Browsing: emotional

WASHINGTON – The Vancouver Canucks†most emotional moment Sunday, in a game brimming with them, occurred not on the ice but in their dressing room in the first intermission.

After their best period of the National Hockey League season ended with a three-goal lead against the Washington Capitals and a devastating blindside hit on Canuck centre Filip Chytil, whose career has looked jeopardized by previous concussions, Vancouver players had to measure their anger and sadness about Tom Wilson injuring their friend against the importance of winning the game.

“I mean, guys hung in there together,†winger Conor Garland said. “We didn’t get stupid. I think we were, you know, focused on Filip, which is normal. That’s a friend of ours, a great teammate. And to lose him to that (hit), you never want to see. But just to stay focused and band together was great. It felt like the bench was pretty wide open today.â€

Longest-tenured Canuck Brock Boeser was already missing, suddenly on leave for personal reasons.

Canuck rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki also did not survive the first period, suffering a possible shoulder injury in a collision with Capitals defenceman Matt Roy along the boards. Another Vancouver centre, Teddy Blueger, who scored his first goal of the season in the second period after missing the first four games with a knee injury, did not finish the third period when the Canucks were under siege.

Amid all this, there was Swedish rookie Linus Karlsson engaging Wilson without hesitating. And defenceman Victor Mancini had never had a fight in his life – “Like, a full-on fight, never. In school, I was a pretty peaceful kid, I guess†– but traded bombs with Brandon Duhaime in the second period.

The oldest Canuck, Tyler Myers, 35, logged 25:50 on defence and contributed a goal and assist. Elias Pettersson scored his first of the season and dug in for the battle, blocking a pair of Alex Ovechkin shots in the final minute, Garland played a foot taller than his five-foot-nine frame and Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko was again outstanding.

With all this, the Canucks hung on to beat the powerful Capitals 4-3 for their third road win over two time zones in less than 72 hours.

“It’s insane; we just stuck together,†winger Kiefer Sherwood said after his career-high 23:16 of ice time included a goal and four hits. “The coaches made sure that we didn’t get too haywire after losing Heats there. I don’t know if it was clean or dirty, but when you see a guy that’s dealt with that (concussion) stuff. . . you just feel really sorry for him, you know?

“I mean, we’re a family here. It was emotional in between periods, and we just kind of had to gather ourselves and stick together. Everyone went in there (to the medical room) and saw Heats, just trying to lift his spirits and stuff. And then Lekky, and then Teddy at the end. We were down to nine forwards; Iâ€ve never seen something like that.â€

As weâ€ve said before, every win may be worth the same two points, but not every win is equal.

With Sundayâ€s victory, the Canucks†third straight after a sketchy opening weekend to the season, the family got a little closer. And the team got a lot closer to re-establishing its identity after last yearâ€s lost season.

“You know, the schedule’s been tough the last three days,†Demko said. “We had some pressure on us coming into this road trip; I’m not going to pretend like it’s not there. Media was talking about it, guys in our room were talking about it, coaching staff’s talking about it. I think we all knew what position we were in coming into the trip, and to get the first three (wins) is huge. It’s been a great start to the trip.â€

The Canucks will rest Monday before visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

Theyâ€ll need more players.

Centre Aatu Raty, a healthy scratch the last two games due to the return of Blueger, will go back into the lineup and minor-league callup Max Sasson could find himself centring the second line.

But depending on the status of Boeser, Lekkerimaki and Blueger, the team may need to recall a couple of forwards from the Abbotsford Canucks. Vancouverâ€s road trip ends Thursday in Nashville.

Coach Adam Foote told reporters after the game that Boeser, at least, should be back soon. The wingerâ€s departure was announced by general manager Patrik Allvin less than an hour before faceoff.

“I’m hearing that it’s not going to be long at all,†Foote said.

On Wilsonâ€s open-ice hit with 36 seconds left in the first period, Foote said: “It looked like, from my first view, that it was a clean hit. Iâ€ve got to look at it again. I mean, he’s a big guy. I liked the way our players didnâ€t get caught… in the trap after a hit like that, running after him and trying to get him. We have to get two points first. That other stuff takes care of itself later down the road, if it needs to be taken care of.â€

The Canucks were up 3-0 when Wilson crushed Chytil, who was looking right and following his pass into the neutral zone as one of the NHLâ€s most notorious players closed on him from the left. The hit looked a step late.

Pettersson picked the top corner from a Garland pass just 59 seconds into the game, and Myers†cleanup from a chaotic scramble doubled the Canucks†lead at 17:09. When Capitals coach Spencer Carbery unsuccessfully challenged the goal because Canuck Evander Kane had contacted goalie Charlie Lindgren in the mosh pit around the net, Vancouverâ€s power play made it 3-0 at 17:52 when Sherwood tapped in a loose puck.

Bluegerâ€s goal, on a savvy kick-pass from Kane after Myers forced a turnover inside the Washington blue line, made it 4-0 at 4:54 of the middle period.

But Ryan Leonard, after a brilliant initial save by Demko, scored on a Capitals†power play at 13:42 of the second period. The Canucks†short bench and long travel worked against them in the third period, and goals by Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson brought the Capitals within one with 2:14 remaining.

With Washington attacking six-on-five, Vancouver survived an awful giveaway by Kane, got the two blocks from Pettersson and others from Myers and Sherwood, and Demko made the last of his 27 saves on a sharp Ovechkin redirect one second remaining.

“We bent there, but we didn’t break and we just stuck together,†Sherwood said. “We literally used every guy tonight. Demmer stood on his head, and the D were just mucking it out, and we got everyone just contributing and pulling the rope together.

“It’s a high-character win against a good team. Really happy with the way the guys just dug in and got it done.â€

Mancini on fighting Duhaime:†I mean, he asked me and I wasn’t going to turn him down. Especially in those circumstances — obviously, that’s not the guy who hit Fil — but I want to protect my teammates, stand up for my teammates. So, yeah, I was ready to answer the bell.â€

Karlsson on grabbing Wilson after his hit on Chytil: “Our guy went down pretty bad, so I didn’t really even think. I know (Wilson) is a tough guy; I was just trying to stick up for the guys. We fought for each other.â€

Foote on Pettersson: “He played great. He had more pace in his game going at guys, had more confidence. On the defensive side, we saw him with two big blocks, too. So I really liked his game, especially in not-a-friendly environment. It could have gotten really physical, and he didn’t seem to mind.â€

Myers on Chytil: “Yeah, it was tough. It’s never what you want to see, really, from any player, whether he’s on your team or not on your team. I hope he’s okay. He’s a true pro, and has been a true pro since the day he got here. And I know he will be (again) in getting better and getting back on the ice.â€

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CM Punk brought serious heart to Tokyo this weekend—and he wasnâ€t alone.

During WWEâ€s second Supershow at Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday morning, Punk joined forces with Shinsuke Nakamura for a rare tag team main event. The match saw them defeat Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, reuniting former members of The Vision for one last Tokyo clash.

But what happened after the bell rang may have meant even more to fans in the building. Once the action ended, CM Punk grabbed a mic and took a moment to speak directly to the Japanese crowd, expressing deep respect for the country, its wrestling culture, and its legends.

“I wish I could speak fluent Japanese,†Punk began, before connecting with the crowd in English. “But I think a lot of you understand English.â€

He didnâ€t stop there. Punk praised the Tokyo audience as one of the best heâ€s ever performed in front of, revealing just how long heâ€d dreamed of this moment.

“It is a privilege for me to be able to wrestle in front of what I feel is the greatest wrestling audience in the world … the Japanese wrestling fans,†Punk said. “Itâ€s a little ironic. When I was a little boy and I fell in love with pro wrestling. All I ever wanted to do was go to Japan.â€

Punk also shared his love for the late WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk, drawing a powerful connection between Funkâ€s cowboy image and the influence it had on generations of Japanese wrestlers.

“I think a lot of the Japanese wrestlers, they wanted to be American cowboys,†Punk told the crowd. “They wanted to be Terry Funk. So to me, itâ€s very beautiful that I get to come to Tokyo and I get to share a ring with a legend like Shinsuke Nakamura.â€

Nakamura then translated Punkâ€s heartfelt speech to the fans in their native language, which was followed by AJ Styles making his way out for an emotional farewell of his own—bringing things full circle for a night filled with respect, memories, and legacy.

Do you think CM Punk teaming with Nakamura in Japan should become more than just a one-time moment? Would you like to see them together again—or maybe even face off? Drop your thoughts below and share your favorite moment from the Japan Supershow.

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WWE wrapped its mini-tour of Japan today with another big show at the legendary Sumo Hall. After an eventful opening, today’s show featured an emotional farewell for an all-time great.

AJ Styles has said he plans to retire in 2026. The veteran Superstar has legendary ties to Japan, and he always receives a warm welcome when returning to the country. The two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion defeated El Grande Americano and Ivar in a Triple Threat at Friday’s live event, and defeated Kofi Kingston at today’s show.

CM Punk had a big moment to close Friday’s live event in Tokyo. Today’s show was headlined by Punk and Shinsuke Nakamura defeating Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. After the match, Punk introduced Styles, noting that he likely just wrestled his final match in The Land of The Rising Sun.

The Phenomenal One then addressed the Tokyo crowd, responding to their chants with immense appreciation. He also asked Nakamura to read a note to the local crowd.

“It should be me thanking you for everything youâ€ve done for AJ Styles. So thank you for everything youâ€ve done for me. I donâ€t know where I would be without you. Iâ€m pretty sure I wouldnâ€t be here in the WWE if it wasnâ€t for you, coming and wrestling in Japan. But I wrote something and I had it translated in Japanese because I want to make sure itâ€s said in your language so you can know how much that I love and appreciate you. So Nakamura, if you wouldnâ€t mind, would you mind reading what I wrote?,” AJ Styles wrote.

The WWE Roster Celebrates AJ Styles

The King of Strong Style then read AJ’s note to the crowd at Sumo Hall. A rough translation of that note is below.

“Everyone, as you all know, when I first came to Japan, to be honest, I didnâ€t know what people expected from me or if someone like me would even be accepted here. But from the very first day, you welcomed me with respect and passion. Every time I passed through the curtain to the ring in Japan, I gave everything I had because I felt you all were worthy of it. In return, you gave me something I will never forget: trust, energy, and love for professional wrestling. Maybe one day Iâ€ll leave this ring, but a part of my heart will always remain here, in the hearts of the Japanese people and in each and every one of you. Thank you,” Shinsuke Nakamura said on behalf of AJ Styles.

The WWE roster then came out to celebrate AJ in a wholesome moment for the live crowd. The in-ring celebration included LA Knight, Ivar, Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Roxanne Perez, Jey Uso, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Penta, and others.

Pro Wrestling NOAH legend Naomichi Marufuji was at ringside, and had a moment with his rival and friend. WWE allowed AJ to return to Japan last year to defeat Marufuji at NOAH Destination.

AJ‘s letter for Japanese fans
#WWESuperShowJapanpic.twitter.com/NV9V8bEcxM

— ç´„æŸâ„ï¸åŒ—æ¡åŠ è“®ã‚ã‚ŠãŒã¨ã† (@SLC_YUIxAZU) October 18, 2025

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AJ Styles just wrestled in Japan for the final time—and WWE made sure the moment hit hard.

During the WWE Super Show in Tokyo, the Phenomenal One got a send-off that had the entire arena on their feet, with fellow stars paying tribute to his legendary career. At the end of the show, Styles stepped into the spotlight and addressed the crowd one last time. Shinsuke Nakamura joined him in the ring to translate his message for the Japanese audience, making sure they felt every word of his farewell.

The arena erupted when “Thank You†appeared on the screen. CM Punk and Ivar lifted AJ onto their shoulders as fans erupted with applause. More WWE Superstars joined them on to celebrate, creating a lasting visual that perfectly captured Styles†final match in Japan as an active competitor.

This wasnâ€t an isolated moment either. Styles had already said goodbye to fans in Melbourne, Australia, earlier in the week—solidifying his decision to retire in 2026. WWE is planning a full-on retirement tour for the Phenomenal One next year, and if this Japan farewell was any indication, theyâ€re pulling out all the stops.

Styles has wrestled all over the world and built a reputation as one of the most respected performers in the industry. His final matches will no doubt be emotional for fans and peers alike, and WWE seems determined to send him off in style.

Are you ready to see AJ Styles hang up the boots in 2026, or do you think heâ€s got one more run left in him? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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John Cena has squashed some exciting rumors with an emotional message.

John Cena is set to have his last WWE match on December 13, following which he will hang up his boots and call it a day on his wrestling career. The legendary 17-time world champion has been at the top of the wrestling world for 20 years now and would love to finish his career on one last high with an Intercontinental Title run. However, ahead of his impending retirement, many have speculated that the star won’t be retiring in December and may backtrack on that announcement.

Cena has now released a statement squashing those rumors and stating that he was indeed entering the ring one final time on December 13.

John Cena Released A Statement Re-Establishing His WWE Retirement

Taking to X/Twitter, Cena clarified the rumors doing the rounds and stated that December 13 would be the last time fans would get to see him.

Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024 I announced I would retire from WWE in ring participation. I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time.”

Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024 I announced I would retire from WWE in ring participation. I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am… https://t.co/TnUPfuEfzx

— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 17, 2025

It remains to be seen who Cena’s last opponent will be.

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PHILADELPHIA — Sean Couturierâ€s second goal of the game with 4:10 remaining snapped a tie and sent Philadelphia to a win over Florida in Rick Tocchetâ€s home coaching debut.

Bobby Brink and Christian Dvorak added late empty-netters for the Flyers.

The Flyers captain, Couturier, became the longest-tenured athlete in Philadelphia sports once Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham retired at the end of last season.

The Flyers lost their first two games of the season on the road but got a needed lift on a throwback night at home. Tyson Forrester scored in the first period and Couturier followed with his first of the season in the second for a 2-0 lead.

Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett rallied the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers with goals but they lost for the first time in four games.

RED WINGS 3, MAPLE LEAFS 2

TORONTO — Mason Appleton scored the winner with 44.1 seconds left in regulation and Cam Talbot made 38 saves as the Detroit Red Wings survived a blown two-goal lead in the third period to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Monday.

Dylan Larkin and James van Riemsdyk had the other goals for Detroit, which picked up back-to-back victories over last seasonâ€s Atlantic Division champion.

Matthew Knies, with a goal and an assist, and Calle Jarnkrok replied for Toronto. Anthony Stolarz stopped 12 shots.

Detroit opened the scoring late in a sloppy first period when Larkin dug the puck out of a crowd and roofed a backhand on Stolarz just as a 5-on-3 power play expired. Van Riemsdyk then made it 2-0 early in the third on a partial breakaway, but Knies and Jarnkrok got Toronto back even before Appletonâ€s late heroics.

Fans at Scotiabank Arena were encouraged to stick around after the final buzzer to watch Game 2 of the American League Championship Series — happening just down the street at Rogers Centre — between the Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners on the videoboard above center ice.

Easton Cowan, selected 28th overall at the 2023 draft, made his NHL debut. He is viewed as the Leafs†top prospect.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, and celebrated his second goal with a stick twirl and fist pump, in the Colorado’s victory over winless Buffalo.

Cale Makar had a goal and assist, Martin Necas set up both of MacKinnonâ€s goals and the Avalanche improved to 3-0-1. Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves in his fourth start.

MacKinnon now has points in each of Coloradoâ€s four games, and four goals in his past three. And he continued his domination of the nonconference Sabres by increasing his total to 13 goals and 31 points in 19 career games.

Tage Thompson scored for the Sabres, who have combined for just two goals this season. Buffalo is off to its second straight 0-3 start under coach Lindy Ruff. Alex Lyon finished with 34 saves.

MacKinnon opened the scoring 3:14 in by cutting across the middle and beating Lyon with a backhander.

Colorado went up 2-1 when Valeri Nichushkin intercepted Rasmus Dahlinâ€s pass in Buffaloâ€s own zone to set up Makar 4:32 into the second period. And MacKinnon scored 8 1/2 minutes later by working his way to the middle from the left circle and snapping a shot that beat Lyon just inside the left post.

The Sabres successfully challenged Necas†goal 7:26 into the third period, with replays showing Necas being offside.

BOSTON — Pontus Holmberg put Tampa Bay up by three goals late in the second period and the Lightning held on to beat Boston.

Holmberg scored with a wrist shot 3:37 into the second to give the Lightning a 4-1 lead. Max Crozier and Oliver Bjorkstrand each got an assist.

Anthony Cirelli scored twice and Yanni Gourde added another for the Lightning.

Jordan Harris, Morgan Geekie and Casey Mittelstadt scored for the Bruins.

Jonas Johansson made 30 saves for the Lightning, while Joonas Korpisalo made 19 saves for the Bruins.

The Bruins went scoreless on the power play in five chances.

ELMONT, N.Y. — Jonathan Toews recorded his first point in nearly 2 1/2 years on an assist, and Winnipeg had five different players score goals in a win over New York.

Logan Stanley, Mark Scheifele, Nino Niederreiter, Morgan Barron and Tanner Pearson scored for the Jets.

Gustav Nyquist and Toews, who missed the past two seasons because of the effects of chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID, assisted Niederreiterâ€s power-play goal about halfway through the first period.

Emil Heineman and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each scored for the Islanders.

Eric Comrie stopped 33 shots for the Jets. Ilya Sorokin had 21 saves for the Islanders, who went scoreless on five power plays.

The Islanders remain winless at 0-3-0, having allowed 13 goals to start the season. The Jets are 2-1-0.

OTTAWA — Juuse Saros made 31 saves to lead Nashville to a win over Ottawa.

Ryan Oâ€Reillyâ€s third-period goal held up as the winner.

Oâ€Reilly made it 2-0 with 5:22 remaining in regulation. Steven Stamkos had his shot attempt blocked and the puck bounced right to Oâ€Reilly for his second of the season.

Ridly Greig scored a power-play goal with 2:03 remaining to cut the lead in half, but Jonathan Marchessault and Cole Smith each added empty-net goals in the final minute to secure the win.

Marchessault opened the scoring at 12:11 of the second period tucking the puck five-hole on Linus Ullmark, who stopped 22 shots, to capitalize on a turnover inside the blue line.

Jake Sanderson appeared to open the scoring for the Senators at the six-minute mark of the second, but the goal was overturned after a lengthy review due to goaltender interference from Tim Stutzle.

Seven minor penalties in the first period made it difficult for either team to get in a rhythm.

After giving up five power-play goals through their first two games, the Senators were fortunate the Predators power play was ineffective going 0 for 6.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer each scored in the final seconds of power plays to lift New Jersey over Columbus, securing their second straight road win.

Mercer added an empty-netter with 56 seconds left. Jake Allen stopped 23 shots over two periods in his season debut. He was replaced by Jacob Markstrom, who stopped eight shots, to start the third period. The team announced that Allen had cramping and would not return.

Kirill Marchenko tallied his fourth goal in three games for Columbus, and Dmitri Voronkov also scored. Jet Greaves made 25 saves and the Blue Jackets lost for the second time in three games.

Meier opened the scoring with one second left on a first-period power play, despite Columbus outshooting the Devils 16-8 in the frame.

Marchenko knotted the score with a breakaway at 8:49 of the second period before Mercer restored the Devils†lead at 11:09 with four seconds left in their second power-play of the game.

After Mercerâ€s empty-net goal gave New Jersey a two-goal cushion, Voronkov pulled Columbus within one with 20 seconds left in regulation, but the Blue Jackets could not complete the comeback.

VANCOUVER — Jimmy Snuggerud scored twice and St. Louis beat Vancouver.

Brayden Schenn had a goal and an assist, and Nick Bjugstad and Jake Neighbours also scored for the Blues. Jordan Binnington stopped 29 shots as St. Louis won its second game in a row.

Kiefer Sherwood scored two goals for Vancouver, including a short-handed tally on a breakaway midway through the second period. Kevin Lankinen had 30 saves in his first start of the season.

Blues center Pius Suter made his return to Vancouver, where he playenud the last two seasons before signing with St. Louis as a free agent on July 2.

Snuggerud got the Blues on the scoreboard at 8:48 of the first period, and Schenn made it 2-0 at 2:10 of the second. Sherwood got the Canucks within one at 5:33.

Snuggerud scored a power-play goal 8:13 into the second period for the first score Vancouver has allowed on the penalty-kill this season. The Canucks were 9 for 9 over the first two games and went 2 for 3 against the Blues.

Sherwood scored short-handed with 7:48 remaining in the middle period for his second of the night and third of the season.

Bjugstad restored the Blues†two-goal lead 1:33 later with shot from inside the top of the faceoff circle.

CHICAGO — Andre Burakovsky snapped a third-period tie, and Chicago beat Utah for coach Jeff Blashillâ€s first win with his new team.

Chicago dropped its first three games despite being tied at 2 after the second period in each contest. It was outshot by Utah 23-14, but a wide-open Burakovsky beat Vitek Vanecek low on the stick side for the deciding power-play goal with 11:05 left.

Ilya Mikheyev had two goals for the Blackhawks, including an empty-netter in the final seconds. Spencer Knight made 22 saves.

Blashill, 51, was hired by Chicago in May. Itâ€s his second stint as a head coach in the NHL after he went 204-261-72 in seven seasons with Detroit.

JJ Peterka scored for Utah, which dropped two of three on its season-opening road trip. Vanecek finished with 11 stops.

ST. Paul, Minn. — Marco Rossi scored in the fourth round of the shootout and Minnesota beat Los Angeles after giving up a three-goal lead in the third period.

Power-play goals by Jared Spurgeon, Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy gave Minnesota a 3-0 lead late in the first period.

The score remained until the third period when Kevin Fiala and Quinton Byfield scored early and Adrian Kempe scored late to send the game to overtime.

Fiala banked a rebound off the back of Jesper Wallstedt early in the third and Byfield added a power-play goal less than three minutes later to get the Kings to 3-2.

With an extra attacker, Kempe scored on a rebound with 44.4 seconds left in regulation for Los Angeles.

Darcy Kuemper stopped 23 shots for Los Angeles, which again struggled to stay out of the penalty box. Whistled for six infractions Monday, the Kings have been short-handed 22 times in four games.

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Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero shared a bond that no one can ever replicate, as they had a lot of love and admiration for each other. Thatâ€s why Mysterio has now remembered the late great Eddie Guerrero, on what would have been his 58th birthday.

The Master of the 619 took to Instagram and paid tribute to his late friend Eddie Guerrero on what would have been his 58th birthday, sharing a touching message on October 9. He wrote that Eddie is “all the way to heaven,†wished him a happy birthday, and said he misses him deeply, ending the post with Eddieâ€s famous “Viva La Raza.â€

“All the way to Heaven……. Happy 58th Birthday Eddie! â¤ï¸â€ðŸ”¥& Miss U #VivaLaRaza #WeeWeetoâ€

Eddie Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after suffering a heart attack. Even though heâ€s been gone for many years, his legacy still lives on. Many WWE stars honor him by using his famous moves, style, and attitude in their matches, keeping his memory and influence alive for fans today.

Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero gave fans some of the best matches and stories in WWE history. They worked together in WCW and WWE, even becoming Tag Team Champions. Their teamwork in the ring was amazing, but their real friendship made it even more special.

Even after many years, Rey still honors Eddie like family. He often pays tribute to him in interviews, on social media and during matches, reminding fans of their strong bond and the legacy they left behind. Thatâ€s how Mysterio will ensure Eddie Guerrero is never forgotten no matter what and thatâ€s never changing.

Whatâ€s your favorite Eddie Guerrero memory? Share your thoughts and stories below — and letâ€s keep his legacy alive. #VivaLaRaza

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

I didnâ€t think that Collision had any matches this week that should make the list. I know this is supposed to be a top three list, but Iâ€m not going to force anything on the list if I donâ€t think it deserves it.

Collision had some real meh matches this week, which was a disappointment.

There were two matches that I thought really stood out on Dynamite this week, and a post-match speech in one of them that really had a sad reality smack me in the face (they call that a teaser). So here we go, the top matches of the week for AEW this week.

The Young Bucks & Josh Alexander vs. Kenny Omega & Brodido ( AEW TAG Team Champions) – Dynamite 10/1/25

Before I talk about the match which I thought was great I just want to talk about Kenny Omega for a second. I donâ€t care how many times I see it, but his entrance always brings any match up a level. Heâ€s still got that “aura,†as the kids would say. I think what really struck me was the post-match speech he gave. For me it was the first time where I was like, “Oh we are really getting towards the end here.†I know Kenny is dealing with health issues right now, but his face just looked so tired. Not tired like he just wrestled a match, but tired from years of the abuse to his body. Iâ€m not sure when itâ€s going to end, but Iâ€m appreciative of these last six years weâ€ve had with Kenny Omega in AEW.

I thought this was a fun match to kick off the six year anniversary of AEW, and having three of the original founders in the ring to kick it off was a nice touch. The “Broke Bucks†being in the ring with no entrance really gave me a chuckle. The double superkicks from the Bucks to Omegaâ€s attempted dive to the outside of the ring, followed up by the body block to Kenny’s back on the ring apron was tough looking. Kennyâ€s neck kind of snapped back, and I jumped up in my seat.

I also liked Brody King giving a “goodbye†mid-flight on his body block, just like the Bucks do. I also like that they keep showcasing Brodidoâ€s strength in his matches. The body slam spot with Brody King was good, and was another great way to show how strong Bandido is. The triple piledriver spot was also cool. Overall, just a fun match, and I really enjoyed it.

Now… onto the post-match happenings. I thought all the stuff with Jurassic Express was clunky, and I didnâ€t think it was a great way for Jurassic Express to be reintroduced. I appreciate them having Omega confront Jack Perry for taking him out last year, and not pretending like that didnâ€t happen, but overall, I thought Jurassic Express should have had a little bit of a bigger moment on the show.

So, am I the only one who said to themselves “Is that Jericho?†when the lights went out and came back on? I think it was the blond hair that threw me off, and I was not expecting Andrade at all. I was not expecting Andrade for good reason. To quote Robert DeNiro from one of my all-time favorite movies, “Heat”: “The juice is not worth the squeeze” on Andrade.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

Check out the latest episode of the “All Elite Conversation Club” with Joel Dehnel and Gregg Kanner, part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “pwtorch†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)

Darby Allen & Kris Statlander ( AEW Womenâ€s World Champion) vs. Wheeler Yuta & Marina Shafir – Dynamite 10/1/25

I wasnâ€t expecting to have this match on the list when it was first advertised, but I thought everyone involved did a great job in this main event. Kris Statlander throwing Wheeler Yuta into the balcony like a lawn dart was a great spot and I always love when one team attacks another team during their entrances in matches like this. I thought the crowd was really behind Statlander in this match, and Iâ€m curious to see who the crowd at WrestleDream gets behind in her title match with Toni Storm.

I think Darby got the worst of the suplex onto the chairs in this one, and his dive onto the chair on the outside of the ring was a real gnarly spot. My man only knows one speed on those dives, and he is literally just a crash test dummy in these types of matches.

When Yuta took out the tacks, I said to myself, “We just watched a match with thousands of tacks between MJF and Briscoe.†I rolled my eyes because I didnâ€t understand why they would re-do a tack spot after we just had that match. It made the spot look lesser at that moment…. And then Marina Shafir went into the tackâ€s bare feet first, and I  yelled on my couch, “Oh my god!†when they showed the tacks in the soles of her feet. Even Taz on commentary threw out a “that sucks†when they showed her feet, which made me laugh.

I liked the post-match angle too with Moxley telling Darby, “I donâ€t know how Iâ€m going to do it, but for the first time in your life you are going to say I quit.†I like the thought of Moxley just being like you are such a sicko that I still havenâ€t thought of something to make you quit a match, but I will because Iâ€m just as much of a sicko as you.

Emptying out the Notebook:

•I was really shocked to see C.M. Punk and Britt Baker in the six year montage that played on Dynamite. I did find it funny that it was Punk in Sting makeup, though. Like, we are going to show you, but we arenâ€t going to show his actual face.

•I really like Kyle Fletcher putting Orange Cassidyâ€s hands in his own pockets, and then just stomping the hell out of him.

•The Don Callis Family is so absurdly huge right now with all these members – and I kind of love it.

•I feel like Kyle Fletcher is too important right now to be involved with this fake Hologram story. This isnâ€t a great follow up to his match with Hangman.

•Mercedes Mone could have 100 belts at this point, but she lost when the most important belt was on the line. It’s time to stop the belt collector gimmick and put the TBS Title on someone else who can benefit from it. Moneâ€s only goal should be trying to get another match for the World Title, and she hasnâ€t even acknowledged it.

•Bobby Lashleyâ€s suit this week was beautiful.

•Eddie Kingstonâ€s line about Sammy Guevara – “All of a sudden being able to speak Spanish now†– was so damn funny. Eddie is the best.

About the Author

My name is Taylor Halley, and I am from Boston, Mass. I am the proud father of two young boys aged 4.5 and 1 years old. I have been a wrestling fan for as long as I can remember, honestly. Saturday morning WWF superstars was just as important to me as Saturday morning cartoons. In the sixth grade, my class had to do a biography on a famous character from history. Most kids choose ex-presidents or famous Boston athletes at the time. I picked Shawn Michaels, my favorite wrestler of all time. My first wrestling show was at the Boston Garden, and it was a house show where Shawn Michaels was the main event. I can still remember the feeling of walking into the arena and seeing the ring live for the first time. I still have the ticket stub too. So yes, if you have not guessed yet, I am a proud Attitude Era kid. Other than wrestling, I enjoy spending time with my family and my friends, cheering on my Boston sports teams and Notre Dame college football (Go Irish!) I am also obsessed with fantasy football. If you ever need lineup advice, I am your guy. I am excited for this opportunity to write for PWTorch, and Iâ€m happy to be on the team.

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Life as a professional golfer can be brutal, isolating and level you with crippling self-doubt. For every star, countless guys are scraping and clawing to get a foothold in the professional game, keep their heads above water and build a career for themselves.

Guys like Steven Fisk.

The 28-year-old PGA Tour rookie had a trying first year on the top circuit. The Georgia Southern product made 13 cuts in 22 starts but only had one top-10 finish, which came at the Puerto Rico Open. The summer was especially tough for Fisk, who carded just one top-30 finish in his final eight starts of the PGA Tour regular season, leaving him well outside the top-100 bubble entering the FedEx Cup Fall Series.

Fisk finished T30 at the Procore Championship, which Scottie Scheffler won as a Ryder Cup tune-up. That left him at 135 on the FedEx Cup points list entering this week’s Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi. Fisk opened with a two-under 70 but then fired back-to-back seven-under 65s to get within two shots of 54-hole leader Garrick Higgo entering Sunday’s final round.

After a year spent getting a crash course in the realities of professional golf, Fisk knew he had to make the most of Sunday. With the fall season dwindling down and a trip back to the Korn Ferry Tour staring him in the face, the final round in Jackson might be his last, best chance to keep his head above water on the PGA Tour.

Steven Fisk’s final round highlights at Sanderson Farms Championship

Fisk turned in three-under 33 and then birdied the 11th to grab the outright lead. Higgo, a two-time PGA Tour winner, responded with birdies at 13, 14 and 15 to tie Fisk at 21 under. With three holes left and a career-changing win hanging in the balance, Fisk closed in style. He rolled in a 41-foot birdie putt at No. 16 to match Higgo and stay tied at 22 under.

On 17, Higgo hit his approach to six feet, but Fisk stuck it inside him. Higgo’s birdie attempt from three feet slid past the hole, opening the door for Fisk, who tapped in his two-foot birdie putt to take a one-shot lead to the 72nd hole. Fisk striped his tee shot and then stuffed his approach shot to three feet, 10 inches. Higgo’s final birdie attempt didn’t scare the hole, ceding the stage for Fisk to walk through a door that can change everything.

“[I had] an attitude that nothing was going to stop me,” Fisk told Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis after the win. “No matter what happened, no matter what shots I hit. I just felt like I’d be standing right here, right now before today started.”

When asked why he still felt that way after a trying rookie season, Fisk offered a glimpse into the uphill climb he has been attempting and the relief that irrational confidence and four good October rounds in Jackson, Mississippi, can deliver.

“Self-belief. Grit. I know I’m good enough. I thought I could do it,” Fisk said.

“It’s a lifelong dream, honestly. Sometimes you doubt yourself. I don’t know. I knew I could do it. And to have some job security is pretty nice. It has been a long, hard year.”

After rolling in the finishing birdie, Fisk embraced his caddie Jay Green. He then turned to find Edith, who was racing toward the green. She leaped into his arms, and his eyes started to tear up. She started crying, and then so did he. They exited the putting surface toward Green. Edith and Green hugged. The three held each other in a moment of relief and celebration, smiles beaming from all of their faces. The road here had been trying. Team Fisk has traversed a trying year together and endured personal tragedy along the way.

Fisk lost his father, Christopher, earlier this year after a battle with cancer. Green, who started caddying for Fisk last year, caddied for the late Grayson Murray when he won the Sony Open in 2024. After the win, the two will travel to Raleigh for the Grayson Murray Classic.

Fisk is certain that he and Green weren’t alone on their Sunday charge in Jackson.

“I think he nudged a couple of putts in for me for sure, maybe him or Grayson,” Fisk said of his father on Sunday. “I had a couple of helpers out there. I miss him very much, and I know he’d be really proud of how I played all week and especially today to keep my composure and just kind of go about my business the best way I know how.”

This day brought Fisk a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour as well as a spot in the PGA Championship and the Players Championship. Where he started the week worrying about his FedEx Cup points rank and what the future might hold if the putts didn’t start dropping over the next month-and-a-half, Fisk now can exhale. He no longer has to worry about whether or not he can make it on the PGA Tour. With a finishing birdie flurry at the Country Club of Jackson, Steven Fisk did what he and his father always believed he was capable of.

“I’d like to think that he knew this day would happen,” Fisk said.

WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has offered a critical assessment of World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins’s connection with the WWE Universe, stating that he believes Rollins is currently lacking the emotional bond with fans that is necessary to reach the absolute highest levels of superstardom.

Bully compared Rollins to top stars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk, arguing that while Rollins is undoubtedly talented, he struggles to draw the same genuine, passionate reactions from the audience. Speaking on a recent episode of Busted Open Radio,Bully Ray broke down what he feels Rollins is missing from his character.

“I always go back to what it truly has to do with, and this is old school 101, emotional connection to an audience. People genuinely love Cody. Children love Cody, thus, the parents love Cody. Roman has a god-like aura to him. You feel like you are amongst royalty when Roman comes out. Plus, he has that Samoan heritage and bloodline, which we respect so much in wrestling, but respect even more in the WWE. Punk, the consummate rebel, the guy who has always been the voice of the voiceless and the peopleâ€s guy. All three of those guys have a unique emotional connection. Emotion, thatâ€s all this f—ing business is about. The emotional manipulation of the fan base and how you can get them to love you or hate you anymore. Thatâ€s it. Seth doesnâ€t have that level of emotion yet, and heâ€s been around for a long time.â€

He then critiqued Rollins’s elaborate attire and presentation, suggesting it makes him appear as if he is trying too hard to connect with the audience.

“Youâ€re not as quick to say ‘is pro wrestler†as you were the other three. That is the microscopic nuance of the emotional connection to Seth, where when you see the get-ups every week, itâ€s almost like heâ€s trying so hard. Forget about how I feel about the suit, Cody wears a suit on the beach. Roman looks like he could be walking into a gym or the grocery store, and Punk looks like your regular everyday guy. They could be wearing those clothes anywhere. Seth is putting on this garb to go stand in the middle of the ring. Heâ€s putting Seth Rollins on on Monday night and taking it off on Tuesday morning.â€

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