ALBANY, NY – Before AEW Grand Slam next week, Rampage promises fun, high-stakes matches. Penelope Ford looks to continue her dominant streak since she’s returned from injury against Willow Nightingale. After The Firm’s formal introduction Wednesday on Dynamite, Ethan Page takes on Danhausen. And in his first match since his return, Samoa Joe defends his Ring of Honor World Television Championship.
Matt Hardy vs. Darby Allin
Hardy and Allin feel each other out to kick off the match as the two trade wristlocks. After Hardy gets the crowd behind him with “Delete” chants, Allin quickly pins him with a crucifix for a one count. Kicking out of the pin, Allin throws Hardy outside the ring before throwing him into the stairs. Allin sets Hardy on the apron and attempts to hit him with a senton, but nobody’s home.
Capitalizing on Allin landing outside the ring, Hardy powerbombs Allin into the ring post before throwing him back into the ring. Hardy continues to target Allin’s spine as much as possible. Landing a Side Effect, Hardy nearly ends the match, but Allin kicks out. Hardy looks to finish the match with a Twist of Fate, but Allin reverses into a pin for two. Continuing to bring it to Allin, Hardy attempts a brainbuster, but Allin once again reverses into a Scorpion Death Drop for two.
After Hardy misses a moonsault, Allin lands a Code Red for two, but Hardy doesn’t stay down. With a Last Supper, Hardy is pinned, giving Allin the win.
Penelope Ford vs. Willow Nightingale
Nightingale comes off strong with shoulder blocks before rolling up Ford for a two count. Her offense doesn’t stop there as she body slams Ford before landing a basement diving crossbody. When Nightingale goes for a pounce, Ford avoids it, leaving Nightingale to collect herself on the apron.
Off the top rope, Ford hits a double knee drop before throwing Nightingale into the ring post. Ford continues her momentum as she throws Nightingale into the corner to hit her handspring and licks Nightingale’s face. After Nightingale misses a senton, Ford pins her for two.
Nightingale starts to make a comeback, landing splashes and a boot. With a spinebuster, Nightingale earns a two count. Nightingale pounces on Ford, sending her into the ropes and pinning her for another two.
After driving Nightingale into the mat, Ford maneuvers her, bridging into the Indian Death Lock for the submission win, making Ford’s record for her past 14 matches 10-4.
Danhausen vs. Ethan Page
Going right in for the Curse on Page, Danhausen stops and mocks him instead. Page doesn’t take this lightly and immediately takes Danhausen down, throwing heavy rights on the mat. Adding insult to injury, Page mocks Danhausen’s Curse before shoulder tackling him. With an Ego’s Edge, Page pins Danhausen for the win.
Samoa Joe (C) vs. Josh Woods – Ring of Honor World Television Championship
The men go back and forth to feel each other out. Having enough of that, Woods elbows Joe’s face. Joe lands jab after jab before going for a headbutt, only for Woods to block it. Woods exits the ring, distracting the referee so Tony Nese can pull on Joe’s arm over the rope.
Joe locks in the sleeper on Woods, forcing Woods to fight his way out of the hold. Joe lands a boot and a senton, pinning Woods for two. Joe perches Woods on the top rope for a muscle buster, but Smart Mark Sterling distracts him, allowing Woods to roll Joe up for two. Joe brings Woods back to the top rope, hitting a Muscle Buster and pinning him for the win to retain his championship.
Tonight’s Rampage confirms Chris Jericho will face Claudio Castagnoli for the ROH World Championship Wednesday at Grand Slam on Dynamite. And next week’s Rampage will have Samoa Joe team up with Wardlow to take on Tony Nese and Josh Woods.
