Dustin Rhodes vs. Jake Hager
This was a fine opener. Hager, mainly at the start of the match, looked pretty rough around the edges. There were a few awkward pauses but after Hager locked on an arm hold, the match got better. Hager hit some nice power moves and Dustin gradually grew into the match more so there was a nice back and forth. If the match finished at the ankle lock which had the crowd biting, this would’ve been a bit better but they went on a little longer and ended the match on the most unover move in wrestler, that included the face hold that killed the KOTR 99 crowd. **3/4
Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin
That firecracker of a start~! Oh boy. The speed Darby heat on those topes was incredible. But that low tope was scary as it reminded by immediately of La Parka and what his dive caused. Thankfully he popped back up right after and Sammy leveled him with a skateboard. Then the 630 through the table. Both really wanted to die in this match. And that was before the bell. Everything after was just go-go heavy spots with a few stumbles that make it scary. Loved it. ****
AEW World Tag Team Title Match: Hangman Page & Kenny Omega (c) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
This match proved two things for me. One, the Bucks are at their best when they are focused, shithead heels, like they were in his match - so, so great from them. And two, Nick is the best Buck. That sequence where he was busting out the slickest kicks and knee strikes, all looking pretty snug on contact too. Page really stepped up as well. He had some great moves and looked fire anytime he was in there. I can’t say the same for Kenny though, who felt like a real step below the other three any time he was the focus in the match. The match had some major flaws though and lost me big time in the last 5 minutes by going way too long. It reminds me of the DIY vs Revival match where they overdo the nearfalls and I lose my investment with each one. Should’ve ended it way earlier and then you got a bonafide MOTYC. ***3/4
AEW Women's World Title Match: Nyla Rose (c) vs. Kris Statlander
No
Cody (w/Arn Anderson) vs. MJF (w/Wardlow)
Cody and the Triple H comparisons are getting more and more apt as time goes on. This was a total miss and not at all good. MJF blows and clearly out of his element way too soon. He has the heel spots down but his timing is lacking and his total lack of urgency after he does them is so jarringly bad it takes away from the spot. Cody seemingly forgot this was supposed to be a blood feud until he actually saw blood and even then, it was a let down. He was just normal Cody, no real hate in his offence, no frustration. Nothing. I can't even praise the finish either since MJF blew off two Cross Rhodes. **
Orange Cassidy vs. PAC
A different Orange Cassidy match than his usual kind. A nice change for those who’ve seen him prior to AEW which was neat. The initial playing along was neat and the rolling was just hilarious. Orange Cassidy running around hitting ddts ruled though. PAC beating down was fun. He was pretty basic on top but it did what he needed to do. ***1/2
AEW World Title Match: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Jon Moxley
A pretty respectable main event. They hit their notes well with nice pace and intent behind it. The crowd popped for what they were supposed to and it built to a nice finish. ***1/4
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