Last time in action: Ibushi was on the winning team of the Cage match (Forbidden Door), Alexander and the Don Callis Family defeated MxM TV (Collision, October 2)
After a quick series of backstage promos to open the show, we went live in the arena for Ibushi’s entrance to take on Alexander.
Because this show was pre-taped, news of Ibushi’s injury was already out there, so there was a slight sense of dread as the match started.
Ibushi has had a rough few years with injuries and recovery, and seeing him go down in his first match in months makes it even sadder. That said, both guys put in a good effort before the injury took place.
Alexander has been relegated mostly to multi-man matches since joining AEW, so it was nice to see him get a chance to work a singles bout against a big star.
We won’t be providing a grade for this match due to Ibushi’s injury, but everything they did leading up to that moment looked good.
As Alexander was preparing for something on the top rope, Ibushi fell to the floor and landed awkwardly. He caught himself on the barricade, but the damage was done. Ibushi was counted out because he could not continue, and he was stretchered out of the arena.
Mark Davis returned to attack Ibushi after the match, but Kenny Omega made the save and too him and Alexander out. We wish Ibushi the best in his recovery.
Result: Alexander won by countout
Notable Moments and Observations