It’s finally upon us, people. AEW’s Double or Nothing is here once again, and with it comes a whopping 12 matches. We got 4 title defences as Thunder Rosa looked to retain her AEW Women’s World Championship against Serena Deeb, the TBS Champion Jade Cargill faced Anna Jay, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus hoped to further cement their legacy in the tag division, and CM Punk battled “Hangman” Adam Page to complete his redemption arc. We saw the two finals of The Owen Hart Tournament for the men and women, House of Black and Death Triangle continued their feud, America’s Top Team looked to silence Sammy Guevara, Tay Conti, and Frankie Kazarian, and a tag team dream match took place between The Hardys and The Young Bucks. Darby Allin was looking for revenge against Kyle O’Reilly for what he did to Sting, and The Jericho Appreciation Society, Blackpool Combat Club, Santana and Ortiz, and Eddie Kingston wanted to create Anarchy in the Arena. First off, Wardlow looked to finally get his freedom from MJF and become a fully fledged member of the All Elite roster.

Quick Results

Pre-Show

Hookhausen defeated Tony Nese & Mark Sterling via pinfall.

Main show

Wardlow defeated MJF via pinfall. **½

The Hardys defeated The Young Bucks via pinfall. ***½

TBS Champion Jade Cargill defeated Anna Jay via pinfall. ***

House of Black defeated Death Triangle via pinfall. ****

Adam Cole defeated Samoa Joe via pinfall. ***

Britt Baker defeated Ruby Soho via pinfall. ***½

Ethan Page, Scorpio Sky, and Paige Van Zant defeated Frankie Kazarian, Sammy Guevara, and Tay Conti via pinfall. ***

Kyle O’Reilly defeated Darby Allin via pinfall. ****

AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa defeated Serena Deeb via pinfall. ****

The Jericho Appreciation Society defeated Blackpool Combat Club, Eddie Kingston, and Santana & Ortiz via referee decision. *****

AEW World Tag Team Champions Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus defeated Powerhouse Hobbs & Ricky Starks, and Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee via pinfall. ****

CM Punk defeated AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page via pinfall. ****

The Matches

MJF vs Wardlow

The fans were showing major heat towards MJF before the match properly got under way. When Wardlow finally got his hands on MJF, he bit his head after an attempted powerbomb. The fans were chanting “he showed up,” “f*** you, MJF,” and “bulls***” when Max made out he was injured. MJF put on the diamond ring, but the referee took it off. He offered to double Wardlow’s pay and they shook hands, but Wardlow didn’t let go, which led to five powerbombs in a row and a pin attempt, choosing to stop and carry on with the symphony. After another five, he pinned MJF and picked up the victory. After the match, a neck brace was put on MJF and his was placed on a stretcher as the fans chanted “you deserve it.” Tony Schiavone spoke to Wardlow and congratulated the big man, telling him Tony Khan had officially made him “All Elite.” Wardlow thanked the fans as they told him he deserved it.

The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) W/ Brandon Cutler vs The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy)

This match was always going to happen the moment Jeff signed with the company, and it was great to see two huge teams go face-to-face once again. Much of the early stages was spent with all four guys feeling each other out, with neither team gaining an advantage. The Hardys attempted some double team moves, but Nick hit a couple of kicks on The Hardys to give them a temporary advantage. Nick missed a Whisper in the Wind which allowed Jeff to hit his own. Matt Hardy tagged in and let loose on Nick, smashing his head into the corner multiple times as the fans chanted “delete.” Nick got some aerial attacks in, then superkicked Jeff off the apron who fell onto his brother outside and then hit a Swanton off the top turnbuckle. Back in the ring, the Bucks hit a frog splash/standing moonsault combo on Matt Hardy, but he kicked out.  Nick accidentally landed a running knee strike on his brother and a kick to Cutler, which allowed the Hardys to gain some momentum. Matt Hardy hit the Side Effect on Matt Jackson on the apron. The Hardys hit Poetry in Motion. Jeff missed a Swanton which allowed Matt to nail a Twist of Fate, followed by a Swanton by Nick, but they only got a two-count. Jeff dodged a BTE Trigger, but the Bucks hit stereo superkicks on both Hardys. They then hit multiple superkicks on the Hardys again, and after failing to pin them, they went for the steel steps. Matt hit a BT Bomb on Nick after the Bucks failed to utilise the steps, then Jeff landed a Swanton on Nick off the steel steps. Matt Hardy almost grabbed the win after a Twist of Fate on Nick, but only got a two-count. Matt Hardy landed a Side Effect and another Twist of Fate on Nick, followed by a Swanton Bomb by Jeff to grab the victory.

TBS Championship Match: Anna Jay vs Jade Cargill (C)

Anna Jay went in hard, but Cargill landed a fallaway slam and a snap suplex, followed by a big lariat to knock the wind out of her. She connected with a double sledgehammer out of the corner and a running elbow, but Anna was able to hit a superplex off the turnbuckle. She hit a flipping neckbreaker off the turnbuckle, but Cargill rolled to the outside before Anna could get a pin. Keira Hogan and Red Velvet got involved, but Anna landed a double DDT on the outside. Mark Sterling ran out and passed a crutch to Cargill, but Anna used it as the referee was distracted. Jon Silver ran out and attacked Sterling as Cargill hit Eye of the Storm for a two-count. Anna countered Cargill to lock in the Queenslayer, but Cargill got out. They battled on the top rope as Stokely Hathaway (fna Malcolm Bivens) walked out. Cargill hit a top rope Jaded to pick up the win. As Hathaway, Hogan, and Red Velvet celebrated, Kris Statlander ran out, then Athena (fna Ember Moon) made her debut and squared up to Cargill. Two big debuts in the space of a few minutes, and I wasn’t expecting any of them.

House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, & Buddy Matthews) vs Death Triangle (Penta Oscuro, Rey Fénix, & PAC) W/ Alex Abrahantes

These guys have been feuding for ages, but whenever they’re in the ring, we’re always treated to something special. Tonight was no different. After Fénix and Black started things off, Matthews and Penta traded some big kicks to each other. PAC and King tagged in, with King slicing the chest of PAC in the corner. Fénix went to attack King, but he knocked him to the mat. All 6 men squared up to each other, which led to King decimating PAC with a lariat. Penta landed a slingblade on Black, but Matthews hit a Meteora on him. PAC connected with a poisonrana on Matthews in spectacular fashion as everyone lay on the ground. King hit a Bossman Slam on PAC as Black tagged in and continued the beating. House of Black worked together to wear down PAC. King missed a cannonball, allowing Fénix to tag in and team up with Penta to hit stereo Tope Con Hilo’s on the House of Black. Death Triangle hit a triple team move on King, but he kicked out. Matthews blocked a Tope Suicida as PAC and Penta flew over the ropes in succession. King went for a Tope Con Hilo, but didn’t get much impact as he hit the apron. The Lucha Brothers hit triple thrust kicks on House of Black as PAC landed a brainbuster on Black. Penta hit a Canadian Destroyer off his brothers back on the apron to Matthews, then Fénix double stomped him off the top rope to the outside. Death Triangle isolated Black, but he was able to take out the Lucha Brothers until PAC knocked him out. PAC hit a 450 on Black over Buddy Matthews, then tossed him onto King who was outside. PAC booted Black in the groin and was about to go for his finisher when the lights went out. Julia Hart appeared in black attire and spat black mist in PAC’s eyes, allowing Black to pick up the victory with a Black Mass. I was wondering when this was finally going to happen, and what better stage than this?

The Owen Hart Men’s Tournament Final Match: Adam Cole vs Samoa Joe

Before the match got properly under way, the fans broke out an “Owen” chant. Joe was in control from the beginning, using his ruthlessness to beat the hell out of Cole. Cole caught Joe with a superkick at ringside, then sent Joe into the ring post a couple of times to hurt the shoulder. Back in the ring, Cole choked Joe with his leg on the ropes, and wrenched at his arm. He attempted the Panama Sunrise, but Joe countered and drove his knees into the mat. Joe hit an STO in the corner, some right hands, a reverse atomic drop, and senton for a two-count. He hit a huge lariat for another two-count, despite his injured shoulder giving him grief. Cole landed a backstabber for a two-count, then followed up with a crossface. Joe hit a powerbomb, and after a failed pin, locked in an STF. Bobby Fish ran out and wrenched Joe’s arm on the ropes, allowing Cole to attempt the Boom, however, Joe countered with a sleeper. Cole hit some big kicks and the Boom to pick up the victory.

The Owen Hart Women’s Tournament Final Match: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. vs Ruby Soho

Rich Ward from Fozzy played out Britt Baker, but more importantly, Rancid were on hand to play out Ruby Soho, who looked amazing in her Owen Hart-inspired gear. After Baker got in some early offence, Ruby hit a big knee to the face, then landed a shotgun dropkick off the apron to Baker who was unaware outside the ring. Baker knocked Ruby off the turnbuckle and was able to keep up the momentum, yanking her into the ring post and locking in a dangerous submission while driving elbows into her ribs. Ruby fought back with a superplex and a succession of forearms, but Baker landed some of her own. Both women attempted their finishers, but it was Soho that came out with the advantage. She hit a Saito suplex and a senton, only getting a two-count. Baker landed a curb stomp, but Soho kicked out at the last second. She strapped on the glove and went for Lockjaw, but Soho was able to hit No Future. Soho locked in the sharpshooter, but Baker grabbed the ropes. Baker was able to reverse Soho’s pin attempt for one of her own and grab the victory. Gutted for Soho, but it was always going to be Britt Baker. After the match, Adam Cole joined Baker on the ramp with Tony Schiavone. He welcomed Dr. Martha Hart to the ring who was accompanied by Tony Khan. She gave a speech about the contributions of her late husband, Owen, calling him one of the greatest artisans and wrestlers of all time, and that we can continue to celebrate him in the squared circle. She thanked her kids, Tony Khan, Chris Jericho, and many others, along with the Owen Hart Foundation committee. She then thanked the fans most of all, and both Cole and Baker. Martha presented Cole with a gorgeous new belt, then did the same for Baker. It was an incredibly emotional moment, but a beautiful tribute to a great human being and the fantastic work being done by the foundation.

Ethan Page, Scorpio Sky, & Paige Van Zant vs Frankie Kazarian, Sammy Guevara, & Tay Conti

Wow, the fans were not loving Guevara and Conti. I can’t stand them either, and they kissed like animals on the ramp, only fuelling everyone’s hatred for them. Page beat the hell out of Guevara, and hit a power slam after getting caught with a dropkick. Kazarian and Sky went at it, then Guevara tagged back in, hitting a big cutter off the top rope. Guevara and Conti hit a double suplex when the referee was distracted. Kazarian hit a Russian leg sweep and locked in a head lock. After a distraction, Sky hit a flatliner as Conti attacked Van Zant. Kazarian wanted a tag, but Guevara was too busy with Conti. Guevara made a blind tag which annoyed Kazarian. Van Zant and Conti entered the ring for the first time where Van Zant beat the crap out of her. She hit some clotheslines and a back suplex, followed by a handspring splash. Guevara made the save, but got punched in the gut and took a spinning DDT. She hit a Michinoku Driver on Conti, but only got  two-count. Conti hit three massive pump kicks in the corner and another on the mat. Page, Sky, and Van Zant surrounded Guevara and Conti. Kazarian walked in and told them to “eat sh**” before walking back out, allowing them to get beaten down. Kazarian took out Top Team as Conti squared up to him. Guevara went to superkick Kazarian but he ducked, making him plant Conti. After the mistake, Sky was able to hit Kazarian with a TKO for the win. It was so good seeing Guevara kick Conti in the face, and Van Zant was really impressive in her debut.

Kyle O’Reilly vs Darby Allin

This match was a very late addition to the PPV, but I’m glad it happened as both guys gave it everything. O’Reilly caught Allin with a knee to the face early on, allowing him to gain momentum. He landed a barrage of knees and kicks to Allin’s body, then worked on his left arm. Allin was able to land a dropkick to the knee and a Code Red for a two-count. He transitioned from a Front Chancery into a Scorpion Death Drop, but O’Reilly was able to fight back until Allin landed a cutter. Allin looked to botch a move through the ropes to the outside, almost landing on his head. He went for a Tope Suicida, but O’Reilly countered into the body scissors. Back in the ring, O’Reilly continued with some strikes and a brainbuster, then put Allin in an ankle lock, but he reversed into a modified Sharpshooter. Allin hit a dragon screw through the ropes and a Coffin Drop off the top turnbuckle to O’Reilly who was grabbing onto the ropes. He attempted another Coffin Drop in the ring, but O’Reilly countered into a cross-armbreaker. They traded blows until both men fell to the mat. O’Reilly choked Allin with his chain, then hit three PKs and his diving knee drop to pick up the win.

AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Serena Deeb vs Thunder Rosa (C)

I’ve been really excited about this one, and before it began I couldn’t have called it. Both women are at the top of their game right now and equally deserve to carry the gold. Rosa looked stunning and easily won gear of the night. As for the match, Rosa and Deeb put on a masterclass. They battled for every opportunity to gain an advantage, countering and reversing whenever they could. Deeb was able to get the first bout of momentum by whipping Rosa into the corner from the apron, then land a neckbreaker. Back in the ring, she hit a swinging neckbreaker for a two-count, then continued to wear down Rosa with an abdominal stretch. They traded uppercuts until Rosa connected with a couple of clotheslines and a scoop slam. She sent Deeb into the corner with a hammer throw and followed up with a corner clothesline and knees to the stomach. Rosa found her fire, delivering a basement dropkick and a northern lights suplex. Deeb locked in an Octopus hold, then landed a spinning cutter off the turnbuckle. Rosa countered Deebtox and locked in a crossface, but Rosa broke free and and attempted a Stretch Muffler. They hit a double clothesline and fell to the floor. Rosa hit a double stomp to the spine and a Death Valley Driver for a two-count. Deeb locked in a figure four where they traded slaps and rolled outside. Deeb hit a Dragon Screw in the ropes and a Deebtox, but Rosa kicked out. She hit a powerbomb and locked in a Texas Cloverleaf, but Rosa grabbed the ropes. Rosa hit a top turnbuckle superplex and a Fire Thunder Driver to pick up the victory. What a match, and glad to see Rosa retain.

Anarchy In The Arena Match: The Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, & Danny Garcia vs Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley), Santana & Ortiz, & Eddie Kingston

Oh my God, JAS looked like The Backstreet Boys whereas their opponents looked hard as f***. Mox’s music hadn’t even finished before chaos ascended on Las Vegas. Kingston went straight after Jericho, Menard fought Mox, Danielson went after Parker, Ortiz and Hager went at it, and Santana fought Garcia. Mox stabbed Menard with a fork then sent Jericho into some tables. Menard had been busted wide open as he battled Kingston. Santana and Ortiz double suplexed Hager in the ring as Jericho launched a camera case at Mox. Jericho ripped out the soundboard and stopped Mox’s music (which had been playing ever since the ‘match’ began), then hit him with it. Kingston was covered in Menard’s blood as they fought to the back. Santana hit a flying neckbreaker on Hager through a table as Ortiz held him in place. Danielson smashed Parker’s face into a camera as Kingston and Menard sprayed mustard over each other. Garcia hit a piledriver on Ortiz on top of the steel steps as Menard smashed a ladder into Kingston at the merchandise stand. Parker hit Danielson with a ring bell as Garcia choked out Kingston. Jericho suplexed Mox into some ringside chairs, but he picked up a cooler and threw it at the Wizard. Garcia dragged Kingston by a belt that was wrapped around his neck as Jericho locked in the Walls on top of the ringside table, which gave way underneath them. Mox landed a Tope Suicida on Jericho and locked in a figure four. Danielson beat the hell out of Hager with Yes Kicks as Mox unscrewed the turnbuckle. Kingston, Mox, and Danielson were all busted open. Mox took off the entire top rope from the ring and attacked Jericho with it.

Danielson fish-hooked Hager with one of the disconnected ring posts as Ortiz and Santana battled Menard and Parker. Eddie and Garcia fought inside a freight elevator as Jericho smashed Mox with a steel chair. Santana and Ortiz climbed a ladder, then dove off onto Menard and Parker who were on separate sets of tables. Jericho fired a fire extinguisher in Mox’s face to temporarily slow thing down. Mox and Danielson traded blows with Jericho and Hager until the BCC hit dual hammer and anvil blows in the centre of the ring. Danielson locked in the LaBelle Lock on Jericho as Mox locked in a Bulldog Choke on Hager. Kingston returned to the ring with a jerry can full of gasoline and poured it over Jericho and Danielson. The American Dragon attacked Kingston as Mox tried to pull them apart, but got pushed in top of the barbed wire table by Hager. Jericho hit Judas Effect on Kingston, then hit Danielson with the ring post, but couldn’t pick up the victory. Danielson fought back against Hager and Jericho. He hit a Busaiku Knee on Hager and Jericho who was holding a chair, but couldn’t get the victory. Danielson delivered Yes Kicks to Jericho, then said he was going to “kick his f***ing head in.” Hager attacked Danielson from behind with the ring post as Jericho locked in the Walls of Jericho. Hager choked Danielson with the ring rope as the ref called for the bell. The JAS picked up the win, but there were no winners here other than the fans. I have never, in my 30 years of watching professional wrestling, seen anything like that. Every single guy gave everything, and it was entertaining from start to finish. I’m not happy about JAS winning, but holy s***, what a match.

Tag Team Championship Match: Powerhouse Hobbs & Ricky Starks vs Swerve Strickland & Keith Lee vs Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (C) W/ Christian Cage

Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy started off strong by taking out both teams, but as things started to slow down and the match was contained to the ring, Hobbs took control against Swerve. Lee and Swerve hit double strikes on Hobbs and worked well together to wear down the beast. Jungle Boy tagged in and landed two Tope Suicidas on Swerve. He attempted a Tope Con Hilo on Lee, but was caught and slammed into Luchasaurus. Hobbs tagged in and took it to Jungle Boy, isolating him in the corner with Starks. Starks landed a spinning backbreaker and strutted along the ropes until Jungle Boy knocked him off. Swerve and Hobbs entered the match, where Swerve landed a diving uppercut to the back. Starks landed awkwardly on top of Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus as Swerve dived off Lee’s chest to hit a moonsault to the outside. Back in the ring, Swerve landed a hurricanrana on Hobbs. After countering a powerbomb by Lee off the turnbuckle, Hobbs dropped Swerve with a superplex. Luchasaurus got back into the action and took out everyone. He double clotheslined Starks and Hobbs, then booted Hobbs in the face. Lee tagged in and stood toe-to-toe with Luchasaurus and Hobbs. Luchasaurus kicked them both, but Hobbs and Lee double chokeslammed him. Lee tossed Hobbs over the ropes like a ragdoll, then flew through the air, landing a Tope Con Hilo on everyone at ringside. Back inside, Luchasaurus and Lee traded blows until Hobbs jumped off the turnbuckle and hit a double neckbreaker. Starks had his feet on the ropes as he attempted to pin Jungle Boy, but Cage knocked him off. Starks landed a spear on Jungle Boy and almost grabbed the win. He hit Rochambeau, but Luchasaurus made the save. Hobbs hit a spinebuster on Luchasaurus as Swerve hit a Swerve Stomp on Hobbs. Luchasaurus accidentally booted Jungle Boy as Swerve stomped Jungle Boy from a powerbomb by Lee, but Hobbs broke up the pin. Starks hit Lee with the FTW belt as the referee wasn’t looking. Jungle Boy almost got pinned by Swerve as Cage pulled out Starks. The champs hit the flip powerbomb double team move to pick up the win and retain once again. Another classic from the best the tag division has to offer, and further cementing Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus’ legacy as the best team in AEW.

AEW World Championship Match: CM Punk vs “Hangman” Adam Page (C)

After all the build-up, it was finally time for these two to go at it. I’ve made my feelings known about why Punk should be at the back of the line in terms of title opportunities, but the majority of the fans wanted it, so who am I to argue. It started off intensely, as both guys delivered some monumental chops to each other’s chests. Hangman stomped Punk down in the corner and continued the offence with some more open palm strikes. Punk landed some of his own before whipping Hangman into the corner. He hit a couple of scoop slams as the fans chanted “cowboy s***,” clearly frustrating Punk. Punk landed a crossbody off the turnbuckle, but Hangman reversed into a fallaway slam. The fans then started to boo Hangman. The champ clotheslined Punk off the apron and hit a slingshot crossbody over the ropes. Back in the ring, Hangman connected with a rolling elbow. Hangman set up for the Buckshot Lariat, but Punk spotted it and knocked him off the apron. Outside, Hangman hit a pop-up powerbomb on the apron and followed up with a flying clothesline back inside the squared circle. Punk dropped Hangman with a superplex and unleashed a flurry of kicks. He hit a rising knee strike in the corner and a bulldog, then connected with a springboard clothesline. He missed out on a GTS, but landed a swinging neckbreaker instead. Punk tumbled to the outside after Hangman knocked him off the turnbuckle, then landed an Orihara Moonsault. Punk countered the Buckshot to lock in a Sharpshooter, but the champ grabbed the ropes. Punk failed to hit a Buckshot as Hangman missed a GTS. Punk went for the Buckshot again and connected after falling following the flip over the ropes. Punk symbolled for the GTS but failed to hit it. Hangman dropped Punk with a powerbomb and Deadeye, but couldn’t get the win. Hangman then symbolled for GTS, but Punk grabbed the rope, only for Hangman to finally hit GTS for a two-count. They traded blows while on their knees and got back to their feet. Hangman landed a big boot, then clotheslined Punk to the outside. Hangman sent Punk into the ring announcer’s table and held his title above his head, yelling Punk would never get it. Hangman went for the Buckshot as Punk countered by liftin him above his head, knocking the referee over in the process. With the ref down, Hangman grabbed his title, but decided against hitting Punk with it. Punk once again countered the Buckshot Lariat with a GTS, allowing Punk to win the AEW Championship. You hear about how much winning the championship means to wrestlers, but by Punk’s response, it’s clear just how important it was for him. Congratulations, Punk.

The Promos

The Gunn Club and The Acclaimed were in Vegas talking about how they were going to party and “scissor” everyone in Vegas, however, the camera cut to all of them passed out in a hotel room, as Billy Gunn filmed them all.

#TheAcclaimed & #GunnClub have ARRIVED in Las Vegas, NV!

ORDER #AEW Double Or Nothing NOW on @BleacherReport & Internationally on @FiteTV / https://t.co/30z8K48kUT pic.twitter.com/lojOMajRsK

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2022

Andrade El Idolo was cutting a promo where he talked about A.F.O. being losers. He said his new partner was the best in the world. There was a knock on the door, and in walked Rush. Oh wow, what a signing for AEW.

.@AndradeElIdolo introduces his "New Business Partner", #Rush to #AEW!

Get #AEWDoN NOW on @BleacherReport & Internationally on @FiteTV / https://t.co/30z8K48kUT Two huge matches left; there's still time to order! pic.twitter.com/bAUiYteCIj

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2022

The Men of the Year were backstage talking about getting the win tonight. Page said he felt pretty great for saying he’s been miserable the last couple of weeks. Sky said he was glad that Kazarian and Guevara were never going to challenge him for the TNT Championship again, and in walked Dante Martin. Sky said he’d give him a shot in So Cal.

How does #MenOfTheYear feel about putting their rivalry to bed with @sammyguevara? Pretty Good! TNT Champion @ScorpioSky puts out the challenge and @lucha_angel1 steps up to the plate!
Get #AEWDoN NOW on @BleacherReport & Internationally on @FiteTV / https://t.co/30z8K48kUT pic.twitter.com/WXA6l3QAB8

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2022

Match of the Night: The Jericho Appreciation Society vs Blackpool Combat Club, Eddie Kingston, and Santana and Ortiz

Best in Show: CM Punk

Overall Rating: ****

All images and videos courtesy of AEW