AEW Redemption results: Powell’s live review of Kenny Omega vs. Kevin Knight for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley vs. The Young Bucks

By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

AEW Redemption
Montreal, Quebec, at Bell Centre
Aired live July 26, 2026, on pay-per-view

AEW Redemption pre-show match result: Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly defeated Jay Lethal, Blake Christian, and Lee Johnson in 12:00 for the AEW Trios Titles…

Ring announcer Arkady Aura delivered the introductions for the ladder match during the pre-show. Mike Bailey received a big hometown ovation. The fans sang “Olé, Olé, Olé.” Jack Perry made the final entrance, and the fans sang along to his entrance theme….

Excalibur, Nigel McGuinness, and Tony Schiavone were on commentary. Excalibur closed the pre-show by saying they would see fans on the other side… Pyro shot off on the stage to open the pay-per-view…

1. Jack Perry vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Komander vs. Mike Bailey vs. Nick Wayne vs. El Clon in a six-way ladder match to determine the No. 1 contender to the AEW International Championship. The wrestlers started the match with a series that saw two wrestlers in the ring while the others were on the floor. McGuinness listed Mortos as his favorite to win.

Mortos launched Bailey onto a ladder that was leaning in the corner of the ring. Mortos stood on the floor and caught Clon diving onto him. Clon rolled Mortos on the ground and then jumped up and performed a double DDT on Bailey and Komander. A “Speedball” chant broke out for Bailey, who performed an Asai moonsault onto Mortos while Perry performed a creative bulldog on Clon.

All six wrestlers fought to the stage. Bailey performed a moonsault off a tall ladder onto everyone other than Perry. The announcers pointed out that Perry had a chance to make a play for the contract that was hanging above the ring, but he opted to perform a forgettable Asai moonsault off the ladder. Bailey and Perry headed to the ring and fought. Wayne showed up and hit Bailey with Wayne’s World.

Perry made a play for the contract, but Mortos pulled him down and tossed him over the top rope onto some of their opponents. Mortos climbed the ladder, but Komander walked the ropes, and the missile dropkicked him. Komander placed the ladder over Mortos and then climbed it, but he couldn’t get the contract, so he dove onto Bailey and Clon in the ring. Mortos performed a suicide dive rather than go for the contract.

Mortos returned to the ring and set up a ladder while Perry entered with another. Perry hit Mortos from behind with his ladder. Perry set up his ladder while Bailey set up another next to the main ladder. All six wrestlers fought on the ladders. Wayne and Perry took a bump onto the top rope, and then Bailey and Komander took a bump off another ladder over the top rope (they tumbled onto the apron and safely to the floor). Mortos clutched his left leg rather than climb the ladder. Once he started to climb, Perry shoved the ladder over.

Perry pulled out a few tables. Moments later, Perry pulled Mortos off the apron with a huracanrana that put him through a table and caused his legs to hit a ladder on the ground. Clon double stomped Bailey through a table. Komander walked the ropes and performed a dive that put Wayne through a table. Perry made a play for the contract, but Clon stopped him. Mortos powerbombed Perry onto a ladder that was leaning in a corner of the ring. Clon took out Mortos with a Backstabber.

Clon created a ladder bridge in the ring. Komander joined him on the ladder that was on the ropes and between the rungs of the main ladder. Clon performed a Michinoku Driver off the ladder. Wayne hit Clon with a crucifix driver and then set him on a table in front of the broadcast table. Wayne climbed to near the top of a tall ladder and then put Clon through the table with a Phoenix Splash.

Perry climbed a ladder in the ring. Wayne raced into the ring and climbed the other side of the ladder. Perry and Wayne fought on the ladder until Perry performed a Canadian Destroyer onto the ladder that was bridged between the main ladder and the middle turnbuckle. Ouch. Bailey placed Mortos on a table that was wedged between the ropes in the corner and hit him with the Ultima Weapon. Bailey climbed the main ladder and pulled down the contract to win the match.

Mike Bailey defeated Jack Perry, Komander, The Beast Mortos, El Clon, and Nick Wayne in a six-way ladder match in 19:40 to earn a shot at the AEW International Championship.

Powell’s POV: A wild ladder match with plenty of big crowd-pleasing spots. The prize being a shot at one of AEW’s four men’s secondary singles titles left something to be desired, but the live crowd was happy to see their hometown guy get the win. As usual, one can only hope that everyone is okay after performing so many big stunts.

A video package spotlighted Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley vs. The Young Bucks, and then entrances for the match took place. The Bucks were out first. A garage door opened backstage and showed Jon Moxley with some of the other Death Riders. Moxley met up with Will Ospreay. Marina Shafir joined Ospreay and Moxley as they made their entrance through the crowd…

2. Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) vs. “The Young Bucks” Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. Shafir held up Moxley’s AEW Continental Championship belt before the match. In a planned spot, Ospreay and Nick butted heads a couple of minutes into the match. Matt tagged in, but he left the ring to check on his brother, who acted woozy on the floor. Ospreay hit Matt with a dive over the top rope. Excalibur noted that Moxley prompted Ospreay to go after Matt. Ospreay checked on Nick, who was down next to the barricade, until Moxley encouraged him to get back in the ring.

Matt got the better of Ospreay and put Moxley down on the floor. Matt set up for a springboard move (even though Ospreay was in a far corner with the referee, who, of course, was Rick Knox). Shafir pulled Matt off the apron and ran him into the ring steps. Ospreay and Moxley worked over Matt. Nick eventually returned to his corner. Matt went for the hot tag, but Moxley pulled Nick off the apron and then gave him a piledriver on the floor. In the ring, Ospreay performed a Liger Bomb on Matt for a near fall.

Nick returned to the apron and looked into the crowd after Matt put Ospreay down. Matt was hesitant to tag out, but Nick insisted and then tagged himself in. Nick performed a bulldog on Ospreay while clotheslining Moxley. Matt tagged in and draped Ospreay over the top rope. Nick jumped from the top rope and double stomped Ospreay, who bounced off the ropes and into Matt’s powerbomb. Nick took out Moxley with a dive while Matt got a near fall on Ospreay.

The Bucks set up for one of their signature spots. Nick had to wait for Moxley to run around the ring to break it up. The Bucks set up for the move on Moxley, but Ospreay caught Nick. Moxley escaped and performed a piledriver on Matt while Ospreay put Nick down with a Styles Clash for a near fall. A “this is awesome” chant broke out while Ospreay and Moxley took turns hitting Nick in a corner of the ring. Moxley put Nick down with a cutter. Ospreay dove onto Matt on the floor. Nick superkicked Moxley, who then put him down with a clothesline. There was a fun series of back-and-forth moves involving the Bucks and Ospreay.

Ospreay worked over Nick with some kicks to the head that put him down. Nick got to his knees, and then Ospreay hit him with an elbow strike. The referee checked on Nick until Ospreay shoved him away. Ospreay put his foot on Nick’s back for a moment before going to his corner while Matt returned to the ring and tried to protect his brother. Moxley tagged himself in.

Moxley cleared Matt from the ring and then hit Nick with a Stomp for a near fall. Moxley applied a choke. Ospreay looked conflicted as he stood on the floor as Moxley worked over Nick with punches. Shafir stood by Ospreay and pointed to the ring. Matt superkicked Moxley. Ospreay pulled Matt to the floor. Matt went for a superkick that Ospreay ducked, and it took out Shafir. Matt superkicked Shafir and then hit a weak one on Ospreay. In the ring, Moxley performed two Paradigm Shifts and a Death Rider on Nick. Rather than cover him, Moxley went to ringside and returned with a chair. The referee tried to take it away, but Moxley used the chair to push him over.

Moxley wanted to hit Nick with the chair, but Ospreay stopped him and took it away. Matt returned and superkicked Ospreay. The Bucks superkicked Moxley, who gave them the double birds while on his knees. The Bucks hit Moxley with several superkicks and capped it off with a double superkick. Nick fell onto Moxley and got the three count.

“The Young Bucks” Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson defeated Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley in 19:40.

The Bucks celebrated the win and then headed to the back. Ospreay got to his feet while Moxley was still down…

Powell’s POV: Good storytelling, if you can get past the idea of Nick acting concussed, yet still being allowed to continue. There were a couple of timing issues. Moxley was late to break up a move. It also looked like there was some confusion when Ospreay had Nick down and awkwardly backed away until Matt covered his brother (it didn’t look like this was Ospreay acting conflicted as part of the story, but rather that something seemed off). But I really enjoyed the match, and I like that there should be tension between Ospreay and Moxley coming out of this match.

A video package set up the AEW International Championship match. Bandido made his entrance. Kyle Fletcher was accompanied onto the stage by Don Callis, but he went to the ring alone while Excalibur noted that Fletcher wanted to go it alone during this match…

3. Kyle Fletcher vs. ROH Champion Bandido for the AEW International Championship in a match with everyone banned from ringside. Five minutes into the match, Bandido caught Fletcher with a kick from the apron. Bandido went for an Asai moonsaulut, but Fletcher kicked him on the way down. Fletcher powerbombed Bandido on the edge of the apron. Fletcher taunted the crowd while taking a mini victory lap. McGuinness said Fletcher was targeting Bandido’s lower back in hopes of preventing him from using his 21 Plex finisher.

Fletcher controlled the offense once Bandido was back in the ring until Bandido powered him up for a suplex and had a run of offense. Fletcher stood in the ring and caught Bandido with a clothesline on the apron. Fletcher performed a brainbuster on the apron. Bandido struggled to get back to his feet while Fletcher told referee Paul Turner that his count was too slow. Bandido pulled himself up using the barricade and then had a moment with a young fan in the front row before returning to the ring. Fletcher put him down with a Last Ride-style powerbomb and got cocky while going for the pin, allowing Bandido to kick out at two. The announcers told the story of Fletcher mistakenly celebrating before getting the win.

Fletcher put Bandido down with a back half-and-half suplex. Fletcher toyed with Bandido while Excalibur pointed out the lack of urgency. Bandido rallied and hit a 21 Dragon Plex for a near fall. Bandido had Fletcher on the apron when he went for a sunset bomb, but Fletcher held the ropes. Bandido pried him free and powerbombed him on the floor. Bandido went up top and performed a frog splash onto Fletcher on the floor. Good lord. McGuinness said he didn’t want to see a replay because it would hurt him. Back in the ring, Bandido did the Eddie Guerrero shimmy before performing a shooting star press for a near fall.

Fletcher stuffed a 21 Plex attempt by holding the ropes. Fletcher went for a move that Bandido countered with a DDT, but he was unable to make the cover. Both wrestlers got to their knees and butted heads. They got back to their feet, and then Bandido hit three headbutts in a row. Bandido went for a GTS, but Fletcher stuffed it and then hit Bandido with an elbow to the head. Fletcher lowered his kneepad and went for a running knee strike, but Bandido popped him up and pulled him face-first to the mat before covering him for a near fall.

Bandido performed a top rope fallaway slam into a moonsault press for a near fall. Bandido followed up with a GTS for another. Bandido hit his 21 Plex finisher for a close near fall. Once both men were back on their feet, Bandido ran the ropes and was turned inside out by a lariat. Fletcher hit a running knee strike and a brainbuster for a near fall. Both wrestlers fought for position on the ropes. Eventually, Fletcher performed an avalanche Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Fletcher lawn darted Bandido into the top rope and then hit him with a running kick to the back of the head. Fletcher went for a buckle brainbuster, but Bandido’s head didn’t hit the turnbuckle pad. Fletcher covered him for the three count anyway.

Kyle Fletcher defeated ROH Champion Bandido in 26:20 to retain the AEW International Championship.

Don Callis came out to celebrate Fletcher’s win with him. Fletcher stood on the middle rope and held up his title belt while Callis smiled behind him. Fletcher and Callis hugged before leaving the ring. They went to the stage, and then Fletcher held up the title belt while facing the ring before heading to the back…

Powell’s POV: A very good match with some believable near falls for both men. The post-match shot of Fletcher from behind on the stage provided the best look at the building, and they clearly had some upper levels blocked out. Speaking of which, WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 7,472 with 7,082 tickets distributed. The total number of seats on the map is 19,527. The last time AEW ran the venue, 4,994 tickets were distributed for the December 6, 2023, edition of Dynamite.

A video package set up the double chain match. David Finlay and Clark Connors made their entrance to a flat crowd reaction. Jay White and Juice Robinson had a solid response during their entrance…

4. Jay White and Juice Robinson vs. “The Dogs” David Finlay and Clark Connors in a double chain match. There were two referees. They attached the chains to White and Robinson, and then The Dogs attacked them before the opening bell. The refs called for the bell once Finlay and Connors had the chains attached to their wrists. White and Finlay were attached with one chain, while Robinson and Connors were attached to the other.

Later, Robinson worked over Connors with punches and set up for a big one, causing Connors to duck into a DDT from White. The Dogs came right back, and all four men were down for a bit, which led to some light hand clapping from the crowd. Connors wrapped a chain around Robinson’s neck. Finlay dumped Robinson over the top rope and then used the chain to prevent him from saving Robinson. White eventually powered his way through Finlay to break up the choke on Robinson. Jay set up for his finisher on Connors, but Finlay yanked the chain.

Connors speared White a couple of times and covered him after the second, but Robinson pulled the chain to break up the pin. Finlay got a near fall on White. The heels set up for their finisher, but Robinson returned and pulled Connors off the ropes and into the ring steps. Finlay checked on his partner and then White suplexed him. White and Robinson whipped Robinson with the chains.

Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia showed up and pulled White to the floor and roughed him up. Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, and Ace Austin ran out and fought Yuta and Garcia to the back. Marina Shafir arrived and slipped the shillelagh to Finlay, who hit Robinson with it and pinned him…

David Finlay and Clark Connors beat Jay White and Juice Robinson in 19:05 in a double chain match.

Powell’s POV: Nineteen f’n minutes? Seriously, why? The wrestlers worked hard, but the crowd clearly wasn’t invested in their feud, and I think anyone who has been paying attention could have called that in advance. The fans were polite and didn’t turn on the match, but I still felt bad for the wrestlers. This is the perfect example of a match that didn’t need to be on a bloated pay-per-view card. Why not save this for Collision and trim some time from the pay-per-view?

Backstage, Renee Paquette spoke with Will Ospreay and brought up Nick Jackson’s injury. Ospreay said Nick clearly had head trauma, and he didn’t want to act on anything. Jon Moxley asked Ospreay if he was going to make him say it. Ospreay said he wasn’t trying to kill anyone or even hurt anyone.

Moxley said Nick has a history of head trauma. “I’m so sorry, Nick, welcome to pro wrestling,” Moxley said. “It’s a tough way to make a living,” Moxley said Ospreay has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at Wembley Stadium. He told Ospreay he can’t be everyone’s friend or turn his back on anybody. Moxley said he doesn’t want Ospreay to learn this lesson the hard way. Moxley said that if Ospreay won’t pull the trigger, he will…

A video package set up the TBS Championship match before the wrestler entrances…

5. Hikaru Shida vs. Maya World for the TBS Championship. Excalibur noted that World was celebrating her 24th birthday and also spoke about the tragic death of her brother. Shida targeted World’s knee early and throughout the match. Shida hit World with a meteora from the top rope just before the 10:00 mark. The wrestlers traded pin attempts for near falls. They stood up and threw simultaneous clotheslines.

World took offensive control and lowered her kneepad before hitting Shida with a shining wizard. Shida rolled out of the ring to avoid being pinned. Schiavone tried to sell it as if World was in too much pain to cover Shida quickly, but it didn’t really come off that way. Shida grabbed her kendo stick, but World stopped her from using it.

World got Shida back inside the ring and went for a moonsault, but Shida put her knee up. Shida hooked World into a pin for a near fall. Shida followed up with a Kitana and covered World for a near fall. It was supposed to be a big moment, but the fans didn’t react. Shida hit a tombstone for a near fall. Shida applied her submission hold. It looked like World was going to tap, but Shida hooked her arm and then dished out more punishment.

Shida threw repeated knee strikes at World’s head. Shida performed a falcon arrow and had the pin, but World grabbed the bottom rope. Shida bickered with the referee. Shida ran at World, who suplexed her and bridged while getting the three count.

Maya World defeated Hikaru Shida in roughly 16:30 to win the TBS Championship.

Afterward, Shida grabbed her kendo stick and slammed it against the barricade several times. Pyro shot off on the stage while security dragged Shida to the back…

Powell’s POV: Another television match candidate, though not entirely for the same reason as the double chain match. The fans were pretty quiet throughout the majority of the match, but they did pop for the title change. Even so, I think it would have been better to give World her first title win in front of the bigger television audience.

The Demand’s Ricochet, Toa Liona, and Bishop Kaun stood on the backstage interview set. Ricochet demanded a shot at the AEW Trios Titles for Wednesday’s Dynamite…

Taz replaced Nigel McGuinness on commentary… A video package set up the AEW Tag Team Titles…

Adam Copeland made his entrance to a strong ovation from the Montreal crowd. Claudio Castagnoli and Pac attacked Copeland in the ring. Christian Cage’s music played, and he ran out to help, but the heels attacked him at ringside. The referee checked on Copeland before calling for the opening bell (that’s how it should be done!)…

6. Adam Copeland and Christian Cage vs. Claudio Castagnoli and Pac for the AEW Tag Team Titles. The challengers worked over Copeland to start the match while Christian was still down on the floor. Christian, who wore a brace on his right wrist, eventually returned to his corner and took a tag. Christian worked over Pac. Claudio tried to enter the ring, but Christian kicked the rope into his groin. Christian mounted Pac in the corner and threw ten punches at him while the fans counted along. Christian bit Pac’s forehead.

The challengers regained offensive control and dominated Christian while Copeland was down. Copeland returned to the apron, but he was immediately kicked back to the floor. Castagnoli sent Copeland over the barricade and then ran him into something on the floor. In the ring. Pac went for a Shooting Star Press, but Christian put his knees up and covered him for a two count. Castagnoli returned to the ring and performed a standing double stomp on Christian. Castagnoli performed a Giant Swing until Pac kicked Christian. Castagnoli covered Christian for a near fall.

Copeland returned to the ringside area. Castagnoli saw him and charged, but Copeland backdropped him over the barricade. In the ring, Pac went for a brainbuster, but Christian countered into a Killswitch for a near fall. Christian crawled toward his corner. Copeland got back to the apron and took the tag. Copeland worked over both challengers with punches and then clotheslined both men. Copeland put Pac down with an Impaler DDT, then performed the same move on Castagnoli on top of Pac. Copeland covered Pac, but Castagnoli broke up the pin. Copeland clotheslined Castagnoli to the floor. Pac rolled Copeland into a pin, but the referee caught him using the ropes for leverage. Pac argued with the referee. Copeland pulled Pac to the mat.

Castagnoli and Pac rallied. Castagnoli held up Copeland until Pac jumped off the top rope for a spike Neutralizer. Christian returned to the ring to break up the pin that followed. Copeland caught Pac in a crossface, but Castagnoli broke it up. The challengers performed running elbows on the champions in opposite corners. Copeland caught Castagnoli with a big boot, and then Christian avoided Pac. Christian speared Castagnoli. Pac charged at Christian, who popped him up into a spear from Copeland, who pinned Pac.

Adam Copeland and Christian Cage defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Pac in 18:35 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles.

Copeland and Cage celebrated their win. The Young Bucks’ entrance theme played. Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson walked out and entered the ring. Nick pointed at one of the tag team title belts. Christian held the belt above his head. The big screen showed a graphic for Copeland and Christian vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Team Titles for All In London at Wembley Stadium. Copeland shook hands with both Jacksons. Christian left Matt hanging. The Bucks left the ring, and then Copeland’s music played. Schiavone noted that Nick would need to heal up before the match because he had an ice pack on his neck…

Powell’s POV: Copeland and Cage’s latest Canadian homecoming woke up the live crowd. There was no reason to expect a title change when they’ve been teasing Copeland and Christian vs. Young Bucks match for All In, but this was still entertaining thanks to the crowd’s energy and the work of both teams.

A video package set up the No Holds Barred match. Tommaso Ciampa made his entrance. Renee Paquette spoke from ringside and said that Ciampa told her that he would retire Jericho by beating him. Chris Jericho made his entrance to different music due to using the Painmaker gimmick. Jericho wore a face mask and carried a spiked baseball bat. Once in the ring, Jericho removed the face shield to reveal his underwhelming face paint…

7. “The Painmaker” Chris Jericho vs. Tommaso Ciampa in a No Holds Barred match. Ciampa brought a chair into the ring, and then referee Aubrey Edwards called for the opening bell. The broadcast team pointed out that Edwards was already wearing gloves. Jericho and Ciampa slammed the bat and chair together to start the match. Jericho pulled a black bag out of a pocket in his pants. Jericho poured sand into his hand and threw it into Ciampa’s eyes while the broadcast team noted that he was returning the favor after Ciampa did the same thing to him during their previous match at Beach Break.

Jericho pulled out a fire extinguisher and sprayed Ciampa. “The Painmaker is frickin’ nuts,” Schiavone said. (You’re not helping, Tony.) Ciampa fought back and performed a Pedigree off the apron through a table on the floor. Back in the ring, Ciampa covered Jericho for a two count. Excalibur said a child was sitting behind him who was repeatedly telling Ciampa to light a table on fire. Ciampa pulled a hockey stick out from underneath the ring. The Montreal fans popped and sang “Olé, Olé, Olé” while Ciampa hooked the stick in Jericho’s mouth.

Ciampa turned the fans against him by pulling out and putting on a Bobby Orr Boston Bruins jersey. Ciampa beat up a small stuffed animal version of the Montreal Canadiens mascot until Jericho cut him off. Jericho put a trashcan over Ciampa’s head and then hit it with the hockey stick. Jericho picked up the mascot toy, stroked its head, and then kissed it, which was cheered by the fans. Jericho pulled out a black bag and poured out hockey pucks covered in thumbtacks. Jericho showed that one of the pucks had the Canadiens logo on it, which drew another pop from the crowd. Jericho pulled the jersey over Ciampa’s head and worked him over with punches before suplexing him onto the pucks. Jericho pulled out some sandpaper and used it on Ciampa’s bloody head.

Jericho dumped the Bruins jersey in the trash can. Jericho left the ring and set up a barbed wire-covered table on the floor while the fans chanted, “This is awesome.” Ciampa threw the trash can at Jericho once he was back in the ring. Ciampa used one of the tack-covered pucks on Jericho’s head. Jericho came up bleeding. Ciampa lowered his kneepad and then drilled Jericho with a running knee to the head before covering him for a near fall.

Ciampa went to the floor and returned with an elbow pad covered in tacks. Jericho tripped Ciampa and went for the Walls of Jericho. Ciampa reached the ropes, but the announcers pointed out there were no rope breaks. Ciampa grabbed the barbed wire bat and hit Jericho with it to break the hold. Jericho went to the apron and performed a Death Valley Driver that put Ciampa through a barbed wire table on the floor. The referee helped free Ciampa from the barbed wire table. Jericho rolled him back inside the ring and covered him for a two count.

Jericho pulled out an object and jabbed Ciampa’s thigh repeatedly while Ciampa was seated on the top turnbuckle. Schiavone said the object looked like a pencil. Jericho went to the floor and unveiled a mirror, which he placed on the apron. A “you sick f—” chant broke out. Jericho cupped his ear. Jericho set up two chairs and placed the mirror on top of them. Jericho went to the ropes and jabbed Ciampa with the object until Ciampa low-blowed him. Ciampa used an Air Raid Crash to drive Jericho through the mirror and then covered him for a near fall.

Ciampa pulled out an electric drill and wanted to use it on Jericho’s forehead. In a choking twist, Jericho blocked it. Ciampa bit Jericho’s hand. Jericho sprayed mist in Ciampa’s face and then hit him with a Judas Effect before covering him for a two count. Jericho went to the floor and returned with a mirror covered in barbed wire. Jericho dropped the mirror over Ciampa’s back. Jericho put on the elbow pad covered in tacks and then hit the Judas Effect. Jericho covered Ciampa, who actually kicked out at two. Jericho grabbed the electric drill and placed it on Ciampa’s head. Ciampa apparently gave up, as the referee called for the bell…

“The Painmaker” Chris Jericho beat Tommaso Ciampa in 23:00 in a No Holds Barred match.

After the match, Jericho licked the electric drill with his green tongue…

Powell’s POV: This isn’t my style of match, which is fine, because it worked for the live crowd. The Painmaker still strikes me as a discount version of Finn Balor’s Demon. I can’t help but wonder if the Painmaker would be cheered outside Canada. Either way, Jericho wisely took the cheap pop approach of playing to the Montreal fans with some hockey-related moments.

Mick Foley stood on the backstage interview with AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions Megan Bayne and Lena Kross. Bayne and Kross pulled out a chair and had Foley sit down. They decided to ask Foley questions. Kross asked when he’s seen two women more dominant. Foley said maybe the Crush Girls. Bayne asked if he’d seen two women who were more violent than they are. Foley said he had not. Bayne said they are undefeated and wondered why there weren’t two women to face her and Kross. Foley said The Brawling Birds are undefeated. Kross asked if Foley really thought the Birds stood a chance. Foley said maybe. Bayne told Foley to bow down. Foley started saying “bow wow” and barked like a dog. Foley told the broadcast team they’d better take it away since this was going nowhere for him…

Powell’s POV: Woof, and I’m not imitating Foley. It was actually fine until the cornball ending.

A video package set up the AEW National Championship match. Andrade El Idolo made his entrance with four women. Mark Davis made his entrance with four fewer women. Renee Paquette checked in with some brief comments from the floor…

8. Mark Davis vs. Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship. Andrade dropped Davis with a spinning back elbow when the bell rang and got a near fall. A short time later, Andrade did his selfie bit with a female fan in the front row. Later, David set up for a powerbomb on the apron, but Andrade countered with a huracanrana that sent Davis crashing into the turnbuckle. Andrade went up top and hit Davis with a moonsault on the floor.

Back in the ring, Andrade removed his pants, revealing trunks with “How You Know?” on the back. Andrade went for a top rope frog splash, but Davis put his knees up. Davis set up for a piledriver, but Andrade used a huracanrana to hook him into a pin for a near fall. Andrade hit the spinning back fist and followed up with The DM for the win.

Andrade El Idolo defeated Mark Davis in 16:15 to win the AEW National Championship.

Pyro shot off on the stage while Andrade celebrated his win. Andrade shook hands with the broadcast teams…

Powell’s POV: I liked the back elbow near fall during the opening seconds. I’d actually love to see AEW follow through with a quick finish like that to make it seem like matches could actually end at any time. They have so many long matches with so many big near falls that it’s hard to take most near falls seriously within the first ten or even fifteen minutes, depending on the match. I’m not saying they should disappoint fans by taking this approach during a big match. Rather, a match like this actually would have been perfect, and then they could run it back on TV. Anyway, the title change was over with the crowd. I have mixed feelings. Andrade spent so much time talking about the AEW World Championship that it felt like this match was a consolation prize. Plus, I like having a guy like Davis as champion. Holding the title gave him a boost, and he’s not a top guy, so fans are more likely to buy into the possibility of him losing the title to a wide variety of challengers. All of that said, Andrade is over and has exceeded all expectations since returning to AEW, so it’s also nice to see him rewarded.

Backstage, Lexi Nair interviewed Mike Bailey, who said he would challenge for the AEW International Championship on August 5 on the Grand Slam Mexico edition of Dynamite. Bailey said he beat Fletcher clean in the Continental Classic. Bailey said Fletcher needed help from the Don Callis Family to beat him when they met again. Bailey said the third time is the charm and he’s feeling lucky…

A video package set up the AEW Women’s Championship match. Willow Nightingale made her entrance, followed by Thekla…

9. Thekla vs. Willow Nightingale for the AEW Women’s Championship. Mercedes Moné was shown watching the match. Ring announcer Justin Roberts delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Willow put Thekla down and threw punches at her to start. Moments later, Willow hit the Pounce to knock her out of the ring. Willow followed to the floor and worked over the champion. Willow had Thekla down against the ring steps when she went for a cannonball, but she crashed and burned when Thekla moved. Back in the ring, Thekla went after Willow’s bandaged left ear. Willow bit her.

Later, Thekla bridged while performing a leg lock and tried unsuccessfully to stop Willow from reaching the rope. Willow got Thekla on the apron and set up for a move, but Thekla avoided it and hit a DDT on the apron, causing Willow to tumble to the floor. Thekla went up top and performed a crossbody block onto Willow on the floor. Thekla rolled Willow inside the ring and covered her for two, then showed frustration.

Thekla waited for Willow to get up and then charged, but Willow performed a leapfrog into a sunset flip for a two count. Willow followed up with a Death Valley Driver for another two count. Willow lowered the straps on her gear. Willow set up for her finisher, but Thekla slipped away. Thekla rolled Willow into a pin and grabbed the bottom rope for leverage, but referee Mike Posey caught her. Will hit a spinebuster. Willow went for a top rope moonsault that Thekla avoided. Thekla went for a spear, but Willow countered with a Doctor Bomb. Willow covered Thekla, but Skye Blue showed up and put Thekla’s leg over the bottom rope.

Willow went to the floor and performed a Doctor Bomb on Blue. Willow returned to the ring and ate a spear. Thekla went for a Stomp, but Willow avoided it and performed the Texas Stadium Kerry Von Erich, er, backslide and got the three count.

Willow Nightingale defeated Thekla in 17:10 to win the AEW Women’s Championship.

Afterward, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly came out and celebrated with Willow. Mercedes Moné was shown standing in a luxury box while holding up the Owen Hart Cup tournament title belt. A graphic listed Willow vs. Mercedes for the AEW Women’s Championship at All In London. Cassidy gave Willow a backpack for her title belt…

Powell’s POV: A good match. All signs pointed to Willow facing Mercedes, so the outcome felt a bit predictable. That tends to happen on shows before a company’s biggest annual shows as they set up the most appealing matches. My only disappointment is that Willow’s big title win didn’t feel like the big payoff. Rather, it felt like the necessary setup to get to her match with Mercedes.

Excalibur listed the following for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite in Detroit: Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly vs. “The Demand” Ricochet, Toa Liona, and Bishop Kaun for the AEW Trios Titles, and Renee Paquette sits down with AEW Tag Team Champions Adam Copeland and Christian Cage and their All In London challengers “The Young Bucks” Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. Excalibur also hyped Kyle Fletcher vs. Mike Bailey for the AEW International Championship for the August 5 Grand Slam Mexico edition of Dynamite…

A video package set up the main event. Justin Roberts stood in the ring and announced the AEW World Championship match was up next. TBS Champion Kevin Knight made his entrance. Kenny Omega’s entrance followed…

10. Kenny Omega vs. TNT Champion Kevin Knight for the AEW World Championship. Justin Roberts delivered in-ring introductions for the world championship match. The fans chanted “Kenny” and then booed Knight when he was introduced. Omega got big cheers. Knight hit Omega from behind. The referee pulled him back, but Knight choked Omega with wrist tape. Referee Bryce Remsburg checked with Omega and called for the bell. Omega threw chops at Knight and said, “You’ll never be me.” Knight cut him off with a dropkick.

Knight threw punches to Omega’s gut while Excalibur recalled Omega’s bout with diverticulitis. Omega performed a huracanrana that sent Knight to the floor. Omega got the crowd to do the Terminator clap and ran the ropes for a dive, but Knight returned to the ring and caught him with a knee to the gut. Knight sent Omega to the floor and then dove over the top rope onto him. Knight dominated the next few minutes of offense.

Omega came back and executed a Poison Rana. Omega followed up with a V-Trigger knee strike. Omega went for his finisher, but Knight slipped away. Omega ducked a puncha nd then performed a snap dragon suplex. A short time later, Omega performed another snap dragon suplex on the apron. Knight tried to crawl across the broadcast table to escape, but Omega caught him. Omega stood on the table and hit another snap dragon suplex. Back in the ring, Omega toyed with Knight for a bit by quieting the crowd. Omega told Knight that he’d never be him or take what’s his, then drilled him with a knee strike. The fans chanted “one more time.” Omega quieted them and then obliged.

Knight came back with a big DDT. Omega regained control and then struck a boxer’s pose and threw some punches until Knight gouged his eyes. Omega drilled Knight with a knee strike. Omega ran the ropes, but Knight popped him up and slammed him to the mat. Knight knocked Omega off the apron with a top rope clothesline. Knight went for a springboard move, but Omega caught him with a kick on the floor. Back in the ring, Omega performed a piledriver. Omega went to the ropes, but Knight crotched him.

Knight was on the ropes when Omega shot up and performed a sunset flip powerbomb. Omega hit a V-Trigger and covered him for a near fall. Excalibur said Omega had to get staples after Knight hit him with the title belt on Dynamite. Omega set up for a top rope dragon suplex, but Knight fought free and then tied up Omega in a tree of woe. Knight performed the Coast to Coast kick. Knight grabbed his foot while Omega clutched his shoulder.

Knight went to the floor and limped a bit, but he seemed fine when he grabbed both title belts. Knight placed one of the belts under the ring skirt. The referee caught him with the other belt. Knight tossed it, but it landed on the apron, so he picked it up and threw it across the ring so the referee went after it. Knight grabbed the other belt and wanted to hit Omega with it, but kicked him. Omega went for his finisher, but Knight slipped away and then performed a uranage slam onto the title belt. Knight slid the belt out of the ring and covered Omega. The referee turned around and made the count for a near fall.

Knight went for the UFO Splash, but Omega put his knees up. Omega went for a One Winged Angel, but Knight slipped away and hit him with an uppercut. Omega sent Knight into the ropes and then Knight leapfrogged him. Omega caught Knight with a leaping knee strike and then hit the One Winged Angel for the win.

Kenny Omega defeated TNT Champion Kevin Knight in 25:00 to retain the AEW World Championship.

After the match, Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia attacked Omega. Pac and Claudio Castagnoli joined in on the beatdown as Jon Moxley and Marina Shafir arrived at ringside. The Young Bucks ran out to help, but they were outnumbered and disposed of quickly. Castagnoli wrapped a chair around Omega’s head while he was face down on the mat.

Will Ospreay entered the ring and stood in front of Omega. Yuta told Ospreay it was okay and embraced him, then shot a look at Castagnoli. Claudio moved toward Omega, but Ospreay shoved him to the mat and pulled the chair off Omega’s neck. Ospreay swung the chair violently, causing the Death Riders to leave the ring.

Jon Moxley entered the ring while Ospreay stood in front of Omega with the chair in his hand. Moxley moved toward Ospreay and then dropped to one knee for a bit. Moxley slowly pulled the chair away from Ospreay and tossed it to the floor. Moxley went face-to-face with Ospreay and spoke intensely. Moxley pulled out a plastic bag and handed it to Ospreay before kissing him on the cheek. Ospreay looked at the bag and then at Omega. Ospreay walked toward Omega and held the bag. Ospreay finally tore the bag in half.

Ospreay turned toward Moxley and dropped him with a punch to the face, causing Moxley to tumble to the floor. Shafir ran in, and Ospreay shoved her through the ropes. Yuta and Garcia went after Ospreay, who pulled the top rope down to send them to the floor. Castagnoli charged, but Ospreay backdropped him over the top rope. Ospreay dropped Pac with a Hidden Blade. Castagnoli wanted to return to the ring with a chair, but Moxley stopped him. The fans sang Ospreay’s name while the Death Riders retreated. Moxley yelled from the floor while Shafir pointed at Ospreay.

Ospreay looked down at the AEW World Championship belt that was in a corner of the ring. Ospreay picked up the title belt while Omega used the ropes to pull himself to his feet. Omega found a piece of the plastic bag and held it out while Ospreay held out the title belt. Omega dropped the plastic piece and grabbed the belt, which Ospreay held onto for a second before releasing.

Omega offered a handshake, which Ospreay accepted. Omega turned to leave, but Ospreay held his hand and said, “From this moment on, it’s about you and me.” Omega and Ospreay went to different corners of the ring and stood on the ropes while playing to the crowd. They switched corners, but Omega pulled down Ospreay and gave him a One Winged Angel. Omega picked up the plastic bag piece and pointed at it. There were more boos than cheers. The Young Bucks entered the ring and spoke to Omega, who squatted down and held his belt in front of Ospreay. Omega stood up and posed with the Young Bucks. Omega left the ring and headed to the stage. The trainer checked on Ospreay, who was lying on his stomach while staring daggers through Omega, who held up his belt on the stage to end the show five minutes before midnight ET…

Powell’s POV: A strong angle to close the show. Moxley teased doing what Ospreay couldn’t do earlier, but I didn’t know if we’d get the breakup tonight or if they would save it for television. The only thing I didn’t care for was Omega seemingly thinking that Ospreay was to blame for the plastic bag, but perhaps he will explain that away on Dynamite. The main event was what I thought it would be in that it was well worked, yet without any sense of mystery regarding the outcome.

Overall, there was a lot to like, but it was also another marathon show, coming in at just under five hours of pay-per-view time and nearly six if you count the pre-show. If they cut the right matches, this could have been a stronger four-hour pay-per-view. I feel like a broken record, but it is the biggest complaint that I hear about AEW pay-per-views, so I’m far from alone. I will be teaming up shortly with Jake Barnett and Will Pruett for our same-night audio review of Redemption for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let us know what you thought by voting below for the best match and grading the overall show in our post-show polls.

Join me for WWE SummerSlam live reviews next weekend.

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