AEW's penultimate pay-per-view, "Full Gear," took place Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It was the sixth installment of the annual event, and the first since Jon Moxley's win over Bryan Danielson at "WrestleDream," a match that dramatically changed the trajectory of the company's storylines.
Saturday's card featured 12 matches across both the Zero Hour lead-in and main show. Of the dozen matches, five were for AEW championships and ultimately only one title changed hands — Daniel Garcia defeated "Scapegoat" Jack Perry to win the TNT Championship.
One of the major highlights of the night came surprisingly early as AEW entered the Costco-verse with "Big Boom" A.J. taking on QT Marshall during Zero Hour. While the match won't win any major awards or earn five stars, it was remarkably entertaining and A.J. delivered far more in the ring that I'd wager anyone expected. It was a fun moment and well executed by all parties involved.
On the main card, Mercedes Moné delivered the best match of her AEW tenure so far — and a contender for best women's match of the year — in an instant classic against Kris Statlander for the TBS Championship. Moné retained, remaining undefeated in AEW, as both women effectively stole the show on a loaded night.
In the main event, AEW World Champion Moxley made his first pay-per-view title defense of his current reign, taking on Orange Cassidy in a solid, chaotic finish to the night. As has become the norm for AEW pay-per-views, more seemingly happened after the bell than during the match itself.
AEW Full Gear results
Jon Moxley def. Orange Cassidy in 19:10 to retain the AEW World Championship.
Grade: B+
Best spot: Orange Cassidy attacking before the bell
The #AEW World Title and the future of All Elite Wrestling are at stake and Orange Cassidy doesn't want to wait any longer!
Analysis: Cassidy really sold how personal this feud became by ditching his normally calm demeanor and bringing the fight directly to Moxley. Like some of the other matches on this card, there were limited outcomes tied to the creative direction AEW appears to be going in (aka Cassidy wasn’t winning). Moxley’s violence level teetered a bit but never veered into the “this is too much territory” during the match itself. The problem, which I feel like I am writing about with more and more frequency, is the overbooked mess that happened after he pinned Cassidy. We got “Hangman” Adam Page, Christian Cage and Jay White all getting involved in a feud/battle they were never really involved in beyond Cage having the guaranteed title shot whenever he wants. On top of that, we then got the person who is seemingly next in line to make a run at Moxley — Darby Allin — slamming a ghoulish-looking hooptie into the Death Riders’ pickup truck. There’s going to be a lot to untangle on AEW programming this week, and it could get even messier.
Analysis: Lashley wasn’t going to lose his first real match in AEW (for all intents and purposes, we’re not counting Wednesday’s squash), so it was a matter of protecting Strickland, which I think was accomplished in this match. The numbers advantage the Hurt Syndicate had played a significant role in the storytelling, and the attack on Prince Nana signifies that we may not be done with this feud just yet.
Konosuke Takeshita def. Ricochet in 19:17 to retain the AEW International Championship.
Grade: B+
Best spot: Takeshita’s avalanche falcon arrow
Analysis: A relatively late addition to the card, there was no doubt these two would deliver a strong match. Considering how quickly his star is rising, Takeshita winning was absolutely the right call, even if it came at the expense of Ricochet. Ricochet operates in the same atmosphere as Will Ospreay right now — both will always be credible for the mid-card titles — so he can easily feud with new TNT Champion Daniel Garcia or even make a run at an ROH belt.
Daniel Garcia def. Jack Perry in 18:21 to win the TNT Championship.
Grade: A
Best spot: Perry throwing Garcia head-first into the turnbuckle
Analysis: Perry and Garcia delivered on all levels throughout this feud and the payoff Saturday was excellent. Garcia getting a special intro video was a nice bit of added flair, and these two told an incredible story in the ring. I wouldn’t mind these two running it back in the near future, but both clearly elevated their games to warrant bigger, more significant pushes.
Mariah May Champagne Celebration
Grade: D
Best spot: N/A
Analysis: This should have happened on an episode of "AEW Dynamite" weeks ago and was really just disappointing on all levels. May and Shirakawa will be a good feud, but this was a lackluster start to it.
Kyle Fletcher def. Will Ospreay in 24:17.
Grade: A-
Best spot: Fletcher’s tombstone onto the steel steps
Analysis: Fletcher winning here was ultimately the right call, as building him and the Don Callis family up to be even bigger heel threats will only benefit everyone moving forward. Ospreay will always have credibility when it comes to potential championship opportunities, so a loss here doesn’t hurt him nearly as much as it would another talent. These two did a lot of really good work in adding personal flair to the match and telling an excellent story instead of it simply being a chain-wrestling spotfest.
Jay White def. "Hangman" Adam Page in 19:58.
Grade: B+
Best spot: Jay White’s half-and-half suplex on the apron
Analysis: This was a really good match with great action and storytelling. The problem is we’ve seen it before and I genuinely don’t know where we’re going with either Page or White moving forward. Both are too good to be mired in mid-card feuds with little to no stakes and then both got involved in a messy finish to the night. If you just watch bell-to-bell, you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
Mercedes Moné def. Kris Statlander in 19:29 to retain the TBS Championship.
Grade: A+
Best spot: Statlander’s frog splash counter
Mercedes looking for motivation in her inspiration, but Kris isn't willing to give up!
Analysis: The best match of the night and Moné’s best of her run with AEW so far. When we wrote our “Horsemen” piece this week, there was a majority that wanted the belt off Moné, myself included. This match changed my mind completely — let her cook. Moné is likely heading for a brief filler feud as tension continues to build between her and Kamille, while Statlander probably exits the title picture for a little while considering both women’s champions are tied up.
Analysis: There was no way Strong was going to win this match with all of the ongoing drama between MJF, Adam Cole, himself and Kyle O’Reilly. This was not the only match that fell into this category on Saturday, but it felt like it could have been an "AEW Dynamite" main event instead of jammed into a four-hour pay-per-view. It seems like Strong won’t be wrestling for a while after MJF stomped on his arm in a steel chair, and we’re building toward Cole vs. O’Reilly — and, in theory, the eventual payoff with MJF down the line.
Private Party def. The Outrunners, Kings of the Black Throne and The Acclaimed to retain the AEW Tag Team Championships in 13:23.
Grade: B
Best spot: Malakai Black’s double stomp into a moonsault
Analysis: More than anything, the looming split of the Acclaimed is the biggest story coming out of this match and they did a good job of advancing it on Saturday night. A solid opener for the main card, Private Party retaining was a good choice and there are still plenty of fresh tag-team matchups for them. (Hint, hint: Brian Cage and Lance Archer.)
Analysis: Look, I am going to take this completely at face value. This match got a TON of eyes on AEW, was strictly in the entertainment realm of professional wrestling and delivered far more from an in-ring perspective than I think anyone reasonably expected. Marshall was the consummate pro throughout and A.J. — despite a 20-year layoff — busted out a damn superplex. The crowd was hotter for this match than some on the main card. For that, I am giving it an “A.”
Buddy Matthews def. Dante Martin, The Beast Mortos and Komander in 10:36
Analysis: Throw these guys in any match and it’s almost a lock to get at least a B grade. AEW has so much unique talent on the roster, and while I am happy they are getting showcased, it would be nice for some of these guys to get a bigger push. That said, this was a perfect Zero Hour match to get the crowd going.
Anna Jay def. Deonna Purrazzo in 7:23.
Grade: C
Best spot: Anna Jay’s clever roll-up pin for the win
Analysis: I don’t think there is much to read into here, as The Vendetta (Purrazzo and Taya Valkyrie) is still getting off the ground as a faction. Jay just finished a solid run with AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May, so a win here was a good push for continued momentum for her.
For full match breakdown and analysis, check out the recaps from Uncrowned's coverage below.
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Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Jon Moxley (c.) vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW World Championship
Jon Moxley and his Death Riders were shown arriving in a pickup truck. Notably absent was Wheeler Yuta. Moxley, despite being champion, was first to enter for the match, accompanied by Marina Shafir.
Can the Death Riders be halted? Watch as #AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, full of determination, heads to the ring—right now!
Orange Cassidy drew a good pop when his music hit and as he entered the ring Shafir thrust the briefcase — supposedly holding the AEW World Championship — into the referee's hands.
The future of #AEW hangs in the balance alongside the #AEW World Title? Can Orange Cassidy capture both tonight?
Before Justin Roberts could finish his introduction of Jon Moxley Cassidy attacked Moxley with a slew of Orange Punches and began to beat him down outside the ring and on the announce table. Moxley quickly recovered and dropped Cassidy onto a barricade and the two began to brawl in the crowd. Back ringside, Moxley continued to batter Cassidy, including stomping his head into the steel steps at one point and busting him open.
The #AEW World Title and the future of All Elite Wrestling are at stake and Orange Cassidy doesn't want to wait any longer!
After a brief moment in the ring, Moxley tossed Cassidy back to the floor and landed a Paradigm Shift DDT to Cassidy on the steel steps. Moxley returned to the ring and distracted the referee, allowing Shafir to kick Cassidy.
Jon Moxley taking a piece of FLESH from Orange Cassidy!
Back in the ring, Moxley continued to punish Cassidy, including biting his bloodied forehead and deliveing a Gotch piledriver. After a near-fall, Moxley delivered elbows to Cassidy and tossed him back outside the ring and onto another announce table. Moxley sent Cassidy head-first into the steel steps again before action returned to the ring.
Cassidy showed resilience back in the ring as the assault continued. Moxley went for another pinfall but Cassidy kicked out at two. The crowd remained behind Cassidy as he attempted to fight back with Moxley, particularly when he answered Moxley's back rake with one of his own.
After Moxley threatened an avalanche piledriver, Cassidy blocked it and shoved Moxley off the turnbuckle to land a diving DDT. Cassidy followed up with a tornado DDT and was lining up an Orange Punch that Moxley countered with a cutter. The two men then exchanged blows in the center of the ring. Cassidy finally built momentum again after his Sloth Kicks and two Orange Punches landed him a near-fall. Cassidy picked up another near-fall after a Beach Break finisher.
With both men down in the ring, Claudio Castagnoli and PAC came out ringside. The Death Riders' presence and threat drew out The Conglomeration. As that brawl played out outside the ring, Shafir entered the ring with the case and was going to hit Cassidy. Willow Nightingale rushed out to take out Shafir and that brawl again distracted the official. Cassidy hit Moxley with the briefcase but the champion kicked out.
The finish came when Moxley distracted the referee, and Wheeler Yuta rushed out to deliver a Busaiko Knee to Cassidy. Moxley followed with a Death Rider brain buster and pinned Cassidy.
Jon Moxley def. Orange Cassidy in 19:10 to retain the AEW World Championship.
The post-match angle came as Yuta and Moxley poured chemicals on Cassidy and "Hangman" Adam Page came out with a steel chair. Page hit Yuta and stared down Moxley. While Moxley was distracted, Christian Cage came out and took out Moxley with the Killswitch. As Cage teased cashing in his contract, Jay White attacked Cage. Pac and Castagnoli then attacked White, who left the arena.
Will Christian Cage make the most of this moment?!
The camera then followed the Death Riders backstage to the parking lot and their pickup truck got rammed into by Darby Allin. The Death Riders escaped in another vehicle and the show ended.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Bobby Lashley vs. Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland was first to enter, getting a solid welcome from the New Jersey crowd and the most complex pyro display to this point in the night.
Former #AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland enters the Full Gear arena ready to take back WHOSE HOUSE!?
Strickland didn't take his eyes of Bobby Lashley as he made his way to to the ring and one the bell rang the crowd was firmly behind the former AEW World Champion.
The Almighty Bobby Lashley makes his #AEW PPV debut ready to put the HURT on Swerve Strickland!
Lashley went on the attack early and manhandled Strickland to the point where the match appeared to be over but the All Mighty yanked Strickland off the mat before the referee could count to three. Lashley followed this with a standing suplex but refused to make the cover to go for the win.
Bobby Lashley is looking to make a STATEMENT tonight!
After Swerve hit a few punches, Lashley continued his beatdown, going for a pin after a running powerslam. Strickland then got locked in a headlock and whipped into the corner. Strickland was able to counter a Lashley rush and then climbed to the top rope before MVP and Shelton Benjamin distracted him.
A recovered Lashley took the fight to Strickland outside the ring, throwing him into a barricade and then celebrating with MVP. While the two Hurt Syndicate members celebrated, Strickland recovered and was setting up for a suicide dive. Benjamin interfered again but was caught and ejected from ringside.
Strickland and Lashley battled outside the ring, with Strickland repeatedly slamming Lashley's head into the steel steps. Strickland continued to fight dirty with an eye gouge and a DDT onto the ring apron. Strickland then followed up by leaping off the steel steps and hitting a Swerve Stop onto Lashley, collapsing the announce table.
The former champion moved Lashley back into the ring, hitting a House Call kick and a second Swerve Stomp for a near-fall. Lashley, the most vulnerable he has been to this point in the match, rolled out of the ring and was getting advice from MVP. Strickland approached both men and, after a staredown with MVP, was speared through the audience barricade.
Lashley tossed Strickland back into the ring for a second spear and to lock in the Hurt Lock. The referee called for the bell after Strickland passed out in the submission hold.
Bobby Lashley def. Swerve Strickland in 13:25.
After the match, the Hurt Syndicate turned their attention to Prince Nana, putting him in the Hurt Lock.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Konosuke Takeshita (c.) vs. Ricochet for the AEW International Championship
After Takeshita won the initial collar-and-elbow, Ricochet showed off some newfound aggression and was in control for the majority of the opening stages of the match. Takeshita finally got a reprieve when he countered a Ricochet move and sent the challenger outside the ring with an ugly landing.
Takeshita began to focus on Ricochet's lower back, dropping him onto a barricade near the timekeepers' area and repeatedly delivering knee strikes to the area. Takeshita's first major move came suddenly with a blue thunder bomb for a near-fall. Takeshita slowed things down afterward, methodically delivering forearm shivers to Ricochet's back. Ricochet attempted to do a springboard maneuver but sold the back injury. He was eventually tossed off the top turnbuckle by Takeshita.
What a BRUTAL way for AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita to try and ground Ricochet!
Ricochet finally built some momentum through a series of counters and strikes, finally landing his springboard clothesline. Ricochet would use an enziguiri to send Takeshita out of the ring and followed up with a corkscrew and springboard 450 to gain control and draw Don Callis away from the announce table.
Takeshita's second blue thunder bomb resulted in a near-fall and Takeshita began to unleash vicious blows. Ricochet attempted to match him blow-for-blow and eventually was able to take down the bigger champion with an elbow strike. Action moved to the top turnbuckle and Takeshita managed to hit a massive release German suplex and followed it up with a lariat and knee strike. Takeshita attemped pins after each move but Ricochet kicked out.
Don't blink! What an exchange between Takeshita and Ricochet!
Once again climbing to the top turnbuckle, it was Ricochet's turn to counter Takeshita. Ricochet leaped to meet the champion. delivering a hurricanrana, poisonrana and shooting star press. Ricochet tried to pin Takeshita but he kicked out at two.
As Takeshita took time to remove his knee pad for a potential finishing blow, Ricochet recovered enough to launch another flurry of offense. Ricochet appeared ready to finish the match with a 630 splash but Takeshita met him at the top turnbuckle and delivered what appeared to be an avalanche falcon arrow for the win.
Konosuke Takeshita def. Ricochet in 19:17 to retain the AEW International Championship.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Jack Perry (c.) vs. Daniel Garcia for the TNT Championship
Daniel Garcia got a special video package featuring childhood home movies and a voicemail from his mother before making his entrance.
Daniel Garcia is more than ready to finish what he started!
After a brief staredown, the two men locked horns in a pair of collar-and-elbows. Perry avoided Garcia on several occasions early, sliding in and out of the ring, drawing boos from the crowd. Garcia finally got his hands on Perry outside the ring by faking out the Scapegoat. Garcia beat down Perry outside the ring, showing off the aggression that has been at the center of this brewing storyline.
As Garcia attempted to break the count by rolling in and out of the ring, Perry pounced with a draping DDT from the ring apron to the floor. Perry did the same with a draping DDT from the barricade to the floor immediately after. Perry continued to focus on Garcia's neck with a missile dropkick to Garcia's neck for a near-fall.
Perry slowed the pace, locking in a submission before Garcia was able to power out into a suplex. Garcia's momentum would be snuffed out by another submission from Perry. Garcia was able to crawl to the ropes and break the hold. Perry ramped up the assault, dumping Garcia onto the ring apron with a sidewalk slam and then putting him through a table at the timekeepers' area.
Garcia was able to beat the referee's ten count and return to the ring. As Perry taunted Garcia, Garcia became enraged unloading a massive kick and lariat on Scapegoat and beating him down in the corner. After a suplex into the turnbuckle, Garcia wrapped Perry's hair around the ropes and delivered a violent dropkick to the champion.
Action moved to the top turnbuckle shortly after and both men brawled. Perry emerged the winner and drove Garcia head first into a turnbuckle across the ring. Perry scored a near-fall and then moved outside the ring to retrieve his TNT Championship. Rather than use the belt himself, Perry dared Garcia to hit him with it. Garcia ultimately didn't and while the referee was distracted Perry delivered a low blow.
After kicking out of a near-fall, Garcia appeared to be out but countered a Perry maneuver and managed to deliver a modified tombstone for a near-fall of his own. Garcia then began unloading slaps/chops to Perry's chest. A smiling Perry was hit with a piledriver and Garcia locked in a sharpshooter to force the Scapegoat to tap out.
Daniel Garcia def. Jack Perry in 18:21 to win the TNT Championship.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Mariah May's Champagne Celebration
Mina Shirakawa introduced Mariah May for the long-overdue champagne celebration for the AEW Women's Champion. The muted celebration took place at the top of the entrance ramp rather than on the ring.
Raise your glasses! The Champagne Championship Celebration kicks off as Mina Shirakawa joins #AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May in the spotlight!
May cut a promo saying there isn't a single woman alive who could touch her before turning to toast/cheers with Shirakawa. The two began dancing atop the ramp and May threatened to hit Shirakawa with a champagne glass but Shirakawa ducked.
Infuriated, Shirakawa speared May off the ramp and through a table. Shirakawa was first to her feet, bloodied from the mouth and then smeared her blood on the champion's forehead before storming off.
Will Ospreay drew the largest crowd reaction of the night to this point when his music hit. Ospreay was clad in black and appeared to be all-business before his personal match with Kyle Fletcher.
The Aerial Assassin looks as locked in as ever as he prepares to go 1-on-1 with the man he used to call his brother - Will Ospreay is ready for war!
When the bell rang, both men immediately began teeing off on one another with elbow strikes. Fletcher briefly gained the advantage before Ospreay sent him outside the ring with a hurricanrana. Ospreay attempted to land a splash onto Fletcher, but the heel avoided it and then sent Ospreay crashing into the ring barricade. After two teased suplexes onto the steel steps, Ospreay avoided the weapon by leaping over them and then utilized them for another hurricanrana.
Back in the ring, Fletcher turned more aggressive with a violent Irish whip into the turnbuckle followed up by a DDT and beatdown of Ospreay. Fletcher was able to best Ospreay on the ring apron and floor, landing a brainbuster to the floor. Fletcher moved Ospreay back into the ring and went for a series of pinfalls that Ospreay muscled out of.
Fletcher deliberately delivered kicks to Ospreay's chest and removed the trainers' tape that Ospreay had all over his neck and upper back. Fletcher began to focus on the head and neck of Ospreay, scoring a near-fall with a Michinoku driver. Ospreay worked his way to his feet in a corner and Fletcher attempted to land a running kick. Ospreay avoided, sending Fletcher to the floor and he immediately followed up with an impressive corkscrew moonsault.
Ospreay and Fletcher returned to the ring for another sequence of trading blows, going chop-for-chop. Ospreay dared Fletcher to chop him, putting his hands behind his back. Instead of a chop, Fletcher delivered a superkick. Ospreay was angered, stopping Fletcher from climbing to the top rope with a superkick of his own and then powerbombing Fletcher.
The pace dramatically picked up from here, with Fletcher countering two OsCutters. After the second counter, Ospreay delivered a tombstone piledriver to Fletcher on the floor. The pace continued to be frenetic as the action returned to the ring, with each man countering the other before ultimately both winding up laid out together.
Fletcher and Ospreay with an exhilarating display of Can you top THIS!?
Confident, Ospreay went for an OsCutter off the top rope but was shoved off by Fletcher. Fletcher met Ospreay on the top turnbuckle and threatened to hit an avalanche brainbuster. Ospreay countered into a sunset flip Styles clash and then a Hidden Blade finisher. Fletcher's subsequent kick out drew a stunned reaction from Ospreay and the crowd.
Ospreay attempted to end the match by delivering Stormbreaker on Fletcher from the apron to the steel steps. Fletcher was able to power out of it and instead land his own tombstone piledriver onto the steps. Fletcher then taunted Ospreay and threw him back into the ring. Fletcher stayed on the offensive, delivering his finisher, dubbed Grimstone by Callis on commentary. Ospreay again kicked out.
Fletcher continued to look strong as Ospreay sold neck and shoulder injuries. Fletcher finished the match with an avalanche brain buster, dropping Ospreay's head onto the top turnbuckle and pinning him.
Kyle Fletcher def. Will Ospreay in 24:17.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
“Hangman” Adam Page vs. Jay White
After a video package detailing this long-running feud between Jay White and "Hangman" Adam Page, both men made their entrances, with Page drawing some "Cowboy Shit" chants from the crowd.
Page overpowered White in the initial collar-and-elbow, but White cinched in a headlock and went on the offensive shortly after. Page gained the upper hand by suplexing White over the ropes and to the ring floor, where Switchblade began to sell a left ankle injury. Hangman began to focus exclusively on White's ankle afterward.
Hangman Adam Page has found his opening and is taking advantage of a possible injury on Jay White!
White turned the tide with timely counters and peppered Page with alternating chops and punches. Switchblade's offense was short-lived as Page overpowered White repeatedly, including sending him into the turnbuckle with a fall-away slam. Page followed up with another fall-away slam, this time avalanche style off the top rope. White kicked out of the subsequent pin attempt.
With White dealing with an injured ankle, Switchblade evened the score by attacking Page's left knee, utilizing the ring post to deliver more punishment. White then landed a superplex for a near-fall of his own. The two hobbled men traded blows in the center of the ring before White countered a lariat into a faceplant and then hit a waistlock German suplex.
Page scored another near-fall after countering a hurricanrana from White into a massive sit-down powerbomb. After White meekly kicked out, the two men moved to the ring apron, where Page teased a Dead Eye finisher but White countered and landed a pair of half-and-half suplexes — one onto the ring apron, one onto the entrance ramp.
The match's focus returned to White's ankle as Page wedged Switchblade's ankle between the crowd barricade and then put him into an ankle lock. White fought his way back to the ring and Page duped his rival into entering the ring first and getting set up for the Buckshot Lariat. White was able to counter briefly before Page rolled him up and locked the ankle lock in once again.
The counter wrestling continued from both men, with a sequence ending with White putting Page in a reverse Figure Four leg lock. Page crawled to the ropes to break the hold. As White attempted another half-and-half suplex, Page countered and fought his way back to hit back-to-back Dead Eye finishers for yet another near-fall.
In as much pain as Jay White and Adam Page are, they hate each other THAT much more!
The finish was swift and filled with counters, ultimately Switchblade fought out of an ankle lock and hit Blade Runner to win the match.
Jay White def. "Hangman" Adam Page in 19:58.
After the match, Page stalked White up the ramp and attacked him, drawing out AEW official Christopher Daniels. Page attacked Daniels and stormed backstage.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Mercedes Moné (c.) vs. Kris Statlander for the TBS Championship
Notably, Mercedes Moné came out solo after ordering her muscle Kamille to stay backstage, potentially setting the stage for a turn by the Brickhouse. Despite a smattering of "CEO" chants, boos rained down as Justin Roberts announced Moné's hometown of Boston.
Kris on her way to trying to become a 2-time TBS champion. Will tonight be the night?
The early portion of the match showcased the different skillsets of the champion and challenger. While Moné utilized counters and speed, Statlander showed off her power advantage. This was best illustrated in an impressive sequence where Statlander looked to suplex Moné out of the ring to the floor but wound up taking a hurricanrana from Moné off the apron.
Moné continued to keep Statlander from re-entering the ring, punishing Statlander and slamming her into the steel steps. As Statlander slowly rolled back into the ring, Moné continued the onslaught with stomps and Meteoras for two near-falls. Moné landed another Meteora from the turnbuckle into an immediate pinfall attempt but was caught grasping the ropes by referee Aubrey Edwards.
The action remained in Moné's favor as she landed an innovative neckbreaker counter to avoid a powerbomb, sent Statlander into the turnbuckle with a sunset flip powerbomb and then locked her in a straightjacket submission.
Statlander finally hit a couple of impact moves with counters of a top-rope tornado DDT and then a top-rope Meteora, the latter of which looked particularly ugly as Moné was sent directly into the turnbuckle. Statlander continued to pressure the champion with fast offense and a Chaos Theory suplex for a near-fall.
Moné countered Statlander with a crucifix driver and immediately locked in her signature submission move. The two women traded counters and Moné hit a top-rope Meteora for a near-fall. After the kick out, Statlander quickly capitalized with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and discus lariat for a near-fall of her own.
Another near-fall for Statlander came as she hit a fisherman's Michinoku driver. Statlander continued to sell a knee injury throughout this portion of the match. Moné shifted things back in her favor with a DDT counter and Three Amigos suplex combination. As Moné went for the frog splash, Statlander caught her in mid-air and planted the champion for a near-fall.
Mercedes looking for motivation in her inspiration, but Kris isn't willing to give up!
Hobbled, Statlander climbed to the top rope for a 450 splash that Moné was able to avoid and begin to focus on Statlander's injured knee. Moné then went to the top rope herself and landed the frog splash directly onto Statlander's legs. Moné covered but Statlander kicked out. Frustrated, Moné followed up with two Back Stabbers and a Money Maker but Statlander again stunningly kicked out.
As Statlander built momentum after a reverse electric chair and nearly landed her Saturday Night Fever finisher, Moné attacked the challenger's knee and eventually scored the pinfall victory.
Mercedes Moné def. Kris Statlander in 19:29 to retain the TBS Championship.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
MJF vs. Roderick Strong
MJF, despite being the heel, got a relatively strong pop from the Newark crowd. Strong didn't necessarily draw a huge reaction, but the fans started to buzz as the bell rang. Instead of locking horns, MJF rolled out of the ring and cut a promo insulting anyone and everything he saw.
MJF IS BACK in #AEW as he takes on Roderick Strong right now!
Strong stalked MJF and started to attack him outside the ring. The storyline injury of the match was set up as Strong went to punch MJF and MJF ducked, forcing Strong to hit the ringpost. MJF continued to focus on the left hand of Strong, who sold the injury as well after chopping the former AEW World Champion.
Strong's first bit of offense in the ring came as he landed a half-backbreaker on MJF and began to pick up the pace of the match, scoring a near-fall after a modified buckle bomb and Angle Slam. Strong's assault continued as he countered a Heatseeker, sending MJF crashing into the announce table with a baseball slide. Strong stayed on top of MJF, dropping him onto the barricade.
MJF rallied shortly after, locking Strong in what appeared to be a guillotine and planting him with a DDT fo a near-fall. After Strong kicked out, he attempted to win by submission, ensnaring MJF in a Texas Cloverleaf leg lock but was forced to break the hold because of his injured left hand.
As MJF continued to focus on the hand, Strong swiftly countered, landing the End of Heartache finisher. As Strong pinned MJF, the latter got his foot on the rope to break the pin. Strong stayed on the offensive with a flurry including a backbreaker, gutbuster and kick. As Strong went for another End of Heartache, MJF countered into a brainbuster.
The finish came suddenly as MJF seized Strong's hand and forced him to tap out.
MJF defeats Roderick Strong in 13:45.
After the bell, MJF grabbed a steel chair and locked Strong's arm in it before stomping on it. This assault drew out Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly and the Undisputed Kingdom, who chased MJF from the ring and into the crowd.
An incensed O'Reilly shoved Cole and demanded he go fight MJF.
Private Party (c.) vs. The Outrunners, Kings of the Black Throne and The Acclaimed for the AEW Tag Team Championships
The show opened with the four-way match tag team championship match. The Kings of the Black Throne, The Outrunners and The Acclaimed entrances actually closed out the Zero Hour portion of the pay-per-view.
We're ready to kick off #AEWFullGear as House of Black's Malakai Black and Brody King seek to add tag team gold to the mantle of the Kings of The Black Throne!
Private Party, the champions entering the match, got a special entrance to kick off the pay-per-view proper and were over with the New Jersey crowd.
Malakai Black and Quen started off the match, with neither gaining a significant advantage matching one another move for move. As Black began to build offense, Anthony Bowens tagged himself in to get the Acclaimed in on the action. Bowens and a newly tagged-in Zay traded arm drags for a brief moment.
Truth Magnum tagged himself in and he and Turbo Floyd began to clear out the other men in the match, with the exception of Brody King, who Floyd tried to go blow-for-blow with, unsuccessfully. Brody King continued his onslaught outside the ring before focusing on Anthony Bowens. King landed a superplex on Bowens and Black followed with a double foot stomp and immediate moonsault to the outside.
Turbo Floyd finding out firsthand what happens when you stand across the ring from Brody King
The Kings of the Black Throne's dominance came to an end as all six men from the other teams took out Black and King, withe Bowens landing a Scissor Me Timbers to cap it all off. As Bowen and Floyd looked to make peace, Max Caster broke it up, continuing to plant seeds of dissension between The Acclaimed.
Private Party nearly won the match with tandem 450 splashes on The Outrunners, who rebounded shortly after to hit a double-bicep elbow drop. The Outrunners attempted to hit Total Recall but Zay escaped, forcing Floyd and Magnum to hit each others' heads. The Outrunners were able to finally land Total Recall on King for a near-fall that was broken up by Caster.
Caster officially tagged himself in, leaving him in the ring with his partner Bowens. After some tension. Bowens covered Caster but it was broken up by Zay. As Caster ordered Bowens to set up Private Party for the Mic Drop, the champs were able to escape, hit Gin and Juice and score the pinfall victory.
Private Party retain the AEW Tag Team Championships in 13:23.
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
'Big Boom' A.J. vs. QT Marshall
Paul Wight was introduced as the special guest commentator before The Rizzler made his AEW debut as the special guest timekeeper.
Paul Wight and The Rizzler will be ringside for this next match between Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall!
QT Marshall entered next, draped in a Macho Man Randy Savage-style cape adorned with "Dooms." Marshall and AEW did a really great job selling this match. The crowd gave a great pop for A.J. and Big Justice. A.J. soaked it all in, high-fiving nearly everyone seated ringside.
QT Marshall has been waiting 20 years to bring the DOOM to Big Boom AJ!
Marshall taunted A.J. after getting the better of the TikTok star in the early stages of the match, utilizing a snapmare takedown after a traditional collar and elbow. Marshall locked A.J. in a wristlock and A.J. flipped him over, drawing "you still got it" chants from the crowd.
A.J. scored a near-fall with a powerslam after two failed shoulder tackles from Marshall. A.J. followed up with a big back-body drop and sent Marshall outside the ring. A.J. followed Marshall out of the ring and was in a confrontation with Marshall's Doom Squad. Marshall inadvertently took out his own crew with a high-flying move.
Back in the ring, Marshall took out A.J. with a DDT and taunted both his opponent and the crowd again. Marshall continued to punish A.J. and the crowd began to chant for The Rizzler. Marshall went for a cutter — the move that took A.J. out at the weigh in— but A.J. countered into a belly-to-belly suplex. A.J. kept up momentum with several clotheslines and a spinebuster.
A.J. followed up this sequence by climbing to the top turnbuckle and hitting Marshall with a flying clothesline and running powerslam for a near-fall. A.J. went to whip Marshall into the ropes and the heel hit a kick on A.J. for a near-fall of his own.
Marshall went outside the ring to taunt The Rizzler but was thwarted by Wight. This allowed A.J. to recover enough to land a superplex on Marshall and set him up for the PowerBoom. After a brief interference from Aaron Solo, Marshall hit a pump kick and was signaling for his cutter. Big Justice entered the ring and speared Marshall, allowing his dad A.J. to hit the PowerBoom and pick up the win.
Dante Martin vs. Komander vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Buddy Matthews
Of the four men, The Beast Mortos drew solid pop from the crowd (we don't blame them, he's awesome) and Buddy Matthews had the best entrance, complete with multiple pyros and smoke.
We got teased showdowns between Mortos and Matthews early but Martin and Komander continually intervened. Martin and Komander used tandem offense to take out Matthews, but before there could be any celebration, Mortos returned to the ring and briefly took out both men.
Matthews and Mortos each tried to superplex Komander, but Martin again made the save, preserving the early alliance between the two high-flying stars. Action picked up with Mortos landing a tornado tope suicida on Martin, Matthews landing a swanton over the top rope to the floor and then Komander — in perhaps the best spot of the night — walked across the entire top rope and took out all three men.
Komander's advantage did not last long as he missed a high-risk move and Mortos launched an offensive of his own with a Lungblower to Komander and pop-up Samoan drop on Martin. We got a brief sequence between Mortos and Matthews, which the latter came out on top of.
The frantic pace continued throughout the next stage of the match, with the crowd chanting "this is awesome" after a particularly impressive sequence capped off by a crucifix driver from Mortos to Komander.
The finish came shortly after, with Mortos attempting another superplex on Martin, only to be thwarted by a 619 from Komander. Komander then took out Mortos with a springboard poisonrana followed by a Crossover finisher from Martin. As Martin went for the cover, Matthews hit a stomp to break up the pin and then covered the Top Flight member himself.
Buddy Matthews def. Dante Martin, The Beast Mortos and Komander in 10:36.
The first match of Zero Hour was hometown favorite Deonna Purrazzo taking on an up-and-coming Anna Jay.
Purrazzo was first to enter, alongside Taya Valkyrie, as part of the relatively newly formed Vendetta duo.
Jay controlled much of the early action, utilizing spinning back kicks repeatedly to Purrazzo's head. Purrazzo was able to shift momentum thanks to Valkyrie's ringside presence. Purrazzo slowed the pace quite a bit, locking in a couple of submission holds before both women began trading blows in the center of the ring.
Jay launched into a flurry of offense, capping it off by yanking Purrazzo off the top rope and scoring a near-fall. Her momentum was short-lived as Purrazzo again focused on armbars and submissions. As action moved to the ring apron and floor, Valkyrie intervened again to take out Jay. Valkyrie was tossed from ringside after being caught by the referee.
As a battered Jay returned to the ring, Purrazzo locked in another armbar and appeared ready to win, Jay rolled her up for the victory.
Anna Jay def. Deonna Purrazzo in 7:23
Anthony Sulla-Heffinger
Catch up on AEW Dynamite
If you missed Wednesday's "go-home" episode of AEW Dynamite (or any episode, for that matter), Uncrowned has your back.
Uncrowned's Cameron Hawkins spoke with Bobby Lashley ahead of his match at Full Gear against Swerve Strickland. Despite being a multi-time world champion, Lashley is as hungry as ever and has "so much more" that he wants to do in this business.
Uncrowned's Horsemen answer 5 key questions (with a bonus) about Full Gear
ICYMI earlier this week, Uncrowned's wrestling writers — Drake Riggs, Pen Shamrock, Kel Dansby and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger — gave their rundown ahead of Full Gear. Each scribe also gave their predictions for the full card (with the exception of two Zero Hour matches added after publication).