Quick Thoughts: AEW Revolution 2022
The year 2022 is one that many feel will be a huge year for All Elite Wrestling. Three months in the owner has acquired the rights to Ring of Honor, they have new quarterly specials in 'Battle of the Belts' and as ever the roster continues to expand and grow with talents for now and a core of younger talents who will get their day at the mountain top in the future. One way to see where AEW are as a company is by their PPV outings and with that we have the first PPV of the year in Revolution.
The Buy-In
Leyla Hirsch vs. Kris Statlander
Kicking this mammoth show off was a match which really is the first big match since Leyla Hirsch's heel turn. This feud has been weird with babyface Statlander talking about how she can see why Hirsch's parents gave her up, what a babyface comment. Weird promos aside I thought this match was perfectly fine and while I saw surprised Leyla won it made sense when her match on Dynamite is taken into consideration. I do think Statlander is the bigger prospect of the tow and I can see her as the one the give Jade her first loss. I can see this getting a run back at some point to build the winner of that one up but perfectly fine match for what it was.
Hook vs. QT Marshall
This is the first time I get the talk about Hook which is nice. He's a star, a real prospect who has an undeniable cool factor and just has it. Another match which was a Hook showcase with more selling and man he is going to be a top top star going forward. Credit to QT as well doing his role in the match well make Hook look great. Interested what Hook does now as this story made sense without really needing Hook to do any promo work, eventually we are gonna need to hear him talk the real last thing to see from Hook, if he has good promo ability no doubt in my mind he will eventually be the face of the company.
This is the first time I get the talk about Hook which is nice. He's a star, a real prospect who has an undeniable cool factor and just has it. Another match which was a Hook showcase with more selling and man he is going to be a top top star going forward. Credit to QT as well doing his role in the match well make Hook look great. Interested what Hook does now as this story made sense without really needing Hook to do any promo work, eventually we are gonna need to hear him talk the real last thing to see from Hook, if he has good promo ability no doubt in my mind he will eventually be the face of the company.
House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. PAC, Penta Oscuro & Erick Redbeard
Really love the fact Buddy Matthews is in AEW I like it when the wrestler I like go to the company I like makes it easier to watch them. Speaking of people making their in ring debuts was Erick Redbeard always this good? I came away from the match presently surprised at how good he was in the match, I expect this feud to continue just with Fenix in place of Readbeard but this was a tremendous buy in closure really set the tone to the quality in ring to expect. On a side not away from the in ring action the presentation of the House of Black is nothing short of great, I wish AEW would fast track the Trios titles specifically for these guys to win, big fan of Buddy having his gear using the same font and getting a mask in line with his stablemates. I love it when groups are in unison with their attire and for House of Black is makes sense they would it just adds to the overall visual.
Really love the fact Buddy Matthews is in AEW I like it when the wrestler I like go to the company I like makes it easier to watch them. Speaking of people making their in ring debuts was Erick Redbeard always this good? I came away from the match presently surprised at how good he was in the match, I expect this feud to continue just with Fenix in place of Readbeard but this was a tremendous buy in closure really set the tone to the quality in ring to expect. On a side not away from the in ring action the presentation of the House of Black is nothing short of great, I wish AEW would fast track the Trios titles specifically for these guys to win, big fan of Buddy having his gear using the same font and getting a mask in line with his stablemates. I love it when groups are in unison with their attire and for House of Black is makes sense they would it just adds to the overall visual.
Main Show
Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston
I had no idea what would start the card as so many matches could fill the role of the opening match on the main show. I've enjoyed this feud I feel it's some of Jericho's best AEW work and it was reflected in his best AEW match in God knows how long. It must be something about Eddie Kingston his feud with Punk was where I felt Punk really started getting his grove back and now same with Jericho he must bring out the best in people. Was happy Eddie won but surprised it was by submission you don't ever really see Jericho tap out. Glad Jericho seems to be going heel as he needed a refresher as a character. Eddie getting a PPV win as well is good as he's lack that big statement singles win in AEW in my opinion be interesting the next steps for both now.
AEW Tag Team Championship Match: Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus) (c) vs. reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)
Poor Jurassic Express really felt like a third wheel in their own tag title defence. Regardless, the main part of this match was the ever evolving issues between The Bucks and ReDRagon and their overall story with Adam Cole. I felt this match was fine all be it one of the weaker Young Bucks PPV matches for AEW. I did find myself surprised at the amount of offence Luchasaurus got during the match as he's normally the hot tag guy for Jurassic Express not spending large amount of time in the ring. I think the right team won the feud with ReDRagon and Young Bucks doesn't need the title and it keeps it free for Jurassic Express to defend against a stacked tag division. This was a good match all said and done I do feel Jungle Boy got a lot of shine in this which is good, if he drops the tag belts soon he will be my favourite for The Owen but we will see.
Poor Jurassic Express really felt like a third wheel in their own tag title defence. Regardless, the main part of this match was the ever evolving issues between The Bucks and ReDRagon and their overall story with Adam Cole. I felt this match was fine all be it one of the weaker Young Bucks PPV matches for AEW. I did find myself surprised at the amount of offence Luchasaurus got during the match as he's normally the hot tag guy for Jurassic Express not spending large amount of time in the ring. I think the right team won the feud with ReDRagon and Young Bucks doesn't need the title and it keeps it free for Jurassic Express to defend against a stacked tag division. This was a good match all said and done I do feel Jungle Boy got a lot of shine in this which is good, if he drops the tag belts soon he will be my favourite for The Owen but we will see.
Face of the Revolution Ladder Match: Keith Lee vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Ricky Starks vs. Wardlow vs. Christian Cage
As always with multi man ladder matches not everyone can get the shine normally it’s 2 or 3. This match to me is no real exception as my main focus coming out of the match was Wardlow (the correct winner) and Powerhouse Hobbs and Keith Lee for what’s gonna be one hell of a match in the near future. If I am going to be nitpick I have said before I don’t like matches on a show that have to be there like how WWE uses Hell in a Cell and the Face of the Revolution ladder match would be no different expect it’s booked to help people get over this year more so as Wardlow just his first big career win in AEW. Between this and his actions later in the show Wardlow has been set up as a key player moving forward which I’m looking forward to. Wardlow’s split from MJF opens up so many possibilities and I hope he get a full on visit to Wardlow vs. Hobbs at some point down the line as both were standouts in this match. Side note I do hope Ricky Starks is ok after the final power bomb it looked a bit rough. The man is a star in the making so let’s protect him, I do wonder how long it will be until Hook wins the FTW title though I thought for a good while we would see Dante Martin challenge and win that belt but I guess not.
As always with multi man ladder matches not everyone can get the shine normally it’s 2 or 3. This match to me is no real exception as my main focus coming out of the match was Wardlow (the correct winner) and Powerhouse Hobbs and Keith Lee for what’s gonna be one hell of a match in the near future. If I am going to be nitpick I have said before I don’t like matches on a show that have to be there like how WWE uses Hell in a Cell and the Face of the Revolution ladder match would be no different expect it’s booked to help people get over this year more so as Wardlow just his first big career win in AEW. Between this and his actions later in the show Wardlow has been set up as a key player moving forward which I’m looking forward to. Wardlow’s split from MJF opens up so many possibilities and I hope he get a full on visit to Wardlow vs. Hobbs at some point down the line as both were standouts in this match. Side note I do hope Ricky Starks is ok after the final power bomb it looked a bit rough. The man is a star in the making so let’s protect him, I do wonder how long it will be until Hook wins the FTW title though I thought for a good while we would see Dante Martin challenge and win that belt but I guess not.
TBS Championship Match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Tay Conti
It has to be said that Jade seemingly improves drastically with each match she has, a true talent who is only getting better. I think for Jade & Tay this was their best match, I had reservations on this match as far as being on the PPV but I'm glad to be proven wrong as both women beat the hell out of each other. It's the correct call for Jade to retain in her first PPV singles match even though I thought Tay was a strong contender to be the first person to beat Jade. I think AEW has done very well developing talent for its women's division to go with the veteran names they already had and this match is proof of that.
It has to be said that Jade seemingly improves drastically with each match she has, a true talent who is only getting better. I think for Jade & Tay this was their best match, I had reservations on this match as far as being on the PPV but I'm glad to be proven wrong as both women beat the hell out of each other. It's the correct call for Jade to retain in her first PPV singles match even though I thought Tay was a strong contender to be the first person to beat Jade. I think AEW has done very well developing talent for its women's division to go with the veteran names they already had and this match is proof of that.
Dog Collar Match: CM Punk vs. MJF
So before I get into the match I just have to say this is one of the best feuds AEW has had. While I think Omega vs. Hangman edges them out but that had the benefit of being a two year arc where as this was more of a feud in the traditional wrestling sense. Either way between this and his previous feud with Kingston it is clear to see how much CM Punk adds to this show. I am someone who really loves small touches that elevate and help build on a feud so I loved seeing Punk coming out to Miseria Cantare once again, it made sense in the story and it was a great moment because well I love that song. This was my match of the night by far it wasn't just a great match but a great conclusion to the feud, a bloody violent encounter which made good use of the chain and the conclusion worked well in furthering the MJF and Wardlow story. Punk's best match since returning and the match of the night, it was so good I don't know what I can say about it
So before I get into the match I just have to say this is one of the best feuds AEW has had. While I think Omega vs. Hangman edges them out but that had the benefit of being a two year arc where as this was more of a feud in the traditional wrestling sense. Either way between this and his previous feud with Kingston it is clear to see how much CM Punk adds to this show. I am someone who really loves small touches that elevate and help build on a feud so I loved seeing Punk coming out to Miseria Cantare once again, it made sense in the story and it was a great moment because well I love that song. This was my match of the night by far it wasn't just a great match but a great conclusion to the feud, a bloody violent encounter which made good use of the chain and the conclusion worked well in furthering the MJF and Wardlow story. Punk's best match since returning and the match of the night, it was so good I don't know what I can say about it
AEW Women's Championship Match: Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (c) vs. Thunder Rosa
This one was weird from a build to the match stand point. Being arguably the biggest rivalry in the women's division history for AEW the build to this match fell flat to me and so did the match until they stepped it up in the last 5 minutes or so. It's weird it was a PPV match that is setting up a TV title match for Saint Patrick's Day Slam as I imagine Thunder beats Leyla this week and then finally wins the belt but still it was odd, not terrible but not great probably and surprisingly the weakest women's match on the show. The new title looks great though a massive upgrade to the original title (and it's larger counterpart). Also on the new Women's title belt I think it's great, it looks like the equivalent of the AEW title for the women's and a world title belt. I think they're on the money here for a great design and I really like the look of all titles in AEW it's a good set of belts which I don't think needs changing for a good while.
This one was weird from a build to the match stand point. Being arguably the biggest rivalry in the women's division history for AEW the build to this match fell flat to me and so did the match until they stepped it up in the last 5 minutes or so. It's weird it was a PPV match that is setting up a TV title match for Saint Patrick's Day Slam as I imagine Thunder beats Leyla this week and then finally wins the belt but still it was odd, not terrible but not great probably and surprisingly the weakest women's match on the show. The new title looks great though a massive upgrade to the original title (and it's larger counterpart). Also on the new Women's title belt I think it's great, it looks like the equivalent of the AEW title for the women's and a world title belt. I think they're on the money here for a great design and I really like the look of all titles in AEW it's a good set of belts which I don't think needs changing for a good while.
Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson
Two great wrestlers both who are doing some great work in a story which has me intrigued. The match was surprisingly punch kicky to me and not as technical as I thought certainty starting which isn't a detriment just that the match went a way I wasn't expecting. This match promised blood and we got it and how by Moxley he was bleeding buckets. A very innovative finish working off of Danielson's wins recently with the triangle choke and bicep pose. This is one of those matches where I think we didn't have a wrong winner but overall I think the story works better with Moxley winning. The post match really helped with the surprise debut of William Regal a man who is closely connected to both men. I think he adds to this group going forward. Honestly, I could see a world in which Mox & Danielson win the tag titles and win them very quickly but that remains to be a seen. A good match as expected by both.
Two great wrestlers both who are doing some great work in a story which has me intrigued. The match was surprisingly punch kicky to me and not as technical as I thought certainty starting which isn't a detriment just that the match went a way I wasn't expecting. This match promised blood and we got it and how by Moxley he was bleeding buckets. A very innovative finish working off of Danielson's wins recently with the triangle choke and bicep pose. This is one of those matches where I think we didn't have a wrong winner but overall I think the story works better with Moxley winning. The post match really helped with the surprise debut of William Regal a man who is closely connected to both men. I think he adds to this group going forward. Honestly, I could see a world in which Mox & Danielson win the tag titles and win them very quickly but that remains to be a seen. A good match as expected by both.
AHFO (Andrade El Ídolo, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy) vs. Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara and Sting
Sting stole the show in this match for being a few weeks away from his 63rd birthday and deciding to go balcony dives through multiple tables. It's insane it is something I never thought I'd see or type but here we are. What a legend Sting is truly one of a kind and this just adds to his legacy, a great addition and has been so much better then I thought he'd be for AEW. As for the rest of the match I feel it did its job. Matt Hardy losing so we can work towards Jeff Hardy making his debut and Matt's face turn was the correct call regardless of the botched Coffin Drop where Matt moved for some reason. Sammy's Spanish Fly off the stage through tables was a good spot but the memory of this match is of Sting and will always be, a spot which will take some beating to get out of my head over the next little while. Another quick mention to Jose the Assistant for taking the Darby torpedo dive while having a trash can over his head, must've sucked not being able to brace for it but he took it well, he deserves a lot of credit for helping Andrade's act and adding to his package as we can finally all see how great Andrade is again.
Sting stole the show in this match for being a few weeks away from his 63rd birthday and deciding to go balcony dives through multiple tables. It's insane it is something I never thought I'd see or type but here we are. What a legend Sting is truly one of a kind and this just adds to his legacy, a great addition and has been so much better then I thought he'd be for AEW. As for the rest of the match I feel it did its job. Matt Hardy losing so we can work towards Jeff Hardy making his debut and Matt's face turn was the correct call regardless of the botched Coffin Drop where Matt moved for some reason. Sammy's Spanish Fly off the stage through tables was a good spot but the memory of this match is of Sting and will always be, a spot which will take some beating to get out of my head over the next little while. Another quick mention to Jose the Assistant for taking the Darby torpedo dive while having a trash can over his head, must've sucked not being able to brace for it but he took it well, he deserves a lot of credit for helping Andrade's act and adding to his package as we can finally all see how great Andrade is again.
AEW World Championship Match: "Hangman" Adam Page (c) vs. Adam Cole
In the main event it was a battle of the Adam's of AEW. Adam Cole has yet to hit the same heights in ring wise as his NXT run but that might be down to selective memory from most only remembering his peak of his Takeover main events and not the week in week out matches. Either way this felt somewhat a return to peak Adam Cole, not his best match but still good. As for Hangman he is having one hell of a title run another good match to add to his title run a true babyface world champion fighting off all comers in all sorts of matches. Both men I am interested in their placement on the card and feuds going forward. I do wonder how close Omega is to a return as Cole vs. Omega seems to be a logical point but that is all dependent on Omega's health. Hangman is a little unclear I have switched from thinking he drops the belt to MJF to that of dropping to CM Punk at All Out but for Double or Nothing I'm a bit stuck, maybe Malakai or Miro returning but I am unsure I guess we will see the direction which might be for Battle of the Belts but we shall see.
In the main event it was a battle of the Adam's of AEW. Adam Cole has yet to hit the same heights in ring wise as his NXT run but that might be down to selective memory from most only remembering his peak of his Takeover main events and not the week in week out matches. Either way this felt somewhat a return to peak Adam Cole, not his best match but still good. As for Hangman he is having one hell of a title run another good match to add to his title run a true babyface world champion fighting off all comers in all sorts of matches. Both men I am interested in their placement on the card and feuds going forward. I do wonder how close Omega is to a return as Cole vs. Omega seems to be a logical point but that is all dependent on Omega's health. Hangman is a little unclear I have switched from thinking he drops the belt to MJF to that of dropping to CM Punk at All Out but for Double or Nothing I'm a bit stuck, maybe Malakai or Miro returning but I am unsure I guess we will see the direction which might be for Battle of the Belts but we shall see.
In conclusion this was a very good PPV. While it wasn't as consistently good in ring as Full Gear or had the massive moments All Out did but this is still a great start for 2022 as far as AEW PPV's go. I always feel that Revolution is one of the weaker PPVs in the standard AEW set but this is a very good benchmark, we will see in May how Double or Nothing measures up. One thing there was a lot of matches man this finished at 5AM for me I was tired but a great show perhaps you could do less matches next time.
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