M1 Round 1 (Group A vs Happy): Book Seth Rollins in AEW (Part 2)

The Build to AEW All In 2026:

• Following Double or Nothing, we are now on the long road to AEW's biggest show of the year, All in. The show that started it all. Tyler Black come out to the ring to address the audience, saying that now that he handled some business of reconciliation and paying off a debt, he now wants to establish himself further amongst the AEW roster. Tyler Black says while he was away wrestling for another promotion, he kept hearing about how AEW was the place where their talking was done in the ring and that is how the best in the world is proven. Black says that's how he likes to decide things too and if that's the case, he wants to fight the best AEW has at All In.

• It doesn't take long to find out who is interested in taking that match when someone comes out to interrupt him. That person turns out to be... Will Ospreay! Will Ospreay lets the crowd get their cheers in as the two men stare across the ring from each other. Commentary highlights that many across the wrestling world have called this a modern dream match that at one point in time wasn't possible. Until now. Will Ospreay says that since he isn't in the world title match at All In, he wants the next best thing... taking on the man that he has wanted to fight for years (side note: Main Event of All In in my universe is Swerve Strickland defending the AEW title against Hangman Adam Page and then the winner faces MJF who will cash in his Casino contract exactly 1 year after winning it).

• Tyler Black smiles and says that he accepts and can't wait to see who truly is the best wrestler in the ring between the two. Will Ospreay and Tyler Black shake hands and Will Ospreay says "Good, because your bank account isn't going to help you when you step in the ring with the best there is", before letting go and exiting the ring. Tyler Black's smile fades into a look of annoyance, but just audibly can be heard saying "I look forward to it".

• Most of this build between Tyler Black and Will Ospreay is respectful-ish, centering around who is the better wrestler between the two. Despite at times taking verbal jabs at each other (Ospreay calling back Black's comments about his bank account and downplaying what he has accomplished and Black talking about accomplishing some of the biggest achievements a wrestler can accomplish, saying they're bigger than Ospreay's accomplishments). However, the two are forced to work together when the Don Callis Family looks to make a statement by taking out two of the competitors in AEW's biggest matchups for the PPV. But, in a tag team match between Ospreay/Black against Alexander/Hechicero. Ospreay and Black win, when Ospreay sets up for the Hidden Blade but Black blind tags, hitting the Curb Stomp onto Hechicero and getting the pin for his team. The two have a tense staredown after the match.

AEW All In 2026: Tyler Black vs Will Ospreay

• The two men soak in the reaction from the London Crowd in Wembly as while Tyler Black is a face, he doesn't receive nearly the backing of the crowd as their fellow countrymen, Will Ospreay. The beginning of the match is methodical, as both men look to feel the other out and wait for opportunities to take control, showing that the two are very close to same caliber of wrestler. The first to take control is Will Ospreay, who shows to have the explosiveness-advantage over Black and takes over in a bit of chain wrestling, but taunts him afterwards, firing up Black when Ospreay pats him on the head.

• In the next exchange, Tyler Black manages to take control when Ospreay gets a little cocky in the exchange. Black does the same thing to Ospreay, patting him on the head which pisses off Ospreay. From then on, things get a lot more stiff. Things pick up from this point on as the two men start getting more into their offense, showing the repertoire of moves they each have at their disposal. Later on in the match, Black wrestles a little more heel-like (not being explicitly heel, but playing into the crowd reactions) and targets the neck of Ospreay. Commentary highlights Ospreay's history of neck injuries. Ospreay responds appropriately, by working over the shoulder of Black.

• As the match continues on, both men show their resilience, refusing to stay down for a 3-count as commentary highlights how much this match means to both men from a pride standpoint. But, after 20 minutes in the match, we see Tyler Black go for the Phoenix Splash, but misses, which allows Ospreay the chance to go for Hidden Blade... but Black dodges it, ducking the strike and then kicking Ospreay in the gut before then lifting him up for a buckle bomb! But immediately after the Buckle Bomb, Will Ospreay hits a Hidden Blade outta nowhere! Ospreay crawls to the cover, but Black kicks out at 2!

• Ospreay then gets to his feet and looks to go for the Storm Driver '93, but lets go when he holds onto his neck, selling the wear and tear of it from this match. Tyler Black takes advantage, hitting a Curb Stomp right after! Ospreay kicks out at 2! Black starts to get frustrated, looking like he's unsure how he's going to put Ospreay away. Black then starts to shove Ospreay's head with his boot, talking trash to him in the process. Ospreay gets progressively more angry with each shove. Then, Ospreay fires up, unleashing some fiery strikes, but runs into a massive superkick when Ospreay goes for another Hidden Blade. Black then teases going for a Pedigree, but Ospreay nearly rolls him up for the 3 but Black kicks out at 2.5! Ospreay then hooks Black's arms and attempts a Stormbreaker! But, Black counters amongst the rotation, trapping Ospreay in position for the Pedigree again and this time nails it! Black goes for a cocky cover... 1...kickout! Ospreay pounds the mat and Black looks shook!

• Black then goes for the Curbstomp but Ospreay counters into a Styles Clash and nails it! Ospreay goes for the counter but Black kicks out! Commentary should "I don't know what either man has to do to win this one!". In the end, after some more back and forth, Black goes for one more Curb Stomp off the top rope, but Ospreay moves out of the way. Black holds onto his knee, looking like he tweaked it upon landing and Ospreay takes advantage, hitting a Hidden Blade! Ospreay then lifts Black up and hits the Stormbreaker, finally getting the pin after a 30-plus minute classic!

• Winner: Will Ospreay

• Post-Match: It takes a moment for both men to get to their feet but eventually Will Ospreay gets his hand raised in victory. Tyler Black looks up, clearly looking upset that he lost and frustrated with himself. Ospreay offers his hand to help Black up to his feet, but Black refuses (boos). Tyler Black looks like he's going to leave but then turns back around and shakes Ospreay's hand. Black then raises Ospreay's hand up in the air before leaving to the back.

The Build to Forbidden Door:

• After falling short to Will Ospreay at All In, Tyler Black looks to get back on track and work towards a world title opportunity. However, there is someone that is also wanting to do just that... and that person is Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe says that Tyler Black just got to AEW recently, and if he wants to talk titles, he needs to wait until after Samoa Joe gets his World Title again. Samoa Joe adds that world titles are not meant for fragile individuals and that Black has a history of his body betraying him (also brings up that he has hurt him before, playing into the real knee injury he sustained when Samoa Joe joined the main roster in WWE).

• Tyler Black doesn't take kind to this, saying that there is nothing fragile about him, even though it is true that Joe has injured him before. Tyler Black says that a lot has happened since then and if Joe tried that again, it would end very differently. Tyler Black also takes a verbal jab at Joe, saying that he shouldn't be talking about titles either since The Opps lost the Trios Titles (in my universe). Then, Tyler Black issues a challenge to Joe but Joe declines, saying that he fights on his own terms. Instead, that night, Black takes on Katsuyori Shibata.

AEW Dynamite: Tyler Black vs Katsuyori Shibata

• Tyler Black is still not quite 100% since wrestling Ospreay but shows his toughness in this matchup with the strong-style wrestler in Shibata. Shibata makes it gritty and tough for Black, putting in submissions and hitting strong precision strikes to certain taped up areas on Tyler Black. But, in the end, after Shibata locks in the sleeper hold, he puts Black down and goes for the PK, but Black counters, attempting a roll up for a close kick out. Curb Stomp immediately after the kick out! 1! 2! 3! Tyler Black wins!
• The Opps beat down Tyler Black after the match and during the beatdown, Samoa Joe mockingly yells to the back for someone to come out and help Tyler Black. But nobody does. Samoa Joe yells that "you're in my company now... and nobody likes you here. As long as you're dealing with me and you have no friends... you are my bitch!", before then locking in the Coquina Clutch and putting Tyler Black to sleep.
• The build continues for Forbidden Door and a match does get made official for Forbidden Door when Tyler Black costs Powerhouse Hobbs and HOOK a match against JetSpeed. Samoa Joe attacks Black backstage afterwards, putting the match in jeopardy, but Black elects to continue having the match.

AEW Forbidden Door 2026: Tyler Black vs Samoa Joe

• Tyler Black is still banged up as a result of Joe's frequent attacks but gives Joe a fight nevertheless. Joe targets the ribs of Tyler Black, which makes it difficult to hit some of his moves but manages to counter some moves for close roll-ups. Commentary highlights that it appears that Tyler Black appears to be looking for the roll-up pin more frequently than normal due to the injuries he's sustained. Joe early on looks to try to win the match by technical knockout as after big moves, he tells the ref to call the match, as Tyler Black sells the pain of each move. Commentary mentions that it looks as though Tyler Black deciding to still take this match despite his injuries may backfire.

• Tyler Black nearly wins a few times, countering the Muscle Buster and hitting a Pedigree but Joe kicks out. Black then follows it up with a frog splash, but again, Joe kicks out! Fast forwarding to the end, we see Black go for the Curb Stomp, but Joe counters with a Coquina Clutch! Black fights and nearly rolls up Joe for a 3 but Joe kicks out at 2! Joe keeps the hold locked in after the kick out and eventually, Black passes out. Samoa Joe wins! Commentary highlights Tyler's injuries were just too much to overcome for an opponent like Joe.

• Winner: Samoa Joe

The Build to All Out 2026:

• Despite losing to Joe and recovering from his injuries, Tyler Black is not done with Samoa Joe yet. Not by a long shot. On an episode of Dynamite, Samoa Joe is set to take on Will Ospreay, where the winner will face MJF for the AEW World Championship at All Out. In that match, The Opps interfere multiple times on Joe's behalf to help him get advantages in the match. But, eventually, Tyler Black comes out to attack The Opps, which allows Will Ospreay to hit Hidden Blade and pin Joe! Will Ospreay is the official #1 Contender and will go on to All Out.

• Samoa Joe is pissed off, wanting Tyler Black's head for what he did, promising that he will put Tyler Black on the shelf permanently. However, Tyler Black has a plan. When Samoa Joe dares Tyler Black to come fight him in the ring, Tyler Black comes down to the ring, ready to fight (being a dumb babyface... or is he?). Joe laughs, saying that Tyler Black just screwed himself as the rest of the Opps surround him. Tyler Black just smiles and then "Speedball" Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight come down to help Black (Callback to when Tyler Black helped them win a few weeks prior).

• JetSpeed explain that they owed Tyler Black one for last time, and if there are still people within AEW that don't like him, then that's their business, but they have no problem helping out Tyler Black for what he did for them. JetSpeed have had a run of their own of late, winning the tag team titles from FTR at Forbidden Door.

• A match gets made for All Out, a trios match between Tyler Black and JetSpeed against The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs).

AEW All Out 2026: Tyler Black and JetSpeed (Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight) vs The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs)

• In this match, it is all action as the two teams go a fast-pace for this match. Tyler Black uses mind games to mess with Joe and in turn, makes a ton of mistakes for his team (The Opps have to regularly calm him down during the match). Kevin Knight is also given moments to be the standout for this match, hitting many high spots and saving the match for his team multiple times during this match.
• In the end, after Powerhouse Hobbs is triple teamed and taken out of the match, Shibata is left alone (as Joe has chosen to leave when he sees the end is near) and Tyler Black hits the Curb Stomp onto Shibata and gets the win. Black's team wins, and things are still not over quite yet.
• Winner: Tyler Black & JetSpeed

The Build to WrestleDream:

• Being one win a piece, Tyler Black wants to settle the score with Joe, especially after Samoa Joe takes out both Kevin Knight and Mike Bailey after they successfully defend the AEW Tag Team Championships on an episode of Dynamite. Laying them in a pool of their own blood and saying that Tyler Black will share the same fate.

• The two cannot be separated during the build to WrestleDream as they attack each other everywhere in every arena they are in. Tyler Black also gets payback after he takes out each member of the Opps one-by-one at different times. Tyler Black says that when they fight, they will both do so alone, and will put each other through hell.

• Tony Khan then makes a match official between the two and agrees to make it a stipulation if they both agree to no physical contact until the match at WrestleDream (highlighting that because of both of them, 5 active wrestlers are now on the shelf, recovering from their injuries). Both men agree and the stipulation that is made is that it will be a Steel Cage match. Joe loves the stipulation, as he has been in multiple cage matches, and to him is the perfect environment to truly hurt Tyler, proving that he is fragile like he said and just can't hang with the big boys.

• However, surprisingly to Joe, Tyler Black also likes the stipulation, because now Joe has no excuses and there is nowhere he can hide and nobody he can turn to to save him. Tyler Black promises that he'll be right back on track where he needs to be once he beats Joe once and for all.

AEW WrestleDream 2026: Tyler Black vs Samoa Joe (Steel Cage)

• This match is an absolute war as the two men attack as soon as the cage door is closed. However, despite the hot start that Tyler Black gets on, Samoa Joe turns things around quickly after he throws Tyler Black repeatedly into the steel. Within 5 minutes of the match, Tyler Black is busted open and quite badly. Joe targets the cut on Black, opening the wound more and more as he wipes the blood across his chest. Samoa Joe is looking to truly end Tyler Black.

• At a certain point in the match, Tyler Black shows a more violent side of him, raking the eyes of Joe to get out from his grasp and then smashing and grinding Joe's face against the cage until he's busted open as well. Tyler Black then gets into his offense, being able to hit it this time around as compared to their match at Forbidden Door. But, Joe is a fighter, being able to have a counter for everything and making sure to not get hit with the Curb Stomp.

• In the end, after Joe tries to finish it with the Coquina Clutch, Tyler Black is able to get out of it, hitting Joe spine first into the exposed turnbuckle (that Joe exposed) and then hitting a Curb Stomp! But, rather than pinning him there, Tyler Black goes to the top rope, and then hits a Super Curb Stomp to ensure that Joe is out for the count and pins him. Tyler Black wins in a bloody war!

• Winner: Tyler Black

The Build to Full Gear:

• Coming off a big win off of Samoa Joe, Tyler Black says that he a message for anyone that is in the AEW locker room, and that's if they have a problem with him, they can deal with him face-to-face. Tyler Black says that in his heart, he knows that he's the best in the world and knows that he has what it takes to win the AEW Championship. So, anyone that wants to get in his way and prevent him from that opportunity, they can come out to the ring and try to stop him in the ring.

• Tyler Black is then confronted by Mawell Jacob Friedman...MJF! MJF says that since Tyler Black is inviting people to confront him about their dislike of him, he will happily volunteer to take his shot. MJF says that he actually respects Tyler Black's wrestling ability and credits him as being a 5-tool player, someone that can do everything in the ring and adapt to any situation. MJF says he respects his ability, he has no respect for Tyler Black... or more so, his bigger problem is the idea of the possibility of Tyler Black representing AEW as it's World Champion.

• MJF continues, saying that Tyler Black is someone that has disrespected the company that he (MJF) has put his blood, sweat, and tears into and while Tyler can pretend that didn't happen and pretend that he likes being part of AEW, this will never be a home that he is welcome in. On top of that, he is not someone that can carry the responsibility of being world champion in AEW just like he could barely do it in his previous company. MJF then mentions all the countless injuries that Tyler Black has had, some of which he had while being a world champion, and says that he just doesn't have what it takes anymore to be the top guy he still views himself to be.

• Tyler Black retorts, saying that MJF's comments may have stung more if he had made those comments when he first showed up. Black says that he knows what he has said and he knows where he has worked for in the past, and says that right now, he loves being here and feels home here. Black says that AEW has given him the opportunity to be the man he has always believed himself to be and loves that all issues are solved in the ring.

• Tyler Black continues, saying that MJF is saying similar things to what Samoa Joe told him months ago, and that he proved that he still has what it takes to compete against the very best and end with his hand raised in the end. Black says that the list of injuries he has had would be tough for any regular person to overcome, but luckily... he is Tyler "FUCKING" Black and each time, he has managed to adapt and come back, still as good as he was before. Black then says that he is one more big win away from being in line for a title shot for the AEW Championship and thinks a guy like MJF will do just the thing.

• MJF says he'll think about it, but wants to give someone the opportunity first to get their shot at Black...someone that has been waiting to get his hands on him since he arrived and someone who after talking with them, still resents Tyler Black for their past dealings. That person turns out to...Buddy Matthews! Buddy lays in a savage beatdown to Tyler Black and leaves him laying as MJF walks to the back.

• While a mini feud between Tyler Black and Buddy Matthews is going on, MJF issues a warning to the rest of AEW in a vignette promo. MJF says "I can't believe that the AEW fans and some members of the AEW roster are really welcoming this guy into our doors. I mean, do you guys really not know that you just let a snake into the garden? Take it from me, MJF, the salt of the earth and the devil himself... at least I tell you straight up what I am. But this guy... he is a snake that will destroy everything we have worked so hard for and do it while pretending to be one of you. I know there are people out there that think I am true evil and you know what? I accept that. I know evil when I see it, and this guy... he's the worst of them all. He's the kind of guy that will bide his time and strike when you least expect it. I'm trying to save AEW and if you can't see that, then you're just as bad as he is.".

• Meanwhile, it gets revealed that while Buddy doesn't like Tyler Black, he is also getting paid by MJF to ensure that Tyler Black is hurt going into their match at Full Gear. Despite this, Buddy just wants to beat him. In their match, Buddy Matthews comes incredibly close, but Tyler Black wins with the Curb Stomp and just barely wins a very competitive match (Buddy doing better than many expect). MJF, in frustration, attacks Buddy, slamming steel steps into Buddy's previously injured ankle.

AEW Full Gear 2026: Tyler Black vs MJF

• Tyler Black has a hard time getting going in this match early as MJF plays mind games with him that work in his favor. Using cheating tactics behind the ref's back to get advantages and is starts to really frustrate Black. At one point, Black even yells at the ref, which commentary mentions seems to be playing right into MJF's hands. But, being the caliber of wrestler he is, he is able to use his technical abilities to get back control and then frustrate MJF early with a few quick roll up attempts.

• As the match goes forward, Tyler Black hits some impressive moves, but struggles to hit his signature offense as MJF has him well scouted, seemingly having a counter for his big moves, especially the Curb Stomp, which he can't seem to land. After MJF counters the Buckle Bomb, he starts to work over the arm of Black. Potentially setting up for the Fujiwara Armbar for later. The first half of this match is mostly MJF, who has come in with a great gameplan.

• Tyler Black however shows to be just as much a student of the game as MJF is, having a counter for the Fujiwara armbar as well, now allowing MJF to lock it in whenever he attempts it. At one point, MJF goes for the Fujiwara armbar but Tyler Black counters it, turning it around and putting MJF in a position for a quick Curb Stomp! But MJF counters, rolling Black up and grabbing hold of the tights for a close 2-count. MJF then goes for a brainbuster, but Black counters and turns it into a Pedigree! Black goes for the pin but MJF kicks out at 2!

• Tyler Black then sets up for the Curb Stomp, but MJF pulls the ref between them, forcing Black to stop mid move. As the ref is distracted, MJF hits a low blow to Tyler Black, moves him to the apron, and hits a Heat Seeker Piledriver! But, Tyler Black kicks out at 2.9! MJF is now getting frustrated and screams at the ref. As the ref tends to Tyler Black, MJF slips on the Dynamite Ring, and prepares to hit Tyler Black. But, shockingly, Black seemingly moves the ref "accidentally" in front of him and MJF hits the ref instead with the ring! MJF is shocked, never having this situation play out like this before, and not knowing what to do. Tyler Black takes advantage of this and hits a superkick followed by a Curb Stomp!

• Tyler Black goes for the pin but there is no ref and it takes a little bit before a second ref comes down to the ring. Once the second ref comes in, they count the pin but MJF kicks out at 2.9! Tyler Black looks like he's about to lose his mind. Black then goes for a Super Curb Stomp, but MJF counters into the Fujiwara Armbar! MJF wrenches on the arm, seemingly having Black dead to rights, but Black is able to just barely get his foot on the bottom rope and break the submission!

• MJF lets go of the hold and waits for Tyler Black to get to his feet, still having the diamond ring on his finger, but, as he goes for the punch, the ref stops him and sees the ring on his finger! MJF begs off but the ref takes the ring off of MJF! In a scuffle, the ring falls to the mat and Tyler Black collects it. Tyler Black then nails MJF with the diamond ring without the ref noticing it! MJF is wobbled, falls on his knees and Tyler Black hits the Curb Stomp to put him away! Tyler Black wins but had to cheat to do it!

• Winner: Tyler Black

• MJF after the match screams in the middle of the ring that he was screwed and that Tyler Black just proved the kind of man that he is. MJF leaves one final warning as he storms out of the arena, saying that he warned them and now whatever they get moving forward... they deserve it.

Before Part 2 ends, we learn a bit of interesting news regarding the Continental Classic for this year. Tony Khan announces that the winner of the Continental Classic will of course become the Unified Champion in AEW. But, there's a twist.... as moving forward, the Unified Champion can now choose to trade in the title whenever they choose (with at least a week's notice) for a shot at the AEW World Championship (works just like the Gift of the Gods Championship from Lucha Underground). Whenever the title is cashed in, it remains vacant until the Continental Classic the following year.

With this news made official, the brackets get revealed and in this years tournament is Tyler Black. To be continued...