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This week on Wrestling Tonight, Acefield Retro breaks down AEW WrestleDream from Orlando, including Will Ospreay surviving the first Clockwork Carnage match, Ilja Dragunov's arrival and Adam Copeland falling seconds short of the World Championship. We also cover Toni Storm's mysterious cassette tapes, RUSH and Dralistico's AEW status, Tony Khan's conversations with David Ellison, the ring boy lawsuit ruling and continued uncertainty surrounding Crown Jewel.
Ospreay entered Clockwork Carnage first and retained against Konosuke Takeshita, Mike Bailey, Ricochet, Darby Allin, Kazuchika Okada, Adam Copeland and Samoa Joe. Copeland scored two late falls before Ospreay landed a Hidden Blade and secured the deciding pin in the final ten seconds. We examine the format, its rules and whether AEW has found another signature attraction. With Copeland retiring in 2027, we also discuss his near miss, his tense handshake with Ospreay and where both go next.
Jay White returned during the Tailgate Brawl, joining The Gunns and The Conglomeration against The Dogs and The Death Riders. Marina Shafir helped Wheeler Yuta pin Colten Gunn, while Dave Meltzer reported that injuries to White and Christian Cage had changed the original Clockwork Carnage plans. Ospreay also addressed MJF carrying his own World title, making clear where the champion stands.
Ilja Dragunov is officially All Elite ahead of his October 21 Dynamite in-ring debut. Tony Khan said visa uncertainty left the appearance unresolved until shortly before WrestleDream. Dragunov discussed wanting a fresh environment and named Kyle Fletcher, Samoa Joe and Jon Moxley as desired opponents. We examine his arrival and the importance of giving him a sustained direction.
Mercedes Moné retained the AEW Women's World Championship against Thekla after using her faceguard as a weapon and finishing with the Moné Maker. We discuss her championship direction, her ongoing recovery from nose surgery and Tony Khan's interest in free agent Kairi Sane, with no signing announced. Meanwhile, Toni Storm's cassette tapes featured strange affirmations, wrestling advice and stories about her failed movie production. Khan reiterated that Storm will return for revenge, leaving the timing and resolution of her backstage attack unanswered.
Hangman Adam Page, Bandido and Brody King regained the Trios Championships from Swerve Strickland, Austin Creed and Kofi. Creed and Kofi showed respect afterward, while Swerve's confrontation with Hangman suggested their history remains unresolved. Nick Wayne also earned his second consecutive victory over Chris Jericho, escaping Jericho's counter to his low-blow tactics and winning with a cradle. We discuss what both results set up next.
Beyond the matches, Tony Khan described positive conversations with David Ellison and welcomed the Skydance deal without announcing a new television agreement. We also cover his plans for more Florida appearances in 2027, Blood & Guts clearance decisions, Lio Rush's AEW and ROH role and his decision not to celebrate Dynamite's seventh anniversary during the week of PAC's passing.
Bryan Alvarez also clarified the different situations surrounding RUSH and Dralistico. Dralistico's AEW contract expires in December, and his social media post depicting himself behind bars fueled speculation that he wants to leave. RUSH's absence is visa-related, with his expired visa not expected to come through until 2027. Alvarez reports that RUSH appears happy in AEW, consistent with his comments about enjoying time with his family.
Outside AEW, a federal judge rejected the defendants' constitutional challenge to Maryland's Child Victims Act, allowing the ring boy lawsuit against WWE, TKO, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon to proceed into discovery. We explain the ruling, the allegations involving Mel Phillips, Pat Patterson and Terry Garvin, and why the case moving forward is separate from a finding of liability.
Crown Jewel remains scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh amid conflicting airport reports, airline suspensions and continued attacks. With the Six Kings Slam postponed and the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships canceled, we examine WWE's travel concerns, the pressure surrounding other events proceeding and whether talent can decline without professional consequences. As of the October 18 report, WWE had announced no change.
New Japan's Super Junior Tag League opens October 24 in Saitama, with 12 teams competing before the November 3 finals at Power Struggle in Hiroshima. We look at the field, including champions El Desperado and Mistico, KUSHIDA and Nick Wayne, Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita, and Francesco Akira and Jakob Austin Young.
Looking ahead, NXT features Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic quarterfinals, Dynamite brings Dragunov's in-ring debut and SmackDown includes Giulia against Blake Monroe in a street fight, plus Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley defending the Women's Tag Team Championships against Michin and B-Fab. We also preview AAA Heroes Inmortales on October 24, headlined by El Grande Americano defending the Mega Championship against Dominik Mysterio. With NXT Halloween Havoc on October 31, Crown Jewel on November 7 and AEW Full Gear on November 21, there's plenty ahead.
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Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed.
