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AEW COLLISION REPORT
DECEMBER 6, 2025
COLUMBUS, OH. AT GALAXYCON AT THE GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON TNT & HBO MAX
REPORT BY JOSHUA WHITE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Commentators: Ian Riccaboni & Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness

Ring Announcer: Arkady Aura

Attendance: WrestleTix had no official attendance number as the show took place as part of GalaxyCon. At a glance, Iâ€d guess it was less than a thousand.

[HOUR ONE]

-The show opened on the arena chanting “A-E-Dub†as Tony Schiavone welcomed everyone to the show.

(1) ORANGE CASSIDY vs. RODERICK STRONG – Continental Classic Tournament match (Blue League)

“Where Is My Mind†began to play, heralding the arrival of Orange Cassidy. They popped up the Blue League brackets, noting that Claudio Castagnoli was on top with six pints, while Cassidy remained at zero. As Cassidy climbed into the ring, they played audio of Renee noting that Cassidy has an injured back but is cleared to wrestle. Strongâ€s music played to bring him to the ring.

The bell rang and the match started four minutes into the hour. Strong wrestled Cassidy to the mat and grabbed a wristlock. Cassidy got his foot to the rope and they reset. Schiavone noted that Cassidy and Strong agreed to Conglomeration rules for the match, which amounts to no chops, much to Strongâ€s chagrin. Apparently, that wasnâ€t actually a thing, as Strong chopped Cassidy into the corner.

Cassidy came back with a side headlock takeover. Strong tried to escape, but Cassidy took him to the mat again with another headlock takeover. Strong got to his feet, but Cassidy took him back down with the headlock. Cassidy transitioned into a crucifix pin for a two count before taking Strong back down in the headlock.

Strong finally came back with a hard chop that caused Cassidy to roll out of the ring. Strong followed and delivered more chops at ringside. Strong dropped Cassidyâ€s back across the barricade. Back int eh ring, Strong nailed Cassidy with a backbreaker as they went to break. [c]

Back from break, Cassidy connected with a spinning DDT that left both men on the mat. Commentary said Strong delivered eight backbreakers during the break. Strong hit a few chops, which caused Cassidy to put his hands in his pockets. Strong tried to take advantage with a Stronghold, but Cassidy monkey flipped Strong out of it. Strong rolled to ringside where Cassidy connected with a dive.

Strong returned to the ring where Cassidy rammed him face first into the turnbuckle three times. Cassidy climbed to the top rope and went for a flying crossbody, but Strong caught him in midair and planted Cassidy with a powerslam. Cassidy came back with a slingshot DDT over the top rope into the ring.

Cassidy returned to the top rope, but strong met him there. Strong attempted a gutwrench superplex, but Cassidy elbowed his way out of it.  Strong adjusted and set Cassidy up for a backbreaker onto the top turnbuckle. Cassidy knocked Strong off the ropes and then landed a leaping DDT. Cassidy made the cover, but Strong kicked out at two.

Cassidy set up for an Orange Punch, but Strong countered it into a backbreaker. Strong followed up with a torture rack dropped into another backbreaker. Cassidy rolled Strong up for a two count, but Strong came back with a pair of forearm shots.

Strong set up for a suplex, but Cassidy countered it into a Stundog Millionaire. Cassidy went for another Orange Punch, but Strong caught him in midair. Strong lifted Cassidy into firemanâ€s carry and went for a gutbuster, but Cassidy landed on his feet. Cassidy cross Strongâ€s legs and folded him into a leverage pin for the three-count.

WINNER: Orange Cassidy in 13:00

-Cassidy sold her hurt back after the match as Strong was frustrated. They showed the Blue League standings, with Claudio on top with six points and Cassidy tying Moxley and Takeshita with three points.

(Whiteâ€s Take: God bless the Continental Classic for bringing stakes and story into Collisionâ€s typical lineup of good in-ring action. This one couldâ€ve gone either way which is part of what made it a fun match to open the show.)

-They cut to the announce desk, where Schiavone informed viewers that Darby Allinâ€s injury would keep him from finishing in the Continental Classic. Schiavone announced that “Jungle†Jack Perry would take his place in the tournament.

-Darby was standing by, pacing on the roof saying that he thought he was winning the war with the Death Riders, but apparently not since theyâ€re on the show day-in-day-out. Darby did some frustrated push ups and hit the wall before saying that he was scared for the first time in his life, when his legs went out during a his match with Kevin Knight. He said that the doctors are taking him out of the tournament, which he said is fine, “If you wanna save Darby from Darby, thatâ€s fine.†Darby said heâ€s never seen eye-to-eye with Perry, but hopes he wins the whole thing in Darbyâ€s place. He signed off by saying “As for Darby, I donâ€t know.â€

(Whiteâ€s Take: Darby not being able to go forward in the tournament is unfortunate. Despite his reckless style, Darby has always persevered, but I guess some of those stunts finally caught up with him. Itâ€s a shame, because the Continental Classic was an opportunity to remind people that Darby can have great matches without all the bells and whistles and flaming tables. Perry is a fine replacement, but overall offers less interesting storyline opportunities. Meanwhile, Darbyâ€s promo was a bit scattered, although he seemed to be channeling very real frustration.)

-The showed the Gold League standings, led by Kyle Fletcher.

-FTRâ€s music played to bring out FTR accompanied by Stokely. They threw to a replay of the Bang Bang Gang confronting FTR last week. Stokley grabbed a microphone as the crowd booed. He said that it was the greatest night of his life because FTR are the tag team champions. The boos faded into the crowd politely asking Stokely to shut up before fading back into boos. Stokely told Austin and Juice that they wanted them in the ring.

On cue, the lights went dark before their music played to bring out Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn. The crowd chanted “Guns up†before Cash interrupted. Cash said that the last time they beat FTR, would be the last time. He said theyâ€re living legends, while Austin is just the son of legend. Cash went on to say Austinâ€s greatest accomplishment is being Billyâ€s son, and Juiceâ€s is being Mr. Toni Storm. Dax took the microphone and said that the only time Austin and Juice are relevant is when theyâ€re against FTR. Dax held the tag title out and dared them to touch the belt.

Austin said that he is indeed the son of a half of famer, while Juice is the son of a carpenter. He went on to say Cash is the son of his first cousin and that Dax is just a son of a bitch. Austin said he wouldnâ€t play their weird title-touching fetish, telling FTR to make the tag title match official. Juice reminded everyone that they won $200,000, and they could by all the belts the want and touch them all night. Juice said heâ€s got a belt to hold his pants up and he doesnâ€t need another one; he needs a title. He said the next time they touch those titles; itâ€ll be when the ref hands it to them. He signed off with the “if youâ€re not down with that, we got two words for ya.†The crowd said, “guns up,†but Juice stared at Dax and said “And new.â€

(Whiteâ€s Take: Decent promos on both sides to bolster a very simple, but effective build to FTRâ€s first title defense.)

– Yuta, Garcia, and Marina were standing backstage. Marina said that “Greatness is not a moment, but a habit executed every single day.†She asked whoâ€s pushing Mark Briscoe like that. Yuta answered that Mark doesnâ€t have anyone. Garcia interrupted to say that Mark is one of the stupidest people he has ever met in his entire life. Garcia said the stupidest thing heâ€s done is putting his title on the line. Garcia said heâ€s bringing the TNT title home to the Death Riders. [c]

(2) CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI vs. MASCARA DORADA – Continental Classic Tournament match (Blue League)

Claudioâ€s music played as he descended an ominously lit set of stairs. He came out from the side of the entrance and walked to the ring as they shod a replay of Claudio and Moxley from Dynamite. Mascara Dorada made his entrance as the announcers claimed that Claudio has historically had issues with high-flyers. The bell rang to start the match 36 minutes into the show.

Dorada and Claudio wrestled to the mat. Dorada took Claudio down with an arm drag. Claudio landed a kick to the gut and dropped Dorada with a right hand. Claudio took Dorada to the mat with a headlock, but Dorada worked his way back to his feet.

Dorada shot Claudio off the ropes and leapt for a high-flying move, but Claudio caught him in midair and brought him down into a backbreaker. Claudio dropped Dorada with an overhand chop. Dorada dodged Claudio with a dazzling set of handsprings and flips before taking his hand and delivering low kicks.

Dorada ran to the ropes and took Claudio down with a springboard armdrag. Claudio rolled to ringside. Dorada got a running start and went for the dive, but Claudio met him in the ropes with a European uppercut. Claudio pressed Dorada above his head and dropped him cross the top of the guardrail. Claudio lifted Dorada over his head and did it again as they went to commercial. [c]

They returned from commercial as Claudio attempted to rip off Doradaâ€s mask. Dorada escaped with some kicks, but Claudio caught his foot, swung him around in the giant swing for two revolutions before tossing him across the mat. Claudio connected with a running European uppercut in the corner.

Dorada dodged a second attempt, and landed a thrust kick, leaving both men down. Dorada got to his feet but charged into a boot from Claudio. Dorada came back with a flipping armdrag from the rope followed by a running headcsissor. Claudio rolled out of the ring and then sidestepped a sliding dropkick from Dorada. Claudio aggressively rolled Dorada back into the ring and held his arm up in triumph. Dorada, with no wasted motion, dove over the top rope, snatched Claudio extended arm, and took him to the floor with a flying armdrag.

Claudio shoved  Dorada into the ring stairs and charged after him. Dorada stepped out of the way and Claudio ran into the stairs. Dorada charged at Claudio popped him up over his head. Dorada landed on the middle turnbuckle, flipped over Claudio and caught him with another armdrag.

Back in the ring, Dorada went for a victory roll that earned him a two count. Dorada climbed to the top rope as Claudio got to his feet. Dorada went for a crossbody, but Claudio caught him and nailed him with a backbreaker. Claudio made the cover, but Dorada kicked out at two. Claudio hit another running European uppercut in the corner and went for the cover, but Dorada kicked out at two.

Dorada connected with a thrust kick, but then ran into a clothesline that turned him inside out. Claudio made a weak cover that got a two count. Claudio ran into a boot from Dorada in the corner. Dorada went for a running hurricanrana, but Claudio blocked it and powered Dorada up onto his shoulders. Claudio climbed onto the middle turnbuckle, where Dorada elbowed his way out of Claudioâ€s grip. Dorada dropped to the apron, landed a kick and then took Claudio down with a twisting hurricanrana from the top rope.

Dorada climbed back to the top rope, but Claudio met him with a running uppercut. Claudio climbed up and went for a superplex. Dorada blocked it and shoved Claudio off, sending him crashing to the mat. Dorada stood up and executed a shooting star press that connected on Claudio. Dorada hooked the leg and got the win.

WINNER: Mascara Dorada in 12:00

(Whiteâ€s Take: A fun match from start to finish pitting Claudioâ€s strength and ruthlessness against Doradaâ€s agility and ingenuity. These kinds of upsets make the tournament format extra interesting. Bonus points for the announcers planting the seeds of Claudio struggling with luchadors.)

-They threw to a previously recorded segment featuring Tony Schaivone sitting down backstage with Harley Cameron, Willow Nightingale, Toni Storm, & Mina Shirakawa. They sat in front of the womenâ€s tag belts and Mina handed her opponents each a glass of champagne. Schiavone said theyâ€re four of the most beloved individuals on the roster. Toni Storm raised a glass to “four bitches with the itches that fight for all the riches.†Toni said thereâ€s a difference between being a tag team and living a tag team. She said that her and Mina have been through war and have loved each other through it all.

Willow said she supports them in their personal life, but ti has no bearing on what happens in the ring. Toni said that sheâ€s beaten both Willow and Harley, while neither can say the same about her. Harley said thereâ€s no denying their accomplishments, but they are ready to rewrite history. Harley said that he first three years have been more successful than Toni or Mina. Mina interrupted to remind everyone that theyâ€re fighting for the belts, and said theyâ€ll give them a fight to remember. Schiavone said heâ€d drink to that and they all raised their glasses. [c]

(Whiteâ€s Take: A fine segment to hopefully refocus the womenâ€s tag title tournament after the unfortunately unnecessary four-way on the PPV and the subsequently saddening semi-finals match on Sunday. To the surprise of no one, Toni Storm was the star, although everyone added a little.)

[HOUR TWO]

-Back from break, Schiavone was in the center of the ring to welcome Swerve Strickland to the ring. Swerveâ€s new music played, bringing Prince Nana out. Swerve eventually made his way to the ring as the announcers said that Swerveâ€s new song and entrance music will be available next Wednesday. Nana led a “whose house†chant as Swerve grabbed a microphone. Swerve said heâ€s been grinding to make himself biggest, baddest, most dangerous version of himself. He said itâ€s all for the world championship. Swerve said when he was champion it was simple: he said, meant it, and backed it up. Swerve called out Samoa Joe and reminded him that he beat him for the title to make history. Swerve expressed annoyance of having to cut through Opps Dojo people, Hobbs, Shibata, and Hook to get to Joe. He said that Joe will fall to the franchise of AEW. Swerve pivoted to “Hangman†Adam Page. He said they donâ€t see eye-to-eye and probably never would, but they have the greatest rivalry in the history of AEW. He then went on to say for one night, and one night only, heâ€ll team with Page to fight the Opps, but afterwards theyâ€ll have to have a serious conversation.

Swerve was interrupted by Josh Alexander, saying he couldnâ€t take it anymore. Alexander said Swerve is great, but AEW is no Don Callis†house. He said that since Swerve was gone, theyâ€ve had a chokehold on the company. Alexander said Swerve is after the title, but heâ€s not seeking revenge against the man who put him out, Okada. He also said he takes exception to Swerve thinking heâ€ll just get a title shot. Alexander ran down his recent accomplishments, such as beating Ospreay, injuring Ibushi, and earning one million dollars. Alexander eventually said he deserves a title shot. He proposed they fight each other to determine who deserves a shot at the title. Alexander implied the crowd, however, does not deserve the match. Swerve suggested they fight at Cardiff, which Alexander was fine with, being as itâ€s far away from Ohio.

Shibata came from nowhere and took Swerveâ€s previously injured leg out from behind. Swerve sold his leg as Shibata headed to the back and Alexander told him heâ€d see him next week.

(Whiteâ€s Take: Nice of Collision to get a focused segment featuring one of the companyâ€s top stars. Swerveâ€s promo was mostly good, although Iâ€ve always felt he performs better with someone to play off of. The content of the promo was welcome though, providing a mission statement of sorts, focusing on the world title, and addressing his tenuous association Hangman. Josh Alexander interrupting and Shibataâ€s sneak attack didnâ€t do much for me, but these are but speedbumps on the highway to Swerve reclaiming the gold. Alexander’s promo was fine, but he seems leagues beneath Swerve, despite his insistence to the contrary.)

-Lexy Nair was backstage with Mercedes Mone, who looked upset as Lexy brought up her loss the previous night on Final Battle. Mercedes cut her off and said she doesnâ€t want to talk about it and told Lexy to ask a better question. Lexy asked if her recent losses are weighing on her at all. Mercedes gathered herself and said sheâ€s the longest reigning TBS champion and the only thing weighing on her is her 12 titles. Mercedes told Leila Grey that there is a price to pay, when you mess with Mercedes Mone.

(3) MERCEDES MONE vs. LEILA GREY (w/Christopher Daniels) – TBS Championship match

Merecedes made her entrance as they threw to a video of Red Velvet defeating her for the ROH Womenâ€s Television title the night before. Leila Grey made her entrance along with Christopher Daniels as they showed a replay of Leila picking up a few victories on ROH.

The bell rang 12 minutes into the hour and Mercedes immediately blindsided Grey. Grey rolled to the outside where Mercedes hit her with a. sliding dropkick. Mercedes went for a meteora from the apron, but Grey sidestepped it and Mercedes hit Christopher Daniels instead. Grey hotshotted Mercedes across the top rope and delivered a series of strikes and shotgun dropkick. Grey made the cover, but only got two.

Grey hit a swinging neckbreaker and went for the pin again, but Mercedes kicked out at two again. Grey connected with an enziguri, but Mercedes came back with a back elbow. Mercedes grabbed Grey with her feet and rammed her head into the turnbuckle. Grey caught Mercedes with a kick and a rising knee in the corner.

Grey went for a running bulldog, but Mercedes pushed her off and hit Grey with a grounded meteora. Mercedes hooked the leg, but grey kicked out at two. Mercedes was in control as as they went to commercial. [c]

Back from commercial, Mercedes missed double knees in the corner and Grey took advantage with a pair of lariats and a slingblade.  Grey hit Mercedes in the corner with a running knee, but seemed to have maybe hurt her own knee in the process. Grey delivered a running bulldog on Mercedes. Mercedes caught Grey with a crucifix pin, but Grey kicked out at two. Mercedes transitioned directly into the Statement Maker and Grey tapped out.

WINNER: Mercedes Mone in 6:00

-Mercedes held onto the submission after the bell until Christopher Daniels slid in to break it up. Daniels checked on Grey and Mercedes hit him with a low blow. Mercedes walked to the commentary desk and stole Schiavone headset to let everyone know that sheâ€s the greatest TBS champion of all time.

(Whiteâ€s Take: Not sure if Grey was ready for this spot. She seemed to be moving a bit slowly and tentatively, actively thinking about her spots. It doesnâ€t help that she appears to have been hurt. Not sure if they rushed to the finish and/or improvised the after-match stuff to fill time.)

-Eddie Kingston was backstage, saying heâ€s been doing this for 25 years. He told Samoa Joe that he canâ€t get into his head. Kingston said that he cares too much about wrestling and AEW. Kingston was worried about the direction some young wrestlers are going. He said that Joe is the best wrestler in the world, and the title proves it. Kingston said he wants change to improve the culture. He said he wants to win the title to show the younger guys that they can win by doing it the right way, the way AEW is supposed to be. [c]

-They returned from, break as Ian Ricconi reported that something was going on backstage. They went backstage where The Triangle of Madness were beating down a group of unknown female competitors. Thekla held one of them as Skye Blue and Julia Hart hit her with a double superkick. They faced the camera, saying “Sisters of Sin, we come for the win.†Thekla signed off with a “See you in Cardiff, bitches.â€

(4) RICOCHET (w/Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) vs. ACE AUSTIN – National Championship match

Ricochet made his entrance alongside GoA as they showed a replay of Ricochet beating Dalton Castle the night before at ROH Final Battle. Ace Austin made his entrance as they showed a replay of Austin picking up a win of his own on ROH. The bell rang to start the match 29 minutes into the second hour.

Ace took Ricochet down with a headlock. Ace and Ricochet traded athletic dodges before Ace took Ricochet down again with another headlock. Ace rolled Ricochet up for a quick two count. Ricochet retreated to ringside in frustration. Ricochet reentered and Ace landed a quick combination of strikes before taking Ricochet down with a leg trip followed by a magistral cradle for a two count.

Ace connected with a. dropkick and Ricochet rolled out of the ring to regroup. Ricochet grabbed the ring bell hammer and slid into the ring. Ricochet wrestled with the referee, who eventually took the hammer from him. The distraction allowed Kaun to grab Aceâ€s foot and Ricochet to hit him from behind. Ricochet hit Ace with a suicide dive as they cut to commercial. [c]

Back from break, Ace struggled out of a headlock with body strikes. Ricochet went for a running dropkick in the corner, but Ace ducked out of the way, leaving Ricochet to crash and burn. Ace hit Ricochet with a short arm clothesline followed be a knee lift and Russian leg sweep. Ace landed a leg drop and a running clothesline in the corner into a flurry of clotheslines.

Ricochet distracted the ref as Toa Liona attempted to attack Ace on the apron. Ace, however, athletically dodged his attacks and hit Ricochet with a springboard crossbody. Ace planted Ricochet with a sitout powerbomb into the pin, but Ricochet kicked out at two.

Ace set up for The Fold, but Ricochet retreated to the corner. Ricochet rolled Ace up for a two count and then landed a dropkick. Ricochet executed a running shooting star press and held on for the pin, but Ace kicked out at two.

Ricochet called for the Spirit Gun as Ace struggled to his knees. Ricochet charged, but Ace ducked the Spirit Gun. Ace went for a backslide, but Ricochet turned it around into a suplex attempt that Ace countered into an inside cradle for a two count. Ricochet went for another suplex, but Ace countered it and lifted Ricochet up onto the top turnbuckle. Ace nailed Ricocert with a superplex all the way from the top rope.

Ace followed up with his signature leg-trapped head stomp, The House of Cards. Ace went for the pin, but Ricochet kicked out at two. Ace set up for The Fold again, but Ricochet pulled the referee in between them. As the ref ducked out of the way, Ricochet went for a low blow, but Ace caught his foot. Ricochet flipped out of it and hit a running lariat. Ricochet planted Ace with the Vertigo and held on for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ricochet in 10:00

(Whiteâ€s Take: This was a pretty good match, although the mere existence of the National title brings it down a notch. Ace Austin could have a promising future on the roster and Ricochet is doing some of the best work of his career.)

-After the match, FTR hit the ring and beat down Ace Austin. Austin Gunn and Juice Robison charged the ring and FTR met them with fists. Dax and Cash both tried to hit Juice and Austin with the tag titles, but they simultaneously ducked and hit stereo punch combinations. FTR rolled out of the ring, leaving the tag titles. The Bang Bang Gang tossed the titles out of the ring to FTR. [c]

(5) JON MOXLEY vs. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA – Continental Classic tournament match (Blue League)

Moxleyâ€s music played, and he passed Marina backstage before making his way through the crowd and to the ring. Takeshita made his entrance as Schiavone noted that Takeshita has never lost a singles match on Collision. The bell rang and the match start 48 minutes into the second hour.

The crowd chanted “Holy shit†as Moxley and Takeshita locked up. Moxley shoved Takeshita, who didnâ€t back down, earning a pair of middle fingers from Moxley. Thet wrestled to the mat where Takeshita put Moxley into a headscissor. Moxley escaped and Takeshita transitioned into a side headlock. Moxley reversed into his own headlock and Takeshita shot him off the ropes. The met int eh middle with a shoulder block, neither man giving an inch.

Takeshita landed a boot to the face followed by a flying clothesline. Takeshita went for a suplex, Moxley flipped out and landed on his feet, but seemingly hurt his ankle. Takeshita wasted no time, sliding the outside of the ring and stretching Moxleyâ€s ankle against the ring post. Takeshita hit Moxley with a series of forearms on the outside and then slammed his foot into the barricade. Back in the ring, Takeshita took Moxley down with a dragon screw that seemed to focus on the ankle. Moxley clutched his ankle in the corner as they went to break. [c]

They returned from commercial as Takeshita kicked Moxley in the foot and then stretched his ankle in the ropes. Takeshita hit the ropes and charged, but Moxley caught him with a forearm. Moxley attempted to suplex Takeshita from the apron to the outside, but Takeshita landed on the apron and landed a kick.

Moxley hit Takeshita with a dropkick to the leg and then drilled him with a big stomp on the apron. Takeshita collapsed to the outside of the ring and Moxley recovered in the ring. Takeshita rolled into the ring and Moxley hit him with a back suplex. Takeshita came back with a German suplex. Takeshita and Moxley charged and hit each other with double clotheslines that left both men down.

They got to their feet and traded forearm shots in the center of the ring. The continued to brawl with left and rights. Takeshita hit the ropes and went for a clothesline, but Moxley ducked it and connected with a big lariat on Takeshita. Moxley went for a sleeper hold, but Takeshita countered it into a blue thunder bomb attempt, which Moxley countered into a rolling armbar attempt, but Takeshita locked his hands to block it. Moxley snatched Takeshitaâ€s foot and locked in an ankle lock. Takeshita struggled and crawled, eventually making his way to the rope to break the hold.

Takeshita rolled onto the apron where Moxley set up for a piledriver, but Takeshita backdropped him instead. Moxley hit the apron and got to his feet at ringside as Takeshita tried to hit the ropes, but instead collapsed due to the damage to his ankle.

Moxley rolled into the ring to take advantage, but Takeshita got to his feet and connected with a. forearm that knocked Moxley back out of the ring. Takeshita hit the opposite ropes and nailed Moxley with a flipping dive to the outside. The crowd chanted “this is awesome†as Takeshita cleared off the announce table.

Moxley charged and Takeshita lifted him up into a blue thunder bomb, slamming him down against corner of the announce table, which collapsed under Moxleyâ€s weigh. The ref started the count and Moxley struggled, crawling to the ring, barely rolling in at nine. Takeshita was waiting on the top rope and executed a frog splash on Moxley as soon as he rolled in. Takeshita hooked the leg, but Moxley kicked out at two.

Moxley caught Takeshita will a roll up for a two count and then a sudden cutter out of nowhere. Moxley went for a piledriver, but Takeshita swept Moxleyâ€s leg out and crushed his ankle. Moxley struggled to get back to his feet and Takeshita spun around for a discus forearm, but Moxley caught him with a sudden forearm shot of his own.

Moxley flipped Takeshita off, prompting him to charge right into a sudden double-arm DDT. Moxley hooked the leg and the ref counted to two before Takeshita just barely got his foot onto the rope for the break. Moxley hit a running clothesline on Takeshita in the corner and then a running boot that knocked Takeshita to the mat.

Takeshita was fired up and got right back to his feet where Moxley met him with a. stiff forearm and a combination of jabs. Moxley hit the ropes and charged Takeshita, but his ankle gave out on him. Moxley fell to his knee and Takeshita nailed him with a running knee. As Moxley struggled to get back up, Takeshita lowered his knee pad and then drilled Moxley with a second running knee. Takeshita lifted Moxley up and then planted him with the Raging Fire. Takeshita held on for the pin and got the win.

WINNER: Konosuke Takeshita in 17:00

(Whiteâ€s Take: Itâ€s shocking that a match of this caliber would even take place of Collision. I know the Continental Classic forces some pretty meaty match-ups, but these two could legitimately headline a PPV in the near future. And, to that end, Moxley and Takeshita delivered a PPV-quality performance. It was a hard-hitting affair spiced with mat work and ring psychology. Another match that could have went either way, a draw seemed likely as they crossed over 17-minute threshold. Moxleyâ€s ability to have such good regular matches makes his deathmatch fixation all the more annoying. Strong signature win for Takeshita as he prepares to defend the NJPW title at their biggest show of the year.)

-They showed the updating standings for the Blue League quickly before signing off, as they were several minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a delightful episode of Collision. We can give a lot of credit to the Continental Classic for bringing solid matches, but Collision was never hurting for that. What this week delivered was star power, matches with stakes, and storyline developments. We had Swerveâ€s first big promo following his return, world title challenger Eddie Kingston addressing the champion, good build for the tag titles, Darby being replaced for Jack Perry in the tournament, all on top of the good-to-great matches in the Continental Classic. Taking into account a general lack of nonsense and irritants, and you have a show which is likely better than this weekâ€s Dynamite. As an aside, Ian Riccaboni is mostly good. He didn’t add much, but would be welcome as a replacement for Schiavone.

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David Kirouac-Imagn Images

It was all about the fundamentals in the New York Rangers†4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

Going into this matchup, the Rangers were coming off of an emotional, come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Stars.

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The Rangers carried that momentum into Ottawa, as they came into the game with a fiery and intense energy.

A clean breakout started by Artemi Panarin, followed up by nifty stick work from J.T. Miller, ended in a Mika Zibanejad goal to put the Rangers up 1-0, 3:19 into the first period.

A few minutes later, it was Noah Labaâ€s physicality to steal the puck in the neutral zone and keep the puck in the offensive zone that led to Vladislav Gavrikovâ€s goal, giving the Blueshirts a quick 2-0 lead.

“It was critical,†Mike Sullivan said of how impactful Labaâ€s physical play was to Gavrikovâ€s goal.  “I thought Labs was physical all night. He brings a speed element with his size and his strength. When he brings some physicality to his game I think he’s a lot more effective…I thought this was one of his more physical games that he’s had in a while.”

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Gavrikov now has three goals over his past five games, as heâ€s far exceeded his offensive expectations going into the season. His six goals has him tied for fifth among all NHL defensemen in goals this year.

“Obviously, his core competency is his ability to defend,†Sullivan said on Tuesday about Gavrikov. “He’s hard to play against. He’s one of the better defending defensemen, we think, in the league. Having said that, we believe has the ability to help our offense, whether it be with outlet passes or joining the rush or being active off the offensive blue line. I won’t lie, I’m surprised with how effective he’s been just with his instincts. In particular, the way he jumps off the offensive blue line.â€

All night long, the Rangers†relentless forecheck allowed them to sustain offensive pressure and put the Senators on their toes.

Between the constant forecheck and net-front presence, the Rangers were able to make the Senators†life a lot harder.

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That was especially evident on Will Borgenâ€s goal in the second period.

Sullivan has always preached for forwards to go after pucks hard and try to hold onto pucks when they can in order to sustain pressure, while strong net-front presence is an element of the game heâ€s tried to instill into the Rangers†game.

Vladislav Gavrikov Exceeding All Of Mike Sullivan’s Expectations

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/vladislav-gavrikov-exceeding-all-of-mike-sullivan-s-expectations" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vladislav Gavrikov Exceeding All Of Mike Sullivan's Expectations The signing of Vladislav Gavrikov is turning out to be extremely impactful for the New York Rangers. ;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas” class=”link “> Vladislav Gavrikov Exceeding All Of Mike Sullivan’s Expectations The signing of Vladislav Gavrikov is turning out to be extremely impactful for the New York Rangers.

“I thought we competed hard all night long,†Sullivan said. “We just kept trying to play the game the right way. I think overall, I thought it was a pretty good effort…  “I thought we did a real good job, in particular tonight, getting inside a little bit more of the forwards we’re getting to the net more there was intention there.â€

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Igor Shesterkin made some big stops when the Rangers did up some high-quality chances, and he made 25 saves on the night

Panarin reached a milestone in this game, recording the 900th point of his career.

“Happy to get that, but glad we win tonight,†Panarin said of recording 900 career points. “Especially in a winning game, I have that number. So nice.â€

The Rangers will be back in action on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche.

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WWE could have a 42-year-old celebrity on its shows more often in the near future, according to a recent report.

Andrew Schulz, a popular stand-up comedian and actor, among other things, has appeared in the Stamford-based company’s programming twice before. On the March 10 episode of RAW this year, Schulz was seen getting into an altercation with Logan Paul. When The Maverick looked ready to put the celebrity through the metaphorical grinder after being insulted, AJ Styles suddenly appeared and turned the tables, allowing the celebrity to escape unharmed.

Later, on the November 17 episode of RAW, Andrew Schulz was seen in the audience once again. This time, he got into a heated battle of words with Dominik Mysterio and the rest of The Judgment Day, which escalated to a brief tussle at ringside. While Schulz also had allies with him, the situation did not lead to a full brawl, and the heel stable chose to walk away instead after a few angry comments.

WWE Is Reported Impressed With Andrew Schulz

According to a recent report by TC of WrestleVotes, Andrew Schulz’s appearances have made a good impression backstage and with the people in charge, which could lead to him being featured on their shows more down the line.

On social media, the report claimed:

I’ve heard from WWE sources that comedian Andrew Schulz has made a strong impression with many people within the company. Schulz, who has several specials on Netflix, made two appearances on RAW in 2025. Expect to see more of Schulz featured in WWE programming moving forward.”

You can check out the tweet below:

I’ve heard from WWE sources that comedian Andrew Schulz has made a strong impression with many people within the company.

Schulz, who has several specials on Netflix, made two appearances on RAW in 2025.

Expect to see more of Schulz featured in WWE programming moving forward. pic.twitter.com/s3MUHUs50i

— TC of WrestleVotes (@TCwrestlevotes) December 3, 2025

For now, his fans and the rest of the WWE Universe will have to stay tuned to see if Andrew Schulz will be taking a more active role and appearing in more shows produced by the Stamford-based promotion.

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If OG Anunobyâ€s rehab continues to progress well, it sounds like heâ€ll be back on the court before the end of the calendar year.

Anunoby will obviously return to the starting lineup whenever heâ€s ready to play.

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Who will be the fifth starter when Anunoby comes back? Thatâ€s less clear. But Josh Hart continues to make a strong case to start.

He had 20 points on 12 shots, pulled down 12 rebounds (five offensive) and tallied seven assists in New Yorkâ€s win over Toronto on Sunday. Heâ€s shooting 65 percent on threes in his four games as a starter (20 attempts); heâ€s averaging of 11.8 rebounds and seven assists per game in that span.

Knickscoach Mike Brown seems very happy with Hartâ€s impact as a starter. He criticized himself for his usage of Hart early in the season – and credited the veteran with how he handled it.

“Especially our first three losses, I’ll take the hit on that,†Brown said of Hartâ€s early-season role. “…The tough part was even backing up further, [Hart] didn’t really play in the preseason, he didn’t even really practice in the preseason. So, for me, I was behind the eight ball and was really trying to figure out how to incorporate him with what we’re trying to do. It just took time and he was extremely patient with the process.

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“We have a standard and that’s that contract that everybody signed (that hangs in the Knick locker room) and it’s about sacrifice, connectivity, competitive spirit, but then a belief in each other, but just as much as that, have a belief in the process. Josh was huge on two of those things. His sacrifice was unbelievable because when I took him out, he just sat. When I called his number, he went out and played, but more importantly, his belief in the process, even if he thought I was wrong, was awesome.

“When you’re a leader, you have to show that or embrace those types of things more than everybody else cause you got to set the example and if somebody steps out of the realm of what our standard is because you did it as a leader, now you can tell them, ‘Hey, come back over here because we all got to do this. I had to go through it, you may have to go through it, this guy may have to go through it.†So, he’s a special player, but he’s also a great human being to be around.â€

Hartâ€s play in the third quarter on Sunday was key; he had 13 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal in the quarter. He hit three threes – two of which came after Toronto cut New Yorkâ€s lead to six midway through the quarter.

“He did a really good job of playmaking, rebounding and he was, in my opinion the best player on the court,†Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. So, it will be really interesting for us to watch the film and, like I said, get ready for the next game.â€

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The Knicks play the Raptors in Toronto on Dec. 9 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. The winner goes to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals.

Nov 30, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) drives past New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

BRUNSON IMPRESSES OPPOSITION

Jalen Brunson didnâ€t have a strong shooting night on Sunday but he contributed in other ways (seven assists, six rebounds – two offensive). He also continues to get off the ball when teams throw two defenders at him.

Rajakovic tried to send two Raptors at Brunson on Sunday during different stretches of the game.

Before the game, Rajakovic shared some detailed thoughts on Brunsonâ€s impact.

“He is the type of player that I can put in the category of Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic – different position, obviously. But guys who are just playing at their own pace. You cannot speed them up. Their awareness is amazing.,†Rajakovic said early Sunday. “At any point of time they know where the hand of the defensive player is. What is the footwork, how can they get by somebody, how can they get to their sweet spot from the floor. How can they score from there, how can they playmake from there.

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“And heâ€s elite at doing it. Heâ€s not the strongest, not the fastest, but his skill level and shooting ability is amazing and that makes him one of the biggest offensive weapons in the league.â€

Brown said on Friday that Brunson isnâ€t getting enough attention as an early-season MVP candidate.

The Knick coach shared more thoughts on the topic before Sundayâ€s game.

“Itâ€s not necessarily about (height); itâ€s about what you bring to the table,†Brown said in response to a question about MVPs at Brunsonâ€s height. “Itâ€s still early and weâ€re in the top part of the eastern conference. And the numbers heâ€s putting up are pretty good. I donâ€t know exactly how they compare to others across the board that are in the top 3, 4 spots in the East and West. (And) I donâ€t see it all the time but when I see people talking (about MVP candidates), or I see lists, I never see him.

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“And Iâ€m amazed at the lack of attention that he gets for what heâ€s done in this league already. And what he continues to do, night in and night out. Especially when heâ€s the guy on a team thatâ€s in a pretty good spot in their conference.”

If youâ€ve been watching the Knicks over the past four years, you know how Brunsonâ€s footwork around the basket is a huge part of his offensive success.

Brown was asked about Brunsonâ€s footwork and he put the Knick All-Star in elite company.

“Iâ€ve been fortunate, blessed, lucky to be around a bunch of great players and Jalenâ€s footwork around the basket – especially for his size – is probably second to none. His footwork is really good,†Brown said. “Iâ€ll probably get killed for saying this but Kobeâ€s footwork was really good, and Iâ€m not saying Jalenâ€s Kobe or vice versa, their patience, their footwork in that painted area is at an extremely high level and not many guys have that.â€

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RALEIGH – Breaking the silence in a dressing room quieted by a 1-0 overtime loss, Devin Cooley was asked about the opportunity heâ€s been presented.

In a season in which the Calgary Flames’ backup wasnâ€t expected to get many more than a half dozen starts by Christmas, his number was called Sunday for the fifth time in six games.

No, Dustin Wolf is not nursing an injury, nor are they resting him.

Cooley has simply played his way to prominence, with numbers that have him among league leaders in goals against (1.88) and save percentage (.930).

On Sunday, he was at his best once again, keeping the Flames in a tight game against the leagueâ€s third-best offence, until Nikolaj Ehlers poked home the winner three minutes into extra time.

When asked how heâ€s managed to break through in such dramatic fashion, the 28-year-old rookie said his key is keeping it loose.

“I’m laughing, I’m smiling, I’m singing, you know, I’m making jokes,†said Cooley despite losing out on his first NHL shutout minutes earlier.

“(Andrei) Svechnikov comes up to me and he goes, ‘Give me a goal.’ And Iâ€m like, ‘I donâ€t want to give you a goal.†He says, ‘maybe five-hole?,†and I say ‘maybe.â€â€

He then cited a third-period turnover of his that prompted him to have to poke away a centring pass.

“Itâ€s a horrible play by me, but then I go in the corner, Iâ€m like laughing, Iâ€m looking at Wolfie and heâ€s laughing too,†said Cooley, who stopped 16 of 17 shots in a 1-0 loss.

“It just helps take away the severity of the mistakes you make and makes the game a lot more fun. Thatâ€s when I play my best.

“When I stop having fun, and I start gripping my stick a little too hard, thatâ€s when maybe I donâ€t play so good. So Iâ€m just gonna continue to try to have as much fun as possible.â€

Anecdotes like these are not normal in a hockey world in which beige is always the colour of the day, and sticking out is shunned.

As coach Ryan Huska joked recently when asked about Cooleyâ€s oversharing, “When I hear things like that, I just think, ‘goalie.â€â€

Craig Conroy thinks the same thing, but admits heâ€s been chastised by his wife for doing so.

“My wife even mentions that, because I’ll say, ‘Whoa, that was a lot,†and she goes, ‘Craig, you used to say some stuff too,â€â€ laughed the Flames GM, who was one of the more colourful, chatty types as a player. Â

“So, I get it. That’s just his personality. But, again, sometimes you’re like, ‘Oh, why would you say that?†Itâ€s just the wording sometimes. But then you hear the response, and people love it. It’s just kind of a breath of fresh air, and he’s being him. It’s fun.â€

It started with the day he arrived at camp from San Jose two summers ago with a road trip tale that involved two flat tires, his pet rabbit Tito and an accident involving a truck spilling exploding whipped cream canisters.

Every chat since is full of animation, including the recent revelation that during games, he repeats a simple mantra to calm himself: “Nothing matters. Nobody cares. Weâ€re all going to die.â€

“I’m trying not to think too much about myself at all,†said Cooley, who went from being the best goalie in the AHL last season to the worst following a mid-season concussion.

“I think in previous years, and maybe even in pre-season, I was just so focused internally, stressed and second-guessing myself. And now it’s like, I’m only focused on what’s happening outside, and what the other team is doing, and trying to have a lot of fun while I play.Â

“I just continue to learn and continue to get better, and hopefully I can continue that for the whole season, because anybody in this league can have a stretch of, like, 10 good games as a goalie, but the test is if you can do it consistently over a season. So that’s kind of my goal is just to continue to progress and continue to be consistent.â€

Heâ€s getting more chances to do that, which is a significant development for a team worried in the pre-season it would have to play Wolf upwards of 60 times.

“Devin has been really good, so there isnâ€t a sense that we have to overplay Dustin,†said Huska, explaining his decision to keep playing Cooley.

“We have two good goaltenders now and Devin has proven that we need to look at him that way. Heâ€s finding a way to get us points and making key saves at the right time, so you want to reward him.â€

Asked if he could have fathomed getting a cluster of starts like this, given the pre-season struggles he had, he shrugged.

“I try not to think about it, you know, and I’ve said this a few times before, like, I don’t care if I play 50 games or five games or I’m not even here,†said Cooley.

“I just want to continue to take things day by day and continue to have fun with it. This is my purpose in life right now, you know? And this is what gives me energy and what gives me happiness, and what I enjoy more than anything. And I’m just happy to be here and continuing to learn and grow.â€

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LOS ANGELES — The challenge for Kevin Lankinen to jump back into a National Hockey League goal crease and start after four days without practising or playing was surely less than whatever the Vancouver Canuck has been dealing with at home this week.

With his desperate team facing the second half of back-to-back road games Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings, Lankinen flew back from a personal leave for family reasons and stopped 21 of the first 22 shots he faced before a broken play in overtime gave him no chance against Adrian Kempe in the Canucks†2-1 loss.

After only a morning skate with a few teammates, Lankinen played after four days off — and after minor-league callup Nikita Tolopilo was in goal for the first two games of a road trip in which the Canucks are 1-1-1 heading to Tuesdayâ€s finale against the dominant Colorado Avalanche.

Coach Adam Foote announced Lankinenâ€s return earlier Saturday, and general manager Patrik Allvin said he believes the goalie will finish the trip with his teammates.

“All I want to say is I’m just really thankful to Adam and Patrik for offering me some time to stay with my family when they need me the most,†Lankinen said. “So I’m really thankful for that.

“I felt good out there. And that’s what hockey is about — youâ€ve got to be able to perform. And I was happy to help the team. Itâ€s too bad we couldn’t get the win.â€

After playing a low-event road game and allowing the Kings single-digit high-danger scoring chances, the Canucks surrendered a couple of two-on-ones in overtime. In the aftermath of the second rush, Quinton Byfield heeled his shot from the slot, but the puck went straight to Kempe, who was able to settle it and fire it into a semi-open net as Lankinen and teammates Elias Pettersson and Kiefer Sherwood tried frantically to get in front of the shot.

A game that began with three official reviews in the first five minutes also ended with one, as the NHL Situation Room in Toronto took a look at the winning goal before ruling that Byfield, who went to the edge of the crease after his miss, did not unfairly impede Lankinen.

“I tried to do my best there,†the goalie said. “I don’t really know. . . I’m not sure what happened there. I was just trying to throw something at (the shot). But I’m sure the league did their homework (on the review) and I trust their judgment.â€

Asked if it was difficult to focus on hockey after his personal leave, Lankinen said: “I trust my preparation. I trust the work that I’ve put in. I feel like I can perform, so I was just happy to help the team. Just too bad we couldn’t get the win.â€

“Kevin was great,†Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers said. “It was good to get him some extra time at home and, you know, for him to fly in and step in like he did tonight. . . he’s been doing it for us since he came to Vancouver. We always have a tonne of confidence in him.

“For sure, you want to play hard for him, anytime someone’s going through something. And you know, he was great tonight. I thought the guys battled really hard. We came up short on the second point, but a lot to look at in terms of what we want to bring into the next games.â€

Shots in regulation were just 22-19 for the Kings, and Natural Stat Trickâ€s website had high-danger scoring chances at just 8-6 for Los Angeles in all situations.

“I thought we did a lot of good tonight, especially the second and third periods,†Myers said. “It felt like one of our better neutral-zone games of the year, which I thought allowed us to not spend as much time in our own end. That’s how we have to play. It’s going to give us a better chance to win every night.

“You know, when we look to cheat or float and hope offence comes to us, that’s usually when we get in trouble defensively. So I thought our second and third was really good tonight. A lot to build off.â€

Starting 27 hours after losing 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks in one of the worst-officiated games of the season, the last thing the Canucks needed — or at least their fan base needed — was more controversy.

Naturally, there were three reviews in the first five minutes, which took a goal for each team off the board on successful coaches†challenges for offside. A league-initiated review also confirmed that Petterssonâ€s bold dash to the front of the Kings net did not end in a goal at 36 seconds, as fuzzy video from the overhead camera showed that a sliver of the puck was still overlapping the back edge of the goal line as Kings goalie Anton Forsberg kept his pad behind it.

At 17:19 of the first period, Los Angeles scored the first goal that counted when all five Canuck skaters surrounded Anze Kopitar on a rush but still allowed the retiring star to flick a quick shot from the middle of the ice that beat Lankinen on the glove side.

Evander Kane took a “good†penalty 43 seconds into the middle period, not because his hook broke up a scoring chance or set a physical tone, but because it allowed the most-penalized Canuck to pop out of the box behind the Kings and skate on to Drew Oâ€Connorâ€s breakaway pass.

Kane closed on Forsberg at high speed and snapped a forehand past the retreating goalie to tie it 1-1 at 2:52.

After scoring just three goals in his first 23 games as a Canuck, Kane has two goals and an assist in his last three contests.

Lankinen later stopped a partial breakaway by Trevor Moore, and Canuck Brock Boeser saved a goal on a third-period penalty kill when he lifted Kevin Fialaâ€s stick as a rebound off the post angled directly to the King.

Vancouver killed off all four Los Angeles power plays, but the Canuck power play followed its 0-for-8 performance in San Jose by going 0-for-3 against the Kings. Pettersson, who physically battled the Kings all game, missed the net on a couple of excellent chances.

ICE CHIPS — For the third time this season, first-line winger Conor Garland came out of the Canucks lineup due to injury. The play-driving dynamo missed three games at the start of November after head contact on a heavy hit, then sat out a game in Florida on Nov. 17 that coach Adam Foote said was not concussion-related. Garland is remaining on the trip but itâ€s questionable whether heâ€ll play Tuesday in Denver. . . Aatu Raty returned to the Vancouver lineup after a one-game reset and centred the third line between minor-league callup Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Drew Oâ€Connor. Max Sasson dropped down to the fourth line, reuniting with Linus Karlsson and Arshdeep Bains, while Lukas Reichel went back to the press box after a one-game reprieve. Defenceman Elias Pettersson (Junior) was scratched for the second time this season to allow Pierre-Olivier Joseph to make his first appearance since Nov. 14. . . With Garland unavailable, Jake DeBrusk started the game on the first line. Sherwood took Garlandâ€s spot on the top power play. . . The Canucks have Sunday off in Los Angeles before practising here Monday and then flying to Colorado.

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

AEW COLLISION REPORT
NOVEMBER 27, 2025 (recorded 11/26)
NASHVILLE, TENN. AT THE PINNACLE
AIRED ON TNT & HBO MAX
REPORT BY JOSHUA WHITE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Commentators: Excalibur & Nigel McGuiness & Tony Schiavone

Ring Announcer: Arkady Aura

Attendance: WrestleTix reported that 1,360 tickets had been distributed; arena was set up for 1,395. The arena has a capacity of 4,500 spectators when configured for concerts.

[HOUR ONE]

-Pyro blasted in the arena as Excalibur welcomed everyone to the show and said the show would be starting with action in the Continental Classic.

(1) PAC vs.  “SPEEDBALL†MIKE BAILEY – Continental Classic match (Gold League)

Excalibur wasnâ€t exaggerating as they immediately went into the Death Riders†musical motif. Pacâ€s music interjected itself as they cut backstage to Pac sitting alone in a steel chair in relative darkness, illuminated only by red light. Pac marched past his stablemates and through the crowd to the ring. The showed the current standings in the Gold League before Speedballâ€s music played to bring him to the ring,

The bell rang to start the match four minutes into the show. Bailey immediately dodged a clothesline and missed a kick before they traded chops in the center of the ring.  Pac landed a kick to the gut, but Bailey came back with the rapid-fire kicks. Pac escaped to ringside, Bailey hit the ropes for a dive, but Pac met him on the apron. Bailey went for a kick, but Pac dodged it and Bailey got his foot hung up on the top rope. Pac swept his feet out from under him and dragged Bailey under the bottom rope.

Pac nailed Bailey with a snap suplex on the floor before shoving him into the barricade. Pac rammed Bailey into the barricade again before rolling him into the ring. Pac made the cover, but Bailey kicked out. Pac wringed Baileyâ€s arm and whipped him hard into the corner turnbuckles. The crowd chanted “Letâ€s go, Speedball†as Pac stomped away at Bailey.

Pac locked in a grounded cravate, and Bailey struggled to his feet. Pac took Bailey down with a snapmare and followed up with a dropkick to the back of the head. Pac nailed Bailey with a running uppercut in the corner. Bailey collapsed into the center of the ring and Pac went for the pin, but Bailey kicked out at two.

Bailey reversed a whip attempt, effortlessly hopped onto the middle rope and delivered a shotgun dropkick to Pac. Bailey hit a combination of kicks punctuated by a roundhouse that dropped Pac. Bailey executed a running shooting star press into a pin, but Pac kicked out at two.

Pac rolled to the outside again, and again, Bailey hit the ropes. Pac met him on the ring and caught his kick, but Bailey was prepared and took Pac down with a back sweep that knocked him to the floor. Bailey got a running start and caught Pac with a triangle moonsault from the inside of the ring onto Pac at ringside as they went to commercial. [c]

They returned from commercial Pac ran up the ropes to Bailey on the top rope and took him down with a huge avalanche belly-to-belly suplex. Pac crawled into the cover, but bailey kicked out at two. Pac climbed to the top rope, but Bailey got to his feet. Pac leapt over him but ran into a kick.

Pac dodged a pair of kicks before Bailey landed a kick. Pac came back with a kick of his own and snap rebounding German suplex. Pac set up for a powerbomb, but Bailey reversed it and drilled Pac with his moonsault double knees, leaving both men down. They both got to their feet by the eight count.

Pac and Bailey traded weak kicks that picked up in intensity as they went along. They both got a running start and both caught each other with simultaneous running boots to the face. Both men went down, and they rolled out to opposite sides of the ring. They met eyes and charged each other again; and again, they ran into each other both connecting with running kicks.

Bailey dragged himself to his feet to come face-to-face with the Continental title. Bailey went for a kick, but Pac caught his foot. Bailey flipped out of it, but Pac rammed him into the announce desk and then drilled him with a German suplex on the floor. Pac slid into the ring and instructed the ref to count as Bailey struggled on the outside.

Bailey barely made it onto the apron at nine. Pac went for a sliding dropkick, but Bailey leapt over him and connected with a springboard moonsault on the outside. Bailey rolled Pac into the ring and climbed to the top rope. Bailey went for a shooting star press, but Pac rolled out of the way. Bailey landed on his feet, but Pac immediately caught him with an overhead belly-to-belly that launched Bailey into the turnbuckle.

Pac got a running start, hit both ropes and ran directly into a spin kick from Bailey. Bailey set up for the Time Adventure kick, but Pac ducked it and rolled him up for a two count. Pac went for a German suplex, but Bailey landed on his feet and then planted Pac with a reverse hurricanrana.

Bailey hit a thrust kick and then a spinning kick on Pac in the corner. Bailey climbed the ropes and went for the Ultima Weapon (shooting star press into double knees), but Pac rolled out of the way. Pac got a head of steam, and blasted Bailey with a nasty running lariat. Pac went directly into The Brutalizer submission. Bailey was basically already unconscious and the ref called for the bell.

WINNER: Pac in 15:00

(Whiteâ€s Take: Quite good; an enjoyable opening match. If youâ€re into kicks, this one doubly delivered. Continental Classic matches have the advantage not being entirely predictable which added a nice intrigue that made the match that much better.)

-They cut backstage to Okada watching a monitor backstage as Excalibur revealed that Pac will be facing Okada on Dynamite next week.

-Lexy caught up with Daniel Garcia with Jon Moxley backstage. Garcia told her to not even ask a question. Garcia said he has to drop off the dead weight of Daddy Magic. Garcia said he appreciates all heâ€s done for him, but Menard would bleed for him one last time. Garcia said after he beats Daddy Magic heâ€s setting his sights on the TNT Championship. [c]

-Renee was backstage with Brodido, asking where they got following their loss of the tag titles. Bandido said he felt a little sad, but also proud of what the accomplished. He said Brody was his brother and he wouldnâ€t lose again. Brody said he was also proud, but noted that Brodido isnâ€t over, and theyâ€ll be around, gunning for the tag titles for a long time. Brody went on to remind Bandido that he has to defend the ROH title at Final Battle. Schiavone noted that Rush was supposed to challenge for the title, but couldnâ€t do to injury. So instead Bandido will defend against five other randos.

(2) DANIEL GARCIA (w/Jon Moxley) vs. “DADDY MAGIC†MATT MENARD

Some music played, and it mustâ€ve been Garciaâ€s theme, because he and Moxley appeared backstage and entered through the crowd. Moxley joined the commentary team as Matt Menardâ€s equally unfamiliar entrance theme played.

The bell rang and the match started 28 minutes into the hour. Menard yelled at Garcia before they locked up. Moxley put Garcia over as a future top guy as Menard forced Garcia into the corner. Garcia hit a cheap shot on Menard in the corner. Menard shoved Garcia hard.

Garcia charged Menard in the corner, but he sidestepped it and pummeled Garcia. Garcia rolled out of the ring and tossed Garcia into the barricade. Menard yelled at Moxley and returned to punching away at Moxley against the barricade. Menard slammed a chair in anger as Garcia rolled into the ring.

Menard slid into the ring and Garcia met him with an assault. Garcia forced Menard into the corner with punches and knees to the midsection. Garcia posed on the turnbuckle as the crowd booed. Garcia feigned his dance before flipping off the crowd. Menard came up suspiciously bleeding from his forehead as they went to break. [c]

They returned from commercial as Menard struggled to escape a Boston crab. Menard rolled out of it and then locked Garcia in a Boston crab. Garcia crawled to the ropes to break the hold. Garcia rolled to ringside and Menard followed. Garcia caught Menard with a kick to the gut and drilled him with a DDT on the floor.

Garcia slammed Menardâ€s face into the announce desk repeatedly before sliding Menard in between the stairs and ringpost. Garcia got a running start and dropkicked the stairs, ostensibly crushing Menard. Garcia returned to the ring as the ref made his count. Menard barely made it in at nine.

Menard yelled something at Garcia before collapsing in the center of the ring. Menard mocked Garciaâ€s dance. Garcia took a wild swing, and Menard dodged it and rolled him up for a two count. Garcia hit Menard with a flurry of open-handed strikes.

Menard forced Garcia into the corner with body shots. As the referee broke it up, Garcia fired out of the corner and connected with a running kick. Garcia grabbed Menard and locked in a Moxley-style bulldog choke. Menard struggled, crawled, and came within inches of reaching the ropes before he passed out.

WINNER: Daniel Garcia in 12:00

-Garcia told the downed Menard that he just needed him to bleed one more time for him. Garcia posed before Mark Briscoeâ€s music played. Briscoe made his way down to the ring with the TNT title (which featured a white and gray digital camo strap). The crowd chanted “Dem boys†as Briscoe took a microphone. Briscoe said he was thankful to be in Nashville and to be TNT champion. A “you deserve it chant†broke out as Moxley hopped onto the apron and whispered into Garciaâ€s ear. Briscoe said he heard Garcia saying he was coming for the TNT title. Briscoe ran down a number of Thanksgiving foods he intended to devour, capping it off by saying heâ€ll devour Garcia.

(Whiteâ€s Take: Iâ€m so glad those knees to the midsection busted open Daddy Magicâ€s forehead, otherwise we may have ended up going a full week without bloodshed. The match was nothing special with an obvious winner, but I appreciate Menardâ€s intensity and Moxley adds some nice spice on commentary. I think Garcia is a good first challenger for Briscoeâ€s title as well.)

-Ricochet was backstage with Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun, holding the absolutely necessary National title. Ricochet said heâ€s the trendsetter and that he knows what heâ€s capable of. He ran down his victories over Ospreay, Swerve, and Briscoe. Ricochet said he has elevated AEW and will travel the globe to represent the company. He said he was thankful for Liona and Kaun. Liona told Ricochet that he reserved them a spot at a nice restaurant, even though it was, unfortunately, in Nashville.

-Tony Schiavone was in the ring to welcome FTR to the ring. Their music played and they made their entrance with Stokely. They kicked Schiavone out of the ring and Stokely said that it was the best night of his life, because FTR were the tag team champions. Stokely went on to tell the “lore†of FTR, which was just they overcame everything. Stokely got emotional as he introduced FTR. The lights went out and The Bang Bang Gang appeared on top of the stage. Juice and Austin marched down to the ring as the commentators reminded everyone that they hold a recent victory over the newly-crowned tag champs.

Austin congratulated FTR before Juice said that FTR are the best. Juice said they won $200,000 last week, and while they have a little green, now they want a little gold. Juice reminded FTR that theyâ€ve beaten them a few times before, and next time the titles better be on the line. Austin said theyâ€ll also be fighting for Colten and Jay White. He signed off with the “guns up†thing. [c]

(Whiteâ€s Take: I know these two teams can have a good match, they did it a few weeks ago. This kind of makes that random loss make sense for FTR, but itâ€s clear they wonâ€t lose when they meet next time. Juice and Austin are the least exciting permutation of members of the Bang Bang Gang. Juice & Jay or Austin & Colten are both superior pairings.)

-They returned from break as MxMTV completed their entrance in Wizard of Oz inspired outfits. Tin Mansoor told everything to shut up and insulted the audience before announcing the “casting call.â€

(3) MXMTV (Johnny TV & Mansoor & Mason Madden w/Taya Valkyrie) vs. THE OUTUNNERS (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd) & DALTON CASTLE

The Outrunners made their way to the stage. Dalton Castle entered with a group of boys who remained behind as he made his way to the ring. Dalton found his third best friend in the front row, country music performer Michael Ray.

[HOUR TWO]

Dalton and the Outrunners posed in the center of the ring and MxMTV assaulted them from behind. They brawled and the bell rang one minute into the second hour. At ringside, Johnny TV lifted Taya Valkyrie up and powerbombed her into Dalton Castle. In the ring, Mansoor hit a few punches in the corner, but Magnum countered it into a powerbomb.

Turbo tagged in and took everyone down, hitting bodyslams on Johnny and Mansoor before Madden caught him with a leg lariat. Mansoor and Madden mocked The Outrunners “You Son of a Bitch†elbow drop, but Turbo rolled out of the way and made the tag to Castle.

Castle ducked a kick from Madden, leaving the big man straddled across the top rope. The Outrunners bounced him up and down on his crotch as Castle hit a suplex on Mansoor and Johnny. Madden finally escaped but stumbled into another suplex from Castle.

Mansoor walked in Magnumâ€s arms and he and Turbo hit him with the Total Recall. The Outrunners landed their tag team elbow drop before Castle hit the Bang-a-Rang on Mansoor. Castle made the dover and picked up the win.

WINNERS: The Outrunners & Dalton Castle in 3:00

-The Outrunners and Castle celebrated in the ring but were interrupted by Ricochet on the microphone. He told the crowd not to boo him, surprisingly eliciting boos from the crowd. Ricochet slowly walked down the aisle, joined by Toa Liona, as Bishop Kaun snuck into the ring. Kaun blindsided Castle with a shotgun dropkick. Liona joined him and they dropped Turbo with their double crucifix powerbomb. The hit Castle with a double team faceplant as Ricochet continued to talk, addressing Michael Ray. Ricochet got in his face and Ray shoved him to the ground. Security came down to break it up as Michael Ray jumped the rail.

(Whiteâ€s Take: Michael Ray is no Jelly Roll in terms of popularity, but Ricochet feuding with semi-celebrities is still preferable to The Demand continuing to work with The Hurt Syndicate.)

-Lexy was backstage with Don Callis and the majority of his family of eight. Don said he was thankful that they have three points in the Continental Classic. Rocky was thankful for his sweet Don Callis jacket. Hechicero said something in Spanish. Mark Davis wasnâ€t hankful for anything. Josh Alexander was grateful for Donâ€s wisdom. Fletcher was thankful for his health and watch. Takeshita was thankful to be in the Continental Classic, and for the family. Okada said he was thankful that he doesnâ€t have to team with Takeshita, leading to some arguing as they cut back to the arena.

(4) KATSUYORI SHIBATA vs. EDDIE KINGSTON

Shibata made his entrance with no sign of The Opps. Eddie made half of his entrance, but Shibata met him on the ramp. They brawled to ringside where Shibata rammed Eddie into the barricade. Shibata set up a chair, rammed Eddieâ€s face into it, sat him down in the chair, and then kicked him over.

Shibata rolled Eddie into the ring where the ref asked if he was good to go. Eddie responded affirmatively and lit Shibata up with a chop as the bell rang 12 minutes into the hour. Eddie reversed a whip, hit a knee to the midsection followed by a double underhook suplex. Eddie made the cover, but Shibata kicked out at two.

Shibata forced Eddie back into the corner, but Eddie fought out with a chop. Shibata ducked a chop and nailed Eddie with a German suplex. Shibata grinded his boot into Eddieâ€s face in the corner. Shibata took Eddie over with a snapmare and grabbed a double wristlock. Shibata held Eddie down and stomped on his arm and went back to the wristlock. Eddie fought his way to the ropes to break the hold. Shibata continued to strike Eddie in the corner as they went to commercial. [c]

Back from break, Shibata hit Eddie with a low blow, right in front of the referee. He didnâ€t get disqualified, but when he went for an armbar on Eddie, the ref broke it up, as punishment for the low blow, apparently. Shibata charged into a boot from Eddie. Eddie planted Shibata with a DDT and made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Eddie Kingston in 7:00

After the match Eddie said he wouldnâ€t speak about what Hook did. Somebody yelled “we love you, Eddie.†Eddie stopped to address the crowd, saying he didnâ€t feel like he deserved that love. He went on to say he just does him, and heâ€s not trying to get a character over. He said he is pro wrestling, and loves the crowd because they love pro wrestling. There were a number of bleeped phrases before Eddie expressed concern over Samoa Joe leading Hook down the wrong path. Eddie said he has no peace in life, only when heâ€s in the ring. He challenged Joe to a match for the title at the Winter is Coming Dynamite.

(Whiteâ€s Take: Eddie looked better in the ring than he has of late, but still far from dynamic. On the plus side, they finally let him do the thing heâ€s best at and cut a live promo. People will likely overrate this promo as some kind of state-of-the-art masterclass in mic work. Truthfully, it was meandering, scattershot, weirdly-profanity-laden, and a bit rah-rah pro wrestling. Yet, Eddie is never lacking in authenticity or emotion, and thatâ€s what made this compelling in spite of my quibbles. Eddie invites the audience in, they connect with him, get behind him, and are willing to go on the ride with him. In that sense, this was everything a promo should be.)

-They went to Red Velvet backstage, praising Statlander and Mercedes†match at Full Gear. She said the only reason Mercedes beat her, is because she saw an opening and took it. She challenged Mercedes to a rematch for the ROH TV title at Final Battle. [c]

(5) THEKLA vs. TAY MELO

Theklaâ€s music played and she made her way the ring by herself. Tay Melo entered, also alone, and sporadically danced on her way to the ring. The bell rang to officially start the match 30 minutes into the hour.

Tay charged Thekla, but Thekla ducked, threw Tsy to the mat and hit her with overhand strikes. Tay took Thekla down and pummeled her briefly until Thekla rolled her over for some strikes of her own. Tay turned it back over and hit a few downed forearms before Thekla covered up.

Back on their feet, Tay took Thekla down with a few judo throws before hitting her with a kick to the back. Tay made the cover, but Thekla kicked out at two. Tay locked in a reverse gogoplata. Thekla struggled, thrashing on the mat and kicking until she finally got her foot on the rope.

Tay charged Thekla, but Thekla caught her with a drop toe hold that knocked Tay onto the ropes. Thekla got a running start, resisted doing a 619 even though Tay was in perfect position, and just booted her through the ropes, onto the ramp. Thekla followed her out and suplexed Tay onto the ramp as they went to commercial. [c]

Back from break, Tay hit Thekla with a forearm shot. Thekla shrugged it off with a smile and a giggle. Thekla ducked the next one and hit Tay with an open hand slap. Tay dramatically ut her hair up and caught Thekla with an open hand chop before punching her down. Tay hit the ropes but ran into big right hand that dropped Tay.

Thekla grabbed Tay and put her into the Deathlock. Tay seemed like she may have passed out, but she suddenly rolled Thekla into a pin that forced her to break the hold. Thekla nailed Tay with a kick to the face. Thekla went into her spider pose, and went for the spear, but ran right into a knee from Tay.

Tay followed up with a Gotch-style piledriver. Tay went for the pin, but Thekla kicked out at two. Tay tried to set Thekla up for the Tay-KO, but Thekla stomped on her foot and then caught her with a short spear. Thekla followed up with the curb stomp, made the cover, and got the three-count.

WINNER: Thekla in 9:00

After the match, Skye Blue and Julia Hart came down to the ring and beat down Tay as the announcers noted that Anna Jay wasnâ€t in the building. Jamie Hayterâ€s music played and she ran down to the ring to make the save. Jamie checked on Tay as the Triangle of Madness surrounded her. Kris Statalnder charged the ring as her music played to make the save for the outnumbered Hayter. [c]

(Whiteâ€s Take: Not the best showing, but Tay isnâ€t bad and Thekla continues to look dominant. After the inevitable tag match, Thekla could be an interesting challenger for Statlander.)

(6) KONOSUKE TAKESHITA vs. RODERICK STRONG – Continental Classic match (Blue League)

Takeshita made his entrance with no sign of the Callis Family. Roderick strong made his entrance wearing a Paragon shirt, which is maybe still a thing. Don Callis joined the announce team as they noted that Strong was filling in for the injured Kyle Oâ€Reilly.

The bell rang to start the match 45 minutes into the second hour. They wrestled to the mat and then traded standing wristlocks. Strong grabbed a headlock and forced Takeshita to the mat. Takeshita powered his way back to his feet. Strong went for an abdominal stretch, but Takeshita countered it with a hip toss.

Takeshita caught Strong with a flying clothesline. Takeshita hit a forearm in the corner and went for the running knee, but Strong sidestepped it and hit Takeshita with a backbreaker. Strong stomped away at Takeshita before hitting a forearm to the back and few chops.

Takeshita rolled out of the ring, and Strong followed with a wrecking hall dropkick through the ropes. Strong rammed Takeshita into the barricade and set up for a back suplex onto the barricade. Takeshita countered it and slammed Strong down with a spinning back suplex onto the barricade. The back of Strongâ€s head caught the brunt of the move across the barricade. Strong clutched his head as they went to break. [c]

They returned from commercial as Strong elbowed his way out of a headlock. Takeshita hit a forearm but charged into a dropkick from Strong. There was a dueling chant of “Letâ€s go Roddy†and “Takeshita.†Strong slipped out of a blue thunder bomb attempt and hit Takeshita with an olympic slam.

Strong hit the Cloud Nine followed by a tiger driver into a pin attempt. Takeshita kicked out but Strong held on attempting to apply the Stronghold. Takeshita escaped the hold. Strong went for a backbreaker, but Takeshita blocked it and hit a blue thunder bomb on Strong. Takeshita held on for the pin, but Strong kicked out at two.

Takeshita landed a running boot in the corner and then set Roddy up for a brainbuster on the turnbuckle. Takeshita got him up, but Strong escaped and landed a kick that rocked Takeshita on the top rope. Strong hit a chop and climbed up onto the turnbuckle with Takeshita. Strong lifted Takeshita up and dropped him back-first across the top turnbuckle. Strong made the cover, but Takeshita kicked out at two.

Strong went for a jumping knee, but Takeshita blocked it and landed and elbow strike. Strong came back with an enziguri followed by a firemanâ€s carry into a gutbuster. Strong followed up with a torture rack drop into a backbreaker. Strong went for a running kick, but Takeshita sidestepped it and hit strong with a German suplex.

Strong struggled to his knees and Takeshita blasted him with the running power drive knee. Takeshita followed up with the Raging Fire straight into the pin and picked up the victory.

WINNER: Konosuke Takeshita in 13:00

(Whiteâ€s Take: This is a good and worthy Collision main event. While Takeshita was the obvious favorite, seeing Okada lose on Wednesday granted a nugget of doubt that made this all the more enjoyable.)

They showed the scores for the Blue League of the tournament as Takeshita celebrated his win and they went off of the air.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Overall, a very solid episode of Collision. The Continental Classic forces some stakes onto a show that usually has none. While we didnâ€t have any big upsets on the show, the results from Dynamite imbued these matches with a welcome unpredictability. We even got the blow off to a long running feud between Daniel Garcia and Matt Menard which felt right at home randomly in the middle of Collision. Eddie Kingston challenging Samoa Joe for the title is also a juicy storyline development to which Collision is not accustomed.

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Japanese star Tatsuya Imai makes strong statement against signing with Dodgers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Star Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai would perfectly fit in with the Giants.

The right-handed ace of the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball, who recently was posted and has until Jan. 2 to sign with an MLB team, declared that he has no interest in joining San Franciscoâ€s archrival Los Angeles Dodgers, in a recent interview with former big-league pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka on the “Hodo Station†show.

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“Of course, Iâ€d enjoy playing alongside [Shohei] Ohtani, [Yoshinobu] Yamamoto, and [RÅki] Sasaki, but winning against a team like that and becoming a world champion would be the most valuable thing in my life,†Imai told Matsuzaka (h/t MLB.comâ€s Michael Clair and Ayako Oikawa).

“If anything, Iâ€d rather take them down.â€

That mentality must intrigue Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey.

Imai, 27, is coming off a dominant season in which he posted a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts over 163 2/3 innings. He would be an enticing addition to any team, but it would be fascinating to see Imai enter the big leagues with San Francisco.

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Regardless of where Imai lands, one thing is certain: he doesnâ€t want to help the Dodgers — and their international stars — win a third consecutive World Series title.

“If there were another Japanese player on the same team, I could just ask them about anything, right?†Imai said. “But thatâ€s actually not what Iâ€m looking for. In a way, I want to experience that sense of survival. When I come face-to-face with cultural differences, I want to see how I can overcome them on my own — thatâ€s part of what Iâ€m excited about.â€

If Imai wants to take down the leagueâ€s best, then joining the Dodgers†biggest rival — the Giants — makes sense.

He would get to face Los Angeles multiple times per season in heated divisional battles and would have the opportunity to test out his heater against the reigning NL MVP.

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“I really want to see how much my fastball holds up against [Ohtani] — to test myself by throwing it to him,†Imai said.

Imai has around 40 days to make a decision. Time will tell if he chooses to don the Orange and Black.

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In what suddenly looms as a tantalizing opportunity for the Mets, Corey Seager apparently can be had in a trade with the Texas Rangers. If so, David Stearns should be first in line to make it happen.

Yes, Seager is an All-Star shortstop, same as Francisco Lindor. But he could easily slide to third base, where heâ€d be an above-average defender, and more significantly, give the Mets another elite hitter who could take their offense to a championship level.

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If they re-sign Pete Alonso as well, that is.

Consider the idea of…Lindor, Juan Soto, Alonso, and Seager? Now thatâ€s a Big Four, one to match the firepower of any lineup in baseball, including the big, bad Dodgers.

With such a move, suddenly all the talk about the need to change the Mets†core could be dismissed, especially with high-ceiling prospects Jett Williams and Carson Benge expected to force their way to the big leagues at some point during the 2026 season.

In fact, if Williams proves to be the leadoff hitter that scouts project, with his high walk totals and noted plate discipline, he would lengthen the lineup and allow Brandon Nimmoto slot in at the No. 6 spot, or perhaps even lower, where heâ€d have plenty of value.

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Iâ€d also make the case that with Seager on board, the Mets could live with Tyrone Taylor as their primary center fielder until Benge is ready.

Likewise, Jeff McNeil could stay at second base as a placeholder for Williams, while Brett Baty could transition to playing first base in partnership with Alonso. After Baty proved more athletic than expected at both third and second base, thereâ€s no reason to think he couldnâ€t be an above-average first baseman as the Mets ease Alonso into a part-time DH role.

With all of that in mind, re-signing Alonso and trading for Seager obviously would solve a lot of potential problems for the Mets.

Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Theyâ€d still have to upgrade the starting pitching, of course, and re-sign Edwin Diaz as well if theyâ€re serious about winning it all in 2026, but Steve Cohenâ€s billions and the Mets†highly-ranked farm system give Stearns plenty of ammunition on that front.

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As for Seager, the lefty hitter who turns 32 in April, heâ€s only available because the Rangers are trying to shed payroll, according to the Dallas Morning News, and he has six years and $189 million remaining on his contract.

“Thatâ€s the most obvious move to make if theyâ€re under orders to cut payroll,” one team executive told me. “Iâ€m sure they wouldnâ€t want to trade him otherwise. Heâ€s a star player but if Texas needs to get out from under his contract, the price to get him wonâ€t be prohibitive for a team willing to take on all the money.”

That might appeal to the Yankees as well, as he could replace Anthony Volpe at shortstop. But if re-signing Cody Bellinger is their top priority, itâ€s hard to see Hal Steinbrenner also taking on Seagerâ€s contract.

In any case, the Mets should seize the opportunity here, presuming theyâ€re not one of the eight teams on Seagerâ€s no-trade list. And since the Dallas Morning News reported that neither the Yankees nor the Boston Red Sox were on that list, the Mets wouldnâ€t figure to be, either (although the Atlanta Braves are reportedly on the list, so it remains to be seen).

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Seager has consistently put up big offensive numbers and heâ€s a two-time World Series MVP, with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Rangers in 2023, which says something about his ability to deliver on the big stage.

The one knock on him is he has missed considerable time due to injury in recent years. Last season, Seager played only 102 games, missing a few weeks due to a hamstring pull and then all of September due to an emergency appendectomy.

Still, heâ€s worth the gamble because, as a high-average hitter with power, Seager could be the ideal bat to add consistency to a Mets†offense that has been maddeningly inconsistent in recent years.

His career slash line of .289/.362/.509/.871 reflects that consistency, and last season his .860 OPS was the highest among all shortstops, though he didnâ€t have enough at-bats to qualify for official stats. His 151 OPS+ number was among the best in baseball.

Aug 2, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) waits for a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Seagerâ€s underlying numbers have been consistently elite as well. Last year, according to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 90th percentile or higher among all major league hitters in hard-hit percentage, average exit velocity, and expected batting average, on-base, and slugging.

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“He puts up superstar numbers,†one scout said. “He probably wouldnâ€t be thrilled at the idea of changing positions if the Mets were to get him, but they could make the case that playing third would be a little easier on his legs, which could matter for a guy who has had his share of injuries. And heâ€s probably going to have to move to third at some point anyway as he gets deeper into his 30s.

“Heâ€d be a finishing piece for the Mets. You add Seager to what they already have, assuming they work out a deal with Alonso, and that lineup would be a nightmare for pitchers.â€

What would it take to get him? If the Rangers do need to trade Seager for financial reasons, the Mets probably could put together a package without including the likes of Williams, Benge, Brandon Sproat, or Jonah Tong.

“They have enough depth in their farm system to give them that kind of leverage,†the scout said.

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And thatâ€s significant because they might well need to move a couple of those top-of-the-system prospects for starting pitching, whether itâ€s the dream trade for Tarik Skubal or a deal for the likes of Joe Ryan, Freddy Peralta, or Sandy Alcantara.

After all, acquiring front-of-the-rotation pitching has to be the priority of the Mets†offseason. But they have the resources and the need to take advantage of other opportunities as well, which is why they should make every effort to go get Seager.

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Despite a strong effort, the Vancouver Canucks fell 4-2 to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. Linus Karlsson and Elias Pettersson found the back of the net while Kevin Lankinen stopped 20 of the 24 shots. With the loss, Vancouver drops to 9-11-2 on the season and 3-6-1 at home.

Thursday night’s loss was arguably one of the Canucks best performances of the year. They outshot the Stars 36-24 while going two for two on the penalty kill. Unfortunately, mistakes cost Vancouver as bad pinches and missed assignments led to four Dallas goals.

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“We’re competing,” said Head Coach Adam Foote post-game. “I mean, we competed. We didn’t quit. It seems like we’ve been doing that all year. As far as the resiliency, you know,  it’s a game of mistakes, right? Dallas had a couple as well, and it’s going to happen. We were right there tonight. It was a good game.”

One player who had a strong night for the Canucks was Pettersson, who extended his point streak to five games. On top of his goal, Pettersson was tied for the team lead with six shots while winning 16 of his 21 faceoffs. Post-game, Pettersson was frustrated by the result despite the team’s strong effort.

“Not good enough if we lost,” said Pettersson. Definitely, it’s a good team over there. Definitely did enough to win. Yeah, wasn’t enough today.”

As for a storyline from this game, that would be the power play. While Vancouver did score with the man advantage, they went one for five and could not capitalize on a five-on-three man advantage. Post-game, Pettersson was asked about the five-on-three and said, “We had a minute-twenty. Have to get a goal there. Games like this, tight and special teams can win us the game. I know we got one on the power play, but when we get a long five-on-three, we need to get a goal.”

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The frustrating part of this game was the Canucks inability to get a goal during the second period. While Vancouver was the better team for most of the night, they dominated the second period, outshooting the Stars 15-6. In the end, luck was not on their side as Jake Oettinger was able to shut the door for the final 40 minutes.

After a game like the one on Thursday, the question moving forward is, can the Canucks replicate this performance? Yes, they made some costly mistakes, but overall, Vancouver played a strong game that should have resulted in a win. Unfortunately, games like this happen, as the Canucks leave Thursday night without collecting a crucial two points in the standings.

Nov 20, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) watches as Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save on forward Jake DeBrusk (74) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Stats and Facts:

– Elias Pettersson scores his 200th goal with the Canucks (regular season + playoffs)

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– Jake DeBrusk extends his point streak to three games

– Linus Karlsson scores his second goal in the last three games

– Vancouver records over 35 shots for the third time this season

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

00:55- DAL: Mavrik Bourque (3) from Justin Hryckowian
3:06- VAN: Linus Karlsson (3)
7:44- DAL: Jason Robertson (12)
14:25- VAN: Elias Pettersson (7) from Jake DeBrusk and Kiefer Sherwood

2nd Period:

No Scoring

3rd Period:

10:47- DAL: Colin Blackwell (2) Radek Faksa from Oskar Bäck
18:29- DAL: Mikko Rantanen (10) from Jamie Benn

Up Next:

The Canucks will get a few days off before finishing up their two-game homestand against the Calgary Flames. These two teams met earlier this season, with Vancouver picking up a 5-1 home win. Game time on Sunday is scheduled for 6:00 pm PT.

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