Commentators: Excalibur, Jim Ross, & Alex Marvez
1) Christopher Daniels vs. CIMA
As a SoCal/Dragon Gate mark, this was a really hype opener choice. These two go back even further than So Cal or Dragon Gate though, with 20 years of history this is something that will be looked back on in 10-20 years when AEW is (hopefully) rolling super strong and developing a legacy. This was a simple little action packed match that did just what it should. They didn't try to steal the show or go to the long, they busted this 10 minute or so match out and hit the road. Great showing for CIMA with a huge meteora for the win.
Match rating - ***
2) Nyla Rose vs. Riho vs. Yuka Sakazaki
This honestly exceeded my expectations. Not familiar at all with any of those women, plus a rough moment or two early made me doubt, but boy did they make a believer out of me. They got this crowd on it's feet with a number of crazy exchanges and nail biting near falls. Nyla Rose got made into a star with an insane showing here despite taking the pin fall to Rohi.
Match rating - ***1/2
Excalibur welcomes Kip Sabian to the commentary team. He faces the winner of the upcoming four-way match!
3) Hangman Page vs. MJF vs. Jimmy Havoc vs. Jungle Boy
These are four vastly different individuals, but this meshed super well and makes me have strong faith in the depth of AEW's roster. All four of these guys in particular can be stars in completely different capacities and we got to see a glimpse of it all here. Hangman Page gets a big victory despite working with an injured knee.
Match rating - ***1/4
4) Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin
It's crazy seeing Darby Allin in a slot like this. The Seattle native is one of the most unique characters in today's game and on this night he debuted a theme song by Wicca Phase Springs Eternal which aptly fits his vibe as he carried a body bag with Cody's name on it to the ring. Despite all this praise to Allin, I never expected this to be as good as it was. I think it's about time everyone stop knocking Cody because he took Allin to a 20 minute draw here and it ruled from start to finish. The work on Cody's arm and Darby's back was superb. The coffin drop on the apron spot was insane. This was just all around great and they worked the final few minutes super well. Stoked for the re-match!
Match rating - ***3/4
Post-match, Shawn Spears shows up and wraps a fucking steel chair around Cody's head. This made headlines being the first head shot with a chair in ages and god damn it was rough. Cody needed 20 staples afterwards.
5) The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr, Rey Fenix, & Laredo Kid
I'm a sucker for these matches and this was no different. So much insanity and fun. They some manage to do something new and innovative every time, and in this case, they established a new name in Laredo Kid. What a fucking debut. But yeah, this was exactly what you'd expect. Craziness and on the edge of your seat action from beginning to end.
Match rating - ****1/4
6) Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela
Moxley's first main event in America since leaving WWE and he & Janela gave us a match that lived up to its billing. Tables, barbed wire, and thumbtacks were among the weapons used in a contest built around the deathmatch daredevil of the independents 10 years ago against the young man in that role now. This did a good job of establishing where Moxley's character will go in the company as well as Janela's, which is super important with him being a fresh face.
Match rating - ****
Post-match, Kenny Omega brutally attacked Moxley to hype their upcoming match in August.
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