IS BOOKED. 1-800-GUNNS-UP.”
* Jack Perry backstage, talking about the first time he was in Japan a couple years ago. Perry talks up Zack Sabre Jr being there for him, including having Jack’s “very first adult beverages in a bar in Osaka with you and the boys.” Perry respectfully challenges Sabre to a match on Wednesday. And this time, Jack will pick up the tab… because the winner should always pay. Shit, I’m down for this match!
* WE HURT PEOPLE! Here comes the Hurt Syndicate!
The Hurt Syndicate v Ham N Eggers
Jobber #1 is clearly an idiot, as he begins the match by slapping Bobby Lashley in the face. Really, that’s how you want to die? Okay. Yet somehow the local talent are managing to get some double-team shots in. Lashley… shrugs. Shelton grabs one and pulls him out of the ring. SMASHING dude back and forth between the guardail and the ring apron! Beautiful German suplex from Shelton. That running knee to the corner is fuckin’ SICK. Lashley nails guy number two with a spear! That’s that.
WINNERS: BOB and SHELTON
TIME: 3 minutes?
RATING n/r
THOUGHTS: Delicious SQUASH. Lashley’s injury interrupted the momentum of the Hurt busnycate. Hasn’t really been a place for them to easily slide back into the show. Hoping they’re back every week!
MVP on the mic. Fans do love them some Hurty Boys. MVP says they like money. So you want somebody mauled, someone’s ass whooped PROPERLY, bring the money… and they’ll bring the pain! “We are the Hurt Syndicate, and we’re open for business.” Love MVP on the mic, he knows how to play to the crowd.
* The Fallen Angel and Sky Flight are standing by! Sigh. Dante Martin looks soft and pale. Scorpio is such a handsome dude. Daniels says an old tag partner is finally back from injury..
MATT SYDAL! Oh wow! Sydal’s been injured for a LONG time. Sky Flight will have Sydal’s back. Welcome back, Sydal (please don’t bring your brother)!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
* Nigel is in the ring. Allow him to introduce… THE PSYCHO KILLER. TOMMASO CIAMPA.
Lights. Oh baby, we’re getting the full entrance. Mikey Rukus absolutely knocked it out of the park with Ciampa’s AEW them. I love Ciampa so much. Glad he’s getting this redemption tour after being utterly wasted for the previous six years.
CIAMPA WALKS THROUGH FIRE! Interesting note – Ciampa always seems to be in ring gear, even for segments. Has he appeared in “street clothing” in AEW? Schiavone tries to get over the “Tommy” bit on commentary. Please stop, that was soooo cringe last week. Nigel gives Jericho ALL his accolades, and it’s JUDAS ON MY MIND.
(Sincerely hope we don’t get preschool rhyme Jericho again. I’ve enjoyed his return this year, but last week with his cute little shit was tryhard as hell.)
Jericho makes his entrance and the crowd sings along to the Fozzy! (Chris) Jericho is in black pants, but no shirt. Music fades, and crowd finishes the chorus! Okay, here we go.
Jericho speaks first. “Do I think you’re worthy? I do. I know how good you are, Ciampa. I’ve been waiting to face you since I came to AEW. I also know how smart you are, but can you say the same about me? You can list all my accolades, all my credentials, but you still think you can dictate to me which version of Chris Jericho you’re gonna get?”
Ciampa smiles.
“It really doesn’t matter which version, because each and every version of Jericho is gonna KICK YOUR ASS!”
Ciampa takes the mic.
“This is the Chris Jericho I’ve wanted from the beginning. And I have an idea. July Eighth, Clearwater Florida? That’s what, ten minutes away from your adopted home? I want you to invite your friends, and your family. I want you to sit them in the front row. And we’re gonna find out one of two things. You are exactly who you say are… or the entire world finds out that Tommaso Ciampa is indeed. BETTER. Than Chris Jericho.”
I’M GOING CHRISTOPHER ROBIN ZIMMERMAN UP IN THIS SHIT LADS
Jericho accepts. “In Clearwater, on July Eighth, we wrestle. But tonight, here in Houston – excuse me Nigel – WE FIGHT!” JERICHO THROWS HANDS! Tries for the walls… the action spills to the outside. Ciampa’s trick knee acts up and accidentally connect with the BALLS of Jericho (sarcasm obviously, deliberate low blow). Ciampa continues the assault, sending Jericho into the stairs. On the apron, Ciampa does the classic Jericho “COME ON BABY” pose! But the PSYCHOL KILLER isn’t done. Jericho is busted open, and Ciampa rains down further blows. BITES THE WOUND. Shit talk from Ciampa, he’s fabulous at it. Back in the ring, the kneepad is down… A bloody Jericho staggering up… RUNNING KNEE! “Jericho’s DONE!”
A loving kiss on the cheek from Ciampa to Jericho closes the segment.
THOUGHTS: Tremendous work from both men. We got serious Jericho. The segment didn’t overstay it’s welcome. Every word was meaningful, Jericho had enough of Ciampa’s shit, and the Psycho Killer got the better of the former LE CHAMPION en route to a big match at Beach Break. KISS rule and I am now HYPED for the match.
* We get some video recap of recent events in NJPW. PAC has challenged SHOTA UMINO for Forbidden Door. The Shooter… ACCEPTS! PAC v SHOTA UMINO is official for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship!
* See, why aren’t the commercial breaks BETWEEN matches instead of DURING matches?
Dante Martin enters. And here comes the Mexican MEGASTAR… Mistico! The Texas crowd sings along to his theme song.
Nigel on the song: “Translated as I AM DYING, my experience every Saturday with you, Tony!”
MISTCO v DANTE MARTIN
Some fun back and forth high-flying stuff to start. It really is magical how over Mistico is. Crowd is in love with him. Mistico with a charge, Dante dodges and Mistico flies outside! Martin with a suicide dive! ANOTHER! Mistico is DOWN! Dante Martin showing some aggression! This kid has shown lots of potential but plateaued over the past two or so years. Back in the ring, Mistico reverses momentum. Dante sent out, Mistico’s turn for a dive to the outside! Rolls Dante in, up to the top, Dante pops up! Superplex! Dante back on offense, and we’re off to commercials.
Real talk, why are the commercials not BETWEEN the matches? I know it would disrupt the live show more… well, that’s probably part of it. You get more actual on the show by putting the commercials IN the matches than between.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
My oldest child is ruthlessly mocking the side effect reads.
Back from action, and stuff is happening. Tornillo from Mistico to Dante on the floor! Mistico is not moving too fast, but rolls Dante in. Cover, Aubrey Edwards counts, just two. Daniels trying to hype up Dante Martin. Mistico… stomps Dante’s hand. LOL! Both guys appear tired. We have a … slow… slugfest. Mistico stubbornly tells Dante to bring it. But then he points up, distracting Dante, only to hit a spinning back kick. Oh, that Mistico! Mistico sends Dante into the corner, reversal, and we have a double down at eight and a half minutes. I don’t this match has really earned this drama!
Is it just to me, or does Dante seem slightly annoyed by Christopher Daniels?
Mistico charges in. Dante ducks, but Mistico lands on the apron and connects, sending Dante down to the canvas. Mistico up to the top… MOONSAULT! Dante rolls out, Mistico lands on his feet! Martin with a pinning combination for two. Dante remains in control. Irish whip, reversed, powerslam by Mistico for two. I’m not entirely sure what they’re going for in this bout – certainly hope that Mistico did actually hurt his knee as commentary has talking about. Mistico leaps up… SPRINGBOARD SENTON! DANTE MOVES! Mistico lands hard on the canvas. Dante Martin with a sloppy package powerbomb for two. Huh. Dante up top, Mistico up as well. They are STANDING on the top turnbuckle… SPANISH FLY FROM THE TOP!!! Cover, Mistico wins!
WINNER: Mistico
TIME: 11:29
RATING **3/4
THOUGHTS: Good enough match with a weird pacing, either due to Mistico legit tweaking his knee or… who knows. A bit long for what it was. A dub for Mistico, presumably he will be on Forbidden Door in some capacity. Now – was it just me, or did it seem like Dante Martin was a bit more aggressive, even annoyed at Christopher Daniels?
Has Excalibur been on the call for the entire show and I didn’t notice? Anyway, the MAN IN THE MASK puts over Dante hanging in. I mean, sure, but Dante Martin has “hung in there” with top stars for five years now without doing anything more. The fans sing along and do the wave!
* THE DEMAND. Ricochet once again calls out Takeshita. “You’re not doing a very good job at hiding that YOU are afraid of me. Using all of the Conglomeration/Don Callis Family drama to stay away from me.” Ricochet tells Takeshita to “man up, do your ACTUAL job.” Ricochet wants that International title shot. DICKOCHET turns his attention to… Matt Sydal? “Matt, you don’t wrestle anymore. When you actually REMEMBER how to wrestle, I’ll be glad to help you out with some air time, because I am Ricochet, and I am out of this world.” Haha, sniping some old Evan Bourne gimmicks. Good shit.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
* We’re back with THE DOGS. The Dogs aren’t impressed by the “old man strength” of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. They talk shit and accept the challenge. At Forbidden Door, the DOGS will take the tag team titles and put down those bitches!
Careful, Clark. Your girlfriend has dominance to that word in AEW! And she could kick your ass. Good promo from Finlay and Connors.
* OUT OF MY HEAD, I’M OUT OF TIME. Love PAC’s theme.
PAC v Jay Alexander
Jon Moxley describes the challenger as thick. Jay Alexander sure is! Alexander tries to take out PAC but does not have much success. PAC tosses Jay out of the ring, where Marina takes a cheap shot behind the referee’s back. Moxley calls her a “hungry puma.” “She’s got feet made of… leather.” “And speaking of FEET, did you see that precision kick from PAC right there.”
I freaking adore Moxley on commentary.
PAC gets speed, hitting the ropes multiple times for the lariat! Brutalizer applied and Jay Alexander taps out. Mox on Marina: “Beautiful smile! Like a beautiful puma!” What are you talking about, Mox? lolol
WINNER: PAC
TIME: PAC 3:16 SAYS HE’S A BASTARD
RATING n/r
THOUGHTS: Get PAC a win heading into Forbidden Door, get Marina and Moxley on TV, I’ll buy that for a dollar. Jay Alexander got a bit of my attention. Obviously he’s a HOSS, but he had good gear, good grooming, a little bit of presence.
* Backstage to THUNDER ROSA! Thunder mentions she’s been busy in CMLL but challenges DIVINE DOMINION to a tag team title match! But who will be here partner…? IT’S A SECRET!”
Schiavone says Adam Priest has been very very impressive… I resist the urge to go look up his win-loss record. HERE COMES THE FRONTMAN! TMDK’s British mod rock intro music rules.
If Taz was here, he would be infuriated at Sabre wearing so much orange. 😉
Zack Sabre Jr v Adam Priest
This could be very fun. Priest doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell but he’s a very good technical wrestler. Sabre puts Priest to the ropes. Clean break, but a facewash to insult Priest. Sabre with another. That only serves to piss of Priest, who nails a SICKENING and loud chop! SNAP suplex! That’s Stampede Style, baby.
It’s so hard to recap Sabre, he does stuff that you’ve never seen, and by the time you’re processing one brilliant exchange, he’s off to another one.
Priest fights back with chops! Sabre rolls to the apron. Ithink Zack just called him Priest a cheeky bugger. Priest gets his arm snatched and Sabre grabs an armbar hanging over the top rope! He breaks before five. Heading to commercial, Sabre is cool, cocky, and bad!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Younger child at the Geico ad: “What is THAT.”
Back from break, Priest is trying to get some crowd support! Hey, they are actually behind him, you love to see it. Sabre looks concerned as Priest grabs a leg and wrenches it. GROSS CHOP TO THE BACK OF SABRE! YEESH! Priest drives Sabre’s knee repeatedly into the canvas! Priest goes for — something, but Sabre just like that escapes, reverses, ties up Priest’s left arm, TWISTS it with his feet. I … don’t know how we got from starting position to ending, but Sabre did it. Cheeky bugger.
Sabre with insulting kicks to Priest. Priest fires back. Chop! Euro! Priest snatches the left arm and euros it several times. Sabre poses, bad choice, Priest kicks him. Sabre hits the ropes, chop block from Priest! Priest looks for a half crab! Sabre kicks him off, Priest goes RIGHT back to the knee! Sabre reverses again, has one arm, grabs Priest’s other arm, pulls limbs in ways they are NOT meant to go. Priest has no choice but to submit!!
WINNER: Zack Sabre Jr
TIME: 10:58
RATING ***1/2
THOUGHTS: Wish I could have seen the entire match, DAMN YOU HBO MAX! Anyway, that ended up being a NICE piece of business. Priest was obviously a great choice to wrestle Sabre en route to Forbidden Door, and they delivered a stiff technical wrestling bout.
Priest is an interesting case. I know fans of his on the indies have sung his praises. Priest is a VERY good technical wrestler, and like his tag partner Tommy Billington, has that old Stampede/Bulldog stiffness. Even though it doesn’t matter as much as it once did, Priest’s height will probably always hold him back. I don’t know if the “throwback” type of gear helps him. I understand it, of course, but IMO it is more of a negative than a position.
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
* A bloodied Chris Jericho is backstage. “Hey Ciampa. I gotta thank you. Because I needed this. But trust me. You’re not gonna thank me for what happens to you now.”
And that’s that. Jericho’s return has been excellent for many reasons. Key among them is that he has NOT been belabouring his TV time. He’s basically getting his shit in and getting out. It’s refreshing. It’s not just Jericho, but there are often non-wrestling segments or promos in AEW that are longer than they need to be. Jericho WAS among the most guilty! That little vignette was like, thirty seconds, and that’s all it needed to absolutely sell the story.
MAIN EVENT TIME!
OWEN HART TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL MATCH: Athena (ROH World Champion) v Maya World
Teacher vs student match here. Younger child thinks Athena is really cool. We get some opening back and forth. World gets a big rollaround pinning predicament for two. Athena turns it back on her with a body scissors roll into a fall!
Commentary mentions THEKLA (COOL AS FUCK) showing up in STARDOM last night, attacking the owner Toru Okada! Not that Okada.
Athena sent into the corner. World with a tiger feint kick! Okay, I have to start typing Maya, it feels strange just typing “World” over and over. It’s Athena’s third trip to the semi-finals of the Owen, she’s never made it past. The women end up on the apron, and Athena goes to the floor. Maya with a somersault off the ring apron to Athena… wait a second, Athena rolls through?! She gets Maya up and slams Maya to the floor!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We’re back, and I’m distracted chatting with Mr. Peanutbutter and Captian CockCiocco.
Maya has the momentum. May with a running knee, but Athena catches it and counters… INTO A STOMP! May World has leopard print eyeshadow – dope! Athena to the tope. Maya tries to attack. Athena leaps off to dodge, attempts a crossbody… MAYA CATCHES HER! FALLAWAY SLAM… HELD! MAYA POWERS UP WITHOUT LETTING GO, ANOTHER! One, two, th—Athena kicks out and rolls out!
Maya on the apron, tries a running kick, caught, and we end up with Athena slammed to the floor
EL PHANTASMO V WILL OSPREAY ON DYNAMITE?????????????
THAT
WILL
FUUUUUUUUUCK
Maya is ON the guardrail. Athena follows her up! MAYA SPINE-FIRST TO THE TOP OF THE GUARDRAIL! Damnnnnn. Athena is on the outside and barely moving. Nigel: “you can draw a chalk line around Maya World as far as I’m concerned.” Athena in the ring, referee making the ten-count! We’re at eight! Maya struggling! Nine! Maya reaching in… but Athena breaks the ropes and grabs Maya’s arm? Huh. Athena pulls Maya back in for the sole purpose of TRASH TALKING. Athena SLAPPING her student! BERATING her! Ohhhhhhhh shit. Athena just said “YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR BROTHER.”
Maya World responds by PUNCHING THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF ATHENA. But dammit, Athena counters an irish whip with a German Suplex. Running forearm. Maya is up, dazed, O-Face. Three count is academic. One, two
MAYA WORLD KICKS OUT!!!!!!!
HOLY HELLLLLLL!
Athena is at a LOSS. Excalibur: “Maya World showing, PROVING her quality tonight!” The Forever Champion is PISSED. Maya is barely moving. Athena looks for the pick up, MAYA ROLLS HER UP, ONE, TWO, kickout. Athena with two thrust kicks. More trash talking, Athena measures Maya. Maya ducks! WILD ROLLUP! ONE! TWO! KICKOUT WAIT WHAT NO KICKOUT???
THREEEEEEEE!
MAYA WORLD WINS! MAYA WORLD HAS PINNED THE ROH FOREVER WORLD CHAMPION! THE CROWD IS LOSING IT!!!
WINNER: MAYA WORLD!!!
TIME: 14-ish minutes
RATING ****
THOUGHTS: WOW. Athena winning was a foregone conclusion, UNTIL IT WASN’T. Certainly possible that Saree could have gone through to the finals? Who knows. Maya subbing was a last-minute decision, with emotion given by the tragic real-life loss of her older brother just days before. But Maya was obviously going to lose to the ROH Forever Champion, her teacher, the Fallen Goddess, an exhausting amount of nicknames, Athena. No way Athena goes out in the semis again, right?
That was a genuine surprise. An EARNED surprise. It was a fantastic match from both women. A few wonky bits there, mainly as Maya is only a couple years into her career, but she has presence, charisma, look, and is rapidly developing as a skilled pro wrestler. Athena, no doubt, was happy to give her student a LOT. But that’s what it was going to be, right? Maya got to kick out of the O-Face, but still goes down.
That was a shocking finish in the BEST way. Kayfabe and shoot emotion. And frankly, it puts a LITTLE doubt in the finals. Mercedes is surely winning. But. Athena was ALSO surely winning. Could TK do something wild like Maya World v Thekla at Forbidden Door? While it’s not necessarily the “Big money match,” with both Toni and Willow on the shelf, I would argue AEW doesn’t really HAVE a “big money match” for the women’s world title. That’s partially an indictment of not giving enough TV time to the women, but also an unfortunate reality with injuries and health concerns taking out two of the top stars.
Athena is still such a question mark. Rumour is that she WANTS to stay primarily Ring of Honor. If that’s what she wants and TK is fine with it, well, okay? But it seems a waste to have her not full-time in AEW. What does a loss in the semi-finals mean for her? And it’s worth noting, Maya World is one of the ONLY people to pin Athena in YEARS. Mone and Toni Storm have pinned Athena in AEW. I think the Billie Starkz window is long closed. Is Maya going to be the one to end the Forever Champion?
Regardless of the future, terrific match, fantastic outcome. Maya v Mercedes could steal the show at Forbidden Door. Maya World continues to make a case for Tony Khan to give her more tv time and more push. Post-match angle was obvious but got mad heat. Well played, all around.
Remember how Maya got signed? Two other “stars” refused to work a five minute loss on Collision. Maya World and HYAN happily stepped up. They quickly earned AEW contracts for their efforts and willingness to come to work. Maya has been getting featured more and more in ROH, and now this? Wow.
* Athena opens her arms and pulls Maya World in for a hug. Turn? No! Genuine…
C-E-O! C-E-O! Mercedes Mone is HERE. Mone struts to the ring, wearing her 2025 Owen Hart title belt. Mone applauds Maya. Athena hides by the ropes. Mone and Maya hug! Maya is in tears, as she DAMN WELL SHOULD BE!
Mone’s pants are VERY sparkly…
ATHENA BLINDSIDES HER FORMER STUDENT!!! Mone cackles, and Athena and Mercedes lay the boots and fists to Maya World! Statement Maker on Maya World while Athena mocks Maya. Mock all you want, Athena, MAYA BEAT YO ASSSSSSSS.
… WOW! That was a hot finish! Athena and Mone stand over the beaten yet VICTORIOUS Maya World, and we’re outta here!
