1 TNT Championship Match Dustin Rhodes def. Lee Moriarty

AEW Collision kicked off from the Aragon Ballroom in thrilling fashion as Dustin Rhodes defended his TNT Championship for the first time against Ring of Honor Pure Champion Lee Moriarty.
Moriarty, accompanied by Shane Taylor, refused an opening handshake, setting an aggressive tone immediately. The bout opened with an exchange of technical holds, Moriarty capitalizing with swift dragon screw leg whips, targeting Rhodes' left knee relentlessly. Dustin fought through visible pain, rallying with stiff shots and a well-executed snap power slam, earning enthusiastic praise from Tony Schiavone: "Absolutely one of his great maneuvers!"

Late in the match, after exchanging strikes, Rhodes delivered an atomic drop but Moriarty quickly responded, locking Rhodes in a bow-and-arrow hold before viciously slamming his knee into the mat. Fighting back valiantly, Rhodes landed a Canadian Destroyer followed by the Cross-Rhodes, but Moriarty demonstrated impressive ring awareness by placing his foot on the ropes, breaking the pinfall attempt.

The momentum swung wildly as Moriarty locked in an ankle lock, grapevining Rhodes’ injured leg, nearly forcing a tap-out. Rhodes barely reached the ropes, demonstrating immense resilience. Moriarty then missed a big boot in the corner, leaving him vulnerable. Rhodes teased the Shattered Dreams, but was thwarted by referee Mike Posey. Moriarty capitalized instantly, landing a flying knee strike followed by a swift suplex, narrowly missing victory.

As Moriarty attempted a figure-four leglock, Rhodes countered brilliantly into a tight small package, securing the surprise three-count to retain the TNT Championship.

Immediately post-match, Kyle Fletcher, accompanied by Don Callis, entered the scene, confronting Rhodes. Fletcher confidently declared he had no reason to attack a beaten down Rhodes: "I already outclass you in every single way," demanding a one-on-one title shot for the TNT Championship next week. Rhodes, fueled by Fletcher’s recent disparaging comments about his family, turned to the fans for their approval before emphatically accepting Fletcher's challenge. Rhodes added an explosive stipulation: the match would be a Chicago Street Fight, punctuating his acceptance with a defiant declaration, "I am your huckleberry, bitch!"


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