As he did during his first reign on TNT, Darby Allin is all-comers. And just like the first time, it affected the real-life daredevil.
With opponents of the caliber he faced on January 18th dynamite – New Japan heavyweight legend Kushida – This may also mean that Allen’s second run with the belt has already ended (Semi-pun intended).
The main event showdown started out as a well-matched affair, but the former WWE NXT Cruiserweight Champion eventually chose a body part to target. He did so after Darby flew out to take the two guys out of NJPW’s Los Angeles dojo that KUSHIDA had brought with him… Kevin Knight and The DKC.
KUSHIDA is driving @tweetHis arm is on the mat! Watch #AEWDynamite Live on TBS! pic.twitter.com/Q7FraHcpqy
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) January 19, 2023
Kushida continued to target his arm, using Allen’s dash line against him to do so.
Crazy counter by KUSHIDA! it’s a #AEWDynamite Live on TBS! pic.twitter.com/uUaGh2YadI
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) January 19, 2023
Feeling so confident, the New Japan Kids offered Darby’s teacher a towel so he could throw it in the ring and save his man when he was trapped in a Hoverboard lock. The stinger just scraped off some sweat from his face paint and tossed it into the crowd.
And he was right to do so. The TNT Champion reached the ropes and hit The Last Supper to retain.
#and still!!! TNT Champion @employee Retained the title after an amazing fight against KUSHIDA on #AEWDynamite Live broadcast on TBS! pic.twitter.com/RSbXs5ace1
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) January 19, 2023
The defeated competitor couldn’t believe it, but eventually showed respect to Allen and asked for another match. We’ll see if he still has the belt on when that happens. Darby won’t be putting his belt on the line in his next match, but he will be flying across the Pacific Ocean to share the ring with some legends.
official – @employee He will make his debut in Japan this Sunday as AEW TNT Champion having just defended his title against KUSHIDA #AEWDynamite
great muta
@the scorpion
⚰️ Darby Allen
English commentary
15.00 #Noah_Gk #my design #AEW pic.twitter.com/TpVT0sUmcC– Pro Wrestling NOAH Global (@noahglobal) January 19, 2023
Get full results and coverage of everything from tonight’s episode on dynamite here.