AEW Wrestling Archives - Back Sports Page https://www.backsportspage.com/category/features/aew-wrestling/ Sports Beyond the Game Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:52:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.backsportspage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-101544802_665833630930121_1884955670407544832_n-32x32.jpg AEW Wrestling Archives - Back Sports Page https://www.backsportspage.com/category/features/aew-wrestling/ 32 32 161203849 Sting To Retire In 2024 https://www.backsportspage.com/sting-to-retire-in-2024/ https://www.backsportspage.com/sting-to-retire-in-2024/#respond Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:52:52 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=42984 The wrestling world was shocked on Wednesday night when Sting came out to announce that he was finishing up his career at AEW “Revolution” 2024. The same event he made his first match with the upstart promotion in 2021 The next question is who is his opponent going to be? In my opinion, it has […]

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The wrestling world was shocked on Wednesday night when Sting came out to announce that he was finishing up his career at AEW “Revolution” 2024. The same event he made his first match with the upstart promotion in 2021

The next question is who is his opponent going to be?

In my opinion, it has to be one man, his protégé Darby Allin. The reason why Darby is simple: the student becomes the teacher. 

We knew when Sting came to AEW back in 2020 he was going to be on borrowed time. When you are in your late 50s early 60s in this business, you start telling the stories about what you did, not what you’re going to do. Sting is no different.

When you look back at his legendary career, the great matches he had with the Great Muta,  Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Ravishing Rick Rude, Hulk Hogan, Vader and others, watching them gives you that great nostalgic feeling when you go back on the WWE network.

When arriving at AEW, people wondered what to think since he had already gone into the WWE Hall of Fame and retired with a neck injury after a match with Seth Rollins back in 2015 at Night of Champions.

Upon his return originally he was in cinematic matches against team Taz teaming with Darby as well as being very sporadic, and nobody expected him to be competing at the level he was at in AEW. Finding a way to reinvent himself at every turn, only something a great person can do.

Like Ric Flair did for Sting back at the Clash of Champions back in 1988  Derby is going to get the torch passed to him from sting.

I remember being eight years old, watching Sting battle Ric Flair at the Great American Bash 90 through all his world title wins, his career in impact wrestling of course his short WWE run and enjoyable run with AEW. Sting defied the odds and did the ending on his terms.

Some might ask again why Darby Allin? Because it’s the perfect fit as Sting has been a mentor for Darby. Their careers are similar, Darby just needs to win the big one and Sting is the guy to help do it..

If this announcement would’ve come a few months ago, I thought the standoff he had with MJF from the center of the ring would have generated a lot of intriguing interest. Seeing Sting get one more world title match would’ve been a classic, especially with a guy like MJF. Both  would’ve found a way to make it work. The promos that MJF could’ve cut on sting would’ve been classic..

Sting, being on the other side of 60, should not be challenging for the World Heavyweight championship, that’s just pure fact.

In fact, there may not be some stars in a double deck who should be over the age of 40 competing right now Sting has found a way to make it work. Steve Bordan’s retirement is well warranted because at his age still being able to perform at the level he has been is nothing short of breathtaking and amazing.

Tune into Wednesday’s Dynamite on TBS to see how Sting’s story concludes..

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WWE® SIGNS JADE CARGILL TO MULTI-YEAR DEAL https://www.backsportspage.com/wwe-signs-jade-cargill-to-multi-year-deal/ https://www.backsportspage.com/wwe-signs-jade-cargill-to-multi-year-deal/#respond Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:51:56 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=42265 WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced it has signed Jade Cargill to a multi-year contract. Cargill, a standout performer who has earned accolades as an industry-renowned talent, will begin training today at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.

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WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced it has signed Jade Cargill to a multi-year contract. Cargill, a standout performer who has earned accolades as an industry-renowned talent, will begin training today at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.

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AEW Unrestricted feat. Chris Jericho https://www.backsportspage.com/aew-unrestricted-feat-chris-jericho/ https://www.backsportspage.com/aew-unrestricted-feat-chris-jericho/#respond Sun, 02 Oct 2022 17:41:42 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=31413 Hello – We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Chris Jericho on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.   Chris Jericho has been with AEW since day one! He talks about his first meeting with Tony Khan, what prompted him to sign with the start-up wrestling company, his initial goals when AEW: DYNAMITE […]

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Hello – We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Chris Jericho on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.  

Chris Jericho has been with AEW since day one! He talks about his first meeting with Tony Khan, what prompted him to sign with the start-up wrestling company, his initial goals when AEW: DYNAMITE launched, and what he hopes to do as the show starts its fourth year! Chris talks about being the first ever AEW World Champion, his matches with Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson, and what it was like working with young talent like Darby Allin, MJF, Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy and Danny Garcia. He speaks to the formation of the Inner Circle and the Jericho Appreciation Society, his feud with Eddie Kingston, the hardcore match with Nick Gage, and the first Stadium Stampede. Plus, Chris shares the inspiration behind the Painmaker and Lionheart Chris Jericho!

LINK: https://omny.fm/shows/aew-unrestricted/chris-jericho

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AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast Feat. Rocky Romero https://www.backsportspage.com/aews-unrestricted-podcast-feat-rocky-romero/ https://www.backsportspage.com/aews-unrestricted-podcast-feat-rocky-romero/#respond Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:13:44 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=28763 Hello – We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Rocky Romero on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.   New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Rocky Romero details how a conversation with Tony Khan about the Roppongi Vice tag team opened the door to AEW and NJPW working together. Rocky talks about making […]

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Hello – We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Rocky Romero on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.  

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Rocky Romero details how a conversation with Tony Khan about the Roppongi Vice tag team opened the door to AEW and NJPW working together. Rocky talks about making his AEW debut on DARK, reuniting with his former tag partner Trent Baretta, and guesting on AEW DYNAMITE in a match against longtime opponent Bryan Danielson. Rocky explains his role in the Forbidden Door PPV, some of his favorite matches from AEW and NJPW’s first joint event, and his hopes for the upcoming ROH Death Before Dishonor PPV. He also remembers his early days at ROH, winning the ROH World Tag Team title for the first time, and how happy he is to know that ROH’s future and legacy are now in the hands of Tony Khan. Plus, Rocky tells the story behind his eye patch and reveals his favorite song, movie, TV show and menu item at McDonald’s in Japan. 

ROCKY ROMERO QUOTES:

On how he ended up wrestling Bryan Danielson on AEW DYNAMITE: 

“’We want to bring someone in to wrestle Bryan [Danielson],’ and I was like, ‘Yeah okay cool,’ not thinking it was going to be me, and [Tony Khan] goes, ‘Oh no, it’s you! I want to bring you in to wrestle Bryan.’ I was like, ‘Me? Okay, let’s do it!’”

On making his AEW debut:

“That was that moment where I wrestled J.D. [Drake] on DARK and Trent came out, and I think Trent was still injured at that time, and we had that big hug at the end and the high five… It was just a really, really cool moment.”

LINK: https://omny.fm/shows/aew-unrestricted/rocky-romero

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AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast feat. Keith Lee https://www.backsportspage.com/aews-unrestricted-podcast-feat-keith-lee/ https://www.backsportspage.com/aews-unrestricted-podcast-feat-keith-lee/#respond Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:53:55 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=26167 Hello – We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Keith Lee on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below. Keith Lee shares his reaction to the huge pop he received from fans during his AEW DYNAMITE debut, the significance of his entrance theme music, the meeting with Tony Khan that sealed his decision […]

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Hello – We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Keith Lee on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.

Keith Lee shares his reaction to the huge pop he received from fans during his AEW DYNAMITE debut, the significance of his entrance theme music, the meeting with Tony Khan that sealed his decision to come to AEW, and what it means to “forward march” and be “limitless.” Keith speaks to the whirlwind week of massive moments in his life, including his wedding to Mia Yim and his AEW debut. Plus, he talks about his football career, his love of anime, his time in indie wrestling in Texas, and what he learned from both Jim Ross and William Regal.

KEITH LEE QUOTES:

On the fan reaction to his AEW DYNAMITE debut: 

“It had been a few months since I had heard such a thing, and I really wasn’t expecting it, so immediately as it was, and as it stood, it was exciting and just a really warm, touching moment.”

On his #ForwardMarch and #Limitless philosophies:

“Keeping your eyesight forward and marching through whatever it is you’re going through. If you’re having a tough time or something gets you down, finding a way to stand back up.”

LINK: https://omny.fm/shows/aew-unrestricted/keith-lee

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AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast feat. Jake Hager https://www.backsportspage.com/aews-unrestricted-podcast-feat-jake-hager/ https://www.backsportspage.com/aews-unrestricted-podcast-feat-jake-hager/#respond Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:58:56 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=25431 We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Jake Hager on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.    The Inner Circle’s Jake Hager can catch people better than anybody—just ask him! He’ll also tell you exactly what he thinks about Baron Von Raschke coming to the aid of Jake’s wife, Catalina, […]

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We’re happy to share the exclusive interview with Jake Hager on AEW’s Unrestricted Podcast. Please see the synopsis and link below.   

The Inner Circle’s Jake Hager can catch people better than anybody—just ask him! He’ll also tell you exactly what he thinks about Baron Von Raschke coming to the aid of Jake’s wife, Catalina, at AEW FULL GEAR. Jake’s got stories about signing with AEW, joining the Inner Circle, wrestling for the AEW World Championship title on his birthday, the bar fight against Hangman Adam Page in the Stadium Stampede, and repelling off the Jaguars’ scoreboard in Stadium Stampede 2! Plus, he talks about meeting Jim Ross in Oklahoma, growing up with Danny Hodge, and preparing for the zombie apocalypse. 

JAKE HAGER QUOTES:

On Baron Von Raschke defending Jake’s wife, Catalina’s honor at AEW FULL GEAR:

“Just so we’re clear, too, I am full enough of a man to defend my wife’s honor. I can do that, but thank you, Baron.”

On his No-Holds-Barred match with Jon Moxley: 

“I have such a history with Jon—years and years of riding on the road together—and now we have this unique opportunity to punch each other in the face in front of TV cameras.”

LINK: https://omny.fm/shows/aew-unrestricted/jake-hager

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Austin’s AEW 3 Count – August 22-28 https://www.backsportspage.com/austins-aew-3-count-august-22-28/ https://www.backsportspage.com/austins-aew-3-count-august-22-28/#respond Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:31:07 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=24122 All Elite Wrestling puts forth a lot of content each week. So that is why I am here to help you out with Austin’s AEW 3 Count. I will be giving you a quick look at some of the must see moments from the previous week spanning all four shows. If you do not have […]

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All Elite Wrestling puts forth a lot of content each week. So that is why I am here to help you out with Austin’s AEW 3 Count. I will be giving you a quick look at some of the must see moments from the previous week spanning all four shows. If you do not have enough time to watch everything, here are some things to make a note on. We had two thrilling matches and a face to watch out for in the women’s division.

1. Dante Martin vs Alan Angles – AEW Dark

Dante Martin has been in fabulous form recently despite being the youngest wrestler in AEW. He showed out in a trios match against The Elite and his bout with Matt Sydal claimed the title for June’s Match of the Month. At just 20 years old, the sky is the limit for this member of Top Flight.

His five minute banger with Alan Angles of The Dark Order did a great job showcasing Martin’s abilities. As mentioned above, we have seen him in action a few times before. But it is reassuring to see him continue to perform at a high level with consistency.

In a Dante Martin match, his high flying aerials catch your eye. His quick counters and holds radiate excitement. And his selling gives you something to get behind. Dante Martin is a white hot talent, one that AEW should be thrilled to have. Dante Martin is a name to remember and a face to watch.

2. Jamie Hayter – Dynamite

Jamie Hayter is a phenomenal grab for AEW’s Women’s Division. She is hard as nails and her work looks snug. Her style, similar to Kris Statlander’s, brings that extra bit that sometimes seems lacking. In the few showings that Hayter has had in AEW, she has looked great.

Before last week, we last saw her on November 6, 2019 in a winning effort alongside Emi Sakura against Riho and Shanna. Two weeks before, she lost to Dr. Britt Baker DMD. Coincidentally, Hayter is now Baker’s muscle, accompanying her to the ring and backstage.

That is a perfect fit for Hayter. It allows her to get a constant rub from the champion, while also keeping her front and slightly off center. She can get high profile matches and act as a barrier to entry for Dr. Baker. It could be similar to how Wardlow was supposed to be that for MJF, but with a higher success rate.

Her work in Stardom and more recently, RevPro gives fans a body of work to select from if you are looking for a match. Additionally, her experience is a hot commodity for the locker room. Hayter has wrestled all across the world with good reason, she is talented to say the least. I for one am excited to see how she gets utilized in AEW and hopefully she can boost the division to what fans know it can be and more.

3. Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus vs. The Lucha Brothers – Rampage

Rey Fenix. I should not have to say more but if I must, I will. Rey Fenix is incredible. What he does in the ring is truly special. Outside of the ring, he is spectacular. And what he does on the ropes is spell-binding. He has top level chemistry with his brother, Penta El Zero M. Luchasaurus is a great base for high flyers and the lucha style while also being incredibly acrobatic. And who doesn’t love Jungle Boy?

Despite the story of this match being a simple one, it got over. Throughout the contest, each team sought to one up the other in an “I can do anything better than you” showcase. Often the issue with these matches is that one spot or a series of them is a drastic step below the rest. But this match layered it all perfectly. Every man was giving everything they had to juice up the Milwaukee crowd, and it worked.

While the match might not be liked by the wrestling “purists,” everyone in the match and everyone in the crowd seemed to love it. And as great and exciting as this match was, AEW has another banger in the chamber for All Out. The Lucha Brothers will take on the Young Bucks in a cage match for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.

 

Click here for last week’s AEW 3 Count!

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Match of the Month – August 2021 – The Elite vs. Dante Martin & The Sydal’s https://www.backsportspage.com/match-of-the-month-august-2021/ https://www.backsportspage.com/match-of-the-month-august-2021/#respond Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:05:58 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=24208 With All Out in the rear view mirror, it is time to look back at August for the Match of the Month. In an episode that featured Dr. Britt Baker in her hometown, not much was going to overshadow her appearance. Although, one match stood out on the card as well as the rest of […]

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With All Out in the rear view mirror, it is time to look back at August for the Match of the Month. In an episode that featured Dr. Britt Baker in her hometown, not much was going to overshadow her appearance. Although, one match stood out on the card as well as the rest of the month.

The opening contest on the August 11 episode of Dynamite lit the crowd on fire for the rest of the night. Dante Martin teamed up with Matt and Mike Sydal to face The Elite’s Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. In an amalgamation of the previous two Match of the Month winners, this firestorm was born.

There is something special about the opening match on Dynamite. It is not just that it the first thing that viewers see when the show starts. Rather, it typically features no commercial breaks. This allows the wrestlers to go all out without having to worry about what makes it on TV. The performers are given free reign to capture the attention of first time watchers and channel surfers as well as long time viewers. The Elite, The Sydal Brothers and Dante Martin did just that.

The bond between the Sydal’s and Martin was built throughout a few matches back in June when Matt defeated Martin twice. There was a lot of mutual respect after their technical and acrobatic contest that was June’s Match of the Month between the young newcomer and seasoned veteran. But on August 11, the former foes were allies against a common goal.

Across the ring from Matt, Mike and Martin were the best in the world (no, not you CM Punk). Omega and The Young Bucks, who held the AEW World Championship and the AEW World Tag Team Titles respectively, were not to be taken lightly. The three members of “The Elite Squad” however, did not seem to mind their opponents too much before the contest started.

Match of the Month

But that would change quickly as the match was underway. After taunting Matt Sydal, Matt Jackson soon found himself in the wrong corner. A pair of deep arm drags saw Mike bring Matt Jackson down to the mat in a cradle to pick up an early upset. As Dante was tagged in, Matt Jackson preyed on his youth and using some underhanded tactics, was able to tag out. But Dante Martin quickly responded and ascended an invisible ladder to deliver a beautiful Tijeras to Matt Jackson. He proceeded to hit a sky-high cross body onto Matt, but the champion kicked out.

The commentary team, with the addition of Don Callis, did an excellent job putting over how talented and skillful the Sydal’s and Martin are. Even though Callis’ boys were on the receiving end of the artistic offense, he could not help but give the challengers props. “Mike Sydal impresses me more every time I see him,” mentioned Callis after a standing moonsault.

The champions took over as the match continued thanks to a double-team on Mike Sydal. A tandem face-buster and Kotaro Krusher from The Elite nearly ended the contest, but Mike kicked out. Mike, who flipped out of a suplex, got the tag to his brother. Matt then unleashed a flurry of kicks to gain the advantage.

The Sydal’s double teamed Matt Jackson and both inflicted submissions on him in the middle of the ring. It took Omega sauntering up to Matt Sydal to break the hold. Omega hit a pair of his patented Snapdragon Suplexes on the Sydal’s, but Martin was wise to the third attempt. In a fantastic counter, Martin backflipped out of the maneuver, vaulted off the bottom rope over Omega’s head and delivered a thunderous enziguri.

Martin on My Mind

Martin quickly retreated to his corner, begging for the tag. Matt Sydal, urged on by the roaring crowd, made a dive and successfully tagged in the new fan favorite. He lit up the opposition, in an act of “perpetual motion personified” to quote commentator Excalibur. After leaping to the top rope, balancing for a second, then delivering a Tijeras to Omega standing outside the ring, Martin walked the ropes once again and hit a moonsault on Matt Jackson which nearly won the match.

Omega ran in to swing the tide like only he can and found success. He completely cut off all momentum with a stiff V-Trigger to Martin’s head. Omega positioned himself to deliver a One Winged Angel to Martin. But as Omega tucked Martin’s head, Martin flipped out the same way Kazuchika Okada did in one of his previous legendary bouts with Omega. After some tight mat wrestling, Omega sprang to his feet and hit another V-Trigger on Martin.

The Young Bucks superkicked The Sydal Brothers as Omega was able to successfully hit a One Winged Angel on Martin. The three champions then brought him to his knees. The trio drove three of their own knees into his skull to close the match.

The Reception

While not coming away with the win, Martin was elevated right up to the level of Omega and the Bucks. He countered the most devastating move in professional wrestling and pushed three of AEW’s champions almost to their limit. Martin looked incredible. His high flying abilities capture the minds and hearts of fans.

The five established veterans in the ring did a perfect job of making Martin look and feel elite. And that is exactly what top talent should be doing with the younger members on the roster. A championship has little to no meaning if there are no credible opponents. While a championship reign for Dante is still in the distance, it is there, and we will be waiting.

 

To catch up on a previous Match of the Month click here: July, JuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuary

 

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AEW and The Owen Hart Foundation Enter Into A Relationship to Honor World Renowned Wrestler Owen Hart’s Legacy https://www.backsportspage.com/aew-and-the-owen-hart-foundation-enter-into-a-relationship-to-honor-world-renowned-wrestler-owen-harts-legacy/ https://www.backsportspage.com/aew-and-the-owen-hart-foundation-enter-into-a-relationship-to-honor-world-renowned-wrestler-owen-harts-legacy/#respond Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:40:35 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=24341 September 20, 2021 – All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and The Owen Hart Foundation (OHF), a nonprofit charity which provides a vast range of assistance and opportunities to individuals inneed across the world, are collaborating to honor the legacy of late wrestler Owen Hart, a beloved figure in the professional wrestling community and beyond. This collaboration […]

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September 20, 2021 – All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and The Owen Hart Foundation (OHF), a nonprofit charity which provides a vast range of assistance and opportunities to individuals inneed across the world, are collaborating to honor the legacy of late wrestler Owen Hart, a beloved figure in the professional wrestling community and beyond. This collaboration includes launching the annual Owen Hart Cup Tournament within AEW, which will see the winner receive a Cup known as “The Owen,” as well as the production and distribution of unique and original Owen Hart merchandise, including specified retail goods as well as the upcoming AEW console video game.

This alliance incorporates opportunities to develop Owen Hart action figures via AEW’s partnership with Jazwares, apparel, posters, and additional collectable merchandise. Owen Hart is survived by his wife, Dr. Martha Hart, who spearheads The Owen Hart Foundation with a mission of providing global aid to at-risk communities (e.g., scholarships, housing, various formsinternational assistance, food drives, backpack giveaways and Christmas projects).

“AEW’s relationship with the Hart family dates back to our inaugural pay-per-view event, Doubleor Nothing in 2019, and Owen’s influence is still felt today,” said Tony Khan, AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative. “To extend his memory and his legacy even further through this agreement is a powerful and meaningful moment for the entire wrestling community.”

“The Owen Hart Foundation is extremely pleased to partner with AEW in this wonderful joint venture to honor Owen’s substantial international wrestling career and the lasting influence he and his craft has had in the sport. AEW’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament serves as a tremendous
tribute to Owen and provides an incredible way for professional wrestling enthusiasts to celebrate his work in a most fitting way. We trust that Tony Khan and his amazing AEW team will do a brilliant job with this highly anticipated project. This OHF/AEW partnership is my special gift to all of Owen’s magnificent loyal fans who forever remember him and his inspiring repertoire of talents,” said Dr. Martha Hart.

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Match of the Month – July 2021 – Adam Page & Dark Order vs. Elite Squad https://www.backsportspage.com/match-of-the-month-july-2021-adam-page-dark-order-vs-elite-squad/ https://www.backsportspage.com/match-of-the-month-july-2021-adam-page-dark-order-vs-elite-squad/#respond Sun, 29 Aug 2021 03:07:00 +0000 http://www.backsportspage.com/?p=23932 In North Carolina, the Dark Order and Adam Page duked it out with the Elite Squad at Fight for the Fallen in July’s Match of the Month. The back and forth battle was filled with action, laughs and drama. If you want a top match, look no further than “the Elite.” This group, composed of […]

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In North Carolina, the Dark Order and Adam Page duked it out with the Elite Squad at Fight for the Fallen in July’s Match of the Month. The back and forth battle was filled with action, laughs and drama.

If you want a top match, look no further than “the Elite.” This group, composed of Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks and formerly Adam Page, has demonstrated their ability to put together an amazing match. Members of the Elite have claimed three Match of the Month titles already this year and this will be their fourth.

Since the beginning of All Elite Wrestling, Adam Page has made it his mission to claim the top prize in all professional wrestling, the AEW World Championship. But he has only challenged once for it. After winning the Battle Royale at Double or Nothing in 2019, he earned an opportunity to wrestle for the championship. Ultimately, he would fall to Chris Jericho at All Out.

A couple weeks before Fight for the Fallen, the Hangman and the Dark Order did not back down from a challenge issued by Omega. If Page and the Dark Order won, they would have a title match for the World Championship as well as the World Tag Team Titles held by the Young Bucks.

Both teams came out of the gate with guns blazing. Each side’s entrance was spectacular. The Dark Order and Hangman had a brief video illuminating “what makes a cowboy” and spelling out how intertwined they have been over the last months. Page joined the Dark Order’s ranks and donned their purple as the two parties walked down to the ring as one.

Their opposition has been just as, if not more united. To a chorus of “boos” from the Charlotte crowd, ring announcer Justin Roberts gave the “starting lineup” for the Elite Squad. Wearing tracksuits and their own version of “Toon Squad” jerseys from Space Jam, the champions made their entrance. With “Get Ready for This” by 2 UNLIMITED heralding their arrival, Omega and the Bucks dribbled basketballs down to the ring and shot some hoops before the big match.

The Match

A typical tag team match ends when the legal member of either team gets pinned in the ring. In an elimination match, each individual on a team needs to be pinned to win the match. When one team member gets pinned, they are eliminated from the match.

Everyone in the Bojangles Coliseum wanted to see Omega and Page face off as the two stood toe to toe. But Omega, laughing at Hangman, backed away to tag in a teammate. With Adam Page’s attention now on this new adversary, Omega was able to slip behind Page and hit him with a cheap shot. This brought everyone into the ring from both teams and resulted in the Dark Order hitting four stereo reverse suplexes on the Elite Squad.

As the action heated up, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows were on the receiving end of offense from the Dark Order and Hangman. A flurry of kicks and punches culminating with a German Suplex and high stack pin attempt on Anderson was broken up by Gallows. The interference distracted the Dark Order’s Alex Reynolds for just a moment. But that was more than enough for Anderson who jumped on the opportunity. He quickly rolled up Reynolds with a fistful of tights for the first elimination.

The Elite Squad: 5 – Dark Order: 4

Down but not out, the Dark Order quickly answered back, they surrounded the ring with Anderson alone in the middle. Dancing his way out proved to be unsuccessful as he was passed around the party via punches before Evil Uno and Stu Grayson executed their “Fatality” finisher on him to pick up the pin and even out the numbers.

The Elite Squad: 4 – Dark Order: 4

Gallows and Grayson would pair off and brawl outside the ring, ultimately getting counted out by referee Rick Knox leaving a three on three. Evil Uno now stood in the ring with Kenny Omega. There was more than a bit of bad blood between the two, especially due to Omega’s geography lesson from a few weeks before. Uno, who had gotten in much better shape than at the onset of AEW, pulled out a hurricanrana on Omega. And after a reverse STO, nearly pinned the World Champion. But Omega is the champion for a reason and was quickly able to gain the upper hand, deliver a One Winged Angel and pin Uno.

The Elite Squad: 3 – Dark Order: 2

Matt Jackson is a master of mockery. This has been evident during this run of fantastic form by the Young Bucks almost every week. In North Carolina, it was no different. Matt pretended to flex his muscles like John Silver to try and get in his head. But Silver decided to spear Matt out of his shoes instead. Heading into the commercial break, the remaining members of the Elite expertly cut the ring in half to isolate Silver, issuing more punishment.

On the other side of the break, it looked like John Silver had the upper hand. He delivered a big boot to the back of Nick Jackson’s head into a German Suplex followed up by a Spin Doctor. Knox was one millisecond away from counting the pin, but Nick kicked out in time. Then the numbers game caught up to Silver. After a thunderous suplex by Omega, they rolled him to the edge of the ring. With evil intentions, Matt picked him up and held him upside down. The Elite were poised to deliver an Indie Taker to Silver on the floor outside the ring.

If there are three people who know how to make the most out of their environment, it would be Omega and the Bucks, and they did just that. They wheeled the basketball hoop over and Omega held a basketball for Nick to dunk. Nick missed the dunk but still delivered the Indie Taker on the outside. To make amends for his error, he got the ball back and slammed it home before proceeding to shout down the camera, “that’s what was supposed to happen.” After a BTE Trigger, Silver was pinned, leaving only Hangman against the Elite.

The Elite Squad: 3 – Dark Order: 1

There was a beautiful callback to Revolution in 2020 and arguably the greatest tag team match ever. Page, the Bucks and Omega remained in the ring. But in last year’s match, Omega and Page were teammates. As the Hangman stepped into the ring with Omega, the latter took off his shirt. Fans have seen in the past Omega keep his shirt on when he does not value or respect his opponent. A year ago, at Fight for the Fallen in 2020, he kept his shirt on. That happened during the beginning of a match against Marko Stunt, a wrestler standing at just 62 inches.

The three opponents seemed to get the edge on Hangman. But with everything on the line, he dug deep to stay in the match. He kicked out of both a triple superkick and a 450 splash. After initially missing a Buckshot Lariat on Matt Jackson, Page hits both brothers moments later and then pinned Matt.

The Elite Squad: 2 – Dark Order: 1

After Matt’s elimination, Omega tried to get out the easy way by using the Tag Team Championship. However, referee Rick Knox spotted him. Knowing this would happen, he grabbed the AEW World Championship and swung for the fences, but missed. Page delivered a Deadeye, but Omega kicked out. As Hangman readied himself for a Buckshot Lariat, Nick clung to his leg on the outside.

In another great callback, this was reminiscent of when Page grabbed Nick’s leg. That interaction happened back on August 27, 2020 in a Tag Team Championship Gauntlet match. And then it goes even further back when Matt did this same thing at 2020’s Revolution on February 29. Knox noticed the interference and shooed Nick away. Hangman launched himself to hit Omega, but the champion ducked out of the way and spun around. Wielding his title belt, he thumped Page in the forehead with it and went to pin Hangman. But the cowboy kicked out which enraged Omega. After berating Knox, Omega issued two brutal V-Triggers and a One Winged Angel. Omega closed out the match, throwing away the title hopes of Hangman and the Dark Order.

The Reception

Kenny Omega, Adam Page and the Young Bucks are geniuses at constructing a wrestling match. When you combine all four, you have the ecstasy of gold on your hands. There was no doubt that such a big match with these great minds at work would not produce a match of the year candidate. The crowd in the Coliseum and the fans at home fully bought into the match. Despite the numbers disadvantage, when Hangman pinned Matt, the thought of “could he really do it?” flashed through everyone’s minds. They measured the drama perfectly. The Elite Squad taunted and disrespected the Dark Order like only they can. Everyone in this match was spot on with their execution.

Now, with Hangman Adam Page seeming to go away for a bit, what will be next for the Dark Order? Can the Elite stay on top of the wrestling world? Will Omega continue to be champion, or will someone emerge as the best in the world? Stay tuned to Back Sports Page to keep up to date on everything you need to know.

To catch up on a previous Match of the Month click here: June, May, April, March, February, January

The post Match of the Month – July 2021 – Adam Page & Dark Order vs. Elite Squad appeared first on Back Sports Page.

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