No one expected to see the return of Kris Statlander at AEW Double Or Nothing 2023 – but she not only returned, but won gold. Answering the second challenge of TBS Champion Jade Cargill, Statlander would put her new knees to good work – and walked away as champion.
Now the work truly begins, as Statlander intends to be a fighthing champion. She laid out an Open Challenge tonight, and former AEW Women’s World Champion Nyla Rose came knocking.
JungleHOOK Is Back In The Tag Team Division
Before this title match, HOOK was set to be interviewed by Tony Schiavone. He was successful on the Double or Nothing Buy In alongside Matt & Jeff Hardy – and tonight, was gonna be given a chance to speak. Before this could happen, La Faccion Ingobernable would hit the ring – with Jose The Assistant saying that Preston Vance & Dralistico never get chances – so they’re taking one.
HOOK would be stuck between a rock and a luchador place, but the music of Jack Perry would hit – and he followed with a chair. Formerly known as JungleHOOK, these are men with respect for each other and an undefeated tag team record, perhaps setting their direction for a time to come.
Statlander would lock up hard with Rose in the middle of the ring, matching the power of The Native Beast briefly. Rose would force Statlander into the corner, only to be blasted with a shotgun dropkick.
Statlander was tossed to the mat, but Rose missed a running senton and ended up in a bodyscissor. The knee braces of Statlander would cut into the waist of Rose adding to the damage, but a rope break got Rose free.
Rose would force Statlander into the corner once again, choking the champion with her boot for the referee’s five count. Statlander would be choked on the ropes once again, the weight of Rose forcing her neck down into the steel cables. A chinlock in the ring would keep the pressure on Statlander, but was not enough for a submission victory.
Statlander would roll to the floor and take a series of cannonball sentons, before a chokeslam in the ring for a two count. Rose was dropped with a jawbreaker, and a 450 Splash would mark the first defence of the TBS Championship for Statlander. Making it all the better, Rose’s first defence when she was AEW Women’s World Champion was against Statlander – making this a full circle moment.
Mixed Tag Team Main Event Sees Adam Cole & Britt Baker Join Forces
At Double or Nothing 2023, Adam Cole defeated Chris Jericho in an Unsanctioned match. The finish was a referee stoppage, something which didn’t sit well with either man.
Another thing that didn’t sit well with Jericho was that Britt Baker got involved, whacking Jericho with a kendo stick. Saraya was also caught in the crossfire – and wants a measure of revenge herself. Tonight, they will clash in a rare mixed tag team match, which could finally settle the issues between these four.
Cole & Jericho would start this match, with Jericho getting some heavy strikes in – with Cole smashed into the corner. Jericho would be beaten across the ring, before a quick poke of the eye would stun Cole.
Baker & Saraya would get into the match, with Saraya quickly taking the Air Raid Crash. Jericho would distract Baker to allow Saraya to regain control, before getting cheap shots in as she ended up on the middle rope.
Jericho would get into the ring and mocked the taunt of Baker, before Saraya would throw Baker from the ring. The Outcasts would attack as Jericho distracted the referee, but were cancelled out by Hikaru Shida and a Kendo Stick.
Cole & Jericho hit the ring, with a dropkick and Lionsault getting Jericho a two count. Baker would be forced back into the ring by a tag to Saraya from Jericho, but she was able to block a Superplex.
It Just Takes One Big Shot To Drop The Ocho
Jericho would protect Saraya from a frog splash, but Baker dove anyways – squashing Saraya under Jericho. Cole got the tag and hit the Pump Kick and Backstabber before trying to Panama Sunrise. Jericho blocked into the Walls Of Jericho – with Cole unable to find the bottom rope.
Baker would apply the Lockjaw to Jericho, but Saraya broke the submission up. Cole tried for a superkick, but it was blocked into a Codebreaker. Jericho swung the bat at Baker, but took a superkick from Cole. A double superkick from Cole & Baker set up The Boom – and this one was over.
Cole can now move past this issue with Jericho, having gotten complete revenge now. What is next for Cole & Baker?Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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