Folks, buckle up for the most tremendous news you’ve heard all week. As SummerSlam 2024 approaches like a well-oiled machine, Cleveland became the epicenter of wrestling excitement. Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) decided to turn up the heat at their “Against The World” event on August 1, drawing in the crème de la crème of wrestling talent. Picture this: NJPW’s KENTA, former WWE star Heath Slater, and future WWE headliners The Motor City Machine Guns, all under one roof! But wait, there’s more – the WWE Tag Team Champions DIY (that’s Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, for those living under a rock) made a surprise appearance that left fans at the Temple Live Asylum Room absolutely gobsmacked.
Johnny “Hometown Hero” Gargano kicked off the nostalgia trip, stepping into the ring solo to bask in the hometown love. He shared the joy of returning to Cleveland for such a grand weekend. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Gargano announced he wasn’t flying solo. Cue the dramatic entrance of Tommaso Ciampa, striding out to the iconic Talking Heads track “Psycho Killer.” The crowd went bonkers, folks!
Gargano’s history with AIW is as rich as a chocolate cake. A two-time AIW Intense Champion and a one-time AIW Absolute Champion, Johnny Wrestling’s roots run deep in Cleveland’s indie scene. Ciampa, with his brief but memorable AIW stint in 2015, was equally thrilled to join this one-off homecoming bash. The excitement was palpable, and the fans were eating it up like it was the last slice of pizza.
Now, DIY may not be on the SummerSlam card yet, but don’t you worry. They’ve got a colossal WWE Tag Team Championship defense lined up on the August 2 episode of “WWE SmackDown.” They’ll be facing none other than Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu of The Bloodline. The stakes are sky-high, and you can bet it’s going to be a match for the ages.