‘AEW: Rampage’ Review (Dec 23rd 2022)
In a change of pace, it’s Tuesday and it’s time for this week’s review of AEW: Rampage! This week’s show was broadcast from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas and featured Chris Jericho, Excalibur, Tony Schiavone and Jim Ross on commentary. Now let’s get to the review…
Match #1: $300,000 Three Kings Christmas Casino Trios Royale
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
Rush wrapped the TV camera cord around Orange’s neck and began to pull back. Preston Vance planted Chuck Taylor with a spinebuster. The Blackpool Combat Club came out next and entered the ring like a wrecking ball! Kip Sabian stomped on Orange Cassidy in the corner. Dark Order entered the fray next! They charged right at Preston Vance, their former partner. Orange Cassidy jumped off the top rope with a crossbody press but was caught by Claudio, Evil Uno, and Alex Reynolds! Orange escaped and landed on his feet but was blindsided by the Blade. Kip Sabian eliminated Orange Cassidy and the two men brawled on the ramp! The Spanish Announce Project entered the match next. Luther used Serpentico as a weapon. Claudio eliminated Angelico. John Silver tossed Serpentico over the top rope but was eliminated himself by Rush. Claudio hurled Luther over the top rope. “Smart” Mark Sterling came to the ring with Ari Daivari and the Varsity Athletes—Josh Woods & Tony Nese next. Rush suplexed Yuta right into the turnbuckles and followed up with the Bull’s Horns. He eliminated Wheeler. Preston rocked Serpentico and threw him over the top rope. The final team was AR Fox and Top Flight. The tripled up on Trent with their offense. Dante eliminated Josh Woods. Darius launched Tony Nese out of the ring next. Trent spiked Butcher with a piledriver on the apron and eliminated Butcher, but then Rush knocked Trent to the floor. Claudio blasted Rush with European Uppercuts. Claudio battered Rush on the ring apron and then cracked Rush out of the ring. Mox wiped out AR Fox. Claudio and Mox duked it out in the center of the ring with Top Flight! “Hangman” Adam Page jumped into the ring and began to brawl with Moxley until AEW Security separated the two men. In the fray, Mox was eliminated and he and Hangman kept fighting outside the ring! Claudio manhandled Top Flight by himself! Darius rocked Claudio with a flatliner. Top Flight tried to throw Claudio out of the ring but he battled back. Darius landed a thrust kick on Claudio. Using team work, Top Flight eliminated Claudio with an assisted hurracanrana! Your winners: AR Fox and Top Flight!
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: TBS Championship Eliminator Match – Jade Cargill def. Vertvixen
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
Jade quickly flattened Vertvixen to the mat. Jade pummeled Vertvixen in the corner and then scoop slammed her. Jade charged into the corner but Vertvixen slipped out of the corner. Jade blasted Vertvixen with a pump kick and then pinned Vertvixen.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #3: Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass def. Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
Lethal attempted the figure four but Bowens countered with an inside cradle. Bowens connected with a thrust kick. Daddy Ass tagged in, as did Jeff Jarrett. Daddy Ass was taken off his feet from a back elbow. Jarrett strutted across the ring but turned around to a hard clothesline from Billy Gunn. Lethal jumped off the top rope looking for a double sledge, but Billy countered it and tagged in Bowens. They dropped a double elbow on Lethal for a near fall. Lethal nailed Bowens with the Lethal Combination. Double J tagged in and started to stomp on Bowens. Bowens rocked Jarrett with a thrust kick and tagged out to Daddy Ass. Billy took out his frustrations on Lethal and Jarrett. Lethal tried for the Lethal Injection but Billy countered and planted Lethal for a near fall. Jarrett grabbed Bowens with the Stroke in the center of the ring! Billy sent Jeff flying to the outside. Sonjay smashed Billy with a low blow while the ref was distracted. Lethal took advantage and seized the opportunity to hit the Lethal Injection on Daddy Ass! Lethal scored the pin on Daddy Ass!
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
A decidedly under-whelming yet decent episode of Rampage this week. Much like its other wrestling brethren this felt like more of a filler show to round out the pre-Christmas wrestling week. And don’t get me started on Jay Lethal picking up the win for him and Jarrett… Much like Max Caster said in his rap at the start of this match, those two should head back to the Impact Zone. Or better still some promotion I DON’T watch!
