As 2021 comes to a close, we still have tons of great AEW action coming our way before 2022. After the big Winter is Coming event last week, we have a lot of storyline to solve on this week’s show. So far, we have 4 announced matches, with the first semi-final match for the TBS Tournament set to take place, Malakai Black takes on an AEW youngster, a massive 6-man tag match, and Adam Cole is in action, and has promised a surprise for everyone.
CM Punk, Darby Allin & Sting vs MJF & FTR
Reading this match out loud, just sounds fake. Like it was created in a video game, like there is no way this can actually be happening. But it’s not fake, it’s AEW, where almost anything can happen. This match is eventually setting up two separate matches, but until then, we see the dream team of CM Punk, Darby Allin and Sting!
A couple weeks ago, Sting and Darby were attacked by FTR, I really thought the money angle there was Sting and Tully Blanchard and all their past history, not once did I think this attack would lead to this 6-man tag. It all makes sense when you think about the two feuds going on here. CM Punk vs MJF, and Sting and Darby vs FTR, this is a perfect way to build for those two matches, while giving us a preview of what’s to come.
I don’t see this CM Punk alliance lasting long, but it’s a really cool touch. Both Punk and Sting have been heavily protected in AEW, so I expect their team to win, with MJF possibly leaving the ring when he could potentially save the match.
Ruby Soho vs Nyla Rose – TBS Tournament Semi-Finals
The TBS Tournament has been great so far, and I still think it could be anyone who wins it. All the matchups have been fun, and now we’re down to the final four. My initial pick to win this tournament is Jade Cargill, and I’m still tempted to go with her. However, the more I think about it, the less sure I get. When it comes to this match up, I have to lean towards Ruby Soho winning. She was a big signing for AEW, and she has already come up short in a title match against Britt Baker, so would having her lose here be the smart choice? The only issue I see with Nyla Rose winning, is that would be a DEAD give away to the other semi-final, as there is 0% chance you have Rose/ Cargill in the finals.
Again, I’ve really enjoyed the tournament up to this point, my only issue has been this big delay since the last match. I know AEW are trying to time the finals to be their first show on TBS, but the delay has hurt some of the momentum. In any case, I’m going for a win here for Ruby Soho.
Adam Cole vs Orange Cassidy
In a match that is sure to split wrestling fans down the middle, we’re finally getting Adam Cole going one-on-one with Orange Cassidy. The Super Kliq and the Best Friends have been tangled in a feud for the past couple of weeks, with the pretty obvious end game of the singles match we’re getting tonight.
The reason I say this will split fans down the middle, is because OC has very particular wrestling style, and I think Adam Cole will play along with it for a while, and even add some antics of his own. If the harsh credits can get by the first couple minutes of this match, they’ll have a great time in the end. As far as a winner goes, it’s anyones match up, but I’ll lean towards the heel stealing a win.
We also have an intriguing match between Malakai Black and Griff Garrison, and we’ll we find out who the mystery man was with Black last week? And there is also a Christmas party set to take place hosted by Britt Baker and Tony Schiavone.
All this and so much more can be seen on TNT (TSN in Canada) every Wednesday night at 8PM EST.
As Always, make sure to check out all the latest posts at Hot Sauce Sports and stop by our Youtube channel for all the podcast and interviews
Here is the latest episode of the Chtib and Zhang show, where the boys are talking everything UFC.