During the match, Rene Paquette mentioned that although Orange Cassidy wasn’t fully at 100% due to a recent bout with Claudio Castagnoli, he was medically cleared for tonight’s Blue League contest. Roderick Strong planned to target Cassidy’s sore lower back. The match began slowly, with Strong applying pressure and Cassidy cleverly using the ropes for breaks. Strong started strong, landing chops and corner attacks, but Cassidy fought back with headlocks and pinning combinations. Despite taking some heavy hits, including a brutal drop onto the barricade and multiple chops, Cassidy kept his composure.
After a commercial break, Cassidy struck back with a tilt-a-whirl DDT, only for Strong to regain control with more chops and power moves. Cassidy’s aerial attempts were thwarted by Strong, who delivered a punishing powerslam and tried for a superplex before getting hit with an elbow from Cassidy. A high-risk top rope DDT by Cassidy earned only a near fall, and his signature Orange Punch missed. Strong went for his End of Heartache finisher twice, but Cassidy skillfully countered and ultimately pinned Strong for the 3-count, earning three points.
Following the match, Darby Allin appeared on a balcony in a promo, expressing frustration over his exit from the Continental Classic. He endorsed his successor, Jack Perry, before leaving.
Winner: Orange Cassidy
Fan Take: This victory is a significant boost for Cassidy, showcasing his resilience and strategy even when not fully fit, which adds intrigue to the Blue League competition. For AEW fans, it highlights how injury management and tactical wrestling can shift the momentum in crucial matches, emphasizing the sport’s blend of athleticism and storytelling.
