This week’s special three-hour combined AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision show airs live at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max from North Charleston, South Carolina.
Ted Turner Tribute With Sting & Tony Schiavone
The show begins with a cold open live shot inside the arena at a Ted Turner “R.I.P.” graphic, with Tony Schiavone in the ring giving a speech. He says Turner believed in pro wrestling and the fans, and how the sport belonged on national television. He mentions WCW on TBS and later, TNT, and how AEW kept that tradition alive.
We see camera shots of “In Memoriam” graphics on the big screen and the LED screens around the ring. Schiavone says they’re here because of Turner and the leadership of Tony Khan and Warner Bros. Discovery. He then mentions there is one man who knows this well. He introduces Sting.
“The Icon” comes out in full gear and face paint, but without any music. Fans loudly chant “Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t!” as the WWE Hall of Fame legend settles in the ring and hugs Schiavone. “Here we are again, Sting!” He says he and Sting knew Ted Turner well and he was a big part of them being in each others lives for four decades.
Sting then takes the microphone and asks if you can imagine an all-in billionaire who loved pro wrestling. He mentions “Big” Ted being that guy. He says he can’t believe what that guy did for pro wrestlers. He says top brass at CNN would talk about ending pro wrestling, but Turner sticking up for it.
Sting mentioned the new billionaire, Tony Khan, keeping things alive. Schiavone mentions to fans to look at the side plates on the TNT and TBS Championships, as they are in honor of Ted Turner, per Tony Khan’s request. A ten bell salute takes place.
We see the camera zooms in on the Ted Turner graphic, mixed with shots of the live crowd bowing their heads in silence. The Ted Turner tribute wraps up there and we shift gears and the regular opening for this week’s show airs to get the show officially off-and-running.
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Juice Robinson
The familiar sounds of Jon Moxley’s theme hits. The AEW Continental Champion makes his custom entrance through the crowd to a big pop. Taz tells Tony Schiavone he did a good job with the Ted Turner tribute. He says it was all from the heart. Juice Robinson comes out. The bell sounds and off we go.
They exchange shots and shoulder blocks before Robinson takes advantage. Robinson backs Moxley into the corner and delivers a headbutt before sending him to the outside. Robinson delivers a quick strike and sends Moxley back into the ring, but Moxley stomps on him and works over his hand.
Moxley chops Robinson in the corner, but Robinson comes back with right hands. Moxley ducks to the floor, but Robinson throws him into the timekeeper’s area. Robinson connects with a double ax handle and gets Moxley back into the ring. Robinson delivers left hands in the corner and sends Moxley back to the outside with another shot as the show heads to a commercial.
When the show returns, Moxley has Robinson grounded in the ring and works over his hand. Robinson drops Moxley with a shot and backs him into the corner with right hands and chops. Robinson sends Moxley across and connects with a corner clothesline. Moxley comes back with a cutter and delivers right hands in the corner.
Robinson counters with a powerbomb and follows with a cannonball in the corner. Robinson takes Moxley down with a hurricanrana and follows with a lariat, but only gets a two count. Robinson counters a sunset flip and gets another two count before slamming Moxley down again. Robinson delivers right jabs and goes for a left.
Moxley bites his face. Moxley runs the ropes, but Robinson drops him with a left and goes up top. Robinson delivers a diving cross-body and goes for the cover, but Moxley kicks out at two. They exchange headbutts and elbow strikes, and then Moxley takes advantage with body shots and a knee strike.
Moxley charges into the corner, but Robinson dodges and gets a two count on a roll-up. Moxley comes back with a sleeper hold and delivers a piledriver for a two count. Moxley applies the Bulldog Choke and Robinson passes out. Mox gets the victory.
Winner: Jon Moxley
Earlier Today With The Death Riders & Will Ospreay
In a video segment from earlier today, Death Riders continue to train with Will Ospreay, with Mox offering advice as they try to “get [Will’s] neck right.” Mox says Ospreay isn’t like these other people. It’s a privilege to be where he’s at.
He’s this close to the top of the mountain with just one percent remaining. He’s on death ground. It’s gonna be hard, but it’s the only good option. Nothing else exists, except what’s right in front of you. PAC cuts the camera off as the training resumes.
Double Jeopardy Match
Dax Harwood vs. Orange Cassidy
We head to another commercial break before our second bout of the evening. When we return after the Death Riders and Ospreay training video, we head down to ringside. The Dogs and RPG Vice accompany FTR to the ring. Orange Cassidy comes out accompanied by Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong.
Then The Young Bucks make their entrance. Also coming out are Christian Cage and Adam Copeland. They head to the ring as Cassidy enters, and with all that finally in the rear view mirror, the bell sounds to get this double jeopardy match officially off-and-running.