AEW Double or Nothing 2023 - Quick Recap

 Double Or Nothing 2023 - Quick Recap 

The superstars of AEW push all their chips to the center of the table with every championship to be decided and personal feuds coming to a collision.

Opening Contest

AEW International Championship - Orange Cassidy (c) 21-Man Blackjack Battle Royal

photo courtesy worldnewsera.com

Orange Cassidy has to be considered one of the top champions in all of pro wrestling today. Cassidy has defended The International Championship regularly in fantastic matches week after week, taking on all comers. Defending the title in Blackjack Battle Royal serves as the perfect gimmick-style match for the workhorse of AEW.

Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland got enough time to shine, and the Lucha Bros with some killer super kick spots with Bandido. Seeing The Lucha Bros' wee ones walk them down the ramp before the match was excellent.

Trent Baretta took a shot from Big Bill, saving Orange Cassidy from elimination. A misfire from the Lucka Bros sent Rey Fenix to the floor while battling Bullet Club Gold. Ricky Starks eliminated both members but was pulled out by Juice Robinson, and the subsequent attack hurt Starks. Eventually, getting eliminated by Big Bill. Dustin hit a Canadien Destroyer on the apron to eliminate Brian Cage. Swerve immediately elimated Dustin right after.

The Final Four are Big Bill, Swerve Strickland, Penta El Zero Mero, and Orange Cassidy.

Bill took on some shots from Penta but eliminated him. Next, big Bill tried to eliminate Cassidy but was eliminated by Swerve from behind.

Swerve and Cassidy had several momentum-shifting near eliminations that kept us dying to catch our breath.

An Orange Punch sent Swerve over the top to the apron, but Swerve countered a second one as the two battled on the apron.

Prince Nana held Cassidy's foot, allowing Swerve to capitalize, but Orange survived a stomp by Swerve to win the match and retain the International Championship.

photo courtesy of Twitter @BR/Wrestling

placeholderOrange Cassidy's run for my money has been the most impressive title run by any champion in AEW. Cassidy may not have been considered one of the original pillars, but he has cemented himself as a column. 

Match # 2

Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho w/Special Enforcer Sabu - Unsanctioned Match

photo courtesy worldnewsera.com

Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole is a dream match on anyone's card. The past few weeks have quickly turned this into a heated and personal rivalry. An Unsanctioned Match serves to keep Cole "safe" still working his way back from a potential career-ending injury from last year. Working with Jericho immediately allows Cole to work with the biggest high-profile talent he has ever had to date.

The JAS isis out with Jericho, and Adam Cole is out with Roderick Strong and Sabu. 

Sabu will not be doing any more triple jump moonsault, but that didn't stop him from doing a splash off the top rope onto Daddy Magic and Cool Hand.

After a quick scuffle ... it finally got down to Cole and Jericho.

The match was billed as anything goes, but the action has played mainly like a stiff one-on-one contest with some weapon usage. 

The fire extinguisher spot to break the Walls of Jericho took longer than it should have but still was sold ok.

Britt Baker made her way down the ramp and returned the favor with a kendo stick wailing on Jericho for the attack she suffered orchestrated by The Ocho. Saraya tried to interfere and got tattooed by Baker for her troubles.

Jericho took a page out of Sabu's playbook, taking a thrown chair to Cole's head, leading Cole to fall off the top rope and crash landing on a table awkwardly.

Jericho brought in a chain, eventually leading to Cole and Jericho being bound together at the wrists turning the match into a pseudo-Chain Match.

Adam Cole hit Jericho with The Boom with his legged wrapped in the chain. Next, Cole wrapped his hand with the Chain and lays into Jericho with mounted attacks. Finally, Ref Aubrey Edwards seeing Jericho could no longer defend himself, called for the match. The fans seemed unhappy with the ending, however.

photo courtesy Twitter@BR/Wrestling

Adam Cole earns the biggest win of his AEW career. Can't imagine this is the end of the feud, but this was a good contest.

*Update* - Adam Cole & Britt Baker vs. Chris Jericho & Saraya announced for Dynamite on Wednesday.

Match #3

AEW Tag Team Championship - FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) vs. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal (w/special guest referee Mark Briscoe).                                        

photo courtesy worldnewsera.com

This is an exciting contest. Mark Briscoe is the glue that has built up this contest, as Jarret and Lethal have attempted to manipulate Briscoe in their quest for tag team gold. Jeff Jarret has been enjoying a small renaissance in AEW, as this is the best Jarret we have seen in some time, along with a returning Karen Jarrett by his side.

FTR is coming in as the undisputed best tag team in the world and the defending AEW Tag Team Champions. 

Early on, the champs controlled the action with Jay Lethal eating some Gunther-level chops from Dax.

Mark Briscoe cut off Lethal and Jarrett from several cheating attempts, knowing the two could employ every dirty trick. The blind clap illegal switch was waved off as Briscoe called them out on it.

Jarret and Lethal eventually got control and slowed down the action. Lethal and Jarrett showcased their skills that led them to numerous long singles title runs and the ring psychology that has earned them numerous tag team title reigns with multiple partners.

FTR hit a Doomsday Powerbomb on Lethal but was saved by Sonjay. Briscoe sent both men to the back. Jarret attempted to his Hardwood with the guitar and missed and hit Briscoe instead by accident. FTR hit the Big Rig on Lethal, but Briscoe was knocked out. 

Ref Aubrey tried to run down but was cut off by Sonjay. Karren Jarret knocked out Aubrey with a guitar. Lethal hit a distracted FTR with a double Lethal Injection.

Jarret hits Dax with a title belt and The Stroke, but Dax kicks out from a delayed count from a woozy Mark Briscoe.

Jarrett, infuriated that Briscoe didn't count faster, slaps Briscoe, which leads Mark to hit him back, leading to Jarret eating a Shattered Machine from FTR and retaining the tag team championship.

photo courtesy of Twitter @B/RWrestling

FTR wins not an instant classic but still an entertaining match nonetheless. They hug it out with Mark in the ring after the successful title defense. What lies next for FTR appears to be a feud with Bullet Club Gold after saving Ricky Starks from another attack.

Match #4

TNT Championship Ladder Match - Wardlow (c) vs. Christian Cage

photo courtesy worldnewsera.com

Wardlow has another run with the TNT Championship on his shoulders. This time with the aid of legend Arn Anderson in his corner. Wardlow has much-untapped potential that we are all itching to see come out. But another lackluster title run could end his growth before it even starts, especially with a healthy Christian Cage who is finding that stride he had when he first arrived in AEW that led to a victory over Kenny Omega.

This match, you have to believe, is built to build up the mystique of Wardlow once more with a ladder match specialist in Christian Cage.

Throughout the match, Christian did everything he could to avoid the Powerbomb Symphony from Wardlow. 

Christian hit Hardlow with a baseball dropkick as Wardlow held the ladder. Wardlow didn't let go of the ladder. Cage attempted a plancha only to eat the ladder being held by Wardlow.

Christain crotched Wardlow on a ladder between the ring and barricade. He followed up, slingshotting Wardlow into a ladder inside the ring between the ropes. Wardlow rebounded, body pressing Christain over his head and spinning him around several times before dropping Christain on the ladder showcasing Wardlow's insane strength and dexterity. 

Luchasarus made his way down the ramp to throw Christian back into the ring as Wardlow attempted to climb the ladder, hitting Wardlow with a reverse DDT off the ladder.

Wardlow recoups, hitting an Alabama Slam on the ladder but missing the senton on the ladder with Christain dodging out of the way at the last moment.

Wardlow springboarded onto the ladder, causing it to implode. Luchasaurs entered the ring hitting Wardlow with multiple chokeslams. Arn Anderson tried to get involved but was caught by Luchasaurus.

Arn bites Luchasaurus's thumb to the point of bleeding.

Wardlow saves Arn, places Luchasaurus on a table on the outside, ascends to the tallest ladder in the building, and scores with a monster Swanton bomb.

Christian used the opportunity to climb the ladder but was eventually caught by Wardlow hitting a powerbomb. Finally, climbing the ladder and retaining the TNT Championship.

photo courtesy of Twitter @ringsidenews_

Wardlow's 3rd TNT title reign with Arn Anderson will get every opportunity to build Wardlow into the monster face of the company he has the potential to be. Christian continues to be the ultimate workhorse and professional, helping the younger stars shine as he did with Jungle Boy. 

Match #5

AEW Women's Championship - Jamie Hayter (c) vs. Toni Stormphoto courtesy worldnewsera.com

Jamie Hayter enters, looking to take down the woman she defeated for the championship again in Toni Storm. However, this time their rivalry is not one of mutual respect but now a grudge match due to the attacks by The Outcasts.

Ruby Soho and Saraya attacked Jamie before Jamie made her entrance. Adding to the story of Jamie coming in less than 100%. The Outcasts stay out at ringside. Britt Baker comes back out again, attacking Saraya. Ruby Soho blinds Jamie Hayter with spray paint while attempting to remove a turnbuckle. Hikaru Shida comes out and fights with Ruby Soho. 

Jamie threw Toni into the exposed turnbuckle and hit Hayterade, but Storm kicked out. Jamie runs into the exposed turnbuckle and gets hit with Storm Zero. Toni Storm reclaims the AEW Women's Championship. The Outcasts hit the ring to celebrate with Toni.

photo courtesy of Twitter @B/RWrestling

placeholderplaceholderThis was a relatively short match. Jamie entered the match injured, and that's what AEW wanted to sell. If Jamie really is injured, this gives her time to heal up before the major PPV in England later this summer, where a rematch with Toni Storm for the championship will be waiting for her. An added bonus for this outcome secures a significant win for The Outcasts, giving them more credibility. 

Match #6

AEW Trios Championship - House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody Lee, & Buddy Murphy vs. TBA

photo courtesy of pwmania.com

Las Vegas - The Acclaimed have arrived! Max Caster set the tone with a vicious rap as only as he can.

The Acclaimed has not been seen after a stellar run as AEW Tag Team Champions in some time. However, the House of Black has something special with the lighting during their trio's tag title matches. Special lighting during contests has often been eye-sores (see Bray Wyatt matches). But AEW has nailed it with these matches.

Brody Lee is a monster. TV does not do the man justice for the size of this man. The speed at which he moves around is impressive. Running into Billy Gunn top speed in the barricade. 

Gunther may have the most brutal chops in wrestling, but Brody Lee is a close second. The House of Black dominated the match for the most part. The Acclaimed never really got a foothold in the match, isolating Anthony Bowens and working on his leg. 

Daddy Ass Billy Gun gets the hot tag and comes in and cleans house, even shoving off Lee's chops. But find himself on the receiving end of Black Mass by Malaki for the win.

photo courtesy Twitter @B/RWrestling

The House of Black wins, continuing their dominance of the trios' division and the best-looking match on television. The Acclaimed are made men who can take this loss without damaging their rep. The Trios Championship is unique, and The House of Black makes the titles mean something. 

Match #7

AEW TBS Women's Championship - Jade Cargill (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie

photo courtesy worldnewsera.com

Something has to give with Jade Cargill. It is not a matter of talent; it is a matter of evolution. The undefeated Cargill's title reign needs to be revised, mainly due to a lack of quality and consistent feuds. Taya Valkyrie offers Cargill another solid opponent, but we have yet to see Cargill have an absolute banger of a match. 

There was a 50/50 split in the crowd in the early going. Taya planted Jade with a stunning sliding German suplex. Jade returned in kind, a solid spinebuster.

Jade attempted a springboard crossbody and was caught by a codebreaker from Taya. Taya hit a leg-crossed curb stomp that almost scored the victory. Taya hits the Valhalla, but Jade kicks out at the very last second. Jade hits Jaded to now move up to 60-0.

photo courtesy of Twitter @AEW

Jade Cargill faced a stiff competitor in Taya. A pretty good performance by both women as Jade works with a woman more her physical stature. Mark Sterling got on the mic proclaiming Jade had faced them and beat them all. She will take on anyone anywhere, anytime, to prove she is the best.

Kris Statlander is back!!!

Inpromtpt TBS Women's Championship - Jade Cargill (c) vs. Kris Statlander 

Sunday Night Fever!!!! NEW TBS Women's Champion Kris Statlander as confetti fires off!

photo courtesy of Twitter @B/RWrestling

This is a fantastic moment for Kris Statlander and for Double or Nothing. It gets the title off of Jade while keeping her looking strong and ending her reign, as it was quickly losing steam and interest. And Kris Statlander is a workhorse and strong worker when healthy and gives the women's division fresh new challengers and matches for the title.

Match #8

AEW World Title - Maxwell Jacob Friendman (MJF) (c) vs. Darby Allin, vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Jungle Boy

photo courtesy worldnewsera.com

First, congratulations to Sammy Guevara and Tay Melo for announcing their future baby!

The Four Pillars of AEW battle for the top prize in AEW and are not the Main Event. The AEW championship is advertised as the top prize in the company but is not closing the show. This match elevates the pillars and gives credibility to the championship, as MJF only has two title defenses since winning last year, albeit in fairly entertaining contests.

After the three challengers beat up MJF, their attention turned toward each other. 

The challengers take turns with suicide dives. Sammy scores a shooting star press on Darby, Jungle Boy, and MJF as the opening moments are spot after spot nailed cleanly by all.

Darby tried a suicide cannonball on Sammy but got countered by a cutter. Sammy goes on an offensive flurry, hitting a standing Spanish Fly on MJF followed by a frog splash. 

MJF gets his first offense push of the match to slam Sammy into Jungle Boy and almost pinning Darby.

Darby with the Scorpion Death Drop - Jungle Boy with the Killswitch - MJF with the Cross Rhodes, and Code Breaker by Sammy - each man channeling their mentors.

MJF grabs the mic and tells Sammy to lie down and take the money MJF promised him to lie down during the promos leading to the match. Sammy says he'll lay down but dupes him into a roll-up and almost scores the pinfall. 

Sammy with the Walls of Jericho on MJF. Darby with the Scorpion Death Lock on Jungle Boy.

All Four Pillars had each other locked in a submission. 

Sammy hits Darby Allin with a Spanish fly off the top rope onto the floor, hitting MJF and Jungle Boy.

The Four Pillars drag themselves back into the ring, trading blows.

The challengers work together to wail on MJF and send him to the floor.

A chain of pinning combinations was dizzying and satisfying to watch between Sammy, Darby, and Jungle Boy.

Darby laid out Max with his skateboard and hit the Coffin Drop, but the three count was saved by Jungle Boy. Blonde Bombshell by MJF on Darby.

Jungle Boy contemplated hitting Darby with the AEW title but refused to the dismay of the fans and got caught in a near pinfall. The subtle tease of a hell Jungle Boy over the past couple of weeks playing out here. Sammy hits several flying knee strikes but gets thrown out by Darby. Darby attempts a coffin drop, but MJF places the title on Jungle Boy, and Darby lands on the title. MJF hits Darby with a headlock takeover and pins Darby to retain the AEW Championship.

photo courtesy of Twitter @ringsidenews_

MJF continues his reign as AEW World Champion. What's next for MJF is up in the air. All the current top baby faces are in other feuds. A match with Sammy or Jungle Boy is not out of the question, as neither was pinned, maybe a grudge match with Darby. But AEW finds itself in a weird place. The AEW Championship feels like an upper mid-card championship trapped with MJF.  

Main Event 

Anarchy in the Arena - Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Elite ( Kenny Omega, "Hangman" Adam Page & The Young Bucks

                                                            photo courtesy worldnewsera.com                                                    

AEW's Fight Forever video game is just around the corner. But the two that seemed destined to live to that moniker are Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley. The two have been intertwined since Moxley's AEW debut attacking Kenny Omega at the inaugural Double or NothingAs a result, they have often found themselves in violent physical matches. This time, their friends have gotten involved in a quickly personal and violent feud with the reunited Elite and the Blackpool Combat Club.

The BCC enters through as Violent Idols played Wild Thing.

The Elite leaves the ring to meet the BCC in the crowd, and the fight is on, and stiff shots are everywhere. Hangman dropDanielson'son crotch first on the steel banister. 

Don Callis joins the announcement team. Violent Idols continued to play Wild Thing as the match went on. 

Hangman removed the eye patch revealing he had healed. 

The Elite launch tope suicidas onto the BCC. They fight up the ramp as Violent Idols again continue to play. The Bucks superkicks the lead singer, and the band finally stops playing. And, of course, Jon Moxley is bleeding.

Matt Jackson hits Locomotion on Wheeler Yuta down the ramp.

Claudio and Matt Jackson fight through the crowd. Bryan Danielson attempts to choke out Hangman with his wrist tape.

Mox scores suplexes into the barbed wire on Omega. Claudio fights Matt in the concession stands. As Yuta starts whipping Nick Jackson with his belt.

Mox starts stabbing Omega with a fork as Claudio hits a giant swing on Matt Jackson into a trash container. Then, Matt eats a piledriver into a dumpster truck by Claudio.

The BCC took control leaving all members of The Elite bloodied. 

Mox attempts a piledriver on Hangman but gets countered into a Dead Eye. Then, The Elite begin their comeback, fighting off Claudio and taking down Yuta.

But it is short-lived as Nick Jackson is in a double submission by Mox and Yuta.

Matt returns with a loaded exploding superkick on Mox, releasing the hold on Nick.

photo courtesy @sportskeeda.com

Yuta kicks out of the Buckshot Lariat from Hangman. 

Mox throws in tacks and plants Matt Jackson's exposed foot onto it. 

Followed by a Death Rider, but Matt kicks out. Bryan Danielson, with the submission on Matt but is broken up by Nick Jackson but eats a cutter onto the tacks for his troubles.

Danielson hits back-to-back Psycho Knees on Omega and Hangman. 

Mox puts thumbtacks in Matt's mouth, and Claudio unloads a vicious uppercut.

Omega and Hangman rally to give the edge back to The Elite. Hangman hits the Dead Eye on Danielson, followed by the One Winged Angel by Omega. Yuta makes the save for the BCC.

Don Callis leaves the broadcast booth and distracts Omega. Hangman gets hit with a screwdriver 

Someone emerges from the crowd wearing a hood and mask and lays out Omega with a flying knee strike. The figure removes the mask revealing himself to be Konosuke Takeshita! Yuta follows up with a sliding strike with a screwdriver and pins Omega.

photo courtesy of Twitter @AEW

|t was absolute anarchy. BCC and The Elite engaged in a violent affair as the performers found new ways to brutalize each other. 

Callis strangles Omega with his belt as the BCC celebrate their victory with the apparent newest members. 

Excellent PPV from AEW and definitely deserves a rewatch.