Double or Nothing, AEW’s first foray into the world of empty arena pay-per-view, is now in the books. It was undoubtedly the best show since the worldwide lockdown began.
AEW did a better job… than WWE did for WrestleMania last month.
Originally scheduled to emanate from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, AEW did a better job at making the most out of a downsized venue and lack of crowd than WWE did for WrestleMania last month.
Ever since lockdown began, pro-wrestling has taken a downturn in quality. And while that’s largely through no fault of their own, watching each major promotion scramble to put on shows and retain their audience has been entertaining in and of itself. From day one, AEW has gone for the hard-cam facing the stage and the wrestlers as the crowd approach – most agreed this worked well. WWE opted for neither in their first couple of outings, before adopting the stage facing camera within a couple of weeks. Double or Nothing proved why having wrestlers in the crowd is the best option. This show benefitted tremendously for it, even if it wasn’t close to the real thing.
Admittedly, I haven’t watched many episodes of Dynamite recently, but from what I’ve seen and what I’ve read on social media, the build has been strong. Out of nine matches on the main card, only a couple felt out of place – the rest, thoroughly entertaining and mostly well wrestled throughout.
Dark Match – Best Friends defeated Private Party to become #1 contenders to the AEW World Tag Team Championship
I didn’t get to watch this match due to lack of time. From what I’ve seen of the two teams, Best Friends are the better choice to challenge Kenny Omega and Hangman Page for the belts. It’s not that Private Party aren’t good, they’re just too green to be believable contenders at this point. I’m glad Best Friends got the win.
Casino Ladder Match – Brian Cage defeated Darby Allin, Colt Cabana, Orange Cassidy, Joey Janela, Scorpio Sky, Kip Sabian, Frankie Kazarian and Luchasaurus for a future AEW World Championship match
Overall, a good match. Probably would’ve come across even better with a crowd to react to the huge spots.
Overall, a good match. Probably would’ve come across even better with a crowd to react to the huge spots. AEW chose to go with red ladders, and a poker chip hanging above the ring. The briefcase trope is overdone at this point, so it was nice to have a different gimmick for the wrestlers to reach for.
The basic rules were that two wrestlers would start, and at two-minute intervals another wrestler would join in. The match could be won at any point by climbing the ladder and claiming the chip. The opposite of the Royal Rumble, this puts the earlier competitors at an advantage as they must fight off less guys to win. It also means the winner can be decided before all guys have entered. This does make me question the set-up, as I find it very unlikely that we’d ever see one of these where someone doesn’t get to enter.
The match started out with Kaz and Sky (both members of SCU), having a little back and forth. Soon after Kip Sabian joined in and was accompanied by his associate, Jimmy Havoc. Havoc introduces some weapons but eventually eats a German Sulplex from Kaz. Next is Darby Allin, who did an insane spot where he “dropped in” on his skateboard from the top of a ladder through another bridged ladder onto the unfortunate guy below. This would’ve had a crowd losing their minds.
Orange Cassidy is next, and he takes almost a full minute walking to the ring. He lazily dispatches a few guys and slowly sets up a ladder. I’m sorry – I love Orange Cassidy as much as the next guy – but this stuff just doesn’t work without a live crowd. When the reaction isn’t there, it exposes how ridiculous the gimmick would be if this were a real contest. The sixth guy in is Colt Cabana. Almost immediately, he takes a painful looking bump where he’s climbing the ladder, it gets pushed backwards, and his fingers get caught as it folds up. Next is Joey Janela followed by Luchasaurus. Both run wild and clear house on their entrances. Darby Allin hit an impressive Code Red on Luchasaurus from the middle rope.
Last is the surprise entrant, Brian Cage. For anyone who hasn’t seen him before, this guy is JACKED.
Last is the surprise entrant, Brian Cage. For anyone who hasn’t seen him before, this guy is JACKED. Think Chris Masters, from back-in-the-day, but bigger. No way is it natural. Nonetheless, he’s an impressive looking dude with an impressive entrance – here, he was accompanied by Taz and ripped a ladder apart as he walked out. When he got to the ring, he destroyed everyone in his path. The highlights here were the huge F5 he hit on Darby Allin (referred to on commentary as an F5000) and the middle rope, outside to inside Suplex (a la Cesaro) he hit on Janela causing him to scream “fucking mother fucker!” This all comes to a halt when the rest of the guys ganged up and buried him under all kinds of plunder from ringside, including a huge prop poker chip.
Kip Sabian hit a big coast-to-coast using a ladder, which was impressive. He then brawled with Orange Cassidy atop the ladder before falling onto another ladder. At this point, Jimmy Havoc and Penelope Ford get involved. Ford is knocked off the ladder onto Kip and Best Friends run in to save Cassidy from Havoc.
Marko Stunt (compadre of Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy in Jurassic Express) runs down and sets up a fun-sized ladder. He and Luchasaurus then give Cassidy a double chokeslam from the mini ladder. This was another thing that may have worked with a crowd but not here. It was just dumb. JR sounded equally unimpressed.
Joey Janela then hit a big Death Valley Driver on Orange Cassidy onto the plunder and Brian Cage. This was a cool spot. Meanwhile, Kaz and Sky fought over the chip before Luchasauras made the save. As this happened, Brian Cage emerged from the rubble like Terminator in a predictable yet awesome moment. He then hit Luchasaurus with an impressive powerbomb onto a propped-up ladder. He didn’t stop there – he hit a Drillclaw on Darby Allin before placing him atop a ladder balanced across the top rope and military pressing him out of the ring. Even after all the years of insane ladder matches, that was a first – what a cool spot.
After decimating the fan favorite, Cage cemented his dominance by climbing the ladder and claiming the poker chip.
After decimating the fan favorite, Cage cemented his dominance by climbing the ladder and claiming the poker chip. While his victory was predictable as soon as he entered, I’m glad he won. This guy should be a star given his proven ability and I’m sure he’ll have some entertaining matches with Darby Allin down the road.
MJF (with Wardlow) defeated Jungle Boy
This was a great match that showcased how far ahead of their years both guys are.
This was a great match that showcased how far ahead of their years both guys are. MJF is, without question, the best heel in the business today, and Jungle Boy is the perfect babyface for him to work with.
The match started out with some old-school tie ups and some classic taunting from MJF. There were some innovative reversals and exchanges here. MJF then feigned a knew injury before attacking Jungle Boy from behind. Jungle Boy tried to build some momentum by hitting a springboard crossbody but was stopped with a back elbow. The two then exchanged a hurricanrana and a backbreaker, and pins. MJF then hit a vicious looking arm wringer into the turnbuckle. While MJF was taunting, Jungle Boy tried to build some momentum and hit three consecutive suicide dives to the outside. This guys agility is something to behold.
There was an impressive sequence where the two exchanged chops before Jungle Boy hit a Canadian Destroyer and MJF followed with a superkick before they both collapsed. In another insane spot, Jungle Boy hit an inverted Frankensteiner on the ring apron which should’ve killed MJF. This was closely followed by an avalanche Tigerbomb from the top rope on MJF.
The match ended when the two exchanged roll-up pins and MJF captured the win. It’s a shame about the lack of decisive finish, but it kept them both strong while allowing MJF to continue unbeaten.
Cody (with Arn Anderson) defeated Lance Archer (with Jake Roberts) to win the AEW TNT Championship
Mike Tyson came out first. The commentators sold throughout the match how happy Tyson was to be there. While that may be true, I doubt he came for free. With him, he brought out the TNT Championship belt. Initially, I didn’t like it, between the red strap and silver plates I’d have put it on a par with WWE’s 24/7 title. Tony Schiavone later confirmed that it was unfinished due to COVID-19 and will be gold plated later, I’ll reserve judgement till then.
Tyson’s face was a picture and really sold Archer being a terrifying monster.
Archer came out first and destroyed a guy when he entered the ring. Tyson’s face was a picture and really sold Archer being a terrifying monster.
Cody was out next. He was wearing yet another new t-shirt. Maybe it’s just me, but I wish he’d just settle for one and wear that for a while. Some of his designs are awesome, others, not so much.
What followed was a good match that sold the importance of the new title. It probably would’ve been even better had there been a crowd to pop for Cody. Archer started out by going for the claw, but Cody countered into an arm lock. The two had a chop and strike exchange before Archer went outside and tried to peel up the floor padding. Cody then hit a dive outside and they fought in the crowd. When they got back in the ring, Archer hit a remarkable rope walk moonsault. Shortly after, there was an unfortunate cut to Mike Tyson just as he yawned.
Archer then went to rip the turnbuckle pad off and Cody tied him up around the bottom of the ring post. Archer fought back and military pressed Cody to the outside. Archer continued to dominate until Cody locked in a crossface and used Archer’s dreadlock against him. The two then traded the moves of their respective managers with Cody hitting a DDT in front of Jake and Archer retaliating with a spinebuster.
In a nice bit of storytelling, Cody then went through a series of moves used by guys who’ve influenced him over the years. First, he hit a springboard RKO off the top rope. He then followed up with Dusty’s Bionic Elbow and Dustin’s Final Reckoning before hitting his own Cross Rhodes for a two count. Lastly, he hit a Stinger Splash in the corner (commentary explained Sting was Cody’s childhood favorite).
When this failed to win the match, Archer gave Cody the EBD Claw. Next, Archer went up top but Arn Anderson knocked his legs out from underneath as the ref was dealing with Jake. Cody then capitalized and hit a reverse Superplex. Arn and Jake were then ejected from ringside to the agreement of Mike Tyson. Archer hit a release German Suplex on Cody in frustration before Jake returned with a bag (presumably containing a snake) – nice to see that ejection worked.
Iron Mike got involved as Cody hit two Cross Rhodes’ for the win. Really solid match with the right guy winning. I’m sure Archer will get his win back in a few weeks.
Iron Mike got involved as Cody hit two Cross Rhodes’ for the win.
There was an injury update on Britt Baker with Alex Marvez interviewing Doc Sampson. This came across quite low-end and Sampson didn’t do well in front of the camera. There was a clever line about the injury not being as bad as the patient, though.
Kris Statlander defeated Penelope Ford
A forgettable match. Not sure why this was on the PPV other than to get another women’s match on. Statlander’s gimmick is one of that a lot of people will hate. Ultimately, I think it’ll only weaken her chances of being a credible main-event star – something AEW’s women’s division desperately needs.
Statlander won with Big Bang Theory.
Dustin Rhodes defeated Shawn Spears
Again, I don’t know why this needed to be on the show. This should’ve been a solid match on Dynamite.
Dustin ripped Spears’ suit off, a picture of Tully Blanchard was shown on his crotch, and JR made a prison rape joke.
Shawn Spears came out first wearing a suit with the collar flared – odd choice. He does, however, have one of the better entrance themes in AEW. He baited Dustin, who he teased had forfeited the match, but instead appeared and jumped him from behind. Dustin ripped Spears’ suit off, a picture of Tully Blanchard was shown on his crotch, and JR made a prison rape joke. Great stuff. Dustin then won with Final Reckoning.
JR almost said TNA when trying to say TNT but then corrected himself and said TNA anyway. Nice one.
All Out is on September 5th. Let’s hope it’s in front of an arena full of people.
There was a graphic for Hana Kimura and Excalibur gave a heartfelt speech.
Hikaru Shida defeated Nyla Rose in a No DQ and No Count-out match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Not as good as most other matches on the card but better than the Statlander match. Unsurprising considering how green Nyla Rose is. The match went too long. I still think AEW need to make this belt bigger, it looks like a kid’s toy.
There were a lot of smoke and mirrors here to protect Nyla. She came out with a Kendo Stick and attacked Shida. Shida slammed Nyla through a poker table on the outside. Shida then reversed the Beast Bomb with a nice hurricanrana. In a cool sequence on the outside, Shida used a hip throw on Nyla onto a stack of poker chips outside and then a running knee into a standing chip. Back in the ring, Nyla hit a big powerslam and propped Shida on the ropes before landing a diving knee across her back. She then slammed Shida through a table set up in the corner. Nyla continued the offense with a Death Valley Driver and beat Shida with the Kendo Stick. Shida came back with an unbelievable Falcon Arrow from the top rope before beating the champion with a running knee.
I’m not sure if Shida will be over the with the fans, but she has a good look and the matches should be better than when Nyla was champ.
Jon Moxley defeated Mr. Brodie Lee to retain the AEW World Championship
Really strong championship match. Not sure AEW have had a bad one for their top belt yet?
The first of the two main events. Really strong championship match. Not sure AEW have had a bad one for their top belt yet?
This was a slug fest. As with many AEW championship matches, the ref gave a lot of leeway which meant the guys broke all the rules but weren’t DQ’d or counted out. It made the stip in the last match kind of redundant.
Security were in the ring to keep the two apart. Lee started out dominant with Mox coming back with a tope suicida. Lee returned with one of his own before slamming Mox onto a propped-up barricade. The commentators thought it was important to state the ref was giving leeway at this point. Sometimes, I wonder if its best they just ignore it and hope no one notices.
The two continued to brawl on the outside with them hitting a double dropkick on each other. With Mox back in control, he brought some steps over to the timekeeper’s area and back body dropped Lee from them through the bell table. Brutal looking spot considering how big a guy Lee is. The two continued their brawl with Lee getting the better of it and slamming Mox into some prop playing cards at ringside. I’ll tell you one thing, the wrestlers on this show got their money’s worth out of these casino-themed props.
They then got back in the ring and Brodie Lee took down his vest straps before planting Mox with a huge sit down powerbomb. I think it’s fair to say he’s in the best shape we’ve seen him in. Mox fought back and they ended up on the stage where he hit a Paradigm Shift through the walkway. This was insane. Lee emerged from the wreckage busted open. Back in the ring, Mox hit another Paradigm Shift but Lee powered out of the pin attempt. He then followed with a series of vicious punches and knees and another Paradigm Shift, but Lee kicked out again. In desperation, Mox locked in a rear naked choke for the win.
Brutal and entertaining match. Maybe AEW should consider making all championship matches no DQ & no count-out by default at this point – they do it regardless as has been proven tonight.
Stadium Stampede match – The Elite defeated The Inner Circle
Easily the best of these cinematic style matches we’ve seen in any company since the lockdown.
The most entertaining thing on the show by a mile. Easily the best of these cinematic style matches we’ve seen in any company since the lockdown.
Great video promo to hype the match. It’s taking place on a football field with a ring in the middle. Justin Roberts was back to do the announcements.
Inner Circle enter first followed by the Elite (minus Adam Page). Great football style entrances. The Elite need new music, though.
The match kicked off with the two teams running and colliding with each other from across the field before breaking out into a brawl. In a great moment, Adam Page then arrived on a horse and chased Sammy Guevara off. The fight continued in the ring. Sammy ran back out onto the field, went for a Shooting Star in the ring and missed. Matt Hardy then hit him with a Twist of Fate. The brawl continued outside the ring and Sammy eventually hit a Shooting Star to the outside. In a fantastic spot, Matt Jackson landed a moonsault off the goalpost. Hangman on his horse, unaware Sammy is back out there, looked for him in the back. He then gave up, tells his horse to stay and goes to the bar.
Kenny Omega brawled with Santana and Ortiz until they suplex him onto a bridged barricade and powerbombed him through it. Matt Hardy showed up to break up the pin. Santana and Ortiz threw him into a pool. In a funny moment, Ortiz declared he can’t swim despite the pool being only 3 feet deep. They both tried to drown Matt who reemerged as Team Extreme Matt Hardy, V1 Matt and then Broken Matt. Turns out the pool is full of water from the Lake of Reincarnation. Not sure about the logistics of that one, but fair play. Matt then taped Ortiz to a wheelchair and locked Santana in an ice box.
Back at the bar, Haeger found Hangman’s horse and joined him for a drink. Quickly, it broke into a bar brawl. This whole scene was such a cool moment and suited Hangman’s gimmick perfectly. Haeger literally dragged Page across the bar like in classic Western movies. Haeger powerbombed Page through a table before Omega made the save by breaking a bottle over Haeger’s head. Omega and Page then smashed bottles of Jericho’s patented bubbly over his head before Page knocked him over the bar with an assisted Buckshot Lariat. To celebrate, they had a drink – milk for Omega and whiskey for Hangman.
Meanwhile, Matt Jackson somehow managed to complete 100 yards of rolling Northern Lights suplexes on Sammy but was given a penalty for excessive celebration. Jericho and Nick Jackson brawled, and Jericho assaulted the Jaguars mascot. He then brought out Floyd and nailed Nick. When Nick fought back, he ran down the stadium stairs and jumped over the railing onto Jericho and through a table. Hangman conveniently showed up to draw a line down the middle of Jericho in a hilarious moment.
Sammy was awoken by sprinklers but was chased by Matt Hardy and Omega in a buggy – he clearly had PTSD from last time. He managed to get away by climbing up into the stands, but Omega and Hardy gave chase. Sammy strangled Matt who was saved by his new drone – Neo 1. Omega then hit a huge One Winged Angel on Sammy through a structure (an obvious crash pad) on the field below for the win.
Other than the disappointingly obvious crash pad, this match was incredible. This is one case where the lack of a crowd made it better. It simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. AEW really pulled it out of the bag with this one.
Overall Show Rating: 8/10
Featured Image Credit: All Elite Wrestling (fair use)
