There are plenty of matches that could easily be considered draws on one of AEW’s biggest pay-per-views of the year, and the AEW World Championship match pitting Darby Allin against MJF in a hair-vs-title match is one. While the outcome of this match seems pretty obvious, as MJF isn’t likely to lose the hair he paid for (and suffered for, I’d imagine, as hair transplants don’t exactly look pleasant) while he’s also dabbling in Hollywood, just the fact that he could lose it makes it intriguing and fun. It’s not just a rematch now, there are stakes, and they felt necessary for this match that feels like it has a predictable outcome.

Since winning the title from MJF in a squash match on the April 15 edition of “Dynamite,” Allin has been on a tear, successfully defending the gold on every episode of “Dynamite,” plus a few “Collision” episodes, since landing multiple coffin drops on the now-former champion. From Brody King, to Tommaso Ciampa, Konosuke Takeshita, and more, Allin has defeated them all in impressive, crowd-pleasing matches. All of those bouts have been at least 15 minutes in length, much longer than the 2:17 it took for him to beat MJF, and now, MJF is out for blood.

While it may not be the best-ever main event match of Double or Nothing, it’s going to be a hard-hitting one. While it’s not advertised, as of this moment, as having any kind of hardcore stipulation, there’s no real doubt that MJF and Allin will spend a lot of time outside of the ring, to the delight of the sicko crowd. MJF is going to do everything he can to not only win, but to keep Allin down so he can’t hit any coffin drops or pull out anything else from his arsenal of crazy moves.

After Allin has had so many longer, consecutive defenses against great opponents, it’s possible he runs out of gas toward the end of this match, and it will be exciting to see the crowd behind him in attempts to help rally him to victory. It certainly seems like MJF is walking away as a three-time AEW World Champion, and if that’s the case, Allin can be proud of himself for what he accomplished in such a short time. The match is a draw for fans of MJF, fans of Allin, and all the AEW sickos, especially those hoping “The Devil” loses his hair in dramatic fashion.

Written by Daisy Ruth

WWE has confirmed several segments for tonight’s episode of SmackDown, which will take place at the Rupp Arena in Lexington.

Tiffany Stratton is set to defend her title in an open challenge. The reigning Women’s United States Champion will put the belt on the line following her successful defense against Kiana James two weeks ago.

“After successfully defending her title against Kiana James two weeks ago, Tiffany Stratton will issue a Women’s United States Championship Open Challenge.”

Also scheduled, Carmelo Hayes will address Trick Williams and Lil Yachty. Hayes returned to SmackDown last week and picked up a win over Ricky Saints, and now plans to send a message to the current United States Champion.

“After returning to SmackDown to defeat Ricky Saints last week, Carmelo Hayes has a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty.”

The show will open with Rhea Ripley, who is expected to address the challenge issued by Jade Cargill. A rematch for the WWE Women’s Championship could be made official, with WWE Clash in Italy on May 31 being discussed as the potential setting.

Ripley captured the title from Cargill at WrestleMania 42, and their rivalry resumed on the May 8 episode of SmackDown when Cargill returned and interrupted an ongoing match involving Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.

Before that potential title rematch, both sides will collide in a six-woman tag team match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend. Ripley will team with Flair and Bliss, while Cargill joins forces with Michin and B-Fab.

Tonight’s SmackDown continues to build toward multiple upcoming matches, with championship implications and storyline developments expected throughout the broadcast.

WWE SmackDown Lineup for May 22

• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Gunther continue the build to their Clash in Italy match
• Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton issues an open challenge
• Carmelo Hayes has a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty
• Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga
• WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley kicks off the show and responds to Jade Cargill’s challenge

Updated WWE SmackDown Lineup for May 22 in Lexington Kentucky

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Adam Copeland has shed light on his current AEW contract status, revealing that even he is unsure when his deal will expire due to multiple extensions tied to injuries and outside projects.

In a recent interview, Copeland explained how time away from the ring continues to impact the length of his agreement with AEW.

“I broke my leg, so there’s injury time added, and I had to go film Beekeeper (2) and Percy Jackson, so (that’s) added. Anytime I have to take a break, that gets added on the back end. I’m not even sure when it’s up.”

His comments make it clear that his AEW future remains open-ended, with no confirmed timeline for when his current run could conclude.

Copeland also addressed retirement, noting that he does not feel the need for a farewell tour similar to John Cena. He pointed back to his forced retirement in 2011 due to cervical spinal stenosis as the moment that already served as his true sendoff.

“I already had my sendoff. This time, it’ll be my choice, and that makes it a different experience entirely. I don’t care if I get this big, tearful sendoff.”

“I have no preconceived idea of what it needs to be.”

At 52, Copeland continues to manage the physical demands of wrestling, explaining how breaks from in-ring action can make returning even more challenging.

“That’s the interesting part. We’ve always talked about within the industry the best you feel is when you can wrestle the most, because it’s almost like you stay in this purgatory of pain and never really come out of it. You’re always kind of in that zone, and gosh, (if) you take two weeks off and take a bump, the first time it’s like, ‘Oh, man.’ And if you’re doing that live on national television or on pay-per-view, that can be a disconcerting thing.”

Copeland is scheduled to compete at AEW Double or Nothing, teaming with Christian Cage against FTR for the AEW Tag Team Titles. The match carries a major stipulation, as Copeland and Cage will be forced to retire as a team if they lose.

He also reflected on his history in New York, recalling his first pay-per-view appearance at SummerSlam 1998 and the significance the city holds in his career.

“My very first pay-per-view appearance ever was in New York (at Madison Square Garden). It was at SummerSlam ’98 – that was the beginning of my pay-per-view career anyway. So New York holds a special place (in my heart).”

AEW Double or Nothing will take place at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens on May 24, adding another milestone moment to Copeland’s long career.

Adam Copeland Addresses AEW Contract Status While Reflecting On Career And Retirement

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Jim Ross has shared his thoughts on Mick Foley joining AEW, calling it a strong addition for the company as Foley prepares to co-host the Double or Nothing Buy In.

During the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross reacted to Tony Khan announcing Foley as a co-host alongside Renee Paquette. The move ended months of speculation surrounding Foley’s interest in AEW, especially as his WWE Legends deal is set to expire in June 2026.

Ross made it clear he sees value in Foley’s role, particularly in an analyst position rather than play-by-play commentary.

“I’m really excited about it. I think it’s a great get for Tony Khan. Foley brings credibility, he brings tenure, he brings name identity, and I think he’s looking at continuing to develop and evolve his commentating in this role. Of course, you’re kind of an analyst, and he’ll do a better job of being an analyst than he would if they had the bright idea to make him a play-by-play guy. You know, we’re loaded with play-by-play guys, so that’s good, and it’ll be a different sound on Sunday night.”

Ross also addressed the possibility of Foley getting physically involved in AEW programming. While he did not rule it out, he suggested any in-ring activity would be limited rather than a full match.

“I can see him, you know, throwing a few punches, or getting somebody in the mandible claw, stuff like that, but him working out a complete match, I find that to be doubtful, and maybe it will happen. I’m not doubting it. I don’t think it’s a bad idea if it’s done right. You got to treat Mick very, very special and put him into situations that he can pull off that he’s good at, so, but I can’t see having Mick Foley on TV, and somewhere along the way, not using him with a little bit of physicality. I think that will happen.”

The discussion also led Ross to evaluate AEW’s current roster depth. He pointed to the Double or Nothing lineup as an example of how the company has steadily built a strong and balanced roster.

“It’s funny, you know, you take a look intelligently at the roster of AEW, it’s all of a sudden almost, I don’t want to say overnight, because that’s not accurate, but I think it’s pretty impressive, the roster that they built, they’re building. That really struck home with me tonight when they were running down the card for Sunday night on pay per view. They all of a sudden you get deeper in a card, like in the middle, and that might be being too skeptical, I don’t know, but when you hear those matches that are used to build the whole card and all that, I just, I’m impressed. I’m really impressed with how their roster is coming together. It’s easy to see how hard these guys and gals work. They bust their ass, man. And I think this is awesome.”

Ross is scheduled to call the Double or Nothing event alongside Excalibur and Taz, while Foley will be featured on the Buy In pre-show. At this time, there is no confirmation on whether Foley’s role with AEW will continue beyond this appearance.

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