‘AEW: Rampage’ Review (Aug 11th 2023)
It’s Monday so you know what that means, it’s time for our weekly review of AEW: Rampage! This week’s show was broadcast from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio and featured Excalibur, Chris Jericho and Taz on commentary. Now let’s get to the review…
Match #1: Darby Allin def. Brian Cage
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
Darby Allin attempted a tope suicida right away, but he just bounced off Brian Cage, who shrugged him off. Cage whipped Darby into the steel barricade. Cage brought Darby into the ring the hard way, suplexing him off the ropes. Brian Cage stomped on Darby in the corner. Darby chomped down on Brian Cage’s hand. This angered Cage, who rammed Darby into the edge of the ring. Cage charged at Darby, but Darby dodged him, with Cage’s momentum sending him crashing into the steel ring steps. Darby was on top of Cage’s back and Cage ran toward the timekeeper’s table. Cage sacrificed himself by throwing Darby through the table. Darby rallied back with a tornado scorpion death drop and then a double foot stomp onto Cage. But Brian Cage nailed Darby with two powerbombs for a near fall. Darby pulled off his belt and used it to sweep Cage off his feet. Darby nailed Cage with a Coffin Drop! Darby connected with Code Red for a two-count. Darby was on the top rope when Prince Nana jumped onto the apron to distract him. Cage tripped up Darby and then sent Darby for a ride, slamming him hard onto the mat. Cage hoisted up Darby, but Darby held on, cradled Cage, and pinned him!
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: AEW International Championship Match – Orange Cassidy def. Johnny TV
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
Cassidy ducked a roundhouse kick from Johnny TV. Orange kept his cool…and his hands in his pockets. Harley jumped on the apron and distracted the ref. QTV tried to sneak in, but the referee caught them and ejected them. Wheeler Yuta snuck out and distracted Orange long enough for Johnny TV to kick Cassidy in the head. The ref ejected Wheeler Yuta, but this created a crucial distraction, allowing Johnny TV to continue to batter Orange Cassidy. Johnny TV dropped Cassidy by sweeping his legs out from beneath him. Orange fired back with an elbow suicida. Orange connected with a diving cross body. Johnny countered a DDT with a swinging neck breaker on Orange. Johnny TV attempted the Superstation, but Orange Cassidy moved out of the way. Orange spiked Johnny with a diving DDT! He planted Johnny with a second DDT! Orange blasted Johnny with the Orange Punch and then finished off Johnny TV with the Beach Break, scoring the pin!
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) def. The Outrunners
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
Aussie Open wasted no time going after the Outrunners. They sent Truth Magnum for a ride, sending him crashing down hard. Aussie Open picked up the Outrunners and sandwiched them. Aussie Open nailed their opponent with a double lariat and then pinned him after the Coriolis.
My Score: 0 out of 5
Match #4: Saraya def. Skye Blue
The following is courtesy of allelitewrestling.com:
The winner advances to All In: London and the AEW Women’s Championship 4-Way Match. Skye Blue pushed Saraya into the turnbuckles. Skye used an inside cradle for a near fall. Saraya booted Skye in the midsection. Blue connected with a cross body press onto Saraya. Skye jumped off the apron, but Toni saved Saraya, pushing her out of harm’s way. Skye Blue crashed and burned, hitting the arena floor hard. Saraya charged at Skye with a knee strike. Saraya whipped Skye to the mat by pulling Skye’s hair. Skye Blue fired back with a kick to Saraya’s head. Saraya connected with a thrust kick. Skye scored with a thrust kick and then the Code Blue. The Outcasts jumped on the ring apron. Toni distracted the ref on one side while Ruby sprayed Skye in the eyes with the green paint! Saraya DDT’ed Skye Blue and pinned her!
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
This episode of Rampage opened strong then kind of coasted along in mediocrity, with serviceable but unremarkable matches and a main event that was, honestly, spoilt by the shenanigans of The Outcasts. You know things aren’t great when a match faturing Orange Cassidy isn’t as good as the tease for his NEXT match!
