Hangman Page & Samoa Joe: A Collision Course to WrestleDream – Plus, Intense Action from AEW
Last week’s AEW Dynamite witnessed a dramatic unraveling of respect between Hangman Page, the current AEW World Champion, and Samoa Joe. What began as a seemingly collaborative effort quickly devolved into a heated confrontation, setting the stage for a high-stakes championship match at WrestleDream. This article breaks down the escalating tension, the upcoming title defense, and the compelling action unfolding across AEW.
The Fallout: Joe’s Frustration & Page’s Offer
Samoa Joe’s composure fractured after a victory secured for their team by Hangman Page. Joe openly accused Page of never truly defeating him, a sentiment rooted in long-held frustration - not just with Page, but with himself.This internal struggle, Joe admits, has been a notable distraction throughout his career.
Despite the outburst, Page extended a surprising olive branch. he clarified he didn’t seek this prospect for Joe based on the previous week’s actions, but because Joe fundamentally deserves a shot at the title. Page acknowledged Joe’s contributions, alongside those of “The Opps” (a group of veteran wrestlers), in helping him reach the championship level.
Though, Page drew a firm line. While grateful for Joe’s past support, he vowed not to relinquish the title easily.He’s prepared for a brutal fight, but ultimately intends to retain his championship reign.
Joe’s Response: A Challenge to Page’s Legitimacy
The crowd’s support for Joe was palpable, and he acknowledged Page’s words as truthful.Yet, Joe didn’t hesitate to deliver a stinging rebuke. He doesn’t view Page as the pinnacle of professional wrestling, but as a “pretender.”
Joe emphasized the crucial assistance he received from The Opps, suggesting Page’s success is partially built on their contributions. He implied Page wouldn’t be champion without their support, directly challenging the legitimacy of his title reign.
WrestleDream showdown: A Promise of Violence & Determination
Hangman Page isn’t backing down. He anticipates a grueling battle, predicting Joe will inflict significant damage. But he promises to return fire with even greater intensity.
Page’s ultimate goal is clear: to defeat Joe at WrestleDream and force him to acknowledge the rightful champion. He wants Joe to concede that Page is the deserving World Champion after their clash. This sets the stage for a WrestleDream main event brimming with animosity and a desperate fight for championship glory.
Beyond the Championship: Action Heats Up
While the Page-Joe rivalry dominates headlines, other compelling storylines are developing within AEW.
The Conglomeration’s Preparations:
Backstage, Mark Briscoe rallied the Conglomeration – a formidable group including Tomohiro Ishii, orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly. Briscoe announced the “word of the day” and highlighted key matchups for the evening:
* Kyle O’Reilly vs. Kyle Fletcher: A clash of two highly skilled Kyle’s.
* Orange Cassidy vs. PAC: A battle of styles and personalities.
* Tomohiro ishii vs. Jon Moxley: A brutal, hard-hitting contest.
Jon Moxley vs. Tomohiro Ishii: A Brutal Opening
The night’s opening bout delivered exactly what fans expected: a relentless, physical war between Jon Moxley and Tomohiro Ishii.
* Early Exchange: The match began with a fierce staredown, quickly escalating into a barrage of strikes.
* Moxley’s Tactics: Moxley initially gained an advantage through calculated strikes, but Ishii’s resilience forced him to retreat.
* Ishii’s Comeback: “The Stone Pitbull” unleashed a series of devastating forearm strikes, driving Moxley to the floor.
* Shafir’s Interference: Marina Shafir’s interference on the apron proved pivotal, allowing Moxley to regain control.
The match continued into a commercial break, promising further intensity and a potentially chaotic finish. Upon return, Moxley maintained control, relentlessly stomping on Ishii. The match is poised to be a brutal showcase of both wrestlers’ endurance and willingness to push their limits.
Looking Ahead:
AEW continues to deliver compelling storylines and high
