When one door closes… another one finds itself kicked open. The Forbidden Door has come and gone, and there was a lot to unpack. AEW presents a unique environment in which to do so, the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, the ECW Arena where pro wrestling met extreme warfare. Taz back on commentary and a part of me would have loved for Joey Styles to guest host or make an appearance. The residency in PA has just begun, so it’s always possible he could show up.
I have to give a lot of credit to AEW, they presented the arena very well. These settings really benefit the company tremendously to do shows like this. Gives a personal and old school vibe.
Enough of my ECW nostalgia trip, let’s get to the action.
The show kicks off with FTR airing out their gripes, their loss to Brodido at Forbidden Door, but specifically taking their anger out on Referee Paul Turner. As Stokely was about to get mildly violent, Turner shoved the manager. FTR demanded the decision be thrown out or face consequences. Before things got uglier, Cope and Cage rushed out and drove off FTR. Cage states since Cope helped get rid of his problems, he will repay the favor. C&C vs. FTR is announced for All Out.
I don’t really think one can undo a title change just like that.
Christian Cage took a moment to mock FTR about their deceased fathers too. Cope looked horrified.
Jon Moxley defeated Daniel Garcia
This was not a squash. Garcia seems to be gradually turning to a more irritable, angry side of his persona. This was, in my opinion, his best match since facing Bryan Danielson. He put Mox through the wringer and on more than one occasion appeared to have won the match. Garcia added to his repertoire, using some moves from Nigel McGuiness. Ultimately, Mox caught Garcia with a roll up for the pinfall. While Wheeler Yuta seemed to distract the crowd, it appeared Mox had some words with Garcia on the outside, and facial expressions suggested Mox was appealing to Garcia.
Daddy Magic was at ringside. The crowd heavily chanted expletives towards Yuta despite him not competing. Yuta gets massive heat.
Kris Statlander and Harley Cameron defeated Penelope Ford and Megan Bayne
Very fun match, and it seems Stat is once again embracing a light-hearted side thanks to the silliness of the lovable Harley. It always makes sense to have Ford take a pinfall or submission in order to maintain Bayne’s near-invulnerability. All match long she was mauling Harley, but was stopped by Statlander’s equally imposing strength. However, it is getting a bit repetitive to anticipate Ford being the one to take the L for the team. Statlander pinning Bayne would be believable.
After the match, Willow Nightingale came in. Harley seems to be trying to reunite the former friends.
Mercedes Mone Celebrates
Not much to this segment other than gloating about her nine championships, and walking out of the PPV still TBS Champion. She directly refuses to acknowledge Alex Windsor being a credible threat.
Mone also invokes the name of Ultimo Dragon who held 10 championships worldwide simultaneously. I’m not sold on the idea of “Ten Belts Mone” but I feel it is inevitable.
The segment felt a bit lacking, no challengers appeared. The roster of the Women’s Division has benefitted from a recent boost, it’s time for more contenders.
The Don Callis Family (Alexander, Okada, Takeshita, and Hechicero) defeated Brodido and JetSpeed
Fantastic and fast paced. While Brodido and Jetspeed used fast and high risk moves as the offensive, and yes, Brody King is included in this statement, the Callis Family brought their offensives to more grounded, mat based, and using their power. While cohesive, it is very clear Takeshita and Okada are going to become rivals and could lead to a face turn. I hope it’s Takeshita who makes the face turn. Okada can benefit from remaining with the Callis Family while Takeshita is proving he can move beyond them.
Very impressive finish with Alexander outsmarting Bailey for the pinfall victory.
Hechicero should win the ROH World Championship at Death before Dishonor. The guy is a human wrestling almanac of action. It’s time.
I get a kick at how JetSpeed’s gear uses the Speed Racer font. David Pepose and the folks at Dynamite must love the homage.
Wardlow was at ringside.
Yes, let’s talk about Wardlow. He’s back, and aligned with Callis is the smart move. He’s a powerhouse in the ring, his time of powerbombing people to hell was great and very over with the crowd. However there is no doubt his pushes have been lackluster and fizzle out. He’s never been the strongest on the mic, it makes sense to put him with Callis to do the talking.
But will he stagnate or get into some high profile feuds?
A pre-taped promo following Forbidden Door – MJF cuts a vicious and venomous promo. There is no remorse here, MJF is out for blood and the world championship. His pointed rant focuses on how he believes he deserves better and Hangman is the reason and represents what is wrong with this whole scenario in MJF’s mind. MJF also directs violent intent towards Mark Briscoe. It seems MJF is gradually becoming more unhinged. The ego is fading and a more sadistic and sinister persona seems to emerge here.
“Hangman” Adam Page cuts an in-ring promo, putting over Will Ospreay and wishing him well in his surgery and recovery. He also throws out a potential challenge to face him for the AEW World Championship on his return. He then tears into MJF, and is about to go further, but Don Callis once again shows his ugly mug. JetSpeed rushes back out and a surprise save by Kenny Omega ignites the arena. Nice to see Omega and Page in the ring on the same side again.
Let’s see each member of the Callis Family go after Page. Each promises to be potential big matches, Page vs. Wardlow, Page vs. Hechicero, Page vs. Alexander all are main events.
Hangman vs. Takeshita? There’s your money match.
Samoa Joe, Will Hobbs, and Shibata retain the AEW Trios Championships against Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona
Solid match with hard hitting action. Kaun and Liona thrived. The chemistry between both teams was perfect. The chop fest between Kaun and Shibata was brutally awesome. The GOA deserve to be featured more, having them aligned with Ricochet will give the added push they’ve needed for so long. I would have been surprised if they won, but I wouldn’t have been disappointed either. Putting belts on them will finally put GOA where they deserve to be, and Ricochet can get some more gloating in.
Instead, the baldy got choked out by Joe.
Afterwards, the Hurt Syndicate beat up on GOA. Revenge is a bitter pill to swallow.
Main Event: Darby Allin defeated Claudio Castignoli
Good grief. ECW lives in the heart of the main event. Darby is just insane. Just. In. Sane. Climbing and leaping off a pillar, then goes through tables and stacks of chairs. Claudio threw him clear across the ring, over the ropes, and crashed Darby through the announce table. Despite being beaten senselessly, two Coffin Drops secured the pinfall victory. Talk about a Hostile City Showdown.
Missed opportunity to recreate the Bam Bam Bigelow/Spike Dudley spot.
This was a carnage-filled wrestling match which delivered spectacularly in the 2300 Arena.
After the match, Gabe Kidd rushed out. He is fought off while Mox is still fuming. It seems Darby is not done with the Death Riders. Their match will be Hardcore Heaven for the Sickos.
Now that was a thrill ride worthy of the ECW Arena. What’s next?
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