This episode was always destined to be deeply emotional and challenging, yet the entire AEW community united to pay tribute to Pac. Every member of the AEW family came together in support.
As expected, the Death Riders led the tribute to their brother. Jon Moxley kicked off the show with a match against Orange Cassidy, a touching nod to Cassidy and Pac’s unforgettable encounter at Revolution six years earlier. Bryan Danielson made a heartfelt return, reuniting with Moxley in the ring for a tearful and widely celebrated embrace.
Elsewhere, Marina Shafir joined forces with Hyan and Thunder Rosa to face Mercedes Mone, Britt Baker, and Persephone. Will Ospreay, though only briefly a Death Rider, teamed with Ricochet to deliver a Pac-inspired tribute. Yet, the most anticipated moment was the main event: a 10-man tag team match featuring the Death Riders against the Don Callis Family. Notably, only four Death Riders remained as the clock wound down—Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta, and Gabe Kidd.
This set the stage for another unforgettable moment: Bryan Danielson’s return to the ring, introduced as part of the Death Riders. His presence sparked a series of memorable highlights—tandem Busaiku knees with Wheeler Yuta, a spirited Death Rider charge that included Marina, and commentary featuring Jon Moxley joking he wanted Danielson “breathing smoke” as the match’s sixth most exhausted competitor. Ultimately, Daniel Garcia secured the victory, ending a somber month with wins honoring both Pac and the Butcher.
That was the heart of the evening. The wrestling was exceptional, as expected, but this week’s matches carried a deeper significance. It was a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest wrestlers ever, a genuine love letter to a man universally respected, delivered in the only way that felt authentic.
Even in his absence, Pac was the unifying force, connecting not only the Death Riders and Danielson but the entire AEW roster. The most powerful image in a venue full of stars was the empty chair—an emblem of the King of the Cruiserweights’ throne.
There are countless ways to describe Pac’s beautiful spirit, but his profound influence on wrestling can only be shown through moments like these. This night perfectly honored Pac—not as the fierce character he played, but as the remarkable person he truly was.
Written by Max Everett
Fan Take: This tribute night is a poignant reminder of how wrestling transcends competition, becoming a powerful community that cherishes its heroes. Honoring Pac in such a meaningful way not only cements his legacy but also inspires a new generation of fighters to carry forward his passion and artistry.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
