Wrestling fans packed the Theater of the Clouds at Portland’s Moda Center on Wednesday night for an unforgettable 4-hour wrestling extravaganza that combined both Dynamite and Collision into one massive Summer Blockbuster event. What unfolded was pure wrestling chaos that left the Portland faithful buzzing and set the stage for explosive showdowns heading into All In: Texas.
Instant Classic Ends in Controversial Fashion
The opening match between Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland delivered everything fans expected and more. These two elite performers put on a technical masterpiece that pushed both men to their absolute limits. The bout stemmed from Ospreay’s attempts to broker peace between Swerve and Hangman Page, something Strickland refused to entertain.
Both warriors showcased their incredible athleticism early, with Ospreay connecting on his signature Sasuke Special and Swerve answering back with the devastating Swerve Stomp. A visible injury to Ospreay’s nose added drama as blood began affecting his breathing, yet neither competitor showed any signs of backing down.
The final moments saw both men trading their most dangerous weapons. Ospreay unleashed multiple Hidden Blade strikes, including a spectacular diving version through the ropes, while Swerve countered with his punishing Deadeye. When the 30-minute time limit expired with no clear winner, both men had given everything they had.
Chaos Erupts Post-Match
Swerve’s proposal for sudden death overtime was quickly interrupted when Jon Moxley’s Death Riders stormed the ring alongside the Young Bucks. The EVPs handcuffed Swerve to the ropes before retrieving the infamous thumbtack-covered sneaker from Anarchy in the Arena.
In a heroic moment that showcased his character, Ospreay threw himself between the weapon and the defenseless Swerve, absorbing the brutal blow himself. The sight of Ospreay’s bloodied face required immediate medical attention as the attackers retreated, leaving fans stunned at the visceral aftermath.
The Rainmaker’s Shocking Betrayal
Perhaps no moment from Summer Blockbuster will be discussed more than Kazuchika Okada’s stunning heel turn during the contract signing segment. What began as a respectful ceremony for the winner-take-all unification match quickly devolved into one of the most shocking betrayals in recent AEW history.
The introduction of the new AEW Unified Championship, complete with custom side plates representing both competitors’ finishing moves, seemed to set the perfect stage for a classic encounter between two legends. Kenny Omega spoke with genuine emotion about their seven-year journey, emphasizing mutual respect and the historic nature of their upcoming clash.
“Seven years almost to the day we had our last match. Let’s leave it all in the ring. One final time for everything.” – Kenny Omega
Don Callis’s interruption initially seemed like typical heel manager interference, but his cryptic warning that Omega “didn’t know this one” proved prophetic. Okada’s sudden assault with a steel baton specifically targeted Omega’s midsection, a calculated attack given the Cleaner’s well-documented struggles with diverticulitis.
Medical Emergency Unfolds
The attack’s severity became apparent when Omega began coughing up blood after Okada’s relentless assault continued even as medical personnel tried to intervene. The sight of the International Champion being stretchered out while Callis hurriedly escorted his new ally from the arena created genuine concern about Omega’s condition heading into their championship unification match.
International Stars Shine in Lucha Showcase
AEW’s commitment to showcasing international talent was on full display throughout the evening. Mistico’s return match against Blake Christian demonstrated why the Mexican legend remains one of lucha libre’s most respected performers. His signature La Mistica submission sealed a decisive victory, but the celebration was short-lived.
MJF’s arrival with The Hurt Syndicate created immediate tension as the Long Island native issued a challenge for next week’s Grand Slam Mexico event. His inflammatory rhetoric reached new lows when he dropped an American flag from the rafters while making culturally insensitive remarks.
“You ain’t Mistico to me, son. To me, you’re still just Sloppy Sin Cara.” – MJF
The subsequent six-man tag team encounter saw The Hurt Syndicate utilize underhanded tactics to secure victory, with MVP’s cane shot allowing MJF to connect with the Heat Seeker. However, MJF’s post-match unmasking of Mascara Dorada crossed a line that brought Mistico rushing back for revenge, applying La Mistica and forcing the heel to tap out in symbolic fashion.
Championship Gold Changes Hands and Challenges Accepted
ROH World Champion Bandido successfully defended his title against Beast Mortos in a hard-hitting encounter that highlighted both men’s contrasting styles. The champion’s spectacular Moonsault Fallaway Slam from the top rope provided the decisive finish in what many considered a sleeper hit of the evening.
Women’s division storylines advanced significantly as Toni Storm overcame early interference from Skye Blue to defeat Julia Hart via small package. Mercedes Moné’s post-match assault sent a clear message about her intentions heading into All In: Texas, but the evening also saw CMLL Women’s World Champion Zeuxis accept Moné’s challenge for Grand Slam Mexico.
TayJay Reunion Delivers
One of the evening’s feel-good moments came when Tay Melo returned to in-ring action after a two-year absence, reuniting with Anna Jay to defeat Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford. The former partners showed their chemistry remained intact despite the extended separation, with Melo’s Tay-KO providing the finishing touch.
Main Event Controversy Caps Chaotic Night
The eight-man tag team main event pitted Paragon and Daniel Garcia against the Don Callis Family in a bout that showcased the depth of both factions. Technical excellence from Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong contrasted with the raw power of Lance Archer and the precision strikes of Josh Alexander.
The controversial finish saw Konosuke Takeshita deliver an illegal elbow strike while referee Aubrey Edwards was distracted, allowing Alexander to capitalize with a German suplex for the victory. The win continued the Don Callis Family’s momentum while raising questions about their willingness to bend rules for victory.
Looking Ahead to Mexico City
Summer Blockbuster successfully built anticipation for next week’s historic Grand Slam Mexico event, with multiple matches now set for Arena México. The combination of established storylines and shocking developments created the perfect storm heading into AEW’s Mexican debut.
As the dust settles from this epic 4-hour showcase, one question remains: will Kenny Omega be medically cleared to face the newly-heel Okada for championship unification, or has Don Callis’s master plan already succeeded before the match even begins?
