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MJF Chokes Out Samoa Joe, Retains AEW World Championship At AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

Wrestling
Colin Tessier Sep 20, 2023 9:17PM

MJF did exactly what he said what he would do.

AEW World Champion MJF and Samoa Joe headlined AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam on September 20. Joe, the reigning ROH World Television Champion, challenged MJF for the world title. MJF, a New York native, had the hometown advantage, as the crowd was firmly in his corner. One of these fans was featured in a pre-match video, which was a clear parody of a classic Bret Hart advertisement.

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Joe overpowered MJF throughout the bout, and the champion was also battling through an injured neck. Joe honed in on the weakness by slamming MJF onto the apron and piledriving him onto the exposed floor. MJF kept fighting, and he busted out every weapon in his arsenal, including the Kangaroo Kick and the Dynamite Diamond ring, in an effort to overcome the odds. Joe nearly scored the win with a Muscle Buster, but MJF kicked out.

The challenger was also on the verge of victory when he trapped MJF in the Coquina Clutch, but Adam Cole ran to ringside and cheered for his friend. His presence fueled the champion, who fired up and, after trading low blows with Joe, choked him out with some tape. Joe passed out, so the referee called for the bell.

After the match, Joe shoved Cole, and MJF stood up for his tag team partner. MJF and Joe then shook hands, and after doctors checked on MJF, he celebrated with Cole to close the show.

Click here to catch up on our coverage of AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. For a full review, check out the post-show podcast on our YouTube channel.

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