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Nuno makes two big Hammers changes

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As he risks fan wrath over star

 

Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Hammers News

 

Nuno Espirito Santo looks set to make two changes to his West Ham team for the visit of in-form Aston Villa but will risk the wrath of fans over one star, Charles Lucas reports for Hammers News.

 

West Ham are facing the Premier League’s best team of the last two-and-a-half months when Aston Villa come to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

 

It promises to be an emotional occasion with the Hammers officially marking the passing of the club’s greatest ever player Billy Bonds.

 

On the pitch, Nuno Espirito Santo will want his players to show the kind of fight and spirit that epitomized Bonds as they battle to stay in the top flight.

 

A win over Aston Villa could lift the Hammers out of the danger zone and up to 16th above Leeds and Forest, who face Brentford and Spurs respectively.

 

West Ham can take big step towards safety with Villa win

But beating Unai Emery’s side will be no easy task.

 

Aston Villa have won nine of their last 10 Premier League matches, taking the most points of any team in the top flight since 28 September onwards.

 

That has propelled Villa up to third in the table and a win over the Hammers could put them second, just three points behind leaders Arsenal.

 

After beating Villa five times in a row, the Irons do not have a good recent record against their claret and blue cousins, going winless in five Premier League encounters against them since that perfect run.

 

Captain Jarrod Bowen will be the first name on Nuno’s team sheet.

 

Bowen is going in search of making it 100 goals and assists combined in the Premier League for West Ham as he sits on 60 goals scored having laid on 39 for his teammates.

 

West Ham lose two of their best players after the Villa clash with El Hadji Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka heading off to AFCON for up to six weeks.

 

That is a problem for Nuno to worry about next week – when they make the daunting trip to Man City.

 

For now, they will be included and hoping to link up with Senegal and DR Congo off the back of a win.

 

There are several major selection decisions for the head coach, though.

 

Nuno looks set to make two big West Ham changes for Aston Villa and will risk fan wrath over one star.

 

The Hammers boss will likely revert to a back four against Villa.

 

Nuno makes two big West Ham changes for Villa

That will mean dropping either Max Kilman or Konstantinos Mavropanos.

 

Kilman had been left out recently amid his continued struggles this season with the big Greek preferred alongside Jean-Clair Todibo.

 

Kilman returned to the side as part of a back three at Brighton and Mavropanos cost West Ham dear at the end of that game.

 

Firstly Mavropanos was too honest by failing to go down after being caught in the face by a high boot before the Seagulls equalised.

 

Then he missed a simple header for a goal with the last kick of the game.

 

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images/Hammers News

 

We think Kilman will be the one to drop out as Freddie Potts replaces him in change number one.

 

Striker Callum Wilson can’t play three games in a week due to his extensive injury history.

 

So he was rested at Brighton.

 

But he made a big impact when he came on, setting up Bowen’s goal.

 

And Wilson will come back into the starting XI in change number two, replacing Guido Rodriguez, who was a surprise name on the team sheet last time out.

 

Nuno risks fan wrath over Magassa

That means there will be no place in the team for brilliant French destroyer Soungoutou Magassa.

 

The £17m summer signing from Monaco was on the bench alongside Potts at Brighton following his man of the match performance and goal at Man United.

 

Magassa was brilliant in training ahead of West Ham’s clash with Villa.

 

West Ham fans are seriously excited about Magassa and feel he brings much-needed steel to their midfield, which has looked a lot more balanced when he plays alongside Potts and Mateus Fernandes.

 

But Magassa looks set to be on the bench again with Nuno adamant Lucas Paqueta starts when he is available.

 

Fixture: West Ham United vs Aston Villa
Competition: Premier League
Kick-off: 14:00 UK time

 

West Ham United Lineup vs Aston Villa

Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Bowen, Summerville, Paqueta

Substitutes: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Igor, Wilson, Rodriguez, Soucek, Scarles, Kante

Villa starting XI vs West Ham: Bizot, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Watkins.

 

 

Liverpool captain considers future without Salah

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Virgil van Dijk does not want Mo Salah to leave in the transfer window but is not certain he won’t(Image: Getty)

The Liverpool captain has had talks with Salah after the Egyptian fell out with Arne Slot before making peace ahead of his substitute’s appearance against Brighton, Andy Dunn writes for Mirror.

This time, in the area where players occasionally have a post-match chat with the media, Mohamed Salah was not for stopping. “Two weeks in a row? No,” laughed Salah.

Fair enough. But as he happily breezed past, his captain – as he always does – was talking and wondering out loud if one of the club’s greatest-ever players would be stopping in a mixed zone in a Liverpool shirt again.

Arne Slot said normal relations had been restored and pointed out that other players had done a lap of Anfield to thank the supporters after Hugo Ekitike’s first and second half goals had given Liverpool a win over a very wasteful Brighton. But no other player appeared to have tears in his eyes.

No other player was quite so dramatic. No other player lingered as long as Salah did. And if you expected Virgil van Dijk to emphatically dispel any idea that Salah might have played his final game for Liverpool, you were mistaken.

Salah is now on Africa Cup of Nations duty for Egypt. His club skipper said: “I wish him all the best and… come back hopefully.”

Obviously, those three words show that Van Dijk is not completely sure. He certainly wants to line up alongside Salah again but knows it is not a given.

Van Dijk went on: “I have no control over that. He is one of the leaders. I would love to have him around because he is one of the leaders.

“Mo goes to the Africa Cup of Nations. We hope he will be successful there and all hope he comes back and is important for us for the rest of the season.

“But on the other side of it, we all know football and have no idea what will happen. I hope he stays, as he is one of my leaders, a very important player which you saw with another assist. He is still important for the football club but there are more parties to this situation.

“Of course, I’ve told him I want him to stay. The rest I’m not going to tell you. We will be in contact over the next days and weeks, we always are. And then let’s see.”

Hugo Ekitike’s double against Brighton took second billing to Mo Salah’s return

Any idea that some fans might voice their disapproval over Salah’s infamous interview at Elland Road was proven to be wrong as soon as he came onto the pitch as a 26th minute substitute for the injured Joe Gomez. But while Salah obviously has fan backing, Van Dijk believes Slot has dealt with the situation ‘perfectly’.

The skipper explained: “I think he (the manager) has handled the situation very well. Calm, in his own way. It is a very tricky situation.

“But looking at it, and in the conversations we’ve had on a daily basis, I think he’s handled it very well. When difficult moments arise, we have to stick together.

Arne Slot says relations between himself and Mo Salah are back to normal(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“This moment in time is a very good moment to see how everyone responds. And the manager did perfectly so far.”

And Van Dijk reckons the win against Inter Milan and this victory over Brighton – both with clean sheets – shows the Salah saga has not impacted his team-mates. “I speak to almost all the players,” said the Dutchman.

“If you feel that it could be a problem within the squad and it affects performances, you have a different story. But I think we showed this week we are absolutely united and we go forward as one.” But whether that one includes Salah remains to be seen.

NFF faulted for Super Eagles interference

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Whistle blower slams NFF for Super Eagles recent failures

 

Image credit: transfer Market

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Whistle blower account has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) interference in team selection is to blame for Super Eagles’ recent failures.

 

Though, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau publicly denied any influence in the selection of players for the African Cup of Nations which begins this month in Morocco, stating Coach Éric Chelle had full control, a whistle blower suggested otherwise.

 

The source who is also an FA insider stated that NFF officials pushed for their preferred players, leading to some changes from the coach’s initial list, a situation now fueling fan frustration over the final selection.

 

“The NFF president is the main problem,” our source who requested anonymity stated.

 

“He couldn’t have this level of freedom he has now with the present coach. To be able to push for the selection of his favored players and those of cohorts, that was why they fired the former coach (José Paseiro) and hired the current coach.

 

Gusau is not telling the truth. He knows, and I know why the Super Eagles is not going to the World Cup and why they will fail in Morocco this month. The problem is that nobody cares. It’s businees as usual for them.”

 

Super Eagles missed out on qualifying for next year’s World Cup tournament after losing their penalty-kick slugfest to DR Congo during last month’s playoff.

 

The failure to qualify for the 2026 Three Nation FIFA World Cup was regarded as a huge blow for Nigerian football, only for the coach to release his scandalous selection for the AFCON.

 

There were widespread claims and speculation that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) interfered with Super Eagles AFCON squad selection, with reports of lobbying and pressure for certain players, causing initial delays and controversy before the release.

 

Despite Gusau’s denials, sources suggested NFF officials pushed for their preferred players, leading to some changes from the coach’s initial list, a situation fueling fan frustration over the final selection. 

 

Our source alleges of Interference, with conflicting reports suggesting NFF officials engaged in lobbying for specific players, impacting the final squad list for AFCON 2025.

 

The squad list delays, our source further corroborated, were due to The NFF’s initial secrecy and delays in announcing the final squad. The delay of the release of the list was due to the intensive internal wrangling and external pressure on Coach Chelle.

According to the whistle blower, the official denial by Gusau was calculated to douse fan grievance over the scandalous list.

 

“They sent out the NFF president to publicly refute the claims of interference by asserting that player selection was solely the technical crew’s decision and he never directed coaches on who to pick,” the whistle blower stated.

 

“Gusau’s statement was calculated to control Fan & Media Reaction. There was significant backlash and questioning from fans and analysts regarding some inclusions and omissions, with beliefs that decisions weren’t based purely on merit.”

 

Our source insisted that the coach’s role has been effectively hijacked. While Chelle was given a mandate, some insiders felt the coach was reserved and avoided controversy, potentially making him susceptible to pressure from the federation.

 

In essence, while the NFF officially denied involvement, strong rumors and reports pointed to significant pressure and lobbying that potentially influenced the final Super Eagles squad for the tournament. 

The Super Eagles squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

 

Adeyemi’s wife take on Man’U move

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As Bryan Mbeumo sends AFCON message

 

Karim Adeyemi is targeting a move to Borussia Dortmund(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar via Getty Images)/Mirror UK

 

Manchester United will lose various key players to AFCON following their game against Bournemouth on Monday, reports Abbie Meehan for Mirror UK. The Red Devils will host the Cherries at Old Trafford as they look to extend their three-match unbeaten streak.

 

Ruben Amorim will be without Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui for the rest of December. However, the United boss is preparing for the Monday night game with all three stars in mind.

 

As the January transfer window creeps up, fans will be hoping for deals to be done to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.

 

Here, Mirror Football has all the details on the latest coming out of Old Trafford.

Karim Adeyemi’s wife’s thoughts on transfer

Karim Adeyemi’s wife could be the catalyst in convincing the Borussia Dortmund winger to move to Manchester. BILD reports that the German international is currently in the process of building a deal that will include a release clause of around £70million.

However, Adeyemi must consider his wife’s feelings when hashing out a new deal and she has one key point. Loredana, who is a rapper, would prefer her partner to move to a “major European city” when signing his next contract.

Due to this, the 23-year-old’s name has now cropped up alongside a host of clubs including United. A report from BILD in November stated that the Red Devils had made contact with Adeyemi’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

Inter Milan have also enquired and both places could definitely be considered major European hot spots to please the footballer’s wife.

Mbeumo sends AFCON message

 

Bryan Mbeumo is chilled regarding his AFCON departure(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)/Mirror UK

Bryan Mbeumo is relaxed regarding his potential early departure to AFCON next week. The Cameroon international will jet off to the major tournament alongside Amad and Mazraoui with uncertainty still lingering over whether the trio will be available for Bournemouth.

However, this doesn’t seem to concern Mbeumo as he posted a photo of his teammates on Friday with a telling caption. The picture shows Amad pulling a funny face with French teammate Leny Yoro in the background with the caption: “No problem my boys,” alongside a sunglasses emoji.

This reaction showcases the 26-year-old’s relaxed nature surrounding his AFCON departure and his potential to make Monday night’s game. Amorim confirmed in a press conference that the club are preparing with all three players in mind to be in the squad.

Speaking on Friday, he said: “We are waiting until the last moment to have all the players available to choose the best team to start the game. I expect to have a decision today or maybe tomorrow.

“Every national team has their ideas about when they want the players. I don’t know if it’s going to be the same situation (with each player). It depends on the games.

“It’s frustrating but at the same time nobody knows who is going to play. So it’s a good thing, I think. We have players to cope with everything, and with a long week you can see a lot of things to prepare the game and any situation.”

 

 

Saturday Night’s Main Event Results

WWE Photo

Saturday Night’s Main Event Results :Full Details

 

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi ended in a no-contest

WWE Photo

Cody Rhodes and Oba Femi put on an instant classic at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but Drew McIntyre stormed the ring to attack Rhodes and end the bout in a no-contest.

 

The Ruler dominated the early goings, tossing The American Nightmare from turnbuckle to turnbuckle and even hitting a devastating backbreaker.

 

One misstep by the NXT Champion allowed Rhodes to finally execute his signature powerslam and a Cody Cutter, but Femi kicked out at two.

 

The Ruler wouldn’t be kept down long as he countered Rhodes’ attempt at a clothesline into a massive spinebuster, followed up by a huge running uppercut onto the announce table.

 

Concern began mounting for Rhodes as the crowd serenaded Femi with chants, but the Undisputed WWE Champion went for broke and hit an Avalanche Cody Cutter.

 

Out of nowhere, Drew McIntyre arrived on scene and attacked Rhodes to force a no-contest, but The Scottish Psychopath paid for it as Rhodes and Femi teamed up to attack him.

 

Rhodes dropped McIntyre with a Cody Cutter, Femi leveled him with a Chokeslam, and the two champions took turns raising each other’s arms and shook hands before exiting the ring.

Sol Ruca defeats Bayley

 

WWE Photo

One of NXT’s brightest stars Sol Ruca picked up arguably the biggest win of her career as she knocked off Bayley in a thrilling bout.

 

Bayley used her mat technician skills to keep Ruca off-balance early, but the athleticism of Ruca allowed her to escape one of her holds with ease, impressing the veteran.

 

The two rolled to the outside, but Ruca’s attempt at a moonsault backfired as The Role Model timed her opponent, avoided it and hit a huge running forearm strike.

 

 

Ruca nailed Bayley with a Sasuke Special, but the veteran Bayley overcame it and landed a Rose Plant. Ruca, however, barely got her foot on the bottom rope just before the three-count.

 

Bayley went for her signature top-rope elbow drop, but Ruca countered into a Sol Snatcher. Bayley played possum as she nearly rolled out of the ring, but her attempt at a rollup was countered as Ruca secured the win with a rollup of her own.

 

Following the bout, Bayley and Ruca shook hands, and after being joined by Lyra Valkyria and Zaria, they received a standing ovation from the WWE Universe.

World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee defeat Je’Von Evans and TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater

 

WWE Photo

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee overcame an incredible challenge from The Young OG and The Youngest in Charge.

 

The match began with a frenetic pace as Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater used their incredible athleticism to dive over the top rope onto their opponents and send the crowd into an early frenzy.

 

Styles and Lee used their veteran savvy to bounce back, but a Styles Clash attempt on Slater was thwarted by Evans.

 

 

The Phenomenal One fought back after a magnificent Swanton 450 by Slater, but his attempt at a Phenomenal Forearm backfired.

 

Slater was unable to capitalize, as his splash was countered into a match-ending Styles Clash.

 

Following the bout, the four competitors embraced in a tremendous show of respect.

 

Gunther defeats John Cena via submission

 

WWE Photo

 

Legendary WWE Superstar John Cena took to the ring one last time and did what he does best: embody Hustle, Loyalty and Respect.

 

After greeting a host of WWE icons at ringside, Cena brought the fight to Gunther in an epic contest.

 

WWE Photo

 

The Ring General tried to batter Cena, but the crowd refused to relent and fired up the 17-time World Champion, leading to a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Gunther, however, countered the Attitude Adjustment with a German suplex.

 

Gunther tried to lock in a Sleeper Hold, which Cena countered expertly into an STFU, but the towering Austrian muscled out of it and hit a Powerbomb.

 

WWE Photo

 

Despite the crowd jeering him, Gunther began to impose his will on Cena with multiple clotheslines and clubbing blows, but Cena refused to give up and continued to battle.

 

 

Gunther dragged Cena to the outside and attempted to slam him through the announce table from atop the steel steps, but Cena countered and hit his opponent with an earth-shaking AA through the table.

 

 

Cena hit a huge leg drop from the top rope, but Gunther countered another Five Knuckle Shuffle attempt with a big boot and a Powerbomb.

 

WWE Photo

 

Gunther’s ensuing flying slam was countered when Cena scaled the ropes and hit an Avalanche AA, but it wasn’t enough to win his final match.

 

Another AA attempt went awry as Gunther countered, and The Ring General locked in his dangerous Sleeper Hold.

 

Somehow, Cena broke free of Gunther’s clutches after a few agonizing minutes and executed another AA, but Gunther snatched the legend and locked him back into the Sleeper.

 

The ever-defiant Cena began to fade, but he found a burst of energy, which gave hope to the sold-out Washington, D.C. crowd. Gunther answered by nailing several elbow strikes and continued to squeeze, forcing Cena to finally tap out.

 

After the match, a devastated WWE Universe rose to its feet and applauded the legendary Cena, showering him “Thank You Cena” chants as an emotional Cena rose to his feet.

WWE Photo

The WWE Superstars entered the arena and surrounded the ring as Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk bestowed their titles on Cena as a symbolic gesture of respect.

 

After a moving video package highlighting his storied career, Cena took off his shoes and his wristbands and departed the ring one final time, giving a salute and a bow at the top of the ramp.

AEW Collision Winter is Coming Results

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December 13, 2025 – Takeshita & Castagnoli Draw, Briscoe Retains, More

AEW Collision Results

AEW Collision went international on Saturday, as we brought Winter is Coming to you from Cardiff, Wales with an absolutely epic night of professional wrestling action.

In our main event, Mark Briscoe fought through the Death Riders and their underhanded tactics to retain the TNT Championship against Daniel Garcia. Swerve Strickland opened the night by defeating the Don Callis Family’s Josh Alexander, then issued a challenge to AEW World Champion Samoa Joe!

Plus, the Continental Classic rolled on, as JetSpeed fought each other in an instant classic and Konosuke Takeshita and Claudio Castagnoli went to a time-limit draw in another sensational bout. All that and more went down on a special Winter is Coming edition of Collision from Cardiff!

Here’s everything that happened at AEW Collision Winter is Coming for December 13, 2025, including your full results and match recaps.

 

With the crowd chanting “Whose House?!” before either man even made their way to the ring, it was Swerve Strickland, accompanied as always by Prince Nana, out through the tunnel first, massive chain draped around his neck. Next out was The Walking Weapon, alongside Don Callis.

Both men took their time at the opening bell before tying up, with Alexander backing Swerve into the corner. As they jockeyed for position, they ended up back in the middle of the ring, exchanging some light slaps before Swerve showed off his agility then caught Alexander in a fireman’s carry, tossed him into the top turnbuckle, and followed that up with a pump kick that floored the Walking Weapon. 

With Alexander back to his feet, Swerve caught a kick, then lifted the Don Callis Family member up for a backbreaker. Swerve dropped a knee across Josh’s face as the crowd continued to serenade him, before picking Alexander up for a reverse neckbreaker, then another, then set Alexander up on the apron for a neckbreaker on the ropes, as Nana taunted Callis at the announce table.

When Swerve lined up to kick Alexander from the apron, The Walking Weapon was ready, catching Swerve and lifting him up into a vertical suplex position before dropping him abdomen-first onto the announce table! Alexander picked Swerve up and sat him on the apron, gave him a chop, got back in the ring, mocked the crowd, then laid out Strickland with a flying crossbody between the bottom and middle ropes as we went to break!

Back from commercial, Swerve struggled to recover, as he and Alexander battled for the advantage. Alexander slammed Swerve’s knee across his leg, then tossed him over for a suplex. But when Alexander went for a powerbomb, Swerve reversed into a big powerslam! Swerve continued to punish Alexander in the corner, lifting him to the top turnbuckle, only for The Walking Weapon to slip away. Alexander scooped Swerve up and dropped him across the apron!

Alexander went to the top rope, but Swerve met him, cutting him off at the pass, and throwing Alexander for a MASSIVE Avalanche overhead suplex! But only a two count! Alexander got back to his feet and swept Swerve’s leg out from under him, trying to lock in a submission, but Swerve escaped, only for Alexander to counter and lock in a single-leg Boston crab on the left leg that Alexander had been targeting all match. Swerve forced a break, but he was limited to sitting in the corner to try to recover.

Alexander lifted Swerve to his feet and slapped him around a bit, as Strickland tried to respond in kind, only for The Walking Weapon to take out Swerve’s knee once more! Alexander climbed to the top rope and tried to drop a double-knee on Swerve, but Strickland rolled out of the way and smashed Alexander into the mat, following up with a House Call – but only for a two count! Swerve wasted no time in picking Alexander up for Big Pressure and the win!

After the victory, Swerve and Nana climbed into the ring, with Strickland grabbing a microphone. Swerve said that the last time he was in this building, he was AEW World Champion. And he didn’t come back to AEW from his injury to face off against the Don Callis Family, or Hobbs and Shibata – he came back for one damn thing: the AEW World Championship. Samoa Joe’s days are numbered. The wolves are circling. Swerve isn’t just anybody coming for Joe. He is the Most Dangerous Man in AEW. And so Swerve is declaring himself the No. 1 contender for Joe’s AEW World Championship. WHOSE HOUSE?!

Following Swerve’s comments, we were treated to a package recapping how we got to the Don Callis Family vs. The Elite in a $1,000,000 Winner Takes All Trios Match at AEW Dynamite Holiday Bash this Wednesday in Manchester!

 

Back from the break, we briefly heard from “Timeless” Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa, who said that The Babes of Wrath couldn’t have a AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship celebration without the Timeless Love Bombs!

With that, it was time for this women’s tag team match! AEW Women’s World Champ Kris Statlander was out first, belt held high, followed by the UK’s own Jamie Hayter. Both women were clearly fired up and ready to take the fight to the Sisters of Sin, who were nowhere to be seen when their music hit, with Thekla instead at the top of the ramp. It was a distraction, as Julia Hart and Skye Blue sneaked in from behind Hayter and Statlander!

The current champ and the former champ fought off the Sisters of Sin, though, with Hayter leveling Blue to start, followed by Statlander slamming her tag partner onto Blue! And Hayter returned the favor, slamming the champ onto Blue next. Hayter and Statlander continued their double-team offense on Blue, but she kicked out at two when Stat attempted a pin.

Statlander slingshotted Blue into the corner, but that allowed the Sister of Sin to tag in Hart, who immediately ate a snap-mare from Stat. The world champ brought Hart into her corner, allowing Hart to take out Hayter and hit her top-rope walk for a hurricanrana on Statlander! Hayter tagged in and went to work on Hart, hitting her with clubbing forearms against the ropes until Hart ducked out of the way. As Hart distracted the referee, Blue ran over and kicked Hayter in the head, setting Hayter up for a standing moonsault from Hart and a two count, as we went to break!

Back from commercial, Blue and Statlander were in the ring, as Stat kicked Hart off of the apron to make sure he was one-on-one with the champ. Statlander kneed Blue in the corner and hefted her up for a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Blue then countered an Irish whip from Statlander into a tilt-a-whirl DDT, giving the Sisters of Sin the temporary advantage. Hart tried for a hurricanrana on Stat, only for the world champ to catch her – but Blue had made the blind tag. When Stat went for a pin after a powerbomb, Blue made the save, hitting Stat with a Canadian destroyer! Hayter made the save on the pin, only for Hart to take her out, as all four women were down!

All four women got to their feet and exchanged huge headbutts and big forearms, until Blue and Hart kicked the opponent directly next to them! Blue went to lift Stat up for an assisted suplex, but Stat kicked Hart off then hit Blue with another Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count! Blue tried to prevent Stat from making the tag, but sent her flying into the corner, as the former champ tagged in! Blue kicked Stat to the outside, as the Sisters of Sin double-teamed Hayter. But when Hart tried to hold Hayter for Blue to hit her, Hayter ducked out of the way, deadlift Blue for a German Suplex. Hayter slammed Hart over her knee with a rib-shattering backbreaker, then hoisted her up for Hayterade and the three count! Statlander and Hayter get the win!

As the current champ and the former champ made their way up the ring, the Toxic Spider stared from the balcony, championship gold clearly on her mind and in her sights. After the commercial, Lexy Nair was with Hayter and Statlander. Nair started to reference Hayter’s comments that she wanted to have a little chat with Stat about the title, but the champ said why talk, when they can just do it? And with that, Hayter issued the challenge: Statlander vs. Hayter for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Worlds End!

 

Claudio Castagnoli made his entrance first, coming in from the cold outside and walking through fans and the back of the venue in another epic Death Riders entrance. Konosuke Takeshita was out next, as we heard from Renee Paquette about the weight of this matchup, including the fact that Takeshita still has the chance to be the only undefeated competitor in this year’s Continental Classic. And, of course, Don Callis was out with Takeshita, making his way to the announce desk once again.

Collar-and-elbow tie-up to start, then a break, with both men feeling the other out and trying to gain the early advantage. Claudio backed Takeshita into the ropes, and the two stared daggers at each other. Back in the middle of the ring, Takeshita kept trying to fight off repeated holds from Claudio, including a grinding headlock and a top wristlock. Takeshita ran Claudio off the ropes as the two exchanged shoulder blocks, with neither knocking the other down, before Takeshita stunned Castagnoli with a boot to the face, then a flying forearm off the ropes.

Takeshita took Claudio to the corner and mounted him for big punches to the crown, but Castagnoli slipped out and responded with a huge European uppercut – an uppercut that seemingly only awoke Takeshita’s fighting spirit! He pursued Claudio and challenged him to exchange massive forearms in the middle of the ring, until Castagnoli went for Takeshita’s eye then knocked him down with a shoulder tackle off the ropes. 

Claudio dead-lifted Takeshita off the mat and slammed him to the ground, then went for a Neutralizer, but Takeshita reversed, then ducked a clothesline to kick Castagnoli in the face and take him over the ropes with a clothesline of his own! Takeshita went to the apron to take out Claudio when the latter seemed distracted, but Castagnoli turned around and ROCKED Takeshita with a European uppercut! The Death Rider followed that up with a double stomp on Takeshita on the outside, then tried to suplex him on the ramp. But Takeshita reversed, planting Claudio with a DDT on the ramp! Takeshita went for a Power Drive Knee Strike, but Claudio caught him for a backbreaker, as went went to break picture-in-picture!

During the commercials, Castagnoli brought Takeshita back into the ring and maintained his advantage, locking The Alpha into a sleeper hold. Takeshita fought out of the hold and hit a hurricanrana from the top turnbuckle onto Castagnoli! That sent Claudio to the outside, and Takeshita responded with a dive over the top rope! Takeshita seemed to take some damage from the maneuver, but he rolled Claudio back into the ring and, after a bit of struggle, hit Castagnoli with the Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count after a somewhat lackadaisical pin.

Takeshita went for the Power Drive Knee Strike in the ring, but Claudio caught him and turned it into the Giant Swing, followed by a Sharpshooter! When Takeshita reached for the ropes, Claudio caught his wrist and transitioned into a crossface right in the middle of the ring, only for The Alpha to roll back into a pinning predicament that forced Castagnoli to break the hold. Claudio followed with another European uppercut, but once again it was only for a two count. With Takeshita barely moving, Castagnoli kicked at The Alpha’s head over and over, which only got Takeshita’s ire up. With both Takeshita and Castagnoli standing in the middle of the ring, they traded European uppercuts and stiff forearms, respectively. Takeshita gained the upper hand and slammed Castagnoli into the mat with some truly incredible strength, then lifted him up for a German suplex, followed by a Hidden Blade for a two count.

Takeshita stalked Castagnoli from the corner, but when he charged the downed Death Rider, Claudio hit another European uppercut! Castagnoli hefted Takeshita onto his shoulders, but Takeshita rolled through for a two count. Back to their feet, Castagnoli came flying off the ropes to take down Takeshita. Catagnoli went for the Neutralizer for a third time, but The Alpha countered with a back-body drop, only for Claudio to land on his feet, as both men leveled each other!

Takeshita and Castagnoli once again traded stiff shots in the middle of the ring as the crowd chanted, “FIGHT FOREVER!”, with The Alpha taking the advantage. Takeshita took Castagnoli out onto the apron, clubbing him across the face, but Castagnoli fired back. Takeshita crushed Castagnoli with a boot, Claudio responded in kind, and then they kicked each other straight to the floor, where they kept beating the hell out of each other! Takeshita threw Castagnoli into the safety rail but he managed to kick Takeshita right across the chin before both collapsed, as Arkady Aura informed us there was one minute remaining in this match!

Castagnoli barely made it into the ring to beat the 10 count, as Takeshita leveled him for a two count with a Power Drive Knee Strike. Takeshita then went for a Raging Fire, but Claudio countered, finally hitting the Neutralizer! Takeshita kicked out at two, and time ran out! This match ends in a draw! Both men remain atop the Blue League with seven points, each earning a point for the draw. But that wasn’t enough for either Castagnoli or Takeshita, as they continued to battle after the bell, despite there “not being any money in it,” as Callis said from the announce table.

Lexy Nair was backstage with JetSpeed, as Kevin Knight said that when the Continental Classic was announced, they both knew this was a possibility. They were looking forward to fighting one another, with each saying that they needed the three points tonight. Speedball told Knight not to pull any punches, and they both agreed. JetSpeed Up!

 

 

Tony Schiavone was in the ring to introduce Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale, your inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions! As the crowd clapped along to the music, The Babes of Wrath danced their way into the ring. Harley took the microphone and hit their catch phrase: “Who are we?” “BABES!” “And what do we have?” “WRATH!” “BABES OF WRATH! BABES OF WRATH!”

Willow then pointed out that the last time they were in Cardiff, Nightingale and Cameron were actually opponents! And no matter how hard Willow hit Harley, she just kept getting back up – which has kinda been the story of their journey to this point so far. And yes, there are a lot of teams out there. There are a lot of women out there. And if you’re wondering who their first opponents will be, Cameron said, well, it could be anyone …

Hit the Timeless Love Bombs’ music – and the serenading of “Timeless” Toni Storm by the Cardiff crowd! Mina and Toni had asked The Babes of Wrath for the fight of a lifetime, and that’s exactly what they did, giving the people a fight to remember.

Before Storm or Shirakawa could say anything more, however, Mercedes Moné was on the scene! After all, she pointed out, you can’t have a championship celebration without the greatest champion on the planet, the CEO! Shirakawa told Mercedes to shut up, but Ultimo Moné said that all she saw was a bunch of losers in the ring, since the TBS Champion “led” a team at Blood & Guts that kicked all their asses! When the four women in the ring said that they’d be more than happy to fight again tonight in Cardiff, Moné demurred, saying that Wales isn’t even a country! But she was down for a fight in Manchester, UK, after Cameron, Nightingale, Shirakawa and Storm continued to run her down!

We were then treated to a Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale package where we heard from Anthony Bowens, Brody King, Max Caster, MVP (on behalf of Shelton Benjamin) and Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family, all talking about their intention to win the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale this Wednesday in Manchester!

Back from commercial, we heard from inaugural AEW National Champion Ricochet backstage. And while Ricochet is proud to be the champion of the greatest nation on Earth, he thinks 2026 is going to be even better, because he’s entering the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale, and he plans to win the battle royale, then win the one-on-one match for the ring and title shot, then claim the AEW World Championship for good measure, because two belts has a nice ring to it.

We were then treated to a Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale package where we heard from Anthony Bowens, Brody King, Max Caster, MVP (on behalf of Shelton Benjamin) and Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family, all talking about their intention to win the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale this Wednesday in Manchester!

 

 

It was time for teammates to collide, with Kevin Knight out first, followed right behind by Speedball Bailey. 

Before they touched, Speedball and Knight kept firing up the crowd, with cries of “LET’S GO JETSPEED!” echoing through Cardiff. A handshake of respect led to the first stunning display of speed, athleticism and technique, with both men countering the other and exchanging a knowing glance. Knight slammed Speedball back-first into the turnbuckles, then took him over with an arm drag and fought to maintain wrist control. Speedball escaped with a back-elbow to the jaw, which Knight seemed to take umbrage with, only for Bailey to follow up with a kick. Both men tried to dive onto the other on the outside, but both kept dodging, until Speedball hit a moonsault off the top rope to take out his JetSpeed teammate on the outside!

During the picture-in-picture break, both men continued to battle on the outside, with Speedball seeming to maintain a slight advantage as he dragged Knight back into the ring and hit him with several kicks from different angles, scoring a couple of one counts, before coming crashing down onto Knight’s sternum for a two count, as we went to break! Back from commercial, Knight sent Speedball hurtling over the top rope with a big clothesline, followed by a giant springboard forearm to the outside to rock Bailey!

Back in the ring, Speedball caught Knight and tossed him skyward, dropping him to the mat, before both men went to the top rope, where Bailey took Knight over with a hurricanrana, although The Jet managed to block enough of the momentum not to get the worst of it, before he was able to land a massive DDT on Speedball for a two count! Knight went to the top rope, perhaps looking for the UFO Splash, but Bailey got to his feet to kick Knight down, then swept the leg to put Knight prone on the apron, where Speedball hit the Ultima Weapon! Bailey climbed the top rope from the outside, and Knight met him, only for Speedball to knock him down with forearms. But Knight recovered, leaped to the top, and took Bailey over with a superplex for a two count! Speedball countered, locking up Knight’s legs, for a two count of his own! Both men struggled to their feet, only for Speedball to catch Knight off the ropes for a flying powerslam and a two count!

Knight rolled through for a pin attempt of his own, followed by Speedball laying in an elbow and running off the ropes, with The Jet countering with a huge dropkick! Knight went for a springboard forearm, but Speedball caught him with a heel kick. Both men went to opposite sides of the ring and came springboarding off the top ropes, crashing into each other and sending both men to the mat! 

Knight recovered first and went to the top for a coast-to-cast on Speedball in the other corner, followed by an attempt at UFO Splash, but Speedball got the knees up and leveled Knight with a spin kick and a two count! When Knight got back to his feet, Speedball hit him with two more huge kicks, including a spin kick in the corner – but Bailey missed on the Ultima Weapon! Both men went for cradled pins, exchanging several two counts! 

Finally, Speedball caught Knight with another heel kick, lifted him to the top turnbuckle, and crushed him with the Rubik’s Cube for the three count and the win! Both men exchanged handshakes and hugs after a hard-fought battle.

After the match, we heard from Kyle Fletcher, who was now tied at the top of the Gold League at six points with Kazuchika Okada and Speedball Bailey. Fletcher said that he doesn’t really care what people are saying about his epic match with Speedball. He had the all the momentum in the world, alone at the top of the Gold League, but now that’s ruined. But there was no time to wallow, as Fletcher turned his attention to his Continental Classic opponent, PAC. The Death Riders and Don Callis Family have this unspoken agreement to stay out of each other’s way, but this is the Continental Classic. If Fletcher is going to bring it to his own Family members, he HAS to bring it to PAC. So he doesn’t care if PAC has an entire arena of people backing him; Fletcher is ready to get his momentum back.

We then heard from The Bastard, who said he knows Fletcher very well. Bearing witness to the ProtoStar’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. PAC is in awe of everything Fletcher has achieved, but let him be very clear. He doesn’t care how brilliant Fletcher’s matches are. He is about to dip his toe in a very different pool. Nothing “brilliant” will be happening in Manchester. PAC is going to grind Fletcher down, because he is a very different breed, forged from decades of doing this at the highest level. Speedball knows. Okada knows. And very soon, Fletcher will know, too.

 

Garcia was out first, accompanied by Marina Shafir, with the champ out next. Both men went right at each other’s throats off the bell. Briscoe gained the initial edge, stomping Garcia down in the corner. The TNT Champion continued to take the fight to the Death Rider, leveling Garcia with a dropkick through the ropes, then asking the fans if they wanted him to “whoop his ass?” which they naturally did! But perhaps the taunting was a bit too much, as Garcia was able to reverse Briscoe’s momentum and send him crashing into the ring barricade. Garcia met Briscoe with a series of stomps on the apron as he rolled back in, then hit a huge chop in the corner. But when Garcia whipped Briscoe into the other corner, the champ went over the top rope and countered Garcia with a stiff punch and a cannonball dive to the outside!

Briscoe was clearly intent on hurting Garcia, as he dragged him into position on the outside and went to the apron to come crashing down on Garcia. But Shafir provided enough of a distraction for Briscoe to recover, allowing Garcia to send Briscoe toppling and trapping him in the ring apron, before driving him into the floor on the outside with a swinging neck-breaker, as we went to commercial picture-in-picture, where Garcia continued to punish Briscoe, much to Shafir’s approval. The challenger pulled the champ into the ring and sent him to the corner, where Garcia climbed the turnbuckle to mount Briscoe for a series of hard shots. Garcia then distracted the ref, allowing Shafir to rake at the eyes and face of the TNT Champion.

As we came back from the break, Briscoe looked to be on the verge of mounting a comeback, but Garcia leveled him once more with a huge back elbow. Briscoe kept trying to show off his no-quit spirit, but Garcia kept grinding him down. That was, until Briscoe was able to find just enough daylight to turn the tables, knocking Garcia to the mat with a twirling crossbody, followed by some redneck kung fu. Briscoe went for a Jay Driller, but Garcia blocked for a belly-to-back suplex. But that merely woke Briscoe up even more, as he dropped Garcia and hit a basement clothesline to rock the young Death Rider. Briscoe climbed the top rope potentially looking for a Froggy Bow, but Shafir racked Briscoe across the top turnbuckle when the ref wasn’t looking, as Garcia climbed to the top and raked at Briscoe’s back. 

The challenger superplexed the champ into the middle of the ring, kicking up for another suplex. But instead of just taking Briscoe over, he brought him back onto the top rope in a different corner, hitting another superplex! Garcia then hit Briscoe with yet another superplex, but Briscoe rolled through on the landing for a vertical suplex of his own, sending both men sprawling across the mat as Shafir yelled, “Get up, Daniel!”

Both men regained their footing, exchanging repeated blows before Briscoe rocked Garcia with two big chops, only for the challenger to respond with a boot to the face when the champ came charging off the ropes. Garcia laid in more punches and chops, but Briscoe fired up to level Garcia as he rebounded off the ropes! Briscoe went for a Jay Driller once again, but Garcia blocked, driving Briscoe toward the rope. Shafir grabbed Briscoe by the leg in plain sight of referee Bryce Remsburg, who tossed Shafir from the ringside area! But as that was happening, Wheeler Yuta sneaked in from behind to kick Briscoe below the belt, allowing Garcia to hit a Jay Driller … but only for a two count!

Garcia wasted no time following up, raining elbows down onto the head of Briscoe. When Garcia went for the Dragon Tamer, though, Briscoe rolled him up for a two count! Garcia went for a clothesline, but Briscoe ducked and kicked Garcia in the midsection, doubling him over and hooking both arms. Briscoe hit the Jay Driller for the three count and the victory! 

Mark Briscoe is still your TNT Champion! Orange Cassidy, Máscara Dorada, Willow Nightingale, Harley Cameron and Roderick Strong came out to the ring to celebrate as the show went off the air. We’ll see you in Manchester!

-AEW

Fans want Mane, Arokodare Wolves start

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Rob Edwards has no choice but to start Wolves attacker now after excellent cameo vs Arsenal

 

Credit: Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

 

Wolves fell to late heartbreak against Arsenal, as it looked so close to a snatch-and-grab point in the capital, reports Scott Mason for Molineux News.

 

The Old Gold frustrated Arsenal throughout most of the match, and the Gunners could not find a way through for 70 minutes.

 

A fluke own goal from Sam Johnstone after a Bukayo Saka corner would finally break the deadlock, but the Wanderers still looked to grab something from the game.

 

Rob Edwards’ side would find that equaliser in added time, as Tolu Arokodare headed past David Raya.

 

But then the Premier League leaders found more luck when Yerson Mosquera headed in yet another goal for Wolves.

 

And while the defeat will be hard to take, there is one player who has proven he is ready to start games for the Old Gold.

 

Mateus Mane has to start for Wolves going forward after Arsenal cameo

 

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

 

Wolves fans have been calling for Mateus Mane to become a regular first-team player for most of the season, and the youngster has certainly rewarded those who did.

 

While he only came on in the 86th minute, his quality was clear to see. Mane brought energy, and he provided a freshness to Wolves’ attack that has been much needed.

 

Then in the 91st minute, he would combine with Tolu Arokodare. The academy prospect put in an excellent cross for the Nigerian to head past David Raya.

 

And it was this decisiveness and this level of service that the Old Gold’s forwards have been lacking.

 

If there was ever a sign that he was ready for the Premier League, it was providing a crucial moment for his side against the league leaders.

 

He has to start against Brentford now.

 

Tolu Arokodare has to be Wolves’ striker next week as well

 

Photo by Brett Patzke – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

 

While Mane’s cross was pinpoint, the finish was also just as good.

 

Tolu Arokodare must join Mateus Mane in next week’s starting XI. The Nigerian did not get many chances, but he managed to score the one he did get.

 

Jorgen Strand Larsen has been struggling up top and has been subject to criticism from Wolves fans. Owen Hargreaves believes that is stemming from his failed Newcastle transfer in the summer.

 

However, with Tolu confirmed to be staying throughout December instead of going to AFCON, Edwards has to build on his confidence.

 

Scoring a goal against Arsenal, despite the loss, will provide Arokodare with a needed boost heading into the next matches.

 

 

Arokodare laments Wolves poor defensive form

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Tolu Arokodare releases statement after Wolves suffer late heartbreak against Arsenal

 

Photo by Brett Patzke – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

 

Tolu Arokodare found the net for Wolves against Arsenal, and it looked like he had rescued a point against all odds in the 91st minute, reports Scott Mason for Molineux News.

 

The Nigerian connected with a cross delivered by Mateus Mane, who is surely pushing for a start, and the Old Gold were set for a jubilant journey home.

 

However, Bukayo Saka forced a second own goal of the game, and the Premier League leaders would snatch all three points with just minutes remaining.

 

After scoring his side’s goal, it was Arokodare on the post-match interview duties, and here is what he has said.

 

Tolu Arokodare claims poor defending at the end cost Wolves

Tolu Arokodare was expectedly upset about Wolves conceding a late winning goal against Arsenal.

 

The summer arrival had thought he had given the Old Gold a famous point on the road but has described the final result as “hurtful”.

 

While he is remaining hopeful and believes there are positives to take from the game, he does also think poor defending in the closing moments has cost the Wanderers.

 

Speaking to TNT Sports, as relayed by BBC Sport, Tolu stated, “It is not the first time we conceded in the last minute. It’s something that we have to work on – staying focused to the last whistle – very unlucky for us. Good goal from them, and I would say it was a little bit of poor defending from us.”

 

Wolves have also now scored twice in their last two games, after previously failing to score in the five beforehand.

 

The goalscoring struggles for the Molineux club have been well-documented, and the forward admits they have been working to change that.

 

Arokodare said, “It’s something we’ve been working on. We did have a few chances in the second half and we have that quality, but we haven’t been lucky in attacking or defending. Hopefully in the coming games we will score more goals and everything will change.”

 

Wolves are their own worst enemy once again

 

Wolves have also now scored twice in their last two games, after previously failing to score in the five beforehand.

 

The goalscoring struggles for the Molineux club have been well-documented, and the forward admits they have been working to change that.

 

Arokodare said, “It’s something we’ve been working on. We did have a few chances in the second half and we have that quality, but we haven’t been lucky in attacking or defending. Hopefully in the coming games we will score more goals and everything will change.”

 

Wolves are their own worst enemy once again

 

Yerson Mosquera with his head in his hands after scoring own goal as Gabriel Jesus celebrates

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

 

Wolves have now conceded four own goals this season. That is the most of any side in the Premier League this campaign.

 

It is quite a damning statistic, and one that paints the picture clearly. Wolves have been the architects of their own struggles.

 

Too often this season, the Wanderers have put in spirited displays but have then shot themselves in the foot with avoidable errors and mistakes.

 

Lapses in concentration and poor decision-making must be ironed out. If it were not for those issues, it could have been a great night as a Wolves fan.

 

 

Bassey help Fulham to beat Burnley

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Burnley 2-3 Fulham

 

Fulham FC – Burnley – Fulham FC _ 13 Dec 2025

 

Fulham won at Turf Moor for the first time in almost 75 years, beating Burnley 3-2 in an entertaining Premier League clash, reports Ollie Walsh for Fulham FC.

 

Goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Calvin Bassey either side of a Clarets equaliser saw us take a 2-1 lead into half-time, and in-form Harry Wilson added to the score in the second-half.

 

The home side reduced the deficit late on, but we held out to secure a deserved three points in Lancashire.

 

Marco Silva takes to the touchline

 

We absorbed some early pressure from the hosts, but got ourselves ahead inside ten minutes. Wilson whipped in a clever corner that caught Burnley out, with Smith Rowe alone in the middle to tuck home with a first-time finish.

 

There was almost an immediate response from Scott Parker’s side, but Bernd Leno was alert to make the block when the ball fell to Ugochukwu in the box.

 

But Ugochukwu couldn’t be denied on the 20-minute mark when he got the wrong side of the Fulham defence, with the forward’s left-foot finish trickling past Leno into the corner of the net.

 

Emile Smith Rowe slots home the opener

 

Just ten minutes later, Fulham restored their lead. Wilson was again the provider, plucking an Antonee Robinson ball down and looping a cross in for the leaping Bassey to nod home.

 

The high-octane first-half continued, with Leno again standing strong to save from Armando Broja, before Wilson was set free on the counter. The Wales international’s shot was deflected, allowing goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka to divert it away from goal.

 

Leno protected the one-goal advantage moments before the break, getting down so well to get a strong hand to Ugochukwu’s fiercely-struck half volley.

 

Calvin Bassey gets Fulham's second

 

Marco Silva’s men started the second-half with a couple of dangerous attacks. Robinson’s delivery from the left was just behind Smith Rowe, and Samuel Chukwueze could have done better to find Alex Iwobi with Burnley stretched at the back.

 

When the Clarets capitalized on a loose ball, Leno remained in fine form – sliding in to stop Jacob Bruun Larsen from equalizing.

 

Bassey almost completed an unlikely brace, winning the ball in the box before running the length of the pitch, skinning his man but eventually firing wayward after cutting in on his left.

 

Antonee Robinson returned to the side

 

We did find our third goal before the hour mark, as Smith Rowe drove forward and found Chukwueze, whose ball across the box dropped to Wilson to expertly curl home with his trusty left peg.

 

There could have been yet another goal involvement for our number eight, as he nipped in to steal the ball off a Burnley defender, but Robinson got too much power on the strike from Wilson’s lay-off.

 

The home side pulled a goal back with five minutes left, as substitute Oliver Sonne arrived at the back post and swept home, but there was to be no grandstand finish as the Whites successfully saw out six added minutes to seal the victory.

 

Burnley: Dúbravka, Tuanzebe (Sonne 77′), Ekdal, Estève, Hartman, Ugochukwu (Trésor 83′), Cullen, Florentino (Edwards 62′), Foster (Flemming 62′), Broja, Bruun Larsen (Anthony 77′)

Subs: Worrall, Edwards, Anthony, Weiss, Tchaouna, Flemming, Sonne, Laurent, Trésor

 

Fulham FC: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Iwobi (Lukić 79′), Wilson (Traoré 89′), Smith Rowe (Castagne 89′), Chukwueze, Jiménez (King 79′)

Subs: Reed, Cairney, Traoré, Cuenca, Lukić, Castagne, Kevin, Lecomte, King

 

 

AEW Collision Preview: December 13, 2025

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TNT Championship Match, Swerve vs. Alexander, Castagnoli vs. Takeshita, More

AEW Collision Winter is Coming from Cardiff, Wales, will be COAST-TO-COAST today at a special time of 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on TNT and streaming on HBO Max!

The TNT Championship will be on the line when Mark Briscoe makes his first defense against former TNT Champion Daniel Garcia of the Death Riders. The 2025 Continental Classic continues with the co-leaders of the Blue League, CMLL World Heavyweight Champion Claudio Castagnoli and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita, battling it out to see who might break the tie at six points at the top of the table. JetSpeed will collide in the Gold League when Kevin Knight faces his tag team partner, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, with both men sitting at three points.

After their confrontation on Collision last week, Swerve Strickland and Josh Alexander will meet one-on-one for the first time. This will mark Strickland’s first singles match in four months. However, he’s coming off a statement victory alongside unlikely partner “Hangman” Adam Page over Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata in a Tornado Tag Team Match on Dynamite Winter is Coming. 

And after multiple backstage attacks and threats, we’ll finally see AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and former world champ Jamie Hayter fight Sisters of Sin, Julia Hart and Skye Blue, in what should be an explosive tag team showdown!

All that and much more is coming your way from Cardiff, Wales! Here’s your complete AEW Collision preview for December 13, 2025.

Mark Briscoe had a long, emotional journey to win the TNT Title, and Daniel Garcia would love nothing more than to ruin that story and become a two-time TNT Champion tonight in Cardiff!

While it was Briscoe who made the challenge just a couple of weeks ago, it’s been Garcia and the Death Riders who’ve run down Briscoe at every opportunity. As Briscoe noted, they are 1-1 against each other. Last December, Briscoe defeated then-TNT Champion Garcia in the Continental Classic, only for Garcia to successfully defend the title in a rematch a month later. Will Briscoe follow through on his call for an “international ass whoopin’” to win his first TNT Title defense? Or will Garcia become a two-time TNT Champion?

All eyes will be on the top of the Blue League when the two men with six points meet!

Last week, Castagnoli had the world talking with his win over Jon Moxley on Dynamite, only for Máscara Dorada to steal the spotlight with an upset over Castagnoli on Collision. Later that same night, Takeshita beat Moxley in an unbelievable battle of attrition. 

As we reach the midway point of the tournament, will Takeshita remain undefeated and grab sole possession of the top spot in the Blue League to continue the Don Callis Family’s dominance, or will Castagnoli get back on track against The Alpha? 

What an emotional roller coaster of a week for “Speedball” Mike Bailey! After giving “The Protostar” Kyle Fletcher his first loss and earning three points of his own, Bailey will now battle his own tag team partner, Kevin Knight!

Knight has been idle since losing to Fletcher on last week’s Dynamite, so he’ll take the rest advantage into this one. JetSpeed collides on Collision in their first meeting in AEW.

As you might expect, Swerve Strickland has his eyes on the AEW World Championship on the shoulder of Samoa Joe. Josh Alexander feels he’s more deserving of a title shot, though, because Swerve was out for three months while Alexander was wreaking havoc and putting people on the shelf. These two had a tense back-and-forth on last week’s Collision to set up this first-time showdown.

Will Swerve build on the momentum of his Tornado Tag win with “Hangman” Adam Page over The Opps on Dynamite? Can Alexander earn a statement victory over the former AEW World Champion? 

AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander has made it known she’s ready and waiting for whoever wants her and the AEW Women’s World Championship. Meanwhile, the toxicity of Triangle of Madness has been infecting the women’s division, with Theka’s battles being Jamie Hayter what started all of this animosity. And when Triangle of Madness has attacked multiple wrestlers backstage over the past couple of weeks, Stat has been there to chase them off, as she and Hayter decided it was time to take care of the Triangle.

Now, Sisters of Sin, Julia Hart and Skye Blue, will take up the cause against Statlander and Hayter tonight in Cardiff! 

  • Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025

  • Start Time: COAST-TO-COAST 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

  • Location: Utilita Arena – Cardiff, Wales

  • TV: TNT

  • Streaming: HBO Max