How to Dress for a Night at the Casino (with Pictures ...

Peacock Patricia "Peacock" Watson Gallery | Quotes | Move List Peacock action portrait by oh8-d2qigab.jpg Murder-Go-Round Information Peacock (JP: ピーコック) was originally a human girl by the name of Patricia Watson who was turned into an Anti-skullgirl biomechanical weapon by Dr. Avian. Her arsenal consists of the Argus System, a synthetic Parasite, and her "gang", which includes the Avery Unit, Andy Anvil, Tommy Ten-Tons, George Bomb, and Lonesome Lenny.
General Information Peacock is one of the original eight playable characters in Skullgirls, standing out as having the most (unique) assist characters, and was among the first characters ever conceived by Alex Ahad. Her backstory was revealed in detail in the "Meaner. Better. Faster. Stronger" Origin Story in Skullgirls Mobile. Her homestage is Lab 8.
Peacock is capable of aging. Some of her parts may need to be re-fitted because of this.
Peacock took up smoking after her transformation. They are imaginary cigars that are created in a similar manner to her other summons.
Alex Ahad has stated that Peacock will never stop believing in imaginary friends.
Peacock's favorite television program is "Annie: Girl of the Stars". She is shown to own merchandise from the show as she is seen wearing Sagan slippers while in her sleeping attire.
Personality Nothing sates Peacock's boredom more than a good cartoon and laying waste to anyone or anything in her sight. Brash, combative, and impatient, Peacock is easily the most outspoken and infamous member of the Anti-Skullgirl Labs, as well as the most prominent. Peacock is also, for the most part, optimistic and light-hearted, and considers imminent threats more of invitations to brawl. Her tendency toward violence is a reflection of both her tragic past and near-death experience as well as the cartoons she cherishes.
Despite having a damaged psyche, Peacock does not attack people out of sheer randomness or without provocation. Although rude and impersonal to fellow ASG Lab 8 members (and most people in general) superficially, Peacock still very much considers them family, and will go to certain lengths to protect them from harm (or in the case of her and Big Band's story mode, further harm). Dr. Avian was particularly close to Peacock, and his death sent her into an outrage to search for his murderer.
None, however, are closer to Peacock than Marie Korbel, her one true friend from her past and the Skullgirl she was tasked to destroy. In the end, she disposes of Marie as she was instructed, but personally sees to it that Marie's wish to end the Medici Mafia is carried out.
Character Basis Origin Peacock's dialogue and animations reference multiple cartoon eras, but chiefly feature 40's-50's era cartoon violence and slapstick.
Name Her true name is Patricia Watson, while she herself came up with Peacock. The word "peacock" is the more commonly known name of the peafowl, but is actually the term for the male bird.
The name Patricia is derived from the Latin word "patrician" and means "noble". Watson is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Walter". It should be noted that Walter means "ruler of the army", which accurately describes her relationship with her gang.
Being once close friends, Marie continues to address her as Patricia. Her gang typically refer to her as "boss".
Design Her natural eye color used to be green before they were gouged out by slave traders. The Argus System is Peacock's only means of sight, as the ones on her face are actually empty eye-sockets. The holes left are also a visual pun: Due to her design being based on American cartoons, her eye-sockets could easily be interpreted as though they are natural eyes; drawn in the style of a 1930's cartoon character. The joke is how similar styles of drawing can offer different perceptions on how something looks. Her references are similar to the 30's such as Mickey Mouse.
Her cartoon revolver bears resemblance to the Smith & Wesson Model 29, a .44 Magnum revolver made famous by Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry.
In older design concepts, Peacock was intended to be a more "demented type" character, originally being envisioned as a scarred, sociopathic individual due to her experience as a slave. At one point, she was considered to be a boss alongside Marie. Her design was changed to be more 'cartoony' and lighthearted. These design documents also included references to her abilities being part magic with spells being carved onto her bones.
Story Patricia once lived with Marie in an orphanage, which was originally a nobleman's house, in Rommelgrad. Having to make do with what was available, both girls used to dress in maid outfits that they found within the house. At some point, they were captured by slave traders, but because Patricia was too defiant to be a slave, she was mutilated as an example to the others: Her eyes were gouged out, and she was also maimed.
Patricia before peacock.png Patricia as a patient at Lab 8 One year prior to the events of Skullgirls, Lab 8 teamed up with Lab 0 and the Last Peacock Hooded.png Patricia before becoming Peacock Hope to infiltrate the Medici warehouse said to be containing Rommelgrad's refugees. Although Valentine and the rest of her gang safely rescued the refugees, there was very little Valentine could do to repair the damage done to Patricia's body and was even willing to abandon her as a casualty of war. Big Band, however, believed that Dr. Avian would be of help and took the girl back to the Anti-Skullgirl Labs. The doctor informed him that Patricia would adapt well to her new eyes and that she would be walking in no time. Patricia became insistent on becoming an ASG soldier after the impression left on her by Lab 8's team. Despite that, Avian was wary about giving her too much power, while admitting her compatibility with the Avery Unit is strong. After some tests, Patricia's Argus System and Avery Unit were completely installed, and the combination proved to make her more powerful than the scientists had anticipated. Instead of being able to bend only space, Patricia could also bend other aspects of reality, spawning Tommy and Andy during her training. Eager to sign up for Lab 8's team, she assigned herself the name "Peacock".
She later vanished into the city with her gang, causing Lab 8's crew to worry immensely about her safety and condition after her surgery, and Stanley insisted that Big Band find her as soon as possible. Following her trail, Big Band stumbled upon an ice cream stand from which Peacock and her gang ate all of the ice cream except for Rocky Road. He considered this a clue, but later assumes that she was merely stress eating due to all the strange new occurrences happening to her all at once. He finally arrived at a movie theater, where he found the "clown car" that Peacock was said to have driven away in. As the vehicle appeared damaged, he burst into the theatre, assuming that the Medici may have returned for her. Peacock is revealed to be perfectly fine, having gone around the town because she felt she needed a break from the labs. The two begin to hit it off; although Big Band tells her she could have taken a break without causing property damage, they begin to connect through what they like most in a movie.
Ending: After defeating the Skullgirl, which turns out to be her best friend Marie, Peacock destroys the Skull Heart, though the skull heart claimed her act to be "foolish" and that this will "not be over". She and Marie have a friendly conversation before Marie disappears from the world, and Peacock vows to take revenge on the people who made both their lives miserable.
She is seen confronting the true head of the Medici family and his own secret weapon (Black Dahlia) and the two duke it out.
Abilities & Fighting Style With Peacock's physics-bending arsenal, nothing is sacred. She is a kind of character that will exploit any opportunity to its maximum and get away with it. No enemies of hers last long against her sharp eyes and sharper gun...blades. Her opponents last even shorter against her array of flower pots, baseballs, bowling balls, combustible toy cars, and countless other hazards that fill the air. Peacock never plays fairly, and isn't afraid to call in her goons to fight with her. In the rare occasions when Peacock can't topple her opponent, she can simply stall the battle until the timer runs out.
The Avery Unit has the power to “distort” which is a side effect of Peacock’s insanity. She can’t create things out of thin air, but rather modify Lab 8’s range of specialized arsenal. There are certain limits and her summons are only temporary. Her power is still growing so she may be able to summon more things in the future. This is suggested in Big Band's story mode, were he warns Peacock that she 'ain't ready' yet and has to be taught her 'limitations the hard way', but understands her potential in the future by saying 'we're gonna need those girls if we don't want to lose the last of the light'.
Trailer Skullgirls Introducing Peacock!Skullgirls Introducing Peacock! Color Palettes Peacock's Color Palettes.png Peacockcolors23-25.png "Rerun" - Default colors "Inkling" - Original colors "Untouchable" - Alucard (Hellsing) "Sketchy" - Original colors Original colors "Pea Shooter" - Lucky the Leprechaun (Lucky Charms cereal) "Dream Catcher" - Peacock's story mode intro pajamas "That's All Folks!" - Black-and-white cartoons "Freeze Frame" - Cirno (Touhou) Original colors Milk-Chan (Super Milk-Chan) Original colors Easy Default colors Hsien-Ko Original colors "Ultraviolent" - The Warden (Superjail) Inspector Gadget (Inspector Gadget) Sayaka Miki (Puella Magi Madoka Magica) Raspberyl (Disgaea series) - Indiegogo backer color ”Mean One” - The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!) Princess Daisy (Super Mario series) Indian peafowl - Indiegogo backer color "Wildcard" - The Joker (DC Comics) - Indiegogo backer color Nonon Jakuzure (Kill la Kill) Annie Cuphead (Cuphead) Woody (Toy Story) Trivia Peacock's Ant Wasted move (c.MK) does not kill the ant, but rather the beam from the magnifying glass teleports it back to a safe area. In addition, all ants (if Peacock summons multiple through cancelling the move repeatedly) are the same ant, summoned from alternate universes. People who donated $50 to the Skullgirls Evo 2013 Breast Cancer Donation Drive could request a personalized voice mail message from one of the game's voice actors. Peacock's voice actress was requested to sing "Yakko's World" from the cartoon show Animaniacs and two versions of this cover exist, the original with the voice unmodified and the Lab Zero edit which has the voice modified to match the filter Peacock's voice has in-game.[1] The name of Peacock's "Robo With a Shotgun" move is a reference to the 2011 film "Hobo With a Shotgun," which in turn is based on a fake trailer in the intermission of the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez double feature film Grindhouse. In an unused alternate ending, Peacock decides to "wish for something cool" and proceeds to make numerous outrageous wishes (such as turning the world's oxygen into chocolate), which the Skull Heart is unable to fulfill. Comically frustrated, she begins questioning its legend, and the Skull Heart laments that, in the thousands of years it has been doing its work, Peacock is the worst wisher it has met.[2] Peacock originally had an aerial move where she would fire one of her eyes off her Argus arms in a similar fashion to a bow and arrow. This move was dropped for being useless.[3] Peacocks's alternate title, The Murder-go-Round (and the full phrase from her character poster, "The 'Murder-go-Round' Broke Down") is a reference to the Looney Tunes theme song, from 1937 to 1969, known officially as "The Merry-go-Round Broke Down", reflecting her vintage cartoon theme.[4] Her Shadow of Impending Doom Level 3 - Avery drop is a reference to DIO's 'Road Roller Da!' super move from the 1998 arcade game JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. References ↑ Original Post of the Song Cover & Later Post with the Lab Zero Edit ↑ Alternate Unused Story Endings in the Game Data ↑ Skullgirls E3 2011 Peacock gameplay revealed - YouTube ↑ Wikipedia article v • d • e Skullgirls Games Main Editions Skullgirls • Skullgirls Encore • Skullgirls 2nd Encore Spin-offs Skullgirls Mobile Characters Main Cast Filia (Samson) • Cerebella • Peacock (Avery) • Parasoul • Ms. Fortune • Painwheel • Valentine • Double DLC Squigly (Leviathan) • Big Band • Fukua • Eliza (Sekhmet) • Beowulf • Robo-Fortune • Annie Other Adam • Aeon • Albus • Andy Anvil • Beatrix • Black Dahlia • Brain Drain • Delilah • Dr. Avian • Dr. Geiger • Feng • George Bomb • Grendel • Hive • Horace • Hubrecht • Ileum • Irvin • Isaac • King Franz • Lawrence • Leduc • Lonesome Lenny • Lorenzo • Marie • Minette • Molly • Mother • Mrs. Victoria (D. Violet) • Ottomo • Panzerfaust • Queen Nancy • Rachel Wong • Regina • Riccardo • Roberto • Roxie • Scythana • Selene • Stanley • Taliesin • Tommy Ten-Tons • Umbrella • Venus • Vitale • Yu-Wan • Misc. Archives Terminology Skullgirl • Skull Heart • Parasite • Living Weapon • Medici Mafia • Anti-Skullgirl Labs • Black Egrets • Cirque des Cartes • Fishbone Gang • The Last Hope • The Trinity Stages Streets of New Meridian • River King Casino • Medici Tower • New Meridian Rooftops • Rooftops Assault • NMO Arena | (Empty) • Bath of Tefnut | (Sekhmet) • Maplecrest • Nightmare Crest • Grand Cathedral | (Empty) • Final Atrium • Gehenna • Under the Bridge • Meridian Area Rapid Transit • Little Innsmouth | (Night) • Lab 8 | (Empty) • Glass Canopy • Class Notes • Sound Stage 15 Misc. System HUD • Controls • Basic Mechanics • Advanced Mechanics Extras Art Gallery • Marie 300% • The Typing of the Skullgirls Music Skullgirls Original Soundtrack • Skullgirls Original Soundtrack PLUS • Skullgirls Soundtrack Listing • In a Moment's Time • Hitomi No Kioku Character Quotes • Scripts • Galleries • Relationships • Move Lists Other Media SkullgirlS • Skullgals • Keep Skullgirls Growing! • Digital Art Compendium

I held up my boarding pass and walked through the gate. My wife, Harper, was right ahead of me, and we both were so loaded with bags and suitcases that we could barely fit between the doorways. Our 10th anniversary was in a couple of days. We both had come into agreement that there was no better way to celebrate than to go on an all-expense-paid cruise to Hawaii.
As we made it up to the deck, we marveled at all the entertainment. There was a band playing to greet us. Pools, water slides, mini-golf, a drive-in sized screen that was displaying boarding information, bars, and restaurants, and that was just what we could see while walking in! This was definitely the right choice for our anniversary vacation. I couldn’t wait to get these bags unloaded and start to enjoy ourselves.
We went into the doors that led to the cabins. There was another beautiful bar down below us. There was a sports bar to the left showing the games on different screens and a small library to our right. Before we made it to the cabins, there was a coffee bar that served specialty coffees and desserts. If religion has it right, I hope that heaven is something like this. You couldn’t walk through a door anywhere without finding something exciting.
Once we made it to our cabin, we dropped all our bags and looked at each other with stars in our eyes. I pulled my wife close for a kiss and then kept my arms around her. I asked eagerly about how we should begin.
“Well, what should we do first? The casino? The arcade?”
She smirked before replying.
“Such a man, don’t forget about the fine dining at 6, followed by the show at the Theatre.”
I drew back and acted faux offended.
“Are you insinuating that I have no culture? I made our reservations before we even boarded, don’t worry. Dinner isn’t for a long time though, how about we go get some of those tacos and a coffee to get ourselves going.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” She replied with a grin.
“Let’s unpack later. I am starving, and I think that coffee bar right there makes caramel macchiatos.”
Her eyes lit up yet again as I grabbed her hand, and we rushed towards the door. The coffee bar did have macchiatos, which I got with an extra shot of espresso. She ordered a frozen drink that was more sweetness than coffee, and we made our way back onto the deck where the tacos awaited.
The weather was beautiful. It was Fall time, and the sun was just warm enough to be inviting, accompanied by the blissful breeze that blew along the top of the deck. As we drew near to Tito’s Taco Shop, we heard the captain coming through the loudspeakers announcing takeoff. He reminded us about the mandatory safety meeting in a couple of hours and then wished us to have a great time aboard the ship.
It was still strange to be in large groups of people without wearing a mask. The pandemic was finally eradicated once the vaccines were distributed. The cruise and tourism industries were hit hard, as were many others. It seemed that people were at last willing to come back out again, and there was no shortage of cruise-goers ready for a trip to the islands.
I had my phone out and was looking up things to do in Honolulu for the days that we were in port. Scuba diving was a must. I had heard that sometimes you could see sharks or even hold an octopus on your hand if you got lucky enough. I wanted to do some hiking near the volcanoes if we had time. All the spam was going to be strange, but as much as they cook with it, I bet they were able to make it taste like a delicacy.
They were in the process of building a new aquarium. It looked like it was going to be a huge one. Sadly, it did not look like it would be done in time for us to check it out. The black sands beach looked incredible, though. Instead of sand, it said that the whole beach was covered in smooth black lava rocks. We would definitely have to make a stop there.
“Ethan! Do you want salsa on your tacos? Chicken or steak?”
I put my phone away and looked at the meats before responding and did so to the guy who was making them as he finished up my wife’s two glorious looking tacos.
“I’ll take one of both with some of that green salsa. Thank you!”
All the free tacos that you could eat, why couldn’t life always be like that?
“Let’s sit over there by the side, so we can watch the takeoff,” Harper said, before taking a big sip of her frozen coffee.
We took a seat and took in the last sight of land that we would see for about 4 days. Once we arrived, we would tour the different islands, stopping at each port and having a day to explore. There were some people on land waving towards the ship. We joined many others who were near the side waving back. I couldn’t help but feel bad for all of those poor people stuck on the land.
“Bon Voyage to us, I guess.”
I held up my coffee for a cheers, and Harper returned the gesture. Her face was glowing. I couldn’t remember seeing her so happy since the day of our wedding.
“This is really going to be a nice break from reality.” She said as she picked up her taco to take her first bite.
“Yeah, it will. Nothing like this in the world.”
We took our time, enjoying each bite as our view of the coastline became a thing of the past. When we were finished, we looked into each other’s eyes. I reached across the table to hold her hand. She sounded a bit anxious as she spoke.
“It is a lot to take in, isn’t it? There is so much to do that I’m afraid of missing out on something. Where should we go first?”
I squeezed her hand and spoke in a reassuring tone.
“We have plenty of time to take it all in. Let’s just make sure to relax and do whatever makes us happy. It will all work itself out.”
Once we had our fill of gazing into the ocean, we decided that we would head back to the room and get unpacked, while we waited for the safety orientation. The time flew by, and before we knew it, they were calling our section over the loudspeaker.
We arrived with all the other passengers and waited for a moment until the crew member made it so we could begin. They gave us the spiel about the life jackets. They explained how the evacuation process works in case of a problem and let us hear a sample of the siren that would be played if there was an emergency.
I was zoning out and staring out of the window. We were near the bottom of the ship, and you could see the water moving beside us. It put me in a bit of a trance, and I kind of lost myself in it for a moment. I was snapped out of it when I saw something I couldn’t quite comprehend.
It happened pretty fast, and most of the people were looking at the crew member as he spoke. I could have been mistaking, but It looked like a giant tentacle had moved by the window and curled out of sight.
I looked around to see if anyone else had seen what I thought I just saw. There was a teenaged boy who looked excited and shocked. He was tugging at his father’s sleeve and explaining something to him. He seemed to brush him off and looked frustrated at the interruption. Everyone else was paying attention to the speech and had apparently not seen a thing.
Harper noticed how shaken I was and asked me quietly if everything was alright. I shook it off and said I would tell her about it later. We sat through the rest of the orientation. Nothing else went by the window, other than the waves being made by the ship.
As we arrived back on the deck, we were grabbing a drink from the tiki-themed bar. Harper chose one of those blue drinks with the little umbrella on top. After what I had seen, I opted for a straight glass of their best scotch. I had explained my story to her, and she was busy trying to figure out what it could have been that I saw.
“So, you’re sure it was all the way up by the window? Even at that lower level, that must be pretty high up from the water. Maybe it was something that crawled up the side, and it just seemed like it was larger because of forced-perspective?”
I took a big sip of my scotch and shook my head in confusion.
“Yeah, I mean, maybe. I really don’t know.”
She looked as if a light bulb went off in her head, and she shot back a smart remark.
“You’ve been reading a bunch of that H. P. Lovecraft stuff again, haven’t you? I’m sure it wasn’t Cthulhu if that’s what you are thinking.”
I laughed and felt my tension release.
“No, it’s not that. I just thought it was weird, that’s all. Enough about that, let’s figure out what we’re going to do until the formal dinner and play tonight.”
She responded with a grin.
“I seem to remember someone mentioning the arcade and the casino.”
I must have looked like a kid on Christmas morning because she burst out laughing. We finished our drinks and made our way past the large screen that was now cycling through reminders of all the different events that you could attend. Night club, comedy club, it seemed like there was no end to the number of things you could do on this ship.
We walked through the casino that was already bustling with cruise-goers. It looked like a good time. They even had versions of those toy cranes that were set up to pick up huge wads of cash. That might be the next stop, but I had my eyes set on the zombie shooter game with two green guns. The arcade was right past the casino and was full of all kinds of games to keep us entertained.
Not as many people were eager to jump straight for the arcade apparently. Harper and I had the whole place to ourselves. I went to the coin machine to get out some tokens. There was a door that read “Staff Only” right by the machine. I heard a loud slamming noise that caught my attention, even over the music that was playing in the arcade. I leaned in a little and heard a heated conversation on the other side.
“This is so fucked up. I can’t believe that they got loose. They need to tell all of the people!”
“Can you imagine the chaos that would cause? I get where you are coming from, trust me. It’s better this way, though.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right… People would be going crazy.”
The door opened, and I jumped as I was still leaning in to eavesdrop. This must have been apparent to the two kids who walked out because they looked a bit frightened and then hurried right past me. I grabbed the tokens out of the machine and walked over to the machine where my wife was waiting.
“You look like you just saw a ghost or something. Don’t tell me some fish people are walking around on board now.”
I couldn’t even fake a laugh or smile. I explained what I had just heard as I put the coins into the machine and started up the game. She did not seem concerned about the new development.
“They could have been talking about a mechanical issue or something. Try not to worry too much. We deserve to have the time of our lives on this trip. I don’t want you to start to obsess on this and lose sight of why we are here.”
I shrugged at this and answered in a resigned tone.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Worrying isn’t going to fix anything anyway. Could you please start taking out some of these zombies, though? I’m carrying the whole game over here. You have a power-up to use, hit the red button.”
She smacked me with the gun for talking trash, but the mood felt much lighter after that. Before long, we grew tired of the arcade and decided to play a few games at the casino. I have never been the best card player, and she was no better than me. This being the case, we opted for the giant money claw machine.
I swear that both of us grabbed a stack a handful of times each. The claw would never hold its grip, though. Feeling more than a little bit scammed, we decided to blow a bit of time at the slots until we had to go get ready for dinner. As soon as we sat down, the person who went on the money claw right behind us exclaimed loudly as the machine lit up and started to make a loud ringing noise. I looked over to Harper and gestured towards him.
“That seems about right, huh? We pump fifty dollars into that thing, and he walks away with a jackpot after one.”
“Such is life.” She responded as she pumped some tokens into the slot machine.
I couldn’t help but hear two guys on some machines behind us, as they were beginning to get a bit rowdy with each other.
“You tryin’ to say I don’t know what I saw man?”
His friend responded quickly.
“No, no, no, man. I’m not trying to say you’re seeing things or whatever else. I’m just saying that it’s crazy. There is no way it can be right!”
After this, the first man shot up out of his seat, knocking over his stool as he did. This caused quite the scene, and many people were starting to gaze in the direction now.
“Yeah, that’s alright. You think whatever the hell you want. I’m gonna go find someone to talk to about it right now!”
He stormed off, leaving his friend looking a bit shell-shocked and embarrassed. Harper looked toward me, and as if reading her mind, I pushed my seat back away from the machine.
“Yeah, let’s get out of here. We need to get ready for dinner.”
She raised her eyebrows in surprise at what we had just witnessed and responded.
“Sounds good to me. I haven’t won anything anyway. Let’s go.”
I looked back towards the guy’s friend, who he left standing there. After considering it for a moment, I leaned in towards my wife.
“You go ahead, I’ll catch up with you in just a second.”
She looked a bit frustrated but did not fight it.
“Hurry up, I want to make sure we get a good seat. It’s going to take us a while to get ready.”
She kissed me on the cheek and took off towards the deck, which led over towards the cabins. I walked up towards the man who was about to walk off before I caught his attention.
“Excuse me, sir? I overheard you and your friend. What was it that he thinks he saw?”
He looked at me warily. It was clear that he really didn’t want to discuss the matter.
“Look, he’s usually not like that, you know? I don’t know what’s gotten into him, honestly.”
I shook my head. He obviously didn’t understand why I was asking.
“No, I saw something strange as well. I’m not trying to say your friend is going crazy at all. I was just wondering what it is that he was saying he saw.”
This seemed to unnerve him more than help calm his nerves. He looked around to make sure nobody was listening in.
“Man, he was saying that he saw a giant fucking octopus, bro. Like, 30 feet long or so is how he was describing it. It’s ridiculous, there is no way they would allow something like that on one of these ships.”
My heart dropped all the way to my feet. I covered my mouth, and I think he could tell by my reaction that what he said had rocked me to the core. I stammered and managed a weak reply as horror rushed through my body.
“I..I… On the boat??”
He nodded and looked at me with the same type of concern he had been showing to his friend. My face must have been as white as a sheet at this point.
“Thanks.”
I took off out of the door, in a huge rush to catch up with Harper. I was looking around in a panic, my heart racing and ready to beat right out of my chest. I was about to just take off to the room when I heard Harper’s voice.
“Ethan! Over here, I grabbed some hot tea.”
I saw her over by the edge of the deck, waving me over. I ran up to her and could hardly focus.
“I thought you needed something to help you relax, and it looks like I was right. What are you freaking out about right now?”
I tried to collect my thoughts and was going to respond when she pointed behind me and cut me off.
“Hey, isn’t that the guy that was just going nuts in the casino?”
I turned around, and the man was being dragged towards a door that was marked “Employees Only”. Two larger deckhands were pulling him that way, each with a tight grip on one of his arms. He was fighting hard to try and break their hold and calling out for help. As they made it through the door with the man, I grabbed Harper by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.
“We have to go. Let’s get to the room, I don’t want to explain out here.”
She nodded, and we made our way towards the cabins. Once we were in our own cabin, she put down the hot teas on our dresser and walked right up to me with an exasperated look on her face.
“Babe, what in the heck is going on right now? This isn’t about the freaking tentacle that you saw out the window, is it?”
I looked shiftily around the room and towards our view of the ocean.
“Yes… I mean, no… Well, not really, anyway.”
“You have got to calm down. Just take a deep breath and explain.”
I did as she suggested and took a long deep breath to collect my thoughts. I told her about what the guy’s friend had said back at the casino. She made the connection between this and the man being dragged off the deck against his will. I also explained what I heard from the crew members when we were at the arcade. I could tell she was beginning to take what I was saying seriously.
I looked off into a corner as I made a connection. It seemed like a bit of a stretch to me, but it was the only thing I could think of. I know that she wouldn’t judge me at this point if it sounded a bit outlandish. After thinking it over for a moment, I decided to tell her what I was thinking.
“When I was looking for things to do in Honolulu earlier, there was an advertisement for a new aquarium that was coming soon. One of the main attractions was that they were going to have a bunch of Giant Pacific Octopi.
I didn’t think about it until now, but what if that is what is on this ship? Let me google it really quick, I had never heard of that type of octopus, so I didn’t think much of it.”
I got the search pulled up and nodded in a cold understanding before continuing.
“This is exactly what that guy was describing. I don’t know why they would use a cruise ship to deliver something like that. It’s the only thing that makes any sense right now, though.”
Harper was looking at the google search thoughtfully and responded.
“I mean, I guess that these were two of the hardest-hit economies during the pandemic, tourism, and cruise ships. It makes some kind of twisted sense that they would come together to try and help each other out. Octopi are known to be very mischievous, even when they aren’t the size of a freaking semi-trailer.”
She made a good point. Nothing had really made sense for a few years now with how crazy the world had been. This made as much sense as anything else when it was put into perspective. I just shook my head in amazement and looked towards her.
“Well, what do we do from here?”
“I know this is crazy, but I’m sure they will have a handle on those things. They would not have arranged to have them on board and not prepared for the possibility that they could escape.
I say we get ready and go to dinner as we had planned. We don’t want to spend our whole 10th-anniversary cruise holed-up in the cabin. Even if all this crazy guesswork is correct, and that is what the guy from the casino saw, I’m sure that they have everything under control.”
I pressed my fingers against my eyes and tried to wrap my mind around everything. I may have been scared out of my mind, but she was right. Our best bet was to hope that it was all under control and at least try to enjoy our time on the ship. This was not going to happen again anytime soon, if ever.
“Yeah. Let’s do that, I agree. Let’s just get dressed and try to have a good time. I’m sure if it was too bad, everyone would be on lockdown or something.”
She brightened up a bit with my saying this. We both went into our luggage and began to start the process of getting changed into our formal dining attire. Before long, I was tying the knot in my tie, and she was putting the final touches on her hair. I walked up behind her in the mirror and held her by the shoulders.
“You look incredible. Let’s go and have the time of our lives.”
She gave me a big smile, and I pulled her in for a kiss. I backed up and held out my arm towards her. As she grabbed onto it, we made our way for the door.
The formal dining room was the most luxurious area on the ship by far. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling. There were large wine racks along many of the walls, and the entire dining room was walled in by the most beautiful windows that I had ever seen. There was an ornate window on the ceiling as well. It was just beginning to get dark, and I was sure that soon we would be able to see the stars all across the sky.
The waiter walked up and asked what we would like to drink. He was dressed in a black vest with a bow tie and a white shirt. I told him that we would take a bottle of wine that he recommended. I also asked him to give me a recommendation for my meal. Once Harper heard his suggestion of parmesan encrusted lamb with asparagus, she decided that she would follow suit.
He brought out some bread with olive oil as a complimentary appetizer to go with our wine. As he poured our first glasses and set the bottle down, I grabbed my glass of wine and held it up toward my beautiful wife. She looked every bit as lovely as the day of our wedding, and I was flooded with a flurry of emotions as I said my toast.
“Here is to 10 amazing years. Every one of them has been an adventure, and I look forward to every year that I’ll be lucky enough to spend with you as we continue that adventure.”
She smiled and blushed ever so slightly as she reached her glass to clink off of mine. We both took a sip, and she responded in a relieved manner.
“That’s the spirit, it is starting to actually feel like a relaxing vacation.”
“Hey, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? It’s so nice to have a break from work, housework, and all the monotony of the day-to-day. We make a pretty good team through all of that drudgery, though. Don’t you think?”
Suddenly, I saw the smile get wiped from her face. The look that crept onto her face was one of sheer terror. Her glass of wine had been in her hand. When her face went from delight to horror, she tossed it on the ground with a crash. A scream came from deep within her, which was blood-curdling and intimated that absolute ruin was imminent.
I turned toward the spot that she was staring at. I understood all at once the doom that awaited all of us in the dining room. A giant octopus came crashing through the windows near the entrance where we all had arrived, knocking over the many racks of wine as it came and turning the floor as red as blood. Seemingly at the same time, another came from the side closest to the ocean and blocked the only other way out of the dining room into the kitchen.
I grabbed Harper’s arm, and we ran toward the corner as far from the beasts as we could manage. It was pandemonium as the whole dining room erupted into turmoil. I flipped a circle table up against the corner so that Harper and I could try to hide behind it for protection.
I saw one man who ran as fast as he could towards a small opening next to the octopus, who was blocking the main entrance. The creature reached a giant tentacle out for him and pulled him into his beak. There were shrieking howls of pain, unlike anything I have ever heard as blood sprayed out from underneath.
A couple of people were able to dart around as the octopus was distracted. Another unfortunate lady was grabbed by one of the spare tentacles, though. He squeezed her around the throat, and we had to watch as her face turned purple. Eventually, the life was squeezed right from her body.
I held Harper tight as she was sobbing like mad and unable to stop her body from shaking. We saw an opening. The one by the front entrance went toward a group of people on the opposite side of the room. As soon as it did, we bolted for the door. As we drew near, another octopus came crashing through the window on the ceiling, crushing a few unfortunate souls as it joined in the massacre. We kept running until we were well onto the deck.
The chaos did not stop in the dining room. People were running like mad all over the deck. I didn’t know where we would be safe, but I thought that maybe we could lock ourselves in our cabin until we could be rescued from this madness. It was a nice thought, but as we went for the doors, another one of those damn things came down to block our way.
We ran for the area in front of the drive-in style screen where Re-Animator was playing. A man was gibbering to himself in a wild manner and hiding behind a chair. As we drew near, I noticed a tear in the screen as another one came through and snatched the man up as he yelled out for help.
Our options for safety were becoming extremely limited. We ran for the bar where we jumped over the top and hid with a large group of people, peaking over to watch it all unfold. That was when we saw what I knew would be the end of us all. There was an army of them descending upon us. I held Harper tight as we waited on the inevitable.
I watched as a family of three were huddling together in the middle of the deck. They were almost surrounded, but the father pushed the mother and child toward an opening so that they could make it to safety with the rest of us. He let out a guttural cry as they ripped him to shreds. His little girl cried in a high-pitched squeal reaching for him until the mother grabbed her and ran towards us.
The mother was getting close when one of the monstrous creatures came hurtling behind her. As she noticed, she reached out with her daughter. I leaned out over the bar and grabbed onto her as the octopus reached the mother and held her tightly. I was pulling my hardest as the mother was holding on tight, and I hoped that they both might be saved.
I was punching and pulling at the tentacles and doing my best to cause him to let the mother go. She released her daughter, and the others brought her down behind the bar. I wouldn’t let go of her mother’s arms as she cried out in distress.
That was when I heard it. It was the deepest and most powerful sound that I have ever heard. It shook the ship violently. The bottles of liquor and glasses were falling all around us. It was hard to describe the immense strength and power that the sound exhibited all around us. When the sound came, though, something strange began to happen.
The octopus that held the child’s mother released her, and we pulled her behind the bar with us quickly. She fell to her daughter and clutched her tightly as they wept in each other’s arms. All of the creatures began to release the people that they were attacking. They were moving in unison towards the edges of the ship. They crawled over the side, and one by one, they made their way into the ocean.
Once all the monsters had left the ship, the people made their way slowly to the side to see what was happening. For some reason, they were all leaving. As quickly as they had descended upon us, they left us. It appeared to be almost in a synchronized manner. They all were swimming in the same direction, and we watched in disbelief. Nobody aboard this ship would ever be the same if they made it out alive, but many of us were saved by what could only be described as a call. A call that came from something massive, much larger than the creatures that had plagued us. It was a call that came from deep within the ocean and was more monstrous than anything that we could have ever imagined.

Taz stands in the centre of the ring with a table in front of him with the AEW Elite Championship underneath a black cloth. He announces the rules of the match first: 6 men will be eliminated until the last man standing wins. You just pin your opponent in the ring. No Disqualification, anything goes. He unveils the title. It has a white strap with a tall, gold centre plate featuring the AEW logo in the centre and decorated with many golden jewels similar to that of the IWGP or Big Gold Title. Taz holds the title up before everyone begins their entrances.
First out is Adam Page, followed by Sammy Guevara, Kip Sabian accompanied by Penelope Ford, Darby Allin skateboarding down the ramp, Joey Janela, Jeff Cobb making his PPV debut and third ever match and finally Chris Jericho. Jericho has FOZZY sing his theme live on stage while he sings his own theme as he walks down the ramp. He points the mic to the crowd during the “let me go - let me go - let me go - let me go”’s and they sing for him. Finally enters the ring. Before the bell rings Jeff Cobb grabs Joey Janela, Tour of the Islands through the table the title was placed on!
Everyone gangs up on Jeff Cobb but he pushes them all aside. He takes Kip Sabian down with a huge Lariat and begins to beat down on him on the outside. Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho team up to take down Darby Allin and Adam Page. Page hits a Calf Kick to Jericho sending him to outside. Page then hits a Shooting Star Press from the top rope into everyone! Sammy Guevara hits a Springboard Shooting Star Press into everyone! This is all capped off by Darby Allin hitting a Springboard Coffin Drop into everyone.
Darby Allin drags Sammy Guevara back in the ring and goes for a cover but Guevara kicks out. Kip Sabian rolls in and hits a Running Hurricanerana to Guevara. Guevara catches him in a Fireman’s Carry position, and Allin hits a Diving Double Foot Stomp to Sabian! Guevara grabs Allin by the neck and throws him into the ring post and Allin sells like mad. Sabian connects a flurry of strikes to Guevara, before hitting a Triangle Roundhouse Kick! He goes for a Deathly Hallows but from outside the ring Joey Janela hurls a chair at him!
Janela pulls out a stack of chairs and shoves a couple into the ring but keeps one for himself. He unfolds it and places it upside down on the barricade. He then Irish whips Jericho into it! Kip Sabian runs off the apron with a Corkscrew Crossbody into both men. Guevara is in the centre of the ring taunting but he’s met by a Buckshot Lariat from Adam Page! Page sets the chair up in the corner and hits a Lawn Dart into it. He grabs the chair and begins whacking it on the match and yelling “come on big boy!” at Cobb.
Cobb runs in with a Corner Running European Uppercut to Page! He catches Page on the fall and hits a Northern Lights Suplex! 1.......2....Page kicks out. Page leap frogs a running attack and connects a European Uppercut. He hits a Monkey Flip to Cobb sending him into the corner. He runs at him but Cobb catches him looking for a Tour of the Islands. Page manages to get out and hit a Vertical Suplex! He can’t quite cover as Jericho and Guevara both pull him out. Page elbows Guevara in the face and hits an Uppercut to Jericho but the numbers are too much.
Jericho grabs Janela by the hair and sits him in one of the announcers chairs. Guevara grabs some tape to wrap Janela around in. Jericho then undoes his bandana and chokes Janela with it. They finally stop and Janela is breathless. Jericho and Guevara pour multiple cups of thumbtacks around in a circle around Janela’s chair so when he gets up he has to step onto the tacks. They undo his boots and unwrap him. He does walk on the tacks and it looks sick as fuck. Janela then lays on the outside picking tacks from his feet.
Adam Page gets back up and throws Jericho into the ring. They have a stare down and the crowd begin to get wild but Cobb breaks it up with a double Clothesline. Cobb then picks up Jericho in a Fireman’s Carry and Page in a Gorrila Press. He throws Page backwards with an Overhead Toss and hits a Samoan Drop at the same time! Penelope Ford walks over to Janela and begins to mock him. Sabian strolls over with a chair and goes to leather Janela with it, Janela takes him to thumbtack dick kick city!
Cobb is in the centre of the ring looking around at his prey. Commentary note how monstrous he is and JR says Cobb is his official endorsement. Cobb turns around to a skateboard Missile Dropkick! Allin lays into Cobb with punches, finally taking the big man down. Cobb picks him up and goes to throw him to the outside. Allin hangs on to the ropes and hits a Hanging Soccer Kick. He the hits a Slingshot Youshi Tonic!!! 1........2......Kick Out!!!! Guevara secures a table and slides it into the ring. He quickly sets it up and begins to lay into Darby. Kip Sabian comes back into the ring and we have a three-way fight. This is token up by Janela who has finally hitting a Moonsault into everyone! He covers Kip, 1............2.........3!!!!
Kip Sabian has been eliminated.
First man is out. Cobb gets back up and he’s hungry, he charges Allin into the corner. He picks Allin up and throws him into Sabian and Ford who are leaving. Adam Page on the outside grabs a ladder and throws it in. He grabs a couple cold ones and goes to town on Chris Jericho on the outside. He cracks two cans open, downs both of em’ - Stunner! That table Sammy set up in the ring is still there, as Cobb lays Sammy on it. He goes for a Frogsplash to Sammy though it, but Sammy rolls off and Cobb crashes through!! It is at this point Chris Jericho has the genius idea to handcuff himself to the barricade - as the rules apply you can only pin your opponent in the ring.
Janela notices him and begins to batter him with a chair. Page notices too and they hit double superkicks. They then face each other and Janela asks “remember All In?” and they go at it. Page pulls out two new tables and sets one up. Janela runs at him but Page hits a Pop-up Powerbomb through the table! He grabs a barbed wire board and sets it up in the corner of the ring. He goes to throw Janela into it but Janela grabs one of Page’s beer bottles and smashes it over Page’s head! He grabs Page by the hair and goes to throw him into the barbed wire but Page catches him with an Exploder Suplex through it!
This is especially crushing for Janela as he spent the last few weeks on Twitter hyping up how he’s gonna avenge All In against Page and they had a mini-feud going. Janela looks up at Page and Page shakes his head saying “don’t fuck with a cowboy” before covering, 1..........2.......3!!!!
Joey Janela has been eliminated.
At this point Page starts seeing blood drizzle from his hair. He licks it. Also at this point Jericho regains his sense of everything and pans his head over to see... Jeff Cobb. Cobb malls the former champ and his former Inner Circle stablemate (more on that later) so there’s a lot of beef present. He grabs Guevara and begins to beat him up too. Sammy fights back however. Cobb slams him onto the announce table with a Urange Chokeslam but Guevara pulls him up with him. He Irish whips Cobb into the crowd but Cobb lands on the barricade. Guevara then jumps onto the barricade with him, Spanish Fly onto the announce table!!!!
Darby Allin grabs a table and ladder on he outside and throws them into the ring. He sets up the table and places Adam Page on it and begins to climb up the ladder. About half way up he jumps off it with a Coffin Drop, but Page rolls off the table!!!! Allin crashes through!! Page sees Jericho on the outside and is out for more blood. He un-cuffs him and lays into him. Jericho fights back and locks him to the ring post. He grabs a bottle and pours it over Page, making fun of his alcoholism. He then smashes it over his head. Page looks up at him and says “again.”
Jericho smashes another bottle over him and a bloodied Page is screaming at him craving more. He unhooks himself and attacks Jericho. He throws him into the ring but is caught by a Codebreaker! 1.......2.....KICK OUT!!!! Sammy Guevara on the outside is collecting all the unused tacks and putting them back into a container, before pouring it over the mat. He attacks Page and goes for a Canadian Destroyer but Page catches him - DEADEYE! Page covers, 1.......2........3 just before Jericho can break it up!!!!
Sammy Guevara has been eliminated.
Page grabs Jericho and lays into him with elbows. Jericho locks in a Liontamer but Page gets out. Page runs towards the corner but is caught with a Pop-up Last Ride Powerbomb! He then hits a Spear to Jericho! Jericho runs the ropes at Cobb but he catches him, Tour of the Islands onto the thumbtacks! 1........2......3!!!!!!
Chris Jericho has been eliminated.
We’re down to 3. Cobb comes in and hits an Athletic-Plex to Page and stares down upon Darby Allin. Allin gets one of the pops of the night as he pulls out the cracker barrel! He throws it into the ring and throws it at Cobb. He begins to hit him with it before leaving it in the corner. Cobb goes for a Suplex Toss but Allin hits a Cutter midair! He’s able to fight with the big man. He begins to grab all the weapons and pile them onto Cobb. He uses the ladder, remains fo the tables, all the chairs, remains of the barbed wire board, everything he can find he piles onto Cobb. He then hits a Cracker Barrel Coffin Drop to Cobb! 1........2.......3!!!!!!!!
Jeff Cobb has been eliminated.
It’s the final two. Both men have put their bodies through hell in these last 28 minutes, risking it all, throwing health precautions out the window, both men are willing to literally kill for this title. Adam Page goes for a Buckshot Lariat but Allin hits a Push-off Dropkick! He grabs his skateboard and whips him with it over and over. He then runs over Hangman’s fingers with it. He goes to the outside and retrieves a body bag with “Kill Cowboy” spray painted on it. He tries to get Page in it but Page ducks a Lariat and hits a Rite of Passage! 1..........2......ALLIN’S FOOT FALLS ONTO THE ROPES!!!!
Page can’t believe it. He’s flabbergasted. He pulls himself up to his feet, and drags Allin into the body bag. He grabs a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat and lays into Allin with it. He pulls him out and goes for a swing, Allin ducks and connects a Backstabber! He goes for a Springboard Coffin Drop but Page catches with a Bicycle Knee! He hits another Bicycle Knee! Allin drops to his knees and stands on the apron. He waits for Allin to get up - BUCKSHOT LARIAT!!!! 1.........2........3!!!!!
Darby Allin has been eliminated.
”Hangman” Adam Page wins last eliminating Darby Allin to become the inaugural AEW Elite Champion (31:24)
6- Cody (with Brandi Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes and Arn Anderson) vs. Brodie Lee (with Jake “The Snake’” Roberts) - Singles Match
On the March 11th episode of Dynamite, Cody takes on Ortiz of the Inner Circle in Singles action. Cody and Ortiz have a stellar back and forth match with Cody getting the win. After the match he calls out Jake Roberts but is cut off by the lights going out. On the titantron we see scratchy lettering saying “you promised I would be part of your empire. You lied. You must suffer.” The lights come back on and Cody is tangled in the ropes and Jake has got Damien out. Damien slithers across Cody as Arn watches. Arn rolls into the ring and comes face to face with Jake. They get a nostalgia pop and Jake asks “you still got it?” Arn thinks better of it though and helps Cody to the back.
Next week we see a sit down interview between Jake and JR. Jake cuts a classic promo of his, the quiet yet calculating voice which makes him sound ten steps ahead of you at all times, and manages to put himself over while still keeping the suspense of who is his client and hyping him up. J.R. asks Jake what did the message on the titantron mean and Jake responds “you’ll see soon Jim, they’ll all seen soon...” before he heads off. Next week is Blood and Guts which you saw the result of earlier on so needless to say - Cody is scarred. The Bucks locked Cody out the cage, beat the shit out of Hangman and Kenny as Cody had no choice but to watch his best friends and the foundation of his company destroyed.
Following show in the first week of April, Cody takes to the ring to cut an impassioned promo where he talks about his father, Jake, his opponent at Double or Nothing and Jake’s client. He tells this mystery client he doesn’t know who he is, he doesn’t know what he wants - but if it’s a fight he’s looking for, bring it on. Jake “The Snake” appears on the titantron and tells Cody that if Cody agrees to the following, his client will reveal himself on one condition. That being - he wants a Singles Match at Double or Nothing against Cody. Cody looks Jake dead in the eyes and says “I accept.” “By the way Cody, this was pre-taped.”
From behind, a man runs up and blindsides Cody. It’s Brodie Lee! He attacks Cody and beats the shit out of him with rights and lefts. Cody is busted open and Lee connects a Discus Clothesline. He then looks up the ramp with a stone faced expression. He got what he wanted. Brandi Rhodes comes out and hopes into the ring, Lee Discus Clothesline’s her. Bit of Intergender stuff since AEW like to be edgy. Lee then pulls Cody up and looks him in the eyes through the thick coat of blood covering his face. He then admires what he’s done before dropping him and heading to the back.
Two weeks later, Dustin Rhodes cuts a promo on Brodie Lee and Roberts defending his brother. Cody comes out with his face stitched up and tells Dustin to calm down. He’s got this covered and he promises to kick Lee’s ass at Double or Nothing. Last year Dustin and Cody went to war, but this year Cody hopes they can stand together - he wants his brother with him in his corner at Double or Nothing alongside Arn and Brandi. Dustin accepts and the two hug in the centre of the ring. Cody and Dustin Rhodes team up to take on Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy two weeks later in a losing effort after Luchasaurus got the pin on Dustin.
Cody was taken out midway through by Brodie Lee but Lee couldn’t quite get his hands on Dustin. This cost the brothers the match. Next week Brodie Lee and a pissed off Dustin get into a brawl backstage, a very violent one. Dustin is trying to avenge his brother who Brodie is out to end whilst Lee is trying to hurt Cody by brutally assaulting his brother and taking him out of the match. Without his brother Cody has nothing and so Lee is trying to demolish him. Dustin’s age gets the better of him and he can’t keep going. The final shot before Double or Nothing is Brodie Lee standing tall over Dustin who is coughing up blood.
Cody enters out with Brandi and Arn after making one of his over the top pyro filled elevator entrances he makes but x10. They come out in Deep Space Nine attire with Brandi, Arn, DDP and other Nightmare Family associates all standing together and Pharaoh of course. DDP and the rest of the Nightmare Family people leave so it’s just Brandi and Arn with Cody. The trio stand atop the ramp, before Dustin Rhodes marches out and walks with Cody to the ring. Dustin and Cody hug and Dustin wishes him good luck against what he’s about to face.
Brodie Lee then enters out with Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Both men have white sheep masks on before ripping them off in homage to Lee’s past as Luke Harper in the Wyatt Family. He comes out in his old hillbilly look of the shaggy black hair, dirty white tank top and cargo pants. Jake wears a leather jacket with a fresh haircut and walks behind his client and monster. Jake has got Damien slung over his shoulder in a black bag and he walks down to the ring with Brodie Lee.
Before the bell is rung Lee begins to use his brawling abilities and sheer power against Cody. They brawl through the crowd for a bit using fan signs and any nearby objects as weapons. Lee throws Cody into the wall and targets the shoulder of Cody, throwing him into all sorts of things shoulder first or hitting him with weapons across the shoulder. The bell still hasn’t rung so we’re not officially underway. Lee hits a Urange Slam onto the announce table and they brawl up the ramp. Cody throws Lee into the giant poker chips and drags him back to the ring. Now they’re in the ring the bell is rung even though they’ve been fighting for about 5 minutes already.
They have an intense lock up but i doesn’t last long as Lee slams Cody onto the mat repeatedly. Lee grabs Cody by the weight belt and hurls him into the ring post. Cody finally fights back and hits a series of punches before rolling his arms like his father and landing an elbow to dome. Cody hits a Springboard Cutter to Lee and followed up by a Lou Thesz Press. Lee gets out and hits a European Uppercut followed by going for the Discus Clothesline. Cody ducks and goes for an elbow but Lee gets him up in a Fireman’s Carry and hits a TKO to Cody!!! 1.........2......Kick Out!!!!!
Cody hits a Belly to Back Suplex and begins to undo his belt. Lee hits a Spear from out of nowhere though and referee Earl Hebner goes down with it. Cody hits a Disaster Kick and begins to pull himself up by the ropes. He looks to hit a Cross Rhodes but Lee gets out and connects the Discus Clothesline! He can’t cover however so he grabs Cody’s belt and whips him with it. He pulls out Damien and lets him slither across Cody as Brandi looks on terrified. Brandi rolls into the ring and tries to do something but she’s afraid of the snake. Jake is cackling on the outside. Brandi then rolls out takes Jake to Dick Kick City!
Arn then connects the Double A Spinebuster to Brodie Lee to a big pop. Dustin then hits Shattered Dreams to Lee. Dustin takes Damien out and helps Earl back to his feet. Cody hits another Disaster Kick! He goes for a rope run attack but he’s caught by the Discus Clothesline! 1...........2..........KICK OUT!!!! The fans pop again. Cody hits a Suicide Dive to Lee and Jake and throws him back into the ring. Jake yells at Cody and Cody goes for a Bicycle Kick but he hits Brandi instead. Lee then hits a Big Boot to him and he falls onto Brandi. Lee throws him into the ring and hits the Discus Clothesline followed by the DDT, 1............2..........3!!!!!
Brodie Lee wins and Cody has lost 3 PPV matches in a row now. He stares around the arena feeling lost and confused. Brandi and Arn help him up and Dustin shakes Cody’s hands. They hug but Cody asks to be left alone in the ring. He grabs a mic and gets only a few words into a promo before Anthony Ogogo hops the barricade! He rolls into the ring as the crowd are hopefully going mental and he punches Cody in the face. Cody is knocked out and the trio who left him moments ago rush back down to help him up as Ogogo escapes up the ramp. He climbs up the poker chips and poses atop them.
Brodie Lee defeats Cody (13:11)
7- Bea Priestley © vs. Dr. Britt Baker DMD - No Disqualification Match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
The AEW Women’s Division needs some elevation so I’m going to try and accomplish that. You saw the Riho vs. Yuka Sakazaki feud already so what’s going on with the women’s title? Well we start with Nyla Rose as AEW Women’s Champion. I believe her and Kris Statlander can actually be a really good feud to carry the division so we’ll continue that for a bit. Nyla attacks Kris on the March 11th episode backstage and lays her out cold. Next week the two are set for a 2 out of 3 Falls Match for the title. I think their match at Revolution under delivered for what they really could do since Kris was sick, so this match gives them a bit more time and hopefully they can get a great match out of each other. On Dark that week Yuka Sakazaki defeats Big Swole.
Next week Britt Baker comes to he ring to cut a promo. Britt Baker cuts a standard heel promo, saying how she feels sorry the fans first have to pay to see a shitty attempt at Awesome Kong as their AEW Women’s Champion fight a god damn alien. She says she is the best women in this division period, and anyone who thinks they can step up, get ready for a Lockjaw. She sent Yuka back to Japan, Priscilla Kelly back to bingo halls, Bea Priestley back to - Bea Priestley comes out! Bea slowly walks down to the ring, a past rival of Britt. She stares down Britt, and Britt says “remember the time I beat you?” They then get into a brawl, but Britt escapes.
Next week Nyla Rose defends her AEW Women’s World Championship in a Four-way Match against Yuka Sakazaki, Hikaru Shida and Riho. You already saw how this played out from earlier on, but anyways, Nyla wins. Next week Bea Priestley gets a win over Abadon and begins #1 on the rankings for Nyla’s title. They fight on Dynamite in a hard fought contest, lots of big kicks and stiff strikes thrown. In the end Bea Priestley gets the win and becomes new AEW Women’s World Champion. After the match Britt Baker comes out and attacks Bea, locking in a Lockjaw on her. She gets a bit of blood on her hand and licks it off.
Bea attacks Britt backstage and they have yet another brawl the following week. These brawls are getting too wild and their health is at a serious risk. AEW management need their champ to not be sent to the ER every week. The match is promised to be a No Disqualification Match so they can get their hands on each other at Double or Nothing, not right now though. If either women touch each other over the next few weeks until the show, Britt doesn’t get the match, Bea is stripped of her title. They both trade barbs in the weeks leading up before the big event.
Britt Baker and Bea Priestley start the match off hit with Britt taking it to Bea with a kendo stick. She strikes her with it repeatedly before Bea fights back. Bea connects a Big Boot an Irish Whip into the barricade. Bea then goes to town on Britt with the kendo stick. She goes for a Exploder Suplex into the ring post but Britt counters into a Backbody Drop on the outside. Britt pulls out a trash can with a chair in it. She throws the chair in the ring and places the trash can over Bea’s head. She then dives off the apron with a Meteora, but Bea dodges!
Bea pulls the trash can off her head and places it over Britt’s head. She leans her against the steps and hits a roundhouse kick into the trash can. She pulls Britt out and throws her into the ring. Her and Britt brawl in the ring. Britt hits a Superkick to Bea and sits her on the chair. She hits another Superkick. She takes her off the chair and goes for a DDT onto the chair, but Bea gets out and hits a Spinning Heel Kick! Britt falls into the chair and Bea taunts the crowd. Britt gets off the chair however and hits a Deadlift German Suplex onto the unfolded chair!!!!
Bea slouches in the chair and Britt connects a V-Trigger! 1.........2......Kick Out!!!! Britt pulls out a chain from under the ring and throws it into the ring. Britt whips Bea with the chain repeatedly but Bea gets up and hits a Falcon Arrow onto the chains! Bea stalks her prey as she lays on the apron. Bea hits two consecutive Bicycle Knees to Britt. She goes for a Deadlift Suplex into the ring onto the chair but Britt counters into a DDT midair!! Britt goes for the Lockjaw but Bea kicks off the ropes and rolls into Sit-out Powerbomb! 1.....2.....Kick Out!!!
Bea on the outside sets up a table. Britt runs out and hits a clothesline to her. She takes her the apron and goes for a Swinging Fisherman’s Neckbreaker off the apron through the table, but Bea kicks her in the gut and hits an Apron Bridging Half and Half Suplex! She lays Britt across the table and runs across the apron with a Diving Double Foot Stomp!!!! She throws Britt back in the ring and covers, 1............2........KICK OUT!!!! Britt kicks out and rolls into the Lockjaw! She wrenches on the hold!
Bea goes to reach the ropes but Britt kicks off them and rolls back! Bea gets out and hits a Bicycle Kick! She grabs the kendo stick and locks in a kendo stick assisted Armbar! Britt gets out and hits a Knee lift. She then locks in a kendo stick assisted Double Underhook Crossface! Bea Priestley gets out and lays into Britt some more with the kendo stick. She grabs the chair and throws it at Britt. She gets Britt in a Tree of Woe position. She places the chair over her chest and then dives onto her with a Double Foot Stomp from the top rope! She connects the Queen’s Landing! 1...........2........3!!!!!
Bea Priestley defeats Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship (9:48)
8- Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley © - Singles Match for the AEW World Championship
After losing Blood and Guts to The Inner Circle, after his best friends Matt and Nick Jackson turning on him and Cody and Adam Page, after losing his AEW Tag Team Championships to Matt and Nick, Kenny Omega is at rock bottom. The week after losing the tag titles, he wrestles Darby Allin in that weeks main event in a Qualifying Match for a new AEW Championship that will be unveiled at a later date (AEW Elite Championship). Kenny comes out to a lukewarm reaction while his opponent Darby Allin gets a huge pop as he rolls down the ramp on his skateboard. He jumps off the skateboard, through the middle ropes and rolls into the ring. Ringside member throws the skateboard back towards Darby and he kicks the match off hot with a skateboard assisted Dropkick!
Allin takes Kenny to the corner and hits a Hesitation Dropkick. He then hits a Snapmare and Springboard Meteora! Kenny is already dazed and the match has only gone a few seconds. Kenny goes for a lariat but Darby ducks and hits a Pele Kick followed by Rolling Youshi Tonic! 1......2.....Kenny barely kicks out. Darby then recovers in the corner while Kenny is flushed. Kenny regains his composure and begins to fight back. He hits a Kamigoye and starts to go back and forth with Darby. Darby however counters out of a One Winged Angel and hits a Backstabber followed by Coffin Drop. 1.........2.......3. Darby Allin is going to Double or Nothing.
On the final episode of Being The Elite now that The Bucks are gone - we see Adam Page and Kenny drinking at a bar, the fall of The Elite never being so present. The episode ends when Kenny leaves the bar and heads to their car, and in the rain finds a pair of aviator shades resting on the seat of his car. He puts them on and we see a man we haven’t seen in a long time - The Cleaner. This clip is replayed on Dynamite with some higher quality. That same Dynamite the Casino Battle Royale is announced to take place on Dynamite to determine who will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship at Double or Nothing.
New rules are input - all 21 entrants will draw a card. The suit of their card will determine when they come out. Each suit come out in one batch at time intervals. For the first 5 entrants - all those entrants are of the Spades deck. Then entrants 6-10 will be of the Clubs deck, 11-15 the Diamonds and 16-20 the hearts. Everyone enters at 90 second time intervals with the Joker coming out last as the 21st entrant. The winner faces Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship at Double or Nothing. Jon Moxley cuts a promo the week before the Casino Battle Royale and roasts everyone of the possible people to win the match and face him. He comes at Jericho, MJF, Pac, but mainly Kenny Omega.
Spades:
1- The Butcher 2- The Blade 3- “Broken” Matt Hardy 4- MJF 5- Dustin Rhodes
Butcher and Blade start the match off. A tag team being 1 and 2 in these type of matches always draws a pop and the two go at it before the crowd explode for Broken Matt Hardy! We hear his old Impact theme and he walks down, finally broken, finally free. MJF follows suit and the boos rain down because as soon as he locks eyes with Hardy, he starts imitating he’s got a broken back and the crowd want him dead. Dustin Rhodes come out next and has a nice moment with Matt before they start fighting. Butcher and Blade then begin to team up and try and eliminate some people.
Hearts:
6- Jake Hager 7- Diamond Dallas Page 8- Billy Gunn 9- Tommy Dreamer 10- Sonny Kiss
Jake Hager comes out and tries to dump Dustin out immediately. They go back and forth before they eliminate each other brawling over the ropes. DDP then comes out to a big pop, followed by a big pop when Billy Gunn comes out, followed by another big pop when Tommy Dreamer comes out! Tour of the dads! DDP gives everyone a Diamond Cutter, and Gunn gives a Famouser to MJF. Sonny Kiss comes out and has a face off with Dreamer. Kiss then bashes Dreamer’s face into his ass like last year.
Clubs:
11- Shawn Spears 12- Joey Janela 13- Wardlow 14- Masato Tanaka 15- Jimmy Havoc
Break from the comedy as Shawn Spears comes out and we’re getting serious. Spears takes out Billy Gunn as soon as he walks in, takes out DDP, goes to eliminate Dreamer but Dreamer gets out and fights back. Joey Janela and Dreamer have a hardcore brawl, Wardlow comes out to help MJF and they fight with Butcher and The Blade. Throwback spot, as Masato Tanaka comes out! Jimmy Havoc comes out, and joins the Dreamer and Janela fight. They use a couple weapons, before Havoc knocks a kendo stick over the head of Janela, before hitting an Acid Rainmaker to Dreamer and he falls through a table as he falls out!
Diamonds:
16- Brodie Lee 17- Jeff Cobb 18- Michael Nakazawa 19- Lance Archer 20- Kenny Omega
Brodie Lee gets a huge pop when he enters, making his AEW debut tonight. He comes in and Discus Clothesline’s everyone, before dumping out Sonny Kiss. Butcher and The Blade go to eliminate Brodie Lee, but Lee gets out. Butcher and Blade turn around and are tossed out by Wardlow and MJF. Jeff Cobb comes out and has a monsters brawl with Brodie Lee. Cobb and Lee take down everyone in the ring, and then - Michael Nakazawa. He comes out and looks at Cobb and Lee, side to side, oh boy he’s made a mistake. He undoes his thong and does his general antics before Lance Archer comes out making his AEW debut! Archer, Cobb and Lee all surround Nakazawa. Oh Jesus he chose the wrong day to be a human. Wardlow then walks in and to every direction he looks, a monster surrounds him. He then walks through a gap and simply dumps himself out to avoid harm. Then all the monsters have a huge fight. Final entrant before Joker and it’s who we’ve all been waiting for, it’s Kenny Omega.
Joker:
21- Chris Jericho
Jericho walks out with the Joker card in hand, as Pyro shoots off around him. Jericho nails a Judas Effect to Masato Tanaka who collapses to the outside. Jimmy Havoc and Joey Janela bring a ladder into the ring and take down everyone. Janela climbs to the top of the ladder and goes for a Diving Elbow to a pile of people below him, but Jimmy Havoc from behind climbs up and locks in a barbed wire bat assisted choke hold! Then everyone below team up to push them to the outside! Broken Matt Hardy and Chris Jericho have a fight, and Jericho wins, tossing out Hardy.
Eight remaining in the ring and finally after everyone hit their finishers, Wardlow is tossed out, followed by Lance Archer eliminating MJF with a Razor’s Edge to the outside, into Wardlow. Kenny Omega eliminates Shawn Spears with a mighty V-Trigger and he starts to have a great contest with Jeff Cobb. However now it’s Jericho teaming with Jeff Cobb as they’re Inner Circle buddies. They both team up to eliminate Lance Archer. Jericho then thinks “right, Cobb’ll just throw himself out won’t he?” Jericho then berates Cobb to get out, let him win - TOUR OF THE ISLANDS FROM COBB!! Kenny Omega picks Jericho up and it’s Double or Nothing one all over again.
Omega and Jericho start to go at it. Jericho throws a Judas Effect but Omega ducks and throws him out. Omega then looks down at Jericho and gets his win back from him. Jeff Cobb and Kenny Omega are the final two left standing and they go at it. Cobb uses his amazing strength to nearly eliminate Kenny so many times but he fails each time. Omega then manages to get Cobb up on his shoulders, One Winged Angel! Huge pop at this as Omega v-triggers Cobb out to win the match. After the match Jon Moxley walks out. He walks up to Omega and holds his title high. Omega then does the finger gun taunt on Mox’s forehead. The Cleaner has returned.
Over the last few weeks until Double or Nothing, we slowly see The Cleaner returning. Omega now rocks his leather jacket, aviator shades, has a tooth pick hanging from the side of his lip, pounds the Terminator 2 theme on the mat, is the quintessential definition of cool. Moxley is still reeking havoc across the roster as per usual. Moxley is a tweener as Omega is so over yet Mox is such a badass people can’t help to cheer him. However, he cuts a scathing promo how that all Omega is now doing is just trying to relive his past success, when he saw the real Omega at Full Gear and you know what he saw? He saw him laying on the mat for the 1,2,3.
Omega then comes out with Michael Nakazawa, Riho and Adam Page behind him. Omega is in a white t-shirt and his tights so not in full Cleaner mode. The foursome stare down Moxley and he tells Moxley that this isn’t the old him - this is the best him. “I have got this group of guys by my side and my lover back in Japan standing with me. I got rid of those punk ass bitches Matt and Nick, I got rid of everything from my recession era - all I need now is your AEW Championship.” The two close the show with a gigantic stare down before Double or Nothing.
Kenny Omega entrance I’m going the full 9 yards with. It starts with a video playing on the titantron of a montage of Kenny’s road to being led here as a version of Devil’s Sky plays. It features his friendship with Kota Ibushi, Michael Nakazawa, Riho, Adam Page and finally leading him to this moment. It finishes with a quick recap of their beef over the past few months. Jon won the first time - but that wasn’t an official match in the record books. Kenny has everything to lose going in here. It’s Double...or Nothing.
We hear an angelic voice singing the same “hoooohhhhhooohhh” on repeat as Kenny slowly rises on an elevator. During this the angelic voice is mixed with the pounding beat of the Terminator 2 soundtrack. Finally all sound stops, and Kenny walks forward. LittleVMills is on the side of the stage singing Battle Cru live from the opening piano notes to him roaring “The Best...BOUT...MACHINE” and we’re finally able to see Kenny. He is in his aviator shades, leather jacket, tooth pick hanging from the side of his mouth but most of all he has a metal spiky stick weapon.
Jon Moxley makes a big entrance too as we see his entire journey from the limo to ringside with the title slung over his shoulder. He rolls into the ring and leans back like he did at Double or Nothing 1, and the match is on. Straight away Kenny hits a V-Trigger and the two start throwing punches at each other. It’s hog wild to begin with. Kenny hits a tight rope knee drop to Mox. Mox ducks a lariat and hits a Neckbreaker to Omega! Omega runs into the corner with a Corner Back Elbow! Omega then vault jumps to the top turnbuckle, Moonsault by Omega!!!
Omega runs the ropes but Mox ducks his attack and catches him with a TKO! Moxley hits an Inverted Atomic Drop and goes for a Neckbreaker but Omega gets out and connects a Superkick! He hits a Rope Run Diving Knee Strike! 1.......2.....Kick Out by Mox! Mox rolls to the outside to recover. Omega goes for a Calf Kick through the bottom rope but Mox catches him with a European Uppercut! Mox rolls back into the ring and hits a Snake Eyes to Omega! Omega lays on the apron now as Mox stomps him viciously through the ropes.
Omega gets back up and goes for a Slingshot Spear but Mox catches and hits a Draping DDT!!! 1.....2.....Omega gets his foot on the ropes!!! Mox pulls Omega up. He goes for a Vertical Suplex but Omega reverses into a DDT!! Omega hits a Shin Breaker followed by running the ropes and hitting a Bicycle Kick! Omega goes to do the the finger gun taunt but Mox having none of it, Running Brainbuster from Mox! He looks like he’s gonna cover but Omega spins around into an Armbar. Mox pulls Omega up and hits a Spinning Sit-out Powerbomb! 1.......2......Kick Out!!!
Mox gets Omega up and plants him on the top rope with an Atomic Drop. He leaves him laying there as he dives from the middle rope with a Clothesline to Omega! Omega falls to the outside. Mox rolls out there and throws him into the steel steps. Mox goes for a Kitchen Sink but Omega dodges and Mox’s knee goes splat. Omega rolls back into the ring but immediately goes flying with a Tope Con Hilo! He goes for a Exploder Suplex into the barricade but Mox gets out, Spear into the barricade! Mox could easily win by Countout here but he wants to win properly and most of all hurt Kenny some more.
He throws Kenny back into the ring but Kenny Superkick’s him off the apron. Kenny rolls to the outside and buries Mox under a pile of mats from the floor. He then hits a Springboard Double Foot Stomp onto Mox! Now he throws him back in. Omega hits a German Suplex and lines up a V-Trigger. He jumps for it but Mox dodges and hits a Piledriver! 1.........2......KICK OUT!!! Kenny gets up. Mox connects a Bicycle Kick and goes for a Butterfly Suplex but Kenny counters midair into a Frankensteiner! 1........2.....Kick Out!!
Omega throws elbows at Mox before Irish whipping him into the corner. Mox gets his foot up before he hits the corner, then grabs Omega and hurls him into the corner. He connects a Kitchen Sink and goes for a Paradigm Shift but Omega gets out and hits a Butterfly Piledriver! 1........2......Mox Kicks Out!!! Mox goes for a Lariat but Kenny ducks and hits a Basement Dropkick. Kenny goes for an attack but Moxley catches with a Kneecap Brainbuster!!! Mox goes for a Piledriver but Omega slides out and hits a Rolling Fireman’s Carry Slam + Moonsault combo! 1..........2........MOX KICKS OUT!!!
Mox gets back to his feet and dumps Kenny to the outside. Kenny goes for a Hanging Soccer Kick but Mox ducks and hits a Belly to Back Suplex from in the ring onto the apron to Omega! Omega looks like he’s not gonna get up for 10 but he manages to get on the apron and connect a Springboard Missile Dropkick while Mox was posing! Kenny hits a Cross-Legged Fisherman Neckbreaker! He goes for a Superkick but Mox twists him around and hits an Exploder German Suplex into the corner! Mox connects another Kitchen Sink! He goes for a Paradigm Shift with Kenny’s feet hanging off the top ropes, but Kenny gets out and sits on the top turnbuckle.
He then jumps from the top ropes onto the actual rope and hits a Moonsault to Mox! Mox lays on the second rope which lines up a V-Trigger from Omega! Omega then hits Croyt’s Wrath!!!! 1..........2.......KICK OUT!!! Mox rolls to the outside and walks up the ramp. Kenny runs for him he’s caught by a Bicycle Knee and Paradigm Shift onto the steel! Both men can barely get up but they do so. Kenny then hits a Kotaro Krusher on the ramp! They both rush back to the ring.
Mox scoops Kenny up and charges into the corner. Mox hits a Scoop Slam followed by a Death Valley Driver! He then hits a Dragon Suplex! He runs at Omega for another attack but Omega catches and hits a Pumphandle Dr. Wiley’s Bomb!! 1..........2.....Kick Out!!!! Mox gets up and throws elbows at Omega. Mox finally connects a Paradigm Shift! 1............2........KICK OUT!!!! Omega hits another Kotaro Krusher followed by a massive V-Trigger! He gets Mox up for the One Winged Angel but Mox gets out and hits a Neckbreaker as he comes down. Mox goes for a Running Knee but Omega scoops him up, ONE WINGED ANGEL!!!!!!! 1..............2...........3!!!!!!! NEW CHAMP!!!!
Kenny Omega defeats Jon Moxley to become the new AEW World Champion (24:37)

Friendly reminder that this weekend includes some very large events (EDC Orlando, Veteran's Day parade) that will increase and worsen traffic and parking and may also involve road closures, so please be careful out there. Carpool with friends and family, take an Uber or Lyft, Sunrail or Lynx bus.
All weekend (Fri 11/8 - Sun 11/10):
43rd Maitland Rotary Art Festival; Lake Lilly Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, Florida 32751; The Maitland Rotary Art Festival has been entertaining Central Florida residents and visitors since 1976. Although hosted annually by the Rotary Club of Maitland, Florida, the event has evolved into a community celebration of the arts. The many public and private partnerships make it possible for Maitland Rotarians to showcase our community. The Maitland Rotary Art Festival Inc. is a not-for-profit501(c)3 organization that raises funds for the charitable activities of the Rotary Club of Maitland.
Annunciation Fall Festival; Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Rd, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714; Live entertainment, rides and games, festival food favorites, crafts, live and silent auction and raffle! Free admission and free park and ride.
Free Admission for Veterans/First Responders, Nov. 9-10; Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801; The Orange County Regional History Center invites veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders to visit the museum for free on the weekend of November 9-10, 2019, in honor of Veterans Day. The route of the 20th annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade travels just south of Heritage Square adjacent to the History Center on Saturday, November 9, 2019, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Honoring the courageous men and women of the armed forces who have fought for our nation’s freedoms, the parade will feature marching bands, ROTC units, active duty military, decorative floats, and veterans groups from all military branches representing a wide variety of conflicts. Learn more here: http://www.cityoforlando.net/veteransparade/
Fri 11/8
4p - 6:30p: Longwood Chili Cook Off; City of Longwood City Hall, 175 W Warren Ave, Longwood, Florida 32750; In conjunction with the monthly Longwood Car Show. The "Chili Cook Off " is a fundraiser that supports Parks & Recreation programming here in the City of Longwood and is hosted by volunteer Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Members. Chili Cookers Wanted!! All compete for cash $$$$ prize and trophies. Chili Cookers WANTED !!! Contact 407-260-3497 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Compete for CASH prizes. *Entry fee individuals is $25* **Entry fee for businesses is $75**
5p - 11p: College Park JazzFest 2019; College Park Main Street, 648 Dartmouth Street, 32804; College Park Main Street will host the 18th annual College Park JazzFest on Saturday November 9, 2019 from 5-11pm. The community’s flagship street festival along Edgewater Drive will feature 12 bands on three stages performing jazz, rock, R&B and more. College Park JazzFest will feature a vibrant street party atmosphere with diverse food trucks, vendors, and the local shops and restaurants open onto Edgewater Drive between Smith Street and Clayton Street.
Bands featured at College Park JazzFest 2019 include:
• Jackie Jones
• Ramona the Band
• The 8th Note Collective
• Dave Capp Project
• John Korbel
• Gerry Williams Band
• Brown Bag Brass Band
• Sideshow Revival
• Legendary JCs
• Lauren Lester
• The Lawbreakers
• Tarpon Springs Jazz Ensemble (a Dr. Phillips Center Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band)
5p - 12a: 70's Cosplay Party in VAULT 5421; Gods & Monsters, 5421 International Dr, Orlando, Florida 32819; Join us Saturday, November 9th, for 70's Homage Night in Vault 5421! FREE EVENT! To celebrate the new movie release of Charlie's Angels, we're hopping in the time machine and playing the classic 70's series and other 70's movies and shows on our big screens throughout the bar, with far out tunes playing, themed cocktails & Cosplay Cage-Dancing! Come in your best 70's cosplay or attire to receive 1 FREE SHOT or soda! (Just mention your attire, at the bar, for your FREE shot or soda.) Come early to enjoy our Happy Hours 5-8pm, featuring 20% OFF ALL DRINKS, including the special themed drink and shot created for the event! (Please note our store Gods & Monsters is All-Ages friendly, but our bar VAULT 5421 is 18+ to enter and 21+ with valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.)
6p - 8p: Fall Festival; UCUMC - University Carillon UMC, 1395 Campus View Ct, Oviedo, Florida 32765; All-things-fall coming together in one place: Fall Festival! While fall weather isn’t guaranteed, the fun is! We’ll be outside under the lights on University Carillon’s field with food, fall desserts, apple cider, festival games and live music! There’s fun ready for everyone—pumpkin games for the kids, football skills challenge for anyone brave enough, crafts for all ages, petting farm and more. Best of all, it’s FREE! Bring some friends and family and enjoy everything fall!
6p - 9p: Casselberry Food Truck Night; Lake Concord, 127 Quail Pond Circle, Casselberry, Florida 32707; Casselberry locals park at the Target Casselberry, are escorted across 17-92 by police officers, walk to the lovely lush Lake Concord Park covered with oaks behind City Hall, buy dinner from the food trucks, then listen to live music and shop local art. To see which trucks are coming Go to letsgetbazaar.com and click on Truck Schedule. Free admission. Free parking.
6p - 9:30p: Movie Night at Adventure Lake: Spider-Man Far From Home; Nona Adventure Park, 14086 Centerline Drive, Orlando, Florida 32827; Sponsored by F45 Training Nona, this is a FREE event to the community from 6-9:30 p.m. • The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m. • A popcorn + soda combo will be available for $4 (FREE to Nona Adventure Park Members)! • Splashes Bistro will be open until 9:30 p.m. for dinner, snacks, drinks, wine, beer, sodas, lemonades, and water. • Featured Film: SPIDER-MAN FAR FROM HOME • Feel free to bring pillows, blankets, etc. - this will be held under the pavilion near Splashes & the Pro Shop.
6p - 12a: 2019 Give Hope & Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament and Casino Night; Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, Florida 32803; Come join us for a fun and classy event designed to bring Las Vegas to Orlando! Enjoy professionally-managed Texas Hold 'Em Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Fine Catering, and Raffle Giveaways! A night out like no other in Orlando - All for a great cause! Whether you play poker or not, this is an evening for all! Tickets and more information can be found on our website https://givehopefoundation.org/Orlando-Charity-Poker-Tournament.php
Sat 11/9
9a - 4p: Great Day in the Country 2019; Oviedo on the Park, 321 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, Florida 32765; The 46th Annual Great Day in the Country Arts & Crafts Festival is produced by the GFWC Oviedo Woman's Club. The Festival is FREE to attendees. See greatdayoviedo.org This year over 350 arts and crafts vendors will be displaying and selling items that are perfect for gifts or your own home. Vist our food and beecraft beer vendors in either of two Food Courts (east and west). Enjoy music and local acts which will range from jazz to rock and roll. The Oviedo Woman's Club's famous Bean Soup will be exclusively available only at the festival. Great Day in the Country 2019 will mark the 25th year of the Student Art Fest, with work from art students in our local schools. The art will be on display and awards in excess of $2K will be presented to students during the Opening Ceremonies. Great Day in the Country is the GFWC Oviedo Woman's Club's major fundraiser. Over the past nine years, the club has awarded over $600,000 for scholarships, school grants, and charitable organizations. Last year, over 30,000 people attended the event. Free parking is available nearby and shuttles buses will take people to and from those lots.
12p - 4p: Bunny Cafe at The Nook; The Nook on Robinson, 2432 E. Robinson St, Orlando, Florida 32803; Come meet and pet our adorable furry friends while learning what it takes to give them loving and healthy indoor homes. Volunteers will be on hand to answer all your questions about feeding, housing, and connecting with these wonderful animals. ADMISSION IS FREE. The rabbits will be housed inside the bar for their safety and comfort while patron seating will be outside with tables and tents. There will be food available for purchase with La Empanada Food Truck and The Veggie Cart, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from The Nook and Framework Coffee. Learning activities will happen outside along with a prize raffle benefiting ORCA as well. Guest time with rabbits will be in 15-minute increments from 12 – 4PM with a maximum of 15 guests per time slot. Sign up will be first come first serve outside the bar. Patrons should check in at least 5 minutes before their assigned time slot, so they don't miss their turn. ORCA’s goals with this event are to educate the public and to ensure we can continue our mission to rescue and re-home abandoned or distressed rabbits and provide them quality medical care by raising donations.
FOOD: La Empanada Food Truck, The Veggie Cart; DRINK: The Nook on Robinson, Framework Craft Coffee Bar; ART: https://www.instagram.com/sarahroz/
1:30p - 4p: Outdoor Family Concert sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities; Seneff Arts Plaza - Downtown Orlando, 445 S Magnolia Ave., Orlando, Florida 32801; Join the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for this annual free Outdoor Family Concert in memory of Della Phillips sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities. Enjoy Dr. Seuss family classics The Sneetches and Green Eggs & Ham with beautiful music performed by the orchestra with live narration on Saturday, November 9 at 3 p.m. at Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Also at the concert will be food trucks and family-friendly activities with an instrument petting zoo beginning at 1:30 p.m. Event sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities. This Saturday at 1:30 p.m. prior to the concert, don't miss family-friendly activities and delicious food from the following food trucks: Up In Smoke BBQ, Orlando Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, SMAC Food Truck, Sugar Rush Marshmallows, Tacos Mazatlan, Rubios Baja Grill (\*to clarify, food starts at 1:30p and concert starts at 3p**)*
4p - 8p: Lake Nona Town Harvest; Crescent Park in Laureate Park, 8374 Upper Perse Cir, Orlando, Florida 32827; Bring out the whole family to enjoy a festive evening of entertainment featuring top 40 cover band Stereo FM, scarecrow stilt walkers, acrobatic surprises, and more! Oversized tractors, hay bales, and pumpkins create the perfect cozy photo op. Enjoy delicious treats from food trucks Bloque 45, It's All Greek to Me, Guacamole Co., Absofruitly US, Avofuel, a beer garden, and a large Kid's Zone sponsored by Laureate Insurance Partners for toddlers to teens! We look forward to you joining us for the first Lake Nona Town Harvest!
5p - 12a: Warriors Of Light: A Final Fantasy Tribute; The Abbey, 100 S Eola Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32801; On November 9th, 2019 in Orlando, Florida, Ongaku Overdrive is honored to bring you Warriors of Light, a Final Fantasy tribute with music, games, art, vendors, and cosplay. Details: http://ongakuoverdrive.com/warriors-of-light/
▪︎Musical acts performing their renditions of Final Fantasy and other Square music 🎵 ▪︎Multiple video game setups 🎮 ▪︎Video game tournaments with cash prizes 🕹 ▪︎Artists, vendors, and exclusive event merch ▪︎A cosplay-friendly atmosphere ▪︎Final Fantasy-themed cocktails🍹 ▪︎And more!
🎵MUSICAL LINEUP🎵: Descendants of Erdrick, Mega Ran, The Returners - VGM, Knight of the Round
Plus, a Final Fantasy edition of No Borders Art Competition!
We have more to announce with music, games, and events. Tickets go on sale at https://warriorsoflight.brownpapertickets.com
Follow us: http://www.ongakuoverdrive.com, https://www.twitch.tv/ongakuoverdrive, https://discord.gg/azD79zp
Sun 11/10
3p - 4:30p: Let Freedom Ring!; Cathedral Church of St. Luke,130 North Magnolia, Orlando, FL 32801; The Orlando Concert Band, with organ, salute the Armed Forces with Veterans Day favorites like Battle Hymn of the Republic, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and rousing marches by John Philip Sousa.

Taz stands in the centre of the ring with a table in front of him with the AEW Elite Championship underneath a black cloth. He announces the rules of the match first: 6 men will be eliminated until the last man standing wins. You just pin your opponent in the ring. No Disqualification, anything goes. He unveils the title. It has a white strap with a tall, gold centre plate featuring the AEW logo in the centre and decorated with many golden jewels similar to that of the IWGP or Big Gold Title. Taz holds the title up before everyone begins their entrances.
First out is Adam Page, followed by Sammy Guevara, Kip Sabian accompanied by Penelope Ford, Darby Allin skateboarding down the ramp, Joey Janela, Jeff Cobb making his PPV debut and third ever match and finally Chris Jericho. Jericho has FOZZY sing his theme live on stage while he sings his own theme as he walks down the ramp. He points the mic to the crowd during the “let me go - let me go - let me go - let me go”’s and they sing for him. Finally enters the ring. Before the bell rings Jeff Cobb grabs Joey Janela, Tour of the Islands through the table the title was placed on!
Everyone gangs up on Jeff Cobb but he pushes them all aside. He takes Kip Sabian down with a huge Lariat and begins to beat down on him on the outside. Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho team up to take down Darby Allin and Adam Page. Page hits a Calf Kick to Jericho sending him to outside. Page then hits a Shooting Star Press from the top rope into everyone! Sammy Guevara hits a Springboard Shooting Star Press into everyone! This is all capped off by Darby Allin hitting a Springboard Coffin Drop into everyone.
Darby Allin drags Sammy Guevara back in the ring and goes for a cover but Guevara kicks out. Kip Sabian rolls in and hits a Running Hurricanerana to Guevara. Guevara catches him in a Fireman’s Carry position, and Allin hits a Diving Double Foot Stomp to Sabian! Guevara grabs Allin by the neck and throws him into the ring post and Allin sells like mad. Sabian connects a flurry of strikes to Guevara, before hitting a Triangle Roundhouse Kick! He goes for a Deathly Hallows but from outside the ring Joey Janela hurls a chair at him!
Janela pulls out a stack of chairs and shoves a couple into the ring but keeps one for himself. He unfolds it and places it upside down on the barricade. He then Irish whips Jericho into it! Kip Sabian runs off the apron with a Corkscrew Crossbody into both men. Guevara is in the centre of the ring taunting but he’s met by a Buckshot Lariat from Adam Page! Page sets the chair up in the corner and hits a Lawn Dart into it. He grabs the chair and begins whacking it on the match and yelling “come on big boy!” at Cobb.
Cobb runs in with a Corner Running European Uppercut to Page! He catches Page on the fall and hits a Northern Lights Suplex! 1.......2....Page kicks out. Page leap frogs a running attack and connects a European Uppercut. He hits a Monkey Flip to Cobb sending him into the corner. He runs at him but Cobb catches him looking for a Tour of the Islands. Page manages to get out and hit a Vertical Suplex! He can’t quite cover as Jericho and Guevara both pull him out. Page elbows Guevara in the face and hits an Uppercut to Jericho but the numbers are too much.
Jericho grabs Janela by the hair and sits him in one of the announcers chairs. Guevara grabs some tape to wrap Janela around in. Jericho then undoes his bandana and chokes Janela with it. They finally stop and Janela is breathless. Jericho and Guevara pour multiple cups of thumbtacks around in a circle around Janela’s chair so when he gets up he has to step onto the tacks. They undo his boots and unwrap him. He does walk on the tacks and it looks sick as fuck. Janela then lays on the outside picking tacks from his feet.
Adam Page gets back up and throws Jericho into the ring. They have a stare down and the crowd begin to get wild but Cobb breaks it up with a double Clothesline. Cobb then picks up Jericho in a Fireman’s Carry and Page in a Gorrila Press. He throws Page backwards with an Overhead Toss and hits a Samoan Drop at the same time! Penelope Ford walks over to Janela and begins to mock him. Sabian strolls over with a chair and goes to leather Janela with it, Janela takes him to thumbtack dick kick city!
Cobb is in the centre of the ring looking around at his prey. Commentary note how monstrous he is and JR says Cobb is his official endorsement. Cobb turns around to a skateboard Missile Dropkick! Allin lays into Cobb with punches, finally taking the big man down. Cobb picks him up and goes to throw him to the outside. Allin hangs on to the ropes and hits a Hanging Soccer Kick. He the hits a Slingshot Youshi Tonic!!! 1........2......Kick Out!!!! Guevara secures a table and slides it into the ring. He quickly sets it up and begins to lay into Darby. Kip Sabian comes back into the ring and we have a three-way fight. This is token up by Janela who has finally hitting a Moonsault into everyone! He covers Kip, 1............2.........3!!!!
Kip Sabian has been eliminated.
First man is out. Cobb gets back up and he’s hungry, he charges Allin into the corner. He picks Allin up and throws him into Sabian and Ford who are leaving. Adam Page on the outside grabs a ladder and throws it in. He grabs a couple cold ones and goes to town on Chris Jericho on the outside. He cracks two cans open, downs both of em’ - Stunner! That table Sammy set up in the ring is still there, as Cobb lays Sammy on it. He goes for a Frogsplash to Sammy though it, but Sammy rolls off and Cobb crashes through!! It is at this point Chris Jericho has the genius idea to handcuff himself to the barricade - as the rules apply you can only pin your opponent in the ring.
Janela notices him and begins to batter him with a chair. Page notices too and they hit double superkicks. They then face each other and Janela asks “remember All In?” and they go at it. Page pulls out two new tables and sets one up. Janela runs at him but Page hits a Pop-up Powerbomb through the table! He grabs a barbed wire board and sets it up in the corner of the ring. He goes to throw Janela into it but Janela grabs one of Page’s beer bottles and smashes it over Page’s head! He grabs Page by the hair and goes to throw him into the barbed wire but Page catches him with an Exploder Suplex through it!
This is especially crushing for Janela as he spent the last few weeks on Twitter hyping up how he’s gonna avenge All In against Page and they had a mini-feud going. Janela looks up at Page and Page shakes his head saying “don’t fuck with a cowboy” before covering, 1..........2.......3!!!!
Joey Janela has been eliminated.
At this point Page starts seeing blood drizzle from his hair. He licks it. Also at this point Jericho regains his sense of everything and pans his head over to see... Jeff Cobb. Cobb malls the former champ and his former Inner Circle stablemate (more on that later) so there’s a lot of beef present. He grabs Guevara and begins to beat him up too. Sammy fights back however. Cobb slams him onto the announce table with a Urange Chokeslam but Guevara pulls him up with him. He Irish whips Cobb into the crowd but Cobb lands on the barricade. Guevara then jumps onto the barricade with him, Spanish Fly onto the announce table!!!!
Darby Allin grabs a table and ladder on he outside and throws them into the ring. He sets up the table and places Adam Page on it and begins to climb up the ladder. About half way up he jumps off it with a Coffin Drop, but Page rolls off the table!!!! Allin crashes through!! Page sees Jericho on the outside and is out for more blood. He un-cuffs him and lays into him. Jericho fights back and locks him to the ring post. He grabs a bottle and pours it over Page, making fun of his alcoholism. He then smashes it over his head. Page looks up at him and says “again.”
Jericho smashes another bottle over him and a bloodied Page is screaming at him craving more. He unhooks himself and attacks Jericho. He throws him into the ring but is caught by a Codebreaker! 1.......2.....KICK OUT!!!! Sammy Guevara on the outside is collecting all the unused tacks and putting them back into a container, before pouring it over the mat. He attacks Page and goes for a Canadian Destroyer but Page catches him - DEADEYE! Page covers, 1.......2........3 just before Jericho can break it up!!!!
Sammy Guevara has been eliminated.
Page grabs Jericho and lays into him with elbows. Jericho locks in a Liontamer but Page gets out. Page runs towards the corner but is caught with a Pop-up Last Ride Powerbomb! He then hits a Spear to Jericho! Jericho runs the ropes at Cobb but he catches him, Tour of the Islands onto the thumbtacks! 1........2......3!!!!!!
Chris Jericho has been eliminated.
We’re down to 3. Cobb comes in and hits an Athletic-Plex to Page and stares down upon Darby Allin. Allin gets one of the pops of the night as he pulls out the cracker barrel! He throws it into the ring and throws it at Cobb. He begins to hit him with it before leaving it in the corner. Cobb goes for a Suplex Toss but Allin hits a Cutter midair! He’s able to fight with the big man. He begins to grab all the weapons and pile them onto Cobb. He uses the ladder, remains fo the tables, all the chairs, remains of the barbed wire board, everything he can find he piles onto Cobb. He then hits a Cracker Barrel Coffin Drop to Cobb! 1........2.......3!!!!!!!!
Jeff Cobb has been eliminated.
It’s the final two. Both men have put their bodies through hell in these last 28 minutes, risking it all, throwing health precautions out the window, both men are willing to literally kill for this title. Adam Page goes for a Buckshot Lariat but Allin hits a Push-off Dropkick! He grabs his skateboard and whips him with it over and over. He then runs over Hangman’s fingers with it. He goes to the outside and retrieves a body bag with “Kill Cowboy” spray painted on it. He tries to get Page in it but Page ducks a Lariat and hits a Rite of Passage! 1..........2......ALLIN’S FOOT FALLS ONTO THE ROPES!!!!
Page can’t believe it. He’s flabbergasted. He pulls himself up to his feet, and drags Allin into the body bag. He grabs a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat and lays into Allin with it. He pulls him out and goes for a swing, Allin ducks and connects a Backstabber! He goes for a Springboard Coffin Drop but Page catches with a Bicycle Knee! He hits another Bicycle Knee! Allin drops to his knees and stands on the apron. He waits for Allin to get up - BUCKSHOT LARIAT!!!! 1.........2........3!!!!!
Darby Allin has been eliminated.
”Hangman” Adam Page wins last eliminating Darby Allin to become the inaugural AEW Elite Champion (31:24)
6- Cody (with Brandi Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes and Arn Anderson) vs. Brodie Lee (with Jake “The Snake’” Roberts) - Singles Match
On the March 11th episode of Dynamite, Cody takes on Ortiz of the Inner Circle in Singles action. Cody and Ortiz have a stellar back and forth match with Cody getting the win. After the match he calls out Jake Roberts but is cut off by the lights going out. On the titantron we see scratchy lettering saying “you promised I would be part of your empire. You lied. You must suffer.” The lights come back on and Cody is tangled in the ropes and Jake has got Damien out. Damien slithers across Cody as Arn watches. Arn rolls into the ring and comes face to face with Jake. They get a nostalgia pop and Jake asks “you still got it?” Arn thinks better of it though and helps Cody to the back.
Next week we see a sit down interview between Jake and JR. Jake cuts a classic promo of his, the quiet yet calculating voice which makes him sound ten steps ahead of you at all times, and manages to put himself over while still keeping the suspense of who is his client and hyping him up. J.R. asks Jake what did the message on the titantron mean and Jake responds “you’ll see soon Jim, they’ll all seen soon...” before he heads off. Next week is Blood and Guts which you saw the result of earlier on so needless to say - Cody is scarred. The Bucks locked Cody out the cage, beat the shit out of Hangman and Kenny as Cody had no choice but to watch his best friends and the foundation of his company destroyed.
Following show in the first week of April, Cody takes to the ring to cut an impassioned promo where he talks about his father, Jake, his opponent at Double or Nothing and Jake’s client. He tells this mystery client he doesn’t know who he is, he doesn’t know what he wants - but if it’s a fight he’s looking for, bring it on. Jake “The Snake” appears on the titantron and tells Cody that if Cody agrees to the following, his client will reveal himself on one condition. That being - he wants a Singles Match at Double or Nothing against Cody. Cody looks Jake dead in the eyes and says “I accept.” “By the way Cody, this was pre-taped.”
From behind, a man runs up and blindsides Cody. It’s Brodie Lee! He attacks Cody and beats the shit out of him with rights and lefts. Cody is busted open and Lee connects a Discus Clothesline. He then looks up the ramp with a stone faced expression. He got what he wanted. Brandi Rhodes comes out and hopes into the ring, Lee Discus Clothesline’s her. Bit of Intergender stuff since AEW like to be edgy. Lee then pulls Cody up and looks him in the eyes through the thick coat of blood covering his face. He then admires what he’s done before dropping him and heading to the back.
Two weeks later, Dustin Rhodes cuts a promo on Brodie Lee and Roberts defending his brother. Cody comes out with his face stitched up and tells Dustin to calm down. He’s got this covered and he promises to kick Lee’s ass at Double or Nothing. Last year Dustin and Cody went to war, but this year Cody hopes they can stand together - he wants his brother with him in his corner at Double or Nothing alongside Arn and Brandi. Dustin accepts and the two hug in the centre of the ring. Cody and Dustin Rhodes team up to take on Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy two weeks later in a losing effort after Luchasaurus got the pin on Dustin.
Cody was taken out midway through by Brodie Lee but Lee couldn’t quite get his hands on Dustin. This cost the brothers the match. Next week Brodie Lee and a pissed off Dustin get into a brawl backstage, a very violent one. Dustin is trying to avenge his brother who Brodie is out to end whilst Lee is trying to hurt Cody by brutally assaulting his brother and taking him out of the match. Without his brother Cody has nothing and so Lee is trying to demolish him. Dustin’s age gets the better of him and he can’t keep going. The final shot before Double or Nothing is Brodie Lee standing tall over Dustin who is coughing up blood.
Cody enters out with Brandi and Arn after making one of his over the top pyro filled elevator entrances he makes but x10. They come out in Deep Space Nine attire with Brandi, Arn, DDP and other Nightmare Family associates all standing together and Pharaoh of course. DDP and the rest of the Nightmare Family people leave so it’s just Brandi and Arn with Cody. The trio stand atop the ramp, before Dustin Rhodes marches out and walks with Cody to the ring. Dustin and Cody hug and Dustin wishes him good luck against what he’s about to face.
Brodie Lee then enters out with Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Both men have white sheep masks on before ripping them off in homage to Lee’s past as Luke Harper in the Wyatt Family. He comes out in his old hillbilly look of the shaggy black hair, dirty white tank top and cargo pants. Jake wears a leather jacket with a fresh haircut and walks behind his client and monster. Jake has got Damien slung over his shoulder in a black bag and he walks down to the ring with Brodie Lee.
Before the bell is rung Lee begins to use his brawling abilities and sheer power against Cody. They brawl through the crowd for a bit using fan signs and any nearby objects as weapons. Lee throws Cody into the wall and targets the shoulder of Cody, throwing him into all sorts of things shoulder first or hitting him with weapons across the shoulder. The bell still hasn’t rung so we’re not officially underway. Lee hits a Urange Slam onto the announce table and they brawl up the ramp. Cody throws Lee into the giant poker chips and drags him back to the ring. Now they’re in the ring the bell is rung even though they’ve been fighting for about 5 minutes already.
They have an intense lock up but i doesn’t last long as Lee slams Cody onto the mat repeatedly. Lee grabs Cody by the weight belt and hurls him into the ring post. Cody finally fights back and hits a series of punches before rolling his arms like his father and landing an elbow to dome. Cody hits a Springboard Cutter to Lee and followed up by a Lou Thesz Press. Lee gets out and hits a European Uppercut followed by going for the Discus Clothesline. Cody ducks and goes for an elbow but Lee gets him up in a Fireman’s Carry and hits a TKO to Cody!!! 1.........2......Kick Out!!!!!
Cody hits a Belly to Back Suplex and begins to undo his belt. Lee hits a Spear from out of nowhere though and referee Earl Hebner goes down with it. Cody hits a Disaster Kick and begins to pull himself up by the ropes. He looks to hit a Cross Rhodes but Lee gets out and connects the Discus Clothesline! He can’t cover however so he grabs Cody’s belt and whips him with it. He pulls out Damien and lets him slither across Cody as Brandi looks on terrified. Brandi rolls into the ring and tries to do something but she’s afraid of the snake. Jake is cackling on the outside. Brandi then rolls out takes Jake to Dick Kick City!
Arn then connects the Double A Spinebuster to Brodie Lee to a big pop. Dustin then hits Shattered Dreams to Lee. Dustin takes Damien out and helps Earl back to his feet. Cody hits another Disaster Kick! He goes for a rope run attack but he’s caught by the Discus Clothesline! 1...........2..........KICK OUT!!!! The fans pop again. Cody hits a Suicide Dive to Lee and Jake and throws him back into the ring. Jake yells at Cody and Cody goes for a Bicycle Kick but he hits Brandi instead. Lee then hits a Big Boot to him and he falls onto Brandi. Lee throws him into the ring and hits the Discus Clothesline followed by the DDT, 1............2..........3!!!!!
Brodie Lee wins and Cody has lost 3 PPV matches in a row now. He stares around the arena feeling lost and confused. Brandi and Arn help him up and Dustin shakes Cody’s hands. They hug but Cody asks to be left alone in the ring. He grabs a mic and gets only a few words into a promo before Anthony Ogogo hops the barricade! He rolls into the ring as the crowd are hopefully going mental and he punches Cody in the face. Cody is knocked out and the trio who left him moments ago rush back down to help him up as Ogogo escapes up the ramp. He climbs up the poker chips and poses atop them.
Brodie Lee defeats Cody (13:11)
7- Bea Priestley © vs. Dr. Britt Baker DMD - No Disqualification Match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
The AEW Women’s Division needs some elevation so I’m going to try and accomplish that. You saw the Riho vs. Yuka Sakazaki feud already so what’s going on with the women’s title? Well we start with Nyla Rose as AEW Women’s Champion. I believe her and Kris Statlander can actually be a really good feud to carry the division so we’ll continue that for a bit. Nyla attacks Kris on the March 11th episode backstage and lays her out cold. Next week the two are set for a 2 out of 3 Falls Match for the title. I think their match at Revolution under delivered for what they really could do since Kris was sick, so this match gives them a bit more time and hopefully they can get a great match out of each other. On Dark that week Yuka Sakazaki defeats Big Swole.
Next week Britt Baker comes to he ring to cut a promo. Britt Baker cuts a standard heel promo, saying how she feels sorry the fans first have to pay to see a shitty attempt at Awesome Kong as their AEW Women’s Champion fight a god damn alien. She says she is the best women in this division period, and anyone who thinks they can step up, get ready for a Lockjaw. She sent Yuka back to Japan, Priscilla Kelly back to bingo halls, Bea Priestley back to - Bea Priestley comes out! Bea slowly walks down to the ring, a past rival of Britt. She stares down Britt, and Britt says “remember the time I beat you?” They then get into a brawl, but Britt escapes.
Next week Nyla Rose defends her AEW Women’s World Championship in a Four-way Match against Yuka Sakazaki, Hikaru Shida and Riho. You already saw how this played out from earlier on, but anyways, Nyla wins. Next week Bea Priestley gets a win over Abadon and begins #1 on the rankings for Nyla’s title. They fight on Dynamite in a hard fought contest, lots of big kicks and stiff strikes thrown. In the end Bea Priestley gets the win and becomes new AEW Women’s World Champion. After the match Britt Baker comes out and attacks Bea, locking in a Lockjaw on her. She gets a bit of blood on her hand and licks it off.
Bea attacks Britt backstage and they have yet another brawl the following week. These brawls are getting too wild and their health is at a serious risk. AEW management need their champ to not be sent to the ER every week. The match is promised to be a No Disqualification Match so they can get their hands on each other at Double or Nothing, not right now though. If either women touch each other over the next few weeks until the show, Britt doesn’t get the match, Bea is stripped of her title. They both trade barbs in the weeks leading up before the big event.
Britt Baker and Bea Priestley start the match off hit with Britt taking it to Bea with a kendo stick. She strikes her with it repeatedly before Bea fights back. Bea connects a Big Boot an Irish Whip into the barricade. Bea then goes to town on Britt with the kendo stick. She goes for a Exploder Suplex into the ring post but Britt counters into a Backbody Drop on the outside. Britt pulls out a trash can with a chair in it. She throws the chair in the ring and places the trash can over Bea’s head. She then dives off the apron with a Meteora, but Bea dodges!
Bea pulls the trash can off her head and places it over Britt’s head. She leans her against the steps and hits a roundhouse kick into the trash can. She pulls Britt out and throws her into the ring. Her and Britt brawl in the ring. Britt hits a Superkick to Bea and sits her on the chair. She hits another Superkick. She takes her off the chair and goes for a DDT onto the chair, but Bea gets out and hits a Spinning Heel Kick! Britt falls into the chair and Bea taunts the crowd. Britt gets off the chair however and hits a Deadlift German Suplex onto the unfolded chair!!!!
Bea slouches in the chair and Britt connects a V-Trigger! 1.........2......Kick Out!!!! Britt pulls out a chain from under the ring and throws it into the ring. Britt whips Bea with the chain repeatedly but Bea gets up and hits a Falcon Arrow onto the chains! Bea stalks her prey as she lays on the apron. Bea hits two consecutive Bicycle Knees to Britt. She goes for a Deadlift Suplex into the ring onto the chair but Britt counters into a DDT midair!! Britt goes for the Lockjaw but Bea kicks off the ropes and rolls into Sit-out Powerbomb! 1.....2.....Kick Out!!!
Bea on the outside sets up a table. Britt runs out and hits a clothesline to her. She takes her the apron and goes for a Swinging Fisherman’s Neckbreaker off the apron through the table, but Bea kicks her in the gut and hits an Apron Bridging Half and Half Suplex! She lays Britt across the table and runs across the apron with a Diving Double Foot Stomp!!!! She throws Britt back in the ring and covers, 1............2........KICK OUT!!!! Britt kicks out and rolls into the Lockjaw! She wrenches on the hold!
Bea goes to reach the ropes but Britt kicks off them and rolls back! Bea gets out and hits a Bicycle Kick! She grabs the kendo stick and locks in a kendo stick assisted Armbar! Britt gets out and hits a Knee lift. She then locks in a kendo stick assisted Double Underhook Crossface! Bea Priestley gets out and lays into Britt some more with the kendo stick. She grabs the chair and throws it at Britt. She gets Britt in a Tree of Woe position. She places the chair over her chest and then dives onto her with a Double Foot Stomp from the top rope! She connects the Queen’s Landing! 1...........2........3!!!!!
Bea Priestley defeats Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship (9:48)
8- Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley © - Singles Match for the AEW World Championship
After losing Blood and Guts to The Inner Circle, after his best friends Matt and Nick Jackson turning on him and Cody and Adam Page, after losing his AEW Tag Team Championships to Matt and Nick, Kenny Omega is at rock bottom. The week after losing the tag titles, he wrestles Darby Allin in that weeks main event in a Qualifying Match for a new AEW Championship that will be unveiled at a later date (AEW Elite Championship). Kenny comes out to a lukewarm reaction while his opponent Darby Allin gets a huge pop as he rolls down the ramp on his skateboard. He jumps off the skateboard, through the middle ropes and rolls into the ring. Ringside member throws the skateboard back towards Darby and he kicks the match off hot with a skateboard assisted Dropkick!
Allin takes Kenny to the corner and hits a Hesitation Dropkick. He then hits a Snapmare and Springboard Meteora! Kenny is already dazed and the match has only gone a few seconds. Kenny goes for a lariat but Darby ducks and hits a Pele Kick followed by Rolling Youshi Tonic! 1......2.....Kenny barely kicks out. Darby then recovers in the corner while Kenny is flushed. Kenny regains his composure and begins to fight back. He hits a Kamigoye and starts to go back and forth with Darby. Darby however counters out of a One Winged Angel and hits a Backstabber followed by Coffin Drop. 1.........2.......3. Darby Allin is going to Double or Nothing.
On the final episode of Being The Elite now that The Bucks are gone - we see Adam Page and Kenny drinking at a bar, the fall of The Elite never being so present. The episode ends when Kenny leaves the bar and heads to their car, and in the rain finds a pair of aviator shades resting on the seat of his car. He puts them on and we see a man we haven’t seen in a long time - The Cleaner. This clip is replayed on Dynamite with some higher quality. That same Dynamite the Casino Battle Royale is announced to take place on Dynamite to determine who will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship at Double or Nothing.
New rules are input - all 21 entrants will draw a card. The suit of their card will determine when they come out. Each suit come out in one batch at time intervals. For the first 5 entrants - all those entrants are of the Spades deck. Then entrants 6-10 will be of the Clubs deck, 11-15 the Diamonds and 16-20 the hearts. Everyone enters at 90 second time intervals with the Joker coming out last as the 21st entrant. The winner faces Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship at Double or Nothing. Jon Moxley cuts a promo the week before the Casino Battle Royale and roasts everyone of the possible people to win the match and face him. He comes at Jericho, MJF, Pac, but mainly Kenny Omega.
Spades:
1- The Butcher
2- The Blade
3- “Broken” Matt Hardy
4- MJF
5- Dustin Rhodes
Butcher and Blade start the match off. A tag team being 1 and 2 in these type of matches always draws a pop and the two go at it before the crowd explode for Broken Matt Hardy! We hear his old Impact theme and he walks down, finally broken, finally free. MJF follows suit and the boos rain down because as soon as he locks eyes with Hardy, he starts imitating he’s got a broken back and the crowd want him dead. Dustin Rhodes come out next and has a nice moment with Matt before they start fighting. Butcher and Blade then begin to team up and try and eliminate some people.
Hearts:
6- Jake Hager
7- Diamond Dallas Page
8- Billy Gunn
9- Tommy Dreamer
10- Sonny Kiss
Jake Hager comes out and tries to dump Dustin out immediately. They go back and forth before they eliminate each other brawling over the ropes. DDP then comes out to a big pop, followed by a big pop when Billy Gunn comes out, followed by another big pop when Tommy Dreamer comes out! Tour of the dads! DDP gives everyone a Diamond Cutter, and Gunn gives a Famouser to MJF. Sonny Kiss comes out and has a face off with Dreamer. Kiss then bashes Dreamer’s face into his ass like last year.
Clubs:
11- Shawn Spears
12- Joey Janela
13- Wardlow
14- Masato Tanaka
15- Jimmy Havoc
Break from the comedy as Shawn Spears comes out and we’re getting serious. Spears takes out Billy Gunn as soon as he walks in, takes out DDP, goes to eliminate Dreamer but Dreamer gets out and fights back. Joey Janela and Dreamer have a hardcore brawl, Wardlow comes out to help MJF and they fight with Butcher and The Blade. Throwback spot, as Masato Tanaka comes out! Jimmy Havoc comes out, and joins the Dreamer and Janela fight. They use a couple weapons, before Havoc knocks a kendo stick over the head of Janela, before hitting an Acid Rainmaker to Dreamer and he falls through a table as he falls out!
Diamonds:
16- Brodie Lee
17- Jeff Cobb
18- Michael Nakazawa
19- Lance Archer
20- Kenny Omega
Brodie Lee gets a huge pop when he enters, making his AEW debut tonight. He comes in and Discus Clothesline’s everyone, before dumping out Sonny Kiss. Butcher and The Blade go to eliminate Brodie Lee, but Lee gets out. Butcher and Blade turn around and are tossed out by Wardlow and MJF. Jeff Cobb comes out and has a monsters brawl with Brodie Lee. Cobb and Lee take down everyone in the ring, and then - Michael Nakazawa. He comes out and looks at Cobb and Lee, side to side, oh boy he’s made a mistake. He undoes his thong and does his general antics before Lance Archer comes out making his AEW debut! Archer, Cobb and Lee all surround Nakazawa. Oh Jesus he chose the wrong day to be a human. Wardlow then walks in and to every direction he looks, a monster surrounds him. He then walks through a gap and simply dumps himself out to avoid harm. Then all the monsters have a huge fight. Final entrant before Joker and it’s who we’ve all been waiting for, it’s Kenny Omega.
Joker:
21- Chris Jericho
Jericho walks out with the Joker card in hand, as Pyro shoots off around him. Jericho nails a Judas Effect to Masato Tanaka who collapses to the outside. Jimmy Havoc and Joey Janela bring a ladder into the ring and take down everyone. Janela climbs to the top of the ladder and goes for a Diving Elbow to a pile of people below him, but Jimmy Havoc from behind climbs up and locks in a barbed wire bat assisted choke hold! Then everyone below team up to push them to the outside! Broken Matt Hardy and Chris Jericho have a fight, and Jericho wins, tossing out Hardy.
Eight remaining in the ring and finally after everyone hit their finishers, Wardlow is tossed out, followed by Lance Archer eliminating MJF with a Razor’s Edge to the outside, into Wardlow. Kenny Omega eliminates Shawn Spears with a mighty V-Trigger and he starts to have a great contest with Jeff Cobb. However now it’s Jericho teaming with Jeff Cobb as they’re Inner Circle buddies. They both team up to eliminate Lance Archer. Jericho then thinks “right, Cobb’ll just throw himself out won’t he?” Jericho then berates Cobb to get out, let him win - TOUR OF THE ISLANDS FROM COBB!! Kenny Omega picks Jericho up and it’s Double or Nothing one all over again.
Omega and Jericho start to go at it. Jericho throws a Judas Effect but Omega ducks and throws him out. Omega then looks down at Jericho and gets his win back from him. Jeff Cobb and Kenny Omega are the final two left standing and they go at it. Cobb uses his amazing strength to nearly eliminate Kenny so many times but he fails each time. Omega then manages to get Cobb up on his shoulders, One Winged Angel! Huge pop at this as Omega v-triggers Cobb out to win the match. After the match Jon Moxley walks out. He walks up to Omega and holds his title high. Omega then does the finger gun taunt on Mox’s forehead. The Cleaner has returned.
Over the last few weeks until Double or Nothing, we slowly see The Cleaner returning. Omega now rocks his leather jacket, aviator shades, has a tooth pick hanging from the side of his lip, pounds the Terminator 2 theme on the mat, is the quintessential definition of cool. Moxley is still reeking havoc across the roster as per usual. Moxley is a tweener as Omega is so over yet Mox is such a badass people can’t help to cheer him. However, he cuts a scathing promo how that all Omega is now doing is just trying to relive his past success, when he saw the real Omega at Full Gear and you know what he saw? He saw him laying on the mat for the 1,2,3.
Omega then comes out with Michael Nakazawa, Riho and Adam Page behind him. Omega is in a white t-shirt and his tights so not in full Cleaner mode. The foursome stare down Moxley and he tells Moxley that this isn’t the old him - this is the best him. “I have got this group of guys by my side and my lover back in Japan standing with me. I got rid of those punk ass bitches Matt and Nick, I got rid of everything from my recession era - all I need now is your AEW Championship.” The two close the show with a gigantic stare down before Double or Nothing.
Kenny Omega entrance I’m going the full 9 yards with. It starts with a video playing on the titantron of a montage of Kenny’s road to being led here as a version of Devil’s Sky plays. It features his friendship with Kota Ibushi, Michael Nakazawa, Riho, Adam Page and finally leading him to this moment. It finishes with a quick recap of their beef over the past few months. Jon won the first time - but that wasn’t an official match in the record books. Kenny has everything to lose going in here. It’s Double...or Nothing.
We hear an angelic voice singing the same “hoooohhhhhooohhh” on repeat as Kenny slowly rises on an elevator. During this the angelic voice is mixed with the pounding beat of the Terminator 2 soundtrack. Finally all sound stops, and Kenny walks forward. LittleVMills is on the side of the stage singing Battle Cru live from the opening piano notes to him roaring “The Best...BOUT...MACHINE” and we’re finally able to see Kenny. He is in his aviator shades, leather jacket, tooth pick hanging from the side of his mouth but most of all he has a metal spiky stick weapon.
Jon Moxley makes a big entrance too as we see his entire journey from the limo to ringside with the title slung over his shoulder. He rolls into the ring and leans back like he did at Double or Nothing 1, and the match is on. Straight away Kenny hits a V-Trigger and the two start throwing punches at each other. It’s hog wild to begin with. Kenny hits a tight rope knee drop to Mox. Mox ducks a lariat and hits a Neckbreaker to Omega! Omega runs into the corner with a Corner Back Elbow! Omega then vault jumps to the top turnbuckle, Moonsault by Omega!!!
Omega runs the ropes but Mox ducks his attack and catches him with a TKO! Moxley hits an Inverted Atomic Drop and goes for a Neckbreaker but Omega gets out and connects a Superkick! He hits a Rope Run Diving Knee Strike! 1.......2.....Kick Out by Mox! Mox rolls to the outside to recover. Omega goes for a Calf Kick through the bottom rope but Mox catches him with a European Uppercut! Mox rolls back into the ring and hits a Snake Eyes to Omega! Omega lays on the apron now as Mox stomps him viciously through the ropes.
Omega gets back up and goes for a Slingshot Spear but Mox catches and hits a Draping DDT!!! 1.....2.....Omega gets his foot on the ropes!!! Mox pulls Omega up. He goes for a Vertical Suplex but Omega reverses into a DDT!! Omega hits a Shin Breaker followed by running the ropes and hitting a Bicycle Kick! Omega goes to do the the finger gun taunt but Mox having none of it, Running Brainbuster from Mox! He looks like he’s gonna cover but Omega spins around into an Armbar. Mox pulls Omega up and hits a Spinning Sit-out Powerbomb! 1.......2......Kick Out!!!
Mox gets Omega up and plants him on the top rope with an Atomic Drop. He leaves him laying there as he dives from the middle rope with a Clothesline to Omega! Omega falls to the outside. Mox rolls out there and throws him into the steel steps. Mox goes for a Kitchen Sink but Omega dodges and Mox’s knee goes splat. Omega rolls back into the ring but immediately goes flying with a Tope Con Hilo! He goes for a Exploder Suplex into the barricade but Mox gets out, Spear into the barricade! Mox could easily win by Countout here but he wants to win properly and most of all hurt Kenny some more.
He throws Kenny back into the ring but Kenny Superkick’s him off the apron. Kenny rolls to the outside and buries Mox under a pile of mats from the floor. He then hits a Springboard Double Foot Stomp onto Mox! Now he throws him back in. Omega hits a German Suplex and lines up a V-Trigger. He jumps for it but Mox dodges and hits a Piledriver! 1.........2......KICK OUT!!! Kenny gets up. Mox connects a Bicycle Kick and goes for a Butterfly Suplex but Kenny counters midair into a Frankensteiner! 1........2.....Kick Out!!
Omega throws elbows at Mox before Irish whipping him into the corner. Mox gets his foot up before he hits the corner, then grabs Omega and hurls him into the corner. He connects a Kitchen Sink and goes for a Paradigm Shift but Omega gets out and hits a Butterfly Piledriver! 1........2......Mox Kicks Out!!! Mox goes for a Lariat but Kenny ducks and hits a Basement Dropkick. Kenny goes for an attack but Moxley catches with a Kneecap Brainbuster!!! Mox goes for a Piledriver but Omega slides out and hits a Rolling Fireman’s Carry Slam + Moonsault combo! 1..........2........MOX KICKS OUT!!!
Mox gets back to his feet and dumps Kenny to the outside. Kenny goes for a Hanging Soccer Kick but Mox ducks and hits a Belly to Back Suplex from in the ring onto the apron to Omega! Omega looks like he’s not gonna get up for 10 but he manages to get on the apron and connect a Springboard Missile Dropkick while Mox was posing! Kenny hits a Cross-Legged Fisherman Neckbreaker! He goes for a Superkick but Mox twists him around and hits an Exploder German Suplex into the corner! Mox connects another Kitchen Sink! He goes for a Paradigm Shift with Kenny’s feet hanging off the top ropes, but Kenny gets out and sits on the top turnbuckle.
He then jumps from the top ropes onto the actual rope and hits a Moonsault to Mox! Mox lays on the second rope which lines up a V-Trigger from Omega! Omega then hits Croyt’s Wrath!!!! 1..........2.......KICK OUT!!! Mox rolls to the outside and walks up the ramp. Kenny runs for him he’s caught by a Bicycle Knee and Paradigm Shift onto the steel! Both men can barely get up but they do so. Kenny then hits a Kotaro Krusher on the ramp! They both rush back to the ring.
Mox scoops Kenny up and charges into the corner. Mox hits a Scoop Slam followed by a Death Valley Driver! He then hits a Dragon Suplex! He runs at Omega for another attack but Omega catches and hits a Pumphandle Dr. Wiley’s Bomb!! 1..........2.....Kick Out!!!! Mox gets up and throws elbows at Omega. Mox finally connects a Paradigm Shift! 1............2........KICK OUT!!!! Omega hits another Kotaro Krusher followed by a massive V-Trigger! He gets Mox up for the One Winged Angel but Mox gets out and hits a Neckbreaker as he comes down. Mox goes for a Running Knee but Omega scoops him up, ONE WINGED ANGEL!!!!!!! 1..............2...........3!!!!!!! NEW CHAMP!!!!
Kenny Omega defeats Jon Moxley to become the new AEW World Champion (24:37)

In this booking, Shawn Michaels is an indie legend; compared to the likes of David Starr. He’s won countless championships in promotions from all over the world, but never really burst onto the big company scene. Shawn’s first major appearance was at Double or Nothing, competing in the Casino Battle Royal and making it to the final 3, before being eliminated by MJF. He would then continue to work AEW shows such as Summerfest and Fyter Fest, losing to Cody and defeating the man who took him out in the Battle Royal, MJF, but it was at Fight For The Fallen where he challenged Kenny Omega to a bout at All Out, and it was made official a week later, with it being billed as The Best vs The Future. Rookie vs Veteran. All Out.
​
AEW All Out
Kenny Omega vs Shawn Michaels
V-Trigger! Shawn falls to the floor, using the turnbuckle as leverage, not wanting to stay down but after being hit with second V-Trigger of the match, he couldn’t hold on, yet still managed to kick out at 2 when Kenny dragged him into the middle of the ring and pinned him! Omega, furious, picked up Michaels and went for a Cross-Legged Brainbuster, but Shawn escaped, going for a roll up but Kenny kicked out, before nailing Omega with an Inverted Atomic Drop! Shawn then ran towards the ropes and took Kenny down with a Flying Forearm Smash, and then synched in a devastating Figure Four Leglock! Omega was in serious pain and anguish, with Shawn not letting go, but Kenny made his way inch by inch towards the ropes to break up the hold, however he was immediately clotheslined to the outside! Shawn then climbed the top rope and went for an Elbow Drop, but Omega countered with another V-Trigger! Kenny sent Michaels back into the ring and nailed him with a Butterfly Piledriver! But that wasn’t enough as Shawn once again kicked out! Omega had had enough, and went for a One Winged Angel, but Shawn flipped forward, landing on his feet, before going for a Sweet Chin Music! But Omega dodges and catches Shawn, going for a Ripcord V-Trigger, but Michaels holds onto the knee and hits him with a Teardrop Suplex! Shawn then goes to the top rope, attempting to pull off one last maneuver in the form of a Moonsault on a standing Kenny, but Omega moved out of the way and Shawn landed on his feet, allowing for The Terminator to lift up Shawn and put him away with the One Winged Angel for the win. After a grueling 26 minute match, Kenny Omega stands tall over the rookie Michaels. Kenny helps Shawn back up and in a show of respect shakes his hand, before rolling out of the ring, leaving a defeated, yet improved Shawn Michaels in the ring.
​
Shawn isn’t seen on AEW Programming after his loss to Omega, and it isn’t just AEW shows, as he doesn’t appear on any of his regular indie promotions, instead goes on a short hiatus, with his Twitter and Instagram going completely blank. However, on September 18th, the wrestling world got the answer.
​
The NXT Champion Adam Cole stands in the ring alongside his Undisputed Era stablemates, the NXT Tag Team Champions Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reily and the new NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong. It’s the first ever live episode of NXT and Cole is cutting a promo on his success in this brand, from having the most impactful debut in all of history, to winning the first ever Wargames, to becoming the inaugural NXT North American Champion, to finally winning the NXT Title and completing the Triple Crown. But he wasn’t done, saying that there is not a single soul back there who can beat him. And that’s undispu-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ErmBDTOJo
An unfamiliar theme song plays, but when the graphic on the Titantron shows “The Heartbreak Kid”, the crowd go insane. “SHAWN MICHAELS IS NXT!” shouts Mauro Ranallo as HBK walks out from the back, dressed in black, red, and white attire. Cole is shocked, Kyle is shocked, Bobby is shocked, Strong is shocked, everyone is shocked at the debut of Shawn Michaels! Michaels makes his way down to the ring with a mic and goes to say something but he’s drowned out by “HBK!” chants that echo throughout the arena. The NXT Champ looks disgusted at the fact that Shawn thinks he can interrupt him, but Michaels doesn’t say anything, instead nails Cole with a Sweet Chin Music! Adam drops to the floor and Shawn is swarmed by the rest of The Era, with Michaels receiving kicks from all directions, however he manages to fend them off, chucking Fish over the top rope and onto the apron, with Kyle accidentally knocking his own partner when Shawn ducked a forearm. Strong went for a Strong Slam on HBK, but Michaels escaped and shoved Roderick into O’Reily, before going for a Sweet Chin Music on him. Roddy ducked, allowing for the finishing move to hit Kyle behind him, meaning Strong could take advantage of Shawn and hit him with an End of Heartache. He helped Adam back up and the champ hit the new star with a Last Shot to stand tall. William Regal came out next and announced that next week, Shawn Michaels will face off against Roderick Strong in his NXT debut, and if he wins, he will get a title shot at Adam Cole the following episode! The Undisputed Era evidently disliked the idea, but they knew they had no choice so left, all their gold still around their waists… for now.
​
On NXT, Roderick Strong vs Shawn Michaels is set for the main event. Throughout the night, Shawn is seen encountering members of the NXT roster such as Johnny Gargano, Keith Lee, and the returning Finn Balor. But at one point, Michaels gets ambushed by Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reily backstage, with the pair double Powerbombing him through a catering table. Regal is furious when he finds Shawn in the debris and bans the rest of UE from ringside. Michaels is taken to medical to see if he can compete but before they can get an answer, Shawn storms out of the room, reminding them he has a match to prepare for. Finally, we get to the main event of the night, and as Roderick is making his entrance he’s attacked by Michaels! HBK and Strong brawl their way down to the ring where the bell rings, and the match is officially under way. They start off fast-paced, with Shawn really impressing the NXT audience, and after only 5 minutes in Shawn goes for a Sweet Chin Music but Roderick catches the leg and hits him with an End of Heartache, only for Michaels to kick out! This infuriates Strong, and he becomes more aggressive, but Shawn still manages to stay on top, and after another 12 minutes, nails him with a Sweet Chin Music to get the 1, 2, 3! Two of the best up and comers of their time put on a great main event for the NXT Universe, but it isn’t all a happy ending, because as soon as the ref slammed his hand down on the mat for the third time, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reily, and Bobby Fish all made their way down to the ring to attack the victor. But the assault is ceased, as Shawn is saved by Johnny Gargano! The Heart of NXT sprints down to take out The Era, with Shawn and Johnny hitting simultaneous Superkicks on Fish and O’Reily, while Adam and Roderick lay on the outside, stunned. It was official: Shawn Michaels vs Adam Cole for the NXT Championship would be happening next week.
​
This NXT Title bout did not disappoint, with both wrestling legends giving it their all and proving why they are in the main event slot. Despite Shawn only being exposed to the NXT crowd for 2 weeks, he had quickly ascended to the top, with his merchandise sales rising fast and Shawn becoming overly popular with the audience. Cole was the perfect opponent, a technical wizard but also heelishly cunning and able to pinpoint his enemy’s weaknesses. He targeted the neck of Shawn throughout the 17 minute match, setting him up for an inevitable Last Shot, but Michaels fought back with fire in his eyes, pulling off a Moonsault at one point to the outside, only to be hit with a Panama Sunrise after Cole dodged. The Undisputed Era ran down to distract Shawn, but they were taken out by Gargano who sent the Tag Champions running for the hills after a vicious Superkick to Strong! However, this was the perfect diversion, as Cole hit Michaels with a Last Shot to the injured neck, only for Shawn to get his foot on the ropes! Johnny stayed at ringside, cheering on Shawn after the attack, and the crowd popped huge when Adam went for another Last Shot, but Michaels ducked and nailed the champion with a Sweet Chin Music from behind! HBK struggled to crawl into the cover, but the match was stopped completely when Johnny slid into the ring and beat down Shawn! “What the hell is going?” Mauro exclaimed as he watched Gargano rain down fists on Michaels, giving him the DQ win! Johnny took HBK out with a Slingshot DDT and stood over his exhausted body as Cole celebrated with his title on the ramp alongside The Undisputed Era.
​
The next week, Johnny would explain his actions, saying that he was insulted at how Shawn thinks he can waltz in here and suddenly become the new hero. Johnny Wrestling is the only true hero you need! Michaels was reportedly at home for that week due to the neck injury and DDT he suffered last episode, and Johnny reminded the NXT masses that he’ll always be here for them. He left, only after repeating that he’s the real hero. Johnny would then go onto dismantle Shane Thorne the subsequent episode in their scheduled bout, calling out Shawn for a fight at NXT Takeover: Wargames in a post-match promo. He was answered by none other than Michaels himself, who ran down to the ring and sparked a brawl, laying Gargano out with a surprise Sweet Chin Music, accepting the challenge on the stage. The two would feud going into the illustrious NXT show, which saw Gargano continuously remind the crowd that he’s the real hero, and Shawn proving every week why he’s the best, going up against Kushida in a fantastic bout one week. On the go-home show, a contract signing is scheduled, but before anything can happen, Gargano ambushes Shawn, and they fight all the way down to the ring where Johnny sends Shawn through the table after a wicked Superplex, standing tall to end the show.
​
While all of this was going on, NXT had also started invading Raw and Smackdown, demanding a spot in Survivor Series that year. Dream matches were made, including a 3 on 3 on 3 Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match between all the brands, and Champion vs Champion vs Champion Triple Threats that would only be seen once in a lifetime. However, Shawn Michaels was also brought into the brand supremacy mix, and he quickly came face to face with one of Raw’s top stars and a pro wrestling icon called AJ Styles. The two would appear on each other’s shows, starting brawls and going back and forth on the mic, leading to a dream match being made between the pair. This easily became one of the most highly anticipated matches on the card, and the WWE Universe could only wait and see.
​
NXT Takeover: Wargames III
Shawn Michaels vs Johnny Gargano
Michaels and Gargano put on a fantastic opener, with both men bringing their all. It was Shawn’s Takeover debut, and he walked away 1-0 when he put away Johnny in a great conclusion, which saw Shawn pull off a beautiful Elbow Drop off of the top rope onto the apron, followed up by a Sweet Chin Music to get the win. Shawn managed to kick out of two Slingshot DDT’s, but Johnny also was able to stay in the match after a picture perfect Moonsault from HBK. Michaels cut a promo after the match, telling the Illinois crowd that he has his eyes set on the NXT Championship. He left quickly, drained after the amazing showdown he had just had with one of NXT’s finest, Johnny Gargano.
​
Survivor Series
Shawn Michaels vs AJ Styles
After going all out on Johnny Gargano the previous night, Michaels came back refreshed and better than ever, pushing Styles to the limit, and putting on a fantastic match with The Phenomenal One. Despite the bout only going 20 minutes, those 20 minutes were full of innovative spots and great storytelling, with AJ reminding Shawn throughout the match that he can’t beat him and that he’ll never be main event material, yet Shawn proved him wrong, getting near fall after near fall and showing his athletic ability by hitting Moonsaults and Elbow Drops all around. However, Michaels set up for a Sweet Chin Music only for it to be caught by Styles, who grabbed the other leg and put him down with a Styles Clash, before going for a Phenomenal Forearm. AJ set up for the devasting finisher, but he was hit with a Sweet Chin Music as he soared through the air! An amazing counter gave Michaels the win, cementing that he is not to be underestimated. Michaels helped AJ up and they quickly shook hands before Styles left the ring, leaving Shawn to celebrate.
​
It is announced that in two weeks, an 8-Man Tournament will occur, with Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, Damian Priest, Matt Riddle, Finn Balor, Velveteen Dream, Pete Dunne, and Shawn Michaels all competing for an NXT Title shot at the next Takeover, Takeover: Portland. On the show after Wargames, Lee, Tommaso, Damian, and Michaels all had a promo war, with Shawn stating he wants revenge on Cole and The Era, Ciampa saying how he needs Goldie back, Keith wanting to elevate himself to the main event, and Damian reminding them all that he just wants to cause destruction, and the NXT Title will help him with that, which inevitably leads to an all out fight, which sees Keith stand tall. The next week, the first round matches start, with Shawn going up against Velveteen Dream in an excellent battle. They both had similar fighting styles and were both at the same level wrestling-wise, but Shawn managed to go through to the semi’s when he put away Dream with the Sweet Chin Music, a move no man has ever kicked out of. The two shook hands afterwards, and Shawn walked up the ramp unknowing of who he would have to face next. The other match results were: Keith Lee defeated Damian Priest, Finn Balor defeated Matt Riddle, and Ciampa defeated Pete Dunne. It was revealed that Shawn would face Finn Balor next week, and their bout would be made the main event. As soon as the bell rang, Balor charged at Shawn, knowing what Michaels was capable of. Shawn tried to fight back but Finn was like no one else he had ever faced before. Balor’s fast kicks and weakening holds allowed The Prince to be in control for most of the match. However, Michaels didn’t give up, fighting back against Finn, and he nearly hit him with a Sweet Chin Music but it was countered into a Shotgun Dropkick. As the match progressed, Balor lost his control by the minute, until it became even, with HBK pulling out all the stops to take Finn down. He planted him down with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb, only for his opponent to roll through and nail Shawn square in the chest with another Shotgun Dropkick. Balor then ascended the turnbuckle, with Michaels in position for his devastating finisher. However, Shawn rolled out of the way as Finn went for it, and when Balor got back to his feet, he ran right into a Sweet Chin Music. 1, 2, 3! Shawn has defeated Finn Balor and will be going to the fina- Balor from behind! Finn didn’t take the loss easily, brutally beating down Shawn all over the ring, hitting him with a Slingblade on the outside. Balor drilled Michaels into the steel ramp with a 1916 to stand tall and to send a message. Earlier in the night, Ciampa beat Lee to advance into the finals, and to end the show a graphic appeared on the Titantron: Shawn vs Tommaso.
​
We’ve reached the finals of the tournament and once again we see HBK go up against a wrestling legend in a first ever encounter. Tommaso is desperate to win here so he can fight for Goldie, but Shawn won’t give up. Michaels fought back against Ciampa’s relentless attacks, and kicked out of an Air Raid Crash and Fairytale Ending consecutively just to stay in. They went for a solid 20 minutes, keeping the NXT fans on the edge of their seats the whole time, but it was the ending that really shocked them, as Finn Balor’s music hit and The Prince walked out on the ramp to stare down a stunned Shawn, only for Michaels to be blasted from behind and pinned following a knee to the skull and Fairytale Ending! Tommaso was the Number 1 Contender to the NXT Championship and Shawn had lost at the hands of Finn. As the bell rang signaling the end of the match, Balor wasted no time in attacking HBK once again, this time putting him through the announcer’s table with a 1916.
​
Shawn and Finn would start a rivalry, with a Street Fight being confirmed for NXT Takeover: Portland between the two. Finn was a ruthless heel, wanting to show that Michaels is just an overrated rookie with a couple of wins under his belt, but Michaels proved him wrong each week, holding an Open Challenge where he would go up against the greats of NXT, such as Pete Dunne, Damian Priest, and in a MOTY contender Keith Lee, when The Limitless One took Shawn to his limits in a great match. He defeated Dunne and Priest in earlier weeks, with Pete and Damian really giving Michaels a challenge, however, when they were hit with the Sweet Chin Music, it was all over for the Brusierweight and Archer of Infamy. Balor cut promos on HBK, reminding him of Finn’s accomplishments in WWE and how Shawn is a mere blip on the radar of Finn Balor, but when he beat him in thee semi-finals, he made himself a threat. And that’s not good news, because Finn doesn’t miss.
​
NXT Takeover: Portland
Shawn Michaels vs Finn Balor
Street Fight
As soon as the ref called for the start of this match, Finn and Shawn went at each other with kicks, headbutts, and grinding submissions. Nearly 3 minutes into the match was when the first weapon was brought out, as Finn retrieved a kendo stick to use against HBK. He wearied down Shawn early on but that wouldn’t stop Michaels, who had a burst of energy, taking down Finn and allowing him to get a chair. From there on it was utter chaos, with Shawn reversing a 1916 on the announcer’s table into a back body drop through the table behind them, and Finn landing a Coup De Grace onto Shawn while he had a stack of chairs on him! The finish came when Balor and Shawn were battling on the top rope in the corner of the ring. They traded fists but Shawn got the upper hand, and just like their match in the semi-finals, Michaels pulled off a Sunset Flip Powerbomb, this time getting all of it, with Balor crashing down spine-first onto a row of set up chairs! The audience were going crazy, but HBK wasn’t done yet, instead made it back to his feet, and ascended the turnbuckle again, before pulling off an amazing Moonsault onto The Prince! But Finn moved out of the way! Shawn clutched at his rib as he landed hard on the steel chairs and was hurt even more when he was hit with a Shotgun Dropkick to the outside! Michaels landed hard on the apron on his way out but Finn was relentless, going onto the second rope from the apron and nailing him with a Coup De Grace! The Prince wasn’t done, instead ripped open the padding covering the floor, exposing the hard concrete ground, before lifting up Shawn to get him in position for a 1916! The first few rows could feel the pain as Michaels’ head was driven into the concrete, but the ref making the three count after Balor had rolled a lifeless HBK into the ring seemed more painful than anything. Balor left with his hand raised, and the ref had to help Shawn back up. After a gruesome match with one of pro wrestling’s finest, Michaels was aching all over, and had to be helped out by medical staff to the back. Rumors circulated that he might be injured, however they were dismissed on the conference call by Triple H after the show, but Hunter sounded quite unsure at the time.
​
The next Wednesday, we saw Shawn Michaels walk out to start the show to a massive pop from the crowd. He got into the ring and told the NXT Universe that during his match with Finn Balor, he suffered a concussion, and he would like to apologize for not being able to put Balor away. But, he has unfinished business with a certain Era. Concussion or not, he will do whatever it takes to get his hands on Adam Cole. Inevitably, he was interrupted by the NXT Champion, with Strong, Fish, and O’Reily all closely behind him, their championships all still around their waists after successfully retaining all their titles at Takeover: Portland, and Adam reminded Shawn that the last time they faced off he was the one left standing, so why does he deserve another shot? Shawn informed Cole that he deserves a title shot because their last one ended in a DQ win for Michaels, so technically he has a win over Cole, and this time it will be fair; no interference. William Regal appeared on the stage and told both The Undisputed Era and Shawn Michaels that everyone has to prove themselves here, and yes Michaels does have a win over Cole, but that does not put him any higher than the other members of the roster with wins over the champ. If Shawn wants his shot at Tampa Bay, he’s going to have to compete in one of two Fatal 4-Way matches, going up against a range of superstars who have also claimed their match with the NXT Champ. Next week, it will be Matt Riddle vs Kushida vs Pete Dunne vs Dominic Dijakovic in one 4-Way, and in the other, Lio Rush vs Keith Lee vs Killian Dain vs Shawn Michaels. The two victors will face off in two weeks’ time, with the winner of that match challenging Adam Cole for the NXT Championship at NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay! Shawn and The Era seemed satisfied with that, however Cole wasn’t done, instead ordered Strong, O’Reily, and Fish to go beat down HBK! Roderick ran down to the ring and went for knee but it was reversed into a back body drop, only for Shawn to be charged at by Bobby Fish from behind. Kyle and Bobby kicked at Shawn on the ground, and then went for a High Low, but Michaels dodged the move and nailed Fish with a Sweet Chin Music! He ducked a lariat from O’Reily and gave him one too! Strong was on the apron and went to go for a Springboard Clothesline but was hit with a Sweet Chin Music mid-air! HBK was on fire, only to be taken out from behind by Adam Cole with a chair. Cole smashed the weapon repeatedly on Shawn’s back, and finished him off with a Last Shot, standing tall with his NXT Title before the ad break.
​
Shawn wouldn’t be the only victim that night, as Keith Lee, Matt Riddle, and Pete Dunne were all attacked by The Undisputed Era, with Cole leading the assault, wanting to make sure some of his possible challengers were incapacitated before next week. We got a video package to hype up the two 4-Way’s throughout the night and the NXT Universe couldn’t wait for next episode.
​
The opening bout of the following week was the first contender’s match, which saw Dijakovic, Kushida, Riddle, and Dunne have a hard-hitting Fatal 4-Way. Dunne hit Kushida with a Bitter End on the outside but was nailed with a Big Boot on the apron from Dominic, however Dijak ran right into a knee from Matt, followed up by a Floating Bro to give Riddle the win! The Original Bro celebrated after the match, only to be once again ambushed by The Undisputed Era, with Strong laying him out after an End of Heartache, sending a message to Matt as he lay exhausted in the ring.
​
In the main event, we got the second Fatal 4-Way, which was an absolute paragon of wrestling multi-man matches. Keith Lee was a mix of Rush and Dain, using his athletic skills and undeniable strength to his advantage. Lio obviously had a game plan going into the bout, staying out of the action for some parts, but when he was forced to fight, he easily dismantled his opponents with his quickness and agility. Killian utilized his massive body and power to beat down Shawn, Lee, and Rush, but showed he could also soar from the top rope when he took out everyone with a Diving Cannonball! But it was Shawn Michaels who stole the show, making sure he was the spotlight throughout the match as he pulled off amazing spot after amazing spot. This ultimately lead to his victory, with the finish occurring when he used all the strength he had left to hit Dain and Lee with a Double Powerbomb from the corner, however he was attacked by Lio Rush from behind. Rush saw his opportunity and climbed to the top rope to hit a Final Hour on Killian, but he was nailed with a Sweet Chin Music while in the air! Shawn disposed of him to the outside and hit Dain with one last Sweet Chin Music to get the win! Matt Riddle made his way down to the ring post-match to have a stare down with Shawn, and the two shook hands, ready to do battle next week.
​
The main event was set: Matt Riddle vs Shawn Michaels, with the winner going onto face Adam Cole at Takeover: Tampa Bay. Riddle had had his fair share of conflict with Cole, as he was the guy who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble and also cost him a North American Title shot against Roderick Strong, allowing Johnny Gargano to get the win, which Johnny then lost at Takeover: Portland. Both men’s incentive was high, and this first-time encounter started off hot, with both men wanting that match with Adam more than anything. Instantly, Matt charged at Shawn with a Flying Knee but it was caught and he was hit with a Snap German Suplex! They then traded fists, with Riddle getting the upper hand, and he ran at Shawn again only to be stopped dead in his tracks with a chop that would make WALTER shiver. For the next 15 minutes these two poured all their fire into this match, with the speed never stopping, and it made it hard for the audience to catch up. But eventually, Shawn was lying on the apron and Riddle was on the top rope, but Matt missed a Floating Bro and landed hard on his shoulder when Shawn rolled out of the way! Michaels then placed Matt on the apron and went to the top turnbuckle, before successfully pulling off a Moonsault to Riddle on the apron! One Sweet Chin Music later and Shawn Michaels is going to Tampa Bay! Adam Cole walked down to the ring alone afterwards and the two came face to face for the first time as official opponents. Adam got right in the face of Shawn, provoking Michaels to lay him out with a Sweet Chin Music, closing the show with The Heartbreak Kid holding up the NXT Title over Cole.
​
After the Riddle/Michaels match to determine Cole’s Number 1 Contender, Adam and Shawn would pick up where they left off back in September last year. Since then, the NXT Champion had lost inside of Wargames, but was able to redeem himself the next night by beating Pete Dunne at Survivor Series. He would then start a feud with Tommaso Ciampa, the man who beat HBK in the finals of that tournament, and he’d go on to beat him at Takeover: Portland. Michaels on the other hand, had faced off with Johnny Gargano at Takeover: Wargames, walking away the victor, before losing to Ciampa, only to be attacked by Finn Balor, who Shawn had defeated in the previous week. At Portland, Shawn lost to Finn in a Street Fight, but bounced back, pinning Matt Riddle to earn his shot at Adam Cole after a great Fatal 4-Way the week before. Now, they meet again, this time with the stakes higher than ever, as Shawn Michaels, the rookie who ascended to the main event in less than 4 months in NXT, going over with the crowd and quickly becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in the world, will take on Adam Cole, the pinnacle of NXT, who’s defeated any and every challenger that’s come at him. Throughout the build, The Undisputed Era tended to interfere, costing Shawn matches and beating him down whenever available, but one episode Michaels had backup in the form of Keith Lee, and the new team called The Broserweights, Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle, all people Shawn had beaten but people that he respected. On the second episode before Takeover: Tampa, we got Lee, Riddle, Dream, and Michaels versus The Undisputed Era, which saw Lee pin the North American Champion Roderick Strong to pick up the win for his team. It was then announced that next week, Shawn Michaels will take on Adam Cole in a Takeover preview, with the winner getting to choose the stipulation for their NXT Title match! On the go-home episode of NXT, we got Michaels vs Cole II, and once again they put on a showstopper of a match, but this time it was Shawn that walked away the winner, holding onto a Panama Sunrise and hitting him with a Samoan Driver! Then, after a Sweet Chin Music, Shawn was able to pin him for the 1, 2, 3 to get the win! However his post-match celebration was ended quickly as O’Reily, Fish, and Strong attacked him, but HBK was ready, taking them all out and laying them out with a Moonsault from the top rope to the outside! Shawn grabbed a mic as he made his way up the ramp, Cole staring a hole through him from the ring, and Shawn announced that at Takeover: Tampa Bay, Cole and him will be locked up inside a Steel Cage! It was made official on Twitter, and the wrestling world grabbed their popcorn to watch what was sure to be a great show.
​
NXT Takeover: Tampa Bay
Adam Cole (c) vs Shawn Michaels
NXT Championship
Steel Cage
Cole and Michaels did not hold back, tearing into each other with all the passion in their soul. They used the cage to their advantage, slamming each other back-first into the wire mesh whenever possible. The Undisputed Era tried to interfere, with Strong attempting to unlock the door to no avail, and Bobby and Kyle climbing up the side to drop in. Michaels was drained but managed to fight them off, knocking Fish’s skull off of the steel forcing him to drop down, and nailing O’Reily with a Sweet Chin Music off the top, and he watched as Kyle fell down to the ground through the announcer’s table, receiving a massive pop from the crowd! From there, Shawn could climb down and escape, winning the NXT Title in the process, or, he could choose what he decided to go with, which was put his career on the line by pulling off an Elbow Drop from the top of the cage onto Cole! The audience went insane, refusing to believe what they had just witnessed, but there was not a single soul in the crowd who didn’t count along with the ref as Shawn pinned Adam to become the new NXT Champion! It was an emotional moment, with The Heartbreak Kid bursting into tears as he was handed his new NXT Title. The cameras just picked up Michaels saying, “It’s only up from here” as he walked up the ramp, the NXT Universe chanting “HBK!” behind him just like they did in his NXT debut last year. He celebrated on the stage before returning to the back, his championship glinting in the light around his waist.