One big thing: Blood & Guts match lives up to its name
The highly anticipated Blood & Guts match between Team AEW and The Elite delivered on its promise of brutality and chaos. The match, which can only end via submission or surrender, saw both teams engage in a violent battle that spilled beyond the confines of the double-ring steel cage structure.
Key moments:
- Swerve Strickland was ambushed and handcuffed to the cage by “Hangman” Adam Page before entering the match
- Anthony Bowens fell from the top of the cage through stacked tables
- Mark Briscoe hit multiple Jay Drillers on The Elite members
- Darby Allin threatened to set Jack Perry on fire, leading to The Elite’s surrender
Why it matters
This match not only settled the ongoing feud between the two factions but also set up future storylines:
- Darby Allin secured a TNT Championship match against Jack Perry at AEW All In
- Tensions within The Elite were exposed, particularly between Adam Page and the rest of the group
- Swerve Strickland’s position as AEW World Champion was reinforced despite the pre-match attack
Other key developments
MJF rebrands the International Championship
MJF unveiled a new “American Championship” to replace the International Championship, which he discarded in a trash can. Will Ospreay confronted MJF and announced their rematch for the title at All In in London.
Britt Baker defeats Hikaru Shida
In a hard-fought match, Britt Baker emerged victorious over Hikaru Shida. Post-match, TBS Champion Mercedes Moné appeared and rejected Baker’s challenge for a title match at All In, introducing Camille as her new ally.
Mariah May and Toni Storm clash
After Mariah May’s quick victory over Kaitland Alexis, Toni Storm appeared in the ring, leading to a physical altercation between the two that had to be broken up by security.
What’s next
AEW has set up several intriguing storylines and matches for the coming weeks:
- The Royal Rampage match on this Friday’s Rampage
- ROH: Death Before Dishonor on Friday
- AEW Collision & Battle of the Belts XI on Saturday
- AEW All In: London on August 25, featuring MJF vs Will Ospreay and Jack Perry vs Darby Allin
What did you think of the Blood & Guts match? Did it live up to your expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
