LECLAIR’S AEW REVOLUTION 2023 REPORT: Alt perspective, detailed coverage of MJF vs. Danielson Iron-Man, Moxley vs. Hangman, Jericho vs. Starks, more

LECLAIR’S AEW REVOLUTION 2023 REPORT
MARCH 5, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO, CA AT CHASE CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON B/R LIVE (U.S.), FITE.TV (Int.)

Announcers: Excalibur & Taz & Jim Ross (partial) & Tony Schiavone (partial)

-The show opened cold on a corner wide-shot of the Chase Center in San Francisco. Excalibur welcomed the audience to the show and highlighted the 60-minute Iron Man match main event for the AEW World Championship. An “AEW” chant broke out while fireworks shot from the stage. The camera cut to the announcers desk, where Excalibur was flanked by Taz and Jim Ross. He tossed to a quick commercial for Draft Kings.

-Justin Roberts announced the opening contest. “Judas” filled the speakers and Chris Jericho headed to the ring. J.R. said that Jericho needs to get back in the win column tonight. The crowd serenaded Jericho even after his music faded out. Ricky Starks followed to a similarly strong reaction. Starks’ ribs were taped up. Excalibur said it’s a re-aggravation of the injury suffered late last year.

(1) CHRIS JERICHO vs. RICKY STARKS – Jericho Appreciation Society is banned from ringside

Ricky Starks tossed his entrance vest to the outside as referee Aubrey Edwards called for the opening bell. Chris Jericho leaned into the turnbuckle comfortably. Starks approached him fast, hitting him with a quick series of punches to get the crowd going. Jericho shook them off and hit a number of chops to the chest before sending Starks off the ropes. Ricky cut Jericho off with a shoulder tackle, then posed to the delight of the crowd. Jericho rolled to the outside.

Starks wasn’t content to let Jericho have a break. He followed him outside and smashed him into the ringside barrier before tossing him back in the ring. Jericho recovered quickly, shaking out his shoulder and whipping Starks into the turnbuckle. Jericho threw his arms up, eliciting loud boos from the crowd. He dropped Starks with a a quick shoulder, then went for the Lionsault. Starks moved out of the way. Jericho still managed to hooked Starks up for a Suplex. He draped him over the top rope, then bodied him to the floor. Starks collided with the ringside barrier.

Jericho played to the crowd, looking for boos. They obliged. He gave the crowd double middle fingers before leaving the ring to retrieve Ricky. A dueling “let’s go Ricky, Y2J” chant broke out. Jericho seemed a little perplexed. He cornered Starks and beat him down to the mat. Starks fought out of the corner with a pair of chops. Jericho regained control quickly with a knee to the gut followed by Backbreaker. Jericho blew a kiss to the camera and began slapping Starks in the back of the head. Ricky delivered a slap of his own to Jericho’s face. He backed the veteran into the corner, but Jericho reversed the Irish Whip attempt and flipped Starks inside out. Ricky wound up on the apron. Jericho delivered a big drop kick, then booted Starks to the floor.

The match approached 6:00. Jericho again left the ring to retrieve Starks. He threw forearms at Ricky’s injured ribs before tossing him back in the ring. Jericho continued to work on the injured ribs. He applied an abdominal stretch and slapped the rib tape of Starks repeatedly. Ricky broke the hold by punching Jericho with his free hand. He hit the ropes and dropped the Ocho with a leaping clothesline, followed by a a leaping tornado DDT off the middle rope. Starks covered for a two count.

Ricky climbed the turnbuckles slowly. Jericho cut him off with a body shot. The two men teetered on the top turnbuckle. Jericho hooked Starks for a Superplex, but Ricky blocked it and dropped Jericho onto his stomach. Starks leapt, but Jericho kicked him in the ribs. He scooped Starks up and delivered a Death Valley Driver for a cover and near fall at 8:25. Jericho whipped Starks sternum first into the turnbuckles. He looked for the Codebreaker, but Starks held onto Jericho’s knees and delivered a modified Powerbomb instead. Starks covered for a near fall. He set up quickly for Roshambo, but Jericho slid down the back. Starks hit the ropes, looking for a Spear. Jericho picked him out of the air with a Codebreaker. He hooked the leg for a very close near fall.

Both men traded slaps from their knees. Starks tossed Jericho to the apron, but Jericho quickly leapt to the top rope. He went for a double axe handle, but Starks caught him with a Spear. He covered for a near fall of his own. Starks tried to catch his breath. He and Jericho clutched each other’s necks as their worked to standing position. They began trading punches again. Jericho switched to rib kicks. He hit the ropes, but Starks hit a leaping thrust kick. Starks jumped onto the middle turnbuckle for a springboard Moonsault, but Jericho rolled. Starks landed on his feet. Jericho tripped him up and easily turned him over into the Walls of Jericho. Starks struggled for a moment, but managed to turn through out. He fought into a single-leg crab of his own.

Sammy Guevara began jogging down the ramp. He was cut off at ringside by Action Andretti, who exploded onto screen. In the ring, Jericho caught Starks with a chair out of Aubrey’s view. He set up for the Judas Effect, but Starks blocked it. He pulled Jericho in and hit Roshambo for a cover and three count.

WINNER: Ricky Starks in 13:49

(LeClair’s Analysis: Solid opener, though it took some time to heat up. They went really heavy on Starks’ selling of his ribs. Jericho dominated in the early going before things took a more back-and-forth pace deep in the match. The crowd felt more split than I think they should’ve been at this stage. Typically, Jericho has enjoyed a babyface type reaction during his entrance because of “Judas”, but the crowd gets firmly behind his opponent once the bell rings. That wasn’t the case here, and things were very much 50/50 – even when Jericho was dominating. Not the greatest sign for Ricky Starks, who is being put in a position to be a major player going forward. I’m not willing to call it a major issue quite yet, as it could’ve been a crowd just excited to see a big star in the opening match. I disliked Sammy Guevara attempting to get involved here, given the clear stipulation in place. At least they ensured that he’d be taken out on his way to the ring, though, rather than having any bearing on the match itself.)

-Excalibur turned the page quickly, saying the Final Bural match was up next.

Christian Cage entered and paced around the ring. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry followed to a subdued reaction. He looked at the casket at the top of the stage before heading to the ring.

(2) CHRISTIAN CAGE vs. “JUNGLE BOY” JACK PERRY – Final Burial match

Jack Perry and Christian Cage came to blows as soon as the bell rang, battling to the mat, then quickly to the outside. Cage initially got the better of Perry, setting his legs up between the ring post. Perry kicked himself free and rolled to the outside no worse for wear. Cage tossed him first into the barrier, then toward the ring. Perry stopped his own momentum cold and spun around to kick Christian in the chest. Cage then decided to escape, leaping the barrier into the crowd. He ascended the lower bowl of the arena. Jungle Boy dashed up the stairs to catch him. He slammed Cage against the steel handrail of the aisle and hit him over the head with a fan’s beverage.

Taz noted that it’s dangerous up there, as the floor is often slippery with beer and food. Perry and Cage stumbled down back to the floor, then over the barricade and toward the ramp. Cage was looking to escape. Jungle Boy dragged him back into the ring and worked him into the corner. He bit Cage’s forehead, then mounted him for eight punches. Cage pulled on Perry’s hair to rip him to the mat. Christian dove onto Perry and dragged his forearm across Jack’s face. Cage taunted Perry, the fans, and Perry’s mother and sister at ringside. He stretched Jungle Boy’s arms high above his back, then stomped on his head.

Cage circled the ring arrogantly as the match approached 5:00. “You’re a loser, Jack. You don’t have it, you never will have it,” he told Perry as he choked him against the middle rope. Christian leapt over the ropes to the floor to catch Perry with his signature uppercut, but Perry pulled himself back to avoid it. He hit the ropes and dove onto Christian. Jungle Boy walked Cage to the steel steps and slammed his head against them repeatedly. He laid Christian’s arm out flat on top of the steps and went for a leaping stomp, but Cage tripped him up. Jungle Boy crashed and burned on the stops.

Christian came up bleeding a bit around his nose. He retrieved a belt and began whipping Perry with it repeatedly. Jungle Boy walked up the ramp toward the casket. Cage followed, continuing to crack the belt across Perry’s back. Christian walked over to the casket and opened the lid. discovering two steel chairs inside. Excalibur said he must’ve planned ahead. As Christian retrieved the chairs, Jungle Boy recovered enough to attack from behind. The two men traded close-calls trying to dump the other into the open casket. Cage eventually delivered a back drop on the hard floor of the stage.

Jungle Boy strugged to his feet while Cage opened a chair. He set Perry up for a Killswitch onto the chair, but Jungle Boy shoved him off the stage to the floor. He dove onto Cage with a rolling Senton. Perry rolled Cage back onto the stage and climbed back up to meet him. Cage used the opening to deliver a kick below the belt. He slammed Perry’s head against the casket as the match crossed 10:45. Cage dumped Perry into the casket, but Jungle Boy held the lid up. The struggle continued. Perry managed to rise to a knee, then create enough separation to step out of the casket. Cage tossed dirt into Perry’s eyes in desperation. He followed up with a Killswitch into the dirt.

“That’s it!” Excalibur exclaimed. Christian dragged Perry onto a chair. He grabbed the other, looking for a Con-Chair-To. He swung, but Perry moved. Christian ricocheted backward. Jungle Boy grabbed a shovel. The two men swung at the same time, cracking weapons with a massive thud. Cage got a hold of the shovel and swung at Perry. Jungle Boy ducked and dropped Cage with a drop toe-hold. He pulled the shovel across Cage’s face and applied the Snare Trap. Cage faded.

Perry contemplated his next move. He looked to the steel chairs. Perry put one under Cage’s head and picked up the other. Perry delivered a brutal looking Con-Chair-To. He immediately put his hand to his mouth, shocked by what he’d done. Perry dragged a lifeless Cage to the casket and tossed him in. He gave Cage a kiss on the forehead before staring at him with notable remorse. He slammed the lid shut.

WINNER: “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry in 14:49

(LeClair’s Analysis: I’ve never been terribly fond of casket matches, but I thought this was done well enough. Perry really needed a definitive win, and they effectively told the story of him coming to terms with the idea that perhaps he’d need to get a little more ruthless and violent than maybe he’d been willing to get in the past. The Con-Chair-To looked brutal. While I’m sure it was executed safely, it’s still kind of shocking to see face-on in this era. Generally speaking, I could do without those spots. For his part, Christian Cage played a fantastic heel, proving he’s still valuable in the very late stages of his career. Though he excels most on the microphone these days, I thought he did a good job of getting the crowd firmly behind Perry, who seemed to initially receive a more tepid reaction than he’s previously enjoyed. I liked that this was very clearly a definitive end to the story, with a new, added layer of personality to a character that’s always been quite thin.)

-Excalibur tossed to a quick video package for the Trios Championship match

Julia Hart appeared on stage, dimly lit in front of the signature “House of Black” flag. Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews emerged from behind it and the challengers headed to the ring to a strong reaction. The Elite followed, full crew in tow. Don Callis joined the announcers desk.

(3) THE ELITE (c, Kenny Omega & Nick Jackson & Matt Jackson, w/ Brandon Cutler & Michael Nakazawa) vs. HOUSE OF BLACK (Malakai Black & Brody King & Buddy Matthews, w/ Julia Hart) – AEW World Trios Championship match

Buddy Matthews opened the match with Kenny Omega. They danced around one another for several moments before locking up, Matthews took control with a go-behind waist lock. He quickly went to work on Omega’s arm. Kenny twisted free and took Matthews down with a side-throw. Matthews popped to his feet and the two hit tandem shoulder tackles. They went into a quick chain wrestling sequence. Omega tried to catch Buddy with a jumping knee, but Matthews ducked and Kenny begged off for a respectful stalemate. Malakai Black tagged himself in.

Malakai and Kenny circled one another. A “this is awesome” chant started up. Black gave Omega a quick kick. Malakai wound up for another, but Kenny blocked it. Black hopped back on one leg. They battled to the corner, then exploded out, trading quick arm drags. Black held his, applying a key lock on Omega briefly before the battled to their feet again. Black went for Black Mass, but Omega leapt backward. He scooped Black up for One-Winged Angel. Black slid down his back and went for the kick again. Omega ducked it. The two settled into a seated position in mutual respect.

Omega decided to tag in Matt Jackson. Black tagged in Brody King. King slapped his chest in dominance. Matt thought better of getting physical and tried to tag his brother, but Nick wanted no part. King flattened him. Matt stumbled back and his brother tagged in. They caught King with a pair of Superkicks. This brought Black and Matthews in. The Elite hopped into the ring and all six men came to blows. Chaos ensued. Matt Jackson wound up diving onto Black and Matthews on the outside. Kenny Omega caught Brody King with a Hurricanrana. King rolled to the floor. Omega started the Terminator clap, then dove onto all three members of House of Black on the outside.

The Young Bucks rolled Brody King back in the ring as the match crossed 6:30. Nick Jackson climbed to the top rope and delivered a 450-Splash for a cover and one count. King just tossed him off. King tossed Nick to the outside, then left the ring to work on Omega. Malakai Black caught Matt Jackson with a number of kicks on the outside. King returned to the ring with Nick Jackson. He tagged in Buddy Matthews. Nick caught Buddy with a roll up for a two count. Brody tagged himself back in.

Nick Jackson looked for a tag, but had no partners available. He was dragged back to center by Brody King. King went for a clothesline, but Nick hit a spin kick and stumbled into his corner, where Kenny Omega was now waiting. Omega leapt off the top rope onto King. He took down Matthews and Black as they tried to interfere. He threw a spinning back-hammer at King, but Brody just shrugged it off. Omega kicked King’s leg out and took him down for a cover and two count. He lifted King onto his shoulders for the Fireman’s roll. Omega leapt to the middle rope for a Moonsault, but King got his knees up. Omega fell to the corner.

House of Black set up for triple shots to Omega in the corner. Brody charged. The Young Bucks kicked Black and Matthews off the apron. Omega moved at the last second. King crashed into the turnbuckle. Omega pounded on King’s back, opening him up for a Snap Dragon. He tried to hook the arms, but King blocked it, spun around, and delivered a massive lariat. King tagged Buddy Matthews at 11:05. Matthews quickly tagged Malakai Black. They set up for a triple team move, but Nick Jackson pulled Omega to safety.

Omega caught Black with a leaping knee strike. Black shook it off and rolled Omega into a modified Knee-Bar. Matt Jackson dove off the top rope onto Black, breaking the hold. Matthews caught Nick with double knees off the top rope. Matt kicked Matthews in the face. Nick returned to give Buddy Sliced Bread. On the downswing, he kicked Black in the face. The ring cleared of everyone but Omega and Black.

Black and Omega stumbled into each other, trading right hands. Omega caught a rising knee strike. Black stumbled back into the ropes. Omega charged, but Black kicked him in the face. Omega stumbled back, then charged again for a kick. Black crumpled in a heap. Nick Jackson set up for a springboard, but Julia Hart grabbed his leg. Matt Jackson kicked Buddy Matthews. Kenny Omega caught Brody King with a V-Trigger on the apron. Malakai Black struggled to stand. Omega hit him with snap Dragon Suplex. He hit a second. He pointed his finger for the V-Trigger, but Julia Hart leapt onto the apron.

Hart stared down Omega. Black went for Black Mass, but Omega ducked it. He scooped Black up for One-Winged Angel, but Black slid down the back again. Omega went for a leaping V-Trigger, but Black moved. Omega hit Julia Hart. He shrugged, turned around, and ate a Black Mass. Malakai covered, but Nick Jackson made the last second save. Brody King and Buddy Matthews pounced on Omega. House of Black covered again, but the Young Bucks made another save. King and Matthews tossed the Bucks to the outside and threw them over the barricade.

Malakai held Matthews and King back while he used the toe of his boot to raise Omega. He set up for another Black Mass, but the Young Bucks returned and tripped Matthews and King long enough for Omega to recover. The Bucks dropped House of Black with Superkicks. The Bucks set Black up for the Meltzer Driver. As Nick flipped into the ring, Buddy Matthews stepped in his path and delivered a massive kick to the face. Black hit Matt with Black Mass. Brody King returned, and the trio delivered Dante’s Inferno for a cover and three count.

WINNERS: House of Black in 18:03 to win the AEW World Trios Championships

(LeClair’s Analysis: This was a lot of fun. It took on the frantic, car-crash pace of most AEW trios matches, particularly those that involve The Elite. I thought the contrast in entrances was fascinating. House of Black are perhaps one of the most serious crop of wrestlers on the roster, while The Elite are anything but. I’ve grown tired of the latter’s shtick, and I desperately want to see something more for Kenny Omega. Whether he’s interested in that, at this stage, of course, is up for debate. With that being said, he certainly looked motivated tonight. I loved the opening exchange with Buddy Matthews, and later with Malakai Black. At times, this devolved into the chaos we saw frequently in The Elite’s series with Death Triangle, but I acknowledge that the crowd always seems to love it. It may simply not be for me. The finishing sequence, though falling into the aforementioned chaotic category, was fun and creative. They had me – first thinking House of Black was about to finish it, then assured that The Elite were going to put it away in classic Elite fashion, only to be swerved again by Black, King, and Matthew’s final stanza. I like this title change a lot. House of Black have needed to be presented as a major, title worthy act for quite some time. This gives AEW the opportunity to refocus the trios division, shift some teams back into proper tag title contention, and hopefully create a path for Kenny Omega to ascend back up the card.)

-Excalibur and Taz bid farewell to Jim Ross before welcoming Tony Schiavone to the crew. They talked briefly about the matches thus far, before quickly turning to the three-way match for the AEW Women’s Championship.

Saraya entered first, accompanied by Toni Storm. Ruby Soho was out next. Jamie Hayter followed, to a far larger reaction than the previous two women.

(4) JAMIE HAYTER (c, w/ Britt Baker) vs. SARAYA (w/ Toni Storm) vs. RUBY SOHO – AEW Women’s World Championship three-way match

Jamie Hayter went right after Saraya when the bell rang. Ruby Soho stood back and watched for a brief moment, but joined the fray rather quickly. Hayter tossed Saraya to the outside and went after her. Saraya took control, throwing the champion over the barricade and into the crowd. “This is my house!” she yelled. Saraya turned around and ate a missile dropkick off the apron from Ruby Soho. Soho tossed Saraya into the crowd to meet Hayter.

Ruby leapt onto the barricade and dove onto both Saraya and Hayter in the audience. The three women walked and brawled at the back of the floor, rounding the floor section and working back to the adjacent open barricade. Saraya and Hayter battled back over the barricade and into the ring. Saraya dumped the champion into the corner and drove her boot into Hayter’s neck, sticking her tongue out at the crowd pelting her with boos.

Saraya and Jamie spilled out onto the apron, where the former continued to control the match with kicks to the face. Hayter shoved Saraya to create separation. Saraya hit the turnbuckle and stumbled back toward the champion. Hayter hit a Rock Bottom onto the apron of the ring. She rolled back inside, but was met by a leaping splash from the returning Ruby Soho. Soho covered for a quick two count. She settled into a grounded side headlock. Hayter returned to her feet with Soho still draped on her back. Saraya returned, but Hayter fought her off. She dumped Soho in the corner, then whipped her right into Saraya. Both women stumbled out and into a double Suplex from the champion. Hayter let out a yell before giving both opponents a clothesline. She covered Saraya for a two count, then Soho for the same.

The three women traded quick boots, creating a brief stalemate. Soho gave Hayter a side Suplex. Saraya kicked Soho. Hayter gave Ruby a Hate Breaker. All three women were down. Britt Baker led a small “Jamie Hayter” chant from ringside. Saraya wound up in the middle of Hayter and Soho, being pinballed with dueling punches. The two babyfaces eventually pounced, dropping Saraya and sending her rolling to the apron. Hayter and Soho came to blows, then worked toward the turnbuckle. Hayter hooked Soho up for a Superplex, but Saraya slid in to counter with a Powerbomb. She staked Hayter for a two count.

Saraya turned Soho into a Stretch Muffler. Hayter broke it up with a kick to the face. Toni Storm leapt onto the apron, but Soho knocked her off. Britt Baker jumped onto the opposing apron, distracting Saraya. Soho hit Destination Unknown on Saraya for a cover and near fall, just barely broken up by Jamie. Hayter and Soho traded shots. She went for a short arm clothesline, but Soho ducked. Hayter wound up dropping Saraya instead. Soho rolled Hayter up. Jamie turned into over into a crucifix pin of her own for a three count.

WINNER: Jamie Hayter in 10:06 to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship

Toni Storm attacked Britt Baker from behind on her way into the ring to attack Hayter. Saraya joined in. Ruby Soho eventually returned to her feet, contemplating her choice. She attacked Saraya from behind. Storm and Saraya slid out of the ring quickly. Soho appeared content to celebrate with Baker and Hayter. Instead, she attacked them both. Storm and Saraya returned to the ring with spray paint. They sprayed Baker and Hayter before celebrating together.

(LeClair’s Analysis: The AEW women’s division continues to suffer from characters and angles that just don’t get over. Toni Storm was brought in to be the heralded savior and it didn’t work out. Before her, Ruby Soho was injected into the mix as one of the company’s first big female “steals,” only to wind up trading wins and floundering on the undercard. Saraya was supposed to be a huge shot in the arm, a massive boost in star power. Her performances led to the crowd quickly turning on her, leading to her eventual heel turn and continued lack of connection with the audience. Jamie Hayter got over organically, but the company seems afraid to continue to build on her success. That was evident tonight, with a weak roll up finish that failed to help her, or anyone. These three wrestled a fine match, but it hardly mattered. It was all about the post-match angle, which included a double-swerve for no apparent reason, furthering the diminishing returns of tired cliche. Ruby Soho was well liked by the San Francisco crowd, even splitting chants with Hayter at times. When she turned, the crowd didn’t seem genuinely angry. It felt like they were just playing along. And really, that’s what so much of AEW’s presentation of women feels like. Like they’re pretending it’s a big deal, but they don’t really believe it. I’m not even sure how to fix it. The women on the roster are talented. It’s not like they can’t have quality, main event level matches. So often, though, it feels like they come up short, either due to poor chemistry, bad execution, or just lackluster storytelling. I think the latter was the primary culprit tonight. Despite having plenty of TV time dedicated to the “originals vs. others” angle, the crowd just doesn’t seem to care all that much about it.)

-A video package aired for the Texas Death match between “Hangman” Adam Page and Jon Moxley.

When the show returned live, the arena was bathed in red for Hangman’s entrance – a special use of “Ghost Rider.” Jon Moxley entered through the crowd as usual, but before he could reach the barricade, Page rushed outside to meet him.

(5) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE vs. JON MOXLEY – Texas Death match

“Hangman” Adam Page and Jon Moxley were already throwing rapid fire punches when the bell rang. They brawled briefly around ringside before sliding into the ring to continue fighting. Moxley knocked Page to the mat pretty quickly, necessitating the first (brief) count from the referee. Moxley used the reprieve to retrieve some barbed wire from ringside. He tried to wrap it around Page’s face, but Hangman grabbed hold of it and forced it back into Moxley’s forehead. Moxley was bleeding before the 3:00 mark.

Moxley exploded out of the corner and dropped Hangman. The two traded blows as blood began to to sputter from Moxley’s head. He pulled out a fork and held it to the sky. Moxley charged, but Hangman pulled him into a triangle choke. Moxley stabbed Hangman with the fork repeatedly. Blood sprayed out all over the canvas and all over Moxley’s chest. Hangman let go of the hold, so Moxley went and grabbed a chair. Page fell against the bottom rope. Moxley stabbed him with the fork again, then retrieved a chair wrapped in barbed wire.

Jon propped the barbed wire chair in between two turnbuckles. He turned around and came to blows with a resurgent Hangman Page. Moxley side-stepped a charging Page, sending him face-first into the barbed wire. Moxley turned Page into a single-leg crab on top of the barbed wire chair. Page screamed until Moxley let go of the hold. He picked up the chair and cracked it over Page’s back. Page writhed around on the mat while Moxley retrieved more chairs and some loose barbed wire. He set them up back-to-back and tied them together with wire. Moxley walked Page to the turnbuckle, climbed up, and bit him.

Page sprang to life, clutching Moxley’s legs and walking him out of the corner. Hangman gave Moxley a Powerbomb onto the seat of the one of the chairs, snapping it and entangling Moxley into the barbed wire. Moxley rolled to the outside. Page took the loose wire and wrapped it around his own chest as he climbed to the top turnbuckle. Hangman delivered a Moonsault off the turnbuckle, onto Moxley on the floor. The wire did far more damage to his own stomach than it did to Moxley.The referee counted Moxley, but he returned to his feet around six.

Hangman propped a barbed wire board on a chair at ringside as the match crossed 12:00. Moxley played possum in the ring. When Page returned to retrieve him, Jon exploded up with a cutter onto the remaining open chair. The camera zoomed in on open wounds on Page’s stomach and back. Meanwhile, Moxley fished a pair of bricks and a long chain from underneath the ring. Moxley sandwiched Page’s hand between the two bricks and then stepped on them. “That’s it, hand has got to be broken,” Schiavone said. Moxley followed it up with a Piledriver on top of the steel chain. Moxley wiped blood from his eyes as the referee began to count. Hangman rose to a knee, enough to break the count.

Moxley cranked on the neck of Page. Hangman managed to turn around to relieve the pressure. He bit Moxley’s hand and gave him the finger. Mox was undeterred. He left the ring to retrieve a barbed wire board. He created a bridge with it using two steel chairs for support. Moxley returned to the ring. He set Hangman up for a Piledriver onto the barbed wire chair. Page blocked it and delivered a German Suplex. Moxley rolled right through it and slapped the mat. He charged, but Hangman caught him with a lariat. Page wrapped his own arm with barbed wire. He hit Moxley with a pair of rolling elbows, using the wired fist. Moxley blocked a third. Page scooped him up and gave him a Fallaway Slam onto the barbed wire chair. Moxley wouldn’t stay down. lifted him up and hit Deadeye onto the same chair.

The referee reached a seven count for Hangman, and an eight count for Page. Moxley rolled to the outside and used the apron to help him stand long enough to break it. Page dove over the ropes, tackling Moxley into the propped barbed wire board. “Oh boy!” Moxley yelled, maniacally laughing at his own pain. Page returned to the ring. Moxley just barely answered the referee’s count. Hangman climbed to the top rope, but Mox stumbled into the ropes to trip him up. The two men battled on the top turnbuckle. Moxley dug his nails into Page’s back, leaving a trail in his wake. Page returned the favor. Moxley grabbed a loose piece of barbed wire and pounded it into Page’s back. Hangman pulled it from Moxley’s grasp and used it on Jon’s head. Moxley dropped off the turnbuckle and took a seat in the open chair.

Both men took a momentarily breather. Page tried to reposition himself on the top turnbuckle. Moxley sprang to life and shoved him. Page fell off the top rope, flipped over, and went through the barbed wire bridge on the floor. His head and neck took the brunt of the impact. The referee rushed to check on him. Page seemed okay, and managed to answer the referee’s count at nine. Moxley gave him a clothesline, and Page was down for another nine count. Hangman battled back with some quick hits, then he leapt to the apron. Page went for the Buckshot Lariat, but Moxley blocked it. He pulled Hangman in and delivered the Paradigm Shift. Moxley saw the bricks in the center of the ring. He positioned Page over them and delivered a stomp, driving Hangman’s head into the bricks. The referee counted, but Hangman answered the count again.

Moxley and Hangman continued to trade offense near the bricks, teasing a violent end. Hangman retrieved the chain and wrapped it around Mox’s neck. Moxley broke free of Hangman’s grasp and stumbled against the ropes to loosen the chain’s grip. Page returned to his feet and dove at Moxley, hitting him in the face with a brick. Page leapt to the apron and finally connected with the Buckshot Lariat. Unconvinced it would put Moxley away, he clotheslined him over the top rope and held onto the loose chain around Moxley’s neck. Page yanked on the chain with Moxley choked violently by the chain. Moxley tapped out.

WINNER: “Hangman” Adam Page in 26:04

(LeClair’s Analysis: Well, that’s pretty darn high on the lights of visually gruesome moments in a major wrestling company. Jon Moxley’s fork to the face of Hangman Adam Page sent blood spraying across the ring. It splattered on Jon’s chest like a balloon popping. I did a double take, surprised they went that far. The craziest part? They were barely five minutes in. By the time this thing was over some twenty minutes later, many had probably forgotten it amongst all the wild spots and bloody mayhem. Death matches of any sort aren’t exactly my favorite, but I can lean into the gore if the story is there. This worked. Moxley and Page told a fun, dramatic story that built violent spot after violent spot, raising the stakes with each passing blow. Some of the stuff was a little wacky. Hangman wrapping his entire abdomen in barbed wire to dive onto Moxley? Dumb. Minor gripe, though, in a large list of spots that I thought worked exceptionally well. Scary moment when Hangman was launched off the turnbuckle and crashed through a bridged barbed wire board. He overshot his flip, and his head and neck took the brunt of the impact on the board. This, of course, meant his back bounced awkwardly off the floor, too. He seemed shaken up, but communicated with the referee that he was okay. I expect the finish to be divisive with some, and I don’t think you want to show a hanging all that often, but I thought it worked here. I liked the fact that Page hit the Buckshot Lariat, but knew it wouldn’t be enough to keep Moxley down. These two know each other well enough at this point, but Page knew his “best shot” wasn’t enough and he’d have to get darker. The replay clearly showed Mox’s foot on the ground, quelling any doubt of general safety but ruining the magic just a tad. Excellent, overall.)

-Excalibur quickly turned focus toward the TNT Championship match. He tossed to a video package.

Wardlow headed to the ring first, to a tepid reaction. Samoa Joe received a similar reception. The crowd seemed genuinely burnt out from the previous war. Powerhouse Hobbs was shown from a press box. They talked about his title match on next week’s Dynamite.

(6) SAMOA JOE (c) vs. WARDLOW – TNT Championship match

Samoa Joe and Wardlow spilled to the outside almost immediately. Wardlow tossed Joe into the barricade and downed him. He gave him a pair of hard stomps, them worked him back into the ring. Samoa Joe caught Wardlow with a guillotine to knock him back to the floor and create separation. Joe flew through the middle rope, dropping his challenger. Wardlow wandered around ringside. Joe followed, slamming him against the apron and rolling him back in the ring.

Joe cornered his challenger and delivered his signature, rapid jabs. He played to the crowd a little bit, showing his fists. Joe whipped Wardlow to the opposite end of the ring. Wardlow leapt onto the top turnbuckle and flipped onto Joe. Wardlow whipped the champion sternum-first into the turnbuckle. Joe collapsed backward. The champion struggled to stand. Wardlow clubbed at his back and worked him into the corner. The camera cut to Powerhouse Hobbs looking on. Wardlow tried to scoop Joe onto his shoulders, but the champion blocked it and threw two quick kicks. Wardlow tossed Joe toward the corner and charged. Joe caught him with a Uranagi. He held his arms out in triumph as the match approached 5:00.

Wardlow struggled to his feet. Joe kicked his legs out and challenged him to stand. He did it a second time, then grabbed a single leg lock. Wardlow reached for, and grabbed the bottom rope just before Joe fully applied a heel hook. Wardlow rose to a knee as Joe jabbed him. The champion hit the ropes, but Wardlow caught him with a Spinebuster. He scooped Joe up and hit the F10. “Not many men get Joe up like that,” Schiavone exclaimed. Wardlow climbed the ropes and hit the Swanton, covering for a two count.

The challenger wait for Joe to stand. He threw a lariat, but Joe ducked it and grabbed a rear choke. He wrapped the legs and brought Wardlow to the mat. Wardlow struggled to reach the ropes. He began to fade. After a momentary struggle, Wardlow scooted just enough to drape his foot over the bottom rope. Samoa Joe slapped the mat in frustration, then quickly went back for more. He gave Joe a Death Valley Driver and covered for a two count. Joe tossed Wardlow into the corner as the match crossed 9:00. He set up for the Muscle Buster. Wardlow fought him off, but only momentarily. Joe tried to hook him for a Superplex, but Wardlow managed to slip his arms underneath and hook Joe for a big Powerbomb.

Wardlow rolled Joe for a second Powerbomb. Instead, Joe shot to his feet and dropped Wardlow with a big clothesline. He mocked Wardlow’s Powerbomb Symphony. Joe set up for a Powerbomb of his own, but Wardlow blocked it. He pulled Joe into a rear choke. The referee raised Joe’s hand three times for a pass out finish.

WINNER: Wardlow in 10:42 to win the TNT Championship

(LeClair’s Analysis: I felt bad for these guys. The crowd was absolutely spent, and Joe and Wardlow seemed to know it. They came to life a bit for some of the more challenging power spots, but by and large, these two seemed to know they were stuck in the cool down spot. I liked the match for what it was, with Joe hitting the bulk of his signature offense before Wardlow got in some flashy moves. That Swanton was gorgeous. The camera cut to Powerhouse Hobbs frequently, signaling that they company has already moved on from this feud. I disliked the finish. The TNT Championship hasn’t meant a whole lot in recent months. Between being tossed around like a hot potato, and being buried in a sea of other mid-card titles, it’s hard to feel like it has much value, or that its holder is in store for upward mobility following their reign. Joe confusingly lost the title to Darby Allin, only to see them try to re-establish some credibility for a month before immediately going back to Joe for him to largely disappear from television before dropping it back to Wardlow. Hobbs vs. Wardlow is an intriguing big-man match on paper, but it’s hard to get excited about the prospects of that title right now.)

-The announcers talked briefly about Wardlow’s title defense against Powerhouse Hobbs. They said it may be the shortest TNT title run in AEW history.

-The Gunn’s entered for the AEW World Tag Team Championship match. The three challengers entered in succession, with only The Acclaimed receiving a significant reaction.

(7) THE GUNNS (c, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) vs. JEFF JARRETT & JAY LETHAL (w/ Sonjay Dutt & Satnam Singh) vs. ORANGE CASSIDY & DANHAUSEN vs. THE ACCLAIMED (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster, w/ Billy Gunn) – AEW World Tag Team Championship match

Jeff Jarrett began the match with Orange Cassidy. The Acclaimed led the crowd in a sing-along to “oh, scissor me, daddy.” Jarrett did his signature strut and taunt. Cassidy was unimpressed. He challenged Jarret to a lock up, but ducked the hold. He did the strut himself, with far less enthusiasm. Cassidy put his hands in his pockets and took down all comers, before finally threatening Jarrett with a punch to the face.

Cassiday tagged in Danhausen and began a long, slow wind-up. Lethal and Jarrett cut them off before he could complete it. Danhausen caught Lethal with a Northern Lights Suplex and bridge for a two count, broken up by Jarrett. Lethal walked Danhausen to the Gunn’s corner and let them tag in. The crowd pelted them with massive boos. The Gunns traded quick tags. Danhausen fought them off, rolling into Orange Cassidy for a tag. Orange took down both Austin and Colten repeatedly. Cassidy hit Austin with a tornado DDT before leaping through the ropes onto Colten. Austin used the brief reprieve to leap into Jay Lethal for a tag.

Lethal scooped Cassidy for a Suplex as the match crossed 4:30. Orange countered into Stundog Millionaire. He tagged in Max Caster. Jeff Jarrett entered. The Acclaimed set up for Scissor-Me Timbers, but Sonjay Dutt entered the ring. The Acclaimed gave it to him instead. The Acclaimed leapt to opposing corners for a scissor. The crowd loved it. The Gunns attacked Caster and Bowens from behind. Jarrett choked Bowens in the corner. Lethal tagged Jeff.

Jarrett gave Bowens a Russian Leg Sweep. He thumbed Bowens in the eye and tagged Lethal back in. Lethal crabbed a single leg hold and tagged Austin Gunn. Gunn scooped Bowens up for a stalling vertical Suplex. Jarrett and Lethal entered with Colten and the four heels strutted together over a downed Anthony Bowens. Bowens bought off all four men for a hot tag to Max Caster. Max dropped the Gunns, then went to work on Jarrett and Lethal. Schiavone wondered what happened to Orange Cassidy and Danhausen. Cassidy could be seen clearly watching the match from the floor.

Caster countered a Russian Leg Sweep attempt from Jarrett. Lethal caught Caster with a Superkick. The Gunns returned with double clotheslines on Jarrett and Lethal. The champions turned around and walked into Satnam Singh. Singh grabbed them by the throat and tossed them both over the top rope. Singh turned around and came face to face with Danhausen. Sonjay Dutt stepped in. Danhausen took Dutt’s pencil and broke it. Cassidy returned and kicked Singh in the face. Danhausen gave him a low blow. With Singh bent over, Billy Gunn jumped in the ring and delivered a Famous-er. The Gunns then attacked their father and tossed him to the outside.

The Acclaimed returned to take out the Gunns. Bowens hit the Arrival. Caster followed it up with the Mic Drop for a cover and near fall, just barely broken up by Colten Gunn. Bowens and Colten spilled to the outside. Gunn tossed Bowens into the crowd. Jarrett tossed Austin Gunn to the outside. Jarrett retrieved his guitar. He swung it at Caster, but Max ducked it. He kicked Jarrett in the gut. Caster raised the guitar, but Aubrey Edwards inexplicably took it away. There’s no disqualifications. Jay Lethal hit Caster with the Golden Globe award. Jarrett covered, but Max kicked out.

Jeff got in an argument with Aubrey. He shoved her, she shoved back. Jarrett got knocked to the outside, falling onto Jay Lethal. Danhausen slid in the ring, but got caught with 3:10 to Yuma by the Gunns for a cover and three count.

WINNERS: The Gunns in 13:22 to retain the AEW World Tag Team Championships

Renee Paquette stepped in the ring immediately after the match. She asked for comment from the Gunns. Austin asked, “who’s an ass boy now?” Colten said they demand respect. He said they beat all the best teams in the world.

FTR’s music hit. Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler emerged from the curtain, staring down the Gunns. They hit the ring and immediately came to blows with Austin and Colten. Dax tossed Austin over the top rope, then pulled Colten in. Wheeler came off the top with a spike Piledriver. Austin returned and took a Shatter Machine. Dax was bleeding heavily from his right eye. FTR grabbed the AEW Tag Team titles, but stopped short of holding them up. They dumped them onto the Gunns on the outside, then posed on the turnbuckles for the crowd.

(LeClair’s Analysis: This match was certainly the low-light of the night. Not only did I think it went too long, but it showcased the worst of what AEW is doing right now. Comedy wrestling has its purpose, and place. In large part, I think AEW does it better than many, at least in small doses. I don’t like comedy being the crux of the tag team title division, though. AEW built a strong reputation for great tag team wrestling in its early days, and that’s been marred greatly by introducing trios titles, removing multiple credible tag teams from the mix, and by relying too heavily in recent months over lower-card comedy acts. The Acclaimed are great at what they do, and they’d built themselves a nice niche in the tag division, even with the titles. The Gunns, though, are another story. The crowd doesn’t buy them, not as credible champions or challengers. The Acclaimed feel like they’ve been hurt by the booking misstep. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal are featured way too prominently in the division’s happenings. Orange Cassidy and Danhausen, despite being plenty over, felt out of place in a tag team title match. They quickly became fodder to take the pin. The crowd’s silence at the match’s conclusion tells the story of how off the base the company is with the whole division right now.

Thankfully, FTR’s post-match return signaled a proper shift. They received a very deserved warm welcome and established themselves as the next challengers for the Gunns. AEW would be wise to move the titles to them quickly, and commit to a hard reset. )

-Excalibur quickly turned to the main event. He tossed to a video package for the 60-minute Iron Man match

Bryan Danielson entered first, looking calm and determined. After posing on the ropes, the lights in the arena went dark. An ominous piano ballad played. A young choir emerged from a smoke filled stage. They were all dressed in black with devil masks. They began to play a slow, brooding orchestral version of MJF’s familiar theme music. The traditional song kicked in, and MJF emerged through the crowd of musicians wearing the devil mask he used at All Out.

Justin Roberts delivered a championship introduction. The crowd gave both men decidedly mixed reactions.

(8) MJF (c) vs. BRYAN DANIELSON – AEW World Championship 60-minute Iron Man match

Excalibur noted that the third man in the ring, referee Bryce Remsburg, has been training for this task out of necessity. MJF and Bryan Danielson circled one another momentarily, then came to center. Danielson challenged Max to lock up. MJF rolled out of the ring quickly. The crowd booed loudly. MJF returned to the ring quickly and gave Bryan an arm drag. He mimicked the “yes” chant. Excalibur noted that MJF’s longest match in AEW is just over 38 minutes, whereas Danielson has gone to 60 minutes multiple times throughout his career.

Danielson and MJF locked up again. Danielson turned him over into a stretch. Max yelled in pain. Bryan smiled, pulling him into a roll up for a two count. Max was visibly frustrated already. Danielson tried to apply the Labell Lock, but MJF scurried away. Danielson started doing jumping jacks, smiling. Max dropped Bryan with a clothesline, then did jumping jacks of his own. The two traded quick ring-runs and shoulder tackles. Max briefly took Danielson down for a headlock, but Bryan fought out of it quickly. After a quick series of counters, Bryan and Max both kipped up and stood relaxed, opposite each other.

Max approached Bryan slowly, extending a hand. Danielson looked at his own hand, then looked to the crowd. He kicked MJF’s hand away. Max quickly rolled to the outside and leapt into the crowd. He picked up a trash can and dumped it out on a fan, but there wasn’t much of anything in it. He walked up to a woman booing him and took her drink, then threw it at her son. Max returned to ringside and got in the face of the camera man. “Is that gonna cost me a star, Dave? Maybe I won’t win the Bryan Danielson award!”

Bryan waited for MJF, patiently. The champion returned to the ring and did some more push-ups. Danielson rolled him up for a quick two count as the match approached 7:00 gone. The two traded quick Full-Nelson counters. Bryan tripped Max to the mat and hoked both legs.He stomped on the back of his quads. MJF crawled to the corner. Bryan approached, but Max pulled Remsburg in front of him to save himself. Remsburg fought free, leaving Friedman open to Bryan’s kicks. Bryce pulled Danielson away, allowing MFJ to recover and take over. He gave the challenger a big back body drop. Max posed against the ropes, laughing at the fans.

The champion delivered another backdrop, this time facing the adjacent side of the arena. He gave the fans double middle fingers, then walked into a small package from Bryan for a two count. Danielson hit MJF with a big back drop of his own. He hit a second, then posed to the crowd in homage to Jushin Thunder Liger. 10:00 had passed. Max tossed Danielson into the corner, then retrieved a water bottle from underneath the ring. He took a couple of sips and dumped some over his head. Taz said he’d never heard of a water break in the middle of a match.

Friedman dropped Danielson and stretched his arm. Bryan fought to his feet quickly. He tried to pull away from MJF and hit the ropes, but Max ripped him to the mat by his hair. Max posed on the middle turnbuckle to a chorus of boos. He tossed Danielson to the outside and leapt to the floor to meet him. Max drove Danielson into the barrier. He began instructing fans to move out of the way. MJF wound up to toss Danielson into the crowd, but diverted him into the ring instead. Max spun around to flip off the fans in the front row, who gave it right back.

Unbeknownst to MJF, Danielson had risen and began to charge. He dove through the middle rope, but Max spun him around in mid-air, causing Bryan’s shoulder and arm to collide awkwardly with the barrier. Danielson winced as MJF tossed him back in the ring. MJF began working on the injured shoulder, arm, and wrist. Excalibur pointed out that he’s softening Danielson for Salt of the Earth. MJF gave Danielson a backdrop right onto the injured arm. He worked the challenger into the corner and continued to wrench at the arm, using the ropes to tie it up. Just over 15:00 had passed.

Max placed Danielson on the turnbuckle. He climbed to the middle rope and fired off right hands. Danielson fought back with strikes of his own. He flipped over Max for a sunset-flip Powerbomb. The referee began counting both men down. They rose just after five. Max tripped Danielson into the middle turnbuckle, but Bryan shrugged it off and began hitting alternating chops and kicks in the corner. He built a full head of steam and began connecting with the running dropkicks. He hit three of them before mounting the champion for quick punches. Danielson relented at ten, but then hit a top rope ‘rana for a cover and two count.

The two men worked to the adjacent turnbuckle. Max jumped onto the middle rope and dove onto Bryan’s outstretched, injured arm. Danielson recovered enough for both men to hit the ropes and duck a couple of clotheslines. Bryan jumped onto Max’s shoulders, but MJF dropped him right onto his knee. Remsburg counted both men again, but neither stayed down very long. Danielson tripped Max into a Labell Lock attempt. MJF fought free. He tossed Danielson over the top rope. Bryan hung on, skinning the cat. Max kicked him in the face, dropping him to the floor. Friedman hit Shawn Michaels’ signature flex.

MJF got a running start and dove through the middle rope. Danielson moved. Max landed on his feet, but tweaked his knee. He grabbed at immediately. Danielson tossed him inside and climbed to the top rope. Bryan dove, but MJF tripped him into Salt of the Earth. Danielson prevented him from locking it in fully. MJF hooked Danielson in a Pump Handle position, then scooped him in the air for a reverse package driver. Danielson landed at a high angle, causing Taz to wince on commentary. MJF covered for a near fall.

22:00 had passed. Danielson caught Max with a running kick, facilitating another double count from Bryce Remsburg. Danielson pulled Max into a cover for a two. MJF countered into one of his own. The two traded a plethora of side headlock covers for two counts. Taz said they’re forcing each other to expend energy kicking out. The counts grew shorter as the counters increased. They rolled around the ring comically in alternating small packages, then alternating backslides, then alternating roll ups. After a couple dozen two counts, double clotheslines put both men on the mat for another double count.

Remsburg got to a count of nine before Danielson kipped up. MJF didn’t answer the count, but Bryce didn’t call it. He waited for Max to stand and walk into the Psycho Knee. Danielson covered for a three count at 25:26, putting him up 1-0.

Danielson circled the ring, waiting for the champion to stand. Max rose slowly. Danielson charged for another Psycho Knee, but Max collapsed to avoid it. He came up quickly and gave Danielson a low blow. He rolled up Danielson for a cover and three count at 26:40, 1-1. Max immediately covered him again for another three count at 26:45, 2-1. It appeared as though Remsburg completely ignored the low blow from MJF, but Excalibur announced that he did, in fact, disqualify MJF, making it 2-2.

Bryan and Max spilled to the outside. Danielson dumped Max into the barricade, then turned to get a running start. Max moved, sending Bryan crashing into the barricade again, injured shoulder first. MJF couldn’t keep control for long, though. Bryan spun him around and pelted him with multiple quick kicks to the chest. He slid in the ring, sprinted back out the opposite side, and launched himsef into MJF against the barricade just as the match crossed the 30:00 mark.

The challenger slid MJF back in the ring and slammed his knee against the ring post repeatedly. Danielson continued to work over the injured leg, eventually applying a Figure Four. Max dropped to the mat. The referee counted a very near fall. Max popped up. “I hate you! I hate you, you son of a bitch!” he yelled. MJF slapped Danielson over and over and over. Bryan just smiled. He dropped down to apply more pressure. Max screamed. Danielson slapped him. MJF tried to turn the hold over, so Bryan let him, using the extra momentum to carry him back over to maintain control. MJF reached the ropes and rolled to the apron, clutching his knee.

MJF used the ropes for assistance to stand on the apron. Danielson hooked him up for a Piledriver on the apron, but MJF broke free. He scooped Danielson into Tombstone position, but Bryan punched at his quad and knee. Max had to put him down. Bryan kicked the injured knee. Max punched the injured arm. Bryan’s kicks won out. He swept Friedman’s leg out, dropping him on the apron again. Bryan worked the champion onto the turnbuckles. The two teetered on the top, facing the outside of the ring. Danielson set up for a backdrop on the apron. MJF used the mounted camera to hook himself to safety. It broke off into his arms. He knocked Bryan off the turnbuckle. Danielson crashed to the floor in a heap. Max walked toward Bryan gingerly. He tossed him toward the timekeeper’s area.

Friedman tossed Danielson onto the timekeeper’s table, then returned to the ring. He climbed to the top turnbuckle, favoring his knee heavily. He dove clear over the ring post, driving his elbow into Danielson and through the table below. Both men were motionless on the floor as the match hit 37:00. MJF rose first. He dragged Remsburg with him, begging for a count out fall. Danielson still hadn’t moved and was now bleeding from his mouth. Bryan pulled himself from the table wreckage at six, then collapsed. He threw himself in the ring at nine, breaking the count.

Excalibur noted that they’d now surpassed the longest match of MJF’s career. Schiavone said they’ve still got over twenty to go. Max kicked Danielson to the outside. He scooped him up and gave him a running Tombstone Piledriver onto the wreckage of the timekeeper’s table, breaking pieces of it a second time. Danielson came up bleeding from the forehead. Max squeezed the cut, trying to make it even worse. He tossed Danielson back in the ring and hit the Heatseeker. MJF covered for a three count at 40:31, going up 3-2.

The champion fell back against the ropes immediately, clutching his injured knee. He shook it out, then rolled to the outside for another bottle of water. He poured it over his head, then rolled into the ring to punch at the open wound of Danielson. Max looked incensed. He threw his arms up and scowled at the booing crowd. Danielson rolled onto his stomach, blood pooling from his matted hair. MJF stomped at Danielson’s injured arm. “You’re the best in the world? You f—ing suck!” MJF yelled, “I’m the best!” He grabbed at Bryan’s hair and clubbed at his open wound. He told Bryan’s kids, Birdie and Buddy, to “say hello to dada.”

Maxwell let Bryan return to his feet. He dared Danielson to punch him, but instead, Bryan just collapsed. Friedman smiled wide. He helped Bryan up. “Give me your best shot,” he challenged. Bryan punched him. MJF shrugged it off and dropped the challenger again. He tossed Bryan to the outside and followed. Friedman looked to throw Bryan into the ringpost, but Danielson turned it around. Max flew into the steel and ricocheted toward he barrier. Bryan climbed to the apron and hit a diving knee. He climbed to the top turnbuckle and dove onto MJF. The champion flipped over and wound up crumpled in a heap, draped upside down over a steel chair.

The match ticked toward 47:00. Danielson and MJF worked to the top turnbuckle again. Bryan slid between Max’s legs and crotched him. He took Friedman’s position and set up for a Spider Superplex. He hit it. Danielson hung upside down, willing himself to rise. He did it with a yell. Bryan re positioned himself on the top rope and hit a diving heat butt. MJF was bleeding heavily now. Blood was gushing from his face in alarming fashion. Danielson covered him for a two count.

MJF began crawling toward the opposing turnbuckle as blood just poured. He spun around to a charging Danielson. Bryan psyched him out, missing the knee on purpose, and instead, tripping him from behind into an STF base with the arm wrenched back. Max tapped, evening the match 3-3 at 49:23. Danielson tried to go back to the hold immediately, but Max countered it into Salt of the Earth. Bryan wasn’t in it for barely long before slipping free. He grabbed the Labell Lock. The blood streaming from MJF’s face allowed him to slip his head free. Bryan rolled through and locked it in again, tighter this time. Max rolled it into a cover for two. Both men briefly broke the grip. MJF pounced, locking in Salt of the Earth.

Danielson screamed. He dragged his body toward the ropes. Max stood up and pulled him back to center. He laid into the hold. Danielson crawled again. He had a hand inches from the bottom rope, but Max grabbed it with his free hand. He hooked both of Danielson’s arm, then pulled his knee in too. Bryan had three of four limbs being viciously stretched. He reached with his free leg and broke the hold with the bottom rope.

Both men were down in the center are 53:10, dead-locked at 3-3. They rose to their knees, trading slow, plodding right hands. Danielson switched to headbutts. Max followed suit. They rose to their feet, continuing to trade head shots. Max switched to forearms. Bryan did too. The shots increased in pace. Danielson stumbled back into the ropes, then pounced forward with one more forearm. MJF fired on concurrently. Both men fell to their knees, kept up by each other’s bodies. Danielson turned his head, revealing a smile. Justin Roberts announced that only five minutes remain.

Urgency ensued. Rapid succession punches and kicks from both men landed. Bryan hit a roundhouse kick, then a running forearm. He collapsed back into the turnbuckle and called for MJF to stand. Max stumbled away. He tossed Bryan to the apron and connected with another Heatseeker. Max hooked the leg, but Bryan kicked out. MJF retrieved another bottle of water. He cleaned off his face. Friedman hoisted Danielson to the top turnbuckle. He climbed into a seated position, but left himself open to big hammer and anvil elbows from the challenger. Friedman shrugged them off and hooked Bryan. He delivered an avalanche Tombstone Piledriver.

MJF immediately grabbed at his knee, unable to capitalize. Bryan was laid out. Bryce Remsburg checked on both men, but didn’t initiate a count. Only 90 seconds remained. MJF pounded the mat, crawling over to Danielson for a cover and near fall. Bryan held onto Max’s leg and turned him over into a single leg crab. 60 seconds remained. Danielson stood up, wrenching back on the injured leg. Max reached for the ropes, but Danielson pulled him toward center. MJF pounded the mat in agony. 30 seconds remained. Max raised a hand to tap, but pulled it back. He crawled again. Danielson knelt into the hold. 10 seconds remained. Max looked like he was going to tap with his left hand, but Bryan grabbed it to apply extra pressure. Max raised his right hand. The clock ran out. The bell rang. Max tapped furiously.

Justin Roberts announced that with the match tied at 3-3, the result is a draw and MJF retains the title. The crowd erupted in boos. Both men were down. Officials poured in to tend to both men. They brought an oxygen tank in the ring to tend to MJF. Danielson rose quickly and started riling up the crowd. Meanwhile, on commentary, Tony Schiavone was openly communicating with someone through his headset. He got up and walked to ringside. Tony told Justin Roberts and Bryce Remsburg that Tony Khan had ordered the match continue under sudden death. Roberts made the announcement. MJF returned to his feet, furious.

MJF immediately shoved Bryce Remsburg to start sudden death, looking to get disqualified. Remsburg just shoved him back. Danielson rolled him up for a two count. MJF popped up and gave Danielson a low blow behind Bryce’s back. He covered for a very near fall. MJF grabbed the AEW Championship while Remsburg checked on Bryan. He wound up. Bryce turned around. He gave MJF permission to use it, apparently welcoming a disqualification. MJF handed the title to Remsburg.

While Bryce removed the title from the ring, MJF pulled out the Dynamite Diamond Ring. He swung, but Bryan ducked. He leapt onto MJF’s shoulders and hit a Dragon-rana. Bryan hit the ropes as MJF stood. He hit the Psycho Knee and hooked the leg for a believable near fall. Danielson tripped MJF up and locked in a heel hook. The referee saw the diamond ring on MJF’s finger and removed it. Max pounded the mat in agony. Danielson wrenched back in the hold, but the champion managed to reach the ropes and break the hold. As soon as MJF grabbed the rope, he tapped. Danielson only heard the tap, and assumed he’d won.

Max slid to the outside. He located the oxygen tank they’d used him at the end of the 60 minute time limit. Danielson leaned under the ropes to find Max. MJF hit him in the head with the tank, then tossed the weapon under the ring before Remsburg could see it. Danielson was out. MJF climbed back in the ring and arrogantly applied Danielson’s own Labell Lock. Remsburg raised Danielson’s hand once, twice, but Bryan stayed alive on the third drop. His fist shook and the crowd roared to life. Max pulled back harder on the hold. Danielson couldn’t escape. After another few seconds, he tapped out.

WINNER: MJF, 4-3 in 65:19 to retain the AEW World Championship

Danielson never moved. Remsburg handed MJF the AEW title. He sat up briefly, then collapsed. The camera pulled back to show the carnage as the show went off the air.

(LeClair’s Analysis: I’m not totally sold on MJF’s run as champion. I like the fact that he seldom wrestles. I think it adds prestige to the character. I do think, though, that he’s suffering from a common booking flaw in AEW – the inability to establish effective, long-term champions. Every champion in the company’s history has struggled in some form or fashion, leading people to inevitably wonder when they’re going to pull the trigger on the next big switch. With that being said, I didn’t think throwing in the towel on it in favor of Danielson would’ve been the right call, either. Though he’s unquestionably over, I didn’t sense a rallying behind Bryan that would necessitate a move away from Max.

There’s plenty of time to dissect AEW’s championship booking woes, though. For tonight, I want to focus on this incredible match. I had little doubt that Danielson would go out of his way to put on a show-stopping performance. Likewise, I assumed MJF would be up to task. Even with my lofty expectations, Danielson and MJF managed to exceed them. This was a masterclass. Iron Man matches are incredible challenging to pull off in a satisfactory way. Sometimes they start of incredibly slow and plodding, losing the audience for twenty-some minutes before finally kicking into high gear in the second half. Sometimes, they go for the 0-0 draw. I think this works on occasion, but given that the average main event match ends like before 60, it feels a little contrived that neither man could score a single fall in the allotted time. Those should be exceptionally rare.

Instead, Danielson and MJF set out to tell an incredibly nuanced, psychological story over a total of 65 minutes that kept the lulls to a bare minimum and strung together breath-taking, lengthy sequences of fast-paced action. Even the built in down time centered around major spots felt heavy with tension and drama. It was incredible story-telling.

There was one fairly significant, unfortunate gripe. A major moment in the match came when MJF scored two consecutive falls to visually take a 2-1 lead. To get there, he delivered a low blow to Danielson right in front of referee Bryce Remsburg. They moved so quickly into MJF’s cover that Remsburg had no opportunity to signal a disqualification fall in favor of Danielson. To the live crowd, it looked like Max went up 2-1 and the referee ignored a blatant low blow. On Pay-Per-View, it looked very much the same, except we got an exasperated call from Excalibur AFTER the second fall had taken place, informing us that Danielson had been awarded a DQ fall and the match was tied 2-2. It’s a critical error, especially when you’ve got so much time in the match to let a spot like this breathe.

If you want to note the contrivances used in many Iron Man matches to build drama, I can’t vehemently disagree. I think it’s inherent to expect some of the oft-used spots in most stipulation/gimmick matches. As they say, nothing is original. Even still, I thought what was used was used appropriately, and, more importantly, well, within the confines of the match.

Despite that, it was impossible not to get wrapped up in the tension these two created. I think there’s something here for even AEW’s staunchest critics. A clear and easy match-of-the-year candidate by any definition.)

 

FINAL THOUGHTS: I’ve been one of many highly critical voices on AEW’s recent product and presentation. I think Tony Khan would greatly benefit from delegating some of the company’s creative output to people he trusts. Tonight likely won’t fix my week-to-week issues with Dynamite, but it certainly didn’t hinder the show in any way. This was a great night of wrestling, featuring a wide array of styles and hitting notes that I think serve both the die-hard AEW audience and the pockets of fans that may like some, but not all of what they typically do. I thought the two major matches delivered in just about every way, and in some cases, exceeded expectations. Most of the under card was either largely entertaining, serving a larger purpose, or putting the pieces of in place for a needed reset.

My biggest issue with these events was still present. The pace is so frantic that most moments have next to no time to breathe. Beyond just making real-time coverage and analysis challenging, I think this does a genuine disservice to product as a whole. At this point, though, it seems baked in to the company’s philosophy of “delivering your money’s worth” while trying to balance loaded cards with bloating run times. If I didn’t think it this was an actual issue that harms the company’s characters and moments, I wouldn’t mention it every quarter. It’s a quick and easy fix that would, at most, add a couple of minutes to the show’s length and do a world of service to the talent, the presentation, and the prestige of the product.

Overall, a strong two thumbs up show that I’d highly recommend to just about any wrestling fan.