 IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita def. Orange Cassidy in a Continental Classic Blue League Match (Non-Title)Takeshita was the safe choice to go over, but there was also the possibility of Cassidy stealing the win considering how many upsets we've gotten in the Continental Classic this year. This was the quality contest they're capable of with a number of close nearfalls down the stretch. They received plenty of time, the crowd was into the action and it was a hot way to start the show. Mascara Dorada def. Roderick Strong in a Continental Classic Gold League MatchAdmittedly, I went to the concession stand when this match got underway, but I caught most of it when I got back. It was a well-wrestled bout in the time it was allotted, but there was no reason for fans to care since obviously neither of them are winning this tournament. The best case scenario is that they play "spoiler" in the other matches coming up on Collision. AEW Women's World Champion Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayer Exchanged WordsThis took place on the stage with Renee Paquette interviewing both women. I appreciate the effort put into establishing tension between these babyfaces, but the feud has been basic at best and this segment didn't help at all. I like Statlander, but this was one of the worst promos I've heard her cut in some time. The material itself was fine, but her delivery made it sound like everything she said was scripted ahead of time. I can't say this was all that effective. MJF def. Dustin WallerI'm familiar with Waller from his work on the northeast independent scene, but this was less about the match (a total squash) and more about the post-match angle with Adam Page and Swerve Strickland emerging from the balcony and standing tall over MJF in the ring. Samoa Joe also spoke on the big screen. The mic work was strong all around, and although it was disappointing to not hear from MJF, he cut a pretty lengthy promo in his return last week, so I understood why. ROH World Champion Bandido def. Ricochet to Win the Dynamite Diamond RingI had high hopes for this match coming into the show and they did not disappoint. Both guys had a terrific 2025 in the ring and they had the excellent chemistry I was expecting them to. They had a very enjoyable outing, and on top of that, Bandido winning was a pleasant surprise. Yes, a babyface having the Dynamite Diamond Ring is an odd choice, but perhaps he'll put that on the line as well when he challenges for the AEW World Championship at Maximum Carnage next month if MJF is his opponent. Marina Shafir def. Mina ShirakawaI genuinely have no idea what purpose this match was supposed to serve on this show. Didn't Timeless Love Bombs already have a holiday-themed Street Fight with MegaProblems earlier this month? Are they really going to be feuding with each other going forward? This was a weak match and I don't blame the crowd for not caring. Shafir has improved over the years, but she's still boring to watch on her own. Shafir immediately laying out Toni Storm afterward was funny, though. "Jungle" Jack Perry def. Pac in a Continental Classic Gold League MatchRealistically, Perry wouldn't be beating Pac if this wasn't a Continental Classic contest, but I get that the point was for there to be a six-way tie in the Gold League by the time the show was over. Plus, I assume Darby Allin would have avenged his loss to Pac here had he not gotten injured and replaced with Perry. They had a good match, but it didn't feel worthy of the main event spot. Overall ShowThis wasn't a must-see show by any means, but that was probably for the best with it airing on Christmas Eve. That said, it was a blast to attend last weekend. It was especially great being back in the Hammerstein Ballroom, which is such an awesome atmosphere. Seek out the segment with the Worlds End combatants and Bandido vs. Ricochet, but you're not missing much if you skip the rest.
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