Asé Wrestling Season 2 Episode 3 Recap

We open this episode seeing Caprice Coleman very comfortable in his element as the commissioner of Asé wrestling. Making his office space feel like home and loving this title boost. 

We come into this opening match seeing a menacing Trever with red eyes glaring at his opponent Jordan Holt before the bell is rung. This doesn’t stop Jordan from going to the ropes to try to get in some high flying moves. However, Trever is so fast and uses brute force to really take it to Jordan. This is quick work for Trever when he gets the devil driver in to get the win. However, this was enough for him to show off his sinister offense. Even after his hand is raised, Aeon still attacks Holt and is only stopped when Reyhan Inteus comes out for the save. 

This was a fast opener, but efficiently solidifies that Trever Aeon is a wildcard and plays by his own rules. 

Due to the chaos that ensued after the Grudge match last week between Darius Carter and Billy Dixon, The Asé Wrestling committee decided that both wrestlers are suspended indefinitely. We see that the promotion is not going to endorse the Wild West antics of anyone on the roster and will lay down a firm hand when they need to. 

We see panic around the locker room and the streets as word that O’shay Edwards is announced to debut soon in AEW Wrestling soon. 

Even the Pan African Champion Suge D is shook. You would think that Deebo from Friday was coming to Asé. The very cocky Owen Knight better get ready to fight for his life. 

Karen was able to bring Faye Jackson out of retirement to participate in this highly anticipated matchup. 

This match had been two years in the making.

The two women lock up and prove that both women are perfectly paired and can’t move the other like they can with other competitors. 

A test of strength is initiated by Faye Jackson, but won by Karen Renee. This turns into a chopping fest that gives Renee confidence that she can lift Faye, but it proves not to be so easy when Faye gains power and control of the match right after. 

Very much on brand with Faye Jackson, a twerk to the face of Karen Renee on the side steps, is followed by Karen twerking in Faye’s face in return. The twerk fest did not end so quickly, with the ref partaking in it before order was restored. 

 This was all laughs and giggles until Karen got back in the ring with Faye and started to deliver some face busters to Jackson in the corner of the ring. 

Faye shows that she can handle what Karen can dish out and pulls off an impressive cannonball.  A cannonball that I believe hurt Faye just as much as it did her opponent. 

Karen counters Faye Jackson’s attacks and goes for her own cannonball. Laying Faye out. Along with a devastating steamroller really takes the wind out of Faye. 

A determined Faye and Karen get up to throw blows with Faye laughing off the punches to the chest from Karen and even lifting Renee up to deliver a samoan drop. 

Faye goes to the top rope, but Karen is on her heels and tries to get her in a Boston crab, but Faye counters it. 

Jackson goes to the top rope and delivers her finisher Bonita Apple Bottom to get the win. 

Overall this was a fun, cheeky (pun intended) and at times hard hitting match between Karen Renee and her idol Faye Jackson.  

Before departing the ring, Faye Jackson makes it clear that she is looking forward to having a round two. Sooo….more Faye and Karen matches to come. I’m here for it.!!!

Interview with Ian Maxwell

We see a demoralized Ian Maxwell with a visibly injured leg sitting sadly during his interview. He announces that it will take six to eight months of rehab to be able to compete again. 

He still has zero regrets for how he won his match against Kevin Knight, but clearly itching to be back in the Asé ring again. 

Johnathan Gresham vs Shelton Benjamin

Main Event

This is certainly a dream match for someone like me that has been a longstanding fan of both Johnathan Gresham and Shelton Benjamin.

I just loved when Shelton Benjamin’s illustrious accomplishments in his career was highlighted in a great way with the ring announcing at the start of this match. 

He is a legend and one of the best to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots and is definitely facing off against one of the best to currently be in the business.

You can see the deep admiration and healthy level of competition between both competitors. The code of honor was executed by both man with a firm handshake. 

We see both men instantly think of getting a submission or tie up in and the other finding a way to get out of it. 

The veteran Shelton maintains his patience and concentration on keeping the wrist hold in on Gresham. A very frustrated Gresham. 

A series of counters including a head scissors frees Gresham from that wrist hold and evens the playing field. 

Johnathan thinks that it is a good idea to gloat, so Shelton Benjamin commences to show Gresham whose really in charge. 

After Gresham is put back into that hold again, he realizes that this won’t be a cake walk. 

Gresham gets a leg up with getting an Irish whip in, but just like that, Benjamin counters his attack and gives him a hell of a bodyslam. 

Johnathan bridges out of Shelton’s pin, but is still within his grasp, as Shelton gets in a headlock. 

A brutal toss into the turnbuckle from Benjamin really knocks the wind out of Gresham. 

Gresham tries to suplex Shelton, but it seems like Benjamin’s legs are made of cement, as he does not move an inch from the ground. 

Benjamin slams Gresham again and gets the signature ankle lock in. 

Gresham is determined to get to the ropes. Johnathan makes it to the ropes and takes advantage of having a moment to breathe. 

Gresham sneaks that octopus in. Shelton doesn’t let him keep it locked in for long though. The size difference definitely being a factor.

The German suplex followed by a severe blow to the head almost, almost gives Gresham the lead, but the gold standard Shelton Benjamin is twenty steps ahead of Gresham and clotheslines him with a high sense of authority and power. 

A flatliner is the thing that finally, fully takes out Gresham.

This was a clinic of a match that really showed how great Gresham is, but how much of a ring general Shelton Benjamin is.

Immediately after the match, Shelton announces that the night is not over yet to the crowd. Like the class act that he’s always been, Shelton Benjamin salutes and shakes hands with his insanely talented opponent Gresham who gave his all.

Then, Shelton proceeds to get me in my feelings, when he says that for his 25 year career, this is the first time where he’s been in an all black promotion, with all black talent and that it is a beautiful thing to see. 

It just a long overdue thing to see legends like Shelton Benjamin not only like a promotion like Asé, but actively participate in this movement.

What a glorious way to end such a jam packed episode! 

Check out the full episode here: