Roderick Strong is still the International Champion, and it looks like Adam Cole is doing better.
Strong retained his title against Kyle O’Reilly at AEW Dynasty. Strong got a little help from Wardlow on the way to the win, albeit indirectly. Wardlow tried to interfere in the match, but the referee stopped him from getting involved physically.
After the match, Adam Cole was wheeled to the stage, but he stood up out of his wheelchair, indicating that he’s healed up from his ankle injury. Cole has not competed since he and former partner MJF defended the ROH World Tag Team titles at All Out 2023.
Results
Check out a recap of the match, courtesy of our live coverage page.
AEW International Championship: Roderick Strong (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly
Strong and O’Reilly feel each other out, and they’re evenly matched. They battle for positioning. O’Reilly goes for a cross arm-breaker and transitions to an ankle lock, but Strong reaches the ropes. O’Reilly drills Strong with some kicks. Strong catches him with a backbreaker. He hits O’Reilly with a backbreaker on the turnbuckle and grounds him. O’Reilly goes for a triangle choke, but Strong fights his way out. Strong drills him with a chop. They trade blows.
Strong grounds O’Reilly. He hits the challenger with another backbreaker. He gets a two-count with a backbreaker. O’Reilly drills Strong with a series of strikes. He takes Strong down with a knee-bar, but Strong reaches the ropes. Strong rallies with several forearms. O’Reilly kicks Strong and hits a guillotine knee strike. He hits a knee-drop and locks in a knee-bar, but Strong fights his way out. Strong gets a two-count with a backbreaker. O’Reilly gets a two-count with a pin attempt. Both men are down after a double clothesline. They trade strikes.
O’Reilly drills Strong with a knee strike. Strong blasts him with a knee strike of his own. They keep trading blows. O’Reilly locks in a guillotine, and Strong catapults O’Reilly in the ropes to escape. Wardlow comes to ringside, but the referee stops him. O’Reilly gets a two-count with a pin attempt. O’Reilly levels Strong with a lariat and gets a two-count with a lariat. Strong catches O’Reilly with a stiff shot and hits End of Heartache for the win.
Winner and still AEW International Champion: Roderick Strong
Adam Cole gets brought to the stage. He stands up and walks down the ramp to celebrate with Strong and the rest of Undisputed Kingdom. Cole briefly stares down Wardlow but the celebration continues.
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