Winter is Coming 2024 brings us closer to AEW World’s End at the end of the year by continuing to build upon already established long stories while creating a few short-term ones for the PPV. The Death Riders appear to continue dominating the main event scene while the meat of the show established feuds heading towards 2025. Let’s go!
The show opens with Mox and PAC of the Death Riders facing off against the unlikely duo of Orange Cassidy and Jay White. More of a fight than a match, with each team trying to one-up the other with heavier hitting moves. PAC sells things like death itself came for him. Mox is just a brawler and I think might have turned on the big brute routine a bit too much with all the shoulder flexing and hunched over staggering right out of a villain from the Batman Animated Series. The match goes to hell when “Hangman” Adam Page interferes, causing a rare disqualification finish. This leads to further disarray as Cassidy, White, and Page start fighting amongst themselves. Later on, Mox cuts a promo furthering his disdain claiming this is what happens when egos run amok.
I understand the role of the Death Riders, and Mox has his crusade of “fixing AEW.” I’m just not sure I buy the fixing angle. He takes the AEW Championship hostage, hidden away in a briefcase, and then beats up people they don’t like. I feel like there needs to be more. Add another member or two. Have Marina Shafir start taking out members of the women’s division. The fatal four way set up for the PPV, will eliminate three more potential contenders, leaving Mox to gloat some more.
Death Riders need to do more, but we also need someone who can stand up to Mox.
That man would be Eddie Kingston.
Christian Cage cuts a promo from a private box, and a scathing one too on Mox, alluding to his recent history with alcohol abuse. Damn. However, he is interrupted by Hook who lays a beating on him.
Will Ospreay defeated Claudio Castignoli in a C2 match.
What a match. I thoroughly enjoyed it which means the IWC or Internet Whining Community is going to come after me. Watch clips or find the match on the TBS app. Fun with a mix of being fast paced when Ospreay was in control, or at a methodical pace of Claudio as he tried to dismantle his opponent. Both sold for the other extremely well, Ospreay showing more of a vicious, no-nonsense side which is a good thing to help his character evolve. He’s not doing the whole smiley thing while wrestling these days. Claudio plays the near-unstoppable powerhouse very well, but Ospreay was able to outmaneuver the man for the pinfall. Claudio showed a sore loser side after the match by hitting the Neutralizer on Ospreay. Darby Allin rushes in to make the save, but we find out next week will be Allin vs. Ospreay in a C2 match.
Oh boy.
MJF arrives at the arena in time for our next match…
Adam Cole defeated Kyle O’Reilly
As a result, Cole faces MJF at World’s End, and I hope to Primus this angle ends as well. For good. They had the match at Wembley which might not have gone the way one might have hoped, so this did feel like it was dragging out. Involving Roderick Strong, O’Reilly, Matt Taven, and Mike Bennett added some drama, but felt like more in-fighting than anything else.
It seems O’Reilly is becoming more frustrated with Cole and others, it seems he may be making a turn of sorts in the near future.
I’m not sure where everyone goes from here. Kyle should either get a single push or come back into a strong stable. Taven and Bennett, I like them, but once this is over what direction do they have? Roddy is “out with an injury” and my one guess is World’s End will feature some type of turn from one or more of the individuals involved.
MJF? He’s MJF. I’m not worried.
Adam Cole? He’s Adam Cole. What does Adam Cole do when Adam Cole needs something to do. He takes over a stable.
Not-so-side note, Kyle O’Reilly is an amazing wrestler. Put him in the ring with anyone and he makes a match out of it. His singles run on his return has been extremely satisfying to watch, but I want more. AEW, give me more O’Reilly.
Prior to his match, Ricochet talks to Renee about facing challenges in AEW, pulling out the MVP business card. Either do it or don’t folks, turn the guy heel or the fans will do it for you.
Ricochet defeated Brody King
Not so sure this was the right call. It seems the Flying Graysons are coming out winners here. Fletcher, Ospreay, Ricochet all getting big wins in the C2 thus far. It felt as though this should have been a match for him to lose. Brody is bigger, badder, and meaner, pummeling Ricochet all through the match. Sure, it took some underhanded tactics to win, which validates my claim of turning him heel, but Brody should have shrugged off the attempt and still won. This is a guy you inevitably put a belt on.
Ricochet was a bit comical during the match too, often whining for Brody to leave him alone or whimpering when Brody no-sold something. It fits though.
Favorite spot featured Ricochet attempting a springboard leap, but Brody catches and lobs him back with a German suplex.
Backstage, FTR calls out Mox for Collision.
Backstage: Renee interviews “Always Ready” and “The Complete” Matt Cardona, hypes up his challenge for the Ring of Honor World Championship at ROH Final Battle.
Funny segment with Chris Jericho who gimmicks a news segment, where Bryan Keith will face Cardona this week and Jericho assures Cardona he will retain the championship at Final Battle. It was funny to see Jericho impersonate a news anchor in goofy fashion.
A serious interview segment between Tony Schiavone and Darby Allin turns ugly as Darby punches himself so hard he busts his mouth bloody. Holy crap.
Backstage: Ana Jay talks with Renee about her upcoming TBS Championship opportunity when Mercedes Mone strolls up. Some words are exchanged, hype is made, and we really, and I mean really want to see Ana Jay take the TBS title off Mone.
Just let it happen already. Please.
Mariah May retains the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa
Fun match, great main event. I was rooting for Shirakawa, I thought perhaps somehow we would see a title change at Winter is Coming. Thunder Rosa was at ringside with some humorous signs. May continues to show a vicious and unforgiving side, while Mina seemed to enjoy inflicting pain on her former BFF. Ultimately, May gained the upper hand and ended it with the Storm Zero Piledriver.
However, the champion’s celebration lingered a bit too long as Toni Storm, back in black rebel gear appeared to a HUGE crowd ovation. Storm stares down May as the show closes, which also sees Thunder Rosa holding a “WTF” sign.
Fun, enjoyable, entertaining night of wrestling. I am getting pretty psyched for World’s End. Are you?
