The AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament began on the March 12 episode of AEW Dynamite, bringing exciting action and surprises for wrestling fans. One of the biggest highlights was the AEW debut of “Speedball” Mike Bailey, who won his match against The Beast Mortos, securing a spot in the next round.
Later in the night, Orange Cassidy joined Bailey in the next round after a hard-fought win against CMLL star Hechicero, in a match filled with intense moments and technical wrestling. Cassidy’s victory now sets up a four-way match next week, where the winner will go on to face Kenny Omega at AEW Dynasty for the International Championship.
Orange Cassidy vs. Hechicero: Match Highlights
The match started with Orange Cassidy using his usual mind games, putting his hands in his pockets to frustrate Hechicero, known as the “Alchemist of the Ring.” This strategy worked at first, but soon, Hechicero took control by tripping Cassidy and locking in several submission holds.
During the commercial break, Hechicero kept his advantage, attacking Cassidy’s leg and slamming him into the steel steps outside the ring. Once back inside, he hit a full nelson side slam for a close two-count and followed up with a powerful Pumphandle suplex as the match returned from break.
Cassidy Battles Back Despite Injury
Although Cassidy was hurt, especially his leg, he fought back by hitting a crossbody from the top rope, but Hechicero countered Cassidy’s attempt at a tornado DDT into a spinning hammerlock backbreaker for another near fall.
Cassidy later countered a suplex attempt into a Stundog Millionaire, and finally landed the tornado DDT. But he struggled to stay on his feet due to his injured leg, giving Hechicero time to recover and catch Cassidy mid-air with a top rope elbow.
Hechicero tried multiple submissions to finish the match, but Cassidy hung on. In the final moments, Cassidy escaped Hechicero’s attacks and used a Tilt-a-Whirl head scissors to roll him into the Mouse Trap pinning combination, securing a surprise victory.
Mike Bailey Confronts Cassidy After the Match
After the match, “Speedball” Mike Bailey appeared on the ramp, signaling that both he and Cassidy are now moving on to face off in the next round of the tournament. The show ended with the anticipation of their upcoming clash, as both men are now one step closer to a title shot against Kenny Omega.
What’s Next in the AEW International Championship Tournament?
With Orange Cassidy and Mike Bailey advancing, next week’s four-way match promises to be an exciting showdown. Fans are eager to see who will rise to the top and challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW International Championship at AEW Dynasty.
AEW continues to build momentum with fresh matchups and exciting tournament action, and Cassidy’s hard-earned victory proves that even when injured, he can still outsmart and outlast top international talent like Hechicero.
The AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament is off to a thrilling start, with Orange Cassidy and Mike Bailey advancing after impressive victories. Cassidy’s technical skills and never-give-up attitude won him a tough match against Hechicero, while Bailey’s strong debut adds excitement for what’s next. As fans look ahead to the four-way match, the road to AEW Dynasty and a shot at Kenny Omega’s title is heating up.
FAQ’s
Who did Orange Cassidy defeat to advance in the AEW International Championship Tournament?
Orange Cassidy defeated CMLL star Hechicero in a competitive match to advance in the AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament.
Who made their AEW debut in the International Championship Tournament?
‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey made his AEW debut and defeated The Beast Mortos to move forward in the tournament.
What does Orange Cassidy’s win mean for the tournament?
With his victory, Orange Cassidy now moves on to compete in a four-way match, where the winner will challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW International Championship at AEW Dynasty.
Who will Orange Cassidy face next in the AEW Tournament?
Orange Cassidy is set to compete in a four-way match next week, which will include ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey and two other competitors yet to be confirmed.
What is the AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament?
The AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament is a multi-round competition where wrestlers compete for a chance to face Kenny Omega for the AEW International Title at AEW Dynasty.