 ROH World Tag Team Champion and AAA World Tag Team Champion Dax Harwood def. ROH World Tag Team Champion and AAA World Tag Team Champion Cash Wheeler to Qualify for the Men's Owen Hart CupThis is what I was looking forward to most coming into this episode and they didn't disappoint. It was perfectly positioned as the opener, much like Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart at WrestleMania 10. CM Punk sitting on commentary was a nice touch, too. This was as wonderfully wrestled as you'd expect. They went out there and had an excellent match. The finish felt abrupt, but I actually appreciate that the match ended with a reversed roll-up because you don't ordinarily see that. I know both guys have said they'll never go one-on-one again, so this was a real treat as a one-time-only encounter. CM Punk Addressed ROH World Champion "Hangman" Adam PageThis took place immediately after Harwood vs. Wheeler because Punk was already at the announce table. With Page having to miss the show due to testing positive for COVID-19, I assume this wasn't what was originally planned, but Punk cut a quality promo, regardless. I'm really looking forward to their first face-off and I'm especially excited for their championship clash at Double at Nothing. I know I'm not alone because the graphic got a big pop when it showed up on screen. Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley and ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta) def. The Factory (QT Marshall, Aaron Solo and Nick Comoroto)Yuta received a strong reaction from the crowd because he's a Philadelphia native. He was showcased more than Danielson and Moxley and it was a fun match on the whole even though I couldn't care less about The Factory. Blackpool Combat Club just keep rolling. They've been a unit now for almost two months, so hopefully we find out what their next step is soon beyond racking up victories. Wardlow def. Lance ArcherAs I've said in the past, it's impossible to take Archer seriously at this point seeing as how he never wins whenever it matters most. I've pretty much given up on him ever receiving a meaningful push again in this company. As far as Wardlow goes, he was incredibly impressive in this match with some of the things he was able to pull off. Beating Archer meant more than beating The Butcher last week, but the outcome was never in doubt. I'm curious if his opponent does end up being IMPACT's W. Morrissey (f.k.a. Big Cass) next week because that could be interesting. Jericho Appreciation Society Exchanged Words with Eddie Kingston, Santana and OrtizThe "sports entertainment" aspect of Jericho Appreciation Society ran its course from the moment it started, but the actual back-and-forth between Kingston and Chris Jericho on the mic was great. It reminded me of when they traded jabs on the mic on Dynamite two months ago ahead of Revolution. Turning this into a faction war was a mistake because I don't really care about anyone else involved except for Kingston and possibly Jericho. This was better than I thought it would be, but if Stadium Stampede is where this is leading, then I'll pass. Serena Deeb def. Hikaru Shida in a Philadelphia Street FightThis feud has been going on since early October, and although I'm all for more long-term storylines for the women, this is a case of a rivalry lasting too long. The fact it hasn't been consistent hasn't helped. Thus, I can't blame the crowd for being on the quieter side for this. I'm happy they seemingly blew off the feud and they made the most of the stipulation in what was an entertaining affair, but we should've gotten this months ago. Deeb winning was logical if she's going to be next in line to challenge Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women's World Championship. Death Triangle Attacked House of BlackThis played out perfectly with the returning Rey Fenix being revealed in the ring as the one under Alex Abrahantes' usual garb. Fenix had been out injured since the first Dynamite of 2022, so I'm happy he's finally back. We were supposed to get a six-man tag team match between these trios at Revolution, but Fenix wasn't cleared to compete in time. I'm sure it'll be great, but I'm also ready for this rivalry to be over so everyone involved can move on. Undisputed Elite (Adam Cole, reDRagon and The Young Bucks) def. Dante Martin, Lee Johnson, Brock Anderson and Varsity Blonds)This was easily the biggest waste of time on the whole show, but that isn't to say it was completely pointless or bad by any means. The action was fine, but it was clearly meant to be a showcase for Undisputed Elite. I've been into the Undisputed Elite stuff and Young Bucks continue to tease tension with the rest of the group, but it's time we next to the next chapter of this story. Are they waiting for Kenny Omega to return in order to advance it? Scorpio Sky def. Sammy Guevara in a Ladder Match to Win the AEW TNT ChampionshipI'm sorry but I wasn't a fan of this match at all. AEW just did a Ladder match for the TNT title three months ago and it was much better than this, so the stipulation didn't feel special. They (specifically Guevara) did a lot of stupid stuff that served no purpose and there was very little selling. Sky winning the belt back after almost two weeks was ridiculous as well, but I'd much rather have him as champ over Guevara at this point. Yes, the crowd was hot for his win, but couldn't they have kept the title on him while also turning Guevara heel? The title feels devalued to me, but hopefully they can get it back to where it was a year or two ago by having Sky hold onto it for awhile and not get lost in the shuffle. Overall ShowIt was certainly an eventful show with Fenix returning, Page vs. Punk being made official for Double or Nothing, and the TNT title changing hands (again) in the main event. As noted, that Ladder match wasn't my cup of tea personally, but I thought the show started strong with Harwood vs. Wheeler and I enjoyed the Philly Street Fight more than most. Double or Nothing is coming up in a month, so they have to start putting the card together now.
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